bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cycling and reciprocity in weighted food webs and economic networks
Authors: Iskrzyński Mateusz , Janssen Freek , Picciolo Francesco , Fath Brian , Ruzzenenti Franco
Published: December 2021

Networks of mass flows describe the basic structure of ecosystems as food webs, and of economy as input–output tables. Matter leaving a node in these networks can return to it immediately as part of a reciprocal flow, or completing a longer, multi‐node cycle. Previous research comparing cycling of matter in ecosystems and economy was limited by relying on unweighted or few networks. Overcoming this limitation, we study mass cycling in large datasets of weighted real‐world networks: 169 mostly aquatic food webs and 155 economic networks. We quantify cycling as the portion of all flows that is due to cycles, known as the Finn Cycling Index (FCI). We find no correlation between FCI and the largest eigenvalues of unweighted adjacency matrices used as a cycling proxy in the past. Unweighted networks ignore the actual flow values that in reality can differ by even 10 orders of magnitude. FCI can be decomposed into a sum of contributions of individual nodes. This enables us to quantify how organisms recycling dead organic matter dominate mass cycling in weighted food webs. FCI of food webs has a geometric mean of 5%. We observe lower average mass cycling in the economic networks. The global production network had an FCI of 3.7% in 2011. Cycling in economic networks (input–output tables and trade relationships) and food webs strongly correlates with reciprocity. Encouraging reciprocity could enhance cycling in the economy by acting locally, without the need to perfectly know its global structure.
The validity of the higher‐order structure of effortful control as defined by inhibitory control, attention shifting, and focusing: A longitudinal and multi‐informant study
Authors: Alessandri Guido , Perinelli Enrico , Filosa Lorenzo , Eisenberg Nancy , Valiente Carlos
Published: December 2021

Objective

Effortful control (EC) has been conceptualized as a higher‐order construct defined by a class of self‐regulatory mechanisms. However, the developmental higher‐order structure of EC has seldom been investigated with a thorough psychometric analysis. To begin to fill this gap in the literature, data were obtained from parents and teachers of 185 children (age at T1: M = 9.43 y/o, SD = 1.17) every 2 years for 8 years.

Method

We used a structural equation modeling approach for assessing if EC develops as a higher‐order factor superordinate to three commonly studied self‐regulatory mechanisms, namely inhibitory control (IC), attention focusing (AF), and attention shifting (AS).

Results

Results showed that (a) IC, AF, and AS followed a similar pattern of growth, (b) EC displayed an acceptable degree of scalar longitudinal invariance when operationalized as a latent variable indicated by IC, AF, and AS, (c) a higher‐order structure explained the co‐development of IC, AF, and AS, and (d) stability and change in EC negatively predicted externalizing symptoms, much better than the stability and change of IC, AF, and AS, but only for parents' reports.

Conclusion

Overall, the higher‐order structure of EC was supported, but our results also indicated that there is a certain degree of uniqueness in its facets.
Safety of higher doses of melatonin in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Menczel Schrire Zoe , Phillips Craig L. , Chapman Julia L. , Duffy Shantel L. , Wong Grace , D’Rozario Angela L. , Comas Maria , Raisin Isabelle , Saini Bandana , Gordon Christopher J. , McKinnon Andrew C. , Naismith Sharon L. , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Hoyos Camilla M.
Published: December 2021

Melatonin is commonly used for sleep and jetlag at low doses. However, there is less documentation on the safety of higher doses, which are being increasingly used for a wide variety of conditions, including more recently COVID‐19 prevention and treatment. The aim of this review was to investigate the safety of higher doses of melatonin in adults. Medline, Scopus, Embase and PsycINFO databases from inception until December 2019 with convenience searches until October 2020. Randomised controlled trials investigating high‐dose melatonin (≥10 mg) in human adults over 30 years of age were included. Two investigators independently abstracted articles using PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed by a committee of three investigators. 79 studies were identified with a total of 3861 participants. Studies included a large range of medical conditions. The meta‐analysis was pooled data using a random effects model. The outcomes examined were the number of adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs) and withdrawals due to AEs. A total of 29 studies (37%) made no mention of the presence or absence of AEs. Overall, only four studies met the pre‐specified low risk of bias criteria for meta‐analysis. In that small subset, melatonin did not cause a detectable increase in SAEs (Rate Ratio = 0.88 [0.52, 1.50], p = .64) or withdrawals due to AEs (0.93 [0.24, 3.56], p = .92), but did appear to increase the risk of AEs such as drowsiness, headache and dizziness (1.40 [1.15, 1.69], p < .001). Overall, there has been limited AE reporting from high‐dose melatonin studies. Based on this limited evidence, melatonin appears to have a good safety profile. Better safety reporting in future long‐term trials is needed to confirm this as our confidence limits were very wide due to the paucity of suitable data.
Impact of emergency management in a simulated home environment for caregivers of children who are tracheostomy dependent
Authors: Brooks Malorie , Jacobs Linda , Cazzell Mary
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Children who are tracheostomy dependent require comprehensive caregiver preparation for safe hospital‐to‐home transition. Although a structured discharge education program successfully trained caregivers to provide routine daily tracheostomy care, emergency response training was limited, lacking realistic experiences. Initiation of simulated emergency training for caregivers indicated performance confusion related to tracheostomy cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This study evaluated the effectiveness of an evidence‐based tracheostomy CPR education intervention via caregiver participation in a high‐fidelity simulation of a home‐based emergency scenario on the performance of essential behaviors, comfort, and satisfaction.

Design and Methods

The study utilized a prospective descriptive pre‐ and post interventional design; 44 caregivers of children who were tracheostomy dependent participated. All caregiver participants completed: video‐ and instructor‐assisted specialized tracheostomy CPR class, high‐fidelity simulation performance of a home‐based emergency (respiratory failure with cardiac arrest), postsimulation video debriefing, performance assessment with an objective scoring rubric, and pre‐ and post simulation surveys on levels of comfort and satisfaction.

Results

On the performance of essential emergency management behaviors, 86.4% of caregivers performed all four behaviors, but only 36.4% performed these essential behaviors in order. Post simulation caregiver comfort with emergency management significantly increased from pre simulation (p = .001). All caregivers were satisfied with this training and would recommend simulation of home‐based emergencies for all caregivers. Qualitative feedback from caregivers revealed themes of gratitude and the importance of hands‐on practice with guided debriefing/feedback. Study power was 0.98.

Practice Implications

Objective evaluation of caregiver performance demonstrated specialized tracheostomy CPR education prepared caregivers to respond in a home emergency. Caregivers viewed simulation as an opportunity to gain hands‐on experience and improve emergency responses. It may be beneficial for other similar programs to include specialized tracheostomy CPR and emergency scenario simulation in their discharge education protocols and subsequently compare this program to other similar programs to establish best practice guidelines.
Teachers’ preference for later school start times
Authors: Albrecht Joëlle N. , Werner Helene , Yaw Mei Ling , Jenni Oskar G. , Huber Reto
Published: December 2021

Early morning school start times conflict with biologically determined sleep phase preference and thus contribute to common sleep deficits. This conflict is most pronounced in adolescents, and numerous studies have confirmed that later school start times are beneficial for their sleep and health. However, the conflict continues to exist beyond adolescence and, accordingly, also teachers might benefit from later school start times, but this has gained little attention so far. Importantly, teachers’ resistance to delay school start time is one of the key barriers for a successful implementation and, therefore, teachers’ school start time preferences and influencing factors are important to consider. To this end, we conducted an online survey. Teachers (n = 694, 56.1% female) from 17 high schools in Zurich, Switzerland, participated in the study. They indicated their school start time preference. In addition, four predictor blocks were assessed: sociodemographic, school‐/work‐related, and sleep characteristics, as well as teachers’ perception of students in the first morning lesson. Mixed models were applied to predict the preference. The majority (51%) endorsed later school start times (median preferred delay 25.2 min). School start time, sleep characteristics and perception of students in the first morning lesson were significant predictors for the preference. Thus, teachers with more misaligned sleep and higher awareness for students’ issues in the early morning were more likely to report a preference. This suggests psychoeducation about sleep biology throughout life span to be an effective measure to increase teachers’ support to delay school start time, especially because also they themselves are likely to benefit from later school start times.
Carbon catabolite repression on the Rgg2/3 quorum sensing system in Streptococcus pyogenes is mediated by PTSMan and Mga
Authors: Woo Jerry K. K. , McIver Kevin S. , Federle Michael J.
Published: December 2021

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus or GAS, is a human‐restricted pathogen causing a diverse array of infections. The ability to adapt to different niches requires GAS to adjust gene expression in response to environmental cues. We previously identified the abundance of biometals and carbohydrates led to natural induction of the Rgg2/3 cell–cell communication system (quorum sensing, QS). Here we determined the mechanism by which the Rgg2/3 QS system is stimulated exclusively by mannose and repressed by glucose, a phenomenon known as carbon catabolite repression (CCR). Instead of carbon catabolite protein A, the primary mediator of CCR in Gram‐positive bacteria; CCR of Rgg2/3 requires the PTS regulatory domain (PRD)‐containing transcriptional regulator Mga. Deletion of Mga led to carbohydrate‐independent activation of Rgg2/3 by down‐regulating rgg3, the QS repressor. Through phosphoablative and phosphomimetic substitutions within Mga PRDs, we demonstrated that selective phosphorylation of PRD1 conferred repression of the Rgg2/3 system. Moreover, given the carbohydrate specificity mediating Mga‐dependent governance over Rgg2/3, we tested mannose‐specific PTS components and found the EIIA/B subunit ManL was required for Mga‐dependent repression. These findings provide newfound connections between PTSMan, Mga, and QS, and further demonstrate that Mga is a central regulatory nexus for integrating nutritional status and virulence.
An unconventionally secreted effector from the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, Mi‐ISC‐1, promotes parasitism by disrupting salicylic acid biosynthesis in host plants
Authors: Qin Xin , Xue Bowen , Tian Haiyang , Fang Chenjie , Yu Jiarong , Chen Cong , Xue Qing , Jones John , Wang Xuan
Published: December 2021

Plant‐parasitic nematodes need to deliver effectors that suppress host immunity for successful parasitism. We have characterized a novel isochorismatase effector from the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, named Mi‐ISC‐1. The Mi‐isc‐1 gene is expressed in the subventral oesophageal glands and is up‐regulated in parasitic‐stage juveniles. Tobacco rattle virus‐induced gene silencing targeting Mi‐isc‐1 attenuated M. incognita parasitism. Enzyme activity assays confirmed that Mi‐ISC‐1 can catalyse hydrolysis of isochorismate into 2,3‐dihydro‐2,3‐dihydroxybenzoate in vitro. Although Mi‐ISC‐1 lacks a classical signal peptide for secretion at its N‐terminus, a yeast invertase secretion assay showed that this protein can be secreted from eukaryotic cells. However, the subcellular localization and plasmolysis assay revealed that the unconventional secretory signal present on the Mi‐ISC‐1 is not recognized by the plant secretory pathway and that the effector was localized within the cytoplasm of plant cells, but not apoplast, when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by agroinfiltration. Ectopic expression of Mi‐ISC‐1 in N. benthamiana reduced expression of the PR1 gene and levels of salicylic acid (SA), and promoted infection by Phytophthora capsici. The cytoplasmic localization of Mi‐ISC‐1 is required for its function. Moreover, Mi‐ISC‐1 suppresses the production of SA following the reconstitution of the de novo SA biosynthesis via the isochorismate pathway in the cytoplasm of N. benthamiana leaves. These results demonstrate that M. incognita deploys a functional isochorismatase that suppresses SA‐mediated plant defences by disrupting the isochorismate synthase pathway for SA biosynthesis to promote parasitism.
Nursing students’ insights of learning evidence‐based practice skills using interactive online technology: Scoping review
Authors: Shorey Shefaly , Chua Joelle Yan Xin
Published: December 2021

This scoping review aims to explore nursing students' insights of learning evidence‐based practice skills through the use of interactive online technology. Studies were obtained from seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) until May 2021. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews and was guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework (Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005, 8(1), 19–32). Findings were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were derived from the 22 included studies: (1) embracing new changes, (2) challenges to tackle, and (3) towards future improvement. Many nursing students reported positive learning experiences of evidence‐based practice skills using interactive online technology. The challenges faced by students and suggestions for improvement were discussed. Future online evidence‐based practice courses should consider blended pedagogies, providing students with effective scaffolding (step‐by‐step guidance) and allowing students to choose their preferred instructional strategies. Thorough planning, testing, and orientation should be conducted before the programs’ implementation. Lastly, future studies should aim to achieve higher study rigor to obtain more accurate results.
Early Childhood Health During Conflict: The Legacy of the Lord’s Resistance Army in Northern Uganda*
Authors: Bridges Sarah , Scott Douglas
Published: December 2021

This paper finds evidence of severe health deficits among young children who were exposed to the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in Northern Uganda (1987–2007). We employ a difference‐in‐differences approach to estimate a 0.74 standard deviation deficit in height‐for‐age z‐scores among children exposed to the fighting for a period of more than 9 months. Extending our analysis, we use a mediation model to investigate the transmission mechanisms through which the war may have affected childhood nutrition. We find support for the hypothesis that deficits occurred partly through changes in the frequency at which younger children received solid or semi‐solid foods.
Effect of perioperative oral management on postoperative bloodstream infection in heart valve surgery patients
Authors: Motoi Toshihiro , Matsumoto Kazuhisa , Imoto Yutaka , Oho Takahiko
Published: December 2021

Objective

There is a well‐known relationship between oral hygiene and infective endocarditis. Epidemiological evidence regarding perioperative oral management (POM) for cancer surgery has been accumulated, but this evidence is not sufficient for cardiac surgery. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate whether POM can prevent postoperative complications in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.

Subjects and Methods

Using single‐arm medical information, we retrospectively enrolled 301 patients who underwent heart valve surgery between April 2010 and March 2019. The patient background was adjusted by the propensity score (PS). We then analyzed the impact of POM on postoperative bloodstream infection (PBSI), postoperative pneumonia, and mortality using PS inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

IPTW revealed that the POM group had a lower incidence of PBSI than the control group, with an odds ratio of 0.316 (p = 0.003). The mortality in the POM group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.023). Fourteen patients died in the present study and 6 of them were infection‐related.

Conclusions

POM was significantly associated with decreased incidence of PBSI and mortality. The results suggest that POM is beneficial for the prevention of PBSI and mortality in patients undergoing heart valve surgery.
Family participation in the care of older hospitalised patients: Patients’, family caregivers’ and nurses’ preferences on family caregivers performing care tasks
Authors: Aerens Sander , Lepoudre Shani , Verstappen Laura , Vanhoucke Anne‐Laure , Malfait Simon , Van Humbeeck Liesbeth
Published: December 2021

Background

It is estimated that there are 101 million older care‐dependent people (60+). This group is expected to double by 2050 due to the ageing of the world’s population and the rise in life expectancy. Although people tend to live longer, there is little evidence that they live their later years in better health. In the future, this might put even more stress on an already overburdened acute care health system. Hospitals therefore need to focus on preventive measures to avoid rehospitalisation of older people. Family participation could be part of the solution.

Objectives

This study aimed to gain insight into the preferences of family caregivers, patients and nurses towards family caregivers taking up care tasks during hospitalisation, after receiving education.

Methods

Data were collected using a cross‐sectional survey of nursing staff, family caregivers and older patients in nine wards for older people within three hospitals. Data collection ran from October 2019 till March 2020 using a questionnaire of 25 care tasks with three answer options (perform alone, together with a nurse, do not perform). A consecutive sample of 330 patients and 133 family caregivers (81 dyads could be formed) next to a convenience sample of 67 nurses was obtained.

Results

Patients (65%) are more prepared to let their family caregiver perform tasks alone than family caregivers (59%) and nurses (52%). Only few patients (3.8%) and family caregivers (13%) prefer the family caregiver to perform a task together with a nurse. The latter answer thus rather dichotomously, while nurses answer more dynamically over the three answer options. Of all family caregivers, 50% indicate willingness and ability to perform tasks on a regular basis. Significant correlations indicate that patients, family caregivers and nurses agree on which care tasks would be more preferable to be performed by a family caregiver. Looking at the dyads, preferences of a patient are not suspected to be more similar with his family caregiver than with a random family caregiver.

Conclusions

Patients, FCGs and nurses indicate to be prepared to engage in family participation. Further research needs to concentrate on the different attitudes and perceptions towards performing care tasks through qualitative research and how a successful implementation can be set up.

Implications for practice

Our study indicates that implementation of family participation in physical care within the hospital could be viable.

Trial registration

The study protocol was approved by the ethical committee of the Ghent University Hospital (B670201940430).
Ruining Murray Chotiner: A Forgotten Chapter in the Rivalry Between the Kennedys and Nixon
Authors: Gellman Irwin F.
Published: December 2021

Murray Chotiner began working for Richard Nixon in his first congressional race in 1946 and managed Nixon's successful 1950 senatorial campaign and 1952 vice‐presidential campaign as well as handling the vice president's campaign schedule in the 1954 mid‐term elections. Despite Nixon's trust in Chotiner, the latter played no role in Nixon's 1960 presidential contest against John Kennedy. This was in part due to JFK's younger brother, Robert Kennedy, who not only managed his brother's successful 1960 presidential campaign but, four years earlier, used his position as chief counsel of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations of the Senate Government Operations Committee (aka the Senate Rackets Committee) to sully Chotiner's political reputation. This article explores this forgotten chapter in the rivalry between the Kennedys and Nixon.
Livelihood security policy can support ecosystem restoration
Authors: Lengefeld Ekaterina , Stringer Lindsay C. , Nedungadi Prema
Published: December 2021

Earth faces an unprecedented ecological crisis: the destruction of its ecosystems. Despite increasing interest in restoration, including through the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (Decade), lack of financing and resources mean efforts to reverse degradation have advanced slowly. Restoration efforts require new approaches to ensure the needs of different stakeholders are met. However, analyses of policies and opportunities that help to finance restoration while improving socioecological outcomes, are lacking. This paper analyzes livelihood security funding and opportunities for ecosystem restoration, drawing on India's Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the world's largest livelihood security program. The paper analyzes MGNREGA's performance between financial years 2013–2021, focusing on the financing of ecosystem restoration‐related works, community mobilization and policy implementation in the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Then, the paper reflects on the benefits and shortcomings of MGNREGA and considers wider lessons for the Decade. MGNREGA generated significant funding flows and numbers of projects nationally, which can contribute to ecosystem restoration. Policy design enabled the continuation and increase of works even during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our findings demonstrate the potential of linking ecosystem restoration with development policies to unlock funds, on a national scale. To maximize contributions to ecosystem restoration nevertheless requires capacity building, inclusion of environmental indicators and integration of best ecosystem restoration practices.
Intranasal delivery of a cDC1 targeted influenza vaccine with poly(I:C) enhances T cell responses and protects against influenza infection
Authors: Lysén Anna , Gudjonsson Arnar , Tesfaye Demo Yemane , Bobic Sonja , Bern Malin , Bogen Bjarne , Fossum Even
Published: December 2021

Targeting antigens to dendritic cells represent a promising method for enhancing immune responses against specific antigens. However, many studies have focused on systemic delivery (intravenous or intraperitoneally) of targeted antigen, approaches that are not easily transferable to humans. Here we evaluate the efficacy of an influenza vaccine targeting Xcr1+ cDC1 administered by intranasal immunization. Intranasal delivery of antigen fused to the chemokine Xcl1, the ligand of Xcr1, resulted in specific uptake by lung CD103+ cDC1. Interestingly, intranasal immunization with influenza A/PR/8/34 haemagglutinin (HA) fused to Xcl1, formulated with poly(I:C), resulted in enhanced induction of antigen‐specific IFNγ+CD4+ and IFNγ+CD8+ T cell responses in lung compared non‐targeted anti‐NIP‐HA (αNIP‐HA). Induction of antibody responses was, however, similar in Xcl1‐HA and αNIP‐HA immunized mice, but significantly higher than in mice immunized with monomeric HA. Both Xcl1‐HA and αNIP‐HA vaccines induced full protection when mice were challenged with a lethal dose of influenza PR8 virus, reflecting the strong induction of HA‐specific antibodies. Our results demonstrate that i.n. delivery of Xcl1‐HA is a promising vaccine strategy for enhancing T cell responses in addition to inducing strong antibody responses.
The capital buffer calibration for other systemically important institutions‐Is the country heterogeneity in the EU caused by regulatory capture?
Authors: Sigmund Michael
Published: December 2021

In this article, we discuss how the too‐big‐to‐fail dilemma for large financial institution is addressed in the regulatory framework and how (differently) regulators in the EU apply it. The European Banking Authority (EBA) has devised a buffer guideline for identifying other systemically important institutions (OSIIs) to address this issue. This guideline defines how to identify OSIIs by a scoring process but does not specify how to map these scores into additional capital buffers. In this study, we empirically show that the OSII buffer assignment is very heterogeneous in Europe. First, based on all EU banks that were classified as OSIIs, we show that the OSII score has less impact on the OSII buffer than the headquarter country dummy. Second, if all countries applied the German OSII buffer assignment, the additional capital requirements in the euro area would increase by 90 bn EUR. Third, we analyze whether our results could be explained by regulatory capture which is measured by supervisory quality, supervisory funding, importance/concentration of the banking system, and political orientation of the government. We find among others that supervisory quality and supervisory funding without banks' participation increase OSII buffers significantly.
Universal school‐based intervention targeting depressive symptoms in adolescents: A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Lima Rodrigo Antunes , de Barros Mauro Virgílio Gomes , Bezerra Jorge , dos Santos Simone José , Monducci Elena , Rodriguez‐Ayllon Maria , Soares Fernanda Cunha
Published: December 2021

We investigated the effects of three different interventions on depressive symptoms in adolescents. As a secondary aim, we explored the mediating role of social isolation, anxiety, sleep quality, and cognitive function of the intervention effect on depressive symptoms. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial, in which schools were randomly assigned to 1. Doubling physical education (PE) classes (3:20 h of PE/week); 2. Workshop with the PE teachers; 3. Workshop with the PE teachers + Doubling PE classes; and 4. Control group (1:40 h of PE/week). In total, 1279 adolescents were included, 56.4% females. Doubling PE classes and the workshop with the PE teachers + Doubling PE classes groups did not affect depressive symptoms (−0.947, 95% CI −3.176 to 1.281; and, 0.726, 95% CI −1.558 to 3.009, respectively). The workshop with the PE teachers decreased adolescents' depressive symptoms (−2.495, 95% CI −4.668 to −0.323), social isolation (−4.759, 95% CI −9.025 to −0.493), and poor sleep quality (−0.560, 95% CI −1.108 to −0.012) compared with the control group. Social isolation mediated 32% of the workshop effect on depressive symptoms. The workshop with the PE teachers and the workshop with the PE teachers + Doubling PE classes groups lowered in 93% and in 54% the risk of the adolescents in developing high depressive symptomatology compared with the control group, respectively. A workshop updating PE teachers on pedagogical and health‐related topics decreased depressive symptoms in adolescents. Moreover, improvements in the adolescents' social isolation mediated the effect of PE teachers' workshop intervention on the depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Associations between 24‐h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness in high‐level female soccer players
Authors: Costa Júlio A. , Brito João , Nakamura Fábio Y. , Dores Hélder , Rebelo António
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in 24‐h heart rate variability and aerobic fitness, and their associations, in female soccer players during the preseason period.

Methods

Sixteen players were assessed (24‐h HRV and Yo‐Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 [YYIR1]) before and after 4 weeks of preseason. The relationship between R‐R24h length and high‐frequency oscillations (HF24h) was analyzed by a quadratic regression model (revealing or not saturation of vagal activity) assessed 48‐h before (PRE‐preseason) and 48‐h after (POST‐preseason) the preseason period. Additionally, the mean HF24h was calculated from the linear portion of the R–R interval versus the HF24h regression curve (HF index). The average of the corresponding R‐R24h values was defined as the R–R index.

Results

In PRE‐preseason, seven players had a saturated HF24h, while in POST‐preseason, five new cases of saturated HF24h were observed. The mean R‐R24h, HF24h, R‐R index, and HF index lengths significantly increased after preseason (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found in YYIR1 PRE‐ compared with POST‐preseason (930 ± 286 m [individual range: 400–1240 m] versus 1265 ± 252 m [640–1640 m], respectively; p < 0.001). Additionally, the relative changes in HF24h and HF index were largely correlated with improvements in the distance covered during the YYIR1 (r = 0.68 and r = 0.56; respectively).

Conclusion

Enhanced vagal activity after 4‐week preseason period of soccer training increased the occurrence of vagal saturation in high‐level female soccer players. Additionally, the increases in HF24h and HF index were significantly correlated with aerobic fitness change.
High‐frequency ultrasound for differentiation between high‐risk basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zi‐Tong , Yan Jian‐Na , Zhu An‐Qi , Wang Li‐Fan , Wang Qiao , Li Liang , Guo Le‐Hang , Li Xiao‐Long , Xu Hui‐Xiong
Published: December 2021

Background

The similar visual appearance of high‐risk basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) may cause confusion for diagnosis. High‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) may provide additional intralesional information and thus help to distinguish them.

Method

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics, HFUS grayscale, and color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) features of pathologically confirmed high‐risk BCC and cSCC lesions (n = 65 vs n = 68). Subsequently, discrimination models based on the significant HFUS features were established.

Results

Between high‐risk BCC and cSCC lesions, the HFUS grayscale features of the lesion size (10.0 mm vs 17.4 mm), thickness (3.1 mm vs 5.9 mm), internal hyperechoic spots (80.0% vs 23.5%), and posterior acoustic shadowing (16.9% vs 66.2%) were statistically different (all p < 0.001). As for the CDFI features, high‐risk BCC lesions mainly appeared as pattern II (47.7%), while cSCC lesions mainly appeared as pattern III (66.2%). Based on the above five features, an optimal discrimination model was established with a sensitivity of 91.2%, a specificity of 87.7%, and an accuracy of 89.5%.

Conclusion

HFUS features, including size, thickness, internal hyperechoic spots, posterior acoustic shadowing, and Doppler vascularity pattern, are useful for differential diagnosis between high‐risk BCC and cSCC.
Agonistic politics in post‐crisis landscapes: Comparative insights from Athens and Madrid
Authors: Arampatzi Athina , Janoschka Michael
Published: December 2021

Critical debates in human geography have interrogated the changing political landscapes of the post‐2008 crisis period and the post‐democratic imprint of neoliberal reconfigurations in Europe. Moreover, geographers have offered insights into politicisation processes that disrupted the post‐crisis consensus, attesting to the possibility inherent within forms of democratic politics. Contributing to these debates, this paper critically engages with Chantal Mouffes “agonistics” approach, aiming to deliberate on the implicit geographies of her thought and bring forward the complex, messy, and multi‐scalar geographies of democratic politics. In so doing, the paper offers an empirically informed comparative perspective of two exemplary cases of governance changes. Social solidarity economy (SSE) and housing inform our re‐conceptualisation of “agonistics,” through a plural reading of the co‐existing and at times conflicting forms of political agency and democratic politics of this period. By conceptualising the multiple and heterogeneous spatialities, modalities, and temporalities of agonistics in Athens and Madrid, we acknowledge their mutual constitution and distinct analytical validity for geographical thinking. Comparing across uneven geographical contexts elicits crucial tensions emanating from the heterogeneity of the two contexts and further allows us to distillate the diverse, yet complementary, logics and analytical dimensions of agonistics. Eventually, our contribution aims to problematise the distinction between “politics” and “the political” – as either neatly spatialised around pre‐given state spaces or understood exclusively as disruptive moments and ruptural events – and draw the attention to actually existing forms of agonistic politics.
DNA damage response proteins in canine cancer as potential research targets in comparative oncology
Authors: Hernández‐Suárez Beatriz , Gillespie David A. , Pawlak Aleksandra
Published: December 2021

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex signal transduction network that is activated when endogenous or exogenous genotoxins damage or interfere with the replication of genomic DNA. Under such conditions, the DDR promotes DNA repair and ensures accurate replication and division of the genome. High levels of genomic instability are frequently observed in cancers and can stem from germline loss‐of‐function mutations in certain DDR genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and p53, that form the basis of human cancer predisposition syndromes. In addition, mutation and/or aberrant expression of multiple DDR genes are frequently observed in sporadic human cancers. As a result, the DDR is considered to represent a viable target for cancer therapy in humans and a variety of strategies are under investigation. Cancer is also a significant cause of mortality in dogs, a species that offers certain advantages for experimental oncology. Domestic dogs present numerous inbred lines, many of which display predisposition to specific forms of cancer and the study of which may provide insight into the biological basis of this susceptibility. In addition, clinical trials are possible in dogs and may lead to therapeutic insights that could ultimately be extended to humans. Here we review what is known specifically about the DDR in dogs and discuss how this knowledge could be extended and exploited to advance experimental oncology in this species.
Detection of Possible Short-Term Ionospheric Precursors of Strong Earthquakes Based on Changes in Diurnal Es Characteristics
Authors: Korsunova L. P. , Legen’ka A. D.
Published: December 2021

The changes in two characteristics of the sporadic Е layer are studied for a pair of stations: the probability of the occurrence PEs and the limiting frequency of the ordinary wave of the sporadic E layer of the ionosphere foEs during a 10-day period of the preparation of 19 crustal earthquakes in the Pacific region with М = 6.5–7.4. The stations are located hundreds of kilometers from each other, but they fall within the zone of the preparation of a particular earthquake (the sizes of the earthquake preparation zone are estimated with formulas known in the scientific literature that relate the size of the radius of the earthquake preparation zone and the earthquake magnitude). The measurement data obtained at the ground stations of ionospheric vertical sounding are analyzed. The deviations of diurnal values of PEs (δPEs) from the median over the studied time interval and the integral diurnal values of the total irregular fluctuations in foEs (ΔfEsΣ) are used to identify possible ionospheric earthquake precursors. The coincidence of the time of appearance of the deviation maxima for both parameters before the earthquakes at each of the stations on the same day (from 1 to 4 days before the earthquake day) is recorded in the diurnal changes in the indicated values during the preparation periods of all of the considered earthquakes. The criteria for the identification of a short-term ionospheric earthquake precursor is discussed. Comparison of the analysis results for manual and automatic ionogram processing showed the prospects for the use the proposed parameters obtained according to the data of the distant ionosondes to identify the short-term ionospheric precursors of an earthquake with М = 6.5–7.0.
Extreme Space Weather Events during the First Cycles of Epochs with Decreased Solar Activity
Authors: Ishkov V. N.
Published: December 2021

The problem of the distribution of extreme and very strong magnetic storms with intensities (G5, G4) in the first cycles (12 and 24) of epochs of lowered solar activity was considered based on homogeneous series of the geomagnetic index Aa with allowance for the modern scale of the intensity of disturbances in the near-Earth space and the scenario of solar cyclicity. The significant decrease in the number of such events and active solar phenomena in the last cycle may indicate that the sunspot and flare activity in solar cycle 12 was significantly higher than that in cycle 24, but it was significantly lower than in solar cycles of the epoch of increased solar activity.
Modulational Interaction in a Dusty Plasma of Meteoroid Wakes
Authors: Morozova T. I. , Popel S. I.
Published: December 2021

This is a study of the possible modulational instability of electromagnetic waves in meteoroid wakes associated with the dust acoustic mode at altitudes of 80–120 km, which is a linear stage of modulational interaction. The parameters of meteoroid wakes at different altitudes in the Earth’s ionosphere are considered. It is shown that the charging of dust particles of meteoric matter creates conditions for the occurrence of dust acoustic waves. Dust acoustic disturbances are excited due to the modulational instability of electromagnetic waves from the meteoric trail. The influence of neutrals on the development of modulational interaction is taken into account. The concentration of neutrals in meteoric wakes is higher than the concentration of neutrals in the Earth’s ionosphere. It has been found that the condition for the excitation of a dust acoustic wave is satisfied for the typical parameters of dusty plasma of meteoroid wakes at altitudes of 100–120 km. Due to collisions between dust and neutrals, the development of modulation instability is suppressed at altitudes of 80–90 km, while inelastic collisions of neutrals with electrons and ions do not affect the development of modulational instability. The modulational instability of electromagnetic waves can explain the occurrence of low-frequency noise during the passage of meteoric bodies in a frequency range characteristic of dust acoustic waves. It is shown that the modulation instability has time to develop for characteristic temperatures and particle concentrations in meteoroid wakes. Equations for the charging of dust particles in meteoroid wakes are given. It has been found that the dust is positively charged, both in the daytime and at night, due to intense emission currents from the surface of dust particles.
Paradoxes of Plant Epigenetics
Authors: Ezhova T. A.
Published: December 2021

Plants have a unique ability to adapt ontogenesis to changing environmental conditions and the influence of stress factors. This ability is based on the existence of two specific features of epigenetic regulation in plants, which seem to be mutually exclusive at first glance. On the one hand, plants are capable of partial epigenetic reprogramming of the genome, which can lead to adaptation of physiology and metabolism to changed environmental conditions as well as to changes in ontogenesis programs. On the other hand, plants can show amazing stability of epigenetic modifications and the ability to transmit them to vegetative and sexual generations. The combination of these inextricably linked epigenetic features not only ensures survival in the conditions of a sessile lifestyle but also underlies a surprisingly wide morphological diversity of plants, which can lead to the appearance of morphs within one population and the existence of interpopulation morphological differences. The review discusses the molecular genetic mechanisms that cause a paradoxical combination of the stability and lability properties of epigenetic modifications and underlie the polyvariance of ontogenesis. We also consider the existing approaches for studying the role of epigenetic regulation in the manifestation of polyvariance of ontogenesis and discuss their limitations and prospects.
The Rete Testis: Development and Role in Testis Function
Authors: Kulibin A. Yu. , Malolina E. A.
Published: December 2021

Therete testisconnects seminiferous tubules in which germ cells develop to the efferent ducts and the epididymis, where gametes mature and gain mobility. Several recent studies have thoroughly explored the morphogenesis of this structure in mice during embryonic and postnatal periods. A part of therete testishas been shown to derive from the precursors of gonad somatic cells before sex determination. The other part forms from embryonal Sertoli cells of testis cords adjacent to the mesonephros. The transformation of Sertoli cells intorete testiscells is apparently not limited to the embryonic stage of development and continues during postnatal testis development. Recently, it was found that therete testisparticipates in the formation and maintenance of specialized Sertoli cells in terminal segments of seminiferous tubules, transitional zones. Current views suggest that the transitional zones of the seminiferous tubules may represent a niche for spermatogonial stem cells, the site of the prolonged proliferation of Sertoli cells in the pubertal and postpubertal periods of testis development, and also could be a generator of spermatogenic waves. To sum up, therete testistransports gametes from the testis to the epididymis, maintains pressure within seminiferous tubules, regulates the composition of the testicular fluid, and impacts the spermatogenic process itself.
A Fractional Modeling of Tumor–Immune System Interaction Related to Lung Cancer with Real Data
Authors: Özköse Fatma , Yılmaz Seçil , Yavuz Mehmet , Öztürk İlhan , Şenel M. Tamer , Bağcı Burcu Şen , Doğan Medine , Önal Ömer
Published: December 2021

In this study, we investigate a new fractional-order mathematical model which considers population dynamics among tumor cells-macrophage cells-active macrophage cells, and host cells involving the Caputo fractional derivative. Firstly, the stability of the positive steady state of the model is studied. Subsequently, the conditions for existence and uniqueness of the solutions are examined. Then, the least squares curve fitting method (LSCFM) which is one of the prominent methods for parameter estimation is used to fit the parameters of the model. It is aimed to fit the relevant parameters with the help of the tumor tissue samples which were collected from the patient with non-small cell lung cancer who had chemotherapy-naive hospitalized at Kayseri Erciyes University hospital in Turkey. A total of 12 parameters in the model are estimated using the data of lung tumor cells of this patient for 14 days. Moreover, the numerical simulations are given by considering the different fractional orders and different parameters for the model. So, it is achieved how the change in $$\alpha $$
α
affects the dynamic behavior of the system. In the sequel, to point out the advantages of the fractional-order modeling, the memory trace and hereditary traits are taken into consideration. Finally, the interpretations in terms of biological science are provided in conclusion. We believe that this interdisciplinary study will open new doors for other similar studies and will shed light on the studies to be developed on the use of real data in the mathematical modeling of cancer.
The Construction of Machine Translation Model and Its Application in English Grammar Error Detection
Authors: Long Fei
Published: December 2021

In order to solve the problems of low accuracy, recall rate, and F1 value of traditional English grammar error detection methods, a new machine translation model is constructed and applied to English grammar error detection. In the encoder-decoder framework, the machine translation model is constructed through the steps of word vector generation, encoder language model construction, decoder language model construction, word alignment, output module, and so on. On this basis, the machine translation model is trained to detect English grammatical errors through dependency analysis and alternative word generation. Experimental results show that the accuracy, recall rate, and F1 value of the proposed method are higher than those of the experimental comparison method for detecting English grammatical errors such as articles, prepositions, nouns, verbs, and subject-verb agreement, indicating that the proposed method is of high practical value.
Cross-Platform Binary Code Homology Analysis Based on GRU Graph Embedding
Authors: Wang Shen , Jiang Xunzhi , Yu Xiangzhan , Su Xiaohui
Published: December 2021

Binary code homology analysis refers to detecting whether two pieces of binary code are compiled from the same piece of source code, which is a fundamental technique for many security applications, such as vulnerability search, plagiarism detection, and malware detection. With the increase in critical vulnerabilities in IoT devices, homology analysis is increasingly needed to perform cross-platform vulnerability searches. Existing methods for cross-platform binary code homology detection usually convert binary code to instruction sequences and do semantic embedding of the sequences as if they were natural language. However, the gap between natural language and binary code is large, and the spatial features of the binary code are easily lost by directly comparing the semantics. In this paper, we propose a GRU-based graph embedding method to compare the homology of binary functions. First, the attribute control flow graph (ACFG) is built for the assembly function, then the GRU-based graph embedding neural network is used to generate the embedding vector for the ACFG, and finally the homology of the binary code is determined by calculating the distance between the embedding vectors. The experimental results show that our method greatly improves the detection accuracy of negative samples compared with Gemini, the latest method based on graph embedding binary code similarity detection.