bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structural Equation Modeling Approach to Meta-analytic Mediation Analysis Using Individual Participant Data: Testing Protective Behavioral Strategies as a Mediator of Brief Motivational Intervention Effects on Alcohol-Related Problems
Authors: Huh David , Li Xiaoyin , Zhou Zhengyang , Walters Scott T. , Baldwin Scott A. , Tan Zhengqi , Larimer Mary E. , Mun Eun-Young
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces a meta-analytic mediation analysis approach for individual participant data (IPD) from multiple studies. Mediation analysis evaluates whether the effectiveness of an intervention on health outcomes occurs because of change in a key behavior targeted by the intervention. However, individual trials are often statistically underpowered to test mediation hypotheses. Existing approaches for evaluating mediation in the meta-analytic context are limited by their reliance on aggregate data; thus, findings may be confounded with study-level differences unrelated to the pathway of interest. To overcome the limitations of existing meta-analytic mediation approaches, we used a one-stage estimation approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) to combine IPD from multiple studies for mediation analysis. This approach (1) accounts for the clustering of participants within studies, (2) accommodates missing data via multiple imputation, and (3) allows valid inferences about the indirect (i.e., mediated) effects via bootstrapped confidence intervals. We used data (N = 3691 from 10 studies) from Project INTEGRATE (Mun et al. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors,29, 34–48, 2015) to illustrate the SEM approach to meta-analytic mediation analysis by testing whether improvements in the use of protective behavioral strategies mediate the effectiveness of brief motivational interventions for alcohol-related problems among college students. To facilitate the application of the methodology, we provide annotated computer code in R and data for replication. At a substantive level, stand-alone personalized feedback interventions reduced alcohol-related problems via greater use of protective behavioral strategies; however, the net-mediated effect across strategies was small in size, on average.
A Review of the Methodology, Taxonomy, and Definitions in Recent fMRI Research on Meditation
Authors: Engström Maria , Willander Johan , Simon Rozalyn
Published: November 2021

Objectives

As meditation is increasingly employed for the promotion of good health, there is a growing interest in using neuroimaging methods to investigate the neural mechanisms by which meditation acts. In the wake of this rising interest, criticism regarding the lack of clarity concerning theory, definitions, and taxonomy, as well as deficient or poorly reported methodology, has arisen. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in current neuroimaging research on meditation and to provide guidelines for future studies.

Methods

We made a literature search for articles published during 2016–2019 using the search phrases “meditation” and “functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI”. Inclusion criteria were limited to meditation studies using resting-state fMRI or such task-based fMRI examinations that were specifically targeting meditative states in healthy participants. Text analysis was performed using Nvivo 12 Mac (QSR International).

Results

Twenty-eight articles were included from which we identified four different intention-based dimensions of meditation practice: The present moment, Wholesome qualities to cultivate, Unwholesome qualities to avoid, and Attitudes. Half of the studies do not make assessments of subjective experience. The results were related to networks and brain regions describing cognitive, affective, somatic, and self domains of brain function. Most studies describe meditation-related brain function in terms of “processes”.

Conclusions

We defined five areas of potential improvement regarding research methodology: (1) Provide clear and unambiguous definitions of constructs and practices, (2) Include measures of subjective experience, (3) Perform correct assessment of processes, (4) Combine methodologies for more substantiated conclusions, (5) Avoid the risk of overinterpretation.
The influence of youth and parent reports of parental knowledge and monitoring and reporting discrepancy on high risk youth offending
Authors: Bouffard Leana A. , Armstrong Gaylene S.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Positive parenting practices are known to be related to lower levels of youth offending. Questions remain as to the overlap between youth and parent perceptions of parenting practices, and the relationship of perception discrepancies with youth offending. This study examines the concordance of parenting behaviors reports, the relationship between parent and youth perceptions of parenting measures with youth offending, and whether discordant youth and parent reports are related to heterogeneity in youth offending.

Methods

Survey data from 818 high risk U.S. youth averaging 16 years old who participated in the Pathways to Desistance study and his or her parent form the basis of this analysis.

Results and conclusions

Results demonstrate youth and parent reports of parental knowledge and parental monitoring are correlated, yet independent predictors of youth offending variety scores. Youth and parent reports about parenting measures demonstrate youth offending is highest when youth perceive parents as uninvolved, and lowest when youth estimates of parental knowledge and monitoring are higher than parent estimates. Parenting matters for high‐risk youth, especially in reducing the likelihood of property offending. Using multiple perspectives to assess parenting practices is important in studying these dyadic relationships.
Feeling Terrified?
Authors: Waldek Lise , Droogan Julian , Lumby Catharine
Published: November 2021

This Element presents original research into how young people interact with violent extremist material, including terrorist propaganda, when online. It explores a series of emotional and behavioural responses that challenge assumptions that terror or trauma are the primary emotional responses to these online environments. It situates young people's emotional responses within a social framework, revealing them to have a relatively sophisticated relationship with violent extremism on social media that challenges simplistic concerns about processes of radicalisation. The Element draws on four years of research, including quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups with young people, and presents a unique perspective drawn from young people's experiences.
The Right of Access to Environmental Information
Authors: Whittaker Sean
Published: November 2021

The book discusses the normative impact of the Aarhus Convention on how England, America and China guarantees the right of access to environmental information. Through this analysis the book identifies each of these jurisdictions' unique conceptualisations of the right which, in turn, influences the design of their respective environmental information regimes. This allows these jurisdictions potentially to act as sources of legal reforms for each other to improve how the right is guaranteed via legal transplant theory, challenging the normativity of the Aarhus Convention. This is not to suggest that the Aarhus Convention exerts no normative influence on how the right is guaranteed; there are core substantive and core procedural elements which have to be met for the right to be effectively guaranteed, and the book shows that the Aarhus Convention does exert a normative influence over the procedural elements of the right.
Nomads in the Middle East
Authors: Manz Beatrice Forbes
Published: November 2021

A history of pastoral nomads in the Islamic Middle East from the rise of Islam, through the middle periods when Mongols and Turks ruled most of the region, to the decline of nomadism in the twentieth century. Offering a vivid insight into the impact of nomads on the politics, culture, and ideology of the region, Beatrice Forbes Manz examines and challenges existing perceptions of these nomads, including the popular cyclical model of nomad-settled interaction developed by Ibn Khaldun. Looking at both the Arab Bedouin and the nomads from the Eurasian steppe, Manz demonstrates the significance of Bedouin and Turco-Mongolian contributions to cultural production and political ideology in the Middle East, and shows the central role played by pastoral nomads in war, trade, and state-building throughout history. Nomads provided horses and soldiers for war, the livestock and guidance which made long-distance trade possible, and animal products to provision the region's growing cities.
Mycobacterium abscessus Surgical Site Infections Due to Modular Cooler-Heater Units in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Abdul Azim Ahmed , Wright Sharon , Connors Bryan , Gordon Patrick , Mehrotra Preeti
Published: November 2021

Background: In the spring of 2020, we identified 3 patients with organ-space surgical site infections (SSIs) secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus (Table 1). All 3 patients underwent cardiac surgery in the same operating room (OR) during which the CardioQuip Modular Cooler-Heaters (MCHs) were used. We describe key aspects of our cluster investigation, which ultimately led to release of a national safety alert by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: For environmental cultures, we obtained samples from 9 MCHs in circulation; 2 scrub sink samples; ice from the OR ice machine; water samples from sinks in the cardiovascular critical care unit, and water samples from floors above the cardiac ORs. All samples were sent for molecular genotyping. For pathway studies, an external environmental engineering team was consulted who conducted smoke pathway tests in 3 different ORs. The team also conducted a particle generator experiment, simulating the set-up of a cardiac bypass surgery case. To assess disinfection practices, we reviewed the manufacturer instructions for use (IFU) protocol of the MCHs and audited our own policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Results: For environmental cultures, molecular typing from 5 of 9 MCHs and all 3 patient SSI isolates returned positive for the identical hybrid species M. abscessus bolleti. All other samples with mycobacterial growth returned with different species. For pathway studies, the particle-generator experiment demonstrated particle movement from the MCH to the sterile field with facilities-guidelines–compliant OR ventilation and despite MCH manufacturing design. For disinfection practices, despite compliance with the stated IFU, and in consultation with experts, we implemented disinfection of associated Quick-connect devices (otherwise not stated in the IFU), and we also initiated a precleaning step prior to disinfection. Conclusions: Our investigation concluded that 3 patients developed SSIs with Mycobacterium abscessus that was aerosolized from the CardioQuip MCH. This finding led to the national FDA safety report alerting providers to risks associated with the device and the need for continued vigilance around disinfection. In addition, we implemented other control measures including placement of MCHs outside all ORs; creation of a separate MCH fleet for non-OR use; and use of modified disinfection protocols. To date, no additional cases have been identified.

Funding: No

Disclosures: None
Measuring outcomes in healthcare economics using Artificial Intelligence: With application to resource management
Authors: Huang Chih-Hao , Batarseh Feras A. , Boueiz Adel , Kulkarni Ajay , Su Po-Hsuan , Aman Jahan
Published: November 2021

The quality of service in healthcare is constantly challenged by outlier events such as pandemics (i.e., Covid-19) and natural disasters (such as hurricanes and earthquakes). In most cases, such events lead to critical uncertainties in decision-making, as well as in multiple medical and economic aspects at a hospital. External (geographic) or internal factors (medical and managerial) lead to shifts in planning and budgeting, but most importantly, reduce confidence in conventional processes. In some cases, support from other hospitals proves necessary, which exacerbates the planning aspect. This paper presents three data-driven methods that provide data-driven indicators to help healthcare managers organize their economics and identify the most optimum plan for resources allocation and sharing. Conventional decision-making methods fall short in recommending validated policies for managers. Using reinforcement learning, genetic algorithms, traveling salesman, and clustering, we experimented with different healthcare variables and presented tools and outcomes that could be applied at health institutes. Experiments are performed; the results are recorded, evaluated, and presented.
Spaces of Lorentzian and real stable polynomials are Euclidean balls
Authors: Brändén Petter
Published: November 2021

We prove that projective spaces of Lorentzian and real stable polynomials are homeomorphic to Euclidean balls. This solves a conjecture of June Huh and the author. The proof utilises and refines a connection between the symmetric exclusion process in interacting particle systems and the geometry of polynomials.
THE GLOBALIZATION OF CHINA'S COAL INDUSTRY: THE ROLE OF DEVELOPMENT BANKS
Authors: Kong Bo , Gallagher Kevin P.
Published: November 2021

This article examines the political economy of Chinese overseas development finance for coal fired power plants. In just over a decade China's two major policy banks provide more financing for overseas coal-fired power plant expansion than any other public financier in the world economy. We show how China's overseas surge in public financing for coal fired power plants is a function of a number of domestic push and foreign pull factors. Excess capacity, environmental regulation, and structural change are push factors that converge with rising demand for energy, pockets of coal abundance, and the lack of financing in Western capital markets for coal fired power plants. Fragmentation across the Chinese system and the demand for coal outside China's borders allow for a decline sector on the mainland to become a global Chinese powerhouse.
Early and late signals of unexpected reward contribute to low extraversion and high disinhibition, respectively
Authors: Neo Phoebe S-H. , McNaughton Neil , Sellbom Martin
Published: November 2021

Like socio-economic status and cognitive abilities, personality traits predict important life outcomes. Traits that reflect unusually low or high approach motivations, such as low extraversion and high disinhibition, are linked to various forms of mental disorder. Similarly, the dopamine system is theoretically linked to approach motivation traits and to various forms of mental disorder. Identifying neural contributions to extremes of such traits should map to neural sources of psychopathology, with dopamine a prime candidate. Notably, dopamine cells fire in response to unexpected reward, which suggests that the size of non-invasive, scalp-recorded potentials evoked by unexpected reward could reflect sensitivity in approach motivation traits. Here, we evaluated the validity of evoked electroencephalography (EEG) responses to unexpected reward in a monetary gain/loss task to assess approach motivation traits in 137 participants, oversampled for externalizing psychopathology symptoms. We demonstrated that over the 0–400 ms period in which feedback on the outcome was presented, responses evoked by unexpected reward contributed to all theoretically relevant approach motivation trait domains (disinhibition, extraversion and the behavioural activation system); and did so only at times when dopamine responses normally peak and reportedly code salience (70–100 ms) and valuation (200–300 ms). In particular, we linked “dopaminergic” salience and valuation to the psychopathology-related constructs of low extraversion (social anxiety) and high disinhibition (impulsivity) respectively, making the evoked potential components biomarker candidates for indexing aberrant processing of unexpected reward.
Correlates of real-world goal-directed behavior in schizophrenia
Authors: Merchant Jaisal T. , Moran Erin K. , Strube Michael J. , Barch Deanna M.
Published: November 2021

Background

Deficits in goal-directed behavior (i.e. behavior conducted to achieve a specific goal or outcome) are core to schizophrenia, difficult to treat, and associated with poor functional outcomes. Factors such as negative symptoms, effort-cost decision-making, cognition, and functional skills have all been associated with goal-directed behavior in schizophrenia as indexed by clinical interviews or laboratory-based tasks. However, little work has examined whether these factors relate to the real-world pursuit of goal-directed activities in this population.

Methods

This study aimed to fill this gap by using Ecological Momentary Assessment (four survey prompts per day for 1 week) to test hypotheses about symptom, effort allocation, cognitive, and functional measures associated with planned and completed goal-directed behavior in the daily lives of 63 individuals with schizophrenia.

Results

Individuals with schizophrenia completed more goal-directed activities than they planned [t(62) = −4.01,p< 0.001]. Motivation and pleasure (i.e. experiential) negative symptoms, controlling for depressive symptoms, negatively related to planned goal-directed behavior [odds ratio (OR) 0.92,p =0.005]. Increased effort expenditure for high probability rewards (planned: OR 1.01,p =0.034, completed: OR 1.01,p =0.034) along with performance on a daily functional skills task (planned: OR 1.04,p =0.002, completed: OR 1.03,p =0.047) negatively related to both planned and completed goal-directed activity.

Conclusions

Our results present correlates of real-world goal-directed behavior that largely align with impaired ability to make future estimations in schizophrenia. This insight could help identify targeted treatments for the elusive motivated behavior deficits in this population.
Time-optimal cornering trajectory planning for car-like mobile robots containing actuator dynamics
Authors: Byeon Yong Jin , Kim Byung Kook
Published: November 2021

We establish a highly feasible algorithm for time-optimal cornering trajectory planning (TP) for car-like mobile robots (CLMRs) based on a dynamic model that contains actuator dynamics. First, we formulate an accurate dynamic model of a robot that contains DC motor actuators; this includes steering braking (caused by the lateral force of the front steering wheel) and two types of friction (viscous and Coulomb) under a nonslip condition. Our TP algorithm can utilize the full power of the DC motor actuators within proper pulse width modulation bounds and generated torque limits. Then, we establish an algorithm for a time-optimal cornering trajectory planning for CLMRs (TOCTP-CLMR). Our algorithm divides the trajectory into five sections comprising three turnings and two translations to minimize the travel distance. Then, we utilize the quickest rotation when turning to construct the time-optimal trajectory that satisfies the bang-bang principle. In addition, simulations are performed to demonstrate the validity of this method. Finally, we conduct open-loop experiments to validate our dynamic model and a trajectory tracking experiment to demonstrate the feasibility of the TOCTP-CLMR trajectory.
Longitudinal examination of resilience among child welfare-involved adolescents: The roles of caregiver–child relationships and deviant peer affiliation
Authors: Yoon Susan , Sattler Kierra , Knox Jerica , Xin Yitong
Published: November 2021

Despite growing attention to resilience following childhood maltreatment, it remains unclear how the development of resilience unfolds over time among child welfare-involved adolescents. Further, little is known about the immediate and enduring effects of two important attachments in children’s lives, namely caregiver–child relationship and deviant peer affiliation, on resilience development over time. This study sought to examine the ways in which caregiver–child relationships and deviant peer affiliation shape developmental trajectories of resilience among child welfare-involved youth. Data were drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Latent growth curve modeling was conducted on a sample of 711 adolescents. The results revealed that adolescents’ resilience increased across a 36-month period since initial contact with Child Protective Services. Better caregiver–child relationships were associated with a higher initial level of resilience among adolescents, whereas higher deviant peer affiliation was associated with a lower initial level of resilience. Significant lagged effects were also found; caregiver–child relationship quality and deviant peer affiliation at baseline were associated with resilience at 18 months after. The findings suggest that interventions that aim to promote positive caregiver–child relationships and prevent deviant peer relationships may help foster resilience among adolescents who have experienced child maltreatment.
Armed escorts to humanitarian convoys: An unexplored framework under international humanitarian law
Authors: Bassil Annabel
Published: November 2021

The use of armed escorts to humanitarian convoys delivering humanitarian assistance potentially increases the targeting of these convoys, yet so far this use has not been examined from the perspective of international humanitarian law (IHL). This article attempts to determine whether the resort to armed escorts is in line with the principle of passive precautions under IHL, how the principle of proportionality could apply in cases of attack against the escort, and whether the convoy turns into a military objective when escorted. Finally, the article tackles the limitations of such a framework in order to define the situations it covers.
Hidden Identities in Contemporary Cambodian Photography
Authors: Kim Suzie
Published: November 2021

This article examines the works of three photographers, Kim Hak (b. 1981), Khvay Samnang (b. 1982), and Neak Sophal (b. 1989), all born in the post-Khmer Rouge era and all established relatively early in their careers. These third-generation Cambodian photographers construct portraitures that steer away from identity to address the larger issues of individuals and local communities in present-day Cambodia, which still lives in the shadow of the trauma of the Khmer Rouge. Kim's photography avoids a direct representation of people who suffered through the Khmer Rouge regime and instead presents small, ordinary objects that were kept secretly in their household; Khvay documents the hardship of local communities in Phnom Penh and their questioned identity by portraying masked faces; Neak questions the hardship of the youth, women, and townspeople through the erasure of face in her series of photographs depicting various community groups in Cambodia. This subtle avoidance of portraying individuals in a direct, straightforward way signifies a multi-faceted interpretation of the traumatic past, its resilience, and the newly added social problems of contemporary Cambodia, which struggles in the aftermath of the genocide and more recent economic growth.
Can Narratives Increase Compliance?
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Murphy Sheila T. , Walter Nathan
Published: November 2021

Abstract. The current study assessed whether vicariously experiencing story characters granting a small favor can induce similar intentions from its audiences. Acting upon the perspectives of story characters, audiences may agree to a subsequent larger request to the same cause, as in the case of vicarious foot-in-the-door (VFITD). Study 1 found that a VFITD story was more effective in eliciting prosocial intentions than a non-VFITD story and a non-narrative message. That is, the VFITD condition generated greater intentions to volunteer in a series of activities, with attitudes mediating this process. Study 2 replicated this result. It also showed that when a VFITD story can generate sufficient levels of identification, it is more effective than a non-VFITD narrative in eliciting prosocial intentions. Implications of this study are also discussed.
The Persuasive Effect of Product Placements
Authors: Kaur Ravineet , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Bakshi Apurva
Published: November 2021

Abstract. Marketers are increasingly relying on covert advertising tactics to persuade consumers. This empirical study selected the context of an emerging market to examine the effectiveness of product placements. Using an experimental design, we captured the affective and behavioral responses of young Indian adults. The results indicated that young adults are positive about product placements. The mediating role of brand attitude change in the relationship between attitude toward product placements and purchase intentions is established. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of execution factors on viewers’ responses. Implications and directions for future research are discussed based on the results of this study.
Mechanisms of Fast Walker Circulation Responses to CO2 Forcing
Authors: Lu Kezhou , He Jie , Fosu Boniface , Rugenstein Maria
Published: November 2021

The Walker circulation (WC) responds to CO2 forcing at both short and long timescales. In climate models, the fast response accounts for a substantial portion of the total responses, but its mechanisms, particularly those pertaining to air‐sea interactions, remain unclear. We find contrasting fast WC responses in the first 2 years of abrupt CO2 forcing, determined by the models' air‐sea coupling strength in the equatorial Pacific. In models with a strong coupling, wind anomalies induced by the instantaneous land‐sea thermal contrast trigger a Bjerknes feedback, leading to cooling in the equatorial Pacific and WC strengthening. The WC weakens gradually as the Bjerknes feedback wanes and the subsurface warm pool water migrates eastward as Kelvin waves. In models with a weaker coupling, the WC weakens monotonically. Our results suggest that the inter‐model discrepancy in WC changes is associated with the uncertainty in the fast component.
Local and Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Reactive Transport Model Simulating Floodplain Redox Cycling
Authors: Perzan Z. , Babey T. , Caers J. , Bargar J. R. , Maher K.
Published: November 2021

Reactive transport models (RTMs) are essential tools that simulate the coupling of advective, diffusive, and reactive processes in the subsurface, but their complexity makes them difficult to understand, develop and improve without accompanying statistical analyses. Although global sensitivity analysis (SA) can address these issues, the computational cost associated with most global SA techniques limits their use with RTMs. In this study, we apply distance‐based generalized sensitivity analysis (DGSA), a novel and computationally efficient method of global SA, to a floodplain‐scale RTM and compare DGSA results to those from local SA. Our test case focuses on the impact of 17 uncertain environmental parameters on spatially and temporally variable redox conditions within a floodplain aquifer. The input parameters considered include flow and diffusion rates, geochemical reaction rates, and the spatial distribution of sediment facies. Sensitivity was evaluated for three distinct components of the model response, encompassing both multidimensional and categorical output. Parameter rankings differ between local SA and DGSA, due to nonlinear effects of individual parameters and interaction effects between parameters. DGSA results show that fluid residence time, which is controlled by aquifer permeability, generally exerts a stronger control on redox conditions than do geochemical reaction rates. Sensitivity indices also demonstrate that sulfate reduction is key for establishing and maintaining reducing conditions throughout the aquifer. These results provide insights into the key drivers of heterogeneous redox processes within floodplain aquifers, as well as the main sources of uncertainty when modeling complex subsurface systems.
Storage in South‐Eastern Australian Catchments
Authors: Buzacott Alexander J. V. , Vervoort R. Willem
Published: November 2021

Storage and subsequent release of water is a key function of catchments that moderates the impact of meteorological and climate extremes. Despite the fact that many key hydrological processes depend upon storage, there are relatively few studies that focus on storage itself. Storage is difficult to quantify due to catchment heterogeneity and the paucity of data on key catchment characteristics that largely determine storage, such as soil, hydrogeology, and topography. We adopt a multi‐method approach to estimate the dynamic and extended dynamic storages using hydrometric data in 69 catchments in the Murray‐Darling Basin in south‐eastern Australia. We test relationships between the derived catchment storages and hydrological and physical characteristics that potentially control storage. The study catchments tended to have small dynamic storages relative to the extended dynamic storage; proportionally the dynamic storages were all less than 10% of the extended dynamic storage. While storage estimates produced by the different methods and study catchments varied, the order in which they ranked was consistent. Correlations between catchment characteristics and estimates of storage were inconsistent; however, the results indicated that greater storage is strongly associated with steeper catchments and smoother hydrographs. This study highlights limitations in the current methodology to derive storage and the quality of widely applied hydrometric data. We reinforce the need to collect data that can validate storage estimates and call for new approaches that can broadly estimate storage at the catchment scale.
CHK1 inhibition exacerbates replication stress induced by IGF blockade
Authors: Wu Xiaoning , Seraia Elena , Hatch Stephanie B. , Wan Xiao , Ebner Daniel V. , Aroldi Francesca , Jiang Yanyan , Ryan Anderson J. , Bogenrieder Thomas , Weyer-Czernilofsky Ulrike , Rieunier Guillaume , Macaulay Valentine M.
Published: November 2021

We recently reported that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) slows DNA replication and induces replication stress by downregulating the regulatory subunit RRM2 of ribonucleotide reductase, perturbing deoxynucleotide triphosphate (dNTP) supply. Aiming to exploit this effect in therapy we performed a compound screen in five breast cancer cell lines with IGF neutralising antibody xentuzumab. Inhibitor of checkpoint kinase CHK1 was identified as a top screen hit. Co-inhibition of IGF and CHK1 caused synergistic suppression of cell viability, cell survival and tumour growth in 2D cell culture, 3D spheroid cultures and in vivo. Investigating the mechanism of synthetic lethality, we reveal that CHK1 inhibition in IGF-1R depleted or inhibited cells further downregulated RRM2, reduced dNTP supply and profoundly delayed replication fork progression. These effects resulted in significant accumulation of unreplicated single-stranded DNA and increased cell death, indicative of replication catastrophe. Similar phenotypes were induced by IGF:WEE1 co-inhibition, also via exacerbation of RRM2 downregulation. Exogenous RRM2 expression rescued hallmarks of replication stress induced by co-inhibiting IGF with CHK1 or WEE1, identifying RRM2 as a critical target of the functional IGF:CHK1 and IGF:WEE1 interactions. These data identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities and may inform future trials of IGF inhibitory drugs.
Trends and inequalities in breastfeeding continuation from 1 to 6 weeks: findings from six population-based British cohorts, 1985–2010
Authors: Simpson Deon A. , Carson Claire , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Quigley Maria A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Understanding inequalities in breastfeeding practices may help to explain the UK’s persistently low breastfeeding rates. A recent study using the quinquennial UK Infant Feeding Surveys (IFS) found that sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding initiation persisted between 1985 and 2010. The present study investigates the sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks after birth among mothers who initiated and maintained breastfeeding at 1 week in 1985–2010.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 1985 to 2010 IFS and restricted to mothers who were breastfeeding at 1 week after birth. Time trends in the proportion of mothers in each sociodemographic group were examined. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between breastfeeding at 6 weeks and sociodemographic factors, adjusting for confounders. Heterogeneity test was used to assess changes in these associations over time.

Results

Sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks persisted over the 25-year period. In most survey years, mothers were most likely to breastfeed at 6 weeks if they were 30 or older versus under 25 (OR 1.49–1.99 across survey years, I2 = 0%, heterogeneity P = 0.45); completed full-time education over age 18 compared to 18 or younger (OR 1.56-2.51, I2 = 58.7%, P = 0.03); or of Black, Asian, Mixed, or other ethnicity compared to White (OR 1.45–2.48, I2 = 44.8%, P = 0.16).

Conclusions

Among mothers breastfeeding at 1 week, those who were younger, White or had fewer years of full-time education were at greatest risk of discontinuing before 6 weeks. This risk persisted over time and was independent of their high risk of not initiating breastfeeding.
Vitamin D status and obesity in children from Chile
Authors: Pérez-Bravo Francisco , Duarte Lissette , Arredondo-Olguín Miguel , Iñiguez Germán , Castillo-Valenzuela Oscar
Published: November 2021

Background

Vitamin D [25(OH)D] is essential for normal bone development and maintenance. Furthermore, its deficiency has been associated with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers.

Objective

To determine the incidence of serum 25(OH)D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) among apparently healthy Chilean children (4–14 years old) from three Chilean geographic areas during May–September 2018.

Materials and methods

Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by a competitive protein-binding ELISA assay in 1134 children, and correlations between serum 25(OH)D levels, BMI, and geographic area were calculated. Individuals were grouped according to their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (ng/ml): severe deficiency: <5; moderate deficiency: 5–10.9; mild deficiency: 11–20.9; insufficiency: 21–29.9 and sufficiency: 30–100.

Results

We found 80.4% of children had serum 25(OH)D deficiency, with 1.7% severe, 24.6% moderate, and 54.1% mild. In the three cities, the percentage of serum 25(OH)D deficit was increased when comparing overweight or obesity with a healthy weight. Additionally, an interaction effect was observed between geographic area, nutritional status, and serum 25(OH)D levels using the factorial ANOVA test (p = 0.038). In Antofagasta, there were more overweight children and also a higher percentage of children with VitD deficiency (<30 ng/ml) compared to Santiago or Concepción.

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of serum 25(OH)D deficiency in children between 4 and 14 years old in Chile (80.4%) during May–September 2018. Obese and overweight children had the highest prevalence of serum 25(OH)D deficiency.
Dynamic mechanochemical feedback between curved membranes and BAR protein self-organization
Authors: Le Roux Anabel-Lise , Tozzi Caterina , Walani Nikhil , Quiroga Xarxa , Zalvidea Dobryna , Trepat Xavier , Staykova Margarita , Arroyo Marino , Roca-Cusachs Pere
Published: November 2021

In many physiological situations, BAR proteins reshape membranes with pre-existing curvature (templates), contributing to essential cellular processes. However, the mechanism and the biological implications of this reshaping process remain unclear. Here we show, both experimentally and through modelling, that BAR proteins reshape low curvature membrane templates through a mechanochemical phase transition. This phenomenon depends on initial template shape and involves the co-existence and progressive transition between distinct local states in terms of molecular organization (protein arrangement and density) and membrane shape (template size and spherical versus cylindrical curvature). Further, we demonstrate in cells that this phenomenon enables a mechanotransduction mode, in which cellular stretch leads to the mechanical formation of membrane templates, which are then reshaped into tubules by BAR proteins. Our results demonstrate the interplay between membrane mechanics and BAR protein molecular organization, integrating curvature sensing and generation in a comprehensive framework with implications for cell mechanical responses.
Thermoresponsive polymer assemblies via variable temperature liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Korpanty Joanna , Parent Lucas R. , Hampu Nicholas , Weigand Steven , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: November 2021

Herein, phase transitions of a class of thermally-responsive polymers, namely a homopolymer, diblock, and triblock copolymer, were studied to gain mechanistic insight into nanoscale assembly dynamics via variable temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (VT-LCTEM) correlated with variable temperature small angle X-ray scattering (VT-SAXS). We study thermoresponsive poly(diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA)-based block copolymers and mitigate sample damage by screening electron flux and solvent conditions during LCTEM and by evaluating polymer survival via post-mortem matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). Our multimodal approach, utilizing VT-LCTEM with MS validation and VT-SAXS, is generalizable across polymeric systems and can be used to directly image solvated nanoscale structures and thermally-induced transitions. Our strategy of correlating VT-SAXS with VT-LCTEM provided direct insight into transient nanoscale intermediates formed during the thermally-triggered morphological transformation of a PDEGMA-based triblock. Notably, we observed the temperature-triggered formation and slow relaxation of core-shell particles with complex microphase separation in the core by both VT-SAXS and VT-LCTEM.
Efficient electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation by electron–rich metal sites in N–heterocyclic carbene metal complexes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Zhe , Liu Zhenpeng , Bu Jun , Ma Wenxiu , Yan Chen , Bai Rui , Lin Jin , Zhang Qiuyu , Liu Junzhi , Wang Tao , Zhang Jian
Published: November 2021

Electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation is a promising alternative to thermocatalytic acetylene hydrogenation due to its environmental benignity and economic efficiency, but its performance is far below that of the thermocatalytic reaction because of strong competition from side reactions, including hydrogen evolution, overhydrogenation and carbon–carbon coupling reactions. We develop N–heterocyclic carbene–metal complexes, with electron–rich metal centers owing to the strongly σ–donating N–heterocyclic carbene ligands, as electrocatalysts for selective acetylene semihydrogenation. Experimental and theoretical investigations reveal that the copper sites in N–heterocyclic carbene–copper facilitate the absorption of electrophilic acetylene and the desorption of nucleophilic ethylene, ultimately suppressing the side reactions during electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation, and exhibit superior semihydrogenation performance, with faradaic efficiencies of ≥98 % under pure acetylene flow. Even in a crude ethylene feed containing 1 % acetylene (1 × 104 ppm), N–heterocyclic carbene–copper affords a specific selectivity of >99 % during a 100–h stability test, continuous ethylene production with only ~30 ppm acetylene, a large space velocity of up to 9.6 × 105 mL·gcat−1·h−1, and a turnover frequency of 2.1 × 10−2 s−1, dramatically outperforming currently reported thermocatalysts.
Optically driving the radiative Auger transition
Authors: Spinnler Clemens , Zhai Liang , Nguyen Giang N. , Ritzmann Julian , Wieck Andreas D. , Ludwig Arne , Javadi Alisa , Reiter Doris E. , Machnikowski Paweł , Warburton Richard J. , Löbl Matthias C.
Published: November 2021

In a radiative Auger process, optical decay leaves other carriers in excited states, resulting in weak red-shifted satellite peaks in the emission spectrum. The appearance of radiative Auger in the emission directly leads to the question if the process can be inverted: simultaneous photon absorption and electronic demotion. However, excitation of the radiative Auger transition has not been shown, neither on atoms nor on solid-state quantum emitters. Here, we demonstrate the optical driving of the radiative Auger transition, linking few-body Coulomb interactions and quantum optics. We perform our experiments on a trion in a semiconductor quantum dot, where the radiative Auger and the fundamental transition form a Λ-system. On driving both transitions simultaneously, we observe a reduction of the fluorescence signal by up to 70%. Our results suggest the possibility of turning resonance fluorescence on and off using radiative Auger as well as THz spectroscopy with optics close to the visible regime.
Architecture for microcomb-based GHz-mid-infrared dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Bao Chengying , Yuan Zhiquan , Wu Lue , Suh Myoung-Gyun , Wang Heming , Lin Qiang , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: November 2021

Dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) offers high sensitivity and wide spectral coverage without the need for bulky spectrometers or mechanical moving parts. And DCS in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) is of keen interest because of inherently strong molecular spectroscopic signatures in these bands. We report GHz-resolution mid-IR DCS of methane and ethane that is derived from counter-propagating (CP) soliton microcombs in combination with interleaved difference frequency generation. Because all four combs required to generate the two mid-IR combs rely upon stability derived from a single high-Q microcavity, the system architecture is both simplified and does not require external frequency locking. Methane and ethane spectra are measured over intervals as short as 0.5 ms, a time scale that can be further reduced using a different CP soliton arrangement. Also, tuning of spectral resolution on demand is demonstrated. Although at an early phase of development, the results are a step towards mid-IR gas sensors with chip-based architectures for chemical threat detection, breath analysis, combustion studies, and outdoor observation of trace gases.
Cromolyn platform suppresses fibrosis and inflammation, promotes microglial phagocytosis and neurite outgrowth
Authors: Wang Yi-Jun , Downey Matthew A. , Choi Sungwoon , Shoup Timothy M. , Elmaleh David R.
Published: November 2021

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by chronic neuroinflammation and may perpetuate ongoing fibrotic reactions within the central nervous system. Unfortunately, there is no therapeutic available that treats neurodegenerative inflammation and its sequelae. Here we utilize cromolyn, a mast cell inhibitor with anti-inflammatory capabilities, and its fluorinated analogue F-cromolyn to study fibrosis-related protein regulation and secretion downstream of neuroinflammation and their ability to promote microglial phagocytosis and neurite outgrowth. In this report, RNA-seq analysis shows that administration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α to HMC3 human microglia results in a robust upregulation of fibrosis-associated genes. Subsequent treatment with cromolyn and F-cromolyn resulted in reduced secretion of collagen XVIII, fibronectin, and tenascin-c. Additionally, we show that cromolyn and F-cromolyn reduce pro-inflammatory proteins PLP1, PELP1, HSP90, IL-2, GRO-α, Eotaxin, and VEGF-Α, while promoting secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-4 in HMC3 microglia. Furthermore, cromolyn and F-cromolyn augment neurite outgrowth in PC12 neuronal cells in concert with nerve growth factor. Treatment also differentially altered secretion of neurogenesis-related proteins TTL, PROX1, Rab35, and CSDE1 in HMC3 microglia. Finally, iPSC-derived human microglia more readily phagocytose Aβ42 with cromolyn and F-cromolyn relative to controls. We propose the cromolyn platform targets multiple proteins upstream of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, and GSK-3β signaling pathways to affect cytokine, chemokine, and fibrosis-related protein expression.
Identifying influential spreaders in complex networks by an improved gravity model
Authors: Li Zhe , Huang Xinyu
Published: November 2021

Identification of influential spreaders is still a challenging issue in network science. Therefore, it attracts increasing attention from both computer science and physical societies, and many algorithms to identify influential spreaders have been proposed so far. Degree centrality, as the most widely used neighborhood-based centrality, was introduced into the network world to evaluate the spreading ability of nodes. However, degree centrality always assigns too many nodes with the same value, so it leads to the problem of resolution limitation in distinguishing the real influences of these nodes, which further affects the ranking efficiency of the algorithm. The k-shell decomposition method also faces the same problem. In order to solve the resolution limit problem, we propose a high-resolution index combining both degree centrality and the k-shell decomposition method. Furthermore, based on the proposed index and the well-known gravity law, we propose an improved gravity model to measure the importance of nodes in propagation dynamics. Experiments on ten real networks show that our model outperforms most of the state-of-the-art methods. It has a better performance in terms of ranking performance as measured by the Kendall’s rank correlation, and in terms of ranking efficiency as measured by the monotonicity value.
No effect of intradialytic neuromuscular electrical stimulation on inflammation and quality of life: a randomized and parallel design clinical trial
Authors: Marini Ana C. B. , Motobu Reika D. , Lobo Patrícia C. B. , Monteiro Paula A. , Pimentel Gustavo D.
Published: November 2021

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) elicits muscle contraction and has been shown to improvement of quality of life. However, if NMES improvement the quality of life and attenuate the inflammation is not fully understood. Therefore, our aim sought to assess the effects of short-term of intradialytic NMES on inflammation and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis. A randomized clinical trial conducted with parallel design enrolled adult hemodialysis patients three times a week during 1 month. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups (control group, n = 11; 4F/7 M) or (NMES group, n = 10; 4F/6 M). Pre-and post-intervention, was measured the high-sensitivity C reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and TNFα by the ELISA, and quality of life was applied using the SF-36. During each hemodialysis session, NMES was applied bilaterally at thigh and calves for 40 min. There was not change in cytokines (hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα) concentrations time × group interaction. In addition, no difference was found in eight domains of quality of life. In addition, the groups did not differ for muscle strength and muscle mass. In conclusion, we found that intradialytic NMES did not change inflammation neither quality of life.