bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do crayfish affect stream ecosystem response to riparian vegetation removal?
Authors: Dudley Maura P. , Solomon Kelsey , Wenger Seth , Jackson C. Rhett , Freeman Mary , Elliott Katherine J. , Miniat Chelcy F. , Pringle Catherine M.
Published: May 2021

Riparian vegetation management alters stream basal resources, but stream ecosystem responses partly depend on top‐down interactions with in‐stream consumers. Large‐bodied omnivores can exert particularly strong influences on stream benthic environments through consumption of food resources and physical disturbance of the benthos. Trophic dynamics studies conducted within the context of reach‐scale riparian vegetation manipulations can provide insights into the interactions and relative importance of top‐down and bottom‐up controls that determine ecosystem response to riparian change.

Here, we examine how top‐down control by native crayfish omnivores (Cambarus bartonii) interacts with abiotic conditions created by reach‐scale removal of riparian rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in the southern Appalachian Mountains of the U.S.A. We conducted 32‐day trophic experiments by nesting five pairs of electrified (crayfish excluded) and non‐electrified (crayfish access) plots within each of two 300‐m stream reaches (one control and one rhododendron‐removed) for 1 year pre‐removal and 2 years post‐removal.

Algal growth responded positively to the reduced canopy cover (post‐rhododendron removal) only under low flow conditions combined with the absence of top‐down control by crayfish. Leaf decomposition rates were reduced by c. 40% in the absence of crayfish, but higher inputs of rhododendron leaf litter during the summer following rhododendron removal reduced the effect of crayfish presence on decomposition. Riparian rhododendron removal also significantly increased benthic sediment and fine benthic organic matter, but crayfish exclusion did not affect these stream properties.

Potential long‐term reductions in crayfish abundance could reduce the top‐down effects of crayfish and ultimately lead to higher algal growth and reduced leaf decomposition rates in streams where rhododendron is managed through removal.
Impact of care level, setting and accommodation costs on a newly developed oral care nursing plan format for elderly patients with care needs – Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bleiel Dirk , Nitschke Ina , Noack Michael J. , Barbe Anna Greta
Published: May 2021

Objectives

A new oral care nursing plan format for improved communication among dentists, nursing staff and caregivers has been developed in Germany. We aimed to (1) describe this plan, (2) investigate the prevalence of oral health problems among elderly patients with care needs documented by the plan, outline the recommendations in the plans and (3) investigate whether the accommodation costs or care needs of patients influenced oral care quality or the need for oral hygiene support documented within the plan.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional trial, oral care nursing plans were collected from outpatient and inpatient care clinics. Items on the oral care nursing plan were divided into three areas (oral health, oral hygiene needs, and coordination needs and dental therapy) and were correlated with the care level and accommodation costs.

Results

Oral care nursing plans were collected from seven dentists (N = 747; 94.5% from inpatient and 5.5% from outpatient care). The plans enabled documentation of well‐known oral health and hygiene problems among elderly patients. In their current form, the plans provided recommendations for obvious oral hygiene tasks such as toothbrushing or fluoridating, rather than specialized tasks such as nutritional advice or dry mouth asymptomatic therapeutic approaches. Although accommodation costs were associated with the need for oral hygiene support (not with oral care condition), the care level influenced both measures.

Conclusions

The oral care nursing plan can facilitate documentation of oral health and hygiene among elderly individuals with care needs. Further clarification of the plan would help promote careful documentation by dentists.
Progress and lack of progress in hyperhidrosis research 2015–2020. A concise systematic review
Authors: Kristensen Johannes Kjeldstrup , Nielsen Corina
Published: May 2021

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is uncontrollable and occurring regardless of temperature. Quality of life is significantly impaired, and psychiatric comorbidity is common. The objective of the study is to undertake a systematic review of research in the last 5 years regarding hyperhidrosis. Five databases were searched from July 2015 to July 2020 for all research on hyperhidrosis. High‐quality research articles were sought for progress in diagnosis, etiology and epidemiology, and use of patient reported outcomes (PROs) as well as randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on any treatment intervention. Outcomes of interest were disease severity, sweat rate, quality of life, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Trial quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool. A narrative synthesis was presented. Twenty‐nine papers were included in the review: 13 investigational articles, 10 RCTs, three cohort studies, and three reviews. The studies varied in terms of quality, population, intervention, and methods of outcome assessment. The majority were very small studies, and most RCTs were at high risk of bias. Few studies on diagnosis, epidemiology, and etiology were of sufficient quality to be presented. The interventions discussed were iontophoresis, botulinum toxin, anticholinergic medication, curettage, and energy‐based technologies. Progress in the diagnostics and etiology of hyperhidrosis is limited with the same being true for treatment. In a 5‐year‐old systematic review, it was concluded that there was moderate‐quality evidence to support the use of botulinum toxin for axillary hyperhidrosis. It was advocated to conduct a trial comparing BTX and iontophoresis for palmar hyperhidrosis. Unfortunately, this has not yet been performed. Hyperhidrosis is still as underserved and under‐studied as before.
Long‐term effects of short planning horizons for inventory routing problems
Authors: Ben Ahmed Mohamed , Okoronkwo Onyemaechi Linda , Okoronkwo Edwin Chimezie , Hvattum Lars Magnus
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a detailed study concerning the importance of the planning horizon when solving inventory routing problems (IRPs). We evaluate the quality of decisions obtained by solving a finite‐horizon IRP. We also discuss the relevance of explicitly considering profit maximization models rather than the traditional cost minimization variant. As a means to this end, we describe four classes of the IRP corresponding to different types of markets. Two of them lead to nonlinear models, which are linearized. Furthermore, we provide a deterministic simulator to evaluate the long‐term effects arising from using planning horizons of varying lengths when solving the IRP. A computational study is performed on cases generated from benchmark data instances. The results confirm that the long‐term performance of the IRP decisions is, in part, contingent on the length of the selected planning horizon. They also show that considering profit maximization instead of cost minimization leads to different decisions, generating considerably more revenue and profits, albeit not nearly as much as suggested by individual solutions to static IRPs with short planning horizons.
Skin substitutes with noncultured autologous skin cell suspension heal porcine full‐thickness wounds in a one‐stage procedure
Authors: Damaraju Sita M. , Mintz Benjamin R. , Park J. Genevieve , Gandhi Ankur , Saini Sunil , Molnar Joseph A.
Published: May 2021

Clinical application of skin substitute is typically a two‐stage procedure with application of skin substitute matrix to the wound followed by engraftment of a split‐thickness skin graft (STSG). This two‐stage procedure requires multiple interventions, increasing the time until the wound is epithelialised. In this study, the feasibility of a one‐stage procedure by combining bioengineered collagen‐chondroitin‐6‐sulfate (DS1) or decellularised fetal bovine skin substitute (DS2) with autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) in a porcine full‐thickness wound healing model was evaluated. Twelve full‐thickness excisional wounds on the backs of pigs received one of six different treatments: empty; ASCS; DS1 with or without ASCS; DS2 with or without ASCS. The ASCS was prepared using a point‐of‐care device and was seeded onto the bottom side of DS1, DS2, and empty wounds at 80 000 cells/cm2. Wound measurements and photographs were taken on days 0, 9, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 post‐wounding. Histological analysis was performed on samples obtained on days 9, 14, 28, and 42. Wounds in the empty group or with ASCS alone showed increased wound contraction, fibrosis, and myofibroblast density compared with other treatment groups. The addition of ASCS to DS1 or DS2 resulted in a marked increase in re‐epithelialisation of wounds at 14 days, from 15 ± 11% to 71 ± 20% (DS1 vs DS1 + ASCS) or 28 ± 14% to 77 ± 26 (DS2 vs DS2 + ASCS) despite different mechanisms of tissue regeneration employed by the DS used. These results suggest that this approach may be a viable one‐stage treatment in clinical practice.
High extinction‐ratio microstructure fiber based on chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Xu Tiesong , Zhong Minghui , Liang Xiaolin , Liu Jia , Yan Bin , Xiao Jing , Jiao Kai , Wang Xiange , Si Nian , Pan Zhongda , Zhao Zheming , Wang Xunsi , Zhang Peiqing , Nie Qiuhua , Bai Shengchuang , Wang Rongping , Zhang Junjie
Published: May 2021

Extinction ratio (ER) is one of the important parameters to characterize the polarization‐maintaining (PM) performance of the fiber. In this paper, we report the preparation and properties of a novel chalcogenide microstructure fiber with a high ER. We fabricate a preform using a peeled‐off extrusion method. The core and cladding material of the fiber are Ge9As23Se68 and Ge10As22Se68. The preform was drawn into a fiber with an average ER of −17.08 dB. The loss of the fiber is less than 2 dB over 5.20–8.55 μm, and the minimum loss of the fiber is 0.57 dB/m at 6.2 μm. Moreover, a flat mid‐infrared supercontinuum spectrum spanning from 1.53 to 12.50 μm is generated by pumping an 18‐cm‐long PM fiber for the first time.
Rice SPL10 positively regulates trichome development through expression of HL6 and auxin‐related genes
Authors: Li Jinjie , Tang Bo , Li Yingxiu , Li Chenguang , Guo Minjie , Chen Haiyang , Han Shichen , Li Jin , Lou Qijin , Sun Wenqiang , Wang Peng , Guo Haifeng , Ye Wei , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang , Yu Sibin , Zhang Long , Li Zichao
Published: May 2021

Trichomes function in plant defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses; examination of glabrous lines, which lack trichomes, has revealed key aspects of trichome development and function. Tests of allelism in 51 glabrous rice (Oryza sativa) accessions collected worldwide identified OsSPL10 and OsWOX3B as regulators of trichome development in rice. Here, we report that OsSPL10 acts as a transcriptional regulator controlling trichome development. Haplotype and transient expression analyses revealed that variation in the approximately 700‐bp OsSPL10 promoter region is the primary cause of the glabrous phenotype in the indica cultivar WD‐17993. Disruption of OsSPL10 by genome editing decreased leaf trichome density and length in the NIL‐HL6 background. Plants with genotype OsSPL10WD‐17993/HL6 generated by crossing WD‐17993 with NIL‐HL6 also had fewer trichomes in the glumes. HAIRY LEAF6 (HL6) encodes another transcription factor that regulates trichome initiation and elongation, and OsSPL10 directly binds to the HL6 promoter to regulate its expression. Moreover, the transcript levels of auxin‐related genes, such as OsYUCCA5 and OsPIN‐FORMED1b, were altered in OsSPL10 overexpression and RNAi transgenic lines. Feeding tests using locusts (Locusta migratoria) demonstrated that non‐glandular trichomes affect feeding by this herbivore. Our findings provide a molecular framework for trichome development and an ecological perspective on trichome functions.
Precision medicine for hereditary tumors in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Sekine Masayuki , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: May 2021

Genomic medicine for gynecologic tumors is characterized by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome (LS). Poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, olaparib, and the immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, which are drugs that show sensitivity to each hereditary tumor, have begun to spread in clinical practice for gynecologic malignancies. In clinical use, platinum sensitivity is used as a clinical surrogate marker for olaparib sensitivity, and microsatellite instability is used as a biological surrogate marker for pembrolizumab sensitivity. BRCA genetic testing and microsatellite instability test have been used as companion diagnostics before starting olaparib and pembrolizumab treatment, respectively. Homologous recombination deficiency test could be used for companion diagnostic of olaparib combination with bevacizumab in first‐line maintenance treatment and niraparib without re‐administration of platinum agents in the treatment of recurrence. The approval of the three drugs has been changing the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Furthermore, preventive medical care has been covered by insurance since April 2020 for breast and/or ovarian cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutation in Japan. This review article outlines the current status and future prospects of precision medicine for gynecologic hereditary tumors focusing on HBOC and LS.
Efficiency of axenically grown Rhizoctonia solani inoculum types in evaluating sheath blight development on rice genotypes
Authors: Lore Jagjeet S. , Jain Jyoti , Hunjan Mandeep S. , Kamboj Ishwinder , Zaidi Najam W. , Singh Uma Shankar
Published: May 2021

Sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most important rice diseases worldwide, especially under irrigated agro‐ecosystem. To detect quantitative differences in disease development, three inoculum types, viz. mycelial bit, single sclerotium and mycelial ball, were evaluated against five rice genotypes using detached tiller technique. Different disease variables such as number of lesions, disease severity, vertical sheath colonization (VSC), relative vertical sheath colonization (RVSC) and mean lesion length were measured for quantification of sheath blight resistance. All the disease variables were positively correlated with each other. Among the inoculum types, mycelial ball produced significantly higher level of disease variables in all the genotypes and resolved level of resistance better than the other two methods. Significantly lower values of disease severity, VSC and RVSC were observed on rice genotype Tetep, PR 108 and D 256 as compared with susceptible check D 6766 when inoculated with different inoculum types. These results can provide a basis to design methods to evaluate quantitative sheath blight resistance with high precision in rice genotypes.
Simultaneous inference for autocovariances based on autoregressive sieve bootstrap
Authors: Braumann Alexander , Kreiss Jens‐Peter , Meyer Marco
Published: May 2021

In this article, maximum deviations of sample autocovariances and autocorrelations from their theoretical counterparts over an increasing set of lags are considered. The asymptotic distribution of such statistics for physically dependent stationary time series, which is of Gumbel type, only depends on second‐order properties of the underlying time series. Since the autoregressive sieve bootstrap is able to mimic the second‐order structure asymptotically correctly it is an obvious problem whether the autoregressive (AR) sieve bootstrap, which has been shown to work for a number of relevant statistics in time series analysis, asymptotically works for maximum deviations of autocovariances and autocorrelations as well. This article shows that the question can be answered positively. Moreover, potential applications including spectral density estimation and an investigation of finite sample properties of the AR‐sieve bootstrap proposal by simulation are given.
Integer‐valued asymmetric garch modeling
Authors: Hu Xiaofei , Andrews Beth
Published: May 2021

We propose a GARCH model for uncorrelated, integer‐valued time series that exhibit conditional heteroskedasticity. Conditioned on past information, these observations have a two‐sided Poisson distribution with time‐varying variance. Positive and negative observations can have an asymmetric impact on conditional variance. We give conditions under which the proposed integer‐valued GARCH process is stationary, ergodic, and has finite moments. We consider maximum likelihood estimation for model parameters, and we give the limiting distribution for these estimators when the true parameter vector is in the interior of its parameter space, and when some GARCH coefficients are zero.
Pharmacokinetics of a cytosine arabinoside subcutaneous protocol in dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology
Authors: Levitin Hilary A. , Foss Kari D. , Li Zhong , Reinhart Jennifer M. , Hague Devon W. , Fan Timothy M.
Published: May 2021

Cytosine arabinoside (CA) is a commonly used treatment for dogs with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology (MUE) with various proposed protocols, many requiring 24 hours (h) of hospitalization or two visits within 24 h. This is a unidirectional study evaluating the pharmacokinetics of a CA subcutaneous (SC) protocol and a standard constant rate infusion (CRI) protocol in 8 dogs with MUE. Dogs received the CRI (200 mg/m2 IV over 24 h), followed by a SC protocol (50 mg/m2 every 2 h for 4 treatments) four weeks later. Plasma CA concentrations were measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS). Median peak CA concentration for the SC protocol (3.40 µg/ml, range 1.60–9.70 µg/ml) was significantly higher than the CRI (1.09 µg/ml, range 0.77–1.67 µg/ml; p = .02). Median concentration at 1h and 8h following initiation of treatment was significantly higher for the SC protocol (CA1 2.28 µg/ml, range 0.97–2.67; CA8 1.83 µg/ml, range 0.77–2.84) compared to the CRI (CA1 0.01 µg/ml, range 0–0.45; CA8 0.74 µg/ml, range 0.67–1.11; p = .01). While the PK properties of CA when administered as a CRI has been previously investigated, this study demonstrated that CA when administered via repeated 50 mg/m2 injections every 2 h over an 8‐h period, provided sustained plasma levels above its therapeutic target and for a significantly longer duration of time than did a standard CRI protocol.
Behavioral context of echolocation and prey‐handling sounds produced by killer whales (Orcinus orca) during pursuit and capture of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.)
Authors: Wright Brianna M. , Deecke Volker B. , Ellis Graeme M. , Trites Andrew W. , Ford John K. B.
Published: May 2021

Availability of preferred salmonid prey and a sufficiently quiet acoustic environment in which to forage are critical to the survival of resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in the northeastern Pacific. Although piscivorous killer whales rely on echolocation to locate and track prey, the relationship between echolocation, movement, and prey capture during foraging by wild individuals is poorly understood. We used acoustic biologging tags to relate echolocation behavior to prey pursuit and capture during successful feeding dives by fish‐eating killer whales in coastal British Columbia, Canada. The significantly higher incidence and rate of echolocation prior to fish captures compared to afterward confirms its importance in prey detection and tracking. Extremely rapid click sequences (buzzes) were produced before or concurrent with captures of salmon at depths typically exceeding 50 m, and were likely used by killer whales for close‐range prey targeting, as in other odontocetes. Distinctive crunching and tearing sounds indicative of prey‐handling behavior occurred at relatively shallow depths following fish captures, matching concurrent observations that whales surfaced with fish prior to consumption and often shared prey. Buzzes and prey‐handling sounds are potentially useful acoustic signals for estimating foraging efficiency and determining if resident killer whales are meeting their energetic requirements.
Levels and potential drivers of under‐five mortality sex ratios in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Costa Janaína Calu , Weber Ann M. , Abdalla Safa , Darmstadt Gary L. , Victora Cesar G.
Published: May 2021

Background

Non‐biological childhood mortality sex ratios may reflect community sex preferences and gender discrimination in health care.

Objective

We assessed the association between contextual factors and gender bias in under‐five mortality rates (U5MR) in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Full birth histories available from Demographic and Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2010‐2018) in 80 countries were used to estimate U5MR male‐to‐female sex ratios. Expected sex ratios and their residuals (difference of observed and expected) were derived from a linear regression model, adjusted for overall mortality. Negative residuals indicate more likelihood of discrimination against girls, and we refer to this as a measure of potential gender bias. Associations between residuals and national development and gender inequality indices and with survey‐derived child health care indicators were tested using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Mortality residuals for under‐five mortality were not associated with national development, education, religion, or gender inequality indices. Negative residuals were more common in countries where boys were more likely to be taken to health services than girls (rho −0.24, 95% confidence interval −0.45, −0.01).

Conclusions

Countries where girls were more likely to die than boys, accounting for overall mortality levels, were also countries where boys were more likely to receive health care than girls. Further research is needed to understand which national characteristics explain the presence of gender bias, given that the analyses of development levels and gender equality did not discriminate between countries with or without excess mortality of girls. Reporting on child mortality separately by sex is required to enable such advances.
Breast feeding and timing of puberty in boys and girls: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hvidt Julie J. , Brix Nis , Ernst Andreas , Lunddorf Lea L.H. , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Breast feeding has been associated with improved infant health, but its impact on pubertal timing remains uncertain, particularly in boys.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between duration of breast feeding and pubertal timing in boys and girls.

Methods

This population‐based cohort study included 13 511 boys and girls from the Puberty Cohort nested within the Danish National Birth Cohort. The children gave half‐yearly, self‐reported information on pubertal development through questionnaires (Tanner stages, age at menarche, first ejaculation, voice break, axillary hair growth, and acne). Information on breast feeding was provided by the mothers when the children were 6 months of age. We estimated mean differences (in months) in age at attaining each pubertal marker and for overall timing of puberty (combined estimate) for every additional month of exclusive breast feeding. Furthermore, we estimated differences in pubertal age when comparing children never exclusively breastfed and exclusively breastfed <4 months using children exclusively breastfed ≥4 months as reference. In sub‐analyses, we further adjusted for infant weight gain and childhood BMI at 7 years to investigate whether these variables mediated the association.

Results

Boys tended to reach pubertal markers later for every additional month of exclusive breast feeding (combined estimate: 0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.0, 0.4 months). Never exclusively breastfed boys reached pubertal markers earlier than the boys exclusively breastfed ≥4 months (combined estimate: −4.1 (95% CI −6.7, −1.6) months). Boys exclusively breastfed <4 months also reached pubertal markers earlier than those never exclusively breastfed but with smaller differences. In girls, duration of breast feeding was not associated with pubertal development. When including infant weight gain or childhood BMI, the results remained essentially unchanged.

Conclusions

Shorter duration of exclusive breast feeding was associated with earlier pubertal development in boys but not in girls.
Targeted Poverty Alleviation and Children’s Academic Performance in China
Authors: Nong Huifu , Zhang Qing , Zhu Hongjia , Zhu Rong
Published: May 2021

This paper estimates the causal impact of China’s targeted poverty alleviation program on the academic achievement of students from poor households. We use the longitudinal academic records of a cohort of students from all middle schools in a nationally designated poor county in China. Using the difference‐in‐differences approach, we show that targeted poverty alleviation improves the scholastic performance of girls and their achievement rank among peer students. However, we find no such empirical evidence for boys. Our findings suggest that the new anti‐poverty program in China has the potential to ameliorate the intergenerational transmission of low socioeconomic status to girls by promoting their human capital accumulation.
Gordon syndrome: Dental implications and a case report
Authors: Roomaney Imaan A. , Walters Jaco , Spencer Careni , Chetty Manogari
Published: May 2021

Aim

This article describes the craniofacial and dental features of an individual with Gordon syndrome. The dental management implications and considerations of treating patients with Gordon Syndrome and similar conditions resulting in limited mouth opening are discussed.

Methods

A 14‐year‐old South African male was referred to the Dental Genetics Clinic with the main complaint of carious teeth. His craniofacial characteristics included low set and posteriorly rotated ears, down‐slanted palpebral fissures, sloping shoulders, and a broad neck. A prognathic mandible and mild facial asymmetry were noted. He had a significant limitation of mouth opening (2 cm at incisors). Radiographic examination revealed multiple carious teeth, missing mandibular premolars, impacted maxillary premolars, taurodontism of the 44 and 34, and enlarged coronoid processes of the mandible. Dental extractions and restorations have been performed under local anaesthesia.

Conclusion

Gordon syndrome and similar conditions, may result in limited oral opening and impaired manual dexterity. The severity of limitation of mouth opening determines management. Dental management should focus on ensuring that the patient is able to maintain good oral hygiene by customising homecare for the individual and regular dental visits.
Openness to experience and dispositional awe: The moderating role of subjective socioeconomic status and mediating role of Zhong‐Yong thinking style in Chinese undergraduates
Authors: Lin Rong‐Mao , Hong You‐Juan , Xiao Hui‐Wen , Chen Yan‐Ping , Lian Rong
Published: May 2021

Existing research has established that openness to experience can enhance dispositional awe. For the first time, the current study examines whether subjective socioeconomic status (SSES) moderates and a Zhong‐Yong thinking style mediates this effect. A sample of 2,377 Chinese undergraduates (mean age 20.7, ranging from 18 to 26) was recruited. As shown in previous research, openness was found to be positively associated with dispositional awe. As predicted, the relationship was moderated by familial and school SSES. The positive correlation was significantly larger in cases of lower familial and school SSES. The mediating effect of Zhong‐Yong thinking style was also supported in the relationship between openness and dispositional awe, as was the moderating effect of familial SSES; however, a suppressive effect was found for school SSES. The implications of this study are discussed herein.
Girls’ Night Out: The Role of Women‐Centered Friendship Groups in University Hookup Culture*
Authors: Andrejek Nicole
Published: May 2021

There is a wealth of research that has addressed gender dynamics in hookup culture. Drawing on focus group interviews with undergraduate women at a mid‐sized university in Canada, I examine the shared rituals, practices, and perceived risks within women‐centered friendship groups during a typical “girls’ night out.” I confirm that undergraduate women experience many potential risks to their safety and well‐being as they navigate the hookup scene and interact with undergraduate men. To try to mitigate those risks and attempt to enjoy their nights out, I find that undergraduate women spend significant portions of their evenings dedicated to women‐centered bonding rituals and partying. I show that undergraduate women engage in gendered strategies within their friendship group to have fun, connect with desirable hookup partners, and try to keep their friends safe. By expanding the social scripts of their nights out in hookup culture, I show the types of gender selves that are produced within women‐centered friendship groups and reveal the importance of women‐centered friendship groups to the maintenance of hookup culture itself.
Confederate Imagery in Congressional Rhetoric: Divisions and Deliberation
Authors: Hayden Jessica M.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Thisarticle examines congressional communication concerning Confederate statues and the Confederate battle flag.

Method

Using a mixed‐methods approach to text analysis, I identify members of Congress who have taken a side in the debate surrounding Confederate symbols, and contextualize the many rhetorical themes present in the debate within our national legislature.

Results

I find substantial bipartisan agreement concerning removal of Confederate flags from at least some locations. However, as expected, there is much more disagreement over the appropriate place for Confederate statues. It is these rhetorical differences that define the broader conflict over these symbols.

Conclusions

Examining the conversation of the political elite regarding Confederate symbols provides context and structure to the national conversation being had in communities around the United States.
Blood group O convalescent plasma donations have significantly lower levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibodies compared to blood group A donations
Authors: Hayes Chelsea , Rubenstein Wesley , Gibb David , Klapper Ellen , Tanaka Julie , Pepkowitz Samuel
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is plasma collected from individuals who have recovered from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The FDA Emergency Use Authorization restricts use of CCP to high‐titer units only. The purpose of this study was to determine if donor ABO blood group was associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody response, and subsequent qualification as high‐titer CCP.

Methods

All CCP donations collected from April 21, 2020 to September 1, 2020 were included. The Abbott ARCHITECT semi‐quantitative chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay was used to assess IgG antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein of SARS‐CoV‐2. Units with a S/C value ≥4.5 were considered high titer.

Results

A total of 232 CCP donations were evaluated. There were no significant differences in the distribution of sex, age, and interval from symptom resolution to donation by ABO blood group. The mean SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody S/C value was significantly lower in blood group O donations (3.6), compared to blood group A (5.0) donations (p < .001). There was no difference in antibody response between the other blood group pairings. Blood group O donations resulted in a lower percentage of high‐titer units (35%), compared to blood group A (60%), B (58%), and AB (65%) donations.

Conclusion

Blood group O donations were found to have significantly lower levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG nucleocapsid antibodies compared to blood group A donations and were less likely to produce CCP units that qualified as high titer. These findings may aid donor recruitment to promote availability of high‐titer CCP to meet patient needs.
Reshaping surgical specialist training in small animal surgery during and after theCOVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Alexander Akash , Radke Heidi
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess the perceived effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on small animal surgical specialist training, among trainees and supervisors and to propose changes, based upon the results, that could be incorporated into training programs.

Study Design

Anonymous online questionnaire survey.

Sample Population

Eighty‐one eligible responses were collected in September 2020, including 52 European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) residents and 29 ECVS Diplomates acting as supervisors.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Fisher's exact test was used to test for significance.

Results

A reduction in surgical case load was reported by 82% (n = 66/81) of respondents, with 82% (n = 54/66) of those believing that COVID‐19 had a mild‐to‐moderate impact on training. Compared to supervisors, residents were less likely to feel that appropriate guidance, a safe working environment, and measures to preserve training had been provided (p < .01). Only 45% (n = 22/49) of residents reported confidence with performing teleconsultations. Ninety percent (n = 73/81) of respondents considered online “case presentations” and “edited surgical video footage” as a positive ancillary tool.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 has resulted in a reduction in case load and training for the majority of residents. A discrepancy between the opinions of residents and supervisors was noted on various aspects of COVID‐19 related effects.

Impact

Open communication, as well as the use of additional training tools through digital platforms may help to preserve safe and effective training during times of decreased clinical activity. While this study has focused on surgical specialist training, the results could be applied to other disciplines.
Effects of bradykinin on voltage‐gated KV4 channels in muscle dorsal root ganglion neurons of rats with experimental peripheral artery disease
Authors: Li Qin , Qin Lu , Li Jianhua
Published: May 2021

Key points

During exercise, bradykinin (BK), a muscle metabolite in ischaemic muscles, exaggerates autonomic responses to activation of muscle afferent nerves in peripheral artery disease (PAD).

We examined whether BK inhibits activity of KV4 channels in muscle afferent neurons of PAD rats induced by femoral artery occlusion.

We demonstrated that: 1) femoral occlusion attenuates KV4 currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles and decreases the threshold of action potential firing; 2) BK has a greater inhibitory effect on KV4 currents in muscle DRG neurons of PAD rats; and 3) expression of KV4.3 is downregulated in DRGs of PAD rats and inhibition of KV4.3 significantly decreases activity of KV4 currents in muscle DRG neurons.

Femoral artery occlusion‐induced limb ischaemia and/or ischaemia‐induced metabolites (i.e. BK) inhibit activity of KV4 channels in muscle afferent neurons and this is likely involved in the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in PAD.

Muscle afferent nerve‐activated reflex sympathetic nervous and blood pressure responses are exaggerated during exercise in patients with peripheral artery diseases (PAD) and in PAD rats induced by femoral artery occlusion. However, the precise signalling pathways and molecular mediators responsible for these abnormal autonomic responses in PAD are poorly understood. A‐type voltage‐gated K+(KV) channels are quintessential regulators of cellular excitability in the various tissues. Among KVchannels, KV4 (i.e. KV4.1 and KV4.3) in primary sensory neurons mainly participate in physiological functions in regulation of mechanical and chemical sensation. However, little is known about the role of KV4 in regulating neuronal activity in muscle afferent neurons of PAD. In addition, bradykinin (BK) is considered as a muscle metabolite contributing to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex in PAD rats with femoral artery occlusion. Our data demonstrated that: 1) KV4 currents are attenuated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the hindlimb muscles of PAD rats, along with a decreasing threshold of action potential firing; 2) KV4 currents are inhibited by application of BK onto muscle DRG neurons of PAD rats to a greater degree; and 3) expression of KV4.3 is downregulated in the DRGs of PAD rats and KV4.3 channel is a major contributor to the activity of KV4 currents in muscle DRG neurons. In conclusion, data suggest that femoral artery occlusion‐induced limb ischaemia and/or ischaemia‐induced metabolites (i.e. BK) inhibit the activity of KV4 channels in muscle afferent neurons likely leading to the exaggerated exercise pressor reflex observed in PAD.
Theory of pressure acoustics with thermoviscous boundary layers and streaming in elastic cavities
Authors: Joergensen Jonas Helboe , Bruus Henrik
Published: May 2021

We present an effective thermoviscous theory of acoustofluidics including pressure acoustics, thermoviscous boundary layers, and streaming for fluids embedded in elastic cavities. By including thermal fields, we thus extend the effective viscous theory by Bach and Bruus [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144, 766 (2018)]. The acoustic temperature field and the thermoviscous boundary layers are incorporated analytically as effective boundary conditions and time-averaged body forces on the thermoacoustic bulk fields. Because it avoids resolving the thin boundary layers, the effective model allows for numerical simulation of both thermoviscous acoustic and time-averaged fields in three-dimensional models of acoustofluidic systems. We show how the acoustic streaming depends strongly on steady and oscillating thermal fields through the temperature dependency of the material parameters, in particular the viscosity and the compressibility, affecting both the boundary conditions and spawning additional body forces in the bulk. We also show how even small steady temperature gradients (∼1  K/mm) induce gradients in compressibility and density that may result in very high streaming velocities (∼1  mm/s) for moderate acoustic energy densities (∼100  J/m3).
Climate-induced reversal of tree growth patterns at a tropical treeline
Authors: Quadri Paulo , Silva Lucas C. R. , Zavaleta Erika S.
Published: May 2021

Climate change reversed tree growth between topographic aspects during the past 100 years in a tropical tree line ecosystem.
Crowdsourced air temperatures contrast satellite measures of the urban heat island and its mechanisms
Authors: Venter Zander S. , Chakraborty Tirthankar , Lee Xuhui
Published: May 2021

Satellites overestimate urban heat islands.
Lessons from a pandemic for systems-oriented sustainability research
Authors: Selin Noelle E.
Published: May 2021

Research examining COVID-19 impacts on sustainability could better incorporate systems perspectives.
Epigenetic analysis of patients with T-ALL identifies poor outcomes and a hypomethylating agent-responsive subgroup
Authors: Touzart Aurore , Mayakonda Anand , Smith Charlotte , Hey Joschka , Toth Reka , Cieslak Agata , Andrieu Guillaume P. , Tran Quang Christine , Latiri Mehdi , Ghysdael Jacques , Spicuglia Salvatore , Dombret Hervé , Ifrah Norbert , Macintyre Elizabeth , Lutsik Pavlo , Boissel Nicolas , Plass Christoph , Asnafi Vahid
Published: May 2021

Characterization of adult T-ALL methylomes identifies a clinically aggressive hypermethylated subgroup sensitive to 5-azacytidine.
Comparative Pathogenomics ofEscherichia coli: Polyvalent Vaccine Target Identification through Virulome Analysis
Authors: Clark J. R. , Maresso A. M.
Published: May 2021

Comparative genomics of bacterial pathogens has been useful for revealing potential virulence factors.Escherichia coliis a significant cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide but can also exist as a commensal in the human gastrointestinal tract. With many sequenced genomes, it has served as a model organism for comparative genomic studies to understand the link between genetic content and potential for virulence.
Tolerogenic Immunoregulation towards Salmonella Enteritidis Contributes to Colonization Persistence in Young Chicks
Authors: Mon Khin K. Z. , Kern Colin , Chanthavixay Ganrea , Wang Ying , Zhou Huaijun
Published: May 2021

Long-term survival and the persistence of bacteria in the host suggest either host unresponsiveness or induction of an immunological tolerant response to the pathogen. The role of the host immunological response to persistent colonization of
Salmonella
Enteritidis (SE) in chickens remains poorly understood.
Leishmania donovani Targets Host Transcription Factor NRF2 To Activate Antioxidant Enzyme HO-1 and Transcriptional Repressor ATF3 for Establishing Infection
Authors: Saha Shriya , Roy Shalini , Dutta Ananya , Jana Kuladip , Ukil Anindita
Published: May 2021

We showed previously that antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is critical forLeishmaniasurvival in visceral leishmaniasis. HO-1 inhibits host oxidative burst and inflammatory cytokine production, leading to parasite persistence.
Identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by genetic transformation: a clinical laboratory evaluation
Authors: Bawdon R E , Juni E , Britt E M
Published: May 2021

Transformation of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae auxotroph (uracil and arginine deficient) to prototrophy was attempted with wild-type deoxyribonucleic acid from 71 random clinical N. gonorrhoeae cultures. Of these 71 cultures, 97.1% transformed the nutritionally deficient mutant to prototrophy. The procedure was reliable and economical and offered several distinct advantages over other methods used for the confirmation of N. gonorrhoeae.
Numbers and types of anaerobic bacteria isolated from clinical specimens since 1960
Authors: Holland J W , Hill E O , Altemeier W A
Published: May 2021

Between 1960 and 1974, 826 specimens, excluding stool, urine, sputum, and blood, yielded 689 (83%) positive cultures, of which 403 (58.5%) contained anaerobic bacteria. This represents 48.8% of the total specimens cultured. Isolates from 153 specimens obtained and stocked from 1965 to 1974 were reidentified by current criteria. Gram-negative bacilli, primarily bacteroides, were the most frequently isolated anaerobes, being found in 70% of 153 anaerobe-positive specimens and accounting for 42% of the total anaerobes isolated. Gram-positive cocci were second in occurrence, being found in 66% of 153 specimens and accounting for 40% of the total isolates. Bacteroides fragilis was by far the most frequently isolated species. Compairson of 14 years of cumulative data with data from current studies covering 1- to 2-year periods indicated that the anaerobes isolated from clinical material have not changed significantly in type or relative numbers.
Rheumatoid factor: a cause of fals positive histoplasmin latex agglutination
Authors: Oxenhandler R W , Adelstein E H , Rogers W A
Published: May 2021

Ten of thirteen patients with positive histolatex agglutination titers of 1:32 or greater had no evidence of acute histoplasmosis.Three of these false positives had rheumatoid arthritis. A fourth had a rising mycoplasma complement fixation titer, and the fifth had a high titer of cold agglutinins. All of these are associated with abnormal immunoglobulin M production. To evaluate the role of rheumatoid factor in producing false positive histolatex agglutination, the histolatex test was performed on sera from 32 patients having rheumatoid factor at a titer of 1:40 or greater. Four of these sera agglutinated the histoplasmin-coated latex particles at titers of 1:32 or greater. Review of clinical records suggests the this reactivity is nonspecific. It is our purpose to call attention to rheumatoic factor as a cause of false positive histolatex agglutination.
Comparison of thirty-seven strains of Vd-3 bacteria with Agrobacterium radiobacter: morphological and physiological observations
Authors: Riley P S , Weaver R E
Published: May 2021

Thirty-seven cultures of Vd-3 bacteria, isolated from clinical specimens, were characterized morphologically and physiologically. The cultures produced positive reactions when tested for oxidase, urease, nitrate reduction, phenylalanine deaminase, oxidative metabolism of carbohydrate substrates, and 3-ketolactose production. These peritrichously flagellated microorganisms were isolated primarily from the respiratory tract. When compared to authentic strains of Agrobacterium, they appeared to be most similar to A. radiobacter. Gas-liquid chromatography of trimethylsilyl derivatives of whole-cell hydrolysates of some of the Vd-3 strains and A. radiobacter yielded nearly identical elution patterns. The Vd-3 cultures were identified as probable strains of A. radiobacter. A method is presented for differentiating cultures of A. radiobacter from other similar bacteria encountered in clinical specimens. Although these bacteria rarely occur in clinical specimens, the clinical microbiologist should be familiar withe their outstanding characteristics.
Isolation of simian virus 40 from a newborn child
Authors: Brandner G , Burger A , Neumann-Haefelin D , Reinke C , Helwig H
Published: May 2021

Rubella virus and simina virus 40 (SV40) were isolated from a newborn child suffering from neurological and anatomical anomalies. The SV40 isolate was very similar to SV40 strain 777 by electron microscopic, biological, and immunological criteria.
Inactivation of classical and alternative pathway-activated bactericidal activity of human serum by sodium polyanetholsulfonate
Authors: Traub W H , Kleber I
Published: May 2021

Sodium polyanetholsulfonate (SPS) at a final concentration of at least 250 microng/ml (0.025%) was required for inhibition of the bactericidal activity of 80% (vol/vol) of fresh human serum against "promptly serum-sensitive" strains of Serratia marcescens and control strain Escherichia coli C, i.e., for inhibition of the classical pathway of complement activation. In contrast, SPS at 125 microng/ml (0.0125%) was sufficient for neutralization of the bactericidal activity of 80% (vol/vol) fresh human serum against "delayed serum-sensitive" strains of S. marcescens known to activate the alternative pathway of human complement. Addition of up to 500 microng of SPS per ml to 80% (vol/vol) fresh human serum failed to neutralize transferrin-mediated, "late" bacteriostasis against control strain E. coli C, an effect that was demonstrable only after prolonged, i.e., overnight, incubation of the test strain. However, this late inhibitory effect against E. coli C was not observed in SPS-treated 20% (vol/vol) fresh human serum or in 10 or 20% (vol/vol) conventionally heat-inactivated human serum. Immunoelectrophoretic examination disclosed that SPS did not precipitate transferrin from either fresh or heat-inactivated human serum. Thus, SPS, at 250 microng/ml, was demonstrated to be sufficient for the inhibition of both classical and alternative complement pathway-activated bactericidal activity of 80% (vol/vol) human serum. However, SPS at a concentration of 500 microng/ml failed to antagonize one antimicrobial system of 80% (vol/vol) human serum, namely transferrin-mediated bacteriostasis.