bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The burden of infertility in New Zealand: A baseline survey of prevalence and service use
Authors: Righarts Antoinette , Dickson Nigel P. , Ekeroma Alec , Gray Andrew R. , Parkin Lianne , Gillett Wayne R.
Published: March 2021

Background

Studies in southern New Zealand indicate that up to a quarter of women experienced infertility, likely due to delay in childbearing. However, these findings may not be generalisable to the whole population.

Aims

To assess the lifetime prevalence of infertility and evidence for disparities for New Zealand men and women in a nationally representative sample.

Materials and Methods

In 2014/15 a general health survey with a module on sexual and reproductive health was conducted among New Zealand residents aged 16–74 years; 3792 men and 5222 women provided information on infertility.

Result(s)

There were 8.2% (95% CI 7.1–9.4%) of men and 12.5% (11.3–13.8%) of women who had experienced infertility; among fertility‐tested women this was 15.4% (14.0–16.9%). Prevalence peaked in the 35–44 year age group (14.3% for men, 19.1% for women and 20.8% for fertility‐tested women). Estimates for European, Māori and Asian ethnicities were similar. Pacific men and women had higher relative risks: 2.37 (95% CI 1.51–3.71) and 1.76 (1.27–2.44), respectively, compared with Europeans. Medical help was sought by 69.3% (95% CI 62.4–75.5%) of infertile men and 68.2% (63.1–72.9%) of women; this was significantly lower for Māori and Pacific.

Conclusions

Infertility levels for those of European ethnicity were similar to studies in southern New Zealand, and in other high‐income countries. However, infertility levels were just as high for Māori, and higher for Pacific people, despite experiencing fertility at younger ages. Focusing on reducing causes of infertility other than delayed childbearing would likely contribute to addressing this health disparity.
Social rewards in the volunteer’s dilemma in everyday life
Authors: Tham Yukari Jessica , Hashimoto Takaaki , Karasawa Kaori
Published: March 2021

In everyday life, we often face a “volunteer’s dilemma (VoD)”—a group situation in which one member has to incur the cost of providing a public good. In the VoD, members of a group may wait for each other to volunteer, and thus, the group may fail to achieve the public good. Previous research has examined the probability of this failure and found that it was lower than theoretically expected. This discrepancy may have been because only material (e.g., money) and not social rewards (e.g., favourable evaluations) were considered in the theoretical expectations. To investigate whether and how people gain social rewards or are evaluated favourably by others in the VoD in everyday life (specifically in workplace contexts), we conducted a scenario‐based experiment (N = 582). The results showed that people were evaluated as more moral and competent when they volunteered than when they did not. Furthermore, this was the case especially when all the other group members shirked and when the evaluator was also willing to volunteer. These findings contribute to our current understanding of the way people perceive volunteers and shirkers in the VoD. They also have an implication on people’s motivation to incur a cost for their group in such a situation.
Morbidity and mortality of surgical lung biopsy in the diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Cilli Aykut , Kocaturk Celalettin , Tertemiz Kemal C. , Kalafat Cem E. , Hanta Ismail , Odemis Ayse , Sevinc Can , Dertsiz Levent , Akanil Fener Neslihan
Published: March 2021

Background

Histology represents the major source of information to define a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. However, the procedure is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate morbidity and mortality of surgical lung biopsy (SLB) in diagnosing UIP.

Methods

Patients undergoing SLB with the ultimate diagnosis of UIP were studied. Clinical data concerning medical history, histology, pulmonary functions, radiology, length of hospital stay (LOS), morbidity and mortality status were retrospectively recruited from four hospitals.

Results

The study included consecutive 93 patients with a SLB diagnosis of UIP. Mean age was 61 ± 8 years, with one third of the patients were ≥65 years. In 58 cases (62.4%), the biopsy was performed by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery, in 35 (37.7%) by limited thoracotomy. Eighty patients (86%) had possible UIP, 12 (12.9%) had inconsistent with UIP and one (1.1%) had UIP pattern on high‐resolution computed tomography. The mean LOS was 5.47 ± 3.16 days. LOS was associated with smoking status (P = 0.024), type of biopsy (P = 0.00), 6‐min walk test (P = 0.00) and number of biopsy (P = 0.00). There was no in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality in our cohort, and 90‐day mortality rate was 1.1%. In seven patients (7.5%), we observed postoperative morbidities, predominantly prolonged air leakage (7.5% of all cases). Postoperative morbidity was only associated with the type of SLB. Patients with limited thoracotomy showed greater morbidity rates (17.1% versus 1.7%, P = 0.011).

Conclusion

SLB is a relatively safe procedure in the diagnosis of UIP and can be performed in suitable patients with suspected UIP/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Animal models of invasive mycoses
Authors: Jensen Henrik Elvang
Published: March 2021

Animal models of invasive fungal infections have been developed and are applied in a huge number of different animal species for a number of research purposes, for example, the study of pathogenesis, defense mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. From the different models, which in most cases are based on the same fungal species and often the same strain, as in spontaneous human infections, fundamental results and knowledge of the diagnosis, progression, prophylaxis, and therapy have been achieved. However, in all models, one should be critical with respect to mimicking the disease entity of humans, which is often the focus of the research. In many of the models for instance, the time course is different to the one of humans, and in others, the propensity for localization and containment in specific organs does not parallel the situation in humans. Nevertheless, many animal models of invasive mycoses have proven valuable in a number of research areas. With regard to new generations of anti‐mycotic drugs, the models play an essential role in demonstrating antifungal activity, as well as in demonstrating the absence of toxic side effects, a critical step which cannot be accomplished by in vitro studies.
The Islamic Ceramic of the Santarém Alcaçova: Raw Materials, Technology, and Trade
Authors: Beltrame M. , Sitzia F. , Arruda A. M. , Barrulas P. , Barata F. T. , Mirão J.
Published: March 2021

This study focuses on the analysis of Islamic ceramics from the Alcaçova of Santarém, Portugal. To establish the ceramic raw material provenance and ceramic technology, a set of raw materials was sampled and compared with the archaeological ceramics. Raw materials were dry sieved to increase the clay content, to reconstruct the ceramist homogenization process, and to evaluate chemical and mineralogical variation. Results showed that two raw materials were selected for local ceramic production, whereas some artefacts were imported.
Retracted: Multilingualism, handwritten signature and identity: The case of multilingual Palestinian Arabs in Israel
Authors: Ganayim Deia
Published: March 2021

Ganayim D. ‘Multilingualism, handwritten signature and identity: The case of multilingual Palestinian Arabs in Israel.’ Digest of Middle East Studies. 2021;00:1–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/dome.12228.

This article from the Digest of Middle East Studies, published online on 01 March 2021 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement among the author, the journal's Editor‐in‐Chief, A. Kadir Yildirim, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. This action has been agreed due to an error by the publisher which caused the article to be published without peer review or acceptance by the Editor‐in‐Chief.
Biochemical and structural characterization of a novel 4‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnosyl‐β‐d‐glucuronidase from Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Kondo Tatsuya , Kichijo Miyu , Nakaya Makoto , Takenaka Shigeo , Arakawa Takatoshi , Kotake Toshihisa , Fushinobu Shinya , Sakamoto Tatsuji
Published: March 2021

In this study, we have isolated the novel enzyme 4‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnosyl‐β‐d‐glucuronidase (FoBGlcA), which releases α‐l‐rhamnosyl (1→4) glucuronic acid from gum arabic (GA), from Fusarium oxysporum 12S culture supernatant, and for the first time report an enzyme with such catalytic activity. The gene encoding FoBGlcA was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. When GA was subjected to the recombinant enzyme, > 95% of the l‐rhamnose (Rha) and d‐glucuronic acid in the substrate were released, which indicates that almost all Rha binds to the glucuronic acid at the end of the GA side chains. The crystal structure of FoBGlcA was determined using a single‐wavelength anomalous dispersion at 1.51 Å resolution. FoBGlcA consisted of an N‐terminal (β/α)8‐barrel domain and a C‐terminal antiparallel β‐sheet domain. This configuration is characteristic of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 79 proteins. A structural similarity search showed that FoBGlcA mostly resembled GH79 β‐d‐glucuronidase (AcGlcA79A) of Acidobacterium capsulatum; however, the root‐mean‐square deviation value was 3.2 Å, indicating that FoBGlcA has a high structural divergence. FoBGlcA had a low sequence identity with AcGlcA79A (19%) and differed from other GH79 β‐glucuronidases. The structures of FoBGlcA and AcGlcA79A also differed in terms of the loop structure location near subsite –2 of their catalytic sites, which may account for the unique substrate specificity of FoBGlcA. The amino acid residues involved in the catalytic activity of this enzyme were determined by evaluating the activity levels of various mutant enzymes based on the crystal structure analysis of the FoBGlcA reaction product complex.

Database

Atomic coordinates and structure factors (codes 7DFQ and 7DFS) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://wwpdb.org/).
Inflammation‐based modified Glasgow prognostic score and renal outcome in chronic kidney disease patients: is there a relationship?
Authors: Stefan Gabriel , Stancu Simona , Zugravu Adrian , Capusa Cristina
Published: March 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is presumably related to inflammatory response. The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), based on a combination of albumin and C‐reactive protein, has been derived from oncology and validated in multiple diseases.

Aims

To evaluate the relationship between the mGPS and CKD progression.

Methods

The present retrospective unicentric cohort study included 547 CKD patients (age 60.2 years; 53% male; estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) 42.0 mL/min; mean change −2 mL/min/year) admitted between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2012. Patients' records were reviewed from the CKD diagnosis to one of the four outcomes: end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD), death, loss to follow up or until 31 July 2017.

Results

The mGPS score was 0 for 420 (78%), 1 for 110 (19%) and 2 for 17 (3%) patients. More patients with rapid CKD progression were found in the group with the highest mGPS (P = 0.05). mGPS was negatively correlated with baseline eGFR and positively with albuminuria. In the multivariate analysis, mGPS was associated with the eGFR slope. During the study period, 130 (24%) patients died and 109 (20%) reached ESKD. The mean kidney survival time was 8.1 (95% confidence interval 7.9–8.4) years. Patients with zero mGPS had better kidney survival than those with the score of 1 and 2 (Kaplan–Meier, P = 0.02). However, the kidney survival differences were not present after adjusting for CKD progression risk factors.

Conclusion

The inflammation‐based mGPS score was associated with eGFR decline in CKD patients. Therefore, could prove useful in improving risk stratification of CKD patients.
Who chooses a pSTEM academic major? Using social psychology to predict selection and persistence over the freshman year
Authors: McPherson Erin , Park Bernadette
Published: March 2021

Many social psychological variables, in addition to knowledge‐based factors such as academic preparedness, have been investigated individually as sources of the persistent gender gap in pSTEM (physical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The present work tested all of these factors simultaneously and longitudinally, in a sample drawn from an incoming freshman class measured at three timepoints over the course of their first year. One thousand nine hundred and twenty‐nine students completed a survey with items assessing eleven social psychological constructs and were asked for permission to obtain institutional data regarding their academic preparedness and choice of academic major before matriculation, after the first semester, and at the end of freshman year. These social psychological and academic variables were used to predict pSTEM major status. Across multiple timepoints, and over and above academic preparedness, greater Math and Science Self‐Efficacy, rejection of the stereotype that scientist careers are unsociable in nature, having a pSTEM role model in high school, and lower endorsement of communal goals were consistently related to the selection of a pSTEM major. Students who endorsed entity theories of math and science abilities were also less likely to select a pSTEM over life and social sciences major. As a set, the factors accounted for roughly half of the gender difference in pSTEM major selection. Interventions aimed at reducing the gender gap in pSTEM major selection might do well to focus on these more psychological factors as well as academic ones.
Virulence variations of Flavobacterium columnare in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed eggs and alevin
Authors: Evenhuis Jason P. , Lipscomb Ryan , Birkett Clayton
Published: March 2021

Flavobacterium columnare (Fc) is the causative agent for columnaris disease (CD) in several fish species and an emerging problem for rainbow trout aquaculture. We characterize the virulence phenotype of two Fc isolates, CSF‐298–10 and MS‐FC‐4, against trout from two sources, NCCCWA and a production stock (PS), at the eyed egg and alevin life stages. Immersion challenges demonstrated that NCCCWA eyed eggs were susceptible to the Fc isolate MS‐FC‐4 (>97% mortality) but no mortality was observed against PS eyed eggs. The CSF‐298–10 had little effect on any eyed eggs tested and was not highly virulent to any alevin till day six post‐hatch, up to 38% for NCCCWA and ~80% PS alevin. The MS‐FC‐4 strain produced ≥80% mortality any day an immersion challenge occurred post‐hatch. Significant difference in CFU counts was recorded between the Fc strains on 2 days post‐hatch immersion challenges. Counts for the NCCCWA alevin were 4.4 × 103 CFU/ml‐1 and 1.8 × 106 CFU/ml‐1 for the CSF‐298–10 strain and MS‐FC‐4 strain, respectively, and for the PS alevin CSF‐298–10 measured 9.9 × 101 CFU/ml‐1 and 3.8 × 105 CFU/ml‐1 for MS‐FC‐4. These two Fc isolates present stark differences in virulence phenotypes to both eyed eggs and alevin and present an interesting model system for virulence kinetics and potentially alternative pathogenic pathways.
The effect of depth‐duration‐frequency model recalibration on rainfall return period estimates
Authors: Vesuviano Gianni , Stewart Elizabeth , Spencer Peter , Miller James D.
Published: March 2021

In November 2009 and December 2015, two record‐breaking 24‐hr rainfalls occurred in Cumbria, UK, significantly changing the perception of flood risk for local communities. FEH13, the current UK rainfall depth‐duration‐frequency (DDF) model, estimated return periods of around 1,000 years for both events. The previous model, FEH99, received criticism from panel engineers responsible for making technical safety decisions relating to reservoirs for appearing to estimate relatively short return periods for extreme events. Although FEH13 is more consistent with current probable maximum precipitation (PMP) estimates, there is high uncertainty in both models due to the limited number of extremes captured by UK rain gauges. Furthermore, neither model included the 2009 or 2015 event in its calibration. Here, we re‐calibrate FEH13 using additional gauged rainfall data collected in Cumbria during 2006–2016, including the record‐breaking 2009 and 2015 storms. Using the updated calibration data set reduces the estimated return periods of the 2009 and 2015 events to approximately 140 years each. This case study illustrates the considerable uncertainty in short‐sample records, demonstrates the importance of maximising the quantity of relevant calibration data, shows that perception of risk depends upon the method and data used, and illustrates the difficulty of separating trends and natural variability.
Profile of informal rural Appalachian caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses
Authors: Smith Jennifer L. , Chung Misook L. , Miller Jennifer L. , Biddle Martha , Schuman Donna L. , Rayens Mary Kay , Lennie Terry A. , Smalls Brittany , Hammash Muna , Mudd‐Martin Gia , Moser Debra K.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Caring for a family member with chronic illness increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by 82%, and rurality imparts additional CVD disparities. The purpose of this study was to describe a profile of rural caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses to determine the prevalence of CVD risk factors, and psychosocial and socioeconomic burden, as well as to compare these variables across gender.

Methods

Baseline data from a trial of CVD risk reduction in rural caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses were used. We measured depression and anxiety with the PHQ‐9 and Brief Symptom Inventory; social, economic, and environmental factors using the MOS‐Social Support and Economic and Environmental surveys; body mass index (BMI); blood pressure (BP); and lipid profile.

Results

Of 181 caregivers (age 53±14 years, 80% female), 69% were married; 88% were caring for a family member, including 46% caring for a spouse and 18% for a parent. A total of 51% were anxious, 25% depressed, and 25% reported lack of social support. Most (51%) caregivers had one or more types of CVD; and 49% were smokers. By examination, 76% had elevated BP; 35% had total cholesterol >200; 50% low‐density lipoprotein >100; 56% triglycerides >150; and 79% high‐density lipoprotein <60. Based on BMI, 91.5% were overweight or obese. Gender comparisons revealed that women reported higher levels of depressive symptoms than men.

Conclusions

Rural caregivers, regardless of gender, are at increased risk of CVD and struggle with factors that make caregiving burdensome and contribute to their own poor cardiac health.
Accuracy of history, physical examination, cardiac biomarkers, and biochemical variables in identifying dogs with stage B2 degenerative mitral valve disease
Authors: Wilshaw Jenny , Rosenthal Steven L. , Wess Gerhard , Dickson Dave , Bevilacqua Luca , Dutton Emily , Deinert Michael , Abrantes Ricardo , Schneider Ingo , Oyama Mark A. , Gordon Sonya G. , Elliott Jonathan , Xia Dong , Boswood Adrian
Published: March 2021

Background

Treatment is indicated in dogs with preclinical degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) and cardiomegaly (stage B2). This is best diagnosed using echocardiography; however, relying upon this limits access to accurate diagnosis.

Objectives

To evaluate whether cardiac biomarker concentrations can be used alongside other clinical data to identify stage B2 dogs.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (n = 1887) with preclinical DMVD prospectively sampled in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Methods

Dogs that met inclusion criteria and were not receiving pimobendan (n = 1245) were used for model development. Explanatory (multivariable logistic regression) and predictive models were developed using clinical observations, biochemistry, and cardiac biomarker concentrations, with echocardiographically confirmed stage B2 disease as the outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curves assessed the ability to identify stage B2 dogs.

Results

Age, appetite, serum alanine aminotransferase activity, body condition, serum creatinine concentration, murmur intensity, and plasma N‐terminal propeptide of B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentration were independently associated with the likelihood of being stage B2. The discriminatory ability of this explanatory model (area under curve [AUC], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82‐0.87) was superior to NT‐proBNP (AUC, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.80) or the vertebral heart score alone (AUC, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69‐0.83). A predictive logistic regression model could identify the probability of being stage B2 (AUC test set, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81‐0.91).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our findings indicate accessible measurements could be used to screen dogs with preclinical DMVD. Encouraging at‐risk dogs to seek further evaluation could result in a greater proportion of cases being appropriately managed.
Diel patterns in singing activity of humpback whales in a winter breeding area in Okinawan (Ryukyuan) waters
Authors: Kobayashi Nozomi , Okabe Haruna , Higashi Naoto , Miyahara Hirokazu , Uchida Senzo
Published: March 2021

Male humpback whales produce complex sounds known as songs during their breeding season. Previous studies have shown diel patterns of song in their breeding areas, but there had been no similar studies in the breeding area around Okinawa, Japan. To study diel patterns of song and the behavior of humpback whales in Okinawa, we conducted 24 hr recording with a fixed hydrophone in 2007, and vessel‐based sighting surveys during 2014–2017. Song was monitored for 15 days, with peaks at sunrise and around 2200. Singing activity declined significantly between sunrise and sunset, then increased until 2200. Activity levels at night were higher and more stable than during the day. During 278 days of sighting surveys, 2,551 whales in 1,382 groups were observed. 79 individuals were confirmed as singers, all of which were lone whales. In six cases, singing individuals stopped singing before joining a group or began singing after leaving a group. Previous studies have shown that group size of humpback whales increases through the day. Considering the results from our study and the former studies, the decrease in singing activity as the day progresses may be a result of aggregation increasing, thus reducing the number of lone singers during the day.
When Will Christ Come Again?
Authors: Eagleton Terry
Published: March 2021

This essay considers possible answers to the question, 'When will Christ come again?', and argues that the Second Coming is most intelligible not as an arbitrary arrest of history but as an act of mercy in circumstances which cry out for it.
Dyadic measurement invariance and its importance for replicability in romantic relationship science
Authors: Sakaluk John K. , Fisher Alexandra N. , Kilshaw Robyn E.
Published: March 2021

Comparisons of group means, variances, correlations, and/or regression slopes involving psychological variables rely on an assumption of measurement invariance—that the latent variables under investigation have equivalent meaning and measurement across group. When measures are noninvariant, replicability suffers, as comparisons are either conceptually meaningless, or hindered by inflated Type I error rates. We propose that the failure to account for interdependence among dyad members when testing measurement invariance may be a potential source of unreplicable findings in relationship research. We developed fully dyadic versions of invariance models, created an R package (dySEM) to make specifying dyadic invariance models easier and reporting more reproducible, and executed a Registered Report for gauging the extent of dyadic (non)invariance in romantic relationship research across measures of relationship well‐being, personality, and sexuality in a sample of 282 heterosexual couples. We found that although a number of popular measures display good evidence of dyadic invariance, a few display concerning levels and interesting patterns of noninvariance, while others appeared either noninvariant or poorly fitting for both men and women. We discuss our findings in terms of their meaning for the replicability dyadic close relationship research. We close by arguing that increased theorizing and research on dyadic invariance, and inclusive methods for analyzing invariance with indistinguishable dyads, are needed to capitalize on the opportunity to advance our field's understanding of dyadic constructions of relational concepts.
The cardiac, vasomotor, and myocardial branches of the baroreflex in fibromyalgia: Associations with pain, affective impairments, sleep problems, and fatigue
Authors: Reyes del Paso Gustavo A. , Contreras‐Merino Ana M. , de la Coba Pablo , Duschek Stefan
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the cardiac, vasomotor, and myocardial branches of the baroreflex in fibromyalgia using the spontaneous sequence method. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), interbeat interval (IBI), stroke volume (SV), pre‐ejection period (PEP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were continuously recorded in 40 fibromyalgia patients and 30 healthy individuals during a cold pressor test and a mental arithmetic task. Sequences of covariation between SBP and IBI (cardiac branch), SV and PEP (myocardial branch), and TPR (vasomotor branch) were identified. Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was represented by the slope of the regression line between values in the sequences; baroreflex effectiveness (BEI) was indexed by the proportion of progressive SBP changes that elicited reflex responses. Patients exhibited lower BRS in the three branches, lower BEI in the cardiac and vasomotor branches, and reduced reactivity in cardiac BRS and BEI, SBP, IBI, SV, and PEP. Moreover, BRS and BEI were inversely related to clinical pain, cold pressor pain, depression, trait anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue. Reduced function of the three baroreflex branches implies diminished resources for autonomic inotropic, chronotropic, and vascular regulation in fibromyalgia. Blunted stress reactivity indicates a limited capacity for autonomic cardiovascular adjustment to situational requirements. The associations of BRS and BEI with pain perception may reflect the antinociceptive effects arising from baroreceptor afferents, where reduced baroreflex function may contribute to the hyperalgesia characterizing fibromyalgia. The associations with affective impairments, sleep problems, and fatigue suggest that baroreflex dysfunctions are also involved in the secondary symptoms of the disorder.
China's nonlife insurance market: New insights from the China Insurance Yearbook
Authors: Bujakowski Douglas
Published: March 2021

China's nonlife insurance market is among the largest in the world and is ripe for policy‐relevant research. The China Insurance Yearbook is well‐positioned to support this study. The current essay provides an overview of the China Insurance Yearbook and includes graphical summaries of yearbook data. We discuss implications for the study of nonlife insurance in China and highlight new insights that might be gained from an analysis of yearbook data.
Seeds as Technology: The Russian Agricultural Bureau in New York and Soviet Agricultural Modernization, 1921–26
Authors: FEDOROVA MARIA
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the significance of seeds in the modernization of Soviet agriculture and illuminates the international dimension of Soviet efforts to establish a planned seed economy in the 1920s. Beyond the reorganization of the village and mechanization of farming, Soviet agricultural experts sought to rationalize agricultural production through the introduction of “improved” seeds. By focusing on the history of the Russian Agricultural Bureau in New York, an international institution that facilitated U.S.‐Soviet seed exchange, this article underscores the engagement of Soviet plant breeders in the international movement of seed modernization in the 1920s. Moreover, it suggests a multidirectional exchange of agricultural knowledge and technologies between the United States and Soviet Russia. Finally, the article discusses different perceptions of seeds as technology and an agricultural commodity.
Revolution, Raskol, and Rock ‘n’ Roll: The 1,020th Anniversary of the Day of the Baptism of Rus
Authors: GRIFFIN SEAN
Published: March 2021

Every year on July 28, citizens in contemporary Russia turn on the television news and hear extensive reports about a new federal holiday known as “The Day of the Baptism of Rus.” Viewers watch as Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow stand side‐by‐side and repeat an ancient story about the Conversion in 988 and the sacred bonds which even today unite the nations of “Holy Rus”: Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. But what, exactly, is the political and ecclesiastical backstory behind the staging of these yearly media spectacles? Why and when had the Day of the Baptism of Rus begun to play such a visible role in post‐Soviet politics? In this study, Griffin reconstructs the development of this propaganda campaign in the years between 1991 and 2008. Special attention is given, above all, to the events that unfolded in Ukraine following the Orange Revolution, when the leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church began to fear that they were in danger of losing their traditional status as the only canonical Orthodox church in Ukraine. Ultimately, Griffin argues that the contemporary commemorations of the Day of the Baptism of Rus have less to do with the Vladimir who ruled in the late tenth century than they do with the Vladimir who currently rules in the twenty‐first.
A Woman's Lot: Realism and Gendered Narration in Russian Women's Writing of the 1860s
Authors: VAYSMAN MARGARITA
Published: March 2021

This article examines the issue of realist literary narration portrayed as male privilege in Russian women's writing of the 1860s, specifically in Avdot'ia Panaeva's novel A Woman's Lot (Zhenskaia dolia). A Women's Lot was published in 1862, under Panaeva's male pen name Nikolai Stanitskii, and, taking advantage of this indeterminacy of gender, Panaeva's narrator alternated between its male and a female narrative personas. I argue that Panaeva used this self‐consciously transgressive narrative voice to challenge the gendered aesthetic conventions of contemporary relist writing. Employing the theory of “narrative transvestism,” this article demonstrates how Panaeva's narrator borrowed the male voice of authority, at the same time exposing its limitations. In A Woman's Lot, Panaeva discussed the subject of realist narration in a wider framework of male privilege in society and the arts, negotiating her text's problematic status as a realist narrative created by a woman writer.
Model-Based Design of an Electric Bus Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Authors: Gilaki Mehdi , Walsh Robert , Sahraei Elham
Published: March 2021

This study details a framework for an iterative process which is utilized to optimize lithium-ion battery (LIB) pack design. This is accomplished through the homogenization of the lithium-ion cells and modules, the finite element simulation of these homogenized parts, and submodeling. This process enables the user to identify key structures and materials to be modified to optimize performance while keeping simulation time per iteration to a minimum. These iterations can be used to accurately estimate the force and strain values at various points including the lithium-ion cells and can be used to determine failure locations. The study demonstrates this through the examination of an electric bus lithium-ion battery pack as it is processed through the aforementioned steps and iterations to arrive at a conclusion that enabled the author to select appropriate fasteners and optimize for lithium-ion battery integrity in the event of a side impact with a pole on the bus chassis and battery assembly. The steps outlined in the study could be expanded to include an array of different loading scenarios and to include additional levels of homogenization/submodeling such as jellyroll components.
Prosodic focus marking in clefts and syntactically unmarked equivalents: Prosody–syntax trade-off or additive effects?
Authors: Arnhold Anja
Published: March 2021

Two experiments quantitatively investigated the interaction of prosody and syntax in marking focus in English. A production study with 28 participants (analyzing 919 utterances) found that the acoustic marking of subject focus vs broad focus, induced through a preceding context question, was generally the same in clefts as in sentences with unmarked syntax. Thus, results suggested that prosody is independent from syntax rather than showing a trade-off (weaker prosodic marking for clefts). Focus was marked with f0 range, f0 maxima, f0 minima, duration, and intensity. Maxima of focused subjects were not significantly higher, but they were earlier than in broad focus. In a perception experiment, 230 participants rated the suitability of 24 auditorily presented stimuli as answers to preceding context questions inducing subject focus or broad focus. Clefts and sentences prosodically marking the subject as focused were rated higher in subject focus than in broad focus contexts. Syntax and prosody did not interact, again suggesting the absence of a trade-off. Thus, both studies suggest an additive use of syntax and prosody: Prosodic focus marking was equally extensive and effective in the presence of syntactic focus marking as without.
Thresholds Power Profiles and Performance in Youth Road Cycling
Authors: Gallo Gabriele , Filipas Luca , Tornaghi Michele , Garbin Mattia , Codella Roberto , Lovecchio Nicola , Zaccaria Daniele
Published: March 2021

Purpose:To analyze the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of competitive 15- to 16-year-old young male road cyclists and scale them according to a dichotomous category of successful/unsuccessful riders.Methods:A total of 103 15- to 16-year-old male road cyclists competing in the Italian national under 17 category performed a laboratory incremental exercise test during the in-season period. Age, height, body mass, body mass index, peak height velocity, and absolute and relative power output at 2 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L of blood lactate concentration were compared between 2 subgroups, including those scoring at least 1 point (successful, n = 70) and those that did not score points (unsuccessful, n = 61) in the general season ranking.Results:Successful and unsuccessful riders did not differ anthropometrically. Successful riders recorded significantly higher absolute and relative power output at 2 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L of blood lactate concentration compared with unsuccessful riders. Successful riders were also significantly older and had advanced biological maturation compared with their unsuccessful counterparts.Conclusion:Power associated with blood lactate profiles, together with chronological age and peak height velocity, plays an important role in determining race results in under 17 road cycling. Physiological tests could be helpful for coaches to measure these performance predictors.
Identification and Predictions Regarding the Biosynthesis Pathway of Polyene Macrolides Produced by Streptomyces roseoflavus Men-myco-93-63
Authors: Han Xing , Wang Jiao , Liu Lianna , Shen Fengying , Meng Qingfang , Li Xing , Li Yaning , Liu Daqun
Published: March 2021

Streptomyces roseoflavus
Men-myco-93-63 is a biocontrol strain that has been studied in our laboratory for many years and exhibits a good inhibitory effect in many crop diseases. Therefore, the identification of antimicrobial metabolites is necessary and our main objective.
Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 2A Downregulates GCNT3 via the TGF-β1/Smad-mTORC1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zhang Yan , Yu Caixia , Li Jun , Liu Wen , Luo Bing
Published: March 2021

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an opportunistic pathogen, and the latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) encoded by EBV plays a key role in ensuring the incubation period of EBV. Glycosylation modification is an important marker of cancer cells, and recent studies have reported that it is related to EBV.
Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Viruses Confer Full Protection against Lethal Infection
Authors: Gutiérrez-Álvarez Javier , Honrubia José M. , Fernández-Delgado Raúl , Wang Li , Castaño-Rodríguez Carlos , Zúñiga Sonia , Sola Isabel , Enjuanes Luis
Published: March 2021

The emergence of the new highly pathogenic human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that has already infected more than 80 million persons, killing nearly two million of them, clearly indicates the need to design efficient and safe vaccines protecting from these coronaviruses. Modern vaccines can be derived from virus-host interaction research directed to the identification of signaling pathways essential for virus replication and for virus-induced pathogenesis, in order to learn how to attenuate these viruses and design vaccines.
Calf Diarrhea Caused by Prolonged Expansion of Autochthonous Gut
Enterobacteriaceae
and Their Lytic Bacteriophages
Authors: Whon Tae Woong , Kim Hyun Sik , Shin Na-Ri , Sung Hojun , Kim Min-Soo , Kim Joon Yong , Kang Woorim , Kim Pil Soo , Hyun Dong-Wook , Seong Hoon Je , Sul Woo Jun , Roh Seong Woon , Bae Jin-Woo
Published: March 2021

Calf diarrhea is the leading cause of death of neonatal calves worldwide. Several infectious and noninfectious factors are implicated in calf diarrhea, but disease control remains problematic because of the multifactorial etiology of the disease.
Regional fault-controlled shallow dolomitization of the Middle Cambrian Cathedral Formation by hydrothermal fluids fluxed through a basal clastic aquifer
Authors: Stacey Jack , Corlett Hilary , Holland Greg , Koeshidayatullah Ardiansyah , Cao Chunhui , Swart Peter , Crowley Stephen , Hollis Cathy
Published: March 2021

This study evaluates examples of hydrothermal dolomitization in the Middle Cambrian Cathedral Formation of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Kilometer-scale dolomite bodies within the Cathedral Formation carbonate platform are composed of replacement dolomite (RD), with saddle dolomite-cemented (SDC) breccias occurring along faults. These are overlain by the Stephen Formation (Burgess Shale equivalent) shale. RD is crosscut by low-amplitude stylolites cemented by SDC, indicating that dolomitization occurred at very shallow depths (<1 km) during the Middle Cambrian. Clumped isotope data from RD and SDC indicate that dolomitizing fluid temperatures were >230 °C, which demonstrates that dolomitization occurred from hydrothermal fluids. Assuming a geothermal gradient of 40 °C/km, due to rift-related basin extension, fluids likely convected along faults that extended to ∼6 km depth. The negative cerium anomalies of RD indicate that seawater was involved in the earliest phases of replacement dolomitization. 84Kr/36Ar and 132Xe/36Ar data are consistent with serpentinite-derived fluids, which became more dominant during later phases of replacement dolomitization/SDC precipitation. The elevated 87Sr/86Sr of dolomite phases, and its co-occurrence with authigenic quartz and albite, likely reflects fluid interaction with K-feldspar in the underlying Gog Group before ascending faults to regionally dolomitize the Cathedral Formation. In summary, these results demonstrate the important role of a basal clastic aquifer in regional-scale fluid circulation during hydrothermal dolomitization. Furthermore, the presence of the Stephen Formation shale above the platform facilitated the build-up of fluid pressure during the final phase of dolomitization, leading to the formation of saddle dolomite-cemented breccias at much shallower depths than previously realized.
Congenital contractural arachnodactyly suspected by abnormally long extremities by fetal ultrasound
Authors: Miyake Ryuta , Ichikawa Mayuko , Naruse Katsuhiko
Published: March 2021

Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA) is a rare disease with the clinical features of limited extension of multiple joints, arachnodactyly, camptodactyly, thin and long extremities, and so on. In the point of long extremities, CCA resembles Marfan syndrome (MFS). CCA is easily differentiated from MFS after birth due to the flexion of multiple joints, including elbows, knees, hips and fingers. During the fetal period, observation of arachnodactyly and folded fingers by fetal ultrasound is the means of differential diagnosis between these two diseases. We report on a case of CCA diagnosed with prenatal symptoms of long extremities, and introduced physiotherapy in early childhood for a better physical prognosis.
IgG4-related disease of the thyroid gland
Authors: Matos Tânia , Almeida Margarida Mendes de , Batista Lucas , do Vale Sónia
Published: March 2021

IgG4-thyroid-related disease (TRD) represents an uncommon spectrum of diseases, with four subcategories established so far, IgG4-related Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, fibrosing variant of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Riedel’s thyroiditis and Graves disease with elevated IgG4 levels. We report the case of a 59-year-old woman presenting with painless cervical swelling and hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland was enlarged and distinctively very hard, with reduced mobility. Neck ultrasonography showed multiple nodularity and diffuse thyroid enlargement, which on CT scan conditioned slight deviation of the airway. Fine-needle aspiration of the biggest nodule was suggestive of lymphocytic thyroiditis. She developed compressive symptoms and was submitted to total thyroidectomy. Histology of the thyroid revealed extensive areas of fibrosis, oncocytic cells and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the predominance of IgG4-secreting plasma cells. IgG4-TRD is characterised by a rapidly progressive and destructive thyroiditis process. Typical presentation can often mimic malignancy; hence, an opportune recognition of IgG4-TRD may avoid unnecessary burdens.
Methaemoglobinaemia from Vagisil creme in a 50-year-old woman
Authors: Cheyney Sarah , Field Zachary , Kropf Jacqueline , Carlan Steve
Published: March 2021

Methaemoglobinaemia is a life-threatening condition that results from increased methaemoglobin production. As methaemoglobin is unable to reversibly bind to oxygen potentially lethal hypoxia and functional anaemia can occur. Benzocaine can be used as a topical anaesthetic and can be found in many nonprescription preparations marketed for self-application. It is known to cause methaemoglobinaemia in rare cases but most reports describe the complication occurring during endoscopy procedures. Methaemoglobinaemia occurring after topical benzocaine use on the perineum of a perimenopausal woman is exceedingly rare. A 50-year-old woman with methaemoglobinaemia secondary to the perineal application of over-the counter Vagisil (benzocaine 20% and resorcinol 3%- an antiseptic and disinfectant, respectively) presented to the emergency department. She had been using Vagisil for severe, chronic vaginal itching. While methaemoglobinaemia secondary to excessive use of over-the-counter medications such as Vagisil creme is exceedingly rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Uncommon but imperative cause of repeated acute stent thrombosis: Kounis syndrome type III
Authors: Miura Shiro , Yamashita Takehiro , Murata Masaki , Kounis Nicholas G
Published: March 2021

A 69-year-old woman with a history of allergic reactions to unknown metals who presented 1 year prior with acute coronary syndrome complicated by acute stent thrombosis (ST) was admitted due to new-onset chest pain during mild exercise. She electively underwent coronary angiography, revealing a newly developed stenosis in the fourth branch of the posterior descending artery, treated with an everolimus-eluting stent. One hour later, she reported of sudden chest tightness and nausea; ECG revealed significant ST-segment elevation in the II, III and aVF leads. We suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction resulting from an allergic reaction (ie, Kounis syndrome type III) and managed it properly by eliminating other potential causes. The tentative diagnosis was confirmed by pathological examination of aspirated materials. Kounis syndrome type III may be a frequently undiagnosed clinical entity, emphasising the importance of pathological examination of aspirated materials when implanting coronary stents and history-taking of allergies to stent metals.
Exploring power shifts as an enabler for a strengthened patient role in quality improvements: a Swedish survey study
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Elg Mattias , Eriksson Erik , Halldórsson Árni , Smith Frida , Gustavsson Susanne
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study examined the relationship between professionals’ perceptions of a strengthened role for the patient and of patient involvement in quality improvement (QI) and whether professionals’ experiences in improvement science were a moderator on such a relationship.

Design

From a predominantly close-ended, 44-item questionnaire, 4 questions specifically concerning professionals′ perception on patient involvement in QI were analysed.

Setting

Three Swedish regions.

Participants

155 healthcare professionals who had previously participated in courses in improvement science.

Results

The covariate patient involvement was significantly related to a perceived strengthened patient role. There was also a significant interaction effect between degree of patient involvement and professionals’ experience in the area of improvement science on a strengthened patient role. The result shows that there is a relationship between the perceived level of patient involvement in improvements and professionals’ perceptions of a strengthened patient role. In this study, the covariate, perceived patient involvement, was significantly related to experiences of more equal relationships between patients and healthcare professionals. There was also a significant interaction effect between the degree of patient involvement and professionals’ experience in the area of improvement science, for a more equal relationship between patients and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Increased patient involvement in QI is a means of strengthening the patient role and supporting a more equal relation between patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, empirical evidence shows that the healthcare professionals’ experiences in the area of improvement science support a strengthened patient role and a more equal power relationship, but for this to happen, the mindset of professionals is key. Future research is needed to capture and investigate the experiences from patients and relatives about being involved in QI in healthcare, and to study the effects on quality in care processes.