bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of metamorphosis in neopteran insects is conserved in the paleopteran
Cloeon dipterum
(Ephemeroptera)
Authors: Kamsoi Orathai , Ventos-Alfonso Alba , Casares Fernando , Almudi Isabel , Belles Xavier
Published: August 2021

Significance

Mayflies are the only extant insects that molt after having formed wings, in a stage called subimago. Numerous authors have wondered whether this stage is a nymph, an adult, or a kind of intermediate. Another question is why mayflies have a subimago stage, when molting a wing is risky. Working with
Cloeon dipterum
, we found that metamorphosis is regulated as in neopteran insects and that it is determined prior to the formation of the subimago. Thus, it should be considered an instar of the adult stage. We also found that the forelegs grow dramatically between the last nymphal instar, the subimago, and the adult. That necessary growth may help to explain the functional sense of the subimago.
Structure of Usutu virus SAAR-1776 displays fusion loop asymmetry
Authors: Khare Baldeep , Klose Thomas , Fang Qianglin , Rossmann Michael G. , Kuhn Richard J.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Usutu virus (USUV) was first identified in Africa in 1959; however, multiple, independent introductions via migratory birds and vector proliferation facilitated by climate change expanded the ecological niche of USUV across Europe. In humans, some African USUV lineages typically cause mild disease; however, the European strains, marked by their generally asymptomatic existence, possess the ability to cause meningoencephalitis and other neurological complications in some individuals. Treatment options for such infections are lacking. Our work provides the structural understanding into USUV biology and provides insight into pathogenesis for the development of therapies. The high-resolution structures highlight unique USUV characteristics as well as provide distinct details for the field of flavivirus biology, each with functional implications in the viral life cycle.
Ofrevistasandmagacínes
Authors: Johns Michael A. , Dussias Paola E.
Published: August 2021

The transfer of words from one language to another is ubiquitous in many of the world’s languages. While loanwords have a rich literature in the fields of historical linguistics, language contact, and sociolinguistics, little work has been done examining how loanwords are processed by bilinguals with knowledge of both the source and recipient languages. The present study uses pupillometry to compare the online processing of established loanwords in Puerto Rican Spanish to native Spanish words by highly proficient Puerto Rican Spanish-English bilinguals. Established loanwords elicited a significantly larger pupillary response than native Spanish words, with the pupillary response modulated by both the frequency of the loanword itself and of the native Spanish counterpart. These findings suggest that established loanwords are processed differently than native Spanish words and compete with their native equivalents, potentially due to both intra- and inter-lingual effects of saliency.
MERTK on mononuclear phagocytes regulates T cell antigen recognition at autoimmune and tumor sites
Authors: Lindsay Robin S. , Whitesell Jennifer C. , Dew Kristen E. , Rodriguez Erika , Sandor Adam M. , Tracy Dayna , Yannacone Seth F. , Basta Brittany N. , Jacobelli Jordan , Friedman Rachel S.
Published: August 2021

Understanding mechanisms of immune regulation is key to developing immunotherapies for autoimmunity and cancer. We examined the role of mononuclear phagocytes during peripheral T cell regulation in type 1 diabetes and melanoma. MERTK expression and activity in mononuclear phagocytes in the pancreatic islets promoted islet T cell regulation, resulting in reduced sensitivity of T cell scanning for cognate antigen in prediabetic islets. MERTK-dependent regulation led to reduced T cell activation and effector function at the disease site in islets and prevented rapid progression of type 1 diabetes. In human islets, MERTK-expressing cells were increased in remaining insulin-containing islets of type 1 diabetic patients, suggesting that MERTK protects islets from autoimmune destruction. MERTK also regulated T cell arrest in melanoma tumors. These data indicate that MERTK signaling in mononuclear phagocytes drives T cell regulation at inflammatory disease sites in peripheral tissues through a mechanism that reduces the sensitivity of scanning for antigen leading to reduced responsiveness to antigen.
Single-cell imaging of T cell immunotherapy responses in vivo
Authors: Yan Chuan , Yang Qiqi , Zhang Songfa , Millar David G. , Alpert Eric J. , Do Daniel , Veloso Alexandra , Brunson Dalton C. , Drapkin Benjamin J. , Stanzione Marcello , Scarfò Irene , Moore John C. , Iyer Sowmya , Qin Qian , Wei Yun , McCarthy Karin M. , Rawls John F. , Dyson Nick J. , Cobbold Mark , Maus Marcela V. , Langenau David M.
Published: August 2021

T cell immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment for a subset of cancers. Yet, a major hurdle has been the lack of facile and predicative preclinical animal models that permit dynamic visualization of T cell immune responses at single-cell resolution in vivo. Here, optically clear immunocompromised zebrafish were engrafted with fluorescent-labeled human cancers along with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells, bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), and antibody peptide epitope conjugates (APECs), allowing real-time single-cell visualization of T cell–based immunotherapies in vivo. This work uncovered important differences in the kinetics of T cell infiltration, tumor cell engagement, and killing between these immunotherapies and established early endpoint analysis to predict therapy responses. We also established EGFR-targeted immunotherapies as a powerful approach to kill rhabdomyosarcoma muscle cancers, providing strong preclinical rationale for assessing a wider array of T cell immunotherapies in this disease.
Effective estimates of Lyapunov exponents for random products of positive matrices
Authors: Pollicott M
Published: August 2021

In this note we describe estimates on the error when calculating the Lyaponov exponent for random products of positive matrices using dynamical determinants. This extends the results in (Jurga N and Morris I 2019 Nonlinearity
32 4117–46; Pollicott M 2010 Invent. Math.
181 209–26) by drawing upon a new approach introduced in (Jenkinson O and Pollicott M 2018 Adv. Math.
325 87–115; Jenkinson O, Pollicott M and Vytnova P 2018 J. Stat. Phys.
170 221–53).
Large deviations at various levels for run-and-tumble processes with space-dependent velocities and space-dependent switching rates
Authors: Monthus Cécile
Published: August 2021

One-dimensional run-and-tumble processes may converge towards some localized non-equilibrium steady states when the two velocities and/or the two switching rates are space-dependent. A long dynamical trajectory can be then analyzed via the large deviations at level 2.5 for the joint probability of the empirical densities, of the empirical spatial currents and of the empirical switching flows. Level 2 for the empirical densities alone can be then derived via the optimization of level 2.5 over the empirical flows. More generally, the large deviations of any time-additive observable can be also obtained via contraction from level 2.5, or equivalently via the deformed generator method and the corresponding Doob conditioned process. Finally, the large deviations for the empirical intervals between consecutive switching events can be obtained via the introduction of the alternate Markov chain that governs the series of all of the switching events of a long trajectory.
Design and construction of Xenoscope — a full-scale vertical demonstrator for the DARWIN observatory
Authors: Baudis L. , Biondi Y. , Galloway M. , Girard F. , Manfredini A. , McFadden N. , Peres R. , Sanchez-Lucas P. , Thieme K.
Published: August 2021

The DARWIN observatory is a proposed next-generation experiment to search for particle dark matter and other rare interactions. It will operate a 50 t liquid xenon detector, with 40 t in the time projection chamber (TPC). To inform the final detector design and technical choices, a series of technological questions must first be addressed. Here we describe a full-scale demonstrator in the vertical dimension, Xenoscope, with the main goal of achieving electron drift over a 2.6 m distance, which is the scale of the DARWIN TPC. We have designed and constructed the facility infrastructure, including the cryostat, cryogenic and purification systems, the xenon storage and recuperation system, as well as the slow control system. We have also designed a xenon purity monitor and the TPC, with the fabrication of the former nearly complete. In a first commissioning run of the facility without an inner detector, we demonstrated the nominal operational reach of Xenoscope and benchmarked the components of the cryogenic and slow control systems, demonstrating reliable and continuous operation of all subsystems over 40 days. The infrastructure is thus ready for the integration of the purity monitor, followed by the TPC. Further applications of the facility include R&D on the high voltage feedthrough for DARWIN, measurements of electron cloud diffusion, as well as measurements of optical properties of liquid xenon. In the future, Xenoscope will be available as a test platform for the DARWIN collaboration to characterise new detector technologies.
Future climate change significantly alters interannual wheat yield variability over half of harvested areas
Authors: Liu Weihang , Ye Tao , Jägermeyr Jonas , Müller Christoph , Chen Shuo , Liu Xiaoyan , Shi Peijun
Published: August 2021

Climate change affects the spatial and temporal distribution of crop yields, which can critically impair food security across scales. A number of previous studies have assessed the impact of climate change on mean crop yield and future food availability, but much less is known about potential future changes in interannual yield variability. Here, we evaluate future changes in relative interannual global wheat yield variability (the coefficient of variation (CV)) at 0.25° spatial resolution for two representative concentration pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). A multi-model ensemble of crop model emulators based on global process-based models is used to evaluate responses to changes in temperature, precipitation, and CO2. The results indicate that over 60% of harvested areas could experience significant changes in interannual yield variability under a high-emission scenario by the end of the 21st century (2066–2095). About 31% and 44% of harvested areas are projected to undergo significant reductions of relative yield variability under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. In turn, wheat yield is projected to become more unstable across 23% (RCP4.5) and 18% (RCP8.5) of global harvested areas—mostly in hot or low fertilizer input regions, including some of the major breadbasket countries. The major driver of increasing yield CV change is the increase in yield standard deviation, whereas declining yield CV is mostly caused by stronger increases in mean yield than in the standard deviation. Changes in temperature are the dominant cause of change in wheat yield CVs, having a greater influence than changes in precipitation in 53% and 72% of global harvested areas by the end of the century under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. This research highlights the potential challenges posed by increased yield variability and the need for tailored regional adaptation strategies.
Vortex surface plasmon polaritons on a cylindrical waveguide: generation, propagation, and diffraction
Authors: Gerasimov V V , Kameshkov O E , Knyazev B A , Osintseva N D , Pavelyev V S
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrated excitation of terahertz vortex surface plasmon polaritons by end-fire coupling of radially-polarized annular beams with orbital angular momentum (the wavelength was 141 µm, and the topological charges were ±3 and ±9) to a 70 mm long, simply connected axis-symmetric transmission line and their propagation to the end of the line and diffraction into a free wave possessing the same topological charge as the input beam. The diameter of the line exceeded greatly the radiation wavelength, and, in contrast to experiments with nanowires, no azimuthal electromagnetic modes existed. We observed that 18 plasmons, locally excited on the input face perimeter by a wave with topological charge of ±9, traveled rotating over the tapering cylindrical line and transformed into 18 lobes of the decoupled free wave. The evidence of the possibility of the transformation of a vortex beam into vortex plasmons and back into vortex beam with the conservation of the topological charge opens a way for the development of plasmonic communication lines with coding and decoding of information at the free-wave stage. Application of this technique to complex beams consisting of a combination of different vortex modes can be a technological base for the development of multiplex plasmonic communication lines in the terahertz range. Since wave characteristics are easier to record than plasmon characteristics, sorting of free waves by the topological charges can be used for demultiplexing combined plasmons in multiplex systems.
Single and dual-gate organic field-effect transistors based on diketopyrrolopyrrole-diethienothiophene polymers: performance modulation via dielectric interfaces
Authors: Patil Basanagouda B , Takeda Yasunori , Singh Subhash , Singh Amandeep , Do Thu Trang , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Singh Samarendra P , Tokito Shizuo , Pandey Ajay K , Sonar Prashant
Published: August 2021

Low-power, flexible, and properly encapsulated integrated circuits are the basic requirements of the solution-processed printed and wearable electronic prototypes for various emerging applications including display circuits, sensors, and radio-frequency identification tags. The organic field-effect transistor is one of the important types of devices used in such prototypes and its industrial applicability is essential for the printed electronics technology. The performance deterioration upon encapsulated through the thick layer of air-stable dielectric material such as amorphous fluoropolymer [CYTOP] - must be compensated by device engineering. In this work, we used furan and thiophene flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole donor-acceptor conjugated polymers namely PDPPF-DTT and PDPPT-DTT, and its comparative study was performed using Cytop as a dielectric material. The work advances interface engineering towards the single-gate and dual-gate organic transistors. Dual-gate transistors performance modulation using Cytop dielectric opens new research avenues towards stability enhancement of such transistors for real-world applications.
A fast first-principles approach to model atomic force microscopy on soft, adhesive, and viscoelastic surfaces
Authors: Rajabifar Bahram , Wagner Ryan , Raman Arvind
Published: August 2021

Quantitative atomic force microscopy (AFM) on soft polymers remains challenging due to the lack of easy-to-use computational models that accurately capture the physics of the interaction between the tip and sticky, viscoelastic samples. In this work, we enhance Attard’s continuum mechanics-based model, arguably the most rigorous contact model for adhesive viscoelastic samples, via three key enabling strategies. First, the original model’s formalism is rearranged to enable a fast and explicit solution of the model’s ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Second, the deformed surface is reconstructed using a complete set of optimized orthogonal basis functions as opposed to Attard’s original, computationally expensive radial discretization. Third, the model’s governing ODEs are solved using a multi-step numerical method to further stabilize the solution when using for soft and sticky samples. Implementing these enhancements, enhanced Attard’s model (EAM) is more stable, 3+ orders of magnitude faster, and equally accurate when compared to the original model. These facilitate EAM’s inclusion into simulations of various AFM operating modes. We demonstrate EAM based simulations of quasi-static force spectroscopy and amplitude modulation AFM approach curves on soft sticky polymer surfaces. On a typical desktop computer, simulation of an amplitude modulation approach curve with EAM takes less than a minute as compared to ≈15 h by the original Attard’s model. We expect EAM to be of interest to the AFM community because it facilitates the inclusion of rigorous models of tip-sample contact in simulations on polymer samples. EAM is available as part of the VEDA set of simulation tools deployed on nanoHUB.org cyber-infrastructure.
3D architectured air sensing tubes for a portable mechanical ventilator
Authors: Kim Tae-Ho , Min Xin , Baker Daina , Lee Wonchul , Kim Woo Soo
Published: August 2021

Today, respiratory ventilators are in high demand at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are concerns regarding insufficient supply of ventilators to handle the impending surge due to the high cost, and slow production and deliveries. Thus, the development of a low-cost portable ventilator becomes essential. The mechanical ventilator requires two main components including an active airbag and its venting control system. We developed a reliable active airbag designed with mechanically tunable 3D origami structures. The 3D origami structure based active airbag demonstrates reliable and reconfigurable characteristics. The active airbag’s volume can be tuned by controlling the triangular angles in the 3D origami-folding plates. Moreover, its volumetric ratio before and after compression is around 85%. Also, the rotating behavior of 3D origami tube under the compressive force allows more functionalities in the airbag such as the architectured pressure sensing. The 3D printed origami sensor measures the compressed angle to confirm the accuracy of detected pressure in the ventilator circuit. We achieved accurate delivery of targeted air volume with specific airflow rate by 3D printed reconfigurable origami tubes.
Design methodology for the development of variable stiffness devices based on layer jamming transition
Authors: Arleo Luca , Bondì Giorgio , Albini Stefano , Maselli Martina , Cianchetti Matteo
Published: August 2021

Variable stiffness mechanisms as Jamming Transition draw huge attention recently in Soft Robotics. This paper proposes a comprehensive design methodology for developing variable stiffness devices based on layer jamming. Starting from pre-existing modelling, we highlight the design parameters that should be considered, extracting them from literature and our direct experience with the phenomenon. Then we validated the methodology applying the design process to previous layer jamming cases presented in literature. The comparison between the results obtained from our methodology and those presented in the analyzed previous works highlights a good predictive capability, demonstrating that this methodology can be used as a valid tool to design variable stiffness devices based on layer jamming transition. Finally, in order to provide the scientific community with an easily usable tool to design variable stiffness structures based on layer jamming transition, we have elaborated a Matlab script that guides the user through the main design parameters implementing the proposed methodology in an interactive process.
Mediational Effects on Motivation to Quit Smoking After Exposure to a Cigarette Pictorial Warning Label Among Young Adults
Authors: Johnson Andrea C , Turner Monique M , Simmens Samuel J , Evans W Douglas , Strasser Andrew A , Mays Darren
Published: August 2021

Background

Young adults are vulnerable to cigarette package marketing. Pictorial warning labels are recommended for tobacco control. Research should address questions raised in legal challenges including causal mechanisms. Evidence is mixed and understudied among young adults (e.g., discrete emotions and risk perceptions).

Purpose

This study investigated mediators of pictorial warning label effects on motivation to quit smoking among young adult smokers.

Methods

This study analyzed data from a randomized trial with a 4 week exposure to a cigarette pictorial warning among young adult smokers (N = 229) aged 18–30 with assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months. Mediation analyses used latent change scores to test the effects post-intervention on fear, anger, and risk perceptions. We also examined whether post-intervention measures predicted change in motivation to quit smoking at 3 months. The first model assessed aggregate risk perceptions and the second model assessed discrete risk perceptions (deliberative, affective).

Results

Pictorial warning label exposure led to increases in fear which led to increased motivation to quit smoking for the first (B = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.26) and second (B = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.25) model. Exposure modestly increased motivation to quit by way of fear and affective risk perceptions (B = 0.01, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.04). Exposure had a direct relationship on increased motivation to quit as well.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate factors contributing to change in motivation to quit smoking among young adult smokers after pictorial warning label exposure. Affective processes are mediators of pictorial warning label effects.
Composition and plethological innocence
Authors: Payton Jonathan D
Published: August 2021

According to Composition as Identity (CAI), a whole is distinct from each of its parts individually, but identical to all of them taken together. It is sometimes claimed that, if you accept CAI, then your belief in a whole is ‘ontologically innocent’ with respect to your belief in its parts. This claim is false. But the defender of CAI can claim a different advantage for her view. Following Agustín Rayo, I distinguish ontology (which concerns what there is) from plethology (which concerns what there are). I then show that CAI allows us to introduce an interesting notion of ‘plethological innocence’ which would otherwise collapse into the notion of ‘ontological innocence’, and that CAI renders belief in composite objects plethologically (but not ontologically) innocent.
Evaluating Facelift Complications and the Effectiveness of the SMASectomy Technique: A Single Center’s 15-Year Experience
Authors: Shauly Orr , Stone Gregory L , Shin Rebeca , Grant Stevens W , Gould Daniel J
Published: August 2021

Background

Facelift continues to be one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed in the United States. Although there exist many techniques and variations, superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) manipulation, by way of plication, overlap, or SMASectomy, is common and has been shown to result in favorable cosmesis and durability. However, there is a lack of current complications data in the discussion of this technique.

Objectives

To assess the benefits and risks of the SMASectomy technique.

Methods

The records of all patients who underwent a facelift procedure between December 2004 and March 2019 were reviewed for this study. All procedures were performed at an American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)-accredited outpatient facility in Marina Del Rey, California. This represents data on 241 total patients. Retrospective chart review was performed to include data on patient characteristics, operative technique, and complications.

Results

Average operative time of 152.68 ± 51.50 minutes and anesthesia time of 175.00 ± 54.07 minutes were observed among those patients who underwent SMASectomy. This was significantly lower (P < 0.000001) than those who did not undergo SMASectomy (average operative time of 265.25 ± 85.25 minutes and anesthesia time of 294.22 ± 85.31 minutes). There were no observed facial nerve injuries among patients who underwent SMASectomy. No deep vein thrombosis (DVT) events were observed in this patient population.

Conclusions

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, the SMASectomy facelift technique offers the unique advantage of significantly reducing operating time and anesthesia time and can provide extremely favorable and long-lasting aesthetic results.

Level of Evidence: 3
DeepAc4C: a convolutional neural network model with hybrid features composed of physicochemical patterns and distributed representation information for identification of N4-acetylcytidine in mRNA
Authors: Wang Chao , Ju Ying , Zou Quan , Lin Chen
Published: August 2021

Motivation

N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) is the only acetylation modification that has been characterized in eukaryotic RNA, and is correlated with various human diseases. Laboratory identification of ac4C is complicated by factors, such as sample hydrolysis and high cost. Unfortunately, existing computational methods to identify ac4C do not achieve satisfactory performance.

Results

We developed a novel tool, DeepAc4C, which identifies ac4C using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) using hybrid features composed of physicochemical patterns and a distributed representation of nucleic acids. Our results show that the proposed model achieved better and more balanced performance than existing predictors. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect that specific features had on the model predictions and their interaction effects. Several interesting sequence motifs specific to ac4C were identified.

Availability and implementation

The webserver is freely accessible at https://ac4c.webmalab.cn/, the source code and datasets are accessible at Zenodo with URL https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5138047 and Github with URL https://github.com/wangchao-malab/DeepAc4C.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Effectiveness of Continuous Endotracheal Cuff Pressure Control for the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Respiratory Infections: An Open-Label Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Dat Vu Quoc , Minh Yen Lam , Thi Loan Huynh , Dinh Phu Vu , Thien Binh Nguyen , Geskus Ronald B , Khanh Trinh Dong Huu , Hoang Mai Nguyen Thi , Hoan Phu Nguyen , Huong Lan Nguyen Phu , Phuong Thuy Tran , Vu Trung Nguyen , Trung Cap Nguyen , Tuyet Trinh Dao , Thi Hoa Nguyen , Thi Thu Van Nguyen , Luan Vy Thi Thu , Quynh Nhu Tran Thi , Bao Long Hoang , Thanh Ha Nguyen Thi , Thi Thanh Van Ninh , Campbell James , Ahmadnia Ehsan , Kestelyn Evelyne , Wyncoll Duncan , Thwaites Guy E , Van Hao Nguyen , Chien Le Thanh , Van Kinh Nguyen , Vinh Chau Nguyen Van , van Doorn H Rogier , Thwaites C Louise , Nadjm Behzad
Published: August 2021

Background

An endotracheal tube cuff pressure between 20 and 30 cmH2O is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated respiratory infection (VARI). We aimed to evaluate whether continuous cuff pressure control (CPC) was associated with reduced VARI incidence compared with intermittent CPC.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter open-label randomized controlled trial in intensive care unit (ICU) patients within 24 hours of intubation in Vietnam. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either continuous CPC using an automated electronic device or intermittent CPC using a manually hand-held manometer. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of VARI, evaluated by an independent reviewer blinded to the CPC allocation.

Results

We randomized 600 patients; 597 received the intervention or control and were included in the intention to treat analysis. Compared with intermittent CPC, continuous CPC did not reduce the proportion of patients with at least one episode of VARI (74/296 [25%] vs 69/301 [23%]; odds ratio [OR] 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] .77–1.67]. There were no significant differences between continuous and intermittent CPC concerning the proportion of microbiologically confirmed VARI (OR 1.40; 95% CI .94–2.10), the proportion of intubated days without antimicrobials (relative proportion [RP] 0.99; 95% CI .87–1.12), rate of ICU discharge (cause-specific hazard ratio [HR] 0.95; 95% CI .78–1.16), cost of ICU stay (difference in transformed mean [DTM] 0.02; 95% CI −.05 to .08], cost of ICU antimicrobials (DTM 0.02; 95% CI −.25 to .28), cost of hospital stay (DTM 0.02; 95% CI −.04 to .08), and ICU mortality risk (OR 0.96; 95% CI .67–1.38).

Conclusions

Maintaining CPC through an automated electronic device did not reduce VARI incidence.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02966392.
Coronavirus Disease 2019–Associated Mucormycosis: Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Disease
Authors: Narayanan Shivakumar , Chua Joel V , Baddley John W
Published: August 2021

The severe surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases on the Indian subcontinent in early 2021 was marked by an unusually high number of COVID-19–associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases reported during this same period. This is significantly higher than predicted based on available data about prevalence and risk factors for this condition. This may be due to an unusual alignment of multiple risk factors for this condition. There is high background prevalence of mucormycosis in India likely from a high prevalence of risk factors, including undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes. COVID-19–induced immune dysregulation and immune suppression from steroid therapy increase the risk. The role of environmental exposure is unclear. System factors such as lack of access to healthcare during a pandemic may result in delayed diagnosis or suboptimal management with potentially poor outcomes. Here, we review currently identified risk factors and pathogenesis of CAM in a pandemic surge.
From the entrepreneurial to the ossified economy
Authors: Naudé Wim
Published: August 2021

Entrepreneurship in advanced economies is in decline. Instead of becoming ‘entrepreneurial’, as was anticipated in the 1990s, today, these economies are better described as ossified. This paper starts by documenting the decline in entrepreneurship. It then critically discusses extant explanations for the decline. While having merit, these explanations are restricted to proximate and supply-side causes. Given these shortcomings, an additional perspective is contributed: it is argued that adverse scale effects from rising complexity, and long-run aggregate demand changes, account for the ossification of advanced economies. Implications for entrepreneurship scholarship are drawn.
Transcriptomes and DNA methylomes in apomictic cells delineate nucellar embryogenesis initiation in citrus
Authors: Jia Hui-Hui , Xu Yuan-Tao , Yin Zhao-Ping , Wu Xiao-Meng , Qing Mei , Fan Yan-Jie , Song Xin , Xie Kai-Dong , Xie Zong-Zhou , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiu-Xin , Guo Wen-Wu
Published: August 2021

Citrus nucellar poly-embryony (NPE) is a mode of sporophytic apomixis that asexual embryos formed in the seed through adventitious embryogenesis from the somatic nucellar cells. NPE allows clonal propagation of rootstocks, but it impedes citrus cross breeding. To understand the cellular processes involved in NPE initiation, we profiled the transcriptomes and DNA methylomes in laser microdissection captured citrus apomictic cells. In apomictic cells, ribosome biogenesis and protein degradation were activated, whereas auxin polar transport was repressed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in the poly-embryonic ovules, and response to oxidative stress was provoked. The global DNA methylation level, especially that of CHH context, was decreased, whereas the methylation level of the NPE-controlling key gene CitRWP was increased. A C2H2 domain-containing transcription factor gene and CitRWP co-expressed specifically in apomictic cells may coordinate to initiate NPE. The activated embryogenic development and callose deposition processes indicated embryogenic fate of nucellar embryo initial (NEI) cells. In our working model for citrus NPE initiation, DNA hyper-methylation may activate transcription of CitRWP, which increases C2H2 expression and ROS accumulation, triggers epigenetic regulation and regulates cell fate transition and NEI cell identity in the apomictic cells.
Five years of a comprehensive ST-elevation myocardial infarction protocol and its association with sex disparities
Authors: Huded Chetan P , Kumar Anirudh , Kassis Nicholas , Johnson Michael J , Kravitz Kathleen , Brown Abigail , Shanahan Marguerite , Trentanelli Karen , Reed Grant W , Menon Venu , Krishnaswamy Amar , Ellis Stephen G , Kralovic Damon M , Meldon Stephen W , Kapadia Samir R , Khot Umesh N
Published: August 2021

Aims

To determine whether a comprehensive ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) protocol is associated with reduced sex disparities over 5 years.

Methods and results

This was an observational cohort study of 1833 consecutive STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) before (1 January 2011–14 July 2014, control group) and after (15 July 2014–15 July 2019, protocol group) implementation of a protocol for early guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), rapid door to balloon time (D2BT), and use of trans-radial PCI. In the control group, females had less GDMT (77.1% vs. 68.1%, P = 0.03), similarly low trans-radial PCI (19.0% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.73), and longer D2BT [104 min (79, 133) vs. 112 min (85, 147), P = 0.02] corresponding to higher in-hospital mortality [4.5% vs. 10.3%, odds ratio (OR) 2.44 (1.34–4.46), P = 0.004], major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events [MACCE, 9.8% vs. 16.3%, OR 1.79 (1.14–2.84), P = 0.01], and net adverse clinical events [NACE, 16.1% vs. 28.3%, OR 2.06 (1.42–2.99), P < 0.001]. In the protocol group, no significant sex differences were observed in GDMT (87.2% vs. 86.4%, P = 0.81) or D2BT [85 min (64–106) vs. 89 min (65–111), P = 0.06], but trans-radial PCI was used less in females (77.6% vs. 71.2%, P = 0.03). In-hospital mortality [2.5% vs. 4.4%, OR 1.78 (0.91–3.51), P = 0.09] and MACCE [9.0% vs. 11.1%, OR 1.27 (0.83–1.92), P = 0.26] were similar between sexes, but higher NACE in females approached significance [14.8% vs. 19.4%, OR 1.38 (0.99–1.92), P = 0.05] due to higher bleeding risk [7.2% vs. 11.1%, OR 1.60 (1.04–2.46), P = 0.03].

Conclusions

A comprehensive STEMI protocol was associated with sustained reductions for in-hospital ischaemic outcomes over 5 years, but higher bleeding rates in females persisted.
The Efficiency Costs of Dividend Taxation with Managerial Firms*
Authors: Koethenbuerger Marko , Stimmelmayr Michael E
Published: August 2021

The paper provides a positive and efficiency analysis of dividend taxation in a corporate agency model with a costly managerial effort. Unlike existing (agency) models, this model is consistent with empirical work in corporate finance and able to predict empirically observed investment responses to dividend taxation. In addition, we show that investment changes are not sufficient to infer, first, the efficiency cost of dividend taxation and, second, the financing regime underlying firms’ investments. We provide a testable implication that allows to empirically uncover the source of investment finance by comparing investment responses to dividend taxes and managerial incentive pay.
Eukaryotic rather than prokaryotic microbiomes change over seasons in rewetted fen peatlands
Authors: Wang Haitao , Weil Micha , Dumack Kenneth , Zak Dominik , Münch Diana , Günther Anke , Jurasinski Gerald , Blume-Werry Gesche , Kreyling Jürgen , Urich Tim
Published: August 2021

In the last decades, rewetting of drained peatlands is on the rise worldwide, to restore their significant carbon sink function. Despite the increasing understanding of peat microbiomes, little is known about the seasonal dynamics and network interactions of the microbial communities in these ecosystems, especially in rewetted fens (groundwater-fed peatlands). Here, we investigated the seasonal dynamics in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiomes in three common fen types in Northern Germany. The eukaryotic microbiomes, including fungi, protists and microbial metazoa, showed significant changes in their community structures across the seasons in contrast to largely unaffected prokaryotic microbiomes. Furthermore, our results proved that the dynamics in eukaryotic microbiomes in the rewetted sites differed between fen types, specifically in terms of saprotrophs, arbuscular mycorrhiza and grazers of bacteria. The co-occurrence networks also exhibited strong seasonal dynamics that differed between rewetted and drained sites, and the correlations involving protists and prokaryotes were the major contributors to these dynamics. Our study provides the insight that microbial eukaryotes mainly define the seasonal dynamics of microbiomes in rewetted fen peatlands. Accordingly, future research should unravel the importance of eukaryotes for biogeochemical processes, especially the under-characterized protists and metazoa, in these poorly understood ecosystems.
Air-dispersed aquatic microorganisms show establishment and growth preferences in different freshwater colonisation habitats
Authors: Genitsaris Savvas , Stefanidou Natassa , Beeri-Shlevin Yaron , Viner-Mozzini Yehudit , Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Ninio Shira , Sukenik Assaf
Published: August 2021

We attempted to mimic aeolian ecosystems to examine how filters posed by regional characteristics can influence the establishment and growth of airborne microcolonisers of a common air source. Using a natural single source of aerosols we applied a combined microscopy and high-throughput sequencing approach to examine the diversity, settling and growth potential of air-dispersed microbes in water containers representing newly formed aquatic colonisation habitats of different trophic states and salinity. Heterotrophic microeukaryotes were favoured as initial settlers when nutrients were low, while autotrophs rapidly proliferated in the high-nutrient containers, possibly due to favourable germinating conditions for their preferred mode of dispersal with resting spores. Following settling of colonisers, we investigated two contrasting hypotheses: if the different water colonisation habitats harboured the same microbial communities after establishment and growth periods, this would point towards a selection of best-fit cosmopolitan colonisers, regardless of habitat-specific characteristics. Alternatively, community dissimilarities after the growth period would suggest a selection of settlers due to bottom-up controls combined with priority effects. Both analyses suggested that the structure of the microbial communities in the different colonisation habitats were driven by nutrient content and salinity, showing clustering to similar bottom-up forces and dissimilarities in significantly different colonisation habitats.
The Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) profile of Phytophthora agathidicida and its potential use as diagnostic tool
Authors: Lacey Randy F , Sullivan-Hill Blake A , Deslippe Julie R , Keyzers Robert A , Gerth Monica L
Published: August 2021

Phytophthora diseases cause devastation to crops and native ecosystems worldwide. In New Zealand, Phytophthora agathidicida is threatening the survival of kauri, an endemic, culturally and ecologically important tree species. The current method for detecting P. agathidicida is a soil bating assay that is time-consuming and requires high levels of expertise to assess, thus limiting the analytical sample throughput. Here, we characterized the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profile of P. agathidicida. We also compared it with the FAME profile of P. cinnamomi and assessed the efficacy of FAME analysis as a diagnostic tool for detecting the pathogen in soil samples. In FAME analysis, the total fatty acid content is isolated from a sample and converted to FAMEs for analysis, a process that takes less than a day. Unique fatty acid acyl chains can serve as biomarkers for specific organisms. We detected 12 fatty acids in P. agathidicida, two of which (20:4ω6 and 20:5ω3) show promise as potential Phytophthora specific biomarkers. Collectively, these findings advance our fundamental understanding of P. agathidicida biology and provide a promising technique to increase the rate of sample processing and the speed of pathogen detection for P. agathidicida in soil.
Broadening Participation: 21st Century Opportunities for Amateurs in Biology Research
Authors: de Lange Orlando , Youngflesh Casey , Ibarra Ana , Perez Rolando , Kaplan Matias
Published: August 2021

Synopsis

The modern field of biology has its roots in the curiosity and skill of amateur researchers and has never been purely the domain of professionals. Today, professionals and amateurs contribute to biology research, working both together and independently. Well-targeted and holistic investment in amateur biology research could bring a range of benefits that, in addition to positive societal benefits, may help to address the considerable challenges facing our planet in the 21st century. We highlight how recent advances in amateur biology have been facilitated by innovations in digital infrastructure as well as the development of community biology laboratories, launched over the last decade, and we provide recommendations for how individuals can support the integration of amateurs into biology research. The benefits of investment in amateur biology research could be many-fold, however, without a clear consideration of equity, efforts to promote amateur biology could exacerbate structural inequalities around access to and benefits from STEM. The future of the field of biology relies on integrating a diversity of perspectives and approaches—amateur biology researchers have an important role to play.
Stability and Instability of Traveling Wave Solutions to Nonlinear Wave Equations
Authors: Anderson John , Zbarsky Samuel
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we study the stability and instability of plane wave solutions to semilinear systems of wave equations satisfying the null condition. We identify a condition that allows us to prove the global nonlinear asymptotic stability of the plane wave. The proof of global stability requires us to analyze the geometry of the interaction between the background plane wave and the perturbation. When this condition is not met, we are able to prove linear instability assuming an additional genericity condition. The linear instability is shown using a geometric optics ansatz.
Sex Differences in Influenza: The Challenge Study Experience
Authors: Giurgea Luca T , Cervantes-Medina Adriana , Walters Kathie-Anne , Scherler Kelsey , Han Alison , Czajkowski Lindsay M , Baus Holly Ann , Hunsberger Sally , Klein Sabra L , Kash John C , Taubenberger Jeffery K , Memoli Matthew J
Published: August 2021

Background

Preclinical animal studies and retrospective human studies suggest that adult females have worse outcomes from influenza than males. Prospective studies in humans are missing.

Methods

Data from 164 healthy volunteers who underwent influenza A/California/04/2009/H1N1 challenge were compiled to compare differences between sexes. Baseline characteristics, including hormone levels, hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers, neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) titers, and outcomes after challenge were compared. Linear and logistic regression models were built to determine significant predictor variables with respect to outcomes of interest.

Results

HAI titers were similar between the sexes, but NAI titers were higher in males than females at 4 weeks and 8 weeks postchallenge. Females were more likely to have symptoms (mean, 0.96 vs 0.80; P = .003) and to have a higher number of symptoms (median, 3 vs 4; P = .011) than males. Linear and logistic regression models showed that prechallenge NAI titers, but not HAI titers or sex hormone levels, were predictive of all shedding and symptom outcomes of interest.

Conclusions

Females in our cohorts were more likely to be symptomatic and to have a higher number of symptoms than males. NAI titers predicted all outcomes of interest and may explain differential outcomes between the sexes.
Peacebuilding with “Chinese Characteristics”? Insights from China's Engagement in Myanmar's Peace Process
Authors: Adhikari Monalisa
Published: August 2021

The unpreceded rise of China, amid the decline of the Western-led liberal world order, has brought questions about how China will engage with the various manifestations of that world order, including human rights, trade, and global peace and security regimes. Through the empirical example of Chinese engagement in Myanmar, this article offers an inductive analysis of China's engagement in the field of “peacebuilding”: a prominent manifestation of the liberal world order in post-conflict states. In doing so, the article first argues that China speaks a distinct vernacular of peace, which is characterized by five core features: a focus on stability, prioritisation of development, conditional adherence to state-centricity, prioritization of regional actors in the making of peace, and an aversion to templates and policies for engaging in peace processes. Secondly, the article also highlights that in deploying these features, Chinese engagement in conflict management in Myanmar not only generates tensions between the various features, but is also seen to overlook local needs, bolster elite control of the state, discount the political context of peace processes, and indeed fluctuate in accordance with Chinese strategic and economic interests: all issues that resonate with the dominant critique of liberal peacebuilding projects. In proffering these arguments, the article cautions that as the Chinese approach to peacebuilding matures and strengthens, the ironing out of these contradictions is likely to be challenging.
Detection and tracking for the awareness of surroundings of a ship based on deep learning
Authors: Lee Won-Jae , Roh Myung-Il , Lee Hye-Won , Ha Jisang , Cho Yeong-Min , Lee Sung-Jun , Son Nam-Sun
Published: August 2021

To prevent maritime accidents, it is crucial to be aware of the surrounding environment near ships. The images recorded by a camera mounted on a ship could be used for the awareness of other ships surrounding it. In this study, ship awareness was performed using three procedures: detection, localization, and tracking. Initially, ship detection was performed using the deep learning-based detection model, YOLO (You Only Look Once) v3, based on the camera image. A virtual image dataset was constructed using Unity to overcome the difficulty of obtaining camera images onboard with various sizes of ships, and to improve the detection performance. This was followed by the localization procedure in which the position of the horizon on the image was calculated using the orientation information from the ship. Subsequently, the position of the detected ship in the spatial coordinate system was calculated using the horizon information. Following this, the position, course over ground, and speed over ground of the target ships were tracked in the time domain using the extended Kalman filter. A deep learning model that determines the heading of the ship in the image was proposed to utilize abundant information of cameras, and it was used to set the initial value of the Kalman filter. Finally, the proposed method for the awareness of ships was validated using an actual video captured from a camera installed on an actual ship with various encountering scenarios. The tracking results were compared with actual automatic identification system data obtained from other ships. As a result, the entire detection, localization, and tracking procedures showed good performance, and it was estimated that the proposed method for the awareness of the surroundings of a ship, based on camera images, could be used in the future.