bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Varieties of Skills Profiles in Latin America: A Reassessment of the Hierarchical Model of Capitalism
Authors: Bogliaccini Juan A. , Madariaga Aldo
Published: May 2020

Research on the politics of skills formation in Latin America is severely underdeveloped. This article offers a novel characterisation of the supply of skills in the region or ‘skills supply profiles’, taking inspiration from the comparative capitalisms literature. We identify four configurations of skills supply profiles – universalising, dual academic-oriented, dual VET-oriented and exclusionary–and analyse their historical dynamics. By doing this, we challenge general assessments of Latin America's skills formation systems as pertaining to one overarching type. This sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the politics of skills in the region and their connection with different development alternatives.
Contesting the Neoliberal Order through Legal Mobilisation: The Case of Chilean Unions
Authors: Gutiérrez Crocco Francisca
Published: May 2020

Scholars interested in labour in Latin America have traditionally paid little attention to trade unions’ legal mobilisation. However, the increasing number of legal complaints filed by workers with labour ministries and/or the courts in countries like Argentina, Brazil and Chile calls for a more serious debate on the role that trade unions play in this process. This article focuses on the Chilean case. Drawing on various sources, it shows that Chilean unions have turned legal complaints into a weapon to gain more rights and curb employers’ power. This process has involved the strongest and most combative unions, and is due to two historical conditions: (1) the obstacles placed in the way of successful resort to more disruptive tactics; (2) the increase in institutional opportunities to report infringements of the law. Overall, the article challenges the current image of the Chilean unions by foregrounding their agency and their achievements over the last decade.
Needlessly controversial: the reporting of pharmaco- and psycho-therapy for the treatment of depression in the UK media
Authors: Pathak Anushka , Lim Elizabeth , Lawrie Stephen
Published: May 2020

Background

It is well-established that media influences public perceptions, and that media coverage of psychiatry is negative compared to the rest of medicine. No studies that we know of, have compared media reporting on antidepressants and talking therapies as treatments for depression. We hypothesised that coverage of antidepressants would be more negative than that of psychotherapies in both headlines and articles.

Methods

We identified online articles in The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, Daily Express, and The Guardian between 11 June 2013 and 11 June 2018. Two raters independently evaluated their titles/content with regard to their portrayal of antidepressants and psychotherapies (positive/negative/neutral), with good inter-rater reliability.

Results

We identified 221 articles. Antidepressants featured in 184 articles, of which 27 (15%) portrayed them positively, 68 (37%) negatively, and 89 (48%) neutrally; and 173 headlines, of which 24 (14%) portrayed them positively, 64 (37%) negatively, and 85 (49%) neutrally. Antidepressants received more coverage than psychotherapy, which featured in 132 articles, of which 48 (36%) portrayed them positively, 3 (2%) negatively, and 81 (61%) neutrally; and 53 headlines, of which 16 (30%) portrayed them positively, 2 (4%) negatively, and 35 (66%) neutrally. A Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant difference between the portrayal of antidepressants and psychotherapies in both articles (p = 2.86 × 10−15) and headlines (p = 2.79 × 10−6).

Conclusion

Despite the two treatments being similarly effective, the portrayal of antidepressants in the UK online media is more negative than that of psychotherapy. This could potentially discourage patients from considering taking antidepressants, and provoke patients currently taking antidepressants to stop abruptly.
Impaired self-recognition in individuals with no full-blown psychotic symptoms represented across the continuum of psychosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lavallé Layla , Dondé Clément , Gawęda Łukasz , Brunelin Jérome , Mondino Marine
Published: May 2020

Background

Impairments in self-recognition (i.e. recognition of own thoughts and actions) have been repeatedly shown in individuals with schizophrenia. According to classical clinical characterizations, schizophrenia is included in a continuum encompassing a large range of genetic statuses, psychotic states and symptoms. The current meta-analysis aims to determine whether self-recognition is affected by individuals within the psychosis continuum.

Method

Three populations were considered: people with an at-risk mental state for psychosis (ARMS), hallucination-prone individuals and unaffected relatives of patients with schizophrenia. Eleven studies contrasted self-recognition between these three populations (n = 386) and healthy controls (n = 315) and four studies used correlational analysis to estimate comparable effects (n = 629). Eligible studies used experimental paradigms including source-monitoring and self-monitoring.

Results

We observed significantly reduced self-recognition accuracy in these populations [g = −0.44 (−0.71 to −0.17), p = 0.002] compared to controls. No influence of the type of population, experimental paradigm or study design was observed.

Conclusion

The present analysis argues for self-recognition deficits in populations with no full-blown psychotic symptoms represented across the continuum of psychosis.
Optimal Motion Planning for Differential Drive Mobile Robots based on Multiple-Interval Chebyshev Pseudospectral Methods
Authors: Mao Run , Gao Hongli , Guo Liang
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a Chebyshev Pseudospectral (PS) method for solving the motion planning problem of nonholonomic mobile robots with kinematic and dynamic constraints. The state and control variables are expanded in the Chebyshev polynomial of orderN, and Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobatto (CGL) nodes are provided for approximating the system dynamics, boundary conditions, and performance index. For the lack of enough nodes nearby the obstacles, the interpolation of trajectory may violate the obstacles and the multiple-interval strategy is proposed to deal with the violation. Numerical examples demonstrate that multiple-interval strategy yields more accurate results than the single-interval Chebyshev PS method.
Coronary artery embolism in a patient with Fontan palliation: a rare complication
Authors: Misra Amrit , Gayanilo Marjorie , Gupta Pooja
Published: May 2020

Coronary artery embolism is extremely rare in children with Fontan palliation. We report a 10-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome post-Fontan procedure who presented with acute onset chest pain and ST-segment changes on electrocardiogram. Cardiac catheterisation revealed coronary artery emboli requiring stent placement. Our case highlights the importance of evaluating chest pain in a systematic manner in Fontan patients as acute coronary artery embolism can be a part of the spectrum of well-known thromboembolic complications.
Consular Crisis Management Operations: Special Considerations and Challenges
Authors: Hugelius Karin
Published: May 2020

Assisting the increasing number of tourists and foreign nationals exposed to crises situations in third countries—many of them far from home and extremely vulnerable—presents significant challenges. Despite the need to explore consular crisis management from an operational perspective, there are few studies that address the issue. This paper aims to describe the characteristics and context of consular crisis management operations based on personal experiences, scientific papers, grey literature, and key informant interviews.

Consular crisis management operations are conducted in a context where the stakeholders and the legal environment may differ from humanitarian or civil protection operations. The physical distance causes logistical challenges and demands specific considerations for both civilian and medical evacuation. Consular crisis management operations often include medical care, psychosocial support activities, and disaster victim identification (DVI) activities. Political and media interest may also add significant challenges to such operations. Therefore, specific knowledge, skills, and preparations are needed for both diplomatic crisis management professionals and health professionals. Further research on consular crisis management activities—as well as the concept of consular crisis management itself—is strongly needed.
Spinal Immobilization in Disasters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cuthbertson Joseph L. , Weinstein Eric S.
Published: May 2020

In response to the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR; Niel, Belgium) release of an updated recommendation related to out-of-hospital spinal immobilization (SI) practice in 2015, a systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist of English-language studies published from January 2000 through July 2019 on the use of SI in resource-scarce environments (RSEs). Studies meeting the following criteria were included in the analysis: peer-reviewed statistical studies or reports detailing management of potential traumatic spinal injury in RSE, civilian, and military environments; as well as consensus clinical guidelines, academic center, or professional association protocols or policy statements detailing management of potential traumatic spinal injury in RSE, civilian, and military environments; statistical analysis; and subsequent management of spinal injuries after mass-casualty incidents, in complex humanitarian events or conflict zones, low-to middle-income countries, or prolonged transport times published by government and non-government organizations. Studies excluded from consideration were those not related to a patient with a potential traumatic spinal injury after a mass-casualty incident, in complex humanitarian event or conflict zones, in low-to middle-income countries, or with prolonged transport times.

There were one thousand twenty-nine (1029) studies initially identified. After removal of duplicates, nine hundred-nineteen (919) were screened with eight hundred sixty-three (863) excluded. The remaining fifty-six (56) received further review with fourteen (14) selected studies achieving inclusion. The reviewed articles comprised six (6) types of studies and represented research from institutions in seven (7) different countries (Israel, United States, Haiti, Wales, Pakistan, China, and Iran). Thirteen (13) references were case reports/narrative reviews, policy statements, retrospective observational studies, narrative literature reviews, scoping reviews, and one systematic review. The majority of literature describing spinal cord injury was predominantly associated with earthquakes and blast-related disasters. There were no SI evidence-based clinical guidelines (EBG) in RSE. Information was obtained that could be used to formulate statements in a modified Delphi study to present to experts to obtain consensus SI EBG in RSE.
Older adults with obesity have higher risks of some micronutrient inadequacies and lower overall dietary quality compared to peers with a healthy weight, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2011–2014
Authors: Jun Shinyoung , Cowan Alexandra E , Bhadra Anindya , Dodd Kevin W , Dwyer Johanna T , Eicher-Miller Heather A , Gahche Jaime J , Guenther Patricia M , Potischman Nancy , Tooze Janet A , Bailey Regan L
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To evaluate total usual intakes and biomarkers of micronutrients, overall dietary quality and related health characteristics of US older adults who were overweight or obese compared with a healthy weight.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Two 24-h dietary recalls, nutritional biomarkers and objective and subjective health characteristic data were analysed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. We used the National Cancer Institute method to estimate distributions of total usual intakes from foods and dietary supplements for eleven micronutrients of potential concern and the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 score.

Participants:

Older adults aged ≥60 years (n2969) were categorised by sex and body weight status, using standard BMI categories. Underweight individuals (n47) were excluded due to small sample size.

Results:

A greater percentage of obese older adults compared with their healthy-weight counterparts was at risk of inadequate Mg (both sexes), Ca, vitamin B6and vitamin D (women only) intakes. The proportion of those with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 40 nmol/l was higher in obese (12 %) than in healthy-weight older women (6 %). Mean overall HEI-2015 scores were 8·6 (men) and 7·1 (women) points lower in obese than in healthy-weight older adults. In addition, compared with healthy-weight counterparts, obese older adults were more likely to self-report fair/poor health, use ≥ 5 medications and have limitations in activities of daily living and cardio-metabolic risk factors; and obese older women were more likely to be food-insecure and have depression.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that obesity may coexist with micronutrient inadequacy in older adults, especially among women.
Ultra-processed food and beverage advertising on Brazilian television by International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support benchmark
Authors: Soares Guimarães Julia , Mais Laís Amaral , Marrocos Leite Fernanda Helena , Horta Paula Martins , Oliveira Santana Marina , Martins Ana Paula Bortoletto , Claro Rafael Moreira
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To analyse the extent and nature of food and beverage advertising on the three major Brazilian free-to-air television (TV) channels.

Design:

Cross-sectional study. A protocol developed for the International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-Communicable Diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support was applied for data collection. A total of 432 h of TV programming was recorded from 06.00 to 24.00 hours, for eight non-consecutive and randomly selected days, in April 2018. All TV advertisements (ads) were analysed, and food-related ads were classified according to the NOVA classification system. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the number and type of ads, food categories and the distribution of ads throughout the day and time of the day.

Setting:

The three most popular free-to-air channels on Brazilian TV.

Participants:

The study did not involve human subjects.

Results:

In total, 14·2 % (n 1156 out of 7991) of ads were food related (858 were specific food items). Approximately 91 % of food items ads included ultra-processed food (UPF) products. The top three most promoted products were soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and fast-food meals. Alcoholic beverage ads were more frequently broadcast in the evening.

Conclusion:

The high risk of exposure of the Brazilian population to UPF ads should be considered a public health concern given the impact of unhealthy food advertising on people’s food choices and health.
Annual Cycles of Sea Ice Motion and Deformation Derived From Buoy Measurements in the Western Arctic Ocean Over Two Ice Seasons
Authors: Lei Ruibo , Gui Dawei , Hutchings Jennifer K. , Heil Petra , Li Na
Published: May 2020

Data collected by two buoy arrays that operated during the ice seasons of 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 were used to characterize annual cycles of ice motion and deformation in the western Arctic Ocean. An anomalously strong and weak Beaufort Gyre in 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 induced generally anticyclonic and cyclonic sea ice drift during 2014/2015 and 2016/2017, respectively. Cyclonic ice motion resulted in higher contributions of ice divergence to total ice deformation in 2016/2017 than in 2014/2015. In 2014, the autumn ice concentration and multiyear ice coverage were higher than in 2016; consequently, the response of ice motion to wind forcing was weak, and less ice deformation was observed in autumn 2014. During the autumn‐winter transition, the ice‐wind speed ratio, ice deformation rate and its spatial and temporal scaling exponents, and localization of ice deformation decreased markedly in both 2014/2015 and 2016/2017 as a result of freeze‐up and consolidation of ice floes. Such dynamic behavior was maintained through to spring with the further thickening of ice cover. Ice deformation increased due to weakened ice strength as summer approached. The amplitude of the annual cycle of ice deformation rate in the western Arctic Ocean in 2014/2015 and especially in 2016/2017 was larger than that observed during the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) program in 1997/1998. We attribute this phenomenon to ice loss during the recent summers, especially of thick multiyear ice.
Estimating Geometric Properties of Coral Reef Topography Using Obstacle‐ and Surface‐Based Approaches
Authors: Duvall Melissa S. , Rosman Johanna H. , Hench James L.
Published: May 2020

In shallow water systems like coral reefs, bottom friction is an important term in the momentum balance. Parameterizations of bottom friction require a representation of canopy geometry, which can be conceptualized as an array of discrete obstacles or a continuous surface. Here, we assess the implications of using obstacle‐ and surface‐based representations to estimate geometric properties needed to parameterize drag. We collected high‐resolution reef topography data using a scanning multibeam sonar that resolved individual coral colonies within a set of 100‐m2 reef patches primarily composed of mounding Porites corals. The topography measurements yielded 1‐cm resolution continuous surfaces consisting of a single elevation value for each position in a regular horizontal grid. These surfaces were analyzed by (1) defining discrete obstacles and quantifying their properties (dimensions, shapes), and (2) computing properties of the elevation field (root mean square (rms) elevations, rms slopes, spectra). We then computed the roughness density (i.e., frontal area per unit plan area) using both analysis approaches. The obstacle and surface‐based estimates of roughness density did not agree, largely because small‐scale topographic variations contributed significantly to total frontal area. These results challenge the common conceptualization of shallow‐water canopies as obstacle arrays, which may not capture significant contributions of high‐wavenumber roughness to total frontal area. In contrast, the full range of roughness length scales present in natural reefs is captured by the continuous surface representation. Parameterizations of bottom friction over reef topography could potentially be improved by representing the contributions of all length scales to total frontal area and drag.
ENIGMA MDD: seven years of global neuroimaging studies of major depression through worldwide data sharing
Authors: Schmaal Lianne , Pozzi Elena , C. Ho Tiffany , van Velzen Laura S. , Veer Ilya M. , Opel Nils , Van Someren Eus J. W. , Han Laura K. M. , Aftanas Lybomir , Aleman André , Baune Bernhard T. , Berger Klaus , Blanken Tessa F. , Capitão Liliana , Couvy-Duchesne Baptiste , R. Cullen Kathryn , Dannlowski Udo , Davey Christopher , Erwin-Grabner Tracy , Evans Jennifer , Frodl Thomas , Fu Cynthia H. Y. , Godlewska Beata , Gotlib Ian H. , Goya-Maldonado Roberto , Grabe Hans J. , Groenewold Nynke A. , Grotegerd Dominik , Gruber Oliver , Gutman Boris A. , Hall Geoffrey B. , Harrison Ben J. , Hatton Sean N. , Hermesdorf Marco , Hickie Ian B. , Hilland Eva , Irungu Benson , Jonassen Rune , Kelly Sinead , Kircher Tilo , Klimes-Dougan Bonnie , Krug Axel , Landrø Nils Inge , Lagopoulos Jim , Leerssen Jeanne , Li Meng , Linden David E. J. , MacMaster Frank P. , M. McIntosh Andrew , Mehler David M. A. , Nenadić Igor , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Portella Maria J. , Reneman Liesbeth , Rentería Miguel E. , Sacchet Matthew D. , G. Sämann Philipp , Schrantee Anouk , Sim Kang , Soares Jair C. , Stein Dan J. , Tozzi Leonardo , van Der Wee Nic J. A. , van Tol Marie-José , Vermeiren Robert , Vives-Gilabert Yolanda , Walter Henrik , Walter Martin , Whalley Heather C. , Wittfeld Katharina , Whittle Sarah , Wright Margaret J. , Yang Tony T. , Zarate Carlos , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. , Veltman Dick J.
Published: May 2020

A key objective in the field of translational psychiatry over the past few decades has been to identify the brain correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD). Identifying measurable indicators of brain processes associated with MDD could facilitate the detection of individuals at risk, and the development of novel treatments, the monitoring of treatment effects, and predicting who might benefit most from treatments that target specific brain mechanisms. However, despite intensive neuroimaging research towards this effort, underpowered studies and a lack of reproducible findings have hindered progress. Here, we discuss the work of the ENIGMA Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Consortium, which was established to address issues of poor replication, unreliable results, and overestimation of effect sizes in previous studies. The ENIGMA MDD Consortium currently includes data from 45 MDD study cohorts from 14 countries across six continents. The primary aim of ENIGMA MDD is to identify structural and functional brain alterations associated with MDD that can be reliably detected and replicated across cohorts worldwide. A secondary goal is to investigate how demographic, genetic, clinical, psychological, and environmental factors affect these associations. In this review, we summarize findings of the ENIGMA MDD disease working group to date and discuss future directions. We also highlight the challenges and benefits of large-scale data sharing for mental health research.
Crosstalk between androgen and Wnt/β-catenin leads to changes of wool density in FGF5-knockout sheep
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Yan , Jia Kun , Xu Xueling , Li Yao , Zhao Yue , Zhang Xiaosheng , Zhang Jinlong , Liu Guoshi , Deng Shoulong , Lian Zhengxing
Published: May 2020

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is a famous dominant inhibitor of anagen phase of hair cycle. Mutations of FGF5 gene result in a longer wool in mice, donkeys, dogs, cats, and even in human eyelashes. Sheep is an important source of wool production. How to improve the production of wool quickly and effectively is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, we generated five FGF5-knockout Dorper sheep by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The expression level of FGF5 mRNA in knockout (KO) sheep decreased significantly, and all FGF5 proteins were dysfunctional. The KO sheep displayed a significant increase in fine-wool and active hair-follicle density. The crosstalk between androgen and Wnt/β-catenin signaling downstream of FGF5 gene plays a key role. We established downstream signaling cascades for the first time, including FGF5, FGFR1, androgen, AR, Wnt/β-catenin, Shh/Gli2, c-MYC, and KRTs. These findings further improved the function of FGF5 gene, and provided therapeutic ideas for androgen alopecia.
Polo-like kinase 4 and Stromal antigen 3 are not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss caused by embryonic aneuploidy
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroyuki , Sugiura-Ogasawara Mayumi , Ozawa Fumiko , Kitaori Tamao , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Aoki Koji , Shibata Yasuhiro , Ugawa Shinya , Nishiyama Takeshi , Omae Yosuke , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: May 2020

No genetic association with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) caused by embryonic aneuploidy has been found. Recent studies have indicated that the common genetic variant rs2305957, surrounding the PLK4 gene, contributes to mitotic-origin aneuploidy risk during human early embryo development. The decrease in meiosis-specific cohesin causes predivision of sister chromatids in the centromere and chromosome segregation errors. STAG3 is a component of cohesin and is a meiosis-specific gene. Our case-control study included 184 patients with RPL whose previous products of conception (POC) exhibited aneuploidy and 190 fertile control women without a history of miscarriage. We performed a genetic association study to examine the genotype distribution at PLK4 (rs2305957) and STAG3 in patients with RPL caused by aneuploidy compared with controls. Regarding STAG3, SNPs with a minor allele frequency (MAF) threshold > 0.05 that were predicted to be binding sites of transcription factors and that showed significant associations in expression quantitative trait locus (e-QTL) analysis were selected. No significant differences in the MAF or distribution in any model of PLK4 (rs2305957) and 5 selected tag SNPs in STAG3 were found between the patients and controls. A further genome-wide association study is needed since a combination of genetic risk alleles might be useful in predicting future age-dependent RPL caused by aneuploidy.
Characterization of glycosyl dioxolenium ions and their role in glycosylation reactions
Authors: Hansen Thomas , Elferink Hidde , van Hengst Jacob M. A. , Houthuijs Kas J. , Remmerswaal Wouter A. , Kromm Alexandra , Berden Giel , van der Vorm Stefan , Rijs Anouk M. , Overkleeft Hermen S. , Filippov Dmitri V. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Martens Jonathan , Oomens Jos , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Boltje Thomas J.
Published: May 2020

Controlling the chemical glycosylation reaction remains the major challenge in the synthesis of oligosaccharides. Though 1,2-trans glycosidic linkages can be installed using neighboring group participation, the construction of 1,2-cis linkages is difficult and has no general solution. Long-range participation (LRP) by distal acyl groups may steer the stereoselectivity, but contradictory results have been reported on the role and strength of this stereoelectronic effect. It has been exceedingly difficult to study the bridging dioxolenium ion intermediates because of their high reactivity and fleeting nature. Here we report an integrated approach, using infrared ion spectroscopy, DFT computations, and a systematic series of glycosylation reactions to probe these ions in detail. Our study reveals how distal acyl groups can play a decisive role in shaping the stereochemical outcome of a glycosylation reaction, and opens new avenues to exploit these species in the assembly of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates to fuel biological research.
Achieving micron-scale plasticity and theoretical strength in Silicon
Authors: Chen Ming , Pethö Laszlo , Sologubenko Alla S. , Ma Huan , Michler Johann , Spolenak Ralph , Wheeler Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2020

As the backbone material of the information age, silicon is extensively used as a functional semiconductor and structural material in microelectronics and microsystems. At ambient temperature, the brittleness of Si limits its mechanical application in devices. Here, we demonstrate that Si processed by modern lithography procedures exhibits an ultrahigh elastic strain limit, near ideal strength (shear strength ~4 GPa) and plastic deformation at the micron-scale, one order of magnitude larger than samples made using focused ion beams, due to superior surface quality. This extended elastic regime enables enhanced functional properties by allowing higher elastic strains to modify the band structure. Further, the micron-scale plasticity of Si allows the investigation of the intrinsic size effects and dislocation behavior in diamond-structured materials. This reveals a transition in deformation mechanisms from full to partial dislocations upon increasing specimen size at ambient temperature. This study demonstrates a surface engineering pathway for fabrication of more robust Si-based structures.
The impact of agency on time and risk preferences
Authors: Gneezy Ayelet , Imas Alex , Jaroszewicz Ania
Published: May 2020

Scholars have long argued for the central role of agency—the size of one’s choice set—in the human experience. We demonstrate the importance of agency in shaping people’s preferences. We first examine the effects of resource scarcity—which has been associated with both impatience and a lack of agency—on patience and risk tolerance, successfully replicating the decrease in patience among those exposed to scarcity. Critically, however, we show that endowing individuals with agency over scarcity fully moderates this effect, increasing patience substantially. We further demonstrate that agency’s impact on patience is partly driven by greater risk tolerance. These results hold even though nearly all individuals with greater agency do not exercise it, suggesting that merely knowing that one could alleviate scarcity is sufficient to change behavior. We then demonstrate that the effects of agency generalize to other adverse states, highlighting the potential for agency-based policy and institutional design.
The critical current of disordered superconductors near 0 K
Authors: Doron A. , Levinson T. , Gorniaczyk F. , Tamir I. , Shahar D.
Published: May 2020

An increasing current through a superconductor can result in a discontinuous increase in the differential resistance at the critical current. This critical current is typically associated either with breaking of Cooper-pairs or with the onset of collective motion of vortices. Here we measure the current–voltage characteristics of superconducting films at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Using heat-balance considerations we demonstrate that the current–voltage characteristics are well explained by electron overheating enhanced by the thermal decoupling of the electrons from the host phonons. By solving the heat-balance equation we are able to accurately predict the critical currents in a variety of experimental conditions. The heat-balance approach is universal and applies to diverse situations from critical currents to climate change. One disadvantage of the universality of this approach is its insensitivity to the details of the system, which limits our ability to draw conclusions regarding the initial departure from equilibrium.
A quantum annealer with fully programmable all-to-all coupling via Floquet engineering
Authors: Onodera Tatsuhiro , Ng Edwin , McMahon Peter L.
Published: May 2020

Quantum annealing is a promising approach to heuristically solving difficult combinatorial optimization problems. However, the connectivity limitations in current devices lead to an exponential degradation of performance on general problems. We propose an architecture for a quantum annealer that achieves full connectivity and full programmability while using a number of physical resources only linear in the number of spins. We do so by application of carefully engineered periodic modulations of oscillator-based qubits, resulting in a Floquet Hamiltonian in which all the interactions are tunable. This flexibility comes at the cost of the coupling strengths between qubits being smaller than they would be compared with direct coupling, which increases the demand on coherence times with increasing problem size. We analyze a specific hardware proposal of our architecture based on Josephson parametric oscillators. Our results show how the minimum-coherence-time requirements imposed by our scheme scale, and we find that the requirements are not prohibitive for fully connected problems with up to at least 1000 spins. Our approach could also have impact beyond quantum annealing, since it readily extends to bosonic quantum simulators, and would allow the study of models with arbitrary connectivity between lattice sites.
A macroscopic and stereological imaging dataset of Pleuronectes platessa ovaries
Authors: Sauger Carine , Quinquis Jérôme , Kellner Kristell , Heude-Berthelin Clothilde , Lepoittevin Mélanie , Elie Nicolas , Dubroca Laurent
Published: May 2020

The North Sea plaice, Pleuronectes platessa (Linnaeus, 1758), is a commonly studied commercial flatfish with poorly known ovarian histology. The following dataset is a collection of female plaice gonad images and their corresponding histological slides, collected during a complete season of the plaice’s reproduction cycle. Stereology was used to determine the percentage of different structures found throughout the ovaries. Inter-agent calibrations were accomplished in order to harmonize the stereological readings, and were based on a comprehensive reading protocol and histological lexicon that were specifically written for the plaice’s ovaries. The distribution and homogeneity of the different cell types found throughout the ovaries were also evaluated. This dataset can be used to automate the stereological reading process (through statistical learning methods for example) or to objectively determine the plaice’s maturity phase, and link that information to either macroscopic measurements or through image analysis of the full ovaries.
Measuring dementia incidence within a cohort of 267,153 older Australians using routinely collected linked administrative data
Authors: Welberry Heidi J. , Brodaty Henry , Hsu Benjumin , Barbieri Sebastiano , Jorm Louisa R.
Published: May 2020

To estimate dementia incidence rates using Australian administrative datasets and compare the characteristics of people identified with dementia across different datasets. This data linkage study used a cohort of 267,153 from the Australian 45 and Up Study. Participants completed a survey in 2006–2009 and subsequent dementia was identified through pharmaceutical claims, hospitalisations, aged care eligibility assessments, care needs at residential aged care entry and death certificates. Age-specific, and age-standardised incidence rates, incidence rate ratios and survival from first dementia diagnosis were estimated. Estimated age-standardised dementia incidence rates using all linked datasets was 16.8 cases per 1000 person years for people aged 65+. Comparing incidence rates to the global published rates suggested 77% of cases were identified but this varied by age with highest coverage among those aged 80–84 years (92%). Incidence rate ratios were inconsistent across datasets for: sex, socio-economic disadvantage, size of support network, marital status, functional limitations and diabetes. Median survival from first dementia diagnosis ranged from 1.80 years in the care needs dataset to 3.74 years in the pharmaceutical claims dataset. Characteristics of people identified with dementia in different administrative datasets reflect the factors that drive interaction with specific services; this may introduce bias in observational studies using a single data-source to identify dementia.
Chemical and Microstructural Characterization of pH and [Ca2+] Dependent Sol-Gel Transitions in Mucin Biopolymer
Authors: Curnutt Austin , Smith Kaylee , Darrow Emily , Walters Keisha B.
Published: May 2020

Mucus is responsible for controlling transport and barrier function in biological systems, and its properties can be significantly affected by compositional and environmental changes. In this study, the impacts of pH and CaCl2were examined on the solution-to-gel transition of mucin, the primary structural component of mucus. Microscale structural changes were correlated with macroscale viscoelastic behavior as a function of pH and calcium addition using rheology, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, surface tension, and FTIR spectroscopic characterization. Mucin solutions transitioned from solution to gel behavior between pH 4–5 and correspondingly displayed a more than ten-fold increase in viscoelastic moduli. Addition of CaCl2increased the sol-gel transition pH value to ca. 6, with a twofold increase in loss moduli at low frequencies and ten-fold increase in storage modulus. Changing the ionic conditions—specifically [H+] and [Ca2+] —modulated the sol-gel transition pH, isoelectric point, and viscoelastic properties due to reversible conformational changes with mucin forming a network structure via  non-covalent cross-links between mucin chains.
Uncovering Sub-Structure and Genomic Profiles in Across-Countries Subpopulations of Angus Cattle
Authors: Cardoso Diercles Francisco , Fernandes Júnior Gerardo Alves , Scalez Daiane Cristina Becker , Alves Anderson Antonio Carvalho , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , Bresolin Tiago , Ventura Ricardo Vieira , Li Changxi , de Sena Oliveira Márcia Cristina , Porto-Neto Laercio Ribeiro , Carvalheiro Roberto , de Oliveira Henrique Nunes , Tonhati Humberto , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: May 2020

Highlighting genomic profiles for geographically distinct subpopulations of the same breed may provide insights into adaptation mechanisms to different environments, reveal genomic regions divergently selected, and offer initial guidance to joint genomic analysis. Here, we characterized similarities and differences between the genomic patterns of Angus subpopulations, born and raised in Canada (N = 382) and Brazil (N = 566). Furthermore, we systematically scanned for selection signatures based on the detection of autozygosity islands common between the two subpopulations, and signals of divergent selection, via FSTand varLD tests. The principal component analysis revealed a sub-structure with a close connection between the two subpopulations. The averages of genomic relationships, inbreeding coefficients, and linkage disequilibrium at varying genomic distances were rather similar across them, suggesting non-accentuated differences in overall genomic diversity. Autozygosity islands revealed selection signatures common to both subpopulations at chromosomes 13 (63.77–65.25 Mb) and 14 (22.81–23.57 Mb), which are notably known regions affecting growth traits. Nevertheless, further autozygosity islands along with FSTand varLD tests unravel particular sites with accentuated population subdivision at BTAs 7 and 18 overlapping with known QTL and candidate genes of reproductive performance, thermoregulation, and resistance to infectious diseases. Our findings indicate overall genomic similarity between Angus subpopulations, with noticeable signals of divergent selection in genomic regions associated with the adaptation in different environments.
CYP17A1 deficient XY mice display susceptibility to atherosclerosis, altered lipidomic profile and atypical sex development
Authors: Aherrahrou Redouane , Kulle Alexandra E. , Alenina Natalia , Werner Ralf , Vens-Cappell Simeon , Bader Michael , Schunkert Heribert , Erdmann Jeanette , Aherrahrou Zouhair
Published: May 2020

CYP17A1 is a cytochrome P450 enzyme with 17-alpha-hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase activities. CYP17A1 genetic variants are associated with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and visceral and subcutaneous fat distribution; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the function of CYP17A1 and its impact on atherosclerosis in mice. At 4–6 months, CYP17A1-deficient mice were viable, with a KO:Het:WT ratio approximating the expected Mendelian ratio of 1:2:1. All Cyp17a1 knockout (KO) mice were phenotypically female; however, 58% were Y chromosome-positive, resembling the phenotype of human CYP17A1 deficiency, leading to 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). Both male and female homozygous KO mice were infertile, due to abnormal genital organs. Plasma steroid analyses revealed a complete lack of testosterone in XY-KO mice and marked accumulation of progesterone in XX-KO mice. Elevated corticosterone levels were observed in both XY and XX KO mice. In addition, Cyp17a1 heterozygous mice were also backcrossed onto an Apoe KO atherogenic background and fed a western-type diet (WTD) to study the effects of CYP17A1 on atherosclerosis. Cyp17a1 x Apoe double KO XY mice developed more atherosclerotic lesions than Apoe KO male controls, regardless of diet (standard or WTD). Increased atherosclerosis in CYP17A1 XY KO mice lacking testosterone was associated with altered lipid profiles. In mice, CYP17A1 deficiency interferes with sex differentiation. Our data also demonstrate its key role in lipidomic profile, and as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
The effectiveness of quick starting oral contraception containing nomegestrol acetate and 17-β estradiol on ovulation inhibition: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jirakittidul Preeyaporn , Angsuwathana Surasak , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Thiampong Thunyada , Neungton Chanon , Chotrungrote Benjaphorn
Published: May 2020

To determine the effectiveness of quick starting combined oral contraception (COC) contain 2.5 mg nomegestrol acetate and 1.5 mg estradiol (NOMAC/E2) comparing with 0.075 mg gestodene and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol (GS/EE) on ovarian ovulation inhibition rate, we conducted a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial involving 69 healthy female volunteers aged 18–40 years who had normal menstrual history and were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to take one pack of COC containing either NOMAC/E2 (study group) or GS/EE (control group) starting on menstrual cycle Day7–9. The ovarian activity was assessed by using Hoogland and Skouby grading. Forty-six and 23 participants were randomized to NOMAC/E2 and GS/EE groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No significant difference was observed between the study and control groups for ovulation inhibition rate (93.4% vs. 95.6%, risk difference: –2.2%, 95% CI: –13.1, 8.8), ovarian quiescence rate (91.2% vs. 91.2%, P = 1.000), persistent cyst rate (2.2% vs. 4.4%, P = 1.000), and ovulation rate (6.6% vs. 4.4%, P = 1.000). Quick starting COC during day7–9 of menstrual cycle can inhibit ovulation for more than 90%. The quick starting NOMAC/E2 is non-inferior to GS/EE for preventing ovulation and suppressing follicular growth.
Station and train surface microbiomes of Mexico City’s metro (subway/underground)
Authors: Hernández Apolinar Misael , Vargas-Robles Daniela , Alcaraz Luis David , Peimbert Mariana
Published: May 2020

The metro is one of the more representative urban transportation systems of Mexico City, and it transports approximately 4.5 million commuters every day. Large crowds promote the exchange of microbes between humans. In this study, we determined the bacterial diversity profile of the Mexico City metro by massive sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We identified a total of 50,174 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 1058 genera. The metro microbiome was dominated by the phylum Actinobacteria and by the genera Cutibacterium (15%) (C. acnes 13%), Corynebacterium (13%), Streptococcus (9%), and Staphylococcus (5%) (S. epidermidis; 4%), reflecting the microbe composition of healthy human skin. The metro likely microbial sources were skin, dust, saliva, and vaginal, with no fecal contribution detected. A total of 420 bacterial genera were universal to the twelve metro lines tested, and those genera contributed to 99.10% of the abundance. The annual 1.6 billion ridership makes this public transport a main hub for microbe-host-environment interactions. Finally, this study shows that the microbial composition of the Mexico City metro comes from a mixture of environmental and human sources and that commuters are exposed to healthy composition of the human microbiota.
Anti-Adhesion Behavior from Ring-Strain Amine Cyclic Monolayers Grafted on Silicon (111) Surfaces
Authors: Ching Jing Yuan , Huang Brian. J. , Hsu Yu-Ting , Khung Yit Lung
Published: May 2020

In this manuscript, a series of amine tagged short cyclic molecules (cyclopropylamine, cyclobutylamine, cyclopentylamine and cyclohexylamine) were thermally grafted onto p-type silicon (111) hydride surfaces via nucleophilic addition. The chemistries of these grafting were verified via XPS, AFM and sessile droplet measurements. Confocal microscopy and cell viability assay was performed on these surfaces incubated for 24 hours with triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB 231), gastric adenocarcinoma cells (AGS) endometrial adenocarcinoma (Hec1A). All cell types had shown a significant reduction when incubated on these ring-strain cyclic monolayer surfaces than compared to standard controls. The expression level of focal adhesion proteins (vinculin, paxilin, talin and zyxin) were subsequently quantified for all three cell types via qPCR analysis. Cells incubate on these surface grafting were observed to have reduced levels of adhesion protein expression than compared to positive controls (collagen coating and APTES). A potential application of these anti-adhesive surfaces is the maintenance of the chondrocyte phenotype during in-vitro cell expansion. Articular chondrocytes cultured for 6 days on ring strained cyclopropane-modified surfaces was able to proliferate but had maintained a spheroid/aggregated phenotype with higher COL2A1 and ACAN gene expression. Herein, these findings had help promote grafting of cyclic monolayers as an viable alternative for producing antifouling surfaces.
High-content fluorescence imaging with the metabolic flux assay reveals insights into mitochondrial properties and functions
Authors: Little Andrew Charles , Kovalenko Ilya , Goo Laura Elaine , Hong Hanna Sungok , Kerk Samuel Andrew , Yates Joel Anthony , Purohit Vinee , Lombard David Benner , Merajver Sofia Diana , Lyssiotis Costas Andreas
Published: May 2020

Metabolic flux technology with the Seahorse bioanalyzer has emerged as a standard technique in cellular metabolism studies, allowing for simultaneous kinetic measurements of respiration and glycolysis. Methods to extend the utility and versatility of the metabolic flux assay would undoubtedly have immediate and wide-reaching impacts. Herein, we describe a platform that couples the metabolic flux assay with high-content fluorescence imaging to simultaneously provide means for normalization of respiration data with cell number; analyze cell cycle distribution; and quantify mitochondrial content, fragmentation state, membrane potential, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Integration of fluorescent dyes directly into the metabolic flux assay generates a more complete data set of mitochondrial features in a single assay. Moreover, application of this integrated strategy revealed insights into mitochondrial function following PGC1a and PRC1 inhibition in pancreatic cancer and demonstrated how the Rho-GTPases impact mitochondrial dynamics in breast cancer.
Author Correction: Strain-induced structure and oxygen transport interactions in epitaxial La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ thin films
Authors: Ivanov Yurii P. , Kubicek Markus , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Viernstein Alexander , Hutter Herbert , Fleig Jürgen , Chuvilin Andrey , Zhang Zaoli
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Mercury speciation based on mercury-stimulated peroxidase mimetic activity of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Jian-Yu , Jia Xin-Di , Wang Xiao-Yan , Chen Ming-Li , Yang Ting , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: May 2020

A novel mercury speciation strategy was developed based on mercury-stimulated peroxidase mimetic activity of gold nanoparticles.
Reversible formation of multiple stimuli-responsive polymeric materials through processing control of trifunctional amphiphilic molecules
Authors: Muraoka Takahiro , Honda Hidetaka , Nabeya Kota , Kinbara Kazushi
Published: May 2020

A trifunctional amphiphile consisting of thermo-responsive, redox-responsive, and photo-responsive units achieved reversible formation of multiple stimuli-responsive polymeric materials.
Near-infrared fluorescent chemodosimeter for real-time in vivo evaluation of H2S-release efficiency of prodrug
Authors: Yao Xufeng , Liu Wangwang , Zhu Wenchao , Tiemuer Aliya , Zhou Fangyuan , Yang Shikui , Yu Hui , Qian Xiaoli , Liu Yi
Published: May 2020

A promising platform for evaluating H2S-release in pharmaceutical development, and enabling a great method for monitoring H2S in future clinical medicine.
Transformation of γ-valerolactone into 1,4-pentanediol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran over Zn-promoted Cu/Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhao Zhenbo , Arai Masahiko , Zhang Chao , Liu Ke , Shi Ruhui , Wu Peixuan , Wang Zhuangqing , Lin Weiwei , Cheng Haiyang , Zhao Fengyu
Published: May 2020

The presence of Zn can promote the activity and stability as well as adjust the product selectivity due to the formation of ZnCu alloy and the reduction of acidic sites, which prevents the deactivation of the catalyst and dehydration of 1,4-PDO.