bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital mapping of soil carbon sequestration potential with enhanced vegetation cover over New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Gray Jonathan M. , Wang Bin , Waters Cathleen M. , Orgill Susan E. , Cowie Annette L. , Ng Ee Ling
Published: October 2021

Digital soil maps of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration potential resulting from a hypothetical 10% relative increase in long‐term vegetation cover are presented at 100‐m resolution across the state of New South Wales (NSW) in southeast Australia. This land management outcome is considered realistically achievable for many land managers, using strategies such as revegetation, grazing management or crop residue management. A mean state‐wide potential increase of 5.4 Mg ha−1 over the 0‐ to 30‐cm depth interval was derived. Assuming a 20‐year period of re‐equilibration, this equates to an average SOC increase of 0.27 Mg ha−1 year−1. Sequestration potential is systematically influenced by a combination of climate, soil parent material and current vegetation cover, for example only 1.6 Mg ha−1 SOC under dry conditions in sandy, infertile soil material with sparse vegetation cover, compared with 15.9 Mg ha−1 under wet conditions in clay‐rich, fertile soil material with moderate–high vegetation cover. The outputs could be used to identify locations of highest sequestration potential and thereby help prioritize areas and inform decisions on sequestration programmes. Future application of the method at field scale with high levels of accuracy, together with strategic sampling, may provide statistically reliable estimates of carbon sequestration, for application in carbon trading schemes such as Australia's Emissions Reduction Fund. The modelling involved a conceptually transparent ‘space‐for‐time substitution’ process. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) modelling techniques were applied, but only MLR gave consistently meaningful results. The apparent failing of RF in this application warrants further examination.
BBX21 reduces abscisic acid sensitivity, mesophyll conductance and chloroplast electron transport capacity to increase photosynthesis and water use efficiency in potato plants cultivated under moderated drought
Authors: Gómez‐Ocampo Gabriel , Ploschuk Edmundo L. , Mantese Anita , Crocco Carlos D. , Botto Javier F.
Published: October 2021

The B‐box (BBX) proteins are zinc‐finger transcription factors with a key role in growth and developmental regulatory networks mediated by light. AtBBX21 overexpressing (BBX21‐OE) potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants, cultivated in optimal water conditions, have a higher photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductance without penalty in water use efficiency (WUE) and with a higher tuber yield. In this work, we cultivated potato plants in two water regimes: 100 and 35% field capacity of water restriction that imposed leaf water potentials between −0.3 and −1.2 MPa for vegetative and tuber growth during 14 or 28 days, respectively. We found that 42‐day‐old plants of BBX21‐OE were more tolerant to water restriction with higher levels of chlorophylls and tuber yield than wild‐type spunta (WT) plants. In addition, the BBX21‐OE lines showed higher photosynthesis rates and WUE under water restriction during the morning. Mechanistically, we found that BBX21‐OE lines were more tolerant to moderated drought by enhancing mesophyll conductance (gm) and maximum capacity of electron transport (Jmax), and by reducing abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity in plant tissues. By RNA‐seq analysis, we found 204 genes whose expression decreased by drought in WT plants and expressed independently of the water condition in BBX21‐OE lines as SAP12, MYB73, EGYP1, TIP2‐1 and DREB2A, and expressions were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that BBX21 interplays with the ABA and growth signaling networks, improving the photosynthetic behavior in suboptimal water conditions with an increase in potato tuber yield.
Retrospective evaluation of the utility of blood cultures in dogs (2009–2018): 45 cases
Authors: Saarenkari Heidi K. , Sharp Claire R. , Smart Lisa
Published: October 2021

Background

There is no consensus on obtaining blood cultures routinely in companion animals with suspected sepsis, and there is a paucity of evidence concerning their utility. The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the yield of positive blood cultures from hospitalized dogs, the prevalence of resistant bacteria, and the frequency and nature of changes to antimicrobial therapy once the culture result became available.

Key Findings

Forty‐five dogs had a blood culture submitted over a 10‐year period, of which 9(20%) yielded positive growth and 36 (80%) yielded no bacterial growth. The most frequent reasons for submission of blood culture were pyrexia of unknown origin (n = 14), suspected soft tissue infection (7), and suspected discospondylitis (7). The most frequent final diagnoses were soft tissue infection (n = 11), discospondylitis (7), and unknown (6). No significant difference was found between the culture‐positive versus culture‐negative groups with regard to the most frequent reasons for blood culture (P = 0.55), final diagnoses (P = 0.80), survival until the blood culture result (P = 0.37), or whether the infection was hospital‐ or community‐acquired (P = 0.99). There were significantly more immunosuppressed dogs in the culture‐positive group (P = 0.02). Resistance to one or more antimicrobials was documented in all dogs with susceptibility reported. In the culture‐positive dogs, 63% had antimicrobial de‐escalation and none had escalation, whereas 19% of the culture‐negative dogs had de‐escalation and 7% had escalation.

Conclusion

Blood cultures were submitted infrequently, but the proportion of resistance was higher than expected and supports the use of blood cultures in cases of suspected infection resulting in bacteremia.
Effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the formation and structure of aerobic granular sludge performing enhanced biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Cetin Ender , Aleksanyan Magden Karin , Zhou Yan , Yilmaz Gulsum
Published: October 2021

The study investigated the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the formation of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) granular sludge without losing the EBPR capacity, and its structure. The effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the formation of EBPR granular sludge was evaluated by using the minimum settling velocity, (Vs)min, and superficial air velocity. The application of (Vs)min strategy was proved to be beneficial in maintaining granular biomass without losing the EBPR capacity. Microscale structure, the chemical composition and chemically stored phosphorus of the matured EBPR granular sludge were determined by using ESEM‐EDX and cold perchloric acid (PCA) analyses. The results of both the ESEM‐EDX and PCA analyses proved that the poly‐P granules were stored extracellular in EPS structure of EBPR granular sludge. Therefore, the EBPR granular sludge has a high potential for both removal and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater, which needs to be investigated in future studies.
Fake news in oorlogstijd
Authors: Yammine Bruno
Published: October 2021

Tijdens de Eerste Wereldoorlog probeerde de Duitse bezetter België intern te splijten. Dat gebeurde door het voeren van een Flamenpolitik, een beleid dat erop gericht was de Vlamingen of in elk geval de Vlaamse beweging in het harnas te jagen tegen België. Dat lukte, want een klein deel Vlaamsgezinden, de zogenaamde activisten, collaboreerde inderdaad. Vanaf de nazomer van 1914 zou Berlijn in het bezette land de Vlaamse beweging onophoudelijk bestoken met een grootscheepse mediacampagne. De Duitse diensten, gesteund door hun Oostenrijkse bondgenoten, maakten daarbij vooral gebruik van vlugschriften en de geschreven pers, niet alleen in België maar ook in het neutrale Nederland. In de zomer van 1915 was het activisme een feit: een anti-Belgisch Vlaams-nationalisme, waarvan de gevolgen tot op heden voelbaar zijn, had het daglicht gezien. De propaganda die eraan ten grondslag lag was zó vernuftig en ingenieus dat ze niet alleen tijdgenoten overtuigde, maar zelfs meer dan een eeuw later nog steeds historici misleidt. Het is een mooi staaltje van “fake news” avant la lettre.
Corrigendum: The affine part of the Picard scheme
Authors: Geisser Thomas
Published: October 2021

We give a corrected version of Theorem 3, Lemma 4, and Proposition 9 in the above-mentioned paper, which are incorrect as stated (as was pointed out by O. Gabber).
Reflecting on the Game: Situational Stressors, Stress Responses, and Coping in German Elite Volleyball Referees
Authors: Rückel Lisa-Marie , Noël Benjamin , Jungen André , Brückner Sebastian , Strauss Bernd , Klatt Stefanie
Published: October 2021

This study uses a thematic content analysis to analyze common stressors for volleyball referees, examine the individual triggered stress responses, and identify the applied coping strategies. A total of 38 German elite volleyball referees (24 male and 14 female,Mage = 38.29 years,SD = 7.91 years) were considered for this study. Through the analysis, 17 stressful events, 14 stress responses, and 6 different coping strategies were identified and further clustered into four main dimensions. Common stressors among elite German volleyball referees were identified as stressful game situations, need for game management, situational environment, and demands on self-activation. These stressors triggered emotional stress reactions, cognitive stress reactions, changes in focus, and reactions among the test group after increased strain. In order to deal with these situations and emotions, referees applied self-regulation strategies, improved focus and concentration, searched for a solution, prepared for the match or a stressor, showed a confident appearance, and tried to accept and let go of mistakes or situations. Post hoc Pearson’s correlation analyses showed significant relationships between emotional and cognitive stress reactions with stressful game situations. Consequently, the role of coping with emotions and thoughts becomes essential for volleyball referees to remain focused and perform.
An Egalitarian System Straining At the Seams
Authors: Kahn Patricia
Published: October 2021

Overcrowding in German universities, compounded by stagnant funding, has resulted in a tough environment for students and faculty alike. University administrators are realizing that they have to pay more attention to the needs of students. But local reform efforts are hampered by stultifying regulations and a government requirement that standards be uniform across the country. This is leading some academics to argue for more autonomy and for giving more weight to teaching skills in determining promotions.
Brazil and Russia face off over vaccine contamination charge
Authors: Moutinho Sofia , Wadman Meredith
Published: October 2021

Does Sputnik V contain replication-competent viruses?
Mechanisms of Acetoin Toxicity and Adaptive Responses in an Acetoin-Producing Species, Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Cesselin Bénédicte , Henry Céline , Gruss Alexandra , Gloux Karine , Gaudu Philippe
Published: October 2021

Acetoin, 3-hydroxyl,2-butanone, has diverse uses in chemical industry, agriculture, and dairy industries as a volatile compound that generates aromas. In bacteria, it can be produced in high amount by
Lactococcus lactis
when it grows under aerobic respiration.
Effect of Plant Systemic Resistance Elicited by Biological and Chemical Inducers on the Colonization of the Lettuce and Basil Leaf Apoplast by
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Chalupowicz L. , Manulis-Sasson S. , Barash I. , Elad Y. , Rav-David D. , Brandl M. T.
Published: October 2021

Fruit and vegetables consumed raw have become an important vehicle of foodborne illness despite a continuous effort to improve their microbial safety.
Salmonella enterica
has caused numerous recalls and outbreaks of infection associated with contaminated leafy vegetables. Evidence is increasing that enteric pathogens can reach the leaf apoplast where they confront plant innate immunity.
Genomic Stability and Phenotypic Characteristics of Industrially Produced Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG in a Yogurt Matrix
Authors: Stage Strickertsson Marianne , Hui Yan , Nielsen Dennis Sandris , Vera-Jiménez Natalia Ivonne , Olsen Jeanne , Sandelin Albin , Wichmann Anita
Published: October 2021

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
GG is a well-documented probiotic strain recognized for its high acid and bile tolerance and properties of adhesion to enterocytes and mucus. The strain exhibits SpaCBA pili, which have been demonstrated to play an important role in adhesion and therefore are relevant for persistence in the gastrointestinal tract.
Quantifying Oxidation of Cellulose-Associated Glucuronoxylan by Two Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases from Neurospora crassa
Authors: Hegnar Olav A. , Østby Heidi , Petrović Dejan M. , Olsson Lisbeth , Várnai Anikó , Eijsink Vincent G. H.
Published: October 2021

Plant cell wall polysaccharides are highly resilient to depolymerization by hydrolytic enzymes, partly due to cellulose chains being tightly packed in microfibrils that are covered by hemicelluloses. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) seem well suited to attack these resilient copolymeric structures, but the occurrence and importance of hemicellulolytic activity among LPMOs remains unclear.
Aromatic Dimer Dehydrogenases from
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
Reduce Monoaromatic Diketones
Authors: Linz Alexandra M. , Ma Yanjun , Perez Jose M. , Myers Kevin S. , Kontur Wayne S. , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J.
Published: October 2021

Lignin is a major plant polymer composed of aromatic units that have value as chemicals. However, the structure and composition of lignin has made it difficult to use this polymer as a renewable source of industrial chemicals.
Nitroreductase Increases Menadione-Mediated Oxidative Stress inAspergillus nidulans
Authors: Zhou Yao , Lv Hangya , Li Haoxiang , Li Jingyi , Yan Yunfeng , Liu Feiyun , Hao Wenliang , Zhou Zhemin , Wang Ping , Zhou Shengmin
Published: October 2021

Menadione is commonly used as an O2•−generator in studies into oxidative stress responses. However, the precise mechanism through which menadione mediates cellular O2•−generation, as well as the way in which cells respond, remains unclear.
Surveillance of Listeria monocytogenes: Early Detection, Population Dynamics, and Quasimetagenomic Sequencing during Selective Enrichment
Authors: Wagner Eva , Fagerlund Annette , Langsrud Solveig , Møretrø Trond , Jensen Merete Rusås , Moen Birgitte
Published: October 2021

We showed that a combination of a short primary enrichment combined with MDA and Nanopore sequencing can accelerate the traditional process of cultivation and identification of
L. monocytogenes
. The use of Illumina MiSeq sequencing additionally allowed us to predict the presence of cooccurring
L. monocytogenes
strains.
Removal of Toxic Volatile Compounds in Batch Culture Prolongs Stationary Phase and Delays Death of Escherichia coli
Authors: Osborne Melisa G. , Geiger Christopher J. , Corzett Christopher H. , Kram Karin E. , Finkel Steven E.
Published: October 2021

Bacteria, such as
Escherichia coli
, are routinely used in the production of biomaterials because of their efficient and sustainable capacity for synthesis of bioproducts. Industrial applications of microbial synthesis typically utilize cells in the stationary phase, when cultures have the greatest density of viable cells.
NTCP Oligomerization Occurs Downstream of the NTCP-EGFR Interaction during Hepatitis B Virus Internalization
Authors: Fukano Kento , Oshima Mizuki , Tsukuda Senko , Aizaki Hideki , Ohki Mio , Park Sam-Yong , Wakita Takaji , Wakae Kousho , Watashi Koichi , Muramatsu Masamichi
Published: October 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is mediated by a specific interaction with sodium taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), a viral entry receptor. Although the virus-receptor interactions are believed to trigger viral internalization into host cells, the exact molecular mechanisms of HBV internalization are not understood.
Design of the Recombinant Influenza Neuraminidase Antigen Is Crucial for Its Biochemical Properties and Protective Efficacy
Authors: Gao Jin , Klenow Laura , Parsons Lisa , Malik Tahir , Phue Je-Nie , Gao Zhizeng , Withers Stephen G. , Cipollo John , Daniels Robert , Wan Hongquan
Published: October 2021

For several decades, it has been proposed that influenza vaccines could be supplemented with recombinant neuraminidase (rNA) to improve efficacy. However, some key questions for manufacturing stable and immunogenic rNAs remain to be answered.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Phosphoprotein Residue S156 Plays a Role in Regulating Genome Transcription and Replication
Authors: Beavis Ashley C. , Tran Kim C. , Barrozo Enrico R. , Phan Shannon I. , Teng Michael N. , He Biao
Published: October 2021

RSV-P is a heavily phosphorylated protein that is required for RSV replication. In this study, we identified several residues, including P-S156, as phosphorylation sites that play critical roles in efficient viral growth and genome replication. Future studies to identify the specific kinase(s) that phosphorylates these residues can lead to kinase inhibitors and antiviral drugs for this important human pathogen.
Highly Efficient SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Cardiomyocytes: Spike Protein-Mediated Cell Fusion and Its Inhibition
Authors: Navaratnarajah Chanakha K. , Pease David R. , Halfmann Peter J. , Taye Biruhalem , Barkhymer Alison , Howell Kyle G. , Charlesworth Jon E. , Christensen Trace A. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Cattaneo Roberto , Schneider Jay W.
Published: October 2021

Cardiac complications frequently observed in COVID-19 patients are tentatively attributed to systemic inflammation and thrombosis, but viral replication has occasionally been confirmed in cardiac tissue autopsy materials. We developed an
in vitro
model of SARS-CoV-2 spread in myocardium using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
Structures of Two Human Astrovirus Capsid/Neutralizing Antibody Complexes Reveal Distinct Epitopes and Inhibition of Virus Attachment to Cells
Authors: Ricemeyer Lena , Aguilar-Hernández Nayeli , López Tomás , Espinosa Rafaela , Lanning Sarah , Mukherjee Santanu , Cuellar Carolina , López Susana , Arias Carlos F. , DuBois Rebecca M.
Published: October 2021

Human astroviruses infect nearly every person in the world during childhood and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Despite the prevalence of this virus, little is known about how antibodies block astrovirus infection.
A QP509L/QP383R-Deleted African Swine Fever Virus Is Highly Attenuated in Swine but Does Not Confer Protection against Parental Virus Challenge
Authors: Li Dan , Wu Panxue , Liu Huanan , Feng Tao , Yang Wenping , Ru Yi , Li Pan , Qi Xiaolan , Shi Zhengwang , Zheng Haixue
Published: October 2021

African swine fever (ASF) is endemic to several parts of the word, with outbreaks of the disease devastating the swine farming industry; currently, no commercially available vaccine exists. Here, we report that deletion of the previously uncharacterized QP509L and QP383R viral genes completely attenuates virulence in the ASF virus (ASFV) CN/GS/2018 isolate.
Molecular Coevolution of Nuclear and Nucleolar Localization Signals inside the Basic Domain of HIV-1 Tat
Authors: Kurnaeva Margarita A. , Zalevsky Arthur O. , Arifulin Eugene A. , Lisitsyna Olga M. , Tvorogova Anna V. , Shubina Maria Y. , Bourenkov Gleb P. , Tikhomirova Maria A. , Potashnikova Daria M. , Kachalova Anastasia I. , Musinova Yana R. , Golovin Andrey V. , Vassetzky Yegor S. , Sheval Eugene V.
Published: October 2021

Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of nuclear localization signal (NLS) and nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) integration into the basic domain of HIV-1 Tat (
49
RKKRRQRRR
57
) and found that these two supplementary functions (i.e., function of NLS and NoLS) are embedded in the basic domain amino acid sequence. The integration of NLSs and NoLSs into functional domains of viral proteins enriched with positively charged amino acids is a mechanism that allows the concentration of different functions within small protein regions.
Temperature Influences the Composition and Cytotoxicity of Extracellular Vesicles in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Briaud Paul , Frey Andrew , Marino Emily C. , Bastock Raeven A. , Zielinski Riley E. , Wiemels Richard E. , Keogh Rebecca A. , Murphy Erin R. , Shaw Lindsey N. , Carroll Ronan K.
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer spheres that contain proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids secreted by bacteria. They are involved in
Staphylococcus aureus
infections, as they package virulence factors and deliver their contents inside host cells.
Predicted Functional and Structural Diversity of Receiver Domains in Fungal Two-Component Regulatory Systems
Authors: Bourret Robert B. , Foster Clay A. , Goldman William E.
Published: October 2021

Fungal two-component regulatory systems incorporate receiver domains into hybrid histidine kinases (HHKs) and response regulators. We constructed a nonredundant database of 670 fungal receiver domain sequences from 51 species sampled from nine fungal phyla.
Supplemental Videos: The rise and demise of deep accretionary wedges: A long-term field and numerical modeling perspective
Authors: Angiboust S. , al. et
Published: October 2021

Five videos of the numerical experiments.
Should electronic differential diagnosis support be used early or late in the diagnostic process? A multicentre experimental study of Isabel
Authors: Sibbald Matt , Monteiro Sandra , Sherbino Jonathan , LoGiudice Andrew , Friedman Charles , Norman Geoffrey
Published: October 2021

Background

Diagnostic errors unfortunately remain common. Electronic differential diagnostic support (EDS) systems may help, but it is unclear when and how they ought to be integrated into the diagnostic process.

Objective

To explore how much EDS improves diagnostic accuracy, and whether EDS should be used early or late in the diagnostic process.

Setting

6 Canadian medical schools. A volunteer sample of 67 medical students, 62 residents in internal medicine or emergency medicine, and 61 practising internists or emergency medicine physicians were recruited in May through June 2020.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to make use of EDS either early (after the chief complaint) or late (after the complete history and physical is available) in the diagnostic process while solving each of 16 written cases. For each case, we measured the number of diagnoses proposed in the differential diagnosis and how often the correct diagnosis was present within the differential.

Results

EDS increased the number of diagnostic hypotheses by 2.32 (95% CI 2.10 to 2.49) when used early in the process and 0.89 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.10) when used late in the process (both p<0.001). Both early and late use of EDS increased the likelihood of the correct diagnosis being present in the differential (7% and 8%, respectively, both p<0.001). Whereas early use increased the number of diagnostic hypotheses (most notably for students and residents), late use increased the likelihood of the correct diagnosis being present in the differential regardless of one’s experience level.

Conclusions and relevance

EDS increased the number of diagnostic hypotheses and the likelihood of the correct diagnosis appearing in the differential, and these effects persisted irrespective of whether EDS was used early or late in the diagnostic process.
COVID-19 hospital prevalence as a risk factor for mortality: an observational study of a multistate cohort of 62 hospitals
Authors: Fakih Mohamad Ghazi , Ottenbacher Allison , Yehia Baligh , Fogel Richard , Miller Collin , Winegar Angela , Jesser Christine , Cacchione Joseph
Published: October 2021

Background

The associated mortality with COVID-19 has improved compared with the early pandemic period. The effect of hospital COVID-19 patient prevalence on COVID-19 mortality has not been well studied.

Methods

We analysed data for adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to 62 hospitals within a multistate health system over 12 months. Mortality was evaluated based on patient demographic and clinical risk factors, COVID-19 hospital prevalence and calendar time period of the admission, using a generalised linear mixed model with site of care as the random effect.

Results

38 104 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalised, and during their encounters, the prevalence of COVID-19 averaged 16% of the total hospitalised population. Between March–April 2020 and January–February 2021, COVID-19 mortality declined from 19% to 12% (p<0.001). In the adjusted multivariable analysis, mid and high COVID-19 inpatient prevalence were associated with a 25% and 41% increase in the odds (absolute contribution to probability of death of 2%–3%) of COVID-19 mortality compared with patients with COVID-19 in facilities with low prevalence (<10%), respectively (high prevalence >25%: adjusted OR (AOR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.61; mid-prevalence (10%–25%): AOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.38). Mid and high COVID-19 prevalence accounted for 76% of patient encounters.

Conclusions

Although inpatient mortality for patients with COVID-19 has sharply declined compared with earlier in the pandemic, higher COVID-19 hospital prevalence remained a common risk factor for COVID-19 mortality. Hospital leaders need to reconsider how we provide support to care for patients in times of increased volume and complexity, such as those experienced during COVID-19 surges.
Race, sex and age disparities in echocardiography among Medicare beneficiaries in an integrated healthcare system
Authors: Hyland Patrick M , Xu Jiaman , Shen Changyu , Markson Lawrence J , Manning Warren J , Strom Jordan B.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To identify potential race, sex and age disparities in performance of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) over several decades.

Methods

TTE reports from five academic and community sites within a single integrated healthcare system were linked to 100% Medicare fee-for-service claims from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2017. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted rates of TTE utilisation after the index TTE according to baseline age, sex, race and comorbidities among individuals with ≥2 TTEs. Non-white race was defined as black, Asian, North American Native, Hispanic or other categories using Medicare-assigned race categories.

Results

A total of 15 870 individuals (50.1% female, mean 72.2±12.7 years) underwent a total of 63 535 TTEs (range 2–55/person) over a median (IQR) follow-up time of 4.9 (2.4–8.5) years. After the index TTE, the median TTE use was 0.72 TTEs/person/year (IQR 0.43–1.33; range 0.12–26.76). TTE use was lower in older individuals (relative risk (RR) for 10-year increase in age, 0.91, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.92, p<0.001), women (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p<0.001) and non-white individuals (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.97, p<0.001). Black women in particular had the lowest relative use of TTE (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.95, p<0.001). The only clinical conditions associated with increased TTE use after multivariable adjustment were heart failure (RR 1.04, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.08, p=0.04) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.10, p=0.04).

Conclusions

Among Medicare beneficiaries with multiple TTEs in a single large healthcare system, the median TTE use after the index TTE was 0.72 TTEs/person/year, although this varied widely. Adjusted for comorbidities, female sex, non-white race and advancing age were associated with decreased TTE utilisation.
Biallelic variants in ZFP36L2 cause female infertility characterised by recurrent preimplantation embryo arrest
Authors: Zheng Wei , Sha Qian-Qian , Hu Huiling , Meng Fei , Zhou Qinwei , Chen Xueqin , Zhang Shuoping , Gu Yifan , Yan Xian , Zhao Lei , Zong Yurong , Hu Liang , Gong Fei , Lu Guangxiu , Fan Heng-Yu , Lin Ge
Published: October 2021

Background

Recurrent preimplantation embryo developmental arrest (RPEA) is the most common cause of assisted reproductive technology treatment failure associated with identified genetic abnormalities. Variants in known maternal genes can only account for 20%–30% of these cases. The underlying genetic causes for the other affected individuals remain unknown.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed for 100 independent infertile females that experienced RPEA. Functional characterisations of the identified candidate disease-causative variants were validated by Sanger sequencing, bioinformatics and in vitro functional analyses, and single-cell RNA sequencing of zygotes.

Results

Biallelic variants in ZFP36L2 were associated with RPEA and the recurrent variant (p.Ser308_Ser310del) prevented maternal mRNA decay in zygotes and HeLa cells.

Conclusion

These findings emphasise the relevance of the relationship between maternal mRNA decay and human preimplantation embryo development and highlight a novel gene potentially responsible for RPEA, which may facilitate genetic diagnoses.
The status and future of tidal marshes in New Jersey faced with sea level rise
Authors: Weis Judith S. , Watson Elizabeth Burke , Ravit Beth , Harman Charles , Yepsen Metthea
Published: October 2021

Salt marshes are key coastal ecosystems that provide habitats for wildlife, including invertebrates, fishes, and birds. They provide ecosystem services such as protection from storm surges and waves, attenuation of flooding, sequestration of pollutants (e.g., blue carbon), and nutrient removal. They are currently under great threat from sea level rise (SLR). We collected information about trends in the horizontal extent (acreage) of New Jersey salt marshes and recent elevation changes compared with the current local rate of SLR in New Jersey, which is between 5 and 6 mm year−1. We found pervasive, although variable, rates of marsh loss that resulted from both anthropogenic disturbance as well as edge erosion and interior ponding expected from SLR. Elevation trends suggest that the current rates of SLR exceed most marsh elevation gains, although some Phragmites-dominated marshes keep pace with SLR. Four potential remedies to address current coastal trends of marsh loss were described in the context of New Jersey’s regulatory and management environment: protection of marsh inland migration pathways, altered management of Phragmites, thin layer sediment placement, and living shoreline installations. Proactive steps are necessary if coastal wetland ecosystems are to be maintained over the next few decades.
Unveiling the recovery dynamics of walleye after the invisible collapse
Authors: Cahill Christopher L. , Walters Carl J. , Paul Andrew J. , Sullivan Michael G. , Post John R.
Published: October 2021

Walleye (Sander vitreus) populations in Alberta, Canada, collapsed by the mid-1990s and were a case study in the paper Canada’s Recreational Fisheries: The Invisible Collapse? Here we fit age-structured population dynamics models to data from a landscape-scale monitoring program to assess walleye population status and reconstruct recruitment dynamics following the invisible collapse. Assessments indicated that populations featured low Fmsyvalues of approximately 0.2–0.3 under conservative assumptions for the stock–recruitment relationship but that many populations were lightly exploited during 2000–2018. Recruitment reconstructions showed that recovery from collapse in 33/55 lakes was driven in part by large positive recruitment anomalies that occurred during 1998–2002. Additionally, 15/55 lakes demonstrated cyclic recruitment dynamics. The documented recruitment anomalies and cyclic fluctuations could be due to environmental effect(s) or cannibalism, and experimentation is likely necessary to resolve this uncertainty. These findings contribute new information on the recovery dynamics of walleye following the invisible collapse and demonstrate the effectiveness of coupling traditional fisheries science models with broad-scale monitoring data to improve understanding of population dynamics and sustainability across landscapes.
The protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein suppresses hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide secretion mediated by the PI3K/Akt-HIF-1α pathway in isolated beating rat atria
Authors: Zhang Qiu-li , Li Ping , Hong Lan , Li Rui-zhuang , Wang Jia-qi , Cui Xun
Published: October 2021

Genistein, an isoflavonoid that can inhibit protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) phosphorylation, has been shown to play pivotal roles in the signal transduction pathways of hypoxic disorders. In this study, we established a rat model of isolated beating atrium and investigated the regulator role of genistein and its downstream signaling pathways in acute hypoxia-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion. Radioimmunoassay was used to detect the ANP content in the atrial perfusates. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein level of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and GATA4 in the atrial tissue. The results showed that acute hypoxia substantially promoted ANP secretion, whereas this effect was partly attenuated by the PTKs inhibitor genistein (3 μM). By Western blotting analysis, we found that hypoxia-induced increase in phosphorylation of Akt and transcriptional factors, including HIF-1α, were also reversed by genistein. The perfused HIF-1α inhibitors rotenone (0.5 μM) or CAY10585 (10 μM) plus genistein significantly abolished the enhanced ANP section induced by hypoxia. Additionally, the perfused PI3K/Akt agonist insulin-like growth factor 1 (30 μM) also abolished ANP secretion induced by genistein and inhibited expression of HIF-1α. In summary, our data suggested that acute hypoxia markedly increased ANP secretion by PTKs through the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/HIF-1α dependent pathway.
Systemic study of selected histone deacetylase inhibitors in cardiac complications associated with cancer cachexia
Authors: Bora Vivek , Patel Dhwani , Johar Kaid , Goyal Ramesh K. , Patel Bhoomika M.
Published: October 2021

Cancer cachexia is mainly characterized by wasting of skeletal muscles and fat and body weight loss, along with severe complications of major organs like liver, heart, brain and bone. There can be diminishing performance of these major organs as cancer cachexia progresses, one such drastic effect on the cardiac system. In the present study, differential effect of histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) on cardiac complications associated with cancer cachexia is studied. Two models were used to induce cancer cachexia: B16F1 induced metastatic cancer cachexia and Lewis lung carcinoma cell – induced cancer cachexia. Potential of Class I HDACi entinostat, Class II HDACi MC1568, and nonspecific HDACi sodium butyrate on cardiac complications were evaluated using the cardiac hypertrophy markers, hemodynamic markers, and cardiac markers along with histopathological evaluation of heart sections by Periodic acid–Schiff staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, Picro-sirius red staining, and haematoxylin and eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry evaluation by vimentin and caspase 3 protein expression was evaluated. Entinostat showed promising results by attenuating the cardiac complications, and MC1568 treatment further exacerbated the cardiac complications, while non-conclusive effect were recorded after treatment with sodium butyrate. This study will be helpful in evaluating other HDACi for potential in cardiac complications associated with cancer cachexia.
The evolutions of the innermost stable circular orbits in dynamical spacetimes
Authors: Song Yong
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we studied the evolutions of the innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs) in dynamical spacetimes. At first, we reviewed the method to obtain the ISCO in Schwarzschild spacetime by varying its conserved orbital angular momentum. Then, we demonstrated this method is equivalent to the effective potential method in general static and stationary spacetimes. Unlike the effective potential method, which depends on the presence of the conserved orbital energy, this method requires the existence of conserved orbital angular momentum in spacetime. So it can be easily generalized to the dynamical spacetimes where there exists conserved orbital angular momentum. From this generalization, we studied the evolutions of the ISCOs in Vaidya spacetime, Vaidya-AdS spacetime and the slow rotation limit of Kerr–Vaidya spacetime. The results given by these examples are all reasonable and can be compared with the evolutions of the photon spheres in dynamical spacetimes.
Performance of a geometric deep learning pipeline for HL-LHC particle tracking
Authors: Ju Xiangyang , Murnane Daniel , Calafiura Paolo , Choma Nicholas , Conlon Sean , Farrell Steven , Xu Yaoyuan , Spiropulu Maria , Vlimant Jean-Roch , Aurisano Adam , Hewes Jeremy , Cerati Giuseppe , Gray Lindsey , Klijnsma Thomas , Kowalkowski Jim , Atkinson Markus , Neubauer Mark , DeZoort Gage , Thais Savannah , Chauhan Aditi , Schuy Alex , Hsu Shih-Chieh , Ballow Alex , Lazar Alina
Published: October 2021

The Exa.TrkX project has applied geometric learning concepts such as metric learning and graph neural networks to HEP particle tracking. Exa.TrkX’s tracking pipeline groups detector measurements to form track candidates and filters them. The pipeline, originally developed using the TrackML dataset (a simulation of an LHC-inspired tracking detector), has been demonstrated on other detectors, including DUNE Liquid Argon TPC and CMS High-Granularity Calorimeter. This paper documents new developments needed to study the physics and computing performance of the Exa.TrkX pipeline on the full TrackML dataset, a first step towards validating the pipeline using ATLAS and CMS data. The pipeline achieves tracking efficiency and purity similar to production tracking algorithms. Crucially for future HEP applications, the pipeline benefits significantly from GPU acceleration, and its computational requirements scale close to linearly with the number of particles in the event.
Geometric optics in conformal Weyl gravity
Authors: Hakimov Abdullo , Turimov Bobur , Abdujabbarov Ahmadjon
Published: October 2021

We investigate the effects of geometric optics as deflection of light-ray around gravitating compact object surrounded by a plasma in conformal Weyl gravity. We have obtained that the expression for the deflection angle of the light in a vacuum is modified due to the effect of [Formula: see text] responsible for the Weyl correction to the gravity. The effect of the plasma surrounding the black hole in Weyl gravity to the deflection angle has been also studied. We have also provided the analysis of the magnification of image source due to gravitational lensing around black hole in Weyl gravity in the presence of plasma environment. Finally, we have analyzed the shadow of the black hole in Weyl gravity in the presence of plasma.
Quasi-normal modes of near-extremal black holes and black strings in massive gravity background
Authors: Wuthicharn Taum , Ponglertsakul Supakchai , Burikham Piyabut
Published: October 2021

In this paper, two numerical methods are used to calculate quasi-normal modes (QNMs) of near-extremal black holes/strings in the generalized spherically/cylindrically symmetric background, the Asymptotic Iteration Method (AIM) and the Spectral Method. The numerical results confirm the accuracy of the approximate analytic formula using the Pöschl–Teller potential. Our analytic formula is used to investigate the Strong Cosmic Censorship conjecture of extremal and near-extremal black holes in (P. Burikham, S. Ponglertsakul and T. Wuthicharn, Eur. Phys. J. C 80 (2020) 954, arXiv:2010.05879 [gr-qc]).
Small parsimony for natural genomes in the DCJ-indel model
Authors: Doerr Daniel , Chauve Cedric
Published: October 2021

The Small Parsimony Problem (SPP) aims at finding the gene orders at internal nodes of a given phylogenetic tree such that the overall genome rearrangement distance along the tree branches is minimized. This problem is intractable in most genome rearrangement models, especially when gene duplication and loss are considered. In this work, we describe an Integer Linear Program algorithm to solve the SPP for natural genomes, i.e. genomes that contain conserved, unique, and duplicated markers. The evolutionary model that we consider is the DCJ-indel model that includes the Double-Cut and Join rearrangement operation and the insertion and deletion of genome segments. We evaluate our algorithm on simulated data and show that it is able to reconstruct very efficiently and accurately ancestral gene orders in a very comprehensive evolutionary model.
Analytic Study on the Force Transfer of Full Encapsulating Rock Bolts Subjected to Tensile Force
Authors: Chen Jianhang , Zhao Yiqiang , Zhao Hongbao , Zhang Junwen , Zhang Cun , Li Danqi
Published: October 2021

Full encapsulating rock bolts are widely used in mining and civil engineering to keep the stability of underground excavations. Nevertheless, decoupling at the interface between the bolt and grout (first interface) still occurs. To disclose the loading mechanism of the bolting system and preventing decoupling at the first interface, experimental and analytic studies were conducted in this paper. First, a nonlinear shearing-slipping law is used to describe the coupling and decoupling behavior of the first interface. Then, this shearing-slipping law is merged into the anchorage body. Following this, the whole loading process is divided into two components: elastic period and elastic-plastic period. Consequently, the analytic force-deformation relation of bolts is obtained. To confirm the rationality of this solution, experimental tensile tests on bolts were performed. It shows that there was a good match between analytic results and experimental tests. With the confirmed analytic solution, a parameter study is performed to investigate the impact of shearing-slipping parameters on the bolting performance. It indicates that increasing the shearing strength of the first interface and the shearing slipping have a positive impact in improving the bearing capacity of bolts. Inversely, the softening coefficient for the post-failure stage has a negative impact on determining the bearing capacity of bolts. Overall, the shearing strength of the first interface has a major impact in determining the loading performance of bolts.
PACMHCI V5, CHI PLAY, September 2021 Editorial
Authors: Gerling Kathrin , Mekler Elisa , Mandryk Regan L.
Published: October 2021

Since its inaugural edition in 2014, the ACM SIGCHI Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play (CHI PLAY) has grown to become the premier ACM SIGCHI venue for playercomputer interaction, bringing together researchers and professionals across all areas of play, games, and human-computer interaction. This year, CHI PLAY has moved its publications to a journal-based model, and we are pleased to present the first issue of the Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction that contains full paper contributions from the CHI PLAY community. This issue has 64 papers that were accepted in the 2021 cycle of the CHI PLAY conference. Over two rounds, a total of 250 papers were submitted for review and our acceptance rate is 25.6%. Thework published in this volume represents the contributions from the 2021 program committee, including external reviewers, associate chairs, and editors. Together, we have engaged in a revised reviewing process that saw several major changes. First, we moved to a revise and resubmit process to address existing inequities in submission and review, improve the quality of the review process, and increase the reach of our community's research. Second, we made major changes to our review form to improve the review process, while also easing the burden of review, along with explicitlywelcoming different contribution types and managing the complexities of interdisciplinary evaluation. We would like to acknowledge the efforts that our community has made in adapting to this new process, ensuring rigorous review during a global pandemic, and working together with the submitting authors to achieve high-quality scholarship. In this issue, the majority of contributions are empirical in nature, with fifteen papers classified by the authors as using qualitative methods, fifteen using quantitative methods, and nine using mixed methods. We also publish seven papers presenting design artefacts and three presenting technical artefacts. Finally, we include four papers employing meta-research methods, two papers that present new methodological approaches, and nine papers that contribute to the development and validation of theory.
Design Space Cards
Authors: Lomas James Derek , Karac Mihovil , Gielen Mathieu
Published: October 2021

The potential space of game designs is astronomically large. This paper shows how game design theories can be translated into a simple, tangible card deck that can assist in the exploration of new game designs within a broader "design space." By translating elements of game design theory into a physical card deck, we enable users to randomly sample a design space in order to synthesize new game design variations for a new play platform ("Lumies"). In a series of iterative design and testing rounds with various user groups, the deck has been optimized to merge relevant game theory elements into a concise card deck with limited categories and clear descriptions. In a small, controlled experiment involving groups of design students, we compare the effects of brainstorming with the card deck or the "Directed Brainstorming" method. We show that the deck does not increase ideation speed but is preferred by participants. We further show that our target audience, children, were able to use the card deck to develop dozens of new game ideas. We conclude that design space cards are a promising way to help adults and children to generate new game ideas by making it easier to explore the game design space.
To Be or Not to Be Stuck, or Is It a Continuum?
Authors: Drey Tobias , Fischbach Fabian , Jansen Pascal , Frommel Julian , Rietzler Michael , Rukzio Enrico
Published: October 2021

Players can get stuck in video games, which impedes their process to their goal and results in unfavorable outcomes like negative emotions, impediments of flow, and obstacles for learning. Currently, it is not easily possible to assess if a player is stuck, as no widely accepted definition of "being stuck" in games exists. We conducted 13 expert interviews and a systematic literature review with 104 relevant papers selected from 4022 candidates. We present a definition of "being stuck" that conceptualizes the state as a continuum and contextualize it within related concepts. Our stuck continuum can be applied to regulate the player's stuck level. We propose a taxonomy of measures that are useful for the detection of the level of stuckness and discuss the effectiveness of countermeasures. Our stuck concept is crucial for game developers creating an optimal player experience in games.
Who Willed It?
Authors: Hougaard Bastian Ilsø , Rossau Ingeborg Goll , Czapla Jedrzej Jacek , Mikó Mózes Adorján , Skammelsen Rasmus Bugge , Knoche Hendrik , Jochumsen Mads
Published: October 2021

To reduce frustration while performing no-risk tasks (e.g. in training and games) for BCI users, we propose increasing their perceived level of control through fabricated input - system-generated positive task outcomes. Two surrogate BCI studies injected fabricated input creating additional positive task outcomes to a 50% baseline. Users' perceived control increased significantly compared to the 50% baseline. In turn, frustration levels decreased. Fabricated input worked equally well in a game story context that provided an emotional stake in the protagonist's success and a simpler task lacking such incentives. People's number of input attempts during the tasks determined perceived control more than our controlled ratios of positive to negative task outcomes. Delays between users' input attempts and subsequent fabricated inputs further moderated their perceived control.