bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protectors or enablers? Untangling the roles of traditional authorities and local elites in foreign land grabs in Cameroon
Authors: Ndi Frankline Anum , Wanki James Emmanuel , Dessein Joost
Published: June 2021

Motivation

In Cameroon, most land earmarked for allocation to foreign investors is communally owned. The state, however, considers such land as “empty” or “underutilized”—a faulty designation that confers upon the Cameroonian state and state representatives sweeping authority to allocate lands to potential investors without full consultation with communities whose livelihoods depend on them.

Purpose

The article addresses the following questions: who are traditional authorities in the context of Cameroon? What is their place in the complex dynamics of neopatrimonial governance, and how does this influence their allegiance to state versus the people they ought to represent? How do they collaborate to enable state actions during land grabbing against their people?

Methods and approach

The study is based on interviews, group discussions, and field observations conducted as part of a larger project on land grabbing in Cameroon; and supplemented with secondary sources through critical reading of published and unpublished scholarly and technical sources, including reports from national non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Nature Cameroon as well as Green Peace, the World Bank, and other bodies.

Findings

It argues that land grabbing in Cameroon should be understood as an outcome of the state’s strategic and/or opportunistic choice, within a neopatrimonial dispensation, to enforce its political power over land and related resources. Local traditional authorities paradoxically play the role of state facilitators in the process, rather than serving as custodians of the populations they represent.

Policy implications

The article concludes that such pernicious land acquisition would not have been successful without the active collaboration of traditional authorities (so‐called state enablers) who act as “brokers” and facilitators of land deals—sometimes using threats, intimidation, and force on villagers. There is a need for policies to tackle the accountability problems arising from the ambivalent role that local traditional authorities play in Cameroon’s neopatrimonial order—doubly serving as de facto representatives of local peoples, and at the same time as proxy enablers of large‐scale land acquisition.
MNE post‐entry institutional strategies in emerging markets: An organizational field position perspective
Authors: Jacob Dimitry , Svystunova Liudmyla , Rao‐Nicholson Rekha
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we leverage the concept of organizational field, currently under‐explored in international business literature, to understand how multinational enterprises (MNEs) from developed markets (DMs) strategically manage their institutional context in emerging markets (EMs). To develop theoretical arguments, we focus on institutional strategies and theorize how and to what extent MNEs in central, peripheral, and intermediate field positions engage with host country institutions in EMs. Using an international business perspective, organizational theory, and illustrations from EMs, we develop a dynamic view of field positions to identify how MNEs' intermediate repositioning trajectories in between the field's center and the periphery, driven by environmental and corporate factors, lead to the associated changes in the form and scope of institutional strategies deployed in EMs. In doing so, we offer testable propositions for future research.
Admission computed tomography radiomic signatures outperform hematoma volume in predicting baseline clinical severity and functional outcome in the ATACH‐2 trial intracerebral hemorrhage population
Authors: Haider Stefan P. , Qureshi Adnan I. , Jain Abhi , Tharmaseelan Hishan , Berson Elisa R. , Zeevi Tal , Majidi Shahram , Filippi Christopher G. , Iseke Simon , Gross Moritz , Acosta Julian N. , Malhotra Ajay , Kim Jennifer A. , Sansing Lauren H. , Falcone Guido J. , Sheth Kevin N. , Payabvash Seyedmehdi
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

Radiomics provides a framework for automated extraction of high‐dimensional feature sets from medical images. We aimed to determine radiomics signature correlates of admission clinical severity and medium‐term outcome from intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) lesions on baseline head computed tomography (CT).

Methods

We used the ATACH‐2 (Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage II) trial dataset. Patients included in this analysis (n = 895) were randomly allocated to discovery (n = 448) and independent validation (n = 447) cohorts. We extracted 1130 radiomics features from hematoma lesions on baseline noncontrast head CT scans and generated radiomics signatures associated with admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and 3‐month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Spearman's correlation between radiomics signatures and corresponding target variables was compared with hematoma volume.

Results

In the discovery cohort, radiomics signatures, compared to ICH volume, had a significantly stronger association with admission GCS (0.47 vs. 0.44, p = 0.008), admission NIHSS (0.69 vs. 0.57, p < 0.001), and 3‐month mRS scores (0.44 vs. 0.32, p < 0.001). Similarly, in independent validation, radiomics signatures, compared to ICH volume, had a significantly stronger association with admission GCS (0.43 vs. 0.41, p = 0.02), NIHSS (0.64 vs. 0.56, p < 0.001), and 3‐month mRS scores (0.43 vs. 0.33, p < 0.001). In multiple regression analysis adjusted for known predictors of ICH outcome, the radiomics signature was an independent predictor of 3‐month mRS in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Limited by the enrollment criteria of the ATACH‐2 trial, we showed that radiomics features quantifying hematoma texture, density, and shape on baseline CT can provide imaging correlates for clinical presentation and 3‐month outcome. These findings couldtrigger a paradigm shift where imaging biomarkers may improve current modelsfor prognostication, risk‐stratification, and treatment triage of ICH patients.
Military couples’ childhood experiences and romantic relationship satisfaction: The role of accepting influence
Authors: Peterson Clairee , O’Neal Catherine Walker , Futris Ted G.
Published: June 2021

Although accepting influence (i.e., being open to the influence of others) is considered important for couple relationships, there is a lack of empirical research on the association between accepting influence and relationship satisfaction. Moreover, research has not examined what family experiences may precede one's ability to accept influence in later romantic relationships, although life course theory and the vulnerability stress adaptation model support the notion that stressful childhood experiences may be consequential for accepting influence adaptive processes, which, in turn, can impact relationship satisfaction. This study used dyadic, couple data and an actor partner interdependence model to investigate the associations between stressful childhood experiences, accepting influence, and relationship satisfaction in a sample of 229 military couples (with one male service member and one female civilian spouse) after accounting for elements of their military context (e.g., rank, number of deployments), relationship length, and mental health. The path model also estimated the indirect effects from both partners’ stressful childhood experiences to relationship satisfaction through accepting influence. Female spouses’ stressful childhood experiences were associated with their perceptions of male partners’ accepting influence, which, in turn, was associated with both partners’ relationship satisfaction, demonstrating partial mediation. Military couples, as well as other couples in stressful contexts, may benefit from interventions that address how prior family experiences impact current accepting influence processes. Moreover, accepting influence behaviors can be a tool for couples to utilize to mitigate the possible negative consequences of their stressful circumstances on their relationship.
Invasive dental procedures as risk factors for postoperative spinal infection and the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis
Authors: Sung Sahyun , Kim Eun Hwa , Kwon Ji‐Won , Lee Jung‐Seok , Lee Soo‐Bin , Moon Seong‐Hwan , Lee Hwan‐Mo , Jung Inkyung , Lee Byung Ho
Published: June 2021

Aim

To identify invasive dental procedures as a risk factor for postoperative spinal infection (PSI) and evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Materials and Methods

We analysed 229,335 patients who underwent spinal surgery with instrumentation from 2010 to 2017, using the nationwide database. The incidence of spinal infection 2 years after surgery was determined. Invasive dental procedures as a risk factor for PSI and the effects of antibiotic prophylaxis during this period were also analysed.

Results

A total of 15,346 patients (6.69%) were diagnosed with PSI. It was found that advanced age, male sex, and a high Charlson Comorbidity Index were risk factors for PSI. The risk of PSI did not increase following dental procedures (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.850; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.793–0.912) and was not affected by antibiotics (adjusted HR 1.097; 95% CI, 0.987–1.218). Patients who received dental treatment as early as 3 months after spinal surgery had the lowest risk of postoperative infection (adjusted HR 0.869; 95% CI, 0.795–0.950).

Conclusions

Invasive dental procedure does not increase the risk of PSI, and antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedure was not effective in preventing spinal infection.
Deterioration of periodontal status affects declines in masticatory performance: The Suita study
Authors: Kosaka Takayuki , Ono Takahiro , Kida Momoyo , Fushida Shuri , Nokubi Takashi , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Watanabe Makoto , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: June 2021

Aim

We aimed to clarify the association between deterioration of periodontal status and masticatory performance in a longitudinal follow‐up study of a general urban population.

Materials and methods

This study investigated 663 participants in the Suita study with no changes in the number of functional teeth or occlusal support areas during a 5‐year follow‐up period. Participants were classified into three groups according to changes in periodontal status during the survey period: a recovered group; a stable group; and a deteriorated group. Rate of masticatory performance change was calculated by subtracting the value at baseline from the value at follow‐up and dividing the resulting value by the baseline value.

Results

Median rates of masticatory performance change were −11.7% in the recovered group, −19.2% in the stable group, and −30.8% in the deteriorated group, and these values were significantly different (p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed periodontal status group (recovered group: reference; stable group: p = .029; deteriorated group: p = .006) as an independent variable was significantly associated with the rate of masticatory performance change.

Conclusion

The present results suggest that deterioration of periodontal status increases the risk of age‐related declines in masticatory performance.
Metabolic phenotyping of saliva to identify possible biomarkers of periodontitis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Kim Seonghye , Kim Hyun‐Joo , Song Yuri , Lee Hyun Ah. , Kim Suhkmann , Chung Jin
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to propose biomarker candidates for periodontitis via untargeted metabolomics analysis.

Materials and methods

Metabolic profiling was performed using saliva samples from 92 healthy controls (H) and 129 periodontitis patients (P) in the discovery cohort using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Random forest was applied to identify metabolites that significantly differentiated the control group from the periodontitis group. Candidate metabolites were then validated in an independent validation cohort.

Results

In the discovery set, the metabolic profiles of the P group were clearly separated from those of the H group. A total of 31 metabolites were identified in saliva, and 7 metabolites were selected as candidate biomarkers. These metabolites were further confirmed in the validation set. Ethanol, taurine, isovalerate, butyrate, and glucose were finally confirmed as biomarkers. Furthermore, the biomarker panel showed more than 0.9 of the area under curve value in both discovery and validation sets, indicating that panels were more effective than individual metabolites for diagnosing periodontitis.

Conclusions

We identified five metabolite biomarkers that discriminated patients with periodontitis from healthy controls in two independent cohorts. These biomarkers have the potential for periodontal screening, detection of periodontitis, and monitoring of the outcome of periodontal therapy.
High‐throughput field phenotyping reveals genetic variation in photosynthetic traits in durum wheat under drought
Authors: Zendonadi dos Santos Nícolas , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Condorelli Giuseppe Emanuele , Licieri Groli Eder , Newcomb Maria , Ward Richard , Tuberosa Roberto , Maccaferri Marco , Fiorani Fabio , Rascher Uwe , Muller Onno
Published: June 2021

Chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) is a powerful non‐invasive technique for probing photosynthesis. Although proposed as a method for drought tolerance screening, ChlF has not yet been fully adopted in physiological breeding, mainly due to limitations in high‐throughput field phenotyping capabilities. The light‐induced fluorescence transient (LIFT) sensor has recently been shown to reliably provide active ChlF data for rapid and remote characterisation of plant photosynthetic performance. We used the LIFT sensor to quantify photosynthesis traits across time in a large panel of durum wheat genotypes subjected to a progressive drought in replicated field trials over two growing seasons. The photosynthetic performance was measured at the canopy level by means of the operating efficiency of Photosystem II () and the kinetics of electron transport measured by reoxidation rates ( and ). Short‐ and long‐term changes in ChlF traits were found in response to soil water availability and due to interactions with weather fluctuations. In mild drought, and were little affected, while was consistently accelerated in water‐limited compared to well‐watered plants, increasingly so with rising vapour pressure deficit. This high‐throughput approach allowed assessment of the native genetic diversity in ChlF traits while considering the diurnal dynamics of photosynthesis.
Distribution Channel Relationships in the Presence of Multimarket Contact
Authors: Ozturk O. Cem , Tereyagoglu Necati
Published: June 2021

Traditional analyses of firms that compete in multiple markets examine settings in which firms sell directly to consumers. However, in many industries, firms sell their products through intermediaries. Importantly, these firms usually have common intermediaries, and the degree of this overlap varies across markets and over time. We empirically study the effect of the asymmetry of distribution channel relationship overlap across markets on retail prices. An increase in distribution channel relationship asymmetry can provide firms with an enhanced ability to punish rivals through shared distribution relationships in addition to shared markets. This increased ability to punish can then soften competition (increase prices), that is, the mutual forbearance mechanism. However, an increase in distribution channel relationship asymmetry can also make it difficult for firms to pursue similar goals with their rivals, and thus weakening the potential for tacit coordination. This can then intensify competition (reduce prices), that is, the goal congruence mechanism. Due to these opposing mechanisms, the net impact of distribution channel relationship asymmetry on competitive intensity is not clear. Using extensive scanner panel data for multiple product categories, on average, we find that an increase in distribution channel relationship asymmetry results in higher retail prices. Consistent with the mutual forbearance mechanism, this effect becomes more positive (or less negative) when (i) the manufacturer size or the number of retail stores in the focal market increases or (ii) when the manufacturer is a public (vs. private) firm. Conversely, the effect becomes less positive when the strategic similarity among manufacturers increases, in line with the goal congruence mechanism.
Mechanical properties and UTE‐T2* in Patellar tendinopathy: The effect of load magnitude in exercise‐based treatment
Authors: Agergaard Anne‐Sofie , Svensson Rene B. , Hoeffner Rikke , Hansen Philip , Couppé Christian , Kjaer Michael , Magnusson S. Peter
Published: June 2021

Loading intervention is currently the preferred management of tendinopathy, but to what extent different loading regimes influence the mechanical response in tendons is scarcely investigated. Therefore, the purposes of the investigation were to examine the effect of exercise interventions with either high or low load magnitude applied to the tendinopathic patellar tendon and the influence on its mechanical, material, and morphological properties. Forty‐four men with chronic patellar tendinopathy were randomized to 12 weeks of exercising with either; 55% of 1RM throughout the period (MSR group) or 90% of 1RM (HSR group), and with equal total exercise volume in both groups. Mechanical (stiffness), material (T2* relaxation time), and morphological (cross‐sectional area (CSA)) properties were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. MRI with ultra‐short echo times (UTE) and T2*‐mapping was applied to explore if T2* relaxation time could be used as a noninvasive marker for internal material alteration and early change thereof in response to intervention. There was no effect of HSR or MSR on the mechanical (stiffness), material (T2* relaxation time) or morphological (CSA) properties, but both regimes resulted in significant strength gain. In conclusion, there were no statistically superior effect of exercising with high (90%) compared to moderate (55%) load magnitude on the mechanical, material or morphological properties.
Antifungal susceptibility of dermatophytes from racehorses in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Ryousuke , Huruta Hikaru , Ueno Yuji , Nukada Toshio , Niwa Hidekazu , Shinyashiki Naoki , Kano Rui
Published: June 2021

Background

Luliconazole (LCZ) is an imidazole antifungal medication that exhibits excellent activity against dermatophytes. As a topical cream and lotion (approved for human use), LCZ has demonstrated a broad spectrum of activity against human dermatophytoses.

Objectives

This is the first study to investigate the in vitro susceptibility of clinical isolates from horse dermatophytoses to LCZ.

Animals

No animals were used in this study.

Methods and materials

In the present study, the in vitro susceptibilities of clinical isolates of dermatophytes to LCZ, clotrimazole (CTZ), miconazole (MCZ) and terbinafine (TRF) were investigated using the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute M38‐A2 test.

Results

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for all 16 clinical isolates of Trichophyton equinum, Microsporum equinum/canis and M. gypseum for LCZ were <0.03 mg/L. The MICs of all isolates were <0.03–0.5 mg/L for CTZ, 0.03–16 mg/L for MCZ and <0.03–1 mg/L for TRF.

Conclusions

LCZ demonstrated a broad spectrum of activity against clinical isolates from horse dermatophytoses. We consider that LCZ will become the primary antifungal agent for treating horse dermatophytosis.
Vzdelávacie potreby zamestnancov v preseniorskom veku
Authors: Silberg Slavka
Published: June 2021

KORICINA, M. Vzdelávacie potreby zamestnancov v preseniorskom veku. Nitra: UKF Nitra, 2020. 104 s. ISBN: 978-80-558-1564-0.
Sex differences in the vascular response to sympathetic activation during acute hypoxaemia
Authors: Jacob Dain W. , Harper Jennifer L. , Ivie Clayton L. , Ott Elizabeth P. , Limberg Jacqueline K.
Published: June 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is preserved during hypoxaemia in humans, but our understanding of vascular control comes from predominantly male cohorts. We tested the hypothesis that young women attenuate sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction during steady‐state hypoxaemia, whereas men do not?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is preserved or even enhanced during steady‐state hypoxia in young men, and the peripheral vascular response to sympathetic activation during hypoxaemia is attenuated in young women. These data advance our understanding of sex‐related differences in hypoxic vascular control.

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes vasoconstriction and a reduction in peripheral blood flow. Sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction may be attenuated during systemic hypoxia to maintain oxygen delivery; however, in predominantly male participants sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is preserved or even enhanced during hypoxaemia. Given the potential for sex‐specific differences in hypoxic vascular control, prior results are limited in application. We tested the hypothesis that young women attenuate sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction during steady‐state hypoxaemia, whereas men do not. Healthy young men (n = 13, 25 ± 4 years) and women (n = 11, 24 ± 4 years) completed two trials consisting of a 2‐min cold pressor test (CPT, a well‐established sympathoexcitatory stimulus) during baseline normoxia and steady‐state hypoxaemia. Beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) and forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography) were measured continuously. Total and forearm vascular conductance (TVC and FVC, respectfully) were calculated. A change (Δ) in TVC and FVC from steady‐state during the last 1 min of CPT was calculated and differences between normoxia and systemic hypoxia were assessed. In men, the reduction in TVC during CPT was greater during hypoxia compared to normoxia (ΔTVC, P = 0.02), whereas ΔTVC did not differ between conditions in women (P = 0.49). In men, ΔFVC did not differ between normoxia and hypoxia (P = 0.92). In women, the reduction in FVC during CPT was attenuated during hypoxia (ΔFVC, P < 0.01). We confirm sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is preserved or enhanced during hypoxaemia in young men, whereas peripheral vascular responsiveness to sympathetic activation during hypoxaemia is attenuated in young women. The results advance our understanding of sex‐related differences in hypoxic vascular control.
Strength and Isothermal Fatigue Resistance of SnBi/SnAgCu Joints Reflowed at Low Temperatures
Authors: Yadav Manu , Alghoul Thaer , Thekkut Sanoop , Das Ronit , Greene Christopher , Borgesen Peter , Sakib A. R. Nazmus , Wentlent Luke , Joshi Shantanu
Published: June 2021

Soldered micro-electronics assemblies may have to survive a variety of mechanical loads in repeated drops, cyclic bending, or vibration. A very large body of work has addressed the isothermal fatigue performance of SnAgCu solder joints. This work offers a general assessment of the achievable performance of so-called hybrid solder joints formed by soldering with eutectic SnBi or SnBiAg to SnAgCu bumps on area array components. This allows for soldering at much lower temperatures than with SnAgCu alone, but the deformation and damage properties of the resulting structures depend strongly on details of the design and process. A peak reflow temperature of 175 °C was shown to be sufficient to ensure that the life of the joints remains limited by fatigue of the unmixed SnAgCu near the component. However, a higher effective stiffness of the mixed region near the substrate means that the life will be lower by 45%.
Embedded-Error Bayesian Calibration of Thermal Decomposition of Organic Materials
Authors: Frankel Ari , Wagman Ellen , Keedy Ryan , Houchens Brent , Scott Sarah N.
Published: June 2021

Organic materials are an attractive choice for structural components due to their light weight and versatility. However, because they decompose at low temperatures relative to traditional materials, they pose a safety risk due to fire and loss of structural integrity. To quantify this risk, analysts use chemical kinetics models to describe the material pyrolysis and oxidation using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This process requires the calibration of many model parameters to closely match experimental data. Previous efforts in this field have largely been limited to finding a single best-fit set of parameters even though the experimental data may be very noisy. Furthermore, the chemical kinetics models are often simplified representations of the true decomposition process. The simplification induces model-form errors that the fitting process cannot capture. In this work, we propose a methodology for calibrating decomposition models to TGA data that accounts for uncertainty in the model-form and experimental data simultaneously. The methodology is applied to the decomposition of a carbon fiber epoxy composite with a three-stage reaction network and Arrhenius kinetics. The results show a good overlap between the model predictions and TGA data. Uncertainty bounds capture deviations of the model from the data. The calibrated parameter distributions are also presented. The distributions may be used in forward propagation of uncertainty in models that leverage this material.
Using Principal Component Analysis to Compare the Physical Qualities Between Academy and International Youth Rugby League Players
Authors: McCormack Sam , Jones Ben , Scantlebury Sean , Collins Neil , Owen Cameron , Till Kevin
Published: June 2021

Purpose:To compare the physical qualities between academy and international youth rugby league (RL) players using principal component analysis.Methods:Six hundred fifty-four males (age = 16.7 [1.4] y; height = 178.4 [13.3] cm; body mass = 82.2 [14.5] kg) from 11 English RL academies participated in this study. Participants completed anthropometric, power (countermovement jump), strength (isometric midthigh pull; IMTP), speed (10 and 40 m speed), and aerobic endurance (prone Yo-Yo IR1) assessments. Principal component analysis was conducted on all physical quality measures. A 1-way analysis of variance with effect sizes was performed on 2 principal components (PCs) to identify differences between academy and international backs, forwards, and pivots at under 16 and 18 age groups.Results: Physical quality measures were reduced to 2 PCs explaining 69.4% of variance. The first PC (35.3%) was influenced by maximum and 10-m momentum, absolute IMTP, and body mass. Ten and forty-meter speed, body mass and fat, prone Yo-Yo, IMTP relative, maximum speed, and countermovement jump contributed to PC2 (34.1%). Significant differences (P < .05, effect size = −1.83) were identified between U18 academy and international backs within PC1.Conclusion:Running momentum, absolute IMTP, and body mass contributed to PC1, while numerous qualities influenced PC2. The physical qualities of academy and international youth RL players are similar, excluding U18 backs. Principal component analysis can reduce the dimensionality of a data set and help identify overall differences between playing levels. Findings suggest that RL practitioners should measure multiple physical qualities when assessing physical performance.
Converting Raw Accelerometer Data to Activity Counts Using Open-Source Code: Implementing a MATLAB Code in Python and R, and Comparing the Results to ActiLife
Authors: Brondeel Ruben , Kestens Yan , Rahimipour Anaraki Javad , Stanley Kevin , Thierry Benoit , Fuller Daniel
Published: June 2021

Background: Closed-source software for processing and analyzing accelerometer data provides little to no information about the algorithms used to transform acceleration data into physical activity indicators. Recently, an algorithm was developed in MATLAB that replicates the frequently used proprietary ActiLife activity counts. The aim of this software profile was (a) to translate the MATLAB algorithm into R and Python and (b) to test the accuracy of the algorithm on free-living data. Methods: As part of the INTErventions, Research, and Action in Cities Team, data were collected from 86 participants in Victoria (Canada). The participants were asked to wear an integrated global positioning system and accelerometer sensor (SenseDoc) for 10 days on the right hip. Raw accelerometer data were processed in ActiLife, MATLAB, R, and Python and compared using Pearson correlation, interclass correlation, and visual inspection. Results: Data were collected for a combined 749 valid days (>10 hr wear time). MATLAB, Python, and R counts per minute on the vertical axis had Pearson correlations with the ActiLife counts per minute of .998, .998, and .999, respectively. All three algorithms overestimated ActiLife counts per minute, some by up to 2.8%. Conclusions: A MATLAB algorithm for deriving ActiLife counts was implemented in R and Python. The different implementations provide similar results to ActiLife counts produced in the closed source software and can, for all practical purposes, be used interchangeably. This opens up possibilities to comparing studies using similar accelerometers from different suppliers, and to using free, open-source software.
Satellite-based survey of extreme methane emissions in the Permian basin
Authors: Irakulis-Loitxate Itziar , Guanter Luis , Liu Yin-Nian , Varon Daniel J. , Maasakkers Joannes D. , Zhang Yuzhong , Chulakadabba Apisada , Wofsy Steven C. , Thorpe Andrew K. , Duren Riley M. , Frankenberg Christian , Lyon David R. , Hmiel Benjamin , Cusworth Daniel H. , Zhang Yongguang , Segl Karl , Gorroño Javier , Sánchez-García Elena , Sulprizio Melissa P. , Cao Kaiqin , Zhu Haijian , Liang Jian , Li Xun , Aben Ilse , Jacob Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

An unexpectedly high number of extreme methane plumes is detected in the Permian basin with new satellite technology.
Maternal diabetes induces senescence and neural tube defects sensitive to the senomorphic rapamycin
Authors: Xu Cheng , Shen Wei-Bin , Reece E. Albert , Hasuwa Hidetoshi , Harman Christopher , Kaushal Sunjay , Yang Peixin
Published: June 2021

A microRNA-activated pathway in maternal diabetes–induced neuroepithelial cell senescence leads to neural tube defects.
Fast nanoparticle rotational and translational diffusion in synovial fluid and hyaluronic acid solutions
Authors: Unni Mythreyi , Savliwala Shehaab , Partain Brittany D. , Maldonado-Camargo Lorena , Zhang Qingteng , Narayanan Suresh , Dufresne Eric M. , Ilavsky Jan , Grybos Pawel , Koziol Anna , Maj Piotr , Szczygiel Robert , Allen Kyle D. , Rinaldi-Ramos Carlos M.
Published: June 2021

Polymer-coated nanoparticles in synovial fluid and hyaluronic acid solutions diffuse faster than expected based on bulk viscosity.
Assembly principles and stoichiometry of a complete human kinetochore module
Authors: Walstein Kai , Petrovic Arsen , Pan Dongqing , Hagemeier Birte , Vogt Dorothee , Vetter Ingrid R. , Musacchio Andrea
Published: June 2021

Biochemical reconstitution of human kinetochore delivers complexes with all subunits in the expected stoichiometry.
In vitro engineering of a bone metastases model allows for study of the effects of antiandrogen therapies in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Bock Nathalie , Kryza Thomas , Shokoohmand Ali , Röhl Joan , Ravichandran Akhilandeshwari , Wille Marie-Luise , Nelson Colleen C. , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Clements Judith A.
Published: June 2021

In vitro engineering of a bone metastases model allows us to study the effects of antiandrogens in advanced prostate cancer.
Ultrastrong nanotwinned pure nickel with extremely fine twin thickness
Authors: Duan Fenghui , Lin Yan , Pan Jie , Zhao Lei , Guo Qiang , Zhang Di , Li Yi
Published: June 2021

Continuous strengthening and ultrahigh strength are realized in Ni with extremely fine twin thickness.
Soft-bodied adaptive multimodal locomotion strategies in fluid-filled confined spaces
Authors: Ren Ziyu , Zhang Rongjing , Soon Ren Hao , Liu Zemin , Hu Wenqi , Onck Patrick R. , Sitti Metin
Published: June 2021

We investigate the soft-bodied locomotion of a sheet-shaped millirobot in different fluid-filled confined spaces.
Identification of SARS-CoV-2–induced pathways reveals drug repurposing strategies
Authors: Han Namshik , Hwang Woochang , Tzelepis Konstantinos , Schmerer Patrick , Yankova Eliza , MacMahon Méabh , Lei Winnie , M. Katritsis Nicholas , Liu Anika , Felgenhauer Ulrike , Schuldt Alison , Harris Rebecca , Chapman Kathryn , McCaughan Frank , Weber Friedemann , Kouzarides Tony
Published: June 2021

Data-driven computational analysis and simulation identified drug repurposing opportunities for COVID-19.
Gene therapy knockdown of Hippo signaling induces cardiomyocyte renewal in pigs after myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Shijie , Li Ke , Wagner Florencio Leonardo , Tang Li , Heallen Todd R. , Leach John P. , Wang Yidan , Grisanti Francisco , Willerson James T. , Perin Emerson C. , Zhang Sui , Martin James F.
Published: June 2021

Gene therapy–mediated disruption of Hippo signaling results in tissue renewal and improved function in pigs after myocardial infarction.
Forty Years of Oxalobacter formigenes, a Gutsy Oxalate-Degrading Specialist
Authors: Daniel Steven L. , Moradi Luke , Paiste Henry , Wood Kyle D. , Assimos Dean G. , Holmes Ross P. , Nazzal Lama , Hatch Marguerite , Knight John
Published: June 2021

Oxalobacter formigenes
, a unique anaerobic bacterium that relies solely on oxalate for growth, is a key oxalate-degrading bacterium in the mammalian intestinal tract. Degradation of oxalate in the gut by
O. formigenes
plays a critical role in preventing renal toxicity in animals that feed on oxalate-rich plants.
Improved Dynamic Range of a Rhamnose-Inducible Promoter for Gene Expression in
Burkholderia
spp.
Authors: Hogan Andrew M. , Jeffers Kevin R. , Palacios Armando , Cardona Silvia T.
Published: June 2021

Species of
Burkholderia
are dually recognized as being of attractive biotechnological potential but also opportunistic pathogens for immunocompromised individuals. Understanding the genotype-phenotype relationship is critical for synthetic biology approaches in
Burkholderia
to disentangle pathogenic from beneficial traits.
Evolutionary Pathways and Trajectories in Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Baquero F. , Martínez J. L. , F. Lanza V. , Rodríguez-Beltrán J. , Galán J. C. , San Millán A. , Cantón R. , Coque T. M.
Published: June 2021

Evolution is the hallmark of life. Descriptions of the evolution of microorganisms have provided a wealth of information, but knowledge regarding “what happened” has precluded a deeper understanding of “how” evolution has proceeded, as in the case of antimicrobial resistance.
Aspergillus terreus Species Complex
Authors: Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Dietl Anna-Maria , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Brock Matthias
Published: June 2021

Infections due to
Aspergillus
species are an acute threat to human health; members of the
Aspergillus
section
Fumigati
are the most frequently occurring agents, but depending on the local epidemiology, representatives of section
Terrei
or section
Flavi
are the second or third most important.
Aspergillus terreus
species complex is of great interest, as it is usually amphotericin B resistant and displays notable differences in immune interactions in comparison to
Aspergillus fumigatus
. The latest epidemiological surveys show an increased incidence of
A. terreus
as well as an expanding clinical spectrum (chronic infections) and new groups of at-risk patients being affected.
Rethinking Assessment: Replacing Traditional Exams with Paper Reviews
Authors: Sletten Sarah R.
Published: June 2021

The abrupt shift to remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic left faculty at a loss of how to administer exams, which are common methods of summative assessment in college courses. This study evaluates students’ perceptions of an alternative assessment method in which they complete Paper Review Forms on relevant primary literature in a majors microbiology course.
Stay-on-Task Exercises as a Tool To Maintain Focus during a CRISPR CURE
Authors: Evans Ben A. , Pickerill Ethan S. , Bernstein Douglas A.
Published: June 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) offer the chance for students to experience authentic research investigation in a classroom setting. Such hands-on experiences afford unique opportunities work on a semi-independent research project in an efficient, structured environment.
Facilitating Constructive Discussions of Difficult Socio-Scientific Issues
Authors: Goldsmith Gregory R. , Gormally Brenna M. G. , Green Rebecca M. , Harrison Aaron W. , Hoover Brian A. , Quides Kenjiro W. , Thammavongsy Zachary , Welles Shana R. , Zhang Bingjie , Gray Kelsey M.
Published: June 2021

Discussion can be an important and powerful tool in efforts to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for STEM (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). However, facilitating discussions on difficult, complex, and often uncomfortable issues, like racism and sexism, can feel daunting.
Bridging Trade-Offs between Traditional and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences by Building Student Communication Skills, Identity, and Interest
Authors: Burmeister Alita R. , Dickinson Katie , Graham Mark J.
Published: June 2021

Undergraduate research plays an important role in the development of science students. The two most common forms of undergraduate research are those in traditional settings (such as internships and research-for-credit in academic research labs) and course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs).
Repetition Is Important to Students and Their Understanding during Laboratory Courses That Include Research
Authors: Wiggins Benjamin L. , Sefi-Cyr Haley , Lily Leah S. , Dahlberg Caroline L.
Published: June 2021

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with opportunities for the same gains that apprenticed research with faculty members offers. As their popularity increases, it is important that critical elements of CUREs be supported by thoughtful design.
Host Poly(A) Polymerases PAPD5 and PAPD7 Provide Two Layers of Protection That Ensure the Integrity and Stability of Hepatitis B Virus RNA
Authors: Liu Fei , Lee Amy C. H. , Guo Fang , Kondratowicz Andrew S. , Micolochick Steuer Holly M. , Miller Angela , Bailey Lauren D. , Wang Xiaohe , Chen Shuai , Kultgen Steven G. , Cuconati Andrea , Cole Andrew G. , Gotchev Dimitar , Dorsey Bruce D. , Rijnbrand Rene , Lam Angela M. , Sofia Michael J. , Gao Min
Published: June 2021

Chronic hepatitis B affects more than 250 million patients and is a major public health concern worldwide. HBsAg plays a central role in maintaining HBV persistence, and as such, therapies that aim at reducing HBsAg through destabilizing or degrading HBV RNA have been extensively investigated.
Construction of a Noninfectious SARS-CoV-2 Replicon for Antiviral-Drug Testing and Gene Function Studies
Authors: Nguyen Hai Trong , Falzarano Darryl , Gerdts Volker , Liu Qiang
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is having a catastrophic impact on human lives. Combatting the pandemic requires effective vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Identification of One Critical Amino Acid Residue of the Nucleoprotein as a Determinant for
In Vitro
Replication Fitness of Influenza D Virus
Authors: Yu Jieshi , Huang Chen , Sheng Zizhang , Wang Zhao , Li Feng , Wang Dan
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the virus infection and production mechanism for newly discovered influenza D virus (IDV), which utilizes bovines as a primary reservoir, with frequent spillover to new hosts, including swine. In this study, we showed that of two well-characterized IDVs, 660/13 replicated more efficiently (approximately 100-fold higher) than OK/11.
Influenza Vaccination of Swine Reduces Public Health Risk at the Swine-Human Interface
Authors: Lorbach Joshua N. , Nelson Sarah W. , Lauterbach Sarah E. , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Kenah Eben , McBride Dillon S. , Culhane Marie R. , Goodell Christa , Bowman Andrew S.
Published: June 2021

Swine exhibited at agricultural fairs in North America have been the source of repeated zoonotic influenza A virus transmission, which creates a pathway for influenza pandemic emergence. We investigated the effect of using either live-attenuated influenza virus or killed influenza virus vaccines as prefair influenza vaccination of swine on zoonotic influenza transmission risk.
The Monoheme
c
Subunit of Respiratory Alternative Complex III Is Not Essential for Electron Transfer to Cytochrome
aa
3
in Flavobacterium johnsoniae
Authors: Lorencik Katarzyna , Ekiert Robert , Zhu Yongtao , McBride Mark J. , Gennis Robert B. , Sarewicz Marcin , Osyczka Artur
Published: June 2021

Energy conversion is a fundamental process of all organisms, realized by specialized protein complexes, one of which is alternative complex III (ACIII). ACIII is a functional analogue of well-known mitochondrial complex III, but operates according to a different, still unknown mechanism.
An Oral Fluorouracil Prodrug, Capecitabine, Mitigates a Gram-Positive Systemic Infection in Mice
Authors: McLeod Jack R. , Harvey Pamela A. , Detweiler Corrella S.
Published: June 2021

As bacterial infections become increasingly insensitive to antibiotics, whether established, off-patent drugs could treat infections becomes an important question. At the same time, basic research has revealed that during infection, mammals starve pathogens for nutrients and, in response, bacteria dramatically alter their biology.
Living to the High Extreme: Unraveling the Composition, Structure, and Functional Insights of Bacterial Communities Thriving in the Arsenic-Rich Salar de Huasco Altiplanic Ecosystem
Authors: Castro-Severyn Juan , Pardo-Esté Coral , Mendez Katterinne N. , Fortt Jonathan , Marquez Sebastian , Molina Franck , Castro-Nallar Eduardo , Remonsellez Francisco , Saavedra Claudia P.
Published: June 2021

As microbial communities inhabiting extreme environments are fundamental for maintaining ecosystems, many studies concerning composition, functionality, and interactions have been carried out. However, much is still unknown.
Supplemental Material: Trachyandesite of Kennedy Table, its vent complex, and post–9.3 Ma uplift of the central Sierra Nevada
Authors: Hildreth Wes , al et.
Published: June 2021

Table S1: Data for full topographic profile up Table Mountain and McKenzie Table Sections highlighted in red show significant erosion; Methodology for Meander-Tilt Analysis.
Transient symptomatic zinc deficiency in an exclusively breastfed infant
Authors: Crisóstomo Mafalda , Santos Mafalda Casinhas , Tavares Ermelindo , Cunha Florbela
Published: June 2021

A 3-month-old, full term female infant, adequate for gestational age, and exclusively breastfed, was admitted with a 10 day history of generalised scaling erythematous dermatitis, affecting the face (perinasal, nasolabial folds and periauricular), acral and intertriginous areas, with irritability and failure to thrive. Her mother had been treated with isoniazid since the third trimester because of family contact with tuberculosis. Based on a diagnosis of suspected impetiginised eczema, the infant was treated with flucloxacillin and prednisolone, and maternal isoniazid was suspended, with no improvement. Investigations found low serum zinc levels in the infant (33 μg/dL; normal range (NR) >60 μg/dL), normal plasma zinc levels in the mother (111.3 μg/dL; NR 68–120 μg/dL) and lower than the normal range of zinc levels in breast milk (270μg/L; NR 1000–2500 μg/L), suggesting acrodermatitis caused by zinc deficiency. Oral zinc supplementation (3 mg/kg/day) was started with a marked improvement in skin lesions, as well as good weight gain. At the age of 6 months, after food diversification, supplementation was suspended, without any recurrence of symptoms.
Diagnostic accuracy of swept source optical coherence tomography classification algorithms for detection of gonioscopic angle closure
Authors: Tan Shayne S , Tun Tin A , Sultana Rehena , Tan Marcus , Quah Joanne HuiMin , Mani Baskaran , Allen John C , Cheng Ching Yu , Nongpiur Monisha Esther , Aung Tin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) to detect gonioscopic angle closure using different classification algorithms.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 2028 subjects without ophthalmic symptoms recruited from a community-based clinic. All subjects underwent gonioscopy and SS-OCT (Casia, Tomey Corporation, Nagoya, Japan) under dark room conditions. For each eye, 8 out of 128 frames (22.5° interval) were selected to measure anterior chamber parameters namely anterior chamber width, depth, area and volume (ACW, ACD, ACA, and ACV), lens vault (LV), iris curvature (IC), iris thickness (IT) from 750 µm and 2000 µm from the scleral spur, iris area and iris volume. Five diagnostic algorithms—stepwise logistic regression, random forest, multivariate adaptive regression splines, recursive partitioning and Naïve Bayes were evaluated for detection of gonioscopic angle closure (defined as ≥2 closed quadrants). The performance of the horizontal frame was compared with that of other meridians.

Results

Data from 1988 subjects, including 143 (7.2%) with gonioscopic angle closure, were available for analysis. They were divided into two groups: training (1391, 70%) and validation (597, 30%). The best algorithm for detecting gonioscopic angle closure was stepwise logistic regression with an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.93) using all parameters, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.93) using only ACA, LV and IC of the horizontal meridian scan.

Conclusions

A stepwise logistic regression model incorporating SS-OCT measurements has a high diagnostic ability to detect gonioscopic angle closure.
Sleep and physical activity in relation to all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality risk
Authors: Huang Bo-Huei , Duncan Mitch J , Cistulli Peter A , Nassar Natasha , Hamer Mark , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Although both physical inactivity and poor sleep are deleteriously associated with mortality, the joint effects of these two behaviours remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the joint association of physical activity (PA) and sleep with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks.

Methods

380 055 participants aged 55.9 (8.1) years (55% women) from the UK Biobank were included. Baseline PA levels were categorised as high, medium, low and no moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) based on current public health guidelines. We categorised sleep into healthy, intermediate and poor with an established composited sleep score of chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, snoring and daytime sleepiness. We derived 12 PA–sleep combinations, accordingly. Mortality risks were ascertained to May 2020 for all-cause, total cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD subtypes (coronary heart disease, haemorrhagic stroke, ischaemic stroke), as well as total cancer and lung cancer.

Results

After an average follow-up of 11.1 years, sleep scores showed dose-response associations with all-cause, total CVD and ischaemic stroke mortality. Compared with high PA-healthy sleep group (reference), the no MVPA-poor sleep group had the highest mortality risks for all-cause (HR (95% CIs), (1.57 (1.35 to 1.82)), total CVD (1.67 (1.27 to 2.19)), total cancer (1.45 (1.18 to 1.77)) and lung cancer (1.91 (1.30 to 2.81))). The deleterious associations of poor sleep with all outcomes, except for stroke, was amplified with lower PA.

Conclusion

The detrimental associations of poor sleep with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks are exacerbated by low PA, suggesting likely synergistic effects. Our study supports the need to target both behaviours in research and clinical practice.