bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False consensus in the echo chamber: Exposure to favorably biased social media news feeds leads to increased perception of public support for own opinions
Authors: Luzsa Robert , Mayr Susanne
Published: February 2021

Studies suggest that users of online social networking sites can tend to preferably connect with like-minded others, leading to “Echo Chambers” in which attitudinally congruent information circulates. However, little is known about how exposure to artifacts of Echo Chambers, such as biased attitudinally congruent online news feeds, affects individuals’ perceptions and behavior. This study experimentally tested if exposure to attitudinally congruent online news feeds affects individuals' False Consensus Effect, that is, how strongly individuals perceive public opinions as favorably biased and in support of their own opinions. It was predicted that the extent of the False Consensus Effect is influenced by the level of agreement individuals encounter in online news feeds, with high agreement leading to a higher estimate of public support for their own opinions than low agreement. Two online experiments (n1 = 331 and n2 = 207) exposed participants to nine news feeds, each containing four messages. Two factors were manipulated: Agreement expressed in message texts (all but one [Exp.1] / all [Exp.2] messages were congruent or incongruent to participants' attitudes) and endorsement of congruent messages by other users (congruent messages displayed higher or lower numbers of “likes” than incongruent messages). Additionally, based on Elaboration Likelihood Theory, interest in a topic was considered as a moderating variable. Both studies confirmed that participants infer public support for their own attitudes from the degree of agreement they encounter in online messages, yet are skeptical of the validity of “likes”, especially if their interest in a topic is high.
Assessment of virtual reality as an anxiety and disgust provoking tool: The use of VR exposure in individuals with high contamination fear
Authors: Inozu Mujgan , Çelikcan Ufuk , Trak Ezgi , Üzümcü Elif , Nergiz Hüseyin
Published: February 2021

Preliminary studies have provided promising results on the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) interventions for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The present study investigated whether VR scenarios that were developed for contamination concerns evoke anxiety, disgust, and the urge to wash in individuals with high (n = 33) and low (n = 33) contamination fear. In addition, the feasibility of VR exposure in inducing disgust was examined through testing the mediator role of disgust in the relationship between contamination anxiety and the urge to wash. Participants were immersed in virtual scenarios with varying degrees of dirtiness and rated their level of anxiety, disgust, and the urge to wash after performing the virtual tasks. Data were collected between September and December 2019. The participants with high contamination fear reported higher contamination-related ratings than those with low contamination fear. The significant main effect of dirtiness indicated that anxiety and disgust levels increased with increasing overall dirtiness of the virtual scenarios in both high and low contamination fear groups. Moreover, disgust elicited by VR mediated the relationship between contamination fear and the urge to wash. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of VR in eliciting emotional responses that are necessary for conducting exposure in individuals with high contamination fear. In conclusion, VR can be used as an alternative exposure tool in the treatment of contamination-based OCD.
Matière locale et substances astrales chez Aristote
Authors: Baghdassarian Fabienne ,   Editua Polirom
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the Aristotelian notion of topical matter (ὕλη τοπική) mentioned in a few passages of the Metaphysics and ascribed to the celestial bodies. Taking into account the metaphysical context of each occurrence of this notion, it tries to determine for what metaphysical use this notion has been developed and what impact it has on the ousiological analysis of the celestial substances. It suggests that the notion of topical matter, although intended to provide a convenient tool that makes possible a metaphysical, i.e. universal study of sensible substances, by allowing to subordinate every sensible substance to similar principles, in fact prevents celestial substances from being defined as ordinary hylomorphic compounds and leads to conceive them as a particular type of substances.
Aristotele e l’enigma della materia prima
Authors: Viano Cristina ,   Editua Polirom
Published: February 2021

Aristote est l’inventeur de la notion de matière et de cause matérielle. Mais les passages oú il parle d’une matière absolument première sont rares dans le corpus aristotélicien. Le problème, posé depuis longtemps par les interprètes modernes, est le suivant : Aristote croyait‑il à l’existence d’une matière imperceptible, sans forme et sans qualités, en tant que niveau autonome de la réalité, ou envisageait‑il plutôt la matière première comme un objet logique, un pur concept abstrait ?On se propose ici d’analyser le dossier des passages aristotéliciens les plus sensibles sur la question de la matière première et, après un rapide status quaestionis des interprétations antiques et modernes, on avancera une proposition interprétative selon la ligne «traditionnelle», à contre‑courant par rapport à la tendance actuelle.
On the rare Neotropical genus Ophionthus Bernhauer (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae): redescription of the type species and description of a new species
Authors: Rodríguez-Melgarejo Maryzender , Chani-Posse Mariana
Published: February 2021

Two female specimens of the Neotropical genus Ophionthus Bernhauer were found during museum collection surveys, representing different species of the genus. These species are Ophionthus serpentinus Bernhauer, 1908 and O. asenjoi sp. nov. The genus Ophionthus was monotypic until the present study and only known from a single male specimen from Central Peru. The genus is redescribed with the inclusion of female characters from both the type species and the new species here proposed. Additionally, the systematic position of Ophionthus within the Neotropical lineage of Philonthina and its geographical distribution in Peru are reassessed. Descriptions, diagnoses, illustrations, pictures, a cladogram, and a distribution map are provided.
Adolescents' Perspectives on Prescription Opioid Misuse and Medication Safety
Authors: Abraham Olufunmilola , Szela Lisa , Thakur Tanvee , Brasel Kelsey , Brown Randall
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study explored adolescents' perspectives on prescription opioids, opioid safety and misuse, and sources of opioid information.

METHODS

High school students participated in focus groups that elicited information about adolescent perspectives on prescription opioids and opioid safety. Demographic information was collected. Focus groups consisted of 5 to 8 student participants and 2 moderators. Focus groups were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcript content was thematically analyzed using NVivo.

RESULTS

A total of 54 high school students (59% female, 44% white, 44% Latino) participated in 8 focus groups. Participants ranged from ages 14 to 18 years and grades 9 to 12. Five major themes emerged: 1) perceptions of prescription opioids and misuse; 2) prevalence of prescription opioid misuse; 3) reasons for prescription opioid misuse; 4) consequences of prescription opioid misuse; and 5) sources of medication information. Participants identified examples of misuse and reasons for and consequences of teen opioid misuse, including mental and physical health challenges, peer and family influences, and addiction. Sources of opioid-related information included family, peers, online Web sites, and television shows.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents had some knowledge pertaining to prescription opioids, but they had misconceptions related to safety. Participants were aware of safety risks and negative consequences of misuse. Adolescents obtained medication information from various sources, including health care professionals, family and peers, and online sources. Educational efforts that target adolescents should provide opportunities for addressing misconceptions about safe and responsible use of medications.
Experience of Botulinum Toxin A Injections for Chronic Migraine Headaches in a Pediatric Chronic Pain Clinic
Authors: Santana Lisgelia , Liu Cherry
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Prevalence of chronic migraine in children can reach 7.7%, causing decreased school performance, difficulty with extracurricular activities (including sports, theater, or music), and changes in sleep and mood. Many studies confirm that botulinum toxin type A injections effectively alleviate chronic migraines in adults; however, the literature regarding children is sparse. This study aims to analyze the safety and effectiveness of botulinum type A injections in a group of pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic migraines in a pediatric pain clinic.

METHODS

In this retrospective (2013–2018) study, the effects of botulinum toxin type A injections were analyzed using data from 65 pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic migraines. The study group ranged from 11 to 18 years of age. A pediatric pain management physician administered the botulinum using the Phase 3 Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy program protocol and followed the pain pattern. Dosages, tolerance, and side effects were measured.

RESULTS

In this study, 74% of the patients tried more than 6 medications before the injections. There was a decrease in the visual analog scale score of 5.2 ± 2.2 points upon 6-week follow-up. The mean amount of medication used was 173.2 ± 35 units, and patients received an average of 2.8 ± 1.1 units/kg. Adverse events include one patient who developed dizziness and another who had low-grade fevers with enlarged cervical lymph nodes; both resolved within few minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the use of botulinum type A for chronic migraines in pediatric patients. Multicentered, randomized studies with larger population are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this therapy.
Extended Infusion of Beta-Lactams Is Associated With Improved Outcomes in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Zembles Tracy N. , Schortemeyer Rachael , Kuhn Evelyn M. , Bushee Glenn , Thompson Nathan E. , Mitchell Michelle L.
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVE

The pharmacokinetics of beta-lactam antibiotics favor administration via an extended infusion. Although literature supporting extended infusion beta-lactams exists in adults, few data are available to guide the practice in pediatrics. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between extended and standard infusions in children.

METHODS

This retrospective chart analysis included hospitalized patients 0 to 18 years old who received at least 72 hours of cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, or meropenem between October 1, 2017, and March 31, 2019. Clinical outcomes of care included hospital length of stay, readmission within 30 days, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 551 patients (258 extended infusion, 293 standard infusion) met criteria for evaluation. Clinical outcomes among the entire population were similar. A subanalysis of select populations demonstrated decreased mortality in critical care patients (2.1% vs 19.6%, p = 0.006) and decreased 30-day readmission rates in bone marrow transplant patients (0% vs 50%, p = 0.012) who received the extended infusion compared with a standard infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes were similar between extended and standard infusions in children. Subgroup analyses suggest a possible mortality benefit in the critically ill and decreased readmission rate in bone marrow transplant patients.
Valproate-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Following Accidental Ingestion in a Toddler
Authors: Alhagamhmad Moftah , Elarwah Aisha , Alhassony Alia , Alougly Shirin , Milad Hamza , Dehoam Aziza , Elbrgathy Suliman , Shembesh Nuri , Mousa Emhemed , ElShiky Abdulhamid
Published: February 2021

Clinical manifestations of valproic acid (VPA) toxicity can range from just mild confusion and drowsiness to serious encephalopathy, leading to depressed sensorium and even coma and death. The exact cause(s) of how VPA influences the integrity of brain function remains unknown. Nevertheless, several mechanisms have been postulated including a surge in the blood ammonia concentration. Valproic acid–induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare yet serious sequalae and that can lead to grave outcomes. We report a case of hyperammonemic encephalopathy with preserved liver function following a moderate VPA intoxication in a toddler, who was successfully managed conservatively. Additionally, we briefly discuss mechanistic basis of VPA toxicity and highlight some of the available potential therapies.
Le coenseignement et la différenciation pédagogique pour soutenir les besoins spécifiques des élèves à risque, en situation de handicap ou en difficulté d’adaptation ou d’apprentissage à l’éducation préscolaire
Authors: Leclerc Louise
Published: February 2021

Au Québec, pour la majorité des enfants, l’entrée à l’éducation préscolaire se fera sans problème. Pour d’autres, les difficultés rencontrées auront des conséquences qui se répercuteront tout au long de leur scolarité. Pour mieux répondre aux besoins de ces élèves, plusieurs mesures de soutien peuvent être mises en place, dont le coenseignement. Très peu de recherches sur le coenseignement portent sur les pratiques effectives du personnel enseignant, surtout à l’éducation préscolaire. Cette étude de cas a comme objectif d’identifier et d’analyser les pratiques de différenciation au sein du groupe-classe afin de prendre en considération les besoins spécifiques des élèves à risque, handicapés ou en difficulté d’adaptation ou d’apprentissage. Cette recherche s’est réalisée auprès de deux enseignantes d’éducation préscolaire (5ans) de la région de Québec–Chaudière-Appalaches faisant du coenseignement à temps plein. Dix situations d’enseignement-apprentissage ont été observées entre janvier et mai 2018 toutes les deux semaines. Les données ont été recueillies par des observations filmées et des entretiens d’autoconfrontation. Les résultats montrent que le coenseignement à temps plein à l’éducation préscolaire constitue une forme de collaboration inclusive et permet la différenciation pédagogique des apprentissages et de l’enseignement pour répondre aux besoins des élèves de la classe.
La nueva política monetaria e implicaciones de política fiscal
Authors: Ruiz Gumersindo , De la Torre Belen , Moral Vanesa
Published: February 2021

En un trabajo anterior (Ruiz, 2017) desarrollamos las relaciones entre políticas monetarias y fiscales tal como vienen actualmente determinadas por las políticas monetarias de los bancos centrales. Estas políticas han ido cobrando consistencia teórica y en su implementación, y podría hablarse de una teoría de la política monetaria, que estableciera los fundamentos sobre los cuales pueden darse los efectos probables de las políticas. Mientras tanto, parece conveniente identificar cuáles son las nuevas herramientas de política monetaria; el mecanismo de transmisión al crédito y precios, como efectos que la teoría convencional espera de esta política; y las implicaciones de política fiscal de la misma, al consolidarse una intervención monetaria en la deuda pública. Para ello hemos construido un conjunto de gráficos que responden a cada uno de los elementos que dan forma a la nueva política monetaria.
Modelos institucionales de regulación y competencia en Europa y su aplicación al caso español
Authors: Carrillo Neff Marta
Published: February 2021

El modelo integrado de organismos de regulación y competencia establecido en 2014 en España ha sido objeto de numerosas críticas desde antes incluso de la constitución de la CNMC. Buena parte de tales críticas se basaron en la falta de experiencia internacional contrastable en Europa en este tipo de arquitectura organizativa. Por ello, ante una posible reforma del modelo en el futuro, cabe plantearse ¿cuál sería la mejor estructura institucional aplicable?, ¿qué diseños organizativos existen en los países de nuestro entorno? El artículo recoge tres modelos institucionales europeos que podrían servir de referencia ante una potencial reforma del “super-regulador” español.
El efecto del desempleo de la Gran Recesión en los pensionistas españoles
Authors: Arestis Philip , Peinado Patricia , Serrano Felipe
Published: February 2021

Uno de los impactos principales de la Gran Recesión ha sido el acrecentamiento en la tasa de paro. El desempleo ha tenido un impacto negativo sobre los salarios de los trabajadores que se ha trasladado a las pensiones, cuando los sistemas de cálculo de éstas últimas rentas dependían de aquellas. En este trabajo, se estima el impacto de estos efectos negativos en el sistema de pensiones español. De acuerdo con nuestras estimaciones, el pensionista medio padecerá una pérdida equivalente a 18 meses de pagos sobre la pensión inicialmente estimada. Adicionalmente, el riesgo de pobreza se estima que aumentará entre el 10,6 y el 24,6 por ciento debido a los efectos de la Gran Recesión.
Requisitos para el cambio transformativo: contribuciones de Karl Polanyi
Authors: Kirby Peadar
Published: February 2021

Una pregunta clave que surge de la pandemia de coronavirus es qué se requiere para hacer de esta fase temporal un camino hacia el cambio transformador. O, como sucedió en gran medida después de la crisis financiera de 2008, ¿volverá la sociedad a una economía dominada por el crecimiento y cargada de carbono basada en una ética del individualismo radical y el consumismo desenfrenado, informada por recetas neoliberales? Este artículo se basa en el trabajo de Karl Polanyi (1886-1964) para ofrecer un marco teórico alternativo para guiar el cambio social transformador en la era del cambio climático. Comienza por identificar una característica clave del equilibrio entre la estructura y la agencia en la sociedad contemporánea, a saber, un optimismo tecnológico y propone un marco alternativo a través de la economía política. La segunda sección identifica los dos marcos teóricos clave que informaron las configuraciones dominantes de la economía política desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial: un marco socialdemócrata y un marco neoliberal. Se argumenta que ahora es necesario un nuevo marco. La tercera y más larga sección dibuja una gama de contribuciones conceptuales de Polanyi para ofrecer una teoría distintivamente diferente a la que ofrece el neoliberalismo. Estos incluyen: sociedad de mercado; diferentes significados de economía; mercancías ficticias; formas de integración; doble movimiento; descubrimiento de la sociedad; la persona humana y la libertad; y el poder de la tecnología. La sección final saca conclusiones.
Finanzas-relámpago y política económica
Authors: Arias Xosé Carlos
Published: February 2021

En las décadas más recientes, la economía ha cambiado su relación con el tiempo. Las transacciones tienden a ir a mayor velocidad y los comportamientos cortoplacistas se han extendido en todos los ámbitos. Hay evidencia de que ese fenómeno explica algunos aspectos de la crisis posterior a 2008. En particular, los mercados financieros siguen una dinámica extraordinaria de aceleración que lleva a que una buena parte de las operaciones tengan lugar en microsegundos (algo evidente en lo que tiene que ver con los sistemas de negociación de alta frecuencia).Todo ello origina retos muy importantes para el conjunto de la política democrática, y sobre todo, para la formación de las políticas económicas. El problema crucial es que, aunque estas últimas han tendido a también a acelerarse, van sistemáticamente por detrás de los mercados de capital (es decir, se produce una dinámica de abierta desincronización entre política y finanzas), lo que lastra sus posibilidades de alcanzar sus objetivos de un modo eficaz. Todo ello obliga a repensar el papel de los retrasos, ahora convertidos en un elemento de primer orden para avanzar en la definición de políticas óptimas. Este artículo se centra en cómo el factor de la presión temporal ha ejercido un notable impulso a algunos trascendentes cambios institucionales en los procesos político económicos.
La reforma del marco legal sobre prostitución. ¿Por qué varones y mujeres no piensan igual?
Authors: Fernández-Cornejo José Andrés , Escot Lorenzo , Belope-Nguema Sabina , Cruz-Calderón Selene Fabiola
Published: February 2021

En este artículo se aborda la discusión acerca de cómo se debería reformar el marco legal y regulatorio de la prostitución en España. Básicamente se distinguen dos propuestas de política: la propuesta abolicionista, o “modelo sueco”, basada en criminalizar al cliente de los servicios de prostitución, y la descriminalizadora, o “modelo holandés”, basada en regular la prostitución como una actividad económica más. Tras realizar una panorámica sobre esta discusión de política, se abordan tres cuestiones empíricas concretas: la primera consiste en conocer cuál es el grado de apoyo social que tienen cada una de estas dos opciones. La segunda consiste en medir en qué grado difieren los apoyos de mujeres y varones a ambas opciones. Y la tercera trata de explicar por qué existen diferencias de género sistemáticas en esos apoyos. Entre las variables determinantes de esas diferencias de género destacan el hecho de que hay más mujeres que hombres que piensan que la prostitución es una forma de violencia, o que piensan que hay que poner límites al ámbito de influencia del mercado. Para acometer estas cuestiones se realizó una encuesta a una muestra española de 997 personas y se contrastaron las hipótesis formuladas a través de dos modelos lineales generalizados de ecuaciones estructurales (GSEM). De estos resultados se derivaron una serie de recomendaciones de política económica.
Good to eat. Food and health at a time of information overload
Authors: Casino Gonzalo , Rabassa Montserrat
Published: February 2021

For most of the world's population, eating is no longer what it was just a few decades ago. The diversification and globalisation of the food supply, the industrialisation of food, and the abundance of information have simplified this everyday activity, but they have also made it more complex. Never before has it been so easy to eat well and to eat poorly. The proof is that obesity and overweight are no longer a problem exclusive to the richest, while nutritional deficiencies do not affect only the most impoverished. The new thing about our time is that both problems, over-nutrition and under-nutrition, coexist not only in countries and cities, but also within the same family and even throughout a person's lifetime.
Growing concern for health has fuelled interest in the relationship between diet and disease prevention. But despite the remarkable scientific advances, there are still many unanswered questions, and many evidence-based messages do not reach the population and are lost in a sea of misinformation and half-truths. In this monograph, apart from presenting a brief social history of food, we will delve into the advances in nutritional epidemiology, we will separate facts and fiction regarding current food, we will review what reliable dietary recommendations are and how they are identified, we will explain the evolution of dietary guidelines with an example, we will tackle the problem of ultra-processed food from the point of view of addiction and we will analyse miracle diets and how to detect them.
Aprende de tus hijos
Authors: Suñer-Rabaud Anouk
Published: February 2021

¿Sabes imaginar? ¿Sabes crear un mundo paralelo? ¿Sabes jugar? ¿Cuándo jugaste por última vez? ¿Recuerdas en qué momento recurriste a tu imaginación? Solo un niño puede hacer las preguntas que necesitas para remover tu realidad. Solo un niño te inspira respuestas.
Hubungan Riwayat Komplikasi Saat Hamil dengan Kejadian Berat Badan Lahir Rendah (BBLR) di Indonesia
Authors: Manurung Pebrina , Helda Helda
Published: February 2021

Bayi dengan Berat Badan Lahir Rendah (BBLR) berisiko mengalami banyak masalah kesehatan seperti jatuh sakit dalam enam hari pertama kehidupannya atau mengalami infeksi, serta dapat juga menderita masalah jangka panjang seperti perkembangan motorik dan sosial yang tertunda atau ketidakmampuan belajar. WHO memperkirakan BBLR sekitar 15% hingga 20% dari jumlah yang lahir, mewakili tiap tahunnya ada sekitar 20 juta kelahiran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan riwayat komplikasi saat hamil dengan kejadian BBLR. Desain yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu study cross sectional dengan menganalisis data IFLS tahun 2014. Sebanyak 372 responden diikutkan dalam studi ini. Analisis chi square test untuk mengetahui hubungan antara exsposure (riwayat komplikasi saat hamil) dan outcome (BBLR) serta variabel lain yang diikutkan dalam penelitian ini yaitu jenis kelamin, urutan kelahiran dan konsumsi tablet Fe saat hamil sedangkan untuk analisis multivariat menggunakan regresi logistik ganda. Ada hubungan antara riwayat komplikasi saat hamil dengan kejadian BBLR dengan nilai asosiasi PR  2,123 (95% CI 0,999-4,529), artinya ibu yang memiliki riwayat komplikasi saat hamil lebih beresiko 2,123 kali dibandingkan dengan ibu yang tidak memiliki riwayat komplikasi saat hamil untuk melahirkan anak BBLR. Riwayat komplikasi saat hamil berhubungan dengan terjadinya BBLR. Ibu hamil diharapkan dapat mencegah terjadinya komplikasi kehamilan dengan selalu memeriksakan kehamilannya ke tenaga kesehatan untuk dapat mendeteksi dini adanya komplikasi serta menanganinya agar tidak berdampak pada janin, dan ibu hamil juga sebaiknya patuh minum tablet Fe sesuai anjuran agar dapat mencegah terjadinya komplikasi anemia.
Riding the New York Subway
Authors: Höhne Stefan
Published: February 2021

A history of New York subway passengers as they navigated the system's constraints while striving for individuality, or at least a smooth ride.

When the subway first opened with much fanfare on October 27, 1904, New York became a city of underground passengers almost overnight. In this book, Stefan Höhne examines how the experiences of subway passengers in New York City were intertwined with cultural changes in urban mass society throughout the twentieth century. Höhne argues that underground transportation—which early passengers found both exhilarating and distressing—changed perceptions, interactions, and the organization of everyday life.

Over the decades, discourses surrounding the subway system shaped passengers alternately as progressive heroes, fragile cargo, barbarians, patriots, or vigilantes. At the same time, authorities saw passengers as undisciplined masses posing a threat to order. Höhne investigates how authorities attempted to control passenger behavior with rules and regulations in an effort to ensure efficiency in transit. Meanwhile, passengers asserted their individuality by resisting imposed norms and inventing subversive practices.

Critically engaging with the work of Michel Foucault and other theorists, Höhne maps the subway–passenger relationship from the system's inception to its 1968 consolidation into the Metropolitan Transit Authority, as the subway—once a monument to progress—became a neglected infrastructure plagued by crime and fear. Höhne shows that throughout the course of the twentieth century, New York City subway passengers struggled to navigate the system's constraints while striving for individuality, or at least a smooth ride.
A paucigranulocytic asthma host environment promotes the emergence of virulent influenza viral variants
Authors: Hulme Katina D , Karawita Anjana C , Pegg Cassandra , Bunte Myrna JM , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Bloxham Conor J , Van den Hoecke Silvie , Setoh Yin Xiang , Vrancken Bram , Spronken Monique , Steele Lauren E , Verzele Nathalie AJ , Upton Kyle R , Khromykh Alexander A , Chew Keng Yih , Sukkar Maria , Phipps Simon , Short Kirsty R
Published: February 2021

Influenza virus has a high mutation rate, such that within one host different viral variants can emerge. Evidence suggests that influenza virus variants are more prevalent in pregnant and/or obese individuals due to their impaired interferon response. We have recently shown that the non-allergic, paucigranulocytic subtype of asthma is associated with impaired type I interferon production. Here, we seek to address if this is associated with an increased emergence of influenza virus variants. Compared to controls, mice with paucigranulocytic asthma had increased disease severity and an increased emergence of influenza virus variants. Specifically, PB1 mutations exclusively detected in asthmatic mice were associated with increased polymerase activity. Furthermore, asthmatic host-derived virus led to increased disease severity in wild-type mice. Taken together, these data suggest that at least a subset of patients with asthma may be more susceptible to severe influenza and may be a possible source of new influenza virus variants.
Olig3 regulates early cerebellar development
Authors: Lowenstein Elijah D , Rusanova Aleksandra , Stelzer Jonas , Hernaiz-Llorens Marc , Schroer Adrian E , Epifanova Ekaterina , Bladt Francesca , Isik Eser Göksu , Buchert Sven , Jia Shiqi , Tarabykin Victor , Hernandez-Miranda Luis R
Published: February 2021

The mature cerebellum controls motor skill precision and participates in other sophisticated brain functions that include learning, cognition, and speech. Different types of GABAergic and glutamatergic cerebellar neurons originate in temporal order from two progenitor niches, the ventricular zone and rhombic lip, which express the transcription factors Ptf1a and Atoh1, respectively. However, the molecular machinery required to specify the distinct neuronal types emanating from these progenitor zones is still unclear. Here, we uncover the transcription factor Olig3 as a major determinant in generating the earliest neuronal derivatives emanating from both progenitor zones in mice. In the rhombic lip, Olig3 regulates progenitor cell proliferation. In the ventricular zone, Olig3 safeguards Purkinje cell specification by curtailing the expression of Pax2, a transcription factor that suppresses the Purkinje cell differentiation program. Our work thus defines Olig3 as a key factor in early cerebellar development.
A novel framework for storage assignment optimization inspired by finite element method
Authors: Tabatabaei Seyed-Kourosh , Fatahi Valilai Omid , Abedian Ali , Khalilzadeh Mohammad
Published: February 2021

Considering necessary fundamental and structural changes in the production and manufacturing industries to fulfill the industry 4.0 paradigm, the proposal of new ideas and frameworks for operations management of production and manufacturing system is inevitable. This research focuses on traditional methods proposed for storage assignment problem and struggles for new methods and definitions for industry 4.0 based storage assignment concepts. At the first step, the paper proposes a new definition of storage assignment and layout problem for fulfilling storage mechanism agility in terms of automated store and retrieval process (AS/RS) in modern inventories. Then considering the shortcomings of traditional algorithms for storage assignment problem, the paper contributes a new algorithm called SAO/FEM (storage assignment optimization technique), inspired from mechanical engineering discipline for analysis and optimization of storage assignment problem. The proposed new algorithm about stress distribution analogy, and the help of the Finite Element Method and minimum total potential energy theory, proposes a new model for storage assignment optimization. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm in terms of calculation time and the best answer investigated through numerical examples. The article has developed an application for SAO/FEM algorithm as a value creation module and applied new optimized storage positioning in the warehouses.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes related to the physiological changes of yellow-green leaf mutant of maize
Authors: Li Tingchun , Yang Huaying , Lu Yan , Dong Qing , Liu Guihu , Chen Feng , Zhou Yingbing
Published: February 2021

Chlorophylls, green pigments in chloroplasts, are essential for photosynthesis. Reduction in chlorophyll content may result in retarded growth, dwarfism, and sterility. In this study, a yellow-green leaf mutant of maize, indicative of abnormity in chlorophyll content, was identified. The physiological parameters of this mutant were measured. Next, global gene expression of this mutant was determined using transcriptome analysis and compared to that of wild-type maize plants. The yellow-green leaf mutant of maize was found to contain lower contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid compounds. It contained fewer active PSII centers and displayed lower values of original chlorophyll fluorescence parameters than the wild-type plants. The real-time fluorescence yield, the electron transport rate, and the net photosynthetic rate of the mutant plants showed reduction as well. In contrast, the maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII of the mutant plants was similar to that of the wild-type plants. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the mutant plants and wild-type plants led to the identification of differentially expressed 1,122 genes, of which 536 genes were up-regulated and 586 genes down-regulated in the mutant. Five genes in the chlorophyll metabolism pathway, nine genes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and seven genes related to the conversion of sucrose to starch displayed down-regulated expression. In contrast, genes encoding a photosystem II reaction center PsbP family protein and the PGR5-like protein 1A (PGRL1A) exhibited increased transcript abundance.
An integrated analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the kidneys of mice with lupus nephritis
Authors: Wang Juan , Wu Xiongfei , Tu Yafang , Dang Jianzhong , Cai Zhitao , Liao Wenjing , Quan Weili , Wei Yaxun
Published: February 2021

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are persistently expressed and have been described as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in various diseases. However, there is limited information regarding lncRNA expression in the tissue of kidney exhibiting lupus nephritis (LN)a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to characterize the lncRNA and mRNA expression in kidney tissues from LN (MRL/lpr) and control mice. We identified 12,979 novel lncRNAs in mouse. The expression profiles of both mRNAs and lncRNAs were differed significantly between LN and control mice. In particular, there were more upregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs than downregulated ones in the kidney tissues of LN mice. However, GO analysis showed that more downregulated genes were enriched in immune and inflammatory response-associated pathways. KEGG analysis showed that both downregulated and upregulated genes were enriched in a number of pathways, including the SLE pathway, and approximately half of these SLE-associated genes encoded inflammatory factors. Moreover, we observed that 2,181 DElncRNAs may have targeted and regulated the expression of 778 mRNAs in LN kidney tissues. The results of this study showed that 11 DElncRNAs targeted and were co-expressed with six immune and SLE-associated genes. qPCR analysis confirmed that lncRNA Gm20513 positively regulated the expression of the SLE-associated gene H2-Aa. In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrates that lncRNAs influence the progression of LN and provide some cues for further study of lncRNAs in LN. These results regarding the lncRNA-mRNAregulatory network may have important value in LN diagnosis and therapy.
Thick bark can protect trees from a severe ambrosia beetle attack
Authors: Boland John M. , Woodward Deborah L.
Published: February 2021

Thick bark has been shown to protect trees from wildfires, but can it protect trees from an ambrosia beetle attack? We addressed this question by examining the distribution of holes of the invasive Kuroshio Shot Hole Borer (KSHB,Euwallacea kuroshio; Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in the bark of Goodding’s black willow (Salix gooddingii), one of the KSHB’s most-preferred hosts. The study was conducted in the Tijuana River Valley, California, in 2016–17, during the peak of the KSHB infestation there. Using detailed measurements of bark samples cut from 27 infested trees, we tested and found support for two related hypotheses: (1) bark thickness influences KSHB attack densities and attack locations, i.e., the KSHB bores abundantly through thin bark and avoids boring through thick bark; and (2) bark thickness influences KSHB impacts, i.e., the KSHB causes more damage to thinner-barked trees than to thicker-barked trees. Our results indicate that thick bark protects trees because it limits the density of KSHB entry points and thereby limits internal structural damage to low, survivable levels. This is the first study to identify bark thickness as a factor that influences the density of KSHB—or any ambrosia beetle—in its host tree, and the first to link bark thickness to rates of host tree mortality.
Sugarcane/peanut intercropping system improves physicochemical properties by changing N and P cycling and organic matter turnover in root zone soil
Authors: Tang Xiumei , Zhang Yixin , Jiang Jing , Meng Xiuzhen , Huang Zhipeng , Wu Haining , He Liangqiong , Xiong Faqian , Liu Jing , Zhong Ruichun , Han Zhuqiang , Tang Ronghua
Published: February 2021

Background

The sugarcane/peanut intercropping system is a specific and efficient cropping pattern in South China. Intercropping systems change the bacterial diversity of soils and decrease disease rates. It can not only utilized light, heat, water and land resources efficiently, but also increased yield and economic benefits of farmers.

Methods

We determined soil nutrients, enzymes and microbes in sugarcane/peanut intercropping system, and analyzed relevance of the soil physicochemical properties and the genes involved in N and P cycling and organic matter turnover by metagenome sequencing.

Results

The results showed that sugarcane/peanut intercropping significantly boosted the content of total nitrogen, available phosphorus, total potassium, organic matter, pH value and bacteria and enhanced the activity of acid phosphatase compared to monocropping. Especially the content of available nitrogen, available phosphorus and organic matter increased significantly by 20.1%, 65.3% and 56.0% in root zone soil of IP2 treatment than monocropping treatment. The content of available potassium and microbial biomass carbon, as well as the activity of catalase, sucrase and protease, significantly decreased in intercropping root zone soil. Intercropping resulted in a significant increase by 7.8%, 16.2% and 23.0% in IS, IP1 and IP2, respectively, of the acid phosphatase content relative to MS. Metagenomic analysis showed that the pathways involved in carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism were dominant and more abundant in intercropping than in monocropping. Moreover, the relative abundances of genes related to N cycling (glnA,GLUD1_2,nirK), P cycling (phoR,phoB) and organic matter turnover (PRDX2_4) were higher in the intercropping soil than in the monocropping soil. The relative abundance ofGLUD1_2andphoRwere 25.5% and 13.8% higher in the IP2 treatment respectively,andbgIXwas higher in IS treatment compared to the monocropping treatment. Genes that were significantly related to phosphorus metabolism and nitrogen metabolism (TREH,katE,gudB) were more abundant in intercropping than in monocropping.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that the intercropping system changed the numbers of microbes as well as enzymes activities, and subsequently regulate genes involved in N cycling, P cycling and organic matter turnover. Finally, it leads to the increase of nutrients in root zone soil and improved the soil environment.
Rating Repeat Partial Meniscectomies, Unoperated Meniscal Tears, and Meniscal Repairs
Authors: Brooks Charles N.
Published: February 2021

Rating repeat partial meniscectomies, unoperated meniscal tears, and meniscal repairs requires thoughtful clinical assessment and application of directives provided in the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides). Although the AMA Guides provide a specific impairment value for a partial meniscectomy, repeat meniscectomies may result in further impairment not to exceed the maximum value assigned for a total meniscectomy.
The Conundrum of Impairment and Disability Related to Chronic Pain
Authors: Feinberg Steven D. , Brigham Christopher R. , Brooks Charles N.
Published: February 2021

Assessment of impairment and disability experienced by patients with chronic pain is challenging. The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) assesses impairment primarily based on objective findings, but pain is subjective. The sixth edition of the AMA Guides provides a pain-related impairment (PRI) of up to 3% in rare situations. Otherwise, pain is considered to be reflected in the conventional impairment rating system. There are still many unanswered questions.
Identification of Radiographic Foot Osteoarthritis: Sensitivity of Views and Features Using the La Trobe Radiographic Atlas
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Marshall Michelle , Thomas Martin J. , Rathod‐Mistry Trishna , Peat George M. , Roddy Edward
Published: February 2021

Objective

To compare the sensitivity of alternative case finding approaches for the identification of foot osteoarthritis (OA) based on the La Trobe radiographic atlas.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 533 adults age ≥50 years with foot pain in the past year. Weightbearing dorsoplantar (DP) and lateral radiographs were taken of both feet. The La Trobe radiographic atlas was used to document the presence of osteophytes (OPs) and joint space narrowing (JSN). The prevalence of OA in each joint was documented using both views and features in combination (as recommended in the original atlas), and by using a single view (DP or lateral only) and a single feature (OP or JSN only).

Results

Compared to the recommended case definition based on OPs and JSN using both views, a DP‐only view identified between 15% and 77% of OA cases, while a lateral‐only view identified between 28% and 97% of OA cases. Compared to the recommended case definition of using both features, using only OPs identified between 46% and 94% of OA cases, while using only JSN identified between 19% and 76% of OA cases.

Conclusion

Applying the La Trobe radiographic atlas but using only 1 radiograph view (DP or lateral) or 1 feature (OP or JSN) in isolation misses a substantial number of OA cases, and the sensitivity of these approaches varies considerably between different foot joints. These findings indicate that, where possible, the atlas should be administered according to the original description to avoid under‐ascertainment of radiographic foot OA.
In Vivo Retention Quantification of Supramolecular Hydrogels Engineered for Cardiac Delivery
Authors: Schotman Maaike J. G. , Peters Marijn M. C. , Krijger Gerard C. , van Adrichem Iris , de Roos Remmert , Bemelmans John L. M. , Pouderoijen Maarten J. , Rutten Martin G. T. A. , Neef Klaus , Chamuleau Steven A. J. , Dankers Patricia Y. W.
Published: February 2021

Recent advances in the field of cardiac regeneration show great potential in the use of injectable hydrogels to reduce immediate flush‐out of injected factors, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the encapsulated drugs. To establish a relation between cardiac function and retention of the drug‐encapsulating hydrogel, a quantitative in vivo imaging method is required. Here, the supramolecular ureido‐pyrimidinone modified poly(ethylene glycol) (UPy‐PEG) material is developed into a bioactive hydrogel for radioactive imaging in a large animal model. A radioactive label is synthesized, being a ureido‐pyrimidinone moiety functionalized with a chelator (UPy‐DOTA) complexed with the radioactive isotope indium‐111 (UPy‐DOTA‐111In) that is mixed with the hydrogel. Additionally, bioactive and adhesive properties of the UPy‐PEG hydrogel are increased by supramolecular introduction of a UPy‐functionalized recombinant collagen type 1‐based material (UPy‐PEG‐RCPhC1). This method enables in vivo tracking of the nonbioactive and bioactive supramolecular hydrogels and quantification of hydrogel retention in a porcine heart. In a small pilot, cardiac retention values of 8% for UPy‐PEG and 16% for UPy‐PEG‐RCPhC1 hydrogel are observed 4 h postinjection. This work highlights the importance of retention quantification of hydrogels in vivo, where elucidation of hydrogel quantity at the target site is proposed to strongly influence efficacy of the intended therapy.
Multiphoton‐Guided Creation of Complex Organ‐Specific Microvasculature
Authors: Rayner Samuel G. , Howard Caitlin C. , Mandrycky Christian J. , Stamenkovic Stefan , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Shih Andy Y. , Zheng Ying
Published: February 2021

Engineering functional human tissues in vitro is currently limited by difficulty replicating the small caliber, complex connectivity, cellularity, and 3D curvature of the native microvasculature. Multiphoton ablation has emerged as a promising technique for fabrication of microvascular structures with high resolution and full 3D control, but cellularization and perfusion of complex capillary‐scale structures has remained challenging. Here, multiphoton ablation combined with guided endothelial cell growth from pre‐formed microvessels is used to successfully create perfusable and cellularized organ‐specific microvascular structures at anatomic scale within collagen hydrogels. Fabrication and perfusion of model 3D pulmonary and renal microvascular beds is demonstrated, as is replication and perfusion of a brain microvascular unit derived from in vivo data. Successful endothelialization and blood perfusion of a kidney‐specific microvascular structure is achieved, using laser‐guided angiogenesis. Finally, proof‐of‐concept hierarchical blood vessels and complex multicellular models are created, using multistep patterning with multiphoton ablation techniques. These successes open new doors for the creation of engineered tissues and organ‐on‐a‐chip devices.
What Atomic Positions Determines Reactivity of a Surface? Long‐Range, Directional Ligand Effects in Metallic Alloys
Authors: Clausen Christian M. , Batchelor Thomas A. A. , Pedersen Jack K. , Rossmeisl Jan
Published: February 2021

Ligand and strain effects can tune the adsorption energy of key reaction intermediates on a catalyst surface to speed up rate‐limiting steps of the reaction. As novel fields like high‐entropy alloys emerge, understanding these effects on the atomic structure level is paramount: What atoms near the binding site determine the reactivity of the alloy surface? By statistical analysis of 2000 density functional theory calculations and subsequent host/guest calculations, it is shown that three atomic positions in the third layer of an fcc(111) metallic structure fourth‐nearest to the adsorption site display significantly increased influence on reactivity over any second or third nearest atomic positions. Subsequently observed in multiple facets and host metals, the effect cannot be explained simply through the d‐band model or a valence configuration model but rather by favorable directions of interaction determined by lattice geometry and the valence difference between host and guest elements. These results advance the general understanding of how the electronic interaction of different elements affect adsorbate–surface interactions and will contribute to design principles for rational catalyst discovery of better, more stable and energy efficient catalysts to be employed in energy conversion, fuel cell technologies, and industrial processes.