bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Nonduality in the Relationship Between Flow States and Well-Being
Authors: Lynch Julianna M. , Troy Allison S.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The current study investigated the hypothesis that the relationship between flow states and well-being is mediated by nondual experiences. Past empirical and theoretical work suggests flow states share similarities with nondual experiences. The current study expanded upon previous work by examining the relationships between flow, nondual experiences, emotion, and well-being.

Methods

Students enrolled in various artistic classes (N = 104) were surveyed once a week for four weeks. Participants reported on their experiences of flow, nonduality, emotion, and psychological and subjective well-being.

Results

Higher scores on measures of both flow (b = 7.03, SE = 0.82, p < .001) and nondual experiences (b = 0.17, SE = 0.02, p < .001) predicted increased positive emotion immediately after class. Nondual experiences partially mediated this relationship, such that when accounting for nondual experiences, the relationship between flow and positive emotion was significantly decreased (b = 4.30, SE = 0.45, p < .001). Longitudinally, nondual experience also mediated the relationship between flow and satisfaction with life (Sobel t = 1.94, SE = 1.06, p = .05). However, while flow predicted increased psychological well-being (b = 0.32, SE = 0.14, p = .02) after the four weeks, nondual experience did not (b = −0.003, SE = 0.002, p = .13).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that flow states may facilitate some features of nonduality and share similarities with meditative states. Additionally, the link between flow and well-being may be explained by its similarities to meditative states, and that creative activities could be useful in fostering well-being.
On some Fournier–Gagliardo type inequalities
Authors: Kolyada V. I.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we consider nonnegative functionsfon$$\mathbb {R}^n$$Rnwhich are defined either by$$f(x)=\min \,(f_1(x_1),\ldots ,f_n(x_n))$$f(x)=min(f1(x1),…,fn(xn))or by$$f(x)=\min \,(f_1(\hat{x}_1),\ldots ,f_n(\hat{x}_n)).$$f(x)=min(f1(x^1),…,fn(x^n)).Such minimum-functions are useful, in particular, in embedding theorems. We prove sharp estimates of rearrangements and Lorentz type norms for these functions, and we find the link between their Lorentz norms and geometric properties of their level sets.
A novel approach to optimize the production cost of railway coaches of India using situational-based composite triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy LPP models
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Dhiman Gaurav , Kumar Neeraj , Chandrawat Rajesh Kumar , Joshi Varun , Kaur Amandeep
Published: April 2021

This article offers a comparative study of maximizing and modelling production costs by means of composite triangular fuzzy and trapezoidal FLPP. It also outlines five different scenarios of instability and has developed realistic models to minimize production costs. Herein, the first attempt is made to examine the credibility of optimized cost via two different composite FLP models, and the results were compared with its extension, i.e., the trapezoidal FLP model. To validate the models with real-time phenomena, the Production cost data of Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala has been taken. The lower, static, and upper bounds have been computed for each situation, and then systems of optimized FLP are constructed. The credibility of each model of composite-triangular and trapezoidal FLP concerning all situations has been obtained, and using this membership grade, the minimum and the greatest minimum costs have been illustrated. The performance of each composite-triangular FLP model was compared to trapezoidal FLP models, and the intense effects of trapezoidal on composite fuzzy LPP models are investigated.
Nanoscale nonlinear plasmonics in photonic waveguides and circuits
Authors: Tuniz Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Optical waveguides are the key building block of optical fiber and photonic integrated circuit technology, which can benefit from active photonic manipulation to complement their passive guiding mechanisms. A number of emerging applications will require faster nanoscale waveguide circuits that produce stronger light-matter interactions and consume less power. Functionalities that rely on nonlinear optics are particularly attractive in terms of their femtosecond response times and terahertz bandwidth, but typically demand high powers or large footprints when using dielectrics alone. Plasmonic nanostructures have long promised to harness metals for truly nanoscale, energy-efficient nonlinear optics. Early excitement has settled into cautious optimism, and recent years have been marked by remarkable progress in enhancing a number of photonic circuit functions with nonlinear plasmonic waveguides across several application areas. This work presents an introductory review of nonlinear plasmonics in the context of guided-wave structures, followed by a comprehensive overview of related experiments and applications covering nonlinear light generation, all-optical signal processing, terahertz generation/detection, electro optics, quantum optics, and molecular sensing.
Developing MXenes from Wireless Communication to Electromagnetic Attenuation
Authors: He Peng , Cao Mao-Sheng , Cao Wen-Qiang , Yuan Jie
Published: April 2021

There is an urgent global need for wireless communication utilizing materials that can provide simultaneous flexibility and high conductivity. Avoiding the harmful effects of electromagnetic (EM) radiation from wireless communication is a persistent research hot spot. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are the preferred choice as wireless communication and EM attenuation materials as they are lightweight with high aspect ratios and possess distinguished electronic properties. MXenes, as a novel family of 2D materials, have shown excellent properties in various fields, owing to their excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, high flexibility, and ease of processability. To date, research on the utility of MXenes for wireless communication has been actively pursued. Moreover, MXenes have become the leading materials for EM attenuation. Herein, we systematically review the recent advances in MXene-based materials with different structural designs for wireless communication, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and EM wave absorption. The relationship governing the structural design and the effectiveness for wireless communication, EMI shielding, and EM wave absorption is clearly revealed. Furthermore, our review mainly focuses on future challenges and guidelines for designing MXene-based materials for industrial application and foundational research.
MoS2-Decorated/Integrated Carbon Fiber: Phase Engineering Well-Regulated Microwave Absorber
Authors: Yan Jing , Huang Ying , Zhang Xiangyong , Gong Xin , Chen Chen , Nie Guangdi , Liu Xudong , Liu Panbo
Published: April 2021

Phase engineering is an important strategy to modulate the electronic structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). MoS2-based composites are usually used for the electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber, but the effect of different phases on the EMW absorbing performance, such as 1T and 2H phase, is still not studied. In this work, micro-1T/2H MoS2 is achieved via a facile one-step hydrothermal route, in which the 1T phase is induced by the intercalation of guest molecules and ions. The EMW absorption mechanism of single MoS2 is revealed by presenting a comparative study between 1T/2H MoS2 and 2H MoS2. As a result, 1T/2H MoS2 with the matrix loading of 15% exhibits excellent microwave absorption property than 2H MoS2. Furthermore, taking the advantage of 1T/2H MoS2, a flexible EMW absorbers that ultrathin 1T/2H MoS2 grown on the carbon fiber also performs outstanding performance only with the matrix loading of 5%. This work offers necessary reference to improve microwave absorption performance by phase engineering and design a new type of flexible electromagnetic wave absorption material to apply for the portable microwave absorption electronic devices.
Real-time face view correction for front-facing cameras
Authors: Guo Yudong , Zhang Juyong , Chen Yihua , Cai Hongrui , Huang Zhangjin , Deng Bailin
Published: April 2021

Face views are particularly important in person-to-person communication. Differenes between the camera location and the face orientation can result in undesirable facial appearances of the participants during video conferencing. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable when using devices where the front-facing camera is placed in unconventional locations such as below the display or within the keyboard. In this paper, we take a video stream from a single RGB camera as input, and generate a video stream that emulates the view from a virtual camera at a designated location. The most challenging issue in this problem is that the corrected view often needs out-of-plane head rotations. To address this challenge, we reconstruct the 3D face shape and re-render it into synthesized frames according to the virtual camera location. To output the corrected video stream with natural appearance in real time, we propose several novel techniques including accurate eyebrow reconstruction, high-quality blending between the corrected face image and background, and template-based 3D reconstruction of glasses. Our system works well for different lighting conditions and skin tones, and can handle users wearing glasses. Extensive experiments and user studies demonstrate that our method provides high-quality results.
Distinct Aerodynamics of Insect-Scale Flight
Authors: Hefler Csaba , Kang Chang-kwon , Qiu Huihe , Shyy Wei
Published: April 2021

Insect scale flapping-wing flight vehicles can conduct environmental monitoring, disaster assessment, mapping, positioning and security around complex and challenging surroundings. To develop bio-inspired flight vehicles, systematic probing based on the particular category of flight vehicles is needed. This Element addresses the aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, geometry, stability and dynamics of flexible flapping wings in the insect flight regime. We highlight distinct features and issues related to wing-wing interactions, contrast aerodynamic stability between rigid and flexible wings, implications of the wing aspect ratio, using canonical models and dragonflies to elucidate scientific insight as well as technical capabilities of bio-inspired design.
The Development and Preliminary Validation of a New Measure of Scrupulosity: The Scrupulous Thoughts and Behaviours Questionnaire
Authors: Ong Jing Wen , Betancourt Stephanie , Fisak Brian
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop and provide a preliminary validation of a new measure of scrupulosity, the Scrupulous Thoughts and Behaviours Questionnaire (STBQ). More specifically, the STBQ was designed to assess a range of scrupulosity-related thoughts/obsessions and behaviours/compulsions. Following item development, a sample of non-referred college students completed the STBQ along with numerous validation measures. Based on factor analyses, a two-factor solution was retained. The first factor consisted of items that measure scrupulosity-themed obsessions and thoughts, and the second factor consisted of items that measure scrupulosity-themed compulsions and related behaviours. Support was found for the validity of STBQ, as both subscales were significantly and positively associated with measures of relevant constructs, including the Pennsylvania Inventory of Scrupulosity-Revised, the only other self-report measure of scrupulosity, thought–action fusion, religiosity, and obsessive–compulsive disorder symptoms. As the first known self-report measure to assess scrupulosity obsessions and compulsions, the STBQ has a potential utility in clinical practice and research.
Association between levels of thiamine intake, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and depression in Korea: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Duc Hai Nguyen , Oh Hojin , Yoon In Mo , Kim Min-Sun
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to determine thiamine intake levels and the association between thiamine intake, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental health. Participants were interviewed to obtain data on socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle, current medications, medical and family history. The daily intake of thiamine was assessed by a 24-h recall. The mean age of the 34 700 study subjects was 42⋅9 years (sd 22⋅8, min–max: 1–80) and 19 342 (55⋅7 %) were women. The levels of thiamine intake were 1⋅126 mg (2016), 1⋅115 mg (2017) and 1⋅087 mg (2018) for women, which were equal to or only slightly above the recommended intake of 1⋅10 mg/d for women. The levels of thiamine intake from 2014–15 and 2016–18 significantly decreased. The estimated percentage of insufficient thiamine intake was 37⋅8 % (95 % CI 37⋅3, 38⋅4). Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that thiamine intake was critically associated with lower risks of hypertension, MI or angina, type 2 diabetes, depression and dyslipidemia. The daily thiamine intake from food can reversal the risks of hypertension (OR 0⋅95; 95 % CI 0⋅90, 0⋅99), MI or angina (OR 0⋅84; 95 % CI 0⋅74, 0⋅95), type 2 diabetes (OR 0⋅86; 95 % CI 0⋅81, 0⋅93), depression (OR 0⋅90; 95 % CI 0⋅83, 0⋅97) and dyslipidemia (OR 0⋅90; 95 % CI 0⋅86, 0⋅95), respectively. Further works are needed to identify the effects of thiamine and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. A preventive thiamine supplementation strategy should be adopted to target NCDs and mental health and risk factors associated with thiamine deficiency. The optimisation of NCD control and mental health protection is also a vital integral part of Korea's public health system.
THE METRIC DIMENSION OF THE ANNIHILATING-IDEAL GRAPH OF A FINITE COMMUTATIVE RING
Authors: DOLŽAN DAVID
Published: April 2021

We determine the metric dimension of the annihilating-ideal graph of a local finite commutative principal ring and a finite commutative principal ring with two maximal ideals. We also find bounds for the metric dimension of the annihilating-ideal graph of an arbitrary finite commutative principal ring.
Protective effects of whey protein concentrate admixtured of curcumin on metabolic control, inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats submitted to exhaustive exercise
Authors: Rosignoli da Conceição Aline , Dias Kelly A. , Michelin Santana Pereira Stephanie , Saraiva Luis Claudio , Alves Oliveira Lívya , Gomes de Souza Eliana Carla , Vilela Gonçalves Reggiani , Pinto da Matta Sérgio Luis , Natali Antônio J. , Martino Hercia Stampini D. , Mattos Della Lucia Ceres
Published: April 2021

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) admixtured of curcumin on metabolic control, inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats submitted to exhaustive exercise. A total of forty-eight male rats were divided into six experimental groups (n8): standard diet group (AIN-93M), standard diet submitted to exhaustion test group (AIN-93M ET), WPC admixtured of curcumin group (WPC + CCM), WPC + CCM submitted to exhaustion test group (WPC + CCM ET), CCM group and CCM subjected to exhaustion test group (CCM ET). The swimming exhaustion test was performed after 4 weeks of experiment. The consumption of WPC + CCM as well as isolated CCM did not alter the biometric measurements, the animals’ food consumption and the hepatic and kidney function, as well as the protein balance of the animals (P> 0·05), but reduced the glycaemia and the gene expression of TNF-αand IL-6 and increased the expression of IL-10 (P< 0·05). The animals that were submitted to the exhaustion test (AIN-93M ET) showed higher aspartate aminotransferase values when compared to the animals that did not perform the exercise (AIN-93 M) (P< 0·05). WPC + CCM reduced the concentration of nitric oxide, carbonylated protein and increased the concentration of catalase (P< 0·05). Both (WPC + CCM and CCM) were able to increase the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (P< 0·05). We concluded that the WPC admixtured of CCM represents a strategy capable of decreasing blood glucose and oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by exhaustive physical exercise in swimming.
PLATO AND THE DANGEROUS PLEASURES OFPOIKILIA
Authors: Fine Jonathan
Published: April 2021

A significant strand of the ethical psychology, aesthetics and politics of Plato'sRepublicrevolves around the concept ofpoikilia, ‘fascinating variety’. Plato uses the concept to caution against harmful appetitive pleasures purveyed by democracy and such artistic or cultural practices as mimetic poetry. His aim, this article shows, is to contest a prominent conceptual connection betweenpoikiliaand beauty (kallos,to kalon). Exploiting tensions in the archaic and classical Greek concept, Plato associatespoikiliawith dangerous pleasures to redirect admiration toward a distinctly philosophical pursuit of the nature of beauty. This is to displace a prominent and problematic cultural sensibility—the aesthetics ofpoikilia—not to deny that fascinating variety, even in mimetic poetry, may be beautiful. Rather, Plato's cultural critique lays bare an epistemological problem in the ethical psychology of beauty: since they cannot be distinguished from what seems beautiful, how should one respond to fascinating yet dangerous attractions?
A systematic survey of online trade: trade in Saiga antelope horn on Russian-language websites
Authors: Roberts David L. , Mun Katya , Milner-Gulland E. J.
Published: April 2021

Trade in wildlife is increasingly moving online, which creates significant challenges for monitoring. Numerous reports have highlighted the extent of the trade but they rarely present a methodology to facilitate replication or any form of meta-analysis. Here we present a systematic approach to surveying online trade in wildlife that builds on the well-established systematic evidence review approach. We apply this approach to investigate the online trade in saiga antelope Saiga tatarica horns on Russian-language websites. Of the 419 advertisements, the majority (217, 52%) were from Ukraine, followed by Russia (122, 29%), and were largely offers to sell (254, 61%), and represented one-off advertisements. Trade was identified on 89 websites, with the majority being on classified ads websites (68, 76%), auction.violity.com being the most popular site (156, 37%). Prices varied significantly depending on the country and how the horn was being offered (i.e. by weight or length). It is clear that saiga horn is being traded over the internet, with Ukraine and Russia comprising c. 80% of advertisements on Russian-language websites. Individuals with single advertisements dominate, suggesting website fidelity, although website usage is country-specific, potentially reflecting domestic trade. This suggests country-specific interventions could be particularly effective. A systematic approach for investigating online wildlife trade provides a clear and transparent methodology, and, given data collection is resource-intensive, allows studies to be replicated so that trends can be identified. However, this is only possible if published studies report the methodology used.
Hard numbers? The long-term decline in violence reassessed. Empirical objections and fresh perspectives
Authors: Schwerhoff Gerd , Seebröker Benjamin , Kästner Alexander , Voigt Wiebke
Published: April 2021

Over the last decades social scientists have alleged that violence has decreased in Europe since late medieval times. They consider homicide rates a valid indicator for this claim. Thorough source criticism, however, raises serious doubts about the decline thesis having any substantial empirical foundation. Forms and contents of the sources are immensely heterogeneous and a closer look at the alleged richness of the data uncovers remarkable gaps. Furthermore, medieval and early modern population estimates are highly unreliable. Thus, we argue that historical research on violence should return to focus on specific historical constellations, accept the need for painstaking source criticism and pay careful attention to the contexts of violence.
Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Bhubaneswar, India: findings from three rounds of community surveys
Authors: Kshatri Jaya Singh , Bhattacharya Debdutta , Praharaj Ira , Mansingh Asit , Parai Debaprasad , Kanungo Srikanta , Palo Subrata Kumar , Giri Sidhartha , Pattnaik Matrujyoti , Barik Shakti Ranjan , Dash Girish Chandra , Choudhary Hari Ram , Turuk Jyotirmayee , Mandal Nitya Nanda , Pati Sanghamitra
Published: April 2021

The study aims to estimate and compare the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence, the fraction of asymptomatic or subclinical infections in the population, determine the demographic risk factors and analyse the antibody development at different time points among adults in Bhubaneswar city, India. This was a serial three-round cross-sectional, community-based study where participants were selected from the residents of Bhubaneswar city using multi-stage random sampling. Blood samples were collected during household visits along with demographic and clinical data from every participant. Total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody present in serum was assessed using the electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay platform. Temporal comparisons of the community seroprevalence were performed against the detected number of cumulative cases, active cases, recoveries and deaths. A total of 3693 participants were enrolled in this study with a cumulative non-response rate of 18.33% in all the three rounds. The gender-weighted seroprevalence for the city in the first round was 1.55% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–2.58), second round was 5.27% (95% CI 4.13–6.59) and in the third round was 49.04% (95% CI 46.39–51.68). In the first round, the seroprevalence was found to be highest in the elderly population, whereas the seroprevalence for the second and third phases was highest in the age group of 30–39 years. Seroprevalence showed an increasing trend over the three time periods, with the highest seropositivity rates among individuals sampled between 16 and 18 September 2020. By the third round, 93.93% of those who had previously been tested positive by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction had seroconversion and 46.57% of those who had been tested negative also showed seroconversion. Infection to case ratio during first round was 27.05, for second round and third round it was 5.62 and 17.91, respectively.
Solving high-dimensional optimal stopping problems using deep learning
Authors: BECKER SEBASTIAN , CHERIDITO PATRICK , JENTZEN ARNULF , WELTI TIMO
Published: April 2021

Nowadays many financial derivatives, such as American or Bermudan options, are of early exercise type. Often the pricing of early exercise options gives rise to high-dimensional optimal stopping problems, since the dimension corresponds to the number of underlying assets. High-dimensional optimal stopping problems are, however, notoriously difficult to solve due to the well-known curse of dimensionality. In this work, we propose an algorithm for solving such problems, which is based on deep learning and computes, in the context of early exercise option pricing, both approximations of an optimal exercise strategy and the price of the considered option. The proposed algorithm can also be applied to optimal stopping problems that arise in other areas where the underlying stochastic process can be efficiently simulated. We present numerical results for a large number of example problems, which include the pricing of many high-dimensional American and Bermudan options, such as Bermudan max-call options in up to 5000 dimensions. Most of the obtained results are compared to reference values computed by exploiting the specific problem design or, where available, to reference values from the literature. These numerical results suggest that the proposed algorithm is highly effective in the case of many underlyings, in terms of both accuracy and speed.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for exercise in adults with CHD: a data-based questionnaire
Authors: Thompson Sophie E. , Whitehead Caitlin A. , Notley Alex S. , Guy Isabel A. , Kasargod Prabhakar Chethan R. , Clift Paul , Hudsmith Lucy E.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Regular physical activity is safe and effective therapy for adults with CHD and is recommended by European Society of Cardiology guidelines. The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges to healthcare teams and patients when ensuring guideline compliance. We explored the implications of COVID-19 on physical activity levels in adult CHD patients.

Materials and methods:

A data-based questionnaire was distributed to adult CHD patients at a regional tertiary centre from October to November 2020.

Results:

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 96 (79.3%) of 125 respondents reported participating in regular physical activity, with 66 (52.8%) meeting target levels (moderate physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week). Commonest motivations for physical activity were general fitness (53.6%), weight loss (36.0%), and mental health benefits (30.4%). During the pandemic, the proportion that met target levels significantly decreased from 52.8% to 40.8% (p = 0.03). The commonest reason was fear of COVID-19 (28.0%), followed by loss of motivation (23.2%) and gym/fitness centre closure (15.2%).

Discussion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted exercise levels of adult CHD patients. Most do not meet recommended physical activity levels, mainly attributable to fear of COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, only half of respondents met physical activity guidelines. Availability of online classes can positively impact exercise levels so could enhance guideline compliance. This insight into health perceptions and behaviours of adult CHD patients may help develop quality improvement initiatives to improve physical activity levels in this population.
Impact of COVID-19 on child malnutrition, obesity in women and household food insecurity in underserved urban settlements in Sri Lanka: a prospective follow-up study
Authors: Jayatissa Renuka , Herath Himali P , Perera Amila G , Dayaratne Thulasika T , De Alwis Nawmali D , Nanayakkara Hiyare Palliyage Laksiri K
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To determine changes and factors associated with child malnutrition, obesity in women and household food insecurity before and after the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

A prospective follow-up study.

Setting:

In 2019, the baseline Urban Health and Nutrition Study 2019 (UHNS-2019) was conducted in 603 households, which were selected randomly from 30 clusters to represent underserved urban settlements in Colombo. In the present study, 35 % of households from the UHNS-2019 cohort were randomly selected for repeat interviews, 1 year after the baseline study and 6 months after COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. Height/length and weight of children and women were re-measured, household food insecurity was reassessed, and associated factors were gathered through interviewer-administered questionnaires. Differences in measurements at baseline and follow-up studies were compared.

Participants:

A total of 207 households, comprising 127 women and 109 children were included.

Results:

The current prevalence of children with wasting and overweight was higher in the follow-up study than at baseline UHNS-2019 (18·3 % v. 13·7 %; P = 0·26 and 8·3 % v. 3·7 %; P = 0·12, respectively). There was a decrease in prevalence of child stunting (14·7 % v. 11·9 %; P = 0·37). A change was not observed in overall obesity in women, which was about 30·7 %. Repeated lockdown was associated with a significant reduction in food security from 57 % in UHNS-2019 to 30 % in the current study (P < 0·001).

Conclusions:

There was an increase in wasting and overweight among children while women had a persistent high prevalence of obesity. This population needs suitable interventions to improve nutrition status of children and women to minimise susceptibility to COVID-19.
The identification of a new gene for leaf pubescence introgressed into bread wheat from Triticum timopheevii Zhuk. and its manifestation in a different genotypic background
Authors: Simonov A. V. , Smirnova O. G. , Genaev M. A. , Pshenichnikova T. A.
Published: April 2021

Leaf pubescence is widespread among higher plants. In bread wheat, a relationship was found between this trait and the efficiency of photosynthetic processes and productivity. In this work, we established the chromosomal localization of the gene for leaf pubescence introgressed from Triticum timopheevii into a bread wheat line 821 and studied its expression in the genetic background of two wheat cultivars differing in genetic control and phenotypic expression of pubescence. To obtain quantitative characteristics of pubescence in cultivars and hybrid populations, the LHDetect2 program was used, which makes it possible to estimate the length and number of trichomes on a leaf fold. A genetic analysis showed the dominant inheritance of the gene. Monosomic analysis F2 was used to establish chromosome localization and investigate the expression of the gene in cultivars Saratovskaya S29 (S29) and Diamant 2 (Dm2). As a result, the gene Hltt, introgressed from T. timopheevii, was identified and localized in the distal region of the long arm of 5A chromosome for the first time. In both F2 populations, the gene reduced the density of trichomes and formed long trichomes, uncharacteristic for the two recipient cultivars S29 and Dm2. A larger number of long trichomes was formed in the genetic background of S29, which carry the bread wheat gene Hl1 and Hl3 for leaf pubescence, than in Dm2. Development of substitution and isogenic lines with the fragment of introgression carrying the gene Hltt will allow determining function and assessing the adaptive significance of the gene more precisely.
Piloting the Response to Intervention Model in the Canary Islands: Prevention of Reading and Math Learning Disabilities
Authors: Jiménez Juan E. , de León Sara C. , Gutiérrez Nuria
Published: April 2021

The main objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an intervention implemented by elementary school teachers within the context of the Response to Intervention (RtI) model. For this purpose, a Tier 2 or secondary intervention was implemented by Spanish-speaking teachers in grades K-3 after receiving training to implement RtI components with fidelity. A total of 1,923 at-risk students were assigned to treatment (in reading,n= 542; in math,n= 483) or control (in reading,n= 406; in math,n= 492). Teachers were provided with a support system that included two web-based training programs for reading (i.e.,Letraprogram) and math (i.e.,Primateprogram). Implementation fidelity was analyzed using direct observations and self-reports. All students were assessed three times during the academic year. A hierarchical linear growth modeling was conducted, and differences in the growth rate of reading and math performance were analyzed between at-risk students who have received the intervention and those who have not received it. Children at-risk in the intervention condition appeared to benefit more than at-risk children in the control condition. Moreover, findings indicate that the earlier the intervention, the greater the percentage of students who leave the situation of risk of learning difficulties in reading and math.
Characteristics of 3‐Dimensional Structure and Heat Budget of Mesoscale Eddies in the South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Shaoqing , Lin Xiaopei , Qiu Bo , Yu Lisan
Published: April 2021

Mesoscale eddies redistribute heat, salt, and nutrients in oceans. The South Atlantic Ocean (SA) is a basin that has active mesoscale eddies for which characteristics of the three‐dimensional structure and its leading mechanism are complex but have yet been studied sufficiently. Here based on ocean reanalysis datasets we use a composite analysis approach to analyze the mixed layer anomalous heat budget and find distinct two types of spatial patterns: dipole and monopole – mainly present in the northern and southern regions of the SA, respectively. The dipole can be attributed to ocean horizontal advection, especially to the combined effect of eddy anomalous meridional current and meridional gradient of mean temperature. The monopole, on the other hand, is associated with complex contributions, for which zonal and meridional advections play opposite roles as cooling or heating around the eddies. At the eddy center, the vertical advection is non‐negligible, especially the mean upwelling and vertical temperature gradient playing a vital role in the formation of a monopole. The analysis of eddy meridional heat transport shows that the stirring component is dominant, and poleward in most areas, especially at high latitudes. Such analysis on the leading mechanism of eddy‐induced temperature anomaly could help improve our understanding on meso‐ and small‐scale air‐sea interactions and eddy‐induced heat transport in the SA.
Genome-wide association study of neck circumference identifies sex-specific loci independent of generalized adiposity
Authors: Liu Yaowu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Lee Jiwon , Smelser Diane , Cade Brian , Chen Han , Zhou Hufeng , Kirchner H. Lester , Lin Xihong , Mukherjee Sutapa , Hillman David , Liu Ching-Ti , Redline Susan , Sofer Tamar
Published: April 2021

Background/objectives

Neck circumference, an index of upper airway fat, has been suggested to be an important measure of body-fat distribution with unique associations with health outcomes such as obstructive sleep apnea and metabolic disease. This study aims to study the genetic bases of neck circumference.

Methods

We conducted a multi-ethnic genome-wide association study of neck circumference, adjusted and unadjusted for BMI, in up to 15,090 European Ancestry (EA) and African American (AA) individuals. Because sexually dimorphic associations have been observed for anthropometric traits, we conducted both sex-combined and sex-specific analysis.

Results

We identified rs227724 near the Noggin (NOG) gene as a possible quantitative locus for neck circumference in men (N = 8831, P = 1.74 × 10−9) but not in women (P = 0.08). The association was replicated in men (N = 1554, P = 0.045) in an independent dataset. This locus was previously reported to be associated with human height and with self-reported snoring. We also identified rs13087058 on chromosome 3 as a suggestive locus in sex-combined analysis (N = 15090, P = 2.94 × 10−7; replication P =0.049). This locus was also associated with electrocardiogram-assessed PR interval and is a cis-expression quantitative locus for the PDZ Domain-containing ring finger 2 (PDZRN3) gene. Both NOG and PDZRN3 interact with members of transforming growth factor-beta superfamily signaling proteins.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that neck circumference may have unique genetic basis independent of BMI.
Combining ambitious climate policies with efforts to eradicate poverty
Authors: Soergel Bjoern , Kriegler Elmar , Bodirsky Benjamin Leon , Bauer Nico , Leimbach Marian , Popp Alexander
Published: April 2021

Climate change threatens to undermine efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. However, climate policies could impose a financial burden on the global poor through increased energy and food prices. Here, we project poverty rates until 2050 and assess how they are influenced by mitigation policies consistent with the 1.5 °C target. A continuation of historical trends will leave 350 million people globally in extreme poverty by 2030. Without progressive redistribution, climate policies would push an additional 50 million people into poverty. However, redistributing the national carbon pricing revenues domestically as an equal-per-capita climate dividend compensates this policy side effect, even leading to a small net reduction of the global poverty headcount (−6 million). An additional international climate finance scheme enables a substantial poverty reduction globally and also in Sub-Saharan Africa. Combining national redistribution with international climate finance thus provides an important entry point to climate policy in developing countries.
Tracking the global reduction of marine traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: March David , Metcalfe Kristian , Tintoré Joaquin , Godley Brendan J.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unparalleled global impacts on human mobility. In the ocean, ship-based activities are thought to have been impacted due to severe restrictions on human movements and changes in consumption. Here, we quantify and map global change in marine traffic during the first half of 2020. There were decreases in 70.2% of Exclusive Economic Zones but changes varied spatially and temporally in alignment with confinement measures. Global declines peaked in April, with a reduction in traffic occupancy of 1.4% and decreases found across 54.8% of the sampling units. Passenger vessels presented more marked and longer lasting decreases. A regional assessment in the Western Mediterranean Sea gave further insights regarding the pace of recovery and long-term changes. Our approach provides guidance for large-scale monitoring of the progress and potential effects of COVID-19 on vessel traffic that may subsequently influence the blue economy and ocean health.
Efferent feedback controls bilateral auditory spontaneous activity
Authors: Wang Yixiang , Sanghvi Maya , Gribizis Alexandra , Zhang Yueyi , Song Lei , Morley Barbara , Barson Daniel G. , Santos-Sacchi Joseph , Navaratnam Dhasakumar , Crair Michael
Published: April 2021

In the developing auditory system, spontaneous activity generated in the cochleae propagates into the central nervous system to promote circuit formation. The effects of peripheral firing patterns on spontaneous activity in the central auditory system are not well understood. Here, we describe wide-spread bilateral coupling of spontaneous activity that coincides with the period of transient efferent modulation of inner hair cells from the brainstem medial olivocochlear system. Knocking out α9/α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a requisite part of the efferent pathway, profoundly reduces bilateral correlations. Pharmacological and chemogenetic experiments confirm that the efferent system is necessary for normal bilateral coupling. Moreover, auditory sensitivity at hearing onset is reduced in the absence of pre-hearing efferent modulation. Together, these results demonstrate how afferent and efferent pathways collectively shape spontaneous activity patterns and reveal the important role of efferents in coordinating bilateral spontaneous activity and the emergence of functional responses during the prehearing period.
Comparison of diagnostic value of 68 Ga-DOTATOC PET/MRI and standalone MRI for the detection of intracranial meningiomas
Authors: Einhellig Heike C. , Siebert Eberhard , Bauknecht Hans-C. , Tietze Anna , Graef Josefine , Furth Christian , Schulze Daniel , Miszczuk Milena , Bohner Georg , Schatka Imke , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: April 2021

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone in comparison to positron emission tomography/ magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in patients with meningiomas. 57 patients with a total of 112 meningiomas of the brain were included. PET/MRI, including a fully diagnostic contrast enhanced MRI and PET, were acquired. PET/MRI was used as reference standard. The size and location of meningiomas was recorded. Likelihood-ratio chi-square tests were used to calculate p-values within logistic regression in order to compare different models. A multi-level logistic regression was applied to comply the hierarchical data structure. Multi-level regression adjusts for clustering in data was performed. The majority (n = 103) of meningiomas could be identified based on standard MRI sequences compared to PET/MRI. MRI alone achieved a sensitivity of 95% (95% CI 0.78, 0.99) and specificity of 88% (95% CI 0.58, 0.98). Based on intensity of contrast medium uptake, 97 meningiomas could be diagnosed with intense uptake (93.75%). Sensitivity was lowest with 74% for meningiomas < 0.5 cm3, high with 95% for meningiomas > 2cm3 and highest with 100% for meningiomas 0.5–1.0 cm3. Petroclival meningiomas showed lowest sensitivity with 88% compared to sphenoidal meningiomas with 94% and orbital meningiomas with 100%. Specificity of meningioma diagnostic with MRI was high with 100% for sphenoidal and hemispherical-dural meningiomas and meningiomas with 0.5–1.0 and 1.0–2.0 cm3. Overall MRI enables reliable detection of meningiomas compared to PET/MRI. PET/MRI imaging offers highest sensitivity and specificity for small or difficult located meningiomas.
Antibodies against apoB100 peptide 210 inhibit atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice
Authors: Dunér Pontus , Mattisson Ingrid Yao , Fogelstrand Per , Glise Lars , Ruiz Stacey , Farina Christopher , Borén Jan , Nilsson Jan , Bengtsson Eva
Published: April 2021

Atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by an accumulation and subsequent oxidation of LDL, resulting in adaptive immune responses against formed or exposed neoepitopes of the LDL particle. Autoantibodies against native p210, the 3136–3155 amino acid sequence of the LDL protein apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB100) are common in humans and have been associated with less severe atherosclerosis and decreased risk for cardiovascular events in clinical studies. However, whether apoB100 native p210 autoantibodies play a functional role in atherosclerosis is not known. In the present study we immunized apoE-/- mice with p210-PADRE peptide to induce an antibody response against native p210. We also injected mice with murine monoclonal IgG against native p210. Control groups were immunized with PADRE peptide alone or with control murine monoclonal IgG. Immunization with p210-PADRE induced an IgG1 antibody response against p210 that was associated with reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aorta and reduced MDA-LDL content in the lesions. Treatment with monoclonal p210 IgG produced a similar reduction in atherosclerosis as immunization with p210-PADRE. Our findings support an atheroprotective role of antibodies against the apoB100 native p210 and suggest that vaccines that induce the expression of native p210 IgG represent a potential therapeutic strategy for lowering cardiovascular risk.
Preoperative stroke before cardiac surgery does not increase risk of postoperative stroke
Authors: Matthews Caleb R. , Hartman Timothy , Madison Mackenzie , Villelli Nicolas W. , Namburi Niharika , Colgate Cameron L. , Faiza Zainab , Lee Lawrence S.
Published: April 2021

The optimal time when surgery can be safely performed after stroke is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate how cardiac surgery timing after stroke impacts postoperative outcomes between 2011–2017 were reviewed. Variables were extracted from the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, statewide patient registry, and medical records. Subjects were classified based upon presence of endocarditis and further grouped by timing of preoperative stroke relative to cardiac surgery: Recent (stroke within two weeks before surgery), Intermediate (between two and six weeks before), and Remote (greater than six weeks before). Postoperative outcomes were compared amongst groups. 157 patients were included: 54 in endocarditis and 103 in non-endocarditis, with 47 in Recent, 26 in Intermediate, and 84 in Remote. 30-day mortality and postoperative stroke rate were similar across the three subgroups for both endocarditis and non-endocarditis. Of patients with postoperative stroke, mortality was 30% (95% CI 4.6–66). Timing of cardiac surgery after stroke occurrence does not seem to affect postoperative stroke or mortality. If postoperative stroke does occur, subsequent stroke-related mortality is high.
Vortioxetine ameliorates anhedonic-like behaviour and promotes strategic cognitive performance in a rodent touchscreen task
Authors: Martis Lena-Sophie , Højgaard Kristoffer , Holmes Megan C. , Elfving Betina , Wiborg Ove
Published: April 2021

Depression-associated cognitive impairments are among the most prevalent and persistent symptoms during remission from a depressive episode and a major risk factor for relapse. Consequently, development of antidepressant drugs, which also alleviate cognitive impairments, is vital. One such potential antidepressant is vortioxetine that has been postulated to exhibit both antidepressant and pro-cognitive effects. Hence, we tested vortioxetine for combined antidepressant and pro-cognitive effects in male Long-Evans rats exposed to the chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm. This well-established CMS paradigm evokes cognitive deficits in addition to anhedonia, a core symptom of depression. Learning and memory performance was assessed in the translational touchscreen version of the paired-associates learning task. To identify the mechanistic underpinning of the neurobehavioural results, transcriptional profiling of genes involved in the stress response, neuronal plasticity and genes of broad relevance in neuropsychiatric pathologies were assessed. Vortioxetine substantially relieved the anhedonic-like state in the CMS rats and promoted acquisition of the cognitive test independent of hedonic phenotype, potentially due to an altered cognitive strategy. Minor alterations in gene expression profiling in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were found. In summary, our findings suggest that vortioxetine exhibits an antidepressant effect as well as behavioural changes in a translational learning task.
Ulcerative colitis immune cell landscapes and differentially expressed gene signatures determine novel regulators and predict clinical response to biologic therapy
Authors: Penrose Harrison M. , Iftikhar Rida , Collins Morgan E. , Toraih Eman , Ruiz Emmanuelle , Ungerleider Nathan , Nakhoul Hani , Flemington Erik F. , Kandil Emad , Shah Shamita B. , Savkovic Suzana D.
Published: April 2021

The heterogeneous pathobiology underlying Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is not fully understood. Using publicly available transcriptomes from adult UC patients, we identified the immune cell landscape, molecular pathways, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across patient cohorts and their association with treatment outcomes. The global immune cell landscape of UC tissue included increased neutrophils, T CD4 memory activated cells, active dendritic cells (DC), and M0 macrophages, as well as reduced trends in T CD8, Tregs, B memory, resting DC, and M2 macrophages. Pathway analysis of DEGs across UC cohorts demonstrated activated bacterial, inflammatory, growth, and cellular signaling. We identified a specific transcriptional signature of one hundred DEGs (UC100) that distinctly separated UC inflamed from uninflamed transcriptomes. Several UC100 DEGs, with unidentified roles in UC, were validated in primary tissue. Additionally, non-responders to anti-TNFα and anti-α4β7 therapy displayed distinct profiles of immune cells and pathways pertaining to inflammation, growth, and metabolism. We identified twenty resistant DEGs in UC non-responders to both therapies of which four had significant predictive power to treatment outcome. We demonstrated the global immune landscape and pathways in UC tissue, highlighting a unique UC signature across cohorts and a UC resistant signature with predictive performance to biologic therapy outcome.