bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board busyness and firm productivity
Authors: Bazrafshan Ameneh , Hesarzadeh Reza
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Prior studies provide mixed evidence on the association of board busyness and firm productivity. Thus, this paper empirically analyzes how board busyness affects firm productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure board busyness, this paper computes the percentage of directors on a board who sit on three or more boards. Furthermore, to calculate firm productivity, the paper employs data envelopment analysis.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that the association of board busyness and firm productivity (association) is generally negative and statistically significant but economically insignificant. In this respect, the findings reveal that the association is negative (positive) and both statistically and economically significant for firms having higher monitoring (advising) needs. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that regulatory oversight (1) weakens the general negative association; (2) changes the direction of association from negative to positive, for firms having higher monitoring needs; and (3) does not influence the association, for firms having higher advising needs.

Originality/value

Taken together, the findings indicate that the association of board busyness and firm productivity is conditional to monitoring/advising needs and regulatory oversight. As such, the findings enrich the current debates on the association. Furthermore, the findings offer novel perspectives to enrich the regulatory frameworks of countries which are constraining multiple directorships.
Dairy sector trade dynamics: Some insights on the evolution of trade linkages within the EU
Authors: Fertő Imre , Bakucs Zoltán , Fałkowski Jan
Published: April 2021

While the positive effect of economic integration on trade is commonly accepted, we still lack a proper understanding of the complex patterns behind this phenomenon. In particular, it is important to better understand how the structure of trade linkages evolves. To advance our knowledge about this matter, we test two specific predictions that originate from the recent literature on network effects in trade relations: (1) that the size of an initial trade network is positively correlated with building new trade linkages; (2) that the evolution of a trade network in a given country depends on the trade network of its trading partners. Using data related to intra‐EU trade in dairy products between 2001 and 2015, we find support for both these predictions.
Secukinumab and metformin ameliorate dermal fibrosis by decreasing tissue interleukin‐17 levels in bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis
Authors: Karatas Ahmet , Celik Cigdem , Oz Burak , Akar Zeynel Abidin , Etem Ebru Onalan , Dagli Adile Ferda , Koca Suleyman Serdar
Published: April 2021

Although the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is not exactly known, it is thought that immune activation has prominent roles in pathogenesis. Secukinumab is a monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)‐17A. Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic medication, has anti‐proliferative, immunomodulating and anti‐fibrotic activities. The purpose of our study is to determine the therapeutic efficacy of secukinumab and metformin on bleomycin (BLM) induced dermal fibrosis. Fifty Balb/c female mice were divided into 5 groups: (group 1 control, 2 sham, 3 secukinumab, 4 metformin and 5 secukinumab + metformin). The mice in the control group received 100 μL phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), while the mice in other groups received 100 μL (100 μg) BLM in PBS subcutaneously (sc) every day for 4 weeks. In addition, mice in groups 3 and 5 received secukinumab at a dose of 10 mg/kg/wk sc, and mice in the groups 4 and 5 received oral metformin 50 mg/kg/d for 28 days. All groups of mice were sacrificed at the end of the 4th week and tissue samples were taken for analysis. In addition to histopathological analysis, skin tissue messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of IL‐17 and collagen 3A were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Repeated BLM injections had caused dermal fibrosis. In addition, the mRNA expressions of IL‐17 and collagen 3A were increased in the BLM group. Secukinumab and metformin ameliorated dermal fibrosis. They decreased dermal thickness and tissue IL‐17A and collagen 3A mRNA levels. Secukinumab and metformin exhibit anti‐fibrotic effects in the BLM‐induced dermal fibrosis.
“Part of Their Chemistry”: The Reproduction of Neoliberal Governmentality in Principal and Teacher Subjectivities
Authors: Duarte Bryan J.
Published: April 2021

In the voyage to increase student achievement, centralized education agencies apply pressure to school principals and teachers in ways that transform their work. This critical ethnographic study of a historically underperforming public elementary school serving predominantly Latinx/a/o students in Texas utilized poststructural theories of subjectivity to demonstrate how the political system of educational policy governs, in plural and contradictory ways, a principal and her teachers in a school serving marginalized youth. The results expose the ways in which neoliberal power is reproduced through the participants who questioned and subtly resisted the practices that they implemented to improve student achievement. The study has implications for both practitioners and researchers to come together in order to reconcile the difficult subjectivities that participants exhibited while they implemented neoliberal policies.
Research on climate change in social psychology publications: A systematic review
Authors: Tam Kim‐Pong , Leung Angela K.‐y. , Clayton Susan
Published: April 2021

There is a strong scientific consensus that anthropogenic climate change is happening and that its impacts can put both ecological and human systems in jeopardy. Social psychology, the scientific study of human behaviours in their social and cultural settings, is an important tool for understanding how humans interpret and respond to climate change. In this article, we offered a systematic review of the social psychological literature of climate change. We sampled 130 studies on climate change or global warming from 80 articles published in journals indexed under the “Psychology, social” category of Journal Citation Reports. Based on this sample, we observe that social psychologists have produced an impressive canon of research on this pressing topic, the strengths of which include diversity of research designs, outcome variables, and theoretical angles. However, there are some gaps in this literature, including weak presence of authors and data from non‐Western, developing, and nondemocratic societies, lack of cross‐cultural comparisons, reliance on young and Amazon MTurk samples, lack of attention to some crucial outcome variables, and overemphasis on intrapersonal and intrapsychic processes. We recommend that future social psychological research on climate change needs to broaden geographical and demographic representation, examine study outcomes other than mitigation behaviour, and adopt more “social” theoretical perspectives. We also offer suggestions as to how these needs can be addressed.
Randomized controlled trials of self‐monitoring interventions with or without incentives for diet and exercise among individuals with overweight or obesity: Psychological and behavioural effects
Authors: Gardiner Casey K. , Bryan Angela D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To test the effects of three behavioural interventions (daily monetary incentives + self‐monitoring, delayed lump sum monetary incentives + self‐monitoring, and self‐monitoring only) on psychological constructs and fruit and vegetable consumption or physical activity behaviour change among a sample of adults with overweight or obesity.

Design

A pair of 3‐arm longitudinal randomized controlled trials compared daily monetary incentives + self‐monitoring, delayed lump sum monetary incentives + self‐monitoring, and self‐monitoring only interventions for either fruit and vegetable consumption or physical activity.

Methods

Individuals reporting elevated weight status and insufficient engagement in one of the target behaviours were randomly assigned to one of three 3‐week interventions. All three interventions involved daily self‐monitoring of the behaviour, and two provided monetary incentives contingent upon reported behaviour. Participants completed measures of psychological constructs and reported behaviour at baseline, the end of the intervention, and two and four weeks post‐intervention.

Results

Participants across all three intervention conditions demonstrated increased engagement in the target behaviour from pre‐ to post‐intervention and reported behaviour remained above baseline levels at both follow‐up time points. Increases in reported behaviour during the intervention were associated with increases in self‐efficacy, and this enhanced self‐efficacy prospectively predicted sustained reported behaviour at follow‐up. However, contrary to hypotheses, the incentive interventions including self‐monitoring were not more efficacious than self‐monitoring alone, and increased reported behaviour was not associated with enhancements in attitudes.

Conclusions

Self‐monitoring interventions can aid behaviour change efforts, and behavioural practice during these interventions can increase self‐efficacy. However, among adults with overweight or obesity who are seeking behaviour change interventions, incentive‐based self‐monitoring approaches may not be superior to self‐monitoring alone in driving behaviour change and maintenance.
Caesarean delivery and early childhood caries: Estimation with marginal structural models in Brazilian pre‐schoolers
Authors: Ladeira Lorena Lúcia Costa , Martins Sarah Pereira , Costa Cayara Mattos , Costa Elizabeth Lima , da Silva Rubenice Amaral , Fraiz Fabian Calixto , Ribeiro Cecilia Claudia Costa
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study analysed the association between caesarean section and early childhood caries (ECC), estimating the effects using regression and causal inference models.

Methods

This was a historical cohort study of 697 mother‐child dyads, conducted in São Luís, Brazil. The caesarean section was the exposure, and the severity of ECC (dmft) was the outcome. Covariates household income, maternal schooling, maternal hypertension, maternal obesity and birth weight were adjusted for in the models. The effects were estimated by Poisson regression (Means Ratio‐MR) and causal inference using a marginal structural model (MSM) (MR and Average Treatment Effect‐ATE coefficients), weighted by the inverse probability (IPW) of exposure.

Results

Caesarean section was protective against caries in the bivariate (MR 0.81; CI 0.70‐0.94; P = 0.005) and multivariate (MR 0.78; CI 0.67‐0.91; P = 0.002) models. In MSM analyses, the caesarean section had no effect on ECC (ATE = −0.35; P = 0.107), controlling for IPW of exposure.

Conclusion

The apparent association between caesarean section and ECC severity seems spurious, as it did not persist after employing a superior approach to estimating causality.
Instruments to assess upper‐limb function in children and adolescents with neuromuscular diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Davoli Gabriela Barroso De Queiroz , Cardoso Juliana , Silva Giovanna Constantin , Moreira Roberta de Fátima Carreira , Mattiello‐Sverzut Ana Claudia
Published: April 2021

Aim

To synthesize clinical and scientific evidence regarding the instruments available to assess upper‐limb function in paediatric patients with neuromuscular disease (NMD).

Method

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses and COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines (Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews no. CRD42020140343). Two independent reviewers searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria were cross‐sectional or longitudinal studies or randomized controlled trials that used scales or questionnaires to assess upper‐limb function in paediatric patients with NMDs. The COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist and criteria for good measurement properties were applied to assess the methodological quality of the instruments.

Results

In total, 34 articles and 12 instruments were included. The Brooke Upper Extremity (n=16) and Performance of Upper Limb (PUL) (n=12) instruments were the most used tools. The PUL and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) Upper Limb patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) tested more measurement properties and provided higher methodological quality scores for patients with DMD. Likewise, the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) was the most suitable instrument for patients with spinal muscular atrophy. No instrument has been devised to assess upper‐limb function in patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease and no other disease‐specific instruments were found.

Interpretation

The PUL, DMD Upper Limb PROM, and RULM are the most suitable instruments to assess upper‐limb function in the two most prevalent paediatric NMDs. The identified gaps and methodological flaws of the available instruments indicate a need to develop high‐quality instruments to assess other types of paediatric NMDs.

What this paper adds

The most suitable observer–rater instrument to assess upper‐limb function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the Performance of Upper Limb.

The most suitable observer–rater instrument to assess upper‐limb function in spinal muscular atrophy is the Revised Upper Limb Module.

The DMD Upper Limb patient‐reported outcome measure is recommended to assess the upper‐limb performance of patients with DMD.

Literature gaps and methodological flaws indicate the need to develop high‐quality instruments to assess other types of paediatric neuromuscular disease.
The Whitney Comorbidity Index for adults with cerebral palsy: a challenge for practice
Authors: Hilberink Sander R
Published: April 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Whitney and Basu on pages 853–859 of this issue.
Pericardiocentesis induced right ventricular changes in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Alnsasra Hilmi , Case Brian C. , Yang Michael , Rogers Toby , Satler Lowell F. , Asch Federico M. , Waksman Ron , Kumar Preetham , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Medvedofsky Diego
Published: April 2021

Background

Pericardial effusion drainage in patients with significant pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been questioned because of hemodynamic collapse concern, mainly because of right ventricular (RV) function challenging assessment. We aimed to assess RV function changes related to pericardiocentesis in patients with and without PH.

Methods

Consecutive patients with symptomatic moderate‐to‐large pericardial effusion who had either echocardiographic or clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and who underwent pericardiocentesis from 2013 to 2018 were included. RV speckle‐tracking echocardiography analysis was performed before and after pericardiocentesis. Patients were stratified by significant PH (pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] ≥50 mm Hg).

Results

The study cohort consisted of 76 patients, 23 (30%) with PH. In patients with PH, both end‐diastolic and end‐systolic areas (EDA, ESA) increased significantly after pericardiocentesis (22.6 ± 8.0 cm2–26.4 ± 8.4 cm2, P = .01) and (15.9 ± 6.3 cm2–18.7 ± 6.5 cm2, P = .02), respectively. However, RV function indices including fractional area change (FAC: 30.6 ± 13.7%–29.1 ± 8.8%, P = .61) and free‐wall longitudinal strain (FWLS: −16.7 ± 6.7 to −15.9 ± 5.0, P = .50) remained unchanged postpericardiocentesis. In contrast, in the non‐PH group, after pericardiocentesis, EDA increased significantly (20.4 ± 6.2–22.4 ± 5.9 cm2, P = .006) but ESA did not (14.9 ± 5.7 vs 15.0 ± 4.6 cm2, P = .89), and RV function indices improved (FAC 27.9 ± 11.7%–33.1 ± 8.5%, P = .003; FWLS −13.6 ± 5.4 to −17.2 ± 3.9%, P < .001).

Conclusion

Quantification of RV size and function can improve understanding of echocardiographic and hemodynamic changes postpericardiocentesis, which has the potential to guide management of PH patients with large pericardial effusion.
The future of the regulatory space in local government audit: A comparative study of the four countries of the United Kingdom
Authors: Ferry Laurence , Ahrens Thomas
Published: April 2021

This paper compares audit regulatory space in local government between the U.K.’s four countries – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It addresses current arrangements and practices, their historical background, and rationales for regulation in order to derive lessons for the future of public audit. It draws on the notion of regulatory space as extended through new audit spaces that specifically include public audit. The study is based on interviews with audit professionals and policy makers in each country, extensive documentation review, and observation. The comparison is structured by four themes: ‘Organisation and fragmentation’ concerns how the system is accredited and imbued with institutional capital. ‘Independence and competition’ addresses the independence of accounting firms and auditors, ‘audit scope’ reporting, and ‘inspection’ the assessments and rankings that have become part of public audit. The four countries exhibited similar emphasis on financial audit and reporting. They treated performance and fairness aspects differently.
Metamorphic transformation rate over large spatial and temporal scales constrained by geophysical data and coupled modelling
Authors: Hetényi György , Chanard Kristel , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Herman Frédéric
Published: April 2021

Metamorphic transformation rates are classically determined on decimetre‐scale field samples and from laboratory experiments at smaller scales. Here we present a geophysical approach based on field data and joint geophysical–petrological modelling to quantify the average rate of metamorphic transformations at the 10–100‐kilometre and million‐year scales. The model simulates the eclogitization of Indian lower crust as it penetrates beneath southern Tibet. Metamorphic transformation of the lower crust is tracked by its densification, the effect of which is then compared to observed gravity anomalies. From the modelling we find that the Indian lower crust's overall densification requires a partially hydrated initial composition. Moreover, the modelled evolution of this densification compared to what is predicted by pressure–temperature–density grids is consistent with delayed, far‐from‐equilibrium metamorphism. The Indian lower crust descends underneath the Himalaya until beneath southern Tibet in a thermodynamically metastable state until the first dehydration reactions are reached. This observation is used to determine the average rate of metastable rock transformation to an eclogite facies assemblage, constrained at between ~6 × 10−9 and 5 × 10−7 g/cm2/year, and reaction affinity at 0.8–1.6 kJ/mol oxygen. Compared to field and laboratory data, this range of results matches the effective rates typically associated with regional metamorphism. This fit and correlation across the scales legitimates the use of transformation rates determined at small scales in large‐scale geodynamic studies.
The effects of the oral supplementation of L‐Cystine associated with reduced L‐Glutathione‐GSH on human skin pigmentation: a randomized, double‐blinded, benchmark‐ and placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Duperray Joël , Sergheraert Renaud , Chalothorn Kunyanatt , Tachalerdmanee Preeyanuch , Perin Fabrice
Published: April 2021

Background

Glutathione has become a potential skin‐lightening ingredient after the discovery of its anti‐melanogenic properties. Various mechanisms of action have been considered to explain this property, one of them being the skewing of the melanin synthesis pathway toward the production of lighter pheomelanin instead of darker eumelanin, consequently producing a lightening effect.

Aims

To evaluate the skin lightening and anti‐dark spot effects of oral supplementation with L‐Cystine associated with L‐Glutathione as compared to placebo and benchmark.

Methods

Effects of this L‐Cystine‐L‐Glutathione oral combination were investigated in a 12‐week randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, benchmark‐ and placebo‐controlled trial involving 124 Asian female subjects. Women were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups (500 mg L‐Cystine and 250 mg L‐Glutathione, 250 mg reduced L‐Glutathione, 500 mg L‐Cystine, or a placebo, daily). Skin color was measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks by spectrophotometry. Size and color of facial dark spots were determined from digital photographs.

Results

A significant skin lightening was observed after 12 weeks of oral supplementation with L‐Cystine associated with L‐Glutathione. This combination also induced a significant reduction in the size of facial dark spots after 6 and 12 weeks. It is noteworthy that the observed effects were not only significantly better than those obtained with placebo, but also with L‐Cystine alone or L‐Glutathione alone.

Conclusion

The daily oral administration of 500 mg L‐Cystine and 250 mg L‐Glutathione during 12 weeks was a safe treatment to effectively lighten the skin and reduce the size of facial dark spots of Asian women.
Perception and attitude of adults toward cosmetic products amid COVID‐19 pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Mohammed Ali Haider , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool
Published: April 2021

Background

The use of cosmetics is growing among both male and female consumers due to the availability of different brands. While there is an increase in the usage of cosmetic products, it is concerning whether the consumers are aware of the safety of the products.

Aims

This study aimed to widely explore consumers’ perceptions and attitudes toward cosmetics within the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out among adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Thirty‐three questions divided into three dimensions (socio‐demographic parameters, assessment of perception, and assessment of attitude) were developed and validated to be answered by cosmetics consumers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS.

Results

A response rate of 87% was achieved, and the mean age of participants was 33 ± 7.2. The overall perception of consumers indicates low levels of perception and moderate level of attitude toward cosmetic products. There was a positive correlation and high relationship between participants’ perception and attitude (p = 0.001, r = 0.72). A significant association was observed between demographic data of respondents and their attitude and perception toward cosmetic products. Participants were unaware that sharing of cosmetic products could lead to bacterial infection and possibly increased the chance of contracting COVID‐19.

Conclusion

This study displayed a nonchalant perception and attitude of Malaysian adults toward cosmetic products by focusing on aesthetics rather than health safety. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness on the composition and effects of cosmetic products, increase the practice of hygiene and dissuade the sharing of cosmetics to reduce transmissions of COVID‐19.
Dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi following hair removal laser: A prospective study
Authors: Nasimi Maryam , Lajevardi Vahide , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Heidari Sadaf , Ghaedi Forugh
Published: April 2021

Background

Changes in the appearance of melanocytic nevi have been increasingly reported following hair removal lasers. This could be a source of anxiety in patients doing cosmetic hair removal lasers. Moreover, taking biopsy of any changed nevus following laser is not routinely practical. Therefore, this study was designed to describe dermoscopic changes happened on acquired junctional melanocytic nevi after photo‐depilation methods.

Method

In this prospective study, 66 melanocytic nevi in 27 patients were chosen. Dermoscopic images were taken at the baseline visit and 2 months following single session of hair removal laser. Afterward, the before and after laser images were compared for any change in the structure and color of the nevi.

Results

Dermoscopic images showed alterations in nevi following laser including changes in size in 33%, color in 63.6%, newly developed asymmetry in 12.1%, and regression in 3% of nevi. Besides, alteration in reticular and dots and globules pattern was found in 92.5% and 69.32%, respectively.

Conclusions

Hair removal laser could induce considerable changes in appearance of acquired junctional melanocytic nevi. Dermoscopic study before and after the process could help to avoid unnecessary excision of suspected lesions.
Properties and regulation of Gly‐Sar uptake and transport in bovine intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Wang Caihong , Zhou Miaomiao , Liu Hongyun
Published: April 2021

Intestinal absorption of peptides is vital for the overall health and productivity of dairy cows. This study investigated the regulation, uptake and transport of dipeptides in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs). We also evaluated the effects of time, pH, concentration of the dipeptides, temperature, presence of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC)—an inhibitor of PepT1, and other dipeptides (Met‐Met, Lys‐Lys or Met‐Lys), on the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC, which was a common fluorophore‐labelled dipeptide. Under controlled experiments, BIECs were treated with 25 μM LY294002 (a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor) and 25 μM Perifosine (a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor). The subsequent expression of PepT1 in the BIECs was assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting. It was found that the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC were significant high at 37℃ than that at 4℃. The optimal pH for transport and uptake of Gly‐Sar‐FITC was 6.0–6.5, whereas the two properties decreased significantly in the presence of DEPC, Met‐Met, Lys‐Lys and Met‐Lys (p < 0.05). The apical‐to‐basolateral transport was also found to be significantly higher than the reverse transport (p < 0.05). PI3K and AKT inhibitors were found to significantly suppress the expression of PepT1, thus impairing uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC. Findings of this study thus suggest that the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC in BIECs are mediated by PepT1, and the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway regulates the absorption of small peptides.
Understanding racial disparities in the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: The need for a unified approach
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Vasant Dipesh H.
Published: April 2021

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder of gut‐brain interaction, which significantly erodes the quality of life of those it affects. Recent studies have confirmed that its prevalence varies quite markedly between countries, implying that it is affected by cultural and socioeconomic factors. In an important study, Silvernale at al. have recently reported racial disparities including potential referral biases, with reduced opportunities to access specialist care and differing patterns of healthcare utilization affecting ethnic minority populations with IBS. Similar disparities have also been reported for other gastrointestinal disorders. In this paper, we, therefore, discuss the potential implications of such disparities and how they can impact clinical outcomes, and discuss ways in which this problem could be addressed, and highlighting areas for future research.
Isolated left bundle branch block in the young: case reports and review of literature
Authors: Kohli Utkarsh , Sriram Chenni S. , Nayak Hemal M.
Published: April 2021

Isolated left bundle branch block (LBBB) aberrancy is exceedingly rare in the young and its clinical and genetic determinants remain poorly characterized. Furthermore, there is conflicting data on its natural history in the pediatric age group patients. We report the rare phenotype of isolated typical LBBB aberrancy in two healthy children, one of whom carried a likely pathogenic mutation in the coding exon 1 of NKX2‐5 (p.Q22R, c.65A > G, rs201442000). Our findings suggest that isolated LBBB aberrancy could be non‐progressive in some children, at least in the short term. However, given the paucity of data on this entity, we recommend continued long‐term surveillance.
Presence and the roles of IL‐9/Th9 axis in vitiligo
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Marathe Soumitra , Dhamija Bhavuk , Zambare Uddhao , Bilala Richa , Warang Sanyogita , Nayak Chitra , Purwar Rahul
Published: April 2021

Immune dysregulation is critical in vitiligo pathogenesis. Although the presence and roles of numerous CD4+ T‐cell subsets have been described, the presence of Th9 cells and more importantly, roles of IL‐9 on melanocyte functions are not explored yet. Here, we quantified the T helper cell subsets including Th9 cells in vitiligo patients by multicolor flowcytometry. There was an increased frequency of skin‐homing (CLA+) and systemic (CLA‐) Th9 cells in vitiligo patients compared to healthy donors. However, there was no difference in Th9 cell frequency in vitiligo patients with early and chronic disease. There was negligible IL‐9 receptor (IL‐9R) expression on human primary melanocytes (HPMs); however, IFNγ upregulated IL‐9R expression on HPMs. Functionally, IL‐9/IL‐9R signaling reduced the production of IFNγ‐induced toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HPMs. There was no effect of IL‐9 on expression of genes responsible for melanosome formation (MART1, TYRP1, and DCT), melanin synthesis (TYR), and melanocyte‐inducing transcription factor (MITF) in HPMs. In conclusion, this study identifies the presence of Th9 cells in vitiligo and their roles in reducing the oxidative stress of melanocytes, which might be useful in designing effective therapeutics.
“If it Does Turn out to be Herpes, Try not to Stress Too Much”: The Contours of Emotional Support and Peer Diagnosis in an Online Sexual Health Community
Authors: Vigilant Lee Garth , Heitkamp Ashley , Heitkamp Amanda
Published: April 2021

Our research team sought to understand the structure of help‐seeking inquiries and help‐giving responses around the experience of a diagnosed or suspected sexually transmitted infection (STI). The present thematic analysis examines data from 211 original postings on the r/STD community on Reddit.com. Helpers on this Web site focus the vast majority of their comments toward providing emotional support to those confronted with the fear and social isolation that come with the experience of contracting an STI. The findings suggest the r/STD community provides an essential service in assuaging stigma, social isolation, and status silencing common to the experience of having a sexually transmitted infection.
What Can Network Science Tell Us About Phonology and Language Processing?
Authors: Vitevitch Michael S.
Published: April 2021

Contemporary psycholinguistic models place significant emphasis on the cognitive processes involved in the acquisition, recognition, and production of language but neglect many issues related to the representation of language‐related information in the mental lexicon. In contrast, a central tenet of network science is that the structure of a network influences the processes that operate in that system, making process and representation inextricably connected. Here, we consider how the structure found across phonological networks of several languages from different language families may influence language processing as we age and experience diseases that affect cognition during the typical and atypical acquisition of new words, during typical perception and production of speech in adults, and during language change over time. We conclude that the network science approach may not only provide insights into specific language processes but also provide a way to connect the work from these domains, which are becoming increasingly balkanized.
DkMYB14 is a bifunctional transcription factor that regulates the accumulation of proanthocyanidin in persimmon fruit
Authors: Chen Wenxing , Zheng Qingyou , Li Jinwang , Liu Ying , Xu Liqing , Zhang Qinglin , Luo Zhengrong
Published: April 2021

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are phenolic secondary metabolites that contribute to the protection of plant and human health. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) can accumulate abundant PAs in fruit, which cause a strong sensation of astringency. Proanthocyanidins can be classified into soluble and insoluble PAs; the former cause astringency but the latter do not. Soluble PAs can be converted into insoluble PAs upon interacting with acetaldehydes. We demonstrate here that DkMYB14, which regulates the accumulation of PA in persimmon fruit flesh, is a bifunctional transcription factor that acts as a repressor in PA biosynthesis but becomes an activator when involved in acetaldehyde biosynthesis. Interestingly, both functions contribute to the elimination of astringency by decreasing PA biosynthesis and promoting its insolubilization. We show that the amino acid Gly39 in the R2 domain and the ethylene response factor‐associated amphiphilic repression‐like motif in the C‐terminal of DkMYB14 are essential for the regulation of both PA and acetaldehyde synthesis. The repressive function of DkMYB14 was lost after the mutation of either motif, and all activities of DkMYB14 were eliminated following the mutation of both motifs. Our results demonstrate that DkMYB14 functions as both a transcriptional activator and a repressor, directly repressing biosynthesis of PA and promoting its insolubilization, resulting in non‐astringency in persimmon.
Modeling the Nano Indentation Behavior of Recast Layer and Heat Affected Zone on Reverse Micro EDMed Hemispherical Feature
Authors: Roy T. , Sharma A. , Ranjan P. , Balasubramaniam R.
Published: April 2021

Electrical discharge machined surfaces inherently possess recast layer on the surface with heat affected zone (HAZ) beneath it and these have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties viz., hardness, elastic modulus, etc. It is very difficult to experimentally characterize each machined surface. Therefore, an attempt is made in this study to numerically calculate the mechanical properties of the parent material, HAZ and the recast layer on a hemispherical protruded micro feature fabricated by reverse micro EDM (RMEDM). In the first stage, nano indentation was performed to experimentally determine the load–displacement plots, elastic modulus and hardness of the parent material, HAZ, and the recast layer. In the second stage, finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was carried out to mimic the nano indentation process and determine the load–displacement plots for all the three cases viz., parent material, recast layer, and HAZ. Results demonstrated that the load–displacement plots obtained from numerical model in each case was in good agreement with that of the experimental curves. Based on simulated load–displacement plots, hardness was also calculated for parent material, HAZ, and the recast layer. A maximum of 11% error was observed between simulated values of hardness and experimentally determined values. This model can be utilized to predict the mechanical properties of surfaces fabricated by micro scale EDM process and this will help in reducing the number of experiments thereby saving time and cost.
Influence of Precursor Concentration on Crystalline Quality of GaN Thin Films Grown on a Sapphire Wafer
Authors: Jumaah Omar Dhannoon , Jaluria Yogesh
Published: April 2021

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which involves chemical reactions in gases for deposition on a heated surface, is an extensively used manufacturing technique for obtaining thin films of materials like silicon, graphene, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and gallium nitride (GaN). The process is driven by heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, and chemical reactions in the gases and at the surface. GaN is one of the most promising materials for manufacturing optical and electronic devices. However, the reliability and durability of the GaN-based devices depend on the crystalline quality of the thin films used. In this study, the epitaxial growth of GaN thin films on sapphire (Al2O3) wafers is carried out in a vertical rotating disk metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system. Epitaxial growth refers to the process of growing a crystal of a particular orientation on the top of another crystal, with the orientation being determined by the underlying crystal. MOCVD reactors are CVD systems that use metalorganic compounds that consist of metal and organic ligands, leading to materials like GaAs, AlN, InN, and GaN. The quality of the thin films is largely determined by the choice of operating conditions such as the flowrate, surface temperature, and concentration of the metalorganic precursors that decompose due to heat in the reactor, react, and deposit the desired material on the surface of a wafer or a heated susceptor. In this experimental study, the crystalline quality and surface morphology of GaN thin films are evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The correlation between the crystalline quality of GaN thin films and the flowrate of the precursors is examined in detail on the basis of an evaluation of the dislocation density. The results indicate that a low concentration (V/III) ratio, where V and III refer to elements in the fifth and third groups of the periodic table, is beneficial for obtaining a high deposition rate since a low value of this ratio implies a high precursor concentration. However, it negatively affects the crystalline quality of the thin film. Similarly, high V/III ratios lead to low deposition rates and better crystalline quality, indicating the need to optimize the process.
Atomic layer deposition and selective etching of ruthenium for area-selective deposition: Temperature dependence and supercycle design
Authors: Vos Martijn F. J. , Chopra Sonali N. , Ekerdt John G. , Agarwal Sumit , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. (Erwin) , Mackus Adriaan J. M.
Published: April 2021

For future sub-5 nm technology nodes, the fabrication of semiconductor devices will likely involve the use of area-selective atomic layer deposition (ALD). While area-selective ALD processes have been reported for a variety of materials, most approaches yield a limited selectivity, for example, due to growth initiation at defects or impurities on the non-growth area. Recently, we demonstrated that Ru ALD can be combined with selective etching to achieve area-selective ALD of metal-on-metal with high selectivity. Cycles consisting of an O2 plasma and an H2 gas dose were integrated in an ALD-etch supercycle recipe to remove unwanted nuclei on the SiO2 non-growth area, while obtaining deposition on the Pt or Ru growth area. The current work discusses the challenging compromise that needs to be made between selectivity and net deposition, considering that the material is also removed from the growth area. After investigating deposition between 100 and 200 °C on SiO2, Al2O3, Pt, and Ru in terms of selectivity and net deposition, a substrate temperature of 150 °C was selected since the difference in Ru thickness on Pt and SiO2/Al2O3 was maximum at this temperature, even though still some deposition occurred on the SiO2 and Al2O3 non-growth areas. Different ALD-etch supercycles were studied, using varying O2 plasma etch times and etch frequencies. The amount of the (undesired) material deposited on the SiO2 non-growth area was quantified, demonstrating that the selectivity improved for longer O2 plasma times. On the basis of the results, a simple mathematical description of the nucleation, growth, and etching effects during ALD-etch supercycles is discussed, which can assist the design of future area-selective deposition processes. Overall, this work illustrates how ALD and etch processes can be tuned to simultaneously obtain a high selectivity and a high net deposition of the material at the desired locations.
The Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Physical Performance Indices in Children With Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: Weinberg Adi , Dror Nitzan , Motin Katya , Pantanowitz Michal , Nemet Dan , Eliakim Alon
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To examine the effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on physical performance in children with idiopathic short stature and normal GH secretion. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 children participated in the study (13 GH-treated, 11 non-treated, aged 8–13 y, 11 males and 13 females, Tanner stage 1–2). Participants performed a battery of motor skill performance tests (Eurofit), as well as the Wingate anaerobic test. Results: No statistically significant differences in any of the Eurofit physical fitness test results (eg, 20-m shuttle run 33.0 [15.1] vs 25.1 [21.0] laps in treated and nontreated participants, respectively, P = .25) or the Wingate anaerobic test were found between the groups (eg, peak power 5.0 [2.9] vs 3.9 [2.6] watts/kg in treated and nontreated participants, respectively, P = .2). Conclusions: Therapeutic usage of exogenous GH for pre and early pubertal children with idiopathic short stature and normal GH secretion was not associated with beneficial effects on physical performance indices. This suggests that the use of GH as a potential performance enhancing agent, in this age group, at least at commonly used doses, is not advantageous.
Ocean eddies strongly affect global mean sea-level projections
Authors: van Westen René M. , Dijkstra Henk A.
Published: April 2021

Small-scale ocean features have global effects.
Biden, Congress roll out big plans to expand NSF
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: April 2021

President and lawmakers push proposals to add technology directorate and boost budget.
QSER1 protects DNA methylation valleys from de novo methylation
Authors: Dixon Gary , Pan Heng , Yang Dapeng , Rosen Bess P. , Jashari Therande , Verma Nipun , Pulecio Julian , Caspi Inbal , Lee Kihyun , Stransky Stephanie , Glezer Abigail , Liu Chang , Rivas Marco , Kumar Ritu , Lan Yahui , Torregroza Ingrid , He Chuan , Sidoli Simone , Evans Todd , Elemento Olivier , Huangfu Danwei
Published: April 2021

Screen identifies demethylation regulator

DNA methylation was one of the first epigenetic mechanisms discovered, but there is a limited understanding of its regulation and dysregulation in the context of development and disease. Dixon
et al.
performed a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen in human embryonic stem cells to identify DNA methylation regulators (see the Perspective by Gu and Goodell). A top screen hit, QSER1, proved to be essential for maintaining low methylation at DNA methylation valleys, which overlap with developmental genes and broad H3K27me3 and EZH2 peaks. Mechanistic examination revealed that QSER1 and the demethylating enzyme TET1 cooperate to safeguard developmental programs from de novo methylation by the enzyme DNMT3.

Science
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Krüppel-like factor 1 is a core cardiomyogenic trigger in zebrafish
Authors: Ogawa Masahito , Geng Fan-Suo , Humphreys David T. , Kristianto Esther , Sheng Delicia Z. , Hui Subhra P. , Zhang Yuxi , Sugimoto Kotaro , Nakayama Maki , Zheng Dawei , Hesselson Daniel , Hodson Mark P. , Bogdanovic Ozren , Kikuchi Kazu
Published: April 2021

Repairing the fish heart

Although humans show minimal regenerative capability, zebrafish can regenerate their hearts through a mechanism whereby heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) revert to a less mature state and then proliferate to replace the damaged tissue. Ogawa
et al.
show that Krüppel-like factor 1 (Klf1/Eklf), a transcription factor well known for its role in red blood cell development, is an essential factor for heart regeneration in zebrafish. Klf1 is specifically expressed in cardiomyocytes after injury, and its activation is sufficient to stimulate new cardiomyocyte production without injury. This potent effect is achieved through reprogramming of gene networks regulating cardiomyocyte differentiation and mitochondrial metabolism.

Science
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Limits on superconductivity in flatland
Authors: Randeria Mohit
Published: April 2021

Experiments explore a new superconducting regime in layered quantum materials
Escherichia coli GyrA Tower Domain Interacts with QnrB1 Loop B and Plays an Important Role in QnrB1 Protection from Quinolone Inhibition
Authors: Chen Chunhui , Wang Yin , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Kim Eu Suk , Jacoby George A. , Hooper David C.
Published: April 2021

The Qnr pentapeptide repeat proteins interact with DNA gyrase and protect it from quinolone inhibition. The two external loops, particularly the larger loop B, of Qnr proteins are essential for quinolone protection of DNA gyrase.
Prospective Cohort Study of Micafungin Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis in Plasma and Peritoneal Fluid in Septic Patients with Intra-abdominal Infections
Authors: Garbez Nicolas , Mbatchi Litaty , Wallis Steven C. , Muller Laurent , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A. , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Roger Claire
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of micafungin in plasma and peritoneal fluid in septic patients with intra-abdominal infections. Twelve patients with secondary peritonitis in septic shock receiving 100 mg micafungin once daily were included.
Characterization of Lysozyme-Like Effector TseP Reveals the Dependence of Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) Secretion on Effectors in Aeromonas dhakensis Strain SSU
Authors: Liang Xiaoye , Pei Tong-Tong , Wang Zeng-Hang , Xiong Weiliang , Wu Li-Li , Xu Ping , Lin Shuangjun , Dong Tao G.
Published: April 2021

Delivery of cargo proteins via protein secretion systems has been shown as a promising tool in various applications. However, secretion systems are often used by pathogens to cause disease.
Supplemental Material: Low-temperature thermochronology constraints on the evolution of the Eastern Kunlun Range, northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Chen , al. et
Published: April 2021

Table S1. Summary of the lower thermochronometry published dataset in the Eastern Kunlun Range. Figure S1. Apatite fission-track radial plots from RadialPlotter by Vermeesch (2009) of the study samples.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 genomic and subgenomic RNA in retina and optic nerve of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Casagrande Maria , Fitzek Antonia , Spitzer Martin , Püschel Klaus , Glatzel Markus , Krasemann Susanne , Aepfelbacher Martin , Nörz Dominik , Lütgehetmann Marc , Pfefferle Susanne , Schultheiss Maximilian
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human retinal biopsies (RBs) was previously reported by us. In this consecutive study, we analysed RB and optic nerve biopsies (ONBs) in deceased patients with confirmed COVID-19 assessing viral RNA load, possible virus replication and infectivity.

Patients and methods

In this case series, 14 eyes of 14 deceased patients with COVID-19 were enucleated during autopsy. RB and ONB were subjected to molecular detection of viral RNA, virus cultivation and immunohistochemistry. SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads were compared with RNA loads in the respective throat swabs, vitreous humour and blood samples.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 7/14 RBs and in 10/13 ONBs. While virus isolation failed and immunohistochemistry of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was negative, subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) was detectable (40% RB; 60% ONB).

Conclusion

SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detectable in RB and ONB of patients with COVID-19. Presence of sgRNA could point to a SARS-CoV-2 infection of neuronal tissue, but as virus isolation failed and immunohistochemistry of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was negative, an active infection seems unlikely.