bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kernowite, Cu2Fe(AsO4)(OH)4⋅4H2O, the Fe3+-analogue of liroconite from Cornwall, UK
Authors: Rumsey Michael S. , Welch Mark D. , Spratt John , Kleppe Annette K. , Števko Martin
Published: May 2021

The occurrence, chemical composition and structural characterisation of the new mineral kernowite, ideally Cu2Fe(AsO4)(OH)4⋅4H2O, the Fe3+-analogue of liroconite, Cu2Al(AsO4)(OH)4⋅4H2O, are described. Kernowite (IMA2020-053) occurs on specimens probably sourced from the Wheal Gorland mine, St Day, Cornwall, UK, in the cavities of a quartz-gossan rich in undifferentiated micro-crystalline grey sulfides and poorly crystalline arsenic phases including both pharmacosiderite and olivenite-group minerals. The average composition of kernowite determined from several holotype fragments by electron microprobe analysis is Cu1.88(Fe0.79Al0.09)Σ0.88(As1.12O4)(OH)4⋅3.65H2O. The structure of kernowite has been determined in monoclinic space group I2/a (a non-standard setting of C2/c) by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) to R1 = 0.025, wR2 = 0.051 and Goodness-of-fit = 1.112. Unit-cell parameters from SCXRD are a = 12.9243(4) Å, b = 7.5401(3) Å, c = 10.0271(3) Å, β = 91.267(3)°, V = 976.91(6) Å3 and Z = 4. The chemical formula of this crystal indicated by SCXRD from refined site-scattering is Cu2(Fe3+0.84(1)Al0.16)AsO4(OH)4⋅4H2O. The network of hydrogen bonding has been determined and is similar to that reported for liroconite from Wheal Gorland by Plumhoff et al. (2020).
A comprehensive RNA-Seq-based gene expression atlas of the summer squash (Cucurbita pepo) provides insights into fruit morphology and ripening mechanisms
Authors: Xanthopoulou Aliki , Montero-Pau Javier , Picó Belén , Boumpas Panagiotis , Tsaliki Eleni , Paris Harry S. , Tsaftaris Athanasios , Kalivas Apostolos , Mellidou Ifigeneia , Ganopoulos Ioannis
Published: May 2021

Background

Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo: Cucurbitaceae) are a popular horticultural crop for which there is insufficient genomic and transcriptomic information. Gene expression atlases are crucial for the identification of genes expressed in different tissues at various plant developmental stages. Here, we present the first comprehensive gene expression atlas for a summer squash cultivar, including transcripts obtained from seeds, shoots, leaf stem, young and developed leaves, male and female flowers, fruits of seven developmental stages, as well as primary and lateral roots.

Results

In total, 27,868 genes and 2352 novel transcripts were annotated from these 16 tissues, with over 18,000 genes common to all tissue groups. Of these, 3812 were identified as housekeeping genes, half of which assigned to known gene ontologies. Flowers, seeds, and young fruits had the largest number of specific genes, whilst intermediate-age fruits the fewest. There also were genes that were differentially expressed in the various tissues, the male flower being the tissue with the most differentially expressed genes in pair-wise comparisons with the remaining tissues, and the leaf stem the least. The largest expression change during fruit development was early on, from female flower to fruit two days after pollination. A weighted correlation network analysis performed on the global gene expression dataset assigned 25,413 genes to 24 coexpression groups, and some of these groups exhibited strong tissue specificity.

Conclusions

These findings enrich our understanding about the transcriptomic events associated with summer squash development and ripening. This comprehensive gene expression atlas is expected not only to provide a global view of gene expression patterns in all major tissues in C. pepo but to also serve as a valuable resource for functional genomics and gene discovery in Cucurbitaceae.
The frequency and quality of delirium documentation in discharge summaries
Authors: Chuen Victoria L , Chan Adrian C.H , Ma Jin , Alibhai Shabbir M.H , Chau Vicky
Published: May 2021

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends documenting all delirium episodes in the discharge summary using the term “delirium”. Previous studies demonstrate poor delirium documentation rates in discharge summaries and no studies have assessed delirium documentation quality. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and quality of delirium documentation in discharge summaries and explore differences between medical and surgical services.

Methods

This was a multi-center retrospective chart review. We included 110 patients aged ≥ 65 years identified to have delirium during their hospitalization using the Chart-based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART-DEL). We assessed the frequency of any delirium documentation in discharge summaries, and more specifically, for the term “delirium”. We evaluated the quality of delirium discharge documentation using the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization’s framework for quality discharge summaries. Comparisons were made between medical and surgical services. Secondary outcomes included assessing factors influencing the frequency of “delirium” being documented in the discharge summary.

Results

We identified 110 patients with sufficient chart documentation to identify delirium and 80.9 % of patients had delirium documented in their discharge summary (“delirium” or other acceptable term). The specific term “delirium” was reported in 63.6 % of all delirious patients and more often by surgical than medical specialties (76.5 % vs. 52.5 %, p = 0.02). Documentation quality was significantly lower by surgical specialties in reporting delirium as a diagnosis (23.5 % vs. 57.6 %, p < 0.001), documenting delirium workup (23.4 % vs. 57.6 %, p = 0.001), etiology (43.3 % vs. 70.4 %, p = 0.03), treatment (36.7 % vs. 66.7 %, p = 0.02), medication changes (44.4 % vs. 100 %, p = 0.002) and follow-up (36.4 % vs. 88.2 %, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The frequency of delirium documentation is higher than previously reported but remains subpar. Medical services document delirium with higher quality, but surgical specialties document the term “delirium” more frequently. The documentation of delirium in discharge summaries must improve to meet quality standards.
Tick trails: the role of online recreational trail reviews in identifying risk factors and behavioral recommendations associated with tick encounters in Indiana
Authors: Anderson Kristina R. , Blekking Jordan , Omodior Oghenekaro
Published: May 2021

Background

Recreational trails abound across the United States and represent high risk areas for tick exposure. Although online reviews represent a rich source of user information, they have rarely been used in determining the risk of tick exposure during recreational trail use. Based on online user reviews and comments, the purpose of this study was to determine risk factors and behavioral recommendations associated with tick encounters (Tick Presence) on recreational trails in the state of Indiana, U.S.

Methods

We reviewed 26,016 user comments left on AllTrails.com for 697 Indiana trails. Reviews were evaluated to determine Tick Presence/Absence, the total number of Tick Presence Reviews per trail, and multiple trail and user behavioral characteristics. We used hot spot (Getis-Ord Gi*) analysis to test the hypothesis of whether there are clusters in the number of Tick Presence Reviews. Pearson chi-square tests of independence evaluated whether tick presence was associated with several trail characteristics. Finally, negative binomial regression evaluated the strength of the association between the number of Tick Presence Reviews and several trail characteristics.

Results

Tick Presence was recorded at 10% (n = 65) of trails and occurred most frequently in May. Hot spot analysis revealed statistically significant clusters of Tick Presence Reviews on trails in the Southern Indiana State Region. Results of χ2 tests indicated significant associations between Tick Presence Reviews and (a) State Region and (b) Land Management Type; Mann-Whitney U tests detected significant differences in Tick Presence Reviews based on Trail Length and Elevation Gain. Subsequent results of a negative binomial regression model indicated that Southern Indiana State Region, Federal and Private Land Management Type, and Elevation Gain were factors significantly associated with Tick Presence Reviews. Content of user reviews indicated several behaviors employed to prevent tick encounters, particularly Repellent Application and Recreational Deterrence; 25% included a behavior Recommendation to others.

Conclusions

Online, user-generated trail reviews have the potential to serve as rich data sources for identifying recreational trails, where 1) the risk of tick exposure is great, 2) more robust active tick and tick-borne pathogen surveillance may be warranted, and 3) tailored prevention interventions are needed.
The effectiveness of cold-knife conization (CKC) for post-menopausal women with cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Meihua , Ji Yurou , Qu Pengpeng
Published: May 2021

Background

The effectiveness of surgery of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in post-menopausal women needs to be investigated. This study evaluated the clinical significance of cold-knife conization in the diagnosis and surgery of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in post-menopausal women.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of post- and pre-menopausal patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. All patients received cold-knife conization as the primary therapy.

Results

The satisfactory rate of colposcopy was significantly lower in the post-menopausal group than in the pre-menopausal group (38.33 vs. 71.25%;χ2 = 36.202,P < 0.001). The overall positive margin rate of cold-knife conization (25.83 vs 12.50%;χ2 = 10.106,P = 0.001) and rate of positive endocervical cone margins (16.67 vs. 4.58%;χ2 = 14.843,P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the post-menopausal group. Moreover, 49 post- and 60 pre-menopausal women underwent subsequent surgical treatment (40.83 vs. 25.00%). Residual rate of positive and negative margins in patients before and after menopause was significantly different (χ2 = 5.711,P = 0.017;χ2 = 12.726,P < 0.001, respectively). The recurrence rate in post-menopausal women remained 3.85%.

Conclusions

Cold-knife conization can be performed as a primary procedure for diagnosis and surgery of post-menopausal patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Sufficient deep excisions are necessary to avoid positive endocervical margins, which can reduce the residual and recurrence of postoperative lesions.
Characteristics and treatable traits of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with and without paid employment
Authors: Jacobsen Peter A. , van ’t Hul Alex J. , Djamin Remco S. , Antons Jeanine C. , de Man Marianne , Weinreich Ulla Møller , Spruit Martijn A. , Janssen Daisy J. A.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Patients with COPD are vulnerable to workforce detachment. Better knowledge of features associated with paid work loss might be of help to design and select appropriate interventions.

Method

This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the presence of treatable traits in COPD patients without paid work. Patients with COPD below 65 years at first referral to a hospital-based patient clinic were included. Using binary logistic regression analysis, the relationship between paid work and the following characteristics was explored: low daily physical activity, exercise, active smoking, Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (MRC), poor nutritional status, exacerbations, and fatigue (checklist individual strength (CIS)). Variables were adjusted for age, sex, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1), and education level.

Results

In total, 191 patients (47.3%) were without paid work. The following treatable traits were related to not being in paid work: < 5000 steps/day (OR 2.36, 95% CI (1.52–3.68)), MRC ≥ 3 (OR 1.78, 95%CI (1.14–2.77)), CIS ≥ 36 points (OR 1.78, 95% CI (1.10–2.87)), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) < 70% of predicted (OR 2.62, 95% CI (1.69–4.06)), and ≥ 2 exacerbations per year (OR 1.80, 95% CI (1.12–2.92)). Significant differences were also seen in age (OR 1.06, 95% CI (1.02–1.10) per year), FEV 1% predicted (OR 0.98, 95% CI (0.97–1.00) per % predicted increase), and medium/high education level (OR 0.62, 95% CI (0.41–0.93)). When adjusting for all variables the only treatable trait that remained significant was 6MWD.

Conclusion

Patients without paid work are more likely to have treatable traits with 6MWD revealing the most significant association.
Potential role of chimeric genes in pathway-related gene co-expression modules
Authors: Li Piaopiao , Li Yingxia , Ma Lei
Published: May 2021

Background

Gene fusion has epigenetic modification functions. The novel proteins encoded by gene fusion products play a role in cancer development. Therefore, a better understanding of the novel protein products may provide insights into the pathogenesis of tumors. However, the characteristics of chimeric genes are rarely studied. Here, we used weighted co-expression network analysis to investigate the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of chimeric genes.

Methods

Download the pig transcriptome data, we screened chimeric genes and parental genes from 688 sequences and 153 samples, predict their domains, and analyze their associations. We constructed a co-expression network of chimeric genes in pigs and conducted Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis on the generated modules using DAVID to identify key networks and modules related to chimeric genes.

Results

Our findings showed that most of the protein domains of chimeric genes were derived from fused pre-genes. Chimeric genes were enriched in modules involved in the negative regulation of cell proliferation and protein localization to centrosomes. In addition, the chimeric genes were related to the growth factor-β superfamily, which regulates cell growth and differentiation. Furthermore, in helper T cells, chimeric genes regulate the specific recognition of T cell receptors, implying that chimeric genes play a key role in the regulation pathway of T cells. Chimeric genes can produce new domains, and some chimeric genes are a key role involved in pathway-related function.

Conclusions

Most chimeric genes show binding activity. Domains of chimeric genes are derived from several combinations of parent genes. Chimeric genes play a key role in the regulation of several cellular pathways. Our findings may provide new directions to explore the roles of chimeric genes in tumors.
Pre-pregnancy serum complement C3 level is a predictor of preterm birth for pregnancies with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hiramatsu Yuri , Isoda Kentaro , Kotani Takuya , Nakamura Eri , Wada Yumiko , Fujiki Youhei , Makino Shigeki , Fujita Daisuke , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to clarify predictors of preterm birth in pregnancy of women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the predictors of preterm birth before pregnancy from the perspective of the importance of preconception care.

Methods

We analysed fetal outcomes of 108 pregnancies in 74 SLE patients in a retrospective study. We compared pre-pregnancy clinical characteristics and disease activity in these women between the preterm birth and full-term birth groups to select predictive factors for preterm birth before pregnancy.

Results

Eighty-three of 108 pregnancies resulted in live births, of which 27 (25.0%) were preterm births. Pre-pregnancy serum complement 3 (C3) level was significantly lower in the preterm birth group (77.0 mg/dl) than the full-term birth group (87.5 mg/dl) (P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis identified history of lupus nephritis (odds ratio: 5.734, 95% CI 1.568–21.010, P = 0.008) and low C3 level (< 85 mg/dl) at pre-pregnancy (odds ratio 4.498, 95% CI 1.296–15.616, P = 0.018) as risk factors for preterm birth. The greater the number of these risk factors, the higher was the preterm birth rate (P = 0.0007). In the case of SLEDAI score ≤ 4, the preterm birth rate was higher in the pre-pregnancy low C3 group (< 85 mg/dl) (42.1%) than in the high C3 group (C3 ≥ 85 mg/dl) (14.7%) (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

For patients with a history of LN, treatment management focusing on pre-pregnancy serum complement levels is very important.
Convalescent plasma therapy and mortality in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hatzl Stefan , Posch Florian , Sareban Nazanin , Stradner Martin , Rosskopf Konrad , Reisinger Alexander C. , Eller Philipp , Schörghuber Michael , Toller Wolfgang , Sloup Zdenka , Prüller Florian , Gütl Katharina , Pilz Stefan , Rosenkranz Alexander R. , Greinix Hildegard T. , Krause Robert , Schlenke Peter , Schilcher Gernot
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to quantify the potential survival benefit of convalescent plasma therapy (CVP) in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure related to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

This is a single-center prospective observational cohort study in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. Immediately after intensive care unit (ICU) admission patients were allocated to CVP treatment following pre-specified criteria to rapidly identify those patients potentially susceptible for this treatment. A propensity score adjustment [inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) analysis] was implemented to account rigorously for imbalances in prognostic variables between the treatment groups.

Results

We included 120 patients of whom 48 received CVP. Thirty percent were female with a median age of 66 years [25th–75th percentile 54–75]. Eighty-eight percent of patients presented with severe acute respiratory failure as displayed by a median paO2/FiO2 ratio (Horowitz Index) of 92 [77–150]. All patients required any kind of ventilatory support with more than half of them (52%) receiving invasive ventilation. Thirty-day ICU overall survival (OS) was 69% in the CVP group and 54% in the non-CVP group (log-rank p = 0.049), respectively. After weighing the time-to-event data for the IPTW, the favorable association between CVP and OS became even stronger (log-rank p = 0.035). Moreover, an exploratory analysis showed an overall survival benefit of CVP therapy for patients with non-invasive ventilation (Hazard ratio 0.12 95% CI 0.03–0.57, p = 0.007)

Conclusion

Administration of CVP in patients with acute respiratory failure related to COVID-19 is associated with improved ICU survival rates.
The effect of preoperative stoma site marking on risk of stoma-related complications in patients with intestinal ostomy—protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kugler Charlotte Mareike , Breuing Jessica , Rombey Tanja , Hess Simone , Ambe Peter , Grohmann Erich , Pieper Dawid
Published: May 2021

Background

An intestinal ostomy is an artificial bowel opening created on the skin. Procedure-related mortality is extremely rare. However, the presence of an ostomy may be associated with significant morbidity. Complications negatively affect the quality of life of ostomates. Preoperative stoma site marking can reduce stoma-related complications and is recommended by several guidelines. However, there is no consensus on the procedure and recommendations are based on low-quality evidence.

The objective of the systematic review will be to investigate if preoperative stoma site marking compared to no preoperative marking in patients undergoing intestinal stoma surgery reduces or prevents the rate of stoma-related complications.

Methods

We will include (cluster-) randomised controlled trials and cohort studies that involve patients with intestinal ostomies comparing preoperative stoma site marking to no preoperative marking and report at least one patient-relevant outcome. For study identification, we will systematically search MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINHAL as well as Google Scholar, trial registries, conference proceedings and reference lists. Additionally, we will contact experts in the field. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection and data extraction. Outcomes will be prioritised based on findings from telephone interviews with five ostomates and five ostomy and wound nurses prior to conducting the review. Outcomes may include but are not limited to stoma-related complications (infection, parastomal abscess, hernia, mucocutaneous separation, dermatological complications, stoma necrosis, stenosis, retraction and prolapse) or other patient-relevant postoperative endpoints (quality of life, revision rate, dependence on professional care, mortality, length of stay and readmission). We will use the ROBINS-I or the Cochrane risk of bias tool to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. We will perform a meta-analysis and assess the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach.

Discussion

With the results of the systematic review, we aim to provide information for future clinical guidelines and influence clinical routine with regard to preoperative stoma site marking in patients undergoing ostomy surgery. When the evidence of our systematic review is low, it would still be a useful basis for future clinical trials by identifying data gaps.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number:CRD42021226647
Lipopolysaccharide promotes metastasis via acceleration of glycolysis by the nuclear factor-κB/snail/hexokinase3 signaling axis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wu Xuesong , Qian Senmi , Zhang Jun , Feng Jieqiong , Luo Ke , Sun Lichao , Zhao Liang , Ran Yuliang , Sun Liang , Wang Jing , Xu Fangying
Published: May 2021

Background

Cancer cell is generally characterized by enhanced glycolysis. Inflammasome activation is interaction with glycolysis. The concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a classic inflammasome activator, is significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissue than in normal intestinal mucosa. However, the mechanism of LPS on glycolysis and metastasis has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the roles of LPS on inflammasome activation, glycolysis, and metastasis, and unravel metformin’s potential in treatment of CRC.

Methods

We detected inflammasome activation and cell motility following LPS exposure in CRC cell lines. Glycolysis analysis was performed, and the key glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes were detected. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, and ChIP-reChIP assay were performed to identify the specific mechanisms of LPS on glycolysis. Mouse metastasis models were used to determine the effects of LPS and metformin on metastasis. Correlation analysis of the expression of various molecules was performed in 635 CRC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 83 CRC samples from our lab.

Results

LPS activates caspase-1 through NF-κB and upregulates the expression of Snail and HK3 depending on caspase-1 activation. LPS potentiates migration and invasion depending on accelerated glycolysis, which could be reversed by knockdown of glycolytic rate-limiting enzyme HK3. Nuclear Snail is upregulated by NF-κB under LPS treatment and then forms a complex with NF-κB, then directly binds to the HK3 promoter region to upregulate the expression of HK3. Metformin suppresses the NF-κB/Snail/HK3 signaling axis that is activated by LPS and then inhibits LPS-induced metastasis. In vivo, LPS-treated cells form more metastasis in the lungs of mice, and metformin completely reverses this effect of LPS.

Conclusion

LPS activates inflammasomes in cancer cells through NF-κB and promotes metastasis through glycolysis enhanced by the NF-κB/Snail/HK3 signaling pathway in CRC. Metformin could prevent this effect of LPS.
Enhanced academic motivation in university students following a 2-week online gratitude journal intervention
Authors: Nawa Norberto Eiji , Yamagishi Noriko
Published: May 2021

Background

Past studies have associated gratitude interventions with a host of positive outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research regarding the impact such interventions have on the academic motivation of university students, thought to be a primary determinant of academic achievement and overall satisfaction with school activities. Here, we examined the effects of a 2-week online gratitude journal intervention on the academic motivation of university students.

Methods

Eighty-four students were randomly assigned to either an active manipulation group (gratitude group) or a neutral control group. In the first 6 days of each week, participants in the gratitude group were asked to log in to the online system once a day and list up to five things they had felt grateful for. They were also requested to evaluate various aspects of their daily lives. Participants in the control group were only requested to perform the daily self-evaluations. Academic motivation was assessed using the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS), which conceptualizes motivation in academic settings as being composed by three different components, i.e., intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and amotivation, the latter being associated with the perceived lack of contingency between actions and outcomes. Responses were collected 5 times: before group assignment (baseline), 1 week after the start of the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and at two follow-ups, 1 and 3 months after the intervention.

Results

Analysis using a self-determination index derived from the AMS components showed that participants who regularly engaged with the gratitude journal task displayed significant enhancements in academic motivation. Additional analysis revealed that the enhancements were driven by decreases in the levels of amotivation. Furthermore, follow-up data showed that there were no signs that such enhancements had receded 3 months after the end of the intervention. Improvements in academic motivation were not observed among participants in the control group.

Conclusions

The current results provide evidence that gratitude interventions can positively impact the academic motivation of university students. More broadly, they show that the effects extend well beyond the realm of typically assessed measures of individual well-being, and can effectively regulate a fundamental component of goal-directed behavior such as motivation.
Time use and mental health in UK adults during an 11-week COVID-19 lockdown: a panel analysis
Authors: Bu Feifei , Steptoe Andrew , Mak Hei Wan , Fancourt Daisy
Published: May 2021

Background

There is currently major concern about the impact of the global COVID-19 outbreak on mental health. But it remains unclear how individual behaviours could exacerbate or protect against adverse changes in mental health.

Aims

To examine the associations between specific activities (or time use) and mental health and well-being among people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Data were from the UCL COVID-19 Social Study, a panel study collecting data weekly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytical sample consisted of 55 204 adults living in the UK who were followed up for the 11-week strict lockdown period from 21 March to 31 May 2020. Data were analysed using fixed-effects and Arellano–Bond models.

Results

Changes in time spent on a range of activities were associated with changes in mental health and well-being. After controlling for bidirectionality, behaviours involving outdoor activities such as gardening and exercising predicted subsequent improvements in mental health and well-being, whereas increased time spent following news about COVID-19 predicted declines in mental health and well-being.

Conclusions

These results are relevant to the formulation of guidance for people obliged to spend extended periods in isolation during health emergencies and may help the public to maintain well-being during future lockdowns and pandemics.
Initial Industry and Long-Term Earnings Growth
Authors: Ross Stephen L. , Ukil Patralekha
Published: May 2021

We test whether employment growth in a male worker's initial industry influences earnings growth using the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. We follow workers for 20 years after reporting their first industry, finding that lower employment growth in their initial industry implies substantially lower earnings growth. Notably, after controlling for observable skills, controls for family background and region have no impact on estimates. Effects appear larger for initial occupations that involve more routine or manual tasks as well as for occupations that involve less abstract tasks, but these differences are not statistically significant.
Gaming Opportunities: American Indian Casinos, Cash Transfers, and Income Mobility on the Reservation
Authors: Simeonova Emilia , Akee Randall , Jones Maggie R.
Published: May 2021

We examine the impact of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act on the income rank of American Indian (AI) reservation residents. We assemble a panel dataset at the individual level for tax filers residing on AI reservations in 1989. We examine the effect of casino operations and cash distribution payments (from casino revenues) on the income-rank evolution over time. Casino operations provide an unambiguous increase in family income rank for those residing on reservations with an operating casino relative to those on reservations without a casino. The presence of an operating casino increases relative income rank by half a percentage point.
Up the Political Ladder: Gender Parity in the Effects of Electoral Defeats
Authors: Wasserman Melanie
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates whether an electoral defeat has different effects on the subsequent political involvement of male and female candidates for state office. Using US state legislative election returns from 1972 to 2010 and a regression discontinuity design, I find that there is no gender difference in the effects of an electoral defeat on the propensity to run again for state legislature. I discuss possible explanations for why the gender gap in persistence documented among novice local politicians disappears among state politicians, focusing on the role of prior office-holding experience.
Gender Differences in Fields of Specialization and Placement Outcomes among PhDs in Economics
Authors: Fortin Nicole , Lemieux Thomas , Rehavi Marit
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the impact of gender differences in field of specialization on gender disparities in job placement among recent economics PhD candidates. Women are underrepresented as assistant professors, especially at top-50 institutions, and overrepresented in nonresearch positions. Our decomposition results show that our variables account for 28 percent to 67 percent of the gender gap in placement outcomes. Fields of specialization account for the larger share (75 percent to 132 percent) of the explained differences for positions outside of top-50 institutions. For top-50 institutions, the ranking of the PhD institutions accounts for two-thirds of the explained placement differences.
Environmental Protection or Environmental Protectionism? Evidence from Tail Pipe Emission Standards in China
Authors: Bai Jie , Li Shanjun , Xie Danxia , Zhou Hui
Published: May 2021

Under the stated goal of improving air quality, many cities in China restricted the import of used vehicles from other cities based on tail pipe emission standards. Using detailed data on new and used vehicle registration, we examine the impact of the policy by leveraging the staggered removal of the restriction during 2016-2018. We find that restriction removal led to a sharp increase in cross-city flow of used vehicles but had no significant impact on local air quality. Unilateral removal of the restriction could reduce new vehicle sales in home cities, but universal removal would boost new vehicle sales nationwide.
The Health Impacts of Coal-Fired Power Plants in India and the Co-benefits of Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Authors: Cropper Maureen , Cui Ryna , Guttikunda Sarath , Hultman Nate , Jawahar Puja , Park Yongjoon , Yao Xinlu , Song Xiaopeng
Published: May 2021

Under the Paris Agreement, India has pledged that 40 percent of its electricity generating capacity will come from non-fossil-fuel sources by the year 2030; however, this pledge does not limit total coal-fired generating capacity. As of 2019, planned increases in coal-fired capacity totaled 95 gigawatts--46 percent of installed coal-fired capacity in 2018. In this paper, we estimate the carbon dioxide benefits and health co-benefits of not building these plants. We also estimate the mortality impacts of the 2018 stock of coal-fired power plants and use it to calculate the tax on electricity generation from coal that would internalize these damages.
Measuring Consumer Spending Using Card Transaction Data: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dunn Abe , Hood Kyle , Batch Andrea , Driessen Alex
Published: May 2021

Pandemic-driven economic changes are measurable in days and weeks rather than months and years, underscoring a need for more timely economic data to inform the public. We summarize newly available estimates of spending using card transaction data that are available on the Bureau of Economic Analysis website and analyze correlations between card data and official series. We find that card data perform well in measuring large changes in the economy around the pandemic, although the correlations are much lower during a period of stability prior to the pandemic. This pattern is likely attributable to a shift in the signal-to-noise ratio over these periods.
Friend-Based Ranking in Practice
Authors: Bloch Francis , Olckers Matthew
Published: May 2021

A planner aims to target individuals who exceed a threshold in a characteristic, such as wealth or ability. The individuals can rank their friends according to the characteristic. We study a strategy-proof mechanism for the planner to use the rankings for targeting. We discuss how the mechanism works in practice when the rankings may contain errors.
Urban Networks and Targeting: Evidence from Liberia
Authors: Beaman Lori , Keleher Niall , Magruder Jeremy , Trachtman Carly
Published: May 2021

To solicit information from a social network in urban Monrovia, Liberia, we ask community members to assess their neighbors' poverty and assist in targeting a cash transfer. We find little evidence that local leaders, randomly selected neighbors, or neighbors nominated by fellow community members can accurately assess whether others in their community are among the poorest. Yet, all three groups target transfers to the poor modestly better than would be attributable to chance but worse than proxy-means-test-based targeting. We conclude that community advice provides some information for targeting but there are significant information frictions in networks in Monrovia.
Gendered Citations at Top Economic Journals
Authors: Koffi Marlène
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates how women's works are perceived among their peers. I construct a dataset using bibliographic data from articles published in top journals in economics and granular information on the articles that cite them. I find that female-authored papers in top economic journals are (i) more likely to be cited outside economics, (ii) less likely to be cited by top-tier journals, and (iii) less likely to be cited by men. I conclude with a discussion on those results and their implications for females in economics.
Making Clean Firms Cleaner: Targeting Environmental Regulation to Maximize Returns
Authors: Weber Paige
Published: May 2021

Many environmental regulations are designed to clean up the dirtiest firms. However, if pollution intensity is negatively correlated with market share, this approach may not be the most cost-effective way to reduce pollution. This paper illustrates the theoretical conditions under which it is more cost effective to incentivize pollution intensity improvements among relatively cleaner firms. I provide a decision rule for regulators designing pollution reduction policy, and I show that the California wholesale electricity sector exhibits investment behavior consistent with the trade-off implied by this rule.
Disability Insurance in the Great Recession: Ease of Access, Program Enrollment, and Local Hysteresis
Authors: Kearney Melissa S. , Price Brendan M. , Wilson Riley
Published: May 2021

We examine the interaction between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) access and economic shocks during the Great Recession by exploiting exogenous variation in SSDI appeals processing time–a measure of hassle or access–between neighboring zip codes assigned to different hearing offices. During the Great Recession, longer processing times led to lower SSDI enrollment in places that experienced more severe labor market downturns. In the full sample, processing time has no clear effect on the pace of employment recovery. However, among severely shocked places with high baseline SSDI enrollment, those with longer processing times saw faster recovery in employment rates.
Appropriate Institutions? Traditional Governance and Public Goods Provision in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Bobonis Gustavo J. , Chaparro Juan C. , Gonzalez-Navarro Marco , Rubio-Codina Marta
Published: May 2021

What are the consequences of the adoption of traditional governance institutions among indigenous groups for local government affairs? We study the 1995 Usos y Costumbres traditional governance reform in the state of Oaxaca, which legitimized these structures in a subset of its municipalities. We show that the degree of ethnolinguistic polarization between residents of outlying communities and residents of municipal capitals is an important barrier to the former's political representation in local elections. In terms of public goods provision, villages of ethnic minorities are less likely to gain electric service but more likely to gain sewerage services and public schooling.
COVID-19 Is a Persistent Reallocation Shock
Authors: Barrero Jose Maria , Bloom Nicholas , Davis Steven J. , Meyer Brent H.
Published: May 2021

Drawing on data from the firm-level Survey of Business Uncertainty, we present three pieces of evidence that COVID-19 is a persistent reallocation shock. First, rates of excess job and sales reallocation over 24-month periods (looking back 12 months and ahead 12 months) have risen sharply since the pandemic struck, especially for sales. Second, as of December 2020, firm-level forecasts of sales revenue growth over the next year imply a continuation of recent changes, not a reversal. Third, COVID-19 shifted relative employment growth trends in favor of industries with a high capacity for employees to work from home.
Does Advisor Gender Affect Women’s Persistence in Economics?
Authors: Canaan Serena , Mouganie Pierre
Published: May 2021

Women persist in the field of economics at significantly lower rates than men. We show that the gender of an academic advisor is an important determinant of female undergraduates' persistence in economics. We use data from a four-year college where first-year economics majors are randomly assigned to advisors who are also faculty members in the economics department. Advisors help students choose courses and monitor their academic progress. We find that having a female advisor rather than a male advisor reduces female students' first-year dropout rates and increases their likelihood of graduating with an economics degree.
Infection imaging using [18F]FDG-labelled white blood cell positron emission tomography–computed tomography
Authors: Krishnaraju Venkata Subramanian , Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Sharma Sarika , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Bhattacharya Anish
Published: May 2021

Localizing the sites of infection in the body is possible in nuclear medicine using a variety of radiopharmaceuticals that target different components of the infective and inflammatory cascade. Gamma(γ)-emitting agents such as [67Ga]gallium citrate were among the first tracers used, followed by development of positron-emitting tracers like 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG). Though these tracers are quite sensitive, they have limited specificity for infection due to their concentration in sites of non-infective inflammation. White blood cells (WBC) labelled with γ or positron emitters have higher accuracy for differentiating the infective processes from the non-infective conditions that may show positivity with tracers such as 18F-FDG. We present a pictorial review of potential clinical applications of PET/CT using 18F-FDG labelled WBC.
A novel debridement device for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds: a prospective trial
Authors: Al-Jalodi Omar , Serena Laura M , Breisinger Kristy , Patel Keyur , Harrell Khristina , Serena Thomas E
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Debridement, the removal of nonviable tissue, forms the foundation of wound care practice. Clinicians have a variety of debridement methods at their disposal: sharp, biologic, enzymatic, autolytic and mechanical. The choice of debridement technique depends on the patient care setting, ulcer type and the clinician's experience, training, comfort level and licensure. This prospective study evaluated a novel debridement instrument, EZ-Debride (MDM Ventures, US). Cutting flutes on the head of the tool permit uniform removal of dead tissue while lessening the risk of deeper injury. It may also minimise pain during the debridement procedure.

Method:

Subjects with hard-to-heal wounds, drawn from a single wound care centre, participated in this institutional review board-approved prospective clinical study. Pain was measured before, during and after debridement using a numerical scale. Assessment of bacterial burden using fluorescence imaging (MolecuLight, Canada) was performed before and after debridement.

Results:

Enrolment of 10 male and 12 female subjects, with a total of 28 wounds, was carried out over a two-month period by two investigators at a single institution. The average age of subjects was 64 years (range: 22–95 years). The average wound duration was 29 weeks (range: 6–142 weeks). Wound types included diabetic foot, venous leg and pressure ulcers, post-surgical and traumatic wounds. The average pain score at the time of enrolment was 3.9. Subjects reported an average increase in pain with debridement of 0.6 points (range: 0–8). Fluorescence imaging demonstrated a reduction in bacterial load in 69% of cases, with complete resolution in 19% of wounds. Haemostasis was achieved with direct pressure in all cases and the only adverse event was a wound infection that occurred four days after debridement.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that this novel debridement tool can safely remove nonviable tissue with minimal discomfort and reduce bacterial burden similar to results achieved by sharp debridement.
The Rhetoric of Big Data: Collecting, Interpreting, and Representing in the Age of Datafication
Authors: Mehlenbacher Brad , Mehlenbacher Ashley Rose
Published: May 2021

Rhetorical studies of science, technology, and medicine (RSTM) have provided critical understanding of how argument and argument norms within a field shape what we mean by “data.” Work has also examined how questions that shape data collection are asked, how data is interpreted, and even how data is shared. Understood as a form of argument, data reveals important insights into rhetorical situations, the motives of rhetorical actors, and the broader appeals that shape everything from the kinds of technologies built, to their inclusion in our daily lives, to the infrastructures of cities, the medical practices and policies concerning public health, etc. Big data merits continued attention from RSTM scholars as our understanding of its pervasive use and its ethos grows, but its arguments remain elusive (Salvo, 2012). To unpack the elusivity of big data, we explore one particularly illustrative case of big data and political, democratic influence: the Cambridge Analytica scandal. To understand the case, we turn to social studies of data to explore the range of ethical issues raised by big data, and to examine the rhetorical strategies that entail big data.
Geochemistry of Natural Gas in Western Canada
Authors: Hitchon Brian
Published: May 2021

Study of modern and ancient marine environments and the origin and geochemistry of the components in natural gases leads to the conclusion that the two main factors which determine regional variations of the composition of natural gases (and crude oils) are the environment of deposition of the sediments and subsequent maturation effects.

Isopach-facies-gas occurrence maps, geologic cross-sections, and natural-gas analytical data for most major stratigraphic units in the Western Canada sedimentary basin are included, and study of these data confirms the hypothesis that natural-gas composition and occurrence are controlled by facies and maturation.
Economic and Geologic Aspects of Search for Gas in Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: Halbouty Michel T.
Published: May 2021

The market for natural gas was poor in most of the Texas Gulf Coast prior to World War II. The quantity of gas available exceeded the transportation facilities to areas of potential demand. However, the end of World War II and the building of numerous long transmission lines to new markets in other parts of the United States led to greatly accelerated demand for natural gas. The FPC regulates well-head prices, sales of natural gas by producers, building (certification) of long transmission lines, and purchases of gas sold in interstate commerce. Such regulation may decrease or increase demand artificially and, hence, the price for the product.

The Texas Gulf Coast is the most important source of natural gas in the United States. Texas Railroad Commission Districts No. 2, 3, and 4, which constitute the Texas Gulf Coast gas-producing area, have the largest reserves, produce the greatest quantity of gas yearly, have the largest number of gas fields, and contain the greatest number of huge gas fields with reserves of 1 trillion cu ft or more. Revenue from natural gas is very important to the petroleum industry in the Gulf Coast area and to the entire economy of the State of Texas.

The major exploration for natural gas along the Gulf Coast has been of Miocene-Oligocene sandstone, and of lower Eocene sandstone beds and the Cretaceous in the upper part of the Lower Gulf Coast. Exploration for Cretaceous and pre-Cretaceous natural gas deposits has been very slow because of high costs and disappointing results. These pre-Tertiary zones appear very promising, but more economic incentive is necessary before adequate exploration will be conducted. The results of exploration for gas in the Texas offshore have been discouraging, particularly in comparison to the rich discoveries in the Louisiana offshore. It is believed that reasonably good prospects for gas discovery still exist in the Texas offshore, but incentive is needed for further exploration and exploratory drilling.
J. Vernalis Gas Field, San Joaquin County, California
Authors: Manlove C. F.
Published: May 2021

The Vernalis dry-gas field is on the west side of the Great Valley of California, 18 mi south of Stockton. It was discovered in 1941 by Standard Oil Co. of California as a result of a seismograph survey. One additional producer and one dry hole had been drilled by 1943. Subsurface studies led to renewal of activity in 1958 which resulted in the drilling of 32 additional gas wells and 23 dry holes in and around the field. Ten new producing zones have been found at depths ranging from 3,010 ft in Miocene beds to 4,952 ft in Cretaceous. Productive area now is approximately 3,500 acres.

The field is anticlinal in form, but stratigraphic factors greatly influenced accumulation and local variation in occurrence of gas. Deeper possibilities exist.

Many wells are completed in two or more zones. Initial open-flow potentials ranged from 3,000 to 28,900 Mcf a day. Annual production in 1964 was 7,343,901 Mcf. Cumulative production to December 31, 1964, was 48,612,799 Mcf. Original recoverable reserves are estimated to have been more than 100 million Mcf.