bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty and monetary policy in the US: A journey into nonlinear territory
Authors: Pellegrino Giovanni
Published: March 2021

This paper estimates a nonlinear vector autoregression (VAR) model to assess whether the real effects of monetary policy shocks depend on the level of uncertainty. Crucially, uncertainty is modeled endogenously in the VAR, thus allowing to take account of two unexplored channels of monetary policy transmission working through uncertainty direct reaction and uncertainty mean reversion. We find that monetary policy shocks are about 50–75% more powerful during tranquil times than during firm‐ and macro‐level uncertain times. Failing to account for endogenous uncertainty would bias responses and imply twice more effective monetary policy during tranquil times, mainly because of the non‐consideration of uncertainty mean reversion.
Empirical tests of habitat selection theory reveal that conspecific density and patch quality, but not habitat amount, drive long‐distance immigration in a wild bird
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Brandt Ryder T. , Valente Jonathon J. , Scott Sillett T. , Marra Peter P.
Published: March 2021

Individuals that disperse long distances from their natal site must select breeding patches with no prior knowledge of patch suitability. Despite decades of theoretical studies examining which cues dispersing individuals should use to select breeding patches, few empirical studies have tested the predictions of these theories at spatial scales relevant to long‐distance dispersal in wild animal populations. Here, we use a novel assignment model based on multiple intrinsic markers to quantify natal dispersal distances of Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) breeding in forest fragments. We show that long‐distance natal dispersal in this species is more frequent than commonly assumed for songbirds and that habitat selection by these individuals is driven by density‐dependence and patch quality but not the amount of habitat surrounding breeding patches. These results represent an important contribution to understanding habitat selection by dispersing individuals, especially with regards to long‐distance dispersal.
Identification of gut microbiota signatures in symptomatic dermographism
Authors: Liu Runqiu , Peng Cong , Jing Danrong , Xiao Yangjian , Zhu Wu , Zhao Shuang , Zhang Jianglin , Li Jie , Chen Xiang
Published: March 2021

Symptomatic dermographism (SD) is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease related to immunity; however, the details remain elusive. In view of the important role of gut microbiota in immune regulation, the purpose of this study is to investigate the alterations of gut microbiota in SD and explore the potential bacterial biomarkers for diagnosis. A case‐control study including SD patients and normal controls (NCs) was carried out. Gut microbiota of the participants was analysed by the 16S rDNA sequencing of faecal samples. The linear discriminant analysis effect size and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were used to identify the bacterial biomarkers. Forty‐four participants were included in this study. The alpha‐diversity and beta‐diversity of gut microbiota differed significantly between SD patients and NCs. The abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcaceae and their subordinate taxa were reduced in SD patients, while Enterobacteriales and its subordinate taxon exhibited higher relative abundance compared with NCs. Subdoligranulum and Ruminococcus bromii showed a potential diagnostic value for SD, and Prevotella stercorea was negatively relevant to duration of SD. Furthermore, the pyruvate, butyric acid and histamine metabolism pathway were likely to be involved in the pathogenesis of SD. Our results revealed that the gut microbiota of SD patients experienced obvious changes, and Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcaceae and Enterobacteriales were microbiota signatures for SD.
FBXW8 regulates G1 and S phases of cell cycle progression by restricting β‐TrCP1 function
Authors: Islam Sehbanul , Dutta Parul , Chopra Kriti , Rapole Srikanth , Chauhan Radha , Santra Manas Kumar
Published: March 2021

Sequential alteration in the expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins is crucial for faithful cell cycle progression to maintain the cellular homeostasis. F‐box protein β‐TrCP1 is known to control the expression levels of several important cell cycle regulatory proteins. However, how the function of β‐TrCP1 is regulated in spatiotemporal manner during cell cycle progression remains elusive. Here, we show that expression levels of β‐TrCP1 oscillate during cell cycle progression with a minimum level at the G1 and S phases of cell cycle. Using biochemical, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence techniques, we found that oscillation of β‐TrCP1 expression is controlled by another F‐box protein FBXW8. FBXW8 directs the proteasomal degradation of β‐TrCP1 in MAPK pathway‐dependent manner. Interestingly, we found that the attenuation of β‐TrCP1 by FBXW8 is important for Cdc25A‐mediated cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase as well as DNA damage‐free progression of S phase. Overall, our study reveals the intriguing molecular mechanism and significance of maintenance of β‐TrCP1 levels during cell cycle progression by FBXW8‐mediated proteasomal degradation.
Shorting activity and stock return predictability: Evidence from a mandatory disclosure shock
Authors: Griffin Paul A. , Hong Hyun A. , Kalcheva Ivalina , Kim Jeong‐Bon
Published: March 2021

We study the effect of a mandatory improvement in public disclosure due to the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the stock return predictability of shorting activity. To assess the impact of the disclosure shock, we measure monthly changes in the demand for and supply of stocks for shorting and whether those changes predict negative returns in the following month. We provide international evidence that the ability of increases in shorting demand and supply to predict negative returns declines after the shock. The predictive ability of shorting in the month before a negative earnings surprise and news of a firm's questionable merger and acquisitions transaction also declines after the shock. These findings imply that the shock of the mandatory accounting change crowds out some of short‐sellers’ value‐relevant information in the equity lending market. Thus, although the democratization of information from a structured accounting change may make sophisticated investors worse off by reducing their ability to predict future returns, this change may also benefit all investors through timely stock price discovery.
Nitrogen addition stimulates soil aggregation and enhances carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems of China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Xiaofei , Hou Enqing , Guo Jieyun , Gilliam Frank S. , Li Jianlong , Tang Songbo , Kuang Yuanwen
Published: March 2021

China is experiencing a high level of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, which greatly affects the soil carbon (C) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Soil aggregation contributes to the stability of soil structure and to soil C sequestration. Although many studies have reported the effects of N enrichment on bulk soil C dynamics, the underlying mechanisms explaining how soil aggregates respond to N enrichment remain unclear. Here, we used a meta‐analysis of data from 76N manipulation experiments in terrestrial ecosystems in China to assess the effects of N enrichment on soil aggregation and its sequestration of C. On average, N enrichment significantly increased the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates by 10%. The proportion of macroaggregates and silt‐clay fraction were significantly increased (6%) and decreased (9%) by N enrichment, respectively. A greater response of macroaggregate C (+15%) than of bulk soil C (+5%) to N enrichment was detected across all ecosystems. However, N enrichment had minor effects on microaggregate C and silt‐clay C. The magnitude of N enrichment effect on soil aggregation varied with ecosystem type and fertilization regime. Additionally, soil pH declined consistently and was correlated with soil aggregate C. Overall, our meta‐analysis suggests that N enrichment promotes particulate organic C accumulation via increasing macroaggregate C and acidifying soils. In contrast, increases in soil aggregation could inhibit microbially mediated breakdown of soil organic matter, causing minimal change in mineral‐associated organic C. Our findings highlight that atmospheric N deposition may enhance the formation of soil aggregates and their sequestration of C in terrestrial ecosystems in China.
The effects of cultivar and rotation length (5 vs. 10 years) on biomass production and sustainability of poplar (Populus spp.) bioenergy plantation
Authors: Niemczyk Marzena
Published: March 2021

Poplars (Populus spp.) managed in short rotation woody crop (SRWC) systems are considered very promising in terms of biomass production for energy purposes in a temperate zone. In this study, several gaps in knowledge regarding the selection of the plant material, cultivar‐specific responses to coppicing and rotation length are addressed. Five‐ and 10‐year rotation lengths were considered, with a focus on the sustainability of the plantation and the quantification of the biomass production of 10 commercially available hybrid poplar cultivars during two consecutive 5‐year rotation cycles versus one 10‐year rotation in northern Poland. The biomass production varied considerably among cultivars, ranging from 1.6 (‘AF8’) to 7.5 (‘NE42’) Mg ha−1 year−1 at the end of the first 5‐year rotation, and 0.0 (‘AF8’)–5.4 (‘Degrosso’) Mg ha−1 year−1 in the second 5‐year rotation, while in a single 10‐year rotation, the mean annual increment (MAI) ranged from 1.0 (‘AF8’) to 15.1 (‘NE42’) Mg ha−1 yr−1. The 5‐year rotation cycles negatively influenced the sustainability of the plantation due to the high mortality of stems and sprouts in the second 5‐year coppice rotation. In the case of 5‐year and longer rotations, replanting (not resprouting) after harvest may be a more advantageous practice for maximizing the regeneration. The 10‐year rotation cycle allowed for enough development of the crown and root systems to produce sufficient basal area and height to achieve maximal MAI in the trees. The study revealed that an age ≥10 is a biologically optimal rotation age as the slope of MAI was equal/close to zero. This study further showed the crucial importance of testing cultivars before introducing them on a commercial scale and provided valuable information on poplar cultivars available to stakeholders in the biomass market.
2.15 or Not 2.15? An Historical‐Analytical Inquiry into the Nearest‐Neighbor Statistic
Authors: Philo Chris , Philo Peter
Published: March 2021

Nearest‐neighbor analysis (NNA)—a method for assessing the degree to which a spatial point pattern departs from randomness in the direction of being either clustered or regular—was imported into academic geography from an article published in 1954 by ecologists Clark and Evans. In its simplest form, concerned with distances to the first nearest neighbor, NNA hinged on the behavior of the “nearest‐neighbour statistic,” Rn, supposed to vary between 0 (complete clustering) and 2.15 (complete regularity). NNA and the wider body of work on point pattern analysis quickly gained in sophistication, meaning that this simple test statistic only featured briefly in the frontline research literature of geographical analysis. Nonetheless, given its easy‐to‐grasp logic, it became and remains a staple of quantitative geography textbooks for undergraduate students and statistical methods training in school‐level geography curricula. The purpose of this paper is to chart the history of NNA and its test statistic in academic geography, and to provide an analytical demonstration that the value of 2.15 has been mistakenly identified as an upper limit for the latter. Broader speculations are then offered about what may be learned from the history of how the discipline has handled this statistic.
Oxide Formation and Instrumental Mass Bias in MC‐ICP‐MS: An Isotopic Case Study of Neodymium
Authors: Frères Evelyn , Weis Dominique , Newman Karla , Amini Marghaleray , Gordon Kathy
Published: March 2021

High rates of oxide formation affect the magnitude and behaviour of instrumental mass bias for Nd isotopic measurements performed with multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) instruments, causing the traditional correction methods (e.g., internal and external normalisation) to fail. Here, we investigate the instrumental conditions that govern oxide formation and provide an extensive data set describing how different oxide formation rates affect the measurement error of Nd isotopic ratios. Results are reported for several instrumental set‐ups including wet and dry plasma, different introduction methods, the addition of N2, and various sampler and skimmer cone geometries. The differences in the behaviour of Nd isotopic ratios observed for dry and wet plasma require several reaction mechanisms to explain why oxide formation is associated with a non‐linear mass bias for some rare earth elements. We developed a simple mathematical model to describe the behaviour of Nd isotopic ratios for a range of oxide formation rates and different instrumental settings and present a qualitative model that predicts the isotopic offsets of Nd ratios based on the cumulative contributions of the major sources of mass bias. A series of analytical recommendations for the determination of accurate and precise Nd ratios by MC‐ICP‐MS is presented.
Delivering gender justice in academia through gender equality plans? Normative and practical challenges
Authors: Clavero Sara , Galligan Yvonne
Published: March 2021

This paper employs the concept of epistemic justice to examine the potential for gender equality plans (GEPs) to bring about sustainable transformative change towards gender equality in higher education. Mindful of both the limitations and opportunities of gender policy interventions, the paper highlights the importance of approaching gender inequality as a problem of justice and power rather than as an issue of “loss of talent.” The paper draws on Fricker's account of epistemic justice as well as on Bourdieu's analysis of power in the academic field, to evaluate seven GEPs in European universities for their potential to transform gender–power relations in academia. The analysis reveals that insufficient attention is paid to the role of academic power in creating gender injustice at all institutional levels and to the role of organizational culture in the perpetuation of gender inequalities in those settings. The study suggests that the incorporation of an epistemic justice lens in the creation of GEPs would address gendered power relationships and lead to sustainable equitable outcomes.
Limited sampling strategies for accurate determination of extended half‐life factor VIII pharmacokinetics in severe haemophilia A patients
Authors: McEneny‐King Alanna , Chelle Pierre , Goggans Margaret H. , Barker Patricia J. , Jacobs Timothy W. , Neufeld Ellis J. , Reiss Ulrike M. , Panetta John C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Extended half‐life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products may decrease the burden of prophylactic treatment in haemophilia A by reducing infusion frequency. However, these products still exhibit wide inter‐patient variability and benefit from pharmacokinetic (PK) tailoring.

Objective

Identify limited sampling strategies for rFVIIIFc, an EHL FVIII product, that produce accurate estimates of PK parameters and relevant troughs.

Methods

We performed a limited sampling analysis on simulated populations of adults, adolescents, and children based on published population PK data. Sampling strategies were evaluated by comparing the error in estimates of half‐life, clearance, and trough levels, to a full 6‐sample design. Furthermore, we assessed the impact of incorporating knowledge about prior doses, and the day of the PK study within the regimen. We also evaluated the potential inappropriate dose adjustment rate (IDAR) among the modelled sampling strategies.

Results

Many sampling strategies, including several 2‐sample designs, accurately predicted the PK and exposure measures (median absolute error <10%). When samples are only collected during a single visit (i.e., predose + peak), inclusion of prior dose information reduces median half‐life error from >20% to ~5% for adults/adolescents. In this same scenario, appropriate scheduling of the PK study decreases likelihood of unmeasurable predose samples, reducing median error on the 72‐h trough from 25% to <12% in the youngest population.

Conclusions

The PK of rFVIIIFc can be accurately estimated using only peak and trough samples, provided that knowledge of prior doses is incorporated and the PK study is planned on an appropriate day within the dosing regimen.
Loss of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in organ transplant patients with hepatitis E
Authors: Oshiro Yukio , Harada Hiroshi , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Akutsu Naotake , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Kawagishi Naoki , Nanmoku Koji , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Okamura Kenichi , Ohira Masahiro , Itabashi Yoshihiro , Fujiyama Nobuhiro , Ide Kentaro , Okajima Hideaki , Ogawa Kohei , Takagi Kosei , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Shinoda Masahiro , Nishida Kiyotaka , Shimazaki Jiro , Shimoda Mitsugi , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki , Suzuki Shuji
Published: March 2021

Aim

Studies regarding changes in antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) after HEV infection in organ transplant patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify HEV infection trends in organ transplant patients who contracted HEV using data from a previous Japanese nationwide survey.

Methods

This study was undertaken from 2012 to 2019. Among 4518 liver, heart, and kidney transplant patients, anti‐HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were positive in 164; data were collected from 106 of these patients, who consented to participate in the study. In total, 32 liver transplant patients, seven heart transplant patients, and 67 kidney transplant patients from 16 institutions in Japan were examined for IgG, IgM, and IgM antibodies to HEV and the presence of HEV RNA in the serum. The χ2‐test was used to determine the relationship between the early and late postinfection groups in patients with anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion rates. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare clinical factors.

Results

Anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion occurred in 25 (23.6%) of 106 organ transplant patients. Of eight patients with hepatitis E who tested positive for HEV RNA, one (14.0%) had anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion. Twenty‐four (24.5%) of 98 patients negative for HEV RNA had anti‐HEV IgG positive‐to‐negative conversion.

Conclusions

This study revealed, for the first time, the changes in HEV antibodies in organ transplant patients. Loss of anti‐HEV IgG could often occur unexpectedly in organ transplant patients with previous HEV infection.
Ramucirumab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and elevated α‐fetoprotein: Outcomes by treatment‐emergent ascites
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ikeda Masafumi , Galle Peter R. , Yamashita Tatsuya , Finn Richard S. , Liang Kun , Wang Chunxiao , Sakaguchi Sachi , Abada Paolo , Widau Ryan C. , Zhu Andrew X.
Published: March 2021

Aim

The REACH and REACH‐2 trials investigated ramucirumab versus placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ascites is common in HCC and is associated with poorer outcomes. This exploratory, pooled meta‐analysis of patients with baseline α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml investigated outcomes by treatment‐emergent (TE) ascites in REACH and REACH‐2.

Methods

A pooled meta‐analysis of independent patient data for participants (N = 542) with baseline AFP ≥400 ng/ml (stratified by study) from REACH and REACH‐2 was carried out. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier estimator, and OS further assessed by Cox models. The effect of TE ascites on OS was evaluated by multivariate Cox models.

Results

Treatment‐emergent ascites developed in 66 patients (20.9%) in the ramucirumab group and 33 patients (14.8%) in the placebo group. When adjusted for treatment duration, the incidence rates per 100 patient‐years of any grade TE ascites were 59.1 and 71.9 for the ramucirumab and placebo groups, respectively, and the incidence of grade ≥3 TE ascites were 13.4 and 19.6, respectively. Treatment‐emergent ascites was associated with TE hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 2.5‒9.3), but not TE proteinuria or hypertension. One patient discontinued ramucirumab treatment due to TE ascites. Ramucirumab treatment improved OS and PFS compared with placebo, irrespective of TE ascites.

Conclusions

When adjusted for treatment duration, the incidence of TE ascites was no higher in patients who received ramucirumab than in those who received placebo. Ramucirumab was well tolerated and provided a survival benefit irrespective of the development of TE ascites.
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Miranda Roseane B. , Weimer Patrícia , Rossi Rochele C.
Published: March 2021

Skin aging has become a recurring concern even for younger people, mainly owing to increased life expectancy. In this context, the use of nutricosmetics as supplements has increased in recent years. Moreover, numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in improving the signs of skin aging. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on human skin through a systematic review followed by a meta‐analysis of clinical trials focusing on the process of skin aging. A literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine databases. Eligible studies were randomized, double‐blind, and controlled trials that evaluated oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen as an intervention and reported at least one of the following outcomes: skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and firmness. After retrieving articles from the databases, 19 studies were selected, with a total of 1,125 participants aged between 20 and 70 years (95% women). In the meta‐analysis, a grouped analysis of studies showed favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. The findings of improved hydration and elasticity were also confirmed in the subgroup meta‐analysis. Based on results, ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.
Skin cancer in non‐white liver transplant recipients: Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Tolaymat Leila M. , Reimer Danielle K. , Feig Joshua , Gillis Melinda S. , Speicher Leigh L. , Haga Claire B. , Gabriel Emmanuel M. , Heckman Michael G. , Yin Mingyuan , Fosko Scott W. , Keaveny Andrew P. , Dawson Nancy L.
Published: March 2021

Background

Limited data are available on the development of skin cancer and the associated risk factors for non‐White liver transplant (LT) recipients. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of newly diagnosed skin cancer postoperatively and to identify the risk factors for the development of skin cancer in non‐White LT recipients.

Methods

We conducted an initial retrospective chart review of non‐White LT patients who received a transplant at our center between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013.

Results

Of the 96 patients in the study cohort, 32% were Black, 17% were Asian, 15% were White Hispanic, and 10% were Black Hispanic. One patient had a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer before transplant. No skin cancers were diagnosed during follow‐up (median, 1.3 years; range, 17 days to 8.6 years).

Conclusion

Our center’s experience is consistent with the literature and suggests that the incidence of newly diagnosed skin cancer in non‐White liver transplant recipients is low. Longer follow‐up may provide additional insights into the specific risk factors for the posttransplant development of skin cancer.
Quality characteristics of high salt fermented fish sauce (budu) produced using autochthonousVirgibacillus halodenitrificansPS21 andStaphylococcus simulansPMRS35
Authors: Kanjan Pochanart , Sakpetch Phat , Masniyom Payap , Hongpattarakere Tipparat
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the effects of autochthonous starters on the quality characteristics of budu. The effects of individual or combined inoculation ofVirgibacillus halodenitrificansPS21 andStaphylococcus simulansPMRS35 were compared to those of non‐inoculation during 150 days of budu production. The starters directly affected characteristics of budu with browner colour and enhanced proteolysis and lipolysis as indicated by degree of hydrolysis and free fatty acid contents. The combined starter inoculation resulted in a high aspartic acid, glutamic acid and lysine levels. Additionally, key desirable volatiles, including 2‐methylbutanal, 3‐methylbutanal, benzaldehyde and 2‐ethyl furan, were dominant in the starter‐inoculated budu. In a sensorial analysis, the highest scores for appearance, colour, taste and flavour were assigned for inoculated budu with combined starters. Therefore, the addition of starters (V. halodenitrificansPS21 andS. simulansPMRS35) in budu production improved the quality characteristics and reduced the fermentation period.
Undocumented migrants in Saudi Arabia: COVID‐19 and amnesty reforms
Authors: Alsharif Fahad
Published: March 2021

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, Saudi Arabia's domestic public health institutions struggle to control the COVID19 virus's spread within undocumented migrant populations, endangering both local Saudi and migrant populations. As a result, Saudi Arabia implemented a temporary amnesty policy, granting state pardon to undocumented migrants to access to health care services. Using combined qualitative fieldwork data in 2008‐2009 and, more recently in 2020 among irregular Asian and African migrants' communities in Jeddah, I argue that the lack of institutional trust, combined with differential economic opportunities in Saudi and origin countries, significantly impacts undocumented migrants' decision to avoid health amnesty reform. This is particularly critical as it could likely disrupt government attempts at curbing COVID‐19 within migrant communities, thus posing serious health, economic, and security threats to the Saudi state. The study contributes to empirical and theoretical debates because it highlights migrant perception's role towards local institutions in Gulf's domestic migration policymaking.
Psychological effects of quarantine on Syrian refugees, compared to the Jordanian populations
Authors: Al‐Awaida Wajdy , Al‐Ameer Hamzeh J. , Al‐Turk Hadeel , Al bawareed Omar , Khalil Raida , Al Deek Akram , Fatima Ghizal , Imraish Amer , Mohanad Al‐Dabet Moh’d , Akash Muhanad. W.
Published: March 2021

To ward off the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in 2019, the Jordanian government applied quarantine to the Jordanian population in addition to Syrian refugees. We evaluated the quarantine's psychological effect on people in Jordan after three weeks of quarantine. The prevalence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in our sample population was determined using a higher than twenty score on the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R). The 2380 people who received the survey online demonstrated a high prevalence of PTSD, in which PTSD showed incidence of 82.5% and 66.5 in Syrian refugees and Jordanian populations, respectively. This study also reports the trend towards more increased PTSD prevalence in Syrian refugees compared to the Jordanian population depending on age, education and the household's combined monthly income. Knowledge and awareness of quarantined people's interactions are crucial to optimizing control of infectious diseases and reducing adverse impacts on those quarantined.
Effects of two water regimes on morphological traits, nutritive value and physiology of three Bituminaria bituminosa varieties from the Canary Islands
Authors: Fernández‐Habas Jesús , Hidalgo‐Fernández Maria Teresa , Leal‐Murillo José Ramón , Méndez Pilar , Quero José L , Vanwalleghem Tom , Fernández‐Rebollo Pilar
Published: March 2021

Morphological traits, nutritive values and physiological responses to two different water regimes of three Bituminaria bituminosa varieties: var. albomarginata, var. crassiuscula and var. bituminosa were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Two water regimes were imposed for 63 days; well‐watered (WW) plants and deficit‐watered (DW) plants, both starting from a high soil water content (dripping point). The three varieties showed similar aerial biomass reduction under reduced watering, 50% for var. albomarginata, 51% for var. bituminosa and 43% for var. crassiuscula. Var. Albomarginata showed lower shoot biomass under both water regimes than var. bituminosa (56.2% in WW plants and 55.2% in DW plants) and var. crassiuscula (52% in WW plants and 57.8% in DW plants). This lower shoot biomass could be attributed to the high initial soil water content imposed in this experiment, affecting early development. This hypothesis is supported by the lower root biomass production of var. albomarginata and its distribution. The DW treatment of this experiment was not sufficiently restrictive to cause morphological modifications, whilst of the forage quality variables analysed, only ash was affected. Var. crassiuscula and var. albomarginata had a lower specific leaf area (239 cm2 g‐1 and 235 cm2 g‐1, respectively) than var. bituminosa (352 cm2 g‐1), which might represent an important adaptation to high light intensity and temperature conditions. The values of stem mass fraction (SMF) and leaf mass fraction (LMF) for var. crassiuscula (SMF = 0.36 and LMF = 0.28) and var. albomarginata (SMF = 0.35 and LMF = 0.36) indicated better forage aptitude of these varieties than var. bituminosa (SMF = 0.50 and LMF = 0.19). All varieties showed good values of crude protein and digestibility, although important differences were found between leaf and stem. According to the studied morphological, nutritional and physiological traits, var. albomarginata showed the best aptitude for being introduced as permanent grasslands in some Mediterranean farming systems. However, the possible susceptibility of var. albomarginata to high water content in the soil could limit its introduction. These results help to inform the potential use of these three Canarian B. bituminosa varieties to improve Mediterranean rainfed grasslands of extensive farming systems.
High thermoelectric performance of high‐mobility Ga‐doped ZnO films via homogenous interface design
Authors: Zhou Zhifang , Zou Mingchu , Xu Yushuai , Lan Jinle , Liu Chan , Ahmad Abid , Lin Yuan‐Hua , Nan Ce‐Wen
Published: March 2021

Ga‐doped ZnO (GZO) thin films grown on sapphire substrates have been widely investigated as a promising transparent thermoelectric (TE) material. However, due to the large lattice mismatch and thermal expansion between the sapphire substrate and GZO film, strain‐induced lattice distortion impedes the transport of electrons, leading to low carrier mobility. In this study, ZnO homo‐buffer layers with different thicknesses were inserted between sapphire substrates and GZO films, and their effect on the TE properties was investigated. A thin ZnO interlayer (10 nm) effectively reduced the lattice mismatch of the GZO film and improved the carrier mobility, which contributed to the large enhancement in the electrical conductivity. Simultaneously, energy filtering occurred at the interface between GZO and ZnO, resulting in a relatively high density of states (DOS) effective mass and maintaining a high Seebeck coefficient compared to that of the unbuffered GZO films. Consequently, the GZO film with a 10 nm thick ZnO buffer layer possessed a high power factor value of 449 μW m−1 K−2 at 623 K. This study provides a facile and effective method for optimizing the TE performance of oxide thin films by synergistically improving their carrier mobility and enhancing their effective mass.
Cell cytoskeleton and proliferation study for the RANKL‐induced RAW264.7 differentiation
Authors: Kong Lingbo , Ma Rui , Cao Yang , Smith Wanli , Liu Yuan , Yang Xiaobin , Yan Liang
Published: March 2021

Although document studies (including ours) have been reported the achieved in vitro osteoclastic cellular model establishment from the RAW264.7 cell lineage, there was no study directly reported that American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) cell bank has various RAW264.7 cell lineages. Besides that, for our knowledge there was only one study compared the two different RAW264.7TIB‐71 and RAW264.7CRL‐2278 cell lineages for their osteoclastic differentiation, and they concluded that the RAW264.7CRL‐2278 demonstrated to generate much osteoclast than RAW264.7TIB‐71. However, on the contrary to their results we noticed the fusion of RAW264.7TIB‐71 in our previous studies was much compromising. Therefore, we try to explore the two cell lineages for their properties in osteoclastic differentiation with an in‐depth cellular cytoskeletal study. Our current study has showed that comparing to the RAW264.7CRL‐2278, RAW264.7TIB‐71 demonstrated a much higher efficacies for RANKL‐stimulated osteoclastic differentiation. Besides that, in our depth cytoskeletal studies, we found that the RANKL‐induced RAW264.7TIB‐71 cells could finally differentiate into mature osteoclasts. However, regardless the various pre‐treatment conditions, there was no mature osteoclast formed in RANKL‐induced RAW264.7CRL‐2278 cell lineage.
Tissue‐specific expression of insulin receptor isoforms in obesity/type 2 diabetes mouse models
Authors: Moruzzi Noah , Lazzeri‐Barcelo Francesca , Valladolid‐Acebes Ismael , Moede Tilo , Paschen Meike , Leibiger Barbara , Berggren Per‐Olof , Leibiger Ingo B.
Published: March 2021

The two insulin receptor (IR) isoforms IR‐A and IR‐B are responsible for the pleiotropic actions of insulin and insulin‐like growth factors. Consequently, changes in IR isoform expression and in the bioavailability of their ligands will impact on IR‐mediated functions. Although alteration of IR isoform expression has been linked to insulin resistance, knowledge of IR isoform expression and mechanisms underlying tissue/cell‐type‐specific changes in metabolic disease are lacking. Using mouse models of obesity/diabetes and measuring the mRNA of the IR isoforms and mRNA/protein levels of total IR, we provide a data set of IR isoform expression pattern that documents changes in a tissue‐dependent manner. Combining tissue fractionation and a new in situ mRNA hybridization technology to visualize the IR isoforms at cellular resolution, we explored the mechanism underlying the change in IR isoform expression in perigonadal adipose tissue, which is mainly caused by tissue remodelling, rather than by a shift in IR alternative splicing in a particular cell type, e.g. adipocytes.
Osthole enhances the immunosuppressive effects of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells by promoting the Fas/FasL system
Authors: Yu Yang , Chen Meng , Yang Shiyao , Shao Bingyi , Chen Liang , Dou Lei , Gao Jing , Yang Deqin
Published: March 2021

Thanks to the advantages of easy harvesting and escape from immune rejection, autologous bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are promising candidates for immunosuppressive therapy against inflammation and autoimmune diseases. However, the therapy is still challenging because the immunomodulatory properties of BMSCs are always impaired by immunopathogenesis in patients. Because of its reliable and extensive biological activities, osthole has received increased clinical attention. In this study, we found that BMSCs derived from osteoporosis donors were ineffective in cell therapy for experimental inflammatory colitis and osteoporosis. In vivo and in vitro tests showed that because of the down‐regulation of Fas and FasL expression, the ability of osteoporotic BMSCs to induce T‐cell apoptosis decreased. Through the application of osthole, we successfully restored the immunosuppressive ability of osteoporotic BMSCs and improved their treatment efficacy in experimental inflammatory colitis and osteoporosis. In addition, we found the immunomodulatory properties of BMSCs were enhanced after osthole pre‐treatment. In this study, our data highlight a new approach of pharmacological modification (ie osthole) to improve the immune regulatory performance of BMSCs from a healthy or inflammatory microenvironment. The development of targeted strategies to enhance immunosuppressive therapy using BMSCs may be significantly improved by these findings.
The mechanism of lncRNA‐CRNDE in regulating tumour‐associated macrophage M2 polarization and promoting tumour angiogenesis
Authors: Han Chenyang , Yang Yi , Sheng Yongjia , Wang Jin , Li Wenyan , Zhou Xiaohong , Guo Li
Published: March 2021

M2 macrophages can promote liver cancer metastasis by promoting tumour angiogenesis; however, the mechanism underlying macrophage polarization has not been completely revealed. In this study, we mainly explored the mechanism underlying long non‐coding RNA‐CRNDE (lncRNA‐CRNDE) in regulating M2 macrophage polarization and promoting liver cancer angiogenesis. The expression of CRNDE was up‐regulated or down‐regulated in THP‐1 cells (CRNDE‐/‐‐THP‐1 cells and pcDNA3.1‐CRNDE‐THP‐1). THP‐1 cells were co‐cultured with liver cancer cell line H22, and M2 polarization was induced in THP‐1 by IL‐4/13 to simulate tumour‐induced macrophage polarization. As a result, after CRNDE overexpression, THP‐1 cell viability was up‐regulated, the expression of M2 membrane marker CD163 was up‐regulated, and the proportion of F4/80 + CD163+ cells was also up‐regulated. ELISA assay showed that the expression of M2 markers (including TGF‐β1 and IL‐10) and chemokines (including CCl22 and CCL22) was up‐regulated, and the expression of key signals (including STAT6, JAK‐1, p‐AKT1, and Arg‐1) was also up‐regulated, which were significantly different compared with the control group (Con). In addition, the intervention effect of CRNDE on THP‐1 was consistent between co‐culture with H22 cells and IL‐4/13 induction assay. The induced M2 THP‐1 cells were co‐cultured with HUVEC. As a result, THP‐1 cells with CRNDE overexpression can promote the migration and angiogenesis of HUVEC cells in vitro and simultaneously up‐regulate the expression of Notch1, Dll4 and VEGFR2, indicating that THP‐1 M2 polarization induced by CRNDE could further promote angiogenesis. The H22 cell tumour‐bearing mouse model was constructed, followed by injection of CRNDE anti‐oligosense nucleotides and overexpression plasmids to interfere CRNDE expression in tumour‐bearing tissues. Consequently, down‐regulation of CRNDE could down‐regulate tumour volume, simultaneously down‐regulate the expression of CD163 and CD31 in tissues, decrease the expression of key proteins (including JAK‐1, STAT‐6, p‐STAT6 and p‐AKT1), and down‐regulate the expression of key angiogenesis‐related proteins (including VEGF, Notch1, Dll4 and VEGFR2). In this study, we found that CENDE could indirectly regulate tumour angiogenesis by promoting M2 polarization of macrophages, which is also one of the mechanisms of microenvironmental immune regulation in liver cancer.
Dysregulation of LINC00470 and METTL3 promotes chemoresistance and suppresses autophagy of chronic myelocytic leukaemia cells
Authors: Lai Xun , Wei Jia , Gu Xue‐zhong , Yao Xiang‐mei , Zhang Di‐si , Li Feng , Sun Yun‐yan
Published: March 2021

Cytoplasmic lncRNAs have been found to directly interact with target mRNAs and regulate their stability. In this study, we aimed to study the molecular mechanism underlying the function of m6A as a central regulator in chemoresistance and CML proliferation. In this study, we established three mice groups (control group, ADR‐R group and ADR‐R + shLINC00470 group). We detected PTEN mRNA expression in the presence of LINC00470 in the mice models, as well as in the KCL22 and K562 cells. LINC00470 was significantly enriched for PTEN mRNA to exhibit a negative regulatory relationship between LINC00470 and PTEN mRNA. However, the alteration of LINC00470 had no effect on the luciferase activity of PTEN promoter, while the half‐life of PTEN mRNA was affected. It was further validated that LINC00470 down‐regulated PTEN expression by positively regulating the m6A modification of PTEN mRNA via RNA methyltransferase METTL3. Moreover, the relative expression of LC3II, Beclin‐1, ATG7 and ATG5 was all decreased in cells treated with LINC00470, and down‐regulated PTEN expression was observed in chemo‐resistant cells, while the expression of PTEN was rescued by the transfection of shMETTL3 into chemo‐resistant cells. Moreover, the knockdown of METTL3 also restored the normal level of PTEN m6A modification and LINC00470 expression in chemo‐resistant cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of LINC00470 on CML by reducing the PTEN stability via RNA methyltransferase METTL3, thus leading to the inhibition of cell autophagy while promoting chemoresistance in CML.
Novel PIK3R1 mutation of SHORT syndrome: A case report with a 6‐month follow up
Authors: Yin Xiaofei , Liu Jidong , Feng Ruiying , Xu Mingyue , Liu Jinbo
Published: March 2021

SHORT syndrome (short stature, hyperextensibility, ocular depression [deeply set eyes], Rieger anomaly and teething delay) is very rare, with a few cases reported in the literature. We report a case of SHORT syndrome with a novel PIK3R1 mutation (c.2008delT) and complicated with severe insulin resistance. Although no treatment guidelines are available to relieve insulin resistance in SHORT syndrome, our treatment plans, including lifestyle intervention combined with metformin and pioglitazone, were carried out for this patient. After the intervention, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in this patient were significantly decreased during a 6‐month follow up, which showed the effect of our therapeutic strategies.
Midlife and late‐life diabetes and sarcopenia in a general older Japanese population: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Nakamura Kimitaka , Yoshida Daigo , Honda Takanori , Hata Jun , Shibata Mao , Hirakawa Yoichiro , Furuta Yoshihiko , Kishimoto Hiro , Ohara Tomoyuki , Chen Sanmei , Kitazono Takanari , Nakashima Yasuharu , Ninomiya Toshiharu
Published: March 2021

Aims/Introduction

To investigate the association between midlife or late‐life diabetes and the development of sarcopenia in an older Japanese population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 824 Japanese residents aged 65 to 84 years without sarcopenia were followed up from 2012 to 2017. Sarcopenia was determined following the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia definition. The time of diabetes diagnosis was classified as midlife or late‐life diabetes by the age at first diagnosis of diabetes (< 65 or ≥ 65 years) based on annual health checkups data over the past 24 years. The duration of diabetes was categorized into three groups of < 10, 10–15, and > 15 years. The odds ratios of incident sarcopenia according to the diabetic status were estimated using a logistic regression analysis.

Results

During follow‐up, 47 subjects developed sarcopenia. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio for incident sarcopenia was significantly greater in subjects with diabetes at baseline than in those without it (odds ratio 2.51, 95% confidence interval 1.26–5.00). Subjects with midlife diabetes had a significantly greater risk of incident sarcopenia, whereas no significant association between late‐life diabetes and incident sarcopenia was observed. With a longer duration of diabetes, the risk of incident sarcopenia increased significantly (P for trend = 0.002).

Conclusions

The present study suggests that midlife diabetes and a longer duration of diabetes are significant risk factors for incident sarcopenia in the older population. Preventing diabetes in midlife may reduce the risk of the development of sarcopenia in later life.
A noninvasive method for detecting frozen injuries in potatoes based on electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Feng Longlong , Hou Tiangang , Zhang Benhua
Published: March 2021

To simplify the application of electrical impedance spectroscopy, the characteristic points were explored for noninvasive determination of the freezing damage in potatoes. Impedance experiments were conducted on the potato samples at room temperature (20°C), 0, −4, and −20°C. Samples of fresh, frozen, and freeze–thawed samples were analyzed. The results show that the shapes of the impedance spectroscopies were different in each of these samples. The characteristic points Zextra, Zintr, and Zcyt from electrical impedance spectroscopy are proposed to indicate the freezing damage level. The Zcyt value was considerably different for each state (1,939; 25,130; and 43 Ω, respectively). This indicates that Zcyt is a useful index for freezing damage classification and that Zcyt could indicate cell structure changes in thawed samples.

Practical applications

The morphological characteristic points of electrical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the freezing injury of potatoes. This method provides a novel approach to study the changes in biological tissues. The method of using characteristic points is more convenient and effective than with an equivalent circuit. The Zcyt value could be used for detecting freezing injury in potatoes. Moreover, this method can be potentially applied for quality analysis of agricultural products.
Helpful resources recognized by adult children of parents with a mental illness in Japan
Authors: Tanonaka Kyoko , Endo Yoshimi
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study aimed to identify the resources recognized as helpful by children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI) to cope with the difficulties they experienced in their lives.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 10 adults who experienced parental mental illness in their childhood. Participants were asked to discuss resources that were beneficial to them. Text segments from the verbatim transcriptions were identified with summarizing codes, and the codes were compared and contrasted to generate subcategories and categories. The case characteristics and subcategories were reorganized to retest the validity of the categories.

Results

Parental mental illness onset occurred before birth or in early childhood for four participants and during elementary or junior high school for six participants. Six categories emerged: protection from the harmful influences of parents' symptoms; care received from adults at home and school; occasional experience of mutual affection and support within the family; emotional validation and sustained support by others; understanding how to cope using information on mental illnesses; and time for oneself and experiences away from the parent.

Conclusions

Helpful resources recognized by COPMI involved not only emotional connections, but also resources related to their daily lives and time for themselves. Understanding the gaps in COPMI's resources can facilitate effective support. Emotional validation by others and time for themselves and away from the parent are important for promoting their development. Society needs to better understand mental illness.
When Can Decision Makers Learn from Financial Market Prices?
Authors: SIEMROTH CHRISTOPH
Published: March 2021

I analyze a general setting where a policymaker needs information that financial market traders have in order to implement optimal policy, and prices can potentially reveal this information. Policy decisions, in turn, affect asset values. I derive a condition for the existence of fully revealing equilibria in competitive financial markets, which identifies all situations where learning from prices for policy purposes works. I discuss the possibility of using market information for banking supervision and central banking, and the general problem of asset design. I also demonstrate that some corporate prediction markets are ill‐designed, and show how to fix it.