bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homocysteine predicts vascular target organ damage in hypertension and may serve as guidance for first‐line antihypertensive therapy
Authors: Carnagarin Revathy , Nolde Janis M. , Ward Natalie C. , Lugo‐Gavidia Leslie Marisol , Chan Justine , Robinson Sandi , Jose Ancy , Joyson Anu , Azzam Omar , Galindo Kiuchi Márcio , Mwipatayi Bibombe P. , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: June 2021

Homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and has been proposed to contribute to vascular dysfunction. We sought to determine in a real‐world clinical setting whether homocysteine levels were associated with hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD) and could guide treatment choices in hypertension. We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of prospectively collected data in 145 hypertensive patients referred to our tertiary hypertension clinic at Royal Perth Hospital and analyzed the association of homocysteine with HMOD, renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS), and RAAS blockade. The average age of participants was 56 ± 17 years, and there was a greater proportion of males than females (89 vs. 56). Regression analysis showed that homocysteine was significantly associated with PWV (β = 1.99; 95% CI 0.99‐3.0; p < .001), albumin‐creatinine ratio (lnACR: β = 1.14; 95% CI 0.47, 1.8; p < .001), 24 h urinary protein excretion (β = 0.7; 95% CI 0.48, 0.92; p < .001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = −29.4; 95% CI −36.35, −22.4; p < .001), which persisted after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex, 24 h BP, inflammation, smoking, diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia. A positive predictive relationship was observed between plasma homocysteine levels and PWV, with every 1.0 µmol/L increase in homocysteine associated with a 0.1 m/s increase in PWV. Homocysteine was significantly associated with elevated aldosterone concentration (β = 0.26; p < .001), and with attenuation of ACEi mediated systolic BP lowering and regression of HMOD compared to angiotensin receptor blockers in higher physiological ranges of homocysteine. Our results indicate that homocysteine is associated with hypertension mediated vascular damage and could potentially serve to guide first‐line antihypertensive therapy.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing identify SDCBP in ACE2‐positive bronchial epithelial cells negatively correlates with COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Ma Ding , Liu Shuwen , Hu Lili , He Qinyu , Shi Weiwei , Yan Dongliang , Cao Yin , Zhang Guang , Wang Zhongxia , Wu Junhua , Jiang Chunping
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has resulted in many deaths throughout the world. It is vital to identify the novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to assist with the subsequent diagnosis and treatment plan to mitigate the expansion of COVID‐19. Since angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)‐positive cells are hosts for COVID‐19, we focussed on this cell type to explore the underlying mechanisms of COVID‐19. In this study, we identified that ACE2‐positive cells from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with COVID‐19 belong to bronchial epithelial cells. Comparing with patients of COVID‐19 showing severe symptoms, the antigen processing and presentation pathway was increased and 12 typical genes, HLA‐DRB5, HLA‐DRB1, CD74, HLA‐DRA, HLA‐DPA1, HLA‐DQA1, HSP90AA1, HSP90AB1, HLA‐DPB1, HLA‐DQB1, HLA‐DQA2, and HLA‐DMA, particularly HLA‐DPB1, were obviously up‐regulated in ACE2‐positive bronchial epithelial cells of patients with mild disease. We further discovered SDCBP was positively correlated with above 12 genes particularly with HLA‐DPB1 in ACE2‐positive bronchial epithelial cells of COVID‐19 patients. Moreover, SDCBP may increase the immune infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells in different lung carcinoma. Moreover, we found the expression of SDCBP was positively correlated with the expression of antigen processing and presentation genes in post‐mortem lung biopsies tissues, which is consistent with previous discoveries. These results suggest that SDCBP has good potential to be further developed as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target in the treatment of COVID‐19.
Old Wine in New Bottles? The European Union's Organizational Response to Reforming EU–African Migration Cooperation
Authors: Mouthaan Melissa
Published: June 2021

In 2015, the European Commission responded to renewed demands from its political environment to achieve more results in its external relations with African countries in migration. This article explores how calls for action from domestic arenas formed an adaptation pressure on the EU's external migration governance, and first examines the implications of this for political cooperation and instrumentation. In assessing adaptation in these areas, this article addresses the question of whether a fundamental redefinition of the EU's engagement with African states has occurred. Secondly, the article proposes that mal‐integration of policy emerges as an organizational compromise that allows a number of functional interests to be met. It allows for the broad enlisting of support from different parts of the administration; it enables the performance of a response to demands that cannot be realistically met; and allows a reconciling of different interests under one approach.
The politics of the surgical mask: Challenging the biomedical episteme during a pandemic
Authors: Neilson Shane
Published: June 2021

COVID‐19 has seen politicians use a selective ‘science’ to justify restrictions on mobility and association, to mandate the wearing of face masks, and to close public infrastructure. There seems to be no role for health humanities scholars as yet, but perhaps there should be. This paper considers the fate of a health humanities article on surgical mask use that was published in a biomedical journal in 2016. This article, which did not operate from within the biomedical episteme but which was in conversation with the episteme, was misappropriated on both sides of the political spectrum to justify personal beliefs around mask use in the pandemic. This mistaken misappropriation is not only evidence of the utility of the common ground shared between biomedicine and the health humanities, it is also evidence of the possibilities inherent in a future interdisciplinary involving biomedicine and the health humanities.
Evaluating the heat and mass transfer effective coefficients during the convective drying process of paddy (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Golpour Iman , Guiné Raquel P. F. , Poncet Sébastien , Golpour Hossein , Amiri Chayjan Reza , Amiri Parian Jafar
Published: June 2021

This work investigates important heat and mass transfer parameters of a variety of paddy named Fajr, during a thin layer convective drying. The experiments on drying are conducted at air temperatures in the domain of 30–80°C with air velocities between 0.54 and 3.27 m s−1. Mathematical equations are developed to adjust the experimental data obtained for the thin layer drying. The drying results show that the Henderson and Pabis' model satisfactorily fit all the experimental data for the convective drying behavior of paddy. The effective diffusivity of moisture transfer, calculated by the Fick's second law of diffusion, varies from 1.109 × 10−11 to 5.858 × 10−10 m2 s−1 and the highest values of the Dincer, Biot, Reynolds, and Nusselt numbers obtained are 2.383 × 105; 0.2026; 1.833 × 107; and 8,434, respectively. The obtained results demonstrate that the coefficient of mass transfer (hm) for paddy lies between 5.118 × 10−8 and 4.807 × 10−6 m s−1, while the heat transfer coefficient (hc) ranges from 811 to 2,474 W m−2 K−1. Furthermore, the values of the energies of activation obtained for moisture diffusion (Ed) and convective mass transfer (Ec) are in the range of 50.538–61.825 kJ mol−1 and 72.325–87.386 kJ mol−1, respectively. Therefore, knowledge regarding to the determination process of heat and mass transfer characteristics can help to distinguish the suitable operating conditions for saving the maximum value of energy.

Practical Applications

Some grains have a short shelf life that limits their commercialization as fresh products and increase postharvest losses. Drying is an interesting alternative to the development of new products of grains like paddy with added value. This research work involved the estimation of heat and mass transfer properties during convective drying by using two calculation methodologies, allowing estimating the diffusivity and the mass and heat transfer coefficients for paddy. Also, the activation energy for moisture diffusion and for convective mass transfer was determined, assuming that the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient and the mass transfer coefficient follows an Arrhenius type relationship. Therefore, also the study presents a simple method to greatly enhance the shelf life of wet paddy by convective drying and it can be applied for the better preservation of this product.
Change in condition alerts for home care recipients: A stepped wedge cluster randomized trial
Authors: Hatfield Laura A. , Caudry Daryl , Grabowski David C.
Published: June 2021

Background/Objectives

Paid home care providers (caregivers) are in close, regular contact with people for whom they care (clients). This study evaluated whether caregivers, by noting changes in physical and mental health, could prevent hospitalizations.

Design

Stepped wedge cluster randomized trial with 4 sequences, 244 clusters, an open cohort, and continuous outcome assessment.

Setting

Franchises of a national home care company.

Participants

Eligible clusters were all franchises operating at the study start, excluding those in a previous pilot. The sample included all clients who received private‐pay home care services from an eligible franchise, could be linked to Medicare enrollment records, and were enrolled in fee‐for‐service Medicare.

Intervention

A telephone‐ and app‐based questionnaire at the end of each caregiving shift asked caregivers whether they noted changes in mental or physical health of their client. This generated a change‐in‐condition report that staff at the franchise office addressed at their discretion (e.g., by contacting clients or primary care providers). The control condition was no questionnaire. The study was unblinded. Clusters were randomized to four treatment sequences in eight strata of franchise characteristics.

Measurements

The primary outcome was hospitalization during months of home care enrollment. Secondary outcomes were emergency department (ED) visits and mortality.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐four franchises were randomized to the four sequences (n = 40, 66, 68, 70 franchises, respectively) and 40,137 people were observed during 276,938 person‐months of home care enrollment. We found no evidence of impact on hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97, 1.10), ED visits (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.08), or mortality (OR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.19).

Conclusion

A technology‐enabled intervention to identify health changes among home care recipients did not show evidence of impact on hospitalizations, ED visits, or mortality. Providing change‐in‐condition reports to home care staff, without a structured response to manage these changes, was not effective at improving care.
Introduction: Covid‐19 and the conditions and struggles of agrarian classes of labour
Authors: Pattenden Jonathan , Campling Liam , Castañón Ballivián Enrique , Gras Carla , Lerche Jens , O'Laughlin Bridget , Oya Carlos , Pérez‐Niño Helena , Sinha Shreya
Published: June 2021

Covid‐19 generated a crisis in capitalism, but not of capitalism. Capitalism reproduces itself in crisis and in ways that have significant but uneven impacts on the conditions and struggles of agrarian classes of labour. This article explores preliminary studies of how Covid‐19 has affected agrarian social formations in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the farmers, petty commodity producers, labourers and agribusinesses who populate them. It considers some of the implications for wage‐labour, agriculture, accumulation and social reproduction including care work. And it briefly considers Covid‐19's political impacts—in terms of the role of the state and possibilities for challenging capitalism, its violence and its ecological crisis.
Maternal risk factors and pregnancy complications associated with low birth weight neonates in preterm birth
Authors: Liu Weiqi , Liu Qiaoling , Liu Weiling , Qiu Cuiqing
Published: June 2021

Aim

To explore the association between common pregnancy complications and low birth weight (LBW) neonates in preterm birth.

Methods

The study included 1764 pregnant women who experienced a single birth prematurely at a city hospital in Guangzhou, China between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. A total of 874 normal birth weight neonates and 890 LBW neonates were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify and measure risk factors; two‐tailed test was applied, with a p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Hypertension was the primary risk factor of LBW in preterm neonates, odds ratio (OR) = 2.912 (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.044–4.149), followed by hypothyroidism, OR = 1.807 (p = 0.046; 95% CI, 1.012–3.226), placental abruption, OR = 1.759 (p = 0.049; 95% CI, 1.002–3.087), reproductive tract infection, OR = 1.746 (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 1.325–2.301), abnormal amniotic fluid volume, OR = 1.737 (p = 0.003; 95% CI, 1.202–2.501), and fetal distress OR = 1.690 (p = 0.012; 95% CI, 1.120–2.551).

Conclusion

Preventing risk factors, such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and reproductive tract infections, during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of LBW neonates.
The predictive value of first‐trimester anthropometric and ultrasonographic adipose tissue measurements in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Aydın Gültekin A. , Özsoy Hilal G. T. , Akdur Pınar Ö. , Özgen Gülten
Published: June 2021

Aim

Previous studies in pregnant women reported a strong correlation between first‐trimester ultrasonographic visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measurements and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the following weeks. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasonographic subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue measurements between 11th and 14th weeks of gestation to predict GDM during the 24th to 28th gestational weeks.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study included a total of 142 pregnant women. Between 11th and 14th gestational weeks, we performed blinded measurements of intraperitoneal, perirenal, and subcutaneous adipose tissue thicknesses using ultrasonography. Between 24th and 28th gestational weeks, each participant underwent one‐step GDM screening, and the measurement data were assessed for prognostic significance.

Results

Of the 142 women included, 19 (8.8%) were diagnosed with GDM. The mean intraperitoneal and maximum subcutaneous fat thickness were 51.59 ± 22.49 and 19.79 ± 12.52 mm, respectively for the GDM group and 39.88 ± 13.73 and 13.24 ± 5.70 mm, respectively for the non‐GDM group. Although we observed statistically significant differences between the GDM and non‐GDM groups in terms of current body mass index (BMI), subcutaneous and intraperitoneal fat thicknesses, and waist and hip circumference values, the logistic regression model showed that only current BMI had a significant association with the increasing GDM frequency.

Conclusion

In this study investigating the clinical utility of first‐trimester ultrasonographic VAT measurements during the 24th to 28th gestational weeks for the diagnosis of GDM, BMI seems to be a more useful predictor than the other anthropometric tools. However, further large‐scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Altered brain activity related to inhibitory processing in youth with insomnia
Authors: Ling Jiefan , Lin Xuanyi , Li Xiao , Chan Ngan Yin , Zhang Jihui , Wing Yun Kwok , Hu Xiaoqing , Li Shirley Xin
Published: June 2021

Insomnia has been shown to negatively affect one's cognitive functioning. While there has been some evidence suggesting sleep disruption in relation to impaired inhibitory control, a major component of executive function, little is known about the underlying neural processing in insomnia. The current study aimed to examine the differences in the behavioral responses and electroencephalography (EEG) correlates of inhibitory control between youths with insomnia and healthy sleepers. Twenty‐eight participants with insomnia disorder and 31 healthy sleeper controls aged between 15 and 25 completed the study. Electroencephalographic activity was recorded during the Cued Go/NoGo (CGNG) task, a task assessing inhibitory control. Although insomnia group exhibited comparable behavioral performance to the healthy sleeper group, they showed impaired attention preparation, as displayed by a smaller contingent negative variation (CNV) component (F = 4.10,p = 0.048) after cue onset; and demonstrated impaired inhibitory control, as evidenced by smaller N2 and theta power on 200–350 ms (MANCOVA multivariate Group effect,F = 5.85,p < 0.001). The results suggested that youths with insomnia demonstrated altered brain activity during inhibitory control, despite their comparable behavioral performance. Given that impaired inhibitory control is often implicated in psychopathology, future studies with a longitudinal design are needed to further explore the long‐term impacts and trajectory of altered inhibitory control in youths with insomnia.
Thinking beyond the data: When the sea went dark
Authors: Larsen Stuart. H.
Published: June 2021

Five mass extinction events in earth's history each resulted in major oceanic species loss. All of these appear to be associated with significant atmospheric aerosol loading and a reduction in sunlight intensity at the surface. Importantly for marine species, it is not only the intensity of the incident light, but also its colour that is important as, within the ocean, only light with wavelengths less than about 550 nm penetrate to significant depths. However, it is these shorter wavelengths that are preferentially absorbed by atmospheric aerosol, with this effect thereby amplifying any reduction of light within the sea. This was modelled for various aerosol loadings, and it is shown that the amount of light in the sea, required for photosynthesis and visual predation, is especially sensitive to the aerosol loading and type.
Vitamin C levels in a Central‐African mother–infant cohort: Does hypovitaminosis C increase the risk of enteric infections?
Authors: Moya‐Alvarez Violeta , Koyembi Jean‐Christophe Junior , Kayé Laure M. , Mbecko Jean‐Robert , Sanke‐Waîgana Hugues , Djorie Serge Ghislain , Nyasenu Yawo Tufa , Mad‐Bondo Daniel , Kongoma Jean‐Bertrand , Nakib Samir , Madec Yoann , Ulmann Guillaume , Neveux Nathalie , Sansonetti Philippe J. , Vray Muriel , Marteyn Benoît
Published: June 2021

In the MITICA (Mother‐to‐Infant TransmIssion of microbiota in Central‐Africa) study, 48 mothers and their 50 infants were followed from delivery to 6 months between December 2017 and June 2019 in Bangui (Central‐African Republic). Blood tests and stool analyses were performed in mothers at delivery, and their offspring at birth, 11 weeks and 25 weeks. Stool cultures were performed in specific growth media for Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Campylobacter, Enerobacter, Vibrio cholerae, Citrobacter and Klebsiella, as well as rotavirus, yeasts and parasitological exams. The median vitamin C levels in mothers at delivery were 15.3 μmol/L (inter‐quartile‐range [IQR] 6.2–27.8 μmol/L). In infants, the median vitamin C levels at birth were 35.2 μmol/L (IQR 16.5–63.9 μmol/L). At 11 and 25 weeks, the median vitamin C levels were 41.5 μmol/L (IQR 18.7–71.6 μmol/L) and 18.2 μmol/L (IQR 2.3–46.6 μmol/L), respectively. Hypovitaminosis C was defined as seric vitamin C levels <28 μmol/L and vitamin C deficiency was defined as vitamin C levels <11 μmol/L according to the WHO definition. In mothers, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis‐C and vitamin C deficiency at delivery was 34/45 (75.6%) and 19/45 (42.2%), respectively. In infants, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis‐C and vitamin C deficiency at 6 months was 18/33 (54.6%) and 11/33 (33.3%), respectively. Vitamin C levels in mothers and infants were correlated at birth (Spearman's rho = 0.5; P value = 0.002), and infants had significantly higher levels of vitamin C (median = 35.2 μmol/L; IQR 16.5–63.9 μmol/L), compared to mothers (median = 15.3 μmol/L; IQR 6.2–27.8 μmol/L; P value <0.001). The offspring of vitamin C‐deficient mothers had significantly lower vitamin C levels at delivery (median = 18.7 μmol/L; IQR 13.3–30.7 μmol/L), compared to the offspring of non‐deficient mothers (median = 62.2 μmol/L; IQR 34.6–89.2 μmol/L; P value <0.001). Infants with hypovitaminosis‐C were at significantly higher risk of having a positive stool culture during the first 6 months of life (adjusted OR = 5.3, 95% CI 1.1; 26.1; P value = 0.038).
Extracranial metastatic solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma expressing G‐CSF and its receptor
Authors: Maeda Miku , Fukuda Takahiro , Miyake Misayo , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Ikegami Masahiro
Published: June 2021

Although extracranial metastases are a relatively common phenomenon in patients with solitary fibrous tumors/hemangiopericytomas (SFTs/HPCs), factors involved in the mechanism underlying tumor growth and metastasis have not been identified. We report a case of extracranial metastatic SFT/HPC synthesizing granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and G‐CSF receptor (G‐CSFR). A 39‐year‐old man underwent a gross total resection of a well‐circumscribed, dura‐based, extracerebral primary tumor at the right frontal convexity. Neuropathologic evaluation of the tumor revealed an SFT/HPC characterized by staghorn vessels and a patternless architecture of hypercellular tumor cells, which had the eosinophilic cytoplasm and the nucleus immunoreactive for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6. He was treated with postoperative radiotherapy. He complained of fever and abdominal pain with systemic multiple metastatic tumors 10 years after the operation. The leukocyte count was 70,500/μL with 90.7% neutrophils (compared to 7400/μL at 39 years of age), and the serum G‐CSF level was 283.0 pg/mL. Pathological examination of biopsy specimens of the liver and kidney tumors revealed the metastatic SFT/HPC. Immunohistochemically, G‐CSF was localized in both the primary and metastatic SFT/HPC cells, whereas G‐CSFR was localized only in the metastatic SFT/HPC cells. The tumors seemed to have the ability to produce G‐CSF, even when G‐CSF production is not clinically evident, suggesting that G‐CSFR acquisition contributes to tumor growth, malignancy, and metastasis. In addition, there have been no reports showing G‐CSF production in SFT/HPC cases. The influence of G‐CSF is expected to be one of the factors related to SFT/HPC malignancy. Inhibitors of G‐CSF could be a therapeutic agent for tumors that co‐express both G‐CSF and G‐CSFR in an autocrine manner.
Rhodocybe brunneoaurantiaca (sect. Rufrobrunnea, Entolomataceae): a new species from India
Authors: Dutta Arun Kumar , Gates Genevieve M. , Rakshit Shovan , Acharya Krishnendu
Published: June 2021

We describe a new species of Rhodocybe, R. brunneoaurantiaca, from West Bengal, India. Field photographs of the collected basidiocarps are provided and the new species is compared with its allied taxa based on morphological and molecular (nrITS and nrLSU sequence) data. Rhodocybe brunneoaurantiaca is characterized by clitocyboid basidiomata with a small (25–41 mm), infundibuliform, brownish orange to brown pileus; decurrent, brittle, greyish orange to light brown lamellae; a smooth light brown to brown stipe; ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores; 2–4‐spored basidia; cylindrical to slender clavate, flexuous cheilocystidia; and unique sequences. A full description with illustrations, and phylogenetic trees showing the placement of the new species based on molecular sequence data are provided as well as an artificial key to the reported species of Rhodocybe from India.
Aspidistra peltata, Convallariaceae (Asparagaceae s.l.) a new species from northern Vietnam
Authors: Averyanov Leonid V. , Truong Ba Vuong , Trinh Bon Ngoc , Dang Son Van , Bui Van Huong , Le Tuan Anh , Nguyen Thi Hoai Anh , Ha Do Thi Thanh , Nguyen Cuong Viet , Maisak Tatiana V. , Nguyen Khang Sinh , Tillich Hans‐Juergen
Published: June 2021

Aspidistra peltata, a new species morphologically allied to A. tonkinensis (= A. fungilliformis subsp. formosa; A. formosa) discovered in northern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. From the closely related A. tonkinensis, the new species differs in having an erect stem 4–14 cm tall, much smaller leaves, smaller flowers, filamentose stamens, a pure white style and an entire flat stigma with remarkably inflated margin. The new species is obviously a local endemic of the southern part of the South‐Chinese floristic province but it may potentially also found in southern China.
Glyphochloa shrirangii (Poaceae), a new species from Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Prasad Kothareddy , Nagaraju Siddabathula , Chorghe Alok R.
Published: June 2021

Glyphochloa shrirangii (Poaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, Maharashtra State, India is described and illustrated. It is similar to G. forficulata, but differs mainly in having culms not tufted, a branched inflorescence, different shape of the caryopsis and in having two awns in the pedicelled spikelet.
What is social hierarchy?
Authors: van Wietmarschen Han
Published: June 2021

Under which conditions are social relationships hierarchical, and under which conditions are they not? This article has three main aims. First, I will explain what this question amounts to by providing a more detailed description of the general phenomenon of social hierarchy. Second, I will provide an account of what social hierarchy is. Third, I will provide some considerations in favour of this account by discussing how it improves upon three alternative ways of thinking about social hierarchy that are sometimes explicitly endorsed and sometimes suggested or presupposed in writings in philosophy and elsewhere.
Plants as epigenetic mosaics: harnessing variability to thrive in a variable world
Authors: Wetzel William C.
Published: June 2021

This article is a Commentary on Herrera et al. (2021), 231: 2065–2076.
Generics and the metaphysics of kinds
Authors: Liebesman David , Sterken Rachel Katharine
Published: June 2021

Recent years have seen renewed interest in the semantics of generics. And a relatively mainstream view in this work is that the semantics of generics must appeal to kinds. But what are kinds? Can we learn anything about their nature by looking at how semantic theories of generics appeal to them? In this article, we overview recent work on the semantics of generics and consider their consequences for our understanding of the metaphysics of kinds.
Risk factors for the mortality of hemodialysis patients with COVID‐19: A multicenter study from the overall hemodialysis population in Wuhan
Authors: Tang Hui , Tu Can , Xiong Fei , Sun Xin , Tian Jian‐Bo , Dong Jun‐Wu , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Lei Chun‐Tao , Liu Jing , Zhao Zheng , Qiu Yang , Miao Xiao‐Ping , Zhang Chun
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are highly threatened in the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, but evidence of risk factors for mortality in this population is still lacking.

Methods

We followed outcomes of the overall MHD population of Wuhan, including 7154 MHD patients from 65 hemodialysis centers, from January 1 to May 4, 2020. Among them, 130 were diagnosed with COVID‐19. The demographic and clinical data of them were collected and compared between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Results

Compared to the corresponding period of last year, the all‐cause mortality rate of the Wuhan MHD population significantly rose in February, and dropped down in March 2020. Of the 130 COVID‐19 cases, 51 (39.2%) were deceased. Advanced age, decreased oxygen saturation, low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on admission, and complications including acute cardiac injury (HR 5.03 [95% CI 2.21–11.14], p < 0.001), cerebrovascular event (HR 2.80 [95% CI 1.14–6.86], p = 0.025) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (HR 3.50 [95% CI 1.63–7.51], p = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for the death of COVID‐19. The median virus shedding period of survivors was 25 days, longer than the general population.

Conclusions

Maintenance hemodialysis patients are a highly vulnerable population at increased risk of mortality and prolonged virus shedding period in the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. Advanced age, decreased oxygen saturation, low DBP on admission, and complications like acute cardiac injury are parameters independently associated with poor prognosis.
Reflections on theological education in non‐traditional theological contexts: The case of the course Theology of Medicine and Nursing
Authors: Lundmark Mikael
Published: June 2021

Considering the case of a Swedish university course called Theology of Medicine and Nursing, the essay describes how to establish new and relevant arenas for practical theology by teaching theology in non‐traditional theological contexts. Such endeavor requires passion, context and interdisciplinarity, in which the designer and teacher of the course “theology of X,” where X is the context in question, is passionate about theology and X. It is suggested that the teacher has personal experiences of X as well as being a trained theologian (interdisciplinarity) and to design the course so it attracts both theologians and people from the context of X. This creates a dynamic mix in the course of academic (conventional) theology students and students passionate about X that the essay argues is pedagogically important when trying to stimulate to theological reflexions on X.
GIS as a heuristic tool to interpret ancient historiography: A case study to reconstruct what could plausibly have happened according to the accounts in New Testament texts
Authors: van Altena Vincent , Krans Jan , Bakker Henk , Stoter Jantien
Published: June 2021

This article examines how GIS can be used as a heuristic tool to reconstruct spatial–temporal events from narratives in order to examine whether a scenario is conceivable within the narrative world. The narrative about Paul's escape from Berea (Acts 17:14–15) is used as a case study. Several interpretive issues related to spatial and temporal questions surround these texts. In the case study, three methods are applied: (a) least‐cost path analysis on elevation data to construct journeys and travel times for Roman roads; (b) network analysis to find seafaring routes valid for ancient times; and (c) the integration of spatial and temporal data in a space‐time cube. Our main finding is that the method yields insights into the spatial–temporal dynamics of the narrative. This helps a modern reader to better understand the narrative conceivability of a story in the mind of a first‐century reader.
Workplace mental health implementation strategies in public safety organizations: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Edgelow Megan , Mckinley Lauren , McPherson Matthew , Mehta Sonam , Ortlieb Aquila , Scholefield Emma
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This scoping review aims to map workplace mental health implementation strategies in public safety organizations and describe the characteristics, participants, and contexts of these strategies.

Introduction:

Workplace mental health implementation strategies are relevant to public safety organizations due to the exposure that many public safety personnel, such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, have to psychological trauma in the course of their daily work. While the importance of attending to public safety personnel's mental health has been established, workplace mental health implementation strategies have historically varied in public safety organizations.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will address workplace mental health implementation strategies used in public safety organizations. It will exclude studies that do not focus on workplace mental health, do not report on the implementation strategies used, or do not take place in a public safety context.

Methods:

Primary studies published in English with any publication date up to the present will be considered. JBI methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be followed. The search will be carried out in five databases and reference lists will also be searched for additional studies. Duplicates will be removed, and two independent reviewers will screen the titles, abstracts, and full text of the selected studies. Data collection will be performed using a tool developed by the researchers, based on JBI's model instrument for extracting study details, characteristics, and results. A summary of the results will be presented in diagrams, narratives, and tables.
Maximum—A Posteriori Estimation of Linear Time-Invariant State-Space Models via Efficient Monte-Carlo Sampling
Authors: Mejari Manas , Piga Dario
Published: June 2021

This article addresses maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) estimation of linear time-invariant state-space (LTI-SS) models. The joint posterior distribution of the model matrices and the unknown state sequence is approximated by using Rao-Blackwellized Monte-Carlo sampling algorithms. Specifically, the conditional distribution of the state sequence given the model parameters is derived analytically, while only the marginal posterior distribution of the model matrices is approximated using a Metropolis-Hastings Markov Chain Monte-Carlo sampler. From the joint distribution, MAP estimates of the unknown model matrices as well as the state sequence are computed. The performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated on a numerical example and on a real laboratory benchmark dataset of a hair dryer process.
An Analytical Model of a Rotating Radial Cantilever Beam Considering the Coupling Between Bending, Stretching, and Torsion
Authors: Wu Xianglin , Jiao Yinghou , Chen Zhaobo
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the mode coupling between bending, stretching, and torsional deformations is mainly studied by presenting an analytical model of a rotating cantilever beam with pre-twist angle and arbitrary cross section. Equations of motion of the beam are derived using Hamilton's principle. The Coriolis effect due to the coupling of the bending deformation and stretching deformation, the eccentricity caused by inconsistency between elastic center and centroid, spin softening effect, stress stiffening effect, shear deformation, and rotary inertia are included in the model. Equations of motion are solved by the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The natural frequencies obtained by the proposed analytical modal are in good agreement with those obtained by finite element method (FEM) which proved the accuracy of the analytical model. Finally, the coupling between different mode components is studied in detail based on a quantitative method. The transformation/conversion between different mode components is revealed, the influence of rotational speed, setting angle, and pre-twist angle on this conversion mode is studied. Results show that a specific mode shape is usually composed of multiple mode components. The essence of mode coupling is the coupling between different mode components. The influence of rotational speed, setting angle, and pre-twist angle on the mode coupling is that they cause the transformation/conversion between different mode components.
Core-level reference spectra for bulk graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)
Authors: Morgan David J.
Published: June 2021

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to characterize a graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) sample synthesized by the high temperature treatment of urea. Core-level C(1s) and N(1s) spectra are presented to aid fitting of such materials and address inconsistencies noted within published research literature.
The Associations Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Academic Performance: A Twin Study
Authors: Aaltonen Sari , Palviainen Teemu , Rose Richard J. , Kujala Urho M. , Kaprio Jaakko , Silventoinen Karri
Published: June 2021

Background: Both genetic and environmental influences have been shown to contribute to the association between physical activity and overall academic performance. The authors examined whether leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) shares genetic and environmental variances between spelling, essay writing, reading aloud, reading comprehension, and mathematics in early adolescence. Moreover, they investigated whether genetic polymorphisms associated with physical activity behavior affect these academic skills. Methods: Participants were 12-year-old Finnish twins (n = 4356–4370 twins/academic skill, 49% girls). Academic skills were assessed by teachers, and LTPA was self-reported. Polygenic scores for physical activity behavior were constructed from the UK Biobank. Quantitative genetic modeling and linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: The trait correlations between LTPA and academic skills were significant but weak (r = .05–.08). The highest trait correlation was found between LTPA and mathematics. A significant genetic correlation was revealed between LTPA and essay writing (rA = .14). Regarding polygenic scores of physical activity, the highest correlations were found with reading comprehension, spelling, and essay writing, but these results only approached statistical significance (P values = .09–.15). Conclusions: The authors’ results suggest that reading and writing are the academic skills that most likely share a common genetic background with LTPA.
Impacts of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Action Observation Network and Sports Anticipation Task
Authors: Gold Joshua , Ciorciari Joseph
Published: June 2021

Effective anticipation skills in sporting cognition have been shown to facilitate expertise in sports. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown to improve motor and cognitive functioning. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the assistive effects of tDCS on the action observer network in both novice and expert gamers during an occlusion task, as well as the related electroencephalographic spectral power response. Twenty-three novice and 23 expert video gamers received either sham or active tDCS with a right parietal anode and left frontal cathode. Only experts demonstrated a significant improvement in predicting ball direction for the overall and early occlusions after tDCS. Spectral power results revealed significant changes in theta, high-gamma, and delta frequencies. The findings indicate that tDCS was able to modulate anticipatory behavior and cortical activity in experts compared with novice participants, suggesting a facilitatory role for tDCS to improve anticipatory effects and assist as a neurocognitive training technique.
Accusations of colonial science fly after eruption
Authors: Pease Roland
Published: June 2021

Congolese volcano watchers say European data monopoly hampered Nyiragongo forecasts.
Report traces surge in ocean plastic studies
Authors: Rabesandratana Tania
Published: June 2021

But many studies describe the problem rather than pointing to solutions.
Biologist blows whistle on prominent co-author
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: June 2021

When inquiries went nowhere, Ken Thompson decided to publicly disavow his first paper.
Genomes offer rare glimpse of Neanderthal family groups
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: June 2021

Low genetic diversity in males from two Siberian caves suggests females moved to their mates' families.
Decades ahead, Europe picks goals for big space missions
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: June 2021

Themes for billion-euro Voyage 2050 missions include icy moons, exoplanets, and the early universe.
Echolocation in soft-furred tree mice
Authors: He Kai , Liu Qi , Xu Dong-Ming , Qi Fei-Yan , Bai Jing , He Shui-Wang , Chen Peng , Zhou Xin , Cai Wan-Zhi , Chen Zhong-Zheng , Liu Zhen , Jiang Xue-Long , Shi Peng
Published: June 2021

New echolocator

Echolocation is a well demonstrated convergent sensory mode in bats and toothed whales. These lineages are not closely related, and this sense might be more broadly distributed than we recognize. Using a suite of approaches, He
et al.
show that the lineage of soft-furred tree mice (genus
Typhlomys
) includes multiple echolocators. Clear evidence of the behavioral use of echolocation under fully dark conditions was supported by the convergence of ear bone morphology and hearing-related genes with other echolocating mammals.

Science
, aay1513, this issue p.
eaay1513
Who do we invent for? Patents by women focus more on women’s health, but few women get to invent
Authors: Koning Rembrand , Samila Sampsa , Ferguson John-Paul
Published: June 2021

Invention and identity

Members of social groups may be more likely to patent inventions targeted toward their own group's needs and interests. Koning
et al.
examined US biomedical patents and found that although fewer women engage in commercial patenting compared with men, their patents are more likely to focus on women's health (see the Perspective by Murray). In an evaluation of biomedical articles, the researchers found that women were also more likely to make scientific discoveries that might lead to women's health patents. These findings demonstrate that a lack of representation among inventors translates into a lack of breadth in inventions.

Science
, aba6990, this issue p.
1345
; see also abh3178, p.
1260
Geometric squeezing into the lowest Landau level
Authors: Fletcher Richard J. , Shaffer Airlia , Wilson Cedric C. , Patel Parth B. , Yan Zhenjie , Crépel Valentin , Mukherjee Biswaroop , Zwierlein Martin W.
Published: June 2021

A spinning quantum gas

Ultracold atomic gases are very good at simulating electrons in solids but lack one essential party trick: charge. Their neutrality makes it challenging to simulate phenomena such as the quantum Hall effect, which, in the case of charged electrons, is easily induced by an external magnetic field. One way to produce a similar effect in a neutral system is to rotate it, but achieving the equivalent of strong magnetic fields remains difficult. Fletcher
et al.
rotated a gas of trapped sodium atoms, reaching a state in which the gas could be described by a single lowest Landau-level wave-function. The system is expected to be a testbed for studying the behavior of strongly interacting many-body states.

Science
, aba7202, this issue p.
1318
NF-κB dynamics determine the stimulus specificity of epigenomic reprogramming in macrophages
Authors: Cheng Quen J. , Ohta Sho , Sheu Katherine M. , Spreafico Roberto , Adelaja Adewunmi , Taylor Brooks , Hoffmann Alexander
Published: June 2021

Timing cues epigenomic reprogramming

Different temporal dynamics of activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) can influence the inflammatory response of activated macrophages. Cheng
et al.
report a mechanism by which oscillatory and sustained NF-κB signaling may produce distinct transcriptional responses (see the Perspective by Nandagopal
et al.
). Oscillatory activation of NF-κB activated poised enhancers to transcribe inflammatory genes in mouse macrophages. However, sustained activation of NF-κB produced in cells activated by other stimuli acted on the epigenome. These stimuli relieved chromatin silencing at enhancers and enabled regulation of additional genes.

Science
, abc0269, this issue p.
1349
; see also abj2040, p.
1263
Plant “helper” immune receptors are Ca
2+
-permeable nonselective cation channels
Authors: Jacob Pierre , Kim Nak Hyun , Wu Feihua , El-Kasmi Farid , Chi Yuan , Walton William G. , Furzer Oliver J. , Lietzan Adam D. , Sunil Sruthi , Kempthorn Korina , Redinbo Matthew R. , Pei Zhen-Ming , Wan Li , Dangl Jeffery L.
Published: June 2021

Calcium signaling for host cell death

In response to microbial pathogens, some plants kill off their own cells to limit further spread of infection. The Toll/Interleukin-1 receptor/Resistance class of nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors (known as TNLs) function in plants as immune receptors. These TNLs work together with a dedicated set of helper proteins. Jacob
et al.
reveal the structure of one of these helpers known as NRG1 (N REQUIREMENT GENE 1). The structure resembles a known animal cation channel. The authors demonstrate that helper NLRs directly control calcium ion influx to initiate host cell death, providing a mechanism for TNL outputs.

Science
, abg7917, this issue p.
420
Lead halide–templated crystallization of methylamine-free perovskite for efficient photovoltaic modules
Authors: Bu Tongle , Li Jing , Li Hengyi , Tian Congcong , Su Jie , Tong Guoqing , Ono Luis K. , Wang Chao , Lin Zhipeng , Chai Nianyao , Zhang Xiao-Li , Chang Jingjing , Lu Jianfeng , Zhong Jie , Huang Wenchao , Qi Yabing , Cheng Yi-Bing , Huang Fuzhi
Published: June 2021

Suppressing nucleation over large areas

Although formamidinium-based lead iodide (PbI
2
) perovskites have a favorable bandgap and good thermal stability, the difficulty in controlling nucleation makes it difficult to grow high-quality, large-area films compared with methylammonium counterparts. Bu
et al.
show that adding
N
-methyl-2-pyrrolidone to the perovskite precursors forms an adduct with PbI
2
that promotes the formation of the desired black α-phase at room temperature. The addition of potassium hexafluorophosphate eliminated hysteresis by passivating interfacial defects and promoted long-term thermal stability at 85°C in unencapsulated devices. Large-area modules (17 square centimeters) achieved power conversion efficiencies of 20.4%.

Science
, abh1035, this issue p.
1327
High-density population and displacement in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Mizan R. , Huq Saleemul , Risha Adeeba N. , Alam Sarder S.
Published: June 2021

The strategy promotes “migrant friendly” towns and selective relocation abroad
The economist's guide to feeding the world
The Economics of Sustainable Food: Smart Policies for Health and the Planet
Nicoletta Batini, editor
Island Press, 2021. 320 pp.
Authors: Delabre Izabela
Published: June 2021

A new tome offers a road map for sustainable food production policies
Annotated Genome Sequence of the High-Biomass-Producing Yellow-Green Alga Tribonema minus
Authors: Mahan Kristina M. , Polle Jürgen E. W. , McKie-Krisberg Zaid , Lipzen Anna , Kuo Alan , Grigoriev Igor V. , Lane Todd W. , Davis Aubrey K.
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the annotated genome sequence for a heterokont alga from the class
Xanthophyceae
. This high-biomass-producing strain,
Tribonema minus
UTEX B 3156, was isolated from a wastewater treatment plant in California. It is stable in outdoor raceway ponds and is a promising industrial feedstock for biofuels and bioproducts.
Complete Genome Sequence of Polycladomyces abyssicola JIR-001
T
, Isolated from Hemipelagic Sediment in Deep Seawater
Authors: Tsubouchi Taishi , Kaneko Yukihiro
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Polycladomyces abyssicola
strain JIR-001, which we isolated from hemipelagic sediment in deep seawater. The genome, generated by combining long (Flongle) and short (NovaSeq) read sequencing data, is 3,197,230 bp, with a mean G+C content of 52.0%.
Beam–Plasma Discharge in Space and in a Lab
Authors: Shustin E. G.
Published: June 2021

The process and applications of a specific type of gaseous discharge—beam–plasma discharge (BPD)—are reviewed. A brief survey of the BPD theory is presented. The basic features of BPD in active geophysical experiments with injection of electron beams into Earth’s ionosphere are discussed. Studies of the physics of BPD have revealed the effects successively applied in plasma technology for processing nanoelectronic materials and structures.