bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zur Mitgliederentwicklung im organisierten Sport und der Abschätzung von pandemiebedingten Folgen
Authors: Thieme Lutz , Wallrodt Sören
Published: October 2021

Gemessen an anderen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen werden zentrale Größen der Entwicklung von Sportvereinen bislang nur rudimentär verfolgt. Dies gilt auch für die Mitgliederentwicklung, die infolge der Corona-Pandemie in den letzten Monaten stärker ins Blickfeld der Öffentlichkeit geraten ist. In diesem Zusammenhang sind jedoch unterkomplexe Interpretationen zu konstatieren. Für Veränderungen wird nahezu ausschließlich die Pandemie verantwortlich gemacht. Der Beitrag zeigt, welche Möglichkeiten Mitgliederdaten auf Ebene von Sportvereinen und Sportverbänden bieten und welche Analysen bislang noch weitgehend ungenutzt geblieben sind.
Emerging technology approach for extractability and stability of betalains from the peel of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Zin Moh Moh , Bánvölgyi Szilvia
Published: October 2021

Betalains are natural color compounds with high water affinity, unstable, and fragile; hence, understanding their thermal tolerance is always beneficial either in manufacturing them or in their application in betalain-rich functional foods for better handling. In our study, the extractability of betalains via microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) from the peel of beetroot was implemented at 100–800 W for 30–150 s with four different solvents. Among the maximum amounts of total betalains (202.08 ± 2.23 mg/100 g FW), betacyanin (115.89 ± 1.08 mg/100 g FW) and betaxanthin (86.21 ± 1.16 mg/100 g FW) were generated by pure water solvent after 150 s of MAE at 800 W. Alternatively, the susceptibility of beetroot peel extracts to processing conditions was investigated by heating them at 30–70 °C, and the thermal instability of betalains was evaluated by half-life (t1/2), temperature quotient (Q10), and activation energy (Ea), using the Arrhenius equation. The resulted retention percentage (R%) proved that ascorbic acid improved the R% of total betalains from 22 to 51% and betacyanin from 3 to 29% and in contrast reduced R% of betaxanthin from 56 to 40% after the heat treatment at 70 °C for 5 h.
Return of crop residues to arable land stimulates N2O emission but mitigates NO3− leaching: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhijie , Reichel Rüdiger , Xu Zhenfeng , Vereecken Harry , Brüggemann Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Incorporation of crop residues into the soil has been widely recommended as an effective method to sustain soil fertility and improve soil carbon sequestration in arable lands. However, it may lead to an increase in the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) and leaching of nitrate (NO3−) to groundwater due to higher nitrogen (N) availability after crop residue incorporation. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis based on 345 observations from 90 peer-reviewed studies to evaluate the effects of crop residue return on soil N2O emissions and NO3− leaching for different locations, climatic and soil conditions, and agricultural management strategies. On average, crop residue incorporation significantly stimulated N2O emissions by 29.7%, but decreased NO3− leaching by 14.4%. The increase in N2O emissions was negatively and significantly correlated with mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation, and with the most significant changes occurring in the temperate climate zone. Crop residues stimulated N2O emission mainly in soils with pH ranging between 5.5 and 6.5, or above 7.5 in soils with low clay content. In addition, crop residue application decreased NO3− leaching significantly in soils with sandy loam, silty clay loam, and silt loam textures. Our analysis reveals that an appropriate crop residue management adapted to the site-specific soil and environmental conditions is critical for increasing soil organic carbon stocks and decreasing nitrogen losses. The most important novel finding is that residue return, despite stimulation of N2O emissions, is particularly effective in reducing NO3− leaching in soils with loamy texture, which are generally among the most productive arable soils.
February orchid cover crop improves sustainability of cotton production systems in the Yellow River basin
Authors: Wang Zhanbiao , Zhai Lichao , Xiong Shiwu , Li Xiaofei , Han Yingchun , Wang Guoping , Feng Lu , Fan Zhengyi , Lei Yaping , Yang Beifang , Xing Fangfang , Xin Minghua , Du Wenli , Li Yabing
Published: October 2021

Cotton-winter fallow is the major cropping system of cotton in the Yellow River basin of China, which not only leads to a considerable waste of land and natural resources, but also high greenhouse emissions and a loss of reactive nitrogen. Replacing winter bare fallow in cotton production with February orchid as a cover crop is a new cropping system in this area, but its sustainability is still unknown. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted with two cropping systems (cotton-winter fallow and cotton-February orchid) under four nitrogen application rates (0, 112.5, 168.75, and 225 kg N ha−1). Field observations were incorporated into a life cycle assessment to estimate the carbon footprint, nitrogen footprint, net ecosystem economic benefits, and economic benefits. The estimated carbon footprint per unit of sown area was 43.6–76.1% lower in the cotton-February orchid system than in the cotton-winter fallow system, mainly because of the increase in soil organic carbon. The cotton-February orchid system significantly increased the nitrogen footprint per unit of sown area by 6.7–11.5% under different application rates mainly because of the increase in N2O emissions. The nitrogen application rate significantly impacted the carbon and nitrogen footprints. After accounting for changes in the nitrogen and carbon footprints, the cotton-February orchid system with 168.75 kg N ha−1, which resulted in the highest net ecosystem economic benefits and economic benefits, resulted in a 25.0% reduction in nitrogen fertilizer applied and a 9.5% increase in net ecosystem economic benefits compared with the conventional cotton-winter fallow system and nitrogen fertilizer application rate (225.75 kg N ha−1). Thus, adopting an integrated strategy combining February orchid as a cover crop and a reduced nitrogen fertilizer application contributes to improvements in green and sustainable cotton production systems in the Yellow River basin and other regions with similar ecological conditions.
Theory in quality improvement and patient safety education: A scoping review
Authors: Goldman Joanne , Smeraglio Andrea , Lo Lisha , Kuper Ayelet , Wong Brian M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction Theory plays an important role in education programming and research. However, its use in quality improvement and patient safety education has yet to be fully characterized. The authors undertook a scoping review to examine the use of theory in quality improvement and patient safety education.

Methods Eligible articles used theory to inform the design or study of a quality improvement or patient safety curriculum. The authors followed scoping review methodology and searched articles referenced in 20 systematic reviews of quality improvement and patient safety education, or articles citing one of these reviews, and hand searched eligible article references. Data analysis involved descriptive and interpretive summaries of theories used and the perspectives the theories offered.

Results Eligibility criteria were met by 28 articles, and 102 articles made superficial mention of theory. Eligible articles varied in professional group, learning stage and journal type. Theories fell into two broad categories: learning theories (n = 20) and social science theories (n = 11). Theory was used in the design (n = 12) or study (n = 17) of quality improvement and patient safety education. The range of theories shows the opportunity afforded by using more than one type of theory.

Discussion Theory can guide decisions regarding quality improvement and patient safety education practices or play a role in selecting a methodology or lens through which to study educational processes and outcomes.
Copyright and Artificial Creation: Does EU Copyright Law Protect AI-Assisted Output?
Authors: Hugenholtz P. Bernt , Quintais João Pedro
Published: October 2021

This article queries whether and to what extent works produced with the aid of AI systems – AI-assisted output – are protected under EU copyright standards. We carry out a doctrinal legal analysis to scrutinise the concepts of “work”, “originality” and “creative freedom”, as well as the notion of authorship, as set forth in the EU copyright acquis and developed in the case-law of the Court of Justice. On this basis, we develop a four-step test to assess whether AI-assisted output qualifies as an original work of authorship under EU law, and how the existing rules on authorship may apply. Our conclusion is that current EU copyright rules are generally suitable and sufficiently flexible to deal with the challenges posed by AI-assisted output.
How to handle negative interest rates in a CIR framework
Authors: Di Francesco Marco , Kamm Kevin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a new model to address the problem of negative interest rates that preserves the analytical tractability of the original Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) model without introducing a shift to the market interest rates, because it is defined as the difference of two independent CIR processes. The strength of our model lies within the fact that it is very simple and can be calibrated to the market zero yield curve using an analytical formula. We run several numerical experiments at two different dates, once with a partially sub-zero interest rate and once with a fully negative interest rate. In both cases, we obtain good results in the sense that the model reproduces the market term structures very well. We then simulate the model using the Euler–Maruyama scheme and examine the mean, variance and distribution of the model. The latter agrees with the skewness and fat tail seen in the original CIR model. In addition, we compare the model’s zero coupon prices with market prices at different future points in time. Finally, we test the market consistency of the model by evaluating swaptions with different tenors and maturities.
Verfügbarkeit und Zielsetzungen digitalisierungsbezogener Lehrkräftefortbildungen für naturwissenschaftliche Lehrkräfte in Deutschland
Authors: Diepolder Charlotte , Weitzel Holger , Huwer Johannes , Lukas Sarah
Published: October 2021

Lehrkräfte sind essentiell für die Integration digitaler Technologien in Schule und Unterricht. Ihre Qualifizierung für diese Aufgabe ist daher in allen Phasen der Lehrkräfteausbildung von zentraler Bedeutung, zumal nur etwa ein Drittel der derzeit im aktiven Schuldienst befindlichen Lehrkräfte während des Studiums Lerngelegenheiten zu einem digitalisierungsbezogenen Kompetenzaufbau hatte. Trotz des Wunsches nach einer digitalisierungsbezogenen Qualifikation besuchen deutsche Lehrkräfte jedoch vergleichsweise selten Fortbildungen. Neben fehlender Passung des Fortbildungsangebots könnte für diese Diskrepanz ein unzureichendes Angebot verantwortlich sein. Wir untersuchen in dieser Studie, welche Fortbildungsangebote in 12 von 16 Bundesländern explizit für naturwissenschaftliche Lehrkräfte über staatliche Fortbildungskataloge angeboten wurden, welche Kompetenzbereiche des Orientierungsrahmens „Digitale Kompetenzen für das Lehramt in den Naturwissenschaften“ (DiKoLAN) die Fortbildungen adressieren und inwieweit die in den Fortbildungen adressierten didaktischen Funktionen die Lehrkräfte bei der Ausbringung von Distanzunterricht während der Schulschließungen 2020 hätten unterstützen können. Insgesamt werden 90 Fortbildungen identifiziert und damit zu wenige, um die Zielsetzungen der Kultusminister Konferenz-Strategie „Bildung in der digitalen Welt“ angemessen zu verfolgen. Aus den Angeboten lassen sich kaum Hinweise auf Faktoren ablesen, die der individuellen Lehrkraft einen kumulativen Kompetenzaufbau ermöglichen. Fast alle Fortbildungsangebote adressieren für Naturwissenschaftslehrkräfte relevante Kompetenzbereiche des DiKoLAN-Orientierungsrahmens, ein Teil ist geeignet, Lehrkräfte die didaktischen Funktionen zu vermitteln, die auch bei der Ausbringung von Distanzunterricht genutzt werden können.
Cortisol, Temperament and Serotonin in Karate Combats: An Evolutionary Psychobiological Perspective
Authors: Ponzi Davide , Dadomo Harold , Filonzi Laura , Palanza Paola , Pelosi Annalisa , Ceresini Graziano , Parmigiani Stefano , Marzano Francesco Nonnis
Published: October 2021

Objectives

There is evidence suggesting that in martial arts competitions athletes characterized by higher anxiety and harm avoidance may be more likely to lose a fight. This psychological profile has been hypothesized to explain in part the observation that cortisol is higher in losers before and in response to a competition. An important research target that needs further exploration is the identification of phenotypic traits that can be helpful in predicting athletes’ performance. Here we present a brief description of the theoretical bases that drives our research in the evolutionary psychobiology of sports and illustrate preliminary data on the relationship between the 5HTTLPR genotype, salivary cortisol, temperament and competition.

Methods

Sixty-five healthy male non-professional athletes provided saliva samples 10 min before and after a kumite session and filled out the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire.

Results

Salivary cortisol levels 10 min before the competition were higher in losers and in athletes with the S allele. Temperament was associated with competition outcome and cortisol: losers were characterized by higher scores of harm avoidance and harm avoidance was positively correlated with cortisol levels.

Conclusions

The results confirm previous findings linking temperamental traits, pre-and post- competition physiological stress response with competition outcome in kumite fight. Moreover, they indicate an association between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism and pre-competition salivary cortisol, thus providing a preliminary but non-conclusive evidence on the role played by the 5HTTLPR genotype as a vulnerability factor in sport competition.
H-Clinoptilolite as an Efficient and Low-Cost Adsorbent for Batch and Continuous Gallium Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sáez P. , Rodríguez A. , Gómez J. M. , Paramio C. , Fraile C. , Díez E.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the gallium (III) ions’ adsorption onto protonated clinoptilolite (H-CLP) was investigated both in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Regarding batch experiments, the influence of some parameters such as adsorbent dosage, size particle, and temperature was studied, determining that a dosage of 10 g/L for an initial pollutant concentration of 40 mg/L leads to a removal percentage over 85% regardless of particle size and temperature. On the other hand, adsorption of gallium onto H-CPL is an endothermic and spontaneous process in the studied temperature range, concluding that the maximum adsorption capacity was 16 mg/g for 60 °C. Concerning to the effect of the presence of other cations in solution, such as Na+, K+, or Ca2+, gallium adsorption capacity only drops by 20%, although the initial concentration of other cations in the solution is 50 times higher than gallium concentration. This means that clinoptilolite has a high affinity for gallium which can be very favorable for further selectivity tests. A crucial factor for this high selectivity could be the protonation of clinoptilolite which allows working without modifying the pH of the aqueous solution with acid. In the fixed-bed experiments, breakthrough curves were obtained, and the effect of operation variables was determined. A breakpoint value of 254 min for 64 g of adsorbent and flow rate of 9.0 mL/min (7.0 BV/h) were obtained, when treating a pollutant volume of 33 BV. Additionally, the breakthrough curves were fitted to different models to study the particle size effect, being the best fit corresponding to the Adams–Bohart model. This fact confirmed the influence of particle size on adsorption kinetics.

Graphical Abstract
Moving from plagiarism police to integrity coaches: assisting novice students in understanding the relationship between research and ownership
Authors: Vaccino-Salvadore Silvia , Hall Buck Rachel
Published: October 2021

Much of the discourse surrounding plagiarism is one of fear—a fear of being caught and punished, but many plagiarism examples happen unintentionally as students struggle with a new language, new ideas, and new communities in tertiary education. Specifically, many students are challenged with the task of writing a research paper, which involves finding academic sources, reading those sources to answer a research question, and integrating direct quotations and paraphrasing. Because novice writers often struggle with these skills, what is a developmental stage is instead interpreted as plagiarism. Much of the discussion of plagiarism involves implicit and explicit definitions of ownership, but there is little research about how students understand the concept of ownership in relation to ideas and language. In this qualitative study, we present data from 18 international students at an American-style university in the Middle East who write an introductory research paper as part of a composition course. Results show that perceptions of plagiarism changed in relation to owning ideas, owning language, and owning time spent on the research process and that distinguishing these boundaries is often difficult for students even within their own final research papers. We suggest teaching more robust note-taking strategies, discussing ownership in terms of a writer’s choices in guiding readers through the paper, and creating an environment where students can understand the complexities of plagiarism rather than simply fearing being caught.
The feasibility of conducting acute sarcopenia research in hospitalised older patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Welch Carly , Greig Carolyn , Majid Zeinab , Masud Tahir , Moorey Hannah , Pinkney Thomas , Jackson Thomas
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To assess feasibility of conducting acute sarcopenia research in complex populations of hospitalised older adults.

Methods

Patients ≥ 70 years old were recruited to three cohorts: elective colorectal surgery, emergency (abdominal) surgery, medical patients with infections. Participants were recruited to the elective cohort in preoperative assessment clinic, and acutely admitted participants from surgical and medical wards at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Serial measures of muscle quantity (ultrasound quadriceps, bioelectrical impedance analysis), muscle function (hand grip strength, physical performance), and questionnaires (mini-nutritional assessment, physical function) were performed at baseline, within 7 (± 2) days of admission/surgery, and 13 (± 1) weeks post-admission/surgery. Feasibility outcomes were assessed across timepoints including recruitment and drop-out rates, and procedure completion rates.

Results

Eighty-one participants were recruited (mean age 79, 38.3% females). Recruitment rates were higher in elective (75%, 24/32) compared to emergency surgery (37.2%, 16/43), and medical participants (45.1%, 41/91; p = 0.003). Drop-out rates varied from 8.3 to 19.5% at 7 days, and 12.5–43.9% at 13 weeks. Age and gender did not differ between patients assessed for eligibility, approached, or recruited. Completion rates were highest for ultrasound quadriceps (98.8%, 80/81 across all groups at baseline). Gait speed completion rates were lower in medical (70.7%, 29/41) compared to elective participants (100%, 24/24) at baseline.

Conclusion

Higher participation refusal and drop-out rates should be expected for research involving recruitment of participants from the acute setting. Assessment of muscle quantity/quality through ultrasound is recommended in early-stage trials in the acute setting, where completion rates of physical performance testing are expected to be lower.
Insights from a novel, user-driven science transfer program for resource management
Authors: Hinderer J. L. M. , Blevins Z. , Cooke S. J. , Dunlop E. , Robinson K. F. , Stang D. L. , Stewart T. J. , Tyson J. T. , Welsh A. B. , Young N. , Muir A. M.
Published: October 2021

Research results are often not easily accessible or readily digestible for decision-making by natural resource managers. This knowledge-action gap is due to various factors including the time lag between new knowledge generation and its transfer, lack of formal management structures, and institutional inertia to its uptake. Herein, we reflect on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Science Transfer Program and its evolution from ‘Mode 1’ (i.e., scientists conduct research autonomously) toward ‘Mode 2’ (i.e., co-production of knowledge with practitioners) knowledge production to understand and overcome the knowledge-action gap. Six success factors and strategies and tactics used to achieve those factors were critical to the shift from Mode 1 to Mode 2: (1) dedicate funding and staff support; (2) obtain top-down commitment from organizational leadership; (3) break down silos; (4) build relationships through formal and informal interactions; (5) emphasize co-production in program and project implementation; and (6) obtain buy-in among relevant actors. By way of three project case studies, we highlight knowledge transfer approaches, products, and lessons learned. We anticipate this contribution will benefit those working on knowledge mobilization, particularly in boundary-spanning organizations, and those involved in resource program management, administration, and design; it is also intended for resource managers seeking to have their science and information needs met more effectively.
A hybrid approach to identifying and assessing interactions between climate action (SDG13) policies and a range of SDGs in a UK context
Authors: Stevenson Samuel , Collins Alexandra , Jennings Neil , Köberle Alexandre C. , Laumann Felix , Laverty Anthony A. , Vineis Paolo , Woods Jeremy , Gambhir Ajay
Published: October 2021

In 2015 the United Nations drafted the Paris Agreement and established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for all nations. A question of increasing relevance is the extent to which the pursuit of climate action (SDG 13) interacts both positively and negatively with other SDGs. We tackle this question through a two-pronged approach: a novel, automated keyword search to identify linkages between SDGs and UK climate-relevant policies; and a detailed expert survey to evaluate these linkages through specific examples. We consider a particular subset of SDGs relating to health, economic growth, affordable and clean energy and sustainable cities and communities. Overall, we find that of the 89 UK climate-relevant policies assessed, most are particularly interlinked with the delivery of SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and that certain UK policies, like the Industrial Strategy and 25-Year Environment Plan, interlink with a wide range of SDGs. Focusing on these climate-relevant policies is therefore likely to deliver a wide range of synergies across SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 7, 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 11, 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land). The expert survey demonstrates that in addition to the range of mostly synergistic interlinkages identified in the keyword search, there are also important potential trade-offs to consider. Our analysis provides an important new toolkit for the research and policy communities to consider interactions between SDGs, which can be employed across a range of national and international contexts.
Identifying key ethical debates for autonomous robots in agri-food: a research agenda
Authors: Ryan Mark , van der Burg Simone , Bogaardt Marc-Jeroen
Published: October 2021

Agribusinesses are investing in different forms of AI robots, as there is a lot of hope that these machines will help meet the challenges within the agricultural industry, which is to efficiently produce more food for a growing world population. AI robots are expected to enhance production, while compensating for lack of manpower, reducing production costs, taking over unattractive (risky, heavy, and dirty) jobs and reducing the burden of food production on the environment. In spite of these promises, however, AI robots for agri-food also give rise to ethical questions and concerns, which have been little researched and discussed until now. To fill this gap, we developed a research agenda for future research in this area. To do this, we opened our analysis to focus on ethics AI robots generally to specifically identify which of these issues are most relevant to agro-robots. The question we want to find an answer to is: what are the most relevant ethical questions raised about AI robots for robots developed for the agri-food sector? And which questions are not mentioned in the literature, which are particularly relevant for agro-robots? Our paper will provide an overview over the key issues and areas which deserve further elaboration to come to a more mature ethics of AI agro-robots.
Facing Counterfeit Medications in Sexual Medicine. A Systematic Scoping Review on Social Strategies and Technological Solutions
Authors: Sansone Andrea , Cuzin Béatrice , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The counterfeit phenomenon is a largely under-reported issue, with potentially large burden for healthcare. The market for counterfeit drugs used in sexual medicine, most notably type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5i), is rapidly growing.

Aims

To report the health risks associated with the use of counterfeit medications, the reasons driving their use, and the strategies enacted to contain this phenomenon.

Methods

A systematic scoping review of the literature regarding counterfeit PDE5i was carried between January and June 2021, then updated in August 2021.

Main Outcome Measure

We primarily aimed to clarify the main drivers for counterfeit PDE5i use, the health risks associated, and the currently available strategies to fight counterfeiters.

Results

One hundred thirty-one records were considered for the present scoping review. Production of fake PDE5i is highly lucrative and the lacking awareness of the potential health risks makes it a largely exploitable market by counterfeiters. Adulteration with other drugs, microbial contamination and unreliable dosages make counterfeit medications a cause of worry also outside of the sexual medicine scope. Several laboratory techniques have been devised to identify and quantify the presence of other compounds in counterfeit medications. Strategies aimed at improving awareness, providing antitampering packaging and producing non-falsifiable products, such as the orodispersible formulations, are also described.

Clinical implications

Improving our understanding of the PDE5i counterfeit phenomenon can be helpful to promote awareness of this issue and to improve patient care.

Strengths & Limitations

Despite the systematic approach, few clinical studies were retrieved, and data concerning the prevalence of counterfeit PDE5i use is not available on a global scale.

Conclusion

The counterfeit phenomenon is a steadily growing issue, with PDE5i being the most counterfeited medication with potentially large harmful effects on unaware consumers.
Design waves and statistics of linear gap resonances in random seas
Authors: Zhao Wenhua , Taylor P.H. , Wolgamot H.A.
Published: October 2021

Water wave resonance between two side-by-side vessels is a multimode resonant hydrodynamic phenomenon with low damping. The potential flow damping and viscous damping inside the gap play a significant role, influencing the amplitudes of the gap resonances. The frequencies of the gap modes can be well predicted by linear potential flow theory, while much effort has been made to explore the nature of the viscous damping. A series of experiments is conducted to explore the temporal (Zhao et al., Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 812, 2017, 905–939) and spatial structure (Zhao et al., Journal of Fluid Mechanics, vol. 883, 2020, A22) of the resonant responses along the gap. Ultimately, it is of practical interest to understand the response statistics along the gap in random seas, to facilitate decision making for safe offshore operations. Following our previous studies which focused on new physics, here we identify the design waves that produce the most probable maximum responses under unidirectional random linear wave excitation. This is achieved through an efficient prediction model within linear theory. Combining the experimental data and linear potential flow calculations, we provide the lower and upper bounds of gap responses, bracketing possible responses at field scale. The statistical model is expected to be of practical importance for offshore operations.
Common seasonal respiratory viral infections in children before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Delaney Meghan , Shah Rahul K. , Campos Joseph M. , Wessel David L. , DeBiasi Roberta L.
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

To describe the incidence of seasonal respiratory viral infections (s-RVIs) before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare virus-specific patient outcomes in pediatric patients.

Design:

A retrospective cross-sectional study including patient admissions to the Children’s National Hospital between October 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020.

Results:

Among 12,451 patient admissions between March 15 and December 31, 2020 (cohort 1), 8,162 (66%) were tested for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and 249 (2.0%) were positive. Among 10,986 patient admissions between April 1 and December 31, 2020 (cohort 2), 844 (8%) were tested for s-RV upon admission and 160 were positive. Thus, 1.5% of patient admissions were associated with laboratory-confirmed s-RVIs. Among the 49,901 patient admissions during a viral season between October 1, 2015, and March 31, 2020 (cohort 3), 7,539 (15%) were tested for s-RV upon admission and 4,531 were positive; thus, 9.0% of patient admissions were associated with laboratory-confirmed s-RVIs. hHRV/rENT was the most detected virus, but the detection rate decreased substantially (31% vs 18%; P < .001) during the COVID-19 pandemic. No patients had RSV, influenza, hMPV, hPIV, or hCoV detected upon admission after April 21, 2020. The 3 patient cohorts had no statistically significant difference in the percentage of ICU admissions (10.8% vs 15.0% vs 14.2%; P > .05) or death at discharge (0.8% vs 0.6% vs 0.5%; P > .05).

Conclusions:

Compared to COVID-19, s-RVI cases were associated with a higher proportion of inpatient admissions but were similar in ICU admission and death rates in hospitalized pediatric patients. Public health interventions for preventing COVID-19 were highly effective in preventing pediatrics s-RVIs.
Wave-riding and wave-passing by ducklings in formation swimming
Authors: Yuan Zhi-Ming , Chen Minglu , Jia Laibing , Ji Chunyan , Incecik Atilla
Published: October 2021

It has been commonly observed on open waters that ducklings/goslings follow their mothers in a highly organized formation. The questions arise: (1) why are they swimming in formation? (2) what is the best swimming formation? (3) how much energy can be preserved by each individual in formation swimming? To address these questions, we established a simplified mathematical and numerical model and calculated the wave drag on a group of waterfowl in a swimming formation. We observed two new and interesting findings: wave-riding and wave-passing. By riding the waves generated by a mother duck, a trailing duckling can obtain a significant wave-drag reduction. When a duckling swims at the ‘sweet point’ behind its mother, a destructive wave interference phenomenon occurs and the wave drag of the duckling turns positive, pushing the duckling forward. More interestingly, this wave-riding benefit could be sustained by the rest of the ducklings in a single-file line formation. Starting from the third one in a queue, the wave drag of individuals gradually tended towards zero, and a delicate dynamic equilibrium was achieved. Each individual under that equilibrium acted as a wave passer, passing the waves’ energy to its trailing one without any energy losses. Wave-riding and wave-passing are probably the principal reasons for the evolution of swimming formation by waterfowl. This study is the first to reveal the reasons why the formation movement of waterfowl can preserve individuals’ energy expenditure. Our calculations provide new insights into the mechanisms of formation swimming.
A New Electorate? Explaining the Party Preferences of Immigrant-Origin Voters at the 2017 Bundestag Election
Authors: Goerres Achim , Mayer Sabrina Jasmin , Spies Dennis Christopher
Published: October 2021

Immigrants now constitute a sizeable and rapidly growing group among many Western countries' electorates, but analyses of their party preferences remain limited. Theoretically, immigrants' party preferences might be explained with both standard electoral theories and immigrant-specific approaches. In this article, we rigorously test both perspectives against each other using the most recent data from Germany. Applying the Michigan model, with its three central explanatory variables – party identification, issue orientations and candidate evaluations – to the party preferences of immigrant-origin and native voters, we find that this standard model can explain both groups well. In contrast, we find no direct effects of the most prominent immigrant-specific variables, and neither do these meaningfully moderate the Michigan variables. However, we find strong formative effects on the presence of political attitudes and beliefs: immigrants with a longer time spent in Germany, a stronger German identity and less experience of discrimination report significantly fewer item non-responses for the Michigan model's main explanatory variables.
ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS OF SCHREMS II FOR EU–US DATA FLOW
Authors: Murphy Maria Helen
Published: October 2021

With the constant flow of data across jurisdictions, issues regarding conflicting laws and the protection of rights arise. This article considers the EU–US data transfer relationship in the aftermath of the decision in Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland and Maximillian Schrems where the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) invalidated an EU–US data transfer agreement for the second time in just five years. This judgment continues the line of cases emphasising the high value the Court places on securing EU personal data in accordance with EU data protection standards and fundamental rights. This article assesses the implications of the ruling for the vulnerable EU–US data transfer relationship.
Does Medicaid expansion influence county health spending? A case of New York counties
Authors: Noh Shihyun , Park Ji-Hyung
Published: October 2021

We investigated the impacts of Medicaid expansion on New York county total health spending and specifics of health spending, including health services, public health facilities and public health administration. Little research considered the financial effect of Medicaid expansion on local governments while well reported are its influences on uninsured rates and health services utilization. New York counties have contributed to health in their boundaries by providing or funding public health services, and supporting a part of the non-federal share of Medicaid expenditures and uncompensated care. Medicaid expansion can reduce the size of county expenditures for health by enrolling more previously uninsured population in the program and offering more generous federal funding for the expanded Medicaid. We offer empirical evidence that Medicaid expansion was associated with reduced county health spending.
Embedded smart sensor dipole antennas for real-time damage assessment, humidity, and temperature monitoring in reinforced and non-reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Ozturk Murat
Published: October 2021

In this study, a dipole antenna is designed for real-time damage assessment, humidity, and temperature monitoring in reinforced and non-reinforced concrete structures. The antenna-based sensor is embedded into reinforced and non-reinforced concrete beams to assess electromagnetic measurements. Reflection parameter S11 in dB values and resonant frequencies of the embedded antenna are evaluated to detect damage, humidity, and temperature changes. The exploratory results show that as deformation increases in reinforced concrete, resonance frequency values decrease and S11 values increase. The load and resonance frequency values showed very close trends as deformation increases in the beam. In water content sensing experiments, the S11 in dB values of the antenna decrease as the humidity increases for concrete specimens while the resonance frequency values increase as the humidity increases for the reinforced concrete specimen. Elevated temperature sensing experimental results show that the resonance frequency values of the antenna decrease as the temperature of the specimen increases for concrete specimens while the S11 in dB values increase as the temperature of the specimen increases for reinforced concrete specimen.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cell heterogeneity and transcriptome profile of breast cancer lymph node metastasis
Authors: Xu Kun , Wang Runtian , Xie Hui , Hu Longfei , Wang Cong , Xu Jiali , Zhu Chengjun , Liu Yiqiu , Gao Fangyan , Li Xintong , Wang Cenzhu , Huang Jinyi , Zhou Wenbin , Zhou Guohua , Shu Yongqian , Guan Xiaoxiang
Published: October 2021

Molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer lymph node metastasis remain unclear. Using single-cell sequencing, we investigated the transcriptome profile of 96,796 single cells from 15 paired samples of primary tumors and axillary lymph nodes. We identified nine cancer cell subclusters including CD44 + / ALDH2 + /ALDH6A1 + breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which had a copy-number variants profile similar to that of normal breast tissue. Importantly, BCSCs existed only in primary tumors and evolved into metastatic clusters infiltrating into lymph nodes. Furthermore, transcriptome data suggested that NECTIN2-TIGIT-mediated interactions between metastatic breast cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) cells, which promoted immune escape and lymph node metastasis. This study is the first to delineate the transcriptome profile of breast cancer lymph node metastasis using single-cell RNA sequencing. Our findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying breast cancer metastasis and have implications in developing novel therapies to inhibit the initiation of breast cancer metastasis.
APOE4 genotype exacerbates the depression-like behavior of mice during aging through ATP decline
Authors: Fang Wenting , Xiao Naian , Zeng Guirong , Bi Daode , Dai Xiaoman , Mi Xue , Ye Qinyong , Chen Xiaochun , Zhang Jing
Published: October 2021

Population-based studies reveal that apolipoprotein E (APOE)ε4 gene allele is closely associated with late-life depression (LLD). However, its exact role and underlying mechanism remain obscure. The current study found that aged apoE4-targeted replacement (TR) mice displayed obvious depression-like behavior when compared with age-matched apoE3-TR mice. Furthermore, apoE4 increased stress-induced depression-like behaviors, accompanied by declines in the hippocampal 5-HT (1A) radioligand [18F] MPPF uptake evidenced by positron emission tomography (PET). In [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET ([18F]-FDG PET) analyses, the FDG uptake in the prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex and hippocampus of apoE4-TR mice significantly declined when compared with that of apoE3-TR mice after acute stress. Further biochemical analysis revealed that ATP levels in the prefrontal cortex of apoE4-TR mice decreased during aging or stress process and ATP supplementation effectively rescued the depression-like behaviors of elderly apoE4-TR mice. In primary cultured astrocytes from the cortex of apoE-TR mice, apoE4, when compared with apoE3, obviously decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial respiration, and glycolysis in a culture time-dependent manner. Our findings highlight that apoE4 is a potential risk factor of depression in elderly population by impairing the glucose metabolism, reducing ATP level, and damaging mitochondrial functions in astrocytes, which indicates that in clinical settings ATP supplementation may be effective for elderly depression patients with apoE4 carrier.
Aberrantly reduced expression of miR-342-5p contributes to CCND1-associated chronic myeloid leukemia progression and imatinib resistance
Authors: Wu Yi-Ying , Lai Hsing-Fan , Huang Tzu-Chuan , Chen Yu-Guang , Ye Ren-Hua , Chang Ping-Ying , Lai Shiue-Wei , Chen Yeu-Chin , Lee Cho-Hao , Liu Wei-Nung , Dai Ming-Shen , Chen Jia-Hong , Ho Ching-Liang , Chiu Yi-Lin
Published: October 2021

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder associated with the Philadelphia chromosome, and the current standard of care is the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). However, some patients will not achieve a molecular response and may progress to blast crisis, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified. In this study, next-generation sequencing was used to explore endogenous miRNAs in CML patients versus healthy volunteers, and miR-342-5p was identified as the primary target. We found that miR-342-5p was downregulated in CML patients and had a significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation in CML. Through a luciferase reporter system, miR-342-5p was reported to target the 3’-UTR domain of CCND1 and downregulated its expression. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-342-5p enhanced imatinib-induced DNA double-strand breaks and apoptosis. Finally, by analyzing clinical databases, we further confirmed that miR-342-5p was associated with predicted molecular responses in CML patients. In conclusion, we found that both in vivo and in vitro experiments and database cohorts showed that miR-342-5p plays a key role in CML patients, indicating that miR-342-5p may be a potential target for future CML treatment or prognostic evaluation.
The spliceosome factor sart3 regulates hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell development in zebrafish through the p53 pathway
Authors: Zhao Yan , Wu Mei , Li Jing , Meng Ping , Chen Jiakui , Huang Zhibin , Xu Jin , Wen Zilong , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Yiyue
Published: October 2021

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess the potential for self-renew and the capacity, throughout life, to differentiate into all blood cell lineages. Yet, the mechanistic basis for HSC development remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized a zebrafish smu471 mutant with hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) defects and found that sart3 was the causative gene. RNA expression profiling of the sart3smu471 mutant revealed spliceosome and p53 signaling pathway to be the most significantly enriched pathways in the sart3smu471 mutant. Knock down of p53 rescued HSPC development in the sart3smu471 mutant. Interestingly, the p53 inhibitor, mdm4, had undergone an alternative splicing event in the mutant. Restoration of mdm4 partially rescued HSPC deficiency. Thus, our data suggest that HSPC proliferation and maintenance require sart3 to ensure the correct splicing and expression of mdm4, so that the p53 pathway is properly inhibited to prevent definitive hematopoiesis failure. This study expands our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms that impact HSPC development and sheds light on the mechanistic basis and potential therapeutic use of sart3 in spliceosome-mdm4-p53 related disorders.
Ferroptosis in liver disease: new insights into disease mechanisms
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Yi , Jiang Rongtao , Xue Ran , Yin Xuehong , Wu Muchen , Meng Qinghua
Published: October 2021

Characterized by excessive iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, ferroptosis is a novel form of iron-dependent cell death, which is morphologically, genetically, and biochemically distinct from other well-known cell death. In recent years, ferroptosis has been quickly gaining attention in the field of liver diseases, as the liver is predisposed to oxidative injury and generally, excessive iron accumulation is a primary characteristic of most major liver diseases. In the current review, we first delineate three cellular defense mechanisms against ferroptosis (GPx4 in the mitochondria and cytosol, FSP1 on plasma membrane, and DHODH in mitochondria), along with four canonical modulators of ferroptosis (system Xc−, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, p53, and GTP cyclohydrolase-1). Next, we review recent progress of ferroptosis studies delineating molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of several common liver diseases including ischemia/reperfusion-related injury (IRI), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), hemochromatosis (HH), drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we also highlight both challenges and promises that emerged from recent studies that should be addressed and pursued in future investigations before ferroptosis regulation could be adopted as an effective therapeutic target in clinical practice.
Antarctic ozone hole modifies iodine geochemistry on the Antarctic Plateau
Authors: Spolaor Andrea , Burgay François , Fernandez Rafael P. , Turetta Clara , Cuevas Carlos A. , Kim Kitae , Kinnison Douglas E. , Lamarque Jean-François , de Blasi Fabrizio , Barbaro Elena , Corella Juan Pablo , Vallelonga Paul , Frezzotti Massimo , Barbante Carlo , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso
Published: October 2021

Polar stratospheric ozone has decreased since the 1970s due to anthropogenic emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and halons, resulting in the formation of an ozone hole over Antarctica. The effects of the ozone hole and the associated increase in incoming UV radiation on terrestrial and marine ecosystems are well established; however, the impact on geochemical cycles of ice photoactive elements, such as iodine, remains mostly unexplored. Here, we present the first iodine record from the inner Antarctic Plateau (Dome C) that covers approximately the last 212 years (1800-2012 CE). Our results show that the iodine concentration in ice remained constant during the pre-ozone hole period (1800-1974 CE) but has declined twofold since the onset of the ozone hole era (~1975 CE), closely tracking the total ozone evolution over Antarctica. Based on ice core observations, laboratory measurements and chemistry-climate model simulations, we propose that the iodine decrease since ~1975 is caused by enhanced iodine re-emission from snowpack due to the ozone hole-driven increase in UV radiation reaching the Antarctic Plateau. These findings suggest the potential for ice core iodine records from the inner Antarctic Plateau to be as an archive for past stratospheric ozone trends.