bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical somatic information processing for interoception and anxiety in alexithymia
Authors: Terasawa Yuri , Oba Kentaro , Motomura Yuki , Katsunuma Ruri , Murakami Hiroki , Moriguchi Yoshiya
Published: November 2021

The concept of alexithymia has garnered much attention in an attempt to understand the psychological mechanisms underlying the experience of feeling an emotion. In this study, we aimed to understand how the interoceptive processing in an emotional context relates to problems of alexithymia in recognizing self‐emotions. Therefore, we prepared experimental conditions to induce emotional awareness based on interoceptive information. As such, we asked participants to be aware of interoception under an anxiety‐generating situation anticipating pain, having them evaluate their subjective anxiety levels in this context. High alexithymia participants showed attenuated functional connectivity within their ‘interoception network’, particularly between the insula and the somatosensory areas when they focused on interoception. In contrast, they had enhanced functional connectivity between these regions when they focused on their anxiety about pain. Although access to somatic information is supposed to be more strongly activated while attending to interoception in the context of primary sensory processing, high alexithymia individuals were biased as this process was activated when they felt emotions, suggesting they recognize primitive and unprocessed bodily sensations as emotions. The paradoxical somatic information processing may reflect their brain function pathology for feeling emotions and their difficulty with context‐dependent emotional control.
Local‐scale evaporation and water loss distribution in surface soil as related to near‐surface wind conditions and surface geometry
Authors: Poulsen Tjalfe G. , Li Taining , Lu Tianjian , Chen Han
Published: November 2021

Local (cm) scale water loss distribution and evaporation in soil with flat and furrowed surfaces as a function of near‐surface wind speed and wind direction was investigated. Four levels of average main wind speed (10 cm above furrow ridge summits, 0, 1, 3 and 5 m·s−1), three main wind directions (compared to the direction of the furrows, 0°, 45° and 90°) and two levels of relative air humidity (70% and 86%) were considered. Experiments were conducted under controlled (wind tunnel) conditions, using 50 cm diameter and 15 cm height soil samples. For furrowed samples, 6 cm high ridges with 12 cm distance between ridge tops were used. Resulting wind speed profiles above ridge tops were relatively similar (for the same main wind speed), regardless of wind direction, but differed greatly in the valleys between ridges depending on especially wind direction. Strong indication of standing eddies on the lee side of furrow ridges for wind directions ≥45° was found. Local evaporative water loss spatial distribution in furrowed soil, was strongly dependent on wind direction, while local evaporation rates depended strongly on main wind speed and relative humidity level. Significantly higher evaporative water losses were observed at the wind‐exposed ridge slopes (for wind directions ≥45°) compared to lee slopes.

Highlights

Local (cm) scale water loss in furrowed soil under windy conditions was investigated.

Wind speed profiles between furrow ridges were strongly dependent on wind direction.

Local water loss was significantly higher on windward slopes in furrowed soil.

Local water loss spatial distribution was strongly dependent on wind direction.
Using Tsetlin Machine to discover interpretable rules in natural language processing applications
Authors: Saha Rupsa , Granmo Ole‐Christoffer , Goodwin Morten
Published: November 2021

Tsetlin Machines (TM) use finite state machines for learning and propositional logic to represent patterns. The resulting pattern recognition approach captures information in the form of conjunctive clauses, thus facilitating human interpretation. In this work, we propose a TM‐based approach to three common natural language processing (NLP) tasks, namely, sentiment analysis, semantic relation categorization and identifying entities in multi‐turn dialogues. By performing frequent itemset mining on the TM‐produced patterns, we show that we can obtain a global and a local interpretation of the learning, one that mimics existing rule‐sets or lexicons. Further, we also establish that our TM based approach does not compromise on accuracy in the quest for interpretability, via comparison with some widely used machine learning techniques. Finally, we introduce the idea of a relational TM, which uses a logic‐based framework to further extend the interpretability.
Assessment of the comparative efficiency of software‐based Boolean, electronic, software‐based fractional value and simplified quantum principal expert systems
Authors: Straub Jeremy
Published: November 2021

Software‐based expert systems typically use an iterative algorithm for rule‐fact network processing. However, other approaches to expert system implementation also exist. This paper proposes simplified quantum principle expert systems and compares the computational efficiency and comparative efficacy of four types of expert systems: software‐based Boolean expert systems, electronic (gate‐based) expert systems, software‐based fractional value (SBFV) expert systems and simplified quantum principal expert systems (SQPES). For two expert system types, software‐based Boolean and SBFV, back chaining and mixed changing techniques, respectively, are also evaluated. The performance of these systems approaches is compared quantitatively, and the efficacy of the different systems types are compared both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Perceived and observed family functioning in adolescents affected by restrictive eating disorders
Authors: Mensi Martina Maria , Criscuolo Michela , Vai Eleonora , Rogantini Chiara , Orlandi Marika , Ballante Elena , Zanna Valeria , Mazzoni Silvia , Balottin Umberto , Borgatti Renato
Published: November 2021

Objective

We used the self‐reported questionnaire FACES‐IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale–IV) to depict the presence of a typical family‐functioning profile in families with a daughter affected by a restrictive eating disorder. We compared mothers' and fathers' perceptions about their family with each other's and with the clinician's observations. Furthermore, we compared these results with a rigorous standardized evaluation of family functioning, the Lausanne Trilogue Play—clinical version (LTPc).

Background

Many studies have emphasized the role of family factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Previous work using the LTPc have underscored that families with a member who is affected by anorexia nervosa show dysfunctional dynamics compared with control families. However, the FACES‐IV questionnaire showed different results.

Method

We enrolled 40 female adolescents (M = 14.7 years, SD = 1.5) suffering from restrictive eating disorders and their parents. Each parent filled in the FACES‐IV and participated with their daughter in the videotaped LTPc observation.

Results

We found balanced functioning and good agreement between parents on the FACES‐IV. However, the LTPc results indicates that parents' perception differs from standardized evaluation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest using both self‐reported and observational instruments to assess family functioning will improve the accuracy of the assessment of patients with restrictive eating disorders.

Implications

Clinicians should use self‐reported questionnaires along with observational tools such as the LTPc to work with family members, facilitate their understanding of family difficulties, and thus improve family functioning and patient outcomes.
Role of inflammasome activation in neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Marneros Alexander G.
Published: November 2021

Current anti‐VEGF‐A therapies inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a subset of patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (NV‐AMD). However, long‐term treatment with such anti‐VEGF‐A therapies may impair physiological functions of the choriocapillaris and retina for which VEGF‐A is needed. Moreover, disease progression can occur despite continuous anti‐VEGF‐A treatment. Thus, novel therapies for NV‐AMD are urgently needed that target specifically disease‐associated mechanisms without impairing growth factors and cellular pathways that are required for homeostatic functions of the retina and choroid. Inhibiting the inflammatory pathways that promote CNV would be such a promising novel approach that would likely not interfere with the normal functions of healthy retinal and choroidal cells. In this context, the inflammasome, a proinflammatory protein complex that promotes pathologic angiogenesis largely through generation of IL‐1β and which has been reported to be activated in AMD, has become an area of much interest in the AMD field. However, most studies have focused mainly on the NLRP3 inflammasome in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), and conflicting findings have resulted in an unclear picture of the role of the inflammasome for AMD pathogenesis. Recent data suggest that inflammasome activation in activated macrophages and retinal microglia but not in RPE cells promotes CNV. Furthermore, inflammasome activation can occur in CNV macrophages and microglia despite lack of NLRP3. Thus, activation of both NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as non‐NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages/microglia at sites of CNV formation likely promote NV‐AMD.
Concurrent habitat fluctuations of two economically important marine species in the Southeast Pacific Ocean off Chile in relation to ENSO perturbations
Authors: Feng Zhiping , Yu Wei , Chen Xinjun
Published: November 2021

ENSO‐driven concurrent habitat fluctuations of two economically important marine species jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas and jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi in the Southeast Pacific Ocean off Chile during 1950–2017 were examined using a habitat suitability index (HSI) modeling approach. The optimal HSI models sourced from 10 weighing‐based scenarios were developed, selected and validated using the crucial factors water temperature at 400 m depth (Temp_400m), sea surface height anomaly (SSHA) and sea surface salinity (SSS) for D. gigas and sea surface temperature (SST), Temp_400m, and mixed layer depth (MLD) for T. murphyi. Results suggested that the optimal HSI model could accurately predict the habitat hotspots for D. gigas and T. murphyi. The ENSO event (indicated by Niño 3.4 index, NI) was significantly related to environmental conditions off Chile. Cross‐correlation revealed positive relationships between NI and SST, SSHA, SSS, and Temp_400m and negative correlation between NI and MLD. Synchronous opposite habitat fluctuations were shown between D. gigas and T. murphyi under different ENSO events. The NI was significantly negatively related to the HSI of D. gigas and positively correlated with the HSI of T. murphyi. Comparing with the El Niño years, suitable habitats of D. gigas and T. murphyi dramatically enlarged and contracted, respectively, during the La Niña years. Both suitable habitats moved southwestward under this climate conditions. Our finding suggested that ENSO‐driven environmental changes played important roles in the concurrent habitat fluctuations of D. gigas and T. murphyi. Such studies are conducive to the effective utilization and management of multiple related species.
Temperature and pH mediate stoichiometric constraints of organically derived soil nutrients
Authors: Souza Ligia F. T. , Billings Sharon A.
Published: November 2021

It remains unclear how warming will affect resource flows during soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition, in part due to uncertainty in how exoenzymes produced by microbes and roots will function. Rising temperatures can enhance the activity of most exoenzymes, but soil pH can impose limitations on their catalytic efficiency. The effects of temperature and pH on enzyme activity are often examined in environmental samples, but purified enzyme kinetics reveal fundamental attributes of enzymes’ intrinsic temperature responses and how relative release of decay‐liberated resources (their flow ratios) can change with environmental conditions. In this paper, we illuminate the principle that fundamental, biochemical limitations on SOM release of C, N, and P during decay, and differential exoenzymes’ responses to the environment, can exert biosphere‐scale significance on the stoichiometry of bioavailable soil resources. To that end, we combined previously published intrinsic temperature sensitivities of two hydrolytic enzymes that release C and N during decay with a novel data set characterizing the kinetics of a P‐releasing enzyme (acid phosphatase) across an ecologically relevant pH gradient. We use these data to estimate potential change in the flow ratios derived from these three enzymes’ activities (C:N, C:P, and N:P) at the global scale by the end of the century, based on temperature projections and soil pH distribution. Our results highlight how the temperature sensitivity of these hydrolytic enzymes and the influence of pH on that sensitivity can govern the relative availability of bioavailable resources derived from these enzymes. The work illuminates the utility of weaving well‐defined kinetic constraints of microbes’ exoenzymes into models that incorporate changing SOM inputs and composition, nutrient availability, and microbial functioning into their efforts to project terrestrial ecosystem functioning in a changing climate.
Soil burial reduces decomposition and offsets erosion‐induced soil carbon losses in the Indian Himalaya
Authors: Mariappan Sankar , Hartley Iain P. , Cressey Elizabeth L. , Dungait Jennifer A. J. , Quine Timothy A.
Published: November 2021

The extent to which soil erosion is a net source or sink of carbon globally remains unresolved but has the potential to play a key role in determining the magnitude of CO2 emissions from land‐use change in rapidly eroding landscapes. The effects of soil erosion on carbon storage in low‐input agricultural systems, in acknowledged global soil erosion hotspots in developing countries, are especially poorly understood. Working in one such hotspot, the Indian Himalaya, we measured and modelled field‐scale soil budgets, to quantify erosion‐induced changes in soil carbon storage. In addition, we used long‐term (1‐year) incubations of separate and mixed soil horizons to better understand the mechanisms controlling erosion‐induced changes in soil carbon cycling. We demonstrate that high rates of soil erosion did not promote a net carbon loss to the atmosphere at the field scale. Furthermore, our experiments showed that rates of decomposition in the organic matter‐rich subsoil layers in depositional areas were lower per unit of soil carbon than from other landscape positions; however, these rates could be increased by mixing with topsoils. The results indicate that, the burial of soil carbon, and separation from fresh carbon inputs, led to reduced rates of decomposition offsetting potential carbon losses during soil erosion and transport within the cultivated fields. We conclude that the high rates of erosion experienced in these Himalayan soils do not, in isolation, drive substantial emissions of organic carbon, and there is the potential to promote carbon storage through sustainable agricultural practice.
Trends in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Osman Marwan , Kasir Dalal , Rafei Rayane , Kassem Issmat I. , Ismail Mohamad Bachar , El Omari Khaled , Dabboussi Fouad , Cazer Casey , Papon Nicolas , Bouchara Jean‐Philippe , Hamze Monzer
Published: November 2021

Dermatophytosis corresponds to a broad series of infections, mostly superficial, caused by a group of keratinophilic and keratinolytic filamentous fungi called dermatophytes. These mycoses are currently considered to be a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in developing countries such as those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here we compiled and discussed existing epidemiologic data on these infections in the MENA region. Most of the available studies were based on conventional diagnostic strategies and were published before the last taxonomic revision of dermatophytes. This has led to misidentifications, which might have resulted in the underestimation of the real burden of these infections in the MENA countries. Our analysis of the available literature highlights an urgent need for further studies based on reliable diagnostic tools and standard susceptibility testing methods for dermatophytosis, which represents a major challenge for these countries. This is crucial for guiding appropriate interventions and activating antifungal stewardship programs in the future.
Agentic capabilities as predictors of psychological capital, job performance, and social capital over time
Authors: Cenciotti Roberto , Alessandri Guido , Borgogni Laura , Consiglio Chiara
Published: November 2021

The present two‐wave study, conducted on 456 employees, investigates the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the relationships between agentic capabilities (i.e., forethought, self‐regulation, and self‐reflection) and three outcomes, namely job performance, rated by supervisors, and two forms of social capital, namely vertical social capital (i.e., the perceptions of relationship with the supervisor), and horizontal social capital (i.e., the perceptions of positive relationships with colleagues). The results confirmed the positive prediction of PsyCap by agentic capabilities, emphasizing its agentic nature. Moreover, PsyCap fully mediated the positive effect of agentic capabilities on the three outcomes (i.e., job performance, positive perceptions of supervisors, and positive perceptions of colleagues), revealing its key role in translating basic cognitive capabilities related to human agency in job performance and both vertical and horizontal social capital. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed.
Impact of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy on postimplant prostate D90 and prostate volume after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer
Authors: Owari Takuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Maesaka Fumisato , Asakawa Isao , Yamaki Kaori , Fuji Tomomi , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: November 2021

Objective

Higher quality of postimplant dosimetric evaluation is associated with higher biochemical recurrence‐free survival rates after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer. Postimplant prostate D90 is a key dosimetric parameter showing the quality of low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. In this study, to improve the quality of low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer, we investigated pre‐implant factors affecting the reduction of postimplant prostate D90.

Methods

A total of 441 patients underwent low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy monotherapy and 474 patients underwent low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify predictive factors for postimplant D90 decline. The cut‐off value of the D90 decline was set at 170 Gy and 130 Gy in the low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy monotherapy group and low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy group, respectively.

Results

On multivariate analysis, neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was identified as an independent predictive factor for the decline of postimplant D90 in both the low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy monotherapy group (P < 0.001) and low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy with external beam radiation therapy group (P = 0.003). Prostate volume changes and computed tomography/transrectal ultrasound prostate volume ratio were significantly and negatively correlated with the postimplant D90. The prostate volume changes and computed tomography/transrectal ultrasound prostate volume ratio were significantly higher in patients with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy than those without neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy decreased postimplant D90 with substantial prostate gland swelling after low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. When neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy is required to reduce prostate volume for patients with large prostate glands and offer adequate local control for patients with high‐risk prostate cancer before low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy, intraoperative D90 adjustment might be necessary.
An examination of the use of antibiotics as a method to experimentally perturb the microbiota of suspension‐feeding bivalves
Authors: Griffin Tyler W. , Pierce Melissa L. , Nigro Lisa M. , Holohan Bridget A. , Ward J. Evan
Published: November 2021

Suspension‐feeding bivalves are critical members of aquatic ecosystems worldwide, which is why research into their host‐associated microbiota is growing. Experiments that artificially diminish the native microbial communities of bivalves in vivo will be increasingly necessary to evaluate the functional role of microbes within their hosts. Previous methods to manipulate the microbiome of bivalves lack standardization and, often, verification of successful disturbance. The goal of this study was to evaluate antibiotic administration as a method for perturbing the gut microbiome of bivalves in two separate, but related, experiments. In the first, a mixture of antibiotics was delivered to eastern oysters for 4 days to probe effects on gut microbial carbon usage, diversity, and taxonomic composition. In the second, the same antibiotic mixture was administered to blue mussels for 21 days to probe effects on microbial abundance, diversity, and taxonomic composition. In both experiments, animals were administered antibiotics in isolation, and stringent sterilization methods were employed, which included sterilized seawater and microalgal food. The results of the oyster experiment revealed that antibiotics substantially reduced microbial carbon usage and perturbed community composition. In the mussel experiment, antibiotics lowered microbial abundance and species richness and significantly altered community composition. Taken together, results from the two experiments demonstrate that antibiotics can be used to effectively alter the function and composition of the gut microbial community of bivalves. Future research that aims to perturb the microbiomes of suspension‐feeding animals should incorporate aspects similar to the protocols described herein. Additionally, future studies must include verification, ideally high‐throughput DNA sequencing coupled with microbial quantification, that the antibiotic perturbation was successful.
Facile fabrication of Nd2O2S/C nanocomposite with enhanced microwave absorption induced by defects
Authors: Shen Zhongjing , Peng Hualong , Xiong Zhiqiang , Yang Huili , Huang Zihao , Huang Shuyi , Liu Chongbo
Published: November 2021

The derivatives of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) in which various metal and/or metal oxides are uniformly distributed in porous carbon materials have attracted considerable attention owing to their special characteristics such as large specific surface area, adjustable pore structure, highly ordered pores, and uniform metal sites. Presently, the electromagnetic absorption property of MOF derivatives is primarily enhanced by changing their metal ions, and it is still a challenge to improve the loss ability of MOF‐derived absorbers by modifying the organic ligands of MOFs. In this work, rhombic Nd2O2S/C nanocomposites with excellent microwave absorption (MA) performance are synthesized via in‐situ pyrolysis of (Nd[TDA][CH3COO][H2O])n (H2TDA: 2,5‐thiophenedioic acid). The influence of pyrolysis temperature on the MA performance of the composites is examined. The Nd2O2S/C‐800 composite exhibits a minimum reflection loss of –52.3 dB at 2.56 mm thickness, which is ascribed to the synergistic effect of multiple loss mechanisms, including polarization, conduction loss, and so forth. Overall, this paper provides a useful method to synthesize high‐performance MA materials by utilizing MOFs with rare‐earth ions connected by sulfur‐containing organic ligand.
Fertility preservation of polypoid endometriosis: Case series and literature review
Authors: Miyoshi Sayuri , Yamaguchi Ken , Chigusa Yoshitsugu , Sunada Masumi , Yamanoi Koji , Horie Akihito , Hamanishi Junzo , Kondoh Eiji , Mandai Masaki
Published: November 2021

Polypoid endometriosis (PE) is a rare distinctive variant of endometriosis with morphological features resembling malignant tumors. Although a surgical procedure is usually performed for the treatment and diagnosis of PE, fertility preservation is usually desired in cases of reproductive age. However, there have been no reports of fertility‐preserving treatments resulting in live births. In this study, we report three cases of PE that were diagnosed preoperatively or intraoperatively, leading to fertility preservation. Intraoperative pathological diagnosis, hysteroscopy, and hormone therapy before treatment were useful for preoperative diagnosis in the three cases. Two of the three patients got pregnant and the pregnancy progressed to a live birth. We also performed a literature review to identify the clinical characteristics indicative of the preoperative diagnosis of PE.
Optimal lockdowns for COVID‐19 pandemics: Analyzing the efficiency of sanitary policies in Europe
Authors: Gallic Ewen , Lubrano Michel , Michel Pierre
Published: November 2021

Two main nonpharmaceutical policy strategies have been used in Europe in response to the COVID‐19 epidemic: one aimed at natural herd immunity and the other at avoiding saturation of hospital capacity by crushing the curve. The two strategies lead to different results in terms of the number of lives saved on the one hand and production loss on the other hand. Using a susceptible–infected–recovered–dead model, we investigate and compare these two strategies. As the results are sensitive to the initial reproduction number, we estimate the latter for 10 European countries for each wave from January 2020 till March 2021 using a double sigmoid statistical model and the Oxford COVID‐19 Government Response Tracker data set. Our results show that Denmark, which opted for crushing the curve, managed to minimize both economic and human losses. Natural herd immunity, sought by Sweden and the Netherlands does not appear to have been a particularly effective strategy, especially for Sweden, both in economic terms and in terms of lives saved. The results are more mixed for other countries, but with no evident trade‐off between deaths and production losses.
Differences in the hepatitis C virus cascade of care and time to initiation of therapy among vulnerable subpopulations using a mobile unit as point‐of‐care
Authors: Valencia Jorge , Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Ceballos Francisco C. , Troya Jesús , Cuevas Guillermo , Resino Salvador , Torres‐Macho Juan , Ryan Pablo
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

People who inject drugs (PWID) and other marginalized populations with high hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates represent a unique challenge for treatment initiation due to health, administrative and social barriers. We analysed the HCV cascade of care (CoC) in some vulnerable subpopulations in Madrid, Spain, when using a mobile point‐of‐care (PoC).

Methods

From 2019 to 2021, a mobile unit was used to screen active HCV using a linkage‐to‐care and two‐step PoC‐based strategy. Viremic participants were grouped into four subgroups: PWID, homeless individuals and people with a mental health disorder (MHD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Logistic regression, and Cox and Aalen's additive models were used to analyse associated factors and differences between groups.

Results

A prospectively recruited cohort of 214 HCV‐infected individuals (73 PWID, 141 homeless, 57 with a MHD and 91 with AUD) participated in the study. The overall HCV CoC analysis found that 178 (83.1%) attended a hospital, 164 (76.6%) initiated direct‐acting antiviral therapy and 141 (65.8%) completed therapy, of which 99 (95.2%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR). PWID were significantly less likely to initiate treatment, whereas individuals with AUD waited longer before starting the treatment. Both people with AUD and PWID were significantly less likely to complete HCV treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, SVR was achieved in the majority of the participants treated. However, PWID need better linkage to care and treatment, whereas PWID and AUD need more support for treatment completion.
Morphological and functional changes of striatal neurons with L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia
Authors: Nishijima Haruo , Nakamura Takashi , Tomiyama Masahiko
Published: November 2021

Priming and expression of L‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) is associated with maladaptive plasticity of striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the direct pathway of the basal ganglia. The L‐dopa dosage threshold for dyskinesia decreases immediately after dopaminergic denervation, then gradually after repeated L‐dopa treatment. Dopaminergic denervation induces D1 receptor hypersensitivity in the soma and axon terminals and diminishes negative feedback from GABAB receptors in the direct pathway SPNs, resulting in neuronal hypersensitivity. After dopaminergic denervation, serotonergic neurons metabolize L‐dopa. Serotonergic neurons do not have D2 receptors or dopamine transporters, resulting in a non‐regulated release of dopamine, with subsequent pulsatile dopamine receptor stimulation. L‐dopa treatment post‐dopaminergic denervation induces LID in rat models. Dyskinetic rats show a lack of depotentiation at their corticostriatal synapses and enlargement of their dendritic spines within direct pathway SPNs, both of which account for strengthened corticostriatal synaptic transmission in LID models. Intra‐SPN signal transduction is activated, resulting in the hypersynthesis of GABA. The volume of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) increases alongside the enlargement of axon terminals with many synaptic vesicles containing GABA from direct pathway SPNs. When the model expresses LID, excessive GABA is released into the GPi. LID priming involves excessive GABA storage in GPi axon terminals, with LID triggered by enhanced GABA release into the GPi.
Distress among hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Ganz Freda DeKeyser , Raanan Ofra , Shafir Gennady , Levy Dassy , Klempfner Robert , Beigel Roy , Iakobishvili Zaza
Published: November 2021

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that those suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) experience various physical and psychological symptoms. Few studies have investigated the multi‐factorial, holistic, unpleasant experience of distress that includes physical, psychological, social, and spiritual factors among this patient population while still hospitalized.

Aim

To describe the level of distress among patients hospitalized with ACS and its association with demographic and clinical factors and mortality.

Study Design

The study conducted a descriptive, cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The Acute Coronary Syndrome Israel Study is a national, biennial registry, enrolling all patients with ACS admitted to cardiac intensive care or cardiology wards in Israel within a 2‐month period. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from an electronic database. Distress was measured by the Distress Thermometer. Nurses collected distress data directly from patients before discharge.

Results

Nine hundred ninety participants (50.6% response rate) were surveyed. Mean age was 62.8 (SD = 12.5). Mean distress level was 4.8 (SD = 3.45) out of 10. The most frequently reported area of distress was physical, followed by emotional. Practical and family problems were less frequent. Emotional distress was found to differ based on educational level, marital status, smoking history, and previous medical history. Distress did not predict 7‐ or 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions

Respondents with ACS were in moderate distress. It is recommended that those at increased risk receive increased monitoring of emotional distress while still in hospital. Further studies should investigate this holistic view of distress among the ACS population using a variety of methods and methodologies.
6‐Benzyladenine increasing subsequent waterlogging‐induced waterlogging tolerance of summer maize by increasing hormone signal transduction
Authors: Hu Juan , Ren Baizhao , Dong Shuting , Liu Peng , Zhao Bin , Zhang Jiwang
Published: November 2021

Summer maize is frequently subjected to waterlogging damage because of increased and variable rainfall during the growing season. The application of 6‐benzyladenine (6‐BA) can effectively mitigate the waterlogging effects on plant growth and increase the grain yield of waterlogged summer maize. However, the mechanisms underlying this process and the involvement of 6‐BA in relevant signal transduction pathways remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of 6‐BA on waterlogged summer maize using a phosphoproteomic technique to better understand the mechanism by which summer maize growth improves following waterlogging. Application of 6‐BA inhibited the waterlogging‐induced increase in abscisic acid (ABA) content and increased the phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in ABA signaling; accordingly, stomatal responsiveness to exogenous ABA increased. In addition, the application of 6‐BA had a long‐term effect on signal transduction pathways and contributed to rapid responses to subsequent stresses. Plants primed with 6‐BA accumulated more ethylene and jasmonic acid in response to subsequent waterlogging; accordingly, leaf SPAD, antioxidase activity, and root traits improved by 6‐BA priming. These results suggest that the effects of 6‐BA on hormone signal transduction pathways are anamnestic, which enables plants to show faster or stronger defense responses to stress.
Gut microbiota and vitamin status in persons with obesity: A key interplay
Authors: Voland Lise , Le Roy Tiphaine , Debédat Jean , Clément Karine
Published: November 2021

There are numerous factors involved in obesity progression and maintenance including systemic low‐grade inflammation, adipose tissue dysfunction, or gut microbiota dysbiosis. Recently, a growing interest has arisen for vitamins' role in obesity and related disorders, both at the host and gut bacterial level. Indeed, vitamins are provided mostly by food, but some, from the B and K groups in particular, can be synthesized by the gut bacterial ecosystem and absorbed in the colon. Knowing that vitamin deficiency can alter many important cellular functions and lead to serious health issues, it is important to carefully monitor the vitamin status of patients with obesity and potentially already existing comorbidities as well as to examine the dysbiotic gut microbiota and thus potentially altered bacterial metabolism of vitamins. In this review, we examined both murine and human studies, to assess the prevalence of sub‐optimal levels of several vitamins in obesity and metabolic alterations. This review also examines the relationship between vitamins and the gut microbiota in terms of vitamin production and the modulation of the gut bacterial ecosystem in conditions of vitamin shortage or supplementation. Furthermore, some strategies to improve vitamin status of patients with severe obesity are proposed within this review.
SOCIOECONOMIC CRISIS AND CULTURAL INNOVATION: THE LBA‐EIA EAST MEDITERRANEAN VIA A CASE STUDY OF LASITHI, CRETE
Authors: Wallace Saro
Published: November 2021

The collapse of states c.1200 BC in the east Mediterranean is one of the best‐known socioeconomic crises of the ancient world. The period also witnessed notable innovation in a range of cultural spheres. The more general historical relationship between crisis and innovation can be productively explored using the increasingly detailed data available on this period and region, including case studies like the present one. This focuses on the north Lasithi area of east Crete in connection to recent archaeological work there, particularly at the site of Karphi and on its finds. It is contextualized in terms of the wider Mediterranean crisis context and the particular cultural responses seen in the Aegean. The paper explores the cultural contexts and outcomes of state collapse in ways which can help to interrogate received general models of historical innovation drivers. Does crisis in fact tend to produce technological regression and simplification, as elites disappear and complex sociopolitical systems break down? Do crisis‐spurred population movements have a direct role in transforming technology? Alternatively (or at the same time) does crisis provide a freed‐up social and economic space in which latent local innovation can emerge? In the multi‐context approach to interpreting cultural change adopted here, spheres of technological innovation which have already been intensively studied for the relevant period (e.g. iron introduction) are assessed from new angles, and less‐discussed/‐researched innovations (e.g. in textile making) are explored at a detailed scale through the case study, allowing evaluation of potential cross‐stimulus between different innovation spheres in the context of crisis.
Acute suppression of epicardial left ventricular summit premature ventricular ectopy by occlusive venogram
Authors: Tan Eugene S.J. , Seow Swee‐Chong
Published: November 2021

We describe the unique phenomenon of occlusive venogram‐induced suppression of premature ventricular complexes (PVC) arising from the epicardial left ventricular summit (LVS). Prior to ablation through the coronary sinus, routine occlusive venogram performed at the focus of PVC origin led to localized myocardial staining and simultaneous, sustained PVC suppression. Pace‐mapping adjacent to the area of myocardial staining revealed near‐identical PVC morphology match (98%). Routine occlusive venogram prior to ablation within the coronary venous system is safe and contributed to localization of the PVC focus.
When Two Become One? Examining Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's Campaign Themes from Primary to General Election
Authors: Meeks Lindsey
Published: November 2021

Moving from primary opponents to presidential ticket partners requires negotiation and strategy. Yet no work has systematically tracked the evolution of how two separate campaigns rhetorically become one. Rooted in partisan appeals, descriptive and policy representation, and ticket balancing research, this study employs two computer‐assisted content analytic methods to Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's tweets during the 2020 U.S. presidential primary and general election. Shifting between campaign phases, Harris did not rhetorically engage in ticket balancing or emphasize her qualifications, favoring other techniques instead to support Biden. Biden's messaging remained largely consistent yet showed some accommodations to emerging contexts.
Understanding poverty dynamics in Ethiopia: Implications for the likely impact of COVID‐19
Authors: Mekasha Tseday Jemaneh , Tarp Finn
Published: November 2021

We aim at identifying vulnerable groups that face a higher risk of falling into poverty due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Applying a synthetic panel data approach, our analysis of poverty and vulnerability transitions during the pre‐COVID period shows not only a high rate of poverty persistence in Ethiopia but also a high probability of moving from vulnerable nonpoor status to poor status. Given the observed persistence of poverty and greater risk of downward mobility, even in the pre‐COVID period, it is highly likely that poverty persistence and downward mobility will be aggravated during the current pandemic. A detailed poverty profiling exercise shows that households where the household head is less educated, engaged in the service sector, self‐employed, and a domestic worker are population segments with a high rate of downward mobility. As the emerging evidence on the socioeconomic impact of COVID shows, these segments of the population are also the ones relatively more affected by the pandemic. Overall, the pandemic is likely to result in a serious setback to the progress made in poverty reduction in Ethiopia. Poverty reduction policies should thus target not only the existing poor but also the vulnerable nonpoor.
Response to pneumococcal conjugate and polysaccharide vaccination in children with rheumatic disease
Authors: Jensen Lotte , Christensen Anne Estmann , Nielsen Susan , Pedersen Freddy Karup , Rosthøj Susanne , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Poulsen Anja
Published: November 2021

Children with rheumatic disease and compromised immune system have an increased risk of infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a frequent pathogen, and immunization is recommended. In this study, we investigated whether immunocompromised children with rheumatic disease do respond to pneumococcal immunization with 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. The study was conducted at two tertiary referral hospitals in Denmark from 2015 to 2018. Patients with rheumatic disease and compromised immune system aged 2‐19 years were eligible. Patients were vaccinated with 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. A blood sample was collected before vaccination and after each vaccination. IgG antibodies were quantified for twelve serotypes. Seroprotection for each serotype was defined as IgG ≥0.35 µg/mL. A total of 27 patients were enrolled. After the conjugate vaccine, an increase in antibody titres compared with pre‐vaccination was found for all serotypes and 9/12 were significant. After the polysaccharide vaccine, the antibody titres for all serotypes but one was seen to increase but none reached significance. The proportion of patients protected before immunization ranged from 20.8% to 100% for the individual serotypes. Odds ratio for achieving seroprotection after the conjugate vaccine was >1 for 10/12 serotypes but only significant for three serotypes. After the polysaccharide vaccine, the odds ratio was >1 for 9/12 serotypes but none reached significance. In conclusion, children with rheumatic disease and compromised immune system respond to pneumococcal immunization with 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and maintain antibody levels upon subsequent immunization with 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Effect of concurrent strength and endurance training on run performance and biomechanics: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trowell Danielle , Fox Aaron , Saunders Natalie , Vicenzino Bill , Bonacci Jason
Published: November 2021

This parallel‐group randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of concurrent strength and endurance (CSE) training on running performance, biomechanics, and muscle activity during overground running. Thirty moderately trained distance runners were randomly assigned to 10‐week CSE training (n = 15; 33.1 ± 7.5 years) or a control group (n = 15; 34.2 ± 8.2 years). Participants ran ≥30 km per week and had no experience with strength training. The primary outcome measure was 2‐km run time. Secondary outcome measures included lower limb sagittal plane biomechanics and muscle activity during running (3.89 m s−1 and maximal sprinting); maximal aerobic capacity (V̇O2max); running economy; and body composition. CSE training improved 2‐km run time (mean difference (MD): −11.3 s [95% CI −3.7, −19.0]; p = 0.006) and time to exhaustion during the V̇O2max running test (MD 59.1 s [95% CI 8.58, 109.62]; p = 0.024). The CSE training group also reduced total body fat (MD: −1.05 kg [95% CI −0.21, −1.88]; p = 0.016) while total body mass and lean body mass were unchanged. Hip joint angular velocity during the early swing phase of running at 3.89 m s−1 was the only biomechanical or muscle activity variable that significantly changed following CSE training. CSE training is beneficial for running performance, but changes in running biomechanics and muscle activity may not be contributing factors to the performance improvement. Future research should consider other possible mechanisms and the effect of CSE training on biomechanics and muscle activity during prolonged running under fatigued conditions.
Dark Fun: The Cruelties of Hedonic Communities1
Authors: Fine Gary Alan , Corte Ugo
Published: November 2021

While fun is linked to positive engagement and inclusive community, we explore the connection between fun and cruelty, arguing that acts of aggression and humiliation can also provide pleasurable hedonic experience. In this, we extend the sociological analysis of emotions, emphasizing that emotion work that is broadly rejected can be accepted and desired within the boundaries of local culture as long as interactional commitments exist. These acts, requiring the social support that groups provide, rely on a commitment to cohesion. By examining descriptive accounts of gang activity, bullying, hooliganism, political violence, and military brutality, different in degree of hostility, but similar in rejecting norms of acceptable behavior, we formulate the concept of “dark fun.” In these cases that reveal the establishment of hierarchies of power, the ability to make victims suffer establishes the authority of the group, coupled with the low probability that victims will respond in the situation. However, this rejection of consensual norms occurs in sites of emotional heating. What is deviant in the wider society reveals group belonging. To this end, we advance a meso‐level theory of hedonic cruelty that draws on features of group affiliation based on collective effervescence, local commitments, and moral ordering.
Digital soil mapping of soil salinity using EM38 and quasi‐3d modelling software (EM4Soil)
Authors: Khongnawang Tibet , Zare Ehsan , Srihabun Pranee , Khunthong Itisak , Triantafilis John
Published: November 2021

Land development in the form of irrigation has led to increased agricultural productivity, but natural stores of connate salt have led to salinization. To manage salinity, baseline information about the electrical conductivity of a saturated soil paste extract (ECe – dS/m) is necessary. To value add to the limited ECe that can be collected, proximal sensed data from electromagnetic (EM) induction instruments (e.g. EM38) are increasingly being used because the measured apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa – mS/m) can be correlated with measured topsoil (0–0.3 m), subsurface (0.3–0.6 m), subsoil (0.6–0.9 m) and deep subsoil (0.9–1.2 m) ECe. However, errors may be introduced in prediction, given an EM38 measures ECa at depths of 0–1.5 m in vertical (EM38v) and 0–0.75 m in horizontal (EM38h) mode. To overcome this, we develop a linear regression (LR) between estimates of electrical conductivity (σ – mS/m), inverted from EM38v and EM38h using a quasi‐3d algorithm and measured ECe at the same depths. First, the LR was established (using R2) between estimates of σ inverted from ECa at heights of 0.5 (EM38v0.5 and EM38h0.5) and 0 m (EM38v0 and EM38h0), either alone or in combination, as well as in vertical mode (i.e. EM38v0.5 and EM38v0). ECa were also degraded (100%, 80%, 60% and 40%) to compare loss of prediction agreement (Lin's concordance) and accuracy (root mean square error). We use Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to qualitatively indicate crop growth. Moderate coefficient of determination (R2) was achieved between σ and ECe when we use the EM38v0.5 and EM38h0.5 (0.65) and EM38v0.5 and EM38v0 (0.69), but strong R2 was achieved using EM38v0 and EM38h0 (0.78) and in combination with the EM38v0.5 and EM38h0.5 (0.71). However, while good agreement (Lin's > 0.8) was achieved, during a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for most EM38 combinations, the best result was achieved using EM38v0 and EM38h0 (Lin's = 0.87). There was also loss in prediction agreement and accuracy using any of the degraded ECa data sets, however. The final 3d map of ECe, as well as NDVI, showed where highly saline (>8 dS/m) areas in the west of most fields resulted as a function of leakage from the Kham‐rean Canal and topography (i.e. lower lying areas). We conclude the approach has broad application to map, potentially manage and monitor large areas of north‐east Thailand.