bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Outward Curved Concha, an Unfamiliar Congenital Auricular Deformation: A Novel Protocol for Nonsurgical Management
Authors: Olshinka Asaf , Ad-El Dean D. , Yaacobi Dafna (Shilo) 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Anomalies present in about 30% of newborn ears; 15% to 20% of them are permanent. Malformations can be treated solely surgically; however, deformations, when promptly diagnosed, can be treated with nonsurgical methods, such as splinting and molding. The deformity of an outward curved concha is not only an aesthetic issue, but may confer functional problems that impair hearing and hearing aid usage. The goal of this report was to present this unique anomaly and our novel noninvasive treatment protocol for its management. Our cohort comprised 10 newborns treated for outward curved concha during 2018 and 2019. The patients underwent nonsurgical treatment using the EarWell system. In some patients, the management was followed by molding and taping to achieve the best effect. Treatment for all the patients began before age 3 weeks (mean, 2 weeks). Treatment duration was 5.2 weeks, on average. Nine patients did not show any adverse effects. The majority of parents expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic result; 70% were extremely pleased. Early initiation of the treatment-protocol for outward curved concha deformation yielded excellent and timely results in the infants, without the necessity of an invasive procedure.
Influence of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on postpartum depressive and posttraumatic symptoms
Authors: Landoni Marta , Missaglia Sara , Tavian Daniela , Ionio Chiara , Di Blasio Paola 
Published: October 2021

Introduction
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a multifactor disorder caused by psychological, social, and also biological factors. 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the promoter region of serotonin transporter gene seems to influence PPD onset. In this study, we examined the effect of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on prenatal and postnatal symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress in women.

Methods
A longitudinal design with three points – time 1 (32–40 weeks gestation); time 2 (2 or 3 weeks after birth), and time 3 (3 months after birth) – was made. A total of 141 women were recruited during childbirth preparation courses. At time 1, women completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Los Angeles Symptoms Checklist (LASC). At time 2, they fulfilled BDI and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS), LASC and the Perinatal Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Questionnaire (PPQ); midwives and nurses collected biological test tubes by blood sampling for the genetic analysis. At time 3, the women were reassessed for BDI, LASC, EDPS, and PPQs. Analysis of variance and moderation analysis were used to correlate genotype and psychological investigations.

Results
Results showed that, compared with LL/LS genotypes, SS genotype moderated cognitive depressive symptoms onset at T2 and T3. Moreover, this genotype correlated, directly or indirectly, with PTSD postpartum aspects (re-experience, avoidance, and hyperarousal).

Discussion
Findings revealed that a lower expression of serotonin transporter gene, associated with SS genotype, seems to render women more vulnerable to depressive and PTSD symptoms after childbirth.
A Prion that regulates genome diversification
Authors: Byers James S. , Futia Raymond A. , Elgort Alex Van , Lozanoski Thomas M. , Garcia David M. , Jarosz Daniel F. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTEpigenetic mechanisms mediate diverse gene expression programs in growth and development. Here we report a protein-based epigenetic element, a prion, formed by the conserved DNA helicase Mph1/FANCM. [MIX+] is a cytoplasmically inherited state with propagation driven by the non-amyloid prion templating of Mph1. [MIX+] provides resistance to DNA damage, a gain-of-function trait that requires helicase activity. [MIX+] reduces mitotic mutation rates, but promotes meiotic crossovers, driving measurable phenotypic diversification in wild outcrosses. Remarkably, [MIX+] can be induced by DNA-damaging stresses in which it is beneficial. Thus, [MIX+] fuels a quasi-Lamarckian form of inheritance that promotes survival of the current generation and diversification of the next.
Digital medical education and students’ mental health: effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Michaeli Daniel , Keough Gregory , Strotzer Quirin , Michaeli Thomas 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
Medical education was challenged and re-imagined during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to examine the consequent changes in medical school curricula alongside students’ mental and physical health.

Design/methodology/approach
It is observed that 549 medical students (response rate: 79.7%) from 31 of 37 public medical schools in Germany completed a cross-sectional online survey. Students answered questions regarding teaching, internet use, COVID-19 and well-being. A multivariate logistic regression examined factors associated with depressed mood, insomnia and headache.

Findings
Academic teaching moved to a virtual environment (91%), whilst practical activities were suspended or cancelled (88%). Virtual teaching modality, quantity and quality were well-perceived, yet 35% of respondents were dissatisfied with their internet connection. Consequently, students worried about the pandemic’s adverse effect on their quality as a doctor (60%) and thought about postponing their studies (30%). Students were frequently engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients (36%). Daily screen time was significantly associated with depressed mood, insomnia and headache. Negative changes in mental and physical health were frequently observed.

Research limitations/implications
Students’ experience with digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic was mixed. Whilst teaching modality, quantity and quality were well-perceived, students’ mental and physical health deteriorated. Further longitudinal studies investigating the impact of digital education on students’ well-being are necessary.

Practical implications
Besides teaching, faculties must quickly digitalize and strengthen social communities and offer targeted support services for students.

Originality/value
This is the first cross-sectional survey exploring medical students’ experience with virtual medical teaching alongside their mental and physical well-being in Germany.
Viewpoint: a transformative view for small service firms in the new Latin American service marketplace
Authors: Bianchi Constanza 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to propose a framework of transformative strategies across the different levels of the service ecosystem for the recovery, well-being and inclusion of Latin American small service firms in the new service marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach
The viewpoint presents an overview of the transformative strategies that can be developed by ecosystem actors for Latin American small service firms in the new marketplace, due to the pandemic crisis. The data are based on personal research and secondary industry reports.

Findings
The pandemic crisis has had an unpresented effect on the service industry in Latin America, particularly on small service firms, which are largely informal. This viewpoint provides themes for timely and actionable transformative strategies for the service industry ecosystem in this region and proposes research avenues for service scholars.

Research limitations/implications
This viewpoint provides implications and ideas for future research on transformative actions for a new services marketplace in Latin America.

Originality/value
This viewpoint the first to propose transformative ecosystem strategies for recovery, well-being and inclusion of small service firms in the new service marketplace in Latin America.
Inhibitory control, exploration behaviour and manipulated ecological context are associated with foraging flexibility in the great tit
Authors: Coomes Jenny R. , Davidson Gabrielle L. , Reichert Michael S. , Kulahci Ipek G. , Troisi Camille A. , Quinn John L. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Organisms are constantly under selection to respond effectively to diverse, sometimes rapid, changes in their environment, but not all individuals are equally plastic in their behaviour. Although cognitive processes and personality are expected to influence individual behavioural plasticity, the effects reported are highly inconsistent, which we hypothesise is because ecological context is usually not considered.

We explored how one type of behavioural plasticity, foraging flexibility, was associated with inhibitory control (assayed using a detour‐reaching task) and exploration behaviour in a novel environment (a trait closely linked to the fast–slow personality axis). We investigated how these effects varied across two experimentally manipulated ecological contexts—food value and predation risk.

In the first phase of the experiment, we trained great tits Parus major to retrieve high value (preferred) food that was hidden in sand so that this became the familiar food source. In the second phase, we offered them the same familiar hidden food at the same time as a new alternative option that was visible on the surface, which was either high or low value, and under either high or low perceived predation risk. Foraging flexibility was defined as the proportion of choices made during 4‐min trials that were for the new alternative food source.

Our assays captured consistent differences among individuals in foraging flexibility. Inhibitory control was associated with foraging flexibility—birds with high inhibitory control were more flexible when the alternative food was of high value, suggesting they inhibited the urge to select the familiar food and instead selected the new food option. Exploration behaviour also predicted flexibility—fast explorers were more flexible, supporting the information‐gathering hypothesis. This tendency was especially strong under high predation risk, suggesting risk aversion also influenced the observed flexibility because fast explorers are risk prone and the new unfamiliar food was perceived to be the risky option. Thus, both behaviours predicted flexibility, and these links were at least partly dependent on ecological conditions.

Our results demonstrate that an executive cognitive function (inhibitory control) and a behavioural assay of a well‐known personality axis are both associated with individual variation in the plasticity of a key functional behaviour. That their effects on foraging flexibility were primarily observed as interactions with food value or predation risk treatments also suggest that the population‐level consequences of some behavioural mechanisms may only be revealed across key ecological conditions.
The costs of administering a wealth tax
Authors: Burgherr David 
Published: October 2021

AbstractI assess the costs of administering a wealth tax for taxpayers and the tax authority in the UK context, based on evidence from existing UK taxes on wealth and comprehensive wealth taxes that have been imposed in other countries. My central estimate is that a well‐designed wealth tax generates costs to taxpayers of 0.1 per cent of taxable wealth and costs to the tax authority of 0.05 per cent of taxable wealth. I discuss how these costs depend on design choices. My findings can inform revenue modelling and help to evaluate the desirability of wealth taxes.
Gender, coauthorship, and academic outcomes in economics
Authors: Hussey Andrew , Murray Sheena , Stock Wendy 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe examine determinants of coauthorship behavior and how coauthorship relates to research productivity and other career outcomes for academic economists. We supplement a unique dataset containing economics Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates' demographic, PhD program, advisor, and other characteristics with measures of their coauthorship behavior and research productivity. Significant gender differences in the formation and effects of coauthorship are found. Students with female advisors and women from lower‐ranked programs had a higher propensity to coauthor, and coauthorship is associated with more research output and more publications in top economics journals. However, women received less credit toward tenure when coauthoring with men or advisors.
Is the value effect due to M&A deals? Evidence from the Italian stock market
Authors: Roma Antonio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper empirically characterises the value effect detected in the Italian stock market for the sample period 2000–2018 based on the value premium offered for the acquisition of a value stock. Bids on value stock (as opposed to bids on growth stocks) generate a large and statistically significant average return on the holding of the target in the deal window. Returns on target stocks for a bid make up to two‐thirds of the average return on the long side of the Fama and French high book‐to‐market minus low book‐to‐market (HML) portfolio. The other significant component of the average return of HML is due to short‐selling small‐growth stocks. As evidenced in previous literature, this is often difficult to implement from a practical point of view.
Transcriptomic profiling of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa wounded skin highlights drug repurposing opportunities to improve wound healing
Authors: Onoufriadis Alexandros , Proudfoot Laura E. , Ainali Chrysanthi , Torre Denis , Papanikolaou Maria , Rayinda Tuntas , Rashidghamat Ellie , Danarti Retno , Mellerio Jemima E. , Ma’ayan Avi , McGrath John A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChronic wounds present a major disease burden in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), an inherited blistering skin disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1 encoding type VII collagen, the major component of anchoring fibrils at the dermal‐epidermal junction. Treatment of RDEB wounds is mostly symptomatic, and there is considerable unmet need in trying to improve and accelerate wound healing. In this study, we defined transcriptomic profiles and gene pathways in RDEB wounds and compared these to intact skin in RDEB and healthy control subjects. We then used a reverse transcriptomics approach to discover drugs or compounds, which might restore RDEB wound profiles towards intact skin. Differential expression analysis identified >2000 differences between RDEB wounds and intact skin, with RDEB wounds displaying aberrant cytokine‐cytokine interactions, Toll‐like receptor signalling, and JAK‐STAT signalling pathways. In‐silico prediction for compounds that reverse gene expression signatures highlighted methotrexate as a leading candidate. Overall, this study provides insight into the molecular profiles of RDEB wounds and underscores the possible clinical value of reverse transcriptomics data analysis in RDEB, and the potential of this approach in discovering or repurposing drugs for other diseases.
Validity and reliability of immunochromatographic IgM/IgG rapid tests for COVID‐19 salivary diagnosis
Authors: Vilela Ana Carolina Serafim , Costa Camila Alves , Oliveira Suzane Aparecida , Souza Menira Borges Lima Dias , Fiaccadori Fabiola Souza , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Costa Nádia Lago 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the accuracy of three immunochromatographic rapid tests for salivary detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) antigens and the reliability of these tests comparing saliva with plasma samples.Materials and MethodsPlasma and saliva samples from 62 patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and 20 healthy volunteers were assayed. IgM/IgG antibody against SARS‐COV‐2 was detected using three immunochromatographic rapid tests and compared with real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).ResultsThe tests’ overall accuracy for detecting anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies ranged from 75.6 to 79.3 for saliva and 86.6–87.8 for plasma tests. The sensitivity of saliva and plasma tests increased with the severity of COVID‐19 signs and symptoms. The chance of a positive plasma test in participants with a positive qRT‐PCR test was 2.27 greater than a positive saliva test.ConclusionsAlthough rapid immunochromatographic tests are more accurate using plasma than saliva, which was expected considering its original use, our findings support the use of saliva as a straightforward supplementary method to assess seroconversion in patients with COVID‐19, with important sensitivity and sensibility, especially in severe and critical cases.
Mutant combinations of lycopene ɛ‐cyclase and β‐carotene hydroxylase 2 homoeologs increased β‐carotene accumulation in endosperm of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) grains
Authors: Yu Shu , Li Michelle , Dubcovsky Jorge , Tian Li 
Published: October 2021

SummaryGrains of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) mainly accumulate the non‐provitamin A carotenoid lutein—with low natural variation in provitamin A β‐carotene in wheat accessions necessitating alternative strategies for provitamin A biofortification. Lycopene ɛ‐cyclase (LCYe) and β‐carotene hydroxylase (HYD) function in diverting carbons from β‐carotene to lutein biosynthesis and catalyzing the turnover of β‐carotene to xanthophylls, respectively. However, the contribution of LCYe and HYD gene homoeologs to carotenoid metabolism and how they can be manipulated to increase β‐carotene in tetraploid wheat endosperm (flour) is currently unclear. We isolated loss‐of‐function Targeting Induced Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) mutants of LCYe and HYD2 homoeologs and generated higher order mutant combinations of lcye‐A, lcye‐B, hyd‐A2, and hyd‐B2. Hyd‐A2 hyd‐B2, lcye‐A hyd‐A2 hyd‐B2, lcye‐B hyd‐A2 hyd‐B2, and lcye‐A lcye‐B hyd‐A2 hyd‐B2 achieved significantly increased β‐carotene in endosperm, with lcye‐A hyd‐A2 hyd‐B2 exhibiting comparable photosynthetic performance and light response to control plants. Comparative analysis of carotenoid profiles suggests that eliminating HYD2 homoeologs is sufficient to prevent β‐carotene conversion to xanthophylls in the endosperm without compromising xanthophyll production in leaves, and that β‐carotene and its derived xanthophylls are likely subject to differential catalysis mechanisms in vegetative tissues and grains. Carotenoid and gene expression analyses also suggest that the very low LCYe‐B expression in endosperm is adequate for lutein production in the absence of LCYe‐A. These results demonstrate the success of provitamin A biofortification using TILLING mutants while also providing a roadmap for guiding a gene editing‐based approach in hexaploid wheat.
Gait Retraining With Visual Biofeedback Reduces Rearfoot Pressure and Foot Pronation in Recreational Runners
Authors: da Silva Neto Warlindo Carneiro , Lopes Alexandre Dias , Ribeiro Ana Paula 
Published: October 2021

Context: Running is a popular sport globally. Previous studies have used a gait retraining program to successfully lower impact loading, which has been associated with lower injury rates in recreational runners. However, there is an absence of studies on the effect of this training program on the plantar pressure distribution pattern during running. Objective: To investigate the short-term effect of a gait retraining strategy that uses visual biofeedback on the plantar pressure distribution pattern and foot posture in recreational runners. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: Twenty-four recreational runners were evaluated (n = 12 gait retraining group and n = 12 control group). Intervention: Those in the gait retraining group underwent a 2-week program (4 sessions/wk, 30 min/session, and 8 sessions). The participants in the control group were also invited to the laboratory (8 times in 2 wk), but no feedback on their running biomechanics was provided. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures were plantar pressure distribution and plantar arch index using a pressure platform. The secondary outcome measure was the foot posture index. Results: The gait retraining program with visual biofeedback was effective in reducing medial and lateral rearfoot plantar pressure after intervention and when compared with the control group. In the static condition, the pressure peak and maximum force on the forefoot and midfoot were reduced, and arch index was increased after intervention. After static training intervention, the foot posture index showed a decrease in the foot pronation. Conclusions: A 2-week gait retraining program with visual biofeedback was effective in lowering rearfoot plantar pressure, favoring better support of the arch index in recreational runners. In addition, static training was effective in reducing foot pronation. Most importantly, these observations will help healthcare professionals understand the importance of a gait retraining program with visual biofeedback to improve plantar loading and pronation during rehabilitation.
Rapidity distribution at soft-virtual and beyond for n-colorless particles to $$\hbox {N}^4$$LO in QCD
Authors: Ahmed Taushif , Ajjath A. H. , Mukherjee Pooja , Ravindran V. , Sankar Aparna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe present a systematic framework to study the threshold contributions of the differential rapidity distribution for the production of any number of colorless particles in the hadronic colliders. This has been achieved based on the universality structure of the soft enhancements associated with the real emissions, along with the factorization property of the differential cross section and the renormalization group invariance. In this formalism, we present a universal soft-collinear operator to compute the soft virtual differential cross section for a generic $$2\rightarrow n$$

2
→
n

scattering process up to next-to-next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order ($$\hbox {N}^4$$

N
4

LO) in perturbative QCD. We also provide a universal operator to perform the threshold resummation to next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic ($$\hbox {N}^3$$

N
3

LL) accuracy. We explicitly present the approximate analytical results of the rapidity distributions at $$\hbox {N}^4$$

N
4

LO and $$\hbox {N}^3$$

N
3

LL for the Higgs boson production through gluon fusion and bottom quark annihilation, and also for the Drell-Yan production at the hadronic collider. We extend our framework to include the next to threshold contributions for the diagonal partonic channels.
Playing with Casimir in the vacuum sandbox
Authors: Kauffman S. , Succi S. , Tiribocchi A. , Tello P. G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Casimir effect continues to be a subject of discussion regarding its relationship, or the lack of it, with the vacuum energy of fluctuating quantum fields. In this note, we propose a Gedankenexperiment considering an imaginary process similar to a vacuum fluctuation in a typical static Casimir set up. The thought experiment leads to intriguing conclusions regarding the minimum distance between the plates when approaching the Planck scale. More specifically, it is found that distance between the plates cannot reach a value below $$(L/L_P)^{2/3}$$

(
L
/

L
P

)

2
/
3

Planck lengths, being $$L_P$$

L
P

the Planck length and L the typical lateral extension of the plates. Additional findings allow the conclusion that the approach between the two plates towards this minimum separation distance is asymptotic.