bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Democracy and the Transnational Dimensions of Low-Level Conflict and State Repression
Authors: Roessler Martin , Zwerschke Patrick , Old Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the transnational dimensions of low-level conflict and state repression. In this regard, special emphasis is placed on the role of political regimes. Drawing on a simple model, we argue that democracy has opposing effects on conflict intensity. On one hand, democracy satisfies demand for political participation and thus reduces conflict potential, while, on the other hand, we highlight that domestic democracy may spur dissatisfaction and conflict abroad, which, in turn, may induce conflict spillovers. As a result, the net effect of democracy on low-level conflict and state repression is ambiguous and depends on the level of democracy in the neighborhood: We predict that democracy is more pacifying in democratic environments and may spur conflict in autocratic environments. By the symmetry of the model, we also predict that democratic environments are more pacifying for democratic countries and may spur conflict in autocracies. Empirical evidence using panel data on different types of low-level conflict and state repression for 160 countries in the period from 1950 to 2011 supports these hypotheses. Additionally, two case studies illustrate the mechanisms of our model.
Thermoregulatory and physiological responses of nonpregnant, mid-gestation, and late-gestation sows exposed to incrementally increasing dry bulb temperature
Authors: McConn Betty R , Gaskill Brianna N , Schinckel Allan P , Green-Miller Angela R , Lay Donald C , Johnson Jay S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Gestating sows may be more susceptible to increasing dry bulb temperatures (TDB) due to greater metabolic heat production and increased body mass, especially as gestation advances. However, there are few studies on the thermoregulatory and physiological responses of sows at differing gestation stages exposed to gradually increasing temperatures. The study objective was to determine the thermoregulatory and physiological responses of nonpregnant (n = 12; parity 3.27 ± 0.86), mid-gestation (59.7 ± 9.6 d pregnant, n = 12; parity 3.25 ± 0.83), and late-gestation (99.0 ± 4.8 d pregnant, n = 12; parity 3.33 ± 0.75) sows exposed to increasing TDB. Prior to the experiment (5.0 ± 0.7 d), jugular catheters were placed in all sows. During the experiment, the TDB was increased incrementally by 2.45 ± 0.43 °C every 60 min from 19.84 ± 2.15 to 35.54 ± 0.43 °C over 400 min, and relative humidity was recorded at 40.49 ± 18.57%. Respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), skin temperature, and vaginal temperature were measured, and blood samples were obtained via the jugular catheter every 20 min. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS 9.4. RR increased at a lower TDB (P &lt; 0.01) in late-gestation sows compared with mid-gestation and nonpregnant sows, but no differences were detected between mid-gestation and nonpregnant sows. Overall, late-gestation sows had greater RR (P &lt; 0.01; 23 ± 2 breaths per min [brpm]) compared with mid-gestation (16 ± 2 brpm) and nonpregnant (15 ± 2 brpm) sows. Late-gestation sows had an overall greater HR (P &lt; 0.01; 84 ± 5 beats per min [bpm]) than mid-gestation (76 ± 5 bpm) and nonpregnant (69 ± 5 bpm) sows. Late-gestation sows had overall reduced bicarbonate and total carbon dioxide levels (P = 0.02; 23.89 ± 1.97 and 25.41 ± 2.07 mmol/L, respectively) compared with mid-gestation (27.03 ± 1.97 and 28.58 ± 2.07 mmol/L, respectively) and nonpregnant (26.08 ± 1.97 and 27.58 ± 2.07 mmol/L, respectively) sows. Moreover, late-gestation sows had overall greater nitric oxide levels (P &lt; 0.01; 248.82 ± 34.54 µM) compared with mid-gestation (110.47 ± 34.54 µM) and nonpregnant (41.55 ± 34.54 µM) sows. In summary, late-gestation sows appear to be more sensitive to increasing TDB as indicated by thermoregulatory and physiological responses when compared with mid-gestation or nonpregnant sows. The results from this study provide valuable information regarding thermoregulatory thresholds of sows at differing gestation stages.
High Dose Ascorbic Acid During Acute Resuscitation in Critically Burn Patients
Authors: Flores Eva , Sánchez-Sánchez Manuel , Gutierrez Claudio , Estébanez Belen , Millán Pablo , Gutierrez Carola , Gonzalez Alvaro , Garcia de Lorenzo Abelardo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is a potent oxygen–free radical scavenger. We hypothesized that treating severe burn patients with high doses of AA (HDAA) can reduce fluid resuscitation requirements and prevent organ dysfunction. We performed a unicentric, retrospective case-control study of 75 burn patients: 25 patients admitted from 2018 to 2019 with more than 30% Total Surface Body Surface Area (TSBA) burned who received HDAA (66 mg/kg/h as soon as possible after admission until 36 h after injury), and 50 patients admitted from 2014 to 2017 with similar Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI)/Baux scores who were treated with the same protocol but did not receive HDAA. During the first 24 hours of burn resuscitation the HDAA group required less fluids than the control group (3.06 ± 0.87 ml/kg/%TBSA vs 4.32 ± 1.51 P &lt; .05), but the overall reduction of fluid requirements during the first 72 hours was not significant. There were no significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), other hemodynamic parameters, complications, or mortality. We also did not find an increase acute kidney injury in patients who received HDAA even though the mean urine oxalate/creatinine ratio was 0.61 (0.02–0.96). We conclude that in severe burn patients treated with a restrictive fluid therapy protocol, administration of HDAA can decrease only the initial fluid requirements but not total fluid intakes. We did not find differences in severity score after resuscitation or in mortality. Nor did we find an increase in renal failure in patients administered with HDAA.
The Effectiveness of Laser Therapy for Hypertrophic Burn Scars in Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Investigation
Authors: Zuccaro Jennifer , Kelly Charis , Perez Manuela , Doria Andrea , Fish Joel S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Laser therapy has become a valuable treatment option for hypertrophic burn scars. Improvements in scar symptoms have been achieved using the ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser as well as the pulsed dye laser. However, research regarding the use of laser therapy among pediatric patients remains limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using laser therapy to improve hypertrophic burn scars in a pediatric population using a comprehensive scar assessment protocol. A pragmatic, single-center, prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Twenty participants with hypertrophic burn scars were included. Laser procedures were administered at approximately two month intervals and scars were evaluated at five time points over one year using the Vancouver Scar Scale, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, conventional ultrasound, ultrasound elastography, and a multi-probe skin analysis device. Seventy-one laser procedures were performed with most participants receiving treatment with both the ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and the pulsed dye laser at the same session (83%). From baseline to study completion, significant improvements in all scar measures were observed (p &lt; .05). In particular, improvements in overall scarring and in specific scar properties including thickness, stiffness, and color were found (p &lt; .05). To the best our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study to date to evaluate the effect of laser treatment on hypertrophic burn scars in a pediatric population. Our findings suggest that laser therapy is a beneficial treatment for burn-injured children as evidenced by the improvements in subjective and objective scar assessment measures.
High Prevalence of Borrelia mayonii (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) in Field-Caught Tamias striatus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) From Northern Wisconsin
Authors: Siy Patricia N , Larson Ryan T , Zembsch Tela E , Lee Xia , Paskewitz Susan M 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Borrelia mayonii is a recently discovered bacterial spirochete that causes Lyme disease and is transmitted by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). To date, B. mayonii has been isolated from two vertebrate host species in Minnesota: field-caught white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque; Rodentia: Cricetidae) and American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Erxleben). Here, we describe the first detection of B. mayonii in field-caught eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus L. (Rodentia: Cricetidae)) from northern Wisconsin. During our study, we captured 530 unique small mammals and found an infection prevalence of 23.50% in field-caught eastern chipmunks (4/17) and 1.19% in Peromyscus spp. (5/420). Mean larval and nymphal burdens were determined for captured Blarina brevicauda (0, 0), Glaucomys volans (0.29, 0.14), Myodes gapperi (0.27, 0), Napaeozapus insignis (0, 0.25), Peromyscus spp. (1.88, 0.11), T. striatus (1.06, 0.65), and Sorex cinereus (0.09, 0). The high B. mayonii infection prevalence in eastern chipmunks suggests that the species may be an important reservoir for B. mayonii in the Upper Midwest.
Complications 18 years after polyacrylamide hydrogel augmentation mammoplasty: a case report and histopathological analysis
Authors: DeLuca Matthew , Shapiro Alexandra , Banayan Elliot , Zielinski Gregory , Karanetz Irena , Asarian Armand , Xiao Philip 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) is a synthetic substance previously used as an injectable material for augmentation mammoplasty. Current literature has demonstrated that the average time from PAAG injection to the onset of complication ranges from 6 to 39 months. We present a unique case report describing the onset of complications 18 years after PAAG augmentation mammoplasty. To the best of our knowledge, the presentation of a healthy female who experienced unprovoked expansion of breast tissue &gt;15 years after polyacrylamide injection has not been previously reported in surgical literature. This suggests that serious complications of PAAG injection may occur later than the literature has previously described. Importantly, this case is the first demonstration of the successful surgical removal of polyacrylamide 18 years after injection. Additionally, this case also provides a histopathological analysis of breast capsules which showed evidence of an extensive chronic inflammatory reaction to polyacrylamide, consistent with previous reports.
SiCEP3, a C-terminally encoded peptide from Setaria italica, promotes ABA import and signaling
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ren Yue , Xu Qian , Wan Yiman , Zhang Shizhong , Yang Guodong , Huang Jinguang , Yan Kang , Zheng Chengchao , Wu Changai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
C-terminally encoded peptides (CEPs) are small peptides, typically post-translationally modified, and highly conserved in many species. CEPs are known to inhibit plant growth and development, but the mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, 14 CEPs were identified in Setaria italica and divided into two groups. The transcripts of most SiCEPs were more abundant in roots than in other detected tissues. SiCEP3, SiCEP4, and SiCEP5 were also highly expressed in panicles. Moreover, expression of all SiCEPs was induced by abiotic stresses and phytohormones. SiCEP3 overexpression and application of synthetic SiCEP3 both inhibited seedling growth. In the presence of abscisic acid (ABA), growth inhibition and ABA content in seedlings increased with the concentration of SiCEP3. Transcripts encoding eight ABA transporters and six ABA receptors were induced or repressed by synthetic SiCEP3, ABA, and their combination. Further analysis using loss-of-function mutants of Arabidopsis genes functioning as ABA transporters, receptors, and in the biosynthesis and degradation of ABA revealed that SiCEP3 promoted ABA import at least via NRT1.2 (NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1.2) and ABCG40 (ATP-BINDING CASSETTE G40). In addition, SiCEP3, ABA, or their combination inhibited the kinase activities of CEP receptors AtCEPR1/2. Taken together, our results indicated that the CEP-CEPR module mediates ABA signaling by regulating ABA transporters and ABA receptors in planta.
A Novel Mutation of the Membrane Metallo-Endopeptidase Gene Related to Late-Onset Hereditary Polyneuropathy: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tsamis Konstantinos I , Xiromerisiou Georgia , Nikas Ilias P , Giannakis Alexandros , Konitsiotis Spiridon , Sarmas Ioannis 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The advent of next generation sequencing has revolutionized diagnostic approaches to hereditary polyneuropathies. Recently, mutations on the membrane metallo-endopeptidase (MME) gene, encoding neprilysin, have been related to the development of late-onset Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2). Here, we report the first Greek patient presenting with a slowly progressive late-onset axonal polyneuropathy and a novel, likely pathogenic, heterozygous variant in the MME gene. In addition, we have performed a systematic review of all published case reports of patients with MME mutations. The results of the studies show that MME variants can be inherited as both fully penetrant autosomal-recessive and incompletely penetrant autosomal-dominant traits. A number of heterozygous variants characterized as incompletely penetrant impose an increased risk of developing a CMT2-like phenotype late in life, identical to the case study described here. Greater mutation numbers in different populations and mutation-specific functional studies will be essential to identify the pathogenicity and inheritance of more MME variants.
Alternative dimerization is required for activity and inhibition of the HEPN ribonuclease RnlA
Authors: Garcia-Rodriguez Gabriela , Charlier Daniel , Wilmaerts Dorien , Michiels Jan , Loris Remy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The rnlAB toxin-antitoxin operon from Escherichia coli functions as an anti-phage defense system. RnlA was identified as a member of the HEPN (Higher Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes Nucleotide-binding domain) superfamily of ribonucleases. The activity of the toxin RnlA requires tight regulation by the antitoxin RnlB, the mechanism of which remains unknown. Here we show that RnlA exists in an equilibrium between two different homodimer states: an inactive resting state and an active canonical HEPN dimer. Mutants interfering with the transition between states show that canonical HEPN dimerization via the highly conserved RX4-6H motif is required for activity. The antitoxin RnlB binds the canonical HEPN dimer conformation, inhibiting RnlA by blocking access to its active site. Single-alanine substitutions mutants of the highly conserved R255, E258, R318 and H323 show that these residues are involved in catalysis and substrate binding and locate the catalytic site near the dimer interface of the canonical HEPN dimer rather than in a groove located between the HEPN domain and the preceding TBP-like domain. Overall, these findings elucidate the structural basis of the activity and inhibition of RnlA and highlight the crucial role of conformational heterogeneity in protein function.
High-affinity five/six-letter DNA aptamers with superior specificity enabling the detection of dengue NS1 protein variants beyond the serotype identification
Authors: Matsunaga Ken-ichiro , Kimoto Michiko , Lim Vanessa Weixun , Tan Hui Pen , Wong Yu Qian , Sun William , Vasoo Shawn , Leo Yee Sin , Hirao Ichiro 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Genetic alphabet expansion of DNA by introducing unnatural bases (UBs), as a fifth letter, dramatically augments the affinities of DNA aptamers that bind to target proteins. To determine whether UB-containing DNA (UB-DNA) aptamers obtained by affinity selection could spontaneously achieve high specificity, we have generated a series of UB-DNA aptamers (KD: 27−182 pM) targeting each of four dengue non-structural protein 1 (DEN-NS1) serotypes. The specificity of each aptamer is remarkably high, and the aptamers can recognize the subtle variants of DEN-NS1 with at least 96.9% amino acid sequence identity, beyond the capability of serotype identification (69−80% sequence identities). Our UB-DNA aptamers specifically identified two major variants of dengue serotype 1 with 10-amino acid differences in the DEN-NS1 protein (352 aa) in Singaporeans’ clinical samples. These results suggest that the high-affinity UB-DNA aptamers generated by affinity selection also acquire high target specificity. Intriguingly, one of the aptamers contained two different UBs as fifth and sixth letters, which are essential for the tight binding to the target. These two types of unnatural bases with distinct physicochemical properties profoundly expand the potential of DNA aptamers. Detection methods incorporating the UB-DNA aptamers will facilitate precise diagnoses of viral infections and other diseases.
How Affective Polarization Undermines Support for Democratic Norms
Authors: Kingzette Jon , Druckman James N , Klar Samara , Krupnikov Yanna , Levendusky Matthew , Ryan John Barry 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Does affective polarization—the tendency to view opposing partisans negatively and co-partisans positively—undermine support for democratic norms? We argue that it does, through two mechanisms. First, in an age of elite polarization, norms have been politicized. This leads affectively polarized partisans to oppose particular constitutional protections when their party is in power but support them when their party is out of power, via a cue-taking mechanism. Second, affective polarization may generate biases that motivate voters to restrict the other party’s rights. Using nationally representative surveys, we find strong support for the cue-taking argument. In 2019, with a Republican administration in power, affectively polarized Republicans opposed constitutional protections while affectively polarized Democrats supported them. The reverse was true in 2012 during a Democratic administration. The findings have important, albeit troubling, implications for American democracy, as affective polarization undermines support for basic democratic principles.
Activity Levels in Survivors of the ICU
Authors: Gandotra Sheetal , Files D Clark , Shields Katherine L , Berry Michael , Bakhru Rita N 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objective
Limited data exists on the quantification of activity levels and functional status in critically ill patients as they transition from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the wards and subsequently, back into the community. We characterize the physical activity of critically ill patients from their ICU stay until seven days after hospital discharge, as well as correlate physical activity levels with an objective measure of physical function.

Methods
This prospective observational study of previously independent adults age 55 or older, undergoing mechanical ventilation for up to 7 days, recruited participants at the time of spontaneous breathing trials or &lt; 24 hours after extubation. Participants received an accelerometer at enrollment to wear until one week after discharge.

Results
Twenty-two participants received accelerometers; 15 were suitable for analysis. Participants were 68 ± 9.6 years old; 47% female. Step counts (mean and 95% CI) were 95 [15–173] in the 3 days before ICU discharge, 257 [114–400] before hospital discharge, 1223 [376–2070] in the first 3 days at home and 1278 [349–2207] between day 4 and 6 post-hospital discharge. Physical activity was significantly higher post- compared to pre-hospital discharge. Short Physical Performance Battery scores (SPPB) were poor at ICU and hospital discharge; however, correlated moderately with physical activity levels immediately upon return home.

Conclusions
Physical activity remained low as survivors of critical illness transitioned from ICU to hospital wards, but significantly increased upon return to the community. Despite poor SPPB scores at both ICU and hospital discharge, participants were significantly more active immediately after discharge than in their last 3 days of hospitalization. This may represent rapid functional improvement or conversely, constrained physical activity in hospital.

Impact
This study highlights the need for further evaluation of physical activity constraints in hospital and ways to augment physical activity and function upon discharge.

Lay summary
Physical activity (step counts) increased modestly as survivors of critical illness transitioned from ICU to hospital wards, but significantly increased upon return to the community. This study highlights the need for further evaluation of physical activity constraints in the hospital setting and ways to augment physical activity and function post-discharge.
Novel Tests of the Key Innovation Hypothesis: Adhesive Toepads in Arboreal Lizards
Authors: Miller Aryeh H , Stroud James T 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe evolution of key innovations—unique features that enable a lineage to interact with the environment in a novel way—may drive broad patterns of adaptive diversity. However, traditional tests of the key innovation hypothesis, those which attempt to identify the evolutionary effect of a purported key innovation by comparing patterns of diversity between lineages with and without the key trait, have been challenged on both conceptual and statistical grounds. Here, we explore alternative, untested hypotheses of the key innovation framework. In lizards, adhesive toepad structures increase grip strength on vertical and smooth surfaces such as tree trunks and leaves and have independently evolved multiple times. As such, toepads have been posited as a key innovation for the evolution of arboreality. Leveraging a habitat use data set applied to a global phylogeny of 2692 lizard species, we estimated multiple origins of toepads in three major clades and more than 100 origins of arboreality widely across the phylogeny. Our results suggest that toepads arise adaptively in arboreal lineages and are subsequently rarely lost while maintaining arboreal ecologies. Padless lineages transition away from arboreality at a higher rate than those with toepads, and high rates of invasion of arboreal niches by nonarboreal padbearing lineages provide further evidence that toepads may be a key to unlocking evolutionary access to the arboreal zone. Our results and analytical framework provide novel insights to understand and evaluate the ecological and evolutionary consequences of key innovations.[Arboreality; ecological transition; key innovation; macroevolution; phylogenetic comparative methods.]