bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in aged care homes: a comparison of effects initial government policies had in the UK (primarily focussing on England) and Australia during the first wave
Authors: Chan Daniel Kam Yin , Mclaws Mary-Louise , Forsyth Duncan Ronald 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact globally, with older people living in aged care homes suffering high death rates.

Objectives
We aimed to compare the impact of initial government policies on this vulnerable older population between the UK and Australia during the first wave of attack.

Methods
We searched websites of governments in the UK and Australia and media outlets. We examined the key policies including the national lockdown dates and the distribution of some important resources (personal protective equipment and testing) and the effects of these initial policies on the mortality rates in the aged care homes during the first wave of attack of COVID-19.

Results
We found that both countries had prioritized resources to hospitals over aged care homes during the first wave of attack. Both countries had lower priority for aged care residents in hospitals (e.g. discharging without testing for COVID-19 or discouraging admissions). However, deaths in aged care homes were 270 times higher in the UK than in Australia as on 7 May 2020 (despite UK having a population only 2.5 times larger than Australia). The lower fatality rate in Australia may have been due to the earlier lockdown strategy when the total daily cases were low in Australia (118) compared to the UK (over 1000), as well as the better community viral testing regime in Australia.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the public health policy in Australia aimed towards earlier intervention with earlier national lockdown and more viral testing to prevent new cases. This primary prevention could have resulted in more lives being saved. In contrast, the initial policy in the UK focussed mainly on protecting resources for hospitals, and there was a delay in national lockdown intervention and lower viral testing rate, resulting in more lives lost in the aged care sector.
Backtesting Value-at-Risk and Expected Shortfall in the Presence of Estimation Error
Authors: Barendse Sander , Kole Erik , van Dijk Dick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe investigate the effect of estimation error on backtests of expected shortfall (ES) forecasts. These backtests are based on first-order conditions of a recently introduced family of jointly consistent loss functions for value-at-risk (VaR) and ES. For both single and multiperiod horizons, we provide explicit expressions for the additional terms in the asymptotic covariance matrix that result from estimation error, and propose robust tests that account for it. Monte Carlo experiments show that the tests that ignore these terms suffer from size distortions, which are more pronounced for higher ratios of out-of-sample to in-sample observations. Robust versions of the backtests perform well with power against common alternatives. We also introduce a novel standardization of the conditional joint test statistic that removes the need to estimate higher-order moments and significantly improves its performance. In an application to VaR and ES forecasts for daily FTSE 100 index returns as generated by (GJR-)GARCH and HEAVY models, we find that estimation error substantially impacts the outcome of the backtests, and is not bound to particular subperiods such as the credit crisis.
Evolving ultralight scalars into non-linearity with Lagrangian perturbation theory
Authors: Laguë Alex , Bond J Richard , Hložek Renée , Marsh David J E , Söding Laurin 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Many models of high energy physics suggest that the cosmological dark sector consists of not just one, but a spectrum of ultralight scalar particles with logarithmically distributed masses. To study the potential signatures of low concentrations of ultralight axion (also known as fuzzy) dark matter, we modify Lagrangian perturbation theory (LPT) by distinguishing between trajectories of different dark matter species. We further adapt LPT to include the effects of a quantum potential, which is necessary to generate correct initial conditions for ultralight axion simulations. Based on LPT, our modified scheme is extremely efficient on large scales and it can be extended to an arbitrary number of particle species at very little computational cost. This allows for computation of self-consistent initial conditions in mixed dark matter models. Additionally, we find that shell-crossing is delayed for ultralight particles and that the deformation tensor extracted from LPT can be used to identify the range of redshifts and scales for which the Madelung formalism of fuzzy dark matter can lead to divergences.
DOCK7 protects against replication stress by promoting RPA stability on chromatin
Authors: Gao Ming , Guo Guijie , Huang Jinzhou , Hou Xiaonan , Ham Hyoungjun , Kim Wootae , Zhao Fei , Tu Xinyi , Zhou Qin , Zhang Chao , Zhu Qian , Liu Jiaqi , Yan Yuanliang , Xu Zhijie , Yin Ping , Luo Kuntian , Weroha John , Deng Min , Billadeau Daniel D , Lou Zhenkun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
RPA is a critical factor for DNA replication and replication stress response. Surprisingly, we found that chromatin RPA stability is tightly regulated. We report that the GDP/GTP exchange factor DOCK7 acts as a critical replication stress regulator to promote RPA stability on chromatin. DOCK7 is phosphorylated by ATR and then recruited by MDC1 to the chromatin and replication fork during replication stress. DOCK7-mediated Rac1/Cdc42 activation leads to the activation of PAK1, which subsequently phosphorylates RPA1 at S135 and T180 to stabilize chromatin-loaded RPA1 and ensure proper replication stress response. Moreover, DOCK7 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and depleting DOCK7 sensitizes cancer cells to camptothecin. Taken together, our results highlight a novel role for DOCK7 in regulation of the replication stress response and highlight potential therapeutic targets to overcome chemoresistance in cancer.
Long Hours, Uneasy Feelings: Parliamentary Work in Denmark, Finland and Sweden
Authors: Mannevuo Mona , Rinne Jenni M , Vento Isak 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Politicians’ work pressure is gaining more attention in parliamentary studies. To participate in the discussion about governing under pressure, this article offers an interdisciplinary approach to investigate how representatives navigate within a flexible, limitless work culture. This article presents a new inquiry to re-examine contemporary political agency by combining cultural studies theories with empirical insights in Nordic countries. By analysing 52 semi-structured interviews with MPs in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, the study finds that politics attracts people who want to change the world, but these attributes may initiate a vicious cycle, taking the form of psychological strain.
Assessment of Pain Modulatory and Somatosensory Profiles in Chronic Tension-Type Headache Patients
Authors: Exposto Fernando G , Bendixen Karina H , Ernberg Malin , Bach Flemming W , Svensson Peter 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to thoroughly phenotype a group of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients.MethodsFifteen CTTH patients diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders–3 and 15 healthy controls were included in this study. Furthermore, 70 healthy controls were included to establish normative values. Quantitative sensory testing (QST), including temporal summation of pain (TSP), conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and psychological and sleep variables, was assessed in a single session. TSP and CPM were then combined to build pain modulation profiles (PMP) for each individual.ResultsNo difference was found between groups for PMP, TSP, and CPM. However, 10 CTTH patients showed a pronociceptive PMP, with 8 related to a deficient CPM and 2 to both a deficient CPM and increased TSP. Increased cold detection thresholds were the most common sensory disturbance found in CTTH patients. Significant differences were seen between groups for pain catastrophizing, depression, and sleep quality although not all patient’s scores were above the clinically meaningful cutoffs.ConclusionsIn summary, CTTH patients presented with different PMP. These PMP may be related to increased TSP, deficient CPM, alterations in thermal detection that may be related to autonomic dysregulation, or a combination of all three. Overall, this suggests that due to their heterogeneous pathophysiology, CTTH patients should be managed according to their underlying pathophysiology and not with a one-size-fits-all approach.
Alleviating effects of lupeol on postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetic mice
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ah , Kim Min-Jung , Han Ji-Sook 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the inhibition activities of lupeol on carbohydrate digesting enzymes and its ability to improve postprandial hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. α-Glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assays were executed using a chromogenic method. The effect of lupeol on hyperglycemia after a meal was measured by postprandial blood glucose in STZ-induced diabetic and normal mice. The mice were treated orally with soluble starch (2 g/kg BW) alone (control) or with lupeol (10 mg/kg BW) or acarbose (10 mg/kg BW) dissolved in water. Blood samples were taken from tail veins at 0, 30, 60, and 120 min and blood glucose was measured by a glucometer. Lupeol showed noticeable inhibitory activities on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. The half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of lupeol on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 46.23 ± 9.03 and 84.13 ± 6.82 μM, respectively, which were more significantly effective than those of acarbose, which is a positive control. Increase in postprandial blood glucose level was more significantly lowered in the lupeol-administered group than in the control group of both STZ-induced diabetic and normal mice. In addition, the area under the curve was significantly declined with lupeol administration in the STZ-induced diabetic mice. These findings suggest that lupeol can help lower the postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting carbohydrate-digesting enzymes.
Field Evaluation of Interactions Between Insects and Erwinia amylovora in a New York Apple Orchard
Authors: Boucher Matthew , Collins Rowan , Harling Kayli , Brind’Amour Gabrielle , Hesler Stephen , Wentworth Karen , Cox Kerik , Loeb Greg 
Published: March 2021

The role of insects in dissemination of Erwinia amylovora has been studied for over 100 years. Pollinating bees do not feed on bacterial ooze but are suggested to transmit between flowers. It has been suggested that various hemipteran species walk on bacterial ooze and subsequently shed acquired bacteria into their own feeding wounds. Dipterans have been observed readily feeding on ooze, but their importance has been understudied. The goal of this study was to advance understanding of the ecology of insect-mediated transmission of E. amylovora through field collections and observations conducted in a research apple orchard with actively oozing fire blight symptoms. We found that field-collected pollinating bees did not test positive for the bacterium, suggesting that their role in blossom blight dissemination may be overstated. Flies were prominent flower visitors, underscoring the need for further research into their role in bloom time bacterial dissemination. Flies were observed feeding on ooze droplets in the late spring and early summer and the insects retained bacteria for at least 7 days. Flies shed transmissible amounts of E. amylovora for the duration of the experiment. The role of hemipterans was not clarified in this study but it is possible that their role is indirect through interactions with other insects. Collectively, this research outlines the ecological role of different insects in disease transmission and underscores the underappreciated potential importance of flies, providing a roadmap toward a better understanding of the complex dynamics at play. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Development and Use of a Seedling Growth Retardation Assay to Quantify and Map Loci Underlying Variation in the Maize Basal Defense Response
Authors: Wang Yanli , Holland James , Balint-Kurti Peter 
Published: March 2021

The pattern-triggered immune (PTI) response in plants is caused by the recognition of conserved microbe‐ or pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) by plant pattern recognition receptors at the cell surface. The goal of this study was to develop a simple, robust assay to quantify the PTI response in maize and to determine whether it could be used to predict levels of disease resistance. Flg22, an epitope derived from bacterial flagellin, is a commonly studied MAMP. We developed a seedling growth retardation (SGR) assay by which we could measure growth retardation in maize seedlings exposed to the bacterial MAMP flg22. We observed variation across 21 maize inbred lines. We used 161 lines from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between the lines CML228 (a high responder) and B73 (a low responder) to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for this response. We found heritable variation in the RIL population and identified flg22 response QTL on chromosomes 1, 2, and 8. We did not observe strong correlations between SGR traits and levels of flg22-induced reactive oxygen production or with other disease resistance or defense response traits we had previously measured in the same population. We discuss the implications of these findings. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Modelled Optimization of SARS-Cov-2 Vaccine Distribution: an Evaluation of Second Dose Deferral Spacing of 6, 12, and 24 weeks
Authors: Jurgens GT , Lackner K 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundMultiple recent studies have shown strong first dose vaccine efficacy for both Moderna mRNA-1273 and Pfizer/BioNTech BNT 162b2, which has stimulated discussion of maximizing initial population immunity during a time of vaccine shortage by using a deferred second dose strategy for these vaccines.MethodsOur model examines the size of the effect of spacing of the second dose with 6, 12, and 24 week deferred spacing regimens relative to 3 week spacing.ResultsDeferring the second dose from 3 weeks to 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks shows progressive benefit to population immunity for any given time period, even with significant one dose efficacy decay. The benefits are influenced by vaccine supply per capita.ConclusionThe longer the second dose is deferred the larger the benefit in initial population immunity, provided one dose efficacy does not significantly wane. Monitoring one dose efficacy duration from the UK or Quebec minimizes this risk, as the gathered data will help ensure the second dose is given at an optimal time. How this information is implemented should vary depending on the population and whether the goal is to optimally protect high risk groups or to increase total population immunity as quickly as possible. Benefits to deferring the second dose are influenced by the length of deferral, one dose efficacy, and vaccine supply per capita. The time to herd immunity could be shortened by 4 weeks with the implementation of a 12 week spacing regimen or 10 weeks with a 24 week spacing regimen.
Abnormal function in dentate nuclei precedes the onset of psychosis: a resting-state fMRI study in high-risk individuals
Authors: Anteraper Sheeba Arnold , Guell Xavier , Collin Guusje , Qi Zhenghan , Ren Jingwen , Nair Atira , Seidman Larry J. , Keshavan Matcheri S. , Zhang Tianhong , Tang Yingying , Li Huijun , McCarley Robert W. , Niznikiewicz Margaret A. , Shenton Martha E. , Stone William S. , Wang Jijun , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe cerebellum serves a wide range of functions and is suggested to be composed of discrete regions dedicated to unique functions. We recently developed a new parcellation of the dentate nuclei (DN), the major output nuclei of the cerebellum, which optimally divides the structure into three functional territories that contribute uniquely to default-mode, motor-salience, and visual processing networks as indexed by resting-state functional connectivity (RsFc). Here we test for the first time whether RsFc differences in the DN precede the onset of psychosis in individuals at risk of developing schizophrenia.MethodsWe used the MRI dataset from the Shanghai At Risk for Psychosis study that included subjects at high risk to develop schizophrenia (N=144), with longitudinal follow-up to determine which subjects developed a psychotic episode within one year of their fMRI scan (converters N=23). Analysis used the three functional parcels (default-mode, salience-motor, and visual territory) from the DN as seed regions of interest for whole-brain RsFc analysis.ResultsRsFc analysis revealed abnormalities at baseline in high-risk individuals who developed psychosis, compared to high-risk individuals who did not develop psychosis. The nature of the observed abnormalities was found to be anatomically specific such that abnormal RsFc was localized predominantly in cerebral cortical networks that matched the three functional territories of the DN that were evaluated.ConclusionsWe show for the first time that abnormal RsFc of the DN may precede the onset of psychosis. This new evidence highlights the role of the cerebellum as a potential target for psychosis prediction and prevention.
The perception of odor pleasantness is shared across cultures
Authors: Arshamian Artin , Gerkin Richard C. , Kruspe Nicole , Wnuk Ewelina , Floyd Simeon , O’Meara Carolyn , Rodriguez Gabriela Garrido , Lundström Johan N. , Mainland Joel D. , Majid Asifa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman sensory experience varies across the globe. Nonetheless, all humans share sensory systems with a common anatomical blueprint. In olfaction, it is unknown to what degree sensory perception, in particular the perception of odor pleasantness, is dictated by universal biological principles versus sculpted by culture. To address this issue, we asked 235 individuals from 9 diverse non-western cultures to rank the hedonic value of monomolecular odorants. We observed substantial global consistency, with molecular identity explaining 41% of the variance in individual pleasantness rankings, while culture explained only 6%. These rankings were predicted by the physicochemical properties of out-of-sample molecules and out-of-sample pleasantness ratings given by a separate group of industrialized western urbanites, indicating human olfactory perception is strongly constrained by universal principles.
Citation needed? Wikipedia bibliometrics during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Benjakob Omer , Aviram Rona , Sobel Jonathan 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundWith the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak, millions flocked to Wikipedia for updated information. Amid growing concerns regarding an “infodemic”, ensuring the quality of information is a crucial vector of public health. Investigating if and how Wikipedia remained up to date and in line with science is key to formulating strategies to counter misinformation. Using citation analyses, we asked: which sources informed Wikipedia’s COVID-19-related articles before and during the pandemic’s first wave (January-May 2020).ResultsWe found that coronavirus-related articles referenced trusted media sources and high-quality academic research. Moreover, despite a surge in COVID-19 preprints, Wikipedia had a clear preference for open-access studies published in respected journals and made little use of preprints. Building a timeline of English COVID-19 articles from 2001-2020 revealed a nuanced trade-off between quality and timeliness. It further showed how preexisting articles on key topics related to the virus created a framework for integrating new knowledge. Supported by a rigid sourcing policy, this “scientific infrastructure” facilitated contextualization and regulated the influx of new information. Lastly, we constructed a network of DOI-Wikipedia articles, which showed the shifting landscape of pandemic-related knowledge on Wikipedia and how academic citations create a web of shared knowledge supporting topics like COVID-19 vaccine development.ConclusionsUnderstanding how scientific research interacts with the digital knowledge-sphere during the pandemic provides insight into how Wikipedia can facilitate access to science. It also reveals how, aided by what we term its “citizen encyclopedists”, it successfully fended off COVID-19 disinformation and how this unique model may be deployed in other contexts.
RNA-sequencing indicates immune cell signaling and inflammatory gene expression in cardiac fibroblasts increases with developmental age
Authors: Perreault Luke R. , Le Thanh T. , Oudin Madeleine J. , Black Lauren D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCardiac fibroblasts are responsible for extracellular matrix turnover and repair in the cardiac environment and serve to help facilitate immune responses. However, it is well established that they have significant phenotypic heterogeneity with respect to location, physiological conditions, and developmental age. The goal of this study was to provide an in-depth transcriptomic profile of cardiac fibroblasts derived from rat hearts at fetal, neonatal, and adult developmental ages to ascertain variations in gene expression that may drive functional differences in these cells at these specific stages of development.ResultsWe performedRNA-seq of cardiac fibroblasts isolated from fetal, neonatal, and adult rats was performed and compared to the rat genome. Principal component analysis of RNA-seq data suggested data variance was predominantly due to developmental age. Differential expression and Gene set enrichment analysis against Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes datasets indicated an array of differences across developmental ages, including significant decreases in cardiac development and cardiac function-associated genes with age, and a significant increase in immune and inflammatory-associated functions - particularly immune cell signaling, and cytokine and chemokine production - with respect to increasing developmental age.ConclusionThese results reinforce established evidence of diverse phenotypic heterogeneity of fibroblasts with respect to developmental age. Further, based on our analysis of gene expression, age-specific alterations in cardiac fibroblasts may play a crucial role in observed differences in cardiac inflammation and immune response observed across developmental ages.