bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions on hepatitis C testing in Australian primary care services providing care for people who inject drugs
Authors: Traeger Michael W. , van Santen Daniela K. , Sacks‐Davis Rachel , Asselin Jason , Carter Allison , Doyle Joseph S. , Pedrana Alisa , Wilkinson Anna L. , Howell Jessica , Thatcher Rebecca , Didlick John , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca , Hellard Margaret E. , Stoové Mark A. ,   the Australia Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance of Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood Borne Viruses (ACCESS)
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn 2020, the Australian state of Victoria experienced the longest COVID‐19 lockdowns of any jurisdiction, with two lockdowns starting in March and July, respectively. Lockdowns may impact progress towards eliminating hepatitis C through reductions in hepatitis C testing. To examine the impact of lockdowns on hepatitis C testing in Victoria, de‐identified data were extracted from a network of 11 services that specialize in the care of people who inject drugs (PWID). Interrupted time‐series analyses estimated weekly changes in hepatitis C antibody and RNA testing from 1 January 2019 to 14 May 2021 and described temporal changes in testing associated with lockdowns. Interruptions were defined at the weeks corresponding to the start of the first lockdown (week 14) and the start (week 80) and end (week 95) of the second lockdown. Pre‐COVID, an average of 80.6 antibody and 25.7 RNA tests were performed each week. Following the first lockdown in Victoria, there was an immediate drop of 23.2 antibody tests and 8.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 31% and 46% drop, respectively). Following the second lockdown, there was an immediate drop of 17.2 antibody tests and 4.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 26% and 33% drop, respectively). With testing and case finding identified as a key challenge to Australia achieving hepatitis C elimination targets, the cumulative number of testing opportunities missed during lockdowns may prolong efforts to find, diagnose and engage or reengage in care of the remaining population of PWID living with hepatitis C.
Gas compressor noise does not influence tree swallow nestling condition or immune response
Authors: MacLeod K. J. , Naugle L. , Brittingham M. C. , Avery J. D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAnthropogenic noise pollution, such as that derived from traffic and industrial machinery, has been identified as an urgent conservation priority as it is often louder and more prevalent than natural acoustic stimuli, and can act as a stressor on wildlife. Research in avian systems has shown that anthropogenic noise can affect physiology and reproductive success of adult birds – but effects on juvenile birds have been less‐studied despite their being potentially more vulnerable during the nestling period. What studies have been done have shown remarkable variability in juvenile response to anthropogenic noise, suggesting that effects are highly context‐ and species‐specific. Here, we investigate the effects of gas compressor noise, an increasingly prevalent and biologically relevant noise stressor produced during natural gas production, on juvenile tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Gas compressors generate considerable sound pressure as they work to pressurize gas pipelines for downstream distribution. We predicted that exposure to increased noise during incubation and the nestling period would result in smaller chicks in poorer body condition and with a dampened immune response. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for any of these predictions, providing further evidence that noise effects on juvenile birds is highly variable, and we explore ways in which individual birds may compensate for the effects of disturbance at the nest.
Conducting Linguistic Experiments Online With OpenSesame and OSWeb
Authors: Mathôt Sebastiaan , March Jennifer 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this Methods Showcase Article, we outline a workflow for running behavioral experiments online, with a focus on experiments that rely on presentation of complex stimuli and measurement of reaction times, which includes many psycholinguistic experiments. The workflow that we describe here relies on three tools: OpenSesame/OSWeb (open source) provides a user‐friendly graphical interface for developing experiments; JATOS (open source) is server software for hosting experiments; and Prolific (commercial) is a platform for recruiting participants. These three tools integrate well with each other and together provide a workflow that requires little technical expertise. We discuss, and illustrate through an example study, several challenges that are associated with running online experiments, including temporal precision, the implementation of counterbalancing, data quality, and issues related to privacy and ethics. We conclude that these challenges are real but surmountable, and that in many cases online experiments are a viable alternative to laboratory‐based experiments.
A prospective, single‐center, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of three types of laser vaporization surgeries using a 180‐W GreenLight XPS laser, a 300‐W diode laser, and a 200‐W thulium laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Okada Tatsunori , Koura Mikifumi , Sumikawa Ryota , Masaoka Hiroyuki , Song Yoohyun , Dejima Takashi , Seki Narihito 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of three different laser prostate vaporization surgeries, which were photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), diode laser vaporization (DVP), and thulium laser vaporization (ThuVAP), for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a randomized clinical trial.MethodsA total of 71 consecutive patients with BPH were included; 23 patients were treated with PVP, 23 with DVP, and 25 with ThuVAP. Patients were evaluated with disease‐related symptomatic questionnaires, Quality of Life (QOL) Index, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) for 12 months. Patients were monitored to record operation/vaporization time, 24‐hour hemoglobin/sodium drop, length of catheterization/hospitalization, and perioperative/postoperative complications.ResultsIn all three groups, patients showed significant and comparable improvements in symptom scores, QOL Index, and Qmax during the 12‐month follow‐up period. The mean operation/vaporization time was equivalent across all three groups at 69/23 (PVP), 81/34 (DVP), and 76/32 minutes (ThuVAP), while the applied laser energy was lower for PVP at 157 kJ compared to the other two techniques (DVP at 358 kJ, ThuVAP at 240 kJ). The mean vaporization rates per unit energy were significantly different between the three groups (PVP 0.16, DVP 0.09, and ThuVAP 0.09 mL/kJ). There were no significant differences in the main safety profiles between the three groups.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that these three types of laser surgeries are similar in terms of complications and outcomes, with excellent hemostasis and high patient satisfaction. It was suggested that sufficient tissue vaporization could be achieved using less energy through PVP surgery.
Co‐option of a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene (CCD4a) into the floral symmetry gene regulatory network contributes to the polymorphic floral shape–color combinations in Chrysanthemum sensu lato
Authors: Zhang Chu‐Jie , Rong Yu‐Lin , Jiang Chen‐Kun , Guo Yan‐Ping , Rao Guang‐Yuan 
Published: June 2022

Summary
Morphological novelties, including formation of trait combinations, may result from de novo gene origination and/or co‐option of existing genes into other developmental contexts. A variety of shape–color combinations of capitular florets occur in Chrysanthemum and its allies. We hypothesized that co‐option of a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene into the floral symmetry gene network would generate a white zygomorphic ray floret.
We tested this hypothesis in an evolutionary context using species in Chrysanthemum sensu lato, a monophyletic group with diverse floral shape–color combinations, based on morphological investigation, interspecific crossing, molecular interaction and transgenic experiments.
Our results showed that white color was significantly associated with floret zygomorphy. Specific expression of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene CCD4a in marginal florets resulted in white color. Crossing experiments between Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium and Ajania pacifica indicated that expression of CCD4a is trans‐regulated. The floral symmetry regulator CYC2g can activate expression of CCD4a with a dependence on TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING (TCP) binding element 8 on the CCD4a promoter.
Based on all experimental findings, we propose that gene co‐option of carotenoid degradation into floral symmetry regulation, and the subsequent dysfunction or loss of either CYC2g or CCD4a, may have led to evolution of capitular shape–color patterning in Chrysanthemum sensu lato.
Size and position of the optic disc crescent in a white European population with myopia
Authors: Hill David , Heitmar Rebekka , Logan Nicola S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSignificanceOne of the first clinically observed changes in the retina with progressing myopia is in the form of optic disc crescents. If such a change is predictive of myopia progression, it could aid in myopia management interventions to target those at greatest risk of progression and subsequent ocular morbidity.PurposeTo investigate the type, dimension and appearance of optic disc crescents and how they relate to the level of myopia.MethodsRetrospective data collection analysing retinal photographs of healthy children and adults with a refractive error of ≤−0.50 D sphere and astigmatism ≤2.00 D. Crescent location, maximum crescent width and vertical disc diameter were measured from retinal images of right eyes only.ResultsFour‐hundred eyes with a mean spherical error (SER) of −0.50 to −14.00 D (aged 7–81 years) were included (83.5% exhibited a discernible crescent). Mean (SD) maximum crescent width was 0.24 (0.24) mm. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between crescent width and age (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). SER was correlated with crescent width when controlling for age (r = −0.45, p < 0.001) and to the ratio of crescent width to vertical disc diameter (r = −0.43, p < 0.001). Temporal crescents were the most frequently observed (74%), followed by inferior temporal crescents (17%). One‐way between‐groups analysis of variance showed a significant difference between crescent locations (F = 5.2, p < 0.001). Post‐hoc analysis revealed significant differences in SER between those with no crescent versus an inferior‐temporal crescent, as well as differences between those with temporal versus inferior‐temporal crescents. Other crescent locations did not differ significantly in the level of myopia. Participants not exhibiting a crescent had the lowest level of myopia (mean [SD] −3.03 [1.97)] D), while those with inferior temporal crescents had a mean (SD) SER of −5.01 (2.37) D.ConclusionIn this white European population, higher levels of SER were associated with increasing crescent size. Eyes with inferior temporally located crescents were more myopic.
Expressed genes and their new alleles identification during fibre elongation reveal the genetic factors underlying improvements of fibre length in cotton
Authors: Ma Jianjiang , Jiang Yafei , Pei Wenfeng , Wu Man , Ma Qifeng , Liu Ji , Song Jikun , Jia Bing , Liu Shang , Wu Jianyong , Zhang Jinfa , Yu Jiwen 
Published: June 2022

SummaryInterspecific breeding in cotton takes advantage of genetic recombination among desirable genes from different parental lines. However, the expression new alleles (ENAs) from crossovers within genic regions and their significance in fibre length (FL) improvement are currently not understood. Here, we generated resequencing genomes of 191 interspecific backcross inbred lines derived from CRI36 (Gossypium hirsutum) × Hai7124 (Gossypium barbadense) and 277 dynamic fibre transcriptomes to identify the ENAs and extremely expressed genes (eGenes) potentially influencing FL, and uncovered the dynamic regulatory network of fibre elongation. Of 35 420 eGenes in developing fibres, 10 366 ENAs were identified and preferentially distributed in chromosomes subtelomeric regions. In total, 1056–1255 ENAs showed transgressive expression in fibres at 5–15 dpa (days post‐anthesis) of some BILs, 520 of which were located in FL‐quantitative trait locus (QTLs) and GhFLA9 (recombination allele) was identified with a larger effect for FL than GhFLA9 of CRI36 allele. Using ENAs as a type of markers, we identified three novel FL‐QTLs. Additionally, 456 extremely eGenes were identified that were preferentially distributed in recombination hotspots. Importantly, 34 of them were significantly associated with FL. Gene expression quantitative trait locus analysis identified 1286, 1089 and 1059 eGenes that were colocalized with the FL trait at 5, 10 and 15 dpa, respectively. Finally, we verified the Ghir_D10G011050 gene linked to fibre elongation by the CRISPR‐cas9 system. This study provides the first glimpse into the occurrence, distribution and expression of the developing fibres genes (especially ENAs) in an introgression population, and their possible biological significance in FL.
Built environment color modulates autonomic and EEG indices of emotional response
Authors: Bower Isabella S. , Clark Gillian M. , Tucker Richard , Hill Aron T. , Lum Jarrad A. G. , Mortimer Michael A. , Enticott Peter G. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUnderstanding built environment exposure as a component of environmental enrichment has significant implications for mental health, but little is known about the effects design characteristics have on our emotions and associated neurophysiology. Using a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment while monitoring indoor environmental quality (IEQ), 18 participants were exposed to a resting state (black), and two room scenes, control (white) and condition (blue), to understand if the color of the virtual walls affected self‐report, autonomic nervous system, and central nervous system correlates of emotion. Our findings showed that exposure to the chromatic color condition (blue) compared to the achromatic control (white) and resting‐state (black, no built environment) significantly increased the range in respiration and skin conductance response. We also detected a significant increase in alpha frontal midline power and frontal hemispheric lateralization relative to blue condition, and increased power spectral density across all electrodes in the blue condition for theta, alpha, and beta bandwidths. The ability for built environment design to modulate emotional response has the potential to deliver significant public health, economic, and social benefits to the entire community. The findings show that blue coloring of the built environment increases autonomic range and is associated with modulations of brain activity linked to emotional processing.
Between Exception and Normality: Schmittian Dictatorship and the Soviet Legal Order
Authors: Lukina Anna 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis article addresses Schmitt’s concept of sovereign dictatorship—a departure from the normal legal order aiming to bring about a new mode of legality—as applied to the Marxist, and then Soviet, “dictatorship of the proletariat.” Unlike Schmitt, Marx and Engels, as well as Soviet legal theorists, saw the space for law even while aiming to dispense with the legal form on the road to communism. This is best explained by Schmitt’s failure to recognize the importance of legal systems not only for controlling social conflict, but also for coordination, the need for which does not disappear in extraordinary circumstances.*This article was initially written as part of my LLM studies at Harvard Law School. I thank my supervisor, Professor Adrian Vermeule, for his guidance and advice, as well as other friends (and enemies) for motivating my project. I am also grateful to the Ratio Juris production team for their exceptionally thorough editing of my original text. Any mistakes remain my own.
Embracing nanotechnology for selenium application in aquafeeds
Authors: Khalil Hala Saber , Maulu Sahya , Verdegem Marc , Abdel‐Tawwab Mohsen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an important micronutrient that has been used in aquafeeds for the normal growth, welfare and health of aquatic animals. Through nanotechnology, Se can be converted into nanoparticles that are more bioavailable, utilized and absorbed by aquatic animals. However, this is still a new and emerging area of research in aquafeeds. This paper aims to review the effect of Se and Se nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) application in aquafeeds on aquatic animals. Specifically, different compounds of Se, requirement levels by different species, effects on animal growth, physiology, antioxidant capacity and immune response have been highlighted. The review shows that the application of Se in aquafeeds could improve the growth performance, physiology, antioxidant enzymes, immunity and disease resistance in aquatic animals. However, the effectiveness could be highly influenced by the source of Se, aquaculture species and administration quantity. Through nanotechnology, the utilization and absorption of Se could be improved while reducing its toxicity. Therefore, Se‐NPs present an efficient way to utilize nutrients in aquafeeds. Important gaps, however, exist in the current knowledge, particularly with regard to the response of shrimps and crustaceans to dietary supplementation of Se and Se‐NPs as most of the existing studies have focused on fish species. Also, some species of economic importance and life stages have not been investigated, which hinders the embracement of nanotechnology in aquafeeds production.
Foreign demand shocks, product switching, and export product quality: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Han , Li Jie , Zhao Yu 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUsing Chinese customs data spanning from 2000 to 2013, we explore how foreign demand shocks in exporting markets impact product switching, factor adjustments, and export quality of Chinese exporting firms. We document that positive demand shocks would render firms to expand product scope by increasing the number of added varieties and decreasing the number of dropped varieties. In line with the expansion of product scope, firms adjust their factor reallocations by hiring more employees and producing in a more capital‐intensive way when facing higher positive demand shocks. Higher capital intensity induces productivity improvement, and thus increases firms' export revenue, export price, and export‐product quality. We also document that positive foreign demand shocks render firms to concentrate less on their core varieties by skewing their export sales away from the best performing products.
A novel video‐assisted thoracoscopic approach for pectus excavatum surgical treatment in a dog
Authors: Bobis Villagrà Diego , Charlesworth Tim M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo describe a novel, video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach used to treat pectus excavatum (PE) in a dog.AnimalsA 5 month‐old, 5.1 kg, intact, female, Cockapoo.Study designCase report.MethodsClinical, imaging and surgical records of a dog with severe PE who underwent VATS‐assisted sternal cast placement were reviewed and reported. Treatment involved introduction of a mild pneumothorax and use of VATS, allowing direct visualization and therefore safe passage of circumsternal sutures as they were placed to reduce the risk of vascular/cardiac or pulmonary penetration and intraoperative complication in this patient.ResultsTreatment involved introduction of a mild pneumothorax and use of VATS, allowing direct visualization and therefore safe passage of circumsternal sutures as they were placed to reduce the risk of vascular/cardiac or pulmonary penetration and intraoperative complications in this patient. The patient recovered well and had an excellent long‐term outcome with significantly improved vertebral index and frontosagittal index.ConclusionThis modified technique resulted in an excellent outcome and minimized the risk of intraoperative complications during the surgical procedure in a dog.Clinical significanceThis novel VATS approach for PE correction may provide a useful technique to help reduce intraoperative risk during PE correction in dogs.
Protein signalling in response to ex vivo dynamic contractions is independent of training status in rat skeletal muscle
Authors: Jakobsgaard Jesper Emil , de Paoli Frank Vincenzo , Vissing Kristian 
Published: June 2022

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Are myofibre protein signalling responses to ex vivo dynamic contractions altered by accustomization to voluntary endurance training in rats?
What is the main finding and its importance?
In response to ex vivo dynamic muscle contractions, canonical myofibre protein signalling pertaining to metabolic transcriptional regulation, as well as translation initiation and elongation, was not influenced by prior accustomization to voluntary endurance training in rats. Accordingly, intrinsic myofibre protein signalling responses to standardized contractile activity may be independent of prior exercise training in rat skeletal muscle.
AbstractSkeletal muscle training status may influence myofibre regulatory protein signalling in response to contractile activity. The current study employed a purpose‐designed ex vivo dynamic contractile protocol to evaluate the effect of exercise‐accustomization on canonical myofibre protein signalling for metabolic gene expression and for translation initiation and elongation. To this end, rats completed 8 weeks of in vivo voluntary running training versus no running control intervention, whereupon an ex vivo endurance‐type dynamic contraction stimulus was conducted in isolated soleus muscle preparations from both intervention groups. Protein signalling response by phosphorylation was evaluated by immunoblotting at 0 and 3 h following ex vivo stimulation. Phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase α‐isoforms and its downstream target, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, as well as phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) was increased immediately following the dynamic contraction protocol (at 0 h). Signalling for translation initiation and elongation was evident at 3 h after dynamic contractile activity, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1, as well as a decrease in phosphorylation of eEF2 back to resting control levels. However, prior exercise training did not alter phosphorylation responses of the investigated signalling proteins. Accordingly, protein signalling responses to standardized endurance‐type contractions may be independent of training status in rat muscle during ex vivo conditions. The present findings add to our current understanding of molecular regulatory events responsible for skeletal muscle plasticity.