bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O-312 Does infertility relate to Human Leucocyte Antigen similarity? – a genetic analysis based on 609 couples
Authors: Goehring D , Goeckenjan M , Göhring I , Sauter J , Schmidt A , Kressner-Kiel D , Croy I 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Do infertile couples differ from the average population in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) similarity?

Summary answer
Infertile couples share a significantly higher number of genes than expected by chance in four out of six HLA loci.

What is known already
HLA genes encode the peptides for the formation of the innate immune system and are highly polymorphic. To allow increased variability of the innate immune system for the offspring, it is necessary that the parental alleles of the HLA complex are dissimilar. In animal studies, such mechanisms have been shown to play a role in mate choice. While some large studies show that humans in Western cultures do not engage in HLA-based mate choice, it has also long been hypothesized that a couple's fertility and pregnancy outcome is influenced by the degree of HLA similarity.

Study design, size, duration
A multicenter study including a total number of 609 couples was performed between May 2020 and November 2021 at a private fertility center and a department of reproductive medicine of a university clinic. All couples were diagnosed with primary infertility prior to assisted reproductive techniques. Buccal swab samples were provided by both partners to determine HLA profiles.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Primary infertile couples (mean age women: 34.35 years, men: 37.59 years) were recruited before undergoing IVF or ICSI therapy. Couples with former pregnancies, tubal factor, azoospermia or donor therapies were excluded. Six different HLA genes (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -DPB1) were analysed using next-generation sequencing. Subsequently the number of HLA similarities was determined per couple. Comparison against chance level was performed using a random permutation approach with 100,000 repetitions.

Main results and the role of chance
Our analysis revealed a higher degree of HLA similarity in infertile couples, than expected by chance, for the loci HLA-C, -DPB1, -DRB1 and HLA-DQB1, but not for the loci HLA-A and HLA-B. A priori power analysis was performed to statistically ensure a small effect size at a �  = 0.05 ������������ 1 − �  = 0.95 and resulted in a number of 536 couples.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Conclusions are limited due to the inclusion of predominantly Caucasian couples.

Wider implications of the findings
This study adds new evidence to former publications with small study groups. HLA similarities may be a contributing factor to primary infertility. Further on, we will examine whether HLA similarities relate to success rates of infertility treatment and outcome of pregnancies.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-740 Social disparities in pregnancy awareness among individuals in the general U.S. population
Authors: Zhang Y , Rosa G , Mustieles V , Sun Y , Bibi Z , Torres N , Hillcoat A , Wang Y.X , Messerlian C 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
What are socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of pregnant individuals who were aware versus those who were unaware of pregnancy status in the general U.S. population.

Summary answer
Women unaware of their pregnancy status were more likely to be Non-Hispanic Black, living below the poverty line, and unmarried.

What is known already
The early weeks of pregnancy are critical for fetal programming of organ systems and consequently long-term offspring health. Individuals who are unaware of pregnancy are at risk of poor nutrition, inadvertent environmental chemical exposures and risky behaviors/lifestyles that contribute to inadequate prenatal care. Lack of pregnancy awareness increases the risk of pregnancy complications and misses opportunities for early intervention.

Study design, size, duration
We included 842 individuals aged between 20 to 44 years who had a positive urine pregnancy test result at time of the cross-sectional National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES), 2003-2016 cycles.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The urine pregnancy tests and reproductive health interviews were conducted concurrently in medical examination center. We defined participants with a positive urine pregnancy test result but who reported not being pregnant during the interview as being unaware of their pregnancy status. Information on demographic, socio-economic, and lifestyle characteristics were collected by questionnaires. We employed student t test and chi-square test to compare the characteristics between individuals who were aware vs. unaware of the pregnancy.

Main results and the role of chance
Among 842 pregnant individuals, 62 (7.36%) were unaware of their pregnancy status. The mean (SE) ages (years) were similar between individuals who were unaware vs. those aware of their pregnancy status (Unaware: 28.05 (0.96) vs. Aware: 28.48 (0.32)). Compared with aware individuals, a higher proportion of the unaware group were Non-Hispanic Black (Unaware: 36.31% vs. Aware: 13.06%; p &lt; 0.001), living in poverty (Unaware: 30.03% vs. Aware: 18.95%; p = 0.09), and unmarried (Unaware: 68.12% vs. Aware: 30.45%; p &lt; 0.001). No significant differences were found for education (College degree and above: Unaware: 60.73% vs. Aware: 67.73%; p = 0.33) and smoking behavior between the two groups (Current smoker: Unaware: 4.97% vs. Aware: 8.88%; p = 0.38).

Limitations, reasons for caution
The sample size of this study was relatively small. Findings may not be representative of population characteristics.

Wider implications of the findings
Our findings point to significant social disparities in pregnancy awareness and have important implications for clinical practice and early identification of high-risk pregnancies.

Trial registration number
not applicable
Sucker Shapes, Skeletons, and Bioinspiration: How Hard and Soft Tissue Morphology Generates Adhesive Performance in Waterfall Climbing Goby Fishes
Authors: Palecek A M , Schoenfuss H L , Blob R W 
Published: June 2022

Synopsis
Many teleost fish, such as gobies, have fused their paired pelvic fins into an adhesive disc. Gobies can use their pelvic suckers to generate passive adhesive forces (as in engineered suction cups), and different species exhibit a range of adhesive performance, with some even able to climb waterfalls. Previous studies have documented that, in the Hawaiian Islands, species capable of climbing higher waterfalls produce the highest passive pull-off forces, and species found at higher elevation sites are likely to have more rounded suction discs than those found in the lowest stream segments. Morphology of the pelvic girdle also varies between species, with more robust skeletons in taxa with superior passive adhesion. To investigate what factors impact the passive adhesive performance of waterfall climbing gobies, we tested biomimetic suction cups designed with a range of shapes and embedded bioinspired “skeletons” based on micro-CT scans of goby pelvic girdles. We found that while the presence of an internal skeleton may provide some support against failure, the performance of suction cups may be more strongly affected by their external shape. Nonetheless, factors besides external shape and skeletal morphology may still have a stronger influence on sucker tenacity. Our results suggest that the relationship between suction disc morphology and adhesive performance may be influenced by a variety of physical factors, and live animal performance likely is further complicated by muscle activation and climbing behavior. These results have implications for the evolution of suction disc shape in adhesive fish and for improving the design of biomimetic suction cups.
The Comparative Approach to Bio-Inspired Design: Integrating Biodiversity and Biologists into the Design Process
Authors: Penick Clint A , Cope Grace , Morankar Swapnil , Mistry Yash , Grishin Alex , Chawla Nikhilesh , Bhate Dhruv 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Biodiversity provides a massive library of ideas for bio-inspired design, but the sheer number of species to consider can be daunting. Current approaches for sifting through biodiversity to identify relevant biological models include searching for champion adapters that are particularly adept at solving a specific design challenge. While the champion adapter approach has benefits, it tends to focus on a narrow set of popular models while neglecting the majority of species. An alternative approach to bio-inspired design is the comparative method, which leverages biodiversity by drawing inspiration across a broad range of species. This approach uses methods in phylogenetics to map traits across evolutionary trees and compare trait variation to infer structure–function relationships. Although comparative methods have not been widely used in bio-inspired design, they have led to breakthroughs in studies on gecko-inspired adhesives and multifunctionality of butterfly wing scales. Here we outline how comparative methods can be used to complement existing approaches to bio-inspired design, and we provide an example focused on bio-inspired lattices, including honeycomb, and glass sponges. We demonstrate how comparative methods can lead to breakthroughs in bio-inspired applications as well as answer major questions in biology, which can strengthen collaborations with biologists and produce deeper insights into biological function.
The impact of electronic monitoring on fleet wide discarding of small cod in Scottish demersal fisheries
Authors: Holah Helen , Marshall C Tara , Needle Coby , Fryer Rob 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In Europe, uptake of electronic monitoring (EM) has been hindered by a lack of potential cost savings, given low existing observer coverage, and resistance from industry to greater enforcement of the landing obligation. To assess why certain vessels volunteer for EM and what their subsequent changes in behaviour tell us about those of the wider fleet over time, this study investigates effects of EM on discarding of North Sea cod by Scottish demersal trawlers. As discard data were limited, weight of small cod (grade 5) landed per trip was selected as an indicator of discarding and modelled to describe discard patterns from 2006 to 2016 encompassing the EM-verified cod quota management scheme (2010–2016). Findings show that EM leads to reduced instances of discarding of small cod by participants. However, evidence suggests non-participant vessels were driven to greater levels of discarding due to quota acquisition by participants. Vessels volunteering for EM trials were not predisposed towards greater compliance. Landings data do not support the trial objective of incentivising avoidance of small cod being met. The influence of participants on non-participants has implications for how vessels are selected, and management of behavioural adaptions required to ensure participants remain representative of the wider fleet.
Adaptive tracking control for nonlinear system in pure-feedback form with prescribed performance and unknown hysteresis
Authors: Chang Yi , Niu Ben , Wang Huanqing , Zhang Liang , Ahmad Adil M , Alassafi Madini O 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The finite-time tracking control issue for a class of nonlinear pure-feedback system with prescribed performance and unknown hysteresis is investigated in this work. To solve the Bouc-Wen hysteresis with unknown parameters and direction conditions, the Nussbaum function and auxiliary virtual control function are used. A finite-time performance function is applied in prescribed performance, which can make the tracking error is limited to a pre-given boundary in finite time. Moreover, the mean-value theorem is applied to solve the difficulty of pure-feedback form. Combined with backstepping technique, an adaptive tracking control scheme is designed to make sure that all the closed-loop signals are bounded and that the tracking error converges to pro-given boundary. Finally, a simulation example is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The Most Denounced, the Least Punished: Ruling Elites, Illegalisms, and Anti-Money Laundering
Authors: Amicelle Anthony , Chaudieu Killian 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article contributes empirically and conceptually to the literature on finance and security in the light of anti-money laundering and to discussions on international crime control and social order. It draws on unique data in Switzerland to question the chain of security through which the main global policy against crime is produced in concreto. What and who is denounced by financial institutions for suspicious activities? What and who is ultimately punished by criminal justice institutions? Is the fight against illicit finance nothing more than a “broken enforcement system,” or a universal punitive instrument, regardless targeted actors? What does it mean for the general social order at the time of financial capitalism? The article revisits Foucault's lost in translation concept of illegalism to shift the questioning of international crime control to the issue of power relationships’ recomposition and social, class differentiation. As a global policy against criminality at large, anti-money laundering represents a critical entry point to question the general economy of illegalisms from an international perspective. The article makes explicit that economic and financial illegalisms are less punished than others, and they are even less so when practiced by ruling elites, even if they are the most denounced at first.
Perceiving and Controlling Maritime Flows. Technology, Kinopolitics, and the Governmentalization of Vision
Authors: Glouftsios Georgios , Loukinas Panagiotis 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article speaks to debates in international political sociology that critically interrogate the ongoing digitization of border controls through the deployment of surveillance technologies that render mobility intelligible and governable. Our contribution to these debates is both empirical and conceptual. Empirically, we explore not only how surveillance is enacted but also how it is contested and fails to meet its stated objectives. We do so by focusing on two technologies that support the visibilization of maritime borderzones and mobilities: satellites and drones. Conceptually, our contribution revolves around the kinopolitical character of maritime surveillance and the productive power of technologically mediated vision. We synthesize Nail's work on kinopolitics with ideas inspired by Foucauldian studies on governmentality to develop the following argument: satellites and drones are technologies of power embedded within a kinopolitical regime of maritime surveillance, which strategizes vision in attempts to govern subjects and objects on the move—attempts that challenge any clear-cut distinction between security controls and humanitarian interventions in the field of border management.
Rethinking Low, Middle, and High Art
Authors: Lau Ting Cho 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
What distinguishes middle, low, and high art? In this article, I give an ameliorative analysis of these concepts. On what I call the Capacity View, the distinction between low, middle, and high art depends on the relation between an artwork’s perceiver (specifically her aesthetic responsive capacities) and the perceived artwork. Though the Capacity View may not align perfectly with folk usage, the view is worth our attention due to three attractive upshots. First, it explains how an artwork’s status level can be elevated or lowered over time and why biases can lead to mistaken judgments about such statuses. Second, it sheds light on the idea of cultural inheritance and why certain forms of aesthetic deference may be justified. Finally, it explains how high, middle, and low art each make distinctive contributions to the good life.
Mitigating Matrix Effects in LC–ESI–MS-MS Analysis of a Urinary Biomarker of Xylenes Exposure
Authors: Bowman Brett A , A. Ejzak Elizabeth , Reese Christopher M , Blount Benjamin C , Bhandari Deepak 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLiquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS-MS) with stable isotope-labeled internal standards (SIL-ISs) is the gold standard for quantitative analysis of drugs and metabolites in complex biological samples. Significant isotopic effects associated with deuterium labeling often cause the deuterated IS to elute at a different retention time from the target analyte, diminishing its capability to compensate for matrix effects. In this study, we systematically compared the analytical performance of deuterated (2H) SIL-IS to non-deuterated (13C and 15N) SIL-ISs for quantifying urinary 2-methylhippuric acid (2MHA) and 4-methylhippuric acid (4MHA), biomarkers of xylenes exposure, with an LC–ESI–MS-MS assay. Analytical method comparison between ISs demonstrated a quantitative bias for urinary 2MHA results, with concentrations generated with 2MHA-[2H7] on average 59.2% lower than concentrations generated with 2MHA-[13C6]. Spike accuracy, measured by quantifying the analyte-spiked urine matrix and comparing the result to the known spike concentration, determined that 2MHA-[2H7] generated negatively biased urinary results of −38.4%, whereas no significant bias was observed for 2MHA-[13C6]. Post-column infusion demonstrated that ion suppression experienced by 2MHA and 2MHA-[13C6] was not equally experienced by 2MHA-[2H7], explaining the negatively biased 2MHA results. The quantitation of urinary 4MHA results between ISs exhibited no significant quantitative bias. These results underscore the importance of the careful selection of ISs for targeted quantitative analysis in complex biological samples.
Demographic Characteristics and Population Simulation of Newly Invasive Fall Armyworm on Arachis hypogaea (Fabales: Fabaceae) and Dominant Green Manure Plant in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Pei-An , Scotty Yang Chin-Cheng , Saska Pavel , Tang Cheng-Kang , Güncan Ali , Lin Ya-Ying , Tuan Shu-Jen 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a severe and fast-spreading pest of numerous agro-economic crops, including miscellaneous, vegetables, and green manure crops. Understanding pest ecology represents a core component in integrated pest management decision-making. In Taiwan, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important miscellaneous crop, whereas sesbania (Sesbania roxburghii Merr.) is the most frequently used green manure crop. To improve the S. frugiperda management in Taiwan, the demographic characteristics and population simulation of this pest reared on peanut and sesbania leaves were analyzed using the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and net reproductive rate of S. frugiperda were higher when reared on peanut (0.1625 d−1, 1.1764 d−1, 264.9 offspring) than on sesbania (0.0951 d−1, 1.0997 d−1, and 30.3 offspring). Population projection of S. frugiperda on peanut demonstrated that this crop is a more suitable host plant than sesbania. Yet, this suboptimal host still assures an increasing trend of more than 357-fold individuals in 75 d, from the initial cohort of 10 eggs. Our data suggest that green manure plants in fallowing fields may support the pest’s survival all year round, and may be responsible for a successful establishment and unexpected outbreaks of this invasive pest on the neighboring crops in Taiwan. Our study thus highlights the importance of assessing the population dynamics and areawide pest management of an invasive polyphagous pest on a noneconomic crop to mitigate the potential risk of reinfestation and thus outbreaks.
Belowground Herbivory to Sweetpotato by Sweetpotato Weevil (Coleoptera: Brentidae) Alters Population Dynamics and Probing Behavior of Aboveground Herbivores
Authors: Chen J , Chen X , Stout M J , Davis J A 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAboveground and belowground herbivory can alter host quality and trophic interactions. However, little research has explored the impacts of belowground herbivory on plant virus epidemiology. To understand this interaction in sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam), we studied the impact of herbivory by sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers), to storage roots on vector herbivore, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), the green peach aphid, and Aphis gossypii Glover, the cotton aphid, feeding behavior (M. persicae and A. gossypii) and population dynamics (M. persicae only as A. gossypii does not colonize sweetpotato). In addition, a nonvector herbivore, Chrysodeixis includens (Walker), the soybean looper, weight gain was included for comparison. Infestations of sweetpotato weevil in storage roots reduced C. includens weight gain and M. persicae intrinsic rate of increase (rm), net reproductive rate (Ro), and finite rate of increase (λ) on aboveground portions of the plant. In probing behaviors related to nonpersistent virus spread (30 min trials), M. persicae probed less often, took longer to reach the first pd (potential drop), had shorter II-3 (intracellular subphase sap ingestion) durations, and had fewer archlets on plants infested with C. formicarius elegantulus. Total phloem duration did not differ between treatments, indicating that the lowered performance of M. persicae on infested plants was not due to discrepancies in probing duration. Results were less clear for A. gossypii. Thus, in sweetpotato, belowground herbivory can alter plant virus vector abundance and behavior. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these changes in behavior could improve plant virus vector integrated pest management.
Common envelope evolution in born-again planetary nebulae – Shaping the H-deficient ejecta of A 30
Authors: Rodríguez-González J B , Santamaría E , Toalá J A , Guerrero M A , Montoro-Molina B , Rubio G , Tafoya D , Chu Y-H , Ramos-Larios G , Sabin L 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT
Born-again planetary nebulae (PNe) are extremely rare cases in the evolution of solar-like stars. It is commonly accepted that their central stars (CSPN) experienced a very late thermal pulse (VLTP), ejecting H-deficient material inside the evolved H-rich PN. Given the short duration of this event and the fast subsequent evolution of the CSPN, details of the mass ejection are unknown. We present the first morphokinematic model of the H-deficient material surrounding a born-again PN, namely A 30. New San Pedro Mártir observations with the Manchester Echelle Spectrograph were recently obtained to map the inner region of A 30 which are interpreted by means of the software shape in conjunction with HST WFC3 images. The shape morphokinematic model that best reproduces the observations is composed by a disrupted disc tilted 37° with respect to the line of sight and a pair of orthogonal opposite bipolar ejections. We confirm previous suggestions that the structures closer to the CSPN present the highest expansion velocities, that is, the disrupted disc expands faster than the farther bipolar features. We propose that the current physical structure and abundance discrepancy of the H-deficient clumps around the CSPN of A 30 can be explained by a common envelope phase following the VLTP event. Our proposed scenario is also compared with other known born-again PNe (A 58, A 78, HuBi 1, and the Sakurai’s Object).