bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating fertility using adults: A method for under‐enumerated pre‐adult skeletal samples
Authors: Taylor Bonnie R. , Oxenham Marc , McFadden Clare
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Infant underrepresentation poses a great risk to accurate palaeodemographic findings when analyzing skeletal samples. Empirically derived palaeodemographic methods all require unbiased or minimally biased pre‐adult representation for estimating demographic characteristics, including fertility. Currently, there are no reliable methods for estimating palaeodemographic parameters when pre‐adults are underrepresented in skeletal samples, consequently such samples are often excluded from palaeodemographic analyses. The aim of this article is to develop a method for estimating total fertility rate (TFR) using reproductive aged adults, specifically for samples with suspected pre‐adult under‐enumeration.

Methodology

United Nations mortality data and TFR from the World Population Prospects was utilized. The correlation between known fertility and the proportion of individuals in key reproductive years (15–49 years) to total adult sample (15+ years) was assessed as an indirect means to estimate fertility.

Results

It was determined that the proportion of reproductive aged adults is a reasonable proxy for fertility. A significant positive correlation was observed between the TFR and those who died aged 15–49 years of age as a proportion of those who died ≥15 years (D15‐49/D15+). SE of the estimate revealed reasonable predictive accuracy. When applied to two modern non‐agricultural populations, the method showed some variability in accuracy but good potential for an improved outcome over existing methods when pre‐adults are underrepresented.

Conclusion

This research has provided a new method for estimating fertility in archeological skeletal samples with pre‐adult under‐enumeration. In combination with a contextually focused approach, this provides a significant step toward further use of biased samples in palaeodemography.
Circulating lipocalin‐2 as a novel biomarker for early neurological deterioration and unfavorable prognosis after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Xie Yi , Zhuo Xingfeng , Xing Kai , Huang Zhenqian , Guo Hongquan , Gong Pengyu , Zhang Xiaohao , Li Yun
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) is an acute‐phase protein that could mediate neuroinflammation after brain injury. We aimed to evaluate if LCN2 level was associated with early neurological deterioration (END) in acute ischemic stroke patients, thus hindering clinical recovery.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of acute ischemic stroke patients between June 2021 and February 2022. Serum LCN2 concentration was measured after admission using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Outcomes included END and 90‐day poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3‐6). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale increment ≥4 points within 72 h after admission was defined as END.

Results

A total of 253 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age, 65.2 ± 13.4 years; 64.0% male) were recruited. In the multivariate adjustment, increased serum LCN2 levels (per 1‐SD increase of LCN2) were associated with a higher risk of END (odds ratio [OR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20–2.25; p = .002) and 90‐day poor outcome (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.22–2.45; p = .002). Restricted cubic splines found a linear relationship between LCN2 level and 90‐day unfavorable outcome (END, p = .001 for linearity; 90‐day poor outcome, p = .013 for linearity). Subgroup analysis further confirmed the significant association of LCN2 with clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that higher circulating LCN2 level was associated with an increased risk of early clinical worsening and 90‐day unfavorable outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
3‐hydroxybutyrate in the brain: Biosynthesis, function, and disease therapy
Authors: Wang Bing‐Long , Wu Jian‐Fei , Xiao Da , Wu Bo , Wei Dai‐Xu
Published: March 2023

3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB), or BHB, is an anionic small molecule acid metabolite with a hydroxyl group. 3HB is the major ketone body that is distributed in the human brain and its primary energy source when glucose is absent. A better understanding of 3HB and how to adapt neuronal response mechanisms is expected to facilitate the development of new interventions to promote cognitive brain function and prevent neurodegenerative diseases. It provides important concepts for the clinical application of 3HB therapy. This review summarizes the distribution of 3HB in the brain, its properties, and its mechanism in brain and nerve regulation. We focus on 3HB biosynthesis in natural human cells and engineered bacteria via synthetic biology platforms and 3HB treatment in various brain and nerve diseases, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Ultimately, this review explores the future development trend of 3HB as a potential small‐molecule drug for brain and nerve diseases.
How and why decolonial activists mobilize or challenge the victim status: The case of Belgium's Afro‐descendants
Authors: Lastrego Simona , Grippa Pauline , Licata Laurent
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present article was to investigate how and why Afro‐descendant decolonial activists in Belgium morally typecast their group when discussing their struggle to challenge the status quo. Ten Afro‐descendant activists from different associations or movements active in Brussels were interviewed, and the interviews were examined through a thematic content analysis using the following themes and sub‐themes: moral typecasting (positive agent, positive patient, negative patient, and negative agent), the period of time (pre‐colonial, colonial, and present times in Belgium), and perceived strategy. Overall, our analysis revealed that the interviewees referred to multiple moral statuses. The association of sub‐themes allowed to investigate how and why the moral statuses were mobilized. We thus concluded that moral statuses were used in reference to both past and present times and that their mobilization was recognized as being strategic to challenge the status quo. The results were interpreted in light of decolonial actions and minorities' strategies to challenge the ingroup situation and to motivate its members.
Exceptional outcome in cutaneous myeloid sarcoma
Authors: Hayder Faten , Zaouak Anissa , Frioui Refka , Chamli Amal , Jouini Raja , Hammami Houda , Fenniche Samy
Published: March 2023

Recognition of cutaneous myeloid sarcoma is important for all dermatologists to avoid further progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, we highlight the presence of a favorable clinical outcome in some patients with spontaneous regression.
Variations in the bifurcation of deep femoral artery important for electrophysiologist
Authors: Nakasone Kazutaka , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Hashimura Hiromi , Takami Mitsuru , Fukuzawa Koji , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: March 2023

Knowing the vascular anatomy of the common femoral artery bifurcation and ultrasound‐guided puncture, including doppler, is helpful in recognizing anatomic variations and avoiding complications.
Predicting Gas Hydrate Equilibria in Multicomponent Systems with a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Nasir Qazi , Abdul Majeed Wameath S. , Suleman Humbul
Published: March 2023

Natural gas production and transportation can be threatened by gas hydrate plugging, especially in offshore environments with low temperatures and high pressures. This can cause pipeline blockages, increased back pressure, production stoppage, and pipeline ruptures. Machine learning (ML) models were created to predict gas hydrate formation in multicomponent systems with and without inhibitors. The models utilized input parameters such as gas‐mixture specific gravity, pressure, and inhibitor concentrations, which were fed into five supervised ML algorithms. The accuracy of the models' predictions was compared, and three models had accuracy greater than 90%, while two had accuracies between 80 and 90%.
Reaction Impurity Prediction using a Data Mining Approach**
Authors: Arun Adarsh , Guo Zhen , Sung Simon , Lapkin Alexei A.
Published: March 2023

Automated prediction of reaction impurities is useful in early‐stage reaction development, synthesis planning and optimization. Existing reaction predictors are catered towards main product prediction, and are often black‐box, making it difficult to troubleshoot erroneous outcomes. This work aims to present an automated, interpretable impurity prediction workflow based on data mining large chemical reaction databases. A 14‐step workflow was implemented in Python and RDKit using Reaxys® data. Evaluation of potential chemical reactions between functional groups present in the same reaction environment in the user‐supplied query species can be accurately performed by directly mining the Reaxys® database for similar or ‘analogue’ reactions involving these functional groups. Reaction templates can then be extracted from analogue reactions and applied to the relevant species in the original query to return impurities and transformations of interest. Three proof‐of‐concept case studies (paracetamol, agomelatine and lersivirine) were conducted, with the workflow correctly suggesting impurities within the top two outcomes. At all stages, suggested impurities can be traced back to the originating template and analogue reaction in the literature, allowing for closer inspection and user validation. Ultimately, this work could be useful as a benchmark for more sophisticated algorithms or models since it is interpretable, as opposed to purely black‐box solutions.
Application of the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology to pericardial fluid: Root cause analysis of indeterminate diagnoses, cytohistological correlation, and assessment of malignancy risk
Authors: Wang Minhua , Sun Tong , Jiao Jingjing , Wang He
Published: March 2023

Background

This study investigates the utility of the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC) in the categorization of pericardial fluid and assesses the diagnostic performance and risk of malignancy (ROM) for each of the diagnostic categories.

Methods

All pericardial fluid cases at the Yale School of Medicine between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, were reviewed. The diagnoses were reclassified into five categories according to the ISRSFC: nondiagnostic (ND), negative for malignancy (NFM), atypia of uncertain significance (AUS), suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and malignant (MAL). ROM and performance parameters of each category were calculated.

Results

After reclassification, the distribution of 465 pericardial fluid cases in each category was as follows: ND, 19 (4.1%); NFM, 332 (71.4%); AUS, 21 (4.5%); SFM, 11 (2.4%); and MAL, 82 (17.6%). Confirmatory follow‐ups were available for 16 ND (66.7%), 299 NFM (90%), 15 AUS (71%), 5 SFM (45.5%), and 30 MAL cases (36.6%). The ROM was 0% for ND, 1.3% for NFM (4 of 332), 20% for AUS (3 of 15), and 100% for both SFM (5 of 5) and MAL (27 of 27). The diagnostic performance was as follows: sensitivity, 87% (27 of 31); specificity, 100% (292 of 292); positive predictive value (PPV), 100% (27 of 27); negative predictive value (NPV), 98.6% (292 of 296); and diagnostic accuracy, 98.8% (319 of 323).

Conclusions

The ISRSFC is a highly useful system for the reporting of pericardial fluid and risk assessment, given that it offers high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy. The application of this system may help to better categorize pericardial fluid and facilitate the standardization of cytopathology reporting.
Dual‐Function NaYF4 : Yb3+/Er3+ Boosts Efficiency for Multi‐Dye Sensitized Solar Cells and Carbon‐Based CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ambapuram Meenakshamma , Mounika Parnapalli Muni , Maddala Gurulakshmi , Kalvapalli Susmitha , Pola Someshwar , Mitty Raghavender
Published: March 2023

Enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) is witnessed by inclusion of dual function NaYF4 : Yb3+/Er3+ as photon upconverter (UC) and light scatterer (LS) for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as well perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Emission studies by excitation with 980 nm laser light and diffuse reflectance measurements confirm that the synthesized NaYF4 : Yb3+/Er3+ exhibits dual function as upconverter and light scatterer. Three emission bands, in the spectral range of 650–710 nm, 510–570 nm, and 400–420 nm, are witnessed in emission studies. Multi‐dye (N719, N749 and SPSQ2 dyes) sensitization is introduced during photoelectrode preparation. The absorption spectra match the observed emission bands well. The combined upconversion, light scattering and multi‐dye sensitized DSSC reveals a high PCE of 11.16 %. The achieved results encouraged the fabrication of a PSC and its mini solar cell module by use of cost‐effective carbon as electrode and all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite. The results reveal PCEs of 16.55 % and 11.82 %, respectively.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis in lymph node cytology: Another “Floating Island” to visit
Authors: Jawaid Tabinda , Swanson Amy A. , Bois Melanie C. , Folpe Andrew L. , Rivera Michael , Hartley Christopher P. , Sturgis Charles D.
Published: March 2023

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease with variable presentations. The neoplastic cells in LAM demonstrate a unique and diagnostically important “myomelanocytic” phenotype. Cytologic reports of LAM are infrequent and have not in the past emphasized the floating island pattern in which circumscribed aggregates of lesional cells are rimmed by appliques of flattened endothelium. This case illustrates the cytology of LAM and emphasizes that the floating island cytoarchitectural pattern more classically associated with entities such as hepatocellular carcinomas may be seen in cytological preparations of LAM at unanticipated body sites.
The Living Planet Index's ability to capture biodiversity change from uncertain data
Authors: Hébert Katherine , Gravel Dominique
Published: March 2023

The Living Planet Index (LPI) is a crucial tool to track global biodiversity change, but necessarily sacrifices information to summarize thousands of population trends into a single communicable index. Evaluating when and how this information loss affects the LPI's performance is essential to ensure interpretations of the index reflect the truth as reliably as possible. Here, we evaluated the ability of the LPI to accurately and precisely capture trends of population change from uncertain data. We derived a mathematical analysis of uncertainty propagation in the LPI to track how measurement and process uncertainty may bias estimates of population growth rate trends, and to measure the overall uncertainty of the LPI. We demonstrated the propagation of uncertainty using simulated scenarios of declining, stable, or growing populations fluctuating independently, synchronously, or asynchronously, to assess the bias and uncertainty of the LPI in each scenario. We found that measurement and process uncertainty consistently pull the index below the expected true trend. Importantly, variability in the raw data scales up to draw the index further below the expected trend and to amplify its uncertainty, particularly when populations are small. These findings echo suggestions that a more complete assessment of the variability in population change trends, with particular attention to covarying populations, would enrich the LPI's already critical influence on conservation communication and decisions.
Greenland Ice Sheet Ice Slab Expansion and Thickening
Authors: Jullien Nicolas , Tedstone Andrew Jachnik , Machguth Horst , Karlsson Nanna B. , Helm Veit
Published: March 2023

We use airborne accumulation radar data acquired over the Greenland Ice
Sheet between 2002 and 2018 to identify changes in ice slab extent and
thickness. We show that ice slabs several metres thick were already
present at least as early as 2002. Between 2012 and 2018, they expanded
13,400-17,600  inland, or by 37-44%. Our results document that the
extremely warm summer of 2012 produced near-surface ice layers at higher
elevations, enabling ice slabs to develop in locations with only
moderate melting in the following summers. With repeated flights over a
transect in southwest Greenland, we show that ice slabs can thicken from
above and on their undersides. Moderate melting primarily thickens ice
slabs by top-down accretion, while large melting events can also trigger
ice accretion below the slabs.
Refining the Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model: Improving the timestep, the top of toe selection and the iteration routine
Authors: Ji Mingyuan , Niu Guilin , You Xueyi
Published: March 2023

Riverbank failure is an essential source of river sediment and a major cause of river meandering. The Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model (BSTEM) is a widely used simulation tool owing to its simplicity and clear presentation of results. However, the three core issues in the simulation by the software, time‐step determination, top‐of‐toe (TT) selection, and the iterative algorithm, still lack an in‐depth discussion to ensure the rationality and stability of the simulation results. In this study, the Jing‐150 cross‐section of the Jingjiang River was chosen as an example to illustrate these three problems. For the first problem, which is the choice of the time step, the simulation results become stable and close to the measured value as the time‐step decreases. After determining a suitable time step, the difference between adopting and modifying the default TT of the BSTEM was analysed. The results show that adopting the default TT causes chaos in the distribution of profile nodes, leading to an overly large bank failure width, whereas the modified TT node distribution is normal and the bank failure width is close to the measured value. For the third problem, the original iteration routine (OR) may cause the output bank profile to be unstable and cause a deviation between the bank width and measured value. The negative impact of unstable bank profiles diminishes as the time‐step decreases. However, the workload for reducing the time step is enormous. Therefore, an improved routine (IR) was proposed. With IR, the relative error between the simulated and measured values of the failure width was within 15% when the SD of the water stage was reduced to 0.2478. A similar result could only be obtained when the SD of the water stage was less than 0.099 for OR. This means that to obtain the same simulation accuracy for the failure width, IR can use a larger time step than OR, thereby reducing the workload of the simulation.
Statin exposure during pregnancy promotes neuromuscular junction alterations in postpartum Wistar rats
Authors: Muller Kevin Silva , Tibúrcio Felipe Cantore , de Barros Jorge Willian Franco , Matsumura Cintia Yuri , Matheus Selma Maria Michelin
Published: March 2023

Introduction/Aims

The mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) remain unclear. Pregnancy is associated with increased cholesterol levels. Statins may be useful during pregnancy, but their safety is uncertain. Hence, we investigated the postpartum effects of exposure to rosuvastatin and simvastatin during pregnancy in Wistar rats, targeting the neuromuscular structures.

Methods

Twenty‐one pregnant Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C) treated with vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide + dH20), simvastatin (S) 62.5 mg/kg/day, and rosuvastatin (R) 10 mg/kg/day. Gavage was performed daily from the gestational days 8 to 20. At weaning, the postpartum mother tissues were collected and subjected to morphological and morphometric analysis of the soleus muscle, associated neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and the sciatic nerve; protein quantification; quantification of the cholesterol and creatine kinase in the serum; and intramuscular collagen analysis.

Results

An increase in morphometric parameters (area, maximum and minimum diameters, Feret diameter, and minimum Feret) was observed in NMJs from the S and R groups in comparison with the C group, and there was also a loss of common NMJ circularity. The number of myofibers with central nuclei was higher in S (17 ± 3.9, P = .0083) and R (18.86 ± 14.42, P = .0498) than in C (6.8 ± 2.6).

Discussion

Gestational exposure to statins induced postpartum NMJ morphology alterations in soleus muscle, which may be caused by the remodeling of clusters of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This may be associated with the development and progression of SAMS observed in clinical practice.
Delimitation of massive sulphide bodies – Mise‐à‐la‐masse method associated with induced polarization (IP) – A case history from Brazil
Authors: Gallas José Domingos Faraco
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a successful application of the mise‐à‐la‐masse (MALM) or applied potential method in association with induced polarization (IP). MALM is known, since 1920, to be able to delimit electrically conductive massive mineralization. The method is used at the point where a drill hole intercepts a massive, mineralized body, to estimate its extent and shape. It is thus used as a complementary mineral exploration tool. IP is normally used in conjunction with resistivity. However, the acquisition of IP data together with the MALM method is rarely found in the literature. This survey shows that it is possible to successfully detect and delimit areas of disseminated sulphides using MALM with IP. In this paper, the MALM method is presented and discussed in detail. A short description of the IP method is also provided. Data are from the Camaquã Project (Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil) and the Santa Maria (lead, zinc and associated silver) deposit, 5 km south of Caçapava do Sul. In a well that intercepted a massive mineralization (borehole 8011) with electrical continuity, ∆V measurements delineated the extent, shape and orientation (NS) of a conductive sulphide body. Mineralization intercepted by other two wells (8011 and 8103) did not present enough electrical continuity to exhibit potential contours that could be associated to massive sulphides; it was, however, successfully detected by IP.
Activation of the CncC pathway is involved in the regulation of P450 genes responsible for clothianidin resistance in Bradysia odoriphaga
Authors: Zhang Chunni , Zhou Taoling , Li Yao , Dai Wu , Du Shaokai
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) play a key role in the detoxification metabolism of insecticides and their overexpression is often associated with insecticide resistance. Our previous research showed that the overexpression of four P450 genes is responsible for clothianidin resistance in B. odoriphaga. In this study, we characterized another P450 gene, CYP6FV21, associated with clothianidin resistance. However, the molecular basis for the overexpression of P450 genes in clothianidin‐resistant strain remains obscure in B. odoriphaga.

RESULTS

In this study, the CYP6FV21 gene was significantly overexpressed in the clothianidin‐resistant (CL‐R) strain. Clothianidin exposure significantly increased the expression level of CYP6FV21. Knockdown of CYP6FV21 significantly increased the susceptibility of B. odoriphaga larvae to clothianidin. The transcription factor Cap ‘n’ Collar isoform‐C (CncC) was highly expressed in the midgut of larvae in B. odoriphaga. The expression level of CncC was higher in the CL‐R strain compared with the susceptible (SS) strain. Clothianidin exposure caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and significantly increased the expression level of CncC. Knockdown of CncC caused a significant decrease in the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21, and P450 enzyme activity, and led to a significant increase in mortality after exposure to lethal concentration at 30% (LC30) of clothianidin. After treatment with CncC agonist curcumin, the P450 activity and the expression levels of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 significantly increased, and larval sensitivity to clothianidin decreased. The ROS scavenger N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment significantly inhibited the expression levels of CncC, CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 in response to clothianidin exposure and increased larval sensitivity to clothianidin.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicate that activation of the CncC pathway by the ROS burst plays a critical role in clothianidin resistance by regulating the expression of CYP3828A1 and CYP6FV21 genes in B. odoriphaga. This study provides more insight into the mechanisms underlying B. odoriphaga larval resistance to clothianidin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multi‐objective routing algorithms for low‐earth orbit satellite network
Authors: Xie Xuan , Huang Linyu , Tang Chengwen , Ning Qian
Published: March 2023

The low‐earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, composed of a large number of satellite nodes, is a hot research topic at present. Due to the characteristics of the large‐scale LEO satellite network, such as many satellite nodes, short orbit period, large dynamic change of topology, and unstable link‐state, its communication quality of service (QoS) requirements are difficult to meet. Aiming at this problem, various factors that may affect data transmission are first analyzed. The network link selection problem is modeled as a multi‐constraint optimization decision problem, a routing mathematical model based on linear programming (LP) is designed, and its solution is solved. Aiming at the problem of limited onboard computing resources, a multi‐object optimization Dijkstra algorithm (MOODA) is designed. The MOODA finds the optimal path according to the comprehensive performance of the link. It solves the problems of poor comprehensive QoS performance and the low degree of load balancing of the paths found by the Dijkstra algorithm. The simulation results show that the paths found by the two algorithms have good QoS, robustness, and load balancing performance.
Seasonal occurrence and fate of nanoparticles in two biological wastewater treatment plants in Southern California
Authors: Smeraldi Josh , Tseng Linda Y. , Dutta Ishir , Ganesh Rajagopalan , Rosso Diego
Published: March 2023

Nano‐sized particles in wastewater are generally considered colloids, but their production and size distribution are not well understood. Organic nano‐sized particles are more abundant than engineered nanomaterials in wastewater, where they may cause membrane fouling, harbor pathogens, and transport contaminants to the environment. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the seasonal behavior, removal, and the quantity and size of suspended particles (both unfiltered and filtered through a 450 nm filter) at multiple points within different processes along two water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs, formerly wastewater treatment plants). In Southern California where wastewater is often reused or reclaimed, a better understanding of nano‐sized particles generation and removal may help reduce cost. We found that both types of the biological secondary treatments investigated (conventional activated sludge process and trickling filter) were more efficient in removing suspended particles larger than 450 nm than they were smaller ones. However, the results show that current treatment processes are not designed to remove nano‐sized particles efficiently. We also investigated the factors that correlate with their occurrence and found that there was a significant and direct correlation between influent dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the abundance of suspended particles both larger and smaller than 450 nm, suggesting that the suspended particles increased with dissolved COD in the WRRFs and thus were biogenically generated during the wastewater treatment. Although no conclusive seasonal correlations were found, dissolved COD management may control nano‐sized particle production.

Practitioner Points

Conventional secondary treatments (activated sludge and trickling filter) could efficiently remove particles but not as efficiently for nano‐sized particles (40.1–52.7% removal).

At one facility, particles of all sizes were found to correlate with dissolved carbon and EPS, meaning they were biogenic.

Monitoring dissolved carbon or EPS precursors may help control membrane fouling post‐secondary treatment, and this warrants more studies.
Changes in Illinois hunters' beliefs about chronic wasting disease management between 2012 and 2022
Authors: Vaske Jerry J. , Miller Craig A.
Published: March 2023

Previous human dimensions articles related to changes in perceptions about chronic wasting disease (CWD) have focused on psychological variables (e.g., risk, trust). We expanded the scope of comparison and included 27 CWD management‐action variables. We obtained data from 2 mail surveys of resident deer hunters randomly sampled from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' (IDNR) permit holders, administered first in 2012 (n = 5,663, response rate = 55%) and again in 2022 (n = 1,237, response rate = 43%). Hunters in 2022 were less aware of IDNR's management actions (e.g., increase the number of deer permits) than the 2012 hunters. Alternatively, the 2022 hunters were more supportive of actions the IDNR should pursue (e.g., use deer sharpshooting) than the 2012 hunters. Hunters in 2012 were more supportive of testing for CWD than the 2022 sample, although the differences were small. Conversely, the 2022 hunters were always more likely to believe that each IDNR action (e.g., use deer sharpshooting) was more effective than those during 2012. Statistical differences can be partially attributed to the large sample size as the average Cohen's d across all 27 items was only 0.159 (i.e., small). Overall, findings demonstrate the importance of tracking changes in beliefs over time, as such changes can influence an agency's management actions.
Wildlife agency responses to chronic wasting disease in free‐ranging cervids
Authors: Thompson Noelle E. , Huang Miranda H. J. , Christensen Sonja A. , Demarais Stephen
Published: March 2023

Complex ecological and human‐influenced factors that are characteristic of chronic wasting disease (CWD) have created substantial and unique challenges for effective management in free‐ranging cervids. We sought to summarize and characterize management experiences and actions from 30 U.S. states, 4 Canadian provinces, and 3 European countries that have direct experience with CWD. We surveyed wildlife agencies that had detected CWD in their free‐ranging cervid population and collected information from journal articles, published reports, and agency webpages. We report management approaches and their apparent impacts by state, provincial, or national jurisdiction during 3 stages of response to CWD: 1) pre‐detection, 2) initial response, and 3) altered response. Agencies took a proactive approach to CWD during the pre‐detection phase; 12 of the 24 responding agencies had a weighted‐surveillance program in place and 17 had regulations aimed at disease prevention. There was no apparent difference in initial apparent prevalence of CWD among agencies with weighted surveillance in place and those without, but complicating factors, such as differing sampling methods and sample size, were present. Agencies reported 5 common surveillance strategies, and first detections were primarily from sampling hunter‐harvested deer. Bans or restrictions on interstate movement of carcasses or live animals and increased bag limits were common responses to the detection of CWD and were used by 83% and 78% of the 24 responding agencies, respectively. Similarly, adapted surveillance was a common response to CWD detection; 14 of the 24 agencies either initiated or adjusted their weighted surveillance program following detection. However, of the 20 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces that have not yet detected CWD, only 3 are currently applying weighted surveillance approaches to their CWD sampling efforts. As demonstrated by New York and Minnesota, localized eradication of CWD may be possible if it is detected in its emergent stage when there are few infected deer in an area. We found that 4 of the 20 U.S. states and 2 of the 6 Canadian provinces that have yet to detect CWD had a response plan available online. Further analyses to assess the impacts of various management approaches on the spatial and temporal trajectory of CWD prevalence requires more data collection and reporting, such as consistent and fine‐scale surveillance in management and control areas. We recommend that agencies be proactive in public messaging of CWD response plans well before initial detection and that cervid managers dealing with CWD collaborate regularly with one another to share their variable and collective experiences. We also recommend that agencies provide detailed public reports on CWD responses, disease progression, and management outcomes.
Potential role of exitron‐containing homeobox genes in cancer
Authors: de Faria Poloni Joice , Feltes Bruno César
Published: March 2023

Homeobox genes are protagonists in developmental and cancer biology, making comprehending their regulation pivotal in multiple molecular pathways. Exitrons, also known as intronic exons, are new players in the transcriptional organization, providing additional splicing variants whose functions are still vastly unknown. Exitron splicing sites were identified in eight homeobox genes, which has not been yet debated in the scientific literature. Due to the intimate connection between homeobox genes and tumorigenesis, it is worth investing more time in understanding how these less explored exitron‐containing transcriptional isoforms could play a role in modulating the homeobox gene's biological functions. The perspectives devised in this article are meant to instigate fresh debates on how the transcriptional variants retaining exitrons identified in the human homeobox genes HOXA1, HOXA9, HOXD8, NKX3.1, and DLX6 can be examined in the context of tumorigenesis.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics
Studienergebnisse
Authors: Lessky Franziska
Published: March 2023

In den folgenden Kapiteln werden die Ergebnisse dieser Studie präsentiert und diskutiert. Während in Kapitel 6.1 die quantitativen Ergebnisse erläutert werden, widmet sich Kapitel 6.2 den qualitativen Ergebnissen.
A study of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 SCFT derived from $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 SCFT: index and chiral ring
Authors: Xie Dan , Yan Wenbin
Published: March 2023

Abstract

One can derive a large class of new $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs by turning on $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 preserving deformations for $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 Argyres-Dougals theories. In this work, we use $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal indices to get indices of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs, then use these indices to derive chiral rings of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFTs. For a large class of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories, we find that the IR theory contains only free chirals if we deform the parent $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theory using the Coulomb branch operator with smallest scaling dimension. Our results provide interesting lessons on studies of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 theories, such as a-maximization, accidental symmetries, chiral ring, etc.
Dermatoskopie von Genodermatosen
Authors: Plázár Dóra , Joura Marie Isolde , Kiss Norbert , Medvecz Márta
Published: March 2023

Genodermatosen sind eine Gruppe erblicher Hautkrankheiten, deren Diagnose aufgrund ihrer Seltenheit sowie klinischen und genetischen Vielfalt eine Herausforderung darstellt. Die meisten Genodermatosen werden autosomal oder X‑chromosomal vererbt, auch Mosaikformen werden beobachtet. Genodermatosen umfassen verschiedene Phänotypen, die von einer begrenzten kutanen Erkrankung bis hin zu einer schweren kutanen und extrakutanen Beteiligung reichen. Sie können auch Zeichen multisystemischer Störungen sein. Trotz der jüngsten Fortschritte in der Gentechnologie und den bildgebenden Verfahren der Haut stellt die Dermatoskopie für das Screening, die Diagnostik und die therapeutische Nachsorge eine nützliche Untersuchungsmethode dar. Bei der ektopischen Mineralisierungsstörung Pseudoxanthoma elasticum und der lysosomalen Speicherkrankheit Morbus Fabry können die Symptome auf der Haut auf Beteiligungen innerer Organe hinweisen. Bei Keratinisierungskrankheiten wie Ichthyosen und akantholytischen Dyskeratosen wie Morbus Darier und Morbus Hailey-Hailey kann die Dermatoskopie helfen, die Wirksamkeit der Therapie zu zeigen, indem sie Hintergrunderythem, Hyperkeratose und den interkeratinozytären Raum sichtbar macht. Die Dermatoskopie ist eine nichtinvasive In-vivo-Untersuchung, die in der allgemeinen Dermatologie zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnt und ein nützliches, leicht zugängliches Instrument zur Erkennung charakteristischer Merkmale von Genodermatosen sein kann.
The Critical Role of Fillers in Composite Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery
Authors: Yang Xueying , Liu Jiaxiang , Pei Nanbiao , Chen Zhiqiang , Li Ruiyang , Fu Lijun , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jinbao
Published: March 2023

With excellent energy densities and highly safe performance, solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) have been hailed as promising energy storage devices. Solid-state electrolyte is the core component of SSLBs and plays an essential role in the safety and electrochemical performance of the cells. Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are considered as one of the most promising candidates among all solid-state electrolytes due to their excellent comprehensive performance. In this review, we briefly introduce the components of CPEs, such as the polymer matrix and the species of fillers, as well as the integration of fillers in the polymers. In particular, we focus on the two major obstacles that affect the development of CPEs: the low ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and high interfacial impedance. We provide insight into the factors influencing ionic conductivity, in terms of macroscopic and microscopic aspects, including the aggregated structure of the polymer, ion migration rate and carrier concentration. In addition, we also discuss the electrode–electrolyte interface and summarize methods for improving this interface. It is expected that this review will provide feasible solutions for modifying CPEs through further understanding of the ion conduction mechanism in CPEs and for improving the compatibility of the electrode–electrolyte interface.
Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: Challenges and Perspectives
Authors: Zhu Xinxin , Wang Liguang , Bai Zhengyu , Lu Jun , Wu Tianpin
Published: March 2023

Lithium–sulfur batteries with liquid electrolytes have been obstructed by severe shuttle effects and intrinsic safety concerns. Introducing inorganic solid-state electrolytes into lithium–sulfur systems is believed as an effective approach to eliminate these issues without sacrificing the high-energy density, which determines sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries. However, the lack of design principles for high-performance composite sulfur cathodes limits their further application. The sulfur cathode regulation should take several factors including the intrinsic insulation of sulfur, well-designed conductive networks, integrated sulfur-electrolyte interfaces, and porous structure for volume expansion, and the correlation between these factors into account. Here, we summarize the challenges of regulating composite sulfur cathodes with respect to ionic/electronic diffusions and put forward the corresponding solutions for obtaining stable positive electrodes. In the last section, we also outlook the future research pathways of architecture sulfur cathode to guide the develop high-performance all-solid-state lithium–sulfur batteries.
The Evolution of China’s Foreign Talent Policy: the Case Study of Beijing
Authors: Xu Lingyu
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to explore the evolution of China’s foreign talent policy (FTP) and the factors that contribute to those policy changes. Selecting Beijing as a case study, this paper explores Beijing’s FTP and divides it into three periods (1949–1978; 1978–2000; 2000 until now). It argues that at the point when the policy system becomes more institutionalized, more simplified measures are adopted. In particular, this paper applies a three-tier framework to detect the factors contributing to the policy changes as follows: (1) the deregulation of China’s scientific and educational systems, (2) emerging actors in the FTP institutional setting (Zhongguancun Science Park, private think tanks and social groups), and (3) market-oriented reform of the policy tools, e.g., China’s permanent residence system.
Stratigraphy and Biochronostratigraphy of the Lower Pliensbachian (Jurassic) from the Asturian basin (Northern Spain)
Authors: Comas-Rengifo María José , García-Ramos José Carlos , Goy Antonio , Piñuela Laura , Gómez Juan J. , Paredes Ricardo , Suárez Vega Luis Carlos
Published: March 2023

A stratigraphic study of the carbonate deposits from the interval between the uppermost Sinemurian and the base of the Upper Pliensbachian is presented herein. For this purpose, four expanded sections of the Asturian Basin, in Northern Spain, were sampled. The sections are located between Rodiles E section (Villaviciosa municipality) and Playa de Vega section (Ribadesella municipality). The ammonites recorded in over 100 successive levels of this sector enabled the substantial improvement of the biochronostratigraphic scale of reference; making it comparable with those defined for other basins of the Iberian Peninsula and other areas of the western Tethys. The lower boundary of the Pliensbachian is indicated by the first appearance ofGemmellarocerasaff.aenigmaticum(Gemmellaro) below the first appearance of the genusApoderoceras. The upper boundary is defined by the first record of theProtogrammoceras.(Matteiceras) subgenus which in some levels is associated withAmaltheus stokesi(Sowerby). The boundaries between the zones and subzones were able to be established accurately in most cases. The ammonite assemblages are similar to those established for the NW European Province. Some intervals, however, include species typical of the Mediterranean Province. Among these, the Taylori Subchronozone (Gemmellaroceras) and the transition between the Jamesoni Subchronozone and the Valdani Subchronozone (Tropidoceras) can be highlighted. Additionally, taking into consideration the succession between of ammonite genera and species, 27 horizons were identified, 24 of which correspond to the Lower Pliensbachian, and the other 3 to the uppermost Sinemurian and the lowermost part of the Upper Pliensbachian. Moreover, the identification of 3 of the Lower Pliensbachian horizons were based upon the evolution of the MediterraneanTropidoceras.
Multiple Biogenic Waste Valorization via Pyrolysis Technologies in Palm Oil Industry: Economic and Environmental Multi-objective Optimization for Sustainable Energy System
Authors: Teh Khai Chyi , Tan Jully , Chew Irene Mei Leng
Published: March 2023

Agricultural biomass is one of the major wastes in the world. Most of these wastes end up in landfills and incineration, causing significant environmental problems that are detrimental to human health and other species on the Earth. Thermochemical conversion can solve this issue by utilizing the energy embedded inside the biomass, mainly organic matter, into high-grade fuels and chemicals. Fast pyrolysis is one of the technologies that can convert biomass waste to a high yield of bio-oil, which can then be used as biofuels in vehicles. In this study, palm oil biomass wastes are valorized to generate bio-oil sustainably via several pyrolysis technologies such as conventional pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis, and thermo-catalytic pyrolysis in a multi-objective optimization framework. The formulated multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming problems are solved using theɛ-constraint method. The Pareto-optimal solutions have illustrated a clear trade-off between two conflicting objectives: total annualized profit and the global warming potential. The most profitable solution economically has an annualized profit of $237 per ton of biomass with an emission of 628 kg CO2equivalent per ton of biomass. On the other hand, the most environmentally sustainable solution, while still generating positive income, has an annualized profit of $122 per ton of biomass with an emission of 132 kg CO2equivalent per ton of biomass. A second scenario with a case study presented on the palm oil industry in Malaysia has also demonstrated the selection of biomass during feedstock blending when a constraint on biomass feedstock availability is pre-defined. The proposed model is robust for planning bioenergy complex, especially those involving multiple biomass feedstocks. In fact, this study has addressed the research gap in comparison of multiple distinctive pyrolysis processes with respect to multiple palm biomass feedstocks.
Semi Post–Widder Operators and Difference Estimates
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Herzog Monika
Published: March 2023

We consider the Post–Widder operators of semi-exponential type, which are a generalization of the exponential operators connected with $$x^2$$

x
2

. This modification has the beauty to find difference with other operators, while the original Post–Widder operators do not have such property. We estimate quantitative difference of these operators with Baskakov type operators and Szász–Kantorovich operators, along with some composition of operators. Finally, we further consider a form preserving linear functions and estimate some direct results.
Race, Indigeneity, and Migration
Authors: Saito Natsu Taylor
Published: March 2023

Race, indigeneity, and migration are integrally related in international law. This relationship can be traced to their origins in a legal system dedicated to facilitating European colonialism and imperial expansion. International law has constructed racial difference and deployed racialized hierarchies to determine who would be permitted to migrate to various parts of the world and what their rights or responsibilities would be in those locations, as well as the status of those already living in the territories at issue. Genealogical inquiry makes it clear that the imposition of racialized hierarchies, the construction of indigeneity, and the restrictions placed (or not placed) on migration in international law have been, and continue to be, functions of a colonial world order. This essay begins by acknowledging the colonial roots of contemporary migration patterns, considers how formal decolonization reified arbitrarily imposed states and state borders, and argues that genuine redress has been sidelined by framing colonial dispossession as poverty and underdevelopment. It concludes that, because the system remains structurally dependent upon racism, xenophobia, and the systemic erasure of indigeneity, remediation of these problems will require the genuine decolonization not only of subordinated peoples, but of international law itself.
Anti-Racism at the United Nations
Authors: Achiume E. Tendayi , McDougall Gay
Published: March 2023

Racial injustice and inequality remain contested internationally, and the United Nations remains a prominent site for this contestation. In this essay, we describe the architecture designated by the United Nations to address racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. We highlight recent normative and institutional innovations and their connection with older mechanisms and milestones. From our experience within this architecture, we reflect on shortcomings and dysfunctions that are built into it, and discuss pressing threats and challenges. We highlight the twenty-year-long, unprincipled opposition of members of the Western Europe and Other States Group (WEOG) within the United Nations to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), which they have used to block progressive efforts to dismantle contemporary and historic racial injustice. We also highlight recent successes within the architecture, noting remarkable, if tenuous, shifts in the normative framing of racism and racial injustice at the United Nations.