bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review: plastic analysis in structures
Authors: De’nan Fatimah , Shek Wai Chong , Teong Yen Tong , Mustafa Zafira Nur Ezzati , Hashim Nor Salwani
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Brief introduction on the importance and the need for plastic analysis methods were presented in the beginning section of this review. The plastic method for analysis was considered to be the more advanced method of analysis because of its ability to represent the true behaviour of the steel structures. Then in the following section, a literature analysis has been carried out on the previous investigations done on steel plates, steel beams and steel frames by other authors. The behaviour of them under different types of loading were presented and are under the investigation of innovative new analysis methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Structure member connections also have the potential for plastic failure. In this study, the authors have highlighted a few topics to be discussed. The three topics in this study are T-end plate connections to a square hollow section, semi-rigid connections and cold-formed steel storage racks with spine bracings using speed-lock connections. Connection is one of the important parts of a structure that ensures the integrity of the structure. Finally, in this technical paper, the authors introduce some topics related to seismic action. Application of the Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control in seismic design is studied in the beginning. At the end, its in-depth application for moment resisting frames-eccentrically braced frames dual systems is investigated.

Findings

When this study involves the design of a plastic structure, the design criteria must involve the ultimate load rather than the yield stress. As the steel behaves in the plastic range, it means the capacity of the steel has reached the ultimate load. Ultimate load design and load factor design are the methods in the range of plastic analysis. After the steel capacity has reached beyond the yield stress, it fulfills the requirement in this method. The plastic analysis method offers a consistent and logical approach to structural analysis. It provides an economical solution in terms of steel weight, as the sections designed using this method are smaller compared with elastic design methods.

Originality/value

The plastic method is the primary approach used in the analysis and design of statically indeterminate frame structures.
Clinical investigation of glucokinase activators for the restoration of glucose homeostasis in diabetes
Authors: Li Ping , Zhu Dalong
Published: April 2024

As a sensor, glucokinase (GK) controls glucose homeostasis, which progressively declines in patients with diabetes. GK maintains the equilibrium of glucose levels and regulates the homeostatic system set points. Endocrine and hepatic cells can both respond to glucose cooperatively when GK is activated. GK has been under study as a therapeutic target for decades due to the possibility that cellular GK expression and function can be recovered, hence restoring glucose homeostasis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Five therapeutic compounds targeting GK are being investigated globally at the moment. They all have distinctive molecular structures and have been clinically shown to have strong antihyperglycemia effects. The mechanics, classification, and clinical development of GK activators are illustrated in this review. With the recent approval and marketing of the first GK activator (GKA), dorzagliatin, GKA's critical role in treating glucose homeostasis disorder and its long‐term benefits in diabetes will eventually become clear.

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Exploring previously used thresholds for computed tomography‐defined low skeletal muscle mass in predicting functional limitations among lung cancer patients
Authors: Timsina Shiva Raj , Tanomkiat Wiwatana , Geater Sarayut L. , Ina Natee
Published: April 2024

Background

Various cutoffs have been used to diagnose computed tomography (CT)‐defined low skeletal muscle mass; however, the impact of this variability on predicting physical functional limitations (PFL) remains unclear. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic test metrics for predicting PFLs using a fixed cutoff value from previous reports and sought to create a prediction score that incorporated the skeletal muscle index (SMI) and other clinical factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study including 237 patients with lung cancer, the SMI was assessed using CT‐determined skeletal muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra. Physical function was assessed using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, with PFL defined as an SPPB score ≤9. We analyzed the diagnostic metrics of the five previous cutoffs for CT‐defined low skeletal muscle mass in predicting PFL.

Results

The mean age of participants was 66.0 ± 10.4 years. Out of 237 patients, 158 (66.7%) had PFLs. A significant difference was observed in SMI between individuals with and without PFLs (35.7 cm2/m2 ± 7.8 vs. 39.5 cm2/m2 ± 8.4, p < 0.001). Diagnostic metrics of previous cutoffs in predicting PFL showed suboptimal sensitivity (63.29%–91.77%), specificity (11.39%–50.63%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values (0.516–0.592). Age and the SMI were significant predictors of PFL; therefore, a score for predicting PFL (age – SMI + 21) was constructed, which achieved an AUC value of 0.748.

Conclusion

Fixed cutoffs for CT‐defined low skeletal muscle mass may inadequately predict PFLs, potentially overlooking declining physical functions in patients with lung cancer.
Using Family Needs Assessments to Guide Place‐Based Services for Vulnerable Families: Lessons From the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Soriano Elizabeth , Alonso Betty , Rivera Yanexy , Perrino Tatiana
Published: April 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic created significant health, social and economic impacts, disproportionately affecting minority, immigrant and low‐income communities. Agencies were challenged to rapidly address emerging needs, yet most operated on anecdotal information. This paper describes a community‐informed family needs assessment in Miami, Florida, during November 2020–March 2021. It was conducted by a nonprofit agency collaborating with a university. The aims were to capture socio‐economic, educational and health needs experienced during the early pandemic to inform place‐based services. Eighty‐one participants, mostly Hispanic, foreign‐born parents, completed an anonymous online survey of pandemic experiences, with 15 parents participating in additional, in‐depth focus group discussions. Utilizing a mixed methods approach, results show that perceived economic, educational and psychosocial needs often exceeded and complicated health impacts, with basic needs including food/housing assistance, occupational programmes and online support groups. By coordinating the response around identified needs, this community–academic partnership strengthened and targeted their place‐based public health response, an approach that can serve to guide other communities.
Patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphoma receiving CAR T‐cell therapy have a low rate of severe infections despite lack of universal antibacterial and antifungal prophylaxis
Authors: Pernas B. , Iacoboni G. , Los‐Arcos I. , Carpio C. , Márquez‐Algaba E. , Sanchez‐Salinas M. A. , Albasanz A. , Esperalba J. , Viñado B. , Camps I. Ruiz , Barba P.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Our aim was to describe the frequency and severity of infectious complications after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy in patients with large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records of LBCL patients treated with CD19‐targeted CAR T‐cell therapy from July/2018 to December/2021 at our institution, and identified all infectious episodes from CAR T‐cell infusion until disease progression, death or last follow‐up.

Results

Overall, 137 patients were included. Thirty six percent had received ≥3 previous lines of therapy and 26% an autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto‐HCT). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 87 (64%) patients. Antibacterial prophylaxis was not used in any patient; only 38% received antifungal prophylaxis. Sixty three infectious events were observed in 41 (30%) patients. Fifty two (83%) of the infectious events had at least one pathogen identified (bacteria [n = 38], virus [n = 11], and fungi [n = 3]). Most of the infectious events occurred during hospitalization for CAR‐T treatment. Infection‐related mortality was observed in two patients. Independent risk factors for infection included male gender, previous auto‐HCT, ≥3 lines of treatment and pre‐lymphodepletion neutropenia.

Conclusions

Infections after CAR T‐cell therapy in patients with lymphoma are frequent but generally not severe. A conservative and tailored antimicrobial prophylaxis seems to be a safe approach.
Temporal allele frequency changes in large‐effect loci reveal potential fishing impacts on salmon life‐history diversity
Authors: Miettinen Antti , Romakkaniemi Atso , Dannewitz Johan , Pakarinen Tapani , Palm Stefan , Persson Lo , Östergren Johan , Primmer Craig R. , Pritchard Victoria L.
Published: April 2024

Fishing has the potential to influence the life‐history traits of exploited populations. However, our understanding of how fisheries can induce evolutionary genetic changes remains incomplete. The discovery of large‐effect loci linked with ecologically important life‐history traits, such as age at maturity in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), provides an opportunity to study the impacts of temporally varying fishing pressures on these traits. A 93‐year archive of fish scales from wild Atlantic salmon catches from the northern Baltic Sea region allowed us to monitor variation in adaptive genetic diversity linked with age at maturity of wild Atlantic salmon populations. The dataset consisted of samples from both commercial and recreational fisheries that target salmon on their spawning migration. Using a genotyping‐by‐sequencing approach (GT‐seq), we discovered strong within‐season allele frequency changes at the vgll3 locus linked with Atlantic salmon age at maturity: fishing in the early season preferentially targeted the vgll3 variant linked with older maturation. We also found within‐season temporal variation in catch proportions of different wild Atlantic salmon subpopulations. Therefore, selective pressures of harvesting may vary depending on the seasonal timing of fishing, which has the potential to cause evolutionary changes in key life‐history traits and their diversity. This knowledge can be used to guide fisheries management to reduce the effects of fishing practices on salmon life‐history diversity. Thus, this study provides a tangible example of using genomic approaches to infer, monitor and help mitigate human impacts on adaptively important genetic variation in nature.
The creative abilities of preservice world language educators
Authors: Hlas Anne Cummings , Hlas Christopher S.
Published: April 2024

A creative approach to teaching can factor into a long‐lasting professional career and has the potential to attract passionate newcomers to the field of education. When creativity is valued, teachers can use these abilities to meaningfully design instruction, to create a vibrant learning environment, and to support student self‐confidence. For these reasons, this study used the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking as well as interview data to examine creative profiles within teacher education. Using a checklist of 13 possible creative strengths, world language (n = 32) criterion‐referenced scores indicated distinct creative abilities among participants. Findings resulted in six domain‐specific creative abilities: depicting movement or action, extending or breaking boundaries, storytelling articulation, emotional expressiveness, humor, and expressiveness of titles, as prominent strengths of preservice language educators. In this study, creativity is explored as a transformative factor with potential for teacher retention and recruitment.
Fertility divergence across large and small areas
Authors: Li Xiaoyin , Winters John V.
Published: April 2024

This paper examines U.S. female fertility during 2005–2019. Small areas had higher fertility rates than large metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) during each year. Both experienced fertility declines between 2005 and 2019. However, decreased fertility was more pronounced for large MSAs, and the fertility gap between large and small areas widened considerably. Investigation by age group reveals that diverging fertility across large and small areas is driven by women ages 25–34. We also use multivariate regression analysis for ages 25–34 to consider relationships between individual‐level and area‐level characteristics and spatial divergence in fertility. Employment patterns, foreign‐born status, and local housing costs are notable factors.
Non‐CG DNA methylation marks the transition from pupa to adult in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Royle Jack W. , Hurwood David , Sadowski Pawel , Dudley Kevin J.
Published: April 2024

DNA methylation in insects is generally low in abundance, and its role is not well understood. It is often localised in protein coding regions and associated with the expression of ‘housekeeping’ genes. Few studies have explored DNA methylation dynamics during lifecycle stage transitions in holometabolous (metamorphosing) insects. Using targeted mass spectrometry, we have found a significant difference in global DNA methylation levels between larvae, pupae and adults of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Hübner, a polyphagous pest of agricultural importance. Whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing confirmed these observations and pointed to non‐CG context being the primary explanation for the difference observed between pupa and adult. Non‐CG methylation was enriched in genes specific to various signalling pathways (Hippo signalling, Hedgehog signalling and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling) and ATP‐dependent chromatin remodelling. Understanding the function of this epigenetic mark could be a target in future studies focusing on integrated pest management.
Deciphering visceral adipose tissue regulatory T cells: Key contributors to metabolic health
Authors: Elkins Cody , Li Chaoran
Published: April 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) play a crucial role in controlling tissue inflammation and maintaining metabolic health. VAT Tregs display a unique transcriptional profile and T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, and closely interact with adipocytes, stromal cells, and other immune components within the local VAT microenvironment. However, in the context of obesity, there is a notable decline in VAT Tregs, resulting in heightened VAT inflammation and insulin resistance. A comprehensive understanding of the biology of VAT Tregs is essential for the development of Treg‐based therapies for mitigating obesity‐associated metabolic diseases. Recent advancements in lineage tracing tools, genetic mouse models, and various single cell “omics” techniques have significantly progressed our understandings of the origin, differentiation, and regulation of this unique VAT Treg population at steady state and during obesity. The identification of VAT‐Treg precursor cells in the secondary lymphoid organs has also provided important insights into the timing, location, and mechanisms through which VAT Tregs acquire their distinctive phenotype that enables them to function within a lipid‐rich microenvironment. In this review, we highlight key recent breakthroughs in the VAT‐Treg field while discussing pivotal questions that remain unanswered.
Improved RBM‐based feature extraction for credit risk assessment with high dimensionality
Authors: Zhu Jianxin , Wu Xiong , Yu Lean , Ji Jun
Published: April 2024

To address the high‐dimensional issues in credit risk assessment, an improved multilayer restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) based feature extraction method is proposed. In the improved multilayer RBM methodology, the reconstruction error method is first applied to ensure the number of RBM layers to construct an optimal model and then the weighted pruning approach is used to remove redundant and irrelevant traits. For verification purposes, two real‐world credit datasets are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multilayer RBM methodology. The experimental results reveal that a significant improvement in credit classification performance can be obtained by the improved multilayer RBM methodology. This indicates the improved multilayer RBM model proposed in this paper can be used as a promising tool to solve the high‐dimensionality issues in credit risk evaluation.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of Trichospira verticillata via suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome in neutrophilic asthma
Authors: Yang Hyeyun , Park Gunwoo , Lee Sojung , Lee Sumin , Kim YeJi , Zamora Nelson A. , Yi Dong‐Keun , Kim Soo‐Yong , Choi Chun Whan , Choi Sangho , Park Yong Hwan
Published: April 2024

Trichospira verticillata is an annual herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Trichospira verticillata extract (TVE) elicits anti‐plasmodial activity; however, there has been no detailed report about its anti‐inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms. In addition, herbal plants exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to examine the effects of TVE on NLRP3 inflammasome activation by measuring interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) secretion. We treated lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐primed J774A.1 and THP‐1 cells with TVE, which attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Notably, TVE did not affect nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling or intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and potassium efflux, suggesting that it inactivates the NLRP3 inflammasome via other mechanisms. Moreover, TVE suppressed the formation of apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein (ASC) speck and oligomerization. Immunoprecipitation data revealed that TVE reduced the binding of NLRP3 to NIMA‐related kinase 7 (NEK7), resulting in reduced ASC oligomerization and speck formation. Moreover, TVE alleviated neutrophilic asthma (NA) symptoms in mice. This study demonstrates that TVE modulates the binding of NLPR3 to NEK7, thereby reporting novel insights into the mechanism by which TVE inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings suggest TVE as a potential therapeutic of NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated diseases, particularly NA.
Dampened circadian amplitude of EEG power in women after menopause
Authors: Pérez‐Medina‐Carballo Rafael , Kosmadopoulos Anastasi , Moderie Christophe , Boudreau Philippe , Robert Manon , Boivin Diane B.
Published: April 2024

Postmenopausal women are at high risk of developing sleep–wake disturbances. We previously reported dampened circadian rhythms of melatonin, alertness and sleep in postmenopausal compared with young women. The present study aims to further explore electroencephalography power spectral changes in the sleep of postmenopausal women. Eight healthy postmenopausal women were compared with 12 healthy, naturally ovulating, young women in their mid‐follicular phase. Participants followed a regular 8‐hr sleep schedule for ≥ 2 weeks prior to laboratory entry. The laboratory visit included an 8‐hr baseline sleep period followed by an ultradian sleep–wake cycle procedure, consisting of alternating 1‐hr wake periods and nap opportunities. Electroencephalography power spectral analysis was performed on non‐rapid eye movement sleep obtained over a 48‐hr period. The baseline nocturnal sleep of postmenopausal women comprised lower power within delta and sigma, and higher power within alpha bands compared with that of younger women. During nighttime naps of the ultradian sleep–wake cycle procedure, lower power within delta and sigma, and higher power within beta bands were observed in postmenopausal women. During the ultradian sleep–wake cycle procedure, postmenopausal women presented lower power of delta, theta and sigma (14‐15 Hz), undetectable rhythms of delta and theta, and a dampened or undetectable rhythm of sigma (12‐15 Hz) power compared with younger women. Our results support the hypothesis of a dampened circadian variation of sleep microstructure in healthy‐sleeping postmenopausal women. Circadian changes with aging are potential mechanisms for increased susceptibility to develop sleep disturbances; however, further research is needed to clarify their clinical implications and contribution to insomnia.
Component‐level point cloud completion of bridge structures using deep learning
Authors: Matono Gen , Nishio Mayuko
Published: April 2024

Point cloud of existing bridges provides important applications in their maintenance and management, such as to the three‐dimensional (3D) model creation. However, point cloud data acquired in actual bridges are caused missing parts due to occlusions and limitations in sensor placements. This study proposes a learning method to realize the point cloud completion of such structure: the component‐wise learning combining the initial weight transfer, to overcome the difficulty particularly found in the bridge structures, where a whole structure consists of multiple and various components. The learning method was developed and verified using point cloud data acquired in an actual concrete bridge based on the point cloud completion performance of three significant deep learning models. The effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method were shown in that it improved performances in component level in applying it to the bridge point cloud completion by the multiple deep learning models, respectively.
The auxin efflux carrier PIN1a regulates vascular patterning in cereal roots
Authors: Fusi Riccardo , Milner Sara Giulia , Rosignoli Serena , Bovina Riccardo , De Jesus Vieira Teixeira Cristovão , Lou Haoyu , Atkinson Brian S. , Borkar Aditi N. , York Larry M. , Jones Dylan H. , Sturrock Craig J. , Stein Nils , Mascher Martin , Tuberosa Roberto , O'Connor Devin , Bennett Malcolm J. , Bishopp Anthony , Salvi Silvio , Bhosale Rahul
Published: April 2024

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is an important global cereal crop and a model in genetic studies. Despite advances in characterising barley genomic resources, few mutant studies have identified genes controlling root architecture and anatomy, which plays a critical role in capturing soil resources.

Our phenotypic screening of a TILLING mutant collection identified line TM5992 exhibiting a short‐root phenotype compared with wild‐type (WT) Morex background. Outcrossing TM5992 with barley variety Proctor and subsequent SNP array‐based bulk segregant analysis, fine mapped the mutation to a cM scale. Exome sequencing pinpointed a mutation in the candidate gene HvPIN1a, further confirming this by analysing independent mutant alleles.

Detailed analysis of root growth and anatomy in Hvpin1a mutant alleles exhibited a slower growth rate, shorter apical meristem and striking vascular patterning defects compared to WT. Expression and mutant analyses of PIN1 members in the closely related cereal brachypodium (Brachypodium distachyon) revealed that BdPIN1a and BdPIN1b were redundantly expressed in root vascular tissues but only Bdpin1a mutant allele displayed root vascular defects similar to Hvpin1a.

We conclude that barley PIN1 genes have sub‐functionalised in cereals, compared to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), where PIN1a sequences control root vascular patterning.
Full‐Endoscopic Transforaminal Debridement and Decompression for Brucellar Thoracic Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Open Surgery
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Da , Meng Fan‐he , Lu Jing‐han , Fan Zheng
Published: April 2024

Objective

Thoracic spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare but dangerous condition, and traditional surgical methods are accompanied by extensive trauma and approach‐related complications. Here we introduce the technique of full‐endoscopic transforaminal debridement and decompression and evaluate its feasibility for treating brucellar thoracic SEA.

Methods

We performed thoracic full‐endoscopic transforaminal decompression and debridement on two patients with neurological deficits caused by brucellar SEA, which is mainly composed of granulation tissue rather than pus. Postoperative MRI was conducted to confirm the presence of any residual abscess compressing the nerves. Frankel grading was employed to assess the recovery of neurological function, and complications were documented.

Results

There were no occurrences of dural tear, postoperative hematoma, or pulmonary complications. Their neurological function had significantly improved after surgery, and postoperative MRI confirmed no residual abscess compressing the spinal cord. During the 2‐year follow‐up, one patient achieved complete recovery (from Frankel‐C to Frankel‐E), while another patient improved from Frankel‐A to Frankel‐D. Neither patient experienced infection recurrence, instability, nor kyphotic deformity.

Conclusion

We described the novel application of transforaminal endoscopic surgery in brucellar thoracic granulomatous SEA and preliminarily indicated the feasibility of this technique as a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.
Effect of full‐sib and S2‐selection on a sweet corn population (Zea mays convar. saccharata)
Authors: Aichholz Charlotte , Becker Heiko C. , Horneburg Bernd
Published: April 2024

Sweet corn breeding goals differ from grain or silage corn. Sweet corn goals focus on marketable yield including several quality traits. This study explores the effect of a single cycle of full‐sib selection and S2 selection on improving the marketable yield of an open‐pollinated sweet corn population. The selected populations were subsequently compared in four environments for several plant‐, yield‐ and quality traits relative to the original population. Analysis of variance was used to detect selection progress and indirect effects of selection. Full‐sib and S2‐selection decreased total yield. Marketable yield was decreased more by S2‐selection than by full‐sib selection. Flowering time was changed by full‐sib selection, but not by S2‐selection. Full‐sib selection improved ear quality by increasing ear length, the diameter of the ear and the number of kernel rows. S2‐selection showed no effect or a negative effect on ear quality. The application of a single cycle of selection using either method seemed inadequate for increasing marketable yield. More cycles might be necessary to make significant improvements.
Evaluating participant engagement in a preconception cohort study in relation to the Dobbs decision
Authors: Willis Mary D. , Hoffman Molly N. , Wang Tanran R. , Sabbath Erika L. , Kuriyama Andrea S. , Wesselink Amelia K. , Wise Lauren A.
Published: April 2024

Background

On June 24th, 2022, the United States (US) Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, et al. (hereafter, the Dobbs decision) removed federal‐level protections for induced abortion, sparking concerns about reproductive rights and health privacy. Although other pregnancy outcomes (e.g. spontaneous abortion, ectopic pregnancy) are not explicit targets of post‐Dobbs abortion bans, study participants may be worried about how their reproductive health data are used by researchers in the post‐Dobbs era.

Objective

To evaluate the extent to which the Dobbs decision influenced participant's engagement in a preconception cohort study.

Methods

We leveraged data spanning 20 weeks before and after the Dobbs decision (4 February 2022, to 11 November 2022) from US participants in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), an internet‐based prospective preconception cohort study of couples attempting conception. We categorised participants' state‐level abortion access by residential location: banned or restricted rights; limited access; and protected rights. We evaluated three participant engagement outcomes: follow‐up questionnaire completion; report of a pregnancy; and clicking on the invitation link for a fertility‐tracking app. We fit separate linear regression models and restricted cubic splines to compare outcome prevalence before and after the Dobbs decision by state‐level abortion category.

Results

A total of 585 newly enrolled participants and 1247 already‐enrolled participants received 2802 invitations to complete a follow‐up questionnaire. In states with limited or protected abortion rights, we observed little change in participant engagement. In states with banned or restricted abortion rights, however, we observed a 27.12 percentage point reduction (95% confidence interval −43.68, −10.51) in the prevalence of clicking on the invitation link for the fertility‐tracking app comparing the post‐ versus pre‐Dobbs periods.

Conclusions

There was some evidence of reduced participant engagement after the Dobbs decision in states with banned or restricted abortion rights, indicating potentially deleterious effects on the conduct of reproductive health studies.
Molecular phylogeny of north European Geometridae (Lepidoptera: Geometroidea)
Authors: Õunap Erki , Nedumpally Vineesh , Yapar Etka , Lemmon Alan R. , Tammaru Toomas
Published: April 2024

A comprehensive phylogeny of north European Geometridae is reconstructed using a two‐step analytical pipeline. First, a phylogenomic backbone tree was inferred using a 117‐species subset of geometrid moths and a 35‐species set of outgroup taxa from eight other macroheteroceran families. The data matrix totalled 209,499 bp from 648 protein‐coding loci obtained using anchored hybrid enrichment technique for sequencing. This backbone was used for constructing a larger phylogeny of Geometridae based on up to 11 ‘traditional’ protein‐coding genes which were obtained for all 376 species of north European geometrids, complemented by 98 species from taxonomic key groups of Geometridae from other parts of the world. Our results largely corroborate earlier findings about higher classification of Geometridae, but new evidence nevertheless allows us to suggest several changes to the taxonomy. Lampropterygini Õunap & Nedumpally tribus nova and Pelurgini Õunap & Nedumpally tribus nova (both Larentiinae) are described. Epirranthini are regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Rumiini syn. n. Triphosini and Macariini are shown to be paraphyletic within their current limits. Costaconvexa Agenjo is transferred from Xanthorhoini to Epirrhoini new tribe association, Artiora Meyrick from Ennomini incertae sedis to Boarmiini new tribe association, Selenia Hübner from Ennominae incertae sedis to Epionini new tribe association and Epirranthis Hübner from Epirranthini to Rumiini new tribe association. Ochyria Hübner stat. rev. is revived from synonym of Xanthorhoe Hübner as a valid genus and Epelis Hulst stat. rev. and Speranza Curtis stat. rev. from synonyms of Macaria Curtis as valid genera, leading to the following new or revised combinations: Ochyria quadrifasiata (Clerck) rev. comb., Epelis carbonaria (Clerck) comb. n., Speranza fusca (Thunberg) comb. n., Speranza artesiaria (Denis & Schiffermüller) rev. comb., Speranza brunneata (Thunberg) rev. comb., Speranza wauaria (Linnaeus) rev. comb., Speranza loricaria (Eversmann) rev. comb. Perizoma saxicola Tikhonov rev. comb. is transferred back to its original genus from Gagitodes Warren. Hydrelia Hübner, Xanthorhoe and Heliomata Grote & Robinson are shown to be paraphyletic within their current limits.
Characterization of the closely related Arabidopsis thalianaβ‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthases KCS3, KCS12 and KCS19
Authors: Zhang Zhonghang , Gozdzik Jedrzej , Jetter Reinhard
Published: April 2024

The cuticle, consisting of cuticular wax and cutin, is a lipid membrane that seals the plant surface against environmental stress. β‐Ketoacyl‐CoA synthases (KCSs) are condensing enzymes catalyzing crucial reactions elongating hydrocarbon chains into precursors for various cuticular wax components. Although many KCS genes were well characterized in various species, the functions of the closely related Arabidopsis KCS3, KCS12, KCS19 enzymes remained unclear. Here, we found KCS3 preferentially expressed in growing organs, especially in guard cells. kcs3 mutants and kcs3kcs12 double mutants displayed sepal fusion phenotypes, suggesting defects in cuticle formation. The mutants had decreased amounts of wax components with relatively short hydrocarbon chains in the developing organs but increased levels of wax compounds in mature organs. In contrast, kcs19 mutants showed seed fusion phenotypes and altered chain length distributions in seed suberin. Taken together, our results show that KCS12 and KCS3 share redundant functions in flower development, while KCS19 is involved in seed coat formation. All three condensing enzymes are involved in the elongation of C>18 hydrocarbon chains in young, actively expanding tissues.
A class of rearrangement groups that are not invariably generated
Authors: Perego Davide , Tarocchi Matteo
Published: April 2024

A group is invariably generated if there exists a subset such that, for every choice for , the group is generated by . Gelander, Golan, and Juschenko (J. Algebra 478 (2016), 261–270) showed that Thompson groups and are not invariably generated. Here, we generalize this result to the larger setting of rearrangement groups, proving that any subgroup of a rearrangement group that has a certain transitive property is not invariably generated.
Entre ideología y pragmatismo - Las relaciones entre Brasil y EE.UU. durante las presidencias de Jaír Bolsonaro y Donald Trum (2019-2020)p
Authors: Bodemer Klaus
Published: April 2024

Las relaciones entre Estados Unidos y Brasil fueron marcadas a lo largo de los tiempos por fases de menor o mayor aproximación, de distanciamiento o alineamiento, explicable (entre otras cosas) por diferentes estrategias en las políticas exteriores de ambos países. Partiendo de esta observación y algunas diferenciaciones conceptuales, propuestas por Gardini, Gómez Saraiva y Herrman, el texto analiza las relaciones bilaterales durante las presidrencias de Donald Trump y Jaír Bolsonaro (2019-2020) en las diferentes áreas económicas y políticas - comercio e inversiones, polítca espacial y seguridad, el trato de Venezuela y las relaciones con China - y pregunta si estas relaciones confirman la hipótesis de una ruptura total con la política exterior brasilera tradicional bajo los presidentes outsiders Trump y Bolsonaro.
Anisotropic Liesegang pattern for the nonlinear elastic biomineral-hydrogel complex
Authors: Choi Woojin , Lee Milae , Yong Hyungseok , Heo Deokjae , Jun Taesuk , Ryu Hanwook , Kim Ji-Yeong , Cui Dingyun , Ryu Du Yeol , Lee Sang-Young , Choi Sung-Hwan , Kim Byeong-Su , Kim Jiyu , Jung Se Yong , Lee Sangmin , Hong Jinkee
Published: April 2024

The Liesegang pattern is a beautiful natural anisotropic patterning phenomenon observed in rocks and sandstones. This study reveals that the Liesegang pattern can induce nonlinear elasticity. Here, a Liesegang-patterned complex with biomineral-hydrogel repetitive layers is prepared. This Liesegang-patterned complex is obtained only when the biomineralization is performed under the supersaturated conditions. The Liesegang-patterned complex features a nonlinear elastic response, whereas a complex with a single biomineral shell shows a linear behavior, thus demonstrating that the Liesegang pattern is essential in achieving nonlinear elasticity. The stiff biomineral layers have buffered the concentrated energy on behalf of soft hydrogels, thereby exposing the hydrogel components to reduced stress and, in turn, enabling them to perform the elasticity continuously. Moreover, the nonlinear elastic Liesegang-patterned complex exhibits excellent stress relaxation to the external loading, which is the biomechanical characteristic of cartilage. This stress relaxation allows the bundle of fiber-type Liesegang-patterned complex to endure greater deformation.
Deacylative arylation and alkynylation of unstrained ketones
Authors: Zhang Boyi , Bai Hui , Zhan Beibei , Wei Kaihang , Nie Shenyou , Zhang Xiaheng
Published: April 2024

Ketones are ubiquitous in bioactive natural products, pharmaceuticals, chemical feedstocks, and synthetic intermediates. Hence, deacylative coupling reactions enable the versatile elaboration of a plethora of chemicals to access complex drug candidates and natural products. Here, we present deacylative arylation and alkynylation strategies for the synthesis of a wide range of alkyl-tethered arenes and alkynes from cyclic ketones and methyl ketones under dual nickel/photoredox catalysis. This reaction begins by generating a pre-aromatic intermediate (PAI) through the condensation of the ketone and
N
′-methylpicolino-hydrazonamide (MPHA), followed by the oxidative cleavage of the PAI α-C─C bond to form an alkyl radical, which is subsequently intercepted by a Ni complex, facilitating the formation of diverse C(

sp
3

)–C(

sp
2

)/C(
sp
) bonds with remarkable generality. This protocol features a one-pot reaction capability, high regioselectivity and ring-opening efficiency, mild reaction conditions, and a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group compatibility.
Expanding the capabilities of MuGENT for large-scale genetic engineering of the fastest-replicating species,
Vibrio natriegens
Authors: Glasgo Liz D. , Lukasiak Katie L. , Zinser Erik R.
Published: April 2024

The fastest replicating bacterium
Vibrio natriegens
is a rising workhorse for molecular and biotechnological research with established tools for efficient genetic manipulation. Here, we expand on the capabilities of multiplex genome editing by natural transformation (MuGENT) by identifying a neutral insertion site and showing how two selectable markers can be swapped at this site for sequential rounds of natural transformation. Second, we demonstrated that MuGENT can be used for complementation by gene insertion at an ectopic chromosomal locus. Additionally, we developed a robust method to cure the competence plasmid required to induce natural transformation. Finally, we demonstrated the ability of MuGENT to create massive deletions; the 280 kb deletion created in this study is one of the largest artificial deletions constructed in a single round of targeted mutagenesis of a bacterium. These methods each advance the genetic potential of
V. natriegens
and collectively expand upon its utility as an emerging model organism for synthetic biology.

IMPORTANCE

Vibrio natriegens
is an emerging model organism for molecular and biotechnological applications. Its fast growth, metabolic versatility, and ease of genetic manipulation provide an ideal platform for synthetic biology. Here, we develop and apply novel methods that expand the genetic capabilities of the
V. natriegens
model system. Prior studies developed a method to manipulate multiple regions of the chromosome in a single step. Here, we provide new resources that diversify the utility of this method. We also provide a technique to remove the required genetic tools from the cell once the manipulation is performed, thus establishing “clean” derivative cells. Finally, we show the full extent of this technique’s capability by generating one of the largest chromosomal deletions reported in the literature. Collectively, these new tools will be beneficial broadly to the
Vibrio
community and specifically to the advancement of
V. natriegens
as a model system.
Acute peripheral facial paralysis caused by tegmental pontine infarction
Authors: Yoshino Yuta , Gono Yuki , Tsuboi Ken
Published: April 2024

Facial paralysis presents as unilateral mouth drooping and lagophthalmos. The main causes of peripheral facial paralysis are Bell’s palsy and Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. However, rarely occurring pontine infarctions of the facial nucleus also manifest a lower motor neuron pattern of facial paralysis. We report a case of a man in his 50s who presented to the emergency department with unilateral peripheral facial paralysis. The initial diffusion-weighted images were unremarkable, and the patient was managed as per guidelines for hypertensive encephalopathy or Bell’s palsy. On the 3rd day after admission, he was diagnosed with left pontine infarction and suspected infarction of the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery. We propose that in similar cases, re-examination of imaging results should be considered, as diffusion-weighted imaging is characteristically prone to generate false-negative results in patients with early onset or posterior circulation infarction.
THE ATTITUDE–BEHAVIOR DICHOTOMY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: AN EXPLORATION USING GENERALIZED STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING
Authors: CARSON RICHARD T. , HANEMANN W. MICHAEL , KIM DOHYEONG , SHIN HANNA , WHITTINGTON DALE
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the need to quickly deploy non-pharmaceutical measures like facemasks to reduce transmission rates into sharp focus. Factors influencing this behavior are examined through the classic attitude–behavior lens of Fishbein and Ajzen [Belief, Attitude, Intention, and Behavior: An Introduction to Theory and Research. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley] cast in the language of property rights and social norms. Behavior is operationalized as wearing a facemask (or not) and attitude in terms of supporting a mandatory mask mandate. This yields targetable segments of the population as they are referred to in a marketing context: wearing/supporting, wearing/not supporting, not wearing/supporting, not wearing/not supporting [Kim, D, RT Carson, D Whittington and WM Hanemann (2022). Support for regulation versus compliance: Face masks during COVID-19. Public Health in Practice, 5, 100324]. Membership in each segment is predicted using a generalized structural equation modelling (GSEM) approach focused on three broad factors. The first includes political and demographic variables, which represent exogenous taste parameters. The second is a set of knowledge variables characterizing the COVID-19 information a person possesses. These are potentially influenceable by health officials. The third relates to risk cast in the form of knowing someone who had tested positive for COVID-19, been hospitalized or died from it. The GSEM results paint a rich picture of how our factor sets interact with the four targetable segments of the population in a critical situation where high but not perfect compliance is needed.
AN INTEGRATED THEORY OF HOUSEHOLD BEHAVIOR
Authors: HAYAKAWA HIROAKI
Published: April 2024

This paper presents an integrated model of household behavior, in which households derive utility not only from flow choices (of goods and leisure activities) but also from stock variables representing the status in health, psychological stress, social standing/reputation, political affiliation, religious identity, and any other status deemed relevant for their well-being. To attain the status in any of these dimensions, proper investment is necessary in accordance with a suitable mediating function that connects flow choices to the status in question. We depart from the position that statuses activate motivation, thereby affecting the efficiency of activities including working time. In particular, health not only yields utility of its own kind but also affects the productivity of households, thereby expanding their budget sets and raising the utility they attain now and in the future. Health, however, must be attained and maintained, and this has to be accomplished in accordance with a plausible health-production function defined on the space of goods and leisure activities. The same can be said about knowledge and skill acquisition, which requires investment of certain activities and goods through an appropriate mediating function. Similar relationships also hold for social, psychological, and other statuses, which can only be acquired through proper mediating functions. While the utility calculus appears complex, we demonstrate that the optimum choice of goods and leisure activities is guided by the rationality principle that requires that the composite marginal utility, defined as the total of all marginal utilities from the entire sources of utility, direct or mediated, be balanced with properly measured cost of acquiring it, which is shown to equal, the price or the wage rate on the market adjusted for a change in the efficiency of working time mediated through health enhancement and/or an increase in the productive efficiency of working hours due to knowledge and technology acquisition. Because our model includes utility arising from status-orientation in multiple dimensions, and because the extent and the range of such utility are socio-cultural-regime-specific while also being shaped by the household-specific receptivity and orientation to this regime, our model can potentially explain a diverse range of choice behavior some of which appear anomalous or even counter-intuitive to the rationality principle in the traditional sense. This added explanatory power helps close a gap between economics and other social sciences.
INDIVIDUALLY RATIONAL DYNAMIC VOTE TRADING
Authors: CHANDER PARKASH
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we characterize dynamic trading in a voting model. We show that a dynamic trading process, called the Pivot algorithm, may converge from an initial vote allocation to an allocation which (though Pareto optimal) is not individually rational even in the weakest sense. Then, we propose an intuitive dynamic process which, unlike the Pivot algorithm, always converges from any initial vote allocation to an individually rational Pareto optimal allocation, is Condorcet consistent, and avoids unnecessary vote trading (i.e. trading that does not change the outcome). From a policy perspective, our analysis implies that a vote trade may be permitted only if no voter has objection to the trade. Without such a policy, myopic voters may participate in vote trades that are either unnecessary or eventually make them worse-off.
Vacuum stability and conditions for Q-ball formation in the Type II Seesaw model
Authors: Haba Naoyuki , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Yamada Toshifumi
Published: April 2024

We investigate vacuum stability and the conditions for Q-ball formation in the Type II Seesaw model by analyzing the effective potential for scalar fields, considering renormalization effects. When the quartic coupling for the triplet Higgs becomes zero at a high energy scale, it allows for the possibility of Q-ball formation along the flat direction of the triplet Higgs. Once formed, Q-balls decay into leptons through neutrino Yukawa couplings with the triplet Higgs. While we identify parameter regions where the self-coupling of the triplet Higgs can vanish at high energy scales, we observe that it becomes negative above this scale, leading to an unbounded potential. To stabilize the potential, we introduce higher-dimensional operators. Our analysis reveals the existence of parameter regions where the aforementioned scenario is viable, taking account of various phenomenological constraints.
A Multi-Time-Step Parallel Computing Method based on Overlapping Particles for DEM
Authors: Li Tong , Qi Nian , Yang Peizhong , Jin Xianlong
Published: April 2024

The application of the discrete element method (DEM) to continuous medium problems is becoming increasingly widespread. In this work, a parallel computing method with multiple time steps based on overlapping particles is proposed. The domain decomposition method (DDM) with overlapping particles method is used to increase the speed up and shorten the computation time and meet the consistency requirements during data transmission. The multi-time-step method (MTSM) is adopted to tackle the matching of asynchronous step boundary. Data are exchanged at the boundaries in each subdomain with a message passing interface (MPI). The computational efficiency of different step ratios in both serial and parallel computing is studied respectively. Numerical examples show that the DEM can effectively handle large structure deformation problems, and provides a shorter calculation time than that of the finite element method (FEM). The DEM with multiple time steps in different subdomains effectively reduces the computation time than that with a single time step in the entire domain. Under fixed step ratio conditions, using parallel computing can save more time than serial computing. This work develops ideas for expanding the application of DEM for large engineering problems.