bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis sepals: A model system for the emergent process of morphogenesis
Authors: Roeder Adrienne H. K.
Published: November 2021

During development, Arabidopsis thaliana sepal primordium cells grow, divide and interact with their neighbours, giving rise to a sepal with the correct size, shape and form. Arabidopsis sepals have proven to be a good system for elucidating the emergent processes driving morphogenesis due to their simplicity, their accessibility for imaging and manipulation, and their reproducible development. Sepals undergo a basipetal gradient of growth, with cessation of cell division, slow growth and maturation starting at the tip of the sepal and progressing to the base. In this review, I discuss five recent examples of processes during sepal morphogenesis that yield emergent properties: robust size, tapered tip shape, laminar shape, scattered giant cells and complex gene expression patterns. In each case, experiments examining the dynamics of sepal development led to the hypotheses of local rules. In each example, a computational model was used to demonstrate that these local rules are sufficient to give rise to the emergent properties of morphogenesis.
Adolph Hummel: Music Publisher in Eighteenth-Century London
Authors: Simlett-Moss Joyce
Published: November 2021

Adolph Hummel, from Hesse, established in Soho a music publishing business that lasted 12 years (1760–1772). His publishing strategy differed in several ways from that commonly adopted by London publishers: he published only foreign-born (mostly German or Italian) composers; he did not issue vocal music; and, while taking the common routes of advertising his publications by notices in contemporary newspapers and listing issues in the imprints to title pages, he was highly unusual in that he produced no catalogue. He was also unusual in obtaining a royal licence to protect his copyright. He was the first publisher in London to issue a string quartet, and possibly the first to add violin accompaniments to already-published solo harpsichord sonatas to create accompanied sonatas. He was probably related to the Hummel music publishing brothers of the Netherlands. Personal information about him is hard to come by, but we know that Frau Anna Maria Mozart was godmother to his youngest child; he was a particular friend of J. C. Bach; he was prosecuted, for an undisclosed reason, by the musician Rudolf Straube; and he was the founder of three generations of the musical ‘English Hummells’. The final part of this article comprises a detailed catalogue of Hummel’s publications.
Turning Wages into Capital Differentiation on the Market for Unsecured Loans in the United States, 1900-1945
Authors: Bittmann Simon
Published: November 2021

In this article, we show how interpretive battles about compliance can lead to regulatory differentiation and, in turn, market segmentation. To do so, we study the evolution of unsecured lending in the United States, between 1900 and 1945. In the early 20th century, a large segment of the workforce relied on their wages to access credit: this required the “legal coding” of labor income into capital, where lenders would offer advances in exchange for a lien over future revenues. Regulating these transactions raised conflicts between Progressive reformers, lenders and, after 1929, federal regulators, which spanned over five decades. The historical comparison of three states—Illinois, New York and Georgia—, shows that local discussions revolved around three outcomes—legal status, pricing method and collateralization—, the issue of which led to distinct regulatory paths and market configurations at the state level. Finally, the New Deal policies created an additional strand of federal coding, furthering market divides between unregulated payday lenders, non-bank credit companies, and commercial banks. On financial markets, discussions about compliance often revolve around calculative technologies, and we suggest this as a possible crossing point between STS analyses of capitalization devices and Pistor’s theory of capital modulation.
‘Modernism’ and the Ethiopian Orthodox Sunday School Movement: Indigenous Movements and their International Connections
Authors: LEE RALPH
Published: November 2021

This article traces the history of twentieth-century Ethiopian Orthodox student movements formed in response to modernity, especially the influential Maḫbärä Qəddusan, ‘Association of Saints’, established in 1991 when Ethiopia's Communist regime fell. It explores parallels in Egyptian and Indian miaphysite Churches; balances the prevailing narrative of explosive Pentecostal growth which has obscured the influence of such movements; provides insight into networks that have stimulated renewal and responses to contemporary challenges through strong engagement with traditional literary and intellectual heritage; and explores training and publications promoting contemporary reflection on this heritage, the revival of important religious practices and the targeting of influential ecclesiastical and public positions.
Steady plasma flows in a periodic non-symmetric domain
Authors: Weitzner Harold , Sengupta Wrick
Published: November 2021

Steady plasma flows have been studied almost exclusively in systems with continuous symmetry or in open domains. In the absence of continuous symmetry, the lack of a conserved quantity makes the study of flows intrinsically challenging. In a toroidal domain, the requirement of double periodicity for physical quantities adds to the complications. In particular, the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model of plasma steady state with the flow in a non-symmetric toroidal domain allows the development of singularities when the rotational transform of the magnetic field is rational, much like the equilibrium MHD model. In this work, we show that steady flows can still be maintained provided the rotational transform is close to rational and the magnetic shear is weak. We extend the techniques developed in carrying out perturbation methods to all orders for static MHD equilibrium by Weitzner (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 21, 2014, p. 022515) to MHD equilibrium with flows. We construct perturbative MHD equilibrium in a doubly periodic domain with nearly parallel flows by systematically eliminating magnetic resonances order by order. We then utilize an additional symmetry of the flow problem, first discussed by Hameiri (J. Math. Phys., vol. 22, 1981, pp. 2080–2088, § III), to obtain a generalized Grad–Shafranov equation for a class of non-symmetric three-dimensional MHD equilibrium with flows both parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field. For this class of flows, we can obtain non-symmetric generalizations of integrals of motion, such as Bernoulli's function and angular momentum. Finally, we obtain the generalized Hamada conditions, which are necessary to suppress singular currents in such a system when the magnetic field lines are closed. We do not attempt to address the question of neoclassical damping of flows.
Association between exposome score for schizophrenia and functioning in first-episode psychosis: results from the Athens first-episode psychosis research study
Authors: Erzin Gamze , Pries Lotta-Katrin , Dimitrakopoulos Stefanos , Ralli Irene , Xenaki Lida-Alkisti , Soldatos Rigas – Filippos , Vlachos Ilias , Selakovic Mirjana , Foteli Stefania , Kosteletos Ioannis , Nianiakas Nikos , Mantonakis Leonidas , Rizos Emmanouil , Kollias Konstantinos , Van Os Jim , Guloksuz Sinan , Stefanis Nikos
Published: November 2021

Background

Evidence suggests that environmental factors not only increase psychosis liability but also influence the prognosis and outcomes of psychotic disorders. We investigated temporal and cross-sectional associations of a weighted score of cumulative environmental liability for schizophrenia – the exposome score for schizophrenia (ES-SCZ) – with functioning in first-episode psychosis (FEP).

Methods

Data were derived from the baseline and 1-month assessments of the Athens FEP Research Study that enrolled 225 individuals with FEP. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) were used to measure social, occupational, and psychological functioning. The ES-SCZ was calculated based on the previously validated method.

Results

ES-SCZ was associated with the total scores of GAF and PSP at baseline and 1-month assessments. These findings remained significant when accounting for several associated alternative explanatory variables, including other environmental factors (obstetric complications, migration, ethnic minority), clinical characteristics (duration of untreated psychosis, symptom severity, previous antipsychotic use), and family history of psychosis, demonstrating that the association between ES-SCZ and functioning is over and above other risk factors and cannot be explained by symptom severity alone. Functioning improved from baseline to 1-month assessment, but no significant ES-SCZ-by-time interaction was found on functioning, indicating that functioning changes were not contingent on ES-SCZ.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that rather than a predictor of functional improvement, ES-SCZ represents a stable severity indicator that captures poor functioning in early psychosis. Environmental risk loading for schizophrenia (ES-SCZ) can be beneficial for clinical characterization and incorporated into transdiagnostic staging models.
Utilising electroanatomic mapping during ablation in patients with CHD to reduce radiation exposure
Authors: Rahman Maryam , Moore Jeremy P. , Papagiannis John , Smith Grace , Anderson Chris , Shannon Kevin M. , Razminia Mansour , Tuzcu Volkan , McNinch Neil L. , Shauver Lisa M. , Clark John M.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Patients with CHD can be exposed to high levels of cumulative ionising radiation. Utilisation of electroanatomic mapping during catheter ablation leads to reduced radiation exposure in the general population but has not been well studied in patients with CHD. This study evaluated the radiation sparing benefit of using three-dimensional mapping in patients with CHD.

Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected from the Catheter Ablation with Reduction or Elimination of Fluoroscopy multi-institutional registry. Patients with CHD were selected. Those with previous ablations, concurrent diagnostic or interventional catheterisation and unknown arrhythmogenic foci were excluded. The control cohort was matched for operating physician, arrhythmia mechanism, arrhythmia location, weight and age. The procedure time, rate of fluoroscopy use, fluoroscopy time, procedural success, complications, and distribution of procedures per year were compared between the two groups.

Results:

Fifty-six patients with congenital heart disease and 56 matched patients without CHD were included. The mean total procedure time was significantly higher in patients with CHD (212.6 versus 169.5 minutes, p = 0.003). Their median total fluoroscopy time was 4.4 minutes (compared to 1.8 minutes), and their rate of fluoroscopy use was 23% (compared to 13%). The acute success and minor complication rates were similar and no major complications occurred.

Conclusions:

With the use of electroanatomic mapping during catheter ablation, fluoroscopy use can be reduced in patients with CHD. The majority of patients with CHD received zero fluoroscopy.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: does variance in treatment responses also add to the conundrum? The widening gap in the evidence is a signal needing attention
Authors: Gupta Mayank , Gupta Nihit
Published: November 2021

The new diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) was introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, to address the overdiagnosis of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. However, there are ongoing debates about its nosology given chronic persistent irritability in children and adolescents has contextual valence. Those meeting the criteria for DMDD may, in fact, have an oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other behavioral disorders. Similarly, in the last few years, there are many different types of treatment studies that have also yielded mixed results. These counterintuitive findings need a meticulous review for a wider debate given its clinical utility for patients, families, and practicing clinicians.
Inequality over the business cycle: the role of distributive shocks
Authors: Clemens Marius , Eydam Ulrich , Heinemann Maik
Published: November 2021

This paper examines how wealth and income inequality dynamics are related to fluctuations in the functional income distribution over the business cycle. In a panel estimation for OECD countries between 1970 and 2016, although inequality is, on average countercyclical and significantly associated with the capital share, one-third of the countries display a pro- or noncyclical relationship. To analyze the observed pattern, we incorporate distributive shocks into an RBC model, where agents are ex ante heterogeneous with respect to wealth and ability. We find that whether wealth and income inequality behave countercyclically or not depends on the elasticity of intertemporal substitution and the persistence of shocks. We match the model to quarterly US data using Bayesian techniques. The parameter estimates point toward a non-monotonic relationship between productivity and inequality fluctuations. On impact, inequality increases in response to TFP shocks but subsequently declines. Furthermore, TFP shocks explain 17% of inequality fluctuations.
No Common Ground? Public Knowledge about Welfare Spending in Turkey and its Social Divisions
Authors: Yilmaz Volkan , Gurbuzturk Anil
Published: November 2021

Social policy research examining citizens’ welfare knowledge, which offers a gateway to their understanding of the policy context, has remained limited. Adapting the opportunity–motivation–ability framework borrowed from the literature on political knowledge to welfare knowledge, this article offers an analysis of new data from a nationwide survey to explore Turkish society’s knowledge of the composition of public social spending. Corroborating earlier findings in the literature, the article maintains that most people in Turkey overestimate the relative size of social assistance spending for the poor. However, different from previous findings, the majority and most pensioners are also ill-informed about the rank of public spending on old-age pensions, the most widely used social benefit absorbing the largest share of welfare spending. The article provides evidence of the social division of welfare knowledge in Turkish society based mostly on three opportunity-related variables: city of residence, gender and income.
Good death and bereavement in a lung cancer patient following meaning-centered couples psychotherapy by a cancer nursing specialist
Authors: Hayashi Eriko , Onishi Hideki
Published: November 2021

Objective

There are many terminally ill cancer patients who are struggling with the meaning of life, but it cannot be said that their concerns are being adequately addressed.

Method

From a series of cancer patients undergoing end-of-life care, the case of a patient, who developed incurable lung cancer and, together with his wife, lost the meaning of life and underwent meaning-centered couples psychotherapy once every two weeks to have them consider the meaning of life together, is presented.

Results

The patient was a 70-year-old man who had been diagnosed with lung cancer and pleural dissemination 14 months earlier. The meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) sessions were conducted with the patient and his 70-year-old wife by a cancer nursing specialist who had received extensive training in MCP and had also received 7-year on-going supervision from a Japanese MCP-enlightened psychologist. At the same time, palliative treatment of physical distress was performed. The patient was able to discover the meaning of life as a result of MCP performed by a cancer nursing specialist for him and his spouse who had lost any notion of the meaning of life after being informed that he had terminal cancer at the time of the initial diagnosis.

Significance of results

Meaning-centered psychotherapy provided to terminal cancer patients by cancer nurses can help patients and their families express their gratitude, thereby achieving a good death for the bereaved family. Nurses are likely to increasingly perform MCP in the future.
The redirection of attacks by defending forces
Authors: van Benthem Tsvetelina
Published: November 2021

This article examines the redirection of incoming missiles when employed by defending forces to whom obligations to take precautions against the effects of attacks apply. The analysis proceeds in four steps. In the first step, the possibility of redirection is examined from an empirical standpoint. Step two defines the contours of the obligation to take precautions against the effects of attacks. Step three considers one variant of redirection, where a missile is redirected back towards the adversary. It is argued that such acts of redirection would fulfil the definition of attack under the law of armed conflict, and that prima facie conflicts of obligations could be avoided through interpretation of the feasibility standard embedded in the obligation to take precautions against the effects of attacks. Finally, step four analyzes acts of redirection against persons under the control of the redirecting State. Analyzing this scenario calls for an inquiry into the relationship between the relevant obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Automating occupation: International humanitarian and human rights law implications of the deployment of facial recognition technologies in the occupied Palestinian territory
Authors: Talbot Rohan
Published: November 2021

In 2019, media investigations revealed that Israel had added facial recognition technologies (FRTs) to the panoply of security and surveillance technologies deployed in its administration and control of the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Despite growing academic and judicial scrutiny of the legal implications of these technologies for privacy and freedom of assembly in domestic contexts, scant attention has been paid to their uses by militaries in contexts where international humanitarian law (IHL) applies. This article seeks to establish the international legal framework governing an Occupying Power's deployment of FRTs, particularly in surveillance, and apply it to Israel's uses in the oPt. It is demonstrated that IHL provides flexible, but incomplete, provisions for balancing an Occupying Power's right to employ surveillance technologies within its measures of control and security against the imprecisely defined humanitarian interests of the population under occupation. The relevant legal framework is completed through the concurrent application of an Occupying Power's international human rights law (IHRL) obligations. What is known of Israel's use of FRTs in surveillance appears prima facie not to satisfy the cumulative IHRL criteria for limitations on the right to privacy – legality, legitimate aims, necessity and proportionality – even where these are broadened by reference to IHL. Consideration is also paid to corollary human rights impacts of these technologies, and the potential that they may entrench an Occupying Power's control while simultaneously rendering this control more invisible, remote and less reliant on the physical presence of troops.
Pflegeprozess und Pflegediagnostik
Authors: von dem Berge Ulrich
Published: November 2021

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Es ist Konsens, dass professionelle Pflege nach dem Pflegeprozess gestaltet werden soll. Dennoch zeigen sich in der Praxis Probleme in der adäquaten Anwendung des Pflegeprozesses, insbesondere bei der Erstellung von Pflegediagnosen.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Die Bedeutung des Pflegeprozesses als Kern des eigenständigen Verantwortungsbereichs der Pflege wird im neuen (PflBG) gesetzlich verortet.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Der fachlich korrekten Umsetzung muss ein höheres Maß an Aufmerksamkeit gewidmet werden, insbesondere mit der Hilfe von Klassifikationssystemen und in EDV-gestützten Dokumentationssystemen.
An Examination of Pilot-Reported Trust and Response to Information	Conflicts Experienced on the Flight Deck
Authors: Carroll Meredith , Sanchez Paige , Wilt Donna
Published: November 2021

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine how pilots respond to conflicting information on the flight deck. In this study, 108 airline, corporate, and general aviation pilots completed an online questionnaire reporting weather, traffic, and navigation information conflicts experienced on the flight deck, including which information sources they trusted and acted on. Results indicated that weather information conflicts are most commonly experienced, and typically between a certified source in the panel and an uncertified electronic flight bag application. Most participants (a) trusted certified systems due to their accuracy, reliability, recency, and knowledge about the source, and (2) acted on the certified system due to trust, being trained and required to use it, and its indicating a more hazardous situation.
Why Commercial Pilots Voluntarily Report Self-Inflicted Incidents
Authors: Sieberichs Sebastian , Kluge Annette
Published: November 2021

Abstract. Voluntary incident reports by commercial pilots provide essential data for airline efforts in learning from incidents (LFI). Because LFI is frequently limited by pilots not reporting incidents voluntarily, we interviewed seven commercial aviation safety experts in a focus group to derive factors influencing the voluntary reporting behavior of pilots’ self-inflicted incidents. As a result, we derived 36 factors and integrated them into a motivational framework by van den Broeck et al. (2019) . Pilots pursue various goals when voluntarily reporting incidents, such as enabling safety-related change or organizational learning. This behavior is influenced by personal antecedents, such as shame, and contextual antecedents, such as feedback. Our work expands the understanding of motivational aspects of voluntary incident reporting and discusses practical interrelations.
Impact of Thermospheric Wind Data Assimilation on Ionospheric Electrodynamics Using a Coupled Whole Atmosphere Data Assimilation System
Authors: Hsu C.‐T. , Pedatella N. M. , Anderson J. L.
Published: November 2021

The upward plasma drift and equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) in the Earth's ionosphere are strongly influenced by the zonal electric field, which is generated by the wind dynamo. Specification and forecasting of thermospheric winds thus plays an important role in ionospheric weather prediction. In this study, we assess the impact of assimilating thermospheric wind observations from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) instrument on NASA's Ionospheric CONnection (ICON) explorer satellite on the ionospheric electrodynamics. Empirical localization functions (ELFs) of ICON/MIGHTI zonal and meridional winds are also computed and applied to our data assimilation experiments, enabling improved assimilation of the ICON/MIGHTI wind observations. A set of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are performed using the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere‐ionosphere eXtension (WACCMX) with data assimilation provided by the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. The results show that assimilating the ICON/MIGHTI wind observations with the ELF improves the zonal and meridional wind root mean square error (RMSE) by 16%–18% and 7%–10%, respectively. The improved wind specification further improves the low‐latitude E × B vertical drift RMSE by about 18%. The response of electron densities is slower, and the overall impact is smaller. The improvement of the ionosphere F‐region maximum electron density (NmF2) between ±45° is about 8% after 18 days of data assimilation.
Assessment of Updated Fuel‐Based Emissions Inventories Over the Contiguous United States Using TROPOMI NO2 Retrievals
Authors: Li M. , McDonald B. C. , McKeen S. A. , Eskes H. , Levelt P. , Francoeur C. , Harkins C. , He J. , Barth M. , Henze D. K. , Bela M. M. , Trainer M. , de Gouw J. A. , Frost G. J.
Published: November 2021

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are air pollutants critical to ozone and fine particle production in the troposphere. Here, we present fuel‐based emission inventories updated to 2018, including for mobile source engines using the Fuel‐based Inventory of Vehicle Emissions (FIVEs) and oil and gas production using the Fuel‐based Oil and Gas (FOG) inventory. The updated FIVE emissions are now consistent with the NEI17 estimates differing within 2% across the contiguous US (CONUS). Tropospheric NO2 columns modeled by the Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry model (WRF‐Chem) are compared with those observed by TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) during the summer of 2018. Modeled NO2 columns show strong temporal and spatial correlations with TROPOMI (OMI), identified with biases of −3% (−21%) over CONUS, and +8% (−6%) over point sources plus urban regions. Taking account of the negative bias (∼20%) in early version of TROPOMI over polluted regions, WRF‐Chem shows good performance with updated FIVE and FOG emissions. Our model tends to under‐predict the tropospheric NO2 columns over background and rural regions (bias of −21% to −3%). Through model sensitivity analyses, we demonstrate the important roles of emissions from soils (11.7% average over CONUS), oil and gas production (4.1%), wildfires (10.6%), and lightning (2.3%) with greater contributions at regional scales. This work provides a roadmap for satellite‐based evaluations for emission updates from various sources.
Whole genome sequencing and in vitro splice assays reveal genetic causes for inherited retinal diseases
Authors: Fadaie Zeinab , Whelan Laura , Ben-Yosef Tamar , Dockery Adrian , Corradi Zelia , Gilissen Christian , Haer-Wigman Lonneke , Corominas Jordi , Astuti Galuh D. N. , de Rooij Laura , van den Born L. Ingeborgh , Klaver Caroline C. W. , Hoyng Carel B. , Wynne Niamh , Duignan Emma S. , Kenna Paul F. , Cremers Frans P. M. , Farrar G. Jane , Roosing Susanne
Published: November 2021

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) are a major cause of visual impairment. These clinically heterogeneous disorders are caused by pathogenic variants in more than 270 genes. As 30–40% of cases remain genetically unexplained following conventional genetic testing, we aimed to obtain a genetic diagnosis in an IRD cohort in which the genetic cause was not found using whole-exome sequencing or targeted capture sequencing. We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to identify causative variants in 100 unresolved cases. After initial prioritization, we performed an in-depth interrogation of all noncoding and structural variants in genes when one candidate variant was detected. In addition, functional analysis of putative splice-altering variants was performed using in vitro splice assays. We identified the genetic cause of the disease in 24 patients. Causative coding variants were observed in genes such as ATXN7, CEP78, EYS, FAM161A, and HGSNAT. Gene disrupting structural variants were also detected in ATXN7, PRPF31, and RPGRIP1. In 14 monoallelic cases, we prioritized candidate noncanonical splice sites or deep-intronic variants that were predicted to disrupt the splicing process based on in silico analyses. Of these, seven cases were resolved as they carried pathogenic splice defects. WGS is a powerful tool to identify causative variants residing outside coding regions or heterozygous structural variants. This approach was most efficient in cases with a distinct clinical diagnosis. In addition, in vitro splice assays provide important evidence of the pathogenicity of rare variants.
Field-induced metal-to-insulator transition and colossal anisotropic magnetoresistance in a nearly Dirac material EuMnSb2
Authors: Sun Z. L. , Wang A. F. , Mu H. M. , Wang H. H. , Wang Z. F. , Wu T. , Wang Z. Y. , Zhou X. Y. , Chen X. H.
Published: November 2021

Realizing applicably appreciated spintronic functionalities basing on the coupling between charge and spin degrees of freedom is still a challenge. For example, the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect can be utilized to read out the information stored in magnetic structures. However, the application of AMR in antiferromagnet-based spintronics is usually hindered by the small AMR value. Here, we discover a colossal AMR with its value reaching 1.84 × 106% at 2 K, which stems from the field-induced metal-to-insulator transition (MIT), in a nearly Dirac material EuMnSb2. Density functional theory calculations identify a Dirac-like band around the Y point that depends strongly on the spin–orbit coupling and dominates the electrical transport. The indirect band gap at the Fermi level evolves with magnetic structure of Eu2+ moments, consequently giving rise to the field-induced MIT and the colossal AMR. Our results suggest that the antiferromagnetic topological materials can serve as a fertile ground for spintronics applications.
Development of COVID-19 vaccine using a dual Toll-like receptor ligand liposome adjuvant
Authors: Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Mann Barbara J. , Sturek Jeffrey M. , Brovero Savannah , Moreau G. Brett , Sengar Anjali , Richardson Crystal M. , Agah Sayeh , Pomés Anna , Kasson Peter M. , Tomai Mark A. , Fox Christopher B. , Petri William A.
Published: November 2021

We developed a SARS-CoV-2 spike subunit vaccine formulation containing dual TLR ligand liposome adjuvant. The vaccine-induced robust systemic neutralizing antibodies and completely protected mice from a lethal challenge. Two immunizations protected against lung injury and cleared the virus from lungs upon challenge. The adjuvanted vaccine also elicited systemic and local anti-Spike IgA which can be an important feature for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Modelling of supply and demand-side determinants of liquefied petroleum gas consumption in peri-urban Cameroon, Ghana and Kenya
Authors: Shupler Matthew , Mangeni Judith , Tawiah Theresa , Sang Edna , Baame Miranda , Anderson de Cuevas Rachel , Nix Emily , Betang Emmanuel , Saah Jason , Twumasi Mieks , Amenga-Etego Seeba , Quansah Reginald , Puzzolo Elisa , Mbatchou Bertrand , Asante Kwaku Poku , Menya Diana , Pope Daniel
Published: November 2021

Household transitions to cleaner cooking fuels (for example, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) have historically been studied from a demand perspective, with clean energy usage expected to increase with improvements in household socio-economic status. Although recent studies demonstrate the importance of supply-side determinants in increasing clean cooking, few large-scale studies have assessed their importance quantitatively, relative to demand-related factors. Here, as part of the CLEAN-Air(Africa) study, we examine a population-based survey (n = 5,638) of cooking practices in peri-urban communities within Cameroon, Kenya and Ghana. Multilevel logistic and log-linear regression assessed the demand and supply-side determinants of LPG usage (primary versus secondary fuel) and consumption (kilograms per capita per year), respectively. Supply-side factors (for example, cylinder refill and transportation costs) and the use of single versus multiburner stoves were better predictors than household socio-economic status for both the probability of primarily cooking with LPG and the annual LPG consumption. These results highlight the need for policies that promote LPG supply and stove equipment to meet household needs.
Ultra-fast germanium photodiode with 3-dB bandwidth of 265 GHz
Authors: Lischke S. , Peczek A. , Morgan J. S. , Sun K. , Steckler D. , Yamamoto Y. , Korndörfer F. , Mai C. , Marschmeyer S. , Fraschke M. , Krüger A. , Beling A. , Zimmermann L.
Published: November 2021

On a scalable silicon technology platform, we demonstrate photodetectors matching or even surpassing state-of-the-art III–V devices. As key components in high-speed optoelectronics, photodetectors with bandwidths greater than 100 GHz have been a topic of intense research for several decades. Solely InP-based detectors could satisfy the highest performance specifications. Devices based on other materials, such as germanium-on-silicon devices, used to lag behind in speed, but enabled complex photonic integrated circuits and co-integration with silicon electronics. Here we demonstrate waveguide-coupled germanium photodiodes with optoelectrical 3-dB bandwidths of 265 GHz and 240 GHz at a photocurrent of 1 mA. This outstanding performance is achieved by a novel device concept in which a germanium fin is sandwiched between complementary in situ-doped silicon layers. Our photodetectors show internal responsivities of 0.3 A W−1 (265 GHz) and 0.45 A W−1 (240 GHz) at a wavelength of 1,550 nm. The internal bandwidth–efficiency product of the latter device is 86 GHz. Low dark currents of 100–200 nA are obtained from these ultra-fast photodetectors.
Genome surveillance by HUSH-mediated silencing of intronless mobile elements
Authors: Seczynska Marta , Bloor Stuart , Cuesta Sergio Martinez , Lehner Paul J.
Published: November 2021

All life forms defend their genome against DNA invasion. Eukaryotic cells recognize incoming DNA and limit its transcription through repressive chromatin modifications. The human silencing hub (HUSH) complex transcriptionally represses long interspersed element-1 retrotransposons (L1s) and retroviruses through histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3)1–3. How HUSH recognizes and initiates silencing of these invading genetic elements is unknown. Here we show that HUSH is able to recognize and transcriptionally repress a broad range of long, intronless transgenes. Intron insertion into HUSH-repressed transgenes counteracts repression, even in the absence of intron splicing. HUSH binds transcripts from the target locus, prior to and independent of H3K9me3 deposition, and target transcription is essential for both initiation and propagation of HUSH-mediated H3K9me3. Genomic data reveal how HUSH binds and represses a subset of endogenous intronless genes generated through retrotransposition of cellular mRNAs. Thus intronless cDNA—the hallmark of reverse transcription—provides a versatile way to distinguish invading retroelements from host genes and enables HUSH to protect the genome from ‘non-self’ DNA, despite there being no previous exposure to the invading element. Our findings reveal the existence of a transcription-dependent genome-surveillance system and explain how it provides immediate protection against newly acquired elements while avoiding inappropriate repression of host genes.
The first edentulous ceratosaur from South America
Authors: de Souza Geovane Alves , Soares Marina Bento , Weinschütz Luiz Carlos , Wilner Everton , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , de Araújo Olga Maria Oliveira , Kellner Alexander Wilhelm Armin
Published: November 2021

The recognition of ontogenetic edentulism in the Jurassic noasaurid Limusaurus inextricabilis shed new light on the dietary diversity within Ceratosauria, a stem lineage of non-avian theropod dinosaurs known for peculiar craniomandibular adaptations. Until now, edentulism in Ceratosauria was exclusive to adult individuals of Limusaurus. Here, an exceptionally complete skeleton of a new toothless ceratosaur, Berthasaura leopoldinae gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Cretaceous aeolian sandstones of the Bauru Basin, Southern Brazil. The specimen resembles adult individuals of Limusaurus by the absence of teeth but based on the unfused condition of several elements (e.g., skull, vertebral column) it clearly represents an ontogenetically immature individual, indicating that it might never have had teeth. The phylogenetic analysis performed here has nested Berthasaura leopoldinae as an early-divergent Noasauridae, not closely related to Limusaurus. It represents the most complete non-avian theropod from the Brazilian Cretaceous and preserves the most complete noasaurid axial series known so far. Moreover, the new taxon exhibits many novel osteological features, uncommon in non-avian theropods, and unprecedented even among South American ceratosaurs. These include not only toothless jaws but also a premaxilla with cutting occlusal edge, and a slightly downturned rostral tip. This indicate that B. leopoldinae unlikely had the same diet as other ceratosaurs, most being regarded as carnivorous. As the ontogenetically more mature specimens of Limusaurus, Berthasaura might have been herbivorous or at least omnivorous, corroborating with an early evolutionary divergence of noasaurids from the ceratosaurian bauplan by disparate feeding modes.
Evaluation of airborne total suspended particulates and heavy metals in anodizing and electroplating surface treatment process
Authors: Kim Donghyeon , Jung Sungyo , Yoon Chungsik
Published: November 2021

This study is to evaluate exposure to harmful substances, such as particulate and heavy metals, by considering various factors, in anodizing and electroplating surface treatment process. Exposure evaluation studies on seven heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Al, and Ba) and total suspended particulates (TSP) were conducted. Heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study also checked the ventilation volume of the hood with a thermal anemometer. Measurement was conducted for 8 h and 8 days. The sample number, N, of the heavy metals and TSP was 107. Geometric mean (GM) of TSP during Cr plating process was 6.15(GSD, 3.35) mg/m3. GM of Cr during Cr plating was 1.86(GSD, 6.65) mg/m3. GM of TSP and heavy metals differences were statistically significant for each process and date variation. Average ventilation volume for all hoods ranged from 1.20 to 4.98 m3/s. In the hood 30 cm from bath, ventilation was 0.1 times lower. Increasing ventilation volume of the hood was the most influential factor, followed by machine operation time and workload. The high concentration was due to low ventilation suction flow. We can improve health to reduce exposure by resolving the fundamental cause of risk occurrence.
Role of FRG1 in predicting the overall survivability in cancers using multivariate based optimal model
Authors: Khan Rehan , Palo Ananya , Dixit Manjusha
Published: November 2021

FRG1 has a role in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Our preliminary analysis showed that FRG1 mRNA expression is associated with overall survival (OS) in certain cancers, but the effect varies. In cervix and gastric cancers, we found a clear difference in the OS between the low and high FRG1 mRNA expression groups, but the difference was not prominent in breast, lung, and liver cancers. We hypothesized that FRG1 expression level could affect the functionality of the correlated genes or vice versa, which might mask the effect of a single gene on the OS analysis in cancer patients. We used the multivariate Cox regression, risk score, and Kaplan Meier analyses to determine OS in a multigene model. STRING, Cytoscape, HIPPIE, Gene Ontology, and DAVID (KEGG) were used to deduce FRG1 associated pathways. In breast, lung, and liver cancers, we found a distinct difference in the OS between the low and high FRG1 mRNA expression groups in the multigene model, suggesting an independent role of FRG1 in survival. Risk scores were calculated based upon regression coefficients in the multigene model. Low and high-risk score groups showed a significant difference in the FRG1 mRNA expression level and OS. HPF1, RPL34, and EXOSC9 were the most common genes present in FRG1 associated pathways across the cancer types. Validation of the effect of FRG1 mRNA expression level on these genes by qRT-PCR supports that FRG1 might be an upstream regulator of their expression. These genes may have multiple regulators, which also affect their expression, leading to the masking effect in the survival analysis. In conclusion, our study highlights the role of FRG1 in the survivability of cancer patients in tissue-specific manner and the use of multigene models in prognosis.
A new seven level boost-type ANPC inverter topology for photovoltaic applications
Authors: M. Jagabar Sathik , Almakhles Dhafer J.
Published: November 2021

Developing of new photovoltaic inverter topologies is received more attention in the last few years. In particular, designing an active neutral-point-clamping inverter type structure is quite popular for PV applications. The output voltage is always half of the input voltage (vin), which further increases the voltage rating of dc-link capacitors in the conventional three-level ANPC. To rectify the above problem and increase the output voltage by reducing dc-link capacitors voltage rating, a new boost type seven-level ANPC inverter topology is proposed. The proposed topology consists of seven switches and one floating capacitor. The floating capacitor voltage is self-balanced, and the output voltage is 1.5 times higher than the input voltage. A detailed comparison for some power components, power loss and cost with other existing topologies are presented. Further, the proposed topology is validated in a prototype hardware setup for different load values.
Vibrational energies of some diatomic molecules for a modified and deformed potential
Authors: Onate C. A. , Okon I. B. , Onyeaju M. C. , Ebomwonyi O.
Published: November 2021

A molecular potential model is proposed and the solutions of the radial Schrӧdinger equation in the presence of the proposed potential is obtained. The energy equation and its corresponding radial wave function are calculated using the powerful parametric Nikiforov–Uvarov method. The energies of cesium dimer for different quantum states were numerically obtained for both negative and positive values of the deformed and adjustable parameters. The results for sodium dimer and lithium dimer were calculated numerically using their respective spectroscopic parameters. The calculated values for the three molecules are in excellent agreement with the observed values. Finally, we calculated different expectation values and examined the effects of the deformed and adjustable parameters on the expectation values.
A demographic and clinical panorama of a sixteen-year cohort of soft tissue sarcoma patients in Brazil
Authors: de Figueiredo Luiza Ohasi , Júnior Augusto Afonso Guerra , de Assis Acurcio Francisco , Almeida Alessandra Maciel , Cherchiglia Mariângela Leal , Wainstein Alberto Julius Alves , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angélica
Published: November 2021

Little is known about soft tissue sarcomas (STS) in Brazil, once the federal statistics regarding estimates on incidence and mortality of the most common cancers that affect the Brazilian population currently do not include STS. This study aims to perform a broad evaluation and description of the epidemiological profile, access to treatment and main clinical outcomes of the Brazilian STS patient. A population-based cohort study of 66,825 patients who underwent procedures related to STS treatment registered in the Brazilian public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) databases. Median age was 57 years, 30% of them older than 65 years and 50.7% of the cohort was female. The majority, 50,383 patients (75.4%), was diagnosed between 2008 and 2015. Most prevalent anatomic sites were upper and lower limbs (12.6%) and the registry of sarcomas without a specific location comprehended 29.7% of the cohort. The majority of patients resided in the Northeast (40.2% of the patients). Surgery was the first treatment modality in 77.7% of the cases. For survival analysis, only patients with stage and histological grade information were included. The 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rate of the patients was, respectively, 75.4% (95% CI = 74.1–76.7%), 43.4% (95% CI = 41.5–45.5%) and 18.6% (95% CI = 14.8–23.3%).
Remote diagnosis of surgical-site infection using a mobile digital intervention: a randomised controlled trial in emergency surgery patients
Authors: McLean Kenneth A. , Mountain Katie E. , Shaw Catherine A. , Drake Thomas M. , Pius Riinu , Knight Stephen R. , Fairfield Cameron J. , Sgrò Alessandro , Bouamrane Matt , Cambridge William A. , Lyons Mathew , Riad Aya , Skipworth Richard J. E. , Wigmore Stephen J. , Potter Mark A. , Harrison Ewen M. ,   TWIST Collaborators, Baweja K. , Cambridge W. A. , Chauhan V. , Czyzykowska K. , Edirisooriya M. , Forsyth A. , Fox B. , Fretwell J. , Gent C. , Gherman A. , Green L. , Grewar J. , Heelan S. , Henshall D. , Iiuoma C. , Jayasangaran S. , Johnston C. , Kennedy E. , Kremel D. , Kung J. , Kwong J. , Leavy C. , Liu J. , Mackay S. , MacNamara A. , Mowitt S. , Musenga E. , Ng N. , Ng Z. H. , O’Neill S. , Ramage M. , Reed J. , Riad A. , Scott C. , Sehgal V. , Sgrò A. , Steven L. , Stutchfield B. , Tominey S. , Wilson W. , Wojtowicz M. , Yang J.
Published: November 2021

Surgical site infections (SSI) cause substantial morbidity and pose a burden to acute healthcare services after surgery. We aimed to investigate whether a smartphone-delivered wound assessment tool can expedite diagnosis and treatment of SSI after emergency abdominal surgery. This single-blinded randomised control trial (NCT02704897) enroled adult emergency abdominal surgery patients in two tertiary care hospitals. Patients were randomised (1:1) to routine postoperative care or additional access to a smartphone-delivered wound assessment tool for 30-days postoperatively. Patient-reported SSI symptoms and wound photographs were requested on postoperative days 3, 7, and 15. The primary outcome was time-to-diagnosis of SSI (Centers for Disease Control definition). 492 patients were randomised (smartphone intervention: 223; routine care: 269). There was no significant difference in the 30-day SSI rate between trial arms: 21 (9.4%) in smartphone vs 20 (7.4%, p = 0.513) in routine care. Among the smartphone group, 32.3% (n = 72) did not utilise the tool. There was no significant difference in time-to-diagnosis of SSI for patients receiving the intervention (−2.5 days, 95% CI: −6.6−1.6, p = 0.225). However, patients in the smartphone group had 3.7-times higher odds of diagnosis within 7 postoperative days (95% CI: 1.02−13.51, p = 0.043). The smartphone group had significantly reduced community care attendance (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34−0.94, p = 0.030), similar hospital attendance (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.28−1.96, p = 0.577), and significantly better experiences in accessing care (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.17−3.53, p = 0.013). Smartphone-delivered wound follow-up is feasible following emergency abdominal surgery. This can facilitate triage to the appropriate level of assessment required, allowing earlier postoperative diagnosis of SSI.