bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of water-quality management mitigations on greenhouse-gas emissions from deer farms
Authors: Stevens D. R. , Casey M. J. , McGrouther N.
Published: April 2023

Context Red deer farming in New Zealand has increased in intensity, increasing the emissions to water and air. Outdoor wintering systems pose a significant threat to water quality through sediment loss and nitrate leaching. Changing wintering systems to bring animals indoors shifts emphasis to greenhouse-gas emissions. Aims To investigate the relative potential emissions to water and air when red deer are wintered outdoors on forage crops or indoors on supplements. Methods The impacts of wintering red deer on forage or indoors were calculated for five farms, involving 32 herds containing 2167 deer over 2 years, in southern New Zealand. Animal classes included weaners, hinds and stags. Potential losses to water included sediment, nitrogen and phosphorous, while losses to air included methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia. Losses to air were calculated using current New Zealand greenhouse-gas inventory calculations and revised calculations recognising published forage, soil and bedding emissions factors not yet included in the inventory. Key results Calculated outdoor winter feed intake was 9.5% greater than indoor measured feed intake. The average herd size of 115 deer wintered indoors for an average of 87 days would have needed 1.8 ha of winter forage crop. Potential losses of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus were calculated to be 5362, 106 and 5.2 kg per herd respectively, if wintered on crop. Total greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions calculated using current inventory emission factors were higher if deer grazed a forage crop than when wintered indoors (2.58 vs 2.41 kg CO2-e/head/day respectively). When revised emission factors were used, indoor wintering produced greater GHG emissions than did wintering outdoors (2.61 vs 2.28 kg CO2-e/head/day respectively). Implications Variability may occur both in contaminant loss to water and emissions to air. Trade-offs between the two need to be recognised in decision-making. As the science of GHG develops, the relative ranking of different systems may change.
Phosphorus responses of Trifolium pallescens and T. occidentale, the progenitors of white clover (T. repens)
Authors: Nichols Shirley N. , Crush James R. , Cave Vanessa M. , Williams Warren M.
Published: April 2023

Context Rock phosphate reserves are decreasing, and requirements to mitigate environmental impacts of farming soils with excess phosphorus (P) are increasing. Aims White clover is an allotetraploid hybrid between Trifolium pallescens and T. occidentale. Understanding the P response characteristics of these progenitor species will allow selection of germplasm for development of synthetic white clovers with improved phosphorus-use efficiency (PUE). Methods Shoot and root weights and P nutrition characteristics were compared for three Trifolium pallescens, six T. occidentale accessions, and a white clover cultivar in a glasshouse experiment using a low P soil amended with five rates of P. Key results White clover had the highest and most P responsive shoot and root dry weights (DW), and T. pallescens was least responsive to P. In the highest P treatment, T. pallescens had the highest shoot and root %P and the lowest shoot DW:total plant P ratio. There was significant variation among progenitor accessions. Spanish accessions of T. occidentale had comparable shoot DW to white clover and higher PUE. Traits of T. pallescens indicated strong adaptation to low P but low productivity, while traits of T. occidentale were more aligned with the white clover cultivar. Conclusions The substantial variation in P nutrition characteristics within the progenitor species of white clover could be exploited in breeding programs. Implications Comparing the P responses of a wider range of progenitor accessions could inform breeding to improve white clover’s low soil P tolerance through development of synthetic white clovers.
ATG8-dependent LMX1B-autophagy crosstalk shapes human midbrain dopaminergic neuronal resilience
Authors: Jiménez-Moreno Natalia , Kollareddy Madhu , Stathakos Petros , Moss Joanna J. , Antón Zuriñe , Shoemark Deborah K. , Sessions Richard B. , Witzgall Ralph , Caldwell Maeve , Lane Jon D.
Published: April 2023

The LIM homeodomain transcription factors LMX1A and LMX1B are essential mediators of midbrain dopaminergic neuronal (mDAN) differentiation and survival. Here we show that LMX1A and LMX1B are autophagy transcription factors that provide cellular stress protection. Their suppression dampens the autophagy response, lowers mitochondrial respiration, and elevates mitochondrial ROS, and their inducible overexpression protects against rotenone toxicity in human iPSC-derived mDANs in vitro. Significantly, we show that LMX1A and LMX1B stability is in part regulated by autophagy, and that these transcription factors bind to multiple ATG8 proteins. Binding is dependent on subcellular localization and nutrient status, with LMX1B interacting with LC3B in the nucleus under basal conditions and associating with both cytosolic and nuclear LC3B during nutrient starvation. Crucially, ATG8 binding stimulates LMX1B-mediated transcription for efficient autophagy and cell stress protection, thereby establishing a novel LMX1B-autophagy regulatory axis that contributes to mDAN maintenance and survival in the adult brain.
Dust-Induced Regulation of Thermal Radiation in Water Droplets
Authors: Zhang Chuan-Xin , Li Tian-Jiao , Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: April 2023

Accurate and fast prediction of thermal radiation properties of materials is crucial for their potential applications. However, some models assume that the media are made up of pure water droplets, which do not account for the increasing deviations caused by volcanic eruptions, pollution, and human activities that exacerbate dust production. The distinct radiation properties of water and dust particles make it challenging to determine the thermal radiation properties of water droplets containing dust particles. To address this issue, we investigate the influence of dust particles on light transmission and energy distribution in water droplets using the multiple sphere T-matrix method. By considering different droplet and dust diameters, volume fractions, and position distributions, we analyze how extinction regulation is achieved in dust-containing water droplets. Our results reveal the significant role of dust particles in the thermal radiation effect and provide insights into the electromagnetic properties of colloidal suspensions. Moreover, the dust-induced reestablishment of energy balance raises concerns about environmental management and climate change. This research highlights the importance of accounting for dust particles in atmospheric models and their potential impact on radiative balance.
On an iteratively reweighted linesearch based algorithm for nonconvex composite optimization
Authors: Bonettini S , Pezzi D , Prato M , Rebegoldi S
Published: April 2023

In this paper we propose a new algorithm for solving a class of nonsmooth nonconvex problems, which is obtained by combining the iteratively reweighted scheme with a finite number of forward–backward iterations based on a linesearch procedure. The new method overcomes some limitations of linesearch forward–backward methods, since it can be applied also to minimize functions containing terms that are both nonsmooth and nonconvex. Moreover, the combined scheme can take advantage of acceleration techniques consisting in suitable selection rules for the algorithm parameters. We develop the convergence analysis of the new method within the framework of the Kurdyka–Łojasiewicz property. Finally, we present the results of a numerical experience on microscopy image super resolution, showing that the performances of our method are comparable or superior to those of other algorithms designed for this specific application.
Out-of-plane weak ferromagnetism at room temperature in lattice-distortion non-collinear antiferromagnet of single-crystal Mn3Sn
Authors: Zhang Bo-Xi , Song Ping , Deng Shan-Shan , Lou Li , Yao Sen
Published: April 2023

Out-of-plane weak ferromagnetic (OWFM) spin arrangements with topological properties can realize a series of interesting physical properties. However, this spin structure tends to exist at low temperatures. The OWFM structure can also be induced at room temperature by hydrostatic pressure, whereas this isotropic approach tends to form helical AFM structures. We report the OWFM spin arrangement in single crystal Mn3Sn by an anisotropic strategy of high-stressconstrained compression deformation at room temperature. Both experimental and theoretical simulation results show that the alignment of the OWFM spin structure is due to the distortion of the atomic scale caused by the strain energy during deformation. The OWFM spin arrangement can significantly change the magnetic property of Mn3Sn. As a result, the remanent magnetization M
r for the deformed sample (0.056 μ
B/f.u.) is about eleven times that for the pre-deformed sample (0.005 μ
B/f.u.), and the coercivity (H
c) increases from 0 kOe (pre-deformed sample) to 6.02 kOe (deformed sample). Our findings provide a way to generate the OWFM spin structure at room temperature and may give fresh ideas for creating antiferromagnetic materials with excellent physical properties.
Enabling stable and high-rate of an olivine-type cathode LiFePO4 for Li-ion batteries by using graphene nanoribbons as conductive agent
Authors: Nguyen Thien Trung , Nguyen Nhu Quynh , Thai Duong , Tieu Tu Doanh , Tran Van Man , Le My Loan Phung
Published: April 2023

In this study, graphene nanoribbons (GNBs) were utilized as a conductive agent for the olivine structure-based cathode LiFePO4 to facilitate the fast redox reaction and enable a high-rate battery performance. As a result, the cathodes comprising 5 wt% graphene nanoribbons and 10 wt% conductive carbon nanoparticles exhibited the maximum capacity, 163.25 mAh.g−1 at 0.1C and 130.60 mAh.g−1 at 2C with excellent capacity retention after 100 cycles. In addition, graphene nanoribbons demonstrate positive impacts on the charge transfer process. Still, the high concentration of GNBs in the cathode weakens the adhesion properties and will need further optimization in the slurry mixing process.
First principles study in two-dimensional antiferromagnetic Mn2Cl8 with strain-controllable and hydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Michang , Wang Zhicui , Wei Yong , Wan Wenhui , Liu Yong , Ge Yanfeng
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of spintronics, two-dimensional antiferromagnetic materials have attracted much attention because of their unique physical properties. Here, the monolayer Mn2Cl8 is discovered to be an intrinsically antiferromagnetic semiconductor in current work. The results show that monolayer Mn2Cl8 and Mn2Cl4X4 (X = F, Br) are stable semiconductors with indirect bandgaps of 0.34eV, 0.95eV, and 0.55eV, respectively, and Mn2Cl8 has a Néel temperature (TN) of 245 K. In the systematic study of strain effects, TN changes significantly under strains from −4% to 4% when the antiferromagnetic ground state is not affected. And the compression strain can increase TN to 469 K due to the enhancement of antiferromagnetic coupling of the nearest adjacent magnetic atoms. Moreover, the bandgap and TN of monolayer Mn2Cl8 can be tuned by hydrogenation. This work finds that elemental substitution, strains, and hydrogen passivation is efficient routes to tune the electronic properties of monolayer antiferromagnetic semiconductor Mn2Cl8.
Structural, dielectric, and thermal properties of Zn and Cr doped Mg- Co spinel nanoferrites
Authors: Hasanain Bassam
Published: April 2023

Nanoferrites play a pivotal role in resolving worldwide electronic and microwave devices. Spinel ferrites have exceptional structural, morphological, and dielectric properties. The composition Zn
0.5–xMg0.25+x

Co
0.25Cr1–x

Fe
1+x

O
4 (ZMCCF) where x varies from 0–0.5 with the difference of 0.25 was synthesized via auto combustion (sol-gel) route. The structural, thermal, and dielectric characterizations were done to observe the responses of variation of x in designed nanoferrites. The designed nanoferrites with a variation of x experienced a promising change in structural, thermal, and dielectric responses. Based on Koop’s theory, the dielectric constant decreases with the increase in frequency, which is the favorable trend of spinel ferrites. The different cationic distributions in the spinel structure endorse this behavior. The maximum value of the tangent loss at low frequencies reflects the application of these materials in medium-frequency devices. Therefore, planned spinel nanoferrites may benefit advanced electronics and microwave devices.
Reliability and prediction of Sn36Pb2Ag solder joints under thermal aging test
Authors: Cong Sen , Liu Peng , Wang Shaobin , Xiong Jinghua
Published: April 2023

In this work, the capacitor solder joints were aged at 50 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C, 125, and 150 °C from 100 h to 1000 h. The intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer growth of Sn36Pb2Ag on hot air solder leveled (HASL) pad and electroless nickel/immersion gold (ENIG) pad was measured. Based on the empirical power-law of the IMC growth and the Arrhenius relationship between diffusion coefficient and aging temperature, a method to predict the IMC growth at a selected temperature was developed. The mechanical property of capacitor solder joints after thermal aging was investigated through the shear test. Through analysis of the fracture surface, the mixed fracture mode of ductile and brittle was exhibited. The porous structure of the Cu coating on the capacitor electrode was determined to be the origin of the crack.
DeepAstroUDA: semi-supervised universal domain adaptation for cross-survey galaxy morphology classification and anomaly detection
Authors: Ćiprijanović A , Lewis A , Pedro K , Madireddy S , Nord B , Perdue G N , Wild S M
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence methods show great promise in increasing the quality and speed of work with large astronomical datasets, but the high complexity of these methods leads to the extraction of dataset-specific, non-robust features. Therefore, such methods do not generalize well across multiple datasets. We present a universal domain adaptation method, DeepAstroUDA, as an approach to overcome this challenge. This algorithm performs semi-supervised domain adaptation (DA) and can be applied to datasets with different data distributions and class overlaps. Non-overlapping classes can be present in any of the two datasets (the labeled source domain, or the unlabeled target domain), and the method can even be used in the presence of unknown classes. We apply our method to three examples of galaxy morphology classification tasks of different complexities (three-class and ten-class problems), with anomaly detection: (1) datasets created after different numbers of observing years from a single survey (Legacy Survey of Space and Time mock data of one and ten years of observations); (2) data from different surveys (Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and DECaLS); and (3) data from observing fields with different depths within one survey (wide field and Stripe 82 deep field of SDSS). For the first time, we demonstrate the successful use of DA between very discrepant observational datasets. DeepAstroUDA is capable of bridging the gap between two astronomical surveys, increasing classification accuracy in both domains (up to

40
%

on the unlabeled data), and making model performance consistent across datasets. Furthermore, our method also performs well as an anomaly detection algorithm and successfully clusters unknown class samples even in the unlabeled target dataset.
Sustainability infrastructure insights from a campus sustainability survey
Authors: Hicks Andrea , Nergard Missy
Published: April 2023

The physical and social infrastructure of an environment influences the ability of that place to be sustainable. To evaluate the sustainability culture and literacy of a university environment, a campus sustainability survey was deployed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). This inaugural survey provided a snapshot in time of the sustainability literacy and culture of the university during the Fall 2021 semester. Results of the survey found a high level of sustainability literacy, however the awareness of social and physical infrastructure which support the campus sustainability culture was largely based on environmental actions and concerns. The survey results also reaffirmed the challenge of what actions are perceived to be sustainable and urgent by the campus community, versus which have real and measurable impact. There is also an unsurprising tension between what is desired by the campus community and what is achievable in the same resource constrained environment of the survey respondents. The survey also identified a need to further increase communication channels of the actions which are already occurring on the UW-Madison campus. Acknowledging that in a mesocosm the size and scale of the UW-Madison campus, and its overwhelming amount of general communication, that targeted communications plans are necessary to reach more of the information channels of the campus community.
Diclofenac exhibits cytotoxic activity associated with metabolic alterations and p53 induction in ESCC cell lines and decreases ESCC tumor burden in vivo
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Faujul , Jackson Jazmyne L , Fuller Annie D , Gathuka Leonny , Karami Adam L , Conde Don-Gerard , Klochkova Alena , Mu Anbin , Cai Kathy Q , Klein-Szanto Andres J , Muir Amanda B , Whelan Kelly A
Published: April 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive forms of human malignancy, often displaying limited therapeutic response. Here, we examine the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (DCF) as a novel therapeutic agent in ESCC using complementary in vitro and in vivo models. DCF selectively reduced viability of human ESCC cell lines TE11, KYSE150, and KYSE410 as compared with normal primary or immortalized esophageal keratinocytes. Apoptosis and altered cell cycle profiles were documented in DCF-treated TE11 and KYSE 150. In DCF-treated TE11, RNA-Sequencing identified differentially expressed genes and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted alterations in pathways associated with cellular metabolism and p53 signaling. Downregulation of proteins associated with glycolysis was documented in DCF-treated TE11 and KYSE150. In response to DCF, TE11 cells further displayed reduced levels of ATP, pyruvate, and lactate. Evidence of mitochondrial depolarization and superoxide production was induced by DCF in TE11 and KYSE150. In DCF-treated TE11, the superoxide scavenger MitoTempo improved viability, supporting a role for mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in DCF-mediated toxicity. DCF treatment resulted in increased expression of p53 in TE11 and KYSE150. p53 was further identified as a mediator of DCF-mediated toxicity in TE11 as genetic depletion of p53 partially limited apoptosis in response to DCF. Consistent with the anticancer activity of DCF in vitro, the drug significantly decreased tumor burdene in syngeneic ESCC xenograft tumors and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-mediated ESCC lesions in vivo. These preclinical findings identify DCF as an experimental therapeutic that should be explored further in ESCC.
Personal Identity, Sexual Difference, and the Metaphysics of Gender
Authors: Skrzypek Jeremy W
Published: April 2023

Issues pertaining to sex and gender continue to be some of the most hotly debated topics of our time. While many of the most heated disputes occur at the level of politics and public policy, metaphysics, too, has a crucial role to play in these debates. In this essay, I explore several key metaphysical debates concerning sex and gender through the lenses of two important areas in contemporary metaphysics: the metaphysics of essence and the ontology of the human person. The goal here is not to advocate any particular position on these issues, but to show how the tools of contemporary metaphysics can help to offer a more comprehensive map of the conceptual terrain, indicating where major areas of agreement can be found and where the most important disagreements really lie.
A first-stage representation for instrumental variables quantile regression
Authors: Alejo Javier , Galvao Antonio F , Montes-Rojas Gabriel
Published: April 2023

This paper develops a first-stage linear regression representation for an instrumental variables (IV) quantile regression (QR) model. The quantile first stage is analogous to the least-squares case, i.e., a linear projection of the endogenous variables on the instruments and other exogenous covariates, with the difference that the QR case is a weighted projection. The weights are given by the conditional density function of the innovation term in the QR structural model, at a given quantile. We also show that the required Jacobian identification conditions for IVQR models are embedded in the quantile first stage. We then suggest procedures to evaluate the validity of instruments by evaluating their statistical significance using the first-stage representation. Monte Carlo experiments provide numerical evidence that the proposed tests work as expected in terms of empirical size and power. An empirical application illustrates the methods.
The complete reference genome for grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.) genetics and breeding
Authors: Shi Xiaoya , Cao Shuo , Wang Xu , Huang Siyang , Wang Yue , Liu Zhongjie , Liu Wenwen , Leng Xiangpeng , Peng Yanling , Wang Nan , Wang Yiwen , Ma Zhiyao , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Fan , Xue Hui , Zhong Haixia , Wang Yi , Zhang Kekun , Velt Amandine , Avia Komlan , Holtgräwe Daniela , Grimplet Jérôme , Matus José Tomás , Ware Doreen , Wu Xinyu , Wang Haibo , Liu Chonghuai , Fang Yuling , Rustenholz Camille , Cheng Zongming , Xiao Hua , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: April 2023

Grapevine is one of the most economically important crops worldwide. However, the previous versions of the grapevine reference genome tipically consist of thousands of fragments with missing centromeres and telomeres, limiting the accessibility of the repetitive sequences, the centromeric and telomeric regions, and the study of inheritance of important agronomic traits in these regions. Here, we assembled a telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free reference genome for the cultivar PN40024 using PacBio HiFi long reads. The T2T reference genome (PN_T2T) is 69 Mb longer with 9018 more genes identified than the 12X.v0 version. We annotated 67% repetitive sequences, 19 centromeres and 36 telomeres, and incorporated gene annotations of previous versions into the PN_T2T assembly. We detected a total of 377 gene clusters, which showed associations with complex traits, such as aroma and disease resistance. Even though PN40024 derives from nine generations of selfing, we still found nine genomic hotspots of heterozygous sites associated with biological processes, such as the oxidation–reduction process and protein phosphorylation. The fully annotated complete reference genome therefore constitutes an important resource for grapevine genetic studies and breeding programs.
Revaluation of a selected segmental insufflation technique in total thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy
Authors: Suzuki Jun , Oizumi Hiroyuki , Watanabe Hikaru , Takamori Satoshi , Fujiwara Toshiya , Matsuura Motoki
Published: April 2023

We report selected insufflation technique using direct bronchial insufflation to visualize the intersegmental plane during total thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Following the transection of the bronchus using a stapler, a small incision was created in the dissected target bronchus, and direct air insufflation was performed at the small incision site. The target segment was inflated, while the preserved segments appeared to collapse, and a demarcating line was visualized between the inflated and deflated lung parenchyma. This technique quickly identifies the anatomic intersegmental plane without warranting special equipment such as jet ventilation or indocyanine green (ICG). Furthermore, this method saves time in creating inflation–deflation lines.
Machine-learning-based high-benefit approach versus conventional high-risk approach in blood pressure management
Authors: Inoue Kosuke , Athey Susan , Tsugawa Yusuke
Published: April 2023

Background

In medicine, clinicians treat individuals under an implicit assumption that high-risk patients would benefit most from the treatment (‘high-risk approach’). However, treating individuals with the highest estimated benefit using a novel machine-learning method (‘high-benefit approach’) may improve population health outcomes.

Methods

This study included 10 672 participants who were randomized to systolic blood pressure (SBP) target of either <120 mmHg (intensive treatment) or <140 mmHg (standard treatment) from two randomized controlled trials (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, and Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Blood Pressure). We applied the machine-learning causal forest to develop a prediction model of individualized treatment effect (ITE) of intensive SBP control on the reduction in cardiovascular outcomes at 3 years. We then compared the performance of high-benefit approach (treating individuals with ITE >0) versus the high-risk approach (treating individuals with SBP ≥130 mmHg). Using transportability formula, we also estimated the effect of these approaches among 14 575 US adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 1999–2018.

Results

We found that 78.9% of individuals with SBP ≥130 mmHg benefited from the intensive SBP control. The high-benefit approach outperformed the high-risk approach [average treatment effect (95% CI), +9.36 (8.33–10.44) vs +1.65 (0.36–2.84) percentage point; difference between these two approaches, +7.71 (6.79–8.67) percentage points, P-value <0.001]. The results were consistent when we transported the results to the NHANES data.

Conclusions

The machine-learning-based high-benefit approach outperformed the high-risk approach with a larger treatment effect. These findings indicate that the high-benefit approach has the potential to maximize the effectiveness of treatment rather than the conventional high-risk approach, which needs to be validated in future research.
Global threshold dynamics of a spatial chemotactic mosquito-borne disease model
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Hao , Zhao Hongyong
Published: April 2023

It is natural that mosquitoes move towards high human population density and environmental heterogeneity plays a pivotal role in disease transmission, and thus we formulate and analyse a mosquito-borne disease model with chemotaxis and spatial heterogeneity. The global existence and boundedness of solutions are proven to guarantee the solvability of the model and is challenging due to the model complexity. Under appropriate conditions, we demonstrate that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable provided that the basic reproduction number $\mathcal{R}_0$ is less than one, and the system is uniformly persistent and admits at least one endemic equilibrium if $\mathcal{R}_0$ is greater than one. Furthermore, we numerically explore the impacts of chemotactic effect, spatial heterogeneity and dispersal rates of infected individuals to provide a clear picture on disease severity. In particular, the mosquito chemotaxis causes mild disease in some regions but severe in others, which suggests developing targeted strategies to control mosquitoes in specific locations and achieve a deep understanding on the chemotaxis.
A computationally-enhanced hiCLIP atlas reveals Staufen1-RNA binding features and links 3′ UTR structure to RNA metabolism
Authors: Chakrabarti Anob M , Iosub Ira A , Lee Flora C Y , Ule Jernej , Luscombe Nicholas M
Published: April 2023

The structure of mRNA molecules plays an important role in its interactions with trans-acting factors, notably RNA binding proteins (RBPs), thus contributing to the functional consequences of this interplay. However, current transcriptome-wide experimental methods to chart these interactions are limited by their poor sensitivity. Here we extend the hiCLIP atlas of duplexes bound by Staufen1 (STAU1) ∼10-fold, through careful consideration of experimental assumptions, and the development of bespoke computational methods which we apply to existing data. We present Tosca, a Nextflow computational pipeline for the processing, analysis and visualisation of proximity ligation sequencing data generally. We use our extended duplex atlas to discover insights into the RNA selectivity of STAU1, revealing the importance of structural symmetry and duplex-span-dependent nucleotide composition. Furthermore, we identify heterogeneity in the relationship between transcripts with STAU1-bound 3′ UTR duplexes and metabolism of the associated RNAs that we relate to RNA structure: transcripts with short-range proximal 3′ UTR duplexes have high degradation rates, but those with long-range duplexes have low rates. Overall, our work enables the integrative analysis of proximity ligation data delivering insights into specific features and effects of RBP-RNA structure interactions.
The Problem of Interpretive Canons
Authors: Tan David
Published: April 2023

In this paper it is shown that interpretive canons are either constitutionally invalid because of the principles of interpretation it establishes, or a theory of interpretation can be made to be inconsistent: where a theory of interpretation says do p, then a new canon can say do not-p. This is called the Canon Dilemma. Whichever horn of the dilemma is taken as acceptable (accept invalidity or possible inconsistency), this shows that canons cause more problems for theorising about interpretation than currently realised. Some might interpret the Canon Dilemma as a process of theory change (p is replaced with not-p rather than being contradicted by it), but even then problems of incoherence still persist. This paper also shows a connection between debates on the constitutionality of interpretive canons and the descriptive accuracy of linguistic theories of interpretation.
Effectiveness Does Not Always Equate to Legislative Quality: The Case of the 15th Parliamentary Term in Greece
Authors: Primpas Ioannis
Published: April 2023

In the scientific debate about what quality means in legislation, the opinion has spread that legislation of good quality is synonymous with effective legislation. This article discusses that effectiveness does not always equate to legislative quality. The example of the 15th parliamentary term in Greece, amid the acute debt crisis, is typical. The most intense and numerous phenomena of ‘bad’, unconstitutional law-making in recent Greek parliamentary history were observed during this term. Nevertheless, the effects of this kind of legislation were remarkably positive since all the indicators of the Greek economy improved spectacularly. Yet, anti-democratic legislation is not qualitative legislation; even an authoritarian regime can enact effective laws. In a democratic rule of law, however, the law-making processes, the content, and the form of drafts must follow the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the Parliament; the legislature is obliged to produce law by the law. Particularly adherence to the prescribed procedures is of vital importance, as it functions as a guarantee of achieving good legislative quality. After all, no one can foresee the best quality content at the start of the legislative process since it is formed after creative fermentation and balancing of tendencies while following the prescribed procedures.
Circular RNA PDK1 targets miR‐4731‐5p to enhance TNXB expression in ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Zhang Kai , Wang Xin , Zeng Li‐Ting , Yang Xiao , Cheng Xiao‐Fei , Tian Hai‐Jun , Chen Chen , Sun Xiao‐Jiang , Zhao Chang‐Qing , Ma Hui , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2023

Hypertrophic ligamentum flavum (LF) is a main factor responsible for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS); however, the exact mechanisms of the pathogenesis of these processes remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate whether circular RNAs and microRNAs regulate the pathogenesis of LF and LSS, especially focusing on circPDK1 (hsa_circ_0057105), a circRNA targeting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 and differentially expressed in LF tissues between lumbar disk herniation and LSS patients. The circPDK1/miR‐4731 and miR‐4731/TNXB (Tenascin XB) interactions were predicted and validated by luciferase reporter assay. Colony formation, wound‐healing, and MTT assays were used for estimating cell proliferation and migration. Protein expression levels were evaluated using Western blotting. TNXB expression was verified using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Overexpressing circPDK1 promoted the proliferation, migration, and expression of fibrosis‐related protein (alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), lysyl oxidase like 2 (LOXL2), Collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and TNXB) in LF whereas miR‐4731‐5p showed opposite effects. The expression of TNXB was promoted by circPDK1; contrary results were observed with miR‐4731‐5p. Co‐overexpression of miR‐4731‐5p partially reversed the proliferative and fibrosis‐prompting effects of circPDK1 or TNXB. The circPDK1‐miR‐4731‐TNXB pathway may be proposed as a regulatory axis in LF hypertrophy, which might shed light on in‐depth research of LSS, as well as providing a novel therapeutic target for LF hypertrophy‐induced LSS.
An Investigation of Replication Practice in Nursing Education Research
Authors: Abbott Miriam R. B. , Nininger Jami
Published: April 2023

AIM

The project aims to explore replication, as a concept and practice, in nursing education research.

BACKGROUND

Replication practices are important features supporting the science of nursing education. The absence of replication studies in the wider education community raises questions about the potential for similar absences in nursing education. As such, an investigation into replication practices within nursing education provides directions for future discussion.

METHOD

Using Scopus and databases of nursing education journals, three search strategies were launched to assess replication practices using bibliometric data and content analysis.

RESULTS

Inconsistency in definitions of the term replication creates barriers to recognizing replication attempts in the body of literature. Based on bibliometric data and content analysis, conceptual replication appears to be common in highly cited nursing education research.

CONCLUSION

Within the academic nursing community, consensus on the meaning of the term and promotion of practices that support replication is recommended.
Defining Posterior Wall Fragments in Associated Both Column Acetabular Fractures (OTA/AO 62C)
Authors: Arthur D’Ann E. , Novak Avrey , Unno Florence , Mayo Keith , Agel Julie , Firoozabadi Reza , Githens Michael , Kleweno Conor P.
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Associated both column acetabular fractures (OTA/AO 62C) with concomitant posterior wall fracture fragments (ABC + PW) have not been well-defined. The purpose of this study was to report on the incidence and morphology of ABC + PW fractures.

Methods:

A retrospective review of associated both column (ABC) fractures between 2014 and 2020 was performed. Computed tomography scans including 3-D surface rendered reformats for each were reviewed to determine whether a posterior wall (PW) fragment was present and its morphologic characteristics.

Results:

One hundred fifty-two ABC fractures were identified. Sixty-two fractures (41%) were identified as ABC + PW. 3D-computed tomographies were available on 58 fractures. Morphologic analysis was performed based on the relationship of the fracture to the gluteal pillar. Twenty PW fragments were posterior to the gluteal pillar, 19 extended into the gluteal pillar, and 19 extended anterior. Fifty-two fractures were treated with operative fixation; 32 (62%) were clamped and fixed with screws from the same anterior approach whereas 15 (29%) required a separate posterior approach; and no fixation was placed in 5 (9%). 29 of 32 PW fragments (91%) requiring fixation that extended into or anterior to the pillar were fixed from the anterior approach, and 7 of 15 posterior fractures (47%) required a separate posterior approach.

Conclusions:

A separate PW fragment was identified in 41% of ABC fractures. Their variation in morphology can be classified into 3 types based on the relation to the gluteal pillar that has potential implications for treatment from the anterior approach compared with requiring a separate posterior approach. We suggest these data could be used to update the 2018 OTA/AO Fracture Compendium.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Spinal Versus General Anesthesia for Lumbar Decompression or Sequestrectomy in Patients Over 75 Years
Authors: Kindris Florinella , Zegarek Gregory , Krappel Ferdinand A. , Perrig Wolfgang N. , Schmid Samuel L.
Published: April 2023

Background Context:

Decompression or sequestrectomy in the lumbar spine can be performed under general (GA) or regional anesthesia. In elderly patients, it is still not clear, which procedure should be chosen.

Objective:

To demonstrate that spinal anesthesia (SA) is a safe choice for lumbar decompression or sequestrectomy in elderly patients

Design:

Retrospective clinical single-center study.

Patients Sample:

We included 154 patients with ages over 75 years after lumbar decompression or sequestrectomy. The mean age of the patients was 81 years.

Outcome Measures:

Perioperative data (blood loss, dural tear, operative and perioperative time, delirium, urinary retention, and hospital stay) and the postoperative 1-year follow-up (visual analog scale and complication rate).

Patients and Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected from patients that underwent lumbar decompression or sequestrectomy between January 2019 and December 2020. The data from the GA and SA groups were compared.

Results:

SA was performed in 56 patients whereas 98 patients received a GA. There was no clinically relevant difference between both groups with comparable complication rates. The time of surgery, blood loss, perioperative time, and hospital stay time were significantly less in the SA group.

Conclusions:

SA and GA are both safe and reliable procedures for lumbar decompression or sequestrectomy in elderly patients with no clinically relevant difference.
Comparison of the survival outcomes between primary and secondary muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Lok Waichan , Zhang Jiapeng , Zheng Xiaonan , Lin Tianhai , Xu Hang , Tan Ping , Wei Qiang
Published: April 2023

Background:

Studies have classified muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) into primary (initially muscle-invasive, PMIBC) and secondary subtypes (initially non-muscle-invasive but progresses, SMIBC), for which controversial survival outcomes were demonstrated. This study aimed to compare the survival outcomes between PMIBC and SMIBC patients in China.

Methods:

Patients diagnosed with PMIBC or SMIBC at West China Hospital from January 2009 to June 2019 were retrospectively included. Kruskal–Wallis and Fisher tests were employed to compare clinicopathological characteristics. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox competing proportional risk model were used to compare survival outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to reduce the bias and subgroup analysis was used to confirm the outcomes.

Results:

A total of 405 MIBC patients were enrolled, including 286 PMIBC and 119 SMIBC, with a mean follow-up of 27.54 and 53.30 months, respectively. The SMIBC group had a higher proportion of older patients (17.65% [21/119] vs. 9.09% [26/286]), chronic disease (32.77% [39/119] vs. 22.38% [64/286]), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (19.33% [23/119] vs. 8.04% [23/286]). Before matching, SMIBC had a lower risk of overall mortality (OM) (hazard ratios [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41–0.85, P = 0.005) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.94, P = 0.022) after the initial diagnosis. However, higher risks of OM (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02–2.10, P = 0.038) and CSM (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.09–2.29, P = 0.016) were observed for SMIBC once it became muscle-invasive. After PSM, the baseline characteristics of 146 patients (73 for each group) were well matched, and SMIBC was confirmed to have an increased CSM risk (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.09–3.06, P = 0.021) than PMIBC after muscle invasion.

Conclusions:

Compared with PMIBC, SMIBC, had worse survival outcomes once it became muscle-invasive. Specific attention should be paid to non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with a high progression risk.
Effect of complete percutaneous revascularization on improving long-term outcomes of patients with chronic total occlusion and multi-vessel disease
Authors: Li Zeya , Zhou Ziru , Guo Lei , Zhong Lei , Xiao Jingnan , Meng Shaoke , Wang Yingdong , Ding Huaiyu , Zhang Bo , Zhu Hao , Zhou Xuchen , Huang Rongchong
Published: April 2023

Background:

Limited data are available on the clinical outcomes of complete vs. incomplete percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) and multi-vessel disease (MVD) remains unknown. The study aimed to compare their clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A total of 558 patients with CTO and MVD were divided into the optimal medical treatment (OMT) group (n = 86), incomplete PCI group (n = 327), and complete PCI group (n = 145). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between the complete and incomplete PCI groups as sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and unstable angina was defined as the secondary outcome.

Results:

At a median follow-up of 21 months, there were statistical differences among the OMT, incomplete PCI, and complete PCI groups in the rates of MACEs (43.0% [37/86] vs. 30.6% [100/327] vs. 20.0% [29/145], respectively, P = 0.016) and unstable angina (24.4% [21/86] vs. 19.3% [63/327] vs. 10.3% [15/145], respectively, P = 0.010). Complete PCI was associated with lower MACE compared with OMT (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23–3.27; P = 0.005) or incomplete PCI (adjusted HR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.04–2.39; P = 0.031). Sensitivity analysis of PSM showed similar results to the above on the rates of MACEs between complete PCI and incomplete PCI groups (20.5% [25/122] vs. 32.6% [62/190], respectively; adjusted HR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.32–0.96; P = 0.035) and unstable angina (10.7% [13/122] vs. 20.5% [39/190], respectively; adjusted HR = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.24–0.99; P = 0.046).

Conclusions:

For treatment of CTO and MVD, complete PCI reduced the long-term risk of MACEs and unstable angina, as compared with incomplete PCI and OMT. Complete PCI in both CTO and non-CTO lesions can potentially improve the prognosis of patients with CTO and MVD.
How effective are lifestyle interventions for overweight women trying to conceive?
Authors: Hiller Roman Alexander Friedrich , Griesinger Georg
Published: April 2023

Purpose of review

To summarize and critically review the current knowledge on the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications for overweight women trying to conceive.

Recent findings

Overweight is associated with a wide spectrum of disorders, which may directly or indirectly affect fertility [from menstrual cycle irregularities to a lower chance of live birth after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment]. Weight loss through nonpharmaceutical lifestyle interventions is achievable. Weight loss can normalize menstrual cycle irregularities and can increase fecundability. Pregnancy-associated risks, such as gestational diabetes can be decreased by preconception weight reduction.

Weight loss through lifestyle changes (i.e., lower caloric intake and increased physical activity), may increase fecundability and may have a positive impact on the course of pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes. Accordingly, women should be motivated to reduce their weight before conception. However, the effectiveness of life-style intervention programs for women actively seeking medical support in achieving pregnancy has not convincingly been demonstrated. In the few randomized controlled trials (RCTs), selection bias for trial participation by patient motivation may have been present, yet participant attrition was still high and mean effects were small, casting doubts on the utility of such programs in routine care. Pharmacological and surgical intervention may be more effective or necessary complements to lifestyle intervention programs.
Role of sex in liver tumor occurrence and clinical outcomes: A comprehensive review
Authors: Toniutto Pierluigi , Shalaby Sarah , Mameli Laura , Morisco Filomena , Gambato Martina , Cossiga Valentina , Guarino Maria , Marra Fabio , Brunetto Maurizia R. , Burra Patrizia , Villa Erica ,   on behalf of the Special Interest Group Gender in Hepatology of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF)
Published: April 2023

Clinical research on sex-based differences in the manifestations, pathophysiology, and prevalence of several diseases, including those affecting the liver, has expanded considerably in recent years. Increasing evidence suggests that liver diseases develop, progress, and respond to treatment differently depending on the sex. These observations support the concept that the liver is a sexually dimorphic organ in which estrogen and androgen receptors are present, which results in disparities between men and women in liver gene expression patterns, immune responses, and the progression of liver damage, including the propensity to develop liver malignancies. Sex hormones play protective or deleterious roles depending on the patient’s sex, the severity of the underlying disease, and the nature of precipitating factors. Moreover, obesity, alcohol consumption, and active smoking, as well as social determinants of liver diseases leading to sex-related inequalities, may interact strongly with hormone-related mechanisms of liver damage. Drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, and metabolic liver diseases are influenced by the status of sex hormones. Available data on the roles of sex hormones and gender differences in liver tumor occurrence and clinical outcomes are conflicting. Here, we critically review the main gender-based differences in the molecular mechanisms associated with liver carcinogenesis and the prevalence, prognosis, and treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors.
Emerging role of statin therapy in the prevention and management of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and HCC
Authors: Sharpton Suzanne R. , Loomba Rohit
Published: April 2023

Statins, the most widely used lipid-lowering drugs, are increasingly recognized to have pleiotropic effects including anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties as well as effects on fibrogenesis and liver endothelial function. Given these pathophysiological effects, there is a growing interest in clinical use of statins in persons with cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize available data regarding the safety, adverse effects, and pharmacokinetics of statins in cirrhosis. We review clinical evidence, derived primarily from retrospective cohort and population-based studies, on the association between statin use and reduction in risk for hepatic decompensation and mortality in persons with established cirrhosis. We also review evidence to date regarding the effects of statins on portal hypertension and in chemoprevention of HCC. Finally, we highlight ongoing prospective randomized controlled trials that we expect will expand our understanding of the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of statins in cirrhosis and guide clinical practice.