bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach to Estimating the Natural Rate of Interest
Authors: BENATI LUCA
Published: January 2023

Building upon the insight that M1 velocity is the permanent component of nominal interest rates—see Benati (2020)—I propose a novel, and straightforward approach to estimating the natural rate of interest, which is conceptually related to Cochrane's (1994a) proposal to estimate the permanent component of Gross National Product (GNP) by exploiting the informational content of consumption. Under monetary regimes (such as inflation‐targeting) making inflation I(0), the easiest way to implement the proposed approach is to (i) project the monetary policy rate onto M1 velocity—thus obtaining an estimate of thenominalnatural rate—and then () subtract from this inflation's sample average (or target), thus obtaining therealnatural rate. More complex implementations based on structural vector autoregressions (VARs) produce very similar estimates. Compared to existing approaches, the one proposed herein presents two key advantages: (i) under regimes making inflation I(0), M1 velocity is equal, up to a linear transformation, to the real natural rate, so that the natural rate is, in fact,observed; and (ii) based on a high‐frequency estimate of nominal GDP, the natural rate can be computed at the monthly or even weekly frequency. In the U.S., Euro area, and Canada, the natural rate dropped sharply in the months following the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Likewise, the 1929 stock market crash was followed in the U.S. by a dramatic decrease in the natural rate.
Political constitutionalism and populism
Authors: BELLAMY RICHARD
Published: January 2023

Criticisms of political constitutionalism's relationship to populism point in two opposed directions. Legal constitutionalists consider it too open to, and even as legitimating, populist politics, whereas radical democrats consider it too closed to popular participation, prompting an anti‐system politics of a populist character. I dispute both these views. Underlying these contrasting assessments are differing conceptions of populism and constitutionalism. This article distinguishes right‐ from left‐wing populism, and limited government from non‐arbitrary rule, as constitutional ideals. Legal constitutionalism typically embraces the first ideal. However, that can be a driver of both right‐ and left‐wing populism, and allow types of arbitrary rule that democratic backsliding and illiberal regimes can (and do) exploit. By contrast, political constitutionalism involves the second ideal and is antithetical to right‐wing populism while potentially friendly to the legitimate demands of left‐wing populism. Nevertheless, the practical reality of political constitutionalism in the United Kingdom (and elsewhere) often falls short of its ideal theoretical potential. Addressing these shortcomings, however, requires strengthening democracy rather than the legal constitution, not least through electoral reform.
Unveiling the potential of rice rhizospheric microbes and indigenous organic sources for the management of rice blast
Authors: Rajeswari Emani , M Srinivas Prasad , Vidya Sagar B. , M Sheshu Madhav , Savani Ajit Kumar , Kannan C. , Maheshwari T. Uma , Devi G. Uma , Ramanjineyulu P.
Published: January 2023

The rice blast incited byPyricularia oryzaecaused immense losses and left rice production in a predicament situation globally. Blast can be effectively controlled with synthetic fungicides. However, their indiscriminate use causes resistance among the pathogens coupled with environmental pollution issues. Exploitation of microbe‐based alternatives for the management of plant diseases diminishes public concerns on the ill effects of pesticide usage in crops. Under this scenario the present investigation was designed to envisage the potential rhizosphere microflora from native rhizosphere soil samples collected from rice growing regions of three different agro‐climatic zones of (North Telangana Zone, Central Telangana Zone and Southern Telangana Zone) for the sustainable management of rice blast in Telangana state. We observed varied level of antagonism againstPyricularia oryzaeunder in vitro conditions. Seeds treated with native effective rhizospheric microflora exhibited significantly higher seed vigour index ranging from 1940.7 to 2183.6 compared to control. Further, these effective rhizospheric microbes were identified through cultural and morphological characteristics as well as by the sequencing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis for bacteria and fungi asBacillus cereus,Bacillus xiamenensis,Bacillus subtilisandTrichoderma asperellumrespectively. Later, bio‐efficacy tests were carried out in the field during the 2 years of Kharif 2019 and 2021 by spraying the combinations of the antagonists in association with indigenous organic sources (Panchagavya, Beejamrutham and Vermiwash) and non‐chemical sources such as Butter milk and Neem oil on healthy rice plants to assess disease inhibition under natural conditions. Results obtained from present investigation on the field bio‐efficacy studies showed significant improvement in the seedling's growth with 83.36 cm plant height, 10.40 no of panicles with an average yield of 8583.33 kg ha−1, when compared to control during 2019 and 2021 with lower AUDPC and r value. Our findings indicate that the native rhizospheric microflora in association with indigenous organic sources can be used as potential alternative strategy for the management of rice blast in Telangana region of India. The knowledge gathered from the present study can be used to develop strategies for maintaining soil quality and crop conservation to increase crop productivity with less dependency on chemical approaches.
Melatonin inhibits atherosclerosis progression via galectin‐3 downregulation to enhance autophagy and inhibit inflammation
Authors: Wang Zitong , Gao Ziyu , Zheng Yinghong , Kou Jiayuan , Song Dan , Yu Xue , Dong Bowen , Chen Tianzuo , Yang Yan , Gao Xi , Wang Qianxue , Ye Ting , Yang Wei , Zhang Xu , Li Hong , Yang Liming
Published: January 2023

Autophagy deficiency in macrophages exacerbates inflammation in atherosclerosis (AS), and recently, galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) has been implicated as a critical promoter of inflammation in AS. Further, melatonin (Mel) exerts an autophagy‐promoting effect in many chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Mel inhibits AS progression by downregulating Gal‐3 to enhance autophagy and inhibit inflammation. Thus, we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments using high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed ApoE−/− mice and THP‐1 macrophages, respectively. Smart‐seq of AS plaque macrophages revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) downregulated by Mel were enriched in immune‐related processes, and changes in inflammation status were confirmed based on lower levels of proinflammatory factors in Mel‐treated HFD‐fed ApoE−/− mice and THP‐1 macrophages. Further, via transcriptome‐based multiscale network pharmacology platform (TMNP), the upstream target genes of the smart‐seq DEGs were identified, and Gal‐3 showed a high score. Gal‐3 was downregulated both in vivo and in vitro by Mel treatment. Besides, the enrichment of the target genes predicted via the TMNP method indicated that autophagy considerably affected the DEGs. Mel treatment as well as Gal‐3 knockdown downregulated most inflammatory response‐related proteins could attribute to enhancing autophagy. Mechanistically, Mel treatment inhibited Gal‐3 leading to lowering the activity of the nuclear transcription factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway, and promoting the nuclear localization of transcription factor EB (TFEB). However, increased secretion of Gal‐3 activated the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway and impaired autophagy via binding to CD98. Thus, Mel promoted autophagy and restrained inflammation by downregulating Gal‐3, implying that it holds promise as a treatment for AS.
Re‐evaluating two popular EEG‐based mobile sleep‐monitoring devices for home use
Authors: Wood Emily , Westphal James K. , Lerner Itamar
Published: January 2023

Mobile sleep‐monitoring devices for consumer use have been gaining traction as a possible replacement to traditional polysomnography recordings. Such devices potentially offer detailed sleep analysis without requiring the use of designated sleep labs operated by qualified technicians. However, the accuracy of these mobile devices is often not sufficiently evaluated by independent researchers. Here, we compared the performance of two popular mobile electroencephalogram‐based systems, the DREEM 3 headband and the Zmachine Insight+. Both devices can be used by participants with minimal training, and provide detailed sleep scoring previously validated by the respective developers in comparison to the gold‐standard of polysomnography. A total of 25 participants used both devices simultaneously to record their sleep for two consecutive nights while also keeping a sleep log. We compared the devices' performance, both with each other and in relation to the sleep logs, using several well‐known sleep metrics. In addition, we developed a Bayesian lower limit for the devices' expected epoch‐by‐epoch sleep stage agreement based on their previously published agreement with polysomnography, and compared it with our empirical findings. Results suggest that the Zmachine tends to overestimate periods of wakefulness, likely at the expense of N1/N2 detection, whereas the DREEM tends to underestimate wakefulness and mistake it for N1/N2, with both results more pronounced than previously reported. In addition, we found that the agreement between the devices tends to increase from night 1 to night 2. We formulate several recommendations for how best to use these devices based on our results.
Effect of time and autologous serum addition on the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in horses
Authors: Quattrini Camilla , Scalco Rebeca , Vernau William , Dini Pouya , Aleman Monica
Published: January 2023

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is highly labile and delayed processing might alter results of analysis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the effects of time and addition of autologous serum on cytological evaluation of CSF.

Animals

Ten client‐owned adult horses requiring euthanasia.

Methods

Prospective study. Serum and CSF were collected from each horse before and within 10 minutes after euthanasia. CSF samples were divided into 15 aliquots (2 mL each); 1 aliquot was submitted for routine CSF analysis within 60 minutes of collection. Four drops of autologous serum were added to 7 of the aliquots, and stored at 4°C (serum group); the remaining 7 samples were stored unaltered at 4°C (control group). Total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and cell morphology score were done at T4, T8, T12, T24, T48, T72, and T96 hours after collection. Protein concentration was measured in the control group at T0 and T96 hours.

Results

The cell morphology scores were significantly different in the control group at T48 (median 2, range 0‐4), T72 (2, 0‐4), and T96 (3, 0‐4) in comparison to T0 (1). No change was observed in the serum group. TNCC remained stable over time in both groups. No statistically significant difference in CSF protein concentration was found between T0 and T96.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The addition of autologous serum to an aliquot of CSF sample before shipping improves the preservation of cell morphology up to 96 hours after collection.
Dispossessed by norms like autonomy: Rethinking relational autobiography with Butler and Berlant
Authors: Schoof Kim
Published: January 2023

From the 1980s onwards, relationality has been a key term in autobiography scholarship and life‐writing studies, as it describes how the self in many instances of autobiographical literature emerges in relation to others. Yet, confusion reigns about the exact meaning and applicability of the term relational autobiography. Are all works of autobiographical literature to an extent relational, or only those in which the author's relationships with others form a central theme? Or is relational autobiography a genre on its own; a contemporary genre, clearly distinguished from the traditional genre of the autonomous autobiography? This article casts new light on the history of relationality and autonomy as concepts in autobiography studies, and suggests that contemporary works of relational autobiography ask for an approach of their relationality that does not place it in opposition with autonomy. Adopting the account of relationality developed by Judith Butler and Lauren Berlant's perspective on affective attachments to generic conventions, this article proposes to understand relationality in autobiographical texts as both their “dispossession by” and “working upon” generic norms for autobiographical writing such as depicting oneself as an autonomous being.
Does histological prostatic inflammation during transurethral resection of the prostate for bladder outlet obstruction affect post‐operative urinary outcomes?
Authors: Arora Bharti , Khan Munad , Pridgeon Simon
Published: January 2023

Objective

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. The pathophysiology of BPH is multifactorial and inflammation has been linked with progression of BPH and LUTS. The association between histological prostatitis found at transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and adverse post‐operative urinary outcomes is not clearly defined. Our aim was to evaluate the association between histological prostatitis and adverse post‐operative urinary outcomes following TURP procedure.

Methods

Patients who had undergone TURP for BPH at a single institution between 2014 and 2018 were included. The study population was divided into three cohorts: those with no histological inflammation, those with any form of inflammation and those specifically with prostatic stromal inflammation. Functional outcomes were assessed by defining a series of measurable post‐operative “LUTS events” and comparing these to time‐to‐event profile using a Kaplan–Meier estimator.

Results

A total 198 patients were included (no inflammation n = 101; any inflammation n = 97, prostatic stromal inflammation n = 81). All three groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. The any inflammation group had significantly more adverse post‐operative outcomes after TURP compared to the no inflammation group, P = 0.0065. The stromal inflammation group had more LUTS events after surgery compared to the no inflammation groups in the first year of follow‐up n = 0.011; over a 5‐year follow‐up period the results were not statistically significant, P = 0.244.

Conclusion

Histological prostatitis is associated with worse urinary outcomes after TURP compared to no inflammation. These results are useful in improving prognostic discussions with patients after TURP.
Is meaning cognized?
Authors: Balcarras David
Published: January 2023

In this article, I defend an account of linguistic comprehension on which meaning is not cognized, or on which we do not tacitly know our language's semantics. On this view, sentence comprehension is explained instead by our capacity to translate sentences into the language of thought. I explain how this view can explain our capacity to correctly interpret novel utterances, and then I defend it against several standing objections.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant phosphorus uptake through stimulating hyphosphere soil microbiome functional profiles for phosphorus turnover
Authors: Wang Guiwei , Jin Zexing , George Timothy S. , Feng Gu , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2023

The extraradical hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are colonized by different bacteria in natural and agricultural systems, but the mechanisms by which AM fungi interact with the hyphosphere soil microbiome and influence soil organic phosphorus (P) mobilization remain unclear.

We grew Medicago in two‐compartment microcosms, inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis, or not, in the root compartment and set up P treatments (without P, with P addition as KH2PO4 or nonsoluble phytate) in the hyphal compartment. We studied the processes of soil P turnover and characterized the microbiome functional profiles for P turnover in the hyphosphere soil by metagenomic sequencing.

Compared with the bulk soil, the hyphosphere soil of R. irregularis was inhabited by a specific bacterial community and their functional profiles for P turnover was stimulated. At the species level, the shift in hyphosphere soil microbiome was characterized by the recruitment of the genome bin2.39 harbouring both gcd and phoD genes and genome bin2.97 harbouring the phoD gene, which synergistically drove nonsoluble phytate mobilization in the hyphosphere soil.

Our results suggest that AM fungi recruits a specific hyphosphere soil microbiome and stimulated their functional profiles for P turnover to enhance utilization of phytate.
WHO guidelines on biosimilars: Toward improved access to safe and effective products
Authors: Kang Hye‐Na , Wadhwa Meenu , Knezevic Ivana , Ondari Clive , Simao Mariangela
Published: January 2023

The World Health Assembly resolution on access to biotherapeutics in 2014 urges WHO and Member States to facilitate access to biotherapeutics while ensuring their quality, safety, and efficacy. While efforts to date have contributed to increased availability and better access to biotherapeutics, including biosimilars, huge gaps still remain, with lack of product access identified as a problem in many countries. A thorough review of the WHO guidelines on biosimilars issued in 2009 in view of technical developments, accumulated and emerging scientific evidence as well as experience in biosimilar evaluation since the release of the guidelines provided an opportunity to introduce greater flexibility and to reduce regulatory requirements in biosimilar development where possible. Based on the identification, draft revisions of the WHO guidelines were prepared with input from extensive consultation with various stakeholders and the broader public. The move toward a greater emphasis on quality and functional in vitro assessment enables the reduction of cost and timelines of development and supports streamlined regulatory approval as a first critical step toward product availability. This article includes the key updates that have been incorporated in the revised guidelines but are not restricted to these alone and should be read in conjunction with the guidelines.
The development of the NOURISHING and MOVING benchmarking tools to monitor and evaluate national governments' nutrition and physical activity policies to address obesity in the European region
Authors: Vlad Ioana , Oldridge‐Turner Kate , Klepp Knut‐Inge , Rutter Harry , Mathisen Jonas Rekdal , Helleve Arnfinn , Fismen Anne‐Siri , Harbron Janetta , Hendricks Gaironeesa , Malczyk Sonia , Sing Fiona , Kokkorou Margarita , Fanian Diva , O'Mara Jennifer , Mitrou Giota , Wiseman Martin , Allen Kate
Published: January 2023

Despite assurances of government action, the burden of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) and overweight and obesity is continuing to grow at an alarming rate both globally and in Europe. The NOURISHING and MOVING policy frameworks outline a comprehensive set of policy actions across 6 domains and 16 policy areas in which national governments should take action to promote healthy diets and physical activity. Monitoring and benchmarking these policies is important for assessing progress on obesity and NCD prevention. This paper describes the participatory process for developing benchmarking tools structured around the policy areas of the NOURISHING and MOVING policy frameworks. They consist of a set of indicators and policy attributes that assess government support in promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity. They are adolescent relevant as they capture policy actions that target or impact adolescents. The benchmarking tools are designed to monitor progress on national government action on nutrition and physical activity based on aspirational standards. They will be applied in 27 European countries initially and are aimed at policymakers, researchers, and civil society, to track progress, develop the research infrastructure on effectiveness of NCD prevention policies at population level, and support advocacy efforts.
Ca2+ deficiency triggers panicle degeneration in rice mediated by Ca2+/H+ exchanger OsCAX1a
Authors: Gan Quan , Song Fengshun , Zhang Chuanzhong , Han Zhongmin , Teng Bin , Lin Cuixiang , Gu Dongfang , Wang Jiajia , Pei Huan , Wu Ji , Fang Jun , Ni Dahu
Published: January 2023

Increasing rice yield has always been one of the primary objectives of rice breeding. However, panicle degeneration often occurs in rice‐growing regions and severely curbs rice yield. In this study, we obtained a new apical panicle degeneration mutant, which induces a marked degeneration rate and diminishes the final grain yield. Cellular and physiological analyses revealed that the apical panicle undergoes programmed cell death, accompanied by excessive accumulations of peroxides. Following, the panicle degeneration gene OsCAX1a was identified in the mutant, which was involved in Ca2+ transport. Hydroponics assays and Ca2+ quantification confirmed that Ca2+ transport and distribution to apical tissues were restricted and over‐accumulated in the mutant sheath. Ca2+ transport between cytoplasm and vacuole was affected, and the reduced Ca2+ content in the vacuole and cell wall of the apical panicle and the decreased Ca2+ absorption appeared in the mutant. RNA‐Seq data indicated that the abnormal CBL (calcineurin b‐like proteins) pathway mediated by deficient Ca2+ might occur in the mutant, resulting in the burst of ROS and programmed cell death in panicles. Our results explained the key role of OsCAX1a in Ca2+ transport and distribution and laid a foundation to further explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of panicle degeneration in rice.
Brief report: Areolar melanosis in a girl with precocious puberty
Authors: Frangos Jason E. , Amini Andrew E. , Schmidt Birgitta , Ganske Ingrid M.
Published: January 2023

We report a case of melanosis of the areola in a 7‐year‐old girl with early thelarche. Areolar melanosis is a rare condition previously only described in women over 25 years of age, often in the setting of pregnancy. This case supports a theory that hyperpigmentation may be associated with increased sensitivity to hormonal stimulation in areas with greater populations of melanocytes.
Voice‐based AI in call center customer service: A natural field experiment
Authors: Wang Lingli , Huang Ni , Hong Yili , Liu Luning , Guo Xunhua , Chen Guoqing
Published: January 2023

Voice‐based artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been recently deployed to replace traditional interactive voice response (IVR) systems in call center customer service. However, there is little evidence that sheds light on how the implementation of AI systems impacts customer behavior, as well as AI systems’ effects on call center customer service performance. By leveraging the proprietary data obtained from a natural field experiment in a large telecommunication company, we examine how the introduction of a voice‐based AI system affects call length, customers’ demand for human service, and customer complaints in call center customer service. We find that the implementation of the AI system temporarily increases the duration of machine service and customers’ demand for human service; however, it persistently reduces customer complaints. Furthermore, our results reveal interesting heterogeneity in the effectiveness of the voice‐based AI system. For relatively simple service requests, the AI system reduces customer complaints for both experienced and inexperienced customers. However, for complex requests, customers appear to learn from the prior experience of interacting with the AI system, which leads to fewer complaints. Moreover, the AI‐based system has a significantly larger effect on reducing customer complaints for older and female customers as well as for customers who have had extensive experience using the IVR system. Finally, we find that speech‐recognition failures in customer‐AI interactions lead to increases in customers’ demand for human service and customer complaints. The results from this study provide implications for the implementation of an AI system in call center operations.
Motivated to Forgive? Partisan Scandals and Party Supporters
Authors: Lee Amber Hye‐Yon , Harell Allison , Stephenson Laura B. , Rubenson Daniel , Loewen Peter John
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigate how partisan motivations shape voters' reactions to a political scandal by drawing on a unique survey experiment fielded immediately after Justin Trudeau's brownface/blackface scandal broke during the 2019 Canadian election. We thus explore motivated reasoning in real time in a competitive and highly partisan election context. Are voters more willing to forgive politicians for past behavior when their own party leader's impropriety is cued? To what extent do personal interests, such as cross‐pressures or electoral concerns, affect the motivation to forgive? Our findings show that partisan‐motivated reasoning is overwhelmingly powerful, producing politically biased judgments of politicians implicated in scandals. Furthermore, voters' willingness to forgive scandals is also influenced by “strategic” considerations, in that preferences over which political party wins or loses in the election affect opinions about whether someone should be forgiven or whether the scandal is considered important at all. However, we find no evidence that personal involvement in the issue raised by the scandal conditions partisan motivations. We posit that the environment—in this case, a competitive election—is an important consideration for understanding the extent and limits of partisan‐motivated reasoning.
Recent advances in crustacean genomics and their potential application in aquaculture
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Yu Yang , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Shihao , Xiang Jianhai , Li Fuhua
Published: January 2023

Genomic resources are increasingly being used to improve the production efficiency and profitability of aquaculture. Crustaceans are a large group of invertebrates that encompasses some of the most important farmed species in the aquaculture industry. However, very few crustacean genomes have been published although an aquaculture genome project was proposed as early as 1997. Breakthroughs in next‐generation and third‐generation sequencing technologies and the development of high‐complexity sequence assembly strategies have promoted the publication of an increasing number of crustacean genomes, thus paving a broad way for biological and genetic studies and applications in aquaculture. In this review, we summarize recent advances in crustacean genomic research as of June 2022, including genome sequencing and assembly, genomic characteristics, and the genetic mechanisms underlying various biological phenotypes, such as environmental adaptation, lifestyle, development, and sex determination. This review also discusses the application of crustacean genomes in aquaculture, including genetic dissection of economic traits and genome‐based selective breeding via genome‐wide association studies and genomic selection. High‐quality genomes are important not only for understanding the genetic basis of biologically and economically important traits but also for the genetic improvement of aquaculture species. However, the utilization of crustacean genomics still lags far behind those in other animals. Therefore, additional multi‐omics studies and technological development are needed to accelerate the application of genomics in aquaculture.
System justification motivation as a source of backlash against equality‐promoting policies—and what to do about it
Authors: Liaquat Usman , Jost John T. , Balcetis Emily
Published: January 2023

One of the most pressing tasks facing policymakers in the 21st century is reducing stark group‐based inequalities that have developed within many societies because of centuries of structural discrimination. However, efforts to redress group disparities through equality‐promoting policies are frequently met with policy backlash and countermobilization. We describe several social psychological contributors to policy backlash, distinguishing between identity‐based and ideology‐based processes. While the role of identity politics in driving support and opposition to policies pertaining to race, gender, and sexual orientation is well‐known, less attention has been given to the role of ideological motivation, including individual and group differences in system justification tendencies to defend and bolster the societal status quo. In this article, we develop a framework based on system justification theory to understand why backlash against equality‐promoting policies occurs, when such backlash is most likely to occur, and who is most likely to be countermobilized against such policies. From this perspective, policy backlash is motivated not only by the desire on the part of advantaged group members to maintain their own existing privileges but also by the broader desire to maintain the perceived legitimacy and stability of the overarching social system. We make recommendations about how leaders can develop and communicate about equality‐promoting policies in a way that reduces the likelihood of backlash due to system justification motivation.
Building digital escape rooms for learning: From theory to practice
Authors: Pornsakulpaisal Romket , Ahmed Zara , Bok Harold , de Carvalho Filho Marco Antonio , Goka Smruthik , Li Lauren , Patki Aditya , Salari Shaudee , Sooknarine Vitallia , Yap Sook Woon , Moffett Jenny
Published: January 2023

Digital games are increasingly used to support learning across a diverse range of cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains in health professions education. Game‐based learning will likely become an important competency for educators. However, educators can perceive game building as out of their reach due to a lack of expertise in digital technology. This toolbox offers advice to health professions educators who would like to build a simple game for learning known as a digital educational escape room.
Prevalence, differences, and potential correlation to age, sex, breed, coat color, iris color, and geographic location in naturally occurring refractive errors in the normal equine eye from Germany and North Carolina
Authors: Charnock Lauren N. , Davidson Michael G. , Keys Deborah A. , Gilger Brian C. , McMullen Richard J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the normal refractive state in horses in NCSU and ECMR and determine the prevalence of naturally occurring refractive errors and their association with breed, age, coat color, iris color, sex, and geographic location.

Methods

Horses from NCSU (January 2009–November 2012) and ECMR (January 2013–September 2016) underwent ophthalmic examination and streak retinoscopy. Location, color, breed, sex, and iris color were recorded. Gross and net refractive values for each meridian (horizontal and vertical), spherical refraction, astigmatism for both eyes, and anisometry were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

There is excellent agreement in refraction between the eyes of the same horse (ICC = 0.89). The median net horizontal (H), vertical (V), and spherical refraction for the total population (n = 690) were H: +0.25 D (min. −6.50 D, max. +2.34 D), V: +0.25 D (min. −7.13 D, max. +2.75D), and spherical: +0.25 D (min. −6.82 D, max. +2.17 D), all with interquartile ranges of −0.25 to 0.25 D. Emmetropia (>−0.50 D and <+0.50 D; >−0.75 D and <+0.75 D) was present in 769/1380 eyes (55.7%) and 926/1380 eyes (67.1%), respectively. Anisometropia was present in 86/690 horses (12.5%). Sex, iris color, and location were significantly associated with refraction values, whereas age, breed, and coat color were not.

Conclusions

Most eyes evaluated are emmetropic, or shifted myopically, with excellent agreement between eyes of the same horse. Sex, iris color, and geographic location appear to impact refraction in horses.

Support

None.
The effect of cyanoacrylate on knot elongation in three sutures used for prosthetic laryngoplasty in the horse
Authors: Watkins Amanda R. , Ford Matt , van Eps Andrew W. , Stefanovski Darko , Parente Eric J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study investigated the elongation following cyclic loading on square knots of 5 USP multifilament long‐chain ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene core (UHMWPE), 2 mm woven UHMWPE tape, and 5 USP braided polyester, with and without cyanoacrylate glue.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

n = 4.

Methods

Three conditions (suture without knot, suture with knot, suture with knot + cyanoacrylate) were evaluated for each suture material on a mechanical test stand by measuring the increased length of the construct after cycling from 25 to 50N for 1000 repetitions at 20 mm/second. Knot elongation was determined by subtracting the length of the control suture from the suture with knot or suture with knot + cyanoacrylate. The data were analyzed with a linear regression model with robust estimation of variance. Post‐hoc analysis determined the model adjusted differences (square knot vs. cyanoacrylate) as a difference from control.t‐tests were conducted to identify the significant findings.

Results

Total elongation of polyester (6.2–7.8 mm) was greater than multifilament UHMWPE (3.4–6.4 mm) and UHMWPE tape (2–3.7 mm) for all conditions. Polyester had the lowest knot elongation (1.6 mm) and the addition of cyanoacrylate decreased knot elongation for polyester by 1 mm.

Conclusions

Polyester had the most total construct elongation followed by multifilament UHMWPE and UHMWPE tape. Polyester showed the least knot elongation and cyanoacrylate decreased this knot elongation.

Clinical significance

Total construct and knot elongation should be considered as contributing factors to loss of arytenoid abduction following prosthetic laryngoplasty when using polyester, multifilament UHMWPE, or UHMWPE tape. Addition of cyanoacrylate to polyester knots should be explored to limit elongation.
Investigation and response to a large outbreak of leptospirosis in field workers in Lower Saxony, Germany
Authors: Dreesman Johannes , Toikkanen Salla , Runge Martin , Hamschmidt Leonhard , Lüsse Berthold , Freise Jona F. , Ehlers Joachim , Nöckler Karsten , Knorr Carolin , Keller Barbara , Mayer‐Scholl Anne
Published: January 2023

Between June and August 2014, 45 cases of leptospirosis were notified among workers on two strawberry farms in North‐West Germany. We describe the characteristics of the outbreak and the actions taken to prevent further cases. The activities of the local, federal and national public health and veterinary authorities included collection of case data, laboratory testing of human specimens and of small mammals trapped on the fields, investigation of weather data, as well as information provided to farmers, field workers, physicians and to the authorities in Poland and Romania. Of the 45 identified cases (median age 22, 60% male), 47% were hospitalized. Characteristic symptoms were fever ≥38.5°C, generalized muscle pain and an increase in renal or liver enzymes. Thirteen cases were laboratory confirmed by serological and/or molecular methods. ELISA tests for Leptospira IgG and IgM‐antibodies were positive in those samples taken >5 days after hospitalization. The probable causative agent was identified as Leptospira kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa. Leptospira‐specific DNA was found in kidneys of 67% of 64 trapped small mammals and was further identified as Leptospira kirschneri multi locus sequence type 110. During the estimated time period of human infections, the affected region faced warm weather with heavy rainfalls. The results of this investigation are in accordance with the theory of a chain of infection from mice to field workers during warm and humid weather. In 2015, a campaign was initiated to inform physicians, farmers and workers to enhance prevention measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment and early consultation of physicians in case of illness. Since then, no further outbreak occurred.
Resource deserts, village hierarchies and de-growth in sparsely populated areas: the case of Southern Lapland, Sweden
Authors: Carson Dean Bradley , Carson Doris Anna , Lundmark Linda , Hurtig Anna-Karin
Published: January 2023

Small villages in northern Sweden have seen a continuing removal of key services, such as schools, shops and public transport, since the 1970s. Disinvestment in public services has not been strategically planned but has happened in response to population loss and increased costs on a case-by-case basis. More recently, there has been a shift in policy thinking to what might be termed a ‘de-growth’ approach where digitalisation and increased personal mobility are used to provide new ways of delivering services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the existence of ‘resource deserts’ in Southern Lapland and the emergence (or consolidation) of village hierarchies in allocating public services. We map out the distribution of neighbourhood services (grocery stores, pre-/schools and petrol pumps) among villages, and explore the lived experiences in accessing these resources in different villages. Our results show that resource deserts clearly exist in the south and east of the region, while villages in the more sparsely populated western mountain areas were generally in a better position to retain resources. We identify a lack of consistent and transparent service planning at the village level as a key shortcoming in municipal and regional service strategies. There appear to be unofficial settlement hierarchies in the differential treatment of villages that are otherwise similar in population size, population change and distance to central places. We find that political decisions on service allocations are likely influenced by several factors. These include legacy effects relating to historic settlement status, the location of villages in relation to key transport or mobility corridors, as well as ideological factors favouring villages with more ‘exotic’ features and development potential in line with the municipalities’ economic, social and political priorities. We finally argue that a shift to de-growth needs to be more strategically planned if it is to eliminate resource deserts and promote equity of service access across all villages.
Thermo-Hydro-Chemo-Mechanical (THCM) Continuum Modeling of Subsurface Rocks: A Focus on Thermodynamics-Based Constitutive Models
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammed Abdul Qadeer , Regenauer-Lieb Klaus , Roshan Hamid
Published: January 2023

Accurate multiphysics modeling is necessary to simulate and predict the long-term behavior of subsurface porous rocks. Despite decades of modeling subsurface multiphysics processes in porous rocks, there are still considerable uncertainties and challenges remaining partly because of the way the constitutive equations describing such processes are derived (thermodynamically or phenomenologically) and treated (continuum or discrete) regardless of the way they are solved (e.g., finite element or finite volume methods). We review here continuum multiphysics models covering aspects of poromechanics, chemo-poromechanics, thermo-poromechanics, and thermo-chemo-poromechanics. We focus on models that are derived based on thermodynamics to signify the importance of such a basis and discuss the limitations of the phenomenological models and how thermodynamics-based modeling can overcome such limitations. The review highlights that the experimental determination of thermodynamics response coefficients (coupling or constitutive coefficients) and field applicability of the developed thermodynamics models are significant research gaps to be addressed. Verification and validation of the constitutive models, preferably through physical experiments, is yet to be comprehensively realized which is further discussed in this review. The review also shows the versatility of the multiphysics models to address issues from shale gas production to CO2 sequestration and energy storage and highlights the need for inclusion of thermodynamically consistent damage mechanics, coupling of chemical and mechanical damage, and two-phase fluid flow in multiphysics models.
An Investigation of a Newly Developed Bistable Load-Type Supersonic Fluidic Oscillator for Generating Large-Amplitude Pressure Pulsations
Authors: Xu Sichang , Ryzer Eugene , Rankin Gary W.
Published: January 2023

Unique aspects in the development of bistable load-type fluidic oscillators that satisfy the requirement of producing large-amplitude pressure fluctuations during the charging of vessels for potential implementation in industrial processes such as the superplastic forming process are addressed in this paper. A pseudo-3D computational fluid dynamic model is shown to be capable of accurately predicting the experimental values of the dimensionless frequencies and pressure fluctuation amplitudes as well as the experimental Schlieren images of the flow field obtained over a wide range of operating conditions. The pseudo-3D model is also used to provide details of the fluid motion in the oscillator which could not be measured experimentally when investigating the operation of the device. The flow switching mechanism is identified as a consequence of a reduction of the flow deflection angle due to the increase of the downstream pressure load by the charging of feedback tanks. Some examples of the usefulness of the model as a cost-effective industrial design tool are also demonstrated. The effects of changing the number and size of the feedback tank volumes on the device frequency and amplitude of the oscillation are clearly shown using dimensionless variables.
The Effects of Plasma Pre-Cracking on Drilling of Hard Rocks: A Single Insert Cutting Experiment
Authors: Kazi Aamer A. , Akhter Mirza , Antao Dion , Staack David , Tai Bruce L.
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the effects of plasma-induced cracks on rock cutting to support the concept of a plasma-integrated drag bit for accelerated geothermal drilling through hard rocks. For this, a single polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drilling technique is used in cutting granite to compare thrust and cutting forces between plasma-treated and untreated rock samples. The cracks are produced using underwater plasma at 80 J per pulse. This energy level does not produce visible damage to the rock. The cutting tests are conducted at a cutting speed of 12.7 m/min and four feed rates of 0.127, 0.201, 0.267, and 0.414 mm/s to represent actual drilling scenarios. The results show a general trend of reduction in both thrust and cutting forces for these feed rates, but the magnitude of reduction highly depends on the feed rate. The maximum force reduction of around 50% is found at the 0.267 mm/s feed rate with statistical significance. Cases with a higher force reduction are also found to have rougher surface topography, which indicates more excessive fracturing and, thus, a cracks-accelerated material removal process. This study provides initial evidence of using underwater plasma to increase the downhole drilling rate of hard rocks.
Mechanoregulatory role of TRPV4 in prenatal skeletal development
Authors: Khatib Nidal S. , Monsen James , Ahmed Saima , Huang Yuming , Hoey David A. , Nowlan Niamh C.
Published: January 2023

Biophysical cues are essential for guiding skeletal development, but the mechanisms underlying the mechanical regulation of cartilage and bone formation are unknown. TRPV4 is a mechanically sensitive ion channel involved in cartilage and bone cell mechanosensing, mutations of which lead to skeletal developmental pathologies. We tested the hypothesis that loading-driven prenatal skeletal development is dependent on TRPV4 activity. We first establish that mechanically stimulating mouse embryo hindlimbs cultured ex vivo stimulates knee cartilage growth, morphogenesis, and expression of TRPV4, which localizes to areas of high biophysical stimuli. We then demonstrate that loading-driven joint cartilage growth and shape are dependent on TRPV4 activity, mediated via control of cell proliferation and matrix biosynthesis, indicating a mechanism by which mechanical loading could direct growth and morphogenesis during joint formation. We conclude that mechanoregulatory pathways initiated by TRPV4 guide skeletal development; therefore, TRPV4 is a valuable target for the development of skeletal regenerative and repair strategies.
An allosteric switch ensures efficient unidirectional information transmission by the histidine kinase DesK from
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Lima Sofía , Blanco Juan , Olivieri Federico , Imelio Juan A. , Nieves Marcos , Carrión Federico , Alvarez Beatriz , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Marti Marcelo A. , Trajtenberg Felipe
Published: January 2023

Phosphorylation carries chemical information in biological systems. In two-component systems (TCSs), the sensor histidine kinase and the response regulator are connected through phosphoryl transfer reactions that may be uni- or bidirectional. Directionality enables the construction of complex regulatory networks that optimize signal propagation and ensure the forward flow of information. We combined x-ray crystallography, hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations, and systems-integrative kinetic modeling approaches to study phosphoryl flow through the
Bacillus subtilis
thermosensing TCS DesK-DesR. The allosteric regulation of the histidine kinase DesK was critical to avoid back transfer of phosphoryl groups and futile phosphorylation-dephosphorylation cycles by isolating phosphatase, autokinase, and phosphotransferase activities. Interactions between the kinase’s ATP-binding domain and the regulator’s receiver domain placed the regulator in two distinct positions in the phosphotransferase and phosphatase complexes, thereby determining whether a key glutamine residue in DesK was properly situated to assist in the dephosphorylation reaction. Moreover, an energetically unfavorable phosphotransferase conformation when DesK was not phosphorylated minimized reverse phosphoryl transfer. DesR dimerization and a dissociative phosphoryl transfer reaction also enforced the direction of phosphoryl flow. Shorter or longer distances between the phosphoryl acceptor and donor residues shifted the phosphoryl transfer equilibrium by modulating the stabilizing effect of the Mg
2+
cofactor. These mechanisms control the directionality of signal transmission and show how structure-encoded allostery stores and transmits information in signaling systems.
Poking holes in pyroptosis paradigms
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2023

Several studies show that there is still much to learn about cell death mechanisms.
Genome Assembly of a Putative Plant Growth-Stimulating Bacterial Sweet Pepper Fruit Isolate, Enterobacter hormaechei SRU4.4
Authors: Mamphogoro Tshifhiwa Paris , Kamutando Casper Nyaradzai , Maboko Martin Makgose , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Aiyegoro Olayinka Ayobami
Published: January 2023

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Enterobacter hormaechei
SRU4.4. This bacterium (genome size = 4,440,516 bp; coding sequences = 4,100; G+C content = 56%) encodes for genes attributed to plant growth promotion (PGP).
Pectate Lyase Genes Abundantly Expressed During the Infection Regulate Morphological Development of
Colletotrichum camelliae
and
CcPEL16
Is Required for Full Virulence to Tea Plants
Authors: Jiang Hong , Cao Qinghai , Wang Xinchao , Lv Wuyun , Wang Yuchun
Published: January 2023

In this study, we first established a PEG-mediated protoplast transformation system of
C. camelliae
and used it to investigate the biological functions of seven pectate lyase genes (
CcPEL
s) which were abundantly expressed during infection. The results provided insights into the contributions of pectate lyase to mycelial growth, conidial production, appressorium formation, and the pathogenicity of
C. camelliae.
We also confirmed the secretory function of CcPEL proteins and their role in suppressing Bax-induced cell death.