bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
McvR, a single domain response regulator regulates motility and virulence in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris
Authors: Li Rui‐Fang , Ren Pei‐Dong , Liu Qian‐Qian , Yao Jia‐Li , Wu Liu , Zhu Gui‐Ning , Xian Xiao‐Yong , Tang Ji‐Liang , Lu Guang‐Tao
Published: February 2022

Signal transduction pathways mediated by sensor histidine kinases and cognate response regulators control a variety of physiological processes in response to environmental conditions in most bacteria. Comparatively little is known about the mechanism(s) by which single‐domain response regulators (SD‐RRs), which lack a dedicated output domain but harbour a phosphoryl receiver domain, exert their various regulatory effects in bacteria. Here we have examined the role of the SD‐RR proteins encoded by the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). We describe the identification and characterization of a SD‐RR protein named McvR (motility, chemotaxis, and virulence‐related response regulator) that is required for virulence and motility regulation in Xcc. Deletion of the mcvR open reading frame caused reduced motility, chemotactic movement, and virulence in Xcc. Global transcriptome analyses revealed the McvR had a broad regulatory role and that most motility and pathogenicity genes were down‐regulated in the mcvR mutant. Bacterial two‐hybrid and protein pull‐down assays revealed that McvR did not physically interact with components of the bacterial flagellum but interacts with other SD‐RR proteins (like CheY) and the subset of DNA‐binding proteins involved in gene regulation. Site‐directed mutagenesis and phosphor‐transfer experiments revealed that the aspartyl residue at position 55 of the receiver domain is important for phosphorylation and the regulatory activity of McvR protein. Taken together, the findings describe a previously unrecognized class of SD‐RR protein that contributes to the regulation of motility and virulence in Xcc.
The severity of behavioural symptoms in FTD is linked to the loss of GABRQ‐expressing VENs and pyramidal neurons
Authors: Gami‐Patel Priya , Scarioni Marta , Bouwman Femke H. , Boon Baayla D. C. , van Swieten John C. , Brain Bank Netherlands , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Smit August B. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Dijkstra Anke A.
Published: February 2022

Aims

The loss of von Economo neurons (VENs) and GABA receptor subunit theta (GABRQ) containing neurons is linked to early changes in social–emotional cognition and is seen in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to C9orf72 repeat expansion. We investigate the vulnerability of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons in sporadic and genetic forms of FTD with different underlying molecular pathology and their association with the presence and severity of behavioural symptoms.

Methods

We quantified VENs and GABRQ‐immunopositive neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in FTD with underlying TDP43 (FTLD‐TDP) (n = 34), tau (FTLD‐tau) (n = 24) or FUS (FTLD‐FUS) (n = 8) pathology, neurologically healthy controls (n = 12) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 7). Second, we quantified VENs and the GABRQ‐expressing population in relation to presence of behavioural symptoms in the first years of disease onset.

Results

The number of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons and the ratio of VENs and GABRQ‐expressing neurons over total Layer 5 neuronal population decreased in FTLD‐TDP and FTLD‐FUS, but not in FTLD‐tau, compared to control and AD. The severity of early behavioural symptoms in all donors correlated with a lower VEN and GABRQ neuronal count.

Conclusion

We show that in FTD, a loss of VENs together with GABRQ‐expressing pyramidal neurons is associated with TDP43 and FUS pathology. No significant loss was found in donors with FTLD‐tau pathology; however, this could be due to the specific MAPT mutation studied and small sporadic FTLD‐tau sample size. Overall, we show the GABRQ‐expressing population correlates with behavioural changes and suggest they are key in modulating behaviour in FTD.
The case for comparability
Authors: Dorr Cian , Nebel Jacob M. , Zuehl Jake
Published: February 2022

We argue that all comparative expressions in natural language obey a principle that we call Comparability: if and are at least as as themselves, then either is at least as as or is at least as as . This principle has been widely rejected among philosophers, especially by ethicists, and its falsity has been claimed to have important normative implications. We argue that Comparability is needed to explain the goodness of several patterns of inference that seem manifestly valid, that the purported failures of Comparability would have absurd consequences, and that the influential arguments against Comparability are less compelling than they may have initially seemed.
Role of calcium signaling in aluminum tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Huang Sheng , Ma Jian Feng
Published: February 2022

This article is a Commentary on Zhu et al. (2022), 233: 2471–2487.
Dimerization of PtrMYB074 and PtrWRKY19 mediates transcriptional activation of PtrbHLH186 for secondary xylem development in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Liu Huizi , Gao Jinghui , Sun Jiatong , Li Shuang , Zhang Baofeng , Wang Zhuwen , Zhou Chenguang , Sulis Daniel Barletta , Wang Jack P. , Chiang Vincent L. , Li Wei
Published: February 2022

Wood formation is controlled by transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) involving regulatory homeostasis determined by combinations of transcription factor (TF)–DNA and TF–TF interactions. Functions of TF–TF interactions in wood formation are still in the early stages of identification.

PtrMYB074 is a woody dicot‐specific TF in a TRN for wood formation in Populus trichocarpa. Here, using yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation, we conducted a genome‐wide screening for PtrMYB074 interactors and identified 54 PtrMYB074‐TF pairs. Of these pairs, 53 are novel.

We focused on the PtrMYB074‐PtrWRKY19 pair, the most highly expressed and xylem‐specific interactor, and its direct transregulatory target, PtrbHLH186, the xylem‐specific one of the pair's only two direct TF target genes. Using transient and CRISPR‐mediated transgenesis in P. trichocarpa coupled with chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that PtrMYB074 is recruited by PtrWRKY19 and that the PtrMYB074‐PtrWRKY19 dimers are required to transactive PtrbHLH186. Overexpressing PtrbHLH186 in P. trichocarpa resulted in retarded plant growth, increased guaiacyl lignin, a higher proportion of smaller stem vessels and strong drought‐tolerant phenotypes.

Knowledge of the PtrMYB074‐PtrWRKY19‐PtrbHLH186 regulation may help design genetic controls of optimal growth and wood formation to maximize beneficial wood properties while minimizing negative effects on growth.
LncRNA HOXD‐AS1 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR‐203a‐5p
Authors: Zhang Yuchao , Wang Feng , Yu Yang
Published: February 2022

Objective

In the present study, we aimed to explore lncRNA HOXD cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXD‐AS1) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues, its biological roles, and the underlying potential mechanisms in OSCC progression.

Materials and Methods

HOXD‐AS1 expression in paired OSCC and non‐tumor tissues from 60 OSCC patients was determined by RT‐qPCR. The effects of HOXD‐AS1 and miR‐203a‐5p overexpression on expression of Annexin A4, a validated target of miR‐203a‐5p, were analyzed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. The roles of HOXD‐AS1, miR‐203a‐5p, and Annexin A4 in the invasion and migration of OSCC cells were analyzed by Transwell assays.

Results

HOXD‐AS1 overexpression in OSCC predicted poor survival. HOXD‐AS1 was predicted to interact with miR‐203a‐5p, but its expression was not significantly correlated with miR‐203a‐5p. HOXD‐AS1 overexpression increased Annexin A4 expression, while miR‐203a‐5p overexpression decreased Annexin A4 expression in OSCC cells. Transwell assays showed that invasion and migration of OSCC cells were enhanced by HOXD‐AS1 and Annexin A4 overexpression but were reduced by miR‐203a‐5p overexpression. In addition, miR‐203a‐5p overexpression suppressed the role of HOXD‐AS1 in cell movement and Annexin A4 expression.

Conclusions

HOXD‐AS1 may upregulate Annexin A4 by sponging miR‐203a‐5p in OSCC to promote cancer cell invasion and migration.
What recent evidence exists to support the use of platelet‐rich fibrin in clinical dentistry? A systematic literature review
Authors: Savva Luke Connor
Published: February 2022

Background

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a second‐generation platelet concentrate and biomaterial with multiple applications in clinical dentistry. Recent developments in the production of PRF have resulted in several divergent protocols that could be seen to affect the reproducibility and generalisability of the available literature. Additionally, imprecise reporting on PRF production is a further confounding factor with respect to previous trial data.

Aims

The primary aim of this review was to assess the recent clinical trial data relating to the use of PRF, irrespective of centrifugal protocol, in clinical dentistry.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases to select English language, human clinical trials involving the use of PRF published between July 2018 and July 2021.

Results

The 50 included studies demonstrated an overall clinical benefit for the use of PRF in the fields of oral medicine, oral surgery and periodontology, with unclear benefits in the field of endodontology, and no clear benefit in the field of orthodontics. Only 16% of the included studies met published standards for reporting PRF production protocols, and meeting such standards should be an essential requirement for future publications.

Conclusions

There was little direct evidence to support one particular PRF protocol over another and this remains an area of controversy. Future research should focus on precise reporting of PRF protocols, and in areas where PRF is of known benefit, the use of different production methods should be compared to assess what, if any, clinical significance is attached to particular centrifugation protocols and tubes.
The inducibility and focus of atrial fibrillation after ablation in patients with tachycardia‐induced heart failure
Authors: Koike Hideki , Fujino Tadashi , Wada Ryo , Yao Shintaro , Akitsu Katsuya , Shinohara Masaya , Kinoshita Toshio , Yuzawa Hitomi , Ikeda Takanori
Published: February 2022

Background

The inducibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) and incidence of nonpulmonary vein (nonPV) triggers in patients with heart failure (HF) have not been elucidated. Furthermore, the relationship between AF triggers and the change in the left ventricular (LV) function after catheter ablation (CA) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 101 consecutive patients with a history of HF due to tachycardia who underwent CA of AF were prospectively enrolled (64.8 ± 10.7 years, male 72.3%, and paroxysmal AF 15.8%). According to the AF inducibility by isoproterenol (ISP), the patients were divided into two groups: inducible AF (66.3%) and noninducible AF (33.7%). Furthermore, inducible AF was categorized into a PV type (61.2%) and nonPV type (38.8%). This study investigated the AF recurrence and change in the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) after CA.

Results

AF recurred in 35 patients (34.7%) during the follow‐up period (41.6 ± 26.8 months). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with noninducible AF had just as bad an AF recurrence rate as those with the nonPV type. Cox proportional hazards models also revealed that noninducible AF (Hazard‐ratio, 5.74; 95% CI, 1.81–18.13) was associated with a higher risk of recurrence. The LVEF significantly improved after the CA (from 49.1 ± 16.3% to 67.0 ± 7.9%). However, the nonPV type was associated with a lower improvement in the LVEF (Odds‐ratio, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05–0.70).

Conclusion

The AF inducibility was associated with AF recurrence. Furthermore, the nonPV triggers were associated with a lesser improvement in the LVEF. Confirming the AF inducibility and triggers was important to predict the outcome after CA.
Precordial Doppler to assess vascular access in children: A preliminary report
Authors: Hirayama Yuji , Hozumi Takunori , Aoki Satoshi , Kojima Taiki
Published: February 2022

Background

Delayed identification and dysfunction of peripheral intravenous (PIV) infiltration can lead to serious injury in children. This preliminary study aimed to describe the application of precordial Doppler ultrasound to detect and confirm the correct PIV access in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

This study was conducted on children (<18 years) diagnosed with CHD and admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a single center after cardiac surgery or cardiac catheterization between February 2020 and May 2021. Three raters judged the precordial Doppler sound change (S test) after injection of 0.5 mL/kg of normal saline (NS) through the PIV access. Blood‐flow velocities before and after the NS injection were recorded and the accuracy of detecting PIV catheter infiltration and dysfunction was analyzed (V test).

Results

The overall incidence of PIV infiltration and dysfunction was in 3 out of 103 patients (2.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 3 out of 3 [100%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 29.2–100], 86 out of 100 (86%, 95% CI: 77.6%–92.1), 7.1, 0.0, and 0.93, respectively, in the S test and they were 2 out of 3 (66.7%, 95% CI: 9.4%–99.2), 94 out of 100 (94.0%, 95% CI: 87.4%–7.8%), 11.1, 0.36, and 0.80, respectively in the V test.

Conclusions

Precordial Doppler ultrasound was a feasible and accurate technique for confirming correct PIV access in children with CHD; however, a larger, prospective investigation is necessary to examine its diagnostic accuracy.
Good news for habitat restoration projects: Eucalyptus does not inhibit the germination of Polylepis
Authors: Meneses Lidia , Martinez Yvonne Y. , Antonelli Alexandre , Gareca Edgar E.
Published: February 2022

Eucalyptus plantations outside their native range—either as an income source or aimed at sequestering atmospheric carbon to combat climate change—are increasingly known to reduce local biodiversity and groundwater levels, and to increase soil degradation and erosion. One additional but less understood effect of Eucalyptus on native floras is allelopathy—the chemical inhibition of other plants' germination. Here we investigate the putative allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus globulus on the germination of Polylepis subtusalbida, a keystone species that characterizes a species‐rich and highly threatened woodland habitat in the Bolivian Andes. We carry out controlled greenhouse experiments reflecting local rainfall, field litter quantity, and Eucalyptus leachate concentrations at multiple levels. Our results, based on five replicates with 390 Polylepis seeds each, show that contrary to our expectation Eucalyptus leachates does not affect germination significantly. Our findings suggest that projects aiming to remove Eucalyptus to restore Polylepis woodlands are likely to succeed even without the resource‐consuming removal of leaf litter, and potentially also bark and roots, from the ground after tree felling.
Global systemic risk and resilience for novel coronavirus in postpandemic era
Authors: Wu Desheng Dash , Mitchell Jade , Lambert James H.
Published: February 2022

The ongoing pandemic has evolved and is posing diverse challenges for the world. Countermeasures for risks are needed to address both direct and indirect effects of disease on the healthcare system, economic and industrial sectors, governance, environment, transportation, energy, and communication systems. There are indicators of a forthcoming postpandemic era. The rethinking and reevaluation of policies adopted throughout the pandemic are ongoing to address cascading threats of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. The first Special Issue introduced the topic. This second Special Issue describes international collaboration and innovation for pandemic risk and resilience, with a focus on future policy and operations of global systems toward a postandemic era.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Indonesian version of theory of planned behavior questionnaire to measure dental attendance of children with hearing loss: A pilot study
Authors: Utami Marina , Setiawati Febriana , Ahmad Mas Suryalis , Adiatman Melissa
Published: February 2022

Aims

To translate and evaluate the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) questionnaire concerning mother's behavior related to children's dental attendance.

Methods and results

The cross‐cultural adaptation was tested in mothers with children aged 5–12 years old who have hearing loss. The validity and reliability of the online questionnaire were measured among 31 mothers of children with hearing loss in communities and Special School for Children with Hearing Loss in several regions in Indonesia. All indicators of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control (PBC) on mothers’ behavior towards children's attendance was valid (p < .05). The overall Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire for internal consistency was 0.773. The test‐retest reliability results were based on repeated administration in the same participant mother, measured at one‐week interval; the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.903.

Conclusion

The Indonesian version of the TPB questionnaire concerning mother's behavior related to children's oral health has shown adequate validity and reliability for investigating the dental attendance of children with hearing loss.
High‐dose‐rate remote brachytherapy for metachronous second primary carcinoma of soft palate by iridium 192 isotope in an afterload surface mold
Authors: P Nallaiah Venkatraman , Jain Veena , Sharma DN , Koli Dheeraj Kumar , Nanda Aditi , Thimmarayappa Arun
Published: February 2022

Conservative management of metachronous second primary carcinoma of head and neck is preferred in order to preserve form and function. The purpose of the case report is to describe the treatment of metachronous second primary carcinoma of soft palate by high‐dose‐rate, remote, afterload brachytherapy. The brachytherapy was done in remote settings by afterloading Iridium 192 isotope carried through a custom fabricated surface mold. The mold enabled good adaptation, stability, and repeatable positioning of the radiation source at each treatment session of fractionated brachytherapy offering consistent dosimetric advantage through a single dosimetry calculation. Collaborative efforts of radiation oncologist and prosthodontist ensured conservative treatment in outpatient set up with minimal adverse effects.
Detached or devotee? Medical students and research
Authors: Fisher James , Rothwell Charlotte
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Medical students frequently participate in medical education research, yet their ready availability may render them vulnerable to coercion. We undertook a phenomenological exploration of medical students' experiences of participating in medical education research drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice. Our research questions were: How do medical students perceive their role within medical education research? Why do medical students participate? What aspects of their involvement do medical students consider to be beneficial?

Methods

Participants were year 3–5 Newcastle University MBBS students who had previously participated in medical education research. Eight participants were recruited—all provided informed, written consent. Data collection was via in depth semi‐structured telephone interviews. Findings were interpreted using Bourdieu's Theory of Practice. Thematic analysis was performed iteratively, employing constant comparison throughout. The interview schedule was modified after five interviews to facilitate exploration of recurring themes of interest.

Results

Although students enjoyed contributing and felt a sense of well‐being afterwards, there was uncertainty about their roles, with some considering themselves ‘guinea pigs’. An unexpected finding was that students had designed and delivered medical education research, which influenced their participation in research. There was a perception of ‘research fatigue’, particularly around examination periods. Non‐participation was uncommon, but students, wishing to maintain valued relationships with senior colleagues, a form of capital, sometimes exhibited participation ‘by default’.

Discussion

These findings enabled local reflection on the student experience of medical education research. Local processes were implemented and adapted to enhance the consent process. Our findings should prompt medical educationalists to reflect on recruitment processes for projects involving their students, as well as considering strategies to enhance student autonomy.
Between paranoia and possibility: Diverse economies and the decolonial imperative
Authors: Naylor Lindsay , Thayer Nathan
Published: February 2022

Here we reflect on diverse economies scholarship following Gibson‐Graham's call to adopt performative practices for other worlds. Urging scholars to move from paranoia to possibility through weak theory methodology, their call provided momentum for work on economic difference that sustained critiques of capitalocentrism launched in 1996. In this clarion call to read for difference and possibility, a diverse economies framing facilitated a wholesale rejection of strong theory and paranoia. As a subdiscipline in the making, diverse economies scholars are challenged and critiqued as we seek to develop the framework and apply it to economic activities that exist within, alongside, and outside capitalism. Creating the language of diverse economies is continuous; here we consider a geopolitics of knowledge production in reading economic practice for difference, challenging the disuse of strong theory. We argue for deeper engagement with the power imbalances present in building liveable worlds, putting diverse economies and decolonial theory in conversation to address power and strike a balance between paranoia and possibility.
Engaging advanced practice nurses in evidence‐based practice: An e‐mentoring program
Authors: Hooge Nicolette , Allen Deborah Hutch , McKenzie Rebecca , Pandian Vinciya
Published: February 2022

Background

Mentoring is highly valued in the nursing profession and essential to building an evidence‐based practice (EBP) culture. However, many organizations have a limited number of EBP mentors, who have limited non‐clinical time to engage in mentoring.

Aims

This project aimed to test whether an e‐mentoring approach to nursing inquiry could enhance EBP beliefs (EBPB), increase EBP Implementation (EBPI), and improve Organizational Culture and Readiness for System‐Wide Implementation of EBP (OCRSIEP).

Methods

A pre‐experimental pilot intervention project was implemented utilizing a pretest‐posttest design with Advanced Practice Registered Nurses’ (APRNs) in clinical practice. The OCRSIEP, EBPB, and EBPI scales were used to measure organizational readiness for EBP implementation, individual beliefs regarding the value of EBP, and the extent to which nurses integrate scientific evidence into their clinical practice, respectively. The Wilcoxon‐Signed Rank test was used to analyze the difference between pretest and posttest scores of an EBP E‐mentoring program. A post‐hoc analysis was performed to calculate effect sizes.

[Correction added on 13 May 2022, after first online publication: The Methods section was revised to add additional details.]

Results

Eleven APRNs completed the pretest and posttest surveys. When comparing the pre‐and post‐intervention scores, the median EBPB scores increased from 61 (IQR: 56–69) to 70 (IQR: 64–73), median EBPI scores increased from 13 (IQR: 7–33) to 20 (IQR: 13–31), and median OCRSIEP scores increased from 88 (IQR: 73–97) to 99 (IQR: 90–113).

Linking Evidence to Action

A 12‐week Nurse Inquiry E‐mentoring Program can leverage the small number of EBP mentors in an organization to improve EBPB. A program lasting longer in duration may also significantly improve EBPI and OCRSIEP scores. By utilizing technology and leveraging economies of scale, exponentially more nurses can be mentored to create and enhance an EBP culture.
RESPONSE: SCIENCE AND RELIGION—THE STATE OF THE ART
Authors: McGrath Alister E.
Published: February 2022

Alister McGrath here responds to eight articles engaging aspects of his writing and intellectual interests, especially in the field of science and religion.
Calidad de vida del paciente con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica
Authors: Achury Beltrán Luisa Fernanda , Garcia Peñuela Pilar
Published: February 2022

Introducción: los pacientes que padecen de patologías crónicas, como la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva, experimentan diversos cambios en su estado de salud, que los lleva a modificar su percepción de bienestar. Por ello, la evaluación de la calidad de vida se hace necesaria. Objetivo: describir, de forma global y por dimensiones, la calidad de vida de sujetos que padecen de Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica (EPOC), que acudieron a la consulta externa de una institución hospitalaria en el primer semestre de 2018 en Bogotá. Método: las características sociodemográficas y la calidad de vida relacionada con salud se midieron en un estudio descriptivo transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 80 pacientes. El análisis se fundamentó en la aplicación de frecuencias y porcentajes para las variables sociodemográficas, y de medidas de tendencia central para la variable principal de la investigación. Resultados: los pacientes con EPOC reportaron una edad media de 73 años, fueron predominantemente mujeres, casadas, con bajo nivel de escolaridad y con una media en la calidad de vida de 36,67. La subescala más afectada fue la de actividad y la menos comprometida fue la dimensión de impacto. Conclusiones: la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud es un indicador de las consecuencias que tiene la EPOC sobre la ejecución de las diferentes actividades físicas y sociales de los pacientes, por ello, su evaluación se convierte en un aspecto fundamental en la valoración e intervención de dicha población.
Genomes in motion
Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas
Jennifer Raff
Twelve, 2022. 368 pp.
Authors: Stone Anne C.
Published: February 2022

Ancient DNA sheds light on the peopling of the Americas
Repairing the blood-brain barrier
Authors: McMahon Andrew P. , Ichida Justin K.
Published: February 2022

Engineered Wnt ligands specifically target blood-brain barrier function
Draft Genome Sequence of a Bacterium Isolated from Hypersaline Soil in Sonora, Mexico:
Halomonas
sp. Strain BLLS135
Authors: Rodríguez-Franco Dora Alicia , de los Santos-Villalobos Sergio , Coronado-Corral Juan Carlos , Estrada-Alvarado María Isabel , Cira-Chávez Luis Alberto
Published: February 2022

Halomonas
sp. strain BLLS135 was isolated from hypersaline soil in Mexico. Here, we present the draft genome of this strain. Its genome has 2,861 protein-coding genes, 63 tRNAs, two 16S rRNAs, five 5S rRNAs, and a single copy of 23S rRNA, with a GC content of 63.5%.
Supplemental Material: A reconstruction of Apennine uplift history and the development of transverse drainages from longitudinal profile inversion
Authors: Pazzaglia Frank J. , Fisher James A.
Published: February 2022

File S1: 10Be TCN concentrations and Cronus calculator model of erosion rates for the Basento catchment. File S2: Excel data sheet of the weighted mean erodibility values and uncertainties, stream steepness, and erosion rate data. File S3: Tau-z plots for the ten analyzed catchments. Color bar is scaled to the different rock types in Table 2. File S4: MatLab scripts and sample input catchment and geology text files for the Reno catchment.
COVID-19 vaccines for children and adolescents in Africa: aligning our priorities to situational realities
Authors: Govender Kaymarlin , Nyamaruze Patrick , McKerrow Neil , Meyer-Weitz Anna , Cowden Richard G
Published: February 2022

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global public health crisis that continues to have a major impact on the African continent. Most countries within Africa are facing significant challenges vaccinating their populations for COVID-19. Inadequate COVID-19 vaccine supply, weaknesses in health system infrastructure, COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation, and ineffective health risk communication are contributing to low adult vaccination rates on the continent. Without sufficient COVID-19 vaccine coverage on the African continent, the prolonged social, economic and health impacts of this public health crisis are likely to exacerbate pre-existing social-structural issues in this part of the world. In this paper, we highlight trends in SARS-CoV-2 infections among children and adolescents (CA), compare COVID-19 vaccination patterns in Africa to those in high-income countries, and discuss some of the benefits, challenges and unknowns associated with vaccinating CA for COVID-19. In light of ongoing COVID-19 vaccine supply challenges and the slow progress that the African continent is making towards vaccinating the adult population, we suggest that the immediate priority for Africa is to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations among adults (particularly high-risk populations) and vulnerable CA (ie, those who are immunocompromised and/or living with certain medical conditions). Accelerating the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and rapidly achieving high levels of vaccination coverage in the adult population will free up capacity to vaccinate CA sooner rather than later. While we hope that COVID-19 vaccines will soon become available to CA throughout Africa, countries must continue to prioritise non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Conflicts among protected native birds and valuable sport fishes: potential pelican predation effects
Authors: Budy Phaedra , Thiede Gary P. , Chapman Kevin , Howe Frank P.
Published: February 2022

Reservoirs are examples of novel ecosystems that have developed into popular sport fisheries; these systems are also becoming seasonal refuges for migratory birds, including the piscivorous American white pelican ( Pelecanus erythrorhynchos). We (1) investigated the proportion of cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii utah) and other species consumed by pelicans, (2) compared whether pelicans have an adverse effect on cutthroat trout spawning movement, and (3) determined the importance of pelican predation relative to other sources of fish mortality in Strawberry Reservoir, Utah, USA. Pelican diet samples consisted of >85% Utah sucker ( Catostomus ardens), 6% Utah chub ( Gila atraria), and 3% cutthroat trout. Based on bioenergetics, we estimated that pelicans consumed 384–3020 individual cutthroat trout (0.17%–1.3% of population), in contrast to 14 166–27 196 nongame sucker and chub. Bird-related mortality rate ranged from 1% to 6% for stocked, PIT (passive integrated transponder)-tagged adult cutthroat trout and from 4% to 16% for subadult cutthroat trout. Based on these results, any management action taken to control pelican predation would need to be weighed against the benefits of nongame fish removal and the protected status of pelicans.
Community structure, species–habitat relationships, and conservation of amphibians in forested vernal pools in the Georgian Bay region of Ontario
Authors: Luymes Nick , Chow-Fraser Patricia
Published: February 2022

Forested vernal pools serve an integral role in the recruitment of amphibians in glaciated northeastern North America. In south-central Ontario, vernal pools exist in relatively unimpacted forest networks, but the amphibian communities face uncertain challenges from anthropogenic-induced climate change. We surveyed amphibian larvae and collected measurements of habitat characteristics from vernal pools to collect baseline information on amphibian community structure and species–habitat relationships. Amphibian communities were influenced by hydroperiod length and canopy openness, and the relative abundances of early breeding amphibians were affected by changes in the structure of vegetation communities within pools. Our study suggests that, even across moderate ranges of breeding habitat characteristics, the structure of amphibian communities is dynamic. With anthropogenic-induced climate change leading to more drought-prone summers, the conservation of intact forests that support diverse wetland assemblages will be a necessary component of future legislation.
International Statebuilding and the Domestic Politics of State Development
Authors: Lee Melissa M.
Published: February 2022

Managing the threat of violence remains a central concern in international security and development. International actors seek to terminate civil wars and prevent conflict recurrence by building peace and strengthening state institutions. In this article, I review the scholarship on international statebuilding, defined broadly as external efforts to create, strengthen, reform, and transform the authority structures of the state. Much of this literature models international statebuilding as provision, in which external actors provide a solution to the enforcement problem that plagues postconflict bargains. However, in many cases, the assumptions about domestic politics underpinning the provision model do not hold. When the central problem of domestic politics concerns bargaining over the distributional consequences of the peace rather than the parties’ ability to credibly commit to the peace, international statebuilding is more fruitfully modeled as imposition, in which terms are imposed on recalcitrant domestic actors. The imposition model allows the preferences of external actors over the postwar order to diverge from the preferences of domestic actors. Divergence arises because statebuilding interventions have distributional consequences that threaten the interests of domestic elites. To unpack why this is the case, I turn to the literature on the domestic politics of statebuilding, which shows that governance arrangements that appear to outsiders as weak statehood can help manage violence by facilitating the distribution of sovereignty rents. Insights from these literatures suggest exciting new avenues for future scholarship.
The Efficacy of Manipulation with Distension Arthrography to Treat Adhesive Capsulitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Single‐Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Yayun , Xue Ruirui , Tong Zhengyi , Yin Mengchen , Yu Yiqun , Ye Jie , Xu Jinhai , Mo Wen
Published: February 2022

Objective. To determine whether arthrographic distention combined with manipulation for frozen shoulder provides additional benefits. Methods. A total of 180 participants from five clinical centers with pain and stiffness in predominantly 1 shoulder for >3 months entered the study, and 165 completed the study. The control group was treated with arthrographic distention alone, and the treatment group underwent manipulation after resting for 5 minutes following arthrographic distention. Patients were followed up at the one and two weeks and at three and six months. For the clinical evaluation, shoulder‐specific disability measure (SPADI) score, the visual analog scales (VASs) for pain, and range of active motion were used. Results. 83 patients out of 90 in the treatment group and 82 out of 90 in the control finished the entire study period. SPADI, VAS, Constant‐Murley (CM), and range of motion (ROM) were improved after treatments in both groups. The statistical differences were not observed in the CM, adduction, internal rotation, and posterior extension function between groups (P > .05) after the first treatment. And the statistical differences were not observed in the internal rotation, the extorsion, and posterior extension function (P > .05) after the second treatment. Conclusion. Distention arthrography plus manual therapy provided faster pain relief, a higher level of patient satisfaction, and an earlier improvement in AROM of the shoulder than distention arthrography alone in patients with frozen shoulder.
Effect of General Cross-Immunity Protection and Antibody-Dependent Enhancement in Dengue Dynamics
Authors: Steindorf Vanessa , Oliva Sergio , Wu Jianhong , Aguiar Maíra
Published: February 2022

A mathematical model to describe the dynamic of a multiserotype infectious disease at the population level is studied. Applied to dengue fever epidemiology, we analyse a mathematical model with time delay to describe the cross-immunity protection period, including a key parameter for the antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) effect, the well-known features of dengue fever infection. Numerical experiments are performed to show the stability of the coexistence equilibrium, which is completely determined by the basic reproduction number and by the invasion reproduction number, as well as the bifurcation structures for different scenarios of dengue fever transmission in a population. The model shows a rich dynamical behavior, from fixed points and periodic oscillations up to chaotic behaviour with complex attractors.
Recognition of Bookmark Aging Degree Based on Probabilistic Neural Network
Authors: Zheng Cong , Zhang Xiaoling , Ma Shaoqiu , Xiao Zhijian
Published: February 2022

Bookmarks are the basis for librarians to get books on and off shelves and borrowers to borrow books. In order to solve the problem of time-consuming and labor-consuming manual checking of bookmark aging, this paper proposes a method of bookmark aging recognition based on image processing technology. First, we perform image preprocessing, Otsu threshold segmentation, and morphological processing on the acquired bookmark image to obtain the effective area of the bookmark, then acquire the aging features for the bookmark, and finally input the acquired features into the trained neural network for defect recognition. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can achieve 96% recognition, which can more accurately identify the aging defects of bookmarks.
Spatially Extended SHAR Epidemiological Framework of Infectious Disease Transmission
Authors: Knopoff Damián , Cusimano Nicole , Stollenwerk Nico , Aguiar Maíra
Published: February 2022

Mathematical models play an important role in epidemiology. The inclusion of a spatial component in epidemiological models is especially important to understand and address many relevant ecological and public health questions, e.g., when wanting to differentiate transmission patterns across geographical regions or when considering spatially heterogeneous intervention measures. However, the introduction of spatial effects can have significant consequences on the observed model dynamics and hence must be carefully analyzed and interpreted. Cellular automata epidemiological models typically rely on simplified computational grids but can provide valuable insight into the spatial dynamics of transmission within a population by suitably accounting for the connections between individuals in the considered community. In this paper, we describe a stochastic cellular automata disease model based on an extension of the traditional Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) compartmentalization of the population, namely, the Susceptible-Hospitalized-Asymptomatic-Recovered (SHAR) formulation, in which infected individuals either present a severe form of the disease, thus requiring hospitalization, or belong to the so-called mild/asymptomatic class. The critical transmission threshold is derived analytically in the nonspatial SHAR formulation, and this generalizes previously obtained theoretical results for the SIR model. We present simulation results discussing the effect of key model parameters and of spatial correlations on model outputs and propose an algorithm for tracking the evolution of infection clusters within the considered population. Focusing on the role of import and criticality on the overall dynamics, we conclude that the current spatial setting increases the critical transmission threshold in comparison to the nonspatial model.
High SIRPA Expression Predicts Poor Prognosis and Correlates with Immune Infiltrates in Patients with Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Tao Ke , Wei Zhouxia , Xia Yan , Zhao Ruihong , Xu Hong
Published: February 2022

Background. Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPA) is an inhibitory receptor expressed in macrophages and a potential therapeutic target in cancers. This study aims to investigate the functional role of SIRPA in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Methods. Based on the Oncomine and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, SIRPA expression and clinical value were determined. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to predict the mechanism underlying the oncogene role of SIRPA. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to analyze the effects of SIRPA on the molecular relationship and immune landscape. Results. SIRPA was highly expressed across Oncomine and TCGA databases and correlated with poor overall survival and disease-specific survival. There was an expression difference among clinical characteristics. Functional annotation showed that cancer-related biological function and pathways were enriched in the high SIRPA expression group. Besides, SIRPA strongly and extensively affected the immune infiltrates. Conclusion. SIRPA might be an oncogene and a target of immunotherapy in ESCA.
Fruit Production Planning in Semiarid Zones: A Novel Triangular Intuitionistic Fuzzy Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Kousar Sajida , Zafar Afia , Kausar Nasreen , Pamucar Dragan , Kattel Parameshwari
Published: February 2022

A triangular intuitionistic fuzzy linear programming (TIFLP) model is formulated for the planning of sustainable fruit production system for hyperarid regions while assuming the availability of resources and existing knowledge. A remarkable advancement is achieved through the composition of intuitionistic fuzzy concept with the linear programming by considering all parameters and variables in the form of triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, which provides a planning or strategic tool for handling uncertain situations with more control and in a realistic way. This fuzzy optimization model is redesigning the feasible region obtained by linear programming which is presented in graphical form. Moreover, the practical application and implementation of this fruit production system for planning in real-life scenarios are accomplished considering the case study of fruit orchards of Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Effects of Annurca Flesh Apple Polyphenols in Human Thyroid Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Orlandella Francesca Maria , Mirabelli Peppino , De Stefano Anna Elisa , Iervolino Paola Lucia Chiara , Luciano Neila , D’Angelo Stefania , Salvatore Giuliana
Published: February 2022

Among natural macromolecules, the polyphenol extract from Annurca flesh (AFPE) apple could play a potential therapeutic role for a large spectrum of human cancer also by exerting antioxidant properties. Thyroid cancer is a common neoplasia in women, and it is in general responsive to treatments although patients may relapse and metastasize or therapy-related side effects could occur. In this study, we explored the effects of AFPE on papillary (TPC-1) and anaplastic (CAL62) thyroid cancer cell line proliferation and viability. We found that AFPE exposure induced a reduction of cell proliferation and cell viability in dose-dependent manner. The effect was associated with the reduction of phosphorylation of Rb protein. To study the mechanisms underlying the biological effects of AFPE treatment in thyroid cancer cells, we investigated the modulation of miRNA (miR) expression. We found that AFPE treatment increased the expression of the miR-141, miR-145, miR-200a-5p, miR-425, and miR-551b-5p. Additionally, since natural polyphenols could exert their beneficial effects through the antioxidant properties, we investigated this aspect, and we found that AFPE treatment reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in CAL62 cells. Moreover, AFPE pretreatment protects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in thyroid cancer cell lines. Taken together, our findings suggest that AFPE, by acting at micromolar concentration in thyroid cancer cell lines, may be considered a promising adjuvant natural agent for thyroid cancer treatment approach.
Comparative Analysis of Three Structures of Second-Order Generalized Integrator and Its Application to Phase-Locked Loop of Linear Kalman Filter
Authors: Zeng Bo , Sun Yuxiang , Xie Shaojun
Published: February 2022

The present work explores the power quality problems of a microgrid in the aviation field, such as frequency offset or waveform distortion, caused by voltage imbalance and nonlinear load, to ensure the efficient and stable flight of aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aircraft. There are many problems such as excessive harmonics, voltage imbalance, and direct current (DC) component in aviation variable frequency power supply voltage in microgrid under different conditions. Therefore, three kinds of second-order generalized integrators (SOGIs) with different structures are combined with linear Kalman filter phase-locked loops (PLLs). Besides, intelligent sensors are utilized for signal processing. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted to compare three SOGIs. The results show that the system is stable when the parameters k1 = 738.9553, k2 = 1092108.98405, k3 = 1477.91, and Ts = 0.000125 s and k ranges in [0.5, 3]. The angular frequency of PLL output is very low under the problems of many harmonics, three-phase voltage imbalance, and DC component

ω

g

. The angular frequency

ω

g

output by the PLL finally changes linearly with a change rate of 400 πrad/s2, so that the output phase angle

θ

g

reaches a stable state. Thus, the proposed steady-state linear Kalman filter phase locking can accurately phase-lock the aviation variable frequency power supply. It provides an important reference for the power supply module in the microgrid to select the appropriate second-order generalized integrator to realize the accurate phase locking of the phase-locked loop under different conditions.
Probability Distribution and Determination of Blast Loading during Structural Blast Resistant Study
Authors: Yang Taochun , Luo Yaozhi , Hu Guangqing , Jiang Yi
Published: February 2022

Explosion overpressure and its duration are important parameters describing blast loading. However, their values obtained using the currently available methods differ significantly. To address this problem, we simulated the overpressure reflection coefficient (i.e., the ratio of reflection overpressure to incident overpressure) and fitted the analytical expressions to the test data. We then collected a large amount of theoretical and experimental blast loading data from literature and studied the probability distribution of blast loading for different scaled distances. The results show that the probability density function of explosion overpressure obeys an exponential distribution when the scaled distance is between 0.1 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

and 0.5 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

. On the other hand, it obeys a normal distribution when the scaled distance is greater than 0.5 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

. The coefficient of variation reaches the maximum value of 1 when the scaled distance is between 0.1 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

and 0.5 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

, while it is between 0.13 and 0.2 when the scaled distance is from 1.5 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

to 6 

 m
/

kg

1
/
3

. The coefficient of variation of reflected overpressure is slightly bigger than that of incident overpressure. Nevertheless, the coefficient of variation of proportional duration (i.e., the ratio of actual duration to cubic root of charge mass) is generally smaller, between 0.408 and 1.017. It was also found that there is no clear probability distribution for the blast loading duration. Finally, formulas for the explosion overpressure and proportional duration were determined together with their 95% confidence level bounds.