bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbes, metabolites and (synaptic) malleability, oh my! The effect of the microbiome on synaptic plasticity
Authors: Glinert Ayala , Turjeman Sondra , Elliott Evan , Koren Omry
Published: November 2021

The microbiome influences the emotional and cognitive phenotype of its host, as well as the neurodevelopment and pathophysiology of various brain processes and disorders, via the well‐established microbiome–gut–brain axis. Rapidly accumulating data link the microbiome to severe neuropsychiatric disorders in humans, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Moreover, preclinical work has shown that perturbation of the microbiome is closely associated with social, cognitive and behavioural deficits. The potential of the microbiome as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool is currently undercut by a lack of clear mechanistic understanding of the microbiome–gut–brain axis. This review establishes the hypothesis that the mechanism by which this influence is carried out is synaptic plasticity – long‐term changes to the physical and functional neuronal structures that enable the brain to undertake learning, memory formation, emotional regulation and more. By examining the different constituents of the microbiome–gut–brain axis through the lens of synaptic plasticity, this review explores the diverse aspects by which the microbiome shapes the behaviour and mental wellbeing of the host. Key elements of this complex bi‐directional relationship include neurotransmitters, neuronal electrophysiology, immune mediators that engage with both the central and enteric nervous systems and signalling cascades that trigger long‐term potentiation of synapses. The importance of establishing mechanistic correlations along the microbiome–gut–brain axis cannot be overstated as they hold the potential for furthering current understanding regarding the vast fields of neuroscience and neuropsychiatry. This review strives to elucidate the promising theory of microbiome‐driven synaptic plasticity in the hope of enlightening current researchers and inspiring future ones.
A scoping review of youth and young adults' roles in natural disaster mitigation and response: considerations for youth wellbeing during a global ecological crisis
Authors: Bessaha Melissa , Hayward Rachel Anna , Gatanas Kiriaki
Published: November 2021

Background

Youth and young adults, ages 15–29, have been identified as assets in mitigation and management for natural disasters around the world. This study reviews the literature on disaster mitigation, response, and recovery following natural disasters with a focus on the engagement of youth and young adults.

Methods

The Arksey and O’Malley (2005) scoping review model was used to broadly summarize existing literature. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted using several databases. Keywords and index terms were searched using four concepts: (a) age (e.g., youth, young adult), (b) participation type (e.g., engagement, participation), (c) natural disaster type (e.g., hurricane, tsunami), and (d) disaster response type (e.g., planning, mitigation).

Results

The search yielded 214 articles published between 1990 and 2021. Of these articles, 19 met inclusion criteria. Identified literature focused on youth and young adults' mitigation and recovery efforts responding to natural disasters in several different countries. Themes of young people's participation or youth‐led efforts focused on community mobilization and resilience (n = 5), youth empowerment and policy advocacy (n = 2), communication technology (n = 2), education‐community partnerships (n = 9), and postdisaster rescue efforts (n = 1).

Conclusions

With a changing climate and increased weather‐related natural disasters, as well as in the context of a global health pandemic, community‐based groups would benefit from learning from international efforts to engage young people in disaster mitigation and recovery efforts especially as it relates to promoting mental health and well‐being.
The effect of improvisation in turbulent times on IHR strategy: A case study of French MNEs in Tunisia
Authors: Yahiaoui Dorra , Chebbi Hela , Beddi Hanane , Thrassou Alkis
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the evolution of international human resources (IHR) strategies of Western multinational enterprises (MNEs) from a strategic improvisation perspective. It analyzes the effect of the Tunisian context, after the revolution, on the strategic IHR direction of French MNEs. The study is based on qualitative research of two French MNEs in Tunisia, and the findings highlight the influence of contextual, managerial and organizational drivers on the improvisation strategy to revise the MNEs' IHR strategy. The results detail a parallel shift from an ethnocentric to a regiocentric approach, based on a minor improvisation in one case, and from an ethnocentric to a geocentric approach, following a bounded improvisation in the other. The work bears both scientific and industry value, as it defines and interrelates managerial, organizational and contextual forces, and transcribes scientific findings into practicable actions within an emerging market. The research identifies open‐mindedness, communication, local managers' skills, mutual trust and strong local networks as keys in the development of an improvisation strategy within a turbulent context.
Unilateral degenerative joint disease of a cervical articular process joint between the fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae causing asymmetrical ataxia in a young horse
Authors: Bailey J. , Bowen I. M. , Anghileri B. , Baiker K. , Henson F. M. D.
Published: November 2021

A 5‐year‐old horse was examined for investigation of asymmetrical, quadrilateral ataxia and paresis. Clinical examination was unremarkable, and a thorough neurological examination localised the lesion to the cervical spine. Following this, magnetic motor evoked potentials were acquired to allow for latency times to be determined. Abnormal conduction times were found to the right thoracic and right pelvic limbs, confirming that the horse had an asymmetrical cervical spinal myelopathy. Radiographs were acquired to ensure that the horse had no significant pathology which would contraindicate general anaesthesia. There were no abnormalities noted on these, so the horse underwent contrast‐enhanced computed tomography of its cervical spine which revealed enlargement of the right articular process joint between C4 and C5 with dorsolateral impingement of the spinal canal and cord. Due to the poor prognosis for future performance, the horse was subsequently euthanised. A post‐mortem examination confirmed the findings of degenerative joint disease, with some unexpected changes seen on histology of the spinal cord. The unilateral right‐sided compression had caused degenerative changes to ascending and descending tract bilaterally indicating a dynamic component to this lesion, which would be more commonly understood to be static.
How families respond to the collateral consequences of incarceration and prisoner reentry
Authors: Hood Brittany J. , Gaston Shytierra
Published: November 2021

Objective

The goal of this research was to investigate the ways in which families respond to the collateral consequences of incarceration and reentry.

Background

Although scholars have extensively documented the collateral consequences of mass incarceration for individuals, far less attention has been paid to families, particularly the adult relatives of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated persons who are the primary social support agents.

Method

The current study draws from 24 in‐depth, semistructured interviews with the parents, siblings, romantic partners, and other relatives of formerly incarcerated persons in an urban, mid‐sized Midwestern city. We employed a multistage qualitative analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed 10 stress‐induced responses among families. These responses largely involved individuals' self‐reliance on their personal efficacy, some reflecting maladaptive responses, while having limited external or formal supports on which to rely when facing strains from familial incarceration.

Implication

Findings suggest that the significant socioeconomic and psychological tax families pay when supporting a justice system–involved relative compromises their well‐being. This study has the potential to inform treatment, research, practices, and policies involving families that are affected by incarceration.
Combined effects of heatwaves and micropollutants on freshwater ecosystems: Towards an integrated assessment of extreme events in multiple stressors research
Authors: Polazzo Francesco , Roth Sabrina K. , Hermann Markus , Mangold‐Döring Annika , Rico Andreu , Sobek Anna , Van den Brink Paul J. , Jackson Michelle C.
Published: November 2021

Freshwater ecosystems are strongly influenced by weather extremes such as heatwaves (HWs), which are predicted to increase in frequency and magnitude in the future. In addition to these climate extremes, the freshwater realm is impacted by the exposure to various classes of chemicals emitted by anthropogenic activities. Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the combined exposure to HWs and chemicals affects the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Here, we review the available literature describing the single and combined effects of HWs and chemicals on different levels of biological organization, to obtain a holistic view of their potential interactive effects. We only found a few studies (13 out of the 61 studies included in this review) that investigated the biological effects of HWs in combination with chemical pollution. The reported interactive effects of HWs and chemicals varied largely not only within the different trophic levels but also depending on the studied endpoints for populations or individuals. Hence, owing also to the little number of studies available, no consistent interactive effects could be highlighted at any level of biological organization. Moreover, we found an imbalance towards single species and population experiments, with only five studies using a multitrophic approach. This results in a knowledge gap for relevant community and ecosystem level endpoints, which prevents the exploration of important indirect effects that can compromise food web stability. Moreover, this knowledge gap impairs the validity of chemical risk assessments and our ability to protect ecosystems. Finally, we highlight the urgency of integrating extreme events into multiple stressors studies and provide specific recommendations to guide further experimental research in this regard.
Changes in tree drought sensitivity provided early warning signals to the California drought and forest mortality event
Authors: Keen Rachel M. , Voelker Steven L. , Wang S.‐Y. Simon , Bentz Barbara J. , Goulden Michael L. , Dangerfield Cody R. , Reed Charlotte C. , Hood Sharon M. , Csank Adam Z. , Dawson Todd E. , Merschel Andrew G. , Still Christopher J.
Published: November 2021

Climate warming in recent decades has negatively impacted forest health in the western United States. Here, we report on potential early warning signals (EWS) for drought‐related mortality derived from measurements of tree‐ring growth (ring width index; RWI) and carbon isotope discrimination (∆13C), primarily focused on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Sampling was conducted in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, near the epicenter of drought severity and mortality associated with the 2012–2015 California drought and concurrent outbreak of western pine beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis). At this site, we found that widespread mortality was presaged by five decades of increasing sensitivity (i.e., increased explained variation) of both tree growth and ∆13C to Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). We hypothesized that increasing sensitivity of tree growth and ∆13C to hydroclimate constitute EWS that indicate an increased likelihood of widespread forest mortality caused by direct and indirect effects of drought. We then tested these EWS in additional ponderosa pine‐dominated forests that experienced varying mortality rates associated with the same California drought event. In general, drier sites showed increasing sensitivity of RWI to PDSI over the last century, as well as higher mortality following the California drought event compared to wetter sites. Two sites displayed evidence that thinning or fire events that reduced stand basal area effectively reversed the trend of increasing hydroclimate sensitivity. These comparisons indicate that reducing competition for soil water and/or decreasing bark beetle host tree density via forest management—particularly in drier regions—may buffer these forests against drought stress and associated mortality risk. EWS such as these could provide land managers more time to mitigate the extent or severity of forest mortality in advance of droughts. Substantial efforts at deploying additional dendrochronological research in concert with remote sensing and forest modeling will aid in forecasting of forest responses to continued climate warming.
An alternative screening approach for Google Search identifies an accurate and manageable number of results for a systematic review (case study)
Authors: Briscoe Simon , Rogers Morwenna
Published: November 2021

Background

A challenge when using Google Search to identify studies for a systematic review is managing the high number of results, which can number in the hundreds of thousands or even more. Studies and guidance on web searching suggest limiting the screening process, e.g. to the first 100 results.

Objectives

Our objective in this case study is to demonstrate an alternative approach to screening the results retrieved by Google Search which is based on our experience that the viewable number of results is often far fewer than the estimated number calculated by the search engine.

Methods

We screened the results of three searches of Google Search using our approach, which involves increasing the number of results displayed per page from 10 to the maximum of 100. We then calculated the viewable number of results and compared this with the estimated number.

Results

The mean of the estimated number of results for the three searches was 569,454,000. The mean of the viewable number results was 463 (0.00008% of the mean of the estimated number of results).

Conclusion

Our findings challenge the commonly reported view that the number of results retrieved when using Google Search is too high to screen in full.
When are European Works Councils informed and consulted, and how do they gain influence? A quantitative analysis
Authors: De Spiegelaere Stan
Published: November 2021

The objective of European Works Councils (EWCs) is to provide employees in multinational companies with information on transnational issues, and with the opportunity to voice their opinions, in order to influence managerial decision‐making. Few, however, reach that goal. This article therefore asks the question: Why? What factors explain whether or not an EWC is able to reach its goals? Building on previously established models and using large‐scale survey analysis, this article largely confirms the importance of factors related to management structure and policy, employee‐side organisation and interaction with management. As several of the main determinants relate directly or indirectly to managerial agency, the study discusses alternative ways to improve EWC functioning by focusing on the role of management.
Political attitudes, participation and union membership in the UK
Authors: Trentini Marco
Published: November 2021

Unionisation continues to decline in the UK. This paper examines the changes over time in the relationship between politics and union membership, and it is based on European Social Survey data from 2002 to 2018. Political attitudes have been analysed by considering the interest in politics and ideological orientation according to self‐placement on the left–right scale, and behaviour looking at political participation. Political orientation (being left‐wing) and political participation are determinants of union membership. However, in the UK, a centrist political orientation prevails, and political participation is low. The relationship between political attitudes, behaviour and unionisation over time has been stable.
On the Positive Correlation between DIF and Difficulty: A New Theory on the Correlation as Methodological Artifact
Authors: Bolt Daniel M. , Liao Xiangyi
Published: November 2021

We revisit the empirically observed positive correlation between DIF and difficulty studied by Freedle and commonly seen in tests of verbal proficiency when comparing populations of different mean latent proficiency levels. It is shown that a positive correlation between DIF and difficulty estimates is actually an expected result (absent any true DIF) in the presence of systematically negative ICC asymmetry. Under such conditions, conditional upon sum score, correct responses to easier items are indicative of higher latent proficiency than correct responses to more difficult items. Negative ICC asymmetry, which can occur as a result of disjunctively interacting latent subprocesses (including disjunctive combinations of proficiency‐based guessing and problem‐solving processes, for example), is suggested to be widely present among items used in many verbal tests due to their general lack of problem‐solving complexity and the anticipated presence of proficiency‐related guessing. When systematic, negative ICC asymmetries result in a shrinkage of units at the lower end of the IRT metric when traditional symmetric IRT models are applied. We demonstrate by simulation an ensuing DIF‐difficulty correlation artifact in application of a model‐based DIF approach, as well as for the Mantel‐Haenszel and Standardization DIF detection methods. A sensitivity analysis illustration demonstrates how assuming a fixed level of negative asymmetry in the ICCs effectively makes an observed positive correlation between DIF and difficulty seen when fitting symmetric ICCs go away.
Postharvest quality monitoring and cold chain management of fresh garlic scapes based on a wireless multi‐sensors system
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Ma Ruiqin , Draganic Andjela , Orovic Irena , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Wang Xiang , Wang Jingjie
Published: November 2021

Fresh garlic scape is popular for its unique tastes and special antibacterial effect. As a kind of seasonal vegetable, it has huge quality decay after harvesting, and usually by low temperature storage to approach the round‐year supply. However, it lacks cold chain management directions and transparency, which depends heavily on the real‐time information of the process environments and the quality of fresh garlic scapes. With the analyzed quality‐related indicators, including temperature, relative humidity, gas composition and vibration, a multi‐sensors information acquisition system based on wireless sensor network was designed and developed. Then, the process of the fresh garlic scapes supply were systematically analyzed and identified, and the proposed system was also evaluated using the monitored data in current practices. Results show that the transportation and cold storage occupies an important position in the typical garlic scapes supply process, which has continuous influences on the quality preservation. The developed system functions well, and the wireless multi‐sensors nodes can real‐time monitor environmental information with high data reliability. The data evaluation also demonstrates the association of the monitored quality‐related data with the supply process stage. Meanwhile, it is the visualization of the quality‐related data that enhance the real‐time sensing of the quality in storage, the transparency of the supply process and the cold chain management level. Furthermore, the system should be further enhanced with the better data quality acquired by the nodes for better quality sensing and management of the fresh garlic scapes supply process.

Practical Applications

Significant benefits of this work are anticipated on the postharvest and preservation of garlic scapes to the market and reduction of its losses in the postharvest chain.
New perspective on fecal microbiota transplantation in liver diseases
Authors: Suk Ki Tae , Koh Hong
Published: November 2021

Chronic liver disease including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol‐related liver disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. The gut–liver axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, dysbiosis, leaky bowel, bacterial translocation, and imbalanced metabolites are related to the progression of chronic liver disease. Recently, novel therapeutic approaches for microbiota modulation such as personalized diet, probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, engineered microbiotas, phage therapy, stomach operation, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have been proposed with numerous promising results in the effectiveness and clinical application. Although the evidence is still lacking, FMT, a type of fecal bacteriotherapy, has been known as a candidate for the treatment of liver disease. This review article focuses on the most recent advances in our understanding of FMT in chronic liver disease such as non‐alcoholic and alcohol‐related liver disease.
Midwives Mentoring Midwives: A Review of the Evidence and Best Practice Recommendations
Authors: Bradford Heather , Hines Heather Findletar , Labko Yuliya , Peasley Amber , Valentin‐Welch Maria , Breedlove Ginger
Published: November 2021

Mentoring involves a reciprocal relationship between a more experienced person (mentor) who offers guidance and counsel to a less experienced person (mentee). Reported benefits of mentoring among students of varying health professions include skill acquisition, understanding of the professional role, acclimation to the culture of the health profession, and personal and professional development. Globally, the midwifery profession has a long‐standing history of mentoring students and new graduate midwives. However, only one study has described a formal mentoring program within the US midwifery profession. Therefore, to inform best practice for both formal and informal mentoring programs, current mentoring programs are summarized and a state of the science review on mentoring within midwifery in the United States and internationally was conducted. Three types of mentoring relationships are discussed: (1) student to student (peer), (2) midwife to student, and (3) midwife to new graduate midwife. Effective models and recommended approaches for the development and expansion of mentoring are discussed, to sustain, diversify, and scale up the midwifery workforce. Personal attributes and action steps of effective mentors and mentees are provided.
Introduction: The transnational circulation of digital nationalism
Authors: Lajosi Krisztina , Nyíri Pál
Published: November 2021

This themed section aims to examine the offline implications of a thriving online nationalist culture fostered by various social media platforms. Several studies have concluded that social media have enhanced nationalism, but there is still a significant lacuna in understanding the deep social, political, and cultural transformations produced by online platforms. How is nationalism different in the digital age? How do nationalists harness the transnational character of social media to disseminate and channel their message simultaneously to various cultural groups? How is the message composed and translated to appeal to various groups, and how does nationalist content cross language and cultural boundaries? The papers that make up this themed section explore the transnational aspects of digital cultures and provide new insights into the methodological difficulties of understanding the offline impact of the contents of social media.
Strategies to promote health behaviors in parents with small children—A systematic review and realist synthesis of behavioral interventions
Authors: Timm Anne , Kragelund Nielsen Karoline , Joenck Larke , Husted Jensen Nanna , Jensen Dorte Moeller , Norgaard Ole , Terkildsen Maindal Helle
Published: November 2021

In this systematic review and realist synthesis, we aimed to identify strategies to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors for parents with small children. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in July 2021. Included studies had to: (i) target one or both parents with at least one child (0–3 years), (ii) aim to improve diet and physical activity, and (iii) report on diet and physical activity outcomes. Intervention context, delivery, and outcomes were extracted, and behavior change techniques were coded. A program theory was developed, and context‐mechanism‐outcome configurations were identified. In total, 17 interventions reported in 28 studies (19 effectiveness studies; nine protocols) were included. Nine interventions showed small improvements: in diet (n = 5), physical activity (n = 2), or both (n = 2) in mothers. The realist synthesis revealed three strategies to improve health behaviors: (1) using knowledge and role modelling to improve family dynamics, (2) providing various home‐based activities to change home environment, and (3) offering flexible delivery, for example, phone or website‐based to increase social support. Future interventions for parents with small children should consider involving the whole family, focusing on home‐based and practical components, and offering various delivery modes. The protocol for the systematic review and realist synthesis was registered in Research Registry (registration ID: reviewregistry860) March 30th, 2020.
How legal scholars facilitate tax avoidance: Case study on the power of tax consultancy firms
Authors: Raitasuo Santtu , Ylönen Matti
Published: November 2021

Social scientists have neglected the ways in which the consultancy assignments of legal scholars mediate private interests, even though their opinions provide important guidance in legal proceedings. Through a case study from Finland, we document a process where private tax advisory firms utilize their access to academic forums to defend their clients' interests. With further evidence on related dependencies, we trace a twofold process that amplifies the voice of tax advisors and suppresses public interest‐related concerns. By achieving positions of trust in the academia, tax consultancy firms gain important gatekeeper roles that facilitate corporate‐friendly research and subdue critical arguments. The findings challenge the conventional understanding of the dynamics of knowledge production and call for a greater attention to the pitfalls of the marketization of academic legal advice and scholarship. The national‐level interpretative power of major tax advisory companies is also an important building block for international network power.
Grit, motivation and university grades
Authors: Pleace Michelle , Nicholls Nicky
Published: November 2021

Many South African university students either do not complete their degrees or take a prolonged time to meet the minimum degree requirements, with significant cost implications. Identifying malleable drivers of academic success is an important starting point in designing policies and programmes to improve student outcomes. To this end, we assess grit and intrinsic motivation as possible predictors of academic success, where motivation type is coded using text analysis of open‐ended responses. We also investigate interactions between these traits. In line with existing literature, mostly in the United States and Canada, our results show that higher levels of grit are related to higher grades among Economic and Management Science students in a South African University. We further note intrinsic motivation as a significant predictor of grit levels. Our findings suggest that grade outcomes might be improved by interventions focusing on building grittiness in students.
Maturation and survival of arteriovenous fistula: The challenge starts from the preoperative assessment stage
Authors: Gan Wenyuan , Shao Danni , Xu Li , Tuo Yanhong , Mao Huihui , Wang Wenzhe , Xiao Wei , Xu Fang , Huang Xiaomei , Chen Wenli , Zeng Xingruo
Published: November 2021

Background

It is necessary to assess the association between the preoperative indicators and the maturation and survival of arteriovenous fistula (AVF).

Methods

We retrospectively identified 236 patients with a new AVF created between 2016 and 2018 in our Dialysis Center.

Results

Multivariate Logistic regression showed that preoperative arterial diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 1.452, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.233, 1.710], p < 0.001), preoperative venous diameter (OR = 1.296, 95% CI [1.166, 1.477], p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR = 1.187, 95% CI [1.103, 1.277], p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.245, 95% CI [0.107, 0.560], p = 0.01) were independent influential factors for AVF maturation. Two years after the AVF surgery follow‐up, multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards model showed that the preoperative arterial diameter (OR = 0.510, 95% CI [0.320, 0.813], p = 0.005), preoperative venous diameter (OR = 0.940, 95% CI [0.897, 0.985], p = 0.010) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.785, 95% CI [1.117, 2.855], p = 0.016) was prognostic factors of AVF survival. The Kaplan–Meier method showed that the primary survival of AVF in patients with different preoperative arterial diameter was statistically significant (log‐rank χ2 = 15.415, p < 0.001), while the secondary survival was not statistically significant (log‐rank χ2 = 0.131, p = 0.717).

Conclusion

In our cohort, the preoperative arterial and venous diameter and diabetes mellitus were independent influential factors for AVF maturation and prognostic factors of AVF survival. However, the preoperative LVEF only associated with the maturation of AVF. Meanwhile, smaller arterial diameter (≤2.15 mm) was associated with AVF maturation failure, but did not impact secondary survival of AVF.
The influence of sample processing time on the performance ofMicrosporum caniscultures in cats
Authors: Santana Aline E. , Sellera Fábio P. , Filgueira Kilder D. , Taborda Carlos P. , Reche‐Junior Archivaldo
Published: November 2021

Background

Fungal culture is widely used as a diagnostic tool for detecting dermatophytosis. However, the presence of fungal contaminants can influence the culture's performance and compromise the diagnosis.

Objective

To verify whether the sample processing time can affect the performance of fungal culture for the diagnosis ofMicrosporum canisinfection in cats.

Animals

Forty Persian cats.

Methods and materials

Hair and scale samples were collected by combing the coat using a 5 × 5 cm sterile polyester carpet. The carpets were assigned randomly to four groups based on time point of processing samples after collection (i.e. used for culture on a selective agar medium for dermatophytes): Group 1: 8 h (n = 10); Group 2: 24 h (n = 10); Group 3: 48 h (n = 10); and Group 4: 72 h (n = 10). Cultures were compared regarding the degree of fungal invasion by eitherM. canisor nondermatophytic contaminant moulds (NDM).

Results

Processing samples after 24 h of storage resulted in increased isolation rates of NDM and decreased isolation rates ofM. canis. Samples processed after 48 h and 72 h presented more than half of the plates with a high degree of fungal contamination (i.e. NDM occupying ≥50% of the total fungal mass). However, samples processed after 8 h and 24 h presented a lower degree (P < 0.05) of NDM plate invasion and higher recovery rates ofM. caniswhen compared to samples processed after 48 h and 72 h.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Delayed processing time is closely associated with the overgrowth of contaminants and with lower recovery rates ofM. canis.
Decarbonization Advancements in Pressure Pumping With Gas Turbines
Authors: Mantini Andrea , Goldstein Steven , Rimlinger Colleen
Published: November 2021

Key changes have triggered the push for frac fleet innovation. With environmental regulation efforts to cut down on emissions increasing, more and more companies are transitioning to the use of electric fleet equipment. Electric fleets use natural gas, which burns cleaner than diesel fuel.

Our study found the gas turbine outperformed Tier 4 dual fuel blend (DF) reciprocating engines and demonstrated a step change improvement in both direct and indirect emissions reductions over the 20+ year lifecycle of the Baker Hughes LM2500 in Permian and Williston Basins’ field operating conditions. An even greater impact to direct GHG (as CO2 equivalent) emissions reduction came to light when the potential to reduce flaring of associated gas was considered.

Gas turbines have been proven to have the best-in-class emissions for powering pressure pumping fleets and lead the industry on fuel cost savings and in achieving commitments to reduce carbon emissions in places like the Permian Basin in Texas and remote areas across the world. Though, recent industry studies abominably suggest that Tier 4 diesel and Tier 4 dual fuel (DF) engine technologies offer an alternative with emissions benefits in comparison to current gas turbine offerings this study demonstrate the contrary.
Investigation on Axial-Lateral-Torsion Nonlinear Coupling Vibration Model of Drilling String in Ultra-HPHT Curved Wells
Authors: Guo Xiaoqiang , Liu Jun , Wang Jianxun , Zhu Haiyan
Published: November 2021

In view of the vibration failure of drilling string system in ultra-high temperature and high pressure (ultra-HPHT) curved wells, an axial-lateral-torsion coupling (ALTC) nonlinear vibration model of drilling string system was established using energy method and Hamiltonian principle, in which, the influence of wellbore trajectory change, wellbore constraint, interaction between bit and rock and ultra-HPHT of wellbore on elastic modulus and viscosity of drilling fluid were taken into account. The finite element method (FEM) is used to realize the numerical solution of the nonlinear vibration model. The correctness and validity of the ALTC nonlinear vibration model was verified by comparing the measured data of four ultra-HPHT wells with the theoretical calculation results of the proposed model. The research results provide a theoretically sound guidance for designing and practically sound approach for effectively improving rate of penetration (ROP) and the service life of drilling string in ultra-HPHT curved wells.
Resistance to inflammation underlies enhanced fitness in clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: Avagyan S. , Henninger J. E. , Mannherz W. P. , Mistry M. , Yoon J. , Yang S. , Weber M. C. , Moore J. L. , Zon L. I.
Published: November 2021

Colorful clones in the blood

Stem cells in regenerating tissues such as the blood can acquire mutations that enable a growth advantage, increasing the chance of developing cancer. It is unclear how such diverse mutations promote clonal fitness. Avagyan
et al
. generated a platform in zebrafish to label clones with unique hues while inducing mutations in genes implicated in human blood disorders. Mutations in some genes caused clones to expand over time, resulting in clonal dominance. Progenitors in the dominant clone expressed anti-inflammatory factors to resist the inflammatory environment produced by their own mature progeny, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle promoting clonal fitness. Targeting these resistance pathways may be used to abate clonal hematopoiesis and prevent its associated pathology. —BAP
Abating ammonia is more cost-effective than nitrogen oxides for mitigating PM
2.5
air pollution
Authors: Gu Baojing , Zhang Lin , Van Dingenen Rita , Vieno Massimo , Van Grinsven Hans JM , Zhang Xiuming , Zhang Shaohui , Chen Youfan , Wang Sitong , Ren Chenchen , Rao Shilpa , Holland Mike , Winiwarter Wilfried , Chen Deli , Xu Jianming , Sutton Mark A.
Published: November 2021

Little things matter

Particulate air pollution 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size (PM2.5) is a major cause of human mortality, and controlling its production is a health policy priority. Nitrogen oxides are an important precursor of PM2.5 and have been a focus of pollution control programs. However, Gu
et al
. now show that abating ammonia emissions is also an important component of PM2.5 reduction, and the societal benefits of abatement greatly outweigh the costs (see the Perspective by Erisman). Reducing ammonia emissions thus would be a cost-effective complement to nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide controls. —HJS
Many-body–localized discrete time crystal with a programmable spin-based quantum simulator
Authors: Randall J. , Bradley C. E. , van der Gronden F. V. , Galicia A. , Abobeih M. H. , Markham M. , Twitchen D. J. , Machado F. , Yao N. Y. , Taminiau T. H.
Published: November 2021

Establishing order, time after time

The formation of discrete time crystals, a novel phase of matter, has been proposed for some many-body quantum systems under periodic driving conditions. Randall
et al
. used an array of nuclear spins surrounding a nitrogen vacancy center in diamond as their many-body quantum system. Subjecting the system to a series of periodic driving pulses, they observed ordering of the spins occurring at twice the driving frequency, a signature that they claim establishes the formation of a discrete time crystal. Such dynamic control is expected to be useful for manipulating quantum systems and implementing quantum information protocols. —ISO
Scalable Birch reduction with lithium and ethylenediamine in tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Burrows James , Kamo Shogo , Koide Kazunori
Published: November 2021

Easy aryl reductions

The Birch reduction has been widely used for more than half a century to achieve partial reduction of aryl rings by alkali metals at just two diametrically opposed carbon sites. However, the conditions require condensation of caustic gaseous ammonia. A variation developed soon afterward by Benkeser used safer liquid ethylene diamine but was prone to overreduction. By diluting ethylene diamine in tetrahydrofuran solvent, Burrows
et al
. now obtain selectivities comparable to Birch conditions but without the need for condensed ammonia. —JSY
Multiple rereads of single proteins at single–amino acid resolution using nanopores
Authors: Brinkerhoff Henry , Kang Albert S. W. , Liu Jingqian , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Dekker Cees
Published: November 2021

Reading amino acids by nanopore

Nanopore technology enables sensing of minute chemical changes at the single-molecule level by detecting differences in an ion current as molecules are drawn through a membrane-embedded pore. The sensitivity is sufficient to discriminate between nucleotide bases in nanopore sequencing, and other applications of this technology are promising. Brinkerhoff
et al
. developed a nanopore-based, single-molecule approach in which a protein was sequentially scanned in single-amino-acid steps through the narrow construction of a nanopore, and ion currents were monitored to resolve differences in the amino acid sequence along the peptide backbone (see the Perspective by Bošković and Keyser). The peptide reader was capable of reliably detecting single-amino-acid substitutions within individual peptides. An individual protein could be re-read many times, yielding very high read accuracy in variant identification. These proof-of-concept nanopore experiments constitute a promising basis for the development of a single-molecule protein sequencer. —DJ
SARS-CoV-2 vaccine protection and deaths among US veterans during 2021
Authors: Cohn Barbara A. , Cirillo Piera M. , Murphy Caitlin C. , Krigbaum Nickilou Y. , Wallace Arthur W.
Published: November 2021

We report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine effectiveness against infection (VE-I) and death (VE-D) by vaccine type in 780,225 veterans in the Veterans Health Administration, covering 2.7% of the US population. From February to October 2021, VE-I declined for all vaccine types, and the decline was greatest for the Janssen vaccine, resulting in a VE-I of 13.1%. Although breakthrough infection increased risk of death, vaccination remained protective against death in persons who became infected during the Delta variant surge. From July to October 2021, VE-D for age <65 years was 73.0% for Janssen, 81.5% for Moderna, and 84.3% for Pfizer-BioNTech; VE-D for age ≥65 years was 52.2% for Janssen, 75.5% for Moderna, and 70.1% for Pfizer-BioNTech. Findings support continued efforts to increase vaccination, booster campaigns, and multiple additional layers of protection against infection.
Methane removal seen as tool to slow warming
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: November 2021

As nations look to cut emissions of the gas, some researchers want to pull it out of the air
Reactor mishap derails U.S. studies with neutron beams
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: November 2021

NIST’s research reactor suffered little damage, but will be offline for months
Max Planck director loses post after probe of misconduct
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: November 2021

Nicole Boivin remains on research staff, but major archaeological institute is left with interim director
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio jasicida 20LP, an Opportunistic Bacterium Isolated from Fish Larvae
Authors: Sanches-Fernandes Gracinda M. M. , Califano Gianmaria , Keller-Costa Tina , Castanho Sara , Soares Florbela , Ribeiro Laura , Pousão-Ferreira Pedro , Mata Leonardo , Costa Rodrigo
Published: November 2021

We present the genome sequence of
Vibrio jasicida
20LP, a bacterial strain retrieved from larvae of gilthead seabream (
Sparus aurata
), a highly valuable, model fish species in land-based aquaculture. Annotation of the
V. jasicida
20LP genome reveals multiple genomic features potentially underpinning opportunistic associations with diverse marine animals.
Complete Genome Sequence of the
Pantoea
Phage AH07
Authors: Roth Sam J. , Krukonis Greg P. , Delesalle Véronique A.
Published: November 2021

Bacteriophages of the phyllosphere have not been extensively described, despite their role in bacterial communities on this plant organ. Here, we describe a temperate
Pantoea
phage, AH07, that was isolated from the leaves of horse chestnut trees. The 37,859-bp linear double-stranded DNA genome contains 58 putative genes, including an integration cassette.
Effects of sea-level variation and sedimentary noise variation on the development of biogenic reefs since the Pliocene among the Xisha Islands, South China Sea
Authors: Zhao Ke , Du Xuebin , Jia Jixin , Xie Xinong , Hao Fang , Shi Jiacheng , Yue Shang
Published: November 2021

Carbonate strata are a vital and favorable reservoir for global oil and gas exploration, and carbonate sedimentary systems record ancient oceanic and paleoclimatic conditions, including paleoenvironmental variations throughout geologic periods. Carbonate platforms are widely distributed among the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea and contain large amounts of oil and gas resources. Biogenic reefs are the dominant parts of the carbonate platforms in the Xisha Islands; however, research on the factors that control and affect biogenic reef development is lacking. In this study, a core from well XK-1, which is located on Yongxing Island in the Xisha Islands, a sedimentary noise model, and time-series analyses were used to determine the effects of sea-level fluctuations from 5.3 Ma to present. The results show that coral reefs in the Xisha Islands are sensitive to eustatic fluctuations and that a decrease in sea level essentially corresponds to an increase in sedimentation rate. Indexes of the East Asian monsoon and other environmental indexes show that the Pleistocene and Holocene were suitable for coral growth; however, the trends shown by these indexes and the sea-level variation indicate that the future growth of coral reefs will be at a disadvantage. Research on the controlling factors of biogenic reefs is of significance for understanding reef growth, performing global reef comparisons, and encouraging the future protection of coral reefs.
Supplemental Material: Eolian stratigraphic record of environmental change through geological time
Authors: Cosgrove Grace I.E. , al. et
Published: November 2021

Figure S1 (location map of the 55 ancient eolian case studies), Table S1 (list of case studies and associated source literature), Table S2 (definitions of architectural elements and types discussed in the text), and Table S3 (data used to generate the results presented here).
Supplemental Material: Microstructural evidence for convection in high-silica granite
Authors: Dyck Brendan , Holness Marian
Published: November 2021

Crystallization sequence.
Supplemental Material: Tracing fluid evolution in sedimentary basins with calcite geochemical, isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data: Implications for petroleum and mineral resource accumulation in the Nanpanjiang Basin, South China
Authors: Ge Xiang , Shen Chuanbo , al. et
Published: November 2021

Figure S1: Tectonic reconstruction maps for SE Asia; Table S1: Calcite LA-ICP-MS in situ U-Pb isotope data.
Use of whole genome sequencing to determine genetic basis of suspected mitochondrial disorders: cohort study
Authors: Schon Katherine R , Horvath Rita , Wei Wei , Calabrese Claudia , Tucci Arianna , Ibañez Kristina , Ratnaike Thiloka , Pitceathly Robert D S , Bugiardini Enrico , Quinlivan Rosaline , Hanna Michael G , Clement Emma , Ashton Emma , Sayer John A , Brennan Paul , Josifova Dragana , Izatt Louise , Fratter Carl , Nesbitt Victoria , Barrett Timothy , McMullen Dominic J , Smith Audrey , Deshpande Charulata , Smithson Sarah F , Festenstein Richard , Canham Natalie , Caulfield Mark , Houlden Henry , Rahman( Shamima , Chinnery Patrick F
Published: November 2021

Objective

To determine whether whole genome sequencing can be used to define the molecular basis of suspected mitochondrial disease.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

National Health Service, England, including secondary and tertiary care.

Participants

345 patients with suspected mitochondrial disorders recruited to the 100 000 Genomes Project in England between 2015 and 2018.

Intervention

Short read whole genome sequencing was performed. Nuclear variants were prioritised on the basis of gene panels chosen according to phenotypes, ClinVar pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants, and the top 10 prioritised variants from Exomiser. Mitochondrial DNA variants were called using an in-house pipeline and compared with a list of pathogenic variants. Copy number variants and short tandem repeats for 13 neurological disorders were also analysed. American College of Medical Genetics guidelines were followed for classification of variants.

Main outcome measure

Definite or probable genetic diagnosis.

Results

A definite or probable genetic diagnosis was identified in 98/319 (31%) families, with an additional 6 (2%) possible diagnoses. Fourteen of the diagnoses (4% of the 319 families) explained only part of the clinical features. A total of 95 different genes were implicated. Of 104 families given a diagnosis, 39 (38%) had a mitochondrial diagnosis and 65 (63%) had a non-mitochondrial diagnosis.

Conclusion

Whole genome sequencing is a useful diagnostic test in patients with suspected mitochondrial disorders, yielding a diagnosis in a further 31% after exclusion of common causes. Most diagnoses were non-mitochondrial disorders and included developmental disorders with intellectual disability, epileptic encephalopathies, other metabolic disorders, cardiomyopathies, and leukodystrophies. These would have been missed if a targeted approach was taken, and some have specific treatments.
Nucleon–nucleus inelastic scattering by Manning–Rosen distorted nonlocal potential
Authors: Sahoo P. , Laha U.
Published: November 2021

Within the framework of non-relativistic quantum scattering theory, we treat the charged hadron scattering by replacing the nuclear interaction by a separable nonlocal one and the electromagnetic part by the Manning–Rosen potential. The off-energy-shell scattering is rigorously studied by this additive interaction by including the effect of electromagnetic interaction. The exact analytical expressions for the off-shell solutions and half-shell T-matrix are obtained in maximal reduced form. The half-shell T-matrix for the proton–oxygen system is computed and the resultant phase shifts are found in order.