bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The design of YBCO binary current leads and its electromagnetic-thermal coupling analysis based on PEEC and finite volume method
Authors: Zheng Hengkang , Liu Mengyu , Song Yunxing , Li Liang
Published: March 2023

A superconducting magnet system is developed for the application of high-frequency gyrotrons at Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center, China. The operating cost for the magnet is dominated by refrigeration power. To reduce the heat load for cryogenic systems, a pair of YBCO binary current leads is designed by consideration of the industrial concentration of type II high-temperature superconducting YBCO material. In this paper, a simulation model is proposed to perform the electromagnetic-thermal coupling analysis of these YBCO binary leads under different operating conditions by combining a partial element equivalent circuit method and finite volume method. The simulation code can improve computational efficiency and enable high-accuracy coupling between the electromagnetic field and heat transfer process. In the steady state, the heat leakage at the 4.2 K cold end of the YBCO binary leads depends mainly on the geometric parameters of the YBCO tape, especially the cross-sectional area of the copper layer in the YBCO tape. The cooling mode and liquid helium level also have a significant impact on the heat leakage level. The optimal outer diameter of the normal copper section is identified, and the optimum value is largely influenced by the effective cooling power imposed on the cold end of the normal copper section. In the transient state, simulations for the charging process and the loss of cooling accident are performed, along with a detailed analysis of the electromagnetic-thermal response features of the leads under these conditions. The results indicate that the YBCO binary current leads possess high thermal stability and an ample time margin for the magnet system to be demagnetized.
Medical image encryption based on RNG with an autonomous piecewise damping Josephson junction jerk oscillator embedded in FPGA
Authors: Ramadoss Janarthanan , Kamdoum Tamba Victor , Ainamon Cyrille , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Kingni Sifeu Takougang
Published: March 2023

This paper explore the dynamics, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) validation of an autonomous piecewise damping Josephson junction jerk oscillator (APDJJJO) and uses it to protect medical images based on random number generator (RNG). APDJJJO is derived from a piecewise damping Josephson junction (JJ) model and has either no equilibrium points or two unstable equilibrium points. One-scroll chaotic hidden attractor, one-scroll sovereign complex attractor, periodic and one-scroll complex self-driven attractors coexisting, and bistable limit cycles are found in APDJJJO during the investigation based on numerical simulations. Additionally, the FPGA validation of the APDJJJO shows similar complex characteristics to those obtained during the investigation via numerical simulations. Lastly, the chaotic characteristics depicted by the APDJJJO are used to design a RNG for the encryption of medical images. The generated random bits are validated successfully by standard statistical tool set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-800-22). Encryption algorithm is developed to secure a medical image by exploring the unpredicted bits generated. The safety and performances analysis are done to prove the robustness and efficiency of the image encryption algorithm.
Two-photon correlations in detuned resonance fluorescence
Authors: Zubizarreta Casalengua Eduardo , del Valle Elena , Laussy Fabrice P
Published: March 2023

We discuss two-photon correlations from the side peaks that are formed when a two-level system emitter is driven coherently, with a detuning between the driving source and the emitter (quasi-resonance fluorescence). We do so in the context of the theories of frequency-resolved photon correlations and homodyning, showing that their combination leads to a neat picture compatible with perturbative two-photon scattering that was popular in the early days of quantum electrodynamics. This should help to control, enhance and open new regimes of multiphoton emission. We also highlight a way to evidence the quantum coherent nature of the process from photoluminescence only, through the observation of a collapse of the symmetry of the lineshape accompanied by a surge of its intensity of emission. We discuss several of our results in the light of recent experimental works.
Parametric excitation of plane waves and traveling nonlinear surface charge structures by an oscillating electric field at the plasma boundary
Authors: Gradov O M
Published: March 2023

With the help of a single equation, to which it was possible to reduce the original system of equations, it turned out to be possible to describe the excitation of parametric instability on plane surface waves in an alternating electric field, its saturation due to the nonlinearity of the surface charge and the generation of nonlinear structures of this charge propagating along the boundary and depending on the parameters of external influence. The amplitude of saturation of the increasing plane waves was found as a result of stabilization of parametric instability by the nonlinear effect of the surface charge. An example of a nonlinear wave structure propagating along the surface of the boundary as a result of the interaction of an external electric field with a nonlinear surface charge is presented.
No-go theorem for scalar-trispectrum-induced gravitational waves
Authors: Garcia-Saenz Sebastian , Pinol Lucas , Renaux-Petel Sébastien , Werth Denis
Published: March 2023

We show that the contribution of the primordial trispectrum to the energy density of the
scalar-induced stochastic gravitational wave background cannot exceed the one from the scalar
power spectrum in conventional inflationary scenarios. Specifically, we prove in the context of
scale-invariant theories that neither regular trispectrum shapes peaking in so-called equilateral
configurations, nor local trispectrum shapes diverging in soft momentum limits, can contribute
significantly. Indeed, those contributions are always bound to be smaller than an order-one (or
smaller) number multiplying the relative one-loop correction to the scalar power spectrum,
necessarily much smaller than unity in order for the theory to be under perturbative control.
Since a no-go theorem is only worth its assumptions, we also briefly discuss a toy model for a
scale-dependent scalar spectrum, which confirms the robustness of our no-go result.
Physics-regularized neural network of the ideal-MHD solution operator in Wendelstein 7-X configurations
Authors: Merlo Andrea , Böckenhoff Daniel , Schilling Jonathan , Lazerson Samuel Aaron , Pedersen Thomas Sunn
Published: March 2023

The computational cost of constructing 3D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria is one of the limiting factors in stellarator research and design. Although data-driven approaches have been proposed to provide fast 3D MHD equilibria, the accuracy with which equilibrium properties are reconstructed is unknown. In this work, we describe an artificial neural network (NN) that quickly approximates the ideal-MHD solution operator in Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) configurations. This model fulfils equilibrium symmetries by construction. The MHD force residual regularizes the solution of the NN to satisfy the ideal-MHD equations. The model predicts the equilibrium solution with high accuracy, and it faithfully reconstructs global equilibrium quantities and proxy functions used in stellarator optimization. We also optimize W7-X magnetic configurations, where desirable configurations can be found in terms of fast particle confinement. This work demonstrates with which accuracy NN models can approximate the 3D ideal-MHD solution operator and reconstruct equilibrium properties of interest, and it suggests how they might be used to optimize stellarator magnetic configurations.
A tumor microenvironment-stimuli responsive nano-prodrug for overcoming gemcitabine chemoresistance by co-delivered miRNA-21 modulator
Authors: Zhang Fu , Yao Zhuo , Jin Piaopiao , Xu Mengqiu , Hu Qida , Chen Yuxuan , Que Risheng , Liang Tingbo
Published: March 2023

Gemcitabine (Gem) has been recommended as a first-line clinical chemotherapeutics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment. Gem treatment could generate chemoresistance associated with abnormal expressions of multiple miRNAs. In the PDAC setting, miRNA-21 (miR-21) overexpression is an important contributing factor of inducing Gem chemoresistance. Inhibition of miR-21 can significantly increase Gem chemosensitivity, which requires an efficient delivery platform to conduct combinational Gem and miR-21 siRNA (miR-21i) therapy. Herein, we synthesized a tumor microenvironment (TME) stimuli-responsive poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAE)-based polymer nano-prodrug (miR-21i@HA-Gem-SS-P12) that could co-deliver miR-21 siRNA and Gem. The disulfide linkages conjugating GEM onto PBAE can be triggered by elevated reduction stimulus in TME to release the cargo Gem. The hyaluronic acid (HA) fabrication further improved the drug accumulation at the tumor site. Benefiting from the multiple functional improvements and synergism between Gem and miR-21i, the miR-21i@HA-Gem-SS-P12 nano-prodrugs displayed superior tumor inhibition in PDAC in vitro and in vivo. This study established an effective stimuli-responsive nano-prodrug strategy for cooperative treatment with small molecule agents and nucleotide modulators in PDAC.
Increasing interannual climate variability during crop flowering in Europe
Authors: Bathiany Sebastian , Belleflamme Alexandre , Zohbi Juliane El , Ney Patrizia , Goergen Klaus , Rechid Diana
Published: March 2023

Climate change has increasingly adverse effects on global crop yields through the occurrence of heat waves, water stress, and other weather-related extremes. Besides losses of average yields, a decrease in yield stability—i.e. an increase in variability of yields from year to year—poses economic risks and threatens food security. Here we investigate a number of climate indices related to adverse weather events during the flowering of wheat, maize and rapeseed, in the current cultivation areas as well as the main European producer countries. In 52 projections from regional climate models, we identify robust increases in the interannual variability of temperature, precipitation and soil moisture by ∼+20% in standard deviation in the model median. We find that winter wheat is most exposed to variability increases, whereas rapeseed flowering escapes the largest increases due to the early flowering time and the northern locations of cultivation areas, while the opposite (escape due to southern locations and late flowering) is true for maize to some extent. Considering the timing of crop development stages, we also find a robust increase in the variability of the temporal occurrence of flowering, which suggests a decreased reliability in the timing of crop stages, hampering management steps like fertilization, irrigation or harvesting. Our study raises concerns for European crop yield stability in a warmer climate and highlights the need for risk diversification strategies in agricultural adaptation.
Bayesian learning of parameterised quantum circuits
Authors: Duffield Samuel , Benedetti Marcello , Rosenkranz Matthias
Published: March 2023

Currently available quantum computers suffer from constraints including hardware noise and a limited number of qubits. As such, variational quantum algorithms that utilise a classical optimiser in order to train a parameterised quantum circuit have drawn significant attention for near-term practical applications of quantum technology. In this work, we take a probabilistic point of view and reformulate the classical optimisation as an approximation of a Bayesian posterior. The posterior is induced by combining the cost function to be minimised with a prior distribution over the parameters of the quantum circuit. We describe a dimension reduction strategy based on a maximum a posteriori point estimate with a Laplace prior. Experiments on the Quantinuum H1-2 computer show that the resulting circuits are faster to execute and less noisy than the circuits trained without the dimension reduction strategy. We subsequently describe a posterior sampling strategy based on stochastic gradient Langevin dynamics. Numerical simulations on three different problems show that the strategy is capable of generating samples from the full posterior and avoiding local optima.
Transchromatic extensions in motivic bordism
Authors: Beaudry Agnès , Hill Michael , Shi XiaoLin Danny , Zeng Mingcong
Published: March 2023

We show a number of Toda brackets in the homotopy of the motivic bordism spectrum

M
G
L

MGL

and of the Real bordism spectrum

M

U

R

MU_{\mathbb R}

. These brackets are “red-shifting” in the sense that while the terms in the bracket will be of some chromatic height

n
n

, the bracket itself will be of chromatic height

(
n
+
1
)

(n+1)

. Using these, we deduce a family of exotic multiplications in the

π

(
∗
,
∗
)

M
G
L

\pi _{(\ast ,\ast )}MGL

-module structure of the motivic Morava

K
K

-theories, including non-trivial multiplications by

2
2

. These in turn imply the analogous family of exotic multiplications in the

π

⋆

M

U

R

\pi _{\star }MU_\mathbb R

-module structure on the Real Morava

K
K

-theories.
Two simultaneous actions of big mapping class groups
Authors: Bavard Juliette , Walker Alden
Published: March 2023

We study two actions of big mapping class groups. The first is an action by isometries on a Gromov-hyperbolic graph. The second is an action by homeomorphisms on a circle in which the vertices of the graph naturally embed.

The first two parts of the paper are devoted to the definition of objects and tools needed to introduce these two actions; in particular, we define and prove the existence of equators for infinite type surfaces, we define the hyperbolic graph and the circle needed for the actions, and we describe the Gromov-boundary of the graph using the embedding of its vertices in the circle.

The third part focuses on some fruitful relations between the dynamics of the two actions. For example, we prove that loxodromic elements (for the first action) necessarily have rational rotation number (for the second action). In addition, we are able to construct non-trivial quasimorphisms on many subgroups of big mapping class groups, even if they are not acylindrically hyperbolic.
On Galois representations with large image
Authors: Maire Christian
Published: March 2023

For every prime number

p
≥
3

p\geq 3

and every integer

m
≥
1

m\geq 1

, we prove the existence of a continuous Galois representation 

ρ
:

G

Q

→
G

l
m

(

Z

p

)

\rho : G_\mathbb {Q} \rightarrow Gl_m(\mathbb {Z}_p)

which has open image and is unramified outside

{
p
,
∞
}

\{p,\infty \}

if

p
≡
3

p\equiv 3

mod

4
4

and is unramified outside

{
2
,
p
,
∞
}

\{2,p,\infty \}

if

p
≡
1

p \equiv 1

mod

4
4

. We also revisit the question of the lifting of residual Galois representations in terms of embedding problems; that allows us to produce Galois representations with open image in the group of upper triangular matrices with diagonal entries equal to

1
1

, unramified outside

{
p
,
∞
}

\{p,\infty \}

, for

m
m

“small” comparing to

p
p

.
Mitotic DNA damage promotes chromokinesin-mediated missegregation of polar chromosomes in cancer cells
Authors: Novais-Cruz Marco , Pombinho António , Sousa Mafalda , Maia André F. , Maiato Helder , Ferrás Cristina
Published: March 2023

Extensive DNA damage during mitosis promotes chromokinesin-mediated missegregation of polar chromosomes in cancer cells. A previously overlooked mechanism by which DNA damage during mitosis contributes to chromosomal instability and micronuclei formation is unveiled.
p97/VCP drives turnover of SUMOylated centromeric CCAN proteins and CENP-A
Authors: van den Berg Sebastiaan J. W. , East Samuel , Mitra Sreyoshi , Jansen Lars E. T.
Published: March 2023

We show that centromeric chromatin size is maintained by a dynamic SUMO cycle driving centromeric protein turnover by the p97 segregase, which is opposed by the deSUMOylase SENP6, ensuring proper centromere and kinetochore function.
A review of genotrichoses and hair pathology associated with inherited skin diseases
Authors: Doolan Brent J , Rayinda Tuntas , Chiu Frank P , McGrath John A , Onoufriadis Alexandros 
Published: March 2023

Genetic hair disorders, also known as genotrichoses, are characterized by abnormalities of hair structure, growth or differentiation, giving rise to a spectrum of phenotypes such as hypertrichosis, hypotrichosis and atrichia. These disorders may present as isolated phenotypes or be part of more complex phenotypes including abnormalities in skin or other organs. Genetic discoveries for hair disorders have been recently augmented with the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. We reviewed the literature and summarized disease–gene associations for inherited hair disorders, as well as genodermatoses presenting with hair abnormalities discovered by NGS technologies. We identified 28 nonsyndromic hair disorders, involving 25 individual genes and four unidentified genes. We have also discovered that approximately 30% of all the genodermatoses that were identified by NGS approaches demonstrated hair abnormalities as part of their phenotype. This review underscores the huge impact of NGS technologies in disclosing the genetics of hair disorders and the potential these discoveries provide for future translational research and new therapies.
Supportive Relationships with Trusted Adults for Children and Young People Who Have Experienced Adversities: Implications for Social Work Service Provision
Authors: Frederick John , Spratt Trevor , Devaney John
Published: March 2023

Adverse childhood experiences encompass both direct harm, such as abuse and neglect, and indirect harm via family issues, including parental substance abuse and mental illness. They create significant risks for problems in later life, including mental health problems, substance abuse, interpersonal violence and self-harm. Due to these enduring and damaging consequences, interventions are essential to prevent or mitigate impact. One form of support is the role played by trusted adults in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Employing a scoping study methodology, this article examines the role of the trusted adult and explores implications for social work agencies and practitioners. Whilst the idea of a supportive relationship may reflect the social work value base, there can be legal, procedural and bureaucratic barriers to directly providing such relationships in the child and family social work workforce. However, other adults associated with formal services such as teachers and youth workers, as well as extended family and community members may potentially be able to do so. Social workers can assist by becoming recruiters and facilitators of supportive adults for children and young people from their wider family or community and by partnering with organisations to stimulate provision of such services.
Beyond alpha power: EEG spatial and spectral gradients robustly stratify disorders of consciousness
Authors: Colombo Michele Angelo , Comanducci Angela , Casarotto Silvia , Derchi Chiara-Camilla , Annen Jitka , Viganò Alessandro , Mazza Alice , Trimarchi Pietro Davide , Boly Melanie , Fecchio Matteo , Bodart Olivier , Navarro Jorge , Laureys Steven , Gosseries Olivia , Massimini Marcello , Sarasso Simone , Rosanova Mario
Published: March 2023

Neurophysiological markers can overcome the limitations of behavioural assessments of Disorders of Consciousness (DoC). EEG alpha power emerged as a promising marker for DoC, although long-standing literature reported alpha power being sustained during anesthetic-induced unconsciousness, and reduced during dreaming and hallucinations. We hypothesized that EEG power suppression caused by severe anoxia could explain this conflict. Accordingly, we split DoC patients (n = 87) in postanoxic and non-postanoxic cohorts. Alpha power was suppressed only in severe postanoxia but failed to discriminate un/consciousness in other aetiologies. Furthermore, it did not generalize to an independent reference dataset (n = 65) of neurotypical, neurological, and anesthesia conditions. We then investigated EEG spatio-spectral gradients, reflecting anteriorization and slowing, as alternative markers. In non-postanoxic DoC, these features, combined in a bivariate model, reliably stratified patients and indexed consciousness, even in unresponsive patients identified as conscious by an independent neural marker (the Perturbational Complexity Index). Crucially, this model optimally generalized to the reference dataset. Overall, alpha power does not index consciousness; rather, its suppression entails diffuse cortical damage, in postanoxic patients. As an alternative, EEG spatio-spectral gradients, reflecting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, jointly provide a robust, parsimonious, and generalizable marker of consciousness, whose clinical application may guide rehabilitation efforts.
Evolutionary Genetics and Admixture in African Populations
Authors: Pfennig Aaron , Petersen Lindsay N , Kachambwa Paidamoyo , Lachance Joseph
Published: March 2023

As the ancestral homeland of our species, Africa contains elevated levels of genetic diversity and substantial population structure. Importantly, African genomes are heterogeneous: They contain mixtures of multiple ancestries, each of which have experienced different evolutionary histories. In this review, we view population genetics through the lens of admixture, highlighting how multiple demographic events have shaped African genomes. Each of these historical vignettes paints a recurring picture of population divergence followed by secondary contact. First, we give a brief overview of genetic variation in Africa and examine deep population structure within Africa, including the evidence of ancient introgression from archaic “ghost” populations. Second, we describe the genetic legacies of admixture events that have occurred during the past 10,000 years. This includes gene flow between different click-speaking Khoe-San populations, the stepwise spread of pastoralism from eastern to southern Africa, multiple migrations of Bantu speakers across the continent, as well as admixture from the Middle East and Europe into the Sahel region and North Africa. Furthermore, the genomic signatures of more recent admixture can be found in the Cape Peninsula and throughout the African diaspora. Third, we highlight how natural selection has shaped patterns of genetic variation across the continent, noting that gene flow provides a potent source of adaptive variation and that selective pressures vary across Africa. Finally, we explore the biomedical implications of population structure in Africa on health and disease and call for more ethically conducted studies of genetic variation in Africa.
“Picturing a Way Forward”: Strategies to Manage the Effects of COVID-19-Related Isolation on Long-Term Care Residents and Their Informal Caregivers
Authors: Boamah Sheila A , Weldrick Rachel , Yous Marie-Lee , Gao Harrison , Garnett Anna , Dal Bello-Haas Vanina , Kaasalainen Sharon
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Strategies to manage the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic included widespread use of physical distancing measures. These well-intended strategies adversely affected long-term care (LTC) residents’ socialization and their caregiving arrangements, leading to exacerbation of social isolation and emotional distress for both residents and their caregivers. This study aimed to understand how these measures affected informal caregivers of people living in LTC homes in Ontario. Strategies to increase socialization and promote social connection during and post-COVID-19 were also explored.

Research Design and Methods

This qualitative study used descriptive and photovoice approaches. Of the 9 potential caregivers identified, 6 participated in the study and shared their experiences and photographic reflections in virtual focus group sessions.

Results

Findings highlighted the increased social isolation experienced by people living in LTC and their caregivers during COVID-19. Caregivers reported pronounced declines in residents’ well-being and were frustrated by challenges connecting with their family members during quarantine. Attempts made by LTC homes to maintain social connections, such as window visits and video calls, did not fulfill the social needs of residents and their caregivers.

Discussion and Implications

Findings underscore a need for better social support and resources for both LTC residents and their caregivers going forward to prevent further isolation and disengagement. Even in times of lockdown, LTC homes must implement policies, services, and programs that promote meaningful engagement for older adults and their families.
The Changing Demography of Late-Life Family Caregiving: A Research Agenda to Understand Future Care Networks for an Aging U.S. Population
Authors: Freedman Vicki A , Agree Emily M , Seltzer Judith A , Birditt Kira S , Fingerman Karen L , Friedman Esther M , Lin I-Fen , Margolis Rachel , Park Sung S , Patterson Sarah E , Polenick Courtney A , Reczek Rin , Reyes Adriana M , Truskinovsky Yulya , Wiemers Emily E , Wu Huijing , Wolf Douglas A , Wolff Jennifer L , Zarit Steven H
Published: March 2023

Repeated claims that a dwindling supply of potential caregivers is creating a crisis in care for the U.S. aging population have not been well-grounded in empirical research. Concerns about the supply of family care do not adequately recognize factors that may modify the availability and willingness of family and friends to provide care to older persons in need of assistance or the increasing heterogeneity of the older population. In this paper, we set forth a framework that places family caregiving in the context of older adults’ care needs, the alternatives available to them, and the outcomes of that care. We focus on care networks, rather than individuals, and discuss the demographic and social changes that may alter the formation of care networks in the future. Last, we identify research areas to prioritize in order to better support planning efforts to care for the aging U.S. population.
Changes in survival in de novo metastatic cancer in an era of new medicines
Authors: Luyendijk Marianne , Visser Otto , Blommestein Hedwig M , de Hingh Ignace H J T , Hoebers Frank J P , Jager Agnes , Sonke Gabe S , de Vries Elisabeth G E , Uyl-de Groot Carin A , Siesling Sabine
Published: March 2023

Background

Over the past decades, the therapeutic landscape has markedly changed for patients with metastatic solid cancer, yet few studies have evaluated its effect on population-based survival. The objective of this study was to evaluate the change in survival of patients with de novo metastatic solid cancers during the last 30 years.

Methods

For this retrospective study, data from almost 2 million patients diagnosed with a solid cancer between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 2018, were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, with follow-up until January 31, 2021. We classified patients as with or without de novo metastatic disease (M1 or M0, respectively) at diagnosis and determined the proportion with M1 disease over time. Changes in age-standardized net survival were calculated as the difference in the 1- and 5-year survival rates of patients diagnosed in 1989-1993 and 2014-2018.

Results

Different cancers showed divergent trends in the proportion of M1 disease and increases in net survival for M1 disease (approximately 0-50 percentage points at both 1 and 5 years). Patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors saw the largest increases in 5-year survival, but we also observed substantial 5-year survival increases for patients with neuroendocrine tumors, melanoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.

Conclusion

Over 30 years, the survival of patients with de novo M1 disease modestly and unevenly increased among cancers. Metastatic cancer still remains a very lethal disease. Next to better treatment options, we call for better preventive measures and early detection to reduce the incidence of metastatic disease.
From critical thinking to criticality and back again
Authors: Pettersson Henri
Published: March 2023

This paper assesses the prospects of combining the distinctive strengths of the two major educational research programs of critical thinking and critical pedagogy—or, described more accurately, overcoming their shared limitations—in a new and superior educational objective called criticality. Several recent proposals explore the possibilities of engaging in bridge-building between these camps. The plan is that the distinctive strengths of these paradigms—the logical and epistemological precision of critical thinking together with the socio-political consciousness of critical pedagogy—could complement each other, while the associated adjustments to the overall picture could also help us to address their shared shortcomings. This gives us a new and more grounded educational goal of criticality, as suggested and developed independently by a growing number of thinkers. This article joins the ongoing conversation but provides a more counterreactionary tone by striving to vindicate the traditional mainstream conception of critical thinking. I maintain that despite their admirable ambitions, the various expressions of criticality do not succeed in combining the best parts of critical thinking and critical pedagogy, since on a deep metatheoretical level these two paradigms have irreconcilable core principles. First, I argue that the depiction of the failures of critical thinking used to motivate criticality is to a large degree a straw man: in actuality, the existing conceptualization of critical thinking can already do the desired extra socio-political educational work, so there really is no pressing need for the suggested augmentations. Second, the traditional worries of indoctrination, which have followed critical pedagogy since the inception of this educational movement, still remain unresolved within criticality. The only way to address this concern successfully is to lean on critical thinking as the core of our educational theory, bringing us right back to where we started.
Genome-wide association study identifies a novel BMI1A QTL allele that confers FLC expression diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiang , Miao Huaiqi , Lv Caijia , Wu Gang
Published: March 2023

Identification and understanding of the genetic basis of natural variations in plants are essential for comprehending their phenotypic adaptation. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) expression in 727 Arabidopsis accessions. We identified B LYMPHOMA MOLONEY MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS INSERTION REGION 1 HOMOLOG 1A (BMI1A) as a causal gene for one of the FLC expression quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Loss of function in BMI1A increases FLC expression and delays flowering time at 16 °C significantly compared with the wild type (Col-0). BMI1A activity is required for histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) accumulation at the FLC, MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING 4 (MAF4), and MAF5 loci at low ambient temperature. We further uncovered two BMI1A haplotypes associated with the natural variation in FLC expression and flowering time at 16 °C, and demonstrated that polymorphisms in the BMI1A promoter region are the main contributor. Different BMI1A haplotypes are strongly associated with geographical distribution, and the low ambient temperature-sensitive BMI1A variants are associated with a lower mean temperature of the driest quarter of their collection sites compared with the temperature-non-responsive variants, indicating that the natural variations in BMI1A have adaptive functions in FLC expression and flowering time regulation. Therefore, our results provide new insights into the natural variations in FLC expression and flowering time diversity in plants.
Anesthesiology Fellowships in the Military Health System: An Education Analysis of the Supply and Demand
Authors: Patzkowski Michael S , Highland Krista B , Hudson Arlene , Herrera Germaine F , Bodily Kory R , Ruffin David M , Via Darin K
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Evidence indicates that desire for fellowship training is most influenced by personal interest, enhancement of career options, and a specific interest in an academic medicine career. The overall objective of this study is to evaluate anesthesiology fellowship interest and its potential impact on military retention and other outcomes. We hypothesized that current fellowship training accessibility is outpaced by the interest for fellowship training and that additional factors will be associated with the desire for fellowship training.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional survey study was approved as Exempt Research by the Brooke Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board in November 2020. Participants were eligible to complete the online voluntary survey if they were active duty anesthesiologists. Anonymous surveys were administered via the Research Electronic Data Capture System from December 2020 to January 2021. Aggregated data were evaluated using univariate statistics, bivariate analyses, and a generalized linear model.

Results

Seventy-four percent of general anesthesiologists (those without fellowship training) were interested in pursuing future fellowship training versus 23% of subspecialist anesthesiologists (those currently in fellowship training or have completed fellowship training), odd ratio 9.71 (95% CI, 4.3-21.7). Of subspecialist anesthesiologists, 75% indicated serving in a nongraduate medical education (GME) leadership position (e.g., service/department chief), with 38% serving in a GME leadership position (e.g., program or associate program director). Almost half (46%) of subspecialist anesthesiologists reported being “extremely likely” to serve ≥20 years, versus 28% of general anesthesiologists.

Conclusions

There is a high demand among active duty anesthesiologists for fellowship training, which in turn, may improve military retention. The demand for fellowship training is outpaced by what the Services currently offer, including training in Trauma Anesthesiology. Leveraging this interest in subspecialty fellowship training, particularly when the skills align with combat casualty care–related requirements, would greatly benefit the Services.
Inflammation: the driver of poor outcomes among children with severe acute malnutrition?
Authors: Sturgeon Jonathan P , Njunge James M , Bourke Claire D , Gonzales Gerard Bryan , Robertson Ruairi C , Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa , Berkley James A , Kelly Paul , Prendergast Andrew J
Published: March 2023

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is the most life-threatening form of undernutrition and underlies at least 10% of all deaths among children younger than 5 years in low-income countries. SAM is a complex, multisystem disease, with physiological perturbations observed in conjunction with the loss of lean mass, including structural and functional changes in many organ systems. Despite the high mortality burden, predominantly due to infections, the underlying pathogenic pathways remain poorly understood. Intestinal and systemic inflammation is heightened in children with SAM. Chronic inflammation and its consequent immunomodulation may explain the increased morbidity and mortality from infections in children with SAM, both during hospitalization and in the longer term after discharge. Recognition of the role of inflammation in SAM is critical in considering new therapeutic targets in this disease, which has not seen a transformational approach to treatment for several decades. This review highlights the central role of inflammation in the wide-ranging pathophysiology of SAM, as well as identifying potential interventions that have biological plausibility based on evidence from other inflammatory syndromes.
Accumulation of Cyanobacterial Photosystem II Containing the ‘Rogue’ D1 Subunit Is Controlled by FtsH Protease and Synthesis of the Standard D1 Protein
Authors: Masuda Takako , Bečková Martina , Turóczy Zoltán , Pilný Jan , Sobotka Roman , Trinugroho Joko P , Nixon Peter J , Prášil Ondřej , Komenda Josef
Published: March 2023

Unicellular diazotrophic cyanobacteria contribute significantly to the photosynthetic productivity of the ocean and the fixation of molecular nitrogen, with photosynthesis occurring during the day and nitrogen fixation during the night. In species like Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501, the decline in photosynthetic activity in the night is accompanied by the disassembly of oxygen-evolving photosystem II (PSII) complexes. Moreover, in the second half of the night phase, a small amount of rogue D1 (rD1), which is related to the standard form of the D1 subunit found in oxygen-evolving PSII, but of unknown function, accumulates but is quickly degraded at the start of the light phase. We show here that the removal of rD1 is independent of the rD1 transcript level, thylakoid redox state and trans-thylakoid pH but requires light and active protein synthesis. We also found that the maximal level of rD1 positively correlates with the maximal level of chlorophyll (Chl) biosynthesis precursors and enzymes, which suggests a possible role for rogue PSII (rPSII) in the activation of Chl biosynthesis just before or upon the onset of light, when new photosystems are synthesized. By studying strains of Synechocystis PCC 6803 expressing Crocosphaera rD1, we found that the accumulation of rD1 is controlled by the light-dependent synthesis of the standard D1 protein, which triggers the fast FtsH2-dependent degradation of rD1. Affinity purification of FLAG-tagged rD1 unequivocally demonstrated the incorporation of rD1 into a non-oxygen-evolving PSII complex, which we term rPSII. The complex lacks the extrinsic proteins stabilizing the oxygen-evolving Mn4CaO5 cluster but contains the Psb27 and Psb28-1 assembly factors.
Dilemma of immunosuppression and infection risk in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: He Jing , Li Zhanguo
Published: March 2023

Patients with SLE are at high risk of various infections as evidenced by a number of studies. The main determinants of infection in SLE are disease activity, organ damage, and often inevitable medication. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying infection remain unclear. Impaired immunity, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids clearly increase the risk of infection, whereas some medications, such as low-dose IL-2, hydroxychloroquine and IVIG are safe in SLE patients with substantial evidence. It is important to balance the immunosuppression and infection risks in practice. This article focuses on medication-related infections in SLE and discusses the therapeutic options for the disease in clinical practice.
Neuronal-Hematopoietic Cell Fusion in Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Terashima Tomoya , Katagi Miwako , Ohashi Natsuko
Published: March 2023

Diabetic neuropathy is a major complication of diabetes mellitus that occurs during the early stages of the disease. Many pathogenic mechanisms are related and induced by hyperglycemia. However, even if these factors improve, diabetic neuropathy cannot go into remission and progresses slowly. Furthermore, diabetic neuropathy often progresses even with proper glycemic control. Recently, bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. BMDCs expressing proinsulin and TNFα migrate to the dorsal root ganglion and fuse with neurons, and this neuronal-hematopoietic cell fusion induces neuronal dysfunction and apoptosis. The CD106-positive lineage–sca1+c-kit+ (LSK) stem cell fraction in the bone marrow is strongly involved in cell fusion with neurons, leading to diabetic neuropathy. Surprisingly, when CD106-positive LSK stem cells obtained from diabetic mice were transplanted into nondiabetic mice, they fused with dorsal root ganglion neurons and induced neuropathy in non-hyperglycemic normal mice. The transplanted CD106-positive LSK fraction inherited the trait even after transplantation; this “progeny effect” may explain the irreversibility of diabetic neuropathy and is a significant finding for determining the target of radical treatments and provides new directions for developing therapeutic methods for diabetic neuropathy.
Robustness and reproducibility of simple and complex synthetic logic circuit designs using a DBTL loop
Authors: Cummins Breschine , Vrana Justin , Moseley Robert C , Eramian Hamed , Deckard Anastasia , Fontanarrosa Pedro , Bryce Daniel , Weston Mark , Zheng George , Nowak Joshua , Motta Francis C , Eslami Mohammed , Johnson Kara Layne , Goldman Robert P , Myers Chris J , Johnson Tessa , Vaughn Matthew W , Gaffney Niall , Urrutia Joshua , Gopaulakrishnan Shweta , Biggers Vanessa , Higa Trissha R , Mosqueda Lorraine A , Gameiro Marcio , Gedeon Tomáš , Mischaikow Konstantin , Beal Jacob , Bartley Bryan , Mitchell Tom , Nguyen Tramy T , Roehner Nicholas , Haase Steven B
Published: March 2023

Computational tools addressing various components of design–build–test–learn (DBTL) loops for the construction of synthetic genetic networks exist but do not generally cover the entire DBTL loop. This manuscript introduces an end-to-end sequence of tools that together form a DBTL loop called Design Assemble Round Trip (DART). DART provides rational selection and refinement of genetic parts to construct and test a circuit. Computational support for experimental process, metadata management, standardized data collection and reproducible data analysis is provided via the previously published Round Trip (RT) test–learn loop. The primary focus of this work is on the Design Assemble (DA) part of the tool chain, which improves on previous techniques by screening up to thousands of network topologies for robust performance using a novel robustness score derived from dynamical behavior based on circuit topology only. In addition, novel experimental support software is introduced for the assembly of genetic circuits. A complete design-through-analysis sequence is presented using several OR and NOR circuit designs, with and without structural redundancy, that are implemented in budding yeast. The execution of DART tested the predictions of the design tools, specifically with regard to robust and reproducible performance under different experimental conditions. The data analysis depended on a novel application of machine learning techniques to segment bimodal flow cytometry distributions. Evidence is presented that, in some cases, a more complex build may impart more robustness and reproducibility across experimental conditions.

Graphical Abstract
In ovo injection of cinnamon or clove alters the physiology and growth of broilers in a hot tropical environment
Authors: Akosile Oluwaseun Ayomide , Sogunle Olajide Mark , Majekodunmi Bukola , Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of in ovo feeding of clove and cinnamon on broilers. The experiment used 700 broiler (Ross 308) hatching eggs that were incubated at the recommended temperature of 37.8 °C. On day 17.5 of incubation, 100 eggs were randomly assigned to each of the following seven treatments: uninjected eggs (OE), eggs injected 0.5 mL distilled water (DH), 2 mg of clove, 4 mg of clove, 2 mg of cinnamon, 4 mg of cinnamon, and 3 mg of ascorbic acid (AC). During the posthatch period, the chicks were raised for 56 days. Data on physiological parameters, growth performance, and intestinal histomorphology were collected. Results revealed that the plasma triiodothyronine (T3) of AC and CV2 chicken was higher than the others. Additionally, the plasma malondialdehyde levels of the chickens of AC, CV2, and CM2 were improved significantly (P < 0.05). The initial weights of CV2 birds were comparable with AC CV4, CM4, and CM2 birds but heavier than those of OE and DW. The bodyweight gain in the CV2 group was similar to AC, CV4, and CM2 groups but heavier than OE, DW, and CM4 birds. Feed intake of OE and DW groups was similar to AC, CV2, CV4, and CM2 but higher than CM4. The feed conversion ratio of OE and DW chickens was comparable but higher than the value obtained in chickens of other treatments. The intestinal morphology of the birds did not follow a particular trend. The study concluded that the in ovo injection of 2 mg of clove improved broiler birds’ metabolic and antioxidant status at hatch. The high and low doses of clove and the low dose of cinnamon improved the performance of broiler chickens at the market age in a hot tropical environment.
Shoot differentiation from Dendrocalamus brandisii callus and the related physiological roles of sugar and hormones during shoot differentiation
Authors: Lv Zhuo , Yu Lixia , Zhan Hui , Li Juan , Wang Changming , Huang Ling , Wang Shuguang
Published: March 2023

Only a few calli regeneration systems of bamboos were successfully established, which limited the research on the physiological mechanism of callus differentiation. In this study, we successfully established the callus differentiation systems of Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) via seeds. The results showed that the best medium for the callus induction of D. brandisii seeds was basal Murashige and Skoog (1962) (MS) media amended with 5.0 mg l−1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg l−1 kinetin (KT), and the optimal medium for shoot differentiation was the basal MS media supplemented with 4.0 mg l−1 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 0.5 mg l−1 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Callus tissues had apparent polarity in cell arrangement and developed their own meristematic cell layers. Alpha-amylase (α-amylase), starch phosphorylase (STP) and sucrose synthase (SUSY) played a dominant role in carbohydrate degradation in callus during shoot differentiation. The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and TCA pathways were up-regulated in the shoot-differentiated calli. The dynamics of 6-BA and KT contents in calli were consistent with their concentrations applied in medium. Indoleacetic acid (IAA) synthesis and the related signal transduction were down-regulated, whereas the endogenous CTK contents were up-regulated by the exogenous cytokinin (CTK) application in shoot-differentiated calli, and their related synthesis, transport and signal transduction pathways were also up-regulated. The down-regulated signal transduction pathways of IAA and abscisic acid (ABA) revealed that they did not play the key role in the shoot differentiation of bamboos. Gibberellins (GAs) also played a role in shoot differentiation based on the down-regulation of DELLA and the up-regulation of PIF4 genes. The overexpression of DbSNRK2 and DbFIF4 genes further confirmed the negative role of ABA and the positive role of GAs in shoot differentiation.