bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
17β‐Oestradiol facilitates M2 macrophage skewing and ameliorates arrhythmias in ovariectomized female infarcted rats
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Che , Chen Syue‐yi , Lee Tsung‐Ming
Published: May 2022

Epidemiological studies have suggested a lower incidence of arrhythmia‐induced sudden cardiac death in women than in men. 17β‐oestradiol (E2) has been reported to have a post‐myocardial infarction antiarrhythmic effect, although the mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. We investigated whether E2‐mediated antioxidation regulates macrophage polarization and affects cardiac sympathetic reinnervation in rats after MI. Ovariectomized Wistar rats were randomly assigned to placebo pellets, E2 treatment, or E2 treatment +3‐morpholinosydnonimine (a peroxynitrite generator) and followed for 4 weeks. The infarct sizes were similar among the infarcted groups. At Day 3 after infarction, post‐infarction was associated with increased superoxide levels, which were inhibited by administering E2. E2 significantly increased myocardial IL‐10 levels and the percentage of regulatory M2 macrophages compared with the ovariectomized infarcted alone group as assessed by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot and RT‐PCR. Nerve growth factor colocalized with both M1 and M2 macrophages at the magnitude significantly higher in M1 compared with M2. At Day 28 after infarction, E2 was associated with attenuated myocardial norepinephrine levels and sympathetic hyperinnervation. These effects of E2 were functionally translated in inhibiting fatal arrhythmias. The beneficial effect of E2 on macrophage polarization and sympathetic hyperinnervation was abolished by 3‐morpholinosydnonimine. Our results indicated that E2 polarized macrophages into the M2 phenotype by inhibiting the superoxide pathway, leading to attenuated nerve growth factor‐induced sympathetic hyperinnervation after myocardial infarction.
Paint It Black or Red: Serious Play in Brazil's Northeast
Authors: French Jan Hoffman
Published: May 2022

This article analyzes a popular, folkloric dance drama in the small city, Laranjeiras, a thriving slave port for its first three centuries. Lambe‐sujo e Caboclinho, dating to the 19th century, depicts the practice of missionized Indigenous people engaged to capture and return fugitive slaves. Participants paint themselves either black or red and parade through the streets, leading to a mock battle, ending in defeat of the fugitive slaves. This article employs ethnographic data and historical research to consider the use of performance, which enhances heightened consciousness of racial oppression, reinforced by Afro‐Brazilian social movements, and makes the event serious fun. Residents of this overwhelmingly Black city are rethinking responses to racial oppression in today's Brazil through a cultural performance with the flexibility to serve as a window onto the past that opens onto the future. The article contributes to the fields of cultural anthropology, folklore studies, and critical race studies.
Advanced Practice Provider–Led Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Women
Authors: Pressley Byrd Dolly , Galvin Shelley , Ramage Melinda , Johnson Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

This article describes 2 innovative models of advanced practice provider–led medication for opioid use disorder treatment programs offering comprehensive, interprofessional care for pregnant patients and provides implications for broader adaptation of practice. Increasing the number of midwives and nurse practitioners waivered to prescribe buprenorphine and able to connect pregnant patients with opioid use disorder to appropriate community‐based resources, treatment, and self‐help programs could address alarming substance use trends including overdose deaths and other sequelae associated with the opioid epidemic.
An intersectional analysis of women's social role engagement and mental health
Authors: Erving Christy L. , Wright Chavonté , Lara Joanna
Published: May 2022

Objective

Guided by role theory and the intersectionality framework, this study assesses whether social role volume, role type, and role configuration influence the mental health of Non‐Latina White, African American, Afro‐Caribbean, Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Chinese, Filipina, and Vietnamese American women.

Background

Contemporary shifts in the primary roles (i.e., worker, spouse, parent) women occupy and in the ethnic composition of the United States necessitate a re‐examination of how roles impact U.S. women's mental health. Moreover, family member and friend roles are relatively understudied.

Method

Drawing data from the nationally representative Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES) (N = 7370), ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis is used to assess the relationship between role volume, role type, role configuration, and mental health for women across nine ethnic groups. We report ethnicity‐stratified models.

Results

On one hand, role accumulation was psychologically beneficial for Non‐Latina White, African American, Puerto Rican, and Chinese women. On the other hand, the psychological benefits of social roles diminished after accumulating three social roles for Cuban, Mexican, and Filipina women. The psychological influence of specific roles and role configurations for women was dependent on ethnicity.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the powerful impact of ethnicity on social role engagement as well as the influence of such roles on women's psychological health.
Prosthesis‐Implant Arch Area Ratio (PIAAR) – A New Geometric Paradigm, Replacing the Current ‘A‐P Spread’ of a Cantilever in Full‐Arch Implant Prosthesis: A Proof‐of‐Concept Experiment
Authors: Kim Young K.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The anterior‐posterior spread concept is relied upon to understand the bioengineering aspects of cantilevers in fixed complete denture prostheses. This concept is not evidence‐based. With no other category existing in contemporary implant dentistry, this conventional anterior‐posterior spread concept may have limited more precise and accurate biomechanical analysis. This paper aims to validate a scientific rationale for utilizing this new prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio instead of the preexisting anterior‐posterior spread concept.

Materials and methods

Utilizing the preexisting mathematical principle of “Heron's formula,” enabling the calculation of the area of a triangle with three known lengths and no angular information, a new prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio is introduced through algebraic derivation. Geometrically, three different sections of prosthetic cantilevers are defined as: (1) anterior cantilever; (2) lateral cantilever; (3) posterior cantilever. The prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio is defined as the prosthesis arch area (anterior, lateral, or posterior cantilever) divided by the sum of the platform arch area and the selected prosthesis arch area. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment, fifteen different laboratory cast arches (n = 15) were chosen; theorized four implant platforms were referenced from the conventional anterior‐posterior spread ration of 1:1.5, followed by calculating platform arch area and prosthesis arch area using Heron's formula. Then, three different horizontal arch width ratios (1:1, 1.25:1, and 1.5:1) under the constant linear height ratio of anterior‐posterior spread (1:1.5) were drawn to assign different experimental groups of prosthesis arch area on each patient scenario, followed by cantilever comparison combining all ratio values (n = 45). One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

One‐way ANOVA revealed statistical differences of all prosthesis‐implant arch area ratios on each cantilever group; anterior cantilever, F(2, 42) = 8.326, p = 0.0009; lateral cantilever F(2, 42) = 43.92, p < 0.0001; posterior cantilever, F(2, 42) = 26.66, p < 0.0001, as well as cantilever's comparison, F(2, 132) = 240.8, p < 0.0001. Tukey's post hoc test showed a statistically significant ascending trend of prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio as the horizontal width ratio increases. Interestingly, the posterior cantilever had the greatest prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio.

Conclusions

Compared to the preexisting anterior‐posterior spread concept, a new prosthesis‐implant arch area ratio seemed to be a more categorized, geometric, and perceptive modality of assessing the prosthetic cantilever in a full‐arch implant‐supported prosthesis, allowing a more systematic indexing of different full‐arch implant clinical scenarios with greater specificity and consistency.
Genetics, parenting, and family functioning—What drives the development of self‐control from adolescence to adulthood?
Authors: Mueller Ida M. , Spinath Frank M. , Friese Malte , Hahn Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Objective

Self‐control is a meaningful predictor of crucial life outcomes. Knowingly, genes contribute substantially to differences in self‐control, but behavioral genetic findings are often misinterpreted regarding environmental influences. Therefore, we reinvestigate the heritability of self‐control as well as potential environmental influences, namely parenting and a chaotic home environment.

Method

We used cross‐sectional and longitudinal data from the German twin family study TwinLife (N = 3354 individuals), structured in a multicohort design in which 13‐, 19‐, and 25‐year‐old twins rated their self‐control, parents' behavior, and home environment.

Results

Results showed increasing mean levels and 1‐year stabilities for self‐control accompanied by substantial genetic influences, increasing particularly from ages 19 to 25 (53% to 76%). While chaotic home environments and negative parenting were phenotypically associated with lower self‐control, twin difference models revealed that differences in these individually perceived “environments” directly predicted self‐control differences (β = −0.16 to −0.28) within families when controlling for genetic and environmental similarities.

Conclusions

In addition to the genetic anchoring of self‐control, results indicate that environmental factors such as negative family environments are meaningful and depend on individual perceptions within families. Interventions for enhancing self‐control should, therefore, rely on individual perspectives rather than objective characteristics of home environments.
Exogenous protease supplementation to the diet enhances growth performance, improves nitrogen utilization, and reduces stress in finishing pigs
Authors: Hoque Md Raihanul , Song Jun H. , Kim In H.
Published: May 2022

We have conducted this experiment to evaluate a new exogenous protease in finishing pigs' growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, blood profiles, and meat quality. A total of 200 pigs of 52.15 ± 2.31 kg average body weight (BW) were divided into four dietary treatments named as: CON, basal diet; TRT1, basal diet + 0.05% protease; TRT2, basal diet + 0.1% protease; TRT3, basal diet + 1.5% protease. Each treatment consisted of 10 pens, where five pigs were allotted to each pen according to their body weight and sex. The dietary treatments were allotted to the pens in a randomized block design. During this 10‐week‐long experiment, BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were calculated for Week 0–5, Week 6–10, and the overall period. During Week 6–10, ADG was higher in TRT2 and TRT3 than in the CON and TRT1 groups. At the same time, a linear increase was observed in ADG and G:F of the pigs. In addition, the final BW of pigs' was linearly increased by protease supplementation. On Week 10, there was a linear trend of increase (p = 0.0575) in crude protein digestibility and a trend of linear reduction (p = 0.0651) in NH3 gas emission. In blood profile, cortisol presented a linear decrease in both Week 5 (p = 0.251) and Week 10 (p = 0.0585). In addition, increasing doses of protease showed a trend of linear increase (p = 0.0592) in creatinine, whereas linear reduction was observed in the concentration of epinephrine (p = 0.0636) and norepinephrine (p = 0.0167) during Week 10. In conclusion, protease supplementation helped in improving daily gain in finishing pigs through protein digestibility with associated reduction of ammonia emission and blood stress hormones.
The history of sleep research and sleep medicine in Europe
Authors: Schulz Hartmut
Published: May 2022

Sleep became a subject of scientific research in the second half of the 19th century. Since sleep, unlike other physiological functions, cannot be attributed to a specific organ, there was no distinct method available to study sleep until then. With the development of physiology and psychology, and a rapidly increasing knowledge of the structure and functioning of the nervous system, certain aspects of sleep became accessible to objective study. A first step was to measure responsiveness to external stimuli systematically, during sleep, allowing a first representation of the course of sleep (Schlaftiefe = sleep depth). A second method was to register continuously the motor activity across the sleep–wake cycle, which allowed the documentation in detail of rest–activity patterns of monophasic and polyphasic sleep–wake rhythms, or between day or night active animals. The central measurement for sleep research, however, became the electroencephalogram in the 1930s, which allowed observation of the sleeping brain with high temporal resolution. Beside the development of instruments to measure sleep, prolonged sleep deprivation was applied to study physiological and psychological effects of sleep loss. Another input came from clinical and neuropathological observations of patients with pronounced disorders of the sleep–wake cycle, which for the first time allowed localisation of brain areas that are essentially involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Experimental brain stimulation and lesion studies were carried out with the same aim at this time. Many of these activities came to a halt on the eve of World War II. It was only in the early 1950s, when periods with rapid eye movements during sleep were recognised, that sleep became a research topic of itself. Jouvet and his team explored the brain mechanisms and transmitters of paradoxical sleep, and experimental sleep research became established in all European countries. Sleep medicine evolving simultaneously in different countries, with early centres in Italy and France. In the late 1960s sleep research and chronobiology began to merge. In recent decades, sleep research, dream research, and sleep medicine have benefited greatly from new methods in genetic research and brain imaging techniques. Genes were identified that are involved in the regulation of sleep, circadian rhythms, or sleep disorders. Functional imaging enabled a high spatial resolution of the activity of the sleeping brain, complementing the high temporal resolution of the electroencephalogram.
How does research reach teachers? An agenda for investigating research mobilities in primary literacy education
Authors: Burnett Cathy , Gillen Julia , Guest Ian , Maxwell Bronwen , Thompson Terrie Lynn
Published: May 2022

In England, several developments combine in powerful ways to sustain certain ideas about literacy and research in education. These include the promotion of a specific model of ‘evidence‐based practice’, frameworks for initial teacher education and early career professional development, and a strong accountability framework via inspection. However, as we illustrate through examples of activity on Twitter, to suggest that such ideas are all pervasive is to ignore other, less predictable, ways in which research circulates. Teachers, researchers and others working in literacy education, combined with the work of digital actors, assist the movement of ideas in sometimes unpredictable and even exciting ways. We argue that, if we are to understand how teachers encounter research, we need a better understanding of how research moves. We suggest that such movements are produced through shifting assemblages of human and non‐human actors that combine to mobilise literacy research evidence differently and to varying degrees. This, we propose, calls for a new focus on what we call ‘research mobilities’ in primary literacy research.
The co‐existence of multiple oak leaf flushes contributes to the large within‐tree variation in chemistry, insect attack and pathogen infection
Authors: Gaytán Álvaro , Moreira Xoaquín , Castagneyrol Bastien , Van Halder Inge , De Frenne Pieter , Meeussen Camille , Timmermans Bart G. H. , Ten Hoopen Jan P. J. G. , Rasmussen Pil U. , Bos Nick , Jaatinen Raimo , Pulkkinen Pertti , Söderlund Sara , Covelo Felisa , Gotthard Karl , Tack Ayco J. M.
Published: May 2022

Many plant species produce multiple leaf flushes during the growing season, which might have major consequences for within‐plant variation in chemistry and species interactions. Yet, we lack a theoretical or empirical framework for how differences among leaf flushes might shape variation in damage by insects and diseases.

We assessed the impact of leaf flush identity on leaf chemistry, insect attack and pathogen infection on the pedunculate oak Quercus robur by sampling leaves from each leaf flush in 20 populations across seven European countries during an entire growing season.

The first leaf flush had higher levels of primary compounds, and lower levels of secondary compounds, than the second flush, whereas plant chemistry was highly variable in the third flush. Insect attack decreased from the first to the third flush, whereas infection by oak powdery mildew was lowest on leaves from the first flush. The relationship between plant chemistry, insect attack and pathogen infection varied strongly among leaf flushes and seasons.

Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering differences among leaf flushes for our understanding of within‐tree variation in chemistry, insect attack and disease levels, something particularly relevant given the expected increase in the number of leaf flushes with climate change.
Assessment of patient education materials for age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Wang Elisa , Kalloniatis Michael , Ly Angelica
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. It is helpful for patients living with AMD to understand the prognosis, risk factors and management of their condition. Online education materials are a popular and promising channel for conveying this knowledge to patients with AMD. However, the quality of these materials—particularly with respect to qualities such as ‘understandability’ and ‘actionability’—is not yet known. This study assessed a collection of online materials about AMD based on these qualities of ‘understandability’ and ‘actionability’.

Methods

Online education materials about AMD were sourced through Google from six English‐speaking nations: Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Ireland and Canada. Three Australian/New Zealand trained and registered optometrists participated in the grading of the ‘understandability’ and ‘actionability’ of online education materials using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT).

Results

This study analysed a total of 75 online materials. The mean ‘understandability’ score was 74% (range: 38%–94%). The ‘understandability’ PEMAT criterion U11 (calling for a summary of the key points) scored most poorly across all materials. The mean ‘actionability’ score was 49% (range: 0%–83%). The ‘actionability’ PEMAT criterion A26 (using ‘visual aids’ to make instructions easier to act on) scored most poorly across all materials.

Conclusion

Most education materials about AMD are easy to understand, but difficult to act on, because of a lack of meaningful visual aids. We propose future enhancements to AMD education materials—including the use of summaries, visual aids and a habit tracker—to help patients with AMD improve their understanding of disease prognosis, risk factors and eye assessment schedule requirements.
Custom‐made design of metabolite composition in N. benthamiana leaves using CRISPR activators
Authors: Selma Sara , Sanmartín Neus , Espinosa‐Ruiz Ana , Gianoglio Silvia , Lopez‐Gresa Maria Pilar , Vázquez‐Vilar Marta , Flors Victor , Granell Antonio , Orzaez Diego
Published: May 2022

Transcriptional regulators based on CRISPR architecture expand our ability to reprogramme endogenous gene expression in plants. One of their potential applications is the customization of plant metabolome through the activation of selected enzymes in a given metabolic pathway. Using the previously described multiplexable CRISPR activator dCasEV2.1, we assayed the selective enrichment in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves of four different flavonoids, namely, naringenin, eriodictyol, kaempferol, and quercetin. After careful selection of target genes and guide RNAs combinations, we created successful activation programmes for each of the four metabolites, each programme activating between three and seven genes, and with individual gene activation levels ranging from 4‐ to 1500‐fold. Metabolic analysis of the flavonoid profiles of each multigene activation programme showed a sharp and selective enrichment of the intended metabolites and their glycosylated derivatives. Remarkably, principal component analysis of untargeted metabolic profiles clearly separated samples according to their activation treatment, and hierarchical clustering separated the samples into five groups, corresponding to the expected four highly enriched metabolite groups, plus an un‐activated control. These results demonstrate that dCasEV2.1 is a powerful tool for re‐routing metabolic fluxes towards the accumulation of metabolites of interest, opening the door for the custom‐made design of metabolic contents in plants.
Natural variation of HTH5 from wild rice, Oryza rufipogon Griff., is involved in conferring high‐temperature tolerance at the heading stage
Authors: Cao Zhibin , Tang Huiwu , Cai Yaohui , Zeng Bohong , Zhao Jialiang , Tang Xiuying , Lu Ming , Wang Huimin , Zhu Xuejing , Wu Xiaofeng , Yuan Linfeng , Wan Jianlin
Published: May 2022

Global warming is a major abiotic stress factor, which limit rice production. Exploiting the genetic basis of the natural variation in heat resistance at different reproductive stages among diverse exotic Oryza germplasms can help breeding heat‐resistant rice cultivars. Here, we identified a stable quantitative trait locus (QTL) for heat tolerance at the heading stage on chromosome 5 (qHTH5) in O. rufipogon Griff. The corresponding gene, HTH5, pertains to the pyridoxal phosphate‐binding protein PLPBP (formerly called PROSC) family, which is predicted to encode pyridoxal phosphate homeostasis protein (PLPHP) localized to the mitochondrion. Overexpression of HTH5 increased the seed‐setting rate of rice plants under heat stress at the heading stage, whereas suppression of HTH5 resulted in greater susceptibility to heat stress. Further investigation indicated that HTH5 reduces reactive oxygen species accumulation at high temperatures by increasing the heat‐induced pyridoxal 5'‐phosphate (PLP) content. Moreover, we found that two SNPs located in the HTH5 promoter region are involved with its expression level and associated with heat tolerance diversity. These findings suggest that the novel gene HTH5 might have great potential value for heightening rice tolerance to heat stress to the on‐going threat of global warming.
Eosinophilic cellulitis in response to BNT162b2 COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Ikediobi Ogechi , Eichenfield Dawn Z. , Barrio Victoria R.
Published: May 2022

A 12‐year‐old boy presented with a 2‐week history of persistent pruritic edematous plaques one day after he received the first dose of the BNT162b2 COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine. A skin biopsy showed urticarial dermatitis with tissue eosinophilia consistent with a diagnosis of vaccine‐associated eosinophilic cellulitis, with polyethylene glycol as a potential trigger.
Moralizing the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Self‐Interest Predicts Moral Condemnation of Other's Compliance, Distancing, and Vaccination
Authors: Bor Alexander , Jørgensen Frederik , Lindholt Marie Fly , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: May 2022

The emergence of the novel coronavirus has put societies under tremendous pressure to instigate massive and rapid behavior change. Throughout history, an effective strategy to facilitate novel behaviors has been to morally condemn those who do not behave in an appropriate way. Accordingly, here, we investigate if complying with the advice of health authorities—for example, to physically distance or vaccinate—has emerged as a moralized issue during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In Study 1, we rely on data (N = 94K) from quota‐sampled rolling cross‐sectional online surveys from eight countries (Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and the United States). We find that large majorities find it justified to condemn those who do not keep a distance to others in public and around half of respondents blame ordinary citizens for the severity of the pandemic. Furthermore, we identify the most important predictors of condemnation to be behavior change and personal concern, while institutional trust and social distrust also play large but less consistent roles. Study 2 offers a registered replication of our findings on a representative sample of Britons (N = 1.5K). It shows that both moralization and condemnation of both vaccination and general compliance are best predicted by self‐interested considerations.
Facies variability and depositional settings of Laguna Salada de Chiprana, an Iberian hypersaline lake
Authors: Doyle Connor , Schröder Stefan , Corella Juan Pablo , Valero Garces Blas
Published: May 2022

Hypersaline lakes are unique depositional environments that are highly sensitive to climatic changes and anthropogenic pressures. Strong physicochemical gradients and the interplay of physical, chemical and biological depositional processes coupled to variable preservation potential associated with these environments generate highly complex sedimentary sequences. This study aimed to investigate spatio‐temporal variations throughout the last three centuries in the sedimentary sequence of Laguna Salada de Chiprana, a small, permanent hypersaline lake situated in Northeast Spain. Short sediment cores reveal a complex sedimentary sequence influenced by detrital, chemically‐induced and biogenically‐influenced depositional processes. Nine facies associated with six sedimentological units represent six periods of environmental change beginning from approximately pre‐1800 ad to the present day. They include: (i) a shallow, permanent saline lake that experienced brief periods of anoxia and drawdown between pre‐1800 ad and ca 1850 ad. This was succeeded by: (ii) increased lake levels and detrital input to the lake from ca 1850 to 1900 ad; and (iii) a fall in lake levels and the establishment of microbial mats within bottom waters fluctuating between oxic and anoxic conditions from ca 1900 to 1950 ad. (iv) From ca 1950/1960 ad, a minor increase in lake levels and colonization of the littoral and sub‐littoral zones by macrophytic vegetation occurred; followed by (v) falling lake levels and increasing salinity between 1960 and 1970 ad leading to widespread encrustation of macrophytes in the littoral zones by carbonate–evaporite precipitates. Finally (vi), from ca 1970 ad to the present day, falling lake levels, elevated salinity and widespread colonization of the lake by microbial mats characterize the sedimentary environment. Climate reconstructions and documentary evidence indicate that depositional evolution was mostly controlled by changes in farming practices and irrigation policies. Understanding Laguna Salada de Chiprana’s depositional evolution contributes to future definitions of high‐resolution palaeoenvironmental models, not only within the Iberian Peninsula but also in other locations where saline–hypersaline lakes act as a key source of palaeoenvironmental information.
Identification of potential plasma protein biomarkers for feline pancreatic carcinoma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Nabeta Rina , Katselis George S. , Chumala Paulos , Dickinson Ryan , Fernandez Nicole J. , Meachem Melissa D.
Published: May 2022

In both humans and cats, pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with a grave prognosis. Proteomics techniques have successfully identified several blood‐based biomarkers of human pancreatic neoplasia. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether similar biomarkers can be identified in the plasma of cats with FePAC by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). To facilitate evaluation of the low abundance plasma proteome, a human‐based immunodepletion device (MARS‐2) was first validated for use with feline plasma. Marked reduction and/or complete removal of albumin and immunoglobulins was confirmed by analysis of electrophoretograms and mass spectral data. Subsequently, plasma collected from 9 cats with pancreatic carcinoma (FePAC), 10 cats with symptomatic pancreatitis, and 10 healthy control cats was immunodepleted and subjected to LC–MS/MS. Thirty‐seven plasma proteins were found to be differentially expressed (p < .05 in one‐way ANOVA, FC >2 in fold change analysis). Among these proteins, ETS variant transcription factor 4 (p < .05) was overexpressed, while gelsolin (p < .01), tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (p < .05), serpin family F member 1 (p < .01), apolipoprotein A‐IV (p < .01) and phosphatidylinositol‐glycan‐specific phospholipase D (p < .05) were down‐regulated in cats with FePAC. Further studies on these potential biomarkers are needed to investigate their diagnostic value.
Ceftazidime pharmacokinetics in dogs after intravenous injection and delivered with the RxActuator Mini‐Infuser infusion pump
Authors: Papich Mark G. , Madsen Melanie , Messenger Kristen , Enomoto Hiroko
Published: May 2022

Objective

To test the feasibility of an SC mini‐infusion pump to deliver ceftazidime in dogs and produce plasma concentrations sufficient to reach a therapeutic target for 48 hours.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Animals

Six healthy Beagle dogs.

Interventions

Ceftazidime was administered by 2 routes to 6 healthy Beagle dogs. The first route was an IV bolus injection into a cephalic vein at a dose of 25 mg/kg. Blood samples were collected for 8 hours following injection. The second route was a SC infusion for 48 hours using the RxActuator Mini‐Infuser wearable SC constant rate infusion pump. Blood samples were collected for 58 hours following application of the pump. All plasma samples were analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography and subject to pharmacokinetic analysis.

Main Results

After the IV bolus injection, there was rapid distribution and elimination. The elimination half‐life was 0.95 hours, and the clearance was rapid at 0.176 ml/h/kg. After the 48‐hour SC infusion, the half‐life was slightly shorter, and the clearance was higher. The percent bioavailability from the SC infusion was approximately 72%. The SC infusion maintained plasma concentration near our target of 8 μg/ml for most of the dose interval but slightly lower after 24 hours. The concentrations below the target were attributed to slight drug loss, less than 100% bioavailability, and faster clearance from SC administration.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the successful application of the RxActuator Mini‐Infuser wearable SC constant rate infusion pump for delivering an antimicrobial needed for serious, and sometimes resistant, infections in dogs.
Haemoglobin S testing using HEA BeadChip™ technology: Lifeblood comparison with clinical diagnosis
Authors: Wong Philip , Baidya Shoma , Daly James , Powley Tanya
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Red cell antigen genotyping is commonly performed on patients requiring chronic transfusion support, such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia. The Immucor HEA BeadChip™ test, in addition to assessing red cell antigen expression, can also detect the haemoglobin S (HbS) mutation. Our aim was to compare HbS results using HEA BeadChip™ performed at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood with conventional haemoglobin studies.

Materials and Methods

Patients with thalassaemia and sickle cell trait (SCT) or disease (SCD) referred for red cell genotyping between 2017 and 2019 were assessed. The HbS result obtained from HEA BeadChip™ was compared with that obtained from high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) performed by the referring pathology provider.

Results

One‐hundred and nineteen cases had comparable HPLC and HEA BeadChip™ results. On HEA BeadChip™ testing, 40 cases showed a negative HbS result, 31 cases showed HbS+ and 47 cases showed HbS++. There was one case with ‘low signal’ result. Of the negative HbS cases, there was none with SCT. The HbS+ group comprised a mixture of SCT and SCD due to compound heterozygosity for HbS and β‐thalassaemia mutations. The HbS++ group comprised predominantly SCD due to homozygosity for HbS.

Conclusion

HEA BeadChip™ is an accurate screening test for the detection of HbS. There were no false positives or false negatives. The identification of donors with the HbS mutation through the targeted genotyping programme would enable early intervention, improved donor management and reduced wastage.
Exertional heat stroke: nutritional considerations
Authors: Lee Jason K. W. , Tan Beverly , Ogden Henry B. , Chapman Shaun , Sawka Michael N.
Published: May 2022

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

The potential role of nutrition in exertional heat stroke.

What advances does it highlight?

Certain nutritional and dietary strategies used by athletes and workers may exert a protective effect the pathophysiological processes of exertional heat stroke, whereas others may be detrimental. While current evidence suggests that some of these practices may be leveraged as a potential countermeasure to exertional heat stroke, further research on injury‐related outcomes in humans is required.

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a life‐threatening illness and an enduring problem among athletes, military servicemen and ‐women, and occupational labourers who regularly perform strenuous activity, often under hot and humid conditions or when wearing personal protective equipment. Risk factors for EHS and mitigation strategies have generally focused on the environment, health status, clothing, heat acclimatization and aerobic conditioning, but the potential role of nutrition is largely underexplored. Various nutritional and dietary strategies have shown beneficial effects on exercise performance and health and are widely used by athletes and other physically active populations. There is also evidence that some of these practices may dampen the pathophysiological features of EHS, suggesting possible protection or abatement of injury severity. Promising candidates include carbohydrate ingestion, appropriate fluid intake and glutamine supplementation. Conversely, some nutritional factors and low energy availability may facilitate the development of EHS, and individuals should be cognizant of these. Therefore, the aims of this review are to present an overview of EHS along with its mechanisms and pathophysiology, discuss how selected nutritional considerations may influence EHS risk focusing on their impact on the key pathophysiological processes of EHS, and provide recommendations for future research. With climate change expected to increase EHS risk and incidence in the coming years, further investigation on how diet and nutrition may be optimized to protect against EHS would be highly beneficial.
A Novel Solar Photovoltaic Array Reconfiguration Technique Using Two-Dimensional Generalized Arnold's Cat Map
Authors: Amar Raj Rayappa David , Naik Kanasottu Anil
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a highly efficient image encryption-based Arnold's cat map (ACM) technique to reconfigure the photovoltaic (PV) array to enhance the output and mitigate the mismatch losses due to partial shading (PS). The proposed ACM technique concentrates on alleviating the power loss by effectively dispersing the shade over the entire PV array without modifying its electrical circuitry. The proposed reconfiguration technique is investigated and analyzed with conventional series–parallel and total-cross-tied configurations along with the recently reported chaotic Baker's map, odd–even, odd–even–prime pattern-based configurations. The proposed technique is examined for symmetrical 6 × 6 PV array and unsymmetrical 6 × 9 PV array under distinct nonuniform and uniform PS cases. To confirm the potency and superior performance of the proposed technique, the system has been extensively examined with nine performance parameters such as global maximum power, mismatch power, power loss, efficiency, fill factor, array yield, capacity factor, performance ratio, and the number of maximum power peaks. An experimental setup of a 4 × 4 array reconfiguration system prototype is developed and tested in a real-time environment to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique over the existing ones. From the comprehensive investigation, it is regarded that the proposed technique offers consistently superior performance with the least percentage mismatch losses and maximum power enhancement of 48.8%, 31.03%, and 27.5% for various shading cases of 6 × 6 and 6 × 9 PV arrays.
Acoustophoresis of a resonant elastic microparticle in a viscous fluid medium
Authors: Tahmasebipour Amir , Begley Matthew , Meinhart Carl
Published: May 2022

This work presents three-dimensional (3D) numerical analysis of acoustic radiation force on an elastic microsphere suspended in a viscous fluid. Acoustophoresis of finite-sized, neutrally buoyant, nearly incompressible soft particles may improve by orders of magnitude and change directions when going through resonant vibrations. These findings offer the potential to manipulate and separate microparticles based on their resonance frequency. This concept has profound implications in cell and microparticle handling, 3D printing, and enrichment in lab-on-chip applications. The existing analytical body of work can predict spheroidal harmonics of an elastic sphere and acoustic radiation force based on monopole and dipole scatter in an ideal fluid. However, little attention is given to the complex interplay of resonant fluid and solid bodies that generate acoustic radiation. The finite element method is used to find resonant modes, damping factors, and acoustic forces of an elastic sphere subject to a standing acoustic wave. Under fundamental spheroidal modes, the radiation force fluctuates significantly around analytical values due to constructive or destructive scatter-incident wave interference. This suggests that for certain materials, relevant to acoustofluidic applications, particle resonances are an important scattering mechanism and design parameter. The 3D model may be applied to any number of particles regardless of geometry or background acoustic field.
Noise abatement study for an amplified music outdoor amphitheater
Authors: Woolworth David s.
Published: May 2022

Amplified music outdoors poses many challenges in regard to sound abatement and requires a multi-disciplinary approach that includes sound system design and monitoring, programming considerations, architectural and landscaping sound control elements, and conditions for outdoor sound propagation including atmospheric, ground impedance, barrier and topographic effects. An interdisciplinary study was performed on the Brushy Creek Amphitheater in Hutto, Texas involving a local sound reinforcement company, audio equipment manufacturer, a local acoustical consulting firm, and a national atmospheric research group. This paper will provide the elements and findings of a multi-disciplinary investigation to minimize impact of a newly located amphitheater on the local community.
Noise control of a seasonal outdoor ice rink
Authors: Baldassano John , Keefe Joseph
Published: May 2022

This presentation discusses our involvement with community noise complaints, measurements, and noise control related to an outdoor ice rink. This seasonal rink operates November–-March each winter season and is erected over municipal basketball courts. Residences in multiple municipalities border the rink and are potentially affected by rink noise, including amplified music, Zamboni operation, whistles, hockey sticks on ice, and hockey pucks impacting boards. Pre- and post-noise control data are presented that show the effect of temporary measures applied in this challenging environment.
Using passive acoustic monitoring and machine learning analysis to investigate katydid ecology and behavior
Authors: Symes Laurel , ter Hofstede Hannah M. , Martinson Sharon J. , Geipel Inga , Kernan Ciara E. , Madhusudhana Shyam
Published: May 2022

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can provide detailed information on the spatial and temporal distribution of sound producing insects. When combined with machine learning approaches for extracting data from multiple sites and multiple years, PAM can provide exceptionally detailed information about the ecology of the calling insect community. We placed recording devices in the forest canopy on Barro Colorado Island in Panamá and used a combination of manual annotation and machine learning analysis in Koogu (an open source python package) to test the following hypotheses in Neotropical forest katydids: (1) The forest canopy species assemblage will consist disproportionately of katydid species with high flight and dispersal ability (reflected by low wing-loading coefficients), (2) katydids aggregate on an individual tree during the short window when a tree flushes new leaves (resulting in short concordant peaks of signaling activity across multiple katydid species), and (3) in species with relatively short calling seasons, males will have little time to accumulate nuptial gifts for females and will instead invest in mate searching (reflected by high male:female sex ratios in insects captured at lights). In changing forests, consistent approaches for insect sampling will be key for understanding insect ecology and generating interpretable and actionable data.
Clinical Measures of Adolescent Softball Players With and Without Upper-Extremity Pain: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Martin Chelsea L. , Pobocik Kaylee , Hannah Mary , Faherty Mallory S. , Christopher Shefali , Vallabhajosula Srikant
Published: May 2022

Context: Upper-extremity (UE) pain is a concern among softball adolescent athletes. However, research on preseason screening of demographic characteristics and clinical measures among those with and without UE pain among adolescent softball athletes is underreported. This study sought to present functional outcomes and clinical measures of shoulder and hip complex flexibility, range of motion (ROM), and strength in adolescent softball athletes with and without UE pain. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Sixty-seven athletes were assessed at the start of the spring season. The Kerlan–Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Questionnaire was administered to determine UE function. UE measurements included shoulder ROM, flexibility, and strength; lower-extremity measurements included hip ROM and strength. These variables were reported for players with and without UE pain as mean and SD. Independent samples t tests were performed to analyze differences between the groups. Results: Thirteen (19.4%) athletes reported UE pain during preseason screening. Mean Kerlan–Jobe Orthopedic Clinic Shoulder and Elbow Questionnaire score among athletes with UE pain was 58.0 (17.6) compared with 97.1 (6.9) for athletes reporting no UE pain (P < .001). Athletes with UE pain presented with significantly less dominant side external rotation ROM (UE pain: 106.5 [10.4], no UE pain: 114.6 [11.3]) and total ROM (UE pain: 163.7 [14.5], no UE Pain: 174.8 [14.3]). Conclusion: These findings inform clinicians on function and preseason clinical measures in adolescent softball athletes who present with or without UE pain. Athletes with UE pain demonstrated lower outcome scores indicating likely impact on overall UE function. These athletes also appeared to demonstrate UE ROM differences compared with athletes without UE pain. Further research is needed to investigate larger sample sizes and positional differences at baseline and throughout the season to determine if clinical measures used in the current study are risk factors for pain and injury.
H3K4me3 recognition by the COMPASS complex facilitates the restoration of this histone mark following DNA replication
Authors: Serra-Cardona Albert , Duan Shoufu , Yu Chuanhe , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: May 2022

During DNA replication, parental H3-H4 marked by H3K4me3 are transferred almost equally onto leading and lagging strands of DNA replication forks. Mutations in replicative helicase subunit, Mcm2 (Mcm2-3A), and leading strand DNA polymerase subunit, Dpb3 (
dpb3
∆), result in asymmetric distributions of H3K4me3 at replicating DNA strands immediately following DNA replication. Here, we show that
mcm2-3A
and
dpb3
∆ mutant cells markedly reduce the asymmetric distribution of H3K4me3 during cell cycle progression before mitosis. Furthermore, the restoration of a more symmetric distribution of H3K4me3 at replicating DNA strands in these mutant cells is driven by methylating nucleosomes without H3K4me3 by the H3K4 methyltransferase complex, COMPASS. Last, both gene transcription machinery and the binding of parental H3K4me3 by Spp1 subunit of the COMPASS complex help recruit the enzyme to chromatin for the restoration of the H3K4me3-marked state following DNA replication, shedding light on inheritance of this mark following DNA replication.
Strontium isotope stratigraphy and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb carbonate age constraints on the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the southern South China Sea
Authors: Li Gang , Xu Weihai , Luo Yun , Liu Jianguo , Zhao Jianxin , Feng Yuexing , Cheng Jun , Sun Zhen , Xiang Rong , Xu Min , Yan Wen
Published: May 2022

The tectonic evolution of the South China Sea is closely associated with multiple subduction-collision processes in Southeast Asia. When the collision of the Dangerous Grounds terrane with Sabah-Palawan Islands terminated is debated due to poor age constraints at the southern margin of South China Sea. A deep well drilled on Meiji Atoll penetrates Cenozoic carbonate strata in central Dangerous Grounds. Robust strontium isotope ages and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb dates provide critical chronological constraints on the Cenozoic evolution of the southern South China Sea. A middle Miocene hiatus spanning 9 m.y. on Meiji Atoll is thought to be mainly caused by tectonic uplift in the central Dangerous Grounds. The uplift in the central Dangerous Grounds was accompanied by underthrusting beneath the southern Palawan margin and orogenic uplifting in north Borneo during the middle Miocene. Data interpretation indicates an active collision in the southern South China Sea during the middle Miocene. The regrowth of the Meiji Atoll above the middle Miocene hiatus represents the end of this collision event in the southern South China Sea at ca. 11 Ma, after the cessation of seafloor spreading, which occurred at ca. 15 Ma.