bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of incarcerated coparenting: Examining differences across race and ethnicity
Authors: Tadros Eman , Durtschi Jared A. , Mullet Natira
Published: March 2023

Emerging research suggests that those coparenting with an incarcerated person experience multiple challenges. Examining incarcerated coparenting among minority fathers is especially salient as their incarceration rates are substantially higher than White males. This study utilized data from the Multi‐Site Family Study on Incarceration, Parenting and Partnering Study to examine changes in coparenting relationships when the male partner was incarcerated. Theoretically guided by structural family therapy, latent growth models were used to evaluate trajectories of fathers' coparenting reliability and coparenting cohesion across 34 months. Results indicated average declines within incarcerated men's reported coparenting responsibility and coparenting cohesion with their partner. Incarcerated men with higher relationship quality at T1 was significantly associated with higher initial levels of coparenting cohesion and coparenting responsibility—but not with the trajectories of coparenting change. Incarcerated fathers identifying as Hispanic and Other declined at a significantly steeper rate in coparenting responsibility than Black and White incarcerated fathers. Clinical implications and future research directions are provided.
History of key regulatory peptide systems and perspectives for future research
Authors: Chen Duan , Rehfeld Jens F. , Watts Alan G. , Rorsman Patrik , Gundlach Andrew L.
Published: March 2023

Throughout the 20th Century, regulatory peptide discovery advanced from the identification of gut hormones to the extraction and characterization of hypothalamic hypophysiotropic factors, and to the isolation and cloning of multiple brain neuropeptides. These discoveries were followed by the discovery of G‐protein‐coupled and other membrane receptors for these peptides. Subsequently, the systems physiology associated with some of these multiple regulatory peptides and receptors has been comprehensively elucidated and has led to improved therapeutics and diagnostics and their approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. In light of this wealth of information and further potential, it is truly a time of renaissance for regulatory peptides. In this perspective, we review what we have learned from the pioneers in exemplified fields of gut peptides, such as cholecystokinin, enterochromaffin‐like‐cell peptides, and glucagon, from the trailblazing studies on the key stress hormone, corticotropin‐releasing factor, as well as from more recently characterized relaxin‐family peptides and receptors. The historical viewpoints are based on our understanding of these topics in light of the earliest phases of research and on subsequent studies and the evolution of knowledge, aiming to sharpen our vision of the current state‐of‐the‐art and those studies that should be prioritized in the future.
Neurolymphomatosis: involvement of peripheral nervous system revealing hematologic malignancy, a report of nine cases
Authors: Ducatel Pauline , Michaud Maud , Viala Karine , Leblond Véronique , Charlotte Frédéric , Roos‐Weil Damien , Benoit Charline , Debs Rabab , Maisonobe Thierry
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

Neurolymphomatosis is defined as an infiltration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by malignant lymphoma cells. It is a rare entity and diagnosis is complicated especially when PNS involvement is the initial and leading symptom. To improve knowledge of the disorder and shorten the time to diagnosis, we report a series of nine patients without a history of hematologic malignancy, who were diagnosed with neurolymphomatosis after evaluation and workup of peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

The patients were included from the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology at Pitié Salpêtrière and Nancy Hospitals over a period of 15 years. Diagnosis of neurolymphomatosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination for each patient. We characterized their clinical, electrophysiological, biological, imaging, and histopathologic features.

Results

The neuropathy was characterized by pain (78%), proximal involvement (44%) or of all four limbs (67%), asymmetrical or with multifocal distribution (78%), abundant fibrillation (78%), a tendency to worsen rapidly, and significant associated weight loss (67%). Neurolymphomatosis was diagnosed principally on nerve biopsy (89%) identifying infiltration of lymphoid cells, atypical cells (78%), a monoclonal population (78%), and supported by fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography, spine or plexus MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping. Six patients had systemic disease and three impairment limited to the PNS. In the latter case, progression could be unpredictable and may be diffuse and explosive, sometimes occurring years after a seemingly indolent course.

Interpretation

This study provides better knowledge and understanding of neurolymphomatosis when neuropathy is the initial presentation.
Comparison of older and younger patients with ovarian cancer: A post hoc study (JGOG3016‐A3) of the treatment strength and prognostic outcomes of conventional or dose‐dense chemotherapy
Authors: Itani Yoshio , Sakai Hitomi , Hamano Tetsutaro , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Futagami Masayuki , Fujimura Masaki , Aoki Yoichi , Suzuki Nao , Yoshida Yoshio , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: March 2023

Aim

To evaluate changes of treatment strength and its impact on prognosis in older patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

We compared relative dose intensity (RDI) as a representative of treatment strength, prognosis, and other features between older (≥65 years) and younger patients (<65 years) retrospectively. Seventy‐seven older patients of 301 who received dose‐dense‐paclitaxel‐carboplatin (dTC) and 93 older patients of 304 who received conventional‐paclitaxel‐carboplatin (cTC) from the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) 3016 clinical trial were analyzed.

Results

The RDI of older patients was lower than that of younger patients in cTC (87.4% vs. 90.8%, p = 0.009) but not in dTC (79.0% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.205). In both regimens, older patients had worse overall survival than younger patients: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–2.59; p = 0.001 for dTC, and HR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.15–2.19; p = 0.04 for cTC. However, the RDI was not determined as a prognostic factor statistically. The prognostic factors identified by multivariate analysis for both regimens were clinical stage and residual disease; for dTC were age, performance status, and serum albumin; and for cTC was white blood cell count. There was no difference in neutropenia observed between age groups in either regimen.

Conclusions

The RDI of older patients varies according to the administered schedule and is not always lower than that of younger patients. Older patients with comparable treatment strength to younger patients in the dTC group did not accomplish the same level of prognosis as younger patients. Other biologic factors attributable to aging may affect prognosis.
Oral cancer in Australia: Rising incidence and worsening mortality
Authors: Sun Aria , Sharma Dileep , Choi Siu‐Wai , Ramamurthy Poornima , Thomson Peter
Published: March 2023

Background

Oral cancer, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is a lethal and deforming disease of rising incidence. Although largely preventable by eliminating harmful tobacco and alcohol risk factor behaviour, 5‐year survival rates remain around 50%, primarily due to late presentation of advanced stage disease. Whilst low socio‐economic status, regional and remote location and indigenous status are associated with head and neck cancer in general, detailed incidence and demographic data for oral SCC in Australia are limited. This study aimed to characterise the Queensland population at risk of oral SCC development.

Methods

Following ethical approval, the Queensland Cancer Register (QCR) dataset was analysed to determine patterns of incidence, anonymised patient demographics, clinical presentation and outcome data for oral SCC cases diagnosed between 1982 and 2018.

Results

Data from 9887 patients were obtained. Mean age at diagnosis was 64.55 years, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 2.51:1; males were diagnosed at a younger age (p < 0.001). At study census date, 59% of patients had died, with females demonstrating longer mean survival (p < 0.001). Clinicopathological data confirmed that SCC most commonly arose from tongue sites (49%) and, whilst tumours were predominantly moderately differentiated in nature (63%), patients with poorly differentiated carcinomas exhibited shortest survival times (p < 0.05). Over the 36‐year study period, the number of diagnoses increased 4.49‐fold, whilst the number of deaths increased 19.14‐fold.

Conclusion

Oral SCC poses a significant and growing healthcare problem in Queensland. In the absence of national screening, characterising the high‐risk oral SCC population facilitates pragmatic opportunities to raise disease awareness, to deliver targeted screening and effective primary prevention strategies, and to provide early interventional treatment intervention to reduce disease mortality and morbidity.
Interventions to Promote Food Allergy Literacy in Childhood: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Sanagavarapu Prathyusha , Dadich Ann , Hussain Wajiha
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

This article introduces the concept, food allergy literacy (FAL), which encompasses the knowledge, behaviors, and skills needed to manage a food allergy and is thus critical to child safety. Yet, there is limited clarity on how to promote FAL in children.

METHODS

Twelve academic databases were systematically searched to identify publications on interventions to promote FAL in children. Five publications met the inclusion criteria, which involved children (3 to 12 years), their parents, or educators and tested the efficacy of an intervention.

FINDINGS

Four interventions were for parents and educators, while 1 intervention was for parents with their children. The interventions were educational and focused on promoting participant knowledge and skills of food allergy, and/or psychosocial in nature, promoting coping, confidence, and self‐efficacy in managing children's allergies. All interventions were deemed effective. Only 1 study used a control group, and none assessed the long‐term benefits of the interventions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY

The results can enable health service providers and educators to design evidence‐based interventions to promote FAL. This might involve designing, implementing, and evaluating curricula and play‐based activities, therein, that award greater attention to food allergy—its consequences, risks, skills to prevent risk, and managing food allergy in educational settings.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence on child‐focused interventions that promote FAL. There is, therefore, considerable opportunity to co‐design and test interventions with children.
Risk factors for upper urinary tract uroliths and ureteral obstruction in cats under referral veterinary care in the United Kingdom
Authors: Geddes Rebecca F. , Davison Lucy J. , Elliott Jonathan , Syme Harriet M. , O'Neill Dan G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Cats presenting with upper urinary tract uroliths (UUTUs) and ureteral obstruction (“obstructive UUTU”) are typically younger than cats with idiopathic CKD that often have incidental nephroliths.

Hypothesis

Cats with upper urinary tract urolith have 2 clinical phenotypes; a more aggressive phenotype at risk of obstructive UUTU at a young age and a more benign phenotype in older cats, with reduced risk of obstructive UUTU.

Objectives

Identify risk factors for UUTU and for obstructive UUTU.

Animals

Eleven thousand four hundred thirty‐one cats were referred for care over 10 years; 521 (4.6%) with UUTU.

Methods

Retrospective VetCompass observational cross‐sectional study. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify risk factors for a diagnosis of UUTU vs no UUTU and additionally, obstructive UUTU vs nonobstructive UUTU.

Results

Risk factors for UUTU included female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, confidence interval [CI] 1.3‐1.9;P < .001), British shorthair, Burmese, Persian, Ragdoll or Tonkinese (vs non‐purebred ORs 1.92‐3.31;P < .001) breed and being ≥4 years (ORs 2.1‐3.9;P < .001). Risk factors for obstructive UUTU were female sex (OR 1.8, CI 1.2‐2.6;P = .002), having bilateral uroliths (OR 2.0, CI 1.4‐2.9;P = .002) and age, with the odds of obstructive UUTU increasing as age at diagnosis of UUTU decreased (≥12 years, reference category; 8‐11.9 years, OR 2.7, CI 1.6‐4.5; 4‐7.9 years, OR 4.1, CI 2.5‐7.0; 0‐3.9 years, OR 4.3, CI 2.2‐8.6;P < 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cats diagnosed with UUTU at a younger age have a more aggressive phenotype with higher risk of obstructive UUTU compared to cats over 12 years of age diagnosed with UUTU.
How Do General Election Incentives Affect the Visible and Invisible Primary?
Authors: Lockhart Mackenzie , Hill Seth J.
Published: March 2023

Previous research finds that nominating more centrist candidates increases vote share and win probability in congressional general elections. Yet party primary elections often nominate non‐centrist candidates, increasing polarization between the American parties. We develop a model of choice in nomination politics that shows when and how actors respond to incentives of the general election. We then combine 200 million contribution records with data on 22,400 candidates in 7100 House primary elections from 1980 through 2016. We find that potential candidates and primary voters respond to general election incentives but do not find clear evidence for contributors or the winnowing process. Connecting these results back to our model, this implies that actors in the invisible primary either place higher value on in‐party candidate ideology or have different beliefs about the general election than do primary voters. Our evidence adds to a body of research that suggests primary voters are a larger moderating force than elites in American party politics.
Biases and information gaps in the study of habitat connectivity in the Carnivora in the Americas
Authors: Balbuena‐Serrano Ángel , Zarco‐González Martha Mariela , Monroy‐Vilchis Octavio
Published: March 2023

Habitat connectivity is essential to mitigate the effects of fragmentation by maintaining ecological processes, exchange of individuals, and gene flow among isolated populations. In the last two decades, the importance of habitat connectivity has been highlighted and the number of studies that address this issue has increased.

We review and describe the habitat‐connectivity studies for the Carnivora in the Americas to identify taxonomic, geographic, and methodological biases, and we examine the number of publications on habitat connectivity and their relationship with country‐level parameters.

We reviewed habitat‐connectivity studies published between 2000 and 2020. We quantified studies by region, country, family, and species. We identified information gaps and analysed each country based on the proportion of land modified by humans, species richness, percentage of carnivoran species that are at risk of extinction, and the percentage of territory that is within Protected Areas. G‐tests were performed to verify if the number of published connectivity studies differed based on these variables.

There is an increasing trend in the number of studies; however, this increasing is not proportional among countries, among families, or among carnivoran species. We identified that there is a regional bias, since more than 75% of the studies were carried out in North America, in addition, taxonomic bias indicates that the studies focused on large carnivorans. Regarding the methodological bias, the least‐cost path was the most used approach.

There are fewer studies on habitat connectivity in countries with higher fragmentation rates, higher percentages of species that are at risk of extinction and less percentage of land in Protected Areas. The capability of countries to invest in research, the study focused on large charismatic species and the difficulty to obtaining dispersion data are factors that have influenced in the study of habitat connectivity.
Long‐term and rapid evolution in powdery mildew fungi
Authors: Kusch Stefan , Qian Jiangzhao , Loos Anne , Kümmel Florian , Spanu Pietro D. , Panstruga Ralph
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphaceae) are globally distributed plant pathogens with a range of more than 10,000 plant hosts. In this review, we discuss the long‐ and short‐term evolution of these obligate biotrophic fungi and outline their diversity with respect to morphology, lifestyle, and host range. We highlight their remarkable ability to rapidly overcome plant immunity, evolve fungicide resistance, and broaden their host range, for example, through adaptation and hybridization. Recent advances in genomics and proteomics, particularly in cereal powdery mildews (genus Blumeria), provided first insights into mechanisms of genomic adaptation in these fungi. Transposable elements play key roles in shaping their genomes, where even close relatives exhibit diversified patterns of recent and ongoing transposon activity. These transposons are ubiquitously distributed in the powdery mildew genomes, resulting in a highly adaptive genome architecture lacking obvious regions of conserved gene space. Transposons can also be neofunctionalized to encode novel virulence factors, particularly candidate secreted effector proteins, which may undermine the plant immune system. In cereals like barley and wheat, some of these effectors are recognized by plant immune receptors encoded by resistance genes with numerous allelic variants. These effectors determine incompatibility (“avirulence”) and evolve rapidly through sequence diversification and copy number variation. Altogether, powdery mildew fungi possess plastic genomes that enable their fast evolutionary adaptation towards overcoming plant immunity, host barriers, and chemical stress such as fungicides, foreshadowing future outbreaks, host range shifts and expansions as well as potential pandemics by these pathogens.
RRS1 shapes robust root system to enhance drought resistance in rice
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhao Yong , Zhao Zhikun , Liu Wei , Jiang Conghui , Li Jinjie , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang , Zhang Yage , Wang Xiaoning , Sun Xingming , Li Zichao
Published: March 2023

A strong root system facilitates the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil, to improve the growth of crops. However, to date, there are still very few root development regulatory genes that can be used in crop breeding for agriculture.

In this study, we cloned a negative regulator gene of root development, Robust Root System 1 (RRS1), which encodes an R2R3‐type MYB family transcription factor. RRS1 knockout plants showed enhanced root growth, including longer root length, longer lateral root length, and larger lateral root density. RRS1 represses root development by directly activating the expression of OsIAA3 which is involved in the auxin signaling pathway.

A natural variation in the coding region of RRS1 changes the transcriptional activity of its protein. RRS1T allele, originating from wild rice, possibly increases root length by means of weakening regulation of OsIAA3.

Knockout of RRS1 enhances drought resistance by promoting water absorption and improving water use efficiency. This study provides a new gene resource for improving root systems and cultivating drought‐resistant rice varieties with important values in agricultural applications.
Constrained Condylar Prostheses for the Treatment of Charcot Arthropathy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mei Fengyao , Li Jiao Jiao , Lin Jianhao , Zhou Diange , Xing Dan
Published: March 2023

Background

Neuroarthropathy of the knee or Charcot knee, leading to chronic joint destruction, is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose. The treatment of this condition is difficult and controversial.

Case Presentation

A 74‐year‐old Asian woman has had bilateral knee pain for 22 years and deformity for 10 years, which has been aggravating for 2 months. Physical examination showed bilateral knee varus deformity greater than 15°, and −20 to 90° range of motion. X‐ray revealed bilateral varus deformity with massive free body hyperplasia. Combined with medical history as syringomyelia, the patient was diagnosed with bilateral Charcot knees and bilateral joint replacements were performed using Legacy Constrained Condylar Knee prostheses (LCCK; Zimmer, USA). The patient reported satisfactory treatment outcomes, pain relief, and improved range of motion in both knees, without postoperative complications or prosthesis loosening at 2 year after operation.

Conclusions

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be considered a viable option for treating the Charcot knee. The use of constrained condylar prostheses can produce satisfactory results. Attention should be given to survival risks, complications, and other potential determining factors associated with TKA when devising a treatment strategy for the Charcot knee.
Adult attachment as a predictor of maternal gatekeeping among new parents
Authors: Aytac F. Kubra , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J.
Published: March 2023

This study examined the associations between expectant couples' adult attachment styles and new mothers' gatekeeping (i.e., maternal behaviors that may inhibit or encourage father involvement in parenting) at the transition to parenthood. Data were drawn from a study of 182 different‐gender dual‐earner couples followed from the third trimester of pregnancy through 3 months postpartum. In the third trimester, expectant parents reported their attachment anxiety and avoidance. At 3 months postpartum, mothers and fathers reported on mothers' gate opening and gate closing behaviors. Also, at 3 months postpartum, maternal gate opening and gate closing were coded during mother–father–infant interactions in play and caregiving. Actor–Partner Interdependence Models were conducted in IBM SPSS AMOS 21.0. Findings indicated that higher maternal anxiety predicted higher mother‐reported maternal gate closing, whereas higher paternal avoidance and higher paternal anxiety predicted lower father‐reported maternal gate opening. During caregiving, higher paternal anxiety predicted higher observed maternal gate closing, and higher maternal anxiety predicted lower observed maternal gate opening. Findings reveal the importance of attachment in coparenting relationships among new parents, as attachment anxiety and avoidance may shape maternal behaviors encouraging or hindering father involvement in parenting.
A decrease in the incidence of Shiga toxin‐related hemolytic uremic syndrome as a cause of kidney transplantation at an argentine referral center
Authors: Monteverde Marta L. , Panero Natalia , Chaparro Alicia B. , Locane Fabrizio , Sarkis Claudia , Mattio Silvana A. , Ibañez Juan P.
Published: March 2023

Background

In Argentina, Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC HUS), is the main cause of acute kidney injury and the second cause of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. In recent decades, strategies have been implemented to reduce progression to ESRD, but it is not known whether the cumulative incidence of HUS requiring kidney transplantation (KTx) has decreased. We aimed to determine whether the cumulative incidence of STEC HUS in children undergoing KTx decreased and compared outcomes of HUS‐related KTx vs. those related to other etiologies.

Methods

All patients who underwent KTx at our institution were evaluated. The cohort was divided into quintiles (Q), and we compared the cumulative incidence of HUS‐related KTx vs KTx due to other etiologies.

Results

A total of 1000 consecutive KTx were included. The cumulative incidence of HUS‐related KTx was 11%. HUS was the second cause of KTx in Q1: 17% (1988–1995); Q2: 13.5% (1996–2003); Q3: 11.5% (2004–2009) and third cause in Q4: 10% (2010–2015) and Q5: 3% (2016–2021). The cumulative incidence of HUS‐related KTx decreased in Q4 and Q5 compared to Q1, Q2, and Q3 and the decline was even steeper when comparing Q4 to Q5 (p:0.019). There was no difference in graft survival in patients with HUS vs. congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) but better than in those with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

Conclusions

In this cohort, the cumulative incidence of HUS‐related KTx decreased, which may have been due to the implementation of nephroprotective strategies.
The trade and welfare effects of the belt and road initiative
Authors: Gao Meng , Jin Chenxin , Jin Wei , Sheng Bin , Xu Linpu
Published: March 2023

This paper evaluates the general equilibrium trade and welfare effects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We estimate the partial trade effect of the BRI using the synthetic control method. By feeding the implied trade cost reduction into counterfactual equations, we simulate the general equilibrium trade and welfare effects of the BRI based on the structural gravity model. We find that the BRI has greatly increased China's and BRI members' trade and welfare, with little impact on non‐BRI members.
“Girls Can Kick Ass … Without Being Angry”: Practices of Alignment, Postfeminism, and the Production of Niceness in the Face of Sexism in Work and Family Lives1
Authors: Lee Helene K.
Published: March 2023

Scholars and cultural critics have criticized the “women can have it all” slogan of a successful career and family life as an impossible dream. But why do educationally and economically privileged women continue to invest in this myth? Drawing on interviews with 19 upper middle class, highly educated women, this article highlights the fusion of postfeminism and emotion work in what I call, practices of alignment, visible in the ways they talk about gender inequalities without addressing sexism. I argue these women use self‐silencing, individualizing, minimizing, and normalizing strategies to rationalize the realities of sexism and patriarchy in their households and workplaces. These practices of alignment “handle” other people's feelings and their own to reaffirm their identities as “nice” women who can succeed despite blatant and subtle forms of sexism in their lives. In so doing, these women continue to translate the broader social problems of continued gender inequality into individual issues, which masks the ways their economic and social lives are shaped by sexism.
Harnessing enzyme cofactors and plant metabolism: an essential partnership
Authors: da Fonseca‐Pereira Paula , Monteiro‐Batista Rita de Cássia , Araújo Wagner L. , Nunes‐Nesi Adriano
Published: March 2023

Cofactors are fundamental to the catalytic activity of enzymes. Additionally, because plants are a critical source of several cofactors (i.e., including their vitamin precursors) within the context of human nutrition, there have been several studies aiming to understand the metabolism of coenzymes and vitamins in plants in detail. For example, compelling evidence has been brought forth regarding the role of cofactors in plants; specifically, it is becoming increasingly clear that an adequate supply of cofactors in plants directly affects their development, metabolism, and stress responses. Here, we review the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on the significance of coenzymes and their precursors with regard to general plant physiology and discuss the emerging functions attributed to them. Furthermore, we discuss how our understanding of the complex relationship between cofactors and plant metabolism can be used for crop improvement.
Evaluation of Freestyle Optium Neo H and TaiDoc‐TD4235 point‐of‐care meters for measuring blood β‐hydroxybutyrate concentration in sheep
Authors: Tümer Kenan C. , Kılınç Mehmet A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Accurate and rapid measurement of blood β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) concentrations is critical to identify hyperketonemia in sheep.

Objective

The objective of this study was to test the performance of Freestyle Optium Neo H and TaiDoc‐TD4235 point‐of‐care (POC) devices for measuring blood β‐OHB concentrations in sheep.

Methods

Venous blood samples from 105 sheep were evaluated with Freestyle Optium Neo H and TaiDoc‐TD4235 meters. A reference approach was the laboratory measurement of serum BHB concentrations using the Randox D‐3 Hydroxybutyrate reagent kit. Data were analyzed using Passing‐ Bablok regression and Bland–Altman analysis. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed using serum β‐OHB concentration at a cut‐off value of 0.8 mmol/L.

Results

Passing‐Bablok regression analysis revealed an intercept of 0.066 (CI95: 0.018–0.125) and slope of 1.242 (CI95: 1.136–1.342) for Freestyle Optium Neo H. Intercept and slope values for the TaiDoc‐TD4235 meter were 0.625 (CI95: 0.539–0.724) and 1.265 (CI95: 1.044–1.497), respectively. The Bland–Altman plot revealed a bias of 0.224 mmol/L and 0.737 mmol/L for Freestyle Optium Neo H and TaiDoc‐TD4235 meters, respectively, compared with the reference method. Observed Total Error (TEobs) was 56.7% for the Freestyle Optium Neo H and 168.7% for the Taidoc‐TD4235. The sensitivity and specificity for the Freestyle Optium Neo H were 100% and 80.9%, respectively, at the threshold of 0.8 mmol/L. The Taidoc‐TD4235 demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.3% and specificity of 8.9% at the threshold of 0.8 mmol/L.

Conclusions

Because of the large TEobs, the Freestyle Optium Neo H and TaiDoc‐TD4235 meters should not be used to quantify blood β‐OHB concentrations in sheep.
The Determinants of Disaggregated Capital Inflows to Emerging Market Economies: Empirical Evidence from Korea
Authors: Kim Sungcheol , Kim Kyunghun
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the key factors in determining disaggregated portfolio investment flows to Korea. I categorize total portfolio investment flows by investor type, such as global banks, investment funds, securities firms, and pension companies. From the structural vector autoregression model with dummy variables, this paper finds that the properties of each institution's capital inflows are quite different. For example, investment funds and securities firm flows are more responsive to stock market index, whereas pension companies are more sensitive to domestic output growth. This implies that the impact of any economic shock on the total foreign capital flows cannot be generalized as the impact on each investment group's capital flow.
Trade Policy and African Participation in Global Value Chains: Does Trade Facilitation Matter?
Authors: Takpara Moukaila Mouzamilou , Djiogap Constant Fouopi , Sawadogo Bouraïma
Published: March 2023

This study offers an empirical appraisal of the contribution of trade facilitation for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries participation in global value chains. We used new value-added data on a panel of 25 countries over the period 2004-2017. The results using pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and instrumental variable-two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) estimators reveal that trade facilitation indicators such as physical infrastructure, information and communication technology, and border and transport efficiency support SSA countries' participation in global value chains. More interestingly, these results are robust at the sectoral level, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and textiles & clothing sectors for physical infrastructure and ICT, while the business environment is conducive to upstream integration of GVCs in the agriculture and textiles & clothing sectors. These results underscore the increased importance of trade facilitation in the era of global value chains and call for well-targeted sectoral policies to reap the benefits of GVCs.
New Insights in Turbulent Heat Transfer With Oil and Hybrid Nano-Oils, Subject to Discrete Heating, for Parabolic Trough Absorbers
Authors: Upadhyay Satish , Chandra Laltu , Sarkar Jahar
Published: March 2023

The concentrated solar thermal systems, operating in the medium temperature range of 373–573 K, will be extremely useful for several industrial processes. However, the need for an in-depth understanding of the turbulent heat transfer in parabolic trough absorbers with pure and hybrid nano-oils, including the effect of buoyancy or gravity, is realized. This paper presents the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based turbulent heat transfer analyses in a 3D, long, straight for Reynolds number from 5000 to 20,000 and discrete heating conditions with different heat flux ratios such as 1, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 for pure oil and hybrid nano-oils having 1, 4, and 6% volume concentration of the nanoparticles. The major findings are, (a) gravity-induced anisotropy leads to high and low-speed fluid flows near the lower and upper walls, and temperature redistribution at a plane, which is beneficial, (b) the statistical axial-velocity deviates from the standard logarithmic law at a Reynolds number of 5000, and (c) the ratio of surface-area-averaged Nusselt number between the lower half and upper half of the tube is 4–12. Some important recommendations are (a) the effect of gravity must be included, (b) the local Richardson number may be used for improving the standard logarithmic law for the axial velocity, and (c) Nusselt number correlations are deduced for the upper half surface and lower half surfaces. The findings, albeit for limited parameters, will be useful for improving the heat transfer aspects in the parabolic trough absorber.
Prediction of Waste Chicken Fat Biodiesel Blends as the Potential Substitute for the Diesel Engine With Oxygenated Additives
Authors: Nithya S. , Jeyaseelan G. Antony Casmir , Ali Alharbi Sulaiman , Alfarraj Saleh , Jhanani G. K.
Published: March 2023

The shortage of fossil fuels has been growing at a faster pace every year, which is the reason why it is necessary to switch to alternative fuels without making significant modifications to diesel engines. Because it satisfies the standards, biodiesel can serve as an efficient alternative to fuels derived from petroleum. Although biofuels may be produced from a wide variety of edible sources, the development of biofuels from non-edible sources has been more beneficial in terms of both the economical approach and the performance of the fuel. The addition of the non-carbonous source of nanoparticles is able to significantly increase the performance of the engine. The experimental investigation was carried out in a variety of chicken waste biodiesel blends that also contained titanium oxides at the rate of 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The used biodiesel blends were CWB10% (90% diesel + 10% chicken biodiesel), CWB20% (80% diesel + 20% chicken biodiesel), and nanoparticles were added at the rate of 5 ppm and 10 ppm. It was necessary to estimate the performance, emission, and combustion parameters of the utilized chicken waste biodiesel in order to arrive at an accurate assessment of its quality as a fuel. When comparing the outcomes of using biodiesel with those of using nanoparticles at two different ppm concentrations, the pure diesel results were utilized as a point of comparison. According to the findings, the application of biodiesel led to results that were just average. However, when titanium oxide was included in the mix, the outcomes of the experiment were much enhanced.
Real-Time Dynamic Performance Enhancement for Solar-Powered Pumping Systems Using PI-Based MPPT Techniques
Authors: Ebrahim Mohamed A. , Osama Adham , Kotb Khaled M.
Published: March 2023

The integration of solar-powered pumping systems (SPPS) into agriculture and potable and wastewater sectors becomes mandatory to provide water in remote regions. The broad use of SPPS with classical maximum power point tracking controllers (MPPTCs) showed moderated voltage and power response deterioration. Therefore, the necessity for overcoming these performance degradations and pre-testing of MPPTCs is not an option for the proper operation of such systems. This paper presents a new simple, cost-effective real-time hardware-in-the-loop (RT-HIL) framework to enhance the dynamic performance of SPPS. To accomplish this study, a real pumping station was modeled and equipped with MPPTCs through matlab/simulink. Besides, a practical SPPS was implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed RT-HIL on system performance. The practical SPPS includes designing a DC-DC buck converter circuit equipped with metaheuristic optimization-based real-time MPPTCs. The tuned PI/FOPI-based MPPTCs are adopted in this work to gain the maximum power from the PV generator under measured real environmental conditions. The proposed real-time MPPTCs techniques are perturb and observe, and incremental conductance (IC) with I, PI, and fractional-order PI (FOPI) controllers. The simulation and the experimental results prove the superiority of the developed real-time FOPI-based MPPTCs in enhancing the system performance in terms of the gained power, module output current, pump flowrate, and pump efficiency. The paper’s novelty lies behind the relatively low-cost real-time execution of PI/FOPI-based MPPT techniques on SPPS. This work was simulated using matlab/simulink in conjunction with Arduino-based RT-HIL and the experimental validation was implemented at the National Water Research Center (NWRC) in Egypt.
Engineering superpositions of N00N states using an asymmetric non-linear Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Birrittella Richard J. , Alsing Paul M. , Schneeloch James , Gerry Christopher C. , Mimih Jihane , Knight Peter L.
Published: March 2023

We revisit a method for mapping arbitrary single-mode pure states into superpositions of N00N states using an asymmetric non-linear Mach–Zehnder interferometer (ANLMZI). This method would allow one to tailor-make superpositions of N00N states where each axis of the two-mode joint-photon number distribution is weighted by the statistics of any single-mode pure state. The non-linearity of the ANLMZI comes in the form of a χ(3) self-Kerr interaction occurring on one of the intermediary modes of the interferometer. Motivated by the non-classical interference effects that occur at a beam splitter, we introduce inverse-engineering techniques aimed toward extrapolating optimal transformations for generating N00N state superpositions. These techniques are general enough so as to be employed to probe the means of generating states of any desired quantum properties.
Fabrication of high quality X-ray source by gated vertically aligned carbon nanotube field emitters
Authors: Yu Yi Yin , Park Kyu Chang
Published: March 2023

We fabricated a cold cathode-driven x-ray source with vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs). Dose and spatial resolution characteristics are compared to commercially available portable x-ray sources, and our system outperformed its counterparts. At the same 1.0 mAs condition, our x-ray source represented a dose rate of 0.37 mGy/s, which is 7.8 and 2.4 times greater than that of the thermionic emitter and paste carbon nanotubes based commercial x-ray sources, respectively. In addition, our x-ray source represented better image resolution by achieving a nominal focal spot size of 0.35 mm. We believe that high quality x-ray properties were attained, thanks to the narrow electron beam divergence and high reduced brightness of the electrons from VACNTs, and that this will open up advanced x-ray applications.
Dual domestications and origin of traits in grapevine evolution
Authors: Dong Yang , Duan Shengchang , Xia Qiuju , Liang Zhenchang , Dong Xiao , Margaryan Kristine , Musayev Mirza , Goryslavets Svitlana , Zdunić Goran , Bert Pierre-François , Lacombe Thierry , Maul Erika , Nick Peter , Bitskinashvili Kakha , Bisztray György Dénes , Drori Elyashiv , De Lorenzis Gabriella , Cunha Jorge , Popescu Carmen Florentina , Arroyo-Garcia Rosa , Arnold Claire , Ergül Ali , Zhu Yifan , Ma Chao , Wang Shufen , Liu Siqi , Tang Liu , Wang Chunping , Li Dawei , Pan Yunbing , Li Jingxian , Yang Ling , Li Xuzhen , Xiang Guisheng , Yang Zijiang , Chen Baozheng , Dai Zhanwu , Wang Yi , Arakelyan Arsen , Kuliyev Varis , Spotar Gennady , Girollet Nabil , Delrot Serge , Ollat Nathalie , This Patrice , Marchal Cécile , Sarah Gautier , Laucou Valérie , Bacilieri Roberto , Röckel Franco , Guan Pingyin , Jung Andreas , Riemann Michael , Ujmajuridze Levan , Zakalashvili Tekle , Maghradze David , Höhn Maria , Jahnke Gizella , Kiss Erzsébet , Deák Tamás , Rahimi Oshrit , Hübner Sariel , Grassi Fabrizio , Mercati Francesco , Sunseri Francesco , Eiras-Dias José , Dumitru Anamaria Mirabela , Carrasco David , Rodriguez-Izquierdo Alberto , Muñoz Gregorio , Uysal Tamer , Özer Cengiz , Kazan Kemal , Xu Meilong , Wang Yunyue , Zhu Shusheng , Lu Jiang , Zhao Maoxiang , Wang Lei , Jiu Songtao , Zhang Ying , Sun Lei , Yang Huanming , Weiss Ehud , Wang Shiping , Zhu Youyong , Li Shaohua , Sheng Jun , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

We elucidate grapevine evolution and domestication histories with 3525 cultivated and wild accessions worldwide. In the Pleistocene, harsh climate drove the separation of wild grape ecotypes caused by continuous habitat fragmentation. Then, domestication occurred concurrently about 11,000 years ago in Western Asia and the Caucasus to yield table and wine grapevines. The Western Asia domesticates dispersed into Europe with early farmers, introgressed with ancient wild western ecotypes, and subsequently diversified along human migration trails into muscat and unique western wine grape ancestries by the late Neolithic. Analyses of domestication traits also reveal new insights into selection for berry palatability, hermaphroditism, muscat flavor, and berry skin color. These data demonstrate the role of the grapevines in the early inception of agriculture across Eurasia.
The growing influence of industry in AI research
Authors: Ahmed Nur , Wahed Muntasir , Thompson Neil C.
Published: March 2023

Industry is gaining control over the technology’s future
Application of Traditional Vaccine Development Strategies to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Rando Halie M. , Lordan Ronan , Lee Alexandra J. , Naik Amruta , Wellhausen Nils , Sell Elizabeth , Kolla Likhitha ,   COVID-19 Review Consortium, Gitter Anthony , Greene Casey S. ,   The COVID-19 Review Consortium includes, Bansal Vikas , Barton John P. , Boca Simina M. , Boerckel Joel D. , Brueffer Christian , Byrd James Brian , Capone Stephen , Das Shikta , Dattoli Anna Ada , Dziak John J. , Field Jeffrey M. , Ghosh Soumita , Gitter Anthony , Goel Rishi Raj , Greene Casey S. , Guebila Marouen Ben , Himmelstein Daniel S. , Hu Fengling , Jadavji Nafisa M. , Kamil Jeremy P. , Knyazev Sergey , Kolla Likhitha , Lee Alexandra J. , Lordan Ronan , Lubiana Tiago , Lukan Temitayo , MacLean Adam L. , Mai David , Mangul Serghei , Manheim David , McGowan Lucy D’Agostino , Meyer Jesse G. , Mundo Ariel I. , Naik Amruta , Park YoSon , Perrin Dimitri , Qi Yanjun , Rafizadeh Diane N. , Ramsundar Bharath , Rando Halie M. , Ray Sandipan , Robson Michael P. , Rubinetti Vincent , Sell Elizabeth , Shinholster Lamonica , Skelly Ashwin N. , Sun Yuchen , Sun Yusha , Szeto Gregory L. , Velazquez Ryan , Wang Jinhui , Wellhausen Nils
Published: March 2023

The development, production, and distribution of vaccines is imperative to saving lives, preventing illness, and reducing the economic and social burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines that use cutting-edge biotechnology have played an important role in mitigating the effects of SARS-CoV-2.
A Randomized Clinical Trial Testing Hydroxychloroquine for Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Shedding and Hospitalization in Early Outpatient COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Spivak Adam M. , Barney Bradley J. , Greene Tom , Holubkov Richard , Olsen Cody S. , Bridges Jordan , Srivastava Raj , Webb Brandon , Sebahar Frances , Huffman Ainsley , Pacchia Christina F. , Dean J. Michael , Hess Rachel
Published: March 2023

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, no effective treatment existed to prevent clinical worsening of COVID-19 among recently diagnosed outpatients. Hydroxychloroquine received attention as a possible early treatment; however, quality prospective studies were lacking. We conducted a clinical trial to test the ability of hydroxychloroquine to prevent clinical worsening of COVID-19.
Diachronous subduction, closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean, and collisional accretion of microcontinents: Insights from the early Paleozoic intermediate-mafic rocks in the Amdo microcontinent of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Peng Yinbiao , Yu Shengyao , Li Sanzhong , Liu Yongjiang , Lv Pei , Li Chuanzhi , Dai Liming , Li Yunshuai , Gao Xiangyu , Jiang Xingzhou , Ji Wentao
Published: March 2023

The Proto-Tethys Ocean played an important role in the formation and evolution of the East Asian continental blocks, and the final closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean may have led to the first assembly of nearly all East Asian blocks at the northern margin of Gondwana. However, controversy remains about the reconstruction of East Asian blocks at the northern margin of Gondwana. The Tibetan Plateau is located in the northern margin of Gondwana and recorded the entire tectonic evolution from continental rift and drift to subduction and collision during the early Paleozoic. Therefore, it is an important region in which to address tectonic evolution processes of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and Gondwana. Here, we present petrology, zircon U-Pb, Sr-Nd-Hf isotope, and whole-rock geochemical data from newly recognized intermediate-mafic magmatic rocks from the Amdo microcontinent of central Tibet, with a view to gain insights into the nature and geotectonic evolution of the northern margin of Gondwana. Zircon grains from meta-andesites and meta-basites in Amdo yielded magmatic crystallization ages of 490 Ma and 455−450 Ma, respectively. The meta-andesites are characterized by enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Th, U, and K) and depletion in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) with positive zircon εHf(t) values (+3.4 to +6.4), which were probably derived from partial melting of a depleted mantle source enriched by minor fluids from subducted sediments in a continental arc setting. The meta-basites are tholeiitic and exhibit both mid-ocean-ridge basalt (e.g., flat rare earth element patterns) and arc-like (e.g., elevated Th/Yb ratios) geochemical affinities, in combination with negative zircon εHf(t) (−4.6 to −0.3) and whole-rock εNd(t) (−0.21 to −0.45) values, suggesting that they were probably generated by varying degrees of partial melting of a spinel peridotite source with ∼5%−10% crustal assimilation in a back-arc setting. In this regard, we favor the interpretation that the Amdo microcontinent experienced long-lasting (ca. 530−450 Ma) subduction of the Proto-Tethys Ocean slab before the subsequent collisional accretion of microcontinents. Integrating results from previous studies, we propose that the Amdo microcontinent, South Qiangtang terrane, Qilian-Qaidam terrane, and other East Asian blocks were all located at the northern margin of East Gondwana, which recorded the arc-related magmatism along the proto-Tethyan margin in the early Paleozoic. The closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and initial collision along the East Gondwana Proto-Tethyan margin may have been diachronous between ca. 455 and 430 Ma.