bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heritability and genetic variance estimates for agronomic traits and glycoside yield in four elite stevia breeding populations
Authors: Huber Brandon M. , Wehner Todd C.
Published: February 2023

Heritability estimates of traits assist breeders in optimizing cultivar development and can help predict gain from selection in breeding programs. Narrow‐sense heritabilities were measured in agronomic traits and glycoside concentration in four elite stevia (Stevia rebaudianaBertoni) populations using half‐sib family analysis. Gain from selection at 20% selection intensity was estimated for morphological, yield, and glycoside traits. Experiments were conducted in two field locations in North Carolina. Variation was observed across cultigens for agronomic traits including stem height, branch width, and leaf size, for both subjective and objective measurements. Yield, lodging resistance, disease resistance, and percent survival showed a high genetic variation across cultigens. In addition, glycosides including Reb A, Reb C, and Reb D also showed high variation by cultigen. Heritability estimates for plant morphological traits were highest for stem height, and moderate for yield and branch width. However, other traits such as leaf area and lodging resistance showed low heritability (0.10). Glycosides including Reb A, Reb C, Reb D, stevioside and total steviol glycosides (TSG) showed high heritability. The estimated gain from selection per year for stem height (24 mm/year), leaf area (131 mm2/year) and yield (dry weight) (1.2 Mg/ha per year) suggest significant improvements are possible per breeding cycle. The estimated gain for glycoside concentration and percent of TSG of Reb A (26.44 mg/g, 14.51%), Reb C (20.20 mg/g, 20.17%), Reb D (1.70 mg/g, 1.49%), stevioside (6.73 mg/g, 10.72%), and TSG (20.90 mg/g), similarly, indicate significant gains are possible per breeding cycle.
Double Q‐learning‐based adaptive trajectory selection for energy‐efficient data collection in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Rajagopal Vishnuvarthan , Velusamy Bhanumathi , Rathinasamy Sakthivel
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a novel distributed stochastic routing strategy using mobile sink based on double Q‐learning algorithm to improve the network performance in wireless sensor network with uncertain communication links. Furthermore, in order to extend network lifetime, a modified leach‐based clustering technique is proposed. To balance the energy dissipation between nodes, the selected cluster head nodes are then rotated based on the newly suggested threshold energy value. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms outperform the QWRP, QLMS, ESRP and HACDC in terms of network lifetime by 18.33%, 35.1%, 39.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed algorithms considerably enhances the learning rate and hence reduces the data collection latency.
Endo‐lysosomal protein concentrations in CSF from patients with frontotemporal dementia caused by CHMP2B mutation
Authors: Toft Anders , Sjödin Simon , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Ejlerskov Patrick , Roos Peter , Musaeus Christian Sandøe , Henriksen Emil Elbæk , Nielsen Troels Tolstrup , Brinkmalm Ann , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Nielsen Jørgen Erik
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Increasing evidence implicates proteostatic dysfunction as an early event in the development of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This study aimed to explore potential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers associated with the proteolytic systems in genetic FTD caused by CHMP2B mutation.

Methods

Combining solid‐phase extraction and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry, a panel of 47 peptides derived from 20 proteins was analyzed in CSF from 31 members of the Danish CHMP2B‐FTD family.

Results

Compared with family controls, mutation carriers had significantly higher levels of complement C9, lysozyme and transcobalamin II, and lower levels of ubiquitin, cathepsin B, and amyloid precursor protein.

Discussion

Lower CSF ubiquitin concentrations in CHMP2B mutation carriers indicate that ubiquitin levels relate to the specific disease pathology, rather than all‐cause neurodegeneration. Increased lysozyme and complement proteins may indicate innate immune activation. Altered levels of amyloid precursor protein and cathepsins have previously been associated with impaired lysosomal proteolysis in FTD.

Highlights

CSF markers of proteostasis were explored in CHMP2B‐mediated frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

31 members of the Danish CHMP2B‐FTD family were included.

We used solid‐phase extraction and parallel reaction monitoring mass spectrometry.

Six protein levels were significantly altered in CHMP2B‐FTD compared with controls.

Lower CSF ubiquitin levels in patients suggest association with disease mechanisms.
Overcompensation of ecosystem productivity following sustained extreme drought in a semiarid grassland
Authors: Ru Jingyi , Wan Shiqiang , Hui Dafeng , Song Jian
Published: February 2023

Drought events are projected to be more extreme and frequent in the future and have profound influences on the structure and functions of terrestrial ecosystems. Thus, better understanding the mechanisms of recovery is critical for predicting the future dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. We performed a 7‐year field precipitation experiment to examine recovery of a grassland ecosystem from different magnitudes of sustained drought, from slight to extreme. The ecosystem was exposed to precipitation treatments in the first 3 years (2010–2012) and recovered during the last 4 years (2013–2016) without precipitation treatments. Overall, large reductions of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP, −43.3%) and perennial forb biomass (−83.1%) were observed in the third year (2012) of extreme drought only. Nevertheless, ANPP fully recovered within 1 year after the drought treatments were terminated, and the rapid recovery was mainly due to increased soil total nitrogen and root biomass allocation after drought. Surprisingly, large increases of ANPP under the extreme drought treatment occurred during the recovery periods from 2013 to 2015 (+74.1, +88.5, and +119.8 g m−2 year−1) compared to the control. The overcompensation offset the extreme drought‐induced reduction of ANPP in the treatment years and was primarily ascribed to the enhanced biomass of perennial grasses (PG). Higher resistance to drought and fast resource acquisition strategy might drive the rapid recovery and expansion of PG. Our findings revealed the rapid recovery of grasslands and the critical role of community overcompensation in maintaining grassland ecosystem function and stability under future climate change scenarios.
Development of energy saving operation technology for punctuality and ride comfort by optimizing the point of target pattern recreation
Authors: Tsutsumi Yuhi , Oda Atsushi , Maekawa Keiji
Published: February 2023

At present, there is a growing demand for energy saving to prevent global warming. Thus, the railway industry is also focusing on energy saving methods. Power consumption of running trains has a large variation of approximately 20% caused by drivers’ operation. Therefore, improving the running profile can considerably reduce energy consumption. Numerous algorithms for generating energy saving running profiles have been researched and developed. To adapt energy saving operation to various environments, we developed a technology that maintains punctuality without reducing the energy efficiency when temporary differences occur in driving conditions. We propose a method that determines the re‐creation command point to complete the re‐creation at the switching point of the driving operation in the existing energy‐saving target pattern, to achieve both punctuality and ride comfort. As a result of verifying the effect of the proposed method on the conventional method via a simulation, it was confirmed that the proposed method can prevent the increase in the number of operation changes when the driving conditions change, whereas the conventional method increases the number of operation changes.
Isolation of Bis‐ and Mono‐Cyclometallated Ru−IMes Complexes upon Reaction of [Ru(PPh3)3HCl], IMes and ZnMe2
Authors: Pécharman Anne‐Frédérique M. , Roberts Erika M. , Miloserdov Fedor M. , Varela‐Izquierdo Victor , Mahon Mary F. , Whittlesey Michael K.
Published: February 2023

Addition of an excess of ZnMe2to a mixture of [Ru(PPh3)3HCl] and IMes (IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene) yields the bis‐cyclometallated complex, [Ru(IMes)“(PPh3)2]2, together with the mono‐cyclometallated, Ru−Zn heterobimetallic complex [Ru(IMes)′(PPh3)2(ZnMe)]3. Treatment of2with H2, PhSiH3or pinacolborane yields the previously reported complex, [Ru(IMes)′(PPh3)2H]1, the synthesis of which has been reinvestigated. Further studies of small molecule reactivity show that1adds H2to give [Ru(IMes)(PPh3)2H4]4, whilst2reacts with catecholborane to give [Ru(IMes‐Bcat)′(PPh3)2H]5, in which (IMes‐Bcat)′ signifies a borylated NHC ligand that is singly‐metallated onto Ru. Treatment of2with CO gives the 18‐electron dicarbonyl product [Ru(IMes)”(PPh3)(CO)2]6. Compounds1–3,5and6have been structurally characterised.
Concentration of lambda concatemers using a 3D printed device
Authors: Rau Samantha , Huynh Thi , Larsen Alex , Kounovsky‐Shafer Kristy L.
Published: February 2023

Identifying significant variations in genomes can be cumbersome, as the variations span a multitude of base pairs and can make genome assembly difficult. However, large DNA molecules that span the variation aid in assembly. Due to the DNA molecule's large size, routine molecular biology techniques can break DNA. Therefore, a method is required to concentrate large DNA. A bis‐acrylamide roadblock was cured in a proof‐of‐principle 3D printed device to concentrate DNA at the interface between the roadblock and solution. Lambda concatemer DNA was stained with YOYO‐1 and loaded into the 3D printed device. A dynamic range of voltages and acrylamide concentrations were tested to determine how much DNA was concentrated and recovered. The fluorescence of the original solution and the concentrated solution was measured, the recovery was 37% of the original sample, and the volume decreased by a factor of 3 of the original volume.
Brain deficit patterns of metabolic illnesses overlap with those for major depressive disorder: A new metric of brain metabolic disease
Authors: Hatch Kathryn S. , Gao Si , Ma Yizhou , Russo Alessandro , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M. , Adhikari Bhim M. , Bruce Heather , Van der Vaart Andrew , Sotiras Aristeidis , Kvarta Mark D. , Nichols Thomas E. , Schmaal Lianne , Hong L. Elliot , Kochunov Peter
Published: February 2023

Metabolic illnesses (MET) are detrimental to brain integrity and are common comorbidities in patients with mental illnesses, including major depressive disorder (MDD). We quantified effects of MET on standard regional brain morphometric measures from 3D brain MRI as well as diffusion MRI in a large sample of UK BioBank participants. The pattern of regional effect sizes of MET in non‐psychiatric UKBB subjects was significantly correlated with the spatial profile of regional effects reported by the largest meta‐analyses in MDD but not in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or Alzheimer's disease. We used a regional vulnerability index (RVI) for MET (RVI‐MET) to measure individual's brain similarity to the expected patterns in MET in the UK Biobank sample. Subjects with MET showed a higher effect size for RVI‐MET than for any of the individual brain measures. We replicated elevation of RVI‐MET in a sample of MDD participants with MET versus non‐MET. RVI‐MET scores were significantly correlated with the volume of white matter hyperintensities, a neurological consequence of MET and age, in both groups. Higher RVI‐MET in both samples was associated with obesity, tobacco smoking and frequent alcohol use but was unrelated to antidepressant use. In summary, MET effects on the brain were regionally specific and individual similarity to the pattern was more strongly associated with MET than any regional brain structural metric. Effects of MET overlapped with the reported brain differences in MDD, likely due to higher incidence of MET, smoking and alcohol use in subjects with MDD.
Differences in Femoral Neck and Trochanteric Structure in Elderly Women Prior to Hip Fracture: Role in Hip Fracture Prediction
Authors: Prince Richard , Khoo Benjamin , Brown Keenan , Lewis Joshua
Published: February 2023

We examine the hypothesis that internal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) structural variables measured at the femoral neck and trochanter cross sections will improve prediction of fractures at these sites in addition to areal BMD (aBMD). We present an analysis of the internal distribution of bone at the site of these fractures using baseline hip DXA measurement of 1151 participants, mean age (SD) 75 (3) years, in the 14.5-year Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging in Women. Structural differences at the femoral neck (FN) and trochanter (TR) cross sections were compared in 69 participants who went on to sustain femoral neck fracture (FNF) and 59 participants who went on to sustain trochanter fracture (TRF), on average 10 years later, to those who did not fracture. The new structural variables, in addition to aBMD and bone width (W), were Sigma (distribution of bone within scanned area) and Delta (distance between center-of-mineral mass and geometric center), which can be assessed by current DXA programs. At baseline, compared with nonfracture cases, FNF cases had a FNaBMD 7% lower, a FNWidth 3% higher and a FNDelta 29% higher, associated with reduced bone in the superior segment. In FNF Cox proportional hazard analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR 1.39]), total hip aBMD (THaBMD; 0.79), and Delta (1.70) were significant. Addition of FN Delta to the base case of THaBMD and age improved the C statistic from 0.62 to 0.69, p = 0.01. At baseline, TRF cases had a 15% lower TRaBMD with minor differences in Sigma (1%) and Width (2%). In TRF Cox analysis, neither addition of Sigma nor Width improved the model that included age and THaBMD as predictors and did not alter the C-statistic of 0.81. In conclusion, adding measurement of FN Delta, an assessment of superior sector bone loss, to hip aBMD and age substantially improved clinical FNF prediction in older women. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Long‐term variability of the low‐level cloud base height in Poland
Authors: Matuszko Dorota , Bartoszek Krzysztof , Soroka Jakub
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study is to characterize the long‐term variability of the low‐level cloud base heights (CBH) in Poland in the years 1971–2020. Data were used from six weather stations belonging to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – the National Research Institute (IMWM‐NRI), where CBH was first measured using the IWO device and, since the 1990s, using a ceilometer. The analysis allowed for data from eight observation periods (0000, 0300, 0600, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2100 UTC), which referred to several height ranges (between the ground surface and 2500 m a.s.l.). In the analysed multiyear period, in the cool half of the year, the height of the Cumulonimbus cloud bases increased significantly, that is, the number of cases increased at a height of >1000 m and, in the warm half of the year, at >1500 m. In recent years, the number of cases of the Cumulus cloud with a base at a height between 300 and 999 m has clearly decreased, while it has increased at a height of 1000–1499 m (in October–March) and 1500–1999 m (April–September). A similar increase in CBH was found in the case of the Stratocumulus cloud (their greater share between 1500 and 2499 m). It was only in the case of the Stratus cloud that a lowering of the cloud base was noticed, possibly owing to the imperfect measurement of the fractus species. The positive upward trend in the base height of most low‐level clouds can be explained by a statistically significant increase in temperature and a decrease in relative air humidity in the lower troposphere.
Microbial communities and metabolite profiles during the fermentation of Chinese Dongbei suancai with Chinese baijiu as supplementary material
Authors: Li Xiao , Gao Ya , Han Yanqiu , Zhang Rui , Wang Chen , Wu Xingzhuang
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

In industrial production of suancai, baijiu is commonly used to inhibit the spoilage bacteria and enhance the flavor. However, the effects of baijiu on the microbial diversity and metabolic pathways of suancai are rarely reported in the literature. This study aimed to explore the microbial community, its predicted functional roles, and the metabolites formed during fermentation of Chinese Dongbei suancai fermented using a mixed starter with Chinese baijiu as supplementary material.

RESULTS

Results showed that Lactobacillus, Enterobacter, and Leuconostoc were the major bacterial genera in the Dongbei suancai fermented by adding baijiu. Linear discriminant analysis effect size indicated that Leuconostoc was the major biomarker in the early stage of fermentation, whereas Lactococcus, Weissella, and Lactobacillus plantarum were biomarkers in the middle and later stages of fermentation. A total of 638 metabolites were detected in suancai fermented by adding baijiu. However, the principal component analysis showed that baijiu significantly affected the metabolites of suancai in the early and later stages of fermentation. Furthermore, 58, 22, and 26 significantly differential metabolites (P < 0.01) were found on day 0, day 2, and day 30 of fermentation respectively. Moreover, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Enterobacter had positive correlations with amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, alcohols, and esters. Functional analysis implied that carbohydrate, amino acid, energy, and nucleotide metabolism were the major determinants of the characteristics of suancai fermented with baijiu as supplementary material.

CONCLUSION

Baijiu changed the metabolites of inoculated fermented Dongbei suancai. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Field responds to Wit v. UBH reverse ruling, pushing for case to be reheard
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

It was more than three years ago when a groundbreaking decision by a North Carolina district court found that United Behavioral Health (UBH) had illegally denied coverage for mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs) based on flawed medical necessity criteria. In more recent developments, a three‐judge panel on Jan. 26 reversed that decision, ruling that it is “not unreasonable” for insurers to determine coverage that is inconsistent with generally accepted standards of care (GASC).
CDC finds increase in racial disparities in suicide rates
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that following two consecutive years of decline in suicide rates, the rates are increasing, and nearly returning to a 2018 peak. The CDC also noted that their findings underscored disparities in the nationwide rise in suicides.
APA calls for improved social media messaging to parents, teens
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

The American Psychological Association's (APA's) chief science officer, in a presentation last week before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, called for more research to better understand how certain feature and content inherent in social media, including user behavior, might impact children in both good and bad ways.
Minimal Radiographic Mucosal Thickness or Opacification Criterion for Sinus‐Specific Endoscopic Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Walters Zoe A. , Phillips Katie M. , Previtera Melissa J. , Gray Stacey T. , Sedaghat Ahmad R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is typically a diffuse process and the extent of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) performed for medically recalcitrant CRS is impacted by many factors. However, some third‐party payors have implemented policies to authorize coverage for ESS in a sinus‐by‐sinus manner based on a minimal measurement of millimeters of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification in the corresponding sinus that is being surgically addressed. Our objective was to determine whether such policies are based on scientific evidence that in patients with medically recalcitrant CRS, a minimum measurement of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification is a predictor of CRS in that sinus or improved outcomes after ESS on a sinus‐by‐sinus basis.

Data Sources

Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, from inception through May 2022.

Review Methods

A systematic review was performed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

Results

We identified 6070 abstracts which were screened and from which 112 studies ultimately underwent a full‐text review. From these studies, we found that none investigated (or provided evidence of) whether any minimal degree of radiographic mucosal thickening or sinus opacification predicted CRS or better outcomes after ESS in a sinus‐specific manner.

Conclusion

We were unable to find evidence supporting a minimum millimeter measurement of mucosal thickening or sinus opacification as predictors of CRS or better post‐ESS outcomes in a sinus‐specific manner in patients with medically recalcitrant CRS. The extent of ESS for CRS should be determined through personalized medical decision‐making that considers all patient‐specific factors.
Clinical application of long‐read nanopore sequencing in a preimplantation genetic testing pre‐clinical workup to identify the junction for complex Xq chromosome rearrangement‐related disease
Authors: Mariya Tasuku , Shichiri Yui , Sugimoto Takeshi , Kawamura Rie , Miyai Syunsuke , Inagaki Hidehito , Sugihara Eiji , Ikeda Keiko , Baba Tsuyoshi , Ishikawa Aki , Ammae Michiko , Nakaoka Yoshiharu , Saito Tsuyoshi , Sakurai Akihiro , Kurahashi Hiroki
Published: February 2023

Objective

Xq chromosome duplication with complex rearrangements is generally acknowledged to be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease (PMD) and MECP2 duplication syndrome. For couples who required a PGT‐M (pre‐implantation genetic testing for monogenic disease) for these disorders, junction‐specific PCR is useful to directly detect pathogenic variants. Therefore, pre‐clinical workup for PGT‐M requires the identification of the junction of duplicated segments in PMD and MECP2 duplication syndrome, which is generally difficult.

Methods

In this report, we used nanopore long‐read sequencing targeting the X chromosome using an adaptive sampling method to identify breakpoint junctions in disease‐causing triplications.

Results

By long‐read sequencing, we successfully identified breakpoint junctions in one PMD case with PLP1 triplication and in another MECP2 triplication case in a single sequencing run. Surprisingly, the duplicated region involving MECP2 was inserted 45 Mb proximal to the original position. This inserted region was confirmed by FISH analysis. With the help of precise mapping of the pathogenic variant, we successfully re‐established STR haplotyping for PGT‐M and avoided any potential misinterpretation of the pathogenic allele due to recombination.

Conclusion

Long‐read sequencing with adaptive sampling in a PGT‐M pre‐clinical workup is a beneficial method for identifying junctions of chromosomal complex structural rearrangements.
Organic nitrogen improves the water use of tropical tree seedlings cultivated for restoration plantings
Authors: Krishnan Vithya , Robinson Nicole , Firn Jennifer , Herbohn John , Schmidt Susanne
Published: February 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Restoring degraded tropical lands is important for biodiversity protection and human livelihoods. Newly planted tree seedlings are often challenged by drought brought about by climate change. Here, we explored how nitrogen sources used for plant growth affected the water use of tropical tree seedlings under water limitation. We found that the application of the amino acid arginine reduced water use in the studied seedlings under water limitation, compared with the conventional ammonium nitrate fertiliser. Alternative sources of nitrogen should be considered for tree seedling production in nurseries as this could enhance drought resilience traits and improve the survival of seedlings in restoration plantings.

Restoration via tree planting is impacted by climate change‐induced water scarcity. Nitrogen (N) supply modulates the morphology and physiology of plants and impacts water use. We compared the responses of rainforest tree seedlings Acacia mangium and Alphitonia petriei grown with inorganic N (Osmocote™, ammonium nitrate) or organic N (Argrow™, liquid arginine), hypothesising that organic N confers drought resilience by increasing water use efficiency (WUE).

Seedlings were grown in a glasshouse for 12 weeks with organic or inorganic N in well‐watered conditions, and then half the seedlings were subjected to water limitation for a further 4 weeks.

A. mangium grew equally well on all N sources, but water limitation reduced biomass production. In contrast, N sources but not water regimes influenced biomass production in A. petriei. Under water limitation, arginine‐supplied A. petriei had higher WUE and more depleted leaf δ13C than inorganic N‐supplied plants.

Our results suggest that organic N in the form of arginine can regulate stomatal conductance in A. petriei to convey drought resilience in seedlings. The generality of these findings should be explored to evaluate if organic N is a feasible source for generating drought‐resilient seedlings for restoration plantings.
The effectiveness of nano‐curcumin on patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Shojaei Mehrnaz , Foshati Sahar , Abdi Mohaddese , Askari Gholamreza , Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Bagherniya Mohammad , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2023

The main aim of the current study was to summarize the findings of available clinical studies to assess nano‐curcumin's influence on COVID patients. A comprehensive online search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar until March 2022 to identify trials that investigated the effects of nano‐curcumin in patients with COVID‐19. Eight studies comprising 569 patients were included in this review. Compared with placebo, nano‐curcumin had no significant effect on C‐reactive protein (CRP) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). However, gene expression of IL‐6 and gene expression as well as secretion of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) significantly decreased following nano‐curcumin intervention. Nano‐curcumin had beneficial effects on fever, cough, chills, myalgia, and olfactory and taste disturbances. The duration of hospitalization and mortality rate were significantly lower in the nano‐curcumin group compared with the control group. Lymphocyte count was significantly increased after curcumin supplementation. Nano‐curcumin also had favorable effects on O2 saturation, sputum, chest pain, wheeze, and dyspnea in patients with COVID‐19. No major adverse effects were reported in response to nano‐curcumin supplementation. In summary, the results of this systematic review of clinical trials suggested that nano‐curcumin supplementation has beneficial effects on inflammation, respiratory function, disease manifestations, and complications in patients with COVID‐19 viral infection.
Improved ventilatory response during exercise over time after concussion: A case report
Authors: Welch Ryan , Kelly Brooke , Whyte Ken , Ellyett Kevin , King Clair
Published: February 2023

This case study reports the exercise ventilatory responses of a 17‐year‐old female who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) which resulted in loss of consciousness. Subsequently, she suffered from post‐concussion syndrome accompanied by orthostatic and exercise intolerance. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed 2 years post‐TBI. The results demonstrated significant hypoventilation with elevated PetCO2 and ventilatory equivalents, progressive desaturation, and pre‐syncope symptoms limiting exercise capacity. A repeat CPET 4 years post‐TBI demonstrated a similar exercise capacity limited by pre‐syncope symptoms. However, there was a marked improvement in the ventilatory response, with appropriate ventilation, PetCO2, and ventilatory equivalents, and only minor desaturation near peak exercise. Hypoventilation during exercise has been reported in subjects with post‐concussion syndrome; however, with time the exercise ventilatory response can potentially normalize as observed in this subject.
Recognize link between disability and internet addiction
Authors: Bedrossian Louise
Published: February 2023

Growing internet use blurs the distinction between effective versus detrimental internet engagement. Consequently, internet addiction (also known as “IA”) is receiving increased attention and concern in higher education. Research shows that students with certain disabilities have a greater susceptibility to such addiction, and disability services providers should understand the signs and appropriate interventions available to assist students displaying such problematic behaviors.
Novel binder material in geopolymer mortar production: Obsidian stone powder
Authors: Kurt Zafer , Ustabaş İlker , Cakmak Talip
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the results of mechanical and micro‐structural properties of geopolymer mortars with obsidian, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and metakaolin. In this study, 13 different combinations were created using 25% by weight of obsidian, blast furnace slag, and metakaolin. Geopolymer mortars were poured at 0.45 water/binder ratio, 12M NaOH concentration, and exposed to thermal cure at 75°C, 90°C, 105°C, and 120°C for 72 h. The flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars were measured and their microstructural properties were analyzed. As a result of the study, the maximum compressive strength was obtained as 93.7 MPa, and the maximum flexural strength was 21.4 MPa. From the results obtained when different combinations are used, it has been observed that the materials work in harmony with each other and the optimum curing temperature is 90°C. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EDS analyses indicated that the compact structure of the geopolymer matrix and the Ca/Si ratio are directly proportional to the mechanical strength of the sample. The high wavelength value formed in the main band as a result of Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that the mortars have high mechanical properties.
Unbalanced Voltage Sag Dataset Enhancement Based on Improved Balancing Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Xiao Heju , Wang Hong , Qi Linhai
Published: February 2023

In the actual power grid environment, there are severe class imbalances in the data sets of various monitoring systems. The existing deep learning methods are highly dependent on the training data sets, and it is difficult to mine the minority sample features in the imbalanced data sets, resulting in Classification recognition accuracy is severely limited. This paper takes the voltage sag as the research object, and proposes a dataset enhancement method based on an improved balanced generative adversarial network. This method combines the advantages of autoencoder and generative adversarial network, learns the public knowledge in the data set through the initialization training of autoencoder, and uses the majority class sample features to assist in generating minority class samples. In addition, an embedding layer is introduced into the self‐encoder architecture to add label information to the eigenvectors, which solves the problem of strong coupling between the distribution of voltage sag eigenvectors and improves the generation effect of samples. At the same time, the Wasserstein distance optimized by the gradient penalty term is used to guide the model adversarial training, which overcomes the problems of vanishing gradient and mode collapse of the original model. Through experimental analysis, the model can fully extract the features of minority samples under unbalanced data sets, ensure the distribution consistency between generated samples and original samples, and take into account the authenticity and diversity of generated samples, which can effectively improve the recognition effect of deep learning model on minority classes and improve the overall recognition accuracy. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Job‐embedded professional learning: Facilitating faculty implementation of UDL
Authors: LeGary Robert A. , LaRocco Diana J.
Published: February 2023

This chapter describes a locally developed model for professional learning, whose purpose is to facilitate faculty participants’ implementation of UDL. The model is grounded in attributes of long‐term, job‐embedded professional learning and principles of adult learning theory. Recommendations for scaling‐up faculty professional learning programs focused on the implementation of UDL are provided.
New to universal design for learning? Start here!
Authors: Houghton Joe
Published: February 2023

This chapter introduces Universal Design for Learning, outlining the key elements and ideas behind UDL, with some examples from the author's own teaching practice in a postgraduate business school class illustrating the application of UDL. A toolkit of some useful resources for newcomers to UDL is also provided.
How to help your students get the most out of college
Authors: Felix Elliot
Published: February 2023

College is where students forge their identities, find their communities, chart the course of their careers, and learn the knowledge and skills to succeed. With tuition rising and student loan debt looming, the pandemic brought the question of the value of higher education to the forefront for students, parents, and institutions.
Depopulating poultry and pig farms: can it be done humanely?
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: February 2023

In recent months campaigners in the USA have expressed outrage at heatstroke‐based methods being used to depopulate some American poultry and pig farms. Might this outcry lead to more welfare‐friendly depopulation methods being developed? How does depopulation take place in the UK, and is there scope for welfare improvements? Josh Loeb investigates.
Avoiding procrastination station
Authors: Read Claire
Published: February 2023

Procrastination is a temptation to which many of us succumb, frequently with an impact on our wellbeing. But according to Jane Davidson, there are techniques that can help. Claire Read reports.
The human connection
Authors: Read Claire
Published: February 2023

For Roeland Wessels, being a successful and happy vet involves mastering one species in which little training is provided. Claire Read reports.
LGBTQ+ Youth Euphorias! Stop-Start Shifts in LGBTQ+ Youth Happiness & Comfort
Authors: Jones Tiffany
Published: February 2023

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students were a point of policy contention in recent elections and often portrayed as victims. This chapter investigates 1968 LGBTQ+ students experiences of euphoria. Of over a third who had euphoric experiences, most students experienced euphorias sometimes or often. Young, out, and non-binary youth especially experienced euphorias. Community Connection, Acceptance, Category Validation, and Institutional Inclusion euphorias dominated. Change-trends included: (1) increase and intensification of Acceptance euphorias with support; (2) shifts in Category Validation euphorias dependent on identity fit, exposure and bias; (3) more Acceptance euphorias upon dissipation of internalised biases, and (4) heightening and deadening of Acceptance euphoria around specific teachers. Changes to youth euphorias thus had a monumentality; Acceptance and Category validation euphorias were especially reactive.
Setting Euphoria Agendas? What We Know and Need to Know
Authors: Jones Tiffany
Published: February 2023

This final chapter uses the ecological model of psycho-social development introduced in Chap. 2 to frame what was learned about euphorias for different groups and contexts, and different age-stages and time periods, across the data presented from several different studies in the book. It considers and discusses these findings in relation to existing literature on euphoria, emotion, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. It clarifies the new information presented across the studies and its value in terms of various disciplines of knowledge. The chapter finally concludes by offering possible applications of this new knowledge in practice for stakeholders. It then also discusses what is not yet known about euphoria and sets new agendas for the uses and study of euphorias.
Measuring the Adoption of TLS Encrypted Client Hello Extension and Its Forebear in the Wild
Authors: Tsiatsikas Zisis , Karopoulos Georgios , Kambourakis Georgios
Published: February 2023

The Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol was introduced to solve the lack of security and privacy in the early versions of the world wide web. However, even though it has substantially evolved over the years, certain features still present privacy issues. One such feature is the Server Name Indication (SNI) extension, which allows multiple web servers to reside behind a provider hosting multiple domains with the same IP address; at the same time it allows third parties to discover the domains that end users visit. In the last few years, the Encrypted Server Name Indication (ESNI) Internet draft is being developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF); this encrypted variant of the extension was renamed to Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) in latest versions. In this paper, we measure the adoption of both these versions, given that they have substantial differences. By analyzing the top 1M domains in terms of popularity, we identify that only a small portion, less than 19%, supports the privacy-preserving ESNI extension and practically no domain supports ECH. Overall, these results demonstrate that there is still a long way to go to ensure the privacy of end users visiting TLS-protected domains which are co-located behind a common Internet-facing server.
The supercooling window at weak and strong coupling
Authors: Levi Noam , Opferkuch Toby , Redigolo Diego
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Supercooled first order phase transitions are typical of theories where conformal symmetry is predominantly spontaneously broken. In these theories the fate of the flat scalar direction is highly sensitive to the size and the scaling dimension of the explicit breaking deformations. For a given deformation, the coupling must lie in a particular region to realize a supercooled first order phase transition. We identify the supercooling window in weakly coupled theories and derive a fully analytical understanding of its boundaries. Mapping these boundaries allows us to identify the deformations enlarging the supercooling window and to characterize their dynamics analytically. For completeness we also discuss strongly coupled conformal field theories with an holographic dual, where the complete characterization of the supercooling window is challenged by calculability issues.
An examination of behavioural and emotional problems in children exposed prenatally to the 27F Chilean earthquake: findings from the ELPI cohort
Authors: Morales María Francisca , Girard Lisa-Christine , Sawrikar Vilas , MacBeth Angus
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Associations between prenatal earthquake exposure and children’s mental health remain unclear. Moreover, there is a paucity of research using quasi-experimental statistical techniques to diminish potential selection bias. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of prenatal exposure to the Chilean earthquake of 2010 on children’s behavioural and emotional problems between 1½ and 3 years old using propensity score matching.

Methods

Participants included 1549 families from the Encuesta Longitudinal de la Primera Infancia cohort in Chile. Maternal reports using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) were used to assess behavioural and emotional problems between 1½ and 3 years old. Information on prenatal earthquake exposure was collected via maternal report. The Kernel matching estimator was used to compare the average treatment effects of children who were exposed to the earthquake compared to those who were not.

Results

Five of the seven CBCL outcomes were statistically significant after matching and adjustment for multiple testing, suggesting greater difficulties for exposed children which included emotional reactivity, anxious/depressed, sleep problems, attention problems, and aggression (mean difference of 0.69, 0.87, 0.73, 0.85, 3.51, respectively). The magnitude of the effect was small to medium.

Conclusion

Findings contribute to the potential causal inferences between prenatal earthquake exposure and increased behavioural and emotional problems in early childhood. Results suggest that in utero experiences may have long-term consequences for infants’ well-being, supporting the need for specific interventions in pregnancy after natural disasters.
Ideals with Smital properties
Authors: Michalski Marcin , Rałowski Robert , Żeberski Szymon
Published: February 2023

A $$\sigma $$
σ
-ideal $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
on a Polish group $$(X,+)$$

(
X
,
+
)

has the Smital Property if for every dense set D and a Borel $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
-positive set B the algebraic sum $$D+B$$

D
+
B

is a complement of a set from $$\mathcal {I}$$
I
. We consider several variants of this property and study their connections with the countable chain condition, maximality and how well they are preserved via Fubini products. In particular we show that there are $$\mathfrak {c}$$
c
many maximal invariant $$\sigma $$
σ
-ideals with Borel bases on the Cantor space $$2^\omega $$

2
ω

.
Species differences and human relevance of the toxicity of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitors and a new approach method in vitro for investigation
Authors: Botham Jane , Lewis Richard W. , Travis Kim Z. , Baze Audrey , Richert Lysiane , Codrea Elizabeth , Semino Beninel Giovanna , Garcin Jean-Christophe , Strupp Christian
Published: February 2023

The mode of action (MoA) of the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor herbicides in mammals is well described and is generally accepted to be due to a build-up of excess systemic tyrosine which is associated with the range of adverse effects reported in laboratory animals. What is less well accepted is the basis for the marked difference in the effects of HPPD inhibitors that has been observed across experimental species and humans, where some species show significant toxicities whereas in other species exposure causes few effects. The activity of the catabolic enzyme tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) varies across species including humans and it is hypothesized that this primarily accounts for the different levels of tyrosinemia observed between species and leads to the subsequent differences in toxicity. The previously reported activities of TAT in different species showed large variation, were inconsistent, have methodological uncertainties and could lead to a reasonable challenge to the scientific basis for the species difference in response. To provide clarity, a new method was developed for the simultaneous and systematic measurement of TAT in vitro using robust methodologies in a range of mammalian species including human. The results obtained showed general correlation between high TAT activity and low in vivo toxicity when using a model based on hepatic cytosol and a very convincing correlation when using a primary hepatocyte model. These data fully support the role of TAT in explaining the species differences in toxicity. Moreover, this information should give greater confidence in selecting the most appropriate animal model (the mouse) for human health risk assessment and for key classification and labeling decision-making.
On the Grad–Rubin boundary value problem for the two-dimensional magneto-hydrostatic equations
Authors: Alonso-Orán Diego , Velázquez Juan J. L.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we study the solvability of a boundary value problem for the magneto-hydrostatic equations originally proposed by Grad and Rubin (Proceedings of the 2nd UN conference on the peaceful uses of atomic energy. IAEA, Geneva, 1958). The proof relies on a fixed point argument which combines the so-called current transport method together with Hölder estimates for a class of non-convolution singular integral operators. The same method allows to solve an analogous boundary value problem for the steady incompressible Euler equations.
Visceral adipose tissue secretome from early and late-stage oesophageal cancer patients differentially affects effector and regulatory T cells
Authors: Davern Maria , Bracken-Clarke Dara , Donlon Noel E. , Sheppard Andrew D. , Connell Fiona O’ , Heeran Aisling B. , Majcher Klaudia , Conroy Melissa J. , Mylod Eimear , Butler Christine , Donohoe Claire , Donnell Dearbhaile O’ , Lowery Maeve , Bhardwaj Anshul , Ravi Narayanasamy , Melo Ashanty A. , Sullivan Jacintha O’ , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne
Published: February 2023

Aim

Visceral obesity is a key risk factor in the development of oesophagogastric junctional adenocarcinoma (OGJ), predominantly via generation of systemic low grade inflammation. Obesity-induced inflammation promotes resistance to current standards of care, enhancing tumour cell growth and survival. This study investigates the effect of the visceral adipose tissue secretome from OGJ patients with early versus advanced tumours on T-cell immunity and the role of immune checkpoint blockade in enhancing anti-tumour immunity.

Methods and results

Visceral adipose conditioned media (ACM) from both early and late-stage OGJ patients significantly altered T cell activation status, upregulating co-stimulatory marker CD27 on T cells. ACM from both early and late-stage OGJ patients significantly altered immune checkpoint expression profiles downregulating immune checkpoints (ICs) on the surface of dual Th1/17-like and Th17-like cells and upregulating ICs on the surface of Th1-like cells and Treg cells. ACM derived from early-stage OGJ patients but not late-stage OGJ patients increased IFN-γ production by T cells. The addition of immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) did not increase IFN-γ production by T cells in the presence of late-stage ACM, collectively highlighting the dichotomous immunostimulatory effect of early-stage ACM and immune-inhibitory effect of late-stage ACM. Interestingly, ACM from early-stage OGJ patients was more pro-inflammatory than ACM from late-stage patients, reflected by decreased levels of IL-17A/F, TNF-α, IL-1RA and IL-5.

Conclusion

The ACM-induced upregulation of ICs on T cells highlights a therapeutic vulnerability that could be exploited by ICBs to harness anti-cancer immunity and improve clinical outcomes for OGJ patients.

Graphical Abstract

Schematic workflow – (A) visceral adipose tissue was taken from OAC patients at time of surgery and cultured for 72 h in media. (B) The harvested ACM was co-cultured with healthy donor PBMCs that were concurrently activated with anti-CD3/28 for 48 h and T cell immunophenotyping was carried out by flow cytometry. Key findings – (A) Early and late stage ACM enhanced a Th1-like phenotype and upregulated CTLA-4 on Th1-like cells. A Th17-like phenotype was also enhanced in addition with a Treg-like phenotype. CTLA-4 and PD-L1 were upregulated on the surface of Treg-like cells. (B) ICB-attenuated IL-17 production by T cells. However, ACM attenuated ICB-mediated reduction in IL-10 production by T cells. Higher levels of pro-inflammatory factors were found in early stage ACM compared with late stage ACM.