bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of soil discarding by spherical disks
Authors: Ryzhkov A V , Machkarin A V , Kazakov K V
Published: November 2021

The article presents data on the influence of various types of spherical disks on the discarding of soil in the horizontal and vertical planes during its processing. These studies were conducted in order to optimize the selection of working bodies of disk tillage machines in terms of resistance and processing quality. Three types of disks were used in the comparative analysis. Two types of discs with cutouts and one solid spherical disc. On one type of disk, the cutouts are made in the form of circular arcs, and on the other-in the form of arcs of a logarithmic spiral. The conducted studies have shown that within the working surface of the disk, the trajectories of movement of soil particles under the influence of the three types of disks under study differ little from each other. Although it can be noted that the steeper rise of the trajectory in the vertical plane provides a solid disk, and the smallest rise of the trajectory - at the disk with cutouts in the form of a logarithmic spiral. In the horizontal plane, the longitudinal movement of the soil mass is less in disks with cutouts, especially in a disk with cutouts along the arc of a logarithmic spiral. As a result of these studies, it was revealed that the disk working bodies with cutouts on the cutting edge in the form of arcs of a logarithmic spiral showed the best quality and energy indicators.
Assessment of the impact of climate risks on agriculture in the context of global warming
Authors: Dubovitski A A , Konovalova M E , Strelnikova T D , Pilipchuk N V , Shvetsova I N
Published: November 2021

Understanding the possible climate risks and potential economic losses of agribusiness in different regions is becoming a determining factor in the strategic planning of agricultural activities in the context of global warming. The purpose of this work was to assess the climate risks for agriculture in Russia. The study was conducted using techniques and tools of multivariate correlation analysis. The authors investigated the influence of deviations of the average monthly amounts of temperatures and precipitation from the average long-term values on the deviation of grain yields, using a set of data for 17 regions of the Central Federal district of Russia for the period of 2000-2019. The results showed that a smooth change in the parameters of heat and precipitation does not significantly affect the yield of grain crops. At the same time, increasing annual temperature variability and precipitation significantly reduce yields. An increase in the frequency of extreme events causes a growth in the probability of environmental and economic damage and the magnitude of climate risks. The maximum level of climate risk requires an appropriate adjustment of the agribusiness development strategy and the creation of an institution in society of fair compensation for damage caused by global warming factors.
Influence of environmental conditions on plants in different climatic zones
Authors: Larina G E , Seraya L G , Golimbovskaya S A , Kalembet I N , Petrovnina T A
Published: November 2021

Due to global shifts in climate, studies in contrasting conditions of two natural and climatic zones are of particular interest: (1) subzone of mixed and broad-leaved forests, (2) south-steppe subzone. In the period 2019-2020, 308 plant species from 56 families were surveyed. Phytopathogens damage plants, and therefore increase the loss of quality of plant materials. The frequency of occurrence of mycoses in autumn is 2-14 times higher than in spring-summer observations. The activity of phytopathogenic fungi of the genera of Fusarium (the causative agent of fusarium), Puccinia (rust), Phoma (phomosis), Rhizoctonia (scab), Verticillium (tracheomycotic or vascular wilting) increases. Differences in dominant micromycetes from the point of view of geography were determined: zone 1 (forest) - Alternaria spp., Chaetomium spp., Fusarium spp., F. avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc., (Mart.) Sacc., Heterosporium iridis (Fautrey & Roum.) JE Jacques, Phoma spp., Stemphylium spp., Verticillium spp.; zone 2 (steppe) – Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., Cladosporium spp., Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium spp., Peronospora spp., Phoma spp., Pullularia spp., Septoria spp. Screening of pesticides (biological fungicides) showed the effectiveness of preparations based on Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis or Streptomyces griseus in limiting the growth of the mycelium of phytopathogenic fungi.
Improvement of energy efficiency of agricultural enterprises through the survey of high-voltage transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Astapov A Y , Krivolapov I P , Akishin D V , Gordeev A S , Naydenov A A
Published: November 2021

The paper studies the reliability of transmission lines of Michurinsk district electric lines in Tambov Region. It evaluates the quality of overhead power transmission lines in the support-insulator-wire system and determines the reliability factor of overhead lines. The paper proposes methodological approaches to the survey of power transmission lines using unmanned aerial vehicles. Their use seems quite promising and profitable, since the cost of such work is an order of magnitude lower.
Prediction of material composition for microwave absorption through mathematical modelling
Authors: Arya Aayushi , Sharma G V V
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we analyse the suitability of various elements and their composition for microwave absorption. This is done by developing a mathematical model based on transmission line theory, polarizability and dielectric and magnetic response of the material. The inputs to this model are the desired specifications of the absorber like reflection loss, resonance frequency and bandwidth. The corresponding output parameters are the range of the atomic radii and magnetic dipole moment of suitable elements and their effective energy parameters. This mathematical model has been verified for compounds like oxides and ferrites that have been proven posses microwave absorption properties through previous experimental research. This mathematical model has been verified for compounds like oxides and ferrites that have been proven to possess microwave absorption properties through previous experimental research. Through numerical computations, we propose new material compositions with various elements that can be used as effective microwave absorbers.
Spatiotemporal monsoon characteristics and maize yields in West Africa
Authors: Shiu Janice , Fletcher Sarah , Entekhabi Dara
Published: November 2021

To assess the vulnerability of rainfed agriculture in West Africa (WA) to climate change, a detailed understanding of the relationship between food crop yields and seasonal rainfall characteristics is required. The highly seasonal rainfall in the region is expected to change characteristics such as seasonal timing, duration, intensity, and intermittency. The food crop yield response to changes in these characteristics needs greater understanding. We follow a data-driven approach based on historical yield and climate data. Such an approach complements model-based approaches. Previous data-driven studies use spatially and temporally averaged precipitation measures, which do not describe the high degree of spatial and temporal variability of the West African Monsoon (WAM), the primary source of water for agriculture in the region. This has led previous studies to find small or insignificant dependence of crop yields on precipitation amount. Here, we develop metrics that characterize important temporal features and variability in growing season precipitation, including total precipitation, onset and duration of the WAM, and number of non-precipitating days. For each temporal precipitation metric, we apply several unique spatial aggregation functions that allow us to assess how different patterns of high-resolution spatial variability are related to country-level maize yields. We develop correlation analyses between spatiotemporal precipitation metrics and detrended country-level maize yields based on findings that non-climatic factors, such as agricultural policy reform and increased investment, have driven the region’s long-term increase in maize yields. Results show that that the variability in the number of days without rain during the monsoon season and the lower bounds to the spatial rain pattern and end to the monsoon season are most strongly associated with maize yields. Our findings highlight the importance of considering spatial and temporal variability in precipitation when evaluating impacts on crop yields, providing a possible explanation for weak connections found in previous studies.
BioCCP.jl: collecting coupons in combinatorial biotechnology
Authors: Van Huffel Kirsten , Stock Michiel , De Baets Bernard
Published: November 2021

In combinatorial biotechnology, it is crucial for screening experiments to sufficiently cover the design space. In the BioCCP.jl package (Julia), we provide functions for minimum sample size determination based on the mathematical framework coined the Coupon Collector Problem.

Availability and implementation

BioCCP.jl, including source code, documentation and Pluto notebooks, is available at https://github.com/kirstvh/BioCCP.jl.
How Did Educators of Students with Learning Differences Use Social–Emotional Learning to Support Their Students and Themselves Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Eveleigh Abigail , Cook Amanda , Naples Lauren Hunter , Cipriano Christina
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the affective experiences of 30 educators of students with learning differences (sLD) and their use of social–emotional learning (SEL) early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Authors utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design to collect and analyze data from educators through focus groups, interviews, and surveys. Through integrated analysis of qualitative and quantitative responses, authors found that educators of sLD experienced a range of emotions, both negative and positive, as they shifted to a virtual learning environment. Experiences of negative emotions were rooted in anxiety and stemmed from evolving demands and the increased challenges of adapting to distance learning, particularly for their sLD. Experiences of positive emotions stemmed from transformed relationships and new routes of communication with educators’ colleagues, students, and families. Importantly, SEL strategy use for themselves and with their students served as a useful tool in navigating the challenges that the educators were facing. Findings are discussed in the context of how best to support educators who work with sLD and utilize SEL to manage the challenges of distance learning.
Coil embolization to giant left anterior descending artery and left circumflex artery coronary artery aneurysm after failed coronary aneurysmal repair in IgG4-related disease: a case report
Authors: Pota Panupong , Suwannasom Pannipa , Woragidpoonpol Surin , Srisuwan Tanop
Published: November 2021

Background

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic fibroinflammatory condition with multiple-organ involvement. Rupture of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) in IgG4-RD is rare.

Case summary

A 65-year-old man with IgG4-RD has suffered from recurrent episodes of arterial aneurysms since 2003. He presented with chest pain and hypotension caused by localized cardiac tamponade at right ventricle free wall due to the rupture of coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) of left anterior descending artery (LAD). An urgent LAD aneurysm repaired with bovine pericardium and obliterated aneurysmal sac with cryo-acrylate glue was done together with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using saphenous vein graft (SVG) to LAD and SVG to posterior descending artery. Three-month after surgery, the follow-up coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) revealed a growing in size of LAD and the second obtuse marginal (OM) branch aneurysm. Heart team discussion agreed to schedule the patient for double coil embolization to LAD and second OM aneurysm under intravascular ultrasound guidance. Both aneurysms were successfully obliterated with vascular coils. Two-week follow-up coronary angiogram showed complete occlusion of LAD aneurysm and near occlusion of the second OM branch aneurysm.

Discussion

Coronary artery aneurysm rupture is a life-threatening condition that required prompt detection and treatments. In IgG4-RD patients, acute cardiac tamponade suggesting the rupture of CAA. Coil embolization is an alternative treatment in patients who suffered from recurrent CAA after surgical repair. Serial CCTA is important for early detection of aneurysm in IgG4-RD patients who had vascular involvement.
Mitral regurgitation management: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Galusko Victor , Sekar Baskar , Ricci Fabrizio , Wong Kit , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev , Mullen Michael , Gallina Sabina , Ionescu Adrian , Khanji Mohammed Yunus
Published: November 2021

Multiple guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of mitral regurgitation (MR), the second most common valvular heart disease in high-income countries, with recommendations that do not always match. We systematically reviewed guidelines on diagnosis and management of MR, highlighting similarities and differences to guide clinical decision-making. We searched national and international guidelines in MEDLINE and EMBASE (1 June 2010 to 1 September 2021), the Guidelines International Network, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Library for Health Guidelines Finder, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Infobase, and websites of relevant organizations. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts and identified articles of interest. Guidelines that were rigorously developed (as assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument) were retained for analysis.

Five guidelines were retained. There was consensus on a multidisciplinary approach from the heart team and for the definition and grading of severe primary MR. There was general agreement on the thresholds for intervention in symptomatic and asymptomatic primary MR; however, discrepancies were present. There was agreement on optimization of medical therapy in severe secondary MR and intervention in patients symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy, but no consensus on the choice of intervention (surgical repair/replacement vs. transcatheter approach). Cut-offs for high-risk intervention in MR, risk stratification of progressive MR, and guidance on mixed valvular disease were sparse.
Management of mitral stenosis: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Galusko Victor , Ionescu Adrian , Edwards Amy , Sekar Baskar , Wong Kit , Patel Ketna , Lloyd Guy , Ricci Fabrizio , Khanji Mohammed Y
Published: November 2021

A number of guidelines exist with recommendations for diagnosis and management of mitral stenosis (MS). We systematically reviewed existing guidelines for diagnosis and management of MS, highlighting their similarities and differences, in order to guide clinical decision-making. We searched national and international guidelines in MEDLINE and EMBASE (5/4/2011–5/9/2021), the Guidelines International Network, Guideline Library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, National Library for Health Guidelines Finder, Canadian Medical Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Infobase, and websites of relevant organizations. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and the full text of potentially relevant articles where needed. Selected guidelines were assessed for rigor of development; only guidelines with Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument score >50% were included in the final analysis. Four guidelines were retained for analysis. There was consensus for percutaneous mitral balloon commissurotomy as first-line treatment of symptomatic severe rheumatic MS with suitable anatomy. In patients with unfavourable anatomy, surgical intervention should be considered. Exercise testing is indicated if discrepancy exists between symptoms and echocardiographic measurements. There was no clear divide between rheumatic MS and degenerative MS for their respective diagnoses and management. Pregnancy in severe MS is discouraged and the stenosis should be treated before conception. Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients with rheumatic MS. Recommendations for the management of patients with mixed valvular diseases are lacking.
What Makes Heavy Metal ‘Heavy’?
Authors: Miller Jason
Published: November 2021

In this article, I raise a simple but surprisingly vexing question: What makes heavy metal heavy? We commonly describe music as “heavy,” whether as criticism or praise. But what does “heavy” mean? How is it applied as an aesthetic term? Drawing on sociological and musicological studies of heavy metal, as well as recent work on the aesthetics of rock music, I discuss the relevant musical properties of heaviness. The modest aim of this article, however, is to show the difficulty, if not impossibility, of this seemingly straightforward task. I first address the difficulties of identifying the defining features, or “Gestalt,” of heavy metal that would allow us to treat heaviness as a genre concept. Next, I discuss both the merits and the limits of analyzing heaviness in terms of an aesthetics of “noise” in rock music developed in recent philosophy of music. In the remaining sections, I consider other nonaesthetic features relevant to aesthetic judgments of heaviness and show that the term ‘heavy’ is conceptually inarticulable, if not irreducible. This, I conclude, has partly to do with the radically different, sometimes incompatible, musical properties present in the perception of musical heaviness.
The Use of Automated Traps to Assess the Efficacy of Insecticide Barrier Treatments Against Abundant Mosquitoes in Remote Environments
Authors: Johnson Brian J , Manby Russell , Devine Gregor J
Published: November 2021

Commercially available ‘smart’ trap technology has not yet been widely used to evaluate interventions against mosquitoes despite potential benefits. These benefits include the ability to capture data continuously at fine temporal scales without the human resources usually required for conventional trap deployment. Here, we used a commercially available smart trap (BG-Counter, Biogents) to assess the efficacy of an insecticide barrier treatment (BiFlex AquaMax) in reducing mosquito nuisance in a logistically challenging coastal environment in Queensland, Australia. Adoption of smart trap technology permitted us to conduct a uniquely detailed assessment of barrier treatments, ultimately allowing us to demonstrate significant reductions in mosquito collections from treated properties over all temporal scales. On average, daily mosquito collections from treated properties were reduced by 74.6% for the duration of the post-treatment period (56 d). This observation was supported by similar reductions (73.3%) in mosquito collections across all hours of the day. It was further found that underlying mosquito population dynamics were comparable across all study sites as evidenced by the high congruence in daily collection patterns among traps (Pearson r = 0.64). Despite limitations related to trap costs and replication, the results demonstrate that smart traps offer new precision tools for the assessment of barrier treatments and other mosquito control interventions.
Has breeding altered the light environment, photosynthetic apparatus, and photosynthetic capacity of wheat leaves?
Authors: Li Yu-Ting , Li Ying , Song Jian-Min , Guo Qian-Huan , Yang Cheng , Zhao Wen-Jing , Wang Jun-Yan , Luo Jiao , Xu Yan-Ni , Zhang Qiang , Ding Xin-Yu , Liang Ying , Li Yue-Nan , Feng Qiu-Ling , Liu Peng , Gao Hui-Yuan , Li Geng , Zhao Shi-Jie , Zhang Zi-Shan
Published: November 2021

Whether photosynthesis has improved with increasing yield in major crops remains controversial. Research in this area has often neglected to account for differences in light intensity experienced by cultivars released in different years. Light intensity is expected to be positively associated with photosynthetic capacity and the resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus to high light but negatively associated with light-utilization efficiency under low light. Here, we analyzed the light environment, photosynthetic activity, and protein components of leaves of 26 winter wheat cultivars released during the past 60 years in China. Over time, light levels on flag leaves significantly decreased due to architectural changes, but photosynthetic rates under high or low light and the resistance of the photosynthetic apparatus to high light remained steady, contrary to expectations. We propose that the difference between the actual and expected trends is due to breeding. Specifically, breeding has optimized photosynthetic performance under high light rather than low light. Moreover, breeding selectivity altered the stoichiometry of several proteins related to dynamic photosynthesis, canopy light distribution, and photoprotection. These results indicate that breeding has significantly altered the photosynthetic mechanism in wheat and its response to the light environment. These changes likely have helped increase wheat yields.
The subthermal excitation of the C i lines in the molecular gas reservoirs of galaxies: its significance and potential utility
Authors: Papadopoulos P , Dunne L , Maddox S
Published: November 2021

We examine a sample of 106 galaxies for which the total luminosities of the two fine structure lines 3P1 → 3P0, and 3P2 → 3P1 of neutral atomic carbon (C) are available, and find their average excitation conditions to be strongly subthermal. This is deduced from the CI(2-1)/(1-0) ratios ($\rm R^{(ci)}_{21/10}$) modeled by the exact solutions of the corresponding three-level system, without any special assumptions about the kinematic state of the concomitant $\rm H_2$ gas (and thus the corresponding line formation mechanism). This non-LTE excitation of the CI lines can induce the curious clustering of (CI,LTE)-derived gas temperatures near ∼25 K reported recently by Valentino et al. (2020), which is uncorrelated to the actual gas temperatures. The non-LTE CI line excitation in the interstellar medium of galaxies deprives us from a simple method for estimating molecular gas temperatures, and adds uncertainty in CI-based molecular gas mass estimates especially when the J = 2–1 line is used. However the $\rm R^{(ci)}_{21/10}$ = $\rm F(n, T_{k})$ ratio is now more valuable for joint CO/CI SLED and dust SED models of galaxies, and independent of the assumptions used in the CO radiative transfer models (e.g. the large velocity gradient approximation). Finally we speculate that the combination of low ratios $\rm R^{(ci)}_{21/10} \lesssim 1$ and high $\rm T_{dust}$ values found in some extreme starbursts indicates massive low-density molecular wind and/or circumgalactic gas reservoirs. If verified by imaging observations this can be a useful indicator of the presence of such reservoirs in galaxies.
Multiphase outflows in post-starburst E+A galaxies – I. General sample properties and the prevalence of obscured starbursts
Authors: Baron Dalya , Netzer Hagai , Lutz Dieter , Prochaska J Xavier , Davies Ric I
Published: November 2021

E+A galaxies are believed to be a short phase connecting major merger ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) with red and dead elliptical galaxies. Their optical spectrum suggests a massive starburst that was quenched abruptly, and their bulge-dominated morphologies with tidal tails suggest that they are merger remnants. Active galactic nucleus (AGN)-driven winds are believed to be one of the processes responsible for the sudden quenching of star formation and for the expulsion and/or destruction of the remaining molecular gas. Little is known about AGN-driven winds in this short-lived phase. In this paper, we present the first and unique sample of post-starburst galaxy candidates with AGNs that show indications of ionized outflows in their optical emission lines. Using Infrared Astronomical Satellite–far infrared (IRAS–FIR) observations, we study the star formation in these systems and find that many systems selected to have post-starburst signatures in their optical spectrum are in fact obscured starbursts. Using SDSS spectroscopy, we study the stationary and outflowing ionized gas. We also detect neutral gas outflows in 40 per cent of the sources with mass outflow rates 10–100 times more massive than in the ionized phase. The mean mass outflow rate and kinetic power of the ionized outflows in our sample ($\dot{M}\sim 1\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }\, yr^{-1}}$, $\dot{E}\sim 10^{41}\, \mathrm{erg\, s}^{-1}$) are larger than those derived for active galaxies of similar AGN luminosity and stellar mass. For the neutral outflow ($\dot{M}\sim 10\, \mathrm{M_{\odot }\, yr^{-1}}$, $\dot{E}\sim 10^{42}\, \mathrm{erg\, s}^{-1}$), their mean is smaller than that observed in (U)LIRGs with and without AGN.
Searching for quasi-periodic oscillations in active galactic nuclei of the Chandra Deep Field South
Authors: Bao Tong , Li Zhiyuan
Published: November 2021

Recent X-ray observations have revealed growing evidence of quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) in the light curve of active galactic nuclei (AGNs), which may serve as a useful probe of black hole physics. In this work, we present a systematic search for X-ray QPOs among ∼1000 AGNs of the Chandra Deep Field South (CDF-S) in a homogeneous fashion. Dividing the 7-Ms Chandra observations into four epochs, we search for periodic signals that are persistent throughout any of these epochs, using two independent methods: Lomb–Scargle periodogram and Gregory–Loredo algorithm. No statistically significant periodic signal is found with either method on any of the four epochs. Our extensive simulations of source light curves suggest that this non-detection is primarily due to a moderate sensitivity of the CDF-S data in QPO detection. Using the simulation-predicted detection efficiency, we are able to provide a meaningful constraint on the intrinsic occurrence rate of persistent QPOs, $\lt (15\!-\!20)\,{{\mathrm{ per}\,\mathrm{ cent}}}$, provided that they share a similar power spectral density with a handful of currently known AGN QPOs. The true intrinsic occurrence rate might be significantly below this upper limit, however, given the non-detection among the CDF-S sources. Our additional search for short-lived QPOs that are only detected over a small subset of all observations results in two candidates, one in source XID 643 at a period of ∼13 273 s and the other in source XID 876 at a period of ∼7065 s.
InsectBase 2.0: a comprehensive gene resource for insects
Authors: Mei Yang , Jing Dong , Tang Shenyang , Chen Xi , Chen Hao , Duanmu Haonan , Cong Yuyang , Chen Mengyao , Ye Xinhai , Zhou Hang , He Kang , Li Fei
Published: November 2021

Insects are the largest group of animals on the planet and have a huge impact on human life by providing resources, transmitting diseases, and damaging agricultural crop production. Recently, a large amount of insect genome and gene data has been generated. A comprehensive database is highly desirable for managing, sharing, and mining these resources. Here, we present an updated database, InsectBase 2.0 (http://v2.insect-genome.com/), covering 815 insect genomes, 25 805 transcriptomes and >16 million genes, including 15 045 111 coding sequences, 3 436 022 3′UTRs, 4 345 664 5′UTRs, 112 162 miRNAs and 1 293 430 lncRNAs. In addition, we used an in-house standard pipeline to annotate 1 434 653 genes belonging to 164 gene families; 215 986 potential horizontally transferred genes; and 419 KEGG pathways. Web services such as BLAST, JBrowse2 and Synteny Viewer are provided for searching and visualization. InsectBase 2.0 serves as a valuable platform for entomologists and researchers in the related communities of animal evolution and invertebrate comparative genomics.
Effectiveness and Safety of Tranexamic Acid Use in Acute Traumatic Injury in the Prehospital and In-hospital Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Rowe Scott , Liu Amy , Zagales Israel , Awan Muhammad , Santos Radleigh , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives:

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to assess efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) use in acute traumatic injuries.

Methods:

PubMed and Cochrane libraries were searched for relevant RCTs published between January 2011 and January 3, 2021. Cohen’s Q Test for heterogeneous effects was used to determine the appropriateness of fixed versus random effects models.

Results:

Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of relative risk of mortality between treatment and placebo groups in the in-hospital, and perioperative settings was not significant. However, the risk of mortality is significantly lower in the treatment versus placebo group when TXA was given as loading dose only. Ten of the 11 studies evaluating perioperative use of TXA included in systematic review found significantly lower blood loss in the treatment compared with placebo groups, but results of meta-analysis showed no significant difference. Results of meta-analysis indicate that the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the in-hospital treatment group is greater than that of the placebo. In subset analysis of studies using only a single loading dose, there were no significant differences in VTE.

Conclusions:

Systematic review supports TXA benefits are most evident when given shortly after injury and meta-analysis supports TXA reduces mortality as a single loading dose. Systematic review supports perioperative use of TXA when large volume blood loss is anticipated. Meta-results showed no significant difference in risk of thromboembolism in single-dose TXA treatment compared with placebo. These findings suggest that TXA is safe and effective for control of traumatic bleeding.
Considerations for Corneal Surgery With Patients in the 10th Decade of Life
Authors: Levine Harry , Naranjo Andrea , Martinez Jaime D. , Altamirano Diego S. , Gayer Steven , O'Brien Terrence P. , Karp Carol L. , Amescua Guillermo
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report the indications, ocular and systemic comorbidities, and surgical outcomes of corneal transplantation in patients older than 90 years.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted to identify individuals 90 years and older who underwent corneal transplantation surgery at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 2013 and October 2020. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity and graft survival over time. Paired t tests were used to compare visual acuity preoperatively versus postoperatively. Graft survival was evaluated with Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results:

Fifty-eight eyes of 52 consecutive individuals were included. The mean age of individuals was 92 ± 2 years; 26.9% were male; and 48.1% self-identified as non-Hispanic White and 38.5% as Hispanic. Postoperative follow-up was 14.7 ± 12.1 months. Of the 58 eyes, 44.8% (26/58) underwent penetrating keratoplasty, 46.6% (27/58) Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, and 6.9% (4/58) keratoprosthesis. All surgeries were performed under monitored local anesthesia, without major complications. Surgical indications included pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (36.2%), glaucoma-associated corneal decompensation (27.6%), Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (25.9%), and perforated corneal ulceration (19.0%). The best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.32 (95% confidence interval 0.14–0.50; P < 0.01) as early as 1 month postoperatively, and vision gains were sustained for at least 12 months. Graft survival probability at 12 months was 88%.

Conclusions:

Corneal transplantation is a safe and successful procedure in restoring the visual acuity for patients older than 90 years after careful preoperative evaluation. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of corneal transplantation on quality of life in patients in the 10th decade of life.
Update on the Management of Demodex Blepharitis
Authors: Shah Paras P. , Stein Rebecca L. , Perry Henry D.
Published: November 2021

Demodex blepharitis is a common ophthalmologic disease that is often overlooked in the workup of blepharitis. Demodex infestation occurs in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at similar rates; consequently, its role in the development of blepharitis has not been well elucidated. Two species have been confirmed to inhabit the human eyelid—Demodex folliculorumandDemodex brevis.These species differ in their preferred location of infestation, withD. folliculorumoccupying the base of the eyelash andD. brevisinhabiting the meibomian glands, contributing to anterior and posterior Demodex blepharitis, respectively. A clinical index of suspicion must be developed from the history when blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or keratitis in adults and blepharoconjunctivitis or chalazia in children are resistant to treatment. The diagnosis can be strongly suspected by the presence of cylindrical dandruff at the base of the eyelash and confirmed by light microscopy of an epilated lash or by in vivo confocal microscopy. No cure is currently available. Management most frequently includes topical tea tree oil and its active ingredient terpinen-4-ol, both of which have produced good clinical outcomes. Topical tea tree oil is typically applied by a professional due to risk of toxicity. Several second-line treatment options have been studied, including ivermectin, metronidazole, selenium sulfide, microblepharoexfoliation, and lid hygiene. Novel, targeted therapies such as TP-03 (Tarsus Pharmaceuticals) are also currently being investigated in phase 2b/3 clinical trials. The purpose of this review purpose is to characterize Demodex blepharitis in detail, including its historical perspective and various classifications, and describe the latest diagnostic and management strategies.
We think we can: development of the Dyadic Efficacy Scale for Cancer
Authors: Brosseau Danielle C. , Braeken Johan , Carmack Cindy L. , Rosberger Zeev , Körner Annett
Published: November 2021

Background:

Measurement advances are needed to enable the study of dyadic-level processes impacting couples coping with cancer. This study sought to develop and empirically examine a Dyadic Efficacy Scale for Cancer (DESC). Cancer-related dyadic efficacy is an individual's confidence to work together with a partner to cope with cancer and its treatment.

Methods:

The DESC was developed using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. This paper outlines the psychometric evaluation phase. Individuals with cancer (N = 261) and their partners (N = 217) completed 50 items. Item-level analyses reduced this set to 26 items. Using the dyad as the unit of analysis, confirmatory factor analysis with mirrored patient and partner bifactor structure tested for the presence of a general factor and 3 secondary factors, that is, illness intrusions, patient affect, partner affect.

Results:

Goodness-of-fit indices supported the identified model, χ
2(1170) = 2090, P < .001; RMSEA = .05, P = .14, 90% CI .05–.06; SRMR = .05; CFI = .90. Multidimensionality differed for patients and partners. A general dyadic efficacy factor and secondary factors for managing affect were present for both dyad members, whereas the secondary factor of managing illness intrusions was confirmed for patients only. The model explained 72% and 64% of the variance in patients’ and partners’ dyadic efficacy. Evidence of convergent validity was presented.

Conclusions:

This study is the first to provide a tool to assess dyadic efficacy among couples coping with cancer. The assessment of cancer-related dyadic efficacy enables new discoveries into couples’ adjustment to cancer.
A Survey of Fetal Deaths as Reported to a Medical Examiner's Office
Authors: Sandoval Alicia , Winston David
Published: November 2021

This article is a review of the fetal deaths reported to the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner in Tucson, Arizona, from January 2000 to May 2020. The 115 cases included in this study were analyzed for the decedent's estimated gestational age, sex, maternal drug use, toxicology results, and cause of death. The male/female ratio was 0.95:1.0. The average gestational age of nonterm infants older than 20 weeks was 27.2 weeks. Nearly half of the cases had suspected or known maternal drug use. In these cases, cocaine and methamphetamine were most often detected in postmortem testing of the fetus. The most common causes of death in descending frequency were intrauterine fetal demise of unknown etiology, drugs, infection, and prematurity. Other notable causes of death included trauma and placental abruption. Congenital malformations were detected in only 3.5% of cases.
An Occupational Accident That Simulates Firearm Injury
Authors: Karagoz Yasar Mustafa , Bulgur-Kirbas Derya , Deveci Cemyigit , Cin Ozgur
Published: November 2021

The case of a 32-year-old man who died as a result of an unusual occupational accident during his shift on a marble quarry is reported. The worker stated a sharp and sudden pain on his shoulder while working with a diamond wire saw machine and died after being taken to a hospital. There was a round-shaped, foreign body entry hole, which looked like an angled gunshot entrance wound, with a diameter of 1.5 cm, in the middle between the neck and the left shoulder. The projectile, which penetrated through the left lung and thoracic aorta, was found within the left thoracic cavity. This case is reported due to its rarity and the possibility of its misinterpretation, and to remind forensic pathologists of the importance of having a systematic approach to each individual case.
Turing pattern design principles and their robustness
Authors: Vittadello Sean T. , Leyshon Thomas , Schnoerr David , Stumpf Michael P. H.
Published: November 2021

Turing patterns have morphed from mathematical curiosities into highly desirable targets for synthetic biology. For a long time, their biological significance was sometimes disputed but there is now ample evidence for their involvement in processes ranging from skin pigmentation to digit and limb formation. While their role in developmental biology is now firmly established, their synthetic design has so far proved challenging. Here, we review recent large-scale mathematical analyses that have attempted to narrow down potential design principles. We consider different aspects of robustness of these models and outline why this perspective will be helpful in the search for synthetic Turing-patterning systems. We conclude by considering robustness in the context of developmental modelling more generally.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Studies of Turing pattern formation in zebrafish skin
Authors: Kondo Shigeru , Watanabe Masakatsu , Miyazawa Seita
Published: November 2021

Skin patterns are the first example of the existence of Turing patterns in living organisms. Extensive research on zebrafish, a model organism with stripes on its skin, has revealed the principles of pattern formation at the molecular and cellular levels. Surprisingly, although the networks of cell–cell interactions have been observed to satisfy the ‘short-range activation and long-range inhibition’ prerequisites for Turing pattern formation, numerous individual reactions were not envisioned based on the classical reaction–diffusion model. For example, in real skin, it is not an alteration in concentrations of chemicals, but autonomous migration and proliferation of pigment cells that establish patterns, and cell–cell interactions are mediated via direct contact through cell protrusions. Therefore, the classical reaction–diffusion mechanism cannot be used as it is for modelling skin pattern formation. Various studies are underway to adapt mathematical models to the experimental findings on research into skin patterns, and the purpose of this review is to organize and present them. These novel theoretical methods could be applied to autonomous pattern formation phenomena other than skin patterns.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing's theory of morphogenesis’.
Introduction to ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’
Authors: Krause Andrew L. , Gaffney Eamonn A , Maini Philip K. , Klika Václav
Published: November 2021

Elucidating pattern forming processes is an important problem in the physical, chemical and biological sciences. Turing's contribution, after being initially neglected, eventually catalysed a huge amount of work from mathematicians, physicists, chemists and biologists aimed towards understanding how steady spatial patterns can emerge from homogeneous chemical mixtures due to the reaction and diffusion of different chemical species. While this theory has been developed mathematically and investigated experimentally for over half a century, many questions still remain unresolved. This theme issue places Turing's theory of pattern formation in a modern context, discussing the current frontiers in foundational aspects of pattern formation in reaction-diffusion and related systems. It highlights ongoing work in chemical, synthetic and developmental settings which is helping to elucidate how important Turing's mechanism is for real morphogenesis, while highlighting gaps that remain in matching theory to reality. The theme issue also surveys a variety of recent mathematical research pushing the boundaries of Turing's original theory to more realistic and complicated settings, as well as discussing open theoretical challenges in the analysis of such models. It aims to consolidate current research frontiers and highlight some of the most promising future directions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Recent progress and open frontiers in Turing’s theory of morphogenesis’.
Zophobihabitans entericus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Orbaceae isolated from the gut of a superworm Zophobas morio
Authors: Kuo Chih-Horng , Huang Pin-Yun , Sheu Shih-Yi , Sheu Der-Shyan , Jheng Li-Cheng , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: November 2021

A novel bacterial strain, designated IPMB12T, isolated from the gut of the superwormZophobas morioin Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, coccoid or rod-shaped and formed translucent colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25–37 °C, pH 9–10, and with 0–2 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain IPMB12Tis affiliated with genus in the the familyOrbaceaein the classGammaproteobacteria. Strain IPMB12Twas most closely related toGilliamella mensalisLMG 29880Twith a 94.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain IPMB12Tshowed less than 71.6 % average nucleotide identity, less than 71.5 % average amino acid identity and less than 21.2 % digital DNA–DNA hybridization identity compared to the strains of related genera within the familyOrbaceae. The major fatty acids of strain IPMB12Twere summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7cand/or C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0and C14 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one uncharacterized phosphoaminoglycolipid and one uncharacterized aminophospholipid. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain IPMB12Twas 39.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain IPMB12Trepresents a novel species of a new genus in the familyOrbaceae, for which the nameZophobihabitans entericusgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IPMB12T(=BCRC 80908T=LMG 32079T=KCTC 82347T=KACC 22323T).
Clostridium zeae sp. nov., isolated from corn silage
Authors: Kobayashi Hisami , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Yagura Masaru , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya , Tohno Masanori
Published: November 2021

A rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, strictly anaerobic, catalase-negative and endospore-forming bacterial strain CSC2T was isolated from corn silage preserved in Tochigi, Japan. The strain CSC2T grew at 15–40 °C, at pH 5.0–7.7 and with up to 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl. The main cellular fatty acids were C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C16 : 0 dimethyl acetal. The cellular polar lipids detected were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylcholine and two unidentified polar lipids. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene showed that strain CSC2T was a member of the genus

Clostridium

and closely related to

Clostridium polyendosporum

DSM 57272T (95.6 % gene sequence similarity) and

Clostridium fallax

ATCC 19400T (95.3 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CSC2T was 31.1 mol% (whole genome analysis). The average nucleotide identity based on blast and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain CSC2T and the type strains of phylogenetically related species were below 71 and 24 %, respectively. On the basis of the genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, it is proposed to designate strain CSC2T as representing Clostridium zeae sp. nov. The type strain is CSC2T (=MAFF212476T=JCM 33766T=DSM 111242T).
Genome editing reveals that pSCL4 is required for chromosome linearity in Streptomyces clavuligerus
Authors: Gomez-Escribano Juan Pablo , Algora Gallardo Lis , Bozhüyük Kenan A. J. , Kendrew Steven G. , Huckle Benjamin D. , Crowhurst Nicola A. , Bibb Mervyn J. , Collis Andrew J. , Micklefield Jason , Herron Paul R. , Wilkinson Barrie
Published: November 2021

Streptomyces clavuligerus

is an industrially important actinomycete whose genetic manipulation is limited by low transformation and conjugation efficiencies, low levels of recombination of introduced DNA, and difficulty in obtaining consistent sporulation. We describe the construction and application of versatile vectors for Cas9-mediated genome editing of this strain. To design spacer sequences with confidence, we derived a highly accurate genome assembly for an isolate of the type strain (ATCC 27064). This yielded a chromosome assembly (6.75 Mb) plus assemblies for pSCL4 (1795 kb) and pSCL2 (149 kb). The strain also carries pSCL1 (12 kb), but its small size resulted in only partial sequence coverage. The previously described pSCL3 (444 kb) is not present in this isolate. Using our Cas9 vectors, we cured pSCL4 with high efficiency by targeting the plasmid’s parB gene. Five of the resulting pSCL4-cured isolates were characterized and all showed impaired sporulation. Shotgun genome sequencing of each of these derivatives revealed large deletions at the ends of the chromosomes in all of them, and for two clones sufficient sequence data was obtained to show that the chromosome had circularized. Taken together, these data indicate that pSCL4 is essential for the structural stability of the linear chromosome.