bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volcanic ash deposition as a selection mechanism towards woodiness
Authors: Beierkuhnlein Carl , Nogales Manuel , Field Richard , Vetaas Ole R. , Walentowitz Anna , Weiser Frank , Stahlmann Reinhold , Guerrero-Campos María , Jentsch Anke , Medina Félix M. , Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: July 2023

The high proportion of woody plant species on oceanic islands has hitherto been explained mainly by gradual adaptation to climatic conditions. Here, we present a novel hypothesis that such woodiness is adaptative to volcanic ash (tephra) deposition. Oceanic islands are subject to frequent eruptions with substantial and widespread ash deposition on evolutionary time scales. We postulate that this selects for woodiness through an increased ability to avoid burial of plant organs by ash, and to re-emerge above the new land surface. We sense-checked using observations of plant occurrences and distributions on La Palma (Canary Islands) in April 2022, 4 months after the end of the eruptions of the Tajogaite volcano (Cumbre Vieja ridge). In contrast to herbs and grasses, most woody plants persisted and were already in full flower in areas with 10+ cm ash deposition. Remarkably, these persisting woody plants were almost exclusively endemics.
Prospects of glove-box versus air-processed organic solar cells
Authors: Rasool Shafket , Kim Jin Young
Published: July 2023

In the search for alternate green energy sources to offset dependence on fossil fuels, solar energy can certainly meet two needs with one deed: fulfil growing global energy demands due to its non-depletable nature and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Green synthesis of a magnetite/graphitic carbon nitride 2D nanocomposite for efficient Hg2+ remediation
Authors: Chouhan Raghuraj Singh , Gačnik Jan , Živković Igor , Vijayakumaran Nair Sreekanth , Van de Velde Nigel , Vesel Alenka , Šket Primož , Gandhi Sonu , Jerman Ivan , Horvat Milena
Published: July 2023

Green synthesis of a magnetite/graphitic carbon nitride 2D nanocomposite for efficient Hg2+ remediation in different aqueous matrices utilising a thermal assist sonication method.
Nanophotonic immunoarray with electrochemically roughened surfaces for handheld detection of secreted PD-L1 to predict immuno-oncology efficacy
Authors: Dey Shuvashis , Koo Kevin M. , Ahmed Emtiaz , Trau Matt
Published: July 2023

The handheld analysis of secreted protein biomarkers can be a useful non-invasive method of predicting or monitoring cancer therapeutic response.
Giant comprehensive capacitive energy storage in lead-free quasi-linear relaxor ferroelectrics via local heterogeneous polarization configuration
Authors: Liu Jikang , Li Chongyang , Bai Wangfeng , Yuan Yongjun , Zheng Peng , Fan Qiaolan , Wu Shiting , Zhang Jingji , Zhai Jiwei
Published: July 2023

The local heterogeneous polarization configuration in quasi-linear RFEs delivers a large Wrec (∼7.01 J cm−3), concurrent with an ultrahigh η (∼94.3%), demonstrating giant comprehensive energy storage for cutting-edge capacitors applications.
Data‐driven consistent control with data compensation for a class of unknown nonlinear multiagent systems with constraints
Authors: Wu Lipu , Li Zhen , Liu Shida , Li Zhijun , Sun Dehui
Published: July 2023

To solve the problem of longitudinal cooperative formation driving control of multiple vehicles, a novel model‐free adaptive control algorithm with data compensation under constraint conditions (COM‐cMFAC) is proposed in this manuscript. In the COM‐cMFAC algorithm, the pseudo partial derivative (PPD), which is a time‐varying parameter, is used to linearize the nonlinear dynamics of the multivehicle cooperative system by using dynamic linearization technology. Then, a COM‐cMFAC controller is designed. For the case of data packet loss, the proposed controller uses a data compensation mechanism that estimates and compensates for the lost data through the data collected at the previous moment to perform packet loss control. Additionally, the controller considers the constrained input and output problems that will occur in the actual control process and imposes input and output constraints. The main advantage of the COM‐cMFAC algorithm is that the entire control process only needs the input and output data of the multivehicle cooperative system, and it also has a good control effect in the case of packet loss. The stability of the proposed method is verified through strict mathematical analysis, and its effectiveness is verified by semiphysical experiments based on a MATLAB/Simulink and Carsim platform connection environment.
Implementation and reliability analysis of a new non‐isolated quadratic buck–boost converter using improved Markov modelling
Authors: Malick Ifham H. , Zaid Mohammad , Ahmad Javed , Varesi Kazem , Lin Chang‐Hua
Published: July 2023

Here, a new buck–boost converter with reliability analysis is proposed. The converter has utilized a new voltage multiplier cell at the input side to boost the output voltage. It has a continuous input current with a wide range of duty cycle operations. The converter achieves unity gain at 26.8% duty cycle and can also operate in continuous and discontinuous conduction modes in buck and boost modes. The detailed reliability analysis of the proposed converter using improved Markov modelling is also presented by considering both open circuit and short circuit faults across the semiconductor devices. The variation of reliability and the mean time to failure (MTTF) with different converter parameters like the duty cycle and the input voltage is also discussed here. The hardware results of the developed prototype converter are also presented here at varying duty ratios. The power loss analysis and comparison of the converter with other newly proposed buck–boost topologies show the advantages of the proposed converter. For checking the stability of the converter, the state space model of the converter is also discussed in detail of the proposed converter.
A high-latitude coronal mass ejection observed by a constellation of coronagraphs: Solar Orbiter/Metis, STEREO-A/COR2, and SOHO/LASCO
Authors: Zimbardo G. , Ying B. , Nisticò G. , Feng L. , Rodríguez-García L. , Panasenco O. , Andretta V. , Banerjee D. , Bemporad A. , De Leo Y. , Franci L. , Frassati F. , Habbal S. , Long D. , Magdalenic J. , Mancuso S. , Naletto G. , Perri S. , Romoli M. , Spadaro D. , Stangalini M. , Strachan L. , Susino R. , Vainio R. , Velli M. , Cohen C. M. S. , Giacalone J. , Shen M. , Telloni D. , Abbo L. , Burtovoi A. , Jerse G. , Landini F. , Nicolini G. , Pancrazzi M. , Russano G. , Sasso C. , Uslenghi M.
Published: July 2023

Context. A few days before the first perihelion of the Solar Orbiter nominal mission, which occurred on 2022 March 26, the Metis coronagraph on board Solar Orbiter detected a coronal mass ejection (CME) that was moving away from the far side of the Sun (with respect to Solar Orbiter) at high northern latitudes. The eruption was also seen by other spacecraft, in particular, by STEREO-A, which was in quadrature configuration with Solar Orbiter.

Aims. We analyse the different views of the CME by a constellation of spacecraft with the purpose to determine the speed and acceleration of the CME, and to identify the source region of the CME.

Methods. Considering the positions of various spacecraft on 2022 March 22, this CME happened to be within the field of view of STEREO-A/SECCHI, and it was visible over the limb from SOHO/LASCO. We present the results of the 3D reconstruction of the CME based on the graduated cylindrical shell model and of the identification of the possible origin of the CME using extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) observations by Solar Orbiter/EUI, STEREO-A/EUVI, and SDO/AIA. The observations in EUV are compared with the coronal magnetic structure obtained by the potential field source surface method.

Results. The 3D reconstruction of the CME derives a central latitude of 29° N, a Stonyhurst longitude of −125°, and an average radial speed at the apex of 322 ± 33 km s−1 between 4 and 13 R⊙, which is probably not high enough to generate a shock wave. The estimated average acceleration of the CME is 16 ± 11 m s−2 in the same range of distances from the Sun. This CME may be associated with the disappearance of a coronal cloud prominence, which is seen in the EUV by STEREO-A/EUVI and SDO/AIA, and is also associated with rapidly evolving emerging magnetic flux.
Minimum taxi fleet algorithm considering human spatiotemporal behaviors
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Dan , Wang Yu , Nie Wei-Peng , Lin Chu-Yong , Cai Shi-Min , Grebogi Celso
Published: July 2023

With the development of information technology, more and more travel data have provided great convenience for scholars to study the travel behavior of users. Planning user travel has increasingly attracted researchers’ attention due to its great theoretical significance and practical value. In this study, we not only consider the minimum fleet size required to meet the urban travel needs but also consider the travel time and distance of the fleet. Based on the above reasons, we propose a travel scheduling solution that comprehensively considers time and space costs, namely, the Spatial-Temporal Hopcroft–Karp (STHK) algorithm. The analysis results show that the STHK algorithm not only significantly reduces the off-load time and off-load distance of the fleet travel by as much as 81% and 58% and retains the heterogeneous characteristics of human travel behavior. Our study indicates that the new planning algorithm provides the size of the fleet to meet the needs of urban travel and reduces the extra travel time and distance, thereby reducing energy consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Concurrently, the travel planning results also conform to the basic characteristics of human travel and have important theoretical significance and practical application value.
Ocean optics illuminates aquatic algae
Authors: Hu Chuanmin
Published: July 2023

Large masses of algae in the great Atlantic Sargassum belt and around the world affect local ecosystems and the environment. Satellite imagery, combined with traditional research techniques, is now helping scientists to study them.
Ice fracturing
Authors: Schulson Erland M.
Published: July 2023

The process comprises the nucleation, propagation, and interaction of cracks. Understanding their micromechanics in ice is likely to help scientists understand fracture in all kinds of materials.
Making graduate admissions in physics more equitable
Authors: Young Nicholas T. , Tollefson Kirsten , Caballero Marcos D.
Published: July 2023

Preliminary results from the revamping of Michigan State University’s physics graduate admissions process suggest that the changes have made the procedure fairer for all.
The internet is full of things
Authors: Gembaczka Pierre , Krupp Lukas
Published: July 2023

The devices, or “things,” that communicate and share data via the internet are part of a network that‘s becoming increasingly connected.
Latino? Latinx? Latine? A Call for Inclusive Categories in Epidemiologic Research
Authors: Miranda Alexis R , Perez-Brumer Amaya , Charlton Brittany M
Published: July 2023

Use of the word “Latinx” has risen in popularity among both academics and nonacademics to promote a gender-inclusive alternative to otherwise linguistically gendered terms of “Latino/a.” While critics claim the term is inappropriate for populations without gender-diverse individuals, or those of unknown demographic composition, increasing usage and among younger communities signals an important shift in centering the intersectional experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people. Amid these shifts, what are the implications for epidemiologic methods? We provide some brief historical context for the origin of the word “Latinx” along with its alternative “Latine” and discuss the potential consequences of its use for participant recruitment and study validity. Additionally, we provide suggestions for the best use of “Latino” compared with “Latinx/e” in several contextual circumstances. We recommend using “Latinx” or “Latine” in large populations, even without detailed data on gender, since there is likely gender diversity in the population, albeit unmeasured. In participant-facing recruitment or study documents, additional context is needed to determine which identifier is most appropriate.
Contextualizing the ecology of plant–plant interactions and constructive networks
Authors: Losapio Gianalberto
Published: July 2023

Botanical concepts have traditionally viewed the environment as a static box containing plants. In this box, plants compete with one another and act as passive resource consumers subjected to the environment in a top-down manner. This entails that plants have only negative effects on other plants and have no influence on the environment. By contrast, there is increasing evidence that plants have positive, bottom-up engineering effects and diversity effects on other plants and on the environment. Here, to overcome the limitations of top-down environmental control, antagonistic-only and pairwise interactions, I propose the concept of constructive networks. Constructive networks unify niche construction and network theory recognizing that (i) plants have manifold ecological functions and impacts on their neighbours, and (ii) the environment shapes and is shaped by diverse organisms, primarily plants. Constructive networks integrate both plant–environment and plant–plant interactions in a relational context. They address how plants influence the environment and support or inhibit other plant species by physically, biochemically and ecologically shaping environmental conditions. Constructive networks acknowledge the fact that diverse plants change and create novel environmental conditions and co-produce, share and transform resources, thereby influencing biological communities and the environment in constructive ways. Different interaction types are considered simultaneously in constructive networks. Yet, the main limitation to understanding constructive networks is the identification of plant links. This barrier may be overcome by applying complexity theory and statistical mechanics to comparative data and experimental field botany. Considering multiple interaction types and feedback between plants and the environment may improve our understanding of mechanisms responsible for biodiversity maintenance and help us to better anticipate the response of plant systems to global change.
Keynes’s theories of the business cycle: evolution and contemporary relevance
Authors: Bortz Pablo G
Published: July 2023

This paper traces the evolution of John Maynard Keynes’s theory of the business cycle from his early writings in 1913 to his policy prescriptions for the control of fluctuations in the early 1940s. The paper identifies six different ‘theories’ of business fluctuations. With different theoretical frameworks in a 30-year span, the driver of fluctuations, namely cyclical changes in expectations about future returns, remained substantially the same. The banking system also played a pivotal role throughout the different versions, by financing and influencing the behaviour of return expectations. There are four major changes in the evolution of Keynes’s business cycle theories: (i) the saving–investment framework to understand changes in economic fluctuations; (ii) the capabilities of the banking system to moderate the business cycle; (iii) the effectiveness of monetary policy to fine tune the business cycle through the control of the short-term interest rate or credit conditions; and (iv) the role of a comprehensive fiscal policy and investment policy to attenuate fluctuations. Finally, we draw some conclusions about the present relevance of the policy mix Keynes promoted for ensuring macroeconomic stability.
Genomics and phenomics enabled prebreeding improved early-season chilling tolerance in Sorghum
Authors: Marla Sandeep , Felderhoff Terry , Hayes Chad , Perumal Ramasamy , Wang Xu , Poland Jesse , Morris Geoffrey P
Published: July 2023

In temperate climates, earlier planting of tropical-origin crops can provide longer growing seasons, reduce water loss, suppress weeds, and escape post-flowering drought stress. However, chilling sensitivity of sorghum, a tropical-origin cereal crop, limits early planting, and over 50 years of conventional breeding has been stymied by coinheritance of chilling tolerance (CT) loci with undesirable tannin and dwarfing alleles. In this study, phenomics and genomics-enabled approaches were used for prebreeding of sorghum early-season CT. Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) high-throughput phenotyping platform tested for improving scalability showed moderate correlation between manual and UAS phenotyping. UAS normalized difference vegetation index values from the chilling nested association mapping population detected CT quantitative trait locus (QTL) that colocalized with manual phenotyping CT QTL. Two of the 4 first-generation Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) molecular markers, generated using the peak QTL single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), failed to function in an independent breeding program as the CT allele was common in diverse breeding lines. Population genomic fixation index analysis identified SNP CT alleles that were globally rare but common to the CT donors. Second-generation markers, generated using population genomics, were successful in tracking the donor CT allele in diverse breeding lines from 2 independent sorghum breeding programs. Marker-assisted breeding, effective in introgressing CT allele from Chinese sorghums into chilling-sensitive US elite sorghums, improved early-planted seedling performance ratings in lines with CT alleles by up to 13–24% compared to the negative control under natural chilling stress. These findings directly demonstrate the effectiveness of high-throughput phenotyping and population genomics in molecular breeding of complex adaptive traits.
Loss of Autonomy: Likely Dementia and Living Arrangement Transitions Among Mexicans and Mexican Americans
Authors: Angel Jacqueline L , López-Ortega Mariana , Chiu Chi-Tsun , Rote Sunshine M , Cantu Phillip , Antequera Felipe , Chen Ching-An
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

To examine the role of probable dementia on changes in living arrangements and mortality among very old Mexicans and Mexican Americans in 2 different nations.

Research Design and Methods

We employ the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly and the Mexican Health and Aging Study, 2 comparable longitudinal data sets, to identify predictors of changes in living arrangements using multinomial logistic regression, controlling for cognitive status, demographic characteristics, and resources.

Results

In Mexico, women with dementia who lived alone at baseline were more likely to become part of an extended family household than men with similar levels of cognitive impairment. A similar pattern emerges for the oldest Mexican-American women. Spousal loss increases the likelihood of living alone for women in the United States regardless of dementia. Although dementia elevates the risk of mortality for men living alone in the United States, in both countries, women in their 90s who lived alone with dementia had a lower risk of mortality relative to men.

Discussion and Implications

Longer life spans increase the risk of living alone with dementia in both countries, especially for women. Older individuals in both countries face financial hardships. Mexicans have limited formal options in dementia care. Mexican Americans with dementia continue to live alone despite low income although, unlike the Mexicans, they have access to Medicaid long-term care. For Mexico and the United States, the growing number of older individuals with dementia represents a growing public health concern.
Intersections of Ageism and Homelessness Among Older Adults: Implications for Policy, Practice, and Research
Authors: Weldrick Rachel , Canham Sarah L
Published: July 2023

Ageism remains a key issue in gerontological literature and has long been recognized as a deeply harmful form of discrimination. Despite advances in ageism scholarship related to education, advocacy, and prevention, there are calls for ongoing intersectional examinations of ageism among minority groups and across older people facing multiple exclusions. In particular, very little ageism research has considered the experiences of age-based discrimination and prejudice among older people experiencing homelessness. We problematize this gap in knowledge and provide recommendations for policy, practice, and research to address ageist discrimination toward older people experiencing homelessness. Intersections of ageism and homelessness are summarized at four levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional/community, and societal/structural. Building upon the limited research, we recommend key strategies for supporting and protecting older people experiencing homelessness through the reduction of ageism at each level. We present these insights and recommendations as a call to action for those working in both the aging and housing/homelessness spheres.
Antimicrobial susceptibility among respiratory tract pathogens isolated from diseased cattle and pigs from different parts of Europe
Authors: de Jong Anno , Morrissey Ian , Rose Markus , Temmerman Robin , Klein Ulrich , Simjee Shabbir , El Garch Farid
Published: July 2023

Aims

To survey antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria causing cattle and pig respiratory infections in 10 European countries.

Methods and Results

Non-replicate nasopharyngeal/nasal or lung swabs were collected from animals with acute respiratory signs during 2015–2016. Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni from cattle (n = 281), and P. multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Glaesserella parasuis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Streptococcus suis from pigs (n = 593) were isolated. MICs were assessed following CLSI standards and interpreted using veterinary breakpoints where available. Histophilus somni isolates were fully antibiotic susceptible. Bovine P. multocida and M. haemolytica were susceptible to all antibiotics, except tetracycline (11.6%–17.6% resistance). Low macrolide and spectinomycin resistance was observed for P. multocida and M. haemolytica (1.3%–8.8%). Similar susceptibility was observed in pigs, where breakpoints are available. Resistance in P. multocida, A. pleuropneumoniae, and S. suis to ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, and florfenicol was absent or <5%. Tetracycline resistance varied from 10.6% to 21.3%, but was 82.4% in S. suis. Overall multidrug-resistance was low. Antibiotic resistance in 2015–2016 remained similar as in 2009–2012.

Conclusions

Low antibiotic resistance was observed among respiratory tract pathogens, except for tetracycline.
Landscape configurations of refuge areas that delay the evolution of resistance to Bt sugarcane: an agent based modeling approach
Authors: Human Dirk Johannes , Potgieter Linke
Published: July 2023

Although transgenic crops expressing genes from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are considered to be an effective pest control method, reckless usage adds environmental pressure on a pest population to develop resistance to the protein over time. The use of small portions of non-Bt crop (refuge areas) limits the rate of resistance development. Strains of Bt sugarcane for the South African market are being developed, and a prerequisite to releasing such a product on the market is a recommendation on the size and layout of the refuge areas. In this article, an agent-based simulation model is used to test the effectiveness of different landscape configurations of refuge areas in Bt sugarcane against resistance development occurring in an associated lepidopteran pest population. Individual insects are modeled as agents on an underlying sugarcane field that can either be Bt or refugium. The model is applied to 2 hypothetical case studies, each focusing on a specific aspect of refugia planning. The first focuses on the size and distribution of refuge, and the second on the shape of the refuge. A conservative general recommendation of 30% per farm, planted in large blocks on farms, is made based on simulation results and what is currently known about the target pest species, to provide regulatory bodies as well as growers with a starting point on how to regulate and plan refuge areas in South African Bt sugarcane.
Comparison of indoor (refrigerated) versus outdoor winter storage of commercial honey bee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae), colonies in the Western United States
Authors: Hopkins Brandon K , Long Jason , Naeger Nicholas L , Sheppard Walter S
Published: July 2023

Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) are critical to the pollination of many important crops in the United States, and one crop that demands large numbers of colonies early each year is almonds. To provide adequate numbers of colonies for almond pollination, many beekeepers move colonies of bees to high-density holding yards in California in late fall, where the bees can fly and forage, but little natural pollen and nectar is available. In recent years, high colony losses have occurred in some operations following this management strategy, and alternative approaches, including indoor storage of colonies, have become more commonly used. The current study evaluated colonies kept indoors (refrigerated and/or controlled atmosphere) for the winter compared with those kept outdoors in either Washington or California. Colonies were evaluated for strength (frames of bees), brood area, lipid composition of worker bees, colony weight and survival, parasitic mites (Varroa mites, tracheal mites), and pathogens (Nosema spp.). No differences were found in colony weight, survival, parasitic mite levels, or pathogen prevalence among the treatments. Colonies stored indoors and outdoors in WA had significantly more frames of bees and less brood present after the storage period than colonies stored outdoors in CA. Lipid composition of honey bees stored indoors was significantly higher than colonies stored outdoors in WA or CA. The implications of these findings for overall colony health and improved pollination activity are discussed.
Anomalous phenology of Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Mississippi
Authors: Goddard Jerome , Sims Sharon , Robbins Richard G , Varnado Wendy C
Published: July 2023

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, is one of the most important vectors of tick-borne disease agents in North America. Accordingly, it is crucial to know this species local composition, abundance, and seasonality (phenology) to help prevent tick-borne illnesses. The phenology of adult I. scapularis is reported in the scientific literature from October through May. Data from previous research in Mississippi have all supported this time frame for adult blacklegged tick activity. However, in this study, we report a collection of 13 I. scapularis from 9 widely separated areas in Mississippi during the summer and early fall of 2022 (June, July, and September). These findings are remarkable, even enigmatic, and should prompt further investigation.
Assessing drug utilization and drug–drug interactions in the management of epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and migraine
Authors: Solanki Nilay , Champaneri Ishita , Patel Varsha
Published: July 2023

Background

Neurological disorders (ND) affect the structure and function of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, epilepsy, migraine and stroke. ND has major symptoms ranging from mild to severe memory problems and physical disabilities. The present study investigated central nervous system (CNS) drug utilization trends, drug–drug interaction and morbidity patterns in ND.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out at a multi-specialty hospital, including neurology outpatient cases, in 2016. A study was ethically approved by the institutional ethics committee (IEC) for human research, and data were collected from patients’ case records. The prescribing trend was assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 was used to assess the morbidity pattern. Drug–drug interactions were analysed by a multidrug interaction checker.

Results

We discovered that 53.57% and 46.42% of the 280 neurology cases were female and male, respectively. Here, we showed that epilepsy was the most commonly diagnosed (31.07%) condition, followed by migraine (30.35%), Parkinsonism (Pn) (13.21%), Alzheimer’s and dementia (AD) (10.71%) and myasthenia gravis (7.14%). The most commonly used CNS drugs were sodium valproates. Donepezil, fluoxatin and levodopa–carbidopa. In this study, 80% of drugs were prescribed with the most common category being antiepileptics; 16.77% and 23.21% of prescriptions observed potential drug–drug interactions.

Conclusions

The treatment priority for epilepsy was sodium valproate, which had a high prescription rate. For AD, donepezil was given priority, while in PN, levodopa–carbidopa was prescribed most often. In significant drug–drug interactions (DDI), pharmacodynamic mechanisms were very common, while in minor DDI, pharmacokinetic mechanisms were observed.
Use of an over-the-scope clip in managing adult anastomotic ulcer bleeding
Authors: Lee Anson Y , Kuwada Scott K
Published: July 2023

Bleeding from anastomotic ulcers following surgical procedures such as ileocolonic resection in patients without Crohn’s disease is a rare occurrence and difficult to manage. Although a number of treatment options have been explored, they have all had varying success. This case characterizes the first reported successful treatment of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in an adult due to an anastomotic ulcer with an over-the-scope clip.
Spontaneous idiopathic omental bleeding: a case report of rare cause of acute abdomen
Authors: Sah Raju , Nalbo Dinesh , Neupane Durga , Pandit Narendra
Published: July 2023

Idiopathic omental hemorrhage is a rare cause of an acute abdomen, which is potentially life threatening. Here, we report a case of a 34-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with sudden, severe pain abdomen and abdominal distension for 1 day. There was no history of trauma, abdominal surgeries or any significant past medical history. The diagnosis was suspected on contrast computed tomography, which revealed hyperdense areas of blood in the peritoneal cavity with contrast extravasation from the omentum. The patient underwent successful emergency laparotomy, peritoneal lavage and greater omentectomy to achieve hemostasis.
Late presentation of hepatic pseudoaneurysm after liver trauma: a case of misdiagnosed cholecystitis and successful endovascular embolization
Authors: Silva Iveth Sebilla , Rojas Esquivel Diego , Haslam Carlos Paz , Argueta Juan C , Ramos-Zaldívar Héctor M
Published: July 2023

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms are a significant health concern, often incidentally discovered during computed tomography (CT) scans, as their exact incidence rate remains unknown. The most common symptoms of a pseudoaneurysm are hematemesis, abdominal pain, anemia and jaundice. A triad of right upper quadrant pain, jaundice and overt upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a classic presentation of the condition, which occurs in only a third of patients with hemobilia. Patients have a high risk of rupture, and an endovascular approach with coil embolization is recommended. A case of a 28-year-old woman with a post-traumatic hepatic pseudoaneurysm is presented in which she was initially misdiagnosed and treated for cholecystitis. After the development of jaundice, hematemesis and melena, a CT angiography confirmed diagnosis. Endovascular embolization was performed successfully, and the patient recovered without complications. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis of hepatic pseudoaneurysms, as a delayed diagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality.
Light-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis in rose petals involves a balanced regulatory module comprising transcription factors RhHY5, RhMYB114a, and RhMYB3b
Authors: Yan Yuhang , Zhao Jiaxing , Lin Shengnan , Li Mouliang , Liu Jiayi , Raymond Olivier , Vergne Philippe , Kong Weilong , Wu Quanshu , Zhang Xiaoni , Bao Manzhu , Bendahmane Mohammed , Fu Xiaopeng
Published: July 2023

Roses are significant botanical species with both ornamental and economic value, displaying diverse floral traits, particularly an extensive array of petal colors. The red pigmentation of rose petals is predominantly attributed to anthocyanin accumulation. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in roses remains elusive. This study presents a novel light-responsive regulatory module governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in rose petals, which involves the transcription factors RhHY5, RhMYB114a, and RhMYB3b. Under light conditions (1000–1500 μmol m–2 s–1), RhHY5 represses RhMYB3b expression and induces RhMYB114a expression, positively regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in rose petals. Notably, activation of anthocyanin structural genes probably involves an interaction and synergy between RhHY5 and the MYB114a-bHLH3-WD40 complex. Additionally, RhMYB3b is activated by RhMYB114a to prevent excessive accumulation of anthocyanin. Conversely, under low light conditions (<10 μmol m–2 s–1), the degradation of RhHY5 leads to down-regulation of RhMYB114a and up-regulation of RhMYB3b, which in turn inhibits the expression of both RhMYB114a and anthocyanin structural genes. Additionally, RhMYB3b competes with RhMYB114a for binding to RhbHLH3 and the promoters of anthocyanin-related structural genes. Overall, our study uncovers a complex light-mediated regulatory network that governs anthocyanin biosynthesis in rose petals, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying petal color formation in rose.
The land in sight: waiting for a Libyan government
Authors: Vos Renske
Published: July 2023

The article reconstructs the waiting of EU officials for a Libyan government to partner with, amidst the broader 2015 European Refugee Crisis. Methodologically, it takes recourse to two iconic stories of waiting—Homer’s Odyssey and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot—to push on the multiple im/materialies of waiting and of sovereignty. This illuminates the situation as one of Libya maintaining its sovereignty without a sovereign.
What Is It like to Have a Gender Identity?
Authors: Ashley Florence
Published: July 2023

By attending to how people speak about their gender, we can find diverse answers to the question of what it is like to have a gender identity. To some, it is little more than having a body whereas others may report it as more attitudinal or dispositional—seemingly contradictory views. In this paper, I seek to reconcile these disparate answers by developing a theory of how individual gender identity comes about. In the simplest possible terms, I propose that gender identity is how we make sense of our gender subjectivity, the totality of our gendered experiences of ourselves. Gender identity is constituted by gender subjectivity, but this constitutive relationship is underdetermined. While gender subjectivity may narrow the range of inhabitable gender identities, it is always compatible with more than one. To arrive at a gender identity, we arrange gender subjectivity like building materials. My theory helps us understand how different people offer seemingly incompatible accounts of their gender identity without questioning their authenticity or validity. They simply arrange similar building materials differently.
The formation of globular clusters with top-heavy initial mass functions
Authors: Fukushima Hajime , Yajima Hidenobu
Published: July 2023

We study the formation of globular clusters (GCs) in massive compact clouds with the low metallicity of Z = 10−3 Z⊙ by performing three-dimensional radiative-hydrodynamic simulations. Considering the uncertainty of the initial mass function (IMF) of stars formed in low-metallicity and high-density clouds, we investigate the impacts of the IMF on the cloud condition for the GC formation with the range of the power-law index of IMF as γ = 1−2.35. We find that the threshold surface density (Σthr) for the GC formation increases from 800 M⊙ pc−2 at γ = 2.35 to 1600 M⊙ pc−2 at γ = 1.5 in the cases of clouds with Mcl = 106 M⊙ because the emissivity of ionizing photons per stellar mass increases as γ decreases. For γ < 1.5, Σthr saturates with ∼2000 M⊙ pc−2 that is quite rare and observed only in local starburst galaxies due to e.g. merger processes. Thus, we suggest that formation sites of low-metallicity GCs could be limited only in the very high-surface density regions. We also find that Σthr can be modelled by a power-law function with the cloud mass (Mcl) and the emissivity of ionizing photons (s*) as $\propto M_{\rm cl}^{-1/5} s_{*}^{2/5}$. Based on the relation between the power-law slope of IMF and Σthr, future observations with e.g. the JWST can allow us to constrain the IMF of GCs.
Machine learning identified molecular fragments responsible for infrared emission features of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Meng Zhisen , Zhang Yong , Liang Enwei , Wang Zhao
Published: July 2023

Machine learning feature importance calculations are used to determine the molecular substructures that are responsible for mid- and far-infrared (IR) emission features of neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using the extended-connectivity fingerprint as a descriptor of chemical structure, a random forest model is trained on the spectra of 14 124 PAHs to evaluate the importance of 10 632 molecular fragments for each band within the range of 2.761 to $1172.745\, \mu$m. The accuracy of the results is confirmed by comparing them with previously studied unidentified infrared emission (UIE) bands. The results are summarized in two tables available as Supplementary Data, which can be used as a reference for assessing possible UIE carriers. We demonstrate that the tables can be used to explore the relation between the PAH structure and the spectra by discussing about the IR features of nitrogen-containing PAHs and superhydrogenated PAHs.
Jasmonate-mediated gibberellin catabolism constrains growth during herbivore attack in rice
Authors: Jin Gaochen , Qi Jinfeng , Zu Hongyue , Liu Shuting , Gershenzon Jonathan , Lou Yonggen , Baldwin Ian T , Li Ran
Published: July 2023

Plant defense against herbivores is costly and often associated with growth repression. The phytohormone jasmonate (JA) plays a central role in prioritizing defense over growth during herbivore attack, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. When brown planthoppers (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens) attack rice (Oryza sativa), growth is dramatically suppressed. BPH infestation also increases inactive gibberellin (GA) levels and transcripts of GA 2-oxidase (GA2ox) genes, 2 (GA2ox3 and GA2ox7) of which encode enzymes that catalyze the conversion of bioactive GAs to inactive GAs in vitro and in vivo. Mutation of these GA2oxs diminishes BPH-elicited growth restriction without affecting BPH resistance. Phytohormone profiling and transcriptome analyses revealed that GA2ox-mediated GA catabolism was enhanced by JA signaling. The transcript levels of GA2ox3 and GA2ox7 were significantly attenuated under BPH attack in JA biosynthesis (allene oxide cyclase [aoc]) or signaling-deficient (myc2) mutants. In contrast, GA2ox3 and GA2ox7 expression was increased in MYC2 overexpression lines. MYC2 directly binds to the G-boxes in the promoters of both GA2ox genes to regulate their expression. We conclude that JA signaling simultaneously activates defense responses and GA catabolism to rapidly optimize resource allocation in attacked plants and provides a mechanism for phytohormone crosstalk.
Are unrefreshing naps associated with nocturnal sleep architecture specificities in idiopathic hypersomnia?
Authors: Mombelli Samantha , Deshaies-Rugama Anne-Sophie , Blais Hélène , Sekerovic Zoran , Thompson Cynthia , Desautels Alex , Montplaisir Jacques , Nigam Milan , Carrier Julie , Gosselin Nadia
Published: July 2023

Study Objectives

Unrefreshing naps are supportive clinical features of idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) and are reported by more than 50% of IH patients. They are, however, not mandatory for the diagnosis, and their pathophysiological nature is not understood. This study aimed at verifying whether IH patients with and without unrefreshing naps constitute two subtypes of IH based on their demographic/clinical characteristics, and sleep architecture.

Methods

One hundred twelve IH patients underwent a polysomnography (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). They completed questionnaires on excessive daytime sleepiness, mood, and sleep quality. They were met by sleep medicine physicians who conducted a semi-structured clinical interview and questioned them on refreshing aspects of their naps. Patients who reported unrefreshing naps were compared to patients reporting refreshing naps on questionnaires, MSLT and PSG variables, with age as a covariable. As sensitivity analyses, we performed the same comparisons in participants presenting objective markers of IH and those diagnosed with IH based only on clinical judgment (subjective IH), separately.

Results

In the whole sample, 61% of patients reported unrefreshing naps. These participants had less awakenings, a lower percentage of N1 sleep, less sleep stage transitions, and a higher percentage of REM sleep on the nighttime PSG compared to the refreshing naps subgroup. When subjective and objective IH patients were tested separately, more group differences were observed on PSG for subjective IH patients.

Conclusions

Patients with unrefreshing naps have less fragmented sleep compared to those with refreshing naps. Future studies should investigate whether this group difference indicates a weaker arousal drive.
Influence of dietary oils rich in omega-6 or omega-3 fatty acids on rumen microbiome of dairy cows
Authors: Cancino-Padilla Nathaly , Gajardo Felipe , Neves André Luis Alves , Kholif Ahmed Eid , Mele Marcello , Huws Sharon A , Loor Juan J , Romero Jaime , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar
Published: July 2023

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of supplementing dairy cow diets with contrasting sources of omega-6 (soybean oil) and omega-3 (fish oil) PUFA on rumen microbiome. For 63 d, 15 mid-lactating cows were fed a control diet (n = 5 cows; no fat supplement) or control diet supplemented with 2.9% dry matter (DM) of either soybean oil (SO; n = 5 cows) or fish oil (FO; n = 5 cows). Ruminal contents were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 63 for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Beta diversity and Shannon, Simpson and Chao1 diversity indices were not affected by dietary treatments. In terms of core microbiome, Succiniclasticum, Prevotella, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and NK4A214_group were the most prevalent taxa regardless of treatments. Bifidobacterium was absent in SO diet, Acetitomaculum was absent in FO, and Sharpea was only detected in SO. Overall, results showed that at 2.9% DM supplementation of either SO or FO over 63 days in dairy cow diets does not cause major impact on bacterial community composition and thus is recommended as feeding practice.
Zeb1 and Tle3 aretrans‐factors that differentially regulate the expression of myosin heavy chain‐embryonic and skeletal muscle differentiation
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Zehra Aatifa , Saini Masum , Mathew Sam J.
Published: July 2023

Myosin heavy chain‐embryonic encoded by theMyh3gene is a skeletal muscle‐specific contractile protein expressed during mammalian development and regeneration, essential for proper myogenic differentiation and function. It is likely that multipletrans‐factors are involved in this precise temporal regulation ofMyh3expression. We identify a 4230 bp promoter‐enhancer region that drivesMyh3transcription in vitro during C2C12 myogenic differentiation and in vivo during muscle regeneration, including sequences both upstream and downstream of theMyh3TATA‐box that are necessary for completeMyh3promoter activity. Using C2C12 mouse myogenic cells, we find that Zinc‐finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) and Transducin‐like Enhancer of Split 3 (Tle3) proteins are crucialtrans‐factors that interact and differentially regulateMyh3expression. Loss of Zeb1 function results in earlier expression of myogenic differentiation genes and accelerated differentiation, whereas Tle3 depletion leads to reduced expression of myogenic differentiation genes and impaired differentiation. Tle3 knockdown resulted in downregulation of Zeb1, which could be mediated by increased expression ofmiR‐200c, a microRNA that binds toZeb1transcript and degrades it. Tle3 functions upstream of Zeb1 in regulating myogenic differentiation since double knockdown ofZeb1andTle3resulted in effects seen uponTle3depletion. We identify a novel E‐box in theMyh3distal promoter‐enhancer region, where Zeb1 binds to repressMyh3expression. In addition to regulation of myogenic differentiation at the transcriptional level, we uncover post‐transcriptional regulation by Tle3 to regulateMyoGexpression, mediated by the mRNA stabilizing Human antigen R (HuR) protein. Thus, Tle3 and Zeb1 are essentialtrans‐factors that differentially regulateMyh3expression and C2C12 cell myogenic differentiation in vitro.
CD226 deficiency attenuates cardiac early pathological remodeling and dysfunction via decreasing inflammatory macrophage proportion and macrophage glycolysis in STZ‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Hou Yongli , Wang Yazhen , Tang Kang , Yang Yan , Wang Yiwei , Liu Ruiyan , Wu Bin , Chen Xutao , Fu Zhaoyue , Zhao Feng , Chen Lihua
Published: July 2023

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the main complications in type I diabetic patients. Activated macrophage is critical for directing the process of inflammation during the development of DCM. The present study focused on the roles of CD226 on macrophage function during the DCM progression. It has been found that the number of cardiac macrophages in the hearts of streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes mice was significantly increased compared with that in non‐diabetes mice, and the expression level of CD226 on cardiac macrophages in STZ‐induced diabetes mice was higher than that in non‐diabetes mice. CD226 deficiency attenuated the diabetes‐induced cardiac dysfunction and decreased the proportion of CD86+F4/80+ macrophages in the diabetic hearts. Notably, adoptive transfer of Cd226−/−‐ bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) alleviated diabetes‐induced cardiac dysfunction, which may be due to the attenuated migration capacity of Cd226−/−‐BMDM under high glucose stimulation. Furthermore, CD226 deficiency decreased the macrophage glycolysis accompanying by the downregulated hexokinase 2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH‐A) expression. Taken together, these findings revealed the pathogenic roles of CD226 played in the process of DCM and provided a basis for the treatment of DCM.