bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Law
Authors: George Rob , Thompson Sharon , Miles Joanna
Published: August 2023

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. Drawing on extensive experience, the authors offer a detailed and authoritative exposition of family law illustrated by materials carefully selected from a wide range of sources. The book’s principal aims are to provide readers with a thorough understanding of family law in a way that stimulates critical reflection. Readers are encouraged to consider how and why the law has developed as it has, what policies it is seeking to pursue, whether it achieves the right balance between the rights and interests of individual family members and the wider public interest, and how it operates in practice. This edition provides updates and revised discussion on: the advent of mixed-sex civil partnership; a thoroughly overhauled chapter on divorce law, in light of the reform effected by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020; new laws relating to domestic abuse, introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021; a revised analysis of Gillick competence and children’s autonomy rights in light of recent case law; and detailed consideration of the latest developments in relation to contact and domestic abuse after Re H-N (Domestic Abuse: Findings of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448. Updated case law includes Guest v Guest [2022] UKSC 27, Bell v Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust [2021] EWCA Civ 1363, R (McConnell) v The Registrar General for England and Wales [2020] EWCA Civ 559, Re H-N (Domestic Abuse: Finding of Fact Hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448, Re H-W (Care Proceedings) [2022] UKSC 17, and Re A, B and C (Adoption: Notification of Fathers and Relatives) [2020] EWCA Civ 41.
Legal Systems & Skills
Authors: Slorach Scott , Embley Judith , Shephard Catherine , Goodchild Peter
Published: August 2023

Legal Systems & Skills provides essential knowledge and skills for underpinning legal studies, providing a foundation for graduate employability both within and outside the legal service profession. It develops students’ understanding in three core areas: legal systems, legal skills, and professional development and commercial awareness. The first part of the book looks at legal systems, sources of law, legislation, case law, and legal services and ethics. The next part considers, in the context of academia and practice, how to read and understand law, legal research, problem solving, oral communication and presentations, client interviews and meetings, negotiation and mediation, mooting, advocacy and criminal advocacy competitions, writing and drafting, and revision and assessment. The final part examines employability skills, commercial awareness, business, economics and finance, law firms, and clients.
Smith & Wood's Employment Law
Authors: Smith Ian , Warnock Owen
Published: August 2023

Smith & Wood’s Employment Law draws on the extensive teaching and practical experience of its authors to provide students with a clear explanation of essential legislation and case detail while also offering incisive academic commentary and critical detail to help with essay preparation and class work. Throughout the book, topics are carefully explained in their social and historical context, providing readers with an insight into the fast-paced development of employment law and offering perceptive analysis of its future direction. This sixteenth edition has been produced against the background of the political instability of 2022, after coming out of the Covid crisis, and of course the largest elephant in the room, the uncertainties still of the overall employment law effects of our departure from the EU. Where appropriate it contains speculation as to possible effects. At the opposite end of the spectrum, this edition also contains the up-to-date case law on detailed employment law developments that continue in spite of such macro matters, for example in relation to the extent to which workers and unions have legal protection in cases involving what is generally referred to as the ‘gig economy’. In particular, the chapters on discrimination in employment, work–life balance, and redundancy/reorganization and business transfers have been subject to substantial rewriting. Finally, the changes to the style and layout of the book adopted in the last three editions have been maintained and expanded upon by the addition of a ‘Context’ section at the beginning of each chapter, in order to aid accessibility for the reader, given the ever-increasing complexity of the law itself here.
Steiner and Woods EU Law
Authors: Costa Marios , Peers Steve
Published: August 2023

Now in its fifteenth edition, Steiner & Woods EU Law is regarded as a trusted EU law book. The book offers a careful blend of institutional and substantive coverage and focuses on explaining the law clearly, as well as raising areas for debate. Part I of the book charts a brief history of the development of the European Union and looks at the institutions of the Union, EU law and general principles of law. Part II provides a framework of enforcement and looks at remedies in national courts, state liability, preliminary references, direct action for annulment and union non-contractual liability. Part III considers the internal market, comprising harmonisation, customs union, free movement of goods and aspects of individuals’ free movement rights including citizenship, economic rights and social rights. It also introduces key principles relating to discrimination and competition policy. Finally, the book examines the legal issues raised by the controversial Brexit process.
Wade & Forsyth's Administrative Law
Authors: Wade William , Forsyth Christopher , Ghosh Julian
Published: August 2023

Wade & Forsyth’s Administrative Law provides a perceptive account, and an unparalleled level of coverage, of the principles of judicial review and a sketch of the administrative arrangements of the UK. First published in 1961, Administrative Law a classic text. In the twelfth edition, the text brings its account of administrative law up to date in light of recent case law and legislation. The volume covers the following areas of administrative law: authorities and their functions; the influence of Europe; powers and jurisdiction; discretionary power; natural justice; remedies and liability; and administrative legislation and adjudication.
The interplay between social and food environments on UK adolescents’ food choices: implications for policy
Authors: Shaw Sarah , Muir Sarah , Strömmer Sofia , Crozier Sarah , Cooper Cyrus , Smith Dianna , Barker Mary , Vogel Christina
Published: August 2023

Factors from social and food environments can influence the food choices of adolescents in ways not experienced during childhood. Evidence suggests these two environments influence adolescents’ food choices independently, but there is limited knowledge of how the interplay between these environments influence adolescents’ diets. An enhanced understanding of this interplay surrounding adolescent food choice could aid the development of more nuanced interventions and policies. This qualitative study involved 13 online focus groups with adolescents (n = 45) aged 11–18 years, attending secondary school or college in England, UK. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Social experiences which accompanied eating were perceived as more important than the food itself, and fast-food outlets were described as uniquely suited to facilitating these interactions. Young people wanted to spend their money on foods they considered worthwhile, but this did not always relate to the most affordable foods. Adolescents wanted to put little effort into making food decisions and appreciated factors that helped them make quick decisions such as prominent placement and eye-catching promotions on foods they wanted to buy. Chain food outlets were valued as they offered familiar and frequently advertised foods, which minimized the effort needed for food decisions. Adolescents’ sense of autonomy underpinned all themes. Participants described having limited opportunities to make their own food choices and they did not want to waste these buying unappealing ‘healthy’ foods. Interventions and government policies should align with adolescents’ experiences and values relating to food choice to ensure that they are effective with this important age group.
Defining the Roles of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Pharmacists in the United States: A Systematic Review and National RAND/UCLA Consensus
Authors: Bhat Shubha , Lyu Ruishen , Agarwal Mitali , Becker Michelle , Bloomfeld Richard , Bruining David H , Cohen Benjamin L , Ivanov Marina , Leighton Jonathan A , Stewart Alyssa P , Trocke Lindsay , Tse Stacy S , Ungaro Ryan C , Vaughn Byron P , Regueiro Miguel , Sokn Erick , Rieder Florian
Published: August 2023

Background

Given the complexity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care, utilization of multidisciplinary teams is recommended to optimize outcomes. There is a growing recognition that clinical pharmacists should be an integral part of this care model. We sought to define the roles of IBD clinical pharmacists in the United States.

Methods

A national multidisciplinary expert panel of 12 gastroenterologists and clinical pharmacists practicing in IBD clinics was assembled. We used the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles appropriateness method, with a total of 281 statements generated based on a systematic literature review and expert opinion. Each statement was anonymously rated as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate in 2 rounds of voting.

Results

The number of publications evaluating the clinical pharmacists’ roles in IBD is limited, primarily focusing on thiopurine initiation and monitoring, medication adherence, and switching to biosimilars. Medication education; medication initiation and monitoring; therapeutic drug monitoring; biosimilar management; health maintenance review; and transitions of care were deemed by the panel to be appropriate roles for IBD clinical pharmacists. In considering real-world settings, IBD clinical pharmacists should practice clinically under a predefined scope and primarily focus on complex treatments (eg, immunomodulators, biologics, and small molecules). Clinical pharmacists should also be included in practice settings with IBD specialized physicians. Additionally, clinical pharmacists caring for patients with IBD should be residency trained and board certified.

Conclusions

This consensus defines IBD clinical pharmacists’ roles and provides a framework for embedded clinical pharmacists in IBD care.
Differentiation of Active Ulcerative Colitis vs Noninflammatory Bowel Disease Proctitis by Transperineal Superb Microvascular Imaging
Authors: Tokushima Kaori , Jimbo Keisuke , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Endo Yoshiko , Hibio Musashi , Maruyama Kimiko , Kashiwagi Kosuke , Arai Nobuyasu , Sato Masamichi , Kudo Takahiro , Hoshino Eri , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: August 2023

Background

Transabdominal ultrasonography and transperineal ultrasonography (TPUS) appear correspond to colonoscopy (CS) for evaluating ulcerative colitis (UC) activity, but their utility in UC diagnosis remains unclear. This research compared the accuracy of TPUS and CS for assessing rectal activity and differentiating noninflammatory bowel disease proctitis from UC in pediatric cases.

Methods

The study is a blinded, prospective, and controlled trial. Prospectively, values of fecal calprotectin (FCP) and findings of the TPUS and CS were compared between child cases of UC and non-IBD proctitis. Findings of rectal wall thickening (RWT), rectal wall flow (RWF) on power Doppler, and microvascular signal at wall circumference (MSWC) on monochrome superb microvascular imaging assessed using TPUS were compared with the CS.

Results

Thirty patients with Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) 0 to 1 UC, 57 with MES 2 to 3 UC, and 44 with proctitis were registered. Fecal calprotectin, RWF, and MSWC indicated significant differences among the groups (P < .05). Rectal wall thickening showed no significant difference between MES 0–1 and proctitis (P = .76). Rectal wall thickening and MSWC were independent predictors of endoscopic activity of UC, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for RWT ≥4.5 mm and positive MSWC. Fecal calprotectin and RWF were independent predictors for differentiating MES 0 to 1 and proctitis, and FCP and RWT were independent predictors for differentiating MES 2 to 3 and proctitis. Sensitivity and specificity were 77.2% and 80.9%, respectively, for FCP >242.5 μg/g and RWF negative; and they were both 100% for RWT >4.1 mm and MSWC positive.

Conclusions

Transperineal ultrasonography with mSMI may enable the evaluation of rectal activity and differentiation of UC from non-IBD proctitis with accuracy comparable to endoscopy.
Learn to be green: FDI spillover effects on eco-innovation in China
Authors: Wu Lichao , Wang Lili , Lin Lan
Published: August 2023

Global knowledge flows are not only important in promoting economic activities but also in addressing global environmental issues. In order to examine the mechanisms of how firms in emerging economies can learn from global partners in finding solutions to environmental challenges, we explore a rich data set covering nearly 190,595 Chinese firms and analyze the knowledge flows that local firms received from foreign firms in developing eco-innovations. We examine both knowledge flows in the same industry and those in the up- and down-stream industries, and, in particular, provide a nuanced consideration around the under-explored industrial conditions and regional institutions of technology spillovers and domestic eco-innovation. We find clear evidence that foreign green technology spillovers have a positive impact on the eco-innovation of domestic firms in China. This superior performance is particularly pronounced in certain industries (e.g., technology-intensive, pollution-intensive, and highly competitive) and cities with higher levels of environmental regulation stringency. Our results show that domestic firms differ significantly in the extent to which they benefit from global knowledge flows.
Reflecting on the recent history of coastal Maine fisheries and marine resource monitoring: the value of collaborative research, changing ecosystems, and thoughts on preparing for the future
Authors: Waller J , Bartlett J , Bates E , Bray H , Brown M , Cieri M , Clark C , DeVoe W , Donahue B , Frechette D , Glon H , Hunter M , Huntsberger C , Kanwit K , Ledwin S , Lewis B , Peters R , Reardon K , Russell R , Smith M , Uraneck C , Watts R , Wilson C
Published: August 2023

The Maine Department of Marine Resources (MEDMR) is a state agency tasked with developing, conserving, researching, and promoting commercial and recreational marine fisheries across Maine’s vast coastline. Close collaborations with industry members in each of the 30 or more fisheries that support Maine’s coastal economy are central to MEDMR’s efforts to address this suite of tasks. Here we reflect on recent decades of MEDMR's work and demonstrate how MEDMR fisheries research programmes are preparing for an uncertain future through the lens of three broadly applicable climate-driven challenges: (1) a rapidly changing marine ecosystem; (2) recommendations driven by state and federal climate initiatives; and (3) the need to share institutional knowledge with a new generation of marine resource scientists. We do this by highlighting our scientific and co-management approach to coastal Maine fisheries that have prospered, declined, or followed a unique trend over the last 25+ years. We use these examples to illustrate our lessons learned when studying a diverse array of fisheries, highlight the importance of collaborations with academia and the commercial fishing industry, and share our recommendations to marine resource scientists for addressing the climate-driven challenges that motivated this work.
Comparative study on net-zero masonry walls made of clay and fly ash bricks and grouts/mortars/stuccos with the effect of super fine fly ash blended cement—low carbon cement
Authors: Kumar Prem , Nakkeeran G , Onyelowe Kennedy C , Krishnaraj L
Published: August 2023

In the construction sector, cement plays a vital role in all the members and components in which it acts as a binder and strength-dependent material. The production of cement material emits a large quantity of CO2 gas, which has been the main cause of global warming and other environmental and health issues. To overcome this issue, low carbon or net-zero cement production and utilization is a necessity, which equally satisfies the binder ability of conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The fly ash from thermal power stations that is deposited in the yard is the most frequently used replacement material for cement. Due to its excellent pozzolanic properties, this fly ash can be utilized in place of binding materials in the building industry to achieve carbon neutrality. In this investigation, fly ash is used to prepare net-zero mortars in place of a significant amount of cement. Fly ash is utilized both in its natural form and after being ground into tiny particles for increased reactivity and effectiveness. The test for compressive strength allows for a detailed examination of the mechanical properties by altering the ratio of water to cement with and without the use of super plasticizer (SP). The best mortar is fine F fly ash (FFFA), which is made using a water-to-cement ratio of 0.4 + 1% SP. To validate the outcomes of this investigation, a characterization study of the improved mortars was examined.
Fractional Yamabe Problem on Locally Flat Conformal Infinities of Poincaré-Einstein Manifolds
Authors: Mayer Martin , Ndiaye Cheikh Birahim
Published: August 2023

We study the fractional Yamabe problem first considered by Gonzalez-Qing [36] on the conformal infinity $(M^{n}, \;[h])$ of a Poincaré-Einstein manifold $(X^{n+1}, \;g^{+})$ with either $n=2$ or $n\geq 3$ and $(M^{n}, \;[h])$ locally flat, namely $(M, h),$ is locally conformally flat. However, as for the classical Yamabe problem, because of the involved quantization phenomena, the variational analysis of the fractional one exhibits a local situation and also a global one. The latter global situation includes the case of conformal infinities of Poincaré-Einstein manifolds of dimension either $n=2$ or of dimension $n\geq 3$ and which are locally flat, and hence the minimizing technique of Aubin [4] and Schoen [48] in that case clearly requires an analogue of the positive mass theorem of Schoen-Yau [49], which is not known to hold. Using the algebraic topological argument of Bahri-Coron [8], we bypass the latter positive mass issue and show that any conformal infinity of a Poincaré-Einstein manifold of dimension either $n=2$ or of dimension $n\geq 3$ and which is locally flat admits a Riemannian metric of constant fractional scalar curvature.
Association of Gut Microbiota With Objective Sleep Measures in Women With and Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: The IDOze Study
Authors: Zhang Yanbo , Lin Chin Lun , Weber Kathleen M , Xing Jiaqian , Peters Brandilyn A , Sollecito Christopher C , Grassi Evan , Wiek Fanua , Xue Xiaonan , Seaberg Eric C , Gustafson Deborah , Anastos Kathryn , Sharma Anjali , Burgess Helen J , Burk Robert D , Qi Qibin , French Audrey L
Published: August 2023

Background

Poor sleep health is an underrecognized health challenge, especially for people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Gut microbiota related to sleep are underinvestigated.

Methods

The IDOze microbiota substudy included 190 women (114 with HIV and 76 without HIV). Wrist actigraphy measured total sleep duration, sleep efficiency, number of wake bouts, wake after sleep onset, fragmentation index, and sleep timing. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified gut microbial genera. Analysis of compositions of microbiomes with bias correction was used to investigate cross-sectional associations between gut microbiota and sleep. Abundances of sleep-related gut microbial genera were compared between women with and without HIV.

Results

Enrichment of 7 short-chain fatty acid–producing genera (eg, Butyricimonas, Roseburia, and Blautia) was associated with lower fragmentation index. Enrichment of 9 genera (eg, Dorea) was associated with lower sleep efficiency and/or more wake after sleep onset. Enrichment of proinflammatory Acidaminococcus was associated with late sleep midpoint and offset time. These associations were largely consistent regardless of HIV status. The abundance of Butyricimonas was lower among women with HIV compared to those without HIV.

Conclusions

Seventeen genera were identified to be associated with sleep continuity or timing. Butyricimonas, a potentially beneficial genus associated with sleep continuity, was less abundant among women with HIV.
Clinical and Immunologic Correlates of Vasodilatory Shock Among Ebola Virus–Infected Nonhuman Primates in a Critical Care Model
Authors: Stein Sydney R , Platt Andrew P , Teague Heather L , Anthony Scott M , Reeder Rebecca J , Cooper Kurt , Byrum Russell , Drawbaugh David J , Liu David X , Burdette Tracey L , Hadley Kyra , Barr Bobbi , Warner Seth , Rodriguez-Hernandez Francisco , Johnson Cristal , Stanek Phil , Hischak Joseph , Kendall Heather , Huzella Louis M , Strich Jeffrey R , Herbert Richard , St. Claire Marisa , Vannella Kevin M , Holbrook Michael R , Chertow Daniel S
Published: August 2023

Background

Existing models of Ebola virus infection have not fully characterized the pathophysiology of shock in connection with daily virologic, clinical, and immunologic parameters. We implemented a nonhuman primate critical care model to investigate these associations.

Methods

Two rhesus macaques received a target dose of 1000 plaque-forming units of Ebola virus intramuscularly with supportive care initiated on day 3. High-dimensional spectral cytometry was used to phenotype neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells daily.

Results

We observed progressive vasodilatory shock with preserved cardiac function following viremia onset on day 5. Multiorgan dysfunction began on day 6 coincident with the nadir of circulating neutrophils. Consumptive coagulopathy and anemia occurred on days 7 to 8 along with irreversible shock, followed by death. The monocyte repertoire began shifting on day 4 with a decline in classical and expansion of double-negative monocytes. A selective loss of CXCR3-positive B and T cells, expansion of naive B cells, and activation of natural killer cells followed viremia onset.

Conclusions

Our model allows for high-fidelity characterization of the pathophysiology of acute Ebola virus infection with host innate and adaptive immune responses, which may advance host-targeted therapy design and evaluation for use after the onset of multiorgan failure.
Transportability of bacterial infection prediction models for critically ill patients
Authors: Eickelberg Garrett , Sanchez-Pinto Lazaro Nelson , Kline Adrienne Sarah , Luo Yuan
Published: August 2023

Objective

Bacterial infections (BIs) are common, costly, and potentially life-threatening in critically ill patients. Patients with suspected BIs may require empiric multidrug antibiotic regimens and therefore potentially be exposed to prolonged and unnecessary antibiotics. We previously developed a BI risk model to augment practices and help shorten the duration of unnecessary antibiotics to improve patient outcomes. Here, we have performed a transportability assessment of this BI risk model in 2 tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) settings and a community ICU setting. We additionally explored how simple multisite learning techniques impacted model transportability.

Methods

Patients suspected of having a community-acquired BI were identified in 3 datasets: Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC), Northwestern Medicine Tertiary (NM-T) ICUs, and NM “community-based” ICUs. ICU encounters from MIMIC and NM-T datasets were split into 70/30 train and test sets. Models developed on training data were evaluated against the NM-T and MIMIC test sets, as well as NM community validation data.

Results

During internal validations, models achieved AUROCs of 0.78 (MIMIC) and 0.81 (NM-T) and were well calibrated. In the external community ICU validation, the NM-T model had robust transportability (AUROC 0.81) while the MIMIC model transported less favorably (AUROC 0.74), likely due to case-mix differences. Multisite learning provided no significant discrimination benefit in internal validation studies but offered more stability during transport across all evaluation datasets.

Discussion

These results suggest that our BI risk models maintain predictive utility when transported to external cohorts.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of performing external model validation on myriad clinically relevant populations prior to implementation.
Technical note: Validation of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence for determination of indigestible markers in ruminant fecal and rumen fluid samples
Authors: King Mindy E , Foote Andrew P
Published: August 2023

Determination of digestibility and passage rate is important for further understanding of nutrient utilization and thereby aids in improving nutrient utilization efficiency. Titanium dioxide and chromium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are commonly used as indigestible markers for determining passage rates of diets to aid in determination of digestibility. Analyzing Ti and Cr involves the use of procedures such as acid digestions, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and atomic absorption. These commonly used methodologies involve hazardous chemicals, destruction of samples, and low sample throughput. The objective of this experiment was to develop and validate an accurate and precise method for measuring both Ti and Cr using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence is an analytical technique used for analyzing elements in various sample types. The samples were added to the ED-XRF machine and irradiated with X-rays. The intensity of the X-rays emitted (termed fluorescent X-rays) was used for calculation of the concentration of the element. The method for Ti was constructed using fecal samples from cattle consuming three different diet types (finishing diet, dairy lactation diet, and grazing native range pasture). The Cr method was developed for rumen fluid analysis. We compared the machine-calculated concentrations of each element to the concentration calculated by a standard curve. For both the Ti and Cr, the standard curve-calculated value had a lower percent difference overall at 4.56% and 12.59%, respectively, compared to the machine percent difference of 8.35% and 16.38% for Ti and Cr, respectively. To determine accuracy and precision of the method, samples were spiked with various amounts of Ti or Cr and measured for their respective compounds with percent recovery and inter- and intra-assay CV-calculated thereafter. The average recovery for Ti across all diet types was 100.3%, and the recovery for Cr in rumen fluid was 95.7%. The average inter- and intra-assay CV for Ti, across all diet types, were 9.70% and 2.16%, respectively. For Cr, the average inter- and intra-assay CV were 5.42% and 8.45%, respectively. The ED-XRF method requires minimal additional chemicals, is cost-effective, and allows for sample preservation as well as a high throughput of samples. Our results indicate utilization of ED-XRF is an accurate and precise method for determination of Ti in feces and Cr in rumen fluid.
Conjugated linoleic acids inhibit lipid deposition in subcutaneous adipose tissue and alter lipid profiles in serum of pigs
Authors: Wang Liyi , Zhang Shu , Huang Yuqin , Zhou Yanbing , Shan Tizhong
Published: August 2023

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) have served as a nutritional strategy to reduce fat deposition in adipose tissues of pigs. However, the effects of CLAs on lipid profiles in serum and how these lipid molecules regulate fat deposition are still unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of CLAs on regulating lipid deposition in adipose tissues in terms of lipid molecules and microbiota based on a Heigai pig model. A total of 56 Heigai finishing pigs (body weight: 85.58 ± 10.39 kg) were randomly divided into two treatments and fed diets containing 1% soyabean oil or 1% CLAs for 40 d. CLAs reduced fat deposition and affected fatty acids composition in adipose tissues of Heigai pigs via upregulating the expression of the lipolytic gene (hormone-sensitive lipase, HSL) in vivo and in vitro. CLAs also altered the biochemical immune indexes including reduced content of total cholesterol (TChol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and changed lipids profiles including decreased sphingolipids especially ceramides (Cers) and sphingomyelins (SMs) in serum of Heigai pigs. Mechanically, CLAs may decrease peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ (PPARγ) expression and further inhibit adipogenic differentiation in adipose tissues of pigs by suppressing the function of Cers in serum. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis showed HSL expression was positively related to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut (P ≤ 0.05) but the abundance of Cers was negatively related to the production and functions of SCFAs (P ≤ 0.05). CLAs altered the distribution of the lipid in serum and inhibited adipogenic differentiation by suppressing the function of Cers and further decreasing PPARγ expression in adipose tissues of Heigai pigs. Besides, the HSL expression and the abundance of Cers are associated with the production and functions of SCFAs in the gut.
No judgment: value optimization and the reinvention of reviewing on YouTube
Authors: Hallinan Blake
Published: August 2023

Social media platforms employ algorithmic recommendations to optimize the user's experience and incentivize particular forms of cultural production. While prior research shows that creators respond to these incentives and seek to optimize their content in return, the normative implications of this process are ambiguous and contentious. To examine the values promoted by platforms, this study focuses on YouTube reviews, a popular genre that crosses communities and foregrounds values. Employing content and thematic analyses of 200 videos, I find that creators communicate value consistently: good products are aesthetic, functional, distinctive, and either pleasurable or resonant, while good reviewers are relatable above all else. I develop the concept of value optimization to refer to communicative strategies that appeal to the perceived values of a platform and show how creators’ tendency to qualify their evaluations and avoid strong judgments transforms the historical function of reviewing. Finally, I discuss implications for future research on the platformization of cultural production.
Phytosanitary irradiation treatment of the aerial root mealybug, Pseudococcus baliteus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Zhao Qing-Ying , Ma Fu-Huan , Deng Wei , Li Zhi-Hong , Song Zi-Jiao , Ma Chen , Ren Yong Lin , Du Xin , Zhan Guo-Ping
Published: August 2023

The aerial root mealybug, Pseudococcus baliteus Lit (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is an important invasive and quarantine pest that poses a potential threat to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. As a result, phytosanitary treatments are necessary to ensure the commodities of international trade are free from these pests. To determine the minimum absorbed dose required for phytosanitary irradiation (PI) application, irradiation dose-response and large-scale confirmatory tests were conducted. Eggs that were 2, 4, and 6 days old and late gravid females (containing 0-day-old eggs) of P. baliteus were X-ray irradiated with doses of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 Gray (Gy). The efficacy of preventing egg-hatching (mortality) was compared using two-way ANOVA, 95% confidence interval overlapping and lethal dose ratio test in probit analysis. The radiotolerance sequence of mealybugs egg was found to be 0 < 2 ≈ 4 < 6-day-old eggs, and their estimated LD99.9968 values with 95% confidence interval were 132.0 (118.9–149.5), 137.6 (125.2–153.7), 145.5 (134.5–159.1), and 157.4 (144.6–173.6) Gy, respectively. Subsequently, target doses of 135 and 145 Gy were used in the confirmatory gamma radiation treatments. No F1 generation neonates developed from a total of 47,316 late females irradiated at the measured dose of 107.7–182.5 Gy, resulting in the treatment efficiency of 99.9937% at the 95% confidence level. Therefore, the highest dose of 183 Gy measured in the confirmatory tests is recommended as the minimum absorbed dose in PI treatment of P. baliteus for establishing national and international standards.
Guidelines and quantitative standards for improved cetacean taxonomy using full mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Morin Phillip A , Martien Karen K , Lang Aimee R , Hancock-Hanser Brittany L , Pease Victoria L , Robertson Kelly M , Sattler Maya , Slikas Elizabeth , Rosel Patricia E , Baker C Scott , Taylor Barbara L , Archer Frederick I
Published: August 2023

In many organisms, especially those of conservation concern, traditional lines of evidence for taxonomic delineation, such as morphological data, are often difficult to obtain. In these cases, genetic data are often the only source of information available for taxonomic studies. In particular, population surveys of mitochondrial genomes offer increased resolution and precision in support of taxonomic decisions relative to conventional use of the control region or other gene fragments of the mitochondrial genome. To improve quantitative guidelines for taxonomic decisions in cetaceans, we build on a previous effort targeting the control region and evaluate, for whole mitogenome sequences, a suite of divergence and diagnosability estimates for pairs of recognized cetacean populations, subspecies, and species. From this overview, we recommend new guidelines based on complete mitogenomes, combined with other types of evidence for isolation and divergence, which will improve resolution for taxonomic decisions, especially in the face of small sample sizes or low levels of genetic diversity. We further use simulated data to assist interpretations of divergence in the context of varying forms of historical demography, culture, and ecology.
Comparative analyses reveal potential genetic mechanisms for high-altitude adaptation of Schizopygopsis fishes based on chromosome-level genomes
Authors: Zhou Chuang , Wang Xiaodong , Hu Zhengrui , Chen Qian , Du Chao , Liu Yi , Song Zhaobin
Published: August 2023

The schizothoracine fishes, widely distributed in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent areas, are considered as ideal models for investigation of high-altitude adaptation. Schizophygopsis are one group of the highly specialized schizothoracine fishes, and the genetic basis for their high-altitude adaptation is poorly understood. In this study, we performed comparative genomics analyses to investigate the potential genetic mechanisms for high-altitude adaptation of Schizopygopsis malacanthus and Schizopygopsis pylzovi based on the chromosome-level genomes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that many expanded gene families in Schizopygopsis were associated with immune response while many contracted gene families were functionally associated with olfaction. Among the 123 positively selected genes (PSGs), angpt2a was detected in HIF-1 signaling pathway and possibly related to the hypoxia adaptation of Schizopygopsis. Furthermore, two PSGs cox15 and ndufb10 were distributed in thermogenesis, and there was a Schizopygopsis-specific missense mutation in cox15 (Gln115Glu), which possibly contributed to the cold temperature adaptation of the Schizopygopsis. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment of the PSGs revealed three significant pathways including metabolic pathways, cell cycle, and homologous recombination and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of the PSGs revealed several categories associated with DNA repair, cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, and metabolic process. Chromosome-scale characterization of olfactory receptor (OR) repertoires indicated that Schizopygopsis had the least number of OR genes, and the OR gene contraction was possibly caused by the limited food variety and the environmental factors such as lower air pressure, lower humidity, and lower temperature. Our study will help expand our understanding of the potential adaptive mechanism of Schizopygopsis to cope with the high-altitude conditions.
Silences and Omissions in Reporting Epidemics in Russian and Soviet Prisons, 1890-2021
Authors: Nakonechnyi Mikhail , Pallot Judith
Published: August 2023

Penitentiary systems serve as breeding grounds for all kinds of diseases. Drawing upon new archival materials, this article examines the history of the management and reporting of epidemics in the Russian prison system from the late Imperial period to the present day. We use the case studies of cholera (1892-1893), typhus (1932-1933), and pulmonary tuberculosis (the 1990s) to examine how the general political and social conjuncture at different times affected the response of prison authorities to epidemics to show that, notwithstanding major shifts in society and polity, there was continuity in the management of epidemics by prison authorities in the long twentieth century. However, there were fundamental discrepancies in the way late Imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet Russia reported epidemiological emergencies in prisons. We argue that Russia’s tumultuous past has reinforced the tendency among the Russian penal administration towards a lack of transparency that has persisted to the present day, in relation to the latest, COVID-19, epidemic.
Extracellular vesicles: secret agents of inflammation and the importance of their identification
Authors: Maile Robert
Published: August 2023

Discussion on the role, specific isolation, and characterization of extracellular vesicles in chronic inflammatory conditions.
A framework of biomarkers for vascular aging: a consensus statement by the Aging Biomarker Consortium
Authors:   Aging Biomarker Consortium, Zhang Le , Guo Jun , Liu Yuehong , Sun Shimin , Liu Baohua , Yang Qi , Tao Jun , Tian Xiao-Li , Pu Jun , Hong Huashan , Wang Miao , Chen Hou-Zao , Ren Jie , Wang Xiaoming , Liang Zhen , Wang Yuan , Huang Kai , Zhang Weiqi , Qu Jing , Ju Zhenyu , Liu Guang-Hui , Pei Gang , Li Jian , Zhang Cuntai
Published: August 2023

Aging of the vasculature, which is integral to the functioning of literally all human organs, serves as a fundamental physiological basis for age-related alterations as well as a shared etiological mechanism for various chronic diseases prevalent in the elderly population. China, home to the world’s largest aging population, faces an escalating challenge in addressing the prevention and management of these age-related conditions. To meet this challenge, the Aging Biomarker Consortium of China has developed an expert consensus on biomarkers of vascular aging (VA) by synthesizing literature and insights from scientists and clinicians. This consensus provides a comprehensive assessment of biomarkers associated with VA and presents a systemic framework to classify them into three dimensions: functional, structural, and humoral. Within each dimension, the expert panel recommends the most clinically relevant VA biomarkers. For the functional domain, biomarkers reflecting vascular stiffness and endothelial function are highlighted. The structural dimension encompasses metrics for vascular structure, microvascular structure, and distribution. Additionally, proinflammatory factors are emphasized as biomarkers with the humoral dimension. The aim of this expert consensus is to establish a foundation for assessing the extent of VA and conducting research related to VA, with the ultimate goal of improving the vascular health of the elderly in China and globally.
On the Origins of Phenotypic Parallelism in Benthic and Limnetic Stickleback
Authors: Dean Laura L , Magalhaes Isabel Santos , D’Agostino Daniele , Hohenlohe Paul , MacColl Andrew D C
Published: August 2023

Rapid evolution of similar phenotypes in similar environments, giving rise to in situ parallel adaptation, is an important hallmark of ecological speciation. However, what appears to be in situ adaptation can also arise by dispersal of divergent lineages from elsewhere. We test whether two contrasting phenotypes repeatedly evolved in parallel, or have a single origin, in an archetypal example of ecological adaptive radiation: benthic–limnetic three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) across species pair and solitary lakes in British Columbia. We identify two genomic clusters across freshwater populations, which differ in benthic–limnetic divergent phenotypic traits and separate benthic from limnetic individuals in species pair lakes. Phylogenetic reconstruction and niche evolution modeling both suggest a single evolutionary origin for each of these clusters. We detected strong phylogenetic signal in benthic–limnetic divergent traits, suggesting that they are ancestrally retained. Accounting for ancestral state retention, we identify local adaptation of body armor due to the presence of an intraguild predator, the sculpin (Cottus asper), and environmental effects of lake depth and pH on body size. Taken together, our results imply a predominant role for retention of ancestral characteristics in driving trait distribution, with further selection imposed on some traits by environmental factors.
Stability and mechanism of threose nucleic acid toward acid-mediated degradation
Authors: Lee Erica M , Setterholm Noah A , Hajjar Mohammad , Barpuzary Bhawna , Chaput John C
Published: August 2023

Xeno-nucleic acids (XNAs) have gained significant interest as synthetic genetic polymers for practical applications in biomedicine, but very little is known about their biophysical properties. Here, we compare the stability and mechanism of acid-mediated degradation of α-l-threose nucleic acid (TNA) to that of natural DNA and RNA. Under acidic conditions and elevated temperature (pH 3.3 at 90°C), TNA was found to be significantly more resistant to acid-mediated degradation than DNA and RNA. Mechanistic insights gained by reverse-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry indicate that the resilience of TNA toward low pH environments is due to a slower rate of depurination caused by induction of the 2′-phosphodiester linkage. Similar results observed for 2′,5′-linked DNA and 2′-O-methoxy-RNA implicate the position of the phosphodiester group as a key factor in destabilizing the formation of the oxocarbenium intermediate responsible for depurination and strand cleavage of TNA. Biochemical analysis indicates that strand cleavage occurs by β-elimination of the 2′-phosphodiester linkage to produce an upstream cleavage product with a 2′-threose sugar and a downstream cleavage product with a 3′ terminal phosphate. This work highlights the unique physicochemical properties available to evolvable non-natural genetic polymers currently in development for biomedical applications.
Proteomic Profiling of Urine From Hospitalized Patients With Severe Pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 vs Other Causes: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Wilson Lindsay , Chang Ju-Wei , Meier Stuart , Ganief Tariq , Ganief Naadir , Oelofse Suzette , Baillie Vicky , Nunes Marta C , Madhi Shabir A , Blackburn Jonathan , Dheda Keertan
Published: August 2023

The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia remains poorly understood. The urine proteome of hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, compared with severe non-COVID-19 pneumonia controls, was distinct and associated with lower abundance of several host proteins. Protein-specific machine learning analysis outlined biomarker combinations able to differentiate COVID-19 pneumonia from non-COVID-19 pneumonia controls.
Inhibition of NPR1 Leads to Shoot Growth Improvement under Low-Calcium Conditions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hashimoto Shuichi , Shikanai Yusuke , Kusajima Miyuki , Nakamura Hidemitsu , Fujiwara Toru , Kamiya Takehiro
Published: August 2023

Under low-Ca conditions, plants accumulate salicylic acid (SA) and induce SA-responsive genes. However, the relationship between SA and low-Ca tolerance remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the inhibition or suppression of nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related 1 (NPR1) activity, a major regulator of the SA signaling pathway in the defense response, improves shoot growth under low-Ca conditions. Furthermore, mutations in phytoalexin-deficient 4 (PAD4) or enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1), which are upstream regulators of NPR1, improved shoot growth under low-Ca conditions, suggesting that NPR1 suppressed growth under low-Ca conditions. In contrast, growth of SA induction–deficient 2-2 (sid2-2), which is an SA-deficient mutant, was sensitive to low Ca levels, suggesting that SA accumulation by SID2 was not related to growth inhibition under low-Ca conditions. Additionally, npr1-1 showed low-Ca tolerance, and the application of tenoxicam—an inhibitor of the NPR1-mediated activation of gene expression—also improved shoot growth under low Ca conditions. The low-Ca tolerance of double mutants pad4-1, npr1-1 and eds1-22 npr1-1 was similar to that of the single mutants, suggesting that PAD4 and EDS1 are involved in the same genetic pathway in suppressing growth under low-Ca conditions as NPR1. Cell death and low-Ca tolerance did not correlate among the mutants, suggesting that growth improvement in the mutants was not due to cell death inhibition. In conclusion, we revealed that NPR1 suppresses plant growth under low-Ca conditions and that the other SA-related genes influence plant growth and cell death.
Global hypermethylation of the N6-methyladenosine RNA modification associated with apple heterografting
Authors: Xu Jidi , He Jieqiang , Hu Bichun , Hou Nan , Guo Junxing , Wang Caixia , Li Xuewei , Li Zhongxing , Zhai Jingjing , Zhang Ting , Ma Chuang , Ma Fengwang , Guan Qingmei
Published: August 2023

Grafting can facilitate better scion performance and is widely used in plants. Numerous studies have studied the involvement of mRNAs, small RNAs, and epigenetic regulations in the grafting process. However, it remains unclear whether the mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification participates in the apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) grafting process. Here, we decoded the landscape of m6A modification profiles in ‘Golden delicious’ (a cultivar, Gd) and Malus prunifolia ‘Fupingqiuzi’ (a unique rootstock with resistance to environmental stresses, Mp), as well as their heterografted and self-grafted plants. Interestingly, global hypermethylation of m6A occurred in both heterografted scion and rootstock compared with their self-grafting controls. Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis showed that grafting-induced differentially m6A-modified genes were mainly involved in RNA processing, epigenetic regulation, stress response, and development. Differentially m6A-modified genes harboring expression alterations were mainly involved in various stress responses and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, grafting-induced mobile mRNAs with m6A and gene expression alterations mainly participated in ABA synthesis and transport (e.g. carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 [CCD1] and ATP-binding cassette G22 [ABCG22]) and abiotic and biotic stress responses, which might contribute to the better performance of heterografted plants. Additionally, the DNA methylome analysis also demonstrated the DNA methylation alterations during grafting. Downregulated expression of m6A methyltransferase gene MdMTA (ortholog of METTL3) in apples induced the global m6A hypomethylation and distinctly activated the expression level of DNA demethylase gene MdROS1 (REPRESSOR OF SILENCING 1) showing the possible association between m6A and 5mC methylation in apples. Our results reveal the m6A modification profiles in the apple grafting process and enhance our understanding of the m6A regulatory mechanism in plant biological processes.