bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alleviating soil degradation caused by green bean continuous cropping: application of combined amendments
Authors: Yang Qiong , Wang Hu , Liang Tianchang , Wan Yuanhong , Zhou Jiajia , Cheng Jianbo , Ning Jiajing , He Tengbing , Fu Tianling
Published: January 2023

Context Management practices of conventional cropping that includes intense monoculture has led to soil health problems, such as deterioration of soil fertility and soil microbial diversity, leading to the proliferation of soil-borne diseases. Soil amendments using organic materials, calcium and disinfecting agents may be important management tools to promote healthier soils. Aims To determine the effects of combined soil improving amendments to mitigate problems associated with continuous cropping of green bean. Methods Soil samples were collected from the modified areas (SF) of combined application of organic amendments (biofertiliser, humic acid material), calcium amendments (lime, calcium magnesium compound fertiliser) and disinfection materials (carbendazim) and unmodified areas (CK) to compare the effects of chemical characteristics, allelochemicals and microbial community in soil under different soil modifications. Key results Results showed that combined modification could significantly increase soil pH, organic matter (SOM), available nutrients (N, P, and K), and decrease the contents of phenolic acids allelochemicals in soil. However, l-epicatechin increased. The combined modification could increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Actinobacteria, Nocardioides and Streptomyces, and decrease the relative abundance of microorganisms such as Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria that can cause soil-borne diseases. Conclusions Biological mechanism mapping showed that the application of combined amendments could effectively alleviate soil fertility problems associated with long-term cultivation of green bean. Implications The combined application of organic amendments, calcium amendments and disinfection materials can modify soil to promote the healthier agricultural soils in long-term vegetable growing areas.
Correlated substitutions reveal SARS-like coronaviruses recombine frequently with a diverse set of structured gene pools
Authors: Preska Steinberg Asher , Silander Olin K. , Kussell Edo
Published: January 2023

Quantifying SARS-like coronavirus (SL-CoV) evolution is critical to understanding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and the molecular processes that could underlie future epidemic viruses. While genomic analyses suggest recombination was a factor in the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, few studies have quantified recombination rates among SL-CoVs. Here, we infer recombination rates of SL-CoVs from correlated substitutions in sequencing data using a coalescent model with recombination. Our computationally-efficient, non-phylogenetic method infers recombination parameters of both sampled sequences and the unsampled gene pools with which they recombine. We apply this approach to infer recombination parameters for a range of positive-sense RNA viruses. We then analyze a set of 191 SL-CoV sequences (including SARS-CoV-2) and find that ORF1ab and S genes frequently undergo recombination. We identify which SL-CoV sequence clusters have recombined with shared gene pools, and show that these pools have distinct structures and high recombination rates, with multiple recombination events occurring per synonymous substitution. We find that individual genes have recombined with different viral reservoirs. By decoupling contributions from mutation and recombination, we recover the phylogeny of non-recombined portions for many of these SL-CoVs, including the position of SARS-CoV-2 in this clonal phylogeny. Lastly, by analyzing >400,000 SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences, we show current diversity levels are insufficient to infer the within-population recombination rate of the virus since the pandemic began. Our work offers new methods for inferring recombination rates in RNA viruses with implications for understanding recombination in SARS-CoV-2 evolution and the structure of clonal relationships and gene pools shaping its origins.
Nodavirus RNA replication crown architecture reveals proto-crown precursor and viral protein A conformational switching
Authors: Zhan Hong , Unchwaniwala Nuruddin , Rebolledo-Viveros Andrea , Pennington Janice , Horswill Mark , Broadberry Roma , Myers Jonathan , den Boon Johan A. , Grant Timothy , Ahlquist Paul
Published: January 2023

Positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in virus-induced membrane vesicles, and the resulting RNA replication complexes are a major target for virus control. Nodavirus studies first revealed viral RNA replication proteins forming a 12-fold symmetric “crown” at the vesicle opening to the cytosol, an arrangement recently confirmed to extend to distantly related alphaviruses. Using cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), we show that mature nodavirus crowns comprise two stacked 12-mer rings of multidomain viral RNA replication protein A. Each ring contains an ~19 nm circle of C-proximal polymerase domains, differentiated by strikingly diverged positions of N-proximal RNA capping/membrane binding domains. The lower ring is a “proto-crown” precursor that assembles prior to RNA template recruitment, RNA synthesis, and replication vesicle formation. In this proto-crown, the N-proximal segments interact to form a toroidal central floor, whose 3.1 Å resolution structure reveals many mechanistic details of the RNA capping/membrane binding domains. In the upper ring, cryo-EM fitting indicates that the N-proximal domains extend radially outside the polymerases, forming separated, membrane-binding “legs.” The polymerase and N-proximal domains are connected by a long linker accommodating the conformational switch between the two rings and possibly also polymerase movements associated with RNA synthesis and nonsymmetric electron density in the lower center of mature crowns. The results reveal remarkable viral protein multifunctionality, conformational flexibility, and evolutionary plasticity and insights into (+)RNA virus replication and control.
Enhancing target language output through synchronous online learner-learner interaction
Authors: Guchte Marrit van de , Batenburg Eline van , Weijen Daphne van
Published: January 2023

In this study, we compared the impact of audio-, video-, and text-chat interaction on target language use during
online learner-learner interaction and on learner affect amongst adolescent learners of German as a foreign language. Repeated
measures and ANOVA analyses revealed a high percentage of target language output in all conditions for all four tasks, especially
in text- chat. Audio-chatters produced the most output and used the most meaning negotiation, compensation strategies, self-repair
and other-repair strategies. Learners in all conditions gained in enjoyment, willingness to communicate and self-efficacy. Anxiety
reduced for text-chatters. Task effects partly determined the quantity of L2 output, while condition effects determined meaning-oriented and
form-focused processing.
A case study of curriculum aspirations and classroom realities for TBLT in a remote rural secondary school in
Northwestern China
Authors: Jing Yixuan , Newton Jonathan , Jing Zhiyuan
Published: January 2023

School children in China’s remote Northwestern region are generally from poor farming villages where English
language education presents significant challenges, particularly since the implementation of China’s 2001 English curriculum
innovation requiring tasked-based language teaching (TBLT). This one-month field study, set in a typical rural secondary school,
investigated the degree to which the curriculum aspirations for TBLT were reflected in classroom practices in the school.
Participants were ten 7th-grade teachers of English. Data included lesson observations, interviews, and field journals. Findings
showed that classroom practices did not conform to the principles of TBLT, though some efforts in using task-like activities were
observed. The contributing factors influencing classroom practices were multifaceted with teacher education the most salient. This
result indicates that teacher preparation for TBLT needs to be tailored for the rural context if it is to have any chance of
gaining a foothold in this context.
Degenerate parametric down-conversion facilitated by exciton-plasmon polariton states in a nonlinear plasmonic cavity
Authors: Piryatinski Andrei , Sukharev Maxim
Published: January 2023

We study the effect of degenerate parametric down-conversion (DPDC) in an ensemble of two-level quantum emitters (QEs) coupled via near-field interactions to a single surface plasmon (SP) mode of a nonlinear plasmonic cavity. For this purpose, we develop a quantum driven-dissipative model capturing non-equilibrium dynamics of the system in which incoherently pumped QEs have transition frequency tuned near the second-harmonic response of the SPs. Considering the strong coupling regime, i.e. the SP-QE interaction rate exceeds system dissipation rates, we find a critical SP-QE coupling attributed to the phase transition between normal and lasing steady states. Examining fluctuations above the system’s steady states, we predict new elementary excitations, namely, the exciton-plasmon polaritons formed by the two-SP quanta and single-exciton states of QEs. The contribution of two-SP quanta results in the linear scaling of the SP-QE interaction rate with the number of QEs,

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o

, as opposed to the

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-scaling known for the Dicke and Tavis–Cummings models. We further examine how SP-QE interaction scaling affects the polariton dispersions and power spectra in the vicinity of the critical coupling. For this purpose, we compare the calculation results assuming a finite ensemble of QEs and the model thermodynamic limit. The calculated power spectra predict an interplay of coherent photon emission by QEs near the second-harmonic frequency and correlated photon-pair emission at the fundamental frequency by the SPs (i.e. the photonic DPDC effect).
Color image encryption algorithm based on bidirectional spiral transformation and DNA coding
Authors: Wang Quanyv , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: January 2023

The security of digital images has become increasingly important as information technology has advanced considerably. To ensure image security and improve the efficiency of image encryption, a novel color image encryption algorithm is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a novel three-dimensional chaotic system with extreme multistability is proposed and employed to generate the chaotic sequences to be used in the permutation and diffusion processes. Secondly, the proposed bidirectional spiral transformation is used to permute the R, G and B components extracted from the color plain image. Thirdly, the permuted pixel sequence is dynamically encoded into a DNA sequence. To further increase the permutation effect, the DNA sequence is permuted again using the index sequence. Finally, the dynamical DNA operations are performed to diffuse the permuted DNA sequence, and the designed look-up table method is used to quickly obtain the DNA operation results. The key space of the proposed algorithm is 10266, which is large enough to resist the brute-force attacks. The average entropy value of the cipher image of Peppers is 7.9971, which is much closer to the theoretical entropy value 8. The dynamic DNA operations process only takes up 0.032349s, which shows the advantage of the proposed look-up table method. Therefore, the proposed algorithm can be applied to the application that require high confidentiality and real-time.
Bandgap properties and multi-objective optimization of double-cone pentamode metamaterials with curved side
Authors: Zou Zhen , Xu Fengxiang , Pan Yuxiong , Fang Tengyuan
Published: January 2023

Pentamode metamaterials (PM) have a promising application in noise reduction fields. In this paper, in order to improve the acoustic modulation capability of PMs, several novel curve PMs are proposed by replacing the straight sides of conventional PMs with curves. At first, the elliptic PMs (EPMs) with various unit cell arrangements (i.e., triangular, square, and hexagonal) are designed, respectively, and their bandgap properties are studied numerically in detail. The EPM with hexagonal unit cell arrangement (EPMH) presents better comprehensive bandgap properties in the EPMs. Subsequently, sinusoidal and power curves are introduced into the EPMH respectively to explore the influences of curve types on bandgap properties. The results show that the bandgap properties improvement of EPMH is higher in comparison with introducing other curves, and the reasons behind these improvements are carefully disclosed in combination with the spring-mass system. Finally, to further improve the bandgap properties of EPMH, a high accuracy Kriging model is constructed according to both the Latin hypercube design and double-point infilling. The Pareto optimal solution sets are determined using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), and the final compromise solution is gained by employing a fitness function. The bandwidths of phononic bandgap and single mode bandgap, and the total bandwidth of optimized EPMH are increased respectively by about 114.5, 4.3, and 7.7 times than those of the conventional straight side PMs. This investigation provides a fresh strategy for designing PMs with excellent bandgap properties.
Quasinormal modes and Love numbers of Kerr black holes from AdS2 black holes
Authors: Kehagias A. , Perrone D. , Riotto A.
Published: January 2023

We show that the linear perturbations of any spin field in the near-zone limit of the Kerr
black hole are identical to those of an AdS2 black hole which enjoys the same basic properties
of the Kerr black hole. Thanks to this identification, we calculate the spectrum of the
quasinormal modes and the Love numbers of Kerr black holes using an AdS2/CFT1 correspondence
and a group theoretical approach.
The quantum origin of quasi de Sitter: a model independent quantum cosmological tilt
Authors: Gómez César , Jimenez Raul
Published: January 2023

The most robust prediction of inflation driven by a single field is the existence of a red tilt for the spectrum of curvature fluctuations that is experimentally of order 0.04. The tilt is derived solving the exact equation for quantum fluctuations in a quasi de Sitter background
with first slow-roll parameter ϵ small but non vanishing. The experimental data selects among the different inflaton potentials. The origin of the lack of scale invariance associated with the tilt is however classical in essence and parametrized by the slow roll parameter of the inflaton potential. Here we present a purely quantum mechanical and model independent derivation of the tilt. This derivation is based on two basic observations: first, the correlator for the Mukhanov-Sasaki gauge invariant variables is related to the quantum Fisher function measuring the quantum dependence of the family of pure de Sitter vacua on the energy scale parameter; second, this quantum Fisher function has a non vanishing scale dependent red tilt that, at the energy scales of physical interest, fits the effective quasi de Sitter prediction as well as the experimental value. This is a result that is model independent and only based on the quantum features of the family of de Sitter vacua.
Small pixel high-spatial resolution photon-counting prototype IC for synchrotron applications
Authors: Grybos P. , Kleczek R. , Kmon P. , Otfinowski P. , Fajardo P.
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the design and simulation of a prototype chip in the CMOS 40 nm process for high spatial resolution operation at the ESRF-EBS synchrotron. The core of the prototype IC is the pixel matrix with 50 µm pitch, operating in a single photon counting mode. Each pixel contains a Charge Sensitive Amplifier (CSA) with a fast discharge block and detector leakage current compensation circuit. The CSA output is directly connected to the discriminator with an offset trimming capability. The chip is optimized for operation with a monochromatic X-ray beam with an energy of up to 30 keV. Furthermore, several algorithms of interpixel communication are implemented in the chip to increase detector spatial resolution by using the charge sharing effect.
A proton-recoil track imaging system for fast neutrons: the RIPTIDE detector
Authors: Console Camprini P. , Leone F. , Massimi C. , Musumarra A. , Pellegriti M.G. , Pisanti C. , Romano F. , Spighi R. , Terranova N. , Villa M.
Published: January 2023

Fast neutron detection is often based on the neutron-proton elastic scattering reaction: the ionization caused by recoil protons in a hydrogenous material constitutes the basic information for the design and development of a class of neutron detectors. Although experimental techniques have continuously improved, proton-recoil track imaging remains still at the frontier of n-detection systems, due to the high photon sensitivity required. Several state-of-the-art approaches for neutron tracking by using n-p single and double scattering — referred to as Recoil Proton Track Imaging (RPTI) — can be found in the literature. So far, they have showed limits in terms of detection efficiency, complexity, cost, and implementation. In order to address some of these deficiencies, we propose the design of RIPTIDE, a novel recoil-proton track imaging detector in which the light output produced by a fast scintillator is used to perform a complete reconstruction in space and time of the interaction events. The proposed idea is viable thanks to the dramatic advances in low noise and single photon counting achieved in the last decade by new scientific CMOS cameras as well as pixel sensors, like Timepix or MIMOSIS. In this contribution, we report the advances on the RIPTIDE concept: Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations, light collection tests as well as state-of-the-art approach to image readout, processing and fast analysis.
Design of stationary computed tomography baggage scanner with π-angle sparsity and compressed-sensing reconstruction: simulation study
Authors: Shim J. , Jeon D. , Jung Y. , Yang H. , Lim Y. , Cho H. , Seo C. , Choi K.Y. , Sone C.S. , Jang M.S.
Published: January 2023

Continuing our research on X-ray R&D for aviation security, we designed a novel stationary computed tomography (SCT) baggage scanner with π-angle sparsity, comprising several dozen pairs of nanotube-based X-ray source and linear array-type detector placed within a scan angle of 180° at an equiangular distance. Simultaneously, we developed a reconstruction method for the specific configuration adopting an iterative algorithm based on the popular compressed-sensing (CS) scheme. To validate the efficacy of the proposed SCT design, we conducted a series of simulations using a numerical baggage phantom before its practical implementation. The results showed that the proposed SCT design and corresponding reconstruction method significantly reduced the streak artifacts appearing in the filtered-backprojection (FBP) reconstruction, thereby considerably improving the image quality. The contrast-to-noise ratio evaluated under a test condition of 180°/P20/CS was approximately 16.2, approximately 4.7 and 1.1 times larger than those for 360°/P20/FBP and 360°/P20/CS, respectively. The proposed SCT design enables saving scan time, improving image quality, and restricting radiation exposure zone.
Engineered substrates incapable of induction of chondrogenic differentiation compared to the chondrocyte imprinted substrates
Authors: Taheri Shiva , Ghazali Zahra Sadat , Montazeri Leila , Ebrahim Fatemeh Ale , Javadpour Jafar , Kamguyan Khorshid , Thormann Esben , Renaud Philippe , Bonakdar Shahin
Published: January 2023

It is well established that surface topography can affect cell functions. However, finding a reproducible and reliable method for regulating stem cell behavior is still under investigation. It has been shown that cell imprinted substrates contain micro- and nanoscale structures of the cell membrane that serve as hierarchical substrates, can successfully alter stem cell fate. This study investigated the effect of the overall cell shape by fabricating silicon wafers containing pit structure in the average size of spherical-like chondrocytes using photolithography technique. We also used chondrocyte cell line (C28/I2) with spindle-like shape to produce cell imprinted substrates. The effect of all substrates on the differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) has been studied. The AFM and scanning electron microscopy images of the prepared substrates demonstrated that the desired shapes were successfully transferred to the substrates. Differentiation of ADSCs was investigated by immunostaining for mature chondrocyte marker, collagen II, and gene expression of collagen II, Sox9, and aggrecan markers. C28/I2 imprinted substrate could effectively enhanced chondrogenic differentiation compared to regular pit patterns on the wafer. It can be concluded that cell imprinted substrates can induce differentiation signals better than engineered lithographic substrates. The nanostructures on the cell-imprinted patterns play a crucial role in harnessing cell fate. Therefore, the patterns must include the nano-topographies to have reliable and reproducible engineered substrates.
Torrefaction of almond shell as a renewable reinforcing agent for plastics: techno-economic analyses and comparison to bioethanol process
Authors: Liu Dupeng , Baral Nawa Raj , Liang Ling , Scown Corinne D , Sun Ning
Published: January 2023

In 2016, the US state of California alone produced nearly 3.5 billion kilograms of almonds, accounting for approximately 84% of the world’s almond production. This generated about 2.58 million metric tons (MTs) of almond residues. Almond shells are currently either burned to generate power or disposed of in landfill. Valorizing almond shells and hulls provides an opportunity to replace petroleum-derived products and divert organic material from landfill. Here we demonstrate a detailed techno-economic analysis (TEA) of an almond shell torrefaction process capable of utilizing the 520 000 MTs of almond shells produced annually in California. Our process also includes preprocessing the torrefied biomass to exploit it as a reinforcing agent for plastics. We further compared the revenue generated from the torrefied biomass and bioethanol derived from the same quantity of almond shells. We considered three different torrefaction facility scales to evaluate trade-offs between economies of scale at the facility and trucking costs to deliver almond shells. A facility that takes in 200 000 MT yr–1 of almond shells results in lower per-unit-output basis capital and operating cost relative to other smaller-scale torrefaction facilities, including 10 000 MT yr–1 and 50 000 MT yr–1, considered for analysis in this study. The large-sale facility results in a minimum selling price (MSP) of the torrefied biomass of $311.4 MT–1. An analogous TEA on converting almond residues into bioethanol is also investigated. The MSP of almond shell derived ethanol ($1.71 kg−1) is higher than that of corn ($0.48 kg−1) or cellulosic biomass ($0.88 kg−1) derived ethanol. Compared with the bioethanol route, the torrefied almond shells result in three times more revenue if utilized as a reinforcing agent for plastics.
The valuation theory of deeply ramified fields and its connection with defect extensions
Authors: Kuhlmann Franz-Viktor , Rzepka Anna
Published: January 2023

We study in detail the valuation theory of deeply ramified fields and introduce and investigate several other related classes of valued fields. Further, a classification of defect extensions of prime degree of valued fields that was earlier given only for the equicharacteristic case is generalized to the case of mixed characteristic by a unified definition that works simultaneously for both cases. It is shown that deeply ramified fields and the other valued fields we introduce only admit one of the two types of defect extensions, namely the ones that appear to be more harmless in open problems such as local uniformization and the model theory of valued fields in positive characteristic. We use our knowledge about such defect extensions to give a new, valuation theoretic proof of the fact that algebraic extensions of deeply ramified fields are again deeply ramified. We also prove finite descent, and under certain conditions even infinite descent, for deeply ramified fields. These results are also proved for two other related classes of valued fields. The classes of valued fields under consideration can be seen as generalizations of the class of tame valued fields. Our paper supports the hope that it will be possible to generalize to deeply ramified fields several important results that have been proven for tame fields and were at the core of partial solutions of the two open problems mentioned above.
No Country For ‘Bad’ Men: Volatile Citizenship and the Emerging Features Of Global Neo-colonial Penality
Authors: Tripkovic Milena
Published: January 2023

The article examines instances of de jure and de facto denationalization that arise from (suspected) terrorism by analyzing penal outcomes for affected citizens. The article first exposes cases of de jure denationalization that confine citizens to global spaces and draws parallels with instances of de facto denationalization that deny repatriation from abroad. I then argue that both situations signal state’s avoidance of the duty to punish, deviate from conventional penal aspirations and engender volatile global penality. To support this argument, I explore three questions: (1) who punishes, (2) who is punished and (3) what the purpose of punishment is. I conclude by exposing the emerging features of global neo-colonial penality as they pertain to both its objects and objectives.
CSL324, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor antagonist, blocks neutrophil migration markers that are upregulated in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Gamell Cristina , Bankovacki Aleksandra , Scalzo-Inguanti Karen , Sedgmen Bradley , Alhamdoosh Monther , Gail Emma , Turkovic Lydia , Millar Christine , Johnson Laura , Wahlsten Michelle , Richter Jim , Schuster Jared , Dyson Allison , Nicolopoulos Jenny , Varigos George , Ng Milica , Wilson Nick , Field Judith , Kern Johannes S , Lindqvist Lisa M
Published: January 2023

Background

Neutrophils have been shown to contribute to the pathophysiology of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic, painful and debilitating inflammatory skin disease, yet their exact role remains to be fully defined. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a major regulator of neutrophil development and survival, can be blocked by the novel, fully human anti-G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) monoclonal antibody CSL324.

Objectives

We investigated the activation and migration of neutrophils in HS and the impact of blocking G-CSFR with CSL324.

Methods

Biopsy and peripheral blood samples were taken from participants of two studies: 2018.206, a noninterventional research study of systemic and dermal neutrophils and inflammatory markers in patients with neutrophilic skin diseases, and CSL324_1001 (ACTRN12616000846426), a single-dose ascending and repeated dose, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of CSL324 in healthy adult subjects. Ex vivo experiments were performed, including neutrophil enumeration and immunophenotyping, migration, receptor occupancy and transcriptome analysis.

Results

The number of cells positive for the neutrophil markers myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) was significantly higher in HS lesions compared with biopsies from healthy donors (HDs) (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0223, respectively). In peripheral blood samples, mean neutrophil counts were significantly higher in patients with HS than in HDs (2.98 vs. 1.60 × 109 L–1, respectively; P = 8.8 × 10–4). Neutrophil migration pathways in peripheral blood were increased in patients with HS and their neutrophils demonstrated an increased migration phenotype, with higher mean CXCR1 on the surface of neutrophils in patients with HS (24453.20 vs. 20798.47 for HD; P = 0.03). G-CSF was a key driver of the transcriptomic changes in the peripheral blood of patients with HS and was elevated in serum from patients with HS compared with HDs (mean 6.61 vs. 3.84 pg mL–1, respectively; P = 0.013). Administration of CSL324 inhibited G-CSF-induced transcriptional changes in HDs, similar to those observed in the HS cohort, as highlighted by expression changes in genes related to neutrophil migratory capacity.

Conclusions

Data suggest that neutrophils contribute to HS pathophysiology and that neutrophils are increased in lesions due to an increase in G-CSF-driven migration. CSL324 counteracted G-CSF-induced transcriptomic changes and blocked neutrophil migration by reducing cell-surface levels of chemokine receptors.
Miliaria crystallina
Authors: Palaniappan Vijayasankar , Sadhasivamohan Anusuya , Sankarapandian Jeyalakshmi , Karthikeyan Kaliaperumal
Published: January 2023

Miliaria crystallina (MC) is an uncommon form of a sweat retention syndrome that chiefly affects neonates. It is more common in hot and humid conditions, such as in tropical regions. It commonly presents as clusters of dewdrop-like vesicles on a nonerythematous base that heals with furfuraceous scaling. A clinical diagnosis is often sufficient. The differential diagnosis is wide and varying. One of the hallmarks of MC is its self-limiting nature. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness of this condition among physicians and dermatologists.
Identifying the core microbiome of the sea starPisaster ochraceusin the context of sea star wasting disease
Authors: Loudon Andrew H , Park Jungsoo , Parfrey Laura Wegener
Published: January 2023

Sea stars are keystone species and their mass die-offs due to sea star wasting disease (SSWD) impact marine communities and have fueled recent interest in the microbiome of sea stars. We assessed the host specificity of the microbiome associated with three body regions of the sea star Pisaster ochraceus using 16S rRNA gene amplicon surveys of the bacterial communities living on and in Pisaster, their environment, and sympatric marine hosts across three populations in British Columbia, Canada. Overall, the bacterial communities on Pisaster are distinct from their environment and differ by both body region and geography. We identified core bacteria specifically associated with Pisaster across populations and nearly absent in other hosts and the environment. We then investigated the distribution of these core bacteria on SSWD-affected Pisaster from one BC site and by reanalyzing a study of SSWD on Pisaster from California. We find no differences in the distribution of core bacteria in early disease at either site and two core taxa differ in relative abundance in advanced disease in California. Using phylogenetic analyses, we find that most core bacteria have close relatives on other sea stars and marine animals, suggesting these clades have evolutionary adaptions to an animal-associated lifestyle.
Which actors drove national patterns of technological specialization into the science-based age? The British experience, 1918–1932
Authors: Cantwell John , Spadavecchia Anna
Published: January 2023

This article assesses the contributions of industry leaders, smaller corporations, and independent inventors to the international technological specialization of Great Britain in the interwar years. For the first time, we compare directly the contribution of these sources and combine the Chandlerian and “sources of invention” perspectives. The analysis is based on a novel dataset of more than 8,000 patents granted in the USA to British inventions. Our findings show the extent to which Britain integrated inventions generated by independent inventors with those of corporate inventors, i.e., industry leaders and smaller corporations, in both engineering- and science-based fields. This research highlights specificities of a former leader’s transition from the technological paradigm of the first phase of capitalism to that of the second phase.
A review of the application of active learning pedagogies in undergraduate animal science curricula
Authors: Ragland Elizabeth C , Radcliffe Scott , Karcher Elizabeth L
Published: January 2023

With most of the student attrition occurring early in undergraduate educational programs (Braunstein et al., 1997) it is necessary to interest and motivate students early on. The demographics of animal science students have shifted to students with minimal background in food producing animals. This presents a unique challenge as the current student population represents a diverse array of backgrounds and prior experiences. As a result, students enroll in undergraduate animal science programs with various expectations for their undergraduate degree and a focus primarily on careers in veterinary medicine. To engage all students, interest and motivation need to be generated. This review will use motivational frameworks as outlined by the self-determination theory, expectancy value theory, and interest, to explain the impact of the proposed solutions. Active learning classroom strategies are linked to increased knowledge compared with traditional, passive classrooms (Wells et al., 2019). Active learning shifts from a traditional teaching model to a student-centered model, which transitions instructors to facilitators of learning. This review summarizes current proposed pedagogies that have been researched in animal science classrooms such as experiential learning, flipped classrooms, hands-on animal experience, undergraduate research experiences, mentorship opportunities, capstone experiences, service-learning experiences, team-based learning, and cooperative learning. The limitations of these proposed pedagogies and the future research needed are also discussed.
Management of heart failure in patients with kidney disease—updates from the 2021 ESC guidelines
Authors: Edwards Nicola C , Price Anna M , Steeds Richard P , Ferro Charles J , Townend Jonathan N
Published: January 2023

The wide overlap between the syndromes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic heart failure (HF) means that familiarity with the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines is of importance to nephrologists. The common risk factors for the two syndromes together with the adverse cardiac structural remodelling associated with CKD means that many kidney disease patients experience breathlessness and fall within the HF phenotypes categorized in the guidelines. The management of HF is evolving rapidly leading to significant changes in the latest guideline iteration. The 2021 guidelines have changed from the 2016 version firstly by an increased focus on identifying the three phenotypes of HF to guide appropriate evidence-based management. Secondly, a new and simplified treatment algorithm for HF with reduced ejection fraction involving the rapid sequential initiation and up-titration of four ‘pillars’ of drug treatment—angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors, beta blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and now, thanks to convincing trial data, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. Thirdly, guidelines for device therapy have been changed with down-graded advice on indications for primary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy for patients with non-ischaemic HF and for cardiac resynchronization therapy with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and a QRS duration <150 ms. There are updated treatment plans for HF associated with non-cardiovascular comorbidities including CKD.
Long-term outcomes of COVID-19 survivors with hospital AKI: association with time to recovery from AKI
Authors: Lu Justin Y , Boparai Montek S , Shi Caroline , Henninger Erin M , Rangareddy Mahendranath , Veeraraghavan Sudhakar , Mirhaji Parsa , Fisher Molly C , Duong Tim Q
Published: January 2023

Background

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who develop in-hospital acute kidney injury (AKI) have worse short-term outcomes, their long-term outcomes have not been fully characterized. We investigated 90-day and 1-year outcomes after hospital AKI grouped by time to recovery from AKI.

Methods

This study consisted of 3296 COVID-19 patients with hospital AKI stratified by early recovery (<48 hours), delayed recovery (2–7 days) and prolonged recovery (>7–90 days). Demographics, comorbidities and laboratory values were obtained at admission and up to the 1-year follow-up. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse kidney events (MAKE), rehospitalization, recurrent AKI and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) were obtained 90-days after COVID-19 discharge.

Results

The incidence of hospital AKI was 28.6%. Of the COVID-19 patients with AKI, 58.0% experienced early recovery, 14.8% delayed recovery and 27.1% prolonged recovery. Patients with a longer AKI recovery time had a higher prevalence of CKD (P < .05) and were more likely to need invasive mechanical ventilation (P < .001) and to die (P < .001). Many COVID-19 patients developed MAKE, recurrent AKI and new-onset CKD within 90 days, and these incidences were higher in the prolonged recovery group (P < .05). The incidence of MACE peaked 20–40 days postdischarge, whereas MAKE peaked 80–90 days postdischarge. Logistic regression models predicted 90-day MACE and MAKE with 82.4 ± 1.6% and 79.6 ± 2.3% accuracy, respectively.

Conclusion

COVID-19 survivors who developed hospital AKI are at high risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, especially those with longer AKI recovery times and those with a history of CKD. These patients may require long-term follow-up for cardiac and kidney complications.
A Method to Amend Cigarettes With Menthol for Use in Research
Authors: Jackson Kia J , Schroeder Megan J , Ai Jiu , Taylor Kenneth M , Oniyide Olusola , Viray Lauren C , Smith Carson , Koszowski Bartosz , Butler Jenny M , Pickworth Wallace B
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Studies have evaluated the role of menthol cigarettes on various addiction-related outcomes; however, the effect of varying menthol content on these outcomes has not been evaluated. We developed a method to amend non-menthol SPECTRUM Research Cigarettes to contain menthol at four different levels.

Aims and Methods

SPECTRUM Research Cigarettes, NRC 600 (0.8 mg nicotine; 10 mg tar), were modified to contain target menthol amounts at 3, 6, and 12 mg/cigarette by injecting 25 µL ethanol/triacetin/menthol solutions of varying concentrations (120 mg menthol/mL, 240 mg/mL, and 480 mg/mL) into four distinct locations in the filter and tobacco rod. Menthol content was tested in triplicate in the whole cigarette and in the tobacco rod and filter at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours for each target menthol level using an extraction solution of quinoline in methyl-tert-butyl ether and measured using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection.

Results

Injections into the filter and tobacco rod (12.5 µL each) yielded equal menthol distribution up to 72 hours. However, total menthol content decreased from an average of 90.3% of the target menthol concentration at 1 hour to 80.7% at 72 hours in cigarettes stored individually in glass tubes at room temperature. Analysis of urinary menthol glucuronide confirmed that amended cigarettes used within 24 hours of injection delivered dose-related menthol levels to participants in a clinical laboratory setting.

Conclusion

This method can be used to modify cigarettes with a range of reliable menthol levels in both filter and tobacco rod for use in laboratory and clinical research.

Implications

This study presents a technique for modifying cigarettes with different levels of menthol that can reliably deliver dose-related menthol levels to participants when smoked in a clinical study. The technique can be used to quickly amend cigarettes to examine the independent effects of varying flavor and additive levels on smoking behavior, nicotine pharmacokinetics, mainstream smoke emissions, and other laboratory or clinical research outcomes.
Exotic smooth structures on connected sums of S2×S2
Authors: Akhmedov Anar , Park B Doug , Sakallı Sümeyra
Published: January 2023

We construct infinitely many distinct irreducible smooth structures on $n(S^2\,\times\,S^2)$, the connected sum of n copies of $S^2\,\times\,S^2$, for every odd integer $n\geq 27$.
John Marston’s Stationers, 1607–1633
Authors: Cathcart Charles
Published: January 2023

This essay revisits the publication of John Marston’s writings following his withdrawal from theatrical activity. It directs attention away from Marston’s presumed interventions and examines the choices and activities of five stationers: Thomas Thorpe, Thomas Archer, Richard Hawkins, Hugh Perry, and William Sheares. Their release of Marston’s writing offers a sharp insight into their various strategies and practices. Thorpe’s handling of What You Will and Histrio-mastix is best understood in relation to his choice to publish the plays of Marston, Jonson, and Chapman—and those of no other dramatist. Archer’s release of The Insatiate Countesse makes most sense in relation to the Overbury scandal. Hawkins—unlike his peers—progressively accentuated authorial agency in the successive editions of The Metamorphosis of Pigmalions Image within his series of Alcilia-led compilations. Perry and Sheares seem to have been running a joint enterprise at the time of The Workes of Mr John Marston of 1633. By turning towards the choices made by these stationers and placing less emphasis on the hypothesis of Marston’s reluctance to be associated with his writings, a new history of reception, dissemination, and publishing enterprise emerges.
The Leading Premium
Authors: Croce Mariano M , Marchuk Tatyana , Schlag Christian
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider conditional measures of lead-lag relations between aggregate growth and industry-level cash flow growth in the United States. Our results show that firms in leading industries pay an average annualized return 3.6$\%$ higher than that of firms in lagging industries. Using both time-series and cross-sectional tests, we estimate an annual pure timing premium ranging from 1.2$\%$ to 1.7$\%$. This finding can be rationalized in a model in which (a) agents price growth news shocks, and (b) leading industries provide valuable resolution of uncertainty about the growth prospects of lagging industries.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Remote Assessment of Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Authors: Daniel David G , Cohen Alex S , Velligan Dawn , Harvey Phillip D , Alphs Larry , Davidson Michael , Potter William , Kott Alan , Schooler Nina , Brodie Christopher R , Moore Raeanne C , Lindenmeyer Pierre , Marder Stephen R
Published: January 2023

In contrast to the validated scales for face-to-face assessment of negative symptoms, no widely accepted tools currently exist for remote monitoring of negative symptoms. Remote assessment of negative symptoms can be broadly divided into 3 categories: (1) remote administration of an existing negative-symptom scale by a clinician, in real time, using videoconference technology to communicate with the patient; (2) direct inference of negative symptoms through detection and analysis of the patient’s voice, appearance, or activity by way of the patient’s smartphone or other device; and (3) ecological momentary assessment, in which the patient self-reports their condition upon receipt of periodic prompts from a smartphone or other device during their daily routine. These modalities vary in cost, technological complexity, and applicability to the different negative-symptom domains. Each modality has unique strengths, weaknesses, and issues with validation. As a result, an optimal solution may be more likely to employ several techniques than to use a single tool. For remote assessment of negative symptoms to be adopted as primary or secondary endpoints in regulated clinical trials, appropriate psychometric standards will need to be met. Standards for substituting 1 set of measures for another, as well as what constitutes a “gold” reference standard, will need to be precisely defined and a process for defining them developed. Despite over 4 decades of progress toward this goal, significant work remains to be done before clinical trials addressing negative symptoms can utilize remotely assessed secondary or primary outcome measures.
Fungicide Sensitivity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from U.S. Soybean and Dry Bean, Compared to Different Regions and Climates
Authors: Nieto-Lopez Edgar H. , Miorini Thomas Jose Justo , Wulkop-Gil Cristian A. , I. Chilvers Martin , Giesler Loren J. , Jackson-Ziems Tamra A. , Kabbage Mehdi , Mueller Daren S. , Smith Damon L. , Tovar-Pedraza Juan Manuel , Willbur Jaime F. , Everhart Sydney E.
Published: January 2023

Fungicide use is integral to reduce yield loss from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on dry bean and soybean. Increasing fungicide use against this fungus may lead to resistance to the most common fungicides. Resistance has been reported in Brazil (Glycine max) and China (Brassica napus subsp. napus), however, few studies have investigated fungicide sensitivity of S. sclerotiorum in the United States. This work was conducted to determine if there was a difference in fungicide sensitivity of S. sclerotiorum isolates in the United States from: (i) dry bean versus soybean and (ii) fields with different frequencies of fungicide application. We further hypothesized that isolates with fungicide applications of a single active ingredient from tropical Brazil and subtropical Mexico were less sensitive than temperate U.S. isolates due to different management practices and climates. The EC50(D) fungicide sensitivity of 512 S. sclerotiorum isolates from the United States (443), Brazil (36), and Mexico (33) was determined using a discriminatory concentration (DC) previously identified for tetraconazole (2.0 ppm; EC50(D) range of 0.197 to 2.27 ppm), boscalid (0.2; 0.042 to 0.222), picoxystrobin (0.01; 0.006 to 0.027), and thiophanate-methyl, which had a qualitative DC of 10 ppm. Among the 10 least sensitive isolates to boscalid and picoxystrobin, 2 presented mutations known to confer resistance in the SdhB (qualitative) and SdhC (quantitative) genes; however, no strong resistance was found. This study established novel DCs that can be used for further resistance monitoring and baseline sensitivity of S. sclerotiorum to tetraconazole worldwide plus baseline sensitivity to boscalid in the United States.