bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced returns fuel anti‐Americanism: Evidence from U.S. deportations to Latin America
Authors: Ambrosius Christian , Meseguer Covadonga
Published: February 2023

In the last two decades, forced removals have been the main feature of U.S. migration policy toward Latin America. In this research, we explore whether this policy has had implications in terms of Latin Americans’ public opinion toward their northern neighbor. We argue that deportations breed anti‐Americanism by cutting off the flow of information and money associated with emigration, which has proven to be a source of better dispositions toward the United States. Using public opinion data and municipal data on deportations in El Salvador, we show that these perceptions have worsened over time and that rates of deportation are related to this trend. By using public opinion data on Latin America and deportation rates in the region, we also show that this pattern holds beyond our case study. We call attention to destination migration policies as a source of resentment among domestic audiences, which can be capitalized by new populisms in the region.
The origins of marine fishes endemic to subtropical islands of the Southwest Pacific
Authors: Samayoa André P. , Aguirre J. David , Delrieu‐Trottin Erwan , Liggins Libby
Published: February 2023

Aim

Lineages colonizing subtropical oceanic islands often have to overcome geographical isolation and novel climate stressors to found new populations. Historical and ecological factors influence the success of colonization and subsequent diversification, leaving a signal in the genetic constitution of the diverged, range‐restricted taxa. Here, we examined the historical biogeography of endemic marine fishes to quantify the role of geographical proximity and climate differences in determining colonization, and the underlying mechanisms of speciation.

Location

Subtropical islands of the Southwest Pacific.

Taxa

Thirty endemic marine ray‐finned fishes from 17 genera.

Methods

Using parametric biogeographical history models, we estimated the ancestral geographical ranges for 144 species based on time‐calibrated phylogenies that included endemic species and their closest sister taxa, linking terminal nodes with geographical distribution classified into 14 biogeographical areas.

Results

Ancestral range estimations revealed most species originated in Australia (66%), while only 10% and 7% originated in northern tropical Pacific locations and the East Pacific respectively, with 17% of species‐range estimations being inconclusive. Vicariant events alone were identified as the most likely process shaping range evolution in 57% of the 14 best‐fitting models, dispersal alone was favoured for 14% of species and both processes had a role for the remaining 29% of species. Across all phylogenies, likelihood‐ratio tests confirmed that geographical distance and climatic differences constrained dispersal in 73% and 33% of species, respectively.

Main Conclusions

Marine fishes endemic to subtropical islands of the Southwest Pacific originated by vicariant and jump‐dispersal events mainly from ancestral populations in mainland Australia. Geographical distance and climatic differences are significant taxon‐specific factors influencing the dispersal of marine fishes in the region.
Classical Item Analysis from a Signal Detection Perspective
Authors: DeCarlo Lawrence T.
Published: February 2023

A conceptualization of multiple‐choice exams in terms of signal detection theory (SDT) leads to simple measures of item difficulty and item discrimination that are closely related to, but also distinct from, those used in classical item analysis (CIA). The theory defines a “true split,” depending on whether or not examinees know an item, and so it provides a basis for using total scores to split item tables, as done in CIA, while also clarifying benefits and limitations of the approach. The SDT item difficulty and discrimination measures differ from those used in CIA in that they explicitly consider the role of distractors and avoid limitations due to range restrictions. A new screening measure is also introduced. The measures are theoretically well‐grounded and are simple to compute by hand calculations or with standard software for choice models; simulations show that they offer advantages over traditional measures.
Human gingival epithelial cells stimulate proliferation, migration, and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro
Authors: Indrelid Stine Hufthammer , Dongre Harsh Nitin , Nunes Ivana Pereira , Virtej Anca , Bletsa Athanasia , Berggreen Ellen
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the response of gingival epithelial cells to microbial and inflammatory signals.

Background

The gingival epithelial barrier provides the first line of defense and supports tissue homeostasis by maintaining the cross‐talk between gingival epithelium, oral microbiota, and immune cells. Lymphatic vessels are essential to sustaining this homeostasis. The gingival epithelial cells have been shown to produce prolymphangiogenic factors during physiologic conditions, but their role in response to microbial and inflammatory signals is unknown.

Methods

Immortalized human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) and human dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LEC) were cultured. HGEC were exposed to Porphyromonas gingivalis derived‐LPS, human IL‐1 beta/IL‐1F2 protein, or recombinant human IL‐6/IL‐6R. Levels of vascular growth factors (VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and VEGF‐D) in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. LEC were grown to confluence, and a scratch was induced in the monolayer. Uncovered area was measured up to 48 h after exposure to conditioned medium (CM) from HGEC. Tube formation assays were performed with LEC cocultured with labelled HGEC or exposed to CM.

Results

VEGF‐A, VEGF‐C, and low levels of VEGF‐D were constitutively expressed by HGEC. The expression of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D, but not VEGF‐A, was upregulated in response to proinflammatory mediators. VEGF‐C was upregulated in response to P. gingivalis LPS, but not to Escherichia coli LPS. A scratch migration assay showed that LEC migration was significantly increased by CM from HGEC. Both the CM and coculture with HGEC induced significant tube formation of LEC.

Conclusions

HGEC can regulate production of lymphangiogenic/angiogenic factors during inflammatory insults and can stimulate proliferation, migration, and tube formation of LEC in vitro in a paracrine manner.
Abdominal obesity and alcohol use modify the impact of genetic risk for incident advanced liver disease in the general population
Authors: Luukkonen Panu K. , Färkkilä Martti , Jula Antti , Salomaa Veikko , Männistö Satu , Lundqvist Annamari , Perola Markus , Åberg Fredrik
Published: February 2023

Background & Aims

Genetic variants, abdominal obesity and alcohol use are risk factors for incident liver disease (ILD). We aimed to study whether variants either alone or when aggregated into genetic risk scores (GRSs) associate with ILD, and whether waist‐hip ratio (WHR) or alcohol use interacts with this risk.

Methods

Our study included 33 770 persons (mean age 50 years, 47% men) who participated in health‐examination surveys (FINRISK 1992–2012 or Health 2000) with data on alcohol use, WHR and 63 genotypes associated with liver disease. Data were linked with national health registers for liver‐related outcomes (hospitalizations, malignancies and death). Exclusions were baseline clinical liver disease. Mean follow‐up time was 12.2 years. Cox regression analyses between variants and ILD were adjusted for age, sex and BMI.

Results

Variants in PNPLA3, IFNL4, TM6SF2, FDFT1, PPP1R3B, SERPINA1 and HSD17B13 were associated with ILD. GRSs calculated from these variants were not associated with WHR or alcohol use, but were exponentially associated with ILD (up to 25‐fold higher risk in high versus low score). The risk of ILD in individuals with high GRS and high WHR or alcohol use compared with those with none of these risk factors was increased by up to 90‐fold. GRSs provided new prognostic information particularly in individuals with high WHR.

Conclusions

The effect of multiple genetic variants on the risk of ILD is potentiated by abdominal obesity and alcohol use. Simple GRSs may help to identify individuals with adverse lifestyle who are at a particularly high risk of ILD.
Reducing conflict between the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus and cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes
Authors: Mendoza‐Sáenz Víctor Hugo , Saldaña‐Vázquez Romeo A. , Navarrete‐Gutiérrez Dario , Kraker‐Castañeda Cristian , Ávila‐Flores Rafael , Jiménez‐Ferrer Guillermo
Published: February 2023

Increased cattle ranching in Neotropical landscapes has led to human–wildlife conflicts that complicate the relationship between agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. We review the literature related to conflicts between livestock production and the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, specifically, the factors that influence the incidence of problems caused by bites to cattle. We summarise the strategies proposed to reduce these problems and propose actions from the perspectives of cattle management, landscape ecology and the biology of the common vampire bat. The literature shows that free‐range extensive management systems, where cattle graze in areas with forest cover, near riparian zones, caves, secondary vegetation (generally shrublands and immature trees), and vegetation fragments and edges, increase the implications and the severity of the conflict. As a result of different selection forces, the wing morphology and echolocation characteristics of the common vampire bat facilitate its movement under these landscape conditions, thus favouring a scenario of greater interaction with cattle. We propose the establishment of a ‘buffer zone’ to separate the cattle as far as possible (at least 1 km) from the elements of the landscape that are key for the movement patterns of common vampire bats in cattle ranching areas. The feeding events of this species are positively associated with host availability and landscape elements that provide habitat and connectivity, which shows that the cause of this conflict originates from the process of cattle production and the invasion of the habitat of the common vampire bat. Anti‐rabies vaccination programmes in cattle and forest–cattle separation are the most important strategies to minimise conflict and prevent rabies outbreaks.
DNA methylation‐based classification of glioneuronal tumours synergises with histology and radiology to refine accurate molecular stratification
Authors: Stone Thomas J. , Mankad Kshitij , Tan Ai Peng , Jan Wajanat , Pickles Jessica C. , Gogou Maria , Chalker Jane , Slodkowska Iwona , Pang Emily , Kristiansen Mark , Madhan Gaganjit K. , Forrest Leysa , Hughes Deborah , Koutroumanidou Eleni , Mistry Talisa , Ogunbiyi Olumide , Ahmed Saira W. , Cross J. Helen , Hubank Mike , Hargrave Darren , Jacques Thomas S.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Glioneuronal tumours (GNTs) are poorly distinguished by their histology and lack robust diagnostic indicators. Previously, we showed that common GNTs comprise two molecularly distinct groups, correlating poorly with histology. To refine diagnosis, we constructed a methylation‐based model for GNT classification, subsequently evaluating standards for molecular stratification by methylation, histology and radiology.

Methods

We comprehensively analysed methylation, radiology and histology for 83 GNT samples: a training cohort of 49, previously classified into molecularly defined groups by genomic profiles, plus a validation cohort of 34. We identified histological and radiological correlates to molecular classification and constructed a methylation‐based support vector machine (SVM) model for prediction. Subsequently, we contrasted methylation, radiological and histological classifications in validation GNTs.

Results

By methylation clustering, all training and 23/34 validation GNTs segregated into two groups, the remaining 11 clustering alongside control cortex. Histological review identified prominent astrocytic/oligodendrocyte‐like components, dysplastic neurons and a specific glioneuronal element as discriminators between groups. However, these were present in only a subset of tumours. Radiological review identified location, margin definition, enhancement and T2 FLAIR‐rim sign as discriminators. When validation GNTs were classified by SVM, 22/23 classified correctly, comparing favourably against histology and radiology that resolved 17/22 and 15/21, respectively, where data were available for comparison.

Conclusions

Diagnostic criteria inadequately reflect glioneuronal tumour biology, leaving a proportion unresolvable. In the largest cohort of molecularly defined glioneuronal tumours, we develop molecular, histological and radiological approaches for biologically meaningful classification and demonstrate almost all cases are resolvable, emphasising the importance of an integrated diagnostic approach.
Clinical utility of colonic low‐amplitude propagating contractions in children with functional constipation
Authors: Colliard Kitzia , Patel Dhiren , Nurko Samuel , Rodriguez Leonel
Published: February 2023

Background

Colonic high‐amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) are generally accepted as a marker of neuromuscular integrity. Little is known about low‐amplitude propagating contractions (LAPCs); we evaluated their clinical utility in children.

Methods

Retrospective review of children with functional constipation undergoing low‐resolution colon manometry (CM) recording HAPCs and LAPCs (physiologic or bisacodyl‐induced) in three groups: constipation, antegrade colonic enemas (ACE), and ileostomy. Outcome (therapy response) was compared to LAPCs in all patients and within groups. We evaluated LAPCs as potentially representing failed HAPCs.

Key Results

A total of 445 patients were included (median age 9.0 years, 54% female), 73 had LAPCs. We found no association between LAPCs and outcome (all patients, p = 0.121), corroborated by logistic regression and excluding HAPCs. We found an association between physiologic LAPCs and outcome that disappears when excluding HAPCs or controlling with logistic regression. We found no association between outcome and bisacodyl‐induced LAPCs or LAPC propagation. We found an association between LAPCs and outcome only in the constipation group that cancels with logistic regression and excluding HAPCs (p = 0.026, 0.062, and 0.243, respectively). We found a higher proportion of patients with LAPCs amongst those with absent or abnormally propagated (absent or partially propagated) HAPCs compared to those with fully propagated HAPCs (p = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively) suggesting LAPCs may represent failed HAPCs.

Conclusions/Inferences

LAPCs do not seem to have added clinical significance in pediatric functional constipation; CM interpretation could rely primarily on the presence of HAPCs. LAPCs may represent failed HAPCs. Larger studies are needed to further validate these findings.
Substrate‐binding glycine residues are major determinants for hydrolase and ligase activity of plant legumains
Authors: Hemu Xinya , Chan Ning‐Yu , Liew Heng Tai , Hu Side , Zhang Xiaohong , Serra Aida , Lescar Julien , Liu Chuan‐Fa , Tam James P.
Published: February 2023

Peptide asparaginyl ligases (PALs) are useful tools for precision modifications of proteins and live‐cell surfaces by ligating peptides after Asn/Asp (Asx). They share high sequence and structural similarity to plant legumains that are generally known as asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs), thus making it challenging to identify PALs from AEPs. In this study, we investigate 875 plant species from algae to seed plants with available sequence data in public databases to identify new PALs.

We conducted evolutionary trace analysis on 1500 plant legumains, including eight known PALs, to identify key residues that could differentiate ligases and proteases, followed by recombinant expression and functional validation of 16 novel legumains.

Previously, we showed that the substrate‐binding sequences flanking the catalytic site can strongly influence the enzymatic direction of a legumain and which we named as ligase‐activity determinants (LADs). Here, we show that two conserved substrate‐binding Gly residues of LADs are critical, but negative determinants for ligase activity.

Our results suggest that specific glycine residues are molecular determinants to identify PALs and AEPs as two different legumain subfamilies, accounting for c. 1% and 88%, respectively.
Long‐term responses to large‐scale disturbances: spatiotemporal variation in gastropod populations and communities
Authors: Presley Steven J. , Willig Michael R.
Published: February 2023

The Anthropocene is characterized by complex, primarily human‐generated, disturbance regimes that include combinations of long‐term press (e.g. climate change, pollution) and episodic pulse (e.g. cyclonic storms, floods, wildfires, land use change) disturbances. Within any regime, disturbances occur at multiple spatial and temporal scales, creating complex and varied interactions that influence spatiotemporal dynamics in the abundance, distribution and biodiversity of organisms. Moreover, responses to disturbance are context dependent, with the legacies of previous disturbances affecting responses to ensuing perturbations. We use three decades of annual data to evaluate the effects of repeated pulse disturbances and global warming on gastropod populations and communities in Puerto Rico at multiple spatial scales. More specifically, we quantify 1) the relative importance of large‐scale and small‐scale aspects of disturbance on variation in abundance, biodiversity and species composition; and 2) the spatial scales at which populations and communities integrate information in the spatially heterogenous environments created by disturbances. Gastropods do not exhibit consistent decreases in abundance or biodiversity in association with global warming: abundance for many species has increased over time and species richness does not evince a temporal trend. Nonetheless, gastropods are sensitive to hurricane severity, spatial environmental variation and successional trajectories of the flora. In addition, they exhibit context dependent (i.e. legacy effects) responses that are scale dependent. The Puerto Rican biota has evolved in a disturbance‐mediated system. This historical exposure to repeated, severe hurricane‐induced disturbances has imbued the biota with high resistance and resilience to the current disturbance regime, resulting in an ability to persist or thrive under current environmental conditions. Nonetheless, these ecosystems may yet be threatened by worsening direct and indirect effects of climate change. In particular, more frequent and severe hurricanes may prevent the establishment of closed canopy forests, negatively impacting populations and communities that rely on these habitats.
Dynamics for a quantum parliament
Authors: Bagarello F. , Gargano F.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose a dynamical approach based on the Gorini–Kossakowski–Sudarshan–Lindblad equation for a problem of decision making. More specifically, we consider what was recently called a quantum parliament, asked to approve or not a certain law, and we propose a model of the connections between the various members of the parliament, proposing in particular some special form of the interactions giving rise to a collaborative or noncollaborative behavior.
Le cléricalisme, version latino-américaine: ses spécificités et ses dangers. Les cas du Pérou et de l’Argentine
Authors: Lecaros Véronique , Lourdes Suárez Ana
Published: February 2023

Les recherches développées dans l’hémisphère Nord sur les abus de pouvoir, de conscience et sexuels dans l’Église concluent que le cléricalisme, en tant que perversion de l’exercice de l’autorité, est le principal responsable de la crise actuelle, conclusion reprise et fréquemment commentée par le pape François. Pour les auteurs, le phénomène ne correspond pas à des faiblesses individuelles mais à une organisation institutionnelle le favorisant. Certaines composantes du cléricalisme sont universelles, conséquences des structures uniformes de l’Église, en revanche, d’autres caractéristiques correspondent à l’organisation sociale et culturelle locale.Á partir d›une étude en Argentine et au Pérou, résultat d›un projet de recherche financé par le Intercambio Cultural Alemán Latinoamericano, Icala, et d’antérieurs projets, cet article se propose de combler un manque en analysant le cléricalisme et son impact dans la crise des abus, en contexte latino-américain. Les composantes universelles du phénomène se renforcent et acquièrent de nouvelles caractéristiques en Amérique Latine. Les multiples facettes du cléricalisme se rejoignent toutes autour d’un noyau commun, l’exercice sans contrepoids du pouvoir. Plusieurs facteurs, tels que le prestige de l’Église, la faiblesse des institutions gouvernementales, l’usage discrétionnaire de ressources, le machisme, les tendances culturelles à l’autoritarisme et l’européisation des formations en séminaires, transforment les prêtres en êtres d’exception et exacerbent leur pouvoir de type monarchique sur des laïcs passifs sans capacité, ni volonté de fiscalisation (Schickendantz). Par ailleurs, l’aura de sacré que tend à conférer le sacrement de l’ordre, en général, acquiert de nouvelles dimensions en contexte de modernité enchantée latino-américaine. Par leurs bénédictions, les prêtres sacralisent et purifient tous les objets du quotidien, les transformant en source de bien-être. Les changements actuels dans les pratiques de dévotions populaires renforcent ces tendances, faisant des prêtres des fournisseurs de bénédictions à volonté.Pour rompre les multiples renforcements qui justifient ce style de gouvernance, il faudrait développer dans l’Église une culture de la vulnérabilité (Keenan): envisager le prêtre non seulement comme un clerc au service des laïcs mais aussi comme un homme qui a besoin des laïcs pour être vraiment prêtre.
Change in Cavitation Regime on NACA0015 Hydrofoil by Heating the Hydrofoil Surface
Authors: Yang Ning , Okajima Junnosuke , Iga Yuka
Published: February 2023

An experimental study of cavitating flow on a heated NACA0015 hydrofoil was conducted in a cavitation tunnel to investigate the influence of the hydrofoil surface temperature on the cavitating flow. The cavitation behavior under different heating conditions was examined using high-speed video, and an image processing method was used to obtain the periodic characteristics of the cavitating flow. The results revealed that attached sheet cavitation and supercavitation occurred on both heated and unheated hydrofoils. However, sheet-cloud cavitation was observed only on the unheated hydrofoil, whereas transient cavitation was observed only on the heated hydrofoil. Transient cavitation also exhibited periodic growth/collapse behavior; however, there was no shedding of a large vapor cloud. Moreover, with a further increase in the hydrofoil surface temperature, transient cavitation turned into open-type cavitation. The cavitating flow exhibited a quasi-steady cavity length with an open cavity closure. It was considered that the surface temperature promoted vapor generation at the cavity leading edge, which enlarged the vapor-filled fore part of the sheet cavity. This enlarged sheet cavity prevented the reentrant flow from moving upstream and thus turned the cavity closure into an open type. Once the cavity closure turned into an open type, the local disturbance led to a smaller adverse pressure gradient, which was not sufficiently strong to create a reentrant flow. In this case, if the vapor generation at the cavity leading edge was sufficiently large to reach a balance with vapor condensation at the open cavity closure, the cavity would be steady.
Streamwise Extent and Ramp Rate Effects on Laminar Boundary Layer Response to Plasma Actuator Vortex Generators
Authors: Khanjari Hossein , Varacalli Michael , Hanson Ronald E.
Published: February 2023

The unsteady output of a spanwise array of plasma actuators, arranged to generate streaks of high and low streamwise velocity in a Blasius boundary layer, is modeled numerically. When the forcing by the actuators undergoes a step change from off to on, the flow response downstream of the actuators is initially inverted in terms of the streamwise vorticity, disturbance velocity, and wall shear stress before approaching the steady-state behavior. The present study considers the effect of the length of the actuator in the streamwise direction and the effect of the rate change of the output of the actuator with respect to the nonminimum phase behavior. For the different rates of a gradually applied force, the body force increases linearly from zero to the same maximum value of the step, which simulates a reduced slew rate or ramped output. It is shown that the inverse flow response remains for the gradually applied input; however, the peak magnitude is less, and the overall response appears more damped. As the actuator length is reduced, while forcing was compensated for the shorter convective time over the actuator, the peak inverse response was enhanced.
Motion acoustic flow field: Underwater small target motion characterization for active sonar echograph of harbor environment
Authors: Wei Zhuoqun , Han Yina , Zhao Shuang , Liu Qingyu , Song Jun
Published: February 2023

Spatial-temporal variations of active sonar echo intensity can provide effective motion information for characterizing intruding small targets and play a key role in follow-up tracking, behavioral analysis, and recognition, etc. Inspired by the idea of optical flow, which can be used to calculate subtle spatial-temporal variations of each pixel in image sequences, a different motion acoustic flow field (MAFF) is proposed for estimating the motion of underwater small targets in successive active sonar echographs from harbor environments. This is because directly applying current calculation framework for optical flow presents two challenges in this case. The first challenge is that the echo intensity fluctuation breaks its potential assumption of brightness consistency in the pre-processing stage. The second challenge is that the small size of the blob targets could be smoothed out as outliers by its median filter-based post-processing. Hence starting from the classical optical flow equation, MAFF introduces a novel spatial-temporal connected component pre-processing and a novel blob shape segmentation refinement post-processing. Experiments on a set of real-world harbor datasets demonstrate the efficacy of our MAFF calculation framework.
Psychometric Proprieties of the Slovenian Version of the Test of Gross Motor Development–3
Authors: Marinšek Miha , Bedenik Klemen , Kovač Marjeta
Published: February 2023

Motor competence as an indicator of gross motor development is characterized by changes in movement patterns and outcomes. The Test of Gross Motor Development-3 consists of six locomotor and seven ball tasks used to assess the quality of fundamental motor skills in children. The purpose of this study is twofold—to produce a Slovenian translation of Test of Gross Motor Development-3 and to evaluate it on a sample of Slovenian children. First, a back translation was carried out with the help of relevant field professionals, thus producing a Slovenian version of Test of Gross Motor Development-3 with excellent content validity. Second, trained assessors rated the video-recorded test tasks of 452 Slovenian children with smaller groups of measured participants repeating the procedure within 2- and 4-week interval to assess reliability. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using several statistical methods. The data showed good to excellent reliability for intrarater, interrater, test–retest reliability, structural validity, and internal consistency for the majority of motor skills, as well as good measurement invariance across genders.
The Relationship Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Lower-Extremity Visuomotor Reaction Time in Young Adult Women Following Ankle Sprain
Authors: Bain Katherine A. , Baez Shelby , Kosik Kyle B. , Hoch Matthew C. , Hoch Johanna M. , Johnson Nathan F. , Andreatta Richard D. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: February 2023

Context: Many individuals who sustain a lateral ankle sprain (LAS) fail to return to prior activity due to residual symptoms; and report elevated levels of injury-related fear, decreased function, and decreased health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Additionally, individuals with history of LAS exhibit deficits in neurocognitive functional measures like visuomotor reaction time (VMRT), which contributes to worse patient-reported outcome scores. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between HRQOL and lower-extremity (LE) VMRT in individuals with LAS history. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Young adult female volunteers with history of LAS (n = 22; age = 24 [3.5] y; height = 163.1 [9.8] cm; mass = 65.1 [11.5] kg; and time since last LAS = 67.8 [50.5] mo) completed HRQOL outcomes including the following: (1) Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, (2) Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, (3) Penn State Worry Questionnaire, (4) modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale, and (5) Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Additionally, participants completed a LE-VMRT task by responding to a visual stimulus using their foot to deactivate light sensors. Participants completed trials bilaterally. Separate Spearman rho correlations were performed to assess the relationship between patient-reported outcomes assessing constructs of HRQOL and LE-VRMT bilaterally. Significance was set at P < .05. Results: There was a strong, significant negative correlation between FADI-Activities of Daily Living (ρ = −.68; P = .002) and FADI-Sport (ρ = −.76; P = .001) scores and injured limb LE-VMRT; moderate, significant negative correlations between the uninjured limb LE-VMRT and FADI-Activities of Daily Living (ρ = −.60; P = .01) and FADI-Sport (ρ = −.60; P = .01) scores; and moderate, significant positive correlations between the injured limb LE-VMRT and modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale-Physical Summary Component (ρ = .52; P = .01) and modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale-Total (ρ = .54; P = .02) scores. All other correlations were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Young adult women with history of LAS demonstrated an association between self-reported constructs of HRQOL and LE-VMRT. As LE-VMRT is a modifiable injury risk factor, future studies should examine the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve LE-VMRT and the impact on self-reported HRQOL.
Comment on “Soybean photosynthesis and crop yield are improved by accelerating recovery from photoprotection”
Authors: Sinclair Thomas , Specht James , Cassman Kenneth , Purcell Larry , Rufty Thomas
Published: February 2023

De Souza
et al.
(Research Articles, 19 Aug 2022, adc9831) recently claimed major soybean yield increases resulting from transformation of the nonphotochemical quenching mechanism of photosynthesis. However, there is little basis for the premise that such a transformation would result in yield increase. The field experiment was flawed and does not provide evidence for increases in crop yield.
Distinct Growth Responses of Tundra Soil Bacteria to Short-Term and Long-Term Warming
Authors: Propster Jeffrey R. , Schwartz Egbert , Hayer Michaela , Miller Samantha , Monsaint-Queeney Victoria , Koch Benjamin J. , Morrissey Ember M. , Mack Michelle C. , Hungate Bruce A.
Published: February 2023

Soil carbon stocks in the tundra and underlying permafrost have become increasingly vulnerable to microbial decomposition due to climate change. The microbial responses to Arctic warming must be understood in order to predict the effects of future microbial activity on carbon balance in a warming Arctic.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Sulfate-Reducing Bacterial Strain SYK, Isolated from a Xenic Culture of an Anaerobic Protist
Authors: Kondo Ryuji , Kataoka Takafumi
Published: February 2023

The sulfate-reducing bacterial strain SYK was isolated from a xenic culture of an anaerobic heterolobosean protist which was obtained from a saline lake in Japan. Its draft genome comprises 1 circular chromosome (3,762,062 bp), harboring 3,463 predicted protein- and 65 tRNA-encoding genes and 3 rRNA operons.
Complete Genome Sequences of Ralstonia solanacearum Strains Isolated from Infected Ginger Plants
Authors: Hasan Mehbub , Satoh Miho , Kiba Akinori , Hikichi Yasufumi , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: February 2023

We present the complete genome sequences of
Ralstonia solanacearum
strains isolated from ginger plants. Strains MAFF 211471, MAFF 211479, MAFF 211491, MAFF 301560, MAFF 241647, and MAFF 241648 contain 69, 64, 65, 69, 72, and 64 type III effector genes, respectively.
Influenza A Virus-Induced circRNA circMerTK Negatively Regulates Innate Antiviral Responses
Authors: Qiu Haori , Yang Bincai , Chen Yuhai , Zhu Qianwen , Wen Faxin , Peng Min , Wang Guoqing , Guo Guijie , Chen Biao , Maarouf Mohamed , Fang Min , Chen Ji-Long
Published: February 2023

CircRNAs are an important class of noncoding RNAs characterized by a covalently closed circular structure. CircRNAs have been proven to impact numerous cellular processes, where they conduct specialized biological activities.
Yersiniomics, a Multi-Omics Interactive Database for
Yersinia
Species
Authors: Lê-Bury Pierre , Druart Karen , Savin Cyril , Lechat Pierre , Mas Fiol Guillem , Matondo Mariette , Bécavin Christophe , Dussurget Olivier , Pizarro-Cerdá Javier
Published: February 2023

The expanding genus
Yersinia
is composed of multiple nonpathogenic species and a few pathogenic species, including the deadly etiologic agent of plague,
Yersinia pestis
. In 2 decades, the number of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies on
Yersinia
grew massively, delivering a wealth of data.
Creative leisure activities, mental health and well-being during 5 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a fixed effects analysis of data from 3725 US adults
Authors: Bone Jessica K , Fancourt Daisy , Sonke Jill K , Fluharty Meg E , Cohen Randy , Lee Jenny B , Kolenic Anthony J , Radunovich Heidi , Bu Feifei
Published: February 2023

Introduction

We investigated whether changes in engagement in home-based creative activities were associated with changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to replicate findings from the UK in a USA sample.

Methods

3725 adults were included from the COVID-19 Social Study in the USA, a panel study collecting data weekly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured engagement in eight types of creative leisure activities on the previous weekday between April and September 2020. Data were analysed using fixed effects regression models.

Results

Increased time spent gardening was associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms and enhanced life satisfaction. Spending more time doing woodwork/DIY and arts/crafts were also associated with enhanced life satisfaction. However, more time watching television, films or other similar media (not for information on COVID-19) was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Other creative activities were not associated with mental health or well-being.

Conclusion

Some findings differ from evidence obtained in the UK, demonstrating the importance of replicating research across countries. Our findings should also be considered when formulating guidelines for future stay-at-home directives, enabling individuals to stay well despite the closure of public resources.
Preliminary study on the blending of citrus fruit pulp under vacuum to extract cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Nakagaito Antonio Norio , Takahashi Soh , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: February 2023

In this study, agricultural waste-derived cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was extracted from parenchyma cells of citrus fruit residue by chemical pulping and fibrillation by a kitchen blender. By changing the pulp blending conditions such as carrying under negative pressure and alkaline aqueous medium, it was possible to obtain CNF morphology at an affordable cost and in a relatively short time.
Flame retardant and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/novel phenolic resin sandwich composite laminates
Authors: Shen Ming-Yuan , Liao Wen-Yuan , Feng Wan-Ting
Published: February 2023

This study investigated a novel phenolic resin that possesses the advantages of both epoxy and phenolic resins and significantly improves their disadvantages. This novel phenolic resin was impregnated into the carbon fiber woven to prepare a sandwich composite. Composites with sandwich structures were analyzed for their flame retardant and mechanical properties. The flame retardancy of the novel phenolic resin composite was similar to that of a pure phenolic resin composite without the processing disadvantages of pure phenolic resin, and these two composites were better than epoxy sandwich composites. The mechanical properties, such as facesheet, and core shear test results of the sandwich composite revealed that both epoxy and novel phenolic composites with a flame retardant added had poor interfacial bonding, resulting in lower strength than that of the neat sandwich composite.
Fatigue damage accumulation of sandwich panels with glass/polypropylene faces and aluminum foam core under two-stage cyclic flexural loading
Authors: Jen Yi-Ming , Chen Han
Published: February 2023

The two-stage cumulative flexural fatigue behavior of sandwich beams with glass/polypropylene (PP) faces and aluminum (Al) foam core was experimentally analyzed to study the loading sequence effect of the studied innovative sandwich composites subjected to variable-amplitude cyclic loading. The constant amplitude load–life curve was established first for reference. Subsequently, the two-stage cumulative fatigue tests were performed, and the high/low loading sequence and cycle ratio of the first stage were used as experimental variables in the cumulative fatigue tests. Experimental results showed that the sum of the cycle ratios of the two stages for all cases was approximately 1.3. Furthermore, the loading sequence effect was slight. Because the interaction of damage evolution for the two stages was nonsignificant, the different failure modes for the high- and low-loading levels contributed to the high sums of cycle ratios.
Repairing damaged composite laminates using carbon fiber reinforced bulk mold compound
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Han , Wang I-Hsin , Huang Yau-Shian , Tsai Shang-Nan
Published: February 2023

This work used short carbon fibers (SCFs) of different lengths to manufacture epoxy bulk mold compound (BMC) composites. Drop-weight-impact tests were performed on the intact carbon-fiber-reinforced-polymers (CFRPs) laminates to generate artificial damage. The damaged CFRP laminates were then repaired using the SCF-BMC composites. Compression after impact (CAI) tests were conducted to measure the compressive strength of the repaired laminates. Tensile properties and compressive properties of the SCF-BMC composites were also measured. The results show that 48-mm carbon fibers result in the largest tensile modulus, tensile strength, and compressive strength, while 12-mm carbon fibers result in the largest compressive modulus. CAI test results show that the compressive strength of the repaired laminate can be restored to 80.3% of that of the undamaged laminate. Therefore, SCF-BMC composites significantly contribute to repairing damaged composite laminates.
Development of Mesoporous Carbon Composites with Waste Plastics Derived Graphene and MnO2 for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Murugan M. , Dineshkumar G. , Kumar K. Chaitanya , Tewari Chetna , Ganesan M. , Sahoo Nanda Gopal , Sivanantham M.
Published: February 2023

This study demonstrates the influence of incorporating the composites such as waste plastics derived graphene (WPDG) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) in the mesoporous carbon (CR) and their consequent characteristics. The CR having WPDG as composite is named as CRG and MnO2 containing CR composite is termed as CRM. CRG possess the surface area as high as 790 m2g−1 along with pore volume of 0.565 cc g−1 and radius of 3.82 nm. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) study suggested that CR and CRG showed non-Faradic capacitive behavior with almost rectangular shaped CV profiles at low scan rates and this shows the existence of electric double layer structure. On the other hand, pseudo-capacitance is observed for CRM. Galvanostatic charge/discharge investigation revealed that the specific capacitance can be enhanced by 6 times upon subsequent immobilization of WPDG in CR whereas 4-fold upgrading in the specific capacitance after treating CR with MnO2. Interestingly, CRM showed higher capacitance retention as compared to CRG and is attributed to its smaller value of equivalent series resistance as compared to CRG. Ragone plots shown that the higher energy and power densities are found for the case of CRG.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Kaempferol: A Review of the Dietary Sources, Bioavailability, Mechanisms of Action, and Safety
Authors: Alkandahri Maulana Yusuf , Pamungkas Barolym Tri , Oktoba Zulpakor , Shafirany Mareetha Zahra , Sulastri Lela , Arfania Maya , Anggraeny Ebta Narasukma , Pratiwi Ade , Astuti Fitri Dwi , Indriyani  , Dewi Siti Yuliani , Hamidah Salsa Zulfa
Published: February 2023

The liver is the body’s most critical organ that performs vital functions. Hepatic disorders can affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. Hepatic disorder is a condition that describes the damage to cells, tissues, structures, and functions of the liver, which can cause fibrosis and ultimately result in cirrhosis. These diseases include hepatitis, ALD, NAFLD, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and HCC. Hepatic diseases are caused by cell membrane rupture, immune response, altered drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Despite the breakthrough in modern medicine, there is no drug that is effective in stimulating the liver function, offering complete protection, and aiding liver cell regeneration. Furthermore, some drugs can create adverse side effects, and natural medicines are carefully selected as new therapeutic strategies for managing liver disease. Kaempferol is a polyphenol contained in many vegetables, fruits, and herbal remedies. We use it to manage various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancers. Kaempferol is a potent antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects, which therefore possesses hepatoprotective properties. The previous research has studied the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol in various hepatotoxicity protocols, including acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, ALD, NAFLD, CCl4, HCC, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury. Therefore, this report aims to provide a recent brief overview of the literature concerning the hepatoprotective effect of kaempferol and its possible molecular mechanism of action. It also provides the most recent literature on kaempferol’s chemical structure, natural source, bioavailability, and safety.
The Impact of Serum Parameters Associated with Kidney Function on the Short-Term Outcomes and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Surgery
Authors: Zhang Bin , Liu Xu-Rui , Liu Xiao-Yu , Kang Bing , Yuan Chao , Liu Fei , Li Zi-Wei , Wei Zheng-Qiang , Peng Dong
Published: February 2023

Purpose. The current study was designed to investigate the impact of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid (UA), and cystatin (CysC) on the short-term outcomes and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing radical surgery. Methods. CRC patients who underwent radical resection were included from Jan 2011 to Jan 2020 in a single clinical centre. The short-term outcomes, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared in different groups. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for OS and DFS. Results. A total of 2047 CRC patients who underwent radical resection were included in the current study. Patients in the abnormal BUN group had a longer hospital stay (

p
=
0.002

) and more overall complications (

p
=
0.001

) than that of the normal BUN group. The abnormal CysC group had longer hospital stay (

p
<
0.01

), more overall complications (

p
=
p
<
0.01

), and more major complications (

p
=
0.001

) than the normal CysC group. Abnormal CysC was associated with worse OS and DFS for CRC patients in tumor stage I (

p
<
0.01

). In Cox regression analysis, age (

p
<
0.01

, HR = 1.041, 95% CI = 1.029–1.053), tumor stage (

p
<
0.01

, HR = 2.134, 95% CI = 1.828–2.491), and overall complications (

p
=
0.002

, HR = 1.499, 95% CI = 1.166–1.928) were independent risk factors for OS. Similarly, age (

p
<
0.01

, HR = 1.026, 95% CI = 1.016–1.037), tumor stage (

p
<
0.01

, HR = 2.053, 95% CI = 1.788–2.357), and overall complications (

p
=
0.002

, HR = 1.440, 95% CI = 1.144–1.814) were independent risk factors for DFS. Conclusion. In conclusion, abnormal CysC was significantly associated with worse OS and DFS at TNM stage I, and abnormal CysC and BUN were related to more postoperative complications. However, preoperative BUN and UA in the serum might not affect OS and DFS for CRC patients who underwent radical resection.
Emergency Obstetric Hysterectomy after Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta
Authors: Loukopoulos T. , Zikopoulos A. , Plachoura M. , Galani A. , Zikopoulos K. , Kolibianakis E.
Published: February 2023

Background. Obstetric hemorrhage is a frequent and life-threatening complication of either vaginal or cesarean delivery. It can be due to many causes, one of which is placenta accreta, the abnormal invasion of the placenta into the myometrial wall of uterus. Ultrasonography is the first line diagnostic method that can lead to the diagnosis of placenta accreta although, the depth of penetration is estimated by magnetic resonance imaging. Placenta accreta is a life-threatening situation requiring an experienced health care team for its management. Hysterectomy is usually performed although, conservative management might be preferred in carefully selected cases. Case Presentation. A 32-year-old woman (G2, P0) who had an inconsistently monitored pregnancy appeared at a regional hospital with contractions at 39th week of gestation. In her first pregnancy, she was subjected to cesarean section due to delay in second stage of labor and unfortunately her child died due to sudden cardiac death. During C-section, placenta accreta was identified. Given her previous history and her desire to maintain fertility, conservative management was initially planned to preserve her uterus. However, due to persisting vaginal bleeding immediately after delivery an emergency hysterectomy was performed. Conclusion. Conservative management of placenta accreta can be considered in some special cases with the aim to spare fertility. However, if bleeding cannot be controlled during the immediate postpartum period, emergency hysterectomy is unavoidable. A specialized multidisciplinary medical team is required to optimize management.