bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutional controversies in the subnational democratization of Mexico, 1994–2021
Authors: Berruecos García Travesí Susana , Whitehead Laurence
Published: October 2021

After the 1994 judicial reform, the Mexican Supreme Court has transformed into a more genuine enforcer of law and the final arbiter in an increasing number of disputes over power and resources between different levels and branches of government. Constitutional controversies have become an essential legal resource enabling subnational actors to defend the autonomy and jurisdiction guaranteed in the Constitution. The number of constitutional controversies filed by municipalities and subnational actors before the Court increased considerably in the 1995–2021 period, reaching nearly 2500 intergovernmental disputes of exclusive jurisdiction. In the context of growing political fragmentation, this judicialization process has motivated subnational actors to appeal regularly to the Supreme Court to act as a counterweight, resulting in an increasing influence in the national political arena and even in the implementation of public policies. With its rulings, a nonrepresentative body is regulating coexistence among elected political actors and institutionalizing new rules of behavior. The Supreme Court's rulings on fundamental cases that are still pending should reveal whether the 2021 judicial reform will enhance judicial independence.
The Mind of a Jihadist: The North Islamic Resistance
Authors: Shlapentokh Dmitry
Published: October 2021

There are libraries of books and articles related to the study of Islamic terrorism. Most of them see Islam as a reason for action. The authors of these publications fail to explain why similar terrorist acts are committed by people who often—as is the case in the United States—have no ideology and seem to choose their victims at random. This article argues that the roots of terrorism can be found not in ideology but in sociocultural aspects of society, including Western societies. This article argues that the mind of a jihadist, like any other terrorists or revolutionaries, can be roughly divided into two compartments. The first I define as “Tertullian,” based on emotions. Indeed, individuals from different cultures and societies have their own peculiar “road to Damascus.” The other, defined as “Cartesian,” is practical and helps Islamists achieve their goals. The writings of Islamists from the Russian Northern Caucasus during the heyday of their activities (2007–15) reveal how “Tertullian” and “Cartesian” minds work.
Tumour‐associated CD204+ microglia/macrophages accumulate in perivascular and perinecrotic niches and correlate with an interleukin‐6‐enriched inflammatory profile in glioblastoma
Authors: Sørensen Mia D. , Kristensen Bjarne W.
Published: October 2021

Aims

Glioblastomas are heterogeneous tumours with a rich tumour microenvironment particularly comprised of tumour‐associated microglia/macrophages (TAMs), but also containing a population of dedifferentiated/stem‐like glioblastoma cells. Both cell populations contribute to tumour aggressiveness and immune evasion through the actions of various signalling molecules. The scavenger and pattern recognition receptor CD204 is associated with a pro‐tumourigenic phenotype of TAMs and has a negative prognostic value. Our objective was to investigate the possible interaction between TAMs and dedifferentiated glioblastoma cells and characterise the myeloid phenotype of CD204‐enriched glioblastomas.

Methods

Double immunohistochemistry and cell counting was performed on eight glioblastoma samples to estimate the expression and interaction level between dedifferentiated/stem‐like tumour cells and TAMs. Using the NanoString technology, myeloid transcriptome profiling was performed on 46 glioblastomas, which had been selected based on their protein expression levels of CD204 and ionised calcium‐binding adaptor molecule‐1 (IBA1). The results were validated by immunohistochemistry and in silico gene expression analyses.

Results

TAMs especially CD204+ TAMs accumulated in perivascular and perinecrotic niches in close proximity to podoplanin+ glioblastoma cells. Gene profiling revealed that CD204‐enriched glioblastoma has a unique signature with upregulation of genes related to hypoxia, angiogenesis and invasion, including interleukin‐6. The gene signature favoured a poor prognosis in patients with glioblastoma.

Conclusions

This is the first study to characterise the role of CD204 in the myeloid microenvironment of glioblastoma. Our results support the unfavourable prognostic impact of CD204 and suggest that CD204 and interleukin‐6 could serve as targets for re‐education of TAMs and potentiation of current anti‐glioma therapy.
The efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine in pregnant patients with IgA nephropathy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Chen , Si Feng‐Lei , Yao Yu‐Xuan , Lv Ji‐Cheng , Shi Su‐Fang , Chen Yu‐Qing , Liu Li‐Jun , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2021

Aim

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used to control proteinuria in IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) However, its efficacy and safety in pregnant IgAN patients remains unknown. This study aimed to verify the safety of HCQ in pregnant IgAN patients and compare renal function and pregnancy outcomes with those of patients not treated with HCQ.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all pregnant IgAN patients and singleton gestations at Peking University First Hospital from 2003–2021. Patients who did and did not receive HCQ treatment during pregnancy were compared.

Results

We found no significant pre‐ or post‐pregnancy differences in proteinuria or renal function between the two groups. However, the HCQ (+) group had higher proteinuria at the time of kidney biopsy (2.04 [1.26, 2.56] g/d vs. 0.80 [0.44, 1.11] g/d, P < .001); the proteinuria level at HCQ therapy initiation was also higher than that at the beginning of pregnancy (1.87 [1.30, 2.59] g/d vs. 1.08 [0.75, 1.50] g/d, P = .001). Despite no difference in preterm birth, birth weight, preeclampsia or postpartum haemorrhage, the proportion of patients with a previous history of spontaneous abortion was higher in the HCQ (+) group than in the HCQ (−) group (48.0% vs. 20.6%, P = .010). The eGFR (regression coefficient, 0.981; 95%CI 0.964–0.998) was a predictive factor for obstetrical complications.

Conclusion

HCQ is safe for IgAN treatment during pregnancy with effective reduction of proteinuria. HCQ might also be helpful in patients with a history of spontaneous abortion.
Heterogeneity of primary and secondary peristalsis in systemic sclerosis: A new model of “scleroderma esophagus”
Authors: Carlson Dustin A. , Prescott Jacqueline E. , Germond Emma , Brenner Darren , Carns Mary , Correia Chase S. , Tetreault Marie‐Pier , McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Hinchcliff Monique , Kou Wenjun , Kahrilas Peter J. , Perlman Harris R. , Pandolfino John E.
Published: October 2021

Background

Although esophageal dysmotility is common in systemic sclerosis (SSc)/scleroderma, little is known regarding the pathophysiology of motor abnormalities driving reflux severity and dysphagia. This study aimed to assess primary and secondary peristalsis in SSc using a comprehensive esophageal motility assessment applying high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with scleroderma (28 female; ages 38–77; 20 limited SSc, 12 diffuse SSc) completed FLIP Panometry and HRM. Secondary peristalsis, i.e., contractile responses (CR), was classified on FLIP Panometry by pattern of contractility as normal (NCR), borderline (BCR), impaired/disordered (IDCR), or absent (ACR). Primary peristalsis on HRM was assessed according to the Chicago classification.

Results

The manometric diagnoses were 56% (n = 18) absent contractility, 22% (n = 7) ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), and 22% (n = 7) normal motility. Secondary peristalsis (CRs) included 38% (n = 12) ACR, 38% (n = 12) IDCR, 19% (n = 6) BCR, and 15% (n = 5) NCR. The median (IQR) esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility index (DI) was 5.8 mm2/mmHg (4.8–10.1) mm2/mmHg; EGJ‐DI was >8.0 mm2/mmHg in 31%, and >2.0 mm2/mmHg in 100% of patients. Among 18 patients with absent contractility on HRM, 11 had ACR, 5 had IDCR, and 2 had BCR. Among 7 patients with IEM, 1 had ACR, 5 had IDCR, and 1 NCR. All of the patients with normal peristalsis had NCR or BCR.

Conclusions

This was the first study assessing combined HRM and FLIP Panometry in a cohort of SSc patients, which demonstrated heterogeneity in primary and secondary peristalsis. This complementary approach facilitates characterizing esophageal function in SSc, although future study to examine clinical outcomes remains necessary.
Prevención transfronteriza de la obesidad infantil: comentario de los National Institutes of Health
Authors: Vorkoper Susan , Arteaga S. Sonia , Berrigan David , Bialy Kevin , Bremer Andrew A. , Cotton Paul , Czajkowski Susan , Neilson Elizabeth , Osganian Stavroula K. , Pratt Charlotte A. , Price Le Shawndra N. , Tabor Derrick C. , Walker Jenelle R. , Williams Makeda J. , Anand Nalini
Published: October 2021

En respuesta al aumento de las tasas de obesidad infantil, Estados Unidos y algunos países de Latinoamérica han financiado numerosos estudios que analizan estrategias e intervenciones innovadoras. A pesar de ello, los avances han sido lentos, irregulares y esporádicos, lo cual demuestra la necesidad de intensificar el intercambio de conocimientos y la colaboración en la investigación para acelerar la adaptación e implementación de intervenciones prometedoras en el campo de la obesidad infantil. Con la intención de compartir resultados de estudios, problemas y estrategias de intervención de probada eficacia entre los investigadores latinoamericanos y estadounidenses (especialmente los que trabajan con poblaciones latinas y latinoamericanas), los National Institutes of Health (NIH) reunieron a investigadores de Estados Unidos y Latinoamérica para destacar las sinergias entre los estudios de Latinoamérica y los realizados en poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos. El fin último de esta iniciativa fue catalizar nuevas relaciones e identificar preguntas y estrategias comunes para la investigación. Este artículo se centra en la investigación y las prioridades de los NIH en materia de prevención de la obesidad infantil, así como en las áreas para futuras acciones, incluidos los planes generales de los NIH y las inversiones de sus institutos, centros y oficinas en áreas concretas relacionadas con la prevención de la obesidad infantil en Latinoamérica y en las poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos.
Un marco conceptual orientado a la acción para soluciones sistémicas de prevención de la obesidad infantil en Latinoamérica y en las poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos
Authors: Garcia Leandro M. T. , Hunter Ruth F. , de la Haye Kayla , Economos Christina D. , King Abby C.
Published: October 2021

La obesidad infantil en Latinoamérica y en las poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos es un problema de salud pública complejo y persistente y, como tal, requiere soluciones basadas en la teoría y los métodos de la ciencia de sistemas. En este artículo presentamos un marco conceptual orientado a la acción para diseñar, implementar, evaluar y mantener cambios sistémicos comunitarios con el fin de prevenir la obesidad infantil en Latinoamérica y en las poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos. Las acciones de nuestro marco conceptual comprenden seis etapas: (1) promover la formación de un equipo multisectorial; (2) mapear el sistema, el contexto y los impulsores; (3) concebir cambios sistémicos; (4) realizar cambios sistémicos; (5) monitorear, aprender y adaptar; (6) escalar y mantener. También proponemos diez principios que colocan los derechos humanos y ambientales y el pensamiento sistémico en el centro de estas soluciones que afectan al conjunto del sistema. A cada etapa de acción le corresponde una lista de actividades, métodos, enfoques y ejemplos concretos que pueden utilizarse como guía y base del trabajo que hay que realizar para alcanzar los resultados esperados. Por último, presentamos cómo ampliar y mantener el uso de la ciencia de sistemas para prevenir la obesidad infantil en Latinoamérica y en las poblaciones latinas de Estados Unidos.
Do adolescents' experiences of the barriers to and facilitators of physical activity differ by socioeconomic position? A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Alliott Olivia , Ryan Mairead , Fairbrother Hannah , van Sluijs Esther
Published: October 2021

This review aims to systematically identify and synthesize qualitative data on adolescents' experiences of the barriers to and facilitators of physical activity to understand whether these differ by socioeconomic position. Multiple databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO, and ERIC) were searched in August 2020. Duplicate title/abstract and full text screening was conducted. Studies were included if they reported qualitative data collected from adolescents (aged 10–19), a measure of socioeconomic position and focused on physical activity. Studies not published in English or published before 2000 were excluded. Relevant data were extracted and methodological quality assessed (in duplicate). Data were analyzed using Thomas and Harden's methods for the thematic synthesis. Four analytical themes emerged from the 25 included studies: (1) social support, (2) accessibility and the environment, (3) other behaviors and health, and (4) gendered experiences. These themes appeared across socioeconomic groups; however, their narratives varied significantly. For example, provision and access to local facilities was discussed as a facilitator to middle and high socioeconomic adolescents, but was a barrier to low socioeconomic adolescents. These findings can be used to inform how different socioeconomic groups may benefit from, or be disadvantaged by, current interventions.
One‐Third Tubular Plate Remains a Clinically Good Option in Danis‐Weber Type B Distal Fibular Fracture Fixation
Authors: Ahn Jae Hoon , Cho Sung Hyun , Jeong Mingi , Kim Yoon‐Chung
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of locking plate (LP) and non‐locking one‐third tubular plate (TP) fixation, and to provide guidance on plate selection for Danis‐Weber type B distal fibular fracture treatment.

Methods

In total, 83 patients who underwent plate fixation for Danis‐Weber type B distal fibular fractures between March 2013 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed: 41 (49.0%) received LPs and 42 (51.0%) received TPs. Patients' demographic data, follow‐up durations, the proportion of comminuted fractures, and ankle range of motion were investigated. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle‐hindfoot scale, Karlsson scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores were assessed. The radiographic union progression and implant removal time were evaluated, along with postoperative complications. Data from the LP and TP groups were compared statistically.

Results

The mean patient ages were 53.3 ± 17.5 years (range, 16–80 years) and 47.6 ± 17.0 years (range, 14–68 years) in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The gender distribution did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). Other demographic data also did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). The mean follow‐up durations were 16.8 ± 7.7 months (range, 13.0–19.0 months) in the LP group and 16.1 ± 6.2 months (range, 12.0–20.0 months) in the TP group (P > 0.05). Comminuted fractures were observed in 18 of 41 (43.9%) patients with LP and 10 of 42 (23.8%) patients with TP (P > 0.05). Forward bending ankle dorsiflexion was possible at the final follow‐up in 82.9% and 85.7% of LP and TP patients, respectively (P > 0.05). The AOFAS ankle‐hindfoot scale, Karlsson scale, FAAM, and LEFS scores did not differ significantly between groups at the final follow‐up (P > 0.05). The pre‐fracture and final postoperative scores on these four instruments did not differ significantly in the LP or TP group (P > 0.05). The mean times to radiographic union progression were 13.5 ± 7.1 weeks and 15.1 ± 10.2 weeks in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean times to implant removal surgery reaffirming solid union were 15.6 ± 5.5 months and 14.8 ± 4.9 months in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Hardware irritation was detected in five patients in the LP group (12.2%) and three in the TP group (7.1%) (P > 0.05). One patient in the LP group and two in the TP group developed superficial wound infections, which resolved without further surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Conventional TP remains a good option for the fixation of Danis‐Weber type B distal fibular fractures, regardless of the biomechanical properties.
Supporting conscious competency: Validation of the Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT)
Authors: Hamilton Sarah J. , Briggs Lynne , Peterson Erin E. , Slattery Maddy , O’Donovan Analise
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Clinical supervision is essential for ensuring effective service delivery. International imperatives to demonstrate professional competence has increased attention on the role of supervision in enhancing client outcomes. Although supervisor competency tools are recognised as important components in effective supervision, there remains a shortage of tools that are evidenced‐based, applicable across workforces and freely accessible.

Design

An expert multidisciplinary group developed the Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT) to assess supervisor competencies across a range of professions. Initially the GSAT consisted of 32 items responded to by either a supervisor (GSAT‐SR) or supervisee (GSAT‐SE). The current study, using surveys, employed a cross‐sectional design to test the reliability and construct validity of the GSAT.

Methods

The study consisted of two phases and included 12 professional groups across Australasia. In 2018, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken with survey data from 479 supervisors and 447 supervisees. In 2019 survey data from 182 supervisors and 186 supervisees were used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results were used to refine and validate the GSAT.

Results

The final GSAT‐SR has four factors with 26 competency items. The final GSAT‐SE has two factors with 21 competency items. The EFA and CFA confirmed that the GSAT‐SR and the GSAT‐SE are psychometrically valid tools that supervisors and supervisees can utilise to assess competencies.

Conclusion

As a non‐discipline specific supervision tool, the GSAT is a validated, freely available tool for benchmarking the competencies of clinical supervisors across professions, potentially optimising supervisory evaluation processes and strengthening supervision effectiveness.

Practitioner points

Supervisor competency tools are recognised as important components of safe and effective supervision provision yet there is a dearth of valid, reliable and effective measures.

The Generic Supervision Assessment Tool (GSAT‐SR and GSAT‐SE) are unique psychometrically valid, and reliable measures of supervisor competence.

The GSAT‐SR and the GSAT‐SE can enhance translation of evidence‐based supervision competency skills into regular practice.

Validated with a broad cross section of professionals in diverse practice settings the GSAT provides a comprehensive conceptualization of supervisor competence.
Review article: Emerging issues in pediatric skin of color, Part 2
Authors: Mitchell Krystal N. , Tay Yong Kwang , Heath Candrice R. , Silverberg Nanette B.
Published: October 2021

Dermatology for pediatric skin of color is the application of dermatology to the genetically diverse and distinctive segment of the pediatric population that includes children of non‐White racial and ethnic groups with increased pigmentation including individuals of Asian, Hispanic/LatinX, African, Native American, Pacific Island descent, indigenous people among others with overlap in particular individuals, and mixtures thereof. The discipline of pediatric skin of color can be challenging with difficulty in diagnosis of common conditions due to underlying pigmentation, variations in common hair styling practices, and differences in demographics of cutaneous disease. Whereas some conditions are more common in children of color, other conditions have nuances in clinical appearance and therapeutics with regard to skin color. This article, the second of the series, focuses on inflammatory skin disease nuances, melanocytic disorders, and hypopigmented mycosis fungoides.
Task structure as a boundary condition for collective intelligence
Authors: Graf‐Drasch Valerie , Gimpel Henner , Barlow Jordan B. , Dennis Alan R.
Published: October 2021

In 2010, a new research stream began on collective intelligence (CI), defined as a group's general ability to perform consistently well across a wide variety of tasks. Subsequent empirical evidence presents a mixed picture. Some studies have found groups to exhibit CI while others have not. To resolve these disparate results, we compare 21 experimental studies to understand what influences whether groups exhibit CI. We find that task structure is a boundary condition for CI in that groups exhibit CI across well‐structured tasks but not across ill‐structured tasks. For ill‐structured tasks, CI has a more nuanced set of multiple factors that may be interpreted as different facets of CI. This research extends our understanding of CI by suggesting that the original definition of CI was too all‐encompassing. CI should be reconceptualized as a multi‐dimensional phenomenon, similar to research on individual intelligence. We highlight avenues for future research to continue to move CI research forward, particularly regarding ill‐structured tasks.
Opacity of Character: Virtue Ethics and the Legal Admissibility of Character Evidence
Authors: Smith Jacob , Gardiner Georgi
Published: October 2021

Many jurisdictions prohibit or severely restrict the use of evidence about a defendant's character to prove legal culpability. Situationists, who argue that conduct is largely determined by situational features rather than by character, can easily defend this prohibition. According to situationism, character evidence is misleading or paltry. Proscriptions on character evidence seem harder to justify, however, on virtue ethical accounts. It appears that excluding character evidence either denies the centrality of character for explaining conduct—the situationist position—or omits probative evidence. Situationism is, after all, presented as antithetical to virtue ethics. This essay provides a virtue ethical defense of character evidence exclusion rules. We show that existing virtue ethical rebuttals to situationism themselves support prohibitions on character evidence; even if behavior arises from stable character traits, character evidence should be prohibited. In building our case, we provide a taxonomy of kinds of character judgment and reconcile the ubiquity and reasonableness of character judgments in ordinary life with the epistemic legitimacy of character evidence prohibitions in law.
Heat treatment effect on Cadophora luteo‐olivacea of kiwifruit
Authors: Di Francesco Alessandra , Di Foggia Michele , Fasano Amedeo , Baraldi Elena
Published: October 2021

Heat treatment represents an alternative method to fungicides to control latent fruit pathogens, such as Cadophora luteo‐olivacea of kiwifruit. This study reports the efficacy of different hot water (HW) and hot air (HA) treatments (45, 50, 55, 65, and 70°C with durations of 10, 15 or 20, 5 or 10, 5, and 3 min, respectively) on the conidial and mycelial growth of fungal isolates by in vitro assays. Both treatments at 70°C were the most effective in inhibiting conidial and mycelial growth of C. luteo‐olivacea isolates. Treatment efficacy for HW and HA was on average 88% and 71%, respectively, on mycelial growth, and 100% and 91.3%, respectively, on conidial growth. A significant reduction of xylanase and pectinase enzyme activities of the isolates was detected after HW and HA treatment (70°C × 3 min). In most cases, both treatments showed a total reduction, sometimes varying with the target isolate. HA treatment was the most efficient treatment for reducing the skin pitting incidence in in vivo experiments, showing an average efficacy of 46.6%. Results show that heat treatments are effective against C. luteo‐olivacea, but the main challenge will be to develop the optimal time × temperature combinations.
Urgent need for updating the slogan of global climate actions from “tree planting” to “restore native vegetation”
Authors: Tölgyesi Csaba , Buisson Elise , Helm Aveliina , Temperton Vicky M. , Török Péter
Published: October 2021

The prevailing nature‐based solution to tackle climate change is tree planting. However, there is growing evidence that it has serious contraindications in many regions. The main shortcoming of global tree planting is its awareness disparity to alternative ecosystem types, mainly grasslands. Grasslands, where they constitute the natural vegetation, may support higher biodiversity and a safer, soil‐locked carbon stock than plantations and other forests. We suggest replacing “tree planting” by “restore native vegetation.” This improved action terminology reduces the risks of inappropriate afforestation and, by diversifying target ecosystem types, does not reduce but increases potential land area for nature‐based climate mitigation.
Social networks and internal migration in China: A spatial autoregressive model
Authors: Zhao Chuanmin , Qu Xi
Published: October 2021

Individual decisions such as migration can be influenced by different types of social networks. This paper examines strong and weak network effects on internal migration in China by distinguishing between first‐time migrants and experienced migrants. Strong networks are constructed by household members, while weak networks are determined by the village in which the individual resides. By employing spatial econometrics tools, we show that strong networks have a significant positive effect on the first‐time migration decision, while weak network effects vary across home provinces and are significant and positive only for some provinces. We also classify the sample to explore the network effects within the household and find that the effects are larger among siblings, especially among siblings of the same gender. In contrast, strong networks have a smaller impact, and weak networks appear to encourage migration after people have migration experience. Similar findings also apply to the choice of destination, months worked away from home, and migration earnings.
Looking in a mirror: Asylum in the United States as a reflection of white supremacy
Authors: Udani Adriano , Torres Wedding Maria
Published: October 2021

Objective

We contend that the asylum process in the United States exhibits how confinement, surveillance, and deportation work together to extend the primary logics of white supremacy: genocide, anti‐blackness, and orientalism. We envision abolition work that uplifts not only asylum seekers but all people with lived experiences of coerced mobility.

Methods

Through the lenses of critical race, decolonial theory, and abolition, we conceptualize the asylum process beyond only one violent system that coerces the mobility of migrants.

Results

We build a theory that extends scholarly conversations about asylum processes as a system of racial/colonial surveillance, control, and state‐sanctioned violence and that informs abolitionist practices.

Conclusion

In order to eradicate all forms of detention, we must build robust strategies that demolish the pillars of white supremacy and rebuild new politics that reject the notion of freedom as a reward to well‐behaved people, resist coerced mobility, foster shared power arrangements in which people with lived experiences of oppression organize to help each other, and reorient a capitalist system that commoditizes and exploits people's oppression. Striving for anything less will lead to more violence.
Recognition of the HLA‐DRB1*14:119 allele in a Singaporean bone marrow donor
Authors: Cho Louise , Seng Zi‐Jing , Lin Py‐Yu , Yang Kuo‐Liang
Published: October 2021

Nucleotide substitutions in exon 2 of DRB1*14:54:01:01 result in the novel DRB1*14:119 allele.
Redesigning the photosynthetic light reactions to enhance photosynthesis – the PhotoRedesign consortium
Authors: Hitchcock Andrew , Hunter Christopher Neil , Sobotka Roman , Komenda Josef , Dann Marcel , Leister Dario
Published: October 2021

In this Perspective article, we describe the visions of the PhotoRedesign consortium funded by the European Research Council of how to enhance photosynthesis. The light reactions of photosynthesis in individual phototrophic species use only a fraction of the solar spectrum, and high light intensities can impair and even damage the process. In consequence, expanding the solar spectrum and enhancing the overall energy capacity of the process, while developing resilience to stresses imposed by high light intensities, could have a strong positive impact on food and energy production. So far, the complexity of the photosynthetic machinery has largely prevented improvements by conventional approaches. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop concepts to redesign the light‐harvesting and photochemical capacity of photosynthesis, as well as to establish new model systems and toolkits for the next generation of photosynthesis researchers. The overall objective of PhotoRedesign is to reconfigure the photosynthetic light reactions so they can harvest and safely convert energy from an expanded solar spectrum. To this end, a variety of synthetic biology approaches, including de novo design, will combine the attributes of photosystems from different photoautotrophic model organisms, namely the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. In parallel, adaptive laboratory evolution will be applied to improve the capacity of reimagined organisms to cope with enhanced input of solar energy, particularly in high and fluctuating light.
Prospective investigation of factors associated with success on the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care certification examination (2016‐2018)
Authors: Goggs Robert , Kerl Marie , Jandrey Karl E. , Guillaumin Julien
Published: October 2021

Objective

To assess the association of candidate attributes and residency training factors with success on the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) board certification examination and to develop multivariable models of first‐attempt success.

Design

Prospective survey‐based study.

Setting

Post‐assessment ACVECC examination candidates.

Animals

None.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

Comprehensive surveys were distributed to ACVECC examination candidates in 2016 to 2018 after completion of their assessments, but prior to publication of examination results. Unique anonymous candidate identification numbers were used to match survey responses to outcome data from the office of the ACVECC Executive Secretary. After curation to retain only the first response from each candidate, there were 97 unique candidate responses available for analysis. Univariate analyses identified multiple factors associated with first‐attempt success and multiple differences between academic and private practice residency programs. Multivariable logistic regression modeling suggested that 5 factors were independently associated with first‐attempt success on the ACVECC examination, specifically younger age, more weeks of study prior to the examination, training at a facility with more ACVECC Diplomates, training at a facility with more ACVECC residents, and having no requirement to manage both Emergency Room (ER) and Critical Care (CC) cases simultaneously.

Conclusions

Numerous resident and training center factors are associated with success in the ACVECC board certification examination. Residents and training centers might be able to use these data to enhance training, but caution must be exercised because these data are associative only.
EFFECT OF DRYING CONDITION ON DRYING RATE AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES MILK POWDER
Authors: Waluyo Joko , Widowati Dewi Rachma , Nabillah Jihan
Published: October 2021

People with animal protein allergies are not allowed to consume cow’s milk. Moringa oleifera are rich in a number of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, calcium, iron, and micronutrients, and can be an alternative to substitute cow’s milk. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of drying air temperature and air velocity on drying rate, drying kinetic and the physicochemical properties of moringa milk powder. The drying process was conducted using a tray dryer with a foam mate drying method. Moringa leaves and sesame seeds were crushed for 10 minutes using a blender. The mixture was filtered by filter paper and then mixed with dextrin and eggwhite as foaming agents of 20% and 15% weight, respectively. A baking sheet containing Moringa paste with a thickness of 5 mm was inserted into the tray dryer. The hot air at velocity variations of 0.2 m/s and 0.3 m/s, and temperature variations of 90°C, 110°C, and 130°C were applied to dry moringa paste. Lewi’s model was used to determine the drying kinetic of moringa oleifera milk powder. The optimum drying process occurred at the temperature of 130°C and the air velocity of 0.2 m/s with a critical time (tc) 20 minutes, the critical water content of the sample (Xc) 2.304 kg H2O/kg-dry-solids, a constant drying rate (Rc) 0.365 kg H2O/minute.cm2, and drying kinetic constant (k) 0.0335 min-1. This study succeeded in producing powdered milk with the highest fat content of 14% while the protein content of 19.2%.
-modules on rigid analytic spaces III: weak holonomicity and operations
Authors: Ardakov Konstantin , Bode Andreas , Wadsley Simon
Published: October 2021

We develop a dimension theory for coadmissible$\widehat {\mathcal {D}}$-modules on rigid analytic spaces and study those which are of minimal dimension, in analogy to the theory of holonomic$\mathcal {D}$-modules in the algebraic setting. We discuss a number of pathologies contained in this subcategory (modules of infinite length, infinite-dimensional fibres). We prove stability results for closed immersions and the duality functor, and show that all higher direct images of integrable connections restricted to a Zariski open subspace are coadmissible of minimal dimension. It follows that the local cohomology sheaves$\underline {H}^{i}_Z(\mathcal {M})$with support in a closed analytic subset$Z$of$X$are also coadmissible of minimal dimension for any integrable connection$\mathcal {M}$on$X$.
Arbitrary-Order Sensitivity Analysis in Phononic Metamaterials Using the Multicomplex Taylor Series Expansion Method Coupled with Bloch's Theorem
Authors: Navarro Juan David , Millwater Harry R. , Montoya Arturo H. , Restrepo David
Published: October 2021

Phononic metamaterials (PMs) exhibit frequency ranges at which elastic waves are attenuated. However, this phenomenon is highly sensitive to geometrical variations and the metamaterial's mechanical properties. It is useful to have accurate sensitivity information to identify the variables that produce the highest impact on band gaps and guide the design of PMs with a desired wave propagation behavior. Current methodologies for sensitivity analysis in PMs, such as the finite difference method (FDM), are computationally inefficient, subjected to subtraction cancelation errors, and their accuracy is highly dependent on the magnitude of the perturbation step-size. In this work, we introduce a new computational methodology to perform parameter sensitivity in the dynamic behavior of PMs using the multicomplex Taylor series expansion (ZTSE) coupled with Bloch's theorem. The methodology allows one to obtain arbitrary order sensitivities with high accuracy. In contrast to FDM, this methodology is computationally more efficient, eliminates the step-size selection issue, and is not subjected to subtractive cancelation errors. Also, we show how the method can be applied using real algebra solvers. The analysis is limited to linear undamped PMs.The methodology using ZTSE with Bloch's theorem is presented in numerical examples for the di-atomic lattice and a 2D square lattice, where we compute up to third-order sensitivities. The results normalized errors in the order of 10(−9) for sensitivities of the di-atomic lattice, and in the order of 10(−8) for the 2D square lattice when compared to the analytical solutions.
Ballistic Limit of Sandwich Plates With a Metal Foam Core
Authors: Cui Tianning , Zhang Jinhua , Li Kaikai , Peng Jixiang , Chen Hongen , Qin Qinghua , Poh Leong Hien
Published: October 2021

The ballistic perforation of sandwich plates comprising two identical/unidentical aluminum alloy face sheets and an aluminum foam core is investigated to gain insights into the factors governing the penetration processes. The impact velocities of projectiles with conical, flat, and hemispherical noses range from 60 ms−1 to 220 ms−1 in the experiments. Against conical-ended projectiles, petalling failure is found to be an active failure mode at the rear face sheet. Against projectiles with flat and hemispherical noses, both petalling failure and petalling-flipped-cover failure are observed. Finite element simulations considering the effect of foam meso-structure on the ballistic limit of sandwich plates are performed and validated against the experimental results. It is shown that the local bending and fracture of the cell walls significantly dissipate the kinetic energy of the projectile and restrain the occurrence of the high stress regions. Characteristic double-peak and single-peak modes of contact force time histories are observed for projectiles with various nose shapes. It is also found that a sandwich plate with thicker front face sheet has higher ballistic resistance, which may facilitate the instructional arrangement of face sheets with regard to mass distribution to achieve higher ballistic resistance. Finally, a three-stage theoretical model based on energy balance principle is developed for each type of projectile to predict the residual velocities after perforation of sandwich plate.
Performance Improvement of Membrane Energy Exchanger Using Ultrasound for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Application
Authors: Gurubalan A. , Maiya M. P. , Geoghegan Patrick , Simonson Carey J.
Published: October 2021

Air conditioning (AC) systems consume the maximum proportion of the total electricity used in the building sector. The demand for AC systems is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years due to various reasons such as climate change, and an increase in affordability and living floor space. A membrane-based liquid desiccant AC system along with energy recovery ventilating equipment is considered as a prospective alternative to the conventional air conditioning system (CACS). It has the potential to meet the increasing current and future AC demand in a sustainable manner. Its efficiency and energy-saving potential with respect to CACS depend on the performance of the membrane-based dehumidifier, regenerator, and energy recovery ventilating equipment, commonly referred to as membrane energy exchangers (MEEs). MEE is an indirect exchanger type in which a membrane separates the working streams. This intermediate membrane creates an additional resistance for the heat and mass transfer processes in the MEE. To reduce the resistance, this study experimentally and numerically investigate the influence of ultrasound on the performance of the MEE for dehumidification, humidification (applicable for membrane-based evaporative cooling and desiccant regeneration devices), and energy recovery processes. It is found that the vibration due to ultrasound has the potential to improve the mass transfer performance of MEE by the resistance at the air-membrane interface.
Graphene Oxide-Induced Carbon Nanoporous Framework Towards Advanced Composite Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shi Guangfeng , Zhou Jiale , Zeng Rong , Na Bing , Zou Shufen
Published: October 2021

Porous structures in anode materials are of importance to accommodate volume dilation of active matters. In the present case, a carbon nanoporous framework is hydrothermally synthesized from glucose in the presence of graphene oxide, together with in situ active Fe3O4 nanoparticles within it. The composite anode material has outstanding electrochemical performance, including high specific capacity, excellent cyclic stability, and superior rate capability. The specific capacity stays at 830.8 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 A/g, equivalent to a high-capacity retention of 88.7%. The findings provide valuable clues to tailor morphology of hydrothermally carbonized glucose for advanced composite anode materials of lithium-ion batteries.
Acoustically induced coherent spin trapping
Authors: Hernández-Mínguez Alberto , Poshakinskiy Alexander V. , Hollenbach Michael , Santos Paulo V. , Astakhov Georgy V.
Published: October 2021

Simultaneous strain-driven transitions in ground and excited state of spin qubits lead to the coherent trapping of the spin state.
Global drivers of eukaryotic plankton biogeography in the sunlit ocean
Authors: Sommeria-Klein Guilhem , Watteaux Romain , Ibarbalz Federico M. , Pierella Karlusich Juan José , Iudicone Daniele , Bowler Chris , Morlon Hélène
Published: October 2021

Circulating in the sunlit ocean

Marine plankton, which lie at the base of oceanic food chains, drive global biogeochemical fluxes, and knowledge of their distribution is key to understanding the response of oceans to environmental changes. Sommeria-Klein
et al
. explored the patterns and drivers of biogeography in eukaryotic plankton using a probabilistic model of taxon co-occurrence to compare the biogeography of 70 major groups, including a variety of size fractions and ecologies. The analysis is based on metabarcoding data from 129 stations in several oceanic provinces worldwide. Samples are from sunlit surface waters and, in about half of the stations, from the deep chlorophyll maximum. An essential message is that small phototrophs distribute mostly by latitude and bigger consumers are partitioned by ocean basin. —CA
Intrinsic 2D-XY ferromagnetism in a van der Waals monolayer
Authors: Bedoya-Pinto Amilcar , Ji Jing-Rong , Pandeya Avanindra K. , Gargiani Pierluigi , Valvidares Manuel , Sessi Paolo , Taylor James M. , Radu Florin , Chang Kai , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: October 2021

Taking the measure of a magnet

The recent discovery of magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) materials has inspired efforts to understand its nature. Whereas the magnetism of monolayers of chromium iodide (CrI
3
) can be understood in terms of out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy, the related material chromium chloride (CrCl
3
) has spins that lie in the plane. Bedoya-Pinto
et al
. used molecular beam epitaxy to grow monolayers of CrCl
3
on graphene and studied its magnetic properties. Using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements, the authors found that monolayer CrCl
3
is a ferromagnet, unlike bulk CrCl
3
, which is antiferromagnetic. The scaling of the signal in the critical region indicated that the material belongs to the 2D-XY universality class, distinct from Ising magnetism, which some other 2D magnets exhibit. —JS
Direct evidence for Cooper pairing without a spectral gap in a disordered superconductor above
T
c
Authors: Bastiaans Koen M. , Chatzopoulos Damianos , Ge Jian-Feng , Cho Doohee , Tromp Willem O. , van Ruitenbeek Jan M. , Fischer Mark H. , de Visser Pieter J. , Thoen David J. , Driessen Eduard F. C. , Klapwijk Teunis M. , Allan Milan P.
Published: October 2021

Measuring the effective charge

At low enough temperatures, superconductors are capable of conducting electricity without any resistance because of the formation of so-called Cooper pairs of electrons. Cooper pairs typically form at the same critical temperature at which superconductivity sets in. In certain materials, they are thought to form above that temperature, but showing this property directly in an experiment is tricky. Bastiaans
et al
. used tunneling noise spectroscopy to measure the effective charge of current carriers in the disordered superconductor titanium nitride. As expected, below the critical temperature, the effective charge was equal to two electron charges. However, this behavior persisted above the critical temperature, indicating that electron pairs exist in that regime. —JS
Information scrambling in quantum circuits
Authors: Mi Xiao , Roushan Pedram , Quintana Chris , Mandrà Salvatore , Marshall Jeffrey , Neill Charles , Arute Frank , Arya Kunal , Atalaya Juan , Babbush Ryan , Bardin Joseph C. , Barends Rami , Basso Joao , Bengtsson Andreas , Boixo Sergio , Bourassa Alexandre , Broughton Michael , Buckley Bob B. , Buell David A. , Burkett Brian , Bushnell Nicholas , Chen Zijun , Chiaro Benjamin , Collins Roberto , Courtney William , Demura Sean , Derk Alan R. , Dunsworth Andrew , Eppens Daniel , Erickson Catherine , Farhi Edward , Fowler Austin G. , Foxen Brooks , Gidney Craig , Giustina Marissa , Gross Jonathan A. , Harrigan Matthew P. , Harrington Sean D. , Hilton Jeremy , Ho Alan , Hong Sabrina , Huang Trent , Huggins William J. , Ioffe L. B. , Isakov Sergei V. , Jeffrey Evan , Jiang Zhang , Jones Cody , Kafri Dvir , Kelly Julian , Kim Seon , Kitaev Alexei , Klimov Paul V. , Korotkov Alexander N. , Kostritsa Fedor , Landhuis David , Laptev Pavel , Lucero Erik , Martin Orion , McClean Jarrod R. , McCourt Trevor , McEwen Matt , Megrant Anthony , Miao Kevin C. , Mohseni Masoud , Montazeri Shirin , Mruczkiewicz Wojciech , Mutus Josh , Naaman Ofer , Neeley Matthew , Newman Michael , Niu Murphy Yuezhen , O’Brien Thomas E. , Opremcak Alex , Ostby Eric , Pato Balint , Petukhov Andre , Redd Nicholas , Rubin Nicholas C. , Sank Daniel , Satzinger Kevin J. , Shvarts Vladimir , Strain Doug , Szalay Marco , Trevithick Matthew D. , Villalonga Benjamin , White Theodore , Yao Z. Jamie , Yeh Ping , Zalcman Adam , Neven Hartmut , Aleiner Igor , Kechedzhi Kostyantyn , Smelyanskiy Vadim , Chen Yu
Published: October 2021

Quantum scrambling

Information spreading in interacting quantum systems is of relevance to a wide range of settings, from black holes to strange metals. Mi
et al
. used the Sycamore quantum processor to study this process. Through judicial design of quantum circuits, the researchers were able to separate the contributions of operator spreading and operator entanglement. Measuring the mean value and fluctuations of a specific correlator enabled quantifying these distinct contributions. —JS
NIN-like protein transcription factors regulate leghemoglobin genes in legume nodules
Authors: Jiang Suyu , Jardinaud Marie-Françoise , Gao Jinpeng , Pecrix Yann , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar , Xu Ping , Sanchez-Canizares Carmen , Ruan Yiting , Li Qiujiu , Zhu Meijun , Li Fuyu , Wang Ertao , Poole Phillip S. , Gamas Pascal , Murray Jeremy D.
Published: October 2021

Nodulation regulation

Legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically useful ammonium with the help of symbiotic bacteria housed in root nodules. Much of nodule development is controlled by the transcription factor NODULE INCEPTION (NIN). Feng
et al
. show that NIN is proteolytically processed to release a fragment that regulates the later stages of nodulation when the nodules acquire nitrogen-fixing capability. In related work, Jiang
et al
. identified members of the NIN-like protein (NLP) transcription factor family as being regulators of leghemoglobin expression acting through an unusual promotor motif shared across legumes. —PJH