bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global positioning with animal‐borne pressure sensors
Authors: Nussbaumer Raphaël , Gravey Mathieu , Briedis Martins , Liechti Felix
Published: January 2023

Over the past decades, tracking technologies have become more ubiquitous and helped uncover crucial spatiotemporal relationships in nature. In order to apply these technologies to small animals and reduce any potential adverse impact of devices, geopositioning methodologies compatible with lightweight devices are highly sought after. Measured by lightweight geolocators, atmospheric pressure provides an untapped opportunity for global geopositioning, as its natural temporal variation is unique to each location.

In this study, we estimate the position of birds by comparing pressure data recorded by the geolocator with reference data from a global weather reanalysis database. The method produces a likelihood map of the position based on (1) a mask of the locations for which the ground‐level elevation matches the pressure measured by the geolocator and (2) a mismatch between the temporal time series measured by the geolocator and the reanalysis dataset. This new method is introduced step by step and applied to 16 tracks of nine long‐ and short‐distance migrant species.

Using known positions of double‐tagged individuals (light and pressure data), we demonstrate that our method is almost three times more accurate than light‐based positioning with an average error of 44 km in our trials. In contrast to the traditional light‐based approach, pressure geolocation can provide useful information for short stationary periods (less than a day) and is not affected by the equinox problem nor by any shading effects due to weather or animal behaviour. To facilitate the application of the method, we developed an R packageGeoPressureR, together with a user guideGeopressureManualand starting codeGeoPressureTemplate.

The use of pressure sensors to position animals has the potential to become widespread thanks to the combination of both affordable lightweight devices (<0.4 g) and this method to estimate position of the device precisely and accurately. In particular, such devices can now be applied to short‐distant migrants (>100 km), forest‐dwelling species, nocturnal animals and altitudinal migrants.
Reversine ameliorates hallmarks of cellular senescence in human skeletal myoblasts via reactivation of autophagy
Authors: Rajabian Nika , Choudhury Debanik , Ikhapoh Izuagie , Saha Shilpashree , Kalyankar Aishwarya S. , Mehrotra Pihu , Shahini Aref , Breed Kendall , Andreadis Stelios T.
Published: January 2023

Cellular senescence leads to the depletion of myogenic progenitors and decreased regenerative capacity. We show that the small molecule 2,6‐disubstituted purine, reversine, can improve some well‐known hallmarks of cellular aging in senescent myoblast cells. Reversine reactivated autophagy and insulin signaling pathway via upregulation of Adenosine Monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt2, restoring insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in senescent cells. Reversine also restored the loss of connectivity of glycolysis to the TCA cycle, thus restoring dysfunctional mitochondria and the impaired myogenic differentiation potential of senescent myoblasts. Altogether, our data suggest that cellular senescence can be reversed by treatment with a single small molecule without employing genetic reprogramming technologies.
SPACs: An overview and assessment of returns
Authors: Barth James R. , Gu Min , Liu Jiachen
Published: January 2023

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) originated in the 1980s. A SPAC is a shell company formed by a sponsor to raise capital through a SPAC IPO to acquire or merge with an existing (target) private company. In a SPAC IPO, the units issued, consisting of (1) shares of common stock and (2) warrants, are typically priced at a nominal $10. Until 2022, SPAC IPOs were an increasingly popular alternative to traditional IPOs. We provide an overview of SPACs and an assessment of two measures of returns to SPACs, one is market‐adjusted buy and holds abnormal returns, and the other is risk‐adjusted abnormal returns by estimating a three‐factor regression model. The return calculations are based on 299 SPAC completed mergers between January 2013 and December 2021. Our results indicate that the main driver in a series of regressions, including various explanatory variables in explaining deSPAC returns, is the extent of warrants issued in a SPAC IPO, and robustness checks confirm these results.
Clinicians' implicit and explicit attitudes about the legitimacy of functional neurological disorders correlate with referral decisions
Authors: Begley Roisin , Farrell Lynn , Lyttle Nigel , Alty Jane , Curran David , Williams Stefan , Graham Christopher D.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of functional neurological disorder (FND) remains among some health care professionals. Despite treatment guidelines and consensus recommendations, variability in clinical practice referral decisions persists. Evidence from other conditions suggests such clinical decision making is impacted by practitioners' implicit and explicit attitudes. We aimed to identify whether health care professionals hold implicit and/or explicit attitudes about the legitimacy of FND and whether these attitudes are associated with referral decision making.

Design/Methods

We included 66 health care professionals who work with people with neurological conditions: n = 37 medical doctors, mainly neurologists (n = 18) and psychiatrists (n = 10), and n = 29 doctoral level practitioner psychologists. Participants completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT), Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), a referral decision‐making vignette task and self‐report measures of explicit attitudes on FND‐legitimacy, therapeutic optimism and clinician confidence. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) was used as a comparator condition.

Results

Participants self‐reported strong explicit FND‐legitimate and MS‐legitimate attitudes but demonstrated an implicit FND‐illegitimate/MS‐legitimate bias. Deeper examination provided by the IRAP data indicated pro‐FND‐legitimate attitudes, but no bias for or against FND‐illegitimate—contrasting the pro‐MS‐legitimate, anti‐MS‐illegitimate attitudes for the comparator condition. Attitudes about FND‐illegitimacy were negatively associated with likelihood of referral to physical interventions such as physiotherapy. Medical doctors had lower treatment optimism and stronger explicit attitudes that FND is illegitimate than psychologists.

Conclusions

At an implicit level, clinicians are uncertain about the illegitimacy of FND, and such attitudes are associated with lower likelihood of referral to physiotherapy in particular. Improved education on FND among health care professionals is indicated.
Risk of incisional hernia repair in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lovén Hans , Erichsen Rune , Tøttrup Anders , Bisgaard Thue
Published: January 2023

Aim

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may undergo several abdominal surgeries with a risk of incisional hernia repair (IHR). The objectives of this study were to establish the risk of IHR and to analyse predictors of IHR after a first‐time abdominal surgery for IBD.

Method

This Danish nationwide register‐based cohort study (1996–2018) followed IBD patients from index operation until the date of IHR. The absolute risk was calculated as the cumulative incidence proportion treating death as a competing risk. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to compare the risk of IHR among different subtypes of IBD and to explore predictors of IHR. IBD subtypes were classified as ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) or unclassified IBD (IBD‐U).

Results

In total, 10 130 patients with IBD (UC 3911 [39%]; CD 4210 [41%]; IBD‐U 2009 [20%]) underwent either an open or a laparoscopic index operation. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of IHR varied between 5.0% and 6.3%, with a significantly higher risk in patients with UC and IBD‐U. Patients with UC (75.9%) and IBD‐U (91.9%) had more (two or more) abdominal surgeries in the follow‐up period compared with CD (51.9%). The risk of IHR increased dramatically with the number of surgeries, although not as markedly if a laparoscopic approach was used. Male sex, age, comorbidity, fascial dehiscence, wound infection and presence of stoma were predictors of IHR for patients with IBD.

Conclusion

The long‐term risk of IHR was roughly 5%–6%, with a higher risk in patients with UC and IBD‐U. Open surgical approach and number of previous surgeries were, among other things, important predictors of IHR.
Trends in animal translocation research
Authors: Evans Maldwyn J. , Pierson Jennifer C. , Neaves Linda E. , Gordon Iain J. , Ross Catherine E. , Brockett Brittany , Rapley Shoshana , Wilson Belinda A. , Smith Kiarrah J. , Andrewartha Tim , Humphries Nick , Manning Adrian D.
Published: January 2023

Translocations are an important conservation tool that enable the restoration of species and their ecological functions. They are particularly important during the current environmental crisis. We used a combination of text‐analysis tools to track the history and evolution of the peer‐reviewed scientific literature on animal translocation science. We compared this corpus with research showcased in the IUCNs Global Conservation Translocation Perspectives, a curated collection of non‐peer‐reviewed reintroduction case studies. We show that the peer‐reviewed literature, in its infancy, was dominated by charismatic species. It then grew in two classical threads: management of the species of concern and management of the environment of the species. The peer‐reviewed literature exhibits a bias towards large charismatic mammals, and while these data are invaluable, expansion to under‐represented groups such as insects and reptiles will be critical to combating biodiversity loss across taxonomic groups. These biases were similar in the Translocation Perspectives, but with some subtle differences. To ensure translocation science can address global issues, we need to overcome barriers that restrict this research to a limited number of countries.
Evolutionary features of ligands and their receptors via protein–protein interactions and essentiality in primates
Authors: Mawaribuchi Shuuji , Haramoto Yoshikazu , Ikeda Nozomi , Ito Michihiko
Published: January 2023

Protein evolution rate is negatively correlated with several effectors, such as expression level, expression distribution, protein–protein interactions (PPIs), and essentiality for survival. These effectors can characterize the signaling pathways mediated by ligand‐receptor binding. However, it is unclear whether these effectors are constraining factors on the pathway‐specific evolution of ligands and receptors. To clarify the relation between the effectors and protein evolution (dN/dS ratio) in ligands and their receptors considering each signaling pathway, we investigated 377 proteins in 20 peptide/protein ligand groups and their receptor groups using 15 primate sequences. The dN/dS ratios between peptide/protein ligand groups and their receptor groups were positively correlated, suggesting the protein evolution under the influence of signaling pathway to which they belong. Comparing each signaling pathway, ligands and receptors mainly related to development and growth (FGF/Hedgehog/Notch/WNT groups) showed lower dN/dS ratios, higher PPI numbers, and higher essentiality, whereas those mainly related to immune process (CSF/IFN/IL/TNF groups) showed higher dN/dS ratios, lower PPI numbers, and lower essentiality. Most ligands and receptors were poorly expressed, and expression level was not a constraining factor on the protein evolution. These findings indicate that PPI and essentiality are constraining factors that characterize the pathway‐specific evolution of ligands and receptors.
Effects of Sirolimus treatment on patients with β‐Thalassemia: Lymphocyte immunophenotype and biological activity of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells
Authors: Zurlo Matteo , Nicoli Francesco , Proietto Davide , Dallan Beatrice , Zuccato Cristina , Cosenza Lucia Carmela , Gasparello Jessica , Papi Chiara , d'Aversa Elisabetta , Borgatti Monica , Scapoli Chiara , Finotti Alessia , Gambari Roberto
Published: January 2023

Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have been proposed to improve vaccine responses, especially in the elderly. Accordingly, testing mTOR inhibitors (such as Sirolimus) and other geroprotective drugs might be considered a key strategy to improve overall health resilience of aged populations. In this respect, Sirolimus (also known as rapamycin) is of great interest, in consideration of the fact that it is extensively used in routine therapy and in clinical studies for the treatment of several diseases. Recently, Sirolimus has been considered in laboratory and clinical studies aimed to find novel protocols for the therapy of hemoglobinopathies (e.g. β‐Thalassemia). The objective of the present study was to analyse the activity of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in β‐Thalassemia patients treated with Sirolimus, taking advantages from the availability of cellular samples of the NCT03877809 clinical trial. The approach was to verify IFN‐γ releases following stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to stimulatory CEF and CEFTA peptide pools, stimulatory for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. The main results of the present study are that treatment of β‐Thalassemia patients with Sirolimus has a positive impact on the biological activity and number of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells releasing IFN‐γ following stimulation with antigenic stimuli present in immunological memory. These data are to our knowledge novel and in our opinion of interest, in consideration of the fact that β‐Thalassemia patients are considered prone to immune deficiency.
Simple cost‐effective larval injection method for dsRNA delivery to induce RNAi response in Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner)
Authors: Das Joy , Kumar Rakesh , Shah Vivek , Sharma Ashwani Kumar
Published: January 2023

Microinjection is considered as an effective method for dsRNA delivery in insects. It also facilitates the delivery of a precise quantity of dsRNA in the host insect, inducing an efficient RNAi response. However, the microinjection method needs prior optimization of several parameters like concentration of dsRNA, site of injection, developmental stage of insect etc. for inducing effective RNAi response. Moreover, sophisticated microinjection devices are largely expensive with high maintenance cost. The Old‐World bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is known to be a detrimental polyphagous pest with widespread infestations across the globe. In the present study, we demonstrate a low‐cost and effective dsRNA delivery method for inducing RNAi response in H. armigera with the aid of basic insulin injection syringe and fabricated micropipette tip. In order to validate the RNAi response following dsRNA injection, we have selected three key genes from the chitin biosynthesis pathway of the insect. Besides these, argonaute 1 (ago1) was also used as an indicator gene for dsRNA‐mediated RNAi induction. Delivery of dsRNA using injection with insulin syringe caused significant upregulation of the ago1 gene in the insect irrespective of any of the three target genes concerned viz. HaNAGK (3.9 fold; p < 0.001), HaAGM (6.3 fold; p < 0.001) and HaUAP (5.9 fold; p < 0.01) respectively, as compared to control injected with nuclease‐free water. The dsRNA‐injected insects showed aberrant developmental symptoms typical of impeded chitin synthesis, eventually leading to anomalous ecdysis with substantial mortality (up to 69.04%), as compared to controls. The described protocol reduces insect injury, enabling easy restraining of larva and quick execution of dsRNA injection with efficient RNAi response.
Genomic vulnerability to climate change in Quercus acutissima, a dominant tree species in East Asian deciduous forests
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Shi Yong , Zhou Biao‐Feng , Liang Yi‐Ye , Chen Xue‐Yan , An Qing‐Qing , Fan Yan‐Ru , Shen Zhao , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Wang Baosheng
Published: January 2023

Understanding the evolutionary processes that shape the landscape of genetic variation and influence the response of species to future climate change is critical for biodiversity conservation. Here, we sampled 27 populations across the distribution range of a dominant forest tree, Quercus acutissima, in East Asia, and applied genome‐wide analyses to track the evolutionary history and predict the fate of populations under future climate. We found two genetic groups (East and West) in Q. acutissima that diverged during Pliocene. We also found a heterogeneous landscape of genomic variation in this species, which may have been shaped by population demography and linked selections. Using genotype‐environment association analyses, we identified climate‐associated SNPs in a diverse set of genes and functional categories, indicating a model of polygenic adaptation in Q. acutissima. We further estimated three genetic offset metrics to quantify genomic vulnerability of this species to climate change due to the complex interplay between local adaptation and migration. We found that marginal populations are under higher risk of local extinction because of future climate change, and may not be able to track suitable habitats to maintain the gene–environment relationships observed under the current climate. We also detected higher reverse genetic offsets in northern China, indicating that genetic variation currently present in the whole range of Q. acutissima may not adapt to future climate conditions in this area. Overall, this study illustrates how evolutionary processes have shaped the landscape of genomic variation, and provides a comprehensive genome‐wide view of climate maladaptation in Q. acutissima.
Commonly used dental mouthwashes and SARS‐CoV‐2—The road to what we know today
Authors: Vigen Ellen C. , Skoglund Maria K.
Published: January 2023

The aim of this brief overview is to give clinicians a background for assessing publications presenting in vivo human clinical trials regarding the effect of common dental mouthwashes on SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. It explains how the effects of oral mouthwashes on oro‐nasally transmitted infectious virus was assessed in the early phase of the Covid‐19 pandemic. The method of virus quantification including effect measures and factors, trial design that may cause flaws in the effect estimates presented in publications are explained. The status of in vivo human clinical trials regarding the anti‐virucidal effect of sodium lauryl sulfate, povidone‐iodine, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and cetylpyridinium chloride is presented from the few systematic reviews available at this time.
Dissecting succulence: Crassulacean acid metabolism and hydraulic capacitance are independent adaptations in Clusia leaves
Authors: Leverett Alistair , Hartzell Samantha , Winter Klaus , Garcia Milton , Aranda Jorge , Virgo Aurelio , Smith Abigail , Focht Paulina , Rasmussen‐Arda Adam , Willats William G. T. , Cowan‐Turner Daniel , Borland Anne M.
Published: January 2023

Succulence is found across the world as an adaptation to water‐limited niches. The fleshy organs of succulent plants develop via enlarged photosynthetic chlorenchyma and/or achlorophyllous water storage hydrenchyma cells. The precise mechanism by which anatomical traits contribute to drought tolerance is unclear, as the effect of succulence is multifaceted. Large cells are believed to provide space for nocturnal storage of malic acid fixed by crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), whilst also buffering water potentials by elevating hydraulic capacitance (CFT). The effect of CAM and elevated CFT on growth and water conservation have not been compared, despite the assumption that these adaptations often occur together. We assessed the relationship between succulent anatomical adaptations, CAM, and CFT, across the genus Clusia. We also simulated the effects of CAM and CFT on growth and water conservation during drought using the Photo3 model. Within Clusia leaves, CAM and CFT are independent traits: CAM requires large palisade chlorenchyma cells, whereas hydrenchyma tissue governs interspecific differences in CFT. In addition, our model suggests that CAM supersedes CFT as a means to maximise CO2 assimilation and minimise transpiration during drought. Our study challenges the assumption that CAM and CFT are mutually dependent traits within succulent leaves.
Acral collodion membrane associated with ichthyosis due to a heterozygous pathogenic variant of ELOVL4 gene
Authors: Monir Reesa L. , Schoch Jennifer J.
Published: January 2023

A female twin presented at birth with a collodion membrane on the hands and feet. After the membrane resolved over the first months of life, she was initially diagnosed with acral self‐healing collodion membrane. However, she subsequently developed brown well‐defined geometric scales on the trunk and extremities, consistent with ichthyosis. Genetic testing showed a heterozygous pathogenic variant in ELOVL4, a gene associated with syndromic ichthyosis with developmental delay, seizures, and spasticity. Although acral collodion membrane is considered to be a benign variant of the more generalized collodion, usually described as “self‐healing,” it may be the initial presentation of more diffuse ichthyosis.
Digital Economy in Indonesia: Trends and Future Research
Authors: Bhairawa Putera Prakoso , Ningrum Sinta , Suryato Suryanto , Widianingsih Ida , Rianto Yan
Published: January 2023

Digital economy serves as one of the agenda of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in undertaking the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Additionally, the Indonesian government is committed to conducting research and innovation related to digital economy. Therefore, this study aims to reveal trends and future research under the topic of digital economy in Indonesia. This study utilizes big data methods, conducted through Scopus database, while the analysis is conducted through bibliometrics and visualization VOSViewer. The results of this study indicate that financial technology becomes the most published topic by authors with affiliation from Indonesia, although the topic has been widely discussed in international journals. Meanwhile, future research topics include research on digital payments, technology acceptance for the Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital transformation for e-learning, and e-government.
Proteome-wide screening for mitogen-activated protein kinase docking motifs and interactors
Authors: Shi Guangda , Song Claire , Torres Robles Jaylissa , Salichos Leonidas , Lou Hua Jane , Lam TuKiet T. , Gerstein Mark , Turk Benjamin E.
Published: January 2023

Essential functions of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) depend on their capacity to selectively phosphorylate a limited repertoire of substrates. MAPKs harbor a conserved groove located outside of the catalytic cleft that binds to short linear sequence motifs found in substrates and regulators. However, the weak and transient nature of these “docking” interactions poses a challenge to defining MAPK interactomes and associated sequence motifs. Here, we describe a yeast-based genetic screening pipeline to evaluate large collections of MAPK docking sequences in parallel. Using this platform, we analyzed a combinatorial library based on the docking sequences from the MAPK kinases MKK6 and MKK7, defining features critical for binding to the stress-activated MAPKs JNK1 and p38α. Our screen of a library consisting of ~12,000 sequences from the human proteome revealed multiple MAPK-selective interactors, including many that did not conform to previously defined docking motifs. Analysis of p38α/JNK1 exchange mutants identified specific docking groove residues that mediate selective binding. Last, we verified that docking sequences identified in the screen functioned in substrate recruitment in vitro and in cultured cells. Together, these studies establish an approach to characterize MAPK docking sequences and provide a resource for future investigation of signaling downstream of p38 and JNK.
Oligopeptide Transporters of Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae Regulate CbpAC and PspA Expression and Reduce Complement-Mediated Clearance
Authors: Thompson Courtney D. , Bradshaw Jessica L. , Miller Wesley S. , Vidal Ana G. Jop , Vidal Jorge E. , Rosch Jason W. , McDaniel Larry S. , Keller Lance E.
Published: January 2023

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(pneumococcus) can cause a range of diseases. Although there is a robust pneumococcal vaccination program that reduces invasive pneumococcal disease by targeting various polysaccharide capsules, there has been an increase in the isolation of nonvaccine serotypes and nonencapsulated
S. pneumoniae
(NESp) strains.
Structure-Function Relationship for a Divergent Atg8 Protein Required for a Nonautophagic Function in Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Walczak Marta , Meister Thomas R. , Nguyen Hoa Mai , Zhu Yili , Besteiro Sébastien , Yeh Ellen
Published: January 2023

The most extensively studied role of Atg8 proteins is in autophagy. However, it is clear that they have other nonautophagic functions critical to cell function and disease pathogenesis that are so far understudied compared to their canonical role in autophagy.
Identifying Pathogen and Allele Type Simultaneously in a Single Well Using Droplet Digital PCR
Authors: Notsu Kosuke , El Daous Hala , Mitoma Shuya , Wu Xinyue , Norimine Junzo , Sekiguchi Satoshi
Published: January 2023

While pathogen-level quantification is an important diagnostic of disease severity and transmissibility, disease-related host biomarkers are also useful in predicting outcomes in infectious diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that combined proviral load (PVL) and host biomarker diagnostics can be used to detect bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection, which has a negative economic impact on the cattle industry.
Phylogenetic Conservation of Soil Microbial Responses to Elevated Tropospheric Ozone and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Yu Zhengsheng , Gao Qun , Guo Xue , Peng Jinlong , Qi Qi , Chen Xunwen , Gao Mengying , Mo Cehui , Feng Zhaozhong , Wong Ming Hung , Yang Yunfeng , Li Hui
Published: January 2023

The interactions of plant and soil microbial communities support plant growth and health. The increasing tropospheric ozone decreases crop biomass and also alters soil microbial communities, but the ways in which crops and their associated soil microbial communities respond to elevated tropospheric ozone are not clear, and it is also obscure whether the interactions between ozone and the commonly applied
N
fertilization exist.
Clinical Evaluation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Method for the Diagnosis of Suspected Ascitic Infection in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in a Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Wu Hao-Xin , Wei Fei-Li , Zhang Wei , Han Jie , Guo Shan , Wang Zheng , Chen De-Xi , Hou Wei , Hu Zhong-Jie
Published: January 2023

This study established and evaluated a complete metagenomics next-generation sequencing assay to improve the diagnosis of suspected ascitic infection in a clinical laboratory affiliated with a hospital. The assay is superior to traditional culture testing and will aid in the early and accurate identification of pathogens, particularly in patients with polymicrobial infections.
SARS-CoV-2 Harnesses Host Translational Shutoff and Autophagy To Optimize Virus Yields: the Role of the Envelope (E) Protein
Authors: Waisner Hope , Grieshaber Brandon , Saud Rabina , Henke Wyatt , Stephens Edward B. , Kalamvoki Maria
Published: January 2023

In late 2019, a new β-coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, entered the human population causing a pandemic that has resulted in over 6 million deaths worldwide. Although closely related to SARS-CoV, the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis are not fully understood.
U-Pb zircon ages from metasedimentary and plutonic rocks in the Bras d'Or terrane of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada: insights into the Ediacaran–Cambrian tectonomagmatic evolution of Ganderia
Authors: van Rooyen Deanne , Barr Sandra M. , White Chris E. , Crowley James L.
Published: January 2023

The Bras d'Or terrane of central Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, contains a well-preserved record of the Ediacaran to early Cambrian evolution of Ganderia, a Gondwana-derived terrane in the northern Appalachian orogen. A complex assemblage of low- to high-grade metasedimentary rocks has varied detrital zircon signatures from laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U-Pb zircon dating, but combining three or more samples yielded representative age spectra that support correlation of the low- and high-grade metasedimentary rocks throughout the Bras d'Or terrane and the corresponding Ganderian Brookville terrane of southern New Brunswick. In quartzite samples from the McMillan Flowage Formation in the northwestern Bras d'Or terrane, the youngest detrital zircons have ages >900 Ma, in contrast to previously studied psammitic and semipelitic samples from correlative units in the eastern Bras d'Or terrane in which youngest detrital ages are 620–600 Ma. Both quartzite and semipelitic samples from the McMillan Flowage Formation contain Neoproterozoic dates from zircon rims, which reflect metamorphic overgrowths during peak metamorphism at ca. 550 Ma, providing a robust age for peak metamorphism in the Bras d'Or terrane that supports similar, albeit sparse, ages reported previously from monazite and titanite samples. This metamorphism is coeval with the emplacement of voluminous dioritic to granitic plutons that occur throughout the Bras d'Or terrane and form in an Andean-type continental margin subduction zone. New U-Pb zircon ages presented here from plutons in the northern Bras d'Or terrane, combined with previously published ages, are consistent with subduction-related magmatism and associated metamorphism between ca. 575 and 540 Ma.
Economic diversity of Maine's American lobster fishery
Authors: Dayton Alexa M. , Tokunaga Kanae
Published: January 2023

Maine's coastal communities critically depend on the American lobster fishery, which is now exposed to ocean warming. There is uncertainty about the future robustness of the stock and the economic performance of the fleet appears vulnerable. This research characterizes economic heterogeneity in Maine's fishing fleet using latent class stochastic profit frontier analysis. We explore the diversity of business models and examine how they are associated with the economic performance of the fleet in the prewarming period. The study uses unique firm-level data that capture the operational and economic information of the harvesters in the year 2010, the year before the reported environmental change in the Gulf of Maine. Our findings indicate that economic efficiencies differ based on their choice of business models and it was found that technical upgrades generally contribute to improved economic performance in the prewarming period. Reported societal benefits associated with employment levels have characterized the lobster production environment over firm-level efficiency. This research establishes a critically important baseline for future comparison and quantification of policy reforms within the US lobster fishery.
Generalized Analytic Network Process with Path Restriction by the Distance Matrix and Transition Functions
Authors: Huang Jih-Jeng , Chen Chin-Yi
Published: January 2023

The analytic network process (ANP) is a generalized analytic hierarchy process used to handle the interdependency and feedback effects between criteria in various multi-criteria decision-making problems. However, problems regarding the ANP have been proposed because of its restrictions and limitations when used in practice. In this paper, we focus on the issues of path restriction between criteria and the transition functions of the supermatrix. It has been postulated that with regard to path restriction between criteria, a criterion with a longer path to another criterion should have less influence, which is likewise assumed in the conventional ANP. In addition, we add transition functions into the supermatrix to calculate the steady-state weights of the criteria. Transition functions are beneficial because they allow the consideration of the supermatrix’s nonlinear transition instead of the linear situation. The numerical examples in this study show that our proposed method is a generalization of the ANP and reduces to the conventional ANP if the path restriction is released, and the transition function is linear.
3D Printed Nonuniform Auxetic Structure: Programmable Local Stiffness to Improve Mechanical Property by Avoiding Buckling
Authors: Liu Yuheng , Peng Linlong , Li Zhenghong , Lu Haibao , Shu Dong-Wei
Published: January 2023

With the development of 3D printing technology, programmable auxetic structures have attracted extensive attention due to their designable and abnormally mechanical properties. In this study, we design a 3D printed programmable auxetic star-like structures using number of layers [Formula: see text], per-layer dimension reduction ratio [Formula: see text] and spatial programming of unit cells to achieve a simultaneous optimization of load carrying capacity and auxetic property. Effects of layers [Formula: see text] and dimension reduction ratio [Formula: see text] on the mechanical and Poisson’s ratio behaviors of the 3D printed auxetic star-like structures are investigated by finite element method and verified by experiments. Finally, the unit cell spatial programming is designed and analyzed to avoid buckling and rotation, while increasing the load carrying capacity and auxetic property in a coordinated way. This study is expected to provide a design guideline for meta-star-like structure with both high load carrying capacity and auxetic property via a novel nonuniform stiffness structure design.
Incremental sheet forming process of an AA3003-H12 part: Simulation study and experimental validation
Authors: Benmessaoud Radouane
Published: January 2023

A three-finite element model to simulate the single point incremental forming (SPIF) of AA3003-H12 parts is developed. Tool motion in the simulation environment and the CNC milling machine is controlled using new protocols developed especially for SPIF process of pyramidal parts. Numerical measured part thickness and geometry are found to best agree with the experimental ones. Due to the lack of tools, enabling a proper selection of numerical factors to overcome computation convergence problems and product conformity error, trial and error method is applied alternately and proves to be effective. Thickness distribution, equivalent stress distribution, finite element size and friction coefficient effect on the final thickness distribution, geometric profile and computation time are studied. In order to understand the failure and fracture mechanisms in the produced part, the stress state, thickness and equivalent stress history at the thinned finite element are equally studied. Results show a critical thinning occurs at the part corners more dramatic than in the walls. Equivalent stress presents great values first at the part corners and second at the fillets. Failure areas do not coincide with fracture ones due to different deformation mechanics. The increase of the finite element size increases the thickness and the geometry error, but reduces significantly the computation time. The friction coefficient does not significantly affect the thickness and geometry, leading to a significant computation time reduction.
Between-Plant Signaling
Authors: Shen Guojing , Zhang Jingxiong , Lei Yunting , Xu Yuxing , Wu Jianqiang
Published: January 2023

Parasitic plants use a special organ, the haustorium, to attach to and penetrate host tissues, forming phloem and/or xylem fusion with the host vascular systems. Across this haustorium–host interface, not only water and nutrients are extracted from the host by the parasitic plant, but also secondary metabolites, messenger RNAs, noncoding RNAs, proteins, and systemic signals are transported between the parasite and host and even among different hosts connected by a parasite. Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi can form common mycelial networks (CMNs) that simultaneously interconnect multiple plants. Increasing lines of evidence suggest that CMNs can function as conduits, transferring stress-related systemic signals between plants. Between-plant signaling mediated by haustoria and CMNs likely has a profound impact on plant interactions with other organisms and adaptation to environmental factors. Here, we summarize the findings regarding between-plant transfer of biomolecules and systemic signals and the current understanding of the physiological and ecological implications of between-plant signaling.
Effect of CNT Parameter Variations on CNTFET Amplifier Performance
Authors: Gelao G. , Marani R. , Perri A. G.
Published: January 2023

In this paper we propose a procedure to study the dependence of a CNTFET amplifier performance on CNT parameters that fully identify the geometrical properties of a regular CNT. In particular these parameters are the length and structural indices (n,m) of CNT. We analyse the effects on a linear common source amplifier using a N type CNTFET with a resistive gate polarization. We polarize at a fixed drain voltage and current, gradually changing the CNT parameters. As regards the indices, we present the analysis for a zig-zag CNT. However the proposed procedure can be applied to other types of CNT. We show the effect on gain, on the 3 dB cut off frequency, F3dB, on the input and output resistances, obtaining that F3dB has a clear inverse dependence on the length and that also decreases at higher structural indices for zig-zag CNT.
Molecular Docking Study for Binding Affinity of 2H-thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinoline Derivatives against CB1a
Authors: Sharma Shivangi , Singh Shivendra
Published: January 2023

Quinoline-based molecules are major constituents in natural products, active pharmacophores, and have excellent biological activities. Using 2H-thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives and CB1a protein (PDB ID: 2IGR), the molecular docking study has been revealed in this article. The study of in silico molecular docking analysis of such derivatives to determine the binding affinity, residual interaction, and hydrogen bonding of several 2H-thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinolines against CB1a is reported here. The current work demonstrated that 2H-thiopyrano[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives could be effective antitumor agents to produce potent anticancer medicines in the near future.
Application of Preoperative Ultrasonography in the Percutaneous Minimally Invasive Repair of Acute Closed Achilles Tendon Rupture
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Chen Weiwei , Jia Honglei , Hu Fangning , Wang Bomin , Yang Yongliang , Liu Fanxiao
Published: January 2023

Percutaneous minimally invasive surgery involving Achilles tendon (AT) repair has the advantages of a low rerupture rate and fewer postoperative complications. However, due to the inability to operate under direct vision, the injury of the small saphenous vein (SSV) and sural nerve (SN) remains largely a high risk involving many challenges. We propose to introduce the preoperative application and advantages of ultrasonography in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery for acute AT rupture. Our results indicated that ultrasonography could locate the position of the SN more accurately and reduce the risk of iatrogenic nerve injury. Compared with the traditional surface markers, the preoperative localization and marking of AT, SSV, and SN in ultrasonography significantly reduced the risk of intraoperative accidental injury to blood vessels and nerves, which could reduce postoperative complications and promote early rehabilitation of patients. We ultimately exploit the properties of ultrasonography in percutaneous minimally invasive surgery to treat Achilles tendon rupture.
Refining the Video Head Impulse Test Diagnostic Accuracy: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Faranesh Nabil , Abo-Saleh Khaldon , Kaminer Margalith , Shupak Avi
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Current clinical practice considers the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain as registered by the video head impulse test (vHIT) as the primary measure for semicircular canal function, while the role of the re-fixation saccades (RSs) is still under evaluation. The goal of the study was to appraise the added benefit of RS towards the improvement of vHIT diagnostic accuracy in cases of suspected left horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction. Methods: The vHIT recordings of 40 patients with left-sided horizontal VOR gains <0.8 were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of RS. The study groups included 20 patients with a final diagnosis of left horizontal semicircular canal dysfunction and 20 patients for whom vestibular dysfunction was ruled out. Results: Gain values >0.72 were found in all patients with no vestibular disease and in 4 (20%) patients having vestibulopathy. Significantly higher average left-sided RS velocity and frequency were found among the vestibular patients. VOR gain <0.72 was found to be highly specific for the diagnosis of vestibular dysfunction. However, for gain values in the range of 0.72–0.79, the presence of RS with frequency >80% largely improved vHIT diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions: Although VOR gain <0.8 is considered to reflect dysfunction, a significant false-positive rate for left-sided horizontal vHIT was found for gains in the range of 0.72–0.79. The presence of RS with frequency >80% could improve vHIT diagnostic ability in these patients.
Subtotal Parathyroidectomy Successfully Controls Calcium Levels of Patients with Neonatal Severe Hyperparathyroidism Carrying a Novel CASR Mutation
Authors: Wejaphikul Karn , Dejkhamron Prapai , Khorana Jiraporn , Watcharachan Kirati , Intachai Worrachet , Olsen Bjorn , Tongsima Sissades , Ketudat Cairns James R. , Ngamphiw Chumpol , Kantaputra Piranit
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Inactivating mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene result in neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT). Total parathyroidectomy is an effective way to control life-threatening hypercalcemia in NSHPT but leads to permanent hypoparathyroidism. An alternative surgical option is subtotal parathyroidectomy. However, few cases were reported in the literature. Here, we report two unrelated NSHPT patients, one with a novel homozygous mutation (c.1817T>C; p.Leu606Pro) in CASRand the other with heterozygous for the same mutation who also carried two rare intronic variants in CASR. The outcomes of subtotal parathyroidectomy in these patients are also described. Case Presentation: Two infants presented with an alteration of consciousness, respiratory distress, and bradycardia. Severe hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and markedly elevated parathyroid hormone levels were identified, suggesting NSHPT. Cinacalcet was unable to control calcium (Ca) levels of both patients. A novel heterozygous and homozygous missense mutation c.1817T>C; p.Leu606Pro was identified in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Based on the model prediction, proline substitution at Leu606 is likely to disrupt conversion between the active and inactive conformations at the extracellular to transmembrane domain interface of CASR. In addition, two extremely rare intronic variants in CASR (chr3:g.122180314A>G and chr3:g.122251601G>A, based on GRCh38) were identified in patient 1 and his mother. These variants might have contributed to the clinical manifestations of patient 1 who was heterozygous for the c.1817T>C; p.Leu606Pro variant. Subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed by removing three and a half parathyroid glands. So far, patient 1 has been in normocalcemia for 5 years. Patient 2 was in normocalcemia for 16 months after surgery and subsequently developed mild hypoparathyroidism which required only low-dose calcitriol treatment. Conclusion: We report a novel heterozygous and homozygous missense variant (c.1817T>C; p.Leu606Pro) in CASR in two NSHPT patients. The mutation likely disrupts conformational changes of CASR and results in cinacalcet unresponsiveness. Intronic variants in CASR identified in the patient with heterozygous variant might have contributed to the clinical manifestations of the patient. Although total parathyroidectomy is widely accepted as a standard treatment for NSHPT, we demonstrate that subtotal parathyroidectomy is also an effective procedure to normalize Ca levels and allow these patients to be in normocalcemia or mild hypoparathyroidism, which is simply controlled by low-dose calcitriol treatment. Subtotal parathyroidectomy appeared to be an effective treatment for NSHPT regardless of the molecular etiologies.
Hemorrhagic Retinal Detachment Treated by Drainage Sclerotomy Combined with Subretinal and Submacular Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Hao , Lin Wei , Chen Xiuju , Luo Xiangdong , Wei Yong
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a new drainage procedure for treating subretinal hemorrhage (SRH) in hemorrhagic retinal detachment (RD) in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Methods: Forty-three eyes with hemorrhagic RD attributable to PCV underwent vitrectomy. External drainage via sclerotomy was performed in 25 eyes and internal drainage via retinotomy was performed in 18 eyes, respectively. Based on different surgical techniques, the external drainage group was divided into simple external drainage subgroup (10 eyes), external drainage combined with intravitreal injections of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) subgroup (7 eyes), and external drainage combined with subretinal and/or submacular injections of tPA subgroup (8 eyes). The internal drainage group was divided into small retinotomy subgroup (7 eyes) and large retinotomy subgroup (11 eyes). The anatomic reattachment of the retina and postoperative complications were compared between different groups and subgroups. Results: The external drainage technique had shorter mean operation time, higher retinal reattachment rate, and fewer postoperative complications rate compared to the internal drainage procedure. The subfoveal hemorrhage subsided significantly sooner in the large retinotomy subgroup and external drainage combined with subretinal and/or submacular injections of tPA subgroup compared to the small retinotomy subgroup and the external drainage without tPA group (p < 0.05). The small retinotomy subgroup had higher rates of hemorrhage and elevated IOP compared to other subgroups during the first week of the postoperative period (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that external drainage of SRH combined with subretinal and/or submacular injections of tPA can make the operation simpler, shorten the operation time, reduce the postoperative complications with rapid regression of subfoveal hemorrhage, resulting in an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for treating hemorrhagic RD.
Prácticas plurales de juventud: propuesta de un concepto desde Centroamérica
Authors:   Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), Araya-Pérez Mario , Chaves-Zamora Randall ,   Centro de Investigaciones Históricas de América Central (Cihac), Rodríguez-Aguilar Onésimo ,   Escuela de Antropología y director del Centro de Investigaciones Antropológicas (Cian), Zúñiga-Núñez Mario ,   Escuela de Antropología de la UCR e investigador del Centro de Investigaciones Antropológicas (Cian)
Published: January 2023

Este ensayo se desprende de una reflexión a partir de investigaciones previas de sus autores, realizadas entre los años 2006 y 2022, para diferentes instituciones de Costa Rica como la Escuela de Antropología, el Instituto de Investigaciones Sociales (IIS), el Centro de Investigaciones Antropológicas (Cian) y el Centro de Investigaciones Históricas de América Central (Cihac) de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), así como del Centro Agenda Joven de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (Uned) y el Departamento Ecuménico de Investigaciones (DEI). Estas investigaciones fueron financiadas por la Vicerrectoría de Investigación de la UCR, la Uned y el DEI como organización no gubernamental con sede en Costa Rica. Área: ciencias sociales. Subárea: antropología, historia, interdisciplinaria