bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynastic Law or the Will of the Emperor: On the Problem of the Succession to the Throne in Eighteenth‐Century Russia
Authors: Marasinova Elena
Published: November 2021

The article is devoted to one of the most painful problems encountered by any absolute monarchy – the problem of the transfer of power. Taking the example offered by eighteenth‐century Russian history, the author explores the contradiction between the need to frame a law that would strictly regulate the rules of succession to the throne and the desire of the reigning emperor to identify the law with his own personal will and his exclusive prerogative of appointing a successor. This contradiction was most clearly expressed in the draft papers of Catherine II, who, while having a clear understanding of the full force of the ‘fundamental’ rules that work to stabilise society, simultaneously did not regard her son as a worthy successor of her policy. The Empress's views are investigated on the basis of archival sources, several of which are introduced into academic circulation here for the first time, and are evaluated in the historical perspective of their relationship to the 1722 Charter on succession to the throne in previous reigns, a period that has come to be known in historiography as the ‘era of palace coups’. The question of the extent of the power of the ruling monarch is examined as part of the broader problem of the essence of autocracy.
Food composition can influence how much alcohol your animal model drinks: A mini‐review about the role of isoflavones
Authors: Eduardo P M C , Abrahao K P
Published: November 2021

Standard laboratory diets used have similar concentrations of proteins, carbohydrates and fat, but the concentration of some micronutrients can vary considerably. For example, the concentration of isoflavones can vary between 20 mg and 600 mg per gram of diet. Exposure to different concentrations of isoflavones interacts with alcohol (EtOH) intake, thereby influencing the results of alcohol research. In this mini‐review, we describe correlations between isoflavone concentrations and alcohol intake based on data from previously published work. Although the administration of low doses of isoflavones can decrease alcohol intake in rats, there is a positive correlation between the isoflavone content in diets and alcohol intake in mice. This interaction seems to depend on the dose, route of administration, and time of exposure to isoflavones and may be related to specific neurobiological mechanisms. The literature also indicates that isoflavones can interact with some of alcohol's molecular targets and with neural pathways crucial to the alcohol reward process. Given these findings, more attention should be given to the different types of laboratory diets used in alcohol studies to allow better comparison and replication of animal research.
A polygenic approach to the association between smoking and schizophrenia
Authors: Al‐Soufi Laila , Martorell Lourdes , Moltó M.Dolores , González‐Peñas Javier , García‐Portilla Ma Paz , Arrojo Manuel , Rivero Olga , Gutiérrez‐Zotes Alfonso , Nácher Juan , Muntané Gerard , Paz Eduardo , Páramo Mario , Bobes Julio , Arango Celso , Sanjuan Julio , Vilella Elisabet , Costas Javier
Published: November 2021

Smoking prevalence in schizophrenia is considerably larger than in general population, playing an important role in early mortality. We compared the polygenic contribution to smoking in schizophrenic patients and controls to assess if genetic factors may explain the different prevalence. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for smoking initiation and four genetically correlated traits were calculated in 1108 schizophrenic patients (64.4% smokers) and 1584 controls (31.1% smokers). PRSs for smoking initiation, educational attainment, body mass index and age at first birth were associated with smoking in patients and controls, explaining a similar percentage of variance in both groups. Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) PRS was associated with smoking only in schizophrenia. This association remained significant after adjustment by psychiatric cross‐disorder PRS. A PRS combining all the traits was more explanative than smoking initiation PRS alone, indicating that genetic susceptibility to the other traits plays an additional role in smoking behaviour. Smoking initiation PRS was also associated with schizophrenia in the whole sample, but the significance was lost after adjustment for smoking status. This same pattern was observed in the analysis of specific SNPs at the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 cluster associated with both traits. Overall, the results indicate that the same genetic factors are involved in smoking susceptibility in schizophrenia and in general population and are compatible with smoking acting, directly or indirectly, as a risk factor for schizophrenia that contributes to the high prevalence of smoking in these patients. The contrasting results for ADHD PRS may be related to higher ADHD symptomatology in schizophrenic patients.
Expanding the clinico‐molecular spectrum of Angelman syndrome phenotype with the GABRG3 gene: Evidence from methylation and sequencing studies
Authors: Iyer Gayatri R. , Utage Prashant , Devi Radha Rama , Vattam Kiran Kumar , Hasan Qurratulain
Published: November 2021

Angelman syndrome (AS) (OMIM#105830) is an imprinting disorder caused due to alterations in the maternal chr 15q11‐13 region. Majority of cases can be diagnosed by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (MS‐PCR) of SNRPN gene and by UBE3A sequencing, however, about 10% of cases with AS phenotype remain undiagnosed. Differential diagnoses of AS can be detected by chromosomal microarray (CMA) and clinical exome sequencing (CES). In this study, 30 cases with AS features were evaluated by MS‐PCR, CMA, and CES. SNRPN MS‐PCR confirmed AS in eight (26%), CMA and CES diagnosed nine (30%) cases. One case was identified with a novel variant c.1125C > T in GABRG3, located at 15q12 region, which is currently not associated with any syndrome. The GABRG3 gene is also speculated to be imprinted, a MS‐PCR assay was designed to confirm its differential parental methylation status. This assay identified another case with altered GABRG3 methylation. The two cases with GABRG3 alteration—sequence change and methylation indicate that GABRG3 may be associated with a subtype of AS or a new related syndrome. Performing GABRG3 MS‐PCR and sequencing of a larger group of patients with AS phenotype and normal SNPRN and UBE3A status will help in establishing exact genotype—phenotype correlation.
Perinatal outcome of dichorionic and monochorionic‐diamniotic Finnish twins: a historical cohort study
Authors: Rissanen Annu‐Riikka S. , Gissler Mika , Nupponen Irmeli K. , Nuutila Mika E. , Jernman Riina M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Although the perinatal mortality of monochorionic twins has been reported to be higher, the role of chorionicity is debated and data from Finland are still lacking. To examine the effect of chorionicity on the main outcome measures, perinatal and neonatal mortality and neonatal morbidity of Finnish twins, a comprehensive population‐based historical cohort study was performed at Helsinki University Hospitals.

Material and methods

All 1034 dichorionic and monochorionic‐diamniotic twin pregnancies managed at Helsinki University Hospital area during 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 were collected from patient databases. Information on chorionicity was retrieved from ultrasound reports and all relevant clinical information from patient records. Differences in perinatal and neonatal mortality and neonatal morbidity were analyzed by performing group comparisons between the twins and chorionicity. The role of chorionicity was also assessed in logistic regression analyses.

Results

There were 1034 dichorionic‐diamniotic (DCDA, n = 789, 76.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 73.6–78.9) and monochorionic‐diamniotic (MCDA, n = 245, 23.7%, 95% CI 21.4–26.0) twin pregnancies during the studied years. Most (n = 580, 56.1%, 95% CI 52.8–59.2) twins were born at term, but 151 (61.6%, 95% CI 55.8–67.3) of MCDA twins were preterm and had lower birthweight and Apgar scores and higher risk of death of one twin. Perinatal and neonatal mortality did not differ between twins A and B, but the immediate outcome of twin B was worse, with lower arterial pH and Apgar scores and increased need of neonatal intensive care unit treatment.

Conclusions

Chorionicity contributes to the perinatal and neonatal outcome in favor of dichorionic twins. This disadvantage of MCDA twinning is likely explained by earlier gestational age at birth and inequal placental sharing. Irrespective of chorionicity, twin B faces more complications.
Novel genetic variants in MAPT and alterations in tau phosphorylation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis post‐mortem motor cortex and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Petrozziello Tiziana , Amaral Ana C. , Dujardin Simon , Farhan Sali M. K. , Chan James , Trombetta Bianca A. , Kivisäkk Pia , Mills Alexandra N. , Bordt Evan A. , Kim Spencer E. , Dooley Patrick M. , Commins Caitlin , Connors Theresa R. , Oakley Derek H. , Ghosal Anubrata , Gomez‐Isla Teresa , Hyman Bradley T. , Arnold Steven E. , Spires‐Jones Tara , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Berry James D. , Sadri‐Vakili Ghazaleh
Published: November 2021

Although the molecular mechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not yet fully understood, several studies report alterations in tau phosphorylation in both sporadic and familial ALS. Recently, we have demonstrated that phosphorylated tau at S396 (pTau‐S396) is mislocalized to synapses in ALS motor cortex (mCTX) and contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate that while there was no overall increase in total tau, pTau‐S396, and pTau‐S404 in ALS post‐mortem mCTX, total tau and pTau‐S396 were increased in C9ORF72‐ALS. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in pTau‐T181 in ALS mCTX compared controls. Furthermore, we leveraged the ALS Knowledge Portal and Project MinE data sets and identified ALS‐specific genetic variants across MAPT, the gene encoding tau. Lastly, assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples revealed a significant increase in total tau levels in bulbar‐onset ALS together with a decrease in CSF pTau‐T181:tau ratio in all ALS samples, as reported previously. While increases in CSF tau levels correlated with a faster disease progression as measured by the revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS‐R), decreases in CSF pTau‐T181:tau ratio correlated with a slower disease progression, suggesting that CSF total tau and pTau‐T181 ratio may serve as biomarkers of disease in ALS. Our findings highlight the potential role of pTau‐T181 in ALS, as decreases in CSF pTau‐T181:tau ratio may reflect the significant decrease in pTau‐T181 in post‐mortem mCTX. Taken together, these results indicate that tau phosphorylation is altered in ALS post‐mortem mCTX as well as in CSF and, importantly, the newly described pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants identified in MAPT in this study are adjacent to T181 and S396 phosphorylation sites further highlighting the potential role of these tau functional domains in ALS.
Trick or treat? Pollinator attraction in Vanilla pompona (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Watteyn Charlotte , Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Muys Bart , Van Der Schueren Nele , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Guizar Amador Maria F. , Ackerman James D. , Cedeño Fonseca Marco V. , Chinchilla Alvarado Isler F. , Reubens Bert , Pillco Huarcaya Ruthmery , Cozzolino Salvatore , Karremans Adam P.
Published: November 2021

Natural pollination of Vanilla species remains poorly understood. Our research aimed at better understanding the pollinator attraction mechanism of the Neotropical species Vanilla pompona. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the identified pollinator Eulaema cingulata is attracted via a dual mechanism combining floral fragrance rewards and food deception.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Being versus appearing smart: Children’s developing intuitions about how reputational motives guide behavior
Authors: Good Kayla , Shaw Alex
Published: November 2021

Children engage in reputation management to appear favorably to others. The present studies explore when children use reputational motives to predict others’ behavior. Four‐ to 9‐year‐old children (N = 576; 53% female; approximately 60% White) heard stories about two kids: one who cares about being competent, and one who cares about appearing competent. Across five studies, with age, children predicted the reputationally motivated child would be more likely to lie to cover up failure (OR = 1.97) but less likely to seek help in public (vs. private; OR = 0.53) or downplay success (OR = 0.66). With age, children also liked this character less (OR = 0.56). Implications of these findings for children's reputation management and achievement motivation are discussed.
Surgical evaluation in children <3 years of age with drug‐resistant epilepsy: Patient characteristics, diagnostic utilization, and potential for treatment delays
Authors: Perry Michael Scott , Shandley Sabrina , Perelman Max , Singh Rani K. , Wong‐Kisiel Lily , Sullivan Joseph , Gonzalez‐Giraldo Ernesto , Romanowski Erin Fedak , McNamara Nancy A. , Marashly Ahmad , Ostendorf Adam P. , Alexander Allyson , Eschbach Krista , Bolton Jeffrey , Wolf Steven , McGoldrick Patricia , Depositario‐Cabacar Dewi F. , Ciliberto Michael A. , Gedela Satyanarayana , Sannagowdara Kumar , Karia Samir , Shrey Daniel W. , Tatachar Priya , Nangia Srishti , Grinspan Zachary , Reddy Shilpa B. , Shital Patel , Coryell Jason
Published: November 2021

Objective

Drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) occurs at higher rates in children <3 years old. Epilepsy surgery is effective, but rarely utilized in young children despite developmental benefits of early seizure freedom. The present study aims to identify unique patient characteristics and evaluation strategies in children <3 years old who undergo epilepsy surgery evaluation as a means to assess contributors and potential solutions to health care disparities in this group.

Methods

The Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium Epilepsy Surgery Database, a multicentered, cross‐sectional collaboration of 21 US pediatric epilepsy centers, collects prospective data on children <18 years of age referred for epilepsy surgery evaluation. We compared patient characteristics, diagnostic utilization, and surgical treatment between children <3 years old and those older undergoing initial presurgical evaluation. We evaluated patient characteristics leading to delayed referral (>1 year) after DRE diagnosis in the very young.

Results

The cohort included 437 children, of whom 71 (16%) were <3 years of age at referral. Children evaluated before the age of 3 years more commonly had abnormal neurological examinations (p = .002) and daily seizures (p = .001). At least one ancillary test was used in 44% of evaluations. Fifty‐nine percent were seizure‐free following surgery (n = 34), with 35% undergoing limited focal resections. Children with delayed referrals more often had focal aware (p < .001) seizures and recommendation for palliative surgeries (p < .001).

Significance

There are relatively few studies of epilepsy surgery in the very young. Surgery is effective, but may be disproportionally offered to those with severe presentations. Relatively low utilization of ancillary testing may contribute to reduced surgical therapy for those without evident lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. Despite this, a sizeable portion of patients have favorable outcome after focal epilepsy surgery resections.
Effect of pectin oligosaccharide on quality control of quick‐frozen pumpkin puree
Authors: Li Wenhui , Wang Hantao , Yang DanLu , Liu Jianhua , Wu Jinhong , Ge Yu
Published: November 2021

In this work, pectin oligosaccharide (POS) was prepared by an enzymatic method and was used to protect pumpkin puree during frozen storage. The changes in structure and properties of the pumpkin puree during frozen storage were investigated. The results showed that the addition of POS can minimise changes in syneresis rate, total soluble solids, particle size and zeta potential of pumpkin puree during frozen storage. The results of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) showed that the addition of POS significantly decreased the cavities produced by sublimation of ice crystals and enhanced the continuity of the internal structure of pumpkin puree. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) results showed that the macromolecules in the quick‐frozen pumpkin puree tended to be uniformly distributed during frozen storage with POS added compared with the control sample. In addition, texture was well protected, which allowed the pumpkin puree to maintain a good taste. POS was shown to serve as an antifreeze agent to protect the internal structure of the pumpkin puree during freezing. The optimum concentration to achieve the best anti‐freeze effect was 2% POS, which is similar with that of 2% trehalose.
Labour market segmentation in Southern Africa and its impact on vulnerable workers
Authors: FOURIE Elmarie , VAN STADEN Marius
Published: November 2021

This article considers how the regulative functions of labour law have been developed within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and seeks to identify instances of legal segmentation. The authors provide an overview of the demographic nature of the informal economies in SADC Member States, drawing the conclusion that the labour law mechanisms employed in the region substantially contribute to the legal segmentation of the regional economies. This has occurred despite the constitutionalization of labour law in the SADC region.
The probability of being infected with haemosporidian parasites increases with host age but is not affected by experimental testosterone elevation in a wild songbird
Authors: Slowinski Samuel P. , Geissler Aidan J. , Gerlach Nicole , Heidinger Britt J. , Ketterson Ellen D.
Published: November 2021

In vertebrates, disease susceptibility often varies with age. Older individuals may be more susceptible than younger individuals due to senescent declines in immune function. Alternatively, disease susceptibility may decrease with age if older individuals are more likely to have had prior exposures to parasites and acquired adaptive immune responses that allowed them to resist future infections. Disease susceptibility can also vary with reproductive state, and reproductive hormones have been shown to increase infection susceptibility. Here we investigated how age and experimentally elevated levels of the reproductive hormone testosterone affected haemosporidian infections in free‐living adult male dark‐eyed juncos Junco hyemalis. Samples were collected before and at least one year after experimental treatment with either a testosterone implant or empty control implant. The probability of being infected with haemosporidians in the Plasmodium/Haemoproteus group increased with host age but was unaffected by experimental testosterone elevation. Our longitudinal sampling design allowed us to determine that the increase in infections with host age was driven by variation within individuals, such that an individual's probability of being infected increased with age. This suggests that haemosporidian susceptibility increases with host age, and/or that haemosporidian‐infected juncos sustain long‐term chronic infections that are rarely completely cleared, and that the probability of being infected is higher in older juncos because they have experienced higher cumulative exposure risk.
Efficacy and safety of oral nalbuphine extended release in prurigo nodularis: results of a phase 2 randomized controlled trial with an open‐label extension phase
Authors: Weisshaar E. , Szepietowski J.C. , Bernhard J.D. , Hait H. , Legat F.J. , Nattkemper L. , Reich A. , Sadoghi B. , Sciascia T.R. , Zeidler C. , Yosipovitch G. , Ständer S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Treatment of prurigo nodularis (PN) is challenging and new treatment options are needed.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two oral doses of the kappa opioid agonist and mu opioid antagonist nalbuphine extended release (NAL‐ER) tablets in a phase 2, multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial with an open‐label, 50‐week extension phase.

Methods

Subjects with moderate‐to‐severe PN were randomized to NAL‐ER 81 mg (NAL‐ER81) or 162 mg (NAL‐ER162) tablets twice‐daily or placebo for 8 weeks of stable dosing following a 2‐week titration period. Subjects completing Week 10 with a Worst Itch Numerical Rating Scale (WI‐NRS) score ≥5 at the time of rollover (or during the observation period) were eligible for open‐label treatment.

Results

Of 63 randomized subjects, 62 were treated and comprised the modified intent‐to‐treat population (MITT), 50 completed 10 weeks of treatment. In the MITT analysis, 8 subjects (44.4%) treated with NAL‐ER162 (P = 0.32) and 6 (27.3%) treated with NAL‐ER81 (P = 0.78) achieved ≥30% reduction from baseline in 7‐day WI‐NRS at Week 10 (primary efficacy endpoint) vs. 8 (36.4%) in the placebo group. Itch reduction was significant among 8/12 (66.7%) subjects completing Week 10 treated with NAL‐ER162 vs. placebo (8/20, 40.0%; P = 0.03). Additionally, 6 subjects (33.3%) treated with NAL‐ER162 and 3 (13.6%) treated with NAL‐ER81 achieved ≥50% reduction from baseline in 7‐day WI‐NRS at Week 10 (coprimary endpoint). Extended open‐label treatment was associated with further improvements in itch reduction and favourable changes in PN lesion activity as assessed by Prurigo Activity Score. Adverse events occurred predominantly during dose titration and were of mild‐to‐moderate severity. The safety profile did not change with extended open‐label treatment.

Conclusion

In adult subjects with PN, oral treatment with NAL‐ER 162 mg twice daily provided measurable anti‐pruritic efficacy in subjects completing ≥10 weeks of treatment and was well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02174419).
A time‐saving method of creating AVF buttonholes: indwelling trocar technique
Authors: Yin Jinmei , Tian Zhiwu , Li Peiqiu , Li Huiwen , Dong Yi , Yang Xiaoyue
Published: November 2021

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to explore the convenience and practicality of the method of establishing buttonholes with indwelling trocars.

Background

Compared with rope‐ladder technique, buttonhole cannulation has better applicability for haemodialysis patients, and the method of buttonhole establishment is particularly important.

Design

Prospective, observational and cohort study.

Methods

We conducted a 12‐month observational study on 30 patients who used sharp needles to establish buttonholes and 33 patients who used indwelling trocars to establish buttonholes, and compared the differences between the two groups in the buttonhole formation time, patient‐reported cannulation pain, buttonhole success rate, AVF‐related infection and patency of AVF. The study adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Results

The buttonhole formation time of the indwelling trocar group is less than that of the sharp needle group (5.48 ± 0.51 vs. 23.23 ± 3.07, p < .01). When the buttonhole was used for the first time, the cannulation pain of the indwelling trocar group was less than that of the sharp needle group (4.94 ± 1.50 vs. 6.03 ± 1.13, p = .002), but there was no significant difference in this result after 1 month (sharp needle group with 4.50 ± 0.94 vs. indwelling trocar group with 4.12 ± 1.19, p = .169). Compared with all the buttonholes in the indwelling trocar group were established successfully, there were 5 unsuccessful buttonholes in the sharp needle group (p = .02). Three cases of unsuccessful buttonhole patients in the sharp needle group developed AVF‐related infection, this result did not appear in the indwelling trocar group (p = .102). The difference in arterial pressure and venous pressure between the two groups was not significant (p = .061, p = .222).

Conclusions

Our new method can help buttonhole patients get less track formation time, less cannulation pain, and less fistula infection, thereby bringing them a more comfortable dialysis experience.

Relevance to clinical practice

The new method used in this study not only meets the needs of patients to protect AVF, but also provides convenience for clinical work. In addition, this study analyzed the causes of the AVF infection in buttonhole patients, and provided directions for future research.
The Enregisterment of Esh in Global Beatboxing Culture
Authors: Singh Jaspal Naveel , Campbell Cameron Martin
Published: November 2021

Esh is an emblematic word and sound in global beatboxing culture. It may have developed from the vocal mimicry of a sound of a snare drum or it may have derived from multicultural youth slang in France. What is clear is that esh is now widely recognized and used as a lexicalized sound to humorously index cultural identity alignments, for example taking a stance of affirmative evaluation, greeting and identifying other beatboxers. We show in this article how beatboxers perform, narrativize and mediatize the interactive functions and cultural indexicalities of esh. This enregisterment, we argue, is schizophonic, i.e. esh is indexically anchored in a mimetic shapeshifting between humans and machines.
Timing of short‐term drought structures plant–herbivore dynamics
Authors: Luo Ruiping , Gilbert Benjamin
Published: November 2021

Drought is an important stressor that affects plant growth, survival and physiology and, through plant responses, alters plant–herbivore interactions and herbivore population dynamics. Short‐term drought can occur at different times during a growing season, affecting herbivore populations and plants at various stages of development and growth. As phenology influences drought response, drought timing could strongly structure plant–herbivore interactions. We grew common milkweed plants with or without its dominant aphid herbivore, allowing both plants and herbivore populations to develop over time as in a typical growing season. To determine how drought timing affects plants and aphid populations, we applied short‐term (1 week) drought at different times. Plants and aphids were sensitive to drought timing, with a few weeks difference shifting the effects of drought from minimal to causing massive declines in plant growth, plant survival and herbivore population density. Aphid herbivory added to or overrode drought consequences in plants, with different plant fitness components responding distinctly to herbivory. Drought timing also affected whether plant and herbivore responses were parallel or divergent, suggesting that shifts in the seasonal timing of drought have the potential to disrupt plant–herbivore interactions and affect the larger ecological community. Our results show drought timing has important and disparate consequences for herbivores and their host plants and indicates the necessity of considering phenology and timing in assessing drought response.
Scabies in a 14‐year‐old girl with superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis
Authors: Vázquez‐Osorio Igor , Moreiras‐Arias Noelia , Pérez‐Feal Patricia , Sainz‐Gaspar Laura , Ortiz‐Cabrera Nelmar Valentina , Hernández‐Martín Angela
Published: November 2021

A 14‐year‐old girl who reported generalized scaling and hyperkeratosis since age 1 year presented with severe pruritus of several months’ duration. Scabies mites were detected, and molecular genetic analysis subsequently revealed a rare pathogenic variant in the keratin 2 (KRT2) gene, confirming a diagnosis of superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis. Treatment with oral ivermectin led to complete remission of symptoms. Disorders of keratinization can mimic clinical signs of scabies, leading to a delay in diagnosis.
Market Concentration and Natural Resource Development in Rural America
Authors: Mueller J. Tom , Shircliff Jesse E. , Steinbaum Marshall
Published: November 2021

Natural resource development, both extractive (oil, gas, mining, and timber) and non‐extractive (tourism, real estate, outdoor recreation), has been found to negatively impact economic prosperity in rural America. One mechanism recently proposed for why this occurs is high levels of labor market concentration, or oligopsony. Oligopsony occurs when there are few employers within a labor market and can lead to suppressed wages and a power imbalance between employers and workers. In this paper, we test the moderating effect of labor market concentration on the relationship between natural resource development and per capita income and poverty in rural America from 2010 to 2016. By comparing results between extractive and non‐extractive development, as well as manufacturing, we show that labor market concentration attenuates the beneficial relationship observed at low levels of specialization in natural resources—particularly for extractive forms of development. Further, by finding no significant relationship between manufacturing specialization and economic prosperity, nor any moderating effect of labor market concentration in the case of manufacturing, we demonstrate that natural resource development and labor market concentration have a unique relationship with rural American economic prosperity.
Visual arts and drawings to communicate and explore authentic life situations, a data collection method in caring science – a hermeneutic perspective
Authors: Bergbom Ingegerd , Lepp Margret
Published: November 2021

This methodological article aims to describe three methodological strategies for using drawings as a part of qualitative data collection methods in caring research based on hermeneutics. In some research interview situations, participants may have difficulties to express their experiences and feelings in words. The consequences may be that the descriptions in research reports will become superficial and not authentic, meaning, "telling it as it is". Drawn pictures may facilitate and support reflection related to the deepening of experiences and thoughts, and communicate and express more than words can do. It may also reveal thoughts and feelings the person drawing the picture was not aware of. Three methodological strategies are described: (1) Drawing a picture as an introduction or starting point for an interview, (2) During an ongoing interview, encouraging the participant to draw a picture when further explanation or description is needed for deepening the communication and (3) Drawing something in a pre‐existing picture. The theoretical foundation of Gadamer's hermeneutic philosophy is discussed in relation to what a drawing is representing and presents. The interpretation of the drawn picture depends primarily on the creator of the picture, but at the same time the interpretation and understanding is a movement between the interviewer's and the participant's horizons, and thus is open for preunderstanding and new understanding. In contrast to an ordinary interview between two parties, an interview involving a drawing adds something specific to the conversation as it becomes a “trialogue” and not only a dialog. The drawn picture stands on its own. Using the participant's drawing can, therefore, be understood as an ongoing process with three parties involved: (1) the participant, (2) the researcher and (3) the drawing.
‘We are the ones who know the intimacies of the soil’: Grazier claims to belonging and changing land relations in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Authors: Reardon‐Smith Mardi
Published: November 2021

Across Cape York Peninsula, the cattle grazing industry has declined in recent decades due to falling cattle prices, shorter wet seasons and land tenure changes. Remaining graziers perceive their status in the region as increasingly marginal and explain this precarity with the ‘locking up’ of Cape York land regimes and environments by National Parks and Aboriginal interests. Based on 14 months of ethnographic research in south‐east Cape York conducted in 2018–2019, in this article I describe and analyse how graziers construct their claims to belonging in the region in response to land tenure changes. Drawing on recent scholarship on non‐Indigenous forms of belonging in settler states and using the case study of one particular grazing family, I discuss how graziers position themselves as those who ‘know the intimacies of the soil’, as one grazier stated, due to multigenerational work on the land. Their claim to belonging tends to ignore prior Aboriginal occupation and instead emphasises their long‐term relationships with local Aboriginal families, while the third main stakeholder in the region, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is perceived as a kind of dispossessor representing non‐local ‘Green’ ideologies and interests.
Elucidating the role of SWEET13 in phloem loading of the C4 grass Setaria viridis
Authors: Chen Lily , Ganguly Diep R. , Shafik Sarah H. , Ermakova Maria , Pogson Barry J. , Grof Christopher P. L. , Sharwood Robert E. , Furbank Robert T.
Published: November 2021

Photosynthetic efficiency and sink demand are tightly correlated with rates of phloem loading, where maintaining low cytosolic sugar concentrations is paramount to prevent the downregulation of photosynthesis. Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) are thought to have a pivotal role in the apoplastic phloem loading of C4 grasses. SWEETs have not been well studied in C4 species, and their investigation is complicated by photosynthesis taking place across two cell types and, therefore, photoassimilate export can occur from either one. SWEET13 homologues in C4 grasses have been proposed to facilitate apoplastic phloem loading. Here, we provide evidence for this hypothesis using the C4 grass Setaria viridis. Expression analyses on the leaf gradient of C4 species Setaria and Sorghum bicolor show abundant transcript levels for SWEET13 homologues. Carbohydrate profiling along the Setaria leaf shows total sugar content to be significantly higher in the mature leaf tip compared with the younger tissue at the base. We present the first known immunolocalization results for SvSWEET13a and SvSWEET13b using novel isoform‐specific antisera. These results show localization to the bundle sheath and phloem parenchyma cells of both minor and major veins. We further present the first transport kinetics study of C4 monocot SWEETs by using a Xenopus laevis oocyte heterologous expression system. We demonstrate that SvSWEET13a and SvSWEET13b are high‐capacity transporters of glucose and sucrose, with a higher apparent Vmax for sucrose, compared with glucose, typical of clade III SWEETs. Collectively, these results provide evidence for an apoplastic phloem loading pathway in Setaria and possibly other C4 species.
Grand Challenges of Perovskite and Metal Oxide-based Membrane: A Form of Dual-layer Hollow Fibre
Authors: Nurherdiana S. D. , Gunawan T. , Widiastuti N. , Fansuri H.
Published: November 2021

Perovskite and metal oxides-based dual-layer hollow fibre membrane (DHF) has a high appeal as separator and catalyst for methane conversion application which operated at intermediate and high temperature. The membrane mostly fabricated via the co-extrusion followed by co-sintering method, which is quite challenging, due to the complexity to handle the barrier between layers from delamination, membrane cracking and crystal structure distortion which affects the material performance in a DHF form. This recent review clarifies the challenges in the DHF fabrication process to regulate physical and chemical properties in terms of mechanical strength, tightness, elemental distribution, and crystal structure stability. The based material of the membrane focuses on NiO-YSZ in the inner layer directly interconnected with LSCF-YSZ in the outer layer. The understanding of the challenges in DHF fabrication, will further reduce crucial errors in the fabrication process and accelerate performance improvement for application such as syngas, methanol and long-chain hydrocarbons production, and solid oxide fuel cell.
Pre-define Rotation Amplitudes Object Rotation in Handheld Augmented Reality
Authors: Eg Su Goh , Ismail Ajune Wanis
Published: November 2021

Interaction is one of the important topics to be discussed since it includes the interface where the end-user communicates with the augmented reality (AR) system. In handheld AR interface, the traditional interaction techniques are not suitable for some AR applications due to the different attributes of handheld devices that always refer to smartphones and tablets. Currently interaction techniques in handheld AR are known as touch-based technique, mid-air gesture-based technique and device-based technique that can led to a wide discussion in related research areas. However, this paper will focus to discover the device-based interaction technique because it has proven in the previous studies to be more suitable and robust in several aspects. A novel device-based 3D object rotation technique is proposed to solve the current problem in performing 3DOF rotation of 3D object. The goal is to produce a precise and faster 3D object rotation. Therefore, the determination of the rotation amplitudes per second is required before the fully implementation. This paper discusses the implementation in depth and provides a guideline for those who works in related to device-based interaction.
Training Evaluation Models for Skill-Based E-learning System: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Saminathan Muneswary a/p , Mohd Suaib Norhaida
Published: November 2021

Training evaluation can be defined as a way of measuring how well users learn and adapt to a system or software. Various methods have been developed to carry out training evaluations of systems or software over the past few decades. A systematic literature review report on the assessment training model was conducted to give different views on the usability aspects of the proposed approach. This study provides a current systematic review of training evaluation on skill-based system or software. The particular purpose of the review is to explore the research as preliminary step that helps in choosing the right type of training evaluation model for skill-based E-learning system or software. There is a lack of appropriate models available through the specific gaps in literature and finding especially for skill-based E-learning system evaluation.
An Approach to Variation Simulation of Final Aircraft Assembly With Presence of Sealant
Authors: Eliseev Artem , Lupuleac Sergey , Grigor’ev Boris , Shinder Julia
Published: November 2021

The article discusses the process of aeronautical structure assembly in the presence of a sealant between the parts to be joined. An attempt to estimate the influence of sealant on assembly quality in terms of variation analysis is presented. The sealant is considered a highly viscous liquid that is applied to the surfaces of the assembled parts before the start of the final assembly. The modeling approach is based on the simulation of two-way coupled fluid–structure interaction between fluid sealant and compliant structural parts. Reynolds lubrication approximation is used in the fluid dynamics problem and variational formulation of contact problem combined with static condensation is used in the structural one. The joining of two aircraft panels is used as a numerical test for demonstration of the developed approach. Various phenomena connected with the presence of sealant are demonstrated. In particular, the difference in the fastener loosening due to sealant flow between different types of fasteners is investigated. Results of variation simulation show that the presence of sealant should be considered among determining factors in the analysis of assembly quality.
Measurement Configuration Optimization and Kinematic Calibration of a Parallel Robot
Authors: Huang Chenhui , Xie Fugui , Liu Xin-Jun , Meng Qizhi
Published: November 2021

This paper presents the kinematic calibration of a four-degrees-of-freedom (4DOF) high-speed parallel robot. In order to improve the calibration effect by decreasing the influence of the unobservable disturbance variables introduced by error measurement, a measurement configuration optimization method is proposed. Configurations are iteratively selected inside the workspace by a searching algorithm, then the selection results are evaluated through an index associated with the condition number of the identification Jacobian matrix; finally, the number of optimized configurations is determined. Since the selection algorithm has been shown to be sensitive to local minima, a meta-heuristic method has been applied to decrease this sensibility. To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm and kinematic calibration, computation validations, pose error estimations, and experiments are performed. The results show that the identification accuracy and calibration effect can be significantly improved by using the optimized configurations.
Synthesis of NiS2 nanomaterial as wide range pressure sensor
Authors: Peng Zehui , Zhang Jing , Ma Zhong , Lou Shuai , Xue Yumeng , Yan Shancheng
Published: November 2021

With the vigorous development of industry and information technology, people's requirements for sensors are becoming more and more diversified and universal. It is still a challenge to find a new type of pressure sensor with low cost, simple preparation, wider pressure test range, and higher sensitivity. Hereby, we report a novel flexible pressure sensor with a wide pressure detection range and robust mechanical properties, taking advantage of transition metal sulfide NiS2, adsorbed in melamine sponge as the active substance. The flexible sensor deforms under pressure with a internal microstructure change and a corresponding conductivity ramping. The addition of elastic polyvinylidene fluoride after curing improves the impact resistance and enables higher stability. Experiments show that the resistance pressure sensor responds within a wide range of 50 kPa with a high sensitivity of below 0.0345 kPa−1 and a fast response time of 0.64 s. Its excellent performance makes the sensor promising for wearable electronics and health monitoring devices.
Surfactant Protein A Enhances the Degradation of LPS-Induced TLR4 in Primary Alveolar Macrophages Involving Rab7, β-arrestin2, and mTORC1
Authors: Freundt Katja , Herzmann Christian , Biedziak Dominika , Scheffzük Claudia , Gaede Karoline I. , Stamme Cordula
Published: November 2021

Respiratory infections by Gram-negative bacteria are a major cause of global morbidity and mortality. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a central role in maintaining lung immune homeostasis and host defense by sensing pathogens via pattern recognition receptors (PRR).
Categorizing Sequences of Concern by Function To Better Assess Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis
Authors: Godbold Gene D. , Kappell Anthony D. , LeSassier Danielle S. , Treangen Todd J. , Ternus Krista L.
Published: November 2021

To identify sequences with a role in microbial pathogenesis, we assessed the adequacy of their annotation by existing controlled vocabularies and sequence databases. Our goal was to regularize descriptions of microbial pathogenesis for improved integration with bioinformatic applications.
Genetic Evidence for Signal Transduction within the Bacillus subtilis GerA Germinant Receptor
Authors: Amon Jeremy D. , Artzi Lior , Rudner David Z.
Published: November 2021

Endospore formers are a broad group of bacteria that can enter dormancy upon starvation and exit dormancy upon sensing the return of nutrients. How dormant spores sense and respond to these nutrients is poorly understood. Here, we identify a key step in the signal transduction pathway that is activated after spores detect the amino acid
l
-alanine. We present a model that provides a more complete picture of this process that is critical for allowing dormant spores to germinate and resume growth.
Supplemental Material: Hypogenic karst of the Great Basin
Authors: Hose Louise
Published: November 2021

Slide PDFs of trip stops
Five-minute Apgar score and outcomes in neonates of 24–28 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Shah Prakesh S , Norman Mikael , Rusconi Franca , Kusuda Satoshi , Reichman Brian , Battin Malcolm , Bassler Dirk , Modi Neena , Hakansson Stellan , Yang Jie , Lee Shoo K , Helenius Kjell , Vento Maximo , Lehtonen Liisa , Adams Mark , Isayama Tetsuya , Lui Kei , Gagliardi Luigi
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To assess associations between 5 min Apgar score and mortality and severe neurological injury (SNI) and to report test characteristics in preterm neonates.

Design, setting and patients

Retrospective cohort study of neonates 240 to 286 weeks’ gestation born between 2007 and 2016 and admitted to neonatal units in 11 high-income countries.

Exposure

5 min Apgar score.

Main outcome measures

In-hospital mortality and SNI defined as grade 3 or 4 periventricular/intraventricular haemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia. Outcome rates were calculated for each Apgar score and compared after adjustment. The diagnostic characteristics and ORs for each value from 0 versus 1–10 to 0–9 versus 10, with 1-point increments were calculated.

Results

Among 92 412 included neonates, as 5 min Apgar score increased from 0 to 10, mortality decreased from 60% to 8%. However, no clear increasing or decreasing pattern was identified for SNI. There was an increase in sensitivity and decrease in specificity for both mortality and SNI associated with increasing scores. The Apgar score alone had an area under the curve of 0.64 for predicting mortality, which increased to 0.73 with the addition of gestational age.

Conclusions

In neonates of 24–28 weeks’ gestation admitted to neonatal units, higher 5 min Apgar score was associated with lower mortality in a graded manner, while the association with SNI remained relatively constant at all scores. Among survivors, low Apgar scores did not predict SNI.
Undiagnosed diabetes based on HbA1cby socioeconomic status and healthcare consumption in the Tromsø Study 1994–2016
Authors: Ruiz Paz Lopez-Doriga , Hopstock Laila Arnesdatter , Eggen Anne Elise , Njølstad Inger , Grimnes Guri , Stene Lars C , Gulseth Hanne L
Published: November 2021

Introduction

We aimed to investigate whether the proportion of undiagnosed diabetes varies by socioeconomic status and healthcare consumption, in a Norwegian population screened with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Research design and methods

In this cohort study, we studied age-standardized diabetes prevalence using data from men and women aged 40–89 years participating in four surveys of the Tromsø Study with available data on HbA1cand self-reported diabetes: 1994–1995 (n=6720), 2001 (n=5831), 2007–2008 (n=11 987), and 2015–2016 (n=20 170). We defined undiagnosed diabetes as HbA1c≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol) and no self-reported diabetes. We studied the association of education, income and contact with a general practitioner on undiagnosed diabetes and estimated adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) from multivariable adjusted (age, sex, body mass index) log-binomial regression.

Results

Higher education was associated with lower prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Those with secondary and tertiary education had lower prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes (aPR for tertiary vs primary: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.66). Undiagnosed as a proportion of all diabetes was also significantly lower in those with tertiary education (aPR:0.78, 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.93). Household income was also negatively associated with prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes. Across the surveys, approximately 80% of those with undiagnosed diabetes had been in contact with a general practitioner the last year, similar to those without diabetes.

Conclusions

Undiagnosed diabetes was lower among participants with higher education. The hypothesis that those with undiagnosed diabetes had been less in contact with a general practitioner was not supported.