bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New genes with old modus operandi
Authors: Dasgupta Santanu , Maisnier‐Patin Sophie , Nordström Kurt
Published: July 2002

The process of partitioning bacterial sister chromosomes into daughter cells seems to be distinct from chromatid segregation during eukaryotic mitosis. In Escherichia coli, partitioning starts soon after initiation of replication, when the two newly replicated oriCs move from the cell centre to quarter positions within the cell. As replication proceeds, domains of the compact, supercoiled chromosome are locally decondensed ahead of the replication fork. The nascent daughter chromosomes are recondensed and moved apart through the concerted activities of topoisomerases and the SeqA (sequestration) and MukB (chromosome condensation) proteins, all of which modulate nucleoid superhelicity. Thus, genes involved in chromosome topology, once set aside as ‘red herrings’ in the search for ‘true’ partition functions, are again recognized as being important for chromosome partitioning in E. coli.
SCF ubiquitin protein ligases and phosphorylation–dependent proteolysis
Authors: Willems A. R. , Goh T. , Taylor L. , Chernushevich I. , Shevchenko A. , Tyers M.
Published: July 2002

Many key activators and inhibitors of cell division are targeted for degradation by a recently described family of E3 ubiquitin protein ligases termed Skp1–Cdc53–F–box protein (SCF) complexes. SCF complexes physically link substrate proteins to the E2 ubiquitin–conjugating enzyme Cdc34, which catalyses substrate ubiquitination, leading to subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. SCF complexes contain a variable subunit called an F–box protein that confers substrate specificity on an invariant core complex composed of the subunits Cdc34, Skp1 and Cdc53. Here, we review the substrates and pathways regulated by the yeast F–box proteins Cdc4, Grr1 and Met30. The concepts of SCF ubiquitin ligase function are illustrated by analysis of the degradation pathway for the G1 cyclin Cln2. Through mass spectrometric analysis of Cdc53 associated proteins, we have identified three novel F–box proteins that appear to participate in SCF–like complexes. As many F–box proteins can be found in sequence databases, it appears that a host of cellular pathways will be regulated by SCF–dependent proteolysis.
The solution structure of human β2‐microglobulin reveals the prodromes of its amyloid transition
Authors: Verdone Giuliana , Corazza Alessandra , Viglino Paolo , Pettirossi Fabio , Giorgetti Sofia , Mangione Palma , Andreola Alessia , Stoppini Monica , Bellotti Vittorio , Esposito Gennaro
Published: July 2002

The solution structure of human β2‐microglobulin (β2‐m), the nonpolymorphic component of class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC‐I), was determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and restrained modeling calculations. Compared to previous structural data obtained from the NMR secondary structure of the isolated protein and the crystal structure of MHC‐I, in which the protein is associated to the heavy‐chain component, several differences are observed. The most important rearrangements were observed for (1) strands V and VI (loss of the C‐terminal and N‐terminal end, respectively), (2) interstrand loop V‐VI, and (3) strand I, including the N‐terminal segment (displacement outward of the molecular core). These modifications can be considered as the prodromes of the amyloid transition. Solvation of the protected regions in MHC‐I decreases the tertiary packing by breaking the contiguity of the surface hydrophobic patches at the interface with heavy chain and the nearby region at the surface charge cluster of the C‐terminal segment. As a result, the molecule is placed in a state in which even minor charge and solvation changes in response to pH or ionic‐strength variations can easily compromise the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and trigger the transition into a partially unfolded intermediate that starts with unpairing of strand I and leads to polymerization and precipitation into fibrils or amorphous aggregates. The same mechanism accounts for the partial unfolding and fiber formation subsequent to Cu2+ binding, which is shown to occur primarily at His 31 and involve partially also His 13, the next available His residue along the partial unfolding pathway.
Structure of variant 2 scorpion toxin from Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing
Authors: Cook William J. , Zell Alan , Watt Dean D. , Ealick Steven E.
Published: July 2002

Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing variant 2 toxin (CsE‐v2) is a neurotoxin isolated from the venom of a scorpion native to the Arizona desert. The structure of CsE‐v2 was solved in two different crystal forms using a combination of molecular replacement and multiple isomorphous replacement techniques. Crystals of CsE‐v2 display a temperature‐dependent, reversible‐phase transition near room temperature. At lower temperature the space group changes from P3221 to P3121 with an approximate doubling of the C‐axis. The small‐cell structure, which has one molecule per asymmetric unit, has an R factor of 0.229 at 2.8 Å resolution. The large‐cell structure has two molecules per asymmetric unit and was refined at 2.2 Å resolution to an R factor of 0.255. CsE‐v2 is a rigid, compact structure with four intrachain disulfide bonds. The structure is similar to other long‐chain β neurotoxins, and the largest differences occur in the last six residues. The high‐resolution structure of CsE‐v2 corrects an error in the reported C‐terminal sequence; the terminal tripeptide sequence is Ser 64‐Cys 65‐Ser 66 rather than Ser 64‐Ser 65‐Cys 66. Comparison of CsE‐v2 with long‐chain α toxins reveals four insertions and one deletion, as well as additional residues at the N and C termini. Structural alignment of α and β toxins suggests that the primary distinguishing feature between the two classes is the length of the loop between the second and third strands in a three‐strand β sheet. The shorter loop in α toxins exposes a critical lysine side chain, whereas the longer loop in β toxins buries the corresponding basic residue (either arginine or lysine).
Classical and quantum mechanics of a particle on a rotating loop
Authors: Kar Sayan , Khare Avinash
Published: July 2002

A toy problem of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field, constrained to move on a vertical rotating loop, is analyzed. After a short review of the model, we move on to its quantum mechanics. We first obtain some exact solutions of the corresponding Schrödinger equation. Thereafter, introducing the notion of instantons and bounces, we explicitly obtain such solutions in this problem. Finally, we delineate briefly the connection of this toy model with some models in field theory and statistical mechanics and mention possible extensions.
Comment on “Describing the state of a stochastic process,” by D. T. Gillespie [Am. J. Phys. 66 (6), 533–536 (1998)]
Authors: Gillespie Daniel T. , Alltop William O. , Martin Jorge M.
Published: July 2002

In the commented paper, it was pointed out that a certain set of conditioned probability density functions P(1), P(2),…, is both necessary and sufficient to fully describe the state of any classical stochastic process. But the announced set of constraints that those functions are obliged to satisfy was incomplete. Here we elaborate the full set of constraining conditions on the P(n) functions, and in so doing we expose the non-Markovian generalization of the Chapman–Kolmogorov equation.
Acoustic streaming in annular thermoacoustic prime-movers
Authors: Gusev Vitalyi , Job Stéphane , Bailliet Hélène , Lotton Pierrick , Bruneau Michel
Published: July 2002

The theory of acoustic streaming in an annular thermoacoustic prime-mover is developed. It is predicted that above the threshold for traveling wave excitation the device considered (which does not contain any moving parts or externally imposed pressure gradients) produces circulation of fluid. The heat flux carried by this directional mass flow inside the thermoacoustic stack exceeds (or is comparable with) the heat flux associated with the acoustically induced increase of thermal diffusivity of the gas. The effects investigated are important for optimization of the performance of thermoacoustic devices.
Characteristics of whistles from the acoustic repertoire of resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) off Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Thomsen F. , Franck D. , Ford J. K. B.
Published: July 2002

The acoustic repertoire of killer whales (Orcinus orca) consists of pulsed calls and tonal sounds, called whistles. Although previous studies gave information on whistle parameters, no study has presented a detailed quantitative characterization of whistles from wild killer whales. Thus an interpretation of possible functions of whistles in killer whale underwater communication has been impossible so far. In this study acoustic parameters of whistles from groups of individually known killer whales were measured. Observations in the field indicate that whistles are close-range signals. The majority of whistles (90%) were tones with several harmonics with the main energy concentrated in the fundamental. The remainder were tones with enhanced second or higher harmonics and tones without harmonics. Whistles had an average bandwidth of 4.5 kHz, an average dominant frequency of 8.3 kHz, and an average duration of 1.8 s. The number of frequency modulations per whistle ranged between 0 and 71. The study indicates that whistles in wild killer whales serve a different function than whistles of other delphinids. Their structure makes whistles of killer whales suitable to function as close-range motivational sounds.
Multipath compensation in shallow water environments using a virtual receiver
Authors: Siderius Martin , Jackson Darrell R. , Rouseff Daniel , Porter Robert
Published: July 2002

An acoustic technique for compensation of signal distortion due to propagation is developed in analogy with an astronomical technique in which light from a bright “guide star” is used to correct atmospheric aberration of weaker objects that are nearby in the angular sense. The acoustic technique investigated here uses a vertical array to receive both the signal from a broadband “guide source” and an unknown “objective source” which propagates over a partially shared path. The algorithm is a spatial–temporal cross correlation of the two signals and is termed a “virtual receiver” as the output approximates the signal that the unknown source would produce at the location of the guide source. By strategically locating the guide source, many of the distorting effects of an unknown propagation region can be removed, including mode coupling and multipaths. The virtual receiver can also be combined with matched field processing techniques to estimate the unknown source location. Results are given for a variety of numerical experiments in both the time and frequency domains. The numerical simulations are used to illustrate the virtual receiver algorithm in range-dependent shallow water environments exhibiting lossy propagation and mode coupling.
An acoustic Casimir effect
Authors: Larraza Andrés , Holmes Christopher D. , Susbilla Robert T. , Denardo Bruce
Published: July 2002

Theoretical and experimental results are presented for the force law between two rigid parallel plates due to the radiation pressure of broadband acoustic noise. The noise is in the band of 5 to 15 kHz and has an intensity of 133 dB (re: 10−12 W/m2). Good quantitative agreement is shown between theory and experiment. These results constitute an acoustic analog for the Casimir effect, which is the force experienced by two closely spaced uncharged conducting plates due to the quantum electromagnetic zero point field. In contrast to this case, however, band limited noise can cause the force to be attractive or repulsive as a function of the distance of separation of the plates. [Work sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.]
Effects of deafening on the calls and warble song of adult budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Authors: Heaton James T. , Dooling Robert J. , Farabaugh Susan M.
Published: July 2002

Budgerigars are small Australian parrots that learn new vocalizations throughout adulthood. Earlier work has shown that an external acoustic model and auditory feedback are necessary for the development of normal contact calls in this species. Here, the role of auditory feedback in the maintenance of species-typical contact calls and warble song in adult budgerigars is documented. Deafened adult birds (five male, one female) vocalized less frequently and showed both suprasegmental and segmental changes in their contact calls and warble song. Contact calls of all adult-deafened budgerigars showed abnormalities in acoustic structure within days to a few weeks following surgery. Within 6 months of surgery, nearly all contact calls produced by deafened birds were strikingly abnormal, showing highly variable patterns of frequency modulation and duration. The warble song of deafened male budgerigars also differed significantly from that of normal budgerigars on several acoustic measures. These results show that auditory feedback is necessary for the maintenance of a normal, species-typical vocal repertoire in budgerigars.
Analysis of transient wave scattering from rigid bodies using a Burton–Miller approach
Authors: Ergin A. A. , Shanker Balasubramaniam , Michielssen Eric
Published: July 2002

Transient scattering from closed rigid bodies can be analyzed using a variety of time domain integral equations, e.g., the Kirchhoff integral equation and its normal derivative. Unfortunately, when the spectrum of the incident field includes one or more of the resonance frequencies of the corresponding interior problem, the solutions to these time domain integral equations become corrupted with spurious interior modes. In this article, this phenomenon is demonstrated via numerical experiments, and a Burton–Miller-type time domain combined field integral equation is proposed as a remedy. To verify that the solutions to this Burton–Miller-type equation are not corrupted by interior modes, various numerical results are presented. It is anticipated that this equation, when used in conjunction with fast time domain integral equation solvers (e.g., plane wave time domain algorithms), will enable the accurate analysis of transient wave scattering from acoustically large bodies.
Fast transient analysis of acoustic wave scattering from rigid bodies using a two-level plane wave time domain algorithm
Authors: Ergin A. A. , Shanker Balasubramaniam , Michielssen Eric
Published: July 2002

It is well known that the computational cost associated with the application of classical time domain integral equation methods to the analysis of scattering from acoustical targets scales unfavorably with problem size. Indeed, performing a three-dimensional scattering analysis using these methods requires O(NtNs2) operations, where Ns denotes the number of basis functions that model the spatial field distribution over the surface of the scatterer and Nt is the number of time steps in the analysis. Recently, novel plane wave time domain algorithms that augment these classical methods and thereby reduce their high computational cost have been introduced. This paper describes such a plane wave time domain algorithm within the context of the analysis of acoustic scattering from rigid bodies and outlines its incorporation into a time domain integral equation solver in a two-level setting. It is shown that the resulting scheme has a computational complexity of O(NtNs1.5 log Ns). Examples comparing the accuracy and computational efficiency of the conventional and accelerated methods are presented. The proposed two-level scheme renders feasible the broadband analysis of scattering from large and complex bodies.
Complex tone processing in primary auditory cortex of the awake monkey. II. Pitch versus critical band representation
Authors: Fishman Yonatan I. , Reser David H. , Arezzo Joseph C. , Steinschneider Mitchell
Published: July 2002

Noninvasive neurophysiological studies in humans support the existence of an orthogonal spatial representation of pure tone frequency and complex tone pitch in auditory cortex [Langner et al., J. Comp. Physiol. A 181, 665–676 (1997)]. However, since this topographic organization is based on neuromagnetic responses evoked by wideband harmonic complexes (HCs) of variable fundamental frequency (f0), and thus interharmonic frequency separation (ΔF), critical band filtering effects due to differential resolvability of harmonics may have contributed to shaping these responses. To test this hypothesis, the present study examined responses evoked by three-component HCs of variable f0 in primary auditory cortex (A1) of the awake monkey. The center frequency of the HCs was fixed at the best frequency (BF) of the cortical site. Auditory evoked potential (AEP), multiunit activity, and current source density techniques were used to evaluate A1 responses as a function of f0 (=ΔF). Generally, amplitudes of nearly all response components increased with f0, such that maximal responses were evoked by HCs comprised of low-order resolved harmonics. Statistically significant increases in response amplitude typically occurred at ΔFs between 10% and 20% of center frequency, suggestive of critical bandlike behavior. Complex tone response amplitudes also reflected nonlinear summation in that they could not be predicted by the pure tone frequency sensitivity curves of the cortical sites. A mechanism accounting for the observed results is proposed which involves mutual lateral inhibitory interactions between responses evoked by stimulus components lying within the same critical band. As intracortical AEP components likely to be propagated to the scalp were also strongly modulated by ΔF, these findings indicate that noninvasive recordings of responses to complex sounds may require a consideration of critical band effects in their interpretation.
Elastic Stress-Strain Relations in Perfect Elastic Fluids
Authors: Bernstein B. , Kearsley E. , Zapas L.
Published: July 2002

The theory of perfect elastic fluids deals with the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of finite viscoelastic deformation. The thermodynamics of finite elastic strain and of perfect elastic fluids are discussed. It is shown that the stress-strain relations for perfect elastic fluids may be written in a way which appears formally identical to those in elasticity theory, but the form of this dependence depends on past history.
Time Dependence of Streaming Birefringence of Polystyrene Solutions in Aroclor
Authors: Munk P. , Peterlin A.
Published: July 2002

The streaming birefringence of dilute solutions of polystyrene in Aroclor is time dependent if the shear stress expressed as parameter β=M(η−η0)G/cRT is high enough. The stress-optical coefficient Δn sin 2χ/2G (η−η0) is time independent, while the quantity C=Δn cos 2χ/Gβ (η−η0) decreases markedly with time of shearing. The phenomenon is apparently connected with formation of aggregates during flow. Inside the aggregate the molecules are entangled which results in a higher number of effective chains and a lower effective molecular weight. The apparent decrease of C is believed to be the consequence of the use of the molecular weight of the single molecule instead of the smaller effective M of the chain section between two entanglements. The decrease of C starts rapidly with higher concentration and velocity gradient while with lower concentration and gradient one has a pronounced induction period. The characteristic time τ for the later part of decrease is inversely proportional to the gradient. After stopping the rotor the solution recuperates slowly; the characteristic time τ′ of the reverse process is markedly dependent on the molecular weight of polymer and on solvent viscosity. Higher concentration and gradient lead to higher collision rate and hence to an early aggregate formation. This yields a rapid decrease on the effective M and hence C in contrast to the situation at lower concentration and gradient. In the subsequent region of the time dependence which is independent of concentration, the aggregates proceed with internal entanglement toward their equilibrium structure. The reverse process is the disintegration of aggregates in solution at rest which is governed by molecular weight of polymer and solvent viscosity.
Nearly Viscometric Flow in the Disk and Cylinder System. I: Theoretical
Authors: Kramer J. M. , Johnson M. W.
Published: July 2002

For the steady flow of viscoelastic liquids a perturbation theory is developed for a weak secondary flow superimposed on an arbitrary primary flow. The dynamic and kinematic equations are used in a simplified form appropriate to slow flow, but the constitutive equations are not so approximated, being allowed to retain general nonlinear viscoelastic effects. The equations are used to study flow driven by a disk rotating atop a cylindrical tank. The governing equations are solved using Fourier-Bessel series. Comparison with experimental data is given in part II.
The Determination of Relaxation Spectra from Steady Flow Viscosity
Authors: Cote J. A. , Shida M.
Published: July 2002

A simple expression has been found relating the relaxation spectrum and nonlinear shear rate dependent viscosity. In this expression the value of the relaxation spectrum is the product of one-half the shear stress and the slope of the steady flow curve at a relaxation time twice the value of the inverse shear rate. This relation was applied to a set of linear polyethylene melts and found to agree quite well with relaxation spectra obtained from linear viscoelastic quantities. A comparison with a similar equation relating the relaxation spectrum with loss modulus was shown to lead to a transformation between steady-state viscosity and dynamic viscosity. Similar relations have been found in the literature.
Nonlinear Creep of Polyurethane Under Combined Stresses and Elevated Temperature
Authors: Mark Roger , Findley William Nichols
Published: July 2002

Nonlinear creep under combinations of constant tensile and torsional stresses and recovery are reported for various constant temperatures ranging from 75 to 145°F. Results of the creep tests were describable by a power function of time whose exponent is independent of stress and temperature. These results, in conjunction with previous results from pure tension and pure torsion creep experiments on polyurethane, permitted using the multiple-integral representation to describe the creep and recovery behavior of this material under different combinations of constant tensile stress, torsional stress, and temperature. Agreement with the creep-test data is good, and prediction of creep under other states of stress and recovery is satisfactory. Most of the nonlinearity was found in the coefficient of the time-dependent term.
Rheology of Concentrated Suspensions of Fibers in Tube Flow. III. Suspensions with the Same Fiber Length Distribution
Authors: Maschmeyer Richard O. , Hill Christopher T.
Published: July 2002

Capillary viscometer data are reported for 0, 15, and 30 vol. % glass fiber suspensions in 100, 600, and 1000 P silicone oils. All other suspension parameters, including fiber length distribution, were constant. Wall effects were not significant. The viscosity data at each concentration were fit by a dimensionless plot of the form F(fNRe,NEl)=0 when f is the friction factor for tube flow and NRe and NEl are the Reynolds and Ellis numbers of the system. Suspension viscosity increased with fiber concentration, but the magnitude of the increase was highly shear rate dependent. The dependence of viscosity on fiber concentration and shear rate is compared with literature predictions.
New Critical Tests for Integral Constitutive Equations
Authors: Takahashi Masaoki , Masuda Toshiro , Onogi Shigeharu
Published: July 2002

New criteria for testing integral constitutive equations are proposed. The constitutive models studied are generalized models with stress-, strain-, and rate-dependent memory functions, as well as the BKZ and Bogue-White (BW) models. On the basis of these models, the critical relations for the test of constitutive equations are derived for five types of experiments: single- and double-step stress relaxation under finite shear strain, stress overshoot, interrupted flow, and stress relaxation after cessation of steady shear flow. Among the models examined in this study, the predictions as to the time-dependent stress or relaxation modulus in single- and double-step stress relaxation are quite different, and therefore these relaxation experiments are very useful for testing the models. The Van Es-Christensen function is monotone increasing in time for strain-dependent models as well as for rate-dependent models. On the other hand, it is possible that the function overshoots for the stress-dependent model. New critical tests are proposed using interrupted flow. It is demonstrated that relations between shear and normal stress relaxation after cessation of steady shear flow are very useful for testing the models.
Experimental evidence of slip development in capillaries and a method to correct for end effects in the flow of xanthan solutionsa)
Authors: de Vargas Lourdes , Pérez-González José , de J. Romero-Barenque Javier
Published: July 2002

Flow experiments using a capillary rheometer with 0.2% xanthan aqueous solutions were carried out to give experimental evidence of the dependence of the slip velocity on the geometrical parameters of the rheometer. The Mooney method was used to evaluate the slip velocity Vs. It was found that Vs is an increasing function of the wall shear stress and also of the length to diameter ratio L/D not considered in the Mooney theory. That is, Vs=Vs(τw,L/D), although, for each τw value, Vs becomes independent of L/D at large L/D. In addition, a method to determine the excess pressure drop due to end effects is outlined and experimental results presented. The differences between this method and the one by Bagley are highlighted.
Imaging evaluation of a persistent left superior vena cava and its importance in electrophysiologic procedures
Authors: Smith Victoria J. , Klein Taylor A. , Demo Hany N.
Published: August 2022

Accurate characterization of thoracic vascular structures is essential to safe, efficient, and successful cardiac electrophysiologic procedures. Here we describe a case of persistent left superior vena cava incidentally discovered during an elective cryoablation of atrial fibrillation procedure to illustrate possible diagnostic modalities to identify vascular abnormalities.
A new modification and application of item response theory‐based feature selection for different machine learning tasks
Authors: Coban Onder
Published: August 2022

Feature selection (FS) is an important step of the existing machine learning (ML) methodology since it often makes it possible to obtain better results using a lower number of features. Hence, in the literature, there exist many studies aiming at proposing a new FS method or improving an existing one in the context of ML. Accordingly, this study presents a new lossy modification of a feature selector which is a specific type of filter‐based FS and depends on item response theory. This method computes feature importance in a supervised manner and is previously employed for classical text categorization (TC) task, where it was shown that the selector provided satisfying results on high dimensional and benchmark text datasets. As such, this paper introduces a new modification of this selector along with its new variants and investigates its applicability for different ML tasks other than TC. Experimental results are obtained on 35 different datasets, of which nine are well‐known and real‐world datasets from the UCI ML repository. Our comparative results with the most popular filter‐based FS methods show that it is possible to obtain better results with this new modified selector or one of its variants on the majority of both binary and real‐world datasets compared to its well‐known peers.
Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy and round ligament bladder hitching for ureteral stenosis in parametrial deep endometriosis: Our tips for a tension‐free anastomosis
Authors: Ianieri Manuel Maria , Rosati Andrea , Ercoli Alfredo , Foschi Nazario , Campolo Federica , Greco Pierfrancesco , Scambia Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and the efficacy of laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with round ligament bladder hitching.

Methods

This is a monocentric retrospective study. Enrolled patients affected by deep endometriosis underwent laparoscopic nerve‐sparing parametrectomy and monolateral ureteroneocystostomy with bladder suspension to the round ligament. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were collected, as well as urinary and pain symptoms before and after surgery.

Results

Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with round ligament bladder hitching was performed in nine women. The most frequent postoperative complication was post‐voiding urinary retention (22.2%). No ureteral fistula or stenosis of the anastomosis was reported.

Conclusion

In selected cases of ureteral resection and reimplantation, performing a round ligament bladder hitching allowed us to overcome the ureteral gap. This is a safe and feasible procedure to ensure stability of the anastomosis and avoid the possible disadvantages of the “standard” psoas hitch procedure.
The Notch signaling pathway in skeletal muscle health and disease
Authors: Vargas‐Franco Dorianmarie , Kalra Raghav , Draper Isabelle , Pacak Christina A. , Asakura Atsushi , Kang Peter B.
Published: August 2022

The Notch signaling pathway is a key regulator of skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Over the past decade, the discoveries of three new muscle disease genes have added a new dimension to the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and skeletal muscle: MEGF10, POGLUT1, and JAG2. We review the clinical syndromes associated with pathogenic variants in each of these genes, known molecular and cellular functions of their protein products with a particular focus on the Notch signaling pathway, and potential novel therapeutic targets that may emerge from further investigations of these diseases. The phenotypes associated with two of these genes, POGLUT1 and JAG2, clearly fall within the realm of muscular dystrophy, whereas the third, MEGF10, is associated with a congenital myopathy/muscular dystrophy overlap syndrome classically known as early‐onset myopathy, areflexia, respiratory distress, and dysphagia. JAG2 is a canonical Notch ligand, POGLUT1 glycosylates the extracellular domain of Notch receptors, and MEGF10 interacts with the intracellular domain of NOTCH1. Additional genes and their encoded proteins relevant to muscle function and disease with links to the Notch signaling pathway include TRIM32, ATP2A1 (SERCA1), JAG1, PAX7, and NOTCH2NLC. There is enormous potential to identify convergent mechanisms of skeletal muscle disease and new therapeutic targets through further investigations of the Notch signaling pathway in the context of skeletal muscle development, maintenance, and disease.
Threat or Nuisance? Foreign Street Entertainers in the Swedish Press, 1800–1880
Authors: Runefelt Leif
Published: August 2022

This chapter analyzes the changing public opinion towards street entertainers, as expressed in nineteenth-century Swedish press, identifying a shift towards a discourse of securitization 1850. Until then, entertainers were seldom mentioned and occasionally seen as a positive element of urban social life; their services were often appreciated, and this in a country which otherwise had developed strong legal institutions for controlling and rejecting itinerant and marginalized individuals. From 1850, entertainers became more present in the press, the tone being almost completely negative, portraying them as threats to public morals and economy. Criticism focused on three issues. Firstly, entertainers were claimed to be beggars in disguise, parasites on the social body. Secondly, they made noise, making everyday life a nuisance to the urban population. Lastly, their use of children was used to emphasize their inhumane greed. Behind the shift was an increase in the numbers of entertainers following processes of proletarization in Europe, but also the growth of a middle-class striving to take control of city spaces. Between the lines, it becomes clear that entertainers still were popular among working classes. The discourse of securitization seems to have lacked the necessary audience, and the outcries against entertainers mostly without effect.
Empowering voluntary approaches for environmental sustainability and resilient communities: a case study from Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Tanaka Toshinori , Tiku Oscar , Takashina Nao
Published: August 2022

What can government do to secure environmental sustainability and resilient communities? We discuss an emerging policy approach in natural tourism resource management in the Okinawa Prefecture using the case of the ‘Conservation and Use Agreement’ (CUA, hereafter) defined in the Act on Special Measures for the Promotion of Okinawa. The CUA is the certification by the Governor of Okinawa Prefecture, which endorses the self-regulation concluded by site-level eco-tour operators. We analysed the legal and administrative structure of the CUA and the implementation process of nine (existing/expired) CUA cases based on thorough literature reviews and in-depth interviews. We discuss three points from the analysis. Firstly, the number of CUAs remains small because of its huge transaction costs compared to the benefits of the status. Secondly, the CUA generally works as a precaution; however, it is not effective for solving the existing overuse issues for its voluntary characteristics. Thirdly, the administrative resources need to be strengthened for better communication with operators to further enhance the implementation.
Numerical investigation of the wave interaction with flexible vegetation: model setup and validation for a single stem study case
Authors: Jin Caiping , Zhang Jingxin
Published: August 2022

Aquatic flexible vegetation plays a very important role in ecosystem, and has been widely used in river or coastal bank revetment. Flexible vegetation contributes to wave attenuation and soil retention. In this study, a fluid-structure bidirectional coupled numerical model (FSC model) was developed based on the codes in-house software HydroFlow@ to study the interaction between water flow and flexible vegetation. The water wave was simulated using the non-hydrostatic numerical model. Based on the nonlinear theory of elastic thin rod, a dynamic numerical model of flexible vegetation (FV model) was developed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to simulate the large bending deformation and finite extension of a thin rod. A domain extension method was used to transfer the contact force between waves and the vegetation stem in the coupling process. The FSC model was validated using available experimental results focusing on a single stem dynamic simulation coupling with the free surface open channel flow simulation. The numerical results were in good agreements with the experiments. Relative errors of maximum deflection were less than 10%. Asymmetrical bending during a wave period were captured well compared with the measurements.
A Model of Salt Production and Consumption Patterns in Bronze Age Anatolia
Authors: Dardeniz Gonca
Published: August 2022

The procurement and use of salt in Anatolia has received limited scholarly attention despite its abundance in the region. This study synthesizes geological, archaeological, ethnoarchaeological, and textual data to assess the role of salt within the socioeconomic setting of the third and early second millenniabc(c.3000–1730bc) in Anatolia. The easy accessibility of rock salt and saltpans ranks salt lower among the strategically controlled materials of the era. The author argues that the early non-state Anatolian communities’ strategy for obtaining and distributing this salt was community-driven. Unlike societies in Mesopotamia and Europe, for which the production and distribution of salt contributed significantly to their political economy, salt never became a prestige good, nor did it contribute to the accumulation of wealth in Bronze Age Anatolia.
MAXIMAL TOWERS AND ULTRAFILTER BASES IN COMPUTABILITY THEORY
Authors: LEMPP STEFFEN , MILLER JOSEPH S. , NIES ANDRÉ , SOSKOVA MARIYA I.
Published: August 2022

The tower number
${\mathfrak t}$
and the ultrafilter number
$\mathfrak {u}$
are cardinal characteristics from set theory. They are based on combinatorial properties of classes of subsets of
$\omega $
and the almost inclusion relation
$\subseteq ^*$
between such subsets. We consider analogs of these cardinal characteristics in computability theory.

We say that a sequence
$(G_n)_{n \in {\mathbb N}}$
of computable sets is a tower if
$G_0 = {\mathbb N}$
,
$G_{n+1} \subseteq ^* G_n$
, and
$G_n\smallsetminus G_{n+1}$
is infinite for each n. A tower is maximal if there is no infinite computable set contained in all
$G_n$
. A tower
${\left \langle {G_n}\right \rangle }_{n\in \omega }$
is an ultrafilter base if for each computable R, there is n such that
$G_n \subseteq ^* R$
or
$G_n \subseteq ^* \overline R$
; this property implies maximality of the tower. A sequence
$(G_n)_{n \in {\mathbb N}}$
of sets can be encoded as the “columns” of a set
$G\subseteq \mathbb N$
. Our analogs of
${\mathfrak t}$
and
${\mathfrak u}$
are the mass problems of sets encoding maximal towers, and of sets encoding towers that are ultrafilter bases, respectively. The relative position of a cardinal characteristic broadly corresponds to the relative computational complexity of the mass problem. We use Medvedev reducibility to formalize relative computational complexity, and thus to compare such mass problems to known ones.

We show that the mass problem of ultrafilter bases is equivalent to the mass problem of computing a function that dominates all computable functions, and hence, by Martin’s characterization, it captures highness. On the other hand, the mass problem for maximal towers is below the mass problem of computing a non-low set. We also show that some, but not all, noncomputable low sets compute maximal towers: Every noncomputable (low) c.e. set computes a maximal tower but no 1-generic
$\Delta ^0_2$
-set does so.

We finally consider the mass problems of maximal almost disjoint, and of maximal independent families. We show that they are Medvedev equivalent to maximal towers, and to ultrafilter bases, respectively.
Robotics in laparoscopic surgery - A review
Authors: Zidane Iham F. , Khattab Yasmin , Rezeka Sohair , El-Habrouk Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Because of the increasing use of laparoscopic surgeries, robotic technologies have been developed to overcome the challenges these surgeries impose on surgeons. This paper presents an overview of the current state of surgical robots used in laparoscopic surgeries. Four main categories were discussed: handheld laparoscopic devices, laparoscope positioning robots, master–slave teleoperated systems with dedicated consoles, and robotic training systems. A generalized control block diagram is developed to demonstrate the general control scheme for each category of surgical robots. In order to review these robotic technologies, related published works were investigated and discussed. Detailed discussions and comparison tables are presented to compare their effectiveness in laparoscopic surgeries. Each of these technologies has proved to be beneficial in laparoscopic surgeries.
Prevalence and trends of congenital heart defects among live births from 2005 to 2014 in Northern Ireland
Authors: Saad Hafi , Casey Frank , Dolk Helen , Loane Maria
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most frequent group of congenital anomalies representing a significant burden of mortality and morbidity and health service load.

Objective:

In the Northern Ireland population, served by a single paediatric cardiology centre, we determine the prevalence and trends of CHD among live births.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional population-based study, using the paediatric cardiology database. The study included a total of 245,120 live births representing all children born in Northern Ireland 2005-2014.

Results:

A total of 11,410 children (4.65% of live births in Northern Ireland) received an echocardiogram for suspected CHD, and 3,059 children were subsequently diagnosed with a major CHD (prevalence = 12.48 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 12.04–12.93)) of whom 490 (16.02%) had genetic or chromosomal disorders including Down syndrome. The prevalence of non-genetic or chromosomal cases was 10.48 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 10.08–10.89) and did not change significantly over time (p = 0.91). The prevalence of CHD diagnosed in the first year of life was 8.46 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 8.10–8.83), which increased over time (p < 0.01). The prevalence of severe CHD was 2.02 per 1,000 live births (95% CI 1.85–2.21).

Conclusion:

Northern Ireland has a high prevalence of CHD among European countries, which may be associated with complete ascertainment of both early and late diagnosed cases recorded in the paediatric cardiology database, as well as being one of the few European countries where terminations of pregnancy for foetal anomaly was illegal during the study period.
Effect of cardiac graft rejection on semilunar valve function: implications for heart valve transplantation
Authors: McVadon Deani H. , Hardy William A. , Boucek Katerina A. , Rivers William D. , Kwon Jennie H. , Kavarana Minoo N. , Costello John M. , Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: August 2022

Background:

The treatment of neonates with unrepairable heart valve dysfunction remains an unsolved problem because there are no growing heart valve replacements. Heart valve transplantation is a potential approach to deliver growing heart valve replacements. Therefore, we retrospectively analysed the semilunar valve function of orthotopic heart transplants during rejection episodes.

Methods:

We included children who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation at our institution and experienced at least one episode of rejection between 1/1/2010 and 1/1/2020. Semilunar valve function was analysed using echocardiography at baseline, during rejection and approximately 3 months after rejection.

Results:

Included were a total of 31 episodes of rejection. All patients had either no (27) or trivial (4) aortic insufficiency prior to rejection. One patient developed mild aortic insufficiency during a rejection episode (P = 0.73), and all patients had either no (21) or trivial (7) aortic insufficiency at follow-up (P = 0.40). All patients had mild or less pulmonary insufficiency prior to rejection, which did not significantly change during (P = 0.40) or following rejection (P = 0.35). Similarly, compared to maximum pressure gradients across the valves at baseline, which were trivial, there was no appreciable change in the gradient across the aortic valve during (P = 0.50) or following rejection (P = 0.42), nor was there any meaningful change in the gradient across the pulmonary valve during (P = 0.55) or following rejection (P = 0.91).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that there was no echocardiographic evidence of change in semilunar valve function during episodes of rejection in patient with heart transplants. These findings indicate that heart valve transplants require lower levels of immune suppression than orthotopic heart transplants and provide partial foundational evidence to justify future research that will determine whether heart valve transplantation may deliver growing heart valve replacements for children.
Use of Machine Learning to Reduce Uncertainties in Particle Number Concentration and Aerosol Indirect Radiative Forcing Predicted by Climate Models
Authors: Yu Fangqun , Luo Gan , Nair Arshad Arjunan , Tsigaridis Kostas , Bauer Susanne E.
Published: August 2022

The radiative forcing of anthropogenic aerosols associated with aerosol‐cloud interactions (RFaci) remains the largest source of uncertainty in climate prediction. The calculation of particle number concentration (PNC), one of the critical parameters affecting RFaci, is generally simplified in climate models. Here we employ outputs from long‐term (30‐year) simulations of a global size‐resolved (sectional) aerosol microphysics model and a machine‐learning tool to develop a Random Forest Regression Model (RFRM) for PNC. We have implemented the PNC RFRM in GISS‐ModelE2.1 with a mass‐based One‐Moment Aerosol module, which is one of CMIP6 models. Compared to the default setting, the GISS‐ModelE2.1 simulation based on RFRM reduces the changes of cloud droplet number concentration associated with anthropogenic emissions, and decreases the RFaci from −1.46 to −1.11 W·m−2. This work highlights a promising approach based on machine learning to reduce uncertainties of climate models in predicting PNC and RFaci without compromising their computing efficiency.
Reframing Our Health Care System for Patients With Hearing Loss
Authors: McKee Michael , James Tyler G. , Helm Kaila V. T. , Marzolf Brianna , Chung Dana H. , Williams John , Zazove Philip
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

Nearly 20% of U.S. Americans report a hearing loss, yet our current health care system is poorly designed and equipped to effectively care for these individuals. Individuals with hearing loss report communication breakdowns, inaccessible health information, reduced awareness and training by health care providers, and decreased satisfaction while struggling with inadequate health literacy. These all contribute to health inequities and increased health care expenditures and inefficiencies. It is time to reframe the health care system for these individuals using existing models of best practices and accessibility to mitigate inequities and improve quality of care.

Method:

A review of system-, clinic-, provider-, and patient-level barriers, along with existing and suggested efforts to improve care for individuals with hearing loss, are presented.

Results:

These strategies include improving screening and identification of hearing loss, adopting universal design and inclusion principles, implementing effective communication approaches, leveraging assistive technologies and training, and diversifying a team to better care for patients with hearing loss. Patients should also be encouraged to seek social support and resources from hearing loss organizations while leveraging technologies to help facilitate communication.

Conclusions:

The strategies described introduce actionable steps that can be made at the system, clinic, provider, and patient levels. With implementation of these steps, significant progress can be made to more proactively meet the needs of patients with hearing loss.

Presentation Video:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21215843