bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms: What role does the cognitive triad play?
Authors: Sacco Abbi , Pössel Patrick , Roane Sarah J.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The present study was designed to integrate perceived everyday discrimination (PED) as stressor in Beck's cognitive theory of depression. We focused on the relationships between PED, the individual components of the cognitive triad, and depressive symptoms and the role of gender and race in these relationships.

Method

Participants included 243 technical and community college students (women: 59%; men: 41%; Black: 30%; White: 51%). They completed measures examined PED, the cognitive triad, and depressive symptoms.

Results

Conducting mediation analyses using PROCESS 4.1.1, we found significant indirect effects from PED on depressive symptoms through negative views of the self and world. The indirect effect through negative views of the future was not significant. The indirect effects of negative views of the world and future were significantly stronger in women participants than men participants and the indirect effect of negative views of the world was significantly stronger in White students than Black students.

Conclusions

Our findings generally support the integration of PED as stressor into Beck's cognitive theory independent of gender and race. This highlights the responsibility of therapists to assist clients in coping with PED and to advocate for equality within organizations, communities, and society in general.
Engineered skeletal muscle recapitulates human muscle development, regeneration and dystrophy
Authors: Shahriyari Mina , Islam Md Rezaul , Sakib Sadman M. , Rinn Malte , Rika Anastasia , Krüger Dennis , Kaurani Lalit , Gisa Verena , Winterhoff Mandy , Anandakumar Harithaa , Shomroni Orr , Schmidt Matthias , Salinas Gabriela , Unger Andreas , Linke Wolfgang A. , Zschüntzsch Jana , Schmidt Jens , Bassel‐Duby Rhonda , Olson Eric N. , Fischer André , Zimmermann Wolfram‐Hubertus , Tiburcy Malte
Published: October 2022

Background

Human pluripotent stem cell‐derived muscle models show great potential for translational research. Here, we describe developmentally inspired methods for the derivation of skeletal muscle cells and their utility in skeletal muscle tissue engineering with the aim to model skeletal muscle regeneration and dystrophy in vitro.

Methods

Key steps include the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to embryonic muscle progenitors followed by primary and secondary foetal myogenesis into three‐dimensional muscle. To simulate Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a patient‐specific induced pluripotent stem cell line was compared to a CRISPR/Cas9‐edited isogenic control line.

Results

The established skeletal muscle differentiation protocol robustly and faithfully recapitulates critical steps of embryonic myogenesis in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional cultures, resulting in functional human skeletal muscle organoids (SMOs) and engineered skeletal muscles (ESMs) with a regeneration‐competent satellite‐like cell pool. Tissue‐engineered muscle exhibits organotypic maturation and function (up to 5.7 ± 0.5 mN tetanic twitch tension at 100 Hz in ESM). Contractile performance could be further enhanced by timed thyroid hormone treatment, increasing the speed of contraction (time to peak contraction) as well as relaxation (time to 50% relaxation) of single twitches from 107 ± 2 to 75 ± 4 ms (P < 0.05) and from 146 ± 6 to 100 ± 6 ms (P < 0.05), respectively. Satellite‐like cells could be documented as largely quiescent PAX7+ cells (75 ± 6% Ki67−) located adjacent to muscle fibres confined under a laminin‐containing basal membrane. Activation of the engineered satellite‐like cell niche was documented in a cardiotoxin injury model with marked recovery of contractility to 57 ± 8% of the pre‐injury force 21 days post‐injury (P < 0.05 compared to Day 2 post‐injury), which was completely blocked by preceding irradiation. Absence of dystrophin in DMD ESM caused a marked reduction of contractile force (−35 ± 7%, P < 0.05) and impaired expression of fast myosin isoforms resulting in prolonged contraction (175 ± 14 ms, P < 0.05 vs. gene‐edited control) and relaxation (238 ± 22 ms, P < 0.05 vs. gene‐edited control) times. Restoration of dystrophin levels by gene editing rescued the DMD phenotype in ESM.

Conclusions

We introduce human muscle models with canonical properties of bona fide skeletal muscle in vivo to study muscle development, maturation, disease and repair.
Quantifying the impact of symptomatic acute hepatic porphyria on well‐being via patient‐reported outcomes: Results from the Porphyria Worldwide Patient Experience Research (POWER) study
Authors: Dickey Amy , Wheeden Kristen , Lyon Desiree , Burrell Sue , Hegarty Sean , Falchetto Rocco , Williams Edrin R. , Barman‐Aksözen Jasmin , DeCongelio Marc , Bulkley Alison , Matos Joana E. , Mnif Tarek , Mora Jordanna , Ko John J. , Meninger Stephen , Lombardelli Stephen , Nance Danielle
Published: October 2022

Acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) is a group of rare genetic diseases of heme biosynthesis resulting in severe neurovisceral attacks and chronic complications that negatively impact patients' well‐being. This study evaluated the impacts of AHP on patients' physical and emotional health from a global perspective. Adult patients from the United States, Italy, Spain, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil with AHP with >1 porphyria attack within the past 2 years or receiving intravenous hemin and/or glucose for attack prevention completed an online survey assessing demographics, health characteristics, and patient‐reported outcomes. Results were analyzed collectively and by patient subgroups. Ninety‐two patients with AHP across the six countries completed the survey. More than 70% of patients reported that their physical, emotional, and financial health was fair or poor. Among patients who reported pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness, 94.3%, 95.6%, and 91.4%, respectively, reported that these symptoms limited daily activities. Moderate to severe depression was present in 58.7% of patients, and moderate to severe anxiety in 48.9% of patients. Of the 47% of patients who were employed, 36.8% reported loss in productivity while at work. Among patients, 85.9% reported that they had to change or modify goals that were important to them because of AHP. Aside from differences in healthcare utilization and pain severity, scores did not significantly vary with attack rate or use of hemin or glucose prophylactic treatments. AHP substantially impacts patients' physical and emotional well‐being, regardless of hemin or glucose prophylactic treatment or frequency of attacks. This multinational study demonstrates that there is substantial disease burden for patients with AHP, even among those experiencing sporadic attacks or using prophylactic treatment.
Wettability alteration and reducing water blockage in tight gas sandstone reservoirs using mixed cationic Gemini/nonionic fluorosurfactant mixtures
Authors: Li Guofeng , Yi Xiangyi , Zhang Yu , Li Yueli
Published: October 2022

The unrecovered hydraulic fracturing fluid will invade the matrix and induce water blockage, creating formation damage and hindering the oil or gas production rate. First, the synergistic effect of cationic Gemini surfactant (MQAS) and nonionic fluorosurfactant (N‐2821) mixtures on reducing the surface tension and wettability alteration was investigated in this paper. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant mixture is one or two orders of magnitude lower than that of N‐2821 and MQAS, indicating that the MQAS/N‐2821 mixtures exhibit an apparent synergistic effect in reducing surface tension. Moreover, the maximal contact angle of MQAS/N‐2821 mixtures reached 83.55° at αN‐2821 = 0.5, and the total surfactant concentration of 1 × 10−4 mol/L due to the adsorption of surfactant. The adsorption mechanism of surfactants on the surface of quartz sand was then examined. The adsorption kinetics is consistent with the pseudo‐second‐order model at different surfactant concentrations, while the Freundlich model is suitable for describing the adsorption behavior of surfactants on the sandstone surface. This finding indicates that surfactant adsorption is multilayered. The MQAS/N‐2821 surfactant mixtures have excellent surfactant activity due to the relationship of the capillary pressure to the surface tension, pore radius, and contact angle; thus, the addition of surfactant mixtures can reduce the liquid saturation effectively. Furthermore, the sequential imbibition experiments indicate that MQAS/N‐2821 mixtures alter the wettability of the core plug, which results from the adsorption of surfactants. Compared with brine water, the MQAS/N‐2821 mixtures decreased the liquid saturation and increased the permeability recovery ratios of the core plug.
The incidence of Frey syndrome and treatment with botulinum toxin in the Central Denmark Region
Authors: Golding Christian N. , Larsen Dalia G.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Frey syndrome (FS) is a common complication to large salivary glands surgery. This study primarily aims to describe the incidence of FS among parotid surgery patients in the Central Denmark Region. The secondary aim is to describe predisposing characteristics to syndrome development and the effect of treatment with botulinum toxin (Botox) injection.

Methods

This is a retrospective qualitative study spanning the years 2015–2020. Data on patients diagnosed with FS after parotid surgery with symptoms severe enough to require Botox was extracted from electronic patient records. Incidence of FS development was calculated using data from all parotid gland surgeries in the same period and region.

Results

The incidence of treatment‐requiring FS was 2.6% (20/775), with an annual incidence ranging from 0.8% (1/125) in 2017 to 4.5% (5/112) in 2016. Difference in FS development for men and women was not statistically significant (p = .07), although it was significantly more common after total parotidectomy compared to superficial resection (p = .003), and after malignant compared to benign diagnosis (p = .01). Complications in the postoperative period arose for 30% of FS patients. Repeated treatment with Botox was necessary after 6–12 months and at a median interval of 11 months. Forty‐five percent of patients received only one injection. The average dose per injection was 48.3 IU.

Conclusion

This study revealed a rather low incidence of FS in the Central Denmark Region compared to current international literature. Total parotidectomy and malignant diagnosis predisposed to syndrome development. Botox injection had a wide‐ranging effective duration but typically lasted for around 1 year.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Antibiotics administration alleviates the high fat diet‐induced obesity through altering the lipid metabolism in young mice
Authors: Luo Shiyue , Zhang Hongyang , Jiang Xuejun , Xia Yinyin , Tang Shixin , Duan Xinhao , Sun Wei , Gao Min , Chen Chengzhi , Zou Zhen , Zhou Lixiao , Qiu Jingfu
Published: October 2022

Currently, there is a global trend of rapid increase in obesity, especially among adolescents. The antibiotics cocktails (ABX) therapy is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment for gut microbiota related diseases, including obesity. However, the effects of broad‐spectrum antibiotics alone on young obese hosts have rarely been reported. In the present study, the 3‐week‐old C57BL/6J male mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) were intragastric administration with ampicillin, vancomycin, metronidazole or neomycin for 30 days. The lipid metabolites in plasma were assessed by biochemical assay kits, and genes related to lipid metabolite in the white adipose were assessed by qPCR. To further analyze the underlying mechanisms, the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress in the liver were determined by qPCR assay. In addition, the expression of oxidative damage‐associated proteins in the liver were detected by western blot. The results showed that oral antibiotics exposure could reduce body weight and fat index in HFD‐fed mice, concurrent with the increase of white adipose lipolysis genes and the decrease of hepatic lipogenic genes. Furthermore, antibiotics treatment could clearly reverse the HFD‐induced elevation of oxidative damage‐related proteins in the liver. Together, these findings will provide valuable clues into the effects of antibiotics on obesity.
The paradox of technology: Negativity bias in consumer adoption of innovative technologies
Authors: Frank Darius‐Aurel , Chrysochou Polymeros , Mitkidis Panagiotis
Published: October 2022

Innovative technologies often feature inherently conflicting properties. This poses a challenge for marketers because negative properties not only weigh heavily on consumers' technology adoption decisions but potentially do more so than positive ones. To shed light on the paradox of technology and its underlying processes, the present research develops a conceptual model drawing on technology adoption and valence perception theories about the prevalence of negativity bias in consumers' technology adoption decisions with its unique effect through the serial chain of consumers' perceptions of risk and trust regarding the technology. Results of three studies (N = 1309) demonstrate that the effect of negative valence consistently outperforms that of positive valence in consumers' technology adoption intentions (Studies 1–2) and decisions (Study 3). Furthermore, results show that the disproportionate effect of negative (vs. positive) valence can be explained by the proposed serial causal chain through consumers' perception of risk of the technology and trust in the technology (Studies 2–3) while ruling out company trust and consumer knowledge as alternative drivers of the effects (Study 3). These findings contribute to the pertinent literature on consumer psychology in decisions to adopt novel technologies in that they quantify and explain the potential outcome stemming from the ambiguous properties of novel technology. Moreover, this study finds negativity bias to be an often overlooked consumer bias with implications for marketing practice and useful for understanding and lowering resistance towards artificial intelligence technology.
Numerical simulation for a one‐pressure model of two‐phase flows using a new finite volume scheme
Authors: Mohamed Kamel , Benkhaldoun Fayssal , Seadawy Aly R.
Published: October 2022

We propose and develop a new finite volume method for a one‐pressure model of two‐phase flows in one and two dimensional, where the first phase is vapor, which is compressible, and the second phase referred to as the liquid phase. This model has complex characteristic values, which poses a numerical difficulty. This scheme consists of a predictor stage and corrector stage. Numerical results are presented for two‐phase flows model in one and two dimensions. It is found that the proposed finite volume scheme offers a robust and accurate approach for solving this model, and this scheme reveals to be robust and efficient for non‐hyperbolic and non‐conservative systems and our scheme does not need complicated Jacobian fields decomposition.
Deep, deep learning with BART
Authors: Blumenthal Moritz , Luo Guanxiong , Schilling Martin , Holme H. Christian M. , Uecker Martin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To develop a deep‐learning‐based image reconstruction framework for reproducible research in MRI.

Methods

The BART toolbox offers a rich set of implementations of calibration and reconstruction algorithms for parallel imaging and compressed sensing. In this work, BART was extended by a nonlinear operator framework that provides automatic differentiation to allow computation of gradients. Existing MRI‐specific operators of BART, such as the nonuniform fast Fourier transform, are directly integrated into this framework and are complemented by common building blocks used in neural networks. To evaluate the use of the framework for advanced deep‐learning‐based reconstruction, two state‐of‐the‐art unrolled reconstruction networks, namely the Variational Network and MoDL, were implemented.

Results

State‐of‐the‐art deep image‐reconstruction networks can be constructed and trained using BART's gradient‐based optimization algorithms. The BART implementation achieves a similar performance in terms of training time and reconstruction quality compared to the original implementations based on TensorFlow.

Conclusion

By integrating nonlinear operators and neural networks into BART, we provide a general framework for deep‐learning‐based reconstruction in MRI.
In situ formation of core‐shell rubber particles in polypropylene matrix by melt blending and its effects on the toughness and stiffness of the composites
Authors: Li Fushi , Zhang Na , Gao Yunbao , Yan Nan , Jin Jing , Su Zhaohui , Jiang Wei
Published: October 2022

Toughening of thermoplastics with a one‐phase impact modifier generally results in significant reduction in stiffness, whereas core‐shell rubber modifiers have extra structural parameters such as core rigidity and shell flexibility, by controlling which the stiffness and impact toughness of their composites can be better balanced. In this study, three kinds of polyethylene (PE) with different rigidity are used respectively to prepare polypropylene/ethylene–propylene rubber/polyethylene (PP/EPR/PE) ternary composites by melt blending, in which the EPR‐to‐PE ratio is 1:1. Atomic force microscopy‐infrared (AFM−IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate that core‐shell rubber particles with a PE core and an EPR shell are formed in situ and uniformly dispersed in the PP matrix. Mechanical measurements show that at the same modifier content the PP composites toughened with these core‐shell rubber particles exhibit higher toughness and stiffness than that with EPR alone, and the more rigid the PE core, the greater the effects. These results are in quantitative agreement with a recent theoretical model, providing solid experimental evidence in support of the latter. Furthermore, this work demonstrates an economical approach to toughening PP by partial substitution of the EPR with the much cheaper PE for better performance.
Capsicum annuum L. and its bioactive constituents: A critical review of a traditional culinary spice in terms of its modern pharmacological potentials with toxicological issues
Authors: Mandal Sudip Kumar , Rath Santosh Kumar , Logesh Rajan , Mishra Siddhartha Kumar , Devkota Hari Prasad , Das Niranjan
Published: October 2022

Capsicum annuum L., commonly known as chili pepper, is used as an important spice globally and as a crude drug in many traditional medicine systems. The fruits of C. annuum have been used as a tonic, antiseptic, and stimulating agent, to treat dyspepsia, appetites, and flatulence, and to improve digestion and circulation. The article aims to critically review the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of C. annuum and its major compounds. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and some carotenoids are reported as the major active compounds with several pharmacological potentials especially as anticancer and cardioprotectant. The anticancer effect of capsaicinoids is mainly mediated through mechanisms involving the interaction of Ca2+‐dependent activation of the MAPK pathway, suppression of NOX‐dependent reactive oxygen species generation, and p53‐mediated activation of mitochondrial apoptosis in cancer cells. Similarly, the cardioprotective effects of capsaicinoids are mediated through their interaction with cellular transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, and restoration of calcitonin gene‐related peptide via Ca2+‐dependent release of neuropeptides and suppression of bradykinin. In conclusion, this comprehensive review presents detailed information about the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of major bioactive principles of C. annuum with special emphasis on anticancer, cardioprotective effects, and plausible toxic adversities along with food safety.
Distributed extended object tracking information filter over sensor networks
Authors: Li Zhifei , Liang Yan , Xu Linfeng , Ma Shuli
Published: October 2022

This work aims to design a distributed extended object tracking system over a realistic network, where both the extent and kinematics are required to retain consensus within the entire network. To this end, we resort to the multiplicative error model (MEM) that allows the extent parameters of perpendicular axis‐symmetric objects to have individual uncertainty. To incorporate the MEM into the information filter (IF) style, we use the moment‐matching technique to derive two pair linear models with only additive noise. The separation is merely in a fashion, and the cross‐correlation between states is preserved as parameters in each other's model. As a result, the closed‐form expressions are transferred into an alternating iteration of two linear IFs. With the two models, a centralized IF is proposed wherein the measurements are converted into a summation of innovation parts. Later, under a sensor network with the communication nodes and sensor nodes, we present two distributed IFs through the consensus on information and consensus on measurement schemes, respectively. Moreover, we prove the estimation errors of the proposed filter are exponentially bounded in the mean square. The benefits are testified by numerical experiments in comparison to state‐of‐the‐art filters in literature.
Distributed consensus control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with sensor uncertainty
Authors: Li Hanfeng , Xie Lihua , Zhang Xianfu , Pan Weihao
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on the distributed consensus control problem for nonlinear multi‐agent systems subject to sensor uncertainty. To be specific, we study nonlinear multi‐agent systems of lower or upper triangular structure with unknown growth rate and sensor uncertainty. A new time‐varying gain approach is proposed to construct observers as well as distributed output‐feedback controllers. By selecting suitable design parameters, the leader‐follower consensus of nonlinear multi‐agent systems is achieved. Different from the existing results, a time‐varying function in a logarithmic form is introduced to deal with unknown growth rate. Moreover, a monotonically increasing time‐varying function is constructed to cope with uncertain sensor sensitivity. Two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed distributed consensus control algorithms.
Over 11% Efficient CuGaSe2 Solar Cells Without Using KCN Treatment
Authors: Gong Junbo , Gao Duoqi , Ma Zengyang , Yang Xuke , Zhang Junjun , Liu Xinxing , Chen Chao , Tang Jiang , Da Bo , Li Jianmin , Fang Guojia , Xiao Xudong
Published: October 2022

CuGaSe2 (CGS) has a bandgap energy of 1.68 eV and is theoretically very suitable to be in tandem with silicon or Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells. However, due to the high quantity of surface defects, high‐performance CGS usually relies on a KCN surface treatment, which is a high‐toxic process and restricts its further development. Herein, by reducing the exposure time to air of the CGS layer as far as possible and developing a new absorber growth procedure to reduce the surface Cu
x
Se generation, grain size is successfully increased and interface recombination is reduced without the use of KCN. Combined with a simple annealing process, the defect concentration is successfully decreased and the depletion width is broadened dramatically and the power conversion efficiency is promoted to 11.05% without any traditionally used KCN treatment. This work provides a nontoxic and low‐pollution way to fabricate high‐efficient CGS solar cells.
Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior Under Inhomogeneous Thermomechanical Deformation State
Authors: Peng Yan , Liang Shicheng , Liu Caiyi , Barella Silvia , Guo Shuo , Gruttadauria Andrea , Belfi Marco , Liu Yang , Qu Xiaobo , Mapelli Carlo
Published: October 2022

Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) is of great significance for refining grains, improving mechanical properties, and obtaining high‐quality products during thermomechanical deformation. This article studies the DRX behavior of low‐carbon steel within the temperature range of and the strain rate of 0.01–1 s−1 based on the Gleeble‐3800 thermal‐simulation experimental machine and establishes a DRX kinetic model suitable for different strain rates. The established model is embedded in the DEFORM‐3D simulation software to simulate the DRX behavior of high‐temperature plastic deformation of the material and to study the influence of the deformation amount, deformation temperature, and strain rate on the deformation inhomogeneity of the material. The results show that under the strain rate of 0.01–1 s−1, the 2/5 position from center to surface corresponds to the preset strain, and under the strain rate of 0.1–1 s−1, the 1/2 position from center to surface corresponds to the preset strain, and the importance of the sampling position is proved in combination with the DRX behavior. This article establishes a sampling theory that describes the position corresponding to the preset deformation amount, and it is important for guiding subsequent microstructural characterization experiments to reveal the DRX behavior of materials during thermomechanical deformation.
Defending Art. 51 of theCode: Comments on Smith & al. (2022)
Authors: Mosyakin Sergei L.
Published: October 2022

Smith & al. (2022), Hammer & Thiele (2021), and some other authors recently discussed and proposed dramatic changes to theInternational Code of Nomenclature of algae, fungi, and plants(ICN) aimed at the provisions allowing rejection and replacement of valid and legitimate names that reflect the “colonial and imperialist power” or may be considered, at least by some experts and users, as “culturally offensive or inappropriate” because of several broadly and vaguely formulated reasons, such as names considered to be “derogatory or insulting to a person or group of people”, those honoring “a person that the taxonomic community agrees should not be honoured”, and even any name that “otherwise causes deep offense”. These proposals and their possible outcomes were analyzed and criticized in my article (Mosyakin, 2022), which was, in turn, criticized in a recent article by Smith & al. (2022). In the present note I respond to that criticism, discuss additional cases of possible “culturally offensive or inappropriate” names, and provide additional evidence of possible (and, in my opinion, highly probable) confrontational and disruptive outcomes in case if the proposals to reject “culturally offensive or inappropriate” names are accepted and incorporated into theICN. I appeal to the international community of taxonomists to reject such proposals, to protect the fundamental Preamble 1 and Art. 51 of theICN, to protect the scientific freedom and principles of nomenclatural stability and political neutrality, and to protect our science from politically motivated decisions. The Pandora's Box of anticipated fights for or against “culturally offensive and inappropriate names” should remain firmly closed. Scientists in general and plant taxonomists in our case should firmly stand for the common values of scientific freedom, mutual understanding and respect, tolerance, reconciliation, a bold, open‐minded and honest view of history (including history of taxonomy), and, specifically, the principle of neutrality of biological nomenclature well expressed in Art. 51 of theICN. Essentially the same provisions in earlier versions of theCodeor other earlier rules of botanical nomenclature served well the generations of taxonomists and users of taxonomic information, preventing unnecessary conflicts between people and peoples over names of organisms, which someone sometime somehow may or may not consider “culturally offensive or inappropriate”. Preamble 1 and Art. 51 of theICNare crucial tools for maintaining nomenclatural stability, civility, and tolerance in our diverse, complicated and, unfortunately, not so peaceful present‐day world, and especially in our science of biological taxonomy reflecting the amazing diversity of the living world of our planet.
Big Waves on the Rocky Shore: A Discussion of Reading Policy, Infrastructure, and Implementation in the Era of Science of Reading
Authors: Woulfin Sarah L. , Gabriel Rachael
Published: October 2022

Teachers, leaders, reformers, policymakers, and advocates all comprehend the weightiness of reading instruction, experiences, and outcomes for society, schools, and children. There have been numerous waves of reading reform, with federal, state, and local policies addressing numerous aspects of reading instruction. Currently, there are numerous policies reflecting the Science of Reading. In this article, we synthesize policy concepts and illustrate policies associated with the infrastructure for reading instructional improvement. We elevate how policy messages are repeatedly framed and interpreted by people positioned at different levels of the education system. We also explain the variability in responses to reading policy. The article concludes with considerations for designing and implementing policy instruments that support and sustain educators as they sail toward improving reading instruction and providing robust learning opportunities for every child.
Study of ocular manifestations and humoral immune response in eyes of dogs with leishmaniasis
Authors: El Goulli Amel F. , Zribi Lilia , Sanhaji Rania , Chabchoub Ahmed , Bouratbine Aïda , Gharbi Mohamed , Abdelmelek Hafedh
Published: October 2022

Background

Ocular manifestations in dogs with leishmaniasis are frequent and complications in affected tissues can lead to blindness. Immune processes play a very important role in the pathogenesis of ocular inflammation. Therefore, the immunology of ocular manifestations in dogs with leishmaniasis remains complex and poorly understood.

Objectives

Estimation and characterisation of ocular and periocular manifestations in dogs naturally infected withLeishmania infantumand investigation of the production site of specific anti‐Leishmania infantumIgG.

Methods

The present investigation used 53 confirmed dogs infected withLeishmania infantum, presenting ocular and periocular lesions, and 10 control non‐infected dogs.

Complete macroscopic ophthalmic examination of eyelids and globes was performed. Both total and anti‐Leishmania infantumIgG antibodies were studied in sera and aqueous humour (AH) of all dogs by ELISA technique. A Goldmann–Witmer coefficient (Cvalue) was calculated.

Results

The main ophthalmological findings were keratoconjunctivitis (71.7%; 38/53), hyperplasia of conjunctival lymphoid follicles (54.7%; 29/53), blepharitis (50.9%; 27/53) and uveitis (20.7%; 11/53). Ocular production of anti‐Leishmania infantumIgG was detected in 73.6% (39/53) of infected dogs. There was no correlation between the antibody levels in AH and sera of the same dog. The mean anti‐Leishmania infantumIgG in AH was higher in uveitis, followed by lesions affecting only the adnexa (p< 0.0001). The highest meanCvalues were observed for uveitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that production of anti‐LeishmaniaIgG in dogs infected withLeishmania infantumwith ocular manifestations begin in situ and follows by a transfer of antibodies from the bloodstream to the AH.
Retrospective study of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms in Japan (2005–2020)
Authors: Nakazawa Yuta , Ohshima Takafumi , Fujita Michio , Fujiwara‐Igarashi Aki
Published: October 2022

Background

Few studies have investigated the incidence of respiratory diseases based on anatomical sites or the relationship between breed and these diseases.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of canine respiratory diseases among dogs in Japan, with relationship to the breed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of dogs with respiratory symptoms and calculated the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between breed and disease.

Results

A total of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms were included in this study. Miniature dachshunds were the most common breed affected by respiratory diseases. Among tracheobronchial diseases, there was a significant association between some small breeds and tracheobronchial collapse, miniature dachshunds (OR: 4.44, 8.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.17–6.22, 4.33–16.0) and chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. Among nasal diseases, miniature dachshunds (OR: 27.2, 95% CI: 16.8–44.8) and golden retrievers (OR: 21.0, 95% CI: 6.43–69.3) were the most affected by non‐infectious rhinitis and nasal aspergillosis, respectively. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was the most common disease among pharyngeal and laryngeal diseases, with a relationship with breed being found in some brachycephalic breeds, and Pomeranians (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.42–5.17).

Conclusions

Respiratory diseases in dogs are strongly correlated with popular breeds in Japan. Miniature dachshunds, in particular, are associated with many respiratory diseases, which may differ from international reports. Thus, this result may help in the early detection, prevention, treatment, and elucidation of the pathophysiology of canine respiratory diseases.
Caught in the act—Visualizing ribonucleases during eukaryotic ribosome assembly
Authors: Schneider Claudia , Bohnsack Katherine E.
Published: October 2022

Ribosomes are essential macromolecular machines responsible for translating the genetic information encoded in mRNAs into proteins. Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNAs and proteins (rRNAs and RPs) and the rRNAs fulfill both catalytic and architectural functions. Excision of the mature eukaryotic rRNAs from their precursor transcript is achieved through a complex series of endoribonucleolytic cleavages and exoribonucleolytic processing steps that are precisely coordinated with other aspects of ribosome assembly. Many ribonucleases involved in pre‐rRNA processing have been identified and pre‐rRNA processing pathways are relatively well defined. However, momentous advances in cryo‐electron microscopy have recently enabled structural snapshots of various pre‐ribosomal particles from budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and human cells to be captured and, excitingly, these structures not only allow pre‐rRNAs to be observed before and after cleavage events, but also enable ribonucleases to be visualized on their target RNAs. These structural views of pre‐rRNA processing in action allow a new layer of understanding of rRNA maturation and how it is coordinated with other aspects of ribosome assembly. They illuminate mechanisms of target recognition by the diverse ribonucleases involved and reveal how the cleavage/processing activities of these enzymes are regulated. In this review, we discuss the new insights into pre‐rRNA processing gained by structural analyses and the growing understanding of the mechanisms of ribonuclease regulation.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Ribosome Biogenesis

RNA Processing > rRNA Processing
Social Science Foundations of Public Policy
Authors: Omobowale Ayokunle Olumuyiwa , Akanle Olayinka , Busari Dauda
Published: October 2022

This chapter presents and discusses the social science basis of public policy. It briefly presents the history, epistemological thoughts (theories) and science of public policy, disciplinary paradigms and influences on public policy and cross-disciplinary dimensions in social science-oriented public policy.
Contemporary Issues in Public Policy
Authors: Akanle Olayinka , Omobowale Ayokunle Olumuyiwa
Published: October 2022

This chapter begins by examining the debates around policy paradigms in the study of the changing context of public policy making and policy change. It recognizes that policy ideas are embedded in policy paradigms and that these paradigms form the basis for framing, articulating and implementing public policy. It examines such concepts as pluralism, internationalization and globalization, and polycentricism in the study of public policy. Furthermore, it examines the changing focus and locus of policy discussing such issues as the state versus market, the growing complexity and scale of government and the special concerns of Africans relating to the debate around the issues. Based on the above theoretical debates, certain issues and the competing tools for addressing them are identified for closer scrutiny. These contextual issues include the economic issues in public policy; health issues and public policy; security issues and public policy; the environment and natural resources policy issues; governance and policy issues; and exclusion, vulnerability and public policy. The chapter concludes by drawing out the implications of policy paradigms on policy change and policy performance.
Social Diversity, Gender, Equity and Public Policy
Authors: Ezati Betty Akullu
Published: October 2022

One of the major challenges confronting public policy in Africa is how to overcome overt and subtle discrimination in the art of governance, economic and social development. The promotion of social diversity and the eradication of exploitation of one group by others remains a major focus. Understanding the political and civil rights of different social classes, as well as their economic, social and cultural rights, provide the basis for this chapter on social diversity, gender, equity and public policy. This chapter examines the discourse on social differences, and how state and society have responded over time to the growing demands for inclusive growth and social justice in development. It shows how evidence from reflective research is contributing to the unfolding paradigm shift towards embracing social diversity and equity with special reference to race, gender, ethnicity and disability, to name a few. This chapter highlights how policy instruments influence the process of income distribution across different social groups and how public policy can be used to advance people’s freedoms across different social groups.
Shape dependence of mutual information in the OPE limit: linear responses
Authors: Chen Liangyu , Wang Huajia
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Mutual information serves as an important measure of correlation between subsystem components. In the framework of quantum field theories (QFTs) they have better regulated UV behavior than entanglement entropy, and thus provide more direct access to universal aspects of entanglement structures. In this paper, we study the linear responses under shape deformation of the mutual information in the conformal field theory (CFT) vacuum between two spheres of radius R separated by large distance L ≫ R or conformally equivalent configurations. Our calculations make use of the previous OPE results for mutual information [1] and the associated modular Hamiltonian [2]. In particular, we apply the entanglement first law to compute the linear responses of mutual information under shape deformation on one of the spheres. We find that the linear responses exhibit a high degree of universality for a selected class of OPE contributions. We demonstrate that there is a “little group” of symmetries associated with the set-up. Our result implies that the spherical mutual information is extremal over shape deformations of non-zero modes under the symmetry group.
Analytic bootstrap of mixed correlators in the O(n) CFT
Authors: Bertucci Francesco , Henriksson Johan , McPeak Brian
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We use large spin perturbation theory and the Lorentzian inversion formula to compute order-ϵ corrections to mixed correlators in the O(n) Wilson-Fisher CFT in 4 − ϵ dimensions. In particular, we find the scaling dimensions and averaged OPE coefficients appearing in all correlators involving the operators φ and φ2, for φ2 in both the singlet and symmetric traceless representations of O(n). We extend some computations to the next order, and find order-ϵ2 data for a number of quantities for the Ising case at n = 1. Along the way, we discuss several interesting technical aspects which arise, including subleading corrections to mixed conformal blocks, projections onto higher twists in the inversion formula, and multiplet recombination.
NLO deflections for spinning particles and Kerr black holes
Authors: Menezes Gabriel , Sergola Matteo
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We employ the “KMOC” formalism of [1] to compute classical momentum deflections of spinning bodies with arbitrary spin orientations up to next-to-leading order (one loop). We do this in electrodynamics and gravity. The final result, valid for generic masses, is true for all spins at tree level and up to second (fourth) spin order for the electromagnetic (gravity) case at one loop. Furthermore, emphasis is given to the probe limit scenario where our results extend to all spin orders in the heavy source, even at next-to-leading order. We carry out our computations both using a unitarity based framework and Feynman diagrammatic approach which relies on scattering amplitudes computed on fixed backgrounds.
Resonance form factors from finite-volume correlation functions with the external field method
Authors: Lozano Jonathan , Meißner Ulf-G. , Romero-López Fernando , Rusetsky Akaki , Schierholz Gerrit
Published: October 2022

Abstract

A novel method for the extraction of form factors of unstable particles on the lattice is proposed. The approach is based on the study of two-particle scattering in a static, spatially periodic external field by using a generalization of the Lüscher method in the presence of such a field. It is shown that the resonance form factor is given by the derivative of the resonance pole position in the complex plane with respect to the coupling constant to the external field. Unlike the standard approach, this proposal does not suffer from problems caused by the presence of the triangle diagram.
Biconservative Hypersurfaces in Space Forms $$\overline{M}^{{n+1}}({c})$$
Authors: Gupta Ram Shankar , Arvanitoyeorgos Andreas
Published: October 2022

In this paper we study biconservative hypersurfaces M in space forms $$\overline{M}^{n+1}(c)$$

M
¯

n
+
1

(
c
)

with four distinct principal curvatures whose second fundamental form has constant norm. We prove that every such hypersurface has constant mean curvature and constant scalar curvature.
Übersicht über die in der EU zugelassenen COVID-19-Impfstoffe – von der Technologie über die klinische Prüfung zur Zulassung
Authors: Hildt Eberhard
Published: October 2022

Derzeit (Stand Juli 2022) sind in der EU 6 verschiedene COVID-19-Impfstoffe zugelassen. Diese umfassen 2 mRNA-basierte Impfstoffe (BNT162b2, Comirnaty® und mRNA-1273, Spikevax®), 2 auf einem adenoviralen Vektor basierende Impfstoffe (AZD1222, Vaxzevria® und Ad26.COV2.S, Jcovden®) sowie den Untereinheitenimpfstoff Nuvaxovid® (NVX-CoV2373) und den Inaktivatvirus-Impfstoff VLA2001. Obgleich diese Impfstoffe auf unterschiedlichen Technologien basieren, ist allen die Verwendung des Spike-Proteins von SARS-CoV‑2 als Antigen gemein.

Diese Übersicht beschreibt die Charakteristika ihrer Zusammensetzung, ihre Wirksamkeit und den Einfluss verschiedener Faktoren auf die Wirksamkeit. Des Weiteren wird das Zulassungsverfahren erläutert und die Faktoren werden identifiziert, welche zu der bisher noch nicht dagewesenen Schnelligkeit in der Entwicklung und Zulassung von Impfstoffen gegen einen pandemischen Erreger beigetragen haben.
A machine learning approach to recognize bias and discrimination in job advertisements
Authors: Frissen Richard , Adebayo Kolawole John , Nanda Rohan
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the work of organizations in the area of digitization has intensified significantly. This trend is also evident in the field of recruitment where job application tracking systems (ATS) have been developed to allow job advertisements to be published online. However, recent studies have shown that recruiting in most organizations is not inclusive, being subject to human biases and prejudices. Most discrimination activities appear early but subtly in the hiring process, for instance, exclusive phrasing in job advertisement discourages qualified applicants from minority groups from applying. The existing works are limited to analyzing, categorizing and highlighting the occurrence of bias in the recruitment process. In this paper, we go beyond this and develop machine learning models for identifying and classifying biased and discriminatory language in job descriptions. We develop and evaluate a machine learning system for identifying five major categories of biased and discriminatory language in job advertisements, i.e., masculine-coded, feminine-coded, exclusive, LGBTQ-coded, demographic and racial language. We utilized the combination of linguistic features with recent state-of-the-art word embeddings representations as input features for various machine learning classifiers. Our results show that the machine learning classifiers were able to identify all the five categories of biased and discriminatory language with a decent accuracy. The Random Forest classifier with FastText word embeddings achieved the best performance with tenfolds cross-validation. Our system directly addresses the bias in the attraction phase of hiring by identifying and classifying biased and discriminatory language and thus encouraging recruiters to write more inclusive job advertisements.
Automatic separation of laminar-turbulent flows on aircraft wings and stabilisers via adaptive attention butterfly network
Authors: Kuzu Rıdvan Salih , Mühlmann Philipp , Zhu Xiao Xiang
Published: October 2022

Many of the laminar-turbulent flow localisation techniques are strongly dependent upon expert control even-though determining the flow distribution is the prerequisite for analysing the efficiency of wing & stabiliser design in aeronautics. Some recent efforts have dealt with the automatic localisation of laminar-turbulent flow but they are still in infancy and not robust enough in noisy environments. This study investigates whether it is possible to separate flow regions with current deep learning techniques. For this aim, a flow segmentation architecture composed of two consecutive encoder-decoder is proposed, which is called Adaptive Attention Butterfly Network. Contrary to the existing automatic flow localisation techniques in the literature which mostly rely on homogeneous and clean data, the competency of our proposed approach in automatic flow segmentation is examined on the mixture of diverse thermographic observation sets exposed to different levels of noise. Finally, in order to improve the robustness of the proposed architecture, a self-supervised learning strategy is adopted by exploiting 23.468 non-labelled laminar-turbulent flow observations.
Lungengefäßbeteiligung bei Lebererkrankungen
Authors: Douschan Philipp
Published: October 2022

Patienten mit Lebererkrankungen entwickeln häufig Patholgien der pulmonalen Zirkulation. Zum einen kann eine portopulmonale Hypertonie (POPH) auftreten, die durch einen proliferativen Umbau der pulmonalen Arteriolen gekennzeichnet ist und zu einer Rechtherzbelastung führt, zum anderen ein hepatopulmonales Syndrom (HPS) mit Gefäßerweiterung und arteriovenösen Malformationen und daraus resultierendem Ventilations-Perfusions-Mismatch. Beide Störungen gehen mit einer erhöhten Mortalität und einer verminderten Lebensqualität einher. Die Diagnose der POPH erfolgt durch Echokardiographie und Rechtsherzkatheter, und es stehen pulmonal vasoaktive Medikamente für ihre Therapie zur Verfügung. Das HPS wird mittels Kontrastechokardiographie sowie Blutgasanalyse diagnostiziert. Medikamentöse Therapien gibt es derzeit noch keine. Im Falle einer geplanten Lebertransplantation ist auf die jeweiligen Besonderheiten im Management beider Störungen und mögliche Kontraindikationen zu achten.