bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disturbance‐driven alteration of patch connectivity determines local biodiversity recovery within metacommunities
Authors: Jacquet Claire , Munoz François , Bonada Núria , Datry Thibault , Heino Jani , Jabot Franck
Published: October 2022

Understanding the capacity of ecological systems to withstand and recover from disturbances is a major challenge for ecological research in the context of environmental changes. Past research has mostly focused on the local effects of disturbances on biodiversity recovery, while alterations of inter‐patch connectivity induced by disturbances have received comparatively less attention. Here, we investigated the effect of disturbances on local biodiversity recovery within metacommunities. Our specific focus was on drying river networks, which are characterised by a high variability of patch connectivity. We found marked variations of local biodiversity recovery among sites and among groups of organisms with contrasting dispersal modes, which were explained by the amount of patch connectivity loss due to drying events. Local communities of flying organisms recovered more efficiently from drying events than organisms with strictly aquatic dispersal due to the capacity of the former group to overcome hydrological connectivity loss. As a general rule, loss of patch connectivity decreases community recovery, regardless of patch location in the river network, dispersal mode or drying spatial extent. The relationship between patch connectivity loss and community recovery we found in river networks is general and applicable to any spatial network with a high variability of patch connectivity.
Origin of the central European steppe flora: insights from palaeodistribution modelling and migration simulations
Authors: Divíšek Jan , Večeřa Martin , Welk Erik , Danihelka Jiří , Chytrý Kryštof , Douda Jan , Chytrý Milan
Published: October 2022

The biogeographic origin of the species‐rich steppe grasslands in central Europe has long been debated. The alternative hypotheses are long‐term species persistence in situ versus immigration from the south‐east, either after the last glacial maximum (LGM) or after the Neolithic landscape deforestation. We ask whether macroclimate‐based models of habitat suitability support either of these hypotheses and search for macroclimatically suitable ‘source areas' from which species could colonise the areas occupied in Europe today. We modelled habitat suitability for 104 species of the central European steppes and projected these models to 10 periods between the LGM and the present using downscaled CCSM3 simulations. By simulating postglacial migration, we identified potential source areas for each species in the LGM and mid‐Holocene and examined whether their location differed among three ecological and five chorological species groups.

The central European macroclimate during the cold phases of the Late Pleistocene was suitable for species now typical of Asian desert steppes, whereas the warmer Bølling–Allerød and Holocene macroclimates supported the occurrence of present‐day central European steppe flora. The models suggest that the LGM source areas of these species ranged from south‐eastern France through the Adriatic region and the Balkan Peninsula to the Black‐Sea region but extended to central Europe in the mid‐Holocene. Their locations differed considerably among ecological and chorological groups in both periods. Therefore, our models support the hypothesis that during the Pleistocene cold periods, the largest populations of these species occurred in southern and south‐eastern Europe and some of them may have later colonised central Europe. If some populations occurred in central Europe during the LGM, as suggested by recent genetic analyses, they were likely restricted to microrefugia embedded in the landscape matrix of species‐poor cold steppe. The precipitation‐rich mid‐Holocene climate had no direct negative impact on the central European steppe flora.
Local environmental conditions influence species replacement in Great Lakes interdunal wetland macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Stewart Nicole A. , Schriever Tiffany A.
Published: October 2022

Understanding the role of environmental filtering and spatial processes along environmental gradients in assembling and maintaining aquatic communities in rare habitats is crucial for land management and biological conservation. We investigated the relative roles of environmental and spatial factors influencing beta (β) diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in 36 interdunal wetlands from five freshwater sand dune areas across two ecoregions spanning the latitudinal gradient of Lake Michigan. We hypothesised that aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity and composition would vary along the coastline because of an underlying environmental gradient. We predicted high species replacement correlated with environmental (local and regional) conditions and increasing species diversity with decreasing latitude.

We calculated sample completeness, obtained diversity estimates based on Hill numbers and used abundance‐based β partitioning and multivariate analysis to examine β diversity, and its replacement and nestedness components in relation to local and regional predictors.

Despite a short latitudinal gradient, we detected a significant increase in species richness with decreasing latitude, underpinned by a strong temperature and precipitation gradient. Species replacement (balanced variation in abundance) was high at all spatial scales (wetland, dune area, ecoregion and coastline), and correlated with local and regional environmental variables.

Community dissimilarity showed no marked increase with spatial extent, which suggests a system where local‐scale environmental filtering prevents dispersal driven homogenisation. Both local and bioclimatic factors were correlated with aquatic macroinvertebrate dissimilarity, but local factors played a larger role.

This study simultaneously examined the response of alpha and β diversity to geographical and environmental variables. Our results indicate that macroinvertebrates respond to abiotic factors by tracking suitable environmental conditions among locally variable interdunal wetlands. Thus, high dispersal along the coastline conveys resiliency to a hydrologically dynamic wetland system, which allows aquatic macroinvertebrates to contribute an integral portion of sand dune biodiversity within the Laurentian Great Lakes region. The high species turnover found suggests that conservation strategies should consider coastline connectivity among dune areas to maintain freshwater biodiversity.
Characteristics of complex cases of community‐dwelling older people with cognitive impairment: A classification and its relationships to clinical stages of dementia
Authors: Ito Kae , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Tsuda Shuji , Ogisawa Fumiko , Awata Shuichi
Published: October 2022

Aim

Older people with severe and complex needs are a major challenge in the realm of community health. However, despite the importance of the issue there is a lack of knowledge regarding complex cases of community‐dwelling older people with cognitive impairment (hereafter referred to as “complex cases”). The first aim of this study was to develop a framework for the comprehensive assessment and analysis of the issues faced by complex cases. The second aim was to identify the relationships between these issues and the clinical stages of dementia using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR).

Methods

A consecutive case series study was conducted using the records of 293 cases in municipal psychogeriatric services. Descriptions regarding the issues faced by complex cases were extracted from the case records and categorized. Next, trends according to CDR were analyzed. The association between each category and the CDR was then examined by multivariate analysis.

Results

The issues faced by complex cases were categorized into five categories: A, Mental Health Issues; B, Physical Health Issues; C, Family Issues; D, Issues of Neighborhood Communication; and E, Financial Issue. The higher the CDR score, the higher the frequency of categories C and E, the lower the frequency of category A, and the more categories each case faced. After adjusting for possible confounders, CDRs were associated with the categories of issues faced by complex cases.

Conclusions

The analytical framework developed in the present study will help in the categorization of the complexity of complex cases and the development of intervention strategies. In addition, by incorporating the perspective of the clinical stage of dementia, more effective support can be provided. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 997–1004.
Working in unprecedented times: Intersectionality and women of color in UK higher education in and beyond the pandemic
Authors: Blell Mwenza , Liu Shan‐Jan Sarah , Verma Audrey
Published: October 2022

The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and inequities. Injustices within the labor market mean that the lives particularly of women of color have been negatively affected by the crisis in multiple ways. Guided by standpoint epistemology, we take an intersectional approach and use autoethnographic methods in which we draw on our personal experiences within the United Kingdom's higher education institutions during the pandemic. We illustrate how institutional decisions, approaches, and policies enacted in the wake of COVID‐19 exacerbate inequalities and inequities. Three themes stand out from our experiences: (1) meritocracy and the problem of cumulative (dis)advantage, (2) the lack of racial awareness in management decisions, and (3) the operations of power and silencing. We show that universities justify decisions by deploying discourses of meritocracy and ignoring context and the ways women of color staff are persistently disadvantaged due to structural racism and sexism. We find that universities are likely to indicate that their response policies treat all staff absolutely equally without candidly assessing the intersectional impacts of the pandemic on minority staff, which consequently prevent the achievement of equity. We also describe the ways in which the pandemic exposes cultures of institutional silence and silencing when women of color speak up. We conclude with glimpses of hope for resisting the downward pressures of the pandemic crisis toward cultivating more equitable futures.
Comparison of the efficiency between electrocardiogram and echocardiogram for left ventricular hypertrophy evaluation in patients with hypertension: Insight from the Korean Hypertension Cohort Study
Authors: Park Bo Eun , Lee Jang Hoon , Jang Se Yong , Lee Hae‐Young , Lee Ju‐Yeon , Shin Ho‐Gyun , Park Kyun‐Ik , Lee Seung‐Pyo , Lee Hee‐Sun , Kim Kwang‐Il , Kang Si‐Hyuck , Lee Ju‐Hee , Kim Kye Hun , Cho Jae Yeong , Park Jae‐Hyeong , Park Sue K. , Bak Jean Kyung , Lee Jin Young
Published: October 2022

In patients with hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and asymptomatic organ damage. Currently, electrocardiography (ECG) and two‐dimensional echocardiography (Echo) are the most widely used methods for LVH evaluation. This study aimed to compare the long‐term outcomes of LVH, as evaluated by ECG and Echo, in patients with hypertension. Patients diagnosed with hypertension as a primary disease between 2006 and 2011 were enrolled in the Korean Hypertension Cohort study. The study finally included 1743 patients who underwent both ECG and Echo. The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) or death. Overall, LVH was identified in 747 patients. The patients were categorized into four groups according to the detection of LVH by ECG or Echo: No LVH (n = 996), LVH diagnosed by ECG alone (n = 181), LVH diagnosed by Echo alone (n = 415), LVH diagnosed by both ECG and Echo (n = 151). After adjusting for variables, the incidence of MACEs or death was significantly greater in patients with LVH diagnosed by ECG alone (hazards ratio [HR]: 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22–2.35; P = .001), LVH diagnosed by Echo alone (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.16–2.05; P = .002), and LVH diagnosed by both ECG and Echo (HR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.18–2.94; P = .002) than in those with no LVH. Both ECG and Echo are efficient diagnostic tools for LVH and useful for long‐term risk stratification. Additional Echo evaluation for LVH is helpful for predicting long‐term outcomes only in patients without LVH diagnosis by ECG.
Environmental attitudes and fertility desires among US adolescents from 2005–2019
Authors: Rackin Heather M. , Gemmill Alison , Hartnett Caroline Sten
Published: October 2022

Objective

This brief report examines links between environmental attitudes and fertility desires over time in the United States.

Background

To understand fertility decision making, it is important to identify factors that influence fertility desires. Concerns about environmental problems may be associated with lower desired fertility, especially in recent cohorts transitioning to adulthood. Youth may feel that having one less child can reduce their “carbon footprint” or may be unwilling to bring children into an uncertain and difficult future due to climate change.

Method

Data are from 12th graders in the Monitoring the Future study (2005–2019; N = 34,104). Regression is used to examine the relationship between number of children wanted and agreement that the government should deal with environmental problems even if it means paying more taxes.

Results

Those who endorsed that government should deal with environmental problems reported lower average fertility desires than those who did not. The association was driven by a decreased desire for large families (four or more children) rather than normatively sized families (2–3 children). Political identity and religiosity attenuated but did not explain the association. There was some evidence of stronger associations in 2017–2019.

Conclusion

Evidence showed associations between environmental attitudes and childbearing preferences that may have strengthened over time.

Implications

Environmental attitudes may be a factor in the recent decline in youth's fertility desires and could have consequences for future fertility.
Erbium laser‐assisted ceramic debonding: a scoping review
Authors: Deeb Janina Golob , Grzech‐Leśniak Kinga , Brody Erica R. , Matys Jacek , Bencharit Sompop
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Removal of ceramic restorations and appliances can be time consuming, invasive, and inconvenient. Erbium lasers offer an alternative noninvasive method for debonding of ceramic appliances. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of current literature on the effectiveness of erbium lasers for removal of ceramic restorations and appliances from natural teeth and dental implants.

Methods

A comprehensive search of 7 databases, including Medline (Ovid), Embase, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses was performed. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were agreed prior to the literature search. Two reviewers independently screened the title and abstract. A third reviewer then broke the tie, if any. The selected articles then underwent full text review and the data was extracted.

Results

The search identified 4117 unique articles published through June 10, 2021. Studies were assessed and categorized based on the type of restoration/appliance, type of abutment, type of laser, laser settings, efficacy of debonding, and pulpal temperature rise. Thirty‐eight full‐text articles were reviewed for inclusion. Time for ceramic debonding varies depending on the type of restorations and materials. Removal of zirconia crowns from teeth and implant abutments requires a longer period of time compared to lithium disilicate crowns. Temperature increases were reported as 5.5 degrees or less. Laser setting and laser type affect the debonding time and the increase in temperature. Examinations of debonded ceramics demonstrated no known structural damages resulting from laser applications.

Conclusions

Erbium lasers are effective noninvasive tools to remove all ceramic restorations/appliances from natural teeth and implant abutments without causing harm to abutments. Laser‐assisted debonding should be considered as a viable alternative to rotary instrumentation for ceramic crowns; however, clinical studies of erbium‐assisted ceramic retrieval are needed.
Processing of the alaW alaX operon encoding the Ala2 tRNAs in Escherichia coli requires both RNase E and RNase P
Authors: Mohanty Bijoy K. , Kushner Sidney R.
Published: October 2022

The alaW alaX operon encodes the Ala2 tRNAs, one of the two alanine tRNA isotypes in Escherichia coli. Our previous RNA‐seq study showed that alaW alaX dicistronic RNA levels increased significantly in the absence of both RNase P and poly(A) polymerase I (PAP I), suggesting a role of polyadenylation in its stability. In this report, we show that RNase E initiates the processing of the primary alaW alaX precursor RNA by removing the Rho‐independent transcription terminator, which appears to be the rate limiting step in the separation and maturation of the Ala2 pre‐tRNAs by RNase P. Failure to separate the alaW and alaX pre‐tRNAs by RNase P leads to poly(A)‐mediated degradation of the dicistronic RNAs by polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and RNase R. Surprisingly, the thermosensitive RNase E encoded by the rne‐1 allele is highly efficient in removing the terminator (>99%) at the nonpermissive temperature suggesting a significant caveat in experiments using this allele. Together, our data present a comprehensive picture of the Ala2 tRNA processing pathway and demonstrate that unprocessed RNase P substrates are degraded via a poly(A) mediated decay pathway.
Robust methylation‐based classification of brain tumours using nanopore sequencing
Authors: Kuschel Luis P. , Hench Jürgen , Frank Stephan , Hench Ivana Bratic , Girard Elodie , Blanluet Maud , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Misch Martin , Onken Julia , Czabanka Marcus , Yuan Dongsheng , Lukassen Sören , Karau Philipp , Ishaque Naveed , Hain Elisabeth G. , Heppner Frank , Idbaih Ahmed , Behr Nikolaus , Harms Christoph , Capper David , Euskirchen Philipp
Published: October 2022

Background

DNA methylation‐based classification of cancer provides a comprehensive molecular approach to diagnose tumours. In fact, DNA methylation profiling of human brain tumours already profoundly impacts clinical neuro‐oncology. However, current implementation using hybridisation microarrays is time consuming and costly. We recently reported on shallow nanopore whole‐genome sequencing for rapid and cost‐effective generation of genome‐wide 5‐methylcytosine profiles as input to supervised classification. Here, we demonstrate that this approach allows us to discriminate a wide spectrum of primary brain tumours.

Results

Using public reference data of 82 distinct tumour entities, we performed nanopore genome sequencing on 382 tissue samples covering 46 brain tumour (sub)types. Using bootstrap sampling in a cohort of 55 cases, we found that a minimum set of 1000 random CpG features is sufficient for high‐confidence classification by ad hoc random forests. We implemented score recalibration as a confidence measure for interpretation in a clinical context and empirically determined a platform‐specific threshold in a randomly sampled discovery cohort (N = 185). Applying this cut‐off to an independent validation series (n = 184) yielded 148 classifiable cases (sensitivity 80.4%) and demonstrated 100% specificity. Cross‐lab validation demonstrated robustness with concordant results across four laboratories in 10/11 (90.9%) cases. In a prospective benchmarking (N = 15), the median time to results was 21.1 h.

Conclusions

In conclusion, nanopore sequencing allows robust and rapid methylation‐based classification across the full spectrum of brain tumours. Platform‐specific confidence scores facilitate clinical implementation for which prospective evaluation is warranted and ongoing.
G protein signaling and metabolic pathways as evolutionarily conserved mechanisms to combat calcium deficiency
Authors: Leong Richalynn , Tan Javier Jingheng , Koh Sally Shuxian , Wu Ting‐Ying , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Urano Daisuke
Published: October 2022

Calcium (Ca) deficiency causes necrotic symptoms of foliar edges known as tipburn; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms have been poorly understood due to the lack of an ideal plant model and research platform.

Using a phenotyping system that quantitates growth and tipburn traits in the model bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha, we evaluated metabolic compounds and the Gβ‐null mutant (gpb1) that modulate the occurrence and expansion of the tipburn. Transcriptomic comparisons between wild‐type and gpb1 plants revealed the phenylalanine/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) important for Ca deficiency responses.

gpb1 plants reduced ROS production possibly through transcriptomic regulations of class III peroxidases and induced the expression of phenylpropanoid pathway enzymes without changing downstream lignin contents. Supplementation of intermediate metabolites and chemical inhibitors further confirmed the cell‐protective mechanisms of the phenylpropanoid and ROS pathways. Marchantia polymorpha, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Lactuca sativa showed comparable transcriptomic changes where genes related to phenylpropanoid and ROS pathways were enriched in response to Ca deficiency.

In conclusion, our study demonstrated unresolved signaling and metabolic pathways of Ca deficiency response. The phenotyping platform can speed up the discovery of chemical and genetic pathways, which could be widely conserved between M. polymorpha and angiosperms.
Evaluating the magnet response in deep subcutaneous implanted cardioverter defibrillator implants
Authors: Richman Tuppence , Stanton Tony , Fryer Michael , Dayananda Naresh , Tung Matthew
Published: October 2022

Introduction

The manufacturer of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S‐ICDs) acknowledges that ‘deep implants’ may fail to elicit a magnet response, however, does not define ‘deep implant’ or recommend a maximum implant depth. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of subcutaneous tissue depth and magnet types on evoked magnet response.

Methods

Sunshine Coast University Hospital's S‐ICD cohort underwent magnet response evaluation; where bar and donut magnets were compared and the evoked magnet response was recorded in three separate zones, guided by a template. Ordinal regression (OR) models assessed the relationship between the evoked magnet response and tissue depth (TD), measured via post‐implant X‐Ray. The patient's ability to hear the magnet response audible tone was recorded.

Results

Patients (n = 39) with measurable TD (n = 30) were analyzed. The bar magnet evoked a magnet response in all zones in 53% of patients, compared with 73% of patients with the donut magnet (p = 0.18). The relationship between bar magnet response and TD showed the odds of an evoked magnet response decreased by 11% every 1 mm increase in TD (OR of 0.89, p < 0.01), whereas the donut magnet decreased by 16% per 1 mm (OR of 0.84, p < 0.01). Directly over the S‐ICD was the most effective in evoking magnet response with the bar (85% of patients), and off‐centre was most effective for the donut magnet (100%). BMI and Praetorian score were not significantly associated with magnet response. We found 23% of patients were unable to detect the audible tone.

Conclusion

We observed a statistically significant association between TD and ability to evoke magnet response. The bar magnet was less reliable than the donut magnet for therapy inhibition in deep implants.
Skepticism, naturalism, pyrrhonism
Authors: Bueno Otávio
Published: October 2022

Skepticism and naturalism bear important connections with one another. Do they conflict or are they different sides of the same coin? In this paper, by considering the ways in which Sextus and Hume have examined these issues, I offer a Pyrrhonian response to Penelope Maddy's attempt to reject skepticism within the form of naturalism that she calls “second philosophy” (Maddy, 2007, 2017) and to Timothy Williamson's attempt to avoid skepticism from emerging within his knowledge‐first approach (Williamson, 2000). Some lessons about Pyrrhonism result.
Chairside transformation of a removable partial denture to a transitional complete denture to alleviate an impaired stroke patient: A case report
Authors: Papalexopoulos Dimokritos , Samartzi Theodora‐Kalliopi , Sykaras Nikitas , Artopoulou Ioli Ioanna
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this clinical report is to present a technique for transformation of an existing removable partial denture (RPD) into a transitional complete denture (CD) for an impaired stroke patient.

Case Presentation

A 67‐year‐old male who underwent an ischemic stroke 12 months ago presented in the Postgraduate Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, requiring treatment of his remaining teeth and repair of his existing RPD which lacked retention and stability. The treatment plan included placement of amalgam plugs on the remaining teeth which were decoronated due to poor prognosis and modification of the existing RPD to a transitional CD. The procedure included one alginate impression and chairside alteration of the prosthesis with simple means. The new prosthesis managed to improve patient's masticatory ability and reduce the risk for aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusion

In the present case report a technique for modifying an existing RPD into a transitional CD for an impaired, stroke patient is described. Reduced treatment time, costs and patient's inconvenience while embracing the benefits provided by the utilization of an existing prosthesis regarding adaptation of the neuromuscular system are among the advantages of the described technique.
Institutional erosion and new strategies: Changing contexts for learning in agriculture in Northern Sweden
Authors: Waldenström Cecilia
Published: October 2022

This article describes the erosion of institutions that support farmers’ learning and the construction of knowledge in agriculture in an area of agricultural decline. It is based on a qualitative study in northern Sweden, exploring farmers’ learning to farm, their peer networks, contacts with advisory services and their sales relationships. As farming is increasingly differentiated, with an intensification of production in some areas and increasing farmland abandonment in others, so are the institutions that support farmers’ learning. Farmers handle this in different ways, and the article indicates that resourceful farmers, dependent on farm income, seek out and create contexts for learning. Others seem increasingly decoupled from advisory institutions and upstream industries, selling their produce in local networks. The article illustrates that the widening gap in agrarian production is related to a differentiation of social and institutional preconditions for the construction of knowledge in farming.
Complement component C3 and C5b‐9 deposition on hypoxia reperfused endothelial cells by non‐HLA antibodies against RhoGDI2: A player involved in graft failure?
Authors: Kardol‐Hoefnagel Tineke , Michielsen Laura A. , Ehlers Anna M. , van Zuilen Arjan D. , Luijk Bart , Otten Henny G.
Published: October 2022

Antibodies against Rho GDP‐dissociation inhibitor 2 (RhoGDI2) are associated with inferior graft survival in transplant patients receiving a kidney from deceased donors. Although this suggests that these antibodies contribute to graft injury because of ischemia, it remains unknown whether they are also pathogenically involved in the process of graft loss. To study this, we firstly analyzed the IgG subclass profile of anti‐RhoGDI2 antibodies in kidney transplant recipients, and whether antibody titers change over time or because of acute rejection. Next, we investigated the expression of RhoGDI2 on primary kidney and lung endothelial cells (ECs) upon hypoxia reperfusion. In addition, the complement‐fixing properties of anti‐RhoGDI2 antibodies were studied using imaging flow cytometry. Anti‐RhoGDI2 antibodies in patients are mainly IgG1, and titers remained stable and seemed not be changed because of rejection. Antibodies against RhoGDI2, which surface expression seemed to increase upon hypoxia reperfusion, co‐localized with C3 on ECs. Binding of human IgG1 monoclonal anti‐RhoGDI2 antibodies as well as patient derived antibodies, resulted in complement activation, suggesting that these antibodies are complement fixing. This study suggested a potential pathogenic role of anti‐RhoGDI2 antibodies in kidney graft loss. During ischemia reperfusion, the ability of these antibodies to fix complement could be one of the mechanisms resulting in tissue injury.
The Arabidopsis TETRATRICOPEPTIDE‐REPEAT THIOREDOXIN‐LIKE (TTL) family members are involved in root system formation via their interaction with cytoskeleton and cell wall remodeling
Authors: Xin Pengfei , Schier Jakub , Šefrnová Yvetta , Kulich Ivan , Dubrovsky Joseph G. , Vielle‐Calzada Jean‐Philippe , Soukup Aleš
Published: October 2022

Lateral roots (LR) are essential components of the plant edaphic interface; contributing to water and nutrient uptake, biotic and abiotic interactions, stress survival, and plant anchorage. We have identified the TETRATRICOPEPTIDE‐REPEAT THIOREDOXIN‐LIKE 3 (TTL3) gene as being related to LR emergence and later development. Loss of function of TTL3 leads to a reduced number of emerged LR due to delayed development of lateral root primordia (LRP). This trait is further enhanced in the triple mutant ttl1ttl3ttl4. TTL3 interacts with microtubules and endomembranes, and is known to participate in the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway. Both ttl3 and ttl1ttl3ttl4 mutants are less sensitive to BR treatment in terms of LR formation and primary root growth. The ability of TTL3 to modulate biophysical properties of the cell wall was established under restrictive conditions of hyperosmotic stress and loss of root growth recovery, which was enhanced in ttl1ttl3ttl4. Timing and spatial distribution of TTL3 expression is consistent with its role in development of LRP before their emergence and subsequent growth of LR. TTL3 emerged as a component of the root system morphogenesis regulatory network.
Network Inference From Local Measurements: Application to Coordination of Groups of Mobile Three-Dimensional Printers
Authors: Tuqan Mohammad , Boldini Alain , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: October 2022

In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) construction printing has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional construction methods. Particularly promising for large scale construction are collective printing systems consisting of multiple mobile 3D printers. However, the design of these systems typically relies on the assumption of continuous communication between the printers, which is unrealistic in dynamically changing construction environments. As a first step toward decentralized collective 3D printing, we explore an active sensing framework allowing individual agents to reconstruct the shape of the structure, toward assessing other agents' progress in the absence of direct communication. In this vein, the shape of the structure is discretized as a 2D lattice embodying its topology, such that the problem is equivalent to the inference of a network. We leverage environmental modifications introduced by each agent through the printing of new layers to track the structure evolution. We demonstrate the validity of a sequential approach based on system identification through numerical simulations. Our work paves the way to decentralized collective 3D construction printing, as well as other applications in collective behavior that rely on the physical medium to transfer information among agents.
Module-Level Thermal Interface Material Degradation in HALT
Authors: Tompkins Joshua , Garcia Alicia Medina , Huitink David , Liao Haitao
Published: October 2022

In this study, thermal interface material (TIM) degradation is driven through highly accelerated life test (HALT) using temperature cycling with a prescribed vibrational acceleration for two commercially available materials having thermal conductivities of 6.0 and 8.5 W/m K. HALT specimens were prepared by applying TIM through a 4-mil stencil over AlSiC baseplates in the shape of those used in Wolfspeed CAS325M12HM2 power electronics modules. Baseplates were mounted onto aluminum carrier blocks with embedded thermocouples to characterize the thermal resistance across the baseplate and TIM layer. Thermal dissipation into the top of the baseplates was provided by a custom heating block, which mimics the size and placement of the die junctions in CAS325 modules, applying power loads of 200, 300, and 400 W. After initial characterization, samples were transferred to the HALT chamber with one set of samples exposed to temperature cycling only (TCO) and the other temperature cycling and vibration (TCV). Both sample sets were cycled between temperature extremes of −40 °C and 180 °C with vibrations applied at a peak acceleration of 3.21 Grms. After hundreds of cycles, samples were reevaluated to assess changes in thermal resistance to provide an accelerated measure of TIM degradation. This allows for reliability prediction of useful lifetime (illustrated in a solar inverter case study herein), as well as to provide a basis for developing an accelerated testing method to related temperature cycling to faster methods of degradation. Such techniques provide a means to develop maintenance schedules for power modules for ensuring sufficient thermal performance over the operating lifetime.
Bubble Size Distribution Dependence on Liquid Viscosity and Gas Flowrate Within a Bubble Column With a Porous Sparger
Authors: Mohagheghian Shahrouz , Ghajar Afshin J. , Elbing Brian R.
Published: October 2022

Bubble size distributions within the homogeneous and heterogeneous regimes were experimentally investigated with varying gas superficial velocity and viscosity. Air was bubbled into aqueous solutions of glycerin (concentrations from 0% to 85%) through a porous stone sparger. A minimum of 2400 bubbles were measured per operating condition. The probability density functions were shown to be near Gaussian (normal) and lognormal for the homogeneous and heterogeneous regimes, respectively. Deviations from these distributions were observed at the bubble size extrema. The skewness and kurtosis were used to determine the operation regime and further analyzed. The homogeneous results showed excellent agreement with a power-law correlation for initial bubble sizes with only slight modifications to the constant and exponent, even though extrapolation over two orders of magnitude was required for the comparison. A dimensionally reasoned scaling law for bubbles in the heterogeneous regime was formed following similar logic to classic work analyzing the breakage of droplets within isotropic turbulence. Once again, the current results were in excellent agreement with slight modifications to the proportionality constant and exponent.
A Probabilistic Model for Forging Flaw Crack Nucleation Processes for Heavy Duty Gas Turbine Rotor Operations
Authors: Radaelli Francesco , Amann Christian , Aydin Ali , Varfolomeev Igor , Gumbsch Peter , Kadau Kai
Published: October 2022

We present a probabilistic model for quantifying the number of load cycles for nucleation of forging flaws—for a 3.5NiCrMoV high strength low alloy rotor steel—into a crack under gas turbine operating conditions. The model correlates low cycle fatigue data, ultrasonic testing indication data, flaw morphology, and type with the nucleation process. This paper is the third of a series of publications presenting this modeling approach progressively. It focuses on the effect of temperature variation on the nucleation life of forging flaws. We quantified the number of cycles to crack nucleation was for specimens that included forging flaws at elevated temperatures. Flaws of different sizes and shapes are effectively described at respective temperature and stress levels by either an ellipsoidal finite element model or an analytical area-based model. A local probabilistic low-cycle fatigue model analyzes the resulting stress distributions accounting for statistical size effects. Via Maximum Likelihood Estimation of these probabilistic low cycle fatigue results, a probabilistic model for crack nucleation of forging flaws is obtained. This proposed probabilistic model is based on experimental data for realistic heavy duty gas turbine rotor temperature and stress conditions. It can be utilized in the energy sector for component life time quantification. Our suggested approach can support component assessment under flexible gas turbines operation conditions driven by increased availability of intermittent renewable energy sources.
Selectively patterned Mg-doped GaN by SiNx-driven hydrogen injection
Authors: Lee Hyun-Soo , Rahman Mohammad Wahidur , Verma Darpan , Poole Violet M. , Myers Roberto C. , McCluskey Matthew D. , Rajan Siddharth
Published: October 2022

We demonstrate a method to achieve selectively patterned Mg-doped GaN layers using hydrogen drive-in through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) silicon nitride (SiNx) films. Activated Mg-doped GaN layers were selectively deactivated by patterned PECVD SiNx films with low-temperature annealing and showed high-resistive behavior. Spatially resolved photoluminescence measurements were used to optically verify the deactivation of Mg acceptors and showed distinct features corresponding to activated and deactivated Mg in GaN. The method suggested here provides a simple and effective method to achieve patterned Mg-doped GaN regions without thermal and plasma damage, which could cause degradation of device performance. The proposed method could provide a way to achieve future high-performance GaN lateral and vertical devices that rely on laterally patterned doping.
Causality, determinism, and physics
Authors: Gea-Banacloche Julio
Published: October 2022

Although physical laws or theories are often invoked in debates over “causality” and “determinism,” our best current understanding of physics assigns only a limited (though still very broad) validity to these concepts. It may be, thus, helpful (particularly when having to deal with the challenges posed by quantum mechanics) to think of them as prejudices, extrapolated from our experience with a limited (essentially classical) set of phenomena and/or theoretical models. This paper discusses how, over time, different physical theories have either reinforced or challenged these prejudices, focusing specifically on conservative “Laplacian” mechanics, dissipative mechanics (thermal physics), and quantum mechanics.
Concussion Management Among National Collegiate Athletic Association Swim Programs
Authors: Ritter Katie , Marshall Ashley N. , Robinson Keenan , Mistry Dilaawar J. , Choe Meeryo C. , Valovich McLeod Tamara
Published: October 2022

The nuances of swimming make the application of traditional return-to-play progressions following concussion challenging. Our purpose was to describe athletic training services and concussion management protocols among National Collegiate Athletic Association swim programs and compare them between the National Collegiate Athletic Association divisions. We surveyed 228 athletic trainers assigned to or with knowledge of their institution’s swim programs from a convenience sample of 539 (response rate = 42.3%) athletic trainers. Athletic training services were provided to 98.6% (214/217) of the programs. Nearly 80% (164/207) of the programs administered baseline concussion testing to swimmers, with differences observed between divisions (p < .001). No differences (p = .108) in the number of concussions sustained by swimmers in the past academic year were noted between divisions. Specific return-to-swim protocols were reported by 51.8% (115/222) of respondents with no differences in the presence of a specific return-to-swim protocol between divisions (p = .790). While concussions are reported less frequently in swimming than other sports, appropriate medical care, including a specific return-to-swim protocol, is warranted and provided for future use.
Missing Step Count Data? Step Away From the Expectation–Maximization Algorithm
Authors: Tackney Mia S. , Stahl Daniel , Williamson Elizabeth , Carpenter James
Published: October 2022

In studies that compare physical activity between groups of individuals, it is common for physical activity to be quantified by step count, which is measured by accelerometers or other wearable devices. Missing step count data often arise in these settings and can lead to bias or imprecision in the estimated effect if handled inappropriately. Replacing each missing value in accelerometer data with a single value using the Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm has been advocated in the literature, but it can lead to underestimation of variances and could seriously compromise study conclusions. We compare the performance in terms of bias and variance of two missing data methods, the EM algorithm and Multiple Imputation (MI), through a simulation study where data are generated from a parametric model to reflect characteristics of a trial on physical activity. We also conduct a reanalysis of the 2019 MOVE-IT trial. The EM algorithm leads to an underestimate of the variance of effects of interest, in both the simulation study and the reanalysis of the MOVE-IT trial. MI should be the preferred approach to handling missing data in accelerometer, which provides valid point and variance estimates.
Integrity and Performance of Four Tape Solutions for Mounting Accelerometry Devices: Lolland-Falster Health Study
Authors: Petersen Therese Lockenwitz , Brønd Jan C. , Benfeldt Eva , Jepsen Randi
Published: October 2022

Background: Tape-mounted Axivity AX3 accelerometers are increasingly being used to monitor physical activity of individuals, but studies on the integrity and performance of diffe1rent attachment protocols are missing. Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to evaluate four attachment protocols with respect to skin reactions, adhesion, and wear time in children and adults using tape-mounted Axivity AX3 accelerometers and to evaluate the associated ease of handling. Methods: We used data from the Danish household-based population study, the Lolland-Falster Health Study. Participants were instructed to wear accelerometers for seven consecutive days and to complete a questionnaire on skin reactions and issues relating to adhesion. A one-way analysis of variance was used to examine differences in skin reactions and adhesion between the protocols. A Tukey post hoc test compared group means. Ease of handling was assessed throughout the data collection. Results: In total, 5,389 individuals were included (1,289 children and 4,100 adults). For both children and adults, skin reactions were most frequent in Protocols 1 and 2. Adhesion problems were most frequent in Protocol 3. Wear time was longest in Protocol 4. Skin reactions and adhesion problems were more frequent in children compared to adults. Adults achieved longest wear time. Discussion: Covering the skin completely with adhesive tape seemed to cause skin reactions. Too short pieces of fixation tape caused accelerometers to fall off. Protocols necessitating removal of remains of glue on the accelerometers required a lot of work. Conclusion: The last of the four protocols was superior in respect to skin reactions, adhesion, wear time, and ease of handling.
Phase and polarization modulation in two-dimensional In
2
Se
3
via in situ transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Han Wei , Yang Ke , Wong Lok Wing , Tsang Chi Shing , Lai Ka Hei , Zheng Fangyuan , Yang Tiefeng , Lau Shu Ping , Ly Thuc Hue , Yang Ming , Zhao Jiong
Published: October 2022

Phase transitions in two-dimensional (2D) materials promise reversible modulation of material physical and chemical properties in a wide range of applications. 2D van der Waals layered In
2
Se
3
with bistable out-of-plane ferroelectric (FE) α phase and antiferroelectric (AFE) β′ phase is particularly attractive for its electronic applications. However, reversible phase transition in 2D In
2
Se
3
remains challenging. Here, we introduce two factors, dimension (thickness) and strain, which can effectively modulate the phases of 2D In
2
Se
3
. We achieve reversible AFE and out-of-plane FE phase transition in 2D In
2
Se
3
by delicate strain control inside a transmission electron microscope. In addition, the polarizations in 2D FE In
2
Se
3
can also be manipulated in situ at the nanometer-sized contacts, rendering remarkable memristive behavior. Our in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) work paves a previously unidentified way for manipulating the correlated FE phases and highlights the great potentials of 2D ferroelectrics for nanoelectromechanical and memory device applications.
TSC22D4 interacts with Akt1 to regulate glucose metabolism
Authors: Demir Sevgican , Wolff Gretchen , Wieder Annika , Maida Adriano , Bühler Lea , Brune Maik , Hautzinger Oksana , Feuchtinger Annette , Poth Tanja , Szendroedi Julia , Herzig Stephan , Ekim Üstünel Bilgen
Published: October 2022

Maladaptive insulin signaling is a key feature in the pathogenesis of severe metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes. Enhancing insulin sensitivity represents a major goal in the treatment of patients affected by diabetes. Here, we identify transforming growth factor–β1 stimulated clone 22 D4 (TSC22D4) as a novel interaction partner for protein kinase B/Akt1, a critical mediator of insulin/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway. While energy deprivation and oxidative stress promote the TSC22D4-Akt1 interaction, refeeding mice or exposing cells to glucose and insulin impairs this interaction, which relies on an intrinsically disordered region (D2 domain) within TSC22D4. Functionally, the interaction with TSC22D4 reduces basal phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream targets during starvation, thereby promoting insulin sensitivity. Genetic, liver-specific reconstitution experiments in mice demonstrate that the interaction between TSC22D4 and Akt1 improves glucose handling and insulin sensitivity. Overall, our findings postulate a model whereby TSC22D4 acts as an environmental sensor and interacts with Akt1 to regulate insulin signaling and glucose metabolism.
Comprehensive analysis and accurate quantification of unintended large gene modifications induced by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing
Authors: Park So Hyun , Cao Mingming , Pan Yidan , Davis Timothy H. , Saxena Lavanya , Deshmukh Harshavardhan , Fu Yilei , Treangen Todd , Sheehan Vivien A. , Bao Gang
Published: October 2022

Most genome editing analyses to date are based on quantifying small insertions and deletions. Here, we show that CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing can induce large gene modifications, such as deletions, insertions, and complex local rearrangements in different primary cells and cell lines. We analyzed large deletion events in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) using different methods, including clonal genotyping, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, single-molecule real-time sequencing with unique molecular identifier, and long-amplicon sequencing assay. Our results show that large deletions of up to several thousand bases occur with high frequencies at the Cas9 on-target cut sites on the
HBB
(11.7 to 35.4%),
HBG
(14.3%), and
BCL11A
(13.2%) genes in HSPCs and the
PD-1
(15.2%) gene in T cells. Our findings have important implications to advancing genome editing technologies for treating human diseases, because unintended large gene modifications may persist, thus altering the biological functions and reducing the available therapeutic alleles.