bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Externally funded trade policy reforms and firm productivity: Evidence from a world database of reforms funded by foreign aid agencies
Authors: Habyarimana Jean Baptiste , Kakkar Vikas
Published: January 2023

This paper examines the impact of externally funded trade policy reforms on firm productivity by combining data from the International Aid Transparency Initiative and World Bank Enterprise Surveys. By specifying baseline and end‐line surveys based on the 2006 to 2020 World Bank Enterprise Surveys, we find that 70 of 83 countries received external funds for trade policy reforms, and primarily use records based on 45,886 firms with data on productivity across these countries. Applying difference‐in‐differences and triple‐difference techniques, this paper finds that the impact of externally funded trade policy reforms is significant, accounting for 12% of firms' average productivity growth in the recipient countries relative to firms in non‐recipient countries. We also show that externally funded trade policy reforms improve firms' international‐trade‐climate in the recipient countries by 0.17 standard deviations, which translates into a 27% increase in the average productivity of firms with a good international‐trade‐climate in recipient countries over that of firms in non‐recipient countries and firms with poor international trade climate in recipient countries. These results suggest that interventions should focus on financing trade policy reforms that are more likely to improve the international‐trade‐climate of firms in the recipient countries.
Extra‐hepatic morbidity and mortality in alcohol‐related liver disease: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Theodoreson Mark D. , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Allison Michael , Brahmania Mayur , Forrest Ewan , Hagström Hannes , Johansen Stine , Krag Aleksander , Likhitsup Alisa , Masson Steven , McCune Anne , Rajoriya Neil , Thiele Maja , Rowe Ian A. , Parker Richard
Published: January 2023

Background

Alcohol use increases the risk of many conditions in addition to liver disease; patients with alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) are therefore at risk from both extra‐hepatic and hepatic disease.

Aims

This review synthesises information about non‐liver‐related mortality in persons with ALD.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies describing non‐liver outcomes in ALD. Information about overall non‐liver mortality was extracted from included studies and sub‐categorised into major causes: cardiovascular disease (CVD), non‐liver cancer and infection. Single‐proportion meta‐analysis was done to calculate incidence rates (events/1000 patient‐years) and relative risks (RR) compared with control populations.

Results

Thirty‐seven studies describing 50 302 individuals with 155 820 patient‐years of follow‐up were included. Diabetes, CVD and obesity were highly prevalent amongst included patients (5.4%, 10.4% and 20.8% respectively). Outcomes varied across the spectrum of ALD: in alcohol‐related fatty liver the rate of non‐liver mortality was 43.4/1000 patient‐years, whereas in alcoholic hepatitis the rate of non‐liver mortality was 22.5/1000 patient‐years. The risk of all studied outcomes was higher in ALD compared with control populations: The RR of death from CVD was 2.4 (1.6–3.8), from non‐hepatic cancer 2.2 (1.6–2.9) and from infection 8.2 (4.7–14.3).

Conclusion

Persons with ALD are at high risk of death from non‐liver causes such as cardiovascular disease and non‐hepatic cancer.
Zeta diversity differentiates factors driving community assembly of rare and common ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: van Galen Laura G. , Orlovich David A. , Lord Janice M. , Bohorquez Julia , Nilsen Andy R. , Summerfield Tina C. , Larcombe Matthew J.
Published: January 2023

A fundamental goal in community ecology is to understand what factors drive community assembly processes. The factors affecting ectomycorrhizal fungal communities are unknown in many regions, particularly in the southern hemisphere. We investigate community assembly using ITS2 metabarcoding of ectomycorrhizal fungi sampled from 3943 hyphal ingrowth bags buried in 81 Nothofagus forests across New Zealand's South Island. By applying zeta diversity analysis and multisite generalized dissimilarity modelling (MS‐GDM) we quantify the effects of 43 biotic and environmental variables on community turnover. Unlike traditional beta diversity analyses that are heavily influenced by rare species, the zeta diversity framework differentiates between factors driving turnover of rare and common species, providing a more complete picture of community dynamics. We found that community assembly was dominated by deterministic rather than stochastic processes and identified ecological factors affecting all taxa, as well as others that were specifically important to rare or common taxa. Soil variables were important drivers of turnover for all species, whereas ground cover variables, forest patch size, precipitation and host tree identity had greater effects on rarer species, and tree size and temperature effects were specific to more common species. Interestingly, the effect of temperature on common species is in line with recent evidence from other Kingdoms, pointing to possible generality, and highlighting the importance of considering common species. Applying these methods to fungi has allowed us to identify the distinct ecological processes that structure rare and common taxa during community assembly. This has important implications for understanding the functional effects of community responses to environmental change.
Biogeographic inferences across spatial and evolutionary scales
Authors: Wishingrad Van , Thomson Robert C.
Published: January 2023

The field of biogeography unites landscape genetics and phylogeography under a common conceptual framework. Landscape genetics traditionally focuses on recent‐time, population‐based, spatial genetics processes at small geographical scales, while phylogeography typically investigates deep past, lineage‐ and species‐based processes at large geographical scales. Here, we evaluate the link between landscape genetics and phylogeographical methods using the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) as a model species. First, we conducted replicated landscape genetics studies across several geographical scales to investigate how population genetics inferences change depending on the spatial extent of the study area. Then, we carried out a phylogeographical study of population structure at two evolutionary scales informed by inferences derived from landscape genetics results to identify concordance and conflict between these sets of methods. We found significant concordance in landscape genetics processes at all but the largest geographical scale. Phylogeographical results indicate major clades are restricted to distinct river drainages or distinct hydrological regions. At a more recent timescale, we find minor clades are restricted to single river canyons in the majority of cases, while the remainder of river canyons include samples from at most two clades. Overall, the broad‐scale pattern implicating stream and river valleys as key features linking populations in the landscape genetics results, and high degree of clade specificity within major topographic subdivisions in the phylogeographical results, is consistent. As landscape genetics and phylogeography share many of the same objectives, synthesizing theory, models and methods between these fields will help bring about a better understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes structuring genetic variation across space and time.
The logical structure of Michael Williams's response to skepticism
Authors: Eichorn Roger E.
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to reconstruct the overarching logical structure of Michael Williams's response to philosophical skepticism. One goal is to forestall overhasty dismissals of his position based on failures to understand the logical relations among his various anti‐skeptical claims and arguments. In many places, Williams suggests that the strategy he calls “theoretical diagnosis” is sufficient to defuse the skeptical challenge and that, accordingly, his anti‐skeptical strategy consists solely in developing theoretical diagnoses. According to the account developed here, this claim is misleading—in need of significant qualification, if not outright false. Even so, the paper concludes that, in its essentials, Williams's response is structurally sound, given his understanding of the problem posed by skepticism. The paper ends with a brief assessment of the merits of that response.
Celebrating Synodality: Synodality as a Fundamental Aspect of Christian Liturgy
Authors: O'Loughlin Thomas
Published: January 2023

A synodal church makes assumptions about our basic ecclesial experience which takes place when we assemble liturgically, especially when we act eucharistically. The basic assumption is that we are a genuine human community knowing and relating to one another as brothers and sisters in baptism. Only real communities can authentically image the church's nature. This is a ‘bottom – up’ activity. If we wish this, then we must rediscover our liturgy and celebrate it in a new way as flowing out from a community and helping it to discover its own nature. This, in turn, makes demands on our understanding of ministry and its structures. While many Catholics endorse synodality, their willingness to change the shape of the presbyterate is uncertain.
Integrating plant physiology into simulation of fire behavior and effects
Authors: Dickman L. Turin , Jonko Alexandra K. , Linn Rodman R. , Altintas Ilkay , Atchley Adam L. , Bär Andreas , Collins Adam D. , Dupuy Jean‐Luc , Gallagher Michael R. , Hiers J. Kevin , Hoffman Chad M. , Hood Sharon M. , Hurteau Matthew D. , Jolly W. Matt , Josephson Alexander , Loudermilk E. Louise , Ma Wu , Michaletz Sean T. , Nolan Rachael H. , O'Brien Joseph J. , Parsons Russell A. , Partelli‐Feltrin Raquel , Pimont François , Resco de Dios Víctor , Restaino Joseph , Robbins Zachary J. , Sartor Karla A. , Schultz‐Fellenz Emily , Serbin Shawn P. , Sevanto Sanna , Shuman Jacquelyn K. , Sieg Carolyn H. , Skowronski Nicholas S. , Weise David R. , Wright Molly , Xu Chonggang , Yebra Marta , Younes Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Wildfires are a global crisis, but current fire models fail to capture vegetation response to changing climate. With drought and elevated temperature increasing the importance of vegetation dynamics to fire behavior, and the advent of next generation models capable of capturing increasingly complex physical processes, we provide a renewed focus on representation of woody vegetation in fire models. Currently, the most advanced representations of fire behavior and biophysical fire effects are found in distinct classes of fine‐scale models and do not capture variation in live fuel (i.e. living plant) properties. We demonstrate that plant water and carbon dynamics, which influence combustion and heat transfer into the plant and often dictate plant survival, provide the mechanistic linkage between fire behavior and effects. Our conceptual framework linking remotely sensed estimates of plant water and carbon to fine‐scale models of fire behavior and effects could be a critical first step toward improving the fidelity of the coarse scale models that are now relied upon for global fire forecasting. This process‐based approach will be essential to capturing the influence of physiological responses to drought and warming on live fuel conditions, strengthening the science needed to guide fire managers in an uncertain future.
Evaluation of a barley (Hordeum vulgare) chromosome 2 drought tolerance quantitative trait locus in genomic backgrounds of two cultivars
Authors: Kandemir Nejdet , Saygili Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

A barley drought tolerance Quantitatif Trait Locus (QTL) on chromosome 2 was transferred from tolerant cultivar ‘Tadmor’ to susceptible ‘Baronesse’ and ‘Aydanhanım’. Effects of this QTL on drought tolerance and other traits were studied using near‐isogenic lines under controlled environments and field trials for two years. This QTL resulted in 5.0% and 9.1% improvement in leaf relative water content of ‘Baronesse’ and ‘Aydanhanım’ cultivars, respectively, under controlled environments. The QTL accelerated heading and maturity by 2.5 days in ‘Baronesse’ and by 5–6 days in ‘Aydanhanım’. It was associated with shorter stature and more ears. This QTL region increased grain yields by 1.1 and 0.6 t/ha in ‘Baronesse’ and ‘Aydanhanım’, respectively, mainly by increasing the number of tillers. There were previous reports related to yield promoting effects of this region harbouring flowering locus eps2 (barley HvCEN gene). However, sequencing of 1025 bp fragment encompassing HvCEN coding region revealed that our parents and near‐isogenic lines had no Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) variation, ruling out direct involvement of eps2. These findings pointed to the possible effect of another flowering locus in the QTL region.
Role of antigen‐presenting cells in non‐ulcerated skin lesions caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi
Authors: Sandoval Pacheco Carmen M. , Araujo Flores Gabriela V. , Ferreira Aurea F. , da Matta Vânia L. R. , de Castro Gomes Claudia M. , Sosa‐Ochoa Wilfredo H. , Zúniga Concepción , Silveira Fernando T. , Corbett Carlos E. P. , Laurenti Márcia D.
Published: January 2023

In Central America, infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi causes visceral leishmaniasis and non‐ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). This work aimed to evaluate the participation of subpopulations of antigen‐presenting cells in skin lesions of patients affected by NUCL through double‐staining immunohistochemistry using cellular and intracellular markers. Twenty‐three skin biopsies from patients affected by NUCL were used. Histological sections stained by HE were used for histopathological study. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using primary antibodies against Langerhans cells, dermal dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and the cytokines IL‐12, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, iNOS, and IL‐10. The histopathological lesions were characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly lymphohistiocytic, of variable intensity, with a diffuse arrangement associated with epithelioid granulomas and discreet parasitism. Double‐staining immunohistochemistry showed higher participation of dendritic cells producing the proinflammatory cytokine IL‐12 in relation to the other evaluated cytokines. Activation of the cellular immune response was marked by a higher density of CD8 Tc1‐lymphocytes followed by CD4 Th1‐lymphocytes producing mainly IFN‐γ. The data obtained in the present study suggest that antigen‐presenting cells play an important role in the in situ immune response through the production of proinflammatory cytokines, directing the cellular immune response preferentially to the Th1 and Tc1 types in NUCL caused by L. (L.) infantum chagasi.
Identification of novel and stable genomic regions associated with barley resistance to spot form net blotch disease under different temperature conditions during the reproductive stage
Authors: Sabouri Hossein , Taliei Fakhtak , Kazerani Borzo , Ghasemi Shahram , Katouzi Mahnaz
Published: January 2023

Spot form net blotch (SFNB) is one of the most important barley diseases in the world; abiotic stresses caused by climate change are also a problem for cultivation of cereals, including barley, on a global level. Identifying stable genomic regions associated with resistance to SFNB in different temperature conditions at the reproductive stage can accelerate the process of producing new cultivars resistant to this disease. In this study, 103 F8 lines, resulting from the cross of cultivars Kavir and Badia, were cultivated in three years on three different dates. After artificial inoculation with Pyrenophora teres f. maculata Gonbad Kavous isolate, the plants were evaluated at the adult stage. The planting dates were chosen so that during early, conventional and delayed planting dates, the reproductive stage of the lines coincided with cold, non‐thermal and heat stress conditions, respectively. A genome‐wide composite interval mapping method was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling SFNB and estimate the effect of each of them. In the cold, non‐thermal and heat stress conditions at the reproductive stage, three (three major), four (two major) and six (one major) stable resistance QTLs against SFNB were detected, respectively. The stable QTLs of resistance including QRPtma‐2H, QRPtma‐3H and QRPtma‐7H were located on chromosomes 2H, 3H and 7H, respectively. After flanking markers confirm the resistance of QTLs to SFNB, the SCoT7‐C, ISJ17‐B and Bmac0144k markers can be used in the screening resistance of cultivars under non‐thermal and heat stress conditions. Moreover, the Bmac0282b and Ebmatc0016 markers can be used for screening resistance of cultivars under cold stress conditions in marker‐assisted selection projects.
Prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus and the risk of anal co‐infection in kidney transplant recipients: Results from a Danish clinical study
Authors: Ring Linea Landgrebe , Thomsen Louise T , Hædersdal Merete , Sørensen Søren Schwartz , Bonde Jesper Hansen , Lok Trine Thorborg , Larsen Helle K , Kjær Susanne K
Published: January 2023

Background

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related cancers, including cervical and anal cancer. In this cross‐sectional clinical study, we investigated the prevalence of cervical high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) and low‐risk (lrHPV), risk factors for cervical hrHPV infection, and the prevalence of cervical and anal hrHPV co‐infection in KTRs and immunocompetent controls.

Methods

During 2016–2017, we recruited 125 female KTRs and 125 female immunocompetent controls from one dermatology department (KTRs and controls) and five nephrology departments (KTRs) in Denmark. Liquid‐based cervical and anal cytology samples were tested for HPV DNA using the INNO‐LiPA test and participants answered a questionnaire on lifestyle. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for age, lifetime sexual partners, smoking, and (in models concerning anal HPV) receptive anal sex.

Results

KTRs had higher prevalence of cervical hrHPV than controls (35.5% vs. 18.2; ORadjusted = 2.9, 95% CI, 1.5–5.5). In contrast, the prevalence of lrHPV was similar in KTRs and controls (25.6% vs. 23.1; ORadjusted = 1.2, 95% CI, 0.7‒2.3). KTRs were more likely than controls to have cervical and anal hrHPV co‐infection (27.3% vs. 6.6%, ORadjusted = 6.3, 95% CI, 2.7–15.0).

Conclusions

Female KTRs had high prevalence of cervical hrHPV, and co‐infection with anal and cervical hrHPV was common. Our results underline that KTRs are an important target group for preventive efforts against HPV‐related diseases.

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Chloroplast dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione cooperatively determine the capacity for ascorbate accumulation under photooxidative stress conditions
Authors: Hamada Akane , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Ishikawa Takahiro , Maruta Takanori
Published: January 2023

Ascorbate is an indispensable redox buffer essential for plant growth and stress acclimation. Its oxidized form, dehydroascorbate (DHA), undergoes rapid degradation unless it is recycled back into ascorbate by glutathione (GSH)‐dependent enzymatic or non‐enzymatic reactions, with the enzymatic reactions catalyzed by dehydroascorbate reductases (DHARs). Our recent study utilizing an Arabidopsis quadruple mutant (∆dhar pad2), which lacks all three DHARs (∆dhar) and is deficient in GSH (pad2), has posited that these GSH‐dependent reactions operate in a complementary manner, enabling a high accumulation of ascorbate under high‐light stress. However, as Arabidopsis DHAR functions in the cytosol or chloroplasts, it remained unclear which isoform played a more significant role in cooperation with GSH‐dependent non‐enzymatic reactions. To further comprehend the intricate network of ascorbate recycling systems in plants, we generated mutant lines lacking cytosolic DHAR1/2 or chloroplastic DHAR3, or both, in another GSH‐deficient background (cad2). A comprehensive comparison of ascorbate profiles in these mutants under conditions of photooxidative stress induced by various light intensities or methyl viologen unequivocally demonstrated that chloroplastic DHAR3, but not cytosolic isoforms, works in concert with GSH to accumulate ascorbate. Our findings further illustrate that imbalances between stress intensity and recycling capacity significantly impact ascorbate pool size and tolerance to photooxidative stress. Additionally, it was found that the absence of DHARs and GSH deficiency do not impede ascorbate biosynthesis, at least in terms of transcription or activity of biosynthetic enzymes. This study provides insights into the robustness of ascorbate recycling.
Seroprevalence of scrub typhus and other rickettsial diseases among the household rodents of Mizoram, North‐East India
Authors: Pautu Lalfakzuala , Lalmalsawma Pachuau , Vanramliana  , Balasubramani Karuppusamy , Balabaskaran Nina Praveen , Rosangkima Gabriel , Sarma Devojit Kumar , Malvi Yogesh , Hunropuia
Published: January 2023

In the last decade, scrub typhus, a zoonotic disease has emerged as a major health concern in Mizoram, a North‐East Indian state that shares international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Mizoram is a biodiversity hotspot and >85% of the state is under forest cover, which provides an ideal ecological niche for the rodents and mites to transmit scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections. Using the Weil‐Felix test, a serosurvey of household rodents from 41 villages spread across all the 11 districts in Mizoram was undertaken to gather important insights on their role in disease transmission. Furthermore, the chigger and flea indexes were calculated from the captured rodents. The 163 rodents captured belonged to five species; the highest numbers were from Rattus tanezumi (87), followed by Rattus rattus (41), Mus musculus (17), Suncus murinus (16), and Bandicota bengalensis (2). The rickettsial seropositivity of the captured rodents was 66.26% (108 out of 163 were positive). Among the 163 rodents, sera of 75 (46.01%), 61 (37.42%), and 73 (44.78%) were reactive to OXK, OX19, and OX2 antigens, respectively. The chigger and flea index were 17.92 and 0.16, respectively. Overall, the study has given important insights into the risk of multiple rickettsial infections that household rodents could transmit in Mizoram. These findings indicate the need for the urgent implementation of effective rodent control strategies in Mizoram.
El lenguaje de la esperanza en las homilías dominicales : reflexiones sobre el cuidado, la alegría y la misericordia para el mundo contemporáneo
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Peláez Piedrahíta Jorge Humberto
Published: January 2023

Fruto del encuentro eucarístico dominical y basado en textos del papa Francisco y en experiencias del mundo contemporáneo, el autor nos comparte sus reflexiones evangélicas acerca del cuidado, la alegría y la misericordia. Las homilías que esta obra presenta propagan el lenguaje de la esperanza al que la sociedad actual puede acogerse para sobrellevar los desafíos que se le presentan y disfrutar los gozos que recibe.
Experimental and In-Service Observations of HIC Nucleation and Growth in Pipeline Steel
Authors: González Velázquez Jorge Luis , Entezari Ehsan , López Diego Rivas , Beltrán Zúñiga Manuel Alejandro , Szpunar Jerzy
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the results of experimental and in-service observations of the nucleation and growth of hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) in hydrocarbon transport pipelines made of type API 5L steel. The experimental work was done by inducing HIC on steel plates by electrochemical cathodic hydrogen charging and using a straight beam ultrasonic inspection technique to observe the crack growth behavior. Scanning electron microscopy was also used to observe the crack nucleation and propagation mechanisms. The study was complemented by the fractographic analysis of a pipe segment removed from a sour gas pipeline after an in-service rupture caused by HIC, so the pipe segment contained a significant group of blisters and laminations caused by HIC. The results of the cathodic charging indicated that HIC cracks nucleated in less than one hour of hydrogen charging at specific non-metallic inclusions and not necessarily the largest ones as commonly thought. It is observed that the HIC cracks propagated by a quasi-cleavage mechanism in transgranular paths, linking to other cracks by ductile tearing. However, after a few hours of hydrogen charging, the crack growth rate dropped to almost zero, and the overall HIC growth was due almost solely to the interconnection of previously formed individual cracks. The examination of the in-service failed pipe showed similar fractographic and growth characteristics as compared to the laboratory-induced ones. It showed that HIC was little affected by the primary stresses and the proximity of other defects and structural discontinuities.
On the possible nature of deep centers in Ga2O3
Authors: Polyakov A. Y. , Kochkova A. I. , Langørgen Amanda , Vines Lasse , Vasilev A. , Shchemerov I. V. , Romanov A. A. , Pearton S. J.
Published: January 2023

The electric field dependence of emission rate of the deep traps with level near Ec−0.6 eV, so-called E1 traps, was studied by means of deep level transient spectroscopy measurements over a wide range of applied voltages. The traps were initially introduced by 900 °C ampoule annealing in molecular hydrogen. The results indicate the activation energy of the centers and the ratio of high-field to low-field electron emission rates at a fixed temperature scale as the square root of electric field, suggesting that the centers behave as deep donors. The possible microscopic nature of the centers in view of recent theoretical calculations is discussed. The most likely candidates for the E1 centers are SiGa1–H or SnGa2–H complexes.
Fluid sources and overpressures within the central Cascadia Subduction Zone revealed by a warm, high-flux seafloor seep
Authors: Philip Brendan T. , Solomon Evan A. , Kelley Deborah S. , Tréhu Anne M. , Whorley Theresa L. , Roland Emily , Tominaga Masako , Collier Robert W.
Published: January 2023

Pythia’s Oasis is a newly discovered seafloor seep on the Central Oregon segment of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where focused venting emits highly altered fluids ~9°C above the background temperature. The seep fluid chemistry is unique for Cascadia and includes extreme enrichment of boron and lithium and depletion of chloride, potassium, and magnesium. We conclude that the fluids are sourced from pore water compaction and mineral dehydration reactions with minimum source temperatures of 150° to 250°C, placing the source at or near the plate boundary offshore Central Oregon. Estimated fluid flow rates of 10 to 30 cm s
−1
are orders of magnitude higher than those estimated elsewhere along the margin and are likely driven by extreme overpressures along the plate boundary. Probable draining of the overpressured reservoir along the vertical Alvin Canyon Fault indicates the important role that such faults may play in the regulation of pore fluid pressure throughout the forearc in Central Cascadia.
Imaging deep-mantle plumbing beneath La Réunion and Comores hot spots: Vertical plume conduits and horizontal ponding zones
Authors: Dongmo Wamba Mathurin , Montagner Jean-Paul , Romanowicz Barbara
Published: January 2023

Whether the two large low–shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs) at the base of Earth’s mantle are wide compact structures extending thousands of kilometers upward or bundles of distinct mantle plumes is the subject of debate. Full waveform shear wave tomography of the deep mantle beneath the Indian Ocean highlights the presence of several separate broad low-velocity conduits anchored at the core-mantle boundary in the eastern part of the African LLSVP, most clearly beneath La Réunion and Comores hot spots. The deep plumbing system beneath these hot spots may also include alternating vertical conduits and horizontal ponding zones, from 1000-km depth to the top of the asthenosphere, reminiscent of dyke and sills in crustal volcanic systems, albeit at a whole-mantle scale.
Identification of gluten T cell epitopes driving celiac disease
Authors: Chlubnová Markéta , Christophersen Asbjørn O. , Sandve Geir Kjetil F. , Lundin Knut E.A , Jahnsen Jørgen , Dahal-Koirala Shiva , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: January 2023

CD4
+
T cells specific for cereal gluten proteins are key players in celiac disease (CeD) pathogenesis. While several CeD-relevant gluten T cell epitopes have been identified, epitopes recognized by a substantial proportion of gluten-reactive T cells remain unknown. The identification of such CeD-driving gluten epitopes is important for the food industry and in clinical settings. Here, we have combined the knowledge of a distinct phenotype of gluten-reactive T cells and key features of known gluten epitopes for the discovery of unknown epitopes. We tested 42 wheat gluten–reactive T cell clones, isolated on the basis of their distinct phenotype and with no reactivity to known epitopes, against a panel of synthetic peptides bioinformatically identified from a wheat gluten protein database. We were able to assign reactivity to 10 T cell clones and identified a 9-nucleotide oligomer core region of five previously uncharacterized gliadin/glutenin epitopes. This work represents an advance in the effort to identify CeD-driving gluten epitopes.
Testis-enriched ferlin, FER1L5, is required for Ca
2+
-activated acrosome reaction and male fertility
Authors: Morohoshi Akane , Miyata Haruhiko , Tokuhiro Keizo , Iida-Norita Rie , Noda Taichi , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Ikawa Masahito
Published: January 2023

Spermatozoa need to undergo an exocytotic event called the acrosome reaction before fusing with eggs. Although calcium ion (Ca
2+
) is essential for the acrosome reaction, its molecular mechanism remains unknown. Ferlin is a single transmembrane protein with multiple Ca
2+
-binding C2 domains, and there are six ferlins, dysferlin (DYSF), otoferlin (OTOF), myoferlin (MYOF), fer-1–like 4 (FER1L4), FER1L5, and FER1L6, in mammals.
Dysf
,
Otof
, and
Myof
knockout mice have been generated, and each knockout mouse line exhibited membrane fusion disorders such as muscular dystrophy in
Dysf
, deafness in
Otof
, and abnormal myogenesis in
Myof
. Here, by generating mutant mice of
Fer1l4
,
Fer1l5
, and
Fer1l6
, we found that only
Fer1l5
is required for male fertility.
Fer1l5
mutant spermatozoa could migrate in the female reproductive tract and reach eggs, but no acrosome reaction took place. Even a Ca
2+
ionophore cannot induce the acrosome reaction in
Fer1l5
mutant spermatozoa. These results suggest that FER1L5 is the missing link between Ca
2+
and the acrosome reaction.
Learning quadrupedal locomotion on deformable terrain
Authors: Choi Suyoung , Ji Gwanghyeon , Park Jeongsoo , Kim Hyeongjun , Mun Juhyeok , Lee Jeong Hyun , Hwangbo Jemin
Published: January 2023

Simulation-based reinforcement learning approaches are leading the next innovations in legged robot control. However, the resulting control policies are still not applicable on soft and deformable terrains, especially at high speed. The primary reason is that reinforcement learning approaches, in general, are not effective beyond the data distribution: The agent cannot perform well in environments that it has not experienced. To this end, we introduce a versatile and computationally efficient granular media model for reinforcement learning. Our model can be parameterized to represent diverse types of terrain from very soft beach sand to hard asphalt. In addition, we introduce an adaptive control architecture that can implicitly identify the terrain properties as the robot feels the terrain. The identified parameters are then used to boost the locomotion performance of the legged robot. We applied our techniques to the Raibo robot, a dynamic quadrupedal robot developed in-house. The trained networks demonstrated high-speed locomotion capabilities on deformable terrains: The robot was able to run on soft beach sand at 3.03 meters per second although the feet were completely buried in the sand during the stance phase. We also demonstrate its ability to generalize to different terrains by presenting running experiments on vinyl tile flooring, athletic track, grass, and a soft air mattress.
A retrospective of Isaac Asimov at 102 and his Three Laws
Authors: Murphy Robin R.
Published: January 2023

Not even Asimov expected that all robots would be, or should be, subject to his Three Laws.
SGLT2 inhibitor ameliorates endothelial dysfunction associated with the commonALDH2alcohol flushing variant
Authors: Guo Hongchao , Yu Xuan , Liu Yu , Paik David T. , Justesen Johanne Marie , Chandy Mark , Jahng James W. S. , Zhang Tiejun , Wu Weijun , Rwere Freeborn , Zhao Shane Rui , Pokhrel Suman , Shivnaraine Rabindra V. , Mukherjee Souhrid , Simon Daniel J. , Manhas Amit , Zhang Angela , Chen Che-Hong , Rivas Manuel A. , Gross Eric R. , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Wu Joseph C.
Published: January 2023

The common aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) alcohol flushing variant known asALDH2*2affects ∼8% of the world’s population. Even in heterozygous carriers, this missense variant leads to a severe loss of ALDH2 enzymatic activity and has been linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction plays a determining role in all stages of CAD pathogenesis, including early-onset CAD. However, the contribution ofALDH2*2to EC dysfunction and its relation to CAD are not fully understood. In a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) from Biobank Japan,ALDH2*2was found to be one of the strongest single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CAD. Clinical assessment of endothelial function showed that human participants carryingALDH2*2exhibited impaired vasodilation after light alcohol drinking. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived ECs (iPSC-ECs) and CRISPR-Cas9–correctedALDH2*2iPSC-ECs, we modeledALDH2*2-induced EC dysfunction in vitro, demonstrating an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers and a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) production and tube formation capacity, which was further exacerbated by ethanol exposure. We subsequently found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) such as empagliflozin mitigatedALDH2*2-associated EC dysfunction. Studies inALDH2*2knock-in mice further demonstrated that empagliflozin attenuatedALDH2*2-mediated vascular dysfunction in vivo. Mechanistically, empagliflozin inhibited Na+/H+-exchanger 1 (NHE-1) and activated AKT kinase and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) pathways to ameliorateALDH2*2-induced EC dysfunction. Together, our results suggest thatALDH2*2induces EC dysfunction and that SGLT2i may potentially be used as a preventative measure against CAD forALDH2*2carriers.
Phenotypic Profiling of Macrocyclic Lactones on Parasitic
Schistosoma
Flatworms
Authors: Ryan Kaetlyn T. , Wheeler Nicolas J. , Kamara Isaac K. , Johnson Hailey , Humphries Judith E. , Zamanian Mostafa , Chan John D.
Published: January 2023

Macrocyclic lactones are front-line therapies for parasitic roundworm infections; however, there are no comprehensive studies on the activity of this drug class against parasitic flatworms. Ivermectin is well known to be inactive against flatworms.
Update of the Pyrrolysyl-tRNA Synthetase/tRNA
Pyl
Pair and Derivatives for Genetic Code Expansion
Authors: Gong Xuemei , Zhang Haolin , Shen Yue , Fu Xian
Published: January 2023

The cotranslational incorporation of pyrrolysine (Pyl), the 22nd proteinogenic amino acid, into proteins in response to the UAG stop codon represents an outstanding example of natural genetic code expansion. Genetic encoding of Pyl is conducted by the pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase (PylRS) and its cognate tRNA, tRNA
Pyl
.
Biochemical Properties and Roles of DprA Protein in Bacterial Natural Transformation, Virulence, and Pilin Variation
Authors: Sharma Dhirendra Kumar , Misra Hari S. , Bihani Subhash C. , Rajpurohit Yogendra S.
Published: January 2023

Natural transformation enables bacteria to acquire DNA from the environment and contributes to genetic diversity, DNA repair, and nutritional requirements. DNA processing protein A (DprA) receives incoming single-stranded DNA and assists RecA loading for homology-directed natural chromosomal transformation and DNA strand annealing during plasmid transformation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Aduncisulcus paluster, a Free-Living Microaerophilic Eukaryote Belonging to the Fornicata
Authors: Yuyama Ikuko , Kume Keitaro , Tamura Takumi , Inagaki Yuji , Hashimoto Tetsuo
Published: January 2023

Aduncisulcus paluster
is a free-living, unicellular flagellate belonging to the eukaryotic lineage Fornicata, which includes free-living and commensal/parasitic organisms. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
A. paluster
, which provides clues for elucidating the adaptation to microaerophilic/anaerobic environments and the transition between free-living and commensal/parasitic lifestyles in Fornicata.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus bulgaricus VHProbi R03, a Potential Fermentation Strain Isolated from Fermented Milk
Authors: Li Kailing , Cui Hongchang , Duan Zhi
Published: January 2023

The
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
strain VHProbi R03 is a novel starter culture that was isolated from naturally fermented milk. Whole-genome sequencing-based analysis is an ideal approach to elucidate the probiotic mechanism of action of this strain. Its genome contains a circular chromosome with 1,873,403 bp, and no plasmids exist in the genome.
Delayed Activation of T Cells at the Site of Infection Facilitates the Establishment of Trypanosoma cruzi in Both Naive and Immune Hosts
Authors: Padilla Angel M. , Rosenberg Charles , Cook Peter , Sanchez-Valdez Fernando , McElhannon Caroline , Tarleton Rick L.
Published: January 2023

Trypanosoma cruzi
, the parasite causing Chagas disease, usually infects through the mucosa or breaks in the skin, but little is known about the parasite's fate at the site of entry or the early events involving immune control there. Here, we track the local proliferation and subsequent dissemination of fluorescently tagged
T. cruzi
and the initial immune response at the point of entry.
Role of Microbiota in the Skin Colonization of Candida auris
Authors: Tharp Brooke , Zheng Rachel , Bryak Garrett , Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Hayden Mary K. , Chowdhary Anuradha , Thangamani Shankar
Published: January 2023

Candida auris
is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in humans. Unlike other
Candida
species that colonize the gut,
C. auris
efficiently colonizes the skin and contaminates the patient's environment, resulting in rapid nosocomial transmission and outbreaks of systemic infections.
N-Acetyltransferase 9 Inhibits Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Proliferation by N-Terminal Acetylation of the Structural Protein GP5
Authors: Li Xiaoyang , Sun Ruiqi , Guo Yanyu , Zhang Huixia , Xie Ruyu , Fu Xubin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lilin , Li Zexing , Huang Jinhai
Published: January 2023

To ensure efficient replication, a virus must hijack or regulate multiple host factors for its own benefit. Understanding virus-host interactions and the molecular mechanisms of host resistance to PRRSV infection is necessary to develop effective strategies to control PRRSV.
Site Specialization of Human Oral
Veillonella
Species
Authors: Giacomini Jonathan J. , Torres-Morales Julian , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Borisy Gary G. , Mark Welch Jessica L.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the microbial ecology of the mouth is fundamental for understanding human physiology. In this study, metapangenomics demonstrated that different
Veillonella
species have clear ecological preferences in the oral cavity of healthy humans, validating the site specialist hypothesis.
Erratum to: Development of a High Efficient Compound Surfactant for Foam Drainage in Gas Wells
Authors: Dong Jie , Dong Sanbao , Miao Zhipeng , Wang Qingchen , Li Yongfei , Qu Chengtun , Chen Gang
Published: January 2023

Erratum
Prosthetic challenges in rehabilitating maxillomandibular trauma case: a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Verma Aditi , Kumar Lakshya , Prasad Veerendra , Yadav Akanksha
Published: January 2023

Although maxillofacial trauma is relatively common, it still presents a challenging management. Its management includes treatment of facial bone fractures, dentoalveolar trauma and soft tissue injuries as well as associated injuries. Plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons and prosthodontists have an interest in the subject of maxillofacial injuries, particularly in the area of functional as well as aesthetical stomatognathic rehabilitation. Present case was a clinical scenario with maxillofacial trauma due to entanglement in agricultural equipment leading to fracture of palatal bone and fracture of mandible in symphysis region. The patient’s mastication, phonetics, aesthetics and social life were affected. Initial management was performed by the plastic surgeons. Rehabilitation of maxillary defect was performed using fixed removable bridge with palatal extension to cover the cleft part, and cortical implant-supported fixed prosthesis was planned as the prosthetic treatment for mandibular arch. On follow-up, there was improvement in speech and mastication, and patient felt more confident in social interaction after prosthetic rehabilitation.
Understanding compensable and non-compensable patient profiles, pathways and physical outcomes for transport and work-related injuries in Queensland, Australia through data linkage
Authors: Vallmuur Kirsten , McCreanor Victoria , Watson Angela , Cameron Cate , Cramb Susanna , Dias Shannon , Banu Shahera , Warren Jacelle
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In many jurisdictions, people experiencing an injury often pursue compensation to support their treatment and recovery expenses. Healthcare costs form a significant portion of payments made by compensation schemes. Compensation scheme regulators need accurate and comprehensive data on injury severity, treatment pathways and outcomes to enable scheme modelling, monitoring and forecasting. Regulators routinely rely on data provided by insurers which have limited healthcare information. Health data provide richer information and linking health data with compensation data enables the comparison of profiles, patterns, trends and outcomes of injured patients who claim and injured parties who are eligible but do not claim.

Methods and analysis

This is a retrospective population-level epidemiological data linkage study of people who have sought ambulatory, emergency or hospital treatment and/or made a compensation claim in Queensland after suffering a transport or work-related injury, over the period 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2021. It will use person-linked data from nine statewide data sources: (1) Queensland Ambulance Service, (2) Emergency Department, (3) Queensland Hospital Admitted Patients, (4) Retrieval Services, (5) Hospital Costs, (6) Workers’ Compensation, (7) Compulsory Third Party Compensation, (8) National Injury Insurance Scheme and (9) Queensland Deaths Registry. Descriptive, parametric and non-parametric statistical methods and geospatial analysis techniques will be used to answer the core research questions regarding the patient’s health service use profile, costs, treatment pathways and outcomes within 2 years postincident as well as to examine the concordance and accuracy of information across health and compensation databases.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee, and governance approval was obtained via the Public Health Act 2005, Queensland. The findings of this study will be used to inform key stakeholders across the clinical, research and compensation regulation area, and results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and reports/seminars with key stakeholders.
Cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis: sensitivity and specificity of 16s rRNA and Sanger sequencing forCorynebacteriumspp
Authors: Yang Ellen , Kozak Robert , Nofech-Mozes Sharon , Salvant Elsa , Olkhov-Mitsel Ekaterina , Slodkowska Elzbieta , Plotkin Anna , Hanna Wedad , Lu Fang-I
Published: January 2023

Aims

Cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis (CNGM) is a subtype of granulomatous mastitis (GM) associated withCorynebacteriumspp infection. We aimed to analyse the prevalence of Corynebacteria in CNGM and non-CNGM cases.

Methods

Breast specimens diagnosed as granulomatous inflammation between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed to identify a CNGM cohort and a non-CNGM cohort. Polymerase chain reaction-based identification of Corynebacteria by 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) primers, followed by confirmatory Sanger sequencing (SS), was performed on all cases. Clinical, radiological and microbiology data were retrieved from the electronic patient records.

Results

Twenty-eight CNGM cases and 19 non-CNGM cases were identified. Compared with the non-CNGM cohort, patients in the CNGM cohort were more likely to be multiparous (p=0.01), breast feeding (p=0.01) and presenting with a larger breast mass (p<0.01), spontaneous drainage (p=0.05) and skin irritation (p<0.01). No significant difference in the prevalence ofCorynebacteriabetween the cohorts (7% vs 11%, p=0.68) by microbiological culture was identified. Compared with microbiology culture, the sensitivity and specificity of each Corynebacterial detection method were 50% and 81% for Gram stain, and 25% and 100% for 16S rRNA combined with SS. Regardless of the diagnosis, patients positive forCorynebacteriawere more likely to have a persistent disease (p<0.01).

Conclusion

CNGM presents as a large symptomatic breast mass in multiparous breastfeeding women. The importance of adequate sampling and repeated microbiology culture in conjunction with sequencing on all GM cases with persistent disease is paramount.
Efficacy of prescribed fire as a fuel reduction treatment in the Colorado Front Range
Authors: Ritter Scott , Morici Kat , Stevens-Rumann Camille
Published: January 2023

Prescribed fires are an important management tool for reducing fuels and returning fire to the landscape. However, rarely are changes in fuels fully quantified using pre- to post-prescribed fire measurements and those studies that do exist show variable results. In the southern Rockies, little literature exists on the impacts of prescribed fires; thus we examined multiple prescribed fires in northern Colorado to understand fire effects and changes in fuel complexes. Most prominently, prescribed fires influenced litter, duff, and rotten coarse woody debris but did not influence other surface fuels. Canopy base height increased and tree density decreased, while basal area was relatively unimpacted. Season of burning impacted fire effects as substrate burn severity, bole char, and crown volume scorch were highest in summer and fall. Continued monitoring of prescribed fires is critical to understand the influence of prescribed fire on wildfires and ultimately improve prescribed fire outcomes.