bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporally sparse data assimilation for the small-scale reconstruction of turbulence
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Yuan Zelong , Xie Chenyue , Wang Jianchun
Published: May 2022

Previous works have shown that the small-scale information of incompressible homogeneous isotropic turbulence is fully recoverable as long as sufficient large-scale structures are continuously enforced through temporally continuous data assimilation (TCDA). In the current work, we show that the assimilation time step can be relaxed to values about 1–2 orders larger than that for TCDA, using a temporally sparse data assimilation (TSDA) strategy, while the accuracy is still maintained or even slightly better in the presence of non-negligible large-scale errors. One-step data assimilation (ODA) is examined to unravel the mechanism of TSDA. It is shown that the relaxation effect for errors above the assimilation wavenumber ka is responsible for the error decay in ODA. Meanwhile, the errors contained in the large scales can propagate into small scales and make the high-wavenumber (k>ka) error noise decay slower with TCDA than TSDA. This mechanism is further confirmed by incorporating different levels of errors in the large scales of the reference flow field. The advantage of TSDA is found to grow with the magnitude of the incorporated errors. Thus, it is potentially more beneficial to adopt TSDA if the reference data contain non-negligible errors. Finally, an outstanding issue raised in previous works regarding the possibility of recovering the dynamics of sub-Kolmogorov scales using direct numerical simulation data at a Kolmogorov scale resolution is also discussed.
A three-dimensional boundary element method algorithm for simulations of magnetic fluid droplet dynamics
Authors: Langins Aigars , Stikuts Andris Pāvils , Cēbers Andrejs
Published: May 2022

This paper outlines a numerical algorithm capable of simulating the full three-dimensional dynamics of magnetic fluid droplets in external magnetic fields by solving boundary integral equations. The algorithm works with arbitrary droplet and carrier fluid viscosity ratios. It is validated with known theoretical relationships. It also enables evaluating various approximations often used to describe ellipsoidal droplets by comparing the droplet dynamics calculated from such approximations to the results obtained from first principles using our numerical algorithm. The algorithm may be used to investigate droplet configurations in arbitrary magnetic fields and to indirectly calculate the physical properties of magnetic fluid droplets and predicting the magnetic field thresholds above which the droplet shape can develop instabilities in the form of various spikes.
Characterizing Lagrangian particle dynamics in decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence using proper orthogonal decomposition
Authors: Schiødt M. , Hodžić A. , Evrard F. , Hausmann M. , Van Wachem B. , Velte C. M.
Published: May 2022

Particle proper orthogonal decomposition (PPOD) is demonstrated as a method for extraction of temporal statistical information on dispersed (discrete) phases of multiphase flows. PPOD is an extension of the classical Eulerian POD, differentiating itself by its Lagrangian formulation and applicability to discrete phases in both stationary and non-stationary flows. The method is demonstrated on a test case of decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulence, where particle data are generated by one-way coupled simulations. Here, particle positions and velocities are integrated forward in time in a Lagrangian manner. The results demonstrate a proof of concept of the PPOD, and its potential for applicability. It is demonstrated that PPOD modes are able to capture both large scale temporal flow features as well as smaller scale variations. Additionally, particle trajectories/velocities are approximated using a subset of the PPOD basis where convergence is demonstrated. In the application of PPOD on multiple particle realizations, an increase in the convergence rate is observed as the initial particle separation is decreased. When decomposing both solid (rigid) and fluid particle velocities, the method provides the possibility of modal analysis of fluid–particle interactions in multiphase flows. For various configurations of rigid particle densities, the modal parallelity between the two phases is mapped, revealing a higher parallelity when the rigid particles are neutrally buoyant.
Thermal effects on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in peristaltic blood flow: Mathematical modeling
Authors: Tripathi Dharmendra , Bhandari D. S. , Anwar Bég O.
Published: May 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel viral species that has been identified as a highly infectious disease. Scientists have endeavored to collect essential information to better characterize the behavior of this virus, including droplet transmission and airborne effects. However, it is not clear, thus far, whether temperature can substantially alter the pandemic trajectory. This present study, therefore, aims to investigate how temperature may affect virus transmission in peristaltic blood vessels and, furthermore, how virus density and particle diameter will affect the transmission of the virus from an infected person to a non-infected person. The modeling deployed assumes that coronavirus particles with a diameter of 120 μm and a density of 1 g/cm3 move in the direction of blood flow. The quantity of SARS-CoV-2 virions (entire virus particles) inside a microdroplet is calculated by considering the Kepler conjecture method, and the transmission percentage of the viral load is also computed. It is observed that the microdroplet carries a smaller amount of coronavirus particles, so an airborne (DP<2 μm) infection is less harmful. Furthermore, computational simulations using the proposed model reveal some interesting insight into how rapidly the SARS-CoV-2 virus propagates in the circulatory system, and estimate the infection in blood and tissues. From these results, it is found that the small virion (dp<100 nm) rapidly settles inside the bloodstream and infects tissues; however, the duration of infection is short due to the low viscosity of the blood. Furthermore, the closed packed structure of the virions is loosened in the blood vessel due to the temperature of the blood.
Large eddy simulation of flow through an axisymmetric sudden expansion
Authors: Choi Byung-Hee , Anand N. K. , Hassan Yassin A. , Sabharwall Piyush
Published: May 2022

This study aims at investigating the inlet flow conditions of flow through an axisymmetric sudden expansion with an expansion ratio of 2.0. A series of large eddy simulations with the WALE model were conducted for different inlet Reynolds numbers (Re) and turbulence intensities (urms/U¯m). The reattachment length, defined as the length measured downstream of the expansion where the flow direction is reversed adjacent to the wall (Lr), was measured for each case. For widely studied inlet turbulence intensity values (TI), the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental and numerical results reported in the literature. Parametric studies revealed that turbulence intensity affects the critical Reynolds number, marking the transition between the laminar and transition regions and the reattachment length. The critical Reynolds number was found to decrease with increasing turbulence intensity. A correlation expression is proposed. Additional analysis with proper orthogonal decomposition was performed to enhance the understanding of complex flow structures downstream of the expansion. Finally, an overall correlation expression for the reattachment length was obtained for 500 ≤ Re ≤ 15 000 and 0.2 ≤ TI (%) ≤ 20. For a given turbulence intensity, the reattachment length can be expressed for laminar and turbulent regions as a function of the Reynolds number. The reattachment length in the transition region can be expressed as a fractional average of reattachment lengths for laminar and turbulent flows.
Evolution of double-eye wall hurricanes and emergence of complex tripolar end states in moist-convective rotating shallow water model
Authors: Rostami Masoud , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: May 2022

A detailed investigation of linear instabilities of double-eyewall hurricane-like vortices with double maxima (“walls”) of azimuthal velocity and vorticity around the central minimum (“eye”) and of their nonlinear saturation is carried out in the framework of the moist-convective rotating shallow water model. It is shown that developing barotropic instability leads to inward displacement and gradual disappearance of the inner wall and to the formation of a nontrivial tripolar quasi-stationary structure, provided the second, outer, wall of the initial vortex is high enough. The effects of moist convection lead to the enhancement of the outer wall. In comparison, under the influence of the same instability, vortices with an inner wall stronger than the outer one evolve toward monopolar single-eyewall structures.
Comparative Law and Economics: Aspirations and Hard Realities
Authors: Garoupa Nuno , Ulen Thomas S
Published: May 2022

The fields of comparative law and law and economics have not had a happy or productive relationship. There are recent notable exceptions, such as comparative corporate governance, comparative constitutional law, and comparative competition law, but we are surprised by that limited cross-fertilization, given that so many other areas of law have found concepts from law and economics helpful and, in some instances, transformative. To try to understand this phenomenon, we first examine a twenty-five-year attempt by an international group of legal and economic scholars to foster interaction between the two fields. We then examine the recent history of the field of comparative economics and its successor field, transition economics, with mainstream economics to see if there are lessons from that literature that help to explain the relative paucity of a comparative law and economics literature. We next look at one notable recent attempt to use law and economics to examine a comparative law topic—the legal origins hypothesis. We also speculate on the extent to which the status of comparative law within American law schools and the overselling of the revolutionary aspects of law and economics might help to explain the frigid relations between comparative law and law and economics. Finally, we seek to propose a way forward in which each field can learn from the other, while also recognizing that we may be expecting too much too soon. The “silent artillery of time” may be the great spur to this particular scholarly cross-fertilization.
Using Criminal Law to Fight Corruption: The Potential, Risks, and Limitations of Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato)
Authors: Mota Prado Mariana , De Assis Machado Marta R
Published: May 2022

The Brazilian case of Lava Jato started with a scandal involving the massive malfeasance of corporate and political elites in relation to the state-run oil company Petrobras. The scope of the corruption was unprecedented. Politicians and Petrobras employees received hundreds of millions (if not billions) of dollars in kickbacks between 2004 and 2012. This Article focuses on the innovations promoted by the Lava Jato case. This new jurisprudence has not only played a key role in breaking a long-lasting tradition of impunity in Brazil, but it has also generated much controversy. On the one hand, many Brazilian citizens welcomed the changes, as they allowed judges to overcome the obstacles faced by courts in previous corruption cases. On the other hand, opponents argue that the case is not solidly grounded in rule of law principles. Instead of taking sides in this debate, this Article tries to reframe it by arguing that there may be benefits associated with these novel interpretations, but there may also be costs and risks.
Blood Pressure Variability Can Predict Carotid Sinus Reaction After Carotid Stenting
Authors: Ryu Jae-Chan , Bae Jae-Han , Ha Sang Hee , Chang Jun Young , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U , Kim Jong S , Kim Bum Joon
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Carotid stenting has become an important treatment for carotid disease. Carotid sinus reaction (CSR), a complication which is not uncommon and affects the outcome of carotid stenting. We investigated the predictors of CSR, including blood pressure variability and heart rate variability (BPV and HRV, respectively).

METHODS

We enrolled patients who underwent carotid stenting. CSR was defined as any episode of systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mm Hg or heart rate (HR) <60 beats/min after stent deployment or balloon inflation. BPV and HRV were measured before stent insertion and were represented by coefficient of variation (CoV) and SD. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to predict CSR.

RESULTS

Among the 176 patients, 61 (34.7%) patients showed CSR. Blood pressure and HR were measured 14 times before carotid stenting on average. The risk of CSR was independently associated with the use of longer stent (odds ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.16, P = 0.042) and increased SBP SD (1.07 [1.00–1.14], P = 0.048). Moreover, when the SBP parameter changed to SBP CoV, total stent length (1.08 [1.00–1.16], P = 0.042) and SBP CoV (1.12 [1.02–1.23], P = 0.023) were associated with the occurrence of CSR.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a longer stent and increased SBP variability before carotid stent insertion were associated with the risk of CSR after carotid stenting. Underlying autonomic dysregulation may increase the risk of CSR during carotid stenting. SBP variability before carotid stenting might be considered a predictor of CSR.
Initiation of a discharge pharmacy within a busy urban emergency department: The first year
Authors: Fischer Daniel , Patel Alisha , Perotti Adrienne , Bastow Samantha , Scarpelli Denise , Lamb Matt , Spiegel Tom , Colgan Kevin , Celmins Laura
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Discharge prescriptions represent an important aspect of care for patients seen in the emergency department (ED) setting and are used by providers to continue therapy for acute illness once patients leave the ED or to prevent future exacerbations of chronic conditions. The success of an ED discharge and the medications prescribed rely on patient compliance. Compliance depends on patients’ ability to obtain prescriptions, which can be hindered by limited access to pharmacies and cost.

In order to address issues traditionally associated with medication noncompliance, a discharge pharmacy was implemented within a busy urban ED. The pharmacy began processing prescriptions on December 18, 2019, using a formulary aimed towards providing commonly prescribed and high-risk medications. The pharmacy accepts insurance plans in addition to utilizing 340B Drug Pricing Program pricing to offer affordable medications to patients. During the first year of operation 10,230 prescriptions were filled for 5,703 patients, representing 13% of all patients discharged during that time. Of the prescriptions filled, 35.4% were for products considered high-risk medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors, insulin, and antibiotics. Over 50% of these high-risk medications were provided to patients through reduced cash pricing. Pharmacist interventions were made on 4.3% of prescriptions to address incorrect dosing, avoid use of inappropriate antibiotics, and recommend alternative therapies.

Conclusion

The implementation of a discharge pharmacy within the ED allowed over 5,700 patients to be discharged with medications and represents a potential solution to issues surrounding medication noncompliance. Similar initiatives have the opportunity to improve medication access for a larger ED population.
Neighborhood Contexts and Alcohol Use Disorder Among Mexican Americans Living in the US-Mexico Border Region
Authors: Karriker-Jaffe Katherine J , Li Libo , Cherpitel Cheryl J , Bensley Kara M K , Zemore Sarah E
Published: May 2022

Aims

This study assessed contributions of exposure to neighborhood stressors (violent victimization, witnessing crime, greater alcohol and drug availability) to variation in alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms among drinkers in three cities in Texas, USA.

Methods

We used data from interviews conducted from 2011 to 2013 with Mexican-origin adults (ages 16–65) in the US-Mexico Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions who were past-year drinkers (N = 1960; 55% male) living in two cities in the Texas-Mexico border region (Laredo, n = 751 and Brownsville/McAllen, n = 814) and one interior comparison site (San Antonio, n = 771). Analyses (conducted in 2018 and 2019) examined overall and gender-stratified multilevel mediated effects of each border site (versus San Antonio) on AUD symptoms through the neighborhood-level factors, adjusting for individual- and neighborhood-level covariates.

Results

Overall, drinkers in Laredo reported more AUD symptoms than drinkers in the other cities, and their neighborhoods had more witnessing of crime and greater perceived drug availability, as well as higher levels of disadvantage and a lower proportion non-Hispanic White residents, than neighborhoods in San Antonio. Witnessing neighborhood crime was associated with increased AUD symptoms, while neighborhood disadvantage and proportion non-Hispanic White residents each were negatively associated with AUD symptoms. Perceived neighborhood insecurity, crime victimization, perceived neighborhood drug availability and neighborhood alcohol availability (off- and on-premise) were not significantly associated with AUD symptoms. Stratified models suggested possible gender differences in indirect effects through witnessing neighborhood crime.

Conclusion

Reducing witnessing of neighborhood crime may help reduce AUD symptoms among adults living in the US border region.
Child Protection in Irish Primary Schools: Supports and Challenges in the Role of Designated Liaison Person for Child Protection
Authors: Nohilly Margaret , Treacy Mia
Published: May 2022

This article reviews child protection in the Irish primary school context from the perspective of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP). Research undertaken with DLPs is presented which illuminates the supports and challenges that are part of this responsible role. A review of the role of the DLP is presented in the article alongside an overview of the changes in legislation in the Irish child protection system. Particular attention is paid to the challenges of the role of DLP and the potential impact on children’s lives and their safety.
Safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of minimally invasive esophagectomies versus open esophagectomies: an umbrella review
Authors: Ramjit Sinead E , Ashley Emmaline , Donlon Noel E , Weiss Andreas , Doyle Frank , Heskin Leonie
Published: May 2022

Traditionally, esophageal oncological resections have been performed via open approaches with well-documented levels of morbidity and mortality complicating the postoperative course. In contemporary terms, minimally invasive approaches have garnered sustained support in all areas of surgery, and there has been an exponential adaptation of this technology in upper GI surgery with the advent of laparoscopic and robotic techniques. The current literature, while growing, is inconsistent in reporting on the benefits of minimally invasive esophagectomies (MIEs) and this makes it difficult to ascertain best practice. The objective of this review was to critically appraise the current evidence addressing the safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of MIEs versus open esophagectomies. A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching nine electronic databases to identify any systematic reviews published on this topic and recommended Joanna Briggs Institute approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis was used to report the findings. A total of 13 systematic reviews of moderate to good quality encompassing 143 primary trials and 36,763 patients were included in the final synthesis. Eleven reviews examined safety parameters and found a generalized benefit of MIE. Efficacy was evaluated by eight systematic reviews and found each method to be equivalent. There were limited data to judiciously appraise cost-effectiveness as this was only evaluated in one review involving a single trial. There is improved safety and equivalent efficacy associated with MIE when compared with open esophagectomy. Cost-effectiveness of MIE cannot be sufficiently supported at this point in time. Further studies, especially those focused on cost-effectiveness are needed to strengthen the existing evidence to inform policy makers on feasibility of increased assimilation of this technology into clinical practice.
Rhizosphere microbiome response to host genetic variability: a trade-off between bacterial and fungal community assembly
Authors: Rotoni Cristina , Leite Marcio F A , Pijl Agata , Kuramae Eiko Eurya
Published: May 2022

Rhizosphere microbial community composition is strongly influenced by plant species and cultivar. However, our understanding of the impact of plant cultivar genetic variability on microbial assembly composition remains limited. Here, we took advantage of vegetatively propagated chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum L.) as a plant model and induced roots in five commercial cultivars: Barolo, Chic, Chic 45, Chic Cream and Haydar. We observed strong rhizosphere selection for the bacterial community but weaker selection for the fungal community. The genetic distance between cultivars explained 42.83% of the total dissimilarity between the bacteria selected by the different cultivars. By contrast, rhizosphere fungal selection was not significantly linked to plant genetic dissimilarity. Each chrysanthemum cultivar selected unique bacterial and fungal genera in the rhizosphere. We also observed a trade-off in the rhizosphere selection of bacteria and fungi in which the cultivar with the strongest selection of fungal communities showed the weakest bacterial selection. Finally, bacterial and fungal family taxonomic groups consistently selected by all cultivars were identified (bacteria Chitinophagaceae, Beijerinckiaceae and Acidobacteriaceae, and fungi Pseudeurotiaceae and Chrysozymaceae). Taken together, our findings suggest that chrysanthemum cultivars select distinct rhizosphere microbiomes and share a common core of microbes partially explained by the genetic dissimilarity between cultivars.
CD98hc in host–pathogen interactions: roles of the multifunctional host protein during infections
Authors: Vection Sonia , O'Callaghan David , Keriel Anne
Published: May 2022

The eukaryotic protein CD98hc (also known as 4F2, FRP-1, or SLC3A2) is a membrane glycoprotein and one of the heavy chains of the family of heterodimeric amino acids transporters. It can associate with any of 6 different light chains to form distinct amino acid transporters. CD98hc is also involved in mediation of intracellular integrin signaling. Besides its physiological roles in the development of the placenta and the immune system, CD98hc is important during pathological processes such as tumorigenesis and host–pathogen interaction. Since its first identification as Fusion Regulatory Protein 1 regulating cell fusion in cells infected by the Newcastle disease virus, CD98hc has been reported to be mediating many viral, apicomplexan, and bacterial infectious processes. In this review we describe the role of CD98hc and its associated light chains in bacterial, apicomplexan, and viral pathogenesis. We also discuss the consequences of infection on the expression and localization of these proteins. The identification of the cellular processes in which CD98hc is involved during pathogenesis highlights the key role of this host protein in infectious diseases.
Multi-omics analyses of the transition to the Crabtree effect in S. cerevisiae reveals a key role for the citric acid shuttle
Authors: Xie Tingting , Chen Min , Nielsen Jens , Xia Jianye
Published: May 2022

The Crabtree effect in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been extensively studied, but only few studies have analyzed the dynamic conditions across the critical specific growth rate where the Crabtree effect sets in. Here, we carried out a multi-omics analysis of S. cerevisiae undergoing a specific growth rate transition from 0.2 h−1 to 0.35 h−1. The extracellular metabolome, the transcriptome and the proteome were analyzed in an 8-h transition period after the specific growth rate shifted from 0.2 h−1 to 0.35 h−1. The changing trends of both the transcriptome and proteome were analyzed using principal component analysis, which showed that the transcriptome clustered together after 60 min, while the proteome reached steady-state much later. Focusing on central carbon metabolism, we analyzed both the changes in the transcriptome and proteome, and observed an interesting changing pattern in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathway, which indicates an important role for citric acid shuttling across the mitochondrial membrane for α-ketoglutarate accumulation during the transition from respiratory to respiro-fermentative metabolism. This was supported by a change in the oxaloacetate and malate shuttle. Together, our findings shed new light into the onset of the Crabtree effect in S. cerevisiae.
A Two-Part Approach Distinguishing the Occurrence and Frequency of Self-reported Attentional Failures During Driving to Predict Crash Risks Among Older Drivers
Authors: Choi HeeSun , Feng Jing , Grühn Daniel
Published: May 2022

Objectives

With advancing age, older drivers experience greater fatal crash risks due to age-related declines in cognitive and physical capabilities. Being informed of the age-related increased risks could help older drivers form compensatory strategies and determine when to seek further help to stay on the road safely for longer. Using a self-report assessment tool, the Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ), we examined older drivers’ experience of various attentional failures during daily driving and how the measures could predict their crash risks.

Methods

We used a new methodological approach distinguishing the occurrences of attentional failures during driving and the frequency of those occurrences. The individuals’ AFDQ occurrence and frequency scores were compared with prior driving outcomes and simulated driving performance.

Results

Unlike middle-aged drivers, frequency rather than occurrence of attentional failures was a significant predictor of prior traffic violations and crashes among older drivers. Also, attentional failures, but not chronological age, predicted older drivers’ crash risks. AFDQ frequency was also associated with older drivers’ poorer performance in simulated driving.

Discussion

The findings suggest that the self-report assessment for attention-related driving failures can predict older drivers’ crash risks. Furthermore, the two-part approach of AFDQ provides an opportunity to do a more comprehensive investigation of the associations between attentional declines and crash risks among older drivers.
The Effects of Wages and Training on Intent to Switch or Leave Among Direct Care Workers
Authors: Kishida Kensaku
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Although most studies have not separated turnover of direct care workers (DCWs) into those who switch to another organization (switchers) and those who leave the industry (leavers), switchers and leavers have different impacts on the facilities they quit and the labor market for DCWs. We distinguished between intent to switch and intent to leave and investigated the impact of wages and training on each turnover intention.

Research Design and Methods

Data were obtained from Japan’s Fact-Finding Survey on Long-term Care Work. We included DCWs (n = 7,311) in the analyses and used multinomial regression by sex and provider type to compare those who wanted to switch and those who wanted to leave with those who wanted to remain in their current workplace.

Results

The impacts of an increase in wages and a higher training score were larger for intent to switch than intent to leave. Compared with wages, the impact of training was greater. The impact of job characteristics on turnover intention varied between women and men and across provider types.

Discussion and Implications

This study provides a better understanding of the difference in the determinants of switching and leaving and simultaneously increases our understanding of the differences between women and men and across provider types.
Effects of administration of a growth promoting implant during the suckling phase or at weaning on growth, reproduction, and ovarian development in replacement heifers grazing native range
Authors: Rosasco Shelby L , Melchior-Tiffany Emily A , Kassetas Cierrah J , Cox Shad H , Dunlap Richard L , Hernandez Gifford Jennifer A , Scholljegerdes Eric J , Cushman Robert A , Summers Adam F
Published: May 2022

Management strategies utilized during pre-breeding development of replacement heifers can impact fertility and the ovarian reserve. Angus-Hereford crossbred heifers (n = 233) were utilized over a 3-yr period to determine the effects of administration of a growth promoting implant at either branding or weaning on growth, reproduction, and ovarian development. Heifer calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) nonimplanted controls (CON; n = 79), 2) implanted at approximately 2 mo of age (average calf age = 58 d) with Synovex-C (BIMP, n = 82), or 3) implanted at approximately 7 mo of age (average calf age = 210 d) with Synovex-C (WIMP; n = 72). In years 2 and 3, a subset of heifers (year 2 n = 16; year 3 n = 14) were unilaterally ovariectomized. Heifers implanted at 2 mo of age were heavier at weaning, yearling (mid-February; average calf age = 332 d), and at the beginning of the breeding season (P < 0.01) compared to CON and WIMP heifers. Average daily gain (ADG) was similar among treatments from weaning to yearling and weaning to the start of the breeding season (P ≥ 0.61); however, WIMP heifers had increased (P = 0.05) ADG from yearling to the start of the breeding season compared to BIMP heifers. Antral follicle count and reproductive tract scores were not influenced by implant treatment (P ≥ 0.18). Response to synchronization of estrus was increased (P = 0.02) in WIMP compared to CON heifers, with BIMP heifers similar to all other treatments. First service conception rates tended to be increased (P = 0.09) in CON heifers compared to WIMP heifers, with BIMP heifers similar to CON and WIMP. Final pregnancy rates were similar (P = 0.54) among treatments. A treatment × yr interaction was detected (P = 0.01) for the number of primordial follicles/section with increased primordial follicles in WIMP heifers in year 3 compared to BIMP and WIMP heifers in year 2 and CON heifers in year 3, as well as in BIMP compared to WIMP heifers in year 2. Utilization of growth promoting implants did not negatively impact postweaning reproductive development or compromise pregnancy rates in beef heifers. Based on these results, administration of a growth promoting Synovex-C implant at 2 mo of age may allow for increased body weight at weaning, without hindering reproductive performance.
Optimization of sporulation and purification methods for sporicidal efficacy assessment on Bacillus spores
Authors: Li Liang , Jin Jinshan , Hu Haijing , Deveau Ian F , Foley Steven L , Chen Huizhong
Published: May 2022

Validating the efficacy of sporicidal agents is a critical step in current good manufacturing practices for disinfection requirements. A limitation is that the poor quality of spores can lead to false positive sporicidal results. The aim of this study was to explore optimal sporulation and purification methods in Bacillus spores. Spores of 7 Bacillus strains were produced in 5 different sporulation media. After density centrifugation, spore yields were measured by phase-contrast microscopy and enumeration assays. Effects of purification methods including heat, sonication and lysozyme, and maturation on spore qualities were determined by sodium hypochlorite sporicidal assay. Difco sporulation media was identified as the preferred sporulation medium for 4 out of 7 tested Bacillus strains. Sporulation rates in B. cereus, B. sphaericus, and B. thuringiensis were higher at 30°C than the rates at 37°C at a difference of 5%, 65%, and 20%, respectively. Bacillus licheniformis favored Mn2+-amended 10% Columbia Broth at 37°C for sporulation with 40–72% higher sporulation rates than other media. The maximum sporulation rates of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis were observed on double-strength Schaeffer's-glucose broth. All studied purification methods improved the spore purity with strain variations. However, intense heat (80°C for 20 min) and lysozyme (100 μg/mL) treatment impaired the spore quality of specific Bacillus strains by sensitizing them against sodium hypochlorite. The length of the maturation period had an impact on the spore resistance, and the most optimal maturation periods ranged from 7 to 21 days in Bacillus strains. The results of this study will pave the way for further evaluation of the sporicidal activity of disinfectants.
Functional analysis of long non-coding RNAs involved in alkaline stress responses in wheat
Authors: Wei Lin , Zhang Rong , Zhang Min , Xia Guangmin , Liu Shuwei
Published: May 2022

Saline-alkali soil is a major environmental problem affecting crop productivity. One of the most effective approaches to combat it is to breed stress-tolerant plants through genetic engineering. Shanrong No. 4 (SR4) is an alkaline-tolerant cultivar of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) derived from asymmetric somatic hybridization between the common wheat cultivar Jinan 177 (JN177) and tall wheatgrass. In this study, we aimed to explore the structure and function of alkalinity stress-responsive long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in wheat. Sequencing was employed to identify the lncRNAs associated with stress tolerance and their corresponding targets. Approximately 19 000 novel lncRNA sequences were detected in SR4 and JN177. Upon exposure to alkaline stress, SR4 differentially expressed 5691 lncRNAs, whilst JN177 differentially expressed 5932. We selected five of them (L0760, L6247, L0208, L2098, and L3065) and generated seedlings of transiently knocked down strains using the virus-induced gene-silencing method. Knockdown of L0760 and L2098 caused the plants to exhibit sensitivity to alkaline stress, whereas knockdown of L6247, L0208, and L3065 increased the ability of plants to tolerate alkaline stress. We constructed lncRNA–miRNA–target-mRNA networks and alkali-response-related lncRNA–target-mRNA association networks to analyse the functions of lncRNAs. Collectively, our results demonstrate that lncRNAs may perform different roles under alkaline stress conditions.
Loss of Polycomb proteins CLF and LHP1 leads to excessive RNA degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Séré David , Cassan Océane , Bellegarde Fanny , Fizames Cécile , Boucherez Jossia , Schivre Geoffrey , Azevedo Jacinthe , Lagrange Thierry , Gojon Alain , Martin Antoine
Published: May 2022

Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are major chromatin complexes that regulate gene expression, mainly described as repressors keeping genes in a transcriptionally silent state during development. Recent studies have nonetheless suggested that PcG proteins might have additional functions, including targeting active genes or acting independently of gene expression regulation. However, the reasons for the implication of PcG proteins and their associated chromatin marks on active genes are still largely unknown. Here, we report that combining mutations for CURLY LEAF (CLF) and LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN1 (LHP1), two Arabidopsis PcG proteins, results in deregulation of expression of active genes that are targeted by PcG proteins or enriched in associated chromatin marks. We show that this deregulation is associated with accumulation of small RNAs corresponding to massive degradation of active gene transcripts. We demonstrate that transcriptionally active genes and especially those targeted by PcG proteins are prone to RNA degradation, even though deregulation of RNA degradation following the loss of function of PcG proteins is not likely to be mediated by a PcG protein-mediated chromatin environment. Therefore, we conclude that PcG protein function is essential to maintain an accurate level of RNA degradation to ensure accurate gene expression.
Guard-cell-targeted overexpression of ArabidopsisHexokinase 1can improve water use efficiency in field-grown tobacco plants
Authors: Acevedo-Siaca Liana G , Głowacka Katarzyna , Driever Steven M , Salesse-Smith Coralie E , Lugassi Nitsan , Granot David , Long Stephen P , Kromdijk Johannes
Published: May 2022

Water deficit currently acts as one of the largest limiting factors for agricultural productivity worldwide. Additionally, limitation by water scarcity is projected to continue in the future with the further onset of effects of global climate change. As a result, it is critical to develop or breed for crops that have increased water use efficiency and that are more capable of coping with water scarce conditions. However, increased intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) typically brings a trade-off with CO2 assimilation as all gas exchange is mediated by stomata, through which CO2 enters the leaf while water vapor exits. Previously, promising results were shown using guard-cell-targeted overexpression of hexokinase to increase iWUE without incurring a penalty in photosynthetic rates or biomass production. Here, two homozygous transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines expressing Arabidopsis Hexokinase 1 (AtHXK1) constitutively (35SHXK2 and 35SHXK5) and a line that had guard-cell-targeted overexpression of AtHXK1 (GCHXK2) were evaluated relative to wild type for traits related to photosynthesis and yield. In this study, iWUE was significantly higher in GCHXK2 compared with wild type without negatively impacting CO2 assimilation, although results were dependent upon leaf age and proximity of precipitation event to gas exchange measurement.
A mechanistic study of the influence of nitrogen and energy availability on the NH4+ sensitivity of nitrogen assimilation in Synechococcus
Authors: Giordano Mario , Goodman Charles A , Huang Fengying , Raven John A , Ruan Zuoxi
Published: May 2022

In most algae, NO3− assimilation is tightly controlled and is often inhibited by the presence of NH4+. In the marine, non-colonial, non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium Synechococcus UTEX 2380, NO3− assimilation is sensitive to NH4+ only when N does not limit growth. We sequenced the genome of Synechococcus UTEX 2380, studied the genetic organization of the nitrate assimilation related (NAR) genes, and investigated expression and kinetics of the main NAR enzymes, under N or light limitation. We found that Synechococcus UTEX 2380 is a β-cyanobacterium with a full complement of N uptake and assimilation genes and NAR regulatory elements. The nitrate reductase of our strain showed biphasic kinetics, previously observed only in freshwater or soil diazotrophic Synechococcus strains. Nitrite reductase and glutamine synthetase showed little response to our growth treatments, and their activity was usually much higher than that of nitrate reductase. NH4+ insensitivity of NAR genes may be associated with the stimulation of the binding of the regulator NtcA to NAR gene promoters by the high 2-oxoglutarate concentrations produced under N limitation. NH4+ sensitivity in energy-limited cells fits with the fact that, under these conditions, the use of NH4+ rather than NO3− decreases N-assimilation cost, whereas it would exacerbate N shortage under N limitation.
OsBSK2, a putative brassinosteroid-signalling kinase, positively controls grain size in rice
Authors: Yuan Hua , Xu Zhengyan , Chen Weilan , Deng Chaoyang , Liu Yi , Yuan Min , Gao Peng , Shi Hui , Tu Bin , Li Ting , Kang Liangzhu , Ma Bingtian , Wang Yuping , Wang Jing , Chen Xuewei , Li Shigui , Qin Peng
Published: May 2022

Grain size is an important trait that directly affects grain yield in rice; however, the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating grain size remain unclear. In this study, we identified a mutant, grain length and grain weight 10 (glw10), which exhibited significantly reduced grain length and grain weight. Histological analysis demonstrated that GLW10 affects cell expansion, which regulates grain size. MutMap-based gene mapping and transgenic experiments demonstrated that GLW10 encodes a putative brassinosteroid (BR) signalling kinase, OsBSK2. OsBSK2 is a plasma membrane protein, and an N-myristoylation site is needed for both membrane localization and function. OsBSK2 directly interacts with the BR receptor kinase OsBRI1; however, genetic experiments have demonstrated that OsBSK2 may regulate grain size independent of the BR signalling pathway. OsBSK2 can form a homodimer or heterodimer with OsBSK3 and OsBSK4, and silencing OsBSK2, OsBSK3, and OsBSK4 reduce grain size. This indicates that OsBSKs seem to function as homodimers or heterodimers to positively regulate grain size in rice. OsBSK2/3/4 are all highly expressed in young panicles and spikelet hulls, suggesting that they control grain size. In summary, our results provide novel insights into the function of BSKs in rice, and identify novel targets for improving grain size during crop breeding.
In vitro functional characterization predicts the impact of bacterial root endophytes on plant growth
Authors: Tran Tri , French Elizabeth , Iyer-Pascuzzi Anjali S
Published: May 2022

Utilizing beneficial microbes for crop improvement is one strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture. However, identifying microbial isolates that promote crop growth is challenging, in part because using bacterial taxonomy to predict an isolate’s effect on plant growth may not be reliable. The overall aim of this work was to determine whether in vitro functional traits of bacteria were predictive of their in planta impact. We isolated 183 bacterial endophytes from field-grown roots of two tomato species, Solanum lycopersicum and S. pimpinellifolium. Sixty isolates were screened for six in vitro functional traits: auxin production, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization, antagonism to a soilborne pathogen, and the presence of two antimicrobial metabolite synthesis genes. Hierarchical clustering of the isolates based on the in vitro functional traits identified several groups of isolates sharing similar traits. We called these groups ‘functional groups’. To understand how in vitro functional traits of bacteria relate to their impact on plants, we inoculated three isolates from each of the functional groups on tomato seedlings. Isolates within the same functional group promoted plant growth at similar levels, regardless of their host origin or taxonomy. Together, our results demonstrate the importance of examining root endophyte functions for improving crop production.
Ascertaining the Readiness of Military Orthopedic Surgeons: A Revision to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Methodology
Authors: Osborn Patrick M , Tansey Kimberly A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Decay of military surgeons’ critical wartime skills is a persistent and growing concern among leaders in the military health system (MHS). The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) Clinical Readiness Program was developed to quantify the readiness of clinicians in the MHS; however, the utility of the data is questionable due to a lack of focus on the operative expeditionary skillset in the original methodology. A revised methodology emphasizing the most relevant to expeditionary orthopedic surgery procedures is described.

Materials and Methods

All Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes included in the original KSA methodology were reviewed and, if appropriate, removed, or reassigned to more suitable categories. Category scores were weighted to better align with the most performed procedures in the deployed environment. All surgical cases and procedures performed from 2017-2019 in military treatment facilities by orthopedic surgeons were recorded in total and by MHS market. Cases were recorded for all military orthopedic surgeons who performed at least one KSA credit procedure during the study period. The 10 MHS markets with the greatest number of procedures were included in the analysis. The change in creditable KSA procedure codes and procedures performed from the original to revised methodology was determined for each KSA category and MHS market.

Results

Overall, 403 CPT codes were recategorized and 79 were deleted from the original KSA methodology. The deletions represented less than 4% of the original creditable CPT codes, with most being supply or injection codes. Three of the five most common expeditionary KSA categories increased in the number of creditable procedure codes. The impact of the revision on the MHS markets was mixed, but the overall volume of credited procedures decreased. The weighted scoring did not disproportionately affect the analyzed markets.

Conclusions

The revised methodology is better aligned with the most common procedures in the most recent large-scale military engagements. The improved applicability of the KSA scoring to necessary CWS will allow military medical leaders to better determine the readiness opportunities available in the MHS.
Transitioning from Stage-III to Stage-IV: cosmology from galaxy×CMB lensing and shear×CMB lensing
Authors: Zhang Zhuoqi (Jackie) , Chang Chihway , Larsen Patricia , Secco Lucas F , Zuntz Joe ,   The LSST Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: May 2022

We examine the cosmological constraining power from two cross-correlation probes between galaxy and cosmic microwave background (CMB) surveys: the cross-correlation of lens galaxy density with CMB lensing convergence 〈δgκCMB〉, and source galaxy weak lensing shear with CMB lensing convergence 〈γκCMB〉. These two cross-correlation probes provide an independent cross-check of other large-scale structure constraints and are insensitive to galaxy-only or CMB-only systematic effects. In addition, when combined with other large-scale structure probes, the cross-correlations can break degeneracies in cosmological and nuisance parameters, improving both the precision and robustness of the analysis. In this work, we study how the constraining power of 〈δgκCMB〉 + 〈γκCMB〉 changes from Stage-III (ongoing) to Stage-IV (future) surveys. Given the flexibility in selecting the lens galaxy sample, we also explore systematically the impact on cosmological constraints when we vary the redshift range and magnitude limit of the lens galaxies using mock galaxy catalogs. We find that in our setup, the contribution to cosmological constraints from 〈δgκCMB〉 and 〈γκCMB〉 are comparable in the Stage-III data sets; but in Stage-IV surveys, the noise in 〈δgκCMB〉 becomes subdominant to cosmic variance, preventing 〈δgκCMB〉 to further improve the constraints. This implies that to maximize the cosmological constraints from future 〈δgκCMB〉 + 〈γκCMB〉 analyses, we should focus more on the requirements on 〈γκCMB〉 instead of 〈δgκCMB〉. Furthermore, the selection of the lens sample should be optimized in terms of our ability to characterize its redshift or galaxy bias instead of its number density.