bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interface tomography of GaInAs/AlInAs quantum cascade laser active regions
Authors: Paysen Ekaterina , Schütt Sebastian , Michler Sondre , Yang Quankui , Aidam Rolf , Trampert Achim
Published: March 2023

We present a high-resolution electron tomography study of buried ultra-thin layers and their interfaces from the active region of a (Ga,In)As/(Al,In)As quantum cascade laser (QCL) test structure. Using a high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy image series, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the complex layer structure is obtained. From this 3D information, we determine quantitative values for the chemical width and, simultaneously and independently, the root mean square roughness (rms) and lateral correlation length of the individual interfaces of a cascade using topographic height maps. The interfacial widths are comparably small for all interfaces within a cascade and the layer thicknesses show only a small standard deviation of less than one monolayer. The rms roughness is systematically lower at the direct (Ga,In)As-on-(Al,In)As interface compared to its inverse. In addition, using the one-dimensional height–height correlation function, different lateral correlation lengths along the two perpendicular

⟨
011
⟩

in-plane directions are detected indicating a distinct anisotropy of the interface morphology. Our accurate and comprehensive results on the QCL test structure will serve as feedback to evaluate the growth process and help to assess the performance of corresponding future laser devices in detail.
Optimizing the use of pressurized bladders for the assembly of HL-LHC MQXFB magnets
Authors: Ferradas Troitino J , Ambrosio G , Bourcey N , Cheng D , Devred A , Felice H , Ferracin P , Guinchard M , Izquierdo Bermudez S , Kandemir K , Lusa N , Milanese A , Mugnier S , Perez J C , Todesco E , Triquet S , Vallone G
Published: March 2023

The use of pressurized bladders for stress control of superconducting magnets was firstly proposed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the early 2000s. Since then, the so-called ‘bladders and keys’ procedure has become one of the reference techniques for the assembly of high-field accelerator magnets and demonstrators. Exploiting the advantages of this method is today of critical importance for Nb3Sn-based accelerator magnets, whose production requires the preservation of tight stress targets in the superconducting coils to limit the effects of the strain sensitivity and brittleness of the conductor. The present manuscript reports on the results of an experimental campaign focused on the optimization of the ‘bladders and keys’ assembly process in the MQXFB quadrupoles. These 7.2 m long magnets shall be among the first Nb3Sn cryomagnets to be installed in a particle accelerator as a part of the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC. One of the main practical implications of the bladders technique, especially important when applied to long magnets like MQXFB, is that to insert the loading keys, the opening of a certain clearance in the support structure is required. The procedure used so far for MQXF magnets involved an overstress in the coils during bladder inflation. The work presented here shows that such an overshoot can be eliminated thanks to additional bladders properly positioned in the structure. This optimized method was validated in a short model magnet and in a full-length mechanical model, becoming the new baseline for the series production at CERN Furthermore, the results are supported by numerical predictions using finite element models.
Spectrofluorimetric in tandem with principal component analysis for characterizing mycobacterium tuberculosis disease
Authors: Shah Jamshed Saeed , Ullah Rahat , Muhammad Noor , Ahmad Adnan , Khan Saranjam
Published: March 2023

In this study, fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) in tandem with the chemometric technique has effectively been used for analyzing respiratory infectious disease Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This research work is based on the fluorescence emission of bacterium grown in acid-fast bacillus (AFB) culture. Samples were collected from TB suspected patients of various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and cultured in the Provisional TB Reference Lab, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar, Pakistan. The fluorescence spectra from all these samples have been acquired using the 405 nm wavelength as excitation. The differences in the fluorescence emission spectra between TB positive, TB negative, and cultured media samples has been found at peak emission wavelengths arising at 467 nm and 490 nm. The differences between TB positive and negative samples were seen both in the intensities as well as shift in their fluorescence emission peaks. For highlighting the spectral differences, principal component analysis (PCA) is applied on the fluorescence emission data collected from the three sets of samples. PCA clearly cluster the data into three different groups based on features extracted from their fluorescence emission data. These results are novel and suggest that FS can be used as alternate confirmation tool of mycobacterium through AFB culture on a mass scale. Furthermore, this technique is fast, cost effective and user friendly that could be used effectively for the early detection of mycobacterium bacillus in the suspected individual.
The ϕ
p bound state in the unitary coupled-channel approximation
Authors: Sun Bao-Xi , Fan Ying-Ying , Cao Qin-Qin
Published: March 2023

The strong attractive interaction of the ϕ meson and the proton has recently been reported by the ALICE Collaboration. The corresponding scattering length f
0 is given as

Re

(

f

0

)

=
0.85
±
0.34

(
stat
)

±
0.14

(
syst
)

and

Im

(

f

0

)

=
0.16
±
0.10

(
stat
)

±
0.09

(
syst
)

fm. The fact that the real part is significant in contrast to the imaginary part indicates a dominant role of elastic scattering, whereas the inelastic process is less important. In this work, such scattering processes are inspected based on a unitary coupled-channel approach inspired by the Bethe–Salpeter equation. The ϕ
p scattering length is calculated based on this approach, and it is found that the experimental value of the ϕ
p scattering length can be obtained only if the attractive interaction of the ϕ meson and the proton is taken into account. A significant outcome of such attractive interaction is a two-pole structure in the ϕ
p scattering amplitude. One of the poles, located at (1969 − i283) MeV might correspond to N(1895)1/2− or N(1875)3/2− as listed in the review of the Particle Data Group (PDG). The other one, located at 1949 − i3 MeV should be a ϕ
N bound state, which has no counterpart in the PDG data.
Moving energies hide within Noether’s first theorem
Authors: Nucci M C , Sansonetto N
Published: March 2023

We show that the moving energies of some well-known nonholonomic systems are hidden among the first integrals that can be obtained by applying Noether’s first Theorem to a suitable Lagrangian.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy of lung lesions near large vessels: a numerical study
Authors: Effat Andrew , Bernards Nicholas , Gregor Alexander , Young Edmond W K , Yasufuku Kazuhiro , Weersink Robert A
Published: March 2023

Objective. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an evolving hyperthermia-based technology that may offer a minimally invasive alternative to inoperable lung cancer. LITT of perivascular targets is challenged by higher risk of disease recurrence due to vascular heat sinks, as well as risk of damage to these vascular structures. The objective of this work is to examine the impact of multiple vessel parameters on the efficacy of the treatment and the integrity of the vessel wall in perivascular LITT. Approach. A finite element model is used to examine the role of vessel proximity, flow rate, and wall thickness on the outcome of the treatment. Main result. The simulated work indicates that vessel proximity is the major factor in driving the magnitude of the heat sink effect. Vessels situated near the target volume may act as a protective measure for reducing healthy tissue damage. Vessels with thicker walls are more at risk of damage during treatment. Interventions to reduce the flow rate may reduce the vessel’s heat sink effect but may also result in increased risk of vascular wall damage. Lastly, even at reduced blood flow rates, the volume of blood reaching the threshold of irreversible damage (>43 °C) is negligible compared to the volume of blood flow throughout the treatment duration. Significance. This investigative simulation yields results that may help guide clinicians on treatment planning near large vessels.
The trace property in preenveloping classes
Authors: Lindo Haydee , Thompson Peder
Published: March 2023

We develop the theory of trace modules up to isomorphism and explore the relationship between preenveloping classes of modules and the property of being a trace module, guided by the question of whether a given module is trace in a given preenvelope. As a consequence we identify new examples of trace ideals and trace modules, and characterize several classes of rings with a focus on the Gorenstein and regular properties.
Significance of the Percentage of Gleason Pattern 4 at Prostate Biopsy in Predicting Adverse Pathology on Radical Prostatectomy: Application in Active Surveillance
Authors: Ordner Jeffrey , Flaifel Abdallah , Serrano Antonio , Graziano Rebecca , Melamed Jonathan , Deng Fang-Ming
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To determine the prognostic significance of the maximum allowable percentage of Gleason pattern 4 (GP4) at prostate biopsy compared with adverse pathology observed at radical prostatectomy (RP) to expand active surveillance eligibility among a cohort with intermediate risk of prostate cancer.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with grade group (GG) 1 or 2 prostate cancer on prostate biopsy with subsequent RP was performed at our institution. A Fisher exact test was used to understand the relationship among GP4 subgroups (0%, ≤5%, 6%-10%, and 11%-49%) assigned at biopsy and adverse pathologic findings at RP. Additional analyses comparing the GP4 ≤5% cohort’s prebiopsy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and GP4 length with adverse pathology at RP were also performed.

Results

No statistically significant difference in adverse pathology at RP was observed between the active surveillance–eligible control (GP4 0%) and the GP4 ≤5% subgroup. In total, 68.9% of the GP4 ≤5% cohort showed favorable pathologic outcomes. A separate analysis of the GP4 ≤5% subgroup revealed that neither prebiopsy serum PSA levels nor GP4 length showed statistical correlation with adverse pathology at RP.

Conclusions

Active surveillance may be a reasonable option for management of patients in the GP4 ≤5% group until long-term follow-up data become available.
A Per-Protocol Analysis Using Inverse-Probability-of-Censoring Weights in a Randomized Trial of Initial Protease Inhibitor Versus Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Regimens in Children
Authors: Yin Dwight E , Cole Stephen R , Ludema Christina , Brookhart M Alan , Golin Carol E , Miller William C , McKinney Ross E
Published: March 2023

Protocol adherence may influence measured treatment effectiveness in randomized controlled trials. Using data from a multicenter trial (Europe and the Americas, 2002–2009) of children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 who had been randomized to receive initial protease inhibitor (PI) versus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) antiretroviral therapy regimens, we generated time-to-event intention-to-treat (ITT) estimates of treatment effectiveness, applied inverse-probability-of-censoring weights to generate per-protocol efficacy estimates, and compared shifts from ITT to per-protocol estimates across and within treatment arms. In ITT analyses, 263 participants experienced 4-year treatment failure probabilities of 41.3% for PIs and 39.5% for NNRTIs (risk difference = 1.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): −10.1, 13.7); hazard ratio = 1.09 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.60)). In per-protocol analyses, failure probabilities were 35.6% for PIs and 29.2% for NNRTIs (risk difference = 6.4% (95% CI: −6.7, 19.4); hazard ratio = 1.30 (95% CI: 0.80, 2.12)). Within-arm shifts in failure probabilities from ITT to per-protocol analyses were 5.7% for PIs and 10.3% for NNRTIs. Protocol nonadherence was nondifferential across arms, suggesting that possibly better NNRTI efficacy may have been masked by differences in within-arm shifts deriving from differential regimen forgiveness, residual confounding, or chance. A per-protocol approach using inverse-probability-of-censoring weights facilitated evaluation of relationships among adherence, efficacy, and forgiveness applicable to pediatric oral antiretroviral regimens.
Protein phosphorylation database and prediction tools
Authors: Zhao Ming-Xiao , Chen Qiang , Li Fulai , Fu Songsen , Huang Biling , Zhao Yufen
Published: March 2023

Protein phosphorylation, one of the main protein post-translational modifications, is required for regulating various life activities. Kinases and phosphatases that regulate protein phosphorylation in humans have been targeted to treat various diseases, particularly cancer. High-throughput experimental methods to discover protein phosphosites are laborious and time-consuming. The burgeoning databases and predictors provide essential infrastructure to the research community. To date, >60 publicly available phosphorylation databases and predictors each have been developed. In this review, we have comprehensively summarized the status and applicability of major online phosphorylation databases and predictors, thereby helping researchers rapidly select tools that are most suitable for their projects. Moreover, the organizational strategies and limitations of these databases and predictors have been highlighted, which may facilitate the development of better protein phosphorylation predictors in silico.
Mecp2deletion results in profound alterations of developmental and adult functional connectivity
Authors: Rahn Rachel M , Yen Allen , Chen Siyu , Gaines Seana H , Bice Annie R , Brier Lindsey M , Swift Raylynn G , Lee LeiLani , Maloney Susan E , Culver Joseph P , Dougherty Joseph D
Published: March 2023

As a regressive neurodevelopmental disorder with a well-established genetic cause, Rett syndrome and its Mecp2 loss-of-function mouse model provide an excellent opportunity to define potentially translatable functional signatures of disease progression, as well as offer insight into the role of Mecp2 in functional circuit development. Thus, we applied widefield optical fluorescence imaging to assess mesoscale calcium functional connectivity (FC) in the Mecp2 cortex both at postnatal day (P)35 in development and during the disease-related decline. We found that FC between numerous cortical regions was disrupted in Mecp2 mutant males both in juvenile development and early adulthood. Female Mecp2 mice displayed an increase in homotopic contralateral FC in the motor cortex at P35 but not in adulthood, where instead more posterior parietal regions were implicated. An increase in the amplitude of connection strength, both with more positive correlations and more negative anticorrelations, was observed across the male cortex in numerous functional regions. Widespread rescue of MeCP2 protein in GABAergic neurons rescued none of these functional deficits, nor, surprisingly, the expected male lifespan. Altogether, the female results identify early signs of disease progression, while the results in males indicate MeCP2 protein is required for typical FC in the brain.
Exosomal miR-103a-3p from Crohn’s Creeping Fat-Derived Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Contributes to Intestinal Fibrosis by Targeting TGFBR3 and Activating Fibroblasts
Authors: Qian Wenwei , Xu Yihan , Wen Weiwei , Huang Liangyu , Guo Zhen , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Mesenteric adipose tissue hypertrophy is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease [CD], and creeping fat [CF] is unique to CD. Adipose-derived stem cells [ASCs] from inflammatory tissue exhibited altered biological functions. The role of ASCs isolated from CF in intestinal fibrosis and the potential mechanism remain unclear.

Methods

ASCs were isolated from CF [CF-ASCs] and disease-unaffected mesenteric adipose tissue [Ctrl-ASCs] of patients with CD. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to study the effects of exosomes from CF-ASCs [CF-Exos] on intestinal fibrosis and fibroblast activation. A micro-RNA microarray analysis was performed. Western blot, luciferase assay and immunofluorescence were performed to further detect the underlying mechanisms.

Results

The results indicated that CF-Exos promoted intestinal fibrosis by activating fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. They continuously promoted progression of intestinal fibrosis even after dextran sulphate sodium withdrawal. Further analysis showed that exosomal miR-103a-3p was enriched in CF-Exos and participated in exosome-mediated fibroblast activation. TGFBR3 was identified as a target gene of miR-103a-3p. Mechanistically, CF-ASCs released exosomal miR-103a-3p and promoted fibroblast activation by targeting TGFBR3 and promoting Smad2/3 phosphorylation. We also found that the expression of miR-103a-3p in diseased intestine was positively associated with the degree of CF and fibrosis score.

Conclusion

Our findings show that exosomal miR-103a-3p from CF-ASCs promotes intestinal fibrosis by activating fibroblasts via TGFBR3 targeting, suggesting that CF-ASCs are potential therapeutic targets for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
Gene expression profiling of subcutaneous adipose tissue reveals new biomarkers in acromegaly
Authors: Falch Camilla M , Arlien-Søborg Mai Christiansen , Dal Jakob , Sundaram Arvind Y M , Michelsen Annika E , Ueland Thor , Olsen Linn Guro , Heck Ansgar , Bollerslev Jens , Jørgensen Jens Otto L , Olarescu Nicoleta C
Published: March 2023

Context

Active acromegaly is characterized by lipolysis-induced insulin resistance, which suggests adipose tissue (AT) as a primary driver of metabolic aberrations.

Objective

To study the gene expression landscape in AT in patients with acromegaly before and after disease control in order to understand the changes and to identify disease-specific biomarkers.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed on paired subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) biopsies from six patients with acromegaly at time of diagnosis and after curative surgery. Clustering and pathway analyses were performed in order to identify disease activity-dependent genes. In a larger patient cohort (n = 23), the corresponding proteins were measured in serum by immunoassay. Correlations between growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), visceral AT (VAT), SAT, total AT, and serum proteins were analyzed.

Results

743 genes were significantly differentially expressed (P-adjusted < .05) in SAT before and after disease control. The patients clustered according to disease activity. Pathways related to inflammation, cell adhesion and extracellular matrix, GH and insulin signaling, and fatty acid oxidation were differentially expressed.

Serum levels of HTRA1, METRNL, S100A8/A9, and PDGFD significantly increased after disease control (P < .05). VAT correlated with HTRA1 (R = 0.73) and S100A8/A9 (R = 0.55) (P < .05 for both).

Conclusion

AT in active acromegaly is associated with a gene expression profile of fibrosis and inflammation, which may corroborate the hyper-metabolic state and provide a means for identifying novel biomarkers.
Determining cardiovascular risk in patients with unattributed chest pain in UK primary care: an electronic health record study
Authors: Jordan Kelvin P , Rathod-Mistry Trishna , van der Windt Danielle A , Bailey James , Chen Ying , Clarson Lorna , Denaxas Spiros , Hayward Richard A , Hemingway Harry , Kyriacou Theocharis , Mamas Mamas A
Published: March 2023

Aims

Most adults presenting in primary care with chest pain symptoms will not receive a diagnosis (‘unattributed’ chest pain) but are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. To assess within patients with unattributed chest pain, risk factors for cardiovascular events and whether those at greatest risk of cardiovascular disease can be ascertained by an existing general population risk prediction model or by development of a new model.

Methods and results

The study used UK primary care electronic health records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to admitted hospitalizations. Study population was patients aged 18 plus with recorded unattributed chest pain 2002–2018. Cardiovascular risk prediction models were developed with external validation and comparison of performance to QRISK3, a general population risk prediction model. There were 374 917 patients with unattributed chest pain in the development data set. The strongest risk factors for cardiovascular disease included diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension. Risk was increased in males, patients of Asian ethnicity, those in more deprived areas, obese patients, and smokers. The final developed model had good predictive performance (external validation c-statistic 0.81, calibration slope 1.02). A model using a subset of key risk factors for cardiovascular disease gave nearly identical performance. QRISK3 underestimated cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with unattributed chest pain are at increased risk of cardiovascular events. It is feasible to accurately estimate individual risk using routinely recorded information in the primary care record, focusing on a small number of risk factors. Patients at highest risk could be targeted for preventative measures.
Risk factor variability and cardiovascular risk among patients with diabetes: a nationwide observational study
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Lucisano Giuseppe , Prattichizzo Francesco , La Grotta Rosalba , Franzén Stefan , Gudbjörnsdottir Soffia , Eliasson Björn , Nicolucci Antonio
Published: March 2023

Aims

Cardiovascular risk factor control fluctuates, tends to change over time, and is potentially impacted by multifactorial interactions. Currently, the presence of risk factors, rather than their variability or interplay with one another, is taken into account to define the population at risk. The association between variability of risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains debatable.

Methods and results

Using registry-derived data, we identified 29 471 people with T2DM, without cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, and with at least five measurements of risk factors. Variability for each variable was expressed as quartiles of the standard deviation during 3 years (exposure). The incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, and all-cause mortality was assessed during 4.80 (2.40–6.70) years following the exposure phase. The association between the measures of variability and the risk of developing the outcome was investigated through multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis with stepwise variable selection. Then, the recursive partitioning and amalgamation (RECPAM) algorithm was used to explore the interaction among the variability of risk factors associated with the outcome. An association between the variability of HbA1c, body weight, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol with the outcome considered was found. Among the six classes of risk identified by RECPAM, patients with a high variability of both body weight and blood pressure had the highest risk [Class 6, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61–2.05] compared with patients with low variability of both body weight and total cholesterol (Class 1, reference), despite a progressive reduction in the mean level of risk factors during successive visits. Individuals with high weight variability but low–moderate systolic blood pressure variability (Class 5, HR = 1.57; 95% CI 1.28–1.68), patients with moderate/high weight variability associated with high/very high HbA1c variability (Class 4, HR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.20–1.49), subjects with moderate/high weight variability and with low/moderate HbA1c variability (Class 3, HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.00–1.25), as well as those with low weight variability associated with high/very high total cholesterol variability (Class 2, HR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.00–1.30) also showed a significant increase in the risk of an event.

Conclusion

Combined high variability of two risk factors, particularly body weight and blood pressure, is associated with cardiovascular risk among patients with T2DM. These findings highlight the importance of continuous balancing of multiple risk factors.
All Beginnings Are Difficult: The Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights a Decade After Their Adoption
Authors: Ploszka Adam
Published: March 2023

In September 2022, 10 years had passed since the Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights were adopted by the Human Rights Council. The Guiding Principles, as a soft law human rights instrument, were designed to be a useful tool for states in the formulation and implementation of poverty reduction and eradication policies. In this piece, I examine to what extent this objective has been met. Based on empirical research involving states’ representatives and civil society organizations, and analysis of the documents produced by United Nations bodies that played a key role in developing a human rights-based approach to poverty, I argue that this objective has been met only to a limited extent.
An adaptive time stepping scheme for rate-independent systems with nonconvex energy
Authors: Andreia Merlin , Meyer Christian
Published: March 2023

We investigate a local incremental stationary scheme for the numerical solution of rate-independent systems. Such systems are characterized by a (possibly) nonconvex energy and a dissipation potential, which is positively homogeneous of degree one. Due to the nonconvexity of the energy, the system does in general not admit a time-continuous solution. In order to resolve these potential discontinuities, the algorithm produces a sequence of state variables and physical time points as functions of a curve parameter. The main novelty of our approach in comparison to existing methods is an adaptive choice of the step size for the update of the curve parameter, depending on a prescribed tolerance for the residua in the energy-dissipation balance, and in a complementarity relation concerning the so-called local stability condition. It is proven that, for tolerance tending to zero, the piecewise affine approximations generated by the algorithm converge (weakly) to a so-called parametrized balanced viscosity solution. Numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical findings, and show that an adaptive choice of the step size indeed pays off as they lead to a significant increase of the step size during sticking and in viscous jumps.
Evaluation of growth, meat quality, and sensory characteristics of wool, hair, and composite lambs
Authors: Heimbuch Mikayla L , Van Buren Jessie B , Epperson Brooklyn S , Jepsen Sierra M , Oliver Kayleen F , Nasados James A , Vinci Dino A , Larson Mallery , Konetchy Denise E , Price William J , Vierck Kelly R , Legako Jerrad F , Loomas Kaitlyn , Insausti Kizkitza , Bass Phillip D , Colle Michael J
Published: March 2023

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the growth rates, carcass quality, shelf-life, tenderness, sensory characteristics, volatile compounds, and fatty acid composition of wool, hair, and composite (wool × hair) lambs. Twenty-one wether lambs [wool (Suffolk × Polypay/Targhee; n = 7), hair (Dorper × Dorper; n = 7), and composite (Dorper × Polypay/Targhee; n = 7)] were fed from weaning to finishing at the University of Idaho Sheep Center and subsequently harvested under United States Department of Agriculture inspection at the University of Idaho Meat Lab. At 48 h postmortem, carcass measurements were taken to determine the percent boneless closely trimmed retail cuts, yield grade, and quality grade. Loins were fabricated from each carcass and wet-aged at 0°C until 10-d postmortem. Following aging, 2.54-cm bone-in loin chops were cut and randomly assigned to 4 d of retail display, Warner–Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), or sensory analyses. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were analyzed on days 0 and 4 of retail display while subjective and objective color measurements were observed once daily. Samples (24 g) were also collected for volatile compound and fatty acid analysis. A mixed model analysis of variance was used to assess breed differences. Discernable effects were considered at P < 0.05. Wool lambs had heavier hot carcass weights (P < 0.001), larger rib-eye area (P = 0.015), and higher dressing percent (P < 0.001) than the other breeds. There was an interaction observed between breed and days of retail display for browning (P = 0.006). On day 1 chops from the composite breed had more browning than chops from the wool breed. No differences were observed between groups for lean muscle L* values (P = 0.432), a* values (P = 0.757), and b* values (P = 0.615). Differences were not observed in lipid oxidation (P = 0.159), WBSF (P = 0.540), or consumer acceptability (P = 0.295). There were differences found for 7 of the 45 fatty acids detected and in 3 of the 67 volatile compounds detected. In conclusion, wool lambs were heavier and had a greater carcass yield than the hair lamb carcasses. Regardless of breed, consumers did not detect sensory traits that would impact their eating experience.
Strategies for accommodating gene-edited sires and their descendants in genetic evaluations
Authors: Sanglard Leticia P , See Garret M , Spangler Matthew L
Published: March 2023

Gene editing has the potential to expedite the rate of genetic gain for complex traits. However, changing nucleotides (i.e., QTN) in the genome can affect the additive genetic relationship among individuals and, consequently, impact genetic evaluations. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to estimate the impact of including gene-edited individuals in the genetic evaluation and investigate modeling strategies to mitigate potential errors. For that, a beef cattle population was simulated for nine generations (N = 13,100). Gene-edited sires (1, 25, or 50) were introduced in generation 8. The number of edited QTN was 1, 3, or 13. Genetic evaluations were performed using pedigree, genomic data, or a combination of both. Relationships were weighted based on the effect of the edited QTN. Comparisons were made using the accuracy, average absolute bias, and dispersion of the estimated breeding values (EBV). In general, the EBV of the first generation of progeny of gene-edited sires were associated with greater average absolute bias and overdispersion than the EBV of the progeny of non-gene-edited sires (P ≤ 0.001). Weighting the relationship matrices increased (P ≤ 0.001) the accuracy of EBV when the gene-edited sires were introduced by 3% and decreased (P ≤ 0.001) the average absolute bias and dispersion for the progeny of gene-edited sires. For the second generation of descendants of gene-edited sires, the absolute bias increased as the number of edited alleles increased; however, the rate of increase in absolute bias was 0.007 for each allele edited when the relationship matrices were weighted compared with 0.10 when the relationship matrices were not weighted. Overall, when gene-edited sires are included in genetic evaluations, error is introduced in the EBV, such that the EBV of progeny of gene-edited sires are underestimated. Hence, the progeny of gene-edited sires would be less likely to be selected to be parents of the next generation than what was expected based on their true genetic merit. Therefore, modeling strategies such as weighting the relationship matrices are essential to avoid incorrect selection decisions if animals that have been edited for QTN underlying complex traits are introduced into genetic evaluations.
Responses ofThrips hawaiiensisandThrips flavuspopulations to elevated CO2 concentrations
Authors: Gu Zhaoyang , Zhang Ting , Long Shaocheng , Li Shuai , Wang Chun , Chen Qiuchi , Chen Jie , Feng Ziyi , Cao Yu
Published: March 2023

Increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations may directly affect insect behavior. Thrips hawaiiensis Morgan and T. flavus Schrank are economically important thrips pests native to China. We studied the development, survival, and oviposition of these two thrips under elevated CO2 concentrations (800 μl liter−1) and ambient CO2 (400 μl liter−1; control) conditions. Both thrips species developed faster but had lower survival rates under elevated CO2 levels compared with control conditions (developmental time: 13.25 days vs. 12.53 days in T. hawaiiensis, 12.18 days vs. 11.61 days in T. flavus; adult survival rate: 70.00% vs. 64.00% in T. hawaiiensis, 65.00% vs. 57.00% in T. flavus under control vs. 800 μl liter−1 CO2 conditions, respectively). The fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0), and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) of the two species were also lower under elevated CO2 concentrations (fecundity: 47.96 vs. 35.44 in T. hawaiiensis, 36.68 vs. 27.88 in T. flavus; R0: 19.83 vs. 13.62 in T. hawaiiensis, 14.02 vs. 9.86 in T. flavus; and rm: 0.131 vs. 0.121 in T. hawaiiensis, 0.113 vs. 0.104 in T. flavus under control and 800 μl liter−1 CO2 conditions, respectively). T. hawaiiensis developed slower but had a higher survival rate, fecundity, R0, and rm compared with T. flavus at each CO2 concentration. In summary, elevated CO2 concentrations negatively affected T. hawaiiensis and T. flavus populations. In a world with higher CO2 concentrations, T. hawaiiensis might be competitively superior to T. flavus where they co-occur.
A four-decade profile of apicultural demographics and production in New Zealand, 1980–2020
Authors: Phiri Bernard J , Pragert Hayley , Taylor Byron , Hall Richard J
Published: March 2023

The demand for honey and pollination services has continued to grow in many countries worldwide, including New Zealand. This has influenced changes in the demographics of the managed population of honey bees (Apis mellifera). We examined historical data to describe how the apicultural demographics in New Zealand have changed temporally and geographically in the four decades to 2020. We also describe trends in honey production and the economic value of pure honey exported from New Zealand between 2000 and 2020. Our findings suggest that commercial apiculture has been key to the intensification of beekeeping in New Zealand during the study period. This is supported by evidence showing pronounced expansion of beekeeping operations among those with more than 1,000 colonies. The intensification has resulted in the density of apiaries increasing threefold across New Zealand during the four decades. While higher numbers of colonies per area produced higher volumes of honey, there was no corresponding improvement in production efficiency. Honey yields per apiary or colony, as indicators of production efficiency, appear to decline from the mid-2000s. The volume of pure honey export increased over 40-fold, a magnitude approximately ten times higher than that of production increase. This reflects a substantial increase in returns from honey exports, mostly driven by the price of mānuka honey. Our findings add to a pool of information to support evidence-based decision making to enhance honey bee health and develop the apicultural industry in New Zealand.
Integrated pest management of Hypsipyla robusta shoot-tip borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Chukrasia tabularis (Sapindales: Meliaceae)
Authors: Chi Nguyen Minh , Pham Duy Long , Nhung Nong Phuong , Hoa Nguyen Thi Hai , Do Truong Tat , Tra Tran Thi Le , Loi Vu Van , Thuy Pham Thi Thu , Hai Nguyen Duc , Tuan Duong Xuan , Thu Pham Quang , Dell Bernard
Published: March 2023

Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss produces a valuable timber but plantations are susceptible to attack by the shoot-tip borer Hypsipyla robusta Moore. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach is desirable to limit the extent of damage. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the deployment of IPM measures in plantations in Vietnam. Data on tree damage and the biology of H. robusta were gathered in 4 provinces over one year and used to build an investigation schedule. Two preliminary IPM trials were then established in which Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae were applied to the foliage when the damage incidence (P%) was in the range 5–10%; and insecticides (Carbaryl, Carbosulfan) were applied when the P% exceeded 10%. In addition, larvae and pupae were removed manually over time. In the first trial, the combination of manual and biological control methods reduced the damage index (DI) of trees from 4 tolerant families by 82% compared to the untreated control plots. In the second trial using standard planting stock, application of insecticides was required to reduce the DI by 83%. Six extended IPM trials were undertaken using the same IPM protocols and these reduced the DI to the same extent as in the preliminary trials. Over an 18-month period, the deployment of IPM increased height growth by 19–22% and diameter growth by 38–41% compared to the controls. These findings highlight the value of planting improved seed and the benefit of adopting an IPM approach to manage the shoot-tip borer.
Trajectories of Psychopathology and Dysregulation 2–4 Years following Adolescent Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Bejarano Carolina M , Gowey Marissa , Reiter-Purtill Jennifer , Ley Sanita , Mitchell James E , Zeller Meg H
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study examined psychopathology and weight over 4 years following bariatric surgery in adolescents with obesity, as compared to a nonsurgical group. The role of psychological dysregulation in relation to psychopathology in the 2–4 year “maintenance phase” following surgery was also examined.

Methods

Adolescent participants (122 surgical and 70 nonsurgical) completed height/weight and psychopathology assessments annually for 4 years, with dysregulation assessed at Year 2. Analyses examined the association of “High” and “Low” psychopathology with weight over time using logistic regression. Mediation analyses in the surgical group examined indirect effects of dysregulation on percent weight loss through Year 4 psychopathology.

Results

There were lower odds of “High” internalizing symptoms in the surgical group versus the nonsurgical group from baseline (presurgery) to Year 4 (OR = .39; p < .001; 42.3% “High” internalizing in surgical; 66.7% in nonsurgical) and during the 2–4 year maintenance phase (OR = .35, p < .05; 35.1% “High” internalizing in surgical; 60.8% in nonsurgical). There was a significant mediation effect in the surgical group: higher dysregulation was associated with greater Year 4 internalizing symptoms (β = .41, p < .001) which in turn was associated with less Year 4 percent weight loss (β = −.27, p < .05).

Conclusions

While the surgical group was less likely to experience internalizing symptoms, internalizing psychopathology was related to less percent weight loss in this group. Internalizing symptoms mediated the relationship between dysregulation and percent weight loss in the surgical group. Postoperative mental health follow-up is needed for adolescents into young adulthood.
Oxidative Stress Levels and Dynamic Thiol-Disulfide Balance in Preterm Newborns with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Demirtas Mehmet Semih , Kilicbay Fatih , Erdal Huseyin , Tunc Gaffari
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative stress (OS) levels and dynamic thiol-disulfide balance in preterm newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Methods

This prospective study included newborns separated into 2 groups, those with BPD (case) or without BPD (control). The 2 groups were compared by clinical and laboratory findings. The OS parameters total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), OS index (OSI), native thiol (NT), and total thiol were measured within the first day after birth. Oxygen requirements were measured using the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) recorded in the first hour after birth/admission and the average FIO2 within 28 days of the birth.

Results

Infants diagnosed with BPD had a significantly lower gestational age and birth weight and a lower 5-min Apgar score (P < .05). Infants with BPD also had a higher rate of respiratory distress syndrome, rate of use of surfactant therapy, duration of ventilation therapy, and duration of hospital stay compared with control (P = .001, P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). Plasma TAS and NT levels of newborns with BPD were significantly lower than newborns without BPD (P < .05). In the BPD group, plasma TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher than in the control group.

Conclusion

We found that OS was increased in newborns with BPD. The clinical significance of this study will provide the clinician with a different perspective on BPD by determining the dynamic thiol disulfide balance.
Diversification Models Conflate Likelihood and Prior, and Cannot be Compared Using Conventional Model-Comparison Tools
Authors: May Michael R , Rothfels Carl J
Published: March 2023

Time-calibrated phylogenetic trees are a tremendously powerful tool for studying evolutionary, ecological, and epidemiological phenomena. Such trees are predominantly inferred in a Bayesian framework, with the phylogeny itself treated as a parameter with a prior distribution (a “tree prior”). However, we show that the tree “parameter” consists, in part, of data, in the form of taxon samples. Treating the tree as a parameter fails to account for these data and compromises our ability to compare among models using standard techniques (e.g., marginal likelihoods estimated using path-sampling and stepping-stone sampling algorithms). Since accuracy of the inferred phylogeny strongly depends on how well the tree prior approximates the true diversification process that gave rise to the tree, the inability to accurately compare competing tree priors has broad implications for applications based on time-calibrated trees. We outline potential remedies to this problem, and provide guidance for researchers interested in assessing the fit of tree models. [Bayes factors; Bayesian model comparison; birth-death models; divergence-time estimation; lineage diversification]
Third-party power holders under trusts—types, duties, powers, and use cases
Authors: Brandts-Giesen Henry , Bell-Connell Jeremy
Published: March 2023

A well-chosen third-party power holder and a well-drafted trust deed can result in better fiduciary decision-making in trust governance. This article examines the issues, considers the law, and provides some use cases.
The Keys to Controlling Wheat Rusts: Identification and Deployment of Genetic Resistance
Authors: Norman Michael , Bariana Harbans , Bansal Urmil , Periyannan Sambasivam
Published: March 2023

Rust diseases are among the major constraints for wheat production worldwide due to the emergence and spread of highly destructive races of Puccinia. The most common approach to minimize yield losses due to rust is to use cultivars that are genetically resistant. Modern wheat cultivars, landraces, and wild relatives can contain undiscovered resistance genes, which typically encode kinase or nucleotide-binding site leucine rich repeat (NLR) domain containing receptor proteins. Recent research has shown that these genes can provide either resistance in all growth stages (all-stage resistance; ASR) or specially in later growth stages (adult-plant resistance; APR). ASR genes are pathogen and race-specific, meaning can function against selected races of the Puccinia fungus due to the necessity to recognize specific avirulence molecules in the pathogen. APR genes are either pathogen-specific or multipathogen resistant but often race-nonspecific. Prediction of resistance genes through rust infection screening alone remains complex when more than one resistance gene is present. However, breakthroughs during the past half century such as the single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genotyping techniques and resistance gene isolation strategies like mutagenesis, resistance gene enrichment, and sequencing (MutRenSeq), mutagenesis and chromosome sequencing (MutChromSeq), and association genetics combined with RenSeq (AgRenSeq) enables rapid transfer of resistance from source to modern cultivars. There is a strong need for combining multiple genes for better efficacy and longer-lasting resistance. Hence, techniques like gene cassette creation speeds up the gene combination process, but their widespread adoption and commercial use is limited due to their transgenic nature.
Concurrent Surgery for Locoregional Gynecologic Cancers and Pelvic Floor Disorders in a Population of Patients With Medicare Insurance
Authors: Corey Logan , Seaton Randell , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Bretschneider Carol Emi , Vezina Alex , Do Trieu , Hobson Deslyn , Winer Ira
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the rate of concurrent surgery for locoregional gynecologic cancer and pelvic organ prolapse–urinary incontinence (POP–UI) and to assess the rate of surgery for POP–UI within 5 years for those who did not undergo concurrent surgery.

METHODS:

This is a retrospective cohort study. The SEER-Medicare data set was used to identify cases of local or regional endometrial, cervical, and ovarian cancer diagnosed from 2000 to 2017. Patients were followed up for 5 years from diagnosis. We used χ2 tests to identify categorical variables associated with having a concurrent POP–UI procedure with hysterectomy or within 5 years of hysterectomy. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs adjusted for variables statistically significant (α=.05) in the univariate analyses.

RESULTS:

Of 30,862 patients with locoregional gynecologic cancer, only 5.5% underwent concurrent POP–UI surgery. Of those with a preexisting diagnosis related to POP–UI, however, 21.1% had concurrent surgery. Of the patients who had a diagnosis of POP–UI at the time of initial surgery for cancer and who did not undergo concurrent surgery, an additional 5.5% had a second surgery for POP–UI within 5 years. The rate of concurrent surgery remained constant over the time period (5.7% in 2000 and 2017) despite an increase in the frequency of POP–UI diagnosis in the same time frame.

CONCLUSION:

The rate of concurrent surgery for patients with an early-stage gynecologic cancer and POP–UI–associated diagnosis in women older than age 65 years was 21.1%. Of women who did not undergo concurrent surgery but had a diagnosis of POP–UI, 1 in 18 underwent surgery for POP–UI within 5 years of their index cancer surgery. Dedicated efforts must be made to identify patients who would most benefit from concurrent cancer and POP–UI surgery in those with locoregional gynecologic cancers and pelvic floor disorders.