bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Types and Moisture Contents on Terminal Velocity
Authors: Zahra AI , Bintoro N
Published: August 2021

Terminal velocity (Vt) is one of the important parameters often required in the pneumatics processes of some postharvest activities. This value is influenced by many factors such as grain type and shape, moisture content, etc. and this is still very difficult to find in Indonesian references. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of types and moisture contents on the terminal velocity of rice. Three rice types namely Javanica (Oryza sativa subsp. Javanica), Japonica (Oryza sativa subsp. Japonica), and Indica (Oryza sativa subsp. Indica) with 9%, 14%, and 19% (w.b) moisture contents (M) were investigated in factorial design 3 × 3 with three replications for each treatment combinations. Terminal velocity values were measured using a hot wire anemometer in a self-constructed apparatus. The results showed that rice types and moisture contents strongly affected the terminal velocity (p < 0.05), however, there was no significant types and moisture contents’ interaction effect on the terminal velocity. Japonica was found to have the largest terminal velocity and Indica had the smallest. The relationship between the moisture content and terminal velocity was expressed as Vt= 0.060M+8.084, Vt= 0.061M+7.676 and Vt= 0.083M+7.056 for Japonica, Javanica, and Indica respectively.
Effect of different concentrations of sodium chloride and soy protein isolate with mono- and diglycerides/corn oil on physical properties and stability of w/o/w double emulsion
Authors: Nahak M H , Dirpan A , Tawali A B , Syarifuddin A
Published: August 2021

The successful fabrication of double emulsion is determined by the ingredients or the process. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of sodium chloride and soy protein isolate with addition of mono-and diglycerides/corn oil on physical and stability of emulsion. Model emulsions with different concentration of sodium chloride (0.5% and 1.5%) and soy protein isolate (1% and 3%) with addition of mono-and diglycerides/corn oil (ratio 1:1) were prepared. Physical properties and stability of double emulsion were characterized by viscosity, emulsion stability, pH, and color. The results showed that the stability of double emulsion was significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the interaction between sodium chloride and soy protein isolate, whereas pH and viscosity were affected only by the concentration of soy protein isolate. However, double emulsion containing 1.5% of sodium chloride and 3% of soy protein isolate (SPI) with addition of mono-and diglycerides/corn oil showed the highest stability in comparing with emulsion containing 0.5% of sodium chloride and 3% of SPI.
Factors Affecting Household Income in the Post-Empowerment of Small-Scale Fishermen Wives
Authors: Rahim A , Rossali W , Laapo A , Sabar W , Syam U , Rijal S
Published: August 2021

Post-empowerment, the wife of small-scale fishermen, can affect changes in household economic incomes. This study aims to assess the factors that affect household income after the empowerment of fisherwomen. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression estimation model was used in this study. The results showed that fishermen’s wife’s household income after empowerment is influenced by wife’s age, education, and the number of active family members. On the other hand, the number of dependent household members and regional differences had no significant influence. In addition, improving the household economics of fishermen can be further enhanced through the skills needed to process processed fish by providing market intelligence for the sustainability of their business.
The differential Galois group of the maximal prounipotent extension is free
Authors: Magid Andy
Published: August 2021

Let

F
F

be a characteristic zero differential field with algebraically closed constant field, and consider the compositum

F
u

F_u

of all Picard–Vessiot extensions of

F
F

with unipotent differential Galois group. We prove that the group of

F
F

differential automorphisms of

F
u

F_u

is a free prounipotent group.
On the derived models of self-iterable universes
Authors: Gappo Takehiko , Sargsyan Grigor
Published: August 2021

We show that if the universe is self-iterable and

κ
\kappa

is an inaccessible limit of Woodin cardinal then

A
D

R

+
“
Θ

\mathsf {AD}_{\mathbb {R}}+“\Theta

is regular” holds in the derived model at

κ
\kappa

. The proof is fine-structure free, and only assumes basic knowledge of iteration trees and iteration strategies. Our proof can be viewed as the fine-structure free version of the well-known fact that

A
D

R

+
“
Θ

\mathsf {AD}_{\mathbb {R}}+“\Theta

is regular” is true in the derived models of hod mice that have inaccessible limit of Woodin cardinals (see for example Sargsyan [Mem. Amer. Math. Soc. 236 (2015), p. viii+172]). However, the proof uses a different set of ideas and is more general.
Primitive Lie PI-algebras
Authors: Cabrera Miguel , López Antonio
Published: August 2021

A Lie algebra

L
L

is called primitive if it is prime, nondegenerate, and contains a nonzero Jordan element

a
a

such that the attached Jordan algebra

L
a

L_a

is primitive. In this paper we prove that every primitive Lie PI-algebra over a field of zero characteristic is simple and finite-dimensional over its centroid.
Locally finite representations over Noetherian Hopf algebras
Authors: Hati̇poğlu Can , Lomp Christian
Published: August 2021

We study finite dimensional representations over some Noetherian algebras over a field of characteristic zero. More precisely, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the category of locally finite dimensional representations to be closed under taking injective hulls and extend results known for group rings and enveloping algebras to Ore extensions, Hopf crossed products, and affine Hopf algebras of low Gelfand-Kirillov dimension.
Two-weight estimates for sparse square functions and the separated bump conjecture
Authors: Kakaroumpas Spyridon
Published: August 2021

We show that two-weight

L
2

L^2

bounds for sparse square functions (uniform with respect to sparseness constants, and in both directions) do not imply a two-weight

L
2

L^2

bound for the Hilbert transform. We present an explicit counterexample, making use of the construction due to Reguera–Thiele from [Math. Res. Lett. 19 (2012)]. At the same time, we show that such two-weight bounds for sparse square functions do not imply both separated Orlicz bump conditions on the involved weights for

p
=
2

p=2

(and for Young functions satisfying an appropriate integrability condition). We rely on the domination of

L
log
⁡
L

L\log L

bumps by Orlicz bumps observed by Treil–Volberg in [Adv. Math. 301 (2016), pp. 499-548] (for Young functions satisfying an appropriate integrability condition).
Expansion of the rareEucalyptus risdoniiunder climate change through hybridization with a closely related species despite hybrid inferiority
Authors: Pfeilsticker T R , Jones R C , Steane D A , Harrison P A , Vaillancourt R E , Potts B M
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

Hybridization is increasingly recognized as an integral part of the dynamics of species range expansion and contraction. Thus, it is important to understand the reproductive barriers between co-occurring species. Extending previous studies that argued that the rare Eucalyptus risdonii was expanding into the range of the surrounding E. amygdalina by both seed and pollen dispersal, we here investigate the long-term fitness of both species and their hybrids and whether expansion is continuing.

Methods

We assessed the survival of phenotypes representing a continuum between the two pure species in a natural hybrid swarm after 29 years, along with seedling recruitment. The performance of pure species as well as of artificial and natural hybrids was also assessed over 28 years in a common garden trial.

Key Results

In the hybrid zone, E. amygdalina adults showed greater mortality than E. risdonii, and the current seedling cohort is still dominated by E. risdonii phenotypes. Morphologically intermediate individuals appeared to be the least fit. Similar results were observed after growing artificial first-generation and natural hybrids alongside pure species families in a common garden trial. Here, the survival, reproduction, health and growth of the intermediate hybrids were significantly less than those of either pure species, consistent with hybrid inferiority, although this did not manifest until later reproductive ages. Among the variable progeny of natural intermediate hybrids, the most E. risdonii-like phenotypes were the most fit.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the increasing number of reports of hybrid inferiority in Eucalyptus, suggesting that post-zygotic barriers contribute to the maintenance of species integrity even between closely related species. However, with fitness rapidly recovered following backcrossing, it is argued that hybridization can still be an important evolutionary process, in the present case appearing to contribute to the range expansion of the rare E. risdonii in response to climate change.
So close, so far: spatial genetic structure and mating system inPetunia exserta, an endemic from a peculiar landscape in the Brazilian Pampa grasslands
Authors: Turchetto Caroline , Segatto Ana Lúcia Anversa , Lima Jacqueline S , Hartke Sara , Reck-Kortmann Maikel , Bonatto Sandro L , Freitas Loreta B
Published: August 2021

Gene flow via seed or pollen dispersal is fundamental for establishing population diversity and structure of plants, especially in naturally fragmented environments. Petunia exserta (Solanaceae) is endemic to small shelters in rocky towers in the Brazilian Pampa grassland, an ancient and isolated region. The landscape is a long-term fragmented habitat, and ecological conditions inside the shelters constitute an inhospitable environment for other Petunia spp., which usually inhabit open and sunny grasslands. We aimed to evaluate the mating system and gene flow impact on genetic diversity and population structure in P. exserta throughout its geographical range. We used eight microsatellite markers to employ fine-scale genetic structure and paternity analyses in 15 populations, including 361 adults and 244 progeny. Our results showed that P. exserta has low genetic diversity and a homozygous excess compared with its congeners. We identified four genetic clusters that did not reflect the spatial population distribution and a strong genetic structure at the first spatial distance. Pollen and seed dispersal mainly occurred at short distances, and the species has a mixed mating system with high selfing levels. We did not observe recent population reduction, and most population clusters showed a small effective population size. The landscape micro-habitat features contribute to pollen flow that occurs mainly inside shelters through geitonogamy or biparental inbreeding. The self-compatible status of P. exserta and related lineages could be important in the colonization of a new environment for the genus.
Diagnostic Value of Nucleocapsid Protein in Blood for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ong Chui Mei , Yun Cassandra , Mo Weike , Whitman Jeffery D , Lynch Kara L , Wu Alan H B
Published: August 2021

Background

Biomarkers have been widely explored for coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis. Both viral RNA or antigens (Ag) in the respiratory system and antibodies (Ab) in blood are used to identify active infection, transmission risk, and immune response but have limitations. This study investigated the diagnostic utility of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein (N-Ag) in serum.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 208 randomly selected cases with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by viral RNA test in swabs. N-Ag concentrations were measured in remnant serum samples, compared to viral RNA or Ab results, and correlated to electronic health records for clinical value evaluation.

Results

Serum N-Ag was detected during active infection as early as day 2 from symptom onset with a diagnostic sensitivity of 81.5%. Within 1 week of symptom onset, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity reached 90.9% (95% CI, 85.1%–94.6%) and 98.3% (95% CI, 91.1%–99.9%), respectively. Moreover, serum N-Ag concentration closely correlated to disease severity, reflected by highest level of care, medical interventions, chest imaging, and the length of hospital stays. Longitudinal analysis revealed the simultaneous increase of Abs and decline of N-Ag.

Conclusions

Serum N-Ag is a biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 acute infection with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity compared to viral RNA in the respiratory system. There is a correlation between serum N-Ag concentrations and disease severity and an inverse relationship of N-Ag and Abs. The diagnostic value of serum N-Ag, as well as technical and practical advantages it could offer, may meet unsatisfied diagnostic and prognostic needs during the pandemic.
Measuring Receptive ASL Skills in Novice Signers and Nonsigners
Authors: Hall Matthew L , Reidies Jess A
Published: August 2021

We tested the utility of two standardized measures of receptive skills in American Sign Language (ASL) in hearing adults who are novice signers: the ASL Comprehension Test (ASL-CT; Hauser, P. C., Paludneviciene, R., Riddle, W., Kurz, K. B., Emmorey, K., & Contreras, J. (2016). American Sign Language Comprehension Test: A tool for sign language researchers. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 21(1), 64–69. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/env051) and the ASL Receptive Skills Test (ASL-RST; Allen, T. E., & Enns, C. (2013). A psychometric study of the ASL Receptive Skills Test when administered to deaf 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children. Sign Language Studies, 14(1), 58–79. https://doi.org/10.1353/sls.2015.0006; Enns, C. J., & Herman, R. C. (2011). Adapting the Assessing British Sign Language Development: Receptive Skills Test into American Sign Language. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 16(3), 362–374. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enr004). We also administered these tests to hearing nonsigners, with the goal of identifying items where the correct answer can be readily deduced through iconicity and/or test-taking skills, even by people with no prior ASL knowledge. We predicted that removing such items would strengthen the correlation between test score and ASL experience (as measured by semesters of instruction). We found that this relationship was stronger for the ASL-CT than the ASL-RST in this population, but still weaker than previously reported, and not substantially improved by any item selection strategy that we employed.
QTL mapping in outbred tetraploid (and diploid) diallel populations
Authors: Amadeu Rodrigo R , Muñoz Patricio R , Zheng Chaozhi , Endelman Jeffrey B
Published: August 2021

Over the last decade, multiparental populations have become a mainstay of genetics research in diploid species. Our goal was to extend this paradigm to autotetraploids by developing software for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping in connected F1 populations derived from a set of shared parents. For QTL discovery, phenotypes are regressed on the dosage of parental haplotypes to estimate additive effects. Statistical properties of the model were explored by simulating half-diallel diploid and tetraploid populations with different population sizes and numbers of parents. Across scenarios, the number of progeny per parental haplotype (pph) largely determined the statistical power for QTL detection and accuracy of the estimated haplotype effects. Multiallelic QTL with heritability 0.2 were detected with 90% probability at 25 pph and genome-wide significance level 0.05, and the additive haplotype effects were estimated with over 90% accuracy. Following QTL discovery, the software enables a comparison of models with multiple QTL and nonadditive effects. To illustrate, we analyzed potato tuber shape in a half-diallel population with three tetraploid parents. A well-known QTL on chromosome 10 was detected, for which the inclusion of digenic dominance lowered the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) by 17 points compared to the additive model. The final model also contained a minor QTL on chromosome 1, but higher-order dominance and epistatic effects were excluded based on the DIC. In terms of practical impacts, the software is already being used to select offspring based on the effect and dosage of particular haplotypes in breeding programs.
SMN protein is required throughout life to prevent spinal muscular atrophy disease progression
Authors: Zhao Xin , Feng Zhihua , Risher Nicole , Mollin Anna , Sheedy Josephine , Ling Karen K Y , Narasimhan Jana , Dakka Amal , Baird John D , Ratni Hasane , Lutz Catherine , Chen Karen S , Naryshkin Nikolai A , Ko Chien-Ping , Welch Ellen , Metzger Friedrich , Weetall Marla
Published: August 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by the loss of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene function. The related SMN2 gene partially compensates but produces insufficient levels of SMN protein due to alternative splicing of exon 7. Evrysdi™ (risdiplam), recently approved for the treatment of SMA, and related compounds promote exon 7 inclusion to generate full-length SMN2 mRNA and increase SMN protein levels. SMNΔ7 type I SMA mice survive without treatment for ~17 days. SMN2 mRNA splicing modulators increase survival of SMN∆7 mice with treatment initiated at postnatal day 3 (PND3). To define SMN requirements for adult mice, SMNΔ7 mice were dosed with an SMN2 mRNA splicing modifier from PND3 to PND40, then dosing was stopped. Mice not treated after PND40 showed progressive weight loss, necrosis, and muscle atrophy after ~20 days. Male mice presented a more severe phenotype than female mice. Mice dosed continuously did not show disease symptoms. The estimated half-life of SMN protein is 2 days indicating that the SMA phenotype reappeared after SMN protein levels returned to baseline. Although SMN protein levels decreased with age in mice and SMN protein levels were higher in brain than in muscle, our studies suggest that SMN protein is required throughout the life of the mouse and is especially essential in adult peripheral tissues including muscle. These studies indicate that drugs such as risdiplam will be optimally therapeutic when given as early as possible after diagnosis and potentially will be required for the life of an SMA patient.
What Is a Flare? The Manitoba Living With IBD Study
Authors: Witges Kelcie , Sexton Kathryn , Graff Lesley A , Targownik Laura E , Lix Lisa M , Haviva Clove , Stone James , Shafer Leigh Anne , Vagianos Kathy , Bernstein Charles N
Published: August 2021

Background

Flare is a poorly defined term used by patients and clinicians to indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) status. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a single-item 7-point flare indicator relative to other measures of disease flare.

Methods

The longitudinal Manitoba Living with IBD Study followed persons with IBD for 1 year; they completed biweekly online surveys and provided 3 stool samples. Disease flare on a single-item flare indicator with 7 possible responses developed for the study was defined by report of symptoms as “moderately” or “much” worse. The flare indicator was evaluated against 5 measures of disease activity: fecal calprotectin score (FCAL), a 2-point disease status indicator, a 4-point flare certainty indicator, the IBD Symptom Index short form (SIBDSI), and the short form IBD Questionnaire (SIBDQ). Participants in a flare, based on the 7-point measure, were matched to a nonflaring participant, and a stool sample was collected.

Results

Of the 155 IBD participants, almost half (n = 74) experienced a flare. Of those who flared, 97.0% endorsed active IBD on the 2-point indicator (controls 42.5%; P < .001); 91.9% endorsed active IBD on the 4-point certainty indicator (controls 32.9%; P < .001); 90.5% endorsed active disease on the SIBDSI (controls 34.2%; P < .001); and 48.5% had an elevated FCAL (controls 34.3%; P < .05). The mean SIBDQ was lower for the flare group compared with controls (43.9 [SD 11.1] vs 58.3 [SD 8.5]; P < .001), indicating worse disease.

Conclusions

The 7-point flare indicator robustly identified symptomatic flares. This patient self-report indicator reflected meaningful changes in more complex clinical indices and had only weak concordance with the presence of inflammation.
Mobile health technology to improve maternal health awareness in tribal populations: mobile for mothers
Authors: Choudhury Avishek , Asan Onur , Choudhury Murari M
Published: August 2021

Mobile health (mHealth) applications have the potential to improve health awareness. This study reports a quasi-controlled intervention to augment maternal health awareness among tribal pregnant mothers through the mHealth application. Households from 2 independent villages with similar socio-demographics in tribal regions of India were selected as intervention (Village A) and control group (Village B). The control group received government mandated programs through traditional means (orally), whereas the intervention group received the same education through mHealth utilization. Postintervention, awareness about tetanus injections and consumption of iron tablets was significantly (P < .001) improved in the intervention group by 55% and 58%, respectively. Awareness about hygiene significantly (P < .001) increased by 57.1%. In addition, mothers in the intervention group who recognized vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe blurring of vision, or convulsions as danger signs during pregnancy significantly (P < .001) increased by 18.30%, 23.2%, 20.0%, and 4.90%, respectively. Our study indicates that despite the low literacy of users, mHealth intervention can improve maternal health awareness among tribal communities.
Laws, Markets, and Local Politics Drive Outcomes of Minnesota’s County Managed Forests
Authors: Fleischman Forrest , Schmitz Marissa , Poljacik Kelsey
Published: August 2021

There are frequently calls to increase local government control over forests in the US. Minnesota’s county forests contain approximately 30% of all local-government-managed forests in the United States. These forests are managed in ways that protect public access while providing a stable timber supply to mills. This happens because of the intersection of law, markets, and local politics. County forests are legally obligated to provide revenue to local tax districts while paying for management from money earned from timber sales. This pushes counties towards managing with the goal of providing a stable revenue stream from their lands, a goal that is supported by local politics in timber-dependent counties. The result is that counties are more production-oriented than other public forestland managers; however, they provide more consistent public access than private forest owners.
Radio continuum sources behind the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Filipović M D , Bojičić I S , Grieve K R , Norris R P , Tothill N F H , Shobhana D , Rudnick L , Prandoni I , Andernach H , Hurley-Walker N , Alsaberi R Z E , Anderson C S , Collier J D , Crawford E J , For B-Q , Galvin T J , Haberl F , Hopkins A M , Ingallinera A , Kavanagh P J , Koribalski B S , Kothes R , Leahy D , Leverenz H , Maggi P , Maitra C , Marvil J , Pannuti T G , Park L A F , Payne J L , Pennock C M , Riggi S , Rowell G , Sano H , Sasaki M , Staveley-Smith L , Trigilio C , Umana G , Urošević D , van Loon J Th , Vardoulaki E
Published: August 2021

We present a comprehensive multifrequency catalogue of radio sources behind the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) between 0.2 and 20 GHz, gathered from a combination of new and legacy radio continuum surveys. This catalogue covers an area of ∼144 deg2 at angular resolutions from 45 arcsec to ∼3 arcmin. We find 6434 discrete radio sources in total, of which 3789 are detected at two or more radio frequencies. We estimate the median spectral index (α; where Sv ∼ να) of α = −0.89 and mean of −0.88 ± 0.48 for 3636 sources detected exclusively at two frequencies (0.843 and 1.384 GHz) with similar resolution [full width at half-maximum (FWHM) ∼40–45 arcsec]. The large frequency range of the surveys makes it an effective tool to investigate Gigahertz Peak Spectrum (GPS), Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS), and Infrared Faint Radio Source (IFRS) populations within our sample. We find 10 GPS candidates with peak frequencies near 5 GHz, from which we estimate their linear size. 1866 sources from our catalogue are CSS candidates with α  < −0.8. We found six candidates for High Frequency Peaker (HFP) sources, whose radio fluxes peak above 5 GHz and no sources with unconstrained peaks and α  > 0.5. We found optical counterparts for 343 of the radio continuum sources, of which 128 have a redshift measurement. Finally, we investigate the population of 123 IFRSs found in this study.
The redshift evolution of the baryonic Tully–Fisher relation in SIMBA
Authors: Glowacki M , Elson E , Davé R
Published: August 2021

The baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (BTFR) is an important tool for constraining galaxy evolution models. As 21-cm H i emission studies have been largely restricted to low redshifts, the redshift evolution of the BTFR is less studied. The upcoming LADUMA survey (Looking At the Distant Universe with the MeerKAT Array) will address this. As preparation for LADUMA, we use the SIMBA hydrodynamical galaxy formation simulation from the SIMBA-hires $(25\, h^{-1}{\rm Mpc})^3$ run to generate rotational velocity measures from galaxy rotation curves (Vflat) and H i spectral line profile widths (W50 and W20) at three different redshifts (z = 0, 0.5, and 1). Using these measures, together with the dark matter velocity dispersion and halo mass, we consider the redshift evolution of the BTFR of SIMBA galaxies. We find that LADUMA will be successful in detecting weak redshift evolution of the BTFR, provided that auxiliary data are used to distinguish galaxies with discy morphologies. W20 spectral line widths give lower scatter and more pronounced redshift evolution compared to W50. We also compare these rotational velocity measures to the dark matter velocity dispersion across redshift and galaxy morphology. We find weak redshift evolution between rotational velocity and the dark matter halo mass, and provide fits for estimating a galaxy’s dark matter halo mass from H i spectral line widths. This study with SIMBA showcases the importance of upcoming, deep Square Kilometre Array pathfinder surveys such as LADUMA, and provides predictions to compare with the redshift evolution of the BTFR and galaxy dark matter content from H i rotational velocity measures.
The ground beneath our feet
Authors: Basu Kaushik
Published: August 2021

Thanks to the rapid advance in technology, the arrival of artificial intelligence, and easy digital connectivity across nations, the ground beneath the global economy is shifting. This has given rise to new social and political problems and challenges for market capitalism. The paper argues the need for original work in economic theory to capture and understand the essence of markets in this new, digital age; and goes on to speculate about what shape this may take. The paper discusses the need to think out of the box in terms of economic policy, arguing that the reach of antitrust law is inadequate for our digital-platform-based economy, and we have to think of new forms of regulation.
Replication protein A large subunit (RPA1a) limits chiasma formation during rice meiosis
Authors: Miao Yongjie , Shi Wenqing , Wang Hongjun , Xue Zhihui , You Hanli , Zhang Fanfan , Du Guijie , Tang Ding , Li Yafei , Shen Yi , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: August 2021

Replication protein A (RPA), a single-stranded DNA-binding protein, plays essential role in homologous recombination. However, because deletion of RPA causes embryonic lethality in mammals, the exact function of RPA in meiosis remains unclear. In this study, we generated an rpa1a mutant using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and explored its function in rice (Oryza sativa) meiosis. In rpa1a, 12 bivalents were formed at metaphase I, just like in wild-type, but chromosome fragmentations were consistently observed at anaphase I. Fluorescence in situ hybridization assays indicated that these fragmentations were due to the failure of the recombination intermediates to resolve. Importantly, the mutant had a highly elevated chiasma number, and loss of RPA1a could completely restore the 12 bivalent formations in the zmm (for ZIP1-4, MSH4/5, and MER3) mutant background. Protein–protein interaction assays showed that RPA1a formed a complex with the methyl methansulfonate and UV sensitive 81 (and the Fanconi anemia complementation group M–Bloom syndrome protein homologs (RECQ4A)–Topoisomerase3α–RecQ-mediated genome instability 1 complex to regulate chiasma formation and processing of the recombination intermediates. Thus, our data establish a pivotal role for RPA1a in promoting the accurate resolution of recombination intermediates and in limiting redundant chiasma formation during rice meiosis.
Death and dying during COVID-19: The role of health care workers
Authors: Yap John Federick C , Garcia Louiegi L , Yap Leizel D
Published: August 2021

A correspondence to an article published in this journal showed that anticipatory grieving and loss during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic ultimately affects the lives of the family of the bereaved. Advocacy of the health care workers to the patient and their loved ones is necessary. This is where the role of health care workers appears to be important as they, in a sense, serve as a bridge to the dying patient and the grieving family.
Valuation Risk in Mutual Fund Portfolio Disclosure
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Lang
Published: August 2021

Valuation risk of a security—uncertainty about its fair value—is a subject of considerable concern in the mutual fund industry. If funds report different values for identical securities, investors cannot easily compare their performance. Yet it is not unusual to see identical illiquid stocks, small-cap stocks, stocks with high analyst dispersion, stocks with less analyst coverage, and newly listed stocks valued differently across mutual funds. An equity fund that has positive price dispersion in its portfolio holdings, that performs poorly, that belongs to a fund family with an inclination for aggressive reporting, that holds more stocks subject to stale prices, that holds more pre-IPO firms, or that experiences net outflows will tend to show positive price dispersion again in the next quarter. This behavior is significant in a volatile market. Aggressive reporting helps funds gain in the mutual fund tournament. (JEL G10, G23)
Impact of filgotinib on sacroiliac joint magnetic resonance imaging structural lesions at 12 weeks in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (TORTUGA trial)
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P , Østergaard Mikkel , Landewé Robert , Barchuk William , Liu Ke , Tasset Chantal , Gilles Leen , Hendrikx Thijs , Besuyen Robin , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the effect of filgotinib, which preferentially inhibits Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), on MRI measures of structural change in the SI joint in patients with active AS in the TORTUGA trial.

Methods

Adults with active AS and inadequate response/intolerance to two or more NSAIDs were randomized 1:1 to filgotinib 200 mg (n = 58) or placebo (n = 58) once daily for 12 weeks. In this post hoc analysis, T1-weighted MRI scans of the SI joint were evaluated by two independent readers using Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score (SSS) definitions for erosion, backfill, fat metaplasia and ankylosis. Correlations between SPARCC SSS and improvement in clinical outcomes were also assessed.

Results

MRI scans from 87 patients (48 filgotinib, 39 placebo) were evaluated. At baseline there were no notable differences between filgotinib and placebo for any MRI structural lesion types. From baseline to week 12, filgotinib was associated with a significant reduction in SI joint erosion score (P = 0.02) and an increase in backfill score (P = 0.005) vs placebo, with no significant between-group differences for ankylosis (P = 0.46) or fat metaplasia (P = 0.17). At week 12, the change in SPARCC MRI SI joint inflammation scores correlated positively with erosion scores but negatively with backfill scores.

Conclusion

The significant changes in MRI structural lesions induced by filgotinib in the SI joint by week 12 demonstrate that tissue repair can be observed very soon after starting treatment with a JAK1 preferential inhibitor. This could have prognostic implications for development of ankylosis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03117270
IMPROVING THE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO RADON IN ABOVE-GROUND WORKPLACES
Authors: Turtiainen Tuukka , Kojo Katja , Laine Jussi-Pekka , Holmgren Olli , Kurttio Päivi
Published: August 2021

Representative sampling of radon in indoor air is difficult because the concentration often exhibits unpredictable spatial and temporal variation. In workplaces, temporal variation may be rapid, and the minimum and maximum concentration can differ by a factor of 100. In this paper, we compare methods for assessing the radon concentration in workplaces utilising the results of an initial investigation with a track-etch detector and the results of an additional continuous measurement. The recommended method is as follows: the mean radon concentration during the working hours of 1 week, as well as the weekly mean, is calculated from the continuous measurement. The ratio between these mean concentrations is multiplied by the result from the track-etch detector. The coefficient of variation of this method is assessed as 19%. If the result of 1 week of continuous measurement is used alone, the coefficient of variation is assessed as 32%.
Neural correlates of affective stimulus evaluation: a case-by-case analysis
Authors: Schupp Harald T , Kirmse Ursula
Published: August 2021

A recent study provided first evidence that neural correlates of affective stimulus evaluation, that is, the early posterior negativity (EPN) and late positive potential (LPP), can be assessed at the individual case level. Expanding the case-by-case approach, the main aim of the present study was to explore the process of affective stimulus evaluation within the individual participant with respect to multiple emotional stimulus classes. Toward this end, each participant viewed separate blocks of low- and high-arousing pictures from behavior systems of predator fear, disease avoidance and sexual reproduction. Thirteen out of 16 participants showed larger EPN and LPP amplitudes for higher- than lower-arousing stimuli for all three behavior systems. Furthermore, rather than indicating a general lack of emotional modulation, cases of non-significant EPN (N = 3) and LPP (N = 2) tests in individual participants appeared to be specific to a single emotion category. Overall, assessing the emotional modulation of the EPN and LPP across multiple behavior systems strengthens the case-by-case approach regarding an effect that is ‘common to all’ as well as by differentiating non-significant effects within individuals in terms of a content-specific or general phenomenon. Implications for revealing a general principle of emotion functioning and biomarker development are discussed.
Stomatal regulation and water potential variation in European beech: challenging the iso/anisohydry concept
Authors: Leuschner Christoph , Schipka Florian , Backes Katharina
Published: August 2021

The iso/anisohydric continuum has been used to classify tree species’ drought response strategies. The range over which stomata are regulating leaf water potential (ψl) before turgor loss occurs can be described with metrics such as the dependence of ψl on soil water potential (ψsoil) and the size of ‘hydroscape area’ (HA), but corresponding field data from adult trees are scarce. We examined the stomatal conductance (gs)–ψl relationship in its temporal (diurnal vs seasonal and interannual) and spatial (within-crown vs between-site) variation in European beech, using extensive ψl and gs measurements in the canopy of four beech stands across a precipitation gradient, and complemented the data set by published ψl and gs measurements in further Central European beech stands (including the extreme 2018 drought) in order to cover the full water potential operation space of the species. Both metrics characterize beech as a strictly anisohydric species with δψl/δψsoil >> 1 and HA = 4 MPa2. However, stomates close sensitively in response to increasing vapor pressure deficit, disproving the widely assumed dependence of large ψl variation on looser stomatal control. Characterizing the water status regulation mechanisms of trees requires separating diurnal from day-to-day variation in ψl and gs. The large diurnal and seasonal ψl variation in beech leaves is partly caused by a low leaf tissue elasticity, suggesting that a whole-plant perspective with consideration of osmotic and elastic tissue properties and stem and root hydraulics is needed for fully understanding ψl regulation and the drought tolerance strategy of trees.
Multiagency Collaboration Strengthens Applied Research and Mitigation of Phytophthora ramorum at a Botanical Garden in Washington State
Authors: Elliott Marianne , Strenge Darren , Hulbert Joseph M. , Chastagner Gary A.
Published: August 2021

Phytophthora species pose significant challenges to public gardens, but collaboration can help contaminated gardens minimize their impacts and remain open to the public. Phytophthora ramorum was detected at the Bloedel Reserve—a botanical garden in Washington State—in 2015 but has not been recovered from surveys of plant material since 2016 following coordinated regulatory responses, research activities, and adaptative management decisions. Here we summarize efforts that were made to reduce the impact of P. ramorum on the Bloedel Reserve and limit the spread of this pathogen to nearby landscapes. Regulatory responses included detection and removal of positive plants, soil steaming, and the development of best management practices in the Reserve. Measures to adapt management in the garden included supporting applied research, removal of host plants, fungicide sprays, trail maintenance, and signage. The garden also featured P. ramorum in their education and outreach programs and used this as an opportunity to teach the public about invasive species.
Dual RNA-seq Reveals the Global Transcriptome Dynamics ofRalstonia solanacearumand Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Hypocotyls During Bacterial Wilt Pathogenesis
Authors: Du Heshan , Yang Jingjing , Chen Bin , Zhang Xiaofen , Xu Xiulan , Wen Changlong , Geng Sansheng
Published: August 2021

Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a serious disease in pepper. However, the interaction between the pathogen and pepper remains largely unknown. This study aimed to gain insights into determinants of pepper susceptibility and R. solanacearum pathogenesis. We assembled the complete genome of R. solanacearum strain Rs-SY1 and identified 5,106 predicted genes, including 84 type III effectors (T3E). RNA-seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in susceptible pepper CM334 at 1 and 5 days postinoculation (dpi) with R. solanacearum. Dual RNA-seq was used to simultaneously capture transcriptome changes in the host and pathogen at 3 and 7 dpi. A total of 1,400, 3,335, 2,878, and 4,484 DEGs of pepper (PDEGs) were identified in the CM334 hypocotyls at 1, 3, 5, and 7 dpi, respectively. Functional enrichment of the PDEGs suggests that inducing ethylene production, suppression of photosynthesis, downregulation of polysaccharide metabolism, and weakening of cell wall defenses may contribute to successful infection by R. solanacearum. When comparing in planta and nutrient agar growth of the R. solanacearum, 218 and 1,042 DEGs of R. solanacearum (RDEGs) were detected at 3 and 7 dpi, respectively. Additional analysis of the RDEGs suggested that enhanced starch and sucrose metabolism, and upregulation of virulence factors may promote R. solanacearum colonization. Strikingly, 26 R. solanacearum genes were found to have similar DEG patterns during a variety of host–R. solanacearum interactions. This study provides a foundation for a better understanding of the transcriptional changes during pepper–R. solanacearum interactions and will aid in the discovery of potential susceptibility and virulence factors.
A Meaningful and Actionable Professionalism Assessment: Validity Evidence for the Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) Across 8 Years
Authors: Bajwa Nadia M. , Nendaz Mathieu R. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Yudkowsky Rachel , Park Yoon Soo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With the growing importance of professionalism in medical education, it is imperative to develop professionalism assessments that demonstrate robust validity evidence. The Professionalism Mini-Evaluation Exercise (P-MEX) is an assessment that has demonstrated validity evidence in the authentic clinical setting. Identifying the factorial structure of professionalism assessments determines professionalism constructs that can be used to provide diagnostic and actionable feedback. This study examines validity evidence for the P-MEX, a focused and standardized assessment of professionalism, in a simulated patient setting.

Method

The P-MEX was administered to 275 pediatric residency applicants as part of a 3-station standardized patient encounter, pooling data over an 8-year period (2012 to 2019 residency admission years). Reliability and construct validity for the P-MEX were evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results

Cronbach’s alpha for the P-MEX was 0.91. The EFA yielded 4 factors: doctor–patient relationship skills, interprofessional skills, professional demeanor, and reflective skills. The CFA demonstrated good model fit with a root-mean-square error of approximation of .058 and a comparative fit index of .92, confirming the reproducibility of the 4-factor structure of professionalism.

Conclusions

The P-MEX demonstrates construct validity as an assessment of professionalism, with 4 underlying subdomains in doctor–patient relationship skills, interprofessional skills, professional demeanor, and reflective skills. These results yield new confidence in providing diagnostic and actionable subscores within the P-MEX assessment. Educators may wish to integrate the P-MEX assessment into their professionalism curricula.
What Is an Innovation Article? A Systematic Overview of Innovation in Health Professions Education Journals
Authors: Colbert-Getz Jorie M. , Bierer S. Beth , Berry Andrea , Bradley Elizabeth , Han Heeyoung , Mooney Christopher , Szauter Karen , Teal Cayla R. , Youm Julie , O’Brien Bridget C.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Innovation articles have their own submission category and guidelines in health professions education (HPE) journals, which suggests innovation might be a unique genre of scholarship. Yet, the requirements for innovation submissions vary among journals, suggesting ambiguity about the core content of this type of scholarship. To reduce this ambiguity, the researchers conducted a systematic overview to identify key features of innovation articles and evaluate their consistency in use across journals. Findings from this review may have implications for further development of innovation scholarship within HPE.

Method

In this systematic overview, conducted in 2020, the researchers identified 13 HPE journals with innovation-type articles and used content analysis to identify key features from author guidelines and publications describing what editors look for in innovation articles. The researchers then audited a sample of 39 innovation articles (3/journal) published in 2019 to determine presence and consistency of 12 innovation features within and across HPE journals. Audit findings informed the researchers’ evaluation of innovation as a genre in HPE.

Results

Findings show variability of innovation feature presence within and across journals. On average, articles included 7.8 of the 12 innovation features (SD 2.1, range 3–11). The most common features were description of: how the innovation was implemented (92%), a problem (90%), what was new or novel (79%), and data or outcomes (77%). On average, 5.5 (SD 1.5) out of 12 innovation features were consistently used in articles within each journal.

Conclusions

The authors identified common features of innovation article types based on journal guidelines, but there was variability in presence and consistency of these features, suggesting HPE innovations are in an emerging state of genre development. The authors discuss potential reasons for variability within this article type and highlight the need for further discussion among authors, editors, and reviewers to improve clarity.
RIME 60 Years: Celebration and Future Horizons
Authors: Zaidi Zareen , McOwen Katherine S. , Balmer Dorene F. , Schumacher Daniel J. , Sukhera Javeed , Young Meredith , Park Yoon Soo
Published: August 2021

This year marks the 60th anniversary (1961–2021) of Research in Medical Education (RIME). Over the past 6 decades, RIME has selected medical education research to be presented each year at the Association of American Medical Colleges Annual Meeting: Learn Serve Lead and published in a supplement of Academic Medicine. In this article, the authors surveyed RIME chairs from the past 20 years to identify ways that RIME has advanced medical education research and to generate ideas for future directions. RIME chairs described advancements in the rigor and impact of RIME research and the timeliness of the topics, often serving as a driver for cutting-edge research. They highlighted RIME’s role in promoting qualitative research, introducing new epistemologies, and encouraging networking as a means of career advancement. Going forward, RIME chairs suggested (1) strengthening collaborations with formal advanced MEd and PhD degree programs, (2) creating formal mentorship channels for junior and minority faculty, and (3) promoting research related to knowledge translation.