bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural Economics and ISDS Reform: A Response to Maria Laura Marceddu and Pietro Ortolani
Authors: Grant Thomas D , Kieff F Scott
Published: July 2022

Academic investigators have used behavioural economics, a method developed originally to study consumers and their sentiments towards products, to study matters of public policy. A recent article in the European Journal of International Law – ‘What Is Wrong with Investment Arbitration? Evidence from a Set of Behavioural Experiments’ – gives a detailed summary of a series of experiments performed in order to study public sentiment towards investment arbitration. The investigators, Maria Laura Marceddu and Pietro Ortolani observe that public sentiment improves towards the outcome of a dispute settlement procedure when survey respondents are told that the procedure was a ‘court’ with tenured judges, and it worsens when they are told that it was ‘arbitration’ with temporary appointees. From their observations, Marceddu and Ortolani conclude that an international investment court, such as that which the European Union promotes, is a good idea. We suggest, however, that a further inquiry should investigate in greater detail public understanding of what qualities the individuals who serve as judges or arbitrators ought to display, as distinct from the institutional format in which dispute settlement takes place.
Modeling Individual Extended Attack Wildfire Suppression Expenditures in British Columbia
Authors: MacMillan Robert , Sun Lili , Taylor Stephen W
Published: July 2022

We developed models of suppression expenditures for individual extended attack fires in British Columbia using parametric and nonparametric machine-learning (ML) methods. Our models revealed that suppression expenditures were significantly affected by a fire’s size, proximity to the wildland–urban interface (WUI) and populated places, a weather based fire severity index, and the amount of coniferous forest cover. We also found that inflation-adjusted individual fire suppression expenditures have increased over the 1981 to 2014 study period. The ML and parametric models had similar predictive performance: the ML models had somewhat lower root mean squared errors but not on mean average errors. Better specification of fire priority as well as resource constraints might improve future model performance.
Rapid quantification of acid value in frying oil using iron tetraphenylporphyrin fluorescent sensor coupled with density functional theory and multivariate analysis
Authors: Gu Haiyang , Dong Yining , Lv Riqin , Huang Xingyi , Chen Quansheng
Published: July 2022

A metalloporphyrin-based fluorescent sensor was developed to determine the acid value in frying oil. The electronic and structural performances of iron tetraphenylporphyrin (FeTPP) were theoretically investigated using time-dependent density functional theory and density functional theory at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level. The quantified FeTPP-based fluorescent sensor results revealed its excellent performance in discriminating different analytes. In the present work, the acid value of palm olein was determined after every single frying cycle. A total of 10 frying cycles were conducted each day for 10 consecutive days. The FeTPP-based fluorescent sensor was used to quantify the acid value, and the results were compared with the chemical data obtained by conventional titration method. The synchronous fluorescence spectrum for each sample was recorded. Parallel factor analysis was used to decompose the three-dimensional spectrum data. Then, the support vector regression (SVR), partial least squares, and back-propagation artificial neural network methods were applied to build the regression models. After the comparison of the constructed models, the SVR models exhibited the highest correlation coefficients among all models, with 0.9748 and 0.9276 for the training and test sets, respectively. The findings suggested the potential of FeTPP-based fluorescent sensor in rapid monitoring of frying oil quality and perhaps also in other foods with higher oil contents.
Spatio-temporal variations in glass eel recruitment at the entrance pathways of a Mediterranean delta
Authors: Bouchard Colin , Drouineau Hilaire , Lambert Patrick , Boutron Olivier , Nicolas Delphine
Published: July 2022

Understanding spatio-temporal dynamics of glass eel recruitment is necessary to characterize eel population status and the stock of future elvers. Despite numerous studies that have characterized recruitment across Europe, multiple systems along the Mediterranean coasts need a deeper look. We built a Bayesian State-Space Model to investigate the temporal variations in glass eel recruitment in the Rhône delta (France). The model was suited to address the spatial heterogeneity due to the complexity of this system constituted by numerous entrance pathways. Over 13 years, we found inter-annual variations without a particular trend. Here, an overall migration peak occurred in February–March for the system, but substantial spatial variations in the resulting recruitment were visible. Spatial variations in the inter-annual dynamics and migration peak pointed out the necessity to account for spatial heterogeneity in the dynamics of glass eel recruitment. The highlighted inter-annual variations are consistent with analysis of coincident time-series in other sites in Europe (e.g. WGEEL), and the migration peak’s timing is similar to peaks observed in other estuaries. Spatial variations in the migration peak suggest a potential effect of local environment conditions on the recruitment. Our model provided a suitable approach to investigate temporal variations while accounting for spatial heterogeneity.
Spatial and temporal variability of spawning and nursery grounds of Loligo forbesii and Loligo vulgaris squids in ecoregions of Celtic Seas and Greater North Sea
Authors: Laptikhovsky Vladimir , Allcock A Louise , Barnwall Leigh , Barrett Christopher , Cooke Gavan , Drerup Christian , Firmin Christopher , Lozach Sophie , MacLeod Eleanor , Oesterwind Daniel , Petroni Michael , Robin Jean-Paul , Sheerin Edel , Power Anne-Marie , Pierce Graham J
Published: July 2022

The inshore commercial squids, Loligo vulgaris and L. forbesii, co-occur in the ecoregions of Celtic Seas and Greater North Sea but the spatio-temporal structure of their spawning ranges is poorly understood. To help solve the problem, data sets collected during the last 30 years by British, German, French, and Irish scientists, as well as observations from multinational Citizen Science, were combined. Spawning grounds of L. forbesii were found to form an external semi-circle around the spawning grounds of L. vulgaris, with the latter being centred on the English Channel and southernmost North Sea. The nursery grounds of both species appear to coincide with the respective spawning grounds, though L. forbesii makes much wider use of the North Sea. Seasonally, the position of the spawning grounds of both species is driven by the local temperature regime, although this is possibly subject to interannual variability. Spawning of both species begins around November and gradually progresses eastward following favourable currents and increasing water temperatures. Spawning in both species is mostly over by July, though some egg masses persist until August–November. Nursery grounds follow the same seasonal shift from west to east, at least in L. forbesii.
Necessity or balancing: The protection of rights under different proportionality tests—Experimental evidence
Authors: Steiner Talya , Netzer Liat , Sulitzeanu-Kenan Raanan
Published: July 2022

Despite its global proliferation, there is no standard formulation for proportionality analysis. The result is debate over the optimal formulation and application of the doctrine and the ramifications of adopting different versions. A subset of this debate relates to which element of the doctrine provides rights with greater protection against competing public interests. Although this dispute is essentially empirical, arguments on the matter remain strictly theoretical. This study presents the first experimental analysis of the effects of specific subtests of proportionality analysis on the level of protection afforded to rights. We find strong evidence that applying proportionality in terms of the necessity test—whether there are less restrictive means—results in greater protection of rights in policy decisions than does applying proportionality in terms of the strict proportionality test—balancing the benefit against the harm. The findings suggest that including a necessity component within the proportionality doctrine, and emphasizing it as a central stage of the analysis, can enhance the protection of rights in decisions regarding rights-restricting policy.
Constitutionalism and the radical right: The case of the Spanish party Vox
Authors: Castillo-Ortiz Pablo
Published: July 2022

Since 2018, the radical right party Vox has been part of the political landscape in Spain. This the article analyzes Vox’s electoral manifesto and some important speeches of the party’s leaders, in order to address three main topics. First, the article explains how key themes of liberal constitutionalism feature in the narrative of the party. Second, the article analyzes the extent to which Vox’s policy proposals can be described as illiberal. Third, the article doctrinally assesses to what extent such proposals are compatible with the Spanish Constitution. Contributing to the literature on radical right parties and illiberalism, this article describes the main traits of Vox’s current political approach to constitutionalism. It is argued that these traits can be summarized in three main features: partisan use of constitutional rhetoric, constitutional double standards combined with selective constitutionalism, and unconstitutionality of core policy proposals.
Histology of the tricuspid valve annulus and right atrioventricular muscle distance
Authors: Yamane Kokoro , Takahashi Yosuke , Fujii Hiromichi , Morisaki Akimasa , Sakon Yoshito , Kishimoto Noriaki , Kawase Takumi , Ohsawa Masahiko , Shibata Toshihiko
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES

Histologically, the mitral valve annulus comprises a collection of collagen fibres. However, the existence of collagen fibres in the tricuspid valve annulus has not been elucidated. Our goal was to clarify the histology of the tricuspid annulus.

METHODS

Fifty human hearts without heart disease that were autopsied at Osaka City University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2017 were examined. The tricuspid valve was sectioned at 12 sites around the annulus, and the atrioventricular junction distance was measured.

RESULTS

None of the tricuspid valve annulus samples had a continuous aggregation of collagen fibres that could be called an annulus. The interventricular space between the right atria and ventricles was composed of adipose tissue only on the anterosuperior and inferior sides, and no adipose tissue was found on the septal side. Comparing the atrioventricular muscle distance of the anterosuperior and inferior sides, the distance at the inferior side was statistically significantly larger than that of the anterosuperior side in 47 cases (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no continuous circumferential aggregation of collagen fibres in the right atrioventricular junction. The distance between the right atrial and ventricular myocardium was greater at the inferior side than that at the anterosuperior side, which might lead to more inferior annular dilation versus anterosuperior dilation. These anatomical features will be fundamental for future discussions of the suturing method used in prosthetic ring annuloplasty for tricuspid regurgitation.
The influence of exhaust gas recirculation on the characteristics of compression ignition engines powered by tamanu methyl ester
Authors: P B Senthilkumar , M Parthasarathy , Afzal Asif , Saleel C Ahamed , Cuce Erdem , Saboor Shaik , Gera Tanya
Published: July 2022

This study aims to assess the performance of compression ignition (CI) engine powered with various biodiesels. The engine used for this test was a single-cylinder, water-cooled, naturally aspirated, CI engine. The biodiesels used in this study were neem methyl ester (NME), mahua methyl ester (MME), cottonseed methyl ester (CME), tamanu methyl ester (TME) and Albizia saman methyl ester (AME). According to the results, the TME-operated CI engine had 2.69%, 10.53%, 6.31% and 5.49% higher brake thermal efficiency than the MME, NME, CME and AME, respectively, without exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Tamanu biodiesel outperformed the other test fuels in terms of performance and emissions. As a result, tamanu biodiesel was chosen as the best fuel for further testing. The results showed that tamanu biodiesel emitted more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions than diesel. EGR could be used with the CI engine, resulting in a significant reduction in NOx emission. Compared to tamanu biodiesel without EGR conditions, the percentages of EGR 5%, 10% and 15% used with TME-operated CI engine produced 9.9%, 18% and 21.3% less NOx emission. The combination of EGR and tamanu biodiesel resulted in a slight increase in hydrocarbon, smoke and carbon monoxide emissions but a substantial reduction in NOx emissions. According to the study’s findings, tamanu biodiesel with 10% EGR demonstrated optimal engine characteristics while having a low environmental impact.
Simulation and optimization of a Carnot battery process including a heat pump/organic Rankine cycle with considering the role of the regenerator
Authors: Zhao Dong , Sun Shuyan , Alavi Hosein
Published: July 2022

The inherent nature of the renewable energies is to be intermittent. This leads to negative effects on the security and stability of the energy production system. A sensible solution to eliminate or reduce the negative effects is to integrate the energy storage system with a renewable source–based energy production system. Carnot battery is an emerging technology that allows storing electric energy at low cost with no geographical restrictions. To this end, this paper attempts to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the thermodynamic and cost performances as well as energetic and exergetic analyzes of the considered Carnot battery. In this regard, the Carnot battery is comprised of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), vapor compression heat pump (VHP) and a pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) (to connect the two ORC and VHP sub-cycles). In addition, in both charge and discharge processes, regenerators are utilized to recover waste heat to improve the performance of the storage system. The main objectives of this article are thermodynamic analysis, calculation of degraded exergy and energetic and exergetic efficiencies and obtaining levelized cost of storage (LCOS). Moreover, LCOS (as the objective function) is optimized using the optimization algorithm. The findings indicated that, at the desired temperature (i.e. 100°C), the values of LCOS and total initial cost are 0.3577 USD per kWh and 56.5 million USD, respectively. It was also found that if the regenerators are not used in both charge and discharge processes, the value of LCOS can be nearly 12% greater.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for feed efficiency and component traits in American mink
Authors: Davoudi Pourya , Do Duy , Colombo Stefanie M , Rathgeber Bruce , Hu Guoyu , Sargolzaei Mehdi , Wang Zhiquan , Plastow Graham , Miar Younes
Published: July 2022

Feed cost is the largest expense of mink production systems, and, therefore, improvement of feed efficiency (FE) through selection for high feed-efficient mink is a practical way to increase the mink industry’s sustainability. In this study, we estimated the heritability, phenotypic, and genetic correlations for different FE measures and component traits, including harvest weight (HW), harvest length (HL), final body length (FBL), final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), residual intake and gain (RIG), and Kleiber ratio (KR), using data from 2,288 American mink (for HW and HL), and 1,038 to 1,906 American mink (for other traits). Significance (P < 0.05) of fixed effects (farm, sex, and color type), a covariate (age of animal), and random effects (additive genetic, maternal, and common litter) were evaluated through univariate models implemented in ASReml-R version 4. Genetic parameters were estimated via fitting a set of bivariate models using ASReml-R version 4. Estimates of heritabilities (±SE) were 0.28 ± 0.06, 0.23 ± 0.06, 0.28 ± 0.10, 0.27 ± 0.11, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.26 ± 0.09, 0.20 ± 0.09, 0.23 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.10, 0.25 ± 0.10, and 0.26 ± 0.10 for HW, HL, FBL, FBW, ADG, DFI, FCR, RFI, RG, RIG, and KR, respectively. RIG had favorable genetic correlations with DFI (−0.62 ± 0.24) and ADG (0.58 ± 0.21), and nonsignificant (P > 0.05) genetic correlations with FBW (0.14 ± 0.31) and FBL (−0.15 ± 0.31). These results revealed that RIG might be a superior trait as it guarantees reduced feed intake with faster-growing mink yet with no negative impacts on body weight and length. In addition, the strong positive genetic correlations (±SE) between KR with component traits (0.88 ± 0.11 with FBW, 0.68 ± 0.17 with FBL, and 0.97 ± 0.02 with ADG) suggested KR as an applicable indirect measure of FE for improvement of component traits as it did not require the individual feed intake to be measured. Overall, our results confirmed the possibility of including FE traits in mink breeding programs to effectively select feed-efficient animals.
Burn Admissions Across Low- and Middle-income Countries: A Repeated Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Quinn Laura , Ahmed Tanveer , Falk Henry , Miranda Altamirano Ariel , Muganza Adelin , Nakarmi Kiran , Nawar Ahmed , Peck Michael , Man Rai Shankar , Sartori Jo , Philipe Molina Vana Luiz , Wabwire Benjamin , Moiemen Naiem , Lilford Richard
Published: July 2022

Burn injuries have decreased markedly in high-income countries while the incidence of burns remains high in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where more than 90% of burns are thought to occur. However, the cause of burns in LMIC is poorly documented. The aim was to document the causes of severe burns and the changes over time. A cross-sectional survey was completed for 2014 and 2019 in eight burn centers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America: Cairo, Nairobi, Ibadan, Johannesburg, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Sao Paulo, and Guadalajara. The information summarised included demographics of burn patients, location, cause, and outcomes of burns. In total, 15,344 patients were admitted across all centers, 37% of burns were women and 36% of burns were children. Burns occurred mostly in household settings (43–79%). In Dhaka and Kathmandu, occupational burns were also common (32 and 43%, respectively). Hot liquid and flame burns were most common while electric burns were also common in Dhaka and Sao Paulo. The type of flame burns varies by center and year, in Dhaka, 77% resulted from solid fuel in 2014 while 74% of burns resulted from Liquefied Petroleum Gas in 2019. In Nairobi, a large proportion (32%) of burns were intentional self-harm or assault. The average length of stay in hospitals decreased from 2014 to 2019. The percentage of deaths ranged from 5% to 24%. Our data provide important information on the causes of severe burns which can provide guidance in how to approach the development of burn injury prevention programs in LMIC.
Thymoma (World Health Organization Type AB) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: a case report
Authors: Fan Zheyuan , Wang Ling , Wang Jin , Gu Chundong
Published: July 2022

Thymic neoplasms are rarely seen among patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and appear to be especially rare when pathological examination reveals a World Health Organization Type AB thymoma. In the case presented here, we report a 39-year-old woman with Type AB thymoma in MEN1. A 7.8-cm-sized mediastinal mass was diagnosed as a thymic neoplasm by computed tomography. In addition, pituitary tumor and hypercalcemia from parathyroid hyperplasia were found. Therefore, the patient was clinically diagnosed with MEN1 syndrome and underwent surgical resection of thymic tumor. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient appeared to be healthy without any sign of reoccurrence. Despite its rare occurrence, our case provides us with a new awareness that thymoma may coexist with MEN1.
Appendiceal metastasis of gastric cancer clinically masquerading acute appendicitis: possible route of metastasis
Authors: Sakuma Takahiko , Yokoi Ayaka , Ichihara Shu
Published: July 2022

Cancer metastasis to appendix vermiformis is rare. We here report a case of appendiceal metastasis of gastric cancer, which was incidentally discovered in the appendix resected as acute appendicitis. A 65-year-old man, who had undergone distal gastrectomy for poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma 2 years before, complained of lower abdominal pain. Physical examination and laboratory tests clinically suggested acute appendicitis. Macroscopically, the serosal surface of the resected appendix was hyperaemic and white-coated. These findings were compatible with the clinical diagnosis. However, histological examination revealed intra-mural invasion of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The appendix serosal and mucosal surfaces were spared from cancer involvement. As the morphological appearance of adenocarcinoma and associated extensive lymphatic invasion was similar to those seen in the primary gastric cancer, the adenocarcinoma observed in the appendix was diagnosed as a metastasis. Possible routes of metastasis to the appendix from stomach were discussed with a brief review of relevant literature.
Physical Therapists Ordering Imaging and Making Direct Referrals in a Military Healthcare Setting; Two Case Studies
Authors: Tran Irene , Chambers Aaron
Published: July 2022

Physical therapists in the military are allowed some of the widest scope-of-practice privileges in the USA. These privileges include ordering imaging, making direct referrals, and serving as direct-access providers. This independent functioning model may help contribute to more efficient and effective patient care. In this study, two cases are presented to highlight the decision-making process of physical therapists who were able to order imaging and make direct referrals that contributed to successful patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is 2-fold: (1) to highlight physical therapists ordering diagnostic imaging and (2) to correlate physical therapists making direct referrals. The first case involves an active duty military female who sustained an ankle injury. She was referred to physical therapy and underwent conservative treatment with minimal progress. The physical therapist used her privileges to order imaging, interpreted the findings, and referred the patient to an experienced podiatric surgeon. The second case involves an active duty military male who sustained a knee injury. He was referred directly to physical therapy by the hospital urgent care. The military physical therapist evaluated him and determined that an orthopedic referral was necessary. Both of the prior mentioned cases resulted in successful outcomes, with patients returning to their prior level of function. In the military healthcare setting, physical therapists have a unique set of practice privileges that can contribute to timely patient management, improved patient satisfaction, and more efficient and effective care. This healthcare model may be considered in civilian settings in the future as well.
Establishing an environment in which rigorous scientific inquiry is practiced: a personal journey
Authors: Crooke Stanley T
Published: July 2022

For more than three decades, Ionis Pharmaceutics has pursued the challenging mission of creating a new platform for drug discovery. To overcome the numerous challenges faced required the integration of innovation across many scientific areas, despite many disappointments and failures. The approaches implemented to create and maintain a scientific environment to achieve the mission demanded the rigorous practice of science over three decades. The approaches taken are discussed in this perspective.
Quantitative proteomic landscapes of primary and recurrent glioblastoma reveal a protumorigeneic role for FBXO2-dependent glioma-microenvironment interactions
Authors: Buehler Marcel , Yi Xiao , Ge Weigang , Blattmann Peter , Rushing Elisabeth , Reifenberger Guido , Felsberg Joerg , Yeh Charles , Corn Jacob E , Regli Luca , Zhang Junyi , Cloos Ann , Ravi Vidhya M , Wiestler Benedikt , Heiland Dieter Henrik , Aebersold Ruedi , Weller Michael , Guo Tiannan , Weiss Tobias
Published: July 2022

Background

Recent efforts have described the evolution of glioblastoma from initial diagnosis to post-treatment recurrence on a genomic and transcriptomic level. However, the evolution of the proteomic landscape is largely unknown.

Methods

Sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) was used to characterize the quantitative proteomes of two independent cohorts of paired newly diagnosed and recurrent glioblastomas. Recurrence-associated proteins were validated using immunohistochemistry and further studied in human glioma cell lines, orthotopic xenograft models, and human organotypic brain slice cultures. External spatial transcriptomic, single-cell, and bulk RNA sequencing data were analyzed to gain mechanistic insights.

Results

Although overall proteomic changes were heterogeneous across patients, we identified BCAS1, INF2, and FBXO2 as consistently upregulated proteins at recurrence and validated these using immunohistochemistry. Knockout of FBXO2 in human glioma cells conferred a strong survival benefit in orthotopic xenograft mouse models and reduced invasive growth in organotypic brain slice cultures. In glioblastoma patient samples, FBXO2 expression was enriched in the tumor infiltration zone and FBXO2-positive cancer cells were associated with synaptic signaling processes.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a potential role of FBXO2-dependent glioma-microenvironment interactions to promote tumor growth. Furthermore, the published datasets provide a valuable resource for further studies.
Tissue-Wide Effects Override Cell-Intrinsic Gene Function in Radial Neuron Migration
Authors: Hansen Andi H , Pauler Florian M , Riedl Michael , Streicher Carmen , Heger Anna , Laukoter Susanne , Sommer Christoph , Nicolas Armel , Hof Björn , Tsai Li Huei , Rülicke Thomas , Hippenmeyer Simon
Published: July 2022

The mammalian neocortex is composed of diverse neuronal and glial cell classes that broadly arrange in six distinct laminae. Cortical layers emerge during development and defects in the developmental programs that orchestrate cortical lamination are associated with neurodevelopmental diseases. The developmental principle of cortical layer formation depends on concerted radial projection neuron migration, from their birthplace to their final target position. Radial migration occurs in defined sequential steps, regulated by a large array of signaling pathways. However, based on genetic loss-of-function experiments, most studies have thus far focused on the role of cell-autonomous gene function. Yet, cortical neuron migration in situ is a complex process and migrating neurons traverse along diverse cellular compartments and environments. The role of tissue-wide properties and genetic state in radial neuron migration is however not clear. Here we utilized mosaic analysis with double markers (MADM) technology to either sparsely or globally delete gene function, followed by quantitative single-cell phenotyping. The MADM-based gene ablation paradigms in combination with computational modeling demonstrated that global tissue-wide effects predominate cell-autonomous gene function albeit in a gene-specific manner. Our results thus suggest that the genetic landscape in a tissue critically affects the overall migration phenotype of individual cortical projection neurons. In a broader context, our findings imply that global tissue-wide effects represent an essential component of the underlying etiology associated with focal malformations of cortical development in particular, and neurological diseases in general.
Habitat connectivity, gene flow, and population genetic structure in a Neotropical understory insectivore, the Rufous-and-white Wren
Authors: Graham Brendan A , Heath Daniel D , Pulgarin Paulo C , Walter Ryan P , Mark Melissa , Mennill Daniel J
Published: July 2022

Among tropical organisms, heightened habitat specialization, limited natal dispersal, and strong philopatry suggest that many species may experience reduced rates of gene flow. Diverse forms of barriers, including geographic, ecological, and behavioral barriers, further promote genetic divergence among tropical bird populations. Here, we extend our comprehension of gene flow in tropical birds by examining population genetic structure in a widespread insectivorous songbird of the Neotropics, the Rufous-and-white Wren (Thryophilus rufalbus). We explore the effects of geographic distance and habitat connectivity on genetic structure using 10 microsatellite loci, and nuclear and mitochondrial sequence data. We report high levels of genetic divergence and population structure with reduced contemporary gene flow between populations over a 500-km transect in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Mitochondrial DNA and nuclear sequence data indicate that 2 distinct mtDNA genetic groups came into contact in northwestern Costa Rica; molecular dating suggests that the genetic patterns arose as a result of Pleistocene glaciations. Geographic distance and habitat connectivity predicted genetic structure but explained a relatively low proportion of the observed contemporary genetic variation. Patterns were similar for both males and females. Our research demonstrates the deep genetic divergence in tropical birds, and that genetic differentiation can occur over a relatively short distance. For tropical birds, strong limits to gene flow likely arise as a result of limited dispersal from natal populations.
Capsaicin 8% Patch for Spinal Cord Injury Focal Neuropathic Pain, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Olusanya Adedeji , Yearsley Aaron , Brown Nicholas , Braun Samantha , Hayes Corey , Rose Evon , Connolly Brian , Dicks Madeline , Beal Colby , Helmonds Brett , Peace Wesley , Kirkman Bryce , Nguyen Christina , Erickson Jacob , Nguyen Gabby , Lukose Esha , Koek Wouter , Nagpal Ameet S , Trbovich Michelle
Published: July 2022

Background

Neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI) exacerbates disability, decreases quality of life (QOL), and is often refractory to available therapies. Patients report willingness to trade potential recovery of strength, bowel, bladder, or sexual function for pain relief. One proposed mechanism causing NP is up-regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV 1) proteins in uninjured C fibers and dorsal root ganglia causing neuronal excitability. Recent studies have found up-regulation of TRPV 1 proteins after SCI.

Objective

We hypothesize the application of capsaicin 8% patch (C8P), FDA approved for NP in diabetic peripheral neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, will improve pain, function and QOL in persons with SCI.

Methods

Randomized single-blind crossover design in which 11 persons with SCI and NP refractory to two oral pain medications received C8P or a control low dose Capsaicin 0.025% patch (CON) over two 12-week periods. Pain (VAS, MPI-SCI), quality of life (WHO-QOL), and functional status (SCIM) were measured at 2–4-week intervals.

Results

There was a main treatment effect of C8P over CON on VAS and MPI-SCI outcomes with pain reduction of 35% and 29% at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. C8P also demonstrated a main treatment effect over CON on the SCIM mobility subscale. WHO-QOL scores did not improve with C8P.

Conclusions

C8P improves pain and mobility for patients with SCI and refractory NP. Larger studies should be performed to evaluate impact of repeat applications and QOL outcomes.
Mechanisms of phase-separation-mediated cGAS activation revealed by dcFCCS
Authors: Yao Yirong , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Chunlai
Published: July 2022

Cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS), as a DNA sensor, plays an important role in cGAS–STING pathway, which further induces expression of type I interferon as the innate immune response. Previous studies reported that liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) driven by cGAS and long DNA is essential to promote catalytic activity of cGAS to produce a second messenger, cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP). However, the molecular mechanism of LLPS promoting cGAS activity is still unclear. Here, we applied dual-color fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (dcFCCS), a highly sensitive and quantitative method, to characterize phase separation driven by cGAS and DNA from miscible individual molecule to micronscale. Thus, we captured nanoscale condensates formed by cGAS at close-to-physiological concentration and quantified their sizes, molecular compositions and binding affinities within condensates. Our results pinpointed that interactions between DNA and cGAS at DNA binding sites A, B, and C and the dimerization of cGAS are the fundamental molecular basis to fully activate cGAS in vitro. Due to weak binding constants of these sites, endogenous cGAS cannot form stable interactions at these sites, leading to no activity in the absence of LLPS. Phase separation of cGAS and DNA enriches cGAS and DNA by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude to facilitate these interactions among cGAS and DNA and to promote cGAS activity as an on/off switch. Our discoveries not only shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of phase-separation-mediated cGAS activation, but also guided us to engineer a cGAS fusion, which can be activated by 15 bp short DNA without LLPS.
Pairs Of Diagonal Quartic Forms: The Non-Singular Hasse Principle
Authors: Brüdern Jörg , Wooley Trevor D
Published: July 2022

We establish the non-singular Hasse principle for pairs of diagonal quartic equations in 22 or more variables.
Impact of Ghost Introgression on Coalescent-Based Species Tree Inference and Estimation of Divergence Time
Authors: Pang Xiao-Xu , Zhang Da-Yong
Published: July 2022

The species studied in any evolutionary investigation generally constitute a small proportion of all the species currently existing or that have gone extinct. It is therefore likely that introgression, which is widespread across the tree of life, involves “ghosts,” that is, unsampled, unknown, or extinct lineages. However, the impact of ghost introgression on estimations of species trees has rarely been studied and is poorly understood. Here, we use mathematical analysis and simulations to examine the robustness of species tree methods based on the multispecies coalescent model to introgression from a ghost or extant lineage. We found that many results originally obtained for introgression between extant species can easily be extended to ghost introgression, such as the strongly interactive effects of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and introgression on the occurrence of anomalous gene trees. The relative performance of the summary species tree method (ASTRAL) and the full-likelihood method (*BEAST) varies under different introgression scenarios, with the former being more robust to gene flow between nonsister species, whereas the latter performing better under certain conditions of ghost introgression. When an outgroup ghost (defined as a lineage that diverged before the most basal species under investigation) acts as the donor of the introgressed genes, the time of root divergence among the investigated species generally was overestimated, whereas ingroup introgression, as commonly perceived, can only lead to underestimation. In many cases of ingroup introgression that may or may not involve ghost lineages, the stronger the ILS, the higher the accuracy achieved in estimating the time of root divergence, although the topology of the species tree is more prone to be biased by the effect of introgression. [Anomalous gene trees; divergence time; ghost introgression; multispecies coalescent; simulation; species tree.]
Resistance of Strawberry Cultivars and the Effects of Plant Ontogenesis on Phytophthora cactorum and P. nicotianae Causing Crown Rot
Authors: Marin Marcus V. , Seijo Teresa E. , Baggio Juliana S. , Whitaker Vance M. , Peres Natalia A.
Published: July 2022

Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) is an important disease of strawberry worldwide. Phytophthora cactorum is the most common causal agent, however, P. nicotianae was also recently reported causing PhCR in the U.S. Therefore, the goals of this study were to evaluate the resistance of strawberry cultivars from Florida and California, and to study the etiology of the two Phytophthora species causing PhCR. Sixteen strawberry cultivars were evaluated over three Florida seasons for susceptibility to P. cactorum, and P. nicotianae. Inoculations at different days after transplanting (DAT) were also carried out to evaluate the ability of both species to cause PhCR at different phenological stages of the plant. Plant wilting and mortality were assessed weekly, and disease incidence, and the area under the disease progress curve were calculated. Cultivars Sensation ‘Florida127’, ‘Winterstar FL 05-107’, and ‘Florida Radiance’ were susceptible, whereas ‘Florida Elyana’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Fronteras’, ‘Sweet Charlie’, and ‘Strawberry Festival’ were highly resistant to both Phytophthora species. However, some cultivars exhibited stronger resistance to one species over the other. P. cactorum caused more PhCR when plants were inoculated at transplanting, 45, and 60 DAT, whereas P. nicotianae only caused disease when inoculated at transplanting. These results emphasize the importance of screening for disease resistance to guide management recommendations in commercial strawberry production as well as the need for proper pathogen identification since cultivar susceptibility might differ. Varying susceptibility to P. cactorum and P. nicotianae at different growth stages emphasizes the importance of considering both plant and pathogen biology when making management recommendations.
Maternal Outcomes in Subsequent Pregnancies After Classical Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Thompson Beatrix B. , Reddy Uma M. , Burn Martina , Abdel-Razeq Sonya , Xu Xiao
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To compare maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies of patients who had a prior classical cesarean delivery with those with a prior low transverse cesarean delivery.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of patients with live singleton births at or after 24 weeks of gestation who had a prior classical cesarean delivery or a low transverse cesarean delivery in the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample database. Outcome measures included mode of delivery, uterine rupture, and severe maternal morbidity (SMM), as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Maternal outcomes were compared using the χ2 test and the propensity score method, accounting for differences in patients' clinical risk factors. Multivariable regressions further assessed how patients' sociodemographic and hospital characteristics might influence the differences in maternal outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS:

The sample included 1,671,249 patients: 25,540 with prior classical cesarean delivery and 1,645,709 with prior low transverse cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery occurred in 95.5% of patients with prior classical cesarean compared with 91.3% of those with prior low transverse delivery (P<.001; propensity score method: odds ratio [OR] 0.99, 95% CI 0.85–1.16) and uterine rupture occurred in 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively (P<.001; propensity score method: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.40–3.36). Among patients with prior classical cesarean delivery, uterine rupture occurred in 10.6% of those who underwent labor compared with 0.3% of those who did not (P<.001). Rates of SMM were 5.9% and 2.0% in the two groups, respectively (P<.001; propensity score method: OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.53–2.29). After adjustment of maternal sociodemographic and hospital characteristics, differences in the risk of uterine rupture and SMM between the two groups were attenuated but remained significant.

CONCLUSION:

Prior classical cesarean delivery was associated with a higher risk of uterine rupture and SMM in subsequent pregnancies, compared with prior low transverse cesarean delivery, even after accounting for patients' clinical, sociodemographic, and hospital characteristics.
Severe Obesity Worsens 30-Day Surgical Outcomes and Projected Costs in Operative Femoral Shaft and Tibial Shaft Fractures
Authors: Pean Christian A. , Rivero Steven M. , Suneja Nishant , Weaver Michael J.
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To assess the impact of severe obesity on 30-day adverse event rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and projected costs after operative fixation of tibia and femur fractures.

Methods:

An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2012 to 2019 of isolated femoral shaft and tibial shaft fracture fixation cases was conducted. Adverse events, LOS, readmission rates, and operative time were queried for severe obesity, defined as body mass index greater than 40, compared with other patients. Student t tests were used to assess continuous variables. Fisher exact test and odds ratios were used for categorical variables. A cost-analysis was also performed to quantify the effect of severe obesity on projected health care expenditures.

Results:

A total of 10,436 patients were included with 7.0% of patients categorized as severely obese. Severely obese patients had higher infectious complication rates (9.0% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.013, OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04–1.78), readmission rates (7.9% vs. 5.6%, P-value = 0.008, OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08–1.91), longer LOS (5.8 days SD ±10.2 vs. 5.0 days SD ±7.9 days, P-value = 0.008), and longer operative times (mean 115 minutes ± 56 minutes SD vs. 103 minutes SD ±54 minutes, P-value = <0.001). Severe obesity resulted in an estimated $4258.07 additional health care expenditures per patient compared with nonobese patients. This amounted to a projected added total expenditure of $3.09 million USD in the overall cohort.

Conclusion:

Severe obesity is associated with significantly worse 30-day outcomes and higher readmission rates for patients undergoing operative fixation of tibial shaft and femoral shaft fractures. Health policy considerations should be made to incentivize care for this patient population, particularly in trauma where modification of risk factors before surgery is often not feasible.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Nature products of traditional Chinese medicine provide new ideas in γδT cell for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Duya Paulina Atieno , Chen Yinxiao , Bai Liding , Li Zhaodong , Li Jiaying , Chai Rundong , Bian Yuhong , Zhao Shuwu
Published: July 2022

Due to the unique features of innate immune cells, the role of γδT cells in tumor immunity has gradually attracted more and more attention. Previous studies have found that γδT cells play a dual role in tumor immunology: tumor-promoting and tumor-controlling. The anti-tumor therapy of γδT cell has made remarkable success in clinical application. Especially in recent years, researchers have provided some novel effective ways such as γδT cell exosomes and adoptive chimeric antigen receptor-γδT cell immunotherapy. However, some problems remain to be solved, such as low expansion rate, poor targeting, and tumor microenvironment limiting the effectiveness of γδT immunotherapy. Traditional Chinese medicine is expected to play a positive role in the body immune-enhancing function, promoting the proliferation and activation of γδT cells, and inducing the differentiation of γδT cells. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress and urgent problems of γδT cell in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Moreover, some new strategies of γδT cell for tumor immunotherapy were proposed.
Anti-fatigue effect from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma: a suggestive and promising treatment for long COVID
Authors: Zhou Xiangda , Zhang Keying , Liu Lanbo , Zhao Qianru , Huang Ming , Shao Rui , Wang Yanyan , Qu Bin , Wang Yu
Published: July 2022

Two years after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, an increasing number of patients continue to suffer from long COVID (LC), persistent symptoms, and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond the initial 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms. Constant fatigue is one of the most common LC symptoms, leading to severely reduced quality of life among patients. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma—known as the King of Herbs in traditional Chinese medicine—has shown clinical anti-fatigue effects. In this review, we summarize the underlying anti-fatigue mechanisms of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracts and their bioactive compounds, with a special focus on anti-viral, immune remodeling, endocrine system regulation, and metabolism, suggesting that Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is a potentially promising treatment for LC, especially in regard to targeting fatigue.
Development and validation of global prediction models for monitoring the manufacturing process of herbal medicine by ultraviolet spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhou Zimei , Zhao Fang , Yan Xu , Pan Jianyang , Qu Haibin
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Process monitoring for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations is necessary to ensure quality of the product. A typical pharmaceutical process of TCM preparations consists of multiple manufacturing units, such as ethanol precipitation, concentration, and water precipitation, among others. Compared with the traditional practice of one prediction model for one unit, the global model covers the variation from samples with different backgrounds or processes and can be used to monitor intermediates from substeps.

Methods:

We used ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy to establish global models for a typical TCM preparation—Danhong injection. The concentrations of danshensu, protocatechualdehyde, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, and hydroxyl safflor yellow A and the total phenolic and total sugar contents were quantified for every intermediate from operation units of Danhong injection. New samples prepared by mixing different intermediates were introduced for the calibration set to cover more variations. An accuracy profile was employed to validate the developed method from the aspects of specificity, trueness, precision, accuracy, linearity, and robustness.

Results:

The developed models showed a high determination coefficient (R
2) value up to 0.97 and a low root-mean-square error of the prediction set. Five components of the models passed all validation tests, whereas the total sugar was not suitable for modeling with UV and was not applicable to the whole process.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that the global models of UV spectroscopy for the quantitative determination of phenolic acids are feasible and reliable with a simple, rapid, and non-destructive method.
Posterior chamber toric implantable collamer lenses vs LASIK for myopia and astigmatism: systematic review
Authors: Goes Stéphanie , Delbeke Heleen
Published: July 2022

This systematic review compares the visual and refractive outcome of laser in situ keratomileusis with (toric) implantable collamer lens (ICL) in the treatment of myopic astigmatism. An electronic literature search led to 19 comparative articles. Refractive outcome, efficacy, safety, predictability, and stability as well as differences in contrast sensitivity and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were analyzed for moderate (−3 to −6 diopters [D]) and high (≥−6 D) myopia. Results were either significantly in favor of (toric)-ICL or equal. Fewer HOAs and better contrast sensitivity after (toric)-ICL seem to be the largest asset in its refractive and clinical superiority. However, longer follow-up studies are indicated, specifically for systematically comparing long-term adverse effects.