bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Income and Expenses
Authors: Winfield Jimmy , Graham Mark , Miller Taryn
Published: October 2023

This chapter examines income and expenses, which are reported using either a one-statement format or a two-statement format (when the two statements are often called the income statement and the statement of comprehensive income). The layout, level of detail, and terminology on different businesses' statements of comprehensive income vary a lot, but they conform to the same underlying structure and accounting principles. The statement of comprehensive income reports items of income and expense in two sections: ‘profit or loss’ and ‘other comprehensive income’ (OCI). ‘Revenue’ is the collective term for income from the sale of goods and from the rendering of services. When revenue is recognised over time, a reasonable measure of progress may be used to determine how much of the revenue to recognise in each financial period. The chapter then looks at costs of sales, operating expenses, finance expenses, alternative performance measures (APMs), and earnings per share (EPS).
Liabilities
Authors: Winfield Jimmy , Graham Mark , Miller Taryn
Published: October 2023

This chapter assesses liabilities, which are significant to users of financial statements because they indicate the prospects for future cash outflows from the business. To qualify as a liability, an item must meet the three key requirements of the liability definition: it must be an obligation which cannot practically be avoided; it must be expected to be settled by the transfer of an economic resource; and the obligating event—which makes the obligation ‘present’—must be in the past. If a liability does not satisfy the recognition criteria, it is called a contingent liability, and (unless the probability of an outflow is remote) is disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The chapter then considers the concept of provision, which is a liability of uncertain timing and/or amount. Common examples of provisions are warranty obligations, environmental rehabilitation provisions, provisions for employee pay, and provisions for employees' post-retirement benefits.
The Statement of Profit or Loss
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the composition and creation of the statement of profit or loss. It begins with the definition of income and expenses. The chapter also presents the different expense categories and profit figures that are seen in published financial statements. The accruals basis of accounting is the principle that all income earned and expenditure incurred in a period is recognized in that period. Depreciation allocates the cost of a non-current asset to all those accounting periods benefiting from its use. The last part of the chapter considers all the building blocks of the profit and loss statement. At this point, the reader is encouraged to prepare their own profit and loss statement.
The Financing of Business
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter looks at how different businesses raise the monetary resources with which to finance their operations and the requirements that each different financing method imposes upon each different business format. The chapter first discusses the various sources of finance available to the different forms of business organization. Then, it discusses the returns to each source of finance and the features of ordinary and preference share capital. After that, it shows how cash is raised from the issue of shares and explains how bonus issues and rights issues work. Finally, the chapter illustrates how limited companies make dividend distributions and whether they have the capacity to make such distributions.
Cost And Management Accounting in Context
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter considers in more detail than previous chapters the roles and functions of cost and management accounting. Moreover, the chapter looks at the usage of cost and management accounting to arrive at business decisions, both strategic and operational. It also presents the ways in which product and service costs are calculated with a view to determining a selling price. Finally, it discusses the significance of cost and management accounting in the fundamental business cycle of decision-making, planning, and controlling activities.
Product Costing: Absorption Costing
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter looks at the different categories of costs incurred by organizations and the ways in which the cost of products and services can be determined. It begins by illustrating the importance of costs in making business decisions. It then provides the definitions of the terms ‘direct costs’, ‘indirect costs’, ‘fixed costs’, and ‘variable costs’. In addition, the chapter shows how to construct simple costing statements to determine the total cost of products on an absorption (full) costing basis and how to draw simple graphs to illustrate fixed, variable, and total cost behaviour in a business context. The chapter likewise considers the limitations of absorption costing approaches in allocating overheads to products and the assumptions on which costing is based.
Standard Costing and Variance Analysis
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter considers standard costing technique and looks at how the analysis of divergences from the standard can be used to identify problems requiring attention. It provides illustrations and instructions on how to calculate for standard cost and shows various variances such as material total, price, and usage variances; sales volume and price variances; and efficiency variances. The chapter also shows the function of standard costing as an accounting control device and explains that variances are indicators of problems subject to rectification.
Budgeting
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter offers a detailed look at budgeting and shows how the use of budgets and the comparison of outcomes with expectations enable an entity to control its operations, to enhance positive trends, and to take action to correct problems as they arise. It discusses how budgets involve planning, communicating, coordinating, motivating, and controlling. The chapter presents the preparation of budgeted monthly statements, month-by-month cash budgets, and budgeted statements of financial position at the end of a projected accounting period. Towards the end of the chapter, the text explains how to compare budgeted and actual income and expenditure with actual financial performance and how to conduct sensitivity analysis.
Process Costing
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses the ways in which process costing works in order to give a cost to units of production. It also considers how inventory is valued under process costing. The chapter presents the process account, the first step in process costing, where costs in the cost account are accumulated. Losses during a process—be they normal or abnormal losses—are described, and it is shown how to account for them. The chapter also presents the application of the equivalent units approach in calculating output from a process during an accounting period. It then covers the valuation of finished production and closing work in progress at the end of an accounting period using both the first in first out and weighted average cost methods of valuing units of finished production and work in progress.
Corporate Governance and Sustainability
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter considers how legal and governance rules work in order to limit shareholders' concerns over the running of their companies. It starts by defining the meaning of corporate governance and describes the roles and responsibilities of the various participants in the corporate governance process. In addition, it illustrates how the Corporate Governance Code and other regulations work together to assure the integrity of the financial reporting process. The chapter also introduces the concept of corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Finally, the chapter looks at the five fundamental principles of ethics for professional accountants.
Genome resequencing reveals the evolutionary history of garlic reproduction traits
Authors: Wang Haiping , Shemesh-Mayer Einat , Zhang Jiangjiang , Gao Song , Zeng Zheng , Yang Zemao , Zhang Xueyu , Jia Huixia , Wang Yanzhou , Song Jiangping , Zhang Xiaohui , Yang Wenlong , He Qiaoyun , Sherman Amir , Li Lin , Kamenetsky Rina , Liu Touming
Published: October 2023

The propagation of cultivated garlic relies on vegetative cloves, thus flowers become non-essential for reproduction in this species, driving the evolution of reproductive feature-derived traits. To obtain insights into the evolutionary alteration of reproductive traits in the clonally propagated garlic, the evolutionary histories of two main reproduction-related traits, bolting and flower differentiation, were explored by genome analyses using 134 accessions displaying wide diversity in these two traits. Resequencing identified 272.8 million variations in the garlic genome, 198.0 million of which represent novel variants. Population analysis identified five garlic groups that have evolved into two clades. Gene expression, single-cell transcriptome sequencing, and genome-wide trait association analyses have identified numerous candidates that correlate with reproductive transition and flower development, some of which display distinct selection signatures. Selective forces acting on the B-box zinc finger protein-encoding Asa2G00291.1, the global transcription factor group E protein-encoding Asa5G01527.1, and VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3-like Asa3G03399.1 appear to be representative of the evolution of garlic bolting. Plenty of novel genomic variations and trait-related candidates represent valuable resources for biological studies of garlic. Numerous selective signatures from genes associated with the two chosen reproductive traits provide important insights into the evolutionary history of reproduction in this clonally propagated crop.
Red light induces salicylic acid accumulation by activating CaHY5 to enhance pepper resistance against Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Yang Youxin , Li Yu , Guang Yelan , Lin Jinhui , Zhou Yong , Yu Ting , Ding Fei , Wang Yanfeng , Chen Jinyin , Zhou Yanhong , Dang Fengfeng
Published: October 2023

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is frequently challenged by various pathogens, among which Phytophthora capsici is the most devastating to pepper production. Red light signal acts as a positive induction of plant resistance against multiple pathogens. However, little is known about how the red light signal affects pepper resistance to P. capsici infection (PCI). Here, we report that red light regulates salicylic acid (SA) accumulation by activating elongated hypocotyl5 (CaHY5), a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, thereby decreasing pepper susceptibility to PCI. Exogenous SA treatment reduced pepper susceptibility to PCI, while silencing of CaPHYB (a red light photoreceptor) increased its susceptibility. PCI significantly induced CaHY5 expression, and silencing of CaHY5 reduced SA accumulation, accompanied by decreases in the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase 3 (CaPAL3), CaPAL7, pathogenesis-related 1 (CaPR1), and CaPR1L, which finally resulted in higher susceptibility of pepper to PCI. Moreover, CaHY5 was found to activate the expression of CaPAL3 and CaPAL7, which are essential for SA biosynthesis, by directly binding to their promoters. Further analysis revealed that exogenous SA treatment could restore the resistance of CaHY5­silenced pepper plants to PCI. Collectively, this study reveals a critical mechanism through which red light induces SA accumulation by regulating CaHY5­mediated CaPAL3 and CaPAL7 expression, leading to enhanced resistance to PCI. Moreover, red light-induced CaHY5 regulates pepper resistance to PCI, which may have implications for PCI control in protected vegetable production.
Persons ‘never treated’ in mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis: identifying programmatic and research needs from a series of research review meetings 2020–2021
Authors: Brady Molly A , Toubali Emily , Baker Margaret , Long Elizabeth , Worrell Caitlin , Ramaiah Kapa , Graves Patricia , Hollingsworth T Deirdre , Kelly-Hope Louise , Stukel Diana , Tripathi Bhupendra , Means Arianna Rubin , Matendechero Sultani Hadley , Krentel Alison
Published: October 2023

As neglected tropical disease programs rely on participation in rounds of mass drug administration (MDA), there is concern that individuals who have never been treated could contribute to ongoing transmission, posing a barrier to elimination. Previous research has suggested that the size and characteristics of the never-treated population may be important but have not been sufficiently explored. To address this critical knowledge gap, four meetings were held from December 2020 to May 2021 to compile expert knowledge on never treatment in lymphatic filariasis (LF) MDA programs. The meetings explored four questions: the number and proportion of people never treated, their sociodemographic characteristics, their infection status and the reasons why they were not treated. Meeting discussions noted key issues requiring further exploration, including how to standardize measurement of the never treated, adapt and use existing tools to capture never-treated data and ensure representation of never-treated people in data collection. Recognizing that patterns of never treatment are situation specific, participants noted measurement should be quick, inexpensive and focused on local solutions. Furthermore, programs should use existing data to generate mathematical models to understand what levels of never treatment may compromise LF elimination goals or trigger programmatic action.
Scalable and interpretable alternative to chart review for phenotype evaluation using standardized structured data from electronic health records
Authors: Ostropolets Anna , Hripcsak George , Husain Syed A , Richter Lauren R , Spotnitz Matthew , Elhussein Ahmed , Ryan Patrick B
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Chart review as the current gold standard for phenotype evaluation cannot support observational research on electronic health records and claims data sources at scale. We aimed to evaluate the ability of structured data to support efficient and interpretable phenotype evaluation as an alternative to chart review.

Materials and Methods

We developed Knowledge-Enhanced Electronic Profile Review (KEEPER) as a phenotype evaluation tool that extracts patient’s structured data elements relevant to a phenotype and presents them in a standardized fashion following clinical reasoning principles. We evaluated its performance (interrater agreement, intermethod agreement, accuracy, and review time) compared to manual chart review for 4 conditions using randomized 2-period, 2-sequence crossover design.

Results

Case ascertainment with KEEPER was twice as fast compared to manual chart review. 88.1% of the patients were classified concordantly using charts and KEEPER, but agreement varied depending on the condition. Missing data and differences in interpretation accounted for most of the discrepancies. Pairs of clinicians agreed in case ascertainment in 91.2% of the cases when using KEEPER compared to 76.3% when using charts. Patient classification aligned with the gold standard in 88.1% and 86.9% of the cases respectively.

Conclusion

Structured data can be used for efficient and interpretable phenotype evaluation if they are limited to relevant subset and organized according to the clinical reasoning principles. A system that implements these principles can achieve noninferior performance compared to chart review at a fraction of time.
Information displays for automated surveillance algorithms of in-hospital patient deterioration: a scoping review
Authors: Wan Yik-Ki Jacob , Wright Melanie C , McFarland Mary M , Dishman Deniz , Nies Mary A , Rush Adriana , Madaras-Kelly Karl , Jeppesen Amanda , Del Fiol Guilherme
Published: October 2023

Objective

Surveillance algorithms that predict patient decompensation are increasingly integrated with clinical workflows to help identify patients at risk of in-hospital deterioration. This scoping review aimed to identify the design features of the information displays, the types of algorithm that drive the display, and the effect of these displays on process and patient outcomes.

Materials and methods

The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Five databases were searched with dates between January 1, 2009 and January 26, 2022. Inclusion criteria were: participants—clinicians in inpatient settings; concepts—intervention as deterioration information displays that leveraged automated AI algorithms; comparison as usual care or alternative displays; outcomes as clinical, workflow process, and usability outcomes; and context as simulated or real-world in-hospital settings in any country. Screening, full-text review, and data extraction were reviewed independently by 2 researchers in each step. Display categories were identified inductively through consensus.

Results

Of 14 575 articles, 64 were included in the review, describing 61 unique displays. Forty-one displays were designed for specific deteriorations (eg, sepsis), 24 provided simple alerts (ie, text-based prompts without relevant patient data), 48 leveraged well-accepted score-based algorithms, and 47 included nurses as the target users. Only 1 out of the 10 randomized controlled trials reported a significant effect on the primary outcome.

Conclusions

Despite significant advancements in surveillance algorithms, most information displays continue to leverage well-understood, well-accepted score-based algorithms. Users’ trust, algorithmic transparency, and workflow integration are significant hurdles to adopting new algorithms into effective decision support tools.
Cryoablation Therapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Evidence and Rationale
Authors: Thai Janice N , Sevrukov Alexander B , Ward Robert C , Monticciolo Debra L
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in breast cancer research and treatment propel a paradigm shift toward less aggressive and less invasive treatment for some early-stage breast cancer. Select patients with small, low-risk tumors may benefit from a less aggressive approach with de-escalated local therapy. Cryoablation of breast cancer is an emerging nonsurgical treatment alternative to breast-conserving surgery. Advantages of cryoablation over surgery include the use of local anesthesia, faster recovery, improved cosmesis, and cost savings. Proper patient selection and meticulous technique are keys to achieving successful clinical outcomes. The best candidates for cryoablation have unifocal invasive ductal carcinoma tumors that are low grade, hormone receptor positive, and ≤1.5 cm in size. In this review, we outline the current evidence, patient selection criteria, procedural technique, pre- and postablation imaging, and the advantages and limitations of cryoablation therapy.
Multi-threshold remote sensing image segmentation with improved ant colony optimizer with salp foraging
Authors: Qian Yunlou , Tu Jiaqing , Luo Gang , Sha Ce , Heidari Ali Asghar , Chen Huiling
Published: October 2023

Remote sensing images can provide direct and accurate feedback on urban surface morphology and geographic conditions. They can be used as an auxiliary means to collect data for current geospatial information systems, which are also widely used in city public safety. Therefore, it is necessary to research remote sensing images. Therefore, we adopt the multi-threshold image segmentation method in this paper to segment the remote sensing images for research. We first introduce salp foraging behavior into the continuous ant colony optimization algorithm (ACOR) and construct a novel ACOR version based on salp foraging (SSACO). The original algorithm’s convergence and ability to avoid hitting local optima are enhanced by salp foraging behavior. In order to illustrate this key benefit, SSACO is first tested against 14 fundamental algorithms using 30 benchmark test functions in IEEE CEC2017. Then, SSACO is compared with 14 other algorithms. The experimental results are examined from various angles, and the findings convincingly demonstrate the main power of SSACO. We performed segmentation comparison studies based on 12 remote sensing images between SSACO segmentation techniques and several peer segmentation approaches to demonstrate the benefits of SSACO in remote sensing image segmentation. Peak signal-to-noise ratio, structural similarity index, and feature similarity index evaluation of the segmentation results demonstrated the benefits of the SSACO-based segmentation approach. SSACO is an excellent optimizer since it seeks to serve as a guide and a point of reference for using remote sensing image algorithms in urban public safety.
Prognosis and risk prediction of bone impaction grafting through femoral head–neck fenestration: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Hao , He Shuai , Xi Hongzhong , Xue Peng , Sun Guangquan , Du Bin , Liu Xin
Published: October 2023

The bone impaction grafting through femoral head–neck fenestration was a favorable hip preservation procedure but without prognosis estimation. This study retrospectively reviewed 79 patients’ clinical data (114 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) who underwent this procedure from June 2009 to June 2019. By the end of June 2022, the median survival time of the hip was (74.13 ± 44.88) months, and the success rate of hip preservation was 68.42%. Lateral reserved angle (LPA) and combined reserved angle (CPA) had statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) both in univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model. The multivariate logistic regression model of area under curve (AUC) area of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.931(sensitivity = 95.00%, specificity = 88.40%, log-rank test: P < 0.01), and the calibration curve indicated good prediction accuracy. The ROC analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that the cutoff point of LPA was 50.95° (sensitivity = 95.00%, specificity = 72.09%, log-rank test: P < 0.05) and the cutoff point of CPA was 90.51° (sensitivity = 90.00%, specificity = 90.70%, log-rank test: P < 0.05). A nomogram plot to predict the risk of failure (C-index = 0.873, 95% CI: 0.785 to 0.961) and nomograms for predicting the survival probability at 1, 2 or 3 years whose calibration curves showed excellent prediction accuracy were available for the clinician. Preserved angles (PAs) are valuable in the prediction of prognosis in surgical treatment. The bone impaction grafting through femoral head–neck fenestration can achieve better clinical efficacy, especially for patients with LPA >50.95° and CPA >90.51°.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy-neuropathologic change in a routine neuropathology service: 7-year follow-up
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R , Krawitz Sherry , Sinha Namita
Published: October 2023

To follow our 2016 study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy neuropathologic change (CTE-NC) in our forensic autopsy service, we prospectively screened all cases with clinical histories of multiple concussions, persistent post-head injury symptoms, or ≥3 hospital investigations for head injuries from 2016 to 2022 inclusive using hyperphosphorylated tau (p-tau) immunostaining. The cases had routine brain sampling plus 4-6 additional lateral hemisphere samples. When “pathognomonic” CTE-NC lesions were identified, additional p-tau immunostaining was done for CTE-NC staging. Of ∼1100 adult brains aged 18–65 years examined, 85 were screened, and 16 were positive for CTE-NC (2 women, 14 men, ages 35–61 years, median 47 years). Alcohol abuse was documented in 14 of 16 (8 in combination with other substances); 5 had developmental brain anomalies (2 presumed genetic, 3 from acquired perinatal insults). Widespread p-tau deposits (high CTE-NC) were found in 7 of 16. Old brain contusions were present in 9 of 16, but CTE-NC did not colocalize. Of particular interest were (1) a man with FGFR3 mutation/hypochondroplasia and life-long head banging, (2) a woman with cerebral palsy and life-long head banging, and (3) a man with bilateral peri-Sylvian polymicrogyria, alcohol abuse, and multiple head injuries. Thus, CTE-NC occurs in association with repeated head trauma outside contact sports. Substance abuse is a common determinant of risk behavior. The utility of diagnosing mild-/low-stage CTE-NC in this population remains to be determined.
Correlates of Longitudinal Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents With Traumatic Brain Injuries
Authors: Shen Jiabin , Wang Yan
Published: October 2023

Objective

Depression poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of adolescents with traumatic brain injury. Existing research has limitations in longitudinal follow-up period, consideration of sample heterogeneity, and outcome measurement modeling. This study aimed to address these gaps by applying the second-order growth mixture model (SO-GMM) to examine the 10-year post-injury depression trajectories in adolescents with TBI.

Methods

A total of 1,989 adolescents with TBI 16–21 years old from the Traumatic Brain Injury Model System National Data Bank were analyzed up to 10 years post-injury. Depressive symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, employment, Functional Independence Measure Cognition, TBI severity, pre-injury disability, and substance use. Longitudinal measurement invariance was tested at the configural, metric, and scalar levels before SO-GMM was fit. Logistic regression was conducted for disparities in depression trajectories by covariates.

Results

A 2-class SO-GMM was identified with a low-stable group (85% of the sample) and a high-increasing group (15% of the sample) on depression levels. Older age, being a Native American, and having Hispanic origin was associated with a higher likelihood of being in the high-increasing class (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.165–4.989 and 1.609, respectively), while patients with higher education and being male were less likely to be in the high-increasing class (ORs = 0.735 and 0.557, respectively).

Conclusions

This study examined the disparities in depression among two distinct longitudinal groups of adolescents with TBI 10 years post-injury. Findings of the study are informative for intervention development to improve long-term mental health in adolescents with TBI.
Awake minimally invasive parafascicular approach to a language eloquent brain tumour—surgical video
Authors: Sangha Miljyot S , Rajwani Kapil M , Price Sally-Ann , Wren Hilary , Pescador Ana M , Gullan Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars , Vergani Francesco , Bhangoo Ranjeev , Lavrador Jose P
Published: October 2023

Deep-seated brain tumours are surgically challenging to access. When planning approaches to these lesions, it is important to take into account eloquent cortical areas, grey matter nuclei, and subcortical white matter tracts. Traditionally, access to deep-seated lesions would require brain retraction; however, this is associated with secondary brain damage, which may impair neurological function. A trans-sulcal minimally invasive parafascicular approach allows gentle splitting of brain fibres and is thought to splay rather than sever white matter tracts. This is particularly important when approaching medially located, language-eloquent tumours, which lack brain surface expression. This video describes a minimally invasive approach to a deep-seated, language-eloquent brain tumour. We utilized preoperative cortical and subcortical planning to define a safe surgical corridor. We then demonstrate using intraoperative neuro-monitoring and mapping of the motor and language functions to define the boundaries of surgical resection. We find trans-sulcal minimally invasive parafascicular approach to be a safe and effective technique when approaching language-eloquent lesions medial to the main language subcortical networks.
Are You my Rabbi? Yitz Greenberg’s Intellectual Biography in Kuhnian Terms
Authors: Schramm Netta
Published: October 2023

This article considers Rabbi Yitz Greenberg’s version of open orthodoxy and its development. Greenberg initially framed his theological journey as a “paradigm shift.” Archival materials from “before” and “during” this theological breakdown are discussed, and a fine-tuning of Greenberg’s narrative is suggested. The article demonstrates how overemphasizing what changed in Greenberg’s views misses the structural continuities in his writings across the decades. Finally, three shifts or “transgressions” are discussed: religious feminism, openness towards world religions, and denominational pluralism. The reception of these shifts is described as a function of a Kuhnian-inspired linguistic incommensurability. However, the Kuhn model, which describes winning and losing camps, is called into question.
Deubiquitination module is critical for oxidative stress response and biofilm formation in Candida glabrata
Authors: Huang Yue-Han , Lee Yi-Hang , Lin Chi-Jan , Hsu Li-Hang , Chen Ying-Lien
Published: October 2023

Candidiasis is one of the most important fungal diseases and generally refers to diseases of the skin or mucosal tissues caused by Candida species. Candida glabrata is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen. Infection with C. glabrata has significantly increased due to innate antifungal drug tolerance and the ability to adhere to mucocutaneous surfaces. Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase complex contains two different post-translational modifications, histone acetylation (HAT) module and deubiquitination (DUB) module, which are decisive in gene regulation and highly conserved in eukaryotes. Previous research in our laboratory found that the HAT module ADA2 could regulate C. glabrata oxidative stress tolerance, drug tolerance, cell wall integrity, and virulence. However, the roles of the DUB module that is comprised of UBP8, SGF11, SGF73, and SUS1 genes in those phenotypes are not yet understood. In this study, we found that DUB module genes UBP8, SGF11, and SUS1, but not SGF73 positively regulate histone H2B DUB. Furthermore, ubp8, sgf11, and sus1 mutants exhibited decreased biofilm formation and sensitivity to cell wall-perturbing agent sodium dodecyl sulfate and antifungal drug amphotericin B. In addition, the sgf73 mutant showed increased biofilm formation but was susceptible to oxidative stresses, antifungal drugs, and cell wall perturbing agents. The ubp8, sgf11, and sus1 mutants showed marginal hypovirulence, whereas the sgf73 mutant exhibited virulence similar to the wild type in a murine systemic infection model. In conclusion, the C. glabrata DUB module plays distinct roles in H2B ubiquitination, oxidative stress response, biofilm formation, cell wall integrity, and drug tolerance, but exhibits minor roles in virulence.
The individual abundance distributions of disc stars across birth radii in GALAH
Authors: Wang Kaile , Carrillo Andreia , Ness Melissa K , Buck Tobias
Published: October 2023

Individual abundances in the Milky Way disc record stellar birth properties [e.g. age, birth radius (Rbirth)], and capture the diversity of the star-forming environments over time. Assuming an analytical relationship between ([Fe/H], [α/Fe]), and Rbirth, we examine the distributions of individual abundances [X/Fe] of elements C, O, Mg, Si, Ca (α), Al (odd-z), Mn (iron-peak), Y, and Ba (neutron-capture) for stars in the Milky Way. We want to understand how these elements might differentiate environments across the disc. We assign tracks of Rbirth in the [α/Fe] versus [Fe/H] plane as informed by expectations from simulations for ∼59 000 GALAH stars in the solar neighborhood (R ∼ 7−9 kpc) which also have inferred ages. Our formalism for Rbirth shows that older stars (∼10 Gyrs) have an Rbirth distribution with smaller mean values (i.e. $\bar{R}_{\mbox{birth}} \sim 5\pm 0.8$ kpc) compared to younger stars (∼6 Gyrs; $\bar{R}_{\mbox{birth}} \sim 10\pm 1.5$ kpc), for a given [Fe/H], consistent with inside–out growth. The α-, odd-z, and iron-peak element abundances decrease as a function of Rbirth, whereas the neutron-capture abundances increase. The Rbirth–[Fe/H] gradient we measure is steeper compared to the present-day gradient (−0.066 dex kpc−1 versus −0.058 dex kpc−1), which we also find true for Rbirth–[X/Fe] gradients. These results (i) showcase the feasibility of relating the birth radius of stars to their element abundances, (ii) demonstrate that the Milky Way abundance gradients across Rbirth have evolved to be shallower over time, and (iii) offer an observational comparison to element abundance distributions in hydrodynamical simulations.
Spectroscopic triples and a chance alignment: a solution for the problem of suspicious mass ratios for SB2s from Wilson method
Authors: Kovalev Mikhail , Chen Xuefei , Han Zhanwen
Published: October 2023

We selected three double-lined spectroscopic binary systems which have extreme mass ratios, if measured using the Wilson method. We analysed medium resolution spectroscopic observations and space-based photometry and find that all these systems are not SB2, but rather triple systems and a chance alignment of another star with SB1 that have an unseen component. Therefore, suspicious mass ratios determined by the Wilson method for some double-lined spectroscopic binary systems aren’t correct as these systems are more complex.
A Comparison of Measured Airborne and Self-Reported Secondhand Smoke Exposure in the MADRES Pregnancy Cohort Study
Authors: O’Sharkey Karl , Xu Yan , Cabison Jane , Rosales Marisela , Chavez Thomas , Johnson Mark , Yang Tingyu , Cho Seung-Hyun , Chartier Ryan , Lerner Deborah , Lurvey Nathana , Toledo Corral Claudia M , Cockburn Myles , Franklin Meredith , Farzan Shohreh F , Bastain Theresa M , Breton Carrie V , Habre Rima
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is linked to adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. While questionnaires are commonly used to assess SHS exposure, their ability to capture true exposure can vary, making it difficult for researchers to harmonize SHS measures. This study aimed to compare self-reported SHS exposure with measurements of airborne SHS in personal samples of pregnant women.

Methods

SHS was measured on 48-hour integrated personal PM2.5 Teflon filters collected from 204 pregnant women, and self-reported SHS exposure measures were obtained via questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were calculated for airborne SHS measures, and analysis of variance tests assessed group differences in airborne SHS concentrations by self-reported SHS exposure.

Results

Participants were 81% Hispanic, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 28.2 (6.0) years. Geometric mean (SD) personal airborne SHS concentrations were 0.14 (9.41) µg/m3. Participants reporting lower education have significantly higher airborne SHS exposure (p = .015). Mean airborne SHS concentrations were greater in those reporting longer duration with windows open in the home. There was no association between airborne SHS and self-reported SHS exposure; however, asking about the number of smokers nearby in the 48-hour monitoring period was most correlated with measured airborne SHS (Two + smokers: 0.30 µg/m3 vs. One: 0.12 µg/m3 and Zero: 0.15 µg/m3; p = .230).

Conclusions

Self-reported SHS exposure was not associated with measured airborne SHS in personal PM2.5 samples. This suggests exposure misclassification using SHS questionnaires and the need for harmonized and validated questions to characterize this exposure in health studies.

Implications

This study adds to the growing body of evidence that measurement error is a major concern in pregnancy research, particularly in studies that rely on self-report questionnaires to measure SHS exposure. The study introduces an alternative method of SHS exposure assessment using objective optical measurements, which can help improve the accuracy of exposure assessment. The findings emphasize the importance of using harmonized and validated SHS questionnaires in pregnancy health research to avoid biased effect estimates. This study can inform future research, practice, and policy development to reduce SHS exposure and its adverse health effects.
Coinfection With Severe Fever With Thrombocytopenia Syndrome and Scrub Typhus in Korea
Authors: Chatterjee Shilpa , Kim Choon-Me , Kim Dong-Min , Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da Young , Yun Na-Ra , Jung Sook In , Kim Uh Jin , Kim Seong Eun , Kim Hyun ah , Kim Eu Suk , Hur Jian , Kim Young Keun , Jeong Hye Won , Heo Jung Yeon , Jung Dong Sik , Lee Hyungdon , Park Sun Hee , Kwak Yee Gyung , Lee Sujin , Chatterjee Rajendra Prasad
Published: October 2023

Background

Scrub typhus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) are the 2 most common tick-borne infectious diseases in Korea. Every year, an increasing number of cases are reported, which is a public health concern. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of SFTS–scrub typhus coinfection in patients with SFTS.

Methods

Clinical samples were collected from 129 patients with SFTS. One-step reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to identify the SFTS virus (SFTSV), and real-time PCR followed by nested PCR was performed to detect the Orientia tsutsugamushi gene for scrub typhus. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to confirm the evolutionary relationships among different species.

Results

Among 129 SFTS cases, 2 patients with SFTSV were positive for O. tsutsugamushi with a prevalence of coinfection of 1.6% (95% confidence interval, .001–.06). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed these as O. tsutsugamushi strain Boryong.

Conclusions

Our study found that 1.6% of patients were coinfected with SFTS and scrub typhus infection. We believe that this information will add a new dimension to clinical diagnosis, which should be considered for better public health management. Further research is needed to better understand the ecological transmission dynamics and geographical distribution of SFTSV and O. tsutsugamushi in endemic countries.
A survey of mountaineers’ observations of global warming effects in the Hex River mountains, South-Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Heath Gavin Edward Craig
Published: October 2023

This study explores the changing climate of the Hex River mountains, a prominent mountain range in the south-western Cape in South Africa, over the last 30–50 years (1972–1992–2022). This mountain range is notable for its steep gradients and historical snow cover and related snow sports. The purpose of this study was to garner the observations of a mountain user group in South Africa regarding the impacts of global warming on the mountain range, in particular the high altitude zone between c.1800 and 2249 masl, where snow, of varying texture and hardness, occurs during the winter. The literature that has been published on the mountain range’s climate indicates severe storms, and related danger, during the winter months as well as indications that the climate is changing. It also appears from previous research that geomorphic processes are increasing due to unexpected summer rainstorms, with resulting debris flow and rockfall. Fire frequency and water shortage appear to be increasing in the summer months. The methodology comprised a questionnaire which included a map of the mountain range and information on particular topoclimates. An appeal was sent to members of the mountain user group in the Western Cape; respondents were selected according to their experience of, and frequency of, visits to the mountain range. Those respondents with an education in atmosphere science were emphasized. Accounts of historical subalpine meteorology (including historical storm events) were derived from journals of the mountain user group. Personal photographs were scanned for environmental changes and two were selected to show changes in snow cover. The results indicated that water supply in summer is becoming more marginal. Other results are that there are differences regarding global warming between the windward and leeward sides, and south- and north-facing slopes of the mountain range. In addition, global warming appears to be changing altitudinal zones, especially of the temporary cryosphere that exists during the winter months. Recommendations included amending routes to avoid eroded sections and possible rockfall for people traversing the mountain range.
The transcription factor MYB110 regulates plant height, lodging resistance, and grain yield in rice
Authors: Wang Tingting , Jin Yi , Deng Lixiao , Li Feng , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhu Yuanyuan , Wu Yufeng , Qu Hongye , Zhang Shunan , Liu Ying , Mei Hanwei , Luo Lijun , Yan Ming , Gu Mian , Xu Guohua
Published: October 2023

The high-yielding Green Revolution varieties of cereal crops are characterized by a semidwarf architecture and lodging resistance. Plant height is tightly regulated by the availability of phosphate (Pi), yet the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Here, we report that rice (Oryza sativa) R2R3-type Myeloblastosis (MYB) transcription factor MYB110 is a Pi-dependent negative regulator of plant height. MYB110 is a direct target of PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 2 (OsPHR2) and regulates OsPHR2-mediated inhibition of rice height. Inactivation of MYB110 increased culm diameter and bending resistance, leading to enhanced lodging resistance despite increased plant height. Strikingly, the grain yield of myb110 mutants was elevated under both high- and low-Pi regimes. Two divergent haplotypes based on single nucleotide polymorphisms in the putative promoter of MYB110 corresponded with its transcript levels and plant height in response to Pi availability. Thus, fine-tuning MYB110 expression may be a potent strategy for further increasing the yield of Green Revolution cereal crop varieties.
Small peptide signaling via OsCIF1/2 mediates Casparian strip formation at the root endodermal and nonendodermal cell layers in rice
Authors: Zhang Baolei , Xin Boning , Sun Xiaoqian , Chao Dong , Zheng Huawei , Peng Liyun , Chen Xingxiang , Zhang Lin , Yu Jinyu , Ma Dan , Xia Jixing
Published: October 2023

The Casparian strip (CS) is a ring-like lignin structure deposited between endodermal cells that forms an apoplastic barrier to control the selective uptake of nutrients in vascular plants. However, the molecular mechanism of CS formation in rice (Oryza sativa), which possesses one CS each in the endodermis and exodermis, is relatively unknown. Here, we functionally characterized CS INTEGRITY FACTOR1 (OsCIF1a, OsCIF1b), OsCIF2, and SCHENGEN3 (OsSGN3a, OsSGN3b) in rice. OsCIF1s and OsCIF2 were mainly expressed in the stele, while OsSGN3s localized around the CS at the endodermis. Knockout of all three OsCIFs or both OsSGN3s resulted in a discontinuous CS and a dramatic reduction in compensatory (less localized) lignification and suberization at the endodermis. By contrast, ectopic overexpression of OsCIF1 or OsCIF2 induced CS formation as well as overlignification and oversuberization at single or double cortical cell layers adjacent to the endodermis. Ectopic co-overexpression of OsCIF1 and SHORTROOT1 (OsSHR1) induced the formation of more CS-like structures at multiple cortical cell layers. Transcriptome analysis identified 112 downstream genes modulated by the OsCIF1/2–OsSGN3 signaling pathway, which is involved in CS formation and activation of the compensatory machinery in native endodermis and nonnative endodermis-like cell layers. Our results provide important insights into the molecular mechanism of CIF-mediated CS formation at the root endodermal and nonendodermal cell layers.
Hydro-bio-geo-socio-chemical interactions and the sustainability of residential landscapes
Authors: Groffman Peter M , Suchy Amanda K , Locke Dexter H , Johnston Robert J , Newburn David A , Gold Arthur J , Band Lawrence E , Duncan Jonathan , Grove J Morgan , Kao-Kniffin Jenny , Meltzer Hallee , Ndebele Tom , O’Neil-Dunne Jarlath , Polsky Colin , Thompson Grant L , Wang Haoluan , Zawojska Ewa
Published: October 2023

Residential landscapes are essential to the sustainability of large areas of the United States. However, spatial and temporal variation across multiple domains complicates developing policies to balance these systems’ environmental, economic, and equity dimensions. We conducted multidisciplinary studies in the Baltimore, MD, USA, metropolitan area to identify locations (hotspots) or times (hot moments) with a disproportionate influence on nitrogen export, a widespread environmental concern. Results showed high variation in the inherent vulnerability/sensitivity of individual parcels to cause environmental damage and in the knowledge and practices of individual managers. To the extent that hotspots are the result of management choices by homeowners, there are straightforward approaches to improve outcomes, e.g. fertilizer restrictions and incentives to reduce fertilizer use. If, however, hotspots arise from the configuration and inherent characteristics of parcels and neighborhoods, efforts to improve outcomes may involve more intensive and complex interventions, such as conversion to alternative ecosystem types.
Validity and Responsiveness of the Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility After Rehabilitation in Service Members With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: McCulloch Karen L , Oh Annabell S , Cecchini Amy S , Zhang Wanqing , Harrison Courtney , Favorov Oleg
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Portable Warrior Test of Tactical Agility (POWAR-TOTAL) is a performance-based test designed to assess active-duty service members diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) and could potentially inform return to duty decisions. To examine the validity and responsiveness of the POWAR-TOTAL measure, this study collected self-reported and performance measures by active-duty service members before and after an episode of physical therapist care.

Methods

Seventy-four individuals, enrolled in care for mTBI symptoms at 1 of 2 concussion specialty Intrepid Spirit Centers, were examined the week that they initiated physical therapy with the intention to return to active duty. Self-reported measures of concussion symptoms, pain, posttraumatic stress, headache, dizziness, and sleep quality were used, as were concurrent measures of mobility and balance. The POWAR-TOTAL task (motor and cognitive skills in single and dual-task conditions) was administered. Forty-nine active-duty service members returned for posttherapy testing using the same test battery. Effect sizes for change in measures were calculated. Construct validity was assessed by correlating change scores on POWAR with concurrent self-report and mobility measures. Responsiveness was evaluated using an anchor-based approach.

Results

Significant improvements in self-reported and performance-based measures, including POWAR, were observed after therapy with moderate to large effect sizes. Improvement in POWAR performance correlated with improvement in both performance and self-reported measures. After therapy, individuals who registered improvement on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale demonstrated significantly faster POWAR motor performance than those who rated little or no improvement in their condition.

Conclusion

The POWAR-TOTAL captured improvement on a military-specific task after completing physical therapy for mTBI and could serve as an indicator of physical recovery and readiness for return to duty.

Impact

Challenging cognitive and motor measures for service members may aid in the assessment of recovery and the ability to successfully return to duty after concussion as part of a comprehensive examination approach.