bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis is associated with higher subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zamora‐Pasadas Mónica , Marfil‐Álvarez Rafael , González‐Bustos Pablo , Magán‐Fernández Antonio , Mesa Francisco
Published: March 2022

Aim

To determine periodontitis prevalence in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to assess whether periodontitis in SLE patients is associated with a greater subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods

An observational case–control study was conducted in SLE (cases) and patients without any rheumatic diseases (controls), matched for sex. Sociodemographic and cardiometabolic variables were gathered, and SLE activity was assessed through several indexes. Periodontal examination registered probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque index, and tooth loss. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measuring the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) by Doppler velocimetry, homocysteine levels, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to assess the association of any of the studied variables with SLE.

Results

Seventy‐one cases and 72 controls were included in the study. Thirty‐nine SLE patients (54.9%) were diagnosed with periodontitis, compared with 16 controls (22.2%). High levels of PWV (≥7.7 m/s, 75th percentile) were shown by 44.3% of the cases vs. 22.4% of the controls (p = .011). Among SLE patients, those with periodontitis showed higher PWV values (8.1 ± 1.52 vs. 7.16 ± 1.11 m/s, p = .006) and higher homeostasis model assessment index (indicative of insulin resistance) (1.7 ± 0.73 vs. 2.92 ± 3.05, p = .028) compared to those with periodontal health. Logistic regression showed that waist circumference (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12, p = .015); ESR (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.16, p = .003); and bleeding on probing (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.19, p = .018) were associated with the risk of SLE.

Conclusion

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients showed a higher periodontitis percentage than controls. Higher PWV values were found in SLE patients with periodontitis, indicating a higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Patients with higher gingival bleeding showed a higher risk of SLE.
Distinguishing between terrestrial and extraterrestrial organic compounds in the CM2 Aguas Zarcas carbonaceous chondrite: Implications for intrinsic organic matter
Authors: Tunney Libby D. , Hill Patrick J. A. , Herd Christopher D. K. , Hilts Robert W. , Holt Miranda C.
Published: March 2022

Soluble organic matter analyses of astromaterials can provide valuable information on the chemistry of our solar system and the processes that occur within it. The surface of the Earth, however, is a significant source of organic compounds due to the presence of life; this environment represents a major source of potential contamination for recently fallen meteorites. Here, we analyze select stones of the CM2 Aguas Zarcas carbonaceous chondrite, which fell on April 23, 2019, in Aguas Zarcas, San Carlos county, Alajuela province, Costa Rica, with the goal of determining the complement of intrinsic and contaminant soluble organic matter. The specimens were collected pre‐ and post‐rainfall, days to weeks after the stones fell on the Earth. Through gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of soluble organic matter in dichloromethane and hot water extracts of meteorite powders, we differentiate between extraterrestrial and contaminant sources for each organic compound detected. In this study, N‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl‐ N‐methyltrifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA) was used to derivatize the hot water extracts to test out its “one‐pot” extraction capabilities. The majority of the detectable organic compounds are contaminants and can be explained as being sourced from the terrestrial surface onto which the meteorite fell. Our results have implications for how environmental factors, such as land use and rainfall events in this case, can impact the intrinsic organics in carbonaceous chondrites.
Never‐breastfed children face a higher risk of suboptimal cognition at 2 years of corrected age: A multinational cohort of very preterm children
Authors: Rodrigues Carina , Zeitlin Jennifer , Zemlin Michael , Wilson Emilija , Pedersen Pernille , Barros Henrique ,   Effective Perinatal Intensive Care in Europe (EPICE) Research Group
Published: March 2022

In a cohort of children born very preterm (VPT), we investigated the association between breast milk feeding (BMF) initiation and its duration on cognitive development at 2 years of corrected age. Data were obtained from the Effective Perinatal Intensive Care in Europe population‐based prospective cohort of children born <32 weeks of gestation, in 11 European countries, in 2011–2012. The study sample included 4323 children. Nonverbal cognitive ability was measured applying the Parental Report of Children's Abilities, except for France where the problem‐solving domain of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire was used. Verbal cognition was based on the number of words the child could say. To determine the association between BMF (mother's own milk) and nonverbal and verbal cognition (outcome categorized as optimal and suboptimal), adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) were estimated fitting Poisson regression models, with inverse probability weights to account for nonresponse bias. Overall, 16% and 11% of the children presented suboptimal nonverbal and verbal cognition, respectively. Never BMF was associated with a significantly increased risk for suboptimal nonverbal (aRR = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–1.53) and verbal (aRR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.09–1.92) cognitive development compared with those ever breastfed, after adjustment for perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics. Compared with children breastfed 6 months or more, children with shorter BMF duration exhibited a statistically nonsignificant elevated aRR. VPT children fed with breast milk had both improved nonverbal and verbal cognitive development at 2 years in comparison with never breastfed, independently of perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics. This study encourages targeted interventions to promote BMF among these vulnerable children.
Purgatory and the “Time” of the Eschatological Healing of Victims
Authors: NATHAN W. O’HALLORAN, S.J
Published: March 2022

There is an emergent need in Catholic eschatology to theologize about the postmortem healing of victims. While tracing the entire history of the postmortem healing of victims is beyond the scope of this article, my overview will focus on the recent sensitivity to the plight of victims in the afterlife, particularly in response to the writings of Miroslav Volf. I then turn to the question of when this healing takes place. Catholic theology has deployed three primary models in the past century to answer this question: healing in death, in heaven, and in an intermediate state process. I analyze each of these possibilities and conclude that an intermediate state process model, one that employs the doctrine of purgatory but further develops it to take the healing of victims into account, is most biblically appropriate and theologically sensitive to the needs of victims.
What does it mean to be Eurasian in South East Asia, Malaysia?
Authors: Vega Sharon Regina , Pandian Sivamurugan , Pazil Nur Hafeeza Ahmad
Published: March 2022

This article explores the definitions of Eurasian identity utilising the authority‐defined, everyday‐defined, and national identity concepts by Shamsul Amri. The authority‐defined explains the influence of authority figures such as the British administration during the colonial era and the Malaysian government during the postcolonial era via establishedbumiputera‐based policies that have impacted the Eurasian community, alongside the Eurasian Associations in Malaysia, which acts as an authority in preserving and curating Eurasian culture and identity. The everyday‐defined concept focuses on personal experiences of Eurasians, specifically on the hybridity of culture, religion and language that shifts as newer generations emerge. Findings show that Eurasians defined according to the authority‐defined concept is based on the governmental documentation such as their birth certificate whereas the everyday‐defined concept is based on ancestral lineage andperanakanheritage that has been established by Malaysian society.
Socialising Chinese nationalism: Education and media
Authors: Yang Liu
Published: March 2022

This study discusses the socialisation experiences of young Chinese from two different education backgrounds and media environment. Through a survey on the attitudes of students from Macau and mainland China towards nationalism‐related news events using a survey, this study has revealed that their education social background and media‐use patterns have a greater impact on students' attitudes towards political events (military parade and Occupy Central) than cultural events (Tu Youyou's Nobel Prize and championship of women's volleyball team), and the differences of their attitudes vary depending on the events in question. Moreover, mainland students are more nationalistic and supportive of the official mainland media's discourse on sovereignty issues, but more sceptical of its sources on events of conflicts between Chinese ethnicities. The findings of this study have revealed how wider media exposure impacts the attitudes of individuals; additionally, it responds to the debates on whether people are more inclined to recognise their existing common identities or influenced by the political regimes constructed by the elites; most importantly, it tests the socialising experiences of nationalism among young Chinese from different educational and media backgrounds.
Traditional use of medicinal plants among the indigenous communities in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Authors: Jan Muatasim , Mir Tawseef Ahmad , Khare Rakesh Kumar
Published: March 2022

A number of indigenous communities reside in the Himalayan belt of Baramulla, where the lack of modern health care facilities represents crucial problems to their survival. Therefore, the current study was aimed at documenting traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the region. Ethnomedicinal data was collected during 2018–2020. Fifty‐one informants were interviewed in seventeen villages via questionnaires, semi‐structured interviews and group discussions. Data was also analyzed by various ethnobotanical indices. A total of 85 plant species distributed in 40 families was documented. Asteraceae was reported to be the dominant plant family and leaves were the most frequently utilized plant part. Musculoskeletal disorder scored the highest informant consensus factor (ICF) value (0.87). Colchicum luteum (0.61) and Verbascum thapsus (0.59) had the highest use value (UV) and Viola odorata and Ajuga integrifolia had the highest fidelity value (FL) (100%). Of the documented species, the use in this area of about 18 plants (21%) is reported here for the first time.. Medicinal plants still play an important role in the health care sector in the region and the folk knowledge attached to them is remarkable, although declining among the younger generations. Medicinal plants reported for the first time need to be studied pharmacologically.
Overlap of heartburn, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome in a population sample: Prevalence, temporal stability, and associated comorbidities
Authors: Jones Michael P. , Shah Ayesha , Walker Marjorie M. , Koloski Natasha A. , Holtmann Gerald , Talley Nicholas J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Co‐occurring (overlapping) irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia (FD), and heartburn has been observed. However, whether it is a distinct entity has not been established, nor what clinical, demographic, lifestyle, and psychological traits are associated with it. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and temporal stability of this overlap and to identify features specific to it in order to gain some insights into the potential etiopathogenesis.

Methods

Two waves of a survey to a population‐representative sample were conducted 3 years apart, recruiting 1312 individuals for this study. The chance‐expected probability of complete overlap (CO) was calculated and compared with the observed CO. A range of demographic, lifestyle factors, medical diagnoses, sleep quality, and psychological distress were tested to identify predictors of overlap using logistic regression.

Key Results

CO was observed in 2.1% (95% confidence interval 1.9, 3.7) of the sample and was closely replicated in wave 2 at 2.0%. The observed CO was greater than expected by chance (0.2%) to a statistically significant extent (p < 0.001). Overlap between IBS subtypes, FD subtypes, and heartburn was also elevated above chance expectation. Individuals with CO were separately differentiated from others with respect to elevated rates of self‐reported medically diagnosed asthma, elevated psychological distress score, and elevated impact on sleep quality. The discrimination provided by these factors was further independent of age and sex.

Conclusions and Inferences

Overlap between IBS, FD, and heartburn (GERD) appears to be a distinct entity that has a profile including psychological morbidity, sleep disturbance, and elevated rates of atopy.
Seed dormancy in space and time: global distribution, paleoclimatic and present climatic drivers, and evolutionary adaptations
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Liu Yuan , Sun Lu , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M. , Cao Min , Yang Jie
Published: March 2022

Seed dormancy is an important life history state that increases survival and fitness of seed plants, and thus it has attracted much attention. However, global biogeography, effects of paleoenvironment, evolutionary roles of dormancy transitions, and differences in adaptations of seed dormancy between life‐forms are poorly understood.

We compiled global distribution records for seed dormancy of 12 743 species and their phylogeny to explore the biogeographic patterns, environmental drivers, and evolutionary transitions between seed dormancy and nondormancy.

Biogeographic patterns reveal a low proportion of dormancy in tropical rainforest regions and arctic regions and a high proportion of dormancy in remaining tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions for all species and woody species. Herbaceous plants show a greater proportion of dormancy in most global regions except arctic regions. Seasonal environments have a consistent positive influence on the dormancy pattern for both life‐forms, but precipitation and temperature were important driving factors for woody and herbaceous plants, respectively. Seed dormancy was the dominating state during the evolutionary history of seed plants, and dormancy transitions had a significant relationship with paleotemperatures. Dormancy and nondormancy transitions in response to fluctuating environments during long‐term evolutionary history may have played important roles in the diversification of seed plants.

Our results add to the current knowledge about seed dormancy from macro‐adaptive perspectives and the potential adaptive mechanisms of seed plants.
Association of muscle fiber type with measures of obesity: A systematic review
Authors: Damer Alameen , El Meniawy Sherif , McPherson Ruth , Wells George , Harper Mary‐Ellen , Dent Robert
Published: March 2022

Obesity derives from an extended period of positive energy imbalance due to a complex interplay of environmental and biological factors. Muscle fiber type and physiology have been hypothesized to affect metabolism and energy expenditure and thus to affect an individual's propensity to gain weight. However, there have been conflicting reports regarding a relationship between muscle fiber type and obesity. Here, we systematically reviewed literature investigating this topic from PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Of these, 32 articles were included in our final review and analysis. Most studies (22/32) reported a significant relationship between muscle fiber‐type proportion and a measure of obesity. Overall, there was a significant negative relationship between the proportion of type I fibers and body mass index (BMI) and a significant positive relationship between the proportion of type IIX fibers and BMI. Moreover, between‐group comparisons indicated a greater prevalence of type IIX fibers and a lower prevalence of type I fibers in patients living with obesity relative to lean individuals. These significant relationships were confirmed in a meta‐analysis of these data. The causal nature of these associations remains to be evaluated.
Global and Current Research Trends of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy/Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Bibliometric and Visualization Study
Authors: Chu Pei‐lin , Wang Tao , Zheng Jia‐le , Xu Chong‐qing , Yan Yin‐jie , Ma Qing‐shan , Meng‐chen Yin , Da‐sheng Tian
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to make a bibliometric analysis of the current research situation in unilateral biportal endoscopy/biportal endoscopic spinal surgery (UBE/BESS). Research data sets were acquired from the Web of Science database. The study chosed “biportal endoscopic spinal surgery” OR “two portal endoscopic spinal surgery” OR “percutaneous biportal endoscopic decompression” OR “unilateral biportal endoscopy” OR “irrigation endoscopic discectomy” as the search terms. The literature search was limited to articles published before March 5, 2021. We only included original articles and reviews. VOS viewer and Citespace software were used to analyze the data and generate visualization knowledge maps. Annual trend of publications, distribution, H‐index status, co‐authorship status, and research hotspots were analyzed. A total of 74 publications met the requirement. The sum number of citations was 31,204, in which 19,336 were no self‐citations. The average citation of all the papers was 21.84 times. The H‐index of all the publications was 85. South Korea's total number of articles was far higher than that of other countries and regions (61, 82.4%), followed by United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Peoples Republic of China (three, ranking second, accounting for 12.2% of the total). For the most productive authors, Choi ranked first with 21 articles, Kim ranked second with 16 articles, and Heo ranked third with 12 articles. The journal with the greatest number of publications was World Neurosurgery, with a total of 18 (39.1%) papers. Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery ranked second with six (13.0%) papers. In third place, there were fix articles published by Asian Spine Journal and Neurospine, accounting for 21.8% of the total articles. These top three journals accounted for 73.9% of all the papers. Spondylolisthesis and endoscopic decompression were the research hotspots in recent years. The number of publications has showed an upward trend with a stable rise in recent years. South Korea is the country with the highest productivity, not only in quality, but also in quantity. Barun Hosp and Leon Wiltse Mem Hosphave published most articles. Choi is the most productive author. World Neurosurgery is the most productive journal. Spondylolisthesis and endoscopic decompression are the research hotspots in recent years. Indeed, this study provides new insight into the growth and development of UBE/BESS.
Effects of Antibacterial Co‐Cr‐Mo‐Cu Alloys on Osteoblast Proliferation, Differentiation, and the Inhibition of Apoptosis
Authors: Duan Jing‐zhu , Yang Yang , Wang Huan
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To investigate the effects of antibacterial Co‐Cr‐Mo‐Cu alloys with different Cu contents on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and the inhibition of apoptosis to optimize the selection of surgical implantation.

Methods

Microstructure, phase structure, and ion release were evaluated using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry. The effects on osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis were characterized by cell proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, and western blotting, respectively.

Results

Compared to the original Co‐Cr‐Mo alloys, the released Cu ions from Co‐Cu alloys promoted osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and inhibited apoptosis. It can be noted that the optical density (OD490) and the ALP activity have increased to 1.237 and 1.053, respectively, in Co‐2Cu alloy (0.604 and 0.171 for original Co‐Cr‐Mo alloy). Meanwhile, these effects were evaluated through the upregulation of ROS levels and 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1) expression and the downregulation of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p‐AMPK. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the Co‐Cu alloys were also enhanced, as demonstrated by the strong antibacterial activity of Cu phases in Co‐Cu alloys incubated with Staphylococcus aureus, in which more than 99.8% of the bacteria has been killed.

Conclusions

The addition of Cu element in the Co‐Cr‐Mo alloys could induce OB proliferation and differentiation and inhibited OB apoptosis. Meanwhile, it can be recognized that the Co‐Cu alloys with 2wt% Cu exhibit the highest performance among all the samples, indicating that the effects of osteoblast differentiation and the inhibition of apoptosis are highly dependent on the adding of Cu elements. Co‐Cr‐Mo‐Cu alloys with an excellent antibacterial property could be used as a tool to improve osteogenic ability and antibacterial properties in orthopaedic implant operations.
The Trump Administration and the COVID‐19 crisis: Exploring the warning‐response problems and missed opportunities of a public health emergency
Authors: Parker Charles F. , Stern Eric K.
Published: March 2022

This article examines the Trump Administration's inability to mount a timely and effective response to the COVID‐19 outbreak, despite ample warning. Through an empirical exploration guided by three explanatory perspectives—psychological, bureau‐organizational, and agenda‐political—developed from the strategic surprise, public administration, and crisis management literature, the authors seek to shed light on the mechanisms that contributed to the underestimation of the coronavirus threat by the Trump Administration and the slow and mismanaged federal response. The analysis highlights the extent to which the factors identified by previous studies of policy surprise and failure in other security domains are relevant for health security. The paper concludes by addressing the crucial role of executive leadership as an underlying factor in all three perspectives and discussing why the US president is ultimately responsible for ensuring a healthy policy process to guard against the pathologies implicated in the federal government's sub‐optimal response to the COVID‐19 crisis.
Native language experience shapes pre‐attentive foreign tone processing and guides rapid memory trace build‐up: An ERP study
Authors: Gosselke Berthelsen Sabine , Horne Merle , Shtyrov Yury , Roll Mikael
Published: March 2022

Language experience, particularly from our native language (L1), shapes our perception of other languages around us. The present study examined how L1 experience moulds the initial processing of foreign (L2) tone during acquisition. In particular, we investigated whether learners were able to rapidly forge new neural memory traces for novel tonal words, which was tracked by recording learners’ ERP responses during two word acquisition sessions. We manipulated the degree of L1–L2 familiarity by comparing learners with a nontonal L1 (German) and a tonal L1 (Swedish) and by using tones that were similar (fall) or dissimilar (high, low, rise) to those occurring in Swedish. Our results indicate that a rapid, pre‐attentive memory trace build‐up for tone manifests in an early ERP component at ~50 ms but only at particularly high levels of L1–L2 similarity. Specifically, early processing was facilitated for an L2 tone that had a familiar pitch shape (fall) and word‐level function (inflection). This underlines the importance of these L1 properties for the early processing of L2 tone. In comparison, a later anterior negativity related to the processing of the tones’ grammatical content was unaffected by native language experience but was instead influenced by lexicality, pitch prominence, entrenchment, and successful learning. Behaviorally, learning effects emerged for all learners and tone types, regardless of L1–L2 familiarity or pitch prominence. Together, the findings suggest that while L1‐based facilitation effects occur, they mainly affect early processing stages and do not necessarily result in more successful L2 acquisition at behavioral level.
R&D subsidies, internet penetration and global value chain position
Authors: Qian Furong , Yuan Xiaoyong
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between R&D subsidies and global value chain position (GVCP), as well as the moderating role of internet penetration. Panel regression model analysis of a dataset of Chinese regional GVCP from 2005 to 2016 shows an inverted U‐shaped relationship between R&D subsidies and GVCP. Furthermore, our empirical analysis suggests that internet penetration can weaken this inverted U‐shaped relationship. These results highlight the importance of internet penetration for regional enterprises and provide policy makers with new insights into their subsidy policies.
Characteristics, goal‐oriented treatments and survival of pulmonary arterial hypertension in China: Insights from a national multicentre prospective registry
Authors: Quan Ruilin , Zhang Gangcheng , Yu Zaixin , Zhang Caojin , Yang Zhenwen , Tian Hongyan , Yang Yuanhua , Wu Weifeng , Chen Yucheng , Liu Yuhao , Zhu Xianyang , Li Shengqing , Shen Jieyan , Zheng Zeqi , Zhu Xiulong , Wang Guangyi , Wang Qian , Zhou Daxin , Ji Yingqun , Yang Tao , Li Wen , Chen Xiaoxi , Qian Yuling , Lin Yangyi , Gu Qing , Xiong Changming , Shan Guangliang , He Jianguo
Published: March 2022

Background and objective

Nationally representative reports on the characteristics and long‐term survival of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from developing countries are scarce. The applicability of the current main risk stratifications and the longitudinal changes in goal‐oriented treatments have yet to be elucidated in real‐world settings. Therefore, we aimed to provide insights into the characteristics, goal‐oriented treatments and survival of PAH in China and to explore the applicability of the main risk stratifications in our independent cohort.

Methods

PAH patients were consecutively enrolled from a national prospective multicentre registry. Data on baseline, follow‐up re‐evaluation and therapeutic changes were collected.

Results

A total of 2031 patients were enrolled, with congenital heart disease (CHD)‐PAH (45.2%) being the most common aetiology. The mean age was 35 ± 12 years, and 76.2% were females. At baseline, approximately 20% of the patients with intermediate or high risk received combination treatment. At follow‐up, approximately half of the re‐evaluated patients did not achieve low‐risk profiles, and even among patients who received combination therapy at baseline, 4% of them still worsened. The rate of combination therapy increased significantly from 6.7% before 2015 to 35.5% thereafter. The main risk assessment tools demonstrated good performance for predicting survival both at baseline and at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Chinese PAH patients show both similar and distinct features compared to other countries. Current main risk stratifications can significantly discriminate patients at different risk levels. There were still many patients not achieving low‐risk profiles at follow‐up, indicating more aggressive treatment should be implemented to optimize the goal‐oriented treatment strategy.
Does social integration matter for cohort differences in the political participation of internal migrants in China?
Authors: Lu Haiyang , Kandilov Ivan T. , Zhu Rong
Published: March 2022

Using nationally representative data from the 2017 National Internal Migrants Dynamic Monitoring Survey, this paper examines the nexus between social integration and the political participation of internal migrants in China. We document a positive association between social integration status and internal migrants’ political participation. The study further examines the political participation differentials from two perspectives: between migration types and between migration distances. Our Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition analysis suggests that while only about 5.2% of the political participation differential between urban‐to‐urban migrants and rural‐to‐urban migrants is attributable to the difference in social integration status, the difference in social integration status explains about 12.0% of the participation gap between intra‐provincial migrants and inter‐provincial migrants. Our findings suggest that regionally diverse social integration policies may have unintended consequences for the political participation of migrant workers in China.
Chromosome‐level pepino genome provides insights into genome evolution and anthocyanin biosynthesis in Solanaceae
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Liu Haibin , Shen Shaoqin , Huang Zhinan , Yu Tong , Liu Zhuo , Yang Qihang , Wu Tong , Feng Shuyan , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhiyuan , Duan Weike
Published: March 2022

Pepino (Solanum muricatum, 2n = 2x = 24), a member of the Solanaceae family, is an important globally grown fruit. Herein, we report high‐quality, chromosome‐level pepino genomes. The 91.67% genome sequence is anchored to 12 chromosomes, with a total length of 1.20 Gb and scaffold N50 of 87.03 Mb. More than half the genome comprises repetitive sequences. In addition to the shared ancient whole‐genome triplication (WGT) event in eudicots, an additional new WGT event was present in the pepino. Our findings suggest that pepinos experienced chromosome rearrangements, fusions, and gene loss after a WGT event. The large number of gene removals indicated the instability of Solanaceae genomes, providing opportunities for species divergence and natural selection. The paucity of disease‐resistance genes (NBS) in pepino and eggplant has been explained by extensive loss and limited generation of genes after WGT events in Solanaceae. The outbreak of NBS genes was not synchronized in Solanaceae species, which occurred before the Solanaceae WGT event in pepino, tomato, and tobacco, whereas it was almost synchronized with WGT events in the other four Solanaceae species. Transcriptome and comparative genomic analyses revealed several key genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. Although an extra WGT event occurred in Solanaceae, CHS genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in grapes were still significantly expanded compared with those in Solanaceae species. Proximal and tandem duplications contributed to the expansion of CHS genes. In conclusion, the pepino genome and annotation facilitate further research into important gene functions and comparative genomic analysis in Solanaceae.
Manufacturing and service‐sector productivity in Turkey: A perspective from firm‐level data
Authors: Dincer Nazire Nergiz , Eichengreen Barry , Tekin‐Koru Ayça
Published: March 2022

Since 2003, productivity growth in Turkey has disappointed. We provide a new analysis of the issue, measuring labour productivity at the firm level. Previous accounts distinguish a period of rapid productivity growth before 2007–2008 from one of slower productivity growth thereafter. In contrast, we show that productivity growth in manufacturing was faster after 2007–2008 than before, while productivity in services declined through 2010, after which it stabilised. The slump in service‐sector productivity was compounded by a shift in employment towards activities with relatively low, slowly growing labour productivity such as construction, hospitality and business services. These trends were attributable to policy. Our findings thus upend the conventional picture of successful policy reform prior to the Global Financial Crisis followed by a period of regression.
Caregiver burden, treatment complexity, and the veterinarian–client relationship in owners of dog with skin disease
Authors: Spitznagel Mary Beth , Patrick Karlee , Hillier Andrew , Gober Margaret , Carlson Mark D.
Published: March 2022

Background

Increasing complexity of treatment plans is associated with higher levels of caregiver burden in owners of dogs with skin disease. It is possible that elevated caregiver burden resulting from treatment complexity could, in turn, affect the veterinarian–client relationship.

Hypotheses/Objectives

We expected that treatment complexity, caregiver burden, and the client’s perception of the veterinarian–client relationship would be related to each other. We also expected an indirect effect of caregiver burden on the cross‐sectional association between treatment complexity and the veterinarian–client relationship, and that this effect would be robust to adjustment for the dog’s skin disease course and severity.

Participants

Participants were 349 owners of dogs with skin disease recruited through online consumer panels.

Materials and methods

Cross‐sectional online assessments were completed for caregiver burden, treatment plan complexity, veterinarian–client relationship, and skin disease course and severity. Demographic information also was collected.

Results

The indirect effect of caregiver burden on the relationship between treatment complexity and veterinarian–client relationship was statistically significant, accounting for 42.76% of the variance in the model. After controlling for disease severity and course, that effect remained statistically significant, accounting for 37.76% of the variance.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Findings support the notion that greater treatment complexity is related to the owner’s perception of the veterinarian–client relationship via caregiver burden. Efforts to reduce caregiver burden by using the simplest effective treatment may benefit the veterinarian–client relationship.
Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in dogs: Incidence and risk factors for rupture
Authors: Grimes Janet A. , Thieman Mankin Kelley M.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the rates of rupture and mortality associated with surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs and to identify risk factors for rupture.

Study design

Retrospective cohort.

Animals

Two‐hundred and eighty‐five dogs with PDA undergoing surgical ligation.

Methods

Information regarding signalment, weight, surgical findings, complications, presence of residual flow, and survival was recorded. Age, weight, and presence of residual flow were compared between cases with and without rupture.

Results

The initial surgical approach was extrapericardial (144), intrapericardial (46), not reported (94), or Jackson‐Henderson (1). Rupture of the PDA occurred in 7.0% of dogs (20/285, 13 extrapericardial, 3 intrapericardial, 4 not reported). No difference in age or weight was found between dogs with and without rupture. Overall mortality was 0.4% (1/285). Additional major complications occurred in 1.4% of dogs, all in the nonrupture group. The overall rate of residual flow after ligation was 9.4%. Dogs with rupture were more likely to have residual flow than those without rupture (P = .012). If ligation was performed after rupture (rather than hemostasis only), no difference in residual flow rates (P = .398) was noted between dogs with rupture and those without.

Conclusion

The rate of rupture with surgical ligation of PDAs was low. No specific risk factors for rupture were identified.

Clinical significance

Successful treatment of PDA rupture is possible, evidenced by the low mortality rate in this population of dogs. Ligation of the PDA after rupture, either in the concurrent or a subsequent procedure, reduces the odds of residual flow.
FED BATCH PHYTOREMEDIATION REGIME FOR ENHANCED NUTRIENT REMOVAL BY SALVINIA MOLESTA ON FISH FARM WASTEWATER
Authors: Xia Chua Mei , Muniandy Dineshkumar , Chan Derek Juinn Chieh
Published: March 2022

Phytoremediation is a bioremediation process that uses various types of plants to remove, transfer, stabilize, and destroy contaminants in the soil and groundwater. In this study, the performance of fed batch (FB) phytoremediation by S. molesta on fish farm wastewater was investigated by varying percentage of fresh wastewater loading. This study was aimed to investigate the biomass production of S. molesta through different FB percentage cultivation along with nutrient removal aiming to treat wastewater. The water quality after phytoremediation was monitored throughout 16 days. The nutrient removal efficiency was high in higher percentage of FB but all the medium achieved standard discharge limit. Ammonia and phosphate removal showed very high (˂95%) for 75% FB medium with total removal of 46.59 mg and 5.46 mg respectively. The removal of ammonia and phosphate by control set was 13.73 mg and 1.62 mg. Although the concentration of nitrate continued to increase throughout the study, FB cultivation minimized the increment where all percentage experienced decrease in nitrate value and 75% FB had lowest level of 2.40 mg/L compared to control which was 5.00 mg/L. However total nitrogen value in higher FB medium indicated highest value of 13.85 mg/L on day 16. VSS for FB medium was far below control. FB phytoremediation of S. molesta in fish farm water showed high efficiency in nutrient removal but no significant effect on its biomass. This study proved that FB phytoremediation of S. molesta has potential on nutrient removal from fish farm wastewater
A GEOMETRIC DESIGN METHOD OF RADIAL INFLOW TURBINE FROM 0D TO 3D FOR ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE MICRO POWER GENERATION
Authors: Pasek Ari Darmawan , Prasetyo Prihadi , Bonar Asybel , Arifin Maulana
Published: March 2022

Radial turbine is an essential component of Organic Rankine Cycle system and requires a medium to high specific speed turbine. Radial turbine has a compact structure that can easily be made with current additive manufacturing technology if the 3D geometry of turbine components is known. Current researches only conduct 2D geometry design then import it into third-party software to construct the 3D geometry. This paper will explain design methodology to design radial inflow turbines from 0D until 3D using simple tools.
The methods used to determine the geometry were based on Aungier, with modification in determining value of a, b, and c in nozzle design and A1 in Volute design to simplify the design process. The tools used in design were MS Excel and Autodesk Inventor. Rotor design starts with determining the two-dimensional parameters. All parameters are calculated based on the angle and velocities occurring in the velocity triangle at the inlet and outlet of the rotor using equations proposed by Aungier. Then, the straight, radial and quasi-normal lines of the blades are drawn based on governing equations. The transformation from 2D to 3D blade coordinates is done by using vector equations. The nozzle is designed by drawing the camber line profile and calculating the nozzle thickness to get the profile based on the governing equations given by Aungier. The volute dimensions are obtained by calculating the area of volute inlet passage and mean radius from mass and momentum conservation equations. A case study is shown in this paper with R134a as working fluid with the following range inlet conditions: mass flow rate at 1-2 kg/s, inlet pressure at 1.5 to 5 bar, inlet temperature at 80 to 130 °C, and power output target between 20 to 25 kW. The CFD results show that the designed turbine performs well with slight wake flow at the pressure side on the rotor inlet. A further study needs to be done in order to check the validity of this method by conducting analysis through experimental.
IMPROVING MEAT EXPIRATION TIME PREDICTION USING THE INTERNET OF THINGS AND POLYNOMIAL REGRESSION
Authors: Nugraha I Gde Dharma , Wijaya Goldy Tanjung , Ramli Kalamullah
Published: March 2022

The meat's expiration time has a vital role for the consumer. Usually, the consumer will process the meat before the expiration time passes. However, most of the sellers in the traditional market did not put the expiration time. Even if it exists like in the modern market, the expiration time is determined by the Standard Operational and Procedure (SOP), which is that the meat must be sold within three days. Nevertheless, this expiration time determined by the SOP usually did not match with the meat's actual condition. Hence, the consumer usually misses to process meat and produce food waste. Therefore, this study proposed a device based on the IoT and Polynomial Regression to predict the meat's expiration time. The proposed device predicts the meat's expiration time based on the level of NH3 produced by the meat. The detected level of the NH3 will be sent to the server and is processed using the polynomial regression. The results can then be accessed using an Android application. From 30 sets of experiment data, the proposed device achieves 0.947 for data testing with an error of 0.18% and RMSE about 0.86
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF AS-BUILT AND CARBON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER RETROFITTED REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM WITH WEB OPENINGS UNDER IMPACT LOADING
Authors: Mohammed Tesfaye Alemu , Alebachew Tensae
Published: March 2022

It is not uncommon to provide openings in beams due to utility needs such as mechanical, electrical and sewerage passages. However, no clear guidelines are available in code of practice to handle beam web openings and presence of openings in beams changes behavior of Reinforced Concrete beam into a more complicated one. This research work investigates response of RC beam with openings under impact loading and proposes application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to restore lost beam performance due to the presence of web openings. 3D nonlinear finite element software LS-DYNA is used for model development, validation and parametric finite element analysis work. The accuracy of the nonlinear finite element models are verified using experimental results from literature. Further parametric studies are performed to optimize beam web openings on opening location, size and CFRP no. of layers and fiber orientation. Numerical results showed as compared to control, large opening cutouts in RC beam decreased impact resistance of a beam by 54%. Also, RC beam exhibited poor impact loading resistance close to loading point (mid span) and performed good near shear zone. As compared to control as-built RC beam, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites strengthening reduced mid span deflection by 74% and improved beams brittle failure mode. Also, 900 fiber orientation complete wrapping resulted in reduction of shear cracking around opening however exhibited low overall impact resistance as compared with 0º fiber orientation.
The Causes of Unauthorized Residential Plots Development and Implication for Government Agencies
Authors: Mohsin Aminah , Firdaus Nasrul Faiz , Berahim Nur
Published: March 2022

Rising house prices, particularly in emerging areas, have prompted some people to look for new ways to buy a home by purchasing residential plots of land. Additionally, because the city's development is more oriented toward strata development, some people want to possess a landed house, which is more comfortable. Bungalow lots, lot lidi, tiny plots, and house lots are all terms used to describe land sold as a residential plot. However, problems arise when residential plots are developed that do not adhere to the law's standards and guidelines, resulting in the creation of residential plots without permission becoming more common. The purpose of this study was to determine the causes of the rise in unauthorized residential plot development, as well as the ramifications for government agencies. Mukim Ijok and Mukim Jeram in Kuala Selangor were chosen as case studies using a qualitative approach. The interview session included a total of 13 respondents, chosen by purposive sampling. According to the findings of this study, there are four (4) major causes that contribute to the rise in the development of unauthorized residential plots: high profit margins for landowners, rising house prices, the desire to own a house on their own land for a lower price, and a lack of knowledge about land among owners and buyers. While, the implications of these issues for government authority were economic, social, and environmental in nature. Finally, the study's findings are likely to improve community awareness of the detrimental implications of unauthorised residential plot development.
Indonesian Sharia Banking in Facing the Industrial Revolution 4.0
Authors: Hasan Zulfikar , Nita Putri Mutia Rosiana
Published: March 2022

This study looks at the impact of the industrial revolution 4.0 on the Islamic banking sector. The industrial revolution simply implies major and advanced innovations to the way humans produce goods. This great change has happened three times, and we are currently experiencing the fourth industrial revolution. Every major change is always followed by major changes in the economic, political, even military, and cultural fields. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has entered Indonesia since 2015. This provides opportunities for several economic sectors around the world to gain market share and wider investment. This study uses qualitative methods to explain the phenomenon being studied. The Sharia Supervisory Board and National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN-MUI) are one of the regulators that make sharia banking stronger and more recognized. A method that we use is a qualitative method by looking at and analyzing the object of research to be studied. Where the object of research in this paper is Islamic banking in Indonesia, and how Islamic banking faces the Industrial Revolution 4.0.  Islamic banking in Indonesia needs to apply advanced technology to be able to compete with conventional banking, especially during the 4.0 era, technology is one of the most important things to be able to keep up with the times.
Advancing respiratory–cardiovascular physiology with the working heart–brainstem preparation over 25 years
Authors: Paton Julian F. R. , Machado Benedito H. , Moraes Davi J. A. , Zoccal Daniel B. , Abdala Ana P. , Smith Jeffrey C. , Antunes Vagner R. , Murphy David , Dutschmann Mathias , Dhingra Rishi R. , McAllen Robin , Pickering Anthony E. , Wilson Richard J. A. , Day Trevor A. , Barioni Nicole O. , Allen Andrew M. , Menuet Clément , Donnelly Joseph , Felippe Igor , St‐John Walter M.
Published: March 2022

Twenty‐five years ago, a new physiological preparation called the working heart–brainstem preparation (WHBP) was introduced with the claim it would provide a new platform allowing studies not possible before in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, autonomic and respiratory research. Herein, we review some of the progress made with the WHBP, some advantages and disadvantages along with potential future applications, and provide photographs and technical drawings of all the customised equipment used for the preparation. Using mice or rats, the WHBP is an in situ experimental model that is perfused via an extracorporeal circuit benefitting from unprecedented surgical access, mechanical stability of the brain for whole cell recording and an uncompromised use of pharmacological agents akin to in vitro approaches. The preparation has revealed novel mechanistic insights into, for example, the generation of distinct respiratory rhythms, the neurogenesis of sympathetic activity, coupling between respiration and the heart and circulation, hypothalamic and spinal control mechanisms, and peripheral and central chemoreceptor mechanisms. Insights have been gleaned into diseases such as hypertension, heart failure and sleep apnoea. Findings from the in situ preparation have been ratified in conscious in vivo animals and when tested have translated to humans. We conclude by discussing potential future applications of the WHBP including two‐photon imaging of peripheral and central nervous systems and adoption of pharmacogenetic tools that will improve our understanding of physiological mechanisms and reveal novel mechanisms that may guide new treatment strategies for cardiorespiratory diseases.

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