bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NLR immune receptor-nanobody fusions confer plant disease resistance
Authors: Kourelis Jiorgos , Marchal Clemence , Kamoun Sophien
Published: October 2021

Plant pathogens cause recurrent epidemics that threaten crop yield and global food security. Efforts to retool the plant immune system have been limited to modifying natural components and can be nullified by the emergence of new pathogen races. Therefore, there is a need to develop made-to-order synthetic plant immune receptors with resistance tailored to the pathogen genotypes present in the field. Here we show that plant immune receptors can be used as scaffolds for VHH nanobody fusions that bind fluorescent proteins (FPs). The receptor-nanobody fusions signal in the presence of the corresponding FP and confer resistance against plant viruses expressing FPs. Given that nanobodies can be raised against virtually any molecule, immune receptor-nanobody fusions have the potential to generate resistance against all major plant pathogens and pests.

One-Sentence Summary

Plant immune receptor-nanobody fusions enable made-to-order disease resistance genes.
Bicolor angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) provides the first chromosome-level genome of the Pomacanthidae family
Authors: Li Chunhua , Yang Xianwei , Shao Libin , Zhang Rui , Liu Qun , Zhang Mengqi , Liu Shanshan , Pan Shanshan , Xue Weizhen , Wang Congyan , Mao Chunyan , Zhang He , Fan Guangyi
Published: October 2021

The Bicolor Angelfish, Centropyge bicolor, is a tropical coral reef fish. It is named for its striking two-color body. However, a lack of high-quality genomic data means little is known about the genome of this species. Here, we present a chromosome-level C. bicolor genome constructed using Hi-C data. The assembled genome is 650 Mbp in size, with a scaffold N50 value of 4.4 Mbp, and a contig N50 value of 114 Kbp. Protein-coding genes numbering 21,774 were annotated. Our analysis will help others to choose the most appropriate de novo genome sequencing strategy based on resources and target applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first chromosome-level genome for the Pomacanthidae family, which might contribute to further studies exploring coral reef fish evolution, diversity and conservation.
Three-echelon apparel supply chain coordination with triple bottom line approach
Authors: Kumar Patanjal , Sharma Dheeraj , Pandey Peeyush
Published: October 2021

Purpose

An apparel supply chain primarily consists of geographically distant suppliers, manufacturers and retailers. The coordination among the members of the supply chain becomes difficult when we consider the triple bottom line of sustainability in it. Moreover, the complexity increases with the change in dominance power of the respective members. However, the task of managing the channel further becomes complicated after incorporating sustainability and dominance power simultaneously into the supply chain. To fill this gap, this paper focuses on designing of mechanism and demonstration of three-echelon model to coordinate sustainable supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the noncooperative game theoretic method has been applied for the exploration of models. The various structures of the centralized and decentralized supply chain are considered on the basis of a player's dominance power. The model uses simultaneous and sequential move games to analyze optimal profit of supply chain agents, total channel profit, green innovation level and corporate social innovation level.

Findings

Analytical results show that simultaneous game performs better than the sequential game. The consumer sensitivity toward green and social innovations increases total channel profit. We also proposed a linear two-part tariff contract model. The proposed model enhances the sustainability level and leads to perfect channel coordination. Using a numerical example, we present the effectiveness of multiple game structures under centralized and decentralized settings. The results reveal that channel efficiency is the highest in the two-part tariff contract followed by a simultaneous move game structure and lower in the cases of sequential move game.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, model setting are deterministic and there is no any information asymmetry. Therefore researchers are encouraged to study multiechelon sustainable supply chain coordination models under stochastic and information asymmetry settings.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of sustainable supply chain coordination model to tackle the problems of dominance power, sustainability issues and lower channel efficiency of supply chain.

Originality/value

This study proposes game-theory-based three-echelon sustainable supply chain for the channel coordination.
Coworking space practices: assessing space users’ preferences and challenges in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ayodele Timothy Oluwafemi , Ogunbayo Oyeronke Toyin , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Babatunde Theophilus
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Coworking spaces are recent developments in commercial property investment portfolio in Nigeria. Given the user-centered nature of coworking space practices, the purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing users’ preference for coworking, and the challenges associated with the use of coworking spaces in the emerging Nigeria property market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative research approach. This study sampled nine (9) traditional coworking spaces in Ibadan property market, from which 15 coworking space users were randomly selected in each of the coworking hubs. From a total of 135 respondents, only 45 (33.33%) questionnaires were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results showed that economic and social motivators were significant drivers influencing coworkers’ decision to cowork. Personal factors were the least rated. Also, top-rated features/facilities that users prefer in the workstations include a neat environment and conveniences, uninterrupted power supply, serenity of the neighborhood and ease of signing up. The findings also showed that the challenges being faced by the users were predominantly about disturbance/noise from guests and/or other users, lack of privacy, poor internet connectivity, power failure and inability to personalize workspace (in decreasing order).

Practical implications

This study has implications for investors and users of coworking spaces in comparable developing markets. Also, the study will influence strategies and decisions of private firms/companies, as it relates to the work pattern of their employees.

Originality/value

This paper is relevant given the emergent behavioral changes, necessitated by the changing work practices. This compels the need for a reevaluation of the preferences and challenges associated with coworking spaces, especially as it relates to the users of flexible office spaces in emerging economies.
A cross-country analysis of the relationship between human capital and foreign direct investment
Authors: Sethi Madhvi , Baby Saina , Sharma Aarti Mehta
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The Zhang–Markusen (Z-M) inverse U-shape theory uses education as a human capital variable to investigate the impact of educational attainment on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to a country. The objective of this research is to empirically test this theory in a cross-country framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed effect panel regression has been used to test the Z-M hypothesis for 172 countries for the period 1990–2015. For the purpose of this study, countries were divided into four groups as per the World Bank classification: Low-income economies, lower middle-income countries, upper middle-income economies and high-income economies.

Findings

The findings of this study reinforce the proposition that macroeconomic factors are the major determinants of FDI inflows into various countries. The authors find that the size of the market measured by gross domestic product (GDP), the growth potential of the market measured by real GDP growth rate and the availability of infrastructure are the major factors that enhance the attractiveness of a country as an FDI destination.

Originality/value

Though the Z-M theory has been empirically tested in cross-country frameworks, no consensus has been reached. Thus, it is interesting to look again at the validity of the Z-M hypothesis using data covering longer and more recent periods. The study includes both macroeconomic and human capital determinants of FDI, so as to arrive at a comprehensive model explaining the FDI flows into various countries.
Understudied, underrepresented, and unknown: Methodological biases that limit detection of early diverging fungi from environmental samples
Authors: Reynolds Nicole K. , Jusino Michelle A. , Stajich Jason E. , Smith Matthew E.
Published: October 2021

Metabarcoding is an important tool for understanding fungal communities. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA is the accepted fungal barcode but has known problems. The large subunit (LSU) rDNA has also been used to investigate fungal communities but available LSU metabarcoding primers were mostly designed to target Dikarya (Ascomycota + Basidiomycota) with little attention to early diverging fungi (EDF). However, evidence from multiple studies suggests that EDF comprise a large portion of unknown diversity in community sampling. Here, we investigate how DNA marker choice and methodological biases impact recovery of EDF from environmental samples. We focused on one EDF lineage, Zoopagomycota, as an example. We evaluated three primer sets (ITS1F/ITS2, LROR/LR3, and LR3 paired with new primer LR22F) to amplify and sequence a Zoopagomycota mock community and a set of 146 environmental samples with Illumina MiSeq. We compared two taxonomy assignment methods and created an LSU reference database compatible with AMPtk software. The two taxonomy assignment methods recovered strikingly different communities of fungi and EDF. Target fragment length variation exacerbated PCR amplification biases and influenced downstream taxonomic assignments, but this effect was greater for EDF than Dikarya. To improve identification of LSU amplicons we performed phylogenetic reconstruction and illustrate the advantages of this critical tool for investigating identified and unidentified sequences. Our results suggest much of the EDF community may be missed or misidentified with “standard” metabarcoding approaches and modified techniques are needed to understand the role of these taxa in a broader ecological context.
Cash and voucher assistance along humanitarian supply chains: a literature review and directions for future research
Authors: Maghsoudi Amin , Harpring Russell , Piotrowicz Wojciech D. , Heaslip Graham
Published: October 2021

This study reviews research on cash and voucher assistance (CVA) by applying a humanitarian supply chain management perspective. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify, analyse, and synthesise past academic research. The content, context, and process framework was used to structure the content analysis. The findings reveal that the outcomes of CVA programmes are dependent on critical context‐specific variables that influence feasibility and operability. Humanitarian actors must consider factors that are external (the nature of disaster, politics, economy, and infrastructure) and internal (local market availability and accessibility, supplier/donor interest, supplier/vendor selection and contracting, and beneficiary preference) to the supply chain. The delivery process is influenced by them, impacting on programme responsiveness and cost‐efficiency. The results provide insights that humanitarian practitioners can utilise to reconsider their supply chain strategies when deciding on the selection and implementation of CVA programmes. Potential literature gaps are identified, and recommendations for further research are provided.
Cochlear implantation in children born preterm
Authors: Kral Andrej
Published: October 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Robertson et al. on pages 481–487 of this issue.
Drivers of fish biodiversity in a rapidly changing permafrost landscape
Authors: Murdoch Alyssa , Gray Derek K. , Korosi Jennifer , Vucic Jasmina M. , Cohen Rachel S. , Sharma Sapna
Published: October 2021

Rapid environmental change occurring in northern permafrost regions may have profound implications for fish biodiversity but remains poorly understood. Climate change, increasing human development, and resultant permafrost thaw may combine to alter the quality and quantity of fish habitat including reductions in preferred thermal habitat, changes in water quality, and modified drainage patterns.

Our study objective was to understand how lake fish communities residing on permafrost landscapes may be responding to climate change and land use disturbance. We investigated the drivers of freshwater fish community health in lakes of the lower Mackenzie River basin, an ice‐rich permafrost region that is experiencing substantial warming, permafrost thaw, and new major highway development. We collected lake morphometry, water quality, and fish community data from 50 lakes and derived several indicators of aquatic health including fish species richness, relative abundance, and the occurrence of three culturally important fish species.

We found that water quality and lake size were significant co‐drivers of fish community health whereas relationships with summer thermal habitat, as represented by July air temperature, were relatively negligible. Dissolved organic carbon (an indicator for lake browning) emerged as a particularly important driver of fish community structure, and fish community health steeply declined when dissolved organic carbon concentrations exceeded 17–18 mg/L. We suggest potential mechanisms for these declines including light inhibition during summer and a reduced capacity for overwintering in smaller and murkier lakes that may experience faster oxygen depletion rates.

Using a more expansive regional water quality database of 203 lakes, we observed potential supporting evidence that warming and new road development increased dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus concentrations, possibly reducing fish habitat quality in this region.

Together, these results highlight how fishes relying on the numerous small and shallow lakes that dominate permafrost landscapes may be vulnerable to the combined effects of rapid warming and new infrastructure.
Biodiversity scale‐dependence and opposing multi‐level correlations underlie differences among taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity
Authors: Mirochnitchenko Nadejda A. , Stuber Erica F. , Fontaine Joseph J.
Published: October 2021

Aim

Biodiversity is a multi‐dimensional property of biological communities that represents different information depending on how it is measured, but how dimensions relate to one another and under what conditions is not well understood. We explore how taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity can differ in scale‐of‐effect dependence and habitat‐biodiversity relationships, and subsequently how spatial differences among biodiversity dimensions may arise.

Location

Nebraska, United States.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

Across 2016 and 2017, we conducted 2,641 point counts at 781 sites. We modeled the occupancy of 141 species using Bayesian Bernoulli‐Bernoulli hierarchical logistic regressions. We calculated species richness (SR), phylogenetic diversity (PD) and functional diversity (FD) for each site and year based on predicted occupancy, accounting for imperfect detection. Using Bayesian latent indicator scale selection and multivariate modeling, we quantified the spatial scales‐of‐effect that best explained the relationships between environmental characteristics and SR, PD and FD. Additionally, we decomposed the residual between‐site and within‐site biodiversity correlations using our repeated measures design.

Results

Although relationships between specific land cover types and SR, PD and FD were qualitatively similar, the spatial scales at which these variables were important in explaining biodiversity differed among dimensions. Between‐site residual biodiversity correlations were negative, yet within‐site biodiversity residual correlations were positive.

Main conclusions

Our results demonstrate how spatial differences among biodiversity dimensions may arise from biodiversity‐specific scale‐dependent habitat relationships, low shared environmental correlations and opposing residual correlations between dimensions, suggesting that single‐scale and single‐dimension analyses are not entirely appropriate for quantifying habitat‐biodiversity relationships. After accounting for shared habitat relationships, we found positive within‐site residual correlations between SR, PD and FD, suggesting that habitat change over time influenced all biodiversity dimensions similarly. However, negative between‐site residual correlation among biodiversity dimensions may indicate trade‐offs in achieving maximum biodiversity across multiple biodiversity dimensions at any given location.
Lessons for deprescribing from a nonessential medication hold policy in US nursing homes
Authors: McConeghy Kevin W. , Cinque Michael , White Elizabeth M. , Feifer Richard A. , Blackman Carolyn , Mor Vincent , Gravenstein Stefan , Zullo Andrew R.
Published: October 2021

Background

At the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic, a large nursing home chain implemented a policy to temporarily hold potentially unnecessary medications. We describe rates of held and discontinued medications after a temporary hold policy of potentially unnecessary or nonessential medications.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study uses electronic health record (EHR) data on 3247 residents of 64 nursing homes operated by a multistate long‐term care provider. Medications were documented in the electronic medication administration record. Overall medication held and discontinued incidences are reported. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling is used to determine individual probabilities for medication discontinuation within each facility.

Results

In total, 3247 residents had 5297 nonessential medications held. Multivitamins were most likely to be held, followed by histamine‐2 receptor antagonists, antihistamines, and statins. At the end of the hold policy, 2897 of 5297 (54%) were permanently discontinued, including probiotics (73%), histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (66%), antihistamines (64%), and statins (45%). Demographics, cognitive and functional impairment were similar between residents with medications who were discontinued versus continued. For most medications, more than 50% of the variance in whether medications were discontinued was explained by facility rather than resident‐level factors.

Conclusion

A temporary medication hold policy implemented during the CoVID‐19 pandemic led to the deprescribing of a plurality of ‘nonessential’ medications. This type of organization‐wide initiative may be an effective mechanism for altering future prescribing behaviors to reduce the use of unnecessary medications.
Anxiety, social support and satisfaction of patients’ families in intensive care units: A descriptive‐correlational study
Authors: Avcı Miyase , Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan
Published: October 2021

Aims & objectives

This study was conducted with family members of patients’ in the intensive care unit (ICU) to identify their anxiety level, social support and satisfaction with the ICU.

Background

Admission of critical patients to the ICU usually involves the participation of family members.

Design

A descriptive‐correlational design was used and reported according to the STROBE checklist.

Methods

The sample consisted of 250 family members in ICUs in a city of Turkey. Data were collected by the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit scale.

Results

A negative correlation was found between family satisfaction of the ICU and state anxiety (r = −0.349, p < 0.001), and a negative relationship between the satisfaction of the ICU and trait anxiety of the participants (r = −0.151, p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the state anxiety level (Adjusted R² = 0.080, F = 8.247, p < 0.001), trait anxiety level (Adjusted R² = 0.185, F = 19.821, p < 0.001), the perceived social support (Adjusted R² = 0.094, F = 9.640, p < 0.001) and satisfaction (Adjusted R² = 0.013, F = 4.161, p < 0.001) of family members and their sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusions

The study concluded that anxiety levels of relatives of the families were high, their social support and satisfaction with the intensive care unit were at a moderate level. There was a correlation between anxiety levels, satisfaction with the intensive care unit, and the perceived social support of families.

Relevance to clinical practice

Holistic care for the psychosocial needs of families who have a member in the ICU should be planned to increase satisfaction. Nurses should observe families closely for anxiety, allow them to ask questions and include them in the care of their family member.
Unexpected post‐glacial colonisation route explains the white colour of barn owls (Tyto alba) from the British Isles
Authors: Machado Ana Paula , Cumer Tristan , Iseli Christian , Beaudoing Emmanuel , Ducrest Anne‐Lyse , Dupasquier Melanie , Guex Nicolas , Dichmann Klaus , Lourenço Rui , Lusby John , Martens Hans‐Dieter , Prévost Laure , Ramsden David , Roulin Alexandre , Goudet Jérôme
Published: October 2021

The climate fluctuations of the Quaternary shaped the movement of species in and out of glacial refugia. In Europe, the majority of species followed one of the described traditional postglacial recolonization routes from the southern peninsulas towards the north. Like most organisms, barn owls are assumed to have colonized the British Isles by crossing over Doggerland, a land bridge that connected Britain to northern Europe. However, while they are dark rufous in northern Europe, barn owls in the British Isles are conspicuously white, a contrast that could suggest selective forces are at play on the islands. Yet, our analysis of known candidate genes involved in coloration found no signature of selection. Instead, using whole genome sequences and species distribution modelling, we found that owls colonised the British Isles soon after the last glaciation, directly from a white coloured refugium in the Iberian Peninsula, before colonising northern Europe. They would have followed a hitherto unknown post‐glacial colonization route to the Isles over a westwards path of suitable habitat in now submerged land in the Bay of Biscay, thus not crossing Doggerland. As such, they inherited the white colour of their Iberian founders and maintained it through low gene flow with the mainland that prevents the import of rufous alleles. Thus, we contend that neutral processes probably explain this contrasting white colour compared to continental owls. With the barn owl being a top predator, we expect future research will show this unanticipated route was used by other species from its paleo community.
Identification and characterization of Sr22b, a new allele of the wheat stem rust resistance gene Sr22 effective against the Ug99 race group
Authors: Luo Jing , Rouse Matthew N. , Hua Lei , Li Hongna , Li Boshu , Li Tianya , Zhang Wenjun , Gao Caixia , Wang Yanpeng , Dubcovsky Jorge , Chen Shisheng
Published: October 2021

Wheat stem (or black) rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), has been historically among the most devastating global fungal diseases of wheat. The recent occurrence and spread of new virulent races such as Ug99 have prompted global efforts to identify and isolate more effective stem rust resistance (Sr) genes. Here, we report the map‐based cloning of the Ug99‐effective SrTm5 gene from diploid wheat Triticum monococcum accession PI 306540 that encodes a typical coiled‐coil nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat protein. This gene, designated as Sr22b, is a new allele of Sr22 with a rare insertion of a large (13.8‐kb) retrotransposon into its second intron. Biolistic transformation of an ~112‐kb circular bacterial artificial chromosome plasmid carrying Sr22b into the susceptible wheat variety Fielder was sufficient to confer resistance to stem rust. In a survey of 168 wheat genotypes, Sr22b was present only in cultivated T. monococcum subsp. monococcum accessions but absent in all tested tetraploid and hexaploid wheat lines. We developed a diagnostic molecular marker for Sr22b and successfully introgressed a T. monococcum chromosome segment containing this gene into hexaploid wheat to accelerate its deployment and pyramiding with other Sr genes in wheat breeding programmes. Sr22b can be a valuable component of gene pyramids or transgenic cassettes combining different resistance genes to control this devastating disease.
Vehicle Tire Traction Torque Estimation Using a Dual Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Wei Wenpeng , Dourra Hussein , Zhu Guoming
Published: October 2021

Vehicle tire traction torque, heavily dependent on vehicle speed and tire stiffness, is critical for improving vehicle traction performance. However, due to the limitation of existing technology and sensor cost, it becomes rather expensive to accurately measure the vehicle tire traction torque and/or other vehicle variables directly. This paper proposes to estimate the tire traction torque by estimating vehicle speed (vehicle state) and tire stiffness simultaneously based on a few available low-cost measurements from any production vehicle. Specifically, the tire and full vehicle dynamics are considered to form a unified traction torque estimation model under various vehicle operational conditions. Estimation of vehicle speed and tire stiffness is formulated into a dual-estimation problem of system states and parameters. A recursive real-time implementable solution for the dual-estimation problem is realized with the help of dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm under different vehicle operating conditions is validated by comparing the estimated results with directly measured ones as well as those from existing estimation approaches. It is found that for a 4-wheel driving vehicle, under clutch overtaken condition, for the best case, the absolute mean square error (ASME) improves by around 20 Nm, and the relative mean square error (RMSE) reduces 12%; and under clutch slip condition, the absolute mean square error improves by around 40 Nm, and the RMSE reduces 6%.
Comparative Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Genotyping via SNP Detection, Microsatellite Profiling, and Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Kanai Mariko , Yeo Tomas , Asua Victor , Rosenthal Philip J. , Fidock David A. , Mok Sachel
Published: October 2021

Research efforts to combat antimalarial drug resistance rely on quick, robust, and sensitive methods to genetically characterize
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites. We developed a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genotyping method that can assess 33 drug resistance-conferring SNPs in
dhfr, dhps, pfmdr1, pfcrt,
and
k13
in nine PCRs, performed directly from
P. falciparum
cultures or infected blood.
CODEHOP-Mediated PCR Improves HIV-1 Genotyping and Detection of Variants by MinION Sequencing
Authors: Sarkhouh Horeyah , Chehadeh Wassim
Published: October 2021

HIV-1 drug resistance is the main cause of treatment failure. Regular surveillance of resistance-associated mutations in HIV-1 genomes is essential for the optimal management of HIV-1 infections.
Epiphytic Bacteria Are Essential for the Production and Transformation of Algae-Derived Carboxyl-Rich Alicyclic Molecule (CRAM)-like DOM
Authors: Liu Yang , Kan Jinjun , He Chen , Shi Quan , Liu Yan-Xia , Fan Zhen-Chuan , Sun Jun
Published: October 2021

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) serves as a major carbon and nutrient pool in oceans, and recalcitrant DOM are the primary sources for carbon sequestration in depths. Here, we demonstrate the critical roles of algae-associated microorganisms (mainly heterotrophic bacteria) in the transformation of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter through laboratory cultures of a model diatom,
Skeletonema dohrnii
.
Reduced health-related quality of life in children born extremely preterm in 2006 compared with 1995: the EPICure Studies
Authors: Ni Yanyan , Johnson Samantha , Marlow Neil , Wolke Dieter
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) in childhood for extremely preterm (EP) births before 26 weeks of gestation in England in two eras: 1995 and 2006.

Design

Prospective cohort studies.

Setting

School or home-based assessments at 11 years of age.

Participants

Available data for 88 EP children born before 26 weeks of gestation in 2006 (EPICure2) were compared with those of 140 born in England during 1995 (EPICure). To account for social secular trends, the comparison between eras was also made for term-born controls as reference.

Main outcome measures

HRQL was measured using the parent-completed Health Utilities Index (HUI) questionnaire with utility scores calculated using the HUI3 classification system. Eight attributes were assessed: vision, hearing, speech, ambulation, dexterity, emotion, cognition and pain.

Results

At 11 years, mean utility scores were significantly lower in EPICure2 (2006) than in EPICure (1995; Δ −0.12, 95% CI −0.20 to –0.04). The difference increased (Δ −0.27, 95% CI −0.41 to –0.12) after adjusting for significant perinatal and demographic differences between cohorts. Rates of suboptimal function were increased in EPICure2 for all eight attributes, but statistically significant differences were only found in speech (p=0.004) and dexterity (p=0.020). After excluding children with severe neurodevelopmental impairment, the adjusted difference between cohorts remained significant but attenuated (−0.14 (−0.26 to –0.01)). Mean utility scores for controls were similar between cohorts (Δ −0.01 (−0.04 to 0.02)).

Conclusions

Using parent report, there was a clinically significant decline in HRQL ratings for EP children over time. Areas contributing the most to the decline were speech and dexterity.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN86323684.
Ultra-fast Cu-based A3-coupling catalysts: faceted Cu2O microcrystals as efficient catalyst-delivery systems in batch and flow conditions
Authors: Bao Huizhi , Li Alain Y. , Kairouz Vanessa , Moores Audrey
Published: October 2021

Cu(I) catalysts were studied for the synthesis of a propargylamine via A3-coupling of aldehyde, amine, and alkyne, under solvent-free and low loading conditions, using batch microwave or flow thermal heating. We explored ultra-low loading conditions with Cu(I) salts as fast and active catalysts featuring turnover frequencies (TOFs) above 105 h−1. Well-defined octahedral and cubic Cu2O microcrystals were also successfully applied and compared with this reaction. Both types of microcrystals exhibited excellent catalytic activities within minutes, via in situ generation of low dose of Cu(I) ions within the reaction medium, to achieve TON beyond 2000 and recycling up to 10 times in a flow reactor. The study of the catalytic system demonstrated that the activity was surface-structure dependent and allowed for the design of low Cu contamination A3-coupling systems, affording a product at the decigram scale, with Cu contamination below FDA recommendations for drug synthesis, without the need for a purification procedure.
Planar Kolmogorov Systems Coming from Spatial Lotka–Volterra Systems
Authors: Diz-Pita Érika , Llibre Jaume , Otero-Espinar M. Victoria
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we classify the phase portraits in the Poincaré disc of all the Kolmogorov systems [Formula: see text] which depend on six parameters. We prove that these systems have [Formula: see text] topologically distinct phase portraits in the Poincaré disc. These systems are provided by a general three-dimensional Lotka–Volterra system with a rational first integral of degree two of the form [Formula: see text], restricted to each surface [Formula: see text] varying [Formula: see text], with the additional assumption that they have a Darboux invariant of the form [Formula: see text].
Medical artificial intelligence
Authors: Stöger Karl , Schneeberger David , Holzinger Andreas
Published: October 2021

Although the European Commission proposed new legislation for the use of "high-risk artificial intelligence" earlier this year, the existing European fundamental rights framework already provides some clear guidance on the use of medical AI.
What went wrong?
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: October 2021

Why we need an IT accident investigation board.
Grace Hopper, minicomputers, and megabytes
Authors: Moffatt Ann
Published: October 2021

Computing enabled me to …
LSKE: Lightweight Secure Key Exchange Scheme in Fog Federation
Authors: Salami Yashar , Khajehvand Vahid
Published: October 2021

The fog computing architecture allows data exchange with the vehicle network, sensor networks, etc. However, before exchanging data, the nodes need to know each other and key exchange. Yashar et al. recently proposed a secure key exchange scheme for the fog federation. However, their proposed scheme has a high computational overhead and is not suitable for fog federation. Therefore, we have proposed a lightweight, secure key exchange scheme for the fog federation to reduce computational overhead. To prove the lightweight, we have compared the proposed scheme with the Yashar design in terms of computing, and communication cost AVISPA Tool was used for the formal analysis of the proposed scheme. Then, we simulated the proposed scheme with the NS3 tool and compared it with Throughput, packet loss, Packet Delivery, and end‐to‐end delay with Yashar et al. scheme. The results show that the proposed design reduced 3.2457 ms of computational overhead and 1,024 transmitted data bits.
Preparation of Electrode Material Based to Bismuth Oxide-Attached Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Lead (II) Ion Determination
Authors: Tran Hai D. , Le Anh H. Q. , Tran Uyen P. N.
Published: October 2021

Bi2O3 was proven an attractive compound for electrode modification in heavy metal electrochemical analysis. A novel method for synthesizing Bi2O3-attached multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Bi2O3@CNTs) in solution is successfully developed in this study. Characteristics of the obtained Bi2O3@CNTs were proven by modern techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and anodic stripping voltammetry. Microscopy images and spectra results reveal that Bi2O3 particles are mainly attached at defect points on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) walls. Paste electrodes based on the MWCNTs and synthesized Bi2O3@CNTs were applied for electrochemical measurements. The redox mechanism of Bi2O3 on the electrode surface was also made clear by the cyclic voltammetric tests. The recorded cyclic voltammograms and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrate that the Bi2O3@CNTs electrode was in lower charge transfer resistance than the CNTs one and in the controlled diffusion region. Investigation on the electrochemical behavior of Pb2+ at the Bi2O3@CNTs electrodes found a significant improvement of analytical response, resulting in 3.44 μg/L of the detection limit and 2.842 μA/(μg/L) of the sensitivity with linear sweep anodic stripping voltammetry technique at optimized conditions.
Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Breast Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Hu Nian-Qiang , He Qi-Qi , Qian Lu , Zhu Ji-Hong
Published: October 2021

Objective. Serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) provides effective thoracic analgesia. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of SAPB for postoperative analgesia after breast surgery. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for eligible randomised controlled trials. The primary outcomes involved the administration of intraoperative and postoperative opioids. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used for rating the quality of evidence for making recommendations. Results. Overall, 13 studies comprising 826 patients met the inclusion criteria (412 in the SAPB group and 414 in the control group). Patients treated with SAPB exhibited a significantly lower postoperative opioid consumption (mean difference, −38.51 mg of oral morphine equivalent; 95% confidence interval (CI), −60.97 to −16.05;

P
<
0.01

; I2 = 100%), whereas no difference was observed in the intraoperative opioid consumption (mean difference, −9.85 mg of oral morphine equivalent; 95% CI, −19.52 to −0.18;

P
=
0.05

; I2 = 94%). In addition, SAPB significantly decreased the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19–0.55;

P
<
0.05

;I2 = 38%) and reduced pain scores during the postoperative period (1 h: standardised mean difference (SMD), −1.23; 95% CI, −2.00 to −0.45; I2 = 92%; 2 h: SMD, −0.71; 95% CI, −1.00 to −0.41; I2 = 48%; 4 h: SMD, −1.52; 95% CI, −2.77 to −0.27; I2 = 95%; 6 h: SMD, −0.80; 95% CI, −1.51 to −0.08; I2 = 81%; 8 h: SMD, −1.12; 95% CI, −1.98 to −0.27; I2 = 92%; 12 h: SMD, −0.78; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.35; I2 = 83%; and 24 h: SMD, −0.71; 95% CI, −1.20 to −0.23; I2 = 87%;

P
<
0.05

for all). Conclusion. SAPB was safe and effective after breast surgery to relieve postsurgical pain. However, additional well-developed trials are required to validate these findings.
Schedule 1 barriers to research in the UK: An in-depth qualitative analysis
Authors: Howard Annie , Neill Joanna C , Schlag Anne Katrin , Lennox Charlotte
Published: October 2021

Background

There is increasing research to suggest that certain Schedule 1 drugs, most notably psychedelics, can be effective in treating a range of mental health disorders. However, due to several practical, financial, and bureaucratic barriers, there is a lack of large-scale trials into their efficacy. This study aimed to explore the barriers, and any facilitators, to undertaking Schedule 1 research through examining the different positions Schedule 1 and other controlled drug researchers place themselves in, and the impact this has on their experiences.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants. Eight Schedule 1 researchers and four researchers who conduct other controlled drug research. Participants were recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Interview questions explored how participants’ experiences of controlled drug research were impacted by scheduling laws, and how they might differ from the other group.

Results

Using discourse analysis, four themes were identified. Three themes differentiated the two groups of researchers and their positions ( differential burden of duties, the importance of privileges, and motivations); the differential burden of duties acted as a barrier to non-Schedule 1 researchers, whereas Schedule 1 researchers were better able to deal with this burden due to higher levels of motivation and more privileges (facilitating Schedule 1 research). One theme suggested solidarity between the groups; others acted as barriers to Schedule 1 research, with government officials preventing changes to drug legislation, and those lacking scientific understanding being discriminatory, causing difficulties getting Schedule 1 projects started.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the challenges that Schedule 1 researchers are currently facing and suggest that the government should commission an urgent review into this by the Advisory Council on the Misuse on the Misuse of Drugs to make Schedule 1 research process smoother and more accessible. For example, reducing the barriers to research of Schedule 1 substances so as to be in line with the regulations controlling those in Schedule 2.
Do Injury Rates in Position Players Who Convert to Pitchers in Professional Baseball Differ From Players Who Have Always Been Pitchers?
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Chalmers Peter N. , D’Angelo John , Ma Kevin , Rowe Dana , Ahmad Christopher S.
Published: October 2021

Background:

There are some professional baseball players who begin their career as a position player and later convert to a pitcher; injury rates in these players are unknown.

Purpose:

To compare injury rates of professional baseball players who started their career as position players and converted to pitchers with a control group of pitchers who have been only pitchers throughout their professional career.

Hypothesis:

Injury rates would be lower in the conversion players.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All players who began their professional baseball career as position players and converted to pitchers between 2011 and 2018 were included. All injuries that occurred after they converted to pitchers were included. The conversion players were matched 1 to 1 with a control group of pitchers who entered professional baseball as pitchers and never changed position. Injury rates were compared between groups. The performance between groups was also compared.

Results:

Overall, 221 players were identified who converted from position players to pitchers. There were significantly more injuries per year in the control pitcher group (0.8 ± 0.9) than in the conversion pitcher group (0.7 ± 0.9; P = .015). Injuries in the control group resulted in 61 ± 112 days missed per injury, while injuries in the conversion player group resulted in 54 ± 102 days missed per injury ( P = .894). Injury characteristics differed between groups. However, in both groups, most of the injuries were related to pitching or throwing, were noncontact or gradual overuse injuries, and involved the upper extremity. Converted pitchers had lower pitcher usage, with fewer games and innings pitched ( P < .001), with significantly worse statistics for walks plus hits per inning pitched ( P = .018).

Conclusion:

Professional baseball players who convert from position players to pitchers are injured at lower rates than control pitchers. Conversion pitchers have lower pitcher usage, which may contribute to their reduced injury rates.
Two novel high-risk adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia subtypes with high expression of CDX2 and IDH1/2 mutations
Authors: Yasuda Takahiko , Sanada Masashi , Kawazu Masahito , Kojima Shinya , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Ueno Hiroo , Iwamoto Eisuke , Iijima-Yamashita Yuka , Yamada Tomomi , Kanamori Takashi , Nishimura Rieko , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Takada Satoru , Tanaka Masatsugu , Ota Shuichi , Dobashi Nobuaki , Yamazaki Etsuko , Hirose Asao , Murayama Tohru , Sumi Masahiko , Sato Shinya , Tange Naoyuki , Nakamura Yukinori , Katsuoka Yuna , Sakaida Emiko , Kawamata Toyotaka , Iida Hiroatsu , Shiraishi Yuichi , Nannya Yasuhito , Ogawa Seishi , Taniwaki Masafumi , Asou Norio , Hatta Yoshihiro , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Matsumura Itaru , Horibe Keizo , Mano Hiroyuki , Naoe Tomoki , Miyazaki Yasushi , Hayakawa Fumihiko
Published: October 2021

The genetic basis of leukemogenesis in adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is largely unclear, and its clinical outcome remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to advance the understanding of biological characteristics, improve disease stratification, and identify molecular targets of adult B-ALL. Adolescents and young adults (AYA) (15 to 39 years old, n = 193) and adults (40 to 64 years old, n = 161) with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph−) B-ALL were included in this study. Integrated transcriptomic and genetic analyses were used to classify the cohort into defined subtypes. Of the 323 cases included in the RNA sequencing analysis, 278 (86.1%) were classified into 18 subtypes. The ZNF384 subtype (22.6%) was the most prevalent, with 2 novel subtypes (CDX2-high and IDH1/2-mut) identified among cases not assigned to the established subtypes. The CDX2-high subtype (3.4%) was characterized by high expression of CDX2 and recurrent gain of chromosome 1q. The IDH1/2-mut subtype (1.9%) was defined by IDH1 R132C or IDH2 R140Q mutations with specific transcriptional and high-methylation profiles. Both subtypes showed poor prognosis and were considered inferior prognostic factors independent of clinical parameters. Comparison with a previously reported pediatric B-ALL cohort (n = 1003) showed that the frequencies of these subtypes were significantly higher in AYA/adults than in children. We delineated the genetic and transcriptomic landscape of adult B-ALL and identified 2 novel subtypes that predict poor disease outcomes. Our findings highlight the age-dependent distribution of subtypes, which partially accounts for the prognostic differences between adult and pediatric B-ALL.
Identification of distinctive physiological and molecular responses to salt stress among tolerant and sensitive cultivars of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)
Authors: Chevilly Sergio , Dolz-Edo Laura , Morcillo Luna , Vilagrosa Alberto , López-Nicolás José Manuel , Yenush Lynne , Mulet José M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Salt stress is one of the main constraints determining crop productivity, and therefore one of the main limitations for food production. The aim of this study was to characterize the salt stress response at the physiological and molecular level of different Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Plenck) cultivars that were previously characterized in field and greenhouse trials as salt sensitive or salt tolerant. This study aimed to identify functional and molecular traits capable of predicting the ability of uncharacterized lines to cope with salt stress. For this purpose, this study measured different physiological parameters, hormones and metabolites under control and salt stress conditions.

Results

This study found significant differences among cultivars for stomatal conductance, transpiration, methionine, proline, threonine, abscisic acid, jasmonic acid and indolacetic acid. Salt tolerant cultivars were shown to accumulate less sodium and potassium in leaves and have a lower sodium to potassium ratio under salt stress. Analysis of primary metabolites indicated that salt tolerant cultivars have higher concentrations of several intermediates of the Krebs cycle and the substrates of some anaplerotic reactions.

Conclusions

This study has found that the energetic status of the plant, the sodium extrusion and the proline content are the limiting factors for broccoli tolerance to salt stress. Our results establish physiological and molecular traits useful as distinctive markers to predict salt tolerance in Broccoli or to design novel biotechnological or breeding strategies for improving broccoli tolerance to salt stress.