bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recannulation of the right axillary artery in reoperative proximal thoracic aortic surgery is safe
Authors: Puiu Paul-Cătălin , Pingpoh Clarence , Kreibich Maximilian , Czerny Martin , Zimmer Emmanuel , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Siepe Matthias
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of recannulating the axillary artery in reoperative proximal thoracic aortic surgery.

METHODS

Between 2008 and 2020, we evaluated patients who underwent reoperative proximal thoracic aortic surgery. The patients were divided into 2 groups: (i) patients with no previous right axillary artery cannulation (primary cannulation group) and (ii) patients with a previous cannulated right axillary artery (recannulation group). We analysed the intraoperative data, cannulation-related complications, postoperative outcomes and compared the 2 groups (primary cannulation versus recannulation).

RESULTS

The patient (n = 132) baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference in regard to the duration of surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamp and antegrade cerebral perfusion time nor in regard to the total number of patients with cannulation-related complications between the 2 groups [n = 8 (8.0%) vs n = 1 (3.1%), P = 0.34]. The incidence of iatrogenic axillary artery dissection, iatrogenic aortic dissection, iatrogenic aortic dissection leading to death, axillary artery thrombosis, need for surgical repair, brachial plexus injury rates, malperfusion, high perfusion resistance and hyperperfusion syndrome revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). There were 11 (11.0%) cases of stroke in the primary cannulation group and 1 (3.1%) in the recannulation group (P = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Recannulation of the right axillary artery in reoperative proximal thoracic aortic surgery is not associated with worse clinical outcomes and can be safely and effectively performed, also representing a preventive and rescue measure. Previous cannulation of the axillary artery should not hinder the decision for recannulation.
Integrability of local and non-local non-commutative fourth-order quintic non-linear Schrödinger equations
Authors: Malham Simon J A
Published: January 2022

We prove integrability of a generalized non-commutative fourth-order quintic non-linear Schrödinger equation. The proof is relatively succinct and rooted in the linearization method pioneered by Ch. Pöppe. It is based on solving the corresponding linearized partial differential system to generate an evolutionary Hankel operator for the ‘scattering data’. The time-evolutionary solution to the non-commutative non-linear partial differential system is then generated by solving a linear Fredholm equation which corresponds to the Marchenko equation. The integrability of reverse space-time and reverse time non-local versions, in the sense of Ablowitz and Musslimani (2017, Integrable nonlocal nonlinear equations, Stud. Appl. Math. 139, 7–59), of the fourth-order quintic non-linear Schrödinger equation are proved contiguously by the approach adopted. Further, we implement a numerical integration scheme based on the analytical approach above, which involves solving the linearized partial differential system followed by numerically solving the linear Fredholm equation to generate the solution at any given time.
Characteristics and perspectives of patients with postoperative trichiasis in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Shrestha Riju , Merbs Shannath L , Bayissasse Belay , Sisay Alemayehu , Beckwith Colin , Courtright Paul , Gower Emily W
Published: January 2022

Background

Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) is a challenge for trichiasis surgery programs. Little is known about PTT patients’ perceptions regarding outcomes and future disease management. This study aimed to understand the characteristics of PTT patients, how they managed trichiasis and their perceptions of prior surgeries and future surgery uptake.

Methods

Patients with PTT were identified during an existing trichiasis screening program in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. A vision assessment and evaluation of the eyelids were conducted to determine distance vision, presence and severity of trichiasis and eyelid contour abnormalities. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding patients’ perceptions of surgery and PTT management approaches. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize PTT and determine associations between PTT severity and patient perceptions.

Results

Among 404 participants, most were female (79.7%) and aged 40–60 y (62.6%). In total, 514 eyelids had PTT, and nearly half had severe PTT (46.9%). Although >50% of participants were currently epilating to manage their PTT, the majority (82.8%) indicated that they wanted repeat surgery. Most participants indicated that pain persisted despite epilation. The majority (75.1%) indicated satisfaction with their prior surgery and 59.6% indicated that they would recommend surgery to others.

Conclusions

This study, which included a large proportion of severe PTT cases, indicated that individuals were generally satisfied with prior surgery and would prefer to have surgery again for PTT management.
First Phylogenomic Assessment of the Amphitropical New World Ant Genus Dorymyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a Longstanding Taxonomic Puzzle
Authors: Oberski Jill T
Published: January 2022

Dorymyrmex Mayr 1866, the ‘pyramid ants’ or ‘cone ants’, are conspicuous inhabitants of arid landscapes across the Americas. Ranging from the Great Plains to Patagonia, they are concentrated north and south of the tropics in contrast to the latitudinal diversity gradient canon. Despite being frequently collected and ecologically important, Dorymyrmex ants exemplify the taxonomic neglect typical in the subfamily Dolichoderinae. The genus has never had the benefit of a global revision, and even the major lineages are still uncertain. This work characterizes the issues at hand and ushers 22 Dorymyrmex species into the world of modern-day phylogenomics: By targeting ultraconserved elements (UCEs) across the genome, I construct an alignment of 1,891 loci, infer phylogenies under maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, and estimate divergence dates. Three major clades of Dorymyrmex emerge with maximal support, corresponding to former genera: Dorymyrmex sensu stricto, Araucomyrmex Gallardo 1919, and Conomyrma Forel 1913. The pyramicus group (‘Conomyrma’) shows a recent, rapid radiation with minimal morphological differentiation, reaffirming the difficulty of species delimitation in this widespread clade. Finally, I observe a general south-to-north pattern of dispersal, likely by way of savanna ‘stepping stones’ across the tropics during cooler, drier periods. Intercontinental dispersal occurred after the hypothetical Caribbean landspan in the Miocene, but before the Pleistocene or the completion of the Panamanian isthmus, suggesting dispersal by flight. This corroborates patterns observed in other arid-adapted amphitropical New World taxa. Characterizing the major Dorymyrmex species groups is an important first step towards stable taxonomic definitions—which underpin active studies in behavior, chemical ecology, and physiology.
Organizations, Resistance, and Democracy: How Civil Society Organizations Impact Democratization
Authors: Pinckney Jonathan , Butcher Charles , Braithwaite Jessica Maves
Published: January 2022

When are episodes of resistance likely to lead to democratization? We argue that the participation of durable organizations rooted in quotidian relationships that are not themselves designed to compete for political power (what we call “quotidian civil society organizations,” QCSOs) drives successful democratic transitions. QCSOs are more likely to have stable preferences for democracy and durable mobilization structures that create greater accountability for new elites during political transitions and thus make shifts to democracy more likely compared to movements dominated by other organization types, such as political parties. Quantitative tests using novel data on the composition of resistance movements in Africa from 1990 to 2015 support these arguments. Older QCSOs and those independent from opposition political parties and the state also appear to be the most likely to engender democratization.
How can behavioural science contribute to qualitative research on antimicrobial stewardship in primary care?
Authors: Borek Aleksandra J. , Santillo Marta , Wanat Marta , Butler Christopher C. , Tonkin-Crine Sarah
Published: January 2022

Antibiotic use (and misuse) accelerates antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and addressing this complex problem necessitates behaviour change related to infection prevention and management and to antibiotic prescribing and use. As most antibiotic courses are prescribed in primary care, a key focus of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is on changing behaviours outside of hospital. Behavioural science draws on behaviour change theories, techniques and methods developed in health psychology, and can be used to help understand and change behaviours related to AMR/AMS. Qualitative methodologies can be used together with a behavioural science approach to explore influences on behaviour and develop and evaluate behavioural interventions. This paper provides an overview of how the behavioural science approach, together with qualitative methods, can contribute and add value to AMS projects. First, it introduces and explains the relevance of the behavioural science approach to AMR/AMS. Second, it provides an overview of behaviour change ‘tools’: behaviour change theories/models, behavioural determinants and behaviour change techniques. Third, it explains how behavioural methods can be used to: (i) define a clinical problem in behavioural terms and identify behavioural influences; (ii) develop and implement behavioural AMS interventions; and (iii) evaluate them. These are illustrated with examples of using qualitative methods in AMS studies in primary care. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the main contributions of taking the behavioural science approach to qualitative AMS research in primary care and discussing the key implications and future directions for research and practice.
Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates Over Time in Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tandon Parul , Tennakoon Aruni , Huang Vivian , Bernstein Charles N , Goetgebuer Rogier , Targownik Laura
Published: January 2022

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) negatively affects fertility and fecundity. We aimed to determine longitudinal trends in and factors that affect pregnancy rates in women with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Women in the University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database aged 15 to 45 were identified between 1992 and 2018 and matched up to 10 non-IBD controls. Pregnancy and live birth rates were compared between women with and without UC or CD stratified by time-period, disease duration and maternal age at conception. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Poisson regression was used to adjust these rates for year of pregnancy, disease duration, maternal age, severity of IBD, and prior IBD-related surgery.

Results

Compared to controls, women with UC had lower rates of pregnancies (IRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.82–0.99) and women with CD had lower rates of pregnancies (IRR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93) and live births (IRR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.92). Although rates of pregnancies and live births were significantly lower in women with UC and CD compared to controls prior to 2010, there appeared to be no differences between the two groups after 2010. Prior intestinal surgery and active disease at conception appeared to lower pregnancy rates in women with UC and CD, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that women with IBD have lower pregnancy rates compared to those without IBD, though these differences are no longer evident after 2010. Factors that continue to reduce these rates include prior colectomy and underlying disease activity.
An agent-based blackboard system for multi-objective optimization
Authors: Stewart Ryan , Palmer Todd S , Bays Samuel
Published: January 2022

In the field of multi-objective optimization, there are a multitude of algorithms from which to choose. Each algorithm has strengths and weaknesses associated with the mechanics for finding the Pareto front. Recently, researchers have begun to examine how multi-agent environments can be used to help solve multi-objective optimization problems. In this work, we propose a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on a multi-agent blackboard system (MABS). The MABS framework allows for multiple agents to read and write pertinent optimization problem data to a central blackboard agent. Agents can stochastically search the design space, use previously discovered solutions to explore local optima, or update and prune the Pareto front. A centralized blackboard framework allows the optimization problem to be solved in a cohesive manner and permits stopping, restarting, or updating the optimization problem. The MABS framework is tested against three alternative optimization algorithms across a suite of engineering design problems and typically outperforms the other algorithms in discovering the Pareto front. A parallelizability study is performed where we find that the MABS is able to evaluate a set number of designs, which require an evaluation time ranging from 0 to 300 seconds, quicker than a traditional optimization algorithm: this fact becomes more apparent the longer it takes to evaluate a design. To provide context for the benefits provided by MABS, a real-world nuclear engineering design problem is examined. MABS is used to examine the placement of experiments in a nuclear reactor, where we are able to evaluate hundreds of configurations for experimental placement while maintaining a strict set of safety constraints.
Weapon compartment layout design method for improving the survivability of a naval ship by considering susceptibility distribution based on radar cross section analysis
Authors: Hwang Joon-Tae , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Kwon Hyun-Wung
Published: January 2022

The survivability of a naval ship refers to its ability to withstand the damage caused by enemy attacks and to maintain their missions and functions. During naval warfare, if the armed space of a naval ship is exposed to the enemy, even a single shot can damage the combat system. Therefore, it is important to minimize damage to the armed space of naval ships and improve survivability. In this study, a system was implemented to automate the ship compartment layout design process considering survivability and to derive the optimal compartment layout. The survivability of a compartment can be calculated using the susceptibility distribution obtained using the axis-aligned bounding box (AABB) model and damage ellipsoid volume. To derive the survivability suitable for each naval ship, the susceptibility distribution of the naval ship was derived by radar cross section analysis. In addition, the line distribution space division method was developed to extract the AABB model from the analysis model. A genetic algorithm was used to derive an optimal compartment layout considering survivability. To compare the differences in survivability according to the compartment layout, optimal and worst compartment layout analysis was performed.
Surrogate-based optimization of learning strategies for additively regularized topic models
Authors: Khodorchenko Maria , Butakov Nikolay , Sokhin Timur , Teryoshkin Sergey
Published: January 2022

Topic modelling is a popular unsupervised method for text processing that provides interpretable document representation. One of the most high-level approaches is additively regularized topic models (ARTM). This method features better quality than other methods due to its flexibility and advanced regularization abilities. However, it is challenging to find an optimal learning strategy to create high-quality topics because a user needs to select the regularizers with their values and determine the order of application. Moreover, it may require many real runs or model training which makes this task time consuming. At the current moment, there is a lack of research on parameter optimization for ARTM-based models. Our work proposes an approach that formalizes the learning strategy into a vector of parameters which can be solved with evolutionary approach. We also propose a surrogate-based modification which utilizes machine learning methods that makes the approach for parameters search time efficient. We investigate different optimization algorithms (evolutionary and Bayesian) and their modifications with surrogates in application to topic modelling optimization using the proposed learning strategy approach. An experimental study conducted on English and Russian datasets indicates that the proposed approaches are able to find high-quality parameter solutions for ARTM and substantially reduce the execution time of the search.
Scripture, Satan, and the Sacrament: The Clifton Excommunication Case of 1874–1876
Authors: Atherstone Andrew
Published: January 2022

In 1874 Flavel Cook, the evangelical vicar of Christ Church, Clifton, barred one of his parishioners, Henry Jenkins, from receiving holy communion after a dispute over the personality of Satan and the reality of eternal punishment. Jenkins sued Cook through the courts, and eventually won his case in 1876 on appeal to the judicial committee of the privy council, leading to Cook’s resignation. The controversy stimulated wide debate on church discipline, the rights of the laity, and whether Christians are obliged to obey the civil law. It also revealed deep disagreements over the relationship between reason, moral conscience, and biblical revelation, and the nature of ‘inclusion’ and ‘exclusion’ in a comprehensive Church of England.
Factors Associated with Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation and Compliance Among U.S. Military Service Members
Authors: Matsuno Rayna K , Seay Julia , Porter Ben , Tannenbaum Karen , Warner Steven , Wells Natalie
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The primary objective of the current study was to assess factors associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation and compliance in a cohort of active duty US military service members (SM).

Materials and Methods

We included active-duty participants aged 18-26 years from the Millennium Cohort Study, a longitudinal cohort study of over 200,000 military SMs. The eligible study population included 22,387 female SMs and 31,705 male SMs. Vaccination was assessed over the period 2006–2017. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of vaccine initiation and compliance (3 doses within a 1-year period) in relation to demographic, military, health, and behavioral characteristics.

Results

Among female SMs, 37.8% initiated the vaccine and 40.2% of initiators completed the series within a year. Among male SMs, 3.9% initiated the vaccine and 22.1% of initiators completed the series within a year. Differences by sociodemographic factors, deployment status, branch of service, occupation, and smoking status–but not by selected mental health conditions–were observed.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination uptake is subpar across all military service branches. Certain subgroups of SMs could be targeted to increase overall HPV vaccine coverage in the US military population.
Can Phase Angle Be Associated With Muscle Strength in Healthy Male Army Cadets?
Authors: Langer Raquel D , Guimarães Roseane F , Guerra-Júnior Gil , Gonçalves Ezequiel M
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Phase angle (PhA) determined by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) is related to body fluid balance and cell membrane integrity. Handgrip strength (HGS) is used to assess muscle strength and as an indicator of health. We aimed to determine the relationship between PhA and HGS in healthy young males and to verify whether this relationship is dependent on body components.

Materials and Methods

Hundred and sixty-three healthy male army cadets (18.8 ± 0.6 years old) participated in the study. PhA was determined by BIA, HGS was assessed by a hydraulic dynamometer, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry determined: fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean soft tissue (LST). Participants were divided according to the PhA tertile (first tertile: PhA < 7.14°, second tertile: 7.14° ≤ PhA < 7.83°, and third tertile: PhA ≥ 7.83°).

Results

Youth from the first tertile of PhA had lower BMC (2.8 kg vs. 3.0 kg and vs. 3.1 kg) and LST (51.7 vs. 53.8 kg and vs. 57.6 kg) compared to youth from the second and third tertile of PhA (P < .001), respectively. Additionally, lower HGS (83.0 kg vs. 93.1 kg) was found in the first tertile compared to the third tertile of PhA (P < .001). PhA explained 3% of the HGS variation (R2 = 0.029), while LST and BMC explained 39% (R2 = 0.385) and 22% (R2 = 0.221), respectively. Furthermore, the correlation between PhA and HGS was dependent on LST (P = .567) and BMC (P = .182).

Conclusion

In this sample, PhA showed a small relationship with HGS, remaining dependent on BMC and LST values. These results reinforce the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle with great lean mass and muscle strength values.
Cryo-EM structure of the ancient eukaryotic ribosome from the human parasite Giardia lamblia
Authors: Hiregange Disha-Gajanan , Rivalta Andre , Bose Tanaya , Breiner-Goldstein Elinor , Samiya Sarit , Cimicata Giuseppe , Kulakova Liudmila , Zimmerman Ella , Bashan Anat , Herzberg Osnat , Yonath Ada
Published: January 2022

Giardiasis is a disease caused by the protist Giardia lamblia. As no human vaccines have been approved so far against it, and resistance to current drugs is spreading, new strategies for combating giardiasis need to be developed. The G. lamblia ribosome may provide a promising therapeutic target due to its distinct sequence differences from ribosomes of most eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the G. lamblia (WB strain) ribosome determined at 2.75 Å resolution. The ribosomal RNA is the shortest known among eukaryotes, and lacks nearly all the eukaryote-specific ribosomal RNA expansion segments. In contrast, the ribosomal proteins are typically eukaryotic with some species-specific insertions/extensions. Most typical inter-subunit bridges are maintained except for one missing contact site. Unique structural features are located mainly at the ribosome’s periphery. These may be exploited as target sites for the design of new compounds that inhibit selectively the parasite’s ribosomal activity.
Klf4 methylated by Prmt1 restrains the commitment of primitive endoderm
Authors: Zuo Zhen-yu , Yang Guang-hui , Wang Hai-yu , Liu Shu-yu , Zhang Yan-jun , Cai Yun , Chen Fei , Dai Hui , Xiao Yi , Cheng Mo-bin , Huang Yue , Zhang Ye
Published: January 2022

The second cell fate decision in the early stage of mammalian embryonic development is pivotal; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unexplored. Here, we report that Prmt1 acts as an important regulator in primitive endoderm (PrE) formation. First, Prmt1 depletion promotes PrE gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that Prmt1 depletion in mESCs contributes to an emerging cluster, where PrE genes are upregulated significantly. Furthermore, the efficiency of extraembryonic endoderm stem cell induction increased in Prmt1-depleted ESCs. Second, the pluripotency factor Klf4 methylated at Arg396 by Prmt1 is required for recruitment of the repressive mSin3a/HDAC complex to silence PrE genes. Most importantly, an embryonic chimeric assay showed that Prmt1 inhibition and mutated Klf4 at Arg 396 induce the integration of mouse ESCs into the PrE lineage. Therefore, we reveal a regulatory mechanism for cell fate decisions centered on Prmt1-mediated Klf4 methylation.
Synthetic robust perfect adaptation achieved by negative feedback coupling with linear weak positive feedback
Authors: Sun Zhi , Wei Weijia , Zhang Mingyue , Shi Wenjia , Zong Yeqing , Chen Yihua , Yang Xiaojing , Yu Bo , Tang Chao , Lou Chunbo
Published: January 2022

Unlike their natural counterparts, synthetic genetic circuits are usually fragile in the face of environmental perturbations and genetic mutations. Several theoretical robust genetic circuits have been designed, but their performance under real-world conditions has not yet been carefully evaluated. Here, we designed and synthesized a new robust perfect adaptation circuit composed of two-node negative feedback coupling with linear positive feedback on the buffer node. As a key feature, the linear positive feedback was fine-tuned to evaluate its necessity. We found that the desired function was robustly achieved when genetic parameters were varied by systematically perturbing all interacting parts within the topology, and the necessity of the completeness of the topological structures was evaluated by destroying key circuit features. Furthermore, different environmental perturbances were imposed onto the circuit by changing growth rates, carbon metabolic strategies and even chassis cells, and the designed perfect adaptation function was still achieved under all conditions. The successful design of a robust perfect adaptation circuit indicated that the top-down design strategy is capable of predictably guiding bottom-up engineering for robust genetic circuits. This robust adaptation circuit could be integrated as a motif into more complex circuits to robustly implement more sophisticated and critical biological functions.
Physical ARTEMIS:DNA-PKcs interaction is necessary for V(D)J recombination
Authors: Niewolik Doris , Schwarz Klaus
Published: January 2022

The nuclease ARTEMIS and the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) are involved in the repair of physiological and pathogenic DNA double strand breaks. Both proteins are indispensable for the hairpin-opening activity in V(D)J recombination and therefore essential for the adaptive immune response. ARTEMIS and DNA-PKcs interact, however experimental evidence for in vivo significance is missing. We demonstrate that mutations abolishing this protein-protein interaction affect nuclease function. In DNA-PKcs, mutation L3062R impairs the physical interaction with ARTEMIS and was previously identified as pathogenic variant, resulting in radiosensitive severe combined immunodeficiency. In ARTEMIS, specific mutations in two conserved regions affect interaction with DNA-PKcs. In combination they impair V(D)J recombination activity, independent of ARTEMIS autoinhibitory self-interaction between the ARTEMIS C-terminus and the N-terminal nuclease domain. We describe small fragments from both proteins, capable of interaction with the corresponding full-length partner proteins: In DNA-PKcs 42 amino acids out of FAT region 2 (PKcs3041-3082) can mediate interaction with ARTEMIS. In the nuclease we have defined 26 amino acids (ARM378-403) as minimal DNA-PKcs interacting fragment. The exact mapping of the ARTEMIS:DNA-PKcs interaction may pave the way for the design of specific inhibitors targeting the repair of DNA double strand breaks.
Crowned dens syndrome—case of crystal deposition in cervical spine
Authors: Shams Sabeeh , Khan Behram , Jeffries Andrew
Published: January 2022

Neck pain can be very bothersome for patients, and most will seek analgesic relief as soon as possible. We present a case of crystal deposition in the cervical spine where a frail patient admitted for pneumonia developed severe neck pain raising suspicion of discitis, and did not respond to standard analgesic medications. Investigations revealed crystal deposition around the dens and alar ligaments (C1 and C2 Spine) suggestive of crowned dens syndrome, which responded promptly to steroid therapy and averting the patient from invasive investigations and intense treatment with antibiotics.
Splinters in the fingernails, heart and brain: thromboembolic complications of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis despite treatment with a direct-acting oral anticoagulant
Authors: Wang Louis W , Phan Justin , Schuetz Priyanka , Omari Abdullah , Watson Alasdair J , Subbiah Rajesh N
Published: January 2022

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare condition characterized by non-infectious vegetations affecting the cardiac valves. Although systemic thromboembolism is a commonly associated condition, antiphospholipid syndrome is less common. Nevertheless, treatment generally involves long-term anticoagulation. We report a case of a patient with previously undiagnosed NBTE who suffered systemic thromboembolic events despite pre-existing treatment with a direct-acting oral anticoagulant.
Building a Single Market with No Single Regulator
Authors: Glachant Jean-Michel
Published: January 2022

The European Union is the only large multi-country entity having built an open internal electricity market at a continental scale. Large single countries such as Canada and the United States have not done so. This is not an accident, as the building of an open electricity market is demanding and cannot emerge spontaneously from traditional market players. Another reason it was not easy to create such a market is that the European Union has only weak regulatory powers and typically lacks the strong federal agencies characteristic of the United States. The EU case is that of a long-term (from 1996 to 2019) step-by-step process, including successive layers of legislative acts without strong regulatory frames but a very dynamic toolbox mixing voluntary and statutory involvement of many stakeholders, plus a progressive mutualization of the relevant national bodies. Only beginning in 2020 did the legal frame and the regulatory agreements start fully matching.
Three Waves of Cooperation
Authors: De Moor Tine
Published: January 2022

Parallel to current social, economic, and ecological crises, new institutions for collective action are rapidly developing. In domains where the government withdraws and the market fails, citizen collectives in care, energy, infrastructure, and other areas offer accessible and affordable alternatives at the local level. This chapter explains, through a thousand years of history, what institutions for collective action are, and which factors influence how they function. It analyzes how current developments differ from earlier waves in the development of institutions for collective action. Just like today, periods of growth for this type of institutions were preceded by periods of accelerated development of the free market. These institutions constitute a correction mechanism and can play an important role in society as a third governance model, alongside market and state, although the potential of the commons as a governance model for global resources remains disputed.
Natural Resources and the Politics of Distribution
Authors: Al-Suwaidan Mohannad , Mazaheri Nimah
Published: January 2022

This chapter discusses the politics of distribution in natural resource-rich states and explores what factors influence the extent to which natural resource wealth is used to benefit the public. The chapter is divided into three sections. The first section gives a brief overview of the various ways that states have distributed the benefits of natural resource wealth, such as public investment and “direct distribution” programs like cash transfers and universal subsidies. The second section concerns the political logic of distribution from the government’s perspective, with a focus on the role of state capacity. The third section concerns how domestic politics and citizen mobilization have shaped the contours of distribution in natural resource-rich contexts. It discusses the role of protest following distribution reforms, anti-extraction movements, and public opinion.
Contract’s Influence on Feminism and Vice Versa
Authors: Ertman Martha M.
Published: January 2022

Feminist legal theory has both embraced and rejected contract. While contract-based conceptual and doctrinal tools have improved women’s economic and social status, feminists also critique contract-based reforms for colluding with hierarchies of gender, race and class. This chapter charts influential work on both sides of the contract debate and identifies a third approach that sees contract as a mechanism for law to move away from a hierarchal regime by stopping at a contractual way station en route to a more equal system of public ordering. It concludes by identifying ways that feminist legal theorists have injected feminist insights into traditional contract law via doctrines such as good faith in employment contracts, debtor rights in lending relationships, and defenses including unconscionability and duress.
Indigenous Peoples’ Earnings, Inequality, and Well-Being
Authors: Akee Randall
Published: January 2022

This chapter describes earnings inequality and poverty measures for four groups of Indigenous peoples in the United States over the past 30 years using available data. The analysis provides a useful comparison to racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. Additionally, the chapter explores ways in which the existing measures of monetary income and earnings may miss significant sources of resource exchange, transfer, and provision in these communities. Accounting for these additional activities may indicate that these communities are more resilient than official measures would suggest. This chapter also argues that certain environmental and natural resources provide uncounted and unmeasured value; however, the benefit and value that they provide to communities and peoples are not allocated via price mechanisms and are thus not easily counted or measured. A potential solution is the inclusion of expanded questions and surveys that include questions that measure non-market-based flows of income and services for Indigenous peoples.
The three-year shear catalog of the Subaru Hyper Suprime-Cam SSP Survey
Authors: Li Xiangchong , Miyatake Hironao , Luo Wentao , More Surhud , Oguri Masamune , Hamana Takashi , Mandelbaum Rachel , Shirasaki Masato , Takada Masahiro , Armstrong Robert , Kannawadi Arun , Takita Satoshi , Miyazaki Satoshi , Nishizawa Atsushi J , Plazas Malagon Andres A , Strauss Michael A , Tanaka Masayuki , Yoshida Naoki
Published: January 2022

We present the galaxy shear catalog that will be used for the three-year cosmological weak gravitational lensing analyses using data from the Wide layer of the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Subaru Strategic Program (SSP) Survey. The galaxy shapes are measured from the i-band imaging data acquired from 2014 to 2019 and calibrated with image simulations that resemble the observing conditions of the survey based on training galaxy images from the Hubble Space Telescope in the COSMOS region. The catalog covers an area of 433.48 deg2 of the northern sky, split into six fields. The mean i-band seeing is ${0{^{\prime \prime}_{.}}59}$. With conservative galaxy selection criteria (e.g., i-band magnitude brighter than 24.5), the observed raw galaxy number density is 22.9 arcmin−2, and the effective galaxy number density is 19.9 arcmin−2. The calibration removes the galaxy property-dependent shear estimation bias to the level |δm| < 9 × 10−3. The bias residual δm shows no dependence on redshift in the range 0 < z ≤ 3. We define the requirements for cosmological weak-lensing science for this shear catalog, and quantify potential systematics in the catalog using a series of internal null tests for systematics related to point-spread function modelling and shear estimation. A variety of the null tests are statistically consistent with zero or within requirements, but (i) there is evidence for PSF model shape residual correlations; and (ii) star–galaxy shape correlations reveal additive systematics. Both effects become significant on >1° scales and will require mitigation during the inference of cosmological parameters using cosmic shear measurements.
The rice phosphate transporter OsPHT1;7 plays a dual role in phosphorus redistribution and anther development
Authors: Dai Changrong , Dai Xiaoli , Qu Hongye , Men Qin , Liu Jingyang , Yu Ling , Gu Mian , Xu Guohua
Published: January 2022

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is the predominant form of phosphorus (P) readily accessible to plants, and Pi Transporter 1 (PHT1) genes are the major contributors to root Pi uptake. However, the mechanisms underlying the transport and recycling of Pi within plants, which are vital for optimizing P use efficiency, remain elusive. Here, we characterized a functionally unknown rice (Oryza sativa) PHT1 member barely expressed in roots, OsPHT1;7. Yeast complementation and Xenopus laevis oocyte assay demonstrated that OsPHT1;7 could mediate Pi transport. Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histochemical analyses showed that OsPHT1;7 was preferentially expressed in source leaves and nodes. A further fine-localization analysis by immunostaining showed that OsPHT1;7 expression was restricted in the vascular bundle (VB) sheath and phloem of source leaves as well as in the phloem of regular/diffuse- and enlarged-VBs of nodes. In accordance with this expression pattern, mutation of OsPHT1;7 led to increased and decreased P distribution in source (old leaves) and sink organs (new leaves/panicles), respectively, indicating that OsPHT1;7 is involved in P redistribution. Furthermore, OsPHT1;7 showed an overwhelmingly higher transcript abundance in anthers than other PHT1 members, and ospht1;7 mutants were impaired in P accumulation in anthers but not in pistils or husks. Moreover, the germination of pollen grains was significantly inhibited upon OsPHT1;7 mutation, leading to a >80% decrease in seed-setting rate and grain yield. Taken together, our results provide evidence that OsPHT1;7 is a crucial Pi transporter for Pi transport and recycling within rice plants, stimulating both vegetative and reproductive growth.
Compliance with local travel restrictions and face masks during first phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: a national survey
Authors: Kearney Patricia M , Spillane Mary , Humphries Rory , Gannon Alannah , Stamenic Danko , Bhuachalla Cliodhna Ni , Hoevel Philipp , Arensman Ella , O’Riordain Micheal , Troya M Isabela , Khashan Ali S , O’Reilly Eilis , Buckley Claire , O’Connor Lois , Perry Ivan J
Published: January 2022

Background

This study examines compliance with local travel restrictions and assesses early uptake of mask wearing, during the initial phase of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Ireland, to inform the ongoing outbreak response.

Methods

A series of four nationally representative telephone surveys were developed. Information was collected at a household level and from primary respondents. Multivariable logistic regression estimated the association between sociodemographic characteristics and compliance with the local travel restriction and with mask use in primary respondents.

Results

Household compliance with local travel restrictions was similar by region, household size and social position. 73.4% of all household members complied, with high levels maintained over time. Higher proportions reported travelling for non-permitted reasons with time. Older age, female gender and attending higher education were independently associated with compliance to local travel restrictions. Among primary respondents, no factors were independently associated with mask use.

Conclusion

High compliance with local travel restrictions during the early stages of the pandemic demonstrates the engagement of the population with public health guidance. Although high compliance with local travel restrictions was generally maintained over time, non-permitted activities increased. Early adoption of mask use before required by national policy or legislation provides further evidence of the responsiveness of the population.
Social policy and labor supply: the impact of activating labor market institutions on reservation wages
Authors: Fuchs Benjamin , Prechsl Sebastian , Wolbring Tobias
Published: January 2022

Activation is an efficacious policy paradigm in modern welfare states. Taking the case of Germany, we study the relationship between the embeddedness of benefit recipients in activating labor market institutions and individual labor supply. Using panel data, we estimate the effects of transitions between key institutional states with different degrees of activation on reservation wages (RWs). We show that RWs react to activation: the transition from gainful employment to unemployment benefit receipt leads to an average decrease of 3.1% in RWs. The transition from gainful employment to welfare benefit receipt—an institutional state with far more rigorous activation—leads to a stronger decrease of 4.9%. Mediation analyses show that the income associated with different institutional states is the predominant mechanism that drives the effect on RWs. However, subjective social status also partly mediates the effect. Implications of these findings for active labor market policies are discussed.
Brain reactivity to emotion persists in NREM sleep and is associated with individual dream recall
Authors: Moyne Maëva , Legendre Guillaume , Arnal Luc , Kumar Samika , Sterpenich Virginie , Seeck Margitta , Grandjean Didier , Schwartz Sophie , Vuilleumier Patrik , Domínguez-Borràs Judith
Published: January 2022

The waking brain efficiently detects emotional signals to promote survival. However, emotion detection during sleep is poorly understood and may be influenced by individual sleep characteristics or neural reactivity. Notably, dream recall frequency has been associated with stimulus reactivity during sleep, with enhanced stimulus-driven responses in high vs. low recallers. Using electroencephalography (EEG), we characterized the neural responses of healthy individuals to emotional, neutral voices, and control stimuli, both during wakefulness and NREM sleep. Then, we tested how these responses varied with individual dream recall frequency. Event-related potentials (ERPs) differed for emotional vs. neutral voices, both in wakefulness and NREM. Likewise, EEG arousals (sleep perturbations) increased selectively after the emotional voices, indicating emotion reactivity. Interestingly, sleep ERP amplitude and arousals after emotional voices increased linearly with participants’ dream recall frequency. Similar correlations with dream recall were observed for beta and sigma responses, but not for theta. In contrast, dream recall correlations were absent for neutral or control stimuli. Our results reveal that brain reactivity to affective salience is preserved during NREM and is selectively associated to individual memory for dreams. Our findings also suggest that emotion-specific reactivity during sleep, and not generalized alertness, may contribute to the encoding/retrieval of dreams.
TubulinTracker, a Novel In Vitro Reporter Assay to Study Intracellular Microtubule Dynamics, Cell Cycle Progression, and Aneugenicity
Authors: Geijer Marit E , Moelijker Nynke , Zhang Gaonan , Derr Remco , Osterlund Torben , Hendriks Giel , Brandsma Inger
Published: January 2022

Aneuploidy is characterized by the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes and is a common hallmark of cancer. However, exposure to aneugenic compounds does not necessarily lead to cancer. Aneugenic compounds are mainly identified using the in vitro micronucleus assay but this assay cannot standardly discriminate between aneugens and clastogens and cannot be used to identify the exact mode-of-action (MOA) of aneugens; tubulin stabilization, tubulin destabilization, or inhibition of mitotic kinases. To improve the classification of aneugenic substances and determine their MOA, we developed and validated the TubulinTracker assay that uses a green fluorescent protein-tagged tubulin reporter cell line to study microtubule stability using flow cytometry. Combining the assay with a DNA stain also enables cell cycle analysis. Substances whose exposure resulted in an accumulation of cells in G2/M phase, combined with increased or decreased tubulin levels, were classified as tubulin poisons. All known tubulin poisons included were classified correctly. Moreover, we correctly classified compounds, including aneugens that did not affect microtubule levels. However, the MOA of aneugens not affecting tubulin stability, such as Aurora kinase inhibitors, could not be identified. Here, we show that the TubulinTracker assay can be used to classify microtubule stabilizing and destabilizing compounds in living cells. This insight into the MOA of aneugenic agents is important, eg, to support a weight-of-evidence approach for risk assessment, and the classification as an aneugen as opposed to a clastogen or mutagen, has a big impact on the assessment.
Identification of Two Fungal Pathogens Responsible for Liriodendron chinense × tulipifera Black Spot and Screening of Trichoderma sp. for Disease Control
Authors: Kong Wei-Liang , Chen Xi , Sun Hui , Sun Xiao-Rui , Wu Xiao-Qin
Published: January 2022

Liriodendron chinense × tulipifera black spot is a newly discovered disease that causes yellowing and early shedding of leaves, affecting the growth of Liriodendron trees, and significantly reducing their ornamental value as a garden species. The pathogen responsible for this disease, and how it can be prevented and controlled, are not clear. In this study, the occurrence of this disease was first investigated according to Koch’s postulates, and the primary pathogens causing Liriodendron black spot were determined to be Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Alternaria alternata. Biocontrol strains antagonistic to these two pathogens were then screened from the leaf microorganisms of L. chinense × tulipifera, and a preliminary investigation of the biological control of Liriodendron black spot was performed. Through the screening of antagonistic microorganisms on the leaf surface of L. chinense × tulipifera, the strain Trichoderma koningiopsis T2, which displayed strong antagonism against C. gloeosporioides and A. alternata, was obtained. The T2 strain could inhibit the growth of the two pathogens via three mechanisms: hyperparasitism, volatile and nonvolatile metabolite production, and environmental acidification. The biocontrol experiments in the greenhouse and field showed that initial spraying with a T. koningiopsis T2 spore suspension followed by the two pathogens resulted in the lowest disease incidence. These results confirmed the black spot pathogens of L. chinense × tulipifera, clarified the antagonistic mechanism of T. koningiopsis T2 against the two pathogens, and provided a theoretical basis and technical support for the biological control of the disease.
Acute liver injury following short-term use of the herbal supplement kratom
Authors: Umbehr Gabriel , Lukaszewicz Magdalena
Published: January 2022

Kratom, a tropical plant and dietary supplement with dose-dependent effects, has physiologic effects similar to opioids as well as stimulant effects. Kratom, like all dietary supplements, is not regulated in the United States and its effects have raised potential and safety concerns. This article describes a patient who presented to the ED with jaundice and acute liver injury, which after a thorough exclusion of alternative causes was attributed to kratom use.