bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thomas Joseph Murray
Authors: Twomey Fin , Casey James , Byrne George , Murray Declan
Published: January 2023

A veterinary inspector with a history of working in animal health and food safety, Tom contributed to solving global problems. He also had a passion for travel and a curiosity for new experiences.
BVA Live is back!
Authors: Innes Harriet
Published: January 2023

It's a new year – look no further to book your CPD for 2023. BVA Live is back! Taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 11–12 May 2023, it will offer something for everyone, says Harriet Innes, BVA events manager.
The Phantom Mark: Enigmatic roles of phospho‐Threonine 4 modification of the C‐terminal domain of RNA polymerase II
Authors: Kempen Ryan P. , Dabas Preeti , Ansari Aseem Z.
Published: January 2023

The largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has an unusual carboxyl‐terminal domain (CTD). This domain is composed of a tandemly repeating heptapeptide, Y1S2P3T4S5P6S7, that has multiple roles in regulating Pol II function and processing newly synthesized RNA. Transient phosphorylation of Ser2 and Ser5 of the YS2PTS5PS repeat have well‐defined roles in recruiting different protein complexes and coordinating sequential steps in gene transcription. As such, these phospho‐marks encipher a molecular recognition code, colloquially termed the CTD code. In contrast, the contribution of phospho‐Threonine 4 (pThr4/pT4) to the CTD code remains opaque and contentious. Fuelling the debate on the relevance of this mark to gene expression are the findings that replacing Thr4 with a valine or alanine has varied impact on cellular function in different species and independent proteomic analyses disagree on the relative abundance of pThr4 marks. Yet, substitution with negatively charged residues is lethal and even benign mutations selectively disrupt synthesis and 3′ processing of distinct sets of coding and non‐coding transcripts. Suggestive of non‐canonical roles, pThr4 marked Pol II regulates distinct gene classes in a species‐ and signal‐responsive manner. Hinting at undiscovered roles of this elusive mark, multiple signal‐responsive kinases phosphorylate Thr4 at target genes. Here, we focus on this under‐explored residue and postulate that the pThr4 mark is superimposed on the canonical CTD code to selectively regulate expression of targeted genes without perturbing genome‐wide transcriptional processes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing

RNA Processing > Processing of Small RNAs

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Technology Assessment in a Multilateral Science, Technology and Innovation System
Authors: Ladikas Miltos , Stamm Andreas
Published: January 2023

One of the key functions of global Technology Assessment is to promote multilateral Science Technology and Innovation cooperation, in order to resolve current global challenges. In this chapter, we identify TA’s role in the existing STI multilateral system and localize it within the existing global decision-making structures. We describe a wide spectrum of TA methodologies that United Nations and multilateral agencies employ, to analyse new and emerging technologies and provide policy input. We further concentrate on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, where TA is specifically commissioned as an aspiration for the achievement of its development goals and we further provide examples of TA projects within the organisation’s remit. Moreover, we explore the relationship between the Sustainable Development Goals and TA, while offering realistic options to overcoming the numerous challenges that TA is faced with when applied in developing countries. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the four models of global TA and the significance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a role model for an independent and effective global TA.
Challenges of Global Technology Assessment in Biotechnology—Bringing Clarity and Better Understanding in Fragmented Global Governance
Authors: van Baalen Sophie , Srinivas Krishna Ravi , He Guangxi
Published: January 2023

Biotechnology involves the use and manipulation of living organisms such as plants, animals, humans, and biological systems, or parts of this, to modify their characteristics in order to create desired organisms or products. Biotechnology as a field touches on many aspects that are central to technology assessment (TA), and have been the focus of TA activities since the 1980s. By presenting three key topics in biotechnology—genetically modified food and crops, synthetic biology, and human genome germline editing—we show that a central feature of biotechnology is that the science is evolving globally and the products that it brings forth are traded across the globe. Yet, there are major differences in the regulation and governance of the academic and industrial sectors between countries. These stem from different needs and interests per country, as well as differences in traditions, cultural differences and public perceptions. As global governance is fragmented, with little scope for harmonization, global TA of biotechnology can bring clarity and better understanding, and enable better governance. In order to do so, an integrated global TA framework should consider international trade and differences in risk assessment; cultural variation and different value-systems between countries; and differences in countries’ capacities in R&D and coordination of public engagement efforts.
Quantum field theoretic representation of Wilson surfaces. Part II. Higher topological coadjoint orbit model
Authors: Zucchini Roberto
Published: January 2023

Abstract

This is the second of a series of two papers devoted to the partition function realization of Wilson surfaces in strict higher gauge theory. A higher 2-dimensional counterpart of the topological coadjoint orbit quantum mechanical model computing Wilson lines is presented based on the derived geometric framework, which has shown its usefulness in 4-dimensional higher Chern-Simons theory. Its symmetries are described. Its quantization is analyzed in the functional integral framework. Strong evidence is provided that the model does indeed underlie the partition function realization of Wilson surfaces. The emergence of the vanishing fake curvature condition is explained and homotopy invariance for a flat higher gauge field is shown. The model’s Hamiltonian formulation is further furnished highlighting the model’s close relationship to the derived Kirillov-Kostant-Souriau theory developed in the companion paper.
dMyc-dependent upregulation of CD98 amino acid transporters is required for Drosophila brain tumor growth
Authors: Rebelo Ana R. , Homem Catarina C. F.
Published: January 2023

Tumor cells have an increased demand for nutrients to sustain their growth, but how these increased metabolic needs are ensured or how this influences tumor formation and progression remains unclear. To unravel tumor metabolic dependencies, particularly from extracellular metabolites, we have analyzed the role of plasma membrane metabolic transporters in Drosophila brain tumors. Using a well-established neural stem cell-derived tumor model, caused by brat knockdown, we have found that 13 plasma membrane metabolic transporters, including amino acid, carbohydrate and monocarboxylate transporters, are upregulated in tumors and are required for tumor growth. We identified CD98hc and several of the light chains with which it can form heterodimeric amino acid transporters, as crucial players in brat RNAi (bratIR) tumor progression. Knockdown of these components of CD98 heterodimers caused a dramatic reduction in tumor growth. Our data also reveal that the oncogene dMyc is required and sufficient for the upregulation of CD98 transporter subunits in these tumors. Furthermore, tumor-upregulated dmyc and CD98 transporters orchestrate the overactivation of the growth-promoting signaling pathway TOR, forming a core growth regulatory network to support brat IR tumor progression. Our findings highlight the important link between oncogenes, metabolism, and signaling pathways in the regulation of tumor growth and allow for a better understanding of the mechanisms necessary for tumor progression.
When things go wrong: experiences of vaginal mesh complications
Authors: Dibb Bridget , Woodgate Fee , Taylor Lauren
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Previous research has suggested that complications stemming from vaginal mesh can lead to life-changing negative physical consequences including erosion and chronic pain. However, there has been little research on the experiences of women who have had complications. This study was aimed at exploring the individual experiences of women who have had vaginal mesh complications and how this has impacted them.

Methods

An explorative qualitative design was followed. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had experienced complications with vaginal mesh due to stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The mean age was 52 and the mean time since the mesh was fitted was 8 years (6 had since had it removed and a further 6 had had partial removal), and the mean time since first mesh-related symptom was 10 months. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified: perceived impact of mesh complications, attitudes of medical professionals, social support and positive growth. Results showed that participant experiences of their mesh complication were psychologically traumatic, including feelings of increased anxiety and fears relating to suicidal thoughts. Intimate relationships were also affected, with reduced sexual functioning and intimacy stemming from mesh complications. Negative experiences with medical professionals included feeling dismissed, a lack of recognition of their symptoms, and anger towards the profession.

Conclusions

The impacts of vaginal mesh complications were found to be wide-reaching and life-changing, affecting numerous aspects of participants’ lives. Greater awareness in this area is needed to provide further support for women experiencing vaginal mesh complications.
Constrained-optimal tradewise-stable outcomes in the one-sided assignment game: a solution concept weaker than the core
Authors: Pérez-Castrillo David , Sotomayor Marilda
Published: January 2023

In the one-sided assignment game, any two agents can form a trade; they can decide to form a partnership and agree on how to share the surplus created. Contrary to the two-sided assignment game, stable outcomes often fail to exist in the one-sided assignment game. Hence the core, which coincides with the set of stable payoffs, may be empty. We introduce the idea of tradewise-stable (t-stable) outcomes: they are individually rational outcomes where all trades are stable; that is, no matched agent can form a blocking pair with any other agent, neither matched nor unmatched. We propose the set of constrained-optimal (optimal) t-stable outcomes, the set of the maximal elements of the set of t-stable outcomes, as a natural solution concept for this game. We prove that this set is non-empty, it coincides with the set of stable outcomes when the core is non-empty, and it satisfies similar properties to the set of stable outcomes even when the core is empty. We propose a partnership formation process that starts with the outcome where every player stands alone, goes through steps where the set of active players expands, always forming t-stable outcomes, and ends in an (in any) optimal t-stable outcome. Finally, we also use the new concept to establish conditions under which the core is non-empty.
Subcellular Accumulation and Depuration of Zinc in Periphytic Algae during Episodic and Continuous Exposures
Authors: Cadmus Pete , Friebertshauser Ryan J. , Rhein Nayla , Brinkman Stephen F. , Clements William H.
Published: January 2023

As the severity of extreme precipitation events increases with global climate change, so will episodic pulses of contamination into lotic systems. Periphytic algae represents bioindicator species in most freshwater systems due to their rapid accumulation of toxicants; therefore, it is vital to understand how accumulation in this group differs across temporally variable exposure regimes. The ability to rapidly accrue contaminants has additional implications for the trophic transfer of metals to primary consumers. While dietary toxicity has been studied in algivorous consumers, techniques used to prepare contaminated periphytic algae for consumption have not been compared. This study used a modified subcellular fractionation method to compare the partitioning of zinc (Zn) in periphyton cultures exposed for various durations (cultured in the presence of Zn and 15 min, 24 h, and 48 h exposures). Three exposure groups were additionally depurated over a period of 24 h in order to compare retention of Zn, an important aspect of preparing diets used in dietary toxicity studies. The results not only provide evidence for increased retention by periphytic algae cultured in the presence of Zn but reveal relationships among treatments and subcellular partitioning that suggest time-dependent accumulation and detoxification. These relationships suggest that episodic exposure of periphytic algae to contaminants may pose a greater risk than that of chronic regimes. Based on these results, we additionally advocate for culturing periphytic algae in the presence of contamination to produce a more reliable diet for dietary exposure testing in algivorous organisms.
Long noncoding RNA FAM157C contributes to clonal proliferation in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Wang Honglei , Liu Hui , Li Liyan , Chen Yingying , Liu Zhaoyun , Li Lijuan , Ding Shaoxue , Ding Kai , Fu Rong
Published: January 2023

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal disease of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) perform a wide range of biological functions, including the regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation, and proliferation, but their role in PNH remains unclear.

CD59− and CD59+ granulocytes and monocytes from 35 PNH patients were sorted. High-throughput sequencing was analyzed in 5 PNH patients, and differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified. The mRNAs with fragments per kilobase of exon model per million mapped fragments (FPKM) > 10 in at least 3 patients were selected, and experiments were performed to identify their upstream regulatory lncRNAs. The expression of selected mRNAs and lncRNAs was verified by qRT‒PCR, and the correlation of these expression patterns with clinical data from other 30 PNH patients was analyzed. Then, the functions of the lncRNAs were studied in the PIGA-KO-THP-1 cell line.

Transcription analysis revealed 742 upregulated and 1376 downregulated lncRNAs and 3276 upregulated and 213 downregulated mRNAs. After deep screening, 8 highly expressed mRNAs that were related to the NF-κB pathway were analyzed to determine coexpression patterns. LINC01002, FAM157C, CTD-2530H12.2, XLOC-064331 and XLOC-106677 were correlated with the 8 mRNAs. After measuring the expression of these molecules in 30 PNH patients by qRT‒PCR, lncRNA FAM157C was verified to be upregulated in the PNH clone, and its expression levels were positively correlated with the LDH levels and CD59− granulated and monocyte cell ratios. After knockdown of the FAM157C gene in the PIGA-KO-THP-1 cell line, we found that the cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase and S phase, the apoptosis rate increased, and the cell proliferation decreased.

LncRNA FAM157C was proven to promote PNH clone proliferation, and this is the first study to explore the role of lncRNAs in PNH.
On the use of historical estimates
Authors: Davidov Ori , Rudas Tamás
Published: January 2023

The use of historical, i.e., already existing, estimates in current studies is common in a wide variety of application areas. Nevertheless, despite their routine use, the uncertainty associated with historical estimates is rarely properly accounted for in the analysis. In this communication, we review common practices and then provide a mathematical formulation and a principled frequentist methodology for addressing the problem of drawing inferences in the presence of historical estimates. Three distinct variants are investigated in detail; the corresponding limiting distributions are found and compared. The design of future studies, given historical data, is also explored and relations with a variety of other well-studied statistical problems discussed.
Screening for oropharyngeal dysphagia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a prospective study
Authors: Zayed Ahmed Mohamed , Afsah Omayma , Elhadidy Tamer , Abou-Elsaad Tamer
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To screen for oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted on 500 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the age range of 19–65 years who were admitted to the main university isolation hospital (whether admitted in the ward or the intensive care unit). Screening for OD was done using the Arabic version of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Yale swallow protocol.

Results

45.4% of the admitted and 40.97% of the discharged COVID-19 patients had a positive screen for OD. Several risk factors for OD could be detected. These include older age, longer duration of presenting symptoms of COVID-19, presence of ageusia and anosmia, presence of dysphonia, ICU admission, lower oxygen saturation, higher respiratory rate, presence of OD at admission, longer duration of hospital stay, and use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).

Conclusions

Screening for OD in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is a mandatory procedure, whether for admitted or discharged patients.
Exploration of the prognostic value of the resection of adult brainstem high-grade glioma based on competing risk model, propensity score matching, and conditional survival rate
Authors: Zhang Dainan , Li Haiming , Jia Wang
Published: January 2023

Background

Adult brainstem high-grade glioma (HGG) is a refractory disease, and the treatment strategy of resection is still controversial.

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of brainstem HGG resection in adults.

Methods

We collected 126,386 samples from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1998 and 2016, and screened 973 patients diagnosed with adult brainstem HGG, who were in turn, grouped into 899 cases of non-resections and 74 cases of resections. Competing risk models were used to screen independent prognostic factors. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce the influence of confounding factors. Conditional survival (CS) rate was considered to evaluate the changes in overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) of patients with HGG over time.

Results

Based on the competing risk model and PSM, univariate analysis showed that age ≥ 45 years and male gender were poor prognostic factors for adult brainstem HGG. No previous history of glioma was a beneficial factor. Multivariate analysis revealed only the absence of a history of glioma to be a favorable prognostic factor. Considering the CS rate of the resection group, after the patient had survived for 3 years, the OS and DSS remained unchanged at 100% during the fourth and fifth years, whereas in the non-resection group, the OS and DSS of the patients were 82% and 74%, respectively.

Conclusion

Adult brainstem HGG resection has a poor prognosis in the early stage; however, patients have a potentially significant survival benefit after 3 years of survival.
LncRNA34977 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibits the apoptosis of canine mammary tumors by regulating the expression of miR-8881/ELAVL4
Authors: Lu Baochun , Zhu Yufan , Wu Juye , Qiu Huidan , Wang Jinyu , Ma Zihang , Jia Kun
Published: January 2023

Long-stranded noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play different roles in various diseases. lncRNA34977 has been shown to play a relevant role the development of canine mammary tumors (CMTs). However, the mechanism of lncRNA34977 in canine mammary tumors has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lncRNA34977 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of canine mammary tumor (CMT) cells through the regulation of miR-8881/ELAVL4 expression. The apoptosis was detected by an in situ fluorescence assay and flow cytometry. The expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR. CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion. The expression of protein was detected by western blot. The siRNA-induced silencing of lncRNA34977 promoted the apoptosis of CHMp cells, and in overexpression of lncRNA34977, the result is the opposite. LncRNA34977 has a direct targeting relationship with miR-8881 and that miR-8881 is correlated with ELAVL4. Transfection of miR-8881 mimics inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of CHMp cells of CHMp cells. In the transfection with miR-8881 inhibitors, the result is the opposite. Co-transfected with lncRNA34977, miR-8881, or ELAVL4, we found that lncRNA34977 could regulate the expression of miR-8881 or ELAVL4. Our study shows that lncRNA34977 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppresses the apoptosis of CMT cells by regulating the expression of miR-8881/ELAVL4.
Thermal properties of glass-ceramic glazes with zirconium oxide added to multicomponent system SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO-Na2O
Authors: Pasiut Katarzyna , Partyka Janusz
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to analyse the thermal properties of glazes from the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-MgO-Na2O system during the addition of zirconium oxide. The paper describes the effect of the addition of zirconium oxide on characteristic temperatures obtained with a high-temperature microscope and a mechanical dilatometer. Based on these data, the course of the logarithm curves of the viscosity of the glazes was determined on the basis of the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher model. The analysis of thermal effects during the heating and cooling of glazes was also carried out on the basis of measurements made by means of differential scanning calorimetry and analysis of the phase composition at selected temperatures. The obtained results constitute a comprehensive characteristic of the thermal properties of glazes, in which the amount of zirconium oxide increases—from 0 to 24 mass%.
Fundamental/harmonics beam control using 1-bit space time-modulated plasma DMA
Authors: Malhat Hend Abd El-Azem , Zainud-Deen Anas Saber , Badawy Mona Magdy
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates a space-time modulated digital metamaterial array (DMA) based on reconfigurable plasma ionization. The DMA consists of 8 × 8 unit-cell elements with total dimensions of 120 × 120 × 3.2 mm3. Each unit-cell consists of a ring container filled with argon gas and is backed with a grounded dielectric substrate. The argon gas is ionized into a plasma state through metallic electrodes. The logic state of the unit cell is controlled via the changing of the plasma frequency, $${\omega }_{p}.$$

ω
p

.

The value of $${\omega }_{p}=6\times {10}^{11}\mathrm{ rad}/\mathrm{sec}$$

ω
p

=
6
×

10

11

rad
/
sec

represents logic “0”, and $${\omega }_{p}=8\times {10}^{11} \mathrm{rad}/\mathrm{sec}$$

ω
p

=
8
×

10

11

rad
/
sec

represents logic “bit 1”. The periodic time switching of the plasma ionization controls the radiation at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. The on-time instants and on-time durations control the number of radiated beams, their directions, amplitudes, and side-lobe levels. Different time-switching sequences are investigated for beam steering, dual-sum beams, broadside beams, end-fire beams, multi-beams, and fan-shaped beams for wireless communications applications. The DMA was investigated under different switching sequences for phase-modulation and amplitude-modulation schemes. A full-wave simulation CST Microwave Studio simulator is used to analyze the proposed DMA and the results are compared with ideal point sources array excited with the same switching sequences.
Radiation exposure in cardiac computed tomography imaging in Mie prefecture in 2021
Authors: Araki Suguru , Kitagawa Kakuya , Kokawa Takanori , Takafuji Masafumi , Nakamura Satoshi , Nagasawa Naoki , Sakuma Hajime
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Several effective radiation dose reduction methods have been developed for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA); however, their use in daily clinical practice remains unknown. We aimed to investigate radiation exposure and the utilization of dose-saving strategies for coronary CTA in hospitals in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

Materials and methods

Image acquisition details and dose reports of 30 consecutive cardiac CT examinations performed in 2021 were obtained from 18 hospitals. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 20–80 years who weighed 50–70 kg and underwent coronary CTA using ≥ 64-row multidetector CT. The doses for the overall cardiac CT examination and coronary CTA were analyzed using the dose-length product (DLP) and CT dose index (CTDIvol), respectively. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine independent predictors that affect the radiation dose in coronary CTA.

Results

The median DLP of cardiac CT was 774 (interquartile range [IQR]: 538–1119) mGy*cm, and the median CTDIvol of coronary CTA was 33 (IQR: 25–48) mGy. The 75th percentile values of DLP for cardiac CT and that of CTDIvol for coronary CTA were slightly lower than the values recorded in the Japan Diagnostic Reference Level (DRLs) 2020 report (1285 mGy*cm and 66.4 mGy, respectively) but were substantially higher than those reported in a previous large international dose survey (402 mGy*cm and 24 mGy, respectively). Iterative reconstruction was performed during all examinations. Only six hospitals (33%) used a low tube potential (≤ 100 kVp), and nine hospitals (50%) used electrocardiogram-triggered prospective scanning. Multivariate analysis revealed low heart rate, low tube potential, and use of electrocardiogram-triggered prospective scanning as independent predictors of CTDIvol ≤ 24 mGy (p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

As of 2021, low tube potential and prospective scanning are underutilized, whereas iterative reconstruction is used in every coronary CTA in Mie Prefecture. Further efforts to optimize the radiation exposure from cardiac CT scans are necessary.
The Impact of Swedish Forest Owners’ Values and Objectives on Management Practices and Forest Policy Accomplishment
Authors: Lidestav Gun , Westin Kerstin
Published: January 2023

Swedish forestry policy principles rest on voluntarism and a mutual interest among forest owners, the industry, and the state that timber production continuously be kept at a high level at the same time as environmental goals are achieved. An estimated 313,000 small-scale forest owners own half of Sweden’s forestland, and thus their objectives and values, and how these impact their management behavior, are matters of national policy interest. From a survey targeting a random sample of small-scale Swedish forest owners (n = 652), we found that overall forest owners found consumption objectives to be more important than production objectives. In line with this, they perceived social values, such as recreation, to be more important than economic values. Yet, on an aggregate level, timber production goals were fulfilled. Further, most forest owners left some of their productive forest untouched and applied restoration management, which could be interpreted as either intentional or unintentional considerations of the environmental goals. However, the environmental goals were not met on a national level. It can therefore be concluded that the voluntariness of the current forest policy seems to work when supported by the market’s interest in and mechanism for timber production but fails when only “soft” instruments such as information campaigns, advisory services, and education are at hand to promote environmental goals. Additional economic incentives, such as payment schemes, might be required.
A review of harmonization strategies for quantitative PET
Authors: Akamatsu Go , Tsutsui Yuji , Daisaki Hiromitsu , Mitsumoto Katsuhiko , Baba Shingo , Sasaki Masayuki
Published: January 2023

PET can reveal in vivo biological processes at the molecular level. PET-derived quantitative values have been used as a surrogate marker for clinical decision-making in numerous clinical studies and trials. However, quantitative values in PET are variable depending on technical, biological, and physical factors. The variability may have a significant impact on a study outcome. Appropriate scanner calibration and quality control, standardization of imaging protocols, and any necessary harmonization strategies are essential to make use of PET as a biomarker with low bias and variability. This review summarizes benefits, limitations, and remaining challenges for harmonization of quantitative PET, including whole-body PET in oncology, brain PET in neurology, PET/MR, and non-18F PET imaging. This review is expected to facilitate harmonization of quantitative PET and to promote the contribution of PET-derived biomarkers to research and development in medicine.
Morphological diversity and a ribosomal phylogeny of Rhabdopleura (Hemichordata: Graptolithina) from the Western Pacific (Singapore and New Zealand), with implications for a re-evaluation of rhabdopleurid species diversity
Authors: Gordon Dennis P. , Quek Z. B. Randolph , Orr Russell J. S. , Waeschenbach Andrea , Huang Danwei , Strano Francesca , Ramsfjell Mali H. , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: January 2023

The recent discovery of Rhabdopleura in Singapore and the chance collecting of fresh material from northern New Zealand (Three Kings Shelf) provided an opportunity to sequence the specimens with an aim to determine their species identity. Phylogeny reconstructions of two new Rhabdopleura taxa based on ribosomal and mitochondrial genes suggest a different identity from known samples, including putative Rhabdopleura annulata, first described from the Three Kings Shelf but sequenced from the Great Barrier Reef. Pairwise distances between rhabdopleurids for the 16S rRNA locus were several magnitudes larger than that of 18S rRNA, and might potentially be a suitable barcoding gene once sufficient samples of conspecifics are collected to determine the barcoding gaps. Type material of R. annulata was re-examined, as well as Rhabdopleura material from eight other New Zealand localities from north of subtropical Raoul Island (Kermadec Ridge) at ~29° S to the subantarctic Campbell Plateau at ~49° S. Six morphological characters, four of them new, were applied to all samples. The findings from morphology suggest (1) the holotype and cotype of R. annulata might not be conspecific; (2) there are 3–4 variants (species?) on the Three Kings Shelf; and (3) there are 2–3 additional variants (species?) elsewhere in the New Zealand region.
Involvement of ACACA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase α) in the lung pre-metastatic niche formation in breast cancer by senescence phenotypic conversion in fibroblasts
Authors: Huang Yung-Chi , Hou Ming-Feng , Tsai Ying-Ming , Pan Yi-Chung , Tsai Pei-Hsun , Lin Yi-Shiuan , Chang Chao-Yuan , Tsai Eing-Mei , Hsu Ya-Ling
Published: January 2023

Background

Reprogramming of metabolism is strongly associated with the development of cancer. However, the role of metabolic reprogramming in the remodeling of pre-metastatic niche (PMN), a key step in metastasis, is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the metabolic alternation during lung PMN formation in breast cancer.

Methods

We assessed the transcriptomes and lipidomics of lung of MMTV-PyVT mice by microarray and liquid chromatography-tandem mass mass spectrometry before lung metastasis. The validation of gene or protein expressions was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblot and immunohistochemistry respectively. The lung fibroblasts were isolated from mice and then co-cultured with breast cancer to identify the influence of cancer on the change of lung fibroblasts in PMN.

Results

We demonstrated changes in the lipid profile and several lipid metabolism genes in the lungs of breast cancer-bearing MMTV-PyVT mice before cancer spreading. The expression of ACACA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase α) was downregulated in the lung fibroblasts, which contributed to changes in acetylation of protein’s lysine residues and the synthesis of fatty acid. The downregulation of ACACA in lung fibroblasts triggered a senescent and inflammatory phenotypic shift of lung fibroblasts in both in vivo and in vitro models. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype of lung fibroblasts enabled the recruitment of immunosuppressive granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells into the lungs through the production of CXCL1 in the lungs. Knock-in of ACACA prevented lung metastasis in the MMTV-PyVT mouse model, further supporting that ACACA was involved in the remodeling of the lung PMN.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data revealed a mechanism by which ACACA downregulation directed the formation of an immunosuppressive lung PMN in breast cancer.
A Double Assessment of Privacy Risks Aboard Top-Selling Cars
Authors: Bella Giampaolo , Biondi Pietro , Tudisco Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

The advanced and personalised experience that modern cars offer makes them more and more data-hungry. For example, the cabin preferences of the possible drivers must be recorded and associated to some identity, while such data could be exploited to deduce sensitive information about the driver’s health. Therefore, drivers’ privacy must be taken seriously, requiring a dedicated risk assessment framework, as presented in this paper through a double assessment combining the asset-oriented ISO approach with the threat-oriented STRIDE approach. The framework is tailored to the level of specific car brand and demonstrated on the ten top-selling brands as well as, due to its innovative character, Tesla. The two approaches yield different, but complementary findings, demonstrating the additional insights gained through their parallel adoption.
Municipal Sewage Sludge Effects on Maize Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Soil Properties
Authors: Koutroubas Spyridon D. , Antoniadis Vasileios , Damalas Christos A. , Fotiadis Sideris
Published: January 2023

Biosolids are frequently used as organic soil additives. This 2-year field study investigated the effects of sewage sludge (SWS) application on maize (Zea mays L.) production, nitrogen accumulation, redistribution, and nitrogen use efficiency, as well as on grain element concentrations and soil properties. Treatments included three SWS rates (20, 40, and 80 Mg ha−1 year‒1), mineral fertilizer (300 kg N ha−1 year‒1 and 26 kg P ha−1 year‒1), and an unamended control. Plant samples were collected at silking and maturity in both years, while soil samples were taken following maize harvest in the second year. Maize grain yield increased by 143 kg ha−1 for every Mg increase in SWS rate. Sewage sludge application resulted in maize grain yield comparable to or even greater than that of mineral fertilizer. Nitrogen uptake and translocation to grains increased quadratically with increasing SWS rates. Nitrogen use efficiency increased with moderate SWS application (up to 40 Mg ha−1) but decreased with heavy application (80 Mg ha−1) compared to fertilizer, raising the risk of nitrogen losses. Compared to fertilizer, SWS resulted in similar or lower P and Cu concentration in the grain, as well as similar or higher K, but had no effect on N, Zn, Fe, and Mn concentration. Soil pH, NO3-N, and exchangeable K were similar in SWS and fertilizer, but soil Olsen P improved with SWS. There were no differences among treatments in DTPA-extractable Zn, Fe, and Cu, while Mn raised with SWS. Sewage sludge could be used to increase plant N reservoir at silking, N translocation to grains, and post-silking N uptake, allowing plants to meet their N requirements throughout the growing season. Even at 20 Mg ha−1, sewage sludge can successfully replace mineral fertilizer in maize crop.
Emotion and the Self in English Renaissance Literature
Authors: Zajac Paul Joseph
Published: January 2023

This book offers the first full-length study of early modern contentment, the emotional and ethical principle that became the gold standard of English Protestant psychology and an abiding concern of English Renaissance literature. Theorists and literary critics have equated contentedness with passivity, stagnation, and resignation. However, this book excavates an early modern understanding of contentment as dynamic, protective, and productive. While this concept has roots in classical and medieval philosophy, contentment became newly significant because of the English Reformation. Reformers explored contentedness as a means to preserve the self and prepare the individual to endure and engage the outside world. Their efforts existed alongside representations and revisions of contentment by authors including Sidney, Spenser, Shakespeare, and Milton. By examining Renaissance models of contentment, this book explores alternatives to Calvinist despair, resists scholarly emphasis on negative emotions, and reaffirms the value of formal concerns to studies of literature, religion, and affect.
Regulating the Sea
Authors: Pieraccini Margherita
Published: January 2023

This book is the first ever written on English marine conservation regulation from a socio-legal perspective. The monograph presents an in-depth analysis of key aspects of Marine Protected Areas regulation in England, offering the reader access to an under-investigated field. Such regulatory mapping is complemented by an interdisciplinary treatment of the subject exploring the relationship between people and marine parks through central themes in environmental social sciences and regulatory theory, namely space, rationalisation, democracy and adaptation. Thus, the book is of interest to environmental lawyers and regulatory scholars but also to human geographers, environmental sociologists and political scientists. As the book provides critical reflections on current legal and regulatory structures, it contains valuable insights for policymakers and regulators. The book has a strong methodological basis drawing on in-depth desk-based research, complemented by primary qualitative research, conducted over a number of years.
Phase I trial of the MuSic to CONnect (MuSiCON) protocol: feasibility and effect of choir participation for individuals with cognitive impairment
Authors: Monroe Penelope , Halaki Mark , Luscombe Georgina , Kumfor Fiona , Ballard Kirrie J.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Individuals living in residential aged care facilities with cognitive decline are at risk of social isolation and decreased wellbeing. These risks may be exacerbated by decline in communication skills. There is growing awareness that group singing may improve sense of wellbeing for individuals with dementia. However, to date few studies have examined broader rehabilitative effects on skills such as communication of individuals with dementia.

Aims:

To determine the feasibility and acceptability of the MuSic to Connect (MuSiCON) choir and language/communication assessment protocol in people with cognitive impairment living in non-high-care wards of a residential facility.

Methods:

Six individuals with mild-moderate cognitive impairment participated (age range 55–91 years, five female, one male). A mixed method approach was used. Quantitative outcomes included attendance rates, quality of life and communication measures. The qualitative measure was a brief survey of experience completed by participants and carers post-intervention.

Results:

Overall, MuSiCON was perceived as positive and beneficial, with high attendance, perception of improved daily functioning and high therapeutic benefit without harmful effects. While there was no reliable change in communication skills over the course of the six-week intervention, most participants successfully engaged in the conversational task, suggesting it is a suitable and ecologically valid method for data collection

Conclusions:

The MuSiCON protocol demonstrated feasibility and was well received by participants and staff at the residential facility. A co-design approach is recommended to improve upon feasibility, acceptability and validity of the assessment protocol prior to Phase II testing.
Aerodynamics and fluid–structure interaction of an airfoil with actively controlled flexible leeward surface
Authors: He Xi , Guo Qinfeng , Xu Yang , Feng Lihao , Wang Jinjun
Published: January 2023

Piezoelectric macro-fibre composite (MFC) actuators are employed onto the flexible leeward surface of an airfoil for active control. Time-resolved aerodynamic forces, membrane deformations and flow fields are synchronously measured at low Reynolds number (Re = 6 × 104). Mean aerodynamics show that the actively controlled airfoil can achieve lift-enhancement and drag-reduction simultaneously in the angle of attack range of 10° ≤ α ≤ 14°, where the rigid airfoil encounters stall. The maximum increments of lift and lift-to-drag ratio are 27.1 % and 126 % at the reduced actuation frequency of

${f^ + } = 3.52$

. The unsteady coupling features are further analysed at α = 12°, where the maximum lift-enhancement occurs. It is newly discovered that the membrane vibrations and flow fields are locked into half of the actuation frequency when

${f^ + } > 3$

. The shift of the dominant vibration mode from bending to inclining is the reason for the novel ‘half-frequency lock-in’ phenomenon. To the fluid–structure interaction, there are three characteristic frequencies for the actively controlled airfoil:

$S{t_1} = 0.5{f^ + }$

,

$S{t_2} = {f^ + }$

, and

$S{t_3} = 1.5{f^ + }$

. Here, St1 and its harmonics (St2, St3) are coupled with the natural frequencies of the leading-edge shear layer, resulting in the generation of multi-scale flow structures and suppression of flow separation. The lift presents comparable dominant frequencies between St1 and St3, which means the instantaneous lift is determined by the flow structures of St1 and St3. The local membrane bulge and dent affect the instantaneous swirl strength of flow structures near the maximum vibration amplitude location, which is the main reason for the variation of instantaneous lift.
The multicomponent diffuse-interface model and its application to water/air interfaces
Authors: Benilov E.S.
Published: January 2023

Fundamental properties of the multicomponent diffuse-interface model (DIM), such as the maximum entropy principle and conservation laws, are used to explore the basic interfacial dynamics and phase transitions in fluids. Flat interfaces with monotonically changing densities of the components are proved to be stable. A liquid layer in contact with oversaturated but stable vapour is shown to either fully evaporate or eternally expand (depending on the initial perturbation), whereas a liquid in contact with saturated vapour always evaporates. If vapour is bounded by a solid wall with a sufficiently large contact angle, spontaneous condensation occurs in the vapour. The external parameters of the multicomponent DIM – e.g. the Korteweg matrix describing the long-range intermolecular forces – are determined for the water/air combination. The Soret and Dufour effects are shown to be negligible in this case, and the interfacial flow, close to isothermal.
The role of Lagrangian drift in the geometry, kinematics and dynamics of surface waves
Authors: Pizzo Nick , Lenain Luc , Rømcke Olav , Ellingsen Simen Å. , Smeltzer Benjamin K.
Published: January 2023

The role of the Lagrangian mean flow, or drift, in modulating the geometry, kinematics and dynamics of rotational and irrotational deep-water surface gravity waves is examined. A general theory for permanent progressive waves on an arbitrary vertically sheared steady Lagrangian mean flow is derived in the Lagrangian reference frame and mapped to the Eulerian frame. A Lagrangian viewpoint offers tremendous flexibility due to the particle labelling freedom and allows us to reveal how key physical wave behaviour arises from a kinematic constraint on the vorticity of the fluid, inter alia the nonlinear correction to the phase speed of irrotational finite amplitude waves, the free surface geometry and velocity in the Eulerian frame, and the connection between the Lagrangian drift and the Benjamin–Feir instability. To complement and illustrate our theory, a small laboratory experiment demonstrates how a specially tailored sheared mean flow can almost completely attenuate the Benjamin–Feir instability, in qualitative agreement with the theory. The application of these results to problems in remote sensing and ocean wave modelling is discussed. We provide an answer to a long-standing question: remote sensing techniques based on observing current-induced shifts in the wave dispersion will measure the Lagrangian, not the Eulerian, mean current.
The Politics of Interim Judicial Appointments
Authors: Vining Richard L. , Bullock Charles S. , Boldt Ethan D.
Published: January 2023

We evaluate the politics of interim judicial appointments at the state level. Although nominating commissions have been established to promote merit-based selection, we argue that governor-applicant ideological concordance and financial support for a governor’s campaigns increase one’s odds of being appointed. We focus on the impact of political factors, as well as the qualifications of prospective judges. We analyze over 4,000 applications to fill interim judicial vacancies in Georgia from 1991 to 2014. Our findings indicate that ideological proximity and campaign donations to the governor increased the likelihood of appointment to the bench with their influence overpowering some indicators of competence.
Why and When Narcissistic Employees Are More Creative in the Workplace? A Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Zhao Yi-Xuan , Zhou Kong , Liu Wen-Xing
Published: January 2023

The question of whether narcissists are more creative than peers has attracted much scholarly attention in both psychology and organizational management sciences. Drawing from social cognitive theory, we theorized that the relationship between narcissism and creativity could be explained by individual creative self-efficacy, which depends on one's direct and vicarious experiences of creativity. Drawing from trait activation theory, we further proposed organizational valuing of creativity as a key contextual moderator that determines whether narcissism facilitates or inhibits creative self-efficacy and, in turn, creativity. We suggest that high organizational valuing of creativity will energize narcissists to put their attention and effort into both direct and vicarious experiences of creativity, enhancing their creative self-efficacy and creativity. We tested our conceptual model through a field study with data collected from 269 full-time employees working in 86 work teams. The empirical results provided support for the social cognitive explanation for the positive relationship between narcissism and creativity in the context of high organizational valuing of creativity. Our study not only resolved prior debates on the relationship between narcissism and creativity but also provided direct empirical support for social cognitive theory and the person-in-context interactionist perspective of creativity research.