bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Cornbelt's Last Open Pollinated Corn: Agricultural extension and the origins of the hybrid corn seed industry
Authors: Curry Helen Anne 
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural extension is recognized as an important pathway for generating changes in individual farmers' practices and therefore broader patterns of production. In the United States, historical research has implicated extension work in transformations that privileged White farmers and wealthier operations over other producers and that fostered the industrialization and consolidation of farms. This article examines the work of one early 20th‐century extension agent and the demonstrations he used to teach farmers how to choose and keep corn seeds and to identify the best performing corn varieties for a particular location. This history can inform contemporary efforts to develop more socially and ecologically aware approaches to agricultural research, extension, and production by emphasizing the need for measures of success that align with community‐level objectives and for larger institutional structures that support and sustain such goals.Summary

The article examines the histories of agricultural extension and crop development in the early 20th‐century United States. It discusses the role of farm demonstrations, including the participation of farmer‐breeders, in the development of spread of higher yielding corn varieties in the Midwestern states in the 1910s and 1920s. It highlights the emphasis placed on finding locally or regionally appropriate varieties in some early corn extension activities and dwells on the irony that these locally specific endeavors played a role in the development of universalized solutions.
The article examines and contextualizes an unusual archival document as an entry point into these histories: The Cornbelt's Last Open Pollinated Corn, a two‐volume work prepared by Martin Luther Mosher (1882–1982). Mosher was the first county agricultural extension agent in the state of Iowa and worked in extension until his retirement in 1950.
The article makes three main observations: (1) The Cornbelt's Last Open Pollinated Corn is best read as an agricultural demonstration; (2) The Cornbelt's Last Open Pollinated Corn is Mosher's attempt to grapple with the material legacies of his extension work in relation to the different agricultural life he idealized; and (3) Mosher's work exemplifies the complex relationships and expectations seen among breeders, seed companies, extension agents, and farmers in the early 20th‐century United States.
The article concludes that Mosher's work with open‐pollinated corn varieties offers insight into the importance of agricultural extension as a means of crop development and highlights the contingent nature of agricultural industrialization.
Reevaluation of bromodomain ligands targeting BAZ2A
Authors: Cazzanelli Giulia , Vedove Andrea Dalle , Parolin Eleonora , D'Agostino Vito Giuseppe , Unzue Andrea , Nevado Cristina , Caflisch Amedeo , Lolli Graziano 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBAZ2A promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer. Two chemical probes, the specific BAZ2‐ICR, and the BAZ2/BRD9 cross‐reactive GSK2801, interfere with the recognition of acetylated lysines in histones by the bromodomains of BAZ2A and of its BAZ2B paralog. The two chemical probes were tested in prostate cancer cell lines with opposite androgen susceptibility. BAZ2‐ICR and GSK2801 showed different cellular efficacies in accordance with their unequal selectivity profiles. Concurrent inhibition of BAZ2 and BRD9 did not reproduce the effects observed with GSK2801, indicating possible off‐targets for this chemical probe. On the other hand, the single BAZ2 inhibition by BAZ2‐ICR did not phenocopy genetic ablation, demonstrating that bromodomain interference is not sufficient to strongly affect BAZ2A functionality and suggesting a PROTAC‐based chemical ablation as an alternative optimization strategy and a possible therapeutic approach. In this context, we also present the crystallographic structures of BAZ2A in complex with the above chemical probes. Binding poses of TP‐238 and GSK4027, chemical probes for the bromodomain subfamily I, and two ligands of the CBP/EP300 bromodomains identify additional headgroups for the development of BAZ2A ligands.
Engineering gain‐of‐function mutants of a WW domain by dynamics and structural analysis
Authors: Lu Jin , Rahman Mohammad Imtiazur , Kazan I. Can , Halloran Nicholas R. , Bobkov Andrey A. , Ozkan S. Banu , Ghirlanda Giovanna 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProteins gain optimal fitness such as foldability and function through evolutionary selection. However, classical studies have found that evolutionarily designed protein sequences alone cannot guarantee foldability, or at least not without considering local contacts associated with the initial folding steps. We previously showed that foldability and function can be restored by removing frustration in the folding energy landscape of a model WW domain protein, CC16, which was designed based on Statistical Coupling Analysis (SCA). Substitutions ensuring the formation of five local contacts identified as “on‐path” were selected using the closest homolog native folded sequence, N21. Surprisingly, the resulting sequence, CC16‐N21, bound to Group I peptides, while N21 did not. Here, we identified single‐point mutations that enable N21 to bind a Group I peptide ligand through structure and dynamic‐based computational design. Comparison of the docked position of the CC16‐N21/ligand complex with the N21 structure showed that residues at positions 9 and 19 are important for peptide binding, whereas the dynamic profiles identified position 10 as allosterically coupled to the binding site and exhibiting different dynamics between N21 and CC16‐N21. We found that swapping these positions in N21 with matched residues from CC16‐N21 recovers nature‐like binding affinity to N21. This study validates the use of dynamic profiles as guiding principles for affecting the binding affinity of small proteins.
Prediction of protein assemblies by structure sampling followed by interface‐focused scoring
Authors: Olechnovič Kliment , Valančauskas Lukas , Dapkūnas Justas , Venclovas Česlovas 
Published: August 2023

AbstractProteins often function as part of permanent or transient multimeric complexes, and understanding function of these assemblies requires knowledge of their three‐dimensional structures. While the ability of AlphaFold to predict structures of individual proteins with unprecedented accuracy has revolutionized structural biology, modeling structures of protein assemblies remains challenging. To address this challenge, we developed a protocol for predicting structures of protein complexes involving model sampling followed by scoring focused on the subunit‐subunit interaction interface. In this protocol, we diversified AlphaFold models by varying construction and pairing of multiple sequence alignments as well as increasing the number of recycles. In cases when AlphaFold failed to assemble a full protein complex or produced unreliable results, additional diverse models were constructed by docking of monomers or subcomplexes. All the models were then scored using a newly developed method, VoroIF‐jury, which relies only on structural information. Notably, VoroIF‐jury is independent of AlphaFold self‐assessment scores and therefore can be used to rank models originating from different structure prediction methods. We tested our protocol in CASP15 and obtained top results, significantly outperforming the standard AlphaFold‐Multimer pipeline. Analysis of our results showed that the accuracy of our assembly models was capped mainly by structure sampling rather than model scoring. This observation suggests that better sampling, especially for the antibody–antigen complexes, may lead to further improvement. Our protocol is expected to be useful for modeling and/or scoring protein assemblies.
Mixed 5f configuration in americium trichloride: Dynamical mean‐field theory combined with density functional theory study
Authors: Li Ru‐song , He Yu‐song , Wang Jin‐tao , Liu Zhi‐yong , Wang Yuan‐ming , Cao Ze‐lin , Xie Zheng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe electronic properties in particular the occupation number of 5f electrons and the valence state of Am ions in americium trichloride (AmCl3) are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) merged with dynamical mean‐field theory (DMFT). We find that j = 5/2, j = 7/2 manifolds both are in the insulating regimes, resulting in the semiconducting band gap of about 0.837 eV, together with the weak Am 5f‐conduction electrons hybridization and the localized 5f‐derived spectra feature in the vicinity of the Fermi level. The weighted summation for the occupation probabilities of 5fn (n = 3–7) atomic configurations suggests that 5f electrons have the inter‐configuration fluctuation with an average occupation number of 5f electrons n5f ~ 5.182, corresponding to the valence state of Am3.818+ in AmCl3. The 5fn‐mixing‐driven inter‐configuration fluctuation might originate from the complicated quantum mechanics processes such as the dual nature of 5f electrons and the flexible electronic configuration of Am ions. Finally, the so‐called quasiparticle band structure is also predicted.
Modeling of flexible metal wheel for pressurized lunar rover and traction performance prediction
Authors: Zhu Jianzhong , Shen Yan , Hao Pujun , Liu Jingna , Li Yuqiong , Wang Kang , Zou Meng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe pressurized lunar rover has become one of the most important equipment in lunar exploration and resource utilization missions. On the terrain of soft lunar regolith, the rover wheels are easy to slip, sink, or even fail to move. To improve the traction performance of the rover on soft lunar soil, it is necessary to study the interaction between the wheels and the lunar soil. The deformation of the flexible wheel provides a larger contact area, which results in greater tractive force. Moreover, flexible wheels have better comfort and stability than rigid wheels, which are needed for manned rovers. However, there are few studies on the wheel soil interaction model of the heavy flexible wheel for the pressurized lunar rover. In this paper, a metal flexible wheel soil interaction model for pressurized lunar rovers was established, and the traction performance of the flexible wheel was predicted by using this model. Then, the accuracy of the wheel soil interaction model was verified by the soil bin test. The experimental results showed that the average error between the theoretical value of sinkage and the experimental value was 13.9%, and the average error between the theoretical and experimental value of drawbar pull was 11.5%, indicating that the model has high prediction accuracy. The new model can be used to predict the traction performance of flexible wheels and the experimental results can provide a reference for the flexible wheel design lunar rovers.
Anisotropic Black Phosphorene Structural Modulation for Thermal Storage and Solar‐Thermal Conversion
Authors: Wang Yandong , Chen Yapeng , Dai Wen , Zhang Zhenbang , Kong Xiangdong , Li Maohua , Li Linhong , Gong Ping , Chen Huanyi , Ruan Xinxin , Jiao Chengcheng , Cai Tao , Zhou Wenying , Wang Zhongwei , Nishimura Kazuhito , Lin Cheng‐Te , Jiang Nan , Yu Jinhong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractExploiting novel strategies for simultaneously harvesting ubiquitous, renewable, and easily accessible solar energy based on the photothermal effect, and efficiently storing the acquired thermal energy plays a vital role in revolutionizing the current fossil fuel‐dominating energy structure. Developing black phosphorene‐based phase‐change composites with optimized photothermal conversion efficiencyand high latent heat is the most promising way to achieve efficient solar energy harvesting and rapid thermal energy storage. However, exfoliating high‐quality black phosphorene nanosheets remains challenging, Furthermore, an efficient strategy that can construct the aligned black phosphorene frameworks to maximize thermal conductivity enhancement is still lacking. Herein, high‐quality black phosphorene nanosheets are prepared by an optimized exfoliating strategy. Meanwhile, by regulating the temperature gradient during freeze‐casting, the framework consisting of shipshape aligned black phosphorene at long‐range is successfully fabricated, improving the thermal conductivity of the poly(ethylene glycol) matrix up to 1.81 W m−1 K−1 at 20 vol% black phosphorene loading. The framework also endows the composite with excellent phase‐change material encapsulation capacity and high latent heat of 103.91 J g−1. It is envisioned that the work advances the paradigm of contrasting frameworks with nanosheets toward controllable structure thermal enhancement of the composites.
Data Regulation in Africa: Free Flow of Data, Open Data Regimes and Cybersecurity
Authors: Hlomani Hanani , Ncube Caroline B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis chapter seeks to address the concerns associated with data regulation on the African continent. In particular, the paper zooms in on three major aspects of data regulation that hold the reigns to the potential development of the continent. These are the free flow of data, the adoption of open data regimes and cybersecurity. This will be in the general context of Africa, with a focus on regulatory instruments from the different bodies at continental and sub-regional level as well as some national legislation from countries that have developed any legislative instruments that address the same concerns. Emphasis will also be paid to the strides that have been taken by the European Union, the first continental body that has taken a geographically concerted approach to comprehensive data regulation. The aim is to draw lessons from such efforts with the intention of determining an appropriate African centred approach to data regulation, particularly in the context of increased inter-African trade as envisaged by the Agreement on the African Free Continental Trade Area and an enhanced digital economy as motivated for in the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030).
Preventable Losses: Threatening Rise in Suicides During the Pandemic
Authors: Mittal Komal , Philo Magdalene A. , Pathak Drishya 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFrom being a public health emergency to becoming one of the worst humanitarian crises of the twenty-first century, the COVID-19 pandemic has unraveled the very fabric of human lifestyles, with mental health at the core of its concerns. Now more than ever, suicide has become a serious public health problem worldwide. Studies published after the pandemic was declared in March 2020 estimate that suicide rates will rise globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO estimates that for each adult suicide, more than 20 others attempt suicide and suicide risk is much higher in individuals who previously attempted suicide. Hence, suicide prevention in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a global priority not only due to the increased rate of mortality, but also because of exacerbation of risk factors including economic instability, poor access to healthcare facilities, basic amenities, social disconnect, and many more. The aim of this chapter is to examine the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in suicide rates and mental health concerns. The authors undertake an analysis of existing systems and programs put in place by the government and civil society groups to critically examine suicide prevention strategies and approaches and comment on the way forward.
Stigma Mechanisms in a Globalized Pandemic in India: A Theoretical Framework for Stigma
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Ramraj Balaji 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStigma has been documented to act as a significant barrier to healthcare access and healthcare-seeking behavior. Traditional frameworks of stigma and discrimination have been used in the past to explain the stigma associated with diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV. However, increasing globalization and unprecedented access to information via social media and the internet have altered infectious disease dynamics and have forced a rethink on mechanisms which propagate stigma. SARS, MERS, Ebola, and more recently COVID-19 have been associated with fear in communities across the globe due to the inherent uncertainties associated with emerging infectious diseases and a concurrent spread of misinformation—an infodemic. The authors present a theoretical framework to explain the evolution of COVID-19 associated stigma by exploring the complex interplay of various international and national mechanisms. It is anticipated that a conceptual framework which explains the evolution of stigma in fast-spreading global pandemics such as COVID-19 may also prove to be useful as a starting point for furthering the discussion on the progenitors, pathways, and manifestations of COVID-19-related stigma. This should be of practical use to researchers who are interested in exploring, validating, and identifying interventions for informing other frameworks for similar diseases.
COVID-19 in Mexico: How the Systems Approach Can Improve Our Response
Authors: Orozco Oscar San Roman , Bloch Kiera , Torino Robert 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUsing Mexico as a model nation, the authors explore the systems approach for addressing COVID-19. The elements in any system are highly interconnected as they continuously influence each other. Public health challenges do not exist in a vacuum but are influenced by several factors including the social, economic, and political context. To understand any one factor, mapping the surrounding elements and analyzing the relationship between them and other elements in the rest of the system is necessary. Key elements of the impact and the response to the pandemic are examined by applying the systems thinking approach within the Mexican context. A systems analysis of COVID-19 is conducted using a systems map to illustrate the complexity of the system and to understand how to leverage the power of systems thinking to execute intersectoral, innovative, and highly impactful interventions for an improved response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and pandemics in the future.
Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Kukreti Shikha , Padmalatha Sriyani , Fu Shau-Huai , Chen Yu-Ching 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a large number of infections and deaths. Due to its proximity to China, it was initially feared that Taiwan would become the country worst affected by the pandemic. However, COVID-19 has been widely controlled in the region; a few local outbreaks occurred with limited cases since the pandemic began. Taiwan leveraged its experience in containing the SARS outbreak in 2003 to respond to the COVID-19 crisis with proactive measures, early deployment, prudent actions, and transparency. Most political debate in Taiwan has centered around vaccines. However, from challenges like vaccine availability to increasing the willingness to take vaccines by the population, the Taiwan government has succeeded well. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance system is a vital component of its strategy to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery throughout the country. And the database integrated with the Centers of Disease Control provides real-time alerts to healthcare providers about patients whenever they are identified. In response to delta variant spread after a community outbreak, health monitoring measures were tightened, leading the country to successfully control the spread of the infection. Other countries can learn lessons from Taiwan's response to COVID-19.
COVID-19: An Accelerant Toward a Sustainable Health System in Kenya
Authors: Munene Daniella 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn the face of supply chain inadequacies, human resource constraints, and pervasive false narratives that misinformed the public, the COVID-19 pandemic directed our individual and collective focus on the adequacy of our health system. Was it resilient enough? Had the deficiencies that we were seeing been there all along? Why were they not noticed? Why were voices not raised earlier about the gaps? Perhaps they were. But, why have the proposed changes not been made? Was it resource constraints? Was it poor policies? Was it weak enforcement? These were some of the questions that were going through our minds, the nature of the question reflecting the position each actor had within the system. Action was taken. People organized themselves into task forces and committees, and implemented strategies and work plans. And we started to see results. Face masks and assembling ventilators have now been manufactured in the country. Critical care capacity has been increased. Oxygen plants have been built. Policies have been drafted to spur the growth of the local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. Drug supply chains have been diversified to prevent stock outs. The general public has tremendously increased its health literacy. Countries are in a much better place than when it began.
Prevalence and outcomes of end-stage kidney disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematous: a population-based study
Authors: Lao Chunhuan , Van Dantzig Philippa , White Douglas , Rabindranath Kannaiyan , Foxall Donna , Lawrenson Ross 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study aims to examine the prevalence and outcomes of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. SLE patients identified from the national administrative datasets were linked to the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) to identify the ESKD cases. Period prevalence of ESKD among SLE patients was calculated. The risk of developing ESKD by ethnicity was explored with Cox Proportional Hazards model. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality for Māori, Pacific, Asian compared to European/others was estimated. Of the 2837 SLE patients, 210 (7.4%) developed ESKD. The average period prevalence of ESKD among SLE patients was 5.7%. Men had twice the prevalence rate of ESKD than women (10.0% vs 5.2%). Māori and Pacific had higher prevalence rate than Asian and European/others (9.4%, 9.8% vs 4.4% and 3.8%). The adjusted HR of developing ESKD for men compared to women was 3.37 (95% CI 1.62–7.02). The adjusted HR of developing ESKD for Māori and Pacific compared to European/others was 4.63 (95% CI 1.61–13.29) and 4.66 (95% CI 1.67–13.00), respectively. Compared to European/others, Māori had an HR of 2.17 (95% CI 1.18–4.00) for all-cause mortality. SLE patients had a high prevalence rate of ESKD. Men, Māori, and Pacific patients with SLE were more likely to develop ESKD. Māori patients with ESKD had poorer survival than other patients. Interventions are needed to reduce the risk of ESKD and to improve the survival of ESKD patients for the disadvantaged groups.