bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment on the structural orders and functional properties of chickpea starch
Authors: Li Ruihong , Li Xiaoyu , Tu An , Jing Chengtong , Dong Shuang , Chen Shanfeng , Guo Peng 
Published: November 2022

SummaryDielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with different generation currents was introduced to modify chickpea starches of Kabuli and Desi varieties. The changes of starch structural orders and functional properties were investigated. Results demonstrated that the crystalline structure of starches was generally destroyed upon plasma treatment, while the change of double‐helical order was relatively limited. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that DBD plasma altered the surface molecular structure of starch, mainly involving oxidation effects. The gelatinization transition temperatures of plasma‐treated Kabuli starch (KS) mainly remained unchanged, while those of Desi starch (DS) significantly decreased. DBD plasma dramatically reduced the pasting viscosity of KS with the increase of treatment intensity, as well as the amylose content and swelling power, while had little influence on DS. Furthermore, the digestion rate and extent of chickpea starches gradually increased with the treatment intensity. Correlation analysis revealed that the starch digestibility induced by DBD plasma was largely depending on the crystalline structure, while the double helical order had little influence. These findings could provide theoretical basis for exploiting DBD plasma as a new strategy to modify chickpea starch.
The sexual division of labour: A qualitative analysis of social organisations in Peru
Authors: Diaz‐Jiménez Rosa María , Herrera Gutiérrez María Rosa , Yerga Míguez María Dolores 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis is a study on participation in civil society organisations in Peru, which adopts a gender perspective to understand the dynamics of social welfare production in a family model, and in which there is also a preponderance of community intervention in the field of social protection. The study uses a qualitative methodology and an ethnographic analysis based on 21 organisations. The results indicate polarity of discourses between those who recognise gender differentiation and those who consider that there is gender equality. Despite the polarity, differences in roles, quantity and quality of services, leadership, involvement and motivation are shown. The differences identified vary according to the type of organisation, which shows the relationship between the organisations and the intervention in territories‐regions.
Distinct populations of eosinophils in the human thymus with capacity to modulate thymocyte maturation
Authors: Albinsson Sofie , Lingblom Christine , Lundqvist Christina , Hennings Viktoria , Telemo Esbjörn , Ekwall Olov , Wennerås Christine 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLocal differentiation of eosinophil precursors occurs in the human thymus. Thymic eosinophils are often positioned in the corticomedullary junction between the CD4+CD8+ double‐positive (DP) thymocytes and the CD4+ or CD8+ single‐positive (SP) thymocytes. The aims of this study were to (1) determine if there are distinct thymic eosinophil populations that differ from the blood eosinophil populations and (2) evaluate the capacity of thymic eosinophils to promote the development of SP thymocytes from DP thymocytes. Thymic and blood eosinophils from thymectomized infants (n = 7) were compared regarding the expression of 34 molecules using cytometry by time‐of‐flight (CyTOF). In addition, FACS‐sorted thymic eosinophils were co‐cultured with autologous CD3/CD28‐stimulated DP, CD4 SP, and CD8 SP thymocytes and analysed by flow cytometry and CyTOF. X‐shift clustering analysis and viSNE dimensionality reduction were performed. Seven eosinophil populations were identified within the blood and thymus, respectively, five of which were specific for either tissue. Whereas the blood eosinophil populations varied between individuals, the thymic eosinophil populations were more uniform. The eosinophil‐thymocyte co‐cultures resulted in (1) an increase in CD4 SP thymocytes when eosinophils were cultured with DP thymocytes, (2) decreased frequency of CD8 SP thymocytes when these were cultured with eosinophils, and (3) a more mature thymic phenotype when eosinophils were cultured with CD4 SP thymocytes. Thymic eosinophils are a specialized population of eosinophils with a distinct phenotype that separates them from their blood counterparts, and in vitro they appear to favour CD4 SP thymocyte development to the detriment of CD8 SP thymocytes.
Juvenile localized scleroderma: A single‐centre experience from India
Authors: Jindal Ankur Kumar , Handa Sanjeev , Loganathan Sathish Kumar , Sudhakar Murugan , Kaushik Akanksha , Suri Deepti , Pandiarajan Vignesh , Rawat Amit , Gupta Anju , De Dipankar , Mahajan Rahul , Singh Surjit 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundJuvenile localized scleroderma (JLS) or morphoea, a rare chronic autoimmune disease predominantly affects skin, subcutaneous tissue and occasionally the adjacent muscle, fascia and bone. We report the largest single‐centre cohort of patients with JLS from India.MethodsPatients who were diagnosed to have JLS were enrolled from the Paediatric Dermatology Clinic and the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinic of a tertiary care referral hospital in India. Collected data included details of the clinical profile, laboratory investigations and management.ResultsWe analysed 84 patients with Juvenile localized scleroderma. Median age of disease onset was 5 years, and median age at diagnosis was 8 years. Commonest subtype was linear scleroderma (57 patients, 67.7%) followed by plaque morphoea and generalized morphoea. Fourteen patients (16.6%) were noted to have extracutaneous manifestations (ECMs). These included arthritis in eight (33.3%), brain parenchymal abnormalities in four (4.7%) and pulmonary involvement in two (8.3%) patients. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in eight/25 patients (32%; diffuse and speckled pattern in four patients each). One amongst these also had elevated anti‐dsDNA titres. Positive ANA was found to have no association with ECMs (p 1.000). Patients were treated using methotrexate (61 patients; 72.6%), dexamethasone oral mini‐pulse (OMP; 35 patients; 41.6%), calcipotriol (39 patients; 46.4%), topical corticosteroids (32 patients; 38%) and topical tacrolimus (three patients; 3.7%). Using linear regression analysis, administration of dexamethasone OMP and calcipotriol was found to be a predictor of good treatment response (p 0.034 and 0.019, respectively).ConclusionEarly use of systemic corticosteroids along with methotrexate may be more beneficial than methotrexate therapy alone.
Clinical and molecular diagnosis of genodermatoses: Review and perspectives
Authors: Salik Deborah , Richert Bertrand , Smits Guillaume 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGenodermatoses are a complex and heterogeneous group of genetic skin disorders characterized by variable expression and clinical and genetic heterogeneity, rendering their diagnosis challenging. DNA‐based techniques, like whole‐exome sequencing, can establish a diagnosis in 50% of cases. RNA‐sequencing is emerging as an attractive tool that can obtain information regarding gene expression while integrating functional genomic data with regard to the interpretation of variants. This increases the diagnostic rate by an additional 10–15%. In the present review, we detail the clinical steps involved in the diagnosis of genodermatoses, as well as the current DNA‐based technologies available to clinicians. Herein, the intention is to facilitate a better understanding of the possibilities and limitations of these diagnostic technologies. In addition, this review could guide dermatologists through new emerging techniques, such as RNA‐sequencing and its applications to familiarizing them with future techniques. Currently, this multi‐omics approach is likely the best strategy designed to promote the diagnosis of patients with genodermatoses and discover new skin disease genes that could result in novel targeted therapies.
Midwives’ and Other Perinatal Health Workers’ Perceptions of the Black Maternal Mortality Crisis in the United States
Authors: Craft‐Blacksheare Melva , Kahn Peggy 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify how perinatal health workers, especially midwives, explained US Black maternal mortality and morbidity and what ameliorative measures they suggested across categories of primary social determinants, health care access, and provider practices.MethodsUsing a mixed closed‐ended and open‐ended researcher‐designed exploratory survey, 227 perinatal health workers responded to a series of questions probing views of causation and strategies for improvement. The closed‐ended responses were summarized. Open‐ended responses were analyzed using basic categorical and thematic coding.ResultsPerinatal health workers’ responses prominently identified racism as a cause of Black maternal morbidity and mortality, and their recommendations ranged across levels of social determination of health.DiscussionResults suggest that the views of perinatal health workers, the majority of whom were midwives, are complex and correspond to the problems and solutions identified in the research literature. Midwives and other perinatal health workers are well positioned to help center health equity in perinatal care, through both clinical practice and policy advocacy.
Home care in Germany during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A neglected population?
Authors: Fischer Thomas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionOlder persons and those with pre‐existing conditions are at the biggest risk for severe illness and death from COVID‐19. In Germany, more than 3.3 million people out of this population receive care in their own homes. User representatives and nurses have criticized health policy during the COVID‐19 pandemic as inappropriate for the home care setting. This policy analysis, therefore, aims to answer the question, which policy changes should be made following Bardach's framework.Pre‐Pandemic PolicyHome care in Germany is mainly funded through the statutory long‐term care and statutory health insurance funds. It focuses on compensation of physical functioning, selected therapy‐related tasks prescribed by a physician and is not well integrated with acute and primary care.Policy ProblemsThe pandemic highlighted the following challenges: nurses are excluded from policy decisions; epidemiological data from the home care setting is lacking; nurses do not have prescribing authority for vaccines; user and family education is not made available; home care‐specific guidance on infection control and prevention is absent and the home care setting is underprepared to care for acutely ill patients.Policy AlternativesNurses need to be included in policy decision and authorized to adopt more responsibility in home care than currently possible. Home care‐specific policies and guidance are needed and integration with primary care should be sought.DiscussionChanges to current policy in the identified areas could make the health system more resilient to future crisis.Clinical RelevanceOlder persons and those with pre‐existing conditions are at the highest risk for severe illness and death from COVID‐19 and most of them receive care in their own homes in Germany. Improving health policy governing home care, improving the availability of valid data and evidence, and improving the delivery of home care during the pandemic will contribute to better outcomes.
A Framework for Addressing Foster Care Trauma in the Public Education System: Perceptions and Implications
Authors: Storey Valerie A. , Fletcher Roschanda 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIt is estimated that approximately 90% of children in foster care have experienced a traumatic event, with nearly half reporting exposure to 4 or more types of traumatic events. Educators must remain alert to indicators suggesting a history of trauma and understand the difficulties foster youth may face regulating their emotions and behavior while in school.METHODSA framework for foster youth trauma in the public education system identifies the interplay between macro‐level forces, such as federal and state policy, and school and teacher micro‐level forces.RESULTSThe framework highlights the inadequacy of educators in identifying the manifestations of trauma, specifically in foster youth, and how the current implemented policy leads to misinterpretation of the outward behavioral displays of trauma as other behavioral issues.IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITYFederal and state policies, school districts, teacher and principal practices, teacher and school administrator preparation programs must incorporate knowledge about trauma pervasiveness and the consequences of trauma on foster youth attitude and behavior in the classroom.CONCLUSIONThe framework guides change efforts toward improving school climate and culture through preparing school professionals to meet the diverse needs of foster youth and tackling those policies and behaviors that exclude foster youth from schooling.
The Influence of Prior Linguistic Knowledge on Second Language Semantic Implicit Learning: Evidence from Cantonese–English Bilinguals
Authors: Cayado Dave Kenneth Tayao , Chan Ricky K. W. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that prior linguistic knowledge affects semantic implicit learning when stimuli are presented in the first language. We report an experiment that investigated whether such crosslinguistic influence from the first language would still emerge in the second language for semantic implicit learning of novel articles and fire/water semantic category mappings, a semantic distinction that is explicitly marked by semantic radicals in Chinese but not in English and a type of form–meaning connections that has not been investigated. We found that 30 Cantonese–English bilinguals and 30 native English speakers learned the target form–meaning connections and that the knowledge that they developed may have been implicit, as shown through post‐experiment verbal reports. Moreover, the bilingual group was significantly faster than the English group in distinguishing fire/water English nouns. These findings extend the range of semantic‐based regularities that can be learned at the implicit level and suggest that the markings of fire/water distinctions in Chinese affect second language task performance.
Serum concentration of taurochenodeoxycholic acid predicts clinically significant portal hypertension
Authors: Žížalová Kateřina , Nováková Barbora , Vecka Marek , Petrtýl Jaromír , Lánská Věra , Pelinková Květa , Šmíd Václav , Brůha Radan , Vítek Libor , Leníček Martin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground & AimsSeverity of portal hypertension is usually quantified by measuring the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). However, due to its invasiveness, alternative markers are being sought. Bile acids (BA), being synthesized, metabolized, and transported by the liver, seem to have the potential to serve as endogenous markers. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum BA reflect the severity of portal hypertension.MethodsWe correlated serum concentrations of individual BA with portal pressure (as HVPG) in an exploratory cohort of 21 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. The predictive potential of selected candidates was then confirmed in an independent validation cohort (n = 214). Additionally, nine previously published noninvasive markers were added to the stepwise logistic regression model to identify the most relevant ones, which were eventually used to create a prognostic index of portal hypertension.ResultsSerum levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) significantly correlated with HVPG and showed a high potential to predict clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥ 10 mm Hg: AUROC = 0.97 ± 0.06). This was confirmed in the validation cohort (AUROC = 0.96 ± 0.01). The predictive index (constructed based on AST/ALT, spleen diameter, and TCDCA concentration) was able to distinguish clinically significant portal hypertension with 95% sensitivity and 76% specificity.ConclusionsTCDCA seems to be a promising noninvasive marker of clinically significant portal hypertension. Its predictive potential may be further enhanced when it is combined with both the AST/ALT ratio and spleen diameter.
Introgression from extinct species facilitates adaptation to its vacated niche
Authors: Frei David , Reichlin Pascal , Seehausen Ole , Feulner Philine G. D. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAnthropogenic disturbances of ecosystems are causing a loss of biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. Species extinctions often leave ecological niches underutilized, and their colonization by other species may require new adaptation. In Lake Constance, on the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, an endemic profundal whitefish species went extinct during a period of anthropogenic eutrophication. In the process of extinction, the deep‐water species hybridized with three surviving whitefish species of Lake Constance, resulting in introgression of genetic variation that is potentially adaptive in deep‐water habitats. Here, we sampled a water depth gradient across a known spawning ground of one of these surviving species, Coregonus macrophthalmus, and caught spawning individuals at greater depths (down to 90 m) than historically recorded. We sequenced a total of 96 whole genomes, 11–17 for each of six different spawning depth populations (4, 12, 20, 40, 60 and 90 m), to document genomic intraspecific differentiation along a water depth gradient. We identified 52 genomic regions that are potentially under divergent selection between the deepest (90 m) and all shallower (4–60 m) spawning habitats. At 12 (23.1%) of these 52 loci, the allele frequency pattern across historical and contemporary populations suggests that introgression from the extinct species potentially facilitates ongoing adaptation to deep water. Our results are consistent with the syngameon hypothesis, proposing that hybridization between members of an adaptive radiation can promote further niche expansion and diversification. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that introgression from extinct into extant species can be a source of evolvability, enabling rapid adaptation to environmental change, and may contribute to the ecological recovery of ecosystem functions after extinctions.
A Rare Successful Nonproliferation Policy: The JCPOA
Authors: Serim A. Esra 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn July 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) addressed the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear program. The United States and the other P5+1 countries (the permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany) agreed to lift the nuclear‐related economic and financial sanctions they had imposed. This article discusses how the US administration successfully formulated a nonproliferation policy to convince Iran to engage in nuclear negotiations in the period before the 2015 agreement and how diplomacy and sanctions were used as integrated tools to achieve the goal of nonproliferation. The article also focuses on the administration's agitating for more sanctions and isolation of Tehran from the international community while employing the two diplomatic methods. In implementing the strategy, it faced major domestic and foreign challenges. Nevertheless, the US nonproliferation strategy toward Iran achieved its primary purpose.
A shake table protocol for seismic assessment and qualification of acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural elements
Authors: Zito Martino , D'Angela Danilo , Maddaloni Giuseppe , Magliulo Gennaro 
Published: November 2022

AbstractA shake table protocol for seismic assessment and qualification of acceleration‐sensitive nonstructural elements (NEs) is developed. The paper critically reviews existing protocols and highlights their criticalities, pointing out the need for the development of novel assessment and qualification approaches and protocols. The protocol is developed in light of these criticalities, considering the most recent advances in the field and the specific expertise of the research team. The most significant and contributing parts of the developed protocol consist of the definition of novel required response spectra and the generation of signals for seismic performance evaluation tests. The reliability and robustness of the protocol are evidenced in the paper considering real‐floor motions as a reference, also proving the superiority of the developed protocol with respect to the reference alternatives. The defined approach and procedures are generally applicable and easily extendable to different case studies, as the process is highly versatile and modifiable. The implementation of the developed approach and protocol in the literature and in practice will significantly enhance seismic assessment and qualification of acceleration‐sensitive NEs. This will possibly have a strong impact on public safety and economy.
Prophage excision switches the primary ribosome rescue pathway and rescue‐associated gene regulations in Escherichia coli
Authors: Onodera Haruka , Niwa Tatsuya , Taguchi Hideki , Chadani Yuhei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractEscherichia coli has multiple pathways to release nonproductive ribosome complexes stalled at the 3′ end of nonstop mRNA: tmRNA (SsrA RNA)‐mediated trans‐translation and stop codon‐independent termination by ArfA/RF2 or ArfB (YaeJ). The arfA mRNA lacks a stop codon and its expression is repressed by trans‐translation. Therefore, ArfA is considered to complement the ribosome rescue activity of trans‐translation, but the physiological situations in which ArfA is expressed have not been elucidated. Here, we found that the excision of CP4‐57 prophage adjacent to E. coli ssrA leads to the inactivation of tmRNA and switches the primary rescue pathway from trans‐translation to ArfA/RF2. This “rescue‐switching” rearranges not only the proteome landscape in E. coli but also the phenotype such as motility. Furthermore, among the proteins with significantly increased abundance in the ArfA+ cells, we found ZntR, whose mRNA is transcribed together as the upstream part of nonstop arfA mRNA. Repression of ZntR and reconstituted model genes depends on the translation of the downstream nonstop ORFs that trigger the trans‐translation‐coupled exonucleolytic degradation by polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). Namely, our studies provide a novel example of trans‐translation‐dependent regulation and re‐define the physiological roles of prophage excision.