bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quadruple‐Bidentate Nitrate‐Ligated A2Hg(NO3)4 (A=K, Rb): Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation and Sufficient Birefringence
Authors: Qi Lu , Jiang Xingxing , Duanmu Kaining , Wu Chao , Lin Zheshuai , Huang Zhipeng , Humphrey Mark G. , Zhang Chi
Published: August 2023

The design of efficient nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals continues to pose significant challenges due to the difficulty of assembling polar NLO‐active modules in an optimal additive fashion. We report herein the first NLO‐active mercuric nitrates A2Hg(NO3)4 (A=(KHNO), Rb (RHNO)), for which assembly is induced by ionic polarization of the d10 cations. The two new crystalline compounds are isostructural, featuring interesting pseudo‐diamond‐like structures with parallel [Hg(NO3)4] modules, and leading to strong powder second‐harmonic generation (SHG) responses of 9.2 (KHNO) and 8.8 (RHNO) times that of KH2PO4. In combination with the simple solution preparation of centimeter‐scale crystals, sufficient birefringence, and short ultraviolet (UV) cutoff edges, these attributes make KHNO and RHNO promising candidates for UV NLO materials. Theoretical calculations and single‐crystal structure analysis reveal that the newly‐developed highly condensed and distorted [Hg(NO3)4] module, with an Hg2+ cation that is quadruply bidentate nitrate‐ligated, is crucial for the significant SHG responses. This work highlights the potential importance of modules with multiple bidentate ligands for the development of high‐performing next‐generation NLO materials.
Testing anatomy: Dissecting spatial and non‐spatial knowledge in multiple‐choice question assessment
Authors: Dickson Julie , Shaw Darren J. , Gardiner Andrew , Rhind Susan
Published: August 2023

Limited research has been conducted on the spatial ability of veterinary students and how this is evaluated within anatomy assessments. This study describes the creation and evaluation of a split design multiple‐choice question (MCQ) assessment (totaling 30 questions divided into 15 non‐spatial MCQs and 15 spatial MCQs). Two cohorts were tested, one cohort received a 2D teaching method in the academic year 2014/15 (male = 15/108, female 93/108), and the second a 3D teaching method in the academic year 2015/16 (male 14/98, female 84/98). The evaluation of the MCQ demonstrated strong reliability (KR‐20 = 0.71 2D and 0.63 3D) meaning the MCQ consistently tests the same construct. Factor analysis of the MCQ provides evidence of validity of the split design of the assessment (RR = 1.11, p = 0.013). Neither cohort outperformed on the non‐spatial questions (p > 0.05), however, the 3D cohort performed statistically significantly higher on the spatial questions (p = 0.013). The results of this research support the design of a new anatomy assessment aimed at testing both anatomy knowledge and the problem‐solving aspects of anatomical spatial ability. Furthermore, a 3D teaching method was shown to increase students' performance on anatomy questions testing spatial ability.
An improved multicellular human organoid model for the study of chemical effects on palatal fusion
Authors: Wolf Cynthia J. , Fitzpatrick Hunter , Becker Carrie , Smith Jessica , Wood Carmen
Published: August 2023

Background

Tissue fusion is a mechanism involved in the development of the heart, iris, genital tubercle, neural tube, and palate during embryogenesis. Failed fusion of the palatal shelves could result in cleft palate (CP), a common birth defect. Organotypic models constructed of human cells offer an opportunity to investigate developmental processes in the human. Previously, our laboratory developed an organoid model of the human palate that contains human mesenchyme and epithelial progenitor cells to study the effects of chemicals on fusion.

Methods

Here, we developed an organoid model more representative of the embryonic palate that includes three cell types: mesenchyme, endothelial, and epithelial cells. We measured fusion by a decrease in epithelial cells at the contact point between the organoids and compared the effects of CP teratogens on fusion and toxicity in the previous and current organoid models. We further tested additional suspect teratogens in our new model.

Results

We found that the three‐cell‐type model is more sensitive to fusion inhibition by valproic acid and inhibitors of FGF, BMP, and TGFβRI/II. In this new model, we tested other suspect CP teratogens and found that nocodazole, topiramate, and Y27632 inhibit fusion at concentrations that do not induce toxicity.

Conclusion

This sensitive human three‐cell‐type organotypic model accurately evaluates chemicals for cleft palate teratogenicity.
Bringing active learning, experimentation, and student‐created videos in engineering: A study about teaching electronics and physical computing integrating online and mobile learning
Authors: Ariza Jonathan Á.
Published: August 2023

Active learning (AL) is a well‐known teaching method in engineering because it allows to foster learning and critical thinking of the students by employing debate, hands‐on activities, and experimentation. However, most educational results of this instructional method have been achieved in face‐to‐face educational settings and less has been said about how to promote AL and experimentation for online engineering education. Then, the main aim of this study was to create an AL methodology to learn electronics, physical computing (PhyC), programming, and basic robotics in engineering through hands‐on activities and active experimentation in online environments. N = 56 students of two engineering programs (Technology in Electronics and Industrial Engineering) participated in the methodology that was conceived using the guidelines of the integrated course design model (ICDM) and in some courses combining mobile and online learning with an Android app. The methodology gathered three main components: (1) In‐home laboratories performed through low‐cost hardware devices, (2) Student‐created videos and blogs to evidence the development of skills, and (3) Teacher support and feedback. Data in the courses were collected through surveys, evaluation rubrics, semistructured interviews, and students' grades and were analyzed through a mixed approach. The outcomes indicate a good perception of the PhyC and programming activities by the students and suggest that these influence motivation, self‐efficacy, reduction of anxiety, and improvement of academic performance in the courses. Even, the PhyC activities can reduce the differences in academic performance between women and male students and promote their improvement toward excellence with better results for courses combining online and mobile learning. Similarly, women students preferred to use more often tutoring services and had a better perception of the teacher's feedback than their male pairs. The methodology and previous results can be useful for researchers and practitioners interested in developing AL methodologies or strategies in engineering with online, mobile, or blended learning modalities.
Green Alternatives in Treatment of Liver Diseases: the Challenges of Traditional Medicine and Green Nanomedicine
Authors: Heya Michel Stephane , García‐Ponce Romario , Soto Beatriz Amari Medina , Verde‐Star María Julia , Soto‐Domínguez Adolfo , García‐Hernandez David Gilberto , Saucedo‐Cárdenas Odila , Hernández‐Salazar Marcelo , Guillén‐Meléndez Gloria Arely
Published: August 2023

Over the last decade, liver diseases have become a global problem, with approximately two million deaths per year. The high increase in the mortality rate of these diseases is mostly related to the limitations in the understanding of the evolutionary clinical cases of liver diseases, the low delivery of drugs in the liver, the non‐specific administration of drugs, and the side effects generated at the systemic level by conventional therapeutic agents. Today it is common knowledge that phytochemicals have a high curative potential, even in the prevention and/or reversibility of liver disorders; however, even using these green molecules, researchers continue to deal with the same challenges implemented with conventional therapeutic agents, which limits the pharmacological potential of these friendly molecules. On the other hand, the latest advances in nanotechnology have proven that the use of nanocarriers as a delivery system for green active ingredients, as well as conventional ones, increases the pharmacological potential of these active ingredients due to their physicochemical characteristics (size, Zeta potential, etc.,) moldable depending on the therapeutic objective; in addition to the above, it should be noted that in recent years, nanoparticles have been developed for the specific delivery of drugs towards a specific target (stellar cells, hepatocytes, Kupffer cells), depending on the clinical state of the disease in the patient. The present review addresses the challenges of traditional medicine and green nanomedicine as alternatives in the treatment of liver diseases.
Comprehensive Study of the Physicochemical Properties of Royal Jelly from Various Regions of Türkiye**
Authors: Beykaya Mehmet , Inkaya Nida Nur , Yorulmaz Onder Elif , Arici Yeliz Kasko , Sahin Huseyin
Published: August 2023

This study analysed some physicochemical and quality parameters of 176 royal jelly (RJ) samples from different regions of Türkiye, collected over different years and seasons. According to the obtained results, the moisture percentage varied between 47.36 % and 69.58 %, with no statistically significant differences seen across various seasons and areas (p>0.05). The average value of 10‐hydroxy‐2‐decenoic acid (10‐HDA), which varies according to factors such as season, region, and year, was determined to be 2.32 %. It was also seen that this value was close to the international standard. The values of total acidity ranged from 28–58 mL 1 N NaOH/100 g. Furthermore, statistical significance (p<0.001) was observed for the year‐region interaction in relation to 10‐HDA and total acidity. The pH measurement results for all samples confirmed the acidic nature of the samples and resulted in a range between 3.45 and 3.80. And the pH variability was also found to be statistically significant for years (p=0.002) and regions (p=0.011). Finally, the correlation analysis between moisture (%), 10‐HDA (%), total acidity, and pH revealed no statistically significant or strong differences. This comprehensive study, supported by statistical analyses, is thought to be a useful reference for future research on RJ.
Undescribed Phenolic Glycosides from Syzygium attopeuense and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Van Kiem Phan , Hai Ninh Bui , Huu Tai Bui , Xuan Nhiem Nguyen , Hai Yen Pham , Huy Hoang Nguyen , Thi Trang Do , Thi Dung Duong , Van Tuyen Nguyen , Tuan Anh Le
Published: August 2023

Four undescribed phenolic glycosides including three stilbene derivatives (1 and 3) and sodium salt of 3 (2), and a chalcone glycoside (4), together with thirteen known compounds (5–17) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium attopeuense (Gagnep.) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their chemical structures were elucidated to be (Z)‐gaylussacin (1), 6′′‐O‐galloylgaylussacin sodium salt (2), 6′′‐O‐galloylgaylussacin (3), 4′‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐glucopyranosyl]oxy‐2′‐hydroxy‐6′‐methoxydihydrochalcone (4), gaylussacin (5), pinosilvin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (6), myricetin‐3‐O‐(2′′‐O‐galloyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (7), myricetin‐3‐O‐(3′′‐O‐galloyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (8), myricetin‐3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (9), quercitrin (10), myricetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (11), myricetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (12), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside (13), myricetin‐3‐O‐2′′‐O‐galloyl)‐α‐L‐arabinopyranoside (14), (+)‐gallocatechin (15), (−)‐epigallocatechin (16), and 3,3’,4’‐trimethoxyellagic acid 4‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (17) by the analysis of HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra in comparison with the previously reported data. Compounds 1–3, 5, and 6 significant inhibition of NO production in LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 18.37±1.38 to 35.12±2.53 μM, compared to a positive control (dexamethasone) with an IC50 value of 15.37±1.42 μM.
MEX3A induces the development of thyroid cancer via targeting CREB1
Authors: Feng Guoxun , Wang Penghui , Zhang Hongyi , Cheng Shi , Xing Ying , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2023

Thyroid cancer is a prevalent form of endocrine cancer, and its global incidence has been steadily increasing. MEX3A is a protein that is known to be highly expressed in various human malignant tumors, including thyroid cancer, and it has been linked to patient prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MEX3A's tumorigenic capabilities in thyroid cancer are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MEX3A in thyroid cancer. We confirmed that MEX3A was overexpressed in both thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between high levels of MEX3A and the AJCC stage. To further understand the functional significance of MEX3A in thyroid cancer, we depleted MEX3A expression in B‐CPAP and TPC‐1 cells. Interestingly, we observed a significant reduction in thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration, as well as ameliorated cell apoptosis and arrested tumor growth upon MEX3A depletion. These findings strongly suggested that MEX3A played a critical role in the development of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, our study uncovered an important interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 (cAMP response element‐binding protein 1). The interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 appeared to contribute to the tumor‐promoting effects of MEX3A in thyroid cancer by directly targeting CREB1. Silencing CREB1 was observed to alleviate the malignant phenotypes promoted by MEX3A in thyroid cancer cells. Together, this study highlighted the importance of the MEX3A‐CREB1 interaction in thyroid cancer development and suggested the therapeutic potential of targeting MEX3A for the treatment of this disease.
Photocaging of Carboxylic Function Bearing Biomolecules by New Thiazole Derived Fluorophore
Authors: Gagarin Aleksey A. , Minin Artem S. , Shevyrin Vadim A. , Kostova Irena P. , Benassi Enrico , Belskaya Nataliya P.
Published: August 2023

The design and synthesis of a new fluorophore containing an arylidene thiazole scaffold resulted in a compound with good photophysical characteristics. Furthermore, the thiazole C5‐methyl group was easily modified into specific functional groups (CH2Br and CH2OH) for the formation of a series of photocourier molecules containing model compounds (benzoic acids), as well as prodrugs, including salicylic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorambucil via a “benzyl” linker. Spectral characteristics (1H, 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectra) corresponded to the proposed structures. The photocourier molecules demonstrated absorption with high values of coefficient of molar extinction, exhibited contrasting green emission, and showed good dark stability. The mechanism of the photorelease was investigated through spectral analysis, HPLC‐HRMS, and supported by TD‐DFT calculations. The photoheterolysis and elimination of carboxylic acids were proved to occur in the excited state, yielding a carbocation as an intermediate moiety. The fluorophore structure provided stability to the carbocation through the delocalization of the positive charge via resonance structures. Viability assessment of Vero cells using the MTT‐test confirmed the weak cytotoxicity of prodrugs without irradiation and it increase upon UV‐light.
Dehydropolymerization of Amine−Boranes using Bis(imino)pyridine Rhodium Pre‐Catalysis: σ‐Amine−Borane Complexes, Nanoparticles, and Low Residual‐Metal BN−Polymers that can be Chemically Repurposed
Authors: Cross Mathew J. , Brodie Claire N. , Crivoi Dana G. , Goodall Joe C. , Ryan David E. , Martínez‐Martínez Antonio J. , Johnson Alice , Weller Andrew S.
Published: August 2023

The sigma amine−borane complexes [Rh(L1)(η2:η2‐H3B⋅NRH2)][OTf] (L1=2,6‐bis‐[1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine, R=Me, Et, nPr) are described, alongside [Rh(L1)(NMeH2)][OTf]. Using R=Me as a pre‐catalyst (1 mol %) the dehydropolymerization of H3B ⋅ NMeH2 gives [H2BNMeH]n selectively. Added NMeH2, or the direct use of [Rh(L1)(NMeH2)][OTf], is required for initiation of catalysis, which is suggested to operate through the formation of a neutral hydride complex, Rh(L1)H. The formation of small (1–5 nm) nanoparticles is observed at the end of catalysis, but studies are ambiguous as to whether the catalysis is solely nanoparticle promoted or if there is a molecular homogeneous component. [Rh(L1)(NMeH2)][OTf] is shown to operate at 0.025 mol % loadings on a 2 g scale of H3B ⋅ NMeH2 to give polyaminoborane [H2BNMeH]n [Mn=30,900 g/mol, Ð=1.8] that can be purified to a low residual [Rh] (6 μg/g). Addition of Na[N(SiMe3)2] to [H2BNMeH]n results in selective depolymerization to form the eee‐isomer of N,N,N‐trimethylcyclotriborazane [H2BNMeH]3: the chemical repurposing of a main‐group polymer.
Numerical modeling of scour and erosion processes around spur dike
Authors: Gupta Lav Kumar , Pandey Manish , Raj P. Anand
Published: August 2023

Spur dikes are popular river training structures used for flow diversion, flood control, bank protection, and improving navigation. This paper aims to study the numerical modeling of scour depth in the vicinity of a rectangular spur dike using the renormalization group (RNG) turbulence model and sedimentary van Rijn model with nested mesh configuration using FLOW‐3D. This study is also carried out to analyze the three turbulence models such as RNG, 𝑘−𝜀, and Large‐Eddy simulation (LES), for estimating the scour depth and evaluating the temporal variation of maximum scour depth. It is observed that scour depth is overpredicted with the LES model configuration used in the present study, as compared to 𝑘−𝜀 and RNG models. Furthermore, the scour depth increases by increasing the bed load coefficient near to the spur dike. Simulated results show a good agreement within a 5% error with experimental results regarding the net change of sediment elevation and scour depth.
Ru‐Based Organometallic Agents Bearing Phenyl Hydroxide: Synthesis and Antibacterial Mechanism Study against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang L. Q. , Zhang C. Y. , Chen J. J. , Lin W. J. , Yu G. Y. , Deng L. S. , Ji X. R. , Duan X. M. , Xiong Y. S. , Jiang G. J. , Wang J. T. , Liao X. W. , Liu L. H.
Published: August 2023

The development of antimicrobial agents with novel model of actions is a promising strategy to combat multiple resistant bacteria. Here, three ruthenium‐based complexes, which acted as potential antimicrobial agents, were synthesized and characterized. Importantly, three complexes all showed strong bactericidal potency against Staphylococcus aureus. In particular, the most active one has a MIC of 6.25 μg/mL. Mechanistic studies indicated that ruthenium complex killed S. aureus by releasing ROS and damaging the integrity of bacterial cell membrane. In addition, the most active complex not only could inhibit the biofilm formation and hemolytic toxin secretion of S. aureus, but also serve as a potential antimicrobial adjuvant as well, which showed synergistic effects with eight traditional antibiotics. Finally, both G. mellonella larva infection model and mouse skin infection model all demonstrated that ruthenium complex also showed significant efficacy against S. aureus in vivo. In summary, our study suggested that ruthenium‐based complexes bearing a phenyl hydroxide are promising antimicrobial agents for combating S. aureus.
Towards Higher NH3 Faradaic Efficiency: Selective‐Poisoning of HER Active Sites by Co‐Feeding CO in NO Electroreduction**
Authors: Li Min , Verkuil Jarco , Bunea Sorin , Kortlever Ruud , Urakawa Atsushi
Published: August 2023

Direct electroreduction of nitric oxide offers a promising avenue to produce valuable chemicals, such as ammonia, which is an essential chemical to produce fertilizers. Direct ammonia synthesis from NO in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is advantageous for its continuous operation and excellent mass transport characteristics. However, at a high current density, the faradaic efficiency of NO electroreduction reaction is limited by the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we report a CO‐mediated selective poisoning strategy to enhance the faradaic efficiency (FE) towards ammonia by suppressing the HER. In the presence of only NO at the cathode, Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts showed a lower FE towards NH3 than to H2 due to the dominating HER. Cu/C catalyst showed a 78 % FE towards NH3 at 2.0 V due to the stronger binding affinity to NO* compared to H*. By co‐feeding CO, the FE of Cu/C catalyst towards NH3 was improved by 12 %. More strikingly, for Pd/C, the FE towards NH3 was enhanced by 95 % with CO co‐feeding, by effectively suppressing HER. This is attributed to the change of the favorable surface coverage resulting from the selective and competitive binding of CO* to H* binding sites, thereby improving NH3 selectivity.
Reevaluating the process regime in the Sego Sandstone: Sedimentological and ichnological evidence for an underemphasised fluvial signature
Authors: Gugliotta Marcello , Collins Daniel S. , MacEachern James A. , El Euch‐El Koundi Narjess
Published: August 2023

Rocks of coastal to shallow‐marine origin are challenging to interpret owing to the complex interplay of various depositional processes. This study reevaluates the relative roles of fluvial, tidal and wave processes in the Upper Cretaceous Sego Sandstone (and subordinately in the underlying Buck Tongue) of the Book Cliffs, USA, a well‐studied ancient coastal to shallow‐marine succession. Detailed sedimentological and ichnological analyses were used to interpret a previously underemphasised riverine signature, consisting of centimetre‐ to decimetre‐thick alternations of sandstone and heterolithic beds inferred to represent flood–interflood periods of variable river discharge. Recognition of a widespread fluvial‐dominated signature across the studied units better agrees with other sedimentological and regional observations in the study area, such as high sandstone–mudstone ratios, largely unidirectional and seaward‐oriented palaeocurrents, and modelled weak tidal conditions in the basin. When considering all of the sedimentological, ichnological and stratigraphic observations together with its regional depositional context, the Sego Sandstone/Buck Tongue system is better explained using a mixed‐energy but fluvial‐dominated deltaic model. This highlights an historical over‐interpretation of tidal processes and subordinate wave processes in the Sego Sandstone and likely in similar units. The widely used approach that emphasises only certain sedimentary features in discerning the process regime from analysis of rocks of inferred coastal to shallow‐marine origin is unrefined and may therefore underrepresent the actual complexity of these systems.
Estimated prevalence of DSM‐5 eating disorders in Norwegian adolescents: A community based two‐phase study
Authors: Dahlgren Camilla Lindvall , Reneflot Anne , Brunborg Cathrine , Wennersberg Anne‐Louise , Wisting Line
Published: August 2023

Objective

Little is known about the prevalence of DSM‐5 eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents. In Norway, the most recent community‐based prevalence study in adolescents was published more than 20 years ago. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DSM‐5 EDs in Norwegian adolescents using a two‐phase design.

Method

A total of 1558 upper secondary school students (827 girls and 730 boys) (ages 16–19) were screened for at‐risk ED pathology using the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire short version (EDE‐QS). A sub‐sample of 99 adolescents (87 girls and 12 boys) subsequently participated in a clinical interview using the Eating Disorder Assessment for DSM‐5 (EDA‐5).

Results

Eating pathology was common, with 19.9% of participants scoring at or above the applied EDE‐QS cut‐off. The estimated prevalence of any ED was 9.4% in the total sample, and 16.4% in girls. The number of boys who took part in the diagnostic interview was low, thus, diagnostic data from boys were not analyzed separately. Prevalence estimates of AN, BN, BED, and OSFED in girls were 2.7%, 1.1%, 1.9%, and 10.7%. Atypical AN was the most frequently assigned diagnosis in girls.

Discussion

Sampling biases limit generalizability of results. Additional population‐based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of EDs in Norwegian youth.

Public Significance Statement

In this study, 1558 adolescents, aged 16–19, were screened for ED pathology. A subsample completed a diagnostic interview using DSM‐5 criteria. Results showed that one in five adolescents displayed problematic eating behaviors and cognitions. The estimated prevalence rate of any ED was 9.4%. Sampling biases limit generalizability of results. Additional population‐based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of EDs in Norwegian youth.
Pollinator‐mediated plant coexistence requires high levels of pollinator specialization
Authors: Bruninga‐Socolar Bethanne , Socolar Jacob B. , Konzmann Sabine , Lunau Klaus
Published: August 2023

In pollen‐limited plant communities, the foraging behavior of pollinators might mediate coexistence and competitive exclusion of plant species by determining which plants receive conspecific pollen. A key question is whether realistic pollinator foraging behavior promotes coexistence or exclusion of plant species. We use a simulation model to understand how pollinator foraging behavior impacts the coexistence dynamics of pollen‐limited plants. To determine whether pollinators are likely to provide a biologically important coexistence mechanism, we compare our results to bee foraging data from the literature and from a novel experimental analysis. Model results indicate that strong specialization at the level of individual foraging paths is required to promote coexistence. However, few empirical studies have robustly quantified within‐bout specialization. Species‐level data suggest that foraging behavior is sufficient to permit pollinator‐mediated coexistence in species‐poor plant communities and possibly in diverse communities where congeneric plants co‐occur. Our experiments using bumblebees show that individual‐level specialization does exist, but not at levels sufficient to substantially impact coexistence dynamics. The literature on specialization within natural foraging paths suffers from key limitations, but overall suggests that pollinator‐mediated coexistence should be rare in diverse plant communities.
When to shed? Patterns and drivers of time to first ecdysis in snakes
Authors: Wagner Cecilia , Miller Ashadee K. , Engelbrecht Hanlie M. , Greene Harry W. , Alexander Graham J.
Published: August 2023

Time from birth or hatching to the first shed (postnatal ecdysis) in snakes ranges from about an hour to several weeks depending upon the species. We assessed patterns in time to postnatal ecdysis in 102 snake species for which we could source appropriate information, covering 2.6% of all extant snake species, and related measures to various biological traits. Reconstruction revealed ancestral time to postnatal ecdysis to be 11 days. Since time to postnatal ecdysis can be shorter or longer than the ancestral state, we argue that there are several competing drivers for time to postnatal ecdysis. A reduced time to postnatal ecdysis has evolved in several lineages, commonly in ambush‐foraging, viviparous vipers, while extended time to postnatal ecdysis is associated with oviparous species with maternal care. Of central importance is the impact of postnatal ecdysis on the scent levels of neonates, resulting in a reduction of time to postnatal ecdysis in chemically cryptic species, while the pivotal role of scent in mother–neonate recognition has resulted in the retention or extension of time to postnatal ecdysis. We showed that postnatal ecdysis improves chemical crypsis. The patterns revealed in this study suggest that measures of time to postnatal ecdysis can provide insights into the biology of snakes and be used as an indicator of certain life history traits.
Activity of tjakura (great desert skinks) at burrows in relation to plant cover and predators
Authors: Ridley Jenna C. H. , Schlesinger Christine A.
Published: August 2023

Increased predation where ground cover is reduced after severe wildfire is increasingly implicated as a factor causing decline of vulnerable prey populations. In arid central Australia, one species detrimentally affected by repeated wildfire is the great desert skink or tjakura (Liopholis kintorei), a distinctive lizard of the central Australian arid zone that constructs and inhabits multi‐entranced communal burrows. We aimed to test whether tjakura or predator activity at burrow entrances varied with cover and how tjakura respond to predator presence. Using time‐lapse photography, we monitored tjakura and predator activity at the largest entrance of 12 burrows ranging from high (>70%) to low (<50%) cover and at multiple entrances of two other burrows. Overall activity did not vary between burrows with high and low cover. Within burrow systems tjakura were more active at sparsely vegetated entrances, often sitting wholly or partly inside the burrow. However, consistent between and within burrow systems, skinks spent proportionally more time fully outside where cover was higher. Predators—mostly native—were detected at most burrows, with no apparent relationship between predator activity and cover. Skinks also did not appear to modify their activity in response to predator visits. Our results indicate that tjakura may spend more time outside burrow entrances when cover is higher but there was no direct evidence that this related to perceived or real predation risk. Differences in food availability, thermoregulatory opportunities and opportunities for ambush foraging associated with differences in vegetation cover or composition are other factors likely to be important in determining the activity of tjakura at burrows. Our research demonstrates the usefulness of camera traps for behavioural studies of ectothermic burrowing animals. The complex relationships between tjakura activity and vegetation cover thereby revealed, suggest outcomes of fire‐mediated habitat change on predator–prey interactions are not easily predictable.
TManual: Assistant for manually measuring length development in structures built by animals
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki
Published: August 2023

Structures built by animals are extended phenotypes, and animal behavior can be better understood by recording the temporal development of structure construction. For most subterranean and wood‐boring animals, these structures consist of gallery systems, such as burrows made by mice, tunnel foraging by termites, and nest excavation in ants. Measurement of the length development of such structures is often performed manually. However, it is time‐consuming and cognitively costly to track length development in nested branching structures, hindering the quantitative determination of temporal development. Here, I introduce TManual, which aids the manual measurement of structure length development using a number of images. TManual provides a user interface to draw gallery structures and take over all other processes handling input datasets (e.g., zero‐adjustment, scaling the units, measuring the length, assigning gallery identities, and extracting network structures). Thus, users can focus on the measuring process without interruptions. As examples, I provide the results of the analysis of a dataset of tunnel construction by three termite species after successfully processing 1125 images in ~3 h. The output datasets clearly visualized the interspecific variation in tunneling speed and branching structures. Furthermore, I applied TManual to a complex gallery system by another termite species and extracted network structures. Measuring the lengths of objects from images is an essential task in biological observation. TManual helps users handle many images in a realistic time scale, enabling a comparative analysis across a wide array of species. TManual does not require programming skills and outputs a tidy data frame in CSV format. Therefore, it is suitable for any user who wants to perform image analysis for length measurements.
DNA metabarcoding of mock communities highlights potential biases when assessing Neotropical fish diversity
Authors: Hilário Heron Oliveira , Mendes Izabela Santos , Guimarães Sales Naiara , Carvalho Daniel Cardoso
Published: August 2023

Despite the increasing popularity of DNA metabarcoding in the assessment of aquatic ecosystems using fish eDNA or ichthyoplankton, challenges have hampered its broader application in the Neotropical freshwaters. Using five mock communities composed of fish species from two Neotropical River basins, we evaluated the influence of DNA concentration and choice of mitochondrial 12S molecular markers (MiFish, NeoFish, and Teleo) on species detection and relative read abundance (RRA) using DNA metabarcoding. Of the three 12S markers analyzed, only MiFish detected all species from all mock communities. The performance of a taxonomy‐free approach using ASV/MOTUs was not as precise as assigning DNA reads to species using a curated 12S library that includes approximately 100 fish species since more than one ASV/MOTU was observed for the same specimen. Thus, here we showcase the importance of a custom reference database to allow precise assignment of Neotropical fish species in metabarcoding studies and that the RRA is dependent on community composition, marker, and DNA concentration. We highlight the importance of controlled experiments using known species communities before large investments are made in assessing biodiversity using non‐invasive methods that apply DNA metabarcoding.
A rapid estimation of pigment content in virgin olive oils by a solvent‐free method
Authors: Gila Abraham M. , Aguilera María P. , Sánchez‐Ortiz Araceli , Jiménez Antonio , Beltrán Gabriel
Published: August 2023

In this work, a fast method was proposed for estimating the virgin olive oils (VOOs) carotenoids and chlorophylls concentration using color measurement. The pigment content by conventional spectrophotometry method and CIELAB color (L*, a*, and b*) at different degree of sample thickness (from 5 to 50 mm) of one hundred VOOs were measured. Oil carotenoids and chlorophylls content were correlated with the color parameters for the different oil thickness studied to design the prediction models of the new method. The best regression coefficients (R2) were obtained for multiple linear regression model using the three independent variables (L*, a*, and b*) together measured at 5 mm of oil thickness. The R2 were 0.9679, 0.9515, and 0.9644 for predicting carotenoids, chlorophylls, and total pigments, respectively. External validation of these prediction models was satisfactory (relative error < 0.1). Therefore, this new solvent‐free colorimetric method is a useful method for determination of carotenoids and chlorophylls content in VOOs.

Practical applications: The simple colorimetric method developed in this study offers a fast and accurate alternative to current methods published in the literature to estimate the pigment content in VOOs. It is a rapid (less than 1 min) and cheap method, with the advantage of ease of operation, no sample pretreatment and solvent‐free, thus environmentally friendly. This methodology can potentially be used by trained “nonprofessional analytical skilled” people in small laboratories or olive oil mills with limited technical facilities. Therefore, the technique is highly plausible as an alternative to determine the pigment content in VOOs. Finally, future works with this methodology could be carried out to online control of VOOs pigments content in the oil extraction process.
A review of strategic planning for dynamic supply chains: Preparing for uncertainty using scenarios
Authors: Crawford Megan M. , Plant‐O'Toole Eoin
Published: August 2023

This is a book review of Strategic Planning for Dynamic Supply Chains: Preparing for Uncertainty Using Scenarios by Shardul S. Phadnis, Yossi Sheffi, and Chris Caplice (Cham, Switzerland, 226 p, 2022). The book covers three case studies, presented as vignettes, which illustrate three unique applications of a seven‐step approach to scenario planning, modeled after the Intuitive Logics School. The book is aimed at executives and business leaders, as well as academics, and scenario planning practitioners. This review discusses the unique aspects the scenario team brings to the strategic space, the strengths of their pragmatic process, and key elements in practice that are often left out of the larger academic scholarship.
Optimal out‐of‐sample forecast evaluation under stationarity
Authors: Staněk Filip
Published: August 2023

It is a common practice to split a time series into an in‐sample and pseudo‐out‐of‐sample segments and estimate the out‐of‐sample loss for a given statistical model by evaluating forecasting performance over the pseudo‐out‐of‐sample segment. We propose an alternative estimator of the out‐of‐sample loss, which, contrary to the conventional wisdom, utilizes criteria measured both in‐ and out‐of‐sample via a carefully constructed system of affine weights. We prove that, provided that the time series is stationary, the proposed estimator is the best linear unbiased estimator of the out‐of‐sample loss and outperforms the conventional estimator in terms of sampling variability. Application of the optimal estimator to Diebold–Mariano type tests of predictive ability leads to a substantial power gain without increasing finite sample size distortions. An extensive evaluation on real‐world time series from the M4 forecasting competition confirms superiority of the proposed estimator and also demonstrates substantial robustness to violations of the underlying assumption of stationarity.
Subdermal contraceptive implants and repeat teenage motherhood: Evidence from a major maternity hospital‐based program in Uruguay
Authors: Ferre Zuleika , Triunfo Patricia , Antón José‐Ignacio
Published: August 2023

Teenage fertility is a social problem because of its private and public costs in countries of different development levels. Reductions in adolescent birth rates do not necessarily follow drops in overall fertility due to the demographic transition model. This paper analyses the impact of a subdermal contraceptive program on repeat teenage motherhood. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the intervention reduced mothers' likelihood of having another child in the next 48 months by 10 percentage points. This reduction is not random, and we also identify small positive selection in subsequent births.
Influence of prismatic effect due to decentration of optical center in ophthalmic lens
Authors: Madrolu Vijay Sandeep Kumar , Male Shiva Ram , Bhardwaj Rishi , Theagarayan Baskar
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Induced prismatic effects due to poor fitting spectacle frames is a common problem, seen in most of the spectacle wearers and this improper fitting is often due to optical center demarcation on lenses and this error causes asthenopic symptoms and diplopia. However, these errors are most common in developing countries due to lack of awareness, hence a standardized regulation is required. The current study aimed to estimate the amount of prismatic effect that is induced due to the decentration of an optical center in ophthalmic lens.

Methods

A quantitative cross‐sectional study was conducted in single vision spectacle wearers (N = 120) with a mean age of 25 ± 5 years. The pupillometric evaluation was performed to mark the pupil center on the spectacle lens. A lensometry evaluation was done to mark the optic center of the spectacle lens. A comparison was made to note whether the optic center is aligned with pupillary center. Objective assessment was performed through Prentice's rule (P = cF) and subjective symptoms were assessed through a validated visual comfort questionnaire.

Results

In this sample, around 57% of the individual with single vision glasses were not looking through the optic center and experiencing induced prismatic effect of −0.7 to 0.6 prism diopter, with mean decentration of 3.5 mm. Forty percent of the individuals with misaligned optic center showed asthenopic symptoms and visual discomfort.

Conclusion

Optometrist should check quality of dispensing and visual performance before handing over the newly dispensed glasses to the patients.
A theory of relativity in restructuring developed with the Coase Theorem
Authors: Engelberg Matti
Published: August 2023

This article addresses a key topic in restructuring law, namely the alternative legislative rules for setting priorities for payments and rights among stakeholders in a statutory restructuring programme. The EU Member States have now implemented the Restructuring Directive (2019/1023), which gives two options for the priority rules and the outcomes of the new laws seem to vary significantly. As this legislation is important also for the efficiency of the capital markets, it is good to investigate the potential impacts the new legislative structures may bring for the process. In the article the author argues, by using the Coase Theorem, a leading theory in law and economics, that wider powers for a court to consider the interests of all parties in restructuring could be a preferable legislative solution to restructuring law. It would protect generally the creation of a restructuring surplus, as an individual class would be unable to use its rights as a tool for gaining further benefits. Relativity would stimulate the bargaining of property rights in the process and would follow the Coase Theorem, according to which bargaining between individuals or groups related to property rights will lead to an optimal and efficient outcome.
Global incidence, risk factors and trends of vulvar cancer: A country‐based analysis of cancer registries
Authors: Huang Junjie , Chan Sze Chai , Fung Yat Ching , Pang Wing Sze , Mak Fung Yu , Lok Veeleah , Zhang Lin , Lin Xu , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo , Xu Wanghong , Zheng Zhi‐Jie , Elcarte Edmar , Withers Mellissa , Wong Martin C. S. ,   NCD Global Health Research Group, Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
Published: August 2023

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon malignancy. Vulvar cancer alarmed the public health problem in terms of the cost of diagnostic and medical treatments and psychical health of females. Our study aims to provide a thorough analysis of the global disease burden, related risk factors and temporal incidence trends of vulvar cancer in population subgroups. Data from Global Cancer Observatory and the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus were used for the vulvar cancer incidence. Age‐standardized rates (ASR) were used to depict the incidence of vulvar cancer. The 10‐year trend of incidence was assessed using joinpoint regression with average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals in various age groups, while its correlations with risk factors were investigated using linear regression. Higher ASR were found in Western Europe (2.4), Northern America (1.9), Northern Europe (1.9), Australia and New Zealand (1.8) and Eastern Africa (1.4). The associated risk factors of higher vulvar cancer incidence were gross domestic product per capita, Human Development Index, higher prevalence of smoking, alcohol drinking, unsafe sex and human immunodeficiency virus infection. The overall trend of vulvar cancer incidence was increasing. An increasing trend was found in older females while a mixed trend was observed in younger females. The disease burden of vulvar cancer follows a bimodal pattern according to its two histologic pathways, affecting women in both developed and developing regions. Smoking cessation, sex education and human papillomavirus vaccination programs should be promoted among the general population. Subsequent studies can be done to explore the reasons behind the increasing trend of vulvar cancer.
Digital mental health interventions: A narrative review of what is important from the perspective of LGBTQIA+ people
Authors: Fowler James A. , Buckley Lisa , Muir Miranda , Viskovich Shelley , Paradisis Chris , Zanganeh Parnian , Dean Judith A.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Digital mental health interventions are a promising therapeutic modality to provide psychological support to LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, Queer, intersex, asexual, plus other gender, sexual, and romantic minority identities) people. The aim of this narrative review is to explore how the LGBTQIA+ community has been engaged in the design of digital mental health interventions, how content has been tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, and features identified as important by LGBTQIA+ participants.

Methods

A total of 33 studies were included in this review from a larger yield of 1933 identified from systematic searches of five databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHAL, and Medline). Data were analyzed narratively and using content analysis.

Results

Only half of the studies reported engaging the LGBTQIA+ community in intervention designs. Interventions have been tailored in a variety of ways to support LGBTQIA+ individuals—such as through affirming imagery, recruitment through LGBTQIA+ networks, and designing content to focus specifically on LGBTQIA+ issues. A range of features were identified as important for participants, namely how content was tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences, providing connection to community, and links to other relevant LGBTQIA+ resources. While not a primary aim, results also showed that a wide range of digital modalities can significantly improve a range of mental health problems.

Conclusion

Digital interventions are an acceptable and effective form of therapeutic intervention, but future research needs to focus on meaningful engagement of community members to inform design and implementation.
Mutation in the β‐tubulin gene TUBB4A results in epileptic encephalopathy associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy: Unexpected findings reveal genetic mosaicism
Authors: Ben Jdila Marwa , Kammoun Fatma , Abdelmaksoud‐Dammak Rania , Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Epileptic encephalopathies (EEs) are a group of heterogeneous epileptic syndromes characterized by early‐onset refractory seizures, specific EEG abnormalities, developmental delay or regression and intellectual disability. The genetic spectrum of EE is very wide with mutations in a number of genes having various functions, such as those encoding AMPA ionotropic and glutamate receptors as well as voltage‐gated ion channels. However, the list of EE‐responsible genes could certainly be enlarged by next‐generation sequencing.

Patients and methods

The present study reports a clinical investigation and a molecular analysis by the whole exome sequencing (WES) and pyrosequencing of a patient's family affected by epileptic spasms and severe psychomotor delay.

Results

Clinical and radiological investigations revealed that the patient presented clinical features of severe and drug‐resistant EE‐type infantile epileptic spasm syndrome that evolved to Lennox Gastaut syndrome with radiological findings of hypomyelinated leukodystrophy. The results of WES revealed the presence of a novel heterozygous c.466C>T mutation in exon 4 of the TUBB4A gene in the patient. This transition led to the replacement of arginine by cysteine at position 156 (p.R156C) of the conserved helix 4 among the N‐terminal domain of the TUBB4A protein. Bioinformatic tools predicted its deleterious effects on the structural arrangement and stability of the protein. The presence of the mutation in the asymptomatic father suggested the hypothesis of somatic mosaicism that was tested by pyrosequencing of DNA from two tissues of the patient and her father. The obtained results showed a lower rate of mutated alleles in the asymptomatic father compared with the affected daughter in both lymphocytes and buccal mucosa cells, confirming the occurrence of paternal mosaicism. The phenotypic features of the patient were also compared with those of previously described patients presenting TUBB4A mutations.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to report a disease‐causing variant in the TUBB4A gene in a patient with EE associated with hypomyelinated leucodystrophy. In addition, we expanded the phenotypic spectrum associated with the TUBB4A gene.