bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable solutions of using deep eutectic solvents for hemp degumming: A combined experimental and DFT study
Authors: Gao Shuang , Yan Zhifeng , An Zhao , Liang Junming , Fei Pengfei , Zhang Xiangbin , Lu Jianjun , Di Youbo , Wang Wei
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of heavy environmental pollution, high energy consumption, and process complexity for current degumming techniques, three types of deep eutectic solvent (DES) systems as eco‐friendly sustainable solutions including choline chloride/urea (CU), ethylenediamine hydrochloride/ethylene glycol (EE) and choline chloride/imidazole (CI) were prepared and applied to the degumming of seed hemp. It was clearly showed that all three DES systems exhibit excellent degumming efficiency on seed hemp to remove noncellulosic components involving in pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin in amorphous region without damage to the structure and crystalline morphology of cellulose, leading to an increase of cellulose portion from 54% to about 80%. CI with the molar ratio of 3:8 at 175°C for 2.5 h give the best removal performance for hemicellulose and pectin while EE with molar ratio of 1:2 at 175°C for 3 h can remove lignin with highest efficiency. However, CU with the lowest cost reveals a balanced removal of three noncellulosic components, which may be the optimal choice for industrial production. Furthermore, density functional theory analysis disclosed the essential information of configuration stability for three DES systems.
RNAi of yellow‐y, required for normal cuticle pigmentation, impairs courtship behavior and oviposition in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
Authors: Gong Lang‐Lang , Zhang Meng‐Qi , Ma Yun‐Feng , Feng Hong‐Yan , Zhao Ya‐Qin , Zhou Yang‐yuntao , He Ming , Smagghe Guy , He Peng
Published: April 2024

The insect cuticle plays a key role in maintaining the insect's physiological function and behavior. Herein, the yellow‐y protein is required to produce black melanin, and is expressed in a pattern that correlates with the distribution of this pigment. However, yellow‐y can also have other functions, for instance, in insect behavior, but not much is known. In this study, we have studied the yellow‐y gene in one important model and pest species, namely the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), which is to our knowledge the first time reported. In essence, we identified the yellow‐y gene (BgY‐y) and characterized its function by using RNA interference (RNAi). Silencing of BgY‐y gene led to different developmental abnormalities (body weight and wings) in both genders. Specifically, there was an abundant decrease in melanin, turning the body color in pale yellow and the cuticle softer and more transparent. Interestingly, we also observed that the knockdown of BgY‐y impaired the male cockroaches to display a weaker response to female‐emitted contact sex pheromones, and also that the oviposition ability was weakened in the RNAi females. This study comprehensively analyzed the biological functions of the yellow‐y gene in German cockroaches from the perspectives of development, body color, courtship behavior and oviposition, and as a consequence, this may opens new avenues to explore it as a novel pest control gene.
Gender diversity in autistic and neurotypical youth over adolescence and puberty: A longitudinal study
Authors: Corbett Blythe A. , Muscatello Rachael A. , Cyperski Melissa , Sadikova Eleonora , Edmiston E. Kale , McGonigle Trey William , Calvosa Rachel , Vandekar Simon
Published: April 2024

Recent research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has suggested a higher prevalence of gender diversity in individuals diagnosed with ASD. Adolescence is a critical period for the consolidation of gender identity, yet the extent to which the experience of gender diversity is stable over adolescence and puberty in autistic youth is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to examine the consistency of gender diversity using the gender diversity screening questionnaire for self‐ and parent‐report of youth (GDSQ‐S, GDSQ‐P) over a four‐year longitudinal study of pubertal development in youth with ASD (N = 140, 36 assigned‐female‐at birth (AFAB)) and typical development (TD, N = 104, 58 assigned‐male‐at‐birth [AMAB]) and their parents. The extent to which diagnosis (ASD vs. TD), assigned sex (AFAB vs. AMAB) and developmental level (age, puberty) predict GDSQ trajectory over time was explored. There was a significant diagnosis by sex‐assigned‐at‐birth by age interaction for GDSQ‐S Gender Diversity, p = 0.002, showing higher scores in autistic AFAB youth over adolescence, and TD AFAB showing initially lower, then increasing levels over adolescence. For GDSQ‐P, Gender Incongruence was significantly different between the groups, p = 0.032, showing higher incongruence for autistic AFAB around age 10, decreasing between age 12–14 before increasing again, while TD AFAB evidence the inverse trend. AMAB trends were stable. The significant diagnostic, developmental and sex‐based differences indicate AFAB youth experience greater gender diversity that evolves over development. Findings suggest gender identity formation is nuanced and may be influenced by pubertal progression, hormonal patterns, and psychosocial factors. Results underscore the need for enhanced understanding of the unique, dynamic profiles of females‐assigned‐at‐birth.
Betonaggressivität des Grundwassers in Deutschland – Teil 1
Authors: Nuber Thomas , Lensing Hermann‐Josef , Radny Dirk , Pfeiffer Wolf
Published: April 2024

Für den Geotechnischen Bericht ist die Grundwasserbeschaffenheit anhand der Konzentration von Magnesium, Sulfat, Ammonium und kalklösender Kohlensäure nach DIN 4030‐1 hinsichtlich der Betonaggressivität zu beurteilen. Diese kann einen erheblichen Kostenfaktor darstellen, da bei einer erhöhten Betonaggressivität einige geotechnische Rückverankerungssysteme ausgeschlossen werden müssen. Zudem sind zum Teil bereits früh im Planungsprozess wegweisende Entscheidungen zur Bauplanung und ‐ausführung zu treffen, die sich aus der Grundwasserbeschaffenheit ergeben. Mithilfe eines Geoinformationssystems (GIS) werden auf Grundlage des Web‐Map‐Service „Hintergrundwerte im Grundwasser“, der über das Geoportal der Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe (BGR) frei zur Verfügung steht, die Konzentrationsverteilungen der relevanten Wasserinhaltsstoffe in Form von Themenkarten einzeln und für die in DIN 4030‐1 festgelegten Expositionsklassen aggregiert dargestellt. Diese Karten können zur Plausibilisierung von Analyseergebnissen und zur Voreinschätzung der Betonaggressivität genutzt werden. Zudem ergibt eine räumliche Auswertung, dass in Deutschland betonaggressives Wasser v. a. auf erhöhte Sulfatkonzentrationen bzw. eine erhöhte Konzentration an kalklösender Kohlensäure sowie eine Kombination von beiden Wasserinhaltsstoffen zurückzuführen ist. Im Gegensatz dazu spielen sowohl Magnesium als auch Ammonium für die Betonaggressivät des Grundwassers nur eine untergeordnete Rolle.
Super7 passaging method to improve Chinese hamster ovary cell fed‐batch performance
Authors: Moran Matthew J. , Chen Jin , Piret James M. , Balcarcel R. Robert
Published: April 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used to manufacture biopharmaceuticals, most of all monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Some CHO cell lines exhibit production instability, where the productivity of the cells decreases as a function of time in culture. To counter this, we designed a passaging strategy that, rather than maximizing the time spent in log‐growth phase, mimics the first 7 days of a fed‐batch production process. Cultures passaged using this method had lower net growth rates and were more oxidative throughout 6 weeks of passaging. Fed‐batch cultures inoculated by cells passaged using this method had increased net growth rates, oxidative metabolism, and volumetric productivity compared to cells passaged using a conventional strategy. Cells from unstable cell lines passaged by this new method produced 80%–160% more mAbs per unit volume than cells passaged by a conventional method. This new method, named Super7, provides the ability to mitigate the impact of production instability in CHO‐K1 cell lines without a need for further cell line creation, genetic engineering, or medium development.
Diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced mammography for suspicious findings in dense breasts: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Shu‐ting , Li Hong‐jiang , Li Yi‐zhong , Chen Qian‐qian , Ye Jia‐yi , Lin Shu , Cai Si‐qing , Sun Jian‐guo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Contrast‐enhanced spectral imaging (CEM) is a new mammography technique, but its diagnostic value in dense breasts is still inconclusive. We did a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of CEM for suspicious findings in dense breasts.

Materials and Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically until August 6, 2023. Prospective and retrospective studies were included to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEM for suspicious findings in dense breasts. The QUADAS‐2 tool was used to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. STATA V.16.0 and Review Manager V.5.3 were used to meta‐analyze the included studies.

Results

A total of 10 studies (827 patients, 958 lesions) were included. These 10 studies reported the diagnostic performance of CEM for the workup of suspicious lesions in patients with dense breasts. The summary sensitivity and summary specificity were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.97) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.70–0.89), respectively. Enhanced lesions, circumscribed margins, and malignancy were statistically correlated. The relative malignancy OR value of the enhanced lesions was 28.11 (95% CI, 6.84–115.48). The relative malignancy OR value of circumscribed margins was 0.17 (95% CI, 0.07–0.45).

Conclusion

CEM has high diagnostic performance in the workup of suspicious findings in dense breasts, and when lesions are enhanced and have irregular margins, they are often malignant.
Could nutrition status predict fatigue one week before in patients with nasopharynx cancer undergoing radiotherapy?
Authors: Song Jihong , Yang Xinru , Wu Jieling , Wu Zilan , Zhuo Litao , Hong Jinsheng , Su Li , Lyu Wenlong , Ye Jinru , Fang Yan , Zhan Zhiying , Zhang Hairong , Li Xiaomei
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing radiotherapy experience significant fatigue, which is frequently underestimated due to the lack of objective indicators for its evaluation. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal association between fatigue and nutrition status 1 week in advance.

Methods

From January 2021 to June 2022, a total of 105 NPC patients who received intensity‐modulated radiation therapy were enrolled in the observational longitudinal study. The significant outcomes, including the Piper Fatigue Scale‐12 (PFS‐12), the Scored Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA), four body composition indices, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were assessed weekly from pre‐treatment until the completion of radiotherapy (T0–T7) to explore their relationship.

Results

The trajectories of PFS‐12 and all dimensions for 105 participants reached a peak during the fifth week. Sensory fatigue consistently received the highest scores (T0 = 1.60 ± 2.20, T5 = 6.15 ± 1.57), whereas behavior fatigue exhibited the fastest increase over time (T0 = 1.11 ± 1.86, T5 = 5.47 ± 1.70). Higher PG‐SGA scores were found to be weakly explainable for aggravating fatigue (β = 0.02 ~ 0.04). Unlike generalized additive mixed models, marginal structural models (MSM) produced larger effect values (β = 0.12 ~ 0.21). Additionally, body composition indices showed weakly negative relationships with fatigue in MSMs one week in advance.

Conclusions

The PG‐SGA may be a more accurate predictor of future‐week fatigue than individual body composition indicators, particularly when HADS is controlled for as a time‐dependent confounder.
Toward identification and intervention to address financial toxicity and unmet health‐related social needs among adolescents and emerging adults with cancer and their caregivers: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Beauchemin Melissa P. , Solomon Samrawit , Michaels Claudia L. , McHenry Kathryn , Turi Eleanor , Khurana Rhea , Sanabria Gabriella
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We qualitatively explored the unique needs and preferences for financial toxicity screening and interventions to address financial toxicity among adolescents and emerging adults (younger AYAs: 15–25 years) with cancer and their caregivers.

Methods

We recruited English‐ or Spanish‐speaking younger AYAs who were treated for cancer within the past 2 years and their caregivers. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore preferences for screening and interventional study development to address financial toxicity. The data were coded using conventional content analysis. Codes were reviewed with the study team, and interviews continued until saturation was reached; codes were consolidated into categories and themes during consensus discussions.

Results

We interviewed 17 participants; nine were younger AYAs. Seven of the 17 preferred to speak Spanish. We identified three cross‐cutting themes: burden, support, and routine, consistent, and clear. The burden came in the form of unexpected costs such as transportation to appointments, as well as emotional burdens such as AYAs worrying about how much their family sacrificed for their care or caregivers worrying about the AYA's physical and financial future. Support, in the form of familial, community, healthcare institution, and insurance, was critical to mitigating the effects of financial toxicity in this population. Participants emphasized the importance of meeting individual financial needs by routinely and consistently asking about financial factors and providing clear guidance to navigate these needs.

Conclusion

Younger AYAs and their caregivers experience significant financial challenges and unmet health‐related social needs during cancer treatment and often rely on key supports to alleviate these unmet needs. When developing interventions to mitigate financial toxicity, clinicians and health systems should prioritize clear, consistent, and tailorable approaches to support younger AYA cancer survivors and their families.
Understanding muscularity, physique anxiety, and the experience of body image enhancement among men and women: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy M. , Neumann David L. , Seekis Veya , Dunn Matthew
Published: April 2024

This study explores the growing trend of pursuing an ideal muscular physique, which escalates the risk of body image issues and engagement in enhancement behaviours. Employing a mixed‐methods approach, we examined the psychosocial dynamics surrounding these ideals and experiences, particularly the use of performance and image‐enhancing drugs (PIEDs). The quantitative arm of the study, involving 131 participants of mixed gender, investigated associations between social physique anxiety (SPA), drive for muscularity, male body attitudes, appearance comparisons, and self‐compassion. Concurrently, qualitative interviews with 16 individuals engaged in PIEDs interrogated the reasons for body image concerns and adaptive coping strategies around increasing body appreciation. The study emphasises the convergence of muscular ideals across genders and advocates for continued research in this domain.
Going green to repair damaged self‐concept: The interplay of self‐deficit and benefit appeals on green consumer behavior
Authors: Kim Sujin
Published: April 2024

This research is an empirical investigation of the interaction effect between self‐deficit and benefit‐appeal message framing upon subsequent environmental sustainability decision‐making. Based on the self‐discrepancy theory, the current research demonstrates that behavioral intentions that encourage environmental sustainability could serve as a means of compensating for the self‐deficit appraisal. Two online experiments empirically test that self‐deficit moderated the effect of benefit‐appeal (self vs. other) on ad evaluation and purchasing intention toward an environmentally sustainable brand. In particular, Study 1 demonstrated that when in a self‐deficit state, self‐benefit appeals are more effective than altruistic other‐benefit appeals in enhancing positive advertising evaluation and purchase intention toward a brand that advocates environmental sustainability. On the other hand, the opposite pattern was captured when self‐deficit was minimized. Study 2 replicated these findings using a different brand, confirming the interaction effect between self‐deficit and benefit appeal, and further investigated whether consumers' positive ad evaluation mediates the interaction effect of benefit appeals and self‐deficit on purchase intention. The findings also offer managerial implications recommending that advertisers and marketers tailor their ad messaging to match consumers' desires and wants.
Simultaneous occurrence of transient global amnesia and Takotsubo syndrome triggered by caring for a terminally ill relative
Authors: Stöllberger Claudia , Finsterer Josef
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Takotsubo syndrome and transient global amnesia can occur simultaneously, not only in the context of acute but also long‐standing emotional stress. Probably, hypothyroidism and migraine make the patient more susceptible to both of these disorders.
Characterization of soda–lime silicate glass bottles to support recycling efforts
Authors: Gerace Katy S. , Mauro John C.
Published: April 2024

In 2022, 150 million tons of glass was produced globally, and approximately 47% of that amount was glass hollowware for tableware and food, beverage, and cosmetics packaging. Glass is considered one of the most recyclable materials as its properties and performance do not degrade upon reheating and reforming; yet only 21% of global production is recycled. The most recycled type of glass is soda–lime silicate bottle glass based on its widespread availability and its ability to accommodate higher levels of contamination compared to flat glass and specialty glass. Bottle glass manufacturers melt glass batch that is 10%–60% recycled glass cullet, limited only by the availability of pristine glass cullet that is free of contaminants such as plastic, metal, and organic material. Increasing rates of recycled content in glass manufacturing is stymied by the lack of a supply chain to deliver high quality glass cullet to manufacturers, as well as risk of material incompatibility and contamination. In this work, post‐consumer glass bottles of different colors, shapes, and brands were analyzed for chemical composition and thermal properties to quantify variation across five major color families: clear, blue, amber, forest green, and emerald green. This work shows that post‐consumer bottles of different colors and brands can be remelted without risk of material incompatibility and presents various processing methods to control color homogeneity in glass produced exclusively from mixed color cullet from recycled glass bottles.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C—O and C—C Bonds Formation of 3‐Oxopent‐4‐enenitriles with Alkynes for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted 2H‐Pyrans
Authors: Yan Kelu , Liu Xiao , Wen Jiangwei , Li Qiuyun , Wang Junjie , Zheng Yang , Wang Xiu
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The rhodium‐catalyzed C—H bond activation and cyclization of 3‐oxopent‐4‐enenitriles with alkynes proceed efficiently. Various 2H‐pyrans with multiple substituents are achieved in good yields through regioselective formation of C—O and C—C bonds. Transformations involving hydroxy‐alkynoates resulted in products with a furo[3,4‐b]pyran skeleton via further intramolecular ester exchange processes. Different from the traditional “1‐oxatrienes pathway”, this method for the synthesis of useful 2H‐pyrans possesses certain highlights in terms of readily available substrates, stable and easily derivatized products, gentle and convenient operation process, and step and atom economy.
When Waldenström macroglobulinemia hits the kidney: Description of a case series and management of a “rare in rare” scenario
Authors: Danesin Nicolò , Scapinello Greta , Del Prete Dorella , Naso Elena , Berno Tamara , Visentin Andrea , Bonaldi Laura , Martines Annalisa , Bertorelle Roberta , Vianello Fabrizio , Gurrieri Carmela , Zambello Renato , Castellani Chiara , Fedrigo Marny , Rizzo Stefania , Angelini Annalisa , Trentin Livio , Piazza Francesco
Published: April 2024

Background

Renal injury related to Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) occurs in approximately 3% of patients. Kidney biopsy is crucial to discriminate between distinct histopathological entities such as glomerular (amyloidotic and non‐amyloidotic), tubulo‐interstitial and non‐paraprotein mediated renal damage. In this context, disease characterization, management, relationship between renal, and hematological response have been poorly explored.

We collected clinical, genetic and laboratory data of seven cases of biopsy‐proven renal involvement by WM managed at our academic center and focused on three cases we judged paradigmatic discussing their histopathological patterns, clinical features, and therapeutic options.

Case

In this illustrative case series, we confirm that serum creatinine levels and 24 h proteinuria are parameters that when altered should prompt the clinical suspicion of WM‐related renal involvement, even if at present there are not precise cut‐off levels recommending the execution of a renal biopsy. In our series AL Amyloidosis (n = 3/7) and tubulo‐interstitial infiltration by lymphoma cells (n = 3/7) were the two more represented entities. BTKi did not seem to improve renal function (Case 1), while bortezomib‐based regimens demonstrated a beneficial activity on the hematological and organ response, even when used as second‐line therapy after chemoimmunotherapy (Case 3) and also with coexistence of anti‐MAG neuropathy (Case 2). In case of poor response to bortezomib, standard chemoimmunotherapy (CIT), such as rituximab‐bendamustine, represents an effective option (Case 1, 6, and 7). In our series, CIT generates durable responses more frequently in cases with amyloidogenic renal damage (Case 1, 5, and 7).

Conclusion

In this illustrative case series, we confirm that serum creatinine levels and 24 h proteinuria are parameters that when altered should prompt the clinical suspicion of WM‐related renal involvement, even if at present there are not precise cut‐off levels recommending the execution of a renal biopsy. Studies with higher numerosity are needed to better clarify the pathological and clinical features of renal involvement during WM and to determine the potential benefit of different therapeutic regimens according to the histopathological subtypes.
A novel swarm intelligence‐based fuzzy logic in efficient connectivity of vehicles
Authors: Kumaragurubaran Suganyadevi , Vijayakumar Nandalal
Published: April 2024

A vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a wireless network composed of a collection of mobility devices that link via a wireless channel without the need for permanent infrastructure or centralized administration. Multicasting is a method of sending data from a single node to multiple recipients at the same time. Because of its energizing network topology and constricted resources, a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) presents a number of issues. Because network execution measurements such as latency, bandwidth, throughput, and energy fluctuate so rapidly owing to node movement, these network properties in a wireless mobile ad hoc network are ambiguous. Because of the influence of these uncertainty issues, determining the top‐grade path from the originating node to a set of recipient nodes is challenging. In order to preserve network resources, we used a Swarm Intelligence‐based fuzzy logic strategy in this study that includes channel caliber factor and connection termination time to try to alleviate these uncertainty issues. This strategy integrates all of the network indicators available for the routes into an individual quantity named as fuzzy cost or cost of communication. The routes with the lowest fuzzy cost will be regarded optimum, and data will be delivered along this route from the originating point to a set of receivers. The simulation was carried out using NS‐3.38 and MATLAB, and the results reveal that the suggested protocol, HACOFLM, outperforms ODMRP, OFAODV, MAODV, and DFMCRP by means of packet delivery ratio, latency, control packet overhead, and throughput. DFMCRP outperforms MAODV by 3% to 6%, OFAODV by 13% to 19%, and ODMRP by 16% to 23%. According to HACOSMO, based on the number of vehicles and velocities, routing overhead is 7% to 10% less than DFMCRP, 9% to 13% less than MAODV, 17% to 29% less than OFAODV, and 22% to 36% less than ODMRP. It improvise throughput by 4% to 6% when contrasted to DFMCRP, 5% to 9% when contrasted to MAODV, 10% to 14% when contrasted to OFAODV, and 14% to 23% when contrasted to ODMRP.
Design and analysis of a small size triple band printed antenna for 3G/4G/5G/future 5.8G IoT applications
Authors: Mandal Tapan , Mondal Pratik
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a compact (20 × 20 × 1.59 mm3), (0.34λg × 0.34λg × 0.01λg at 2.4 GHz) triple band monopole antenna for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The geometry of the antenna consists of (i) U‐shape monopole with feed line, (ii) stubs, and (iii) modified ground to achieve three independent operating bands ranging from (i) 2.4–2.48 GHz for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM)/3G; (ii) 3.4–3.6 GHz for 4G/5G; and (iii) 5.725–5.825 GHz for 5.8G Wi‐Fi/extended 5G. Various parameters, input impedance, and current distribution of the proposed structure are carried out to investigate the effects of stub, ground plane and analyze the radiation. The measured result covers the three individual bands in range of 2.38–2.48 GHz, 3.41–3.61 GHz, and 5.76–6.04 GHz, respectively, and exhibits stable omnidirectional radiation patterns, acceptable antenna gain, and efficiency in the operating bands. The experimental result of the fabricated antenna closely matches with the simulated result. Therefore, satisfactory result ensures its ability to work for 3G/4G/5G/extended 5G IoT portable applications.
We need more oceanography graduates: Phoebe Woodworth‐Jefcoats on increasing opportunities for graduate students
Authors: May Rachel
Published: April 2024

Phoebe Woodworth‐Jefcoats, an oceanographer, collaborated with six other authors to publish a study about their findings on increasing access to oceanography degrees for adult learners. Noting that, “By 2030, the global ocean economy is expected to be twice the size it was in 2010 (OECD, 2016),” the authors write, we will be in critical need of people with “expertise and innovation in the ocean sciences” to “[ensure] this growth is environmentally sustainable.” The article was published in a special issue of Oceanography, focused on “Building Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Ocean Sciences.”
A fearful scourge to the penguin colonies: Southern giant petrel (Macronectes giganteus) predation on living Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) may be more common than assumed
Authors: Wagner Eric L. , Rebstock Ginger A. , Boersma P. Dee
Published: April 2024

Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) are important consumers that range across the oceans throughout the southern hemisphere. In Argentina, previous studies have shown they eat primarily pinnipeds and penguins, which they are assumed to scavenge, although there are occasional anecdotes of them attacking living penguins. Here we describe a predation attempt by a trio of southern giant petrels on a molting adult Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the large colony at Punta Tombo, Argentina. We relate giant petrel attendance patterns at the colony to the penguins' phenology, showing how giant petrel numbers rise with the increasing prevalence of vulnerable penguins. We suggest that living penguins—both fledglings and adults—may constitute a more seasonally significant proportion of the giant petrel diet than previously assumed, and their capture may represent a specialized predation technique.
The urban lives of green sea turtles: Insights into behavior in an industrialized habitat using an animal‐borne camera
Authors: Mullaney Cameron M. , Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Lemons Garrett E. , Chesney Bryant , Maurer Andrew S.
Published: April 2024

The cryptic and aquatic life histories of sea turtles have made them a challenging group to directly observe, leaving significant knowledge gaps regarding social behavior and fine‐scale elements of habitat use. Using a custom‐designed animal‐borne camera, we observed previously undocumented behaviors by green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at a foraging area in San Diego Bay, a highly urbanized ecosystem in California, USA. We deployed a suction‐cup‐attached pop‐off camera (manufactured by Customized Animal Tracking Solutions) on 11 turtles (mean straight carapace length = 84.0 ± 11.2 cm) for between 1 and 30.8 h. Video recordings, limited to sunlit hours, provided 73 h of total observation time between May 2022 and June 2023. We observed 32 conspecific interactions; we classified 18 as active, entailing clear social behaviors, as compared with 14 passive interactions representing brief, chance encounters. There was no evidence for agonistic interactions. The camera additionally revealed that green turtles consistently use metal structures within urban San Diego Bay. In seven instances, turtles exhibited rubbing behavior against metal structures, and we observed two examples of turtles congregating at these structures. High rates of intraspecific interaction exhibited relatively consistently among individuals provide a compelling case for sociality for green turtles in San Diego Bay, adding to a growing research base updating their historical label of “non‐social.” The frequent use of metal structures by the population, in particular the rubbing of exposed skin, has implications for behavioral adaptations to urban environments. Our study exemplifies the promise of technological advances (e.g., underwater and animal‐borne cameras) for updating natural history paradigms, even for well‐studied populations.
Geographic origin shapes the adaptive divergences of Rotaria rotatoria (Rotifera, Bdelloidea) to thermal stress: Insights from ecology and transcriptomics
Authors: Li Meng , Gao Fan , Zhu Lingyun , Li Jianan , Xiang Jinjin , Xi Yilong , Xiang Xianling
Published: April 2024

Global warming has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on aquatic biosafety and health. To illuminate the adaptive mechanisms of bdelloid rotifers in response to global warming, the ecological and transcriptomic characteristics of two strains (HX and ZJ) of Rotaria rotatoria were investigated at 25°C and 35°C. Our results showed an obvious genetic divergence between the two geographic populations. Thermal stress significantly reduced the average lifespan of R. rotatoria in both strains, but increased the offspring production in the ZJ strain. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes Hsp70 were significantly upregulated in the HX strain, while GSTo1 and Cu/Zn‐SOD were on the contrary. In the ZJ strain, the expression levels of genes Hsp70, CAT2, and GSTo1 were upregulated under thermal stress. Conversely, a significant decrease in the expression level of the Mn‐SOD gene was observed in the ZJ strain under thermal stress. Transcriptomic profiling analysis revealed a total of 105 and 5288 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the HX and ZJ strains under thermal stress, respectively. The PCA results showed clear differences in gene expression pattern between HX and ZJ strains under thermal stress. Interestingly, compared to the HX strain, numerous downregulated DEGs in the ZJ strain were enriched into pathways related to metabolism under thermal stress, suggesting that rotifers from the ZJ strain prioritize resource allocation to reproduction by suppressing costly metabolic processes. This finding is consistent with the life table results. This study provides new insights into the adaptive evolution of aquatic animals in the context of global climate change.
Clinical Outcomes With Once‐Weekly Insulin Icodec Versus Once‐Daily Insulin Glargine U100 in Insulin‐Naïve and Previously Insulin‐Treated Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Ahmed Mushood , Shafiq Aimen , Javaid Hira , Jain Hritvik , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Tul‐Ain Qura , Basit Jawad
Published: April 2024

Aims

The once‐weekly insulin icodec, a new basal insulin analog, may positively support a reduction in injection frequency and improve adherence to therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of insulin icodec compared with those of once‐daily glargine U100.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception till September 2023. Data about clinical outcomes in both groups were extracted. Forest plots were generated using the random‐effects model by pooling odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs).

Results

Five randomised controlled trials and 2019 individuals with T2DM were included. In the pooled analysis, time in range was significantly higher (MD = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.65 to 7.05; p = 0.002) in the icodec group than in the once‐daily glargine group. The HbA1c levels were significantly reduced (MD = −0.13; 95% CI: −0.24 to −0.03; p = 0.02) in the weekly icodec group compared with those in the once‐daily glargine group. The weight gain was significantly less in the glargine group than in the weekly icodec group (MD = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.78; p = 0.03); however, in the subgroup analysis, this change became statistically insignificant in both insulin‐naïve and previously insulin‐treated individuals. The results were comparable across two groups for fasting plasma glucose levels, hypoglycaemia alert (Level 1), clinically significant (Level 2) or severe hypoglycaemia (Level 3), and adverse events.

Conclusion

Insulin icodec was associated with a reduction in glycated haemoglobin levels and higher time in range, with a similar safety profile as compared to insulin glargine U100. However, further evidence is still needed to reach a definitive conclusion.
Exercise‐induced changes in central sensitization outcomes in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Kexun Kenneth , Rolan Paul , Hutchinson Mark Rowland , Dickson Cameron , de Zoete Rutger Marinus Johannes
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective

Temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) are the two most commonly used clinical measures of central sensitization (CS). However, the effectiveness of exercise on TSP and CPM has yet to be evaluated. This review aims to investigate the effect of exercise alone on CS outcomes in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Databases and Data Treatment

This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and Cochrane databases were searched. Data were extracted based on the exercise modality and grouped into aerobic, resistance, isometric, or motor control modalities. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB2, RoB2 for crossover trials and ROBINS‐I tools. Quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Random‐effects meta‐analyses were conducted, with subgroup analysis conducted for each exercise modality.

Results

The meta‐analyses included thirteen studies, consisting of eight non‐randomized studies, three randomized controlled trials and three randomized crossover trials. Data were categorized into four subgroups for analyses based on exercise modality. No statistically significant effect existed for both TSP and conditioned pain modulation. However, motor control exercise was found to have a significant enhancing effect on conditioned pain modulation. No significant differences were found between the exercise subgroup for both TSP and conditioned pain modulation.

Conclusions

We did not find an overall effect of physical exercise on TSP and CPM. However, subgroup analysis shows favourable effects of motor control exercise in individuals with chronic neck pain. Future research should focus on exercise modality and dosage and their role in the mechanism involved in TSP and CPM in predefined populations.

Significance Statement

Results from this study found that motor control exercise has a significant enhancing effect on conditioned pain modulation, with subgroup analysis showing favourable effects of motor control exercise in individuals with chronic neck pain. This indicates that physical exercise may have a positive effect on central sensitisation in individual with chronic neck pain. However, differential effects may exist between different types of exercise. These findings will inform understanding of neurobiological effects underlying chronic neck pain and may guide the development of more effective, personalised treatments.
Changing perceptions of people wearing masks: Two years of living in a pandemic
Authors: Fang Xia , Kawakami Kerry
Published: April 2024

Despite the widespread use of face masks to combat COVID‐19, little is known about their immediate and delayed social consequences. To understand short‐ and long‐term effects of face masks on interpersonal perception, we measured the evaluation of faces with and without masks at four time points—June 2020, January 2021, September 2021 and June 2022—from the early months of the pandemic in North America to the more recent, and from the implementation of mask mandates to the end of these requirements. Surprisingly, we found that, in general, faces with masks were perceived as more competent, warm, trustworthy, considerate and attractive, but less dominant and anxious than faces without masks. Moreover, differences in attributions of dominance, trustworthiness and warmth between faces with and without masks increased in a linear trend from June 2020 to June 2022. Notably, the impact of masks on perceptions of competence, considerateness, attractiveness and anxiousness did not change over time. We discuss how mask mandates can alter people's social perceptions of others who wear masks compared to those who do not wear masks and how these mandates may influence attributions of some traits more than others through mere exposure and/or social norms.
Cellulases production optimization and inductors evaluation in pretreated plantain rachis by Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Jiménez Fallas Marcel , Charpentier Alfaro Camila , Wischral Daiana , Méndez Arias Johanna
Published: April 2024

Pretreated lignocellulosic residues are suitable substrates for cellulases production by filamentous fungi. In the current work, plantain rachis was pretreated with sequential acid and alkali and then used as the main carbon source for cellulases production. First, a full 23 factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM), based on central composite rotatable design (CCRD), were carried out to cellulases production media optimization from plantain rachis by Penicillium oxalicum. The cellulases production was evaluated in flasks and bioreactor scale; in parallel, the addition of possible cellulases inductors was evaluated in flasks: molasses, beer bran, oat bran, and wheat bran. Results from statistical analyses with a level of confidence of 95% demonstrated that the concentration of ammonium sulfate must be kept at 1.625 g/L. The optimum urea and yeast extract concentrations were 0.560 g/L and 0.250 g/L, respectively. Cellulases volumetric productivities were higher in instrumented bioreactor than in flasks: 78.03% for exoglucanase, 10.87% for endoglucanase, 1.58% for β‐glucosidase, and 44.36% for FPU. Therefore, P. oxalicum was able to produce cellulases from plantain rachis in flasks and bioreactor, and molasses was the additional inductor that presented an increment in cellulases activities: endoglucanase 15%, exoglucanase 81%, and β‐glucosidase 55%.
A secure routing protocol using trust‐based clustering and bionic intelligence algorithm for UAV‐assisted vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Babu Divya , Rao Terli Sankara
Published: April 2024

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) are one of the advanced technologies for distributing dynamic vehicular information across the globe. The VANET is extensively used in many applications, especially road safety applications and intelligent transport systems (ITS). However, direct communication causes high bandwidth (BW) requirement and power consumption. Hence, this article introduces a clustering‐based mechanism to communicate vehicles with infrastructures. The cluster head (CH) is formed based on certain rules, and nodes or vehicles are combined. But, maintaining stability remains challenging for the traditional clustering mechanism. Moreover, the developed technique must examine the malicious and reduce the risk of fake information sharing. This research emphasizes a trust‐based clustering mechanism to select the CH based on a vehicle's knowledge, reputation, and experience. In addition to this, the backup head is also analyzed to promote trust in each vehicle. After clustering, secure routing is undertaken. For this, a bionic remora optimization algorithm (BROA) is proposed, and it considers the hop Count Field as well as the transmission range of vehicles to select the best routes. The performance measures such as end‐to‐end delay ratio, packet delivery ratio (PDR), throughput, trust values, energy consumption are analyzed and compared with existing techniques. In an experimental scenario, the proposed technique has an end‐to‐end delay of 3.8 ms, PDR of 98%, trust value of .4 and .06 for wormhole and Sybil attack, energy of and throughput of 78.7 kbps are attained. The outcome results prove the efficacy of a proposed method.
Considerations for the static and seismic design of pumped storage reservoirs in soft soils and seismic environments
Authors: Scheikl Manfred
Published: April 2024

For recent hydroelectric pumped storage projects, the construction of embankment dam structures on alluvial deposits consisting of exceptionally soft soil and in areas with high seismicity was required. This contribution shares experiences and challenges from the static and seismic design of embankment dam structures and ground treatment options. Finite element‐based static and seismic analyses using the Hardening Soil Small Strain model (HSS) showed that preconsolidation has clear benefits compared to stone columns for ground improvement purposes. Regardless of general advantages of surface sealing systems for frequent and rapid impoundment level changes, it was found that clay core design options perform very well under seismic loading conditions and even better than surface‐sealed structures. Seismic ground and structure response analyses involving soft soil considering shear strain‐dependent stiffness degradation revealed that deamplification is expected in contrast to the rule‐of‐thumb amplification approaches enshrined in many seismic design guidelines and codes. It was found that this effect increases with seismic magnitudes and that saturation of peak ground acceleration (PGA) takes place. This results in relatively moderate structure excitations even under significant dynamic excitation.
Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery without ureteral access sheath performed for renal stone after Cohen reimplantation
Authors: Fukuda Tetsuo , Kawahata Ryo , Tajirika Hironao , Ishikawa Tatsuro , Matsuzaki Junichi
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery after anti‐reflux operation is rarely performed.

Case presentation

A 37‐year‐old female was referred to our hospital for treatment of left renal stone. She underwent anti‐reflux surgery (Cohen reimplantation) for left vesicoureteral reflux at the age of 10 years. Computed tomography revealed a 17 × 11 mm left inferior calyceal calculus. The patient received retrograde double‐J stent insertion under radiographic guidance and underwent ultra‐mini endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery without ureteral access sheath. The patient was discharged on postoperative Day 5 with no postoperative complications. Postoperative cystography showed no recurrence of vesicoureteral reflux. One month after the operation, kidney–ureter‐bladder radiography and computed tomography scan revealed no residual stones or hydronephrosis.

Conclusion

Ultra‐mini endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery without ureteral access sheath is an effective method for treating renal stones after Cohen reimplantation.
A mountaineering strategy to excited states: Accurate vertical transition energies and benchmarks for substituted benzenes
Authors: Loos Pierre‐François , Jacquemin Denis
Published: April 2024

In an effort to expand the existing QUEST database of accurate vertical transition energies [Véril et al. WIREs Comput. Mol. Sci. 2021, 11, e1517], we have modeled more than 100 electronic excited states of different natures (local, charge‐transfer, Rydberg, singlet, and triplet) in a dozen of mono‐ and di‐substituted benzenes, including aniline, benzonitrile, chlorobenzene, fluorobenzene, nitrobenzene, among others. To establish theoretical best estimates for these vertical excitation energies, we have employed advanced coupled‐cluster methods including iterative triples (CC3 and CCSDT) and, when technically possible, iterative quadruples (CC4). These high‐level computational approaches provide a robust foundation for benchmarking a series of popular wave function methods. The evaluated methods all include contributions from double excitations (ADC(2), CC2, CCSD, CIS(D), EOM‐MP2, STEOM‐CCSD), along with schemes that also incorporate perturbative or iterative triples (ADC(3), CCSDR(3), CCSD(T)(a), and CCSDT‐3). This systematic exploration not only broadens the scope of the QUEST database but also facilitates a rigorous assessment of different theoretical approaches in the framework of a homologous chemical series, offering valuable insights into the accuracy and reliability of these methods in such cases. We found that both ADC(2.5) and CCSDT‐3 can provide very consistent estimates, whereas among less expensive methods SCS‐CC2 is likely the most effective approach. Importantly, we show that some lower order methods may offer reasonable trends in the homologous series while providing quite large average errors, and vice versa. Consequently, benchmarking the accuracy of a model based solely on absolute transition energies may not be meaningful for applications involving a series of similar compounds.
Do electrostatic interactions make a difference in physics‐based AutoDock4 scoring function?
Authors: Shaimardanov Arslan R. , Shulga Dmitry A. , Palyulin Vladimir A.
Published: April 2024

Physics‐based scoring function AutoDock4 is one of the most successfully applied tools in the area of structure‐based drug design. However, current scoring functions are still far from being perfect. In a recent work highlighting the strengths and deficiencies of current scoring functions, we discovered that the residual error of ΔGbind predictions made by AutoDock4 is highly correlated to the presence of formally charged fragments in a ligand. In this work, we study how the use of the high‐quality atomic charges, applied for contemporary force fields calculation, affects the quality of the experimental ΔGbind prediction by means of AutoDock4. We initially expected that the previously found discrepancy could be attributed to the Gasteiger charges used within AutoDock4. We show that AutoDock4 is, surprisingly, not sensitive to the charges used, and the use of QC‐derived atomic charges does not lead to any statistical improvements. We also briefly discuss the role of the explicit empirical hydrogen bond term along with the electrostatic term.