bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neogene aridification and lake development in the Issyk‐Kul basin, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Kudriavtseva Anna , Sobel Edward R. , Codilean Alexandru T. , Meijers Maud J. M. , Mulch Andreas , Hoke Gregory D. , Fink David , Mikolaichuk Alexander V. , Fülöp Réka‐H. , Wilcken Klaus M. , Enge T. Gabriel
Published: January 2023

Uplift of the Tian Shan range modified regional climate during Cenozoic aridification in Central Asia. This study presents facies analyses and Neogene oxygen and carbon isotopic records from magnetostratigraphically dated terrestrial sedimentary sections on the southern side of the intermontane Issyk‐Kul basin in the Kyrgyz Tian Shan and 26Al/10Be isochron burial ages from the southern and eastern sides of the basin. The δ18O and δ13C data show a positive ca. 2‰ shift in values between ca. 8 and 7 Ma and a change from a negative to a positive trend. This change is attributed to the upwind growth of the Kyrgyz, Kungey and Trans Ili (Zaili) ranges, which diverted the westerlies, thereby changing the Issyk‐Kul basin from a windward to a leeward position, enhancing aridification and establishing the modern‐day spring and summer precipitation regime within the basin. Two 4 to 5 Ma 26Al/10Be isochron burial ages constrain the onset of Sharpyl Dak deposition on the eastern side of the basin; southward paleocurrent directions there suggest the eastward growth of the Kungey range in the Pliocene. Increased subsidence on the southern side of the basin and local tectonically induced river system reorganization led to the commencement of lake formation at ca. 5 Ma, followed by a ca. 2 Ma local depositional hiatus. The transition from sandstones of the Chu sedimentary group to conglomerates of the Sharpyl Dak group, marking a change from fluvial‐alluvial deposits to a proximal alluvial fan, is dated at 2.6–2.8 Ma by 26Al/10Be isochron burial dating on the southern side of the basin, driven either by tectonics or Northern Hemisphere glaciation. This study concludes that the late Miocene–Pliocene northward growth of Tian Shan significantly altered environmental conditions within the range, preventing the moisture‐bearing westerlies from reaching the intermontane Issyk‐Kul basin and promoting lake formation and expansion.
Fostering supportive interactions in the neighbourhood: Using visualized narratives
Authors: Rumping Sanne M. , Fukkink Ruben G. , Boendermaker Leonieke
Published: January 2023

The use of art (e.g. visualized narratives) in social work may stimulate dialogue between community members about family support in their neighbourhood. The Visualized Narratives on Parenting Interactions in the Neighbourhood (VN‐PIN) were developed in order to foster this dialogue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the VN‐PIN in social work practice and to gain insight in mechanisms that stimulate dialogues supported by visualizations. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted to explore the use of the VN‐PIN in various urban settings. We observed meetings (N = 14) where the VN‐PIN was applied and interviewed professionals and community members (N = 81). The results of this study show that the VN‐PIN intervention gives parents a voice and allows them to recognize and reflect on their own parenting behaviour, thereby contributing to mutual exchanges in a supportive community. The conclusion of this study is that the VN‐PIN is a useful intervention that social work professionals can use to foster dialogues about parenting within diverse contexts in super‐diverse neighbourhoods. The intervention fosters a supportive structure to share experiences of various community members. Future research is needed to further evaluate the experiences and satisfaction of community members with the intervention.
Risk factors of impaired employability after cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Liu Lu , Jiang Huimin , Wei Huimin , Zhou Yifan , Wu Yan , Zhang Kaiyuan , Duan Jiangang , Meng Ran , Zhou Chen , Ji Xunming
Published: January 2023

Aims

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a major cause of stroke in young and middle‐aged adults. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of post‐CVT employability decline and identify factors associated with unemployment.

Methods

We identified patients first diagnosed with acute/subacute CVT at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University (January 2018 to June 2021) and invited all survivors to a clinical 6‐months follow‐up visit after onset. Baseline data were collected from all patients at admission. A modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and employment status were used to assess functional outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with unemployment.

Results

A total of 303 CVT patients were eligible for this study, 131 (42.23%) patients could not return to work 6‐month after discharge. After adjusting for age and sex in multivariate analysis, motor deficits, aphasia, mental disorders, CVT recurrence, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, and mRS 0–2 at 6‐month follow‐up were independently associated with employment after CVT. Among 263 patients whose mRS showed a favorable outcome, 102 patients were unable to return to their previous work and the risk factors for impaired ability to return to work were aphasia and CVT recurrence.

Conclusions

Impaired employability after CVT was associated with motor deficits, aphasia, mental status disorders, and NIHSS score at admission. Even if they recover from CVT without physical disability, patients with a good functional prognosis have a higher risk of employment failure due to their higher rates of aphasia and CVT recurrence.
Associations between the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B among people who inject drugs and country‐level characteristics: An ecological analysis
Authors: Syangbo Anjalee , Hickman Matthew , Colledge‐Frisby Samantha , Leung Janni , Grebely Jason , Larney Sarah , Degenhardt Louisa , Trickey Adam
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver disease. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at greater risk than the general population of contracting HBV. This risk could depend on societal factors in different countries. We investigated the associations between country‐level chronic HBV prevalence in PWID with national indicators of development and prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

We used global systematic review data on chronic HBV prevalence (hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive) among PWID and country‐level sociodemographic characteristics from online databases. National random‐effects meta‐analysis estimates of HBV prevalence were the outcome in linear regression models testing for associations with country‐level characteristics.

Results

The study included 131,710 PWID from 304 estimates in 55 countries: the pooled HBV prevalence among PWID in the countries analysed was 4.5% (95% CI 3.9–5.1), the highest regional pooled prevalence was in East and Southeast Asia (17.6% [13.3–22.3]), and the lowest was in Western Europe (1.7% [1.4–2.1]). In multivariable models, no indicators of development were associated with HBV prevalence, but there was evidence of positive associations between HBV prevalence in the general population and among PWID, and evidence of HIV and HCV prevalence in PWID being associated with HBV prevalence in PWID: multivariable coefficients 0.03 (95% CI 0.01–0.04); p < 0.001, and 0.01 (95% CI 0.00–0.03); p = 0.01, respectively.

Discussion and Conclusions

HBV prevalence among PWID was associated with HIV and HCV prevalence among PWID and background HBV prevalence in the general population, highlighting the need for improving harm reduction in PWID and implementation of HBV vaccination, especially where HBV is endemic.
pastclim 1.2: an R package to easily access and use paleoclimatic reconstructions
Authors: Leonardi Michela , Hallett Emily Y. , Beyer Robert , Krapp Mario , Manica Andrea
Published: January 2023

The recent development of continuous paleoclimatic reconstructions covering hundreds of thousands of years paved the way for a large number of studies from disciplines ranging from paleoecology to archaeology, conservation to population genetics, macroevolution to anthropology and human evolution to linguistics. Unfortunately, (paleo)climatic data can be challenging to extract and analyze for scholars unfamiliar with such specific file formats.

Here we present pastclim, an R package facilitating the access and use of paleoclimatic reconstructions. It currently includes two of such datasets, covering respectively the last 120 000 and 800 000 years, and a vignette provides instructions on how to include additional datasets.

The package contains a set of functions to quickly and easily recover the climate for time periods of interest either for the whole world or specific areas, extract data from locations scattered in space and/or time, retrieve time series from individual sites, and manage the ice or land coverage, offering a handy platform to include the climate of the past into existing or new analyses and pipelines.
Multiple routes to immigration scepticism: The association between individual grievances and anti‐immigrant attitudes in Canada, Germany and the USA
Authors: Stockemer Daniel , Halikiopoulou Daphne
Published: January 2023

This article theorizes and tests the association between the ego‐tropic and socio‐tropic dimensions of three sets of grievances, that is, economic, value‐based and security‐related, and anti‐immigrant attitudes using data from an original survey fielded in Canada, Germany and the USA. Our analysis confirms the presence of multiple paths towards anti‐immigration attitudes. Our contribution is threefold. First, we offer a nuanced understanding of the complexity of immigration scepticism and shed light on its different dimensions, including the under‐researched personal value‐based and collective security‐related. Second, we make an empirical contribution by confirming the multi‐faceted nature of anti‐immigrant attitudes using data from an original survey tailored specifically to our research questions. This allows us to examine each set of grievances independently of each other and independently of anti‐immigrant attitudes. Third, our survey enables us to identify country‐specific dynamics by testing the relationship between individual grievances and anti‐immigrant attitudes in diverse political settings.
Factors influencing the usage of web‐based video conferencing platforms in knowledge acquisition among students
Authors: Kasirye Faiswal , Wok Saodah
Published: January 2023

Learning through online systems is currently being used by universities to help students continue to engage in their studies for knowledge acquisition. The core function of web‐based learning platforms is to help students worldwide continue receiving their education even in situations like the current COVID‐19 crisis. This study examines the factors influencing the usage of web‐based video conferencing platforms for knowledge acquisition by determining the relationship between the following topics: types of web‐based video conferencing platforms, exposure to web‐based video conferencing platforms, awareness of web‐based video conferencing platforms, perception of web‐based video conferencing platforms, attitude toward web‐based video conferencing platforms, and behavioural usage toward web‐based video conferencing platforms when acquiring knowledge among students. The study utilises the theory of reasoned action to explain the relationships between the study's variables. A quantitative research design using the survey as the method and the questionnaire as the tool for data collection was used in this research. 290 respondents from a public university in Malaysia participated in the study. The study's findings reveal that attitude, perception, and awareness are the most influential factors that lead to students’ usage of web‐based video conferencing platforms for knowledge acquisition. The study's results also reveal that attitude is the best predictor of the platform's usage for knowledge acquisition. Additionally, students tend to consider specific web‐based video conferencing platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Skype, and more as their preferred platforms for online learning to acquire knowledge. The findings also show significant relationships among the study's variables. The theory of reasoned action is also supported in this study.
Crowdsourced delivery and customer assessments ofe‐LogisticsService Quality: An appraisal theory perspective
Authors: Ta Ha , Esper Terry L. , Rossiter Hofer Adriana , Sodero Annibal
Published: January 2023

Thanks to increased technological advancements, retailers have progressively incorporated crowdsourcing into their delivery service portfolios to offer customers an enhanced last‐mile delivery experience. Yet, while studies have explored the unique operational attributes of the crowdsourced delivery (CD) model in online retailing, the literature remains scant on how customers respond to the usage of this emerging delivery service. Building on the cognitive appraisal theory and e‐Logistics Service Quality (e‐LSQ) literatures, this study applies middle‐range theorizing to examine differences between customers' appraisals of e‐LSQ dimensions of CD and traditional delivery methods, and what types of products being delivered make such differences more pronounced. Our analysis of a large sample of customers' reviews across multiple retailers reveals that customers exhibit higher appraisal levels of timeliness, price, and reliability of delivery services when CD is used. Results also indicate that appraisals are more pronounced for timeliness and price of deliveries of high‐turnover products that require minimal time and effort to purchase. Our findings, as such, underscore the power of CD as a tool to enhance customer experience and unveil potential opportunities for effective CD use in customer segmentation strategies.
Is remote blood pressure monitoring and management a better approach for patients with hypertension? A narrative review
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Yi , Tang Yuping
Published: January 2023

Hypertension is a global public health problem which affects the physical and mental health of individuals. The management of hypertension is a long‐term process that requires the cooperation of both doctors and patients, and the blood pressure variability is closely related to the clinical prognosis. In recent years, the development of telemedicine has promoted better blood pressure monitoring and management for patients, as well as better medical intervention and health education for patients by medical staff. This article provides a review of remote blood pressure monitoring and management.
Research Review: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of infant and toddler temperament as predictors of childhood attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Joseph Heather M. , Lorenzo Nicole E. , Fisher Nadiyah , Novick Danielle R. , Gibson Cassandra , Rothenberger Scott D. , Foust Jill E. , Chronis‐Tuscano Andrea
Published: January 2023

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset as early as preschool and impairment across the lifespan. Temperament factors, specifically those that theoretically map onto ADHD symptoms, may be early markers of risk for developing later childhood ADHD that could be identifiable in infancy or toddlerhood. This meta‐analysis examined the associations between these early temperamental factors and later symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD and mapped early temperament constructs onto the three ADHD symptom dimensions.

Methods

A systemic review of the literature was conducted to identify prospective longitudinal studies that included theoretically relevant temperament constructs (sustained attention, activity level, inhibition, and negative emotionality) examined from birth to 36 months old and ADHD (symptoms or diagnosis) in preschool or childhood. The association between each temperament construct and ADHD outcomes was examined using pooled standardized estimates in meta‐analyses.

Results

Forty‐eight articles (n = 112,716 infants/toddlers) prospectively examined temperament and the relation to childhood ADHD symptoms or diagnosis. Activity level (k = 18) in infancy and toddlerhood was moderately associated with childhood ADHD (r = .39, CI = 0.27, 0.51, p < .001). Moderate effect sizes were also observed for sustained attention (k = 9; r = −.28, CI = −0.42, −0.12, p < .001) and negative emotionality (k = 33; r = .25, CI = 0.16, 0.34, p < .001) with ADHD. The specificity of each temperament construct for later ADHD symptom dimensions was such that activity level and negative emotionality were predictive of all three symptom dimensions (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and combined), whereas sustained attention was only associated with combined symptoms.

Conclusions

Infant and toddler temperament is an early risk factor for the development of childhood ADHD that could be utilized for early intervention identification. Yet, this systematic review found that relatively few prospective longitudinal studies have examined sustained attention (k = 9) and inhibition (k = 15) in infancy and toddlerhood in relation to later ADHD highlighting the need for further research.
Color stability of resin‐based composites exposed to smoke. A systematic review
Authors: Paolone Gaetano , Pavan Francesca , Mandurino Mauro , Baldani Sofia , Guglielmi Paolo Chiara , Scotti Nicola , Cantatore Giuseppe , Vichi Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Objective

To conduct a systematic review on color stability of dental resin‐based composites (RBC) exposed to conventional and electronic cigarettes.

Materials and Methods

In vitro studies reporting on the color stability of RBC exposed to conventional cigarettes or to e‐cigarettes: both Tobacco Heating Systems (THS) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). The quality of the included studies was assessed with the QUIN tool (risk‐of‐bias tool for assessing in vitro studies conducted in dentistry). A systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) was performed on four (n = 4) databases (Embase, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) for articles published until March 28th, 2022.

Results

Of the 365 screened articles, 13 were included in this review. All the included articles analyzed conventional cigarette smoke (CS), four analyzed Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and two Tobacco Heating Systems (THS). In terms of study design, smoke exposure time, smoke flow, type and number of cigarettes a high variability was reported.

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that CS smoke significantly affects color stability. Electronic cigarettes show less color change that seems to be easily recovered under clinical acceptability thresholds, although evidence is scarce.

Clinical Significance

Clinicians should be aware, and should therefore warn their patients, that RBCs are subjected to irreversible color change if exposed to smoke. Electronic cigarettes (both ENDS and THS) induce less color change that can be recovered with repolishing or whitening procedures.
Museomics reveals the phylogenetic position of the extinct Moroccan troutSalmo pallaryi
Authors: Delling Bo , Thörn Filip , Norén Michael , Irestedt Martin
Published: January 2023

The authors used museomics to reconstruct the mitochondrial genome from two individuals of the Moroccan, endemic and extinct trout,Salmo pallaryi. They further obtained partial data from 21 nuclear genes previously used for trout phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses, including publicly available data from the mitochondrial control region and the cytochromebgene, and the 21 nuclear genes, placeS. pallaryiamong other North African trouts. mtDNA placesS. pallaryiclose toSalmo macrostigmawithin a single North African clade. Although the nuclear coverage of the genome was low, both specimens were independently positioned as sisters to one of two distantly related North African clades,viz.the Atlas clade with the Dades trout,Salmo multipunctatus.Phylogenetic discordance between mtDNA and nuclear DNA phylogenies is briefly discussed. As several specimens that were extracted failed to produce DNA of sufficient quality, the authors discuss potential reasons for the failure. They suggest that museum specimens in poor physical condition may be better for DNA extraction compared to better‐preserved ones, possibly related to the innovation of formalin as a fixative before ethanol storage in the early 20th century.
Reproductive ecology of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), an introduced predator, in the lower Wolastoq/Saint John River, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Zelman Kaleb , Harrison Phillip , O'Sullivan Antóin M. , Andrews Samuel , Peake Stephen , Linnansaari Tommi , Pavey Scott A. , Curry R. Allen
Published: January 2023

Introduced predators can have harmful top‐down effects on their newly colonized system through competition with and direct predation on native species. Following an initial introduction of muskellunge in Lac Frontière, Québec in the 1970s at the headwaters of the Wolastoq/Saint John River, the species rapidly migrated downstream, expanding its range by ~500 km over ~20 years. Despite this expansive colonization and concern over possible threats to native species, little is known about the basic ecology of muskellunge in this system. The last downstream barrier is the hydroelectric facility, Mactaquac Generating Station (MGS), 150 km upstream of the sea. While there are no downstream fish passage facilities at MGS, adult muskellunge have been recorded downstream. In this study, muskellunge (n = 23) were surgically tagged with very‐high‐frequency (VHF) radio or combined acoustic radio telemetry (CART) tags and tracked over two spawning seasons. We sought to determine if there was a reproducing population downstream of MGS and tracked Tagged muskellunge over two spawning seasons. We tracked fish to locate and confirm spawning sites, and followed up with egg and/or juvenile sampling surveys. Tagged muskellunge (90%) moved upstream towards the MGS during the spawning period in each year (2016 and 2017), where they remained throughout the entire spawning period. No spawning or nursery sites were confirmed near MGS, but in 2016 three distinct spawning locations and six distinct nursery sites were confirmed 10–12 km downstream amongst a chain of flooded islands. In 2016, eggs, sac‐fry and juveniles were collected and confirmed as muskellunge by genetic sequencing, providing the first empirical observation of successful spawning downstream of MGS.
Thermophysical properties of cassava during its cooling: Experiment, determination by inverse method, and simulation
Authors: da Silva Wilton Pereira , de Souto Leidjane Matos , da Silva e Silva Cleide Maria Diniz Pereira , de Lima Ferreira João Paulo , de Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa
Published: January 2023

Minimal processing consists in eliminating inedible parts of agricultural products, through cutting, reducing them to smaller portions, ready for immediate consumption or subsequent preparation. Despite the practicality, this resource is responsible for the first physical alterations in the tissues of food, contributing to its perishability. However, cooling of minimally processed products increases their shelf life. Designing refrigerators and calculating the costs of cooling require that the thermophysical properties of the product be known, making it possible to describe its cooling kinetics. The objective of this study was to present a methodology that includes experimental data and two computer programs for determining these properties referring to cylindrical pieces of cassava. A solver with the solution of the two‐dimensional diffusion equation was created for the direct problem, assuming the boundary condition of the third kind. For the inverse problem, an experimental data set of temperature in the center of the cassava pieces during cooling, the solver, and LS Optimizer software were used. The values obtained for thermophysical properties were consistent with those reported in the literature, while the cooling simulation was consistent with the experimental data, with χ2 = 1.7588 and R2 = 0.9992.

Practical Applications

The main contribution of this article is to present a methodology to determine thermophysical properties of agricultural products, including the uncertainties of these properties, during their cooling. This is a transient process, involving an interval of temperatures, and not one constant temperature, within which thermal properties are usually determined. With the information obtained for the thermal properties of cassava pieces, one can design an efficient refrigerator for the product and reliably calculate the cost for cooling the product during its minimal processing.
A genotype–phenotype description in two Indian patients: Broadening the spectrum in VRK1‐related complex motor disorders
Authors: Ajit Valaparambil Karthika , Nair Sruthi Sivaraman , Anjali Sethu Madhavan , Vidyadharan Pravi , Urulangodi Madhusoodanan , Menon Ramshekhar N. , Sundaram Soumya
Published: January 2023

VRK1 (vaccinia‐related kinase 1) was initially reported to be associated with spinal muscular atrophy–pontocerebellar hypoplasia (SMA‐PCH). Congenital or infantile‐onset progressive sensory‐motor neuropathy with microcephaly, adult‐onset distal SMA, and adult‐onset motor neuron disease are the other phenotypes described recently with VRK1. Since VRK1‐related complex motor disorders other than PCH is rare, we aim to depict the diverse clinical phenotypes and the genotypes of two patients with VRK1 variants from India. Proband‐1 is a 7‐year‐old girl who presented with distal muscle weakness and wasting of upper and lower limbs with brisk deep tendon reflexes (DTR), mild intellectual disability, and behavioral problems. She had a homozygous c.1159 + 1G > A pathogenic variant in VRK1, inherited from parents. Proband‐2 is a 25‐year‐old adopted male with sensory‐motor neuropathy and brisk DTR. He had a homozygous c.7C > T (p.R3C) missense variant of uncertain significance in VRK1 predicted to be damaging by multiple computational tools.
Amazon drought resilience – emerging results point to new empirical needs
Authors: Chitra‐Tarak Rutuja , Warren Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2023

This article is a Commentary on Costa et al., 237: 714–733.
The risk faced by the early bat: individual plasticity and mortality costs of the timing of spring departure after hibernation
Authors: Reusch Christine , Scheuerlein Alexander , Grosche Leo , Meier Frauke , Gampe Jutta , Dammhahn Melanie , van Schaik Jaap , Kerth Gerald
Published: January 2023

Hibernation is a widespread adaptation in animals to seasonally changing environmental conditions. In the face of global anthropogenic change, information about plastic adjustments to environmental conditions and associated mortality costs are urgently needed to assess population persistence of hibernating species. Here, we used a five‐year data set of 1047 RFID‐tagged individuals from two bat species, Myotis nattereri and Myotis daubentonii that were automatically recorded each time they entered or left a hibernaculum. Because the two species differ in foraging strategy and activity pattern during winter, we expected species–specific responses in the timing of hibernation relative to environmental conditions, as well as different mortality costs of early departure from the hibernaculum in spring. Applying mixed‐effects modelling, we disentangled population‐level and individual‐level plasticity in the timing of departure. To estimate mortality costs of early departure, we used both a capture mark recapture analysis and a novel approach that takes into account individual exposure times to mortality outside the hibernaculum. We found that the timing of departure varied between species as well as among and within individuals, and was plastically adjusted to large‐scale weather conditions as measured by the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) index. Individuals of M. nattereri, which can exploit milder temperatures for foraging during winter, tuned departure more closely to the NAO index than individuals of M. daubentonii, which do not hunt during winter. Both analytical approaches used to estimate mortality costs showed that early departing individuals were less likely to survive until the subsequent hibernation period than individuals that departed later. Overall, our study demonstrates that individuals of long‐lived hibernating bat species have the potential to plastically adjust to changing climatic conditions, although the potential for adjustment differs between species.
Age‐dependent changes in reproductive allocation in a facultative ectoparasite, the blowfly Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Calliphoridae)
Authors: Alqurashi Shatha , English Sinead , Wall Richard
Published: January 2023

Organisms trade‐off limited resources between life‐history traits to maximize fitness. In particular, costs associated with reproduction are balanced against somatic maintenance and this can result in age‐dependent changes in the optimal allocation of resource to reproduction. Changes in the allocation of resources to reproduction with age were considered in the facultatively parasitic blowfly Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae), using biochemical analysis of lipids in the body and ovary, and lipid and protein in individual eggs. Resource allocation to reproduction, measured as lipid content in the ovary, declined over time. This decline was associated with the production of fewer and smaller eggs per batch. The lipid content of the residual body did not change. A decrease in lipid and increase in protein contents of individual eggs over time, although statistically significant, were relatively slight, suggesting that age‐related changes in nutritional allocation to individual eggs were more subtle than changes in egg batch number or size. This study highlights the insights to be gained from considering both biochemical measures of nutritional allocation, and observable measures of reproductive effort, when evaluating how females balance allocation across competing life‐history traits. Future work should explore how allocation patterns might vary under conditions of resource constraint and whether age‐dependent allocation in laboratory flies is representative of that found in wild populations.
Outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among lung transplant recipients: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Casutt Alessio , Papadimitriou‐Olivgeris Matthaios , Ioakeim Foteini , Aubert John‐David , Manuel Oriol , Koutsokera Angela
Published: January 2023

Background

Lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are at increased risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐associated complications.

Methods

We aimed to describe the outcomes of polymerase chain reaction‐documented severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in LTRs followed at our institution from March 2020 to July 2022. The primary outcome investigated was hospitalization or death from COVID‐19‐related symptoms within 28 days from diagnosis.

Results

Overall, 60 cases were included, of which 18 (30%) reached the primary outcome. Only one patient (2%) died. Anti‐spike monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were administered as early treatment in 36 patients (casirivimab/imdevimab = 2, sotrovimab = 31, and tixagevimab/cilgavimab = 3). Multivariate analysis revealed that age >60 years (p = .003; odds ratio [OR] 9.41; confidence interval [CI] 2.52–41.05) was associated with a higher risk for the primary outcome, while administration of mAbs as early treatment (p = .030; OR 0.23; CI 0.06–0.87) was associated with a lower risk. No effect of vaccination and SARS‐CoV‐2 variant was observed. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity values did not decrease among 37 patients who had spirometry performed 1 month after COVID‐19.

Conclusions

We observed a relatively low morbidity and mortality of COVID‐19 in LTR. mAb administration was associated with a better outcome.

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The Saururus chinensis genome provides insights into the evolution of pollination strategies and herbaceousness in magnoliids
Authors: Xue Jia‐Yu , Li Zhen , Hu Shuai‐Ya , Kao Shu‐Min , Zhao Tao , Wang Jie‐Yu , Wang Yue , Chen Min , Qiu Yichun , Fan Hai‐Yun , Liu Yang , Shao Zhu‐Qing , Van de Peer Yves
Published: January 2023

Saururus chinensis, an herbaceous magnoliid without perianth, represents a clade of early‐diverging angiosperms that have gone through woodiness–herbaceousness transition and pollination obstacles: the characteristic white leaves underneath inflorescence during flowering time are considered a substitute for perianth to attract insect pollinators. Here, using the newly sequenced S. chinensis genome, we revisited the phylogenetic position of magnoliids within mesangiosperms, and recovered a sister relationship for magnoliids and Chloranthales. By considering differentially expressed genes, we identified candidate genes that are involved in the morphogenesis of the white leaves in S. chinensis. Among those genes, we verified – in a transgenic experiment with Arabidopsis – that increasing the expression of the “pseudo‐etiolation in light” gene (ScPEL) can inhibit the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. ScPEL is thus likely responsible for the switches between green and white leaves, suggesting that changes in gene expression may underlie the evolution of pollination strategies. Despite being an herbaceous plant, S. chinensis still has vascular cambium and maintains the potential for secondary growth as a woody plant, because the necessary machinery, i.e., the entire gene set involved in lignin biosynthesis, is well preserved. However, similar expression levels of two key genes (CCR and CAD) between the stem and other tissues in the lignin biosynthesis pathway are possibly associated with the herbaceous nature of S. chinensis. In conclusion, the S. chinensis genome provides valuable insights into the adaptive evolution of pollination in Saururaceae and reveals a possible mechanism for the evolution of herbaceousness in magnoliids.
A cross‐sectional study of Q fever in Camels: Risk factors for infection, the role of small ruminants and public health implications for desert‐dwelling pastoral communities
Authors: Holloway Peter , Gibson Matthew , Nash Stephen , Holloway Tanja , Cardwell Jacqueline , Al Omari Bilal , Abu‐Basha Ehab , Mangtani Punam , Guitian Javier
Published: January 2023

Q fever represents an important ‘neglected zoonosis’, with high prevalences recorded across the Middle East region. Among rural desert‐dwelling communities in the region, camel milk is largely consumed raw, due to perceptions of dromedaries as a uniquely clean livestock species mentioned in the Qur'an and Islamic hadith, while milk from other livestock species is usually boiled. As a result, camels present a unique public health threat among such communities from milk‐borne pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii. In view of this, a cross‐sectional study was conducted among dromedary herds in southern Jordan between September 2017 and October 2018, including 404 camels from 121 randomly selected herds. In addition, 510 household members associated with these herds were interviewed regarding potential high‐risk practices for zoonotic transmission. Weight adjusted camel population seroprevalence for C. burnetii was 49.6% (95% CI: 44.7–54.5), with evidence of maternally derived immunity in calves ≤6 months old. Adjusted herd‐level prevalence was 76.0% (95% CI 72.7–80.2). It was estimated 30.4% (144/477) of individuals consumed raw milk from infected herds monthly or more. Following multivariable logistic regression analysis, seropositive status in camels was found to be associated with increasing age, high herd tick burdens, keeping the herd together throughout the year including when calving, and owning larger (>50) sheep and goat flocks, with goats presenting a higher risk than sheep. Racing camel status was found to be protective. Socioculturally appropriate interventions aimed at raising awareness of potential risks associated with drinking raw camel milk, alongside appropriate livestock management interventions, should be considered.
Improvement of Few-Group Homogenized Cross-Sections for RSG-GAS In-Core Fuel Management Code Batan-FUEL
Authors: Pinem Surian , Hartanto Donny , Liem Peng Hong , Luthfi Wahid
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the generation and the verification of the few-group homogenized cross section for Batan-FUEL code. This code is routinely used for fuel management in the G. A. Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor (RSG-GAS). The Monte Carlo code Serpent 2 code, in conjunction with the latest nuclear data library ENDF/B-VIII.0, was used. Calculations using the existing newly generated few-group cross section data were carried out for the 88th core. The calculated core parameters such as excess reactivity and control rod worth are compared to the available experimental data. On the other hand, the fuel burnup fraction and radial power peaking factor (PPF) are compared to the results of Serpent 2. It was shown that the new cross section data have more consistency and a better agreement excess reactivity and control rod worth compared to the experimental data. Similarly, the U-235 burnup fraction and radial power peaking factor by the new cross section data are also shown to concur well with Serpent 2. The newly generated few-group cross section is recommended to replace the existing ones for the fuel management of RSG-GAS.
Fluid End Blocks: Numerical Analysis of Autofrettage and Reautofrettage Based Upon a True Material Model
Authors: Hu Zhong , Parker Anthony P.
Published: January 2023

Fluid end blocks (FEBs) are the most important components of hydraulic fracturing pumps. A potential important application of the hydraulic autofrettage process (HAP) is to strengthen the fatigue-prone FEBs. This creates a favorable compressive residual stress field near to the critical surface locations within the component and serves to increase its pressure-bearing capacity and/or improve lifetime. This requires a fundamental understanding and modeling of the complex mechanics of the HAP in order to accurately predict such residual stresses. The key outstanding modeling issue is the complex material behavior, dominated by the Bauschinger effect and associated with reversed yielding. This effect differs throughout the FEB. It has been modeled for plane axisymmetric cylinders but has not previously been incorporated into FEB analyses. In this paper, a newly developed finite element analysis (FEA)-based user programable function (UPF), featuring true material constitutive behavior, i.e., replicating an existing Bauschinger-effect characterization (BEC), is adopted to accurately simulate the HAP and quantitatively investigate the stress–strain evolution and residual stress fields throughout the FEB. This simulation is then compared with FEA modeling by a traditional bilinear kinematic hardening material model to indicate the importance of the accuracy of the material constitutive model in determining appropriate residual stresses and strains. An autofrettage pressure of 500 MPa generally achieves net compressive hoop stresses at each of four critical crossbore location. Finally, a prospective re-autofrettage sequence is described; approximate modeling suggests an improvement that might permit operation at higher working pressure.
Prediction of the Time to Failure of Boiler Tubes Flawed With Localized Erosion
Authors: Kalu Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Inglis Helen Mary , Kok Schalk
Published: January 2023

A failure mechanism prevalent with boiler tubes operating in harsh environmental conditions is localized erosion. The consequence of the erosion mechanism is a substantial reduction of the tube thickness, ultimately leading to plastic collapse and consequently rupturing of the tubes. Locating and repairing all the affected tubes within the boiler are time consuming and expensive. It will be worthwhile to rank all the identified flaws so that critical flaws that cannot survive till the next scheduled shutdown are prioritized for repair. Consequently, nonlinear structural analysis was conducted on various boiler tubes that failed by localized erosion. The tubes had a wide range of localized erosion flaws that required a detailed assessment technique. The failure was evaluated numerically using various stress and strain-based failure criteria as well as performing the American Petroleum Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (API-ASME) fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment on the tubes. A projected time to failure (Pt) for each tube based on the various criteria used in this study was determined. This enabled the ranking of the flawed tubes based on the priority of their repair. The outcome of this study demonstrates the potential for a tool which will enable industry users to prioritize the replacement or repair of critically flawed tubes and avert replacing tubes that are still safe for future operation.
Acoustic Radiation From Stiffened Double Concentric Large Cylindrical Shells: Part I Circumferential Harmonic Waves
Authors: Cao Xiongtao
Published: January 2023

Acoustic radiation from stiffened double concentric large cylindrical shells with periodic cavities is analytically investigated via circumferential harmonic waves driven by a point force. The vibration of double isotropic circular cylindrical shells is described by the first-order shear deformation shell theory. One set of uniformly spaced annular bulkheads connects the inner and outer cylindrical shells. In-plane motion equations of the annular bulkheads are expressed by two displacement potential functions. Sound pressure loadings of periodic cavities exerting on the inner and outer cylindrical shells are derived according to the Fourier transform and Poisson summation formula. Far-field sound pressure of the stiffened double cylindrical shells is obtained using the stationary phase method and acoustic radiation features of stiffened double concentric large cylindrical shells with periodic cavities are analyzed in terms of sound pressure power spectra and sound pressure level. Acoustic propagation features of stiffened double cylindrical shells with or without acoustic cavities are shown.
Acoustic Radiation From Stiffened Double Concentric Large Cylindrical Shells: Part II Creeping Waves
Authors: Cao Xiongtao
Published: January 2023

Acoustic radiation from stiffened double concentric large cylindrical shells with periodic cavities is analytically examined in the medium and high frequency range using the Sommerfeld–Watson transform. Creeping wave acoustic model of the stiffened double cylindrical shells in the shadow, penumbra, and illuminated regions is established by the residue theorem. An asymptotic expression of far-field acoustic pressure is derived in the geometrical acoustic zone according to the stationary phase method. Sound field of the bare or stiffened double cylindrical shells with annular fluid is determined by the creeping wave poles in the broad circumferential region. Mechanisms of creeping wave propagation through the stiffened double cylindrical shells are shown. There are a great many elastic and acoustic waves that cannot transmit through the annular fluid, annular bulkheads, and periodic cavities with a moderate gap between the double circular cylindrical shells. Acoustic boundary layer theories are proposed to describe sound propagation through the annular fluid and bulkheads for the creeping waves.
Obesity confers macrophage memory
Authors: Mangum Kevin D. , Gallagher Katherine A.
Published: January 2023

Epigenetic programming of myeloid cells in obesity contributes to macular degeneration
In Science Journals
Authors: Hines Pamela J. , Hurtley Stella M. , Jiang Di , Uzogara Ekeoma , Erkes Dan A. , Grocholski Brent , Malo Courtney S. , Alderton Gemma , Osborne Ian S. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Smith H. Jesse , Ray L. Bryan
Published: January 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Atypical Mutational Spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 Replicating in the Presence of Ribavirin
Authors: Somovilla Pilar , García-Crespo Carlos , Martínez-González Brenda , Soria María Eugenia , de Ávila Ana Isabel , Gallego Isabel , Mínguez Pablo , Durán-Pastor Antoni , Ferrer-Orta Cristina , Salar-Vidal Llanos , Esteban-Muñoz Mario , Zuñiga Sonia , Sola Isabel , Enjuanes Luis , Esteban Jaime , Fernandez-Roblas Ricardo , Gadea Ignacio , Gómez Jordi , Verdaguer Nuria , Domingo Esteban , Perales Celia
Published: January 2023

We report that ribavirin exerts an inhibitory and mutagenic activity on SARS-CoV-2-infecting Vero cells, with a therapeutic index higher than 10. Deep sequencing analysis of the mutant spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 replicating in the absence or presence of ribavirin indicated an increase in the number of mutations, but not in deletions, and modification of diversity indices, expected from a mutagenic activity.
Role of the Nitrogen Metabolism Regulator TAM1 in Regulation of Cellulase Gene Expression in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Yang Renfei , Wang Zhixing , Xia Yuxiao , Zheng Fanglin , Kang Fusi , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhang Weixin , Liu Weifeng
Published: January 2023

Transcriptional regulators are able to integrate extracellular nutrient signals and exert a combinatorial control over various metabolic genes. A plethora of such factors therefore constitute a complex regulatory network ensuring rapid and accurate cellular response to acquire and utilize nutrients.
Convergent Community Assembly among Globally Separated Acidic Cave Biofilms
Authors: Jones Daniel S. , Schaperdoth Irene , Northup Diana E. , Gómez-Cruz Rodolfo , Macalady Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

Microorganisms that are adapted to extremely acidic conditions, known as extreme acidophiles, are catalysts for rock weathering, metal cycling, and mineral formation in naturally acidic environments. They are also important drivers of large-scale industrial processes such as biomining and contaminant remediation.
Human Tooth as a Fungal Niche: Candida albicans Traits in Dental Plaque Isolates
Authors: Xiang Zhenting , Wakade Rohan S. , Ribeiro Apoena Aguiar , Hu Weiming , Bittinger Kyle , Simon-Soro Aurea , Kim Dongyeop , Li Jiyao , Krysan Damian J. , Liu Yuan , Koo Hyun
Published: January 2023

Severe early childhood caries is a widespread global public health problem causing extensive tooth decay and systemic complications.
Candida albicans
, a fungus typically found in mucosal surfaces, is frequently detected in dental plaque formed on teeth of diseased toddlers. However, the clinical traits of
C. albicans
isolated from tooth remain underexplored.
Phosphorylation of Influenza A Virus Matrix Protein 1 at Threonine 108 Controls Its Multimerization State and Functional Association with the STRIPAK Complex
Authors: Liu Lu , Weber Axel , Linne Uwe , Shehata Mahmoud , Pleschka Stephan , Kracht Michael , Schmitz M. Lienhard
Published: January 2023

Influenza viruses pose a major threat to human health and cause annual epidemics and occasional pandemics. Many virus-encoded proteins exert various functions in different subcellular compartments, as exemplified by the M1 protein, but the molecular mechanisms endowing the multiplicity of functions remain incompletely understood.
Complete Genome Sequences of Pseudomonas sp. Strains MM223 and MM227 and
Rheinheimera
sp. Strain MM224, Isolated from a Pond Edge in Bielefeld, Germany
Authors: Frommer Bianca , Folchert Theresa , Witschel Anna-Lena , Reddeker Mailin , Hauck Magdalena A. R. , Anderle Nina , Schade Victoria S. E. , Zagami Laura , Rieks Marielle , Wobbe Lutz , Bräutigam Andrea , Eisenhut Marion
Published: January 2023

Pseudomonas
sp. strain MM223,
Pseudomonas
sp. strain MM227, and
Rheinheimera
sp. strain MM224 were isolated from a muddy soil sample from the edge of a pond. Here, we present whole-genome sequences and phylogenetic classifications for all three bacterial isolates.