bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deepening and widening the gap: The impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on gender and racial inequalities in Brazil
Authors: Alloatti Magali Natalia , Matos de Oliveira Ana Luíza
Published: October 2022

Shaped by inconsistent policy decisions, the COVID‐19 pandemic in Brazil has made structural gender and racial inequalities more acute. Black and low‐income women are overburdened with unpaid domestic work, increased domestic violence, and more vulnerable due to informal and exploitative working regimes. These structural aspects are intensifying, since the pandemic has broadened inequalities at the intersection of gender, race, labor market, and social class. We examine pre‐ and during pandemic inequalities on three dimensions: (a) unpaid domestic and care work, (b) women's labor market participation, and (c) domestic violence. We link the care diamond model and racial stratification forwarding a feminist perspective by examining how the interlocking of race and gender in Brazil renders different socioeconomic dynamics to the detriment of Black and low‐income women. Based on this evidence, we stress that a more equal future requires a better social protection and policies targeting the articulation of gender, race, and class.
A Design Tool for Solar Thermal Remediation Using Borehole Heat Exchangers
Authors: Ornelles Adam D. , Falta Ronald W. , Divine Craig E.
Published: October 2022

Low temperature heating of the subsurface (increases of about 5–20 °C) can substantially increase rates of biotic and abiotic destruction of dissolved contaminants such as chlorinated solvents. Low‐temperature heating can be sustainably and cost‐effectively achieved using solar thermal collectors coupled with closed‐loop borehole heat exchangers. This technology has been implemented at several sites in the United States and abroad with favorable results. The design of a solar thermal remediation system requires a quantitative understanding of heat transfer from the array of borehole heat exchangers. We present an easy‐to‐use design tool that is based on a transient three‐dimensional analytical heat transfer solution and is programmed in Visual Basic in Excel. This tool can be used to quickly explore the effect of design variables on the forecast temperature field. Typical design variables would include the site‐specific average and monthly solar insolation data, solar collector configuration, borehole heat exchanger geometry and spacing, and the effects of environmental variables such as groundwater velocity, background subsurface temperature, and thermal conductivity. The design tool has been verified by comparisons with the TOUGH2 multiphase heat transfer code for a three‐dimensional multi‐heater system with seasonally variable thermal power rates. The code has been validated by comparisons to observed temperatures measured at a solar thermal field remediation application at a site in Colorado.
Emissions of Trichloroethylene from Bedroom Furniture Set as a Source of Indoor Air Contamination
Authors: Bingham Q.G. , Lutes C. , Grand R. , Quadri S. , Dollhopf R. , Posavatz N. , Birkett E.
Published: October 2022

Shallow trichloroethene (TCE) groundwater and soil contamination associated with a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) Superfund Site in Michigan resulted in a vapor intrusion (VI) investigation of overlying condominium units. Units with data suggesting a complete VI pathway received subslab depressurization systems (SSDs). Performance monitoring following the installation of an SSD at one unit indicated that the indoor air TCE concentrations remained elevated, despite pressure field extension tests that showed the system should effectively reduce VI from soil gas. Therefore, a cost‐efficient and incremental investigation was launched to identify other potential source(s) of TCE using a field‐portable gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GS/MS). The combination of room‐by‐room air sampling, potential VI entry point sampling, and emission tests of potential sources were used, which resulted in successfully identifying a bedroom furniture set as an indoor source of TCE for the unit. Although many common household products are recognized as indoor sources of TCE, emissions from finished furniture products have not been widely discussed in the VI literature. The findings of this study indicate that off gassing from furniture can lead to TCE concentrations in indoor air that exceed regulatory guidelines.
Dry grassland within the urban matrix acts as favourable habitat for different pollinators including endangered species
Authors: Grossmann Anita Judit , Herrmann Johann , Buchholz Sascha , Gathof Anika Kristin
Published: October 2022

This study highlights the potential of urban dry grasslands for diverse pollinator communities of wild bees and hoverflies, including rare and endangered species.

By using pan trap sampling on 49 study sites distributed across the urban environment, responses of wild bee and hoverfly communities to urban features at two spatial scales (urban matrix and local habitat) were examined.

A total of 1246 hoverfly individuals (Syrphidae) from 31 species and 1463 bee individuals (Apoidea) from 107 species were collected. Our analysis showed that hoverflies are impacted by urban matrix features and local floral resources, whereas wild bees only respond to patch size at the local habitat scale and endangered wild bee species additionally to non‐native pollinator‐friendly plants.

Given the different responses of wild bees and hoverflies to the urban environment, we recommend multi‐taxon approaches for urban conservation practice. Urban dry grasslands and the diversity of pollinator‐friendly plants, including non‐native species, should be conserved and promoted to support urban pollinator diversity.
Tribological behaviors of B4C–SiC composites self‐mated pairs in seawater and pure water
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Xuantong , Hao Wenhui , Zhu Chaolong , Li Xiuqing
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the tribological behaviors of B4C–SiC composites self‐mated pairs in seawater and pure water were investigated, respectively. The results showed that the B4C–SiC composite with the content of 20%SiC has good mechanical properties. For the B4C–20%SiC self‐mated pair in seawater, the abrasive wear is greatly weakened, and the tribo‐chemical reactions between the composite surface and water molecules occurred. The tribo‐chemical polishing causes very smooth wear surfaces, and the sliding pairs enter to the status of liquid lubrication. An extremely low friction coefficient (0.038) and wear rate (both below the order of magnitude 10−5 mm3/N m) were obtained in this study. Due to the lower viscosity of pure water, the load carrying capacity of the liquid film reduces. So, in pure water, the sliding pair shows slightly higher friction coefficient and wear rate than that in seawater.
Digital health platforms expand access and improve care for male androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Young Peter C. , Mahajan Chetan , Shapiro Jerry , Tosti Antonella
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Digital health solutions, specifically direct‐to‐consumer platforms, have been touted to make care accessible and convenient for patients. The aim of this article is to evaluate patients' reported reasons for choosing a platform for the treatment of hair loss and their experience. This platform (Keeps) is focused exclusively on the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL) with approved medications such as oral finasteride and topical minoxidil.

Methods

In order to evaluate patients' motivations to choose the platform and their experience, we administered two distinct questionnaires, with a total of 8983 respondents.

Results

The results showed that patients on the platform report positive health outcomes at approximately 6 months, as 81% of respondents report hair regrowth or cessation of hair loss, and 91% never or rarely miss their medication. Additionally, the platform is expanding the market through education and awareness, as nearly 1 in 3 new patients, mostly in their 20s and early 30s, had never considered treating their hair loss before learning about this virtual care model.

Conclusion

Such a model provides further insights into how digitally enabled care focused on a chronic condition, backed by quality and evidence‐based initiatives, can expand access and improve care for androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
Understanding dark side personality at work: Distinguishing and reviewing nonlinear, interactive, differential, and reciprocal effects
Authors: Wille Bart , Heyde Fien , Vergauwe Jasmine , De Fruyt Filip
Published: October 2022

The topic of dark side personality at work has received considerable research attention over the past decade, and both qualitative and quantitative reviews of this field have already been published. To show the relevance of dark personality in the work context, existing reviews have typically focused on systematically discussing the different criteria that have been linked to dark traits (e.g., job performance, work attitudes, leadership emergence, etc.). In contrast, and complementing this earlier work, the current review paper summarizes the available literature on this topic by structuring it in terms of the nature of the relationships studied rather than in terms of the types of outcome variables. Doing so, the focus shifts from “What are the outcomes of dark traits?” to “How are dark traits related to work outcomes?” Scrutinizing the nature of these relationships, we specifically focus on four types of effects (i.e., nonlinear, interactive, differential, and reciprocal) that highlight the complexity of how dark side traits operate in the work context. Structured this way, this review first provides a conceptual underpinning of each of these complex effects, followed by a summary of the empirical literature published over the past 10 years. To conclude, we present an integration of this field, provide suggestions for future research, and highlight concrete assessment challenges.
Quantile price convergence and spillover effects among Bitcoin, Fintech, and artificial intelligence stocks
Authors: Abakah Emmanuel Joel Aikins , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Lee Chi‐Chuan , Ntow‐Gyamfi Matthew
Published: October 2022

This research explores the distributional and directional predictabilities among Fintech, Bitcoin, and artificial intelligence stocks from March 2018 to January 2021 using nonparametric causality‐in‐quantile and crossquantilogram approaches. We also examine connectedness across the assets using a quantile VAR approach. The results indicate the existence of bidirectional causality‐in‐variance between the variables in a normal market. We also find that directional predictability among the assets is oscillatory over time lags. Finally, we observe a strong price connectedness for highly positive and negative changes. These results further document the diversification potential and safe‐haven properties of technology‐related assets for portfolio investors.
The real effects of local mutual funds: Evidence from corporate innovation
Authors: Hwang Hyoseok (David)
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates whether the proximity between mutual funds and firms could explain corporate innovation. I find that local mutual funds tend to increase firms' R&D expenditures and productivity. Firms with greater local ownership produce more patents and patents with bigger impact. The positive relations are more pronounced for firms with low information quality and poor corporate governance. Further, local funds with more innovative firms outperform the ones with less innovative firms. Finally, firms with higher local ownership are less likely to fire CEOs who engage in innovation, which incentivizes CEOs for risky investments.
Predicting initial dissolution rates using structural features from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lu Xiaonan , Deng Lu , Gin Stéphane , Parruzot Benjamin , Reiser Joelle T. , Ryan Joseph V. , Vienna John D. , Du Jincheng
Published: October 2022

Predicting the chemical durability of glass materials is important for various applications from daily life such as cell phone screens and kitchenware to advanced technologies such as nuclear waste disposal and biomedicine. In this work, we explored the prediction of the initial glass dissolution rates using structural features from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for a series of glass compositions (total 28), including ZrO2‐ and V2O5‐containing boroaluminosilicate, borosilicate, and aluminosilicate glasses. The initial dissolution rates (r0) measured experimentally at 90°C with varying solution conditions were correlated with structural features (e.g., polyhedral linkages and non‐bridging oxygen species) obtained from MD simulations, either from this study or from literature. As hydrolysis of the glass network through breaking of the network former linkages (e.g., Si–O–Si, Si–O–Al, etc.) is a critical step of network glass dissolution, the statistics of these linkages obtained from MD were also correlated to r0 through linear regression, where the coefficients of determination (R2) and root mean square error are found to be 0.949 and 0.681, respectively. This model was compared and discussed with existing models developed by various approaches, including machine learning, the kinetic rate equation, topological constraint theory, and other descriptors from MD simulations. The discussion provides insights on future model improvements to predict glass dissolution. In addition, as the effect of V2O5 on glass dissolution was not well studied comparing to ZrO2, the impact of V2O5 was emphasized in this paper, suggesting that the impact is not the same across all glass compositions and test conditions.
Evaluation of risk in chronic cutaneous inflammatory conditions for malignant transformation
Authors: Ju Teresa , Hernandez Loren , Mohsin Noreen , Labib Angelina , Frech Fabio , Nouri Keyvan
Published: October 2022

Skin carcinomas are the most common form of cancer, and every year thousands of people die from skin cancer‐related malignancies. Chronic inflammation is linked to the development and progression of cancer in multiple organ systems – about 20% of all human cancers are a result of chronic inflammation – skin included. While acute inflammation under normal circumstances is a mechanism for host defence and tissue regeneration following insult by trauma or infection by pathogens, over the long term it can drive oncogenic transformation of epithelial cells and promote cancer development, growth and metastasis. Therefore, inflammatory conditions may put individuals at a higher risk to developing skin malignancies. Many skin conditions are characterized by chronic inflammatory processes. These conditions may be particularly susceptible to malignant transformation and predispose patients to develop skin malignancies. As more pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory skin conditions is unveiled, we find that many of these conditions are characterized by immune dysregulation and signalling that result in chronic activation and upregulation of pro‐inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, leading to downstream processes that further exacerbate inflammatory processes and cause abnormal cell growth and apoptosis. Here, we review the major chronic cutaneous inflammatory diseases that may have an increased risk of skin malignancies, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo nodularis, lichen sclerosus, systemic sclerosis and morphea, chronic leg ulcers, seborrheic keratoses and basal cell carcinoma. We evaluate the evidence for increased incidence and prevalence, the risk factors associated, the populations at heightened risk and the best management practices.
Dermoscopy of haemosiderotic/aneurysmal dermatofibroma: A morphological study of 110 cases
Authors: Zaballos Pedro , Álvarez‐Salafranca Marcial , Llambrich Àlex , Malvehy Josep , Taberner Rosa , Medina Carolina , Argenziano Giuseppe , Thomas Luc , Pizarro Ángel , del Pozo Luis Javier , Avilés Jose Antonio , Martin Jose María , Karaarslan Isil , Guionnet Neus , Bañuls José
Published: October 2022

Background

Haemosiderotic and aneurysmal dermatofibromas are uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed lesions, which can be considered as different histopathological stages of the same tumour. A dermoscopic diagnosis testing accuracy has not been performed for these tumours to date.

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic significance of dermoscopic structures and patterns associated with haemosiderotic/ aneurysmal dermatofibromas in a large series.

Methods

Dermoscopic images of histopathologically proven cases of 110 haemosiderotic/ aneurysmal dermatofibromas and 501 other tumours were collected. The frequency, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the dermoscopic structures and patterns associated with these lesions were calculated.

Results

Haemosiderotic/ aneurysmal dermatofibromas are mostly symmetric lesions (86.5%), and a prominent homogeneous area was present in 100% of them. The presence of vascular structures was very common (86.4%), and dotted vessels were predominant (58.2%). Shiny white structures were seen in 85.5% of lesions, while a peripheral delicate pigment network was present in 69.1%. The most significant pattern was the one composed of a prominent homogeneous area and peripheral delicate pigment network, which showed a specificity of 100% with a relatively good sensitivity (69.1%). All the patterns containing a peripheral delicate pigment network showed very good specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values. Those patterns without a peripheral delicate pigment network showed the highest sensitivities, but they showed a significant overlap with other tumours, mainly with melanoma.

Conclusions

Dermoscopy is helpful in improving the diagnostic accuracy of haemosiderotic/ aneurysmal dermatofibromas. However, there is a considerable dermoscopic overlap between these tumours and melanoma, specifically when the peripheral delicate pigment network is absent.
Study on the microbial inactivation of whole hulless barley flour using a continuous instant pressure drop sterilizer
Authors: Chen Zhiying , Wang Aixia , Qin Wanyu , Xi Huihan , He Yue , Nie Mengzi , Liu Liya , Wang Lili , Bai Yajuan , Huang Yatao , Wang Fengzhong , Tong Li‐Tao
Published: October 2022

This work evaluated the microbial reduction and quality change of the whole hulless barley flour (WHBF) treated by a continuous instant pressure drop (CIPD) sterilizer. The microbial reduction of WHBF was proportional to steam‐material ratio under the conditions of 165°C, 0.2 MPa steam, and 0.2 MPa Laval nozzle, and the microbial reduction was 3.87 ± 0.09 log cfu/g with the steam‐material ratio of 3.0:1. The work was followed‐up with the quality testing of CIPD, UV‐C, hot air, and ozone treated WHBF. The microbial reduction of hot air, UV‐C, and ozone treated WHBF was 3.98 ± 0.09, 3.33 ± 0.04, and 3.68 ± 0.12 log cfu/g, respectively, while the CIPD treatment achieved similar bactericidal effect at a unit treatment time of 22 s. Moreover, there is no measurable quality degradation in CIPD treated WHBF compared with the untreated WHBF. These results showed CIPD sterilizer had a great potential for microbial inactivation of powdery foods industry.
Spirulina and açai as innovative ingredients in the development of gummy candies
Authors: Paternina Laura Patricia Rivera , Moraes Luiza , Santos Thaisa Duarte , de Morais Michele Greque , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira
Published: October 2022

The gummy industry is showing a growing interest in adding novel ingredients to conventional formulations since consumers are looking for healthier and more nutritious products. Thus, this work aimed to develop sucrose‐free gummy candies without artificial food dyes and incorporated with Spirulina biomass and freeze‐dried açai pulp (FDAP) at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5%. Gummy candy enriched with 5% Spirulina (GSP5) showed the nutritional (increase of 36.7% and 414.3% in protein and mineral contents, respectively) and functional increments (0.081 mg GAE g−1 of phenolic compounds and 11.4% DPPH scavenging activity) when compared to control (GC; 0% Spirulina). Gummy candy added with 3% FDAP (GAC3) showed 1.7% lipids, 0.4% minerals, 0.190 mg GAE g−1 of phenolic compounds, and 27.0% DPPH scavenging activity. The acceptability index was satisfactory for both formulations GSP5 (78.7%) and GAC3 (83.8%). Therefore, Spirulina biomass and FDAP could be used as innovative ingredients in sucrose‐free gummies manufacturing.

Novelty impact statement

The addition of Spirulina biomass and freeze‐dried açai pulp in gummy candies improved their nutritional and functional value. Spirulina biomass addition increased gummy candies protein and mineral content, whereas gummy candies enriched with freeze‐dried açai pulp exhibited antioxidant capacity up to 36% and the highest phenolic content. Besides, the sensory evaluation of gummy candies indicated a high acceptability index of around 80%.
A bZIP transcription factor (CiFD) regulates drought‐ and low‐temperature‐induced flowering by alternative splicing in citrus
Authors: Ye Li‐Xia , Wu Yan‐Mei , Zhang Jin‐Xia , Zhang Jin‐Xin , Zhou Huan , Zeng Ren‐Fang , Zheng Wei‐Xuan , Qiu Mei‐Qi , Zhou Jing‐Jing , Xie Zong‐Zhou , Hu Chun‐Gen , Zhang Jin‐Zhi
Published: October 2022

Drought and low temperature are two key environmental factors that induce adult citrus flowering. However, the underlying regulation mechanism is poorly understood. The bZIP transcription factor FD is a key component of the florigen activation complex (FAC) which is composed of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), FD, and 14‐3‐3 proteins. In this study, isolation and characterization of CiFD in citrus found that there was alternative splicing (AS) of CiFD, forming two different proteins (CiFDα and CiFDβ). Further investigation found that their expression patterns were similar in different tissues of citrus, but the subcellular localization and transcriptional activity were different. Overexpression of the CiFD DNA sequence (CiFD‐DNA), CiFDα, or CiFDβ in tobacco and citrus showed early flowering, and CiFD‐DNA transgenic plants were the earliest, followed by CiFDβ and CiFDα. Interestingly, CiFDα and CiFDβ were induced by low temperature and drought, respectively. Further analysis showed that CiFDα can form a FAC complex with CiFT, Ci14‐3‐3, and then bind to the citrus APETALA1 (CiAP1) promoter and promote its expression. However, CiFDβ can directly bind to the CiAP1 promoter independently of CiFT and Ci14‐3‐3. These results showed that CiFDβ can form a more direct and simplified pathway that is independent of the FAC complex to regulate drought‐induced flowering through AS. In addition, a bHLH transcription factor (CibHLH96) binds to CiFD promoter and promotes the expression of CiFD under drought condition. Transgenic analysis found that CibHLH96 can promote flowering in transgenic tobacco. These results suggest that CiFD is involved in drought‐ and low‐temperature‐induced citrus flowering through different regulatory patterns.
Cannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids as a cause of death: Trends and their healthcare implications
Authors: Suriaga Armiel , Tappen Ruth M. , Aston Elizabeth R. , Chiang‐Hanisko Lenny , Newman David
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Cannabis remains one of the most widely used illicit substances globally, with 188 million users in 2017. In the United States, nearly 50 million people are reported to have used cannabis in 2020. More research is needed because of the dramatic increase in cannabis use and the perception that its use has minimal risk.

Design

The researchers used a retrospective design for this study.

Methods

We used the Florida Department of Law Enforcement data from 2014 to 2020 for this study. We used descriptive statistics to report the characteristics of decedents whose cause of death (COD) was associated with cannabinoid (CB) and synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use. We used a general linear model with repeated measures to examine CB and SC death rate trends.

Results

A total of 386 decedents' COD in Florida was associated with CB and SC use. Nearly 28% of decedents were 45–54 years, male (87.8%), and non‐Hispanic whites (65.3%). One hundred percent of CB‐related decedents died in urban counties. In rural counties, SC decedents accounted for 28.3% of deaths. Of decedents in rural counties, 39.9% were African American. Most decedents (with CB and SC use) died from accidents (98.7%), with 12.6% of cases involving cardiovascular‐related illnesses.

Conclusion

CBs and SCs as a COD pose a legitimate health problem to society. More people ages 45–54 died from CBs and SCs. Drug intoxications (from CBs and SCs) and motor vehicle collisions accounted for most of the accidents reported while under the influence of CBs and SCs. While most decedents from both CBs and SCs were non‐Hispanic whites, a substantial proportion of African Americans died from SCs as a COD in rural counties. It is important that the public become aware of the risks for adverse effects of CB and SC. The public needs to be aware that CB and SC use can exacerbate cardiac‐related conditions.

Clinical Relevance

This study has clinical relevance to patient safety. CB and SC use contributes to motor vehicle accidents and can cause adverse effects including death.
Guidelines for obstetrical practice in Japan: Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2020 edition
Authors: Itakura Atsuo , Satoh Shoji , Aoki Shigeru , Fukushima Kotaro , Hasegawa Junichi , Hyodo Hironobu , Kamei Yoshimasa , Kondoh Eiji , Makino Shintaro , Matsuoka Ryu , Morikawa Mamoru , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Nakata Masahiko , Naruse Katsuhiko , Nishigori Hidekazu , Nishiguchi Tomizo , Obata‐Yasuoka Mana , Ohno Yasumasa , Oura Kuniaki , Shimoya Koichiro , Shiozaki Arihiro , Suzuki Shunji , Tanaka Kanji , Yoshida Shiro , Kudo Yoshiki , Maeda Tsugio , Shozu Makio
Published: October 2022

The 2017 clinical guidelines for obstetrical practice by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were revised and published as the 2020 edition (in Japanese). The aim of these guidelines is to present appropriate standard obstetric diagnosis and management procedures that have reached consensus among Japanese obstetricians. The 2020 guidelines include 113 clinical questions and an appendix, followed by answers (CQ&A; originally 112 in the 2017 edition), a discussion, list of references, and some tables and figures presenting common problems and questions encountered in obstetrical practice. Each answer comes with a recommendation level of A, B, or C and has been prepared based principally on evidence or a consensus among Japanese obstetricians in situations where “evidence” is weak or lacking. Answers with a recommendation level of A or B represent current standard care practices in Japan. All 113 CQ&As and the appendix are presented here to promote a better understanding of the current standard care practices for pregnant and lactating women in Japan.
The effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis on the gut microbiome of mice in relation to aging
Authors: Giri Sarita , Uehara Osamu , Takada Ayuko , Paudel Durga , Morikawa Tetsuro , Arakawa Toshiya , Nagasawa Toshiyuki , Abiko Yoshihiro , Furuichi Yasushi
Published: October 2022

Background and Objective

The translocation of oral bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, to the gut has been shown to alter gut microbiome. However, the effect of P. gingivalis on gut microbiome in relation to aging has not been demonstrated. We hypothesize that P. gingivalis has more detrimental effect on gut environment with increased age. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of P. gingivalis on gut environment using aged mice.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6J mice aged 4 weeks (young) or 76 weeks (old) were divided into four groups: control‐young, control‐old, P. gingivalis‐administered young, and P. gingivalis‐administered old. P. gingivalis was orally administered thrice weekly for 5 weeks. At 30 days after the last P. gingivalis administration, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to study the gut microbiome. The mRNA and protein expression of intestinal junctional barrier molecules and the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and TNF‐α in the serum were evaluated.

Results

Significant differences in the gut microbiomes between the groups, in terms of taxonomic abundance, bacterial diversity, and predicted metagenome function, were observed. A significant reduction in the alpha diversity and in the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiaceae, in the P. gingivalis‐administered old mice was observed. The mRNA and protein levels of Claudin‐1 and Claudin‐2 in the intestine were significantly elevated, while E‐cadherin was significantly downregulated in the P. gingivalis‐administered old mice, as were the serum levels of IL‐1β and TNF‐α.

Conclusion

The effect of P. gingivalis on the gut environment is more pronounced in old mice than in young mice.
Sequential hybridization may have facilitated ecological transitions in the Southwestern pinyon pine syngameon
Authors: Buck Ryan , Ortega‐Del Vecchyo Diego , Gehring Catherine , Michelson Rhett , Flores‐Rentería Dulce , Klein Barbara , Whipple Amy V. , Flores‐Rentería Lluvia
Published: October 2022

Multispecies interbreeding networks, or syngameons, have been increasingly reported in natural systems. However, the formation, structure, and maintenance of syngameons have received little attention. Through gene flow, syngameons can increase genetic diversity, facilitate the colonization of new environments, and contribute to hybrid speciation.

In this study, we evaluated the history, patterns, and consequences of hybridization in a pinyon pine syngameon using morphological and genomic data to assess genetic structure, demographic history, and geographic and climatic data to determine niche differentiation.

We demonstrated thatPinus edulis, a dominant species in the Southwestern US and a barometer of climate change, is a core participant in the syngameon, involved in the formation of two drought‐adapted hybrid lineages including the parapatric and taxonomically controversialfallax‐type. We found that species remain morphologically and genetically distinct at range cores, maintaining species boundaries while undergoing extensive gene flow in areas of sympatry at range peripheries.

Our study shows that sequential hybridization may have caused relatively rapid speciation and facilitated the colonization of different niches, resulting in the rapid formation of two new lineages. Participation in the syngameon may allow adaptive traits to be introgressed across species barriers and provide the changes needed to survive future climate scenarios.
Computational modeling to assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials
Authors: Jelfs Kim E.
Published: October 2022

Computational modeling is increasingly used to assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials. Supramolecular materials are typically primarily built from organic components that are self‐assembled through noncovalent bonding and have potential applications, including in selective binding, sorption, molecular separations, catalysis, optoelectronics, sensing, and as molecular machines. In this review, the key areas where computational prediction can assist in the discovery of supramolecular materials, including in structure prediction, property prediction, and the prediction of how to synthesize a hypothetical material are discussed, before exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence techniques on the field. Throughout, the importance of close integration with experimental materials discovery programs will be highlighted. A series of case studies from the author's work across some different supramolecular material classes will be discussed, before finishing with a discussion of the outlook for the field.
Host plant phenology shapes aphid abundance and interactions with ants
Authors: Mooney Emily , Mitchell Alexander , Den Uyl James , Mullins Maria , DiBiase Charlotte , Heschel M. Shane
Published: October 2022

Phenological mismatch can occur when plants and herbivores differentially respond to changing phenological cues, such as temperature or snow melt date. This often shifts herbivore feeding to plant stages of lower quality. How herbivores respond to plant quality may be also mediated by temperature, which could lead to temperature‐by‐phenology interactions. We examined how aphid abundance and mutualism with ants were impacted by temperature and host plant phenology. In this study system, aphids Aphis asclepiadis colonize flowering stalks of the host plant, Ligusticum porteri. Like other aphids, abundance of this species is dependent on ant protection. To understand how host plant phenology and temperature affect aphid abundance, we used a multiyear observational study and a field experiment. We observed 20 host plant populations over five years (2017–2021), tracking temperature and snow melt date as well as host plant phenology and insect abundance. We found host plant and aphid phenology to differentially respond to temperature and snow melt timing. Early snow melt accelerated host plant phenology to a greater extent than aphid phenology, which was more responsive to temperature. Both the likelihood of aphid colony establishment and ant recruitment were reduced when aphids colonized host plants at post‐flowering stages. In 2019, we experimentally accelerated host plant phenology by advancing snow melt date by two weeks. We factorially combined this treatment with open top warming chambers surrounding aphid colonies. Greatest growth occurred for colonies under ambient temperatures when they occurred on host plants at the flowering stage. Altogether, our results suggest that phenological mismatch with host plants can decrease aphid abundance, and this effect is exacerbated by temperature increases and changes to the ant–aphid mutualism.
Posterior Pelvic Tilt in the Standing Position Might Be Associated with Collapse Progression in Post‐Collapse Stage Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Xu Mingjian , Motomura Goro , Ikemura Satoshi , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Kawano Koichiro , Yamamoto Noriko , Tanaka Hidenao , Ayabe Yusuke , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: October 2022

Objective

Excessive pelvic tilt has been reported to impair the biomechanical loading of the hip joint. However, the influence of pelvic tilt in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) remains unclear. This study aims to assess whether sagittal pelvic posture in the standing position correlates with progression of femoral head collapse in post‐collapse stage ONFH.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study. We investigated 107 patients (107 hips; 73 males and 34 females; mean age, 48 years) diagnosed with Association of Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage III ONFH at the first visit and who subsequently underwent surgical treatment in our institution from July 2016 to December 2020. The sagittal pelvic posture in the standing position before surgery was quantified as the angle formed by the anterior pelvic plane and the vertical z‐axis in the sagittal view (APP angle). An APP angle <0° indicated posterior pelvic tilt. Progression of femoral head collapse was calculated as collapse speed. The following factors potentially associated with collapse speed were evaluated by exploratory data analysis followed with multiple linear regression analysis: sex, age, BMI, etiology, pelvic incidence, contralateral hip condition, time interval between the first visit and surgery, size of necrotic lesion, location of necrotic lesion, and APP angle.

Results

As ONFH progressed from ARCO stage IIIA to stage IV, APP angle decreased significantly and continuously (stage IIIA, −0.2° ± 5.5°; stage IIIB, −3.7° ± 5.8°; stage IV, −7.1° ± 6.4°). The factors significantly associated with collapse speed were size of necrotic lesion (p = 0.0079), location of necrotic lesion (p = 0.0190), and APP angle (p < 0.0001). APP angle showed a negative correlation with collapse speed (r = −0.40, p < 0.0001). After stratifying by size of necrotic lesion (<50% and ≥50% involvement) and location of necrotic lesion (JIC type C1 and C2), a significant negative correlation was observed between APP angle and collapse speed in each group (JIC type C1 with <50% involvement, r = −0.69, p < 0.0001; JIC type C1 with ≥50% involvement, r = −0.58, p = 0.0475; JIC type C2 with <50% involvement, r = −0.51, p = 0.0124; JIC type C2 with ≥50% involvement, r = −0.39, p = 0.0286).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that posterior pelvic tilt in the standing position occurred as ONFH progressed from ARCO stage IIIA to stage IV, which might be associated with progression of femoral head collapse in ONFH.
Surgical Transepicondylar Axis Is Not a Reliable Reference when there Was Lateral Femoral Bowing
Authors: Liu LiMing , Lei Kai , Guo Lin , Chen Xin , Yang PengFei , Fu DeJie , Xiong Ran , Yang Liu
Published: October 2022

Objective

The surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA) is believed to be a consistent reference for femoral rotation axis, and the reliability of its orientation seriously affects the accuracy and outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the orientation of sTEA and femoral bowing angle (FBA) and posterior condylar line (PCL) using three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction models to verify its reliability.

Methods

This study retrospectively collected lower extremity images of 443 southern Chinese osteoarthritic patients (347 women, 96 men; 234 left, 209 right; mean age 66.5 ± 9.3 years) from August 2016 to June 2018. The hip–knee‐ankle angle (HKA) was measured on anteroposterior weight‐bearing full lower extremity standing radiographs. Measurements on 3D CT models of the femurs included lateral angle between the femoral mechanical axis and sTEA coronal angle, angle between sTEA and distal joint line (distal condylar axis angle, DCA); angle between sTEA and PCL (sTEA axial angle); angle between anatomical axis of proximal femur and anatomical axis of distal femur in the plane they form (actual FBA) and its projection on the coronal (lateral FBA) and sagittal (anterior FBA) planes. The correlations between sTEA coronal angle, sTEA axial angle and actual FBA, lateral FBA, anterior FBA, HKA, DCA were explored using the Spearman correlation test.

Results

The mean value of actual FBA is (14.4 ± 3.6)°, of lateral FBA is (6.0 ± 4.0)°, and of anterior FBA is (12.7 ± 3.0)°. The mean value of sTEA coronal angle is (88.7 ± 3.6)°, of sTEA axial angle is (2.1 ± 2.8)°. The sTEA coronal angle was positively correlated with actual FBA (r = 0.320, P < 0.01), lateral FBA (r = 0.448, P < 0.01), anterior FBA (r = 0.113, P < 0.05), HKA (r = 0.482, P < 0.01) and DCA (r = 0.486, P < 0.01). The sTEA axial angle was positively correlated with DCA (r = 0.168, P < 0.01), but not significantly correlated with all FBAs and HKA (NS).

Conclusion

The sTEA cannot be used as a stable reference when there was an obvious femoral bowing deformity. As the lateral femoral bowing increases, the orientation of sTEA becomes more varus, no matter the knee is varus or valgus.
Effect of a low seed lignin content on seed yield and quality in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus)
Authors: Holzenkamp Karin , Link Wolfgang , Möllers Christian
Published: October 2022

Increasing demand for vegetable oil and protein requires breeding efforts to enhance the yield of oilseed rape. This can be achieved by reducing seed cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. The objective of the study was to analyse seed yield and important agronomic traits of two distinct bulks of genotypes from two crosses, with low (6%) and high seed lignin content (10%). The two genotype bulks were formed by mixing seeds of 12 doubled haploid lines with either low or high lignin content. The genotypes were selected from two large doubled haploid populations based on lignin content, flowering time and plant height. The bulks were field‐tested in replicated yield trials. Seed quality analysis confirmed significant differences in seed lignin content between the two bulks. Seed oil content was moderately higher in the low lignin bulks of both crosses. Seed, oil and protein yield in both crosses were moderately to significantly higher in the low lignin bulks. Further breeding for reduced fibre content will help increase seed oil and protein content.
Plant water uptake modelling: added value of cross‐disciplinary approaches
Authors: Dubbert M. , Couvreur V. , Kübert A. , Werner C.
Published: October 2022

In recent years, research interest in plant water uptake strategies has rapidly increased in many disciplines, such as hydrology, plant ecology and ecophysiology. Quantitative modelling approaches to estimate plant water uptake and spatiotemporal dynamics have significantly advanced through different disciplines across scales. Despite this progress, major limitations, for example, predicting plant water uptake under drought or drought impact at large scales, remain. These are less attributed to limitations in process understanding, but rather to a lack of implementation of cross‐disciplinary insights into plant water uptake model structure. The main goal of this review is to highlight how the four dominant model approaches, that is, Feddes approach, hydrodynamic approach, optimality and statistical approaches, can be and have been used to create interdisciplinary hybrid models enabling a holistic system understanding that, among other things, embeds plant water uptake plasticity into a broader conceptual view of soil–plant feedbacks of water, nutrient and carbon cycling, or reflects observed drought responses of plant–soil feedbacks and their dynamics under, that is, drought. Specifically, we provide examples of how integration of Bayesian and hydrodynamic approaches might overcome challenges in interpreting plant water uptake related to different travel and residence times of different plant water sources or trade‐offs between root system optimization to forage for water and nutrients during different seasons and phenological stages.
Enolase2 regulates seed fatty acid accumulation via mediating carbon partitioning in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Liu Zijin , Liu Huimin , Zheng Lamei , Xu Fan , Wu Yu , Pu Li , Zhang Genfa
Published: October 2022

In many higher plants, fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis is coordinately regulated at multiple levels by intricate regulatory networks. However, the factors and their regulatory mechanisms underlying seed oil accumulation are still limited. Here, we identified that loss of glycolytic metalloenzyme enolase2 (AtENO2) activity increased the contents of total FAs and salicylic acid (SA) but reduced the accumulation of flavonoids and mucilage by regulating the expression of key genes involved in their biosynthesis pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. AtENO2 physically interacts with the transcription factor AtTGA5, which may participate in the regulation of SA levels. Non‐targeted metabolomics analysis of eno2− and WT also showed that the levels of three flavonoids, quercetin‐3‐galactoside, quercitrin, and epicatechin, were significantly decreased in eno2−, and the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was also enriched in the KEGG analysis. Meanwhile, the mutation of AtENO2 delayed silique ripening, thereby prolonging silique photosynthesis time, allowing siliques to generate more photosynthesis products for FA biosynthesis. These results reveal a molecular mechanism by AtENO2 to regulate seed oil accumulation in A. thaliana, providing potential targets for improving crop seed oil quality.
Biofertilisation with a consortium of growth‐promoting bacterial strains improves the nutritional status of wheat grain under control, drought, and salinity stress conditions
Authors: Yaghoubi Khanghahi Mohammad , AbdElgawad Hamada , Verbruggen Erik , Korany Shereen Magdy , Alsherif Emad A. , Beemster Gerrit T. S. , Crecchio Carmine
Published: October 2022

We investigated the effect of plant growth‐promoting bacterial strains (PGPB) as biofertilisers on the grain metabolic composition of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.). To this aim, we conducted a greenhouse experiment where we grew durum wheat plants supplied with a biofertiliser consortium of four PGPB and/or chemical fertiliser (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc), under non‐stress, drought (at 40% field capacity), or salinity (150 mM NaCl) conditions. Nutrient accumulations in the grain were increased in plants treated with the biofertiliser consortium, alone or with a half dose of chemical fertilisers, compared to those in no fertilisation treatment. A clear benefit of biofertiliser application in the improvement of protein, soluble sugar, starch, and lipid contents in the grains was observed in comparison with untreated controls, especially under stress conditions. The most striking observation was the absence of significant differences between biofertiliser and chemical fertiliser treatments for most parameters. Moreover, the overall response to the biofertiliser consortium was accompanied by greater changes in amino acids, organic acids, and fatty acid profiles. In conclusion, PGPB improved the metabolic and nutrient status of durum wheat grains to a similar extent as chemical fertilisers, particularly under stress conditions, demonstrating the value of PGPB as a sustainable fertilisation treatment.
Bilateral motor cortex functional differences in left‐handed approaching–avoiding behavior
Authors: Xia Xue , Pi Yanling , Xia Jing , Li Yansong , Shi Qingde , Zhang Jian , Tan Xiaoying
Published: October 2022

Automatic action tendencies occur at behavioral and neurophysiological levels during task performance with the dominant right hand, with shorter reaction times (RTs) and higher excitability of the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1) during automatic vs. regulated behavior. However, effects associated with the non‐dominant left‐hand in approaching–avoiding behavior remain unclear. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation during the performance by 18 participants of an approaching–avoiding task using the non‐dominant left hand. Single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied over left or right M1 at 150 and 300 ms after the onset of an emotional stimulus. RTs and motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded. Significant automatic action tendencies were observed at the behavioral level. Higher MEP amplitudes were detected 150 ms after stimulus onset from the right hand (non‐task hand, corresponding to left M1) during regulated behavior compared with during automatic behavior. However, no significant modulation was found for MEP amplitudes from the left hand (task hand, corresponding to right M1). These findings suggested that left M1 may play a principal role in the early phase of mediating left‐handed movement toward an emotional stimulus.