bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speciation patterns of related species under the hybrid zone: A case study of three sclerophyllous oaks in the east Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Ju Miaomiao , Yang Jia , Yue Ming , Zhao Guifang
Published: July 2023

Speciation is often accompanied by frequent gene exchanges, which have been gradually recognized as a common phenomenon in nature. Although gene flow may influence different reproductive isolations, the specific mechanism of the process still requires more experimental evidence, especially in hybrid populations that have no significant differentiation and isolation. To address this challenge, this study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sympatry and parapatry in related species. Three sclerophyllous oaks (Quercus spinosa, Quercus aquifolioides and Quercus rehderiana), which are mainly distributed in the sympatry/parapatry of the East Himalaya–Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions, were used to explore the population dynamics and evolutionary history. Based on 12,420 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism datasets, gene flow detection showed that the three species did not present any obvious genetic barriers. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the three species diverged during the Tertiary Period, and no migration events occurred in the early stages of species divergence. Combined with the data of 19 ecological factors, geological movements and climatic turbulence caused the rapid radiated differentiation of the three species during the Neocene, and similar selective pressures resulted in the same evolutionary pattern based on demographic history analysis. In addition, the predicted niche occupancy profiles and Generalized Dissimilarity Modelling revealed that the three species occupied distinct niches and had significant differences in ecological adaptation, which may explain the specific morphological characteristics of the different species. Therefore, we believe that the populations of the three related species underwent adaptive evolution in different habitats during the early stages of divergence. This study provides new experimental evidence of the formation patterns of parallel speciation.
Effects of heat waves on telomere dynamics and parental brooding effort in nestlings of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia castanotis) transitioning from ectothermy to endothermy
Authors: Ton Riccardo , Boner Winnie , Raveh Shirley , Monaghan Pat , Griffith Simon C.
Published: July 2023

Heat waves are predicted to be detrimental for organismal physiology with costs for survival that could be reflected in markers of biological state such as telomeres. Changes in early life telomere dynamics driven by thermal stress are of particular interest during the early post‐natal stages of altricial birds because nestlings quickly shift from being ectothermic to endothermic after hatching. Telomeres of ectothermic and endothermic organisms respond differently to environmental temperature, but few investigations within species that transition from ectothermy to endothermy are available. Also, ambient temperature influences parental brooding behaviour, which will alter the temperature experienced by offspring and thereby, potentially, their telomeres. We exposed zebra finch nestlings to experimental heat waves and compared their telomere dynamics to that of a control group at 5, 12 and 80 days of age that encapsulate the transition from the ectothermic to the endothermic thermoregulatory stage; we also recorded parental brooding, offspring sex, mass, growth rates, brood size and hatch order. Nestling mass showed an inverse relationship with telomere length, and nestlings exposed to heat waves showed lower telomere attrition during their first 12 days of life (ectothermic stage) compared to controls. Additionally, parents of heated broods reduced the time they spent brooding offspring (at 5 days old) compared to controls. Our results indicate that the effect of heat waves on telomere dynamics likely varies depending on age and thermoregulatory stage of the offspring in combination with parental brooding behaviour during growth.
Striving to thrive or striving to survive: Professional identity constructions of medical trainees in clinical assessment activities
Authors: Liao Kuo‐Chen , Ajjawi Rola , Peng Chang‐Hsuan , Jenq Chang‐Chyi , Monrouxe Lynn V.
Published: July 2023

Context

Assessment plays a key role in competence development and the shaping of future professionals. Despite its presumed positive impacts on learning, unintended consequences of assessment have drawn increasing attention in the literature. Considering professional identities and how these can be dynamically constructed through social interactions, as in assessment contexts, our study sought to understand how assessment influences the construction of professional identities in medical trainees.

Methods

Within social constructionism, we adopted a discursive, narrative approach to investigate the different positions trainees narrate for themselves and their assessors in clinical assessment contexts and the impact of these positions on their constructed identities. We purposively recruited 28 medical trainees (23 students and five postgraduate trainees), who took part in entry, follow‐up and exit interviews of this study and submitted longitudinal audio/written diaries across nine‐months of their training programs. Thematic framework and positioning analyses (focusing on how characters are linguistically positioned in narratives) were applied using an interdisciplinary teamwork approach.

Results

We identified two key narrative plotlines, striving to thrive and striving to survive, across trainees' assessment narratives from 60 interviews and 133 diaries. Elements of growth, development, and improvement were identified as trainees narrated striving to thrive in assessment. Neglect, oppression and perfunctory narratives were elaborated as trainees narrated striving to survive from assessment. Nine main character tropes adopted by trainees with six key assessor character tropes were identified. Bringing these together we present our analysis of two exemplary narratives with elaboration of their wider social implications.

Conclusion

Adopting a discursive approach enabled us to better understand not only what identities are constructed by trainees in assessment contexts but also how they are constructed in relation to broader medical education discourses. The findings are informative for educators to reflect on, rectify and reconstruct assessment practices for better facilitating trainee identity construction.
Twelve new species of Hieracium sect. Tridentata (Asteraceae) from southern Sweden
Authors: Nilsson Tommy , Tyler Torbjörn
Published: July 2023

Twelve new, presumably apomictic species of Hieracium sect. Tridentata, namely H. arcanum, H. versifrons, H. hyperoptum, H. irrugantifrons, H. karolinae, H. leucophlebium, H. melanostigma, H. neomixopolium, H. oxyodontum, H. rostockense, H. subcreperum and H. verecundum are described from the Götaland region of southern Sweden. Apart from morphological descriptions, illustrations and maps showing the distribution of all the species are provided.
Assessment of optometrists' referral accuracy and contributing factors: A review
Authors: Carmichael Josie , Abdi Sarah , Balaskas Konstantinos , Costanza Enrico , Blandford Ann
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In the UK, ophthalmology has the highest number of outpatient appointments within the National Health Service. False‐positive referrals from primary care are one of the main factors contributing to the oversubscription of hospital eye services (HESs). We reviewed the accuracy of referrals originating from primary care optometrists and contributing factors, such as condition type and years since registration.

Recent findings

Of the 31 studies included in the review, 22 were retrospective analyses of referrals and appointments at the HES. Eight were prospective studies, and one used online clinical vignettes. Seven assessed the accuracy of referrals for all ocular conditions. The remaining studies focused on glaucoma (n = 11), cataracts (n = 7), emergency conditions (n = 4), neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (n = 1) and paediatric binocular vision (n = 1). The diagnostic agreement for suspected emergency ocular conditions was the lowest, with only 21.1% of referrals considered to require urgent attention in one study. For glaucoma, the first‐visit discharge rate was high (16.7%–48%). Optometrist referral accuracy was overall 18.6% higher than General Medical Practitioners'; however, the two mainly referred different ocular conditions. Female optometrists made more false‐positive referrals than males (p = 0.008). The proportion of false positives decreased by 6.2% per year since registration (p < 0.001).

There was significant variation in referral accuracy across different ocular conditions, partly due to differences when defining accurate referrals. Optometrists working in primary care are generally more limited in their resources than the HES. Thus, choosing the cautious option of referral when they are unsure could be in the patients' best interests. The possible effect of increased use of advanced imaging on referrals requires evaluation. Although interventions such as refinement schemes have been put in place, these vary across regions, and their approaches such as virtual referral triaging may reduce unnecessary HES face‐to‐face appointments and promote communication between primary and secondary care.
Decoupling subgenomes within hybrid lavandin provide new insights into speciation and monoterpenoid diversification of Lavandula
Authors: Li Jingrui , Li Hui , Wang Yiming , Zhang Wenying , Wang Di , Dong Yanmei , Ling Zhengyi , Bai Hongtong , Jin Xiaohua , Hu Xiaodi , Shi Lei
Published: July 2023

Polyploidization and transposon elements contribute to shape plant genome diversity and secondary metabolic variation in some edible crops. However, the specific contribution of these variations to the chemo‐diversity of Lamiaceae, particularly in economic shrubs, is still poorly documented. The rich essential oils (EOs) of Lavandula plants are distinguished by monoterpenoids among the main EO‐producing species, L. angustifolia (LA), L. × intermedia (LX) and L. latifolia (LL). Herein, the first allele‐aware chromosome‐level genome was assembled using a lavandin cultivar ‘Super’ and its hybrid origin was verified by two complete subgenomes (LX‐LA and LX‐LL). Genome‐wide phylogenetics confirmed that LL, like LA, underwent two lineage‐specific WGDs after the γ triplication event, and their speciation occurred after the last WGD. Chloroplast phylogenetic analysis indicated LA was the maternal source of ‘Super’, which produced premium EO (higher linalyl/lavandulyl acetate and lower 1,8‐cineole and camphor) close to LA. Gene expression, especially the monoterpenoid biosynthetic genes, showed bias to LX‐LA alleles. Asymmetric transposon insertions in two decoupling ‘Super’ subgenomes were responsible for speciation and monoterpenoid divergence of the progenitors. Both hybrid and parental evolutionary analysis revealed that LTR (long terminal repeat) retrotransposon associated with AAT gene loss cause no linalyl/lavandulyl acetate production in LL, and multi‐BDH copies retained by tandem duplication and DNA transposon resulted in higher camphor accumulation of LL. Advances in allelic variations of monoterpenoids have the potential to revolutionize future lavandin breeding and EO production.
Enhanced mucosal response in sheep harbouringβAbeta‐globin against haemonchosis
Authors: Okino Cintia Hiromi , Niciura Simone Cristina Méo , Giaretta Paula Roberta , Melito Gláucia Roberta , Kapritchkoff Rafaela Tami Ikeda , Santos Isabella Barbosa dos , Rech Raquel Rubia , Minho Alessandro Pelegrine , Esteves Sérgio Novita , Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza
Published: July 2023

Association between ovine β‐globin polymorphisms and resistance against haemonchosis was described and related to the mechanism of high oxygen affinity βA➔ βCswitch during anaemia, but there are no studies regarding the involved local host responses. Phenotypic parameters and local responses were evaluated in sheep from two β‐globin haplotypes naturally infected withHaemonchus contortus. Morada Nova lambs were monitored at 63, 84 and 105 days of age for faecal egg counts and packed cell volume (PCV) under natural infection withH. contortus. At 210 days of age, lambs of Hb‐AA and Hb‐BB β‐globin haplotypes were euthanised, and the fundic region of abomasum was sampled for evaluation of microscopic lesions and relative expression of genes related to immune, mucin and lectin activities. Lambs harbouring the βAallele presented an improved resistance/resilience against clinical haemonchosis, showing higher PCV during infection. Hb‐AA animals presented increased eosinophilia in the abomasum compared to Hb‐BB animals, accompanied by higher Th2 profile, mucin and lectin activity transcripts, while the inflammatory response was increased in Hb‐BB animals. This is the first report to demonstrate an enhanced local response in the primary site ofH. contortusinfection related to βAallele of β‐globin haplotype.
Maintaining vegetative structure during weed management sustains birds and an invasive mammal
Authors: Carlos Emma H. , Rendall Anthony R. , Gibson Maria , Weston Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Weed management often involves active measures to minimize or prevent negative impacts on local wildlife. Approaches include retention of weed structure, altered timing of management to avoid wildlife breeding seasons, and/or the gradual removal of weeds in conjunction with revegetation of native plants. We assess the short‐term impacts of retaining some structural complexity offered by weeds post management to birds and a small mammal in two ecosystems. One ecosystem involves a wetland with an emergent weed, the other a woodland with a sub‐canopy weed. Before‐After‐Reference‐Control‐Impact experiments revealed that assemblage and activity of birds and an invasive small mammal—the only captured in numbers during our study—were minimally altered by weed management. In some instances, we observed the activity of native bird species favoring the use of weeds. Evidence also suggested the weedy sites supported different species assemblages compared to reference sites without weeds. This study indicates that, in the short‐term, retention of weed structure can sustain birds and an exotic mammal that use weeds.
Ketogenic diets for obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome? Interesting physiology but a long way to go
Authors: Cayanan Elizabeth Anne , Grunstein Ronald R.
Published: July 2023

See related article
Magnification of the ‘China shock’ through the U.S. housing market
Authors: Xu Yuan , Ma Hong , Feenstra Robert
Published: July 2023

The ‘China shock’ operated in part through the housing market, which is one reason why its impact was so large on the U.S. labor market. We add housing to a multi‐region multi‐sector model, with individuals choosing whether and where to work. Controlling for housing reduces the negative direct impact of import exposure on manufacturing employment by 26%–31%, with a significant magnification through the housing market. A variance decomposition analysis shows that the indirect effect of the China shock through the housing market contributes an added 11% to the variance in manufacturing employment as compared to the direct effect of import exposure. For manufacturing and construction employment combined, the indirect effect even outweighs the direct effect.
Exporters' environmental premium in a developing country: Firm‐level evidence from China
Authors: Yang Gaoju , Xie Yuexing , Huang Xianhai , Chen Hangyu
Published: July 2023

This article reveals the source of exporters' better environmental performance (exporters' environmental premium) for Chinese firms with a model based on heterogeneous firm theory and empirical analysis with a difference‐in‐differences method based on the Chinese export tax refund reduction in 2004 and comprehensive firm‐level environmental survey data. The results show that exporting releases Chinese firms' financing constraints and enables them to upgrade production technologies quickly by applying advanced production technology (capital‐embodied technological upgrading) rather than by upgrading abatement technologies, to drive down sulfur dioxide (SO2) intensity and energy intensity. Exporting also reduces a firm's average energy intensity and SO2 intensity by reallocating resources from energy‐intensive and polluting production and firms to cleaner ones, that is, the resource reallocation effect. However, Chinese firms cannot expand their production much when trade costs decrease, which makes it difficult for the scale effect to work well.
Head‐to‐head opponent mitigates mental fatigue effects during a 20‐km time trial in well‐trained cyclists
Authors: Ferreira Maria Elisa Caputo , Carmo Everton Crivoi , Frota‐Júnior Luiz Solon , de Sousa Fortes Leonardo
Published: July 2023

We aimed to analyze the effect of a head‐to‐head virtual race on 20‐km time trial performance in well‐trained mentally fatigued cyclists. A total of 24 male professional cyclists participated in the present study, which was conducted in a within‐factors design [four experimental conditions × four times (throughout 20‐km time trial cycling)]. An avatar representing the participant on the racecourse was visible during the time trials. Then, a second virtual avatar representing the opponent was projected onto the screen in the mental fatigue head‐to‐head and control head‐to‐head experimental conditions. Measurements [rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, and eye‐tracking measures (i.e., pupil diameter)] were performed every 5‐km throughout the 20‐km time trial. As a result, impaired total time, power output, and cadence throughout the 20‐km cycling time trial were found for mental fatigue compared to mental fatigue head‐to‐head, control head‐to‐head, and control conditions (p < 0.05). Also, impaired 20‐km time trial performance (total time, power output, and cadence) was found for mental fatigue head‐to‐head compared to control head‐to‐head (p < 0.05). Moreover, lower RPE was found for the control and control head‐to‐head conditions than mental fatigue head‐to‐head and mental fatigue experimental conditions (p < 0.05). Higher pupil diameter was also found for mental fatigue head‐to‐head, control head‐to‐head, and control than the mental fatigue experimental condition (p < 0.05). In summary, the overall performance throughout the 20‐km cycling time trial was improved by the presence of a virtual opponent for the mentally fatigued cyclists.
Tandem duplication and sub‐functionalization of clerodane diterpene synthase originate the blooming of clerodane diterpenoids in Scutellaria barbata
Authors: Qiu Ting , Li YangYan , Wu Haisheng , Yang Hui , Peng Ziqiu , Du Zuying , Wu Qingwen , Wang Hongbin , Shen Yanting , Huang Lili
Published: July 2023

Scutellaria barbata is a traditional Chinese herb medicine and a major source of bioactive clerodane diterpenoids. However, barely clerodanes have been isolated from the closely related S. baicalensis. Here we assembled a chromosome‐level genome of S. barbata and identified three class II clerodane diterpene synthases (SbarKPS1, SbarKPS2 and SbaiKPS1) from these two organisms. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, SbarKPS1 was characterized as a monofunctional (−)‐kolavenyl diphosphate synthases ((−)‐KPS), while SbarKPS2 and SbaiKPS1 produced major neo‐cleroda‐4(18),13E‐dienyl diphosphate with small amount of (−)‐KPP. SbarKPS1 and SbarKPS2 shared a high protein sequence identity and formed a tandem gene pair, indicating tandem duplication and sub‐functionalization probably led to the evolution of monofunctional (−)‐KPS in S. barbata. Additionally, SbarKPS1 and SbarKPS2 were primarily expressed in the leaves and flowers of S. barbata, which was consistent with the distribution of major clerodane diterpenoids scutebarbatine A and B. In contrast, SbaiKPS1 was barely expressed in any tissue of S. baicalensis. We further explored the downstream class I diTPS by functional characterizing of SbarKSL3 and SbarKSL4. Unfortunately, no dephosphorylated product was detected in the coupled assays with SbarKSL3/KSL4 and four class II diTPSs (SbarKPS1, SbarKPS2, SbarCPS2 and SbarCPS4) when a phosphatase inhibitor cocktail was included. Co‐expression of SbarKSL3/KSL4 with class II diTPSs in yeast cells did not increase the yield of the corresponding dephosphorylated products, either. Together, these findings elucidated the involvement of two class II diTPSs in clerodane biosynthesis in S. barbata, while the class I diTPS is likely not responsible for the subsequent dephosphorylation step.
Evaluating gender discrepancies in the time to successful match into a small animal surgery residency program
Authors: Menard Jenna V. , Schroeder Mikayla M. , Buote Nicole J. , Tinga Selena , Krotscheck Ursula , Morello Samantha L. , Lopez Daniel J.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine any association between gender and likelihood of first attempt match and overall time to match into an American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS)‐registered small animal surgical residency program (SASRP).

Study design

Online survey.

Sample population

A total of 100 (77 female, 23 male) ACVS small animal surgery residents or diplomates participating in a SASRP during the past 5 years.

Methods

An online survey was sent to eligible individuals. Respondents anonymously provided information related to demographics, postgraduate internships, and qualifications at the time of each surgical residency application. First attempt and overall match success were evaluated by gender through univariable analysis and then via a multivariable model.

Results

Men were 2.89 times more likely to match directly into a SASRP following a rotating internship than women (p = .041), and women completed more total internships than men prior to successful match into a SASRP (p = .030); however, men were found to have more publications at the time of first residency application (p < .001) or successful match (p = .018). Multivariable analysis revealed no association between gender on overall match success or first attempt match rate when considering all other qualifications.

Conclusion

No evidence for gender bias was found during the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) SASRP applicant selection process; however, gender specific patterns in research qualifications were identified.

Impact

Gender‐blinded assessment is not considered necessary for the VIRMP small animal surgical resident selection process. Efforts should be made to educate applicants about the impact of research on the residency selection process and encourage research engagement of female students and graduates.
Sparse universal graphs for planarity
Authors: Esperet Louis , Joret Gwenaël , Morin Pat
Published: July 2023

We show that for every integer , there exists a graph with vertices and edges such that every ‐vertex planar graph is isomorphic to a subgraph of . The best previous bound on the number of edges was , proved by Babai, Chung, Erdős, Graham, and Spencer in 1982. We then show that for every integer , there is a graph with vertices and edges that contains induced copies of every ‐vertex planar graph. This significantly reduces the number of edges in a recent construction of the authors with Dujmović, Gavoille, and Micek.
Designing Evolving Cyber-Physical-Social Systems: Computational Research Opportunities
Authors: Allen Janet K. , Nellippallil Anand Balu , Ming Zhenjun , Milisavljevic-Syed Jelena , Mistree Farrokh
Published: July 2023

Cyber-physical-social systems (CPSS) are natural extensions of cyber-physical systems that add the consideration of human interactions and cooperation with cyber systems and physical systems. CPSS are becoming increasingly important as we face challenges such as regulating our impact on the environment, eradicating disease, transitioning to digital and sustainable manufacturing, and improving healthcare. Human stakeholders in these systems are integral to the effectiveness of these systems. One of the key features of CPSS is that the form, structure, and interactions constantly evolve to meet changes in the environment. Designing evolving CPSS includes making tradeoffs amongst the cyber, the physical, and the social systems. Advances in computing and information science have given us opportunities to ask difficult and important questions, especially those related to cyber-physical-social systems. In this paper, we identify research opportunities worth investigating. We start with theoretical and mathematical frameworks for identifying and framing the problem—specifically, problem identification and formulation, data management, CPSS modeling, and CPSS in action. Then we discuss issues related to the design of CPSS including decision-making, computational platform support, and verification and validation. Building on this foundation, we suggest a way forward.
Reduced Order Modeling of Dynamic Mechanical Metamaterials for Analysis of Infinite and Finite Systems
Authors: Wang Weidi , Amirkhizi Alireza V.
Published: July 2023

Dynamic mechanical metamaterials (MMs) are artificial media composed of periodic micro-structures, designed to manipulate wave propagation. Modeling and designing MMs can be computationally demanding due to the broad design space spanned by the geometric and material parameters. This work aims to develop a generalized reduced order modeling approach for determining MM dynamics in low frequency ranges with accuracy and speed, using a limited number of parameters and small matrices. The MM unit cells are treated as assemblies of structural elements with discrete degrees-of-freedom, whose effective stiffness and inertia are determined by optimizing energy criteria based on continuum results derived from a small number of eigen-study simulations. This proposed approach offers a parameterized and discretized representation of MM systems, which leads to fast and accurate computation of eigen-study results for periodic arrays, as well as dynamic responses in time domain for finite-sized arrays. The high computational efficiency and physical accuracy of this method will help streamline the modeling process and aid in design discovery and optimization, especially in combination with machine learning and data-driven techniques.
The Relationships Between Neural Activity and In-Game Hitting Performance in Baseball
Authors: Themanson Jason R. , Norton Grace , Daly Evan , Thoma Leah , Sheese Brad E.
Published: July 2023

The current study examines the relationships between hitters’ neural activity and their in-game hitting performance. Collegiate baseball players completed a computerized video task assessing whether thrown pitches were balls or strikes while their neural activity was recorded. In addition, each player’s hitting statistics were collected for the following baseball season. Results showed that neural activity during the computerized task was associated with in-game hitting performance, even after accounting for other individual difference variables. These findings indicate that players’ neural activity measured in a laboratory environment shows a translational relationship with in-game hitting performance over time. Neural activity provides a more objective analysis of players’ ongoing self-regulatory processes during hitting and a better understanding of the cognitive processes associated with hitting performance. Self-regulatory cognitive control is adaptable and trainable, and this research advances the measurement of cognitive variables related with in-game hitting performance in baseball.
RADx-UP Testing Core: Access to COVID-19 Diagnostics in Community-Engaged Research with Underserved Populations
Authors: Narayanasamy Shanti , Veldman Timothy H. , Lee Mark J. , Glover William A. , Tillekeratne L. Gayani , Neighbors Coralei E. , Harper Barrie , Raghavan Vidya , Kennedy Scott W. , Carper Miranda , Denny Thomas , Tsalik Ephraim L. , Reller Megan E. , Kibbe Warren A. , Corbie Giselle , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Woods Christopher W. , Petti Cathy A.
Published: July 2023

Research on the COVID-19 pandemic revealed a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection and death among underserved populations and exposed low rates of SARS-CoV-2 testing in these communities. A landmark National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding initiative, the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) program, was developed to address the research gap in understanding the adoption of COVID-19 testing in underserved populations.
Analysis of the Genomic Features and Evolutionary History of Pithovirus-Like Isolates Reveals Two Major Divergent Groups of Viruses
Authors: Queiroz Victória F. , Carvalho João Victor R. P. , de Souza Fernanda G. , Lima Maurício T. , Santos Juliane D. , Rocha Kamila L. S. , de Oliveira Danilo B. , Araújo João Pessoa , Ullmann Leila Sabrina , Rodrigues Rodrigo A. L. , Abrahão Jônatas S.
Published: July 2023

Giant viruses that infect amoebae form a monophyletic group named the phylum
Nucleocytoviricota
. Despite being genomically and morphologically very diverse, the taxonomic categories of some clades that form this phylum are not yet well established.
Identification and Genetic Characterization of Conjugative Plasmids Encoding Coresistance to Ciprofloxacin and Cephalosporin in Foodborne
Vibrio
spp.
Authors: Xu Yating , Zheng Zhiwei , Ye Lianwei , Chan Edward Wai-Chi , Chen Sheng
Published: July 2023

Vibrio
spp. used to be very susceptible to antibiotics. However, resistance to clinically important antibiotics, such as cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, among clinically isolated
Vibrio
strains is increasingly common.
Nonlethal Furfural Exposure Causes Genomic Alterations and Adaptability Evolution in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Qi Lei , Zhu Ying-Xuan , Wang Ye-Ke , Tang Xing-Xing , Li Ke-Jing , He Min , Sui Yang , Wang Pin-Mei , Zheng Dao-Qiong , Zhang Ke
Published: July 2023

Industrial microorganisms are often exposed to multiple environmental stressors and inhibitors during their application. This study demonstrates that nonlethal concentrations of furfural in the culture medium can significantly induce genome instability in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
.
Simple and Rapid Discrimination of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Based on Gram Staining and Machine Vision
Authors: Yu Menghuan , Shi Haimei , Shen Hao , Chen Xueqin , Zhang Li , Zhu Jianhua , Qian Guoqing , Feng Bin , Yu Shaoning
Published: July 2023

Oxacillin sodium salt destroys the integrity of the cell wall of MSSA immediately, appearing Gram negative, whereas MRSA is relatively stable and still appears Gram positive. This color change can be detected by microscopic examination and MV analysis. This new strategy has significantly reduced the time to detect resistance. The results show that using oxacillin sodium salt combined with Gram staining and MV analysis is a new, simple and rapid method for identification of MRSA.
Stillbirth and fulminant postpartum haemolysis: COVID-19 or leptospirosis or both?
Authors: Sutter Tabea , Fehr Thomas , Blume Carolin , Kajdi Marie-Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

We report the case of a female patient with a SARS-CoV-2 infection first diagnosed at 32 2/7 weeks of gestation, resulting in stillbirth at 33 5/7 weeks of gestation. Post partum the patient presented with severe and persistent haemolysis, mild thrombocytopaenia, renal insufficiency and proteinuria as well as elevated liver enzymes and jaundice. Further investigations revealed a positive IgM forLeptospira interrogansand proof of infection by PCR in the urine. The patient was treated with penicillin for 7 days and received a total of 23 units of red blood cells within 11 days. Haemolysis diminished over time and haemoglobin, proteinuria and transaminases normalised within 23 days after delivery. We suppose an acute leptospirosis as underlying cause for the haemolysis, mimicking pregnancy-associated thrombotic microangiopathy. Whether stillbirth was related to leptospirosis or SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear.
Postoperative radiotherapy for high-grade primary cardiac spindle cell sarcoma: a rare entity
Authors: Ali Tooba , Ali Nasir , Khan Laraib , Minhas Khurram
Published: July 2023

A patient in her early 20s presented with blood-stained sputum and shortness of breath. Initially, she was treated for pneumonia. Later, upon exacerbation of symptoms, further investigations were done which exhibited a left atrial mass causing compression of contralateral atrium. She underwent surgical resection of the mass, which was initially mistaken as myxoma. However, histopathological correlation revealed spindle cell sarcoma with focal myogenic differentiation. This case report highlights the role of Radiation Therapy in adjuvant setting with promising impact on improving local control after R2 resection. Cardiac spindle cell sarcoma, being one of the rarest cardiac tumours reported to date, warrants establishment of a Rare Tumour Multidisciplinary Team for management of such malignancies.
Acute flaccid paralysis due to multifactorial hyperkalaemia
Authors: Rodrigues Ricardo Ambrósio , Alves Telma , Canizes Paiva Christine Joannie , Gonçalves João Rocha
Published: July 2023

A male patient in his late 30s with a history of Lynch syndrome and colorectal cancer relapse, which recently started chemotherapy, was admitted to the emergency department with acute lower limb weakness that had progressed to all limbs and resulted in complete flaccid paresis with general areflexia. Blood tests showed severe hyperkalaemia, severe acute kidney injury and hyperuricaemia. Ultrasound showed bilateral hydronephrosis due to pelvic mass obstruction. Hyperkalaemia correction measurements were started as well as rasburicase with the assumption of tumour lysis syndrome and postrenal kidney injury. The patient showed a favourable clinical response with complete return of limb movement in the following hours and progressive recovery of renal function in the following days. This case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and correction of severe hyperkalaemia, and its multiple possible causes, as it can lead to acute flaccid paralysis and a fatal outcome.
Sense of community and mental health: a cross-sectional analysis from a household survey in Wisconsin
Authors: Park Eunice Y , Oliver Thomas R , Peppard Paul E , Malecki Kristen C
Published: July 2023

Background

In the USA, one in five adults live with a mental illness, and researchers have estimated that nearly half of the population will have a mental illness over the course of their lifetime. Research has shown significant associations between social relationships and mental health outcomes at the individual and population levels. This study aims to examine whether sense of community, a type of social capital, is associated with mental health.

Methods

In a cross-sectional analysis, multiple logistic regression models were used to examine whether sense of community was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress reported over the last week. The analysis used data from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin collected between 2014 and 2016. A total of 1647 observations are included in the analyses.

Results

Compared with those who report a positive sense of community, those with a negative sense of community had a significantly higher odds of reporting depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Socioeconomic status is negatively associated with depression and anxiety, but not with stress. Women were more likely to experience moderate, severe, or extremely severe anxiety and stress, compared with men.

Conclusion

This study extends current understanding of health benefits of social capital and found that individuals’ sense of community is associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Further research examining mechanisms to support improved sense of community and other types of social capital could benefit health equity research.
Integrating health leadership and management perspectives: the MESH framework for culturally informed food design thinking and well-being promotion
Authors: Tillotson Jack S , Tassiello Vito , Bettany Shona , Laker Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examines the social and cultural life of food innovations to inform food design thinking. The authors explore this through wellness regulating functional foods, foods scientifically modified for health benefits based on medical and nutritional claims, as a materialisation of food innovation in the marketplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on affordance theory, where affordance relations enable potential for consumer food well-being regulation, the authors gathered in-depth interview data from diverse consumer groups across three illustrative exemplar functional foods.

Findings

The research reveals how consumers engage in meaningful actions with functional foods in the experiences of their everyday lives. Four analytical themes emerge for consumer wellness regulation through functional foods: morality judgements, emotional consequences, social embedding and historicality.

Originality

Analytical themes emerging from the findings are conceptualised as MESH, a useful acronym for the social and cultural life of food innovations within the design thinking arena. The MESH framework includes dichotomous cultural affordances that overlap and entangle different cultural themes weaving together consumers’ perceived possibilities for food well-being regulation. These cultural affordances reveal distinct paths that link consumer experiences and food design thinking.
Effectiveness of virtual reality on anxiety and pain management in patients undergoing cardiac procedures: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bashir Zubair , Misquith Chelsea , Has Phinnara , Bukhari Syed
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Anxiety and pain associated with cardiac procedures can lead to worse outcomes and poor satisfaction. Virtual reality (VR) can offer an innovative approach to a more informative experience that may enhance procedural understanding and reduce anxiety. It may also provide a more enjoyable experience by controlling procedure-related pain and improving satisfaction. Previous studies have shown benefits of VR-related therapies in improving anxiety related to cardiac rehabilitation and different surgical procedures. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of VR technology in comparison to the standard of care in reducing anxiety and pain related to cardiac procedures.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol is structured according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis-Protocol (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy will be used to search the online databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on VR, cardiac procedures, anxiety, and pain. Risk of bias will be analysed using revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs. Effect estimates will be reported as standardised mean differences with a 95% CI. Random effect model will be used to generate effect estimates if heterogeneity is significant (I2>60%), otherwise fixed effect model will be used. A p value of <0.05 will be taken as statistically significant. Publication bias will be reported using Egger’s regression test. Statistical analysis will be performed using Stata SE V.17.0 and RevMan5.

Ethics and dissemination

There will be no direct involvement of the patient or the public in the conception, design, data collection, and analysis of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be disseminated via journal articles.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD 42023395395.
Managing the Use of Insecticides in Agricultural Fields: A Modeling Study
Authors: Misra A. K. , Yadav Akash
Published: July 2023

At present time, sustainable crop production is of prime importance due to the expansion of human population and diminishing cultivable land. Insects attack the plants’ roots, blooms and leaves and lessen the agricultural production across the globe. In this research work, we propose a nonlinear mathematical model to manage the spray of insecticides to control insect population and increase crop production. In the model formulation, we consider that the spraying of insecticides is attributed to both the density of insects and loss in crop production. This study identifies the range of spraying rate of insecticides at which the model system shows bistability behavior and its threshold value after which system stabilizes to the equilibrium with higher crop production. Further, we have also demonstrated that the model undergoes transcritical, saddle-node, Hopf, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations. The extensive numerical simulation is performed to validate the analytical findings.
Chaos and Bistabilities in a Food-Chain Model with Allee Effect and Additional Food
Authors: Sil Nikhilesh , Samanta Sudip
Published: July 2023

In this research article, a three-species food chain model with Allee effect and additional food is proposed and analyzed. The Allee effect and additional food are introduced to the top predator population. The dynamical behavior of the system is studied analytically and numerically. We have performed equilibrium analysis and local stability analysis around the non-negative equilibria. We have also explored different bifurcations in the system. We have drawn several one- and two-parameter bifurcation diagrams to explore complex dynamical behaviors. We observe that top predator goes to extinction when Allee parameter crosses a threshold value, whereas additional food enhances the stability and persistence of the system.
On Typical Hesitant Fuzzy Languages and Automata
Authors: Costa Valdigleis S. , Bedregal Benjamín C. , Santiago Regivan H. N.
Published: July 2023

The idea of nondeterministic typical hesitant fuzzy automata is a generalization of the fuzzy automata presented by Costa and Bedregal. This paper, presents the sufficient and necessary conditions for a typical hesitant fuzzy language to be computed by nondeterministic typical hesitant fuzzy automata. Besides, the paper introduces a new class of typical hesitant fuzzy automata with crisp transitions, and we will show that this new class is equivalent to the original class introduced by Costa and Bedregal.
Chaotic Binary Pelican Optimization Algorithm for Feature Selection
Authors: Eluri Rama Krishna , Devarakonda Nagaraju
Published: July 2023

This research proposes a new wrapper model based on chaos theory and nature-inspired pelican optimization algorithm (POA) for feature selection. The base algorithm is converted into a binary one and a chaotic search to augment POA’s exploration and exploitation process, denoted as chaotic binary pelican optimization algorithm (CBPOA). The main focus of chaos theory is to resolve the slow convergence rate as well as entrapment in local optimal issues of classical POA. Therefore, ten dissimilar chaotic maps are entrenched in POA to tackle these issues and attain a more robust and effective search mechanism. CBPOA executes on continuous search; thus, the continuous search is reformed to a discrete one by adapting transfer functions. In CBPOA, eight transfer functions are used to find the best one and inspect CBPOA. Consequently, the performance of the CBPOA has been investigated by targeting several metrics under 18 UCI datasets. The best variant is nominated and explored the performance with classical wrapper-based and filter-based schemes. Furthermore, the proposed CBPOA is evaluated using 23 functions from CEC-2017, 2018 and 2020 benchmarks. As an outcome, CBPOA has accomplished better outcomes than existing schemes and is superior in handling feature selection problems.
Security Mismatch
Authors: Vachon Phil
Published: July 2023

Information security teams that say 'no' need to change. Hiding behind a moat makes repelling attacks easy, but bridges allow you to replenish supplies and foster relationships with customers? castles. Remember, a security team's role is to empower their business to move forward with confidence, not to hinder progress.
Procedural Modeling Based Shape Grammar as a Key to Generating Digital Architectural Heritage
Authors: Alfadalat Maha Ayed , Al-Azhari Wael , Dabbour Loai
Published: July 2023

Digital architectural heritage content creation for virtual worlds nowadays is one of the most important challenges with the ever-increasing expenses of manual content development. Procedural modeling approaches have become a key tool for automating the design and reconstruction of structures and urban environments to disseminate them through appropriate multimedia approaches. This study presents a general architectural modeling system that combines the full generative power of shape grammars with the ease of use and flexibility of procedural modeling parameters which allows for the creation of heritage buildings that adhere to shape grammars. To evaluate the system, we conducted an initial user study with 20 participants from the Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan to assess the user experience, user impression, and effectiveness of the system. Participants’ feedbacks were encouraging, indicating that the proposed approach could be effective and beneficial in assisting the creation of digital architectural heritage urban virtual content.
Revisiting the Identification of the Co-evolution of Production and Test Code
Authors: Sun Weifeng , Yan Meng , Liu Zhongxin , Xia Xin , Lei Yan , Lo David
Published: July 2023

Many software processes advocate that the test code should
co-evolve
with the production code. Prior work usually studies such co-evolution based on
production-test co-evolution samples
mined from software repositories. A production-test co-evolution sample refers to a pair of a test code change and a production code change where the test code change triggers or is triggered by the production code change. The quality of the mined samples is critical to the reliability of research conclusions. Existing studies mined production-test co-evolution samples based on the following assumption:

if a test class and its associated production class change together in one commit, or a test class changes immediately after the changes of the associated production class within a short time interval, this
change pair
should be a
production-test co-evolution sample

. However, the validity of this assumption has never been investigated.

To fill this gap, we present an empirical study, investigating the reasons for test code updates occurring after the associated production code changes, and revealing the pervasive existence of noise in the production-test co-evolution samples identified based on the aforementioned assumption by existing works. We define a taxonomy of such noise, including six categories (i.e., adaptive maintenance, perfective maintenance, corrective maintenance, indirectly related production code update, indirectly related test code update, and other reasons). Guided by the empirical findings, we propose
CHOSEN
(an identifi

C

ation met

H

od

O

f production-te

S

t co-

E

volutio

N

) based on a two-stage strategy.
CHOSEN
takes a test code change and its associated production code change as input, aiming to determine whether the production-test change pair is a production-test co-evolution sample. Such identified samples are the basis of or are useful for various downstream tasks. We conduct a series of experiments to evaluate our method. Results show that (1)
CHOSEN
achieves an AUC of 0.931 and an F1-score of 0.928, significantly outperforming existing identification methods, and (2)
CHOSEN
can help researchers and practitioners draw more accurate conclusions on studies related to the co-evolution of production and test code. For the task of Just-In-Time (JIT) obsolete test code detection, which can help detect whether a piece of test code should be updated when developers modify the production code, the test set constructed by
CHOSEN
can help measure the detection method’s performance more accurately, only leading to 0.76% of average error compared with ground truth. In addition, the dataset constructed by
CHOSEN
can be used to train a better obsolete test code detection model, of which the average improvements on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score are 12.00%, 17.35%, 8.75%, and 13.50% respectively.