bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation shows footprints of altitude selection in the clonal plant speciesFragaria vesca
Authors: Le Veve Audrey , Sammarco Iris , Latzel Vít , Placette Clément Lafon
Published: March 2024

Climate change threatens plant species, potentially pushing them beyond their adaptive capacities. DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications may enable rapid adaptation to environmental changes by generating locally adapted phenotypes. These phenotypic changes can be inherited across generations and may become targets of natural selection. However, direct evidence for selection on epialleles remains scarce. Addressing this gap is crucial, as population survival may heavily rely on DNA methylation, especially in clonal plants with limited genetic diversity.

We employed population genomics approaches to investigate altitude-driven selection on epigenetic sites in clonal offspring of natural woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) populations. These offspring were grown in a common garden and derived from seven populations spanning an altitudinal range.

Our genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic analyses identified epialleles in clones exhibiting signs of selection related to altitude. These loci overlapped with genes involved in the O-methyltransferase activity, potentially aiding altitude adaptation through enhanced secondary metabolite production. Interestingly, these epialleles were mostly independent of genetic variation, suggesting they may have arisen stochastically or in response to environmental variation.

These findings suggest that heritable epigenetic variation could help clonal species quickly adapt to environmental challenges as those related to varying altitudes and/or temperatures.
Padé approximants of the Born series of electromagnetic scattering by a diffraction grating
Authors: van der Sijs T. A. , El Gawhary O. , Urbach H. P.
Published: March 2024

We present the realization of a vectorial perturbation method based on the Born series applied to strong electromagnetic scattering problems. We present the general theoretical formalism and show a semianalytical implementation for scattering by diffraction gratings. We are particularly interested in the strong scattering regime, where the Born series is known to wildly (namely, exponentially) diverge. By applying Padé approximation to the vectorial Born series, we are able to obtain accurate results from divergent Born series. The method we present has the inherent benefit of being close to the actual physical mechanism behind the formation of a scattered signal, as the solution is built step by step from a sequence of multiple-scattering events. This helps in the understanding of signal formation, which is a key element in inverse scattering problems that are relevant to optical metrology, among others.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Microscopic understanding of the in-plane thermal transport properties of
2H
transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Farris Roberta , Hellman Olle , Zanolli Zeila , Saleta Reig David , Varghese Sebin , Ordejón Pablo , Tielrooij Klaas-Jan , Verstraete Matthieu Jean
Published: March 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a class of layered materials that hold great promise for a wide range of applications. Their practical use can be limited by their thermal transport properties, which have proven challenging to determine accurately, both from a theoretical and experimental perspective. We have conducted a thorough theoretical investigation of the thermal conductivity of four common TMDs, MoSe2, WSe2, MoS2, and WS2, at room temperature, to determine the key factors that influence their thermal behavior. We analyze these materials using calculations performed with the program, anharmonic lattice dynamics and the Boltzmann transport equation formalism, as implemented in the temperature-dependent effective potentials method. Within this framework, we analyze the microscopic parameters influencing the thermal conductivity, such as the phonon dispersion and the phonon lifetimes. The aim is to precisely identify the origin of differences in thermal conductivity among these canonical TMD materials. We compare their in-plane thermal properties in monolayer and bulk form, and we analyze how the thickness and the chemical composition affect the thermal transport behavior. We showcase how bonding and the crystal structure influence the thermal properties by comparing the TMDs with silicon, reporting the cases of bulk silicon and monolayer silicene. We find that the interlayer bond type (covalent vs. van der Waals) involved in the structure is crucial in the heat transport. In two-dimensional silicene, we observe a reduction by a factor ∼15 compared to the Si bulk thermal conductivity due to the smaller group velocities and shorter phonon lifetimes. In the TMDs, where the group velocities and the phonon bands do not vary significantly passing from the bulk to the monolayer limit, we do not see as strong a decrease in the thermal conductivity: only a factor 2–3. Moreover, our analysis reveals that differences in the thermal conductivity arise from variations in atomic species, bond strengths, and phonon lifetimes. These factors are closely interconnected and collectively impact the overall thermal conductivity. We inspect each of them separately and explain how they influence the heat transport. We also study artificial TMDs with modified masses, in order to assess how the chemistry of the compounds modifies the microscopic quantities and thus the thermal conductivity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
EFT, decoupling, Higgs boson mixing, and higher dimensional operators
Authors: Banerjee Upalaparna , Chakrabortty Joydeep , Englert Christoph , Naskar Wrishik , Rahaman Shakeel Ur , Spannowsky Michael
Published: March 2024

The effective field theory (EFT) framework is a precise approximation procedure when the inherent assumptions of a large-scale separation between the Standard Model (SM) and new interactions alongside perturbativity are realized. Constraints from available data might not automatically guarantee these circumstances when contrasted with UV scenarios that the EFT analysis wishes to inform. From an EFT perspective, achieving sufficient precision in navigating the alignment or decoupling limits beyond the SM scenarios can necessitate moving beyond the SM’s leading, dimension six EFT deformation. Using the example of Higgs boson mixing, we demonstrated the importance of higher-dimensional terms in the EFT expansion. We analyze the relevance of virtual EFT corrections and dimension eight contributions for well-determined electroweak precision observables. We find that when moving away from the decoupling limit, the relevance of additional terms in the EFT expansion quickly becomes relevant. This demonstrates the necessity to move beyond dimension six interactions for any scenario that contains Higgs boson mixing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Operational performance of light electric freight vehicles in the last mile: two Nordic case studies
Authors: Arvidsson Niklas , Weir IV Howard Twaddell , Orving Tale
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To assess the introduction and performance of light electric freight vehicles (LEFVs), more specifically cargo cycles in major 3PL organizations in at least two Nordic countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies. Interviews. Company data on performance before as well as after the introduction. Study of differing business models as well as operational setups.

Findings

The results from the studied cases show that LEFVs can compete with conventional vans in last mile delivery operations of e-commerce parcels. We account for when this might be the case, during which circumstances and why.

Research limitations/implications

Inherent limitations of the case study approach, specifically on generalization. Future research to include more public–private partnership and multi-actor approach for scalability.

Practical implications

Adding to knowledge on the public sector facilitation necessary to succeed with implementation and identifying cases in which LEFVs might offer efficiency gains over more traditional delivery vehicles.

Originality/value

One novelty is the access to detailed data from before the implementation of new vehicles and the data after the implementation. A fair comparison is made possible by the operational structure, area of delivery, number of customers, customer density, type of packages, and to some extent, the number of packages being quite similar. Additionally, we provide data showing how city hubs can allow cargo cycles to work synergistically with delivery vans. This is valuable information for organizations thinking of trying LEFVs in operations as well as municipalities/local authorities that are interested.
Marketing analytics acceptance: using the UTAUT, perceived trust, personal innovativeness in information technology and user attitude
Authors: Twum Kojo Kakra , Yalley Andrews Agya
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The use of innovative technologies by firm employees is a key factor in ensuring the competitiveness of firms. However, researchers and practitioners have been concerned about the willingness of technology end users to use innovative technologies. This study, therefore, aims to determine the factors affecting the intention to use marketing analytics technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 213 firm employees. The quantitative data collected was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results reveal that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, attitudes and perceived trust have a positive and significant effect on intentions to use marketing analytics. Effort expectancy, social influence and personal innovativeness in information technology were found not to predict intentions to use marketing analytics.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for firms seeking to enhance the use of marketing analytics technology in developing countries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the use of UTAUT, perceived trust, personal innovativeness and user attitude in predicting the intentions to use marketing analytics technology.
Assessment of plain yoghurt quality parameters affected by milk adulteration: Implications for culture kinetics, physicochemical properties, and sensory perception
Authors: dos Santos Rosario Iuri Lima , Vieira Carla Paulo , Salgado Madian Johel Galo , Monteiro Nathália Brizack , Alzate Katherine Gutiérrez , de Araújo Géssica Cordeiro , Delgado Karina Frensel , Conte‐Junior Carlos Adam , da Costa Marion Pereira
Published: March 2024

In developing nations, the widespread practice of adulterating milk with water, driven by economic motives, poses a significant threat to milk derivatives like yoghurt. Despite the absence of mandatory water detection tests for plain yoghurt, our study investigated the repercussions of adding 0–15% water to milk on plain yoghurt quality parameters over 28 days of refrigerated storage. Starter culture kinetics were notably affected, influencing colour and texture. Yet, sensory analysis indicated minimal impact on consumer perception. These results underscore the potential risk of unknowingly consuming adulterated yoghurt, emphasising the necessity for stringent regulatory measures to counteract such practices.
Mathematical and computational modeling of fats and triacylglycerides
Authors: Cordina Robert J. , Smith Beccy , Tuttle Tell
Published: March 2024

Fats and oils are found in many food products; however, their macroscopic properties are difficult to predict, especially when blending different fats or oils together. With difficulties in sourcing specific fats or oils, whether due to availability or pricing, food companies may be required to find alternative sources for these ingredients, with possible differences in ingredient performance. Mathematical and computational modeling of these ingredients can provide a quick way to predict their properties, avoiding costly trials or manufacturing problems, while, most importantly, keeping the consumers happy. This review covers a range of mathematical models for triacylglycerides (TAGs) and fats, namely, models for the prediction of melting point, solid fat content, and crystallization temperature and composition. There are a number of models that have been designed for both TAGs and fats and which have been shown to agree very well with empirical measurements, using both kinetic and thermodynamic approaches, with models for TAGs being used to, in turn, predict fat properties. The last section describes computational models to simulate the behavior of TAGs using molecular dynamics (MD). Simulation of TAGs using MD, however, is still at an early stage, although the most recent papers on this topic are bringing this area up to speed.
Development of method using language processing techniques for extracting information on drug–health food product interactions
Authors: Yoshizaki Mari , Kuriya Yuki , Yamamoto Masaki , Watanabe Naoki , Araki Michihiro
Published: March 2024

Aims

Health food products (HFPs) are foods and products related to maintaining and promoting health. HFPs may sometimes cause unforeseen adverse health effects by interacting with drugs. Considering the importance of information on the interactions between HFPs and drugs, this study aimed to establish a workflow to extract information on Drug‐HFP Interactions (DHIs) from open resources.

Methods

First, Information on drugs, enzymes, their interactions, and known DHIs was collected from multiple public databases and literature sources. Next, a network consisted of enzymes, HFP, and drugs was constructed, assuming enzymes as candidates for hubs in Drug‐HFP interactions (Method 1). Furthermore, we developed methods to analyze the biomedical context of each drug and HFP to predict potential DHIs out of the DHIs obtained in Method 1 by applying BioWordVec, a widely used biomedical terminology quantifier (Method 2‐1 and 2‐2).

Results

44,965 DHIs (30% known) were identified in Method 1, including 38 metabolic enzymes, 157 HFPs, and 1256 drugs. Method 2‐1 selected 7401 DHIs (17% known) from the DHIs of Method 1, while Method 2‐2 chose 2819 DHIs (30% known). Based on the different assumptions in these methods where Method 2‐1 specifically selects HFPs interacting with specific enzymes and Method 2‐2 specifically selects HFPs with similar function with drugs, the propsed methods resulted in extracting a wide variety of DHIs.

Conclusions

By integrating the results of language processing techniques with those of the network analysis, a workflow to efficiently extract unknown and known DHIs was constructed.
Géographies féministes au Québec, intersectionnalité et décolonialisme : Vers une géographie de l'émancipation?
Authors: Boustani Lama , Latendresse Anne , Martin Patricia
Published: March 2024

Apparue au milieu des années 1980, la géographie féministe est demeurée en marge de la géographie du Québec, comme s'il s'agissait d'une branche mineure de la géographie. Or, après avoir intégré des préoccupations liées à la géographie des genres et des sexualités, la géographie féministe s'élargit et se consolide sur les plans théorique, épistémologique et méthodologique en intégrant les approches intersectionnelle et décoloniale. Elle se développe à un point tel qu'il est désormais légitime de parler des géographies féministes au Québec. En fait, en adoptant les approches intersectionnelle et décoloniale, les géographies féministes questionnent la construction des discours et du corpus de connaissances constitutifs de la géographie du Québec, connaissances qui se prétendaient universelles. De plus, ces outils analytiques permettent un nouveau regard sur des champs d'intérêts établis dans la géographie du Québec comme les questions migratoires et autochtones, en donnant la parole aux femmes. En ouvrant la voie à la co‐construction des connaissances, ces approches favorisent la visibilité de la complexité des rapports de pouvoir et des rapports à l'espace des différents groupes de population vivant au Québec. En d'autres mots, les géographies féministes, en donnant la parole aux femmes provenant de groupes sociaux subalternes comme les immigrantes et les autochtones, peuvent contribuer à créer une géographie de l'émancipation.
Prescription patterns of ambrisentan in some cities of Colombia
Authors: Valladales‐Restrepo Luis Fernando , Gaviria‐Mendoza Andrés , Machado‐Duque Manuel Enrique , Vallejos‐Narváez Álvaro , Machado‐Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Ambrisentan is a selective type A endothelin receptor antagonist that has shown significant effectiveness and safety in the management of patients with pulmonary hypertension. Its use pattern with real‐world evidence in Colombia is unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the prescription patterns of ambrisentan in some cities of Colombia.

Methods

A longitudinal descriptive study on the prescription patterns of ambrisentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension (all the groups) was conducted between January 2021 and December 2022 based on a population database of members of the Colombian Health System. Adherence at 1 year was determined using the Medication Possession Ratio (days the drug was dispensed/days from first dispensing to the end of the follow‐up period × 100). Descriptive analysis was carried out.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients taking ambrisentan were identified in 10 cities of the country. The individuals had a median age of 51.5 years (interquartile range‐IQR: 39.8–64.0 years), and 82.1% were women. The drug possession rate was 82.2% (IQR: 65.0–96.8%), and persistence at 1 year was present in 49.3% (n = 33) of the cases. The average dose was 8.8 ± 5.0 mg/day, and 76.1% (n = 51) received it in combination therapy, mainly with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (61.2%, n = 41).

Conclusions

Adherence to ambrisentan was good, but its persistence at 1 year was low. The dosages of the drug used were in accordance with the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines, and it was used in combination therapy, especially with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.
Urban socioeconomic variation influences the ecology and evolution of trophic interactions
Authors: Martin Ella , El‐Galmady Samer , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: March 2024

As urbanization expands, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how anthropogenic activity is affecting ecological and evolutionary processes. Few studies have examined how human social patterns within cities can modify eco‐evolutionary dynamics. We tested how socioeconomic variation corresponds with changes in trophic interactions and natural selection on prey phenotypes using the classic interaction between goldenrod gall flies (Eurosta solidaginis) and their natural enemies: birds, beetles, and parasitoid wasps. We sampled galls from 84 sites across neighbourhoods with varying socioeconomic levels, and quantified the frequency of predation/parasitism on flies and natural selection by each enemy. We found that bird predation was higher in the highest income neighbourhoods, increasing the strength of selection for smaller galls. Wasp and beetle attack, but not their strength of selection, increased in lower income neighbourhoods. We show that socioeconomic variation in cities can have strong unintended consequences for the ecology and evolution of trophic interactions.
Managing bank liquidity hoarding during uncertain times: The role of board gender diversity
Authors: Davydov Denis , King Tatiana , Weill Laurent
Published: March 2024

This paper examines the effect of executive board gender diversity on the relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and bank liquidity hoarding (LH). We focus on the Russian banking sector, which, relative to most of the world, has a high share of women on bank executive boards. Using the news‐based EPU index developed by Baker, Bloom, and Davis (2016) and LH measures proposed by Berger, Guedhami, Kim, and Li (2022), we exploit a unique dataset from the Russian banking sector. While higher economic policy uncertainty tends to increase liquidity hoarding, we find that this effect diminishes as the gender diversity of the board increases. We attribute this finding to the moderating influence of gender diversity on stability and overreaction in decision‐making. Additionally, we find that the channel through which board gender diversity affects the impact of economic policy uncertainty on liquidity hoarding takes place via the hoarding of liquid assets. Our findings are robust to the use of alternative measures for economic policy uncertainty and gender diversity and hold after addressing endogeneity concerns. As women are still significantly under‐represented on bank boards in most countries, these results argue for policies to promote gender diversity on bank boards as a means of limiting the detrimental effects of economic policy uncertainty.
Prevention of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome in children with advanced uremia with a structured hemodialysis protocol: A quality improvement initiative study
Authors: Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Luyckx Valerie , Bunchman Timothy , Nair Aishwarya , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Pember Bryce , Soni Kritika , Savita  , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Sharma Vivek , Alhasan Khalid , Raina Rupesh
Published: March 2024

Background

Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (DDS) is a rare but significant concern in adult and pediatric patients undergoing dialysis initiation with advanced uremia or if done after an interval. It is imperative to gain insights into the epidemiological patterns, pathophysiological mechanisms, and preventive strategies aimed at averting the onset of this ailment.

Design

Prospective observational quality improvement initiative cohort study.

Setting and Participants

A prospective single‐center study involving 50 pediatric patients under 18 years recently diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage V with blood urea ≥200 mg/dL, admitted to our tertiary care center for dialysis initiation from January 2017 to October 2023.

Quality Improvement Plan

A standardized protocol was developed and followed for hemodialysis in pediatric patients with advanced uremia. This protocol included measures such as lower urea reduction ratios (targeted at 20%–30%) with shorter dialysis sessions and linear dialysate sodium profiling. Prophylactic administration of mannitol and 25% dextrose was also done to prevent the incidence of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.

Measures

Incidence of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome and severe dialysis disequilibrium syndrome, mortality, urea reduction ratios (URRs), neurological outcome at discharge, and development of complications such as infection and hypotension. Long‐term outcomes were assessed at the 1‐year follow‐up including adherence to dialysis, renal transplantation, death, and loss to follow‐up.

Results

The median serum creatinine and urea levels at presentation were 7.93 and 224 mg/dL, respectively. A total of 20% of patients had neurological symptoms attributable to advanced uremia at the time of presentation. The incidence of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome was 4% (n = 2) with severe dialysis disequilibrium syndrome only 2% (n = 1). Overall mortality was 8% (n = 4) but none of the deaths were attributed to dialysis disequilibrium syndrome. The mean urea reduction ratios for the first, second, and third dialysis sessions were 23.45%, 34.56%, and 33.50%, respectively. The patients with dialysis disequilibrium syndrome were discharged with normal neurological status. Long‐term outcomes showed 88% adherence to dialysis and 38% renal transplantation.

Limitations

This study is characterized by a single‐center design, nonrandomized approach, and limited sample size.

Conclusions

Our structured protocol served as a framework for standardizing procedures contributing to low incidence rates of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome.
Chewing difficulties, oral health, and nutritional status in adults with intellectual disabilities: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: İslamoğlu Ayşe Hümeyra , Berkel Gülcan , Yildirim Hatice Selin , Aktaç Şule , Bayram Ferit , Sabuncular Güleren , Güneş Fatma Esra
Published: March 2024

Background

Chewing difficulty, poor oral health, inadequate and imbalanced nutrition are serious health problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The participants' chewing abilities, oral health and nutritional status were analysed in this study.

Methods

Forty‐five adult participants with intellectual disabilities were included. Anthropometric measurements, oral health assessments, chewing ability evaluations and dietary intake analyses were conducted.

Results

A 56.8% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese. Teeth grinding was reported in 33.3% of the participants, while 40.0% experienced drooling. All participants with Down syndrome and 58.6% of the participants with developmental delay had chewing difficulties. Inadequate nutrient intake was observed and the fibre, vitamins B1, B3, B9, sodium, phosphorus and iron intakes were significantly lower than reference values in those with chewing difficulty (p < .05).

Conclusions

Chewing difficulties were associated with lower intake of certain nutrients, highlighting the importance of addressing oral health and dietary counselling in this population.
Recurrence, fidelity and proximity to previously visited sites throughout the annual cycle in a trans‐Saharan migrant, the common cuckoo
Authors: Bonaldi Carlotta , Vardanis Yannis , Willemoes Mikkel , Hewson Chris M. , Atkinson Philip W. , Nilsson Jan‐Åke , Klaassen Raymond H. G. , Strandberg Roine , Tøttrup Anders P. , Howey Paul W. , Alerstam Thomas , Thorup Kasper
Published: March 2024

Most migratory birds return every year to the same breeding sites and some species show a similarly high fidelity to wintering grounds as well. Fidelity to stopover sites during migration has been much less studied and is usually found to be lower. Here, we investigate site fidelity and distance to previously visited sites throughout the annual cycle in the common cuckoo, a nocturnal trans‐Saharan migrant, based on satellite‐tracking data from repeated annual migrations of thirteen adult males. All birds (100%) returned to the same breeding grounds, with a median shortest distance of only 1 km from the locations in previous year. This was in strong contrast to a much lower and much less precise site fidelity at non‐breeding sites during the annual cycle: In only 18% of the possible cases in all non‐breeding regions combined, did the cuckoos return to within 50 km of a previously visited non‐breeding site, with no significant differences among the main staging regions (Europe in autumn, Sahel in autumn, wintering in Central Africa, West Africa in spring, Europe in spring). The shortest distance to a previously visited non‐breeding site differed among the staging regions with median shortest distances for the longest stopovers of 131 km [2;1223] (median [min;max]) in Europe, 207 km [1;2222] in Sahel in autumn and 110 km [0;628] in Central Africa. The distance to a previously visited staging site decreased with the time spent at the stopover in a previous year. Understanding the drivers of recurrence and site selection in migratory birds are important for guiding conservation efforts in this group but further studies are needed to establish whether the patterns observed in cuckoos are general among terrestrial migrants with continuous distribution of habitat.
Families on the space–time continuum: Conceptualizing and measuring temporal and spatial dimensions
Authors: Madhavan Sangeetha
Published: March 2024

Objective

In this article, I propose a new approach to study the opportunities and challenges for low‐income families through a focus on two key dimensions of family life: time and space. I show how the interaction of these two dimensions produces a range of scenarios for different types of social support to emerge.

Background

The space–time continuum (STC) is a theoretical framework in physics that removes the distinction between time and space and, instead, treats them as part of a seamless continuum. Similar to its adaptation in psychology, I use it to develop a model of family dynamics to better understand the correlates of kinship support.

Method

Drawing on data drawn from a longitudinal project in Nairobi, Kenya, the spatial dimension is operationalized as the proportion of kin who live in close proximity and the temporal pertains to the duration of time in which family members maintain particular arrangements. Multinomial logit regression models are used to analyze the relationship between STC exposure and the odds of having each type of support composition.

Results

The receipt of specific types of support from kin does vary across the STC quadrants though not entirely consistent with expectations. Moreover, the role of non‐kin was found to be surprisingly low across all waves of data collection, underscoring the continued importance of kin‐based relationships.

Conclusion

The space–time continuum approach offers a way to connect macro level factors such as labor market constraints to micro level adaptation, agency, change and continuity in family structure and function. In doing so, I also make a case for the critical role that research in the African context can play in the development of theory and methodological innovation in family sociology.
Identification, expression analysis, and functional verification of three opsin genes related to the phototactic behaviour of Ostrinia furnacalis
Authors: Huang Mei , Meng Jian‐Yu , Tang Xue , Shan Long‐Long , Yang Chang‐Li , Zhang Chang‐Yu
Published: March 2024

Ostrinia furnacalis is a disreputable herbivorous pest that poses a serious threat to corn crops. Phototaxis in nocturnal moths plays a crucial role in pest prediction and control. Insect opsins are the main component of insect visual system. However, the inherent molecular relationship between phototactic behaviour and vision of insects remains a mystery. Herein, three opsin genes were identified and cloned from O. furnacalis (OfLW, OfBL, and OfUV). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that all opsin genes had visual pigment (opsin) retinal binding sites and seven transmembrane domains. Opsin genes were distributed across different developmental stages and tissues, with the highest expression in adults and compound eyes. The photoperiod‐induced assay elucidated that the expression of three opsin genes in females were higher during daytime, while their expression in males tended to increase at night. Under the sustained darkness, the expression of opsin genes increased circularly, although the increasing amplitude in males was lower when compared with females. Furthermore, the expression of OfLW, OfBL, and OfUV was upregulated under green, blue, and ultraviolet light, respectively. The results of RNA interference showed that the knockout of opsin genes decreased the phototaxis efficiency of female and male moths to green, blue, and ultraviolet light. Our results reveal that opsin genes are involved in the phototactic behaviour of moths, providing a potential target gene for pest control and a basis for further investigation on the phototactic behaviour of Lepidoptera insects.
Lectotypifications and taxonomic changes in Alectra, Boschniakia, Cistanche, Orobanche, Phelipanche and Phelypaea (all Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Uhlich Holger , Rätzel Stefan
Published: March 2024

Based on extensive studies of specimens in various herbaria, lectotypes are designated for many taxa of holoparasitic Orobanchaceae. In total, 31 names in the genera Alectra, Boschniakia, Cistanche, Orobanche, Phelipanche and Phelypaea are lectotypified and type references are provided for 46 names. All types are illustrated by scanned images. The following new names are proposed due to rank changes: Orobanche amoena var. dzejveri, O. amoena var. regeliana, Orobanche camptolepis f. sideana, Orobanche lutea var. hians, Phelipanche arenaria var. sareptana, Phelipanche caesia var. acuminata, Phelipanche caucasica, Phelipanche lavandulacea var. serratocalyx, Phelipanche pulchella var. bungeana, Phelipanche purpurea var. hirsuta and Phelipanche purpurea var. iberica. The following names are synonymized: Orobanche arenaria f. personata, Orobanche borkhausenii, Orobanche caesia f. tomentosa, Orobanche caryophyllacea f. besseri, Orobanche cernua f. subgrandis, Orobanche cumana f. helianthi, Orobanche eriophora, Orobanche glaucantha, Orobanche heyniae, Orobanche psilostemon, Orobanche sideritidis and Phelypaea helenae.
Maranta bambusa: an endangered new species of Maranta (Marantaceae)
Authors: Fraga Fernanda R. M.
Published: March 2024

A new species of Maranta from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest is described. The new species is most similar to Maranta ruiziana, from which it differs mainly in its bambusoid habit, non starch‐storing rhizome, homotropic leaves, with blade entirely glabrous on both surfaces and leaf margins entire, florescence components with numerous cymules, sepals longer than the corolla tube, and spheroidal fruit. The new species also presents morphological characters seen in Maranta tuberculata, from which is easily distinguished by its fruits. I characterize the new species by its external morphology, provide a distribution map, and perform a preliminary conservation assessment based on the IUCN criteria.
Seeking shade equity: Tree canopy coverage in public schools in Austin, TX
Authors: Williams Georgia E. , Diven Dayna G.
Published: March 2024

Background/Objectives

Tree canopies have dermatologic and environmental benefits, especially on school campuses. However, inequities likely exist, and tree planting initiatives may further exacerbate disparities. We sought to identify any relationship between tree canopy shade on public school campuses in Austin, TX and the socioeconomic makeup of the student population, as well as whether current initiatives appropriately address any inequities.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we used ArcGIS, a publicly available geographic information system (GIS), to calculate the percentage of tree canopy on campuses within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) for the years 2006 and 2022. We compared this with the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced meals (FRM) at each school. The percentages of FRM‐eligible students were also compared for “low priority” versus “high priority” neighborhoods, as assigned by Austin's Tree Priority Map.

Results

Among 112 schools analyzed, schools with minority FRM‐eligible students had significantly more tree canopy compared to schools with majority FRM‐eligible students (19.9% vs. 12.4%, p < .001). When comparing tree priorities, there was a significant difference between the percentage of FRM‐eligible students in “low priority” schools compared to “high priority” schools (23.8% vs. 62.2%, p < .001).

Conclusions

Additional work is needed to rectify inequities in tree canopy access for public school students. Designations such as those used in Austin's Tree Priority Map would likely help direct such efforts. We hope this study encourages future research with GIS by both dermatologists and other health care professionals to promote interdisciplinary work with urban planners.
The Brazilian diaspora: Intra‐community dynamics and differentiating factors among Brazilian migrants worldwide
Authors: Azeredo Rafael
Published: March 2024

While the Brazilian diaspora scholarship is a vibrant literature that emerged in the 1980s and has gained prominence over the years, it remains geographically dispersed. Most studies focus on Brazilian migrants' experiences in a specific country or region of destination, and less attention has been paid to issues that influence the Brazilian diaspora transnationally. While the experiences of Brazilian migrants in different regions are varied and dependent on exogenous factors in the host society, this article reviews and discusses common markers of identity and positioning that shape intra‐community social dynamics between Brazilians who reside in different regions of the world. These ‘endogenous differentiating factors’ often produce tensions and intra‐community stratification, and may be carried from Brazil to the host community or produced in the host society. This article aims to integrate the geographically dispersed literature and emphasise commonalities experienced by Brazilians worldwide. It also argues that the focus on endogenous differentiating factors relates to a scholarly trend to frame the ‘Brazilian community’ as a heterogeneous entity with its own social dynamics rather than a homogenous ethnic group.
Some results regarding observability and initial state reconstruction for time-fractional systems
Authors: Ben Brahim Hamza , El Alaoui Fatima-Zahrae , Zguaid Khalid
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study is to present the notion of observability for a specific class of linear time-fractional systems of Riemann-Liouville type with a differentiation order between 1 and 2. To accomplish this goal, we first define the concept of observability and its features, then we extend the Hilbert Uniqueness Method (HUM) to determine the system's initial state. This method converts the reconstruction problem into a solvability one, leading to an algorithm that calculates the initial state. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated through numerical simulations, which are presented in the final section.
Effectiveness and family experiences of interventions promoting partnerships between families and pediatric and neonatal intensive care units: a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Barnes Shannon , Macdonald Ibo , Rahmaty Zahra , de Goumoëns Véronique , Grandjean Chantal , Jaques Cécile , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie
Published: March 2024

Objective:

The objective of this mixed methods review was to examine the effectiveness and family experiences of interventions promoting partnerships between families and the multidisciplinary health care team in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

Introduction:

Hospitalization of infants and children in neonatal intensive care units and pediatric intensive care units has a significant effect on their families, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Available evidence syntheses focused on specific family-centered care, but not on partnership, which is another aspect that may improve the families’ outcomes and experiences.

Inclusion criteria:

This review focused on effectiveness and experiences of interventions by health professionals in partnership with families of infants or children hospitalized in an intensive care unit. The type of intervention was a partnership between the health care team and the family, and focused on outcomes of stress, anxiety, depression, quality of life, attachment, or satisfaction with family-centered care.

Methods:

The JBI methodology for convergent segregated mixed methods systematic reviews was followed using the standardized JBI critical appraisal and data extraction tools. Ten databases were searched from January 2000 to April 2022. Findings of quantitative studies were statistically pooled through meta-analyses and those that could not pooled were reported in a narrative format. Qualitative studies were pooled through meta-synthesis.

Results:

This review included 6 qualitative and 42 quantitative studies. There was mixed methodological quality and all studies were included regardless of methodological quality. Meta-analyses showed positive improvements in anxiety, satisfaction with family-centered care, and stress, yet no conclusive effects in attachment and depression. These results should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity. Qualitative analysis resulted in 2 synthesized findings: “Interventions that incorporate partnerships between families and the health care team can improve the family’s experience and capacity to care for the child” and “Having a child in intensive care can be an experience of significant impact for families” Integration of quantitative and qualitative evidence revealed some congruence between findings; however, the paucity of qualitative evidence minimized the depth of this integration.

Conclusions:

Partnership interventions can have a positive impact on parents of children in intensive care units, with improvements seen in stress, anxiety, and satisfaction with family-centered care.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42019137834.
Absence of Monotony and Strain Effects on Referees’ Physical Performance During International Basketball Federation World Cup Basketball Competition
Authors: Paulauskas Rūtenis , Vaquera Alejandro , Figueira Bruno
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of physical performance indicators and assess the levels of performance monotony and strain experienced by basketball referees. Methods: The study involved the participation of 12 basketball referees (mean age: 40.0 [4.9] y) affiliated with the International Basketball Federation. The investigation was carried out throughout 2 density tournaments, wherein the maximum heart rate, average heart rate, performance monotony, and performance strain were documented for 3 variables. Results: The findings indicated significant variations in the mean heart rate, maximum heart rate, total distance monotony, total distance strain, the total number of sprints monotony, the total number of sprints strain, calories monotony, and calories strain (P < .05). Decreasing the density of elite-level basketball competitions has been observed to reduce the monotony and strain experienced by referees. However, this action does not increase motion distance or speed zones. Conclusions: The environmental stressors experienced by senior-level athletes (World Cup) differ from those encountered by younger athletes (World Cup Under 19). Further investigation is required to ascertain the potential effects of competition monotony and strain on decision-making processes and the overall quality of refereeing.
Safe radiation surveillance using uncrewed vehicles
Authors: Yashinski Melisa
Published: March 2024

Uncrewed aerial vehicles could be used to collect radiation data after a dispersal event.
Transgastric drainage for subdiaphragmatic abscess secondary to perforation of the sigmoid colon after cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Yokoe Takuya , Shiraga Hiroshi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Kita Masato
Published: March 2024

Drainage of subdiaphragmatic abscesses is difficult due to its anatomical location and it can result in adverse events, including organ damage and the spread of infection. In recent years, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) guided drainage for upper abdominal abscesses has become available. We report a case of successful infection control using this procedure for a subdiaphragmatic cyst secondary to perforation of the sigmoid colon after cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer. A Japanese woman in her 60s underwent laparotomy for ovarian cancer, and then developed sigmoid colon perforation 6 days after surgery. The emergency reoperation was performed, and a cyst suspected to be an antibiotic-resistant fungal abscess appeared under the left diaphragm in the postoperative period. We adopted an EUS-guided route for diagnostic and therapeutic drainage method, which enabled shrinkage of the cyst and did not concur further adverse events. This procedure was effective as a minimally invasive drainage route for subdiaphragmatic cysts.
Peripheral nerve blocks for through-knee amputation in a patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Seidler Nicholas , Terlep Olivia , Ramanujam Vendhan
Published: March 2024

A woman in her 40s with an ischaemic right lower limb, who was on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following cardiopulmonary failure secondary to bilateral alveolar haemorrhage, was scheduled for through-knee amputation. She was under mechanical ventilation and continuous intravenous medications. Considering her significant comorbidities, peripheral nerve blocks were chosen for anaesthesia. Ultrasound-guided traditional nerve blockade techniques of the femoral and sciatic nerves were not possible because of the presence of an ECMO cannula, altered anatomy following previous surgery on the same side and inability to turn the patient to a lateral position. An ultrasound-guided trans fascia iliaca for femoral and anterior approach for sciatic were rather used to accomplish the nerve blockades. Surgery completed without any complications and with reduced postoperative outcomes such as opioid consumption, other morbidities and mortality. This report is unique as the literature on peripheral nerve block approaches for lower limb amputations in ECMO patients is sparse.
Clinical cause of neonatal mortality in Iran: analysis of the national Iranian Maternal And Neonatal network
Authors: Habibelahi Abbas , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Abdollahi Leila , Taheri Majzoubeh , Ghaffari-Fam Saber , Vakilian Roshanak , Daemi Amin
Published: March 2024

Background

The neonatal mortality rate is a main indicator of the health and development of a country. Having insight into the cause of neonatal deaths may be the first step to reducing it. This paper depicts the cause of newborn deaths in Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on data from the national Iranian Maternal And Neonatal network to investigate all neonatal deaths in the country during the year 2019. The cause of death data were reported according to categories of birth weight, gestational age (GA), death time and place.

Results

The main causes of the 9959 neonatal deaths during the study period were respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (37%), malformation (21%), prematurity of <26 weeks (20%), others (12%), asphyxia (7%) and infection (3%). The major causes of neonatal mortality in delivery rooms were prematurity of <26 weeks and in the inpatient wards the RDS. By increasing the GA and birth weight towards term babies, the rate of RDS gets lower, while that of malformation gets higher.

Conclusions

RDS was the main cause of neonatal mortality in Iran which is seen mainly in preterm babies. Prematurity of <26 weeks was another main cause. Thus, suggestions include reducing prematurity by preconception and pregnancy care and, on the other hand, improving the care of preterm infants in delivery rooms and inpatient wards.