bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spring wheat yield and grain quality response to nitrogen rate
Authors: Walsh Olga S , Marshall Juliet , Nambi Eva , Shafian Sanaz , Jayawardena Dileepa , Jackson Chad , Lamichhane Ritika , Owusu Ansah Emmanuella , McClintick‐Chess Jordan
Published: July 2022

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in cereal production, yet its use efficiency remains very low at only 35%. Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is crucial for increasing crop yield and quality while reducing fertilizer inputs and minimizing environmental damage. Optimum N rates that maximize yield without reducing NUE have been found to vary from location to location. This field study assessed the effect of N rates on the yield and quality of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) at five locations in southern Idaho in 2015–2017. Nitrogen was applied as urea (46–0–0) immediately after planting at five rates: 0, 84, 168, 252, and 336 kg ha–1. Nitrogen application improved grain quality (increased protein) even when no increase in yield was noted. Nitrogen use efficiency and N uptake were affected by N rate at only 2 and 4 of 14 site‐years, respectively. These observations highlight the challenging task of pinpointing the appropriate N rates for optimizing wheat yield, grain protein, N uptake and NUE; and the importance of adjusting N rates based on location, year, and prevalent environmental conditions.
Erfahrungen aus dem Rückbau der Brücke am Altstädter Bahnhof in der Stadt Brandenburg – Teil 1: Untersuchung und Erkenntnisse zum Ankündigungsverhalten bei großformatigen Spanngliedern mit spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdetem Spannstahl
Authors: Steinbock Oliver , Bösche Thomas , Ebell Gino , Kaplan Felix , Marzahn Gero
Published: July 2022

Bei der Brücke Altstädter Bahnhof handelte es sich um eine große Spannbetonkonstruktion, die einen elementaren Verkehrsknotenpunkt in der Stadt Brandenburg an der Havel bildete. Entgegen üblichen Spannbetonkonstruktionen mit kleinen Bündelspanngliedern kamen beim Haupttragwerk in Längsrichtung großformatige Spannblockspannglieder zum Einsatz. Im Fall der vorliegenden Brücke setzte sich das Spannglied aus 392 ovalen Einzeldrähten aus Hennigsdorfer Produktion zusammen, welche als spannungsrisskorrosionsgefährdet gelten. Bei Bauwerkserkundungen wurde ein hoher Versprödungsgrad der Spannstähle festgestellt, sodass die Brücke am 19.05.2021 gesprengt werden musste. Zuvor traten im Bereich detektierter Spanndrahtbrüche von außen erkennbare Längsrisse in den Stegen anstatt von üblicherweise quer gerichteten Biegerissen an der gezogenen Randfaser auf. Die abweichende Schadensäußerung im Falle einer Spannstahlschädigung brachte das Bundesministerium für Digitales und Verkehr (BMDV) dazu, weitergehende Untersuchungen durchzuführen. In Zusammenarbeit mit dem Landesbetrieb Straßenwesen Brandenburg, der Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden sowie der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung (BAM) wurden experimentelle Untersuchungen in‐situ konzipiert und durchgeführt. Im Konkreten wurde an zwei Messstellen eine gezielte Schädigung des großformatigen Spannglieds vorgenommen, um das zuvor vorgefundene Schadensbild nachzuvollziehen und validieren zu können. Konzept, Ergebnisse aus den Untersuchungen und Erkenntnisse für gleichartig ausgeführte Bauwerke sind Gegenstand des ersten Beitrags (Teil 1). Der zweite Teil [1] wird sich im Schwerpunkt den verwendeten Messverfahren und Monitoringsystemen widmen, welche die Durchführung des Versuchs begleiteten.
A novel nanosponge–hydrogel system‐based electrochemiluminescence biosensor for uric acid detection
Authors: Liu Wanqing , Nie Yixin , Zhang Mengmeng , Yan Kefan , Wang Mai , Guo Yupeng , Ma Qiang
Published: July 2022

In this work, a highly efficient electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor was developed based on the nanosponge–hydrogel system for uric acid (UA) detection. First, the nanosponge consisted of polylactic acid glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles immobilized with MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) and urate oxidase (UAO). The marked loading capability of PLGA nanoparticles enables loading many biomolecules and QDs for the specific recognition of UA. Urate oxidase on the nanosponge can catalyze UA to generate H2O2 in situ, which further triggers the ECL signal for the MoS2 QDs. Furthermore, the biocompatible acrylamide‐based hydrogel not only effectively retained the functionalities of the chimeric nanosponge–hydrogel, but also provided structural integrity and engineering flexibility on the electrode for ECL sensing applications. In addition, there were many ester groups and amide bonds in the nanosponge–hydrogel structure. Therefore, many electron can be excited in the ECL process due to the large number of lone electron pairs on oxygen and nitrogen atoms. This resulted in a seven‐fold ECL enhancement of the MoS2 QDs. Finally, the nanosponge–hydrogel structure‐based ECL biosensor was successfully used in real clinical serum assays. This showed a good analytical performance for UA detection (100–500 μmol/L) with a limit of detection of 20 μmol/L.
Halogen ion‐modified silver nanoparticles for ultrasensitive surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Zhu Jingyi , Hui Binyu , Gong Zhengjun , Fan Meikun
Published: July 2022

Rapid ultrasensitive detection of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is essential and significant for pollution control due to their hazard, persistence, and the wide distribution in the environment. Therefore, rapid detection of PAHs is critical for controlling pollution and protecting the ecology. Considering the advantages of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a simple and reliable SERS method was proposed in this work for detecting PAHs in water. Three chemicals, namely NaCl, KBr, and KI, were chosen to modify Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for phenanthrene (Phe) detection, and Ag NPs modified with KBr (Ag‐Br NPs) showed the best SERS response. The mixing sequence and the concentration of KBr were optimized. The addition order of mixing KBr and Ag NPs before Phe solution was the best sequence, and the optimal concentration of KBr was 20 mM. Under optimal conditions, the limits of quantification for Phe, pyrene (Pyr), and anthracene (Ant) were 10−6 M, 10−7 M, and 10−7 M, respectively. Mixed PAHs (Phe, Pyr, and Ant) in spiked water samples were identified and quantified successfully. The proposed method has good application prospects in environmental pollution monitoring.
Regional homogeneity of adolescents with high‐functioning autism spectrum disorder and its association with symptom severity
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxin , Zhu Shuyi , Cao Yang , Cheng Peipei , Lin Yuxiong , Sun Zhixin , Li Yan , Jiang Wenqing , Du Yasong
Published: July 2022

Background and purpose

Previous studies have revealed abnormal regional homogeneity (ReHo) in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, there is little consistency across the findings within these studies, partly due to small sample size and great heterogeneity among participants between studies. Additionally, few studies have explored the association between ReHo aberrance and clinical symptoms in individuals with ASD.

Methods

Forty‐eight adolescents with high‐functioning ASD and 63 group‐matched typically developing (TD) controls received functional magnetic resonance imaging at rest. Group‐level analysis was performed to detect differences in ReHo between ASD and TD. Evaluation of symptom severity in individuals with ASD was based on the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). Voxel‐wise correlation analysis was undergone to examine the correlations between the symptom severity and ReHo map in individuals with ASD within brain areas with ReHo abnormalities.

Results

Compared with the TD controls, individuals with ASD exhibited increased ReHo in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, left caudate, right posterior cerebellum (cerebellar tonsil), and bilateral brainstem and decreased ReHo in the left precentral gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, bilateral postcentral gyrus, and right anterior cerebellum (culmen). The correlation analysis indicated that the ReHo value in the brainstem was negatively associated with the ABC total scores and the scores of Relating factor, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that widespread ReHo abnormalities occurred in ASD, shedding light on the underlying neurobiology of pathogenesis and symptomatology of ASD.
Sonography for assessment of thoracic duct anatomy and physiology before and after meals
Authors: Kowalczyk Arkadiusz , Sługocki Mikołaj , Koleśnik Adam
Published: July 2022

The interest in clinical anatomy of the thoracic duct (TD) has recently grown, owing to discoveries linking its morphology to pathologies such as heart failure or liver cirrhosis. In the light of this knowledge, a cost‐efficient and reliable in‐vivo imaging method of TD should be devised. Ultrasonography satisfies these criteria and hence is a promising tool for assessment of TD's anatomy and function. Thirty‐one healthy volunteers attended the examination after 6 h of fasting and 2 h without drink. Ultrasound of the left supraclavicular fossa was performed in search of TD's orifice into the venous angle. In each case, the largest diameter, number of orifices, presence of valves, tributaries, and motility of the TD were examined. We performed examinations in three sessions: after fasting, after standardized meal and 1 h after the meal. The statistical significance has varied among the three sessions. The strongest connection was shown in the third examination. The TD was visualized in 31 cases, 35 orifices were found, most of which drained into the venous angle. Multiple orifices were seen in four cases and valves in 15 cases. Tributaries were present in 17 cases. Mean widest and orifice diameter measured 3.23 and 2.0 mm, respectively. Spontaneous peristaltic‐like movements of the TD were observed in 25 cases. We demonstrated that ultrasound is useful for assessment of TD's anatomy, allowing to visualize and quantify its key features. Moreover, our study is presumably the first to capture and describe TD's motility in vivo.
Advisory board members share insights about transfer portal challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2022

Although the NCAA transfer portal has given student‐ athletes more freedom, it's also created more challenges for coaches and staff, which we discussed with members of the College Athletics and the Law Advisory Board.
DIII AD connects to the student‐athlete experience
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: July 2022

Amanda V. DeMartino was a basketball student‐athlete that loved her college experience, and it fueled her desire to see other student‐athletes enjoy a competitive and well‐rounded student‐athlete experience. Now entering her sixth year as the Executive Director of Athletics at The College of New Jersey, a Division III institution, DeMartino said the opportunity to help student‐ athletes develop on and off their fields of play is deeply satisfying.
Dilated superficial penile dorsal vein in a child: Clinical images
Authors: Mukendi Alain Mwamba , Mataruka Gerald Tatenda , Kasapato Tshisola Miji
Published: July 2022

Dilated superficial penile dorsal vein in childhood has never been reported. We present this index case as clinical image which after investigation no obvious cause was found. This could just be a normal anatomical variant or an idiopathic dilatation of the superficial penile dorsal vein.
Atypical lipomatous tumor of the oropharynx: A case report
Authors: Dela Cruz Anna Pamela C. , Soriano Patricia Ann U. , Villafuerte Cesar Vincent L. , Maralit Ruter M. , Diwa Michele H.
Published: July 2022

Atypical lipomatous tumor or well‐differentiated liposarcoma is a rare condition in the laryngopharynx. We present a case of a 63 year‐old male with progressive dysphagia who later manifested with a mass that regurgitates outside the oral cavity. Surgical removal was done via a transoral approach, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.
Medication Adherence Measurement Methods in Registration Trials Supporting the Approval of New Medicines: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of Centralized Procedures in the European Union 2010–2020
Authors: Mantila Katerina M. , Pasmooij Anna M.G. , Hallgreen Christine Erikstrup , Mol Peter G.M. , van Boven Job F.M.
Published: July 2022

Medication adherence is a key factor impacting efficacy and safety of medicines, yet how it is dealt with in European registration trials is unknown. A cross‐sectional analysis of European Medicines Agency (EMA) marketing authorization dossiers for new medicines approved through centralized procedures in the European Union between 2010 and 2020 was performed. Data were extracted from European Public Assessment Reports and Clinical Study Reports. Clinical trials covering five therapeutic areas were included: diabetes, respiratory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and oncology. Outcomes included adherence assessment, measurement methods, and rates. Overall, 102 medicines studied in 253 clinical trials were reviewed. All but one study reported measuring adherence. Two hundred twenty trials (87%) measured adherence using quantitative methods, while 32 (13%) trials monitored adherence but did not further quantify. Reported adherence rates were high (> 90%) across trials yet marked disparities in measurement methods and definitions were found. The most frequently used adherence measurement method was pill/dose count (single method: 52.7%; in combination: 37.7%; with patient diary/report: 17.3%; electronic methods: 1.4%; bioanalytical methods: 4.1%). Patient diary/report (6.4%) and electronic methods (2.7%) were also used as single methods. Electronic methods were more often used in respiratory and anti‐infective trials, while bioanalytical methods were more frequently used in diabetes. Overall, adherence is measured in EMA registration trials, yet the methods used and the way in which adherence rates are presented vary widely between trials and therapeutic areas. To better understand and compare efficacy of medicines, standardization of adherence definitions and measurement methods is needed.
Whole‐Mount Preparation and Microscopic Analysis of Epidermis
Authors: Kubo Akiharu , Aoki Satomi , Fujita Harumi
Published: July 2022

The epidermis is a stratified epithelium. Compared to that for monolayered epithelia, understanding of the cell biology of stratified epithelia lags far behind. The major reason for this is the limitation of methods to reproduce the epidermis in vitro using cultured keratinocytes: for example, cultured keratinocyte cell sheets lack Langerhans cells, melanocytes, nerves, sweat ducts, and hair follicles. One current way to overcome this limitation is to observe the epidermis in vivo via whole‐mount staining and three‐dimensional imaging. Here, we describe how to prepare epidermal sheets from skin and how to immunostain and observe them in whole mount. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of mouse epidermal sheets by the ammonium thiocyanate method

Alternate Protocol: Preparation of mouse epidermal sheets by the dispase method

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of human epidermal sheets by the dispase method

Basic Protocol 3: Whole‐mount immunostaining of epidermis
Economic optimum nitrogen rate analysis for feed and malting barley
Authors: Reussi Calvo Nahuel I. , Carciochi Walter D. , Prystupa Pablo , Queirolo Ignacio , Sainz Rozas Hernán R.
Published: July 2022

The malt industry has specific requirements for malting barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) grain protein concentration (from 9.5 to 13%) and size (>85%), which could be affected by nitrogen (N) fertilization. We aimed to (a) define and explain the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) for grain yield in feed (EONRf) and malting barley (EONRm), and (b) analyze if grain quality requirements are reached at the EONRm. We evaluated six N rates (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg N ha−1) in field experiments (14 site‐years). At each site‐year, the EONR was calculated using two fertilizer cost to grain price ratios, 6:1 for feed and 4:1 for malting barley. On average, maximum yield and protein response to N were 1,681 kg ha−1and 2%, respectively. There was no consistent effect of N fertilization on grain size. The EONRf was explained by N availability and maximum yield response to N (y= 130 – 0.37N availability + 0.03N response,r2= .89), and EONRm was explained solely by N availability (y= 320 – 0.93N availability,r2= .75). The overall EONRm was 134 kg N ha−1. At sites with low soil N availability and high yield response to N, an average N rate of 69 kg ha−1greater than the EONRm was necessary to reach 9.5% protein. Otherwise, the EONRf could be used (106 kg N ha−1) and grains be sold as feed barley. These results are useful to adjust N fertilizer recommendations to satisfy the malting industry demand while reducing the economic and environmental impacts of fertilization.
In the existence of a transverse dc electric field, the kinetic theory of current‐driven electrostatic ion cyclotron waves excitation in a magnetized dusty plasma
Authors: Anshu  , Sharma Jyotsna , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: July 2022

The theoretical modelling for the electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) waves in the existence of a transverse direct current (dc) electric field in a collisionless magnetized dusty plasma has been investigated using the kinetic theory model. It is examined that after incorporation of dc electric field with the dust grains can alter the dispersion properties of EIC waves in a magnetized dusty plasma. Our model developed accounts for the critical drift velocity, electron‐to‐ion temperature ratio, magnetic field, the number density of dust grains, relative density of negatively charged dust grains, and finite gyroradius parameter. Our investigation found that normalized growth rate and frequency increase with the relative density ratio and electric field. Moreover, the critical drift velocity for the excitation of the mode with negatively charged dust grains and electron‐to‐ion temperature ratio has been studied, and it was found that critical drift velocity decreases with the increase in negatively charged dust grains. The impact of dust grains on the low‐frequency waves has also been studied, and it was found that an increase in dust grain number density results in the reduction of growth rate. Some of our theoretical findings are consistent with the experimental observations.
The botanical education extinction and the fall of plant awareness
Authors: Stroud Sebastian , Fennell Mark , Mitchley Jonathan , Lydon Susannah , Peacock Julie , Bacon Karen L.
Published: July 2022

Civilization is dependent upon plants for survival. Plants permeate our every moment and our relationship with them will dictate how we will manage the threats of climate change and ecological collapse defining the Anthropocene. Yet, despite the significance of plants and the critical role they have played in shaping ecosystems, civilizations, and human cultures, many people are now disconnected from the botanical world. Students are presented with little plant content, particularly identification, compared with animal content. Consequently, we are producing few plant scientists and educating fewer scientists about plants. This drives a self‐accelerating cycle we term the extinction of botanical education. A process of knowledge erosion, that in this instance contributes to our separation from the natural world, makes us blind to the biodiversity crisis and inhibits our ability to restore it. We argue that neglecting the importance of plants within education threatens the foundations of industries and professions that rely on this knowledge. Furthermore, this extinction of botanical education creates an existential threat: Without the skills to fully comprehend the scale of and solutions to human‐induced global change, how do we as a society combat it? We present key research agendas that will enable us to reverse the extinction of botanical education and highlight the critical role plants play on the global stage.
Large‐scalePVAmodeling of insects in cultivated grasslands: The role of dispersal in mitigating the effects of management schedules under climate change
Authors: Leins Johannes A. , Grimm Volker , Drechsler Martin
Published: July 2022

In many species, dispersal is decisive for survival in a changing climate. Simulation models for population dynamics under climate change thus need to account for this factor. Moreover, large numbers of species inhabiting agricultural landscapes are subject to disturbances induced by human land use. We included dispersal in the HiLEG model that we previously developed to study the interaction between climate change and agricultural land use in single populations. Here, the model was parameterized for the large marsh grasshopper (LMG) in cultivated grasslands of North Germany to analyze (1) the species development and dispersal success depending on the severity of climate change in subregions, (2) the additional effect of grassland cover on dispersal success, and (3) the role of dispersal in compensating for detrimental grassland mowing. Our model simulated population dynamics in 60‐year periods (2020–2079) on a fine temporal (daily) and high spatial (250 × 250 m2) scale in 107 subregions, altogether encompassing a range of different grassland cover, climate change projections, and mowing schedules. We show that climate change alone would allow the LMG to thrive and expand, while grassland cover played a minor role. Some mowing schedules that were harmful to the LMG nevertheless allowed the species to moderately expand its range. Especially under minor climate change, in many subregions dispersal allowed for mowing early in the year, which is economically beneficial for farmers. More severe climate change could facilitate LMG expansion to uninhabited regions but would require suitable mowing schedules along the path. These insights can be transferred to other species, given that the LMG is considered a representative of grassland communities. For more specific predictions on the dynamics of other species affected by climate change and land use, the publicly available HiLEG model can be easily adapted to the characteristics of their life cycle.
Resilience of native ant community against invasion of exotic ants after anthropogenic disturbances of forest habitats
Authors: Shimoji Hiroyuki , Suwabe Mayuko , Kikuchi Tomonori , Ohnishi Hitoshi , Tanaka Hirotaka , Kawara Kengo , Hidaka Yusuke , Enoki Tsutomu , Tsuji Kazuki
Published: July 2022

The positive association between disturbances and biological invasions is a widely observed ecological pattern in the Anthropocene. Such patterns have been hypothesized to be driven by the superior competitive ability of invaders or by modified environments, as well as by the interaction of these factors. An experimental study that tests these hypotheses is usually less feasible, especially in protected nature areas. An alternative approach is to focus on community resilience over time after the anthropogenic disturbance of habitats. Here, we focused on ant communities within a forest to examine their responses after disturbance over time. We selected the Yanbaru region of northern Okinawa Island, which is a biodiversity hotspot in East Asia. We compared ant communities among roadside environments in forests where the road age differed from 5 to 25 years. We also monitored the ant communities before and after disturbance from forest thinning. We found that the species richness and abundance of exotic ants were higher in recently disturbed environments (roadsides of 5–15 years old roads), where the physical environment was warmer and drier. In contrast, the roadsides of 25‐year‐old roads indicated the potential recovery of the physical environment with cooler and moister conditions, likely owing to regrowth of roadside vegetation. At these sites, there were few exotic ants, except for those immediately adjacent to the road. The population density of the invasive species Technoymex brunneus substantially increased 1–2 years after forest thinning. There was no evidence of the exclusion of native ants by exotic ants that were recorded after disturbance. Our results suggest that local ant communities in the Yanbaru forests have some resilience to disturbance. We suggest that restoration of environmental components is a better strategy for maintaining native ant communities, rather than removing exotic ants after anthropogenic disturbance.
Predation on sentinel prey increases with increasing latitude in Brassica‐dominated agroecosystems
Authors: Gray Hannah L. , Farias Juliano R. , Venzon Madelaine , Torres Jorge Braz , Souza Lucas Machado , Aita Rafael Carlesso , Andow David A.
Published: July 2022

In natural ecosystems, arthropod predation on herbivore prey is higher at lower latitudes, mirroring the latitudinal diversity gradient observed across many taxa. This pattern has not been systematically examined in human‐dominated ecosystems, where frequent disturbances can shift the identity and abundance of local predators, altering predation rates from those observed in natural ecosystems. We investigated how latitude, biogeographical, and local ecological factors influenced arthropod predation in Brassica oleracea‐dominated agroecosystems in 55 plots spread among 5 sites in the United States and 4 sites in Brazil, spanning at least 15° latitude in each country. In both the United States and Brazil, arthropod predator attacks on sentinel model caterpillar prey were highest at the highest latitude studied and declined at lower latitudes. The rate of increased arthropod attacks per degree latitude was higher in the United States and the overall gradient was shifted poleward as compared to Brazil. PiecewiseSEM analysis revealed that aridity mediates the effect of latitude on arthropod predation and largely explains the differences in the intensity of the latitudinal gradient between study countries. Neither predator richness, predator density, nor predator resource availability predicted variation in predator attack rates. Only greater non‐crop plant density drove greater predation rates, though this effect was weaker than the effect of aridity. We conclude that climatic factors rather than ecological community structure shape latitudinal arthropod predation patterns and that high levels of aridity in agroecosystems may dampen the ability of arthropod predators to provide herbivore control services as compared to natural ecosystems.
Can size distributions of European lake fish communities be predicted by trophic positions of their fish species?
Authors: van Dorst Renee M. , Argillier Christine , Brucet Sandra , Holmgren Kerstin , Volta Pietro , Winfield Ian J. , Mehner Thomas
Published: July 2022

An organism's body size plays an important role in ecological interactions such as predator–prey relationships. As predators are typically larger than their prey, this often leads to a strong positive relationship between body size and trophic position in aquatic ecosystems. The distribution of body sizes in a community can thus be an indicator of the strengths of predator–prey interactions. The aim of this study was to gain more insight into the relationship between fish body size distribution and trophic position in a wide range of European lakes. We used quantile regression to examine the relationship between fish species' trophic position and their log‐transformed maximum body mass for 48 fish species found in 235 European lakes. Subsequently, we examined whether the slopes of the continuous community size distributions, estimated by maximum likelihood, were predicted by trophic position, predator–prey mass ratio (PPMR), or abundance (number per unit effort) of fish communities in these lakes. We found a positive linear relationship between species' maximum body mass and average trophic position in fishes only for the 75% quantile, contrasting our expectation that species' trophic position systematically increases with maximum body mass for fish species in European lakes. Consequently, the size spectrum slope was not related to the average community trophic position, but there were negative effects of community PPMR and total fish abundance on the size spectrum slope. We conclude that predator–prey interactions likely do not contribute strongly to shaping community size distributions in these lakes.
Fire decreases soil enzyme activities and reorganizes microbially mediated nutrient cycles: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Yong , Biro Arielle , Wong Michelle Y. , Batterman Sarah A. , Staver A. Carla
Published: July 2022

The biogeochemical signature of fire shapes the functioning of many ecosystems. Fire changes nutrient cycles not only by volatilizing plant material, but also by altering organic matter decomposition, a process regulated by soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs). However, our understanding of fire effects on EEAs and their feedbacks to nutrient cycles is incomplete. We conducted a meta‐analysis with 301 field studies and found that fire significantly decreased EEAs by ~20%–40%. Fire decreased EEAs by reducing soil microbial biomass and organic matter substrates. Soil nitrogen‐acquiring EEA declined alongside decreasing available nitrogen, likely from fire‐driven volatilization of nitrogen and decreased microbial activity. Fire decreased soil phosphorus‐acquiring EEA but increased available phosphorus, likely from pyro‐mineralization of organic phosphorus. These findings suggest that fire suppresses soil microbes and consumes their substrates, thereby slowing microbially mediated nutrient cycles (especially phosphorus) via decreased EEAs. These changes can become increasingly important as fire frequency and severity in many ecosystems continue to shift in response to global change.
A set of time‐series classification datasets based on the average price of concrete in major Chinese cities
Authors: Liu Qing , Huang Minghao , Lee Woon‐Seek , Du Yamin
Published: July 2022

Time series classification (TSC) is an important and challenging problem in data mining. Time series data sets are an important basis for this research and are widely used in baseline verification of various algorithm models. Aiming at the problem that there are few domestic data sets and the current TSC data set is relatively old, a new set of time‐series classification datasets are established based on the average price data of concrete in major cities in China, which provides new data support for the research of TSC algorithm. We made use of the data center of Oriental Fortune to disclose the sample data of the average price of concrete from October 23, 2013 to January 20, 2021, created 1093 autoregression‐based series data sets by using sliding windows of different lengths, and then through the experimental verification of linear regression model, decision tree model, and random forest model, a set of data sets with lengths of 170, 842, and 1052 were selected. We use three convolutional neural network (CNN) models and three long short‐term memory (LSTM) network models to verify the validity of the data, the CNN's obtained the best accuracy rate of 93.20%, and the LSTM networks obtained the best accuracy rate of 92.99%. The establishment of the new data set has certain significance for the research of TSC and provides some references for other researchers to create datasets. The datasets are freely available at
https://gitee.com/lq2012/tsc‐dataset.
Transcriptomic and Histological Analysis of the Greentail Prawn (Metapenaeus bennettae) Following Light Crude Oil Exposure
Authors: Armstrong Emily K. , Mondon Julie , Miller Adam D. , Revill Andrew T. , Stephenson Sarah A. , Tan Mun Hua , Greenfield Paul , Tromp Jared J. , Corbett Patricia , Hook Sharon E.
Published: July 2022

Oil spills pose a significant threat to marine biodiversity. Crude oil can partition into sediments where it may be persistent, placing benthic species such as decapods at particular risk of exposure. Transcriptomic and histological tools are often used to investigate the effects of hydrocarbon exposure on marine organisms following oil spill events, allowing for the identification of metabolic pathways impacted by oil exposure. However, there is limited information available for decapod crustaceans, many of which carry significant economic value. In the present study, we assess the sublethal impacts of crude oil exposure in the commercially important Australian greentail prawn (Metapenaeus bennettae) using transcriptomic and histological analyses. Prawns exposed to light, unweathered crude oil “spiked” sediments for 90 h were transferred to clean sediments for a further 72 h to assess recovery. Chemical analyses indicated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons increased by approximately 65% and 91% in prawn muscle following 24 and 90 h of exposure, respectively, and significantly decreased during 24- and 72-h recovery periods. Transcriptomic responses followed an exposure and recovery pattern with innate immunity and nutrient metabolism transcripts significantly lowered in abundance after 24 h of exposure and were higher in abundance after 72 h of recovery. In addition, transcription/translation, cellular responses, and DNA repair pathways were significantly impacted after 24 h of exposure and recovered after 72 h of recovery. However, histological alterations such as tubule atrophy indicated an increase in severity after 24 and 72 h of recovery. The present study provides new insights into the sublethal impacts of crude oil exposure in greentail prawns and identifies molecular pathways altered by exposure. We expect these findings to inform future management associated with oil extraction activity and spills. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2162–2180. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Predicting Metal Bioavailability and Risk of Toxicity in Nigerian Surface Waters: Are the Existing User-Friendly Bioavailability Tools Applicable?
Authors: Bawa-Allah Kafilat Adebola , Bulama Hauwa , Hamzat Shareef Akinade , Moiett Demilade Moses
Published: July 2022

In the present study, we assessed the use of existing user-friendly bioavailability tools to predict metal bioavailability and the risk of toxicity in a typical Nigerian surface water. The effect of prevailing water chemistry on toxicity of metals was also assessed in laboratory studies. Surface water samples were collected at four locations downstream in the Ogun River in Lagos State, and water chemistry analysis was carried out using standard methods. Relevant parameters were inputted into the Bio-Met software and Metal Bioavailability Assessment Tool (M-Bat), which are run on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, to obtain the site-specific hazardous concentrations affecting 5% of the population (HC5)/predicted-no-effect concentrations (PNECs) for selected metals and risk characterization ratios (RCRs) at locations downstream in the river. Assessments using the bioavailability tools showed that two locations, Owode-Onirin and Kara, were more sensitive to Zn and Pb inputs compared to the other locations. The RCRs for Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively, were >1 at all locations, indicating a potential risk of toxicity to aquatic life. Results from laboratory studies conformed with predictions from the bioavailability tools because Zn and Pb were more toxic to aquatic organisms in surface water collected from Owode-Onirin and Kara locations, respectively, compared to toxicity in surface water from other locations. The issue of bioavailability in metal pollution control is widely accepted and has been incorporated into water quality guidelines (WQGs) in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. In the absence of regulations incorporating bioavailability in developing countries including Nigeria, it is essential to assess the applicability of existing methods incorporating bioavailability to surface waters in this region. Findings from such studies will facilitate the development of region-specific WQGs for metals which will be protective of locally relevant aquatic life. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2537–2547. © 2022 SETAC
Results of Ring-Testing of a Semifield Study Design to Investigate Potential Impacts of Crop Protection Products on Bumblebees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) and a Proposal of a Potential Test Design
Authors: Klein Olaf , Roessink Ivo , Elston Charlotte , Franke Lea , Jütte Tobias , Knäbe Silvio , Lückmann Johannes , van der Steen Jozef , Allan Matthew J. , Alscher Annika , Amsel Kristin , Cornement Magdaléna , Exeler Nina , Guerola Juan Sorlí , Hodapp Bettina , Jenkins Carole , Kimmel Stefan , Tänzler Verena
Published: July 2022

In Europe, the risk assessment for bees at the European Union or national level has always focussed on potential impacts on honeybees. During the revision of the European Food Safety Authority bee guidance it was explicitly stated that bumblebees and solitary bees should be considered as well and consequently concerns were raised regarding the representativeness of honeybees for these other bee species. These concerns originate from differences in size as well as differences in behavioral and life history traits of other bee species. In response to this concern, the non-Apis working group of the International Commission for Plant-Pollinator Relationships initiated a ring-test of a semifield tunnel study design using the bumblebee Bombus terrestris. Nine laboratories participated, validating and improving the proposed design over a 2-year period. The intention of the ring-test experiments was to develop and if possible, establish a test protocol to conduct more standardized semifield tests with bumblebees. In the present study, the results of the ring-tests are summarized and discussed to give recommendations for a promising experimental design. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2548–2564. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

For ecotoxicological testing of crop protection products a test design was developed and ring-tested by the non-Apis working group of the International Commission for Plant–Pollinator Relationships to conduct semifield tunnel tests with the bumblebee species Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758).
Bruchbedingungen für schauminjizierte Kiese unter mehraxialer Beanspruchung
Authors: Jessen Johannes , Cudmani Roberto , Fillibeck Jochen
Published: July 2022

Schauminjektionen stellen ein innovatives Verfahren zur Verbesserung der mechanischen Eigenschaften von kohäsionslosen, grobkörnigen Böden dar. Ungeachtet dessen liegen bisher nur wenige experimentelle Untersuchungen zur Beurteilung des Versagens schauminjizierter Böden unter mehraxialer Belastung vor. Dieser Beitrag zielt darauf ab, diese Wissenslücke zu schließen. Die Steifigkeit und Festigkeit des natürlichen Bodens, welche als Referenzgrößen zur Bewertung des Verbesserungseffekts infolge der Injektion dienen, werden aus drainierten Triaxialversuchen abgeleitet. Das mechanische Verhalten des schauminjizierten Bodens wird mittels Einaxial‐, Triaxial‐ und Spaltzugversuchen untersucht. Der schauminjizierte Boden weist eine signifikant höhere Festigkeit und Steifigkeit, aber geringere Duktilität als der unbehandelte Boden auf. Die Duktilität des schauminjizierten Bodens nimmt mit steigender Seitendruckspannung zu. Die Spaltzugfestigkeit umfasst nur einen Bruchteil der Druckfestigkeit. Die Eignung der Bruchbedingungen Mohr‐Coulomb, Hoek‐Brown und Lade zur Beschreibung des Versagens von schauminjizierten grobkörnigen Böden wird überprüft. Die drei Bruchbedingungen eignen sich grundsätzlich, um den Bruchzustand bei triaxialer Kompression zu beschreiben. Für Druck‐ und Zugbeanspruchung erscheinen die Bruchbedingungen nach Hoek‐Brown und Lade besser geeignet als Mohr‐Coulomb.
On predictability of individual functional connectivity networks from clinical characteristics
Authors: Morris Emily L. , Taylor Stephan F. , Kang Jian
Published: July 2022

In recent years, understanding functional brain connectivity has become increasingly important as a scientific tool with potential clinical implications. Statistical methods, such as graphical models and network analysis, have been adopted to construct functional connectivity networks for single subjects. Here we focus on studying the association between functional connectivity networks and clinical characteristics such as psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, we propose a method to examine predictability of functional connectivity networks from clinical characteristics. Our methods can identify salient clinical characteristics predictive of the whole brain network or specific subnetworks. We illustrate our methods on the analysis of fMRI data in the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort study, demonstrating clinically meaningful results.
The lasting consequences of childhood sexual abuse on human capital and economic well‐being
Authors: Henkhaus Laura E.
Published: July 2022

Childhood sexual abuse is a prevalent problem, yet understanding of later‐in‐life outcomes is limited due to unobservable determinants. I examine impacts on human capital and economic well‐being by estimating likely ranges around causal effects, using a nationally representative U.S. sample. Findings suggest that childhood sexual abuse leads to lower educational attainment and worse labor market outcomes. Results are robust to partial identification methods applying varying assumptions about unobservable confounding, using information on confounding from observables including other types of child abuse. I show that associations between childhood sexual abuse and education outcomes and earnings are at least as large for males as for females. Childhood sexual abuse by someone other than a caregiver is as influential or more so than caregiver sexual abuse in predicting worse outcomes. Considering the societal burden of childhood sexual abuse, findings could inform policy and resource allocation decisions for development and implementation of best practices for prevention and support.
Durable response in a patient with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated with immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Bai Ke , Norberg Scott M. , Sievers Cem , Meyer Tanya , Friedman Jay , Hinrichs Christian , Allen Clint T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade can provide clinical benefit for patients with advanced cancer. Here, we report durable disease control over many years following PD‐L1 blockade through induction of a viral antigen‐specific T cell response in an adult patient with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

Methods

Antigen‐specific T cell response assays, single cell RNA‐sequencing, and RNA‐scope was used to study clinical tissues.

Results

An HPV6 E2‐specific T cell clone restricted to HLA‐B*55, present at low frequency in the pre‐treatment papilloma, significantly expanded after six doses of PD‐L1 blockade and remained present and functional at the site of initial response in the larynx as a tissue resident memory T cell for 4 years. An associated reduction in E2 target gene was observed following treatment.

Conclusions

Although demonstrated in a single exceptional responder, these results highlight that immune checkpoint blockade may induce durable, viral antigen‐specific immunity of sufficient magnitude to control disease in patients with nonmalignant disorders.
Comparison of mastery criteria applied to individual targets and stimulus sets on acquisition of tacts, intraverbals, and listener responses
Authors: Cordeiro Maria Clara , Kodak Tiffany , Reidy Jessi , Stoppleworth Abigail , Zelinski Karly , Jainga Andrea
Published: July 2022

Mastery criteria can be applied to individual targets or stimuli organized into sets. Wong et al. (2021) and Wong and Fienup (2022) found that participants who received special education services learned sight words more rapidly when an individual target mastery criterion was applied. The current study replicated and extended these findings across novel skills. Five participants with ASD received tact or intraverbal training in Experiment 1, and 2 participants with ASD received auditory–visual conditional discrimination training (AVCD) in Experiment 2. In both experiments, mastery criteria were applied to targets and stimulus sets to compare sessions to mastery. Results showed the target mastery criterion required fewer sessions of tact training for 3 of 5 participants and AVCD training for both participants. However, overselection of stimuli occurred for 20% of AVCD mastered targets, suggesting a false positive for acquisition of those targets. Maintenance was similar across conditions and experiments.
Machine Learning–Derived Acetabular Dysplasia and Cam Morphology Are Features of Severe Hip Osteoarthritis: Findings From UK Biobank
Authors: Frysz Monika , Faber Benjamin G , Ebsim Raja , Saunders Fiona R , Lindner Claudia , Gregory Jennifer S , Aspden Richard M , Harvey Nicholas C , Cootes Tim , Tobias Jon H
Published: July 2022

The contribution of shape changes to hip osteoarthritis (HOA) remains unclear, as is the extent to which these vary according to HOA severity. In the present study, we used statistical shape modeling (SSM) to evaluate relationships between hip shape and HOA of different severities using UK Biobank DXA images. We performed a cross-sectional study in individuals with left hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) was used to quantify hip shape. Radiographic HOA (rHOA) was classified using osteophyte size and number and joint space narrowing. HOA outcomes ranged in severity from moderate (grade 2) to severe (grade ≥3) rHOA, hospital-diagnosed HOA, and subsequent total hip replacement (THR). Confounder-adjusted logistic regression between the top 10 hip shape modes (HSMs) and OA outcomes was performed. Further models adjusted for alpha angle (AA) and lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), reflecting acetabular dysplasia and cam morphology, respectively. Composite HSM figures were produced combining HSMs associated with separate OA outcomes. A total of 40,311 individuals were included (mean 63.7 years, 47.8% male), of whom 5.7% had grade 2 rHOA, 1.7% grade ≥3 rHOA, 1.3% hospital-diagnosed HOA, and 0.6% underwent THR. Composite HSM figures for grade 2 rHOA revealed femoral neck widening, increased acetabular coverage, and enlarged lesser and greater trochanters. In contrast, grade ≥3 rHOA, hospital-diagnosed HOA, and THR were suggestive of cam morphology and reduced acetabular coverage. Associations between HSMs depicting cam morphology and reduced acetabular coverage and more severe HOA were attenuated by AA and LCEA adjustment, respectively. Relationships between hip shape and HOA differed according to severity. Notably, cam morphology and acetabular dysplasia were features of severe HOA, but unrelated to moderate disease, suggesting possible prognostic utility. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).