bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Widespread formation of intracellular calcium carbonates by the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis
Authors: Gaëtan Juliette , Halary Sébastien , Millet Maxime , Bernard Cécile , Duval Charlotte , Hamlaoui Sahima , Hecquet Amandine , Gugger Muriel , Marie Benjamin , Mehta Neha , Moreira David , Skouri‐Panet Fériel , Travert Cynthia , Duprat Elodie , Leloup Julie , Benzerara Karim
Published: December 2022

The formation of intracellular amorphous calcium carbonates (iACC) has been recently observed in a few cultured strains of Microcystis, a potentially toxic bloom‐forming cyanobacterium found worldwide in freshwater ecosystems. If iACC‐forming Microcystis are abundant within blooms, they may represent a significant amount of particulate Ca. Here, we investigate the significance of iACC biomineralization by Microcystis. First, the presence of iACC‐forming Microcystis cells has been detected in several eutrophic lakes, indicating that this phenomenon occurs under environmental conditions. Second, some genotypic (presence/absence of ccyA, a marker gene of iACC biomineralization) and phenotypic (presence/absence of iACC) diversity have been detected within a collection of strains isolated from one single lake. This illustrates that this trait is frequent but also variable within Microcystis even at a single locality. Finally, one‐third of publicly available genomes of Microcystis were shown to contain the ccyA gene, revealing a wide geographic and phylogenetic distribution within the genus. Overall, the present work shows that the formation of iACC by Microcystis is common under environmental conditions. While its biological function remains undetermined, this process should be further considered regarding the biology of Microcystis and implications on the Ca geochemical cycle in freshwater environments.
Is an archaeon the ancestor of eukaryotes?
Authors: Spang Anja
Published: December 2022

The origin of complex cellular life is a key puzzle in evolutionary research, which has broad implications for various neighbouring scientific disciplines. Naturally, views on this topic vary widely depending on the world view and context from which this topic is approached. In the following, I will share my perspective about our current scientific knowledge on the origin of eukaryotic cells, that is, eukaryogenesis, from a biological point of view focusing on the question as to whether an archaeon was the ancestor of eukaryotes.
Heightened motor impairment as a protective factor against heavy drinking in individuals with high alcohol‐induced disinhibition
Authors: Allen Holley C. , Weafer Jessica , Wesley Michael J. , Fillmore Mark T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Behavioral disinhibition and motor impairment are both acutely elevated following alcohol consumption, and individual differences in sensitivity to alcohol‐induced increases in these effects are associated with drinking habits. Specifically, high alcohol‐induced disinhibition and low motor impairment have been identified as separate markers for alcohol‐related problems. This study tested the degree to which alcohol‐induced disinhibition and motor impairment jointly predict heavy drinking. We hypothesized that heavier drinkers would exhibit a combination of high sensitivity to alcohol‐induced disinhibition and low sensitivity to its motor impairing effect.

Methods

Data from three studies were aggregated to comprise a sample of 96 young adults. Participants' motor coordination (grooved pegboard) and behavioral disinhibition (cued go/no‐go) were assessed following consumption of 0.65 g/kg alcohol and a placebo during separate sessions.

Results

As BAC was ascending, alcohol increased motor impairment and disinhibition compared to placebo. Combined effects at this time of alcohol on motor impairment and disinhibition predicted typical drinking habits. Specifically, a combination of high sensitivity to alcohol's disinhibiting effect and low sensitivity to its motor impairing effect was associated with heavy drinking. As BAC was descending, only reduced sensitivity to motor impairment remained as a predictor of heavy drinking.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that although motor impairment following alcohol consumption is associated with certain negative outcomes (e.g., increased risk for physical injury and motor vehicle accidents), such heightened motor impairment from alcohol may actually serve as a protective factor against the excessive drinking that can accompany the disinhibiting effect of alcohol.
Dibutyryl‐cAMP and roscovitine differently affect premature meiotic resumption and embryo development of vitrified immature porcine oocytes
Authors: Nguyen Hiep Thi , Somfai Tamás , Hirao Yuji , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Linh Nguyen Viet , Nguyen Bui Xuan , Nguyen Nhung Thi , Nguyen Hong Thi , Nguyen Van Hanh , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Takagi Mitsuhiro , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: December 2022

Vitrification and warming can trigger premature meiosis in immature porcine oocytes. Our aim was to compare the efficacies of two meiotic inhibitors, dibutyryl‐cAMP and roscovitine for the meiosis synchronization during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage. We first compared the efficacy of 1 mM dibutyryl‐cAMP and 25 μM roscovitine on meiotic arrest during the first 22 h of IVM. Dibutyryl‐cAMP could maintain the GV stage in 83.5% of oocytes; however, roscovitine was even more effective (96.6%), whereas only 17.4% of the oocytes remained at the GV stage without these additives. Temporal meiotic arrest for 22 h by roscovitine did not reduce the percentage of oocytes reaching the Metaphase II stage during subsequent IVM. However, after parthenogenetic stimulation or in vitro fertilization, subsequent embryo development to the blastocyst stage was compromised after roscovitine treatment, whereas dibutyryl‐cAMP improved the percentage of blastocyst development. In conclusion, dibutyryl‐cAMP could derogate but not completely prevent premature meiosis in vitrified oocytes, whereas roscovitine could more efficiently prevent it. However, for embryo production, the use of roscovitine was disadvantageous, whereas the use of dibutyryl‐cAMP was beneficial.
Use of NanoBiT and NanoBRET to characterise interleukin‐23 receptor dimer formation in living cells
Authors: Lay Charles S. , Kilpatrick Laura E. , Craggs Peter D. , Hill Stephen J.
Published: December 2022

Background and Purpose

Interleukin‐23 (IL‐23) and its receptor are important drug targets for the treatment of auto‐inflammatory diseases. IL‐23 binds to a receptor complex composed of two single transmembrane spanning proteins IL23R and IL12Rβ1. In this study, we aimed to gain further understanding of how ligand binding induces signalling of IL‐23 receptor complexes using the proximity‐based techniques of NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT) and Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET).

Experimental Approach

To monitor the formation of IL‐23 receptor complexes, we developed a split luciferase (NanoBiT) assay whereby heteromerisation of receptor subunits can be measured through luminescence. The affinity of NanoBiT complemented complexes for IL‐23 was measured using NanoBRET, and cytokine‐induced signal transduction was measured using a phospho‐STAT3 AlphaLISA assay.

Key Results

NanoBiT measurements demonstrated that IL‐23 receptor complexes formed to an equal degree in the presence and absence of ligand. NanoBRET measurements confirmed that these complexes bound IL‐23 with a picomolar binding affinity. Measurement of STAT3 phosphorylation demonstrated that pre‐formed IL‐23 receptor complexes induced signalling following ligand binding. It was also demonstrated that synthetic ligand‐independent signalling could be induced by high affinity (HiBit) but not low affinity (SmBit) NanoBiT crosslinking of the receptor N‐terminal domains.

Conclusions and Implications

These results indicate that receptor complexes form prior to ligand binding and are not sufficient to induce signalling alone. Our findings indicate that IL‐23 induces a conformational change in heteromeric receptor complexes, to enable signal transduction. These observations have direct implications for drug discovery efforts to target the IL‐23 receptor.
Long‐term outcomes of anti‐thyroid drug treatment in childhood‐onset Graves' disease
Authors: Puttawong Dolrutai , Mahachoklertwattana Pat , Numthavaj Pawin , Woratanarat Patarawan , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Koad Peeravit , Poomthavorn Preamrudee
Published: December 2022

Objective

Outcomes of childhood‐onset Graves' disease (GD) and suggested duration of anti‐thyroid drug (ATD) therapy have been controversial. This study aimed to determine long‐term outcomes following ATD therapy, including remission and relapse rates.

Design, patients and measurements

A retrospective study of 265 paediatric patients with GD who were initially treated with ATD was conducted. Long‐term outcomes were analysed.

Results

Median (IQR) age at diagnosis was 11.5 (9.4, 13.7) years. Duration of ATD treatment was 4.3 (2.3, 6.7) years and time since diagnosis to the enrolment was 7.1 (3.8, 10.9) years. There were 77, 93 and 95 patients who underwent definitive treatment, had ATD discontinuation, and were still being treated with ATD, respectively. The remission rate was 21% (56 out of 265 patients) and relapse rate was 40% (37 out of 93 patients). Cumulative incidence of first remission increased with the duration of ATD treatment with maximum remission rate at 5.3 years following ATD therapy. Among patients who experienced relapse, approximately 50% had disease relapse which occurred within 1 year after ATD discontinuation. Patients with goitre size of less than 3.5 cm, thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibody of less than 10 IU/L, no ophthalmopathy at diagnosis and methimazole dose requirement of less than 0.25 mg/kg/day at 1 year after treatment were more likely to achieve remission.

Conclusions

Remission rate of childhood‐onset GD was relatively low following ATD treatment. Longer‐term ATD therapy was associated with increased remission rate. Approximately 50% of patients with relapse had disease relapse within 1 year following ATD discontinuation.
1049. SORBUS BRISTOLIENSIS: Rosaceae
Authors: Rich Tim C. G. , Houston Libby , Wray Nicholas , King Christabel , Brown Andrew P. , Fay Michael F.
Published: December 2022

Sorbus bristoliensis, BRISTOL WHITEBEAM, is described and illustrated. The history of the discovery and the origin of this narrow endemic are discussed. Notes on propagation and cultivation are also included.
Linking human impacts to community processes in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems
Authors: McFadden Ian R. , Sendek Agnieszka , Brosse Morgane , Bach Peter M. , Baity‐Jesi Marco , Bolliger Janine , Bollmann Kurt , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Donati Giulia , Gebert Friederike , Ghosh Shyamolina , Ho Hsi‐Cheng , Khaliq Imran , Lever J. Jelle , Logar Ivana , Moor Helen , Odermatt Daniel , Pellissier Loïc , de Queiroz Luiz Jardim , Rixen Christian , Schuwirth Nele , Shipley J. Ryan , Twining Cornelia W. , Vitasse Yann , Vorburger Christoph , Wong Mark K. L. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Seehausen Ole , Gossner Martin M. , Matthews Blake , Graham Catherine H. , Altermatt Florian , Narwani Anita
Published: December 2022

Human impacts such as habitat loss, climate change and biological invasions are radically altering biodiversity, with greater effects projected into the future. Evidence suggests human impacts may differ substantially between terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, but the reasons for these differences are poorly understood. We propose an integrative approach to explain these differences by linking impacts to four fundamental processes that structure communities: dispersal, speciation, species‐level selection and ecological drift. Our goal is to provide process‐based insights into why human impacts, and responses to impacts, may differ across ecosystem types using a mechanistic, eco‐evolutionary comparative framework. To enable these insights, we review and synthesise (i) how the four processes influence diversity and dynamics in terrestrial versus freshwater communities, specifically whether the relative importance of each process differs among ecosystems, and (ii) the pathways by which human impacts can produce divergent responses across ecosystems, due to differences in the strength of processes among ecosystems we identify. Finally, we highlight research gaps and next steps, and discuss how this approach can provide new insights for conservation. By focusing on the processes that shape diversity in communities, we aim to mechanistically link human impacts to ongoing and future changes in ecosystems.
Immune cells and associated molecular markers in dermal fibrosis with focus on raised cutaneous scars
Authors: Kidzeru Elvis Banboye , Lebeko Maribanyana , Sharma Jyoti Rajan , Nkengazong Lucia , Adeola Henry Ademola , Ndlovu Hlumani , P Khumalo Nonhlanhla , Bayat Ardeshir
Published: December 2022

Raised dermal scars including hypertrophic, and keloid scars as well as scalp‐associated fibrosing Folliculitis Keloidalis Nuchae (FKN) are a group of fibrotic raised dermal lesions that mostly occur following cutaneous injury. They are characterized by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, primarily excessive collagen type 1 production by hyperproliferative fibroblasts. The extent of ECM deposition is thought to be proportional to the severity of local skin inflammation leading to excessive fibrosis of the dermis. Due to a lack of suitable study models, therapy for raised dermal scars remains ill‐defined. Immune cells and their associated markers have been strongly associated with dermal fibrosis. Therefore, modulation of the immune system and use of anti‐inflammatory cytokines are of potential interest in the management of dermal fibrosis. In this review, we will discuss the importance of immune factors in the pathogenesis of raised dermal scarring. The aim here is to provide an up‐to‐date comprehensive review of the literature, from PubMed, Scopus, and other relevant search engines in order to describe the known immunological factors associated with raised dermal scarring. The importance of immune cells including mast cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and relevant molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, antibodies, transcription factors, and other immune‐associated molecules as well as tissue lymphoid aggregates identified within raised dermal scars will be presented. A growing body of evidence points to a shift from proinflammatory Th1 response to regulatory/anti‐inflammatory Th2 response being associated with the development of fibrogenesis in raised dermal scarring. In summary, a better understanding of immune cells and associated molecular markers in dermal fibrosis will likely enable future development of potential immune‐modulated therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic targets in raised dermal scarring.
Evaluating the effect of atorvastatin exposure and vitamin D levels on lipid outcomes in people with HIV‐1 with suppressed HIV‐1 RNA and LDL cholesterol <130 mg/dL
Authors: Rahman Farah , Brates Irena , Aweeka Francesca , Bosch Ronald J. , Deitchman Amelia , Nixon Daniel , Aberg Judith A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people with HIV. Atorvastatin is known to reduce cardiovascular risk. We (1) compared atorvastatin concentrations between different boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) and with lipid outcomes and (2) compared pre‐atorvastatin 25‐OH vitamin D levels with atorvastatin concentrations and with lipid outcomes, in people with HIV with suppressed HIV‐1 RNA and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) <130 mg/dL.

Methods

A5275 was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study of atorvastatin in virally suppressed people with HIV with fasting LDL‐C <130 mg/dL. We analyzed results over the 20 weeks of active atorvastatin treatment. Atorvastatin was initiated at 10 mg daily and increased to 20 mg daily after 4 weeks if there were no findings of toxicity. Atorvastatin trough concentrations were measured at week 20. Participants took combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that included a boosted PI throughout.

Results

Overall (n = 67), 70% of participants were male, and the median age was 51 years. There was no apparent association between atorvastatin trough concentrations and pre‐atorvastatin vitamin D levels (r = 0.01, p = 0.9) or by boosted PI (p = 0.20). Median pre‐ to post‐atorvastatin change was −39.0 mg/dL in fasting total cholesterol, −40.4 ng/mL in lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (LP‐PLA2), and −13.8 U/L in oxidized LDL, with all changes negatively correlated with atorvastatin trough concentrations (r = −0.19, −0.09, −0.21; p ≥ 0.096).

Conclusions

No apparent associations between pre‐atorvastatin vitamin D levels and outcomes were observed (all p > 0.70). In virologically suppressed people with HIV, higher atorvastatin concentrations were marginally associated with greater decreases in lipid outcomes.
Diagnosis and management of basal cell carcinoma: interdisciplinary consensus statements of Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, a Department of Health Tertiary Hospital in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Ligeralde‐Bascones Karla I. , Gulmatico‐Flores Zharlah , Lim‐Bueser Hester G. , Espinoza‐Thaebtharm Agnes , Rescober‐Valencia Ma. Cricelda , Aguila Konrad P. , Anupol Elisa B. J. , Balete Solidad L. , Barcelona Marc V. , Castro Vhon C. S. , Fineza‐Dela Cruz Anna M. B. , Lansangan Patrick P. , Manrique Aldric M. B. , Olitoquit Katrina D. , Ortiz Anthony C. G. , Palisoc Erwin D. , Santos Danziel G. V. , See Melissa R. V. , Sy Austin J. F. , Sy Gerald C. , Tana Mobbydick G. , Tayag Joseph J. S. , Teo Honeylen M. T.
Published: December 2022

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Multiple risk factors are associated in the development of BCC, with ultraviolet light and genetics playing major roles.

Aims

The departments of dermatology, medical oncology, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery, plastic surgery, and radiation oncology of the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines, have convened and formulated consensus statements on the diagnosis and management of BCC patients seen in the institution.

Conclusion

The summary of the recommendations is: (1) Surgery is the treatment of choice for BCC. The range of margins (2–4 mm) depends on the type of BCC. (2) Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is indicated for high risk BCC. (3) Topical treatment with imiquimod or 5‐flourouracil (5‐FU) may be used for superficial BCC. (4) Destructive methods (cryotherapy, curettage and electrodessication, photodynamic therapy) may be used for low risk BCC. (5) Medical and/or radiation therapy is advised for cases where surgery is contraindicated or tumor is not amenable to surgery. Metastasis of this malignancy is rare. Follow‐up, which may continue up until 2 years, is recommended for high risk BCC.
Rear‐edge daylily populations show legacies of habitat fragmentation due to the Holocene climate warming
Authors: Masuda Kazutoshi , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Nagasawa Koki , Ishihara Masae Iwamoto , Sawa Kazuhiro , Horie Kenji , Tsuboi Hayato , Fukumoto Shigeru , Tango Tsuguoki , Sakaguchi Shota
Published: December 2022

Aims

Quaternary climate changes dramatically affected species' distributions and thus impacted genetic diversity patterns, particularly for rear‐edge populations. Empirical studies have shown the southernmost (rear‐edge), fragmented populations of Japanese woody plants can harbour high genetic diversity owing to their origin in southern glacial refugia. The effect of Holocene climate warming on rear‐edge populations has, however, rarely been demonstrated. We assessed whether the genetic structure of populations of temperate plants in Japan can be interpreted to show legacies of both icy (Last Glacial Maximum, LGM) and warm (Holocene) climates.

Location

Japanese Archipelago.

Taxon

Hemerocallis middendorffii (Asphodelaceae).

Methods

Population genetic profiles of 737 individuals from 41 populations were analysed to examine population structure and past population demography, using 12 EST‐SSR markers. Present and past suitable habitat areas during the LGM and the Holocene climatic optimum were estimated by ecological niche modelling (ENM). Reconstructed palaeodistribution was combined with population genetics to statistically predict population demographics in relation to past climate changes.

Results

Genetic analysis of the 41 populations revealed 6 regional population groups. Four groups widely dominating the northern–central ranges harboured high genetic diversity, whereas genetic divergence within the groups was low. In contrast, the two groups at the southwestern edge were geographically and genetically isolated, and they showed the lowest genetic diversity. The estimated palaeodistributions showed a decrease in the suitable range during the Holocene in comparison with that at the LGM, and only habitat suitability in the Holocene was able to predict the genetic diversity across the range.

Main conclusions

Populations at the centre of the current distribution harbour high genetic diversity because they remained stable during both cold and warm periods. However, habitat fragmentation and population decline in relation to climate warming during the Holocene resulted in genetic isolation and impoverishment of the rear‐edge populations.
Chronic oral diseases burden: The confluence of caries and periodontitis throughout life
Authors: Costa Susilena Arouche , Ribeiro Cecilia Claudia Costa , Leite Fábio Renato Manzolli , Peres Marco A. , Souza Soraia de Fátima Carvalho , Nascimento Gustavo G.
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate the confluence of caries and periodontitis indicators from adolescence to elderhood among Americans.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study explored the grouping among a set of caries and periodontitis indicators (the proportion of sites with bleeding on probing, moderate probing pocket depth [PPD, 4–5 mm], severe PPD [≥6 mm], moderate clinical attachment level [CAL, 3–4 mm], severe CAL [≥5 mm], number of teeth with furcation involvement, number of decayed teeth, number of teeth with pulp involvement, and the number of missing teeth) in 14,421 Americans from the NHANES III study. Exploratory factorial analysis was used to determine the constructs between those indicators (factorial loading ≥0.3). These analyses were stratified by age and confirmed with a confirmatory factorial analysis. We also performed a sensitivity analysis using the NHANES 2011–2014.

Results

Two constructs were extracted. The first, Chronic Oral Diseases Burden, grouped caries indicators with moderate PPD and moderate CAL for the youngest subjects (13–39 years old), while for the subjects over 50 years, the Chronic Oral Disease Burden grouped caries indicators with severe CAL and PPD and furcation involvement. The second construct, Periodontal Destruction, grouped only periodontitis indicators.

Conclusions

Caries and periodontitis indicators grouped consistently across the different age ranges in lapse times of 25 years.
Analyses of growth performance and realized heritability of the second generation of Indo‐PacificPampus argenteus
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zhang Cheng , Hu Jiabao , Tao Shunshun , Tang Jie , Huang Lin , Zheng Chunjing , Xu Shanliang , Wang Yajun
Published: December 2022

Silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) is one of the most important fishery products in the Indo‐Pacific Ocean. Nonetheless, little is known about the genetic parameters of economic traits. To determine whether the selective breeding programme would improve economic traits, the authors evaluated the growth performance of the selected group and the control group at 60, 90 and 120 days, and the growth performance parameters of the selected group were higher than those of the control group. Through Pearson correlation analysis, the authors found that the morphological traits that are highly related to the weight of P. argenteus are body length and body height. Genetic gain and realized heritability for body weight were highest at day 90, which were 12.72% and 0.23%, respectively. Therefore, the authors speculate that day 90 may be a critical time for screening. The average coefficient of variation for body weight reached over 30%. All three morphological traits reached moderate realized heritability at day 90 after hatching. These implied that selective breeding has the potential to improve the growth traits of P. argenteus. In addition, the reproductive performance of P. argenteus parent fish was obviously improved after gonadal strengthening. These results provide important information for future breeding programmes for P. argenteus.
Early clinical efficacy of pegylated interferon treatment in patients with different phases of chronic HBV infection: A real‐world analysis
Authors: Zhang Wencong , Xing Mingyou , Sun Wenjin , Chen Jia , Xie Nana , Cai Yuan , Wang Ying , Li Niuniu , Jiang Yujin , Zhang Fan , Wang Yanfeng , Zeng Qingjin , Ji Yanhua , Xu Cheng , Jiang Chunmei , Song Jianxin , Li Guojun
Published: December 2022

Although there are therapeutic advantages for hepatitis B virus (HBV) withpegylated interferon alpha (peg‐IFNα) treatment compared with nucleos(t)ide analog (NAs) therapy, the effect difference in infected population at different phases has not been well established. We studied the clinical efficacy of peg‐IFNα in two populations with HBV infection, including inactive HBsAg carrier (IHC) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 328 HBV‐infected patients were included in this real‐world analysis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the infected stages. Peg‐IFNα monotherapy or combination therapy with NAs were used in IHCs, and peg‐IFNα added‐on NAs therapy was applied to patients with CHB. The primary efficacy endpoint was HBsAg loss at Week 24. Results: The Kaplan–Meier cumulative rates of HBsAg loss were 39.50% (n = 47/119) in IHC group and 28.71% (n = 60/209) in CHB group at Week 24 (p < .05). After Propensity Score Matching (PSM), the HBsAg loss rates were 36.84% (n = 35/95) and 32.63% (n = 31/95), respectively (p > .05). Patients with baseline HBsAg level < 100 IU/ml achieved higher rates of HBsAg clearance in IHC and CHB group (before PSM: 47.44% vs. 42.86%, after PSM: 49.12% vs. 45.83%, all p values > .05). Baseline HBsAg level and its level decline from baseline to Week 12 can be as the predictors for HBsAg loss at Week 24 in both groups. Hence, the efficacy of HBsAg clearance was broadly similar between IHCs and NA‐treated CHB patients during the early peg‐IFNα therapy. A significant downward trend of HBsAg level was observed in both groups during peg‐IFNα therapy.
Developing a personalized self‐care curriculum for graduate students in the health sciences
Authors: Dietz Laura J. , Kulzer Jamie L. , Kondis Peyton
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Pitt Personal Wellness Program, three 1‐hour workshops that were integrated into the first‐semester curriculum of five health sciences graduate programs. The workshops were designed as a personalized education approach to promote self‐care and well‐being. Of the 156 graduate students who participated in the Pitt Personal Wellness Program, 99 (65%) completed online questionnaires regarding stress and coping at three time points across a 14 week period: before the program, and after the second and third workshops. Graduate students reported significant decreases in perceived stress and number of stressful situations across the three time points. Students who reported a previous history of mental health counseling demonstrated steeper declines in perceived stress across Times 1 and 2, and reported significantly higher use of coping strategies across the three time points. Racially minoritized students and those reporting more financial struggles also reported significant declines in stress and number of stressors across Times 1 and 2. The Pitt Personal Wellness Program was acceptable to graduate students and a promising program for further dissemination and study.
A TRADE ROUTE FROM THE PROPONTIS TO PHRYGIA: ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC STATUS OF KIOS BETWEEN THE ARCHAIC AND THE EARLY HELLENISTIC PERIODS
Authors: Erpehlivan Hüseyin
Published: December 2022

This article proposes a reassessment of the role that Kios played as a nexus of trade between the northern Aegean, the Black Sea and inland north‐west Anatolia. The city was founded as an emporium at the end of the seventh century BC and joined the Delian League in the following century. The autonomous city was subsequently ruled by a Persian dynasty during the fourth century BC, while retaining its Greek identity. Three groups of ceramics will be analysed for this reassessment: one from rescue excavations at Kios itself; another from surveyed sites in the surrounding region; and a third from other excavated settlements. It is argued that both locally‐produced fine wares and transport amphoras allow chronological periods to be traced to relatively high resolutions, and that these reveal Kios to have been a significant market town that was deeply involved in trade with the Aegean and the Black Sea.
From crude jokes to diminutive terms: Exploring experiences of hostile and benevolent sexism during job search
Authors: Chawla Nitya , Gabriel Allison S.
Published: December 2022

Despite the growing attention devoted to women's experiences of sexism within organizational contexts, there is comparatively less work elucidating the affective and behavioral self‐regulatory processes that unfold following sexist incidents that happen before organizational entry—that is, during the job search process. In this study, we integrate ambivalent sexism theory with self‐regulation theory to explore the differential impact of experiences of hostile (i.e., overt, derogatory, expressions of female inferiority) and benevolent sexism (i.e., subtle, seemingly positive, expressions of female incompetence) during the job search. Further, drawing from research on discrimination, we also consider whether reactions to sexism are shaped by the extent to which women identify with their gender. We tested our conceptual model through a weekly study of 103 female new labor market entrants. Findings indicated that while weekly experiences of hostile sexism related to heightened anger, experiences of benevolent sexism elicited anxiety; these effects were exacerbated for highly gender‐identified female job seekers. Anxiety—but not anger—prompted next‐week job search effort and intensity, which yielded distinct effects on search success and well‐being. Notably, exploratory analyses demonstrated that these affective responses to weekly experiences of hostile and benevolent sexism did not emerge for male job seekers, suggesting that such experiences of sexism can be more impactful for women on the job market. Thus, our work highlights the critical self‐regulatory processes that unfold weekly following female job seekers’ exposure to sexism.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to PM2.5 and the risk of tic disorders
Authors: Chang Yu‐Tzu , Jung Chau‐Ren , Chang Ya‐Chu , Chuang Bao‐Ru , Chen Mei‐Ling , Hwang Bing‐Fang
Published: December 2022

Background

Tic disorders are common neurodevelopmental disorders during childhood. Whether prenatal and postnatal exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) plays a role in the development of tic disorders remains unexplored.

Objectives

To investigate the association of exposure between PM2.5 during the pregnancy and infancy periods and the risk of tic disorders.

Methods

This birth cohort study recruited singleton live births at term gestations in central Taiwan from the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database between 2004 and 2012 and followed up to the end of 2017. New cases of tic disorders were defined using the ICD‐9‐CM (307.2) and ICD‐10‐CM (F95), which include all tic spectrum disorders. We assigned daily PM2.5 concentrations derived from a satellite‐based model to individuals based on maternal residential addresses at delivery. We fit Cox proportional hazard model and distributed lag non‐linear model to estimate the associations between PM2.5 and tic disorders, with hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect measure.

Results

Of the 309,376 singleton live births at term gestations, we identified 5902 (1.9%) tic disorder cases. The HR of tic disorders was positively associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5: during pregnancy HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04, 1.15 and during infancy HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06, 1.18. The vulnerable time window for infants with increased risk of tic disorders was 6–52 weeks after birth. We observed a nonlinear relationship between PM2.5 and the risk of tic disorders, with exposure to PM2.5 between 16 and 64 μg/m3 being associated with the risk of tic disorders. The association was restricted to Tourette's disorder group. Infant sex did not modify these associations.

Conclusions

Infants delivered at term and exposed to PM2.5 are associated with an increased risk of tic disorders (6–52 weeks). Further studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Colpomenia borea sp. nov. (Scytosiphonaceae, Phaeophyceae) from Japan and Far East Russia
Authors: Dy Michael Jacob C. , Hoshino Masakazu , Abe Tsuyoshi , Yotsukura Norishige , Klochkova Nina , Lee Kyung Min , Boo Sung Min , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: December 2022

Colpomenia borea sp. nov. is described from Hokkaido, Japan and Magadan, Far East Russia based on morphological observations and molecular analyses using mitochondrial cox3 and chloroplast rbcL genes. This new species is distinguished from other Colpomenia by its small globular to ovoidal thallus up to 5 cm in diameter, and thin thallus membrane composed of a cortex of one to two‐cell layers and a colorless medulla of up to three layers. This species is epiphytic on the brown alga Stephanocystis in areas protected against waves. The life history in culture of C. borea was investigated and the observed life history pattern was similar to those reported in C. peregrina and C. sinuosa. Our phylogenetic analyses supported that C. borea is a distinct species, yet it is more related to C. peregrina than C. sinuosa.
Do farmers get a greater return from selling their agricultural products through e‐commerce?
Authors: Liu Min , Shi Pengfei , Wang Jinxia , Wang Huimin , Huang Jikun
Published: December 2022

E‐commerce allows farmers to cut out intermediaries and sell agricultural products to consumers directly. This raises the question of whether farmers get a greater return when they use e‐commerce to sell their products than when they use conventional marketing channels (i.e., intermediaries). To answer this question, we collected rural household data on sales of agricultural products from Zhejiang and Shandong provinces, in which we selected pairs of villages where e‐commerce was advanced and villages where e‐commerce was less advanced and households in each village that used or did not use e‐commerce. We employed a fixed effects model to investigate the impacts of e‐commerce on the selling prices and marketing costs of agricultural products. The model results revealed that compared with the conventional marketing channel through intermediaries, the marketing costs through the e‐commerce channel significantly increased, but the selling price increases much more, which results in increases in gross returns for farmers. The increases in selling prices and marketing costs using e‐commerce varied among agricultural products and between different qualities of the same product. It has important policy implications for improving farmers’ incomes and agricultural marketing channels in developing countries.
Gender identity‐based disparities in self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors among pre‐teens in the United States
Authors: Randall Alyson B. , van der Star Arjan , Pennesi Jamie‐Lee , Siegel Jaclyn A. , Blashill Aaron J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Transgender individuals are at heightened risk for self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). Evidence suggests that middle childhood‐aged transgender individuals experience elevated rates of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and passive suicidal ideation (SI), compared to cisgender children. Little is known about gender identity‐based disparities in SI more broadly and suicidal behavior (SB) in children aged 9 and 10. The aim of this study was to examine gender identity‐based disparities in SITBs among children in middle childhood (pre‐teens) in a US‐based sample.

Methods

Using data from the 3.0 baseline release of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, logistic regression models, unadjusted and adjusted for covariates, were performed to examine gender identity‐based disparities in SITBs.

Results

In a model adjusted for birth sex, race/ethnicity, and household income, transgender children were at significantly higher odds for current (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.34) but not lifetime NSSI compared with cisgender children. Transgender children were at significantly higher odds for current and lifetime SI (AOR = 13.03; AOR = 5.39, respectively) and SB (AOR = 14.21; AOR = 12.64, respectively) compared with cisgender children.

Conclusions

Gender identity‐based disparities in SITBs may be present as early as age 9 and 10, demonstrating the need for SITB prevention and intervention efforts specific to transgender children.
Signs of the gender revolution's second phase? Historical and cross‐national development of fathers' leave provisions
Authors: Engeman Cassandra , Burman Sofie
Published: December 2022

In only a few decades, workplace leave for fathers has grown from a few days of paternity leave to several months of leave to bond with their children. Historically, some reforms are striking for the signals they send about gender norms of care. In this paper, we argue there are five distinct types of fathers’ leave that differ in their potential messages about fatherhood. Using new and original measures, we examine the development of each leave type, total leave provisions and the duration of well‐paid leave across 23 affluent democracies over the last half century. We find that welfare states have increasingly established well‐paid and non‐transferable leave provisions promoted by family policy experts, but such provisions remain underfunded. Transferable parental leave entitlements, when offered, are typically more generous. We also find countries vary but are historically consistent in how they distribute benefits based on fathers’ earnings. Overall, this presents indicators that lay necessary groundwork for advancements in comparative policy analysis.
Modeling and Analysis of Simplified PV Module With Various Temperature And Irradiance Inputs Using MATLAB Simulink Algorithm
Authors: Ismail Norhaisam , Mat Said Dalila , Mirsaeidi Sohrab , Ahmad Nasarudin , Rosmin Norzanah , Hussin Siti Maherah , Abd Wahid Siti Aisyah , Mohd Yassin Zaris Izzati , Zainal Nur Hazirah
Published: December 2022

Photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a potential solution to the global energy crisis. Modeling study and analysis involving solar PV module is an important task in a PV system to be more user friendly, improve reliability and performance. However, the output characteristics of PV modules are nonlinear, since they are dependent on environmental conditions such as solar irradiance and temperature, as well as local climate conditions such as humidity and wind. The various methods used have some common gaps as the absence of step-by-step procedure which causes difficulties to understand. Indeed, accurate modeling of PV modules is important to provide a better understanding of their operation and output characteristics, since simulations can be used to understand the behavior of PV modules under various operating conditions. The objective of the project is first, to build and model a solar photovoltaic (PV) module algorithm using Matlab/Simulink. Second, to simulate and analyze the behavior of the model in various temperature and irradiance input conditions. Third, to validate the results obtained from the simulations by comparing the output characteristics with the manufacturer’s datasheet. The methodology used by presenting the principles of detailed modeling of PV modules using Matlab/Simulink software. The constructed model is taken from the equations obtained from the equivalent circuit of a single diode model. The PV Module block is a five-parameter model using a light-generated current source (IL), diode, series resistance (Rs), and shunt resistance (Rsh) to represent the irradiance and temperature-dependent I-V and P-V characteristics of the module. This method provides a simple, reliable, and highly flexible method to adapt PV modules to different environmental conditions such as irradiance, temperature and physical parameters of the solar modules such as resistance, current, voltage, ideality factors and others. The simulation results and data obtained show that the block module developed and simulated using Matlab/Simulink with various input values ​​of temperature and irradiance is almost identical to the real PV module and user-friendly.
Promoting Intercultural Competence in Preservice Teacher Education through Virtual Exchange
Authors: Syahrin Syerina , Akmal Nurul , Spromberg Sarah , DePriest John
Published: December 2022

Intercultural competence refers to the ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds while utilizing one’s intercultural knowledge, skills, and attitudes. To become a competent teacher in English, preservice teacher education students would have to be able to manage a classroom with students from different cultural backgrounds. This study explores the possibilities of promoting intercultural competence among a group of pre-service teacher education students at Dhofar University through a virtual exchange program with Tulane University. Through a curriculum intervention, the pre-service teacher education students were given the opportunity to engage in conversations virtually. Utilizing an approach of action research, the study attempted to seek the pre-service teacher education students’ perspectives on their intercultural competence in three areas namely attitude, skills, and knowledge by assessing their responses before and after the virtual exchange program. The results of the study revealed that the preservice teacher education students perceived their openness, communication skills, empathy, worldview, and self-awareness to have significantly increased after participating in the intercultural virtual exchange program. However, the virtual exchange program did not have an impact on the students’ reservation of judgment towards their peers of different cultural backgrounds.
State-of-Charge and State-of-Health Joint Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery Based on Iterative Unscented Kalman Particle Filtering Algorithm With Fused Rauch–Tung–Striebel Smoothing Structure
Authors: Wu Jie , Xu Huigang , Zhu Peiyi
Published: December 2022

Traditional particle filtering has a large estimation error in the state of charge and Lithium-ion battery health of electric vehicle lithium batteries. For the above-mentioned problems, the lithium battery second-order resistance capacitance (RC) equivalent circuit model is established, and then, the model parameters are identified using the multi-innovation least square algorithm (MILS). Finally, an iterative unscented Kalman particle filtering algorithm with fused Rauch–Tung–Striebel Smoothing Structure (RTS-IUPF) applied to Li-ion battery state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) joint estimation is proposed. The algorithm is based on the identification of battery parameters; the controller reads the sensor data and predicts the state results. RTS smoothing structure can do posterior estimation, and a significant probability density function is generated to select the optimal particle, and unscented Kalman algorithm regularized particles. The algorithm reduces the effect of the process noise covariance matrix and the measured noise covariance matrix on the filter accuracy and response time in traditional unselected Kalman filters. The algorithm proposed in the paper improves particle degradation and increases the estimation accuracy. Finally, the RTS-IUPF algorithm performs simulation analysis in Pulse current discharge condition and dynamic current condition (NEDC), respectively. The pulse current experimental results show that the mean absolute value error of UKF and particle filter (PF (number of particles N is 300)) is 1.26% and 1.24%, respectively, while the error of the RTS-IUPF is 0.748%. The root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the RTS-IUPF is reduced by 66.5% and 77.8% compared with UKF and PF. Furthermore, the error of joint estimation using this algorithm is smaller than that of single estimation. The RMSE of the RTS-IUPF joint is reduced by 27.4% compared with RTS-IUPF. The feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm for the joint estimation of SOC and SOH of lithium batteries were verified.
A Modeling Method for a 6-SPS Perpendicular Parallel Micro-Manipulation Robot Considering the Motion in Multiple Nonfunctional Directions and Nonlinear Hysteresis
Authors: Qi Chenkun , Lin Jianfeng , Liu Xin , Gao Feng , Yue Yi , Hu Yan , Wei Baochen
Published: December 2022

Precision motion systems that call for an ultrahigh resolution are widely used in ultrahigh-precision engineering applications. In this article, a 6-SPS perpendicular compliant parallel micro-manipulation robot is presented. It is difficult to establish the mapping relationship between the applied voltage and end-effector pose due to the existence of compliant joints and piezoelectric actuators. A modeling method for a 6-SPS perpendicular compliant parallel micro-manipulation robot considering the motion in nonfunctional directions and hysteresis effect is proposed to reflect the characteristic from input voltage to output pose. The motion of the spherical compliant joint is regarded as a spatial six degrees-of-freedom mechanism. This method considers the motion errors in multiple nonfunctional directions of the compliant joints. The internal force and torque are also taken into account based on the spatial force and moment balance condition. The slow, fast dynamic modes, and hysteresis nonlinearity behavior are described using a series and parallel hybrid model structures. The kinematic model and compliance model without considering the motion in nonfunctional directions are conducted for comparison. Simulation results show that the presented modeling method has higher modeling accuracy. Finally, experiments on a 6DOF compliant parallel micro-manipulation robot reveal the fine modeling performance of the developed method for the precision motion systems in the presence of intrinsic hysteresis effect and motion error of compliant joints.
Mobility and Kinematic Bifurcation Analysis of Origami Plate Structures
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Zhong Qiuyue , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Kexin , Zhang Qian , Feng Jian
Published: December 2022

Bifurcation behavior analysis is the key part of mobility in the application of origami-inspired deployable structures because it opens up more allosteric possibilities but leads to control difficulties. A novel tracking method for bifurcation paths is proposed based on the Jacobian matrix equations of the constraint system and its Taylor expansion equations. A Jacobian matrix equation is built based on the length, boundary, rigid plate conditions, and rotational symmetry conditions of the origami plate structures to determine the degrees-of-freedom and bifurcation points of structural motion. The high-order expansion form of the length constraint conditions is introduced to calculate the bifurcation directions. The two kinds of single-vertex four-crease patterns are adopted to verify the proposed method first. And then, the motion bifurcations of three wrapping folds are investigated and compared. The results demonstrate the rich kinematic properties of the wrap folding pattern, corresponding to different assignments of mountain and valley creases. The findings provide a numerical discrimination approach for the singularity of rigid origami structure motion trajectories, which may be used for a wide range of complicated origami plate structures.