bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate, soil mineralogy and mycorrhizal fungi influence soil organic matter fractions in eastern US temperate forests
Authors: Lang Ashley K. , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , McFarlane Karis J. , Phillips Richard P.
Published: March 2023

Identifying the primary controls of particulate (POM) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) content in soils is critical for determining future stocks of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) across the globe. However, drivers of these soil organic matter fractions are likely to vary among ecosystems in response to climate, soil type and the composition of local biological communities.

We tested how soil factors, climate and plant–fungal associations influenced the distribution and concentrations of C and N in MAOM and POM in seven temperate forests in the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) across the eastern United States. Samples of upper mineral horizon soil within each forest were collected in plots representing a gradient of dominant tree–mycorrhizal association, allowing us to test how plant and microbial communities influenced POM and MAOM across sites differing in climate and soil conditions.

We found that concentrations of C and N in soil organic matter were primarily driven by soil mineralogy, but the relative abundance of MAOM versus POM C was strongly linked to plot‐level mycorrhizal dominance. Furthermore, the effect of dominant tree mycorrhizal type on the distribution of N among POM and MAOM fractions was sensitive to local climate: in cooler sites, an increasing proportion of ectomycorrhizal‐associated trees was associated with lower proportions of N in MAOM, but in warmer sites, we found the reverse. As an indicator of soil carbon age, we measured radiocarbon in the MAOM fraction but found that within and across sites, Δ14C was unrelated to mycorrhizal dominance, climate, or soil factors, suggesting that additional site‐specific factors may be primary determinants of long‐term SOM persistence.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that while soil mineralogy primarily controls SOM C and N concentrations, the distribution of SOM among density fractions depends on the composition of vegetation and microbial communities, with these effects varying across sites with distinct climates. We also suggest that within biomes, the age of mineral‐associated soil carbon is not clearly linked to the factors that control concentrations of MAOM C and N.
iGDP: An integrated genome decontamination pipeline for wild ciliated microeukaryotes
Authors: Jiang Chuanqi , Wang Guangying , Zhang Jing , Gu Siyu , Wang Xueyan , Qin Weiwei , Chen Kai , Yuan Dongxia , Chai Xiaocui , Yang Mingkun , Zhou Fang , Xiong Jie , Miao Wei
Published: March 2023

Ciliates are a large group of ubiquitous and highly diverse single‐celled eukaryotes that play an essential role in the functioning of microbial food webs. However, their genomic diversity is far from clear due to the need to develop cultivation methods for most species, so most research is based on wild organisms that almost invariably contain contaminants. Here we establish an integrated Genome Decontamination Pipeline (iGDP) that combines homology search, telomere reads‐assisted and clustering approaches to filter contaminated ciliate genome assemblies from wild specimens. We benchmarked the performance of iGDP using genomic data from a contaminated ciliate culture and the results showed that iGDP could recall 91.9% of the target sequences with 96.9% precision. We also used a synthetic dataset to offer guidelines for the application of iGDP in the removal of various groups of contaminants. Compared with several popular metagenome binning tools, iGDP could show better performance. To further validate the effectiveness of iGDP on real‐world data, we applied it to decontaminate genome assemblies of three wild ciliate specimens and obtained their genomes with high quality comparable to that of previously well‐studied model ciliate genomes. It is anticipated that the newly generated genomes and the established iGDP method will be valuable community resources for detailed studies on ciliate biodiversity, phylogeny, ecology and evolution. The pipeline (https://github.com/GWang2022/iGDP) can be implemented automatically to reduce manual filtering and classification and may be further developed to apply to other microeukaryotes.
Equity incentives and conforming tax avoidance
Authors: Kara Mehmet C. , Mayberry Michael A. , Rane Scott G.
Published: March 2023

We examine how executive equity incentives are associated with firms' conforming tax avoidance. Conforming tax avoidance is unique compared to nonconforming tax avoidance in that it decreases tax liabilities by reducing pretax income. Thus, conforming tax avoidance presents a unique set of consequences with important links to both risk and value‐creation incentives. Consistent with risk‐taking incentives increasing conforming tax avoidance, we find that linking executive wealth to stock price volatility (i.e., vega) is positively associated with conforming tax avoidance. We also find that linking executive wealth to stock price (i.e., delta) is negatively associated with conforming tax avoidance. The results of our cross‐sectional tests suggest that the negative association between delta and conforming tax avoidance is predominantly driven by a risk aversion effect rather than a value‐creation effect. Our findings add to the literature on the relation between tax avoidance and executive compensation, as well as the trade‐off between book and taxable income.
Alpha 7‐nicotinic cholinoceptor regulation of pericyte‐containing retinal capillaries
Authors: Wu Kaicheng , Cheng Tongjie , Zhai Zimeng , Jiang Chunhui , Zhou Xujiao
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

Local blood flow regulation relies on the coordination between neurons and pericyte‐containing capillaries. Pericyte relaxation and contraction are influenced by vasoactive substances and regulated by neurotransmitters. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7‐nAChRs), involved in the regulation of vascular function and inhibitory γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems, have neuroprotective effects against CNS diseases. Although α7‐nAChRs are found throughout the retina, their contribution to the retinal capillary tone remains unknown. Here, we investigated the neurovascular coupling mechanism underlying α7‐nAChR‐mediated retinal capillary tone regulation.

Experimental Approach

Changes in capillary diameter and pericyte transverse diameter during drug perfusion were observed using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, to help elucidate signalling pathways underlying α7‐nAChR‐mediated regulation of capillary blood flow at the whole retinal level. Patch clamp technique was used to investigate α7‐nAChR‐mediated regulation of the GABA synaptic circuit. Immunofluorescence was used to explore the expression of α7‐nAChRs and GABA receptors.

Key Results

Activating α7‐nAChRs on the endothelial cell membrane caused perinuclear accumulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), resulting in dilated retinal capillaries and pericytes via the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)/nitric oxide (NO)/guanosine 3′,5′‐ monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway. Neuronal α7‐nAChR activation directly relaxed retinal capillaries and pericytes via a neurovascular coupling mechanism. α7‐nAChR also increased the vesicular release of GABA, possibly promoting the release of NO by binding to GABAA receptors in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and relaxing blood vessels via eNOS–NO, with GABA binding to GABAB receptors on retinal capillary endothelial cells.

Conclusion and Implications

α7‐nAChR activation causes vasorelaxation of retinal capillaries.
Eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade e qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral: Uma revisão sistemática e meta‐análise
Authors: Soares Esther G. , Gusmão Cláudio H. V. , Souto Deisiane O.
Published: March 2023

Objetivo

Investigar a eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade (participação, atividades e estruturas e funções corporais) e qualidade de vida (QV) de crianças e adolescentes com paralisia cerebral (PC).

Método

Uma revisão sistemática com meta‐análise foi realizada. Uma busca abrangente de artigos foi realizada usando os bancos de dados eletrônicos Embase, PubMed, PEDro e CINAHL. A qualidade metodológica e a certeza das evidências foram avaliadas com as escalas PEDro e Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), respectivamente. Os efeitos do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade foram avaliados usando técnicas meta‐analíticas. No entanto, dada a natureza ampla dos resultados relacionados a funcionalidade e QV, diferentes instrumentos podem ser usados para mensurá‐los; isso tornou impossível a síntese dos resultados em uma meta‐análise para alguns dos desfechos.

Resultados

Quinze ensaios clínicos randomizados com 414 participantes com PC foram incluídos. A análise da qualidade metodológica dos estudos revelou um baixo risco de viés. O efeito do exercício aeróbico comparado aos cuidados habituais ou outras intervenções foi significativo para a capacidade aeróbica (diferença média padronizada [DMP] = 0,81; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC] = 0,16–1,47; p < 0,002; I2 = 68%), função motora grossa (DMP = 0,70; 95% = IC 0,21–1,19; p = 0,005; I2 = 49%), mobilidade (DMP = 0.53; 95% IC = 0.05–1.05; p = 0.03; I2 = 27%), equilíbro, and participação (DMP = 0.74; 95% IC = 0.10–1.39; p = 0.02; I2 = 0%). O exercício aeróbico não foi eficaz para a força muscular, espasticidade, parâmetros de marcha e QV (p > 0,05). A certeza da evidência para a maioria das comparações foi de moderada a baixa.

Interpretação

Esta revisão fornece as evidências mais atualizadas sobre a eficácia do exercício aeróbico na funcionalidade e na qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com PC.
Effect of spatial scale of soil data on estimates of soil ecosystem services: Case study in 100 km2 area in France
Authors: Scammacca Ottone , Sauzet Ophélie , Michelin Joel , Choquet Pauline , Garnier Patricia , Gabrielle Benoit , Baveye Philippe C. , Montagne David
Published: March 2023

Over the last decade, the ecosystem services (ESs) framework has been increasingly used to support mapping and assessment studies for sustainable land management purposes. Previous analysis of practical applications has revealed the significance of the spatial scale at which input data are obtained. This issue is particularly problematic with soil data that are often unavailable or available only at coarse scales or resolutions in various part of the world. In this context, four soil‐based ecosystem services, namely biomass provision, water provision, global climate regulation, and water quality regulation, are assessed using three conventional soil maps at the 1:1,000,000, 1:250,000 and 1:50,000 scales. The resulting individual and joint ES maps are then compared to examine the effects of changing the spatial scale of soil data on the ES levels and spatial patterns. ES levels are finally aggregated to landforms, land use, or administrative levels in order to try to identify the determinants of the sensitivity of ES levels to change in the scale of input soil data. Whereas the three soil maps turn out to be equally useful whenever ESs levels averaged over the whole 100 km2 territory are needed, the maps at the 1:1,000,000 and 1:250,000 induced biases in the assessment of ESs levels over spatial units smaller than 100 and 10 km2, respectively. The simplification of the diversity and spatial distribution of soils at the two coarsest scales indeed resulted in local differences in ES levels ranging from several 10 to several 100%. Identification of the optimal representation of soil diversity and distribution to obtain a reliable representation of ESs spatial distribution is not straightforward. The ESs sensitivity to scale effect is indeed context‐specific, variable among individual ESs, and not directly or simply linked with the soil typological diversity represented in soil maps. Forested and natural lands in the study area appear particularly sensitive to soil data scales as they occupy marginal soils showing very specific ESs signatures.
Interactive effects of rising temperatures and urbanisation on birds across different climate zones: A mechanistic perspective
Authors: Sumasgutner Petra , Cunningham Susan J. , Hegemann Arne , Amar Arjun , Watson Hannah , Nilsson Johan F. , Andersson Martin N. , Isaksson Caroline
Published: March 2023

Climate change and urbanisation are among the most pervasive and rapidly growing threats to biodiversity worldwide. However, their impacts are usually considered in isolation, and interactions are rarely examined. Predicting species' responses to the combined effects of climate change and urbanisation, therefore, represents a pressing challenge in global change biology. Birds are important model taxa for exploring the impacts of both climate change and urbanisation, and their behaviour and physiology have been well studied in urban and non‐urban systems. This understanding should allow interactive effects of rising temperatures and urbanisation to be inferred, yet considerations of these interactions are almost entirely lacking from empirical research. Here, we synthesise our current understanding of the potential mechanisms that could affect how species respond to the combined effects of rising temperatures and urbanisation, with a focus on avian taxa. We discuss potential interactive effects to motivate future in‐depth research on this critically important, yet overlooked, aspect of global change biology. Increased temperatures are a pronounced consequence of both urbanisation (through the urban heat island effect) and climate change. The biological impact of this warming in urban and non‐urban systems will likely differ in magnitude and direction when interacting with other factors that typically vary between these habitats, such as resource availability (e.g. water, food and microsites) and pollution levels. Furthermore, the nature of such interactions may differ for cities situated in different climate types, for example, tropical, arid, temperate, continental and polar. Within this article, we highlight the potential for interactive effects of climate and urban drivers on the mechanistic responses of birds, identify knowledge gaps and propose promising future research avenues. A deeper understanding of the behavioural and physiological mechanisms mediating species' responses to urbanisation and rising temperatures will provide novel insights into ecology and evolution under global change and may help better predict future population responses.
Modeling the U.S. Firearms Market
Authors: McDougal Topher L. , Montolio Daniel , Brauer Jurgen
Published: March 2023

We estimate the first econometric model of the national civilian firearms market in the United States (1946–2016), where per capita firearms‐related harm is exceptionally high. Solving simultaneous equation models instrumented by natural disasters and steel prices, and employing unique firearms prices and quantities data, we find this market operates normally, except that firearms stocks may generate some new market demand in a positive feedback loop. Save for the Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994–2004), federal firearms legislation does not influence firearms sales. We find that violent crime, including homicide and mass shootings, boosts domestic sales.
Effect of Bacillus paralicheniformis on soybean (Glycine max) roots colonization, nutrient uptake and water use efficiency under drought stress
Authors: Liu Jie , Fimognari Lorenzo , de Almeida Jaqueline , Jensen Camilla Niketa Gadomska , Compant Stéphane , Oliveira Tiago , Baelum Jacob , Pastar Milica , Sessitsch Angela , Moelbak Lars , Liu Fulai
Published: March 2023

Spore‐forming, plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPR) offer extraordinary opportunities for increasing plant productivity in climate change scenarios. Plant–water relationships, root development and photosynthetic performances are all key aspects of plant physiology determining yield, and the ability of PGPR to influence these in a coordinated manner is crucial for their success. In this study, we dissected the mode of action of a commercial Bacillus paralicheniformis FMCH001 in promoting soybean (Glycine max, seed variety: Sculptor) establishment in well‐watered and drought conditions. We found that FMCH001 colonizes the roots, improved root growth and allowed plants to absorb more nutrients from the soil. FMCH001 inoculation had no effect on abscisic acid in leaf or xylem sap, while significantly improved photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate at 28 days after planting when drought stress exposed for 7 days, with depressed leaf water potential and osmotic potential. Moreover, the bacterium increased water use efficiency and the inoculated soybean plants exposed to drought used 22.94% less water as compared to control, despite producing comparable biomass. We propose that the ability of the bacterium to promote root growth and also modulate plant water relations are key mechanisms that allow FMCH001 to promote growth and survival in dicotyledon plants.
Population‐based survey of human monkeypox disease knowledge in the Philippines: An online cross‐sectional study
Authors: Berdida Daniel Joseph E.
Published: March 2023

Aims

In July 2022, the human monkeypox virus was declared by the World Health Organization, a public health emergency of global concern. This study investigated the Filipinos' knowledge of monkeypox and determined the demographic variables that predicted it.

Design

Correlational and cross‐sectional design adhering to STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Participants were recruited conveniently through social media platforms (n = 575). This study used a 21‐item monkeypox knowledge survey questionnaire to collect data from July to September 2022. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Most participants (53.74%) were above 30 years old, females (68.87%), residing in Luzon (54.96%), college graduates (61.04%), Catholics (78.61%) and employed (68%). Social media, particularly Facebook (57.91%), is the common source of monkeypox‐related information (78.61%). Participants' age (>30 years old) is the only predictor of monkeypox infection knowledge (aOR: 3.13; 95%CI: 1.25–7.87, p = .015). They are three times more likely to be knowledgeable than those under 30.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of evidence‐based strategies for increasing public knowledge and awareness. The government, healthcare workers and the public should adopt proactive preventive measures against human monkeypox to prevent future pandemics.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution has been made in this study.

Impact Statement

What problem did the study address?

Assessing people's knowledge about monkeypox will help the government and healthcare workers (HCWs) create policies to prevent the spread of the virus. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first study that used a national online survey to assess Filipinos’ human monkeypox knowledge.

What were the main findings?

Most participants had insufficient knowledge of the monkeypox infection.

Participants’ primary source of monkeypox infection information is social media, specifically Facebook.

Participants older than 30 had higher knowledge of monkeypox infection.

Where and on whom will the research have impact?

Raising public awareness and knowledge about monkeypox disease prevents viral transmission in the community.

HCWs (e.g., nurses, midwives, and doctors) should report monkeypox patients to appropriate health authorities. Standard and droplet precautions should be practiced and taught to the public to prevent the virus’ spread.

The government and HCWs should intensify monkeypox awareness programs to increase the public's knowledge and awareness of the disease. They can utilize social media platforms to disseminate correct and relevant information.
The possible role of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in vitiligo treatment
Authors: Lin Xiran , Meng Xianmin , Lin Jingrong
Published: March 2023

Vitiligo is a common chronic skin disease which has an adverse impact on patients' life. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving autoimmunity and oxidative stress (OS). Autoimmunity leads to the loss of epidermal melanocytes and the formation of the depigmented patches of the disease. Treatment of vitiligo should control the exaggerated immune response to arrest the progress of active disease, and then promote melanocytes to repigmentation. Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway has been of recent interest in vitiligo. Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway is downregulated in vitiligo. Upregulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling possibly control vitiligo autoimmune response by protecting melanocyte from OS damage, inhibiting CD8+ T cell effector cell differentiation and enhancing Treg. Wnt/β‐catenin signalling plays a critical role in the melanocyte regeneration by driving the differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) into melanocytes. Promoting Wnt/β‐catenin signalling can not only arrest the progress of active disease of vitiligo but also promote repigmentation. Some of the main effective therapies for vitiligo are likely to work by activating Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Agents that can enhance the effect of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling may become potential candidates for the development of new drugs for vitiligo treatment.
An enigmatic pelagic fish with internalized red muscle: A future regional endotherm or forever an ectotherm?
Authors: Arostegui Martin C. , Shero Michelle R. , Frank Lawrence R. , Berquist Rachel M. , Braun Camrin D.
Published: March 2023

Ectothermy and endothermy in extant fishes are defined by distinct integrated suites of characters. Although only ⁓0.1% of fishes are known to have endothermic capacity, recent discoveries suggest that there may still be uncommon pelagic fish species with yet to be discovered endothermic traits. Among the most rarely encountered marine fishes, the louvar Luvarus imperialis is a remarkable example of adaptive evolution as the only extant pelagic species in the order Acanthuriformes (including surgeonfishes, tangs, unicornfishes and Moorish idol). Magnetic resonance imaging and gross necropsy did not yield evidence of cranial or visceral endothermy but revealed a central‐posterior distribution of myotomal red muscle that is a mixture of the character states typifying ectotherms (lateral‐posterior) and red muscle endotherms (central‐anterior). Dissection of a specimen confirmed, and an osteological proxy supported, that L. imperialis has not evolved the vascular rete that is vital to retaining heat in the red muscle. The combination of presumably relying on caudal propulsion while exhibiting internal red muscle without associated retia is unique to L. imperialis among all extant fishes, raising the macroevolutionary question of whether this species – in geologic timescales – will remain an ectotherm or evolve red muscle endothermy.
Assessing the contributions of modifiable risk factors to serious falls and fragility fractures among older persons living with HIV
Authors: Womack Julie A. , Murphy Terrence E. , Leo‐Summers Linda , Bates Jonathan , Jarad Samah , Gill Thomas M. , Hsieh Evelyn , Rodriguez‐Barradas Maria C. , Tien Phyllis C. , Yin Michael T. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Justice Amy C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Although 50 years represents middle age among uninfected individuals, studies have shown that persons living with HIV (PWH) begin to demonstrate elevated risk for serious falls and fragility fractures in the sixth decade; the proportions of these outcomes attributable to modifiable factors are unknown.

Methods

We analyzed 21,041 older PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study from 01/01/2010 through 09/30/2015. Serious falls were identified by Ecodes and a machine‐learning algorithm applied to radiology reports. Fragility fractures (hip, vertebral, and upper arm) were identified using ICD9 codes. Predictors for both models included a serious fall within the past 12 months, body mass index, physiologic frailty (VACS Index 2.0), illicit substance and alcohol use disorders, and measures of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. We separately fit multivariable logistic models to each outcome using generalized estimating equations. From these models, the longitudinal extensions of average attributable fraction (LE‐AAF) for modifiable risk factors were estimated.

Results

Key risk factors for both outcomes included physiologic frailty (VACS Index 2.0) (serious falls [15%; 95% CI 14%–15%]; fractures [13%; 95% CI 12%–14%]), a serious fall in the past year (serious falls [7%; 95% CI 7%–7%]; fractures [5%; 95% CI 4%–5%]), polypharmacy (serious falls [5%; 95% CI 4%–5%]; fractures [5%; 95% CI 4%–5%]), an opioid prescription in the past month (serious falls [7%; 95% CI 6%–7%]; fractures [9%; 95% CI 8%–9%]), and diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (serious falls [4%; 95% CI 4%–5%]; fractures [8%; 95% CI 7%–8%]).

Conclusions

This study confirms the contributions of risk factors important in the general population to both serious falls and fragility fractures among older PWH. Successful prevention programs for these outcomes should build on existing prevention efforts while including risk factors specific to PWH.
High accuracy of spleen stiffness measurement in diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Odriozola Aitor , Puente Ángela , Cuadrado Antonio , Iruzubieta Paula , Arias‐Loste María T. , Redondo Carlos , Rivas Coral , Fábrega Emilio , Crespo Javier , Fortea José I.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims

Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) has been tested in a limited number of studies versus hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), especially with the 100 Hz spleen‐specific module. The current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this novel module for detecting clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in a cohort of compensated patients with metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as the main aetiology and to improve the performance of the Baveno VII criteria for CSPH diagnosis by including SSM.

Methods

This is a retrospective single‐centre study including patients with available measurements of HVPG, Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and SSM by VCTE with the 100 Hz module. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify dual cut‐offs (rule‐out and rule‐in) associated with the absence/presence of CSPH. The diagnostic algorithms were adequate if negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) were >90%.

Results

A total of 85 patients were included, 60 MAFLD and 25 non‐MAFLD. SSM showed a good correlation with HVPG (MAFLD: r = .74; p < .0001; non‐MAFLD: r = .62; p < .0011). In MAFLD patients, SSM had a high accuracy in discarding/diagnosing CSPH (cut‐off values of <40.9 and >49.9 kPa, AUC 0.95). The addition of these cut‐offs in a sequential or combined approach to the Baveno VII criteria significantly reduced the grey zone (60% vs. 15%–20%), while maintaining adequate NPV and PPV.

Conclusions

Our findings support the utility of SSM for diagnosing CSPH in MAFLD patients and demonstrate that the addition of SSM to the Baveno VII criteria increases accuracy.
Photographs as an essential biodiversity resource: drivers of gaps in the vascular plant photographic record
Authors: Mesaglio Thomas , Sauquet Hervé , Coleman David , Wenk Elizabeth , Cornwell William K.
Published: March 2023

The photographic record is increasingly becoming an important biodiversity resource for primary research and conservation monitoring. However, globally, there are important gaps in this record even in relatively well‐researched floras.

To quantify the gaps in the Australian native vascular plant photographic record, we systematically surveyed 33 sources of well‐curated species photographs, assembling a list of species with accessible and verifiable photographs, as well as the species for which this search failed.

Of 21 077 Australian native species, 3715 lack a verifiable photograph across our 33 surveyed resources. There are three major geographic hotspots of unphotographed species in Australia, all far from current population centres. Many unphotographed species are small in stature or uncharismatic, and many are also recently described.

The large number of recently described species without accessible photographs was surprising. There are longstanding efforts in Australia to organise the plant photographic record, but in the absence of a global consensus to treat photographs as an essential biodiversity resource, this has not become common practice. Many recently described species are small‐range endemics and some have special conservation status. Completing the botanical photographic record across the globe will facilitate a virtuous feedback loop of more efficient identification, monitoring and conservation.
Antiseizure medication treatment outcomes in new‐onset pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Itamura Shinji , Sasaki Kasumi , Fujii Yuji , Okano Rika
Published: March 2023

Background

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy; however, some prospective cohort studies in adults suggested that the efficacy of the third and subsequent ASM treatments are poor. Thus, we aimed to assess the outcomes of ASM treatment in new‐onset pediatric epilepsy.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 281 pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy, in which the first ASM was prescribed between July, 2015, and June, 2020, at Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital. We reviewed their clinical profiles and seizure outcomes at the end of the study in August, 2022. Seizure freedom was defined as having no seizures for the previous 12 months or longer.

Results

Age at the onset of epilepsy ranged from 22 days to 186 months (mean: 84 months). The most frequent classifications of the types and syndromes of epilepsy were focal epilepsy (n = 151, 53.7%), followed by generalized epilepsy (n = 30, 10.7%), and self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (n = 20, 7.1%). During the first ASM regimen, 183 out of the 281 (65.1%) patients became seizure free. During the second ASM regimen, 47 out of the 92 (51.1%) patients became seizure free. Only 15 out of the 40 (37.5%) patients who tried the third and subsequent ASM regimen became seizure free, while none became seizure free after the sixth and subsequent ASM regimen.

Conclusions

The efficacy of ASM treatment after the third and subsequent regimen was poor in children, as well as in adults. It is important to reconsider whether there are indications for treatments other than ASM.
How does the belt and road initiative promote China's import?
Authors: Lu Yue , Wang Mengyuan , Hong Junjie , Wu Songbo
Published: March 2023

We estimate the policy effect of belt and road initiative (BRI) on China's import. We use highly detailed, product‐country level data from China Customs Trade Statistics Database which covers 5364 types of products and 201 economies from 2010 to 2017 to investigate the policy effects and the underlying mechanisms. We find that the BRI has significantly boosted China's imports from countries along the route. The BRI have significant expansion effect on imports of existing products as well as positive effects on imports of new product import and product exit, which means BRI may also contribute to the optimization of product structure and growth in value of China's imports. Moreover, BRI have positive effects on both general trade and processing trade. Mechanism analysis shows that policy coordination, cultural affinity, and maritime transportation connectivity have strong explanatory power on the policy effects of BRI. We also find that the BRI has played a "boosting" role for import boost for new RTA partner as well as non‐RTA members along the route. We further examine the impact of BRI on global bilateral trade, and the result shows that BRI has generally promoted bilateral trade among all countries along the route, not limited to origin‐China pairs.
“Salvador de los desesperados” (Jdt 9,11). Claves sobre el sufrimiento y la esperanza a partir del libro de Judit*
Authors: Angulo Ordorika Ianire
Published: March 2023

Alentar la esperanza es uno de los mayores retos en el contexto actual. Las circunstancias parecen ofrecer pocas razones para una mirada esperanzada y una respuesta constructiva al sufrimiento. En este artículo nos acercamos a las fuentes bíblicas y mostramos cómo el relato de Judit brinda claves válidas para abordar el sufrimiento, propiciar la esperanza y ofrecer respuestas creyentes y comprometidas con la realidad. Con tal propósito comenzamos presentando una de las características más llamativas de dicho libro bíblico y la finalidad que tiene. El relato juega con los datos históricos para ofrecer un panorama cercano a nuestro concepto de distopía. La pretensión con ello es convertirse en una advertencia para los lectores. Tras este marco recorreremos la narración bíblica para presentar qué genera el sufrimiento en la historia y cómo se comprende este. El texto ofrece dos posibles interpretaciones teológicas del sufrimiento, pero solo una se considera adecuada. Las situaciones adversas pueden ser vividas como muestra del abandono divino o como una prueba de Dios que busca potenciar el valor de los afectados. Analizaremos también qué respuesta ofrece la protagonista ante esta situación y, finalmente, qué aprendizajes e interrogantes podemos asumir para nuestro hoy.
A Contact Load Distribution Model to Capture the Influence of Structurally Compliant Rotating Ring Gear on the Dynamic Response of Epicyclic Gear Sets
Authors: Ryali Lokaditya , Talbot David
Published: March 2023

Epicyclic gears, also commonly referred to as planetary gears, are power transfer components that are commonly used in several industrial applications. The structural compliance of thin-rimmed annular ring gear can significantly influence the performance of an epicyclic gear set. As powertrain components are continually being optimized to their design limits, this influence becomes prominent and can no longer be ignored. Therefore to capture the influence associated with ring gear flexibility, the current study will incorporate a finite element-based ring gear formulation into the three-dimensional planetary dynamic load distribution model (Ryali, and Talbot, 2021, “A Dynamic Load Distribution Model of Planetary Gear Sets,” Mech. Mach. Theory, 158, p. 104229). The proposed contact model employs a modified simplex algorithm to iteratively solve for the elastic gear mesh contacts in conjunction with a numerical integration scheme, which enables it to inherently capture the influence of several components and system-level design variations without the need for an empirical mesh stiffness formulation or transmission error excitation of the system. The developed formulation will be used to study the dynamic response of planetary gear sets where the ring gear is a rotating member. The discussed results demonstrate the fidelity of the developed model, thus making it an excellent tool for the design and analysis of planetary gears.
Investigation of the Interaction Between Tip Leakage and Main Annulus Flow in the Large Scale Turbine Rig: Comparison of Different Rotor Tip Geometries
Authors: Ade Dominik , Eitenmüller Johannes , Leichtfuß Sebastian , Schiffer Heinz-Peter , Lyko Christoph , Schmid Gregor
Published: March 2023

Shroudless rotor blades are state-of-the-art in modern high pressure turbines. Tip leakage flow has a crucial impact on turbine efficiency. Specific blade tip designs are a key factor to handle tip leakage losses by controlling tip leakage flow and its re-entry into the rotor passage. Comparative measurements of a cavity squealer type tip and a notch type tip have been conducted at the Large Scale Turbine Rig at Technical University of Darmstadt. The test rig has been operated at the blade tips design point. Experimental data have been acquired at rotor inlet and outlet as well as within the rotor passage. For cavity squealer tips, a tip leakage vortex develops at the suction side as the tip leakage flow is rolled-up and further mixed with main annulus flow. The tip leakage vortex determines the blockage of main annulus flow at the blade tip. The design of the suction side of the notch tip benefits a jet-like re-entry of tip leakage flow into the passage. Results are a tip leakage vortex system with smaller sized vortices and a more homogeneous mass flow redistribution in the outer annulus of the rotor. The zone of affected main annulus flow at the blade tip increases through the dominant tip leakage jet.
Thermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Herringbone Gear Considering the Effect of Oil Gas Mixture
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Wang Yanzhong , Lu Boji
Published: March 2023

In order to analyze the dynamic behavior of the oil film in the herringbone gear meshing area under oil injection lubrication conditions more accurately, this paper proposed a thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) analysis method, by combining the traditional TEHL calculation method with two-phase flow theory. First, ansys/cfx 18.1 was used to determine the air content of the lubricating oil in the meshing zone under the injection condition. Then, considering the influence of air content on the rheological properties of lubricating oil, the traditional TEHL model was improved. On this basis, the influence of injection angle α1 on the oil fraction and the lubrication characteristics of the oil film were analyzed. This research can provide a feasible method for the analysis of the lubrication characteristics of herringbone gear.
Comparative Study of Typical Electromagnetic Heating Methods in Welded Pipe: Induction Heating Versus Contact Heating
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wen Huai-Yu , Han Yi , Li Da-Long , Xu Dong
Published: March 2023

Typical electromagnetic heating techniques include induction heating (IH) and contact heating (CH). The study of these techniques in welding has always been a controversial topic owing to the lack of straightforward quantitative analysis of heat transfer characteristics. Therefore, to explore the comparative nature of heat transfer in CH and IH, high-frequency welding of ferromagnetic materials was studied. Our results revealed quantitative differences between the two heating methods in terms of heating rate and intercritical heat-affected zone (ICHAZ). Compared with IH, CH resulted in a higher active current accumulating at the V-shaped angle of a welded pipe and a greater heating rate for a thick-walled pipe, because of variable magnetic flux leakage in IH. Given identical electrical input, the area of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in the case of CH was found to be <1/2 of that in the case of IH, which is the root cause of why the area of performance optimization in localized heat treatment of a contact welded pipe is much smaller than that in the case of induction welding. Our study also reveals that IH resulted in a smaller temperature gradient and more uniform temperature distribution than CH, which is the main reason why heating quality in induction welding is superior to that of contact welding. Such comparison between IH and CH in terms of welding quality and energy utilization helps reveal the intrinsic rules of high-frequency electromagnetic heating and provide scientific data and a rationale for promotion of electromagnetic heating in more applications.
Movement Onset Detection Methods: A Comparison Using Force Plate Recordings
Authors: Pinto Brendan L. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: March 2023

Computational approaches for movement onset detection can standardize and automate analyses to improve repeatability, accessibility, and time efficiency. With the increasing interest in assessing time-varying biomechanical signals such as force–time recordings, there remains a need to investigate the recently adopted 5 times the standard deviation (5 × SD) threshold method. In addition, other employed methods and their variations such as the reverse scanning and first derivative methods have been scarcely evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the 5 × SD threshold method, 3 variations of the reverse scanning method, and 5 variations of the first derivative method against manually selected onsets, in the countermovement jump and squat. Limits of agreement with respect to onsets, manually selected from unfiltered data, were best for the first derivative method using a 10-Hz low-pass filter (limits of agreement: −0.02 to 0.05 s and −0.07 to 0.11 s for the countermovement jump and squat, respectively). Thus, even when the onset of unfiltered data is of primary interest, filtering before calculating the first derivative is necessary as it reduces the amplification of high frequencies. The first derivative approach is also less susceptible to inherent variation during the quiet phase prior to the onset compared to the other approaches investigated.
Comammox
Nitrospira
and Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea Are Dominant Ammonia Oxidizers in Sediments of an Acid Mine Lake Containing High Ammonium Concentrations
Authors: Li Deyong , Ren Zhichang , Zhou Yangqi , Jiang Lugao , Zheng Min , Liu Guoqiang
Published: March 2023

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) was previously considered the sole dominant ammonia oxidizer in acidic environments. This study, however, found that complete ammonia oxidation (comammox)
Nitrospira
was also a dominant ammonia oxidizer in the sediments of an acidic mine lake, which had an acidic pH < 5 and a high ammonium concentration of 175 mg-N/liter.
Annotations Serve as an On Ramp for Introductory Biology Students Learning to Read Primary Scientific Literature
Authors: Lee Sangah , Foster Cerrone , Zhong Min , Bruce-Opris Hannah , Duenas Mainlyng , Parente Victoria , Reid Chaniece , McCartney Melissa
Published: March 2023

Learning to read primary scientific literature (PSL) is an important part of developing scientific literacy skills. First-year students entering college often have little previous exposure to PSL and therefore face initial barriers in learning how to engage with PSL.
Dissemination of Tn
916
-Related Integrative and Conjugative Elements in Streptococcus pneumoniae Occurs by Transformation and Homologous Recombination in Nasopharyngeal Biofilms
Authors: Antezana Brenda S. , Lohsen Sarah , Wu Xueqing , Vidal Jorge E. , Tzeng Yih-Ling , Stephens David S.
Published: March 2023

The World Health Organization has designated
Streptococcus pneumoniae
as a priority pathogen for research and development of new drug treatments due to extensive multidrug resistance. Multiple strains of
S. pneumoniae
colonize and form mixed biofilms in the human nasopharynx, which could enable exchange of antibiotic resistance determinants.
Aspergillus fumigatus
Can Display Persistence to the Fungicidal Drug Voriconazole
Authors: Scott Jennifer , Valero Clara , Mato-López Álvaro , Donaldson Ian J. , Roldán Alejandra , Chown Harry , Van Rhijn Norman , Lobo-Vega Rebeca , Gago Sara , Furukawa Takanori , Morogovsky Alma , Ben Ami Ronen , Bowyer Paul , Osherov Nir , Fontaine Thierry , Goldman Gustavo H. , Mellado Emilia , Bromley Michael , Amich Jorge
Published: March 2023

The phenomena of antibacterial tolerance and persistence, where pathogenic microbes can survive for extended periods in the presence of cidal drug concentrations, have received significant attention in the last decade. Several mechanisms of action have been elucidated, and their relevance for treatment failure in bacterial infections demonstrated.
Widespread Distribution and Evolution of Poxviral Entry-Fusion Complex Proteins in Giant Viruses
Authors: Kao Sheng , Kao Chi-Fei , Chang Wen , Ku Chuan
Published: March 2023

Fusion between virus and host membranes is critical for viruses to release genetic materials and to initiate infection. Whereas most viruses use a single protein for membrane fusion, poxviruses employ a multiprotein entry-fusion complex (EFC).
Impact of Temperature and Oxygen Availability on Gene Expression Patterns of Mycobacterium ulcerans
Authors: Dhungel Laxmi , Bonner Raisa , Cook Meagan , Henson Duncan , Moulder Trent , Benbow M. Eric , Jordan Heather
Published: March 2023

Buruli ulcer is a debilitating skin disease caused by the environmental pathogen
Mycobacterium ulcerans
.
M. ulcerans
produces a toxic compound, mycolactone, which leads to tissue necrosis and ulceration. Barriers to preventing Buruli ulcer include an incomplete understanding of
M. ulcerans
reservoirs, how the pathogen is transmitted, and under what circumstances mycolactone and other
M. ulcerans
genes are expressed and produced in its natural environment and in the host.
Evolutionary, paleoecological, and biostratigraphic implications of the Ediacaran-Cambrian interval in West Gondwana
Authors: Warren Lucas V. , Inglez Lucas , Xiao Shuhai , Buatois Luis A. , Mángano M. Gabriela , Okubo Juliana , Alessandretti Luciano , Simões Marcello G. , Riccomini Claudio , Antunes Gabriel C. , Cerri Rodrigo I. , Bahniuk Anelize R. , Cáceres Alberto A.
Published: March 2023

The Ediacaran-Cambrian transition interval is described for the west part of the Gondwana Supercontinent. This key interval in Earth’s history is recorded in the upper and lower part of the Tagatiya Guazú and Cerro Curuzu formations, Itapucumi Group, Paraguay, encompassing a sedimentary succession deposited in a tidally influenced mixed carbonate-siliciclastic ramp. The remarkable presence of cosmopolitan Ediacaran shelly fossils and treptichnids, which are recorded in carbonate and siliciclastic deposits, respectively, suggests their differential preservation according to lithology. Their distribution is conditioned by substrate changes that are related to cyclic sedimentation. The associated positive steady trend of the δ13C values in the carbonate facies indicates that the Tagatiya Guazú succession is correlated to the late Ediacaran positive carbon isotope plateau. Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe U-Pb ages of volcanic zircons from an ash bed ∼30 m above the fossil-bearing interval in the Cerro Curuzu Formation indicate an Early Cambrian (Fortunian) depositional age of 535.7 ± 5.2 Ma. As in other coeval sedimentary successions worldwide, the co-occurrence of typical Ediacaran skeletal taxa and relatively complex trace fossils in the studied strata highlights the global nature of key evolutionary innovations.