bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reputation is golden: Superstar CEOs and trade credit
Authors: Quan Xiaofeng , Xiang Cheng , (Tina) Gao Ru
Published: June 2023

This study investigates how Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reputation, proxied by receiving prestigious awards, impacts suppliers’ provision of trade credit to a firm. Employing a sample of Chinese public firms, we document that firms managed by award‐winning CEOs receive more trade credit than do propensity score matching matched control firms after the award year. Further analyses suggest that the increased trade credit of firms with reputable CEOs is due to the decreased default risk and information risk associated with those firms. Moreover, the impact of CEOs’ reputations on trade credit varies depending on award rarity, financing needs, CEO characteristics and firm opacity. Overall, our results are consistent with efficient contracting theory and signal theory.
Serum levels of vitamin D and periodontal inflammation in community‐dwelling older Japanese adults: The Otassha Study
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Motokawa Keiko , Shirobe Maki , Hayakawa Misato , Ohara Yuki , Motohashi Yoshiko , Edahiro Ayako , Kawai Hisashi , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Sakata Yasuyuki , Ihara Kazushige , Watanabe Yutaka , Obuchi Shuichi , Hirano Hirohiko
Published: June 2023

Aim

To evaluate the association between vitamin D status and periodontal inflammation as determined by the periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) in community‐dwelling older adults.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 467 Japanese adults (mean age = 73.1 years) who underwent full‐mouth periodontal examinations and measurements of serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We used linear regression and restricted cubic spline models to analyse the association between exposure (serum 25(OH)D) and outcome (PISA).

Results

The linear regression model showed that, after adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the lowest quartile of serum 25(OH)D had 41.0 mm2 more PISA (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.6–77.5) than the reference group (the highest quartile of serum 25(OH)D). The spline model showed that the association between serum 25(OH)D and PISA was non‐linear and restricted to the low 25(OH)D range. PISA initially sharply decreased as serum 25(OH)D increased, and then the decreasing trend slowed and plateaued. The inflection point with the minimum PISA value was a serum 25(OH)D level of 27.1 ng/mL, above which there was no decreasing trend in PISA with increasing serum 25(OH)D levels.

Conclusions

Low vitamin D status had an L‐shaped association with periodontal inflammation in this cohort of Japanese adults.
Primordial follicles remaining in young cancer survivors who received chemotherapy
Authors: Ogino Nana , Wakimoto Yu , Nakagawa Kohei , Kamei Hidetake , Fukui Atsushi , Yoshiyasu Kanako , Hasegawa Akiko , Hirota Seiichi , Shibahara Hiroaki
Published: June 2023

Aim

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is performed for fertility preservation in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Although anti‐Müllerian hormone is used as a marker for ovarian reserve, serum levels do not always correlate with the number of follicles. Additionally, the follicle development stage most affected by chemotherapy is unclear. We examined the association between serum anti‐Müllerian hormone levels and the number of remaining primordial follicles after chemotherapy, as well as which follicle stage is most affected by chemotherapy before ovarian cryopreservation.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients who underwent OTC were divided into the chemotherapy (n = 22) and non‐chemotherapy (n = 11) groups; their ovarian tissues underwent histological examination. Pathological ovarian damage induced by chemotherapy was assessed. Ovarian volumes were estimated from weights. We compared the number of follicles at each developmental stage as a percentage of primordial follicles between the groups. The relationship between serum anti‐Müllerian hormone level and primordial follicle density was analyzed.

Results

The chemotherapy group had a significantly lower serum anti‐Müllerian hormone level, ovarian volume, and density of developing follicles than the non‐chemotherapy group. Serum anti‐Müllerian hormone levels correlated with primordial follicle density only in the non‐chemotherapy group. The chemotherapy group had significantly lower numbers of primary and secondary follicles.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy induces ovarian damage and follicle loss. However, serum anti‐Müllerian hormone level does not always reflect the number of primordial follicles after chemotherapy, and chemotherapy more significantly affects primary and secondary follicles than primordial follicles. Many primordial follicles remain in the ovary after chemotherapy, supporting OTC for fertility preservation.
Corporate Social Performance, Legitimacy, and the Choice of Foreign Partners by State‐Controlled Entities in the Global Extractive Industries
Authors: Symeou Pavlos C. , Kassinis George I.
Published: June 2023

We study the outcome of the decision of a state‐controlled entity (SCE) to form an international joint venture (IJV) with a foreign partner in the SCE's country. Focusing on the perspective of the host SCE, we propose that in its search for a partner, the SCE will evaluate the sociopolitical legitimacy effect of a candidate partner's corporate social performance (CSP). Thereby, the SCE will consider CSP an important selection criterion because of its legitimacy effect on the selection decision, the SCE, the IJV, and the host state in the eyes of salient local and international stakeholders. Moreover, the legitimacy effect of a candidate partner's CSP will further influence the decision outcome through its interaction with the level of corruption in the candidate partner's home country, the extant sociopolitical legitimacy of the host state, and the number of neighbouring countries of the host country participating in international multi‐stakeholder initiatives. We find support for our hypotheses using a novel sample of extractive industries IJVs between SCEs from 48 countries and 203 foreign partners from 22 countries for the period 2000–15.
Weighted l1‐Penalized Corrected Quantile Regression for High‐Dimensional Temporally Dependent Measurement Errors
Authors: Bhattacharjee Monika , Chakraborty Nilanjan , Koul Hira L.
Published: June 2023

This article derives some large sample properties of weighted ‐penalized corrected quantile estimators of the regression parameter vector in a high‐dimensional errors in variables (EIVs) linear regression model. In this model, the number of predictors depends on the sample size and tends to infinity, generally at a faster rate than , as tends to infinity. Moreover, the measurement errors in the covariates are assumed to have linear stationary temporal dependence and known Laplace marginal distribution while the regression errors are assumed to be independent non‐identically distributed random variables having possibly heavy tails. The article discusses some rates of consistency of these estimators, a model consistency result and an appropriate data adaptive algorithm for obtaining a suitable choice of weights. A simulation study assesses the finite sample performance of some of the proposed estimators. This article also contains analogs of Massart's inequality for independent and short memory moving average predictors, which is instrumental in establishing the said consistency rates of the above mentioned estimators in the current setup of high dimensional EIVs regression models.
Growth performance, antioxidant indexes, and the expression of genes were considerably promoted by dietary supplementation of alanyl‐glutamine and vitamin E in juvenile marine medaka in seawater acidification by carbon dioxide
Authors: Li Weifeng , Xu Youqing , Liu Fujuan , Zhang Qian , Tang Ni , Zheng Yimin , Ding Zhaokun
Published: June 2023

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of different dietary supplementation of alanyl‐glutamine dipeptide (AGD) and/or vitamin E (VE) on the growth performance, antioxidant indexes, and the expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARⱭ) genes in juvenile marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) in seawater acidification. Seven groups of juvenile marine medaka in triplicate were studied in an ecosystem. One of them was in normal seawater (pH 8.1, pH control), and the others were in seawater acidification (pH 7.7) regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2). The juveniles were separately fed for 10 weeks using one of six different diets. The six diets were one control diet (basic feed) without supplements and the other diets with different amounts of additional AGD and/or VE. The juveniles were sampled randomly for analysis of a whole fish in week 0 and week 10. The results showed that different dietary supplementation of AGD and/or VE could considerably promote the growth performance, antioxidant indexes, and the expression of GPx and PPARα genes of juvenile marine medaka in seawater acidification. The optimal diet was D4, with additional AGD 5 g and VE 50 IU per kg of dried feed.
Age‐related changes in male ant sperm quality
Authors: Degueldre F. , Aron S.
Published: June 2023

Sperm cells age during storage in the male reproductive organs, which can lead ejaculate quality to decline dramatically over time. Such may pose a particular concern in species with constrained sperm supplies, where adult males cannot replenish their sperm reserves. In eusocial hymenopterans (i.e. ants, bees and wasps with permanent castes), males typically reach adulthood with a limited quantity of sperm, and their testes deteriorate shortly thereafter. In adult life, both sexes mate during a single reproductive event. While males die quickly after copulation, they persist posthumously via sperm stored in their mates' spermatheca, sometimes for decades. As a result of this mating system, males should experience intense selection pressure to produce and transfer high‐quality sperm. Using the black garden ant (Lasius niger) as a model system, we investigated whether the duration of storage in the accessory testes before copulation affected sperm quality. We found that there was no impact of male age on sperm number or viability and that sperm DNA fragmentation decreased rather that increased with age. These results highlight the extent to which male ants, and possibly other taxa with constrained sperm supplies, have evolved extremely specialized strategies to ensure reproductive performance.
Ecological genetics of local adaptation in Arabidopsis: An 8‐year field experiment
Authors: Oakley Christopher G. , Schemske Douglas W. , McKay John K. , Ågren Jon
Published: June 2023

There is considerable evidence for local adaptation in nature, yet important questions remain regarding its genetic basis. How many loci are involved? What are their effect sizes? What is the relative importance of conditional neutrality versus genetic trade‐offs? Here we address these questions in the self‐pollinating, annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We used 400 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two locally adapted populations in Italy and Sweden, grew the RILs and parents at the parental locations, and mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) for mean fitness (fruits/seedling planted). We previously published results from the first 3 years of the study, and here add five additional years, providing a unique opportunity to assess how temporal variation in selection might affect QTL detection and classification. We found 10 adaptive and one maladaptive QTL in Italy, and six adaptive and four maladaptive QTL in Sweden. The discovery of maladaptive QTL at both sites suggests that even locally adapted populations are not always at their genotypic optimum. Mean effect sizes for adaptive QTL, 0.97 and 0.55 fruits in Italy and Sweden, respectively, were large relative to the mean fitness of the RILs (approximately 8 fruits/seedling planted at both sites). Both genetic trade‐offs (four cases) and conditional neutrality (seven cases) contribute to local adaptation in this system. The 8‐year dataset provided greater power to detect QTL and to estimate their locations compared to our previous 3‐year study, identifying one new genetic trade‐off and resolving one genetic trade‐off into two conditionally adaptive QTL.
Restoring heathlands after afforestation on two islands in western Norway
Authors: Iren Saure Heidi , Reidar Vetaas Ole , Hassel Kristian , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: June 2023

The ongoing loss of red‐listed coastal heathlands is a threat to biodiversity and cultural heritage legacies throughout the Atlantic coastal regions of Europe. It is possible to restore degraded and afforested heathlands, but restoration interventions are often labour‐intensive and costly, and the outcome of specific restoration actions are not well documented. We assess the efficiency of restoring coastal heathlands through natural succession (i.e. ‘passive restoration') after removal of Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. plantations. The study was replicated on two neighbouring islands in a nature reserve in Western Norway. Low‐intensity free‐range sheep grazing was implemented as part of the reserve management plan. Furthermore, we tested the effect of leaving the clear‐felled woody material as chips on site, this being a cost‐efficient strategy on islands. Succession was monitored 1, 2, 4/5 and 8 years after clear‐felling, and revegetation of vascular plants and bryophytes was compared to target heathland vegetation. Surprisingly, we found different successional trajectories on the two islands. Species composition on one island approached target heathland vegetation during succession, but not on the other. Wood chips reduced species richness and slowed the restoration process, but these negative effects were only short‐term (<8 years). Differences in seed bank composition and soil conditions due to land use may explain the deviating successional trajectories on the two islands. We also found that management actions beyond clear‐felling and introducing sheep grazing are necessary due to the rapid seed regeneration of the Sitka spruce.
Glucocorticoids negatively relate to body mass on the short‐term in a free‐ranging ungulate
Authors: Lalande Lucas D. , Gilot‐Fromont Emmanuelle , Carbillet Jeffrey , Débias François , Duhayer Jeanne , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Lemaître Jean‐François , Palme Rupert , Pardonnet Sylvia , Pellerin Maryline , Rey Benjamin , Vuarin Pauline
Published: June 2023

Environmental fluctuations force animals to adjust glucocorticoids (GCs) secretion and release to current conditions. GCs are a widely used proxy of an individual stress level. While short‐term elevation in GCs is arguably beneficial for fitness components, previous studies have documented that the relationship between long‐term baseline GCs elevation and fitness components can vary according to ecological and individual factors and according to the life‐history of the species studied. Using longitudinal data on roe deer Capreolus capreolus from two populations facing markedly different environmental contexts, we tested whether baseline GC levels negatively correlate with body mass – a trait positively associated with demographic individual performance – on the short‐ to long‐term. In support, higher baseline GC concentrations were associated to lighter body mass, both measured during the same capture event, in adults of both populations. Overall, we showed that despite the marked environmental and demographic differences between populations and despite the between‐sex differences in life history (i.e. reproductive tactics), the relationship between body mass and GCs is consistent across environmental contexts, but might differ according to the life history stage of an individual. This work opens promising perspectives to further explore the relationship between GC and fitness‐related traits according to life history stages in free‐ranging mammals across seasonal and environmental contexts. The timing and context‐dependence of GC levels highlight the complexity of studying stress responses in the wild.
Severe reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption mimicking drug‐induced epidermal necrolysis triggered by norovirus
Authors: Sanfilippo Eric , Habeshian Kaiane , Cotton Colleen H. , Kirkorian Anna Yasmine
Published: June 2023

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) is an eruptive mucositis with varying degrees of cutaneous involvement presumed to be due to an immunologic response to various infectious pathogens. Most reported cases occur after a prodromal upper respiratory illness. We present a patient with a particularly severe case mimicking drug‐induced epidermal necrolysis found to be triggered by asymptomatic norovirus infection, a virus not previously reported in association with RIME.
Are there essential forms in the social domain?
Authors: Jansen Ludger
Published: June 2023

Traditionally, nature has often been thought to be structured by essential forms providing the generic features of natural things and thus the foundations for scientific explanations. In contrast, human history and the social domain have been thought to be the realm of ever‐changing appearances, where contingency prevails. The paper argues that the existence of essential forms is compatible with the contingent, mind‐dependent and historical character of the social world, and that essential forms can also be found in the social domain. Two categories of entities are discussed that suggest themselves to be identified as social forms, namely social kinds and social identities. To this end, it is shown that standard arguments for the existence of essential forms also apply to the social domain, and objections to the existence of social forms are rebutted. Particular attention is paid to the explanatory appeal of social forms. The paper concludes by suggesting that, far from being oppressive, essential social forms are presupposed by liberating social practices.
Dialyzer reprocessing: Considerations and pitfalls for effective and safe hemodialysis
Authors: Thongsricome Thana , Eiam‐Ong Somchai , Tiranathanagul Khajohn
Published: June 2023

Background

Dialyzer reprocessing for dialyzer reuse in the same patient has been developed since the early time in hemodialysis history to save cost and time related to reassembling the new dialyzer during that time. The procedure can reduce the first‐use and allergic reactions from using incompatible cellulosic dialyzer membrane by altering some manufacturing chemicals.

Methods

All of established literatures regarding recent dialyzer reprocessing methods and considerations were extensively reviewed and summarized.

Results

Dialyzer reprocessing can be performed by multiple protocols but involves common steps including bedside rinsing after use, cleaning, dialyzer testing to prevent excessive drop in dialyzer clearance and membrane integrity, high‐level disinfection or sterilization either by chemicals or heat, storage, and preparation for subsequent dialysis session by adequate rinsing to reduce the residual reprocessing chemical to the safe level. Compared with the single‐use strategy, evidence is conflicting for the mortality advantages or disadvantages of dialyzer reuse, with some showing increased mortality in patients receiving peracetic acid sterilization. Keys for the effective and safe dialyzer reuse involve strict adherence to specific manufacturer's protocol, adequate dialysis water quality complied with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard, measurement of the total cell volume to prevent inadequate hemodialysis, and infectious control consideration. In the present era, single‐use strategy is increasingly adopted due to the decreased cost for dialyzer manufacturing. Environmental concerns of higher solid waste from dialyzer disposal in single‐use dialysis should be compared with the liquid waste from reprocessing chemicals along with plastic waste and cardboard in reuse dialysis.

Conclusion

Dialyzer reprocessing with adequate regulation is considered as an acceptable option for cost‐effective hemodialysis, compared with the single‐use strategy.
The circulation of knowledge beyond the academia: On scholarly couplers at porous borders
Authors: Medina Leandro Rodriguez
Published: June 2023

With strong pressure to make academic research socially and economically relevant, academics face the problem of reconciling inherently academic products through which they are assessed (e.g. scientific articles) with other products that are often demanded by non‐academic social actors. These products, which we call scholarly couplers, make up an important part of academic work, often ignored or underestimated in evaluation instances. In this article, we show how these types of products articulate with traditional ones and argue that academic production should be observed (and evaluated) through heterogeneous product chains, fostering more diverse academic profiles.
Eigenstrain‐based analysis of why uniformly shot peened aluminium plates bend more in the rolling direction
Authors: Yan Miao Hong , Lévesque Martin , Gosselin Frédérick P.
Published: June 2023

Shot peen forming is a process widely used to shape aircraft components such as wing skins, yet its fundamental working is still crudely understood. It is understood that a light conventional peen forming treatment applied uniformly over an initially flat plate will induce isotropic in‐plane stretching of the surface layer and will thus lead to a panel curving with identical curvatures in all directions. However, [1] made the startling observation that uniformly peen formed aluminium plates of different aspect ratios all bent along their laminating direction irrespective of the peening direction. This experimental result is counterintuitive because the residual stresses due to the lamination process are 1 order to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than those induced by the shot peen forming treatment. In the present study, we apply the eigenstrain theory to estimate the effect of the different sources of anisotropy on uniformly peen formed aluminium plates. Potential sources of anisotropy included the plastic anisotropy of rolled aluminium, nonequibiaxial initial stresses that redistribute when their equilibrium is disturbed by peening, the geometry of the specimens and externally applied prestress. For the alloy and peening conditions considered, we show that plastic anisotropy had no discernible influence on the resulting shape of the peen formed specimens. Initial residual stresses, on the other hand, caused slightly larger bending loads in the rolling direction of the alloy. Although the magnitude of these loads was approximately 30 times smaller than peening‐induced loads, it was sufficient to overcome the geometric preference for rectangular sheets to bend along their long side and cause all unconstrained specimens to bend along the rolling direction instead. Our analysis highlights the importance of the history of the material that is being peened. Residual stresses already present in the part before peening must be considered to ensure good simulation predictions.
Complications of red cell exchange for anemia management in patients with transfusion‐dependent thalassemia
Authors: Wall Erika , Bolster Lauren
Published: June 2023

Background

In the Rare Blood Disorders clinic at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, red cell exchange (RCE) was utilized in transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients with severe iron overload despite oral chelation and no access to iron infusion pumps for parenteral chelation. It was hypothesized that RCE would be less iron loading compared to simple transfusion. The purpose of this study is to document observations of the potential risks and benefits of RCE in TDT patients.

Study design and methods

TDT patients treated with RCE were identified and consented for enrolment according to local research ethics standards. Seven patients were enrolled in the study. Charts were retrospectively reviewed from the time of initiation of RCE to the time of the most recent RCE or clinic follow‐up. Outcomes were documented and analyzed by descriptive analysis.

Results

The average age was 30 years. 85.7% were male. 100% were on oral chelation therapy and had hyperferritinemia at baseline. Outcomes included hepatic iron overload (5 of 7), cardiac dysfunction (3 of 7), worsening splenomegaly or extramedullary hematopoiesis (5 of 7), syncopal events during RCE (2 of 7), and new antibodies (1 of 7). Iron overload improved after escalated oral chelation, not in relation to RCE initiation.

Discussion

We hypothesize complications were higher than expected due to inadequate hematocrit increment and lack of suppression of ineffective erythropoiesis. With no observed benefit in iron status, and high complication rates, we did not find evidence to recommend RCE in patients with TDT. This case series is a hypothesis‐generating study on transfusion techniques in TDT.
“O Mar Está para Peixes?” – an Interactive Platform for Open Source Fishery Data in Rio De Janeiro State
Authors: Albernaz Diana Rocco , De Carvalho Lino Augusto Sander , Lange Priscila Kienteca , Santos Sérgio Ricardo Brito
Published: June 2023

Despite the wide dissemination of information access, open data scarcity in fisheries science is still seen as a challenge. Thus, initiatives such as Sea Around Us and Fish Stats stand out. Particularly in developing countries, fishery data collection systems are precarious and there is a lack of national platforms to make fisheries data available. In Brazil, some states such as São Paulo and Santa Catarina have their own data repositories in web platforms, but there are limitations for dynamic queries. In addition, fisheries management based on the “Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries” (EAF) have been discussed and adopted, and environmental variables have been used as indicators to increase the robustness of fishery models. In this sense, the present work proposes a fishery data compilation platform named O mar está para peixes? (Are there fish in the sea?), which contains fishery data and fishery-related satellite remote sensing data (i.e. sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration) for the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The platform is divided in five sections: Fishery, Habitat, Map, Satellite and Download. These sections make data available for dynamic and  personalized consultations, with the option of downloading the data. A standard spreadsheet developed for users to submit their own data is  presented, with the goal of promoting participation and the collective  construction of the platform. This is a new step towards the development of  an EAF in Rio de Janeiro, which will potentially open the pathway for the  integration of public agencies, research institutions, fishing industry and artisanal fishermen.
Synthetic Data Generation Using Generative Adversarial Network for Burst Failure Risk Analysis of Oil and Gas Pipelines
Authors: Mazumder Ram Krishna , Modanwal Gourav , Li Yue
Published: June 2023

Despite the pipeline network being the safest mode of oil and gas transportation systems, the pipeline failure rate has increased significantly over the last decade, particularly for aging pipelines. Predicting failure risk and prioritizing the riskiest asset from a large set of pipelines is one of the demanding tasks for the utilities. Machine learning (ML) application in pipeline failure risk prediction has recently shown promising results. However, due to safety and security concerns, obtaining sufficient operation and failure data to train ML models accurately is a significant challenge. This study employed a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) based framework to generate synthetic pipeline data (DSyn) using a subset (70%) of experimental burst test results data (DExp) compiled from the literature to overcome the limitation of accessing operational data. The proposed framework was tested on (1) real data, and (2) combined real and generated synthetic data. The burst failure risk of corroded oil and gas pipelines was determined using probabilistic approaches, and pipelines were classified into two classes depending on their probability of failure: (1) low failure risk (Pf: 0–0.5) and (2) high failure risk (Pf: >0.5). Two random forest (RF) models (MExp and MComb) were trained using a subset of 70% of actual experimental pipeline data, (DExp) and a combination of 70% of actual experimental and 100% of synthetic data, respectively. These models were validated on the remaining subset (30%) of experimental test data. The validation results reveal that adding synthetic data can further improve the performance of the ML models. The area under the ROC Curve was found to be 0.96 and 0.99 for real model (MExp) and combined model (MComb) data, respectively. The combined model with improved performance can be used in strategic oil and gas pipeline resilience improvement planning, which sets long-term critical decisions regarding maintenance and potential replacement of pipes.
Silicon etching by chlorine plasma: Validation of surface reactions mechanism
Authors: Levko Dmitry , Raja Laxminarayan L.
Published: June 2023

The objective of this paper is the validation of a surface reaction mechanism for silicon etching in low-pressure chlorine plasmas. We employ a quasi-one-dimensional fluid model to model the experimental conditions of Khater and Overzet [Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 13, 466 (2004)]. This model couples self-consistently the plasma fluid equations with the surface reaction mechanism derived from the available literature. Based on the comparison between the experiments and modeling results, the best set of etch yield parameters is proposed for the conditions typical for industrial plasma processing. The influence of these etch yield parameters on the gas-phase plasma is also discussed.
Exploring and verifying the acoustic presence of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) off Elephant Island, Antarctica
Authors: Wöhle Svenja , Burkhardt Elke , van Opzeeland Ilse , Schall Elena
Published: June 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) can be used to monitor acoustic presence and behaviour of cetaceans, providing continuous, long-term, and seasonally unbiased data. The efficiency of PAM methods, however, depends on the ability to detect and correctly interpret acoustic signals. The upcall is the most prevalent vocalization of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) and is commonly used as a basis for PAM studies on this species. However, previous studies report difficulties to distinguish between southern right whale upcalls and similar humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) vocalizations with certainty. Recently, vocalizations comparable to southern right whale upcalls were detected off Elephant Island, Antarctica. In this study, these vocalizations were structurally analyzed, and call characteristics were compared to (a) confirmed southern right whale vocalizations recorded off Argentina and (b) confirmed humpback whale vocalizations recorded in the Atlantic Sector of the Southern Ocean. Based on call features, detected upcalls off Elephant Island could be successfully attributed to southern right whales. Measurements describing slope and bandwidth were identified as the main differences in call characteristics between species. With the newly gained knowledge from this study, additional data can be analyzed providing further insight into temporal occurrence and migratory behaviour of southern right whales in Antarctic waters.
Worst-case analysis of array beampatterns using interval arithmetic
Authors: Arnestad Håvard Kjellmo , Geréb Gábor , Lønmo Tor Inge Birkenes , Kirkebø Jan Egil , Austeng Andreas , Näsholm Sven Peter
Published: June 2023

Over the past decade, interval arithmetic (IA) has been used to determine tolerance bounds of phased-array beampatterns. IA only requires that the errors of the array elements are bounded and can provide reliable beampattern bounds even when a statistical model is missing. However, previous research has not explored the use of IA to find the error realizations responsible for achieving specific bounds. In this study, the capabilities of IA are extended by introducing the concept of “backtracking,” which provides a direct way of addressing how specific bounds can be attained. Backtracking allows for the recovery of the specific error realization and corresponding beampattern, enabling the study and verification of which errors result in the worst-case array performance in terms of the peak sidelobe level (PSLL). Moreover, IA is made applicable to a wider range of arrays by adding support for arbitrary array geometries with directive elements and mutual coupling in addition to element amplitude, phase, and positioning errors. Last, a simple formula for approximate bounds of uniformly bounded errors is derived and numerically verified. This formula gives insights into how array size and apodization cannot reduce the worst-case PSLL beyond a certain limit.
Measuring and monitoring light pollution: Current approaches and challenges
Authors: Kocifaj Miroslav , Wallner Stefan , Barentine John C.
Published: June 2023

Understanding the causes and potential mitigations of light pollution requires measuring and monitoring artificial light at night (ALAN). We review how ALAN is measured, both from the ground and through remote sensing by satellites in Earth orbit. A variety of techniques are described, including single-channel photometers, all-sky cameras, and drones. Spectroscopic differences between light sources can be used to determine which are most responsible for light pollution, but they complicate the interpretation of photometric data. The variability of Earth’s atmosphere leads to difficulty in comparisons between datasets. Theoretical models provide complementary information to calibrate experiments and interpret their results. Here, we identify several shortcomings and challenges in current approaches to measuring light pollution and suggest ways forward.
A big breakthrough for beryllium
Authors: Dutton Jason L.
Published: June 2023

A stable organometallic compound with a Be-Be bond has been synthesized
Commit to the Global South
Authors: Karim Quarraisha Abdool
Published: June 2023

Vulnerabilities of the world’s least developed countries to health, economic, and environmental crises were recently in the spotlight at a United Nations (UN) conference in Qatar. In March, the Doha Programme of Action was announced as a call for the developed world to renew commitments to support low- and middle-income countries in overcoming major challenges. UN Secretary General António Guterres aptly stated there are “no more excuses.” Such a commitment requires Global North-South and South-South partnerships that harness science and technology and that also empower the South to sustain progress. As a scientist from the Global South who can attest to science’s transformative role in this region of the world, individuals and organizations across sectors and society can play a strong role in supporting such a commitment.
An EU landmark for AI governance
Authors: Gasser Urs
Published: June 2023

A groundbreaking draft law adopted with overwhelming majority by the European Parliament provides a glimpse into the future of governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI Act (AIA) aims to safeguard fundamental rights and ensure the ethical development of AI in Europe and beyond. It is the most ambitious framework to date designed to guide the development and usage of AI. The vote echoes a growing chorus of researchers from various disciplines calling for guardrails to govern powerful AI. Although AIA’s final form will emerge from talks with the European Council and the Commission, the decision by Europe’s influential law-making body offers a timely opportunity for the AI research community to brace for impact, which is expected to reverberate across borders.
Functional Degeneracy in Paracoccus denitrificans Pd1222 Is Coordinated via RamB, Which Links Expression of the Glyoxylate Cycle to Activity of the Ethylmalonyl-CoA Pathway
Authors: Kremer Katharina , Meier Doreen , Theis Lisa , Miller Stephanie , Rost-Nasshan Aerin , Naing Yadanar T. , Zarzycki Jan , Paczia Nicole , Serrania Javier , Blumenkamp Patrick , Goesmann Alexander , Becker Anke , Thanbichler Martin , Hochberg Georg K. A. , Carter Michael S. , Erb Tobias J.
Published: June 2023

Carbon metabolism provides organisms with energy and building blocks for cellular functions and growth. The tight regulation between degradation and assimilation of carbon substrates is central for optimal growth.
Host and Water Microbiota Are Differentially Linked to Potential Human Pathogen Accumulation in Oysters
Authors: Diner Rachel E. , Zimmer-Faust Amy , Cooksey Emily , Allard Sarah , Kodera Sho M. , Kunselman Emily , Garodia Yash , Verhougstraete Marc P. , Allen Andrew E. , Griffith John , Gilbert Jack A.
Published: June 2023

Bacteria in the marine environment cause thousands of human illnesses annually. Bivalves are a popular seafood source and are important in coastal ecology, but their ability to concentrate pathogens from the water can cause human illness, threatening seafood safety and security.
Genome Sequences of Two Plant-Beneficial
Chryseobacterium
Strains Isolated from Agricultural Soils in the Province of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Biessy Adrien , Ciotola Marie , Cadieux Mélanie , Albert Daphné , Filion Martin
Published: June 2023

Two
Chryseobacterium
strains, B21-013 and B21-037, were isolated from agricultural soils located in the province of Quebec, Canada, as part of a screening for plant-beneficial bacteria able to suppress
Xanthomonas hortorum
pv.
vitians
and other lettuce bacterial pathogens. Here, we report the genome sequences of these two organisms.
The Rip1 intramembrane protease contributes to iron and zinc homeostasis in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Nelson Samantha J. , Williams John T. , Buglino John A. , Nambi Subhalaxmi , Lojek Lisa J. , Glickman Michael S. , Ioerger Thomas R. , Sassetti Christopher M.
Published: June 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is exposed to a variety of stresses during a chronic infection, as the immune system simultaneously produces bactericidal compounds and starves the pathogen of essential nutrients. The intramembrane protease, Rip1, plays an important role in the adaptation to these stresses, at least partially by the cleavage of membrane-bound transcriptional regulators. Although Rip1 is known to be critical for surviving copper intoxication and nitric oxide exposure, these stresses do not fully account for the regulatory protein’s essentiality during infection. In this work, we demonstrate that Rip1 is also necessary for growth in low-iron and low-zinc conditions, similar to those imposed by the immune system. Using a newly generated library of sigma factor mutants, we show that the known regulatory target of Rip1, SigL, shares this defect. Transcriptional profiling under iron-limiting conditions supported the coordinated activity of Rip1 and SigL and demonstrated that the loss of these proteins produces an exaggerated iron starvation response. These observations demonstrate that Rip1 coordinates several aspects of metal homeostasis and suggest that a Rip1- and SigL-dependent pathway is necessary to thrive in the iron-deficient environments encountered during infection.

IMPORTANCE

Metal homeostasis represents a critical point of interaction between the mammalian immune system and potential pathogens. While the host attempts to intoxicate microbes with high concentrations of copper or starve the invader of iron and zinc, successful pathogens have acquired mechanisms to overcome these defenses. Our work identifies a regulatory pathway consisting of the Rip1 intramembrane protease and the sigma factor, SigL, that is essential for the important human pathogen,
Mycobacterium tuberculosis,
to grow in low-iron or low-zinc conditions such as those encountered during infection. In conjunction with Rip1’s known role in resisting copper toxicity, our work implicates this protein as a critical integration point that coordinates the multiple metal homeostatic systems required for this pathogen to survive in host tissue.
Mitochondrial Inner Membrane ABC Transporter Bcmdl1 Is Involved in Conidial Germination, Virulence, and Resistance to Anilinopyrimidine Fungicides in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Fan Fei , Zhu Yong-Xu , Wu Min-Yi , Yin Wei-Xiao , Li Guo-Qing , Hahn Matthias , Hamada Mohamed S. , Luo Chao-Xi
Published: June 2023

Gray mold, caused by
B. cinerea
, causes huge losses in the production of many fruits and vegetables. AP fungicides have been largely adopted to control this disease since the 1990s, and the development of resistance to AP fungicides initiates new problems for disease control.
Glycosylated, Lipid-Binding, CDR-Like Domains of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 Indicate Unique Sites of Immune Regulation
Authors: Wu Fang , Chen Xin , Ma Yanhong , Wu Yuzhe , Li Rui , Huang Yuanwei , Zhang Rong , Zhou Yaoqi , Zhan Jian , Liu Shuwen , Xu Wei
Published: June 2023

COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 virus, has triggered a global outbreak. The virus’s continuous mutation increases its infectivity and may be directly related to the immune escape response of viral proteins.
Role of biomarkers and emerging technologies in defining and assessing neurobiological recovery after sport-related concussion: a systematic review
Authors: Tabor Jason B , Brett Benjamin L , Nelson Lindsay , Meier Timothy , Penner Linden C , Mayer Andrew R. , Echemendia Ruben J , McAllister Thomas , Meehan William P , Patricios Jon , Makdissi Michael , Bressan Silvia , Davis Gavin A , Premji Zahra , Schneider Kathryn J , Zetterberg Henrik , McCrea Michael
Published: June 2023

Objective

Determine the role of fluid-based biomarkers, advanced neuroimaging, genetic testing and emerging technologies in defining and assessing neurobiological recovery after sport-related concussion (SRC).

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

Searches of seven databases from 1 January 2001 through 24 March 2022 using keywords and index terms relevant to concussion, sports and neurobiological recovery. Separate reviews were conducted for studies involving neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers, genetic testing and emerging technologies. A standardised method and data extraction tool was used to document the study design, population, methodology and results. Reviewers also rated the risk of bias and quality of each study.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were included if they: (1) were published in English; (2) represented original research; (3) involved human research; (4) pertained only to SRC; (5) included data involving neuroimaging (including electrophysiological testing), fluid biomarkers or genetic testing or other advanced technologies used to assess neurobiological recovery after SRC; (6) had a minimum of one data collection point within 6 months post-SRC; and (7) contained a minimum sample size of 10 participants.

Results

A total of 205 studies met inclusion criteria, including 81 neuroimaging, 50 fluid biomarkers, 5 genetic testing, 73 advanced technologies studies (4 studies overlapped two separate domains). Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of neuroimaging and fluid-based biomarkers to detect the acute effects of concussion and to track neurobiological recovery after injury. Recent studies have also reported on the diagnostic and prognostic performance of emerging technologies in the assessment of SRC. In sum, the available evidence reinforces the theory that physiological recovery may persist beyond clinical recovery after SRC. The potential role of genetic testing remains unclear based on limited research.

Conclusions

Advanced neuroimaging, fluid-based biomarkers, genetic testing and emerging technologies are valuable research tools for the study of SRC, but there is not sufficient evidence to recommend their use in clinical practice.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020164558.
Clinical recovery from concussion–return to school and sport: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Putukian Margot , Purcell Laura , Schneider Kathryn J , Black Amanda Marie , Burma Joel S , Chandran Avinash , Boltz Adrian , Master Christina L , Register-Mihalik Johna K , Anderson Vicki , Davis Gavin A , Fremont Pierre , Leddy John J , Maddocks David , Premji Zahra , Ronksley Paul E , Herring Stanley , Broglio Steven
Published: June 2023

Objective

To define the time frames, measures used and modifying factors influencing recovery, return to school/learn (RTL) and return to sport (RTS) after sport-related concussion (SRC).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

8 databases searched through 22 March 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Studies with diagnosed/suspected SRC and interventions facilitating RTL/RTS or investigating the time and modifying factors for clinical recovery. Outcomes included days until symptom free, days until RTL and days until RTS. We documented study design, population, methodology and results. Risk of bias was evaluated using a modified Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network tool.

Results

278 studies were included (80.6% cohort studies and 92.8% from North America). 7.9% were considered high-quality studies, while 23.0% were considered high risk of bias and inadmissible. The mean days until symptom free was 14.0 days (95% CI: 12.7, 15.4; I2=98.0%). The mean days until RTL was 8.3 (95% CI: 5.6, 11.1; I2=99.3%), with 93% of athletes having a full RTL by 10 days without new academic support. The mean days until RTS was 19.8 days (95% CI: 18.8, 20.7; I2=99.3%), with high heterogeneity between studies. Several measures define and track recovery, with initial symptom burden remaining the strongest predictor of longer days until RTS. Continuing to play and delayed access to healthcare providers were associated with longer recovery. Premorbid and postmorbid factors (eg, depression/anxiety, migraine history) may modify recovery time frames. Though point estimates suggest that female sex or younger age cohorts take longer to recover, the heterogeneity of study designs, outcomes and overlap in CIs with male sex or older age cohorts suggests that all have similar recovery patterns.

Conclusion

Most athletes have full RTL by 10 days but take twice as long for an RTS.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020159928.