bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We see what we hear: dissonant music engages early visual processing
Authors: Bravo Fernando , Glogowski Jana , Stamatakis Emmanuel Andreas , Herfert Kristina
Published: July 2023

The neuroscientific examination of music processing in audiovisual contexts offers a valuable framework to assess how auditory information influences the emotional encoding of visual information. Using fMRI during naturalistic film viewing, we investigated the neural mechanisms underlying music’s effect on valence inferences during mental state attribution. Thirty-eight participants watched the same short-film accompanied by systematically controlled consonant or dissonant music. Subjects were instructed to think about the main character’s intentions. The results revealed that increasing levels of dissonance led to more negatively-valenced inferences, displaying the profound emotional impact of musical dissonance. Crucially, at the neuroscientific level and despite music being the sole manipulation, dissonance evoked the response of the primary visual cortex response (V1). Functional/effective connectivity analysis showed a stronger coupling between the auditory ventral stream (AVS) and V1 in response to tonal dissonance, and demonstrated the modulation of early visual processing via top-down feedback inputs from the AVS to V1. These V1 signal changes indicate the influence of high-level contextual representations associated with tonal dissonance on early visual cortices, serving to facilitate the emotional interpretation of visual information. The findings substantiate the critical role of audio-visual integration in shaping higher-order functions such as social cognition.

Significance statement

The present study reveals responses in the primary visual cortex modulated by musical information: tonal dissonance recruits early visual processing via feedback interactions from the auditory ventral pathway to the primary visual cortex. We demonstrate that the auditory “what” ventral stream plays a role in assigning meaning to non-verbal sound cues, such as dissonant music conveying negative emotions, providing an interpretative framework that serves to process the audio-visual experience. Our results highlight the significance of employing systematically controlled music, which can isolate emotional valence from the arousal dimension, to elucidate the brain’s sound-to-meaning interface and its distributive crossmodal effects on early visual encoding during naturalistic film viewing.

Data sharing

All relevant data are available from the figshare database DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.21345240
CXCL17 binds efficaciously to glycosaminoglycans with the potential to modulate chemokine signalling
Authors: Giblin Sean P. , Ranawana Sashini , Hassibi Shyreen , Birchenough Holly L. , Mincham Kyle T. , Snelgrove Robert J. , Tsuchiya Tomoko , Kanegasaki Shiro , Dyer Douglas , Pease James E.
Published: July 2023

CXCL17 is a mucosally secreted protein, and the most recently identified human chemokine, an assignment based on protein fold prediction and chemotactic activity for leukocytes. However, these credentials have been the subject of much recent discussion and no experimental evidence has been presented regarding the definitive structure of CXCL17. In this study, we evaluated the structural and chemoattractant credentials of CXCL17 to better characterise this molecule, and gain deeper insights into its functional role as a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding protein.

In the absence of structural information,in silicomodelling techniques assessed the likelihood of CXCL17 adopting a chemokine-fold. Recombinant CXCL17 was synthesized in mammalian and prokaryotic systems. Modified Boyden chamber and real-time chemotaxis assays assessed the ability of CXCL17 to promote chemotaxis of murine splenocytes, human neutrophils and CXCR1-transfectants. The efficacy of CXCL17 binding to GAGs was quantified with solid-phase assays and bio-layer interferometry techniques.

All modelling efforts failed to support classification of CXCL17 as a chemokine based on its predicted conformation. Recombinant CXCL17 was observed to dimerize as a function of concentration, a characteristic of several chemokines. Contrary to a previous report, CXCL17 was not chemotactic for murine splenocytes, although it was a low-potency chemoattractant for human neutrophils at micromolar concentrations, several orders of magnitude higher than those required for CXCL8. As anticipated due to its highly basic nature, CXCL17 bound to GAGs robustly, with key C-terminal motifs implicated in this process. While inactive via CXCR1, CXCL17 was found to inhibit CXCR1-mediated chemotaxis of transfectants to CXCL8 in a dose-dependent manner.

In summary, despite finding little evidence for chemokine-like structure and function, CXCL17 readily bound GAGs, and could modulate chemotactic responses to another chemokinein vitro.We postulate that such modulation is a consequence of superior GAG-binding, and that C-terminal fragments of CXCL17 may serve as prototypic inhibitors of chemokine function.
Multisensory integration operates on correlated input from unimodal transients channels
Authors: Parise Cesare V. , Ernst Marc O.
Published: July 2023

Audiovisual information reaches the brain via both sustained and transient input channels, representing signals’ intensity over time or changes thereof, respectively. To date, it is unclear to what extent transient and sustained input channels contribute to the combined percept obtained through multisensory integration. Based on the results of two novel psychophysical experiments, here we demonstrate the importance of the transient (instead of the sustained) channel for the integration of audiovisual signals. To account for the present results, we developed a biologically-inspired, general-purpose model for multisensory integration, the Multisensory Correlation Detectors, which combines correlated input from unimodal transient channels. Besides accounting for the results of our psychophysical experiments, this model could quantitatively replicate several recent findings in multisensory research, as tested against a large collection of published datasets. In particular, the model could simultaneously account for the perceived timing of audiovisual events, multisensory facilitation in detection tasks, causality judgments, and optimal integration. All-in-all, this study demonstrates that several phenomena in multisensory research that were previously considered unrelated, all stem from the integration of correlated input from unimodal transient channels.
Single Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) corresponding to a novel epitope within HCV envelope protein restricts virus entry into hepatocytes
Authors: Das Soma , Behera Padmanava , Shewale Dipeshwari J , Bodele Janhavi , Das Saumitra , Karande Anjali A
Published: July 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic viral hepatitis. The use of neutralizing antibodies could be a more effective therapeutic option. Previously we reported the discovery of a novel epitope at the C terminus of HCV-E2 protein, that induced potent neutralizing antibodies in the infected patients. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies generated against this epitope could also significantly reduce virus replication in a cell culture system. In this study, we have focused on the generation of single chain variable fragments of this unique neutralizing monoclonal antibody A8A11 raised against the conserved epitope. The nucleotide sequence of the neutralizing monoclonal antibody A8A11 was determined and the scFv gene was constructed followed by cloning into the expression plasmid for recombinant protein expression. The scFv mimicked the antibody in binding to the hepatitis C virus like particles (HCV-LP). As expected, the scFv inhibited HCV-LP binding to hepatocytes and could effectively reduce viral replication in the cell culture system. More importantly, scFv A8A11 could restrict serum HCV RNA levels in HCV-infected chimeric mice harboring human hepatocytes. Results provide a basis for developing a promising scFv-based entry inhibitor, which could be more effective against viruses refractory to drugs targeting viral enzymes.
ID22 – the high-resolution powder-diffraction beamline at ESRF
Authors: Fitch Andrew , Dejoie Catherine , Covacci Ezio , Confalonieri Giorgia , Grendal Ola , Claustre Laurent , Guillou Perceval , Kieffer Jérôme , de Nolf Wout , Petitdemange Sébastien , Ruat Marie , Watier Yves
Published: July 2023

Following Phase 2 of the upgrade of the ESRF in which the storage ring was replaced by a new low-emittance ring along with many other facility upgrades, the status of ID22, the high-resolution powder-diffraction beamline, is described. The beamline has an in-vacuum undulator as source providing X-rays in the range 6–75 keV. ID22's principle characteristics include very high angular resolution as a result of the highly collimated and monochromatic beam, coupled with a 13-channel Si 111 multi-analyser stage between the sample and a Dectris Eiger2 X 2M-W CdTe pixel detector. The detector's axial resolution allows recorded 2θ values to be automatically corrected for the effects of axial divergence, resulting in narrower and more-symmetric peaks compared with the previous fixed-axial-slit arrangement. The axial acceptance can also be increased with increasing diffraction angle, thus simultaneously improving the statistical quality of high-angle data. A complementary Perkin Elmer XRD1611 medical-imaging detector is available for faster, lower-resolution data, often used at photon energies of 60–70 keV for pair-distribution function analysis, although this is also possible in high-resolution mode by scanning up to 120° 2θ at 35 keV. There are various sample environments, allowing sample temperatures from 4 K to 1600°C, a capillary cell for non-corrosive gas atmospheres in the range 0–100 bar, and a sample-changing robot that can accommodate 75 capillary samples compatible with the temperature range 80 K to 950°C.
(NH4)2[UO2Cl4]·2H2O, a new uranyl tetrachloride with ammonium charge-balancing cations
Authors: Kohlgruber Tsuyoshi A. , Surbella III Robert G.
Published: July 2023

A new uranyl tetrachloride salt with chemical formula, (NH4)2[UO2Cl4]·2H2O, namely, diammonium uranyl tetrachloride dihydrate, 1, was prepared and crystallized via slow evaporation from a solution of 2 M hydrochloric acid. As confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, the title compound crystallizes with an ammonium chloride impurity that formed as a result of the breakdown of a triazine precursor. The (UO2Cl4)2− dianion is charge balanced by ammonium cations, while an extensive hydrogen-bond network donated from structural water molecules stabilize the overall assembly. Compound 1 adds to the extensive collection of actinyl tetrachloride salts, but it represents the first without an alkali cation for purely inorganic compounds. Diffuse reflectance and luminescence spectra show typical absorption and emission behavior, respectively, of uranyl materials.
SPH method used for characteristic predictions at Pelton turbine buckets: comparing with the mesh-based method
Authors: Sun Jie , Ge X.F. , Zheng Yuan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The research in this paper helps to understand the difference between the Eulerian method and the Lagrangian method in describing the performance of Pelton turbine buckets, so as to improve the design level and design efficiency of the runner.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used DualSPHysics to calculate the unsteady flow of the Pelton turbine runner bucket and compared it with the mesh-based method to explore the difference between mesh-based and particle-based methods in torque curves, jet flow patterns and pressure characteristics.

Findings

It is noted that the particle-based method is challenging to compare with the mesh-based method concerning accuracy. In addition to better describing the free water film, the particle method also captures many droplets near the water film, but it cannot well describe the negative pressure region on the bucket back and the resulting jet interference after cutting off the jet. Compared with the mesh-based method, the pressure measurement points obtained by the particle-based method generally have shorter periods and violent fluctuations, and the pressure value of some points is underestimated.

Originality/value

This paper helped to calculate the unsteady characteristics of the Pelton turbine by Fluent, CFX and DualSPHysics; exploration jet flow pattern differences between the mesh and meshfree methods; prediction of the flow interference between the bucket back and the jet and the pressure curve of SPH usually has a shorter period and violent fluctuations.
Does funded research have a greater scholarly impact? A study of funded and non-funded research published in high-impact library and information science journals
Authors: Ali Altaf , Nazim Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the scholarly impact of funded and non-funded research published in ten core library and information science (LIS) journals published in 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, ten high-impact LIS journals were selected using Google Scholar metrics. The source title of each selected journal was searched in the Scopus database to retrieve the articles published in 2016. The detailed information of all the retrieved articles for every journal was exported in a CSV Excel file, and after collecting all the journal articles’ information, all CSV Excel files were merged into a single MS Excel file for data analysis.

Findings

The study analyzed 1,064 publications and found that 14% of them were funded research articles. Funded articles received higher average citation counts (24.56) compared to non-funded articles (20.49). Funded open-access articles had a higher scholarly impact than funded closed-access articles. The research area with the most funded articles was “Bibliometrics,” which also received the highest number of citations (1,676) with an average citation count of 24.64. The National Natural Science Foundation of China funded the most papers (30), while the USA funded the highest number of research publications (36) in the field of LIS.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of securing funding, open access publishing, discipline-specific differences, diverse funding sources and aiming for higher citations. Researchers, practitioners and policymakers can use these findings to enhance research impact in LIS.

Originality/value

This study explores the impact of funding on research LIS and provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between funding and research impact.
Migration in India under structural transformation
Authors: Liu Yiming
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to answer if inter-state migrants in India play a more active role than their intra-state counterparts in labor force participation and entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

A recursive bivariate probit model is used with an instrumental variable (IV) of the total of inter-state migrants in a city over their historical numbers to tackle the endogeneity issue of the migration decision of the migrants.

Findings

Inter-state migrants did a better job than their intra-state counterparts in labor force participation and female inter-state migrants did a better job than their counterparts in wage employment and being day laborers.

Research limitations/implications

The data are from IPUMS and there is no updated nationwide data regrading migration and employment for recent years.

Practical implications

A randomized controlled trail can be carried out near the borders of two states where there are both significant amounts of inter-state and intra-state migrants.

Social implications

The government and international organizations shall focus on cultivating the skills of the female migrants as well as encouraging the entrepreneurship of both types of migrants.

Originality/value

The study focus is on the comparison between intra- and inter-state migrants based on nationwide survey data and the usage of recursive bivariate model and an effective Instrumental Variable.
Influence of applied pressure on the tribological behaviors of a wet multi-disc clutch during the running-in process
Authors: Wang Qian , Ma Biao , Yu Liang , Chen Man , Wang Guoyu , Zheng Liangjie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the influence of applied pressure on the tribological properties of the friction component in a wet multi-disc clutch during the running-in process.

Design/methodology/approach

The running-in evolutionary was explored in terms of global friction performance. The variation of friction torque and mean COF of the initial 300 engagement cycles was obtained by full-scale tests. Finally, an optical microscope was used to detect the wear characteristics of friction surfaces.

Findings

The applied pressure showed a significant influence on the tribological behaviors of wet clutches during the running-in process. The mean COF decreased and then increases with the increase of the applied pressure. A higher applied pressure contributed to more asperity summits being sheared, thus resulting in a smoother surface. Considering a suitable wore performance, properly applied pressure is necessary.

Originality/value

The results provide theoretical guidance for selecting the optimal applied pressure in the running-in of wet clutches.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2022-0256/
Addressing grand challenges: perceptions of interdisciplinary research and how communication structures facilitate interdisciplinary research at US research-intensive universities
Authors: Lemon Laura L. , VanDyke Matthew S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to understand the role of interdisciplinarity in research and how communication structures and processes at universities facilitates such work.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-one semi-structured interviews with administrators, faculty, and staff from US R-1 Carnegie-designated higher education institutions were conducted.

Findings

Institutional culture reportedly drives interdisciplinary research efforts and participants offered different values associated with pursuing interdisciplinary work. Participants also shared formal and informal incentives that motivate their pursuit of interdisciplinary collaborations. Participants seemed to prefer a blended centralized-decentralized approach for the communication function's support of interdisciplinary research efforts.

Originality/value

This research fills a gap in understanding of how organizational capacities, structures and processes support collaborative research work and public communication about such work.
Exploring perceived online information quality: a mixed-method approach
Authors: Ju Boryung , Stewart J. Brenton
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the quality of information in articles in the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, as perceived by readers and content contributors. This study explored several dimensions and characteristics of information presented in Wikipedia by identifying new emerging dimensions in terms of readers’ perceptions of the quality of online information.

Design/methodology/approach

Two rounds of online surveys were conducted using a mixed-method approach. In the first survey, the authors conducted content analysis on 197 participants, and in the second survey, the authors conducted factor analysis on 107 study participants. The authors used Qualtrics Panel Services to recruit individuals who read and/or edited the English version of Wikipedia articles and resided in the United States.

Findings

The mixed-method approach employed in this study to explore the quality of online information had three core components: users’ perceptions of information quality, content analysis, and exploratory factor analysis of the perceived information quality structure. The study found a new information quality category, social aspect quality. Dimensions include fun, goodness, empowering and user generated.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate the emergence of novel quality attributes for information quality presented online, particularly in social media. Moreover, this study is one of the rare studies to employ a mixed-method approach that offers diverse but reliable perspectives on information quality as perceived by everyday users of Wikipedia.
System for classification of human gaits using markerless motion capture sensor
Authors: Madhana K. , Jayashree L.S. , Perumal Kalaivani
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Human gait analysis is based on a significant part of the musculoskeletal, nervous and respiratory systems. Gait analysis is widely adopted to help patients increase community involvement and independent living.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a system for the classification of abnormal human gaits using a Markerless 3D Motion Capture device. This study aims at examining and estimating the spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters obtained by 3D gait analysis in diverse groups of gait-impaired subjects and compares the parameters with that of healthy participants to interpret the gait patterns.

Findings

The classification is based on mathematical models that distinguish between normal and abnormal gait patterns depending on the deviations in the gait parameters. The difference between the gait measures of the control and each disease group was examined using 95% limits of agreement by the Bland and Altman method. The scatter plots demonstrated gait variability in Parkinsonian and ataxia gait and knee joint angle variation in hemiplegic gait when compared with those of healthy controls. To prove the validity of the Kinect camera, significant correlations were detected between Kinect- and inertial-based gait tests.

Originality/value

The various techniques used for gait assessments are often high in price and have existing limitations like the hindrance of components. The results suggest that the Kinect-based gait assessment techniques can be used as a low-cost, less-intrusive alternative to expensive infrastructure gait lab tests in the clinical environment.
Conceptualizing condominium law and children: comparing the state of strata titles law in New South Wales and Singapore
Authors: Tang Hang Wu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to adopt a comparative method using case law, statutes and secondary literature across both jurisdictions. This paper also draws on various theories of property ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conceptualises the legal relations embedded within condominium housing and the various theories of property ownership to ascertain how children’s interest fit within this framework. The laws of two jurisdictions, New South Wales and Singapore, are examined to determine how their strata law responds when children’s safety is at stake.

Findings

Drawing on pluralist moral theories of property law, the thesis advanced is that children’s issues within condominiums should not be subject to majoritarian rule especially when their safety is at stake. The paramount guiding value should be ensuring their safety within multi-owned housing communities. Using the law of two jurisdictions, New South Wales and Singapore, the central argument of this paper is that the law in these jurisdictions has rightfully adopted a protective approach towards children in multi-owned properties where their safety is at stake.

Originality/value

The literature on the law of multi-owned housing has largely focused on governance issues such as mediating between the majority owners’ interest with that of the minority owners’ interest. Children in multi-owned developments remain an under investigated area as children’s interests do not fit within the paradigm of majority versus minority interests. The paper advances the argument that children’s interest should be viewed through either a rights-based theory or pluralists’ theories of property law. Lessons from the New South Wales and Singapore experience are also drawn which might prove useful to other jurisdictions.
Research note – the connection of organizational justice views with Chinese police officer organizational commitment
Authors: Lambert Eric , Liu Jianhong , Jiang Shanhe
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Police officers' attitudes toward their employing organizations are impacted by officers' perceptions of justice within the organization itself, and these perceptions can affect the bond that officers form with their organization. The current study explored how perceptions of three dimensions of organizational justice (i.e. interpersonal, procedural and distributive justice) were related to the affective (i.e. voluntary) organizational commitment of Chinese police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the current study came from a voluntary survey of 589 Chinese police officers in three areas, one each in southern, central and western China.

Findings

Based on an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression equation, interpersonal, procedural and distributive justice had similar sized positive associations with organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The findings support the contention that perceptions of organizational justice views are related to the commitment of Chinese police officers.

Practical implications

Raising the interpersonal, procedural and distributive justice views should raise the level of affective commitment of officers.

Social implications

Enhancing the justice views of officers should benefit officers by treating them more fairly, as well as benefiting the police organization by increasing commitment of officers.

Originality/value

There has been limited research on how the different forms of organizational justice are related to officer commitment, especially among Chinese officers.
Rain, recreation and risk: Human activity and ecological disturbance create seasonal risk landscapes for the prey of an ambush predator
Authors: Abernathy H. N. , Crawford D. A. , Chandler R. B. , Garrison E. P. , Conner L. M. , Miller K. V. , Cherry M. J.
Published: July 2023

Predation risk and prey responses exhibit fluctuations in space and time. Seasonal ecological disturbances can alter landscape structure and permeability to influence predator activity and efficacy, creating predictable patterns of risk for prey (seasonal risk landscapes). This may create corresponding seasonal shifts in antipredator behaviour, mediated by species ecology and trade‐offs between risk and resources. Yet, how human recreation interacts with seasonal risk landscapes and antipredator behaviour remains understudied.

In South Florida, we investigated the impact of a seasonal ecological disturbance, specifically flooding, which is inversely related to human activity, on interactions between Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). We hypothesized that human activity and ecological disturbances would interact with panther‐deer ecology, resulting in the emergence of two distinct seasonal landscapes of predation risk and the corresponding antipredator responses.

We conducted camera trap surveys across southwestern Florida to collect detection data on humans, panthers and deer. We analysed the influence of human site use and flooding on deer and panther detection probability, co‐occurrence and diel activity during the flooded and dry seasons.

Flooding led to decreased panther detections and increased deer detections, resulting in reduced deer‐panther co‐occurrence during the flooded season. Panthers exhibited increased nocturnality and reduced diel activity overlap with deer in areas with higher human activity. Supporting our hypothesis, panthers' avoidance of human recreation and flooding created distinct risk schedules for deer, driving their antipredator behaviour. Deer utilized flooded areas to spatially offset predation risk during the flooded season while increasing diurnal activity in response to human recreation during the dry season.

We highlight the importance of understanding how competing risks and ecological disturbances influence predator and prey behaviour, leading to the generation of seasonal risk landscapes and antipredator responses. We emphasize the role of cyclical ecological disturbances in shaping dynamic predator–prey interactions. Furthermore, we highlight how human recreation may function as a ‘temporal human shield,’ altering seasonal risk landscapes and antipredator responses to reduce encounter rates between predators and prey.
Opportunities and challenges of using workforce big data: Insights from a mixed methods study on flexible working
Authors: Glennie Miriam , Buick Fiona , Blackman Deborah , Weeratunga Vindhya , Tani Massimiliano , West Damian , Dickinson Helen
Published: July 2023

This Practice and Policy paper presents reflections on the opportunities and challenges of using a novel big data set, Microsoft 365 digital activity records, in a mixed method study of flexible working. Our experience identified methodological and ethical considerations for practitioners and researchers in public sector workforce analytics. The benefits include data captured in situ and over time for all employees. The limitations reflect the inadequacy of big data for representing the complexity of organisational behaviour and the need to accompany data collection with systems ensuring employee privacy and consent for the use of data not originally recorded for research or evaluation purposes. It contributes to knowledge through providing insights into what public sector big data sets contain and how such data can be accessed, interpreted, and used in workforce decision‐making.

Points for practitioners

Digital activity records are a useful form of big data for public sector workforce analytics.

Digital activity records can support the identification of potential risks within the workforce such as social isolation and excessive work hours.

Big data must be contextualised with qualitative or other additional data to interpret data patterns and generate meaningful implementation insights.

Privacy and consent processes may require revision to fully utilise workforce big data.
Potential of MALDI‐TOF MS‐based proteomic fingerprinting for species identification of Cnidaria across classes, species, regions and developmental stages
Authors: Rossel Sven , Peters Janna , Laakmann Silke , Martínez Arbizu Pedro , Holst Sabine
Published: July 2023

Morphological identification of cnidarian species can be difficult throughout all life stages due to the lack of distinct morphological characters. Moreover, in some cnidarian taxa genetic markers are not fully informative, and in these cases combinations of different markers or additional morphological verifications may be required. Proteomic fingerprinting based on MALDI‐TOF mass spectra was previously shown to provide reliable species identification in different metazoans including some cnidarian taxa. For the first time, we tested the method across four cnidarian classes (Staurozoa, Scyphozoa, Anthozoa, Hydrozoa) and included different scyphozoan life‐history stages (polyp, ephyra, medusa) in our dataset. Our results revealed reliable species identification based on MALDI‐TOF mass spectra across all taxa with species‐specific clusters for all 23 analysed species. In addition, proteomic fingerprinting was successful for distinguishing developmental stages, still by retaining a species specific signal. Furthermore, we identified the impact of different salinities in different regions (North Sea and Baltic Sea) on proteomic fingerprints to be negligible. In conclusion, the effects of environmental factors and developmental stages on proteomic fingerprints seem to be low in cnidarians. This would allow using reference libraries built up entirely of adult or cultured cnidarian specimens for the identification of their juvenile stages or specimens from different geographic regions in future biodiversity assessment studies.
Seasonal drying influences odonate adults and nymphs in wetlands in an urban mediterranean‐climate landscape
Authors: Mackintosh Lily A. , Robson Belinda J.
Published: July 2023

Little is known about odonate ecology and phenology in warm mediterranean climates where most wetlands are intermittent. We identified variables associated with the presence, relative abundance, assemblage composition and body size of odonates in spring and summer, to understand the influence of intermittency and season. We hypothesized that size at eclosion would be smaller in seasonal wetlands in summer due to time stress caused by drying. Nymphs, exuviae and adults were sampled in spring and summer from 22 intermittent and perennial suburban wetlands in south‐western Australia. Spatial and environmental variables within and between wetlands were measured and associated with adult and nymph distributions. Exuviae were collected to quantify size at eclosion. As in temperate perennial wetlands, wetland‐scale variables (submerged, emergent and terrestrial vegetation, water temperature) were most strongly associated with assemblage composition of adults and nymphs, but landscape‐scale variables (distance to nearest patch of native vegetation, distance to nearest large lake) were also associated with adult assemblages. Two abundant dragonfly (Orthetrum caledonicum Libellulidae, Hemicordulia tau Hemicorduliidae) and one damselfly (Xanthagrion erythroneurum Coenagrionidae) species emerged at smaller body sizes in summer than spring, but from both intermittent and perennial wetlands. Consequently, declining photoperiod and warmer summer temperatures, rather than wetland drying, probably caused reduced size at eclosion. Although the influence of vegetation, temperature and photoperiod on odonate assemblages appears similar in temperate and mediterranean climates, odonate phenology differs markedly. Fitness cost of emerging at a smaller adult size may be outweighed by the increased likelihood of successfully reaching emergence in drying waterbodies in summer. More field data on size at eclosion in warm climate regions, and laboratory experiments manipulating temperature and photoperiod, are needed to confirm the generality of patterns shown here.
Appraisal of the PathoDiscovery: an interactive web‐based educational tool for teaching pathophysiology and histopathology
Authors: Buma Alessandra I.G. , Simmer Femke , den Braber‐Ymker Marjanne , Groenen Patricia J.T.A.
Published: July 2023

Virtual pathology education has shown to enhance the students' learning experience. At the Radboud University, an E‐learning platform—called the “PathoDiscovery”—was developed and first used in a course about neoplasm development amongst first year (bio)medical sciences students. The PathoDiscovery incorporates high‐power microscopic images, histological annotations, interactive questions and pre‐programmed feedback.The objective of our study was to develop and evaluate the PathoDiscovery within the “Neoplasm” course focusing on student perceptions of usability and utility. For this study the online feedback on the PathoDiscovery that was obtained anonymously from (bio)medical students over two consecutive academic years was analyzed. The responses of the first year were used to make improvements. After the second year, the feedback of the two academic years was compared. The rating of the E‐learning increased from 6.8 (n = 285) to 7.4 (n = 247) after implementation of feedback obtained in the first year. The students judged the structure as logical (90%). The content was considered easy or just right (57%), matched the learning objectives (76%), and contributed to knowledge development (78%). We conclude that the first experiences with the PathoDiscovery are positive for both students and lecturers; it is an example of a dynamic online learning tool that is easily adaptable and is well suited for a blended learning approach.
How do implant patients experience complications? A cross‐sectional multicentre pilot study
Authors: Esteve‐Pardo G. , De‐Larriva E. , Sanchez‐Suarez L. M. , Sanchez‐Nicolas J. A. , Bernabeu‐Esclapez A. , Esteve‐Colomina L.
Published: July 2023

Background

This cross‐sectional study aimed to quantify the impact of implant‐related complications on perceived pain, functional impairment, concern, quality of life (QoL) and confidence which were the study's primary outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Patients were recruited in five centres over 19 months. They completed a structured ad hoc questionnaire scoring pain, chewing ability, concern, QoL and confidence in future implant treatment. Some potential independent variables were also recorded. The data were analysed descriptively and with a multiple‐stepwise regression model for correlations of the five primary variables with the other data.

Results

The sample consisted of 408 patients, with prosthesis mobility being the most common complication (40.7%). Most patients (79.2%) consulted because of a complication, while 20.8% were asymptomatic and consulted regularly. Pain was correlated with symptoms at consultation and in biological/mixed complications (p < .001; R2 = 44.8%). Chewing impairment with implant loss, prosthesis fracture and removable implant‐supported or total prostheses (p < .001; R2 = 42.8%); patient concern was correlated with the clinical symptoms and removable implant‐supported prostheses (p < .001; R2 = 36.1%); impact on QoL was correlated with implant loss, prosthesis fracture and removable implant‐supported prostheses (p < .001; R2 = 41.1%). Patient confidence was relatively independent and only impact on quality of life significantly influenced it (r = 0.73).

Conclusions

Implant‐related complications moderately impaired patients' perceptions of pain, chewing ability, concern and QoL. Nevertheless, complications only slightly reduced their confidence in future implant treatment.
Overall and inter‐individual effect of four different drug classes on soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rotbain Curovic Viktor , Houlind Morten B. , Kroonen Marjolein Y. A. M. , Jongs Niels , Zobel Emilie H. , Hansen Tine W. , Tavenier Juliette , Eugen‐Olsen Jesper , Laverman Gozewijn D. , Kooy Adriaan , Persson Frederik , Rossing Peter , Heerspink Hiddo J. L.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect of four different drug classes on soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a biomarker active in multiple inflammatory processes and a risk factor for complications, in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted post hoc analyses of a randomized, open‐label, crossover trial including 26 adults with type 1 and 40 with type 2 diabetes with urinary albumin‐creatinine ratio ≥30 and ≤500 mg/g assigned to 4‐week treatments with telmisartan 80 mg, empagliflozin 10 mg, linagliptin 5 mg and baricitinib 2 mg, separated by 4‐week washouts. Plasma suPAR was measured before and after each treatment. SuPAR change after each treatment was calculated and, for each individual, the best suPAR‐reducing drug was identified. Subsequently, the effect of the best individual drug was compared against the mean of the other three drugs. Repeated‐measures linear mixed‐effects models were employed.

Results

The baseline median (interquartile range) plasma suPAR was 3.5 (2.9, 4.3) ng/mL. No overall effect on suPAR levels was observed for any one drug. The individual best‐performing drug varied, with baricitinib being selected for 20 participants (30%), followed by empagliflozin for 19 (29%), linagliptin for 16 (24%) and telmisartan for 11 (17%). The individual best‐performing drug reduced suPAR by 13.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7, 22.8; P = 0.007). The difference in suPAR response between the individual best‐performing drug and the other three was −19.7% (95% CI −23.1, −16.3; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We demonstrated no overall effect of 4‐week treatment with telmisartan, empagliflozin, linagliptin or baricitinib on suPAR. However, individualization of treatment might significantly reduce suPAR levels.
Unsuitability of the gall‐inducing fly Eutreta xanthochaeta for biological control of Lantana camara in presence of other native hosts in nature
Authors: Hernández‐López Mónica , Dzul‐Cauich José F. , Hernández‐Ortiz Vicente
Published: July 2023

The biological control of weeds requires the successful introduction and establishment of natural enemies into other regions, to reduce population densities of target species. Potential biocontrol agents are sought in the native region of target weed and should be highly specialized. The gall‐inducing fly Eutreta xanthochaeta Aldrich (Diptera: Tephritidae) is native to Mexico and has been brought into other regions of the world – such as Hawaii (USA), South Africa, and Australia – for the biological control of Lantana camara L. (Verbanaceae), although this not always proved to be successful. Here we investigate the trophic interactions of this fly species with two host plants inhabiting in sympatry, L. camara and Lippia myriocephala Schltdl. & Cham. (Verbenaceae), evaluating its preference through infestation rates, the gall distribution in the plant architecture, as well as the indirect impact upon production of inflorescences affecting the reproductive capacity of the plants. We found that the fly was not monophagous in its native range, and under natural conditions it preferred the wild host L. myriocephala in the presence of L. camara. Moreover, we found that gall formation was linked to changes in the host architecture along with the potential for reproduction, leading to increased terminal buds and a reduction in the inflorescences produced on the twigs where galls develop. Lantana camara consists of both horticultural hybrids and wild varieties resulting in unresolved taxonomic ambiguities. Hence, there may be adaptive limitations of this fly to distinct geographic races or climatic conditions in the various regions, which needs further investigation.
Invasive diatom, Cymbella janischii adhering on body surface of native aquatic beetles, Grouvellinus nitidus (Elmidae) and Ectopria opaca (Psephenidae) in Japan
Authors: Hayashi Masakazu
Published: July 2023

Cymbella janischii, an invasive species of diatom, has been broadening its geographical range in Japan since 2004, flourishing in substantial colonies in river beds. As thick and mucilaginous colonies of this diatom often cover large areas of river beds, this elicits concerns regarding the potential alteration of sedimentary bottom structures and resultant effects on the native ecosystems. The presence of the diatoms growing on the body surface of two aquatic beetles, Grouvellinus nitidus (Elmidae) and Ectopria opaca (Psephenidae) in a Japanese river was confirmed. This constitutes the inaugural documentation of invasive diatoms having a specific relationship with native aquatic insects at an individual level.
Performance indicators for the large‐scale Acoupa weakfish fishery of the Amazon continental shelf
Authors: Moura Hanna Tereza Garcia de Sousa , Mescouto Niedja Luana da Costa , de Souza Maria Clara Pinheiro , Nunes Zélia Maria Pimentel , da Silva Bianca Bentes
Published: July 2023

The Acoupa weakfish, Cynoscion acoupa, is an important fishery resource of the Brazilian North coast that is commercially valuable, particularly for its gas bladder (fish maw), which is exported to Asian markets. However, because of intensive fishing and lack of reliable data, the Acoupa weakfish is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. We used Fisheries Performance Indicators (FPIs) to evaluate C. acoupa fisheries on the Amazon continental shelf, to inform management actions. The ecological indicator had the lowest score due to increased fishing effort associated with high demand for the fish maw, and the co‐management indicator was also unsatisfactory due to the predominance of fishing entrepreneurs and a lack of sustainable management practices. Our findings showed that the C. acoupa fishery is precarious in its sustainability, mainly because of harvest and co‐management which were the least satisfactory metrics.
Future climate change effects on US forest composition may offset benefits of reduced atmospheric deposition of N and S
Authors: Clark Christopher M. , Phelan Jennifer , Ash Jeremy , Buckley John , Cajka James , Horn Kevin , Thomas R. Quinn , Sabo Robert D.
Published: July 2023

Climate change and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) are important drivers of forest demography. Here we apply previously derived growth and survival responses for 94 tree species, representing >90% of the contiguous US forest basal area, to project how changes in mean annual temperature, precipitation, and N and S deposition from 20 different future scenarios may affect forest composition to 2100. We find that under the low climate change scenario (RCP 4.5), reductions in aboveground tree biomass from higher temperatures are roughly offset by increases in aboveground tree biomass from reductions in N and S deposition. However, under the higher climate change scenario (RCP 8.5) the decreases from climate change overwhelm increases from reductions in N and S deposition. These broad trends underlie wide variation among species. We found averaged across temperature scenarios the relative abundance of 60 species were projected to decrease more than 5% and 20 species were projected to increase more than 5%; and reductions of N and S deposition led to a decrease for 13 species and an increase for 40 species. This suggests large shifts in the composition of US forests in the future. Negative climate effects were mostly from elevated temperature and were not offset by scenarios with wetter conditions. We found that by 2100 an estimated 1 billion trees under the RCP 4.5 scenario and 20 billion trees under the RCP 8.5 scenario may be pushed outside the temperature record upon which these relationships were derived. These results may not fully capture future changes in forest composition as several other factors were not included. Overall efforts to reduce atmospheric deposition of N and S will likely be insufficient to overcome climate change impacts on forest demography across much of the United States unless we adhere to the low climate change scenario.