bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space Adaptability Strategies and Building Performance in Selected Entertainment Centres in Nigeria
Authors: Akerele Fiyinfoluwa Stacy , Oluwatayo Adedapo A. , Kolade Kehinde , Olusore Shalom Pelumi
Published: September 2022

Studies have shown that there is a need to adapt buildings over their lifespan to environmental, economic and social changes. This will help enhance the decision-making process of building design and the development of a more sustainable built environment over a while. Anecdotal evidence suggests that entertainment centres in Nigeria often cease to meet their performance criteria over time as the entertainment needs of users change. The purpose of this study is to identify space adaptability strategies that influence the performance level of selected entertainment centres in Nigeria. Four entertainment centres were selected for this study. Respondents were users of the buildings. A total of 86 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved from the users of these selected entertainment centres. The data were analysed statistically using descriptive, predictive and inferential statistics. The sample size from each of the buildings was determined using census sampling with a total of 86 respondents collectively from the four selected entertainment centres. The findings from the study suggested that only 7 of the 37 identified adaptability strategies had a significant effect on the performance of these entertainment centres. These include space modularity, versatility of spaces, convertibility of spaces, reversible spaces, space scalability, space mobility and adjustability. The results of this study showed that while space modularity has a negative influence on the perception of security, social and cultural performance; versatility of spaces positively influenced that performance dimension. This study, therefore, concluded that, concerning entertainment centres, adaptability may not have influenced the performance in terms of functionality, equitable use, efficiency and psychological pleasure; however, security of such facilities may be enhanced by providing versatile spaces. The study recommended that architects should focus on versatility of spaces in the design of entertainment centres as it has been discovered to positively influence the security, social and cultural performance level of entertainment centres.
Investigation of Passive Cooling Strategies in Selected Shopping Malls, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Izobo-Martins O. O. , Oyelami B. J. , Agboola O. O. , Ejale E. A.
Published: September 2022

There is a growing concern about shopping malls’ energy consumption, and this has stimulated responses to the demand for passive features in their design from the building industry. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems was the main focus of this study. The study investigated the compliance level of selected shopping malls in southwestern, Nigeria to passive cooling design strategies. Shopping malls that were built in the last 10 years were selected for the study. Data for this study was gathered through observation guide and case studies. It was observed that the selected shopping malls did not fully adopt passive cooling design strategies as it was observed that most of them still depends on HVAC system. This indicates that passive cooling design strategies was not considered when the malls were at the design stage. The study recommends that different passive cooling strategies should be considered when designing future shopping malls so as to optimize energy efficiency. Furthermore, regulatory authorities and allied professionals should see to compliance of future shopping malls design at design, planning and approval stage.
User Experience of Architectural Promenade in Art and Cultural Centres in Calabar, Crossriver State, Nigeria
Authors: Ediae O. J. , Abeng F. J. , Egbudom J. C.
Published: September 2022

The architectural success of any structure depends on how well people experience spaces. In order to improve the overall user experience in spaces, the architectural promenade concept has become a part of modern architectural design. Despite this, little is known about it or how it affects the user experience, particularly in Art and Cultural Centres. This research aims to assess the user experience of architectural promenade in selected Art and Cultural Centres in Calabar, Cross-river state, Nigeria. A quantitative methodology was applied to gather data from the selected arts and Cultural Centres in Calabar, Crossriver. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 2021 software was employed to analyse the acquired data. The findings indicated that many users did not necessarily enjoy the architectural promenade in Cultural Centres, affecting their overall experience of spaces. The study recommended architectural promenade as an area of user experience that researchers could focus on in research. It also suggests Architects architectural promenade as a conscious consideration in the design of art and Cultural Centres.
Users’ Perception of Compliance of Security Features with Defensible Space Principles in Selected Secondary Schools in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Jegede F. O. , Adewale B. A. , Ayara E. J. , Faleti M. O.
Published: September 2022

The idea of preventing crime by strategically using the environment as tool has been explored for decades. Defensible space provides architectural strategies for effectively preventing crime by reorganizing the physical environment and giving inhabitants control over their surroundings. This study seeks to examine the security features allaying with defensible space in four selected secondary schools in Ota, Ogun state, Nigeria, with a view to making contributions on how to improve security in such environments for users. The study identifies areas for further improvements based on users’ perception, towards enhancing security in the academic environments in Nigeria. Four selected secondary schools in Ota, publicly and privately owned was used for the study. The study used quantitative and qualitative research methods to obtain data from 149 students, in addition with 33 teachers from four secondary schools. The collected data were descriptively analysed with the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software. Results showed that there are evidences of elements of defensible space strategies, which are Territoriality and Natural surveillance that were adequately perceived and being implemented by the respondents. Deterioration of school buildings and poor road construction were seen. These were evidences of the elements of Milieu and Image, an indication of defensible space perception. Students dissatisfaction with overall school security was also revealed. The study further shows that appropriate maintenance strategies can help enhance the physical and security conditions of school environment in Nigeria.
Adoption of Sustainable Site Planning Strategies by Beach Resorts in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ediae O. J. , Egbudom J. C. , Abeng F. J.
Published: September 2022

Resorts are commercial establishments specialised to meet vacationers needs through the provision of specialised services such as food, entertainment and accommodation. Most of the facilities provided by beach resorts are outdoor-based, therefore detailed attention should be paid to the landscape and external environment and this implies that the implementation of sustainable site planning strategies is crucial in achieving sustainable development. This paper seeks to investigate the adoption of sustainable site strategies by Beach Resorts in Lagos, Nigeria to understand how the various strategies could be applied in Site planning. The study was limited to beach resorts in Lagos, Nigeria and three resorts were carefully selected through purposive sampling. A qualitative data collection method was adopted and data collected were analysed through content analysis and findings revealed that there is high adoption of sustainable site planning strategies by beach resorts. Design strategies for site planning in a bid to create more sustainable developments in Nigeria were recommended.
Potential for Net-zero Energy in an Artificially Ventilated Single-family Dwelling Unit
Authors: Oguntade A. A. , Koriko A. O. , Ademiloye J. T. , Adegun O. B.
Published: September 2022

Net-zero energy buildings are buildings that consume less energy than other similar buildings, producing as much energy as it uses or more, from a renewable energy source. Buildings are, without a doubt, one of the key contributors to energy-related emissions. It is important to design buildings that need less energy. Using DesignBuilder, this research explores the potential for net-zero energy in an artificially ventilated single-family dwelling unit in Kuala Lumpur Subang, Malaysia. To achieve net-zero energy five steps are taken; step one involves determining the most energy-efficient glazing, step two involves investigating the most energy-efficient wall material, the next step considers the best window-to-wall ratio, the fourth includes the use of external shading devices and the final step introduces the use of roof installed solar panels. One of the key findings was that shading either through external shading devices or through more efficient glazing reduced the overall energy use and that as the energy needed for cooling reduced as a result of shading the energy needed for lighting slightly increased. The research also revealed that the energy consumption reduced as the wall insulation increased and that bricks/block walls were more energy-efficient than wooden walls without insulation. During the third phase of the research, findings revealed that the energy efficiency of the walls and the windows were the determining factor for which window-to-wall ratio was best. In all, net-zero energy was achieved by reducing the energy consumption by 73.4% and by generating more energy than the building consumes from photovoltaic cells.
Bi-Objective Preventive Maintenance Scheduling Optimization of Photovoltaic System based on Availability
Authors: Sa’ad Aisha , Nyoungue Aimé C. , Hajej Zied
Published: September 2022

To ensure smooth running and continues supply of uninterrupted power from the Photovoltaic (PV) power plant, it becomes imperative to develop maintenance strategies that improves the reliability and availability of the system; thus, the need to balance between cost and reliability/availability of PV system arises in the industry. This work focuses on developing selective preventive maintenance algorithm based on the PV subcomponents’ reliability that minimizes the preventive maintenance cost while also maximizing system availability over a finite horizon. A minimum reliability threshold was assumed which served as the determining factor on a component if maintenance is to be performed on the component. An algorithm was developed in MATLAB to perform the selection and cost optimization in which an optimal periodicity yielding 5 preventive maintenance actions was obtained resulting to availability of 99.75% and minimal cost of 1,649 monetary units.
Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Carbondioxide Pollution Emitted by Cement Industry Located in Sagamu, Nigeria
Authors: Ajayi Oluwatoyin Olanrewaju , Ngene Ben Uchechukwu , Ogbiye Samuel Adebanji
Published: September 2022

Cement factory produces air pollutants that contaminate and cause adverse effects on the health of dwellers of the affected environment. These pollutants enter the body and become injurious by initiating or aggravating problems in the respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. During the production of cement, many processes like crushing, raw milling, calcining, burning and cements milling, release pollutants to the immediate environment. This study aimed at estimating the discharge rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) pollutant emitted from the production/combustion unit of Lafarge Cement Factory Sagamu Ogun State. Six points on each of the three major routes that lead to the factory were used as the sampling points for the study. Gaussian plume model method was applied in developing the model equation. Raw data obtained from the field was used to determine the spread of CO2 concentration. The study showed that there were emissions of CO2 within the study area, with an average monthly highest discharge rate of 773.333 ppm on Ikorodu route, and the lowest discharge rate on Abeokuta route (689.875 ppm). Consequently, the findings can be used to formulate and validate models as well as develop co-correlation among the three routes in the study area.
Climate Responsive Design Strategies for Contemporary Low-rise Residential Buildings in Tropical Environment of Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Nwalusi Dickson M. , Obi Nicholas I. , Chendo Ikebueze G. , Okeke Francis O.
Published: September 2022

The skyline of the developing world is decorated with medium and low rise structures and Nigeria is not an exception. Located in the tropics mainly characterized by an elevated air temperature and high relative humidity; obtaining the desired level of indoor thermal comfort without mechanical aid is a design challenge for most of her building structures in recent times. However, airflow inside a building depends not only on external wind velocity but also on a number of Architectural design features and principles. The study, aimed at identifying design element and strategies that modify the indoor comfort conditions as well as energy savings of tropical buildings. Through case study research approach and the review of existing literature, a comparison of the colonial and contemporary existing building designs were made in the study area based on seven architectural design features that can influence thermal comfort condition. The study found that contemporary building designs in the study area have in recent times departed from the traditional applications of passive design strategies used in colonial architecture and have taken a non-compactible design models for tropical climates like disappearance of eaves projections, shrinkage of balconies, reduced headroom heights and window sizes. Furthermore, the result highlights the need to evolve a climate responsive design as means of reducing heat stress in the contemporary Nigerian low-rise buildings. It concludes and recommends that architects and designers should review their design approaches in favour of functional building requirements for climate-responsive and energy efficient buildings, which will be less dependent on mechanical systems in order to achieve maximum thermal comfort levels in our buildings.
Upper Limit of Acceptable Temperature for Children in Naturally Ventilated Classrooms in Warm Humid Climate in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Munonye C.C. , Ohaegbu P N. , Chukwu I.N. , Ifebi O.C. , Odimegwu C.N.
Published: September 2022

Fieldwork took place in naturally ventilated public primary schools in Imo State, Nigeria to find the upper limit of acceptable temperature. The period of the survey was from October 2017 to May 2018, where objective and subjective data were collected. Results of the fieldwork of the 330 surveyed children (aged 7-12 years) revealed that the upper limit temperature derived from their responses corresponding to mean thermal sensations of +0.85 is 31.6°C for the combined classrooms. This is about 4.9°C higher than the ASHRAE upper 80% acceptability limit. Furthermore, the maximum temperature acceptable by the studied children was found to be higher than the ASHRAE upper limit. The study shows that respondents in a tropical country, such as in Nigeria, can be comfortable at high temperatures. Information about the heat tolerance of primary school children is important as that may guide professionals in the building industry to achieve eco-friendly and sustainable classrooms that use less energy and at the same time provide thermal comfort to the occupants.
Successful Coastal Protection by Step Concrete Revetments in Thailand
Authors: Saengsupavanich Cherdvong
Published: September 2022

Coastal revetment has a main function to protect eroding shorelines. Sometimes, the revetment is considered ineffective and harmful to the environment. This article presents 3 case studies in Thailand where stepped concrete revetments were successfully implemented. If theoretically accurately designed, the revetments will not only protect the coastlines but also enhance community’s well-being. The case studies at the Suan-Son beach, the Pra-Ae beach, and the Laem-Sadet beach advocate such a claim. When the incoming waves break on the steps, the revetment crest is accurately configured, the front slope is well-designed, the wave reflection will be minimized. The sand will climb and deposit on the steps. The beach berm will be wide. People can walk either on the beach or the revetment crest. Tourism will be promoted. Livelihoods of coastal communities will be enhanced. Sustainable coastal development can follow. None of these can happen if the coast is still being eroded. The revetment is not a bad thing. What is bad is an engineer who poorly designs the revetment. The misleading belief that the revetment will do more harm than good must be adjusted.
A Feasibility Study on the Use of Dredged Material as a Raw Material in Clay Brick Production
Authors: Srushti K , Wani Asma , Sahana S , Ur Rahmam Mohd Zia , Praveen K M
Published: September 2022

The feasibility of using the dredged material as a raw material in clay brick production is studied. The reuse of waste dredged materials as useful raw materials in the construction activities is assessed. Firstly, the dredged material is collected from the dredging activities along the approach channels of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT), Mangalore. The collected dredged sample is analyzed for various engineering properties to understand the characteristics, composition and feasibility as a raw material in clay brick production. The Atterberg limits were estimated for natural and dredged material as per IS:2720-5 (1985). The specific gravity, pH and grain size distribution was carried out to assess the characteristics the materials. Further, SEM and XRD analysis was also carried out to analyse the microstructure of the raw materials. The study is a step forward towards a greener environment, since it helps in reducing and recycling dredged material for construction. The aim of the project is to study the characteristics of dredged sediments and their beneficial use in brick production. The feasibility of using dredged material as an alternative sustainable building material is assessed.
The Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment of Groundwater in Karbala Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Abdul-Razzak Mohammed Ibrahim , Al-Neif Ayser Abdul-Aziz
Published: September 2022

Karbala governorate, however, neighborhood the western desert, which bounded by longitudes (43° 09' 41" – 44° 18' 56") and latitudes (32° 10' 15" – 32° 50' 15") with total area study of 4987 km2, represents part of sedimentary plain belongs to the unstable shelf and Salman zone belongs to the stable shelf. The main geological formations that exposed in the studied area represented by Al-Fatha Fn. (M. Miocene), Injana Fn. (U. Miocene), Dibdiba Fn. (Pliocene - pliestocene) and Quaternary Fn. (Pliestocene - Holocene). Two main underground reservoirs were distinguished based on the sedimentary facies and (four water reservoirs) as well. Quantitatively, the assessment was based on the climatic information (rainfall, temperature and humidity) for (39 years) for the period (1980 - 2019), so, by using Thornorite equation the water surplus was calculated representing the renewable storage of the unconfined aquifer which amounted to (110.9 * 106 m3/year), while the fixed storage for both systems (unconfined and confined) were calculated as (7.68 * 109 m3) and (6.16 * 109 m3) respectively, with total equivalent to (13.84 * 109 m3). While qualitatively, the assessment was based on utilizing the data bank information (151 wells) belongs to the general commission for groundwater (2013) in addition to some available field data. The results reveal that there some wells are within the permissible limits to be used for drinking purposes, which can be used for municipal after conducting biological tests on them, although they should not be used for agriculture. In general, it can be said that most of the water from the wells in the study area is suitable for agricultural use, with the exception of small scattered areas.
Geological Hazards in Al-Anbar Governorate, West Iraq
Authors: Sissakian Varoujan K. , Fayyadh Abed S.
Published: September 2022

Al-Anbar Governorate has the largest coverage area among the 18 Iraqi gover-norates. The coverage area is about 138 579 km2 forming about 32% of the whole coverage area of the Iraqi territory. The governorate forms the western part of Iraq representing the Iraqi Western Desert and a small part north of the Eu-phrates River within the Jazira Plain. This large coverage area with diversity of rock types with large time span (Permi-an – Pleistocene) and different topographic forms have contributed to develop-ment of different types of geological hazards, which act at different parts of the governorate with different intensities and different damages caused to the infra-structure and community, even life losses. Three main types of geological hazards are active in the governorate; these are: 1) Floods, 2) Karstification, and 3) Swell-ing (Expensive) clays; however, other types like mass movements, depressions, active tectonic areas are also present but with less significance as their risks and caused damages to the community and infrastructure is concerned.
Evaluation of Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) for Habbaniya Lake in Anbar Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Al-Kubaisi Mahmood H. D. , Al-Salmani Nazar Z. , Mohammad Osama J. , Fayyadh Adnan M. , Orabi Orabi H.
Published: September 2022

A study was conducted to estimate the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) for Habbaniya Lake in central Iraq for irrigation purposes. The samples were taken at sixteen stations in October 2019. Studied samples were examined for ten Physico-chemical parameters Hydrogen Number (pH), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Temperature (T °C), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (T.H.), Turbidity (NTU), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Na+, Cl−, and HCO3−. The results showed that 68.75% of the study water samples fall within the low restriction category (LR) irrigation water in eleven stations (which is dominant in all parts) and 25% of the search region falls under the no restriction category (NR) irrigation water in four stations (which is dominant in the northwestern part at station 5-8). Meanwhile, a small part of the study area represents 6.25% of the water samples is classified as a moderate restriction (MR) irrigation water in one station (in the central part). Accordingly, these categories are suitable to use only with the soil having low to moderate permeability with a plant of some kind for specified tolerance of moderate salts content. The IWQI is homogeneous and suitable for irrigation in all parts, especially the northwestern part which represents the entrance waters through Warar Canal that fed principally from the Euphrates River.
Enhanced dispersion stability and interfacial damping of POSS-functionalized graphene oxide in PDMS nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Bogyoung , Youn Byungwook , Song Yeeun , Lee Doojin
Published: September 2022

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized graphene oxide (GO) is prepared to improve the dispersity of GO nanofillers in a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. Improved interfacial affinity of the GO-POSS with a polymer matrix is characterized by a small amplitude oscillatory shear test. We confirm that the POSS-functionalized GO induces better filler dispersibility and less filler aggregation in the matrix, resulting in enhanced elasticity in the solution. After curing, the POSS interface works as a soft and lubricating layer at the interface, which enhances interfacial damping within the nanocomposites.
Ultrasmall molybdenum-iron nitride nanoparticles confined carbon nanotubes hybrids for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Yun Mun Sang , Nguyen Thanh Hai , Tran Duy Thanh , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: September 2022

In an attempt to find an alternative approach to reduce the use of noble metal-based electrocatalysts, a new hybrid nanostructure based on molybdenum-iron nitride nanoparticles (Mo–Fe–N NPs) deposited carbon nanotubes (CNTs) supported on nickel foam substrate is fabricated via a facile synthetic approach. Highly uniform and dense Mo–Fe–N NPs achieves full coverage on surface of the CNTs with good interactions and enhanced hetero-charge transfer, thus leading to improvements in both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The fabricated hybrid shows small overpotential of 106 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and 420 mV at 100 mA cm−2 for OER, along with prospective stability after 20 h of continuous testing in alkaline electrolyte (1.0 M KOH). The catalytic activities of the Mo–Fe–N/CNTs material are shown to be superior to those of other synthesized catalysts as well as of commercial Pt/C and RuO2 catalysts. These results may pave a potential route to the fabrication of novel electrocatalysts having high performance that can effectively replace precious metal-based catalysts in electrochemical water splitting technology.
Membrane fusion by Drosophila atlastin does not require GTP hydrolysis
Authors: Crosby Daniel , Lee Tina H.
Published: September 2022

The role of GTP hydrolysis in membrane fusion catalyzed by the atlastin (ATL) GTPase has long been debated. Crosby and Lee use a hydrolysis-deficient Drosophila ATL variant to show that membrane fusion occurs well before the hydrolysis of GTP, and that nucleotide hydrolysis is required for ATL subunit recycling.
Black rice bran intake reduces phosphorylated tau levels and enhances insulin signaling in the brain of aged normal mice
Authors: Hara Takashi , Toyama Hanae , Ohata Yumi , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Nakamura Sumiko , Joh Toshio , Ohtsubo Ken'ichi
Published: September 2022

This study reports that black rice bran (BRB) intake for 50-52 consecutive weeks (∼12 months) reduces tau phosphorylation with a concomitant activation of insulin signaling and subsequent PI3K/AKT pathway in the brain of aged normal mice. BRB holds promise for preventing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles consisting of hyperphosphorylated tau, a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
Reproducible acquisition, management and meta-analysis of nucleotide sequence (meta)data using q2-fondue
Authors: Ziemski Michal , Adamov Anja , Kim Lina , Flörl Lena , Bokulich Nicholas A
Published: September 2022

Motivation

The volume of public nucleotide sequence data has blossomed over the past two decades and is ripe for re- and meta-analyses to enable novel discoveries. However, reproducible re-use and management of sequence datasets and associated metadata remain critical challenges. We created the open source Python package q2-fondue to enable user-friendly acquisition, re-use and management of public sequence (meta)data while adhering to open data principles.

Results

q2-fondue allows fully provenance-tracked programmatic access to and management of data from the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA). Unlike other packages allowing download of sequence data from the SRA, q2-fondue enables full data provenance tracking from data download to final visualization, integrates with the QIIME 2 ecosystem, prevents data loss upon space exhaustion and allows download of (meta)data given a publication library. To highlight its manifold capabilities, we present executable demonstrations using publicly available amplicon, whole genome and metagenome datasets.

Availability and implementation

q2-fondue is available as an open-source BSD-3-licensed Python package at https://github.com/bokulich-lab/q2-fondue. Usage tutorials are available in the same repository. All Jupyter notebooks used in this article are available under https://github.com/bokulich-lab/q2-fondue-examples.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract along antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axes is dependent on Amhr2+ mesenchyme in mice
Authors: Jia Shuai , Wilbourne Jillian , Crossen McKenna J , Zhao Fei
Published: September 2022

Morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract is regulated by the mesenchyme. However, the identity of the mesenchymal lineage that directs the morphogenesis of the female reproductive tract has not been determined. Using in vivo genetic cell ablation, we identified Amhr2+ mesenchyme as an essential mesenchymal population in patterning the female reproductive tract. After partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchymal cells, the oviduct failed to develop its characteristic coiling due to decreased epithelial proliferation and tubule elongation during development. The uterus displayed a reduction in size and showed decreased cellular proliferation in both epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. More importantly, in the uterus, partial ablation of Amhr2+ mesenchyme caused abnormal lumen shape and altered the direction of its long axis from the dorsal-ventral axis to the left–right axis (i.e., perpendicular to the dorsal-ventral axis). Despite these morphological defects, epithelia underwent normal differentiation into secretory and ciliated cells in the oviduct and glandular epithelial cells in the uterus. These results demonstrated that Amhr2+ mesenchyme can direct female reproductive tract morphogenesis by regulating epithelial proliferation and lumen shape without affecting the differentiation of epithelial cell types.
PMCA1 depletion in mouse eggs amplifies calcium signaling and impacts offspring growth
Authors: Savy Virginia , Stein Paula , Shi Min , Williams Carmen J
Published: September 2022

Egg activation in mammals is triggered by oscillations in egg intracellular calcium (Ca2+) level. Ca2+ oscillation patterns can be modified in vitro by changing the ionic composition of culture media or in vivo by conditions affecting mitochondrial function, such as obesity and inflammation. In mice, disruption of Ca2+ oscillations in vitro impacts embryo development and offspring growth. Here we tested the hypothesis that, even without in vitro manipulation, abnormal Ca2+ signaling following fertilization impacts offspring growth. Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCA) extrude cytosolic Ca2+ to restore Ca2+ homeostasis. To disrupt Ca2+ signaling in vivo, we conditionally deleted PMCA1 (cKO) in oocytes. As anticipated, in vitro fertilized cKO eggs had increased Ca2+ exposure relative to controls. To assess the impact on offspring growth, cKO females were mated to wild type males to generate pups that had high Ca2+ exposure at fertilization. Because these offspring would be heterozygous, we also tested the impact of global PMCA1 heterozygosity on offspring growth. Control heterozygous pups that had normal Ca2+ at fertilization were generated by mating wild type females to heterozygous males; these control offspring weighed significantly less than their wild type siblings. However, heterozygous offspring from cKO eggs (and high Ca2+ exposure) were larger than heterozygous controls at 12 week-of-age and males had altered body composition. Our results show that global PMCA1 haploinsufficiency impacts growth and support that abnormal Ca2+ signaling after fertilization in vivo has a long-term impact on offspring weight. These findings are relevant for environmental and medical conditions affecting Ca2+ handling and for design of culture conditions and procedures for domestic animal and human assisted reproduction.
Disentangling a 40-year-old taxonomic puzzle: the phylogenetic position of Mimulicalyx (Lamiales)
Authors: Zhao Fei , Liu Bing , Liu Su , Min Dao-Zhang , Zhang Ting , Cai Jie , Zhou Xin-Xin , Chen Bin , Olmstead Richard G , Xiang Chun-Lei , Li Bo
Published: September 2022

With the disintegration of the traditionally circumscribed Scrophulariaceae, the phylogenetic placements of most genera formerly placed in that family have been resolved. However, the familial placement of the monotypic genus Mimulicalyx has not been included in any published molecular phylogenetic study. Here, we adopt a two-step approach to resolve the phylogenetic placement of Mimulicalyx using three datasets: (1) a 71 619 bp plastome alignment of Lamiales; (2) a dataset of six plastid DNA regions (atpB, matK, ndhF, rbcL, rps16 and trnL-trnF) for Phrymaceae; and (3) a dataset of the nuclear ribosomal internal and external transcribed spacer regions (nrITS, ETS) for Phrymaceae. Our analyses reveal that Mimulicalyx is a member of the tribe Mimuleae in Phrymaceae. Generic level phylogenetic relationships within Phrymaceae are further discussed, and a dichotomous key to the 15 genera currently recognized is provided.
Environmental and geographical biases in plant specimen data from the Colombian Andes
Authors: Vargas Carlos A , Bottin Marius , Särkinen Tiina , Richardson James E , Raz Lauren , Garzon-Lopez Carol X , Sanchez Adriana
Published: September 2022

Specimen records are a major source of species information for biodiversity research. However, specimen records currently available may be geographically or environmentally biased. Detailed knowledge of biases is useful for understanding and accounting for errors they introduce into analyses of biodiversity patterns. Here we study geographical and environmental biases in online records representing the flora of the Colombian Andes and explore their effect on sample completeness at different spatial scales. We found a strong geographical and environmental sampling bias. Plant records were concentrated close to cities where herbaria and researchers are located. The highlands > 2000 m are better sampled, whereas mid- and lowlands remain poorly sampled (i.e. montane and lowland forest). Sampling completeness (SC) median across the Colombian Andes is < 75% at the scales studied. We explore possible causes of sampling bias, identify critical gaps and priority areas for plant sampling and make recommendations for strategies to increase SC and reduce biases.
Dual-MEG interbrain synchronization during turn-taking verbal interactions between mothers and children
Authors: Lin Jo-Fu Lotus , Imada Toshiaki , Meltzoff Andrew N , Hiraishi Hirotoshi , Ikeda Takashi , Takahashi Tetsuya , Hasegawa Chiaki , Yoshimura Yuko , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Hirata Masayuki , Minabe Yoshio , Asada Minoru , Kuhl Patricia K
Published: September 2022

Verbal interaction and imitation are essential for language learning and development in young children. However, it is unclear how mother–child dyads synchronize oscillatory neural activity at the cortical level in turn-based speech interactions. Our study investigated interbrain synchrony in mother–child pairs during a turn-taking paradigm of verbal imitation. A dual-MEG (magnetoencephalography) setup was used to measure brain activity from interactive mother–child pairs simultaneously. Interpersonal neural synchronization was compared between socially interactive and noninteractive tasks (passive listening to pure tones). Interbrain networks showed increased synchronization during the socially interactive compared to noninteractive conditions in the theta and alpha bands. Enhanced interpersonal brain synchrony was observed in the right angular gyrus, right triangular, and left opercular parts of the inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, these parietal and frontal regions appear to be the cortical hubs exhibiting a high number of interbrain connections. These cortical areas could serve as a neural marker for the interactive component in verbal social communication. The present study is the first to investigate mother–child interbrain neural synchronization during verbal social interactions using a dual-MEG setup. Our results advance our understanding of turn-taking during verbal interaction between mother–child dyads and suggest a role for social “gating” in language learning.
Alterations in resting-state functional connectivity associated to the age-related decline in time-based prospective memory
Authors: Morand Alexandrine , Segobin Shailendra , Lecouvey Grégory , Gonneaud Julie , Eustache Francis , Rauchs Géraldine , Desgranges Béatrice
Published: September 2022

Time-based prospective memory (TBPM) is defined as the ability to remember to perform intended actions at a specific time in the future. TBPM is impaired in aging, and this decline has been associated with white-matter alterations within the superior fronto-occipital fasciculus. In the present study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging from 22 healthy young (26 ± 5.2 years) and 23 older (63 ± 6.1 years) participants to investigate how age-related alterations in resting-state functional connectivity are related to TBPM performance, and whether these alterations are associated with the white-matter disruptions we have previously observed with diffusion tensor imaging. Whole-brain analyses revealed lower resting-state functional connectivity in older participants compared with younger ones, which in turn correlated with TBPM performance. These correlations were mainly located in the salience network and the parietal part of the frontoparietal network. Our findings suggest that resting-state functional connectivity alterations contribute to the age-related decline in TBPM.
A microcircuit model involving parvalbumin, somatostatin, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide inhibitory interneurons for the modulation of neuronal oscillation during visual processing
Authors: Wagatsuma Nobuhiko , Nobukawa Sou , Fukai Tomoki
Published: September 2022

Various subtypes of inhibitory interneurons contact one another to organize cortical networks. Most cortical inhibitory interneurons express 1 of 3 genes: parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM), or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). This diversity of inhibition allows the flexible regulation of neuronal responses within and between cortical areas. However, the exact roles of these interneuron subtypes and of excitatory pyramidal (Pyr) neurons in regulating neuronal network activity and establishing perception (via interactions between feedforward sensory and feedback attentional signals) remain largely unknown. To explore the regulatory roles of distinct neuronal types in cortical computation, we developed a computational microcircuit model with biologically plausible visual cortex layers 2/3 that combined Pyr neurons and the 3 inhibitory interneuron subtypes to generate network activity. In simulations with our model, inhibitory signals from PV and SOM neurons preferentially induced neuronal firing at gamma (30–80 Hz) and beta (20–30 Hz) frequencies, respectively, in agreement with observed physiological results. Furthermore, our model indicated that rapid inhibition from VIP to SOM subtypes underlies marked attentional modulation for low-gamma frequency (30–50 Hz) in Pyr neuron responses. Our results suggest the distinct but cooperative roles of inhibitory interneuron subtypes in the establishment of visual perception.
The Impact of Extended Treatment With Artemether-lumefantrine on Antimalarial Exposure and Reinfection Risks in Ugandan Children With Uncomplicated Malaria: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Whalen Meghan E , Kajubi Richard , Goodwin Justin , Orukan Francis , Colt McKenzie , Huang Liusheng , Richards Kacey , Wang Kaicheng , Li Fangyong , Mwebaza Norah , Aweeka Francesca T , Parikh Sunil
Published: September 2022

Background

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is the most widely used artemisinin-based combination therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa and is threatened by the emergence of artemisinin resistance. Dosing is suboptimal in young children. We hypothesized that extending AL duration will improve exposure and reduce reinfection risks.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study of extended duration AL in children with malaria in high-transmission rural Uganda. Children received 3-day (standard 6-dose) or 5-day (10-dose) AL with sampling for artemether, dihydroartemisinin, and lumefantrine over 42-day clinical follow-up. Primary outcomes were (1) comparative pharmacokinetic parameters between regimens and (2) recurrent parasitemia analyzed as intention-to-treat.

Results

A total of 177 children aged 16 months to 16 years were randomized, contributing 227 total episodes. Terminal median lumefantrine concentrations were significantly increased in the 5-day versus 3-day regimen on days 7, 14, and 21 (P < .001). A predefined day 7 lumefantrine threshold of 280 ng/mL was strongly predictive of recurrence risk at 28 and 42 days (P < .001). Kaplan–Meier estimated 28-day (51% vs 40%) and 42-day risk (75% vs 68%) did not significantly differ between 3- and 5-day regimens. No significant toxicity was seen with the extended regimen.

Conclusions

Extending the duration of AL was safe and significantly enhanced overall drug exposure in young children but did not lead to significant reductions in recurrent parasitemia risk in our high-transmission setting. However, day 7 levels were strongly predictive of recurrent parasitemia risk, and those in the lowest weight-band were at higher risk of underdosing with the standard 3-day regimen.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03453840.
Approaching evolutionary communication
Authors: Lull James
Published: September 2022

The determining roles played by communication in the ongoing evolution of our species remain largely unexplored in communications-related disciplines. An unhelpful controversy that raged over E. O. Wilson’s sociobiology last century contributed to the problem and is reconsidered here in terms of the fault lines that run between natural science, social science, and politics. The article describes paths for future theoretical development by focusing first on the link between human communications behavior and evolutionary psychology. With an emphasis on understanding the crisis of community facing the world today, evolutionary communication is proposed as a theoretical alternative to limited proximate perspectives afforded by cultural analysis alone. The inherent interdisciplinary nature of communication makes the field a prime candidate for conducting research grounded in the deep-time explanatory framework of evolutionary theory and the epistemological assumptions of scientific humanism.
Comparison of the 6-minute walk distance measured on a 30 m track with guidance of a healthcare professional and those measured with a mobile application outdoors by participants themselves: a validation study
Authors: Klompstra Leonie , Lans Charlotta , Mercke Emil , Strömberg Anna , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: September 2022

To improve the practical application of measuring exercise capacity, the purpose of this study was to compare the 6 min walk distance (6MWD) obtained at a 30 m track with the guidance of healthcare professionals vs. the 6MWD obtained by participants themselves using an app. In total, 37 participants performed both tests. The mean of the differences between the 6MWD on the tests was −4 ± 45 m (95% limits of agreement: 84 to −99 m). The overall agreement between the two 6MWD measures was 97% with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.91–0.98, P < 0.001). The use of an app is feasible, reliable, and valid to assess the 6MWD.
Instructing Use of an Effective Strategy Improves Recognition Memory in Healthy Adults
Authors: Bender Andrew R , Driver Charles C , Hertzog Christopher , Raz Naftali
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Age-related memory decrements correlate with metacognitive declines, including knowledge and deployment of effective mnemonic encoding strategies. However, whether imparting such strategy suffices for mitigating memory differences is unclear.

Method

In a longitudinal study of 276 healthy adults aged 18–79 years, we tested associative and working memory, and assessed beliefs regarding mnemonic strategies. Testing was repeated every 2 years, 5 times. Starting with the third occasion, we instructed participants to use an effective mnemonic strategy (sentence generation). Using continuous-time dynamic modeling, we assessed changes in the item and associative recognition, intervention effects, and their relations with age, sex, meta-memory beliefs, working memory, and metabolic health.

Results

Younger age, better working memory, and stronger belief in effective mnemonic strategies predicted better recognition, whereas instructional intervention attenuated associative memory deficits, with some persistence over time.

Discussion

The present findings show merely imparting effective strategies holds promise for mitigating age-related associative memory deficits.
The effects of domestic and EU incentives on corporate investment toward ecological transition: a propensity score matching approach
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Mancini Sara , Solferino Nazaria
Published: September 2022

We investigate the effects of domestic and European Union (EU) incentives on different types of corporate investment in ecological transition in Italian firms including a large representative sample of small companies and the universe of companies above 250 employees. We perform propensity score matching tests exploiting revealed information of firms that declare to use the incentives for specific ecological transition investments compared to a synthetic counterfactual of “twin” companies matched on selected characteristics. Our findings show that domestic and EU incentives significantly increase green investment for both small and medium/large-sized companies, the impact being highest when we consider investment in energy-saving plants and for carbon emission reduction.
LIMA to LAD grafting returns patient survival to age-matched population: 20-year outcomes of MIDCAB surgery
Authors: Manuel Lucy , Fong Laura S , Betts Kim , Bassin Levi , Wolfenden Hugh
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have demonstrated the safety and excellent short-term and mid-term survival after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB). We reviewed the long-term outcomes up to 20 years, including overall survival and freedom from reintervention.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent MIDCAB between February 1997 and August 2020 were identified. Demographic details, operative information and long-term outcomes were obtained. The Australian National Death Index database was accessed to obtain long-term mortality data.

RESULTS

A total of 271 patients underwent an MIDCAB procedure during the study period. There were no intraoperative deaths and only one 30-day mortality (0.4%). The mean length of follow-up was 9.82 ± 8.08 years. Overall survival at 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year survival was 91.9%, 84.7%, 71.3% and 56.5%, respectively. Patients with single-vessel disease [left anterior descending artery (LAD) only] had significantly better survival compared to patients with multivessel disease (P = 0.0035). During long-term follow-up, there were no patients who required repeat revascularization of the LAD territory. Sixty-nine patients died with the cause of death in 15 patients (21.7%) being attributable to ischaemic heart disease. An analysis comparing the isolated LAD disease MIDCAB cohort survival with the expected survival among an age/gender/year matched sample of the Australian reference population, using the standardized mortality ratio, demonstrated that the rate of survival returned to that of the reference population (standardized mortality ratio = 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

MIDCAB is a safe and effective revascularization strategy which can be successfully performed in a carefully selected patient population with low morbidity and excellent long-term results. The survival of MIDCAB patients returns to that of their age/gender/year-matched counterparts within the normal population and hence should be offered as an alternative to coronary stenting when counselling patients with ischaemic heart disease.