bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spillover effects from invasive
Acacia
alter the plant–pollinator networks and seed production of native plants
Authors: Brett Maisie F. , Strauss Paula , van Wyk Kurt , Vaughan Ian P. , Memmott Jane
Published: April 2024

Invasive flowering plants can disrupt plant–pollinator networks. This is well documented where invasives occur amongst native plants; however, the potential for ‘spillover’ effects of invasives that form stands in adjacent habitats are less well understood. Here we quantify the impact of two invasive Australian species,
Acacia saligna
and
Acacia longifolia
, on the plant–pollinator networks in fynbos habitats in South Africa. We compared networks from replicate 1 ha plots of native vegetation (
n
= 21) that were subjected to three treatments: (1) at least 400 m from flowering
Acacia;
(2) adjacent to flowering
Acacia
, or (3) adjacent to flowering
Acacia
where all
Acacia
flowers were manually removed. We found that native flowers adjacent to stands of flowering
Acacia
received significantly more insect visits, especially from beetles and
Apis mellifera capensis
, and that visitation was more generalized. We also recorded visitation to, and the seed set of, three native flowering species and found that two received more insect visits, but produced fewer seeds, when adjacent to flowering
Acacia
. Our research shows that ‘spillover’ effects of invasive
Acacia
can lead to significant changes in visitation and seed production of native co-flowering species in neighbouring habitats—a factor to be considered when managing invaded landscapes.
Marinobacter qingdaonensis sp. nov., a moderately halotolerant bacterium isolated from intertidal sediment
Authors: Shao Xuan , Wang Ya-Nan , Zhang Ya-Fei , Meng Di , Su Jing-Yun , Yu Bing , Sun Mei-Ling , Li Yi
Published: April 2024

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and halotolerant bacterium, designated as strain ASW11-75T, was isolated from intertidal sediments in Qingdao, PR China, and identified using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Growth of strain ASW11-75T occurred at 10–45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.5–9.0 (optimum, pH 8.0) and 0.5–18.0 % NaCl concentrations (optimum, 2.5 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and 1179 single-copy orthologous clusters indicated that strain ASW11-75T is affiliated with the genus Marinobacter. Strain ASW11-75T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to ‘Marinobacter arenosus’ CAU 1620T (98.5 %). The digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain ASW11-75T and its closely related strains (Marinobacter salarius R9SW1T, Marinobacter similis A3d10T, ‘Marinobacter arenosus’ CAU 1620T, Marinobacter sediminum R65T, Marinobacter salinus Hb8T, Marinobacter alexandrii LZ-8T and Marinobacter nauticus ATCC 49840T) were 19.8–24.5 % and 76.6–80.7 %, respectively. The predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1
 ω9c and C16 : 0 N alcohol. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid and two unidentified lipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-9. The genomic DNA G+C content was 62.2 mol%. Based on genomic and gene function analysis, strain ASW11-75T had lower protein isoelectric points with higher ratios of acidic residues to basic residues and possessed genes related to ion transport and organic osmoprotectant uptake, implying its potential tolerance to salt. The results of polyphasic characterization indicated strain ASW11-75T represents a novel Marinobacter species, for which the name Marinobacter qingdaonensis sp. nov. with the type strain ASW11-75T is proposed. The type strain is ASW11-75T (=KCTC 82497T=MCCC 1K05587T).
Savitreea siamensis sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast species in the family Saccharomycetaceae discovered in Thailand
Authors: Khunnamwong Pannida , Jindamorakot Sasitorn , Am-In Somjit , Sakpuntoon Varunya , Srisuk Nantana , Nutaratat Pumin , Boontham Wanatchaporn , Limtong Savitree
Published: April 2024

Four yeast strains, representing a novel anamorphic species, were isolated in Thailand. The two strains (ST-3660T and ST-3647) were obtained from two different estuarine water samples in a mangrove forest. Strain DMKU-FW1-37 was derived from a grease sample, and another strain (TSU57) was isolated from a fruiting body of Phallus sp. Pairwise sequence analysis showed that the four strains had identical or differed by only one nucleotide substitution in the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and differed by one to three nucleotide substitutions in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. Savitreea pentosicarens is the most closely related species to the four strains, but with 9–10 (1.57–1.72 %) nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and 29–31 (4.22–4.45 %) nucleotide substitutions in the ITS regions. Phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated sequences of the ITS regions and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene showed that the four strains form a well-separated lineage from S. pentosicarens with high bootstrap support, confirming that they represent a distinct species. Therefore, the four strains are assigned as representives of a novel species of the genus Savitreea, for which the name Savitreea siamensis sp. nov. is proposed. The holotype is TBRC 4481T and the ex-type is PYCC 9794T (=ST-3660T). The MycoBank number of the novel species is MB 851951.
Examining Cognitive Performance in Mice using the Open-Source Operant Feeding Device FED3
Authors: Murdaugh Laura B. , Brown Brieann , Chen Chin-Hui , Miliano Cristina , Dong Yuyang , Shepard Starlina , Putnam Jason W. , Faunce Christine L. , Natividad Luis A. , Vijayan Sujith , Gregus Ann M. , Buczynski Matthew W.
Published: April 2024

Cognitive impairments are prevalent in various neurological disorders, including chronic pain conditions, and pose significant therapeutic challenges. Preclinical rodent models serve as valuable tools for investigating the underlying mechanisms of and treatments for cognitive dysfunction. However, factors such as stress, age, sex, and disease duration present challenges to reliably capturing cognitive deficits in rodents. Here, we present a comprehensive and high-throughput protocol utilizing the open-source operant Feeding Experimentation Device 3 (FED3) for assessing cognitive performance in mice. We developed a data pipeline to streamline data compilation and analysis, and established operating conditions for a six-test cognitive battery which can be completed in as few as 20 days. We validated our testing procedures using bilateral orbitofrontal cortical lesions to capture deficits in executive function, and demonstrated the feasibility of assessing cognitive function in aged mice of both sexes to identify genotypic and sex-specific effects. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the FED3 is a versatile tool for evaluating cognitive function in mice, offering a low-cost, high-throughput approach for preclinical studies of neurological disorders. We anticipate that this protocol will facilitate broader implementation of cognitive testing in rodent models and contribute to the understanding and treatment of cognitive dysfunction in neurological diseases.
Local Neuronal Sleep after Stroke: The role of cortical bistability in brain reorganization
Authors: Tscherpel Caroline , Mustin Maike , Massimini Marcello , Paul Theresa , Ziemann Ulf , Fink Gereon R. , Grefkes Christian
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute cerebral ischemia triggers a number of cellular mechanisms not only leading to excitotoxic cell death but also to enhanced neuroplasticity, facilitating neuronal reorganization and functional recovery.

Objective

Transferring these cellular mechanisms to neurophysiological correlates adaptable to patients is crucial to promote recovery post-stroke. The combination of TMS and EEG constitutes a promising readout of neuronal network activity in stroke patients.

Methods

We used the combination of TMS and EEG to investigate the development of local signal processing and global network alterations in 40 stroke patients with motor deficits alongside neural reorganization from the acute to the chronic phase.

Results

We show that the TMS-EEG response reflects information about reorganization and signal alterations associated with persistent motor deficits throughout the entire post-stroke period. In the early post-stroke phase and in a subgroup of patients with severe motor deficits, TMS applied to the lesioned motor cortex evoked a sleep-like slow wave response associated with a cortical off-period, a manifestation of cortical bistability, as well as a rapid disruption of the TMS-induced formation of causal network effects. Mechanistically, these phenomena were linked to lesions affecting ascending activating brainstem fibers. Of note, slow waves invariably vanished in the chronic phase, but were highly indicative of a poor functional outcome.

Conclusion

In summary, we found evidence that transient effects of sleep-like slow waves and cortical bistability within ipsilesional M1 resulting in excessive inhibition may interfere with functional reorganization, leading to a less favorable functional outcome post-stroke, pointing to a new therapeutic target to improve recovery of function.
Lateral Orbitofrontal Cortex Encodes Presence of Risk and Subjective Risk Preference During Decision-Making
Authors: Gabriel Daniel B.K. , Havugimana Felix , Liley Anna E. , Aguilar Ivan , Yeasin Mohammed , Simon Nicholas W.
Published: April 2024

Adaptive decision-making requires consideration of objective risks and rewards associated with each option, as well as subjective preference for risky/safe alternatives. Inaccurate risk/reward estimations can engender excessive risk-taking, a central trait in many psychiatric disorders. The lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) has been linked to many disorders associated with excessively risky behavior and is ideally situated to mediate risky decision-making. Here, we used single-unit electrophysiology to measure neuronal activity from lOFC of freely moving rats performing in a punishment-based risky decision-making task. Subjects chose between a small, safe reward and a large reward associated with either 0% or 50% risk of concurrent punishment. lOFC activity repeatedly encoded current risk in the environment throughout the decision-making sequence, signaling risk before, during, and after a choice. In addition, lOFC encoded reward magnitude, although this information was only evident during action selection. A Random Forest classifier successfully used neural data accurately to predict the risk of punishment in any given trial, and the ability to predict choice via lOFC activity differentiated between and risk-preferring and risk-averse rats. Finally, risk preferring subjects demonstrated reduced lOFC encoding of risk and increased encoding of reward magnitude. These findings suggest lOFC may serve as a central decision-making hub in which external, environmental information converges with internal, subjective information to guide decision-making in the face of punishment risk.
Structural routes to stabilize superconducting
La3Ni2O7
at ambient pressure
Authors: Rhodes Luke C. , Wahl Peter
Published: April 2024

The bilayer perovskite La3Ni2O7 has recently been found to enter a superconducting state under hydrostatic pressure at temperatures as high as 80 K. The onset of superconductivity is observed concurrent with a structural transition which suggests that superconductivity is inherently related to this specific structure. Here we perform density functional theory based structural relaxation calculations and identify several promising routes to stabilize the crystal structure which hosts the superconducting state at ambient pressure. We find that the structural transition is controlled almost entirely by a reduction of the b-axis lattice constant, which suggests that uniaxial compression along the [010] direction or in-plane biaxial compression are sufficient as tuning parameters to control this transition. Furthermore, we show that increasing the size of the A-site cations can also induce the structural transitions via chemical pressure and identify Ac3Ni2O7 and Ba-doped La3Ni2O7 as potential candidates for a high temperature superconducting nickelate at ambient pressure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
From here to where: assessing the infrastructure financialization in urban China
Authors: Li Yun , Cheng Zhe , Yin Jiangbin , Yang Zhenshan , Xu Ming
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Infrastructure financialization plays a critical role in infrastructure development and urban growth around the world. However, on the one hand, the existing research on the infrastructure financialization focuses on qualitative and lacks quantitative country-specific studies. On the other hand, the spatial heterogeneity and influencing factors of infrastructure financialization are ignored. This study takes China as a typical case to identify and analyze the spatial characteristics, development process and impact factors of infrastructure financialization.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess the development and characteristics of infrastructure financialization in China, this study constructs an evaluation index of infrastructure financialization based on the infrastructure financialization ratio (IFR). This study then analyzes the evolution process and spatial pattern of China's infrastructure financialization through the spatial analysis method. Furthermore, this study identifies and quantitatively analyzes the influencing factors of infrastructure financialization based on the spatial Dubin model. Finally, this study offers a policy suggestion as a governance response.

Findings

The results demonstrate that infrastructure financialization effectively promotes the development of infrastructure in China. Second, there are significant spatial differences in China’s infrastructure financialization. Third, many factors affect infrastructure financialization, with government participation having the greatest impact. In addition, over-financialization of infrastructure has the potential to lead to government debt risks, which is a critical challenge the Chinese Government must address. Finally, this study suggests that infrastructure financialization requires more detailed, tailored,and place-specific policy interventions by the government.

Originality/value

This study not only contributes to enriching the knowledge body of global financialization theory but also helps optimize infrastructure investment and financing policies in China and provides peer reference for other developing countries.
Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and gender differences: a case of construction workforce in Australia
Authors: Oo Bee Lan , Lim Benson Teck-Heng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the gender differences in working from home (WFH) experiences during the pandemic from the Australia’s construction workforce perspective. Specifically, it explores gender differences in terms of: (1) the respondents’ family responsibilities during the pandemic; (2) their WFH experiences prior to and during the pandemic; and (3) their perceptions of the impacts of challenges associated with WFH on their work activities and performance along with their self-reported work performance when WFH, overall satisfaction with WFH and preference for WFH post-COVID.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a survey design to reach the targeted sample population, i.e. construction workforce in the Australian construction industry who has had experienced WFH during the pandemic. Data was collected using an online anonymous questionnaire survey.

Findings

The results show notable gender differences in various aspects including family responsibilities, workplace arrangements and perceptions of the impacts of the challenges associated with WFH on work activities and performance. Also, statistically significant associations are detected between gender and the respondents’ self-reported work performance when WFH, overall satisfaction with WFH and preference for WFH post-COVID.

Originality/value

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about WFH experiences among construction workforce due to the low prevalence of regular and planned remote working in the industry. This is the first study sheds light on construction workforce WFH experiences using gender lenses. The findings have implications for construction-related firms continuing with WFH arrangement post the pandemic, which may include the formulation of policy responses to re-optimize their present WFH practices.
Characterization of the friction-induced attractor trajectories during the running-in process in ball-on-disk tribosystem
Authors: Wang Yuting , Sun Guodong , Wang Haisheng , Jian Bobo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to solve the issues of time-consuming and complicated computation of traditional measures, as well as the underutilization of two-dimensional (2D) phase-trajectory projection matrix, so a new set of features were proposed based on the projection of attractors trajectory to characterize the friction-induced attractors and to reveal the tribological behavior during the running-in process.

Design/methodology/approach

The frictional running-in experiments were conducted by sliding a ball against a static disk, and the friction coefficient was collected to reconstruct the friction-induced attractors. The projection of the attractors in 2D subspace was then mapped and the distribution of phase points was adapted to conduct the feature extraction.

Findings

The evolution of the proposed moment measures could be described as “initial rapid decrease/increase- midterm gradual decrease/increase- finally stable,” which could effectively reveal the convergence degree of the friction-induced attractors. Moreover, the measures could also describe the relative position of the attractors in phase–space domain, which reveal the amplitude evolution of signals to some extent.

Originality/value

The proposed measures could reveal the evolution of tribological behaviors during the running-in process and meet the more precise real-time running-in status identification.
Do microbes play a role in Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Williams Zoë A. P. , Lang Leonie , Nicolas Sarah , Clarke Gerard , Cryan John , Vauzour David , Nolan Yvonne M.
Published: April 2024

Alzheimer's disease is a complex and progressive condition that affects essential neurological functions such as memory and reasoning. In the brain, neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, proteinopathy, neurofibrillary tangles, and neuroinflammation are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology. In addition, recent evidence has highlighted that microbes, whether commensal or pathogenic, also have the ability to interact with their host and to regulate its immune system, therefore participating in the exchanges that lead to peripheral inflammation and neuropathology. Because of this intimate relationship, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we bring together current and most recent evidence of the role of microbes in Alzheimer's disease, raising burning questions that need to be addressed to guide therapeutic approaches and potential prophylactic strategies.
Interplay of intracellular and trans‐cellular DNA methylation in natural archaeal consortia
Authors: Reva Oleg N. , La Cono Violetta , Crisafi Francesca , Smedile Francesco , Mudaliyar Manasi , Ghosal Debnath , Giuliano Laura , Krupovic Mart , Yakimov Michail M.
Published: April 2024

DNA methylation serves a variety of functions across all life domains. In this study, we investigated archaeal methylomics within a tripartite xylanolytic halophilic consortium. This consortium includes Haloferax lucertense SVX82, Halorhabdus sp. SVX81, and an ectosymbiotic Candidatus Nanohalococcus occultus SVXNc, a nano‐sized archaeon from the DPANN superphylum. We utilized PacBio SMRT and Illumina cDNA sequencing to analyse samples from consortia of different compositions for methylomics and transcriptomics. Endogenous cTAG methylation, typical of Haloferax, was accompanied in this strain by methylation at four other motifs, including GDGcHC methylation, which is specific to the ectosymbiont. Our analysis of the distribution of methylated and unmethylated motifs suggests that autochthonous cTAG methylation may influence gene regulation. The frequency of GRAGAaG methylation increased in highly expressed genes, while CcTTG and GTCGaGG methylation could be linked to restriction‐modification (RM) activity. Generally, the RM activity might have been reduced during the evolution of this archaeon to balance the protection of cells from intruders, the reduction of DNA damage due to self‐restriction in stressful environments, and the benefits of DNA exchange under extreme conditions. Our methylomics, transcriptomics and complementary electron cryotomography (cryo‐ET) data suggest that the nanohaloarchaeon exports its methyltransferase to methylate the Haloferax genome, unveiling a new aspect of the interaction between the symbiont and its host.
Prevalence of massively diluted bone marrow cell samples aspirated from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or suspected of MDS: A retrospective analysis of nationwide samples in Japan
Authors: Ogata Kiyoyuki , Mochimaru Yuto , Kasai Nana , Sei Kazuma , Kawahara Naoya , Ogata Mika , Yamamoto Yumi
Published: April 2024

Bone marrow (BM) examination is a key element in the diagnosis and prognostic grading of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), and obtaining adequate BM cell samples is critical for accurate test results. Massive haemodilution of aspirated BM samples is a well‐known problem; however, its incidence in patients with MDS has not been well studied. We report the first study to examine the incidence of massive haemodilution in nationwide BM samples aspirated from patients diagnosed with or suspected of MDS in Japan. Among 283 cases available for analysis, BM smears from 92 cases (32.5%) were hypospicular (massively haemodiluted) and, particularly, no BM particles were observed in 52 cases (18.4%). Regarding hypospicular cases, we examined how the doctors in charge interpreted the BM smears of their patients. In only 19 of 92 cases (20.7%), doctors realised that the BM smears were haemodiluted. Furthermore, the BM biopsy, which can help diagnose hypospicular cases, was oftentimes not performed when the haemodilution was overlooked by doctors (not performed in 50 of 73 such cases). These real‐world data highlight that not only researchers who are working to improve diagnostic tests but also clinicians who perform and use diagnostic tests must realise this common and potentially critical problem.
Prognostic effect of TCF1+ CD8+ T cell and TOX+ CD8+ T cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Yao , Ma Lin , Chen Yu , Yun Wenhua , Yu Jinming , Meng Xiangjiao
Published: April 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal roles of T cell transcription factors TCF‐1 and TOX in modulating the immune response in cancer, with TCF‐1 maintaining CD8+ T cell stemness and TOX promoting T cell exhaustion. The prognostic significance of these factors in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a critical area of investigation. The retrospective study included 191 patients with LUAD who underwent surgery, of whom 83% were in stages II and III. These patients were divided into exploratory (n = 135) and validation (n = 56) groups based on the time of diagnosis. Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry was used to examine the infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells, TCF1+ CD8+ T cells, and TOX+ CD8+ T cells. The percentage of CD8+ T cells in tumor was markedly lower than that in stroma (p < 0.05). In tumor‐draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) invaded by tumor, the proportion of stem‐like TCF1+ CD8+ T cells was significantly decreased (p < 0.01). Importantly, higher infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells and TCF1+ CD8+ T cells were associated with improved disease‐free survival (DFS) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.006, respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.018 and p = 0.010, respectively). This study underscores the potential of TCF1+ CD8+ T cells as prognostic biomarkers in LUAD, providing insights into the tumor immune microenvironment and guiding future therapeutic strategies.
Evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of YouTube™ and TikTok™ contents about storage media for avulsed teeth: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Saygili Selin , Gezer Ilke , Oner Hatice Sena , Tuna‐Ince Elif Bahar , Kasimoglu Yelda
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims

The preservation of avulsed teeth is critical in dental trauma management, necessitating effective storage media to ensure viable tooth reimplantation. The urgent need for accurate information has led both professional and non‐professional individuals to increasingly seek guidance from video‐sharing platforms such as YouTube™ and TikTok™. These platforms have become key resources for advice on such dental emergencies, but the reliability and accuracy of this information have not yet been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to assess the quality, accuracy, and reliability YouTube™ and TikTok™ of videos regarding storage solutions for avulsion injuries.

Material and Methods

A search was conducted on YouTube™ and TikTok™ on February 4th, 2023, using terms related to traumatic dental injuries, and 53 videos were included. Video demographics such as platform, duration, type, upload date, likes, and comments were recorded. Video content quality, reliability, and accuracy were measured using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Research data were analyzed using SPSS IBM 24.0 at a 95% confidence interval.

Results

In total, 53 videos were examined. The average scores were JAMA: 1.70/4.00, modified DISCERN: 54.3/80.00, GQS: 3.88/5.00, and VIQI: 13.8/20.00. According to the modified DISCERN index, there were no “very poor” or “poor” quality videos, 49.05% were “moderate,” 22.6% were “good,” and 28.3% were “very good.” No difference was found between YouTube™ and TikTok™ videos in terms of the modified DISCERN index, JAMA scores, GQS, and VIQI scoring (p > .05).

Conclusions

Traumatic dental injuries are a common problem among children, and evaluating the reliability of available contents is becoming crucial for appropriate intervention. The study reveals that despite being sourced mainly from dental professionals, the overall quality of videos on avulsed tooth management was mediocre, underscoring the risks associated with misleading or incomplete information in such critical situations.
Contextual and individual factors associated with traumatic dental injuries in deprived 12‐year‐old schoolchildren: A cohort study
Authors: Bezerra Emmanuelle de Fátima Noberto , Herkrath Fernando José , Vettore Mario Vianna , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , de Queiroz Adriana Corrêa , Rebelo Vieira Janete Maria , Pereira Juliana Vianna , da Silva Freitas Mariana Oliveira , de Queiroz Herkrath Ana Paula Corrêa
Published: April 2024

Aim

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) among children and adolescents have been acknowledged as of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between contextual and individual characteristics and TDIs in 12‐year‐old schoolchildren.

Materials and Methods

A cohort study was conducted with 355 schoolchildren living in deprived communities in the city of Manaus, Brazil. Contextual factors (place of residence and socio‐economic indicators) and individual characteristics, including sex, family income, parents/guardians years of schooling, overjet and open bite (Dental Aesthetic Index), self‐esteem (Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale), sense of coherence (Sense of Coherence Scale), oral health beliefs, social support (Social Support Appraisals) were assessed at baseline. TDIs were measured at baseline and at 2‐year follow‐up using the O'Brien Index. Data were analysed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Results

The baseline prevalence of TDIs was 17.6% and the incidence of TDIs at 2‐year follow‐up was 26.8%. Better psychosocial status had a direct protective effect on the incidence of TDIs (β = −.184). Better contextual characteristics (β = −.135) and greater overjet (β = −.203) were directly associated with poor psychosocial status. Higher schooling of parents/guardians directly predicted better psychosocial status (β = .154). Psychosocial status mediated the relationship of greater overjet (β = .036), contextual factors (β = .024) and parental/guardian schooling (β = −.027) with TDIs.

Conclusions

Contextual factors and individual characteristics predicted TDIs. Psychosocial status was a relevant individual attribute in the causal network of TDIs, due to the direct effect on the incidence of TDIs as well as a mediator on the influence of contextual factors, overjet and parents/guardians schooling on the incidence of TDIs.
Language, responsibility, and agency: How UK's immigrant‐background young adults navigate linguistic heritage
Authors: Gruszczyńska‐Thompson Anna
Published: April 2024

This study explores the intersection of agency and responsibility in navigating linguistic heritage among immigrant‐background young adults (18–29 years old) in the UK. Drawing on Judith Butler's theorisation, it provides a nuanced understanding of how individuals engage with and respond to the burdening aspects of heritage language maintenance within the complex context of globalised power structures and privileged dynamics. The research employs a qualitative approach, integrating journal entries, interview transcripts, and co‐analysis to elucidate participants' experiences. Through grounded theory development, the study identifies key themes such as: negotiating responsibility across temporalities; the sense of guilt, shame and indebtedness embedded in the process of language maintenance; and finding agency through renarration. The paper contributes to geographical thought on migration and language by going beyond discussions of family language policy and proficiencies and drawing attention to the multifaceted implications of navigating linguistic heritage within immigrant families and monolingual Britain across the instabilities of social and temporal relations and power‐laden positionings. It also highlights the repertoires of narrative and interrelational approaches to reframing heritage that immigrant‐background young adults may access as they formulate their identities with and against language expectations, norms, proficiencies and hegemonies.
Uncovering emotion sequence patterns in different interaction groups using deep learning and sequential pattern mining
Authors: Huang Changqin , Yu Jianhui , Wu Fei , Wang Yi , Chen Nian‐Shing
Published: April 2024

Background

Investigating emotion sequence patterns in the posts of discussion forums in massive open online courses (MOOCs) holds a vital role in shaping online interactions and impacting learning achievement. While the majority of research focuses on the relationship between emotions and interactions in MOOC forum discussions, research on identifying the crucial difference in emotion sequence patterns among different interaction groups remains in its infancy.

Objectives

This research utilizes deep learning and sequential pattern mining to investigate whether there are differences in emotion sequence patterns across different groups of learners who exhibit various types of interactions in online discussion forums.

Methods

Data from a comprehensive array of sources, including log files, discussion texts and scores from 498 learners in online discussion forums, were collected for this study. The agglomerative hierarchical algorithm is used to classify learners into groups with different levels of interactions. Additionally, we implement and evaluate multiple deep learning models for detecting different emotions from online discussions. Relevant emotion sequence patterns were identified using sequence pattern analysis and the identified emotion sequence patterns were compared across different groups with different levels of interactions.

Results and Conclusions

Using an agglomerative hierarchical algorithm, we classified learners into three distinct groups characterized by different levels of interactions: high, average and low level. Leveraging the bi‐directional long short‐term memory model for emotion detection yielded the highest predictive performance, with an impressive F‐measure of 94.01%, a recall rate of 93.83% and an accuracy score of 95.01%. The results also revealed that learners in the low‐level interaction group experienced more emotion transition from boredom to frustration than the other two groups. Therefore, the aggregation of students into groups and the utilization of their MOOC log data offer educators the capability to provide adaptive emotional feedback, customize assessments and offer more personalized attention as needed.
Exploring the associations between competence in dementia care and work attitudes among formal caregivers in nursing homes
Authors: Shi Jiaming , Jiang Chaoxin
Published: April 2024

Aims

Based on the two‐factor model of caregiving appraisals, this study aims to (1) investigate the relationships between competence in dementia care and job satisfaction (work attitudes in positive aspect) and turnover intention (work attitudes in negative aspect) among formal caregivers in nursing homes, and (2) examine the mediating roles of positive aspects of caregiving (caregiving appraisals in positive aspect) and caregiving burden (caregiving appraisals in negative aspect) in the above associations.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the proposed model. STROBE checklist guides the reporting of this study.

Methods

Using the multistage cluster sampling method, 407 formal caregivers were selected from 43 nursing homes across 7 districts/counties in China.

Results

The proposed model shows a good model fit. Competence in dementia care shows significant positive associations with increased job satisfaction and decreased turnover intention among formal caregivers in nursing homes. Caregiving burden and positive aspects of caregiving mediate the relationships between competence in dementia care and both job satisfaction and turnover intention. Furthermore, the relationship between positive aspects of caregiving and job satisfaction is stronger than that with turnover intention, but the relationship between caregiving burden and turnover intention is not stronger than that with job satisfaction.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that the two‐factor model of caregiving appraisals effectively elucidates the associations and underlying mechanisms between competence in dementia care and formal caregivers' work attitudes. Specifically, two crucial conclusions are drawn: (1) competence in dementia care is associated with higher levels of job satisfaction and lower levels of turnover intention among formal caregivers in nursing homes; (2) caregiving burden and positive aspects of caregiving serve as parallel mediators in these associations.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Policymakers and nursing homes managers should implement a series of measures aimed at formal caregivers in nursing home. Specifically, allocating more resources to enhance the competence in dementia care of formal caregivers is crucial, given its significant association with elevated job satisfaction and reduced turnover intention. Besides, positive and negative caregiving appraisals emerge as proximal factors influencing work attitudes of formal caregivers. Therefore, intervention projects focused on formal caregivers in nursing home should target enhancing positive experiences and alleviating caregiving burden.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Effect of exogenous melatonin implant on post‐thaw semen quality of buffalo bulls
Authors: Grover Prateek , Singh Ashwani Kumar , Kumar Ajeet , Honparkhe Mrigank , Singh Navdeep , Singh Prahlad
Published: April 2024

Melatonin is an intracellular antioxidant of sperm membrane that protects the cells from lipid peroxidation. Yet, its role as an antioxidant on semen quality of buffalo bulls is still obscure. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of exogenous melatonin implant (18 mg/50 kg bodyweight) on post‐thaw sperm characteristics, oxidative stress, endocrinological profiles and fertility of buffalo bulls. Six apparently healthy breeding Murrah buffalo bulls were randomly selected at bull farm, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University for the present study and divided into two groups viz. control (n = 3) and melatonin implanted group (n = 3). A total of 120 ejaculates were collected from bulls of both groups (n = 60 each) throughout the study period. Most beneficial effects of melatonin implants were observed during post‐implantation period. The percentages of post‐thaw sperm total and progressive motility, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were higher (p < .05) in melatonin implanted buffalo bulls compared to controls during post‐implantation period. Following melatonin implantation, MDA production in post‐thaw semen was lower (p < .05) in melatonin implanted group than in control group. Plasma melatonin and testosterone concentrations were higher (p < .05) in buffalo bulls implanted with melatonin as compared to their control counterparts. No differences (p > .05) in plasma LH concentrations were observed in both groups. First service pregnancy rate was 43.3% using semen of melatonin implanted bulls and 30.0% with semen of controls (p > .05). Thus, melatonin was able to protect sperm membrane against oxidative damage and improve post‐thaw semen quality, thereby resulting in higher fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.
Transient Response Analysis of Nonlinear Oscillators With Fractional Derivative Elements Under Gaussian White Noise Using Complex Fractional Moments
Authors: Tsuchida Takahiro , Itoh Daizoh , Eguchi Tsubasa
Published: April 2024

Complex fractional moment (CFM), which is defined as the Mellin transform of a probability density function (PDF), has been successfully employed to find the response PDF of a wide variety of integer-order nonlinear oscillators. In this paper, a CFM-based analysis is performed to determine the transient response PDF of nonlinear oscillators with fractional derivative elements under Gaussian white noise. First, an equivalent linear system is introduced for the purpose of deriving the Fokker–Planck (FP) equation for response amplitude. The equivalent natural frequency and equivalent damping coefficient of the system need to be determined, taking into account both the nonlinear and fractional derivative elements of the original oscillator. Moreover, to convert the FP equation into the governing equation of CFMs, these equivalent coefficients must be given in polynomial form of amplitude. This paper proposes formulas for appropriately determining the equivalent coefficients, based on an equivalent linearization technique. Then, applying stochastic averaging, the FP equation is derived from the equivalent linear system. Next, the Mellin transform converts the FP equation into coupled linear ordinary differential equations for amplitude CFMs, which are solved with a constraint corresponding to the normalization condition for a PDF. Finally, the inverse Mellin transform of the CFMs yields the amplitude PDF. The joint PDF of displacement and velocity is also obtained from the amplitude PDF. Three linear and nonlinear fractional oscillators are considered in numerical examples. For all cases, the analytical results are in good agreement with the pertinent Monte Carlo simulation results.
Sensing stretch to suppress appetite
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: April 2024

Food intake activates a mechanosensitive ion channel that inhibits ghrelin production and reduces appetite.
Distinct patterns of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.87.1 and JN.1 variants in immune evasion, antigenicity, and cell-cell fusion
Authors: Li Pei , Liu Yajie , Faraone Julia N. , Hsu Cheng Chih , Chamblee Michelle , Zheng Yi-Min , Carlin Claire , Bednash Joseph S. , Horowitz Jeffrey C. , Mallampalli Rama K. , Saif Linda J. , Oltz Eugene M. , Jones Daniel , Li Jianrong , Gumina Richard J. , Liu Shan-Lu
Published: April 2024

The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants presents a constant challenge to the global vaccination effort. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into two newly emerged variants, BA.2.87.1 and JN.1, focusing on their neutralization resistance, infectivity, antigenicity, cell-cell fusion, and spike processing. Neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers were assessed in diverse cohorts, including individuals who received a bivalent mRNA vaccine booster, patients infected during the BA.2.86/JN.1-wave, and hamsters vaccinated with XBB.1.5-monovalent vaccine. We found that BA.2.87.1 shows much less nAb escape from WT-BA.4/5 bivalent mRNA vaccination and JN.1-wave breakthrough infection sera compared to JN.1 and XBB.1.5. Interestingly, BA.2.87.1 is more resistant to neutralization by XBB.1.5-monovalent-vaccinated hamster sera than BA.2.86/JN.1 and XBB.1.5, but efficiently neutralized by a class III monoclonal antibody S309, which largely fails to neutralize BA.2.86/JN.1. Importantly, BA.2.87.1 exhibits higher levels of infectivity, cell-cell fusion activity, and furin cleavage efficiency than BA.2.86/JN.1. Antigenically, we found that BA.2.87.1 is closer to the ancestral BA.2 compared to other recently emerged Omicron subvariants including BA.2.86/JN.1 and XBB.1.5. Altogether, these results highlight immune escape properties as well as biology of new variants and underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and informed decision-making in the development of effective vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

This study investigates the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants, BA.2.87.1 and JN.1, in comparison to earlier variants and the parental D614G. Varied infectivity and cell-cell fusion activity among these variants suggest potential disparities in their ability to infect target cells and possibly pathogenesis. BA.2.87.1 exhibits lower nAb escape from bivalent mRNA vaccinee and BA.2.86/JN.1-infected sera than JN.1 but is relatively resistance to XBB.1.5-vaccinated hamster sera, revealing distinct properties in immune reason and underscoring the significance of continuing surveillance of variants and reformulation of vaccines. Antigenic differences between BA.2.87.1 and other earlier variants yield critical information not only for antibody evasion but also for viral evolution. In conclusion, this study furnishes timely insights into the spike biology and immune escape of the emerging variants BA.2.87.1 and JN.1, thus guiding effective vaccine development and informing public health interventions.
The complete genome sequencing of
Escherichia coli
isolated from a patient who visited Pediatrics People’s Hospital of Pingguo, China
Authors: Chen Lifeng , Umar Zeeshan
Published: April 2024

In this article, we present a comprehensive analysis of the genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
isolate ACESH02881hy, which has a 5,071,463-bp genome size. The strain was isolated from patient who visited the Pediatrics People’s Hospital of Pingguo, China, 2021.
Supplemental Material: Subduction history of the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab along the northern margin of the North China Craton: A case study of zircons and cherts from central Jilin Province, NE China
Authors: Song Chen , al. et
Published: April 2024

Detailed description of the analytical methods, data reduction, and compiled datasets, as well as Figures S1–S6 and Tables S1–S6. 
Codesigned online cognitive bias modification of interpretations for anxiety and depression in children: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sicouri Gemma , Daniel Emily , Salemink Elske , Mackinnon Andrew , Allsop Abigail , Hudson Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Previous research has shown that cognitive bias modification of interpretations (CBM-I) may be a promising intervention for anxiety in youth; however, results are mixed. Given the high comorbidity between anxiety and depression in youth, it is surprising that no child studies have targeted biases associated with both. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of an online CBM-I intervention (Mindmaster) for children with symptom scores of anxiety or depression above a borderline or clinical threshold. The intervention has been codesigned with children, parents and mental health professionals to promote user engagement.

Methods and analysis

The study is a randomised controlled trial, with two parallel arms. Participants are 143 children aged 8–10 years with scores of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms above a borderline or clinical threshold. They will be allocated to either the intervention group or the waitlist control group. The intervention consists of 2 weeks of online CBM-I training, with four sessions (10–15 min) per week. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 4 weeks after baseline (post-training/post-waitlist) and 8 weeks after baseline (follow-up) for the intervention group only. The primary outcome is interpretation bias. Secondary outcomes are anxiety and depressive symptoms and life interference. Analyses will be conducted within an intention-to-treat framework using mixed models for repeated measures.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HC220758). Findings will be reported to (1) participating families; (2) presented at scientific conferences and (3) disseminated to peer-review publications. Data will be available from the corresponding author on request.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622001493730.
Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability of different repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation modalities for post-stroke dysphagia: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Chen Qiang , Kan Mengfan , Jiang Xiaoyu , Liu Huifen , Zhang Deqi , Yuan Lin , Xu Qiling , Bi Hongyan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Up to 78% of patients who had a stroke develop post-stroke dysphagia (PSD), a significant consequence. Life-threatening aspiration pneumonia, starvation, and water and electrolyte abnormalities can result. Several meta-analyses have shown that repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves swallowing in patients who had a stroke; however, the optimum model is unknown. This study will be the first Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine the best rTMS modalities for swallowing of patients who had a stroke.

Methods and analysis

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Database and WanFang Data will be searched from their creation to 2 September 2023. All randomised controlled trials associated with rTMS for PSD will be included. Only Chinese or English results will be studied. Two researchers will independently review the literature and extract data, then use the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias 2.0 tool to assess the included studies’ methodological quality. The primary outcome is swallowing function improvement, whereas secondary outcomes include side effects (eg, paraesthesia, vertigo, seizures) and quality of life. A pairwise meta-analysis and NMA based on a Bayesian framework will be conducted using Stata and R statistical software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system will assess outcome indicator evidence quality.

Ethics and dissemination

As all data in this study will be taken from the literature, ethical approval is not needed. We will publish our work in peer-reviewed publications and present it at academic conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023456386.