bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo stress reporters as early biomarkers of the cellular changes associated with progeria
Authors: Inesta‐Vaquera Francisco , Weiland Florian , Henderson Colin J. , Wolf Charles Roland
Published: October 2022

Age‐related diseases account for a high proportion of the total global burden of disease. Despite recent advances in understanding their molecular basis, there is a lack of suitable early biomarkers to test selected compounds and accelerate their translation to clinical trials. We have investigated the utility of in vivo stress reporter systems as surrogate early biomarkers of the degenerative disease progression. We hypothesized that cellular stress observed in models of human degenerative disease preceded overt cellular damage and at the same time will identify potential cytoprotective pathways. To test this hypothesis, we generated novel accelerated ageing (progeria) reporter mice by crossing the LmnaG609G mice into our oxidative stress/inflammation (Hmox1) and DNA damage (p21) stress reporter models. Histological analysis of reporter expression demonstrated a time‐dependent and tissue‐specific activation of the reporters in tissues directly associated with Progeria, including smooth muscle cells, the vasculature and gastrointestinal tract. Importantly, reporter expression was detected prior to any perceptible deleterious phenotype. Reporter expression can therefore be used as an early marker of progeria pathogenesis and to test therapeutic interventions. This work also demonstrates the potential to use stress reporter approaches to study and find new treatments for other degenerative diseases.
Temporal shifts of the microbiome associated with antibiotic treatment of purpuric drug eruptions related to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Hsieh Paul‐Chen , Chang Chi‐Sheng , Chen Kai‐Lung , Cho Yung‐Tsu , Chu Chia‐Yu , Chen Kuan‐Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are selective and effective treatments for cancers with relevant mutations. Purpuric drug eruptions are an uncommon but clinically significant dermatological side effect related to EGFR inhibitor use that are associated with positive bacterial cultures and responsive to antibiotic treatment. However, the longitudinal temporal shifts in the skin microbiome that occur before and after antibiotic treatment of purpuric drug eruptions remain largely unknown.

Objectives

To characterize temporal changes in the skin and mucosal microbiomes before and after antibiotic treatment of EGFR inhibitor‐related purpuric drug eruptions.

Methods

Twelve patients who experienced EGFR inhibitor‐related purpuric drug eruptions were recruited from a dermato‐oncology clinic in Taiwan from May 2017 to April 2018. Swabs were obtained from skin lesions and the nasal mucosa before and after antibiotic treatment of purpuric drug eruptions. After the amplification and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, the diversity and compositions of microbiomes sampled at different time points were compared.

Results

The alpha diversity (represented by the Shannon index) of the skin microbiome increased significantly in the recovered phase of purpuric drug eruptions compared with that of the active phase. By contrast, the nasal microbiome showed no significant change in alpha diversity. The relative abundance of Staphylococcus significantly decreased in samples from skin of the recovered phase, which was confirmed by analysis of compositions of microbiomes (ANCOM) and the ALDEx2 analysis packages in R.

Conclusions

The cutaneous microbiome of purpuric drug eruptions showed a significant increase in alpha diversity and a decrease in the relative abundance of Staphylococcus following antibiotic treatment. These findings may help guide antimicrobial therapy of this EGFR inhibitor‐related condition.
Patient Unique Stigmatization Holistic tool in dermatology (PUSH‐D): Development and validation of a dermatology‐specific stigmatization assessment tool
Authors: Ezzedine Khaled , Shourick Jason , Bergqvist Christina , Misery Laurent , Chuberre Bertrand , Kerob Delphine , Halioua Bruno , Le Fur Gaëlle , Paul Carle , Richard Marie‐Aleth , Taieb Charles
Published: October 2022

Background

The skin plays an important role in establishing interpersonal relationships, and thus visible skin disorders, which have a significant impact on physical appearance, influence other people's behaviours and attitudes.

Objective

To develop and validate a dermatologic‐specific questionnaire to evaluate stigmatization in individuals with visible skin conditions.

Methods

Items were generated by a verbatim report based on qualitative interviews with patients with various dermatologic conditions. Subsequently, a study was implemented for psychometric analysis. A dermatology‐specific stigmatization questionnaire (PUSH‐D) was refined via item reduction according to inter‐question correlations, consensus among experts and exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was determined by calculating Cronbach's α. Concurrent validity was determined by calculating the correlation between PUSH‐D and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES).

Results

From a primary list of 22 items, PUSH‐D was reduced to a 17‐item questionnaire, covering two pertinent dimensions based on the exploratory factor analysis. Construct validity was demonstrated, and PUSH‐D showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.9). PUSH‐D correlated strongly with the DLQI 0.72 (p < 0.001) and moderately with the RSES 0.49 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

PUSH‐D allows a comprehensive view of the degree of stigmatization in visible skin disorders, as well as the comparability of stigmatization levels across various skin conditions.
Advancing global hydrologic modeling with the GEOGloWS ECMWF streamflow service
Authors: Hales Riley C. , Nelson E. James , Souffront Michael , Gutierrez Angelica L. , Prudhomme Christel , Kopp Steve , Ames Daniel P. , Williams Gustavious P. , Jones Norman L.
Published: October 2022

Most people face some level of water insecurity. Wise water management practices to address water security issues typically require data derived from a combination of observation and model data. This data has historically proven difficult to sustainably supply in many areas of the world. We present the design and development of a global, modeled streamflow data source for the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) Global Water Sustainability (GEOGloWS) implemented at the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). This GEOGloWS ECMWF Streamflow Service (GEOGloWS Service) is a solution and prototype to sustainably address this need for data. The GEOGloWS Service centralizes computing and human resources to build a global hydrologic model and exposes data and mapping web services that allow users to consume the resulting data to meet their specific needs. The global hydrologic model produces global 15‐day ensemble streamflow forecasts and a historical simulation since January 1979. We present case studies in several countries and research environments which demonstrate the utility of the approach taken by the GEOGloWS Service. The case studies show how the global modeled data are being applied to make informed decisions and advance projects in ways that otherwise would not have been possible.
Control‐Trust Dynamics during Socialization: Lessons from Workgroup Hazing
Authors: Sweet Kenneth M. , Sturm Rachel E. , Zare Mortaza , Valenzuela Marcus A.
Published: October 2022

A key stream of research in the control‐trust literature concerns how control builds trust. Yet, the iterative nature between control building trust and trust impacting control is poorly understood. Early formation of trust in work relationships is important because it pervades future interactions and trust‐building attempts, and we join this conversation by examining how workgroups can actively constrain newcomer behaviour through control to build trust during socialization. Specifically, our theory building focuses on the unofficial socialization practice of workgroup hazing to explore how workgroups can systematically force a circumstance in which newcomers must demonstrate their trustworthiness to the workgroup before they can be trusted as insiders of the group. Through this process, the perceived trustworthiness of newcomers affects how the workgroup subsequently controls them. By examining the perspective of the workgroup, we uncover two key mechanisms that impact these control‐trust dynamics in how workgroups often socialize newcomers: (1) there is a shift in vulnerability from the workgroup to the newcomer, and (2) person‐group fit serves as a proxy for the trustworthiness of the newcomer. We conclude with an agenda for future control‐trust research given our theory building.
Global distribution and diversity of marine euendolithic cyanobacteria
Authors: Wyness Adam J. , Roush Daniel , McQuaid Christopher D.
Published: October 2022

Euendolithic, or true‐boring, cyanobacteria actively erode carbonate‐containing substrata in a wide range of environments and pose significant risks to calcareous marine fauna. Their boring activities cause structural damage and increase susceptibility to disease and are projected to only intensify with global climate change. Most research has, however, focused on tropical coral systems, and limited information exists on the global distribution, diversity, and substratum specificity of euendoliths. This metastudy aimed to collate existing 16S rRNA gene surveys along with novel data from the south coast of South Africa to investigate the global distribution and genetic diversity of endoliths to identify a “core endolithic cyanobacterial microbiome” and assess global diversification of euendolithic cyanobacteria. The cyanobacterial families Phormidesmiaceae, Nodosilineaceae, Nostocaceae, and Xenococcaceae were the most prevalent, found in >92% of categories surveyed. All four known euendolith clusters were detected in both intertidal and subtidal habitats, in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and South Pacific oceans, across temperate latitudes, and within rock, travertine tiles, coral, shell, and coralline algae substrata. Analysis of the genetic variation within clusters revealed many organisms to be unique to substratum type and location, suggesting high diversity and niche specificity. Euendoliths are known to have important effects on their hosts. This is particularly important when hosts are globally significant ecological engineers or habitat‐forming species. The findings of this study indicate high ubiquity and diversity of euendolithic cyanobacteria, suggesting high adaptability, which may lead to increased community and ecosystem‐level effects with changing climatic conditions favoring the biochemical mechanisms of cyanobacterial bioerosion.
Effects of Word Definitions on Meaning Recall: A Multisite Intervention in Language‐Diverse Second Language English Classrooms
Authors: Gyllstad Henrik , Sundqvist Pia , Sandlund Erica , Källkvist Marie
Published: October 2022

Vocabulary experts recommend first language (L1) translation equivalents for establishing form–meaning mappings for new second language (L2) words, especially for lower proficiency learners. Empirical evidence to date speaks in favor of L1 translation equivalents over L2 meaning definitions, but most studies have investigated bi‐ rather than multilingual learners. In our study, we investigated instructed English vocabulary learning through an intervention study in six language‐diverse secondary school English classrooms in Sweden (N = 74) involving three conditions for presentation of word meanings: (a) definitions in the L2 (English), (b) translation equivalents in the shared school and majority language (Swedish), and (c) translation equivalents in the shared school and majority language plus other prior languages among the learners (Swedish and other). Based on overall weighted mean effect sizes and mixed‐effects modeling, the results showed that conditions that involved L1 translation equivalents yielded higher scores than did target language definitions in immediate posttests with a small effect size but no differences in delayed posttests.
High outcrossing rates in a self‐compatible and highly aggregated host‐generalist mistletoe
Authors: Li Manru , Sui Yi , Wang Xuanni , Ma Zhanxia , Luo Yahuang , Aluthwattha Sasith Tharanga , McKey Doyle , Pujol Benoit , Chen Jin , Zhang Ling
Published: October 2022

Plants have evolved various strategies to avoid inbreeding, but the mass flowering displayed by many plants predisposes them to within‐plant pollen movements and self‐pollination. Mistletoes often aggregate at multiple spatial scales. Their bird pollinators often visit several flowers of the same individual and of others on the same host tree. We hypothesized that hermaphroditic mistletoes have self‐incompatibility mechanisms that reduce or prevent selfing. Whether their spatial distribution, affected by host specificity, host distribution, and the behaviour of seed dispersers, influences their mating system and population genetic structure remains unclear. We studied how mating system and spatial distribution affect genetic structure in four populations of the host‐generalist mistletoe Dendrophthoe pentandra in southwestern China using microsatellite markers and progeny arrays. We also characterized the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure among 166 mistletoes from four host trees in one population. Prevalence and intensity of infection both appeared to vary among host species, strongly affecting the degree of aggregation. Host tree size had a strong effect on infection intensity. Surprisingly, manual pollination experiments indicated that D. pentandra is self‐compatible, but genetic analyses revealed that outcrossing rates were higher than expected in all four populations (MLTR tm 0.83–1.20, Bayesian tm 0.772–0.952). Spatial genetic structure was associated with distance between host trees but not at shorter scales (within hosts). Our results demonstrate that the combination of bird pollination, bird‐mediated seed dispersal, and post‐dispersal processes result in outcrossing and maintain relatively high diversity in the presence of biparental inbreeding, despite very high local densities and possible self‐compatibility.
In it Together: Teachers, Researchers, and Classroom SLA
Authors: SPADA NINA , LIGHTBOWN PATSY M.
Published: October 2022

In discussions about relationships between research and pedagogy, teachers and researchers are often characterized as facing each other across a “gap” that separates them. Teachers are described as having practical concerns about their own classrooms and little patience for “theoretical” issues. Researchers are described as removed from day‐to‐day classroom concerns and oriented to more abstract factors that, if not “universal,” are at least “generalizable.” In reality, many researchers share with teachers the goal of making teaching and learning as successful as possible. What they learn from each other can help them reach that goal. In this article, we discuss 3 guiding principles that help to create the conditions for productive collaboration: (a) build trust and long‐term relationships, (b) build and share knowledge, and (c) follow up and provide feedback. We describe how the cycle of observation, correlation, and experimentation influenced our research and created opportunities to investigate questions that were of interest to us as researchers and relevant to teachers’ goals. We use examples of our own studies and those of other researchers who have engaged in long‐term teacher–researcher collaborations, illustrating how the research–pedagogy link can be strengthened.
Aboveground herbivory can promote exotic plant invasion through intra‐ and interspecific aboveground–belowground interactions
Authors: Gao Lunlun , Wei Chunqiang , He Yifan , Tang Xuefei , Chen Wei , Xu Hao , Wu Yuqing , Wilschut Rutger A. , Lu Xinmin
Published: October 2022

Aboveground herbivores and soil biota profoundly affect plant invasions. However, how they interactively affect plant invasions through plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) remains unclear.

To explore how herbivory by the introduced beetle Agasicles hygrophila affects Alternanthera philoxeroides invasions in China, we integrated multiyear field surveys and a 2‐yr PSF experiment, in which we examined how herbivory affects PSFs on the performance of native and invasive plants and the introduced beetles.

Despite increased herbivory from A. hygrophila, A. philoxeroides dominance over co‐occurring congeneric native Alternanthera sessilis remained constant from 2014 to 2019. While occurring at lower abundances, A. sessilis experienced similar herbivore damage, suggesting apparent competitive effects. Our experiments revealed that herbivory on A. philoxeroides altered soil microbial communities, prolonged its negative PSF on A. sessilis, and decreased A. hygrophila larvae performance on the next‐generation invasive plants. Consequently, A. hygrophila larvae performed better on leaves of natives than those of invasives when grown in soils conditioned by invasive plants defoliated by the introduced beetles.

Our findings suggest that aboveground herbivory might promote rather than suppress A. philoxeroides invasion by enhancing its soil‐mediated self‐reinforcement, providing a novel mechanistic understanding of plant invasions. These findings highlight the need to incorporate an aboveground–belowground perspective during the assessment of potential biocontrol agents.
Molecular mechanisms underlying paracellular calcium and magnesium reabsorption in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb
Authors: Alexander R. Todd , Dimke Henrik
Published: October 2022

Calcium and magnesium are the most abundant divalent cations in the body. The plasma level is controlled by coordinated interaction between intestinal absorption, reabsorption in the kidney, and, for calcium at least, bone storage and exchange. The kidney adjusts urinary excretion of these ions in response to alterations in their systemic concentration. Free ionized and anion‐complexed calcium and magnesium are filtered at the glomerulus. The majority (i.e., >85%) of filtered divalent cations are reabsorbed via paracellular pathways from the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle. Interestingly, the largest fraction of filtered calcium is reabsorbed from the proximal tubule (65%), while the largest fraction of filtered magnesium is reclaimed from the TAL (60%). The paracellular pathways mediating these fluxes are composed of tight junctional pores formed by claudins. In the proximal tubule, claudin‐2 and claudin‐12 confer calcium permeability, while the exact identity of the magnesium pore remains to be determined. Claudin‐16 and claudin‐19 contribute to the calcium and magnesium permeable pathway in the TAL. In this review, we discuss the data supporting these conclusions and speculate as to why there is greater fractional calcium reabsorption from the proximal tubule and greater fractional magnesium reabsorption from the TAL.
Physician Connectedness and Referral Choice*
Authors: Shin Eunhae
Published: October 2022

This study examines the effects of social network structure of intermediaries in health care, namely referring physicians, upon the specialty treatment choices of patients in the United States. The social network of a referring physician is identified by the patient‐sharing pattern in Medicare claims data, and the following three measures are employed as key explanatory variables: (1) number of physicians connected (adjusted degree); (2) tightness of the network (clustering coefficient); and (3) influence of individual physicians in the network (eigenvector centrality). The results of discrete‐choice demand models suggest that if patients are referred by a physician who is a more important player in their social networks (i.e. eigenvector centrality is higher), the patient has a higher chance of choosing a surgeon of better quality.
Environmental stochasticity increases extinction risk to a greater degree in pollination specialists than in generalists
Authors: Dumoulin Christine E. , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: October 2022

Pollination sustains terrestrial food webs and agricultural systems and links the dynamics of interacting plant and pollinator species. Although environmental stochasticity is ubiquitous and can propagate through communities via species interactions in a way that increases extinction risk, it is unknown whether stochasticity affects species uniformly across pollination networks. In this paper, we introduce a stochastic dynamic model that makes novel use of the birth function, and apply it to pollination networks of increasing size. We start with two‐ and four‐species networks, in order to first illustrate the effects of stochasticity per se and then how those effects combine with specialization. We then describe the relationship between partner number and stochastic extinction risk in empirical networks with > 20 species. In the two‐species network, increasing the variance of the stochastic term of the model increased the size of the region in parameter space where extinctions occur. In networks with four or more species, specialists were more vulnerable to extinction than generalists over a broad range of variances. Extinction risk in networks with > 20 species declined nonlinearly with increasing mutualist partner number. Our results demonstrate the importance of including species interactions and stochasticity when using population‐dynamic models to compare species' extinction risk. While models that omit either of these factors are likely to underestimate extinction risk, they disproportionately underestimate the vulnerability of specialists.
CmERF5‐CmRAP2.3 transcriptional cascade positively regulates waterlogging tolerance in Chrysanthemum morifolium
Authors: Li Chuanwei , Su Jiangshuo , Zhao Nan , Lou La , Ou Xiaoli , Yan Yajun , Wang Likai , Jiang Jiafu , Chen Sumei , Chen Fadi
Published: October 2022

Waterlogging stress affects plant growth by limiting root respiration and reducing yield and economic value. Therefore, identifying genes involved in regulating waterlogging stress is vital. This study reports the ethylene‐responsive VII transcription factor (CmRAP2.3) in the chrysanthemum. Subcellular localization and transactivation assay analyses revealed that CmRAP2.3 was localized in the nucleus and possessed transactivation activity. Overexpression of CmRAP2.3 in chrysanthemum was found to enhance waterlogging tolerance by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, we found that the transcription factor CmERF5 binds to GCC‐like motifs in the CmRAP2.3 promoter region and activates CmRAP2.3 expression. Additionally, CmERF5 overexpression maintained a low ROS level and improved chrysanthemum waterlogging tolerance. Taken together, this study shows a molecular mechanism by which CmERF5 transcriptionally activates CmRAP2.3 to reduce waterlogging stress via the ROS pathway in the chrysanthemum.
UV Radiation Exposure of Outdoor Workers in Antarctica
Authors: Bogdanov Ivan , Cherkezov Dimitar , Velev Stefan , Darlenski Razvigor
Published: October 2022

The Antarctic region is a place of increasing interest. A growing number of personnel are working outdoors in extreme environmental conditions. They receive significant exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and are thereby at increased risk of adverse consequences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the UVR dose received by the outdoor workers at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base. Ten Caucasian healthy subjects, 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of 38 years (29–51) were enrolled. Of them, 5 were scientists and 5 were logistic workers. We measured the accumulated daily dose of UVR assessed by standard erythemal dose (SED) in the two groups. All subjects wore personal dosimeters located near the face—he only noncovered skin area. The dosimeters were factory calibrated for use in the Antarctic region. No statistical difference (P = 0.441) could be revealed between the SEDs in the two groups. The maximum UVR dose detected in a single day was 67.9 SEDs, and the highest cumulative dose was 548.03 SEDs. Study results are showing extreme measurements of UVR received by the members of the expeditions. We suggest meticulous UV protection for outdoor workers.
Genetic structure of the pine needle pathogen Lecanosticta acicola in Lithuania and northern Poland
Authors: Raitelaitytė Kristina , Adamson Kalev , Markovskaja Svetlana , Paulauskas Algimantas , Mullett Martin , Drenkhan Rein
Published: October 2022

Brown spot needle blight, a disease of pine trees caused by the pathogenic fungus Lecanosticta acicola, has been known in Lithuania since 2009 and in Poland since 2014, but data on the distribution and population genetics of this needle pathogen were lacking. In order to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and reproductive mode of L. acicola, 93 isolates were isolated from Pinus mugo needles in 2017–2019 and analysed using 11 microsatellite and two mating‐type markers. This study revealed 47 unique multilocus haplotypes among all investigated isolates; two genetically distinct populations of L. acicola (LIT‐E and LIT‐W) were identified in Lithuania and one population (POL‐N) in the coastal region of northern Poland. The most genetically diverse population was the LIT‐E population occurring in the eastern continental part of Lithuania, followed by the LIT‐W population spreading along the western Baltic Sea coast. All populations in both countries are characterized by low genetic diversity and contain clones, with the northern Polish population having the lowest mean genetic diversity and the greatest clonal fraction. Both mating types are present in the Lithuanian populations, demonstrating that sexual reproduction is possible, whereas only one mating type is present in the Polish population. However, the sexual stage (teleomorph) has not yet been found on infected needles, and asexual reproduction predominates. High gene flow from the eastern Lithuanian population to the northern Poland population was found, suggesting that the Polish coastal population may have been introduced from the central part of Lithuania and did not spread naturally along the Baltic Sea coast from the western Lithuanian population.
The COVID‐19 pandemic changes citizens' visual aesthetic perceptions and attitudes toward restored landscape in the karst area in China
Authors: Li Kun , Fan Shuxin , Li Yilun , Liu Kairan , Zhang Mengyuan , Xing Xiaoyi , Dong Li
Published: October 2022

Landscape change caused by ecological restoration projects in the karst rocky desertification area of southwestern China has presented ecological benefits, yet the visual aesthetic perception of the restored landscape has received less attention. Meanwhile, given the unpredictable worldwide health emergency caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, it inspired us to be concerned about will citizens' aesthetic perceptions and attitudes to the change of restored landscape from pre‐COVID‐19 to during the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Organizing an online survey, we explored citizens' visual aesthetic perceptions and attitudes to natural restored landscape (NRL) and managed restored landscape (MRL) on 757 citizens in Shilin Geopark (in Kunming, China), as well as how citizens' sociocultural backgrounds influence visual aesthetic preference. The results indicated that before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the professionals preferred NRL, while the nonprofessionals presented a higher preference for MRL. However, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, both two groups showed a higher preference for NRL, which implied that the experience of lockdown during the COVID‐19 pandemic might awaken most citizens' preference for the NRL. Among different kinds of restored plant communities, the landscape dominated by shrubs was the most popular. Furthermore, gender, age, career type, education, region, and citizens' visit frequency were significantly correlated with visual aesthetic perceptions before the COVID‐19 pandemic. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, professional background, gender, and age did not show significant impacts on visual aesthetic perceptions anymore. These results highlight the necessity of understanding visual aesthetic perceptions in different sociodemographic groups to encourage natural succession and create a nature‐based restored landscape in the karst area.
The electric vehicle revolution: Critical material supply chains, trade and development
Authors: Jones Benjamin , Nguyen‐Tien Viet , Elliott Robert J. R.
Published: October 2022

The emergence of a mass market for electric vehicles (EVs) offers development opportunities for countries that have abundant resources of cobalt, nickel, lithium, copper, aluminium and manganese. Not surprisingly, developing countries have proposed ambitious plans to expand production of these raw materials. However, an observation from the resource curse literature is that strong institutions are required if they are to mitigate the risk of poorly directed, often excessively procyclical, investment, not least because of the complexity, opacity and price volatility of many raw materials utilised by global EV value chains. This paper examines the outlook for EV demand and associated raw material usage paying attention to the drivers and sensitivities required to assess and track future market transformations. These end use shifts are then placed in the context of the broader supply chain adjustments and trends shaping the demand. For resource exporters, adapting to structural change will require fiscal, regulatory, environmental and institution reforms designed to capture shifting patterns of resource wealth in a way which takes appropriate account of comparative advantages in specific value chains and mitigates adverse environmental and social consequences from their extraction and processing.
New Compound Fractional Sliding Mode Control and Super-Twisting Control of a MEMS Gyroscope
Authors: Rahmani Mehran , Redkar Sangram
Published: October 2022

This research proposes a new compound fractional sliding mode control (FOSMC) and super-twisting control (FOSMC + STC) to control a microelectromechanical systems gyroscope. A new sliding mode surface has been defined to design the proposed new sliding mode controller. The main advantages of a FOSMC are its high tracking performance and robustness against external perturbation, but creating a chattering phenomenon is its main drawback. By applying a super-twisting control (STC) method with FOSMC, the chattering phenomenon is eliminated, the singularity problem is solved, and systems robustness has significantly improved. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Improving Structural Integrity of Direct Laser-Deposited Ni–Co–Cr–Al–Y Superalloys by Alloy Modification
Authors: O’Neil Aaron , Kinzer Bryan , Bala Chandran Rohini , Sahasrabudhe Himanshu
Published: October 2022

Ni- and Co-based M–Cr–Al–Y (M = Ni and/or Co), dual phase β and γ/γ′, β—Ni–Al, γ—Ni(Co, Cr), and γ′—Ni3–Al superalloys exhibit several beneficial high-temperature (>1000 °C) (2012 °F) strength and corrosion resistance properties. Our study investigates the feasibility of fabricating a commercially available Ni–Co–Cr–AlY alloy (tradename “Amdry 386”) using laser directed energy deposition (laser-DED). A significant challenge for laser fabrication of bulk Amdry 386 (A386) structures stems from the presence of relatively higher amounts of the β phase than γ/γ′ phases. While prior studies report laser fabrication of these materials in coating and cladding configurations, bulk structures have not been realized. To investigate these challenges, this study was developed to systematically evaluate the effects of modifying the A386 alloy by adding 10, 20, and 30% by weight of a Ni–20%Cr (Ni–Cr) alloy (mainly γ/γ′). Laser-DED-fabricated A386 coupons exhibited a metastable, rapidly solidified β-rich microstructure typical to laser processes. The A386 + Ni–Cr mixtures were processed using laser-DED, and small coupons from each composition were evaluated using SEM, XRD, and microhardness to characterize the as-processed microstructure. Thermodynamic modeling was performed to determine the phase evolution as a function of the alloy composition. The dominating phase switches from β to γ/γ’ between the A386 and A386 + 10% Ni–Cr mixtures, but the increase in structural integrity is not observed until the Ni–Cr additions reach a minimum of 20%. Our results show that the alloy chemistry can be successfully modified to improve the structural integrity of laser-processed structures.
Perceptions of Effective Training Practices in League of Legends: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Abbott Callum , Watson Matthew , Birch Phil
Published: October 2022

While scientific interest in electronic sports (esports) is steadily growing, there remains an absence of research evidence concerning training practices in specific esports such as League of Legends. Anecdotal evidence suggests that current approaches to training may be suboptimal in terms of performance and, concerningly, linked to negative consequences for player health and well-being. In order to address the lack of literature and aid understanding of the (in)effectiveness of current training practices in esports, our study sought to qualitatively examine the experiences and perceptions of training in a sample of professional and semiprofessional League of Legends players. Through interviews with 10 players who ranked in the top 0.24% of the playing population, three core themes were identified: (a) the state of training, (b) training experiences, and (c) motivational change. This study provides important insights into current training practices in esports and players’ perceptions of the (in)effectiveness of these practices. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for coaches and support staff working in esports.
Emergent phases of ecological diversity and dynamics mapped in microcosms
Authors: Hu Jiliang , Amor Daniel R. , Barbier Matthieu , Bunin Guy , Gore Jeff
Published: October 2022

From tropical forests to gut microbiomes, ecological communities host notably high numbers of coexisting species. Beyond high biodiversity, communities exhibit a range of complex dynamics that are difficult to explain under a unified framework. Using bacterial microcosms, we performed a direct test of theory predicting that simple community-level features dictate emergent behaviors of communities. As either the number of species or the strength of interactions increases, we show that microbial ecosystems transition between three distinct dynamical phases, from a stable equilibrium in which all species coexist to partial coexistence to emergence of persistent fluctuations in species abundances, in the order predicted by theory. Under fixed conditions, high biodiversity and fluctuations reinforce each other. Our results demonstrate predictable emergent patterns of diversity and dynamics in ecological communities.
An electric alarm clock for spores
Authors: Lombardino Jonathan , Burton Briana M.
Published: October 2022

Inactive spores integrate stimuli over time through stored electrochemical potential
The endless search for better alloys
Authors: Hu Qing-Miao , Yang Rui
Published: October 2022

Machine learning narrows down the enormous search space for functional materials
In Science Journals
Authors: Vinson Valda , Grocholski Brent , Ash Caroline , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Jiang Di , Erkes Dan A. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Lopez Bianca , Hurtley Stella M. , Ray L. Bryan , Hallberg Dorothy L. , White Simon J.
Published: October 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Entanglement snares prize
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: October 2022

Trio helped launch new quantum revolution
Ancient DNA pioneer Svante Pääbo wins Nobel
Authors: Curry Andrew
Published: October 2022

By sequencing ancient hominins’ DNA, Pääbo explored “what makes us uniquely human”
Uganda’s Ebola outbreak will put novel vaccines to the test
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: October 2022

As a less-studied ebolavirus kills dozens, researchers again scramble to launch trials during a crisis
Resistance of Cabbage Loopers to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Toxin Cry1F and to Dual-Bt Toxin WideStrike Cotton Plants
Authors: Kain Wendy , Cotto-Rivera Rey O. , Wang Ping
Published: October 2022

Insecticidal toxins from
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) are highly effective for insect control in agriculture. However, the widespread application of Bt toxins exerts strong selection for Bt resistance in insect populations.
Bacterial Transcription Factors Bind to Coding Regions and Regulate Internal Cryptic Promoters
Authors: Hua Canfeng , Huang Jiadai , Wang Tingting , Sun Yue , Liu Jingui , Huang Linfeng , Deng Xin
Published: October 2022

Although bacterial TFs regulate transcription by binding to specific sequences at the promoter region, little is known about the mechanisms and functions of TFs binding within the CDS. In this study, we show that bacterial TFs have same binding pattern in both CDS and promoter regions, and we reveal three regulatory mechanisms of CDS-bound TF that together demonstrate the complexity of the regulatory mechanisms of bacterial TFs and the wide spread of internal cryptic promoters in CDS.
Spontaneous Prophage Induction Contributes to the Production of Membrane Vesicles by the Gram-Positive Bacterium
Lacticaseibacillus casei
BL23
Authors: da Silva Barreira David , Lapaquette Pierre , Novion Ducassou Julia , Couté Yohann , Guzzo Jean , Rieu Aurélie
Published: October 2022

The last few decades have demonstrated that membrane vesicles (MVs) produced by microorganisms can have a wide variety of functions. This diversity places MVs at the crossroads of major research topics in current microbiology such as antibiotic resistance, horizontal gene transfer, cell communication, biofilm development, bacteriophage resistance, and pathogenesis.
Microbial Diversity in Four Rhizocompartments (Bulk Soil, Rhizosphere, Rhizoplane, and Endosphere) of Four Winter Wheat Varieties at the Fully Emerged Flag Leaf Growth Stage
Authors: Ahmad Jabeen , Zervas Athanasios , Ellegaard-Jensen Lea , Hennessy Rosanna C. , Carbone Ignazio , Cornish Vicki , Müller-Stöver Dorette Sophie , Grunden Amy , Jacobsen Carsten S. , Nicolaisen Mette Haubjerg
Published: October 2022

Community composition and recruitment are important elements of plant-microbe interactions and may provide insights for plant development and resilience. The results of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing from four rhizocompartments for four wheat cultivars grown under controlled conditions and sampled after flag leaf emergence are provided. Data demonstrate differences in microbial communities according to rhizocompartment.
Superinfection with SARS-CoV-2 Has Deleterious Effects on Mycobacterium bovis BCG Immunity and Promotes Dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hildebrand Rachel E. , Chandrasekar Shaswath Sekar , Riel Mariah , Touray Bubacarr J. B. , Aschenbroich Sophie A. , Talaat Adel M.
Published: October 2022

Prior to SARS-CoV-2,M. tuberculosiswas the leading infectious disease killer, with an estimated one-third of the world’s population infected and 1.7 million deaths a year. Here, we show that SARS-CoV-2 superinfection caused increased bacterial dissemination inM. tuberculosis-infected mice along with immune and pathological changes.
Presentation design and delivery to improve knowledge translation in a remote world
Authors: Leo Grace Sze Yin , Fisher Ross , Davis Tessa , Lawton Ben , Goldstein Henry , Tagg Andrew , Roland Damian
Published: October 2022

The practical dissemination of new knowledge is not given adequate attention despite large investment in undertaking high-quality research and the desire for evidence-based practice. It is important that those involved in knowledge translation and continuing medical education understand the fundamental principles of effective presentations, whether at scientific conferences, workshops or group teaching sessions. The switch to remote presentations has made this a more challenging endeavour. We describe established presentation techniques that improve knowledge translation and how to use them in both face-to-face and remote settings.
Maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods and subsequent risk of offspring overweight or obesity: results from three prospective cohort studies
Authors: Wang Yiqing , Wang Kai , Du Mengxi , Khandpur Neha , Rossato Sinara Laurini , Lo Chun-Han , VanEvery Hannah , Kim Daniel Y , Zhang Fang Fang , Chavarro Jorge E , Sun Qi , Huttenhower Curtis , Song Mingyang , Nguyen Long H , Chan Andrew T
Published: October 2022

Objective

To assess whether maternal ultra-processed food intake during peripregnancy and during the child rearing period is associated with offspring risk of overweight or obesity during childhood and adolescence.

Design

Population based prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Nurses’ Health Study II (NHSII) and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS I and II) in the United States.

Participants

19 958 mother-child (45% boys, aged 7-17 years at study enrollment) pairs with a median follow-up of 4 years (interquartile range 2-5 years) until age 18 or the onset of overweight or obesity, including a subsample of 2925 mother-child pairs with information on peripregnancy diet.

Main outcome measures

Multivariable adjusted, log binomial models with generalized estimating equations and an exchangeable correlation structure were used to account for correlations between siblings and to estimate the relative risk of offspring overweight or obesity defined by the International Obesity Task Force.

Results

2471 (12.4%) offspring developed overweight or obesity in the full analytic cohort. After adjusting for established maternal risk factors and offspring’s ultra-processed food intake, physical activity, and sedentary time, maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods during the child rearing period was associated with overweight or obesity in offspring, with a 26% higher risk in the group with the highest maternal ultra-processed food consumption (group 5) versus the lowest consumption group (group 1; relative risk 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.47, P for trend<0.001). In the subsample with information on peripregnancy diet, while rates were higher, peripregnancy ultra-processed food intake was not significantly associated with an increased risk of offspring overweight or obesity (n=845 (28.9%); group 5
v
group 1: relative risk 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 1.53, P for

trend=0.07). These associations were not modified by age, sex, birth weight, and gestational age of offspring or maternal body weight.

Conclusions

Maternal consumption of ultra-processed food during the child rearing period was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in offspring, independent of maternal and offspring lifestyle risk factors. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and to understand the underlying biological mechanisms and environmental determinants. These data support the importance of refining dietary recommendations and the development of programs to improve nutrition for women of reproductive age to promote offspring health.
What is the current provision of service for gastrostomy insertion in England?
Authors: Parr Heather , Williams Elizabeth A , White Sean , Thompson Nick , McAlindon Mark E , Hopper Andrew D , McKinlay Alistair , Sanders David Surendran
Published: October 2022

Background

Significant morbidity and mortality can be associated with gastrostomy insertion, likely influenced by patient selection, indication and aftercare. We aimed to establish what current variation in practice exists and how this has improved by comparison to our previously published British Society of Gastroenterology survey of 2010.

Methods

We approached all National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England (n=198). Email and web-based questionnaires were circulated. These data were correlated with the National Endoscopy Database (NED).

Results

The response rate was 69% (n=136/198). Estimated Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) placements in the UK are currently 6500 vs 17 000 in 2010 (p<0.01). There is a dedicated PEG consultant involved in 59% of the centres versus 30% in 2010 (p<0.001). Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) discussion occurs in 66% versus 40% in 2010 (p<0.05). Formal aftercare provision occurs in 83% versus 64% in 2010 (p<0.001). 74/107 respondents (69%) reported feeling pressurised to authorise a gastrostomy.

Conclusion

This national survey, validated by the results from NED, demonstrates a reduction of over 60% for PEG insertion rates compared with previous estimates. There has also been an increase in consultant involvement, MDT discussion and aftercare provision. However, two-third of responders described ‘pressure’ to insert a gastrostomy. Perhaps further efforts are needed to include and educate other specialty teams, patients and next of kin.
Vulnerability of larch forests to forest fires along a latitudinal gradient in eastern Siberia
Authors: Ivanov A.V. , Neumann M. , Darman G.F. , Danilov A.V. , Susloparova E.S. , Solovyov I.D. , Kravchenko O.M. , Smuskina I.N. , Bryanin S.
Published: October 2022

The predicted increase in frequency and intensity of boreal forest fires is considered a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions and linked with the degradation of permafrost covering more than half of Russia. Here we analyzed the stand structure and growth of East Siberian larch forests in response to fire severity. We measured 23 sites in the southern part of eastern Siberia along a latitudinal transect with a length of more than 1500 km. Live tree volume differed significantly across geographical regions ( p < 0.05), decreasing from south to north (76–250 m3·ha−1), with higher values in forests burnt with low severity. Similarly, volume of coarse woody debris decreased from south to north. The volume of dead standing trees, on the other hand, increased from south to north. The distribution of trees by diameter class in some areas showed clear evidence of fires, with small trees being absent to rare in forests burnt at high severity. The impact of severe fires on stand volume was negligible at the southern sites, potentially associated with rapid regeneration of birch. Birch is an important component of larch forests near the southern boundary of the permafrost, which may contribute to larch forests in the southern part of the study transect being less vulnerable to wildfires compared to northern larch forests.
An innovative design of INVELOX wind turbine: a numerical study on the effects of implementing long flange and Venturi holes
Authors: Maftouni Negin , Barghi Yasaman
Published: October 2022

There is a global interest in renewable energy resources such as wind energy. INVELOX (increased velocity) is an innovative ducted wind turbine system. Some research has been performed to improve the efficiency of this machine by various geometrical modifications. Two ideas are presented and numerically analyzed in the present research to study their effects on the wind velocity when approaching the wind turbine, and consequently, on the wind turbine efficiency. In one of them, a relatively long flange is added to the original design, and in the other one, a pair of holes is considered in the venture to try to increase the mass flow rate of wind when reaching the turbine. Three various sizes of holes are studied here. The results reveal that using the long flange leads to an increment in the maximum wind velocity (about 15.45%) and more than 176% increase in the harvested power. In addition, the pair of holes in the Venturi with a diameter of 35 cm results in a slight improvement in the harvested power. For the first time, the turbine has been modeled inside the Venturi. A comparison between the results for the INVELOX, including the turbine, and that of the turbine in the free stream indicates that implementing INVELOX leads to 3.14 times more power generation.