bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The current state of research of word-of-mouth in the health care sector
Authors: Pauli Gerlinde , Martin Sebastian , Greiling Dorothea
Published: February 2022

Health information plays a significant role in the health behavior of individuals. Word-of-mouth (WOM) is essential in this context. In recent years, new forms of online communication have greatly expanded the possibilities for seeking information and, in consequence, significantly changed communication behavior. Similarly, the doctor-patient relationship has gradually evolved and the traditional asymmetry of medical knowledge is increasingly being corrected as today’s health care consumers are becoming more well-informed. A key source of information is either in-person or online WOM. A research gap exists in terms of analyzing the current state of research of WOM in health care. Although various studies highlight the influence of WOM on health behavior, to the best of our knowledge there exists no systematic literature review that summarizes the current state of research on WOM in health care. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive systematic literature review on WOM in health care. The literature review investigates existing WOM studies in the health care sector based on a systematic search for articles in a twenty-year timeframe from January 2000 to December 2019. The resulting total of 34 articles constitutes the basis of this paper. These studies are analyzed using a model of WOM in health care and – based on the theory of cognitive dissonance, the theory of the strength of weak ties, and the theory of perceived risk – clustered into the creation, spread, and impact of WOM. The investigated studies emphasize the importance of the staff in the service process. Furthermore, negative reviews have a stronger impact than positive ones, with service quality representing the main reason for negative WOM. In addition, the importance of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) is underlined, as online reviews are gaining popularity for patient decision-making processes. Although some studies have addressed WOM in health care, research gaps remain. For example, there are few studies on eWOM and some medical disciplines in private practice are neglected in WOM research. By systematically presenting and analyzing the literature on WOM in health care, this paper represents an important starting point for future research and also provides insights into the role of WOM in health care practice.
Large net forest loss in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake protected areas during 1992–2019
Authors: Chen Aifang , Chen Anping , Varis Olli , Chen Deliang
Published: February 2022

Historical land-use practices have caused forest loss in Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake area (TSLA), the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. However, it remains unclear if this deforestation trend had continued since 2001 when the land was designated as protected areas. Using satellite imagery, we investigated forest conversion flows and fragmentation patterns in the TSLA for 1992–2001, 2001–2010, and 2010–2019, respectively. Results show substantial forest losses and fragmentations occurring at the lower floodplain where the protected areas are located until 2010, with some forest regain during 2010–2019. The land conversions indicated that forest clearing and agricultural farming were the primary causes for observed extensive forest loss during 1992–2010. Hence, despite the creating of protected areas in 2001, our findings reveal the persistence of alarming forest loss in the TSLA until 2010. On the other hand, while net forest loss has stopped after 2010, forest regain during 2010–2019 is way too small to restore the region’s total forest area to even the level when the protected areas were established. Thus, more effective planning and implementations of forest management and restoration policies are needed for the TSLA.
A participatory ecodesign framework to address both environmental and economic dimensions in viticulture at farm scale
Authors: Perrin Aurélie , Czyrnek-Delêtre Magdalena , Ben Jaballah Maha , Rouault Anthony , van der Werf Hayo M. G. , Ghali Mohamed , Sigwalt Annie , Renaud-Gentié Christel
Published: February 2022

There is an urgent need for agriculture in general, and for viticulture in particular, to reduce their impacts on the environment. Doing so requires an approach that supports transitioning to more environmentally friendly practices. Involving farmers and agricultural advisors is key to lifting technical, economic, and social barriers to this transition. Participatory methods can help to consider specific contexts and concerns, but few suitable tools are available. We developed a methodological framework to address both environmental and economic dimensions at the field and farm scales in three participatory ecodesign workshops with winegrowers. We applied our framework to the ecodesign of pathways of technical operations in the Middle Loire Valley, France. The first two workshops focused on the field scale, and group interactions were facilitated using a serious game and a “live” assessment of the environmental performance of the ecodesigned system. The third workshop focused on implementation at farm level. The aggregated environmental impact of the ecodesigned farm decreased by 4%, while the economic performance of its four pathways of technical operations improved. We showed that combining environmental and economic assessment tools, suitable for use in participatory workshops, addresses most mechanisms for and barriers to changing practices at the farm scale. The typology of activities at the farm scale allows farm characteristics and the diversity of production systems to be represented in the ecodesign without over-complicating the process. The use of farm maps takes advantage of the collective expertise of the group and increases participant involvement. This process highlighted the need to continue to extend the scope and criteria of ecodesign to decrease environmental impacts even more. Here, we show for the first time the need to quantify the influence of a farm’s environmental practices on its economic performance to reduce the perception of risk and facilitate adoption of these practices.
Phonological working memory is adversely affected in adults with anorexia nervosa: a systematic literature review
Authors: Dahlén Amelia D. , Gaudio Santino , Schiöth Helgi B. , Brooks Samantha J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cognitive restraint has potentiating and deleterious effects on working memory (WM) in anorexia nervosa (AN). Conflicting evidence may be due to heterogeneity of tasks examining different WM components (e.g., verbal/auditory versus visuospatial), and differences in adolescent versus adult AN. Additionally, differential cognitive profiles of restricting versus binge/purging subtypes, comorbid psychiatric disorders and psychotropic medication use may confound findings.

Methods

To address these conflicts, 25 studies, published between 2016 and 2021, investigating WM in children, adolescents and adults with AN were systematically reviewed using PRISMA guidelines.

Results

In 71% of WM tasks, no difference in performance between AN patients and age-matched controls was reported, while 29% of WM tasks showed worse performance. Adults with AN displayed deficits in 44% of the verbal/auditory tasks, while performance remained unaffected in 86% of visuospatial tasks.

Conclusion

Examining age groups and WM subsystems separately revealed novel findings of differentially affected WM components in AN. Comorbidities and psychotropic medications were common among AN participants and should be regarded as critical confounding factors for WM measures. Future studies examining different components of WM, acknowledging these confounding factors, may reveal specific deficits in AN to aid treatment improvement strategies.

Level of evidence

I, systematic review.
A hybrid model integrating FMEA and HFACS to assess the risk of inter-city bus accidents
Authors: Liou James J. H. , Liu Perry C. Y. , Luo Shiaw-Shyan , Lo Huai-Wei , Wu Yu-Zeng
Published: February 2022

The incidence of inter-city bus accidents receives a lot of attention from the public because they often cause heavy casualties. The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is the prevailing tool used for traffic accident risk assessment. However, it has several shortcomings, for example: (1) it can only identify the potential failure modes, but lacks the capability for quantitative risk assessment; (2) it neglects the severity, occurrence and detection of different failure modes; (3) it is unable to identify the degree of risk and priorities of the failure modes. This study proposes a novel hybrid model to overcome these problems. First, the HFACS is applied to enumerate the failure modes of inter-city bus operation. Second, the Z-number-based best–worst method is used to determine the weights of the risk factors based on the failure mode and effects analysis results. Then, a Z-number-based weighted aggregated sum product Assessment is utilized to calculate the degree of risk of the failure modes and the priorities for improvement. The results of this study determine the top three ranking failure modes, which are personal readiness from pre-conditions for unsafe behavior, human resources from organizational influence, and driver decision-making error from unsafe behavior. Finally, data for inter-city buses in Taiwan in a case study to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the proposed model. In addition, some management implications are provided.
Differential Size Distribution and Estrogen Receptor Cargo of Oviductal Extracellular Vesicles at Various Stages of Estrous Cycle in Mice
Authors: Yi Chenchen , Ni Ya , Sun Peibei , Gao Tian , Li Kun
Published: February 2022

Oviductal extracellular vesicles (OEVs) play an important role in fertilization and embryo development. However, it remains largely unknown whether the size and protein cargo of OEVs change during the estrous cycle in mice. This study analyzed the changes in the size distribution and protein cargo of OEVs at four stages of the estrous cycle in mice. The distribution widths of OEVs according to the estrous cycle stage were as follows: proestrus, 20–690 nm in diameter, with two peaks at 50 and 250 nm; estrus, 22–420 nm in diameter, with two peaks at 40 and 200 nm; metestrus, 30–70 nm diameter, with a single peak at 40 nm; and diestrus, 10–26 nm diameter, with a single peak at 20 nm. The estrogen receptor (ER) level in OEVs at the proestrus stage differed significantly from that at estrus (P = 0.013) and diestrus (P = 0.005). The levels of CD9 and Hsc70 fluctuated across the four stages, although with no significant differences. Furthermore, OEVs were observed among the cilia and microvilli of epithelial cells at the proestrus, estrus, and diestrus stages, but not at the metestrus stage. The number of observed OEVs was the highest at the proestrus stage, followed by the estrus, and the diestrus stage. Endosomes were also observed at the estrus and diestrus stages. The change of the OEV size and ER cargo is associated with the estrous cycle in mice. Our findings increase the understanding of the physiological characteristics of OEVs, which may have clinical applications.
Subjective perception of spinal deformity after selective versus non-selective fusion of Lenke 1C curves
Authors: Bizzoca Davide , Piazzolla Andrea , Solarino Giuseppe , Moretti Lorenzo , Moretti Biagio
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To assess the self-image perception and the Quality-of-Life (QoL) in female adolescents, with Lenke 1C scoliosis curves, treated with selective versus non-selective posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion (PSF).

Methods

Patients undergoing PSF for idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (AIS) were recruited and divided into two groups: patients managed with selective thoracic fusion (STF) were included in Group A, whereas patients treated with non-selective fusion (N-STF) in Group B. Each patient completed the Italian version of the Scoliosis Research Society-22R questionnaire (SRS-22R), the Quality-of-Life Profile for Spinal Deformities questionnaire (QLPSD) and the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), before surgery and at 24-month follow-up.

Results

One hundred and fifty seven female patients (mean age 16.38) were included in this study. 80 patients underwent STF, while 77 patients received N-STF. At 24-month follow-up, patients managed with N-STF showed better SRS-22R self-image mean score (p = .012), SRS-22R satisfaction mean score (p = .033), QLPSD body image mean score (p = .005), but worse SRS-22 function mean score (p = .006) and QLPSD back flexibility mean score (p = .007), compared with patients who underwent STF. In terms of self-image perception, patients undergoing STF showed significantly worse SAQ total mean score (p = .002), SAQ appearance mean score (p = .001) and SAQ expectation (p = .001). We found a significant correlation between SAQ appearance mean score and SRS-22R self-image (R = − 0.721), SRS-22 mental health (R = − 0.8), QLPSD psychosocial functioning (R = 0.7) and QLPSD back flexibility (R = 0.8).

Conclusion

Although the STF of Lenke 1C curves provides better functional outcomes, in the present study, female patients receiving STF revealed a worse perceived body image, compared with patients treated with N-STF, at 24-month follow-up. Particular attention should be addressed to the preoperative patient’s mental health and body image perception, when choosing between STF and N-STF.
Solution Oligonucleotide APIs: Regulatory Considerations
Authors: Wetter Christian , Chorley Chris , Curtis Corrine , del Canto Nicole , Ford J. Gair , Franklin Jennifer , Gazziola Cinzia , Jones Michael T. , Lee Judy , McAuley Arnold , Saraber Florence C. E. , Scott Audrey , Tom Janine
Published: February 2022

Manufacture of oligonucleotide active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) typically consists of solid-phase synthesis, deprotection and cleavage, purification and filtration, and isolation from aqueous solutions through lyophilization. In the first step of drug product manufacture, the API is dissolved in water again and excipients are added. While isolation of oligonucleotide APIs can be meaningful in many cases, there may be cases where keeping the API in solution provides benefit, and multiple technical aspects must be taken into account and balanced when determining the appropriate API form. A significant factor is whether an API in solution will contain additional components. While APIs in solution containing additional components (so-called formulated APIs) are well established for biological products, there are regulatory guidelines in place that represent hurdles for industry to using a formulated API approach for oligonucleotide drugs. The present communication outlines conditions where a formulated API approach can be chosen in compliance with existing guidelines. Relevant aspects pertaining to risk management, GMP standards, facility design, control strategies, and regulatory submission content are discussed. In addition, the authors propose that existing guidelines be modernized to enable the use of a formulated API approach for additional reasons than the ones described in the existing regulatory framework. The manuscript aims to promote a dialog with regulators in this field.
Market power and sustainability: a new research agenda
Authors: Biely Katharina , van Passel Steven
Published: February 2022

Perfectly operating markets only exist in theory. Market failures are known to not only inhibit the proper functioning of the market, but also affect sustainability and thus a sustainability transition. In this regard, much attention has been paid to externalities or missing markets, even though these are not the only market failures. In this paper, we argue that market power and its relationship with sustainability has been neglected, despite the fact that, back in 1931, Hotelling indicated the connection between the two concepts. However, research that has been dealing with this connection has not been comprehensive and has only looked at one aspect of sustainability and market power. Due to the rising relevance of market power as well as of sustainability concerns, the connection between the two deserves thorough attention. Accordingly, we propose initiating a new interdisciplinary research agenda to comprehensively analyze the complex relationship between market power and sustainability.
Learning Environments and Evidence-Based Practices in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Billiar Kristen , Gaver Donald P. , Barbee Kenneth , Singh Anita , DesJardins John D. , Pruitt Beth , Tranquillo Joe , Gaudette Glenn , Winkelstein Beth , Makowski Lee , Amos Jennifer R. , Saterbak Ann , LeDoux Joe , Helmke Brian , Grimm Michele , Benkeser Paul , Segan LeAnn Dourte , Pfister Bryan , Meaney David , Arinzeh Treena , Margulies Susan
Published: February 2022

This paper provides a synopsis of discussions related to the Learning Environments track of the Fourth BME Education Summit held at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in May 2019. This summit was organized by the Council of Chairs of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, and participants included over 300 faculty members from 100+ accredited undergraduate programs. The Learning Environments track had six interactive workshops that provided facilitated discussion and provide recommendations in the areas of: (1) Authentic project/problem identification in clinical, industrial, and global settings, (2) Experiential problem/project-based learning within courses, (3) Experiential learning in co-curricular learning settings, (4) Team-based learning, (5) Teaching to reach a diverse classroom, and (6) Innovative platforms and pedagogy. A summary of the findings, best practices and recommendations from each of the workshops is provided under separate headings below, and a list of resources is provided at the end of this paper.
A novel mitochondrial protein is required for cell wall integrity, auxin accumulation and root elongation in Arabidopsis under salt stress
Authors: Yu Zheping , Ren Yuying , Liu Jianwei , Zhu Jian-Kang , Zhao Chunzhao
Published: February 2022

Maintenance of root elongation is beneficial for the growth and survival of plants under salt stress, but currently the cellular components involved in the regulation of root growth under high salinity are not fully understood. In this study, we identified an Arabidopsis mutant, rres1, which exhibited reduced root elongation under treatment of a variety of salts, including NaCl, NaNO3, KCl, and KNO3. RRES1 encodes a novel mitochondrial protein and its molecular function is still unknown. Under salt stress, the root meristem length was shorter in the rres1 mutant compared to the wild type, which was correlated with a reduced auxin accumulation in the mutant. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as important signals that regulate root elongation, were accumulated to higher levels in the rres1 mutant than the wild type after salt treatment. Measurement of monosaccharides in the cell wall showed that arabinose and xylose contents were decreased in the rres1 mutant under salt stress, and application of boric acid, which is required for the crosslinking of pectic polysaccharide rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II), largely rescued the root growth arrest of the rres1 mutant, suggesting that RRES1 participates in the maintenance of cell wall integrity under salt stress. GUS staining assay indicated that the RRES1 gene was expressed in leaves and weakly in root tip under normal conditions, but its expression was dramatically increased in leaves and roots after salt treatment. Together, our study reveals a novel mitochondrial protein that regulates root elongation under salt stress via the modulation of cell wall integrity, auxin accumulation, and ROS homeostasis.
Generalized anxiety disorder among Bangladeshi university students during COVID-19 pandemic: gender specific findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muzaffar Rasma , Koly Kamrun Nahar , Choudhury Sabrina , Biswas Md Abdullah Al Jubayer , Kader Shirmin Bintay , Abdullah Rehnuma , Kawser Umme , Hasan M. Tasdik , Williams Darryn , Chowdhury Ariful Bari , Ahmed Helal Uddin
Published: February 2022

In the current COVID-19 pandemic there are reports of deteriorating psychological conditions among university students in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs), but very little is known about the gender differences in the mental health conditions on this population. This study aims to assess generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among university students using a gender lens during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted using web-based Google forms between May 2020 and August 2020 among 605 current students of two universities in Bangladesh. Within the total 605 study participants, 59.5% (360) were female. The prevalence of mild to severe anxiety disorder was 61.8% among females and 38.2% among males. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, females were 2.21 times more likely to have anxiety compared to males [AOR: 2.21; CI 95% (1.28–53.70); p-value: 0.004] and participants’ age was negatively associated with increased levels of anxiety (AOR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05–0.57; p = 0.001). In addition, participants who were worried about academic delays were more anxious than those who were not worried about it (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI 1.50–5.31, p = 0.001). These findings of this study will add value to the existing limited evidence and strongly advocate in designing gender-specific, low-intensity interventions to ensure comprehensive mental health services for the young adult population of Bangladesh.
Optimisation of aero-manufacturing characteristics of aircraft ribs
Authors: Kim T. , Kipouros T. , Brintrup A. , Farnfield J. , Di Pasquale D.
Published: February 2022

The main purpose of this study was to combine the currently separate objectives of aerodynamic performance and manufacturing efficiency, then find an optimal point of operation for both objectives. An additional goal of the study was to explore the effects of changes in design features, the position of the spars, and analyse how the changes influenced the optimal operating conditions. A machine-learning approach was taken to combine and model the gathered aero-manufacturing data, and a multi-objective optimisation approach utilising genetic algorithms was implemented to find the trade-off relationship between optimal target objectives (mission performance and manufacturability). The main achievements and findings of the study were: The study was a success in building a machine-learning model for the combined aero-manufacturing data utilising software library XGBoost; multi-objective optimisation, which did not include spar positions as a variable found the trade-off region between high manufacturability and high mission performance, with choices that offered reasonably high values of both; there was no clearly identified correlation between a small change in spar position and the target objectives; multi-objective optimisation with spar positions resulted in a trade-off relationship between target objectives, which was different from the trade-off relationship found in optimisation without spar positions; multi-objective optimisation with spar positions also offered more flexibility in the choice of manufacturing processes available for a given design; and the range of bump amplitudes for solutions found by multi-objective-optimisation with spar positions was lower and more focused than those found by optimisation without spar positions.
Near wake interactions and drag increase regimes for a square-back bluff body
Authors: Bao Di , Borée Jacques , Haffner Yann , Sicot Christophe
Published: February 2022

The three-dimensional near wake of a square-back bluff body in ground proximity is experimentally perturbed by placing a pair of D-shaped obstacles under the body. Five obstacle widths

$d$

, from 12 % to 26 % of the height of the body, are used to perform a sensitivity study of the body's pressure drag by varying the relative distance

$l$

between the obstacle pair and the base. Two successive drag-sensitive regimes are identified for obstacle-to-base distances

$l/d < 2.5$

, where the pressure drag of the body is increased up to 22 %. In different regimes, the flow dynamics measured downstream of the obstacles are found to be very different. When the obstacles are the closest to the base,

$l/d<1.5$

, the pressure drag changes of the main body are driven by mean merging between the wakes of the obstacles and of the main body, and scale with

$d$

. Contrarily, when the obstacles are located farther from the base,

$1.5< l/d<2.5$

, the wakes of the obstacles are isolated from the main body wake. Here the dynamics of the obstacle wake drive the pressure drag changes of the main body, which scale with

$d^{2}$

. In both regimes, we measure a mean mass transfer from the wake of the main body to the wakes of the obstacles. This is the main mechanism responsible for the pressure drag changes. Using our results and reference studies describing the effects of base suction on the pressure drag of bluff bodies, a physical model is proposed to explain the contrasting scalings of the pressure drag increase in the different regimes observed in this study.
ON A PROBLEM ABOUT ADDITIVE REPRESENTATION FUNCTIONS
Authors: TANG MIN
Published: February 2022

For a set A of positive integers and any positive integer n, let
$R_{1}(A, n)$
,
$R_{2}(A,n)$
and
$R_{3}(A,n)$
denote the number of solutions of
$a+a^{\prime }=n$
with
$a, a^{\prime }\in A$
and the additional restriction that
$a<a^{\prime }$
for
$R_{2}$
and
$a\leq a^{\prime }$
for
$R_{3}$
. We consider Problem 6 of Erdős et al. [‘On additive properties of general sequences’, Discrete Math.136 (1994), 75–99] about locally small and locally large values of
$R_{1}, R_{2}$
and
$R_{3}$
.
A novel partial ambiguity resolution based on ambiguity dilution of precision- and convex-hull-based satellite selection for instantaneous multiple global navigation satellite systems positioning
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Shubi , Zhang Qiuzhao , Zheng Nanshan , Zhang Wenyuan , Ding Nan
Published: February 2022

Although multiple global navigation satellite systems (multi-GNSS) with more visible satellites have a high success rate, they make positioning time-consuming. Partial ambiguity resolution (PAR) can improve the efficiency of multi-GNSS; however, at present PAR cannot simultaneously achieve fast and high-precision positioning with a high success rate. Therefore, PAR based on ambiguity dilution of precision- and convex-hull-based satellite selection is proposed. The experimental results of the proposed PAR, its corresponding satellite selection algorithm, the classical PAR, and the low-cutoff-elevation-angle-based multi-GNSS show that the proposed PAR outperforms the classical PAR, i.e., it achieves fast and high-precision positioning with a success rate of 100⋅0%. Furthermore, in terms of R-ratio-test-based ambiguity validation, it improves the reliability of carrier-phase-based integrity monitoring of multi-GNSS and the corresponding satellite selection algorithms. In addition, its positioning accuracy is close to that of multi-GNSS and higher than that of the classical PAR, with maximum differences of 0⋅3 and 2⋅4 cm, respectively. The proposed single (dual) frequency-based PAR improves single/dual-frequency multi-GNSS efficiency by more than 54⋅9%/80⋅4% (42⋅0%/75⋅8%) when 14⋅4 (13⋅2) out of 24⋅4 satellites are selected.
Teaching, Self-Care, and Reflective Practice during a Pandemic
Authors: Vanderhill Rachel , Dorroll Courtney
Published: February 2022

Political science courses often address difficult topics that can take an emotional and psychological toll on students, including burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization. There is a growing awareness of the importance of reflective and self-care practices in teaching, especially considering the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health. However, this is a rarely discussed topic in political science. This article discusses the results of our pedagogical research on the emotional impact of learning about atrocities, the challenges of studying during a global pandemic, and the benefits of self-care activities (e.g., meditation) for student well-being. Our research is based on two different courses and includes student self-reflections and our analysis of class discussions. We conclude that our students struggle with the emotional costs of studying difficult topics (especially during the pandemic) and are receptive to doing self-care activities and find them beneficial for their mental health.
Werdenand Periphrases with Present Participles and Infinitives: A Diachronic Corpus Analysis
Authors: Concu Valentina
Published: February 2022

The scholarship on the Modern German periphrastic future, or thewerdenfuture (that is,werden+ infinitive) has brought forth different hypotheses about its origins. One of these hypotheses states that it developed fromwerden+ present participle in the 13th century (for example, Bech 1901). While many have criticized this hypothesis, no one until now has proposed a valid solution for the problem. In this study, I carried out a comprehensive examination of the instances ofwerdenin combination with present participles and infinitives in Middle and Early New High German. The analysis indicates that althoughwerden+ present participle andwerden+ infinitive were often used in similar contexts, the former construction was not the source from which thewerdenfuture emerged. Old High German data also show the use ofwerden+ infinitive, which suggests that it was already well established in the first two centuries of the Middle High German period. This provides evidence against the view that the construction developed as late as the 13th century. I also address the grammaticalization process thatwerden+ infinitive underwent during the Early New High German period and suggest that it culminated in the 16th century.
Morpho-metric characterization and genetic variability studies in chrysanthemum
Authors: Kumar Gunjeet , Hiremath Varun M. , Tiwari A. K. , Vanlalruati  , Sindhu S. S.
Published: February 2022

Germplasm characterization is essential to estimate variation and identify desirable genotypes for crop improvement. The current study was conducted on eight qualitative and 14 quantitative traits related to growth and floral attributes for characterization and grouping of 54 chrysanthemum genotypes. Wide variability was observed among most of the traits and principal component analysis revealed that the first two principal components explained most of the existing variation (>98%) in germplasm. Genotypic coefficient of variation exhibited a wide range from 9.41% (ratio of leaf length/width) to 105.99% (corolla tube length of ray florets), while phenotypic coefficient of variation varied from 10.49% (ratio of leaf length/width) to 106.38% (corolla tube length of ray florets). Broad sense heritability estimates were higher (>96%) for most of the characters, except for traits such as ratio of leaf length/width and peduncle thickness. Forty-four pair-wise inter-trait combinations showed positive genotypic and phenotypic correlations for 91 possible combinations.D2analysis revealed that genotypes of clusters I and IV to be highly distinct, and hybridization between them might have better chance to obtain desirable types.D2analysis confirmed that the cultivars in cluster IV namely, Red D Spoon, Tokyo Soldier, Yellow Reflex and hierarchical clustering showed that the cultivar Tokyo Soldier to be highly diverse. It is recommended to use the above genotypes in crossing programme for obtaining better progenies.
In‐Situ Photometric Properties of Lunar Regolith Revealed by Lunar Mineralogical Spectrometer on Board Chang’E‐5 Lander
Authors: Xu Jiafei , Wang Meizhu , Lin Honglei , Xu Xuesen , Liu Bin , Yan Wei , Yang Yazhou , Wang Rong , Liu Chengyu , Xu Rui , He Zhiping
Published: February 2022

The photometric properties of the uppermost lunar regolith are used in the spectroscopic study. China's Chang’E‐5 (CE‐5) mission successfully landed in the Northern Oceanus Procellarum of the Moon, carrying the scientific payload lunar mineralogical spectrometer (LMS). LMS performed full‐view scanning and obtained the reflectance spectra in various geometric configurations. The photometric properties, including the single‐scattering albedo ω and two parameters of the Henyey‐Greenstein phase function (b, c), were derived. Our modeling results showed weak backward scattering and strong forward scattering properties of the regolith at the CE‐5 landing site. Meanwhile, the asymmetry parameter indicates that CE‐5 regolith has weaker forward scattering than the Apollo lunar soil samples and the regolith at the Chang’E‐4 landing site. The derived Hapke parameters can be used for comparison with that of the returned lunar sample, supporting further studies of lunar spectroscopy, and can be the ground truth of the CE‐5 landing area.
Diurnal and Seasonal Dynamics of Solar‐Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence, Vegetation Indices, and Gross Primary Productivity in the Boreal Forest
Authors: Pierrat Zoe , Magney Troy , Parazoo Nicholas C. , Grossmann Katja , Bowling David R. , Seibt Ulli , Johnson Bruce , Helgason Warren , Barr Alan , Bortnik Jacob , Norton Alexander , Maguire Andrew , Frankenberg Christian , Stutz Jochen
Published: February 2022

Remote sensing of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) provides a powerful proxy for gross primary productivity (GPP). It is particularly promising in boreal ecosystems where seasonal downregulation of photosynthesis occurs without significant changes in canopy structure or chlorophyll content. The use of SIF as a proxy for GPP is complicated by inherent non‐linearities due to both physical (illumination effects) and ecophysiological (light use efficiencies) controls at fine spatial (tower/leaf) and temporal (half‐hourly) scales. To study the SIF‐GPP relationship, we investigated the diurnal and seasonal dynamics of continuous tower‐based measurements of SIF, GPP, and common vegetation indices at the Southern Old Black Spruce Site (SOBS) in Saskatchewan, CA over the course of two years. We find that SIF outperforms other vegetation indices as a proxy for GPP at all temporal scales but shows a non‐linear relationship with GPP at a half‐hourly resolution. At small temporal scales, SIF and GPP are predominantly driven by light and non‐linearity between SIF and GPP is due to the light saturation of GPP. Averaged over daily and monthly scales, the relationship between SIF and GPP is linear due to a reduction in the observed PAR range. Seasonal changes in the light responses of SIF and GPP are driven by changes in light use efficiency which co‐vary with changes in temperature, while illumination and canopy structure partially linearize the SIF‐GPP relationship. Additionally, we find that the SIF‐GPP relationship has a seasonal dependency. Our results help clarify the utility of SIF for estimating carbon assimilation in boreal forests.
Social support mediates the influence of cerebellum functional connectivity strength on postpartum depression and postpartum depression with anxiety
Authors: Cheng Bochao , Roberts Neil , Zhou Yushan , Wang Xiuli , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Yiming , Zhao Yajun , Deng Pengcheng , Meng Yajing , Deng Wei , Wang Jiaojian
Published: February 2022

Post-Partum Depression (PPD) is the most common health issue impacting emotional well being in women and is often comorbid with anxiety (PPD-A). Previous studies have shown that adequate social support can protect against PPD and PPD-A. However, how the brain connectome is disrupted in PPD and PPD-A and the neural basis underlying the role of social support in PPD and PPD-A remains unclear. The present study aims to explore these issues in patients with PPD and PPD-A. Well-established questionnaires and resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rsfMRI) were performed in 45 PPD, 31 PDD-A patients and 62 Healthy Postnatal Women (HPW). Brain functional integration was measured by analysis of Functional Connectivity Strength (FCS). Association and mediation analyses were performed to investigate relationships between FCS, PPD and PPD-A symptoms and social support. PPD patients showed specifically higher FCS in right parahippocampus, whereas PPD-A patients showed specifically higher FCS in left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. In all postpartum women, depression symptoms positively correlated with FCS in left paracentral lobule; depression and anxiety symptoms were negatively correlated with FCS in right cerebellem posterior lobe (CPL), a brain region implicated in supporting social cognition and regulation of emotion. Subsequent mediation analysis revealed that perceived social support mediated the association between right CPL FCS and PPD and PPD-A symptoms. Measurement of FCS in disorder-specific neural circuits offers a potential biomarker to study and measure the efficacy of social support for PPD and PPD-A.
A dynamic relation between whole-brain white matter microstructural integrity and anxiety symptoms in preadolescent females with pathological anxiety
Authors: Aggarwal Nakul , Williams Lisa E. , Tromp Do P. M. , Pine Daniel S. , Kalin Ned H.
Published: February 2022

Pathological anxiety typically emerges during preadolescence and has been linked to alterations in white matter (WM) pathways. Because myelination is critical for efficient neuronal communication, characterizing associations between WM microstructure and symptoms may provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms associated with childhood pathological anxiety. This longitudinal study examined 182 girls enrolled between the ages of 9–11 that were treatment-naïve at study entry: healthy controls (n = 49), subthreshold-anxiety disorders (AD) (n = 82), or meeting DSM-5 criteria for generalized, social, and/or separation ADs (n = 51), as determined through structured clinical interview. Anxiety severity was assessed with the Clinical Global Impression Scale and Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Participants (n = 182) underwent clinical, behavioral, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) assessments at study entry, and those with pathological anxiety (subthreshold-AD and AD, n = 133) were followed longitudinally for up to 3 additional years. Cross-sectional ANCOVAs (182 scans) examining control, subthreshold-AD, and AD participants found no significant relations between anxiety and DTI measurements. However, in longitudinal analyses of girls with pathological anxiety (343 scans), linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that increases in anxiety symptoms (SCARED scores) were associated with reductions in whole-brain fractional anisotropy, independent of age (Std. β (95% CI) = −0.06 (−0.09 to −0.03), F(1, 46.24) = 11.90, P = 0.001). Using a longitudinal approach, this study identified a dynamic, within-participant relation between whole-brain WM microstructural integrity and anxiety in girls with pathological anxiety. Given the importance of WM microstructure in modulating neural communication, this finding suggests the possibility that WM development could be a viable target in the treatment of anxiety-related psychopathology.
Stat4 rs7574865 polymorphism promotes the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the Stat4/CYP2E1/FGL2 pathway
Authors: Wang Caie , Gao Na , Yang Lukui , Guo Yuanyuan , Fang Yan , Wang Tong , Xu Chen , Li Gui fang , Zhou Jun , Zhang Yunfei , Wen Qiang , Qiao Hailing
Published: February 2022

Although there are many studies on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and the incidence of diseases, mechanisms are rarely known. We report the mechanism by which signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (stat4) rs7574865 promotes the occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that theGGgenotype atstat4rs7574865 was a risk genotype, and STAT4 levels in serum and peritumoral tissue from HCC patients with theGGgenotype were significantly higher than those found inTTorTGcarriers. Furthermore, HCC patients with theGGgenotype or elevated STAT4 levels had poor prognoses. In vitro experiments demonstrated that STAT4 silencing promoted apoptosis and inhibited the invasion and migration of HepG2 and L02 cells. Proteomic analysis of HCC peritumors identified 273 proteins related to STAT4, of which CYP2E1 activity and FGL2 content exhibited the highest positive correlation. The relationship between CYP2E1 and FGL2 was also confirmed incyp2e1−/−mice and in CYP2E1 inhibitor-treated mice. In conclusion, this study elucidates the mechanism by which thestat4rs7574865 polymorphism promotes the occurrence and progression of HCC via the Stat4/CYP2E1/FGL2 pathway.
Vagus nerve stimulation alleviated cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Tang Hao , Li Jiani , Zhou Qinxiang , Li Sheng , Xie Chenchen , Niu Lingchuan , Ma Jingxi , Li Changqing
Published: February 2022

Cumulative evidence suggests that pyroptosis, a new sort of programmed cell death, is closely related to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Our previous studies have testified that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was involved in many different neuroprotective and neuroplasticity pathways via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAchR), a vital node of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway during cerebral I/R injury. We aimed to determine the neuroprotective effects of VNS through α7nAchR-mediated inhibition of pyroptosis. Focal cerebral ischemic stroke rat models were obtained by middle cerebral artery occlusion for 120 min. Expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome was evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The neurological deficit score, infarct volume, TUNEL staining findings, transmission electron microscopy findings, and expression of inflammatory cytokines were assessed 3 days after I/R injury. Our findings suggested that the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, and ASC gradually increased until they peaked on day 3 after I/R injury. VNS inhibited the expression of pyroptosis-related molecules and decreased the number of pyroptotic cells and membrane pores. Administration of α7nAchR-antagonist and agonist helped in further assessment of the role of α7nAchR in pyroptosis. α7nAchR-agonist mimicked VNS’s neuroprotective effects on the improvement of neurological deficits, the reduction of infarct volumes, and the inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis after cerebral I/R injury. Conversely, the neuroprotection provided by VNS could be reversed by the administration of α7nAchR-antagonist. In conclusion, VNS-induced neuroprotection via inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis was α7nAchR-dependent, highlighting the pivotal role of α7nAChR in suppressing cellular pyroptosis and neuroinflammation. These findings may allow a better understanding of treatment principles for cerebral I/R injury.
Cooperation in alternating interactions with memory constraints
Authors: Park Peter S. , Nowak Martin A. , Hilbe Christian
Published: February 2022

In repeated social interactions, individuals often employ reciprocal strategies to maintain cooperation. To explore the emergence of reciprocity, many theoretical models assume synchronized decision making. In each round, individuals decide simultaneously whether to cooperate or not. Yet many manifestations of reciprocity in nature are asynchronous. Individuals provide help at one time and receive help at another. Here, we explore such alternating games in which players take turns. We mathematically characterize all Nash equilibria among memory-one strategies. Moreover, we use evolutionary simulations to explore various model extensions, exploring the effect of discounted games, irregular alternation patterns, and higher memory. In all cases, we observe that mutual cooperation still evolves for a wide range of parameter values. However, compared to simultaneous games, alternating games require different strategies to maintain cooperation in noisy environments. Moreover, none of the respective strategies are evolutionarily stable.
Accounting for interactions between Sustainable Development Goals is essential for water pollution control in China
Authors: Wang Mengru , Janssen Annette B. G. , Bazin Jeanne , Strokal Maryna , Ma Lin , Kroeze Carolien
Published: February 2022

Meeting the United Nations’ (UN’s) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has become a worldwide mission. How these SDGs interrelate, however, is not well known. We assess the interactions between SDGs for the case of water pollution by nutrients in China. The results show 319 interactions between SDGs for clean water (SDGs 6 and 14) and other SDGs, of which 286 are positive (synergies) and 33 are negative (tradeoffs) interactions. We analyze six scenarios in China accounting for the cobenefits of water pollution control using a large-scale water quality model. We consider scenarios that benefit from synergies and avoid tradeoffs. Our results show that effective pollution control requires accounting for the interactions between SDGs. For instance, combining improved nutrient management, efficient food consumption, and climate mitigation is effective for simultaneously meeting SDGs 6 and 14 as well as other SDGs for food, cities and climate. Our study serves as an example of assessing SDG interactions in environmental policies in China as well as in other regions of the world.
Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 under an elimination strategy in Hong Kong
Authors: Gu Haogao , Xie Ruopeng , Adam Dillon C. , Tsui Joseph L.-H. , Chu Daniel K. , Chang Lydia D. J. , Cheuk Sammi S. Y. , Gurung Shreya , Krishnan Pavithra , Ng Daisy Y. M. , Liu Gigi Y. Z. , Wan Carrie K. C. , Cheng Samuel S. M. , Edwards Kimberly M. , Leung Kathy S. M. , Wu Joseph T. , Tsang Dominic N. C. , Leung Gabriel M. , Cowling Benjamin J. , Peiris Malik , Lam Tommy T. Y. , Dhanasekaran Vijaykrishna , Poon Leo L. M.
Published: February 2022

Hong Kong employed a strategy of intermittent public health and social measures alongside increasingly stringent travel regulations to eliminate domestic SARS-CoV-2 transmission. By analyzing 1899 genome sequences (>18% of confirmed cases) from 23-January-2020 to 26-January-2021, we reveal the effects of fluctuating control measures on the evolution and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Hong Kong. Despite numerous importations, only three introductions were responsible for 90% of locally-acquired cases. Community outbreaks were caused by novel introductions rather than a resurgence of circulating strains. Thus, local outbreak prevention requires strong border control and community surveillance, especially during periods of less stringent social restriction. Non-adherence to prolonged preventative measures may explain sustained local transmission observed during wave four in late 2020 and early 2021. We also found that, due to a tight transmission bottleneck, transmission of low-frequency single nucleotide variants between hosts is rare.