bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of genomic diversity and demographic history of the North Atlantic and Southwest Atlantic southern right whales
Authors: Crossman Carla A. , Fontaine Michael C. , Frasier Timothy R.
Published: August 2023

Right whales (genus Eubalaena) were among the first, and most extensively pursued, targets of commercial whaling. However, understanding the impacts of this persecution requires knowledge of the demographic histories of these species prior to exploitation. We used deep whole genome sequencing (~40×) of 12 North Atlantic (E. glacialis) and 10 Southwest Atlantic southern (E. australis) right whales to quantify contemporary levels of genetic diversity and infer their demographic histories over time. Using coalescent‐ and identity‐by‐descent–based modelling to estimate ancestral effective population sizes from genomic data, we demonstrate that North Atlantic right whales have lived with smaller effective population sizes (Ne) than southern right whales in the Southwest Atlantic since their divergence and describe the decline in both populations around the time of whaling. North Atlantic right whales exhibit reduced genetic diversity and longer runs of homozygosity leading to higher inbreeding coefficients compared to the sampled population of southern right whales. This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of genome‐wide diversity of right whales in the western Atlantic and underscores the benefits of high coverage, genome‐wide datasets to help resolve long‐standing questions about how historical changes in effective population size over different time scales shape contemporary diversity estimates. This knowledge is crucial to improve our understanding of the right whales' history and inform our approaches to address contemporary conservation issues. Understanding and quantifying the cumulative impact of long‐term small Ne, low levels of diversity and recent inbreeding on North Atlantic right whale recovery will be important next steps.
The effects of distributed versus massed corrective feedback on the acquisition of Spanish differential object marking
Authors: Yilmaz Yucel , Arroyo Diana , Carver Carly , Choi Jungyoun , Dibartolomeo Megan
Published: August 2023

This study compares the effects of distributed versus massed corrective feedback (CF) on Spanish differential object marking (DOM). Forty‐eight Spanish learners completed three communicative tasks with a researcher on three consecutive days, one task per day. Partial recasts were used to reformulate DOM errors. The distributed group (n = 16) received feedback in all three tasks. The massed group (n = 16) received feedback in the last task. The control group (n = 16) received no feedback. The total amount of CF provided to the two CF groups was controlled. Learners completed oral production and grammaticality judgment pre, post, and delayed posttests. Results showed that the massed group scored significantly higher than the control group across test types and times. However, the distributed group scored significantly higher than the control group only on the immediate and delayed oral production tests. We argue that the temporal contiguity, intensity, and consistency of feedback instances in the massed condition might be responsible for the relative superiority of the massed CF.
Second‐Order Topics and Prokofiev's String Quartets
Authors: DONALDSON JAMES
Published: August 2023

In his 1957 Mythologies, Roland Barthes proposes a second‐order semiological system, in which a familiar sign is repurposed to become a new signifier and in the process mythologises the previous sign system. This article adapts this principle to musical topics in twentieth‐century music, using the case study of the eighteenth‐century topical universe as it appears in Sergey Prokofiev's two String Quartets.

I approach this from two directions, exploring in turn the mechanics of internal relationships and wider historical‐political implications. First, drawing upon William Caplin's concept of formal functions and their various possible associations with topics (Caplin 2005), I propose that topics with formal associations can express formal functions without the requirement for clarity in the primary parameters of harmony, tonality, grouping and cadence. Accordingly, they signify on a second‐order plane. The recurring Mannheim rocket in the first movement of Prokofiev's String Quartet No. 1 (1931) provides a case study. Second, I demonstrate the parallels between a second‐order system and key tenets of socialist realism. Concepts such as dostupnost′ (making the work understandable to everyone) and opora na klassiku (based on past Classical models) echo Barthes's model, as meaning is drawn from reference to Enlightenment‐associated art as a whole, rather than the individual topics. I demonstrate these principles in practice with reference to Prokofiev's Quartet No. 2 (1941). Together, these second‐order perspectives show the deeply rooted reliance on eighteenth‐century semantics in Prokofiev's music and their wider aesthetic implications.
Microbiological culture combined with PCR for the diagnosis of onychomycosis: Descriptive analysis of 121 patients
Authors: Navarro‐Pérez David , García‐Oreja Sara , Tardáguila‐García Aroa , León‐Herce Diego , Álvaro‐Afonso Francisco Javier , Lázaro‐Martínez José Luis
Published: August 2023

Background

Onychomycosis is the most common nail pathology, involving various pathogens such as dermatophytes, moulds and yeasts.

Objective

The objective of this study was to observe the prevalence of onychomycosis, analyse the most appropriate diagnostic test, and assess the distribution of pathogens based on age, sex, quarter of the year, duration of symptoms and previous treatment.

Methods

Retrospectively, mycological culture and PCR data and results were collected from 121 patients.

Results

Of the 121 samples, 57% (69/121) tested positive when both microbiological study techniques were combined. The prevalence of onychomycosis was higher when PCR was performed (52.1%) compared to microbiological culture (33.1%). Among the 81 samples negative by microbiological culture, 31 were positive by PCR. Similarly, of the 58 samples negative by PCR, eight were positive by microbiological culture. Diagnostic accuracy data (with 95% confidence intervals) for PCR, using microbiological culture as the gold standard, were as follows: sensitivity of 0.8, specificity of 0.62, positive predictive value of 0.51 and negative predictive value of 0.86. The most frequently identified pathogen was Trichophyton rubrum, and the hallux nail plate was the most commonly affected location. However, no statistically significant associations were found between sex, age, quarter of the year and affected area with culture and PCR results.

Conclusion

Combining microbiological culture and PCR can increase the detection rate of onychomycosis and help avoid false‐negative results.
Bleeding during tooth extraction in patients with chronic kidney disease: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Figueiredo Marilia Andrade , Andrade Natalia Silva , Blanco Carrión Andrés , Medina Janaina Braga , Gallottini Marina , Ortega Karem L.
Published: August 2023

Objective

This work measures the intra‐operative bleeding in end‐stage renal disease patients and assesses whether laboratory coagulation tests and nitrogenous compounds are related to a higher bleeding risk.

Methods

Laboratory tests were performed on the day of surgery and some patients with thrombocytopenia and values above the normal levels of international normalised ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were identified.

Results

Haemostatic time ranged from 2 to 35 min (mean of 8.51 min) after suture. Bleeding volume ranged from 0.02 to 67.06 mL (mean of 4.38 mL) and the bleeding volume per minute ranged from 0.05 to 2.10 mL/min (median of 0.6 mL/min). Only seven patients (16.27%) had abnormal bleeding (more than 0.6 mL/min). Spearman's coefficient showed weak correlations between bleeding volume (mL/min) and serum urea (r = 0.226), TT (r = 0.227), plasma urea (r = 0.148) and creatinine (r = 146), as well as very weak correlations with all other variables (r < 0.140) such as age, haemodialysis time, glycaemia, glycated haemoglobin, platelets, INR, aPTT and fibrinogen.

Conclusion

It was not possible to associate any laboratory test or nitrogenous compounds present in the blood and saliva with an increased bleeding.
Adaptation and validation of the Abrams geriatric self‐neglect assessment scale among older Chinese people admitted to the hospital
Authors: Xu Qiongying , Xu Liuqing , Tao Jingrui , Chen Xuewei , Zhang Yao , Jiang Sisi , Dong Chaoqun
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Elder self‐neglect is a global public health problem, and older people admitted to the hospital may have a higher risk of self‐neglect due to their deteriorating health conditions. This study aimed to translate, adapt and validate the Abrams geriatric self‐neglect assessment scale (AGSS) among older Chinese people admitted to the hospital.

Methods

Data were derived from a cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample of 452 older people admitted to a general hospital. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to examine the structural validity of the AGSS. Content validity, criterion validity, internal consistency reliability, and test–retest reliability were also conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the scale.

Results

EFA yielded a 6‐item one‐factor model, which was supported by CFA and explained 44.74% of the total variance. The internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach α = 0.740), and the test–retest reliability with a 14‐day interval was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.966). Significantly positive correlations with the caregiver‐rated elder self‐neglect assessment scale (r = 0.648) supported the concurrent validity of the scale. Significant differences in scores between respondents with different ages, marital statuses, educational levels and numbers of chronic diseases demonstrated the discriminative validity.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the AGSS is an easy‐to‐use, reliable and valid measure with satisfactory psychometric properties. Future studies should recruit a more representative sample of older people in China to verify the applicability of the scale.

Implications for Practice

The Chinese version of the AGSS enables clinical staff to accurately screen for and assess elder self‐neglect upon hospital admission, which can inform the development of specific interventions and assignment of additional guardianship to those at risk of elder self‐neglect.
Machine learning models for orthokeratology lens fitting and axial length prediction
Authors: Xu Shuai , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhang Shuxian , Zheng Xuan , Zheng Fang , Liu Yin , Zhang Hanyu , Ye Qing , Li Lihua
Published: August 2023

Purpose

In order to improve the efficiency of orthokeratology (OK) lens fitting and predict the axial length after 1 year of OK lens wear, machine learning models were proposed.

Methods

Clinical data from 1302 myopic subjects were collected retrospectively, and two machine learning models were implemented. Demographic and corneal topographic data were collected as input variables. The output variables were the parameters of the OK lens and the axial length after 1 year. Eighty percent of input variables was used as the training set and the remaining 20% was used as the validation set. The first alignment curve (AC1) of the OK lenses, deduced using machine learning models and formula calculation, were compared. Multiple regression models (support vector machine, Gaussian process, decision tree and random forest) were used to predict the axial length after 1 year. In addition, we classified data based on lens brand, and carried out more detailed parameter fitting and analysis for spherical and toric OK lenses.

Results

The OK lens fitting model showed higher (R2 = 0.93) and lower errors (mean absolute error [MAE] = 0.19, mean square error [MSE] = 0.09) when predicting AC1, compared with the formula calculation (R2 = 0.66, MAE = 0.44, MSE = 0.25). The machine learning model still had high R2 values ranging from 0.91 to 0.96 when considering the brand and design of the OK lenses. Further, the R2 value for the axial length prediction model was 0.94, which indicated that the machine learning model had high accuracy and good robustness.

Conclusion

The OK lens fitting model and the axial length prediction model played an important role in guiding OK lens fitting, with high accuracy and robustness in prediction performance.
Maternal fish oil and/or probiotics intervention: Allergic diseases in children up to two years old
Authors: Komulainen Miisa , Saros Lotta , Vahlberg Tero , Nermes Merja , Jartti Tuomas , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: August 2023

Background

As n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and probiotics possess immunomodulatory properties, theoretically they could lower the risk of allergic diseases. But their effects remain controversial. We aimed to study the effects of fish oil and probiotics separately or in combination from early pregnancy onwards to lower the risk of allergic diseases in the infants.

Methods

In this double‐blind trial, women (n = 439) in early pregnancies were randomized into four intervention groups: fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics, and placebo + placebo. Fish oil (1.9 g docosahexaenoic acid and 0.22 g eicosapentaenoic acid) and probiotic (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 colony‐forming units each) supplements were provided for daily consumption from randomization up to 6 months postpartum. All analyses were adjusted with pet ownership.

Results

No difference between the infants in the four intervention groups were found regarding physician‐diagnosed food allergy, atopic eczema, or atopy at the age of 12 or 24 months (all p > .05). The probiotic intervention was associated with lower odds of recurrent wheezing at 24 months (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.84, p = .017), but not at 12 months.

Conclusions

The use of fish oil and/or probiotics from early pregnancy onwards did not lower the odds of childhood allergic diseases or atopy, with the exception of the probiotic intervention which decreased the risk of recurrent wheezing when the infants were two years old. This suggests that the incidence of asthma could also decrease later in childhood and thus these outcomes need to be clarified in further investigations.
Improving the predictions of leaf photosynthesis during and after short‐term heat stress with current rice models
Authors: Sun Ting , Zhang Xiaohu , Lv Suyu , Lin Xuanhao , Ma Jifeng , Liu Jiaming , Fang Qizhao , Tang Liang , Liu Leilei , Cao Weixing , Liu Bing , Zhu Yan
Published: August 2023

In response to increasing global warming, extreme heat stress significantly alters photosynthetic production. While numerous studies have investigated the temperature effects on photosynthesis, factors like vapour pressure deficit (VPD), leaf nitrogen, and feedback of sink limitation during and after extreme heat stress remain underexplored. This study assessed photosynthesis calculations in seven rice growth models using observed maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax) during and after short‐term extreme heat stress in multi‐year environment‐controlled experiments. Biochemical models (FvCB‐type) outperformed light response curve‐based models (LRC‐type) when incorporating observed leaf nitrogen, photosynthetically active radiation, temperatures, and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) as inputs. Prediction uncertainty during heat stress treatment primarily resulted from variation in temperatures and Ci. Improving FVPD (the slope for the linear effect of VPD on Ci/Ca) to be temperature‐dependent, rather than constant as in original models, significantly improved Ci prediction accuracy under heat stress. Leaf nitrogen response functions led to model variation in leaf photosynthesis predictions after heat stress, which was mitigated by calibrated nitrogen response functions based on active photosynthetic nitrogen. Additionally, accounting for observed differences in carbohydrate accumulation between panicles and stems during grain filling improved the feedback of sink limitation, reducing Ci overestimation under heat stress treatments.
Melanoma literacy among the general population of three western US states
Authors: Leachman Sancy A. , Latour Emile , Detweiler‐Bedell Brian , Detweiler‐Bedell Jerusha B. , Zell Adrienne , Wenzel Elizabeth , Stoos Elizabeth , Nelson Jacob H. , Wiedrick Jack , Berry Elizabeth G. , Lange Jane , Etzioni Ruth , Lapidus Jodi A.
Published: August 2023

Melanoma is a significant cause of cancer death, despite being detectable without specialized or invasive technologies. Understanding barriers to preventive behaviors such as skin self‐examination (SSE) could help to define interventions for increasing the frequency of early detection. To determine melanoma knowledge and beliefs across three high‐incidence US states, 15,000 surveys were sent to a population‐representative sample. We aimed to assess (1) melanoma literacy (i.e., knowledge about melanoma risks, attitudes, and preventive behaviors) and (2) self‐reported SSE and its association with melanoma literacy, self‐efficacy, and belief in the benefits of SSE. Of 2326 respondents, only 21.2% provided responses indicating high knowledge of melanoma, and 62.8% reported performing an SSE at any time in their lives. Only 38.3% and 7.3% reported being “fairly” or “very” confident about doing SSE, respectively. SSE performance among respondents was most strongly associated with higher melanoma knowledge, higher self‐efficacy, and personal history of melanoma. Melanoma literacy among survey respondents was modest, with greater literacy associated with a higher likelihood of reported preventive behavior. This assessment establishes a baseline and provides guidance for public health campaigns designed to increase prevention and early detection of this lethal cancer.
Management of a nursing unit in a COVID‐19 shelter hospital in China: A case study
Authors: Luo Chunmei , Wu Hongmei , Wang Juan , Xiang Yingying , Yang Caidie , You Zhiwei , Zhou Nian , Li Wei , Li Zhi , Tao Jun , Long Qin , Zhou Peihua , Chen Jian , Zhang Yu , Dou Heng , He Ying , Chu Lingling , Song Caiping
Published: August 2023

Objective

Fangcang shelter hospital is a form of large temporary hospital developed in China to tackle public health events. Through the case study and analysis of managing a nursing unit in a huge Fangcang shelter hospital transformed from the National Exhibition and Convention Center during the Omicron wave in Shanghai, China between April 9, 2022 and May 24, 2022, this paper aimed to highlight critical implications of public health nurses in health emergencies.

Design

A case study was conducted using data collected from a nursing unit with 570 beds. The five characteristics of management were organized as follows: human resource management, establishment and optimization of the core workflow, safety management of high‐risk patients, the grid cooperation mechanism with patient volunteers, as well as humanistic nursing.

Results

Analysis of the data of the nursing unit indicated close team cooperation, efficient and orderly process scheduling, good outcomes of patients, and the indispensable role of volunteers.

Conclusion

Practice indicated that nursing unit management in a large Fangcang shelter hospital is important to ensure medical order and efficiency. This practical experience can provide valuable reference and data to support for the nursing management of large‐scale public health events, such as infectious disease epidemics.
Integration and urban citizenship: A social‐psychological approach to refugee integration through active constructions of place attachment to the city
Authors: Zisakou Anastasia , Figgou Lia , Andreouli Eleni
Published: August 2023

The current research explores refugee integration through the analysis of active constructions of everyday life in Greek cities. It draws from critical social and political psychology literature that explores spatial aspects of intergroup relations and developments in citizenship and migration studies. For the purposes of the study, 25 walking interviews with refugees from Afghanistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, and Syria were conducted in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki. Interviews were analyzed with tools and concepts of critical discursive social psychology. Analysis indicated three main repertoires related to corresponding space nuclei: “city squares and surrounding areas as minorities' spatial nuclei,” “political spaces as urban enclaves of belonging,” and “neighborhoods as un/familiar places.” Each of these broader compounds represented different people–place dynamics and presupposed different citizenship constructions and claims. These constructions entailed different ways of positioning oneself and others and constituted the ground for redefining integration based on local experiences and multilevel connections with urban networks. Drawing on these findings, the article proposes to reconsider integration through the concept of urban citizenship to explore everyday politics of intergroup relations in contexts of migration.
Morphomolecular identification and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum species associated with avocado anthracnose in northern Thailand
Authors: Armand Alireza , Jayawardena Ruvishika S.
Published: August 2023

Avocado production is restricted globally by the anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum species. In Thailand, anthracnose symptoms can be found on avocado leaves and fruits, and it is an important postharvest disease, reducing the shelf life of the fruits and causing huge economic losses. Avocado leaves and fruits showing anthracnose disease were collected from Chiang Rai province, located in northern Thailand, and the Colletotrichum species isolated from the samples were identified based on morphological examination and multigene phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic analyses using five loci (ITS, ACT, CHS‐1, GAPDH and TUB2) coupled with the morphology of 11 isolates showed that they belonged to four known species of Colletotrichum. Colletotrichum endophytica, C. fructicola and C. siamense are illustrated as new geographical records, and C. henanense is characterized as a new host record. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of these species in avocado fruits and leaves (West Indian variety) has been proven. In addition, this study provides further evidence for the synonymization of C. pandanicola and C. parvisporum with C. siamense.
Who is satisfied with their inclusion in polycentric sustainability governance? Networks, power, and procedural justice in Swiss wetlands
Authors: Angst Mario , Huber Martin Nicola
Published: August 2023

Sustainability governance in polycentric systems needs to ensure both effectiveness and procedural justice. Effectiveness and procedural justice are intricately linked to power dynamics in governance. To assess polycentric sustainability governance, understanding different types, sources, and effects of power is key. Here, we investigate network‐derived bonding and bridging social capital of actors as specific sources of power in polycentric sustainability governance. We ask two questions: How does bridging and bonding social capital translate into power? And: How is the power associated with satisfaction with inclusion? We relate levels of bonding and bridging social capital to power and satisfaction with inclusion in governance processes for 299 actors in 10 cases of Swiss wetlands governance. Using a Bayesian multi‐level regression model, we find that especially bonding social capital is a source of power for actors. Further, network‐derived power but also nonnetwork‐derived power by design translates into satisfaction with inclusion. Research and practice of sustainability governance need to be careful to account for power in nuanced ways, acknowledging its sources and relation to procedural justice.
Synovial inducible costimulator is correlated with severity in knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Lvlin , Ma Jun , Niu Pengying , Zhang Bowen , Wang Zhiyan
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by articular cartilage loss, which afflicts many people worldwide. Knowing the disease severity can improve the recovery rate of OA. Antibody array technology was utilized for protein expression profiling of synovial fluid from eight mild knee OA patients, eight severe knee OA patients and 16 healthy persons. Subsequently, 48 mild OA patients, 56 severe OA patients and 24 healthy controls were utilized for validation by ELISA. In the protein expression profiling, inducible costimulator (ICOS) levels were markedly higher in OA patients compared with those in the healthy population, and were significantly higher in severe OA than those in mild OA. Furthermore, ICOS levels were shown to be significantly correlated with WOMAC, MRI‐MOAKS and MRI‐UTE‐T2* scores. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of ICOS could significantly increase the risk of severe OA. Synovial ICOS levels were positively correlated with the radiographic severity of OA. ICOS may represent a biomarker for predicting the OA severity and may be involved in the development and progression of knee OA.
Synthesis of biochar‐embedded slow‐release nitrogen fertilizers: Mesocosm and field scale evaluation for nitrogen use efficiency, growth and rice yield
Authors: Mustaffa Mohamed Roshan Abu Firnassa , Pandian Kannan , Chitraputhirapillai Swaminathan , Kuppusamy Senthil , Dhanushkodi Krishnaveni
Published: August 2023

Increasing consideration is being paid to sustainable slow‐release fertilizers (SRFs). Biochar is a novel carbon material, and gaining momentum as a natural carrier for sustainable nutrient application and release and improved soil health. Accordingly, a recent biochar‐embedded slow‐release nitrogen (N) fertilizer has been prepared using acacia biochar, urea, ammonium chloride, starch and organic acid. This and other biochar‐embedded slow‐release N fertilizers (BSRNFs) were characterized using Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). BSRNFs were tested in the laboratory and field experiments for their N release pattern, nitrate (NO3‐N) leaching loss, N use efficiency (NUE) and growth and yield of rice crops. Among the BSRNFs tested, the one with 75% urea‐N (BSRNF‐U75) released 109 mg kg−1 of N in an incubation study and the least NO3‐N leaching losses of 8.8, 14.6 and 26.4 mg kg−1 at 10, 20 and 30 cm depth in a column study, respectively, compared with conventional urea. Application of biochar‐embedded slow‐release N fertilizer 100% urea‐N (BSRNF‐U100) augmented plant growth to increase grain yield (6610 kg ha−1), straw yield (9612 kg ha−1) and NUE (12%) in rice.
Changes in fatigue among cancer patients before, during, and after radiation therapy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chia‐Ling , Chen Pei‐Ying , Yang Tsui‐Yun , Chang Joseph Tung‐Chieh , Tang Woung‐Ru , Chen Mei‐Ling
Published: August 2023

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. However, previous studies report inconsistent patterns of fatigue change.

Aim

The aim of this study was to estimate changes in fatigue among patients with cancer before, during, and after radiotherapy.

Methods

Five databases (PubMed, SDOL, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Medline [ProQuest], and ProQuest Dissertations) were searched for studies published from January 2006 to May 2021. Three effect sizes of fatigue change (immediate, short‐term, and long‐term) were calculated for each primary study using standardized mean difference. A random‐effect model was used to combine effect sizes across studies. Subgroup analyses and meta‐regression were performed to identify potential categorical and continuous moderators, respectively.

Results

Sixty‐five studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The weighted mean effect size for immediate, short‐term, and long‐term effects was 0.409 (p < .001; 95% CI [0.280, 0.537]), 0.303 (p < .001; 95% CI [0.189, 0.417]), and 0.201 (p = .05; 95% CI [−0.001, 0.404]), respectively. Studies with prostate cancer patients had a significantly higher short‐term (0.588) and long‐term weight mean effect size (0.531) than studies with breast (0.128, −0.072) or other cancers (0.287, 0.215). Higher radiotherapy dosage was significantly associated with a higher effect size for both immediate (β = .0002, p < .05) and short‐term (β = .0002, p < .05) effect.

Linking Evidence to Action

Findings from this meta‐analysis indicated that radiotherapy‐induced fatigue (RIF) exist for more than 3 months after the completion of treatment. Assessment of radiation‐induced fatigue in cancer patients should extend long after treatment completion, especially for patients with prostate cancer and patients receiving a higher radiation dose. Interventions to reduce fatigue tailored for different treatment phases may be developed.
Feeding habits of Boana raniceps (Cope, 1862) in three mountains of Brazilian semiarid
Authors: Assunção Rodrigues Nayla Letícia , Castro Araújo Kássio , Ávila Robson Waldemar , de Andrade Etielle Barroso
Published: August 2023

Studying the trophic ecology of animals helps us understand their life history, their relationship with the environment and other species, and their role in ecosystems. In this sense, we describe the feeding habits of the hyalid frog Boana raniceps in three high-altitude mountain ranges of Northeastern Brazil, investigating intersex differences in the diet and the relationship between the size with the volume of prey consumed. Furthermore, we investigated prey-predator interactions in the Boana genus with an ecological network approach. We analyzed the stomach contents of 62 B. raniceps specimens collected in three mountains in the state of Ceará (Northeastern Brazil) and consulted data available in the literature for information on the diet of other Boana species. We identied 82 prey items distributed in eleven categories. Overall, there were no differences in the composition of B. raniceps diet among the three mountains. Although males and females shared the majority of prey items consumed, they tended to consume prey volumetrically differently, and predator size did not influence prey volume. In addition, predator-prey interactions in the genus Boana revealed low modularity, complementary specialization, and nestedness. Therefore, species of the genus Boana follow the general pattern for  the diet of most Brazilian frog species (generalist and opportunistic habits), being likely influenced by the availability of prey in the habitat. Overall, the present study constitutes a complete review of the prey items consumed by the genus Boana in Brazil, describing the general pattern of anuran-prey networks in these hylids.
Manufacturing Processes of Implantable Microelectrode Array for In Vivo Neural Electrophysiological Recordings and Stimulation: A State-Of-the-Art Review
Authors: Yi Dongyang , Yao Yao , Wang Yi , Chen Lei
Published: August 2023

Electrophysiological recording and stimulation of neuron activities are important for us to understand the function and dysfunction of the nervous system. To record/stimulate neuron activities as voltage fluctuation extracellularly, microelectrode array (MEA) implants are a promising tool to provide high temporal and spatial resolution for neuroscience studies and medical treatments. The design configuration and recording capabilities of the MEAs have evolved dramatically since their invention and manufacturing process development has been a key driving force for such advancement. Over the past decade, since the White House Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative launched in 2013, advanced manufacturing processes have enabled advanced MEAs with increased channel count and density, access to more brain areas, more reliable chronic performance, as well as minimal invasiveness and tissue reaction. In this state-of-the-art review paper, three major types of electrophysiological recording MEAs widely used nowadays, namely, microwire-based, silicon-based, and flexible MEAs are introduced and discussed. Conventional design and manufacturing processes and materials used for each type are elaborated, followed by a review of further development and recent advances in manufacturing technologies and the enabling new designs and capabilities. The review concludes with a discussion on potential future directions of manufacturing process development to enable the long-term goal of large-scale high-density brain-wide chronic recordings in freely moving animals.
Variability of Kinetic Response Estimates of Froude Scaled DeepCwind Semisubmersible Platforms Subjected to Wave Loading
Authors: Wisudawan Agro , Jaksic Vesna , Pakrashi Vikram , Murphy Jimmy
Published: August 2023

Froude scaling for Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) platforms is typical for understanding and interpreting their behavior and subsequent designs for testing in wave basins. Despite its popularity, the variability and uncertainty of the kinetic responses of such floating structures as a function of scaling require more attention. This work addresses the question of consistency of Froude scaling by comparing the hydrodynamic responses of a range of DeepCwind semisubmersible FOWT scaled models (full model, 1/2, 1/4, 1/9, 1/16, 1/25, 1/36, 1/49, and 1/50). The comparison was made both in the mooring-line tension and bending moment of structural members, which are directly related to their safety limit states. Hydrodynamic forces due to diffraction, radiation, and viscosity along with hydrostatic forces and mooring boundaries are modeled by ansys-Aqwa, which were subsequently converted to bending moment estimates. The variability of kinetic responses like mooring-line tensions and bending moment estimates was investigated for each scaled model, along with the identification of regions of inconsistencies. In the context of offshore renewable energy development through technological readiness levels, the study is especially pertinent for understanding how force variabilities and uncertainties are related to these kinetic responses of semisubmersible platforms.
Scattering of Long Waves by Freely Oscillating Submerged Plates
Authors: Chen Yongbo , Hayatdavoodi Masoud , Zhao Binbin , Cengiz Ertekin R.
Published: August 2023

We consider a horizontal, submerged plate in shallow water that is allowed to oscillate in the vertical direction due to the wave loads. The plate is attached to a linear spring and damper to control the oscillations. The focus of the study is on the transformation of the wave field by the submerged oscillating plate. To estimate energy scattering, wave reflection and transmission coefficients are determined from four wave gauges: two placed upwave and two placed downwave of the oscillating plate. The flow is governed by the nonlinear level I Green–Naghdi (GN) equations, coupled with the equations of the vertical oscillations of the plate. Time series of water surface elevation recorded at gauges upwave and downwave of the plate obtained by the GN model are compared with the available laboratory experiments and other data, and very good agreement is observed. Wave reflection and transmission coefficients are then determined for a range of involved parameters, including wave conditions (wavelength and wave height), initial submergence depth of the plate, plate length, and the spring-damper system attached to the plate. It is found that a submerged oscillating plate can have a remarkable effect on the wave field and that nonlinearity plays an important role in this wave–structure interaction problem. Discussion is provided on how the wave reflection and transmission coefficients vary with the wave conditions, plate characteristics, initial submergence depth, and spring-damper system properties.
Characterization and Deviation Analysis of a High-Flux Solar Simulator With Metal-Halide Lamps
Authors: Zhang Yuankun , Shaw Matthew , Ekman Ben , Brooks Geoffrey , Rhamdhani Muhammad Akbar , Guo Chunsheng
Published: August 2023

Utilizing highly concentrated solar power for thermochemical processing as one of the extraterrestrial in situ resource utilization (ISRU) applications has been highlighted as an essential technique to support deep-space exploration in the future. Multi-source high-flux solar simulators (HFSSs) are widely employed to provide stable irradiance for indoor solar thermal experiments. Meanwhile, numerical modeling that can characterize the radiation transport mechanisms within the solar thermal system has been developed for performance evaluation before field trials. However, significant differences between simulated and measured flux distributions were shown for existing models developed based on the Monte-Carlo ray-tracing (MCRT) method, which has been attributed to only one or two specific reasons. In this paper, we proposed a comprehensive analysis of the concentration characteristics of a 42 kW metal-halide lamp HFSS, developed at Swinburne University of Technology, considering the effect of five aspects. The flux distribution, uniformity, and vector distribution under different configurations were compared to quantify the influence of these factors on receiving irradiance. The suitable arc size, reflector shape, and reflector surface properties of the existing HFSS have also been numerically determined to improve the model and reduce the root mean square error (RMSE) for the lamp array from 38.2% to 8.3%. This research provides a potential pathway to numerically predict the radiation transfer performance of HFSSs and determine the suitable configuration for desired solar thermochemical applications.
Thermal Spreading in Isotropic Half-Space Regions
Authors: Muzychka Yuri S. , Yovanovich M. Michael
Published: August 2023

Steady or transient heat transfer occurs in a semi-infinite region or half-space z > 0, which may be isotropic or it may consist of one or more thin isotropic layers bonded to the isotropic half-space. The heat source is some planar singly or doubly connected area such as a circular annulus located in the “free” surface z = 0 of the half-space. The dimensions of the half-space are much larger than the largest dimension of the source area. The “free” surface z = 0 of the half-space outside the source area is traditionally assumed to be adiabatic.
Orthotropic Media
Authors: Muzychka Yuri S. , Yovanovich M. Michael
Published: August 2023

Conduction in orthotropic media is a special case of conduction in an anisotropic solid whereby thermal conductivity is different in each of the principal orthogonal coordinate directions. Since we are only interested in orthotropic media, the reader is referred to Carslaw and Jaeger (1959) or Ozisik (1993) for more details on anisotropic heat conduction. In general, the orthotropic system is the more common application found in microelectronics and hence, most if not all studies cited come from this field.
Broad-Host Dissemination of Plasmids Coharboring the
fos
Operon for Fructooligosaccharide Metabolism with Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Authors: Nohejl Tomas , Palkovicova Jana , Nesporova Kristina , Valcek Adam , Lausova Jarmila , Dolejska Monika
Published: August 2023

It was believed that members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
are unable to grow under conditions with short-chain fructooligosaccharides as the only source of carbon. Nevertheless, the first
Escherichia coli
isolate from chicken intestine was able to utilize these sugars owing to the chromosomally harbored
fos
operon.
Reverse genetics of parrot bornavirus 4 reveals a unique splicing of the glycoprotein gene that affects viral propagation
Authors: Komorizono Ryo , Fujino Kan , Kessler Susanne , Runge Solveig , Kanda Takehiro , Horie Masayuki , Makino Akiko , Rubbenstroth Dennis , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: August 2023

Viruses can utilize host splicing machinery to enable the expression of multiple genes from a limited-sized genome. Orthobornaviruses use alternative splicing to regulate the expression level of viral proteins and achieve efficient viral replication in the nucleus. Although more than 20 orthobornaviruses have been identified belonging to eight different viral species, virus-specific splicing has not been demonstrated. Here, we demonstrate that the glycoprotein (G) transcript of parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4; species
Orthobornavirus alphapsittaciforme
), a highly virulent virus in psittacines, undergoes mRNA splicing and expresses a soluble isoform termed sGP. Interestingly, the splicing donor for sGP is not conserved in other orthobornaviruses, including those belonging to the same orthobornavirus species, suggesting that this splicing has evolved as a PaBV-4-specific event. We have also shown that exogenous expression of sGP does not affect PaBV-4 replication or
de novo
virion infectivity. In this study, to investigate the role of sGP in viral replication, we established a reverse genetics system for PaBV-4 by using avian cell lines and generated a recombinant virus lacking the spliced mRNA for sGP. Using the recombinant viruses, we show that the replication of the sGP-deficient virus is significantly slower than that of the wild-type virus and that the exogenous expression of sGP cannot restore its propagation efficiency. These results suggest that autologous or controlled expression of sGP by splicing may be important for PaBV-4 propagation. The reverse genetics system for avian bornaviruses developed here will be a powerful tool for understanding the replication strategies and pathogenesis of avian orthobornaviruses.

IMPORTANCE

Parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) is the dominant cause of proventricular dilatation disease, a severe gastrointestinal and central nervous system disease among avian bornaviruses. In this study, we discovered that PaBV-4 expresses a soluble isoform of glycoprotein (G), called sGP, through alternative splicing of the G mRNA, which is unique to this virus. To understand the role of sGP in viral replication, we generated recombinant PaBV-4 lacking the newly identified splicing donor site for sGP using a reverse genetics system and found that its propagation was significantly slower than that of the wild-type virus, suggesting that sGP plays an essential role in PaBV-4 infection. Our results provide important insights not only into the replication strategy but also into the pathogenesis of PaBV-4, which is the most prevalent bornavirus in captive psittacines worldwide.
Rheological heterogeneities at the roots of the seismogenic zone
Authors: Volpe G. , Pozzi G. , Locchi M.E. , Tinti E. , Scuderi M.M. , Marone C. , Collettini C.
Published: August 2023

Although rheological heterogeneities are invoked to explain differences in fault-slip behavior, case studies where an interdisciplinary approach is adopted to capture their specific roles are still rare. In this work, we integrated geophysical, geological, and laboratory data to explain how rheological heterogeneities influence the earthquake activity at the roots of the seismogenic zone. During the 2016–2017 Central Italy sequence, following the major earthquakes, we observed a deepening of seismicity within the basement associated with a transient stress change. Part of this seismicity was organized in clusters of events, with similar sizes and waveforms. The structural study of exhumed basement rocks highlighted a heterogeneous fabric made of strong, quartz-rich lenses (up to 200 m) surrounded by a weak, interconnected phyllosilicate-rich matrix. Laboratory experiments simulating the main shock–induced increase in loading rate showed that the matrix lithology experienced an accelerating and self-decelerating aseismic creep, whereas the lens lithology showed dynamic instabilities. Our results suggest that the post–main shock loading rate increases favored accelerated creep within the matrix, which promoted, as a consequence, seismic instabilities within the lenses in the form of clustered seismicity. Our findings emphasize the strong connection between seismicity and the structural and frictional properties of the seismogenic zone.
Kansa talk: mapping cancer terminologies in Bagamoyo, Tanzania towards dignity-based practice
Authors: Rafiq Mohamed Yunus , Krugman Daniel W , Bapumia Fatima , Enumah Zachary , Wheatley Hannah , Tungaraza Kheri , Gerrets René , Mfuko Steve , Hall Brian James , Kasogela Optatus , Litunu Athumani , Winch Peter J
Published: August 2023

This paper reports and examines the results of qualitative research on the use of local cancer terminology in urban Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Following recent calls to unify evidence and dignity-based practices in global health, this research locates local medical sociolinguistics as a key place of entry into creating epistemologically autonomous public health practices. We used semistructured ethnographic interviews to reveal both the contextual and broader patterns related to use of local cancer terminologies among residents of Dunda Ward in urban Bagamoyo. Our findings suggest that people in Bagamoyo employ diverse terms to describe and make meanings about cancer that do not neatly fit with biomedical paradigms. This research not only opens further investigation about how ordinary people speak and make sense of the emerging cancer epidemic in places like Tanzania, but also is a window into otherwise conceptualisations of ‘intervention’ onto people in formerly colonised regions to improve a health situation. We argue that adapting biomedical concepts into local sociolinguistic and knowledge structures is an essential task in creating dignity-based, evidence-informed practices in global health.
LncRNAs: the good, the bad, and the unknown
Authors: Arunkumar Ganesan
Published: August 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant contributors in maintaining genomic integrity through epigenetic regulation. LncRNAs can interact with chromatin-modifying complexes in both cis and trans pathways, drawing them to specific genomic loci and influencing gene expression via DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin remodeling. They can also operate as building blocks to assemble different chromatin-modifying components, facilitating their interactions and gene regulatory functions. Deregulation of these molecules has been associated with various human diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Thus, lncRNAs are implicated as potential diagnostic indicators and therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of how lncRNAs mediate epigenetic control, genomic integrity, and their putative functions in disease pathogenesis.
Placenta-on-a-chip: Response of neural cells to pharmaceutical agents transported across the placental barrier
Authors: Pemathilaka Rajeendra L. , Hashemi Nicole N.
Published: August 2023

Striving for sustainable drug discovery, we have presented a proof-of-concept for studying the effects of pharmaceutical agents transported across the placental barrier on neural cells. The potential effects of pharmaceutical agents on fetus have made concerns about their use and require more studies to address these concerns. A placenta-on-a-chip model was fabricated and tested for transport of naltrexone (NTX) and its primary metabolite 6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol. The NTX/6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol transported from the maternal channel to the fetal channel was then collected from the fetal channel. To evaluate the behavior of neural cells following exposure to NTX and 6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol, perfusate from the fetal channel was directed toward the cultured N27 neural cells. Neural cells exposed to the transported NTX/6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol were then evaluated for gene expression and cell viability. Results showed significantly higher fold changes in IL-6 and TNF-[Formula: see text] expression when exposed to NTX/6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol. However, a lower fold change in IL-1[Formula: see text] expression was observed, while it remained the same in sphingosine kinase (sphk)1. Also, cell viability with NTX/6[Formula: see text]-naltrexol exposure was determined to be significantly lower ([Formula: see text]). This study has the potential to reveal the impact of pharmaceutical agents on the developing neural system of fetuses and their premature brains.