bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root and Microbial Soil CO2 and CH4 Fluxes Respond Differently to Seasonal and Episodic Environmental Changes in a Temperate Forest
Authors: Hopple A. M. , Pennington S. C. , Megonigal J. P. , Bailey V. , Bond‐Lamberty B.
Published: July 2023

Upland forest soils are typically major atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) sources and methane (CH4) sinks, but the contributions of root and microbial processes, as well as their separate temporal responses to environmental change, remain poorly understood. This 2‐year study was conducted in a temperate, deciduous forest located on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA. We used temporal CO2 and CH4 flux measurements, exclusion‐source partitioning, and an ecosystem‐scale flooding experiment to understand how carbon (C) fluxes, and their root and microbial sources, respond to seasonal and episodic environmental change. We show that the root‐and‐rhizosphere component of soil CO2 and CH4 flux is significant and that its dependence on soil temperature and volumetric water content (VWC) influences soil C dynamics at seasonal timescales. Experimental flooding shows that CO2 and CH4 flux responses to episodic moisture change were driven by suppression of soil heterotrophs, while root respiration did not respond to transient hydrologic disturbance. Methane uptake responded strongly to episodic inundation, reinforcing the important role of soil moisture in the short‐term control of the forest soil CH4 sink. However, despite the clear seasonality of CH4 uptake, as well as its strong response to short‐term experimental inundation, temperature and VWC were weak predictors of CH4 uptake at a seasonal timescale. We suggest that CH4 consumption in the long‐term may be determined by vegetation, nutrients, microbial communities, or other factors correlated with seasonal changes. Our results indicate that root and microbial sources of both CO2 and CH4 flux respond differently in timing and magnitude to seasonal and episodic environmental change.
Response of Future Summer Marine Heatwaves in the South China Sea to Enhanced Western Pacific Subtropical High
Authors: Song Qianghua , Yao Yulong , Wang Chunzai
Published: July 2023

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prevalent in the South China Sea (SCS) and are primarily caused by the anomalous western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) which suppresses the SCS summer monsoon. Our study investigates future summer MHWs in the SCS in response to the enhanced WPSH. The results show that the WPSH will be strengthened in most models under the highest emission scenario. Total days of summer SCS MHWs will significantly increase with the enhancement of the WPSH and peak at the end of the 21st century. The high‐value area of total days of summer MHWs (>50 days) appears in the south‐central SCS. The intensity of MHWs exhibits little response to the strengthening WPSH. In addition, the weakening of the SCS cold filament due to the anomalous WPSH also favors summer MHWs. Furthermore, increased future severe summer SCS MHWs will create a higher bleaching risk for coral reefs.
Multiple Seepage‐Faces in Tidal Flat With Very Gentle Slopes
Authors: Wang Tianwei , Zhang Kexin , Li Hailong , Zheng Yan , Luo Manhua , Zeng Zhenzhong , Yu Shengchao , Shen Chengji , Jiao Jiu Jimmy
Published: July 2023

Large‐scale seepage‐faces occur on small‐slope tidal flats. All previous studies assume that the seepage‐face has only one single exit point. Here we show via numerical simulations of tidally‐influenced groundwater flow that, in a two‐dimensional vertical, homogeneous transect of a tidal flat with gentle beach slope of 1‰, multiple seepage‐faces may occur with at most four unsaturated beach surface segments which separate four seepage‐faces. Salinity‐variation induced density‐dependent flow leads to this complex phenomenon. While the seepage‐faces are the groundwater discharging zones on the beach surface, the unsaturated zones are the recharging zones. The whole aquifer beneath the tidal flat is almost occupied by seawater and forms a wall blocking the horizontal seaward discharge of inland fresh groundwater so that inland freshwater discharges mainly occur near the high tide mark. This is in great contrast with the traditional results that inland freshwater discharge occurs mainly near low tide mark.
Distinct neurocognitive fingerprints reflect differential associations with risky and impulsive behavior in a neurotypical sample
Authors: Ruiz Sonia G. , Brazil Inti A. , Baskin-Sommers Arielle
Published: July 2023

Engagement in risky and impulsive behavior has long been associated with deficits in neurocognition. However, we have a limited understanding of how multiple subfunctions of neurocognition co-occur within individuals and which combinations of neurocognitive subfunctions are most relevant for risky and impulsive behavior. Using the neurotypical Nathan Kline Institute Rockland Sample (N = 673), we applied a Bayesian latent feature learning model—the Indian Buffet Process—to identify nuanced, individual-specific profiles of multiple neurocognitive subfunctions and examine their relationship to risky and impulsive behavior. All features were within a relatively normative range of neurocognition; however, there was subtle variability related to risky and impulsive behaviors. The relatively overall poorer neurocognition feature correlated with greater affective impulsivity and substance use patterns/problems. The poorer episodic memory and emotion feature correlated with greater trait externalizing and sensation-seeking. The poorer attention feature correlated with increased trait externalizing and negative urgency but decreased positive urgency and substance use. Finally, the average or mixed features negatively correlated with various risky and impulsive behaviors. Estimating nuanced patterns of co-occurring neurocognitive functions can inform our understanding of a continuum of risky and impulsive behaviors.
A multi-constraint and multi-objective optimization layout method for a mine water inrush monitoring network
Authors: Du Zhili , Wu Qiang , Zhao Yingwang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yao Yi
Published: July 2023

Mine water inrush can cause property losses and casualties, but current theoretical and technological approaches cannot accurately predict such events. Through the networked deployment of water level sensors along a mine roadway, a mine water inrush monitoring network was developed, and a multi-constraint and multi-objective optimal deployment method was established. By setting practical constraints of the mining area, water inrush risk level, and installation at specified locations, and considering two objective functions of minimum total cost and minimum average monitoring time, a mathematical model was established. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) was designed to solve the model. The method temporally and spatially optimized the network, which was then verified in the Beiyangzhuang coal mine in north China. The average response time of the monitoring network was 916 s using only 28 water level sensors. The higher the water inrush risk level, the shorter the monitoring network response time. Under the 2, 3, and 4 risk levels, the network’s response time to simulated water inrush accidents was less than 3000, 2100, and 900 s, respectively. The multi-constraint and multi-objective optimization layout method further enhanced the effectiveness of the network, providing a novel system for the early warning of mine water inrush.
Survey of the Routine Practice Limits for Physiologic and Technical Parameters Managed by Clinical Perfusionists during Adult Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Searles Bruce , Darling Edward M. , Riley Jeffrey B. , Wiles Jason R.
Published: July 2023

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a highly technical clinical discipline with a recognized variability in practice. Professional standards and guidelines documents help direct clinical practice and reduce variability, but these guidelines are necessarily vague and fall short of providing specific objective recommendations of clinical practice metrics. If clinical practice metrics were known, they would be informative when writing departmental policy manuals, structuring quality improvement initiatives, describing product R&D specifications, and designing educational assessment rubrics. Therefore, to address this gap, we conducted a national survey of clinical practice with the purpose of producing a benchmark of the typical variability of specific technical parameters that are commonly managed during adult CPB procedures. A pool of expert clinical perfusionists collaborated to compile a data set of normal ranges for 41 individual physiologic and technical parameters (pressures, flows, saturation, times, solutions, and temperatures) that are commonly managed during adult CPB procedures. Results were collected using an online survey application. Respondent demographics and measures of central tendency with descriptive quartile statistics and confidence intervals for each parameter are presented. Of the 335 people who participated in the survey, 315 met the inclusion criteria. The geographic demographics of the respondents were representative of the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion’s distribution of certified clinical perfusionists. Of the 41 parameters investigated, there were 13 hemodynamic parameters, 13 normal flow rates and technical circuit parameters, 10 blood gasses and hematocrit parameters, and five parameters of patient temperatures. The data presented here are informative and provide a consensus-based objective assessment of the standard practice for adult CPB as reported by practicing clinical perfusionists. Based on these survey data, we have identified the typical clinical limits for the 41 parameters that are managed during adult CPB. This information may be incorporated into guiding documents to support the work of clinicians, researchers, and educators.
Hematic Antegrade Repriming: A Reproducible Method to Decrease the Cardiopulmonary Bypass Insult
Authors: Blanco-Morillo Juan , Arribas-Leal José María , Farina Piero , Fernández-González Angel Luis , Sornichero-Caballero Ángel , Ramírez-Romero Pablo , Chen Tyler N. , Salmerón-Martínez Diego , Cánovas-López Sergio Juan
Published: July 2023

The current practice of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) requires a preoperative priming of the circuit that is frequently performed with crystalloid solutions. Crystalloid priming avoids massive embolism but is unable to eliminate all microbubbles contained in the circuit. In addition, it causes a sudden hemodilution which is correlated with transfusion requirements and an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Several repriming techniques using autologous blood, collectively termed retrograde autologous priming (RAP), have been demonstrated to reduce the hemodilutional impact of CPB. However, the current heterogeneity in the practice of RAP limits its evidence and benefits. Here, we describe hematic antegrade repriming as an easy and reliable method that could be applied with any circuit in the market to decrease transfusion requirements, emboli, and inflammatory responses, reducing costs and the impact of CPB on postoperative recovery.
Remote Technologies to Enhance Service Delivery for Adults: Clinical Research Perspectives
Authors: Ferguson Melanie A. , Eikelboom Robert H. , Sucher Cathy M. , Maidment David W. , Bennett Rebecca J.
Published: July 2023

There are many examples of remote technologies that are clinically effective and provide numerous benefits to adults with hearing loss. Despite this, the uptake of remote technologies for hearing healthcare has been both low and slow until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a key driver for change globally. The time is now right to take advantage of the many benefits that remote technologies offer, through clinical, consumer, or hybrid services and channels. These include greater access and choice, better interactivity and engagement, and tailoring of technologies to individual needs, leading to clients who are better informed, enabled, and empowered to self-manage their hearing loss. This article provides an overview of the clinical research evidence-base across a range of remote technologies along the hearing health journey. This includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, methods to ensure the end-users' voice is at the core of the research, thereby promoting person-centered principles. Most of these remote technologies are available and some are already in use, albeit not widespread. Finally, whenever new technologies or processes are implemented into services, be they clinical, hybrid, or consumer, careful consideration needs to be given to the required behavior change of the key people (e.g., clients and service providers) to facilitate and optimize implementation.
Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index version 7.2
Authors: Okada Akiko , Hayashi Kanako , Ichikura Kanako , Kato Naoko P , Wakabayashi Rumi , Nagao Noriko , Tsuchihashi-Makaya Miyuki
Published: July 2023

Aims

It is more important for patients with heart failure (HF) to objectively identify their self-care status. The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (SCHFI) version 7.2 is a reliable and valid instrument comprising three scales: self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management. We aimed to translate the SCHFI v.7.2 into Japanese and test its validity and reliability.

Methods and results

This was a cross-sectional study. Two translators performed forward and backward translations between English and Japanese. To assess structural validity, confirmatory factor analyses were performed using the structure of the original version. To assess convergent validity, the associations between each scale and self-care self-efficacy were evaluated. To assess internal consistency, model-based internal consistency coefficients were calculated. Participants were 314 Japanese outpatients with HF (mean age: 72.8 ± 12.8 years). Regarding structural validity, all scales showed adequate model fit indices, supporting a two-factor structure with items similar to those in the original version. However, to improve the model fit indices, it was necessary to add error correlations for the self-care maintenance and symptom perception scales. Regarding convergent validity, all scales showed significant associations with self-care self-efficacy. Regarding internal consistency, the model-based internal consistency coefficients were sufficient for all scales (0.739, 0.908, and 0.783 for the self-care maintenance, symptom perception, and self-care management scales, respectively).

Conclusion

The Japanese version of the SCHFI v.7.2 had adequate validity and reliability. This instrument is useful for assessing self-care in Japanese HF patients. However, factors influencing self-care should be considered when interpreting results.
Outcome of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pediatric Patients Without Congenital Cardiac Disease: Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Study
Authors: Beni Catherine E. , Rice-Townsend Samuel E. , Esangbedo Ivie D. , Jancelewicz Tim , Vogel Adam M. , Newton Christopher , Boomer Laura , Rothstein David H.
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To describe the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in pediatric patients without congenital heart disease (CHD) and identify associations with in-hospital mortality, with a specific focus on initial arrest rhythm.

DESIGN:

Retrospective cohort study using data from pediatric patients enrolled in Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019.

SETTING:

International, multicenter.

PATIENTS:

We included ECPR patients under 18 years old, and excluded those with CHD. Subgroup analysis of patients with initial arrest rhythm.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We identified 567 patients: neonates (12%), infants (27%), children between 1 and 5 years old (25%), and children over 5 years old (36%). The patient cohort included 51% males, 43% of White race, and 89% not obese. Most suffered respiratory disease (26%), followed by acquired cardiac disease (25%) and sepsis (12%). In-hospital mortality was 59%. We found that obesity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.28; 95% CI, 1.21–4.31) and traumatic injury (aOR, 6.94; 95% CI, 1.55–30.88) were associated with greater odds of in-hospital mortality. We also identified lower odds of death associated with White race (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45–0.91), ventricular tachycardia (VT) as an initial arrest rhythm (aOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16–0.78), return of spontaneous circulation before cannulation (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35–0.9), and acquired cardiac disease (aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.29–0.64). Respiratory disease was associated with greater odds of severe neurologic complications (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06–2.54).

CONCLUSIONS:

In children without CHD undergoing ECPR, we found greater odds of in-hospital mortality were associated with either obesity or trauma. The ELSO dataset also showed that other variables were associated with lesser odds of mortality, including VT as an initial arrest rhythm. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the reasons for these survival differences.
Delayed Surgical Intervention After Chemoradiotherapy in Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chidambaram Swathikan , Owen Richard , Sgromo Bruno , Chmura Magdalena , Kisiel Aaron , Evans Richard , Griffiths Ewen A , Castoro Carlo , Gronnier Caroline , MaoAwyes M , Gutschow Christian A , Piessen Guillaume , Degisors Sébastien , Alvieri Rita , Feldman H , Capovilla Giovanni , Grimminger Peter P , Han Shiwei , Low Donald E , Moore Jonathan , Gossage James , Voeten Dan , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Ruurda Jelle , van Hillegersberg Richard , D’journo Xavier Benoit , Phillips Alexander W , Rosati Ricardo , Hanna George B , Maynard Nick , Hofstetter W , Ferri Lorenzo , Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Markar Sheraz R. ,   Sponsoring ESA Member*
Published: July 2023

Background:

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a core component of multimodality treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer. The timing of surgery following CRT may influence the probability of performing an oncological resection and the associated operative morbidity.

Objective:

To determine the impact of delayed surgical intervention following CRT on survival from esophageal cancer.

Methods:

This was an international, multi-center, cohort study, including patients from seventeen centers who received CRT followed by surgery between 2010-2020. In the main analysis patients were divided into four groups based upon the interval between chemoradiotherapy and surgery (0-50, 51-100, 101-200 and >200 d) to assess the impact upon 90-day mortality and 5-year overall survival (OS). Multivariable logistic and Cox regression provided hazard rations (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) adjusted for relevant patient, oncological and pathological confounding factors.

Results:

2,867 patients who underwent esophagectomy after CRT were included. After adjustment for relevant confounders, prolonged interval following CRT was associated with an increased 90-day mortality compared to 0-50 days (reference): 51-100 days (HR=1.54, 95%CI 1.04-2.29), 101-200 days (HR=2.14, 95%CI 1.37-3.35) and >200 days (HR=3.06, 95%CI 1.64-5.69). Similarly, a poorer 5-year OS was also observed with prolonged interval following CRT compared to 0-50 days (reference): 101-200 days (HR=1.41, 95%CI 1.17-1.70) and >200 days (HR=1.64, 95%CI 1.24-2.17).

Conclusion:

Prolonged interval following CRT before esophagectomy is associated with increased 90-day mortality and poorer long-term survival. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanism that underpins these adverse outcomes observed with a prolonged interval to surgery.
Lubricating characteristics and sealing performance of mixed TEHD analysis of piston-cylinder interface in the piston pump
Authors: Yan Kanghao , Huang Dan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

In high-pressure pumps, due to the interaction of asperities on the upper and lower surfaces, the piston–cylinder interface suffers severe lubrication and sealing problems during mixed lubrication. This study aims to establish a mixed thermo-elastohydrodynamic (EHD) model for the lubrication gap to determine how working conditions affect the lubricating characteristics and sealing performance of the interface.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed thermo-EHD lubrication model is established to investigate the lubricating characteristics and sealing performance of the interface between the piston and cylinder. The model considers piston tilting, thermal effect, surface roughness and bushing deformation. The interface lubricating characteristics and sealing performance under different working conditions are calculated by the proposed numerical model.

Findings

A higher inlet pressure contributes to an increase in the minimum film thickness. Increased shaft speed can significantly reduce the minimum film thickness, resulting in severe wear. Compared to roughness, the impact of the thermal effect on the interface sealing performance is more significant.

Originality/value

The proposed lubrication model in this study offers a theoretical framework to evaluate the lubricating characteristics and sealing performance at the lubrication gap. Furthermore, the results provide references for properly selecting piston-cylinder surface processing parameters.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2023-0072/
Turkish coffee bean imports: asymmetric exchange rate pass-through analysis
Authors: Durmaz Nazif , Zheng Shuzhe
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As one of the world's most valuable traded commodities, the market for coffee beans has grown enormously in recent years. The paper aims on analyzing the nonlinear exchange rate pass-through in Turkish coffee bean imports from two important sources in South America: Brazil and Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected in this paper through reliable channels include nominal import value, exchange rate, production of total industry, etc. Independent and dependent variables are obtained through conversion. Since the nonlinearly adjusted exchange rate differs significantly from the linearly adjusted one for the export trade of Brazilian coffee beans, this paper develops the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and nonlinear ARDL frameworks and demonstrates their application through asymmetric cointegration and error correction models.

Findings

The results of this paper show that imports of Brazilian coffee bean exhibit a more dramatic asymmetry compared to Colombia's coffee bean imports. The results of this study contribute to the import trade of non-oil commodities in developing countries, particularly Brazil, and enrich the existing literature on nonlinear exchange rate adjustments.

Research limitations/implications

The export of Colombian coffee beans is not as old as Brazil, and it was not until much later that Colombia began to export coffee beans to the rest of the world.

Originality/value

The present study is an addition to the literature of agricultural trade. The authors analyze the nonlinear exchange rate pass-through in Turkish coffee bean imports from two important sources in South America: Brazil and Colombia. Different from the current mainstream research on oil commodity trade, this paper focuses on international trade from the perspective of coffee beans, which can enlighten the practice in this field.
Improving manufacturing supply chain performance: nexus of industrial Internet of Things, blockchain technology and innovativeness
Authors: Rehman Shafique Ur , Usman Muhammad , Fernando Yudi , Kamarudin Diyana , Waheed Abdul
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to model the mediating effects of facilitating conditions and innovativeness in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and blockchain technology (BT) on manufacturing supply chain performance (MSCP).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least square structural equation modelling was used to test the goodness of the model fit and hypotheses by using SmartPLS 3.3.3. Data was collected from 464 managers in Pakistan’s automotive industry through a stratified random sampling technique.

Findings

IIoT, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness significantly enhanced the MSCP. Therefore, the mediation between facilitating conditions and innovativeness to IIoT and BT adoption was significant in the MSCP.

Practical implications

The adoption of digital technology to improve the MSCP can assist companies in reducing the cost of complex procurement, production and distribution processes through secured and efficient operations. Furthermore, organisations must establish a conducive atmosphere that fosters experimentation, collaboration and resource allocation towards technological advancements to capitalise on the advantages of these technologies effectively.

Originality/value

This study developed a research model integrating IIoT technology, BT, facilitating conditions and innovativeness to determine the MSCP under the resource-based view theory. The outcome of this study could help organisations design a framework to improve supply chain performance by integrating innovativeness.
A strain rate-dependent analytical approach for low-velocity impact on the beam composed of silicon-nitride and stainless-steel
Authors: Ranjbar-Roeintan Mehdi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the strain rate effect on the problem of low-velocity impact (LVI) on a beam, including silicon nitride and stainless steel materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the nonlinear Hertz impact mechanism, the energies related to the impactor and the beam are written, and motion equations are derived using the Lagrangian mechanics and Ritz method. The strain rate term is represented as a damping matrix in the equations of motion. In the issue of LVI on the silicon nitride and stainless steel beam, the effect of internal viscous damping coefficient in simply–simply and clamped–free boundary conditions are studied. Also, the influence of the volume fraction index in the range between zero and one and greater than one on the impact response is investigated.

Findings

The results make it clear that the strain rate parameter had little effect on the response in LVI. Also, an increase in the volume fraction index has led to a decrease in the contact force and an increase in the rebound velocity of the impactor.

Originality/value

The effect of strain rate on LVI is theoretically studied in this paper, while in most of the papers, this effect is investigated experimentally and numerically.
Elderly functionality and its associated factors in a rural context of Colombia: a structural equations model
Authors: Yarce-Pinzón Eunice , Paredes-Arturo Yenny Vicky , Florez-Madroñero Andrea , Aguirre-Acevedo Daniel Camilo , Diaz-Velásquez Diego Mauricio
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with functionality, a clinical criterion that could predict frailty in the elderly people in a rural context.

Design/methodology/approach

This project is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of 342 adults of age >60 years who are residents of Putumayo province in Colombia. Information regarding demographic characteristics, medical history, health perception and current illness was collected. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) protocol was used to perform cognitive evaluation; the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used to establish depressive symptoms; and the Hamilton Rating Scale was used to assess anxiety level. Questionnaire was used to evaluate performance on instrumental activities of daily living that lead to functional independence [daily life questionnaire (DLQ)]. The medical outcomes study scale was used to assess social parameters.

Findings

A moderate and negative correlation was found between the DLQ score and age (r = −0.49; 95% CI: −0.57 to −0.47), whereas a positive correlation was found with education (r = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.07–0.27). Older adults with economic independence achieved a higher score in functional performance than those with economic dependence (standardized mean difference = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33–0.77). This study observed a moderate correlation a moderate correlation between the MMSE cognitive performance (r = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48−0.63) and the depressive symptomatology of Yesavage Scale (r = −0.36, 95% CI: −0.44 to −0.26). Finally, the structural model determined that age (r = −0.37), economic dependence (r = −0.383) and cognitive state (r = 0.309) determine the functional component.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides empirical support about older adults living in rural contexts, around the functionality variable from a multidimensional approach, highlighting the sociodemographic and cognitive variables. Consequently, the policy of social support in older adults must be oriented toward the development of a range of divergent intervention strategies.

Originality/value

The study deals with the assessment of functionality in the elderly people from an interdisciplinary approach in the rural setting which presents a greater risk of physical and socioeconomic vulnerability. Therefore, the community, the health professionals and the government entities should help implement active aging programs for this population.
Diversity of ‘simple’ multicellular eukaryotes: 45 independent cases and six types of multicellularity
Authors: Lamża Łukasz
Published: July 2023

Multicellularity evolved multiple times in the history of life, with most reviewers agreeing that it appeared at least 20 times in eukaryotes. However, a specific list of multicellular eukaryotes with clear criteria for inclusion has not yet been published. Herein, an updated critical review of eukaryotic multicellularity is presented, based on current understanding of eukaryotic phylogeny and new discoveries in microbiology, phycology and mycology. As a result, 45 independent multicellular lineages are identified that fall into six distinct types. Functional criteria, as distinct from a purely topological definition of a cell, are introduced to bring uniformity and clarity to the existing definitions of terms such as colony, multicellularity, thallus or plasmodium. The category of clonal multicellularity is expanded to include: (i) septated multinucleated thalli found in Pseudofungi and early‐branching Fungi such as Chytridiomycota and Blastocladiomycota; and (ii) multicellular reproductive structures formed by plasmotomy in intracellular parasites such as Phytomyxea. Furthermore, (iii) endogeneous budding, as found in Paramyxida, is described as a form of multicellularity. The best‐known case of clonal multicellularity, i.e. (iv) non‐separation of cells after cell division, as known from Metazoa and Ochrophyta, is also discussed. The category of aggregative multicellularity is expanded to include not only (v) pseudoplasmodial forms, such a sorocarp‐forming Acrasida, but also (vi) meroplasmodial organisms, such as members of Variosea or Filoreta. A common set of topological, geometric, genetic and life‐cycle criteria are presented that form a coherent, philosophically sound framework for discussing multicellularity. A possibility of a seventh type of multicellularity is discussed, that of multi‐species superorganisms formed by protists with obligatory bacterial symbionts, such as some members of Oxymonada or Parabasalia. Its inclusion is dependent on the philosophical stance taken towards the concepts of individuality and organism in biology. Taxa that merit special attention are identified, such as colonial Centrohelea, and a new speculative form of multicellularity, possibly present in some reticulopodial amoebae, is briefly described. Because of insufficient phylogenetic and morphological data, not all lineages could be unequivocally identified, and the true total number of all multicellular eukaryotic lineages is therefore higher, likely close to a hundred.
Right‐to‐left ventricular ratio is higher in systole than diastole in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Lyhne Mads Dam , Dudzinski David M. , Andersen Asger , Nielsen‐Kudsk Jens Erik , Muzikansky Alona , Kabrhel Christopher
Published: July 2023

Objectives

In acute pulmonary embolism (PE), the right ventricle (RV) may dilate compromising left ventricular (LV) size, thereby increasing RV/LV ratio. End‐diastolic RV/LV ratio is often used in PE risk stratification, though the cause of death is RV systolic failure. We aimed to confirm our pre‐clinical observations of higher RV/LV ratio in systole compared to diastole in human patients with PE.

Methods

We blinded and independently analyzed echocardiograms from 606 patients with PE, evaluated by a Pulmonary Embolism Response Team. We measured RV/LV ratios in end‐systole and end‐diastole and fractional area change (FAC). Our primary outcome was a composite of 7‐day clinical deterioration, treatment escalation or death. Secondary outcomes were 7‐day and 30‐day all‐cause mortality.

Results

RV/LV ratio was higher in systole compared to diastole (median 1.010 [.812–1.256] vs. .975 [.843–1.149], p < .0001). RV/LV in systole and diastole were correlated (slope = 1.30 [95% CI 1.25–1.35], p < .0001 vs. slope = 1). RV/LV ratios in both systole and diastole were associated with the primary composite outcome but not with all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

The RV/LV ratio is higher when measured in systole versus in diastole in patients with acute PE. The two approaches had similar associations with clinical outcomes, that is, it appears reasonable to measure RV/LV ratio in diastole.
Deliberation on debilitating condition of cancer cachexia: Skeletal muscle wasting
Authors: Dave Srusti , Patel Bhoomika M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome associated with marked body loss because of muscular atrophy and fat loss. There are several mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of cachexia. The presence of the tumor releases cytokines from inflammatory and immune cells, which play a significant role in activating and deactivating certain pathways associated with protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. This review focuses on various cascades involving an imbalance between protein synthesis and degradation in the skeletal muscles.

Objectives

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in skeletal muscle wasting phenomenon over the last few years.

Methods

This article briefly overviews different pathways responsible for muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia. Studies published up to April 2023 were included. Important findings and study contributions were chosen and compiled using several databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and ClinicalTrials.gov using relevant keywords.

Results

Cancer cachexia is a complex disease involving multiple factors resulting in atrophy of skeletal muscles. Systemic inflammation, altered energy balance and carbohydrate metabolism, altered lipid and protein metabolism, and adipose tissue browning are some of the major culprits in cancer cachexia. Increased protein degradation and decreased protein synthesis lead to muscle atrophy. Changes in signaling pathway like ubiquitin‐proteasome, autophagy, mTOR, AMPK, and IGF‐1 also lead to muscle wasting. Physical exercise, nutritional supplementation, steroids, myostatin inhibitors, and interventions targeting on inflammation have been investigated to treat cancer cachexia. Some therapy showed positive results in preclinical and clinical settings, although more research on the efficacy and safety of the treatment should be done.

Conclusion

Muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia is the result of multiple complex mechanisms; as a result, a lot more research has been done to describe the pathophysiology of the disease. Targeted therapy and multimodal interventions can improve clinical outcomes for patients.
A Novel Alkali Precipitation Method for Tungsten Separation and High‐Precision Isotopic Measurement in Geological Samples
Authors: Qin Zheng , Wang Cuiping , Zhou Wenjun , Liu Huanxin , Gao Ruohan , Li Jie , Liu Jingao
Published: July 2023

Tungsten (W) isotopes are useful tools in geological and cosmochemical research, but the chemical separation of W is cumbersome for high‐precision measurement. Here, a novel alkali (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) precipitation method for separation and purification of W in geological samples is described, which simplifies the chemical procedure. The amphoteric character of W is exploited to separate it from most matrix elements in alkaline conditions. Subsequently, TEVA resin was applied to further purify W for measurements using a multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer. Importantly, the introduction of a certain amount of Na in the W analyte can increase the signal intensity by approximately 1.6 times, which may be caused by Coulomb fission. Such Na‐triggered signal enhancement reduces the test portion mass required for analysis. Our results show that the Alfa Aesar W standard solution and geological reference materials JB‐3, BCR‐2 and BHVO‐2 yield 182W/184W ratios consistent with previously reported values within uncertainty. Repeated measurement of the Alfa Aesar W standard solution shows that the intermediate precision of 182W/184W was better than 5 ppm (2s), which is sufficient to identify subtle 182W isotope variations in terrestrial and extra‐terrestrial samples. Above all, the alkali precipitation method in this study optimises the experimental process and mass spectrometric analysis.
Consistent imprints of elevation, soil temperature and moisture on plant and arthropod communities across two subarctic landscapes
Authors: Peña‐Aguilera Pablo , Schmidt Niels M. , Stewart Lærke , Parisy Bastien , van der Wal René , Lindman Ly , Vesterinen Eero J. , Maclean Ilya M. D. , Kankaanpää Tuomas , Wirta Helena , Roslin Tomas
Published: July 2023

Factors shaping arthropod and plant community structure at fine spatial scales are poorly understood. This includes microclimate, which likely plays a large role in shaping local community patterns, especially in heterogeneous landscapes characterised by high microclimatic variability in space and in time.

We explored differences in local microclimatic conditions and regional species pools in two subarctic regions: Kilpisjärvi in north‐west Finland and Varanger in north‐east Norway. We then investigated the relationship between fine‐scale climatic variation and local community characteristics (species richness and abundance) among plants and arthropods, differentiating the latter into two groups: flying and ground‐dwelling arthropods collected by Malaise and pitfall traps, respectively. Arthropod taxa were identified through DNA metabarcoding. Finally, we examined if plant richness can be used to predict patterns in arthropod communities.

Variation in soil temperature, moisture and snow depth proved similar between regions, despite differences in absolute elevation. For each group of organisms, we found that about half of the species were shared between Kilpisjärvi and Varanger, with a quarter unique to each region.

Plants and arthropods responded largely to the same drivers. The richness and abundance of both groups decreased as elevation increased and were positively correlated with higher soil moisture and temperature values. Plant species richness was a poor predictor of local arthropod richness, in particular for ground‐dwelling arthropods.

Our results reveal how microclimatic variation within each region carves pronounced, yet consistent patterns in local community richness and abundance out of a joint species pool.
Post‐national brand utopias: Islamic State and the Good Country as challengers to the nation‐state
Authors: Kaneva Nadia
Published: July 2023

This study presents a critical discourse analysis of two ideological challengers to the nation‐state: (1) Islamic State, which declared a Caliphate in 2014, and (2) the Good Country, a virtual state founded in 2018. While rooted in dramatically different ideologies, both projects explicitly reject nationalism and rely on media and promotional discourses to build support for their post‐national utopias. The study addresses three research questions: (1) How does each project challenge nationalism and the nation‐state? (2) What alternative utopia does each articulate? (3) How does promotional discourse shape their respective challenges and utopias? The analysis finds significant differences in the challenges, but also important similarities in the utopias, namely, (1) a multi‐cultural, multi‐ethnic, multi‐racial vision of post‐national collectivities; (2) a devaluing of the importance of bounded territorial sovereignty; and (3) an emphasis on individualization and taking personal action to ‘opt into’ a post‐national state based on shared values.
PIF3 is phosphorylated by MAPK to modulate plant immunity
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zheng Xiaojuan , Zhang Xiaojuan , Wang Wei , Cai Gaihong , Bi Guozhi , Chen She , Sun Chuanqing , Zhou Jian‐Min
Published: July 2023

Surface‐localized pattern recognition receptors perceive pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to activate pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI). Activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represents a major PTI response.

Here, we report that Arabidopsis thaliana PIF3 negatively regulates plant defense gene expression and resistance to Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. PAMPs trigger phosphorylation of PIF3. Further study reveals that PIF3 interacts with and is phosphorylated by MPK3/6.

By mass spectrometry and site‐directed mutagenesis, we identified the corresponding phosphorylation sites which fit for SP motif. We further show that a phospho‐mimicking PIF3 variant (PIF36D/pifq) conferred increased susceptibility to P. syringae DC3000 and caused lower levels of defense gene expression in plants.

Together, this study reveals that PIF3 is phosphorylated by MPK3/6 and phosphorylation of the SP motif residues is required for its negative regulation on plant immunity.
Micro‐spatial flood risk assessment in Nagaon district, Assam (India) using GIS‐based multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP)
Authors: Bhuyan Manash Jyoti , Deka Nityananda , Saikia Ashish
Published: July 2023

Nagaon is one of the highly flood‐prone districts of Assam, India that recurrently experiences devastating floods resulting in the loss of lives and property and wreaking havoc on the district's socioeconomic infrastructure. Identification and mapping of spatial patterns of flood hazards, flood vulnerability, and flood risk zones (FRZs) of the district are, therefore, crucial for flood management and mitigation. The present study, therefore, attempts to delineate the FRZs of more than 930 villages in the Nagaon district by integrating the flood hazard and vulnerability layers in the geospatial environment using the multi‐criteria decision analysis and analytical hierarchy process techniques. Here, seven flood hazard and vulnerability indicators are considered to derive each layer separately. The results indicate that about 15.14% of the district's total villages are in the very high FRZ, 27.93% in the high, 46.62% in the moderate, and 10.3% in the low FRZ. Further, bivariate correlation analysis is used to evaluate the results with the percentages of the population, cropland, and animals affected by floods at different temporal scales in order to ensure that the revenue circles with a higher percentage of area under high and very high FRZs genuinely have higher percentages of flood‐affected cropland, people, and livestock. The significance of this research is evident in its pragmatic findings that could aid the stakeholders in managing and reducing flood risk at micro‐spatial scales.
Chronic illness and COVID‐19‐related risk and protective behaviors
Authors: Beam Aislinn B. , Johnson Angela E. , Alegria Katie E. , Fleszar‐Pavlović Sara E. , Ngo Dalena , Song Anna V. , Howell Jennifer L.
Published: July 2023

People with chronic illnesses are at increased risk of contracting COVID‐19. Still, little is known about whether such an increased risk relates to COVID‐19‐related protective behaviors among those with chronic illness. This study compares the self‐reported COVID‐19 risky and protective behaviors—specifically physically distancing, handwashing, and having houseguests—of people (N = 936) (1) living with chronic illnesses or (2) cohabiting with someone with chronic illness to those who fall in neither category at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020). Study results were mixed: people with a chronic illness were more likely to have had houseguests in the past 5 days and less likely to have increased their handwashing in response to the pandemic, but were also more likely to physical distance when outside the home. Those cohabiting with someone with a chronic illness were more likely to have had houseguests, but did not differ in other outcomes.
Matrix completion of world trade: An analysis of interpretability through Shapley values
Authors: Gnecco Giorgio , Nutarelli Federico , Riccaboni Massimo
Published: July 2023

Economic complexity and machine learning have recently become popular approaches for analysing international trade. However, for effective use of machine learning in relation to economic complexity and policymaking, it is important to understand what are the key features for predictions. In this framework, this article addresses the issue of the interpretability of results obtained with a machine learning technique—namely, matrix completion—when applied to economic complexity, specifically in predicting revealed comparative advantages (RCAs) of countries in different product categories. Shapley values are used to measure the role each country plays in predicting the RCAs of other countries. Countries relevant for prediction may differ from countries whose RCA values are similar to those of the country of interest when a standard similarity measure such as cosine similarity is used. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach to identifying comparable countries by focussing our analysis on export diversification into complex goods of selected European countries.
The be‐ versusget‐passive alternation in world Englishes
Authors: Hundt Marianne , Dallas Bethany , Nakanishi Shimon
Published: July 2023

Multifactorial studies of thebe:get‐passive alternation are still rare. On the basis of theInternational Corpus of English, this is the first investigation to use mixed modelling for the passive alternation in world Englishes. Overall, our findings reveal that regional differences are far less important than language‐internal constraints, with Inner and Outer Circle varieties largely sharing a core grammar. Additionally, while there is qualitative evidence confirming the interchangeability of the two passive allostructions, our generalised‐mixed model reveals that the choice is still heavily influenced by the different semantic origins of the variants, evident not only in the adversative semantics of theget‐passive but also in a tendency to prefer human/animate subjects. The strong prescriptive reaction to the progressive passive in the Late Modern period, however, has not resulted in a marked preference forgetoverbein progressives in our data.