bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Identification of Potential Insect Peptides against Biofilm‐Producing Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sahoo Alaka , Swain Shasank S. , Panda Sujogya K. , Hussain Tahziba , Panda Maitreyee , Rodrigues Célia F.
Published: October 2022

Biofilm‐producing Staphylococcus aureus (SA) strains are frequently found in medical environments, from surgical/ wound sites, medical devices. These biofilms reduce the efficacy of applied antibiotics during the treatment of several infections, such as cystic fibrosis, endocarditis, or urinary tract infections. Thus, the development of potential therapeutic agents to destroy the extra protective biofilm layers or to inhibit the biofilm‐producing enzymes is urgently needed. Advanced and cost‐effective bioinformatics tools are advantageous in locating and speeding up the selection of antibiofilm candidates. Based on the potential drug characteristics, we have selected one‐hundred thirty‐three antibacterial peptides derived from insects to assess for their antibiofilm potency via molecular docking against five putative biofilm formation and regulated target enzymes: the staphylococcal accessory regulator A or SarA (PDB ID: 2FRH), 4,4′‐diapophytoene synthase or CrtM (PDB ID: 2ZCQ), clumping factor A or ClfA (PDB ID: 1N67) and serine‐aspartate repeat protein C or SdrC (PDB ID: 6LXH) and sortase A or SrtA (PDB ID: 1T2W) of SA bacterium. In this study, molecular docking was performed using HPEPDOCK and HDOCK servers, and molecular interactions were examined using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer‐2019. The docking score (kcal/mol) range of five promising antibiofilm peptides against five targets was recorded as follows: diptericin A (−215.52 to −303.31), defensin (−201.11 to −301.92), imcroporin (−212.08 to −287.64), mucroporin (−228.72 to −286.76), apidaecin II (−203.90 to −280.20). Among these five, imcroporin and mucroporin were 13 % each, while defensin contained only 1 % of positive net charged residues (Arg+Lys) projected through ProtParam and NetWheels tools. Similarly, imcroporin, mucroporin and apidaecin II were 50 %, while defensin carried 21.05 % of hydrophobic residues predicted by the tool PEPTIDE. 2.0. Most of the peptides exhibited potential characteristics to inhibit S. aureus‐biofilm formation via disrupting the cell membrane and cytoplasmic integrity. In summary, the proposed hypothesis can be considered a cost‐effective platform for selecting the most promising bioactive drug candidates within a limited timeframe with a greater chance of success in experimental and clinical studies.
Seasonal Variation in the Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Cinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) Meisner
Authors: Qiu Fengying , Zhang Ting , Zhou Songsong
Published: October 2022

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) Meisner is an important natural aromatic plant because its leaves are rich in essential oil. Linalool chemotype C. parthenoxylon was used as the research material in the present study. The leaf essential oil yield, the main chemical components, and their content were measured every month from January to December 2018 to study the seasonal variation in the yield and chemical components of C. parthenoxylon leaf essential oil. The results revealed that the essential oil yield and the main chemical component linalool in the essential oil of C. parthenoxylon leaves showed significant differences among months. The leaf essential oil yield and linalool content decreased to the lowest in March and increased rapidly from April to May. The leaf essential oil yield was the highest in May, and a relatively high yield was maintained from April to August. The linalool content in leaf essential oil was stable in other months except March. The leaf essential oil yield of C. parthenoxylon had a very significant positive correlation with monthly rainfall and monthly average temperature. Intense rainfall and high monthly average temperature were conducive to the synthesis and accumulation of C. parthenoxylon leaf essential oil. This study provided a theoretical basis for cultivating C. parthenoxylon as a raw material for spices and determining the best harvest time.
Opportunities to increase whole grain intake within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Authors: Slavin Joanne L. , Sanders Lisa M. , Stallings Virginia A.
Published: October 2022

Background: In 2017, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, at the request of the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS), published an expert report proposing updates to food packages for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Recommendations included adoption of the “whole grain‐rich” criteria instead of the whole grain health claim to classify whole grain breakfast cereals, and further, that all breakfast cereals be whole grain‐rich. Aims & Methods: To discuss the advantages and implications of these recommendations, the Cereal & Grains Association, in partnership with General Mills, Inc., convened an expert roundtable in April 2022. Results & Discussion: The roundtable agreed increasing whole grain intake among WIC participants is critical and adoption of the whole grain‐rich criteria aligns with the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and child nutrition programs. However, potential challenges in requiring all cereals to be whole grain‐rich, including cost, and consumer choices based on taste and cultural preferences were noted and potential solutions discussed. Conclusion: Considering the public health need to increase whole grain intake, USDA FNS should increase the provision of whole grain in WIC food packages, while also considering the preferences of WIC participants and food costs.
MALT lymphoma of the sublingual gland: A case report with current overview of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Ono Shoya , Goto Mitsuo , Miyabe Satoru , Makihara Hiroyuki , Kubo Katsutoshi , Nagao Toru
Published: October 2022

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma. MALT lymphomas involving the sublingual gland are extremely rare. Herein, we report a case of MALT lymphoma of the sublingual gland. Additionally, we discuss challenging diagnostic aspects as well as current treatment strategies.
Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in an emergency scenario: Evaluation and management of a severe laryngeal trauma
Authors: Laora Andrea Di , Capitaine Anne‐Laure , Lacour Mathilde , Trijolet Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2022

We describe the clinical evaluation and the management of a severe laryngeal trauma in a suicidal patient. We aim to demonstrate how the cricohyoidoepiglottopexy, which is a surgical technique mainly performed for oncological purposes, can be successfully used in this emergency setting.
Continuous Flow Single‐Atom Catalysis: A Viable Organic Process Technology?**
Authors: Pagliaro Mario , Della Pina Cristina , Ciriminna Rosaria
Published: October 2022

Heterogeneous catalysis under continuous flow conditions is increasingly used by the chemical industry to synthesize fine chemicals. Is single‐atom catalysis under flow a technically and economically viable organic process technology? Early results suggest valuable insight en route to the industrial uptake of single‐atom catalysis in the production of fine and specialty chemicals.
Brønsted‐Acid‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of β,β‐Diaryl Esters: Direct Regioselective Approach to Diverse Arrays of 3‐Aryl‐1‐indanone Cores
Authors: Sharma Pragya , Taneja Neha , Singh Sanjay , Hazra Chinmoy K.
Published: October 2022

A three‐component, solvent‐dependent, Brønsted‐acid‐catalyzed reaction of benzaldehydes, silyl enolates and arene nucleophiles has been developed for the synthesis of potential drug candidate 3‐aryl‐1‐indanones. This reaction features the formation of three C−C bonds, high regioselectivity in a one‐pot strategy, broad substrate generality, facile scalability (1.04g), high functional group tolerance and viable substrates. The β‐O‐silyl ethers generated in‐situ from the Mukaiyama aldol reaction were subjected to acid‐catalyzed benzylic arylation with strong as well as weak nucleophiles, and the resultant β,β‐diaryl esters can undergo a third C−C bond formation with excellent regioselectivity through intramolecular cyclization to afford the indanone products in the same pot. Detailed mechanistic insight leads to a feasible reaction pathway. This transformation opens up a practical and adaptable approach to producing a variety of synthetically valuable transformations and enable the synthesis of medicinally valuable (R)‐tolterodine and (+)‐indatraline.
Effect of operating factors on liquid–liquid mass transfer and dispersion pattern of sedimentary liquid in a mechanically stirred vessel
Authors: Sunami Koudai , Horiuchi Shuhei , Nishimura Noriko , Uddin Md. Azhar , Kato Yoshiei
Published: October 2022

Liquid–liquid dispersion and mass transfer were investigated in mechanically stirred vessels without baffles by changing operation factors such as an impeller rotation speed, off‐bottom clearance, volumetric liquid ratio, etc. The dispersion regime was categorized into five groups: the sedimentary liquid was kept at the vessel bottom (I), partially elevated without any collision (II), partially dispersed by colliding with the impeller bottom (III), both liquids were partially dispersed by collisions with impeller blades (III’), and the sedimentary liquid was completely dispersed (IV). The dispersion switched to I → II → III → IV with the increasing rotation speed and decreasing off‐bottom clearance. The liquid–liquid mass transfer rate was significantly enhanced with the collision of the sedimentary liquid with the impeller bottom, and subsequently increased with the increasing rotation speed, volumetric liquid ratio, and vessel diameter and with the decreasing off‐bottom clearance. A multiple regression analysis method was applied to determine the mass transfer rates of III and III’.
Determination of ERG(+), EZH2, NKX3.1, and SPINK‐1 subtypes to evaluate their association with clonal origin and disease progression in multifocal prostate cancer
Authors: Segura‐Moreno Yenifer Yamile , Sanabria‐Salas María Carolina , Mesa‐López De Mesa Jorge Andrés , Varela‐Ramirez Rodolfo , Acosta‐Vega Natalia Lizeth , Serrano Martha Lucía
Published: October 2022

Background

The prognostic relevance of prostate cancer (PCa) molecular subtypes remains controversial, given the presence of multiple foci with the possibility of different subtypes in the same patient.

Aim

To determine the clonal origin of heterogeneity in PCa and its association with disease progression, SPOP, ERG(+), EZH2, NKX3.1, and SPINK‐1 subtypes were analyzed.

Methods

A total of 103 samples from 20 PCa patients were analyzed; foci of adjacent non‐tumor prostate tissue, HGPIN, GL3, GL4, GL5, and LN were examined to determine the presence of the TMPRSS2‐ERG fusion and ERG, EZH2, NKX3.1, and SPINK‐1 expression levels, using RT‐PCR. Mutations in exons 6 and 7 of the SPOP gene were determined by sequencing. The presence of subtypes and molecular patterns were identified by combining all subtypes analyzed. To establish the clonal origin of multifocal PCa, molecular concordance between different foci of the same patient was determined. Association of these subtypes with histopathological groups and time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) was assessed.

Results

No mutation was found in SPOP in any sample. The ERG(+) subtype was the most frequent. The molecular pattern containing all four PCa subtypes was only detected in 3 samples (4%), all LN, but it was the most frequent (40%) in patients. Molecular discordance was the predominant status (55%) when all analyzed molecular characteristics were considered. It was possible to find all subtypes, starting as a preneoplastic lesion, and all but one LN molecular subtype were ERG(+) and NKX3.1 subtypes. Only the expression of the NKX3.1 gene was significantly different among the histopathological groups. No association was found between BCR time in patients and molecular subtypes or molecular concordance or between clinicopathological characteristics and molecular subtypes of ERG, EZH2, and SPINK‐1.

Conclusion

The predominance of molecular discordance in prostatic foci per patient, which reflects the multifocal origin of PCa foci, highlights the importance of analyzing multiple samples to establish the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of molecular subtypes in a patient. All the subtypes analyzed here are of early onset, starting from preneoplastic lesions. NKX3.1 gene expression is the only molecular characteristic that shows a progression pattern by sample.
Hybrid optimized query expansion strategy for semantic information retrieval using spatial bound whale and binary moth flame optimization algorithm
Authors: Kumar Ram , Sharma S. C.
Published: October 2022

The standard information retrieval systems mainly extract documents based on the relative keywords and this method is not effective since the related information can be only identified by extracting the semantics present in the text. Hence to overcome this problem, a semantic‐based query retrieval model is formulated in this article for query processing, identification, extraction, expansion, sorting, and filtering. A keyword expansion approach using the hybrid spatial bound whale optimization algorithm‐binary moth flame optimization algorithm is proposed in this work. In this way, the complexity associated with insufficient query information is overcome. The efficiency of the proposed model in extracting the top k relevant information is evaluated using the experiments conducted in the TREC data using different performance metrics such as precision@k, recall@k, mean reciprocal rank@k, mean average precision, and normalized discounted cumulative gain (NDCG@k). The proposed model achieves improved outcomes when compared to different state‐of‐art techniques such as i‐Dataquest, fuzzy logic, ontological framework for information extraction, and personal knowledge management in terms of precision@k, recall@k, mean reciprocal rank@k, exact match, F1‐score, and NDCG@k. The proposed model gives a mean reciprocal rank@k score of 0.8901, 0.8947, 0.8958, and 0.9014 for the k‐values 1, 3, 5, and 10, respectively. The MAP@k score for the top‐10 result suggestion retrieved is 0.39056. The exact match score of the proposed model for the newsgroup, SQuAD 1.0, and SQUAD 2.0 is 93.25, 94.65, and 95.25.
Large scale instance segmentation of outdoor environment based on improved YOLACT
Authors: Zhao Zichen , Tong Xiliang , Sun Ying , Bai Dongxu , Liu Xin , Zhao Guojun , Fan Hanwen , Li Jun , Zou Cejing , Chen Baojia
Published: October 2022

Instance segmentation is a challenging task that requires both instance‐level and pixel‐level prediction and it has a wide range of applications in autonomous driving, video analysis, scene understandingand so on. The currently dominant instance segmentation methods have excellent accuracy, but they are slow, and the processing speed will be even less satisfactory if the input is a large‐scale image. In order to improve the efficiency and accuracy of instance segmentation of large‐scale images, this article modifies the backbone network based on YOLACT network, adds a multi‐information fusion module and provides an improved BiFPN method to achieve multi‐scale feature fusion, while adding two branches to the first level detector RetinaNet to achieve instance segmentation. The network model is tested on Cityscapes dataset and the results of the experiments show that the improved instance segmentation network in this article improves the accuracy while ensuring the speed of segmentation. The optimized network model size was reduced by 17% compared to YOLACT, and the mAP, mAP50, and mAP75 were improved by 18.3%, 32.1%, and 24.6%, respectively.
Using Split Luminescent Biosensors for SARS‐CoV‐2 Antibody Detection in Serum, Plasma, and Blood Samples
Authors: Elledge Susanna K. , Eigl Ian , Phelps Maira , McClinton Khayla , Zhou Xin X. , Leung Kevin K. , Tato Cristina M. , Wells James A.
Published: October 2022

Antibody detection assays are essential for evaluating immunity of individuals against a given virus, and this has been particularly relevant during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Current serology assays either require a laboratory setting and take >1 hr (i.e., enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) or are rapid but only qualitative in nature and cannot accurately track antibody levels over time (i.e., lateral flow assay [LFA]). Therefore, there is a need for development of a rapid and simple but also quantitative assay that can evaluate antibody levels in patients accurately over time. We have developed an assay that uses a split nanoluciferase fused to the spike or nucleocapsid proteins of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus to enable luminescent‐based detection of spike‐ or nucleocapsid‐binding antibodies in serum, plasma, and whole blood samples. The resulting approach is simple, rapid, and quantitative and is highly amenable to low‐/medium‐throughput scale using plate‐based assays, high‐throughput scale using robotics, and point‐of‐care applications. In this article, we describe how to perform the assay in a laboratory setting using a plate reader or liquid‐handling robotics and in a point‐of‐care setting using a handheld, battery‐powered luminometer. Together, these assays allow antibody detection to be easily performed in multiple settings by simplifying and reducing assay time in a laboratory or clinical environment and by allowing for antibody detection in point‐of‐care, nonlaboratory settings. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody detection using the split‐luciferase assay on a medium‐throughput scale with a laboratory luminometer

Alternate Protocol 1: High‐throughput‐based protocol for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody detection using a robotic platform

Alternate Protocol 2: Point‐of‐care‐based protocol for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody detection using a handheld luminometer

Support Protocol: Determining positive/negative cutoffs for test samples and standardizing the assay between days
Using the Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR) to Find Information About Arabidopsis Genes
Authors: Reiser Leonore , Subramaniam Shabari , Zhang Peifen , Berardini Tanya
Published: October 2022

The Arabidopsis Information Resource (TAIR; http://arabidopsis.org) is a comprehensive web resource of Arabidopsis biology for plant scientists. TAIR curates and integrates information about genes, proteins, gene function, orthologs, gene expression, mutant phenotypes, biological materials such as clones and seed stocks, genetic markers, genetic and physical maps, genome organization, images of mutant plants, protein sub‐cellular localizations, publications, and the research community. The various data types are extensively interconnected and can be accessed through a variety of web‐based search and display tools. This article primarily focuses on some basic methods for searching, browsing, visualizing, and analyzing information about Arabidopsis genes and genomes. Additionally, we describe how members of the community can share data via JBrowse and the Generic Online Annotation Submission Tool (GOAT) in order to make their published research more accessible and visible. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: TAIR homepage, sitemap, and navigation

Basic Protocol 2: Finding comprehensive information about Arabidopsis genes

Basic Protocol 3: Using the Arabidopsis genome browser: JBrowse

Basic Protocol 4: Using the Gene Ontology annotations for gene discovery and gene function analysis

Basic Protocol 5: Using gene lists to download bulk datasets

Basic Protocol 6: Using TAIR's analysis tools to find short sequences and motifs

Basic Protocol 7: Using the TAIR generic online annotation tool (GOAT) to submit functional annotations for Arabidopsis (or any other species) genes

Basic Protocol 8: Using PhyloGenes to visualize gene families and predict functions

Basic Protocol 9: Using TAIR to browse Arabidopsis literature

Basic Protocol 10: Using the synteny viewer to find and display syntenic regions from Arabidopsis and other plant species
Review ED guidance on rights of student‐veterans with disabilities in higher education
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: October 2022

The advocacy efforts of veterans with disabilities helped lead to the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Too many times, veterans came home from Vietnam only to encounter disability discrimination in employment. Therefore, Veterans needed to attend colleges and universities to gain additional skills to obtain a job.
Changes in demography and geographic distribution in the weeping pinyon pine (Pinus pinceana) during the Pleistocene
Authors: Figueroa‐Corona Laura , Moreno‐Letelier Alejandra , Ortega‐Del Vecchyo Diego , Peláez Pablo , Gernandt David S. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Wegrzyn Jill , Piñero Daniel
Published: October 2022

Climate changes, together with geographical barriers imposed by the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Chihuahuan Desert, have shaped the genetic diversity and spatial distribution of different species in northern Mexico. Pinus pinceana Gordon & Glend. tolerates extremely arid conditions. Northern Mexico became more arid during the Quaternary, modifying ecological communities. Here, we try to identify the processes underlying the demographic history of P. pinceana and characterize its genetic diversity using 3100 SNPs from genotyping by sequencing 90 adult individuals from 10 natural populations covering the species' entire geographic distribution. We inferred its population history and contrasted possible demographic scenarios of divergence that modeled the genetic diversity present in this restricted pinyon pine; in support, the past distribution was reconstructed using climate from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 22 kya). We inferred that P. pinceana diverged into two lineages ~2.49 Ma (95% CI 3.28–1.62), colonizing two regions: the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) and the Chihuahuan Desert (ChD). Our results of population genomic analyses reveal the presence of heterozygous SNPs in all populations. In addition, low migration rates across regions are probably related to glacial–interglacial cycles, followed by the gradual aridification of the Chihuahuan Desert during the Holocene.
Assisted migration is plausible for a boreal tree species under climate change: A quantitative and population genetics study of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloidesMichx.) in western Canada
Authors: Ding Chen , Brouard Jean S.
Published: October 2022

A novel method was tested for improving tree breeding strategies that integrate quantitative and population genetics based on range‐wide reciprocal transplant experiments. Five reciprocal common garden tests ofPopulus tremuloideswere investigated including 6450 trees across western Canada focusing on adaptation traits and growth. Both genetic parameters and home‐site transplant models were evaluated. We found a genetic trade‐off between growth and early spring leaf flush and late fall senescence. Coefficients of phenotypic variation (CVp) of cell lysis (CL), a measure of freezing injury, shrank from 0.28 to 0.10 during acclimation in the fall, and theCVpslope versus the freezing temperature was significantly different from zero (R2 = 0.33,p = .02). There was more between‐population genetic variation in fall phenology than in spring leaf phenology. We suggest thatP. tremuloidesdemonstrated a discrepancy between the ecological optimum and the physiological optimum minimum winter temperature. The sub‐optimal growing condition ofP. tremuloidesis potentially caused by the warmer ecological optimum than the physiological optimum. Assisted migration and breeding of fast growers to reforest cooler plantation sites can improve productivity. Transferring the study populations to less than 4°C of extreme minimum temperature appears safe for reforestation aligning with the historical recolonization direction of the species. This is equivalent to a 5–10° latitudinal northward movement. Fall frost hardiness is an effective criterion for family selection in the range tested in this study.
Local chronicles reveal the effect of anthropogenic and climatic impacts on local extinctions of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) in mainland China
Authors: Gao Haiyang , Dou Hongliang , Wei Shichao , Sun Song , Zhang Yulin , Hua Yan
Published: October 2022

Anthropogenic and climatic factors affect the survival of animal species. Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered species, and identifying which variables lead to local extinction events is essential for conservation management. Local chronicles in China serve as long‐term monitoring data, providing a perspective to disentangle the roles of human impacts and climate changes in local extinctions. Therefore, we established generalized additive models to identify factors leading to local extinction with historical data from 1700–2000 AD in mainland China. Then we decreased the time scale and constructed extinction risk models using MaxEnt in a 30‐year transect (1970–2000 AD) to further assess extinction probability of extant Chinese pangolin populations. Lastly, we used principal component analysis to assess variation of related anthropogenic and climatic variables. Our results showed that the extinction probability increased with global warming and human population growth. An extinction risk assessment indicated that the population and distribution range of Chinese pangolins had been persistently shrinking in response to highly intensive human activities (main cause) and climate change. PCA results indicated that variability of climatic variables is greater than anthropogenic variables. Overall, the factors causing local extinctions are intensive human interference and drastic climatic fluctuations which induced by the effect of global warming. Approximately 28.10% of extant Chinese pangolins populations are confronted with a notable extinction risk (0.37 ≤ extinction probability≤0.93), specifically those in Southeast China, including Guangdong, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Hunan and Fujian Provinces. To rescue this critically endangered species, we suggest strengthening field investigations, identifying the exact distribution range and population density of Chinese pangolins and further optimizing the network of nature reserves to improve conservation coverage on the landscape scale and alleviate human interference. Conservation practices that concentrate on the viability assessment of scattered populations could help to improve restoration strategies of the Chinese pangolin.
Predicting the distributions of Scleroderma guani (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) under climate change in China
Authors: Deng Xinqi , Xu Danping , Liao Wenkai , Wang Rulin , Zhuo Zhihang
Published: October 2022

The wasp Scleroderma guani is an important parasitic natural enemy of a variety of stem borers such as longicorn beetles. Studying and clarifying the suitable area of this wasp plays an important role in controlling stem borers. Based on information about the actual distribution of S. guani and on a set of environmental variables, MaxEnt niche model and ArcGIS were exploited to predict the potential distribution of this insect in China. This work simulated the geographical distribution of potential climatic suitability of S. guani in China at present and in different periods in the future. Combining the relative percent contribution score of environmental factors and the Jackknife test, the dominant environmental variables and their appropriate values restricting the potential geographical distribution of S. guani were screened. The results showed that the prediction of the MaxEnt model was highly in line with the actual distribution under current climate conditions, and the simulation accuracy was very high. The distribution of S. guani is mainly affected by bio18 (Precipitation of Warmest Quarter), bio11 (Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter), bio13 (Precipitation of Wettest Month), and bio3 (Isothermality). The suitable habitat of S. guani in China is mainly distributed in the Northeast China Plain, North China Plain, middle‐lower Yangtze Plain, and Sichuan Basin, with total suitable area of 547.05 × 104 km2, accounting for 56.85% of China’s territory. Furthermore, under the RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios in the 2050s and 2090s, the areas of high, medium, and low suitability showed different degrees of change compared to nowadays, exhibiting expansion trend in the future. This work provides theoretical support for related research on pest control and ecological protection.
Rainfall interception by common mistletoe (Viscum album L. ssp. album): An additional water loss from infected forests
Authors: Klamerus‐Iwan Anna , Van Stan John T.
Published: October 2022

Mistletoes have a global distribution and are the largest group of parasitic plants living within the canopies of woody plants. In European forests, Viscum album L. ssp. album (common mistletoe) is a common sight and, despite being considered a pest, can play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. However, mistletoe infections are becoming more severe and widespread throughout Europe, including recent reports of large‐scale host tree mortality events. These mortality events are hypothesized to be a result of increased water stresses from severe mistletoe infections in tandem with drought. In this study, we estimate an additional water loss from mistletoe‐infected forests that has not yet been described: interception, or the storage and evaporation of rainfall. Results from rainfall simulations on mistletoes sampled from Gostynin Forest District (central Poland) indicate mistletoes can store 0.16–1.32 mm of rainwater. Inputting this additional water storage capacity from mistletoes into a rainfall interception model suggests that, depending on the severity of the infection, mistletoes could reduce annual rainwater supply beneath the canopy by 2–11%. In forests experiencing water stress from mistletoe infection and climate change, the rainfall interception by mistletoes represents an additional water loss of a magnitude worthy of future investigation.
Multi‐scale analysis for environmental dispersion in wetland flow under the effect of wind
Authors: Mondal Buddhadeb , Barman Krishnendu , Mazumder Bijoy S.
Published: October 2022

The present study emphasizes a multi‐scale analysis of an environmental dispersionin a fully developed shallow wetland flow under the wind effect, based on the momentum and mass transfer equations. From the classical momentum equation, the depth‐dominated velocity profile is derived for the wetland flow. The environmental dispersion is examined using Mei's multi‐scale analysis on moment equations of concentration in wetlands with wind‐induced effect. Further, the maximum velocity, thickness of separation layer with recirculation and its position are obtained. The increase of depth‐averaged velocity was observed for the larger contribution of conveyance capacity in wetland flows for the enhancement of wind direction. Also, the analytical result showed that the higher magnitude of environmental dispersion led to intensive dispersion process for the depth‐dominated wetland flow. Moreover, for the hierarchical composition of contaminant constituents, the duration and length of influenced region are associated with a certain standard water quality level in wetland.
Symbiotic ant traits produce differential host‐plant carbon and water dynamics in a multi‐species mutualism
Authors: Milligan Patrick D. , Martin Timothy A. , Pringle Elizabeth G. , Prior Kirsten M. , Palmer Todd M.
Published: October 2022

Cooperative interactions may frequently be reinforced by “partner fidelity feedback,” in which high‐ or low‐quality partners drive positive feedbacks with high or low benefits for the host, respectively. Benefits of plant–animal mutualisms for plants have been quantified almost universally in terms of growth or reproduction, but these are only two of many sinks to which a host‐plant allocates its resources. By investigating how partners to host‐plants impact two fundamental plant resources, carbon and water, we can better characterize plant–partner fidelity and understand how plant–partner mutualisms may be modulated by resource dynamics. In Laikipia, Kenya, four ant species compete for Acacia drepanolobium host‐plants. These ants differ in multiple traits, from nectar consumption to host‐plant protection. Using a 5‐year ant removal experiment, we compared carbon fixation, leaf water status, and stem non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations for adult ant–plants with and without ant partners. Removal treatments showed that the ants differentially mediate tree carbon and/or water resources. All three ant species known to be aggressive against herbivores were linked to benefits for host‐plant resources, but only the two species that defend but do not prune the host, Crematogaster mimosae and Tetraponera penzigi, increased tree carbon fixation. Of these two species, only the nectivore C. mimosae increased tree simple sugars. Crematogaster nigriceps, which defends the tree but also castrates flowers and prunes meristems, was linked only to lower tree water stress approximated by pre‐dawn leaf water potential. In contrast to those defensive ants, Crematogaster sjostedti, a poor defender that displaces other ants, was linked to lower tree carbon fixation. Comparing the effects of the four ant species across control trees suggests that differential ant occupancy drives substantial differences in carbon and water supply among host trees. Our results highlight that ant partners can positively or negatively impact carbon and/or water relations for their host‐plant, and we discuss the likelihood that carbon‐ and water‐related partner fidelity feedback loops occur across ant–plant mutualisms.
Unravelling the Mechanism of Nickel Mediated Cross‐Electrophile‐ Electrophile Coupling Between Katritzky Salts and Acid Chlorides
Authors: Pilli Ramadevi , Chindan Bincy , Rasappan Ramesh
Published: October 2022

Modern nickel‐mediated cross‐electrophile coupling reactions devoid of organometallic nucleophiles have garnered a great deal of interest due to their ability to enhance functional group compatibility. Despite the recent advances in the field, various mechanistic pathways, such as radical chain and sequential oxidative addition, in addition to finding the active nickel species and reductant, render the reaction complex. Although the reduction of Ni(II) complexes by heterogeneous Mn could produce either Ni(I) or Ni(0) species, the latter is more generally proposed as an active species. Likewise, Ni(I) mediated reduction of pyridinium salts is commonly invoked to generate the transient alkyl radicals. In stark contrast, we present a comprehensive mechanistic examination and experimental evidence for the intermediacy of Ni(I) species, a synergistic reduction of pyridinium salts by Ni(I) and Mn. Using a combination of kinetic analysis, control experiments, and spectroscopic methods, the rate‐limiting reductive alkylation and resting state Ni(II) species have been identified.
‘That's what makes me better’: Investigating children and adolescents' experiences of pain communication with healthcare professionals in paediatric rheumatology
Authors: Lee Rebecca Rachael , Mountain Danielle , Connelly Mark , Palermo Tonya M. , Peters Sarah , Cordingley Lis , McDonagh Janet E.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pain communication should be an integral part of clinical consultations, particularly in paediatric rheumatology where children and adolescents frequently present with chronic musculoskeletal pain. To date, literature exploring the nature of and extent to which pain communication occurs has focused on healthcare professionals as respondents, yielding inconsistent and incomplete findings. The aim of this study was to explore children and adolescents' experiences of pain communication in the context of paediatric rheumatology consultations.

Methods

Data were collected using semi‐structured telephone interviews with children and adolescents recruited from three tertiary paediatric rheumatology centres in the United Kingdom. A framework analysis approach was used to explore the similarities and divergences in participant accounts.

Results

Twenty‐six children and adolescents (aged 6–18 years, median = 14, 58% female) participated. Diagnoses included: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Chronic Idiopathic Pain Syndromes, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/Hypermobility. Four themes were identified: (1) Co‐ordination of pain communication; (2) Barriers to pain communication; (3) Facilitators of pain communication; (4) Dissatisfaction with pain communication. These themes particularly encompassed the process of communication, disclosure of effective and ineffective approaches and the impact of communication. Participants expected questions about pain, felt cared about and found talking about pain natural. Challenges included augmenting the feeling of being different to peers and concerns about management plans changing as a result of pain conversations.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents recalled a range of effective and ineffective pain communication approaches. Our study informs recommendations which highlight how healthcare professionals can improve their communication about pain with children and adolescents in the future.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate that children and adolescents attending paediatric rheumatology expect to be and value being asked about their pain during consultations with healthcare professionals. Children and adolescents remember many of the processes involved, experiences of and the outcomes of pain communication. The current study reveals insights which can improve healthcare professional pain communication with children and adolescents. Our study introduces key recommendations for healthcare professionals to have more effective pain conversations in future.
Subseasonal forecasts provide a powerful tool for dynamic marine mammal management
Authors: Stepanuk Julia EF , Kim Hyemi , Nye Janet A , Roberts Jason J , Halpin Pat N , Palka Debra L , Pabst D Ann , McLellan William A , Barco Susan G , Thorne Lesley H
Published: October 2022

Adaptive approaches are needed to effectively manage dynamic marine systems, and ecological forecasts can help managers anticipate when and where conservation issues are likely to arise in the future. The recent development of subseasonal global environmental forecasts provides an opportunity to inform management by forecasting species distributions in advance over operational timeframes. We demonstrate the utility of environmental forecasts for managing marine mammals by integrating species distribution models with subseasonal forecasts to predict the arrival of migratory humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) at foraging grounds in the Northeast US. Environmental forecasts showed high model skill at lead times of up to 2 weeks and resulting humpback whale models performed well in predicting humpback arrival. Forecasts of whale distribution can shape management efforts to minimize both impacts on whales and economic costs. Applying subseasonal forecasts to anticipate future risk presents a powerful tool for the dynamic management of marine mammals.

Front Ecol Environ 2022;
Effects of substitution level and particle size of extruded soybean hull fractions on physicochemical and sensorial properties of high‐fiber pan bread during storage
Authors: Tabibloghmany Forough Sadat , Tehrani Mostafa Mazaheri , Koocheki Arash
Published: October 2022

The effect of adding different fractions of extruded and non‐extruded soybean hull to wheat flour at 20% and 30% and two‐particle size levels (smaller and larger than 150 μm) was studied on the physicochemical, sensorial properties, and the shelf‐life of high‐fiber molded bread. Increasing the amount of all different fractions of the soybean hull raised the water absorption of the dough. It also increased the ash and crude fiber contents, bread crust lightness, redness and yellowness, bread crumb hardness as well as the cells number per unit area of the crumb. Moreover, it reduced the moisture content, specific volume, porosity, and overall acceptability of the pan bread. The treatments containing the fractions with larger particle sizes of the soybean hull had higher dough stability time, bread‐specific volume, porosity, and lightness, as well as lower crumb hardness and moisture content, and crust redness and yellowness than the corresponding ones with finer particle sizes. The samples prepared with the extruded fractions with smaller particle sizes showed lower moisture content, hardness, porosity, and specific volume. After studying the bread staling, moisture content and overall acceptance of the samples decreased. In addition, the enthalpy in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the signal intensity in x‐ray diffraction (XRD) increased during storage. In many cases, the bread with the large‐sized extruded fractions of soybean hull at the substitution level of 20% was the most suitable product in most of the variables studied.
Understanding sheep baa‐haviour: Investigating the relationship between pasture and animal grazing patterns
Authors: Parnell Danica , Kardailsky Igor , Parnell Jacob , Badgery Warwick Brabazon , Ingram Lachlan
Published: October 2022

Background

Grasslands are the primary source of feed for grazing livestock, and as such, knowledge on how to best manage livestock and grasslands, through the use of spatiotemporal modelling, will assist in the long‐term management of a valuable ecosystem resource.

Methods

This study was conducted over 14 months between March and April 2017 in Orange, NSW, Australia. The study evaluated sheep behaviour in relation to the presence of pasture species, environment and paddock structures, using random forest modelling, to predict sheep location under continuous high (HSR, 13 DSE ha−1) and low (LSR, 7 DSE ha−1) stocking rates.

Results

In the LSR, significant drivers included water, shade and fence lines (p < 0.01). In the HSR, only fence lines and available biomass were found to be significant (p < 0.01). The presence of green legumes in both stocking rates often increased residency by sheep. Animals spent more time together in the LSR, suggesting that social behaviour played a larger role than pasture quantity and quality in driving grazing behaviours.

Conclusions

Understanding how pasture type can influence grazing behaviours and also how animal behaviour affects pasture performance and utilisation is important in developing long‐term sustainable management strategies on a paddock scale.
Feasibility of clinical evaluation of individuals with increased risk for HPV‐associated oropharynx cancer
Authors: Scott‐Wittenborn Nicholas , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Aygun Nafi , Tewari Sakshi R. , Azadi Javad , Vosler Peter , Gooi Zhen , Mehta Vikas , Mydlarz Wojciech , Nance Melonie , Mlot Stefan , Patel Mihir R. , Tan Marietta , Miles Brett A. , Troy Tanya , Fakhry Carole
Published: October 2022

Background

Human papillomavirus‐associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐OPSCC) has no known pre‐malignant lesion. While vaccination offers future primary prevention, there is current interest in secondary prevention. The feasibility of clinical evaluation of individuals at increased risk for HPV‐OPSCC is unclear.

Methods

Individuals with risk factors for HPV‐OPSCC were enrolled in a prospective study (MOUTH). Participants positive for biomarkers associated with HPV‐OPSCC were eligible for a clinical evaluation which comprised a head and neck examination and imaging with ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study was designed to evaluate feasibility of clinical evaluation in a screening study.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐four participants were eligible for clinical evaluation. Of the 384, 204 (53%) completed a head and neck examination or imaging. Of these, 66 (32%) completed MRI (n = 51) and/or ultrasound (n = 64) studies.

Conclusions

Clinical evaluations, including head and neck examination and imaging, are feasible in the context of a screening study for HPV‐OPSCC.
Complement complex 1 subunit q‐mediated hepatic stellate cell activation with connective tissue growth factor elevation is a prognostic factor for survival in rat and human chronic liver diseases
Authors: Eguchi Akiko , Iwasa Motoh , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Tempaku Mina , Yoshikawa Kyoko , Yoshizawa Naohiko , Povero Davide , Sugimoto Kazushi , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Takei Yoshiyuki , Nakagawa Hayato
Published: October 2022

Complement complex 1 subunit q (C1q) has multiple functions, including cell migration, in addition to its traditional complement‐activating effect. Research shows C1q is a ligand for frizzled receptors (FZDs). FZD‐induced yes‐associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) alternate Wnt signaling activation induces connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) production and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. However, no study exists in which C1q directly induces CTGF in HSCs. Here, we investigated the role of C1q in HSC activation. Human HSCs (LX2) were incubated with C1q to assess HSC activation. C1q and fibrotic markers were assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction in cirrhotic rats administered CCl4 for 21 weeks. Serum C1q, liver function, and fibrosis score were measured in 91 patients with chronic liver disease. The correlations between serum C1q and liver function, fibrosis score, and survival prognosis were examined. C1q‐activated LX2s showed morphologic changes, up‐regulation of CTGF, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1), and alternate Wnt signal genes FZD2, TAZ, and cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61). Cirrhotic rat liver C1q expression correlated with the Azan‐positive area and expression of CTGF, TIMP‐1, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)1, HAS3, and CD44. Expression of C1q protein and C1q, CTGF, and TIMP‐1 genes were higher in deceased cirrhotic rat livers compared to surviving rats. Human serum C1q levels increased in liver cirrhosis compared to chronic hepatitis and correlated with liver fibrosis and functional markers. Ten patients suffered liver‐related death over a 66‐month observation period. The C1q cut‐off value (11 mg/dl) showed patients with serum values < 11 mg/dl had longer rates of survival compared to C1q ≥ 11 mg/dl. Conclusion: C1q‐mediated HSC activation in liver fibrosis is associated with CTGF elevation. Additionally, serum C1q may be diagnostic for survival in human chronic liver diseases.
Black‐Asian solidarity through collective racial socialization
Authors: Lei Ryan F. , Frazer‐Klotz Zoe , Szanton Elizabeth C.
Published: October 2022

In the past few years, incidents of anti‐Black and anti‐Asian discrimination have proliferated. Some of these incidents have involved perpetrators from other racially minoritized groups. Historically, this has led to increased tensions between racially minoritized groups and inhibited progress towards racial equity for all groups. To foster coalitions between Black and Asian communities instead of repeating historical tensions, the present article suggests that parents might lay the foundation for racial solidarity by engaging in collective racial socialization. Collective racial socialization is a new direction for racial‐ethnic socialization that focuses on similarities across groups that are the result of White supremacy. Although there are hurdles to collective racial socialization, it may nonetheless be one way minoritized parents can help create awareness of structural racial inequality.
Early peritoneal pregnancy in the pouch of Douglas identified by transvaginal ultrasound
Authors: Ishikawa Hiroshi , Shozu Makio
Published: October 2022

Synopsis

Early peritoneal pregnancy that presented as hematoma containing a gestational sac in the pouch of Douglas was able to be diagnosed using transvaginal ultrasound preoperatively.