bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copy number variants and fetal structural abnormalities in stillborn fetuses: A secondary analysis of the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network study
Authors: Workalemahu Tsegaselassie , Dalton Susan , Son Shannon L. , Allshouse Amanda , Carey Andrew Z. , Page Jessica M. , Blue Nathan R. , Thorsten Vanessa , Goldenberg Robert L. , Pinar Halit , Reddy Uma M. , Silver Robert M.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To examine the association of placental and fetal DNA copy number variants (CNVs) with fetal structural malformations (FSMs) in stillborn fetuses.

Design

A secondary analysis of stillbirth cases in the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network (SCRN) study.

Setting

Multicenter, 59 hospitals in five geographic regions in the USA.

Population

388 stillbirth cases of the SCRN study (2006–2008).

Methods

Fetal structural malformations were grouped by anatomic system and specific malformation type (e.g. central nervous system, thoracic, cardiac, gastrointestinal, skeletal, umbilical cord and craniofacial defects). Single‐nucleotide polymorphism array detected CNVs of at least 500 kb. CNVs were classified into two groups: normal, defined as no CNVs >500 kb or benign CNVs, and abnormal, defined as pathogenic or variants of unknown clinical significance.

Main outcome measures

The proportions of abnormal CNVs and normal CNVs were compared between stillbirth cases with and without FSMs using the Wald Chi‐square test.

Results

The proportion of stillbirth cases with any FSMs was higher among those with abnormal CNVs than among those with normal CNVs (47.5 versus 19.1%; P‐value <0.001). The most common organ system‐specific FSMs associated with abnormal CNVs were cardiac defects, followed by hydrops, craniofacial defects and skeletal defects. A pathogenic deletion of 1q21.1 involving 46 genes (e.g. CHD1L) and a duplication of 21q22.13 involving four genes (SIM2, CLDN14, CHAF1B, HLCS) were associated with a skeletal and cardiac defect, respectively.

Conclusion

Specific CNVs involving several genes were associated with FSMs in stillborn fetuses. The findings warrant further investigation and may inform counselling and care surrounding pregnancies affected by FSMs at risk for stillbirth.
Subjective losers of globalization
Authors: STEINER NILS D. , MADER MATTHIAS , SCHOEN HARALD
Published: June 2023

Recent political changes in established democracies have led to a new cleavage, often described as a juxtaposition of ‘winners’ and ‘losers of globalization’. Despite a growing interest in subjective group membership and identity, previous research has not studied whether individuals actually categorize themselves as globalization winners or losers and what effect this has. Based on survey data from Germany, we report evidence of a division between self‐categorized globalization winners and losers that is partially but not completely rooted in social structure and associated with attitudes towards globalization‐related issues and party choices. We thereby confirm many of the assumptions from prior research – such as that (self‐categorized) losers of globalization tend to hold lower levels of education and lean towards the radical right. At the same time, the self‐categorizations are not merely transmission belts of socio‐structural effects but seem to be politically consequential in their own right. We conclude that the categories of globalization winners and losers have the potential to form part of the identity component of the globalization cleavage and are important for understanding how political entrepreneurs appeal to voters on their side of the new divide.
Launching insectphylo.org; a new hub facilitating construction and use of synthesis molecular phylogenies of insects
Authors: Chesters Douglas , Ferrari Rafael R. , Lin Xiaolong , Orr Michael C. , Staab Michael , Zhu Chao‐Dong
Published: June 2023

The Holy Grail of an Insect Tree of Life can only be ‘discovered’ through extensive collaboration among taxon specialists, phylogeneticists and centralized frameworks such as Open Tree of Life, but insufficient effort from stakeholders has so far hampered this promising approach. The resultant unavailability of synthesis phylogenies is an unfortunate situation given the numerous practical usages of phylogenies in the near term and against the backdrop of the ongoing biodiversity crisis. To resolve this issue, we establish a new online hub that centralizes the collation of relevant phylogenetic data and provides the resultant synthesis molecular phylogenies. This is achieved through key developments in a proposed pipeline for the construction of a species‐level insect phylogeny. The functionality of the framework is demonstrated through the construction of a highly supported, species‐comprehensive phylogeny of Diptera, built from integrated omics data, COI DNA barcodes, and a compiled database of over 100 standardized, published Diptera phylogenies. Machine‐readable forms of the phylogeny (and subsets thereof) are publicly available at insectphylo.org, a new public repository for species‐comprehensive phylogenies for biological research.
Japan: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: HINO AIRO , OGAWA HIROKI , FAHEY ROBERT A. , LIU LING
Published: June 2023

The assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe in July had an enormous impact on politics in Japan in 2022, with subsequent recriminations regarding connections between ruling party lawmakers and the controversial Unification Church new religious movement leading to public outcry and forcing Prime Minister Kishida to remove several high‐profile Ministers from his Cabinet. There was contentious debate over whether a state funeral should be held for Abe, and a new law was passed restricting the fundraising activities of religious groups like the Unification Church. Meanwhile, Japan continued to slowly roll back restrictions introduced to combat COVID‐19, finally reopening its borders in October. The Russian invasion of Ukraine provoked protest from the Japanese government and contributed, along with a major drop in the value of the yen to the US dollar, to rising consumer prices, with inflation reaching a 42‐year high in October.
Teledermatology in the provision of biologics through COVID‐19 in a rural dermatology practice—A retrospective review
Authors: Wong Xin Lin , Farrell Joshua Alexander , Satchell Andrew Campbell , Sebaratnam Deshan Frank
Published: June 2023

COVID‐19 compounded existing barriers to healthcare for rural patients. We completed a retrospective chart review of patients receiving Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidised biologics at a Modified Monash Model 3 dermatology practice during the pandemic and examined factors contributing to successful continuation of care, particularly teledermatology. Our experience is instructive in the provision of medical dermatology to regional patients.
Predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use following colectomy: a population‐based cohort study from England
Authors: Baamer R. M. , Humes D. J. , Toh L. S. , Knaggs R. D. , Lobo D. N.
Published: June 2023

This retrospective cohort study on adults undergoing colectomy from 2010 to 2019 used linked primary (Clinical Practice Research Datalink), and secondary (Hospital Episode Statistics) care data to determine the prevalence of persistent postoperative opioid use following colectomy, stratified by pre‐admission opioid exposure, and identify associated predictors. Based on pre‐admission opioid exposure, patients were categorised as opioid‐naïve, currently exposed (opioid prescription 0–6 months before admission) and previously exposed (opioid prescription within 7–12 months before admission). Persistent postoperative opioid use was defined as requiring an opioid prescription within 90 days of discharge, along with one or more opioid prescriptions 91–180 days after hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to obtain odds ratios for predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use. Among the 93,262 patients, 15,081 (16.2%) were issued at least one opioid prescription within 90 days of discharge. Of these, 6791 (45.0%) were opioid‐naïve, 7528 (49.9%) were currently exposed and 762 (5.0%) were previously exposed. From the whole cohort, 7540 (8.1%) developed persistent postoperative opioid use. Patients with pre‐operative opioid exposure had the highest persistent use: 5317 (40.4%) from the currently exposed group; 305 (9.8%) from the previously exposed group; and 1918 (2.5%) from the opioid‐naïve group. The odds of developing persistent opioid use were higher among individuals who used long‐acting opioid formulations in the 180 days before colectomy than those who used short‐acting formulations (odds ratio 3.41 (95%CI 3.07–3.77)). Predictors of persistent opioid use included: previous opioid exposure; high deprivation index; multiple comorbidities; use of long‐acting opioids; white race; and open surgery. Minimally invasive surgical approaches were associated with lower odds of persistent opioid use and may represent a modifiable risk factor.
Partnerships between organizations that manage protected land in California are associated with groups with environmentally oriented missions
Authors: Harding Emily , Kroetz Kailin , Breetz Hanna L. , Malakoff Kaitlyn L. , Thompson Alexandra L. , Jackson Heather Bird , Armsworth Paul R. , Iacona Gwenllian D.
Published: June 2023

Partnerships between organizations that engage in land protection are promoted as a way to improve the efficiency of limited conservation budgets. However, limited empirical exploration of the types of organizations involved in partnering and their organizational objectives precludes a holistic understanding of how to integrate partnering into planning for improved conservation outcomes. Using data on protected areas from California, United States, we explored the frequency and extent of partnering between managing organizations. In addition, we analyzed mission statements of partnering and non‐partnering organizations to explore whether organizational objectives were related to observed partnering behavior. We estimated that partnerships managed about 7 million acres, comprising 8% of total protected land area, in California. Furthermore, the organizations that we observed partnering tended to use more environmental themed language in their mission statements, while non‐partnering organizations tended to use language with socioeconomic themes. These results provide empirical evidence of partnering and support further exploration of it as a potentially important mechanism to improve conservation outcomes. In addition, they suggest that current partnering patterns and future opportunities to expand partnerships in protected land management likely depend on organizations pursuing wildlife and nature focused conservation objectives, and to a lesser extent socioeconomic objectives.
Neurofilament light chain: A possible fluid biomarker in the intrahippocampal kainic acid mouse model for chronic epilepsy?
Authors: Custers Marie‐Laure , Vande Vyver Maxime , Kaltenböck Lea , Barbé Kurt , Bjerke Maria , Van Eeckhaut Ann , Smolders Ilse
Published: June 2023

Objective

In the management of epilepsy, there is an ongoing quest to discover new biomarkers to improve the diagnostic process, the monitoring of disease progression, and the evaluation of treatment responsiveness. In this regard, biochemical traceability in biofluids is notably absent in contrast to other diseases. In the present preclinical study, we investigated the potential of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a possible diagnostic and response fluid biomarker for epilepsy.

Methods

We gained insights into NfL levels during the various phases of the intrahippocampal kainic acid mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy—namely, the status epilepticus (SE) and the chronic phase with spontaneous seizures. To this end, NfL levels were determined directly in the cerebral interstitial fluid (ISF) with cerebral open flow microperfusion as sampling technique, as well as in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Lastly, we assessed whether NfL levels diminished upon curtailing SE with diazepam and ketamine.

Results

NfL levels are higher during SE in both cerebral ISF and plasma in kainic acid‐treated mice compared to sham‐injected mice. Additionally, ISF and plasma NfL levels are lower in mice treated with diazepam and ketamine to stop SE compared with the vehicle‐treated mice. In the chronic phase with spontaneous seizures, higher NfL levels could only be detected in ISF and CSF samples, and not in plasma. No correlations could be found between NfL levels and seizure burden, nor with immunohistological markers for neurodegeneration/inflammation.

Significance

Our findings demonstrate the translational potential of NfL as a blood‐based fluid biomarker for SE. This is less evident for chronic epilepsy, as in this case higher NfL levels could only be detected in ISF and CSF, and not in plasma, acknowledging the invasive nature of CSF sampling in chronic epilepsy follow‐up.
On the (almost) stochastic dominance of cryptocurrency factor portfolios and implications for cryptocurrency asset pricing
Authors: Han Weihao , Newton David , Platanakis Emmanouil , Sutcliffe Charles , Ye Xiaoxia
Published: June 2023

Cryptocurrency returns are highly nonnormal, casting doubt on the standard performance metrics. We apply almost stochastic dominance, which does not require any assumption about the return distribution or degree of risk aversion. From 29 long–short cryptocurrency factor portfolios, we find eight that dominate our four benchmarks. Their returns cannot be fully explained by the three‐factor coin model of Liu et al. So we develop a new three‐factor model where momentum is replaced by a mispricing factor based on size and risk‐adjusted momentum, which significantly improves pricing performance.
Tracing environmental sustainability footprints in cross‐border M&A activity
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad F. , Aziz Saqib , Michiels Yannick , Nguyen Duc Khuong
Published: June 2023

This study documents the first large‐scale empirical evidence on the effects of differences in countries' environmental sustainability (ES) on cross‐border merger and acquisition (M&A) activity. Using 34,088 cross‐border mergers across 44 countries, we find that greater ES differences between acquirer and target countries stimulate the intensity of cross‐border mergers. The acquirer firms experience higher cumulative abnormal returns around merger announcements and pay higher merger premiums. Consistent with the pollution haven hypothesis, results on value effect are more pronounced for M&A deals in highly polluting industries such as petroleum, transportation and mining. The results are robust to a battery of robustness tests.
Amplifying inequalities: Gendered perceptions of work flexibility and the division of household labor during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rinaldo Rachel , Whalen Ian Michael
Published: June 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic in the US, mothers have taken on more of the responsibility for childcare (including remote schooling) and housework. How did dual‐income couples negotiate domestic labor during the pandemic in ways that ended up with women taking on a larger role? Based on in‐depth interviews with 33 parents, we found that men's jobs were often discussed as being more demanding, particularly in their need for protected time, or requiring rigid time commitments, while women's work was considered more flexible and able to accommodate childcare needs. We argue that gendered perceptions about the flexibility of paid work shaped couple's negotiations over the division of labor. While many interviewees considered men's jobs as “simply more demanding,” we propose that this is a gendered perception that reflects entrenched cultural norms that associate masculinity with paid work and thus men's paid work is prioritized in many families.
Obesity and survival in a national cohort of incident hemodialysis patients: An analysis of the Brazilian Dialysis Registry
Authors: Peçanha Angélica , Nerbass Fabiana B. , Sesso Ricardo C. , Lugon Jocemir R.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A phenomenon called the “obesity paradox” has consistently been reported in several cohorts of patients on chronic hemodialysis. In this setting, a higher body mass index (BMI) is paradoxically associated with better survival. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BMI on mortality in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis using the Brazilian Dialysis Registry.

Methods

This was a retrospective national cohort study with data on incident hemodialysis patients collected between January 2011 to December 2018. Those aged <18 or > 80 years were excluded from the study. The variables studied were the clinical and laboratory data regularly collected at the dialysis units. The variable of primary interest was BMI, represented as the median of the entire dialysis treatment and stratified into four ranges according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The primary outcome was death within 4 years. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to test associations with mortality.

Findings

The analyzed sample consisted of 5489 patients from 73 centers in five regions of the country. Of these, 5.9% were underweight, 48.3% were of normal weight, 31.0% were overweight, and 14.7% were obese. The 4‐year survival rates in these BMI ranges were 58%, 70%, 75%, and 80%, respectively. The probability of survival for each BMI extract was significantly different from that in the normal‐weight range (p < 0.05). In the fully adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression model, BMI > 24.9 kg/m2 remained an independent protective factor for mortality (HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.95, p = 0.016).

Discussion

In Brazil, being overweight and obese are protective factors for survival in the chronic hemodialysis population.
HPLC‐TBARS‐EVSC (high‐performance liquid chromatography–thiobarbituric acid reactive substances–ex vivo stratum corneum) protocol: Selection of the subjects and approach to present the results
Authors: Marques Gabriela de Argollo , Hiraishi Camila Faustino , Macedo Pedro Ivo de Souza , Pinto Claudineia Aparecida Sales de Oliveira , Gregório João , Rosado Catarina , Velasco Maria Valéria Robles , Baby André Rolim
Published: June 2023

Objective

Nowadays, it is recognized the need for improved safety and efficacy protocols to evaluate the human stratum corneum (SC) and its interaction with topical and cosmetic formulations by minimally or non‐invasive methodologies. The aim of our research work was to streamline the HPLC‐TBARS‐EVSC (high‐performance liquid chromatography–thiobarbituric acid reactive substances–ex vivo stratum corneum) methodology, by exploring the results of a group of 18 subjects.

Methods

The study included nine women and nine men aged between 19 and 57 years old with phototypes from II to V. Sites in the forearm of each volunteer were randomly delimited, and the SC was collected by tape stripping. HPLC was used to quantify the MDA‐TBA2 (malondialdehyde–thiobarbituric acid) adduct from the tape‐stripped SC, irradiated and not by an ultraviolet (UV) simulator chamber.

Results

Observing the findings of our present investigation, and the statistical approach applied, the use of the ratio between the treatment site and control would be an adequate strategy to better discriminate and evaluate the results. Additionally, an optimal selection of the volunteers to respond specifically to the purpose of the ex vivo assay also can be considered advantageous.

Conclusions

It seemed that in future studies focusing on the impact of SC UV‐induced lipid peroxidation, determined by the HPLC‐TBARS‐EVSC, the most suitable subjects are females aged less than 35 years old, with phototype II.
Schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities: Symptom manifestations and identification
Authors: Bakken Trine Lise , Kildahl Arvid Nikolai , Ludvigsen Linn Beate , Bjørgen Tale Gjertine , Dalhaug Caroline , Hellerud Jane Margrete Askeland , Hove Oddbjørn , Solheim‐Inderberg Ann Magritt , Karlsen Kjersti , Helverschou Sissel Berge
Published: June 2023

Background

The assessment of schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities is challenging. This study aimed to explore the identification of schizophrenia in this population.

Methods

Using data from a clinical multi‐centre study, reported symptoms in 26 autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities diagnosed with co‐occurring schizophrenia were explored. Scores on two checklists (Psychopathology in Autism Checklist [PAC], Aberrant Behaviour Checklist [ABC]) were compared with two comparison groups: autistic individuals with intellectual disabilities and other mental disorders (94), or no mental disorder (63).

Results

Reported symptoms of schizophrenia in this population met the formal diagnostic criteria. For PAC/ABC scales, only PAC psychosis differed for the schizophrenia group. Among participants with schizophrenia, two were diagnosed with additional mental disorders. Elevated scores for anxiety and depression were common.

Conclusions

Emphasising core symptoms seems necessary when assessing co‐occurring schizophrenia in autistic people with intellectual disabilities. The PAC may serve as a helpful screening tool.
Tapping into the unimpossible: Philosophical health in lives with spinal cord injury
Authors: de Miranda Luis , Levi Richard , Divanoglou Anestis
Published: June 2023

Background

We investigated the personal philosophies of eight persons with a tetraplegic condition (four male, four female), all living in Sweden with a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and all reporting a good life. Our purpose was to discover if there is a philosophical mindset that may play a role in living a good life with a traumatic SCI.

Methods

Two rounds of in‐depth qualitative interviews were performed by the same interviewer, a philosophical practitioner by training (de Miranda). The second round systematically covered the following elements: bodily sense, sense of self, sense of belonging, sense of the possible, sense of purpose and philosophical sense. This six‐step method developed by de Miranda is called SMILE_PH, an acronym for Sense‐Making Interviews Looking at Elements of Philosophical Health.

Results

All the interviewees, as a consequence of their trauma, reported having gone through a reinvention of themselves which implied questioning the meaning and purpose of their life in particular and life in general. A philosophical rather than realistic sense of the possible was abstracted toward teleological growth. All interviewees developed a sense of purpose based on self‐interested altruism and solidarity with disabled peers.

Conclusions

To reinvent a good life with SCI, in addition to physical training and willpower, one needs to consider philosophical questions about the self and life, what Kant called the cosmic interests of reason: What may I hope? What must I do? What can I know? Our results indicate that we should, in the future, explore what the philosophical health approach may bring to rehabilitation processes in the months or years that follow the trauma.
Cerebral blood flow in patients recovered from mild COVID‐19
Authors: Sen Souvik , Newman‐Norlund Roger , Riccardi Nicholas , Rorden Christopher , Newman‐Norlund Sarah , Sayers Sara , Fridriksson Julius , Logue Makenzie
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Cerebral hypoperfusion has been described in both severe and mild forms of symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate global and regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in asymptomatic COVID‐19 patients.

Methods

Cases with mild COVID‐19 infection and age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched healthy controls were drawn from the Aging Brain Consortium at The University of South Carolina data repository. Demographics, risk factors, and data from the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were collected. Mean CBF values for gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and the whole brain were calculated by averaging CBF values of standard space‐normalized CBF image values falling within GM and WM masks. Whole brain region of interest‐based analyses were used to create standardized CBF maps and explore differences between groups.

Results

Twenty‐eight cases with prior mild COVID‐19 infection were compared with 28 controls. Whole‐brain CBF (46.7 ± 5.6 vs. 49.3 ± 3.7, p = .05) and WM CBF (29.3 ± 2.6 vs. 31.0 ± 1.6, p = .03) were noted to be significantly lower in COVID‐19 cases as compared to controls. Predictive models based on these data predicted COVID‐19 group membership with a high degree of accuracy (85.2%, p < .001), suggesting CBF patterns are an imaging marker of mild COVID‐19 infection.

Conclusion

In this study, lower WM CBF, as well as widespread regional CBF changes identified using quantitative MRI, was found in mild COVID‐19 patients. Further studies are needed to determine the reliability of this newly identified COVID‐19 brain imaging marker and determine what drives these CBF changes.
Fast‐tracking, identity formation and the formalisation of teaching in health professions education
Authors: Finn Gabrielle M. , Hafferty Frederic W.
Published: June 2023

The proliferation of education programmes goes some way towards professionalising teaching, but we mustn't let them devalue teaching by bypassing socialisation processes and professional identity formation.
The Influence of Sagittal Angle of Posterior Malleolus Fracture on Ankle Joint Stability: A Retrospective Study of 120 Cases
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Yuening , Peng Xiaoyao , Xiong Jixiang , Sun Xinghao , Xia Zhangrong , Xiong Bin , Wang Guoyou
Published: June 2023

Objective

Due to the different force exerted during the posterior malleolus fracture (PMF), the difference in sagittal angle (SA) between the fracture fragments may affect ankle stability. But this aspect is less well studied and the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SA and the stability of PMF.

Methods

The imaging data of 120 patients with PMFs from January 2014 to November 2022 were collected retrospectively and reconstructed. We first measured SA, posterior fragment area (PFA) and fragment area ratio (FAR), reanalyzing the correlation of SA with PFA and FAR, respectively. To better describe the morphological characteristics of the fracture fragments, we further measured the fragment width diameter ratio (FWR), the fragment length ratio (FLR), fragment height (FH), contact area (CA), and finally carried these data into the regression model of SA versus FAR to conduct the intermediary role.

Results

SA was negatively correlated with PFA(s) (r = −0.583, P < 0.001), with regression equation s = −0.063SA + 3.066; SA was negatively correlated with FAR (r = −0.204, P < 0.05), with regression equation FAR = −0.002SA + 0.198; A significant correlation was found between FWR, FLR, FH, CA and SA (P < 0.05), as well as between FWR, FLR, FH and FAR (P < 0.05); Further intermediary role analysis showed that FWR, FLR, FH had a partial intermediary role between SA and FAR.

Conclusions

As SA increased, PFA and FAR decreased, so the larger the SA was due to the effect of vertical shear force, reflecting higher ankle stability, meanwhile, FWR, FLR and FH should also be considered on the fixation method of fracture fragments.
Plant NADPH‐dependent thioredoxin reductases are crucial for the metabolism of sink leaves and plant acclimation to elevated CO2
Authors: Souza Paulo V. L. , Hou Liang‐Yu , Sun Hu , Poeker Louis , Lehman Martin , Bahadar Humaira , Domingues‐Junior Adilson P. , Dard Avilien , Bariat Laetitia , Reichheld Jean‐Philippe , Silveira Joaquim Albenisio G. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Timm Stefan , Geigenberger Peter , Daloso Danilo M.
Published: June 2023

Plants contain three NADPH‐thioredoxin reductases (NTR) located in the cytosol/mitochondria (NTRA/B) and the plastid (NTRC) with important metabolic functions. However, mutants deficient in all NTRs remained to be investigated. Here, we generated and characterised the triple Arabidopsis ntrabc mutant alongside with ntrc single and ntrab double mutants under different environmental conditions. Both ntrc and ntrabc mutants showed reduced growth and substantial metabolic alterations, especially in sink leaves and under high CO2 (HC), as compared to the wild type. However, ntrabc showed higher effective quantum yield of PSII under both constant and fluctuating light conditions, altered redox states of NADH/NAD+ and glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and lower potential quantum yield of PSII in sink leaves in ambient but not high CO2 concentrations, as compared to ntrc, suggesting a functional interaction between chloroplastic and extra‐chloroplastic NTRs in photosynthesis regulation depending on leaf development and environmental conditions. Our results unveil a previously unknown role of the NTR system in regulating sink leaf metabolism and plant acclimation to HC, while it is not affecting full plant development, indicating that the lack of the NTR system can be compensated, at least to some extent, by other redox mechanisms.
The emerging key role of reactive sulfur species in abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Alvi Ameena Fatima , Iqbal Noushina , Albaqami Mohammed , Khan Nafees A.
Published: June 2023

In plants, sulfur plays a critical role in the formation of important biomolecules such as cysteine, methionine, and tripeptide glutathione. Thiol groups, composed of sulfur, are essential to numerous metabolic processes. The easy and reversible oxidation and reduction of thiol groups have drawn attention to the redox regulation of cellular metabolism. Reactive sulfur species (RSS), including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), persulfides, and polysulfides, are synthetized in all living organisms, mainly from cysteine, and have been recognized in the last two decades as very important molecules in redox regulation. RSS are considered potent signaling molecules, being involved in the regulation of virtually all aspects of cell function. With regard to stress, reactive species and the antioxidant machinery maintain a delicate balance that gets disturbed under stress conditions, wherein reactive species biosynthesis, transportation, scavenging, and overall metabolism become decisive for plant survival. While reactive oxygen and nitrogen species have been much discussed over recent years, research into RSS biosynthesis, signaling, and relation to abiotic stresses is still nascent. RSS evolved long before reactive oxygen species, and because both are metabolized by catalase, it has been suggested that “antioxidant” enzymes originally evolved to regulate RSS and may still do so today. In this review, we have tried to summarize the generation, signaling, and interaction of RSS in plant systems and to discuss in detail the roles under various abiotic stresses.
Experiment on use of eco‐friendly Palmyra nursery bag for mangrove restoration in Palk Bay, India
Authors: Thampi Akhil , Vedharajan Balaji , Narayana Sumantha , Govindarajan Murugesan , Magalingam Rajendran
Published: June 2023

The restoration of degraded mangrove habitats is a global priority. In countries such as India, the significance of coastal mangrove forests is deeply embedded after the 2004 tsunami and numerous cyclones that caused immense damage to coastal communities. Mangrove restoration drives have been carried out in several regions across the Indian coast. However, the establishment of mangrove nurseries using plastic bags to plant seedlings results in a large amount of plastic waste at the end of each plantation drive. People have tried to combat this issue of plastic pollution by adopting alternative methods but encountered several drawbacks and hitches. In this study, hand‐woven Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer, Arecaceae) bags were experimented with as a replacement for plastic bags to grow seedlings. The bags were able to withstand water inundation conditions similar to those of mangrove tidal flats for a maximum of 6 months, beyond which they disintegrated. The mangrove seedlings showed good growth similar to that in plastic bags, but the roots were well spread in Palmyra bags compared to plastic bags. In addition, during plantation, the seedling along with the bag could be planted as the bags were biodegradable, which is an advantage over plastic bags that need to be removed. Moreover, since local fishermen community members prepared these bags, it provided them with an alternative source of livelihood. Hence, Palmyra bags are an eco‐friendly alternative to plastic bags in reforestation programs.
Cut-cell Eta Model: History and Challenges Overcome
Authors: Mesinger Fedor
Published: June 2023

Incentive for writing a limited area weather prediction model stemmed from the author’s several years stay at the University of California in Los Angeles, at the end of the sixties. Exposed to what he refers to as the Akio Arakawa approach, having had an idea for a scheme that was an improvement to what Arakawa was using, and being aware of the importance of topography for the weather of the country he was to continue his career in, led in 1973 to his first limited area 3D code, the forerunner of what was to become the Eta model. Refinements and enhancements introduced by the author in subsequent years and of the collaborator he acquired, Zaviša Janjić, resulted in the code that when installed at the then U.S. National Meteorological Center, attracted attention. Hallmarks of the model were Mesinger’s eta vertical coordinate, and Janjić’s transformation of the Arakawa horizontal advection scheme to the model’s semi-staggered B/E grid. In 1993 the Eta became the primary regional forecasting model of the U.S. Weather Bureau, and in 1998 its precipitation accuracy of 24-48 h forecasts became higher across all intensity thresholds than that of its predecessor, the Nested Grid Model (NGM) for its 00-24 h forecasts. Lately, the Eta is extensively used also as a regional climate model (RCM), mostly over the South American domain, and in near-real time as a tool for the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR), run by the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Climate Prediction Center. Several later unique numerical refinements of the Eta addressing problems noticed are summarized in a “before and after” fashion, and results are mentioned of its ensemble skill compared to that of its highly acclaimed driver European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model.
Quaternion Variational Integration for Inertial Maneuvering in a Biomimetic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Pons Arion , Cirak Fehmi
Published: June 2023

Biological flying, gliding, and falling creatures are capable of extraordinary forms of inertial maneuvering: free-space maneuvering based on fine control of their multibody dynamics, as typified by the self-righting reflexes of cats. However, designing inertial maneuvering capability into biomimetic robots, such as biomimetic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), is challenging. Accurately simulating this maneuvering requires numerical integrators that can ensure both singularity-free integration, and momentum and energy conservation, in a strongly coupled system—properties unavailable in existing conventional integrators. In this work, we develop a pair of novel quaternion variational integrators (QVIs) showing these properties, and demonstrate their capability for simulating inertial maneuvering in a biomimetic UAV showing complex multibody dynamics coupling. Being quaternion-valued, these QVIs are innately singularity-free; and being variational, they can show excellent energy and momentum conservation properties. We explore the effect of variational integration order (left-rectangle versus midpoint) on the conservation properties of integrator, and conclude that in complex coupled systems in which canonical momenta may be time-varying, the midpoint integrator is required. The resulting midpoint QVI is well suited to the analysis of inertial maneuvering in a biomimetic UAV—a feature that we demonstrate in simulation—and of other complex dynamical systems.
The influence of Ahy1 strain of Acremonium hansfodii on functional response of Neoseiulus barkeri to Tetranychus urticae
Authors: Shang Su-Qin , Li Wei-Zhen , Chen Yao-Nian , Zhu Tong
Published: June 2023

The two spotted spider mite (TSSM) Tetranychus urticae is one of the most economically key mite pests of fields and greenhouse crops over the world. In order to clarify the control efficacy of Neoseiulus barkeri on Tetranychus urticae in the presence of entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Acremonium hansfodii. This study was conducted to evaluate the control of combining N. barkeri with A. hansfodii against T. urticae. The results showed that the functional response of N. barkeri treated with Ahy1 strain to T. urticae was Holling type II equation. Among these, the highest predation number and the shortest attack time were obtained for the predator feeding on eggs, then followed by feeding on nymphs, female adults ranked as the lowest. That of N. barkeri to T. urticae treated with Ahy1 strain was also Holling type II equation. The predation capacity of N. barkeri on nymphs and female adults of T. urticae treated by Ahy1 strain increased with the increase of the concentration of Ahy1 strain, but that when feeding eggs had no significant difference. Therefore, the combination of EPF with N. barkeri on control of TSSM had synergistic effects, which will provide the guidance to carry out combined utilization of entomogenous fungi with predatory mites.
New host records of the reptile tick Amblyomma helvolum Koch (Ixodida: Ixodidae: Amblyomminae) in Taiwan
Authors: Amarga Ace Kevin S. , Lin Jhan-Wei , Tseng Hui-Yun , Robbins Richard G. , Kwak Mackenzie L. , Lin Si-Min
Published: June 2023

Amblyomma helvolum Koch is an Asiatic reptile-associated tick that usually inhabits tropical forests and is primarily parasitic on varanids, skinks, and snakes. In Taiwan, A. helvolum has been reported on Elaphe carinata (Taiwan stink snake) and Ptyas mucosa (Oriental rat snake). Herein, we report new host records of A. helvolum in Taiwan from the following squamate species: Diploderma swinhonis (Swinhoe's japalure), Eutropis longicaudata (Long-tailed sun skink), Oligodon formosanus (Taiwan kukri), Sphenomorphus incognitus (Brown forest skink), and Trimeresurus stejnegeri (Chinese green tree viper). In addition, we present an overview of the distribution of A. helvolum across its range and its association with reptilian microbial agents.
The effects of the abamectin and spirodiclofen mixture on life history and population parameters of Amblyseius swirskii
Authors: Mousavi Ahmad , Kheradmand Katayoon , Fathipour Yaghoub , Mosallanejad Hadi , Havasi Mohammadreza
Published: June 2023

In this study, three sublethal concentrations (LC5, LC15, and LC25) of Envidor®speed (Abamectin and Spirodiclofen mixture, 24% SC, Bayer co.) on the biological parameters of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Heneroit (Acari: Phytoseiidae) fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) was assessed based on the Two-sex life table theory under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 70 ± 5% RH and 16:8 (L: D) hours). The data were analyzed based on a two-sex life table procedure. Increasing the sublethal concentration did have a significant effect on some life table parameters. The total lifespan of both males and females treated mites had a decreasing trend, for the females, it increased from 22.10 days in LC25 treatment to 42.67 days in control. The oviposition days of the predatory mite had the most differences between the LC15 and LC25 treatments compared to LC5 and control. Based on our results, the total fecundity is also affected by the acaricidal doses, which changed from 19.10 eggs per individual in LC25 to 37.17 eggs per individual in control. The net reproductive rate (R0), as well as the gross reproductive rate (GRR), were all significantly reduced with increasing the acaricide concentration. The control treatment had the maximum value, and the higher concentration treatment (LC25) had the slowest value of R0 and GRR. On the contrary, the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) showed no significant differences with the increasing concentration of acaricide from the control to LC25 treatments. Eventually, with due attention to the large range value of each LCs for predatory mites concerning recommended concentration for T. urticae based on the active ingredient, the recommended concentration of Envidorspeed in IPM programs is unobstructed.
Interaction of Kinematic, Kinetic, and Energetic Predictors of Young Swimmers’ Speed
Authors: Morais Jorge E. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Bragada José A. , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the interaction of kinematic, kinetic, and energetic variables as speed predictors in adolescent swimmers in the front-crawl stroke. Design: Ten boys (mean age [SD] = 16.4 [0.7] y) and 13 girls (mean age [SD] = 14.9 [0.9] y) were assessed. Methods: The swimming performance indicator was a 25-m sprint. A set of kinematic, kinetic (hydrodynamic and propulsion), and energetic variables was established as a key predictor of swimming performance. Multilevel software was used to model the maximum swimming speed. Results: The final model identified time (estimate = −0.008, P = .044), stroke frequency (estimate = 0.718, P < .001), active drag coefficient (estimate = −0.330, P = .004), lactate concentration (estimate = 0.019, P < .001), and critical speed (estimate = −0.150, P = .035) as significant predictors. Therefore, the interaction of kinematic, hydrodynamic, and energetic variables seems to be the main predictor of speed in adolescent swimmers. Conclusions: Coaches and practitioners should be aware that improvements in isolated variables may not translate into faster swimming speed. A multilevel evaluation may be required for a more effective assessment of the prediction of swimming speed based on several key variables rather than a single analysis.
An Analysis of Physical Education and Health Education Teacher Education Programs in the United States
Authors: Ward Phillip , Chey Won Seok , Kim Insook , Tsuda Emi , Ko Bomna , Deglau Dena , Cho Kyuil
Published: June 2023

Purpose: There is little known about the state of teacher education programs in this field. The aim of this article is to provide a descriptive analysis of physical education and health education teacher education programs in the United States. Method: Using published curriculums, a census of active undergraduate teacher education programs and a more in-depth analysis of one program from each state based on interviews with program coordinators was conducted. Findings: Data are reported across nine categories: (a) institution and program classifications, (b) degree designations, (c) degree and major’s hours, (d) enrollment, (e) program status and trends, (f) admission and graduation requirements, (g) curricular time, (h) faculty demographics, and (i) health education. Conclusions: The data show that there is a broad interpretation of what counts as physical and health teacher education in terms of curriculum, and there are significant and pressing challenges for the field to address moving forward.
Gaps and weaknesses in the global protected area network for safeguarding at-risk species
Authors: Zeng Yiwen , Senior Rebecca A. , Crawford Christopher L. , Wilcove David S.
Published: June 2023

Protected areas are essential to biodiversity conservation. Creating new parks can protect larger populations and more species, yet strengthening existing parks, particularly those vulnerable to harmful human activities, is a critical but underappreciated step for safeguarding at-risk species. Here, we model the area of habitat that terrestrial mammals, amphibians, and birds have within park networks and their vulnerability to current downgrading, downsizing, or degazettement events and future land-use change. We find that roughly 70% of species analyzed have scant representation in parks, or occur within parks that are affected by shifts in formal legal protections or are vulnerable to increased human pressures. Our results also show that expanding and strengthening park networks across just 1% of the world’s land area could preserve irreplaceable habitats of 1191 species that are particularly vulnerable to extinction.
Magnetosheath jets at Mars
Authors: Gunell Herbert , Hamrin Maria , Nesbit-Östman Sara , Krämer Eva , Nilsson Hans
Published: June 2023

Plasma entities, known as magnetosheath jets, with higher dynamic pressure than the surrounding plasma, are often seen at Earth. They generate waves and contribute to energy transfer in the magnetosheath. Affecting the magnetopause, they cause surface waves and transfer energy into the magnetosphere, causing throat auroras and magnetic signatures detectable on the ground. We show that jets exist also beyond Earth’s environment in the magnetosheath of Mars, using data obtained by the MAVEN spacecraft. Thus, jets can be created also at Mars, which differs from Earth by its smaller bow shock, and they are associated with an increased level of magnetic field fluctuations. Jets couple large and small scales in magnetosheaths in the solar system and can play a similar part in astrophysical plasmas.
Creation of distinctive Bax-lipid complexes at mitochondrial membrane surfaces drives pore formation to initiate apoptosis
Authors: Clifton Luke A. , Wacklin-Knecht Hanna P. , Ådén Jörgen , Mushtaq Ameeq Ul , Sparrman Tobias , Gröbner Gerhard
Published: June 2023

Apotosis is an essential process tightly regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family where proapoptotic Bax triggers cell death by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane. Although intensively studied, the molecular mechanism by which these proteins create apoptotic pores remains elusive. Here, we show that Bax creates pores by extracting lipids from outer mitochondrial membrane mimics by formation of Bax/lipid clusters that are deposited on the membrane surface. Time-resolved neutron reflectometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed two kinetically distinct phases in the pore formation process, both of which were critically dependent on cardiolipin levels. The initially fast adsorption of Bax on the mitochondrial membrane surface is followed by a slower formation of pores and Bax-lipid clusters on the membrane surface. Our findings provide a robust molecular understanding of mitochondrial membrane perforation by cell-killing Bax protein and illuminate the initial phases of programmed cellular death.
Chronic antigen in solid tumors drives a distinct program of T cell residence
Authors: Gavil Noah V. , Scott Milcah C. , Weyu Eyob , Smith Olivia C. , O’Flanagan Stephen D. , Wijeyesinghe Sathi , Lotfi-Emran Sahar , Shiao Stephen L. , Vezys Vaiva , Masopust David
Published: June 2023

Analyses of healthy tissue reveal signatures that identify resident memory CD8
+
T cells (T
RM
), which survey tissues without recirculating. The density of T
RM
phenotype cells within solid tumors correlates favorably with prognosis, suggesting that intratumoral residents control cancer. However, residence has not been directly tested, and intratumoral T
RM
phenotype cells could instead reflect aspects of the microenvironment that correlate with prognosis. Using a breast cancer model in mice, we found that conventional T
RM
markers do not inform the tumor residence of either bystander or tumor-specific cells, which exhibit further distinct phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment and healthy mammary tissue. Rather, tumor-specific, stem progenitor CD8
+
T cells migrate to tumors and become resident while acquiring select markers of exhaustion. These data indicate that tonic antigen stimulation and the tumor environment drive distinct programs of residence compared with healthy tissues and that tumor immunity is sustained by continued migration of tumor-specific stem cells.