bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic assessment reveals inbreeding, possible hybridization, and low levels of genetic structure in a declining goose population
Authors: Honka Johanna , Baini Serena , Searle Jeremy B. , Kvist Laura , Aspi Jouni
Published: January 2022

The population numbers of taiga bean goose (Anser fabalis fabalis) have halved during recent decades. Since this subspecies is hunted throughout most of its range, the decline is of management concern. Knowledge of the genetic population structure and diversity is important for guiding management and conservation efforts. Genetically unique subpopulations might be hunted to extinction if not managed separately, and any inbreeding depression or lack of genetic diversity may affect the ability to adapt to changing environments and increase extinction risk. We used microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers to study the genetic population structure and diversity among taiga bean geese breeding within the Central flyway management unit using non‐invasively collected feathers. We found some genetic structuring with the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA between four geographic regions (ɸST = 0.11–0.20) but none with the nuclear microsatellite markers (all pairwiseFST‐values = 0.002–0.005). These results could be explained by female natal philopatry and male‐biased dispersal, which completely homogenizes the nuclear genome. Therefore, the population could be managed as a single unit. Genetic diversity was still at a moderate level (averageHE = 0.69) and there were no signs of past population size reductions, although significantly positive inbreeding coefficients in all sampling sites (FIS = 0.05–0.10) and high relatedness values (r = 0.60–0.86) between some individuals could indicate inbreeding. In addition, there was evidence of either incomplete lineage sorting or introgression from the pink‐footed goose (Anser brachyrhynchus). The current population is not under threat by genetic impoverishment but monitoring in the future is desirable.
Polysaccharides of nutritional interest in jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) during root development
Authors: González‐Vázquez Marcela , Calderón‐Domínguez Georgina , Mora‐Escobedo Rosalva , Salgado‐Cruz Ma. Paz , Arreguín‐Centeno José Honorato , Monterrubio‐López Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Jicama root applications have focused on their nutraceutical properties without clearly specifying which compounds are related to this effect. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the changes in polysaccharides of nutraceutical interest in two commercial jicama roots (YS – Yellow Seed; PS – Purple Seed) during four stages of maturation, focusing on starch, fructooligosaccharides, and pectin (via galacturonic acid), and on their glycemic index, with the goal of determining, if possible, the best cost‐effectiveness between jicama growing stages and nutraceutical effect. Both materials (YS, PS) presented similar growth rates (0.069 and 0.072 cm/day) and final sizes (12.7 ± 1.25, 12.3 ± 1.63 cm). Changes in size were accompanied by changes in protein, fiber, ashes, lipids, and carbohydrates, after 106 or 127 days of growing. It was also found that fructose content was higher than glucose during the maturing stages, possibly because of the hydrolysis of fructooligosaccharides or sucrose for starch production. Concerning inulin, its levels decreased (<6.0%), after the first days (YS: 13.4% ± 0.7%; PS: 8.4% ± 0.2%, 106 days); however, during development, the presence of other fructooligosaccharides was observed (nystose‐YS 106 days 15.8% ± 0.9% and PS‐106 days 18.5% ± 0.1%), while galacturonic acid and native starch levels increased, which must be related to the jicama's low glycemic index found (<25%), and their nutraceutical properties. This work proves the presence of inulin in jicama roots by analytical methods, its dependence on root development and classifies jicama as a low glycemic index food, supporting its nutraceutical character.
Optimization and characterization of pectin extracted from banana and papaya mixed peels using response surface methodology
Authors: Mada Tanje , Duraisamy Ramesh , Guesh Fisseha
Published: January 2022

A massive amount of fruit peels generated from fruit processing industries and household kitchens has resulted in nutritional loss and environmental problems. Pectin is a polysaccharide that is isolated from fruit peels and has been attributed to various applications. By proper waste management practices and the use of efficient methods for retrieval of pectin from fruit, peels would benefit from resource management. This study has aimed at the extraction of pectin from locally available fruit peels. Pectin extraction from banana–papaya peel was done by microwave‐assisted extraction. The influence of temperature, time, and pH on extraction yield and anhydrouronic acid content was analyzed using software Design Expert 11. The optimum operating conditions such as temperature, time, and pH to achieve maximum yield (23.74%) and anhydrouronic acid (69.97%) were determined as 73°C, pH 2, and 35 min, respectively. Physicochemical assets of the extracted pectin, such as moisture, ash, protein, methoxyl content, degree of esterification, equivalent weight, and acetyl value, were determined as 7.2 ± 0.27%, 6.20 ± 1.26%, 3.92 ± 0.05% 8.37 ± 0.42%, 67.91 ± 0.33%, 783.69 ± 0.46 g/mol, and 0.48 ± 0.11%, respectively, and some functional properties like water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling capacity, and emulsifying activity and emulsion stability are found as 8.23%, 18.44%, 22.73%, 45.16%, and 29.33%, respectively.
Exploring the effectiveness of a P4P scheme from the perspective of Italian general practitioners: A replication study
Authors: Giancotti Monica , Mauro Marianna , Rania Francesco
Published: January 2022

A major problem of the primary healthcare system is the deficiency in performance quality. From the second half of the 20th century, many countries introduced pay for performance reimbursement schemes to encourage practitioner behaviour to align with specific objectives of decision‐makers and to incentivise the provision of targeted services. The study of Krauth et al. (2016) provides key evidence from a European country, determining whether German general practitioners would participate in a pay for performance programme and under what conditions. Our research replicates this survey, adjusting it to the Italian context. We assessed the attitudes of Italian general practitioners towards the current remuneration scheme and analysed how such views varied among respondents. Results showed that the current remuneration scheme for Italian general practitioners does not seem to be proportional to the efforts given for the provision of care and does not provide appropriate incentives to supply high‐quality healthcare. Most of respondents supported the introduction of a pay for performance remuneration system, although perceived potential obstacles. We conclude that for a successful implementation of a quality‐based compensation scheme, GPs should be involved. Such participation would help better identify perceived obstacles and overcome them.
Reducing employee turnover intentions in the service sector: The connection between human resource development practices and employee engagement
Authors: Fulmore Julia A. , Fulmore Anthony L. , Mull Mandolen , Cooper Joy N.
Published: January 2022

Employee engagement has been researched extensively in the management and human resource development (HRD) literature. However, the relationship between employee perceptions of HRD practices, engagement, and turnover intentions has not been sufficiently studied. In response, this two‐study research examined the extent to which employees' perceived support for participation in HRD practices (PSHRD), engagement, and turnover intent were associated with each other in the service sector. Two samples (nStudy 1 = 490 and nStudy 2 = 511) of U.S. service sector employees were used. Using structural equation modeling, the results of both studies confirmed the theorized partially mediated model. Study 2 expanded on the initial model by adding the moderating variable positive reciprocity beliefs between PSHRD and emotional engagement, which has not yet been empirically tested. However, the moderator was found to be statistically insignificant. Implications for HRD theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
The effect of computational processing of temperature‐ and concentration‐dependent parameters on non‐Newtonian fluid MHD: Applications of numerical methods
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed G. , Asfour Hanaa A.
Published: January 2022

This investigation aims to introduce a new solution with aid of numerical methods to the blood flow of Carreau–Yasuda fluid through a microvessel. Swimming of gyrotactic microorganisms with nanoparticles is considered. A resulting system of partial differential equations is simplified by the meaning of low Reynolds number and long wavelength. This system of partial differential equations was formulated and transformed mathematically using new theories of differential transform method. Variable nonndimensional physical parameters effects, such as numbers of bioconvection Peclet and bioconvection Rayleigh, and so forth on velocity, temperature, and concentration distribution as well as oxytactic microorganism and oxygen concentration profiles are studied. All results are constructed in two cases of viscosity on the same figure, one of them in the case of variable parameters and the other in constant parameters. The existing study assured that the microorganism density in the direction near to the hypoxic tumor tissues regions grows with a rise in oxygen concentrations and the blood viscosity diminutions.
Affordances of digital platforms insub‐SaharanAfrica: An analytical review
Authors: Daramola Olawande , Etim Ernest
Published: January 2022

The proliferation of digital platforms in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) has increased job opportunities for informal businesses. However, the technological affordance of digital platforms in SSA has received very little attention in literature review. This paper presents an analytical review of the technological affordances of digital platforms in SSA. We adopted a systematic literature review methodology that entailed gathering evidence from relevant literature and digital platforms in three countries in SSA (South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya). Three research questions focusing on (i) critical issues of discussion on digital platforms in SSA and their distribution; (ii) understanding the technological affordances of digital platforms in SSA; and (iii) assessing the extent to which the technological affordances digital platforms can address the challenges of the informal sector in SSA drove the investigation. The study developed an affordances criteria framework, the first of its kind, to evaluate digital platforms affordances in SSA. Our findings revealed the key topics that have gained researchers' attention so far and digital platforms distribution in SSA. We also found that most digital platforms in SSA currently lack affordances that support multimodal interface and native language contents, limiting their accessibility to persons with minimal digital literacy. Most platforms also lack support for public/private partnerships. The lack of critical affordances that match the profile of the informal sector in SSA makes existing digital platforms incapable of addressing many critical challenges of the informal sector. These challenges include low literacy levels, minimal/lack of government support, lack of electricity or expensive power supply, expensive internet connectivity, and health and safety issues. However, existing digital platforms can reasonably address the absence of social protection, lack of formalization, and poor operational infrastructure. As a contribution, this paper offers a new perspective on the technological affordances of digital platforms in SSA. It also provides insight into the imperatives for designing inclusive and accessible digital platforms for the informal sector in SSA.
Industrial product design method using feature expression and multi‐view learning in ICN
Authors: Fang Jiansong
Published: January 2022

In order to realize multi‐layer semantic integration and innovation of complex product industrial design, promote multi‐disciplinary knowledge sharing and coordination, and improve product quality, the hierarchical semantic concept of product industrial design is put forward based on the theories of product semiotics and cognitive semantics. In addition, the hierarchical semantic industrial design process context model is constructed based on complex product development process and information processing theory using the Information Centric Networking (ICN) technology, since ICN architecture can be used to optimize the product quality. In the ICN environment, the scientific semantic expression methods and the artistic semantic expression method of product semantics are also used to extract features and construct the feature expression in the specific design situation. The icon semantic features, indicative semantic features, symbolic semantic features and their relevance of complex products are obtained. Experimental results have been achieved and shown that the proposed method has benefits than the other methods.
Functional analysis patterns of automatic reinforcement: A review and component analysis of treatment effects
Authors: Virues‐Ortega Javier , Clayton Kylee , Pérez‐Bustamante Agustín , Gaerlan Belinda Faye S. , Fahmie Tara A.
Published: January 2022

Functional analysis (FA) conditions include different antecedent or consequent events that may disrupt responding. Thus, varying patterns of FA differentiation may predict treatment outcomes of problem behavior maintained by automatic reinforcement. These patterns could be used to inform the development of individualized interventions. An approach to classifying these patterns is to categorize FA outcomes as attention condition lowest, demand condition lowest, and play condition lowest, according to the condition in which problem behavior is most disrupted. In Study 1, we applied this criterion to 120 datasets finding that 60% could be classified using this method, whereas 89% of datasets showed a disruption of 50% or higher. In Study 2, we conducted a treatment component analyses for 3 individuals whose FAs each exhibited one of the 3 distinct patterns. The results indicated that specific elements of the FA conditions could reduce problem behavior. The predictive utility of these disruption patterns is discussed.
Three‐dimensional morphological characterization of colorectal pits from label‐free microscopy images
Authors: Erbes Luciana A. , Izaguirre María F. , Casco Víctor H. , Adur Javier
Published: January 2022

The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most prevalent pathologies worldwide, is linked to early detection. Kudo's pit pattern classification states morphological pit patterns of the Lieberkühn crypts by analyzing the superficial mucosa, predicting the histology of colorectal lesions. Its use as a highly accurate two‐dimensional diagnostic criterion has increased, mostly involving expert endoscopists’ judgment. The processing of autofluorescence images could allow the diagnostic, bypassing staining techniques and decreasing the biopsies, resources and times involved in the inspection. That criterion could be extended by data of the pit three‐dimensional (3D) morphology. Thus, this work was aimed at obtaining 3D morphological information by quantifying geometrical and shape descriptors through software processing and analysis of widefield autofluorescence microscopy image stacks acquired by fresh colon tissue samples from a murine model of CRC. Statistical analyses included pits from control mice and from the second (2nd), fourth (4th), and eighth (8th) weeks of treatment. Statistically significant differences were found for almost all parameters between the pits from control and from the 4th treated week, stating that the major morphological changes begin after the 2nd week. In particular, pits from control or initial treatment time points were more tubular, straighter and less rough than the ones from later treatment points. Therefore, they may be more associated to normal or non‐neoplastic crypt lumens than linked to adenomas or even cancer crypts. These preliminary outcomes could be considered an advance in 3D pit morphology characterization.
Recent advances in the synthetic method and mechanism for the important N‐heterocyclic compound of 3‐methylindole
Authors: Fu Yi , Sun Pinghui , Li Gong , He Riyang , Shi Lei , Xing Na
Published: January 2022

3‐Methylindole, as an important N‐heterocycle compound, is widely applied in the fields of medicine, agriculture and industry for synthesizing momentous drugs and plant growth regulators as well as the production of spices. Therefore, the efficient synthesis of 3‐methylindole is very important and has attracted much attention from chemists. In this paper, the synthetic methods of 3‐methylindole were classified into Fischer proton rearrangement, radical reaction, coupling cyclization, electrophilic reaction, nucleophilic reaction, reduction reaction and oxidation reaction. Also, the recent advances in the synthetic method and mechanism were reviewed, in which the most promising method for the green and cheap synthesis of 3‐methylindole from biomass‐derived glycerol and aniline was proposed.
Shallow trench isolation structure design for through‐silicon vias stress reduction
Authors: Wang Fengjuan , Liu Suiyang , Yin Xiangkun , Yu Ningmei , Yang Yuan
Published: January 2022

Through‐silicon vias (TSVs) technology provides an effective approach for “more than Moore,” however, the stress caused by TSVs may cause the surrounding devices to be squeezed and cause failure. In order to reduce the thermal stress of the TSV while innovatively considering the anisotropy of the silicon substrate, a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure was designed, and the influence of the shape and size of the STI on the stress reduction effect was studied. The research results show that the petal‐shaped STI structure reduces the thermal stress caused by TSV by 26% and the KOZ area by 31%, which provides a solution for reducing the stress and KOZ area in the anisotropic silicon substrate.
Carbamazepine mitigates parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease in a novel ambulatory piglet model
Authors: Song Eric , Nagarapu Aakash , van Nispen Johan , Armstrong Austin , Manithody Chandrashekhara , Murali Vidul , Voigt Marcus , Samaddar Ashish , Hutchinson Chelsea , Jain Sonali , Roenker Jeremy , Krebs Joseph , Jain Ajay K.
Published: January 2022

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN) remains a critical therapeutic option in patients who cannot tolerate enteral feeding. However, although lifesaving, PN is associated with significant side effects, including liver injury, the etiology of which is multifactorial. Carbamazepine (CBZ), an antiepileptic medication, is known to modulate hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular injury in a variety of liver diseases. We hypothesized that CBZ could prevent PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD), which we tested by using our novel ambulatory PN piglet model.

Methods

Piglets were fitted with jugular catheters and infusion pumps for PN and randomized to enteral nutrition (n = 7), PN (n = 6), or PN with parenteral CBZ (n = 6) for 2 weeks. Serum and liver tissue were analyzed via light microscopy, quantification of serum liver injury markers, Ki67 and cytokeratin‐7 indexing, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

PN‐fed piglets in our model developed manifestations of PNALD—particularly, increased serum bilirubin, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, liver cholestasis, and Ki67 expression compared with that of EN‐fed animals (P < 0.03). CBZ therapy in PN‐fed animals led to a significant reduction in these markers of injury (P < 0.05). Investigation into the mechanism of these therapeutic effects revealed increased expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1 (SREBP‐1), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPAR‐α), and fatty acid binding protein (FABP) in PN‐fed animals receiving CBZ (P < 0.03). Further investigation revealed increased LC3 expression and decreased lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP1) expression with CBZ (P < 0.03).

Conclusion

CBZ administration mitigates PNALD severity, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy targeting PN‐associated side effects, and may present a paradigm change to current treatment options.
Post‐release survival of translocated fishers: implications for translocation success
Authors: Lewis Jeffrey C. , Jenkins Kurt J. , Happe Patricia J. , Manson David J. , Griffin Paul C.
Published: January 2022

As a vital tool for the conservation of species at risk, translocations are also opportunities to identify factors that influence translocation success. We evaluated factors associated with post‐release survival of 90 radio‐tracked fishers (Pekania pennanti) translocated from central British Columbia, Canada, to the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, USA, from 2008 to 2011. We hypothesized that the survival of translocated fishers would be affected by the same factors that influence the survival of resident, native fishers (i.e., sex, age, season, body condition), and additional factors that were associated with the translocation process (e.g., duration of captivity, release date, yr of release). Fisher survival was most strongly influenced by translocation year (i.e., release‐yr cohort), season, sex, and age class of fisher; whereas duration of captivity, standardized body mass, release date, and number of intact canines did not influence survival. Survival was lowest for fishers released in cohort 2 in 2009 and during the breeding season (Mar–Jun), and was greatest for juveniles and males. When combined across release‐year cohorts, year 1 survival rates were greatest for juvenile males followed by juvenile females, adult females, and adult males. Sex and age‐related differences in survival of translocated fishers were counter to those commonly reported for established fisher populations, where adult females often have the highest survival rates and juveniles the lowest. Predation (40%) and vehicle strikes (20%) were the most common causes of known mortality among the 24 recovered fishers for which cause of death was determined. We speculate that females face higher risks of mortality in translocated populations because their small size makes them more vulnerable to predation and because adult females in resident populations are less likely than males and juveniles to disperse. Our findings support designing translocations that favor releasing a preponderance of female fishers in recognition of their lower survival rates and to ensure adequate breeders are established in the population, and juvenile and young adult fishers to enhance survival of both sexes. Releases conducted over multiple years will minimize the impact of stochastic annual events that may adversely affect survival in any given year. Persistence, widespread distribution, and documented reproduction of fishers within our study area for ≥6 years following the last releases indicate that survival parameters we measured contributed toward successful population establishment over the short term.
From Raman Frequency Combs to Supercontinuum Generation in Nitrogen‐Filled Hollow‐Core Anti‐Resonant Fiber
Authors: Gao Shou‐Fei , Wang Ying‐Ying , Belli Federico , Brahms Christian , Wang Pu , Travers John C.
Published: January 2022

A route to supercontinuum generation in gas‐filled hollow‐core anti‐resonant fibers is demonstrated through the creation of a broad vibrational Raman frequency comb followed by continuous broadening and merging of the comb lines through either rotational Raman scattering or the optical Kerr effect. The demonstration experiments, utilizing a single pump pulse with 20 ps duration at 532 nm in a nitrogen‐filled fiber, produce a supercontinuum spanning from 440 to 1200 nm, with an additional deep ultraviolet continuum from 250 to 360 nm. Numerical results suggest that this approach can produce even broader supercontinuum spectra extending from the ultraviolet to mid‐infrared.
Compact Chemical Identifier Based on Plasmonic Metasurface Integrated with Microbolometer Array
Authors: Meng Jiajun , Weston Luke , Balendhran Sivacarendran , Wen Dandan , Cadusch Jasper J. , Rajasekharan Unnithan Ranjith , Crozier Kenneth B.
Published: January 2022

The identification of chemicals from their mid‐infrared spectra has applications that include industrial production of chemicals, food production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. This is generally done using laboratory benchtop tools, such as the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Although such systems offer high performance, alternative platforms offering reduced size, weight, and cost can enable a host of new applications, e.g. in consumer personal electronics. Here a compact microspectrometer platform for chemical identification, comprising a mid‐infrared metasurface integrated with a lightweight (≈1 g) and very small (≈1 cm3) microbolometer‐based thermal camera is experimentally demonstrated. A machine learning algorithm is trained to analyze the microspectrometer output and classify chemicals based on their mid‐infrared fingerprints. High accuracy identification of four liquid chemicals, concentration quantification of ethyl lactate in cyclohexane down to subpercentage levels, and the classification of food and drug samples is demonstrated.
100‐Layer Error‐Free 5D Optical Data Storage by Ultrafast Laser Nanostructuring in Glass
Authors: Wang Huijun , Lei Yuhao , Wang Lei , Sakakura Masaaki , Yu Yanhao , Shayeganrad Gholamreza , Kazansky Peter G.
Published: January 2022

The demand for energy efficient data storage technologies with high capacity and long life span is increasingly growing due to the explosion of digital information in modern society. Here, a 5D optical data storage with high capacity and ultralong lifetime is realized by femtosecond‐laser‐induced anisotropic nanopore structures (type X modification) in silica glass. The ultrahigh transmission of this birefringent modification, >99% in the visible range, allows recording and retrieving thousands of layers of multibit digital data practically. Type X formation is associated with moderate free carrier density produced close to the energy threshold of avalanche ionization. Higher retardance with increased repetition rate at low pulse energy is attributed to accumulation of defects (nonbridging oxygen hole centers), enabling rapid imprinting of voxels by megahertz‐rate pulses. Data recording of 7 bits per voxel, i.e., 25 azimuth angles and 22 retardance levels is experimentally demonstrated with readout error as small as 0.6%. Furthermore, “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams is optically recorded with a data writing speed of 8 kB s−1 in 100 layers of voxels and the proven data readout accuracy of 100%.
Energy decay for evolution equations with delay feedbacks
Authors: Komornik Vilmos , Pignotti Cristina
Published: January 2022

We study abstract linear and nonlinear evolutionary systems with single or multiple delay feedbacks, illustrated by several concrete examples. In particular, we assume that the operator associated with the undelayed part of the system generates an exponentially stable semigroup and that the delay damping coefficients are locally integrable in time. A step by step procedure combined with Gronwall's inequality allows us to prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions. Furthermore, under appropriate conditions we obtain exponential decay estimates.
Blow‐up results for a semi‐linear structural damped wave model with nonlinear memory
Authors: Dao Tuan Anh , Fino Ahmad Z.
Published: January 2022

In this article, we study the nonexistence of global solutions to a semi‐linear structurally damped wave equation with nonlinear memory in for any space dimension and for the initial arbitrarily data being subject to a positivity assumption. We intend to apply the method of test function to establish blow‐up results and to overcome some difficulties as well caused by the well‐known fractional Laplacian in structural damping terms.
Evidence of Temperature-Driven Shifts in Market Squid Doryteuthis opalescens Densities and Distribution in the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Chasco Brandon E. , Hunsicker Mary E. , Jacobson Kym C. , Welch Owen T. , Morgan Cheryl A. , Muhling Barbara A. , Harding Jeff A.
Published: January 2022

Climate change is impacting the abundance and distribution of marine resources. The consequences of these impacts are likely to alter trophic interactions between species within an ecosystem and affect fisheries opportunities for coastal communities. Market squid Doryteuthis opalescens comprise the largest fishery (by volume) in California, USA, and questions persist about whether the changing ocean conditions are leading to an increase in squid abundance in traditional fishing locations as well as marginal habitats in northern areas. To examine this potential phenomenon, we used fisheries-independent survey data collected by the National Marine Fisheries Service between 1998 and 2019 to develop a spatiotemporal model that estimates changes in the squid density from central California to northern Washington. We found a fivefold increase in the squid index of abundance across the entire spatial domain of the surveys during the sampling period, with the largest increases occurring in the Oregon and Washington strata. Although our model demonstrated that encounter rates and squid densities for the surveys increased in warmer and more saline waters, large shifts in squid distribution were only associated with deviations in ocean temperatures that could be characterized as marine heatwaves. This analysis adds to a growing body of work documenting the spatiotemporal response of marine resources to both long-term trends in warming ocean conditions and episodic events, such as marine heatwaves. Furthermore, it demonstrates the need for ecosystem assessment models with the ability to forecast changes in species distribution and abundance at spatiotemporal scales that are relevant for coastal fishing communities.
Development and Evaluation of Peptidomimetic Compounds against SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein: An in silico and in vitro Study
Authors: Zarei Omid , Kleine‐Weber Hannah , Hoffmann Markus , Hamzeh‐Mivehroud Maryam
Published: January 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) as global pandemic disease has been adversely affecting public health and social life with considerable loss of human life worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing novel therapeutics to combat COVID‐19. The causative agent of COVID‐19 is SARS‐CoV‐2 which targets human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as cellular receptor via its spike (S) protein. In this context, interfering with the binding of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein to target molecules could provide a promising strategy to find novel therapeutic agents against SARS‐CoV‐2. The purpose of the current study was to identify potential peptidomimetics against S protein with a combination of structure‐based virtual screening methods and in vitro assays. Methods: The candidates were inspected in terms of ADME properties, drug‐likeness, as well as toxicity profiles. Additionally, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to predict binding of the studied ligands to spike protein. Results: Biological evaluation of the compounds revealed that PM2 molecule exhibits some antiviral activity. Conclusion: In summary, this study highlights the importance of combining in silico and in vitro techniques in order to identify antiviral compound to tackle COVID‐19 and presents a new scaffold that may be structurally optimized for improved antiviral activity.
New QSPRs for Liquid Heat Capacity
Authors: Bloxham Joseph , Hill Daniel , Giles Neil F. , Knotts Thomas Allan , Wilding W. Vincent
Published: January 2022

Quantitative Structure‐Property Relationships (QSPRs) have found applications in many areas of chemistry and engineering as effective prediction methods. QSPRs use molecular descriptors to simplify complex molecular properties to a single value and have been used extensively for constant value properties. Liquid heat capacity (
) is another property where QSPRs can be helpful prediction tools. Researchers have shown strong correlation between the
and various molecular descriptors, but these predictions are limited to a single temperature, usually 298.15 K. Additionally, other QSPRs have had problems with oxygen‐containing functional groups. In this work, QSPRs for
at various temperatures were developed using data selected from the DIPPR database using a novel search method. This method improves on existing QSPRs for
by using unique descriptors but does not overcome the issue of oxygen‐containing species.
A High‐Fat High‐Fructose Diet Dysregulates the Homeostatic Crosstalk Between Gut Microbiome, Metabolome, and Immunity in an Experimental Model of Obesity
Authors: Li Kun‐Ping , Yuan Min , Wu Yong‐Lin , Pineda Miguel , Zhang Chu‐Mei , Chen Yan‐Fen , Chen Zhi‐quan , Rong Xiang‐Lu , Turnbull Jeremy E. , Guo Jiao
Published: January 2022

Scope

Ample evidence supports the prominent role of gut‐liver axis in perpetuating pathological networks of high‐fat high‐fructose (HFF) diet induced metabolic disorders, however, the molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. Herein, this study aims to present a holistic delineation and scientific explanation for the crosstalk between the gut and liver, including the potential mediators involved in orchestrating the metabolic and immune systems.

Methods and Results

An experimental obesity‐associated metaflammation rat model is induced with a HFF diet. An integrative multi‐omics analysis is then performed. Following the clues illustrated by the multi‐omics discoveries, putative pathways are subsequently validated by RT‐qPCR and Western blotting.

HFF diet leads to obese phenotypes in rats, as well as histopathological changes. Integrated omics analysis shows that there exists a strong interdependence among gut microbiota composition, intestinal metabolites, and innate immunity regulation in the liver. Some carboxylic acids may contribute to gut‐liver communication. Moreover, activation of the hepatic LPS‐TLR4 pathway in obesity is confirmed.

Conclusion

HFF‐intake disturbs gut flora homeostasis. Crosstalk between gut microbiota and innate immune system mediates hepatic metaflammation in obese rats, associated with LPS‐TLR4 signaling pathway activation. Moreover, α‐hydroxyisobutyric acid and some other organic acids may play a role as messengers in the liver‐gut axis.
Microfishing for Juvenile Bluegill: A Catch-and-Release Study on an Emerging Form of Recreational Angling
Authors: Burton Declan , Danylchuk Andy J. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: January 2022

Microfishing is an emerging form of predominantly catch-and-release recreational angling with the main target being diverse small-bodied nongame fish species and the early life stages of traditional game fish. While there has been an apparent increase in interest in microfishing, little is known about its impacts on fish and fisheries. Here we compared the effects of two hook sizes (i.e., a size 22 hook and a somewhat larger, yet still smaller than normal, size 12 hook) on aspects of injury, handling, and mortality for juvenile Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (size range of 69 to 141 mm; n = 54 for each hook size). Hook size was determined to have a significant influence upon injury and mortality. The smaller hooks resulted in longer handling time, more extensive tissue damage arising from challenges of hook removal, and higher levels of short-term mortality (n = 12, 22%) than the larger hooks (n = 2, 4%). Additional research is needed to develop best practices and management strategies for this emerging form of recreational angling on a wider range of species.
Efficient phase‐cycling strategy for high‐resolution 3D gradient‐echo quantitative parameter mapping
Authors: Peng Qi , Wu Can , Kim Jeehun , Li Xiaojuan
Published: January 2022

Magnetization‐prepared (MP) gradient‐echo (GRE) sequences suffer from signal contaminations from T1 recovery during the readout train, which can be eliminated by paired RF phase cycling (PC) at the cost of doubling the scan time. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel unpaired PC strategy to eliminate the time penalty for high‐resolution quantitative parameter mapping in 3D MP‐GRE sequences. Based on the observation that the contaminating T1 recovery signal along the GRE readout train is independent of magnetization preparation, its impact can be eliminated using a novel curve‐fitting approach with complex‐valued data without needing paired PC acquisitions. Four new unpaired PC schemes were compared with two traditional paired PC schemes in both phantom and in vivo human knee studies at 3 T using a MP angle‐modulated partitioned k‐space spoiled gradient‐echo snapshots (MAPSS) T1ρ mapping sequence. In the phantom study, all methods resulted in consistent T1ρ measurements (∆T1ρ < 0.5%) at the center slice when B0/B1 values were uniform. Results were not consistent when off‐center slices with nonideal B0/B1 were included. Two unpaired PC schemes had comparable or significantly improved quantitative accuracy and scan‐rescan reproducibility compared with the paired PC schemes. There was no significant T1ρ quantitative variability increase or spatial fidelity loss using the new unpaired PC schemes. Unpaired PC schemes also had different T1ρ spectral responses at different B0 frequency offsets, which can potentially be exploited to reduce sensitivity to B0 field inhomogeneities. The human knee study results were consistent with the phantom study findings. In conclusion, an unpaired PC strategy potentially allows more accurate quantitative parameter mapping with halved scan time compared with the paired PC approach to eliminate signal contaminations from T1 recovery. It therefore offers additional flexibility in SNR optimization, spatial resolution improvement, and choice of imaging sampling points to obtain more accurate quantitative parameter mapping.
Manufacturing cost and reliability‐based shape optimization of plate structures
Authors: Morse Llewellyn , Mallardo Vincenzo , Aliabadi Ferri M. H.
Published: January 2022

A novel methodology is presented for the manufacturing cost and reliability‐based optimization of plate structures with the boundary element method (BEM), with the aim of improving the accuracy, robustness, and efficiency of the optimization of aircraft structures. The BEM plate formulations with respect to plate thickness are derived for the first time, and used as part of an implicit differentiation method (IDM), enabling the full shape optimization of plate structures with the BEM. These implicit derivatives are validated against derivatives obtained from the finite difference method (FDM) and from an analytical solution. Results indicate that the IDM is more robust than the FDM and in excellent agreement with the analytical solution, and more accurate than the FDM for most of the step‐sizes investigated. To demonstrate the full shape optimization of plates with the newly developed IDM, a numerical example involving reliability‐based design optimization and manufacturing cost optimization is presented for a plate structure. Results show that the newly developed IDM is more efficient than the FDM when performing this optimization.
Length estimation of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) using vertebrae
Authors: Andrews Adam J. , Mylona Dimitra , Rivera‐Charún Lucia , Winter Rachel , Onar Vedat , Siddiq Abu B. , Tinti Fausto , Morales‐Muniz Arturo
Published: January 2022

Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) is a large (up to 3.3 m in length) pelagic predator which has been exploited throughout the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean since prehistoric times, as attested by its archeological remains. One key insight derivable from these remains is body size, which can indicate past fishing abilities, the impact of fishing, and past migration behavior. Despite this, there exists no reliable method to estimate the size of BFT found in archeological sites. Here, 13 modern Thunnus spp. skeletons were studied to provide power regression equations that estimate body length from vertebra dimensions. In modern specimens, the majority of BFT vertebrae can be differentiated by their morphological features, and thus, individual regression equations can be applied for each rank (position in vertebral column). In an archeological context, poor preservation may limit one's ability to identify rank; hence, “types” of vertebrae were defined, which enable length estimates when rank cannot be determined. At least one vertebra dimension, height, width, or length correlated highly with body length when vertebrae were ranked (R2 > 0.97) or identified to types (R2 > 0.98). Whether using rank or type, length estimates appear accurate to approximately ±10%. Finally, the method was applied to a sample of Roman‐era BFT vertebrae to demonstrate its potential. It is acknowledged that further studies with larger sample sizes would provide more precision in BFT length estimates.
Neighborhood walkability and poverty predict excessive gestational weight gain: A cross‐sectional study in New York City
Authors: Kinsey Eliza W. , Widen Elizabeth M. , Quinn James W. , Huynh Mary , Van Wye Gretchen , Lovasi Gina S. , Neckerman Kathryn M. , Rundle Andrew G.
Published: January 2022

Objective

This study evaluated associations between neighborhood‐level characteristics and gestational weight gain (GWG) in a population‐level study of 2015 New York City births.

Methods

Generalized linear mixed‐effects models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for associations between neighborhood‐level characteristics (poverty, food environment, walkability) within 1 km of a residential Census block centroid and excessive or inadequate GWG compared with recommended GWG. All models were adjusted for individual‐level sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Among the sample of 106,285 births, 41.8% had excessive GWG, and 26.3% had inadequate GWG. Residence in the highest versus lowest quartile of neighborhood poverty was associated with greater odds of excessive GWG (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.26). Residence in neighborhoods in the quartile of highest walkability compared with the quartile of lowest walkability was associated with lower odds of excessive GWG (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81‐0.93). Adjustment for prepregnancy BMI attenuated the associations for neighborhood poverty, but not for walkability. Neighborhood variables were not associated with inadequate GWG.

Conclusions

These analyses indicate that greater neighborhood walkability is associated with lower odds of excessive GWG, potentially from differences in pedestrian activity during pregnancy. This research provides further evidence for using urban design to support healthy weight status during pregnancy.
A universal free energy relationship for both hard and soft radical addition in water
Authors: Nolte Tom M. , Hendriks A. Jan , Novák Laurie A. , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M.
Published: January 2022

Prioritization of (eco)toxicological risks and technological endpoints among 100,000+ potential substances, conditions and mechanisms requires computationally ‘inexpensive’ and accurate tools to ‘screen’ reactivity and identify reaction products. Such prediction tools are very scarce. Left unresolved, charge‐transfer and hydration complicate predictions. Based on experimental reaction of radicals (3O2, CH3•, CO3•− etc.) with organic substrates, we hypothesized that a universal linear free energy relationship (LFER) can rationalize these reactions to accurately predict addition rates.

We calculated free energies of forming charge‐separated intermediates from explicit descriptions of addition reaction products. We combined these energies, via a thermodynamic cycle, with electron transfer energies to calculate product formation energies. All energies include consideration of hydration effects by water. We ascribe feasibilities of ‘hard’ (ionic) and ‘soft’ (covalent) mechanisms to the relevance of the charge‐separated intermediate.

Analysis shows that activation energies effectively relate to a combination of product formation energies and charge‐separation energies. The relative importance of these is determined by a mixing parameter, which is mostly constant for a given radical (substrate). Via the Eyring equation, our universal LFER explains up to 94% of the variance in data for rate constants. Prediction error is a factor 5 (2 SD), only slightly larger than variation in experimentation, particularly sensitive to varying reaction conditions.

Minimal parametrization ensures that our new framework for calculating reactivity of radical addition is accurate, robust and with satisfactory rational. Calculation time for 100 reactions is <1 h on a standard desktop PC. In anticipation of underpinning with an even wider range of reagents, this ‘inexpensive’ calculus can more easily assess a greater domain of structures and extrapolate to new structures. This helps to better assess and select favourable non‐toxic, environmentally friendly and technologically superior chemical (sub)structures.
Sleep disruption and its contributing factors in Chinese survivors of childhood cancer: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ho K. Y. , Lam Katherine K. W. , Xia W. , Chiu S. Y. , Chan Godfrey C. F.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study provided information about sleep disruption, particularly its prevalence and severity among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. Additionally, we identified the factors influencing sleep disruption and explored how fatigue, depressive symptoms and physical activity (PA) affect sleep disruption.

Methods

Four hundred two survivors 6–18 years old and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy counterparts were assessed for depressive symptoms, fatigue, PA and subjective sleep quality. Demographic and clinical information were collected. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify any factors contributing to poor sleep.

Results

Mean scores of depressive symptoms, fatigue for children and that for adolescents, and PA in survivors were 16.1 (SD = 11.1), 24.6 (SD = 10.3), 27.7 (SD = 7.8), and 3.08 (SD = 2.9), respectively. 44.8% of the survivors were poor sleepers, which was more that in healthy counterparts. The three most common sleep problem were prolonged sleep latency (31.9%), daytime dysfunction (23.4%), and sleep disturbance (22.9%). The time since last treatment (children: AOR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.30–0.96, p = 0.04; adolescents: AOR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.70–0.92, p < 0.01) and PA levels (children: AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.260–0.82, p = 0.01; adolescents: AOR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.49–0.98, p = 0.04) were negatively associated with sleep disruption, while depressive symptoms (children: AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.64, p = 0.02; adolescents: AOR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.13, p = 0.03), fatigue (children: AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.00–1.31, p = 0.04; adolescents: AOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02–1.15, p = 0.01), number of treatment received (children: AOR = 16.56, 95% CI = 1.27–216.82, p = 0.03; adolescents: AOR = 7.30, 95% CI = 2.36–22.56, p < 0.01), and co‐sleeping (children: AOR = 29.19, 95% CI = 1.65–511.57, p = 0.02; adolescents: AOR = 4.63, 95% CI = 1.22–17.61, p = 0.02) were positively associated with sleep disruption.

Conclusion

Physical activity made the largest contribution to reduce sleep disruption. It is crucial to advocate for the adoption and maintenance of PA in survivorship.