bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-healing properties of optical pin beams
Authors: Yu Aiqian , Wu Gaofeng
Published: October 2023

In some situations, the beam is partially blocked by an obstacle during propagation, and the influence of the obstacle and ways to decrease the influence have been studied for practical applications. The self-healing effect of Bessel beams is considered as one potential technology for this. The optical pin beam (OPB) can evolve into a Bessel-like beam and can retain its robust property after long-distance propagation. In this paper, we study the propagation property of an OPB after it is partially blocked by an obstacle. We observe the self-healing effects of the OPB and find that it exhibits robust self-healing abilities. An experiment is conducted to confirm the self-healing effect of the OPB. As one example of the application of the self-healing effect, the radiation forces of an obstructed OPB are calculated. Our findings may have important applications in various fields such as micro-imaging, trapping, and long-distance optical communication under disturbance conditions.
Variation of structured laser beam pattern and optimization for an alignment reference line creation
Authors: Niewiem Witold , Polak Krystof , Dusek Martin , Mergelkuhl Dirk , Gayde Jean-Christophe , Wieser Andreas , Sulc Miroslav
Published: October 2023

The alignment of particle accelerators demands a dedicated measurement system based on a straight-line reference. This straight line can be provided by a laser beam. The alignment then involves accurately measuring the offset of accelerator components with respect to this light path. In order to be efficient, the laser beam needs to serve as a stable and straight reference for distances of several hundreds of meters. The attainable accuracy depends, among other parameters, on the laser spot size, which should ideally change very little over the distances at which the alignment system needs to operate. Due to the significant divergence of Gaussian laser beams, we propose using a structured laser beam (SLB) for alignment. Its transversal intensity profile is similar to a Bessel beam and consists of an intense inner core (IC) and concentric rings. The divergence of the IC, i.e., the growth of its size with distance, can be limited to 10μrad using a favorable generator configuration. Thus an SLB may be suitable as a straight-line reference for long-distance alignment applications. However, the SLB is distorted if obstructions cover parts of the outermost ring (OR) of the beam within, which should therefore also be small. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the size of the IC and OR depending on the design parameters of the SLB generator. We use numerical simulations and experiments with different generators over distances up to 50 m to analyze the transversal intensity profile and wavefronts of different SLBs. The results indicate the general suitability of an SLB as a reference line for long-distance alignment but also expose tradeoffs between small IC and small OR. The findings outlined in the paper help to describe the optimal SLB parameters for given conditions.
Widely tunable NCPM-KTA OPO based on non-collinear phase-matching in a four-mirror ring cavity
Authors: Yang Zeqi , Liu Gaoyou , Meng Jun , Cong Zhenhua , Zhao Zhigang , Liu Zhaojun
Published: October 2023

Based on non-collinear phase-matching (PM), a new method for widely tunable wavelength was proposed and demonstrated in a four-mirror ring cavity of non-critical phase-matching (NCPM) KTiOAsO4 (KTA) optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Wavelength tuning range of 141 nm from 1535.56 nm to 1676.73 nm was achieved by moving one mirror of ring cavity back and forth. The tuning theory and tuning method of non-collinear PM were analyzed in detail. The output energy and pulse width of signal were measured and compared in collinear and non-collinear PM condition. This method is also applicable to OPOs of other nonlinear crystals based on four-mirror ring cavity.
Form birefringent polymeric structures realized by 3D laser printing
Authors: Gailevičius Darius , Paipulas Domas , Hada Shota , Kretkowski Maciej , Mizeikis Vygantas
Published: October 2023

The 3D laser printing of form birefringent structures promises fast prototyping of polarization-sensitive photonic elements. However, achieving the quarter- and half-wave phase retardation levels needed in applications still remains a challenge, especially at visible wavelengths. Thickness of the birefringent region, usually consisting of simple 1D gratings, must be sufficiently large to ensure the required retardance, making the 3D laser-printed gratings prone to mechanical collapse. Here we demonstrate 3D laser-printed mechanically robust form birefringent 3D structures whose thickness and phase retardation can be increased without loss of mechanical stability, and report on the realization of compact self-supporting structures exhibiting quarter- and half-wave phase retardation at visible wavelengths.
Insights into the conservation and diversification of the molecular functions of YTHDF proteins
Authors: Flores-Téllez Daniel , Tankmar Mathias Due , von Bülow Sören , Chen Junyu , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten , Brodersen Peter , Arribas-Hernández Laura
Published: October 2023

YT521-B homology (YTH) domain proteins act as readers of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) in mRNA. Members of the YTHDF clade determine properties of m6A-containing mRNAs in the cytoplasm. Vertebrates encode three YTHDF proteins whose possible functional specialization is debated. In land plants, the YTHDF clade has expanded from one member in basal lineages to eleven so-called EVOLUTIONARILY CONSERVED C-TERMINAL REGION1-11 (ECT1-11) proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, named after the conserved YTH domain placed behind a long N-terminal intrinsically disordered region (IDR). ECT2, ECT3 and ECT4 show genetic redundancy in stimulation of primed stem cell division, but the origin and implications of YTHDF expansion in higher plants are unknown, as it is unclear whether it involves acquisition of fundamentally different molecular properties, in particular of their divergent IDRs. Here, we use functional complementation of ect2/ect3/ect4 mutants to test whether different YTHDF proteins can perform the same function when similarly expressed in leaf primordia. We show that stimulation of primordial cell division relies on an ancestral molecular function of the m6A-YTHDF axis in land plants that is present in bryophytes and is conserved over YTHDF diversification, as it appears in all major clades of YTHDF proteins in flowering plants. Importantly, although our results indicate that the YTH domains of all arabidopsis ECT proteins have m6A-binding capacity, lineage-specific neo-functionalization of ECT1, ECT9 and ECT11 happened after late duplication events, and involves altered properties of both the YTH domains, and, especially, of the IDRs. We also identify two biophysical properties recurrent in IDRs of YTHDF proteins able to complement ect2 ect3 ect4 mutants, a clear phase separation propensity and a charge distribution that creates electric dipoles. Human and fly YTHDFs do not have IDRs with this combination of properties and cannot replace ECT2/3/4 function in arabidopsis, perhaps suggesting different molecular activities of YTHDF proteins between major taxa.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex drug-resistance, phylogenetics, and evolution in Nigeria: Comparison with Ghana and Cameroon
Authors: Sahal Muhammed Rabiu , Senelle Gaetan , La Kevin , Panda Tukur Wada , Taura Dalha Wada , Guyeux Christophe , Cambau Emmanuelle , Sola Christophe
Published: October 2023

In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis on the drug-resistance phenotypic characteristics of a cohort of 325 tuberculosis and characterize by Whole Genome Sequencing 24 isolates from Nigeria belonging to L4, L5 and L6. Our results suggest an alarming rate of drug-resistance of the L4.6.2.2 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) lineage and a high diversity of L5. We compiled these new Sequence Read Archives (SRAs) to previously published ones from available Bioprojects run in Nigeria. We performed RAxML phylogenetic reconstructions of larger samples that include public NCBI SRAs from some neighboring countries (Cameroon, Ghana). To confront phylogenetic reconstruction to metadata, we used a new proprietary database named TB-Annotator. We show that L5 genomes in Northern Nigeria belong to new clades as the ones described until now and allow an update of the taxonomy of L5. In addition, we describe the L4.6.2.2 lineage in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. We provide computations on the likely divergence time of L4.6.2.2 and suggest a new hypothesis concerning its origin. Finally we provide a short overview on M. bovis diversity in Nigeria. This study constitutes a baseline knowledge on the global genomic diversity, phylogeography and phylodynamics of MTBC in Nigeria, as well as on the natural history of this largely ignored but densely populated country of Africa. These results highlight the need of sequencing additional MTBC genomes in Nigeria and more generally in West-Africa, both for public health and for academic reasons. The likelihood of replacement of L5-L6 by L4.6.2.2 isolates, leave potentially little time to gather historical knowledge informative on the ancient history of tuberculosis in West-Africa.
Symptomatic and asymptomatic enteric protozoan parasitic infection and their association with subsequent growth parameters in under five children in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Das Rina , Palit Parag , Haque Md. Ahshanul , Levine Myron M. , Kotloff Karen L. , Nasrin Dilruba , Hossain M. Jahangir , Sur Dipika , Ahmed Tahmeed , Breiman Robert F. , Freeman Matthew C. , Faruque A. S. G.
Published: October 2023

Background

Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium are common intestinal protozoan parasites that contribute to a high burden of childhood morbidity and mortality. Our study quantified the association between intestinal protozoan parasites and child anthropometric outcomes among children under-5.

Methods

We analyzed data from 7,800 children enrolled in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) across seven study sites that were positive for intestinal protozoan parasites between December 2007 and March 2011. Parasites were assessed using stool immunoassays (ELISA). We applied multiple linear regression to test the association between any or concurrent parasite and child anthropometric outcomes: length/height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length/height (WHZ) z-score after 60 days of enrollment. Models were stratified by diarrheal symptoms, driven by the study design, and adjusted for potential covariates.

Findings

During the follow-up at day 60 after enrollment, child anthropometric outcomes, among the asymptomatic children showed, negative associations between Giardia with HAZ [β: -0.13; 95% CI: -0.17, -0.09; p<0.001] and WAZ [β -0.07; 95% CI: -0.11, -0.04; p<0.001], but not WHZ [β: -0.02; 95% CI:-0.06, 0.02; p = 0.36]; Cryptosporidium with WAZ [β: -0.15; 95% CI: -0.22, -0.09; p<0.001] and WHZ [β: -0.18; 95%CI: -0.25, -0.12; p<0.001], but not with HAZ [β: -0.03; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.04; p = 0.40]. For symptomatic children, no associations were found between Giardia and anthropometry; negative associations were found between Cryptosporidium with HAZ [β: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.11; p<0.001], WAZ [β: -0.25; 95% CI: -0.31, -0.19; p<0.001] and WHZ [β: -0.23; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.17; p<0.001]. Among the asymptomatic 24–59 months children, Giardia had a negative association with HAZ [β: -0.09; 95% CI: -0.15, -0.04; p = 0.001]. No significant associations were found between E. histolytica with child growth.

Conclusions

While some studies have found that Giardia is not associated with (or protective against) acute diarrhea, our findings suggest that it is associated with growth shortfall. This observation underscores the need for preventive strategies targeting enteric protozoan parasites among young children, to reduce the burden of childhood malnutrition.
HIV burden and the global fast-track targets progress among pregnant women in Tanzania calls for intensified case finding: Analysis of 2020 antenatal clinics HIV sentinel site surveillance
Authors: Mboya Erick , Mizinduko Mucho , Balandya Belinda , Mushi Jeremiah , Sabasaba Amon , Amani Davis Elias , Kamori Doreen , Ruhago George , Faustine Prosper , Maokola Werner , Sambu Veryeh , Nyamuhagata Mukome , Jullu Boniphace S. , Juya Amir , Rugemalila Joan , Mgomella George , Asiimwe Sarah , Pembe Andrea B. , Sunguya Bruno
Published: October 2023

Background

For successful HIV response, updated information on the burden and progress toward HIV elimination targets are required to guide programmatic interventions. We used data from the 2020 HIV sentinel surveillance to update on the burden and factors associated with HIV infection, HIV status awareness, and ART coverage among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland.

Methodology

We conducted the surveillance in 159 antenatal clinics (ANC) from all 26 regions of Tanzania’s mainland from September to December 2020. This cross-sectional study included all pregnant women (≥15 years) on their first ANC visit in the current pregnancy during the survey period. Routine HIV counselling and testing were done at the facility. A multivariable logistic regression model accounting for the survey design was used to examine factors associated with HIV infections.

Results

38,783 pregnant women were enrolled (median age (IQR) = 25 (21–30) years). HIV prevalence was 5.9% (95%CI: 5.3% - 6.6%), ranging from 1.9% in the Manyara region to 16.4% in the Njombe region. Older age, lower and no education, not being in a marital union, and living in urban or semi-urban areas were associated with higher odds of HIV infection. HIV status awareness among women who tested positive was 70.9% (95% CI: 67.5%- 74.0%). ART coverage among those aware of their status was 91.6% (86.5%- 94.9%). Overall, 66.6% (95% CI: 62.4%- 70.6%) of all pregnant women who tested positive for HIV knew their HIV status and were on ART.

Conclusion

HIV is increasingly prevalent among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland especially among older, those with lower or no formal education, those outside marital union, and pregnant women living in urban and semi-urban areas. Behind the global fast-target to end HIV/ AIDS, about a third of pregnant women living with HIV initiating ANC were not on ART. Interventions to increase HIV testing and linkage to care among women of reproductive age should be intensified.
Evolution and development of fruits of Erycina pusilla and other orchid species
Authors: Pramanik Dewi , Becker Annette , Roessner Clemens , Rupp Oliver , Bogarín Diego , Pérez-Escobar Oscar Alejandro , Dirks-Mulder Anita , Droppert Kevin , Kocyan Alexander , Smets Erik , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: October 2023

Fruits play a crucial role in seed dispersal. They open along dehiscence zones. Fruit dehiscence zone formation has been intensively studied in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, little is known about the mechanisms and genes involved in the formation of fruit dehiscence zones in species outside the Brassicaceae. The dehiscence zone of A. thaliana contains a lignified layer, while dehiscence zone tissues of the emerging orchid model Erycina pusilla include a lipid layer. Here we present an analysis of evolution and development of fruit dehiscence zones in orchids. We performed ancestral state reconstructions across the five orchid subfamilies to study the evolution of selected fruit traits and explored dehiscence zone developmental genes using RNA-seq and qPCR. We found that erect dehiscent fruits with non-lignified dehiscence zones and a short ripening period are ancestral characters in orchids. Lignified dehiscence zones in orchid fruits evolved multiple times from non-lignified zones. Furthermore, we carried out gene expression analysis of tissues from different developmental stages of E. pusilla fruits. We found that fruit dehiscence genes from the MADS-box gene family and other important regulators in E. pusilla differed in their expression pattern from their homologs in A. thaliana. This suggests that the current A. thaliana fruit dehiscence model requires adjustment for orchids. Additionally, we discovered that homologs of A. thaliana genes involved in the development of carpel, gynoecium and ovules, and genes involved in lipid biosynthesis were expressed in the fruit valves of E. pusilla, implying that these genes may play a novel role in formation of dehiscence zone tissues in orchids. Future functional analysis of developmental regulators, lipid identification and quantification can shed more light on lipid-layer based dehiscence of orchid fruits.
Therapeutic dosing and targeting efficacy of Pt-Mal-LHRH towards triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Ndinguri Margaret , Middleton Lisa , Unrine Jason , Lui Shu , Rollins Joseph , Nienaber Emma , Spease Cassidy , Williams Aggie , Cormier Lindsay
Published: October 2023

Objective

Pt-Mal-LHRH is a newly synthesized chemotherapeutic agent that was designed to selectively target the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor expressed by triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic dosing, tumor reduction efficacy, and selective distribution of Pt-Mal-LHRH in-vivo.

Methods and results

LHRH tissue expression levels in-vivo were investigated using western blotting and LHRH was found to be increased in reproductive tissues (mammary, ovary, uterus). Further, Pt-Mal-LHRH was found to have increased TNBC tumor tissue platinum accumulation compared to carboplatin by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. The platinum family, compound carboplatin, was selected for comparison due to its similar chemical structure and molar equivalent doses were evaluated. Moreover, in-vivo distribution data indicated selective targeting of Pt-Mal-LHRH by enhanced reproductive tissue accumulation compared to carboplatin. Further, TNBC tumor growth was found to be significantly attenuated by Pt-Mal-LHRH compared to carboplatin in both the 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 tumor models. There was a significant reduction in tumor volume in the 4T1 tumor across Pt-Mal-LHRH doses (2.5–20 mg/kg/wk) and in the MDA-MB-231 tumor at the dose of 10 mg/kg/wk in models conducted by an independent contract testing laboratory.

Conclusion

Our data indicates Pt-Mal-LHRH is a targeting chemotherapeutic agent towards the LHRH receptor and reduces TNBC tumor growth in-vivo. This study supports drug conjugation design models using the LHRH hormone for chemotherapeutic delivery as Pt-Mal-LHRH was found to be a more selective and efficacious than carboplatin. Further examination of Pt-Mal-LHRH is warranted for its clinical use in TNBCs, along with, other reproductive cancers overexpressing the LHRH receptor.
Brain and circulating steroids in an electric fish: Relevance for non-breeding aggression
Authors: Zubizarreta Lucia , Jalabert Cecilia , Silva Ana C. , Soma Kiran K. , Quintana Laura
Published: October 2023

Steroids play a crucial role in modulating brain and behavior. While traditionally it is thought that the brain is a target of sex steroids produced in endocrine glands (e.g. gonads), the brain itself produces steroids, known as neurosteroids. Neurosteroids can be produced in regions involved in the regulation of social behaviors and may act locally to regulate social behaviors, such as reproduction and aggression. Our model species, the weakly electric fish Gymnotus omarorum, displays non-breeding aggression in both sexes. This is a valuable natural behavior to understand neuroendocrine mechanisms that differ from those underlying breeding aggression. In the non-breeding season, circulating sex steroid levels are low, which facilitates the study of neurosteroids. Here, for the first time in a teleost fish, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify a panel of 8 steroids in both plasma and brain to characterize steroid profiles in wild non-breeding adult males and females. We show that: 1) systemic steroid levels in the non-breeding season are similar in both sexes, although only males have detectable circulating 11-ketotestosterone, 2) brain steroid levels are sexually dimorphic, as females display higher levels of androstenedione, testosterone and estrone, and only males had detectable 11-ketotestosterone, 3) systemic androgens such as androstenedione and testosterone in the non-breeding season are potential precursors for neuroestrogen synthesis, and 4) estrogens, which play a key role in non-breeding aggression, are detectable in the brain (but not the plasma) in both sexes. These data are consistent with previous studies of G. omarorum that show non-breeding aggression is dependent on estrogen signaling, as has also been shown in bird and mammal models. Overall, our results provide a foundation for understanding the role of neurosteroids, the interplay between central and peripheral steroids and potential sex differences in the regulation of social behaviors.
Genome-based metabolic and phylogenomic analysis of three Terrisporobacter species
Authors: Böer Tim , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Bömeke Mechthild , Daniel Rolf , Poehlein Anja
Published: October 2023

Acetogenic bacteria are of high interest for biotechnological applications as industrial platform organisms, however, acetogenic strains from the genus Terrisporobacter have hitherto been neglected. To date, three published type strains of the genus Terrisporobacter are only covered by draft genome sequences, and the genes and pathway responsible for acetogenesis have not been analyzed. Here, we report complete genome sequences of the bacterial type strains Terrisporobacter petrolearius JCM 19845T, Terrisporobacter mayombei DSM 6539T and Terrisporobacter glycolicus DSM 1288T. Functional annotation, KEGG pathway module reconstructions and screening for virulence factors were performed. Various species-specific vitamin, cofactor and amino acid auxotrophies were identified and a model for acetogenesis of Terrisporobacter was constructed. The complete genomes harbored a gene cluster for the reductive proline-dependent branch of the Stickland reaction located on an approximately 21 kb plasmid, which is exclusively found in the Terrisporobacter genus. Phylogenomic analysis of available Terrisporobacter genomes suggested a reclassification of most isolates as T. glycolicus into T. petrolearius.
Evaluating the role of banking efficiency, institutions and financial development for sustainable development: Implications for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Authors: Shah Wasi Ul Hassan , Wang Bo , Yasmeen Rizwana
Published: October 2023

This study explores the relationship between banking efficiency and financial development in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) economies from 2007 to 2018. The study employs three dimensions to assess financial development: (i) depth, (ii) stability, and (iii) efficiency. In the initial stage, BRI banking efficiency is quantified using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Subsequently, the Generalized Method of Moments technique is applied to identify the connection between banking efficiency and financial development. The study employs fundamental structural benchmarks to evaluate disparities between actual financial development indicators and predicted values. Banking efficiency plays a crucial role in determining the depth, stability, and efficiency of financial development within BRI economies and is pivotal in closing these gaps. Strong institutional frameworks also support the advancement of the BRI’s financial development sector. Moreover, foreign direct investment positively impacts reducing financial development gaps and promoting growth in the financial sector. The study concludes that BRI member countries should prioritize banking industry reforms to enhance the stability, depth, and efficiency of their financial sectors.
Burnout, resilience, and empowerment among COVID-19 survivor nurses in Indonesia
Authors: Lee Huan-Fang , Hsu Hsiang-Chin , Efendi Ferry , Ramoo Vimala , Susanti Ika Adelia
Published: October 2023

The primary frontline healthcare providers who have frequent contact with COVID-19 patients are nurses. Many nurses have been infected with COVID-19 and have experienced severe emotional exhaustion and burnout. It is essential to assess nurses’ psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with burnout, resilience, and empowerment among Indonesian COVID-19 nurse survivors. In this cross-sectional study, 182 COVID-19 survivor nurses participated from September to November 2022 with convenience sampling. An online survey using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Psychological Empowerment Scale (PES) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses. The majority of the nurses were aged between 30–45 years (61.6%), and females (67.4%) experienced burnout. Higher resilience was found among nurses contracting COVID-19 (83.1%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the absence of psychological impact (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21–0.93) is significantly related to higher burnout experience. In addition, workplace, especially in hospital (OR = 4.32, 95% CI = 1.09–17.09) was associated with resilience, and a gap time after receiving negative COVID-19 result (OR = 3.90, 95% CI = 1.27–12.03) was correlated with psychological empowerment, in our results 4–6 month after had a negative result was at higher risk. To maintain a positive psychological aspect for COVID-19 nurse survivors, it needs to implement psychological support in the workplace and ensure an appropriate workload of nurse professionals.
Anti-elite attitudes and support for independent candidates
Authors: Argote Pablo , Visconti Giancarlo
Published: October 2023

The ideological dispute between left and right has dominated the political discussion for decades in multiple countries across the globe. However, in recent years people vs. elite debates have replaced traditional ideological conflicts in explaining voters’ electoral decisions. In this paper, we investigate whether anti-elite attitudes contribute to a key political outcome: the increase in successful independent candidates. We implement a conjoint experiment in Chile, where anti-elite sentiments and the number of successful independent politicians are currently prominent. We find that preferences for independent candidates largely increase among voters with anti-elite orientations. In a context where traditional parties face difficult times, such beliefs are key to understanding the factors behind support for candidates with no party affiliation. This insight is important because electing independent politicians can promote a personalistic style of politics, undermine democratic accountability, and foster conflict between the executive and legislative branches.
The relative age effect among Chinese junior men’s tennis players and its impact on sports performance
Authors: Aku Yisheng , Yang Cheng-bo
Published: October 2023

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the subject of many studies, but no relevant literature has discussed the phenomenon of RAE in Chinese tennis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that RAE significantly contributes to brain drain and other occurrences that create inequity. This paper analyzes the birth dates and year-end rankings of all male players (N = 2697) who participated in China’s junior tennis tournaments (U12, U14, U16) between 2014 and 2019 and who were selected for China’s National Junior Team in 2019 and 2020; the paper classifies the birth dates into quarters and semesters. One of the research objectives of this study is to analyze whether RAE exists in Chinese junior men’s tennis and whether RAE exerts an effect on athletes’ performance. Differences between the observed and expected birthdate distributions were tested using chi-square statistics, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The study found that RAE was present in all Chinese junior male tennis sports groups (p<0.001). The percentages of athletes born in the first half of the year were 56.4% (U12), 60.4% (U14), and 60.4% (U16), and the percentages of those born in the first quarter were 34.1% (U12), 36.4% (U14), and 37.1% (U16). Athletes with birth dates closer to the beginning of the year had a higher probability of achieving excellent athletic performance as a result of RAE, whereas those who were born near the end of the year had a more difficult time achieving strong athletic performance.
A chemically-defined growth medium to support Lactobacillus-Acetobacter sp. community analysis
Authors: Aumiller Kevin , Scheffler Robert , Stevens Eric T. , Güvener Zehra T. , Tung Emily , Grimaldo Anna B. , Carlson Hans K. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Taga Michiko E. , Marco Maria L. , Ludington William B.
Published: October 2023

Lactobacilli and Acetobacter sp. are commercially important bacteria that often form communities in natural fermentations, including food preparations, spoilage, and in the digestive tract of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Communities of these bacteria are widespread and prolific, despite numerous strain-specific auxotrophies, suggesting they have evolved nutrient interdependencies that regulate their growth. The use of a chemically-defined medium (CDM) supporting the growth of both groups of bacteria would facilitate the identification of the molecular mechanisms for the metabolic interactions between them. While numerous CDMs have been developed that support specific strains of lactobacilli or Acetobacter, there has not been a medium formulated to support both genera. We developed such a medium, based on a previous CDM designed for growth of lactobacilli, by modifying the nutrient abundances to improve growth yield. We further simplified the medium by substituting casamino acids in place of individual amino acids and the standard Wolfe’s vitamins and mineral stocks in place of individual vitamins and minerals, resulting in a reduction from 40 to 8 stock solutions. These stock solutions can be used to prepare several CDM formulations that support robust growth of numerous lactobacilli and Acetobacters. Here, we provide the composition and several examples of its use, which is important for tractability in dissecting the genetic and metabolic basis of natural bacterial species interactions.
A meta-evaluation of the quality of reporting and execution in ecological meta-analyses
Authors: Pappalardo Paula , Song Chao , Hungate Bruce A. , Osenberg Craig W.
Published: October 2023

Quantitatively summarizing results from a collection of primary studies with meta-analysis can help answer ecological questions and identify knowledge gaps. The accuracy of the answers depends on the quality of the meta-analysis. We reviewed the literature assessing the quality of ecological meta-analyses to evaluate current practices and highlight areas that need improvement. From each of the 18 review papers that evaluated the quality of meta-analyses, we calculated the percentage of meta-analyses that met criteria related to specific steps taken in the meta-analysis process (i.e., execution) and the clarity with which those steps were articulated (i.e., reporting). We also re-evaluated all the meta-analyses available from Pappalardo et al. [1] to extract new information on ten additional criteria and to assess how the meta-analyses recognized and addressed non-independence. In general, we observed better performance for criteria related to reporting than for criteria related to execution; however, there was a wide variation among criteria and meta-analyses. Meta-analyses had low compliance with regard to correcting for phylogenetic non-independence, exploring temporal trends in effect sizes, and conducting a multifactorial analysis of moderators (i.e., explanatory variables). In addition, although most meta-analyses included multiple effect sizes per study, only 66% acknowledged some type of non-independence. The types of non-independence reported were most often related to the design of the original experiment (e.g., the use of a shared control) than to other sources (e.g., phylogeny). We suggest that providing specific training and encouraging authors to follow the PRISMA EcoEvo checklist recently developed by O’Dea et al. [2] can improve the quality of ecological meta-analyses.
The hidden carbon impact of animal disease
Authors: Soliman Tarek , Barnes Andrew , Helgesen Irmelin Slettemoen
Published: October 2023

Livestock production is under scrutiny for its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Animal disease outbreaks will have economic effects on producers and the indirect cost of an animal disease outbreak is the result of shifts in consumption across commodities. This shift in demand for meat products will also positively or negatively affect carbon emissions. We explore the indirect costs and subsequent carbon impact of four potential exotic disease outbreaks, namely African swine fever, sheep pox, bluetongue, and foot and mouth disease. The indirect costs are quantified under different severities of outbreak using a vector error correction model and by estimating the changes in revenues of livestock and feed markets. By associating subsequent consumption switches with emission factors, we quantify the hidden carbon impact of these livestock disease outbreaks. The indirect costs vary based on severity and type of disease outbreak. Similarly, the net reduction in supply and subsequent consumption impacts result in averting between 0.005 and 0.67 million tonnes of CO2eq. for these sectors. A foot and mouth disease outbreak has the highest indirect costs and largest reduction in GHG emissions as it decreases the production of cattle as consumers switch to lower emitting meat commodities. Conversely, African swine fever has the smallest reduction in GHG emissions, reflecting the more industrialised nature of pig farming. Our modelling approach opens a provocative debate around how compensation to producers supports restocking and how this relates to commitments to net zero farming. Overall, an exotic disease outbreak may trigger an opportunity to switch to lower emitting breeds or species if a more holistic, joined up approach were taken by Government.
The PitA protein contributes to colistin susceptibility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Erdmann Mareike B. , Gardner Paul P. , Lamont Iain L.
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of problematic infections in individuals with predisposing conditions. Infections can be treated with colistin but some isolates are resistant to this antibiotic. To better understand the genetic basis of resistance, we experimentally evolved 19 independent resistant mutants from the susceptible laboratory strain PAO1. Whole genome sequencing identified mutations in multiple genes including phoQ and pmrB that have previously been associated with resistance, pitA that encodes a phosphate transporter, and carB and eno that encode enzymes of metabolism. Individual mutations were engineered into the genome of strain PAO1. Mutations in pitA, pmrB and phoQ increased the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for colistin 8-fold, making the bacteria resistant. Engineered pitA/phoQ and pitA/pmrB double mutants had higher MICs than single mutants, demonstrating additive effects on colistin susceptibility. Single carB and eno mutations did not increase the MIC suggesting that their effect is dependent on the presence of other mutations. Many of the resistant mutants had increased susceptibility to β-lactams and lower growth rates than the parental strain demonstrating that colistin resistance can impose a fitness cost. Two hundred and fourteen P. aeruginosa isolates from a range of sources were tested and 18 (7.8%) were colistin resistant. Sequence variants in genes identified by experimental evolution were present in the 18 resistant isolates and may contribute to resistance. Overall our results identify pitA mutations as novel contributors to colistin resistance and demonstrate that resistance can reduce fitness of the bacteria.
Enhancement of osmotic stress tolerance in soybean seed germination by bacterial bioactive extracts
Authors: Kim Sang Tae , Sang Mee Kyung
Published: October 2023

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is important to the global food industry; however, its productivity is affected by abiotic stresses such as osmosis, flooding, heat, and cold. Here, we evaluated the bioactive extracts of two biostimulant bacterial strains, Bacillus butanolivorans KJ40 and B. siamensis H30-3, for their ability to convey tolerance to osmotic stress in soybean seeds during germination. Soybean seeds were dip-treated in extracts of KJ40 (KJ40E) or H30-3 (H30-3E) and incubated with either 0% or 20% polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG), simulating drought-induced osmotic stress. We measured malondialdehyde content as a marker for lipid peroxidation, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, together with changes in sugars content. We also monitored the expression of genes involved in the gibberellic acid (GA)-biosynthesis pathway, and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Following osmotic stress in the extract-treated seeds, malondialdehyde content decreased, while antioxidant enzyme activity increased. Similarly, the expression of GA-synthesis genes, including GmGA2ox1 and GmGA3 were upregulated in KJ40E-dipped seeds at 12 or 6 h after treatment, respectively. The ABA signaling genes GmABI4 and GmDREB1 were upregulated in H30-3E- and KJ40E-treated seeds at 0 and 12 h after treatment under osmotic stress; however, GmABI5, GmABI4, and GmDREB1 levels were also elevated in the dip-treated seeds in baseline conditions. The GA/ABA ratio increased only in KJ40E-treated seeds undergoing osmotic stress, while glucose content significantly decreased in H30-3E-treated seeds at 24 h after treatment. Collectively, our findings indicated that dip-treatment of soybean seeds in KJ40E and H30-3E can enhance the seeds’ resistance to osmotic stress during germination, and ameliorate cellular damage caused by secondary oxidative stress. This seed treatment can be used agriculturally to promote germination under drought stress and lead to increase crop yield and quality.
Experimental protocol to investigate cortical, muscular and body representation alterations in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Paramento Matilde , Rubega Maria , Di Marco Roberto , Contessa Paola , Agostini Michela , Cantele Francesca , Masiero Stefano , Formaggio Emanuela
Published: October 2023

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. AIS is a three-dimensional morphological spinal deformity that affects approximately 1-3% of adolescents. Not all factors related to the etiology of AIS have yet been identified.

Objective

The primary aim of this experimental protocol is to quantitatively investigate alterations in body representation in AIS, and to quantitatively and objectively track the changes in body sensorimotor representation due to treatment.

Methods

Adolescent girls with a confirmed diagnosis of mild (Cobb angle: 10°-20°) or moderate (21°-35°) scoliosis as well as age and sex-matched controls will be recruited. Participants will be asked to perform a 6-min upright standing and two tasks—named target reaching and forearm bisection task. Eventually, subjects will fill in a self-report questionnaire and a computer-based test to assess body image. This evaluation will be repeated after 6 and 12 months of treatment (i.e., partial or full-time brace and physiotherapy corrective postural exercises).

Results

We expect that theta brain rhythm in the central brain areas, alpha brain rhythm lateralization and body representation will change over time depending on treatment and scoliosis progression as a compensatory strategy to overcome a sensorimotor dysfunction. We also expect asymmetric activation of the trunk muscle during reaching tasks and decreased postural stability in AIS.

Conclusions

Quantitatively assess the body representation at different time points during AIS treatment may provide new insights on the pathophysiology and etiology of scoliosis.
The paradox of tranquility and brutality: Soundtrack dissonance in Squid Game Series
Authors: Ata Yasemin
Published: October 2023

Music has been a fundamental element of the art of film since its earliest examples. The “soundtrack”, as a recorded song or composition used to support film scenes, usually has features that coincide with the theme of the film, the emotion of the scene in which it is used, or the film images. However, sometimes it can be seen that film producers and directors choose music to accompany film scenes that is completely contrary to the dominant emotion in the scene. They use music that has a cheerful character for a drama scene, sad for a happy scene, fun for a horror scene, etc. According to the theorists of different historical periods of film literature, the aim of these choices, which shake the viewers’ expectation of harmony between the scene and music, is to try to offer new and different perspectives to the viewers perception through the paradox of scene atmosphere and music. With this kind of use, considered as soundtrack dissonance in the study, brand new meanings can be produced from the combination of opposing elements that neither the film scene nor the music alone can produce individually. This study aims to analyse the game scenes selected from “Red Light, Green Light”, the first episode of the Squid Game series broadcast on the Netflix digital platform in 2021, as an example of soundtrack dissonance.
Determining the relationship between land and ice performance values and gender in ice hockey athletes
Authors: Kayışoğlu Müslim Ertuğrul , Bağcı Emre
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to determine the on-ice and off-ice performance values of female and male ice hockey players, examine the relationship between these values, reveal the differences in athletic performance values between the two genders, and compare the branch-specific tests used in talent selection in ice hockey. The universe of this research consists of ice hockey players playing in the Youth Ice Hockey League in the 2022-2023 season. The sample group consists of a total of 37 ice hockey players, 24 males and 13 females, aged between 13-14, selected for the Anatolian Stars League. SPSS 20.0 package program was used to analyze the collected data. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests were used to examine the distribution of the data. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between on-ice and off-ice performance values. Positive moderate level correlations were found between the on-ice s-turn test and the off-ice hand-eye coordination test, the on-ice shot speed test and the off-ice stork balance test, and the on-ice maximum speed test and the off-ice hand-eye coordination and 20m speed tests for female ice hockey players. No significant relationship was found between the on-ice and off-ice athletic performance values applied to male participants.
(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)
Özet
Bu çalışmada kadın ve erkek buz hokeyi sporcularının buz üstü ve buz dışı performans değerlerini tespit ederek ilişki düzeylerini incelemek, iki cinsiyet arasındaki atletik performans değerlerinin farklılıklarını ortaya çıkartmak ve buz hokeyi branşında yetenek seçiminde kullanılan branşa özgü testler arasında mukayese yapmak amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini 2022-2023 sezonunda gençler Buz Hokeyi Liginde oynayan buz hokeyi sporcuları oluşturmuştur. Örneklem grubunu ise Anadolu Yıldızlar Ligi’ ne seçilen 13-14 yaş aralığındaki 24 erkek, 13 kadın olmak üzere toplam 37 buz hokeyi sporcusu oluşturmuştur. Toplanan verilerin çözümlenmesinde SPSS 20.0 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Verilerin dağılımını incelemek için Kolmogorov-Smirnov ve Shapiro-Wilk normallik testleri kullanılmıştır. Buz üstü ve buz dışı performans değerleri arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemek için ise korelasyon analizi yapılmıştır. Kadın buz hokeyi sporcularının katılımcıların buz üstü virajlı çeviklik testi (s-turn) ile buz dışı el-göz koordinasyon testi arasında pozitif yönlü orta düzeyde, buz üstü şut hızı testi ile buz dışı stork denge testi arasında pozitif yönlü orta düzeyde, buz üstü maksimum hız testi ile buz dışı el-göz koordinasyon testi ve 20m sürat testi arasında pozitif yönlü orta düzeyde anlamlı ilişkiler tespit edilmiştir. Erkek katılımcılara uygulanan buz üstü ve buz dışı atletik performans değerleri arasında herhangi bir anlamlı ilişki tespit edilmemiştir.
Credit Financing and Agricultural Development in Nigeria
Authors: Saka K. A. , Akinde M. A. , Afolabi A. R.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the short-run dynamics and long-run link between credit financing offered by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and agricultural development in Nigeria for a period of 1981 to 2020. A quantitative ex-post facto research design was employed to analyze bank credit impact on agricultural advancement at both aggregate and sub-sectoral agricultural production. The research strategy utilized allows the use of economic series obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin (2021) and World Bank Development Indicators (2021) to be analyzed by Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique. From ARDL estimations, it is indicated that DMBs loans and advances have significantly negative short-run impacts on agricultural development in Nigeria at both aggregate and sub-sector levels. However, Bounds Testing analysis shows that the impacts of DMBs financing on Nigeria agriculture sector and labour employment in the sector become positively significant over a long period at aggregate level and for crop production only as a sub-sector. But the observed positive long-run impact of DMBs lending to agriculture was not significant for advancement of other sub-sectors (livestock, fishing and forestry). Hence, the study affirms that in the short run DMBs lending significantly slow down agricultural development in Nigeria but increases it significantly in the long run. The study recommends that there is need for agricultural policy makers and governments in Nigeria to develop appropriate specific agricultural financing mechanism that can aid performance of agricultural sector in the short-run and maintain long-run positive gains in the sector.