bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the hierarchical genetic structure of tea green leafhopper, Matsumurasca onukii, in East Asia based on SSRs and SNPs
Authors: Zhang Li , Dietrich Christopher H. , Xu Ye , Yang Zhaofu , Chen Maohua , Pham Thai H. , Le Cuong C. V. , Qiao Li , Matsumura Masaya , Qin Daozheng
Published: October 2022

Matsumurasca onukii (Matsuda, R. (1952). Oyo‐Kontyu Tokyo, 8(1): 19–21), one of the dominant pests in major tea production areas in Asia, currently is known to occur in Japan, Vietnam, and China, and severely threatens tea production, quality, and international trade. To elucidate the population genetic structure of this species, 1633 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 18 microsatellite markers (SSRs) were used to genotype samples from 27 sites representing 18 geographical populations distributed throughout the known range of the species in East Asia. Analyses of both SNPs and SSRs showed that M. onukii populations in Yunnan exhibit high‐genetic differentiation and structure compared with the other populations. The Kagoshima (JJ) and Shizuoka (JS) populations from Japan were separated from populations from China by SNPs, but clustered with populations from Jinhua (JH), Yingde (YD), Guilin (GL), Fuzhou (FZ), Hainan (HQ), Leshan (CT), Chongqing (CY), and Zunyi (ZY) tea plantations in China and the Vietnamese Vinh Phuc (VN) population based on the SSR data. In contrast, CT, CY, ZY, and Shaanxi (SX) populations clustered together based on SNPs, but were separated by SSRs. Both marker datasets identified significant geographic differentiation among the 18 populations. Various environmental and anthropogenic factors, including geographical barriers to migration, human transport of hosts (Camellia sinesis [L.] O. Kuntze) and adaptation of M. onukii to various local climatic zones possibly account for the rapid spread of this pest in Asia. The results demonstrate that SNPs from high‐throughput genotyping data can be used to reveal subtle genetic substructure at broad scales in r‐strategist insects.
Phylogeny and taxonomy ofCinnamomum(Lauraceae)
Authors: Yang Zhi , Liu Bing , Yang Yong , Ferguson David K.
Published: October 2022

Taxonomy ofCinnamomumSchaeff. of Lauraceae remains problematic because recent phylogenetic studies have suggested that this genus is not monophyletic. In this study, we assembled three sequence matrices including plastomes (datamatrix I), nrITS sequences alone (datamatrix II), and nrITS plus plastidpsbA‐trnH sequences (datamatrix III) of theCinnamomum‐Ocoteacomplex of Lauraceae and conducted a new phylogenetic study with thusfar the most extensive species sampling of theCinnamomum‐Ocoteagroup. We determined that the Old WorldCinnamomumis diphyletic: sect.CamphoraMeisn. is sister toSassafrasJ.Presl and sect.Cinnamomumis sister to the AfricanKuloaTrofimov & Rohwer. A recent study indicated that characters of leaf micromorphological anatomy can define the two clades: one possessing reticulate periclinal and the other having non‐reticulate periclinal walls. As result, we divided the genusCinnamomumof Lauraceae into two genera, i.e.,CinnamomumandCamphoraFabr. The generic nameCinnamomumis retained for those species mainly having reticulate periclinal epidermal cell walls, inconspicuous non‐perulate terminal buds and usually tripliveined leaves; the oldest generic name,Camphora, is applied to the second group which contains those species mainly possessing non‐reticulate periclinal epidermal cell walls, prominent perulate terminal buds and pinnately‐veined leaves. A census of the species and their type specimens listed underCinnamomumin Asia resulted in the transfer of 18 species toCamphora, including 15 new combinations.
A test for plasticity in sperm motility activation in response to osmotic environment in an anuran amphibian
Authors: Byrne Phillip G. , Anastas Zara M. , Silla Aimee J.
Published: October 2022

Evolutionary theory predicts that selection will favor phenotypic plasticity in sperm traits that maximize fertilization success in dynamic fertilization environments. In species with external fertilization, osmolality of the fertilization medium is known to play a critical role in activating sperm motility, but evidence for osmotic‐induced sperm plasticity is limited to euryhaline fish and marine invertebrates. Whether this capacity extends to freshwater taxa remains unknown. Here, we provide the first test for plasticity in sperm‐motility activation in response to osmotic environment in an anuran amphibian. Male common eastern froglets (Crinia signifera) were acclimated to either low (0 mOsmol kg−1) or high (50 mOsmol kg−1) environmental osmolality, and using a split‐sample experimental design, sperm were activated across a range of osmolality treatments (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 ± 2 mOsmol kg−1). Unexpectedly, there was no detectable shift in the optimal osmolality for sperm‐motility activation after approximately 13 weeks of acclimation (a period reflecting the duration of the winter breeding season). However, in both the low and high acclimation treatments, the optimal osmolality for sperm‐motility activation mirrored the osmolality at the natural breeding site, indicating a phenotypic match to the local environment. Previously it has been shown that C. signifera display among‐population covariation between environmental osmolality and sperm performance. Coupled with this finding, the results of the present study suggest that inter‐population differences reflect genetic divergence and local adaptation. We discuss the need for experimental tests of osmotic‐induced sperm plasticity in more freshwater taxa to better understand the environmental and evolutionary contexts favoring adaptive plasticity in sperm‐motility activation.
Physical Interpretation of Mixed Ionic‐electronic Conductive Polymer‐coated Electrodes by a Simple Universal Impedance Model
Authors: Tintelott Marcel , Kremers Tom , Mernitz Anabel , Ingebrandt Sven , Pachauri Vivek , Vu Xuan Thang , Schnakenberg Uwe
Published: October 2022

A simple equivalent electrical circuit is used to obtain the physical parameters of electrical circuit elements from measured electrochemical impedance spectra. This model consists of four circuit elements with a clear physical meaning for each of the elements. Compared to complex models with multiple constant phase elements or Warburg impedances, our model is suitable for extracting physical values for important electrode parameters with low errors. The feasibility of the model was shown by investigating pure metal or polymer‐coated electrodes. Here, gold electrodes were coated either with Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT : PSS), Polypyrrole:poly(styrenesulfonate) (PPy : PSS), or (PEDOT/PPy) : PSS by means of electropolymerization. The model could demonstrate the ionic‐electronic differences such as the ion accessibility of the differently coated electrodes. To prove the correctness of the model, the obtained results were compared to the literature.
Evaluation of the mutagenic effects of Molnupiravir and N4‐hydroxycytidine in bacterial and mammalian cells by HiFi sequencing
Authors: Miranda Jaime A. , McKinzie Page B. , Dobrovolsky Vasily N. , Revollo Javier R.
Published: October 2022

Molnupiravir (MOV) is used to treat COVID‐19. In cells, MOV is converted to the ribonucleoside analog N4‐hydroxycytidine (NHC) and incorporated into the SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA genome during its replication, resulting in RNA mutations. The widespread accumulation of such mutations inhibits SARS‐CoV‐2 propagation. Although safety assessments by many regulatory agencies across the world have concluded that the genotoxic risks associated with the clinical use of MOV are low, concerns remain that it could induce DNA mutations in patients, particularly because numerous in vitro studies have shown that NHC is a DNA mutagen. In this study, we used HiFi sequencing, a technique that can detect ultralow‐frequency substitution mutations in whole genomes, to evaluate the mutagenic effects of MOV in E. coli and of MOV and NHC in mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells and human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells. In all models, exposure to these compounds increased genome‐wide mutation frequencies in a dose‐dependent manner, and these increases were mainly composed of A:T → G:C transitions. The NHC exposure concentrations used for mammalian cells were comparable to those observed in the plasma of humans who received clinical doses of MOV.
Selectively Harvesting Nonvisible Photons in Hybrid Solar Lighting Systems for Power Generation in Buildings
Authors: Talebzadeh Nima , O’Brien Paul G.
Published: October 2022

Hybrid solar lighting (HSL) systems reduce building energy consumption by supplementing conventional indoor lighting with solar light that is channeled into the building using optic cables. Herein, it is demonstrated that HSL systems can be improved by harnessing the nonvisible portion of sunlight to generate electric power. HSL systems are integrated with parabolic‐ and elliptic‐shaped solar spectrum splitters (SSSs) that partition collimated solar radiation into its visible and nonvisible parts. In the proposed SSS, luminescent materials and a bifacial photovoltaic cell capture and convert light energy in the spectral ranges from 280 to 435 nm and 675 to 900 nm into electricity. The visible light is coupled to a waveguide to be used in indoor lighting systems. The proposed HSL system is analyzed for a 0.2 m2 projected area of solar radiation and the results show that a nonvisible‐light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency of up to ≈13.4% can be achieved for light entering the SSS. The power generated in the system can be used to power the electrical components of the HSL system and indoor lighting during off‐sun hours.
Positivity‐preserving scheme for the flux reconstruction framework with a novel implementation
Authors: Huang Lintao , Jiang Zhenhua , Lou Shuai , Qin Xueyu , Yan Chao
Published: October 2022

The positivity‐preserving scheme for the flux reconstruction (FR) framework is studied in this paper. A simple and direct implementation of the scheme is also proposed. Owing to the scheme and the implementation, FR or other high‐order nodal methods can provide completely physically meaningful solutions at each time step. Their robustness is greatly enhanced. In the numerical tests, the solving of Euler equations coupled with artificial viscosity and Navier–Stokes equations is focused. Satisfying results are obtained in problems that include strong shocks or vacuum states.
A fully‐implicit numerical algorithm of two‐fluid two‐phase flow model using Jacobian‐free Newton–Krylov method
Authors: Fan Jie , Gou Junli , Huang Jun , Shan Jianqiang
Published: October 2022

Jacobian‐Free Newton–Krylov (JFNK) method is a stable and high‐efficiency method to solve the multi‐physics coupling problem for the modeling and simulation (M&S) of nuclear reactors. However, for the two‐fluid two‐phase flow model, the large number of constitutive models for different flow regimes as well as their discontinuities between different flow regimes present a huge challenge to solve the equations with JFNK method. Nevertheless, in this research, a fully‐implicit numerical algorithm was proposed to solve the two‐fluid two‐phase flow model based on the JFNK method. The field equations were fully‐implicitly discretized based on the second‐order backward time and Van Albada high‐order spatial difference schemes. A semi‐implicit‐scheme‐based preconditioner was constructed to improve the calculation efficiency. The V‐shaped linear advection test, water faucet test and the oscillating manometer test were simulated to evaluate the accuracy of the numerical algorithm and the performance of the numerical treatments with phase appearance and disappearance. By simulating the Bartolomei subcooled boiling experiment, Becker and Bennett dry out and post‐dry out experiments, the performances of the developed numerical algorithm for single‐phase flow, two‐phase flow and transition from the single‐phase flow to the two‐phase flow were validated. The single‐phase natural circulation and Edwards blowdown experiments were simulated to study the capability of the current fully‐implicit numerical algorithm for slow and quick transients, respectively. The results demonstrate good performance of the proposed algorithm and validate the accuracy of such algorithm. The comparisons of numerical efficiency show that the fully‐implicit numerical algorithm spends more time than the semi‐implicit numerical algorithm because the calculation of the inverse precondition matrix is time consuming. But the numerical stability of the fully‐implicit numerical algorithm is not influenced by the time step. In the practical simulations based on the fully‐implicit numerical algorithm, a large time step can be used to obtain a stable prediction and comparable or higher calculation efficiency and accuracy with respect to the semi‐implicit numerical algorithm.
Analysis and reconstruction of the thermal lattice Boltzmann flux solver
Authors: Lu Jinhua , Dai Chuanshan , Yu Peng
Published: October 2022

The thermal lattice Boltzmann flux solver (TLBFS) has been proposed as an alternative method to overcome the drawbacks of thermal lattice Boltzmann models. However, as a weakly compressible model, its mechanism of the good numerical stability for high Rayleigh number thermal flows is still unclear. To reveal the mechanism, the present article first derives the macroscopic equations of TLBFS (MEs‐TLBFS) with actual numerical dissipation terms by approximating its computational process. By solving MEs‐TLBFS with the finite volume method, the reconstructed TLBFS (RTLBFS) is proposed. Detailed analyzes prove that these actual numerical dissipation terms are the mechanism of the good numerical stability of TLBFS for high Rayleigh number thermal flows. More detailed numerical tests indicate RTLBFS has similar performances as TLBFS for stability, accuracy, and efficiency, which further validates the mechanism of the good numerical stability of TLBFS for high Rayleigh number thermal flows.
An evolutionary cost‐sensitive support vector machine for carbon price trend forecasting
Authors: Zhu Bangzhu , Zhang Jingyi , Wan Chunzhuo , Chevallier Julien , Wang Ping
Published: October 2022

This paper aims at the imbalanced characteristics and proposes a novel evolutionary cost‐sensitive support vector machine (CSSVM) by integrating cost‐sensitive learning, support vector machine, and genetic algorithm for carbon price trend prediction. First, carbon price trend prediction is converted into a binary‐class prediction problem for CSSVM, in which a higher misclassification cost is imposed on the minority samples. In comparison, a more negligible misclassification cost is imposed on most samples. Second, a genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize all parameters of CSSVM synchronously. Taking Beijing, Hubei, and Guangdong carbon markets as samples, the empirical results show that the proposed model has a higher classification accuracy and lower misclassification costs compared with other popular prediction models. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis verifies that the proposed approach is robust.
Multi‐atlas thalamic nuclei segmentation on standard T1‐weighed MRI with application to normal aging
Authors: Pfefferbaum Adolf , Sullivan Edith V. , Zahr Natalie M. , Pohl Kilian M. , Saranathan Manojkumar
Published: October 2022

Specific thalamic nuclei are implicated in healthy aging and age‐related neurodegenerative diseases. However, few methods are available for robust automated segmentation of thalamic nuclei. The threefold aims of this study were to validate the use of a modified thalamic nuclei segmentation method on standard T1 MRI data, to apply this method to quantify age‐related volume declines, and to test functional meaningfulness by predicting performance on motor testing. A modified version of THalamus Optimized Multi‐Atlas Segmentation (THOMAS) generated 22 unilateral thalamic nuclei. For validation, we compared nuclear volumes obtained from THOMAS parcellation of white‐matter‐nulled (WMn) MRI data to T1 MRI data in 45 participants. To examine the effects of age/sex on thalamic nuclear volumes, T1 MRI available from a second data set of 121 men and 117 women, ages 20–86 years, were segmented using THOMAS. To test for functional ramifications, composite regions and constituent nuclei were correlated with Grooved Pegboard test scores. THOMAS on standard T1 data showed significant quantitative agreement with THOMAS from WMn data, especially for larger nuclei. Sex differences revealing larger volumes in men than women were accounted for by adjustment with supratentorial intracranial volume (sICV). Significant sICV‐adjusted correlations between age and thalamic nuclear volumes were detected in 20 of the 22 unilateral nuclei and whole thalamus. Composite Posterior and Ventral regions and Ventral Anterior/Pulvinar nuclei correlated selectively with higher scores from the eye‐hand coordination task. These results support the use of THOMAS for standard T1‐weighted data as adequately robust for thalamic nuclear parcellation.
American Head and Neck Society position statement on the use of PD‐1 inhibitors for treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Schmalbach Cecelia E. , Ow Thomas J. , Choi Karen Y. , O'Leary Miriam , Lin Alice , Hughley Brian B. , Emerick Kevin S. , Moore Brian , Lee Nancy Y. , Zandberg Dan P. , Wang Steven J.
Published: October 2022

Background

A position statement put forth by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) was constructed to provide evidence‐based treatment recommendations for PD‐1 inhibitor use in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Secondarily, we sought to identify knowledge gaps warranting further investigation.

Methods

A literature search utilizing key terms: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous cancer, checkpoint inhibitors, systemic therapy, Program Cell Death, PD‐1 (PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) was carried out to generate evidence‐based statements. The statements were distributed among the AHNS membership. Delphi methodology was applied to identify statements achieving 70% or greater consensus among the leadership team.

Results

Twenty‐six position statements achieved consensus. Knowledge gaps for future research included: impact of immunosuppression on cSCC staging and associated treatment; role of PD‐1 inhibitors in immunosuppressed patients.

Conclusion

This comprehensive position statement put forth by the AHNS represents majority consensus by practicing head and neck surgeons throughout the country.
Household air pollution and incidence of eclampsia in eight low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Robbins Tanya , Kuhrt Katy , Vousden Nicola , Seed Paul , Shennan Andrew
Published: October 2022

Synopsis

The authors found a strong correlation between national‐level data for deaths from household pollution and eclampsia rates in the CRADLE 3 (Community Blood Pressure Monitoring in Rural Africa & Asia: Detection of Underlying Pre‐Eclampsia and Shock) study clusters (correlation coefficient: 0.84).
Effect of infiltration rate on methane emission properties in pot‐cultured rice under alternate wetting and drying irrigation
Authors: Matsuda Soken , Nakamura Kimihito , Okano Tomohiro , Iwama Kenji , Hama Takehide
Published: October 2022

Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation is effective at reducing methane (CH4) emissions in rice cultivation. To investigate the effect of the infiltration rate on AWD effectiveness in terms of CH4 emissions, rice was cultivated in pots with three different infiltration rates under AWD. Under intermittent irrigation, the soil was more oxidative than is generally required for CH4 production (redox potential [Eh] > −150 mV), regardless of the infiltration rate. CH4 emission was suppressed by at least 37% compared to continuous flooding and no‐infiltration conditions; however, temporarily elevated emission caused by drainage below saturation was observed 1–2 h after the flooding receded. This result is important for accurately determining CH4 emissions in water management techniques such as AWD. CH4 emissions during the heading stage, including temporarily elevated emissions after flooding receded, were greatest under the highest infiltration rate (18 mm day−1). The infiltration rate did not affect the rate of soil Eh reduction; however, the total organic carbon concentration in the drainage water suggested that more carbon, a methanogen substrate, migrated to the bottom of the pot with increasing infiltration rate, which likely increased CH4 emissions. This study will aid in the examination of ponding water management techniques to control CH4 emissions in rice production.
Students' perspectives of digital transformation of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Bećirović Senad , Dervić Mersad
Published: October 2022

Since the COVID‐19 pandemic prompted numerous global changes, educational institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina were forced to adapt their educational approaches, with schools and universities implementing alternative teaching and learning practices. Thus, this study aimed to investigate students' perspectives on the digital transformation of higher education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including their preferences for hybrid, online, or face‐to‐face teaching models, their internet habits and readiness for e‐learning, their attitudes and satisfaction with online learning, and their computer anxiety. The research sample consisted of 330 students studying in a variety of fields and academic years at both public and private universities. The data was gathered via an online questionnaire. A multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed a significant effect of students' field of study, year of study, and university status on their preferences for hybrid, online, and face‐to‐face classes. However, the MANOVA test revealed that the aforementioned factors have an insignificant effect on students' internet habits and readiness for e‐learning, attitudes and satisfaction with online learning, and computer anxiety, all of which have an insignificant impact on student's academic achievement as determined by standard multiple regression analyses. Additionally, multivariate analysis revealed that students' preferences for hybrid, online, and face‐to‐face classes have a significant influence on their internet habits and readiness for e‐learning, attitudes, and satisfaction with online learning, and computer anxiety. The findings of this study may aid in a better understanding of tertiary education's digital transformation and the improvement of educational policy, curricula, and instructional and learning strategies.
Synthesis, molecular docking, ADME study, and antimicrobial potency of piperazine based cinnamic acid bearing coumarin moieties as a DNA gyrase inhibitor
Authors: Zala Ajayrajsinh R. , Rajani Dhanji P. , Kumari Premlata
Published: October 2022

A series of novel piperazine based cinnamic acid bearing coumarin derivatives were designed and synthesized by piperazine based cinnamic acids esterification with 4‐hydroxycoumarin and characterized by various spectral techniques like infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and mass. The novel bioactive compounds (7a‐7m) screen their potential against different bacterial and fungal strains. Compound 7g (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 12.5 µg/ml) exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli strain. Compounds 7d, 7f, 7g, 7k, 7l, and 7m showed potent antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains. Compounds 7a, 7g, 7h, 7k, 7l, and 7m exhibited potent antifungal activity against all fungal strains. Furthermore, a molecular docking study revealed that compounds 7d, 7f, 7g, and 7k could bind to the active site of E. coli DNA gyrase subunit B protein and form hydrogen bonding with crucial amino acid residues Arg136 in the active sites. Comprehensively, our study recommends that 7d, 7f, 7g, and 7k could be a promising lead for developing more efficient antimicrobial drug candidates and DNA gyrase inhibitors.
Mitochondrial dysfunction due to in vitro exposure to atrazine and its metabolite in striatum
Authors: Karadayian Analía G. , Paez Bárbara , Bustamante Juanita , Lores‐Arnaiz Silvia , Czerniczyniec Analía
Published: October 2022

Atrazine (2‐chloro‐4‐ethylamino‐6‐isopropylamino‐s‐triazine) has been described as a potential toxic for dopaminergic metabolism both in vivo and in vitro. Its main metabolite diamino‐chloro triazine (DACT) has been shown to achieve higher levels in brain tissue than atrazine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of atrazine and DACT on striatal mitochondrial function, active oxygen species generation, and nitric oxide (NO) content. Incubation of mitochondria with atrazine (10 µM) was not able to modify oxygen consumption. However, a 50% increase in malate‐glutamate state 4 respiratory rates was observed after DACT treatment (100 µM) without changes in respiratory state 3. Atrazine was able to inhibit complex I–III activity by 30% and DACT induced a tendency to decrease by 17% in the striatum. Regarding reactive oxygen species (ROS), DACT increased H2O2 production by 43%. Also, superoxide anion levels were higher (14%) after atrazine exposure than in control mitochondria. Incubation of striatal mitochondria with atrazine and DACT induced membrane depolarization by 15% and 19%, respectively. Also, atrazine increased NO content by 10% but no significant changes were observed after exposure of mitochondria to DACT. Glutathione peroxidase activity was inhibited (56%) by DACT and atrazine inhibited superoxide dismutase activity by 60%. Also, cardiolipin oxidation (15%) was observed after atrazine treatment. Summing up, the obtained results suggest that in vitro atrazine and DACT induce ROS production affecting striatal mitochondrial function. The atrazine effects would be attributed to a direct effect on the mitochondrial respiratory chain and superoxide dismutase activity while DACT appears to disturb glutathione‐related enzyme system.
Binding free energy of several sterols to the N‐terminal domain of Niemann‐Pick C1‐like 1 protein due to mutation: Molecular dynamics study
Authors: Yoon Hye‐Jin , Lee Yeeun , Jeong Jian , Jang Soonmin , Lee Hyung Ho , Kim Gap‐Sue
Published: October 2022

The membrane protein Niemann‐Pick type C1‐like 1 (NPC1L1) plays a central role in the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine. Other sterols, notably vitamin E and vitamin K1 also utilize NPC1L1 as a membrane transporter even though other absorption paths exist. Many NPC1L1 mutations causing the disease due to poor transport of cholesterol are known. It is not clear at this moment if the same mutation can lead to reduced transport behavior with these vitamins. In this study, we have obtained the binding free energies of these two sterols using molecular dynamics simulation and compared these values with the cholesterol‐binding free energy. The N‐terminal domain (NTD) of the wild as well as the disease‐causing two mutations, T61M and L110F, are used for this purpose. The result indicates that the mutations show reduced binding affinity compared to the wild except for the vitamin K1 in the T61M mutant, which has increased binding free energy. Also, we found the similarity of the key amino acids responsible for the change of free energy by mutation between T61M and L110F. At the same time, non‐negligible differences exist also.
Faculty caring behavior and effect on dental hygiene students’ worry or anxiety
Authors: Gillespie Kelly , Boyd Linda D. , Perry Kristeen R. , Vineyard Jared
Published: October 2022

Purpose/Objectives

Studies in health professional students have shown the students' perception of instructor caring behaviors had a positive impact on student behaviors and their anxiety. Health professional students are under high emotional and academic demands during entry‐level programs which can lead to higher anxiety. The purpose of this study was to measure the relationship between worry or anxiety and dental hygiene students’ perceptions of faculty caring behaviors.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey research was conducted with a convenience sample of dental hygiene students (n = 355) in the United States using a web‐based survey. The validated instruments Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC) and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) were used for data collection. The NSPIC contains five subscales including instilling confidence through caring (CTC), supportive learning climate, appreciation of life's meanings, control versus flexibility (F), and respectful sharing (RS). Data analysis included descriptive, correlation, and multiple linear regression.

Results

The completion rate was 66% (n = 235). Findings showed the NSPIC subscale, CTC had a statistically significantly higher median score than other NSPIC sub‐scales (p < 0001). The NSPIC subscale RS had the second‐highest median score. The results of the PSWQ showed that 48% of participants were in the chronic worrier category. Regression analysis showed CTC was a significant predictor of worry (p < 0.001) and a one‐unit increase in CTC resulted in a 0.21 decrease in the PSWQ score.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested instilling CTC behaviors was the most significant faculty caring behavior and was associated with lower levels of student worry.

The results from this study may aid in identifying and developing effective caring behaviors for faculty to support students during stressful dental and allied dental curricula.
The longevity of fencing out livestock as a method of decreasing contaminant concentrations in a headwater stream
Authors: McDowell R. W.
Published: October 2022

Water quality can be improved by fencing off streams from livestock. However, the remedial effect of fencing can fail as livestock trample near stream areas. Water samples were taken every 3–4 wk, and flow was monitored over time in a headwater stream from 2003 to 2019. In November 2005, the stream edge and an area near the stream used for wallowing by farmed red deer was fenced off and planted in native trees, shrubs, and grasses. Contaminant (nitrogen and phosphorus species, sediment, and the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli) concentrations decreased after fencing until at least 2013 (55–84%). However, nitrate concentrations more than doubled owing to the use of a portion of the catchment for a grazed winter forage crop in 2013. Most concentrations remained low after fencing, but sediment concentrations slowing increased (3% yr−1), which was attributed to animal tracking near the fence line. The presence of stock in the catchment enriched stormflow losses but prevented losses during baseflow. These data indicate that, when implemented well, fencing and planting could potentially sustain good water quality for decades in farmed red deer systems.
Dosimetric evaluation of adult and paediatric brain tumours planned using mask‐based cobalt‐60 fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy compared to linear accelerator‐based volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Fong Chin Heng , Heaton Robert , Liu Zhihui Amy , Li Kecheng , van Prooijen Monique , Cho Young‐Bin , Shultz David B. , Tsang Derek S.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We conducted a study to evaluate the dosimetric feasibility of mask‐based cobalt‐60 fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (mcfSRT) with the Leksell Gamma Knife® Icon™ device.

Methods

Eleven patients with intracranial tumours were selected for this dosimetry study. These patients, previously treated with volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), were re‐planned using mcfSRT. Target volume coverage, conformity/gradient indices, doses to organs at risk and treatment times were compared between the mcfSRT and VMAT plans. Two‐sided paired Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare differences between the two plans.

Results

The V95 for PTV was similar between fractionated mcfSRT and VMAT (P = 0.47). The conformity index and gradient indices were 0.9 and 3.3, respectively, for mcfSRT compared to 0.7 and 4.2, respectively, for VMAT (P < 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). The radiation exposure to normal brain was lower for mcfSRT across V10, V25 and V50 compared with VMAT (P = 0.007, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The median D0.1cc for optic nerve and chiasm as well as the median D50 to the hippocampi were lower for mcfSRT compared to VMAT. Median beam‐on time for mcfSRT was 9.7 min per fraction, compared to 0.9 min for VMAT (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

mcfSRT plans achieve equivalent target volume coverage, improved conformity and gradient indices, and reduced radiation doses to organs at risk as compared with VMAT plans. These results suggest superior dosimetric parameters for mcfSRT plans and can form the basis for future prospective studies.
Duration of antiretroviral therapy impacts the degree of residual SIV infection in the gut in long‐term non‐progressing Chinese rhesus macaques
Authors: Solis‐Leal Antonio , May Ann‐Marie , Mohan Mahesh , Dufour Jason P. , Ling Binhua
Published: October 2022

The gut is a major reservoir in HIV‐infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in long‐term non‐progressors (LTNPs). Whether ART reduces gut infection and reservoirs in LTNPs is unknown. Herein, SIV‐infected LTNP Rhesus macaques were treated with short‐ or long‐term ART, and SIV envelope gp120 sequences obtained from single genome amplification were analyzed before and after ART in peripheral blood and the intestine. Although ART does not eliminate SIV in these LTNPs, a longer ART period dramatically reduces SIV infection in the gut. This study highlights the importance of long‐term ART in LTNPs to minimize gut infection and prolong remission.
Development of chemiluminescent lab‐on‐fiber immunosensors for rapid point‐of‐care testing of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and evaluation of longitudinal immune response kinetics following three‐dose inactivation virus vaccination
Authors: Xu Wenjuan , Song Dan , Liu Jiayao , Han Xiangzhi , Xu Jiaxin , Zhu Anna , Long Feng
Published: October 2022

Developing reliable, rapid, and quantitative point‐of‐care testing (POCT) technology of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies and understanding longitudinal vaccination response kinetics are highly required to restrain the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We demonstrate a novel portable, sensitive, and rapid chemiluminescent lab‐on‐fiber detection platform for detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies: the chemiluminescent lab‐on‐fiber immunosensor (c‐LOFI). Using SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike S1 RBD protein functionalized fiber bio‐probe, the c‐LOFI can detect anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies with high sensitivity based on their respective horseradish peroxidase‐labeled secondary antibodies. The limits of detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG and IgM antibodies were 0.6 and 0.3 ng/ml, respectively. The c‐LOFI was successfully applied for direct detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in whole blood samples with simple dilution, which can serve as a finger prick test to rapidly detect antibodies. Furthermore, the longitudinal immune response (>12 months) kinetics following three‐dose inactivated virus vaccines was evaluated based on anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG detection results, which can provide important significance for understanding the immune mechanism against COVID‐19 and identify individuals who may benefit from the vaccination and booster vaccination. The c‐LOFI has great potential to become a sensitive, low‐cost, rapid, high‐frequency POCT tool for the detection of both SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibodies and other biomarkers.
Bone marrow oxalosis with pancytopenia in a patient with short bowel syndrome: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Bering Jamie L. , Wiedmeier‐Nutor Julia E. , Sproat Lisa , DiBaise John K.
Published: October 2022

Systemic oxalosis is a condition in which calcium oxalate crystals deposit into various bodily tissues. Although this may occur as the result of a rare primary syndrome in which an error of glyoxylate metabolism causes an overproduction of oxalate, it is more often seen as a secondary process characterized by increased enteric oxalate absorption. Here, we describe a patient with short bowel syndrome on long‐term parenteral nutrition support who developed a unique manifestation of systemic oxalosis, leading to deposition of oxalate crystals within the bone marrow contributing to pancytopenia. In this report, in addition to reviewing the literature on this presumably rare manifestation of oxalosis, we also discuss its pathogenesis in the setting of short bowel syndrome and its management, including prevention.
Missingness mechanism messiness in meta‐analysis: A response to “The importance of plausible data‐generating mechanisms in simulation studies”
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Beretvas S. Natasha
Published: October 2022

The current paper responds to the commentary on the article (doi:10.1002/jrsm.1605). We discuss our perspectives on the missing data mechanisms and models assumed and used in our simulation study while acknowledging the inherent generalizability limitations of any (simulation) study. The plausibility of the exact missing data mechanism is challenging to definitively identify in any applied dataset. We describe and justify our assumed scenario in meta‐regression that we investigated. We also revisit the performance of the deletion method and how it is tied into the assumed missingness model. Lastly, we reiterate the importance of conducting sensitivity analyses assessing different ways of handling missing data given different assumptions and offer this study as a starting point for future research.
The importance of plausible data‐generating mechanisms in simulation studies: A response to ‘Comparing methods for handling missing covariates in meta‐regression’ by Lee and Beretvas (doi: 10.1002/jrsm.1585)
Authors: White Ian R.
Published: October 2022

The paper by Lee and Beretvas (doi:10.1002/jrsm.1585) described a well‐executed simulation study comparing ‘modern’ with ‘ad hoc’ methods for performing meta‐regression when some covariates are incomplete. However, they drew practical conclusions after simulating data under a single missing data mechanism which favoured the ‘modern’ methods, while other missing data mechanisms would have favoured the ‘ad hoc’ methods. Broad recommendations about methods to use in practice should instead be based on simulation studies using a range of plausible data‐generating mechanisms. This range must represent what is believed likely to occur in practice, and not what is convenient for statistical analysis.
The effect of mixed micelle formation on the dynamics of phase partitioning for a polydisperse ethoxylated nonionic surfactant
Authors: Kibbey Tohren C. G. , Chen Lixia
Published: October 2022

Mixed surfactants are common in practical applications, and their behaviors are often observed to deviate from the behaviors of pure surfactants with similar average properties in striking, and sometimes unexpected ways. The focus of this work was on exploring the role of mixed micelle formation in a mixed ethoxylated nonionic surfactant on the dynamics of partitioning between immiscible phases. The work examined partitioning of an ethoxylated nonylphenol surfactant between water and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) in a stagnant system at two different phase volume ratios. A model describing partitioning rate was developed and calibrated to experimental data, and then used to predict the long‐term dynamic approach to equilibrium in mixed and pure systems. The work suggests that micelle formation slows partitioning time by limiting the concentration of monomers in water; in pure systems, time to approach equilibrium increases with increasing concentration, but then reaches a maximum. However, in mixed systems, time to approach equilibrium continues to increase with increasing concentration over the physically‐possible concentration range. For the mixed system studied here, partitioning could be expected to take two orders of magnitude longer at very high concentrations than a similar pure system. Because of the similarity of the mathematics, this result might be expected for any monomer‐driven interaction, such as adsorption or interfacial tension reduction.
Physiological properties and genomic insights into the plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus K75 isolated from maize rhizosphere
Authors: Świątczak Joanna , Kalwasińska Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Anna , Brzezinska Maria Swiontek
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

When looking for a safer alternative to pesticides that are potentially harmful to living organisms, one of the directions worth looking at are plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria. The purpose of the research was a comprehensive characterization of Brevibacillus laterosporus K75, a strain isolated from maize rhizosphere. Many studies have proved B. laterosporus to be a biocontrol agent; however, little is known about B. laterosporus as a plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium.

RESULTS

Ninety strains were screened for plant growth‐promoting activities. Four strains with the best plant growth‐promoting traits (Rhodococcus qingshengii K8, Bacillus subtilis subsp. stercoris K73, Brevibacillus laterosporus K75, and Brevibacillus laterosporus K89) were used to research their effect on maize growth. Under sterile conditions, B. laterosporus K75 showed the best stimulatory effect, significantly improving the weight of roots, shoots and leaves, and considerably increasing content of chlorophyll. In unsterilized soil, B. laterosporus K75 significantly improved length of roots and weight of leaves compared to the K73, K89, and untreated control. Moreover, B. laterosporus K75 significantly increased specific leaf area compared to the untreated control and to other inoculant treatments. The genome of B. laterosporus K75 was compared to the recently published B. laterosporus MG64. Genome‐mining displayed differences in identified plant growth‐promoting genes and biosynthetic gene clusters of secondary metabolites. The B. laterosporus K75 genome possessed additional genes involved in indole‐3‐acetic acid production and phosphate solubilization that could be attributed to its ability to enhance maize growth.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that B. laterosporus K75 is a promising candidate for use in inoculant formulation, effectively facilitating maize growth. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship applicant selection and ranking: A survey of Society of Surgical Oncology programs
Authors: Hedges Elizabeth A. , Khan Tahsin M. , Teke Martha , Wach Michael M. , Hernandez Jonathan M. , Hoover Susan J.
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

In 2003, the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) initiated a breast surgical oncology fellowship, which has now grown to 60 SSO accredited programs as of 2021. Limited knowledge exists on the traits of successful applicants and the factors influencing the rank list.

Methods

A web‐based, anonymous survey was sent to all SSO Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship program directors. The survey consisted of 26 questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey responses and evaluate impact on applicant interview and rank list.

Results

Thirty‐four programs (57% response rate) completed the survey. Programs received an average of 70 applications and granted 24 interviews. Most programs reported a minimum ABSITE cut‐off score (n = 28, 82%) and a defined publication requirement (n = 22, 65%), including a first‐author requirement (n = 18, 53%) to extend an invitation to interview. For postinterview rank, applicant interpersonal skills were highly valued. The interview was the most important aspect for the rank list.

Conclusions

Many programs have ABSITE and publication thresholds before offering an interview. Upon receiving interview invitation, the applicant's interview performance, interpersonal skills, and letters of recommendation were the most important aspect in rank list decision making.
An exploration of sustainability versus productivity and ecological stability in planted and natural forests in Sichuan, China
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Qi , Liu Yang , Lai Changhong , Lu Heng , Qiu Yuming , Peng Li , Tang Hao
Published: October 2022

Implementation of the Natural Forest Protection Project and Grain‐for‐Green Program in China has promoted forest restoration, increased productivity, and enhanced carbon stocks. However, few studies have characterized temporal and spatial variation in productivity and ecological stability in planted and natural forests and evaluated the factors driving such variation. In this study, we used 1399 permanent forest plots to identify change patterns in the productivity and temporal stability of above‐ground biomass (AGB), and evaluate the factors driving these changes in planted and natural forests in Sichuan Province, China. The mean temporal stability of AGB was higher for natural forests than for planted forests from 1979 to 2017; While the productivity of planted forests was higher. The stability decreased at a rate of −0.013 yr−1 in entire natural forests and −0.011 yr−1 in planted forests, and the productivity of natural forests decreased significantly over time, with a slope of −0.0065 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Altitude, latitude, annual precipitation, and stand age dominated variability in the productivity and AGB stability of natural forests. Richness, tree density, and stand age were the determinants of productivity and stability in the planted forest. Our results suggest that selective thinning, enriching species richness, and forest stand age can effectively balance the productivity and biomass temporal stability of planted forests. Due to climate change, older natural forests should be strictly protected.
Mixedgrass vegetation is tolerant to a short‐term but not season‐long access mat use during mitigation of industrial traffic
Authors: James Kassia S. , Thompson Karen A. , Carlyle Cameron N. , Quideau Sylvie A. , Bork Edward W.
Published: October 2022

Grasslands are impacted by many disturbances, including energy development. While temporary working platforms using access mats to support large equipment can minimize soil disturbance, less is known about matting impacts on grassland vegetation. We assessed heavy traffic effects on sandy and loamy Mixedgrass Prairie in southeast Alberta, Canada, where traffic occurred in 2015 either directly on grassland or on temporary matting. Vegetation was assessed in 2016 and 2017. Treatments varied in type (with/without matting), timing (spring vs. fall vs. season‐long) and duration (6 vs. 12 weeks, and 24 weeks for season‐long) of occurrence. While grass biomass was unaffected by direct wheeled traffic, native forb biomass declined, particularly during the first growing season; 1 year later, plots with prior long‐term matting had more native forbs. Where traffic occurred on mats, grass biomass decreased when mats were placed for 6 or 12 weeks in spring, or for the entire growing season. Longer mat use also increased introduced forbs, which were positively associated with soil nitrogen supply rates. Plant biomass changes from matting (less grass, more introduced forbs) were more apparent in loamy‐sand than loam soils. Overall, while direct traffic had limited impacts on vegetation, matting was more likely to alter vegetation, particularly when placed in spring or for longer periods, and further varied with ecosite type and the timing of traffic disturbance. We recommend that access mats be limited to placement for short periods (≤12 weeks), preferably in falling, to conserve mixedgrass prairie, while longer placement intervals be avoided.