bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of glioblastoma proliferation, invasion, and migration by Urolithin B through inducing G0/G1 arrest and targeting MMP‐2/‐9 expression and activity
Authors: Eidizade Fateme , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Zhiani Rahele , Mehrzad Jamshid , Mirzavi Farshad
Published: October 2022

One kind of brain cancer with a dismal prognosis is called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) due to its high growth rate and widespread tumor cell invasion into various areas of the brain. To improve therapeutic approaches, the objective of this research investigates the cytotoxic, anti‐metastatic, and apoptotic effect of urolithin‐B (UB) as a bioactive metabolite of ellagitannins (ETs) on GBM U87 cells. The malignant GBM cell line (U87) was examined for apoptosis rate, cell cycle analysis, cell viability, mRNA expressions of several apoptotic and metastasis‐associated genes, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 activity and protein expression, and migration ability. The findings revealed that UB decreased U87 GBM viability in a dose‐dependent manner and NIH/3T3 normal cells with the IC50 value of 30 and 55 μM after 24 h, respectively. UB also induces necrosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in U87 cells. UB also increases ROS production and caused down‐regulation of Bcl2 and up‐regulation of Bax apoptotic genes. Additionally, treatment of UB reduced the migration of U87 cells. The protein levels, mRNA expression, and the MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 enzyme activities also decreased concentration‐dependently. So, due to the non‐toxic nature of UB and its ability to induce apoptosis and reduce the U87 GBM cell invasion and migration, after more research, it can be regarded as a promising new anti‐GBM compound.
Pre‐lab video demonstrations to enhance students' laboratory experience in a first‐year chemical engineering class
Authors: Onyeaka Helen , Passaretti Paolo , Miri Taghi , Hart Abarasi , Favero Claudia , Anumudu Christian K. , Robbins Phillip
Published: October 2022

The limited capabilities of teaching laboratories, combined with an increasing number of students enrolled in university, require constant augmentation of instructional approaches. By enhancing laboratory demonstrations with digital technology, these structural issues can be addressed while at the same time enhancing student understanding and learning. Our case study focuses on the fermentation lab part of the Reaction Equilibria and Thermodynamics (RET) module, a first‐year chemical engineering course at the University of Birmingham. Video demonstrations were used to introduce students to the laboratory set‐ups and walk them through each step and technique. The video demonstrations allowed the students to attend the in‐person lab sessions having established knowledge and understanding of the processes involved and the outcomes desired, which decreased the burden on the facilities and the staff. A knowledge‐based quiz and a student survey conducted at the end of the module showed that the pre‐lab videos encouraged more active participation in the laboratory sessions and reinforced learning. Approximately 70% of the students polled in the first survey conducted within this project felt more confident going into the laboratory sessions after watching the pre‐lab videos and attempting the knowledge quiz, while 92% of the students polled in the second survey judged the pre‐lab video sessions as beneficial to them. Overall, the teaching method has the potential to improve student participation and access, boost confidence and learning, and provided a more structured and flexible approach to laboratory learning outcomes.
Critical action among Asian and Hispanic/Latinx youth: Identifying a multidimensional measure and exploring within‐group differences
Authors: Suzuki Sara , Quiles Taina B. , Maker Castro Elena
Published: October 2022

Critical action—behaviours aimed at dismantling systems of oppression—must be examined within youths' racialized experiences and should incorporate cultural and sociohistorical factors. We considered an expansive list of items capturing youth behaviours to create a novel four‐factor (service, community change, expression, and care) measure of critical action for Asian and Hispanic/Latinx youth. Multiple distinct profiles of critical action were identified within both racial‐ethnic groups, and associations between the profiles and sociodemographic and contextual support variables were explored. Gender differences in the type of critical action were found in both racial‐ethnic groups, pointing to the potential influence of gender roles on critical action among these populations. Differences in critical action patterns were also found between those born in the U.S. versus those born outside the U.S.; access to critical action may differ within racial‐ethnic groups depending on birthplace and associated nuances in familial and cultural contexts. This paper demonstrated a need for attending to variation between and within groups in the study of critical action in order to effectively support racialized youth's coping within and resistance against systems of oppression.
Bioactive Saponins of Primula vulgaris Huds. Promote Wound Healing through Inhibition of Collagenase and Elastase Enzymes: in Vivo, in Vitro and in Silico Evaluations
Authors: Kahraman Cigdem , Sari Suat , Küpeli Akkol Esra , Tatli Cankaya Irem
Published: October 2022

Primula vulgaris Huds. leaves and roots were used to treat skin damage and inflammation in Anatolian Folk Medicine. This study aimed to assess the ethnopharmacological use of the plant using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico test models. Linear incision and circular excision wound models were used to determine the in vivo wound‐healing potential of the plant extracts and fractions. In vitro assays including hyaluronidase, collagenase, and elastase inhibitory activities were carried out for the active compounds to discover their activity pathways. Structure‐based molecular modeling was performed to understand inhibitory mechanisms regarding collagenase and elastase at the molecular level. The butanol fraction of the roots of P. vulgaris showed the highest wound‐healing activity. Through activity‐guided fractionation and isolation techniques, primulasaponin I (1) and primulasaponin I methyl ester (2) were stated as the major active compounds. These compounds exerted their activities through the inhibition of collagenase and elastase enzymes. Primulasaponin I methyl ester isolated from butanol fraction was found to be the strongest agent, especially with the values of 29.65 % on collagenase and 38.92 % on elastase inhibitory activity assays, as well as molecular docking studies. The present study supports scientific data for the traditional use of P. vulgaris and the wound healing properties of the plant can be referred to secondary metabolites as especially saponins found in the roots.
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from ThreeRhododendronSpecies and Their Repellent, Insecticidal and Fumigant Activities
Authors: Sang YuLi , Wang Pei , Liu JingYu , Hao YanJun , Wang XiuLan
Published: October 2022

In order to assess the repellent, contact, and fumigant properties of three essential oils (EOs) fromRhododendronspecies in China against adults ofTribolium castaneum,Lasioderma serricorne,Sitophilus oryzae, this study analyzed their chemical components. The three EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation from leaves ofRhododendronspecies, includingR. davidsonianum,R. heliolepis and R. strigillosum. Sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenes were the main components of the three EOs that were detected by GC/MS and GC‐FID. α‐Pinene, β‐Caryophyllene, α‐Humulene, Kaura‐16‐ene and Sandaracopimaradiene was among the comparatively high components. In this study, the EOs of threeRhododendronspecies demonstrated repellent activities againstT. castaneumandL. serricornein 2 h and 4 h exposure, but the repellent activity toS. oryzaewas not obvious. The three EOs fromR. davidsonianum,R. heliolepis and R. strigillosumalso had contact activities and fumigant activities against theTribolium castaneum(LC50=13.453 mg/L air, 4.728 mg/L air, 4.529 mg/L air and LD50=15.027 μg/adult, 15.017 μg/adult, 10.994 μg/adult, respectively),Lasioderma serricorne(LC50=8.584 mg/L air, 6.044 mg/L air, 6.355 mg/L air and LD50=4.566 μg/adult, 7.067 μg/adult, 3.652 μg/adult, respectively) andSitophilus oryzae(LC50=3.304 mg/L air, 6.795 mg/L air, 7.130 mg/L air and LD50=10.200 μg/adult, 15.021 μg/adult, 9.178 μg/adult, respectively) adults. The above results not only opened a potential prospect for applications ofRhododendronsin the prevention and control of insects in stored products, but also provide a basis for the comprehensive utilization of the rich naturalRhododendronplant resources.
Effects of low‐pressure radio‐frequency cold plasma on the biochemical parameters and fatty acid profile of wheat flours
Authors: Gao Guangbiao , Wu Jianzhang , Wei Zheng , Li Xingjun
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Cold plasma (CP) treatment is a promising way to remove mycotoxins from cereal kernels, although its effects on nutrient contents remain unclear. This study evaluates the biochemical parameters, gelatinization properties, and fatty acid profile of Chinese hard‐white wheat flour treated with low‐pressure radio‐frequency (RF) CP (13.56 MHz, 140 Pa, helium or oxygen, 120 W, 0–180 s, 70 g sample).

Findings

120 W oxygen and helium plasma respectively required 90 and 120 s treatment to remove 50% deoxynivalenol (DON) from hard‐white wheat flour samples with 1.22 μg/g DON. A General Linear Model–Univariate analysis shows that oxygen and helium plasma both significantly increased water absorption rate, conductivity, and contents of reducing sugars, amylose, soluble protein, and saturated fatty acids in wheat flours but decreased the contents of soluble amino acids, total, unsaturated, mono‐unsaturated and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids, and enthalpy of gelatinization, and kept gelatinization peak temperature. At the same treatment time, helium plasma induced a higher water absorption rate, conductivity, and contents of pentosan and sulfhydryl groups in wheat flours than oxygen plasma. Oxygen plasma induced more reductions in mono‐ and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids in wheat flours than helium plasma. Compared with the untreated samples, helium plasma increased the values of water SRC, NaHCO3 SRC, and sucrose SRC, but decreased the lactic acid SRC, suggesting that the flour functional polymers were modified by helium plasma treatment, but oxygen plasma kept these four SRC values and did not significantly alter the functional polymers in wheat flour.

Conclusion

The treatment with low‐pressure RF CP can increase hydrophilicity, and unsaturated fatty acid oxidation in wheat flours while kept starch gelatinization, and helium plasma can modify the flour's functional polymers.

Significance and Novelty

The suitable helium CP treatment (low‐pressure RF, 120 W, and 90–120 s) is a promising way to reduce the contaminants of wheat flours and improve their functional properties.
Visualizing Structural and Chemical Transformations of an Industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Pre‐catalyst during Activation and CO2 Reduction
Authors: Huang Xing , Beck Arik , Fedorov Alexey , Frey Hannes , Zhang Bingsen , Klötzer Bernhard , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Copéret Christophe , Willinger Marc‐Georg
Published: October 2022

The typical industrial catalyst used for methanol synthesis is a multi‐component catalyst based on Cu/ZnO/Al2O3. The synergies between various phases of this catalyst play a vital role in defining the overall catalytic function and performance. To gain insights into the role and interaction between the relevant components and phases, ex situ and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was deployed to investigate the structures and phases of an industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 in its precursor, activated and reaction states. High structural inhomogeneity in this material is revealed, i. e. the presence of various phases with different morphologies and compositions. It is shown how structural and compositional changes occur during hydrogen treatment and how compositional inhomogeneity in the starting material translates into differences in the local composition of the activated and working catalyst. The formation of defective metallic copper particles (stacking faults and twins) that are in an intimate contact with zinc oxide (poorly crystalline, partially reduced ZnOx and crystalline ZnO), alumina, Zn−Al oxide and carbon‐zinc‐oxygen containing phases (such as zinc formate) is observed. It is also uncovered that alumina plays a potentially important role in stabilizing cationic zinc species. This work provides atomic‐level insight into the relevant state of an industrial methanol synthesis catalyst and the associated synergistic interplay between the involved phases in reactive atmosphere.
Cationic Palladium Catalyzed Nonalternating Copolymerization of Ethylene with Carbon Monoxide: Microstructure Analysis and Computational Study†
Authors: Li Shi‐Huan , Pan Ru‐Chao , Ren Bai‐Hao , Yang Jian‐Wei , Kang Xiaohui , Liu Ye
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The introduction of carbonyl group with a high density in polyethylene backbone corresponds to polyketone materials, which features excellent mechanical strength, crystallinity, photodegradability, hydrophilicity, surface and barrier properties. Due to the extremely high binding affinity of carbon monoxide (CO) and kinetic preference for its subsequent insertion, the formation of nonalternating structure with extra ethylene insertion is exceptionally challenging, however, this nonalternating strategy is of significant importance for polymer modification in term of processing and solubility. Here, we have communicated our study on cationic palladium coordinated diphosphazane monoxide (PNPO) for the nonalternating copolymerization of ethylene with CO, the systematical investigation on the amine and phosphine oxide moieties in PNPO platform in term of electronic and steric modulation has been performed. It is discovered that the installation of aliphatic structure on amine moiety favors the improvement of catalyst activity and longevity, while the amino groups on phosphine oxide moiety promotes the nonalternating copolymerization. In particular, we have computationally investigated herein the aspects of the nonalternating degree by comparing with PNPO platform and 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)propane ligands based palladium catalysts. These mechanistic studies can help to understand the catalyst structure and polyketone property relationships and shed light on future design of high‐performance copolymerization catalysts.
Imidazolylpyrrolone‐Based Small Molecules as Anticancer Agents for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sousa Ana , Pontes Olívia , Andrade Juliana , Baltazar Fátima , Costa Marta , Proença Fernanda
Published: October 2022

An in silico study focused on known cancer‐related target proteins, identified a selection of imidazo[4,5‐b]pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyridines as potentially active. These compounds were prepared by a novel synthetic approach, designed and developed in‐house, based on the reaction of 5‐amino‐4‐cyanoformimidoyl imidazoles with N‐substituted cyanoacetamides. The substituted imidazolylpyrrolones obtained, were cyclized intramolecularly to generate the intended imidazo[4,5‐b]pyrrolo[3,4‐d]pyridines in a process catalyzed by DBU. Treating the imidazolylpyrrolones with an excess of triethyl orthoformate and heating at 80 °C in the presence of acid catalysis led to imidazopyrrolodiazepines. These compounds were screened for their anticancer potential, using the renal cell carcinoma cell line model (A498 and 786‐O cell lines). Two compounds exhibited IC50 values in the low micromolar range with a good selectivity index, when compared to non‐neoplastic kidney cell line HK2 and the reference compounds rapamycin, cediranib and sunitinib.
Evaluating COVID‐19 risk under the estimation of population mean using two attributes
Authors: Mushtaq Nadia , Saleem Iram , Amjad Mustansar Aatizaz
Published: October 2022

The virus of COVID‐19 has affected humans physically, mentally, and economically all over the world. Each country's development level, resources, and immunization to have coping capacity against this covid19 differ country‐wise. Thus, understanding socioeconomic vulnerability and coping capacity among countries under different health systems can be crucial. Contrasting most articles on COVID‐19, this article focuses on evaluating and estimating the COVID‐19 risk and lack of coping capacity in 190 countries. This present study suggests an exponential estimator using two auxiliary attributes. Theoretically, the mean square error expressions are derived and compared with some existing estimators. These findings were supported by using the real data of INFORM COVID‐19 risk.
An energy efficiency perceptive on MIMO‐OFDM systems using hybrid fruit fly‐based salp swarm optimization technique
Authors: Harish Kumar G. , Rao P. Trinatha
Published: October 2022

This paper is to plan for the development of energy‐efficient MIMO‐OFDM mobile multimedia communication systems using the intelligent meta‐heuristic approach. This model is concentrated on solving the multi‐channel optimization problem. Recent research work is focused on single‐channel optimization problems, and hence the conversion of multi‐channel optimization problems into single‐channel optimization problems is considered the challenging point in this research. In the proposed MIMO‐OFDM method for mobile multimedia communication systems, the channel‐matrix Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method is used for implementing the sub‐channel grouping scheme, which has simplified the multichannel problem to a multi‐target single‐channel optimization problem. In this optimization problem, the transmission power‐allocation threshold is optimized for attaining the objective function of maximization of energy efficiency. A hybridized optimization algorithm named Hybrid Fruit Fly‐based Salp Swarm Optimization (HFF‐SSO) is utilized for energy optimization in the MIMO‐OFDM mobile multimedia communication system. This hybrid algorithm has reached an energy‐efficient system with a high convergence rate, which is proved by the comparison over the conventional systems.
Secure multicasting in wireless sensor networks using identity based cryptography
Authors: Sampradeepraj T , Anusuya Devi V , Raja S. P.
Published: October 2022

Security in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is challenging, owing to resource, computing, and environmental constraints. Researchers have proposed several security systems for multicasting in WSNs, but none have offered foolproof security. To make high‐security multicasting a reality, the proposed I‐RLNMCDS‐ODMRP protocol uses state‐of‐the‐art techniques such as identity‐based cryptography, random linear network coding, the minimum connected dominating set, and the on‐demand multicast routing protocol. Also, this article analyzes computation and memory overhead in the proposed protocol in terms of time in seconds and bytes, respectively, and examines its security properties. In the experimental results, the proposed protocol does not take much time to compute encryption and decryption parameters. Further, it requires little memory to store multicast message information. In the future, the proposed protocol will be tested on healthcare applications for intrabody communication through wireless body area networks.
Employing machine learning based malicious signal detection for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Turkyilmaz Yasin , Senturk Arafat , Bayrakdar Muhammed Enes
Published: October 2022

In cognitive radio networks, the empty spectrum that is also named as spectrum hole is detected with the help of spectrum sensing techniques. Energy detection is the most utilized spectrum sensing technique owing to its low complexity. In the energy detection technique, a spectrum hole is detected with a predefined threshold. In this article, machine learning based malicious signal detection is employed for cognitive radio networks. The design of cognitive radio users and network environment is simulated with Riverbed simulation software. The received signal is controlled whether it is a malicious signal or just a secure sensing signal. The fuzzy logic based system is utilized for the security categorization of spectrum sensing signals as malicious, suspicious, and secure sensing signals. Fuzzy logic parameters are taken from the machine learning features that are chosen as the most effective 3 features among all 49 features. The security of primary users is enhanced when compared to other schemes in the literature. The results of the proposed machine learning based malicious signal detection system are validated with the results acquired from the fuzzy logic based approach. The random forest method gives the best results among all machine learning methods for the detection of signals.
Tailored Charge Transfer Kinetics in Precursors for Organic Radical Batteries: A Joint Synthetic‐Theoretical Approach**
Authors: Zens Clara , Friebe Christian , Schubert Ulrich S. , Richter Martin , Kupfer Stephan
Published: October 2022

The development of sustainable energy storage devices is crucial for the transformation of our energy management. In this scope, organic batteries attracted considerable attention. To overcome the shortcomings of typically applied materials from the classes of redox‐active conjugated polymers (i. e., unstable cell voltages) and soft matter‐embedded stable organic radicals (i. e., low conductivity), a novel design concept was introduced, integrating such stable radicals within a conductive polymer backbone. In the present theory‐driven design approach, redox‐active (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyls (TEMPOs) were incorporated in thiophene‐based polymer model systems, while structure‐property relationships governing the thermodynamic properties as well as the charge transfer kinetics underlying the charging and discharging processes were investigated in a systematical approach. Thereby, the impact of the substitution pattern, the length as well as the nature of the chemical linker, and the ratio of TEMPO and thiophene units was studied using state‐of‐the‐art quantum chemical and quantum dynamical simulations for a set of six molecular model systems. Finally, two promising candidates were synthesized and electrochemically characterized, paving the way to applications in the frame of novel organic radical batteries.
Epstein–Barr virus infection, B‐cell dysfunction and other risk factors converge in gut‐associated lymphoid tissue to drive the immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: a hypothesis
Authors: Leffler Jonatan , Trend Stephanie , Hart Prue H , French Martyn A
Published: October 2022

Multiple sclerosis is associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, B‐cell dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and environmental and genetic risk factors, including female sex. A disease model incorporating all these factors remains elusive. Here, we hypothesise that EBV‐infected memory B cells (MBCs) migrate to gut‐associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) through EBV‐induced expression of LPAM‐1, where they are subsequently activated by gut microbes and/or their products resulting in EBV reactivation and compartmentalised anti‐EBV immune responses. These responses involve marginal zone (MZ) B cells that activate CD4+ T‐cell responses, via HLA‐DRB1, which promote downstream B‐cell differentiation towards CD11c+/T‐bet+ MBCs, as well as conventional MBCs. Intrinsic expression of low‐affinity B‐cell receptors (BCRs) by MZ B cells and CD11c+/T‐bet+ MBCs promotes polyreactive BCR/antibody responses against EBV proteins (e.g. EBNA‐1) that cross‐react with central nervous system (CNS) autoantigens (e.g. GlialCAM). EBV protein/autoantigen‐specific CD11c+/T‐bet+ MBCs migrate to the meningeal immune system and CNS, facilitated by their expression of CXCR3, and induce cytotoxic CD8+ T‐cell responses against CNS autoantigens amplified by BAFF, released from EBV‐infected MBCs. An increased abundance of circulating IgA+ MBCs, observed in MS patients, might also reflect GALT‐derived immune responses, including disease‐enhancing IgA antibody responses against EBV and gut microbiota‐specific regulatory IgA+ plasma cells. Female sex increases MZ B‐cell and CD11c+/T‐bet+ MBC activity while environmental risk factors affect gut dysbiosis. Thus, EBV infection, B‐cell dysfunction and other risk factors converge in GALT to generate aberrant B‐cell responses that drive pathogenic T‐cell responses in the CNS.
Identification of MRAP protein family as broad‐spectrum GPCR modulators
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Xiaozhu , Jiang Bopei , Zhai Yue , Zheng Jihong , Yang Liu , Tai Xiaolu , Li Yunpeng , Fu Shaliu , Xu Jing , Lei Xiaowei , Kuang Zhe , Zhang Cong , Bai Xuanxuan , Li Mingyu , Zan Tao , Qu Shen , Li Qingfeng , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2022

Background

The melanocortin receptor accessory proteins (MRAP1 and MRAP2) are well‐known endocrine regulators for the trafficking and signalling of all five melanocortin receptors (MC1R–MC5R). The observation of MRAP2 on regulating several non‐melanocortin G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been sporadically reported, whereas other endogenous GPCR partners of the MRAP protein family are largely unknown.

Methods

Here, we performed single‐cell transcriptome analysis and drew a fine GPCR blueprint and MRAPs‐associated network of two major endocrine organs, the hypothalamus and adrenal gland at single‐cell resolution. We also integrated multiple bulk RNA‐seq profiles and single‐cell datasets of human and mouse tissues, and narrowed down a list of 48 GPCRs with strong endogenous co‐expression correlation with MRAPs.

Results

36 and 46 metabolic‐related GPCRs were consequently identified as novel interacting partners of MRAP1 or MRAP2, respectively. MRAPs exhibited protein–protein interactions and varying pharmacological properties on the surface translocation, constitutive activities and ligand‐stimulated downstream signalling of these GPCRs. Knockdown of MRAP2 expression by hypothalamic administration of adeno‐associated virus (AAV) packed shRNA stimulated body weight gain in mouse model. Co‐injection of corticotropinreleasing factor (CRF), the agonist of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1), suppressed feeding behaviour in a MRAP2‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Collectively, our study has comprehensively elucidated the complex GPCR networks in two major endocrine organs and redefined the MRAP protein family as broad‐spectrum GPCR modulators. MRAP proteins not only serve as a vital endocrine pivot on the regulation of global GPCR activities in vivo that could explain the composite physiological phenotypes of the MRAP2 null murine model but also provide us with new insights of the phenotyping investigation of GPCR–MRAP functional complexes.
The effect of emotional uncertainty on attentional bias toward neutral infant faces in adults
Authors: Li Yue Lin , Cheng Gang , Wu Xiu Hong , Dai Huang Yan , Jia Yun Cheng
Published: October 2022

Recent studies have found that adults have stronger attentional bias toward neutral infant faces than emotional (positive or negative) infant faces. This phenomenon may derive from uncertainty over neutral expressions. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 176 participants to examine the relationship between their attentional bias toward neutral infant faces (with neutral adult faces as a comparison baseline) and their level of certainty in their appraisal of emotional valence through eye‐tracking indices. The results showed that participants had a longer dwell time and higher fixation counts for infant faces than for adult faces and that a more uncertain appraisal of facial expressions positively predicted attentional bias toward neutral infant faces. Therefore, this study preliminarily demonstrates that emotional uncertainty heightens adults’ attentional bias toward infant faces with neutral expressions.
Droplets in soft materials
Authors: Wang Hong , Xiong Xinhong , Yang Li , Cui Jiaxi
Published: October 2022

Droplets display many unique properties in soft solid matrices, leading to various fascinating phenomena. These phenomena have inspired multidisciplinary scientific designs involving both fundamental studies and application exploration in the fields of physics, mechanics, chemistry, materials, biology, and so on. These emerging researches are diverse, ranging from artificial trees to antifouling coatings, and have not been concluded from the viewpoint of their composite structures, that is, droplet‐embedded soft materials. A comprehensive understanding of these structures will favor the designs of new systems with various predictable properties. We thus review the recent progress of this topic here. This contribution starts from the basic structural characteristics of the droplet‐embedded soft materials in the introduction section, followed by the section describing the main fabrication methods to create droplets in soft materials. In the third part, we divide the reported examples into five categories based on the hydrophobicity of the droplets and the miscibility between droplets and matrices and discuss their properties. Afterward, the applications of these systems with droplets are discussed, including self‐healing, antifouling surfaces, anticounterfeiting, radiative cooling, and so on. Finally, the promising developments and facing challenges of this topic are proposed. We envision that this review can deliver a comprehensive understanding of droplets in soft matrices and promote the development of this topic.
We don't know what we're missing: Evidence of a vastly undersampled invasive plant pool
Authors: Laginhas Brittany B. , Fertakos Matthew E. , Bradley Bethany A.
Published: October 2022

Invasive plants are a prominent threat to ecosystems and economies worldwide. Knowing the identity of invasive plants is critical for preventing their introduction and spread. Yet several lines of evidence, including spatial and taxonomic biases in reporting and the ongoing emergence of new invasives, suggest that we are missing basic information about the identity of invasive plants. Using a database of invasive plants reported in the peer‐reviewed literature between 1959 and 2020, we examined trends in the accumulation of new invasive plants over time and estimated the size of the current pool of invasive plants both continentally and globally. The number of new invasive plants continues to increase exponentially over time, showing no sign of saturation, even in the best studied regions. Moreover, a sample‐size based rarefaction‐extrapolation curve of reported taxa suggests that what is documented in the current literature (3008 taxa) only captures 64% of the likely number of invasive plants globally (4721 taxa ± 132 SE). These estimates varied continentally; less than half of invasive plant taxa have likely been identified in Oceania and Central and South Americas. Studies that included multiple invasive plants (e.g., floristic studies) were much more efficient at adding new taxa to our global understanding of what is invasive (identifying 4.2 times more new taxa than single‐taxon studies). With more potential invaders arriving every day, this analysis highlights a critical gap in our knowledge of the current invasive plant pool. Expanding invasion science to better encompass understudied geographic areas and increasing the numbers of floristic surveys would greatly improve our ability to accurately and efficiently identify what taxa are invasive. Preventing invasive plant introductions is incumbent upon knowing the identity of invasive plants. Thus, large knowledge gaps remain in invasion ecology that hinder efforts to proactively prevent and manage invasive plants.
Scat as a source of DNA for population monitoring
Authors: Manning Jeffrey A. , Edwards Taylor , Clemons John , Leavitt Daniel J. , Goldberg Caren S. , Culver Melanie
Published: October 2022

Sampling fecal droppings (scat) to genetically identify individual animals is an established method for monitoring mammal populations and could be highly useful for monitoring reptile populations. Whereas existing protocols for obtaining DNA from reptile scat focus on analyses of whole, fresh scat deposited during animal handling, the collection of scat naturally deposited by reptiles in situ, as required for non‐invasive population monitoring, requires protocols to extract highly degraded DNA. Using surface swabs from such scats can reduce PCR inhibition and increase genotyping success. We report on three related but independently designed studies of DNA analyses from scat swabs of herbivorous reptiles under natural desert conditions: two free‐ranging desert tortoise species (Agassiz's desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, California, US, and Morafka's desert tortoise, G. morafkai, Arizona, US) and the common chuckwalla (Sauromalus atar) (Arizona, US, and Sonora, MX). We analyzed samples from both tortoise species with the same set of 16 microsatellites and chuckwalla samples with four mtDNA markers; studies also varied in swab preservation medium and DNA extraction method. Microsatellite amplification success per sample, defined as ≥9 loci with amplification, was 15% for the study of Agassiz's desert tortoise and for the study of 42% Morafka's desert tortoise. For chuckwallas, we successfully amplified and sequenced 50% of samples. We recovered fragments up to 400 bp for tortoises and 980 bp for chuckwallas from scat swab samples. This study indicates that genotypes can successfully be obtained from swabs of scat from herbivorous reptiles collected in the field under natural environmental conditions and emphasizes that repeat amplifications are necessary for the genetic identification of individuals from non‐invasive samples.
Diversification of East Asian subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests over the last 8 million years
Authors: Ye Jun‐Wei , Li De‐Zhu
Published: October 2022

The evolution of subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) in East Asia is interesting while complicated. Genus‐level phylogenies indicate that the origins of EBLFs could trace back to the Oligocene–Miocene boundary or even the Eocene, while population‐level phylogeographic evidence suggests that they diversified after the Miocene, particularly in the Pleistocene. Here, we review the origins of dominant plant species to better understand the evolution of EBLFs. We compiled published estimates of the timing of origin of dominant species and diversification of evergreen relict genera from East Asian EBLFs. We also traced and visualized the evolution of EBLFs in the region using dated phylogenies and geographic distributions of the reviewed taxa. Most (76.1%) of the dominant species originated after the late Miocene, ca. 8 million years ago. Of the 10 evergreen relict genera, eight diverged near the late Miocene–Pliocene boundary or during the late Pliocene, and the remaining two diverged during the Pleistocene. Over the past 8 million years, geo‐climatic changes have triggered origins of most of the dominant EBLF species and provided refugia for evergreen relict genera. Three pulsed phases of evolution are suggested by genetic studies at the genus, species, and population levels. Fossil evidence and spatiotemporal investigations should be integrated to fully understand the evolution of EBLFs in East Asia.
Reconstructing midge consumer–resource dynamics using carbon stable isotope signatures of archived specimens
Authors: McCormick Amanda R. , Phillips Joseph S. , Botsch Jamieson C. , Einarsson Árni , Gardarsson Arnthor , Ives Anthony R.
Published: October 2022

Population cycles can be caused by consumer–resource interactions. Confirming the role of consumer–resource interactions, however, can be challenging due to an absence of data for the resource candidate. For example, interactions between midge larvae and benthic algae likely govern the high‐amplitude population fluctuations of Tanytarsus gracilentus in Lake Mývatn, Iceland, but there are no records of benthic resources concurrent with adult midge population counts. Here, we investigate consumer population dynamics using the carbon stable isotope signatures of archived T. gracilentus specimens collected from 1977 to 2015, under the assumption that midge δ13C values reflect those of resources they consumed as larvae. We used the time series for population abundance and δ13C to estimate interactions between midges and resources while accounting for measurement error and possible preservation effects on isotope values. Results were consistent with consumer–resource interactions: high δ13C values preceded peaks in the midge population, and δ13C values tended to decline after midges reached high abundance. One interpretation of this dynamic coupling is that midge isotope signatures reflect temporal variation in benthic algal δ13C values, which we expected to mirror primary production. Following from this explanation, high benthic production (enriched δ13C values) would contribute to increased midge abundance, and high midge abundance would result in declining benthic production (depleted δ13C values). An additional and related explanation is that midges deplete benthic algal abundance once they reach peak densities, causing midges to increase their relative reliance on other resources including detritus and associated microorganisms. Such a shift in resource use would be consistent with the subsequent decline in midge δ13C values. Our study adds evidence that midge–resource interactions drive T. gracilentus fluctuations and demonstrates a novel application of stable isotope time‐series data to understand consumer population dynamics.
Temperature synchronizes temporal variation in laying dates across European hole‐nesting passerines
Authors: Vriend Stefan J. G. , Grøtan Vidar , Gamelon Marlène , Adriaensen Frank , Ahola Markus P. , Álvarez Elena , Bailey Liam D. , Barba Emilio , Bouvier Jean‐Charles , Burgess Malcolm D. , Bushuev Andrey , Camacho Carlos , Canal David , Charmantier Anne , Cole Ella F. , Cusimano Camillo , Doligez Blandine F. , Drobniak Szymon M. , Dubiec Anna , Eens Marcel , Eeva Tapio , Erikstad Kjell Einar , Ferns Peter N. , Goodenough Anne E. , Hartley Ian R. , Hinsley Shelley A. , Ivankina Elena , Juškaitis Rimvydas , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar B. , Kålås John Atle , Lavigne Claire , Leivits Agu , Mainwaring Mark C. , Martínez‐Padilla Jesús , Matthysen Erik , van Oers Kees , Orell Markku , Pinxten Rianne , Reiertsen Tone Kristin , Rytkönen Seppo , Senar Juan Carlos , Sheldon Ben C. , Sorace Alberto , Török János , Vatka Emma , Visser Marcel E. , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: October 2022

Identifying the environmental drivers of variation in fitness‐related traits is a central objective in ecology and evolutionary biology. Temporal fluctuations of these environmental drivers are often synchronized at large spatial scales. Yet, whether synchronous environmental conditions can generate spatial synchrony in fitness‐related trait values (i.e., correlated temporal trait fluctuations across populations) is poorly understood. Using data from long‐term monitored populations of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, n = 31), great tits (Parus major, n = 35), and pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca, n = 20) across Europe, we assessed the influence of two local climatic variables (mean temperature and mean precipitation in February–May) on spatial synchrony in three fitness‐related traits: laying date, clutch size, and fledgling number. We found a high degree of spatial synchrony in laying date but a lower degree in clutch size and fledgling number for each species. Temperature strongly influenced spatial synchrony in laying date for resident blue tits and great tits but not for migratory pied flycatchers. This is a relevant finding in the context of environmental impacts on populations because spatial synchrony in fitness‐related trait values among populations may influence fluctuations in vital rates or population abundances. If environmentally induced spatial synchrony in fitness‐related traits increases the spatial synchrony in vital rates or population abundances, this will ultimately increase the risk of extinction for populations and species. Assessing how environmental conditions influence spatiotemporal variation in trait values improves our mechanistic understanding of environmental impacts on populations.
Community assembly history alters relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functions during restoration
Authors: Catano Christopher P. , Groves Anna M. , Brudvig Lars A.
Published: October 2022

Relationships between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning depend on the processes structuring community assembly. However, predicting biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning (BEF) relationships based on community assembly remains challenging because assembly outcomes are often contingent on history and the consequences of history for ecosystem functions are poorly understood. In a grassland restoration experiment, we isolated the role of history for the relationships between plant biodiversity and multiple ecosystem functions by initiating assembly in three different years, while controlling for all other aspects of community assembly. We found that two aspects of assembly history—establishment year and succession—altered species and trait community trajectories, which in turn altered net primary productivity, decomposition rates, and floral resources. Moreover, history altered BEF relationships (which ranged from positive to negative), both within and across functions, by modifying the causal pathways linking species identity, traits, diversity, and ecosystem functions. Our results show that the interplay of deterministic succession and environmental stochasticity during establishment mediate historical contingencies that cause variation in biodiversity and ecosystem functions, even under otherwise identical assembly conditions. An explicit attention to history is needed to understand why biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships vary in natural ecosystems: a critical question at the intersection of fundamental theory and applications to environmental change biology and ecosystem restoration.
Brown fat detection by infrared thermography—An invaluable research methodology with noteworthy uncertainties confirmed by a mathematical proof
Authors: Leow Melvin K. S.
Published: October 2022

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) represents a pivotal scientific renaissance worthy as a strategy for obesity and diabetes since its re‐discovery in adults over a decade ago. Equally compelling is the adoption of infrared thermography (IRT) in recent times as a precise and viable alternative methodology over the ‘gold standard’ PET‐CT scan, given constraints of the latter's high ionizing radiation doses and costs. Unravelling BAT metabolic physiology in live humans has been challenging until recent rigorous validation of IRT against PET. Nevertheless, IRT remains a nascent technique with pitfalls unbeknownst to many researchers. Factors impacting its accuracy merit an in‐depth scientific scrutiny. This article discusses the strengths and pitfalls of IRT as an emergent BAT detection technique and provides a mathematical proof of its limitations that BAT researchers should be cognizant of. Understanding these limitations of IRT can prompt extra efforts to control these uncertainties with greater rigour. In conclusion, this warrants further investigations of improving IRT quality via advanced auto‐segmentation, powerful image processing of thermograms and protocol standardization along the lines of BARCIST 1.0 to minimize errors and enhance the confidence of the global BAT research community in IRT as a robust and reliable BAT research tool.
Asymmetric information flow in brain networks supporting expressive language in childhood
Authors: Sharma Vivek V. , Vannest Jennifer , Kadis Darren S.
Published: October 2022

Low‐beta (13–23 Hz) event‐related desynchrony (ERD), a neural signature of expressive language, lateralizes from bilateral to left hemisphere in development. In contrast, low‐beta event‐related synchrony (ERS), thought to reflect inhibition, lateralizes from bilateral to the right hemisphere across development. Using whole‐brain directed connectivity analyses, we aimed to characterize hemispheric and regional contributions to expressive language, in childhood. We studied 80 children and adolescents, 4 to less than 19 years of age, performing covert auditory verb generation in magnetoencephalography. Outdegree, indegree, and betweenness centrality were used to differentiate regions acting as drivers, receivers, and bridging hubs, respectively. The number of suprathreshold connections significantly increased with age for delta band (p < .01). Delta outflow was mapped to left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), while regions of right hemisphere, including right IFG, showed significant inflow. The right parietal cortex showed significant ERS, but without corresponding outdegree or indegree. Betweenness mapped to midline cortical and subcortical structures. Results suggest Broca's area develops a driving role in the language network, while Broca's homologue receives information without necessarily propagating it. Subcortical and midline hubs act as intrahemispheric relays. Findings suggest that Broca's homologue is inhibited during expressive language, in development.
Determinants of cutaneous leishmaniasis among students in Delanta district, Northeast Ethiopia: A case–control study
Authors: Dires Abebe , Gedamu Sisay , Kumar Prem , Yimam Wondosen , Ademe Sewunet , Dires Tadila
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common form of leishmaniasis that causes skin lesions on exposed parts of the body. It is endemic in over 170 districts and highly prevalent in the northern and southern parts of Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the determinants of CL among students of Wegeltena secondary school in Delanta district, Northeast Ethiopia.

Methods

This unmatched case–control study was conducted from January 4 to 20, 2021 at Wegeltena secondary school. Cases were students who had an active lesion of CL and controls were students who had never been infected with CL (no active lesions). A simple random sampling technique was utilized to select participants in the control group. Data were collected by using a pretested, interviewer‐administered structured questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed and variables were declared determinants of CL at a p value of <0.05.

Results

A total of 225 students (58 cases and 167 controls) participated in the study. The mean age of cases and controls was 18.6 (SD ± 0.99 years) and 18.5 years (SD ± 1.17 years), respectively. In this study, 74.1% of cases and 51.5% of controls have been living in rural areas. Furthermore, being male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–8.69), rural residents (AOR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.33–6.52), living in areas where caves (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 1.24–10.59), nearby forest (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.42–11.51), and hyrax available (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.16–5.08) were significantly associated with CL.

Conclusion

In our study, sociodemographic and environmental factors were found to be determinants of CL. Therefore, reducing outdoor activities, wearing protective clothes, use of insecticide‐treated nets, and destruction of sand fly breeding sites shall be implemented targeting the rural population that resides in areas where forests, caves, and hyraxes are prominent.
Why do we resolutely prevent minors from indulging in online games
Authors: Li Moye , Zhu Mingxiong
Published: October 2022

The Chinese central government recently published a new regulation to strictly limit the time minors spend on online games, providing a favorable policy environment for the protection of their physical and mental health as well as their overall development. We first provide empirical evidence that children having more frequent online entertainment would suffer worse school performance. We then adopt analytic hierarchy process to analyze the possible hazards of minors' addiction to online games from such aspects as physical health, academic performance, family relationship, and teacher–student relationship. Recommendations are finally given on how to prevent minors from being addicted to online games.