bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can fractal dimensions objectivize gastropod shell morphometrics? A case study from Lake Lugu (SW China)
Authors: Wiese Robert , Harrington Kyle , Hartmann Kai , Hethke Manja , von Rintelen Thomas , Zhang Hucai , Zhang Le‐Jia , Riedel Frank
Published: March 2022

Morphometrics are fundamental for the analysis of size and shape in fossils, particularly because soft parts or DNA are rarely preserved and hard parts such as shells are commonly the only source of information. Geometric morphometrics, that is, landmark analysis, is well established for the description of shape but it exhibits a couple of shortcomings resulting from subjective choices during landmarking (number and position of landmarks) and from difficulties in resolving shape at the level of micro‐sculpture.

With the aid of high‐resolution 3D scanning technology and analyses of fractal dimensions, we test whether such shortcomings of linear and landmark morphometrics can be overcome. As a model group, we selected a clade of modern viviparid gastropods from Lake Lugu, with shells that show a high degree of sculptural variation. Linear and landmark analyses were applied to the same shells in order to establish the fractal dimensions. The genetic diversity of the gastropod clade was assessed.

The genetic results suggest that the gastropod clade represents a single species. The results of all morphometric methods applied are in line with the genetic results, which is that no specific morphotype could be delimited. Apart from this overall agreement, landmark and fractal dimension analyses do not correspond to each other but represent data sets with different information. Generally, the fractal dimension values quantify the roughness of the shell surface, the resolution of the 3D scans determining the level. In our approach, we captured the micro‐sculpture but not the first‐order sculptural elements, which explains that fractal dimension and landmark data are not in phase.

We can show that analyzing fractal dimensions of gastropod shells opens a window to more detailed information that can be considered in evolutionary and ecological contexts. We propose that using low‐resolution 3D scans may successfully substitute landmark analyses because it overcomes the subjective landmarking. Analyses of 3D scans with higher resolution than used in this study will provide surface roughness information at the mineralogical level. We suggest that fractal dimension analyses of a combination of differently resolved 3D models will significantly improve the quality of shell morphometrics.
Quaternary geomorphological and climatic changes associated with the diversification of Iberian freshwater fishes: The case of the genus Cobitis (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae)
Authors: Corral‐Lou Andrea , Perea Silvia , Perdices Anabel , Doadrio Ignacio
Published: March 2022

We studied the population genetic structure of Cobitis vettonica, an endangered freshwater fish species endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, in order to propose a biogeographic model of the responses of species to the multiple changes that occurred in the Iberian hydrological system during the Quaternary period. We also deciphered the relationship of C. vettonica with its sister species C. paludica, particularly in sympatric areas, and provide genetic information for conservation purposes. To achieve this goal, we analyzed both mitochondrial and nuclear data (the cytochrome b and the nuclear recombination activating 1 genes) and a battery of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 248 individuals of C. vettonica or C. paludica from 38 localities, including some sympatric ones, covering the entire distribution area of C. vettonica. We highlight the important role played by the hydrogeomorphological processes and climatic changes that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula during the Quaternary on both the population structure of C. vettonica and its relationship with its sister species C. paludica. Our results support the genetic introgression of populations at the eastern limit of the distribution of C. vettonica. Furthermore, we postulate genetic introgression in sympatric areas. Finally, we propose the establishment or expansion of four Operational Conservation Units (OCUs) for C. vettonica, and highlight the threat faced by its populations due to the low level of genetic diversity detected for some of its populations and genetic introgression with C. paludica, which could eventually displace C. vettonica, resulting in a loss of diversity in this species.
The ecology and evolution of the monito del monte, a relict species from the southern South America temperate forests
Authors: Fontúrbel Francisco E. , Franco Lida M. , Bozinovic Francisco , Quintero‐Galvis Julian F. , Mejías Carlos , Amico Guillermo C. , Vazquez M. Soledad , Sabat Pablo , Sánchez‐Hernández Juan C. , Watson David M. , Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Nespolo Roberto F.
Published: March 2022

The arboreal marsupial monito del monte (genus Dromiciops, with two recognized species) is a paradigmatic mammal. It is the sole living representative of the order Microbiotheria, the ancestor lineage of Australian marsupials. Also, this marsupial is the unique frugivorous mammal in the temperate rainforest, being the main seed disperser of several endemic plants of this ecosystem, thus acting as keystone species. Dromiciops is also one of the few hibernating mammals in South America, spending half of the year in a physiological dormancy where metabolism is reduced to 10% of normal levels. This capacity to reduce energy expenditure in winter contrasts with the enormous energy turnover rate they experience in spring and summer. The unique life history strategies of this living Microbiotheria, characterized by an alternation of life in the slow and fast lanes, putatively represent ancestral traits that permitted these cold‐adapted mammals to survive in this environment. Here, we describe the ecological role of this emblematic marsupial, summarizing the ecophysiology of hibernation and sociality, updated phylogeographic relationships, reproductive cycle, trophic relationships, mutualisms, conservation, and threats. This marsupial shows high densities, despite presenting slow reproductive rates, a paradox explained by the unique characteristics of its three‐dimensional habitat. We finally suggest immediate actions to protect these species that may be threatened in the near future due to habitat destruction and climate change.
Undergraduates' perceptions on emergency remote learning in ecology in the post‐pandemic era
Authors: Pagani‐Núñez Emilio , Yan Mingxiao , Hong Yixuan , Zeng Yu , Chen Sihao , Zhao Peng , Zou Yi
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has strongly disrupted academic activities, particularly in disciplines with a strong empirical component among other reasons by limiting our mobility. It is thus essential to assess emergency remote teaching plans by surveying learners’ opinions and perceptions during these unusual circumstances. To achieve this aim, we conducted a survey during the spring semester of 2021 in an environmental science program to ascertain learners’ perceptions on online and onsite learning activities in ecology‐based modules. We were particularly interested not only in comparing the performance of these two types of activities but also in understanding the role played by learners’ perceptions about nature in shaping this pattern. Environmental science programs are rather heterogeneous from a conceptual point of view and, thus, learners may also be more diverse than in traditional ecology programs, which may affect their interest for ecology‐based modules. We assessed connectedness to nature by computing the reduced version of the Nature Relatedness Scale. Here, we found that online activities systematically obtained significantly lower scores than onsite activities regardless of the wording employed, and that altruistic behaviors were prevalent among learners. Interestingly, scores for both onsite and online activities were strongly influenced by learners’ connectedness to nature, as learners with a stronger connection to nature gave higher scores to both types of activities. Our results suggest that an effort to improve the efficacy of remote learning activities should be the focus of research about teaching methodologies in predominantly empirical scientific disciplines.
Transcriptome analysis and molecular characterization of soluble chemical communication proteins in the parasitoid wasp Anagrus nilaparvatae (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae)
Authors: Ma Ying , Huang Tingfa , Tang Bingjie , Wang Bingyang , Wang Liyang , Liu Jianbai , Zhou Qiang
Published: March 2022

Anagrus nilaparvatae is an important egg parasitoid wasp of pests such as the rice planthopper. Based on the powerful olfactory system of sensing chemical information in nature, A. nilaparvatae shows complicated life activities and behaviors, such as feeding, mating, and hosting. We constructed a full‐length transcriptome library and used this to identify the characteristics of soluble chemical communication proteins. Through full‐length transcriptome sequencing, splicing, assembly, and data correction by Illumina, we obtained 163.59 Mb of transcriptome data and 501,179 items with annotation information. We then performed Gene Ontology (GO) functional classification of the transcriptome's unigenes. We analyzed the sequence characteristics of soluble chemical communication protein genes and identified eight genes: AnilOBP2, AnilOBP9, AnilOBP23, AnilOBP56, AnilOBP83, AnilCSP5, AnilCSP6, and AnilNPC2. After sequence alignment and conserved domain prediction, the eight proteins encoded by the eight genes above were found to be consistent with the typical characteristics of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and Niemann‐pick type C2 proteins (NPC2s) in other insects. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the eight genes share low homology with other species of Hymenoptera. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to analyze the expression responses of the eight genes in different sexes and upon stimulation by volatile organic compounds. The relative expression levels of AnilOBP9, AnilOBP26, AnilOBP83, AnilCSP5, and AnilNPC2 in males were significantly higher than those in females, while the relative expression level of AnilCSP6 was higher in females. The expression levels of AnilOBP9 and AnilCSP6 were significantly altered by the stimulation of β‐caryophyllene, suggesting that these two genes may be related to host detection. This study provides the first data for A. nilaparvatae's transcriptome and the molecular characteristics of soluble chemical communication proteins, as well as an opportunity for understanding how A. nilaparvatae behaviors are mediated via soluble chemical communication proteins.
Intraspecific independent evolution of floral spur length in response to local flower visitor size in Japanese Aquilegia in different mountain regions
Authors: Toji Tsubasa , Hirota Shun K. , Ishimoto Natsumi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Itino Takao
Published: March 2022

Geographic differences in floral traits may reflect geographic differences in effective pollinator assemblages. Independent local adaptation to pollinator assemblages in multiple regions would be expected to cause parallel floral trait evolution, although sufficient evidence for this is still lacking. Knowing the intraspecific evolutionary history of floral traits will reveal events that occur in the early stages of trait diversification. In this study, we investigated the relationship between flower spur length and pollinator size in 16 populations of Aquilegia buergeriana var. buergeriana distributed in four mountain regions in the Japanese Alps. We also examined the genetic relationship between yellow‐ and red‐flowered individuals, to see if color differences caused genetic differentiation by pollinator isolation. Genetic relationships among 16 populations were analyzed based on genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Even among populations within the same mountain region, pollinator size varied widely, and the average spur length of A. buergeriana var. buergeriana in each population was strongly related to the average visitor size of that population. Genetic relatedness between populations was not related to the similarity of spur length between populations; rather, it was related to the geographic proximity of populations in each mountain region. Our results indicate that spur length in each population evolved independently of the population genetic structure but in parallel in response to local flower visitor size in different mountain regions. Further, yellow‐ and red‐flowered individuals of A. buergeriana var. buergeriana were not genetically differentiated. Unlike other Aquilegia species in Europe and America visited by hummingbirds and hawkmoths, the Japanese Aquilegia species is consistently visited by bumblebees. As a result, genetic isolation by flower color may not have occurred.
Adaptation strategy of karst forests: Evidence from the community‐weighted mean of plant functional traits
Authors: Liu Libin , Hu Jing , Chen Xinyao , Xu Xin , Yang Yong , Ni Jian
Published: March 2022

Conservative survival strategy of plants growing in harsh karst habitats is observed from the view of plant functional traits, such as morphological traits and ecological stoichiometry. However, whether the plant communities in karst forests with high species turnover adopt a conservative strategy remains undetermined. This study comprehensively investigated the characteristics of functional traits of dominant plant species in four forests (i.e. Platycarya strobilacea, Quercus fabri, Quercus variabilis, and Pinus massoniana forests) in a trough‐valley karst watershed in Northern Guizhou Province, Southwestern China to explore the adaptation strategy of karst forests at the community level. At the organ and the species levels, traits differed among species, and the leaf and the bark morphological traits and root C:N:P ecological stoichiometry presented large interspecific variations. At the community level, the P. massoniana forest presented the lowest specific root length and dry matter content and tissue density of roots, branch, twig, and bark; the Q. fabri and the Q. variabilis forests displayed low specific leaf area and high dry matter content and tissue density of roots, branch, and twig; and the Platycarya strobilacea forest exhibited high specific leaf area. The P. massoniana forest was subjected to N and P colimitation, and the three other broad‐leaved forests were limited by P supply. The community‐weighted means rather than the arithmetic means of traits were preferential to represent the trait characteristics at the community level. From the view of plant functional traits at the community level, karst forests develop multiple functional traits like low specific leaf area, high dry matter content and tissue density of leaf, roots, branch, and twig, and decrease N and P investments in leaf for a conservative survival strategy to adapt to harsh habitats.
Traits data for the butterflies and macro‐moths of Great Britain and Ireland
Authors: Cook Patrick M. , Tordoff George M. , Davis Tony M. , Parsons Mark S. , Dennis Emily B. , Fox Richard , Botham Marc S. , Bourn Nigel A. D.
Published: March 2022

Butterflies and moths, collectively Lepidoptera, are integral components of ecosystems, providing key services such as pollination and a prey resource for vertebrate and invertebrate predators. Lepidoptera are a relatively well studied group of invertebrates. In Great Britain and Ireland numerous citizen science projects provide data on changes in distribution and abundance. The availability of high‐quality monitoring and recording data, combined with the rapid response of Lepidoptera to environmental change, makes them ideal candidates for traits‐based ecological studies. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies documenting traits‐based responses of Lepidoptera, highlighting the demand for a standardized and referenced traits database. There is a wide range of primary and secondary literature sources available regarding the ecology of British and Irish Lepidoptera to support such studies. Currently these sources have not been collated into one central repository that would facilitate and enhance future research. Here, we present a comprehensive traits database for the butterflies and macro‐moths of Great Britain and Ireland. The database covers 968 species in 21 families. Ecological traits fall into four main categories: life cycle ecology and phenology, host plant specificity and characteristics, breeding habitat, and morphological characteristics. The database also contains data regarding species distribution, conservation status, and temporal trends for abundance and occupancy. This database can be used for a wide array of purposes including further fundamental research on species and community responses to environmental change, conservation and management studies, and evolutionary biology. There are no copyright restrictions, and this paper must be cited if data are used in publications.
Effects of nanosecond pulsed electric fields application on cancer cell and combination of anticancer drug
Authors: Enomoto Soichiro , Konishi Daisuke , Uto Yoshihiro , Shimomura Naoyuki
Published: March 2022

With the goal of establishing a new cancer treatment method using nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs), we investigated the effect of applying nsPEFs and anticancer drugs (adriamycin, ADM) to cancer cells. The surviving fraction of cancer cells was significantly reduced by nsPEFs application compared to the control. Compared to nsPEFs alone and ADM administration alone, a significant decrease of the surviving fraction was observed in combination of nsPEFs application and ADM administration. In addition, multiplying value of surviving fractions of nsPEFs application and ADM administration was calculated as a pseudo‐combination effect. The surviving fractions of the experimental combinational results of nsPEFs and ADM were lower than the pseudo‐combination results. Therefore, the synergistic effect of combination of nsPEFs and ADM was confirmed. Furthermore, the surviving fraction of ADM administration after nsPEFs application was significantly lower than that of ADM administration on 24 h before nsPEFs application. ADM action on cells would be effective owing to nanopores were formed by applying nsPEFs. It was confirmed that ADM and nsPEF induced apoptosis of cells from apoptosis and necrosis test using FACS.
Selectfluor Mediated Difunctionalization of Olefins towards the Synthesis of Fluoromethylated Morpholines
Authors: Panday Prabhakar , Singh Anand
Published: March 2022

A transition‐metal‐free oxyfluorination of olefins with concomitant cyclization has been developed as a route towards monofluoromethylated morpholines. Selectfluor was employed as a fluorinating reagent as well as an oxidant to activate olefins. This strategy provides access to a new chemical space using aminoalcohol derived nitrogen‐tethered alkene precursors.
Influence of directionality of spectral‐compatible Bi‐directional ground motions on critical seismic performance assessment of base‐isolation structures
Authors: Lin Yu , He Xinhao , Igarashi Akira
Published: March 2022

In this study, the effects of the degree of directionality on critical seismic performance assessment are investigated from two aspects: the bidirectional seismic demand represented by maximum‐direction spectrum and the performance indices obtained from nonlinear time‐history analysis. Firstly, typical representations of the bidirectional demand of ground motions are reviewed and compared, in seismic design practices (e.g., ASCE 7‐16, Eurocode8, and JRA). Statistical analysis using 83 ground motions underlines the implication of the spectrum‐compatible condition that has not been fully considered in past studies investigating the bidirectional effects. In the second part, a series of spectrum‐compatible bidirectional ground motions with various degrees of directionality are generated as inputs. The corresponding seismic performance assessment results of a base isolation building with the friction pendulum system are investigated. According to the simulation results, the current design practices could introduce unconservative assessment on the maximum bearing displacement due to the omission of the directionality effect included in the design ground motions, particularly, when the directionality parameter is at a large value (less directionality). The cases with nondirectionality always tend to result in a nearly constant envelope of the maximum interstory drift and the maximum floor acceleration assessment for the full directionality case, over all incident directions. For the critical seismic performance assessment, the two extreme cases, namely the full directionality and nondirectionality cases, are recommended to be considered.
Automated Counting of Daphnid Neonates, Artemia Nauplii, and Zebrafish Eggs: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Abreu Sizenando N. , Jesus Fátima , Domingues Inês , Baptista Filipa , Pereira Joana L. , Serpa Dalila , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Martins Rui E. , Oliveira e Silva Miguel
Published: March 2022

In aquatic invertebrate (e.g., daphnids and Artemia sp.) and zebrafish cultures, in ecotoxicological bioassays, or when addressing complex population-level experimental designs, the counting of an organism's progeny is often required. This counting process is laborious, repetitive, and time-consuming, potentially posing health hazards to the operators, and necessarily entailing a higher likelihood of human error. We present an experimental evaluation of a computer-based device for counting neonates (Daphnia magna, Daphnia longispina, and Ceriodaphnia sp.), nauplii (Artemia salina and Artemia franciscana), and zebrafish (Danio rerio) eggs. Manual counts by an experienced technician were compared with the corresponding automated counts achieved by the computer-based counting device. A minimum of 55 counts/species was performed, with the number of counted organisms being up to a maximum of 150 neonates of Ceriodaphnia dubia, 200 neonates of D. magna and D. longispina, 200 nauplii of A. franciscana and A. salina, and 500 zebrafish eggs. Manual and automated counts were both performed in culture medium solutions of 50 ml of volume. Automated counts showed a mean relative acccuracy of 98.9% (97.9%–99.4%) and a relative standard deviation of 1.72%. The results demonstrate that the computer-based device can be used for accurately counting these aquatic organisms. This computer-based counting might be extended to other organisms of similar size, thus facilitating reproduction and life-cycle ecotoxicity tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1451–1458. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

A device for automatic counting of small aquatic organisms (e.g., Daphnia sp.) was experimentally validated versus manual counting, showing it to be a relevant tool for cultures and ecotoxicological bioassays.
Umoja: A Swahili feminist ethic for negotiating justice in Zanzibar
Authors: Ott Jessica
Published: March 2022

This article explores umoja, a Swahili worldview of relational personhood, as an alternative cultural form to rights‐based approaches for seeking gender justice in Zanzibar. Since the colonial era, umoja— which translates roughly as “unity”—has become increasingly gendered in political discourse and used by various civil society and government groups to negotiate diverse visions of gender justice. Based on ethnographic observation of a women's savings cooperative, or vicoba, of working‐class women migrants from the Tanzanian mainland, and a feminist civil society coalition, this work explores umoja as a form of feminist solidarity and as a feminist ethic. As a type of feminist solidarity, umoja is exemplified by the vicoba, which maintains relational dignity among members and structurally mitigates within‐group inequities. As a feminist ethic, umoja involves intricately negotiating subgroup interests amidst constantly shifting individual and group relationships while maintaining conviviality in larger collectivities. By prioritizing collective conviviality, umoja avoids directly confronting patriarchal social structures, which raises questions about its potential to ensure gender justice. However, its emphasis on conviviality also acknowledges a shared humanity, which together with its treatment of inequities as intersectional and relational make umoja a holistic complement or alternative to rights‐based approaches for ensuring gendered social change.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Bohai Sea: A review of their distribution, sources, and risks
Authors: Wu Guanghong , Qin Renjie , Luo Wei
Published: March 2022

The distribution, risks, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) observed in seawater and sediments in the Bohai Sea were reviewed. The ecological risk of total PAHs in seawater was low, but the ecological risks of several individual PAHs (Pyr, BbF, and IcdP) were high. Detected PAHs in sediments rarely had adverse biological effects. High PAH concentrations were identified in Bohai Bay, in the sea area near Qinhuangdao, in Jinzhou Bay, and in Bohai Strait. Low PAH concentrations were found in the central Bohai, in Laizhou Bay, and in the sea area with more intensive ocean currents near Caofeidian. PAH concentrations in the Bohai Sea present a seaward-decreasing trend. Their spatial distribution could be attributed to the influence of human activities (population, industrial activities, and shipping activities), which determined PAH emissions. The PAHs were characterized by local sources, indicating that coal consumption and vehicle emissions were important sources of PAHs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1705–1721. © 2022 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Spatial distribution of PAH concentrations in the surface sediments of the Bohai Sea was determined. PAH pollution hot spots in the entire Bohai Sea were identified. Divergence of economic development and energy consumption during urbanization and industrialization was the main reason for the PAH distribution in the Bohai Sea sediments. PAH concentrations descended in the order of river > estuary > offshore.
PSO‐based traffic scheduling mechanism in information‐centric networking
Authors: Li Shiyong
Published: March 2022

In large‐scale network mode, congestion may occur in any link at any time, so traffic scheduling becomes a research hotspot. This paper pays attention to the traffic scheduling method in information‐centric networking (ICN). ICN transforms the host‐oriented end‐to‐end communication mode in the traditional network architecture into an information‐centric network architecture, which uses the network in‐network caching to significantly improve the content distribution efficiency. This is applied to traffic scheduling through the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, this paper proposes a traffic scheduling strategy based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm in ICN. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed traffic scheduling algorithm in this paper outperforms three benchmarks in terms of average latency, packet loss rate and average throughput.
Meta‐analysis of early adolescent self‐regulation interventions: Moderation by intervention and outcome type
Authors: Murray Desiree W. , Kurian Jennifer , Soliday Hong Sandra L. , Andrade Fernanda C.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Self‐regulation has been identified as a highly promising target for interventions promoting broad wellbeing across development; however, there appear to be notable limitations in efficacy for early adolescents in particular. One possible reason is that the emotion regulation needs of youth have not been intentionally targeted in many interventions for this age group. The aim of this study is to advance understanding of how different intervention approaches defined from a clear theoretical model may impact different types of outcomes and with regard to different types of measures.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review of four databases using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines and identified 33 studies of early adolescents (aged 10–15) using five different intervention approaches that were methodologically rigorous (e.g., randomized controlled trial design with low risk of bias). Studies were conducted predominantly in North America (58%), and Western Europe (30%).

Results

A two‐level mixed‐effects meta‐analysis indicated a small but significant overall intervention effect (Hedges g = 0.12). When examined by intervention type, effects were significant only for approaches focusing predominantly on emotion regulation (g = 0.20), which significantly improved behavioral outcomes as well as emotional outcomes. Approaches examining cognitive regulation, parent training, physical activity, and working memory did not differ significantly from zero. Across intervention types, outcomes demonstrated the largest effects for youth report of emotional distress.

Conclusion

Overall, results suggest that emotion regulation may be a critically important self‐regulation mechanism during early adolescence and demonstrates value in the use of applied theoretical frameworks to operationalize intervention approaches and outcomes.
The mediating role of anxiety/depression symptoms between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and somatic symptoms in adolescents
Authors: Lee Rachel Y. , Oxford Monica L. , Sonney Jennifer , Enquobahrie Daniel A. , Cato Kenrick D.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

This study examines the relationships among recent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), somatic symptoms, and anxiety/depression symptoms during adolescence and whether anxiety/depression symptoms mediate the relationship between ACEs and somatic symptoms.

Methods

Longitudinal prospective data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect study of 1354 children and their primary caregivers in the United States was used in this study. A longitudinal cross‐lagged path analysis among recent ACEs, anxiety/depression symptoms, and somatic symptoms at three points during adolescence (ages 12, 14, and 16 years) was conducted.

Results

The sample was 51% female and 53% African American. The results indicated significant concurrent associations between recent ACEs and increased anxiety/depression symptoms at ages 12, 14, and 16 (β = .27, p < .001; β = .15, p < .001; β = .07, p < .05) and between anxiety/depression symptoms and increased somatic symptoms at ages 12, 14, and 16 years (β = .44, p < .001; β = .39, p < .001; β = .49, p < .001). Moreover, anxiety/depression symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between recent ACEs and concurrent somatic symptoms at ages 12, 14, and 16 years (β = .12, p < .001; β = .06, p < .001; β = .04, p < .05). However, there was no significant relationship between recent ACEs and somatic symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that anxiety/depression symptoms mediate the concurrent relationships between recent ACEs and somatic symptoms at ages 12, 14, and 16. Clinicians should consider assessing anxiety/depression symptoms and possible concurrent exposure to ACEs when caring for adolescents who present with somatic symptoms.
Moral decision making in adolescents: The effects of peer attachment, interpersonal affect, and gender
Authors: Koenig Scott , Gao Yu
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Sacrificial moral dilemmas are a useful tool for understanding how individuals reconcile concerns for aggregate welfare with the emotional aversion to deliberately, personally harming others. Yet little is known about how adolescents respond to such dilemmas, even though adolescence is a crucial period for moral development. The present study sought to investigate how adolescents respond to such dilemmas, with a focus on gender differences, age differences, and the role of two individual differences factors: peer attachment and dampened interpersonal affect.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, 103 adolescents (mean age = 14.5, SD = 0.81, range = 12–16; 54% girls; 41% Black, 24% White, 15% multiracial, 9% Hispanic/Latin, 3% Other, 2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1% Native American, 5% no response) were recruited from the local community (Brooklyn, NY, USA). Adolescents responded to a series of sacrificial moral dilemmas. Then, participants and their caregivers completed questionnaires to assess adolescents' callous‐unemotional traits (e.g., lack of empathy) and the quality of their peer relationships.

Results

On average, participants endorsed committing personal harm for the greater good in 53% of their responses. Girls endorsed personal utilitarian sacrifice more than boys. Peer attachment, but not dampened interpersonal affect, was associated with increased endorsement of personal utilitarian sacrifice. Age and responses to dilemmas were not associated.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that peer relationships are an important part of adolescent moral decision‐making, for girls in particular. Our results also indicate that adolescents' utilitarian responses to conventional sacrificial moral dilemmas do not reflect a decreased aversion to interpersonal harm.
In vivo Raman spectroscopy for bladder cancer detection using a superficial Raman probe compared to a nonsuperficial Raman probe
Authors: Stomp‐Agenant Michelle , van Dijk Thomas , R. Onur Alexander , Grimbergen Matthijs , van Melick Harm , Jonges Trudy , Bosch Ruud , van Swol Christiaan
Published: March 2022

Raman spectroscopy is promising as a noninvasive tool for cancer diagnosis. A superficial Raman probe might improve the classification of bladder cancer, because information is gained solely from the diseased tissue and irrelevant information from deeper layers is omitted. We compared Raman measurements of a superficial to a nonsuperficial probe, in bladder cancer diagnosis. Two‐hundred sixteen Raman measurements and biopsies were taken in vivo from at least one suspicious and one unsuspicious bladder location in 104 patients. A Raman classification model was constructed based on histopathology, using a principal‐component fed linear‐discriminant‐analysis and leave‐one‐person‐out cross‐validation. The diagnostic ability measured in area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.95 and 0.80, the sensitivity was 90% and 85% and the specificity was 87% and 88% for the superficial and the nonsuperficial probe, respectively. We found inflammation to be a confounder and additionally we found a gradual transition from benign to low‐grade to high‐grade urothelial carcinoma. Raman spectroscopy provides additional information to histopathology and the diagnostic value using a superficial probe.
LncRNA CASC15 regulates breast cancer cell stemness via the miR‐654‐5p/MEF2D axis
Authors: Shen Peng , Yu Yang , Yan Yuan , Yu Bofan , You Wei
Published: March 2022

Emerging evidence has demonstrated the prognostic and diagnostic potential of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (lncRNA CASC15) for the progression and tumorigenesis of human cancer. However, how CASC15 modulates the stemness of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is not well understood. In this study, high expression of CASC15 in MCF‐7 CSCs was reported, relative to MCF‐7 cells, and this phenomenon was associated with metastatic lymph nodes, higher TNM stage, and shorter breast cancer survival rates. Further experiments revealed that CASC15 promoted the acquisition of stemness properties of breast cancer cells (BSCCs) by competing with endogenous RNA for miR‐654‐5p, resulting in overexpression of MEF2D in BCSCs. Overall, breast cancer stemness and tumor development are regulated via the CASC15/miR‐654‐5p/MEF2D axis. Accordingly, this pathway can be explored for breast cancer therapy.
The value of ultrasonography in detecting early arthropathic changes and contribution to the clinical approach in patients of hemophilia
Authors: Tamsel İpek , Kavakli Kaan , Özbek S. Süreyya , Hekimsoy İlhan , Balkan Can , Şahin Fahri , Tamsel Sadık
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE\AIM

Hemophilia affects the blood clotting process, is a genetic disease characterized by recurrent bleeding. The hemophilia early arthropathy detection with ultrasound (HEAD‐US) procedure and scoring method were designed for the detection of early changes in affected joints of patients. In this article, it was aimed to detect early arthropathic changes in the joints of hemophilia patients with the HEAD US scoring system and to investigate its clinical contribution.

It was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of HEAD‐US scoring in showing early joint damage in subclinical hemophilia cases and its contribution to treatment.

METHODS

The present study included 50 hemophilia patients who were admitted to Departments of Pediatric and Adult Hematology for routine follow‐up. During routine follow‐up controls, patients were scored by physical examination and HJHS 2.1 and by ultrasonography and HEAD US. Statistical tests were used to analyze joint health status and the results of US examination in the patient group.

RESULTS

A total of 294 joints (elbow n = 100, knee n = 94, ankle n = 100) were evaluated by ultrasonography. The mean HJHS and HEAD‐US scores of the patients were 14.94 ± 15.18 and 15.6 ± 12.6, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HEAD‐US is accepted to be more sensitive than HJHS in detecting early signs of arthropathy. Detection of early abnormalities by ultrasonography will enable the development of individualized treatment protocols and to the prevention of arthropathy development.
Silver‐doped nickel oxide as an efficient hole‐transport layer in polymer light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Chen Sy‐Hann , Wu Yung‐Teng , Hsiao Shih‐Hsiang , Tseng Cliff
Published: March 2022

In this study, silver‐doped nickel oxide (NiO:Ag) was successfully synthesized by a sol–gel method and spin‐coated on indium titanium oxide (ITO) as a hole‐transport layer for polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLED). After the calcination of the NiO:Ag/ITO substrate at 300°C for 1 h, stable conductive regions and the mean work‐function on the NiO:Ag/ITO surface reached 89.43% and 5.53 eV, respectively, which were greater than those on a conventional poly [3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene] polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS)/ITO surface. When NiO:Ag (300°C)/ITO was used as an anode window substrate for PLEDs, the enhancement factor for the average current efficiency in the current‐density range of 20–50 mA/cm2 and electroluminescence intensity at an applied bias of 8.0 V were 4.60 and 2.55 times, respectively, in comparison with those of PLED based on a conventional PEDOT:PSS/ITO anode.

Highlights

NiO:Ag is synthesized by a sol–gel method and spin‐coated on ITO as a HTL for PLED.

NiO:Ag/ITO calcined at 300°C for 1 h has the best microscopic electrical properties.

The performance for proposed PLED is much better than that for typical PLED.
Presentation of antigen on extracellular vesicles using transmembrane domains from viral glycoproteins for enhanced immunogenicity
Authors: Hu Kai , McKay Paul F. , Samnuan Karnyart , Najer Adrian , Blakney Anna K. , Che Junyi , O'Driscoll Gwen , Cihova Martina , Stevens Molly M. , Shattock Robin J.
Published: March 2022

A vaccine antigen, when launched as DNA or RNA, can be presented in various forms, including intracellular, secreted, membrane‐bound, or on extracellular vesicles (EVs). Whether an antigen in one or more of these forms is superior in immune induction remains unclear. In this study, we used GFP as a model antigen and first compared the EV‐loading efficiency of transmembrane domains (TMs) from various viral glycoproteins, and then investigated whether EV‐bound GFP (EV‐GFP) would enhance immune induction. Our data showed that GFP fused to viral TMs was successfully loaded onto the surface of EVs. In addition, GFP‐bound EVs were predominantly associated with the exosome marker CD81. Immunogenicity study with EV‐GFP‐producing plasmids in mice demonstrated that antigen‐specific IgG and IgA were significantly increased in EV‐GFP groups, compared to soluble and intracellular GFP groups. Similarly, GFP‐specific T cell response‐related cytokines produced by antigen‐stimulated splenocytes were also enhanced in mice immunized with EV‐GFP constructs. Immunogenicity study with purified soluble GFP and GFP EVs further confirmed the immune enhancement property of EV‐GFP in mice. In vitro uptake assays indicated that EV‐GFP was more efficiently taken up than soluble GFP by mouse splenocytes and such uptake was B cell preferential. Taken together, our data indicate that viral TMs can efficiently load antigens onto the EV surface, and that EV‐bound antigen enhances both humoral and cell‐mediated antigen‐specific responses.
The cation channel TRPM8 influences the differentiation and function of human monocytes
Authors: Hornsby Eve , King Hamish W , Peiris Madusha , Buccafusca Roberto , Lee Wing-Yiu Jason , Wing Elinor S , Blackshaw L Ashley , Lindsay James O , Stagg Andrew J
Published: March 2022

Monocytes are mononuclear phagocytes that can differentiate to a variety of cell fates under the influence of their microenvironment and hardwired commitment. We found that inhibition of TRPM8 in human blood CD14+ monocytes during a critical 3-h window at the beginning of their differentiation into macrophages led to enhanced survival and LPS-driven TNFα production after 24 h. TRPM8 antagonism also promoted LPS-driven TNFα production in CD14+ monocytes derived from the intestinal mucosa. Macrophages that had been derived for 6 days under blockade of TRPM8 had impaired phagocytic capacity and were transcriptionally distinct. Most of the affected genes were altered in a way that opposed normal monocyte to macrophage differentiation indicating that TRPM8 activity promotes aspects of this differentiation programme. Thus, we reveal a novel role for TRPM8 in regulating human CD14+ monocyte fate and function.
Active surveillance and early detection of community transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 Mu variant (B.1.621) in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Oliveira Gabriella S. , Silva‐Flannery Luciana , Silva Juliana F. , Siza Charlene , Esteves Roberto J. , Marston Barbara J. , Morgan Juliette , Plucinski Mateusz , Roca Tárcio P. , Silva Ana M. P. , Pereira Soraya S. , Salcedo Juan M. V. , Pereira Dhelio B. , Naveca Felipe G. , Vieira Dall'Acqua Deusilene S. ,   Brazil Investigation Team
Published: March 2022

Through active surveillance and contact tracing from outpatients, we aimed to identify and characterize SARS‐CoV‐2 variants circulating in Porto Velho‐Rondônia, a city in the Brazilian Amazon. As part of a prospective cohort, we gathered information from 2,506 individuals among COVID‐19 patients and household contacts. Epidemiological data, nasopharyngeal swabs, and blood samples were collected from all participants. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for antigen rapid diagnostic test and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) followed by genomic sequencing. Blood samples underwent ELISA testing for IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody levels. From 757 specimens sequenced, three were identified as Mu variant, none of the individuals carrying this variant had a travel history in the previous 15 days before diagnosis. One case was asymptomatic and two presented mild symptoms. Two infected individuals from different households caring viruses with additional amino acid substitutions ORF7a P45L and ORF1a T1055A compared to the Mu virus reference sequence. One patient presented IgG levels. Our results highlight that genomic surveillance for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants can assist in detecting the emergency of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in the community, before its identification in other parts of the country.
More depleted, speak up more? A daily examination of the benefit and cost of depletion for voice behavior and voice endorsement
Authors: Lam Chak Fu , Johnson Hana Huang , Song Lynda J. , Wu Wen , Lee Cynthia , Chen Ziguang
Published: March 2022

Although extant work has found that employee depletion is associated with less voice behavior, an emerging line of research suggests that depletion may sometimes be associated with more voice behavior. We build on this emerging line of research by establishing when and why employee depletion is associated with more voice behavior on a daily basis. We then further identify the implications of these relationships for daily voice endorsement by managers. Integrating research on the strength model of self‐control and the resource distinction between promotive and prohibitive voice, we predict that, among employees with low levels of trait self‐control, higher levels of daily depletion will be associated with lower levels of daily voice impulse control. In turn, lower levels of daily voice impulse control will be associated with higher levels of daily prohibitive voice, but lower levels of daily voice endorsement. Results from a 10‐day daily study with 697 daily observations from 88 employees working for 50 managers (Study 1) and an experimental recall task with 136 full‐time employees (Study 2) supported our hypotheses. We discuss how our findings contribute to theories of voice and self‐control, review the methodological strengths and limitations of our studies, and expound on the practical implications of our results.
Apraglutide, a novel once‐weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐2 analog, improves intestinal fluid and energy absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome: An open‐label phase 1 and 2 metabolic balance trial
Authors: Eliasson Johanna , Hvistendahl Mark K. , Freund Nanna , Bolognani Federico , Meyer Christian , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: March 2022

Background

Apraglutide is a novel long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) analog designed for once‐weekly subcutaneous dosing, with the potential to increase fluid and nutrient absorption by the remnant intestine of patients who have short bowel syndrome (SBS) with intestinal insufficiency (SBS‐II) or intestinal failure (SBS‐IF). This trial investigated the safety and effects on intestinal absorption of apraglutide in patients with SBS‐II and SBS‐IF.

Methods

In this open‐label, phase 1 and 2 trial, adult patients with SBS‐II (n = 4) or SBS‐IF (n = 4) and a fecal output of ≥1500 g/day received once‐weekly subcutaneous 5 mg apraglutide for 4 weeks. Safety was the primary end point. Secondary end points included change from baseline in intestinal absorption of wet weight (indicative of fluid absorption), electrolytes, and energy (by bomb calorimetry) measured by inpatient metabolic balance studies.

Results

Common treatment‐related adverse events were decreased gastrointestinal (GI) stoma output (n = 6), stoma complications (n = 6), GI stoma complications (n = 5), nausea (n = 5), flatulence (n = 4), abnormal GI stoma output (n = 4), polyuria (n = 3), and abdominal pain (n = 3). The only treatment‐related serious adverse event (experienced in one patient) was abdominal pain. Apraglutide significantly increased wet weight and energy absorption by an adjusted mean of 741 g/day (95% CI, 194 to 1287; P = 0.015) and 1095 kJ/day (95% CI, 196 to 1994; P = 0.024), respectively. Sodium and potassium absorption significantly increased by an adjusted mean of 38 mmol/day (95% CI, 3 to 74; P = 0.039) and 18 mmol/day (95% CI, 4 to 32; P = 0.020), respectively.

Conclusion

Once‐weekly 5 mg apraglutide was well tolerated in patients with SBS‐II and SBS‐IF and significantly improved the absorption of fluids, electrolytes, and energy.