bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative restocking strategy could reverse declines of a critically endangered sturgeon
Authors: Daskin Joshua H , Tilman Andrew R
Published: January 2022

Demographic modelling can reveal options for improved conservation management, especially for rare or long-lived species not amenable to experimentation. Sturgeon (Acipenseridae) include many such species, endangered by demand for caviar, their unfertilized roe, and by dams blocking their migrations. Restocking of sturgeon populations with farm-raised individuals has probably prevented extinctions and widespread extirpations of some species, but it has rarely led to true recovery in Eurasia, given ongoing harvest. We used modified Leslie matrix models to test whether restocking with year-old juveniles instead of weeks-old fry could recover the critically endangered Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii), endemic to the Amur River basin along the Russia–China border. Without restocking, or even releasing an expert-recommended annual volume of young fry (10 million), we project that three of four Amur sturgeon populations will be nearly extirpated within 30 years. However, restocking with 5% as many (500 000) year-old juveniles annually could grow three populations (currently 0–425 mature females) and slow declines in another so that each has over 6400 mature females within 30 years. Retooling stocking efforts to use fewer juveniles that survive at higher rates than do small fry could buy time to reduce harvesting pressure on Amur sturgeon and for other related sturgeon species.
Assessment of Sectoral NOx Emission Reductions During COVID‐19 Lockdown Using Combined Satellite and Surface Observations and Source‐Oriented Model Simulations
Authors: Kang Mingjie , Zhang Jie , Cheng Zhen , Guo Song , Su Fangcheng , Hu Jianlin , Zhang Hongliang , Ying Qi
Published: January 2022

Large emission reductions of anthropogenic nitrogen oxides (NOx) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) lockdown policies in China have been extensively reported since the outbreak, while assessments of sectoral emission changes during that period are still limited. In this study, a source‐oriented community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model was applied to quantify NO2 concentrations from major emission sectors. A new optimization approach was employed to obtain the sectorial emission reductions using satellite and ground‐level observations as constraints. The optimized emissions significantly improved the model performance of NO2 during the lockdown period. February NOx emission changes varied with regions and sectors, with relatively larger reductions in transportation (286.6 kt) and industrial sources (260.1 kt). The maximum amount of NOx emission reduction occurred in the North China Plain (230.6 kt). Our work presents a quick and reliable technique for assessing sector‐specific emission changes due to short‐term emission control policies.
Decadal Variations in Radiocarbon in Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) Along a Transect in the Western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ge Tiantian , Luo Chunle , Ren Peng , Zhang Hongmei , Chen Zhaohui , Sun Shuwen , Xu Liping , Wang Xuchen
Published: January 2022

We report results for the concentrations and radiocarbon (14C) compositions of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in water samples collected from a north‐south transect in the western North Pacific (NP) Ocean in November 2019 and compare our results with values previously reported for similar transects during the WOCE and CLIVAR projects decades ago. We show that the strong bomb 14C penetration signal in the upper waters has gradually been reduced and diluted by deep water depleted in 14C‐DIC over the last 30 years. The rate of decrease in Δ14C‐DIC values in surface waters was greater from 2005 to 2019 than from 1993 to 2005, and the rates of decrease from 2005 to 2019 were fastest (5.4–7.0‰ yr−1) between 25° and 32°N and slowest (2.1–2.8‰ yr−1) between 13°N and 16°N. The downwelling of the water mass could have accelerated the transport of bomb 14C in the NP subtropical gyre (25°–32°N). The different decadal changes in Δ14C‐DIC in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) from north to south prove that bomb 14C is transported southward to the southwestern NP and that the bomb 14C peak likely penetrates the ocean interior gradually. Changes in isopycnic circulation and advection diffusion in deep waters might have resulted in shifts in the baseline Δ14C‐DIC signature.
Lunar Water from China’s Lander Matches Apollo Samples
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: January 2022

Chang’e-5’s results are the first in situ measurements of water on the Moon.
Advances in flexible organic field-effect transistors and their applications for flexible electronics
Authors: Liu Kai , Ouyang Bang , Guo Xiaojun , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: January 2022

Flexible electronics have suggested tremendous potential to shape human lives for more convenience and pleasure. Strenuous efforts have been devoted to developing flexible organic field-effect transistor (FOFET) technologies for rollable displays, bendable smart cards, flexible sensors and artificial skins. However, these applications are still in a nascent stage for lack of standard high-performance material stacks as well as mature manufacturing technologies. In this review, the material choice and device design for FOFET devices and circuits, as well as the demonstrated applications are summarized in detail. Moreover, the technical challenges and potential applications of FOFETs in the future are discussed.
Bioerosion of siliceous rocks driven by rock-boring freshwater insects
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Potapov Grigory S. , Palatov Dmitry M. , Chan Nyein , Lunn Zau , Bovykina Galina V. , Chapurina Yulia E. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Spitsyna Elizaveta A. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Lyubas Artyom A. , Gofarov Mikhail Y. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Yapaskurt Vasily O. , Bychkov Andrey Y. , Pokrovsky Oleg S.
Published: January 2022

Macrobioerosion of mineral substrates in fresh water is a little-known geological process. Two examples of rock-boring bivalve molluscs were recently described from freshwater environments. To the best of our knowledge, rock-boring freshwater insects were previously unknown. Here, we report on the discovery of insect larvae boring into submerged siltstone (aleurolite) rocks in tropical Asia. These larvae belong to a new mayfly species and perform their borings using enlarged mandibles. Their traces represent a horizontally oriented, tunnel-like macroboring with two apertures. To date, only three rock-boring animals are known to occur in fresh water globally: a mayfly, a piddock, and a shipworm. All the three species originated within primarily wood-boring clades, indicating a simplified evolutionary shift from wood to hardground substrate based on a set of morphological and anatomical preadaptations evolved in wood borers (e.g., massive larval mandibular tusks in mayflies and specific body, shell, and muscle structure in bivalves).
Rational design of a helical peptide inhibitor targeting c-Myb–KIX interaction
Authors: Suetaka Shunji , Oka Yoshiki , Kunihara Tomoko , Hayashi Yuuki , Arai Munehito
Published: January 2022

The transcription factor c-Myb promotes the proliferation of hematopoietic cells by interacting with the KIX domain of CREB-binding protein; however, its aberrant expression causes leukemia. Therefore, inhibitors of the c-Myb–KIX interaction are potentially useful as antitumor drugs. Since the intrinsically disordered transactivation domain (TAD) of c-Myb binds KIX via a conformational selection mechanism where helix formation precedes binding, stabilizing the helical structure of c-Myb TAD is expected to increase the KIX-binding affinity. Here, to develop an inhibitor of the c-Myb–KIX interaction, we designed mutants of the c-Myb TAD peptide fragment where the helical structure is stabilized, based on theoretical predictions using AGADIR. Three of the four initially designed peptides each had a different Lys-to-Arg substitution on the helix surface opposite the KIX-binding interface. Furthermore, the triple mutant with three Lys-to-Arg substitutions, named RRR, showed a high helical propensity and achieved three-fold higher affinity to KIX than the wild-type TAD with a dissociation constant of 80 nM. Moreover, the RRR inhibitor efficiently competed out the c-Myb–KIX interaction. These results suggest that stabilizing the helical structure based on theoretical predictions, especially by conservative Lys-to-Arg substitutions, is a simple and useful strategy for designing helical peptide inhibitors of protein–protein interactions.
Topological charge of soft X-ray vortex beam determined by inline holography
Authors: Ishii Yuta , Nakao Hironori , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Wakabayashi Yusuke , Arima Taka-hisa , Yamasaki Yuichi
Published: January 2022

A Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) vortex beam having a spiral wavefront can be characterized by its topological charge (TC). The TC gives the number of times that the beam phase passes through the interval $$[0, 2\pi ]$$

[
0
,
2
π
]

following a closed loop surrounding the propagation axis. Here, the TC spectra of soft X-ray vortex beams are acquired using the in-line holography technique, where interference between vortex waves produced from a fork grating and divergent waves from a Fresnel zone plate is observed as a holographic image. The analyses revealed the phase distributions and the TC for the LG vortex waves, which reflects topological number of the fork gratings, as well as for the Hermite–Gaussian (HG) mode waves generated from the other gratings. We also conducted a simulation of the present technique for pair annihilation of topological defects in a magnetic texture. These results may pave the way for development of probes capable of characterizing the topological numbers of magnetic defects.
Increased risk of secondary bladder cancer after radiation therapy for endometrial cancer
Authors: Wen Li , Zhong Guansheng , Ren Min
Published: January 2022

To investigate the effect of radiation therapy (RT) after endometrial cancer (EC) diagnosis on the risk of occurring secondary bladder cancer (SBC) as well as on the survival outcome of those patients who suffered with SBC. Data was extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 1973 and 2015. Chi-squared test was utilized to compare clinicopathological characteristics among different groups. The Fine and Gray’s competing risk model was utilized to assess cumulative incidence and risk of occurring SBC in EC survivors. The Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox regression model were used for survival analysis. As a result, a total of 108,060 EC patients were included, among which 37,118 (34.3%) patients received RT while others did not. The incidence of SBC was 1.31%, 1.76% and 0.96% among patients who received prior brachytherapy, external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and others, respectively. Both of the EBRT (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 2.24, 95% CI [1.94–2.58]) and brachytherapy (SIR = 1.76, 95% CI [1.44–2.13]) group had a higher incidence of SBC than the general population in USA. The competing risk analysis demonstrated that receiving EBRT (HR = 1.97, 95% CI [1.64–2.36]) or brachytherapy (HR = 1.46, 95% CI [1.14–1.87]) were all independent risk factors for developing SBC. A survival detriment was only observed in SBC patients who received prior EBRT after EC diagnosis, but not for brachytherapy, when compared with those who did not undergo RT. Additionally, there were no significant survival differences between primary bladder cancer and SBC with or without prior RT history. Patients who underwent RT after EC had an increased risk of developing bladder cancer as secondary primary cancer. The prognosis of these SBC patients varied depending on types of RT that received after EC diagnosis.
Increasing activity of tropical cyclones in East Asia during the mature boreal autumn linked to long-term climate variability
Authors: Basconcillo Joseph , Moon Il-Ju
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the East Asian (EA) region experienced escalated cost of damages associated with tropical cyclones (TC) during the mature boreal autumn (i.e., September−October). Questions arise whether such increased TC-associated cost of damages are indicative of increasing activity of TCs in EA, particularly during the mature boreal autumn. Here we show evidence of significantly increasing activity of TCs in EA from 1981 to 2019 that is mainly accompanied by an abrupt regime shift in TC passage frequency since 1998. Such trend and shift are robustly linked to the shift of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) to its negative phase in the mid-1990s. Characterized by warm sea surface temperature anomalies in the subtropical North Pacific, a negative PDO phase is related to the weakening of the East Asian subtropical jetstream and the westward displacement of the WNP subtropical high, which initiates a favorable steering environment for increased TC passages into the EA region. Contrasting environmental patterns are associated in a positive PDO phase. Considering the prominence of EA in the global economy, our paper contributes additional insights on long-term tropical cyclone risk reduction and management in the region.
Elevated mutation rates underlie the evolution of the aquatic plant family Podostemaceae
Authors: Katayama Natsu , Koi Satoshi , Sassa Akira , Kurata Tetsuya , Imaichi Ryoko , Kato Masahiro , Nishiyama Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

Molecular evolutionary rates vary among lineages and influence the evolutionary process. Here, we report elevated genome-wide mutation rates in Podostemaceae, a family of aquatic plants with a unique body plan that allows members to live on submerged rocks in fast-flowing rivers. Molecular evolutionary analyses using 1640 orthologous gene groups revealed two historical increases in evolutionary rates: the first at the emergence of the family and the second at the emergence of Podostemoideae, which is the most diversified subfamily. In both branches, synonymous substitution rates were elevated, indicating higher mutation rates. On early branches, mutations were biased in favour of AT content, which is consistent with a role for ultraviolet light-induced mutation and habitat shift. In ancestors of Podostemoideae, DNA-repair genes were enriched in genes under positive selection, which may have responded to the meristem architectural changes.
How neocarcerand Octacid4 self-assembles with guests into irreversible noncovalent complexes and what accelerates the assembly
Authors: Pang Yuan-Ping
Published: January 2022

Cram’s supramolecular capsule Octacid4 can irreversibly and noncovalently self-assemble with small-molecule guests at room temperature, but how they self-assemble and what accelerates their assembly remain poorly understood. This article reports 81 distinct Octacid4•guest self-assembly pathways captured in unrestricted, unbiased molecular dynamics simulations. These pathways reveal that the self-assembly was initiated by the guest interaction with the cavity portal exterior of Octacid4 to increase the portal collisions that led to the portal expansion for guest ingress, and completed by the portal contraction caused by the guest docking inside the cavity to impede guest egress. The pathways also reveal that the self-assembly was accelerated by engaging populated host and guest conformations for the exterior interaction to increase the portal collision frequency. These revelations may help explain why the presence of an exterior binding site at the rim of the enzyme active site is a fundamental feature of fast enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase and why small molecules adopt local minimum conformations when binding to proteins. Further, these revelations suggest that irreversible noncovalent complexes with fast assembly rates could be developed—by engaging populated host and guest conformations for the exterior interactions—for materials technology, data storage and processing, molecular sensing and tagging, and drug therapy.
Observing hepatic steatosis with a commercially viable two-photon fluorogenic probe
Authors: Han Jingjing , Lee Hyo Won , Chen Yahui , Li Haidong , Kim Hwan Myung , Yoon Juyoung
Published: January 2022

A two-photon fluorogenic probe with the untwisted intramolecular charge process which is comparable to commercial fluorophores has been successfully applied in observing hepatic steatosis.
A Reading Comprehension Intervention for Dual Language Learners With Weak Language and Reading Skills
Authors: Sanabria Ashley Adams , Restrepo Maria Adelaida , Walker Erin , Glenberg Arthur
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

We evaluated the efficacy of a reading comprehension intervention with dual language learners (DLLs) with documented English reading comprehension difficulties, half of whom had a developmental language disorder. The intervention EMBRACE (Enhanced Moved by Reading to Accelerate Comprehension in English) required children to move images on an iPad to both improve and demonstrate understanding of multichapter stories. Additionally, we determined the characteristics of students who most benefit from the intervention.

Method:

Fifty-six participants in second to fifth grades were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (a) Spanish support intervention or (b) Spanish support control. Outcome measures included performance on comprehension questions related to the intervention texts, two transfer texts with no strategy instruction, and the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests–Fourth Edition Reading Comprehension subtest administered pre- and post-intervention.

Results:

Multilevel hierarchical linear models were used to account for nesting of question within child within classroom. For this group of DLLs, the overall intervention effect was not statistically significant. However, the intervention was most effective with narrative (vs. expository) texts and easy (vs. more difficult) texts. DLLs with lower initial English reading abilities (decoding and comprehension) benefited more from the intervention than those with stronger reading skills.

Conclusions:

The EMBRACE intervention has promise for use with DLLs with low baseline decoding and comprehension skills, particularly in early elementary grades. Future research should aim to match text difficulty with child skills when introducing new comprehension strategies to maximize benefit from the intervention.
Self-Reported Confidence and Knowledge-Based Differences Between Multilingual and Monolingual Speech-Language Pathologists When Serving Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
Authors: Narayanan Taylor L. , Ramsdell Heather L.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with multilingual and monolingual speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) knowledge base and confidence levels when working with clients who are culturally and linguistically diverse.

Method:

A survey was distributed by e-mail to 15,049 SLPs across the United States, with 1,319 anonymous responses received. The questions related to exposure to and knowledge of multilingualism in clinical practice.

Results:

Demographic data were reported and compared to the national average of SLPs. Additionally, associations were made between participants' demographics, training, and work experience and their self-reported confidence and knowledge base related to working with clients who are linguistically diverse.

Conclusions:

Respondents who had worked with clients who speak languages other than English, who had received training with multilingual SLPs, and/or who had received training to become multilingual SLPs reported greater confidence levels and knowledge base when working with clients who are culturally and linguistically diverse. The characteristics of multilingual and monolingual respondents were fairly comparable in both their clinical experiences, educational history, and training, suggesting internal validity of the results. Clinical implications, study limitations, and future directions will be discussed.
Evolution of air quality in Morocco before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; comparative study
Authors: Bouhachlaf Loubna , Mousli Fatimazahra , El hajjaji Souad
Published: January 2022

The epidemic of coronavirus is spreading all over the world, which is not only a health problem, but also affects the social sector, politics, the environment in various ways and the world economy. In response to the rapidly changing international epidemiological situation of COVID-19, several governments have imposed restrictions on the movement of people and vehicles and suspended industrial activities as a safety measure to reduce the spread of the virus and protect human health. This study aims to compare the state of air quality in Morocco, before the pandemic and during the lockdown situation of the Moroccan territory between March 2020 and June 2020.
Chemical characteristics of seed oil from wild prickly pear (Opuntiaficus indica) in eastern Morocco
Authors: Marhri Ahmed , Belhaj Kamal , Melhaoui Reda , Tikent Aziz , Benmoumen Abdessamad , Mihamou Aatika , Serghini-Caid Hana , Elamrani Ahmed , Hano Christophe , Abid Malika , Addi Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica), is a Cactaceae plant with a great economic relevance in the world. Nowadays, nopal cactus industry is active and rapidly expanding.In fact, the seeds oil sector is the best exploitation due to the high price of this oil. Moisture content, oxidative stability, quality index, total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll and carotenoid contentof prickly pear seed oil were analyzed.The seeds used in this study were provided by a cooperative DAR ATABIAA located in Chouihia (Eastern region of Morocco) during the harvesting season 2020. The samples were obtained from wild trees grown in this region. Results showed that moisture content of prickly pear seeds was 9.12%, whereas the acidity and peroxide index value was 1.11% and 4.44 meq O2/kg respectively, andan oxidative stabilityof 17.31 hours. The total phenolic and the flavonoid content values for theseseed oilsare 260.07 mg/kg and 65.99 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the results show a carotenoid contentof 0.61 mg/kg and total chlorophyll of 1.52 mg/kg.
Tutorial aims to make nonlinear spectroscopy technique more accessible outside of physics
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: January 2022

Introductory paper explains vibrational sum frequency generation, which can be used to investigate the interfaces between bulk material, in a qualitative, intuitive manner.
Supply-chain issues compound research slowdowns
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: January 2022

Researchers make do with alternative sources, methods, materials, and activities.
Providing in-service online language training for primary teachers of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Chen Jia , Huang Ruiqiong
Published: January 2022

This report assesses the use of a Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) to provide an in-service language training programme for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in a primary school in Shanghai, China. The 12-month oral English training programme featured unique in-depth university-school collaborations, tiered project management and flexible self-directed learning experiences by the participants. This programme was a piloting project aimed at exploring an effective way of workplace language training and usefulness of Moodle-LMS’ potential in providing a flexible and interactive learning environment for training primary school language teachers.
Hydroxylation decoration patterns of flavonoids in horticultural crops: chemistry, bioactivity, and biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Yilong , Qian Jiafei , Li Jiajia , Xing Mengyun , Grierson Donald , Sun Chongde , Xu Changjie , Li Xian , Chen Kunsong
Published: January 2022

Flavonoids are the most widespread polyphenolic compounds and are important dietary constituents present in horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, and tea. Natural flavonoids are responsible for important quality traits, such as food colors and beneficial dietary antioxidants, and numerous investigations have shown that intake of flavonoids can reduce the incidence of various non-communicable diseases. Analysis of the thousands of flavonoids reported so far has shown that different hydroxylation modifications affect their chemical properties and nutritional values. These diverse flavonoids can be classified based on different hydroxylation patterns in the B, C, and A rings and multiple structure–activity analyses have shown that hydroxylation decoration at specific positions markedly enhances their bioactivities. This review focuses on current knowledge concerning hydroxylation of flavonoids catalyzed by several different types of hydroxylase enzymes. Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) and flavonoid 3′5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) are important enzymes for the hydroxylation of the B ring of flavonoids. Flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H) is key for the hydroxylation of the C ring, while flavone 6-hydroxylase (F6H) and flavone 8-hydroxylase (F8H) are key enzymes for hydroxylation of the A ring. These key hydroxylases in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway are promising targets for the future bioengineering of plants and mass production of flavonoids with designated hydroxylation patterns of high nutritional importance. In addition, hydroxylation in key places on the ring may help render flavonoids ready for degradation, and the catabolic turnover of flavonoids may open the door for new lines of inquiry.
The novel leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase MRK1 regulates resistance to multiple stresses in tomato
Authors: Ma Qiaomei , Hu Zhangjian , Mao Zhuo , Mei Yuyang , Feng Shuxian , Shi Kai
Published: January 2022

Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) are ubiquitous in higher plants and act as receptors of extracellular signals to trigger multiple physiological processes. However, the functions of the majority of LRR-RLKs remain largely unknown, especially in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Here, we found that MRK1 (Multiple resistance-associated kinase 1), encoding a novel tomato LRR-RLK, was significantly induced by temperature stresses and bacterial pathogen attacks. Knocking out MRK1 impaired tolerance to both cold and heat stress, accompanied by decreased transcript levels of the master regulators C-repeat binding factor 1 (CBF1) and Heat shock transcription factor a-1a (HsfA1a), respectively. In addition, mrk1 mutants were hypersensitive to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Ralstonia solanacearum and showed compromised pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) responses, as evidenced by decreased production of reactive oxygen species and reduced upregulation of PTI marker genes. Moreover, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, split-luciferase assays, and co-immunoprecipitation supported the formation of a complex of MRK1, FLS2, and Somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase (SERK3A/SERK3B) in a ligand-independent manner. This work demonstrates that tomato MRK1 is a novel positive regulator of multiple stress responses and may be a potential breeding target for improving crop stress resistance.
Giant Cutaneous Horn (Cornu Cutaneum) Developing from a Hypertrophic Burn Scar
Authors: Cosansu Nur Cihan , Cetiner Tuba , Yuksekal Gülcan
Published: January 2022

A cornu cutaneum (CC) is a rare lesion. This case report describes a 63-year-old woman with a giant CC lesion on her right hip arising from a hypertrophic burn scar at its base. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case described in the literature of a CC that developed from a burn scar.
Phototherapy for Generalized Pruritus of Unknown Origin: Single-Center Experience
Authors: Fisher Shani , Ziv Michael
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVE

Phototherapy is a well-established therapy in dermatology. However, there is limited evidence regarding phototherapy for the treatment of generalized pruritus of unknown origin (GPUO). The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy in patients with GPUO.

METHODS

Researchers conducted a retrospective review of the treatment outcomes of patients with GPUO who were treated with NB-UVB between 2004 and 2019 at their facility.

RESULTS

Investigators included 67 patients diagnosed with GPUO treated with NB-UVB. Complete remission was achieved in more than 70% of the patients. No serious adverse events were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with GPUO, NB-UVB may be a safe and effective treatment option.
Repeatability and Agreement of Two Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomographers for Anterior Segment Parameter Measurements
Authors: Cheng Shi-Ming , Zhang Jia-Sheng , Li Tian-tian , Wu Ze-tong , Wang Po , Yu A-Yong
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The aim was to evaluate the repeatability and agreement of two swept-source optical coherence tomographers for anterior segment parameters in healthy subjects.

Patients and Methods:

Automated mark of scleral spur and angle recess for the CASIA2 and manual mark of scleral spur and angle recess for the Anterion were performed, and then the measurement values of the related parameters were automatically generated. Subjects with pupil diameter (PD) differing by <15% between the 2 devices were included. PD, lens vault (LV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle to angle distance (ATA), anterior chamber width (ACW), anterior chamber angle (ACA), angle opening distance (AOD), and trabecular iris space area (TISA) were measured in the horizontal images with both CASIA2 and Anterion. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate intradevice repeatability. Bland-Altman plots were performed to assess the agreement between the 2 devices.

Results:

Thirty-five right eyes of 35 subjects were included with a mean age of 25.60±3.00 years. The CASIA2 showed moderate to good intradevice repeatability (ICCs ranged from 0.786 to 0.989) whereas the Anterion showed good intradevice repeatability (ICCs ranged from 0.921 to 0.998) for anterior segment parameters. Compared with the CASIA2, the Anterion offered larger values of ACA500/750, AOD500/750, and TISA500/750 but smaller values of PD, LV, ACD, ATA, and ACW. Good agreement for PD, ACD, ATA, and ACW was detected with 95% limits of agreement of −1.02 to 1.02 mm, −0.11 to 0.14 mm, −0.17 to 0.19 mm, −0.13 to 0.28 mm, respectively. Poor agreement for LV, ACA500/750, AOD500/750, and TISA500/750 was achieved with the 2 devices.

Conclusions:

Anterion outperformed CASIA2 on intradevice repeatability. While agreement was noted for some parameters using manual Anterion and automated CASIA2 approaches, poor agreement of LV and angle parameters indicates that measurements from these optical coherence tomography devices should not be considered interchangeable.
Structural insights into G protein activation by D1 dopamine receptor
Authors: Teng Xiao , Chen Sijia , Wang Qing , Chen Zhao , Wang Xiaoying , Huang Niu , Zheng Sanduo
Published: January 2022

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest family of membrane receptors and are the most important drug targets. An agonist-bound GPCR engages heterotrimeric G proteins and triggers the exchange of GDP with GTP to promote G proteins activation. A complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms of G proteins activation has been hindered by a lack of structural information of GPCR-G protein complex in nucleotide-bound states. Here, we present the cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of D1 dopamine receptor (D1R)-Gs in the nucleotide-free state, the GDP-bound state and the GTP-bound state with endogenous ligand dopamine. These structures reveal important conformational changes accounting for the release of GDP and the GTP-dependent dissociation of Gα from Gβγ subunits. Combining mutagenesis functional studies, we also identified an important sequence motif in D1R that determines its G protein selectivity. Taken together, these results shed light into the molecular basis of G protein selectivity and the entire molecular signaling events of GPCR-mediated G protein activation.
Addiction recovery stories: Neil Curran in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Curran Neil , Ogilvie Lisa
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the transition from addiction to recovery. It is the second in a series of recovery stories that examine candid accounts of addiction and recovery. Shared components of recovery are considered, along with the change and growth needed to support the transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The CHIME framework comprises five elements important to recovery (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment). It provides a standard to qualitatively study mental health recovery, having also been applied to addiction recovery. In this paper, an element for Growth is included in the model (G-CHIME), to consider both recovery, and sustained recovery. A first-hand account of addiction recovery is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account. This is structured on the G-CHIME model.

Findings

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectually explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each element in the model is apparent from the biography and e-interview presented.

Originality/value

Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.
How and when high-involvement work practices influence employee innovative behavior
Authors: Wang Zhining , Cui Tao , Cai Shaohan , Ren Shuang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Based on social information processing (SIP) theory, this study explores the cross-level effect of high-involvement work practices (HIWPs) on employee innovative behavior by studying the mediating role of self-reflection/rumination and the moderating role of transactive memory system (TMS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects data from 452 employees and their direct supervisors in 94 work units, and tests a cross-level moderated mediation model using multilevel path analysis.

Findings

The results suggest that HIWPs significantly contribute to employee innovative behavior. Both self-reflection and self-rumination mediate the above relationship. TMS not only positively moderates the relationship between HIWPs and self-reflection, but also reinforces the linkage of HIWPs. →self-reflection→employee innovative behavior. Furthermore, TMS negatively moderates the relationship between HIWPs and self-rumination, and attenuates the mediating effect of self-rumination.

Practical implications

The study suggests that enterprises should invest more in promoting HIWPs and TMS in the workplace. Furthermore, managers should provide employees training programs to enhance their self-reflection, as well as lower self-rumination, in order to facilitate employee innovative behavior.

Originality/value

This research identifies self-reflection and self-rumination as key mediators that link HIWPs to employee innovative behavior and reveals the moderating role of TMS in the process.
Students’ learning sustainability – implicit, explicit or non-existent: a case study approach on students’ key competencies addressing the SDGs in HEI program
Authors: Alm Karin , Beery Thomas H. , Eiblmeier David , Fahmy Tarek
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to understand better the student awareness and knowledge on how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are used in higher education institutions (HEIs) to motivate students’ learning on sustainability. It is essential to consider students’ understanding of sustainability at the end of their studies to assess whether they feel prepared to apply sustainability in their daily work life.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has a quantitative case study design, and the specific method used is an online survey with masters’ students using the university student platform EvaSys. The study assesses approaching how students perceive the overall education integrating sustainability into programs and curricula.

Findings

The results showed that work-integrated learning (WIL) projects learning and real-life experiences as part of their studies enhanced the students’ understanding of sustainability. Moreover, the study showed that integrating an understanding of the SDGs in teaching offers universities a way to frame students’ key competencies in ways that allow them to develop their interpersonal competencies as ambassadors for sustainability in their future work life.

Practical implications

This study supports the argument that WIL and real-life university experiences enhance students’ key competencies critical for sustainability.

Originality/value

The pedagogical approach advanced in this paper addresses how WIL and real-life experiences might develop students’ key competencies on sustainability. This approach indicates that working with SDGs in teaching encourages students to promote their interpersonal competencies for sustainability.
Investigation of tribological properties of environmentally friendly ionic liquids as a potential lubricity improving additives for water-based lubricants
Authors: Kreivaitis Raimondas , Gumbytė Milda , Treinytė Jolanta
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tribological properties of two protic ionic liquids used as lubricity-improving additives in the water. Their concentration was optimized for different metal friction pairs including bearing steel, stainless steel and aluminum alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study tribological properties were investigated by using a ball-on-plate reciprocating tribometer. Three different friction pairs were selected: bearing steel-bearing steel; bearing steel-stainless steel; bearing steel-aluminum alloy. To optimize the concentration of investigated protic ionic liquids four concentrations were selected. Wettability was investigated using the droplet method. The corrosiveness of additive-loaded water was investigated using the iron chip method.

Findings

The results show that by using protic ionic liquids the lubricity of water could be greatly improved. However, the friction pair material and additive concentration play a significant role. The positive tribological effect was attributed to the polarity of the additive molecule which tends to form an adsorption layer. The polarity of molecules also leads to better surface wettability. It was also found that both investigated protic ionic liquids can improve the anticorrosion properties of water.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to present a complex investigation of tribological properties of two protic ionic liquids as additives in the water. In this case, three different metal friction pairs and four additive concentrations were investigated. The results could be interesting to those who are working in the field of water-based lubricants and luck for multipurpose lubricity-improving additives.
Performance characteristics of lubricant based on rapeseed oil containing different amounts of metal-containing additive
Authors: Kandeva Mara , Kalitchin Zhecho , Zadorozhnaya Elena , Vencl Aleksandar
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the biobased (rapeseed) oil with the addition of different amounts of metal-containing additive in a steel–bronze tribological system. The additional purpose was to find the optimal value of the additive.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exposes experimental results of the performance characteristics (coefficient of friction (COF), working temperature and wear) of the biolubricant based on rapeseed oil. The amount of commercial metal-containing additive in formulated lubricant was 1, 1.5, 3 and 5 wt.%. All results were compared with the results obtained for the base rapeseed oil. Two different tribometers were used, with the same tribosystem elements materials (bronze and steel). COF experiments were performed under four different normal loads and fixed sliding speed and time. Temperature and wear were continuously monitored.

Findings

Results showed that the metal-containing additive in rapeseed oil reduced all monitored characteristics. It was also found that the dependence of all characteristics on the amount of additive is nonlinear and that there is an optimal value of it.

Originality/value

Owing to growing environmental concerns, vegetable oil-based lubricants and other biodegradable lubricants are expanding their area of application. Currently, one of the most widely used vegetable oil is rapeseed oil. The metal-containing additive used in this study is previously investigated as an addition to mineral- and synthetic-based oils. There are very few studies that investigate its influence on the vegetable oil-based lubricants. In addition, there is no comparative investigation of its influence on several performance characteristics (COF, temperature and wear).
Composition identification and functional verification of bacterial community in disease‐suppressive soils by machine learning
Authors: Zhang Zhenyan , Zhang Qi , Cui Hengzheng , Li Yan , Xu Nuohan , Lu Tao , Chen Jian , Penuelas Josep , Hu Baolan , Qian Haifeng
Published: January 2022

It has been widely reported that probiotic consortia in the rhizosphere can enhance the plant resistance to pathogens. However, the general composition and functional profiles of bacterial community in soils which suppress multiple diseases for various plants remain largely unknown. Here, we combined metadata analysis with machine learning to identify the general patterns of bacterial‐community composition in disease‐suppressive soils. Disease‐suppressive soils significantly enriched Firmicutes and Actinobacteria but showed a decrease in Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Our machine‐learning models accurately identified the disease‐conducive and ‐suppressive soils with 54 biomarker genera, 28 of which were potentially beneficial. We further carried out a successive passaging experiment with the susceptible rps2 mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana invaded by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (avrRpt2) for functional verification of potential beneficial bacteria. The disease‐suppressive ability of Kribbella, Nocardioides and Bacillus was confirmed, and they positively activated the pathogen‐associated molecular patterns‐triggered immunity pathway. Results also showed that chemical control by pesticides in agricultural production decreased the disease‐suppressive ability of soil. This study provides a method for accurately predicting the occurrence of multiple diseases in soil and identified potential beneficial bacteria to guide a wide range of multiple‐strain biological control strategies in agricultural management.
Rapid determination of capsaicin concentration in soybean oil by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Xia Yiming , Liu Wei , Shi Yule , Younas Shoaib , Liu Changhong , Zheng Lei
Published: January 2022

Capsaicin is the key composition of pepper and can be used as a marker of gutter oil for detection. The feasibility of rapid detection of capsaicin concentration in soybean oil was studied by terahertz spectroscopy. Genetic algorithm (GA) and principal component analysis (PCA) as the pretreatment method were used to obtain the best spectral features. Least square‐support vector machine (LS‐SVM), back propagation neural network (BPNN), and partial least squares (PLS) were combined with the pretreatment method to obtain the best determination model. The BPNN was combined with GA to obtain the best quantitative prediction results with the correlation coefficient of prediction (RP), prediction root mean square error (RMSEP), the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD), and range error ratio (RER) were 0.9309, 0.4030 µg/kg, 17.0421, and 2.4813, respectively. Furthermore, the detection limit of capsaicin could achieve 1.25 µg/kg in soybean oil and the accuracy of discrimination was up to 100% in the prediction set using the LS‐SVM combined with GA pre‐treatment. The results suggested that terahertz spectroscopy together with chemometric methods would be a promising technique for rapid determination of capsaicin concentration in soybean oil. Meanwhile, it is necessary to perform further experiments with real gutter oil samples before applying the method in practice.

Practical Application

The combination of terahertz spectroscopy technology and chemometrics is a promising method for the rapid determination of capsaicin concentration in soybean oil with high efficiency.
Characterizing implied volatility functions from agricultural options markets
Authors: McKenzie Andrew M. , Thomsen Michael R. , Adjemian Michael K.
Published: January 2022

We provide the first comprehensive characterization and comparison of implied volatility functions for five major agricultural options markets—corn, soybeans, soft red winter wheat, live cattle, and feeder cattle—using intraday tick data. Our results show that cattle markets exhibit a distinct leftward skew, which is puzzling and indicates that out‐of‐the‐money traded put options are theoretically overpriced. In contrast, we find that grain market implied volatility functions display a flatter, less pronounced smile pattern. We examine market sentiment induced short‐term hedging pressures using Commodity Futures Trading Commission reports, and market uncertainty around Cattle on Feed reports, as potential causes of the cattle markets skew. However, our results show that the explanatory power of our short‐term hedging pressure proxies are only helpful in isolated cases but overall cannot explain the large skews we observe in cattle markets.
Hemodynamics of small arterial return cannulae for venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Stephens Andrew F. , Wickramarachchi Avishka , Burrell Aidan J. C. , Bellomo Rinaldo , Raman Jaishankar , Gregory Shaun D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides mechanical support for critically ill patients with cardiogenic shock. Typically, the size of the arterial return cannula is chosen to maximize flow. However, smaller arterial cannulae may reduce cannula‐related complications and be easier to insert. This in vitro study quantified the hemodynamic effect of different arterial return cannula sizes in a simulated acute heart failure patient.

Methods

Baseline support levels were simulated with a 17 Fr arterial cannula in an ECMO circuit attached to a cardiovascular simulator with targeted partial (2.0 L/min ECMO flow, 60–65 mm Hg mean aortic pressure—MAP) and targeted full ECMO support (3.5 L/min ECMO flow and 70–75 mm Hg MAP). Return cannula size was varied (13–21 Fr), and hemodynamics were recorded while keeping ECMO pump speed constant and adjusting pump speed to restore desired support levels.

Results

Minimal differences in hemodynamics were found between cannula sizes in partial support mode. A maximum pump speed change of +600 rpm was required to reach the support target, and arterial cannula inlet pressure varied from 79 (21 Fr) to 224 mm Hg (13 Fr). The 15 Fr arterial cannula could provide the target full ECMO support at the targeted hemodynamics; however, the 13 Fr cannula could not due to the high resistance associated with the small diameter.

Conclusions

A 15 Fr arterial return cannula provided targeted partial and full ECMO support to a simulated acute heart failure patient. Balancing reduced cannula size and ECMO support level may improve patient outcomes by reducing cannula‐related adverse events.