bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oculomotor randomness is higher in autistic children and increases with the severity of symptoms
Authors: Ziv Inbal , Avni Inbar , Dinstein Ilan , Meiri Gal , Bonneh Yoram S.
Published: January 2024

A variety of studies have suggested that at least some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) view the world differently. Differences in gaze patterns as measured by eye tracking have been demonstrated during visual exploration of images and natural viewing of movies with social content. Here we analyzed the temporal randomness of saccades and blinks during natural viewing of movies, inspired by a recent measure of “randomness” applied to micro‐movements of the hand and head in ASD (Torres et al., 2013; Torres & Denisova, 2016). We analyzed a large eye‐tracking dataset of 189 ASD and 41 typically developing (TD) children (1–11 years old) who watched three movie clips with social content, each repeated twice. We found that oculomotor measures of randomness, obtained from gamma parameters of inter‐saccade intervals (ISI) and blink duration distributions, were significantly higher in the ASD group compared with the TD group and were correlated with the ADOS comparison score, reflecting increased “randomness” in more severe cases. Moreover, these measures of randomness decreased with age, as well as with higher cognitive scores in both groups and were consistent across repeated viewing of each movie clip. Highly “random” eye movements in ASD children could be associated with high “neural variability” or noise, poor sensory‐motor control, or weak engagement with the movies. These findings could contribute to the future development of oculomotor biomarkers as part of an integrative diagnostic tool for ASD.
A ternary nucleotide–lanthanide coordination nanoprobe for ratiometric fluorescence detection of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Weng Pei , Li Chunlan , Liu Qiuhua , Tang Zilong , Zhou Zaichun , Chen Shu , Hao Yuanqiang , Xu Maotian
Published: January 2024

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a widely used broad‐spectrum antibiotic and has been associated with various side effects, making its accurate detection crucial for patient safety, drug quality compliance, and environmental and food safety. This study presents the development of a ternary nucleotide–lanthanide coordination nanoprobe, GMP‐Tb‐BDC (GMP: guanosine 5′‐monophosphate, BDC: 2‐amino‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid), for the sensitive and ratiometric detection of CIP. The GMP‐Tb‐BDC nanoprobe was constructed by incorporating the blue‐emissive ligand BDC into the Tb/GMP coordination polymers. Upon the addition of CIP, the fluorescence of terbium ion (Tb3+) was significantly enhanced due to the coordination and fluorescence sensitization properties of CIP, while the emission of the BDC ligand remained unchanged. The nanoprobe demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 0–10 μM CIP. By leveraging mobile phone software to analyze the color signals, rapid on‐site analysis of CIP was achieved. Furthermore, the nanoprobe exhibited accurate analysis of CIP in actual drug and milk samples. This study showcases the potential of the GMP‐Tb‐BDC nanoprobe for practical applications in CIP detection.
Emission targeting and carbon emissions: The moderating effect of female directors
Authors: Nimer Khalil , Abdelqader Muath , Kuzey Cemil , Uyar Ali
Published: January 2024

This study first investigates emission reduction targeting among polluting firms in the basic materials sector. We assess whether firms that produce a greater amount of carbon emissions are more likely to set emission reduction targets in the basic materials sector. Further, we test whether female directors are influential in moderating between emission reduction targeting and carbon emissions. The sample covers publicly traded firms in the basic materials sector listed in the Thomson Reuters Eikon database between 2010 and 2021. We perform country and year fixed effects regression analysis, as the firms in the sample are from diverse countries. We find that firms that produce more carbon emissions are more likely to set emission reduction targets and that female directors negatively moderate the relationship between emission reduction targeting and carbon emissions. Thus, firms with more female directors on their boards are more likely to reduce their carbon emissions via emission reduction targeting.
Current trends and prospects of surgical techniques for hepatoblastoma
Authors: Pu Jia‐rui , Li Hang , Li Shuai , Wang Yong , Li Shi‐wang , Tang Shao‐tao
Published: January 2024

Hepatoblastoma, a common extracranial malignant solid tumor in childhood, is often detected at an advanced stage and is difficult to treat surgically. Despite the availability of multiple comprehensive treatments that can be combined with surgery, hepatoblastoma treatment outcomes remain poor. Surgery is the main treatment strategy for hepatoblastoma, but it faces many challenges, including tumor attachment to surrounding tissues, tumor wrapping or invading of vital organs and tissues, the presence of giant or multiple tumors, distant metastasis, the formation of a tumor thrombus, and significant surgical trauma. In this review, we discuss recent research advances and propose potential strategies for overcoming these challenges. Such strategies may improve the rate of hepatoblastoma resection and local control in children, as well as reduce complications and trauma.
The outcomes of different regimens depend on the molecular subtypes of pulmonary large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A retrospective study in China
Authors: Wang Zhaojue , Wu Yang , Lu Tao , Xu Yan , Chen Minjiang , Zhong Wei , Zhao Jing , Wang Mengzhao
Published: January 2024

Background

The optimal systemic treatment for pulmonary large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) remains controversial, and recent advances in LCNEC molecular subtype classification have provided potential strategies for assisting in treatment decisions. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of treatment regimens, molecular subtypes and their concordance on clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with LCNEC.

Patients and Methods

All patients diagnosed with advanced pulmonary LCNEC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) between January 2000 and October 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The tumor samples were collected and sequenced using a tumor‐specific gene panel, while clinical information was retrieved from the medical records system. The survival and therapeutic response were analyzed and compared between different subgroups classified by treatment regimen (SCLC or NSCLC‐based), molecular subtype (type I or II) or the combination.

Results

In univariate subgroup analysis categorized only by treatment regimen or molecular subtype, there were no differences identified in DCR, ORR, PFS, or OS. Nevertheless, the group with consistent treatment regimen and molecular subtype exhibited significantly longer OS than that of the inconsistent group (median OS 37.7 vs. 8.3 months; p = 0.046). Particularly, the OS of patients with type II LCNEC treated with SCLC‐based regimen was significantly prolonged than that of others (median 37.7 vs. 10.5 months; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Collectively, our study revealed the clinical outcomes of different treatment regimens for LCNEC patients highly depend on their molecular subtypes, highlighting the need for sequencing‐guided therapy.
Awareness and interest in cannabis use for cancer management among cancer survivors
Authors: Osaghae Ikponmwosa , Talluri Rajesh , Chido‐Amajuoyi Onyema Greg , Tanco Kimberson , Shah Dimpy P. , Pande Mala , Shete Sanjay
Published: January 2024

Background

We examined the awareness, interest, and information sources relating to cannabis use for cancer management (including management of cancer symptoms and treatment‐related side effects) and determined factors associated with cancer survivors' awareness and interest in learning about cannabis use for cancer management.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of adult cancer survivors (N = 1886) receiving treatment at a comprehensive cancer center. Weighted prevalence and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Among cancer survivors, 88% were aware and 60% were interested in learning about cannabis use for cancer management. Common sources of information to learn about cannabis use for cancer management were cancer doctors/nurses (82%), other patients with cancer (27%), websites/blogs (26%), marijuana stores (20%), and family/friends (18%). The odds of being aware of cannabis use for cancer management was lower among male compared to female survivors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–0.90), non‐Hispanic Blacks compared to non‐Hispanic Whites (AOR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21–0.62), and survivors who do not support the legalization of cannabis for medical use compared to those who do (AOR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.04–0.23). On the other hand, the odds of being interested in cannabis use for cancer management was higher among non‐Hispanic Blacks compared to non‐Hispanic Whites (AOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.04–2.62), and among cancer survivors actively undergoing cancer treatment compared to patients on non‐active treatment (AOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.74–2.91).

Conclusion

Awareness of cannabis use for cancer management is high within the cancer survivor population. Results indicated health care providers are leading information source and should receive continued medical education on cannabis‐specific guidelines. Similarly, tailored educational interventions are needed to guide survivors on the benefits and risks of cannabis use for cancer management.
Wound Healing Effect of Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva Nanogel
Authors: Pires Rodrigues de Almeida Ribeiro Fernanda , Fernandes Matos Luana , Brito Queiroz Dinalva , Botelho Marco Antônio , de Souza Siqueira Barreto Dra.Rosana , Santana de Lima Ricardo , de Araújo Ribeiro Luciano Augusto , Rose Alencar de Menezes Irwin , Melo Coutinho Henrique Douglas , Guedes da Silva Almeida Jackson Roberto
Published: January 2024

Wound healing is a natural regenerative response to tissue injury and the conventional treatments consists of the use wound dressings with local administration of medicines, but, in some cases, are only partially effective and limited by toxicity or ineffective anti‐microbial protection. Medicinal plants such as Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva have shown interesting pharmacological activities, allied to this, the association of these medicinal plants and nanotechnology, could mean an advantage in relation to classical approach. This study investigated the effect of a nanogel loaded with Lippia sidoides essential oil and Myracrodruon urundeuva extract (NAA) in an excisional wound healing model in rats. Animals were anesthetized and skin wounds were made using a metal punch. The groups were treated with vehicle, NAA or collagenase gel, for 7, 14 or 21 days and then sacrificed for tissue analysis. NAA did not show acute dermal irritation, further significantly reduced (p<0.05) the final wound area, accelerated the wound contraction and organization of collagen in the group treated for 14 days. The data presented here demonstrate the therapeutic potential for the use of nanotechnology associated with medicinal plants and provides evidence that corroborate with the use of L. sidoides and M. urundeuva as healing medicinal plants.
Factors affecting dehulling of hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.)
Authors: Malunga Lovemore Nkhata , Ames Nancy , Hucl Pierre J. , Thandapilly Sijo J.
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Canary seed is a novel cereal grain that needs dehulling before being used in food applications. This work aimed to develop dehulling quality scoring criteria and study the hullability of Canary seeds. Methods for dehulling Canary seeds were studied using compressed air, impact, and abrasion‐type dehulling equipment. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design experiments to assess the effect of initial sample weight, heat treatment, tempering, and dehulling time on the dehulling efficiency and groat quality.

Findings

The results suggest that tempering level and starting weight had a significant (p < .0001) positive effect, whereas time and heat treatment had a negative effect on the dehulling efficiency. Compressed air dehulling resulted in reduced broken groats and groat abrasion compared to the impact dehulling conditions studied. An optimized method was used to study the effect of genotype and growing environment on the hullability of four hairless Canary seed varieties grown in two growing years at one location. The milling yield ranged from 57% to 67% and was affected by genotype (p < .0001), growing year (p < .001), and their interaction (p < .001).

Conclusions

The results suggest that breeding programs should consider the dehulling and milling quality of Canary seed. Apart from milling yield, the breeding programs and milling industry should also consider adopting visual assessment of the groat quality using the tool presented in this work.

Significance and Novelty

In this work, a visual assessment tool for Canary seed groat quality is developed that can be used for breeding programs and industry to compare sample performance. Also, our research has provided factors to be considered by the industry when dehulling hairless Canary seeds to maximize milling yield and groat quality.
Catalytic Continuous Reductive Amination with Hydrogen in Flow Reactors
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Xu Yanlin , Li Yingying , Yin Jiabin , Zhang Jisong
Published: January 2024

Reductive amination with hydrogen is a green and atom‐efficient method to construct amines from accessible aldehydes and ketones. Flow reactors, with superior mass and heat transfer rate because of higher specific surface area, have emerged as a powerful tool to conduct reductive amination with high efficiency and selectivity. This article discusses the influence of catalysts, solvents, temperatures, additives, and substrate properties on reductive amination. Following this, a summary of research on reductive amination with hydrogen in flow reactors is provided. The investigations were classified based on distinct nitrogen sources, encompassing the use of ammonia, amines, and nitro compounds. Based on the influencing factors and reaction cases, the article analyzes the enhancement effects of temperature control, mass transfer intensification, and residence time distribution in flow reactors on the reductive amination. Finally, the article gives a conclusion by addressing challenges and prospects for further developments in this field.
“Covalent‐Disassembly”‐Based Approaches For Sensing Applications
Authors: Zelder F.
Published: January 2024

The detection of analytes with small molecular probes is crucial for the analysis and understanding of chemical, medicinal, environmental and biological situations as well as processes. Classic detection approaches rely on the concept of molecular recognition and bond formation reactions. Bond breakage reactions have been less explored in similar contexts. This concept article introduces metal‐salen and metal‐imine complexes as “covalent‐disassembly”‐based (DB)‐probes for detecting polyoxophosphates, thiols, amino acids, HCN and changes in pH. It discusses the roles, importance and combinations of structurally functionalized molecular building blocks in the construction of DB‐probes. Applications of optimized DB‐probes for analyte detection in live cells and foodstuff are also discussed. Furthermore, the mechanism of the disassembly of a Fe(III)‐salen probe upon pyrophosphate binding is presented. Extraordinary selectivity for this analyte was achieved by a multistep disassembly sequence including an unprecedented structural change of the metal complex (i. e. “induced‐fit” principle). Design principles of probes for sensing applications following the “covalent‐disassembly” approach are summarized, which will help improving current systems, but will also facilitate the development of new DB‐probes for challenging analytic targets.
Monomeric gold hydrides for carbon dioxide reduction: ligand effect on the reactivity
Authors: Rossi Elisa , Sorbelli Diego , Belanzoni Paola , Belpassi Leonardo , Ciancaleoni Gianluca
Published: January 2024

We analyzed the ligand electronic effect in the reaction between a [LAu(I)H]0/− hydride species and CO2, leading to a coordinated formate [LAu(HCOO)]0/−. We explored 20 different ligands, such as carbenes, phosphines and others, carefully selected to cover a wide range of electron‐donor and ‐acceptor properties. We included in the study the only ligand, an NHC‐coordinated diphosphene, that, thus far, experimentally demonstrated facile and reversible reaction between the monomeric gold(I) hydride and carbon dioxide. We elucidated the previously unknown reaction mechanism, which resulted to be concerted and common to all the ligands: the gold–hydrogen bond attacks the carbon atom of CO2 with one oxygen atom coordinating to the gold center. A correlation between the ligand σ donor ability, which affects the electron density at the reactive site, and the kinetic activation barriers of the reaction has been found. This systematic study offers useful guidelines for the rational design of new ligands for this reaction, while suggesting a few promising and experimentally accessible potential candidates for the stoichiometric or catalytic CO2 activation.
Total Synthesis of Ervaoffine J and K
Authors: Hughes Alexander J. , Townsend Steven D.
Published: January 2024

Herein, we describe the total synthesis of ervaoffine J & K from a central intermediate. Ervaoffine J was synthesized in eight steps in 14 % yield. Our strategy features an aerobic Winterfeldt oxidation to introduce the 4‐quinolone moiety. Ervaoffine K was produced in ten steps and 10 % yield. The synthesis leveraged (bromodifluoromethyl)‐trimethylsilane to induce a regioselective von Braun‐type C−N bond fragmentation. This C−N bond cleavage unveiled the tetrasubstituted all‐syn cyclohexane core of ervaoffine K and enabled the completion of its synthesis.
Design Strategies toward High‐Utilization Zinc Anodes for Practical Zinc‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Xiao Jin , Yuan Chenbo , Xiang Le , Li Xiutao , Zhu Lingyun , Zhan Xiaowen
Published: January 2024

Aqueous Zn‐metal batteries (AZMBs) hold a promise as the next‐generation energy storage devices due to their low cost and high specific energy. However, the actual energy density falls far below the requirements of commercial AZMBs due to the use of excessive Zn as anode and the associated issues including dendritic growth and side reactions. Reducing the N/P ratio (negative capacity/positive capacity) is an effective approach to achieve high energy density. A significant amount of research has been devoted to increasing the cathode loading and specific capacity or tuning the Zn anode utilization to achieve low N/P ratio batteries. Nevertheless, there is currently a lack of comprehensive overview regarding how to enhance the utilization of the Zn anode to balance the cycle life and energy density of AZMBs. In this review, we summarize the challenges faced in achieving high‐utilization Zn anodes and elaborate on the modifying strategies for the Zn anode to lower the N/P ratio. The current research status and future prospects for the practical application of high‐performance AZMBs are proposed at the end of the review.
Mass Balance and Metabolite Profile after Single and Multiple Oral Doses of Pritelivir in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Bonsmann Susanne , McCormick David , Pausch Jörg , de Vries Michiel , Sumner Melanie , Birkmann Alexander , Zimmermann Holger , Kropeit Dirk
Published: January 2024

Pritelivir is a helicase‐primase inhibitor active against HSV. Two human mass balance trials (a multiple‐dose trial and a single‐dose trial) were performed to characterize the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of 100 mg oral pritelivir combined with a single microdose of 14C‐pritelivir. Blood, urine, and feces samples were collected up to 26 days postdose. The plasma half‐life of pritelivir was 63‐67 hours. Overall, 92% and 66% of the administered dose was recovered in the multiple and single dose trials, respectively. The low recovery after the single dose (66%) was most likely related to the formulation used. The major metabolic pathway was amide hydrolysis leading to amino thiazole sulfonamide (ATS) and pyridinyl phenyl acetic acid (PPA). In plasma, pritelivir, ATS, PPA, and PPA‐acyl glucuronide accounted for 40.6%, 9.4%, 5.1%, and 0.2% of total radioactivity. More than 90% of drug‐related material was eliminated 624 hours postdose. The majority was excreted in urine (75% and 77%), followed by feces (16% and 23%). The main components in urine were PPA‐acyl glucuronide (and its isomers), ATS, and its N‐demethylated isomers. Only minor metabolites were observed in feces. In conclusion, the major metabolic pathways of pritelivir have been identified with the primary excretion route being renal.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of a Single 5‐Day Treatment of Tirbanibulin Ointment 1% in 100 cm2: A Phase 1 Maximal‐Use Trial in Patients with Actinic Keratosis
Authors: DuBois Janet , Jones Terry M. , Lee Mark S. , Falqués Meritxell , Kiyasova Vera , Jiménez Gemma , Otero Raquel , Jansat Josep‐M. , Aubets Jordi , Forconi Rion James
Published: January 2024

Tirbanibulin ointment 1% is approved in the United States and Europe for the treatment of actinic keratosis with demonstrated efficacy, safety, and tolerability when applied over a field up to 25 cm2. This Phase 1 maximal‐use trial determines the plasma pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of tirbanibulin ointment 1% applied to 100 cm2 of the face or balding scalp in adults with actinic keratosis. Twenty‐eight patients self‐applied tirbanibulin once daily for a single 5‐day treatment course. On Day 5, the mean maximum plasma concentration was 1.06 ng/mL and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve during a dosing interval was 16.2 ng • h/mL. Systemic exposure was approximately 4‐fold higher than in a previous pharmacokinetic study with a 25 cm2 field, consistent with the increase in the treated area. Tirbanibulin applied to a 100‐cm2 treatment field showed favorable safety and tolerability. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were application site reactions (in 35.7% of patients). All treatment‐emergent adverse events and most of the tolerability signs were mild/moderate and resolved or returned to baseline by Day 29. In summary, under maximal‐use conditions, tirbanibulin ointment 1% was safe and well tolerated supporting its potential use over a field up to 100 cm2.
An overview memristor based hardware accelerators for deep neural network
Authors: Gökgöz Baki , Gül Fatih , Aydın Tolga
Published: January 2024

The prevalence of artificial intelligence applications using artificial neural network architectures for functions such as natural language processing, text prediction, object detection, speech, and image recognition has significantly increased in today's world. The computational functions performed by artificial neural networks in classical applications require intensive and large‐scale data movement between memory and processing units. Various software and hardware efforts are being made to perform these operations more efficiently. Despite these efforts, latency in data traffic and the substantial amount of energy consumed in data processing emerge as bottleneck disadvantages of the Von Neumann architecture. To overcome this bottleneck problem, it is necessary to develop hardware units specific to artificial intelligence applications. For this purpose, neuro‐inspired computing chips are believed to provide an effective approach by designing and integrating a set of features inspired by neurobiological systems at the hardware level to address the problems arising in artificial intelligence applications. The most notable among these approaches is memristor‐based neuromorphic computing systems. Memristors are seen as promising devices for hardware‐level improvement in terms of speed and energy because they possess non‐volatile memory and exhibit analog behavior. They enable effective storage and processing of synaptic weights, offering solutions for hardware‐level development. Taking into account these advantages of memristors, this study examines the research conducted on artificial neural networks and hardware that can directly perform deep learning functions and mimic the biological brain, which is different from classical systems in today's context.
A Guide to Chemical Reactions Design in Carbon Nitride Photocatalysis
Authors: Savateev Oleksandr , Zhuang Jingru
Published: January 2024

Graphitic carbon nitride semiconductors are inexpensive and reusable photocatalysts, which are actively studied in organic synthesis. Successful design of photocatalytic reactions is based on the next considerations. i) Thermodynamic feasibility of photoinduced processes, which involve transfer of electrons or electron‐proton couples. ii) Redox activity of reagents. iii) Reactivity of the open‐shell intermediates generated from the reagents. Herein, we summarize current understanding of how local chemical structure of graphitic carbon nitrides and their redox potentials are used to design photocatalytic reactions. This work intends to serve as a guideline for materials scientists, who are willing to apply their carbon nitride semiconductors in reactions involving organic substrates, and for organic chemists, who are interested to dive into heterogeneous carbon nitride photocatalysis.
Modeling of tungsten divertor target erosion induced by impurity during edge‐localized modes by using a kinetic model
Authors: Wang Ce , Sang Chaofeng , Liu Jianbin , Zhang Chen , Wang Dezhen
Published: January 2024

The burst of edge‐localized modes (ELMs) leads to an increase in the energy and particle fluxes to the divertor target. Tungsten (W) is chosen as the primary candidate material for plasma‐facing components (PFCs) in the future fusion devices, and EAST has already upgraded all divertors to use W. Therefore, understanding tungsten target erosion during ELMs and finding the correlation between erosion rate and key ELM parameters are crucial for steady‐state operation. In this work, based on the Vlasov–Poisson model (VPM), we develop a one‐dimensional kinetic parallel transport code to investigate the parallel transport of particles in the EAST device during ELMs and the resulting target erosion. The EAST experiment (#102182) is simulated by VPM code. The simulation results are compared with experimental data as well as free‐stream model (FSM) calculation, showing the accuracy of the code. Considering the presence of lithium (Li) impurities in EAST discharge, the erosion of the W target is simulated. The results indicate that during the burst of ELM, the total average tungsten erosion rate, , is determined by both deuterium (D) and Li ions. D ions dominate the erosion when the ELM frequency (fELM) is low (ranging from 50 to 175 Hz), while Li impurities become more important than D+ in high‐frequency ELMs (fELM > 175 Hz). As fELM increases, the time‐averaged erosion of the W target first increases and then decreases. Therefore, the reduction of W erosion benefits from high‐frequency ELMs, with impurity ions being the primary contributor to the erosion.
Anisotropic heat diffusion in stochastic magnetic fields
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: January 2024

The magnetic topology is a critical issue in fusion plasma research. An example is the Resonant Magnetic Perturbation (RMP), which controls the edge transport in tokamaks. However, the physics of how the RMP affects edge transport is not clear. One reason is the transport process on the stochastic magnetic field is poorly understood. This study examines anisotropic heat diffusion numerically to understand heat transport in stochastic magnetic fields. We developed a numerical model of an anisotropic temperature diffusion model, where the significant deviation of the parallel and perpendicular thermal conductivity exists. We applied this implementation to the realistic stellarator geometry with the stochastic magnetic field in the edge. The smooth temperature profile is obtained for the large perpendicular diffusion, although the magnetic field is stochastic. However, for another case of significant parallel diffusion, the small flattening of the temperature on the magnetic island in the stochastic region appears. That result suggests that the stochastic magnetic field can keep the finite temperature gradient if the connection length of the magnetic field line in the stochastic region is sufficiently long.
Momentary skills use predicts decreased binge eating and purging early in day treatment: An ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: MacDonald Danielle E. , Trottier Kathryn , Cao Li , Crosby Ross D. , Wonderlich Stephen A. , Engel Scott G. , Olmsted Marion P.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Emerging research indicates that skills acquisition may be important to behavior change in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for eating disorders. This study investigated whether skills use assessed in real time during the initial 4 weeks of CBT‐based day treatment was associated with momentary eating disorder behavior change and rapid response to treatment.

Methods

Participants with DSM‐5 bulimia nervosa or purging disorder (N = 58) completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) several times daily for the first 28 days of treatment. EMA assessed skills use, the occurrence of binge eating and/or purging, and state negative affect. Rapid response was defined as abstinence from binge eating and/or purging in the first 4 weeks of treatment.

Results

Greater real‐time skills use overall, and use of “planning ahead,” “distraction,” “social support,” and “mechanical eating” skills in particular, were associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in binge eating or purging during the same period. After controlling for baseline group differences in overall difficulties with emotion regulation, rapid and non‐rapid responders did not differ in overall skills use, or skills use at times of higher negative affect, during the EMA period.

Discussion

Momentary use of skills appears to play an important role in preventing binge eating and purging, and certain skills appear to be particularly helpful. These findings contribute to the literature elucidating the processes by which CBT treatments for eating disorders work by providing empirical evidence that skills use helps to prevent binge eating and purging behaviors.

Public Significance

Individuals with eating disorders learn new skills during treatment to help them improve their symptoms. This study shows that for people with eating disorders, using skills helps prevent eating disorder behaviors in the moment. Certain skills may be particularly helpful, including planning ahead, distracting activities, support from others, and focusing on eating meals and snacks regardless of how one is feeling. These findings help us better understand how treatments work.
Multi‐scale effects of habitat loss and the role of trait evolution
Authors: Bagawade Rishabh , van Benthem Koen J. , Wittmann Meike J.
Published: January 2024

Habitat loss (HL) is a major cause of species extinctions. Although the effects of HL beyond the directly impacted area have been previously observed, they have not been modelled explicitly, especially in an eco‐evolutionary context. To start filling this gap, we study a two‐patch deterministic consumer‐resource model, with one of the patches experiencing loss of resources as a special case of HL. Our model allows foraging and mating within a patch as well as between patches. We then introduce heritable variation in consumer traits related to resource utilization and patch use to investigate eco‐evolutionary dynamics and compare results with constant and no trait variation scenarios. Our results show that HL in one patch can indeed reduce consumer densities in the neighbouring patch but can also increase consumer densities in the neighbouring patch when the resources are overexploited. Yet at the landscape scale, the effect of HL on consumer densities is consistently negative. Patch isolation increases consumer density in the patch experiencing HL but has generally negative effects on the neighbouring patch, with context‐dependent results at the landscape scale. With high cross‐patch dependence and coupled foraging and mating preferences, local HL can sometimes even lead to landscape‐level consumer extinction. Eco‐evolutionary dynamics can rescue consumers from such extinction in some cases if their death rates are sufficiently small. More generally, trait evolution had positive or negative effects on equilibrium consumer densities after HL, depending on the evolving trait and the spatial scale considered. In summary, our findings show that HL at a local scale can affect the neighbouring patch and the landscape as a whole, where heritable trait variation can, in some cases, alleviate the impact of HL. We thus suggest joint consideration of multiple spatial scales and trait variation when assessing and predicting the impacts of HL.
Population structure and interspecific hybridisation of two invasive blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) following replicated incursions into New Zealand
Authors: Croft Lilly , Matheson Paige , Flemming Chloe , Butterworth Nathan J. , McGaughran Angela
Published: January 2024

Rates of biological invasion are increasing globally, with associated negative effects on native biodiversity and ecosystem services. Among other genetic processes, hybridisation can facilitate invasion by producing new combinations of genetic variation that increase adaptive potential and associated population fitness. Yet the role of hybridisation (and resulting gene flow) in biological invasion in invertebrate species is under‐studied. Calliphora hilli and Calliphora stygia are blowflies proposed to have invaded New Zealand separately from Australia between 1779 and 1841, and are now widespread throughout the country. Here, we analysed genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), generating genotyping‐by‐sequencing data for 154 individuals collected from 24 populations across New Zealand and Australia to assess the extent of gene flow and hybridisation occurring within and between these blowflies and to better understand their overall population structure. We found that New Zealand populations of both species had weak genetic structure, suggesting high gene flow and an absence of dispersal limitations across the country. We also found evidence that interspecific hybridisation is occurring in the wild between C. hilli and C. stygia in both the native and invasive ranges, and that intraspecific admixture is occurring among populations at appreciable rates. Collectively, these findings provide new insights into the population structure of these two invasive invertebrates and highlight the potential importance of hybridisation and gene flow in biological invasion.
Competition among host‐specific lineages of Poecilochirus carabi mites influences the extent of co‐adaptation with their Nicrophorus vespilloides burying beetle hosts
Authors: Sun Syuan‐Jyun , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: January 2024

Reciprocal selection between symbiotic organisms and their hosts can generate variations in local adaptation between them. Symbionts often form species complexes with lineages partially adapted to various hosts. However, it is unclear how interactions among these lineages influences geographic variation in the extent of host‐symbiont local adaptation. We addressed this shortcoming with experiments on burying beetles Nicrophorus vespilloides and their specialist phoretic mite Poecilochirus carabi in two adjacent woodlands. Burying beetles transport these mites to vertebrate carrion upon which they both reproduce. P. carabi appears to be a species complex, with distinct lineages that specialise on breeding alongside different Nicrophorus species. We found that in one wood (Gamlingay Woods), N. vespilloides carries a mixture of mite lineages, with each lineage corresponding to one of the four Nicrophorus species that inhabits this wood. However, two burying beetle species coexist in neighbouring Waresley Woods and here N. vespilloides predominantly carries the mite lineage that favours N. vespilloides. Mite lineage mixing alters the degree of local adaptation for both N. vespilloides and the P. carabi mites, affecting reproductive success variably across different woodlands. In Gamlingay, mite lineage mixing reduced N. vespilloides reproductive success, while experimentally purifying mites lineage enhanced it. The near pure lineage of vespilloides mites negligibly affected Waresley N. vespilloides. Mite reproductive success varied with host specificity: Gamlingay mites had greatest reproductive success on Gamlingay beetles, and performed less well with Waresley beetles. By contrast, Waresley mites had consistent reproductive success, regardless of beetle's woodland of origin. We conclude that there is some evidence that N. vespilloides and its specific mite lineage have coadapted. However, neither N. vespilloides nor its mite lineage adapted to breed alongside other mite lineages. This, we suggest, causes variation between Waresley and Gaminglay Woods in the extent of local adaptation between N. vespilloides beetles and their P. carabi mites.
Stochastic metapopulation dynamics of a threatened amphibian to improve water delivery
Authors: Mathwin Rupert , Wassens Skye , Gibbs Matthew S. , Young Jeanne , Ye Qifeng , Saltré Frédérik , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: January 2024

Water extraction and climate change are altering the availability of surface water globally, thereby contributing to amphibian population declines. The managed delivery of water to benefit environmental values (environmental watering) is a promising conservation technique that can support amphibian recruitment and maintain viable populations. Environmental water can be delivered in various spatial patterns and with different frequencies, but comparing the effectiveness of competing strategies is complicated by variable and interactive environmental processes. We built a spatially explicit, stochastic, hydroecological metapopulation model to compare the effects of five environmental‐watering scenarios on the probability of persistence of threatened southern bell frogs (Litoria raniformis) in a major river reach in southern Australia. We compared a no‐intervention control to two managed watering frequencies (moderate and frequent) delivered in two spatial designs (managed wetlands grouped or spread across the reach). More frequent water provision to intervention sites improved the reach‐wide (metapopulation) probability of persistence, and spreading intervention sites across the reach improved persistence more than grouping intervention sites together. When re‐examined under severe drought conditions, L. raniformis had a 0.04 probability of persistence without intervention, which improved to 0.56 with high watering frequency. Model‐guided environmental water provision can improve reach‐wide persistence of amphibian metapopulations by guiding spatial and temporal delivery patterns to reduce the risk of extinction.
Season influences interspecific responses of canopy‐forming kelps to future warming and acidification at high latitude
Authors: Bell Lauren E. , Westphal Lily , O'Brien Evan , Toy Jason A. , Damron Haleigh , Kroeker Kristy J.
Published: January 2024

Variability in primary producers' responses to environmental change may buffer higher trophic levels against shifts in basal resource composition. Then again, in instances where there is a lack of functional redundancy because consumers rely on a few species to meet their energetic requirements at specific times of the year, altered community production dynamics may significantly impact food web resilience. In high‐latitude kelp forests, a complementary annual phenology of seaweed production supports coastal marine consumers' metabolic needs across large seasonal variations in their environment. Yet, marine consumers in these systems may face significant metabolic stress under the pronounced low pH conditions expected in future winters, particularly if they lack the resources to support their increased energetic demands. In this study, we investigate how the growth and nutritional value of three dominant, coexisting macroalgal species found in subpolar kelp forests will respond to ocean acidification and warming in future winter and summer seasons. We find that the three kelps Macrocystis pyrifera, Hedophyllum nigripes, and Neoagarum fimbriatum differ in their vulnerability to future environmental conditions, and that the seasonal environmental context of nutrient and light availability shapes these responses. Our results suggest that poleward fringe populations of M. pyrifera may be relatively resilient to anticipated ocean warming and acidification. In contrast, ocean warming conditions caused a decrease in the biomass and nutritional quality of both understory kelps. Considering the unique production phenology of H. nigripes, we emphasize that negative impacts on this species in future winters may be of consequence to consumer energetics in this system. This work highlights how interspecific variation in autotrophs' responses to global change can disrupt the diversity and phenological structure of energy supply available to higher trophic levels.
Time‐varying habitat selection analysis: A model and applications for studying diel, seasonal, and post‐release changes
Authors: Dejeante Romain , Valeix Marion , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon
Published: January 2024

Resource selection functions are commonly used to evaluate animals' habitat selection, for example, the disproportionate use of habitats relative to their availability. While environmental conditions or animal motivations may vary over time, sometimes in an unknown manner, studying changes in habitat selection usually requires an a priori segmentation of time in distinct periods. This limits our ability to precisely answer the question “When is an animal's habitat selection changing?” Here, we present a straightforward and flexible alternative approach based on fitting dynamic logistic models to used/available data. First, using simulated datasets, we demonstrate that dynamic logistic models perform well in recovering temporal variations in habitat selection. We then show real‐world applications for studying diel, seasonal, and post‐release changes in the habitat selection of the blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Dynamic logistic models allow the study of temporal changes in habitat selection in a framework consistent with resource selection functions but without the need to segment time in distinct periods, which can be a difficult task when little is known about the process studied or may obscure interindividual variability in timing of change. These models should undoubtedly find their place in the movement ecology toolbox. We provide R scripts to facilitate their adoption. We also encourage future research to focus on how to account for temporal autocorrelation in location data, as this would allow statistical inference from location data collected at a high frequency, an increasingly common situation.
A review on pesticides degradation by using ultraviolet light treatment in agricultural commodities
Authors: Lakshmipathy Kavitha , Sindhu Susmitha , Singh Archana , Chikkaballapur Krishnappa Sunil , Duggonahally Veeresh Chidanand
Published: January 2024

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, but their persistence in agricultural products can lead to potential health risks and environmental pollution. Traditional methods for removing pesticide residues from food products, such as washing, peeling, and salting, are often insufficient and time‐consuming. As a result, there has been a shift towards nonthermal processing techniques, such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. UV disinfection methods, such as low‐pressure and medium‐pressure mercury lamps, are more efficient and environmentally friendly and can effectively remove pesticide residues from food and agricultural products. Recently, the contamination of food products' surfaces with pesticides has become a significant concern in the food industry. This review paper provides an overview of the basic principles of UV light production, pesticides, and the use of UV in eliminating pesticide residues from agricultural products. The toxicity of photoproducts from pesticides that result from UV treatment is also discussed. Additionally, this paper explores how modified, and combined UV light applications can impact the dissipation of pesticides in agricultural commodities. To sum up, the use of UV light is effective for pesticide degradation but requires further research to optimize the technology and evaluate potential photoproduct toxicity. Future studies should concentrate on developing UV Vacuum technology and exploring synergistic combinations with other methods to improve pesticide reduction in agricultural commodities.
Mimicking the Reactivity of LPMOs with a Mononuclear Cu Complex
Authors: Sagar Kundan , Kim Michael , Wu Tong , Zhang Shuming , Bominaar Emile L. , Siegler Maxime A. , Hendrich Michael , Garcia‐Bosch Isaac
Published: January 2024

Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are Cu‐dependent metalloenzymes that catalyze the hydroxylation of strong C−H bonds in polysaccharides using O2 or H2O2 as oxidants (monooxygenase/peroxygenase). In the absence of C−H substrate, LPMOs reduce O2 to H2O2 (oxidase) and H2O2 to H2O (peroxidase) using proton/electron donors. This rich oxidative reactivity is promoted by a mononuclear Cu center in which some of the amino acid residues surrounding the metal might accept and donate protons and/or electrons during O2 and H2O2 reduction. Herein, we utilize a podal ligand containing H‐bond/proton donors (LH2) to analyze the reactivity of mononuclear Cu species towards O2 and H2O2. [(LH2)CuI]1+ (1), [(LH2)CuII]2+ (2), [(LH−)CuII]1+ (3), [(LH2)CuII(OH)]1+ (4), and [(LH2)CuII(OOH)]1+ (5) were synthesized and characterized by structural and spectroscopic means. Complex 1 reacts with O2 to produce 5, which releases H2O2 to generate 3, suggesting that O2 is used by LPMOs to generate H2O2. The reaction of 1 with H2O2 produces 4 and hydroxyl radical, which reacts with C−H substrates in a Fenton‐like fashion. Complex 3, which can generate 1 via a reversible protonation/reduction, binds H2O and H2O2 to produce 4 and 5, respectively, a mechanism that could be used by LPMOs to control oxidative reactivity.
Fully genotyping and screening of clinically important blood‐group antigens by MALDI TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Qixiu , Li Aijing , Wang Chen , Yang Jiaxuan , Li Minghao , Zhu Huijun , Lu Daru , Zhu Ziyan , Ye Luyi
Published: January 2024

Several molecular biology methods are available for high‐throughput blood typing. In this study, we aimed to build a high‐throughput blood‐group genetic screening system for high‐frequency blood‐group antigen‐negative rare‐blood groups in donors and patients. The amplification primers for all blood‐type gene fragments involving the selected alleles were designed for detection. Single‐base extend primers were also designed based on specific loci. DNA fragments were detected by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MS) for the last nucleotide identification of amplification products in the extend step. The accuracy was verified by known samples. Thirty‐six random samples were detected by serological tests and sequencing to verify the system stability. After verification, according to the collected known rare‐blood‐type samples, all the alleles designed to be detected matched with the validated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. The verification tests showed that all genotyping results of the random samples were in accordance with the findings of serotyping and sequencing. Then, 1258 random donor samples were screened by the built typing system after the verification. Three Fy(a−) and four s− were screened out in 1258 random blood samples. The multiple polymerase chain reaction‐based MS detection system can be used in rare‐blood‐type screening with good accuracy and stability.