bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female mating rates and their fitness consequences in the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Authors: Angelakakis Apostolos , Turetzek Natascha , Tuni Cristina
Published: December 2022

Mating systems, with varying female mating rates occurring with the same partner (monandry) or with multiple mates (polyandry), can have far reaching consequences for population viability and the rate of gene flow. Here, we investigate the mating rates of the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Theridiidae), an emerging model for genetic studies, with yet undescribed reproductive behavior. It is hypothesized that spiders belonging to this family have low re‐mating rates. We paired females twice with the same male (monandry) or with different males (polyandry), and recorded behaviors, mating success and fitness resulting from single‐ and double‐matings, either monandrous or polyandrous. Despite the study being explorative in nature, we predict successful matings to be more frequent during first encounters, to reduce female risk of remaining unmated. For re‐mating to be adaptive, we expect higher fitness of double‐mated females, and polyandrous females to experience highest mating success and fitness if reproductive gains are achieved by mating with multiple partners. We show that the majority of the females did not mate, and those that did mated only once, not necessarily on their first encounter. The likelihood of re‐mating did not differ between monandrous and polyandrous encounters and female mating experience (mated once, twice monandrous, twice polyandrous) did not affect fitness, indicated by similar offspring production. Female twanging of the web leads to successful matings suggesting female behavioral receptivity. Cannibalism rates were low and mostly occurred pre‐copulatory. We discuss how the species ecology, with potentially high mating costs for males and limited female receptivity, may shape a mating system with low mating rates.
Sex‐specific breeding phenologies in the North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Authors: McLean Bryan S. , Barve Narayani , Guralnick Robert P.
Published: December 2022

Effects of global climate change on population persistence are often mediated by life‐history traits of individuals, especially the timing of somatic growth, reproductive development, and reproduction itself. These traits can vary among age groups and between the sexes, a result of differential life‐history tactics and levels of lifetime reproductive investment. Unfortunately, the trait data necessary for revealing sex‐specific breeding behaviors and use of breeding cues over reasonably large geographic areas remain sparse for most taxa. In this study, we assembled and analyzed a new reproductive trait base for the North American deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) from digitized natural history specimens and field censuses. We used the data to reconstruct sex‐specific breeding phenologies and their drivers within and among North American ecoregions. Male and female phenologies varied across the geographic range of this species, with discordance in timing and intensity being highest in regions of lower seasonality (and longer breeding seasons). Reliance on environmental variables as breeding cues also appeared to vary in a sex‐specific manner, being most similar for photoperiod and least similar for temperature (positive male response and negative female response); in addition, model validation indicated that phenological models generalized better for males than for females. Finally, our individual‐level trait data also show that male reproductive investment (quantified as relative testis size) varies across the vastly different abiotic and social (i.e., female breeding) contexts studied here. By harmonizing across a broad set of digital data resources, we demonstrate the potential to uncover drivers of phenological variation within species and inform global change predictions at multiple scales of biological organization.
Life‐stage‐dependent effects of multiple flood‐associated stressors on a coastal foundational species
Authors: Pruett Jessica L. , Pandelides Ann Fairly , Keylon Jaycie , Willett Kristine L. , Showalter Otts Stephanie , Gochfeld Deborah J.
Published: December 2022

Global changes in precipitation patterns have increased the frequency and duration of flooding events. Freshwater inflows into estuaries reduce salinity levels and increase nutrient inputs, which can lead to eutrophication and impaired water quality. Oysters are important ecosystem engineers in coastal environments that are vulnerable to co‐occurring environmental stressors associated with freshwater flooding events. Successful recruitment is necessary to maintain adult oyster populations, but early life stage responses to multiple stressors are not well understood. Flood‐associated stressor conditions were observed near oyster habitats at multiple locations across the northern Gulf of Mexico during peak recruitment months in the spring and summer of 2021. In the laboratory, we examined the interactive effects of acidification, hypoxia, and low salinity on larval and juvenile life stages of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to better understand the impact of flooding events on oyster development and survival. Salinity stress in isolation reduced larval growth and settlement, and decreased survival and growth at the juvenile stage. Hypoxia was more stressful to oyster larvae than to juveniles, whereas low pH had negative effects on juvenile growth. There were no synergistic effects of multiple flood‐associated stressors on early oyster life stages and effects were either additive or predicted by the salinity stress response. The negative impacts of flooding disturbances on recruitment processes in benthic populations need to be considered in restoration planning and flood control mitigation strategies as the frequency and intensity of extreme freshwater events continue to rise worldwide.
A simple metric for predicting the timing of river phytoplankton blooms
Authors: Bruns Nicholas E. , Heffernan James B. , Ross Matthew R. V. , Doyle Martin
Published: December 2022

In rivers, phytoplankton populations are continuously exported by unidirectional, advective flow. Both transport and growth conditions determine periods of excess phytoplankton growth, or blooms, in a given reach. Phytoplankton abundance, however, has mainly been compared to the state of either growth or transport conditions alone rather than in tandem. Previous studies have not yielded consistent driver–response relationships, limiting our ability to predict the timing of riverine phytoplankton blooms based on environmental factors. Here, we derive a simple joint metric that combines the state of growth and transport conditions, specifically the ratio of temperature and discharge (). We then compare the metric to biomass abundance data (daily, sensor‐based chlorophyll a [chl a] data) from a mid‐sized Great Plains river (the Kansas). was an excellent predictor of low to high biomass, outperforming either variable alone. However, it could not differentiate between very high biomass values, values well above the biomass threshold designating bloom conditions. Our findings of reduced performance at the highest values of T/Q indicated that could predict the occurrence (timing) but not magnitude of phytoplankton blooms, and we used T/Q to correctly predict 71% of days when bloom conditions occurred. Analyzing chl a abundance with also revealed likely switching from transport and temperature to nutrient control. offers a simple tool for (1) predicting the timing of river phytoplankton blooms, (2) forecasting how river ecosystems will respond to surrounding environmental changes, and (3) determining which environmental factors shape phytoplankton blooms at specific locations along a river.
A Fujiwara‐Moritani‐Type Alkenylation Using a Traceless Directing Group Strategy: A Rare Example of C−C Bond Formation towards the C2‐Carbon of Terminal Alkenes
Authors: Pourkaveh Raheleh , Podewitz Maren , Schnürch Michael
Published: December 2022

Herein we report, a rhodium‐catalyzed Fujiwara‐Moritani‐type reaction of unactivated terminal alkenes and benzoic acid derivatives bearing electron donating residues under mild conditions. The acid functionality acts as a traceless directing group delivering products alkenylated in meta‐position to the electron donating substituent in contrast to the usually obtained ortho‐ and para‐substitution in Friedel‐Crafts‐type reactions. Remarkably, the new C−C bond is formed to the C2 of the terminal olefin, in contrast to similar reported transformations. Initially formed mixtures of exo‐ and endo‐double bond isomers can be efficiently isomerized to the more stable endo‐products.
Battery Modeling Considering Hysteresis Effect and Temperature Adaptability
Authors: Huang Kai , Sun Kai , Guo Yongfang , Wang Zipeng , Li Senmao
Published: December 2022

The accuracy of battery modeling plays a decisive role in the reliable operation and accurate state evaluation of the battery. In practical applications, most of the existing battery models do not consider the hysteresis effect which is an important factor affecting the accuracy of the battery model. To relieve the negative effects of the hysteresis effect, a new equivalent circuit model (ECM) is proposed. Specifically, an open‐circuit voltage submodel considering temperature and a hysteresis submodel considering temperature and state of charge are developed. When the two submodels are combined with the traditional ECM, the new model can simulate the behavior of the battery well under varying working conditions. Moreover, certain model parameters fluctuate greatly during parameter identification and it does not conform to the actual change law. To improve the accuracy of parameter identification, a constrained forgetting factor recursive least squares (C‐FFRLS) method is proposed herein. The performance of the proposed ECM and C‐FFRLS is verified using two typical operating conditions at different temperatures. The experimental results show that the proposed model has high modeling accuracy. In addition, compared with FFRLS, C‐FFRLS can further improve the accuracy of the proposed model.
Interrelationships among Adjustable Design Parameters and Rate Performance of Porous Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hamed Hamid , Ghalami Choobar Behnam , D’Haen Jan , Hardy An , Safari Mohammadhosein
Published: December 2022

A combination of experiments and physics‐based modeling is used to highlight the complex interaction among the adjustable design parameters of porous electrodes in determining the capacity and rate performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). A series of 52 LiMn2O4 electrodes are prepared with loading and porosity in the range of 10 to 30 mg cm−2 and 0.2 to 0.5, respectively, and cycled at different C‐rates in front of Li. A detailed polarization analysis of the 96 discharge profiles points to the absence of any ubiquitous sharp and universal correlation between the lumped macroscopic indexes such as the electrode thickness and the battery performance. The results call for a careful attention to the nonlinear response of the LIBs to the design variations and the significance of big data analysis to reveal the peculiar interrelationships between the battery performance and the detailed features of the electrodes such as the configuration and spatial distribution of the (in)active particles.
Influence of the Halogen in Argyrodite Electrolytes on the Electrochemical Performance of All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Wang Longlong , Rahamim Guy , Vudutta Kirankumar , Leifer Nicole , Elazari Ran , Behar Ilan , Noked Malachi , Zitoun David
Published: December 2022

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) are considered as an alternative solution to lithium‐ion batteries, because of their safety and high theoretical energy density. Argyrodite‐based solid‐electrolytes (SEs), Li6PS5X (X = Cl, Cl0.5Br0.5 or Br), are promising candidates for ASSLBs. Most of the previous reports have used Li6PS5Cl as the default SE composition. Here, the electrochemical behavior of three different argyrodites with Cl− or Br−, or both, as the halogen is systematically studied. Using LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 as a model cathode, the behavior of these SEs in ASSLB cells is also studied. SEs containing Br show higher near‐room‐temperature ionic conductivity (>2 mS cm−1) and the critical current density (≥1 mA cm−2) during Li plating/stripping, and are stable up to 5 V versus Li/Li+. Li6PS5Br gives the best electrochemical performance in terms of C‐rate and long‐term cycling among the three samples. Specifically, the cathode delivers an initial reversible capacity of 156 mAh g−1, with ≈27% irreversible capacity loss and 90% capacity retention over 100 cycles, and >99% Coulombic efficiency. It delivers ≈56 mAh g−1 at 10C, 36% of its initial capacity at 0.2C, whereas Li6PS5Cl and Li6PS5Cl0.5Br0.5 deliver only 20 and 46 mAh g−1 at 10C.
Metal–Organic Frameworks‐Based Cathode Materials for Energy Storage Applications: A Review
Authors: Nagappan Saravanan , Duraivel Malarkodi , Elayappan Vijayakumar , Muthuchamy Nallal , Mohan Balaji , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Prabakar Kandasamy , Lee Jae-Myung , Park Kang Hyun
Published: December 2022

Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐based cathode materials have attracted huge interest in energy conversion and storage applications as well as for other applications due to the presence of an extremely high surface area, controlled architecture, porosity, and easy tunability, as well as selective metal sources. By altering the MOFs’ synthesis techniques, features like porosity, particle form, conductivity, and stability may be tailored for specific applications. MOF‐based cathodes are synthesized in various approaches to improve the performance of battery applications. Specifically, grafting the MOF with various functional groups has greatly improved the performance of MOF‐based cathodes in a battery application. Herein, the uniqueness and brief history of MOF‐based cathodes with different synthesis, the significant advantages and disadvantages of MOFs, and their use in various applications are exclusively covered, especially, the role of MOF‐based cathodes for different battery applications. In addition, the recent approaches to producing MOF‐based cathode are also covered and their recent developments for lithium, sodium, and zinc batteries, and other batteries such as potassium‐, magnesium‐, and aluminum‐ion batteries are discussed. Furthermore, the review article also provides the recent approaches and innovative developments of MOF‐based cathodes and their widespread use in battery applications.
Forecasting swap rate volatility with information from swaptions
Authors: Liu Xiaoxi , Xie Jinming
Published: December 2022

We examine the predictability of the model‐free implied volatility from swaptions on future realized volatility of the underlying swap rates. The model‐free implied volatility demonstrates significant predictability on future realized volatility of swap rates along a wide cross‐section of tenors. The predictive power of the model‐free implied volatility is superior to the predictability of lagged realized volatility and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity‐type conditional volatility. The superior predictive power of the model‐free implied volatility also holds out‐of sample, in different market states and with longer forecasting horizons.
Plant genome editing: CRISPR, base editing, prime editing, and beyond
Authors: Xie Yujie , Haq Syed Inzimam Ul , Jiang Xingyu , Zheng Dianfeng , Feng Naijie , Wang Wenying , He Jin‐Sheng , Qiu Quan‐Sheng
Published: December 2022

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system is a fast‐growing, genome editing technology that has wide applications in identifying gene functions as well as improving agricultural production and crop breeding. Here, we summarized recent advances in the development and applications of genome editing technologies in plants. We briefly described CRISPR/Cas9 technology and examined the base and prime editing techniques that have been developed from CRISPR technology. Some new prime editing‐derived techniques were assessed.
Effect of magnesium supplementation in improving hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Gholizadeh‐Moghaddam Mahsa , Ghasemi‐Tehrani Hatav , Askari Gholamreza , Jaripur Mahsima , Clark Cain C. T. , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common endocrine disorders in women, which causes numerous symptoms in women. The relationship of many micronutrients with this syndrome has been investigated. This study was conducted to examine the effects of magnesium supplementation on hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality in women with PCOS.

Methods

In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 64 women with PCOS were randomly assigned to the magnesium group (n = 32) or placebo group (n = 32) for 10 weeks. Patients in the magnesium group received one 250 mg magnesium oxide tablet, per day. Hyperandrogenism, hirsutism, and sleep quality were measured at the beginning and end of the study. This randomized clinical trial was registered at https://www.IRCT.ir (IRCT20130903014551N8).

Results

Magnesium supplementation had no significant effect on hyperandrogenism (p = 0.51 for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfates, p = 0.27 for testosterone), hirsutism (p = 0.23), and sleep quality (p = 0.85) compared with placebo.

Conclusions

The present study showed that a single dose of magnesium supplementation elicited no beneficial effects on the mentioned symptoms in polycystic women. It is possible that the positive effects of magnesium observed in the former studies were due to the synergistic effects of other vitamins or minerals. More studies are needed in this area.
Demographic efficiency drivers in the Chinese energy production chain: A hybrid neural multi‐activity network data envelopment analysis
Authors: Zhao Yue , Antunes Jorge , Tan Yong , Wanke Peter
Published: December 2022

For meeting the external requirements of the Paris Agreement and reducing energy consumption per gross domestic product, China needs to improve its energy efficiency. Although the existing studies have attempted to investigate energy efficiency from different perspectives, little effort has yet been made to consider the collaboration among different stages in the production chain to produce energy outputs. In addition, various studies have also examined the determinants of energy efficiency, however, they mainly focused on technology and economic factors, no study has yet proposed and considered the influence of geographical factors on energy efficiency. In this article, we fill in the gap and make theoretical and empirical contributions to the literature. In this study, a two‐stage analysis method is used to analyse energy efficiency and the influencing factors in China between 2009 and 2021. More specifically, from the theoretical/methodological perspective, a multi‐activity network data envelopment analysis model is used to measure energy efficiency of different processes in the energy production chain. From the empirical perspective, we attempt to investigate the influence of geographical factors on energy efficiency through a neural network analysis. Meanwhile, the comparisons among different provinces are made. The result shows that the overall energy efficiency is low in China, and China relies more on the traditional energy industry than the clean energy industry. The efficiency level experiences a level of volatility over the examined period. Finally, we find that raw fuel pre‐process and industry have a significant and positive impact on energy efficiency in China.
A multi‐objective particle swarm optimization for matching domain ontologies
Authors: Kou Xueqin , Feng Junhong , Wang Yuxian , Cui Wei
Published: December 2022

As a generic conceptual model for describing domain knowledge, ontology is able to provide a formal and concrete description on the concepts in different domains. Since different ontology engineers have diverse viewpoints on the world, leading to the heterogeneity issue among different ontologies. To solve this problem, this paper investigates how to make certain the correspondences of entities between different domain ontologies, that is, domain ontology matching problem. When solving this problem, how to effectively aggregate different similarity measures to differentiate entities and obtain high‐quality alignment is the kernel issue. In this paper, we first introduce two statistical metrics for measuring ontology alignment's quality, then, an optimization model is established for the multi‐objective ontology matching problem, and a Multi‐Objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (MOPSO) is proposed to optimize the quality of domain ontology alignment. The experimental results illustrate that it outperforms OAEI's participants with respect to both recall and precision.
Beyond access to adequate WASH facilities: Menstrual hygiene practices of high school adolescent girls
Authors: Usman Adam Muwaffaq , Kpeebi Yetimoni , Usman Adam Bahija , Adams Aisha , Sahabi Sakina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Menstrual hygiene has been a major problem facing Adolescent Girls at all levels of education in developing countries. Yet, it has not received the needed attention.

Methodology

This study uses univariate analysis to investigate the menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls in Ghana, with the adoption of the Menstrual Practices Questionnaire (MPQ). A sample of 167 randomly selected adolescent girls (mean age of 14.5) from five high schools in Ghana were surveyed one time. The survey was administered in a community where access to adequate WASH facilities is sorely lacking.

Results

Despite inadequate access to WASH facilities, majority of the girls' menstrual practices are hygienic. However, for a significant proportion of the girls, changing of menstrual materials (47.5%), washing of genitals (70.3%) and hands (70.9%), disposal of menstrual wastes (27.7%), sterilization of menstrual materials (31.4%), and management of cramps (64.5%) were found to be inadequate, poor, unhygienic, and unhealthy. Bridging this gap requires community‐wide sensitization and adequate provision of WASH facilities.

Conclusion

Inadequate access to WASH facilities may not be as huge a hindrance to observing good menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls as reported in conventional literature. Sociocultural factors such as religion and culture might explain this phenomenon. The study therefore recommends further studies to explore factors influencing this phenomenon which would hopefully provide an idiosyncratic genesis that might go a long way in shaping the otherwise “biased” perspectives with which religion and culture are viewed in the menstrual hygiene discourse.
Biopharmaceutical and nanotoxicological aspects of cyclodextrins for non‐invasive topical treatments: A critical review
Authors: Riccio Bruno Vincenzo Fiod , Meneguin Andréia Bagliotti , Baveloni Franciele Garcia , de Antoni Juliana Aenishanslin , Robusti Leda Maria Gorla , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon , Ferrari Priscileila Colerato , Chorilli Marlus
Published: December 2022

Cyclodextrins are nanometric cyclic oligosaccharides with amphiphilic characteristics that increase the stability of drugs in pharmaceutical forms and bioavailability, in addition to protecting them against oxidation and UV radiation. Some of their characteristics are low toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. They are divided into α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrins, each with its own particularities. They can undergo surface modifications to improve their performances. Furthermore, their drug inclusion complexes can be made by various methods, including lyophilization, spray drying, magnetic stirring, kneading, and others. Cyclodextrins can solve several problems in drug stability when incorporated into dosage forms (including tablets, gels, films, nanoparticles, and suppositories) and allow better topical biological effects of drugs at administration sites such as skin, eyeballs, and oral, nasal, vaginal, and rectal cavities. However, as they are nanostructured systems and some of them can cause mild toxicity depending on the application site, they must be evaluated for their nanotoxicology and nanosafety aspects. Moreover, there is evidence that they can cause severe ototoxicity, killing cells from the ear canal even when applied by other administration routes. Therefore, they should be avoided in otologic administration and should have their permeation/penetration profiles and the in vivo hearing system integrity evaluated to certify that they will be safe and will not cause hearing loss.
A first insight into haemocytes of Pinctada imbricata radiata: A morpho‐functional characterization
Authors: Pagano Maria , Fabrello Jacopo , Multisanti Cristiana Roberta , Zicarelli Giorgia , Ciscato Maria , Boldrin Francesco , Giacobbe Salvatore , Matozzo Valerio , Faggio Caterina
Published: December 2022

The pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata radiata (Leach, 1814), from the Pacific Ocean, was one of the first species to reach via Suez the Mediterranean, colonizing the eastern basin and recently spreading to the western. The species showed to be able to adapt to a wide range of climatic, hydrological, and ecological conditions. Since 2000 it reached the Strait of Messina, where is now infesting the transitional waters of the oriented natural reserve “Laguna di Capo Peloro.” Due to such resistance and adaptation ability, various assays were performed. Haemocyte morpho‐functional aspects were evaluated in haemolymph samples fixed with 1% and 2% glutaraldehyde for optical and electron microscopy (TEM). The following assays were carried out: cell characterization using several dyes, detection of intra‐ and extracellular lipids, the capability of phagocytosis using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and to produce superoxide anion (O2−). Detection of several enzymes, such as acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, chloro‐acetylesterase and β‐glucuronidase was also assessed. Cell count was demonstrated to be abundant with a mean of 8.263 × 106 mm2 ± 0.935 × 106 (SD). Two main cell populations were noticed: granulocytes and hyalocytes, both competent for phagocytosis, to produce O2−, and characterized by lipids. Based on the granule analysis, enzymatic activity was also demonstrated. The observations under TEM confirmed all the results obtained. This study supports the hypothesis that P. imbricata radiata can be usefully employed as a model organism in environmental biomonitoring. Moreover, since the species represent potential threats to native species and ecosystems, further insights into its biological adaptations in invaded ecosystems are recommended.
Human glial müller and umbilical vein endothelial cell coculture as an in vitro model to investigate retinal oxidative damage. A morphological and molecular assessment
Authors: Astolfi Gloria , Ciavarella Carmen , Valente Sabrina , Coslovi Chiara , Iannetta Danilo , Fontana Luigi , Pasquinelli Gianandrea , Versura Piera
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to optimize a coculture in vitro model established between the human Müller glial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, mimicking the inner blood‐retinal barrier, and to explore its resistance to damage induced by oxidative stress. A spontaneously immortalized human Müller cell line MIO‐M1 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were plated together at a density ratio 1:1 and maintained up to the 8th passage (p8). The MIO‐M1/HUVECs p1 through p8 were treated with increasing concentrations (range 200–800 μM) of H2O2 to evaluate oxidative stress induced damage and comparing data with single cell cultures. The following features were assayed p1 through p8: doubling time maintenance, cell viability using MTS assay, ultrastructure of cell–cell contacts, immunofluorescence for Vimentin and GFAP, molecular biology (q‐PCR) for GFAP and CD31 mRNA. MIO‐M1/HUVECs cocultures maintained distinct cell cytotype up to p8 as shown by flow cytometry analysis, without evidence of cross activation, displaying cell–cell tight junctions mimicking those found in human retina, only acquiring a slight resistance to oxidative stress induction over the passages. This MIO‐M1/HUVECs coculture represents a simple, reproducible and affordable model for in vitro studies on oxidative stress‐induced retinal damages.
A novel, ultrafast, ultrasensitive diagnosis platform for the detection of SARS‐COV‐2 using restriction endonuclease‐mediated reverse transcription multiple cross displacement amplification
Authors: Huang Junfei , Yang Xinggui , Ren Lijuan , Jiang Weijia , Huang Yan , Liu Ying , Liu Chunting , Chen Xu , Li Shijun
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a highly infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2). Though many methods have been used for detecting SARS‐COV‐2, development of an ultrafast and highly sensitive detection strategy to screen and/or diagnose suspected cases in the population, especially early‐stage patients with low viral load, is significant for the prevention and treatment of COVID‐19. In this study, a novel restriction endonuclease‐mediated reverse transcription multiple cross displacement amplification (MCDA) combined with real‐time fluorescence analysis (rRT‐MCDA) was successfully established and performed to diagnose COVID‐19 infection (COVID‐19 rRT‐MCDA). Two sets of specific SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA primers targeting opening reading frame 1a/b (ORF1ab) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes were designed and modified according to the reaction mechanism. The SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA test was optimized and evaluated using various pathogens and clinical samples. The optimal reaction condition of SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA assay was 65°C for 36 min. The SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA limit of detection (LoD) was 6.8 copies per reaction. Meanwhile, the specificity of SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA assay was 100%, and there was no cross‐reaction with nucleic acids of other pathogens. In addition, the whole detection process of SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA, containing the RNA template processing (15 min) and real‐time amplification (36 min), can be accomplished within 1 h. The SARS‐COV‐2 rRT‐MCDA test established in the current report is a novel, ultrafast, ultrasensitive, and highly specific detection method, which can be performed as a valuable screening and/or diagnostic tool for COVID‐19 in clinical application.
Improved mapping and understanding of land system states for achieving land degradation neutrality using remote sensing surface endmembers—temperature space: A case‐study in Minqin, China
Authors: Jiao Xin , Lin Xin , Duan Wenkai , Sun Qiangqiang , Chen Yong , Wen Na , Sun Minxuan , Zhang Ping , Zhang Yongxiang , Lun Fei , Sun Danfeng
Published: December 2022

The identification and understanding of land system states are critical for achieving land degradation neutrality (LDN). However, present conventional approaches can hardly generate a state space with both complex linear and abrupt shift relationships. Therefore, with the remote sensing surface endmembers—temperature space, this study developed a framework to identify, map and understand land system states and their associated trajectories based on the alternative state theory. Combined with three variables of land cover and landscape, our proposed vegetation productivity index (VPI) can highly improve the mapping accuracy of land system states in Minqin, without considering the variable of soil type. We built the three‐dimensional state catastrophe space with variables of soil organic matter (SOM), VPI, and cover function index (LCI). Thanks to the ball‐and‐cup model, two alternative stable states and five unstable states were identified at the landscape level in Minqin; then, we further explored the desired threshold of VPI and LCI were 13.11 and 0.39, while their undesired threshold were 5.15 and 0.76, respectively. The state space can reveal the linear or non‐linear relationship between VPI/LCI and SOM; besides, it can also present the hysteresis of land system state. Moreover, our established model in 2015 proved to be stable and thus can be used to accurately estimate the states in 2018. Therefore, our proposed framework can be an effective way of mapping and understanding present and future land system states, which can provide useful information on proactive conservation and restorative interventions for LDN management.
How perceived life control shapes sustainable consumption: The role of outcome efficacy
Authors: Zhang Jin , Sheng Shibin , Xu Xiaobing
Published: December 2022

Sustainable consumption helps solve today's critical environmental problems, but such behavior tends to be altruistic, mainly benefiting the environment and other people. Thus, understanding precursors that drive a consumer to engage in sustainable consumption is important for scholars and green product marketers. This study examines how perceived life control—a factor not directly related to environmental decisions—influences sustainable purchase. Data from two waves of the World Value Survey indicate that perceived life control is positively associated with pro‐environmental attitudes (which is a precondition for sustainable purchases). Five subsequent studies consistently show that perceived life control increases purchase intention for green products, and this happens because consumers with greater life control believe their purchases will be more effective in solving environmental problems (i.e., outcome efficacy). We further reveal that framing the benefits of a green product as temporally present (vs. future) attenuates the observed effect. These findings suggest that the practice of sustainable consumption may be explained by perceived life control in individuals and provide insights for environmental communication regarding the alignment between sustainable product appeals and individual differences.
Social Cognition in Parkinson's Disease: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Siripurapu Govinda , Verma Bhawna , Biswas Deblina , Reghu Anandapadmanabhan , Vishnoi Aayushi , Radhakrishnan Divya Madathiparambil , Elavarasi Arunmozhimaran , Gupta Anu , Vishnu Venugopalan Yamuna , Singh Mamta Bhushan , Bhatia Rohit , Tripathi Manjari , Srivastava Achal , Srivastava Madakasira Vasantha Padma , Rajan Roopa
Published: December 2022

Background

Social cognition is the study of how people make sense of themselves and others. Impairment in several domains of social cognition is increasingly being recognized in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

We aimed to study multiple domains of social cognition in Indian PD patients using a culturally appropriate, validated instrument.

Methods

We recruited 52 individuals with PD and 31 healthy volunteers (HV) and used the Social Cognition Rating Tools in Indian Setting (SOCRATIS) tool to assess theory of mind (ToM), attributional biases and social cue perception. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the PDQOL scale.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between PD and HV. The mean (SD) FOT index (first order ToM index) was 0.86(0.18) in PD and 0.99(0.07) in HV [P < 0.001]. The PD group showed higher Externalizing Bias [EB, 4.42(3.91)], compared to HV [1.58(3.22), P = 0.001]. The mean (SD) Faux Pas Composite Index (FPCI ALT) was 0.69(0.09) in PD and 0.78(0.13) in HV [P < 0.001]. Social cognition indices were not associated with QoL in PD. Clinical parameters—age, gender, HAM‐D, MOCA, education, levodopa equivalent daily dose of medication, number of PD drugs and trihexyphenidyl use did not predict social cognition.

Conclusion

PD patients were less successful than age, gender matched controls in understanding social situations and other's thought processes and had higher tendency to attribute undesirable events to external causes. Deficits in social cognition did not impair the quality of life.
Management of nutritional iron deficiency anemia for young children in the emergency department
Authors: McEvoy Matthew T. , Stuckert Austin J. , Castellanos Maria I. , Gilbert Megan M. , Pfeiffer Thomas , Prudowsky Zachary , Rios Xavier , Airewele Gladstone , Okcu M. Fatih , Powers Jacquelyn M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Guidelines for young children with nutritional iron deficiency anemia (IDA) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are lacking, leading to variability in care. We aimed to standardize management of these patients through the development and implementation of an evidence‐based algorithm using quality improvement methodology.

Procedure

Baseline data of the target population (n = 42; 60% male; median age 22.5 months, median hemoglobin 5.3 g/dl) identified variability across four key measures of clinical management: laboratory evaluation, therapy choice, therapy administration, and patient disposition. Literature review and consensus from pediatric hematology providers informed a draft algorithm that was refined in an iterative multidisciplinary process. From September 2020 to June 2021, we aimed to increase IDA management per the algorithm by ≥20% relative to baseline for the four key outcome measures using sequential Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act (PDSA) cycles. Process measures focusing on provider communication/documentation and balancing measures involving efficiency and therapy‐related adverse events were assessed concurrently.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were evaluated among four PDSA cycles and shared similar characteristics as the baseline population. Improvements of ≥20% above baseline adherence levels or 100% adherence were achieved for all outcome measure across four PDSA cycles. Adherence to recommended laboratory evaluation improved from 43 (baseline) to 71%, therapy choice from 78 to 100%, therapy administration from 50 to 83%, and disposition from 85 to 100%. ED length of stay remained stable.

Conclusions

Implementation of a standardized algorithm for young children with nutritional IDA in the ED increased adherence to evidence‐based patient care.
Identification of polypharmacy patterns in new‐users of metformin using the Apriori algorithm: A novel framework for investigating concomitant drug utilization through association rule mining
Authors: Faquetti Maria Luisa , la Torre Adrian Martinez‐De , Burkard Theresa , Obozinski Guillaume , Burden Andrea M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

With increased concomitant chronic diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the use of multiple drugs increases as well as the risk of drug–drug interactions (DDI) and adverse drug reactions (ADR). Nevertheless, how medication patterns vary in T2DM patients across different sex and age groups is unclear. This study aims to identify and quantify common drug combinations in first‐time metformin users with polypharmacy (≥5 co‐medications).

Methods

New users of metformin were identified from the IQVIA Medical Research Data incorporating data from THIN, A Cegedim Database (2016–2019). A descriptive cohort study explored prescription patterns in patients with polypharmacy. The Apriori algorithm, used to find frequent item‐sets in databases, was first‐time applied to identify and quantify drug combinations of up to seven drugs to investigate potential harmful polypharmacy patterns.

Results

The cohort included 34 169 new‐users of metformin, of which 20 854 (61.0%) received polypharmacy. Atorvastatin was the most frequently co‐prescribed drug with metformin overall (38.7%), in women (34.3%) and men (42.6%). In the stratified analysis, a higher proportion of women received polypharmacy (65.6%) compared to men (57.4%). Moreover, the proportion of patients receiving polypharmacy increased with age (18–39 years = 30.4%, 40–59 years = 50.5%, 60–74 years = 70.9%, and ≥75 years = 84.3%).

Conclusion

This study is the first to identify and quantify commonly prescribed combinations of drugs compounds in patients with polypharmacy using the Apriori algorithm. The high polypharmacy prevalence at all strata indicates the need to optimize polypharmacy to minimize DDI and ADR.
A 3‐minute recumbent stepper test in chronic stroke
Authors: Carl Daniel L. , Whitesel Dustyn , Meyrose Colleen , Westover Jennifer , Khoury Jane , Gerson Myron , Kissela Brett , Dunning Kari , Boyne Pierce
Published: December 2022

Background

Persons with stroke often have difficulty achieving target heart rate (HR) during graded exercise testing (GXT), which is known to limit test sensitivity for detecting clinically relevant cardiac conditions. A novel Recumbent Stepper 3‐minute (RS 3Min) “all out” test may increase sensitivity of stress testing after stroke.

Objective

To determine the feasibility of adding the RS 3Min test after GXT among persons after stroke.

Design

A within‐participant, nonrandomized, repeated measures design.

Setting

Rehabilitation research laboratory and cardiovascular stress laboratory

Participants

Fifteen participants with chronic stroke (56.7 ± 9.6 years; 6.4 ± 4.3 years post stroke; 8 male).

Interventions

All participants randomly completed (1) a symptom‐limited treadmill GXT and (2) a symptom‐limited RS GXT followed by RS 3Min critical power test.

Main Outcome Measures

HR, ratings of perceived exertion, oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and power output measured continuously during each test. Blood pressure measured every 2 minutes and or immediately post exercise. P value set at p < .05 from omnibus test for a significant difference among protocols.

Results

The RS 3Min test had a significantly higher rate of achieving target HR compared to the RS GXT (9/14 vs 4/14, p = .02) and was not significantly different from the treadmill GXT (9/14 vs 5/14, p = .09). Minimum power output during the RS 3Min was significantly higher than peak power output during the RS GXT (110 ± 41 W vs. 84 ± 22 W, p = .02) with 12/15 participants reaching a VO2 plateau.

Conclusions

Although additional studies with randomized designs are needed, a novel RS 3Min “all out” test appears to be a promising method for enhancing test sensitivity in cardiovascular screening after stroke, while providing a potentially valid measure of critical power.
Dispersal of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) fry in a low gradient stream ‐ implications for egg stocking practices
Authors: Palm Daniel , Losee James , Andersson Susanna , Hellström Gustav , Holmgren Annika , Spong Goran
Published: December 2022

Stocking of eggs is a common strategy to support declining or reintroduce extirpated salmonid populations. Data on how juveniles disperse from stocking points is crucial to be able to design efficient stocking programs. Detailed information of dispersal is limited for many salmonids, for example, brown trout. In this study, dispersal distance was measured at the end of the first growing season in a low gradient (0.7%) stream in Sweden where the trout population had been depleted. Eggs from 17 separate sets of parents were stocked as eyed eggs in March. During the following fall fry were sampled throughout the stream. The majority of the fry dispersed downstream and remained within a distance of 200 m from the stocking point with no difference between sizes of fry and the presence of a competing cohort or not. There was no dissimilarity in dispersal distances across offspring originating from different parents indicating absence of genetic influence. Our results suggest that, in streams similar to our study site, stocking points should be separated by approximately 330 m in order to avoid overlap in habitat use of fry from different stocking points and that the presence of competing cohorts, fry size and within population variability in dispersal can be neglected.
Remote sensing in seagrass ecology: coupled dynamics between migratory herbivorous birds and intertidal meadows observed by satellite during four decades
Authors: Zoffoli Maria Laura , Gernez Pierre , Oiry Simon , Godet Laurent , Dalloyau Sébastien , Davies Bede Ffinian Rowe , Barillé Laurent
Published: December 2022

Taking into account trophic relationships in seagrass meadows is crucial to explain and predict seagrass temporal trajectories, as well as for implementing and evaluating seagrass conservation policies. However, this type of interaction has been rarely investigated over the long term and at the scale of the whole seagrass habitat. In this work, reciprocal links between an intertidal seagrass species, Zostera noltei, and a herbivorous bird feeding on this seagrass species, the migratory goose Branta bernicla bernicla, were investigated using an original combination of long‐term Earth Observation (EO) and bird census data. Seagrass Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) such as seagrass abundance and phenology were measured from 1985 to 2020 using high‐resolution satellite remote sensing over Bourgneuf Bay (France), and cross‐analysed with in situ measurements of bird population size during the goose wintering season. Our results showed a mutual relationship between seagrass and Brent geese over the four last decades, suggesting that the relationship between the two species extends beyond a simple grass—herbivore consumptive effect. We provided evidence of two types of interactions: (i) a bottom‐up control where the late‐summer seagrass abundance drives the wintering population of herbivorous geese and (ii) an indirect top‐down effect of Brent goose on seagrass habitat, where seagrass development is positively influenced by the bird population during the previous wintering season. Such a mutualistic relationship has strong implications for biodiversity conservation because protecting one species is beneficial to the other one, as demonstrated here by the positive trajectories observed from 1985 to 2020 in both seagrass and bird populations. Importantly, we also demonstrated here that exploring the synergy between EO and in situ bird data can benefit seagrass ecology and ecosystem management.
Effect of Cr2O3 on the Kinetics Mechanism and Microstructure of Pellet During Oxidation Roasting Process
Authors: Feng Jinge , Tang Jue , Chu Mansheng , Zhao Zichuan , Liu Zhenggen , Li Xiaobin , Wang Xindong , Wang Xiaoai
Published: December 2022

The oxidation process of iron ore with different Cr2O3 contents is separated into two stages. The Coats–Redfern method is applied to conduct the kinetic analysis, and the restriction links between stages I and II correspond to diffusion control. The apparent activation energy (E) progressively decreases at all stages as the contents of Cr2O3 increase, which is favorable for improving the oxidation kinetics. The fluctuation amplitudes of E in stages I and II are 5.450 and 16.021 kJ mol−1, respectively. The interaction of Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 during oxidation forms a Fe–Cr solid solution, which loosens the internal structure of the pellet and thus increases the number and diameters of the inner pores. This phenomenon facilitates the internal diffusion of oxygen and lowers its concentration inside and outside the pellet. Therefore, the utilization of chromium‐bearing iron ore should be comprehensively considered in terms of its kinetics and microstructure.