bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From woof woof to dog: Interactions between parents' use of sound symbolic words and infants' vocabulary development
Authors: Kızıldere Erim , Esmer Şeref Can , Göksun Tilbe
Published: July 2022

Sound symbols, such as “woof woof” for a dog's barking, imitate the physical properties of their referents. Turkish is a sound symbolically rich language that allows flexible use of such words in different linguistic forms. The current study examined Turkish‐speaking parents' use of sound symbolic words to their 14‐ and 20‐month‐olds and the concurrent and longitudinal relations between parents' sound symbolic input and infants' vocabulary knowledge. Thirty‐four (n = 34) infants were observed at Time‐1 (Mage = 14.23 months, SD = 1.11) and Time‐2 (Mage = 20.30 months, SD = 1.24) during free play sessions with their parents to examine parental input. Infants' vocabulary knowledge was assessed by a parental report. Both the quantity and quality of parental sound symbolic input changed between 14 and 20 months of age. Furthermore, infants' earlier vocabulary knowledge at 14 months negatively predicted parents' later sound symbolic input at 20 months. Last, parents' sound symbolic input was positively and concurrently associated with 14‐month‐olds’ vocabulary knowledge but was negatively and concurrently associated with 20‐month‐olds’ vocabulary levels. These findings suggest an early interaction between infants' exposure to sound symbolic input and their vocabulary development.
Sea‐surface temperature anomalies mediate changes in fish richness and abundance in Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries
Authors: Oke Tobi A. , Zhang Stacy Y. , Keyser Spencer R. , Yeager Lauren A.
Published: July 2022

Aim

Anthropogenic warming of marine systems has caused biological and physiological responses that are fundamentally altering ecosystem structure. Because estuaries exist at the land‐ocean interface, they are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ocean warming as they can undergo rapid biogeochemical and hydrological shifts due to climate and land‐use change. We explored how multiple components of estuarine fish diversity—turnover, richness, and abundance—have changed in the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries across space and time and the drivers of change.

Location

North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

Taxa

Fish.

Method

We compiled long‐term (>30 years), continent‐wide fisheries independent trawl surveys conducted in estuaries—from the Gulf of Maine to the Gulf of Mexico (U.S. waters)—and combined these with climate and land‐use‐land‐cover data to examine trends and ecological drivers of fish richness, abundance and turnover using mixed‐effect models.

Results

Species richness, abundance and turnover have increased in North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico estuaries in the last 30 years. These changes were mediated largely by sea‐surface temperature anomalies, especially in more northern estuaries where warming has been relatively pronounced.

Main Conclusion

The increasing trajectory of turnover in many estuaries suggests that fish communities have changed fundamentally from the baselines. A fundamental change in community composition can lead to an irreversible trophic imbalance or alternative stable states among other outcomes. Thus, predicting how shifting community structures might influence food webs, ecosystem stability, and human resource use remain a pertinent task.
Paediatric pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia‐derived exosomes regulate immune function in human T cells
Authors: Gholipour Elham , Kahroba Houman , Soltani Nasim , Samadi Parisa , Sarvarian Parisa , Vakili‐Samiani Sajjad , Hosein Pour Feizi Abbas Ali , Soltani‐Zangbar Mohammad Sadegh , Baghersalimi Adel , Darbandi Bahram , Movassaghpour Aliakbar , Talebi Mehdi , Motavalli Roza , Mehdizadeh Amir , Kazemi Abdolhassan , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Exosomes derived from solid tumour cells are involved in immune suppression, angiogenesis and metastasis; however, the role of leukaemia‐derived exosomes has less been investigated. Hence, changes in immune response‐related genes and human T cells apoptosis co‐incubated with exosomes isolated from patients' pre‐B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were evaluated in this in vitro study. Vein blood sample was obtained from each newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patient prior any therapy. ALL serum exosomes were isolated by ultrafiltration and characterized using Western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. Exosomes were then co‐incubated with T lymphocytes and the gene expressions, as well as functions of human T cells were quantified by qRT‐PCR. Apoptosis and caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 protein expression were also evaluated by flowcytometry and Western blotting analysis, respectively. Exosomes isolated from ALL patients affected T lymphocytes and elevated the apoptosis. Moreover, these exosomes altered the T cells profile into regulatory type by increasing the expression of FOXP3 and Tregs‐related cytokines, including TGF‐B and IL‐10. The expression level of Th17‐related transcription factors (RoRγt) and interleukins (IL‐17 and IL‐23) decreased after this treatment. According to our findings, exosomes derived from ALL patients' sera carry immunosuppressive molecules, indicating the possible effect of exosomes as liquid biomarkers for cancer staging.
Nutrition education: Optimising preparation and recovery for benign oesophageal surgery
Authors: Yeung Sophia , Gill Marlyn , Gillis Chelsia
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients requiring upper gastrointestinal surgery for benign oesophageal conditions are at nutrition risk before and after surgery. There is a dearth of published evidence guiding clinicians on effective collaboration with patients to mitigate perioperative nutritional challenges. We conducted a qualitative study aiming to explore patients' perioperative food, nutrition, and educational experiences to guide future care.

Methods

Adult patients who had undergone elective, benign oesophageal surgery were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews within 3 weeks of hospital discharge. Interviews were transcribed and analysed with a reflexive form of inductive thematic analysis in addition to synthesised member checking.

Results

Interviews with 12 patients identified three major themes. First, nutrition education fosters a better surgical recovery experience: patients expressed a desire to be prepared for their upcoming surgery and engage in the recovery process with informed food choices. Most patients preferred preoperative education given limited capacity for learning during hospital admission. Second, patients have priorities for nutrition information: patients expressed that educational material should be printed, comprehensive, practical, include familiar foods and focus on managing postoperative physical symptoms. Third, food impacts social and emotional experiences of surgery: resumption of a normal diet was a sign of recovery that enabled social reintegration. Identified themes resonated with Knowles' six‐core principles of andragogy.

Conclusions

Patients with benign oesophageal conditions perceived nutrition education to be a vital aspect of surgical preparation and recovery. Re‐designing perioperative education with patient input has the potential to improve outcomes and experiences.
Comparison of survival outcomes between ameloblastic carcinoma and metastasizing ameloblastoma: A systematic review
Authors: Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos , Martins‐Chaves Roberta Rayra , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Correa , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To investigate and compare the demographic data, occurrence of recurrence and metastasis, and survival prognosis between ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) and metastasizing ameloblastoma (MA), based on appropriate and currently accepted eligible diagnostic criteria, in a systematic review of the literature.

Methods

An electronic search was undertaken, last updated in December 2021. Eligibility criteria included publications having enough clinicopathological information to confirm the diagnosis of these tumors.

Results

Seventy‐seven publications reporting 85 ACs and 43 MAs were included. Both tumors were more frequent in mandible and showed different clinical profiles regarding patients' sex and age. There was no difference in the estimated cumulative survival between patients diagnosed with these tumors. Metastases mainly affected the lungs, followed by cervical lymph nodes. The mean time between the first metastasis and the last follow‐up was higher for MA (p = 0.021). In addition, MA patients remained alive longer than AC patients after the first metastasis diagnosis (p = 0.041). Considering only the cases that metastasized, a higher ratio of AC patients died in comparison to MA patients (p = 0.003). The occurrence of recurrence was associated with a conservative primary treatment with both AC (p < 0.001) and MA tumors (p = 0.017). Multiple recurrent events were associated with conservative primary therapies with MA (p < 0.001) but not with AC (p = 0.121).

Conclusion

In addition to some demographic differences, ACs that metastasize present a worse prognosis than MA. As conservative procedures are associated with multiple recurrent events, this treatment modality should be avoided for both tumors.
Prevalence of raised body mass index in paediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Jackson Erin , Karlson Cynthia W , Herring Whitney , Okhomina Victoria I , Lim Crystal S , Morrow Anne , Daggett Caroline , Arnold Laura , McNaull Melissa
Published: July 2022

Aim

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have historically weighed less than their healthy peers. More recently, a retrospective chart review from six institutions in New England reported nearly one‐quarter of children and adolescents with SCD had raised body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to examine rates of children with SCD with raised BMI in Mississippi compared to state and national norms and assess the correlation between haemoglobin and BMI.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of paediatric patients with SCD at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) was conducted using data from the most recent clinic visit. Mississippi and national weight status estimates for youth 10–17 years were obtained from the 2016–2017 National Survey of Children's Health.

Results

For youth 10–17 years with SCD (n = 345), 21.4.% of children with SS/Sβ° and 36.1% with SC/Sβ+ had raised BMI compared to Mississippi and national rates, 39.2 and 31%, respectively. The prevalence of children with raised BMI with SC/Sβ+ did not differ from state and national rates, while children with SS/Sβ° were half as likely as their Mississippi peers to have raised BMI. Haemoglobin levels were different among children with SCD who had low BMI (8.80 g/dL), average BMI (9.2 g/dL) and raised BMI (10.5 g/dL) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Children with SCD evaluated at UMMC have similar rates of raised BMI compared to state and national norms. Children with raised BMI have higher mean haemoglobin levels compared to children with SCD with low or average BMI.

Implications and Contribution

Historically, patients with SCD have been underweight and normal weight. Our paediatric and adolescent patients with SCD now have prevalence rates of raised BMI that approach state and national rates. Further work must be done to determine whether this reflects healthier children with SCD or raises concerns about life‐style‐related comorbidities.
Aspiring toward Pae Ora: Values and strengths‐based child safety messaging in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Herbert Sarah , Hunt Mareta , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: July 2022

On‐going inequities in rates of fatal and non‐fatal injury between tamariki Māori (Indigenous children) and non‐Māori children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are unacceptable and highlight breaches by the Crown in their obligations to Māori, outlined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi). Safekids Aotearoa, a national organisation tasked with reducing unintentional injuries to children (0–14 years), is shifting the focus of its programmes and resources to better align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to honour Māori knowledge, ideas and principles to eliminate inequity and support the pursuit of Pae Ora: Māori health aspirations for flourishing whānau (families) and tamariki. We provide an overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to child injury prevention and the Te Tiriti‐led response by Safekids Aotearoa, particularly around approaches to developing values and strengths‐based safety messages. In doing so, we challenge and counter pervasive barriers to achieving equity and Pae Ora and describe how identifying and incorporating shared Māori values in a Te Tiriti‐led agenda supports the work, ethos, programmes and relationships of Safekids Aotearoa in its journey toward equitable outcomes and Pae Ora for all. We highlight the importance of embedding prevention efforts and advocacy within a holistic framework of tamariki and whānau well‐being embracing capability and strengths‐based approaches.
Abnormal brain iron accumulation in obstructive sleep apnea: A quantitative MRI study in the HypnoLaus cohort
Authors: Marchi Nicola Andrea , Pizzarotti Beatrice , Solelhac Geoffroy , Berger Mathieu , Haba‐Rubio José , Preisig Martin , Vollenweider Peter , Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Lutti Antoine , Kherif Ferath , Heinzer Raphael , Draganski Bogdan
Published: July 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease is disturbed iron homeostasis leading to abnormal iron deposition in brain tissue. To date, there is no empirical evidence to support the hypothesis of altered brain iron homeostasis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea as well. Data were analysed from 773 participants in the HypnoLaus study (mean age 55.9 ± 10.3 years) who underwent polysomnography and brain MRI. Cross‐sectional associations were tested between OSA parameters and the MRI effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*) – indicative of iron content – in 68 grey matter regions, after adjustment for confounders. The group with severe OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index ≥30/h) had higher iron levels in the left superior frontal gyrus (F3,760 = 4.79, p = 0.003), left orbital gyri (F3,760 = 5.13, p = 0.002), right and left middle temporal gyrus (F3,760 = 4.41, p = 0.004 and F3,760 = 13.08, p < 0.001, respectively), left angular gyrus (F3,760 = 6.29, p = 0.001), left supramarginal gyrus (F3,760 = 4.98, p = 0.003), and right cuneus (F3,760 = 7.09, p < 0.001). The parameters of nocturnal hypoxaemia were all consistently associated with higher iron levels. Measures of sleep fragmentation had less consistent associations with iron content. This study provides the first evidence of increased brain iron levels in obstructive sleep apnea. The observed iron changes could reflect underlying neuropathological processes that appear to be driven primarily by hypoxaemic mechanisms.
The cell cycle of phytoplankton: A review
Authors: Zhao Peng‐Zhen , Ouyang Long‐Ling , Shen Ang‐Lu , Wang Yun‐Long
Published: July 2022

Phytoplankton play an enormously important role in ecology and serve as critical food for aquatic organisms. The phytoplankton population rapidly increases in number after continuous cell cycles. Thus, understanding the cell cycle of phytoplankton is fundamental to the aquatic ecosystem research. The eukaryotic cell cycle has been clarified; however, unique characteristics exist in phytoplankton. Their cell cycle progression either differs among species or varies with environmental changes. Here, we review the cell cycle progression of the eukaryotic phytoplankton and its response to environmental factors, introduce the cell cycle research methods, highlight the identified cell cycle regulatory proteins, and discuss prospects for future research directions.
Upwelling‐level acidification and pH/pCO2 variability moderate effects of ocean acidification on brain gene expression in the temperate surfperch, Embiotoca jacksoni
Authors: Toy Jason A. , Kroeker Kristy J. , Logan Cheryl A. , Takeshita Yuichiro , Longo Gary C. , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: July 2022

Acidification‐induced changes in neurological function have been documented in several tropical marine fishes. Here, we investigate whether similar patterns of neurological impacts are observed in a temperate Pacific fish that naturally experiences regular and often large shifts in environmental pH/pCO2. In two laboratory experiments, we tested the effect of acidification, as well as pH/pCO2 variability, on gene expression in the brain tissue of a common temperate kelp forest/estuarine fish, Embiotoca jacksoni. Experiment 1 employed static pH treatments (target pH = 7.85/7.30), while Experiment 2 incorporated two variable treatments that oscillated around corresponding static treatments with the same mean (target pH = 7.85/7.70) in an eight‐day cycle (amplitude ± 0.15). We found that patterns of global gene expression differed across pH level treatments. Additionally, we identified differential expression of specific genes and enrichment of specific gene sets (GSEA) in comparisons of static pH treatments and in comparisons of static and variable pH treatments of the same mean pH. Importantly, we found that pH/pCO2 variability decreased the number of differentially expressed genes detected between high and low pH treatments, and that interindividual variability in gene expression was greater in variable treatments than static treatments. These results provide important confirmation of neurological impacts of acidification in a temperate fish species and, critically, that natural environmental variability may mediate the impacts of ocean acidification.
The transcription factors VaERF16 and VaMYB306 interact to enhance resistance of grapevine to Botrytis cinerea infection
Authors: Zhu Yanxun , Zhang Xiuming , Zhang Qihan , Chai Shengyue , Yin Wuchen , Gao Min , Li Zhi , Wang Xiping
Published: July 2022

Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that infects cultivated grape (Vitis vinifera); the identification and characterization of resistance mechanisms in the host is of great importance for the grape industry. Here, we report that a transcription factor in the ethylene‐responsive factor (ERF) family (VaERF16) from Chinese wild grape (Vitis amurensis ‘Shuang You’) is expressed during B. cinerea infection and in response to treatments with the hormones ethylene and methyl jasmonate. Heterologous overexpression of VaERF16 in Arabidopsis thaliana substantially enhanced resistance to B. cinerea and the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 via the salicylic acid and jasmonate/ethylene signalling pathways. Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and co‐immunoprecipitation assays indicated that VaERF16 interacts with the MYB family transcription factor VaMYB306. Overexpression of VaERF16 or VaMYB306 in grape leaves increased resistance to B. cinerea and caused an up‐regulation of the defence‐related gene PDF1.2, which encodes a defensin‐like protein. Conversely, silencing of either gene resulted in increased susceptibility to B. cinerea. Yeast one‐hybrid and dual‐luciferase assays indicated that VaERF16 increased the transcript levels of VaPDF1.2 by binding directly to the GCC box in its promoter. Notably, VaMYB306 alone did not bind to the VaPDF1.2 promoter, but the VaERF16–VaMYB306 transcriptional complex resulted in higher transcript levels of VaPDF1.2, suggesting that the proteins function through their mutual interaction. Elucidation of this regulatory module may be of value in enhancing resistance of grapevine to B. cinerea infection.
Evaluation of moral sensitivity and moral courage in intensive care nurses in Turkey during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Goktas Sonay , Aktug Cemile , Gezginci Elif
Published: July 2022

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, intensive care nurses may experience ethical issues related to fear of transmission, limited resources, and increased workload. Nurses' moral sensitivity and courage may have a role in dealing with these problems.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess intensive care nurses' moral sensitivity and moral courage during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Descriptive cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A total of 362 nurses working in the intensive care units of pandemic hospitals in Turkey participated in the study between January and March 2021. Data were obtained using a personal information form, the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire, and the Nurses' Moral Courage Scale. A link to the online data collection tools was sent to the management of participating institutions, who forwarded it to nurses. Reporting followed the CHERRIES guidelines.

Results

In this study, the response rate of nurses was 89%. The nurses' total mean moral sensitivity score was 90.70 ± 28.89 and their mean moral courage score was 82.08 ± 13.51. A weak inverse correlation was found between the nurses' moral sensitivity and moral courage scores (r = −.176, p = .001). Total moral sensitivity score differed significantly according to years of Intensive care unit (ICU) experience (p = .007). Total moral courage scores increased significantly with education level (p = .012), years of nursing experience (p = .016), and willingness to work in the ICU (p < .001).

Conclusion

The study suggests that nurses working in the intensive care unit during the pandemic had moderate moral sensitivity and high levels of moral courage. Nurses' sociodemographic characteristics and ICU work conditions may affect their moral sensitivity and moral courage.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results of this study can help guide efforts to improve moral courage and sensitivity and address ethical issues among ICU nurses.
Impact of mowing frequency and temperature on the production of temperate grasslands: explanations received by an individual‐based model
Authors: Schmid Julia S. , Huth Andreas , Taubert Franziska
Published: July 2022

Grasslands represent an important ecosystem type as they provide numerous ecosystem services. Field studies have shown that temperate grasslands with high diversity can be highly productive. Management and changing environmental conditions can impact the diversity–production relationship. However, the specific mechanisms and role of biodiversity, environmental factors or anthropogenic interventions that lead to changes in production are not well understood. Here, we used the individual‐based grassland model GRASSMIND parameterized for a field biodiversity experiment to analyze changes in the diversity–production relationship when varying the mowing frequency and increasing air temperature. Our results revealed that the positive diversity–production relationship persists with varied mowing frequency and temperature increase, with an increased proportion of herbs in more frequently mown grasslands (from 78% to 85%). Using the model, we further investigated quantitatively how different processes (e.g. plant shading) affect grassland dynamics and production under varied mowing frequencies and air temperature. Although aboveground net primary production (ANPP) decreased in more frequently mown grasslands (20% less ANPP), biomass yields increased due to an even stronger decrease in space‐dependent plant mortality (30% less crowding). Plant mortality (intrinsic and by crowding) caused more biomass losses than caused by shading between plants or by a reduced production due to temperature increase. This study revealed how models, complementary to field experiments, can be used to analyze and quantify the importance of mechanisms and the role of environmental factors in grassland dynamics.
Rhizosheath: An adaptive root trait to improve plant tolerance to phosphorus and water deficits?
Authors: Aslam Mehtab Muhammad , Karanja Joseph K. , Dodd Ian C. , Waseem Muhammad , Weifeng Xu
Published: July 2022

Drought and nutrient limitations adversely affect crop yields, with below‐ground traits enhancing crop production in these resource‐poor environments. This review explores the interacting biological, chemical and physical factors that determine rhizosheath (soil adhering to the root system) development, and its influence on plant water uptake and phosphorus acquisition in dry soils. Identification of quantitative trait loci for rhizosheath development indicate it is genetically determined, but the microbial community also directly (polysaccharide exudation) and indirectly (altered root hair development) affect its extent. Plants with longer and denser root hairs had greater rhizosheath development and increased P uptake efficiency. Moreover, enhanced rhizosheath formation maintains contact at the root‐soil interface thereby assisting water uptake from drying soil, consequently improving plant survival in droughted environments. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to determine if rhizosheath development is a cause or consequence of improved plant adaptation to dry and nutrient‐depleted soils. Does rhizosheath development directly enhance plant water and phosphorus use, or do other tolerance mechanisms allow plants to invest more resources in rhizosheath development? Much more work is required on the interacting genetic, physical, biochemical and microbial mechanisms that determine rhizosheath development, to demonstrate that selection for rhizosheath development is a viable crop improvement strategy.
The CBL‐CIPK network is involved in the physiological crosstalk between plant growth and stress adaptation
Authors: Mao Jingjing , Mo Zhijie , Yuan Guang , Xiang Haiying , Visser Richard G. F. , Bai Yuling , Liu Haobao , Wang Qian , van der Linden C. Gerard
Published: July 2022

Plants have evolved to deal with different stresses during plant growth, relying on complex interactions or crosstalk between multiple signalling pathways in plant cells. In this sophisticated regulatory network, Ca2+ transients in the cytosol ([Ca2+]cyt) act as major physiological signals to initiate appropriate responses. The CALCINEURIN B‐LIKE PROTEIN (CBL)‐CBL‐INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE (CIPK) network relays physiological signals characterised by [Ca2+]cyt transients during plant development and in response to environmental changes. Many studies are aimed at elucidating the role of the CBL‐CIPK network in plant growth and stress responses. This review discusses the involvement of the CBL‐CIPK pathways in two levels of crosstalk between plant development and stress adaptation: direct crosstalk through interaction with regulatory proteins, and indirect crosstalk through adaptation of correlated physiological processes that affect both plant development and stress responses. This review thus provides novel insights into the physiological roles of the CBL‐CIPK network in plant growth and stress adaptation.
Gene expression of a canopy‐forming kelp, Eisenia bicyclis (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), under high temperature stress
Authors: Hara Yoshino , Otake Yui , Akita Shingo , Yamazaki Tomokazu , Takahashi Fumio , Yoshikawa Shinya , Shimada Satoshi
Published: July 2022

To understand the high temperature stress acclimation of a canopy‐forming kelp, RNA‐seq analysis was performed on cultured Eisenia bicyclis (Kjellman) Setchell (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), a major component species of kelp forests along the coast of Japan. We established a culture strain from a population at the northernmost distribution limit of this species and measured photosystem II activity in young sporophytes. We found that photosystem II activity was lower at 25°C than at 5–15°C, thus, comparative RNA‐seq analysis was conducted between cultivated young thalli of E. bicyclis at 15°C and 25°C. Comparison with the expression genes revealed 277 up‐regulated genes and 327 down‐regulated genes at 25°C. The most up‐regulated gene was 3‐ketoacyl‐CoA thiolase, which is related to fatty acid degradation. This enzyme has been reported to positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae). In addition, heat shock proteins, ATP synthase, NADH‐dehydrogenase, and L‐ascorbate peroxidase were up‐regulated. The most down‐regulated gene was taurine catabolism dioxygenase TauD/TfdA. Genes related to fatty acid metabolism, photosynthesis, and synthesis of cell wall components were down‐regulated. These results suggest that E. bicyclis may counteract high temperature stress by up‐regulating genes involved in protein stabilization, energy production and antioxidant processes. Conversely, photosynthesis and other metabolic processes may be damaged due to the inability to withstand high temperature stress.
Cultivation of fish ciliate parasites: Progress and prospects
Authors: Li Ming , Bastos Gomes Giana , Zhao Weishan , Hu Guangran , Huang Ke , Yoshinaga Tomoyoshi , Clark Theodore G. , Li Wenxiang , Zou Hong , Wu Shangong , Wang Guitang
Published: July 2022

Ciliates are considered the most harmful parasites of fish, causing mass mortalities and thus substantial economic losses to the aquaculture and ornamental fish industries. To better elucidate their pathogenic mechanisms and facilitate the development of effective prevention and control strategies, it is essential to apply novel technologies to ensure the continuous and sufficient supply of parasite specimens. This review discusses the latest research progress in the artificial culture of six important parasitic ciliates affecting both freshwater and marine fish globally:Ichthyophthirius multifiliis,Cryptocaryon irritans,Chilodonella(C. hexasticha,C. piscicolaandC. uncinata),Balantidium ctenopharyngodoni, Scuticociliatida gen. spp., andTetrahymenaspp. Methods for in vitro and in vivo culture as well as cryopreservation/preservation (depending on the specific species) of these organisms are described herein. Challenges and future applications of parasite culture are also discussed.
ECB monetary policy and commodity prices
Authors: Aliyev Shahriyar , Kočenda Evžen
Published: July 2022

We assess the impact of ECB monetary policy on global aggregate and sectoral commodity prices over 2001–2019. We employ an SVAR model and separately assess periods before and after the global financial crisis. Our key results indicate that contractionary monetary policy shocks have positive effects on commodity prices during both conventional and unconventional monetary policy periods, indicating the effectiveness of unconventional monetary policy tools. The largest impact is documented on energy (fuel) and food commodities. Our results also suggest that the effect of ECB monetary policy on commodity prices transmits through the exchange rate channel, which influences European market demand.
La agroecologia y la ecoagricultura, estrategias sustentables en los sistemas de producción campesina
Authors: FONSECA CARREÑO NELSON ENRIQUE
Published: July 2022

La acelerada transformación de los ecosistemas, originada principalmente por actividades antrópicas como la ganadería extensiva y la agricultura convencional, han ayudado a suscitar variaciones climáticas acentuando la pérdida de biodiversidad. Bajo tal premisa, esta investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar aspectos tanto socioeconómicos como biofísicos en los municipios de Cabrera, Pasca, San Bernardo y Granada en la provincia del Sumapaz en Cundinamarca, para evaluar el coeficiente de variación a través de la aplicación de prácticas agroecológicas y eco agrícolas, bajo criterios de sustentabilidad y así determinar el grado de eficiencia de doce sistemas de producción campesina –SPC–. La información fue recolectada a través de encuestas y metodologías participativas en el periodo comprendido entre junio de 2018 y diciembre de 2019. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran diferencias σ±1, indicando una elevada dispersión en la aplicación e implementación de prácticas agroecológicas y eco agrícolas, además, mediante el criterio de estimación 3 SPC obtuvieron un índice entre 57 y 59%, calificados dentro de la eficiencia del sistema como ‘débil’ con prácticas ‘pertinentes’ y 9 SPC obtuvieron un índice de 61 a 73 %, lo que representa una eficiencia ‘constante’ de los SPC con prácticas ‘adecuadas’. Se evidencia que, bajo sus modos de vida tradicional y saberes culturales, la influencia externa de tecnología, cambios socioculturales, políticas regionales y nacionales, así como la falta de acceso al mercado, genera una alta dependencia externa de productos o servicios acarreando consigo consecuencias ecológicas, económicas y sociales. Se puede concluir que las prácticas agropecuarias tradicionales tienden a desaparecer y con estas la diversidad de cultivos, especies, semillas, conocimiento y saberes culturales, ya que se articulan con la implementación de técnicas de la agricultura moderna, basada en la especialización y mecanización productiva, ocasionando disminución de la biodiversidad.
Caracterización de la distribución de la tierra para la planificación rural del Caquetá
Authors: Vergara Hincapie Jaime
Published: July 2022

Se caracteriza la distribución de la tierra en el Caquetá y sus municipios aproximándose a la incidencia de concentración y fraccionamiento. Con un método mixto secuencial explicativo se analizan los componentes de la estructura agraria (EA) y la distribución predial por tamaño e indicadores, y se proponen agrupamientos supramunicipales. Se concluye que la EA departamental es bimodal con predominio de la mediana propiedad caracterizada por la historia de adjudicación de baldíos y la capacidad productiva de la tierra. Formas de ocupación y tenencia como las invasiones urbanas, deforestación y propietarios ausentes, deben considerarse en el modelo de ordenamiento departamental.
Dimensiones y enfoques de valoración de los servicios ecosistémicos en agroecosistemas
Authors: Melgarejo Vladimir , Bautista Rodríguez Sandra Cecilia , Camargo Mauricio
Published: July 2022

La promoción de agroecosistemas que proveen servicios ecosistémicos [SE] además de la producción de alimentos, está mediada por su nivel de aporte al bienestar de las comunidades, así como la capacidad de estas para fundamentarlos. Esta mediación se materializa cuando una comunidad gestiona su agroecosistema según la importancia o valor dada a los SE. Estos constituyen un proceso estudiado por la agroecología y la economía ecológica, logrando avances en la asignación holística del valor. Sin embargo, en el mundo y especialmente en América Latina, la literatura no registra un vínculo formal entre estas dos ciencias con relación a la valoración de SE en agroecosistemas, pese a que comparten planteamientos teóricos similares que pueden ser integrados con este propósito. Mediante una revisión sistemática de literatura, se establecen cinco dimensiones de valoración: ecológica, sociocultural, tecnológica, económica y política. Asimismo, se determinan cinco enfoques de valoración: transdisciplinar, sistémico, ecológico, multidimensional y participativo en agroecosistemas. La articulación entre tanto en dimensiones como enfoques direccionan el proceso de valoración de SE, aportando en la toma de decisiones para la gestión sostenible de agroecosistemas.
Retos y propuestas para repoblar la España vaciada
Authors: Díez-Gutiérrez Enrique-Javier , Rodríguez-Rejas Maria-José
Published: July 2022

Ante la grave situación de despoblación de las zonas rurales en España, la denominada “España vaciada”, que se ha convertido recientemente en una prioridad en la agenda política, se analiza la trayectoria de las políticas públicas e iniciativas institucionales españolas y su responsabilidad en la conformación y magnitud del problema. Aunque el análisis se inscribe a nivel nacional, la revisión sistematizada de propuestas para dar alternativas al vaciamiento de las zonas rurales se podría aplicar a otros ámbitos más allá de la situación nacional, estableciendo los lineamientos mínimos necesarios y deseables en una política de repoblamiento a partir de experiencias documentadas.
Validez de la escala de soledad UCLA en cuidadores de pacientes crónicos en Colombia
Authors: Carreño-Moreno Sonia patricia , Chaparro-Díaz Lorena , Cáliz Romero Nelly , Rivera Romero Nathaly
Published: July 2022

Introducción: la soledad en cuidadores familiares se presenta como una experiencia frecuente debido a las demandas que implica el cuidado de una persona con enfermedad crónica.
Objetivo: determinar la validez facial y de contenido de la UCLA en cuidadores familiares de personas con enfermedad crónica.
Método: estudio psicométrico de validación facial y de contenido de la escala UCLA. Para la validación del contenido participaron expertos en el área y los ítems se valoraron en términos de claridad, redundancia y relevancia. El índice Lawshe modificado por Tristán fue el estadístico usado para su análisis. Para la validación facial participaron cuidadores familiares de personas con enfermedad crónica a quienes se les realizó una entrevista cognitiva y se analizaron las áreas de comprensión, recuperación, juicio, adecuación de opciones de respuesta y contenido de la pregunta.
Resultados: validez de contenido: 9 de 18 ítems de la escala UCLA presentaron IVC ajustado superior a 0,8. El ítem 8 presentó IVC ajustado de 0,66, lo que requirió análisis y ajuste semántico por parte del comité de validación. Con respecto a la validez facial, a partir del proceso de entrevista cognitiva se evidenció que para todos los ítems el 86 % o más de los participantes reportaron una adecuada comprensión, recuperación, juicio y adecuación de los ítems. Luego del análisis cualitativo de las respuestas, el ítem 7 requirió ajuste semántico.
Conclusiones: la escala UCLA cuenta con la validez de contenido y facial aceptable para su uso en cuidadores de personas con enfermedad crónica en Colombia. Se propone una versión del instrumento ajustada semánticamente.
Effect of Fiber Geometry on Fracture and Fatigue of Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Tang Jingda , Chen Xi , Men Libo , Wang Zhengjin
Published: July 2022

Hydrogel-based biomedical applications are under rapid development. These applications usually demand hydrogels to have high toughness and high fatigue threshold. Recently, various fiber-reinforced composite hydrogels have been developed to meet this challenge. However, the effect of fiber geometry on the fracture and fatigue of composite hydrogels is still elusive. Here, we use a model composite hydrogel to study the influence of fiber width, fiber spacing, and fiber configuration on these properties. It is found that the toughness of the composite hydrogel does not increase monotonically with the fiber width or fiber spacing, but presents a peak. This is because the variation of fiber width and fiber spacing not only affects the volume of fiber in the fracture process zone but also influences the dissipated elastic energy density in that volume, which is affected by the stress concentration. The peak is a consequence of the trade-off between these two factors. Our study further shows that the shape of the fiber network affects the stress concentration in the fiber dramatically, thereby leading to a huge difference in the toughness and fatigue threshold of the composite hydrogels. This work highlights the importance of fiber size as well as the shape of fiber networks on the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels. It may help the design of tough and fatigue-resistant stretchable composite materials.
Optimization of Exhaust Covers in Marine Scrubbers
Authors: Poulsen Mathias , Sørensen Kim , Condra Thomas
Published: July 2022

The number of marine scrubbers installed in industry has been on the rise over the past decade and is expected to continue in the coming years. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the design of the scrubbers enables as an efficient operation as possible. In this study, an optimization of the exhaust cover inside an in-line scrubber was carried out. The optimization was done by combining a computational fluid dynamics model working on a simplified geometry with the method of feasible directions in order to reduce the pressure loss caused by the exhaust cover. The design is constrained in both height and width of the points making up the exhaust cover to ensure proper drainage of water and to avoid invalid designs. It was found that the optimized design reduced the pressure loss by 42% compared to the initial design. Furthermore, the scalability of the original design was investigated with the same height constraint enforced on the design variables. The result of the scalability analysis showed that the radius of the exhaust cover for the optimal designs scales linearly with the diameter of the scrubber, while the pressure loss was found to increase quadratically as the diameter of the scrubber increases.
Evaluation of vibrational energies and wave functions of CO2 on a quantum computer
Authors: Lötstedt Erik , Yamanouchi Kaoru , Tachikawa Yutaka
Published: July 2022

In order to develop a method for evaluating vibrational energies and wave functions of a polyatomic molecule by quantum computing, we introduce the reduced multistate contracted variational quantum eigensolver (RMC-VQE) method, which is a variant of the multistate contracted VQE method [Parrish et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 230401 (2019)], and apply the RMC-VQE method to a two-mode model of CO2. In the RMC-VQE method, much fewer matrix elements of the Hamiltonian are evaluated on the quantum computer than in the MC-VQE method. By measuring the matrix elements of the Hamiltonian using the quantum computer ibm_kawasaki and diagonalizing the Hamiltonian matrix on a classical computer, we obtain the vibrational energies of the Fermi doublet, which differ from the exact energies obtained using a classical computer by less than 0.1 cm−1. We also obtain accurate vibrational wave functions of the Fermi doublet states.
A comparative analysis of the directional sound radiation of historical violins
Authors: Pezzoli Mirco , Canclini Antonio , Antonacci Fabio , Sarti Augusto
Published: July 2022

The directivity pattern of a musical instrument describes the sound energy radiation as a function of frequency and direction of emission. Violins exhibit a rather complex directivity pattern, which is known to show rapid variations across frequencies, and whose behavior cannot be easily predicted except in the lowest frequency range. The acoustic behavior of the violin is a fascinating research topic that has prompted numerous published works, but a thorough, comprehensive, and comparative analysis of violin directivity patterns is long overdue. In this article, we propose a set of metrics for characterizing the radiative behavior of musical instruments and, in particular, for comparing their directivity patterns. We apply such metrics for a comparative analysis of the directivity patterns of some of the most prestigious historical violins ever made, including grand masters such as Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri “del Gesú” and members of the Amati family. The instruments are preserved in the Violin Museum of Cremona, Italy, where our lab is located. The analysis methodology introduced in this work allowed us to quantitatively evaluate the similarity of directivity patterns of such extraordinary instruments and draw some interesting conclusions.
A theory for the flow of chemically responsive polymer solutions: Equilibrium and shear-induced phase separation
Authors: De Corato Marco , Arroyo Marino
Published: July 2022

Chemically responsive polymers are macromolecules that respond to local variations of the chemical composition of the solution by changing their conformation, with notable examples including polyelectrolytes, proteins, and DNA. The polymer conformation changes can occur in response to changes in the pH, the ionic strength, or the concentration of a generic solute that interacts with the polymer. These chemical stimuli can lead to drastic variations of the polymer flexibility and even trigger a transition from a coil to a globule polymer conformation. In many situations, the spatial distribution of the chemical stimuli can be highly inhomogeneous, which can lead to large spatial variations of polymer conformation and of the rheological properties of the mixture. In this paper, we develop a theory for the flow of a mixture of solute and chemically responsive polymers. The approach is valid for generic flows and inhomogeneous distributions of polymers and solutes. To model the polymer conformation changes introduced by the interactions with the solute, we consider the polymers as linear elastic dumbbells whose spring stiffness depends on the solute concentration. We use Onsager’s variational formalism to derive the equations governing the evolution of the variables, which unveils novel couplings between the distribution of dumbbells and that of the solute. Finally, we use a linear stability analysis to show that the governing equations predict an equilibrium phase separation and a distinct shear-induced phase separation whereby a homogeneous distribution of solute and dumbbells spontaneously demix. Similar phase transitions have been observed in previous experiments using stimuli-responsive polymers and may play an important role in living systems.
Energy Availability Over One Athletic Season: An Observational Study Among Athletes From Different Sports
Authors: Jesus Filipe , Sousa Mónica , Nunes Catarina L. , Francisco Ruben , Rocha Paulo , Minderico Cláudia S. , Sardinha Luís B. , Silva Analiza M.
Published: July 2022

During the athletic season, changes in body composition occur due to fluctuations in energy expenditure and energy intake. Literature regarding changes of energy availability (EA) is still scarce. The aim was to estimate EA of athletes from nonweight and weight-sensitive sports during the athletic season (i.e., preparatory and competitive phase). Eighty-eight athletes (19.1 ± 4.2 years, 21.8 ± 2.0 kg/m2, 27% females, self-reported eumenorrheic) from five sports (basketball [n = 29]; handball [n = 7]; volleyball [n = 9]; swimming [n = 18]; and triathlon [n = 25]) were included in this observational study. Energy intake and exercise energy expenditure were measured through doubly labeled water (over 7 days and considering neutral energy balance) and metabolic equivalents of tasks, respectively. Fat-free mass (FFM) was assessed through a four-compartment model. EA was calculated as EA = (energy intake − exercise energy expenditure)/FFM. Linear mixed models, adjusted for sex, were performed to assess EA for the impact of time by sport interaction. Among all sports, EA increased over the season: basketball, estimated mean (SE): 7.2 (1.5) kcal/kg FFM, p < .001; handball, 14.8 (2.9) kcal/kg FFM, p < .001; volleyball, 7.9 (2.8) kcal/kg FFM, p = .006; swimming, 8.7 (2.0) kcal/kg FFM, p < .001; and triathlon, 9.6 (2.0) kcal/kg FFM, p < .001. Eleven athletes (12.5%) had clinical low EA at the preparatory phase and none during the competitive phase. During both assessments, triathletes’ EA was below optimal, being lower than basketballers (p < .001), volleyballers (p < .05), and swimmers (p < .001). Although EA increased in all sports, triathlon’s EA was below optimal during both assessments. Risk of low EA might be seasonal and resolved throughout the season, with higher risk during the preparatory phase. However, in weight-sensitive sports, namely triathlon, low EA is still present.