bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the art and practice in AI in education
Authors: Holmes Wayne , Tuomi Ilkka
Published: October 2022

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have generated great expectations for the future impact of AI in education and learning (AIED). Often these expectations have been based on misunderstanding current technical possibilities, lack of knowledge about state‐of‐the‐art AI in education, and exceedingly narrow views on the functions of education in society. In this article, we provide a review of existing AI systems in education and their pedagogic and educational assumptions. We develop a typology of AIED systems and describe different ways of using AI in education and learning, show how these are grounded in different interpretations of what AI and education is or could be, and discuss some potential roadblocks on the AIED highway.
Coupling between the prelimbic cortex, nucleus reuniens, and hippocampus during NREM sleep remains stable under cognitive and homeostatic demands
Authors: Bozic Ivan , Rusterholz Thomas , Mikutta Christian , Del Rio‐Bermudez Carlos , Nissen Christoph , Adamantidis Antoine
Published: October 2022

The interplay between the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep contributes to the consolidation of contextual memories. To assess the role of the thalamic nucleus reuniens (Nre) in this interaction, we investigated the coupling of neuro‐oscillatory activities among prelimbic cortex, Nre, and hippocampus across sleep states and their role in the consolidation of contextual memories using multi‐site electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic manipulations. We showed that ripples are time‐locked to the Up state of cortical slow waves, the transition from UP to DOWN state in thalamic slow waves, the troughs of cortical spindles, and the peaks of thalamic spindles during spontaneous sleep, rebound sleep and sleep following a fear conditioning task. In addition, spiking activity in Nre increased before hippocampal ripples, and the phase‐locking of hippocampal ripples and thalamic spindles during NREM sleep was stronger after acquisition of a fear memory. We showed that optogenetic inhibition of Nre neurons reduced phase‐locking of ripples to cortical slow waves in the ventral hippocampus whilst their activation altered the preferred phase of ripples to slow waves in ventral and dorsal hippocampi. However, none of these optogenetic manipulations of Nre during sleep after acquisition of fear conditioning did alter sleep‐dependent memory consolidation. Collectively, these results showed that Nre is central in modulating hippocampus and cortical rhythms during NREM sleep.
Policy and transparency gaps for oceanic shark and rays in high seas tuna fisheries
Authors: Cronin Melissa R. , Amaral Julia E. , Jackson Alexis M. , Jacquet Jennifer , Seto Katherine L. , Croll Donald A.
Published: October 2022

The incidental capture by marine fisheries as bycatch poses a global threat to pelagic sharks and rays. In large, industrialized fisheries that often operate in areas beyond national jurisdiction, at least 22 threatened species of pelagic elasmobranchs are caught as bycatch, representing the majority of megafauna bycatch in tuna fisheries. Here, we investigate (1) the efficacy of the current policies of the five tuna‐related Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (tRFMOs) in mitigating elasmobranch bycatch, (2) data needed to better assess the amount and impact of elasmobranch bycatch and (3) the research necessary for the adoption of new policies. We found that tRFMOs have adopted 34 active policies that address pelagic elasmobranch bycatch. However, most policies (~76%, n = 26) are unlikely to avoid or minimize elasmobranch bycatch. Instead, most policies focus on mitigating post‐capture mortality via remediation and requiring or encouraging research and data collection. Despite the emphasis on research mandates, we find that the existence of research was not related to policy adoption, suggesting that lack of research has not historically prohibited policymaking. Overall, we suggest that current research and data transparency, though perhaps not necessary for policy adoption, are not sufficient to adequately evaluate the population‐level impacts of bycatch on many elasmobranch species in tRFMO‐managed fisheries. Given these results, we recommend a precautionary approach that involves reforms in tRFMO voting processes to facilitate the adoption of binding requirements for elasmobranch catch limits, bycatch avoidance, pre‐ and post‐capture handling and release modifications and protection of areas important to threatened pelagic elasmobranchs.
Juvenile justice–involved Haitian families' experiences of structural racism and socioethnic discrimination
Authors: Cela Toni , Demezier Danna , Waldman Rachel , Clement Roy , Dembo Richard , Jean‐Gilles Michèle , Hogue Aaron , Arcayos Alexandra , Santisteban Daniel , Marcelin Louis Herns
Published: October 2022

Objective

This article examines how Haitian families with youth interfacing with the juvenile justice system cope with structural racism and socioethnic discrimination (RSD).

Background

Haitian families' experiences of discrimination based on their histories, immigrant status, and positionality illustrates the need for more scientific scrutiny of the experiences of RSD among Black immigrant groups. This National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)–funded study details the narratives of and responses to RSD experienced by Haitian families interfacing with the juvenile justice system.

Method

Data are drawn from psychosocial assessment tools, therapeutic sessions, and ethnographic interviews conducted with Haitian families participating in a family‐based therapeutic intervention. Using critical race theory, we foreground the voices of those negatively impacted and use Bourdieu's theory of practice to examine the intersectionality of race and ethnicity in this population's experiences of RSD.

Results

The different experiences of and responses to RSD among youth and caregivers of Haitian descent are both a variation of the complex continuum of structural racism in the United States and unique to their immigrant experience of marginalization and cultural invalidation by public institutions, community members, and peers.

Conclusion

Professionals working with this population must be sensitive to the ways these experiences impact young people's identity development processes, their health, and well‐being. Haitian caregivers should be encouraged to protect their children by engaging in racial and socioethnic socialization that validates their RSD experiences.

Implications

Understanding the intergenerational experiences of RSD among Black, immigrant groups and encouraging family dialogue and adolescent support will strengthen family cohesion during this period of racial reckoning.
Survey the effect of drug treatment on modulation of cytokines gene expression in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ma Yan , Yang Xiao‐Hong , Tu Yi , Athari Seyyed Shamsadin
Published: October 2022

Allergic rhinitis as common airway disease has high prevalence in all peoples worldwide. In allergic diseases, Th2 cells release type 2 cytokines that support the inflammation in airways. All the drugs used for allergic rhinitis do not cure completely, and the choice of drugs according to cost and efficacy is very important in all groups of atopic patients. Therefore, in this study, the effect of commercial drugs on cytokine gene expression has been studied. Male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups. Allergic rhinitis was induced in five of the six groups with ovalbumin, and four of these five groups were treated with salbutamol, budesonide, theophylline, and montelukast. The fifth group was used as positive control group and the sixth group as negative control group. For the survey, RNA was extracted, cDNA was synthesized, and quantitative real‐time PCR was done for 21 genes.

The four drugs had different effects on mRNA expression of cytokines (IL‐1b, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 25, 31, 33, 37, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, TGF‐β1, and eotaxin) in the allergic rhinitis groups. Salbutamol can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it has some side effects. Budesonide in the inhaled form is generally safe in pregnancy. Theophylline cannot control allergic attack in the long run. Montelukast is not useful in the treatment of acute allergic attacks. Immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects of drugs in control of allergic rhinitis via Th2 cytokines can be new approaches in molecular medicine.
Metastatic primary breast neuroendocrine neoplasms: a case series
Authors: Batty Kathleen , Taylor Amelia M. , Bernard Elizabeth J. , Diakos Connie I. , Clarke Stephen J. , Guminski Alexander , Baron‐Hay Sally , Boyle Frances , Pavlakis Nick , Chan David L.
Published: October 2022

Background

Breast neuroendocrine neoplasms represent a rare subtype of breast cancer which have not been well studied or characterised, particularly in the metastatic setting.

Aim

To present clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and outcomes of a series of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast and review the current literature.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review to identify and describe patients with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast at our centre between 2011 and 2021. Medical records, pathology and imaging results were examined to evaluate the clinical and histopathological features as well as the treatment pathways and prognosis of these patients.

Results

We present a series of seven female patients with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast, as defined by the World Health Organization classification, over a period of 10 years (2011–2021) from a single centre. Median age at diagnosis was 48 years (range 39–63). Six of seven tissue samples expressed synaptophysin and chromogranin and were also oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive; median Ki‐67 index was 50% (range 20–90%). All seven patients had demonstrated avidity on 18F‐FDG PET imaging, and the six who underwent 68Ga‐DOTATATE PET all had significant avidity. Treatment modalities and sequencing varied, but all patients received chemotherapy during their disease course. Six patients received three or more lines of treatment. Median overall survival was 31.8 months (range 3.7–108.6). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) with first‐line therapy for metastatic disease was 5.8 months (range 1.8–37.8).

Conclusions

This series shows the use of multiple modalities in treating this disease, with different sequencing in different patients. Despite multiple modalities used in the first‐line setting, first‐line PFS remains short. Larger series and further molecular characterisation are required to aid clinicians in managing this condition and to guide optimal treatment sequencing to improve outcomes in this rare patient group.
AHR/TET2/NT5E axis downregulation is associated with the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus and its progression
Authors: Cheng He‐Hsiung , Hung‐Ke Lin , Sheu Meei‐Ling , Lee Chun‐Yi , Tsai Yi‐Ching , Lai De‐Wei
Published: October 2022

The prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unpredictable. This study aimed to examine the regulatory mechanism of the AHR/TET2/NT5E pathway during SLE progression. The AHR, TET2 and NT5E expression levels were examined in T regulatory cells (Tregs) of patients with SLE. The correlation of AHR, TET2 or NT5E expression levels with the immunosuppressive functions of Tregs was analysed. In patients with SLE, the number of CD4+IL2RA−FOXP3+ T cell subset was positively correlated with the SLE disease activity index value and negatively correlated with the AHR and TET2 expression levels in CD4+IL2RA+FOXP3+ Tregs. Transcriptional profiles of 79 patients with SLE obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE61635 dataset) revealed a significant positive correlation between the mRNA expression levels of AHR and TET2. In silico analysis predicted that the TET2 promoter comprises an AHR‐binding site. Kynurenine (KYN) promoted the binding of AHR to the TET2 promoter in Tregs of patients with SLE and Jurkat T cell lines. Furthermore, NT5E expression was significantly downregulated in Tregs of patients with SLE, which can be attributed to the dysregulation of NT5E promoter methylation status induced by downregulated TET2 activity. Furthermore, the Treg immunosuppressive activity, which is mediated through the TET2 and A2AR‐adenosine pathways, in the KYN‐treated group was approximately two‐fold higher than that in the control group. The AHR/TET2/NT5E axis mediates the Treg immunosuppressive activity. These findings provide novel insights for the development of therapeutic approaches for SLE and related autoimmune diseases.
Neutrophils in aging and aging‐related pathologies
Authors: Van Avondt Kristof , Strecker Jan‐Kolja , Tulotta Claudia , Minnerup Jens , Schulz Christian , Soehnlein Oliver
Published: October 2022

Over the past millennia, life expectancy has drastically increased. While a mere 25 years during Bronze and Iron ages, life expectancy in many European countries and in Japan is currently above 80 years. Such an increase in life expectancy is a result of improved diet, life style, and medical care. Yet, increased life span and aging also represent the most important non‐modifiable risk factors for several pathologies including cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. In recent years, neutrophils have been implicated in all of these pathologies. Hence, this review provides an overview of how aging impacts neutrophil production and function and conversely how neutrophils drive aging‐associated pathologies. Finally, we provide a perspective on how processes of neutrophil‐driven pathologies in the context of aging can be targeted therapeutically.
Democratic Privacy
Authors: Bogue Russell C.
Published: October 2022

This article proposes a novel justification for privacy rights based on the relationship between privacy and the democratic devices of voting and deliberation. Through an epistemic conception of democracy, I show that privacy, defined as epistemic inaccessibility, justifies a reliance on the vote as the voluntary mechanism of revealing citizen preferences, even in the face of theoretically more responsive methods. Respecting the inaccessibility of citizens' views ensures that democratic governments remain reliant on, rather than merely responsive to, the wills of their citizens. In addition, spaces of epistemic inaccessibility both motivate a basic form of deliberation between citizens and foster healthy deliberative practices by blunting the potentially corrosive effects of publicity. Privacy can thus be seen as a presupposition of core democratic institutions, and not just as an individual right possessed by members of a liberal‐democratic polity. This new conceptualization provides a powerful additional justification for privacy rights and suggests an alternative approach to enacting privacy‐protective measures.
Effect of Ultrasonication and wall materials on the stability, rheology, and encapsulation efficiency of vitamins in a lipid‐based double emulsion template
Authors: Pattnaik Monalisha , Mishra Hari Niwas
Published: October 2022

The study includes structuring lipid‐based systems by double emulsion methodology using ultrasonication for 1–5 min without involving sterols, followed by freeze‐drying. It contained multi‐vitamins (A, D, B9, B12) in a two‐stage emulsion process in the ratio (20:80‐ emulsion1: emulsion2). A total of 15 formulations (R1 to R15) were prepared and were further studied for properties viz. size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and rheological parameters. The size of particles varied from 143 to 396 nm, polydispersity index from 0.314 to 0.866, and zeta potential from −20 to −33.5 mV. Vitamin A, D, and B12 had excellent entrapment efficiency (>96%) but, vitamin B9 showed comparatively poor entrapment. The encapsulation efficiency of vitamins slightly depended on the compositions but were nearly independent of ultrasonication time. The trehalose and lecithin displayed a significant impact on the size and zeta potential respectively. A weak negative correlation of ultrasonication time with size was observed. In comparison to trehalose, lecithin and MPI concentration have more impact on the viscosity. The formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow behavior and good mechanical strength (angular frequency 2.45–13 Hz). Herschel‐Bulkley and Power model showed the best fit for R1 to R10, and R11 to R15 respectively. Low‐fat biscuits fortified with developed liposomes provided maximum retention of vitamins than the un‐encapsulated vitamins.

Practical Applications

Vitamins are susceptible to degradation when exposed to adverse environmental conditions, hence it is often enclosed within a membrane to prevent deterioration and ensure maximum uptake. Simultaneous co‐encapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic vitamins can be a promising strategy to enhance the delivery of labile micronutrients. The developed lipid‐based emulsions/powder have a wide applicability, can be used for the development of functional foods such as confectionery and bakery items. The presence of an extra protective membrane facilitates reduction in degradation of nutrients, thereby favoring better uptake during ingestion.
‘Propped and prone’ positioning reduces respiratory events in spontaneously breathing preterm infants: A randomised triple crossover study
Authors: Richmond Christopher M , Ring Fabian , Richmond Lacey , Rossouw Erika , Ballard Emma , Birch Pita
Published: October 2022

Aim

We compared effects of infant positioning and feed‐rate interventions on respiratory events and oximetry parameters in spontaneously breathing preterm infants born <32 weeks gestation managed in a neonatal unit.

Methods

A randomised triple crossover design was employed. n = 68 infants underwent three test conditions A: control (supine/flat, gravity bolus feeds), B: position intervention (propped/prone) and C: feed‐rate intervention (continuous pump feeds) in randomised sequence over three consecutive days. Primary outcomes were number of events (apnoea, bradycardia and desaturation) and percentage time SpO2 < 80% over 24 h. The secondary outcome was percentage time SpO2 ≥ 88%. Treatment effects were estimated using linear mixed‐effects models.

Results

Propped/prone positioning significantly reduced events and improved percentage time SpO2 < 80% and ≥88% compared to both other conditions (all P < 0.001). Outcomes for the feed‐rate intervention were not significantly different to control.

Conclusions

Alternative infant positioning should be considered in preterm infants managed in the neonatal unit.
Modelling of the effects of environmental factors on rice grain discoloration incidence in Corrientes province, Argentina
Authors: Dirchwolf Pamela M. , Moschini Ricardo C. , Gutiérrez Susana A. , Carmona Marcelo A.
Published: October 2022

Rice grain discoloration (RGD) is a disease of complex aetiology for which there are no resistant varieties. Due to the need to better define the environmental conditions that favour the disease, the aims of this work were to (i) identify the predominant fungi associated, (ii) determine the meteorological variables most closely related, and (iii) develop preliminary weather‐based models to predict binary levels of RGD incidence. After analysing 123 rice grain samples under natural infection conditions from rice‐cropping regions throughout Corrientes province, Argentina, we found that RGD was mainly associated with Alternaria padwickii (14.2%) and Microdochium albescens (13.7%). The strongest associations between weather variables and RGD incidence were observed in a susceptible critical period (Scp) that extended from the rice flowering stage until 870 accumulated degree days (Scp lasting 32 days, ±7 days). The binary response logistic model including the weather variables DPrecT (which combined the effect of the simultaneous daily occurrence of precipitation lower than 12 mm and air temperature between 13 and 28°C), and DDMnT (sum of the exceeding amounts of daily min temperature from 23°C), was the most appropriate, showing prediction accuracy (PA) values of 84.6%. The univariate model that included DPrecT presented a PA of 82.1%. The logistic regression techniques here used to develop weather‐based models to estimate the probabilities of occurrence of binary levels of RGD can not only help to clarify and quantify the environmental effect on the development of RGD but also be useful tools to be included in future management strategies.
Does surgical timing affect the rapidity of recovery in deep pain‐entire non‐ambulatory dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion?
Authors: Vicens Zanoguera L. , Pauciulo C. , Corlazzoli D. , Cauduro A. , Motta L.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate whether the delay between onset of neurological signs and spinal cord decompression affects the time to recovery in non‐ambulatory paraparetic/paraplegic dogs with deep pain perception affected by thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion.

Materials and Methods

Data on non‐ambulatory dogs with preserved deep pain perception in both hindlimbs and surgically treated for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion were prospectively collected from three referral hospitals. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to explore the relationship of time until restoration of independent ambulation with age, weight, preoperative use of anti‐inflammatory drugs, delay between onset of inability to walk and arrival at the clinic, time between presentation and spinal surgery and surgery time.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐one dogs were included. Median time from admission to surgery, including imaging, was 180 (interquartile range, 65.4 to 240) minutes. All dogs were operated within 72 hours. Follow‐up was available for all 151 dogs and ranged from 1 to 21 months. All but three dogs, which were all grade IV at presentation, recovered the ability to ambulate. In both univariable and multivariable models, only duration of surgery and neurological (Frankel) grade at presentation were significantly associated with the rapidity of recovery of ambulation.

Clinical Significance

Delay between onset of clinical signs and presentation and time between presentation and spinal surgery was not associated with the rapidity of recovery of ambulation in dogs surgically treated for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion. These results should be evaluated in the context of a limited range of delay since only 14.5% dogs had a delay ≥6.5 hours. Duration of surgery and neurological grade at presentation were significantly associated with rapidity of recovery of ambulation.
An integrative taxonomic study of Santolina (Asteraceae) from southern France and north‐eastern Spain reveals new endemic taxa
Authors: Giacò Antonio , Varaldo Lucia , Casazza Gabriele , De Luca Daniele , Caputo Paolo , Sarigu Marco , Bacchetta Gianluigi , Sáez Llorenç , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: October 2022

Santolina is a clear example of a genus lying in an alpha‐taxonomic status, with species accepted only based on qualitative morphological descriptions. In particular, taxonomic issues still need to be resolved for Santolina populations from southern France and north‐eastern Spain, and so, we carried out an integrative taxonomic study involving morphometrics, cypsela morphometrics, niche overlap, and phylogenetic analysis based on six plastid markers (trnH‐psbA, trnL‐trnF, trnQ‐rps16, rps15‐ycf1, psbM‐trnD, and trnS‐trnG). Our results revealed that the current taxonomic circumscription is not adequate. In particular, the Santolina populations at the foothills of eastern Pyrenees, previously included in the variability of Santolina benthamiana, have to be considered as a distinct species, namely, Santolina intricata. In addition, despite their high phylogenetic relatedness, S. benthamiana s.str. and Santolina ericoides can still be considered as distinct species due to clear morphological and ecological differentiation. Finally, we demonstrated that three different subspecies can be recognized in Santolina decumbens, a species endemic to Provence. For one of these subspecies, due to its extremely restricted distribution range, conservation issues are pointed out.
Liver comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the mechanism of the Hainan medaka, Oryzias curvinotus, to adapt to salinity
Authors: Dong Zhongdian , Chen Yuebi , Li Huichen , Huan Zhang , Li Xueyou , Zhang Ning , Guo Yusong , Shao Changwei , Wang Zhongduo
Published: October 2022

To explore the adaptation mechanism of Hainan medaka, Oryzias curvinotus, to salinity, this study performed a histological and RNA‐Seq comparative analysis of female medaka liver with different salinities (0, 15 and 30 practical salinity unit [psu]). In the 30 psu group, the volume of hepatocytes was increased and cytoplasmic fat accumulated. A total of 83,758 unigenes were assembled by RNA‐Seq, of which 31,147 were annotated. In total, 922 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, and the detection results of 24 DEGs by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were consistent with the RNA‐Seq data. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment showed that DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes, such as substance synthesis and transport, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and had catalytic activity and binding functions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in steroid biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor signaling pathway, and insulin signaling pathway that regulate lipid metabolism. The results of this study highlight the response of the liver transcriptome to long‐term environmental salinity changes and provide a basis for the application of the medaka genetic resources.
Population dynamics of recovering apex predators: Golden eagles in a Mediterranean landscape
Authors: Fernández‐Gil A. , Lamas J. A. , Ansola L. M. , Román J. , de Gabriel Hernando M. , Revilla E.
Published: October 2022

Apex predators play a critical role in shaping the biological and functional diversity of ecosystems. Like in many other living groups, population dynamics of apex predators exhibit auto‐regulation traits, including density‐dependent processes, which can be important for limiting population numbers. However, the study of these processes is challenging due to their slow life history traits, especially when their populations are depressed. Our main objective is to describe mechanisms driving population dynamics in apex predators by documenting the relationship between population density and demographic parameters at population level and analyzing the influence of population density and other environmental factors on the reproductive parameters at territory level. We used as biological model a recovering population of golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos in a Mediterranean landscape (North Spain). We monitored yearly all known eagle pairs within the study area for 28 years, implying 1539 reproductive events in a total of 84 territories. The average density was 3.04 pairs/1000 km2, and the reproductive success, productivity, and flight rates averaged 0.45, 0.54, and 1.20, respectively. The population increased during the study period (from 37 to 78 pairs), although we did not find any effect of density on the reproductive parameters at population level. At territory level, we found that size of territory, proportion of open habitat, and spring precipitation increased reproductive performance, while older territories performed worse than new ones. Our findings suggest that population dynamics in recovering apex‐predators are driven by a complex combination of compensatory density‐dependent processes, mainly operating at territorial level, and by environmental factors mainly related with resource availability and human pressure. For species with slow life history traits, population recovery seems to be facilitated by re‐colonization from refuge areas, wilder but less productive, to areas with higher resource availability, once they became safer after reduction of human pressures.
Epigenetic‐associated phenotypic plasticity of the ocean acidification‐acclimated edible oyster in the mariculture environment
Authors: Dang Xin , Lim Yong‐Kian , Li Yang , Roberts Steven B. , Li Li , Thiyagarajan Vengatesen
Published: October 2022

For marine invertebrates with a pelagic–benthic life cycle, larval exposure to ocean acidification (OA) can affect adult performance in response to another environmental stressor. This carry‐over effect has the potential to alter phenotypic traits. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate “OA”‐triggered carry‐over effects have not been explored despite such information being key to improving species fitness and management strategies for aquafarming. This study integrated the genome‐wide DNA methylome and transcriptome to examine epigenetic modification‐mediated carry‐over OA impacts on phenotypic traits of the ecologically and commercially important oyster species Crassostrea hongkongensis under field conditions. Larvae of C. hongkongensis were exposed to control pH 8.0 and low pH 7.4 conditions, mimicking near future OA scenario in their habitat, before being outplanted as post‐metamorphic juveniles at two mariculture field sites with contrasting environmental stressors for 9 months. The larval carry‐over OA effect was found to have persistent impacts on the growth and survival trade‐off traits on the outplanted juveniles, although the beneficial or adverse effect depended on the environmental conditions at the outplanted sites. Site‐specific plasticity was demonstrated with a diverse DNA methylation‐associated gene expression profile, with signal transduction and the endocrine system being the most common and highly enriched functions. Highly methylated exons prevailed in the key genes related to general metabolic and endocytic responses and these genes are evolutionarily conserved in various marine invertebrates in response to OA. These results suggest that oysters with prior larval exposure history to OA had the ability to trigger rapid local adaptive responses via epigenetic modification to cope with multiple stressors in the field.
Influence of blood meal source on the biological parameters ofTriatoma pallidipennis(Heteroptera: Reduviidae) from Mexico
Authors: Martínez‐Ibarra José Alejandro , Nogueda‐Torres Benjamín , Montañez‐Valdez Oziel Dante , Michel‐Parra J. Guadalupe
Published: October 2022

Chagas disease is one of the most important vector‐borne diseases in Latin America, including Mexico.Triatoma pallidipennis(Stål) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a Mexican triatomine vector commonly associated with different hosts. The influence of six blood meals (rabbits, rats, mice, dogs, cats and chickens) on six biological parameters of the biology ofT. pallidipenniswas evaluated. A significant difference was found in the period of egg‐to‐adult development between the five mammalian feeds (mean 195 days) and the chicken feed (221 days). The probability of survival was significantly lower in the chicken cohort (0.285). The total number of blood meals to moult from the first instar to the adult stage was the highest in the chicken cohort (10–15). This cohort had the significantly highest rate of females at the end cycle. The mean number of eggs laid per female and the egg eclosion rate were similar among the six food sources. Most results seemed to be influenced by the higher nutritional quality of the mammalian blood compared to the bird's blood and the increased energy expenditure required for the digestion of bird blood. These results clearly show thatT. pallidipennis, unlike other triatomine species, has a high reproductive capacity when feeding on different hosts.
A Lock‐and‐Kill Anticancer Photoactivated Chemotherapy Agent†
Authors: van Geest Erik Pieter , Götzfried Sina Katharina , Klein David M. , Salitra Nadiya , Popal Sorraya , Husiev Yurii , Van der Griend Corjan J. , Zhou Xuequan , Siegler Maxime A. , Schneider Gregory F. , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: October 2022

Photosubstitutionally active ruthenium complexes show high potential as prodrugs for the photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) treatment of tumors. One of the problems in PACT is that the localization of the ruthenium compound is hard to trace. Here, a ruthenium PACT prodrug, [Ru(3)(biq)(STF‐31)](PF6)2 (where 3 = 3‐(([2,2′:6′,2″‐ter‐ pyridin]‐4′‐yloxy)propyl‐4‐(pyren‐1‐yl)butanoate) and biq = 2,2′‐biquinoline), has been prepared, in which a pyrene tracker is attached via an ester bond. The proximity between the fluorophore and the ruthenium center leads to fluorescence quenching. Upon intracellular hydrolysis of the ester linkage, however, the fluorescence of the pyrene moiety is recovered, thus demonstrating prodrug cellular uptake. Further light irradiation of this molecule liberates by photosubstitution STF‐31, a known cytotoxic nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor, as well as singlet oxygen via excitation of the free pyrene chromophore. The dark and light cytotoxicity of the prodrug, embedded in liposomes, as well as the appearance of blue emission upon uptake, were evaluated in A375 human skin melanoma cells. The cytotoxicity of the liposome‐embedded prodrug was indeed increased by light irradiation. This work realizes an in vitro proof‐of‐concept of the lock‐and‐kill principle, which may ultimately be used to design strategies aimed at knowing where and when light irradiation should be realized in vivo.
Investigating the defoliating‐like (DL) VCG2A pathotype of Verticillium dahliae through identification and prediction of secreted proteins from genomes of Australian isolates
Authors: Webster John , Dadd‐Daigle Pearl , Chapman Toni A. , Kirkby Karen
Published: October 2022

In Australia, recent investigations have reported the presence of a number of Verticillium dahliae pathotypes (VCG1A, VCG2A and VCG6) that cause disease in cotton and agricultural weeds. During these investigations, it was observed that a VCG2A V. dahliae displayed greater virulence than previously reported in local and international isolates. Genome sequencing of seven V. dahliae isolates was performed using a mixture of short and long reads sequencing technologies. Of these seven isolates, four were identified as D VCG1A, one ND VCG2A, a recently identified Australian VCG6 as well as a virulent VCG2A, classified as “defoliating‐like”. The secreted protein repertoire from the genomes of these Australian V. dahliae isolates was predicted using four separate signal prediction methods. The consensus secreted protein set of the isolates revealed the presence of 20 proteins that were present in all virulent isolates, including the virulent DL VCG2A, and absent in the nonvirulent VCG2A isolates. Ten of these proteins had a functional annotation and were identified as ligninase H8, lipolytic enzyme, laccase, amine oxidase, spherulin‐1A, dipeptidyl‐peptidase, monooxygenase, dienelactone hydrolase, carboxypeptidase and fibronectin by BLASTP.
A caregiver's perspective on clinically relevant symptoms in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia: tools for disease management and trial design
Authors: Fieldhouse Jay L.P. , van Dijk Gaby , Gillissen Freek , van Engelen Marie‐Paule E. , de Boer Sterre C.M. , Dols Annemiek , van der Waal Hendrik‐Jan , Regeer Barbara J. , Vijverberg Everard G.B. , Pijnenburg Yolande A.L.
Published: October 2022

Background

Adequate detection of symptoms and disease progression in behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is complex. Dementia cohorts usually utilize cognitive and functional measures, which fail to detect dominant behavioural and social cognitive deficits in bvFTD. Moreover, since patients typically have a loss of insight, caregivers are important informants. This is the first qualitative study to investigate caregiver relevant symptoms during the disease course of bvFTD, aiming to improve tools for diagnosis, progression, and future clinical trials.

Methods

Informal caregivers of patients in different disease stages of bvFTD (N = 20) were recruited from the neurology outpatient clinic of the Amsterdam UMC and a patient organization for peer support in the Netherlands. Their perspectives on clinical relevance were thoroughly explored during individual semi‐structured interviews. Inductive content analysis with open coding was performed by two researchers independently to establish overarching themes and patterns.

Results

Caregivers reported a variety of symptoms, in which (i) loss of emotional connection, (ii) preoccupation and restlessness, and (iii) apathy and dependency compose major themes of relevance for diagnosis and treatment. Within heterogeneous disease trajectories, symptom presence differed between stages and among individuals, which is relevant in the context of progression and outcome measures. Significant socio‐emotional changes dominated in early stages, while severe cognitive, behavioural, and physical deterioration shifted focus from predominant personality change to quality of life in later stages.

Conclusions

Caregiver perspectives on target symptoms in bvFTD differ according to clinical stage and patient‐caregiver characteristics, with significant socio‐emotional changes characterizing early stages. These findings call for more appropriate tools and symptomatic treatments, as well as a personalized approach in treatment of bvFTD and a focus on early stage interventions in clinical trial design.
Accurate estimation of peak vertical ground reaction force using the duty factor in level treadmill running
Authors: Patoz Aurélien , Lussiana Thibault , Breine Bastiaan , Gindre Cyrille , Malatesta Davide
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to (1) construct a statistical model (SMM) based on the duty factor (DF) to estimate the peak vertical ground reaction force () and (2) to compare the estimated to force plate gold standard (GSM). One hundred and fifteen runners ran at 9, 11, and 13 km/h. Force (1000 Hz) and kinematic (200 Hz) data were acquired with an instrumented treadmill and an optoelectronic system, respectively, to assess force‐plate and kinematic based DFs. SMM linearly relates to the inverse of DF because DF was analytically associated with the inverse of the average vertical force during ground contact time and the latter wasvery highlycorrelated to . No systematic bias and a 4% root mean square error (RMSE) were reported between GSM and SMM using force‐plate based DF values when considering all running speeds together. Using kinematic based DF values, SMM reported a systematic but small bias (0.05BW) and a 5% RMSE when considering all running speeds together. These findings support the use of SMM to estimate during level treadmill runs at endurance speeds if underlying DF values are accurately measured.
Validation of new, gender‐neutral questions on recent sexual behaviors among plasma donors and men who have sex with men
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Renaud Christian , Germain Marc , Boivin Amélie , Thibeault Catherine , Caruso Jessica , Otis Joanne
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Several blood services might eventually interview donors with gender‐neutral questions on sexual behaviors to improve the inclusivity of blood donation. We tested two ways (i.e., “scenarios”) of asking donors about their recent sexual behaviors.

Materials and Methods

The study comprised 126 regular source plasma donors and 102 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), including 73 cis‐gbMSM (i.e., the “cis‐gbMSM subgroup,” which excluded nonbinary, genderqueer, and trans individuals). In Scenario 1, participants were asked if, in the last 3 months, they “have […] had a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner.” In Scenario 2, they were asked “Have you had a new sexual partner?” and “have you had more than one sexual partner?”. Validation questions included more specific questions on the type of partners and sexual activity.

Results

Among plasma donors, sensitivity was 100.0% for both scenarios; specificity was 100.0% and 99.1% for Scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. Among gbMSM, sensitivity was 74.5% and 82.9% for Scenarios 1 and 2, respectively; specificity was 100.0% for both scenarios. Among cis‐gbMSM, sensitivity was 88.6% and 100.0% for Scenarios 1 and 2, respectively; specificity was 100.0% for both scenarios. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of Scenario 2 was significantly higher than that of Scenario 1 among gbMSM and in the cis‐gbMSM subgroup (all p < .05).

Conclusion

Scenario 2 questions performed well among plasma donors and cis‐gbMSM, but less so in the broader gbMSM population.
A multimodal approach to English for academic purposes in contexts of diversity
Authors: Archer Arlene
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on the affordances of multimodal pedagogies in teaching English for academic purposes (EAP) in diverse and multilingual contexts. It draws on South Africa as an example of a multilingual, culturally diverse site in a recently decolonized country. Here theorizing and pedagogical practices around EAP often have a social justice agenda in order to redress the inequalities of the past. The importance of recognizing the multilingual and multimodal resources of students is highlighted in the teaching of academic writing. To this end, the article examines talk as an important mode in improving writing, drawing on multilingualism as a resource, working on screen versus page, the affordances of mind‐mapping and visualizing academic argument. The contention is that multimodal pedagogies can acknowledge students as agentive and creative meaning‐makers. This is particularly relevant in a context in which autonomous and decontextualized models of student support persist and students continue to be constructed as ‘lacking’ in resources.
Mussel adhesion: A fundamental perspective on factors governing strong underwater adhesion
Authors: Mears Laura L. E. , Appenroth Julia , Yuan Hui , Celebi Alper T. , Bilotto Pierluigi , Imre Alexander M. , Zappone Bruno , Su Rongxin , Valtiner Markus
Published: October 2022

Protein-based underwater adhesives of marine organisms exhibit extraordinary binding strength in high salinity based on utilizing a variety of molecular interaction mechanisms. These include acid-base interactions, bidentate bindings or complex hydrogen bonding interactions, and electrochemical manipulation of interfacial bonding. In this Perspective, we briefly review recent progress in the field, and we discuss how interfacial electrochemistry can vary interfacial forces by concerted tuning of surface charging, hydration forces, and tuning of the interfacial ion concentration. We further discuss open questions, controversial findings, and new paths into understanding and utilizing redox-proteins and derived polymers for enhancing underwater adhesion in a complex salt environment.
Effect of SiO2 buffer layer on phase transition properties of VO2 films fabricated by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Mutilin Sergey , Kapoguzov Kirill , Prinz Victor , Yakovkina Lyubov
Published: October 2022

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a promising material with semiconductor-metal phase transition for novel electronic and optic applications. One of the most widely used substrates for VO2 films is silicon (Si) covered with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) buffer layer because such a substrate is compatible with standard silicon technology. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of SiO2 buffer layer preparation and properties of the VO2/SiO2 interface to the VO2 phase-transition parameters. In the present paper, we investigate the phase-transition properties of VO2 films grown by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition on dry and wet thermally grown SiO2 buffer layers. The x-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, and temperature-dependent resistance measurements showed a high crystal quality of the grown VO2 films. We identified the synthesis conditions for obtaining a sharp reversible semiconductor-metal phase transition in VO2 films on both SiO2 buffer layers. It was found that the resistance jump due to phase transition in VO2 films grown on dry and wet SiO2 was 6.5 × 103 and 5.6 × 103 with the hysteresis widths being equal to 2 and 3 °C, respectively. The calculated average size of VO2 crystallites on the dry SiO2 buffer layer proved to be 1.5–2 times larger than that on the wet SiO2 buffer layer. The field-effect measurements showed that the electric-current modulation in VO2 films synthesized on dry SiO2 is almost ten times higher than on wet SiO2 due to different interface layer properties. For 250 nm VO2 film on dry SiO2, the current modulation value reached 0.6%. The results of this work may be useful for the fabrication of new VO2-based functional devices compatible with standard silicon technology.
Analyzing the Center of Mass in Collisions Using Video Analysis
Authors: Aji Mahardika Prasetya , Rahmawati Ita , Imtinan Nisrina , Permatasari Hestining Ajeng , Hidayah Husnul , Linuwih Suharto , Priyanto Aan , Yusmantoro Yusmantoro
Published: October 2022

The center of mass (CM) is an abstract quantity but essential as a reference point used to understand the position and movement of an object or a system of objects. Many researchers have used video recordings to analyze and understand the movement of objects in a system. In a system with colliding objects, the motion can be obtained precisely from video analysis. Estimating the momentum of each object can allow analysis of the conservation of linear momentum of the collision.
Funicular Bridges
Authors: Denny Mark
Published: October 2022

Bridges are a popular topic in this journal, because they are a very visual display of static and dynamic physical principles. In this paper, we provide an intuitive derivation of the equations associated with suspension bridge cables and load-bearing arches, which is of pedagogical interest in illustrating the consequences of Newton’s laws for familiar and visually striking objects.
The left-right symmetrical and asymmetrical deformations in a three-bubble system
Authors: Wu Yaorong , Chen Weizhong , Zhang Lingling , Shen Yang , Zhao Guoying , Kou Shaoyang
Published: October 2022

This paper studies the simplest system that can possess left-right symmetrical and asymmetrical surroundings, three bubbles in a line. Assuming that the deformations are small, the surfaces of bubbles are described by a combination of the first three Legendre polynomials, that is, spherical symmetrical mode P0, L-R antisymmetrical mode P1, and symmetrical mode P2. A dynamical model is built to describe aspherical oscillations of central and two side bubbles. It is found that when three identical bubbles are separated uniformly, the central bubble only has a P2 component and P1 component tends to zero, while two side bubbles have both P1 and P2 components. When three identical bubbles are separated by different distances, they can be degenerated into a two-bubble system and a free bubble. The bubble deformations contain both P1 and P2 components in the two-bubble system, while both aspherical components P1 and P2 of the free bubble tend to zero. If side bubbles are different in ambient radii but located symmetrically on the left and right of the central bubble, the side bubble pulsated more strongly plays an important role on the deformation of the central one.