bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary metabolic profiling of Serratia marcescens NP10 reveals new stephensiolides and glucosamine derivatives with bacterial membrane activity
Authors: Clements-Decker Tanya , Rautenbach Marina , van Rensburg Wilma , Khan Sehaam , Stander Marietjie , Khan Wesaal
Published: February 2023

Secondary metabolic profiling, using UPLC-MSE and molecular networking, revealed the secondary metabolites produced by Serratia marcescens NP10. The NP10 strain co-produced cyclic and open-ring stephensiolides (i.e., fatty acyl chain linked to Thr–Ser–Ser–Ile/Leu–Ile/Leu/Val) and glucosamine derivatives (i.e., fatty acyl chain linked to Val–glucose–butyric/oxo-hexanoic acid), with the structures of sixteen new stephensiolides (L–Y) and three new glucosamine derivatives (L–N) proposed. Genome mining identified sphA (stephensiolides) and gcd (glucosamine derivatives) gene clusters within Serratia genomes available on NBCI using antiSMASH, revealing specificity scores of the adenylation-domains within each module that corroborates MSE data. Of the nine RP-HPLC fractions, two stephensiolides and two glucosamine derivatives exhibited activity against Staphylococcus aureus (IC50 of 25–79 µg/mL). 1H NMR analysis confirmed the structure of the four active compounds as stephensiolide K, a novel analogue stephensiolide U, and glucosamine derivatives A and C. Stephensiolides K and U were found to cause membrane depolarisation and affect the membrane permeability of S. aureus, while glucosamine derivatives A and C primarily caused membrane depolarisation. New members of the stephensiolide and glucosamine derivative families were thus identified, and results obtained shed light on their antibacterial properties and mode of membrane activity.
Cryptic diversity in a gastrointestinal acanthocephalan of New World primates from Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas-Sánchez Ernesto , Umaña-Blanco Fabián , Jiménez-Rocha Ana , Vega-Benavides Karen , Medaglia Alejandro , Solano-Barquero Alberto , Rojas Alicia , Jiménez Mauricio
Published: February 2023

Prosthenorchis elegansis a worm of the family Archiacanthocephala that infects non-human primates in the Americas, producing an intestinal pathology that may compromise the life of its hosts. Squirrel monkeys,Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus,were found withP. elegansin Costa Rica. Histopathological analysis revealed a severe pyogranulomatous response composed by macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, fibroblasts and lymphocytes. Morphological worm analyses revealed 36 hooks in the proboscis distributed in six rows; and total body, hook and lemnisci length were compatible to the original descriptions ofP. elegans.In addition, phylogenetic, haplotype network and genetic distance analyses were done on cytochrome oxidase subunit 1,cox1, sequences obtained from the collected specimens. Sequences obtained herein clustered separately with high posterior probabilities in a Bayesian Inference tree and showed 8.12% nucleotide differences when compared toP. elegansfrom Colombia. This high divergence was confirmed in the TCS network that separated Colombian and Costa Rican sequences by 32 mutational steps, a genetic distance PCA which separated sequences from both geographical locations by 89.5% and an FSTvalue of 0.655, indicating the presence of cryptic diversity inP. elegans. Additional studies from specimens collected from other definitive hosts and geographical locations are required to better understand the biodiversity of this species.
Non-invasive estimation of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation of neonates simultaneously using whole optical spectrum analysis at point of care
Authors: Banerjee Amrita , Bhattacharyya Neha , Ghosh Ria , Singh Soumendra , Adhikari Aniruddha , Mondal Susmita , Roy Lopamudra , Bajaj Annie , Ghosh Nilanjana , Bhushan Aman , Goswami Mahasweta , Ahmed Ahmed S. A. , Moussa Ziad , Mondal Pulak , Mukhopadhyay Subhadipta , Bhattacharyya Debasis , Chattopadhyay Arpita , Ahmed Saleh A. , Mallick Asim Kumar , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: February 2023

The study was aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed spectroscopy-based non-invasive and noncontact device (SAMIRA) for the simultaneous measurement of hemoglobin, bilirubin and oxygen saturation as an alternative to the invasive biochemical method of blood sampling. The accuracy of the device was assessed in 4318 neonates having incidences of either anemia, jaundice, or hypoxia. Transcutaneous bilirubin, hemoglobin and blood saturation values were obtained by the newly developed instrument which was corroborated with the biochemical blood tests by expert clinicians. The instrument is trained using Artificial Neural Network Analysis to increase the acceptability of the data. The artificial intelligence incorporated within the instrument determines the disease condition of the neonate. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r was found to be 0.987 for hemoglobin estimation and 0.988 for bilirubin and blood gas saturation respectively. The bias and the limits of agreement for the measurement of all the three parameters were within the clinically acceptance limit.
Ecological niche model transferability of the white star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don) in the context of climate and global changes
Authors: Ganglo Jean Cossi
Published: February 2023

Chrysophyllum albidumis a forest food tree species of the Sapotaceae family bearing large berries of nutrition, sanitary, and commercial value in many African countries. Because of its socioeconomic importance,C. albidumis threatened at least by human pressure. However, we do not know to what extent climate change can impact its distribution or whether it is possible to introduce the species in other tropical regions. To resolve our concerns, we decided to model the spatial distribution of the species. We then used the SDM package for data modeling in R to compare the predictive performances of algorithms among the most commonly used: three machine learning algorithms (MaxEnt, boosted regression trees, and random forests) and three regression algorithms (generalized linear model, generalized additive models, and multivariate adaptive regression spline). We performed model transfers in tropical Asia and Latin America. At the scale of Africa, predictions with respect to Maxent under Africlim (scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, horizon 2055) and MIROCES2L (scenarios SSP245 and SSP585, horizon 2060) showed that the suitable areas ofC. albidum, within threshold values of the most contributing variables to the models, will extend mostly in West, East, Central, and Southern Africa as well as in East Madagascar. As opposed to Maxent, in Africa, the predictions for the future of BRT and RF were unrealistic with respect to the known ecology ofC. albidum.All the algorithms except Maxent (for tropical Asia only), were consistent in predicting a successful introduction ofC. albidumin Latin America and tropical Asia, both at present and in the future. We therefore recommend the introduction and cultivation ofChrysophyllum albidumin the predicted suitable areas of Latin America and tropical Asia, along with vegetation inventories in order to discover likely, sister or vicarious species ofChrysophyllum albidumthat can be new to Science. Africlim is more successful than MIROCES2L in predicting realistic suitable areas ofChrysophyllum albidumin Africa. We therefore recommend to the authors of Africlim an update of Africlim models to comply with the sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of IPCC.
Reactivity of a model of B3P3-doped nanographene with up to three CO2 molecules
Authors: Ferrer Maxime , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero Jose , Oliva-Enrich Josep M.
Published: February 2023

The reactivity of a B3P3-doped hexa-cata-hexabenzocoronene, as a model of nanographene (B3P3-NG), towards carbon dioxide was studied at the DFT M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//M06-2X/6-31+G* level of theory. This compound can be classified as a poly-cyclic poly-Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) system, as it presents more than one Lewis Acid/Lewis Base pair on its surface, making the capture of several carbon dioxide molecules possible. Two scenarios were considered to fully characterize the capture of CO2by this multi-FLP system: (i) fixation of three CO2molecules sequentially one by one; and (ii) simultaneous contact of three CO2molecules with the B3P3-NG surface. The resulting adducts were analyzed as function of activation barriers and the relative stability of the CO2capture. A cooperativity effect due to the π-delocalization of the hexa-cata-hexabenzocoronene is observed. The fixation of a CO2molecule modifies the electronic properties. It enhances the capture of additional CO2molecules by changing the acidy and basicity of the rest of the boron and phosphorus atoms in the B3P3-NG system.
Rugged bialkali photocathodes encapsulated with graphene and thin metal film
Authors: Guo Lei , Liu Fangze , Koyama Kazuki , Regis Nolan , Alexander Anna M. , Wang Gaoxue , DeFazio Jeffrey , Valdez James A. , Poudel Anju , Yamamoto Masahiro , Moody Nathan A. , Takashima Yoshifumi , Yamaguchi Hisato
Published: February 2023

Protection of free-electron sources has been technically challenging due to lack of materials that transmit electrons while preventing corrosive gas molecules. Two-dimensional materials uniquely possess both of required properties. Here, we report three orders of magnitude increase in active pressure and factor of two enhancement in the lifetime of high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathodes (cesium potassium antimonide (CsK2Sb)) by encapsulating them in graphene and thin nickel (Ni) film. The photoelectrons were extracted through the graphene protection layer in a reflection mode, and we achieved QE of ~ 0.17% at ~ 3.4 eV, 1/e lifetime of 188 h with average current of 8.6 nA under continuous illumination, and no decrease of QE at the pressure of as high as ~ 1 × 10–3 Pa. In comparison, the QE decreased drastically at 10–6 Pa for bare, non-protected CsK2Sb photocathodes and their 1/e lifetime under continuous illumination was ~ 48 h. We attributed the improvements to the gas impermeability and photoelectron transparency of graphene.
A time evolving online social network generation algorithm
Authors: Shirzadian Pouyan , Antony Blessy , Gattani Akshaykumar G. , Tasnina Nure , Heath Lenwood S.
Published: February 2023

The rapid growth of online social media usage in our daily lives has increased the importance of analyzing the dynamics of online social networks. However, the dynamic data of existing online social media platforms are not readily accessible. Hence, there is a necessity to synthesize networks emulating those of online social media for further study. In this work, we propose an epidemiology-inspired and community-based, time-evolving online social network generation algorithm (EpiCNet), to generate a time-evolving sequence of random networks that closely mirror the characteristics of real-world online social networks. Variants of the algorithm can produce both undirected and directed networks to accommodate different user interaction paradigms. EpiCNet utilizes compartmental models inspired by mathematical epidemiology to simulate the flow of individuals into and out of the online social network. It also employs an overlapping community structure to enable more realistic connections between individuals in the network. Furthermore, EpiCNet evolves the community structure and connections in the simulated online social network as a function of time and with an emphasis on the behavior of individuals. EpiCNet is capable of simulating a variety of online social networks by adjusting a set of tunable parameters that specify the individual behavior and the evolution of communities over time. The experimental results show that the network properties of the synthetic time-evolving online social network generated by EpiCNet, such as clustering coefficient, node degree, and diameter, match those of typical real-world online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
Comprehensive analysis of current leakage at individual screw and mixed threading dislocations in freestanding GaN substrates
Authors: Hamachi Takeaki , Tohei Tetsuya , Hayashi Yusuke , Imanishi Masayuki , Usami Shigeyoshi , Mori Yusuke , Sakai Akira
Published: February 2023

The electrical characteristics of Schottky contacts on individual threading dislocations (TDs) with a screw-component in GaN substrates and the structures of these TDs were investigated to assess the effects of such defects on reverse leakage currents. Micrometer-scale platinum/GaN Schottky contacts were selectively fabricated on screw- and mixed-TD-related etch pits classified based on the pit size. Current–voltage (I–V) data acquired using conductive atomic force microscopy showed that very few of the screw TDs generated anomalously large reverse leakage currents. An analysis of the temperature dependence of theI–Vcharacteristics established that the leakage current conduction mechanisms for the leaky screw TDs differed from those for the other screw and mixed TDs. Specifically, anomalous current leakage was generated by Poole–Frenkel emission and trap-assisted tunneling via distinctive trap states together with Fowler–Nordheim tunneling, with the mechanism changing according to variations in temperature and applied voltage. The leaky TDs were identified as Burgers vectorb = 1cclosed-core screw TDs having a helical morphology similar to that of other screw TDs generating small leakage currents. Based on the results, we proposed that the atomic-scale modification of the dislocation core structure related to interactions with point defects via dislocation climbing caused different leakage characteristics of the TDs.
Effective band gap engineering in multi-principal oxides (CeGdLa-Zr/Hf)Ox by temperature-induced oxygen vacancies
Authors: Hu Yixuan , Anandkumar Mariappan , Joardar Joydip , Wang Xiaodong , Deshpande Atul Suresh , Reddy Kolan Madhav
Published: February 2023

Oxygen vacancy control has been one of the most efficient methods to tune the physicochemical properties of conventional oxide materials. A new conceptual multi-principal oxide (MPO) is still lacking a control approach to introduce oxygen vacancies for tuning its inherent properties. Taking multi-principal rare earth-transition metal (CeGdLa-Zr/Hf) oxides as model systems, here we report temperature induced oxygen vacancy generation (OVG) phenomenon in MPOs. It is found that the OVG is strongly dependent on the composition of the MPOs showing different degrees of oxygen loss in (CeGdLaZr)Ox and (CeGdLaHf)Ox under identical high temperature annealing conditions. The results revealed that (CeGdLaZr)Ox remained stable single phase with a marginal decrease in the band gap of about 0.08 eV, whereas (CeGdLaHf)Ox contained two phases with similar crystal structure but different oxygen vacancy concentrations causing semiconductor-to-metal like transition. Due to the intrinsic high entropy, the metallic atoms sublattice in (CeGdLaHf)Ox remains rather stable, regardless of the interstitial oxygen atoms ranging from almost fully occupied (61.84 at%) to almost fully empty (8.73 at%) state in the respective crystal phases. Such highly tunable oxygen vacancies in (CeGdLa-Zr/Hf) oxides show a possible path for band gap engineering in MPOs for the development of efficient photocatalysts.
Respiration-entrained brain oscillations in healthy fMRI participants with high anxiety
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert , Kaminski Maciej , J.Blinowska Katarzyna , Rassler Beate , Schwarz Gerhard , Klimesch Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

Brain-body interactions can be studied by using directed coupling measurements of fMRI oscillations in the low (0.1–0.2 Hz) and high frequency bands (HF; 0.2–0.4 Hz). Recently, a preponderance of oscillations in the information flow between the brainstem and the prefrontal cortex at around 0.15/0.16 Hz was shown. The goal of this study was to investigate the information flow between BOLD-, respiratory-, and heart beat-to-beat interval (RRI) signals in the HF band in healthy subjects with high anxiety during fMRI examinations. A multivariate autoregressive model was concurrently applied to the BOLD signals from the middle frontal gyrus (MFG), precentral gyrus and the brainstem, as well as to respiratory and RRI signals. Causal coupling between all signals was determined using the Directed Transfer Function (DTF). We found a salience of fast respiratory waves with a period of 3.1 s (corresponding to ~ 0.32 Hz) and a highly significant (p < 0.001) top-down information-flow from BOLD oscillations in the MFG to the brainstem. Additionally, there was a significant (p < 0.01) information flow from RRI to respiratory oscillations. We speculate that brain oscillations around 0.32 Hz, triggered by nasal breathing, are projected downwards to the brainstem. Particularly interesting is the driving force of cardiac to respiratory waves with a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. These results support the binary hierarchy model with preferred respiratory frequencies at 0.32 Hz and 0.16 Hz.
Hip joint function and reconstruction of the anterior femoral offset in patients with short stem vs. conventional THA
Authors: Budde S. , Tonin K. , Jakubowitz E. , Welke B. , Obermeier A. , Hurschler C. , Windhagen H. , Schwarze M.
Published: February 2023

In cases where mobility and joint function are impaired after implantation of a THA, weakening of hip movement in both extension/flexion and adduction/abduction may play a role due to shortening of the physiological lever arm of the hip muscles. Mechanical factors of influence include the lateral femoral offset, which affects the lever arm, and the antetorsion angle of the hip prosthesis, which affects the anterior femoral offset. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an altered antetorsion angle of the implant on the hip moments and gait patterns of the patient. For this study, 13 patients with a conventional stem on one side and a calcar-guided short stem implanted on the contralateral side were included. To determine the maximum hip moment, tests were performed on a dynamometer in extension/flexion and adduction/abduction in addition to gait analysis. As a control, a comparison was made with data from a reference group of 30 healthy subjects. Both implants showed similar symmetry indices. There was a significant difference between the implants for adduction moments (p < 0.001). The ratios between the directions of moments showed no significant differences. The joint function measured by isokinetic measurements and gait analysis remains comparable to the healthy control group after short stem arthroplasty, but shows slight changes after conventional stem arthroplasty.
Stability of olfactory behavior syndromes in the Drosophila larva
Authors: Odell Seth R. , Zito Nicholas , Clark David , Mathew Dennis
Published: February 2023

Individuals of many animal populations exhibit idiosyncratic behaviors. One measure of idiosyncratic behavior is a behavior syndrome, defined as the stability of one or more behavior traits in an individual across different situations. While behavior syndromes have been described in various animal systems, their properties and the circuit mechanisms that generate them are poorly understood. We thus have an incomplete understanding of how circuit properties influence animal behavior. Here, we characterize olfactory behavior syndromes in the Drosophila larva. We show that larvae exhibit idiosyncrasies in their olfactory behavior over short time scales. They are influenced by the larva’s satiety state and odor environment. Additionally, we identified a group of antennal lobe local neurons that influence the larva’s idiosyncratic behavior. These findings reveal previously unsuspected influences on idiosyncratic behavior. They further affirm the idea that idiosyncrasies are not simply statistical phenomena but manifestations of neural mechanisms. In light of these findings, we discuss more broadly the importance of idiosyncrasies to animal survival and how they might be studied.
Fluctuation-based outlier detection
Authors: Du Xusheng , Zuo Enguang , Chu Zheng , He Zhenzhen , Yu Jiong
Published: February 2023

Outlier detection is an important topic in machine learning and has been used in a wide range of applications. Outliers are objects that are few in number and deviate from the majority of objects. As a result of these two properties, we show that outliers are susceptible to a mechanism called fluctuation. This article proposes a method called fluctuation-based outlier detection (FBOD) that achieves a low linear time complexity and detects outliers purely based on the concept of fluctuation without employing any distance, density or isolation measure. Fundamentally different from all existing methods. FBOD first converts the Euclidean structure datasets into graphs by using random links, then propagates the feature value according to the connection of the graph. Finally, by comparing the difference between the fluctuation of an object and its neighbors, FBOD determines the object with a larger difference as an outlier. The results of experiments comparing FBOD with eight state-of-the-art algorithms on eight real-worlds tabular datasets and three video datasets show that FBOD outperforms its competitors in the majority of cases and that FBOD has only 5% of the execution time of the fastest algorithm. The experiment codes are available at: https://github.com/FluctuationOD/Fluctuation-based-Outlier-Detection.
Flickering flash signals and mate recognition in the Asian firefly, Aquatica lateralis
Authors: Takatsu Hideo , Minami Mihoko , Oba Yuichi
Published: February 2023

Nocturnal fireflies sometimes use intricate bioluminescent signal systems for sexual communication. In this study, we examined flash signals and mate recognition in the Asian firefly, Aquatica lateralis, under natural field conditions. We found that the flash pattern of females changes after copulation, from simple short flashes to flashes with longer duration and flickering. To understand the functions of flickering, we video-recorded and analyzed the flashes of sedentary males, receptive females, and mated females. The results showed that the flashes of these three adult phases can be discriminated from each other by two parameters, flash duration and flicker intensity, with little overlap. Male attraction experiments using an artificial LED device termed ‘e-firefly’ confirmed that flying and sedentary males are attracted to flashes with shorter durations and lower flicker intensities. The range of attraction success was much wider for flying males and narrower for sedentary males, and the latter was close to the range of receptive female’s flashes. These findings suggest that in addition to flash duration, flicker intensity is a flash signal parameter of mate recognition in A. lateralis males.
The injections of mitochondrial fusion promoter M1 during proestrus disrupt the progesterone secretion and the estrous cycle in the mouse
Authors: Budi Yovita Permata , Hsu Meng-Chieh , Lin Yi-Chun , Lee Yue-Jia , Chiu Hsin-Yi , Chiu Chih-Hsien , Jiang Yi-Fan
Published: February 2023

After ovulation, the mitochondrial enzyme CYP11A1 cleavage the cholesterol into pregnenolone for progesterone synthesis, suggesting that mitochondrial dynamics play a vital role in the female reproductive system. The changes in the mitochondria dynamics throughout the ovarian cycle have been reported in literature, but the correlation to its role in the ovarian cycle remains unclear. In this study, mitochondrial fusion promotor, M1, was used to study the impact of mitochondria dynamics in the female reproductive system. Our results showed that M1 treatment in mice can lead to the disruptions of estrous cycles in vagina smears. The decrease in serum LH was recorded in the animal. And the inhibitions of progesterone secretion and ovulations were observed in ovarian culture. Although no significant changes in mitochondrial networks were observed in the ovaries, significant up-regulation of mitochondrial respiratory complexes was revealed in M1 treatments through transcriptomic analysis. In contrast to the estrogen and steroid biosynthesis up-regulated in M1, the molecules of extracellular matrix, remodeling enzymes, and adhesion signalings were decreased. Collectively, our study provides novel targets to regulate the ovarian cycles through the mitochondria. However, more studies are still necessary to provide the functional connections between mitochondria and the female reproductive systems.
Prevalence and trends of perioperative major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events during cancer surgeries
Authors: Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Chan Kelvin , Appunni Sandeep , Zhang Zhenwei , Ahmed Md Ashfaq , McGranaghan Peter , Saxena Anshul , Rubens Muni
Published: February 2023

Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality during perioperative period. In this study, we looked for national trends in perioperative MACCE and its components as well as cancer types associated with high rates of perioperative MACCE during major cancer surgeries. This study was a retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample, 2005–2014. Hospitalizations for surgeries of prostate, bladder, esophagus, pancreas, lung, liver, colorectal, and breast among patients 40 years and greater were included in the analysis. MACCE was defined as a composite measure that included in-hospital all-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and ischemic stroke. A total of 2,854,810 hospitalizations for major surgeries were included in this study. Of these, 67,316 (2.4%) had perioperative MACCE. Trends of perioperative MACCE showed that it decreased significantly for AMI, death and any MACCE, while stroke did not significantly change during the study period. Logistic regression analysis for perioperative MACCE by cancer types showed that surgeries for esophagus, pancreas, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers had significantly greater odds for perioperative MACCE. The surgeries identified to have greater risks for MACCE in this study could be risk stratified for better informed decision-making and management.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of parthenocarpic fruit set-related gene homologs in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Manchanda Pooja , Kumar Pankaj , Dhall Rajinder Kumar , Chhuneja Parveen , Weng Yiqun
Published: February 2023

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), a major horticultural crop, in the family Cucurbitaceae is grown and consumed globally. Parthenocarpy is an ideal trait for many fruit and vegetables which produces seedless fruit desired by consumers. The seedlessness occurs when fruit develops without fertilization which can be either natural or induced. So far, a limited number of genes regulating parthenocarpic fruit set have been reported in several fruit or vegetable crops, most of which are involved in hormone biosynthesis or signalling. Although parthenocarpic cucumber has been widely used in commercial production for a long time; its genetic basis is not well understood. In this study, we retrieved thirty five parthenocarpy fruit-set related genes (PRGs) from bibliomic data in various plants. Thirty-five PRG homologs were identified in the cucumber genome via homology-based search. An in silico analysis was performed on phylogenetic tree, exon–intron structure, cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region, and conserved domains of their deduced proteins, which provided insights into the genetic make-up of parthenocarpy-related genes in cucumber. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) sequences were mined in these PRGs, and 31 SSR markers were designed. SSR genotyping identified three SSRs in two polymorphic genes. Quantitative real-time PCR of selected genes was conducted in five cucumber lines with varying degrees of parthenocarpic fruit set capacities, which revealed possible association of their expression with parthenocarpy. The results revealed that homologs CsWD40 and CsPIN-4 could be considered potential genes for determination of parthenocarpy as these genes showed parental polymorphism and differential gene expression in case of parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic parents.
Impacts of Agricultural Intensification on Farmland Birds and Risk Assessment of Pesticide Seed Treatments
Authors: Brodeur Julie Céline , Poliserpi Maria Belén
Published: February 2023

Agriculture is nowadays the largest driver of global environmental change, with modern agricultural systems being a primary cause of biodiversity loss, including bird declines. Agricultural intensification affects bird populations through both a reduction in landscape heterogeneity and an increase in the use of pesticides, which negatively influences a variety of bird species. The objective of this chapter is to examine how agricultural intensification and the associated increase in pesticide use can affect farmland birds. Special attention is given to the case of pesticide-treated seeds, and the current guidelines on how to perform the risk assessment of seed treatments are explained. Nevertheless, because a number of registered pesticide seed treatments have been found to pose a risk to farmland birds, current regulatory risk assessment protocols need to be improved so as to provide more accurate predictions of real-life situations and to better protect bird populations.
Teratological Effects of Pesticides in Reptiles – A Review
Authors: Garcês A. , Pires I.
Published: February 2023

Studies of congenital malformations and their etiology in wild animals are a powerful tool when considered in a holistic/overall evaluation of the “one health status”. Reptiles, according to their habitat and biological features, can be promising predictors of environmental contamination. However, research in this area remains scarce and dispersed. The purpose of this review is to compile some documentation that describes or discusses the teratogenic effects of pesticides on reptiles. Further research in this area is urgently needed to implement concrete measures to improve ecosystem health and stop the present decline of reptile populations.
Combined Impact of Pesticides and Other Environmental Stressors on Reptile Diversity in Irrigation Ponds Compared to Other Animal Taxa
Authors: Ito Hiroshi C. , Takamura Noriko
Published: February 2023

Irrigation ponds (or farm ponds), as the secondary nature, harbour component species of floodplain ecosystems and hence make a significant contribution to biodiversity. However, biological communities in irrigation ponds are exposed to multiple environmental stressors. Survey data on Japanese irrigation ponds show that reptiles, consisting of turtles, are significantly different from other taxa comprising fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, insects and annelids, in the estimated combined impact (on taxonomic richness) of multiple stressors, including the insecticide 2-sec-butylphenyl methylcarbamate (BPMC, also known as fenobucarb), the fungicide probenazole, concrete bank protection, pond depth reduction, macrophyte decline and invasive alien fish. All these stressors are negatively correlated with the taxonomic richness of all sampled but are positively correlated with that of reptiles. The positive correlation of reptiles with concrete bank protection may stem from the suitability of concrete banks for turtles’ basking. The positive correlation of reptiles with insecticide concentration implies that some extent of insecticide pollution might favour turtles relative to other taxa, because of their potentially high tolerance against the pollution. The taxonomic richness of turtles may be useful as a bioindicator for the combined impact of environmental stressors on animal diversities in irrigation ponds.
A strategy for evaluation of isotopic enrichment and structural integrity of deuterium labelled compounds by using HR-MS and NMR
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Gajjela Raju , Kumar Hemantha , Arulraj Ruba A. , Subramaniam Srinath , Kothandaramachandran Thirumurugan , Sudhir V Sai , Chauthe Siddheshwar Kisan , Gupta Anuradha , Mathur Arvind , Roy Amrita , Bagadi Muralidhararao , Caceres-Cortes Janet
Published: February 2023

Use of HRMS and NMR to determine isotopic enrichment and structural integrity of deuterated compounds.
Rapid determination of plasma vigabatrin by LC-ESI-MS/MS supporting therapeutic drug monitoring in children with infantile spasms
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Guo Hong-Li , Hu Ya-Hui , Lu Xiao-Peng , Wang Shan-Shan , Wu Chun-Feng , Chen Feng
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on the determination of vigabatrin in human plasma. This work could support therapeutic drug monitoring of vigabatrin in children with infantile spasms and provide useful information on clinical practice, which may facilitate dose adjustments.
Diagnosis of doped conjugated polymer films using hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Chellappan Vijila , Kumar Adithya , Ali khan Saif , Kumar Pawan , Hippalgaonkar Kedar
Published: February 2023

Hyperspectral imaging provides the ability to collect spatially and spectrally resolved absorption spectra of organic films to gauge crystallinity, doping efficiency, material composition, thickness and uniformity.
Giant transverse thermoelectric effect induced by topological transition in polycrystalline Dirac semimetal Mg3Bi2
Authors: Feng Tao , Wang Panshuo , Han Zhijia , Zhou Liang , Wang Zhiran , Zhang Wenqing , Liu Qihang , Liu Weishu
Published: February 2023

A topological transition induced a giant transverse thermoelectric effect in polycrystalline Mg3+δBi2:Mn0.1, which is comparable to state-of-the-art single-crystal transverse thermoelectric materials.
Cobaloximes: selective nitrite reduction catalysts for tandem ammonia synthesis
Authors: Meng Shu-Lin , Zhang Chen , Ye Chen , Li Jia-Hao , Zhou Shuai , Zhu Lei , Li Xu-Bing , Tung Chen-Ho , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: February 2023

Herein, we demonstrate cobaloximes as a bioinspired molecular platform for exclusive ammonia synthesisviaelectrocatalytic NO2−reduction (eNO2−RR), which attained 98.5% faradaic efficiency (FE) under close-to-neutral conditions.
Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism spectroscopy reveals that gold and silver nanoparticles modify the secondary structure of a lung surfactant protein B analogue
Authors: Buckley Alison , Warren James , Hussain Rohanah , Smith Rachel
Published: February 2023

Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism shows that gold and silver nanoparticles modify the secondary structure of lung surfactant protein-B analogue SP-B1–25.
Recent advances in superwetting materials for separation of oil/water mixtures
Authors: Bai Xiangge , Yuan Zichao , Lu Chenguang , Zhan Haiyang , Ge Wenna , Li Wenzong , Liu Yahua
Published: February 2023

This review surveyed different mechanisms for the separation of oil/water mixtures and the corresponding materials. Special attention has been given to the separation types based on different oil/water mixtures, surface wettability and structures.
Solubilized LiNO3by the cationic size effect of CsF for lithium metal anode protection and dendrite formation prevention in carbonate electrolyte
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wan Zhengwei , Zeng Xiaomin , Tian Miaomiao , Wang Kun , Chen Xinyu , Ling Min , Ni Wenbin , Liang Chengdu
Published: February 2023

CsF solubilized LiNO3 to optimize solvated shell of Li+ in carbonate electrolyte. LiF-rich SEI was generated to prevent severe side reactions of Li metal. Cs+ can inhibit lithium dendrite formation by self-healing electrostatic shield mechanism.
Biochar loaded with cobalt ferrate activated persulfate to degrade naphthalene
Authors: Gu Shuaijie , Cui Jingying , Liu Fangqin , Chen Jinyang
Published: February 2023

Considering the simple preparation of biochar and the excellent activation performance of cobalt ferrate material, a biochar supported cobalt ferrate composite was synthesized by a solvothermal method.
Bond modulation of MoSe2+xdriving combined intercalation and conversion reactions for high-performance K cathodes
Authors: Lei Ting , Gu Mingyuan , Fu Hongwei , Wang Jue , Wang Longlu , Zhou Jiang , Liu Huan , Lu Bingan
Published: February 2023

Bond regulation not only makes the interlayer spacing larger, but also gives MoSe2+xa double reaction mechanism combining intercalation and conversion reactions. Consequently, the capacity and energy density of MoSe2+xcan be greatly improved.
Electrochemiluminescence devices for point-of-care testing
Authors: Ying Xudong , Zhou Lin , Fu Wenxuan , Wang Yafeng , Su Bin
Published: February 2023

This review summarizes the research progress of ECL-based POCT devices, including categories, detection strategies and application scenarios, which we believe will help construct and design ECL devices for POCT.
Water-catalyzed conversion of glucose to small molecules during hydrothermal carbonization: a density functional theory study
Authors: Guo Shuai , Xiao Weinan , Zhao Deng , Liu Zhaoyuan , Liu Lidong , Xu Dandan , Li Xingcan , Li Guangyu
Published: February 2023

H2O molecules reduced the reaction energy barrier by promoting hydrogen transfer.
Electrolytes for aluminum–air batteries: advances, challenges, and applications
Authors: Zhao Qian , Yu Hongshuai , Fu Liang , Wu Pengfei , Li Yihu , Li Yixin , Sun Dan , Wang Haiyan , Tang Yougen
Published: February 2023

Aluminum–air batteries (AABs) are attracting increased attention because of their high energy density, low cost, and excellent security.
A binder-driven cathode–electrolyte interphase via a displacement reaction for high voltage Na3V2(PO4)2F3 cathodes in sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Yun Dae Hui , Song Jinju , Kim Jiseong , Seo Joon Kyo , Kang Joonhee , Park Sohyun , Kim Jaekook , Yoo Dong-Joo , Choi Sunghun
Published: February 2023

A sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) binder induces the formation of a stable and Na-ion conductive NaPO2F2-rich cathode–electrolyte interphase layer via a displacement reaction.
B-site mixed cationic tetrahedral layer confined the concentration and mobility of interstitial oxygen in mellite family
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Wei Xianyi , Wang Xiaoge , Lou Chenjie , Zhang Wenda , Xu Jungu , Luo Zhaoji , Tang Mingxue , Deng Sihao , He Lunhua , Xing Xianran , Sun Junliang , Kuang Xiaojun
Published: February 2023

The subtle difference in the cationic size and covalent bonding between Ga and Ge enables B-site mixed Ga/Ge tetrahedral centers to confine the concentration and mobility of interstitial oxygen in mellite family.
Orthogonal integration of holographic and fluorescent dual images based on energy transfer from liquid crystals to a photocleavable AIEgen
Authors: Yao Ming , Zhao Ye , Zhou Xingping , Li Zhong’an , Peng Haiyan , Xie Xiaolin
Published: February 2023

Orthogonal integration of holographic and fluorescent dual-mode optical images with facile tunable emission colors has been achieved by precisely controlling the Förster resonance energy transfer and photocleavage reaction of an AIEgen.
Sea urchin-like amorphous MgNiCo mixed metal hydroxide nanoarrays for efficient overall water splitting under industrial electrolytic conditions
Authors: Wang Liping , Cheng Yikun , Xiong Jiahao , Zhao Zhiwen , Zhang Dingbo , Hu Zhiyan , Zhang Haoyu , Wu Qin , Chen Long
Published: February 2023

A sea urchin-like amorphous MgNiCo mixed metal hydroxide uniformly grown on nickel foam is synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process. Mg0.5Ni0.5Co-OH shows efficient overall water-splitting performance under alkaline industrial conditions.
Aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of toluenes and o-phenylenediamines by flavin photocatalysis for the facile synthesis of benzimidazoles
Authors: Shiogai Yuta , Oka Marina , Iida Hiroki
Published: February 2023

An atom-economical synthesis of benzimidazoles was performed by the flavin-photocatalysed aerobic oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of toluenes and o-phenylenediamines.
“Please Don't Assess Him to Destruction”: The R.A.I.S.E. Assessment Framework for Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Gallée Jeanne , Cartwright Jade , Volkmer Anna , Whitworth Anne , Hersh Deborah
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) assess people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) through measurements of speech, language, communication, and well-being, with the aims of identifying challenges and strengths, monitoring change, and informing treatment directions and supports. The purpose of this clinical focus article is to highlight the necessity for person-centered assessment specific to PPA and to conceptualize a framework that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of assessment for this population. In this framework, the unique challenges posed by a diagnosis of PPA are addressed with the aim to provide practical guidance for clinicians and to support reflection on current practices.

Method:

In clinical and research practice, assessment of people with PPA requires an ever-evolving approach that is centered on the client. In this clinical focus article, a discussion-based consensus process was used to synthesize authentic longitudinal experiences of people with PPA to explore assessment approaches, tools, and philosophies.

Results:

This analysis of person-centered assessment identifies seven essential components of assessment in PPA that set the foundation for the five steps of the R.A.I.S.E. Assessment framework. These components each contribute to a clear definition of assessment that reveals clients' competencies with a strengths-based focus; prioritizes the reciprocity of benefits; promotes dynamic assessment; and recognizes the complexity, evolution of assessment over time, and advocacy.

Conclusions:

This clinical focus article takes a novel look at assessment in PPA by stepping away from assessment practices that focus on revealing deficits and decline and, instead, provides practical recommendations through the conceptualization of a PPA-specific assessment framework. The R.A.I.S.E. Assessment framework is grounded in principles of uplifting clients through person-centered assessment, keeps pace with best practice in PPA intervention, and contributes to a supportive experience for clients and families in the face of a progressive diagnosis over time.
How a Power Differential Between Clinicians and Researchers Contributes to the Research-to-Practice Gap
Authors: Douglas Natalie , Hinckley Jacqueline , Grandbois Kate , Schliep Megan , Wonkka Amy , Oshita Jennifer , Feuerstein Julie
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to contend that there is a power differential between researchers and clinicians where researchers are the primary creators of knowledge and clinicians are the primary consumers of knowledge. Rooted in a sociological model illustrating interacting levels of power at macro-, meso-, and microlevels, we argue that authentic research–practice partnerships and clinician–researcher collaborations can mitigate this power differential.

Conclusions:

Clinicians and researchers in our field have vastly different responsibilities and priorities that impact our ability to work collaboratively to solve the most pressing problems for the clients we serve. Although some current research practices may reinforce a power differential causing clinicians to feel less than and to only consume knowledge, there are examples of successful collaborations where this power differential is mitigated. These examples can contribute meaningfully to the dialogue on research–practice partnerships, with the goal of improving outcomes for the clients we serve.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Speech Disfluencies in Autistic Young Adults and Control Young Adults: Group Differences in Typical, Stuttering-Like, and Atypical Disfluencies
Authors: Pirinen Veera , Loukusa Soile , Dindar Katja , Mäkinen Leena , Hurtig Tuula , Jussila Katja , Mattila Marja-Leena , Eggers Kurt
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the nature of speech disfluencies in autistic young adults and controls by using a wide-range disfluency classification of typical disfluencies (TD; i.e., filled pauses, revisions, abandoned utterances, and multisyllable word and phrase repetitions), stuttering-like disfluencies (SLD; i.e., sound and syllable repetitions, monosyllable word repetitions, prolongations, blocks, and broken words), and atypical disfluencies (AD; i.e., word-final prolongations and repetitions and atypical insertions).

Method:

Thirty-two autistic young adults and 35 controls completed a narrative telling task based on socially complex events. Frequencies of total disfluencies, TD, SLD, AD and stuttering severity were compared between groups.

Results:

The overall frequency of disfluencies was significantly higher in the autistic group and significant between-group differences were found for all disfluency categories. The autistic group produced significantly more revisions, filled pauses, and abandoned utterances, and each subtype of SLD and AD than the control group. In total, approximately every fourth autistic participants scored at least a very mild severity of stuttering, and every fifth produced more than three SLD per 100 syllables.

Conclusions:

Disfluent speech can be challenging for effective communication. This study revealed that the speech of autistic young adults was highly more disfluent than that of the controls. The findings provide information on speech disfluency characteristics in autistic young adults and highlight the importance of evaluating speech disfluency with a wide-range disfluency classification in autistic persons in order to understand their role in overall communication. The results of this study offer tools for SLPs to evaluate and understand the nature of disfluencies in autistic persons.
Do Second Graders Adjust Their Language by Discourse Context?
Authors: Cho Minkyung , Kim Young-Suk Grace
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Children's ability to adjust one's language according to discourse context is important for success in academic settings. This study examined whether second graders vary in linguistic and discourse features depending on discourse contexts, that is, when describing pictures in contextualized (describing the picture to an examiner while looking at it together) and decontextualized (pretending to describe the picture to a friend while sitting in front of the examiner) conditions.

Method:

A total of 330 English-speaking second graders in the United States (
M
age
= 7.33 years; 53% boys; 55% Caucasian children, 35% African American children) described three pictures in contextualized and decontextualized conditions. Children's picture descriptions were transcribed verbatim and coded for linguistic (e.g., elaborated noun phrase) and discourse (e.g., proper character introduction, degree of decontextualization) features.

Results:

Type–token ratio was higher in the contextualized condition than in the decontextualized condition, whereas certain types of elaborated noun phrases (e.g., simple descriptive noun phrase, noun phrase with postmodification), coordinating conjunctions, and nonclauses occurred more frequently in the decontextualized condition, controlling for total productivity and student demographics. The proportion of proper character introduction was higher in the decontextualized condition, whereas higher degrees of decontextualization and complex perspective-taking were found in the contextualized condition.

Conclusion:

Various linguistic and discourse cues illustrated the extent to which primary grade students employ their discourse knowledge when producing oral language.