bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex underlies processing of emotion ambiguity
Authors: Sun Sai , Yu Hongbo , Yu Rongjun , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2023

Processing facial expressions of emotion draws on a distributed brain network. In particular, judging ambiguous facial emotions involves coordination between multiple brain areas. Here, we applied multimodal functional connectivity analysis to achieve network-level understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying perceptual ambiguity in facial expressions. We found directional effective connectivity between the amygdala, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and ventromedial PFC, supporting both bottom-up affective processes for ambiguity representation/perception and top-down cognitive processes for ambiguity resolution/decision. Direct recordings from the human neurosurgical patients showed that the responses of amygdala and dmPFC neurons were modulated by the level of emotion ambiguity, and amygdala neurons responded earlier than dmPFC neurons, reflecting the bottom-up process for ambiguity processing. We further found parietal-frontal coherence and delta-alpha cross-frequency coupling involved in encoding emotion ambiguity. We replicated the EEG coherence result using independent experiments and further showed modulation of the coherence. EEG source connectivity revealed that the dmPFC top-down regulated the activities in other brain regions. Lastly, we showed altered behavioral responses in neuropsychiatric patients who may have dysfunctions in amygdala-PFC functional connectivity. Together, using multimodal experimental and analytical approaches, we have delineated a neural network that underlies processing of emotion ambiguity.
Longitudinal structure-function analysis of molecularly-confirmed CYP4V2 Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy
Authors: Cheloni Riccardo , Clough Neil , Jackson Daniel , Moosajee Mariya
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive progressive retinal disease caused by mutations in CYP4V2. We have characterised the natural history including structural and functional measures to identify potential outcome metrics for future clinical trials.

Methods

Molecularly-confirmed BCD patients with biallelic variants in CYP4V2 were retrospectively identified from Moorfields Eye Hospital (UK). Clinical details including results of molecular genetic testing, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were extracted. From OCT scans, ellipsoid zone (EZ) measures, foveal thickness of the whole retina, outer retina and choroid were measured. Age-related changes of clinical parameters were assessed with linear mixed models.

Results

Twenty-eight BCD patients were identified, with median age at baseline of 37 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 30–49.5). Median follow-up was 7.7 years (IQR: 3.4–14.5). Most patients (41.7%) showed chorioretinal atrophy at baseline. All OCT parameters showed significant age-related loss (p < 0.05), with EZ measures and choroidal thickness displaying the most rapid degeneration (2.3–3.3% per year vs 0.6–1.5% per year). Median BCVA was 0.2 LogMAR (IQR: 0–0.5) at baseline and showed small age-related loss ( + 0.016 LogMAR per year, p = 0.0019). Patients exhibited substantial phenotypic variability.

Conclusions

BCD presents between age 25 and 40, and slowly progresses to an advanced chorioretinal atrophy and vision loss by age 60. BCVA may be preserved until late, and is seemingly poorly representative of disease progression. OCT parameters capturing EZ and choroid changes may afford more suitable trial outcome measures.
Helper T cell bias following tuberculosis chemotherapy identifies opportunities for therapeutic vaccination to prevent relapse
Authors: Martinez-Martinez Yazmin B. , Huante Matthew B. , Chauhan Sadhana , Naqvi Kubra F. , Bharaj Preeti , Endsley Janice J.
Published: October 2023

Therapeutic vaccines have promise as adjunctive treatment for tuberculosis (TB) or as preventives against TB relapse. An important development challenge is the limited understanding of T helper (Th) cell roles during these stages of disease. A murine model of TB relapse was used to identify changes in Th populations and cytokine microenvironment. Active TB promoted expansion of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 cells and cytokines in the lung. Following drug therapy, pulmonary Th17 and Th22 cells contracted, Th1 cells remained elevated, while Th cells producing IL-4 or IL-10 expanded. At relapse, Th22 cells failed to re-expand in the lung despite a moderate re-expansion of Th1 and Th17 cells and an increase in Th cytokine polyfunctionality. The dynamics of Th populations further differed by tissue compartment and disease presentation. These outcomes identify immune bias by Th subpopulations during TB relapse as candidate mechanisms for pathogenesis and targets for therapeutic vaccination.
Clustering micropollutants and estimating rate constants of sorption and biodegradation using machine learning approaches
Authors: Lim Seung Ji , Seo Jangwon , Seid Mingizem Gashaw , Lee Jiho , Ejerssa Wondesen Workneh , Lee Doo-Hee , Jeong Eunhoo , Chae Sung Ho , Lee Yunho , Son Moon , Hong Seok Won
Published: October 2023

Effluent from wastewater treatment plants is considered an important source of micropollutants (MPs) in aquatic environments. However, monitoring MPs in effluents is often inefficient owing to the variety in their types. Thus, this study derived marker constituents to estimate the behavior of MPs in each cluster using the self-organizing map (SOM), a machine learning-based clustering analysis method. In SOM analysis, the physicochemical properties, functional groups, and the initial biotransformation rules of 29 out 42 MPs were used to ultimately estimate the degradation rate constants of 13 MPs. Consequently, when the physicochemical properties and functional groups were considered, SOM analysis showed outstanding performance to label MPs with an accuracy value of 0.75 for each aerobic and anoxic condition. Based on the clustering results, 11 MPs were determined to be marker constituents under each aerobic and anoxic condition. Moreover, an estimation method for the rate constants of unlabeled MPs was successfully developed using the identified markers with the random forest classifier. The proposed algorithm could estimate both sorption and biotransformation of MPs regardless of dominant removal mechanisms, whether the MPs were removed by sorption or biotransformation. An accuracy of 0.77 was calculated for estimating rate constants under both aerobic and anoxic conditions, which is remarkably higher than those reported previously. The proposed procedure could be extended further to efficiently monitor MPs in effluents.
Microbiomes associated with Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora in four different floristic domains of Brazil
Authors: Veloso Tomás Gomes Reis , da Silva Marliane de Cássia Soares , Moreira Taís Rizzo , da Luz José Maria Rodrigues , Moreli Aldemar Polonini , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi , Pereira Lucas Louzada
Published: October 2023

Brazilian coffee production relies on the cultivation of Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. Climate change has been responsible for the decreasing yield of the crops in the country yet the associated microbial community can mitigate these effects by improving plant growth and defense. Although some studies have tried to describe the microorganisms associated with these Coffea species, a study that compares the microbiome on a wider spatial scale is needed for a better understanding of the terroir of each coffee planting region. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the microbial communities harbored in soils and fruits of these Coffea species in four Brazilian floristic domains (Amazon, Atlantic Forest Caatinga, and Cerrado). One hundred and eight samples (90 of soil and 90 of fruits) were used in the extraction and sequencing of the fungal and bacterial DNA. We detected more than 1000 and 500 bacterial and fungal genera, respectively. Some soil microbial taxa were more closely related to one coffee species than the other species. Bacillus bataviensis tends to occur more in arid soils from the Caatinga, while the fungus Saitozyma sp. was more related to soils cultivated with C. arabica. Thus, the species and the planting region (floristic domain) of coffee affect the microbial composition associated with this crop. This study is the first to report microbial communities associated with coffee produced in four floristic domains that include sites in eight Brazilian states. Data generated by DNA sequencing provides new insights into microbial roles and their potential for the developing more sustainable coffee management, such as the production of biofertilizers and starter culture for fermentation of coffee cherries.
Association of atmospheric temperature with out-of-hospital natural deaths occurrence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Yoshizawa Hidenori , Hattori Satoshi , Yoshida Ken-ichi , Maeda Hideyuki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Morii Eiichi
Published: October 2023

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between out-of-hospital natural death (OHND) and ambient temperature and examine the seriousness of the impact of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on this relationship. We used data from the Osaka Prefectural Office of Medical Examiners between 2018 and 2022 and performed a retrospective observational study. A Poisson regression model was applied to examine the relationship between OHND and temperature in Osaka City. The relative risk of OHND at 5 °C and 32 °C compared to the minimum mortality temperature increased from 1.81 in the pre-COVID-19 period to 2.03 in the post-COVID-19 period at 5 °C and from 1.29 in the pre-COVID-19 period to 1.60 in the post-COVID-19 period at 32 °C. The increase in relative risk per 1 °C increase from the pre- to post-COVID-19 period was 1.0551 (rate ratio [RR], p = 0.003) in the hot environment and 1.0233 (RR, p = 0.013) in the cold environment, which was larger than that in the hot environment. Although the risk of OHND increased at both temperatures, the change in OHND risk during post-COVID-19 was larger in the hot environment than in the cold environment, implicating the effect of pandemics in the current scenario of global warming.
Development of a daily predictive model for the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Jo Yong Suk , Han Solji , Lee Daeun , Min Kyung Hoon , Park Seoung Ju , Yoon Hyoung Kyu , Lee Won-Yeon , Yoo Kwang Ha , Jung Ki-Suck , Rhee Chin Kook
Published: October 2023

Acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compromises health status; it increases disease progression and the risk of future exacerbations. We aimed to develop a model to predict COPD exacerbation. We merged the Korean COPD subgroup study (KOCOSS) dataset with nationwide medical claims data, information regarding weather, air pollution, and epidemic respiratory virus data. The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) dataset was used for validation. Several machine learning methods were employed to increase the predictive power. The development dataset consisted of 590 COPD patients enrolled in the KOCOSS cohort; these were randomly divided into training and internal validation subsets on the basis of the individual claims data. We selected demographic and spirometry data, medications for COPD and hospital visit for AE, air pollution data and meteorological data, and influenza virus data as contributing factors for the final model. Six machine learning and logistic regression tools were used to evaluate the performance of the model. A light gradient boosted machine (LGBM) afforded the best predictive power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.935 and an F1 score of 0.653. Similar favorable predictive performance was observed for the 2151 individuals in the external validation dataset. Daily prediction of the COPD exacerbation risk may help patients to rapidly assess their risk of exacerbation and will guide them to take appropriate intervention in advance. This might lead to reduction of the personal and socioeconomic burdens associated with exacerbation.
The effect of soil environmental factors on the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata
Authors: Li Fahuo , Li Yuting , Huang Jianming , Li Jingying , Xiao Dong , Li Yong , He Longfei , Wang Ai-qin
Published: October 2023

Pueraria lobata is a typical medicinal and edible plant with great market value and demand, thus exploring the relationship between soil environmental factors and the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata is of great significance for its high-value cultivation. In this study, using the Guige 1 variety (Pueraria montana var. Thomsonii) selected by our research group as the material to compare the effects of five soil types, endophytes in three parts of Pueraria lobata and two fertilizers on its yield and quality. The results showed that the comprehensive evaluation effect of five soil types on the yield and quality of Guige 1 was as follow: red-yellow mixed soil (RYMS) > black loam soil (BLS) > sandy loam soil (SLS) > sandy loam soil waterlogging (SLSW) > yellow soil compaction soil (YSCS); the descending order of endophyte types and quantities is in BLS > RYMS > SLS > YSC > SLSW; applying General Compound Fertilizers (GCF) in RYMS is more suitable for the rapid expansion of Guige 1 than Organic-Slow-Release-Fertilizers (OSRF). The high potassium content in RYMS and high effective phosphorus content in BLS are positively correlated with the content of starch and isoflavone in Pueraria lobata. The conclusion is that the high potassium and available phosphorus content in RYMS and BLS, as well as the rich types and quantities of endophytic bacteria, are positively correlated with the yield and quality of Pueraria lobata. The research results have important guiding significance for the high-value cultivation of Pueraria lobata.
Uncovering the effectiveness of anthropomorphic communication on the country-of-origin stereotypes from the perspective of psychological elements
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Zhang Wei , Chu Lingyun
Published: October 2023

With the development of social media, interactive activities such as anthropomorphic communications are more accessible and popular. The country-of-origin(COO) stereotype is one of the most important factors which influences individuals' attitudes toward brands. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and validity of anthropomorphic communication via social media on COO stereotypes in international competitions. Experimental results indicate that the strategy of using anthropomorphic communication has positive effects for developing countries, but not the same for developed countries; the perceived social presence mediates the relationship between anthropomorphic communication and COO stereotypes of developing countries. However, the mediating effect is not obvious in developed countries, the influence of anthropomorphic communication is effective and feasible only when individuals’ mindset is global. The theoretical model in this paper is a useful supplement to the existing achievements of anthropomorphism and COO stereotypes, it provides a reference for enterprises in developing countries to use anthropomorphic strategies accurately to reduce negative COO stereotypes and improve international competitiveness, it also gives suggestions for companies in developed countries to adopt anthropomorphic communication strategies cautiously.
Sea–air coupling leads to a decrease in precipitation in East Asia under present day conditions that is partially alleviated in future simulations
Authors: Peng Jing , Li Kai , Dan Li , Tang Xiba , Xu Zhongfeng , Zou Liwei , Zheng Hui , Zhang Taotao
Published: October 2023

The offshore region of East Asia has a crucial role in recycling precipitation, especially in the current context of a warming climate. This is because the atmospheric feedback from the sea offshore East Asia directly impacts and modifies precipitation patterns by influencing the seasonal cycles of the surface energy and water budgets. We used a regional climate model incorporating sea–air coupling to investigate and better understand these climate feedback mechanisms in East Asia. We identified a reduction in precipitation caused by sea-air coupling over East Asia during the time period 1991 − 2014 under present day conditions. Specifically, we observed an average decrease in precipitation of about 0.1 ± 0.40 mm day−1 during June–July–August. This decrease in precipitation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the effects of upward solar radiation, the asymmetry of the thermal contrast between the land and the sea, decreased evaporation in the southeastern ocean and the weakened transport of water vapor from the sea to the land. Our research suggests that the decrease triggered by sea–air coupling will be partially alleviated under future conditions, although not completely reversed, in terms of its impact on precipitation in eastern China. Although some relief is anticipated, the overall influence of sea–air coupling on patterns of precipitation in East Asia will persist, especially south of the Yellow River in eastern China.
Preparation of controllable double-selective etched porous substrate for HVPE growth of GaN crystals with excellent optical properties
Authors: Zhang Baoguo , Hu Haixiao , Yao Xiaogang , Wu Yongzhong , Shao Yongliang , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: October 2023

Heteroepitaxial growth of GaN will inevitably generate defects; serious residual stress will be caused by the mismatch of the lattice and thermal expansion coefficient between the substrate and the GaN, and eventually the crystal may be broken.
Super-high carrier mobilities and excellent thermoelectric performances of Tri–Tri group-VA monolayers
Authors: Lin Jia-He , Zhang Tie , Zhang Tian
Published: October 2023

Tri–Tri group-VA monolayers have super-high electron mobilities, and meanwhile exhibit excellent thermoelectric performances.
One-step synthesis of a ZIF-8/90-based type I porous liquid
Authors: Hu Jingqiu , Liu Zhaofang , Tang Shuangyin , Yao Meng , Zhang Dezhen , Cui Mifen , Yang Dong , Tang Jihai , Qiao Xu , Zhang Zhuxiu
Published: October 2023

One-step imine condensation between a polyether amine and ZIF-8/90 generates a cheap Type I porous liquid with CO2 selectivity.
The role of oxygen defects in the electronic, optical and phonon dispersion of the LAGO perovskite: a density functional theory investigation
Authors: Bhat Chaithanya P. , Godbole Ashwin K. , Bandyopadhyay Debashis
Published: October 2023

The study aims to investigate the electronic, optical and phonon dispersion properties of a pure and 2.5% O-defect induced LAGO perovskite, using density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the PBE functional.
One-pot cascade synthesis of dibenzothiophene-based heterobiaryls from dibenzothiophene-5-oxide
Authors: Hu Xiaofang , Qiao Zeen , Zhang Li , Zhao Jinzhong , Liu Ya-Zhou , Zhang Jiangang , Ma Xiaofeng
Published: October 2023

A one-pot protocol to access 4-substituted dibenzothiophene (DBT) from dibenzothiophene-5-oxide (DBTO) was developed via a sulfoxide directed C–H metalation/B2Pin2 mediated reduction/Suzuki coupling cascade process.
Characteristic features of self-avoiding active Brownian polymers under linear shear flow
Authors: Panda Arindam , Winkler Roland G. , Singh Sunil P.
Published: October 2023

We present Brownian dynamics simulation results of a flexible linear polymer with excluded-volume interactions under shear flow in the presence of active noise.
Single-operator cholangioscopy system for management of acute cholecystitis secondary to choledocholithiasis
Authors: Tao Liying , Wang Hongguang , Guo Qingmei
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) + EyeMax (single-operator cholangioscopy system; SOC) (i.e., ERCP+SOC) for the treatment of choledocholithasis-associated acute cholecystitis. Twenty-five patients were evaluated between January 2022 and June 2023. The success rate (technical + clinical), procedure time, postoperative recovery, postoperative length of hospital stay, and complications rates were recorded. The procedure and clinical success rates were 92% (23/25) and 96% (24/25), respectively. The mean procedure time was 36.6±10 minutes (standard deviation [SD]). The average postoperative hospitalization was 2±0.8 days. No adverse events such as bleeding, perforation, or bile leakage occurred. Cholecystitis did not recur during the 2 to 18 months of follow-up. ERCP+SOC may be a feasible, safe, and effective alternative treatment for acute cholecystitis secondary to choledocholithiasis. ERCP+SOC was able to simultaneously resolve both biliary tract and gallbladder problems via natural orifice endoscopy. Its advantages included no skin wound, reduced postoperative pain, quick recovery, limited to no exposure to x-rays, and a short hospital stay.
Advancements in Graft Placement Techniques
Authors: Speranzini Mauro de Medeiros , Souza Solon Eduardo Gouveia
Published: October 2023

For decades, the placement of follicular units (FUs) into incisions in the recipient area was exclusively carried out using forceps. In 1992, Dr. Choi introduced an instrument known as the "implanter," which had the advantage of simultaneously creating incisions and placing FUs without damaging sensitive parts. Its initial popularity was greater in the East, primarily due to the characteristics of Asian hair. Asian hair typically has straight and thick hair, with FUs mostly consisting of just one or two hairs.
With the description of the FUE technique in 2002 and its widespread adoption nearly a decade later, the advantages of using the implanter also gained popularity in the West. The uniformity in the size of FUs provided by the FUE technique and the possibility of delegating the placement were key attractions in the use of this placement tool. In addition to the traditional Korean implanter with a sharp needle, other implanters and inserters have been described.
The choice of implantation technique depends on individual adaptation and the advantages and disadvantages offered by each instrument. Although forceps allow for safe placement in the hands of well-trained teams, the increased fragility of FUs obtained with the FUE technique has
Comparação entre procedimentos cirúrgicos no tratamento da infecção de prótese do quadril
Authors: Branco Ricardo Tomé , Rodrigues Eurico Bandeira
Published: October 2023

Objetivo Comparar a taxa de cura, o tempo de recuperação e a pontuação na escala funcional de Merle d'Aubigné-Postel (EFMA) entre a cirurgia em tempo único (C1T) e a cirurgia em dois tempos (C2T) no tratamento de infecções protéticas do quadril, considerando as características sociodemográficas e clínicas dos pacientes.

Materiais e Métodos Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo num único centro, entre 2011 e 2014, com um total de 37 casos estudados, sendo 26 tratados com C1T e 11 com C2T. Foram comparadas a taxa de cura, o tempo de recuperação e a pontuação EFMA entre os dois grupos, bem como as características sociodemográficas e clínicas dos pacientes. Foram também consideradas as complicações cirúrgicas e o agente infeccioso mais comum.

Resultados O grupo C1T teve uma recuperação funcional mais rápida do que o grupo C2T, mas não houve diferenças significativas na taxa de cura, nas complicações cirúrgicas ou na pontuação EFMA. No entanto, o grupo C1T era significativamente mais jovem, o que pode ter influenciado os resultados. Staphylococcus spp. foi o agente infeccioso mais comum (62%).

Conclusão Embora a C2T pareça ser superior em termos de cura de infecção, a C1T pode ser preferível para uma recuperação funcional mais rápida. No entanto, as características individuais dos pacientes devem ser consideradas na escolha do tratamento. São necessárias mais pesquisas com um tamanho de amostra maior para confirmar estes resultados.
A ressonância magnética é um método confiável para medida do ângulo crítico do ombro e do índice acromial
Authors: Schiefer Márcio , Naliato Erika , Oliveira Roberto , Carmo Leonardo Tadeu do , Fontenelle César Rubens da Costa , Motta Filho Geraldo da Rocha
Published: October 2023

Objetivo Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar os valores absolutos do índice acromial (IA) e do ângulo crítico do ombro (ACO) obtidos em radiografias e ressonâncias magnéticas (RM) do ombro e comparar a concordância interobservador e intraobservador dos valores de IA e ACO medidos nessas modalidades de imagem.

Métodos Pacientes com indicação médica de investigação de doenças dos ombros por meio de radiografias e RM foram incluídos no estudo. As imagens foram levadas para dois cirurgiões de ombro treinados que realizaram medidas de IA e ACO em radiografias e RM. Doze semanas após a primeira avaliação, uma segunda avaliação foi realizada. A confiabilidade inter e intraobservador foi apresentada como coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e a concordância foi classificada segundo os critérios de Landis e Koch. As diferenças entre duas medidas foram avaliadas por meio de gráficos de Bland-Altman.

Resultados Cento e trinta e quatro ombros de 124 indivíduos foram incluídos no estudo. O CCI intraobservador médio para ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,936 e 0,940, respectivamente; para IA, foi 0,908 e 0,022. O CCI interobservador médio para ACO foi 0,892 e 0,752 em radiografias e RM, respectivamente; para IA, os valores de CCI foram 0,849 e 0,685. Todas as análises individuais apresentaram poder estatístico (p < 0,001). A diferença média dos valores de IA em radiografias e RM foi 0,01 e 0,03 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente. A diferença média dos valores de ACO em radiografias e RM foi 0,16 e 0,58 para os observadores 1 e 2, respectivamente.

Conclusão Tanto a RM quanto as radiografias tiveram alta concordância intra e interobservador para medida de IA e ACO. Os valores absolutos de IA e ACO foram altamente correlacionados em ambas as modalidades de imagem. Esses achados sugerem que a RM é um método adequado para determinação de IA e ACO.

Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Diagnóstico.
Towards a low-carbon society: spatial distribution, characteristics and implications of digital economy and carbon emissions decoupling
Authors: Wu Yanan , Al-Duais Zinb Abduljabbar Mohamed , Peng Biyu
Published: October 2023

Reducing carbon emissions and attaining sustainable economic, social, and environmental development are vital components of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Previous research has overlooked the influence of the digital economy on urban carbon decoupling. To bridge this gap, this study employs GIS software and econometric models for analyzing the spatial distribution and characteristics of the digital economy and carbon decoupling and also investigates the direct, heterogeneous, and spatial effects of the digital economy on carbon decoupling. This study reveals: (1) A lesser digital economy presence in the northeast and northwest, while more developed in the Southeast Coast and municipalities directly under the Central Government. Cities with weak carbon decoupling are concentrated in Northeast and North China. (2) The digital economy and the decoupling of urban carbon emissions have spatial correlation and agglomeration characteristics. (3) The digital economy can contribute to decoupling carbon emissions in cities. (4) Improved urban carbon decoupling by the digital economy in central, eastern, and non-resource-based cities. (5) Spatial spillover effect in urban carbon emissions decoupling, yet the digital economy worsens nearby cities’ carbon decoupling due to a siphon effect. That research indicates that the digital economy holds significant promise not only in advancing human progress, bridging the digital divide, and fostering social development but also in driving the decoupling of urban carbon emissions.
Impact of inundation on soil microbiology
Authors: Ralph Timothy J. , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

Genetic sequencing as well as culture-based studies have revealed diverse aerobic and anaerobic microbes across a range of aquatic environments in floodplain wetlands. Hydrological conditions related to riverine inundation are a predominant factor determining the structure and function of soil bacterial communities in floodplain wetlands. Despite their complex mosaics of topography, landforms and aquatic habitats, some consistent response patterns are observed among soil bacterial communities with changing inundation patterns and history. Considering hydrological events and changes as a form of disturbance, Connell’s ‘intermediate disturbance hypothesis’ has been used to explain the observed bell-shaped response of soil microbial communities with varying hydrological conditions. Further application and testing of general ecological theories and hypotheses may help advance our understanding and predictive modelling capability for the dynamics of floodplain soil bacterial communities with changing hydrological conditions.
Ontogenetic habitat partitioning among four shark species within a nursery ground
Authors: Crear Daniel P. , Peterson Cassidy D. , Higgs Jeremy M. , Hendon Jill M. , Hoffmayer Eric R.
Published: October 2023

Context Nursery areas provide refuge from predators, rich foraging grounds, and physical conditions conducive to growth and development of juvenile inhabitants. Specifically, the Mississippi Sound in the northern Gulf of Mexico is likely a nursery ground for multiple large and small coastal sharks. Aims and methods Using over a decade of shark survey catch data, we employed habitat modelling approaches to identify preferred environmental conditions and spatial distribution, and quantify core habitat overlap within the Mississippi Sound for young-of-year (YOY), juvenile and adult life stages of four coastal shark species. Results YOY Atlantic sharpnose (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus) and finetooth (Carcharhinus isodon) sharks showed a preference for a combination of shallow, warm, low salinity, low dissolved oxygen and turbid waters. Corresponding to shared environmental preferences, spatial distributions of YOY sharks showed a high degree of overlap, particularly in the northern portion of the Mississippi Sound where few adult sharks were observed, suggesting that these life stages partition themselves to avoid predation. Conclusion and implications With a continued rise in US coastal shark populations, we hope this study can help further refine essential fish habitat for these coastal species and provide a framework analysis that can be used to understand habitat partitioning in other regions.
Donkey production systems and breeding practices in selected districts of South Omo Zone, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Awoke Melak , Getachew Teklewold Belayhun , Kassa Abebe Hailu , Megersa Ashenafi Getachew , Ayele Tesfalem
Published: October 2023

The study was conducted to understand the production system and breeding practices of Omo donkeys and provide baseline information for future production strategies. The data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and personal observation. A semi-structured questionnaire using 2012 Food and Agriculture Organisation guidelines was used to obtain respondent views. On the basis of donkey population, production potential, and road accessibility, 76 households from two districts were randomly selected and interviewed. Donkey growth performance and body size were given a higher priority in breeding selection. Most respondents selected their breeding donkeys based on growth performance, body size, and disease resistance. The criteria for culling were old age, body size, poor fertility, temperament, and colour. Variables that were given a higher priority in trait preference were disease resistance and pulling ability. Water shortage and disease were significant constraints to donkey production. Therefore, to address these constraints, the concerned bodies should invest in infrastructure to increase access to water and other services so as to support the livelihoods of donkey-dependent communities. Moreover, funding for animal healthcare and nutrition initiatives should be provided to ensure the health and well-being of animals.
Snow white, the seven dwarfs and the photoelectric effect
Authors: Reyes Martín Héctor , García González Juan Manuel
Published: October 2023

The study of the photoelectric effect should be introduced at pre-university levels in several countries. Teaching quantum phenomena is neither easy nor intuitive and its difficulty is related to the way the brain learns and creates new patterns. This article proposes a first approach to the phenomenon, starting from a movie scene and the Socratic class, thus offering a didactic tool to apply to pre-university students. In this pre-post study it is shown that there is a remarcable improvement (p < 0.00) in the students comprehension of this effect.
10Be in the Cluster Shell Model
Authors: Caballero Omar Alejandro Díaz , Bijker Roelof
Published: October 2023

The Cluster Shell Model describes light nuclei in terms of clusters of k α-particles and x extra nucleons, in which the extra nucleons move in the deformed field generated by geometric configuration of α-particles. We present the first study for the case of x = 2 nucleons in an application to 10Be as a cluster of two α-particles and two neutrons.
Unprecedented mass gain over the Antarctic ice sheet between 2021 and 2022 caused by large precipitation anomalies
Authors: Wang Wei , Shen Yunzhong , Chen Qiujie , Wang Fengwei
Published: October 2023

The Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) is susceptible to global climate change, and its mass loss has been 92 ± 18 Gt yr −1 between 1992 and 2020. Given the current intensive global warming, we investigate the AIS mass changes from January 2003 to December 2022, using the newly released satellite gravimetry and atmospheric datasets. The results show that the continuous mass loss in the AIS between 2003 and 2020 was 141.8 ± 55.6 Gt yr−1 . However, the AIS showed a record-breaking mass gain of 129.7 ± 69.6 Gt yr −1 between 2021 and 2022. During this period, the mass gain over the East AIS and Antarctic Peninsula was unprecedented within the past two decades, and it outpaced the mass loss in the Amundsen sector of the West AIS from 2003 to 2022. Basin-scale analysis shows that the mass gain mainly occurred over Wilhelm II Land, Queen Mary Land, Wilkes Land, and the Antarctic Peninsula due to anomalously enhanced precipitation. Further investigation reveals that during 2021–2022, a pair of symmetrically distributed high-low pressure systems, located at approximately 120°W and 60°E in the Southern Ocean, drove the observed abnormal precipitation and mass accumulation.
Molecular phylogenetics and biogeography reveal the origin of cherries (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Rosaceae)
Authors: Song Yan-Feng , Zhang Cheng , Idrees Muhammad , Yi Xian-Gui , Wang Xian-Rong , Li Meng
Published: October 2023

Cherries (subg. Cerasus) belong to Prunus s.l. (Rosaceae) and are widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Given its ornamental and edible functions, it is a hugely preferred germplasm resource for human societies. However, the interspecific phylogenetic relationships, divergence times, and routes of this subgenus remain unclear. To reveal its enigmatic and intricate evolutionary history, we newly sequenced 12 subg. Cerasus species, reconstructed the plastome phylogeny with 24 previously published subg. Cerasus species. This study supports that subg. Cerasus split into five clades, among which P. mahaleb is the basal group of subg. Cerasus; P. campanulata is genetically distantly related to P. cerasoides and is not recommended for treatment as a variety of the latter; P. subhirtella is involved in the speciation of P. yedoensis. Molecular dating and ancestral area reconstructions infer that subg. Cerasus originated in the Eastern Mediterranean–Central Asia before 11.57 Mya (95% HPD = 5.34–19.1 Mya) and subsequently spread into the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) and adjacent regions. The first dispersal event of modern subg. Cerasus was facilitated by ‘out-of-QTP’, colonizing North America across the Bering Land Bridge and re-dispersing into Europe from the Late Miocene to Pliocene and forming the initial distribution pattern of extant subg. Cerasus in the Pliocene; The end of the Quaternary glacial period witnessed a second dispersal event, and core subg. Cerasus population diversity flourished radially in its separate refugia during the Late Pleistocene.
Evolutionary clustering in Neotropical biocultural heritage: the Huastec Mayan useful plants
Authors: De-Nova José Arturo , Villegas-Ortega Daniela Sofía , Cupido Madeleyne , Cilia-López Virginia Gabriela
Published: October 2023

Biodiversity in the Neotropics includes an extraordinary diversity of plant variation produced by evolution that is useful for human well-being. Traditional knowledge of the Tenek, a Huastec Mayan culture, represents an important biocultural heritage for this realm. Here, we used the information about their useful plants to explore evolutionary biocultural patterns occurring in Neotropics. Our goal was to analyse the phylogenetic distribution of usage guilds, their degree of evolutionary clustering, significant associations, and phylogenetic overlap between guilds to test the hypothesis that Tenek selection of plants is not random but phylogenetically clustered. We found significant phylogenetic clustering in all usage guilds except ceremonial and medicine. Tenek people use a variety of relatively deep plant lineages providing specific services that biocultural processes have promoted in the ecosystems they inhabit. The lineages Asterales, Caryophyllales, Fabales, Lamiales, Malpighiales, and Malvales in eudicots and Poales and Asparagales in monocots concentrated most of the Huastec Mayan useful plants. Multi-functional hot nodes, including Asterales, Fabales, Lamiales, Malvales, Poaceae Sapindales, and Solanales, with phylogenetic overlap between usage guilds, should be major priority targets in conservation planning.
Pathogen disgust is associated with interpersonal bias among healthcare professionals
Authors: Makhanova Anastasia , Lambert W Allen , Blanchard Ryan , Alcock Joe , Shattuck Eric C , Wilson Michael P
Published: October 2023

Background and objectives

Pathogen avoidance is a fundamental motive that shapes many aspects of human behavior including bias against groups stereotypically linked to disease (e.g. immigrants, outgroup members). This link has only been examined in convenience samples and it is unknown how pathogen avoidance processes operate in populations experiencing prolonged and heightened pathogen threat such as healthcare professionals. We examined whether healthcare professionals demonstrate the same link between pathogen disgust and intergroup bias as has been documented among the general population.

Methodology

Participants (N = 317; 210 healthcare professionals) were recruited using snowball sampling to take an online survey. Participants completed the Three Domain Disgust Scale to assess pathogen, sexual and moral disgust. Participants then rated their perceptions of a fictitious immigrant group (‘Krasneeans’) and the degree to which they endorsed group-binding moral values.

Results

Compared to control participants, healthcare professionals reported lower levels of pathogen disgust, but not sexual or moral disgust. However, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with viewing Krasneeans as less likeable and more unclean. Additionally, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with greater endorsement of group-binding moral values, although healthcare professionals reported greater overall endorsement of group-binding moral values than did control participants.

Conclusions and implications

Although healthcare professionals demonstrated lower levels of pathogen disgust, they nevertheless exhibited largely the same relationship between pathogen disgust and interpersonal biases as did control participants. One practical implication of this association is that pathogen avoidance motives may contribute to inequitable patient treatment in healthcare settings.
154 The Effect of a Novel Consensus Bacterial 6-Phytase Variant on Ileal Digestibility of Energy in Growing Pigs: Meta-Analysis of 4 Trials
Authors: Velayudhan Deepak E , Vinyeta-Punti Ester , Hardy Rachael , Marchal Leon , Nyachoti Charles Martin , Stein Hans H , Dersjant-Li Yueming
Published: October 2023

This meta-analysis evaluated the effect of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) on the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of energy in growing pigs. It was hypothesized that increasing phytase doses improves energy digestibility. The database was constructed using 4 studies (PIC, L 800 × Camborough sows or TN Tempo × TN70 breeds; average body weight of 26.5 kg at sampling), contributing 220 data points. Pigs were fed corn or corn-wheat based diets with soybean meal, canola meal, rice bran, wheat middlings or DDGS. All studies had a negative control (NC) diet deficient in total Ca, dig P, standardized ileal digestible amino acids and without feed phosphates. The analyzed total Ca, total P, phytate P and calculated net energy ranged from 0.46 to 0.53%, 0.37 to 0.43%, 0.24 to 0.30%, and 2,441 to 2,472 kcal/kg, respectively. The NC was supplemented with PhyG at 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg. Digesta were collected using ileal T-cannulation (9-10 replicates/treatment, Latin square design). Data were analyzed using the Fit Model platform of JMP 14.0 with trial code as a random effect. Phytase dose response (using analyzed phytase activity) was analyzed with exponential curve fitting. The AID of gross energy and the ileal digestible energy (DE, kcal/kg) improved with 1,000 or 2,000 FTU/kg PhyG treatments vs. NC (P < 0.05, Table 1). Increasing the PhyG dose exponentially increased (P < 0.1) the AID of gross energy (%) and the ileal DE. Ileal DE improvement above NC increased exponentially (P < 0.06) up to 120.8 and 132.6 kcal/kg at 1,000 and 2,000 FTU/kg, respectively. In conclusion, PhyG supplementation improved ileal DE in growing pigs in a dose-dependent manner.
305 Dietary Carbohydrase Mixture Supplementation and Fiber Levels on Ileal Digestibility of Nutrients in Diets for Gestating Sows
Authors: Shipman Garrin , Palencia Jorge Perez , Patterson Rob , Levesque Crystal L
Published: October 2023

Supplementation of multi-carbohydrase enzyme cocktails can increase nutrient digestibility of fibrous diets in grower pigs, particularly acting on dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). Although NSP degrading enzymes are extensively used in sow diets, there is little data characterizing the NSP enzyme effects. Our previous work demonstrated a 10% increase in nutrient digestibility in diets fed to gestating sows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a carbohydrase mixture (CM) and dietary fiber level on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of protein and amino acids (AA) and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of NSP in gestation diets fed to pregnant sows. Ileal cannulas were placed in 12 gestating sows (Parity 0 to 2) who were allowed to recover for 1 week, then assigned to either a high (HF; 17.5% NDF) or low fiber (LF; 10% NDF) diet with one of 3 levels of CM supplementation (‘0’, ‘0.08’, and ‘0.10’%) or a nitrogen-free diet to determine ileal endogenous AA losses. Diets were corn-soybean meal based with soyhulls and corn DDGS as fiber sources and formulated to reflect industry-relevant diets. Thus, oil was included at 3% in HF to maintain similar formulated metabolizable energy content. Sows were fed once daily at 2.2 kg/d. Ileal digesta samples were collected for 12 h on 2 successive days following a 7-day adaptation period. At the end of digesta collection, sows were assigned a different diet in a new adaptation/digesta collection period. There were 5 collection periods for a total of 8 observations/diet. Digesta was analyzed for crude protein, amino acids, NSP, and titanium as the indigestible marker to determine AID and SID. There was no interaction between diet fiber level and CM supplementation. Carbohydrase mixture supplementation to gestating sow diets did not impact SID of crude protein and AA regardless of dietary fiber level. The SID of His, Ile, Lys, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val were 3 to 6% lower (P < 0.09) in HF than LF independent of CM. There was no impact of fiber level on the average SID of amino acids in gestating sow diets which was 83.5%. Supplementation of CM did not impact AID of NSP components, but sows fed HF had greater AID of arabinose (LF: 26.5% vs HF: 40.6%), xylose (LF: 3.5% vs HF: 40.9%), and total NSP (LF: 25.9% vs HF: 40.0%) compared with sows fed LF (P < 0.05). Inclusion of CM in high fibrous gestating sow diets did not increase the SID of AA or AID of NSP, but a high fiber gestation diet reduced SID of AA. As such, differences in SID of AA should be considered when formulating high fibrous diets for gestating sows.
Myxoglobulosis of the appendix presenting as acute appendicitis
Authors: Abuaagla Khalid , Faridoon Shehla , Hassan Atef , Bafadni Mudather , Rabih Mohammed A , Alsaadi Abdelhakim
Published: October 2023

Myxoglobulosis is a rare form of appendiceal mucocele characterized by mucoid material inside the appendix that resembles fish eggs. It is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally, but it can also present as a surgical abdomen, which can create a diagnostic dilemma. This case report presents a 37-year-old male patient with features suggestive of acute appendicitis. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed features of appendiceal mucocele. The patient underwent appendicectomy through a lower midline incision. The macroscopic finding was myxoglobulosis, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course. The histopathology report of the appendix confirmed the diagnosis.
Assessment of increase in the abundance of two hummingbird species in the last decade in Mexico City
Authors: Márquez-Luna Ubaldo , Arizmendi María del Coro
Published: October 2023

Hummingbirds are nectarivorous birds with a very fast metabolism, which requires constant access to resources. In cities, resources have distinct abundances and availability from natural environments, which leads to the exclusion of some species. However, other species may increase in abundance within cities, causing a process of biotic homogenization. In this work we evaluated whether the abundance of five resident hummingbird species has increased in Mexico City over the last decade. Additionally, we evaluated whether these hummingbirds used feeders throughout the year. Finally, we determined the reproductive season of hummingbirds and evaluated whether it is longer in Mexico City than in non-urban locations. Our results indicate that during the last decade, the abundance of Berylline Hummingbird and Broad-billed Hummingbird has increased in Mexico City. Both species take advantage of the feeders throughout the year. This constant availability of resources has allowed both species to extend their breeding season, leading to constantly increasing abundance. One way to avoid biotic homogenization in cities is to implement conservation strategies that include variations in the availability and abundance of native floral resources such as pollinator gardens, rather than constantly available artificial resources like feeders.