bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responsibility Gaps and Technology: Old Wine in New Bottles?
Authors: Oimann Ann‐Katrien , Tollon Fabio
Published: September 2024

Recent work in philosophy of technology has come to bear on the question of responsibility gaps. Some authors argue that the increase in the autonomous capabilities of decision‐making systems makes it impossible to properly attribute responsibility for AI‐based outcomes. In this article we argue that one important, and often neglected, feature of recent debates on responsibility gaps is how this debate maps on to old debates in responsibility theory. More specifically, we suggest that one of the key questions that is still at issue is the significance of the reactive attitudes, and how these ought to feature in our theorizing about responsibility. We will therefore provide a new descriptive categorization of different perspectives with respect to responsibility gaps. Such reflection can provide analytical clarity about what is at stake between the various interlocutors in this debate. The main upshot of our account is the articulation of a way to frame this ‘new’ debate by drawing on the rich intellectual history of ‘old’ concepts. By regarding the question of responsibility gaps as being concerned with questions of metaphysical priority, we see that the problem of these gaps lies not in any advanced technology, but rather in how we think about responsibility.
Taxonomic, Functional and Phylogenetic Beta Diversity of Upland Forest Birds in the Amazon: The Relative Importance of Biogeographic Regions, Climate and Geographic Distance
Authors: Almeida Sara Miranda , Dambros Cristian , da Silva Duarte Leandro , Cerqueira Pablo , Juen Leandro , Santos Marcos Pérsio Dantas
Published: September 2024

Aim

We address the relative importance of biogeographic regions (areas of endemism), regional climate and spatial factors on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic beta diversity of bird assemblages in upland terra‐firme forests in the Amazon.

Location

Amazon biome.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

We gathered 27,498 occurrence records of 873 bird species for 115 bird assemblages distributed in all nine biogeographic regions delimited by the major Amazonian rivers. Only data from studies surveying whole communities with standard sampling methods and exhaustive sampling effort were included. We partitioned the fractions of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic beta diversity explained by climate, biogeographic regions, spatial factors and the variation shared between them.

Results

Across the entire Amazon, we found higher total taxonomic (0.68 ± 0.10) than phylogenetic (0.46 ± 0.08) β‐diversity, and low functional β‐diversity (0.34 ± 0.08). Biogeographic regions showed the highest unique contributions explaining taxonomic and phylogenetic β‐total (7% and 5%, respectively) and turnover components (7% of β‐jtu taxonomic, 7% of β‐jtu phylogenetic), but accounted for only 2% of total functional β‐diversity and trait turnover. Climatic variables explained slightly more trait nestedness (5%) compared with species and lineage turnover (3% each). Species composition was clearly distinct between biogeographical regions limited by the Amazon River, but support for the effect of other rivers was mixed.

Main Conclusions

Our study highlights the significant influence of biogeographic regions and climate on species composition in the Amazon. However, our findings also suggest that the Amazon River exerts a more pronounced impact on species distribution compared with other major Amazonian rivers. Species turnover across biogeographical regions is particularly evident at the species level, with minor effects observed in functional traits, suggesting that taxonomic turnover is driven mainly by functionally redundant species. In addition, recent diversification events, occurring predominantly at the tips of the phylogeny without substantial turnover at deeper nodes, are likely responsible for the patchy distribution of species across Amazonia.
A Revision to the Distribution of Plumage Polymorphism in the Red‐Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
Authors: Robinson Bryce W. , Richardson Nicole M. , Alioto Nick A. , Nicoletti Frank J. , Pesano Alexandra M. , Rao Mei T. , Sullivan Brian L.
Published: September 2024

Aim

The high proportion of plumage polymorphism in raptor species presents exciting research potential. Unfortunately, fundamental knowledge gaps remain that limit our ability to fully understand the development and role of plumage polymorphism in this group and extend those insights to vertebrates as a whole. We report data that fills one such knowledge gap in the red‐tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) that will enable investigations to uncover factors that influence the biogeography of plumage polymorphism in the species and raptors more generally.

Location

North America.

Taxon

Buteo jamaicensis (red‐tailed hawk).

Methods

We captured and outfitted four dark and 22 light morphs with GPS/GSM satellite transmitters during the non‐breeding season in the Great Lakes region of North America to assess their breeding provenance and behaviours. We calculated 95% AKDE nesting home ranges during an 80‐day period meant to capture the incubation and brood‐rearing periods and compared home ranges by age and sex to contextualise movements.

Results

Our results indicate that dark types nest in eastern Canada and belong to the same breeding population as the light individuals tagged in our study, extending the known distribution of plumage polymorphism in the species approximately 1500 km eastward into eastern Canada.

Main Conclusions

This revised distribution of plumage polymorphism is a critical first step for understanding the biogeography of plumage polymorphism and assessing drivers of within‐population trait diversity in this species, and predatory vertebrates more generally.
Implementation of delirium screening in the emergency department: A qualitative study with early adopters
Authors: Chary Anita N. , Bhananker Annika R. , Brickhouse Elise , Torres Beatrice , Santangelo Ilianna , Godwin Kyler M. , Naik Aanand D. , Carpenter Christopher R. , Liu Shan W. , Kennedy Maura
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Delirium affects 15% of older adults presenting to emergency departments (EDs) but is detected in only one‐third of cases. Evidence‐based guidelines for ED delirium screening exist, but are underutilized. Frontline staff perceptions about delirium and time and resource constraints are known barriers to ED delirium screening uptake. Early adopters of ED delirium screening can offer valuable lessons about successful implementation.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with clinician‐administrators leading ED delirium screening initiatives from 20 EDs in the United States and Canada. Interviews focused on experiences of planning and implementing ED delirium screening. Interviews lasted 15 to 50 minutes and were digitally recorded and transcribed. To identify factors that commonly impacted implementation of ED delirium screening, we used constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), an Implementation Science framework widely used to evaluate healthcare improvement initiatives.

Results

Overall, notable facilitators of successful implementation were having institutional and ED leadership support and designated clinical champions to longitudinally engage and educate frontline staff. We found specific examples of factors affecting implementation drawn from the following seven CFIR constructs: (1) intervention complexity, (2) intervention adaptability, (3) external policies and incentives, (4) peer pressure from other institutions, (5) the implementation climate of the ED, (6) staff knowledge and beliefs, and (7) engaging deliverers of intervention, that is, frontline ED staff.

Conclusion

Implementing ED delirium screening is complex and requires institutional resources as well as clinical champions to engage frontline staff in a sustained fashion.
The effect size and nonlinearity of the relationship between cannabis consumption and consumer self‐perceived mental health: A study based on eight national surveys in Canada
Authors: Deng Qian , Li Lun
Published: September 2024

Previous research suggests a negative association between cannabis consumption and consumer mental health, but the magnitude and linearity of this association require further investigation. Therefore, this study analyzed eight suitable national survey datasets from Statistics Canada from 2009 to 2021. In the general population, the mean effect size between cannabis use (yes/no) and self‐perceived mental health is negative but very small in magnitude ( = −0.096). Moreover, in the cannabis user sub‐population, the mean effect size between cannabis usage frequency and mental health is small in magnitude ( = −0.157). More importantly, among cannabis users, a nonlinear negative relationship between cannabis use frequency and mental health was identified. Specifically, as cannabis use becomes more frequent and people's self‐perceived mental health worsens, the association becomes stronger. These findings have significant implications for social marketing and health promotion.
Is the Term “Food Consistency” Used Consistently in Consumer Science? An Exploratory Study of Consumer Association and Conceptualization
Authors: Della Fontana Franco Darío , Lotufo Haddad Agustina Marcela , Goldner María Cristina
Published: September 2024

The post‐pandemic context has changed the modes for collecting data in sensory and consumer science. The objectives of this research were to analyze consumers' associations of food consistency and to study two virtual modes of the Free Word Association test (FWA). This test was administered to 209 consumers (180 women, 29 men, 18–45 years old) asynchronously (i.e. self‐administered) and synchronously (i.e. face to face interviews). The Cognitive Salience Index (CSI) was calculated, and the structure of the social representation was analyzed. Correspondence analysis showed that food consistency was a mixture of concepts related to structure, hardness and several aspects of auditory (e.g., Crunchy, Crispy), tactile (e.g. Smooth, Spreadable) and oral texture (e.g., Creamy, Gummy). Slightly consistent food was associated with something soft, liquid or semisolid, and very consistent food to something hard and resistant. Consistent food was more related to “very” than to “slightly consistent.” The CSI depended on the stimulus presented (p < 0.05). Regarding the social representation structure, the central core had the highest CSI for all stimuli (CSI ≥ 0.13, p < 0.05). Consumers defined “very consistent, consistent and slightly consistent food” by naming more foods in the synchronous mode than in the asynchronous one. In the asynchronous mode, consumers took more time to complete the test. The virtual FWA test (asynchronous or synchronous) showed some differences in the associations of term consistency, due to the lack of spontaneity in the first minute. It is important to adjust the methodologies to standardize the times in both modes.
“That Was a Good One”: Talking About Irony in Study Abroad
Authors: Shively Rachel L.
Published: September 2024

Recent research on second or additional language (L2) pragmatics instruction in study abroad has incorporated the technique of encouraging students to gather data about pragmatics, for example, by asking members of the host country to complete questionnaires, practice using pragmatic features, or answer questions about pragmatics (e.g., Hernández, 2021; Mir, 2021). Such studies have reported positive learning outcomes of pedagogical interventions involving this technique but have not closely examined the nature of the talk about pragmatics among students and local people. The goal of this study is to examine talk about irony in Spanish elicited through an instructional activity carried out by study‐abroad students in Mexico and their Mexican interlocutors, focusing on the information that the latter provide. The findings revealed that Mexican interlocutors provided examples of irony, metapragmatic explanations, and corrective feedback but that there was considerable individual variation.
Habitat fragmentation strongly restricts gene flow in endangered ectomycorrhizal fungal populations: Evidence from Rhizopogon togasawarius, specific to Pseudotsuga japonica, across the entire distribution range
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Gan Lu , Murata Masao , Nara Kazuhide
Published: September 2024

Habitat fragmentation reduces gene flow, causing genetic differentiation and diversity loss in endangered species through genetic drift and inbreeding. However, the impact of habitat fragmentation on ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi remains unexplored, despite their critical roles in forest ecosystems. Here, we investigated the population genetic structure and the demographic history of Rhizopogon togasawarius, the ECM fungus specifically colonizing the host tree Pseudotsuga japonica, across its entire distribution range (>200 km). These two species are designated as endangered species on the IUCN Red List since they are found only in small, fragmented forests in Japan. We analysed 236 R. togasawarius individuals from five remaining populations across the Kii Peninsula and the Shikoku Island, separated by a sea channel. Simple sequence repeat analyses using 20 loci revealed strong genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.255), even significant in the nearest population pair separated by a distance of only 8 km (FST = 0.075), indicating extremely limited gene flow between populations. DIYABC‐RF analyses implied that population divergence occurred approximately 6000 generations ago between the two regions, and nearly 1500 generations ago between the nearest populations within Shikoku Island, related to past climate events. Because of prolonged genetic isolation, significant inbreeding was confirmed in four of five populations, where effective population sizes became very small (Ne = 9.0–58.0). Although evaluation of extinction risks for microorganisms is challenging, our conservation genetic results indicated that habitat fragmentation increases extinction risk through population genetic mechanisms, and therefore should not be overlooked in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Ethnography beyond thick data
Authors: Pretnar Žagar Ajda , Podjed Dan
Published: September 2024

This article presents opportunities for enriching anthropological knowledge and methods with machine learning and data analysis. Different examples show how quantitative methods empower anthropologists and how computational methods supplement ethnography, from sensor data and interview transcripts to designing technology solutions and automatically labeling cultural heritage. Conversely, the authors discuss the benefits of qualitative approaches in contemporary anthropological research and show how to transition from data analysis to ethnography and vice versa. Finally, the article pinpoints aspects in which each method can fail individually. It discusses why a combination of the two approaches, called circular mixed methods, minimizes the chance of failure and maximizes insights from the data.
Mindful eating and orthorexia nervosa: How do they interact?
Authors: Dobos Bianka , Berki Tamás , Mellor David , Piko Bettina F.
Published: September 2024

The present study explored the associations between orthorexia nervosa, social media addiction, emotion regulation difficulties, perfectionism and BMI with four facets of mindful eating, using path analysis to assess these relationships. A sample of 551 students (127 males, 424 females, mean age = 22.6 years) completed an online self‐report questionnaire evaluating these constructs. Analyses revealed that mindful eating contributed to emotion dysregulation and orthorexia nervosa and was related to social media addiction. Significant indirect paths were identified from mindful eating, social media addiction and adaptive perfectionism through emotion dysregulation to maladaptive perfectionism. While no direct paths were observed between mindful eating and perfectionism, a direct path was found between adaptive perfectionism and orthorexia nervosa. These findings suggest a more nuanced understanding of eating behaviours is required. Individuals susceptible to eating disorders should approach mindful eating with caution and seek support from healthcare providers to ensure it is used in a way that supports overall wellbeing. Future research should aim to replicate and further clarify these associations to reveal the long‐term effects of mindful eating.
Two functionally interchangeable Vps9 isoforms mediate pollen tube penetration of style
Authors: Hao Guang‐Jiu , Ying Jun , Li Lu‐Shen , Yu Fei , Dun Shan‐Shan , Su Le‐Yan , Zhao Xin‐Ying , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2024

Style penetration by pollen tubes is essential for reproductive success, a process requiring canonical Rab5s in Arabidopsis. However, functional loss of Arabidopsis Vps9a, the gene encoding for guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of Rab5s, did not affect male transmission, implying the presence of a compensation program or redundancy.

By combining genetic, cytological, and molecular approaches, we report that Arabidopsis Vps9b is a pollen‐preferential gene, redundantly mediating pollen tube penetration of style with Vps9a.

Vps9b is functionally interchangeable with Vps9a, whose functional distinction results from distinct expression profiles.

Functional loss of Vps9a and Vps9b results in the mis‐targeting of Rab5‐dependent tonoplast proteins, defective vacuolar biogenesis, disturbed distribution of post‐Golgi vesicles, increased cellular turgor, cytosolic acidification, and disrupted organization of actin microfilaments (MF) in pollen tubes, which collectively lead to the failure of pollen tubes to grow through style.
SmJAZs‐SmbHLH37/SmERF73‐SmSAP4 module mediates jasmonic acid signaling to balance biosynthesis of medicinal metabolites and salt tolerance in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Lv Bingbing , Deng Huaiyu , Wei Jia , Feng Qiaoqiao , Liu Bo , Zuo Anqi , Bai Yichen , Liu Jingying , Dong Juane , Ma Pengda
Published: September 2024

Salvia miltiorrhiza holds significant importance in traditional Chinese medicine. Stress‐associated proteins (SAP), identified by A20/AN1 zinc finger structural domains, play crucial roles in regulating plant growth, development, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and hormone responses.

Herein, we conducted a genome‐wide identification of the SAP gene family in S. miltiorrhiza. The expression analysis revealed a significant upregulation of SmSAP4 under methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and salt stress. Overexpressing SmSAP4 in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots increased tanshinones content while decreasing salvianolic acids content, while RNAi‐silencing SmSAP4 had the opposite effect. SmSAP4 overexpression in both Arabidopsis thaliana and S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots decreased their salt stress tolerance, accompanied by increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and a hindered ability to maintain the Na+ : K+ ratio.

Further investigations demonstrated that MeJA alleviated the inhibitory effect of SmJAZ3 on SmSAP4 activation by SmbHLH37 and SmERF73. However, MeJA did not affect the inhibition of SmSAP4 activation by SmJAZ8 through SmbHLH37.

In summary, our research reveals that SmSAP4 negatively regulates the accumulation of salvianic acid through the SmJAZs‐SmbHLH37/SmERF73‐SmSAP4 module and positively impacting the accumulation of tanshinones. Additionally, it functions as a negative regulator under salt stress.
The vices and virtues of medical models of obesity
Authors: Sholl Jonathan , De Block Andreas
Published: September 2024

Despite numerous public health organizations supporting the pathologization of obesity and considering recent obesity rates a health crisis, many researchers in the humanities, social sciences, and even in the health sciences remain unconvinced. In this paper, we address a set of arguments coming from these academic fields that criticize medical models of obesity for their supposedly flawed diagnostic categories that shift focus onto individuals and support moralizing judgements. Clarifying some key claims in these models and explicating the view of obesity in terms of energy dysregulation, we aim to tease apart misunderstandings and argue that not only do these models not say what they are often accused of saying, but their apparent vices may actually be virtues in helping to combat stigma. Building on the social psychology of stigma and disease labeling, we then suggest that current medical models are largely supportive of many moral and political aims promoted by critics of these models.
Towards Establishing Quality Standards on Human Rights for Services in Dementia Care
Authors: Panagiotidou Nena , Dhooper Jesmine , Funk Michelle , Drew Nathalie , Seeher Katrin , Dua Tarun , Orrell Martin
Published: September 2024

Background

People with dementia often experience violations of fundamental human rights and impeded access to healthcare. This study aims to investigate the views of experts regarding the use of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) principles as quality standards for human rights–based care.

Methods

A single‐round Delphi e‐consultation with 15 dementia experts was designed to evaluate each CRPD principle and collect feedback on their views about the application of the CRPD principles in dementia care.

Results

The CRPD principles were fully endorsed as quality standards; however, several experts commented on the complexities of the use of CRPD principles in relation to information disclosure, capacity assessment, stakeholders' involvement in decision‐making, respecting needs and preferences, holistic approaches in care practice, and protection against abuse, neglect and discrimination.

Conclusions

These findings indicate the CRPD quality standards were fully applicable for people with dementia although some clarification around interpretation could assist in their use. Future research should elaborate on further points of support and guidance for dementia care providing examples of good practice from across the globe, and develop a concordant, human rights–based scheme for the implementation and evaluation of dementia services.

Implications for Practice

This study suggests that the CRPD can serve as a benchmark for human rights‐based practices in dementia services globally that could enhance nursing care practice. Nursing staff are encouraged to consider human rights in relation to the complexities associated with people with dementia, their caregivers, and other services involved in their care.
Metabolic and Molecular Insights Into Nicotiana benthamiana Trichome Exudates: An Ammunition Depot for Plant Resistance Against Insect Pests
Authors: Wang Jun‐Xia , Han Wen‐Hao , Xie Rui , Zhang Feng‐Bin , Ge Zhi‐Wei , Ji Shun‐Xia , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Wang Xiao‐Wei
Published: September 2024

Nicotiana benthamiana, a widely acknowledged laboratory model plant for molecular studies, exhibits lethality to certain insect pests and can serve as a dead‐end trap plant for pest control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of N. benthamiana's resistance against insects remains unknown. Here, we elucidate that the lethal effect of N. benthamiana on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci arises from the toxic glandular trichome exudates. By comparing the metabolite profiles of trichome exudates, we found that 51 metabolites, including five O‐acyl sugars (O‐AS) with medium‐chain acyl moieties, were highly accumulated in N. benthamiana. Silencing of two O‐AS biosynthesis genes, branched‐chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKD) and Isopropyl malate synthase‐C (IPMS‐C), significantly reduced the O‐AS levels in N. benthamiana and its resistance against whiteflies. Additionally, we demonstrated that the higher expression levels of BCKD and IPMS‐C in the trichomes of N. benthamiana contribute to O‐AS synthesis and consequently enhance whitefly resistance. Furthermore, overexpression of NbBCKD and NbIPMS‐C genes in the cultivated tobacco Nicotiana tabacum enhanced its resistance to whiteflies. Our study revealed the metabolic and molecular mechanisms underlying the lethal effect of N. benthamiana on whiteflies and presents a promising avenue for improving whitefly resistance.
Computational analysis and expression profiling of NAC transcription factor family involved in biotic stress response in Manihot esculenta
Authors: Abdoulaye A. H. , Yuhua C. , Xiaoyan Z. , Yiwei Y. , Wang H. , Yinhua C.
Published: September 2024

The Nascent polypeptide‐Associated Complex (NAC) family is among the largest plant‐specific TF families and plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress responses.

NAC TFs have been extensively studied in plants such as rice and Arabidopsis; however, their characterization, functions, evolution, and expression patterns in Manihot esculenta (cassava) under environmental stress remain largely unexplored. Here, we used bioinformatic analyses and biotic stress responses to investigate the physicochemical properties, chromosome location, phylogeny, gene structure, expression patterns, and cis‐elements in promoter regions of the NAC TFs in cassava.

We identified 119 M. esculenta NAC (MeNAC) gene families, unevenly distributed on 16 chromosomes. We investigated expression patterns of all identified MeNAC TFs under Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam) infection, strain CHN11, at different time points. Only 20 MeNAC TFs showed expression of significant bacterial resistance. Six MeNACs (MeNAC7, 26, 63, 65, 77, and 113) were selected for functional analysis. qRT‐PCR assays revealed that MeNAC7, 26, 63, 65, 77, and 113 were induced in response to XamCHN11 infection and may participate in the molecular interaction of cassava and bacterial blight. Interestingly, MeNAC26, MeNAC63, MeNAC65, and MeNAC113 responded to XamCHN11 infection at 3 h post‐inoculation. Furthermore, we identified 13 stress‐related cis‐elements in promoter regions of the MeNAC genes that are involved in diverse environmental stress responses. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MeNAC genes with similar structures and motif distributions were grouped.

This study provides valuable insights into the evolution, diversity, and characterization of MeNAC TFs. It lays the groundwork for a better understanding of their biological roles and molecular mechanisms in cassava.
Impact of orthodontic treatment with aligners on the oral health‐related quality of life of patients with trisomy 21
Authors: Taniguchi André , Bittencourt Jéssica Madeira , Paiva Saul Martins , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire , Almeida Marcio Rodriguez de , Almeida‐Pedrin Renata Rodrigues de , Conti Ana Cláudia de Castro Ferreira , Bespalez‐Neto Roberto , Pedron Oltramari Paula Vanessa
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of treatment with orthodontic aligners (OA) on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with trisomy 21 (T21) compared to non‐syndromic patients.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 30 patients, both sexes, aged between 11 and 35 years, divided into two groups: T21 (n = 10, patients with T21, treated prospectively) and CONTROL (n = 20, control group, non‐syndromic patients, from the Orthodontic Laboratory of UNOPAR). In both groups, patients were treated with Invisalign orthodontic aligners (Align Technology), following the same treatment parameters. Participants, assisted by their caregivers, when necessary, answered Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) instrument and the patient's guardians answered the Oral Health Scale for People with Down's syndrome (OHDS) instrument, before (T0) and after 30 (T1), 180 (T2), and 365 (T3) days from the start of treatment. Friedman tests with Bonferroni correction and Mann–Whitney tests were used (p < .05).

Results

For the OHDS instrument, it was observed that for the eating and communication domains and an overall score, the treatment with OA positively impacted the lives of T21 patients (p < .05). Regarding the OHIP‐14 instrument, the intragroup evaluation showed that in the CONTROL group, there was no significant difference between the evaluated times; while for the T21 group, there was a significant positive impact (p < .05).

Conclusion

The results showed that the treatment with aligners positively impacted the OHRQoL of T21 patients, and these results were perceived by caregivers, mainly in relation to issues related to eating and communication.
On some publications of Sir David Cox
Authors: Reid Nancy
Published: September 2024

Sir David Cox published four papers in the Scandinavian Journal of Statistics and two in the Scandinavian Actuarial Journal. This note provides some brief summaries of these papers.
Novel mechanism of MicroRNA408 in callus formation from rice mature embryo
Authors: Huang Yizi , Yue Erkui , Lian Guiwei , Lu Jinhan , Ran Le , Ma Shengyun , Wang Kaiqiang , Bai Yu , Han Ning , Bian Hongwu , Guo Fu
Published: September 2024

Mature embryos are the main explants of tissue culture used in rice transgenic technology. However, the mechanism of mature embryo callus formation remains unclear. In this study, a microRNA‐mediated gene regulatory network of rice calli was established using degradome sequencing. We identified a microRNA, OsmiR408, that regulates the formation of the callus derived from the mature rice embryo. OsUCLACYANIN 30 (OsUCL 30), a target gene of OsmiR408, was the most abundant cleavage mRNA in rice callus. OsUCL17 was verified as a target gene of OsmiR408 using RNA ligase‐mediated 5′‐RACE. In analysis of the OsmiR408 promoter reporter line and pri‐miR408 transcript level, the promoter activity and transcript level of MIR408 were increased dramatically during callus formation. In phenotypic observations, OsmiR408 knockout caused severe defects in mature embryo callus formation, whereas OsmiR408 overexpression promoted callus formation. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that OsUCLs and certain genes related to the plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid‐flavonoid biosynthesis pathway had different differential expression patterns between OsmiR408 knockout and overexpression calli. Thus, OsmiR408 may regulate callus formation mainly by affecting plant hormone signal transduction and phenylpropanoid‐flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Our findings provide insight into OsmiR408/UCLs module function in callus formation.
Sodium thiosulfate treatment rescues hyperglycaemia‐induced pronephros damage in zebrafish by upregulating nitric oxide signalling
Authors: Ott Hannes , Bennewitz Katrin , Zhang Xin , Prianichnikova Mariia , Sticht Carsten , Poschet Gernot , Kroll Jens
Published: September 2024

Sodium thiosulfate (STS) is gaining increasing attention in research for its potential therapeutic applications across a spectrum of disease processes beyond its current uses. However, the precise mechanisms of action remain incompletely understood. We investigated the efficacy of STS in treating hyperglycaemia‐induced pronephros damage in zebrafish to gain further insight into the underlying mechanisms. Hyperglycaemia was induced in zebrafish by suppressing the pdx1 transcription factor, which plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological pancreatic function. STS was administered by introducing it into the medium of zebrafish larvae. The pronephros structure was analysed at 48 h post‐fertilization. Metabolomic profiling and RNA sequencing were conducted on groups exposed to various experimental conditions. Our findings reveal a downregulation of nitric oxide (NO) signalling in zebrafish with a knocked‐down pdx1 gene, both metabolomically and transcriptionally. Notably, treatment with STS led to a compensatory upregulation of the NO signalling, ultimately resulting in the rescue of the pronephros structure. Our study provides compelling evidence that targeting NO metabolism by the administration of STS offers a promising strategy for addressing hyperglycaemia‐induced organ damage. These findings underscore the potential of STS as a promising therapeutic agent for diabetic complications and warrant further investigation of its clinical applications.

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Key points

Sodium thiosulfate (STS) is increasingly drawing attention in research for its potential therapeutic applications across a spectrum of disease processes.

Here, we demonstrate that STS treatment rescues hyperglycaemia‐induced pronephros damage in zebrafish.

We identified upregulation of nitric oxide signalling as the major driver behind STS‐mediated rescue.

Our data suggest that STS offers a promising strategy for addressing hyperglycaemia‐induced organ damage, including diabetic nephropathy.
СТРУКТУРА ГЕНОТИПОВ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА В ОМСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ - РЕГИОНЕ ПРИГРАНИЧНЫМ С КАЗАХСТАНОМ
Authors: Вязовая А.А. , Костюкова И.В. , Терентьева Д.Р. , Найзабаева Д.А. , Мальцева Э.Р. , Пасечник О.А. , Скиба Ю.А. , Мокроусов И.В.
Published: September 2024

На территории Омской области с 2009 по 2021 г. отмечено существенное снижение заболеваемости туберкулезом (ТБ) – с 130,7 до 48,4 случая на 100 тыс. населения. Однако возросла с 15,5% до 30,6% доля впервые выявленных бактериовыделителей штаммов Mycobacterium tuberculosis с множественной лекарственной устойчивостью (МЛУ). Омская область на юге граничит с Казахстаном, где доля первичной МЛУ-ТБ в 2021 году составила 34%, а в популяции возбудителя ТБ превалирует генотип Beijing (89,7%), в частности штаммы кластера Central Asian/Russian. Целью работы являлся молекулярно-генетический мониторинг популяции возбудителя ТБ в Омской области.
Материалы и методы. Изучено 219 штаммов M. tuberculosis от впервые выявленных больных туберкулезом легких в Омской области (2021-2022 гг.). Принадлежность к генотипу Beijing и его основным субтипам определяли разработанными нами методами на основе ПЦР. Штаммы других генотипов были сполиготипированы, с последующим сравнением с международной базой данных SITVIT2. Также генотипировали 39 образцов ДНК M. tuberculosis из Акмолинской области Казахстана (2008 г.).
Установлена принадлежность 65,8% (144/219) российских штаммов M. tuberculosis к генетическому семейству Beijing, при этом 50,7% (73/144) из них обладали МЛУ. Штаммы Beijing были представлены двумя основными субтипами: B0/W148 - 27,8% (40) и Central Asian/Russian – 61,8% (89). Доли МЛУ-штаммов Beijing кластеров B0/W148 и Central Asian/Russian существенно различались: 80,0% (32/40) и 32,9% (29/89) соответственно (p<0,0001). В структуре Central Asian/Russian выявлено 9 (4,1% во всей коллекции) штаммов субтипа Central Asian Outbreak (CAO). Восемь из 9 штаммов САО были МЛУ, что было значимо выше, чем доля МЛУ среди остальных штаммов Central Asian/Russian (26,3%, 21/80; p=0,0043). В российской коллекции штаммы других генетических семейств - LAM, Ural, T, Haarlem составили 34,2% (75/219), из них 26,7% (20) обладали МЛУ. Сравнение с данными по Омской области за 2015-2017 гг. не выявило значимых различий Анализ ДНК M. tuberculosis из Казахстана, показал доминирование генотипа Beijing Central Asian Outbreak (79,5%, 31/39), в частности субтипа CAO (64,1%, 25/39). Все штаммы САО были лекарственно-устойчивыми, а 60,0% (15/25) характеризовались МЛУ.
В современной популяции M. tuberculosis в Омской области преобладают штаммы генотипа Beijing субтипов Central Asian/Russian и B0/W148. Несмотря на доминирование штаммов субтипа CAO в Северном Казахстане (64%), его доля в приграничной Омской области остается незначительной (4%). Штаммы генотипа Beijing B0/W148 продолжают играть ключевую роль в распространении МЛУ-ТБ в Омской области, как и в России в целом.
Исследование выполнено при финансовой поддержке гранта РНФ 24-44-00004.
Exergy and Entropy Analysis of Heat Exchanger Under Mechanical Vibration and Magnetic Field
Authors: Bhatt Tapasvi , Shah Jainil , Jain Naman , Bhattacharyya Suvanjan
Published: September 2024

The present study primarily investigates the exergy and entropy generation in a heat exchanger influenced by the combined effects of mechanical vibrations and magnetic fields. A rectangular channel with dimensions 40 mm in length and 4 mm in width was examined using magnets of varying strengths and subjected to vibrations and magnetic fields. The Reynolds number (Re) investigated in this study ranges from 150 to 300. Both, magnetic field and vibrations, generated intricate patterns and contours, highlighting their interaction with flow dynamics. As vibrational intensity increased, the Nusselt number amplified correspondingly. While the introduction of magnetic field also enhanced the Nusselt number (Nu), the impact of vibrations was more pronounced. A maximum Nu enhancement of 225.9% was achieved at a Re 300, under the influence of vibrations at 5 mm and 25 Hz, and a magnetic field strength of 2000 G. The study further revealed that exergy efficiency decreases progressively with increasing Re but improves with higher vibrational intensity, reaching a peak of 52.81% at 5 mm and 25 Hz. Additionally, it was observed that irreversibility (φ) decreases with increasing vibrational and magnetic strengths. The ratio of entropy generation under the vibrational and magnetic influence to that of static case peaked at a value of 2.4 under vibrational intensity of 5 mm and 25 Hz, and magnetic field strength of 2000 G.
Inside the Defensive Playbook: Pick-and-Roll Tactical Adjustments Impact the External and Internal Loads During Small-Sided Games in Female Basketball Players
Authors: Qarouach Abdelaziz , Sansone Pierpaolo , Pernigoni Marco , Kreivyte Rasa , Conte Daniele
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effect of playing different pick-and-roll (PnR) defensive tactical options during small-sided games (SSGs) on external and internal loads in female basketball players. Methods: Twelve female basketball players (age 28 [2] y; stature 175 [6] cm; body mass 65 [7] kg; playing experience 18 [4] y) belonging to a team competing in the Lithuanian second division were recruited for this study. Across 3 experimental sessions and in a randomized order, players performed 3 SSGs sharing the same features but using 3 defensive strategies on the middle PnR action: Switch, Trap, and Drop. External load was measured using PlayerLoad (PL); the number of accelerations, decelerations, and changes of direction, classified based on their intensities as low (<2.5 m·s−2), medium (2.5–3.5 m·s−2), and high (>3.5 m·s−2); and jumps categorized as low (<40 cm) and high (≥40 cm). Internal load was measured via rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: Higher PL values in SSGs including Trap defense were found compared with Drop (P < .001, ES = 0.69, moderate) and Switch (P = .001, ES = 0.60, moderate). Additionally, a higher number of accelerations was registered in Trap defense compared with Drop defense (P = .027, ES = 0.99, moderate). Trap defense also led to higher RPE compared with Switch (P = .003, ES = 1.49, large) and Drop (P = .004, ES = 1.42, large) defense. Conclusions: Different defensive strategies on the middle PnR can influence the external and internal loads during SSGs, and female basketball coaches should consider the high demand of the Trap defense when designing SSGs.
Associations of Outdoor Playtime With Ball Bouncing Skills: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Burns Ryan D. , Van Roy Anke , King Bradley R.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of outdoor playtime, screen time, and sleep duration with ball bouncing skills in a sample of 3- to 5-year-old children. Participants were young children (N = 11,121; 48.8% female) whose parent/guardian completed the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health. The dependent variable was one item that asked about the child’s ability to bounce a ball repeatedly. The primary independent variables were the National Survey of Children’s Health items asking about hours of weekday and weekend outdoor play, screen time, and sleep duration. The primary analysis consisted of robust Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios by regressing competent (high) ball bouncing skills with reported hours of weekday and weekend outdoor play, screen time, and sleep. After covariate adjustment, two or more hours spent in weekday outdoor play was associated with a 15%–41% higher prevalence of competent ball bouncing skills (p < .01), and three or more hours of weekend outdoor play was associated with a 14%–28% higher prevalence of competent ball bouncing skills (p < .05). More hours of outdoor play were associated with competency in ball bouncing skills in young children. Mechanisms for this association are unclear and warrant further investigation.
Two Randomized Controlled Trials to Help Teachers Develop Physical Education Students’ Course-Specific Grit-Perseverance and Mental Toughness
Authors: Cheon Sung Hyeon , Reeve Johnmarshall , Joo Woo-Young , Song Yong-Gwan , Ryan Richard M. , Jang Hyungshim
Published: September 2024

Adopting both a self-determination theory perspective and a proactive, asset-oriented approach to coping with stressors, we propose a hypothesized model to explain physical education students’ year-long development of course-specific grit-perseverance (Study 1) and mental toughness (Study 2). In both studies, we used a randomized controlled trial research design with longitudinally assessed dependent measures (four waves) to test a hypothesized model in which teacher participation in an autonomy-supportive teaching workshop (experimental condition) would increase students’ T2 perceived autonomy-supportive teaching and T2 perceived autonomy-supportive classmates, both of which would increase T3 need satisfaction, which would then explain longitudinal gains in students’ T4 grit-perseverance (Study 1) and mental toughness (Study 2). In both Study 1 (57 teachers, 3,147 students) and Study 2 (38 teachers, 2,057 students), a multilevel structural equation modeling analysis showed that the hypothesized model fit the data very well. We conclude that the developmental roots of grit-perseverance and mental toughness can emerge proactively out of the asset-oriented experiences of interpersonal support and psychological need satisfaction that are central to self-determination theory.
Perceptions of Parents of Children With Disabilities Toward Physical Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Forbes Adam S. , Arroyo-Rojas Fabián , Block Martin E.
Published: September 2024

Physical education (PE) has a unique opportunity in not only supporting children with disabilities but also their parents’ physical-activity knowledge and support behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic literature review was to synthesize published studies regarding parent perspectives toward physical education (PE) for their children with disabilities. A total of 19 articles met inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged: (a) parents’ understanding of adapted PE (A/PE), (b) parents’ expectations of A/PE teachers, and (c) parents’ undeveloped relationships with A/PE teachers. There exists a disconnection between parent expectations and PE teachers’ abilities to accommodate their children and develop lines of communication. Additionally, parental value toward PE was often lower compared with other areas of need for their children. Future research suggests exploring teacher perspectives in understanding the relationships with parents. Furthermore, exploring the origins of parental values for PE and its impact on their perspectives warrants further investigation.
Youth Athletes’ Self-Esteem: The Impact of Integrated Psychological Skills Training
Authors: Merlin Quentin , Vacher Philippe , Martinent Guillaume , Nicolas Michel
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Study on the effect of psychological skills training on self-esteem (SE) in young athletes. Method: 10 swimmers and 35 volleyball players, split into an intervention group (25) and a control group (18). The intervention entailed a 3-week psychological skills training program covering arousal management, breathing, relaxation, mental imagery, and self-talk. Multilevel growth curve analyses evaluated SE changes. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in multiple SE dimensions—physical self-worth, fitness, athletic competence, strength, and body attractiveness but not general SE. Conclusions: This study provides initial evidence of a multimodal psychological skills training’s effectiveness in enhancing young athletes’ domain-specific SE. It highlights the role of domain-specific SE in young athletes’ well-being. Future research should examine psychological and physiological correlations and assess the long-term SE development in adolescent athletes.
Age, Sex, and Training Specific Effects on Cross-Education Training
Authors: Ben Othman Aymen , Hadjizadeh Anvar Saman , Aragão-Santos José Carlos , Chaouachi Anis , Behm David G.
Published: September 2024

An extensive number of publications have examined cross-education effects with adults, primarily investigating contralateral homologous (same) muscles. There are far fewer investigations on cross-education effects on contralateral heterologous (different) muscles and age (youth vs adult) and no studies investigating sex differences. Hence, the objective was to compare cross-education in female and male youth and young adults to contralateral homologous (chest press [CP], elbow flexors and extensors, handgrip isometric strength, and shot put) and heterologous (leg press, knee extension isometric strength, and countermovement jump) muscles. Twenty-eight female adults, 28 female youth, 28 male adults, and 28 male youth (total: 112) were examined before and after an 8-week (3 sessions/wk) unilateral, dominant arm, CP training program. Unilateral testing assessed dominant and nondominant leg press and CP 1-repetition maximum, knee extensors, elbow extensors, elbow flexors, and handgrip maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) strength, as well as shot put distance and countermovement jump height. Unilateral CP training induced training specific (CP 1-repetition maximum) and nonspecific (elbow extensors, elbow flexors, handgrip MVIC force, and shot put distance) improvements (P < .04, η2: .45–.85) but no significant lower body improvements. There was evidence for testing limb specificity as the dominant arm provided significantly (P < .021, η2: .17–.75) greater training gains than the nondominant arm. Youth’s training adaptations exceeded with unilateral CP 1-repetition maximum, elbow extensors MVIC force, and shot put distance (P < .049, η2: .14–.49). No sex main effect differences were apparent. In conclusion, cross-education was training specific (greatest gains with upper body and dominant limbs) with greater benefits for youth and generally no sex differences with the exception of elbow extensors MVIC.
A crystallized view of acid-base chemistry
Authors: Jupp Andrew R.
Published: September 2024

The structural relationship between Lewis adduct isomers is resolved