bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inotodiol suppresses allergic inflammation in allergic rhinitis mice
Authors: Chung Jaein , Choi Mi‐Ra , Park Soo‐kyoung , Kang Jae‐Yoon , Chung Eun Hee , Park Jong‐Tae , Kim Yong Min
Published: December 2022

Background

Inotodiol has been proven to have antitumor, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, and antiallergic properties. This study investigated the immunomodulatory capability of inotodiol in allergic rhinitis (AR) mice.

Methods

Forty BALB/c mice were divided into four groups, 10 mice each: control (CON), AR with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) treatment (AR), inotodiol treatment (AR+Ino), and dexamethasone treatment (AR+Dex). Episodes of sneezing and nose rubbing were counted. Cytokines in nasal lavage fluid (NLF) and immunoglobulin in blood serum were measured. Nasal mucosae from each group were used for protein, reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and histological analyses. Splenocytes were cultured for evaluation of cytokine production in each group.

Results

Symptoms of rubbing and sneezing improved in the group of AR+Ino and AR+Dex than in the AR. NLF in the AR+Ino and AR+Dex also showed a significant decrease in interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐10, and IL‐13 compared to the AR. In addition, the number of eosinophils, goblet cells, and mast cells were notably lower in the nasal mucosae of the AR+Ino and AR+Dex. IL‐4 and IL‐17A in the AR+Ino and AR+Dex groups were decreased compared to the AR. Chemokines related to mast cell degradation were also decreased in the AR+Ino and AR+Dex groups. Total immunoglobulin (Ig)E, specific IgE and ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific IgG1, and histamine levels were also significantly lower in the AR+Ino and AR+Dex groups. IL‐10 and IL‐13 were notably increased in the splenocytes of the AR after OVA stimulation, whereas the other groups showed no change.

Conclusion

These results indicate inotodiol can help suppress allergic responses by immunomodulation activities.
An Arbitrarily Regulated Monomer Sequence in Multi‐Block Copolymer Synthesis by Frustrated Lewis Pairs
Authors: Wan Yi , He Jianghua , Zhang Yuetao
Published: December 2022

Rapid access to sequence‐controlled multi‐block copolymers (multi‐BCPs) remains as a challenging task in the polymer synthesis. Here we employ a Lewis pair (LP) composed of organophosphorus superbase and bulky organoaluminum to effectively copolymerize the mixture of methacrylate, cyclic acrylate, and two acrylates, into well‐defined di‐, tri‐, tetra‐ and even a hepta‐BCP in one‐pot one‐step manner. The combined livingness, dual‐initiation and CSC feature of Lewis pair polymerization enable us to achieve not only a trihexaconta‐BCP with the highest record in 8 steps by using four‐component monomer mixture as building blocks, but also the arbitrarily‐regulated monomer sequence in multi‐BCP, simply by changing the composition and adding order of the monomer mixtures, thus demonstrating the powerful capability of our strategy in improving the efficiency and enriching the composition of multi‐BCP synthesis.
A Homochiral Poly(2‐oxazoline)‐based Membrane for Efficient Enantioselective Separation
Authors: Wang Fanmengjing , Pizzi David , Lu Yizhihao , He Kaiqiang , Thurecht Kristofer J. , Hill Matthew R. , Marriott Philip J. , Banaszak Holl Mark M. , Kempe Kristian , Wang Huanting
Published: December 2022

Chiral separation membranes have shown great potential for the efficient separation of racemic mixtures into enantiopure components for many applications, such as in the food and pharmaceutical industries; however, scalable fabrication of membranes with both high enantioselectivity and flux remains a challenge. Herein, enantiopure S‐poly(2,4‐dimethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (S‐PdMeOx) macromonomers were synthesized and used to prepare a new type of enantioselective membrane consisting of a chiral S‐PdMeOx network scaffolded by graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The S‐PdMeOx‐based membrane showed a near‐quantitative enantiomeric excess (ee) (98.3±1.7 %) of S‐(−)‐limonene over R‐(+)‐limonene and a flux of 0.32 mmol m−2 h−1. This work demonstrates the potential of homochiral poly(2,4‐disubstituted‐2‐oxazoline)s in chiral discrimination and provides a new route to the development of highly efficient enantioselective membranes using synthetic homochiral polymer networks.
Multifunctional Eu3+‐coordination polymer for highly selective recognition of Fe3+ and MnO4− ions in water and efficient catalytic fixation of carbon dioxide
Authors: Chen Le , Gao Wei , Zhu Cai‐Yong , Li Peng , Li Ji‐Yang , Liu Jie‐Ping , Zhang Xiu‐Mei
Published: December 2022

A stable multifunctional Eu3+‐coordination polymer formulated as [Eu(Htzpia)(H2tzpia)]n (Eu‐CP‐1) has been successfully constructed by the reaction of Eu3+ ion with the new organic ligand 5‐(3‐(tetrazol‐5‐yl) phenyl) isophthalic acid (H3tzpia) under hydrothermal condition. Eu‐CP‐1 displays a 2D coordination network, in which 1D uniform chains with (μ‐COO)3 bridges are interlinked by the Htzpia and H2tzpia spacers. The 2D networks are associated into 3D architectures through hydrogen bonding interactions. Eu‐CP‐1 displays excellent luminescence property and exhibits good stability in water. Thus, Eu‐CP‐1 can be used to detect Fe3+ ions and MnO4− ions with high sensitivity and selectivity through luminescence quenching effect. Due to the presence of open metal sites, free oxygen/nitrogen atoms, and NH groups of tetrazole rings, Eu‐CP‐1 can act as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide with epoxides under eco‐friendly and solvent‐free conditions. Interestingly, Eu‐CP‐1 is highly recyclable and reusable for up to five cycles without an obvious loss in sensing or catalytic efficiency. In addition, the possible relevant mechanisms are also investigated. This work should aid in expanding potential application prospects of the lanthanide CPs in the fields of contaminated ions detection and CO2 cycloaddition.
A novel paper‐based microfluidic device and UV‐visible spectroscopy coupled method for the field detection and analysis of seized marijuana samples
Authors: Krishna Rohith , Patil Ketan , Dixit Anirudha , Joseph Jilja , Pandey Astha
Published: December 2022

Cannabis is recorded to be the most used drug in the world. This causes a lot of difficulties for developing countries to curb the illegal cultivation, sale, and use of cannabis. The main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant is D9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The introduction of mobile forensic labs has greatly increased the testing efficiency of psychotropic substances, but the traditional methods of analysis might seem to be cumbersome for the individual experimenting with the scene of seizure. The incorporation of portable analytical devices in forensic field analysis is the approach in the right direction for the testing of drugs. In this paper, we introduce a paper‐based microfluidic device for the onsite detection of marijuana. The device comprises the fast blue B reagent (FBB) as the main reagent. The µPAD was used for the successful detection of seized marijuana. The µPAD‐based detection was combined with a UV‐Vis spectroscopic confirmation. The computational modeling of the absorbance spectra gave further insights into the product formation during the reaction of THC and FBB. This novel method helps in a faster analysis of marijuana, at a considerably lower cost; which is a great boost to the forensic community and the law enforcement authority.
A vessel collision report for Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei) off the northern coast of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Athayde Aline , Cardoso Júlio , Francisco Arlaine , Siciliano Salvatore
Published: December 2022

Vessel collisions are an important threat to several cetacean species, both large and small. In addition to negatively affecting the animals themselves, collisions can also damage or sink vessels, threatening both human safety and marine industry economics.

Larger cetaceans seem to be the most affected by vessel collisions, and vessel strikes with Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera brydei/Balaenoptera edeni) have been reported worldwide.

Long‐term photo‐identification research on Bryde's whales off the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, has been continuing since 2016. Of the 67 individuals that were photo‐identified between 2004 and January 2022, three (4%) presented scars compatible with injuries from vessel propellers. These data contribute towards an understanding of the long‐term effects of collision injuries on the behaviour and survival of Bryde's whales.

This report is intended to help inform the future evaluation of the conservation status of B. brydei off Brazil.
Comparative analysis of male reproductive accessory glands in bats Histiotus velatus (Vespertilionidae), Molossus rufus (Molossidae), and Peropteryx leucoptera (Emballonuridae)
Authors: Pimentel Pollyana B. , Ferraz Juliana Filgueira , Santigo Cornélio Souza , Soares Emília Miguel , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Taboga Sebastião R. , Souza Carolina C. , Beguelini Mateus R.
Published: December 2022

Despite the high number of species and wide geographic dispersion, reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) of bats have traditionally received little attention in the literature, with some species not even having a basic description of their composition and structure. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare the composition, anatomy, and histology of male RAGs of bat species belonging to three of the largest (cosmopolitan) bat families: Vespertilionidae (Histiotus velatus), Molossidae (Molossus rufus), and Emballonuridae (Peropteryx leucoptera), in order to understand the variations in the bat RAGs. The results showed that the RAGs of H. velatus, M. rufus, and P. leucoptera are composed of an intra‐abdominal prostatic complex, associated with the urethra, urethral glands, and a pair of inguinal bulbourethral glands; without ampullary glands or seminal vesicles. The prostatic complex can be composed of two (M. rufus and P. leucoptera) or three (H. velatus) prostatic regions, and can be compact (P. leucoptera), semi‐lobed (M. rufus), or multilobed (H. velatus). Each prostatic region has unique and distinct characteristics, with the ventral region presenting a holocrine nature, exclusive to bats; while the dorsal and/or dorsolateral regions have similar characteristics to the ventral prostate of rats and to the human peripheral zone.
Characterization of petroleum‐related natural organic matter by ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Acter Thamina , Lee Seulgidaun , Uddin Nizam , Mow Kamarum Monira , Kim Sunghwan
Published: December 2022

Because petroleum‐related natural organic matter (NOM), such as humic substances, is extremely heterogeneous and complex, characterizing and identifying its chemical structure at the molecular level is attracting considerable attention. Among the different techniques for mass analysis, ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry methods, such as FT‐ICR MS and its coupling with other complementary methods, have proven to be crucial for structurally characterizing complex environmental mixtures owing to their excellent analytical power. In particular, their ultrahigh resolution, unrivaled mass accuracy, remarkable ionization specificity, excellent ion activation, and high degree of flexibility for combination with hybrid instruments offer a reliable platform for analyzing petroleum‐NOM molecules. This account, aimed at contributing to the advancement of petroleum‐NOM molecule analysis, summarizes the application of FT‐ICR MS with different ionization sources and its coupling with other complementary methods developed by our research group.
Lipreading a naturalistic narrative in a female population: Neural characteristics shared with listening and reading
Authors: Saalasti Satu , Alho Jussi , Lahnakoski Juha M. , Bacha‐Trams Mareike , Glerean Enrico , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Hasson Uri , Sams Mikko
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Few of us are skilled lipreaders while most struggle with the task. Neural substrates that enable comprehension of connected natural speech via lipreading are not yet well understood.

Methods

We used a data‐driven approach to identify brain areas underlying the lipreading of an 8‐min narrative with participants whose lipreading skills varied extensively (range 6–100%, mean = 50.7%). The participants also listened to and read the same narrative. The similarity between individual participants’ brain activity during the whole narrative, within and between conditions, was estimated by a voxel‐wise comparison of the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signal time courses.

Results

Inter‐subject correlation (ISC) of the time courses revealed that lipreading, listening to, and reading the narrative were largely supported by the same brain areas in the temporal, parietal and frontal cortices, precuneus, and cerebellum. Additionally, listening to and reading connected naturalistic speech particularly activated higher‐level linguistic processing in the parietal and frontal cortices more consistently than lipreading, probably paralleling the limited understanding obtained via lip‐reading. Importantly, higher lipreading test score and subjective estimate of comprehension of the lipread narrative was associated with activity in the superior and middle temporal cortex.

Conclusions

Our new data illustrates that findings from prior studies using well‐controlled repetitive speech stimuli and stimulus‐driven data analyses are also valid for naturalistic connected speech. Our results might suggest an efficient use of brain areas dealing with phonological processing in skilled lipreaders.
A qualitative study of the therapists' experiences of working with community reinforcement and family training
Authors: Hellum Rikke , Bilberg Randi , Nielsen Anette Søgaard
Published: December 2022

Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT) was developed to help and support concerned significant others (CSO) of people with, for example, alcohol use disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate therapists' experiences of working with CRAFT and their experiences of the CSOs receiving CRAFT. The study has a qualitative design and is based on three focus group interviews with 17 therapists. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed six themes and four subthemes: Concerned significant others—A special group; Help prior to CRAFT—Offering information and a shoulder; CRAFT as a new and specific method (The toolbox of CRAFT, Formats for delivering CRAFT, Introducing a diary as homework and Implementing self‐help material—Alone or in combination with sessions); Moving from a lack of structure to structure; Change in CSOs from the therapists' point of view; and Change in the therapist's role (Dilemmas—Personalising the intervention). The therapists were generally satisfied with the method and found it easy to adapt to. Moreover, working using a manual was more structured than they were used to and increased feelings of working professionally with the CSOs. Specifically, most therapists found the self‐help book useful and indispensable in their work with CRAFT, but also agreed that it could not be used as a stand‐alone intervention for most CSOs. The therapists' experiences are relevant for implementation of manualised, structured approaches and group‐based interventions more broadly.
An algorithmic approach to balloon undilatable coronary lesions
Authors: Rempakos Athanasios , Kostantinis Spyridon , Simsek Bahadir , Karacsonyi Judit , Allana Salman , Egred Mohaned , Jneid Hani , Mashayekhi Kambis , Di Mario Carlo , Krestyaninov Oleg , Khelimski Dmitrii , Milkas Anastasios , Sandoval Yader , Burke M. Nicholas , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: December 2022

Balloon undilatable lesions are lesions that have been successfully crossed by both a guidewire and a balloon but cannot be expanded despite multiple high‐pressure balloon inflations. Balloon undilatable lesions can be de novo or in‐stent. We describe a systematic, algorithmic approach to treat both de novo and in‐stent balloon undilatable lesions using various techniques, such as high‐pressure balloon inflation, plaque modification balloons, intravascular lithotripsy, very high‐pressure balloon inflation, coronary atherectomy, laser coronary angioplasty, and extraplaque lesion crossing. Knowledge of the various techniques can increase the efficiency, success and safety of the procedure.
Secondary structural analyses of histone H2A‐H2B proteins extracted from heated cells
Authors: Izumi Yudai , Matsuo Koichi , Yokoya Akinari
Published: December 2022

Histone proteins, building blocks of chromatins, participate in enzymatic reactions in cells heated at around 45°C though in vitro the denaturation of histones significantly proceeds at a similar temperature. It implies that unidentified mechanisms prevent thermal denaturation of histones in vivo. However, studies on the histone structures in the heated cells have been scarce. Here, we analyzed the secondary structures of histone H2A‐H2B proteins originating from the heated cells using circular dichroism spectroscopy. The secondary structure contents of the H2A‐H2B extracted from the heated cells differed from those of H2A‐H2B both native and denatured in vitro but reverted to the native structures by incubating the heated cells at 37°C within 2 h. Such structural flexibility may play a role in protecting genomic functions governed by chromatin structures from heat stresses.
1,2,5,6‐Naphthalene Diimides: A Class of Promising Building Blocks for Organic Semiconductors†
Authors: Zhao Zheng , Ge Congwu , Zhao Xueqian , Huang Jintao , Gao Xike
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Organic semiconductors have drawn extensive attention due to their optoelectronic properties and wide applications in organic optoelectronics. In comparison with the popular 1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimides (1,4,5,8‐NDIs), the angular‐shaped 1,2,5,6‐NDIs have exhibited tunable photophysical properties, self‐assembly behaviors and charge transporting properties. Due to these unique features, 1,2,5,6‐NDIs show great potential for construction of high performance π‐functional materials. In this review, we highlight the recent advances and future prospects of 1,2,5,6‐NDI‐based π‐systems in the field of organic optoelectronics, including molecular design, synthesis, structure‐property relationships as well as the applications in high performance organic field‐effect transistors, organic photovoltaics, perovskite solar cells, and so on.

What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group?

Chemistry of π‐functional materials by using naphthalene and azulene as the basic structural units.

How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers?

This comes from my previous research experience, independent thinking and academic exchange & discussion. When I was a PhD student, my research topic focused on p‐type organic semiconductors. Since I independently carried out scientific research, my research interest turned to developing more challenging n‐type organic semiconductors by using core‐expanded 1,4,5,8‐naphthalene diimides (NDIs). Later on, 1,2,5,6‐NDIs as high‐performance organic semiconductors, the topic of this review paper, entered our study perspective based on the concept of isomerism. Also, based on the concept of isomerism and academic discussion, azulene, the isomer of naphthalene with unique chemical structure and physicochemical properties, became the dominant building block for constructing novel π‐functional materials in my group.

How do you supervise your students?

Select a research topic with scientific significance and certain challenges, let students consult and intensively read relevant literatures and obtain research inspiration, basic knowledge, experimental skills, writing skills, etc. Encourage students to think independently, try more, and pay more attention to communication and cooperation. Fully train students to write research papers independently. The last but not the least, advocate the academic spirit of being innovative, pursuing excellence as well as rigorous scholarship.

What is the most important personality for scientific research?

Curiosity and perseverance.

What are your hobbies?

Reading and walking.

If you have anything else to tell our readers, please feel free to do so.

No one can imprison your mind and hold your hand to prevent you from doing research work, follow your heart to do what you like and different from others.
Body composition and mortality in men receiving prostate radiotherapy: A pooled analysis of NRG/RTOG 9406 and NRG/RTOG 0126
Authors: McDonald Andrew M. , DeMora Lyudmila , Yang Eddy S. , Hoyle John M. , Lenzie Andrew , Williams Grant R. , Michalski Jeff M. , Yee Don , Bahary Jean‐Paul , Den Robert B. , Roach Mack , Dess Robert , Mishra Mark V. , Valicenti Richard K. , Lau Harold Y. , Marcrom Samuel R. , Souhami Luis , Mendez Lucas C. , Chen Yuhchyau , Doncals Desiree E. , Pugh Stephanie L. , Feng Felix Y. , Sandler Howard M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To validate the association between body composition and mortality in men treated with radiation for localized prostate cancer (PCa). Secondarily, to integrate body composition as a factor to classify patients by risk of all‐cause mortality.

Materials and Methods

Participants of NRG/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 9406 and NRG/RTOG 0126 with archived computed tomography were included. Muscle mass and muscle density were estimated by measuring the area and attenuation of the psoas muscles on a single slice at L4–L5. Bone density was estimated by measuring the attenuation of the vertebral body at mid‐L5. Survival analyses, including Cox proportional hazards models, assessed the relationship between body composition and mortality. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to create a classification tree to classify participants by risk of death.

Results

Data from 2066 men were included in this study. In the final multivariable model, psoas area, comorbidity score, baseline prostate serum antigen, and age were significantly associated with survival. The RPA yielded a classification tree with four prognostic groups determined by age, comorbidity, and psoas area. Notably, the classification among older (≥70 years) men into prognostic groups was determined by psoas area.

Conclusions

This study strongly supports that body composition is related to mortality in men with localized PCa. The inclusion of psoas area in the RPA classification tree suggests that body composition provides additive information to age and comorbidity status for mortality prediction, particularly among older men. More research is needed to determine the clinical impact of body composition on prognostic models in men with PCa.
A mathematical model that integrates cardiac electrophysiology, mechanics, and fluid dynamics: Application to the human left heart
Authors: Bucelli Michele , Zingaro Alberto , Africa Pasquale Claudio , Fumagalli Ivan , Dede' Luca , Quarteroni Alfio
Published: December 2022

We propose a mathematical and numerical model for the simulation of the heart function that couples cardiac electrophysiology, active and passive mechanics and hemodynamics, and includes reduced models for cardiac valves and the circulatory system. Our model accounts for the major feedback effects among the different processes that characterize the heart function, including electro‐mechanical and mechano‐electrical feedback as well as force‐strain and force‐velocity relationships. Moreover, it provides a three‐dimensional representation of both the cardiac muscle and the hemodynamics, coupled in a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model. By leveraging the multiphysics nature of the problem, we discretize it in time with a segregated electrophysiology‐force generation‐FSI approach, allowing for efficiency and flexibility in the numerical solution. We employ a monolithic approach for the numerical discretization of the FSI problem. We use finite elements for the spatial discretization of partial differential equations. We carry out a numerical simulation on a realistic human left heart model, obtaining results that are qualitatively and quantitatively in agreement with physiological ranges and medical images.
Nonviolent communication (NVC) based mediation: Practice insight
Authors: Arieli Daniella , Abboud Armaly Oriana
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on practice insights derived from using nonviolent communication (NVC) as a method of conflict transformation. After describing the main principles and components of NVC, we will present an example from the field: a crisis in the relationships between Arab‐Israeli educators and staff members of a Jewish‐Israeli museum who established a partnership for a special project: to train Arab educators to teach about the Holocaust. We will focus on a conflict that threatened this partnership, and will discuss both the advantages and challenges of NVC as a mediation method.
Conflict analysis, learning from practice
Authors: Rhodes Gloria , Akram Muhammad
Published: December 2022

Conflict analysis is an essential component of designing and implementing peacebuilding action because it focuses on making sense of the situations where a peacebuilding action or intervention is desired. This article presents the results of an exploratory study based on semi‐structured interviews with 20 practitioners from 19 countries on four continents. Participants represented diverse organizations working on peacebuilding projects in conflict‐affected locations. The study focused on how participants (peacebuilding practitioners) gather and make sense of data (information) about the situations they face so they can make decisions for program design and implementation. Topics addressed by the study's participants included practice trends, methods of data collection and analysis, difficulties in gathering and assessing data, theories of change, and program or project assessment. The study concludes that the practitioners who participated mainly use informal methods to collect and make sense of data and do not make use of systematic approaches to conflict analysis.
Novel Strategy for the Formulation of High‐Energy‐Density Cathodes via Porous Carbon for Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Kim Dae‐Seong , Woo Sang‐Gil , Kang Cheon‐Ju , Lee Ju‐Hee , Lee Je‐Nam , Yu Ji‐Sang , Kim Young‐Jun
Published: December 2022

Porous carbon is considered an attractive host material for high‐energy sulfur electrodes. This study concerns the design of a porous carbon‐based sulfur electrode for the formulation of high‐energy Li−S batteries. The porous carbon is impregnated with up to 80 vol.% of sulfur and a reduction in both the conductive agent and binder content. Therefore, less solvent can be used during slurry casting to inhibit crack formation following electrode drying. In addition, the utilization of two distinct electrically conducting networks enables reduced battery polarization, resulting in a battery with a capacity of 690 mAh g−1 (even after 100 cycles). Finally, pouch cells are prepared to characterize the practical performance of the optimized cathode. This yields a capacity of 741 mAh and a cathode energy density of 1001 Wh kg−1. These findings are expected to guide the further development of high‐energy‐density cathode materials for Li−S batteries.
Statin use in patients with type 2 diabetes has lower risk of hip fractures: A Taiwan national population‐based study
Authors: Lee Tien‐Ching , Chen Jian‐Chih , Lin Sung‐Yen , Ho Pei‐Shan , Chen Chung‐Hwan , Fu Yin‐Chih , Chang Je‐Ken , Ho Mei‐Ling
Published: December 2022

Aims

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently co‐exists with osteoporosis and dyslipidemia. Statins have been commonly used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Recent studies have indicated a therapeutic role of statins in decreasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, but conflicting results have been reported. This study investigated the association between statin use and hip fracture (HFx) risk among T2DM patients.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective Taiwan population‐based propensity‐matched cohort study was performed using the Diabetes Mellitus Health Database from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with newly diagnosed with T2DM between 2010 and 2014 were identified. Patients who previously used statins and had ever suffered HFx before the index date were excluded. HFx that occurred from 2010 to 2019 was collected to compute the cumulative rate of HFx. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for the HFx risk according to the use or non‐use of statins. To evaluate the dose–effect relationship of statins, sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

After propensity score matching for age and sex, 188,588 patients were identified as statin users and non‐statin users. Statin use after T2DM diagnosis was associated with a decreased HFx risk with an adjusted HR (aHR) of 0.69 (P < 0.001). A dose–effect relationship was identified. The aHRs for developing HFx were 1.29, 0.67, and 0.36 for patients who used 28–174, 175–447, and >447 cumulative defined daily doses of statins, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Statin use in adults with T2DM showed a lower risk of HFx by demonstrating a dose–response relationship.
From spawner habitat selection to stock‐recruitment: Implications for assessment
Authors: Skoglund Stefan , Whitlock Rebecca , Petersson Erik , Palm Stefan , Leonardsson Kjell
Published: December 2022

The relationship between the spawning stock size and subsequent number of recruits is a central concept in fisheries ecology. The influence of habitat selection of spawning individuals on the stock‐recruitment relationship is poorly known. Here we explore how each of four different spawner behaviors might influence the stock‐recruitment relationship and estimates of its parameters in the two most commonly used stock‐recruitment functions (Beverton‐Holt and Ricker). Using simulated stock‐recruitment data generated by four different spawner behaviors applied to multiple discrete habitats, we show that when spawners were distributed proportionally to local carrying capacities, there was small or no bias in estimated recruitment and stock‐recruitment parameters. For an ideal free distribution of spawners, larger bias in the estimates of recruitment and stock‐recruitment parameters was obtained, whereas a random and a stepwise spawner behavior introduced the largest bias. Using stock‐recruitment data corresponding to a “realistic” range of population densities and adding measurement error (20%–60%) to the simulated stock‐recruitment data generated larger variation in the estimation bias than what was introduced by the spawner behavior. Thus, for exploited stocks at low population density and where spawning stock size and recruitment cannot be observed perfectly, partial observation of the possible spawner abundance range and measurement error might be of higher concern for management.
House mouse subspecies do differ in their social structure
Authors: Mikula Ondřej , Macholán Miloš , Ďureje Ľudovít , Hiadlovská Zuzana , Daniszová Kristina , Janotová Kateřina , Vošlajerová Bímová Barbora
Published: December 2022

It is widely acknowledged that population structure can have a substantial impact on evolutionary trajectories. In social animals, this structure is strongly influenced by relationships among the population members, so studies of differences in social structure between diverging populations or nascent species are of prime interest. Ideal models for such a study are two house mouse subspecies,Mus musculus musculusandM. m. domesticus, meeting in Europe along a secondary contact zone. Though the latter subspecies has usually been supposed to form tighter and more isolated social units than the former, the evidence is still inconclusive. Here, we carried out a series of radiofrequency identification experiments in semi‐natural enclosures to gather large longitudinal data sets on individual mouse movements. The data were summarized in the form of uni‐ and multi‐layer social networks. Within them, we could delimit and describe the social units (“modules”). While the number of estimated units was similar in both subspecies,domesticusrevealed a more “modular” structure. This subspecies also showed more intramodular social interactions, higher spatial module separation, higher intramodular persistence of parent–offspring contacts, and lower multiple paternity, suggesting more effective control of dominant males over reproduction. We also demonstrate that long‐lasting modules can be identified with basic reproductive units or demes. We thus provide the first robust evidence that the two subspecies differ in their social structure and dynamics of the structure formation.
Species composition of shoreline wolf spider communities vary with salinity, but their diets vary with wrack inflow
Authors: Hambäck Peter A. , Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Grudzinska‐Sterno Magdalena , Hoffmann Alexander , Langbak Marie , Åhlén David
Published: December 2022

Wolf spiders are typically the most common group of arthropod predators on both lake and marine shorelines because of the high prey availability in these habitats. However, shores are also harsh environments due to flooding and, in proximity to marine waters, to toxic salinity levels. Here, we describe the spider community, prey availabilities, and spider diets between shoreline sites with different salinities, albeit with comparatively small differences (5‰ vs. 7‰). Despite the small environmental differences, spider communities between lower and higher saline sites showed an almost complete species turnover. At the same time, differences in prey availability or spider gut contents did not match changes in spider species composition but rather changed with habitat characteristics within a region, where spiders collected at sites with thick wrack beds had a different diet than sites with little wrack. These data suggest that shifts in spider communities are due to habitat characteristics other than prey availabilities, and the most likely candidate restricting species in high salinity would be saline sensitivity. At the same time, species absence from low‐saline habitats remains unresolved.
Environmental drivers of demography and potential factors limiting the recovery of an endangered marine top predator
Authors: Warlick Amanda J. , Johnson Devin S. , Gelatt Tom S. , Converse Sarah J.
Published: December 2022

Understanding what drives changes in wildlife demography is fundamental to the conservation and management of depleted or declining populations, though making inference about the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence survival and reproduction remains challenging. Here we use mark–resight data from 2000 to 2018 to examine the effects of environmental variability on age‐specific survival and natality for the endangered western distinct population segment (wDPS) of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in Alaska, USA. Though this population has been studied extensively over the last four decades, the causes of divergent abundance trends that have been observed across the wDPS range remain unknown. We developed a Bayesian multievent mark–resight model that accounts for female reproductive state uncertainty. Annual survival probabilities for male pups (0.44; 0.36–0.53), female yearlings (0.63; 0.49–0.73), and male yearlings (0.62; 0.51–0.71) born in the western portion of the wDPS range, estimated here for the first time, were lower than those in the eastern portion of the wDPS range, estimated as: male pups (0.69; 0.65–0.74), female yearlings (0.76; 0.71–0.81), and male yearlings (0.71; 0.65–0.78). There was a higher proportion of young female breeders in the western portion of the range, but overall natality was lower (0.69; 0.47–0.96) than in the eastern portion of the range (0.80; 0.74–0.84). Additionally, pup mass had a positive effect on pup survival in the eastern portion of the range and a negative effect in the western portion of the range, potentially due to earlier weaning of heavier pups. Local‐ and basin‐scale oceanographic features such as the Aleutian Low, the Arctic Oscillation Index, the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, chlorophyll concentration, upwelling, and wind in certain seasons were correlated with vital rates. However, drawing strong inferences from these correlations is challenging given that relationships between ocean conditions and an adaptive top predator in a dynamic ecosystem are exceedingly complex. This study provides the first demographic rate estimates for the western portion of the range where abundance estimates continue to decline. These results will advance efforts to identify factors driving regionally divergent abundance trends, with implications for population‐level responses to future climate variability.
Long‐term proliferation of large annual thistles in dry Mediterranean rangelands
Authors: Segev Ori , Golodets Carly , Henkin Zalmen , Gorelik Haim , Dovrat Guy
Published: December 2022

Spiny plants comprise a large, ecologically and economically important functional group in Mediterranean rangelands. The increasing abundance of large annual thistles in grazed grasslands entails major consequences for ecosystem services. This study aims to quantify the contribution of large annual spiny plants to rangeland vegetation cover and productivity and to identify management‐ and climate‐related drivers of spiny plant distribution and performance. Using a 15‐year dataset from an extensive herbaceous pasture experiment in northeastern Galilee, Israel, we examined the effects of livestock management and climate on the cover and biomass of two dominant annual thistle species, Scolymus maculatus and Carthamus glaucus. These thistles constitute a significant proportion of pasture productivity, contributing more than 50% and 25% under high and moderate stocking density, respectively. Despite the similarity in life‐form and life‐history characteristics, each demonstrates a distinct response to both management intensity and annual climatic parameters. High stocking density had a positive effect on both cover and biomass of S. maculatus. Conversely, C. glaucus biomass estimates were higher under moderate stocking density. Distance from feeding site had significant contrasting effects on each of the focal thistles. Relative humidity and temperature were the most sensitive climatic parameters in explaining the variation in cover and biomass of the two thistles. The directionality of the two species' responses suggests that S. maculatus attains higher biomass than C. glaucus under dry and warm conditions. The proliferation of both large thistles under variable stocking densities and climatic conditions increases productivity but reduces the palatable vegetation of Mediterranean rangelands by 27%–50%.
Association between Pro‐oxidant‐Antioxidant balance and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A Study on Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ehteram Hassan , Raji Sara , Rahmati Mina , Teymoori Hanieh , Safarpour Samaneh , Poursharifi Nahid , Hashem Zadeh Mona , Pakzad Reza , Habibi Hossein , Mobarra Naser
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Oxidative stress known as a predictive marker for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases could be measured through pro‐oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB). The present study aimed to evaluate PAB and its association with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) in the serum of postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this case–control study, 99 diabetic and 100 healthy postmenopausal women without diabetes mellitus were recruited. Serum PAB values, hs‐CRP, lipid profile, insulin, and vitamin D levels were measured. Moreover, insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR, HOMA‐β and QUICKI), waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), and body mass index (BMI) were calculated.

Results

Serum PAB, hs‐CRP, insulin resistance, HOMA‐β, QUICKI, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and triglycerides (TG) levels were significantly higher in the postmenopausal women with diabetes mellitus, while there was no significant difference in the total cholesterol (TC), serum insulin, WC, WHR, WHtR and vitamin D levels between the groups. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that HDL‐C and insulin levels were directly correlated with serum PAB. Also, there was a significant direct relationship between LDL‐C and insulin levels and hs‐CRP. There was no meaningful relationship between serum insulin and vitamin D levels and other assessed parameters. Backward logistic regression showed a positive relationship between diabetes mellitus and serum PAB and an inverse relationship with serum HDL levels.

Conclusions

Serum PAB, hs‐CRP concentration, and lipid profile were significantly different between postmenopausal women with and without diabetes mellitus. These differences may contribute to the development of coronary complications.
Two Calcium Coordination Polymers with Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Properties
Authors: Feng Ke‐Xin , Wang Hui‐Yu , Zhang Pei‐Pei , Zhang Jian‐Jun , Zhang Wen‐Qi , Wang Ting , Liu Shuqin , Ni Jun
Published: December 2022

Two skeleton isomers, [CaL(H2O)(DMF)2]•DMF (1) (H2L=5‐(1,3‐dioxo‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinolin‐2(3H)‐yl)isophthalic acid) with a 1 dimensional chain structure and [CaL(DMF)1.72]• (DMF)0.28 (2) with a 2 dimensional layer structure were synthesized. Mechanochromic luminescence studies reveal that 1 and 2 exhibit luminescent red‐shift and blue‐shift respectively under grinding stimuli. The different influence of grinding stimuli on the π⋅⋅⋅π interaction in the two structures are proposed to be the main reason for such different responses. In addition, 1 has a rare broad sensing ability for halogenated hydrocarbons and can distinguish seven halogenated hydrocarbons out of 17 solvents. 1 can also be used for rapid detection of trace water in DMF with a calculated detection limit of 0.0078 v/v %. The relevant recognition mechanism is the decomposition of the structure during the recognition process due to the water instability of the ionic bond. The above results reveal that both compounds have the potential to be used as multi‐stimulus‐responsive materials.
Instance segmentation of soft‐story buildings from street‐view images with semiautomatic annotation
Authors: Wang Chaofeng , Hornauer Sascha , Yu Stella X. , McKenna Frank , Law Kincho H.
Published: December 2022

In high seismic risk regions, it is important for city managers and decision makers to create programs to mitigate the risk for buildings. For large cities and regions, a mitigation program relies on accurate information of building stocks, that is, a database of all buildings in the area and their potential structural defects, making them vulnerable to strong ground shaking. Structural defects and vulnerabilities could manifest via the building's appearance. One such example is the soft‐story building—its vertical irregularity is often observable from the facade. This structural type can lead to severe damage or even collapse during moderate or severe earthquakes. Therefore, it is critical to screen large building stock to find these buildings and retrofit them. However, it is usually time‐consuming to screen soft‐story structures by conventional methods. To tackle this issue, we used full image classification to screen them out from street view images in our previous study. However, full image classification has difficulties locating buildings in an image, which leads to unreliable predictions. In this paper, we developed an automated pipeline in which we segment street view images to identify soft‐story buildings. However, annotated data for this purpose is scarce. To tackle this issue, we compiled a dataset of street view images and present a strategy for annotating these images in a semi‐automatic way. The annotated dataset is then used to train an instance segmentation model that can be used to detect all soft‐story buildings from unseen images.
Histone deacetylase 5‐induced deficiency of signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 acetylation contributes to spinal astrocytes degeneration in painful diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Fan Tingting , Yu Ying , Chen Yong‐long , Gu Pan , Wong Stanley , Xia Zheng‐yuan , Liu Jessica Aijia , Cheung Chi‐wai
Published: December 2022

Diabetes patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) show severe spinal atrophy, suggesting pathological changes of the spinal cord contributes to central sensitization. However, the cellular changes and underlying molecular mechanisms within the diabetic spinal cord are less clear. By using a rat model of type 1 diabetes (T1D), we noted an extensive and irreversible spinal astrocyte degeneration at an early stage of T1D, which is highly associated with the chronification of PDN. Molecularly, acetylation of astrocytic signal transducer and activator of transcription‐3 (STAT3) that is essential for maintaining the homeostatic astrocytes population was significantly impaired in the T1D model, resulting in a dramatic loss of spinal astrocytes and consequently promoting pain hypersensitivity. Mechanistically, class IIa histone deacetylase, HDAC5 were aberrantly activated in spinal astrocytes of diabetic rats, which promoted STAT3 deacetylation by direct protein–protein interactions, leading to the PDN phenotypes. Restoration of STAT3 signaling or inhibition of HDAC5 rescued astrocyte deficiency and attenuated PDN in the T1D model. Our work identifies the inhibitory axis of HDAC5‐STAT3 induced astrocyte deficiency as a key mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of the diabetic spinal cord that paves the way for potential therapy development for PDN.
Scale‐free dynamics of core‐periphery topography
Authors: Klar Philipp , Çatal Yasir , Langner Robert , Huang Zirui , Northoff Georg
Published: December 2022

The human brain's cerebral cortex exhibits a topographic division into higher‐order transmodal core and lower‐order unimodal periphery regions. While timescales between the core and periphery region diverge, features of their power spectra, especially scale‐free dynamics during resting‐state and their mdulation in task states, remain unclear. To answer this question, we investigated the ~1/f‐like pink noise manifestation of scale‐free dynamics in the core‐periphery topography during rest and task states applying infra‐slow inter‐trial intervals up to 1 min falling inside the BOLD's infra‐slow frequency band. The results demonstrate (1) higher resting‐state power‐law exponent (PLE) in the core compared to the periphery region; (2) significant PLE increases in task across the core and periphery regions; and (3) task‐related PLE increases likely followed the task's atypically low event rates, namely the task's periodicity (inter‐trial interval = 52–60 s; 0.016–0.019 Hz). A computational model and a replication dataset that used similar infra‐slow inter‐trial intervals provide further support for our main findings. Altogether, the results show that scale‐free dynamics differentiate core and periphery regions in the resting‐state and mediate task‐related effects.