bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infection with acanthocephalans increases tolerance of Gammarus roeselii (Crustacea: Amphipoda) to pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin
Authors: Kochmann Judith , Laier Melanie , Klimpel Sven , Wick Arne , Kunkel Uwe , Oehlmann Jörg , Jourdan Jonas
Published: March 2023

Crustacean amphipods serve as intermediate hosts for parasites and are at the same time sensitive indicators of environmental pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The extent to which interaction with the parasite influences their persistence in polluted ecosystems is poorly understood. Here, we compared infections of Gammarus roeselii with two species of Acanthocephala, Pomphorhynchus laevis, and Polymorphus minutus, along a pollution gradient in the Rhine-Main metropolitan region of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Prevalence of P. laevis was very low at the unpolluted upstream reaches (P ≤ 3%), while higher prevalence (P ≤ 73%) and intensities of up to 9 individuals were found further downstream—close to an effluent of a large wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Co-infections of P. minutus and P. laevis occurred in 11 individuals. Highest prevalence of P. minutus was P ≤ 9% and one parasite per amphipod host was the maximum intensity recorded. In order to assess whether the infection affects survival in the polluted habitats, we tested the sensitivity of infected and uninfected amphipods towards the pyrethroide insecticide deltamethrin. We found an infection-dependent difference in sensitivity within the first 72 h, with an effect concentration (24 h EC50) of 49.8 ng/l and 26.6 ng/l for infected and uninfected G. roeselii, respectively. Whereas final host abundance might partially explain the high prevalence of P. laevis in G. roeselii, the results of the acute toxicity test suggest a beneficial effect of acanthocephalan infection for G. roeselii at polluted sites. A strong accumulation of pollutants in the parasite could serve as a sink for pesticide exposure of the host. Due to the lack of a co-evolutionary history between parasite and host and a lack of behavioral manipulation (unlike in co-evolved gammarids), the predation risk by fish remains the same, explaining high local prevalence. Thus, our study exemplifies how organismic interaction can favor the persistence of a species under chemical pollution.
Social Isolation, Healthy Habits, Inequality and Mental Health in the United States
Authors: Amate-Fortes Ignacio , Guarnido-Rueda Almudena , Martínez-Navarro Diego , Oliver-Márquez Francisco J.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this work is to deepen the analysis of the socioeconomic determinants of mental health, paying special attention to the impact of inequality, not only in income distribution but also in gender, racial, health and education inequality, social isolation, including new variables to measure loneliness, and healthy habits, on the mental health status. For this purpose, a cross-sectional model for a sample of 2735 counties in the United States is estimated using Ordinary Least Squares in its robust version to solve the detected heteroscedasticity problems. The results obtained show that inequality, social isolation and certain lifestyles, such as smoking or insomnia, are detrimental to mental health, while sexual activity prevents mental distress. On the other hand, poor counties suffer more cases of suicide, with food insecurity being the main problem for mental health. Finally, we found detrimental effects of pollution on mental health.
Modeling desirable futures at local scale by combining the nature futures framework and multi-objective optimization
Authors: Haga Chihiro , Maeda Marimi , Hotta Wataru , Matsui Takanori , Nakaoka Masahiro , Morimoto Junko , Shibata Hideaki , Hashimoto Shizuka , Saito Osamu , Okayasu Sana , Kim HyeJin , Peterson Garry
Published: March 2023

Envisioning positive scenarios that recognize the multiple values of nature is fundamental for designing transformative changes in local socio-ecological systems. This study developed a protocol with three specifications for operationalizing the Nature Futures Framework (NFF) in a landscape scenario analysis using a multi-objective optimization framework composed of: (1) exploring nature-positive futures, (2) seeking alternative pathways for targets satisfying visions of plural values, and (3) screening key direct drivers to achieve the targets. This research conducted a case study of a rural landscape in northeastern Japan. First, 110 strategies of landscape management options were simulated from 2015 to 2100 using a forest landscape model, LANDIS-II. The simulation developed a data frame of four integrated indicators of the NFF values for each year and strategy. Second, nature-positive strategies were screened using the common values. Pareto optimal strategies were then identified to obtain equally good solutions. Finally, the key response options to achieve good nature-positive futures were identified using decision tree analysis. Our protocol identified (1) multiple, but few nature-positive and Pareto optimal strategies that satisfied NFF visions, (2) nature-positive, but not Pareto optimal strategies, and (3) non-nature-positive strategies. In most Pareto optimal strategies, the maximized value perspectives changed over time. Our protocol also identified key response options to achieve three different NFF value perspectives in the case study area: (1) clear or selective cutting in forestry and (2) solar PV installation on abandoned pastureland in agriculture and energy sectors. We discussed the implication for local landscape management, localizing NFF narratives to develop future scenarios and modeling practice of NFF. The protocol does not depend on a specific model and indicator. Thus, our scalable protocol can be applied to scenarios and model practices in any region to support envisioning plausible, feasible, and positive futures, and designing future stakeholder collaboration.
Influence of Grain Size and Volume Fraction of η/δ Precipitates on the Dwell Fatigue Crack Propagation Rate and Creep Resistance of the Nickel-Base Superalloy ATI 718Plus
Authors: Kirchmayer A. , Pröbstle M. , Huenert D. , Neumeier S. , Göken M.
Published: March 2023

Recently, it was found that the orientation of theη/δplates in the Ni-base superalloys ATI 718Plus has a huge impact on the fatigue crack propagation behavior (Huenertet al.in Superalloys pp.781–792, 2016). However, the targeted alignment ofη/δprecipitates in components with complex geometry can be challenging in certain applications. Therefore, the effect of other microstructural features of ATI 718Plus, which are easier to manipulate, is tested with respect to their fatigue crack propagation behavior and creep strength. The grain size, theγ′ precipitate size, as well as theγ′ andη/δvolume fraction are varied by applying different heat treatments. An increase in theη/δvolume fraction as well as theγ′ volume fraction and precipitate size enhanced the crack growth resistance, but worsened the creep properties. On the contrary, increasing the grain size leads to better creep properties and better fatigue crack growth resistance. The impact of the different microstructures investigated in this study on the mechanical properties is smaller compared to microstructures with strongly alignedη/δplates. These results enable to design the desired microstructures that meet the particular demands of the given application regarding crack propagation and creep resistance.
Influence of the Cooling Rate on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Ferritic Si–Mo Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Palumbo Gaetano , Górny Marcin , Bitka Adam
Published: March 2023

In this study, the effect of the cooling rate controlled by different castings thickness ranging from 3 to 25 mm on the mechanical and corrosion behavior of Si–Mo ductile iron (DI) castings was investigated. SEM-EBSD investigations demonstrated that the nodule counts, nodularity, and ferrite phase increased while the ferritic grain size decreased with decreasing in the casting wall thickness; this in turn led to improvements in the tensile properties of the DI. The corrosion behavior of Si–Mo DI castings was investigated after different immersion times in a 3.5 wt pct NaCl solution via electrochemical experiments. The electrochemical results showed that the corrosion resistance of Si–Mo DI decreased in the following order: 3 > 5 > 13 > 25 mm. The results indicated that all of the tested DI samples exhibited galvanic corrosion between the nobler carbide and ferritic matrix phases. SEM analysis showed that the dissolution of the ferrite phase with the pearlite phase exposed and accumulated on the DI’s surface, which led to intense corrosion acceleration. The higher corrosion rates that were observed for those samples with higher casting wall thicknesses could be associated with the higher contents of pearlite/carbide.
Synthesis and characterization of a smart polymer-coated core–shell MnFe2O4@ organometallic framework for targeted drug delivery
Authors: Abdollahy Maryam , Peyman Hossein , Roshanfekr Hamideh , Idris Azeez Olayiwola , Azizi Shohreh , Sibali Linda Lunga
Published: March 2023

Scientists are currently working to develop more effective and less harmful methods of delivering drugs to tissue. One method is to use a special type of carrier to help the drug get to the right place in the body. In this study, an organometallic framework nanocarrier with the formula IRMOF-3 [Zn4O(NH2-BDC)3] was successfully prepared, containing magnetic nanoparticles of manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) and the drug doxorubicin encapsulated in a pH- and temperature-sensitive smart polymer of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide. Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, was loaded into the pores of a magnetic organometallic framework and modified with the smart polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-AA), which has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of less than 38 °C. The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic organometallic frameworks encapsulated in smart polymer was investigated using various analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermal stability analysis, BET, and VSM. The particles in the synthesized nanocarrier are uniform in size, have high magnetic properties, and are thermally stable. The effective surface area is 7.26 m2/g, and the pore volume is 166.394 m. The drug carrier has the ability to load up to 78% of the drug into the solution. The highest drug release was observed when the pH was 5 and the temperature was higher than the LCST. 71% of cancer cells were destroyed by the drug carrier in the culture medium. This nanosystem, designed with more drug retention, reduced side effects and controlled release in different conditions, is suitable as a drug delivery system.
People with higher relationship satisfaction use more humor, valuing, and receptive listening to regulate their partners’ emotions
Authors: Walker Sarah A. , Pinkus Rebecca T. , Olderbak Sally , MacCann Carolyn
Published: March 2023

The emotional experiences you have with a romantic partner shape how satisfied you are in your relationship. Engaging in attempts to make a romantic partner feel better is linked with better relationship outcomes. However, it is not yet clear which specific processes people use to regulate their partners’ emotions, nor which processes are most strongly linked with relationship satisfaction. In the current study of 277 individuals (55% female), we tested the extent to which eight extrinsic emotion regulation processes (expressive suppression, downward social comparison, humor, distraction, direct action, reappraisal, receptive listening, and valuing) predict relationship satisfaction. Six of the eight processes showed significant positive correlations with relationship satisfaction, with the strongest associations for valuing (r = .43), humor (r = .33), and receptive listening (r = .27). Relative weights were significant only for valuing, humor, and receptive listening, suggesting that these are the most important predictors of relationship satisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic regulation processes and the potential importance of motives for regulation.
Are my parents psychopaths? How Mental health and self-esteem is impacted by perceived dark traits in parents
Authors: Coelho Gabriel Lins de Holanda , Monteiro Renan P. , Lannes Amanda , Blanche Jane , Antunes Natalia , Avelino Nayara , Rhaykemi Victória
Published: March 2023

Relationships between parents and their descendants are necessary for healthy socio-emotional development. For a better understanding of these relationships, past studies found that personality traits significantly impact parenting constructs, such as attachment patterns, parental care, and relationship satisfaction, suggesting that the psychological aspects of parents can affect their descendants. In our research (N = 250), we asked participants to rate how they perceive their parents regarding their aversive personality traits (i.e., Dark Triad), parenting style characteristics, relationship satisfaction, and their own well-being and self-esteem. We then developed two mediational models (SEM), one for mothers and one for fathers. In these models, we assessed how the Dark Triad impacted mental health and self-esteem, mediated by authoritarian parenting style and relationship satisfaction. The models presented a good fit (e.g., CFI > 0.90). Psychopathic traits positively influenced an authoritarian parenting style for both parents, leading to worse relationship satisfaction and affecting their descendants’ mental health and self-esteem. Furthermore, we also observed the indirect effects of parental psychopathy on our outcomes, which were higher for mothers than fathers. Overall, our study provides the first assessment of how parents’ higher levels of dark traits can influence their descendants’ mental health and self-esteem.
Geographic range extension of hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli, from Tasmania to the Australian mainland
Authors: Jain Akshita , Huston Daniel C. , Wainer John , Hodda Mike , Hayes Oliver , Whittock Simon , Darling Elisabeth , Mann Ross , Edwards Jacqueline , Rodoni Brendan , Sawbridge Timothy
Published: March 2023

Hop cyst nematode, Heterodera humuli Filipjev, 1934 was found in soil samples collected from hop farms in Bushy Park, Tasmania and in Merriang, Victoria, Australia. Morphological and molecular characteristics were consistent with those described for this species in other parts of the world. Novel gene sequences of ITS rRNA, 28S rRNA and CO1 mtDNA generated from cysts were compared against sequences of H. humuli available on the NCBI GenBank database, demonstrating little to no genetic variation between Australian hop cyst nematode populations and those from other regions. This report provides the first molecular sequence data for H. humuli from Australia and reports a significant range extension of this cyst nematode from Tasmania to the Australian mainland.
Annealing effect on structural and optical properties of glad synthesized Gd2O3 nanorod
Authors: Meitei Ph. Nonglen , Singh Naorem Khelchand
Published: March 2023

Gadolinium oxide nanorod (Gd2O3 NR) was fabricated on an n-type silicon substrate by catalyst-free glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique. The as-grown sample was annealed at 500 °C to investigate the impact of annealing on structure and optical properties. XRD analysis reveals an improvement in the crystal structure after annealing. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirm the successful growth of vertically aligned Gd2O3 NR with the presence of Gd, O, and Si. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed the crystalline nature of the grown Gd2O3 NR. Finally, UV–vis spectroscopy was performed to study the optical properties. A significant enhancement in the photon absorption (200–300 nm) was observed, which can be attributed to increased grain size, improved crystallinity, and large generation of electron–hole pairs. In addition, the Tauc plot showed a decrease in the bandgap from 5.05 eV to 4.98 eV after annealing at 500 °C.
Shakespeare, Malone and the Problems of Chronology
Authors: Stern Tiffany
Published: March 2023

In 1778 Edmond Malone published his first contribution to Shakespeare scholarship, An Attempt to Ascertain the Order in which the Plays Attributed to Shakspeare were Written. He revised and republished it in 1790 and began a further revision of it which was printed posthumously in 1821. This Element will be on the three versions of Malone's Attempt and the way they created, shaped, focused, directed, and misdirected, our idea of the chronology and sequence of Shakespeare's plays. By showing Malone's impressive, fallible choices, adopted or adapted by later editors, it reveals how current Shakespeare editions are, in good and bad ways, Malonian at heart.
Joseph Conrad
Authors: Najder Zdzislaw
Published: March 2023

Up-to-date and extensive revision of Najder's much-acclaimed scholarly biography of Conrad, employing newly accessible sources.
The History of the Kings of Britain
Authors: Monmouth Geoffrey of
Published: March 2023

Text and translation of a key Arthurian text - a major source for scholars.
`The Furie of the Ordnance'
Authors: Bull Stephen
Published: March 2023

Shows how new developments in guns and artillery played a decisive role in the English Civil War.
Indifference to Anti-Humean Chances
Authors: Gallow J. Dmitri
Published: March 2023

An indifference principle says that your credences should be distributed uniformly over each of the possibilities you recognise. A chance deference principle says that your credences should be aligned with the chances. My thesis is that if we are anti-Humeans about chance, then these two principles are incompatible. Anti-Humeans think that it is possible for the actual frequencies to depart from the chances. As long as you recognise possibilities like this, you cannot both spread your credences evenly and defer to the chances. I discuss some weaker forms of indifference which will allow anti-Humeans to defer to the chances.
Guided antipsychotic reduction to reach minimum effective dose (GARMED) in patients with remitted psychosis: a 2-year randomized controlled trial with a naturalistic cohort
Authors: Liu Chen-Chung , Hsieh Ming H. , Chien Yi-Ling , Liu Chih-Min , Lin Yi-Ting , Hwang Tzung-Jeng , Hwu Hai-Gwo
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with remitted psychosis face a dilemma between the wish to discontinue antipsychotics and the risk of relapse. We test if an operationalized guided-dose-reduction algorithm can help reach a lower effective dose without increased risks of relapse.

Methods

A 2-year open-label randomized prospective comparative cohort trial from Aug 2017 to Sep 2022. Patients with a history of schizophrenia-related psychotic disorders under stable medications and symptoms were eligible, randomized 2:1 into guided dose reduction group (GDR) v. maintenance treatment group (MT1), together with a group of naturalistic maintenance controls (MT2). We observed if the relapse rates would be different between 3 groups, to what extent the dose could be reduced, and if GDR patients could have improved functioning and quality of life.

Results

A total of 96 patients, comprised 51, 24, and 21 patients in GDR, MT1, and MT2 groups, respectively. During follow-up, 14 patients (14.6%) relapsed, including 6, 4, and 4 from GDR, MT1, and MT2, statistically no difference between groups. In total, 74.5% of GDR patients could stay well under a lower dose, including 18 patients (35.3%) conducting 4 consecutive dose-tapering and staying well after reducing 58.5% of their baseline dose. The GDR group exhibited improved clinical outcomes and endorsed better quality of life.

Conclusions

GDR is a feasible approach as the majority of patients had a chance to taper antipsychotics to certain extents. Still, 25.5% of GDR patients could not successfully decrease any dose, including 11.8% experienced relapse, a risk comparable to their maintenance counterparts.
Under suspicion: library music and the Musicians’ Union in Britain, 1960–1978
Authors: Roy Elodie A.
Published: March 2023

Drawing primarily from unpublished archival data, this article reconstructs the Musicians’ Union long embargo on library recording in Britain (1965–1978), retracing the immediate as well as long-lasting implications of the ban for the shaping of library music practices and discourses. The article demonstrates how crucial relations with the Union were in shaping the nascent library music industry as well as the working lives of the many individuals and groups involved in it, including London-based session musicians and music publishers. More theoretically, the article argues for a horizontal, ecological approach to library music culture, acknowledging its many intermediaries and prompting us to consider (musical) history in its unfinishedness, heterogeneity and ambiguity. The methodological challenges of researching ephemeral or ‘secondary’ music are also highlighted.
On Theatre’s Responsibility in the Spectacle of Climate Change
Authors: Paković Zlatko
Published: March 2023

Using “climate change” to name a recent, unnatural, and rapid process of warming that is the result of pollution conceals the causal order of events. Those who generate this semantic confusion are in the service of those who produce the global warming at the root of accelerated climate change. Theatre can pass judgment on them, as a virtual, possible, and probable Areopagus of our age.
Australian Coal Theatrics
Authors: Varney Denise , Stevens Lara
Published: March 2023

Climate change was the defining issue in the 2022 Australian federal election. As a new administration takes power, all sectors, including the performing arts, need to keep up the pressure. An iconic moment of “coal theatrics” in Parliament House, so labeled by the Australian media, stands in contrast to artistic performances that continue to put pressure on the framers of political and cultural policy.
A Necropower Carnival: Israeli Soldiers Dancing in the Palestinian Occupied Territories
Authors: Melpignano Melissa
Published: March 2023

Israeli soldiers dancing to global pop hits in the Occupied Palestinian Territories look like they are having fun, and there is always something entertainingly contradictory in watching army bodies circumventing the military codes. But the choreographic analysis of three viral videos from the 2010s reveals how dancing serves the Israel Defense Forces’ territorializing and necropower strategy.
Economies of Reperformance
Authors: Chaleff Rebecca
Published: March 2023

As the very first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic ebbed in the United States, a new production of Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring (1975) appeared online. Performed on Senegal’s shoreline, Dancing at Dusk resituates Bausch’s choreography within the beach’s formative histories of racialized violence, colonialism, and white supremacy. In this context, the performance also prompts considerations of the relationships between the enduring histories of racial capitalism and the futures of choreographic economies.
Joint Use of Far‐Infrared and Mid‐Infrared Observation for Sounding Retrievals: Learning From the Past for Upcoming Far‐Infrared Missions
Authors: Xie Yan , Huang Xianglei , Chen Xiuhong , L’Ecuyer Tristan S. , Drouin Brian J.
Published: March 2023

Atmosphere and surface properties are routinely retrieved from satellite measurements and extensively used in weather forecast and climate analysis. Satellite missions dedicated to fill the gap of far‐infrared (far‐IR) observations are scheduled to be launched this decade. To explore mid‐infrared (mid‐IR) and far‐IR joint retrievals for the future far‐IR satellite missions, this study uses an optimal‐estimation‐based method to retrieve atmospheric specific humidity and temperature profiles, surface skin temperature, and surface spectral emissivity from the Infrared Interferometer Sounder‐D (IRIS‐D) measurements in 1970, the only existing spaceborne far‐IR spectral observations with global coverage. Based on a set of criteria, two cases in the Arctic, which are most likely under clear‐sky conditions, are chosen for the retrieval experiments. Information content analysis suggests that the retrieved surface skin temperature and the mid‐IR surface spectral emissivity are highly sensitive to the true values while the retrieval estimates of far‐IR surface emissivity are subject to the variation of water vapor abundance. Results show that radiances based on the retrieved state variables are more consistent with the IRIS‐D observations compared to those based on the reanalysis data. Retrieval estimates of the state variables along with retrieval uncertainties generally fall within reasonable ranges. The relative uncertainties of retrieved state variables decrease compared to the a priori relative uncertainties. In addition, the necessity to retrieve surface emissivity is corroborated by a parallel retrieval experiment assuming a blackbody surface emissivity that has revealed significant distortions of retrieved specific humidity and temperature profiles in the Arctic lower troposphere.
Near‐Bed Sediment Transport Processes During Onshore Bar Migration in Large‐Scale Experiments: Comparison With Offshore Bar Migration
Authors: Grossmann Florian , Hurther David , van der Zanden Joep , Sánchez‐Arcilla Agustín , Alsina José M.
Published: March 2023

Detailed information on nearshore sediment transport processes during onshore bar migration were obtained from large‐scale laboratory experiments with bichromatic wave groups on a relatively steep initial beach slope (1:15). Detailed measurements of velocity and sand concentration near the bed from shoaling up to the outer breaking zone including suspended sediment and sheet flow transport are presented. The analysis focuses on onshore migration under an accretive wave condition but comparison to an erosive condition highlights important differences. Decomposition shows that total transport mainly results from a balance of short wave‐related, bedload onshore transport and current‐related, suspended offshore transport. When comparing the accretive to the more energetic erosive condition, the balance shifts toward onshore transport, and onshore migration, because the short wave‐related transport does not decrease as much as the current‐related transport. This is related to the effects of skewness and asymmetry combined with less sediment suspension in the water column and undertow magnitude under the accretive condition. Transports from streaming in the wave boundary layer and from infragravity waves become visible but only play a subordinate role. Identified priorities for numerical model development include parametrization of wave nonlinearity effects and better description of wave breaking and its influences on sediment suspension.
Mapping the Fizzy Brines and Fluid-Filled Fractures Below a Volcano
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: March 2023

Seismic tools reveal where hydrothermal fluids lie beneath the Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia and hint at their composition.
Neurofilament-light chain quantification by Simoa and Ella in plasma from patients with dementia: a comparative study
Authors: Truffi Marta , Garofalo Maria , Ricciardi Alessandra , Cotta Ramusino Matteo , Perini Giulia , Scaranzin Silvia , Gastaldi Matteo , Albasini Sara , Costa Alfredo , Chiavetta Viola , Corsi Fabio , Morasso Carlo , Gagliardi Stella
Published: March 2023

Neurofilament light chains (NfL) are neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins whose plasmatic concentrations have been explored as a clinically useful marker in several types of dementia. Plasma concentrations of NfL are extremely low, and just two assays are commercially available for their study: one based on the SiMoA technology and one based on Ella. We thus studied plasma levels of NfL with both platforms to check the correlation between them and to assess their potential in the diagnosis of neurodegeneration. Plasma NfL levels were measured on 50 subjects: 18 healthy controls, 20 Alzheimer’s disease, and 12 frontotemporal dementia patients. Ella returned plasmatic NfL levels significantly higher than SiMoA, however the results were strongly correlated (r = 0.94), and a proportional coefficient of 0.58 between the two assays was calculated. Both assays detected higher plasma NfL levels in patients with dementia than in the control group (p < 0.0001) and allowed their discrimination with excellent diagnostic performance (AUC > 0.95). No difference was found between Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal dementia either using SiMoA or Ella. In conclusion, both the analytical platforms resulted effective in analysing plasma levels of NfL. However, the correct interpretation of results requires the precise knowledge of the assay used.
Genome scale analysis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase gene family in G. barbadense and its functions in cotton fiber development
Authors: Yousaf Samina , Rehman Tanzeela , Tabassum Bushra , Aftab Faheem , Qaisar Uzma
Published: March 2023

A class of proteins, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), is required in the final step of production of ethylene from its immediate precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). Despite the crucial and regulatory role of ACO gene family in the fiber development, it has not been thoroughly analyzed and annotated in G. barbadense genome. In the present study, we have identified and characterized all isoforms of ACO gene family from genomes of Gossypium arboreum, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum and G. raimondii. Phylogenetic analysis classified all ACO proteins into six distinct groups on the basis of maximum likelihood. Gene locus analysis and circos plots indicated the distribution and relationship of these genes in cotton genomes. Transcriptional profiling of ACO isoforms in G. arboreum, G. barbadense and G. hirsutum fiber development exhibited the highest expression in G. barbadense during early fiber elongation. Moreover, the accumulation of ACC was found highest in developing fibers of G. barbadense in comparison with other cotton species. ACO expression and ACC accumulation correlated with the fiber length in cotton species. Addition of ACC to the ovule cultures of G. barbadense significantly increased fiber elongation while ethylene inhibitors hindered fiber elongation. These findings will be helpful in dissecting the role of ACOs in cotton fiber development and pave a way towards genetic manipulations for fiber quality improvement.
Correlation between patient-specific quality assurance in volumetric modulated arc therapy and 2D dose image features
Authors: Guo Yixiao , Hu Jinyan , Li Yang , Ran Juntao , Cai Hongyi
Published: March 2023

In radiotherapy, air-filled ion chamber detectors are ubiquitously used in routine dose measurements for treatment planning. However, its use has been restricted by intrinsic low spatial resolution barriers. We developed one procedure for patient-specific quality assurance (QA) in arc radiotherapy by coalescing two adjacent measurement images into a single image to improve spatial resolution and sampling frequency, and investigated how different spatial resolutions affect the QA results. PTW 729 and 1500 ion chamber detectors were used for dosimetric verification via coalescing two measurements with 5 mm-couch shift and the isocenter, and only isocenter measurement, which we call coalescence and standard acquisition (SA). Statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis (PCA), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to compare the performance of the two procedures in determining tolerance levels and identifying clinically relevant errors. By analyzing 1256 γ values calculated on interpolated data points, our results indicated that detector 1500 showed higher averages in coalescence cohorts at different tolerance criteria and the dispersion degrees were spread out smaller. Detector 729 yielded a slightly lower process capability of 0.79, 0.76, 1.10, and 1.34, but detector 1500 exhibited somewhat different results of 0.94, 1.42, 1.19, and 1.60 in magnitude. The results of SPC individual control chart showed that cases in coalescence cohorts with γ values lowering its lower control limit (LCL) were greater than those in SA cohorts for detector 1500. A combination of the width of multi-leaf collimator (MLC) leaf, the cross-sectional area of the single detector, and the spacing between adjacent detectors might lead to discrepancies in percent γ values across diverse spatial resolution scenarios. The accuracy of reconstructed volume dose is mainly determined by the interpolation algorithm used in dosimetric systems. The magnitude of filling factor in the ion chamber detectors determined its ability to detect dose deviations. SPC and PCA results indicated that coalescence procedure could detect more potential failure QA results than SA while enhancing action thresholds.
Efficacy of ceftazidime in a murine model following a lethal aerosol exposure to Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Pfefferle Denise A. , Hackett Michael , Anderson Michael S. , Gibbs Seth , Henning Lisa N. , Joice April C. , Meister Gabriel T.
Published: March 2023

Melioidosis is an endemic disease in numerous tropical regions. Additionally, the bacterium that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, has potential to be used as a biological weapon. Therefore, development of effective and affordable medical countermeasures to serve regions affected by the disease and to have medical countermeasures available in the event of a bioterrorism attack remains critical. The current study evaluated the efficacy of eight distinct acute phase ceftazidime treatment regimens administered therapeutically in the murine model. At the conclusion of the treatment period, survival rates were significantly greater in several of the treated groups when compared to the control group. Pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ceftazidime were examined at 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg and were compared to an intravenous clinical dose administered at 2000 mg every eight hours. The clinical dose has an estimated 100% fT > 4*MIC which exceeded the highest murine dose of 300 mg/kg every six hours at 87.2% fT > 4*MIC. Based upon survival at the end of the treatment regimen and supplemented by pharmacokinetic modeling, a daily dose of 1200 mg/kg of ceftazidime, administered every 6 h at 300 mg/kg, provides protection in the acute phase of inhalation melioidosis in the murine model.
The effects of sexual shame, emotion regulation and gender on sexual desire
Authors: Sævik K. W. , Konijnenberg C.
Published: March 2023

Sexual desire is of importance to sexual health, functioning, and well-being. Although an increasing number of studies address disorders related to sexual functioning, there is still a limited understanding of the underlying individual factors affecting sexual desire. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of sexual shame, emotion regulation strategies, and gender on sexual desire. In order to investigate this, sexual desire, expressive suppression, cognitive reappraisal, and sexual shame was measured in 218 Norwegian participants using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-10, the Sexual Desire Inventory-2, and the Sexual Shame Index-Revised. A multiple regression analysis indicated that cognitive reappraisal predicted sexual desire, β = 0.343, (218) = 5.09, p < 001, CI [0.407, 0.920], whereas sexual shame and expressive suppression were unrelated to sexual desire. Men scored significantly higher than women on expressive suppression, F(1, 216) = 24.968, p < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.104. The current study did not find any significant differences between women and men on cognitive reappraisal, sexual desire or sexual shame, all p > 0.05. Results from the current study indicates that the inclination toward cognitive reappraisal as a preferred emotion regulation strategy may positively affect the strength of sexual desire.
Prediction of the visit and occupy of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) during the summer season using a virtual ecological approach
Authors: Osawa Takeshi , Tsutsumida Narumasa , Iijima Hayato , Okabe Kimiko
Published: March 2023

Prediction of the spaces used by animals is an important component of wildlife management, but requires detailed information such as animal visit and occupy in a short span of the target species. Computational simulation is often employed as an effective and economical approach. In this study, the visit and occupy of sika deer (Cervus nippon) during the plant growing season were predicted using a virtual ecological approach. A virtual ecological model was established to predict the visit and occupy of sika deer based on the indices of their food resources. The simulation results were validated against data collected from a camera trapping system. The study was conducted from May to November in 2018 in the northern Kanto region of Japan. The predictive performance of the model using the kernel normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) was relatively high in the earlier season, whereas that of the model using landscape structure was relatively low. The predictive performance of the model using combination of the kNDVI and landscape structure was relatively high in the later season. Unfortunately, visit and occupy of sika deer could not predict in November. The use of both models, depending on the month, achieved the best performance to predict the movements of sika deer.
Piano-stool ruthenium(ii) complexes with maleimide and phosphine or phosphite ligands: synthesis and activity against normal and cancer cells
Authors: Juszczak Michał , Das Sujoy , Kosińska Aneta , Rybarczyk-Pirek Agnieszka J. , Wzgarda-Raj Kinga , Tokarz Paulina , Vasudevan Saranya , Chworos Arkadiusz , Woźniak Katarzyna , Rudolf Bogna
Published: March 2023

In these studies, we designed and investigated cyto- and genotoxic potential of five ruthenium cyclopentadienyl complexes bearing different phosphine and phosphite ligands.
Addition of sulfonylphthalides to para-quinone methides: Selective 1,6-additions and oxidative annulations
Authors: Gond Kavyashree Kuppayya , Maddani Mahagundappa Rachappa
Published: March 2023

KOtBu mediated addition of sulfonylphthalides to p-quinone methides led to the selective synthesis of isochroman-1,4-diones and addition products. Furthermore, a few addition products were transformed into functionalized heterocyclic molecules.
Integrating the multiple functionalities in metalloporphyrin porous organic polymers enabling strong polysulfide anchoring and rapid electrochemical kinetics in Li–S batteries
Authors: Ye Yun Sheng , Mohamed Mohamed Gamal , Chen Wei Cheng , Kuo Shiao Wei
Published: March 2023

Multifunctional POPs integrated with electrolyte accessible, Li-ion conductive, LiPS-trapping, and LiPS-catalytic functions were elaborately engineered by constructing a conformal Por(M) and imidazolium connector to form a 2D PIL framework.
The perfluoroadamantoxy aluminate as an ideal weakly coordinating anion? – synthesis and first applications
Authors: Billion Andreas , Schorpp Marcel , Feser Rebecca , Schmitt Manuel , Eisele Lea , Scherer Harald , Sonoda Takaaki , Kawa Hajimu , Butschke Burkhard , Krossing Ingo
Published: March 2023

Dream WCA…? The very high fluoride ion affinity of the Lewis acid underlying the novel WCA [Al(OC10F15)4]− ([pfAd]−) nurtures the hope for having found a new “dream WCA”. Yet, the paths towards this WCA held some obstacles at hand...!
Sequential KOtBu/FeCl3-catalyzed reductive phosphonylation of tertiary amides for the synthesis of α-amino phosphonates and phosphines
Authors: Wang Yue , Wu Xiaoyu , Yang Liqun , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhaoguo , Xie Xiaomin
Published: March 2023

A simple, mild and effective protocol involving sequential KOtBu-catalyzed hydrosilylation of tertiary amides with TMDS and FeCl3-catalyzed phosphonylation has been developed for the synthesis of α-amino phosphonates and their derivatives.
Intramolecular singlet fission and triplet exciton harvesting in tetracene oligomers for solar energy conversion
Authors: Wang Tianying , Liu Heyuan , Wang Xianyuan , Tang Linglong , Zhou Jun , Song Xiaojuan , Lv Liping , Chen Wenmiao , Chen Yanli , Li Xiyou
Published: March 2023

Singlet fission (SF), which can convert one singlet exciton into two triplet excitons, has the potential to enhance the solar energy conversion efficiency in devices such as photovoltaic cells and processes such as photocatalysis.
Can Retrieval Practice Facilitate Verb Learning in Children With Developmental Language Disorder and Their Peers With Typical Language Development?
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Deevy Patricia , Horvath Sabrina , Christ Sharon L. , Karpicke Jeffrey , Kueser Justin B.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) have well-documented verb learning difficulties. In this study, we asked whether the inclusion of retrieval practice during the learning period would facilitate these children's verb learning relative to a similar procedure that provided no retrieval opportunities.

Method:

Eleven children with DLD (
M
age
= 60.09 months) and 12 children with typical language development (TD;
M
age
= 59.92 months) learned four novel verbs in a repeated spaced retrieval (RSR) condition and four novel verbs in a repeated study (RS) condition. The words in the two conditions were heard an equal number of times, in the context of video-recorded actors performing novel actions.

Results:

Recall testing immediately after the learning period and 1 week later revealed greater recall for novel verbs in the RSR condition than for novel verbs in the RS condition. This was true for both groups, and for immediate as well as 1-week testing. The RSR advantage remained when children had to recall the novel verbs while watching new actors perform the novel actions. However, when tested in contexts requiring the children to inflect the novel verbs with –
ing
for the first time, the children with DLD were much less likely to do so than their peers with TD. Even words in the RSR condition were only inconsistently inflected.

Conclusions:

Retrieval practice provides benefits to verb learning—an important finding given the challenges that verbs present to children with DLD. However, these benefits do not appear to automatically translate to the process of adding inflections to newly learned verbs but rather appear to be limited to the operations of learning the verbs' phonetic forms and mapping these forms onto associated actions.
Acceptance factors of telemedicine technology during Covid‐19 pandemic among health professionals: A qualitative study
Authors: Mohammed Rouidi , Elmajid Elouadi Abd , Amine Hamdoune , Khadija Choujtani
Published: March 2023

Objective

Health professionals are the main users of telemedicine systems, and their acceptance will contribute to the successful implementation of this technology. The objective of this study is to provide a better understanding of the issues surrounding the acceptance of telemedicine technology by Moroccan health professionals in the public sector, in the preparation for a possible generalization of this technology in Morocco.

Method

Following a literature review, the authors mobilized a modified version of the unified model of technology acceptance and use, to explain and understand the determinants of health professionals’ intention to accept telemedicine technology. The authors’ methodology is based on a qualitative analysis and is primarily based on data obtained through semi‐structured interviews with health professionals, who the authors believe are the primary actors in the acceptance of this technology within Moroccan hospitals.

Results

The authors’ results suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, compatibility, facilitating conditions, perceived incentives, and social influence have a significant positive impact on health professionals’ behavioural intention to accept telemedicine technology.

Practical implications

From a practical point of view, the results of this study can help the government, organizations responsible for the implementation of telemedicine, and policymakers to understand the key factors that may affect the behaviour of future users of this technology, and to develop very specific strategies and policies for a successful generalization.
Simulation of CH3OH ice UV photolysis under laboratory conditions
Authors: Rocha W. R. M. , Woitke P. , Pilling S. , Thi W.-F. , Jørgensen J. K. , Kristensen L. E. , Perotti G. , Kamp I.
Published: March 2023

Context. Methanol is the most complex molecule that is securely identified in interstellar ices. It is a key chemical species for understanding chemical complexity in astrophysical environments. Important aspects of the methanol ice photochemistry are still unclear, such as the branching ratios and photodissociation cross sections at different temperatures and irradiation fluxes.

Aims. This work aims at a quantitative agreement between laboratory experiments and astrochemical modelling of the CH3OH ice UV photolysis. Ultimately, this work allows us to better understand which processes govern the methanol ice photochemistry present in laboratory experiments.

Methods. We used the code ProDiMo to simulate the radiation fields, pressures, and pumping efficiencies characteristic of laboratory measurements. The simulations started with simple chemistry consisting only of methanol ice and helium to mimic the residual gas in the experimental chamber. A surface chemical network enlarged by photodissociation reactions was used to study the chemical reactions within the ice. Additionally, different surface chemistry parameters such as surface competition, tunnelling, thermal diffusion, and reactive desorption were adopted to check those that reproduce the experimental results.

Results. The chemical models with the code ProDiMo that include surface chemistry parameters can reproduce the methanol ice destruction via UV photodissociation at temperatures of 20, 30, 50, and 70 K as observed in the experiments. We also note that the results are sensitive to different branching ratios after photolysis and to the mechanisms of reactive desorption. In the simulations of a molecular cloud at 20 K, we observed an increase in the methanol gas abundance of one order of magnitude, with a similar decrease in the solid-phase abundance.

Conclusions. Comprehensive astrochemical models provide new insights into laboratory experiments as the quantitative understanding of the processes that govern the reactions within the ice. Ultimately, these insights can help us to better interpret astronomical observations.