bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing diets over time: knock-on effects of marine megafauna overexploitation on their competitors in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bas Maria , Tivoli Angélica M. , Briz i Godino Ivan , Salemme Mónica , Santiago Fernando , Belardi Juan Bautista , Borella Florencia , Vales Damián G. , Crespo Enrique A. , Cardona Luis
Published: June 2022

This study compares the δ15N values and the trophic position of two seabird species throughout the late Holocene in three regions in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean to assess the hypothesis that the decimation of megafauna led to changes in the trophic position of mesopredators. Modern and ancient mollusk shells were also analyzed to account for changes in the isotopic baseline through time. Results revealed that modern Magellanic penguins have higher δ15N values than their ancient conspecifics in the three regions, after controlling for changes in the isotopic baseline. This was also true for modern Imperial shags compared with ancient unidentified cormorants/shags from the two areas where ancient specimens were recovered (southern Patagonia and the Beagle Channel). Such temporal variability might be caused by three non–mutually exclusive processes: decreased availability of pelagic squat lobster resulting from decreasing primary productivity through the late Holocene, increased availability of small fishes resulting from the sequential depletion of other piscivores (South American fur seal and sea lion and Argentine hake) since the late eighteenth century, and modification of the migratory patterns of Magellanic penguins. Although disentangling the relative contribution of all those processes is impossible at this time, the results reported here demonstrate that the ecology of Magellanic penguins and Imperial shags has undergone major changes since the late Holocene.
Reproductive cycle of the golden carpet shell (Polititapes aureus) in the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal)
Authors: Moura Paula , Matias Ana Margarete , Vasconcelos Paulo , Roque Cláudia , Joaquim Sandra , Matias Domitília , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: June 2022

The present study described the gametogenesis and assessed the pattern of energy storage throughout the reproductive cycle of the golden carpet shell (Polititapes aureus) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). Monthly sampling was performed for two years (March 2016–February 2018) and the study was based on gonad histology, complemented by the estimation of the mean gonadal index, body condition index and biochemical composition. The species’ reproductive cycle presented a seasonal pattern, with a resting period mainly between October and January and gametogenesis beginning around February–March. The spawning season of P. aureus was shorter in 2016 (June–September) than in 2017 (May–October). Furthermore, ripe individuals were very scarce (1.3%) in 2017 compared with the previous year (11.4%). Mean gonadal index (GI) reflected the species’ reproductive cycle and the body condition index (CI) and biochemical composition of the individuals exhibited high variation between years. Regarding the biochemical composition, proteins ranged between 190.6 and 595.2 μg mg−1, glycogen from 5.7 to 102.6 μg mg−1 and total lipids between 31.6 and 80.7 μg mg−1. The reproduction of P. aureus was strongly influenced by fluctuations in both seawater temperature and chlorophyll a, as reflected through the temporal variation in the gonadal cycle, condition index and biochemical composition. Overall, the information gathered in this study is valuable to propose scientifically based harvesting management measures for the long-term sustainable exploitation of this shellfish resource, further reinforcing the importance of implementing adaptive fishery management strategies to cope with global climate change.
Trajectories of depression and generalised anxiety symptoms over the course of cognitive behaviour therapy in primary care: an observational, retrospective cohort
Authors: Bauer-Staeb Clarissa , Griffith Emma , Faraway Julian J. , Button Katherine S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. However, most research has focused on the sum scores of symptoms. Relatively little is known about how individual symptoms respond.

Methods

Longitudinal models were used to explore how depression and generalised anxiety symptoms behave over the course of CBT in a retrospective, observational cohort of patients from primary care settings (n = 5306). Logistic mixed models were used to examine the probability of being symptom-free across CBT appointments, using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire and the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale as measures.

Results

All symptoms improve across CBT treatment. The results suggest that low mood/hopelessness and guilt/worthlessness improved quickest relative to other depressive symptoms, with sleeping problems, appetite changes, and psychomotor retardation/agitation improving relatively slower. Uncontrollable worry and too much worry were the anxiety symptoms that improved fastest; irritability and restlessness improved the slowest.

Conclusions

This research suggests there is a benefit to examining symptoms rather than sum scores alone. Investigations of symptoms provide the potential for precision psychiatry and may explain some of the heterogeneity observed in clinical outcomes when only sum scores are considered.
Technologies of Emergency: Cyprus at the Intersection of Decolonisation and the Cold War
Authors: Chatzicharalampous Maria , Stolte Carolien
Published: June 2022

This article analyses ‘technologies of emergency’ in colonial counterinsurgency campaigns, framed around the case of Cyprus. In the 1950s, the repeated use of the state of emergency created a continuum, connecting British colonies on three different continents in a single administrative network. Lessons learned in one location were applied in the next, causing the state of emergency to evolve into a blueprint for post-war counterinsurgency in colonial settings. We contend that the toolkit of emergency technologies was not limited to legal measures, arguing instead for a more capacious category. By examining the place of Cyprus in this network and the effect of this broader ‘toolkit’ on the ground, this article views the Cyprus Emergency as one of multiple decolonisation wars in the Cold War era. In doing so, it highlights the coloniality of the island, an aspect of Cypriot history which is often overlooked in favour of more regional frameworks.
What’s Live Got to Do with It?
Authors: Crookston Cameron
Published: June 2022

With Covid-19 closure of performance spaces, drag performers were in a unique position due to the historic relationship between queer performance and recorded media, and the history of LGBTQ2+ community building through social media. Rather than — or perhaps in addition to—constituting a moment of rupture, the sudden phenomenon of digital drag presents a vital moment for revealing the relationship among liveness, media, and citational reproduction in drag’s history.
Automatic golden device selection and measurement smoothing algorithms for microwave transistor small-signal noise modeling
Authors: Salnikov Andrei S. , Dobush Igor M. , Popov Artem A. , Bilevich Dmitry V. , Goryainov Aleksandr E. , Kalentyev Alexey A. , Metel Aleksandr A.
Published: June 2022

We propose the techniques for automatic processing of measurement results in the context of golden (typical) device selection and noise figure measurement. These techniques are for golden (typical) device selection and noise figure measurement processing. Automation of measurement result processing and microwave element modeling speeds up a modeling routine and decreases the risk of possible errors. The techniques are validated through modeling of 0.15 μm GaAs pHEMTs with 4 × 40 μm and 4 × 75 μm total gate widths. Two test amplifiers were designed using the developed models. The amplifier modeling results agree well with measurements which confirms the validity of the proposed techniques. The proposed algorithm is potentially applicable to other circuit types (switches, digital, power amplifiers, mixers, oscillators, etc.) but may require different settings in those cases. However, in the presented work, we validated the algorithm for the linear and low-noise amplifiers only.
Populism and Candidate Support in the US: The Effects of “Thin” and “Host” Ideology
Authors: Castanho Silva Bruno , Neuner Fabian Guy , Wratil Christopher
Published: June 2022

Much of the contemporary literature on populism focuses on its status as a “thin” ideology comprising three key components: people-centrism, anti-elitism, and anti-pluralism. Populist politicians pair this “thin” ideology with extreme positions on policy issues such as immigration or taxation (referred to as “host” or “thick” ideologies). A recent study using German samples leveraged conjoint experiments to disentangle the effects of these appeals on vote choice. The results not only showed that extreme host-ideological positions mattered more than so-called “thin” populist appeals, but also that effects of populist appeals were nearly identical among populist and non-populist voters. Our replication in the US context reaffirms both the importance of host-ideological positions and the lack of heterogeneous effects by voters’ “thin” populist attitudes. Furthermore, by uncovering some divergence from the German case (e.g. anti-elite appeals trumping people-centric appeals), we highlight the need to experimentally examine the effects of populism’s constituent components across contexts.
Impact of Short‐Term Hydrological Components on Landscape Pattern of Waterbird Habitat in Floodplain Wetlands
Authors: Yao Siyang , Chen Cheng , Chen Qiuwen , Cui Zhen , Zhang Jianyun , Zeng Yuhong
Published: June 2022

Periodic flooding in floodplain wetlands dominates the landscape pattern, creating rich and diverse habitats for waterbirds. However, most studies on floodplain wetland landscape are conducted at interannual scale, while few researches investigate the effect of short‐term changes of hydrological components, such as maximum continuous flooding day, average flooding depth, maximum continuous drought day, and distance from water body. This study developed an effective approach by integrating a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model and a geographic detector model to investigate the single and interactive effects of short‐term hydrological components on the landscape pattern of waterbird habitat in floodplain wetlands. The developed approach was demonstrated in the Poyang Lake in Jiangxi province of China, an important conservation floodplain wetland in the Ramsar Convention. We found the short‐term hydrological components could impose a significant impact on the landscape pattern of waterbird habitat. Particularly, the interactive effects of multiple hydrological components were stronger than that of a single component, showing nonlinear enhancement. The developed approach could provide a viable way to study the ecological impacts of short‐term hydrological components on the landscape pattern of waterbird habitat in floodplain wetlands, thus offer scientific references for waterbird habitat management in floodplain wetlands.
JAK2 gene knockout inhibits corneal allograft rejection in mice by regulating dendritic cell-induced T cell immune tolerance
Authors: Hu Jun , Zhang Wanping , Xu Lingjuan , Hu Lihua
Published: June 2022

Corneal allograft rejection can be seen in some patients after corneal transplantation. The present study intends to investigate whether JAK2 gene knockout affects corneal allograft rejection through regulation of dendritic cells (DCs)-induced T cell immune tolerance. In order to identify the target gene related to corneal allograft rejection, high-throughput mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. JAK2 knockout mice were constructed and subjected to corneal allograft transplantation. The incidence of immune rejection was observed, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was detected, and the expression of Th1 cytokine interferon γ (IFN-γ) was determined. Flow cytometry and ELISA were performed to analyze the effects of JAK2 gene knockout on bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). JAK2 was the target gene related to corneal allograft rejection. JAK2 gene knockout contributed to significantly prolonged survival time of corneal grafts in mice and inhibited corneal allograft rejection. The in vitro cell experiment further confirmed that JAK2 gene knockout contributed to the inactivation of CD4+ T cells and induced IFN-γ expression, accompanied by inhibition of DC immune function, development, maturation, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, JAK2 gene knockout inactivates CD4+ T cells to decrease IFN-γ expression, as well as inhibits DC development, maturation, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing corneal allograft rejection.
GPI-anchored FGF directs cytoneme-mediated bidirectional contacts to regulate its tissue-specific dispersion
Authors: Du Lijuan , Sohr Alex , Li Yujia , Roy Sougata
Published: June 2022

How signaling proteins generate a multitude of information to organize tissue patterns is critical to understanding morphogenesis. In Drosophila, FGF produced in wing-disc cells regulates the development of the disc-associated air-sac-primordium (ASP). Here, we show that FGF is Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored to the producing cell surface and that this modification both inhibits free FGF secretion and promotes target-specific cytoneme contacts and contact-dependent FGF release. FGF-source and ASP cells extend cytonemes that present FGF and FGFR on their surfaces and reciprocally recognize each other over distance by contacting through cell-adhesion-molecule (CAM)-like FGF-FGFR binding. Contact-mediated FGF-FGFR interactions induce bidirectional responses in ASP and source cells that, in turn, polarize FGF-sending and FGF-receiving cytonemes toward each other to reinforce signaling contacts. Subsequent un-anchoring of FGFR-bound-FGF from the source membrane dissociates cytoneme contacts and delivers FGF target-specifically to ASP cytonemes for paracrine functions. Thus, GPI-anchored FGF organizes both source and recipient cells and self-regulates its cytoneme-mediated tissue-specific dispersion.
Light-sheet photonic force optical coherence elastography for high-throughput quantitative 3D micromechanical imaging
Authors: Lin Yuechuan , Leartprapun Nichaluk , Luo Justin C. , Adie Steven G.
Published: June 2022

Quantitative characterisation of micro-scale mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and dynamic cell-ECM interactions can significantly enhance fundamental discoveries and their translational potential in the rapidly growing field of mechanobiology. However, quantitative 3D imaging of ECM mechanics with cellular-scale resolution and dynamic monitoring of cell-mediated changes to pericellular viscoelasticity remain a challenge for existing mechanical characterisation methods. Here, we present light-sheet photonic force optical coherence elastography (LS-pfOCE) to address this need by leveraging a light-sheet for parallelised, non-invasive, and localised mechanical loading. We demonstrate the capabilities of LS-pfOCE by imaging the micromechanical heterogeneity of fibrous collagen matrices and perform live-cell imaging of cell-mediated ECM micromechanical dynamics. By providing access to 4D spatiotemporal variations in the micromechanical properties of 3D biopolymer constructs and engineered cellular systems, LS-pfOCE has the potential to drive new discoveries in mechanobiology and contribute to the development of novel biomechanics-based clinical diagnostics and therapies.
Identifying plant genes shaping microbiota composition in the barley rhizosphere
Authors: Escudero-Martinez Carmen , Coulter Max , Alegria Terrazas Rodrigo , Foito Alexandre , Kapadia Rumana , Pietrangelo Laura , Maver Mauro , Sharma Rajiv , Aprile Alessio , Morris Jenny , Hedley Pete E. , Maurer Andreas , Pillen Klaus , Naclerio Gino , Mimmo Tanja , Barton Geoffrey J. , Waugh Robbie , Abbott James , Bulgarelli Davide
Published: June 2022

A prerequisite to exploiting soil microbes for sustainable crop production is the identification of the plant genes shaping microbiota composition in the rhizosphere, the interface between roots and soil. Here, we use metagenomics information as an external quantitative phenotype to map the host genetic determinants of the rhizosphere microbiota in wild and domesticated genotypes of barley, the fourth most cultivated cereal globally. We identify a small number of loci with a major effect on the composition of rhizosphere communities. One of those, designated the QRMC-3HS, emerges as a major determinant of microbiota composition. We subject soil-grown sibling lines harbouring contrasting alleles at QRMC-3HS and hosting contrasting microbiotas to comparative root RNA-seq profiling. This allows us to identify three primary candidate genes, including a Nucleotide-Binding-Leucine-Rich-Repeat (NLR) gene in a region of structural variation of the barley genome. Our results provide insights into the footprint of crop improvement on the plant’s capacity of shaping rhizosphere microbes.
Ductile deformation during carbonation of serpentinized peridotite
Authors: Menzel Manuel D. , Urai Janos L. , Ukar Estibalitz , Hirth Greg , Schwedt Alexander , Kovács András , Kibkalo Lidia , Kelemen Peter B.
Published: June 2022

Carbonated serpentinites (listvenites) in the Samail Ophiolite, Oman, record mineralization of 1–2 Gt of CO2, but the mechanisms providing permeability for continued reactive fluid flow are unclear. Based on samples of the Oman Drilling Project, here we show that listvenites with a penetrative foliation have abundant microstructures indicating that the carbonation reaction occurred during deformation. Folded magnesite veins mark the onset of carbonation, followed by deformation during carbonate growth. Undeformed magnesite and quartz overgrowths indicate that deformation stopped before the reaction was completed. We propose deformation by dilatant granular flow and dissolution-precipitation assisted the reaction, while deformation in turn was localized in the weak reacting mass. Lithostatic pore pressures promoted this process, creating dilatant porosity for CO2transport and solid volume increase. This feedback mechanism may be common in serpentinite-bearing fault zones and the mantle wedge overlying subduction zones, allowing massive carbonation of mantle rocks.
The 3D architecture of the pepper genome and its relationship to function and evolution
Authors: Liao Yi , Wang Juntao , Zhu Zhangsheng , Liu Yuanlong , Chen Jinfeng , Zhou Yongfeng , Liu Feng , Lei Jianjun , Gaut Brandon S. , Cao Bihao , Emerson J. J. , Chen Changming
Published: June 2022

The organization of chromatin into self-interacting domains is universal among eukaryotic genomes, though how and why they form varies considerably. Here we report a chromosome-scale reference genome assembly of pepper (Capsicum annuum) and explore its 3D organization through integrating high-resolution Hi-C maps with epigenomic, transcriptomic, and genetic variation data. Chromatin folding domains in pepper are as prominent as TADs in mammals but exhibit unique characteristics. They tend to coincide with heterochromatic regions enriched with retrotransposons and are frequently embedded in loops, which may correlate with transcription factories. Their boundaries are hotspots for chromosome rearrangements but are otherwise depleted for genetic variation. While chromatin conformation broadly affects transcription variance, it does not predict differential gene expression between tissues. Our results suggest that pepper genome organization is explained by a model of heterochromatin-driven folding promoted by transcription factories and that such spatial architecture is under structural and functional constraints.
Mitigating the detrimental effects of galvanic corrosion by nanoscale composite architecture design
Authors: Renk Oliver , Weißensteiner Irmgard , Cihova Martina , Steyskal Eva-Maria , Sommer Nicole G. , Tkadletz Michael , Pogatscher Stefan , Schmutz Patrik , Eckert Jürgen , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Pippan Reinhard , Weinberg Annelie M.
Published: June 2022

Widespread application of magnesium (Mg) has been prevented by its low strength and poor corrosion resistance. Core of this limitation is Mg’s low electrochemical potential and low solubility for most elements, favoring secondary phase precipitation acting as effective micro-galvanic elements. Mg-based metal–metal composites, while benefiting strength, are similarly active galvanic couples. We show that related detrimental corrosion susceptibility is overcome by nanoscale composite architecture design. Nanoscale phase spacings enable high-strength Mg–Fe composites with degradation rates as low as ultra-high purity Mg. Our concept thus fundamentally changes today’s understanding of Mg’s corrosion and significantly widens the property space of Mg-based materials.
Datasets of skills-rating questionnaires for advanced service design through expert knowledge elicitation
Authors: Nguyen Hien Ngoc , Lasa Ganix , Iriarte Ion , Atxa Ariane , Unamuno Gorka , Galfarsoro Gurutz
Published: June 2022

This article presents a dataset of service design skills which service design experts value as important requirements for design team members. Purposive sampling and a chain referral approach were used to recruit appropriate experts to conduct questionnaire-based research. Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), pairwise skills-rating questionnaires were designed to elicit the experts’ responses. The resulting dataset was processed using AHP algorithms programmed in R programming language. The transparent data and available codes of the research may be reused by design practitioners and researchers for replication and further analysis. This paper offers a reproduceable research process and associated dataset for conducting multiple-criteria decision analysis with expert purposive sampling.
A dataset of simulated patient-physician medical interviews with a focus on respiratory cases
Authors: Fareez Faiha , Parikh Tishya , Wavell Christopher , Shahab Saba , Chevalier Meghan , Good Scott , De Blasi Isabella , Rhouma Rafik , McMahon Christopher , Lam Jean-Paul , Lo Thomas , Smith Christopher W.
Published: June 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a major role in medical education, diagnosis, and outbreak detection through Natural Language Processing (NLP), machine learning models and deep learning tools. However, in order to train AI to facilitate these medical fields, well-documented and accurate medical conversations are needed. The dataset presented covers a series of medical conversations in the format of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), with a focus on respiratory cases in audio format and corresponding text documents. These cases were simulated, recorded, transcribed, and manually corrected with the underlying aim of providing a comprehensive set of medical conversation data to the academic and industry community. Potential applications include speech recognition detection for speech-to-text errors, training NLP models to extract symptoms, detecting diseases, or for educational purposes, including training an avatar to converse with healthcare professional students as a standardized patient during clinical examinations. The application opportunities for the presented dataset are vast, given that this calibre of data is difficult to access and costly to develop.
A database of animal metagenomes
Authors: Hu Ruirui , Yao Rui , Li Lei , Xu Yueren , Lei Bingbing , Tang Guohao , Liang Haowei , Lei Yunjiao , Li Cunyuan , Li Xiaoyue , Liu Kaiping , Wang Limin , Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Yue , Cui Yuying , Dai Jihong , Ni Wei , Zhou Ping , Yu Baohua , Hu Shengwei
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technology, the amount of metagenomic data (including both 16S and whole-genome sequencing data) in public repositories is increasing exponentially. However, owing to the large and decentralized nature of the data, it is still difficult for users to mine, compare, and analyze the data. The animal metagenome database (AnimalMetagenome DB) integrates metagenomic sequencing data with host information, making it easier for users to find data of interest. The AnimalMetagenome DB is designed to contain all public metagenomic data from animals, and the data are divided into domestic and wild animal categories. Users can browse, search, and download animal metagenomic data of interest based on different attributes of the metadata such as animal species, sample site, study purpose, and DNA extraction method. The AnimalMetagenome DB version 1.0 includes metadata for 82,097 metagenomes from 4 domestic animals (pigs, bovines, horses, and sheep) and 540 wild animals. These metagenomes cover 15 years of experiments, 73 countries, 1,044 studies, 63,214 amplicon sequencing data, and 10,672 whole genome sequencing data. All data in the database are hosted and available in figshare https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.19728619.
Simulating epileptic seizures using the bidomain model
Authors: Schreiner Jakob , Mardal Kent-Andre
Published: June 2022

Epileptic seizures are due to excessive and synchronous neural activity. Extensive modelling of seizures has been done on the neuronal level, but it remains a challenge to scale these models up to whole brain models. Measurements of the brain’s activity over several spatiotemporal scales follow a power-law distribution in terms of frequency. During normal brain activity, the power-law exponent is often found to be around 2 for frequencies between a few Hz and up to 150 Hz, but is higher during seizures and for higher frequencies. The Bidomain model has been used with success in modelling the electrical activity of the heart, but has been explored far less in the context of the brain. This study extends previous models of epileptic seizures on the neuronal level to the whole brain using the Bidomain model. Our approach is evaluated in terms of power-law distributions. The electric potentials were simulated in 7 idealized two-dimensional models and 3 three-dimensional patient-specific models derived from magnetic resonance images (MRI). Computed electric potentials were found to follow power-law distributions with slopes ranging from 2 to 5 for frequencies greater than 10–30 Hz.
Flow cytometry based platelet activation markers and state of inflammation among subjects with type 2 diabetes with and without depression
Authors: R Shyamkrishnan , Saharia Gautom Kumar , Patra Suravi , Bandyopadhyay Debapriya , Patro Binod Kumar
Published: June 2022

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) are highly disabling disorders associated with a multitude of vascular complications. Platelets are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in both T2DM and MDD. These complications could increase in patients with comorbid diabetes and depression. To quantify and compare flow cytometry based platelet activation markers and the inflammatory state between individuals of diabetes with depression, individuals of diabetes without depression and healthy controls. Out of 114 participants, each study group contained 38 participants in diabetic group, diabetics with depression group and matched control group. Diabetes was diagnosed with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria. Screening of MDD was done with Patient Health Questionnaire 2 (PHQ2) and severity of depression assessed with Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) scale. Platelet markers CD41, CD42b, CD62P and CD63 were assayed using flow cytometer. Platelet count, surface expression of platelet activation markers CD62P and CD63, hs-CRP, insulin and HOMA-IR score differed significantly between the groups. Post hoc analysis showed significantly high CD63 expression in patients with comorbid diabetes and depression compared to those having diabetes without depression. Patients with comorbid diabetes and depression have enhanced platelet hyperactivation and a pro inflammatory state which increases susceptibility to vascular complications.
Oxycodone/naloxone versus tapentadol in real-world chronic non-cancer pain management: an observational and pharmacogenetic study
Authors: Barrachina Jordi , Margarit Cesar , Muriel Javier , López-Gil Santiago , López-Gil Vicente , Vara-González Amaya , Planelles Beatriz , Inda María-del-Mar , Morales Domingo , Peiró Ana M.
Published: June 2022

Tapentadol (TAP) and oxycodone/naloxone (OXN) potentially offer an improved opioid tolerability. However, real-world studies in chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) remain scarce. Our aim was to compare effectiveness and security in daily pain practice, together with the influence of pharmacogenetic markers. An observational study was developed with ambulatory test cases under TAP (n = 194) or OXN (n = 175) prescription with controls (prescribed with other opioids (control), n = 216) CNCP patients. Pain intensity and relief, quality of life, morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDD), concomitant analgesic drugs, adverse events (AEs), hospital frequentation and genetic variants of OPRM1 (rs1799971, A118G) and COMT (rs4680, G472A) genes, were analysed. Test CNCP cases evidenced a significantly higher pain relief predictable due to pain intensity and quality of life (R2 = 0.3), in front of controls. Here, OXN achieved the greatest pain relief under a 28% higher MEDD, 8–13% higher use of pregabalin and duloxetine, and 23% more prescription change due to pain, compared to TAP. Whilst, TAP yielded a better tolerability due the lower number of 4 [0–6] AEs/patient, in front of OXN. Furthermore, OXN COMT-AA homozygotes evidenced higher rates of erythema and vomiting, especially in females. CNCP real-world patients achieved higher pain relief than other traditional opioids with a better tolerability for TAP. Further research is necessary to clarify the potential influence of COMT and sex on OXN side-effects.
Monitoring of benthic eukaryotic communities in two tropical coastal lagoons through eDNA metabarcoding: a spatial and temporal approximation
Authors: Castro-Cubillos Margoth L. , Taylor Joe D. , Mastretta-Yanes Alicia , Benítez-Villalobos Francisco , Islas-Villanueva Valentina
Published: June 2022

Tropical coastal lagoons are important ecosystems that support high levels of biodiversity and provide several goods and services. Monitoring of benthic biodiversity and detection of harmful or invasive species is crucial, particularly in relation to seasonal and spatial variation of environmental conditions. In this study, eDNA metabarcoding was used in two tropical coastal lagoons, Chacahua (CH) and Corralero (C) (Southern Mexican Pacific), to describe the benthic biodiversity and its spatial–temporal dynamics. The distribution of benthic diversity within the lagoons showed a very particular pattern evidencing a transition from freshwater to seawater. Although the two lagoon systems are similar in terms of the species composition of metazoans and microeukaryotes, our findings indicate that they are different in taxa richness and structure, resulting in regional partitioning of the diversity with salinity as the driving factor of community composition in CH. Harmful, invasive, non-indigenous species, bioindicators and species of commercial importance were detected, demonstrating the reach of this technique for biodiversity monitoring along with the continued efforts of building species reference libraries.
Numerical analysis of MHD axisymmetric rotating Bodewadt rheology under viscous dissipation and ohmic heating effects
Authors: Awais M. , Bibi Marium , Ali Aamir , Malik M. Y. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed W.
Published: June 2022

In present research manuscript, analysis is presented for the influences of heat transition in a bodewadt flow over a penetrable disk numerically. Estimation parameters in current mathematical flow model include magnetic field parameter $$(0.1 \le M \le 1.2),$$

(
0.1
≤
M
≤
1.2
)
,

wall suction $$(1.7 \le A \le 6.7),$$

(
1.7
≤
A
≤
6.7
)
,

prandtl number $$(0.2 \le \Pr \le 5.0),$$

(
0.2
≤
Pr
≤
5.0
)
,

heat generation/absorption $${( - }0.9 \le Q \le 3.6),$$

(
-

0.9
≤
Q
≤
3.6
)
,

eckert number $$(0 \le Ec \le 1.2),$$

(
0
≤
E
c
≤
1.2
)
,

variable viscosity $${( - 100} \le \theta_{e} \le 100)$$

(
-
100

≤

θ
e

≤
100
)

and thermal conductivity $${(0} \le \varepsilon \le 4.1).$$

(
0

≤
ε
≤
4.1
)
.

The repercussions of joule heating, wall suction, heat generation & absorption, magnetic field, viscous dissipation accompanying with variable characteristics of the fluid are also examined as well. Kinetics of viscous fluid with variable characteristics of fluid having solid body rotation over a permeable disk (having cylindrical geometry) are analyzed. We transformed the governing equations of heat transfer (accompanied by variable properties) and fluid motion in to self-similar non-dimensional differential equations by using the Von-Karman variables which are then further analyzed numerically by utilizing Adams Bashforth method. For a physical insight, results are manifested to scrutinize the behavior of velocity and temperature profiles for different emerging parameters graphically. Moreover, the values of nusselt number & skin friction co-efficient are also computed and physically explicated for the assorted parameters. Outcomes of current investigations are compared with prior work, to ensure the authenticity of the numerical method, and strong agreement is noted.
Extended transit compartment model to describe tumor delay using Coxian distribution
Authors: Byun Jong Hyuk , Yoon In-Soo , Lee Song Yi , Cho Hyun-Jong , Jung Il Hyo
Published: June 2022

The measured response of cell population is often delayed relative to drug injection, and individuals in a population have a specific age distribution. Common approaches for describing the delay are to apply transit compartment models (TCMs). This model reflects that all damaged cells caused by drugs suffer transition processes, resulting in death. In this study, we present an extended TCM using Coxian distribution, one of the phase-type distributions. The cell population attacked by a drug is described via age-structured models. The mortality rate of the damaged cells is expressed by a convolution of drug rate and age density. Then applying to Erlang and Coxian distribution, we derive Erlang TCM, representing the existing model, and Coxian TCMs, reflecting sudden death at all ages. From published data of drug and tumor, delays are compared after parameter estimations in both models. We investigate the dynamical changes according to the number of the compartments. Model robustness and equilibrium analysis are also performed for model validation. Coxian TCM is an extended model considering a realistic case and captures more diverse delays.
Leaf fitness and stress response after the application of contaminated soil dust particulate matter
Authors: Lhotská Marie , Zemanová Veronika , Pavlík Milan , Pavlíková Daniela , Hnilička František , Popov Marek
Published: June 2022

In this study, we observed the effect of the application of soil dust enriched with risk elements (Cd, Pb, As and Zn) to leaf surfaces of lettuce (Lactuca sativavar.capitata) while it was grown under hydroponic conditions. This study aimed to determine how low soil dust particulate matter (PM) doses affected the activity of or damaged the photosynthetic apparatus and how the uptake of risk elements was associated with both epigenetic changes (5-methylcytosine content, i.e., 5mC) and stress metabolism. During the study, we obtained many results pertaining to risk element contents and biochemical (total phenolic content (TPC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the amount of free amino acids (AAs)) and physiological (photosynthesis parameters: net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular CO2concentration, stomatal conductance, instantaneous water-use efficiency, maximum quantum yield of PSII, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and leaf water potential (WP)) plant features. The results showed an increase in MDA and 5mC. However, the transpiration rate, WP and free AAs decreased. In conclusion, contamination by very low doses of soil dust PM had no direct or significant effect on plant fitness, as shown by the TPC and 5mC content, which indicates that plants can overcome the oxidative stress caused by the accumulation of risk elements. From the above, we propose the use of epigenetic changes as biomarkers of potential changes in the activation of plant metabolism under stress caused by environmental pollution.
Simple and automatic monitoring of cancer cell invasion into an epithelial monolayer using label-free holographic microscopy
Authors: Nagy Ágoston G. , Székács Inna , Bonyár Attila , Horvath Robert
Published: June 2022

The invasiveness of cancer cells describes the metastasizing capability of a primary tumor. The straightforward detection and quantification of cancer cell invasion are important to predict the survival rate of a cancer patient and to test how anti-cancer compounds influence cancer progression. Digital holographic microscopy based M4 Holomonitor (HM) is a technique that allows the label-free monitoring of cell morphological and kinetical parameters in real-time. Here, a fully confluent epithelial monolayer derived from the African green monkey kidney (Vero) on a gelatin-coated surface was established, then HeLa cells were seeded on top of the monolayer, and their behavior was monitored for 24 h using HM. Several cancer cells showing invasiveness were detected during this period, while other HeLa cells did not show any signs of aggressivity. It was demonstrated that the invasion of single cancer cells is soundly observable and also quantifiable through monitoring parameters such as phase shift, optical volume, area, and motility, which parameters can easily be obtained and processed automatically. Based on the experimental data, the invasion speed of cancer cells entering the epithelial layer can be defined as the shrinking of detected single-cell volume per unit time. The invasion speed and its correlation with cell migration parameters were analyzed in depth. A clear linear relationship between migration and invasion speed was found, cancer cells with stronger migration have slower invasion speed. These results not only describe the effect of how cancer cells invade the underlying monolayer in contrast to non-invasive HeLa cells, but could help in future research to optimize drugs affecting cell invasibility in a fully automated, label-free and high-throughput manner.
Evaluating anticipatory control strategies for their capability to cope with step-down perturbations in computer simulations of human walking
Authors: Schreff Lucas , Haeufle Daniel F. B. , Vielemeyer Johanna , Müller Roy
Published: June 2022

Previous simulation studies investigated the role of reflexes and central pattern generators to explain the kinematic and dynamic adaptations in reaction to step-down perturbations. However, experiments also show preparatory adaptations in humans based on visual anticipation of a perturbation. In this study, we propose a high-level anticipatory strategy augmenting a low-level muscle-reflex control. This strategy directly changes the gain of the reflex control exclusively during the last contact prior to a drop in ground level. Our simulations show that especially the anticipatory reduction of soleus activity and the increase of hamstrings activity result in higher robustness. The best results were obtained when the change in stimulation of the soleus muscle occurred 300 ms after the heel strike of the contralateral leg. This enabled the model to descend perturbation heights up to − 0.21 m and the resulting kinematic and dynamic adaptations are similar to the experimental observations. This proves that the anticipatory strategy observed in experiments has the purpose of increasing robustness. Furthermore, this strategy outperforms other reactive strategies, e.g., pure feedback control or combined feedback and feed-forward control, with maximum perturbation heights of − 0.03 and − 0.07 m, respectively.
Comprehensive analysis of the PD-L1 and immune infiltrates of N6-methyladenosine related long non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer
Authors: Xue M. Q. , Wang Y. L. , Wang J. C. , Wang X. D. , Wang X. J. , Zhang Y. Q.
Published: June 2022

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most frequent genitourinary cancers, with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The connection of m6A-related lncRNAs with PD-L1 and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in BLCA prognosis was extensively investigated in this study, which could suggest novel therapeutic targets for further investigation. 30 m6A-associated lncRNAs with predictive values from the TCGA data set were identified with co-expression analysis. Cluster2 was correlated with a poor prognosis, upregulated PD-L1 expression, and higher immune ratings. Cluster2 had larger amounts of resting CD4 memory-activated T cells, M2 macrophages, neutrophils, and NK cells infiltration. “CHEMOKINE SIGNALING PATHWAY” was the most significantly enriched signaling pathway according to GSEA, which may play an important role in the different immune cell infiltrates between cluster1/2. The risk model for m6A-related lncRNAs could be employed in a prognostic model to predict BLCA prognosis, regardless of other clinical features. Collectively, m6A-related lncRNAs were linked to PD-L1 and TIME, which would dynamically affect the number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. m6A-related lncRNAs may be key mediators of PD-L1 expression and immune cells infiltration and may strongly affect the TIME of BLCA.
Expected contraction in the distribution ranges of demersal fish of high economic value in the Mediterranean and European Seas
Authors: Ben Lamine Emna , Schickele Alexandre , Goberville Eric , Beaugrand Gregory , Allemand Denis , Raybaud Virginie
Published: June 2022

Fisheries and aquaculture are facing many challenges worldwide, especially adaptation to climate change. Investigating future distributional changes of largely harvested species has become an extensive research topic, aiming at providing realistic ecological scenarios on which to build management measures, to help fisheries and aquaculture adapt to future climate-driven changes. Here, we use an ensemble modelling approach to estimate the contemporary and future distributional range of eight demersal fish species of high economic value in the Mediterranean Sea. We identify a cardinal influence of (i) temperature on fish species distributions, all being shaped by yearly mean and seasonality in sea bottom temperature, and (ii) the primary production. By assessing the effects of changes in future climate conditions under three Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios over three periods of the twenty-first century, we project a contraction of the distributional range of the eight species in the Mediterranean Sea, with a general biogeographical displacement towards the North European coasts. This will help anticipating changes in future catch potential in a warmer world, which is expected to have substantial economic consequences for Mediterranean fisheries.
Sex-specific movement ecology of the shortest-lived tetrapod during the mating season
Authors: Hudel Lennart , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: June 2022

Sex-specific reproductive strategies are shaped by the distribution of potential mates in space and time. Labord’s chameleon (Furcifer labordi) from southwestern Madagascar is the shortest-lived tetrapod whose life-time mating opportunities are restricted to a few weeks. Given that these chameleons grow to sexual maturity within about three months and that all individuals die soon after breeding, their mating strategies should be adapted to these temporal constraints. The reproductive tactics of this or any other Malagasy chameleon species have not been studied, however. Radio-tracking and observations of 21 females and 18 males revealed that females exhibit high site fidelity, move small cumulative and linear distances, have low corresponding dispersal ratios and small occurrence distributions. In contrast, males moved larger distances in less predictable fashion, resulting in dispersal ratios and occurrence distributions 7–14 times larger than those of females, and males also had greater ranges of their vertical distribution. Despite synchronous hatching, males exhibited substantial inter-individual variation in body mass and snout-vent length that was significantly greater than in females, but apparently unrelated to their spatial tactics. Females mated with up to 6 individually-known mates, but frequent encounters with unmarked individuals indicate that much higher number of matings may be common, as are damaging fights among males. Thus, unlike perennial chameleons,F. labordimales do not seem to maintain and defend territories. Instead, they invest vastly more time and energy into locomotion for their body size than other species. Pronounced variation in key somatic traits may hint at the existence of alternative reproductive tactics, but its causes and consequences require further study. This first preliminary study of the mating system of a Malagasy chameleon indicates that, as in other semelparous tetrapods, accelerated life histories are tied to a mating system with intense contest and scramble competition among males.
The effects of exercise training on heart, brain and behavior, in the isoproterenol-induced cardiac infarct model in middle-aged female rats
Authors: Tóth Kata , Oroszi Tamás , van der Zee Eddy A. , Nyakas Csaba , Schoemaker Regien G.
Published: June 2022

Women with cardiovascular disease may be more susceptible to concomitant mental health problems, such as depression and cognitive decline. Exercise training has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system as well as on mental functions. Aim of the present study was to study the effects of exercise training on heart, brain and behavior in the isoproterenol (ISO) model in middle-aged female rats. Twelve months old female Wistar rats were submitted to ISO injections (70 mg/kg s.c., on two consecutive days) or received saline. One week later, rats were assigned to either exercise training (treadmill running) or control handling for five weeks. During the last 7 days, tests were performed regarding depressive-like behavior and cognitive function. Then, rats were sacrificed and heart and brains were dissected for (immuno)histochemistry. ISO-induced cardiac effects were eminent from cardiac fibrosis and declined cardiac function. Exercise training reversed cardiac damage and partly restored ISO-induced cardiac dysfunction. However, ISO treatment could not be associated with neuroinflammation, nor impaired hippocampal neurogenesis or neuronal function. Accordingly, no cognitive impairment or depressive-like behavior were observed. Actually, hippocampal microglia hyper-ramification was observed after ISO. Exercise left neuroinflammation and behavior merely unaltered, and even reduced neuronal function. Our data indicated that the cardiac damage after ISO in middle-aged female rats, and the subsequent beneficial effects of five weeks exercise training on the heart, were not reflected in changes in the brain nor in altered behavior.