bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial communities associated with corals out-planted on the Great Barrier Reef are inherently dynamic over space and time
Authors: Strudwick Paige , Seymour Justin , Camp Emma F. , Roper Christine , Edmondson John , Howlett Lorna , Suggett David J.
Published: May 2023

Coral propagation and out-planting are becoming commonly adopted as part of reef stewardship strategies aimed at improving reef resilience through enhanced natural recovery and rehabilitation. The coral microbiome has a crucial role in the success of the coral holobiont and can be impacted shortly after out-planting. However, long-term characterisation of the out-plant microbiome in relation to out-plant survival, and how these properties vary across reef sites, is unexplored. Therefore, at three reef sites on Opal Reef, Great Barrier Reef (Mojo, Sandbox and Rayban, 16°12′18″S 145°53′54″E), we examined bacterial communities associated with out-planted Acropora millepora coral and monitored coral survival over 12 months (February 2021–22). Bacterial communities of out-planted corals exhibited significant changes from donor colonies 7 days to 1.5 months after out-planting. Further, bacterial community composition differed for sites Sandbox and Rayban with low overall survival (0–43%) versus Mojo with higher overall survival (47–75%). After initial dissimilarity in bacterial communities of out-plants across sites at 1.5 months, and despite changes within sites over time, out-plants exhibited similar microbial communities across sites at 7 days and 6, 9 and 12 months. We hypothesise these trends reflect how bacterial communities are shaped by rapid changes in local environmental characteristics (e.g. from source to out-planting site), where out-plant bacterial communities ‘conform’ to out-planting site conditions. After initial changes, out-plant bacterial communities may then be under the influence of global environmental conditions—such as annual trends in temperature across seasons. Such outcomes indicate the importance of site selection in shaping initial coral bacterial communities and subsequent out-plant success. Importantly, continued differences in out-plant survival trajectory but similar bacterial communities across sites after 1.5 months indicate that other factors—apart from bacterial community changes—likely govern out-plant success in the longer term. Our research highlights the need to resolve drivers of small-scale site differences alongside higher resolution spatiotemporal monitoring of environmental conditions to distinguish key drivers of (i) microbial change during out-planting and (ii) out-plant survival to subsequently inform out-plant site selection to optimise future restoration efforts.
Comprehension of own and other species’ alarm calls in sooty mangabey vocal development
Authors: León Julián , Thiriau Constance , Crockford Catherine , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: May 2023

Primates understand the meaning of their own and other species’ alarm calls, but little is known about how they acquire such knowledge. Here, we combined direct behavioural observations with playback experiments to investigate two key processes underlying vocal development: comprehension and usage. Especifically, we studied the development of con- and heterospecific alarm call recognition in free-ranging sooty mangabeys,Cercocebus atys, across three age groups: young juveniles (1–2y), old juveniles (3–4y) and adults (> 5y). We observed that, during natural predator encounters, juveniles alarm called to a significantly wider range of species than adults, with evidence of refinement during the first four years of life. In the experiments, we exposed subjects to leopard, eagle and snake alarm calls given by other group members or sympatric Diana monkeys. We found that young juveniles’ locomotor and vocal responses were least appropriate and that they engaged in more social referencing (look at adults when hearing an alarm call) than older individuals, suggesting that vocal competence is obtained via social learning. In conclusion, our results suggest that alarm call comprehension is socially learned during the juvenile stage, with comprehension preceding appropriate usage but no difference between learning their own or other species’ alarm calls.

Significance statement

Under natural conditions, animals do not just interact with members of their own species, but usually operate in a network of associated species. However, ontogenetic research on primate communication frequently ignores this significant element. We studied the development of con- and heterospecific alarm call recognition in wild sooty mangabeys. We found that communicative competence was acquired during the juvenile stages, with alarm call comprehension learning preceding appropriate vocal usage and with no clear difference in learning of con- and heterospecific signals. We also found that, during early stages of life, social referencing, a proactive form of social learning, was key in the acquisition of competent alarm call behaviour. Our results show that primates equally learn to interpret alarm calls from their own and other species during their early stages of life and that this learning process is refined as the animals mature.
A four-oscillator model of seasonally adapted morning and evening activities in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Yoshii Taishi , Saito Aika , Yokosako Tatsuya
Published: May 2023

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster exhibits two activity peaks, one in the morning and another in the evening. Because the two peaks change phase depending on the photoperiod they are exposed to, they are convenient for studying responses of the circadian clock to seasonal changes. To explain the phase determination of the two peaks, Drosophila researchers have employed the two-oscillator model, in which two oscillators control the two peaks. The two oscillators reside in different subsets of neurons in the brain, which express clock genes, the so-called clock neurons. However, the mechanism underlying the activity of the two peaks is complex and requires a new model for mechanistic exploration. Here, we hypothesize a four-oscillator model that controls the bimodal rhythms. The four oscillators that reside in different clock neurons regulate activity in the morning and evening and sleep during the midday and at night. In this way, bimodal rhythms are formed by interactions among the four oscillators (two activity and two sleep oscillators), which may judiciously explain the flexible waveform of activity rhythms under different photoperiod conditions. Although still hypothetical, this model would provide a new perspective on the seasonal adaptation of the two activity peaks.
EAONO/JOS classification for acquired cholesteatoma: evaluating the impact of the number of affected sites on treatment and outcomes
Authors: Renner B. , Vasconcelos Craveiro A. , Balk M. , Allner M. , Sievert M. , Mueller S. K. , Mantsopoulos K. , Iro H. , Rupp R. , Hornung J. , Gostian A. O.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The European and Japanese system for cholesteatoma classification proposed an anatomical differentiation in five sites. In stage I disease, one site would be affected and in stage II, two to five. We tested the significance of this differentiation by analyzing the influence of the number of affected sites on residual disease, hearing ability and surgical complexity.

Methods

Cases of acquired cholesteatoma treated at a single tertiary referral center between 2010-01-01 and 2019-07-31 were retrospectively analyzed. Residual disease was determined according to the system. The air–bone gap mean of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz (ABG) and its change with surgery served as hearing outcome. The surgical complexity was estimated regarding the Wullstein’s tympanoplasty classification and the procedure approach (transcanal, canal up/down).

Results

513 ears (431 patients) were followed-up during 21.6 ± 21.5 months. 107 (20.9%) ears had one site affected, 130 (25.3%) two, 157 (30.6%) three, 72 (14.0%) four and 47 (9.2%) five. An increasing number of affected sites resulted in higher residual rates (9.4–21.3%, p = 0.008) and surgical complexity, as well poorer ABG (preoperative 14.1 to 25.3 dB, postoperative 11.3–16.8 dB, p < 0.001). These differences existed between the means of cases of stage I and II, but also when only considering ears with stage II classification.

Conclusion

The data showed statistically significant differences when comparing the averages of ears with two to five affected sites, questioning the pertinence of the differentiation between stages I and II.
The association between the number of symptoms and the severity of Post-COVID-Fatigue after SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in an outpatient setting
Authors: Schmidbauer Lena , Kirchberger Inge , Goßlau Yvonne , Warm Tobias D. , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa
Published: May 2023

Background

Post-COVID-Fatigue (PCF) is one of the most reported symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Currently, research on persistent symptoms focuses mainly on severe infections, while outpatients are rarely included in observations.

Objective

To investigate whether the severity of PCF is related to the number of acute and persistent symptoms due to mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and to compare the most common symptoms during acute infection with the persistent symptoms in PCF patients.

Methods

A total of 425 participants were examined after COVID-19 treated as an outpatient (median 249 days [IQR: 135; 322] after acute disease) at the site of University Hospital Augsburg, Germany. The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was used to quantify the severity of PCF. The number of symptoms (maximum 41) during acute infection and persistent symptoms (during the last 14 days before examination) were added up to sum scores. Multivariable linear regression models were used to show the association between the number of symptoms and PCF.

Results

Of the 425 participants, 37% (n = 157) developed PCF; most were women (70%). The median number of symptoms was significantly higher in the PCF group than in the non-PCF group at both time points. In multivariable linear regression models, both sum scores were associated with PCF (acute symptoms: β-estimate per additional symptom [95%-CI]: 0.48 [0.39; 0.57], p < 0.0001); persistent symptoms: β-estimate per additional symptom [95%-CI]: 1.18 [1.02; 1.34], p < 0.0001). The acute symptoms strongest associated with PCF severity were difficulty concentrating, memory problems, dyspnea or shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, and problems with movement coordination.

Conclusion

Each additional symptom that occurs in COVID-19 increases the likelihood of suffering a higher severity of PCF. Further research is needed to identify the aetiology of PCF.

Trial registration: Nr. NCT04615026. Date of registration: November 4, 2020.
The effects of transitioning from immediate release to extended release cysteamine therapy in Norwegian patients with nephropathic cystinosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Bjerre Anna , Aase Sonja Amdal , Radtke Maria , Siva Christian , Gudmundsdottir Helga , Forsberg Brita , Woldseth Berit , Brackman Damien
Published: May 2023

Background

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder in which accumulation of cystine and formation of crystals particularly impair kidney function and gradually lead to multi-organ dysfunction. Lifelong therapy with the aminothiol cysteamine can delay the development of kidney failure and the need for transplant. The purpose of our long-term study was to explore the effects of transitioning from immediate release (IR) to extended release (ER) formulation in Norwegian patients in routine clinical care.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data on efficacy and safety in 10 paediatric and adult patients. Data were obtained from up to 6 years before and 6 years after transitioning from IR- to ER-cysteamine.

Results

Mean white blood cell (WBC) cystine levels remained comparable between the different treatment periods (1.19 versus 1.38 nmol hemicystine/mg protein) although most patients under ER-cysteamine underwent dose reductions. For the non-transplanted patients, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) change/year was more pronounced during ER-treatment (− 3.39 versus − 6.80 ml/min/1.73 m2/year) possibly influenced by individual events, such as tubulointerstitial nephritis and colitis. Growth measured by Z-height score tended to develop positively. Four of seven patients reported improvement of halitosis, one reported unchanged and two reported worsened symptoms. Most adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were of mild severity. One patient developed two serious ADRs and switched back to IR-formulation.

Conclusions

The results from this long-term retrospective study indicate that switching from IR- to ER-cysteamine was feasible and well tolerated under routine clinical practice. ER-cysteamine allowed satisfactory disease control over the long period considered.

Graphical abstract
An interdisciplinary educational path to understand the economic phenomena of a fluid and complex world with mathematics
Authors: Bimonte Giovanna , Tortoriello Francesco Saverio , Veronesi Ilaria
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we describe an activity that involves economics and mathematics. It is included in the planning of orientation paths towards university studies within the Mathematical High School Project and is dedicated to students in the last years of high school. In particular, this research will deal with the issue of solving an economic problem using not only real analysis instruments but also geometrical topics concerning Euclidean geometry and topology. Mathematics becomes a language to understand and explain a real life problem, such as determining the optimal position of an airport, a nuclear reactor and so on. Some activities made use of dynamic geometry software and computer simulations.
Sessile serrated lesions with dysplasia: is it possible to nip them in the bud?
Authors: Utsumi Takahiro , Yamada Yosuke , Diaz-Meco Maria Teresa , Moscat Jorge , Nakanishi Yuki
Published: May 2023

The serrated neoplasia pathway constitutes an “alternative route” to colorectal cancer (CRC), and sessile serrated lesions with dysplasia (SSLDs) are an intermediate step between sessile serrated lesions (SSLs) and invasive CRC in this pathway. While SSLs show indolent growth before becoming dysplastic (> 10–15 years), SSLDs are considered to rapidly progress to either immunogenic microsatellite instable-high (MSI-H) CRC (presumably 75% of cases) or mesenchymal microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. Their flat shapes and the relatively short window of this intermediate state make it difficult to detect and diagnose SSLDs; thus, these lesions are potent precursors of post-colonoscopy/interval cancers. Confusing terminology and the lack of longitudinal observation data of serrated polyps have hampered the accumulation of knowledge about SSLDs; however, a growing body of evidence has started to clarify their characteristics and biology. Together with recent efforts to incorporate terminology, histological studies of SSLDs have identified distinct dysplastic patterns and revealed alterations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Molecular studies at the single-cell level have identified distinct gene alterations in both the epithelium and the TME. Mouse serrated tumor models have demonstrated the importance of TME in disease progression. Advances in colonoscopy provide clues to distinguish pre-malignant from non-malignant-SSLs. Recent progress in all aspects of the field has enhanced our understanding of the biology of SSLDs. The aim of this review article was to assess the current knowledge of SSLDs and highlight their clinical implications.
Stabilization estimates for the Brinkman–Forchheimer–Kelvin–Voigt equation backward in time
Authors: Gentile Maurizio , Straughan Brian
Published: May 2023

The final value value problem for the Brinkman–Forchheimer–Kelvin–Voigt equations is analysed for quadratic and cubic types of Forchheimer nonlinearity. The main term in the Forchheimer equations is allowed to be fully anisotropic. It is shown that the solution depends continuously on the final data provided the solution satisfies an a priori bound in $$L^3.$$

L
3

.

The technique employed avoids the use of a specialist method for an improperly posed problem such as logarithmic convexity.
Localized conditional induction of brain arteriovenous malformations in a mouse model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Scherschinski Lea , Han Chul , Kim Yong Hwan , Winkler Ethan A. , Catapano Joshua S. , Schriber Tyler D. , Vajkoczy Peter , Lawton Michael T. , Oh S. Paul
Published: May 2023

Background

Longitudinal mouse models of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are crucial for developing novel therapeutics and pathobiological mechanism discovery underlying brain AVM progression and rupture. The sustainability of existing mouse models is limited by ubiquitous Cre activation, which is associated with lethal hemorrhages resulting from AVM formation in visceral organs. To overcome this condition, we developed a novel experimental mouse model of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) with CreER-mediated specific, localized induction of brain AVMs.

Methods

Hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) was stereotactically delivered into the striatum, parietal cortex, or cerebellum of R26CreER; Alk12f/2f (Alk1-iKO) littermates. Mice were evaluated for vascular malformations with latex dye perfusion and 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Immunofluorescence and Prussian blue staining were performed for vascular lesion characterization.

Results

Our model produced two types of brain vascular malformations, including nidal AVMs (88%, 38/43) and arteriovenous fistulas (12%, 5/43), with an overall frequency of 73% (43/59). By performing stereotaxic injection of 4-OHT targeting different brain regions, Alk1-iKO mice developed vascular malformations in the striatum (73%, 22/30), in the parietal cortex (76%, 13/17), and in the cerebellum (67%, 8/12). Identical application of the stereotaxic injection protocol in reporter mice confirmed localized Cre activity near the injection site. The 4-week mortality was 3% (2/61). Seven mice were studied longitudinally for a mean (SD; range) duration of 7.2 (3; 2.3−9.5) months and demonstrated nidal stability on sequential MRA. The brain AVMs displayed microhemorrhages and diffuse immune cell invasion.

Conclusions

We present the first HHT mouse model of brain AVMs that produces localized AVMs in the brain. The mouse lesions closely resemble the human lesions for complex nidal angioarchitecture, arteriovenous shunts, microhemorrhages, and inflammation. The model’s longitudinal robustness is a powerful discovery resource to advance our pathomechanistic understanding of brain AVMs and identify novel therapeutic targets.
Doing well by doing good: unpacking the black box of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Xia Li , Li Zhi , Wei Jiuchang , Gao Shuo
Published: May 2023

Businesses worldwide have increasingly embraced the corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept in their operations, and hence the popular saying ‘doing well by doing good’. Previous literature has not yet reached a consensus on the nature of the relationship between CSR and corporate financial performance (CFP). To contribute to the resolution of the issue, this article examines the relationship through evidence from China’s renewable energy enterprises. To evaluate the effect of CSR on CFP, this study takes CSR as a construct that consists of corporate responsibilities for (i) shareholders, (ii) employees, (iii) customers, suppliers, and consumers, (iv) the natural environment, and (v) social contributions. Based on data of the listed firms in China’s renewable energy from 2010 to 2016, this study shows that overall CSR can enhance CFP. For China’s renewable energy industry, shareholder and environmental dimensions of CSR positively affect CFP,  while the responsibility for non-shareholder stakeholders, particularly for customers, suppliers and consumers, demonstrates a negative effect. No significant effect is identified between the responsibility for social contributions and CFP, and neither is between employee responsibility and CFP.
Molecular characterization of Aureobasidium spp. strains isolated during the cold season. A preliminary efficacy evaluation as novel potential biocontrol agents against postharvest pathogens
Authors: Cignola R. , Boato A. , Sadallah A. , Firrao G. , Di Francesco A.
Published: May 2023

Several Aureobasidium spp. strains isolated from wild environments during winter 2022 were characterized by sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the translation elongation factor EF-1α gene (EF1), and part of the elongase gene (ELO). The variability in the EF1 and ELO loci are higher than in the ITS. All strains but one (UC14), were identified as A. pullulans. To assess the effectiveness of the characterized strains as biocontrol agents (BCAs) of diseases occurring during postharvest storage, a selection of the strains was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. On average, the reduction of Monilinia spp. colony growth was more marked for non-volatile metabolites than for volatile (VOCs). Strain UC14 provided the strongest mycelial growth reduction of Monilinia fructicola by VOCs (66%). According to the in vivo results, all strains were effective in controlling brown rot during cold storage and remarkably in restricting the growth of Monilinia polystroma. In particular, VB23 was the most effective in controlling brown rot incidence, by 80%, 60%, 100%, and severity, by 79.5%, 72.7% and 100%, for Monilinia laxa, M. fructicola, and M. polystroma, respectively.
Co-producing uncomfortable, transdisciplinary, actionable knowledges against the corporate food regime through critical science approaches
Authors: Orozco-Meléndez José Francisco , Paneque-Gálvez Jaime
Published: May 2023

The current corporate food regime generates some of the most challenging ecological, social, and ethical problems for humanity in its quest for sustainability and ecological justice. Different scientific disciplines have analyzed these problems in-depth, but usually from their comfort zone, i.e., without engagement with other disciplines and epistemologies. The predominance of disciplinary visions seriously limits, however, understanding the complexities of the corporate food regime, including the impacts it generates. Further, most research concerned with this food regime confronts epistemological, methodological, and political limitations to engage with the type of solutions that could lead to transitions to just sustainabilities. Here we review and integrate the findings from scientific literature focused on the ecological, social, or ethical impacts of the corporate food regime, with an emphasis on impacts that operate on a global scale. In addition, we analyze the need for critical science approaches to trigger generative processes for the co-production of uncomfortable, transdisciplinary, actionable knowledges that are fit for designing just and sustainable food regimes. Much of the evidence presented in our analysis is in tension with the interests of the corporate food regime, which fosters decision-making processes based on selective ignorance of the impacts caused by this regime. Our work provides arguments that justify the need to promote transitions to just sustainabilities in agricultural systems from multiple domains (e.g., research and development, public policies, grassroots innovations). We posit that strategies to co-design and build such transitions can emerge from the co-production of uncomfortable, transdisciplinary, actionable knowledges through critical science approaches.
Support in Daily Living for Young Adults with Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Sweden: A Qualitative Description of Current Practice
Authors: Löthberg Maria , Hirvikoski Tatja , Girdler Sonya , Bölte Sven , Jonsson Ulf
Published: May 2023

In Sweden, people living independently and requiring daily living support can access ‘housing support’, a form of practical, educational, and social support provided by the municipalities. About two-thirds of those receiving this support have neurodevelopmental conditions, primarily autism or ADHD. Many are young adults in the process of adapting to new roles and expectations in different life domains, including education, work, and accommodation. This study aimed to provide a qualitative description of support workers’ views on current practice in housing support for young adults (aged 18 to 29) with neurodevelopmental conditions. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 34 housing support workers across 19 Swedish regions. An inductive qualitative content analysis approach was used. The interviews depicted a complex service, subject to organizational aspects (roles, responsibilities, availability, and allocation), the joint effort of key players (young adults, relatives, and support workers), and practical aspects of service provision (finding common ground for the work, and delivery of support). Some elements of the service were poorly designed for the target group. The support workers expressed a need for more knowledge about neurodevelopmental conditions, but also described new insights related to remote delivery of support. The results raise important questions about how housing support should be organized and delivered to strike the right balance between support and autonomy, meet specific needs, and ensure equal services across municipalities. Future research should adopt multiple perspectives and approaches, to help translate best practice and available evidence into a flexible and sustainable service.
Niche Construction and Long-Term Trajectories of Food Production
Authors: Quintus Seth , Allen Melinda S.
Published: May 2023

Niche construction theory has played a prominent role in archaeology during the last decade. However, the potential of niche construction in relation to agricultural development has received less attention. To this end, we bring together literature on the forms and sources of agronomic variability and use a series of examples to highlight the importance of reciprocal causation and ecological inheritance in trajectories of agricultural change. We demonstrate how niche construction theory can inform on emergent mutualisms in both inceptive and established agronomic contexts, the recursive relationships between humans and their agronomic environments, and bridges between the past and present.
Perceived Anti-Immigrant Climate, Health Care Discrimination, and Satisfaction with Care Among US Latino Adults
Authors: López-Cevallos Daniel F. , Vargas Edward D. , Sanchez Gabriel R.
Published: May 2023

A growing body of evidence has documented the effects of discrimination among Latinos. However, little is known about the impacts a noxious sociopolitical climate can have on their health and health care outcomes. The present study explored the associations between perceived anti-immigrant climate, health care discrimination, and satisfaction with care among US Latino adults. We used data from the 2015 Latino National Health and Immigration Survey (n = 1,284), a nationally representative sample of US Latino adults (ages 18 and older). Key predictors included living in a state whose policies are unfavorable towards immigrants, perceived anti-immigrant climate and/or anti-Hispanic climate, and health care discrimination. Ordered logistic regression models evaluated the associations between these predictors (adjusting for other relevant covariates) and satisfaction with care. Latinos living in state that is unfavorable towards immigrants were less likely to be satisfied with medical care they receive. Also, we found that Latinos living in anti-immigrant and anti-Hispanic climates were less likely to be satisfied with care. In both cases, experiencing health care discrimination significantly reduced the odds of satisfaction with care. Latinos’ perception of an anti-immigrant & anti-Hispanic climate and state policies can have detrimental effects on their health and health care outcomes. These results highlight the importance of addressing both community-wide and interpersonal discrimination specific to health care settings, which can have concurrent impacts on the health and well-being of Latino and other minoritized populations.
The size of human subcutaneous adipocytes, but not adiposity, is associated with inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and insulin resistance markers
Authors: Pourdashti Sara , Faridi Nassim , Monem-Homaie Forouzandeh , Yaghooti S. Hamid , Soroush Ahmadreza , Bathaie S. Zahra
Published: May 2023

Background

The fat storage capacity of the adipose tissue prevents ectopic lipid deposition, which is one of the risk factors for metabolic abnormalities in obesity. This capacity depends upon the adipogenic gene expression and blood supply provision for tissue expansion through angiogenesis. Here, we studied hyperplasia/hypertrophy of subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) concerning adipogenic gene expression, angiogenic status, and metabolic parameters in non-obese and different classes of obese individuals.

Methods

The scWAT samples were collected from 80 individuals. The anthropometric parameters, adipose tissue cell size, serum biochemistry, ER stress-induced XBP1 splicing, PPARγ2, SFRP1, WNT10B, and VEGFA gene expression levels were studied. In addition, the CD31 level was investigated by Western blotting.

Results

The obese individuals had greater waist circumferences and higher serum TG, TC, insulin, and HOMA-IR than the non-obese group. However, the largest adipocyte size, increased TNFα, insulin, and HOMA-IR, and the highest expression level of sXBP1, WNT10B, and VEGFA were observed in Class I obese individuals. It means that inflammation, insulin resistance, and ER stress accompany hypertrophic scWAT adipocytes with limited adipose tissue expansion ability. Furthermore, the Class II + III obese individuals showed high PPARγ2 expression and CD31 levels. There is adipogenesis through hyperplasia in this group. The SFRP1 expression was not significantly different in the studied groups.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the capability of adipogenesis with inadequate angiogenesis is related to the metabolic status, inflammation, and ER function. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that support both angiogenesis and adipogenesis can effectively prevent the complications of obesity.
Derivation of a superelement with deformable interfaces – applied to model flexure joint
Authors: Dwarshuis Koen , Ellenbroek Marcel , Aarts Ronald , Brouwer Dannis
Published: May 2023

Design and optimization, as well as real time control, of flexure mechanisms require efficient but accurate models. The flexures can be modelled using beam elements and the frame parts can be modelled using superelements. Such a superelement efficiently models arbitrarily shaped bodies by few coordinates, using models obtained by model order reduction. The interfaces between the frame parts and the flexures often experience considerable deformation which affects the stiffness. To define the interface deformation in a reduced order model, this paper derives a multipoint constraint formulation, which relates the nodes on the deformable interface surface of a finite element model to a few coordinates. The multipoint constraints are imposed using a combination of the Lagrange multiplier method and master–slave elimination for efficient model order reduction. The resulting reduced order models are used in the generalized-strain multi-node superelement (GMS) that was defined in (Dwarshuis et al. in Multibody Syst. Dyn. 56(4):367–399, 2022). The interface deformations can be coupled to the cross-sectional deformation of higher order beam elements (i.e. beam elements of which the deformation of the cross-sections is explicitly taken into account).

This paper applies this technique to model flexure joints, where the flexures are modelled with beam elements, and the frame components and critical connections using the GMS. This approach gives generally over 94% accurate stiffness, compared to nonlinear finite element models. The errors were often more than 50% lower than errors of models which only contain beam elements.
Evolution of County Socio–Ecological Systems in Nature Reserves in Western China Over the Past 30 Years
Authors: Wang Qinhua , Chen Le , Wang Penglong , Wang Bao , Yang Taibao
Published: May 2023

The evolution process of socio–ecological systems from 1990 to 2020 in the Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, located in the National Key Ecological Function Area of western China, was analyzed quantitatively based on resilience theory and methodology combined with catastrophe theory and adaptive cycle theory, through field investigation, questionnaires and interviews, social data collection and remote sensing data analysis. The results show that the coordinated development of socio–ecological systems has made great progress in recent decades in the study area, and the coordinated development of social systems and ecosystems has a high degree of coupling and a strong connection. Changes in ecosystem resilience regularly surpassed changes in the social system, indicating the significant impact and success of ecological protection policies and projects in recent decades. In future, improvements in the social sub-system will be the key to developing the socio–ecological system in the study area. Enhancing social sub-system resiliency, implementing transformational development and green industry development, and transforming and realizing ecological product values are important topics for further investigation in the study area. Substantial changes in policy, production, population and climate change are needed to promote the evolution of socio–ecological systems. Stable national policies are crucial for improving people's livelihoods and providing ecological protections.
Broadband polarization insensitive metamaterial absorber
Authors: Saadeldin Ahmed S. , Sayed Amr M. , Amr Adnan M. , Sayed Menna O. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A.
Published: May 2023

Ultrathin and broadband metamaterial absorber with loaded four lumped resistors is proposed and analyzed. The reported design is based on increasing the absorptivity by reducing the reflection and transmission coefficients simultaneously. Therefore, continuous metallic ground is used to achieve zero transmission while the reflection is reduced by matching the impedance of the proposed metamaterial absorber with the impedance of free space (Z = Z0 or μr = εr). Additionally, electric and magnetic resonances are achieved simultaneously with perfect absorptivity. The finite element method is used to simulate and analyze the reported absorber. The suggested absorber shows higher absorption than 90% over large frequency range (14.35–29.18 GHz) for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. Further, the proposed design has high absorption through incident angle variation from 0° to 50°. Therefore, the reported perfect metamaterial absorber has good potential applications in communications, stealth and imaging fields.
Garcinia kola: a critical review on chemistry and pharmacology of an important West African medicinal plant
Authors: Tauchen Jan , Frankova Adela , Manourova Anna , Valterova Irena , Lojka Bohdan , Leuner Olga
Published: May 2023

Garcinia kola Heckel (Clusiaceae) is a tree indigenous to West and Central Africa. All plant parts, but especially the seeds, are of value in local folklore medicine. Garcinia kola is used in treatment of numerous diseases, including gastric disorders, bronchial diseases, fever, malaria and is used to induce a stimulating and aphrodisiac effect. The plant is now attracting considerable interest as a possible source of pharmaceutically important drugs. Several different classes of compounds such as biflavonoids, benzophenones, benzofurans, benzopyran, vitamin E derivatives, xanthones, and phytosterols, have been isolated from G. kola, of which many appears to be found only in this species, such as garcinianin (found in seeds and roots), kolanone (fruit pulp, seeds, roots), gakolanone (stem bark), garcinoic acid, garcinal (both in seeds), garcifuran A and B, and garcipyran (all in roots). They showed a wide range of pharmacological activities (e.g. analgesic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects), though this has only been confirmed in animal models. Kolaviron is the most studied compound and is perceived by many studies as the active principle of G. kola. However, its research is associated with significant flaws (e.g. too high doses tested, inappropriate positive control). Garcinol has been tested under better conditions and is perhaps showing more promising results and should attract deeper research interest (especially in the area of anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective activity). Human clinical trials and mechanism-of-action studies must be carried out to verify whether any of the compounds present in G. kola may be used as a lead in the drug development.
Increasing root biomass derived carbon input to agricultural soils by genotype selection – a review
Authors: Heinemann Henrike , Hirte Juliane , Seidel Felix , Don Axel
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Soil carbon sequestration can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Higher organic C inputs to agricultural soils are needed in order to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Genotype selection and breeding towards increased root biomass may enhance root C inputs to the soil and could therefore be a promising, easy-to-implement management option for potentially increasing C sequestration. However, an increase in root C inputs may compromise yield, which is not desirable in terms of food security.

Methods

Data from 13 global studies with field experiments were compiled in order to estimate the potential of optimised genotype selection for enhancing root biomass without compromising the yield of winter wheat, spring wheat, silage maize, winter rapeseed and sunflower. A lack of data on the effect of variety on rhizodeposition was identified which thus had to be excluded.

Results

Systematic genotype selection increased mean yields by 52% and mean root biomass by 22% across all crops and sites. A median root C increase of 6.7% for spring wheat, 6.8% for winter rapeseed, 12.2% for silage maize, 21.6% for winter wheat and 26.4% for sunflower would be possible without a yield reduction.

Conclusion

Overall, this review demonstrates that optimised genotype selection can be a win-win option for increasing root biomass C input to soil while maintaining or even enhancing yield.
Toward an effective approach for on-farm experimentation: lessons learned from a case study of fertilizer application optimization in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Takashi S. T. , Mieno Taro , Tanabe Ryoya , Matsui Tsutomu , Bullock David S.
Published: May 2023

On-farm experimentation (OFE) is increasing worldwide. Appropriate OFE procedures may differ depending on the characteristics and circumstances surrounding farms, such as climate, field conditions, farm size, degree of agricultural digitalization, and a farmer’s socioeconomic background. This study aims to guide the future development of OFE in Japanese grain farming by examining the experimental setup, data analysis, and farmers’ activities within their socioeconomic and institutional communication and learning networks. The results of this typical OFE case study, which estimates a field’s economically-optimal fertilizer variable-rate application map for winter wheat production, are reported. The outcomes of the case study, which are intended to guide the direction of OFE development in Japan, were used as reference materials for a survey taken while interviewing farmers who had never been involved in OFE. Farmers’ answers showed that the economic return of site-specific management depends on farm and field size and exhibits economies of scale. A very high share of the profit increases provided by OFE data came from improvements in field-specific uniform rate management, not from within-field site-specific management. The interviews revealed that farmers open to OFE are more interested in increasing rice crop quality to earn price premiums than in increasing yield. Increased engagement with farmers in conducting OFEs could play a key role not only in generating data to guide farmers’ input management but also in fostering farmer collaboration to develop marketing strategies. This study is the first to propose future orientations of OFE research that target typical moderately-sized Japanese grain farms.
Paying for randomization and indecisiveness
Authors: Ong Qiyan , Qiu Jianying
Published: May 2023

We examine preference for randomization, and link it to conflicting preference-led indecisiveness in social settings. In an ultimatum game experiment where receivers may face conflicting preferences between material gains and equity, we allow receivers to assign non-zero probabilities to both acceptance and rejection (the randomized choice) in addition to the standard binary choice of acceptance or rejection. We further elicit receivers’ willingness to pay for using the randomized choice instead of the binary choice. We find that a theoretical model incorporating receivers’ conflicting preferences explains the experimental results well: most receivers randomized actively between acceptance and rejection, and many were willing to pay for randomization. Our results suggest that allowing people to randomize when making choices with conflicting preferences may improve individual welfare.
How much do you trust me? A logico-mathematical analysis of the concept of the intensity of trust
Authors: Loi Michele , Ferrario Andrea , Viganò Eleonora
Published: May 2023

Trust and monitoring are traditionally antithetical concepts. Describing trust as a property of a relationship of reliance, we introduce a theory of trust and monitoring, which uses mathematical models based on two classes of functions, including q-exponentials, and relates the levels of trust to the costs of monitoring. As opposed to several accounts of trust that attempt to identify the special ingredient of reliance and trust relationships, our theory characterizes trust as a quantitative property of certain relations of reliance that can be quantified and expressed as a scalar quantity. Our theory is applicable to both human–human and human–artificial agent interactions, as it is agnostic with respect to the concrete realization of trustworthiness properties, and is compatible with many views differing on which properties contribute to trust and trustworthiness. Finally, as our mathematical models make the quantitative features of trust measurable, they provide empirical studies on trust with a rigorous methodology for its measurement.
Green space in an extremely exposed part of the city center “Aorta of Warsaw” - Case study of the urban lawn
Authors: Winkler Jan , Koda Eugeniusz , Červenková Jana , Děkanovský Igor , Nowysz Aleksandra , Mazur Łukasz , Jakimiuk Aleksandra , Vaverková Magdalena Daria
Published: May 2023

The method of developing city centers is the responsibility of local authorities, which must reconcile the interests of investors applying for valuable land with the utility needs and expectations of residents regarding, inter alia, free squares and green enclaves. This study was conducted in Warsaw (Poland). In the study area, for 20 years there has been a discussion about how the area should be developed. So far, the area is used as lawns. During the monitoring period, 72 plant taxa were found. It is possible to state that an urban lawn is an ecosystem with relatively stable conditions, which is, however influenced by human disturbance and specific stress in the city. A city lawn is an oasis of greenery that is easy to set up and maintain, in the case of modernization, it does not generate large costs related to its restoration, unlike gardens. Maintaining an intensive lawn requires not only the selection of appropriate grass species resistant to the influences of the urban environment, but also the optimal way to us it. This research can be used to choose the optimal method for managing and maintaining greenery, considering the conditions of spatial development and environmental factors.
Comparing Bayesian Variable Selection to Lasso Approaches for Applications in Psychology
Authors: Bainter Sierra A. , McCauley Thomas G. , Fahmy Mahmoud M. , Goodman Zachary T. , Kupis Lauren B. , Rao J. Sunil
Published: May 2023

In the current paper, we review existing tools for solving variable selection problems in psychology. Modern regularization methods such as lasso regression have recently been introduced in the field and are incorporated into popular methodologies, such as network analysis. However, several recognized limitations of lasso regularization may limit its suitability for psychological research. In this paper, we compare the properties of lasso approaches used for variable selection to Bayesian variable selection approaches. In particular we highlight advantages of stochastic search variable selection (SSVS), that make it well suited for variable selection applications in psychology. We demonstrate these advantages and contrast SSVS with lasso type penalization in an application to predict depression symptoms in a large sample and an accompanying simulation study. We investigate the effects of sample size, effect size, and patterns of correlation among predictors on rates of correct and false inclusion and bias in the estimates. SSVS as investigated here is reasonably computationally efficient and powerful to detect moderate effects in small sample sizes (or small effects in moderate sample sizes), while protecting against false inclusion and without over-penalizing true effects. We recommend SSVS as a flexible framework that is well-suited for the field, discuss limitations, and suggest directions for future development.
Magnetic hierarchical flower-like Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH catalyst with enhanced redox cycle for Fenton-like degradation of Congo red: optimization and mechanism
Authors: Eltaweil Abdelazeem S. , Bakr Sara S. , Abd El-Monaem Eman M. , El-Subruiti Gehan M.
Published: May 2023

A novel flower-like CuNiMn-LDH was synthesized and modified, to obtain a promising Fenton-like catalyst, Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH, with a remarkable degradation of Congo red (CR) utilizing H2O2oxidant. The structural and morphological characteristics of Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH were analyzed via FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM-EDX, and SEM spectroscopy. In addition, the magnetic property and the surface’s charge were defined via VSM and ZP analysis, respectively. Fenton-like experiments were implemented to investigate the aptness conditions for the Fenton-like degradation of CR; pH medium, catalyst dosage, H2O2concentration, temperature, and the initial concentration of CR. The catalyst exhibited supreme degradation performance for CR to reach 90.9% within 30 min at pH 5 and 25 °C. Moreover, the Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH/H2O2system revealed considerable activity when tested for different dyes since the degradation efficiencies of CV, MG, MB, MR, MO, and CR were 65.86, 70.76, 72.56, 75.54, 85.99, and 90.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the kinetic study elucidated that the CR degradation by the Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH/H2O2system obeyed pseudo-first-order kinetic model. More importantly, the concrete results deduced the synergistic effect between the catalyst components, producing a continuous redox cycle consisting of five active metal species. Eventually, the quenching test and the mechanism study proposed the predominance of the radical mechanism pathway on the Fenton-like degradation of CR by the Fe3O4@ZIF-67/CuNiMn-LDH/H2O2system.

Graphical Abstract