bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low phosphate mitigates cadmium‐induced oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defence system
Authors: Kerdsomboon Kittikhun , Techo Todsapol , Limcharoensuk Tossapol , Tatip Supinda , Auesukaree Choowong 
Published: December 2021

SummaryCadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal that causes many harmful effects on human health and ecosystems. Metal chelation‐based techniques have become a common approach for the treatment of metal poisoning and also for the remediation of metal contamination. Phosphate, an essential nutrient required for key cellular functions, has been supposed to be effective in reducing cadmium bioavailability, possibly through its chelating potential. In this study, we explored the effects of phosphate on cadmium toxicity and cellular response to cadmium stress in the eukaryotic model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our results reveal that cadmium toxicity is unexpectedly enhanced during phosphate repletion and optimal phosphate levels for yeast growth under cadmium stress conditions decline with increasing cadmium concentrations. The profound cadmium toxicity during phosphate repletion is unlikely to result from either elevated cadmium accumulation or dysregulated homeostasis of essential metals, but rather due to increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. We show that, under phosphate‐depleted conditions, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, especially Mn‐superoxide dismutase and catalase, are significantly promoted through transcriptional upregulation. Our findings highlight the important role of cellular response to phosphate limitation in mitigating cadmium toxicity and endogenous oxidative stress through the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity.
Changes in alcohol use by cannabis use status among adolescents and young adults in the United States: Emerging evidence for both substitution and complementarity
Authors: Weinberger Andrea H. , Zhu Jiaqi , Levin Jacob , Moeller Scott J. , McKee Sherry A. , Goodwin Renee D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of adolescents and young adults (AYA) who use cannabis also use alcohol. Although cannabis use is increasing in the United States (US), it is not known whether the increase contributes to either increased co‐use of alcohol and cannabis (e.g., complementarity) or replacement of alcohol with cannabis (e.g., substitution). The current study estimated the prevalence of alcohol use by cannabis use status among US AYA ages 12 to 25 in 2018 and trends in alcohol use by cannabis use status from 2002 to 2018.MethodsData were drawn from the 2002 to 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health public use data files. The analytic sample included AYA ages 12 to 25 (2018 sample, n = 26,924; total combined sample 2002 to 2018, n = 576,053). Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate past‐month alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average quantity of alcohol consumed among AYA with and without past‐month cannabis use from 2002 to 2018.ResultsIn 2018, any alcohol use and daily alcohol use were significantly more common among AYA who used cannabis use than those who did not use cannabis. Overall, any alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average drinks per day declined from 2002 to 2018 among AYA irrespective of recent cannabis use. However, the decline in any alcohol use, daily alcohol use, and average alcohol drinks per day was more rapid among AYA who used cannabis (daily and nondaily) than those who did not use cannabis. The rate of decline in average alcohol drinks per day was also higher among AYA with daily compared to nondaily cannabis use.ConclusionsEven with declines in alcohol use over time, drinking is much more common among AYA who report cannabis than those without recent cannabis use, which is consistent with complementarity. Yet, because the decline in alcohol use has been more rapid among AYA who use cannabis, there is also evidence of substitution. Thus, the current data on alcohol and cannabis use are consistent with both complementarity and substitution. However, these relationships may change as cannabis legalization expands over time.
Characterisation of the calcium silicate‐based cement–composite interface and the bonding strength with total‐etch or single/two‐stage self‐etch adhesive systems
Authors: Mutluay Abidin Talha , Mutluay Merve 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDue to favourable biological and physical properties, calcium silicate‐based cements (CSCs) are biocompatible materials used widely for vital pulp therapies. Sealing efficacy between the adhesive system and CSC determines the clinical success of treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of CSC to composite resin with different adhesive systems and to analyse the CSC–composite interface. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (ProRoot MTA; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK), Biodentine (Septodont, Saint‐Maur‐des‐Fossés, France) and NeoMTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc., Bradenton, FL) samples (n = 90) were placed in the cavities and divided into three subgroups according to the adhesive family (n = 10). SBSs were measured using a universal testing machine. The interfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (×1000). NeoMTA Plus showed significantly higher SBS values than MTA and Biodentine (P < 0.0001). The application of total‐etch adhesive system over Biodentine and NeoMTA Plus provided the statistically highest bond strength (P < 0.05). However, when the SBS values of MTA subgroups were compared, different adhesive families applied over MTA did not make a significant difference in SBS values (P > 0.05). Based on SEM analyses, the specimens exhibit no gaps, cracks or delamination within the adhesive layer, which indicates a good adhesion between the CSC–composite interface in all subgroups. In conclusion, the different adhesive families used over CSC did not influence interfacial gap formation.
Frequency of middle mesial canal in mandibular first molars and its association with various anatomic variables
Authors: Bhatti Usman Anwer , Muhammad Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Qasim , Sajid Muhammad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the frequency of the middle mesial canal in the mandibular first molars and its association with various anatomical features. Two experienced endodontists evaluated 149 CBCT images, containing n = 298 mandibular first molars and n = 298 mandibular second molars. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between the presence of middle mesial canal and other independent variables. The middle mesial canal was found in 7.7% (n = 23) of mandibular first molars and 11.4% of which exhibited adjacent C‐shaped mandibular second molars. The presence of an adjacent C‐shaped mandibular second molar was associated with a 3 times increased likelihood of finding a middle mesial canal (P = 0.048, OR: 3.108) in mandibular first molars. The middle mesial canal is an uncommon finding with a rare occurrence of bilateral presence in mandibular molars; however, an adjacent C‐molar is an important predictor of middle mesial canal presence.
Computational identity and programming empowerment of students in computational thinking development
Authors: Kong Siu‐Cheung , Lai Ming 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe participatory view of learning emphasises students' identity construction. However, identity research in the context of programming education to cultivate students' computational thinking is scarce. In this study, an instrument of computational identity with components of engagement, imagination and affiliation, was developed and validated. Convenience sampling was used to select 1066 senior primary school students studying programming to respond to the instrument, and to a programming empowerment instrument developed previously with components of meaningfulness, self‐efficacy and impact. The two instruments' factor structure was confirmed to have acceptable discriminant validity and support gender invariance. There was a positive relationship between programming empowerment and computational identity. Specifically, students' perceived meaningfulness and self‐efficacy of programming related to all aspects of computational identity. The perceived impact of programming is related only to the imaginative aspect of computational identity. The establishment of the instrument enables researchers to investigate further factors related to students' computational identity development. The results also indicate that the programming curriculum should be carefully designed so that students can realise the meaning of the activities and foster their programming self‐efficacy. This, in turn, is critical to enable these primary school students to participate in and become a member of the digital community.
Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic

Cultivating students' computational thinking (CT) has become an educational goal in various countries around the world.
It is necessary to develop appropriate tools to assess students' CT development.
Founded on a participatory view of learning, identity has been employed in different subject areas to assess students' development, but identity research in CT is scarce.
What this paper adds

An instrument of computational identity with components of engagement, imagination and affiliation is developed and validated with a sample of senior primary students.
This study shows the importance of empowerment in developing primary students' computational identity.
Students' perceived meaningfulness of programming and self‐efficacy relate to all aspects of identity, but the impact of programming only relates to the imaginative aspect of identity.
Implications for practice and/or policy

The curriculum for CT should be designed carefully to foster the development of students' computational identity.
The curriculum should allow students to see the meaning of programming activities and how young people can make an impact by means of CT.
The programming tasks should be designed at an optimal level of difficulty so that students' self‐efficacy can be fostered.
Unlocking collective cooperation in the midst of COVID‐19: The role of social support in predicting the social class disparity in cooperation
Authors: Tanjitpiyanond Porntida , Álvarez Belén , Jetten Jolanda , Bentley Sarah V. , Casara Bruno Gabriel Salvador , Crimston Charlie R. , Ionescu Octavia , Jarukasemthawee Somboon , Krug Henning , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Steffens Niklas K. , Wang Zhechen , Wibisono Susilo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe examined whether (the lack of) social support can explain why researchers have found lower rates of adherence to follow public health guidelines amongst people who perceived themselves as coming from lower social class backgrounds during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To do this, we surveyed 5818 participants from 10 countries during the first wave of lock‐down. Contrary to previous findings, social class was not related to general adherence to COVID‐19 regulations or desire to engage in citizenship behaviours (e.g., showing initiatives to help others during the pandemic). However, we found evidence of an indirect effect whereby those who perceived themselves as higher social class were more likely to be both therecipientandproviderof social support which in turn predicted greater adherence and desire to engage in citizenship behaviours during the earlier wave of the pandemic. Our findings highlight the importance of social support in unlocking potential for collective cooperation (i.e.,adherenceto COVID‐19 rules and desire to engage incitizenship behaviours). They suggest that instead of enforcing strict regulations, government authorities need to address existing social support barriers within lower income communities to facilitate cooperation from everyone in the community.
Redesigning harvest strategies for sustainable fishery management in the face of extreme environmental variability
Authors: Blamey Laura K. , Plagányi Éva E. , Hutton Trevor , Deng Roy A. , Upston Judy , Jarrett Annie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractShort‐lived, fast‐growing species that contribute greatly to global capture fisheries are sensitive to fluctuations in the environment. Uncertainties in exact stock–environment relationships have meant that environmental variability and extremes have been difficult to integrate directly into fisheries management. We applied a management strategy evaluation approach for one of Australia's large prawn stocks to test the robustness of harvest control rules to environmental variability. The model ensemble included coupled environmental‐population models and an alternative catchability scenario fitted to historical catch per unit effort data. We compared the efficacy of alternative management actions to conserve marine resources under a variable environment while accounting for fisher livelihoods. Model fits to catch per unit effort were reasonably good and similar across operating models (OMs). For models that were coupled to the environment, environmental parameters for El Niño years were estimated with good associated precision, and OM3 had a lower AIC score (77.61) than the base model (OM1, 80.39), whereas OM2 (AIC 82.41) had a similar AIC score, suggesting the OMs were all plausible model alternatives. Our model testing resulted in a plausible subset of management options, and stakeholders selected a permanent closure of the first fishing season based on overall performance of this option; ability to reduce the risk of fishery closure and stock collapse; robustness to uncertainties; and ease of implementation. Our simulation approach enabled the selection of an optimal yet pragmatic solution for addressing economic and conservation objectives under a variable environment with extreme events.
Effects of stream intermittency on minnow (Leuciscidae) and darter (Percidae) trophic dynamics in an agricultural watershed
Authors: Fallon Christine E. , Capps Krista A. , Freeman Mary C. , Smith Chelsea R. , Golladay Stephen W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStream intermittency is predicted to increase where water withdrawals and climate warming are increasing. In regions coupled with high fish diversity, understanding how intermittency influences fish trophic ecology is critical for informing ecosystem function. This study compared fish diets across seasons in perennial and intermittent streams to estimate the immediate and cumulative effects of stream drying on fish foraging patterns. We used gut content analysis to compare the diets of small‐bodied, secondary consumer fishes, including two minnow and three darter species found in the lower Flint River Basin of southwestern Georgia, during both the summer (before stream dry‐down) and fall (post flow resumption) seasons. Fish communities in perennial streams had greater diet richness compared to fishes in intermittent streams for both seasons. Darter diets were characterised by rheophilic aquatic insects in perennial streams and by benthic crustaceans (copepods, cladocerans and isopods) and predatory aquatic insects in intermittent streams. Minnow diets were typified by freshwater sponges, eggs and organic detritus in intermittent streams and by terrestrial insects and diatoms in perennial streams. Fishes in intermittent streams consumed significantly more benthic crustaceans in the fall (37% increase in proportional volume) compared to preflow cessation conditions in the summer, suggesting these organisms play an important, yet relatively unrecognised role in supporting fish communities in southeastern streams. Our findings enhance our understanding of how stream intermittency influences the trophic dynamics of secondary consumer fishes in an agricultural watershed increasingly affected by water scarcity.
Temporal and spatial patterns of common hippopotamus populations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Inman Victoria L. , Bino Gilad , Kingsford Richard T. , Chase Michael J. , Leggett Keith E. A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Conservation requires reliable estimates of a species' population and their spatial distribution. Knowledge of large‐scale habitat use and population trends in common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; hereafter hippo) in wetland ecosystems is limited, with no studies of hippo populations in the Okavango Delta (the Delta), Botswana.

We examined the drivers of long‐term trends and spatial patterns in the Delta's hippo population, using 13 years of aerial surveys (1996–2018) informing on the potential impacts of changes in inflow, flooding patterns and rainfall on hippo populations.

We estimated temporal changes in hippo populations and relationships with rainfall and inflow. We also examined how spatially explicit hippo counts related to flood and surface water extent and vegetation class at different scales.

The Delta's hippo population has increased, probably due to increasing long‐term rainfall and inflow, following a period of severe drought/low flooding. Hippos were positively associated with areas with high variation in flooding and negatively associated with broad‐scale surface water extent, indicating hippos avoided permanent swamps and main channels, probably due to water depth, lack of nearby grazing, and thick riparian vegetation. At a fine scale, hippos relied on large lagoons for daytime refuge.

The most recent population estimate indicates that Botswana has the third highest hippo population in Africa, reflecting the importance of the Delta. Reductions in inflow and rainfall from climate change and water resource development would threaten these hippo populations by reducing grazing availability, lagoon sizes, and seasonal swamps. Ongoing monitoring of hippos should continue as they represent a good indicator for the entire floodplain ecosystem.
How Does Monetary Policy Pass‐Through Affect Mortgage Default? Evidence from the Irish Mortgage Market
Authors: BYRNE DAVID , KELLY ROBERT , O'TOOLE CONOR 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper uses a quasi‐natural experiment to identify the impact of interest rates on mortgage default. Using loan‐level panel data for Ireland, we deal with selection bias by exploiting the variation between two adjustable‐rate mortgages offered in the 2000s. We link interest rates to default directly through borrower installments. We find a strong, statistically significant, impact of interest rates on default; a 1% increase in installment is associated with a 5.8% increase in the likelihood of default. We also find evidence that negative equity amplifies the increase in default risk caused by higher interest rates.
Puberty enables oestradiol‐induced progesterone synthesis in female mouse hypothalamic astrocytes
Authors: Mohr Margaret A. , Keshishian Tina , Falcy Brennan A. , Laham Blake J. , Wong Angela M. , Micevych Paul E 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe development of oestrogen positive feedback is a hallmark of female puberty. Both oestrogen and progesterone signalling are required for the functioning of this neuroendocrine feedback loop but the physiological changes that underlie the emergence of positive feedback remain unknown. Only after puberty does oestradiol (E2) facilitate progesterone synthesis in the rat female hypothalamus (neuroP), an event critical for positive feedback and the LH surge. We hypothesize that prior to puberty, these astrocytes have low levels of membrane oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which is needed for facilitation of neuroP synthesis. Thus, we hypothesized that prepubertal astrocytes are unable to respond to E2 with increased neuroP synthesis due a lack of membrane ERα. To test this, hypothalamic tissues and enriched primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were acquired from prepubertal (postnatal week 3) and post‐pubertal (week 8) female mice. E2‐facilitated neuroP was measured in the hypothalamus pre‐ and post‐puberty, and hypothalamic astrocyte responses were measured after treatment with E2. Prior to puberty, E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis did not occur in the hypothalamus, and mERα expression was low in hypothalamic astrocytes, but E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis in the rostral hypothalamus and mERα expression increased post‐puberty. The increase in mERα expression in hypothalamic astrocytes corresponded with a post‐pubertal increase in caveolin‐1 protein, PKA phosphorylation, and a more rapid [Ca2+]i flux in response to E2. Together, results from the present study indicate that E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis occurs in the rostral hypothalamus, develops during puberty, and corresponds to a post‐pubertal increase in mERα levels in hypothalamic astrocytes.
The hyoid as a sound conducting apparatus in laryngeally echolocating bats
Authors: Snipes Chelsie C. G. , Carter Richard T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe morphology of the stylohyal‐tympanic bone articulation found in laryngeally echolocating bats is highly indicative of a function associated with signal production. One untested hypothesis is that this morphology allows the transfer of a sound signal from the larynx to the tympanic bones (auditory bulla) via the hyoid apparatus during signal production by the larynx. We used µCT data and finite element analysis to model the propagation of sound through the hyoid chain into the tympanic bones to test this hypothesis. We modeled sound pressure (dB) wave propagation from the basihyal to the tympanic bones, vibratory behavior (m) of the stylohyal—tympanic bone unit, and the stylohyal and tympanic bones when the stylohyal bone is allowed to pivot on the tympanic bone. Sound pressure wave propagation was modeled using the harmonic acoustics solver in ANSYS and vibratory behavior was modeled using coupled modal and harmonic response analyses in ANSYS. For both analyses (harmonic acoustics and harmonic response), the input excitation on the basihyal and thyrohyals was modeled as the estimated pressure (Pa) imposed by the collision of the vibrating thyroid cartilage of the larynx against these bones during signal production. Our models support the hypothesis that this stereotypical hyoid morphology found in laryngeally echolocating bats can transfer sound to the auditory bullae at an amplitude that is likely heard for the species Artibeus jamaicensis and Rhinolophus pusillus.