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Targeting the pivotal pathological processes of acute kidney injury (AKI) and parallelly monitoring the treatment process has emerged as an intriguing strategy for the timely tailored treatment of AKI, especially in the acute phase. Unfortunately, current clinical treatment approaches are restricted to supportive care, which shows limited efficiency. Herein, a multiantioxidant‐cooperative polydopamine‐based nanotheranostic platform (mc‐PDATP) is reported to achieve imaging‐assisted time‐sensitive therapy of AKI. Benefiting from the decoration of atomic Cu, mc‐PDATP comprehensively mimics the complicated antioxidant defense system as in natural environment, thus displaying improved catalytic activity to multiple toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Consequently, both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm mc‐PDATP can efficiently protect the kidney from ROS attack and rescue the kidney function via targeting the inflammatory network of AKI. In addition, the coordinated atomic Gd contributes to a desired magnetic resonance (MR) T1‐weighted contrast effect of mc‐PDATP, which can be used to construct the sensitive MR histogram imaging signatures for pinpointing treatment effects in a timely manner. The study represents an innovative strategy for anti‐AKI therapy, which will facilitate the development of next‐generation theranostic nano‐antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine contrast agents are essential for diagnostic purposes in radiology and have significant medical benefits. However, they pose a risk of causing allergic reactions or adverse cellular effects. In this study, we examine the in vitro effects of iodine contrast agents (Iopamiro 370, Ultravist 370, Visipaque 320, and Optiray 350) on cellular functions of human peripheral blood mononuclear. The findings reveal that a concentration of 50 mgI/ml of iodine contrast agents causes a 50% reduction in cell viability, but lower concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mgI/ml do not affect the cell cycle. Furthermore, the contrast agents decrease oxidative stress levels in cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that iodine contrast agents can be used safely in appropriate concentrations for diagnostic purposes without affecting the cell cycle and preventing oxidative stress on normal cells. The insights gained from this study could aid in the development of diagnostic contrast agents in the future of medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, miniaturized optical integrated circuits make a great evolution in optical microelectronics technology. In data processing chains, the need for an ultra-fast all-optical encoder is necessary for a large data transfer. In this work, we have proposed an all-optical encoder structure based on nonlinear 2D photonic crystals with Kerr effect exploiting a nonlinear polymer material of high third-order optical susceptibility. In addition, to generate the telecommunication domain wavelength at 1.55 µm, an optimization of the optical-geometry parameters has been realized. Simulations will be performed using plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain methods. The nonlinear effect allows an excellent average contrast ratio of 37.02 db, as the structure requires a very low threshold intensity estimated at 1.5 mW/µm2. The significant power transmitted to the output is equal to 73% and 0.015% of input power equivalent to logic state "1" and logic state "0" respectively. The proposed structure generates a bit rate of 2.23 Tb/s, therefore able to adapt with other ultrafast all-optical circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal aim of this study is to employ multinomial logistic regression and a probit model to examine and contrast the influence of socio-economic, demographic, and household attributes on the borrowing preferences and motivations of individuals residing in the Dehradun and Uttarkashi districts ofUttarakhand. The research concentrates on the behaviour of households with regard to loans, with an emphasis on the heterogeneity ofhousehold loan preferences and the factors that determine the significance of loan motives. This research examines and contrasts the effects of a variety of determinants on the borrowing preferences and objectives of households in both districts. The research is conducted exclusively using primary sources of data. Diverse borrowing intentions were noted among the respondents residing in both districts. According to the findings of the analysis, age, income, and level of education are significant determinants in the context of borrowing. Governments and banks should encourage household financing and expand opportunities for household investment, according to the study, in order to facilitate the desired economic expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the visual measurement of moving arm holes in complex working conditions, a histogram equalization algorithm can be used to improve image contrast. To lessen the problems of image brightness shift, image over-enhancement, and gray-level merging that occur with the traditional histogram equalization algorithm, a dual histogram equalization algorithm based on adaptive image correction (AICHE) is proposed. To prevent luminance shifts from occurring during image equalization, the AICHE algorithm protects the average luminance of the input image by improving upon the Otsu algorithm, enabling it to split the histogram. Then, the AICHE algorithm uses the local grayscale correction algorithm to correct the grayscale to prevent the image over-enhancement and gray-level merging problems that arise with the traditional algorithm. It is experimentally verified that the AICHE algorithm can significantly improve the histogram segmentation effect and enhance the contrast and detail information while protecting the average brightness of the input image, and thus the image quality is significantly increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In contrast to existing studies, this paper aims to propose that digital transformation does not depend on a single condition; rather, it depends on the interaction between internal and external factors of a firm. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to examine the effect of a combination of internal and external factors on a firm's digital transformation intention. Design/methodology/approach: An empirical analysis on a sample of 112 Chinese small- and medium-sized firms was conducted by applying smart-PLS and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Findings: The results of smart PLS show that external pressures (institutional and market pressures) and human capital have a positive impact on corporate digital transformation intentions. From a combination perspective, the results of the fsQCA show that there are five causal conditions that lead to high digital transformation intention. In contrast to the net effect, the results of fsQCA show that different combinations of states of internal (human capital, organizational culture and technological capital) and external elements (institutional and market pressures) of the firm are likely to stimulate digital transformation intention. Originality/value: This study provides empirically based insights into firms' digital transformation intentions and advances the current understanding of the drivers and inhibitors of digital transformation. Unlike most current research, which tends to focus on the net effect of factors influencing the digital transformation of enterprises, this study focuses on identifying the core elements influencing enterprises' digital transformation intention, especially the joint effect of different factors, both internal and external to the enterprise. The combined SEM and fsQCA findings of this paper not only enrich the existing theories on digital transformation but also have high value in guiding the digital transformation of firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the feasibility of both a reduced radiation dose and a 50% of contrast dose in multiphasic CT of the liver with a 70 kVp protocol compared with a standard-tube-voltage protocol derived from dual-energy (DE) CT (blended DE protocol) with a full-dose contrast-agents in the same patient group. This study included 46 patients who underwent multiphasic contrast-enhanced dynamic CT of the liver with both a 70 kVp and a blended DE protocols. For quantitative analysis, median CT values for the liver, aorta, and portal vein, as well as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), were measured and calculated. In addition, as a qualitative analysis, the contrast effect and overall image quality of the abdominal organs were evaluated on a five-point scale. CNR and SNR of the hepatic parenchyma were not significantly different between the 70kV protocol and the Blended DE protocol in all phases. The 70 kVp protocol showed significantly better image quality compared with the blended DE protocol in the arterial phase (p = 0.035) and the equilibrium layer phase (p = 0.016). A 70 kVp CT protocol in combination with a reduced radiation dose and half-dose iodine load is feasible for multiphasic dynamic CT of the liver by maintaining the contrast enhancement effects and image quality in comparison with the blended DE CT protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building on the Norwegian case, this study examines the long‐term implications of board gender quotas on the advancement of gender diversity in managerial leadership. Previous research has indicated that, aside from the board, the quota had limited impact on achieving this objective. However, these studies have narrowly focused on the spill‐over effects of the quota, primarily concentrating on the positions of CEO and Chair. The findings of this study reveal contrasting effects of the board gender quota on the gender composition of the board and the executive committee of the board. Consequently, Norwegian companies have increased the representation of women on their boards, as mandated by the law, while simultaneously experiencing a reduction in the presence of female executive directors. Moreover, the strength of both opposing effects has diminished over time. In addition to the board of directors, the quota has not influenced the promotion of gender diversity at other managerial levels. Furthermore, our study suggests that the quota has led to a decrease in the average tenure and level of independence of the boards, although it has not affected the qualifications of board members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of high contrast on the multiscale behaviour of elastic laminates is studied. Mathematical modelling in this area is of significant interest for a variety of modern applications, including but not limited to advanced sandwich structures and photovoltaic panels. As an example, the antiplane shear of a symmetric, three-layered plate is considered. The problem parameters expressing relative thickness, stiffness and density are assumed to be independent. The high contrast may generally support extra length and time scales corresponding to degenerated boundary layers and propagating long-wave low-frequency vibration modes. The main focus is on the relation between these two phenomena. The developed multiparametric approach demonstrates that those do not always appear simultaneously. The associated explicit estimates on contrast parameters are established. In addition, the recent asymptotic extension of the classical Saint-Venant's principle is adapted for calculating the contribution of the degenerate boundary layer or long-wave low-frequency propagation mode. The peculiarity of the limiting absorption principle in application to layered media is also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased need for potential travelers to gather information about their trips to mitigate perceived risks. This study aims to understand the relationship between the intensity of media use (both new and traditional), epidemic risk perception, and tourism protection behavior intention among potential tourists. Methods: A total of 491 valid questionnaires were collected in Shanghai, China. Factor analysis, path analysis, and effect analysis were conducted using SPSS and AMOS to examine the impact of different media types on epidemic risk perception and tourism protection behavior. Results: The findings indicate a positive association between new media use intensity and epidemic risk perception, as well as an intention to adopt safetyconscious tourism behaviors. In contrast, traditional media usage is inversely associated with risk perception but has no significant influence on protective behavior. The results also highlight the role of demographic factors, such as age, education level, occupation, and income, in modulating the relationship between media usage and risk perception. Discussion: The contrasting effects of new and traditional media suggest the need for a tailored approach in epidemic communication strategies. Public health officials should leverage new media to enhance risk perception and safetyoriented behaviors, while recognizing the role of traditional media in managing lower risk perceptions and assuaging panic. The study emphasizes the importance of personalized messaging based on demographic disparities in media usage and perception. The mediating role of risk perception in shaping protective behaviors offers insights for promoting adherence to safety protocols. Conclusion: This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of media influences during health crises, emphasizing the responsibility of media platforms in transmitting accurate information. The findings call for a nuanced approach to epidemic communication, considering the strengths and weaknesses of different media types. Segmented and personalized messaging strategies can cater to demographic variations in media usage and perception. Enhancing risk perception through tailored messaging can promote protective behaviors and effectively manage public sentiment during health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of contrast agent temperature on adverse reactions of transvaginal four‐dimensional hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography （TVS 4D‐Hycosy） with pain as the main manifestation. Methods Double‐blind randomized controlled study. A total of 220 patients who underwent TVS 4D‐Hycosy examination were randomly assigned （1∶1） to receive preheated contrast agent （38 ℃） and normal temperature contrast agent （22 ~ 26 ℃） respectively. The Stacey scoring scale was used to comprehensively evaluate pain, nausea, vomiting and other adverse reactions and NRS scoring scale were used to evaluate pain alone, and the occurrence of adverse reactions after intrauterine catheterization and during the examination was compared between the two groups. After the inspection, compare the proportion of people with persistent pain at 0 h, < 0.5 h, < 1 h, 1 ~ 24 h, and > 24 h between the two groups. Result There was no significant difference in Stacey adverse reaction score and NRS pain score between the two groups after intrauterine catheterization （Z = 0.231, -0.341, both P > 0.05）. During the examination, the Stacey adverse reaction score and NRS pain score in the preheated group were lower than those in the room temperature group （Z = 2.906, 3.837, both P < 0.05）, and the proportion of moderate and severe adverse reactions in the preheated group was lower than that in the room temperature group （χ² = 7.502, P < 0.05）, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. After the examination, there was no significant difference in the proportion of people with persistent pain at 0 h, < 0.5 h, < 1 h, 1 ~ 24 h, and > 24 h between the two groups （χ² = 0.141, 0.566, 0.697, 0.373, all P > 0.05）. Conclusions Thermostatic preheated contrast agent reduces adverse reactions during the TVS 4D‐Hycosy and is a simple and effective way to alleviate patient suffering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding perennial tree crops often requires prediction of mature performance from juvenile data. To assess the utility of juvenile screens to predict salinity tolerance of mature pistachio trees, we compared performance of 3-month ungrafted seedlings and 4-year-old grafted rootstocks under salinity stress. The QTL allele associated with higher salt exclusion from seedling leaves conferred lower growth in saline field conditions, suggesting that mapping QTL in seedlings may be easier than discerning the optimal allele for field performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive reserve (CR) allows individuals to maintain cognitive functionality even in the presence of pathologies. The compensation hypothesis suggests that CR plays an indirect role between age and cognitive decline, contrasting the negative effect of ageing on cognition. We test this hypothesis in an unselected and consecutively enrolled sample of memory clinic attendees (n = 134) who completed the CR Index questionnaire and three neuropsychological tests assessing global cognition (MMSE, FAB, CDT). Participants were divided into two groups based on standard diagnostic criteria (DSM‐5): those who were cognitively impaired (n = 92) and those who were preserved (n = 42). A principal component analysis was used to extract a composite measure of global cognitive functioning from the three neuropsychological tests, and mediation analysis was used to examine the relationship between CR, age and global cognitive functioning in the two groups. Results revealed that: (i) age had a significant direct negative effect on the global cognitive score in both groups; (ii) the three socio‐behavioural proxies of CR together suppress the direct negative relationship between age and global cognitive score in cognitively impaired patients but not in cognitively preserved participants. This study confirms the association between CR, age and cognition and allows us to validate its role in a population with cognitive impairment and extend findings to a low‐to‐middle educated population. These results hold important implications for public health and wellness promotion, emphasising the beneficial role of maintaining healthy and active physical, cognitive and social lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies evaluating insect communities along climatic gradients in mountain regions have overlooked the relevance of the contrasting effects of xeric and mesic habitats on species distribution and richness. Mesic zones in xeric ecosystems can provide more favorable conditions for the maintenance of some insects, including orchid bees (Apidae, Euglossini), which are known for their high species diversity in humid tropical forests.For the first time, we sought to understand the distribution of Euglossini in xeric and mesic habitats during dry and wet seasons along an elevational gradient in Espinhaço mountains, southeastern Brazil.The study collected 4873 orchid bees from three genera and 14 species. During the wet season, bee richness decreased with elevation in both xeric and mesic habitats. However, during the dry season, there was an increase in both bee richness and abundance at intermediate elevations. In the dry season, lower bee richness and abundance were recorded in xeric habitats compared with mesic habitats. Bee richness and abundance did not differ between the dry and wet seasons for mesic habitats, while lower richness and abundance were recorded in the dry season for xeric habitats. Species composition remained unchanged across habitats, and species turnover was identified as the primary driver of β‐diversity among elevations and seasons.Orchid bees require high temperatures, but they cannot tolerate water stress in xeric habitats during the dry season. This highlights the importance of mesic habitats for maintaining these pollinators, which are essential for ecosystems in savanna and mountainous regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is the major bioactive component in turmeric with potent antioxidant activity. Little is known about how pulsed light (PL) technology (an emerging non-thermal food processing technology relying on high intensity short duration flashes of light) can affect the chemical stability and antioxidant capacity of curcumin. This study found that PL treatment of fluence levels from 0 to 12.75 J/cm2 produced a fluence-dependent reduction in curcumin content. These results paralleled the production of a tentative curcumin dimer, identified as a potential photochemical transformation product. PL-treated curcumin at relatively higher fluence levels decreased chemical-based ORAC and ABTS antioxidant capacity, relative to control (P < 0.05). This contrasted the effect observed to increase coincidently both intracellular antioxidant capacity (e.g., DCFH-DA (P < 0.05)) and GSH/GSSG ratio (P < 0.05), respectively, in cultured differentiated Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the application of PL on curcumin results in photochemical transformation reactions, such as dimerization, which in turn, can enhance biological antioxidant capacity in differentiated Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Changes in morphological traits of fine roots indicate shift in adaptive strategies. However, it remains unclear how nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) depositions change fine root adaptive strategies in peatlands, both in the growing and non-growing seasons. Methods: We collected fine roots from shrubs and herbaceous plants after 2-year N and P additions and measured key morphological traits to evaluate different adaptive strategies. Results: During the growing season, P addition significantly increased shrub fine root production (FRP) by decreasing fine root length (FRL) under ambient N condition, while the effect was diminished when P was added in combination with N. Phosphorus addition significantly increased FRP by increasing FRL and fine root diameter (FRD) of herbaceous plants irrespective of N addition rate. Fine roots of shrub and herbaceous plants adopted contrasting adaptive strategies after fertilization. Fine roots of both shrub and herbaceous plants still grew in the non-growing season, but only shrub FRP was significantly decreased after N addition by decreasing root tissue density (RTD). Conclusion: Shrub FRP was more responsive to N addition whereas P addition had a stronger impact on herbaceous FRP. Nitrogen and P additions may have led to a shift towards the "outsourcing" strategy for herbaceous fine roots, whereas shrub fine roots tended to adopt the "fast" conservation strategy under P addition. Overall, N addition was disadvantageous to shrubs to survive cold winter. Our findings can advance the understanding of changes in fine root adaptation in northern peatlands under imbalanced N and P deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory ducks are key dispersal agents for aquatic organisms, yet differences in their potential for short‐ and long‐distance dispersal are still poorly understood, particularly differences among aquatic invertebrate taxa.Using seven species of aquatic invertebrates and a duck species known to feed on them in the wild (the northern shoveler) as a model system, we evaluated whether their potential for endozoochorous dispersal varies among five of the species and scales with propagule size for the seven species. We also tested the expectation of a lower dispersal potential for invertebrate propagules, as compared to plant seeds; and evaluated whether intra‐specific variation (in particular, sexual dimorphism) influences the potential of waterbirds as dispersal vectors.An experiment with five invertebrate species demonstrated that most resting eggs (68%–95%) were retrieved by 4 hr after ingestion, with maximum gut‐passage times ranging from 16 hr for Daphnia magna to 36 hr for Artemia salina and Thamnocephalus platyurus. Using models that combine migratory duck movements with gut‐passage times, we show that aquatic invertebrates may disperse frequently over distances of 15–16 km (median dispersal distance) and regularly over distances up to 110–166 km (Q99 distance).Increasing propagule size resulted in increasing gut‐passage times, decreasing survival of gut passage and decreasing hatching success. While propagule size had no effects on "regular" dispersal distances (mean, median, Q95 and Q99), the frequency of long‐distance dispersal increased with it.Increasing propagule size therefore had two contrasting effects on invertebrate dispersal potential, decreasing the frequency of dispersal (fewer seeds dispersed) but increasing the potential for long‐distance dispersal.Conclusions: We provide evidence that endozoochory of invertebrate propagules by waterbirds results in frequent dispersal among wetlands (tens of km) and regular dispersal at regional scale (over a hundred km). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perception of the /da/–/ga/ series, distinguished primarily by the third formant (F3) transition, is affected by many nonspeech and speech sounds. Previous studies mainly investigated the influences of context stimuli with frequency bands located in the F3 region and proposed the account of spectral contrast effects. This study examined the effects of context stimuli with bands not in the F3 region. The results revealed that these non-F3-region stimuli (whether with bands higher or lower than the F3 region) mainly facilitated the identification of /ga/; for example, the stimuli (including frequency-modulated glides, sine-wave tones, filtered sentences, and natural vowels) in the low-frequency band (500–1500 Hz) led to more /ga/ responses than those in the low-F3 region (1500–2500 Hz). It is suggested that in the F3 region, context stimuli may act through spectral contrast effects, while in non-F3 regions, context stimuli might activate the acoustic cues of /g/ and further facilitate the identification of /ga/. The combination of contrast and acoustic cue effects can explain more results concerning the forward context influences on the perception of the /da/–/ga/ series, including the effects of non-F3-region stimuli and the imbalanced influences of context stimuli on /da/ and /ga/ perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avoiding detection is vital for the survival of many animals. Factors extrinsic to animals, such as the visual complexity of the background, have been shown to impede the detection of animals. Studies using artificial and natural backgrounds have attributed background complexity to various visual features of the background. One feature that has received less attention is the diversity of color (hue) in the background. We used chickens and artificial backgrounds containing perceptually distinct elements in experiments to test whether color and luminance diversity affect detection time. We found that color diversity in the background impeded detection, while color diversity in prey and luminance diversity in the background did not impede detection. We also did not find an effect of luminance contrast on detection time. Our study suggests a prey animal can benefit in terms of increased detection times by predators when resting on backgrounds with enhanced color diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focal spot size of an electron beam in x-ray photography lamps, which is formed on the anode, has an important effect on the contrast of x-ray images. Usually, the grid is used in x-ray production lamps only to stop or regulate the current of the electron beam, but its effect on the dimensions and size of the focal spot has not been investigated. In this article, we have calculated the electron beam current in a thermionic mode at three temperatures, 2300, 2500, and 2800 K, for a voltage difference of 50 and 100 kV. Our results show that in a thermionic regime without grid (T mode), a larger focal spot is obtained, but in a thermionic regime with grid (TG mode), the focal spot size is smaller. The result that the focal spot of the TG mode is smaller than the focal spot of the T mode was obtained independently of temperature and potential difference. The results of thermionic tracking emission models (T and TG) are compared for different temperatures in the form of three graphs, and we will show that these two regimes have differences in the dimensions of the focal spot formed in each case and that the TG mode gives better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conflict between vergence and accommodation is the main perceptual factors contributing to visual discomfort when viewing autostereoscopic display. The key factors relevant to the accommodation and vergence are the ambient illumination and the contrast. The current study was a 2 × 3 × 3 mixed design comparing VFSI and VIMS symptoms between 2D and 3D video clips with three contrast levels under three ambient illumination levels on the autostereoscopic display. Twenty participants were required to evaluate the degree of discomfort by filing out questionnaires after watching those video clips. According to the result analysis, the 3D viewing participants reported more severe symptoms compared to 2D. The moderate contrast conditions were found to be the optimum for viewing comfort. The difference between VFSI and VIMS symptoms become larger with increasing contrast. The results also suggested the optimum 3D illumination condition should not be too high to effectively relieve visual discomfort. VIMS symptoms were more sensitive to the changes in ambient illumination than VFSI. Moreover, significant interaction between contrast and ambient illumination was found. Participants felt the most comfortable in the combination effect of moderate level of contrast and the high level of ambient illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have shown that increasing species diversity generally increases ecosystem functioning, but few have evaluated the role of species diversity in soil pollutant removal, especially for organic pollutants. We test the hypothesis that increasing plant diversity can enhance soil pollutant removal. To test the hypothesis, we conducted two experiments: one for removal of cadmium and the other for removal of cypermethrin from the soil. In both experiments, plants were grown in monocultures, four‐ and eight‐species mixtures in soils contaminated with the pollutants. Contaminated soils without plants were also included as controls. Our results showed that the efficiency of cadmium removal from the soil decreased with increasing plant species richness. The negative effect of diversity on cadmium removal was largely attributed to species underyielding in plant mixtures. In contrast, the efficiency of cypermethrin removal from soils increased with increasing plant species richness. The positive effect of diversity on cypermethrin removal was likely due to the presence of Taraxacum mongolicum which had the lowest biomass but the highest removal efficiency. Our results suggest that species diversity may regulate pollutant remediation, and this is pollutant‐dependent. Moreover, the performance of individual species can strongly influence the direction and magnitude of the diversity effect on soil pollutant removal. These species should be treated with cautious in the remediation of contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signaling perspective offers an alternative to the Skinnerian view of understanding behavior. The signaling effects of reinforcers have predominantly been explored in the laboratory with nonhuman subjects. To test the implications of this view for applied behavior analysis, we contrasted the effect of discriminative stimulus versus reinforcer control in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aimed to determine whether the duration of their transitions from one reinforcer context to another is controlled by their most recent past or the likely future based on more extended past experience. Reinforcer context (rich, moderate, or lean) was signaled in the first condition. We observed that transition times to the leaner reinforcer were longer than those to the richer. The reinforcer context was unsignaled in the second condition. The differences between transition times disappeared in the second condition. The difference in durations of transitions to signaled and unsignaled reinforcer densities suggests that behavior is primarily controlled by signals of likely future reinforcers as extrapolated from extended past experience rather than strengthened by the most recent event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the interrelationships among exercise intensity preference, tolerance, competence satisfaction, competence frustration, and exercise intentions within the fitness domain. The research involved 114 participants aged 18 to 59 years (M = 33.23; SD = 10.542), with an average height of 166.02 cm (SD = 15.856) and weight of 68.02 kg (SD = 13.658). The path analysis revealed positive correlations among constructs, except for the link between exercise intensity tolerance and competence satisfaction. Notably, exercise intensity preference positively related to competence satisfaction (β = 0.20, CI90% = 0.12, 0.40), while both preference and tolerance were negatively linked to competence frustration (preference: β = −0.27, CI90% = −0.44, 0.03; tolerance: β = −0.17, CI90% = −0.03, 0.24). Competence satisfaction (β = 0.37, CI90% = 0.13, 0.34) and competence frustration (β = −0.29, CI90% = −0.48, −0.09) significantly influenced exercise intentions. An indirect effect existed between exercise intensity preference and intentions (β = 0.11, CI90% = 0.03, 0.21), contrasting with the lack of such effect for intensity tolerance (β = 0.05, CI90% = −0.01, 0.14). Intentions explained 16% of the variance. In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate connections between exercise intensity traits and intentions, shedding light on factors influencing individuals' exercise persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a practitioner recently turned scholar, my view is that organization development practices too often prioritize the organizational outcomes of change and, in doing so, overlook human outcomes. Using a personal experience from a round-the-world yacht race as a template, I explain how change practices can influence the lives of those involved. Halfway through the race, I switched boats from one managed with diagnostic practices to one managed dialogically. It was the dialogic boat that precipitated a more enriching human outcome. Here, I deconstruct the effect of these contrasting change practices on my experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multifactor fixed-effects ANOVAs, we show how to construct orthonormal F contrasts for main effects. Our primary focus is the case when the levels of the factor of interest are ordered. Likewise, in multifactor equally replicated fixed-effects ANOVAs, we show how to construct orthonormal F contrasts for interactions. The primary focus here is on interactions when both factors are ordered, although the approach also applies if just one factor is ordered. Interactions with both factors ordered may be interpreted in terms of generalised correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A striking feature of rivers is their ability to sort the sediments composing them. One of the chief causes for grain sorting consists in the selective transport of different sizes moving downstream. This process can be substantially influenced by the presence of lateral topographic variations, as those produced by channel bifurcations, in which water and sediment are diverted between two smaller anabranches. In particular, field and laboratory observations have shown that the asymmetric flux distribution commonly observed in actual bifurcations is associated with a coarsening of the most‐carrying branch. Here, equilibrium sorting in river bifurcations is addressed through a quasi‐2D model. Differently from previous works, a fully physically based description of the processes tied to a heterogeneous sediment mixture is introduced. The main mechanisms consist in the lateral pull of sediment due to a sloping bed upstream the bifurcation, and the variation of transport capacity in downstream branches. The model indicates that grain sorting tends to reduce the degree of flux asymmetry between branches for increasing heterogeneity of the mixture. Moreover, the uneven discharge distribution is associated with a different bed surface composition, with bed coarsening of the dominating channel and fining of the other branch. The reduced sediment transport asymmetry and bed surface fining enhance the transport of fine material in the less‐carrying branch, thus contributing to keep it morphologically active. Finally, the model predicts an overall fining of bed surface material with respect to the feeder channel. Plain Language Summary: River bifurcations occur when the main channel course splits into two secondary branches. The partition of sediments between these branches is essential to define whether bifurcations are morphologically stable in time, preventing sedimentation, and abandonment of the smaller channel. In this paper, we formulate a mathematical model to study how sediments of different sizes divide at bifurcations in morphodynamic equilibrium. Specifically, we consider two classes of sediment particles (e.g., fine and coarse gravel) and we investigate the role of the key mechanisms driving the sediment transport: the gravitational effect, which tends to move downhill coarse particles; and the selective transport effect, which promotes the mobility of coarse particles within the most‐carrying branch. These two mechanisms are found to bring contrasting effects, but the net results are clear. First, flow asymmetry is found to reduce with respect to the case where sediment particles of uniform size are considered. Second, the bed composition of the smaller branch becomes finer, contributing to maintain a significant sediment transport. These effects can explain patterns observed in gravel‐bed river bifurcations, and suggest how adjustments of bed composition can contribute to maintaining all branches active in the long term. Key Points: Grain sorting reduces water and sediment flux asymmetry between downstream bifurcatesThe less‐carrying branch undergoes significant fining, which enhances its sediment transport capacityThe overall bed composition of downstream branches is finer than that of the feeder channel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-photon absorption (TPA) fluorescence imaging holds great promise in diagnostics and biomedicine owing to its unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution. However, the adaptability and applicability of currently available TPA probes, which act as a critical element for determining the imaging contrast effect, is severely challenged by limited photo-luminescence in vivo. This is particularly a result of uncontrollable aggregation that causes fluorescence quenching, and inevitable photo-oxidation in harsh physiological milieu, which normally leads to bleaching of the dye. Herein, we describe the remarkably enhanced TPA fluorescence imaging capacity of self-assembling near-infrared (NIR) cyanine dye-based nanoprobes (NPs), which can be explained by a photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism. Singlet oxygen generated during photo-oxidation enables chromophore dimerization to form TPA intermediates responsible for enhanced TPA fluorescence emission. The resulting NPs possess uniform size distribution, excellent stability, more favorable TPA cross-section and anti-bleaching ability than a popular TPA probe rhodamine B (RhB). These properties of cyanine dye-based TPA NPs promote their applications in visualizing blood circulation and tumoral accumulation in real-time, even to cellular imaging in vivo. The photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism observed in these near-infrared cyanine dye-based nanoaggregates opens an avenue for design and development of more advanced TPA fluorescence probes. Two-photon absorption (TPA) affords unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution for bioimaging, but the photo-oxidation tends to weaken the photoluminescence in vivo, limiting the usefulness of TPA probes. Here, the authors report self-assembling near-infrared cyanine dye-based nanoprobes of enhanced TPA fluorescence imaging capacity based on a photo-oxidation enhanced emission mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola (EBOV) and Marburg viruses (MARV) cause severe hemorrhagic fever associated with high mortality rates in humans. A better understanding of filovirus-host interactions that regulate the EBOV and MARV lifecycles can provide biological and mechanistic insight critical for therapeutic development. EBOV glycoprotein (eGP) and MARV glycoprotein (mGP) mediate entry into host cells primarily by actin-dependent macropinocytosis. Here, we identified actin-binding cytoskeletal crosslinking proteins filamin A (FLNa) and B (FLNb) as important regulators of both EBOV and MARV entry. We found that entry of pseudotype psVSV-RFP-eGP, infectious recombinant rVSV-eGP-mCherry, and live authentic EBOV and MARV was inhibited in filamin A knockdown (FLNaKD) cells, but was surprisingly enhanced in filamin B knockdown (FLNbKD) cells. Mechanistically, our findings suggest that differential regulation of macropinocytosis by FLNa and FLNb likely contributes to their specific effects on EBOV and MARV entry. This study is the first to identify the filamin family of proteins as regulators of EBOV and MARV entry. These findings may provide insight into the development of new countermeasures to prevent EBOV and MARV infections. Author summary: Filoviruses utilize host proteins to successfully infect cells and complete their lifecycles. Identification of host proteins that regulate the EBOV and MARV lifecycles may allow us to find possible therapeutic targets to protect against these deadly viruses. Here, we identified actin-binding cytoskeletal proteins filamin A and B as regulators of EBOV and MARV entry. We show that filamin A is a positive regulator while filamin B is a negative regulator of both EBOV and MARV entry. In sum, our findings reveal a role for host cytoskeletal-associated filamin proteins in the entry stage of the filovirus lifecycle, potentially identifying filamin proteins as broad spectrum therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of EBOV and MARV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of iodinated contrast material (CM) temperature on injection pressures and viscosity has been well established. However, the effect of extrinsic warming of CM on allergic reactions and extravasations remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare the rates of allergic reactions and extravasations between warmed CM to room temperature CM. We conducted a comprehensive systematic search using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for all studies that assess the impact of warmed CM on adverse reactions. The primary outcomes of our study were allergic reaction and extravasation rates. We calculated weighted pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all outcomes using the random-effects model. A P -value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. We conducted subgroup analyses based on the viscosity of the CM. A total of five studies, including 307,329 CM injections (86,676 at room temperature and 220,653 warmed to 37 °C), were included in the analysis. For high viscosity CM, pre-warming was associated with significantly lower allergic reaction rates (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.49–0.72, P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in rates of extravasation for high viscosity CM (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.20–1.43, P = 0.21). Our meta-analysis suggests that warming CM to 37 °C is a safe and effective approach to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and physiologic reactions during injection of high-viscosity CM. However, there was no significant difference in extravasation rates between warmed and room temperature CM, regardless of viscosity. • Warming highly viscous contrast material to 37 °C reduces the rate of allergic and physiologic reactions. • Warming of low viscosity contrast material does not affect adverse reaction rates. • Warming highly viscous contrast material to 37 °C does not reduce the rate of extravasations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of conventional contrast media for diagnostic purposes (in particular, Gd-containing and iodinated agents) causes a large number of complications, the most common of which is contrast-induced nephropathy. It has been shown that after exposure to contrast agents, oxidative stress often occurs in patients, especially in people suffering from various diseases. Antioxidants in the human body can diminish the pathological consequences of the use of contrast media by suppressing oxidative stress. This review considers the research studies on the role of antioxidants in preventing the negative consequences of the use of contrast agents in diagnostics (mainly contrast-induced nephropathy) and the clinical trials of different antioxidant drugs against contrast-induced nephropathy. Composite antioxidant/contrast systems as theranostic agents are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Incorporating biosolids into the soil improves plant yield compared with surface application, but it can result in the increased uptake of trace elements. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how different types of biosolids applications affect soil quality. We aimed to determine the effect of the type and rate of biosolids application on soil quality and the mobility of contaminants. Methods: Soil quality was determined by soil fertility (inorganic N, exchangeable P, Mg, Ca, K), exchangeable trace and non-essential elements (Al, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cd) and biological activity (dehydrogenase activity). We measured the properties of soil pore water, bulk soil and rhizosphere in a pot and a rhizobox experiment, with increasing concentration of biosolids (equiv. 16 t ha− 1, 48 t ha− 1 and 145 t ha− 1 dry weight), applied on the surface, incorporated to 25 cm, or incorporated into a patch. Results and discussion: The incorporation of biosolids into the soil increased the exchangeable Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Cd, compared with surface application. The surface application of biosolids increased the inorganic N in the soil compared with biosolids incorporation (680 mg kg− 1 vs. 380 mg kg− 1), and decreased soil pH by 1.1 units. This aligned with solubilisation of Al (43 mg kg− 1 vs. 6 mg kg− 1) and Mn (43 mg kg− 1 vs. 33 mg kg− 1) and explains the decreased microbial activity in the soil compared with the unamended soil. Incorporating biosolids in the soil increased the biological activity, likely due to biosolids-borne microbes. The root systems significantly increased microbial activity, pH, and the concentration of NH4+, NO3−, and exchangeable P, S, Mg, Na, Zn, Cu and Ni, and significantly decreased exchangeable concentration of Mn and Fe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at assessing intraplaque neovessels, focusing on neovascularization from the vascular luminal side using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and determining that this contrast effect indicates that the neovessel is connected to the vessel lumen histopathologically. Whether plaque vulnerability can be assessed more accurately was also investigated. We enrolled consecutive patients with internal carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and pre-operative CEUS with perflubutane of the carotid arteries. We graded the contrast effect semi-quantitatively from the vascular luminal and adventitial sides. We compared the contrast effect with the pathological findings, especially the neovascularization of the CEA specimens. In total, 68 carotid arterial atheromatous plaques (47 symptomatic) were analyzed. Symptomatic plaques were significantly correlated with stronger contrast effects from the luminal side than from the adventitial side (p = 0.0095). Microbubbles from the luminal side appeared to flow mainly into the plaque shoulder. The contrast effect value for the plaque shoulder and neovessel density were significantly correlated (ρ = 0.35, p = 0.031). Neovessel density was significantly higher in symptomatic than in asymptomatic plaques (56.2 ± 43.7/mm2 and 18.1 ± 15.2/mm2, respectively, p < 0.0001). Serial histological sections of CEA specimens in a symptomatic plaque with a strong contrast effect from the luminal side revealed multiple neovessels fenestrated to the vessel lumen with endothelial cells, consistent with the CEUS findings. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used to evaluate neovessels originating from the luminal side, histopathologically confirmed in serial sections. Symptomatic vulnerable plaque is correlated more significantly with intraplaque neovascularization from the luminal side than with neovascularization from the adventitia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examine how human operators adjust their trust in automation as a result of their moment-to-moment interaction with automation. Background: Most existing studies measured trust by administering questionnaires at the end of an experiment. Only a limited number of studies viewed trust as a dynamic variable that can strengthen or decay over time. Method: Seventy-five participants took part in an aided memory recognition task. In the task, participants viewed a series of images and later on performed 40 trials of the recognition task to identify a target image when it was presented with a distractor. In each trial, participants performed the initial recognition by themselves, received a recommendation from an automated decision aid, and performed the final recognition. After each trial, participants reported their trust on a visual analog scale. Results: Outcome bias and contrast effect significantly influence human operators' trust adjustments. An automation failure leads to a larger trust decrement if the final outcome is undesirable, and a marginally larger trust decrement if the human operator succeeds the task by him/herself. An automation success engenders a greater trust increment if the human operator fails the task. Additionally, automation failures have a larger effect on trust adjustment than automation successes. Conclusion: Human operators adjust their trust in automation as a result of their moment-to-moment interaction with automation. Their trust adjustments are significantly influenced by decision-making heuristics/biases. Application: Understanding the trust adjustment process enables accurate prediction of the operators' moment-to-moment trust in automation and informs the design of trust-aware adaptive automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs are under threat from disease as climate change alters environmental conditions. Rising temperatures exacerbate coral disease, but this relationship is likely complex as other factors also influence coral disease prevalence. To better understand this relationship, we meta‐analytically examined 108 studies for changes in global coral disease over time alongside temperature, expressed using average summer sea surface temperature (SST) and cumulative heat stress as weekly sea surface temperature anomalies (WSSTAs). We found that both rising average summer SST and WSSTA were associated with global increases in the mean and variability in coral disease prevalence. Global coral disease prevalence tripled, reaching 9.92% in the 25 years examined, and the effect of 'year' became more stable (i.e. prevalence has lower variance over time), contrasting the effects of the two temperature stressors. Regional patterns diverged over time and differed in response to average summer SST. Our model predicted that, under the same trajectory, 76.8% of corals would be diseased globally by 2100, even assuming moderate average summer SST and WSSTA. These results highlight the need for urgent action to mitigate coral disease. Mitigating the impact of rising ocean temperatures on coral disease is a complex challenge requiring global discussion and further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the relationship between food web complexity and stability has been well documented, how complexity affects productivity remains elusive. In this study, we combine food web theory and a data set of 149 aquatic food webs to investigate the effect of complexity (i.e. species richness, connectance, and average interaction strength) on ecosystem productivity. We find that more complex ecosystems tend to be more productive, although different facets of complexity have contrasting effects. A higher species richness and/or average interaction strength increases productivity, whereas a higher connectance often decreases it. These patterns hold not only between realized complexity and productivity, but also characterize responses of productivity to simulated declines of complexity. Our model also predicts a negative association between productivity and stability along gradients of complexity. Empirical analyses support our predictions on positive complexity‐productivity relationships and negative productivity‐stability relationships. Our study provides a step forward towards reconciling ecosystem complexity, productivity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogenetic diversity (PD), the evolutionary history of the organisms comprising a community, is increasingly recognized as an important driver of ecosystem function. However, biodiversity–ecosystem function experiments have rarely included PD as an a priori treatment. Thus, PD's effects in existing experiments are often confounded by covarying differences in species richness and functional trait diversity (FD). Here we report an experimental demonstration of strong PD effects on grassland primary productivity that are independent of FD, which was separately manipulated, and species richness, which was planted uniformly high to mimic diverse natural grasslands. Partitioning diversity effects demonstrated that higher PD increased complementarity (niche partitioning and/or facilitation) but lowered selection effects (probability of sampling highly productive species). Specifically, for every 5% increase in PD, complementarity increased by 26% on average (±8% SE), while selection effects decreased more modestly (8 ± 16%). PD also shaped productivity through clade‐level effects on functional traits, that is, trait values associated with particular plant families. This clade effect was most pronounced in the Asteraceae (sunflower family), which, in tallgrass prairies, generally comprises tall, high‐biomass species with low phylogenetic distinctiveness. FD also reduced selection effects but did not alter complementarity. Our results show that PD, independent of richness and FD, mediates ecosystem function through contrasting effects on complementarity and selection. This adds to growing evidence that consideration of phylogenetic dimensions of biodiversity can advance ecological understanding and inform conservation and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is one of the most important citrus pests because it transmits the bacterium that causes citrus Huanglongbing during feeding. The saliva of herbivorous insects can modulate plant defenses and, in turn, impact insect fitness, which is mostly studied in insects feeding on herbaceous plants. The role of saliva in the relationship between the Asian citrus psyllid and its woody host plant citrus, on the other hand, is unknown. Because two citrus aphid species, Aphis spiraecola Patch and Aphis (Toxoptera) citricidus (Kirkaldy), have a contrasting impact on the performance of subsequently infested D. citri, we explored the role of their saliva on D. citri feeding behavior and host plant defenses. We found that the infiltrating saliva of A. spiraecola into the host citrus leaves of the psyllid disrupted the subsequent feeding behavior of D. citri and also activated the expression of genes involved in plant salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defense pathways. By contrast, saliva infiltrations of A. citricidus (Kirkaldy) promoted D. citri feeding, activated the expression of one gene involved in the SA pathway, and repressed several genes involved in the JA pathway. We demonstrate that the saliva of aphids can affect D. citri performance, possibly by modulating plant defenses. This is the first study to show that insect saliva can influence D. citri feeding behavior by changing plant defenses. While herbivorous insect saliva plays a crucial role in the interaction between plants and insects, its role in the inter-specific interactions between herbivorous insects has received little attention. Pre-infestation of citrus plants with Aphis spiraecola Patch and Aphis (Toxoptera) citricidus (Kirkaldy) exhibited positive and negative effects on the performance (feeding and reproduction) of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. We explored the role of saliva in this plant-mediated interaction by infiltrating fresh and boiled aphid saliva into plants and detecting D. citri feeding behavior and citrus plant defense response. Leaf infiltration of A. spiraecola saliva disrupted the subsequent feeding of D. citri, indicated by prolonged extracellular stylet pathway duration and decreased phloem sap ingestion duration. By contrast, infiltration of A. citricidus saliva decreased the duration of the extracellular stylet pathway and phloem sap ingestion of D. citri. Furthermore, gene expression analysis showed that several salicylic acid (SA)- and jasmonic acid (JA)-pathway-related genes were activated by A. spiraecola saliva infiltration. However, two SA-pathway-related genes were activated and three JA-pathway-related genes were suppressed following A. citricidus saliva infiltration. Treatment with boiled saliva did not similarly impact D. citri feeding behavior or plant defense response. This study suggests that salivary components (those that can be inactivated by heating) from two citrus aphid species differently affect plant defenses and that they were responsible for the contrasting plant-mediated effects of two citrus aphids on the feeding behavior of D. citri. This study indicates a novel three-way citrus aphid–plant–citrus psyllid interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on plant functional traits can provide insights into their adaptation strategies. We conducted an N application experiment (0, 5, 10, 15 g N m−2) with potted saplings of the endangered species Davidia involucrata and examined 24 functional traits of both leaves and roots. We found that N application increased the leaf morphological traits, except for a significant decrease (by 19.2%–27.0%) in specific leaf area (SLA). Compared to the control treatment, N application significantly increased the specific root surface area (SRA), specific root length (SRL), and root tissue density (RTD) by 9.2%–20.1%, 20.2%–47.9%, and 30.8%–46.4%, respectively, while root diameter was conservative and insensitive to N application. Additionally, N application had contrasting effects between leaf and root carbon, N, and phosphorus contents and their stoichiometry. SRL, SRA, and RTD were positively correlated with most leaf photosynthetic traits, but negatively correlated with SLA. Moreover, root biomass and root chemical traits were also tightly correlated with leaf photosynthetic traits and chemical traits. These results suggest that N application may trigger a resource-conservative strategy for leaves but a nutrient-acquisitive strategy for roots. Future N deposition combined with other practices, such as simultaneous P fertilizer application, can be effective for the scientific conservation of D. involucrata populations in their natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have long known that organizational reputation is consequential. While highlighting the effects of a reputation for good behavior, however, prior work has largely overlooked the possibility that a reputation for bad behavior is qualitatively distinct. In addition, we know that organizational reputation is multidimensional. Although this is conceptually intriguing only if different types of reputation produce different effects, concurrent tests of such differences are rare. In response, we study the effects of multiple reputations for bad behavior on the media coverage of a serious error by a firm. Due to the need for the news to be new, we predict the media is more likely to cover errors that supplement a firm's general character reputation, but will likely ignore errors that are redundant given a firm's specific capability reputation. We test this theory in the context of 113 major oil spills in the United States, from 1985 to 2016. Results confirm the theorized contrasting effects. Counterintuitively, we also find the media is even less likely to cover repeat offenders that cause larger spills. We conclude that, at least for media coverage of oil spills, being bad can have its benefits for firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across 2 studies, the authors explored reactance effects to overexaggerated claims and controlling language in exercise messaging. In Study 1, participants received either a message exaggerating the benefits of an upcoming exercise session or no message. They subsequently undertook a mundane exercise session led by an instructor, which was either need supportive or "realistically controlling." Relative to no-message participants, those who had read the message reported less positive evaluations of the session. These results were observed despite participants in the message condition holding more positive presession expectations, and the effect was apparent even for those who received need-supportive instruction. In Study 2, participants read an advertisement that was written in either autonomy-supportive language or controlling language. Despite reporting comparable expectations, participants who received a controlling-language message reported significantly greater anger and freedom threat—factors commonly linked to contrast effects. These studies highlight the operation of message-driven contrast effects in exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoid (GC) release is triggered by adverse stimuli that activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis. Glucocorticoids may enhance or suppress immune functions depending on the level of elevation. In this study, we investigated the effects of transient and chronic increase of corticosterone (CORT) on the wound healing of the American bullfrog. Frogs were submitted to a daily transdermal hormonal application that acutely elevated CORT plasma levels, or vehicle as a control. Other frogs were surgically implanted with a silastic tube filled with CORT that resulted in chronic elevation of CORT plasma levels or received empty implants as a control. A dermal biopsy was performed to create a wound and was photographed every 3 days. Individuals treated with transdermal CORT started healing faster than their control 32 days after the biopsy. Frogs that received CORT implants tended to heal slower than control subjects. Plasma bacterial killing ability was not affected by treatment, which reinforces the constitutive nature of this innate immune trait. By the end of the experiment, frogs from the acute CORT treatment had smaller wounds compared with those receiving the CORT-filled implants, highlighting the differential effects of acute (immunoenhancing) and chronic (immunosuppressive) elevation of CORT plasma levels. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peatland pools are freshwater bodies that are highly dynamic aquatic ecosystems because of their small size and their development in organic‐rich sediments. However, our ability to understand and predict their contribution to both local and global biogeochemical cycles under rapidly occurring environmental change is limited because the spatiotemporal drivers of their biogeochemical patterns and processes are poorly understood. We used (1) pool biogeochemical data from 20 peatlands in eastern Canada, the United Kingdom, and southern Patagonia and (2) multi‐year data from an undisturbed peatland of eastern Canada, to determine how climate and terrain features drive the production, delivering and processing of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in peatland pools. Across sites, climate (24%) and terrain (13%) explained distinct portions of the variation in pool biogeochemistry, with climate driving spatial differences in pool dissolved organic C (DOC) concentration and aromaticity. Within the multi‐year dataset, DOC, carbon dioxide (CO2), total N concentrations, and DOC aromaticity were highest in the shallowest pools and at the end of the growing seasons, and increased gradually from 2016 to 2021 in relation to a combination of increases in summer precipitation, mean air temperature for the previous fall, and number of extreme summer heat days. Given the contrasting effects of terrain and climate, broad‐scale terrain characteristics may offer a baseline for the prediction of small‐scale pool biogeochemistry, while broad‐scale climate gradients and relatively small year‐to‐year variations in local climate induce a noticeable response in pool biogeochemistry. These findings emphasize the reactivity of peatland pools to both local and global environmental change and highlight their potential to act as widely distributed climate sentinels within historically relatively stable peatland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is a critical factor that influences the behavior, physiology, and development of ectothermic organisms. This has become even more important as acute temperature stress associated with global climate change becomes the new norm. Using the invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), we assessed its physiological and ecological responses following acute heat stress, synonymous to heat waves associated with recent climate change. Specifically, we measured the effects of short‐term exposure (for 2 h) to heat shock (at 32, 35, and 38 °C) on physiological responses, such as critical thermal minima (CTmin) and maxima (CTmax), and life‐history traits, such as reproductive success (fecundity and hatching success) and longevity, using virgin adults. Our results showed that prior acute heat shock compromised cold tolerance (CTmin) while enhancing heat tolerance (CTmax). In addition, heat shock reduced fecundity and hatching success and had dramatic effects on adult longevity. We conclude that acute heat stress associated with shifting environmental conditions may generally offset key physiological traits, affect reproduction and thus population persistence, and simultaneously have complex effects on adult lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extremely high species diversity of soil bacterial community has fascinated and puzzled community ecologists. Although theory predicts that fluctuations in environments can facilitate diversity maintenance, the effects of fluctuating temperature on species diversity have rarely been investigated in species‐rich microbial communities. Here, we examined whether fluctuating temperature had positive effects on species diversity relative to constant temperatures in soil bacterial communities, and investigated the effects of fluctuating temperature on bacterial performances (changes in relative abundance). We performed a temperature manipulation experiment with soils collected from temperate and subtropical zones, where the soils were subjected to constant high, low or fluctuating temperatures. We found that fluctuating temperatures showed significant positive effects on species diversity. The time‐averaged effect of fluctuating temperatures (i.e., averaging out the differences between species in their environment‐dependent performances) appeared to delay species loss in both the temperate and the subtropical communities. In addition, we found that the performances of temperature‐responsive species at fluctuating temperatures significantly deviated from their time‐weighted average performances at constant high and low temperatures, which was defined as fluctuation‐dependent effects in our study. Intriguingly, fluctuation‐dependent effects beyond time‐averaged effect led to an opposite trend: differences in temperature‐responsive species' performances decreased in the temperate communities, but increased in the subtropical communities. Our findings provide new insights into diversity maintenance in soil bacterial communities, and imply that the effects of fluctuating temperature on species diversity in soil bacterial community might vary across latitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual inputs are far from ideal in everyday situations such as in the fog where the contrasts of input stimuli are low. However, human perception remains relatively robust to contrast variations. To provide insights about the underlying mechanisms of contrast invariance, we addressed two questions. Do contrast effects disappear along the visual hierarchy? Do later stages of the visual hierarchy contribute to contrast invariance? We ran a behavioral experiment where we manipulated the level of stimulus contrast and the involvement of higher-level visual areas through immediate and delayed backward masking of the stimulus. Backward masking led to significant drop in performance in our visual categorization task, supporting the role of higher-level visual areas in contrast invariance. To obtain mechanistic insights, we ran the same categorization task on three state-of the-art computational models of human vision each with a different depth in visual hierarchy. We found contrast effects all along the visual hierarchy, no matter how far into the hierarchy. Moreover, that final layers of deeper hierarchical models, which had been shown to be best models of final stages of the visual system, coped with contrast effects more effectively. These results suggest that, while contrast effects reach the final stages of the hierarchy, those stages play a significant role in compensating for contrast variations in the visual system. • The processing of stimulus contrast along the visual hierarchy has remained unclear. • We show that contrast effects survive all the transformations along the hierarchy. • Higher-level visual areas enhance contrast invariance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing concern about dubious information online threatens the credibility of legitimate news. We examine two possible mechanisms for this effect on social media. First, people might view all news on social media as less credible. Second, questionable information elsewhere in a news feed might discredit legitimate news coverage. Findings from a preregistered experiment confirm that people see information on Facebook as less credible than identical information on news websites, though the effect is small, suggesting that observational data overstates this platform penalty. Prior exposure to low (versus high) credibility information on Facebook also reduces engagement with a target article, but not its perceived credibility. However, exploratory analyses show that the effects of prior exposure to low credibility information vary depending on the plausibility of the target article, decreasing the credibility of a less plausible article (a spillover effect) but increasing the credibility of a more plausible one (a contrast effect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered composite rocks (LCRs) are often encountered in underground excavation in which extensive deformation, buckling and local collapse near the layer interface frequently occur. However, there is limited advance knowledge of the failure mechanisms of LCRs to interpret the field observations due to the relative scarcity of polyaxial compression testing. To that end, this study conducts the true-triaxial experiments with the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring on the LCR specimens, with the emphases being on the effects of mechanical contrast (MC) between the layers on the fracture behaviors under true-triaxial stresses. First, the strength of LCRs is controlled by the weaker layer. Second, at the unstable fracturing phase, high AE event rate is faithfully recorded but intermittently interrupted by macrofracturing in granite but not in sandstone. Third, main failure planes of LCRs appear sub-orthogonally to σ3 (minimum principal stress), taken the form of delamination fracture and exhibited the mode of σ3-transverse-symmetric fracturing. As the distance from the unloaded surface increases, the fracturing transitions from σ3-transverse-symmetric spalling to σ3-transverse-symmetric shearing. Depending on the MC, both the fracture propagation through the interface and the fracture containment within sandstone are registered. Moreover, the interface effect is numerically revealed through a 3D finite-element modeling. This study gets insights into the failure mechanisms of LCRs with a changing mechanical property in individual layers under true-triaxial stresses. Highlights: True-triaxial experiment investigations of layered composite rocks in a brittle-brittle sequence. Quantitative interpretations of acousto-mechanical properties and fracturing behaviors in layered composite rocks. The fracture propagation through the interface is registered, as well as the fracture containment within the sandstone. The delamination fracture along σ3-unloading direction dominates the feature of σ3-transverse-symmetric fracturing. The interface effect is revealed by a 3D finite-element modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing zinc (Zn) concentrations in maize grains could contribute to alleviating widespread human Zn deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, trade-offs between grain Zn concentrations and maize yields have been observed. Scope: Using data from researcher-managed, on-farm and on-station field trials in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe, we aimed (i) to confirm whether this trade-off is found in current farming systems in SSA and (ii) to explore whether genotypic and management options, relevant for the African context, can increase both yields and grain Zn concentrations across several environments. Results: An overall negative, but weak relation between maize yields and grain Zn concentrations was found. High yields and high grain Zn concentrations did not co-occur. The negative relation between grain Zn concentrations and yields cannot be bypassed by selecting one of the commercially available varieties used in this study. Nitrogen application increased yields, but had contrasting effects on grain Zn concentrations depending on variety and site. Grain Zn concentrations were positively related with soil organic carbon and P and K availability. Conclusions: Attaining grain Zn concentrations above the HarvestPlus target of 38 mg kg−1, considered adequate for reducing human Zn deficiency, with current commercially available maize varieties and presented management options, is not possible without compromising yield levels. Increasing soil organic matter content and balanced application of N, P and K fertilisers could increase grain Zn concentrations. These practices likely will also increase yields and could be a viable option to bypass the trade-off between maize yields and grain Zn concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]The aim of this study was to determine the optimal angiography protocol for canine heart and pulmonary artery angiography. [Methods]The variable iohexol concentrations were tested in this study to evaluate the effects on ardiac and pulmonary angiography, while injection duration and injection rate were same for the same size dogs. Iohexol dose(I content)from 100 to 200 mg·mL-1 were used in small dogs for ardiac angiography, 200 to 300 mg·mL-1 in middle dogs and 150 to 200 mg·mL-1 in large dogs. For pulmonary angiography, iohexol concentrations were 50 to 100 mg·mL-1 in small dogs, 50 to 100 mg·mL-1 in middle dogs and 150 to 200 mg·mL-1 in large dogs. Contrast agent was injected intravenously from cephalic veins after anesthesia. Dynamic scanning project was performed to obtain time-density curve of region of interest. Scanning delay time was calculated based on the time-density curve. The time to reach 200 HU aortic sinus was designated as delay time of cardiac angiography. The time to reach the peak enhancement of pulmonary artery trunk was designated as delay time of pulmonary arteriography. Then the images were obtained by volume scanning project. The images quality obtained by different contrast schemes were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively to determine the optimal contrast scheme. [Results]The optimum cardiac angiography conditions for small dogs were 200 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 10 mL of iohexol volume, 5 mL of saline dose and 1 mL·s-1 of injection rate. For middle dogs, the optimum conditions were 250 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 15 mL of iohexol volume, 10 mL of saline dose and 1 mL·s-1 of injection rate. For large dogs, the optimum conditions were 350 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 30 mL of iohexol volume, 20 mL of saline dose and 1 mL·s-1 of injection rate. The optimum pulmonary arteriography conditions were as follows:75 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 15 mL of iohexol volume, 15 mL of saline dose and 5 mL·s-1 of injection rate in small dogs. For middle dogs those were 100 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 20 mL of iohexol volume, 20 mL of saline dose and 5 mL·s-1 of injection rate. And for large dogs those were 175 mg·mL-1 of iohexol concentration, 30 mL of iohexol volume, 30 mL of saline dose and 5 mL·s-1 of injection rate. The higher post-vascular enhancement CT values with good image quality and good contrast effects were obtained when used above conditions. [Conclusions]Through repeated tests, the contrast agent conditions used in this test can obtain satisfactory and clinically diagnostic images and can be applied to CT imaging of cardiac and pulmonary artery diseases in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]