Potential Influence Research Articles

SmartLearnHub: AI-Driven Education

Abstract: SmartLearnHub is an innovative AI-driven education platform designed to revolutionize traditional learning experiences. This research paper explores the development, implementation, and impact of SmartLearnHub, focusing on its adaptive learning paths, personalized quizzes, and intelligent content recommendations. The study delves into the system's architecture, machine learning models employed, and the resulting user engagement and performance metrics. Through a comprehensive evaluation, we highlight the positive impact of SmartLearnHub on the education landscape, emphasizing the significance of AI in tailoring educational experiences. The paper concludes with insights into challenges faced during implementation, future directions for enhancement, and the potential influence of SmartLearnHub on the future of AI-driven education.

Designing Potential Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASO) against Lung Cancer Associated microRNA and Studying their Interaction

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of small non-protein-coding RNAs that function as gene regulators. They regulate diverse biological processes and bioinformatics data indicates that each miRNA can control hundreds of gene targets, underscoring the potential influence of miRNAs on almost every genetic pathway. miRNA mutations or mis-expression correlate with various human cancers and miRNAs can function as tumor suppressors and oncogenes. miRNAs have been shown to repress the expression of important cancer-related genes and might prove useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this context, we identified various miRNAs associated with the prevalent cancer phenotype NSCLC/SCLC and used the respective target miRNA sequences as templates for designing antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). We investigated the interaction of this cognate oligonucleotides and target miRNAs to hypotheses the inhibitory potential of such oligonucleotides through molecular docking studies.

The Use of A Geographically Weighted Regression Model to Analyze Predictors of The Rice Supply in Bojonegoro

The research goal would be to understand all potential influences on the amount of rice available within every sub-district in the Bojonegoro district. Geographically weighted regression (GWR), a technique used for this study, uses kernels: adaptive bisquare, fixed bisquare, adaptive gaussian, and fixed gaussian. The state office for food security and farming inside the Bojonegoro district provided secondary statistics for the 2018 year that included information on the population, the harvested area, the rice production, and the rice supply. The outcomes from the kernel-fixed gaussian elected model using AIC minimum criteria for the GWR model. The implementation's conclusion is due to the impact of variety in locations. The next research recommendation is a time-series spatial study of the rice problem.

Choosing a bigger opponent: the path to victory and greater gains for the small contestant

Animals often engage in contests over limited resources. The probability of winning a contest is primarily determined by the individual's fighting ability relative to its opponent and the perceived value of the disputed resource. Individuals of the hermit crab Calcinus californiensis frequently fight over gastropod shells. We conducted a free-choice experiment to assess the factors that determine individuals’ choice of opponent, contest initiation, and contest resolution. We placed hermit crabs occupying two shell species into a large container and monitored agonistic interactions between crabs. We assessed the asymmetries in fighting ability based on the differences in body mass between the opponents. The shell species and fit (i.e., shell size relative to crab body size) were used as measures of the objective and subjective resource value, respectively. Motivation influenced contest initiation; the crabs occupying too-tight shells were more likely to initiate a contest than the ones in looser-fitting shells. In most cases, the attackers fought for a shell with a looser fit, even if that meant losing a tighter-fitting shell of the preferred shell species. The fighting success for attackers was positively associated with the number of bouts of rapping and the shell size improvement. However, success was negatively correlated with body size asymmetry; attackers that chose opponents larger than themselves were more likely to evict their opponent than the attackers that chose opponents that were smaller. Experimental designs that allow animals to select their own opponents, rather than assigning specific opponents, can strongly contribute to knowledge of agonistic interactions.Significance statementFighting dynamics are commonly assessed by estimating the influence of the resource-holding potential and resource value in pair-matched opponents. Here, however, we examined the influence of asymmetries in resource-holding potential and the objective and subjective value of gastropod shells on the choice of a contender and contest resolution through a free-choice opponent experiment in hermit crabs. The contest initiation was driven by the motivation to obtain a better gastropod shell species or one with a better size fit—factors which are known to improve individual fitness. Furthermore, fighting success was associated with an individual's persistence in displaying aggressive behaviors and its motivation to obtain a better resource. However, contrary to the predictions of game theoretical models, fighting success was higher when attackers chose opponents larger than themselves. Our results highlight the relevance of assessing fighting under more natural conditions by allowing animals to select their opponents.

FlexibleFL: Mitigating poisoning attacks with contributions in cloud-edge federated learning systems

Cloud-edge architecture is an emerging technology that aims to meet the growing demands of intelligent applications. To address the issues of machine learning privacy leakages and benefiting from imbalanced data distribution, federated learning has been widely applied. Nevertheless, they present inherent vulnerabilities that make them vulnerable to poisoning attacks. Existing defense techniques are largely attack-rigid: they are designed to recognize client properties or model updates directly, aimed at specific attack scenarios or rules, but may not work well for critical feature patterns or flexible attack methods, mainly due to the potential influence of redundant features and model performance on defense. Yet few flexible defense methods have been developed. In this paper, we propose FlexibleFL, a flexible defense method against poisoning attacks in cloud-edge federated learning system (CEFL). The key idea of FlexibleFL is to evaluate the quality of uploaded model parameters and further determine the contribution of participants through an optimal threshold selection strategy. Based on these differences, FlexibleFL can thus implement penalties to potential attackers in a way that involves assigning the updated federated model. Extensive results demonstrate that our method has significant advantages in countering poisoning attacks in IID and Non-IID scenarios, and can effectively protect CEFL systems.

Combined association of abdominal obesity and depressive symptoms with risk of type 2 diabetes: A cohort study

ObjectiveTo explore the combined effect of abdominal obesity and depressive symptoms on the risk to type 2 diabetes, while also assessing the potential influence of various glycemic states and gender on this combined relationship. MethodsData is acquired from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, and 5949 participants were included for analysis. Participants were divided into four groups: neither have abdominal obesity nor depressive symptoms (AO−/DS−), only have depressive symptoms (AO−/DS+), only have abdominal obesity (AO+/DS−), and have both abdominal obesity and depressive symptoms (AO+/DS+). Stratified analyses differentiating the glycemic statuses and sex of the participants were also carried out. ResultsAfter adjusting for the confounders, the AO−/DS+, AO+/DS− and AO+/DS+ phenotypes were all discovered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.06–1.79; OR = 2.07, 95%CI: 1.63–2.63; OR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.83–3.11, respectively) compared with the AO−/DS− phenotype in the overall population. In further stratified analyses, we arrived at the same conclusion for normoglycemic individuals, especially in females. For prediabetes and males, the AO+/DS− and AO+/DS+ phenotypes are risk factors for type 2 diabetes compared with the AO−/DS− phenotype, but not with AO−/DS+. ConclusionRegardless of glycemic status and sex, the coexistence of abdominal obesity and depressive symptoms were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Depressive symptoms were independent risk factors for type 2 diabetes only in normoglycemic individuals and females.

Nutritional Interventions for the Prevention of Cognitive Decline in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease: Protocol for a Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage between cognitive decline due to physiological aging and the severity of decline seen in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease (AD), which is among the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. People with MCI are at increased risk of developing AD. Although MCI and AD are incurable, nutritional interventions can potentially delay or prevent their onset. Consequently, effective interventions used to decelerate or alleviate the progress of cognitive impairment in older people are a significant focus in geriatric care. Given the synergistic effects of nutrition on health, assessing the effectiveness of nutritional supplements or dietary composition in preventing MCI or AD is essential for developing interventional strategies. Our study aims to assess the effectiveness of various nutritional interventions, including special dietary types, dietary patterns, specific foods, nutritional intake, and nutritional supplements, in preventing cognitive decline among patients diagnosed with MCI or AD. To achieve this, we will use a comprehensive approach, including network meta-analysis, pairwise meta-analysis, and systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review will follow the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) model and the PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. Two investigators will independently search PubMed electronically. Data extraction will follow the inclusion criteria, and data will be assessed for risk of bias using a revised tool. Additionally, evidence quality will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. The outcomes of interest are assessing the cognitive outcomes in patients with MCI or AD. A systematic literature search will be conducted, identifying randomized controlled trials that investigate the impact of these nutritional interventions on cognitive function decline in individuals with MCI and AD. Network meta-analyses (random-effects model) and pairwise meta-analyses will then estimate the relative effectiveness of different nutritional interventions. We included 51 studies, published between 1999 and 2023 (27 studies for AD and 24 studies for MCI) and involving 8420 participants. We completed data extraction for all 51 studies by December 2023. Currently, we are actively engaged in data analysis and manuscript preparation. We plan to finalize the manuscript and publish the comprehensive results by the end of 2024. Our study holds significant clinical relevance given the rising prevalence of AD and the potential influence of nutritional interventions on cognitive function in individuals with MCI and AD. By investigating this relationship, our research aims to inform evidence-based decision-making in the development of prevention strategies for MCI and AD. The outcomes are expected to contribute to the establishment of reliable recommendations for MCI or AD management, providing substantial support in the field. PROSPERO CRD42022331173; http://tinyurl.com/3snjp7a4. PRR1-10.2196/47196.

The Influence Of Big Five Personality On Customer Satisfaction With Interpersonal Relationship Quality As A Mediating Variable Among Cooperative Facilitators In The West Kalimantan Province

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of Big Five Personality traits on customer satisfaction, with the quality of interpersonal relationships serving as a mediating variable among cooperative facilitators in West Kalimantan Province. This quantitative study utilized questionnaires for data collection and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS software for data analysis. It involved 41 cooperative assistants and 41 targeted cooperatives in West Kalimantan. Employing total sampling, the study aimed to analyze the impact of the Big Five Personality traits on customer satisfaction, with interpersonal relationship quality as a mediating variable among cooperative assistants in West Kalimantan.
 
 This study discovered that the quality of interpersonal relationships has a significant positive correlation with customer satisfaction, with personality dimensions such as Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness contributing positively. Although Openness to Experiences and Neuroticism did not demonstrate statistically significant relationships, this research underscores the importance of understanding the role of interpersonal relationship quality in the context of personality traits to enhance customer satisfaction. This study has significant limitations, including a sample size confined to cooperative assistants in West Kalimantan, reliance on quantitative methods with questionnaires, and the use of Smart PLS statistical software in SEM analysis. Other limitations encompass the potential influence of external factors not captured in the study and constraints in generalizing the results to other contexts. The research outcomes have tangible implications for business. Decision-makers can utilize these insights to enhance strategies and training initiatives, ultimately fostering positive customer experiences. This study examines the Big Five Personality traits. Consumer satisfaction is determined by the extent to which the benefits of a product or service align with consumer expectations. Interpersonal relationship quality mediates the relationship between Big Five Personality traits and consumer satisfaction.

Genomic revisitation and reclassification of the genus Providencia.

The Providencia genus, known to harbor opportunistic pathogens, has been a subject of interest due to its potential to cause severe infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Our research offers groundbreaking insights into this genus, unveiling a novel species, Providencia zhijiangensis sp. nov., and highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of existing classifications. Our comprehensive genomic assessment offers a detailed classification of 545 genomes into distinct species and lineages, revealing the rich biodiversity and intricate species diversity within the genus. The substantial presence of antibiotic-resistance genes in the Providencia genus underscores potential challenges for public health and clinical treatments. Our study highlights the pressing need for increased surveillance and research, enriching our understanding of antibiotic resistance in this realm.

Dynamic spatiotemporal changes of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soil and eggs of private gardens at different distances from a fluorochemical plant

Homegrown food serves as an important human exposure source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), yet little is known about their spatiotemporal distribution within and among private gardens. This knowledge is essential for more accurate site-specific risk assessment, identification of new sources and evaluating the effectiveness of regulations. The present study evaluated spatiotemporal changes of legacy and emerging PFAS in surface soil from vegetable gardens (N = 78) and chicken enclosures (N = 102), as well as in homegrown eggs (N = 134) of private gardens, across the Province of Antwerp (Belgium). Hereby, the potential influence of the wind orientation and distance towards a major fluorochemical plant was examined. The ∑short-chain PFAS and precursor concentrations were higher in vegetable garden soil (8.68 ng/g dry weight (dw)) compared to chicken enclosure soil (4.43 ng/g dw) and homegrown eggs (0.77 ng/g wet weight (ww)), while long-chain sulfonates and C11−14 carboxylates showed the opposite trend. Short-term (2018/2019–2022) changes were mostly absent in vegetable garden soil, while changes in chicken enclosure soils oriented S-SW nearby (<4 km) the fluorochemical plant were characterized by a local, high-concentration plume. Moreover, soil from chicken enclosures oriented SE and remotely from the plant site was characterized by a widespread, diffuse but relatively low-concentration plume. Long-term data (2010–2022) suggest that phaseout and regulatory measures have been effective, as PFOS concentrations nearby the fluorochemical plant in soil and eggs have declined from 25.8 to 2.86 ng/g dw and from 528 to 39.4 ng/g ww, respectively. However, PFOS and PFOA concentrations have remained largely stable within this timeframe in gardens remotely from the plant site, warranting further rapid regulation and remediation measures. Future monitoring efforts are needed to allow long-term comparison for multiple PFAS and better distinction from potential confounding variables, such as variable emission outputs and variability in wind patterns.

When stroke survivors' self-ratings are inconsistent with the ratings of others: a cohort study examining biopsychosocial factors associated with impaired self-awareness of functional abilities.

Background Stroke survivors' self-ratings of functional abilities are often inconsistent with ratings assigned by others (e.g. clinicians), a phenomenon referred to as 'impaired self-awareness' (ISA). There is limited knowledge of the biopsychosocial contributors and consequences of post-stroke ISA measured across the rehabilitation journey. This multi-site cohort study explored biopsychosocial correlates of ISA during subacute rehabilitation (inpatient) and at 4 months post-discharge (community-dwelling). Methods Forty-five subacute stroke survivors participated (Age M (s.d.) = 71.5 (15.6), 56% female), and 38 were successfully followed-up. Self-assessments were compared to those of an independent rater (occupational therapist, close other) to calculate ISA at both time points. Survivors and raters completed additional cognitive, psychological and functional measures. Results Multivariate regression (multiple outcomes) identified associations between ISA during inpatient admission and poorer outcomes at follow-up, including poorer functional cognition, participation restriction, caregiver burden, and close other depression and anxiety. Regression models applied cross-sectionally, including one intended for correlated predictors, indicated associations between ISA during inpatient admission and younger age, male sex, poorer functional cognition, poorer rehabilitation engagement and less frequent use of non-productive coping (adjusted R 2 = 0.60). ISA at community follow-up was associated with poorer functional cognition and close other anxiety (adjusted R 2 = 0.66). Conclusions Associations between ISA and poorer outcomes across the rehabilitation journey highlight the clinical importance of ISA and the value of assessment and management approaches that consider the potential influence of numerous biological and psychosocial factors on ISA. Future studies should use larger sample sizes to confirm these results and determine the causal mechanisms of these relationships.

Spectrophotometric determination of phenol impurity in phenoxyethanol and phenol index of drinking water and municipal wastewater effluent after salting-out assisted liquid phase microextraction (SA-LPME)

In this study, a novel and convenient analytical method based on salting-out-assisted liquid phase microextraction (SA-LPME) has been developed. A spectrophotometric technique was employed to quantify the concentration of phenol in drinking water and treated wastewater, as well as the phenol impurity in 2-phenoxyethanol (PE). To accomplish this, a solution containing dissolved PE was supplemented with 4-aminoantipyrine (4-AAP) and hexacyanoferrate. Subsequently, NaCl was added to induce the formation of a two-phase system, consisting of fine droplets of PE as an extractant phase in the aqueous phase. The resulting red derivative was then extracted into the extractant phase and separated through centrifugation. Finally, the absorbance of the extracted derivative was measured at 520 nm. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the influential factors, namely 4-Aminoantipyrine (4-AAP), buffer (pH = 10), hexacyanoferrate, and NaCl. By utilizing the optimal conditions (buffer: 50 μL, 4-AAP (1% w/v): 80 μL, hexacyanoferrate (10% w/v): 65 μL, and NaCl: 0.7 g per 10 mL of the sample), the limit of detection was determined to be 0.7 ng mL−1 and 0.22 μg g−1 for water and PE samples, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) and correlation of determination (r2) obtained fell within the range of 2.4–6.8% and 0.9983–0.9994, respectively. Moreover, an enrichment factor of 65 was achieved for a sample volume of 10 mL. The phenol concentration in two PE samples (PE-1, PE-2), provided by a pharmaceutical company (Pars Sadra Fanavar, Iran), were determined to be 0.83 ± 0.05 μg g−1 and 2.70 ± 0.14 μg g−1, respectively. Additionally, the phenol index in drinking water and treated municipal wastewater was found to be 3.60 ± 1.06 ng mL−1 and 4.60 ± 1.17 ng mL−1, respectively. These mentioned samples were spiked in order to evaluate the potential influence of the matrix. The relative recoveries from PE-1, PE-2 samples, drinking water, and treated municipal wastewater samples were measured as 104.5%, 97.5%, 101.6%, and 107.8%, respectively, indicating no matrix effect.

Influence of Electrode Potential on Oxygen Mobility Probed by Polarized Isotopic Exchange in Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cells: Insights for Electro‐Assisted Oxidation Reactions

AbstractOxygen mobility was studied by oxygen isotopic exchange on three electrodes used in Solid Oxide Electrolyser Cells under polarization (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3‐δ (LSCF) and La2NiO4+δ (LNO)). The rate of the surface and the bulk mechanisms for oxygen mobility is depending on the type of conductivity (electronic conduction or mixed ionic and electronic conductivity). It is shown that a one oxygen atom exchange is dominant for the surface path whereas a two oxygen atoms mechanism dominates for the bulk path. The rate constant for the bulk path is much higher than the one for the surface path by two orders of magnitude. Additionally, polarized oxygen isotopic exchange revealed that electrode overvoltage increases significantly the rate constant for the surface path, whereas its impact on the bulk path is negligible.

Diversifying computer science: An examination of the potential influences of women‐in‐computing groups

AbstractThe gender imbalance in computer science (CS) is one of the most challenging issues in American education. CS is the only science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field in which women's representation has steadily declined in recent decades. In this study, we explored one potential approach that could be effective in increasing college women's participation in CS: participation in Women‐in‐Computing (WiC) groups. Through participant observation and individual interviews in a WiC group at a major research university, we investigated how students engage in WiC, the impacts of the WiC on identity and belonging, and the challenge of sustainability. The results were coded using a hybrid of grounded and deductive coding and indicate that WiC groups offer various programs and events that enable women in CS to fully participate, learn, and grow. WiC represents an identity, a community, a safe space, and a journey. The results also suggest that the WiC has had positive impacts on students' identity and belonging, as evidenced by increased self‐efficacy, reduced imposter syndrome, and enhanced sense of belonging and community. Furthermore, we outline three strategies employed by the WiC to ensure the group's sustainability. Our study sheds light on how WiC can encourage women to enter and persist in CS, and on some of the characteristics of a successful WiC. We demonstrate that WiC may be potentially effective in diversifying CS through identity‐based participation. Moreover, student leaders design both the structure of the group and the leadership continuity process to ensure sustainability.

The immunobiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine responses: potential influences of cross-reactive memory responses and aging on efficacy and off-target effects.

Immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated vaccines have been highly variable within the general population. The increasing evidence of long-lasting symptoms after resolution of infection, called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or "Long COVID," suggests that immune-mediated mechanisms are at play. Closely related endemic common human coronaviruses (hCoV) can induce pre-existing and potentially cross-reactive immunity, which can then affect primary SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as vaccination responses. The influence of pre-existing immunity from these hCoVs, as well as responses generated from original CoV2 strains or vaccines on the development of new high-affinity responses to CoV2 antigenic viral variants, needs to be better understood given the need for continuous vaccine adaptation and application in the population. Due in part to thymic involution, normal aging is associated with reduced naïve T cell compartments and impaired primary antigen responsiveness, resulting in a reliance on the pre-existing cross-reactive memory cell pool which may be of lower affinity, restricted in diversity, or of shorter duration. These effects can also be mediated by the presence of down-regulatory anti-idiotype responses which also increase in aging. Given the tremendous heterogeneity of clinical data, utilization of preclinical models offers the greatest ability to assess immune responses under a controlled setting. These models should now involve prior antigen/viral exposure combined with incorporation of modifying factors such as age on immune responses and effects. This will also allow for mechanistic dissection and understanding of the different immune pathways involved in both SARS-CoV-2 pathogen and potential vaccine responses over time and how pre-existing memory responses, including potential anti-idiotype responses, can affect efficacy as well as potential off-target effects in different tissues as well as modeling PASC.

‘There’s a huge hole left in the middle of the family’: locating family practices within the context of (sibling) bereavement

Family life is permanently and irrevocably changed by death, requiring those bereaved to adopt new ways of ‘doing’ family. Drawing on data from a qualitative study of sibling bereavement experiences, this article demonstrates that death can retain a powerful presence for the living, shaping the way that family members relate to one another. It is argued that bereavement can influence the establishment, and enactment, of family practices, thus highlighting that family practices can be subtly couched in the context of bereavement. This article expands Morgan’s concept of family practices in a direction that has yet to be explored. It will conclude that sociologists can learn more about the dynamic intricacies of family life by recognising the potential influence of death and bereavement on the way that relationships are navigated and negotiated over time.

Translating interdisciplinary knowledge for gender equity: Quantifying the impact of NSF ADVANCE

AbstractBackgroundInterdisciplinarity is often hailed as a necessity for tackling real‐world challenges. We examine the prevalence and impact of interdisciplinarity in the NSF ADVANCE program, which addresses gender equity in STEM.MethodsThrough a quantitative analysis of authorship, references, and citations in ADVANCE publications, we compare the interdisciplinarity of knowledge produced within the program to traditional disciplinary knowledge. We use Simpon's Diversity Index to test for differences across disciplines, and we use negative binomial regression to capture the potential influences of interdisciplinarity on the long‐term impact of ADVANCE publications.ResultsADVANCE publications exhibit higher levels of interdisciplinarity across three dimensions of knowledge integration, and cross‐disciplinary ties within ADVANCE successfully integrate social science knowledge into diverse disciplines. Additionally, the interdisciplinarity of publication references positively influences the impact of ADVANCE work, while the interdisciplinarity of authorship teams does not.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the significance of interdisciplinarity in problem‐oriented knowledge production, indicating that specific forms of interdisciplinarity can lead to broader impact. By shedding light on the interplay between interdisciplinary approaches, disciplinary structures, and academic recognition, this article contributes to programmatic design to generate impactful problem‐solving knowledge that also adds to the academic community.

Global change alters coastal plankton food webs by promoting the microbial loop: An inverse modelling and network analysis approach on a mesocosm experiment

Marine organisms are currently, and will continue to be, exposed to the simultaneous effects of multiple environmental changes. Plankton organisms form the base of pelagic marine food webs and are particularly sensitive to ecosystem changes. Thus, warming, acidification, and changes in dissolved nutrient concentrations have the potential to alter these assemblages, with consequences for the entire ecosystem. Despite the growing number of studies addressing the potential influence of multiple drivers on plankton, global change may also cause less obvious alterations to the networks of interactions among species. Using inverse analyses applied to data collected during a mesocosm experiment, we aimed to compare the ecological functioning of coastal plankton assemblages and the interactions within their food web under different global change scenarios. The experimental treatments were based on the RCP 6.0 and 8.5 scenarios developed by the IPCC, which were extended (ERCP) to integrate the future predicted changes in coastal water nutrient concentrations. Overall, we identified that the functioning of the plankton food web was rather similar in the Ambient and ERCP 6.0 scenarios, but substantially altered in the ERCP 8.5 scenario. Using food web modelling and ecological network analysis, we identified that global change strengthens the microbial loop, with a decrease of energy transfer efficiency to higher trophic levels. Microzooplankton responded as well by an increased degree of herbivory in their diet and represented, compared to mesozooplankton, by far the main top-down pressure on primary producers. We also observed that the organisation of the food web and its capacity to recycle carbon was higher under the ERCP 8.5 scenario, but flow diversity and carbon path length were significantly reduced, illustrating an increased food web stability at the expense of diversity. Here, we provide evidence that if global change goes beyond the ERCP 6.0 scenario, coastal ecosystem functioning will be subjected to dramatic changes.

Female adolescents' early life stress and body mass index: Differential effects of anger and anxiety in response to rejection.

Early life stress is linked to childhood obesity. As children enter adolescence, early life stress may be associated with increased rejection sensitivity, resulting in activation of behavioral and physiological changes that contribute to higher body mass index (BMI). Understanding the potential influence of rejection sensitivity on the association between early life stress and BMI is important to examine in female adolescents. For this secondary data analysis, we hypothesized that female adolescents with greater early life stress and greater rejection sensitivity would exhibit higher BMI-for-age 12 months later. Seventy-eight adolescents (Mage = 13.1 years; 100% female sex; MBMI = 23.2 kg/m2) in the United States completed study procedures from 2012 to 2016. Among these procedures, the Psychosocial Schedule was used to assess cumulative early life stress and the Children's Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to assess anger and anxiety in response to rejection. Twelve months later, height and weight were measured to derive BMI-for-age. Higher early life stress was associated with higher BMI-for-age among female adolescents with low rejection-provoked anger (1 SD below the mean). However, this association was not observed among female adolescents with high rejection-provoked anger (1 SD above the mean). Finally, there was no significant interaction between early life stress and rejection-provoked anxiety in predicting BMI-for-age. Experiencing early life stress may interact with rejection-provoked anger, but not anxiety, to predict BMI-for-age. Findings inform a developmental perspective of how rejection sensitivity may influence the association between early life stress and early cardiometabolic risk.

Autoantibody profiles in intravenous immunoglobulin preparations: A possible cause of mistaken autoimmunity diagnosis.

Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIgs) derived from the pooled plasma of thousands of donors contain numerous types of IgG molecules, including autoantibodies commonly used to diagnose autoimmunity. While these autoantibodies can cause misinterpretation of serological tests for IVIg recipients, their profiles in IVIg preparations are not fully understood. Using binding-capability based immune assays, we measured 18 varieties of clinically relevant autoantibodies in domestic blood donor-derived IVIg products. In addition, we analyzed an IVIg product from a US brand to evaluate the influence of regional and racial differences. Based on the determined autoantibody titers, pharmacokinetics of passively acquired autoantibodies and their possible detection period in serum were estimated. Anti-thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-thyroidperoxidase (TPO), and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome-related antigen A (SS-A) antibodies were present in considerable amounts in IVIg products. Notably, these three autoantibodies can be detected in IVIg recipients' sera for up to 3 months after infusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyzed multiple autoantibody profiles in both pooled plasma and IVIg products and that further evaluated their potential influences on diagnosis of autoimmunity. Clinicians should keep in mind that IVIgs contain several autoantibodies and that their infusion can produce false-positive serology results. To establish an accurate diagnosis, serological tests must be carefully interpreted and clinical symptoms should be more purposefully considered if patients are receiving IVIg therapy.