bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Various phenomena related to the revilement of kitsch
Authors: Bozovic Ratko
Published: July 2008

The author is interested in the phenomena of kitsch that can be found in various dimensions of modern life. The question that can be asked nowadays is: ?Is there any segment of modern life without kitsch?? We could say that there is not only a phenomenon of the kitsch-subject but also of the kitsch-object that entered modern society. Kitsch-subject is often defined as a person who sees the value as in a kitschy way. That person usually thinks that a work of art is of the same value as an expensive car or Persian carpet and buys these objects in order to gain in reputation. So he(she) usually decides to decorate his house and office with a lot of expensive paintings, books and furniture. In that way the kitsch-subject becomes a kitsch-object because he becomes a victim and a ?slave? of all these objects. It is well-known that even the greatest authors sometimes create for the masses of people and add to the works some segments in order to make people buy the objects they made. So, the author is trying to point out that kitsch is a very common phenomenon that can be displayed in many different ways.
Distinguishing "anti-Judaism" from "anti-Semitism": Recent championing of Serbian Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovic
Authors: Byford Jovan
Published: July 2008

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the continuity in the ideology of the Eastern European far right has been apparent in the extent to which the restoration of right-wing ideas was accompanied with widespread rewriting of history and the rehabilitation of contentious historical figures, many of whom, 40 years earlier, had attained notoriety for their antisemitism and fascist and pro-Nazi leanings. This article examines a specific example of postcommunist revisionism in Serbian society. The principal aim of the article is to explore the rhetoric of Bishop Nikolaj Velimirovic (1880 - 1956), a controversial Serbian Orthodox Christian philosopher whose writing includes overtly antisemitic passages, and elucidate the strategies that his supporters have been deploying to promote him and maintain his popularity while countering objections of antisemitism. The paper focuses on the way in which the controversy surrounding Velimirovic?s antisemitism was managed around the time of his formal canonisation in May 2003. The author argues that unlike the Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian denominations, eastern churches, including the Serbian Orthodox Church, have as yet not formally addressed from a doctrinal or ecclesiological perspective the problem of Christian antisemitism. Due to the unwavering traditionalism justifications and denials of antisemitism must be constructed in such a way that they present the bishop?s views as consistent with the prevailing secular norms of ethnic tolerance.
Bayreuth circle and the struggle for the new German faith
Authors: Molnar Aleksandar
Published: July 2008

In the article the author is depicting Bayreuth Circle as a social group of radical right-wing German intellectuals, who were trying not only to propagate and disseminate nationalist and anti-Semite ideas of controversial composer and thinker Richard Wagner, but also to produce substantial changes into the social reality of Second German Reich and Weimar Republic as well. Author's intention is to stress the straight of the mixture of art (mainly music) and ideology, which enabled the members of Bayreuth Circle to be extremely successful in their efforts to "regenerate" the "deceased" German nation and, prospectively, the whole world.
Typologies of social deviance in Serbian theoretical thought
Authors: Jugovic Aleksandar
Published: July 2008

The article analyzes the typologies of forms of social deviance created by Serbian theoreticians. The descriptive-critical method is applied in analyzing five important theoretical concepts and their underlying similarities and differences. The notion of social pathology itself is also discussed.
"Impairment", "disability", "handicap": Ideology of the language of deficit
Authors: Ljubenovic Misa
Published: July 2008

The almost absolute dominance of the medical (biological, clinical) model of disability in our science and research practice dealing with disability is a very serious obstacle to the reform of social welfare and educational institutions. Hence it deserves to be subjected to thoroughgoing criticism. The view that terms are mere names for objective substances independent of the researcher is prevalent, and it essentialises the systems of classification. The translation of the author?s mental constructs into the status of physical substances is mediated by the common sociopolitical and ideological framework of the society in which he or she works. The whole process is hidden behind increasingly complicated methodological procedures providing the illusion of scientific objectivity. Various postparadigmatic movements in social and human science rightly point to the role of language/discourse in reflections of reality. This article proceeds from the assumption that hegemony, oppression and power relations are woven into attractive forms of narration by means of which the scientists (unconsciously) legitimize status hierarchy and material inequality, which is particularly evident in a kind of human diversity that is usually ascribed the attribute of disability. We should search for the way out by merging "top-down reform" - a demedicalization of the current disability concept and the corresponding terminological apparatus - with "bottom-up reform" - fundamental changes in society itself through political action.
Role and importance of leadership in the conditions of global business
Authors: Aleksic Ana
Published: July 2008

The paper discusses features of leaders and leadership in global enterprises. The key hypothesis is that in times of globalization a different approach to leadership is necessary than the one proposed by the traditional leadership theory. The paper also indicates some techniques for the management of global enterprises to promote and incite the development of global leadership.
Researching social aspects of urban neighborhood: Reflections of professionals in New Belgrade
Authors: Petrovic Mina
Published: July 2008

Firstly, the paper aims to present basic analytical concepts in researching social aspects of urban neighborhoods: community, social cohesion, social capital, as well as relationship between physical and social structures within the neighborhood. Secondly, the paper presents empirical research that explores if there is a process of differentiation in the perception of neighborhood among professionals living in the neighborhoods exposed to significant changes in social and urban structures. By employing a qualitative methodology, based on interviews with 40 professionals in two types of neighborhoods (one exposed to social filtration and the other to the process of gentrification), the study reveals that neighborhood as a community prevails in all localities, that the neighborhood as a commodity develops more distinctively in better quality neighborhoods while the perception of neighborhood as a negative context (social and physical) emerges in lower quality neighborhoods. The importance of network support and reciprocity appeared equally developed in both residential areas enhancing the sense of belonging to the neighborhood. The greatest difference was documented in respondents' safety perception primarily due to differences in neighborhoods' social context (crime, drug abuse and people from the margins in the lower quality area). Spatial characteristics influenced the perceived level of safety too (better equipment and security of buildings in the higher quality area). Social capital understood as potential resource that can be mobilized through intermediate institutions is generally low, without differences between the observed areas. It is visible in the tendency among all respondents to employ primarily the private sector in solving neighborhood problems instead of demanding institutional support, as well as in preferring the payment of services to participation in neighborhood activities.
Free time, play and game
Authors: Bozovic Ratko
Published: July 2008

Free time and play are mutually dependent categories that are always realized together. We either play because we have free time or we have free time because we play (E. Fink). Play, no matter whether it is children's or artistic play or a spontaneous sports game (excluding professional sports) most fully complements human existence and thereby realizes free time as a time in freedom and freedom of time. Therefore, free time exists and is most prominent in play. Moreover, one game releases its creative power and effort through another one, especially through games of leisurely character. The means that free time is realized through games and vice versa. That, first of all, happens by a realization of freedom through a game in a free creative act, but also through an entertaining as well as leisurely play.
Geochemistry of iron in soils of Vojvodina, Sumadija and Northern Pomoravlje
Authors: Kostic Nikola , Dangic Adam , Jakovljevic Miodrag
Published: July 2008

Iron is one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust and it is fourth on the list of abundance after oxygen, silicon and aluminum. It plays an important role in the biosphere. In plants it is necessary for the formation of chlorophyll, while in animals it acts in transferring oxygen from air or water to animal tissue. During a large-scale sample collection a regular orthogonal 10x10 km grid has been used to avoid bias in site location. From the set of about 3000 samples from Vojvodina, Sumadija and Northern Pomoravlje, a selection of samples (from the arable layer 0-25 cm) has been taken to represent the most important soil types. Total iron content has been determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method (AAS). The soil samples have also been assayed for metal on a phase-specific basis following procedures according to the EC protocol Spatial distribution of iron content over the investigated area has been presented in a pedogeochemical map. The presented results have shown a wide range of iron contents, from 0.73 to 10.86% Fe. Statistical analysis of the results obtained from 103 samples has shown an average value of 4.06% Fe with the standard deviation of 1.682 and the coefficient of variation of 41.49%. Iron contents lower than 2.10% have been found in 4.32% of the samples, medium and average values (2.10-4.97% Fe) have been found in 55% of the samples, values higher then the average have been found in 26.3% of the samples and the contents higher than 7.86% have been found in 13.96% of the samples. Arenosols and rigosols developed on aeolian sands have shown the lowest levels of total iron, from 0.73 to 1.82% Fe. On the other side ranker developed on serpentinite has shown maximum contents, between 8.53 and 10.86% Fe. Soils developed either on loess or tertiary clay parent rocks (halomorphic soils, some marshy humogleys and vertisols) have shown a wider range of results (1.33-4.65% Fe) with a shift of results towards average values. The majority of the investigated soils that have fallen within the group between 3.00 and 4.96% Fe were represented by pseudogley, eugley luvisol, fluvisol, eutric cambisol, ranker and rendzina. Semigley and chernozem have shown a wider range of distribution of results, from 2.18 to 7.72% Fe.Generally, the analyzed soils have shown lower average results compared with the available literature data. Chemical speciation has shown that an average iron content of 84.24%, with the range from 70 to 92%, was primarily associated with residual forms bound to the silicate lithogenic fraction. An average of 12.69%, with the range from 6 to 26%, has been found as Fe-Mn-oxide/hydroxide fraction. Organic-matter-bound iron (1-9%) and exchangeable and carbonate-bound iron (0.09-1.92%) have been present to a lesser extent.
Genotypic variability of morphological characteristics of English oak (Quercus robur L) acorn
Authors: Nikolic Natasa , Orlovic Sasa
Published: July 2008

This paper deals with the acorn morphology (length, diameter and mass) analyzed in seventeen English oak genotypes (Quercus robur L)from the English Oak Clonal Seed Orchard Banov Brod (Srem,Vojvodina). The highest values of acorn mass and length were measured in genotype 5. The largest diameters were measured in genotypes 6 and 21. Genotype 35 had the lowest acorn mass, length and diameter. The results from this study should serve as guidelines for the selection of trees yielding fruits possessing the desirable morphological characteristics.
A comparative analysis of stomata and leaf trichome characteristics in Quercus robur L. genotypes
Authors: Nikolic Natasa , Merkulov Ljiljana , Krstic Borivoj , Orlovic Sasa
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to determine genotype variability of leaf trichome and stoma characteristics. Leaves were sampled from seventeen pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L) genotypes originating from clonal seed orchard Banov Brod (Srem, the Vojvodina Province). The pedunculate oak has hypostomatal leaves. Statistically significant differences were found for the dimensions and density of stomata. Genotype variability of stomatal dimensions was less pronounced in comparison with their density (CV = 8.88%). Stomata number ranged from 530 to 791 per mm2 of leaf area; genotypes 18 and 25 could be distinguished from the others for the highest stomata number per leaf unit area, genotype 35 for the lowest number. In all genotypes, only solitary eglandular trichomes were observed on the adaxial leaf surface while both solitary eglandular and uniseriate glandular hairs were present on the abaxial surface. Single glandular trichomes were observed in all genotypes, while some of them were characterized by the presence of two (genotypes 4, 5, 6, 16, 22, 25, 28, 29, 30, 35, 38, 40, and 85) or three (genotypes 16, 25, 35) hairs joined by their basal cells.
Genetic differentiation between conspecific populations of Merodon avidus A (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Authors: Milankov Vesna , Ludoski Jasmina , Vujic Ante
Published: July 2008

Allozyme variability of populations of Merodon avidus A (M i l a n - k o v et al., 2001) from Dubasnica Mountain (Serbia), Morinj Bay (Montenegro) and Pindos Mountain (Greece) was analysed. The influence of gene flow on genetic differentiation among populations from the three biogeographical regions was also investigated. Genetic differentiaiton quantified by the Fst value, which is an inverse function of gene flow between populations, seemed to be correlated to both geographic and genetic distance (D, N e i, 1978), Namely in the population pairs Morinj - Dubasnica (253 km air distance), Morinj - Pindos (390km air distance) genetic differentiation and genetic distance increased with the geographic distance (Fst = 0.133, D = 0.022 and Fst = 0.309, D = 0.052, respectively). The exception was the population pair Dubasnica - Pindos (500 km air distance), where a lower degree of genetic differentiation was observed (Fst = 0.266; D = 0.047) than was expected based solely on the geographic distance. Results of this study suggest that that genetic differentiation among conspecific populations depends not only on the number of migrants (i. e. gene flow), but also on different selection pressure in different habits.
Antifungal activity of essential oil Hyssopus officinalis L. against micopathogen Mycogone perniciosa (Mang)
Authors: Glamoclija Jasmina , Sokovic Marina , Vukojevic Jelena , Milenkovic Ivanka , Brkic Dejan , Van Griensven
Published: July 2008

The most commonly cultivated mushroom species is the Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb). One of the major pathogenic diseases of the cultivated mushroom in Serbia is Mycogone perniciosa (Mang). Biological control systems are not much used in mushroom cultivation. Medical and aromatic plants have been placed in the focus of intense studies. Pure culture of the M. perniciosa was isolated from infected A. bisporus. The essential oil of Hyssopus officinalis L. is used as a potential antifungal agent. The most abundant components in oil are isopinocamphone (43.29%), pinocamphone (16.79%) and b-pinene (16.31%). Antifungal activity of Hyssop was investigated by the modified microatmosphere method. The minimal inhibitory quantity was 5 ?L/mL and a minimal fungicidal quantity was 15-20 ?L/mL. There is no report on the use of Hyssop essential oil in mushroom disease.
Researches on wood-destroying fungi division Ascomycota, classis Ascomycetes
Authors: Pavlidis Teoharis , Ilieva Milena , Bencheva Sonja , Stancheva Jordanka
Published: July 2008

Orchards aging and agrotechnical cares reduction have led to suitable development conditions of a large number of wood-destroying fungi that had never been a problem for the intensive fruit growing. This caused the necessity of their study in the main orchard regions of our country. The research was conducted from 2003 to 2005 on the basis of expeditionary-geographical method. Twelve species of wood destroying Ascomycota fungi have been identified. Both their parasitic activity degree and phylogenetic and ontogenetic specialization level have been defined. Species with mutual hosts - fruit or forest trees have been found. That fact makes possible the infection accumulation and transfer from forest to agricultural ecosystems which is of considerable importance for the mountain fruit growing.
Moulds on paintings
Authors: Vukojevic Jelena , Ljaljevic-Grbic Milica
Published: July 2008

Spores of many fungal species are present in the air. It is known that main reasons of fungal expansion in museums are inadequate relative humidity, and temperature. Regulation of these two factors can control the germination and development of moulds spores. Isolation and determination of micromycetes from objects which are exhibited and deposited in Museum of Naive Art "Ilijanum" and in the gallery "Sava Sumanovic" in Sid were done. It was analyzed 40 samples from canvas, dyes and wooden frames with visual changes. Many species of genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium Drechslera, Epicoccum, Penicillium; Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Ulocladium, and Wardomyces were isolated and determined.
Characteristics and importance of the genus Prototheca in human and veterinary medicine
Authors: Milanov Dubravka , Suvajdzic Ljiljana
Published: July 2008

Prototheca spp. are strange algae, assigned to the genus Prototheca, family Chlorelaceae. They are ubiquitous in nature, living predominantly in aqueous locales containing decomposing plant material. Prototheca spp. were isolated from skin scarificates, sputum and feces of humans in absence of infection as well as in a variety of domestic and some wild animals. Prototheca spp. are unicellular organisms, oval or spheric in shape. They differ from bacteria and fungi in size, shape and reproductive characteristics. Of the five known species of the genus, only P. wickerhamii and P. zopfii are considered pathogenic, and they are the only known plant causative agents of human and animal infections. Over the past 25 years medical references reported more than 100 cases of human protothecoses, mostly induced by P. wickerhamii and rarely by P. zopfii. A half of the reports on human protothecoses relates to localized cutaneous infections and oleocranon bursitis. The rarest and most severe form of the infection is disseminated or systemic protothecosis, described in patients with durable course of primary disease or immune disfunction. In veterinary medicine, Prototheca zopfii and rarely also P. wickerhamii are reported as causative agents of cutaneous protothecosis in dogs and cats, systemic protothecosis in dogs and mastitis in dairy cows. Protothecal infections are diagnosed by histopathology examination or, more exactly, by isolation of the agent, although the organism cannot be distinguished from the yeasts by its cultural characteristics. Final diagnosis is made by the carbon-hydrate assimilation test. Protothecal infections are easily missed in routine practice. Pharmacological protocol for therapy of this rare infection has not been developed yet either in human or in veterinary medicine. Several antifungal agents are applied for treatment; however, the effects are variable. Where possible, surgical excision is treatment of choice. Prognosis is promising in patients with localized infection, and healing is often achieved. Prognosis is less predictable, mostly bad, in patients with other diseases and in immunocompromized patients. Sensitivity of Prototheca spp. in vitro does not necessarily correlate with its efficacy in vivo.
Seasonal variation in nutrition of chub (Leuciscus cephalus L., Cyprinidae, Osteichthyes) in one reservoir of West Serbia
Authors: Markovic Goran , Simic Vladica , Ostojic Aleksandar , Simic Snezana
Published: July 2008

Leuciscus cephalus L. is abundantly present fish species in the Balkan freshwaters, which indicates a good adaptation to the environmental conditions existing in the most of reservoirs. The fish species is abundant in the Medjuvrsje reservoir situated on the Zapadna Morava river (West Serbia, the Danube basin) as the only predator found here. In the period from 1996 to 2002, the intestinal content of 88 individuals of different age was analyzed. The zoophytophage character of diet was found to be largely shared with plant components all the year round. The differences in the trophic spectrum over the various seasons existed between the individuals of different age with high individual variations being found, too.
Zearalenone production during micro-malting of barley
Authors: Kocic-Tanackov Suncica , Skrinjar Marija , Grujic Olgica , Pejin Jelena
Published: July 2008

The zearalenone (ZEA) content was determined during a micro-malting process (after steeping, germination, kilning and degermination, as well as in barley samples before micro-malting process) of two winter two-rowed barley samples, grown at Kragujevac location. In all phases of micro-malting isolation and determination of Fusarium spp. were performed. It was established that barley samples, before malting, were contaminated with zearalenone (barley sample 1-9.7 ?g/kg, barley sample 2-9.2 ?g/kg). The following Fusarium spp. were isolated: F. avenaceoum, F. culmorum, F. poae F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum and F. verticillioides. In both barley samples zearalenone content increased during steeping (86.5 ?g/kg and 37.4 ?g/kg), decreased during germination (12.5 ?g/kg and 26.8 ?g/kg), and increased after kilning (62.9 ?g/kg and 71.2 ?g/kg). In the finished malt the zearalenone content in sample 1 was 35.7 ?g/kg dry matter, and in sample 2 was 17.8 ?g/kg dry matter.
Morpho-physiological characteristics and interactions of isolates of Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr
Authors: Glamoclija Jasmina , Sokovic Marina , Ljaljevic-Grbic Milica , Vukojevic Jelena , Milenkovic Ivanka , van Griensven
Published: July 2008

Mycogone perniciosa (Magnus) Delacr., which causes wet bubble disease of Agaricus bisporus Lange (Imb), results in a considerable crop loss on mushroom farms in Serbia. The isolation and identification of five isolates of M. perniciosa from diseased fruit bodies of white button mushroom from mushroom units in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Holland were made. Morpho-physiological characteristics and inter-relationships of the obtained isolates were studied. Macroscopic and microscopic investigations of different zones between colonies of the isolates of M. perniciosa revealed the phenomenon of the hyphal interference between different isolates. The obtained results suggest that hyphal interference could serve as an additional parameter for a more reliable determination of fungal specifity.
2008 Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture—The Centrality of Culture to the Scientific Study of Learning and Development: How an Ecological Framework in Education Research Facilitates Civic Responsibility
Authors: Lee Carol D.
Published: July 2008

This article was presented as the 2008 Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association in New York City. It argues that, to generate robust and generative theories of human learning and development, researchers must address the range of diversity within human cultural communities. The argument is warranted on implications from brain science regarding human adaptability and on core findings with regard to relations between cognition, perceptions, and emotions, all influenced by broad ecological contexts that influence human functioning. Implications for education are discussed, with examples of research that address fundamental questions of learning through examinations of practices within communities of color.
The ‘Most Splendid Pageant Ever Seen’: Grandeur, the Domestic, and Condescension in Lord Durham's Political Theatre
Authors: Curtis Bruce
Published: July 2008

This article offers a thematic analysis of the performance of grandeur and the workings of the domestic domain in the Durham mission, framed by literatures on manners, morals, and symbolic politics. During his governor-generalship, Lord Durham brought a regal grandeur to bear on British North American politics that was sustained by a large entourage and performed at dinners, balls, banquets, receptions, and through public addresses, as well as in Durham's own domestic circle. In his relations with colonists, Durham frequently adopted a strategy of comportment – condescension – available only to the great. This same strategy appeared in the analyses of colonial cultural and political conditions that were offered by him and by members of his entourage. Drawing on the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu, and taking up the emphasis on the importance of the domestic in post-colonial studies, the author seeks to elucidate some neglected aspects of the Durham Mission.
“We Only Own the Hours”: Discontinuity of Care in the British Columbia Home Support System
Authors: Sharman Zena , McLaren Arlene Tigar , Cohen Marcy , Ostry Aleck
Published: July 2008

Le présent article utilise le concept de continuité des soins pour examiner les effets de la structuration du système de santé sur les travailleurs et le personnel du programme de soutien à domicile de la Colombie-Britannique (C.-B.). Ce programme dessert principalement les personnes âgée fragiles vivant dans la pauvreté, et il permet d'obtenir de l'aide pour des tâches comme le bain, l'habillement, et la toilette, et offre aussi un soutien social et relationnel spécial aux clients isolés. En présentant des données qualitatives tirées de groupes de discussion et d'entrevues avec des personnes assignées au soutien à domicile et des clients de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver, nous indiquons comment la précarisation et l'intensification du travail, dans un contexte d'un niveau accru d'acuité et de complexité des besoins des clients, ont réduit la continuité et la qualité des soins. Le présent article parle de la façon dont la restructuration du secteur du soutien à domicile en Colombie-Britannique a réduit le nombre total de personnes bénéficiant de soins dans le cadre du système, perturbé la continuité des soins, et compromis la qualité.
Phyllotactic pattern is altered in the transition to flowering in the early ears of Zea mays landrace chapalote (Poaceae)
Authors: Sundberg Marshall D. , Orr Alan R. , Pizzolato Thompson D.
Published: July 2008

The origin of polystichy in the maize ear and central tassel spike continues to challenge our understanding of evolution in this important crop species. In this paper we tested the hypothesis that the change in phyllotaxy occurs in the region of husk leaf production before the transition to reproductive growth. Young ear or presumptive ear primordia were dissected to examine the transition from distichous husk leaves below the ear through spiral phyllotaxy to the polystichous arrangement of spikelet pair primordia in the young ear. Serial transverse sections were used to document the thickness of successive disks of insertion of lateral primordia and to reconstruct the path of procambial differentiation. The transition in phyllotaxy, though variable, typically occurs in the vegetative zone and is associated with periodic heterogeneity in the thickness of leaf bases and a delay in the development of waves of procambial differentiation into the base of the young ear.
Functional groups of rare plants differ in levels of imperilment
Authors: Farnsworth Elizabeth J. , Ogurcak Danielle E.
Published: July 2008

Comparative examination of a large sample of plant species can reveal important aspects of life history that influence the ecology and distribution of taxa and their vulnerability to local extinction. We investigated whether functional groups of 71 rare plant species with contrasting life history traits differed in terms of population losses over time, regional range contraction, and range‐wide levels of imperilment. Using town‐level occurrence data from herbaria and Natural Heritage Program databases, we characterized species’ extents of occurrence as α‐hulls encompassing the centroids of New England towns that contained well‐documented populations of these rare taxa. Family affiliation was used as a covariate in analyses to reduce phylogenetic bias. Disparate functional groups of plants differed both in proportions of populations lost and declines in range areas over time, with insect‐pollinated taxa, upland (vs. wetland) taxa, species with localized seed dispersal modes, and taxa reaching their northern range boundary in New England significantly more imperiled than other functional groups. These techniques permit a broad comparative assessment of the distribution of large numbers of plant taxa, so that we can identify several functional groups that warrant more concerted conservation attention.
Flower morphology and pollinator dynamics in Solanum carolinense (Solanaceae): implications for the evolution of andromonoecy
Authors: Quesada‐Aguilar Andrea , Kalisz Susan , Ashman Tia‐Lynn
Published: July 2008

Flower morphology and pollinator dynamics play an important role in the evolution and maintenance of many breeding systems, including andromonoecy. We used a series of field experiments to test the functional relationship between flower morphology and pollination dynamics (e.g., pollen receipt and export) in Solanum carolinense. We find that long‐styled flowers serve primarily as pollen recipients and short‐styled flowers as pollen donors, making this the first study to support the male–female interference hypothesis for the evolution of andromonoecy. However, this difference in the primary male or female function of the flowers depends on the pollinator identity. In flowers visited by Bombus impatiens, style length has a positive relationship with pollen deposition and a negative relationship with pollen removal. In contrast, neither morphological nor behavioral traits determine pollen deposition or removal by small halictid bees. We demonstrate that different pollinators could select for different floral morphologies, and thus, our research suggests that pollinator‐specific interactions with flower morphology play an important role in the evolution and maintenance of anrdromonoecy.
Including Pregnant and Lactating Women in Clinical Research
Authors: Riley Margaret Foster
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint summarizes a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that encourages the inclusion of pregnant and lactating individuals in clinical research.
Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia
Authors: Penha Mariana Alvares , Miot Hélio Amante , Kasprzak Michal , Müller Ramos Paulo
Published: April 2024

Importance

There has been increased interest in low-dose oral minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treatment. However, the efficacy of oral minoxidil for male AGA is yet to be evaluated in comparative therapeutic trials.

Objective

To compare the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of daily oral minoxidil, 5 mg, vs twice-daily topical minoxidil, 5%, for 24 weeks in the treatment of male AGA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted at a single specialized clinic in Brazil. Eligible men with AGA aged 18 to 55 years classified using the Norwood-Hamilton scale as 3V, 4V, or 5V were included and randomized. Data were collected from January to December 2021, and data were analyzed from September 2022 to February 2023.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 into 2 groups: oral minoxidil, 5 mg, daily and topical placebo solution; or 1 mL of topical minoxidil, 5%, twice daily and oral placebo for 24 weeks.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change in terminal hair density on the frontal and vertex regions of the scalp. The secondary outcomes were change in total hair density and photographic evaluation.

Results

Among 90 enrolled participants, 68 completed the study; of these, the mean (SD) age was 36.6 (7.8) years. A total of 33 participants were enrolled in the oral minoxidil group and 35 in the topical treatment group. Both groups were homogenous in terms of demographic data and AGA severity. For the frontal area, the mean change from baseline to week 24 between groups was 3.1 hairs per cm2 (95% CI, −18.2 to 21.5; P = .27) for terminal hair density and 2.6 hairs per cm2 (95% CI, −10.3 to 15.8; P = .32) for total hair density. For the vertex area, the mean change from baseline to week 24 was 23.4 hairs per cm2 (95% CI, −0.3 to 43.0; P = .09) for terminal density and 5.5 hairs per cm2 (95% CI, −12.5 to 23.5; P = .32) for total hair density. According to the photographic analysis, oral minoxidil was superior to topical minoxidil on the vertex (24%; 95% CI, 0 to 48; P = .04) but not on the frontal scalp (12%; 95% CI, −12 to 36; P = .24). The most common adverse effects in the oral minoxidil group were hypertrichosis (22 of 45 [49%]) and headache (6 of 45 [14%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, oral minoxidil, 5 mg, once per day for 24 weeks did not demonstrate superiority over topical minoxidil, 5%, twice per day in men with AGA.

Trial Registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: RBR-252w9r
Health Insurance Mandates for Nonpharmacological Pain Treatments in 7 US States
Authors: Onstott Taylor Nadine , Hurst Samantha , Kronick Richard , Tsou An-Chi , Groessl Erik , McMenamin Sara B.
Published: April 2024

This cross-sectional study examines the extent to which states have introduced or enacted mandates for coverage of nonpharmacological pain treatments and characterizes the variation in such mandates.
Acute Adverse Effects of Therapeutic Doses of Psilocybin
Authors: Yerubandi Akhila , Thomas Jennifer E. , Bhuiya N. M. Mahmudul Alam , Harrington Catherine , Villa Zapata Lorenzo , Caballero Joshua
Published: April 2024

Importance

Psilocybin has been studied in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Clinical studies have mainly focused on efficacy, with systematic reviews showing favorable efficacy; however, none have primarily focused on psilocybin safety.

Objective

To evaluate the acute adverse effects of psilocybin at therapeutic doses in the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Data Sources

MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for publications available between 1966 and November 30, 2023.

Study Selection

Randomized, double-blind clinical trials that reported adverse effects of psilocybin in patients treated for depression and anxiety were screened.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were independently extracted by 2 authors and verified by 2 additional authors following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. The inverse variance method with the Hartung-Knapp adjustment for the random-effects model was used, with a continuity correction of 0.5 for studies with 0 cell frequencies. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by sequentially removing 1 study at a time to assess the robustness of the results.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was considered as the adverse effects of psilocybin at high and moderate (ie, therapeutic) dose regimens and compared with placebo, low-dose psilocybin, or other comparator in the treatment of depression and/or anxiety.

Results

Six studies met the inclusion criteria with a total sample of 528 participants (approximately 51% female; median age 39.8 years; IQR, 39.8-41.2). Seven adverse effects were reported in multiple studies and included in the analysis. Among these, headache (relative risk [RR], 1.99; 95% CI 1.06-3.74), nausea (RR, 8.85; 95% CI, 5.68-13.79), anxiety (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.11-4.64), dizziness (RR, 5.81; 95% CI, 1.02-33.03), and elevated blood pressure (RR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.15- 4.53) were statistically significant. Psilocybin use was not associated with risk of paranoia and transient thought disorder.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this meta-analysis, the acute adverse effect profile of therapeutic single-dose psilocybin appeared to be tolerable and resolved within 48 hours. However, future studies need to more actively evaluate the appropriate management of adverse effects.
Extracorporeal Shockwave for Intermittent Claudication and Quality of Life
Authors: Cai Paris , Pymer Sean , Ibeggazene Said , Raza Ali , Hitchman Louise , Chetter Ian , Smith George
Published: April 2024

Importance

Intermittent lower limb claudication limits function and quality of life. Supervised exercise programs are not readily available, and a noninvasive alternative is needed.

Objective

To assess extracorporeal corporeal shockwave therapy in improving quality of life in patients with claudication.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, patients in the outpatient setting at a single tertiary center for vascular surgery were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to extracorporeal shockwave therapy or placebo therapy with no shockwaves delivered. Recruitment was between June 2015 and January 2020, with 12-week follow-up ending in March 2020. A convenience sample of patients with claudication and conservative treatment requirements who refused or were unable to participate in supervised exercise were eligible. Patients receiving anticoagulation therapy or with an active cancer were excluded. Of 522 patients screened, 389 were eligible, 138 were enrolled, and 110 completed follow-up and were included in the primary analysis. Statistical analysis was completed by May 2021.

Intervention

In the intervention group, patients received 100 impulses of 0.1mJ/mm/cm2 in an area of the gastrocnemius muscle 3 times weekly for 3 weeks. The steps for treatment were replicated for the control group without delivering the treatment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the Physical Functioning domain of the 36-item Short-Form Quality of Life Questionnaire at 12-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included walking distances, ankle brachial pressure index, and other quality-of-life measures.

Results

Of 138 patients recruited and randomized, 92 (67%) were male, and the mean (SD) age of the study population was 67 (9.6) years. The intervention group had a significantly higher physical function score at 12 weeks (estimated median difference 3.8; 95% CI, 0.0-7.7; P = .03). However, this significance did not remain when adjusting for covariates. At 12 weeks, the intervention group had significantly longer pain-free and maximum walking distances (pain-free estimated median difference, 34.1, 95% CI, 11.4-56.8; P = .004; maximum estimated median difference, 51.4; 95% CI, 10.7-86.5; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

To our knowledge, this is the first double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to consider extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the management of intermittent claudication. It demonstrated efficacy for walking distances, may have a positive effect on quality of life, and may provide a safe, noninvasive alternative therapy for patients with intermittent claudication.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02652078
The DMT1 isoform lacking the iron‐response element regulates normal and malignant hematopoiesis viaNOTCH pathway activation
Authors: Hounjet Judith , Van Aerschot Linde , De Keersmaecker Kim , Vooijs Marc , Kampen Kim R.
Published: April 2024

Natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein 2 (NRAMP 2; also known as DMT1 and encoded by SLC11A2) is mainly known for its iron transport activity. Recently, the DMT1 isoform lacking the iron‐response element (nonIRE) was associated with aberrant NOTCH pathway activity. In this report, we investigated the function of DMT1 nonIRE in normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Knockdown of Dmt1 nonIRE in mice showed that it has non‐canonical functions in hematopoietic stem cell differentiation: its knockdown suppressed development along the myeloid and lymphoid lineages, while promoting the production of platelets. These phenotypic effects on the hematopoietic system induced by Dmt1 nonIRE knockdown were linked to suppression of Notch/Myc pathway activity. Conversely, our data indicate a non‐canonical function for DMT1 nonIRE overexpression in boosting NOTCH pathway activity in T‐cell leukemia homeobox protein 1 (TLX1)‐defective leukemia. This work sets the stage for future investigation using a multiple‐hit T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) model to further investigate the function of DMT1 nonIRE in T‐ALL disease development and progression.
Ecological restoration at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum and beyond: Building and sharing collective knowledge through a participatory leadership framework
Authors: Farrior Marian , Kingsbury Judy , Herrick Bradley M.
Published: April 2024

The Society for Ecological Restoration defines restoration as “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.” The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is an “all‐hands‐on‐deck” call to revive imperilled ecosystems around the world. The task at hand is more than professional practitioners and organizations can handle alone. Volunteers play a critically important role in restoring the structure and function of the world's most degraded ecosystems.

The 485 ha University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum is the site of some of the oldest restored ecological communities in the world. Like many restoration sites, long‐term management of these communities requires expertise and sustained volunteer engagement. The Arboretum fosters expertise and engagement with a two‐pronged approach. This includes (1) the Arboretum's Restoration Team Leader Program, which trains and empowers restoration volunteers to lead community members in on‐the‐ground restoration, and (2) the Restoration Managers Who Work with Volunteers group that convenes restoration managers from multiple organizations for collaborative projects. These programs facilitate ecological restoration by working directly with volunteers and are models of participatory leadership and communities of practice.

Here, we share the principles, practices and frameworks behind these programs and illustrate how this model can be replicated to strengthen community‐based restoration around the globe.
Nonlinear control of electro‐hydraulic screw conveyor system for shield machine based on disturbance observer and back‐stepping method
Authors: Xuanyu Liu , Xunlei Cheng
Published: April 2024

In order to improve the precision of earth pressure balance control and anti‐interference ability of shield sealing chamber, this paper proposes a nonlinear control strategy for the screw conveyor based on disturbance observer and back‐stepping method, so as to ensure the safe and efficient tunneling of the shield machine. According to the hydraulic flow dynamic balance principle of shield machine, the mechanism model of electro‐hydraulic screw conveyor system is established, and the system state space model is derived. The nonlinear controller of the screw conveyor is designed by using the inverse step method and the disturbance observer compensation characteristic, so that the system responds quickly and compensates for the flow disturbance and external force disturbance in real time. At last, the system stability is proven by using the Lyapunov function. The experimental results show that the method has high control accuracy with fast response and strong anti‐interference ability.
Synthesis of the 2D Ternary Topological Insulator Bi2‐xSbxSe3 with a Low Carrier Concentration and Ultrahigh Carrier Mobility
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhang Zimei , Zhang Hongmei , Qin Biao , Hossain Mongur , Huangfu Ying , Liu Jialing , He Kun , Lu Ping , Li Wei , Ding Feng , Wu Ruixia , Li Bo , Li Jia , Duan Xidong
Published: April 2024

Highcarrier concentration and low mobility in Bi2Se3 hide thetopological surface states (TSS). In the 2D ternary topological insulator (TI) Bi2–xSbxSe3,compensatory Sb doping regulates the carrier concentration and mobility withambipolar performance, together with the ultrathin thickness; these factorsmake the TSS in the 2D ternary TI Bi2–xSbxSe3 more observable. Here, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is provided for synthesizing ultrathin Sb‐doped Bi2Se3 nanoplates with dimensions of 2–126 nm in thickness, 3–100 µm in lateral size, and an average Sb doping ranging from 0.15 ≤ x ≤ 0.75. Bi2–xSbxSe3 field effect transistors and Hall devices are manufactured to determine the carrier concentration and mobility of the obtained Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates. These findings demonstrate that the 2D carrier concentration for Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates can decrease up to 1.6 × 1012 cm–2. Furthermore, field‐effect mobility and Hall mobility of up to 3411 cm2 V–1s–1 and 6462 cm2 V–1 s–1, respectively, are realized. A strong ambipolar field effect is found in low‐carrier‐density Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates, proving that these nanostructures may be freely controlled in terms of carrier type and concentration. The synthesis of high‐quality Bi2–xSbxSe3 nanoplates with low‐carrier concentration and high‐mobility provides a platform for investigating TI characteristics more clearly.
In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy for Sodium Batteries
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Dong Derui , Guo Siqi , Cheng Ningyan , Zhang Binwei , Ge Binghui
Published: April 2024

Sodium batteries, encompassing sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and sodium metal batteries (SMBs), have emerged as a significant trend in the advancement of secondary batteries owing to the natural abundance and economical characteristics of sodium. Despite significant strides in enhancing the electrochemical performance of sodium batteries, understanding their sodium storage mechanism and the factors contributing to capacity degradation remains a challenge. The utilization of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enables direct observation and a comprehensive investigation of the structure and chemical evolution of electrodes and interfaces during dynamic electrochemical processes. This review first systematically explores the fundamental mechanism of in situ TEM in the context of rechargeable batteries. Then, recent advancements in applying in situ TEM to sodium batteries including SIBs and SMBs are detailed. Finally, this review emphasizes potential opportunities and challenges for the future development of in situ TEM in the realm of sodium batteries, highlighting its significance in unraveling crucial aspects of their operation and guiding further advancements in the field.