bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of cutting regime and genotype on growth, seed yield, seed quality and herbage yield of seven Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) grass genotypes in the Adamawa region of Cameroon
Authors: Ojong Ntane , Takor Mandah , Egbe Andrew , Bechem Eneke , Etchu Kingsley , Mutai Collins
Published: February 2024

The performance of seven Urochloa grass genotypes (three worldwide cultivars cv. Basilisk, cv. Piata, cv. Xaraes and four landrace cv. Adamaoua1, cv. Adamaoua2, cv. North1 and cv. North2) subjected to two cutting regimes (mid‐June cut and mid‐July cut) was evaluated for regrowth characteristics, seed yields, seed quality and herbage production in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at Wakwa, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. This divergence in harvesting practices raises concerns regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of forage utilization, as well as the potential impact on livestock productivity and sustainable farming systems. A split plot design with five replications and a 1‐year‐old sward was used for the study. In both years, genotypes were significantly different for plant height and tiller numbers at 12 weeks after cutting (P ≤ 0.007). In 2020, the dry matter yield (DMY) ranged between 8.78 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 12.75 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for June cut regrowth and between 7.69 t/ha (cv. Piata) and 10.26 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for July cut regrowth. In 2021, DMY ranged between 6.06 t/ha (Adamaoua2) and 13.95 t/ha (cv. Xaraes) for the June cut and between 6.55 t/ha (cv. Adamaoua2) and 10.47 t/ha (cv. Basilisk) for the July cut. For flowering behavior and seed yields, Basilisk flowered earliest while cv. Xaraes flowered latest. In 2020, seed yields were 74.80 kg/ha and 107.72 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively, whereas in 2021, seed yields were 331 kg/ha and 431 kg/ha for June cut and July cut regrowth, respectively. cv. Adamaoua1 produced the highest seed yield in both years. The cutting regimes evaluated in this study were indifferent for DMY and seed yield.
CdsA, a CDP‐diacylglycerol synthase involved in phospholipid and glycolipid MPIase biosynthesis, possesses multiple initiation codons
Authors: Hikage Runa , Sekiya Yusei , Sawasato Katsuhiro , Nishiyama Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2024

CdsA is a CDP‐diacylglycerol synthase essential for phospholipid and glycolipid MPIase biosynthesis, and therefore for growth. The initiation codon of CdsA has been assigned as “TTG,” while methionine at the 37th codon was reported to be an initiation codon in the original report. Since a vector containing the open reading frame starting with “TTG” under a controllable promoter complemented the cdsA knockout, “TTG” could function as an initiation codon. However, no evidence supporting that this “TTG” is the sole initiation codon has been reported. We determined the initiation codon by examining the ability of mutants around the N‐terminal region to complement cdsA mutants. Even if the “TTG” was substituted with a stop codon, the clear complementation was observed. Moreover, the clones with multiple mutations of stop codons complemented the cdsA mutant up to the 37th codon, indicating that cdsA possesses multiple codons that can function as initiation codons. We constructed an experimental system in which the chromosomal expression of cdsA can be analyzed. By means of this system, we found that the cdsA mutant with substitution of “TTG” with a stop codon is fully functional. Thus, we concluded that CdsA contains multiple initiation codons.
Field‐based description of near‐surface crustal deformation in a high‐strain shear zone: A case study in southern Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Niwa Masakazu , Shimada Koji , Terusawa Shuji , Goto Akira , Nishiyama Nariaki , Nakajima Toru , Ishihara Takanori , Hakoiwa Hiroaki
Published: February 2024

This study investigated geological evidence for near‐surface crustal deformation in a high‐strain shear zone that has been geodetically identified but which is not associated with obvious tectonic landforms. Fieldwork was conducted in the east–west‐trending southern Kyushu high‐strain shear zone (SKHZ), Japan, focusing mainly on occurrences of fracture zones, which are defined by a visible fracture density of >1 per 10 cm2 and are commonly associated with cataclasite, fault breccia, and gouge. The area in which east–west‐trending fracture zones are dominant is restricted to the east–west‐trending, ~2‐km‐wide aftershock area of the 1997 Northwestern Kagoshima Earthquakes. Analysis of slip data from minor faults using the multiple inverse method, irrespective of whether the faults are in fracture zones, reveals that the area where the calculated main stress field is consistent with the current stress field estimated from focal‐mechanism solutions of microearthquakes is restricted to the east–west‐trending aftershock area. This finding for the SKHZ contrasts with the case of the Niigata–Kobe Tectonic Zone, which is a major strain‐concentration zone with many exposed active faults in central Japan and for which the stress field estimated using fault‐slip data is considered to be uniform and coincides with the current stress field. The cumulative amount of displacement estimated from the areal density of fracture zones in the SKHZ study area is smaller than that estimated from geodetically measured strain rates. Investigations based on slip data from minor faults and fracture‐zone occurrence could help to identify concealed faults that are too small to generate tectonic landforms but which are sufficiently large to trigger major earthquakes.
Digital transformation: A multidisciplinary perspective and future research agenda
Authors: Paul Justin , Ueno Akiko , Dennis Charles , Alamanos Eleftherios , Curtis Lucill , Foroudi Pantea , Kacprzak Agnieszka , Kunz Werner H. , Liu Jonathan , Marvi Reza , Nair Sree Lekshmi Sreekumaran , Ozdemir Ozlem , Pantano Eleonora , Papadopoulos Thanos , Petit Olivia , Tyagi Sapna , Wirtz Jochen
Published: February 2024

Digital transformation has had an unprecedented influence on all sectors of business over the last decade. We are now entering an era characterized by the extensive digital transformation of businesses, society, and consumers. Therefore, digital transformation has become a pivotal focus for organizations across various sectors in recent years. Despite differing scholarly perspectives on the concept and elements of digital transformation, a consensus exists that it significantly impacts consumer decisions and necessitates organizational adaptation. Recent challenges such as the COVID‐19 pandemic have further accelerated the need for digital transformation and its effects on consumers. This necessitates an editorial perspective on this most important topic to establish future research agenda encompassing the various dimensions of digital transformation. The purpose of this editorial perspective is to review research on digital transformation from a multidisciplinary viewpoint and provide insights into several key domains—Internet‐of‐Things, social media, mobile apps, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, the metaverse, and corporate digital responsibility—that are poised to fuel the pace of digital transformation. Each domain is analyzed through a lens of introduction, role, importance, multifaceted impact, and conclusions. Future research directions are suggested.
Local farsightedness in network formation
Authors: de Callataÿ Pierre , Mauleon Ana , Vannetelbosch Vincent
Published: February 2024

We propose the concept of local‐ farsighted consistent network for analyzing network formation games where players only consider a limited number of feasible networks. A network is said to be local‐ farsightedly consistent if, for any network within the distance‐ neighborhood of , either is not defeated by , or defeats . We show that if the utility function is (componentwise) egalitarian or satisfies reversibility or excludes externalities across components, then local‐ farsightedness is more likely to be a good proxy for what would happen when players have full knowledge of all feasible networks.
“Every day is a disaster”: Climate vulnerabilities and disaster subculture of jjokbang‐chon in Seoul, Korea and its implications for social work
Authors: Kang Joonmo
Published: February 2024

This ethnographic study examines the disaster subculture of impoverished urban poor communities regarding extreme weather disasters, through the case of jjokbang‐chon, one of the most marginalized communities in Seoul, South Korea. The findings shed light on how jjokbang‐chon residents make meaning of disasters, where a sense of normalcy surrounds extreme weather, developed in response to recurring exposure to everyday hazards. This study offers insights into their lived experiences, revealing that the residents' perception of vulnerability often diverges from objective reality, primarily due to the pervasive “everyday disasters” that continually disrupt their lives. This “every day is a disaster” perspective, born from the chronic distress they endure, challenges their ability to recognize extreme weather events as disasters. This research carries implications for the field of social work by emphasizing the necessity of broadening the concept of vulnerability to encompass “everyday disasters,” and highlights the pivotal role of social work in addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by everyday disasters.
Do physicians need tragic optimism?
Authors: Ward Susannah
Published: February 2024

In 2016, as a trainee doctor, I wrote a paper on changing the culture of medicine. I felt the medical system was broken back then, and it seems even less functional now, with higher rates of burnout, dropout and staff shortages nationally. As a result of a lack of resources, it feels impossible to provide the care to our communities expected of us, making our work challenging and disheartening. Until all stakeholders acknowledge the systemic issues faced by our workforce, service outcomes and physician well‐being may not improve. We need to collaborate and innovate to reform the healthcare system taking a multifaceted, evidence‐based approach, implementing an appropriate balance of systemic change and interventions to support individual well‐being. As we collectively work towards these changes, tragic optimism may spur physicians to develop meaning and purpose despite the inevitable challenges. This may serve as the motivation and fuel required to survive and sustain our practice but also thrive working in careers of value.
Corporate disclosure differences around the world: International evidence
Authors: Liu Zihua , San Ziyao , Tsang Albert , Yu Li
Published: February 2024

We examine whether and how variations in country‐level institutional factors explain the intensity, diversity and informativeness of corporate disclosures around the world. Using a comprehensive corporate disclosure dataset containing more than 100 types of disclosures from firms domiciled in 35 countries, we examine the effect of four core country‐level institutional factors—legal system, creditor/investor rights, political process and societal characteristics—on corporate disclosures. Our results suggest that the country‐level institutional factor, which is likely to capture the legal system of a country, is negatively associated with the intensity, diversity and informativeness of disclosure. Moreover, our results suggest that the level of creditor/investor rights protection, political process and societal characteristics can also consistently affect the production, diversity and informativeness of disclosures. Overall, our evidence broadens our collective understanding of how core institutional factors at the society and country levels systematically explain corporate disclosures and their associated informativeness.
Prognostic benefits of His‐Purkinje capture in physiological pacemakers for bradycardia
Authors: Tan Eugene S. J. , Soh Rodney , Lee Jie‐Ying , Boey Elaine , Chan Siew‐Pang , Lim Toon Wei , Yeo Wee Tiong , Leong Kevin M. W. , Seow Swee‐Chong , Kojodjojo Pipin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Clinical outcomes of long‐term ventricular septal pacing (VSP) without His‐Purkinje capture remain unknown. This study evaluated the differences in clinical outcomes between conduction system pacing (CSP), VSP, and right ventricular pacing (RVP).

Methods

Consecutive patients with bradycardia indicated for pacing from 2016 to 2022 were prospectively followed for the clinical endpoints of heart failure (HF)‐hospitalizations and all‐cause mortality at 2 years. VSP was defined as septal pacing due to unsuccessful CSP implant or successful CSP followed by loss of His‐Purkinje capture within 90 days.

Results

Among 1016 patients (age 73.9 ± 11.2 years, 47% female, 48% atrioventricular block), 612 received RVP, 335 received CSP and 69 received VSP. Paced QRS duration was similar between VSP and RVP, but both significantly longer than CSP (p < .05). HF‐hospitalizations occurred in 130 (13%) patients (CSP 7% vs. RVP 16% vs. VSP 13%, p = .001), and all‐cause mortality in 143 (14%) patients (CSP 7% vs. RVP 19% vs. VSP 9%, p < .001). The association of pacing modality with clinical events was limited to those with ventricular pacing (Vp) > 20% (pinteraction < .05). Adjusting for clinical risk factors among patients with Vp > 20%, VSP (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 4.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57–14.36) and RVP (AHR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.44‐6.60) were associated with increased hazard of HF‐hospitalizations, and RVP (2.52, 95% CI: 1.19–5.35) with increased mortality, compared to CSP. Clinical endpoints did not differ between VSP and RVP with Vp > 20%, or amongst groups with Vp < 20%.

Conclusion

Conduction system capture is associated with improved clinical outcomes. CSP should be preferred over VSP or RVP during pacing for bradycardia.
The impact of dissolved oxygen concentration on the swimming performance and welfare of ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta Ascanius, 1767)
Authors: Gaffney Katie , Burgerhout Erik , Espmark Åsa , Lein Ingrid
Published: February 2024

Sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis [Krøyer, 1838]) are a key issue for salmon aquaculture, contributing to increased mortality for both wild and farmed salmon if no action is taken. Using cleaner fish can be an effective, drug‐free treatment method, and ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) is a hardy wrasse species that displays cleaning behavior. With concerns about the overharvest of wild ballan wrasse, many companies farm this species, but the optimal ranges of a wide variety of rearing parameters are still unknown. This study investigated the effect of 6‐week exposure to four dissolved oxygen (DO) levels (125%, 100%, 85%, and 75% DO saturation as the percentage of air) on ballan wrasse. Survival; growth (specific growth rate, SGR); condition factor (CF); and primary (cortisol), secondary (glucose, lactate, magnesium), and tertiary stress indicators (swimming performance) were investigated. There were no differences in SGR, CF, survival, or cortisol level among the groups at the end of the 6 weeks. There was variation in the magnitude of the cortisol response to an acute stressor at the end of the 6‐week period, with the 75% DO treatment exhibiting a 3.3‐fold increase in cortisol compared to a 5.2‐fold increase in the control group (100%), which could suggest chronic stress. Relative critical swimming speed (RUcrit) was measured to investigate swimming performance once all groups were returned to 100% DO saturation. The 75% RUcrit was lower than the 100% treatment (1.7 ± 0.18 body length [BL]/s compared to 2.5 ± 0.16 BL/s). Overall, these results suggest that DO levels of 75% trigger physiological changes and therefore may negatively affect welfare.
How does ESG performance impact corporate outward foreign direct investment?
Authors: Wang Xiali , Ren Kangjun , Li Lanhua , Qiao Yuhao , Wu Bao
Published: February 2024

In recent decades, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have received increasing attention in the literature of corporate internationalization. While prior studies have extensively examined how ESG initiatives implemented in the host country enhance corporate international performance, less attention has been paid to the facilitating role of previously accumulated ESG performance in the internationalization process. Drawing on a sample of 2083 unique publicly listed Chinese firms from 2010 to 2019, we explore whether and how ESG performance promotes corporate outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Our findings indicate a positive association between corporate ESG performance and both the propensity and scale of OFDI. We also identify financial constraints and corporate reputation as two mechanisms through which ESG performance influences OFDI. Our additional analysis suggests that the reputation‐strengthening mechanism of ESG performance is more pronounced for family firms, whereas no significant difference is observed between family and nonfamily firms in terms of the financial mechanism. These findings have important implications for managers and policymakers seeking to promote sustainable development and internationalization.
The effect of different bed head angles on the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients lying in the supine position: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Yiğit Avcı Şenay , Yılmaz Dilek
Published: February 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to research the effect of different bed head angles on the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients lying in the supine position.

Methods

This study was a non‐randomized and non‐controlled, quasi‐experimental repeated measures study. The study was conducted with 50 intensive care patients aged 18 and over in a general surgery intensive care unit in Turkey. With each patient in the supine position, the bed head was raised to an angle of 0°, 20°, 30°, and 45° without a pillow, and the hemodynamic parameters of central venous pressure, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were recorded after 0 and 10 min.

Results

It was found that the mean central venous pressure value measured at min 0 and 10 was higher when the intensive care patients' bed head angle was raised to 45° than when the bed head was at an angle of 0° or 20° (p < .05). It was found that the patients' other hemodynamic parameters were not affected by different bed head angles.

Conclusions

It was concluded as a result of this research that in intensive care patients in the supine position, only central venous pressure was affected by bed head angle, and that central venous pressure measurement can be reliably made at a bed head angle of 30°.
Deformation‐induced graphitization and muscovite recrystallization in a ductile fault zone
Authors: Stokes M. Rebecca , Jubb Aaron M. , McAleer Ryan J. , Bish David L. , Wintsch Robert P.
Published: February 2024

A suite of slate samples collected along a 2 km transect crossing the Lishan fault in central Taiwan were evaluated to assess the role of ductile deformation in natural graphitization at lower greenschist facies metamorphic conditions. The process of natural aromatization, or graphitization, of an organic precursor is well established as a thermally driven process; however, experimental studies have shown that the energy provided by deformation can substantially reduce the activation energy required for graphitization. This study provides a natural example of deformation‐induced graphitization. A strain gradient approaching the Lishan fault was established by scanning electron microscope imaging and X‐ray diffraction analysis of phyllosilicates and quartz that showed an increase in the strength of slaty cleavage development via dissolution‐precipitation processes. Thermal conditions were constrained to be near isothermal using calcite‐dolomite geothermometry. Raman spectroscopic results from carbonaceous material, including D1‐full width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM), G‐FWHM, Raman band separation (RBS), and a lesser‐known vibrational mode B2g‐FWHM, showed robust linear trends across the same sampling transect. However, the G‐FWHM parameter showed a trend opposite of that expected from thermally driven graphitization. The Raman results are interpreted to reflect a strain‐driven reduction in graphite crystallite size (decrease in G‐FWHM) but improvement in structural ordering in individual coherent domains. A multiple linear regression with an R2 value of 0.92 predicts the graphite D1‐FWHM values from the XRD‐derived ratio of muscovite populations and muscovite microstrain, demonstrating the concomitant recrystallization of silicates and carbonaceous material across the strain gradient, despite the disparate processes accommodating the deformation. This study demonstrates the role of deformation in natural graphitization and provides a new perspective on the use of graphite as a geothermometer in strongly deformed greenschist facies rocks.
Flexible implementation of modulated localisation microscopy based on DMD
Authors: Illand Abigail , Jouchet Pierre , Fort Emmanuel , Lévêque‐Fort Sandrine
Published: February 2024

Localisation microscopy of individual molecules allows one to bypass the diffraction limit, revealing cellular organisation on a nanometric scale. This method, which relies on spatial analysis of the signal emitted by molecules, is often limited to the observation of biological objects at shallow depths, or with very few aberrations. The introduction of a temporal parameter into the localisation process through a time‐modulated excitation was recently proposed to address these limitations. This method, called ModLoc, is demonstrated here with an alternative flexible strategy. In this implementation, to encode the time‐modulated excitation a digital micromirror device (DMD) is used in combination with a fast demodulation approach, and provides a twofold enhancement in localisation precision.

Layout: Nowadays, we can use an optical microscope to observe how proteins are organised in 3D within a cell at the nanoscale. By carefully controlling the emission of molecules in both space and time, we can overcome the limitations set by the diffraction limit. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location of molecules more precisely. However, the usual spatial analysis method limits observations to shallow depths or causing low distortion of optical waves.

To overcome these restrictions, a recent approach introduces a temporal element to the localisation process. This involves changing the illumination over time to enhance the precision of localisation. This method, known as ModLoc, is showcased here using a flexible and alternative strategy. In this setup, a matrix of micrometric mirrors, working together with a fast demodulation optical module, is used to encode and decode the time‐modulated information. This combination results in a twofold improvement in localisation precision.
আড্ডা With Ahmed: An Expanded Online Exchange & Misconnection
Authors: Hummel Kathryn
Published: February 2024

‘আড্ডা with Ahmed: an expanded online exchange & misconnection’ is a reflexive interpretation of a DM conversation between the author and Ahmed, their Bangladesh‐based friend, presented as both text and imagetext video (Mitchell, 1994). The article examines the meaning and practice of the Bangladeshi pastime of adda/chatting in a digital context, while exploring the complexities of cultural, interpersonal and technological hybridity. Through excerpts from their adda, the author and Ahmed touch upon various themes, including cultural identity, politics, gender, and the challenges of cross‐cultural communication. Their conversations reveal a dynamic interplay between agreement and disagreement, offering glimpses into their subjective experiences and perspectives. While adda contains the potential to transcend cultural boundaries and foster new forms of connection and understanding, the asynchronous nature of the exchange, coupled with linguistic limitations and enculturated modes of expression, troubles the interpretation of meaning and growth of understanding between the correspondents. While the article acknowledges the unresolvable nature of certain misconnections, online ‘adda’ is portrayed as space for curiosity, exploration, remembrance, and the coexistence of diverse perspectives and interpretations.
E‐CADERIN, N‐CADERIN, SLUG, SNAIL, and TWIST contribute to epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in salivary gland tumors
Authors: de Santana Dandara Andrade , Braga Poliana Ramos , Camillo‐Coutinho Cláudia Malheiros , Freitas Valéria Souza , Cury Patrícia Ramos , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , de Araújo Iguaracyra Barreto , de Aquino Xavier Flávia Caló , dos Santos Jean Nunes
Published: February 2024

Background

Transcription factors are important in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process and are possibly related to the development of a more invasive tumor phenotype. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the expression and identify the localization of cellular markers related to the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition process in salivary gland tumors.

Study Design

The expression and localization of E‐CADERIN, N‐CADERIN, SLUG, SNAIL, and TWIST were evaluated, using immunohistochemistry, in 48 salivary gland tumors, being 17 pleomorphic adenomas (PA), 14 adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC), and 17 mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC). these proteins were compared to clinical and histopathologic parameters. normal gland tissues were included for immunohistochemical comparisons.

Results

ACC and MEC cases showed higher expression of SNAIL compared to PA. MEC showed high expression of SLUG and TWIST. Low expression of N‐CADHERIN, SNAIL, and TWIST in ACC was frequent in T3 and T4. High expression of TWIST in MEC was more frequent at age ≥ 40 years A positive correlation was only observed between N‐cadherin/SNAIL in ACC, between SNAIL/TWIST in MEC, and between SLUG/TWIST in PA.

Conclusion

This study provided insight into EMT‐related proteins (E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, SNAIL, SLUG, and TWIST) and their contribution to the maintenance of morphogenesis and the development of the salivary gland tumors and showed a positive correlation among N‐CADHERIN/SNAIL in ACC and SNAIL/TWIST in MEC.
Effect of in‐ovo inoculation of betaine on hatchability, serum antioxidant levels, muscle gene expression and intestinal development of broiler chicks
Authors: El‐Shater Saad N. , Abo‐EL‐Sooud Khaled , Tolba Ayman , Gamal Mahmoud , Awad Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Moataz , Tayeh Mahmoud , Swielim Gamal A.
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of in‐ovo inoculation of betaine on hatchability, hatching weight, and intestinal development, as well as serum and expression levels of some antioxidants in the posthatched chicks. A total of 350 fertile eggs of Hubbard efficiency plus breeder's flock were incubated at normal incubation temperature (37.5°C) and randomly assembled into 3 groups with 4 replicates, and 25 eggs per each. The experimental groups were allocated as noninjected control group (CN), diluent‐injected group (CP, 0.1 mL saline), and betaine‐injected group (B, 2.5 mg in 0.1 mL saline). The injections were performed in the air cells of the eggs on the 12th day of the embryonic phase. Hatchability percentage, hatching weight, serum‐reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated in 7‐day‐old chicks. Moreover, expression levels of the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) and SOD were determined in the breast skeletal muscles of chicks. Jejunum histo‐morphometric analysis was assessed with computerised morphometric measurements. The results revealed that the hatchability percentage was not influenced by in‐ovo injection of betaine or vehicle while betaine significantly increased the hatchling's weight of chicks. Moreover, there were a significant increase in SOD and Nrf2 mRNA expression levels. In‐ovo injection of betaine significantly induced positive effects on intestinal morphometry by ameliorating the jejunal villus length, the ratio of villus height to villus width, and absorptive surface area.
Guidelines for the development, performance evaluation and validation of new sleep technologies (DEVSleepTech guidelines) – a protocol for a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Pires Gabriel Natan , Arnardóttir Erna S. , Bailly Sébastien , McNicholas Walter T.
Published: February 2024

New sleep technologies are being developed, refined and delivered at a fast pace. However, there are serious concerns about the validation and accuracy of new sleep‐related technologies being made available, as many of them, especially consumer‐sleep technologies, have not been tested in comparison with gold‐standard methods or have been approved by health regulatory agencies. The importance of proper validation and performance evaluation of new sleep technologies has already been discussed in previous studies and some recommendations have already been published, but most of them do not employ standardized methodology and are not able to cover all aspects of new sleep technologies. The current protocol describes the methods of a Delphi consensus study to create guidelines for the development, performance evaluation and validation of new sleep devices and technologies. The resulting recommendations are not intended to be used as a quality assessment tool to evaluate individual articles, but rather to evaluate the overall procedures, studies and experiments performed to develop, evaluate performance and validate new technologies. We hope these guidelines can be helpful for researchers who work with new sleep technologies on the appraisal of their reliability and validation, for companies who are working on the development and refinement of new sleep technologies, and by regulatory agencies to evaluate new technologies that are looking for registration, approval or inclusion on health systems.
Sleepy without stimulation: subjective and objective sleepiness in actigraphy‐verified natural short sleepers
Authors: Curtis Brian J. , McKinney Ty L. , Euler Matthew , Anderson Jeffrey S. , Baron Kelly G. , Smith Timothy W. , Williams Paula G.
Published: February 2024

Natural short sleepers (NSS)—individuals who report minimal sleepiness or daytime dysfunction despite habitually sleeping less than the recommended amount (i.e., <7 h)—are a focus of growing interest in sleep research. Yet, the predominance of research on NSS has relied on subjective reports of functionality. The present study examined subjective and objective sleepiness among actigraphy‐verified NSS in comparison with recommended (7–9 h/day) length sleepers (RLS) who reported similarly minimal daytime dysfunction. The study tested the hypothesis that under conditions of low environmental stimulation, NSS have increased risk of drowsiness and sleep onset, regardless of perceived alertness. The NSS and RLS groups were identified via screening and verified with a 14 day assessment with actigraphy, sleep diaries, and morning ratings of sleep restoration. In‐laboratory resting electroencephalography (EEG) data were analysed using a computerised EEG‐based algorithm (Vigilance Algorithm Leipzig; VIGALL) to classify second‐by‐second changes in objective sleepiness ranging from cognitively active alertness to sleep onset. Results demonstrated that NSS exhibited significantly higher drowsiness and sleep onset (‘microsleeps’) across 15 min of resting EEG despite perceptions of lower subjective sleepiness compared to RLS. Findings suggest that irrespective of perceived sleep restoration and alertness, NSS appear to be at high risk of objective sleepiness that is rapidly unmasked under conditions of low environmental stimulation. Such apparent discrepancy between subjective and objective sleepiness has potentially important public health implications. Future research directions, including tests of mechanisms and tailored sleep extension intervention, are discussed.
Naïve Markowitz policies
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhou Xun Yu
Published: February 2024

We study a continuous‐time Markowitz mean–variance portfolio selection model in which a naïve agent, unaware of the underlying time‐inconsistency, continuously reoptimizes over time. We define the resulting naïve policies through the limit of discretely naïve policies that are committed only in very small time intervals, and derive them analytically and explicitly. We compare naïve policies with pre‐committed optimal policies and with consistent planners' equilibrium policies in a Black–Scholes market, and find that the former achieve higher expected terminal returns than originally planned yet are mean–variance inefficient when the risk aversion level is sufficiently small, and always take strictly riskier exposure than equilibrium policies. We finally define an efficiency ratio for comparing return–risk tradeoff with the same original level of risk aversion, and show that naïve policies are always strictly less efficient than pre‐committed and equilibrium policies.
Assessing the dynamics of common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) mother‐calf pairs along the south coast of Portugal using unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Castro Joana , Cid André , Quirin Alicia , Matos Fábio L. , Rosa Rui , Pearson Heidi C.
Published: February 2024

Maternal grouping dynamics involve trade‐offs between: (1) infant protection from predation (predation hypothesis), (2) infant protection from male harassment (infant safety hypothesis), and (3) reducing scramble competition for prey resources (foraging‐type scramble competition hypothesis). Using unmanned aerial vehicles, we assessed grouping dynamics in common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) groups containing mother‐calf pairs to address these hypotheses. We analyzed social aspects and structural group elements using generalized additive mixed models and modeled group formation using multinomial generalized estimating equations. Calf proportion was higher in very compact groups and in groups of 10–20 individuals but decreased in larger groups. The frequency of socio‐sexual behaviors increased in larger groups and decreased in groups with higher calf proportion. Calf distance to its nearest neighbor decreased with increasing group size and cohesion. With a higher proportion of calves, scatter (versus parallel) formation was less frequent. A calf's nearest neighbor was most often (55.4%) a nonmother. Calves showed a preference for being in the front center of the group. These results offer strong support for the predation and infant safety hypotheses and partial support for the foraging‐type scramble competition hypothesis. This work provides insight into the adaptive function of maternal strategies in a small delphinid.
UvHOS3‐mediated histone deacetylation is essential for virulence and negatively regulates ustilaginoidin biosynthesis in Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Wang Bo , Duan Guohua , Liu Ling , Long Zhaoyi , Bai Xiaolong , Ou Mingming , Wang Peiying , Jiang Du , Li Dayong , Sun Wenxian
Published: February 2024

Ustilaginoidea virens is the causal agent of rice false smut, which has recently become one of the most important rice diseases worldwide. Ustilaginoidins, a major type of mycotoxins produced in false smut balls, greatly deteriorates grain quality. Histone acetylation and deacetylation are involved in regulating secondary metabolism in fungi. However, little is yet known on the functions of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in virulence and mycotoxin biosynthesis in U. virens. Here, we characterized the functions of the HDAC UvHOS3 in U. virens. The ΔUvhos3 deletion mutant exhibited the phenotypes of retarded growth, increased mycelial branches and reduced conidiation and virulence. The ΔUvhos3 mutants were more sensitive to sorbitol, sodium dodecyl sulphate and oxidative stress/H2O2. ΔUvhos3 generated significantly more ustilaginoidins. RNA‐Seq and metabolomics analyses also revealed that UvHOS3 is a key negative player in regulating secondary metabolism, especially mycotoxin biosynthesis. Notably, UvHOS3 mediates deacetylation of H3 and H4 at H3K9, H3K18, H3K27 and H4K8 residues. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that UvHOS3 regulates mycotoxin biosynthesis, particularly for ustilaginoidin and sorbicillinoid production, by modulating the acetylation level of H3K18. Collectively, this study deepens the understanding of molecular mechanisms of the HDAC UvHOS3 in regulating virulence and mycotoxin biosynthesis in phytopathogenic fungi.
Change in the molecular properties of CH1641 prions after transmission to wild‐type mice: Evidence for a single strain
Authors: van Keulen Lucien J. M. , Dolstra Corry H. , Vries Ruth Bossers‐de , Bossers Alex , Jacobs Jorg G. , Baron Thierry , Torres Juan Maria , Langeveld Jan P. M.
Published: February 2024

Aim

CH1641 was discovered in 1970 as a scrapie isolate that was unlike all other classical strains of scrapie isolated so far. We performed bio‐assays of CH1641 in mice in order to further characterise this specific isolate.

Methods

We inoculated the original CH1641 isolate into ovine and bovine prion protein (PrP) transgenic mice as well as wild‐type mice. In addition, we performed cross‐ and back passages between the various mouse lines to examine if one identical prion strain was isolated in all mouse lines or whether multiple prion strains exist in CH1641.

Results

We report the first successful transmission of CH1641 to wild‐type RIII mice and via RIII mice to wild‐type VM mice. Unexpectedly, analysis of the protease‐resistant prion protein (PrPres) in wild‐type mice showed a classical scrapie banding pattern differing from the banding pattern of the original CH1641 isolate. Cross‐ and back passages of CH1641 between the various mouse lines confirmed that the same prion strain had been isolated in all mouse lines.

Conclusions

The CH1641 isolate consists of a single prion strain but its molecular banding pattern of PrPres differs between wild‐type mice and PrP transgenic mice. Consequently, molecular banding patterns of PrPres should be used with caution in strain typing since they do not solely depend on the properties of the prion strain but also on the host prion protein.
Supporting each other towards independence: A narrative analysis of first‐year nursing students' collaborative process
Authors: Stenberg Marie , Bengtsson Mariette , Mangrio Elisabeth , Carlson Elisabeth
Published: February 2024

Collaboration for nursing is a core competence and therefore educational interventions are essentials for collaborative skills. To identify such interventions, we carried out a study to understand nursing students' collaborative process. A narrative inquiry method was used to explore the collaborative process of first‐year undergraduate nursing students. The analysis was conducted on field notes from 70 h of observation of 87 nursing students' collaboration during skills lab activities. It also included transcriptions of four focus group discussions with 11 students. The results are presented as a sequential process of (1) navigating in unfamiliar territory, (2) navigating together to cope, and (3) navigating together towards independency and the future nursing profession. We identified a transition from teacher‐led assistance and guidance to student interdependency and reciprocal learning, ending with student‐led assistance supporting independency. In line with Vygotsky's theory of zone of proximal development, different scaffolding interventions are needed depending on where the students are in the collaborative process.
Mechanisms of cone sensitivity loss in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Simunovic Matthew P. , Mammo Zaid
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To explore the mechanisms of cone sensitivity loss in retinitis pigmentosa by combining two‐colour perimetry with threshold versus intensity (tvi) testing.

Methods

Seven subjects with autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa and 10 normal subjects were recruited and underwent perimetric testing of one eye using 480‐ and 640‐nm Goldman size V targets presented under scotopic conditions (no background illumination) and against a white background ranging in luminance from −1.5 to 2 log cd m−2 in 0.5 log cd m−2 steps. Data were fitted with tvi functions of the form logT = logT0 + log ((A + A0)/A0)n, where T is the threshold, T0 is the absolute threshold, A is the background intensity, A0 is the ‘dark–light’ constant and n is a gain constant.

Results

Reliable tvi functions could not be obtained within the region of the visual field corresponding to loss of the ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography. At fixation, changes in both T0 and A0 were observed, consistent with a d1 mechanism loss, which resulted in an upwards and rightwards shift of the tvi function. Losses at [±3°, ±3°] demonstrated changes in T0, consistent with a d3 mechanism loss, resulting in an upwards translation of the tvi curve.

Conclusions

Although the absolute cone threshold was elevated at each location, shifts in the tvi function (so‐called d1 mechanism loss) at fixation minimise threshold elevation in the presence of white adapting backgrounds, such as those typically employed in standard two‐colour perimetry. At more peripheral testing locations, changes in threshold occurred independent of background luminance (so‐called d3 mechanism loss). These findings suggest that backgrounds which selectively adapt rods while maintaining cones at, or near, absolute threshold may be preferable to conventional two‐colour perimetry for assessing loss of cone sensitivity, especially at the point of fixation.
Characteristics of dermal vascularity in melasma and solar lentigo
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Shibata Takako
Published: February 2024

Background /Purpose

Melasma and solar lentigo (SL) are major benign hyperpigmented lesions, and both have been shown to involve the dermal vasculature. This review discusses current knowledge regarding the clinical characteristics of dermal vascularity in melasma and SL, as well as the results of relevant molecular biological investigations.

Methods

PubMed and Google Scholar were searched in December 2023 to identify articles related to melasma, SL, and the dermal vasculature in these lesions.

Results

Vascular morphologies in melasma and SL have been detected by histological and non‐invasive methods, including modalities such as optical coherence tomography. Biological studies have indicated that factors secreted from vascular endothelial cells, such as stem cell factor and endothelin‐1, can promote melanogenesis. With respect to phototherapy, blood vessel‐targeting laser treatments are expected to provide long‐term suppression of pigmentation, but this regimen is only effective when dilated capillaries are visible.

Conclusion

In both melasma and SL, clinical and experimental investigations are revealing the contributions of dermal vascularity to hyperpigmentation. More effective treatment may require identification of hyperpigmentation subtypes. In the future, knowledge of treatment (including phototherapy) is expected to accumulate through reliable and validated non‐invasive measurements.
Yin Yang 1 facilitates the activation, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Fu Xiao , Luo Xin , Xiao Ping , Guo Ninghong
Published: February 2024

Chronic hepatic diseases often involve fibrosis as a pivotal factor in their progression. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in hepatic fibrosis. Our data reveal that YY1 binds to the prolyl hydroxylase domain 1 (PHD1) promoter. Rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) display heightened fibrosis in liver tissues, accompanied by increased levels of YY1, PHD1, and the fibrosis marker alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Elevated levels of YY1, PHD1, and α‐SMA are observed in the liver tissues of CCl4‐treated rats, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from fibrotic liver tissues, and transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced HSCs. The human HSC cell line LX‐2, upon YY1 overexpression, exhibits enhanced TGF‐β1‐induced activation, leading to increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related proteins and inflammatory cytokines. YY1 silencing produces the opposite effect. YY1 exerts a positive regulatory effect on the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and PHD1 expression. PHD1 silencing rescues the promotion of YY1 in cell activation, ECM‐related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production in TGF‐β1‐treated LX‐2 cells. Overall, our findings propose a model wherein YY1 facilitates TGF‐β1‐induced HSC activation, ECM‐related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production by promoting PHD1 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study positions YY1 as a promising therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.
Views on the hill: Disagreement and effectiveness in U.S. Senate agenda setting
Authors: Lewallen Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Setting the decision agenda requires restricting information and focusing attention on specific issue dimensions. Agenda setting also carries opportunity costs: focusing on some issues and proposals means others go unaddressed. Agenda setting thus generates conflict about the choice of issues and selection of alternatives and proposals. Using data on “views” attached to U.S. Senate committee reports and Volden and Wiseman's legislative effectiveness scores, I show that more effective legislators are more likely to express disagreement with agenda‐setting choices. And rather than harm senators' future prospects at advancing legislation, expressing disagreement is associated with more subsequent legislative success relative to what other individual and institutional characteristics would predict, particularly in the middle stages of the legislative process. This article's findings illuminate potential short‐term benefits to expressing disagreement in agenda setting. I also find these activities have declined over time, which suggests changes in the institutional environment about venues for expressing disagreement.

Related Articles

Heidbreder, Brianne. 2012. “Agenda Setting in the States: How Politics and Policy Needs Shape Gubernatorial Agendas.” Politics & Policy 40(2): 296–319. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00345.x.

Sohn, Hyodong. 2023. “Policy Agenda Trade‐offs for Sustainability: The Compositional Change of Attention about Energy in Legislative Hearings.” Politics & Policy 51(6): 973–1007. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12563.

Steger, Wayne P. 2008. “The President's Legislative Program: An Issue of Sincere versus Strategic Behavior.” Politics & Policy 33(2): 312–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00645.x.
Morphology, photosynthetic and molecular mechanisms associated with powdery mildew resistance in Kentucky bluegrass
Authors: Xiaoyang Sun , Wenqi Ding , Yiwei Jiang , Yanchao Zhu , Can Zhu , Xinru Li , Jian Cui , Jinmin Fu
Published: February 2024

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), one of the most widely used cool‐season turfgrasses around the world, is sensitive to powdery mildew (PM; Blumeria graminis). The PM strain identification and regulation mechanisms of Kentucky bluegrass in response to pathogens still remain unclear. Through morphological and molecular analyses, we identified that the pathogen in Kentucky bluegrass was B. graminis f. sp. poae. The infection of B. graminis led to a reduction of the sclerenchyma area, expansion of vesicular cells and movement of chloroplasts. The infected leaves had significantly lower values in net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, photochemical quenching and non‐regulated energy dissipation compared to mock‐inoculated leaves. Expressions of light‐harvesting antenna protein genes LHCA and LHCB and photosynthetic electron transport genes petE and petH decreased significantly in infected leaves. Furthermore, upregulations of genes involved in plant‐pathogen interaction, such as HSP90, RBOH, and RPM and downregulations of EDS, RPS and WRKY were observed in infected leaves. The findings may help design a feasible approach to effectively control the PM disease in Kentucky bluegrass and other related perennial grass species.