bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probucol treatment after traumatic brain injury activates BDNF/TrkB pathway, promotes neuroregeneration and ameliorates functional deficits in mice
Authors: Chen Chen‐Mei , Gung Pei‐Yu , Ho Yen‐Chun , Hamdin Candra D. , Yet Shaw‐Fang
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, yet pharmacotherapies for TBI are currently lacking. Neuroregeneration is important in brain repair and functional recovery. In this study, probucol, a cholesterol‐lowering drug with established safety profiles, was examined for its therapeutic effects and neuroregenerative actions in TBI.

Experimental Approach

Male mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI, followed by daily administration of probucol. Neurological and cognitive functions were evaluated. Histological analyses of the neocortex and hippocampus were performed to detect the lesion, dendritic degeneration (microtubule‐associated protein 2), synaptic density (synaptophysin), neurogenesis (doublecortin), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) activation. Involvement of BDNF/TrkB pathway in probucol‐mediated effects was examined in primary cultures of cortical neurons.

Key Results

Probucol reduced brain lesion volume, enhanced the recovery of body symmetry, improved motor function and attenuated memory dysfunction after TBI. Meanwhile, probucol promoted post‐injury dendritic growth and synaptogenesis and increased hippocampal proliferating neuronal progenitor cells, along with the formation as well as the survival of newborn neurons. Moreover, probucol enhances BDNF expression and TrkB activation. In vitro, probucol promoted neurite outgrowth, which was inhibited by a selective TrkB antagonist ANA‐12.

Conclusions and Implications

Probucol enhanced functional restoration and ameliorated cognitive impairment after TBI by promoting post‐injury neuronal remodelling and neurogenesis. Increased activation of BDNF/TrkB pathway by probucol, at least in part, contributed to the neuroregenerative effects of probucol. Together, it may be promising to repurpose probucol for TBI.
Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 24 accelerates aerobic glycolysis and tumor progression in gastric carcinoma through stabilizing PLK1 to activate NOTCH1
Authors: Zhi Xiaofei , Jiang Song , Zhang Jiaxuan , Qin Jun
Published: June 2023

Ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 24 (USP24), a member of the deubiquitinase family, plays an important role in tumor regulation. However, the role of USP24 in gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the role of USP24 in GC to seek new therapeutic targets for GC. TCGA analysis showed that USP24 was upregulated in GC patients, and its high expression levels were associated with poor prognosis. It was found that overexpressed USP24 promoted GC cell proliferation and abnormal glycolysis. Further analysis and study showed that USP24 could promote the stability and increase the expression of oncogene PLK1. Knocking down USP24 can reduce the stability of PLK1 to reduce Notch 1 activity, thus inhibiting GC glycolysis, proliferation, and other processes and alleviating tumor progression. Knocking down USP24 can inhibit GC progression. In conclusion, USP24 was upregulated in GC and promoted the growth and glycolysis of GC cells, the mechanism of which was related to the deubiquitination of PLK1 and the increase of its stability. Silencing USP24 inhibited the GC process. This study suggests that the USP24/PLK1/Notch 1 axis may be a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Acute pharmacodynamic responses to exenatide: Drug‐induced increases in insulin secretion and glucose effectiveness
Authors: Taylor Simeon I. , Montasser May E. , Yuen Ashley H. , Fan Hubert , Yazdi Zhinoosossadat Shahidzadeh , Whitlatch Hilary B. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Muniyappa Ranganath , Streeten Elizabeth A. , Beitelshees Amber L.
Published: June 2023

Aim

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists provide multiple benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes, including improved glycaemic control, weight loss and decreased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Because drug responses vary among individuals, we initiated investigations to identify genetic variants associated with the magnitude of drug responses.

Methods

Exenatide (5 μg, subcutaneously) or saline (0.2 ml, subcutaneously) was administered to 62 healthy volunteers. Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests were conducted to assess the impact of exenatide on insulin secretion and insulin action. This pilot study was a crossover design in which participants received exenatide and saline in random order.

Results

Exenatide increased first phase insulin secretion 1.9‐fold (p = 1.9 × 10−9) and accelerated the rate of glucose disappearance 2.4‐fold (p = 2 × 10−10). Minimal model analysis showed that exenatide increased glucose effectiveness (Sg) by 32% (p = .0008) but did not significantly affect insulin sensitivity (Si). The exenatide‐induced increase in insulin secretion made the largest contribution to interindividual variation in exenatide‐induced acceleration of glucose disappearance while interindividual variation in the drug effect on Sg contributed to a lesser extent (β = 0.58 or 0.27, respectively).

Conclusions

This pilot study provides validation for the value of a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (including minimal model analysis) to provide primary data for our ongoing pharmacogenomic study of pharmacodynamic effects of semaglutide (NCT05071898). Three endpoints provide quantitative assessments of the effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on glucose metabolism: first phase insulin secretion, glucose disappearance rates and glucose effectiveness.
Green central banking under high inflation—more of a need than an option: An analytical exposition for Turkey
Authors: Ünüvar Burcu , Yeldan A. Erinç
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Calls for a green monetary policy are intensifying as the climate crisis deepens. Although the leading central banks of low‐inflation countries are the spokesmodels of this discussion, considerations of green central banking under high inflation continue to lag. The motivation of this article is to contribute to this process with a working example from Turkey—an economy under severe inflationary pressure.

Purpose

Our first objective is to document the risks associated with climate change for the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT) in terms of its main mandate of price stability and to provide evidence to pursue green policies. We next examine the feasibility of a green monetary design under high inflation.

Methods and approach

We scrutinize the duties and responsibilities of the CBRT as set by law and set out the armoury it would have at its disposal in pursuing a green monetary policy. Exhibiting climate change‐related risks to its mandate(s), we find one climate policy‐related and two mandate‐related reasons for the CBRT to go green, matching them with robust green instruments.

Findings

Adopting a green monetary policy has the potential to improve the CBRT's ability to reach its objective of price stability. Indicating that green central banking in a high‐inflation country is more of a need than an option, we also document that greening of the monetary policy does not necessarily conflict with the broad mandates of inflation targeting and financial stability.

Policy implications

Evidence from Turkey supports the greening of the CBRT. This call is both feasible in terms of its capabilities and critical as regards fulfilling the mandate. Furthermore, by exposing carbon bias in the country's loan portfolio, our findings support aligning monetary policy with emissions‐abatement instruments, thus contributing to the overall design of Turkey's climate policies.
Transformative grief
Authors: Markovic Jelena
Published: June 2023

This paper argues that grieving a profound loss is a transformative experience, specifically an unchosen transformative experience, understood as an event‐based transformation not chosen by the agent. Grief transforms the self (i) cognitively, by forcing the agent to alter a large set of beliefs and desires, (ii) phenomenologically, by altering their experience in a diffuse or global manner, (iii) normatively, by requiring the agent to revise their practical identity, and (iv) existentially, by confronting the agent with a structuring condition of their life. Grief is a disruption to one's identity that an agent addresses by making sense of the world after the loss, remaking the practical significance of various situations in their lives through their activity. Transformative grief is both an “activity” and a “revelation” (Callard, 2020): Some parts of the grieving process are active (the agent must actively work to become a new kind of person), while others are irreducibly passive (the agent passively undergoes them).
Effect of calcium hypochlorite and sodium thiosulfate on the bond strength to pulp chamber dentin: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Pauletto Guilherme , Carlotto Israel Bangel , da Rosa Lucas Saldanha , Daudt Natália de Freitas , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha , Bier Carlos Alexandre Souza
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to compare the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite [Ca(OCl)2] on the bond strength to pulp chamber dentin when followed or not by the use of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3). The pulp chamber of fifty human molars were divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the immersion protocol: 2.5% NaOCl; 2.5% NaOCl + 5% Na2S2O3; 2.5% Ca(OCl)2; 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 + 5% Na2S2O3; and 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl; control). Subsequently, the samples were restored with resin composite. Three sticks each were obtained and subjected to microtensile testing. SEM/EDS analyses of the pulp chamber roof (n = 8) were carried out for mineral quantification. Elemental analysis data were investigated via one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc, and bond strength data by post hoc pairwise comparisons using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Use of 2.5% NaOCl was associated with the lowest value of bond strength, while 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 had similar bond strength to that of the 0.9% NaCl control. Using 5% Na2S2O3 was able to increase the bond strength after 2.5% NaOCl, but not after 2.5% Ca(OCl)2. The group treated only with 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 had a higher Ca/P ratio on the dentin surface. Dentin treated with Ca(OCl)2 was not affected by Na2S2O3 and showed bond strength similar to the 0.9% NaCl.
Risk of recurrence in patients with an unprovoked tonic–clonic seizure and generalized epileptiform discharges on EEG
Authors: Jomaa Najo , Nasreddine Wassim , Hmeimess Ghassan , Beaini Shawkat , Beydoun Ayman , Hotait Mostafa , Wazne Jaafar , Beydoun Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Objective

The decision to initiate treatment in patients with a first unprovoked seizure remains controversial. Studies have reported a recurrence rate ranging from 21%–50%, but most have included patients with different etiologies, electroencephalography (EEG) findings, and seizure types. This study aimed to determine the risk of recurrence in patients with a first unprovoked generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizure with evidence of generalized spike–wave discharges (GSWDs) on EEG and compare the efficacy of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in preventing recurrence.

Methods

This prospective study included consecutive patients who presented with a single GTC seizure, evidence of GSWDs on EEG, and a follow‐up period of at least 1 year. All patients underwent extensive evaluation, including a 3‐hour sleep‐deprived video‐EEG recording and an epilepsy protocol brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment with ASMs was recommended for all patients. The decision regarding the specific ASM to be used was left to the treating physician's discretion.

Results

A total of 57 patients with a median age of 19 years were included. A total of 41 patients agreed to be started on an ASM while 16 declined. Seizure recurred in 6 of 41 patients (14.6%) in the treated group compared to 11 of 16 (68.8%) in the untreated group (p = .00006). Valproate was significantly more efficacious than levetiracetam or lamotrigine (p = .04). Of the 15 patients who discontinued ASM treatment after remaining seizure‐free for an average of 30 months, 6 (40%) experienced a seizure recurrence.

Significance

Patients with a first unprovoked GTC seizure and evidence of GSWDs on EEG have a high risk of recurrence if left untreated. Valproate is the most efficacious ASM for preventing recurrence in this population. A sizeable proportion of patients can be successfully tapered off medication after a period of seizure freedom. This study provides valuable information for guiding treatment decisions in this patient population.
Analysis of optical absorption of photoaged human skin using a high‐frequency illumination microscopy analysis system
Authors: Ogura Yuki , Shimano Mihoko , Bise Ryoma , Yamashita Toyonobu , Katagiri Chika , Sato Imari
Published: June 2023

Skin is composed of different layers, including the stratum corneum, epidermal living layer and papillary and reticular dermis. Each has specific optical properties due to differences in their biological components. Alterations in the skin's cutaneous biological components resulting from photoaging caused by chronic exposure to UV light affect the deterioration of appearance associated with the skin's optical properties. Various methods for analysing cutaneous optical properties have been previously proposed, including mathematical models and computer simulations. However, these were insufficient to elucidate changes in each skin layer and comprehensively understand the skin's integrated optical properties. We focused on UV‐induced yellowing of the facial skin. We evaluated site‐specific optical absorption of human skin tissue sections to investigate the yellowish discoloration, which is suggested to be related to the photodamage process. The method includes our original technique of separating the transmitted and scattered light using high‐frequency illumination microscopy, leading to microscopic analysis of the tissue's optical absorption in the regions of interest. In analysing the sun‐exposed facial skin tissue sections, we successfully showed that dermal regions of aged skin have increased absorption at 450 nm, where yellowish colours are complemented. Furthermore, we confirmed that elastic fibres with observable histological disorder resulting from photodamage are a prominent source of high optical absorption. We detected changes in the skin's optical absorption associated with dermal degeneration resulting from photodamage using a novel optical microscopy technique. The results provide a base for the evaluation of optical property changes for both yellowing discoloration and other tissue disorders.
Global arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal diversity and abundance decreases with soil available phosphorus
Authors: Ma Xiaocui , Xu Xia , Geng Qinghong , Luo Yiqi , Ju Chenghui , Li Qian , Zhou Yan
Published: June 2023

Aim

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed soil organisms that play critical roles in ecosystem functions. However, little is known about their global distribution and the underlying mechanisms. Here, we aimed to explore distribution pattern and key predictors of AMF diversity and abundance at the global scale.

Location

Global.

Time Period

1987–2022.

Major Taxa Studied

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Methods

We investigated the distribution pattern and key predictors of AMF diversity and abundance at the global scale by compiling 654 field studies.

Results

We found that cold climate zones had relatively low AMF diversity. At the ecosystem level, grassland tended to have higher AMF diversity and abundance. Soil available phosphorus (P) and latitude were the most important predictors of AMF diversity. AMF richness and Shannon index decreased with increasing soil available P and latitude. Soil available P and soil pH were the main predictors for global distribution of AMF abundance. AMF colonization rate and spore abundance declined with soil available P and increased with soil pH. Mean annual precipitation was also an important, positive correlate of spore abundance.

Main Conclusions

Our findings highlight soil available P as an important predictor affecting the distribution of AMF diversity and abundance, advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the distribution patterns of mycorrhizal fungal diversity and abundance at the global scale.
Evaluating potential predictors of weight loss response to liraglutide in adolescents with obesity: A post hoc analysis of the randomized, placebo‐controlled SCALE Teens trial
Authors: Bensignor Megan O. , Bramante Carolyn T. , Bomberg Eric M. , Fox Claudia K. , Hale Paula M. , Kelly Aaron S. , Mamadi Rashmi , Prabhu Nandana , Harder‐Lauridsen Nina M. , Gross Amy C.
Published: June 2023

Background

As childhood obesity prevalence increases, determining which patients respond to anti‐obesity medications would strengthen personalized approaches to obesity treatment. In the SCALE Teens trial among pubertal adolescents with obesity (NCT02918279), liraglutide 3.0 mg (or maximum tolerated dose) significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score on average versus placebo. That said, liraglutide effects on BMI reduction varied greatly among adolescents, similar to adults.

Objectives

To identify post hoc characteristics predictive of achieving ≥5% and ≥10% BMI reductions at 56 weeks with liraglutide versus placebo in adolescents from the SCALE Teens trial.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis was performed in 251 adolescents treated with liraglutide (n = 125) or placebo (n = 126) for 56 weeks. Baseline characteristics (selected a priori) included sex, race, ethnicity, age, Tanner (pubertal) stage, glycemic status (hyperglycemia [type 2 diabetes/prediabetes] vs. normoglycemia), obesity category (Class II/III vs. I), severity of depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), and weight variability (weight fluctuations over time). The effects of early responder status (≥4% BMI reduction at week 16) on week 56 response were assessed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Baseline characteristics did not affect achievement of ≥5% and ≥10% BMI reductions at week 56 in adolescents treated with liraglutide. Further, there was no association between weight variability and BMI reduction. Early liraglutide responders appeared to have greater BMI and body weight reductions at week 56 compared with early non‐responders.

Conclusions

This secondary analysis suggests that adolescents with obesity may experience significant BMI reductions after 56 weeks of liraglutide treatment, regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity, age, pubertal stage, glycemic status, obesity category, severity of depression symptoms, or weight variability. Early response may predict greater week 56 response.
Mitigating information asymmetry to acquire venture capital financing for digital startups in China: The role of weak and strong signals
Authors: Yang Yuxue , Fang Yulin , Wang Nianxin , Su Xiang
Published: June 2023

This paper addresses how weak and strong signals affect venture capital funding acquired by digital startups at their early stage in various industries of China. We also articulate the interaction mechanism of these strong and weak signals by demonstrating their complementary or substitutive effects in alleviating information asymmetry on startup quality, which can help digital startups secure venture capital financing. Drawing on signalling theory and institutional legitimacy theory, we introduce application (app) downloads as a novel strong signal that can reduce market legitimacy concerns, and previous‐round venture capitalist reputation as a traditional strong signal that mitigates regulatory legitimacy concerns. We treat founders' startup and IT experience as weak signals, as they provide rhetorical and indirect information indicating a startup's potential to establish regulatory and market legitimacy. The study empirically investigates our hypotheses using data of 163 digital startups in various industries of China. Results confirm the positive relationships between strong signals and venture capital funding secured by a digital startup. Furthermore, signals of similar strength are found to complement each other's effects in certain situations, while strong signals can reduce the effects of weak signals on a digital startup's financing performance under specific conditions that create these mixed effects. Implications for digital startup research and practice as well as limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Validity and reliability of Chinese version of the new diabetic foot ulcer assessment scale
Authors: Luo YiXin , Mai LiFang , Liu XingZhou , Yang Chuan
Published: June 2023

A specific assessment tool is urgently needed to guide effective wound care for diabetic foot ulcers. However, the tool has not been available in Chinese. We aimed to culturally translate and verify the validity and reliability of the new Diabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment Scale (DFUAS). The original scale was translated into Chinese according to the Brislin guidelines. Patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Each of the included foot ulcers was evaluated independently by two wound care specialists using the new DFUAS and by the third wound care specialists at the same time using the Bates‐Jensen Wound Assessment Tool according to per guidelines. 210 diabetic foot ulcers were included for data analysis. The S‐CVI of the Chinese version of the DFUAS was 0.96, and the I‐CVIs ranged from 0.89 to 0.98. The total Cronbach's Alpha of the scale was 0.709, and the corrected item‐total correlation of the items ranged from 0.4 to 0.872. The DFUAS had high inter‐observer reliability of 0.997, and there were weak, moderate, and strong correlations between each pair of the items. The Bland–Altman plots showed a good agreement between the scale and the Bates‐Jensen Wound Assessment Tool. We concluded that the Chinese version of the DFUAS showed good validity and reliability and is a reliable instrument for the assessment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Changes in fatty acids profile and sucrose concentration of coffee beans during drying process
Authors: Largo‐Avila Esteban , Suárez‐Rodríguez Carlos H. , Maya Juan C. , Ciro‐Velásquez Héctor J. , Chejne Farid
Published: June 2023

Solar drying and forced convection of hot air (mechanical drying) are traditionally used for the drying process of coffee beans. This work describes the changes of the concentration of sucrose and 11 fatty acids contained in Castillo® variety coffee beans during the drying process using HPLC and CG MS. A single‐factor experimental design with three blocks was carried out like this: three solar and three mechanical drying. A phenomenological mathematical model was developed allowing to know the evolution of chemical compounds concentration over time by using a parameter called characteristic time, which can be experimentally measured. For the 18‐h mechanical drying, sucrose concentration increased by 14.55 ± 0.20 mg/g db, while palmitic and linoleic fatty acids decreased by 0.372 ± 0.013 mg/g dry basis (db). For solar drying of 94, 120, and 218 h the initial sucrose concentration was reduced by 24.81 ± 0.23, 29.28 ± 0.27, and 47.10 ± 0.21 mg/g db, likewise palmitic and linoleic fatty acids were reduced by 0.442 ± 0.010, 0.680 ± 0.012, and 1.088 ± 0.014 mg/g db. These results suggest that a short drying time leads to a higher concentration of the analyzed chemical compounds in the coffee beans.

Practical Applications

The coffee drying process impacts the concentration of chemical compounds that are of great interest in forming coffee aroma and flavor in the roasting process. This study highlights the impact of drying time on the concentration of sucrose and fatty acids in coffee beans. The main application of this research shows how in solar and mechanical drying variations organic compounds occur. The presence of these organic compounds in coffee beans is of great interest for the later coffee roasting process. The proposed phenomenological mathematical model allows a physical understanding in the effect of drying time on the concentration of sucrose and 11 fatty acids.
European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) 2023 guidance paper for colorectal neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Rinke Anja , Ambrosini Valentina , Dromain Clarisse , Garcia‐Carbonero Rocio , Haji Amyn , Koumarianou Anna , van Dijkum Els Nieveen , O'Toole Dermot , Rindi Guido , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Ramage John
Published: June 2023

This ENETS guidance paper, developed by a multidisciplinary working group, provides an update on the previous colorectal guidance paper in a different format. Guided by key clinical questions practical advice on the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine tumours (NET) of the caecum, colon, and rectum is provided. Although covered in one guidance paper colorectal NET comprises a heterogeneous group of neoplasms. The most common rectal NET are often small G1 tumours that can be treated by adequate endoscopic resection techniques. Evidence from prospective clinical trials on the treatment of metastatic colorectal NET is limited and discussion of patients in experienced multidisciplinary tumour boards strongly recommended. Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) and mixed neuroendocrine non‐neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNEN) are discussed in a separate guidance paper.
How do Status Differentials Affect the Unplanned Dissolution of Alliances?
Authors: Weng David H. , Tang Yi
Published: June 2023

Previous research suggests that firms tend to form alliances with counterparts of similar status. However, it remains unclear whether the principle of status homophily helps or hinders the alliance process. In this study, we contend that status differentials, rather than status similarity, can reduce the likelihood of the unplanned dissolution of an alliance, as a clearer order of status helps to resolve interfirm discrepancies and conflicts during collaborative processes. The results based on a sample of joint ventures in the US computer and telecommunications industries support our arguments. Further, we find that the effect of status differentials on the unplanned dissolution of alliances is strengthened when the high‐status firm performs better than the low‐status firm and when the two firms are from more related industries. Our findings call into question the emphasis on status homophily in the management of alliances following their formation.
The Impact of Sustainable Investing: A Multidisciplinary Review
Authors: Marti Emilio , Fuchs Martin , DesJardine Mark R. , Slager Rieneke , Gond Jean‐Pascal
Published: June 2023

We conduct a multidisciplinary review of how sustainable investing impacts the environment and society. Our review starts from the insight that shareholders can create impact not only through (1) portfolio screening and (2) shareholder engagement (two impact strategies most used by mainstream shareholders) but also through (3) field building (an impact strategy most used by shareholders at the periphery of the financial sector). Based on this framework of three impact strategies, we integrate insights from four disciplines (management, finance, sociology, and ethics/sustainability) to reconstruct how each impact strategy influences corporate sustainability. We identify 15 impact mechanisms through which the impact strategies produce three types of impact: portfolio screening and shareholder engagement mostly create direct impact on companies, while field building creates indirect impact via other shareholders and indirect impact via the institutional context. Our review suggests that shareholder impact emerges gradually as different types of shareholders build on each other's efforts, which we use to outline a research agenda on shareholder impact as a distributed process.
Rapid screening of sensory attributes of mackerel using big data mining techniques and rapid sensory evaluation methods
Authors: Huang Yi‐Zhen , Liu Yu , Yu Xi‐Liang , Li Ke , Li Guo‐Dong , Zhu Bei‐Wei , Dong Xiu‐Ping
Published: June 2023

The present study aimed to investigate the potential of big data mining technology in conjunction with rapid sensory evaluation methods for the swift screening of sensory attributes of three kinds of frozen mackerel. Specifically, two rapid sensory evaluation methods, namely ideal profile method (IPM) and check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA), were implemented and compared with the conventional descriptive analysis method. The results revealed that eight sensory attributes based on consumer network evaluations demonstrated significant consistency during the training process (p < .05). Notably, the application of web‐based sensory attributes yielded highly comparable results between IPM and traditional descriptive analysis (0.915). Moreover, the results of the IPM preference map were in closer agreement with those of traditional descriptive analysis. While traditional sensory evaluation boasts high accuracy and a greater ability to detect nuances, the evolution of sensory evaluation technology has shifted its focus toward consumers. Rapid sensory evaluation analysis technology supports the collection of information directly from consumers, even by untrained or semi‐trained groups, thereby presenting broad prospects for product qualitative analysis.
A review of current chemistry, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous anabolic steroids testosterone, boldenone, and nandrolone in horses
Authors: Dirikolu Levent , Lehner Andreas F.
Published: June 2023

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic substances related to the male sex hormones (androgens). These agents promote the growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic effects) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic effects). Anabolic steroids have been illegally used for many years as performance‐enhancing drugs in human, equine, and canine sports and as growth promoters in livestock reared to provide meat for human consumption. The analytical challenge to developing effective means of control within these fields has been exacerbated by the reported endogenous nature of some of these steroids. Anabolic steroids have been employed extensively in equine practice over the past 50 years. Their usefulness is largely dependent on subjective opinions, as only minimal studies investigating pharmacodynamics have been carried out in horses. Therefore, their use will vary markedly between practitioners depending on their personal experiences and pressures by trainers to use them. They form part of rational therapy in a variety of conditions. In addition to their use for increasing muscle mass, they are used to varying extents in the raising of yearlings and in the training and racing of horses with the view of improving performance. The use of these agents is prohibited in the horseracing industry by the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Smallpox vaccination and the limits of governing through contagion in the Straits Settlements, 1868–1926
Authors: Lee Jack Jin Gary , Chua Lynette J.
Published: June 2023

Vaccination involves the encounter of nonhuman biological matter and human bodies, recalibrating our susceptibility to illness and death. This boundary‐crossing act has been caught in conflicting webs of moral significance, including the normalizing frameworks of public health governance and its corresponding forms of resistance. Such tensions and dynamics were a feature of smallpox vaccination ‐ the first modern, systematic state‐driven project to build population immunity. Focusing on smallpox vaccination in the British‐ruled Straits Settlements (Singapore, Penang, and Malacca) between 1868 and 1926, we examine the recurrent features of contentions over vaccination from the tentative beginnings of the 1868 Vaccination Ordinance to the systematic extension of vaccination in the 20th century. Engaging science and technology studies of nonhuman agency and social theories on security, we argue that such contentions demonstrate the limits of a power formation we call governing through contagion (GTC). GTC centralizes law and other technologies to normalize public health measures that combat contagious diseases, whiledysconnecting populations by its strategies of control. Our history of smallpox vaccination reveals: (i) GTC relies on the interconnectedness of human and nonhuman actors in protecting populations against viral threats; law is essential but does not necessarily drive vaccination or other strategies of control and (ii) resistance to GTC, in which law plays an integral role, reinforces inequalities and differentiated treatment, what we term endemic inter/dysconnectedness.
Epstein‐Zin utility maximization on a random horizon
Authors: Aurand Joshua , Huang Yu‐Jui
Published: June 2023

This paper solves the consumption‐investment problem under Epstein‐Zin preferences on a random horizon. In an incomplete market, we take the random horizon to be a stopping time adapted to the market filtration, generated by all observable, but not necessarily tradable, state processes. Contrary to prior studies, we do not impose any fixed upper bound for the random horizon, allowing for truly unbounded ones. Focusing on the empirically relevant case where the risk aversion and the elasticity of intertemporal substitution are both larger than one, we characterize the optimal consumption and investment strategies using backward stochastic differential equations with superlinear growth on unbounded random horizons. This characterization, compared with the classical fixed‐horizon result, involves an additional stochastic process that serves to capture the randomness of the horizon. As demonstrated in two concrete examples, changing from a fixed horizon to a random one drastically alters the optimal strategies.
The contribution of plant life and growth forms to global gradients of vascular plant diversity
Authors: Taylor Amanda , Weigelt Patrick , Denelle Pierre , Cai Lirong , Kreft Holger
Published: June 2023

Plant life and growth forms (shortened to ‘plant forms’) represent key functional strategies of plants in relation to their environment and provide important insights into the ecological constraints acting on the distribution of biodiversity. Despite their functional importance, how the spectra of plant forms contribute to global gradients of plant diversity is unresolved.

Using a novel dataset comprising > 295 000 species, we quantify the contribution of different plant forms to global gradients of vascular plant diversity. Furthermore, we establish how plant form distributions in different biogeographical regions are associated with contemporary and paleoclimate conditions, environmental heterogeneity and phylogeny.

We find a major shift in representation of woody perennials in tropical latitudes to herb‐dominated floras in temperate and boreal regions, following a sharp latitudinal gradient in plant form diversity from the tropics to the poles. We also find significant functional differences between regions, mirroring life and growth form responses to environmental conditions, which is mostly explained by contemporary climate (18–87%), and phylogeny (6–62%), with paleoclimate and heterogeneity playing a lesser role (< 23%).

This research highlights variation in the importance of different plant forms to diversity gradients world‐wide, shedding light on the ecological and evolutionary pressures constraining plant–trait distributions.
Subjective refraction using power vectors by updating a conventional phoropter with a Stokes lens for continuous astigmatic power generation
Authors: Moreno Jose Ricardo Albero , Micó Vicente , Albarrán Diego Cesar
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To implement a pure power vector method for monocular subjective refraction using a regular phoropter with the only modification being the inclusion of a Stokes lens. The proposed methodology was tested with three different Stokes lenses, and the results were compared with conventional clinical refraction procedures.

Methods

Power vector subjective refraction was performed by attaching a Stokes lens to the Risley prism holder. Stokes lenses allow for pure astigmatic compensation in the form of the J0, J45 components while the spherical lenses in the phoropter allow determination of the spherical component in the form of M (spherical equivalent). The proposed routine is presented step‐by‐step using three Stokes lenses having different astigmatic powers.

Results

Monocular subjective refraction was performed on 26 healthy subjects with a mean age of 44 ± 16 years, mean spherical equivalent of −0.56 D (range −5.50 to +2.38 D) and refractive astigmatism ≤1.50 D. No differences were found between the results obtained with the conventional technique versus the vector‐based procedure for the spherical equivalent (p = 0.28) or astigmatic components (p = 0.34). In addition, visual acuity (VA) was equivalent through the refractions measured with the conventional and vector procedures (p = 0.12). Repeatability coefficients for J0 and J45 with the new vector methodology were <0.38 D.

Conclusions

The proposed routine could be helpful for cases where it is difficult to get a valid starting point for conventional refraction (e.g., irregular corneas and media opacities), for testing facilities with limited resources/equipment and/or for motivated clinicians who wish to know about alternative methods of refractive error determination.
A low‐drift and real‐time localisation and mapping method for handheld hemispherical view LiDAR‐IMU integration system
Authors: Duan Xuzhe , Hu Qingwu , Zhao Pengcheng , Yu Fei , Ai Mingyao
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) framework that uses a handheld hemispherical view LiDAR‐IMU integration system. Inspired by the specific characteristic of the hemispherical view LiDAR, a ground segmentation module based on seed points is designed. The ground points are then downsampled to eliminate redundant vertical constraints. The IMU data and the pre‐processed point cloud are used to perform state estimation via a tightly coupled iterative extended Kalman filter (iEKF) to obtain the pose estimation. The automatically detected loop closures provide closed‐loop constraints for the odometry, and a factor graph ensures the global consistency of the map. Data from diverse scenes are collected via a prototype system. Both qualitative and quantitative experiments are carried out to verify the framework's performance. According to the experimental results, our framework achieves low‐drift, high‐coverage and real‐time performance, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art LiDAR SLAM methods in our handheld hemispherical view LiDAR‐IMU test sites. For the research community's benefit, the dataset is publicly provided for other researchers to compare against.
Interpersonal consequences of joint food consumption for connection and conflict
Authors: Woolley Kaitlin , Lim Sarah
Published: June 2023

For centuries, the preparation and eating of a meal has brought people together, making food consumption an inherently social process. Yet the way in which people connect over food is changing. Rising health concerns, due in part to the increase in food allergies and obesity, have shifted attention away from the social aspects of food to food's nutritional aspects. Recognizing the social context in which food consumption takes place, this article reviews research highlighting the interpersonal consequences of joint food consumption. We first examine research on how sharing food connects people together, both via the type of food consumed (e.g., incidental food similarity) and the manner in which people serve and eat food (e.g., from shared vs. separate plates). We then turn to research that addresses the opposite side of the coin, discussing how the inability to share in a meal can be isolating, as well as how people navigate conflicting preferences when making food decisions with others. We conclude with a discussion of promising future directions for research on joint food consumption.
Navigating uncertainty in human social decision‐making: Consequences and coping strategies
Authors: Li Ting , Li Suiqing , Li Bingjie , Zhang Zhixin , Luo Yuejia , Feng Chunliang
Published: June 2023

Uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of human social life. Based on fruitful findings, the current review aims to establish a schema that outlines the relationship between uncertainty and human social decision‐making: the influences of uncertainty on social decision‐making (mainly prosocial behaviors) and the strategies commonly employed to reduce social uncertainty. Human prosocial behaviors are modulated by both social and nonsocial uncertainty. Specifically, uncertainty decreases prosocial behaviors by providing moral wiggling room or promoting loss aversion but also helps maintain relationships by mitigating negative interactions. Moreover, impression formation, impression updating, and compliance with social norms are crucial strategies for coping with social uncertainty, but they are subject to various biases. Finally, we highlight some important issues that need to be addressed in future studies. In summary, the current review deepens our understanding of the role of uncertainty in social behaviors.
Reflections on gaze data in statistics education
Authors: Boels Lonneke
Published: June 2023

Gaze data are still uncommon in statistics education despite their promise. Gaze data provide teachers and researchers with a new window into complex cognitive processes. This article discusses how gaze data can inform and be used by teachers both for their own teaching practice and with students. With our own eye‐tracking research as an example, background information on eye‐tracking and possible applications of eye‐tracking in statistics education is provided. Teachers indicated that our eye‐tracking research created awareness of the difficulties students have when interpreting histograms. Gaze data showed details of students' strategies that neither teachers nor students were aware of. With this discussion paper, we hope to contribute to the future usage and implementation of gaze data in statistics education by teachers, researchers, educational and textbook designers, and students.
Chromosome translocation affects multiple phenotypes, causes genome‐wide dysregulation of gene expression, and remodels metabolome in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Lv Ruili , Gou Xiaowan , Li Ning , Zhang Zhibin , Wang Changyi , Wang Ruisi , Wang Bin , Yang Chunwu , Gong Lei , Zhang Huakun , Liu Bao
Published: June 2023

Chromosomal rearrangements (CRs) may occur in newly formed polyploids due to compromised meiotic fidelity. Moreover, CRs can be more readily tolerated in polyploids allowing their longer‐term retention and hence potential spreading/fixation within a lineage. The direct functional consequences of CRs in plant polyploids remain unexplored. Here, we identified a heterozygous individual from a synthetic allohexaploid wheat in which the terminal parts of the long‐arms of chromosomes 2D (approximately 193 Mb) and 4A (approximately 167 Mb) were reciprocally translocated. Five homogeneous translocation lines including both unbalanced and balanced types were developed by selfing fertilization of the founder mutant (RT [2DL; 4AL]‐ter/1, reciprocal translocation). We investigated impacts of these translocations on phenotype, genome‐wide gene expression and metabolome. We find that, compared with sibling wild‐type, CRs in the form of both unbalanced and balanced translocations induced substantial changes of gene expression primarily via trans‐regulation in the nascent allopolyploid wheat. The CRs also manifested clear phenotypic and metabolic consequences. In particular, the genetically balanced, stable reciprocal translocations lines showed immediate enhanced reproductive fitness relative to wild type. Our results underscore the profound impact of CRs on gene expression in nascent allopolyploids with wide‐ranging phenotypic and metabolic consequences, suggesting CRs are an important source of genetic variation that can be exploited for crop breeding.
Confronting the challenge of gender nonconforming donors: A blood center's three‐year experience
Authors: Reynolds Vanessa , Van Buren Nancy L. , Gorlin Jed B.
Published: June 2023

Background

Blood center organizations (BCOs) have traditionally offered two gender choices (male or female) on the donor history questionnaire (DHQ). Our BCO was one of the first in the United States to offer additional options on our DHQ to improve the experience for gender nonconforming donors.

Study Design and Methods

Three years of data were analyzed from all blood donation visits between March 2019 and March 2022. Donors were stratified by gender categories and generation as follows: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, Boomers, and Silent. First time donor status, donor deferrals and infectious disease rates were evaluated for each category.

Results

Donor gender makeup included 127,072 (99.78%) Male/Female (M/F) and 282 (0.22%) Trans/Other (T/O) donors. The return rate for first‐time donors was 36.75% for M/F donors compared to 33.84% for T/O donors. The generational breakdown of our T/O donors is 71.28% Gen Z, 21.99% Millennial, 3.19% Gen X, 3.55% Boomers and none from the Silent Generation. Comparing high risk DHQ deferrals, there were 719 (0.57%) M/F deferrals and 18 (6.38%) T/O deferrals. Disease marker testing resulted in 2314 (0.56%) deferrals of M/F donors compared to 2 (0.41%) T/O deferrals.

Conclusion

Increased gender options on the DHQ allowing gender diverse self‐identification enhances inclusivity. Transgender and nonbinary individuals accounted for a minority of donors, most of whom are younger, and have a comparable return rate to M/F donors. Shifts in donor policies can ensure inclusivity of this diverse population and provide an opportunity to expand the base of eligible donors.
A novel nonsense variant in RHAG underlies a Nordic Rhnull phenotype
Authors: Hellberg Åsa , Arsenovic Mirjana Grujic , Sørvoll Ingvild Hausberg , Lubenow Norbert , Sareneva Inna , Haimila Katri , Nordström Magnus , Olsson Martin L. , Storry Jill R.
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

The extremely rare Rhnull phenotype is characterized by the absence of all Rh antigens on erythrocytes. It is divided into the regulator and amorph types based on the underlying genetic background. The more common regulator type depends on critical variants silencing RHAG, which encodes RhAG glycoprotein, necessary for RhD/RhCE expression. Rhnull cells have altered expression of glycophorin B and LW glycoprotein.

Materials and Methods

Four unrelated Rhnull individuals were investigated. Serological testing was performed according to standard blood bank practice. RHD/RHCE and S/s allele‐specific Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genotyping was done on genomic DNA using in‐house PCR assays. RHAG, and in some cases also RHD/RHCE, were sequenced. Initial s phenotyping results triggered additional serological investigation.

Results

Anti‐Rh29 was identified in all four individuals. Extended typing with anti‐S and anti‐s showed that the three samples predicted to type as s+ failed to react with 2 of 5 anti‐s. Sequence analysis of all 10 RHAG exons and the immediate intron/exon boundaries revealed a single nucleotide variant in the 3′‐end of intron 6, c.946 −2a>g in all samples. RHD/RHCE showed no alterations.

Conclusion

A novel Nordic Rhnull allele was identified. In addition, it was shown that s+ Rhnull red blood cells are not only U− but also have qualitative changes in their s antigen expression.