bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizational factors to optimize mental health nurses' wellbeing in the workplace: An integrative literature review
Authors: O'Connor Emily , Prebble Kate , Waterworth Susan
Published: August 2023

Mental health nursing is a privilege and a rewarding profession. There has been a call for transformational change in mental health services to improve outcomes for the people of New Zealand, with mental health nurses integral to this. However, with predicted nursing shortages, high levels of burnout, and increasing demands in the workplace, an organizational focus on wellbeing for mental health nurses is needed to sustain the workforce, implement change and improve outcomes for people using mental health services. An integrative review of the literature was undertaken to explore how organizations can optimize mental health nurses' wellbeing in the workplace and to identify measures for organizations to support mental health nurses' wellbeing with a focus on New Zealand. Seven articles were included in this review after a search, data extraction and evaluation. Data were synthesized and categorized using thematic analysis. The findings indicate organizations can invest in several initiatives to enhance mental health nurses' wellbeing in the workplace. These include professional development, skills to build resilience, enabling time to reflect on practice, enhancing professional supervision, having the right managerial support and focusing on individual's strengths. Organizations need to prioritize mental health nurses' wellbeing by embedding the practical strategies this review identified and by addressing organizational barriers to wellbeing. Organizations should consider implementing multileveled organizational wellbeing initiatives to nurture and grow the New Zealand mental health nursing workforce which in turn will contribute to quality care and enable mental health nurses to have long meaningful careers. Time, investment and resources are essential for these initiatives to be effective.
Natural preservatives for hams: Essential oil mixtures and major compounds' efficacy against Clostridium sporogenes
Authors: Simões Luara , Fernandes Natália , Caputo Ludmila , Ramos Eduardo Mendes , Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf
Published: August 2023

The demand for healthier products by consumers has prompted research into the use of essential oils (EOs), which are known for their antimicrobial properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of EOs as a potential alternative to synthetic preservatives, specifically, cinnamon, clove, and oregano EOs, as well as their majority compounds (cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and carvacrol) on Clostridium sporogenes inoculated in hams. The findings of the study revealed that cinnamon EO and its major compound cinnamaldehyde were the most efficient in inhibiting the growth of C. sporogenes, demonstrating the lowest minimum bactericidal concentration MBC (0.1%). The combination of oregano EO, cinnamon EO, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol led to a significant decrease in bacterial growth (approximately 3 log) after 28 days in hams. Furthermore, the presence of spores was not observed for 14 days (at 14°C) and 21 days (at 7°C) of storage, indicating a delay in sporulation. The treatments using the combination of EOs, and their major compounds had minimal impact on the color of the hams while maintaining the physicochemical characteristics of the product. This study demonstrates that EOs and their major compounds can be applied as natural preservatives in ham, offering a potential alternative for reducing the use of nitrites in various food types. The research emphasizes the antibacterial efficacy of cinnamon, clove, and oregano EOs, along with their major compounds, in inhibiting C. sporogenes in ham. The findings indicate that these natural alternatives could be valuable in preserving food products and reducing the reliance on synthetic preservatives.
Corneal confocal microscopy in small and mixed fiber neuropathy—Comparison with skin biopsy and cold detection in a large prospective cohort
Authors: Bjørnkær Asger , Gaist Laura M. , Holbech Jakob V. , Gaist David , Wirenfeldt Martin , Sindrup Søren H. , Krøigård Thomas
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is supported by reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). The noninvasive method corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has the potential to be a practical alternative. We aimed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of CCM compared with IENFD and cold detection thresholds (CDT) in SFN and mixed fiber neuropathy (MFN).

Methods

CCM was performed in an unselected prospective cohort of patients with a clinical suspicion of polyneuropathy. Predefined criteria were used to classify SFN and MFN. Neuropathy scores, including the Utah early neuropathy scale (UENS), were used to describe severity. Patients with established other diagnoses were used for diagnostic specificity calculations.

Results

Data were taken from 680 patients, of which 244 had SFN or MFN. There was no significant difference in sensitivities [95%CI] of CCM (0.44 [0.38–0.51]), IEFND (0.43 [0.36–0.49]), and CDT (0.34 [0.29–0.41]). CCM specificity (0.75 [0.69–0.81]) was lower (p = .044) than for IENFD (0.99 [0.96–1.00]) but not than for CDT (0.81 [0.75–0.86]). The AUCs of the ROC curves of 0.63, 0.63 and 0.74 respectively, was lower for corneal nerve fiber density (p = .0012) and corneal nerve fiber length (p = .0015) compared with IENFD. While UENS correlated significantly with IENFD (p = .0016; R2 = .041) and CDT (p = .0002; R2 = .056), it did not correlate with CCM measures.

Interpretation

The diagnostic utility of CCM in SNF and MFN is limited by the low specificity compared with skin biopsy. Further, CCM is less suitable than skin biopsy and CDT as a marker for neuropathy severity.
Your car is your credit: Using research to curb predatory car title lending
Authors: Fox Jean Ann
Published: August 2023

This article is an edited version of the 2023 Esther Peterson Consumer Policy Forum lecture delivered at the American Council on Consumer Interests annual conference in May 2023. It uses the car title loan product to illustrate the information necessary to improve the credit market for vulnerable consumers. It provides ideas for research that would inform work to reform consumer loans secured by ownership of a vehicle.
Effects of desensitization on odors varying in concentration and pleasantness
Authors: Li Zetian , Mignot Coralie , Sinding Charlotte , Hummel Thomas
Published: August 2023

Background

Desensitization in response to repetitive odorous stimulations is a common and well‐investigated process, but it has been a matter of discussion in which way this process relates to odor valence. Our goal was to investigate changes of intensity and pleasantness induced by desensitization in odors in relation to their valence and concentration.

Materials and Methods

Using air‐dilution olfactometry, 30 normosmic participants received two pleasant (phenylethylalcohol [PEA], mixture of pleasant odorants [mix‐P]) and two unpleasant odors (hydrogen sulfide [H2S], mixture of unpleasant odorants [mix‐NP]). At the baseline (before desensitization), four different concentrations of each odor were presented randomly for 0.2 s, with 40 s inter‐stimulus interval. During the desensitization procedure, the odor used was presented continuously for 15 s. Following an odor‐free interval of 4 s the same odor was presented again, in the post‐desensitization phase. Odor intensity and pleasantness were rated after presenting each stimulus in pre and post desensitization phases.

Results

At baseline, Mix‐P was rated as pleasant and H2S was rated as unpleasant, as expected, while PEA and mix‐NP were rated as slightly pleasant or neutral, respectively. For intensity, desensitization was found for all odors regardless of hedonic tone, with the effect being more pronounced with PEA and mix‐NP at lower concentrations. A decrease of pleasantness/unpleasantness (“affective habituation”) was present for the two lower concentrations of the pleasant mixture, while hedonic ratings of the unpleasant odors remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, in this model, desensitization in intensity between pleasant and unpleasant odors was similar and affective habituation only occurred for the most pleasant odor.

Practical Applications

Our study unraveled the link between odor desensitization and valence considering the concentration effect, where the intensity was decreased for the relatively “neutral” odors and pleasantness was habituated only for the pleasant odor. These results help to explain individual differences in the effects of olfactory loss and provide a promising perspective for personalized treatment for olfactory loss in clinics, for instance, fast adaptation and parosmia.
The ISL LIM‐homeobox 2 transcription factor is negatively regulated by circadian adrenergic signaling to repress the expression of Aanat in pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland
Authors: Mattern Kuno M.‐J. , Blancas‐Velázquez Aurea S. , Ngo Mikaella T. , Bille Signe , Hertz Henrik , Bering Tenna , Rath Martin F.
Published: August 2023

Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland during nighttime in response to nocturnal increase in the activity of the enzyme aralkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (AANAT), the transcription of which is modulated by several homeodomain transcription factors. Recent work suggests that the homeodomain transcription factor ISL LIM homeobox 2 (ISL2) is expressed in the pineal gland, but its role is currently unknown. With the purpose of identifying the mechanisms that control pineal expression of Isl2 and the possible function of Isl2 in circadian pineal biology, we report that Isl2 is specifically expressed in the pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. Its expression exhibits a 24 h rhythm with high transcript and protein levels during the day and a trough in the second half of the night. This rhythm persists in darkness, and lesion studies reveal that it requires intact function of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, suggesting intrinsic circadian regulation. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that pineal Isl2 expression is repressed by adrenergic signaling acting via cyclic AMP; further, Isl2 is negatively regulated by the nocturnal transcription factor cone‐rod homeobox. During development, pineal Isl2 expression is detectable from embryonic day 19, preceding Aanat by several days. In vitro knockdown of Isl2 is accompanied by an increase in Aanat transcript levels suggesting that ISL2 represses its daytime expression. Thus, rhythmic expression of ISL2 in pinealocytes is under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus acting via adrenergic signaling in the gland to repress nocturnal expression, while ISL2 itself negatively regulates daytime pineal expression of Aanat and thereby suggestively enhances the circadian rhythm in melatonin synthesis.
Cultural Differences in Interoceptive Accuracy: Comparison Between Japan and Europe1
Authors: Ubukata Sakina , Watanabe Katsumi , Isomura Tomoko
Published: August 2023

The self is, at least partially, grounded in bodily processing. In particular, processing the physiological state of the body (i.e., interoception) plays a key role in self‐consciousness and the first‐person experience. The present study examined cultural differences in interoceptive processing. We focused on a behavioral measure of cardiac processing, which was assessed using a heartbeat‐counting task; namely, interoceptive accuracy (IAcc). Study 1 compared IAcc scores that were previously collected in Japan and the United Kingdom and found no statistically significant differences between the cultures. Study 2 was conducted in a more elaborate manner; that is, we collected new data on IAcc from Japanese students using better‐adapted task instructions, as well as possible confounds that influence IAcc (i.e., time estimation, knowledge of heart rate, and actual heart rate). We compared these data with those collected from Belgian students and found that the Japanese participants detected heartbeats more accurately than did the Europeans. The results are discussed from the perspective of cultural differences in objective self‐awareness, and a self‐flexibility and a bodily precision account of IAcc.
Who Takes the Clue? Relationships Between Internal and External Factors in Creative Problem Solving1
Authors: Orita Ryo , Hattori Masasi
Published: August 2023

This study examined the relationship between implicit environmental clues in a creativity task and individual differences in state change and personality traits. In two experiments, participants completed a Remote Associates Test. Some solution words were implicitly primed as clues. In Experiment 1, the clue priming effect turned from negative to positive depending on task progress, which is related to arousal state. Clue priming can hinder people's generating ideas depending on arousal. In Experiment 2, considering participants' personality traits as a moderator, we further examined the relationship between sensitivity to environmental clues and arousal measured by heart rate. The results confirmed Experiment 1's outcomes and revealed that the relationship is moderated by extraversion. For extraverted participants, an implicit clue had a negative effect in a high‐arousal state but a positive effect in a low‐arousal state. The facilitative or obstructive influences of external factors can be determined by the interaction of internal factors (i.e., solvers' traits and states). Thus, extraverts and introverts differ in how they receive and utilize external information.
The cost of love: Solving the gift anomaly
Authors: Khalil Elias L.
Published: August 2023

Friendship‐and‐love affords bonding that satisfies what can be called “transcendental preferences”—in contradistinction of “substantive preferences” afforded by, for example, food, clothes, and shelter. Substantive preferences involve ordinary “substantive cost,” whereas transcendental preferences involve “bonding cost” that includes heartaches, obsession, and emotional turmoil. What about the cost of gifts such as flowers, time, and other carriers of friendship‐and‐love? The greater is the expenditure on gifts, the greater the bonding cost. This paper investigates the following question: How should we model bonding cost, which includes the cost of gift, in relation to substantive cost? Given bonding cost and substantive cost share the same budget, neoclassical economists treat them as commensurable and, hence, transcendental and substantive preferences make up a unidimensional objective function. This treatment, however, originates the “gift anomaly”: If people easily substitute between the two genera of preferences, why do they consider the demand of payments for visiting their grandmothers—or payments for voting and sexual intercourse—as repugnant (taboo)? To solve the gift anomaly, this paper is critical of the standard economist's entry point. This paper proposes bonding and substantive costs as incommensurable and, corollary, transcendental and substantive preferences as incommensurable as well. This paper further shows how, without undermining the incommensurability thesis, the incommensurability is up to a limit: the two genera of costs and, corollary, the two genera of preferences are still linked via the income effect—as opposed to the substitution effect.
Tricuspid regurgitation and infective endocarditis as a cause of lead dislodgement in left bundle branch area pacing
Authors: Ekinci Selim
Published: August 2023

Background

According to the current literature, there is no difference between left bundle brunch area pacing (LBBAP) and right ventricular apical pacing in terms of lead dislodgement and capture threshold elevation. However, there are no large‐scale studies reporting the data about long‐term lead stability in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

Methods and Results

We present a case of lead dislodgement with possible infective endocarditis six months after implantation in a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation who underwent LBBAP.

Conclusions

We concluded that severe preoperative tricuspid regurgitation may cause lead dislodgement, and infective endocarditis may be a facilitator or main reason of lead dislodgement in cases of LBBAP.
Ivabradine as a treatment option for junctional ectopic tachycardia in an adult female
Authors: Baldi Enrico , Sanzo Antonio , Savastano Simone , Rordorf Roberto
Published: August 2023

A Junctional ectopic tachycardia diagnosis was performed using two electrophysiological maneuvers in an adult female with a narrow‐complex supraventricular tachycardia with a bystander AV‐node slow pathway conduction, who previously underwent catheter ablation attempts for an atrio‐ventricular nodal re‐entrant tachycardia misdiagnosis. The first maneuver was atrial entrainment with an atrial‐His‐His‐atrial response. The second was based on the response to a premature atrial complex delivered at different phases of the tachycardia cycle confirming that anterograde slow pathway conduction and retrograde fast pathway were not involved. Considering that verapamil, diltiazem, bisoprolol + flecainide, and nadolol were ineffective, we tried ivabradine with no sustained arrhythmias during 18‐months.
Dark respiration explains nocturnal stomatal conductance in rice regardless of drought and nutrient stress
Authors: Yan Yulin , Ryu Youngryel , Dechant Benjamin , Li Bolun , Kim Jongmin
Published: August 2023

The ecological mechanism underlying nocturnal stomatal conductance (gsn) in C3 and C4 plants remains elusive. In this study, we proposed a ‘coordinated leaf trait’ hypothesis to explain gsn in rice plants. We conducted an open‐field experiment by applying drought, nutrient stress and the combined drought–nutrient stress. We found that gsn was neither strongly reduced by drought nor consistently increased by nutrient stress. With the aforementioned multiple abiotic stressors considered as random effects, gsn exhibited a strong positive correlation with dark respiration (Rn). Notably, gsn primed early morning (5:00–7:00) photosynthesis through faster stomatal response time. This photosynthesis priming effect diminished after mid‐morning (9:00). Leaves were cooled by gsn‐derived transpiration. However, our results clearly suggest that evaporative cooling did not reduce dark respiration cost. Our results indicate that gsn is more closely related to carbon respiration and assimilation than water and nutrient availability, and that dark respiration can explain considerable variation of gsn.
Unsuspected consequences of synonymous and missense variants in OCA2 can be detected in blood cell RNA samples of patients with albinism
Authors: Michaud Vincent , Sequeira Angèle , Mercier Elina , Lasseaux Eulalie , Plaisant Claudio , Hadj‐Rabia Smail , Whalen Sandra , Bonneau Dominique , Dieux‐Coeslier Anne , Morice‐Picard Fanny , Coursimault Juliette , Arveiler Benoît , Javerzat Sophie
Published: August 2023

Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2) is the second most frequent form of albinism and represents about 30% of OCA worldwide. As with all types of OCA, patients present with hypopigmentation of hair and skin, as well as severe visual abnormalities. We focused on a subgroup of 29 patients for whom genetic diagnosis was pending because at least one of their identified variants in or around exon 10 of OCA2 is of uncertain significance (VUS). By minigene assay, we investigated the effect of these VUS on exon 10 skipping and showed that not only intronic but also some synonymous variants can result in enhanced exon skipping. We further found that excessive skipping of exon 10 could be detected directly on blood samples of patients and of their one parent with the causal variant, avoiding invasive skin biopsies. Moreover, we show that variants, which result in lack of detectable OCA2 mRNA can be identified from blood samples as well, as shown for the most common OCA2 pathogenic missense variant c.1327G>A/p.(Val443Ile). In conclusion, blood cell RNA analysis allows testing the potential effect of any OCA2 VUS on transcription products. This should help to elucidate yet unsolved OCA2 patients and improve genetic counseling.
Justice in Theory and Practice: Debates about Utopianism and Political Action
Authors: Laurence Ben
Published: August 2023

This essay provide an overview of debates about the method of political philosophy that have recently gripped the field, focusing on the relationship of theory to practice. These debates can be usefully organized using two oppositions that together carve the field into three broad families of views. Call “practicalism” the view that the theory of justice exists to guide political action. Call “utopianism” the view that reflection on the idea of a just society plays an important role in the theory of justice. Call the view that combines the two positions, “utopian practicalism”. On this view, reflection on the nature of a just society has an important role to play in guiding action. There would appear to be two ways to depart from this position: by rejecting the view's utopianism or its practicalism. So we find in the literature three broad camps: utopian practicalists, anti‐utopians, and anti‐practicalists. This essay provide an opinionated overview the ongoing debates between these three broad positions. It touches on the recent cases against practicalism by G.A. Cohen and David Estlund, the comparativist methodologies advocated by anti‐utopians such as Amartya Sen and Gerry Gaus, and systems failure approaches of Elizabeth Anderson and David Wiens. It also considers the recent development of novel utopian practicalist perspectives in the work of theorists including Erik Wright, Tommie Shelby, Lea Ypi, Pablo Gilabert, and Ben Laurence.
Cell wall polysaccharide and glycoprotein content tracks growth‐form diversity and an aridity gradient in the leaf‐succulent genus Crassula
Authors: Fradera‐Soler Marc , Mravec Jozef , Harholt Jesper , Grace Olwen M. , Jørgensen Bodil
Published: August 2023

Cell wall traits are believed to be a key component of the succulent syndrome, an adaptive syndrome to drought, yet the variability of such traits remains largely unknown. In this study, we surveyed the leaf polysaccharide and glycoprotein composition in a wide sampling of Crassula species that occur naturally along an aridity gradient in southern Africa, and we interpreted its adaptive significance in relation to growth form and arid adaptation. To study the glycomic diversity, we sampled leaf material from 56 Crassula taxa and performed comprehensive microarray polymer profiling to obtain the relative content of cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins. This analysis was complemented by the determination of monosaccharide composition and immunolocalization in leaf sections using glycan‐targeting antibodies. We found that compact and non‐compact Crassula species occupy distinct phenotypic spaces in terms of leaf glycomics, particularly in regard to rhamnogalacturonan I, its arabinan side chains, and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). Moreover, these cell wall components also correlated positively with increasing aridity, which suggests that they are likely advantageous in terms of arid adaptation. These differences point to compact Crassula species having more elastic cell walls with plasticizing properties, which can be interpreted as an adaptation toward increased drought resistance. Furthermore, we report an intracellular pool of AGPs associated with oil bodies and calcium oxalate crystals, which could be a peculiarity of Crassula and could be linked to increased drought resistance. Our results indicate that glycomics may be underlying arid adaptation and drought resistance in succulent plants.
Transcriptome analyses reveal transcriptional profiles of horse oocytes before and after in vitro maturation
Authors: Song Xinhui , Jiang Hancai , Lv Peiru , Cui Kuiqing , Liu Qingyou , Yin Shan , Liu Hongbo , Li Zhipeng
Published: August 2023

Oocyte in vitro maturation is necessary for the study and application of animal‐assisted reproduction technology in animal reproduction and breeding. The comprehensive transcriptional profile of equine oocyte maturated in vitro has not been fully mined yet, which makes many key transcriptional events still unidentified. Here, Smart‐seq2 was performed to analyse the gene expression pattern and the underlying regulatory mechanism of horse germinal vesicle (GV) and in vitro metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The results showed that 6402 genes (2640 up‐regulated and 3762 down‐regulated in MII samples compared to GV) and 4021 lncRNA transcripts (1210 up‐regulated and 2811 down‐regulated in MII samples compared to GV) were differentially expressed in GV and MII oocytes. Further, GO and KEGG analysis found that differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs were mainly enriched in the pathways related to energy and lipid metabolism. In addition, LGALS3 was found a key gene in mediating the regulation of oocyte meiosis recovery and fertilization ability. This study provides novel knowledge about gene expression and energy metabolism during equine oocyte maturation and a reference for the further study and application of assisted reproductive technology in horse reproduction and breeding.
Tightness shifts in the U.S. and China: Implications of tightening or loosening norms during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: McLamore Quinnehtukqut , Syropoulos Stylianos , Li Mengyao , Mentrup Ezra Fabian , Leidner Bernhard , Young Kevin , Yeung Wai Lan Victoria , Mohammad Tasneem , Tamkin Jennifer , Ngyuen Lam Ha , Baracewicz Julia
Published: August 2023

Emergent research identifies cultural tightness‐looseness as an important factor for understanding cross‐national outcome differences during the coronavirus pandemic. Because perceived tightness‐looseness can be measured as an individual‐level difference rather than a nation‐level difference, and because tightness‐looseness may shift during large‐scale crises, we investigated whether such shifts occurred early in the coronavirus pandemic in both China (a relatively tight nation, n = 3642) and the U.S. (a relatively loose nation, n = 3583) across three cohorts. Tightness increased across cohorts in China and reduced across cohorts in the U.S. These changes transmitted corresponding indirect effects whereby compliance and institutional trust (scientific and government) about the pandemic were increased in China across cohorts, but decreased in the U.S. across cohorts. These patterns extend advice that national governments can increase compliance and trust via “tightening” by cautioning against norm‐setters signaling the reverse (that norms about compliance are loose) given the outcomes observed in the U.S. samples.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*06:02:01:94 and ‐C*15:02:01:58 alleles in individuals from Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Rajak Jyoti , Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: August 2023

Novel HLA‐C*06:02:01:94 and ‐C*15:02:01:58 alleles were detected during the routine HLA typing process.
Chased from Heaven or Escaping Tourist Hell? Venice's Graduate Students in Focus
Authors: Russo Antonio Paolo , Salerno Giacomo‐Maria
Published: August 2023

This work addresses a key question for the construction and evolution of university cities: their retentiveness of the student population once they complete their studies. It so does with a focus on a distinctively tourist city like Venice, highly attractive for young adults in education, yet at the same time subject to strong pressures for displacement of stable residents. The balance between these two forcefields seems to be on the losing side in recent years. In our research we trace this evolution, through the life histories of a sample of graduates at local universities that resided in Venice in different periods over the last 30 years. We therefore tackle the experiences, motivations and perceptions that have either favoured their integration in this ‘dream place’, or triggered an eventual decision to leave, framed by the irresistible expansion of the city's tourist dimension.
A modified full‐thickness labial/buccal rotational flap reconstruction technique following bilateral rostral maxillectomy and nasal planectomy for resection of maxillary tumors: Technique and results in two dogs
Authors: Kokkinos Panagiotis , Elliott James , Almansa Ruiz José C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To describe a naso‐facial reconstruction technique following bilateral rostral maxillectomy and its functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Animals

Two dogs.

Study design

Clinical case series.

Methods

Two dogs were presented with a right rostral maxillary mass. Preoperative biopsy and staging revealed a biologically high‐grade and histologically low‐grade fibrosarcoma (Hi‐Lo FSA). A combined nasal planectomy and radical bilateral rostral maxillectomy was performed sparing the labial/buccal mucocutaneous flaps bilaterally. Surgery resulted in asymmetry of the width of the flaps; the narrower flap was rotated medially to reconstruct the lip and create an oral vestibule. The wider flap was rotated medially to cover the remaining dorsolateral opening of the nasal conchae. The flaps overlapped in a parallel manner, discretely concealing the nasal passages, and separating them from the oral cavity. Hemorrhage occurred in both dogs, with one dog requiring a blood transfusion postoperatively.

Results

Oral Hi‐Lo FSA with tumor‐free margins was confirmed in both dogs. Both dogs recovered uneventfully within 4 weeks. Owners reported being very satisfied with the functional (return to normal exercise/activities and uncompromised respiration) and cosmetic outcomes. Based on the owners' telephone follow up, no tumor recurrence was noted at 15 (Dog 1) and 6 (Dog 2) months postoperatively.

Conclusion

The full‐thickness bilateral labial/buccal rotational flaps were used successfully to reconstruct the rostral maxilla, external nose and facial defects involving the nasal cavity. The technique resulted in acceptable functional and cosmetic outcomes and can be considered for naso‐facial reconstruction in selected cases.
Effect of Instantaneous Starting Pump on Fluid Transient Flow in Managed Pressure Cementing
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Xiang Shilin , Ding Jian , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: August 2023

The fluctuating pressure generated by the instantaneous starting pump of the cementing operation might easily cause formation fracture in narrow safety window formations. Accurate transient fluctuating pressure calculation and dynamically managed backpressure are required to achieve precise control of wellbore pressure in managed pressure cementing. Considering the transient flow characteristics of cementing fluids in the wellbore, unsteady transient friction, and the variation of high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) cementing fluid properties, a transient flow mathematical model of instantaneous starting pump during managed pressure cementing is established, and the method of characteristics is used for solution. Based on this, the established model analyzes the magnitude and variation of wellbore pressure under different model factors, temperature conditions, pump start durations, and target pump flowrates, which can achieve more accurate analysis of transient flow. The pressure and flow fluctuations generated during the instantaneous starting pump of cementing are significant, and the dynamically managed wellhead backpressure can effectively control the wellbore pressure in the narrow safety pressure window formations. This can reduce the risk of well leakage and provide reliable technical support for safe operations of instantaneous starting pumps during managed pressure cementing.
Natural Biopolymer–Hydrogel Nanofibers for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Habeeb Salih Abbas , Abdulkadhim Mushreq Kareem
Published: August 2023

This study used a suitable solvent such as deionized water and aqueous acetic acid to dissolve completely polymer blends such as gelatin: chitosan: pullulan (G: CS: PUL) with mixing ratios of 80:10:10, 60:20:20, 40:30:30, and 20:40:40, respectively. The properties of natural polymer mixtures, viscosity, surface tension, and electrical conductivity were examined, and the fiber diameter and nanofiber diameter distribution were measured. Increasing the gelatin content from 20% to 80% in the G: CS: PUL increases the properties of biopolymer solutions, such as viscosity, surface tension, and electrical conductivity of 157%, 14%, and 37%, respectively. In addition, increasing the gelatin content reduces the contact angle by 55%. In other words, the average diameter of the nanofibers increased from 91.177 ± 27.162 to 212.46 ± 67.91 nm with the increase of the gelatin content by 40–100% in the blends and obtaining uniform fibers without beads, which enhanced the ability of nanofibers for releasing into the aqueous media and enhancing their use in packaging food such as (80:10:10 and 60:20:20). Moreover, the blend ratio 60:30:30 (G:CS: PUL) had better resistance to bacterial growth; the inhibition zone diameters were 26 and 23 mm for E. coli and S. aureus and had better average crystalline size and crystallinity.
The Effect of Wind Direction on the Cooling Capacity of Short Dry Natural Draft Cooling Towers Operating in Close Proximity
Authors: Khamooshi Mehrdad , Anderson Timothy , Nates Roy
Published: August 2023

The layout of multiple natural draft dry cooling towers could have a significant influence on the performance of the cooling system in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants; however, this has never been quantified. Hence, this work used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to analyze the cooling capacity of two short natural draft dry cooling towers (NDDCTs) on a common site for a range of tower spacings, wind-speeds, and wind incidence angles. The results show that the cooling performance of the towers is a strong function of tower spacing and their orientation with respect to the wind direction. It was found that when the wind came at a 90-deg wind incidence angle (i.e., normal to a line drawn between the two towers), their cooling capacity was improved at tower spacings of less than 1.8 tower diameters (1.8D), though for the other tower spacings, there was no interaction between the towers. However, with the wind at 45 deg to the towers, the flow around the towers resulted in a decrease in their cooling capacity at tower spacings of 1.8D and 2.6D. Most interestingly, it was found that orienting the towers in line with the prevailing wind direction delivered improvements in the cooling capacity of up to 30%. This is due to the windward tower acting as a passive windbreak. Hence, as CSP plant capacity is increased, and additional cooling towers are required, these should be placed close to any existing tower and oriented along the line of the prevailing winds.
Modeling of Flash Temperature for Elastic Sliding Contact of Single Micro-Asperity Pair
Authors: Wu Zhe , Zhang Yuying , Xu Yang , Jie Desuan , Jackson Robert L.
Published: August 2023

The flash temperature in the sliding frictional contact between micro-asperities has an important influence on the frictional characteristics of advanced functional ceramics. In this paper, the elastic sliding frictional contact of a three-dimensional micron/submicron scale asperity pair is considered. A three-dimensional finite element model (FEM) for fully coupled thermal-stress analysis of sliding contact of SiC/Al2O3 asperity pair is developed. An empirical correction factor for contact characteristics is obtained based on the FEM results. The FEM results show that, compared with the Hertz theoretical solution, the contact area becomes smaller and the contact pressure becomes larger in the case of sliding contact with large deformation. The flash temperature has a negative correlation with the composite radius of the asperity pair and a positive correlation with the interference depth and sliding speed. Using Hertz theory, a parabolic distributed heat source, the Fourier heat conduction law, and the newly proposed correction factor, a semi-analytical model of flash temperature during the elastic frictional sliding between two single asperities is established. The relative difference between the flash temperature predicted by the established semi-analytical model and the FEM model is less than 1.2%. The relative difference decreases with the increasing interference depth. This work is a valuable reference for studying the frictional heat-related issues of advanced ceramics.
The raw material of evolution
Authors: Hoelzel A. Rus , Lynch Michael
Published: August 2023

Estimates of whale mutation rates contribute to understanding evolutionary processes
Icy thermometers: Quantifying the impact of volcanic heat on glacier elevation
Authors: Howcutt Stephen , Spagnolo Matteo , Rea Brice R. , Jaszewski Jan , Barr Iestyn , Coppola Diego , De Siena Luca , Girona Társilo , Gomez-Patron Andie , Mullan Donal , Pritchard Matthew E.
Published: August 2023

We present a continentwide study of 600 glaciers located on and near 37 ice-clad volcanoes in South America. Results demonstrate glacier sensitivity to volcanic heat. We distinguished between “volcanic glaciers” (≤1 km from volcanic centers; n = 74), and “proximal glaciers” (1–15 km; n = 526) and calculated their equilibrium line altitudes (ELAs). For each ice-clad volcano, we compared the ELAs of its volcanic glaciers to those of its proximal glaciers, which showed that the ELAs of the former are higher than the ELAs of the latter. ΔELAmean, defined as the offset between the mean ELA of the volcanic glaciers compared with that of the proximal glaciers, was calculated for each ice-clad volcano. ΔELAmean was positive for 92% of the 37 volcanoes, and a quantitative relationship between ΔELAmean and volcanic thermal anomaly was established. Results highlight the impact of volcanic heat on glacier elevation; emphasize the need to exclude glaciers on, or near, volcanoes from glacier-climate investigations; and demonstrate the first-order potential for glaciers as “volcanic thermometers.” Volcanic-glacier monitoring could contribute to our understanding of magmatic and thermal activity, with changes in glacier geometries potentially reflecting long-term fluctuations in volcanic heat and unrest.
Preliminary results on validity and reliability from two prospective cohort studies on a new Neonatal Coma Score
Authors: Hart Anthony Richard , Kieran Martha , Matthews Elizabeth , Mandefield Laura , Williams Tamanna , Johnson Kathryn , English Sharon , Evans Denise , Cutsey Lisa , Goodden John
Published: August 2023

Objective

To collect data on content/face validity and interobserver agreement for a Neonatal Coma Score (NCS) in well full-term neonates and on construct validity in unwell and preterm babies, specifically how the NCS changed with gestational age and illness.

Design

Prospective cohort studies.

Setting

Two UK tertiary neonatal units (Sheffield and Leeds).

Patients

151 well full-term (≥37 weeks gestational age) newborn babies recruited between January and February 2020 in Sheffield and April and May 2021 in Leeds; 101 sick preterm and full-term babies admitted to Sheffield neonatal unit between January 2021 and May 2022.

Intervention

A new NCS.

Main outcome measures

Determination of normal values in well babies born ≥37 weeks gestational age; data on how the NCS changes with gestational age and illness.

Results

Face validity was demonstrated during development of the NCS. The median NCS of well, full-term newborn babies was 15 and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.84). In the ‘well’ preterm population, 95% <28 weeks had a score ≥11; 28–31 weeks ≥11; 32–36 weeks ≥13 and 37–44 weeks 14–15. The NCS dropped during periods of deterioration, demonstrating evidence of construct validity. Criterion validity was not assessed.

Conclusions

The NCS has good intraobserver agreement in well full-term babies, with a normal NCS 14–15. The NCS in preterm neonates depended on gestational age, and deterioration from baseline was associated with illness. Further work is needed to determine normal scores each gestational age, reliability at lower levels, how early the NCS identifies deterioration and comparison with other assessment tools to demonstrate criterion validity.
Phylogenetic position of Drosophila bocainensis (Diptera, Drosophilidae) in the willistoni group and the paraphyletic status of the bocainensis subgroup
Authors: Antoniolli Henrique R.M. , Deprá Maríndia , Valente Vera L.S.
Published: August 2023

The willistoni group of Drosophila is subdivided into the alagitans, bocainensis, and willistoni subgroups, and has been an important model for studying evolutionary processes in the Neotropics for decades. Phylogenetic studies place the bocainensis subgroup as a grade in relation to the monophyletic willistoni subgroup, although these included molecular or morphological data for up to 4 species of the 12 species included in the first subgroup. Here, we characterized the first nucleotide sequences for three mitochondrial and five nuclear genes of Drosophila bocainensis Pavan & da Cunha, 1947 and employed these for addressing the paraphyly of this subgroup under a coalescent approach. Our results still recovered this paraphyletic relationship, placing D. bocainensis, Drosophila capricorni Dobzhansky & Pavan, 1943 and Drosophila sucinea Patterson & Mainland, 1944 in a basal clade, which diverged around 6.81 million years ago. The relationship of Drosophila nebulosa Sturtevant, 1916 and Drosophila fumipennis Duda, 1925 as a sister clade to the willistoni subgroup was recovered. The possible causes of such paraphyly are discussed.
Effect of transition metal doping on the photoelectric structure of single layer NbS2 under defects
Authors: Ni JunJie , Yang Lu , Wang TianYun
Published: August 2023

Excellent semiconductors and novel optical properties are the first criteria for nanomaterial technology. In this paper, the S-atom defect is applied to 1T-NbS2 for the first time, and doping atoms are introduced. The concentration of doping atoms is 3.84% and 4% under the two types of defects. Finally, the metallic properties of NbS2 were weakened successfully, and the highest indirect band gap of 0.27[Formula: see text]eV was induced, which gradually transformed into a brand-new semiconductor material. In addition, partially composite systems exhibit excellent electromagnetic storage, polarizability, and infrared light absorption, showing high reflectivity in the visible and low-frequency UV regions, which can be used to make blackout lenses and reflective coatings. Cd composite systems can be used as a new type of conducting semiconductor for all kinds of equipment.
Measuring gravitational shifts with atomic clocks
Authors: Agrawal Shraddha
Published: August 2023

Measurements of the validity of General Relativity, as well as its effects in quantum mechanics, are becoming increasingly accessible to tabletop experiments. In this paper, we will introduce atomic clocks and explain the pathway to observing state-of-the-art gravitational redshift using atomic clocks, with the help of existing experimental examples. We will conclude with possible future directions.
Stationary observers in Kerr-de Sitter spacetimes
Authors: Petrásek Martin , Kovář Jiří , Stuchlík Zdeněk
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present a study of basic classes of stationary observers orbiting in stationary and axially symmetric Kerr-de Sitter spacetimes. Along with proper definitions of these classes, we focus on their possible matching on particular circular orbits. Especially, we determine a number of such orbits in a given spacetime characterized by its rotational and cosmological parameters that leads to a comprehensive classification of the Kerr-de Sitter spacetimes. Studied profiles of orbital velocities of the observers and of forces keeping them on their orbits directly reflect complex structure of the Kerr-de Sitter spacetimes that is caused by a unique interplay of attraction and rotation of a central object and an ambient cosmic repulsion.
Bayesian Approach for the In Situ Estimation of the Acoustic Boundary Admittance
Authors: Schmid Jonas M. , Eser Martin , Marburg Steffen
Published: August 2023

Interior acoustic problems require accurately representing the boundary conditions of all acoustically interacting surfaces to achieve precise acoustic predictions. The complex-valued boundary admittance fully characterizes these properties. Yet, conventional approaches to determine boundary admittances, such as the impedance tube, have limitations which do not accurately represent real-world conditions. This motivates in situ methods, where the acoustic boundary admittance is estimated in the actual mounting condition based on sound pressure measurements at certain observation points within the domain. In contrast to existing deterministic methods, a Bayesian approach is employed in this work, which provides probability distributions for the boundary admittances rather than point estimates. This offers valuable insights into the uncertainty associated with the estimation, proving beneficial for applications where a comprehensive understanding of uncertainty is desired. A finite element model is utilized to generate sound pressure data and serves as the forward model during the inference process. This makes it particularly suited for applications that involve pre-existing geometrical models, such as digital twin applications and model updating. The proposed method is applied to a two-dimensional car cabin model, demonstrating the framework’s efficacy in accurately inferring the acoustic boundary admittance using just ten observation points.
From Grassroots to the UN — The Role of Faith in Climate Action
Authors: Mash Rachel , Abumoghli Iyad
Published: August 2023

The role of faith-based organizations, as well as secular organizations engaging with faith actors, has gained significant momentum. Faith actors have been not only internalizing the spiritual connections to the environment, but also contributing to policy discussions at international conventions through the United Nations (UN) and other multilateral organizations. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, and it is an issue that requires a global response. While governments and policymakers have a crucial role to play, the issue of climate change is also the one that touches on the values and beliefs of individuals, communities, and faith groups. In this paper, we will explore the role that faith and religion can play in addressing climate change at the grassroots level and within the UN, using the Faith for Earth Initiative as a global example and the Green Anglicans movement in Southern Africa at the local level. Both local and global actions are necessary to achieve the aspirations of the people in fighting climate change, adapting to its impact, and bringing the voices of ethics and values to environmental policymaking as these actions are inseparable. At the local level, impacts of global decisions are felt but also implemented and in turn such practices can inform global decision-making. This paper demonstrates the lessons learnt, challenges, and opportunities for such local and global engagements.