bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time–frequency domain local spectral analysis of seismic signals with multiple windows
Authors: Wang Yanghua
Published: September 2022

For a non-stationary seismic signal, time–frequency analysis methods often include a time window function that serves as a weighting function and by which the signal is multiplied to form a segment. The time window function often has the highest weighting coefficient for the central sample of the signal segment. For the rest of the segment, there is no adequate representation in the frequency spectrum. Here, I propose to use multiple orthogonal window functions to properly represent the local spectral property in the time–frequency plane and recover the information lost due to time windowing before applying the Fourier transform. First, I propose to construct multiple window functions directly using a stack of Gaussian functions. The weighted average spectrum of the multiple window functions has a flat passband, which is better than the conventional multiple windows. Taking advantage of the linearity of the Fourier transform, we can apply each window to the analytic signal to generate the instantaneous autocorrelation accordingly and form an averaged instantaneous autocorrelation by a weighted sum before performing the Fourier transform to generate the Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD). This multi-window WVD method successfully represents the local spectrum of the non-stationary seismic signal in the time–frequency plane.
Intersexual social dominance mimicry drives female hummingbird polymorphism
Authors: Falk Jay J. , Rubenstein Dustin R. , Rico-Guevara Alejandro , Webster Michael S.
Published: September 2022

Female-limited polymorphisms, where females have multiple forms but males have only one, have been described in a variety of animals, yet are difficult to explain because selection typically is expected to decrease rather than maintain diversity. In the white-necked jacobin (
Florisuga mellivora
), all males and approximately 20% of females express an ornamented plumage type (androchromic), while other females are non-ornamented (heterochromic). Androchrome females benefit from reduced social harassment, but it remains unclear why both morphs persist. Female morphs may represent balanced alternative behavioural strategies, but an alternative hypothesis is that androchrome females are mimicking males. Here, we test a critical prediction of these hypotheses by measuring morphological, physiological and behavioural traits that relate to resource-holding potential (RHP), or competitive ability. In all these traits, we find little difference between female types, but higher RHP in males. These results, together with previous findings in this species, indicate that androchrome females increase access to food resources through mimicry of more aggressive males. Importantly, the mimicry hypothesis provides a clear theoretical pathway for polymorphism maintenance through frequency-dependent selection. Social dominance mimicry, long suspected to operate between species, can therefore also operate within species, leading to polymorphism and perhaps similarities between sexes more generally.
Volatile-mediated between-plant communication in Scots pine and the effects of elevated ozone
Authors: Yu Hao , Kivimäenpää Minna , Blande James D.
Published: September 2022

Conifers are dominant tree species in boreal forests, but are susceptible to attack by bark beetles. Upon bark beetle attack, conifers release substantial quantities of volatile organic compounds known as herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Earlier studies of broadleaved plants have shown that HIPVs provide information to neighbouring plants, which may enhance their defences. However, the defence responses of HIPV-receiver plants have not been described for conifers. Here we advance knowledge of plant–plant communication in conifers by documenting a suite of receiver-plant responses to bark-feeding-induced volatiles. Scots pine seedlings exposed to HIPVs were more resistant to subsequent weevil feeding and received less damage. Receiver plants had both induced and primed volatile emissions and their resin ducts had an increased epithelial cell (EC) mean area and an increased number of cells located in the second EC layer. Importantly, HIPV exposure increased stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rate of receiver plants. Receiver-plant responses were also examined under elevated ozone conditions and found to be significantly altered. However, the final defence outcome was not affected. These findings demonstrate that HIPVs modulate conifer metabolism through responses spanning photosynthesis and chemical defence. The responses are adjusted under ozone stress, but the defence benefits remain intact.
Altered visual cortex excitability in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: evidence from magnetoencephalographic gamma oscillations and perceptual suppression
Authors: Manyukhina Viktoriya O. , Orekhova Elena V. , Prokofyev Andrey O. , Obukhova Tatiana S. , Stroganova Tatiana A.
Published: September 2022

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by extreme mood shifts, anxiety, and irritability during the premenstrual period. Abnormal sensitivity to allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that normally potentiates inhibition, and an increased ratio of neural excitation-to-inhibition (E/I) have been linked to the pathophysiology of PMDD. We hypothesized that in subjects with PMDD these factors will lead to an altered frequency of magnetoencephalographic (MEG) visual gamma oscillations, altered modulation of their power by the strength of excitatory drive and to an altered perceptual spatial suppression.

We examined women with PMDD and age-matched control women twice: during the asymptomatic follicular and symptomatic luteal phases of the menstrual cycle (MC). MEG gamma oscillations were recorded while modulating excitatory drive to the visual cortex by increasing drift rate of high-contrast visual grating. Visual perceptual suppression was assessed as the degree of deterioration of motion direction discrimination with increasing stimulus size.

In women with PMDD, the peak frequency of the gamma response (GR) and its modulation by the drift rate were normal, whereas modulation of the GR power was significantly altered. A moderate increase in drift rate had an unusually strong facilitating effect on the GR power in PMDD, regardless of the MC phase. In contrast, the normally suppressive effect of a strong increase in drift rate was attenuated in PMDD during the luteal phase and predicted symptom severity assessed on the same day. Perceptual spatial suppression did not differ between the groups, but decreased from the follicular to the luteal phase only in PMDD subjects.

The atypical GR power modulation suggests that neuronal excitability in the visual cortex is constitutively elevated in women with PMDD, and that this E/I imbalance is further exacerbated during the luteal phase, possibly due to an abnormal sensitivity to neurosteroids. However, the unchanged frequency of GR and normal spatial suppression in women with PMDD speak against the dysfunction of their inhibitory neurons, at least those involved in generation of visual gamma oscillations.

Three key points

Atypical modulation of visual gamma power by excitatory drive in women with PMDD suggests the presence of neuronal hyperexcitability, which is exacerbated during the symptomatic luteal phase, possibly due to altered sensitivity to neurosteroids.

The peak frequency of gamma oscillations does not differ between women with PMDD and control women and demonstrates the luteal phase-specific effect of the 1st scan in both groups, which suggest normal functioning of inhibitory neurons in the visual cortex in PMDD.

The presence of normal perceptual spatial suppression also speaks against inhibitory deficit in the visual cortex in PMDD.
Adaptive and neutral processes that select on life course diversification
Authors: Steiner Ulrich , Tuljapurkar Shripad
Published: September 2022

Heterogeneity among individuals in fitness components is what selection acts upon. One of the fundamental questions in evolution is how such heterogeneity arises and is maintained. Fundamental evolutionary theories predict that selection acts against such heterogeneity but contrasting these predictions substantial non-genetic and non-environmental driven variability in phenotypes can be observed; not only under highly controlled lab conditions, but also in less controlled settings. Here we ask, by analysing structured population models across a large range of biological taxa, how selective forces act on the processes that generate variation among life courses. Our findings suggest that non-genetic, non-environmental driven variation is in general neither truly neutral, selected for, or selected against. Much variation exists among species and populations within species, with mean patterns suggesting close to neutral evolution of life course variability. Populations that show greater diversity of life courses do not show, in general, increased or decreased population growth rates, and selective forces acting on the processes of diversification seem not to generally increase or decrease life course variability. Approaches in quantitative genetics that identified similar lack of understanding of maintenance of variability might be extended to include non-genetic and non-environmental driven variability. We believe to be only at the beginning in understanding the evolution and maintenance of non-genetic non environmental variation.
Equilibrium policy portfolios when some investors are restricted from holding certain assets
Authors: Randl Otto , Westerkamp Arne , Zechner Josef
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The authors analyze the equilibrium effects of non-tradable assets on optimal policy portfolios. They study how the existence of non-tradable assets impacts optimal asset allocation decisions of investors who own such assets and of investors who do not have access to non-tradable assets.

Design/methodology/approach

In this theoretical analysis, the authors analyze a model with tradable and non-tradable asset classes whose cash flows are jointly normally distributed. There are two types of investors, with and without access to non-tradable assets. All investors have constant absolute risk aversion preferences. The authors derive closed form solutions for optimal investor demand and equilibrium asset prices. They calibrated the model usingUS datafor listed equity, bonds and private equity. Further, the authors illustrate the sensitivities of quantities and prices with respect to the main parameters.

Findings

The study finds that the existence of non-tradable assets has a large impact on optimal asset allocation. Investors with (without) access to non-tradable assets tilt their portfolios of tradable assets away from (toward) assets to which non-tradable assets exhibit positive betas.

Practical implications

The model provides important insights not only for investors holding non-tradable assets such as private equity but also for investors who do not have access to non-tradable assets. Investors who ignore the effect of non-tradable assets when reverse-engineering risk premia from asset covariances and market capitalizations might severely underestimate the equity risk premium.

Originality/value

The authors provide the first comprehensive analysis of the equilibrium effects of non-tradability of some assets on optimal policy portfolios. Thus, this paper goes beyond analyzing the effects of market imperfections on individual portfolio choices.
Digital literacy skills among African library and information science professionals – an exploratory study
Authors: A. Subaveerapandiyan , Sinha Priyanka , Ugwulebo Jeremiah Emeka
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assess the digital literacy of African library and information science (LIS) professionals. Digital literacy skills are required in the digital library environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature was reviewed on this topic; previous study questionnaires, various university LIS curriculum, content analysis and job advertising were used for preparing the survey questionnaire. This study used an ex post facto research design. Purposive sampling was adopted in this study, and data were collected from Google form by sharing the research questionnaire by hyperlink which was undertaken from March 15, 2022 to May 24, 2022. The data were collected by a structured questionnaire. A four-point Likert scale was used to measure how library professionals acquired digital literacy skills. Content analysis of more than 500 job vacancies over the past three years (2018–2022) of library job advertisements was taken randomly.

Findings

This study’s findings show that the majority of the good at basic level of digital literacy skills at the same time have less in advanced digital literacy skills. The finding of this study shows the majority of them have to upgrade and learn about advanced digital literacy skills.

Practical implications

This study recommends adopting a new syllabus and updating a LIS curriculum based on the library’s technological development. Furthermore, this study’s potential result suggests more practical classes instead of theoretical study and it is useful to the library schools, associations, MOOC providers and lifelong learners.

Originality/value

This study is conducted with 102 African library professionals from 13 countries. This study discusses futuristic digital literacy skills and basic literacy skills. This study is beneficial to those who are preparing a new curriculum in LIS fields.
State control and stock price crash risk: new evidence of the conservatism of state-owned enterprises
Authors: Xie Feng , Anderson Hamish D. , Chi Jing , Liao Jing
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of state control on stock price crash risk given whether and how ownership structure affects stock price crash risk is relatively underexplored.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 2,285 Chinese firms listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges. Panel data is used for conducting the analysis and endogeneity is addressed with instrumental variable estimation and by testing how stock price crash risk is affected when the ultimate controller changes from a private-owned company to a state-owned enterprise.

Findings

The authors find that state control is negatively associated with future stock price crash risk. The mechanism analysis shows that state control reduces stock price crash risk through the implementation of conservative corporate policies. Furthermore, the impact of state control is more pronounced with more intensive state involvement, e.g. in strategic industries and when a company's ultimate controller is a non-corporate government agency or the central government.

Originality/value

This paper enriches the literature on the controversy of the role of state control and the results of this study highlight the importance of the conservatism of state control on reducing stock return tail risk. The authors also add to the literature on the importance of the policy-risk sharing effect of state ownership.
Health-care undergraduate student’s attitudes towards mental illness following anti-stigma education: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Pursehouse Lucy
Published: September 2022

Purpose

There has been growing awareness underpinned with legislative recognition of the need to reduce the stigma attached to mental health. Education is seen as an integral factor for this endeavour. The purpose of this paper is to review existing literature to determine both positive and negative attitudinal changes of health-care-related undergraduate students towards mental illness after a training intervention within higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of papers written in the English Language was conducted between 2004 and 2021, using CINAHL, Eric, Educational Research Complete, Medline, psychINFO and SocIndex. Search terms used were undergraduate, attitudes or perceptions, mental illness/mental ill health, education, stigma and students.

Findings

In total, 24 studies were critically reviewed, which included experimental, descriptive and exploratory designs. The appraisal of papers used recognised evaluation tools to review the methodological quality. Findings suggest that overall, anti-stigma education has a significant positive effect for student attitudinal change.

Research limitations/implications

Mental health anti-stigma education is beneficial for changing attitudes, however, more bio-medically framed training is less powerful for initiating change. Learning from those with the lived experience appears to have a more sustainable impact as indicated in some of the studies. There is a need for more exploratory research to gain further knowledge on the critical educational mechanisms that may foster more long-term reframing of positive attitudes towards mental health.

Practical implications

Training providers need to consider the compelling evidence base surrounding anti-stigma pedagogy that supports the use of individuals with experience of mental ill health within the educational processes.

Social implications

Mental health stigma has potential for profound negative impact on individuals and at a wider societal level. Education is central to enable learners to consider their attitudes to mental illness to reduce stigmatising attitudes. Students on health-care-related courses are influential in becoming catalysts for change.

Originality/value

This paper has critically reviewed the literature examining the attitudes of health-care-related undergraduate students following anti-stigma education, offering insights into some of positive and negative attitudinal changes and opinions of the event. In particular contributing to an understanding on the important components for eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health.
Online knowledge sharing and creativity in the context of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Thi Minh Ly Pham , Tien Thanh Pham , Duy Le Tuan , Nghi Chau Ngoc Phuong , Giao Nguyen Doan Phi , Nghi To Mong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 lockdown has forced many organizations and employees to work from home. In such uncertain and unprecedented context, it is crucial for organizations to stimulate their employees’ creativity to adapt to new working environment and thus to sustain and improve organizational performance. This paper aims to examine how to stimulate employees’ creativity by focusing on their online knowledge sharing (OKS) behaviors, their use of online platforms and their organizations’ innovation climate in a working from home (WFH) context because of the lockdown. For empirical analysis, this research uses data from Vietnam – a developing country in the Southeast Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from employees working in Ho Chi Minh City but WFH during the COVID-19 lockdown. Structural equation models are used for analyzing the data.

Findings

Online platform use and organizational innovation climate are positively associated with creativity directly and indirectly via the mediating roles of internal and external OKS.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides policymakers, organizational leaders and managers with an important evidence on how to stimulate creativity by emphasizing the roles of knowledge sharing, online platforms and innovation climate. Accordingly, relevant practical implications are also drawn to sustain or improve organizational performance in the context of WFH context because of COVID-19 lockdown. This research also contributes to knowledge management literature by providing an evidence on the relationships between online platform use, organizational innovation climate, OKS and creativity.

Originality/value

This research is among the early attempts that explore the associations between employees’ use of online platforms, their organizations’ innovation climate, their internal and external OKS behaviors and their creativity in the context of WFH because of a lockdown.
The Implications of Russia's Invasion of Ukraine for the EU Energy Market and Businesses
Authors: Korosteleva Julia
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the potential impact of the Ukraine–Russia war on the EU energy market and businesses. It explores the risks spilling from disruptions in energy supply from Russia, rising energy prices and the prospects for the EU, which remains to be highly dependent on Russia's energy supply, with the war serving as a catalyser for speeding up Europe's greening transition.
De novo kin: sharing data, shielding persons, and forging relatedness in precision medicine
Authors: Navne Laura E. , Svendsen Mette N.
Published: September 2022

Comparing, sharing, and shielding children's biological and biographical data in genetic databases and on Facebook are central moves when geneticists and families search for diagnoses for children with rare diseases. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Denmark, we show that the work of linking children carrying the same genetic mutations forges new sibling‐like forms of relatedness between them. With the concept of ‘datasociality’, we add new layers to ‘biosociality’ by capturing the ways in which biological information is increasingly mediated by digital and algorithmic processes in the genomic era. In the process of both sharing data and securing anonymity, unrelated children become related through qualities of otherness.
Accuracy of forensic pathologists in incorporating post‐mortem CT (PMCT) in forensic death investigation
Authors: Makino Yohsuke , Unuma Kana , Nolte Kurt B. , Adolphi Natalie L.
Published: September 2022

Post‐mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is now performed routinely in some medical examiner's offices, and the images are typically interpreted by forensic pathologists. In this study, the question of whether pathologists appropriately identify significant PMCT findings and incorporate them into the death investigation report and the cause and manner of death (COD and MOD) statements was addressed. We retrospectively reviewed 200 cases where PMCT was performed. The cases were divided into four categories: (1) full autopsy without radiology consultation (n = 77), (2) external exam without radiology consultation (n = 79), (3) full autopsy with radiology consultation (n = 26), (4) external exam with radiology consultation (n = 18). A radiologist (not the consult radiologist) read the PMCT images, and a pathologist (not the case pathologist) reviewed the case pathologist's post‐mortem examination report in tandem to determine any PMCT findings omitted from the report. Omitted findings were classified into error types according to a modified Goldman classification including Major 1: Unrecognized fatal injury or pathology that would change COD and/or MOD, and Major 2: Unrecognized fatal injury or pathology that would not change COD and/or MOD. A total of 13 Major errors were identified (6.5%), and none definitively changed the MOD. All four Major‐1 errors which could change the COD were found in Category 2. Of 9 Major‐2 errors, 2 occurred in Category 1, 6 occurred in Category 2, and 1 occurred in Category 4. In conclusion, forensic pathologists who routinely utilize computed tomography (CT) interpret CT images well enough to reliably certify the COD and MOD.
Using social network analysis to examine gun violence
Authors: Gill Lexi M. , Fox Andrew M.
Published: September 2022

Research has found gun violence is a social contagion that spreads from one individual to another. To understand the social networks of violence, previous research has used social network analysis, a tool that explores the relationships between social actors. Most of the prior research uses coarrest data and incident reports to produce social networks. The current study incorporates the use of an underused data source, ballistic evidence, to better understand gun violence. The aim was to identify drivers of gun violence and to examine network concentration. Specifically, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) leads and associated criminal incidents in combination with all incident reports were collected from a large urban county in the Pacific Northwest between 2015 and 2017. Social network analysis was conducted to produce a NIBIN network to demonstrate the connections between incidents where the same firearm was used. Social network analysis was also conducted to identify individuals who were the most involved in gun violence. Results reveal gun violence is very interconnected as many of the same firearms were discharged in multiple different incidents with several other individuals involved, indicating a connection between these individuals. This demonstrates the utility of using ballistic evidence beyond using only incident and coarrest data because it provides more information that directly relates to gun violence and the transfer of guns. Additionally, this can be very useful for law enforcement agencies to identify who is integral in the gun violence networks that can be helpful for prevention and intervention strategies.
Sexual and reproductive systems of woody species in vereda are distributed according to the life form and habitat occurrence
Authors: Silva Danila Moreira , Luna Andressa Laís Lacerda , Souza Camila Silveira , Nunes Yule Roberta Ferreira , Fonseca Rúbia Santos , Azevedo Islaine Franciely Pinheiro de
Published: September 2022

In Cerrado humid areas, veredas are considered as hygrophilous communities, with an herbaceous/shrub stratum in open areas and an arboreal stratum in forest areas. We identified the sexual and reproductive systems of woody species, and the distribution of these systems among the different habitats and plants habits in this ecosystem. We investigated whether the occurrence of sexual and reproductive systems may be related to ecological and/or evolutionary factors and if hermaphroditism predominates in open areas. In this case, we evaluated which reproductive strategies promote cross‐pollination and which species are dependent on pollinating agents to promote the reproductive process. We selected the species according to a phytosociological study, using plots distributed in parallel transects and allocated in the hygrophilous forest and open areas. Floral morphology analyses, self‐pollination treatments, presence of barriers that prevent self‐pollination, phylogenetic signal and literature survey were performed. We did not find phylogenetic signal evidence for the traits evaluated. Most species are trees, followed by shrubs and sub‐shrubs. Dioecy predominated among tree species in the open area, with hermaphroditism more related to shrub species in the open areas. Shrubs and sub‐shrubs were mainly represented by autogamous and apomictic species. Despite autogamy and apomixis were related to the open areas, we found no significant difference between the habitats. In veredas, that are considered a poorly resilient environment that has constant problems with recent anthropogenic activities, we expected a high number of autogamous and apomictic species. However, the results showed that most species have characteristics that promote allogamy and are pollinating agents dependent for reproduction.
Women's responses to prenatal genetic diagnosis and attitudes to termination of pregnancy after non‐invasive prenatal testing: An online survey of Western Australian women
Authors: Long Sarah , O'Leary Peter , Dickinson Jan E.
Published: September 2022

Background

Non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) has expanded from detecting chromosome aneuploidy to testing for a variety of genetic conditions, including some select single gene disorders. As next generation sequencing/whole exome sequencing technology develops, it may be possible to expand NIPT of cfDNA to identify hundreds of single gene and chromosomal disorders in a fetus, thereby increasing the complexity of pretest counselling and parental decision‐making.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the views of women on the phenotypes of genetic conditions potentially detectable with expanded NIPT that they would consider severe enough to warrant pregnancy termination.

Materials and Methods

Using multiple clinical scenarios, we asked women via an online survey about the early detection of several well‐described genetic phenotypes in pregnancy that in theory could be detected by expanded NIPT.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen women participated in this study. There was high support for early diagnosis and the option for termination of pregnancy in conditions perceived as severe (52–71%). Women expressed a preference for testing to be provided by general practitioners and assigned a high value to genetic counselling support (75–90%). In the case of a continuing pregnancy, women recognised the essential role of ongoing psychosocial counselling for family members and childhood early intervention programs.

Conclusion

Women expressed clear preferences for termination of pregnancy for severe conditions and as early in gestation as feasible. Information and support from genetic counsellors are a highly valued resource in decision‐making following a prenatal diagnosis of a fetal genetic abnormality.
Epithelial cell‐expressed type II IL‐4 receptor mediates eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Avlas Shmulik , Shani Guy , Rhone Natalie , Itan Michal , Dolitzky Avishay , Hazut Inbal , Grisaru‐Tal Sharon , Gordon Yaara , Shoda Tetsuo , Ballaban Adina , Ben‐Baruch Netali Morgenstern , Rochman Mark , Diesendruck Yael , Nahary Limor , Bitton Almog , Halpern Zamir , Benhar Itai , Varol Chen , Rothenberg Marc E. , Munitz Ariel
Published: September 2022

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, food‐driven allergic disease, characterized by eosinophil‐rich inflammation in the esophagus. The histopathological and clinical features of EoE have been attributed to overproduction of the type 2 cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13, which mediate profound alterations in the esophageal epithelium and neutralizing of their shared receptor component (IL‐4Rα) with a human antibody drug (dupilumab) demonstrates clinical efficacy. Yet, the relative contribution of IL‐4 and IL‐13 and whether the type II IL‐4 receptor (comprised of the IL‐4Rα chain in association with IL‐13Rα1) mediates this effect has not been determined.

Methods

Experimental EoE was induced in WT, Il13ra1−/−, and Krt14Cre/Il13ra1fl/fl mice by skin‐sensitized using 4‐ethoxymethylene‐2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazolin (OXA) followed by intraesophageal challenges. Esophageal histopathology was determined histologically. RNA was extracted and sequenced for transcriptome analysis and compared with human EoE RNAseq data.

Results

Induction of experimental EoE in mice lacking Il13ra1 and in vivo IL‐13 antibody‐based neutralization experiments blocked antigen‐induced esophageal epithelial and lamina propria thickening, basal cell proliferation, eosinophilia, and tissue remodeling. In vivo targeted deletion of Il13ra1 in esophageal epithelial cells rendered mice protected from experimental EoE. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis of human EoE biopsies revealed predominant expression of IL‐13Rα1 in epithelial cells and that EoE signature genes correlated with IL‐13 expression compared with IL‐4.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a definitive role for IL‐13 signaling via IL‐13Rα1 in EoE. These data provide mechanistic insights into the mode of action of current therapies in EoE and highlight the type II IL‐4R as a future therapeutic target.
Varicocoele in adolescence and testicular cancer in young adulthood
Authors: Verhovsky Guy , Giladi Moshe , Tzur Dorit , Afek Arnon , Keinan‐Boker Lital , Derazne Estela , Kaminsky Dan , Hoffman Azik , Erlich Tomer , Neuman Tzahi
Published: September 2022

Background

Elevated intrascrotal temperature has been suggested as a risk factor for testicular cancer, which is the most common neoplasm among young men. Varicocoele was linked to increased intrascrotal temperature, but whether it is associated with testicular cancer is unclear.

Objective

To explore the possible association between varicocoele at adolescence and the incidence of testicular cancer at adulthood.

Design, setting, and participants

This nationwide, population‐based, historical cohort study includes 1,521,661 Israeli male adolescents (mean age 17.5 ± 0.4 years), who were screened for varicocoele during the years 1967–2012, as part of their medical assessment prior to compulsory military service. The mean follow‐up was 18 ± 4.2 years.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The diagnosis of testicular cancer was ascertained from linkage of records to the the Israeli National Cancer Registry. Survival analysis was applied.

Results

In total, 53,210 adolescents were diagnosed with varicocoele stages 2 and 3 prior to military service. Of 1988 (0.13% of the total cohort) men who were diagnosed with testicular cancer during follow‐up, 54 (0.1%) had varicocoele prior to military service, while 1934 (99.9%) did not; p = 0.213. The age at cancer diagnosis and the distribution of seminomas versus non‐seminomas did not differ significantly between those with and without varicocoele in adolescence. In a multivariable analysis controlling for sociodemographic factors, varicocoele was not associated with testicular cancer; odds ratio = 0.816 (CI: 0.615–1.083).

Conclusions

Varicocoele in adolescents was not found to be associated with testicular cancer in young adults.

Patient summary

In light of the theoretical association between varicocoele and testicular cancer, we conducted this large population study. We found no association between varicocoele in young adulthood and testicular cancer later in life.
Prognostic factors and outcomes in minimal access resections of skull base and sinonasal epithelial malignancy
Authors: Sacks Peta‐Lee , Alvarado Raquel , Sacks Raymond , Kalish Larry , Campbell Raewyn , Harvey Richard
Published: September 2022

Background

Sinonasal epithelial malignancies are uncommon tumours but represent a challenge to treatment given their close proximity to the orbit, brain and cranial nerves. Traditional external surgical approaches have potential for significant functional and cosmetic morbidity. An endoscopic approach provides the surgeon with good access for tumour removal and enables surveillance postoperatively. This study aimed to assess outcomes of an endoscopic approach to sinonasal epithelial malignancy and evaluate factors that may influence its utility.

Methods

A case series was performed involving consecutive patients treated with endoscopic or endoscopic‐assisted surgery for epithelial sinonasal malignancy. Stratification included TNM staging, histopathology, surgical approach, margin status, perineural involvement and adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy. At follow‐up, complications, local control, nodal status and evidence of distant metastases were recorded. Statistical analyses to identify risk factors for developing recurrence and survival differences were performed.

Results

Thirty‐five patients were assessed in this study (59.2 ± 11.4 years, 42.9% female). T stage at presentation was T1 in 11.4%, T2 in 17.1%, T3 in 22.9% and T4 in 48.6%. The 3 and 5 year disease specific survival were 91.3% (SE 5) and 71.1% (SE 10). The only factors to influence survival outcomes were perineural invasion of tumour and positive margins at the time of initial surgery. Large tumours did not limit the utility of an endoscopic approach.

Conclusion

Endoscopic approach is a safe and oncologically equitable treatment approach to external approaches in the management of epithelial sinonasal malignancy. As with external approaches, perineural invasion of malignance is a poor prognostic factor.
Academic help‐seeking interactions in the classroom: A microlongitudinal study
Authors: Davison Kyle , Malmberg Lars‐Erik , Sylva Kathy
Published: September 2022

Background

Help‐seeking research has traditionally inferred behavioural responses to the need for help from post‐hoc reflections and experiments outside of the classroom context.

Aim

We aimed to gain an ecologically valid understanding of the help‐seeking process by examining the association between pupils' task‐specific perceptions and their help‐seeking interactions with teachers and peers during lessons.

Sample

Participants were 290 pupils in Years 4–6 (aged 8.22–11.48) and 12 teachers in 12 classrooms in three schools across two local authorities in South East England, UK.

Method

The microlongitudinal data consisted of 6,592 task‐specific reports. Pupils reported on their task understanding and need for help and their help‐seeking (teacher and peer) and help‐giving behaviours at the end of each lesson. On average, pupils completed 25.44 reports across 14.64 lessons, 13 school subjects and 4.80 days. Teachers reported on pupils' academic performance. Data were analysed using two‐level logistic and multinomial logistic regressions.

Results and conclusions

Task‐specific understanding and need for help were associated with help‐seeking and help‐giving behaviour during lessons. Understanding was associated also with the type of help sought and given among classmates and appeared to influence whether pupils were help‐seekers or help‐givers during peer interactions. There was an apparent reciprocity in peer help‐seeking interactions, occurring namely among girls and higher performers. Overall, girls were more likely than boys to seek and give help across tasks. Pupils for whom English was an additional language were less likely than classmates to seek help when they needed it. The study (1) sheds new light on the dynamics of everyday help‐seeking interactions in the classroom, (2) provides a conceptual framework for researchers interested in reciprocal processes of social interaction in self‐regulated learning, and (3) highlights groups who might benefit from intervention.
The Experience of Time Boundaries in Remote Working
Authors: Kegerreis Sue
Published: September 2022

In this paper I consider the experiences around the time boundary of therapeutic sessions of both therapists and patients working remotely during the pandemic. I discuss the precision of electronic time and the different dynamics around the beginning of sessions. The business of arriving, whether early, on time or late, has different drivers and meanings in the online world. I consider how difficult it is to take up these dynamics adequately when faced with the real uncertainties of internet connections. Communications between therapist and patient around time boundaries have also presented new challenges, and the way sessions end is very different. The experience of time within sessions is altered, and sessions are no longer bracketed with the journey to and from the consulting room. The dynamics around power and vulnerability are different and the management of time boundaries bring these dynamics vividly to life. The paper closes with some practical considerations around remote working as this is likely to be a part of our practice even after the pandemic is finally over.
Understanding and Responding to the Climate and Ecological Emergency: the Role of the Psychotherapist
Authors: Tait Adrian , O'Gorman Jenny , Nestor Rebecca , Anderson Judith
Published: September 2022

The authors outline the circumstances around the formation of the Climate Psychology Alliance and its purpose, before describing the CPA's current programme of psychologically informed support for those experiencing climate distress. The authors then describe research conducted by Adrian Tait examining feedback from participants of one of these methods of support, and summarize Rebecca Nestor's research around how organizational behaviour is influenced by social defences against unmanageable feelings. They conclude with a personal reflection by Jenny O'Gorman informed by psychodynamic theory on the experience of being a disabled counsellor engaged with climate activism. The authors highlight some of the ways in which CPA members' work has been taken up politically, and offer hope and agency for psychotherapists engaging with the climate and ecological emergency.
CK2 blockade alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing activation of hepatic stellate cells via the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Fan Junfu , Tong Gaozan , Chen Xixi , Li Santie , Yu Ying , Zhu Shunan , Zhu Kunxuan , Hu Zijing , Dong Yonggan , Chen Rui , Zhu Junjie , Gong Wenjie , Hu Zhicheng , Zhou Bin , Chen Yiming , Jin Litai , Cong Weitao
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Liver fibrosis is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The protein kinase CK2 is a pro‐survival kinase overexpressed in human tumours. However, the biological role of CK2 in liver fibrosis is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the mechanism by which CK2 promotes liver fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

In vitro, LX‐2 cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). HSCs were also isolated for research. In vivo, the adeno‐associated virus AAV‐sh‐csnk2a1 was used to knockdown CK2α specifically in HSCs, and CX‐4945 was used to pharmacologically inhibit the enzymatic activity of CK2 in murine models of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC) diet. Histological and biochemical analyses were performed to study the involvement of CK2 in regulation of fibrogenic and fibrolytic factors as well as activation properties of HSCs.

Key Results

HSC‐specific genetic invalidation of CK2α or pharmacological inhibition of CK2 protected mice treated with CCl4 or fed a DDC diet against liver fibrosis and HSC accumulation. Mechanistically, CK2α, which bound to Smoothened (SMO), was a positive regulator of the Hedgehog signal transduction pathway. CK2 prevented ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SMO, which was abolished by knockdown of CK2α or pharmacological inhibition of CK2.

Conclusions and Implications

CK2 activation is critical to sustain the activated and fibrogenic phenotype of HSCs via SMO stabilization. Therefore, inactivation of CK2 by CX‐4945 may be of therapeutic interest for liver fibrotic diseases.
Salt tectonics vs. inversion tectonics: The anticlines of the western Maestrazgo revisited (eastern Iberian Chain, Spain)
Authors: Liesa Carlos L. , Casas‐Sainz Antonio M. , Aurell Marcos , Simón José L. , Soria Ana R.
Published: September 2022

Many works in the last decades underline the role of evaporites, not just as a conditioning factor but as the engine for subsidence and eventually basin inversion. The western Mediterranean alpine ranges are being investigated in this regard because of the presence of discontinuous units of Permian to Triassic evaporites, deposited in the western Tethys basins. This work presents a thorough analysis of two particular structures (Cañada Vellida and Miravete anticlines) in the intraplate Maestrazgo basin (eastern Iberian Chain, Spain) in which evidence to support their reinterpretation as salt‐driven structures have been recently reported. Our analysis includes (i) a comprehensive stratigraphic and structural study of the folds along their entire trace, (ii) the compilation of thickness and distribution of evaporite–bearing and supraevaporite units, paying special attention to changes in the thickness of units in relation to anticlines, and (iii) the study of fault patterns, sometimes in relation to the mechanical stratigraphy. All three aspects are also documented and discussed on a regional scale. The new data and interpretations reported here reinforce the extensional origin of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous basins, and the role of regional extensional tectonics as the responsible for the development of first‐order syn‐sedimentary normal fault zones driving the formation and evolution of sub‐basins. These basins were subsequently inverted and deformed, including the formation of complex, box‐geometry anticlines that, in their turn, controlled deposition in Cenozoic basins. The review of the arguments that support the alternative of salt tectonics for the origin of such anticlines has allowed us to delve into the sedimentary and tectonic evolution of the inverted extensional basins and to propose a specific model for the development of these faulted anticlines. The role of salt levels and other interlayered detachments in the structuring of sedimentary basins and their inversion is also pondered. The observations in the eastern Iberian Chain reported here have implications to assess ongoing reinterpretations in terms of salt tectonics in other alpine basins and ranges of the western Mediterranean.
Multiple dimensions of biodiversity in paleotropical hotspots reveal comparable bat diversity
Authors: Tanshi Iroro , Obitte Benneth C. , Monadjem Ara , Rossiter Stephen J. , Fisher‐Phelps Marina , Kingston Tigga
Published: September 2022

Bat species commonly comprise at least 50% of tropical mammalian assemblages, but Afrotropical bat faunas have been little studied leading to perceptions that they are depauperate. Here, we compare alpha taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of insectivorous bats belonging to the narrow‐space foraging ensemble from a bat diversity hotspot in Nigeria to species‐rich sites in Indonesia and Malaysia, using previously published data. The Nigerian site is protected unlogged forests at Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and Cross River National Park. For comparison, we targeted similar unlogged forest sites in Southeast Asia: Indonesia—Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park Forest in Sumatra; and Kakenauwe Forest Reserve on Buton Island, Sulawesi; and another in Malaysia—Krau Wildlife Reserve. All sites were sampled using comparable methods, with an emphasis on harp traps that effectively capture the forest‐interior ensembles. We also compare regional beta diversity of bat assemblages in ecoregions using occurrence data (literature, unpublished records, and online natural history collections) from the Lower Guinean Forest and the Malay Peninsula. We demonstrate comparable alpha taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of narrow‐space bats among sites in Nigeria and Indonesia, but greater diversity in Malaysia. Turnover and overall beta diversity of bats among ecoregions was comparable between the Lower Guinean Forest and the Malay Peninsula, but nestedness was higher in the latter. Our results reiterate the value of harp traps in generating bat survey data that allows equatable comparisons of “mist net avoiders” in the Paleotropical forest understory. Our findings have implications for regional and local bat conservation.