bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technological peer pressure and skill specificity of job postings
Authors: Cao Yi , Cheng Shijun , Tucker Jennifer Wu , Wan Chi
Published: May 2023

Human capital is a major impetus for technological innovation. We examine the relation between the technological dimension of product market competition and the disclosure of skill requirements in job postings. On the one hand, technological competition may raise the urgency of recruiting tech talent and make firms provide more specific skill requirements. On the other hand, technological competition can increase the proprietary costs of skill requirement disclosure. Using technological peer pressure as a measure of technological competition, we find that firms facing intense technological competition provide more specific skill requirements for tech positions, suggesting that the disclosure benefits outweigh the proprietary costs when firms face pressure to innovate. The effect of technological peer pressure is more pronounced among firms that make only incremental innovations and less pronounced among firms that rely on trade secrets or have greater industry peer presence in close geographical proximity. Our study documents a distinct relationship between technological competition and voluntary disclosure targeted to labor market participants.
Dementia and cataract surgery in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: March de Ribot Francesc , de Ribot Anna March , Walker Xaviour , Jamieson Hamish , Cheung Gary
Published: May 2023

Background

Cataract surgery improves quality of life and reduces cognitive deterioration.

Objectives

This paper discusses the health implications of low vision, commonly related to cataracts, in older adults. A recent publication reported that cataract surgery reduces the risk of dementia by 30% over 10 years.

Methods

We searched Medline from inception to January 2023. We also conducted backward and forward citation searches of included studies and set up alerts to identify studies published after the search date. We performed discussion groups with multidisciplinary experts.

Results

This article provides a broad description of the importance of vision for cognitive function. We discuss access to public‐funded cataract surgery in Australia and New Zealand and how this impacts population benefits.

Conclusions

We have evidence that cataract surgery can decrease the risk of dementia. This is an important topic that deserves recognition as part of an overall ageing response by policymakers and health professionals.
Integrating health systems for children and young people in out of home care: Challenging the nature of siloed service delivery in rural Australia
Authors: Modderman Corina , Sanders Rachael , Cordon Emma , Hocking Craig , Wade Melissa , Vogels Werner
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to report on enablers and barriers during the first 2 years of the health systems integration project that included the implementation of a health navigator role. The project aims to improve health outcomes for children and young people residing in out of home care in rural Australia with a health navigator co‐located between child protection practitioners and community health services clinicians.

Setting

Rural Northwest Victoria.

Participants

Sunraysia Community Health Services and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Design

The qualitative design of the project evaluation involved semi‐structured interviews and documentary evidence analysis. Analyses of interviews and documentary data demonstrate the challenging nature of siloed service delivery in rural Australia, particularly during a time that comprised multiple interruptions due to COVID‐19.

Results

A limited synergy between organisational priorities and reporting systems hindered project progress. The lack of a shared definition of ‘health’ challenged the effective collaboration between health clinicians and child protection practitioners and the role of the health navigator. The health navigator raising health awareness through project involvement, training and sector‐wide stakeholder engagement resulted in a slow but steady process of increased prioritisation of health care, increased health literacy among the child protection workforce, and broadening participation of area‐based stakeholders, but did not translate to increased access to health plans for children.

Conclusion

Integrating health systems across multiple sites with support of a health navigator revealed difficulties, particularly during COVID‐19. The first phase of the project demonstrated the value of shared governance and partnerships as an imperative foundation for fundamental change. Relationships strengthened throughout the project, leading to a better understanding of area‐based strengths, which in turn supports improved pathways to health care for children and young people in OOHC within rural communities and driving the subsequent phases of the 10‐year project.
Ideological orientations, intergroup stereotypes, and opposition to permanent supportive housing
Authors: Wagoner Joseph A. , Lomeli Bianca , Sundby Jon
Published: May 2023

The number of people experiencing homelessness has continuously increased in the United States in the last decade. Researchers have shown that permanent supportive housing is an effective method for addressing chronic homelessness. However, housing programs and policies often meet with opposition from people in the community. Using theorizing from the dual‐process model of prejudice and the stereotype content model, we examined whether ideological orientations of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO) predicted opposition to permanent supportive housing through different stereotypes and emotional prejudices. Across two studies (NTotal = 579), we measured Californians’ ideological orientations (RWA, SDO), stereotypes and emotional prejudices toward homeless individuals, and their attitudes toward housing programs. Study 1 focused on permanent housing in a community, while Study 2 focused on a state‐wide policy that funds permanent housing. Across both studies, stronger SDO predicted negative competence stereotypes, less pity and more contempt toward homeless individuals, and opposition to housing programs. SDO consistently predicted opposition to social programs through stronger contempt and less pity. RWA is differently related to outcomes across the studies. Results suggest that people's preference for maintaining hierarchy and power structures, which underlies SDO, is a key predictor of people's housing attitudes.
Topical hypertonic saline as a treatment for ocular and nasal hirudiniasis in a dog
Authors: Perry EN , Davies C , McCarthy PMG
Published: May 2023

This case report describes ocular and nasal leech infestation (hirudiniasis) in a dog. The patient presented for a suspected ocular foreign body. The patient was sedated to allow proper examination, which revealed a leech foreign body attached to the bulbar conjunctiva adjacent to the inferotemporal limbus of the left eye. A 3.5% hypertonic saline solution was applied topically to the eye in four sequential drops, until the leech detached itself and was removed with a cotton bud. The affected eye was found to have a small corneal ulcer, a small area of scleral haemorrhage, and prominent lymphoid follicles within the third eyelid. Approximately 5 min after the leech was removed, another leech emerged from the left nostril. The patient was sent home on chloramphenicol ointment for treatment of the corneal ulcer, was rechecked 4 days later by an American Board of Veterinary Ophthalmology resident (PM) and found to have a normal ocular exam. This case report highlights that topical hypertonic saline solution (3.5%) can be an effective and easily prepared treatment for ocular and nasal hirudiniasis in veterinary patients.
A qualitative process evaluation using the behaviour change wheel approach: Did a whole genome sequence report form (SRF) used to reduce nosocomial SARS‐CoV‐2 within UK hospitals operate as anticipated?
Authors: Flowers Paul , Leiser Ruth , Mapp Fiona , McLeod Julie , Stirrup Oliver , Illingworth Christopher J. R. , Blackstone James , Breuer Judith
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to conduct a process evaluation of a whole‐genome sequence report form (SRF) used to reduce nosocomial SARS‐CoV‐2 through changing infection prevention and control (IPC) behaviours within the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

We used a three‐staged design. Firstly, we described and theorized the purported content of the SRF using the behaviour change wheel (BCW). Secondly, we used inductive thematic analysis of one‐to‐one interviews (n = 39) to explore contextual accounts of using the SRF. Thirdly, further deductive analysis gauged support for the intervention working as earlier anticipated.

Results

It was possible to theorize the SRF using the BCW approach and visualize it within a simple logic model. Inductive thematic analyses identified the SRF's acceptability, ease of use and perceived effectiveness. However, major challenges to embedding it in routine practice during the unfolding COVID‐19 crisis were reported. Notwithstanding this insight, deductive analysis showed support for the putative intervention functions ‘Education’, ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Enablement’; behaviour change techniques ‘1.2 Problem solving’, ‘2.6 Biofeedback’, ‘2.7 Feedback on outcomes of behaviour’ and ‘7.1 Prompts and cues’; and theoretical domains framework domains ‘Knowledge’ and ‘Behavioural regulation’.

Conclusions

Our process evaluation of the SRF, using the BCW approach to describe and theorize its content, provided granular support for the SRF working to change IPC behaviours as anticipated. However, our complementary inductive thematic analysis highlighted the importance of the local context in constraining its routine use. For SRFs to reach their full potential in reducing nosocomial infections, further implementation research is needed.
Labour market impacts of occupational licensing and delicensing: New evidence from China
Authors: Lyu Mengjie , Zhang Tingting , Ye Hua
Published: May 2023

We examined the recent occupational regulation changes in China and their labour market impacts. Using data from the China Labor‐Force Dynamic Survey from 2014 to 2018, we found an earning premium of approximately 10 per cent, as well as more employment‐based benefits, for those with an occupational license compared to those without one. Licensed workers reported higher skill‐job task match than unlicensed workers. Our data cover the period of occupational regulation reform in China, when 70 per cent of occupations previously licensed or certified were deregulated. Over this period, the licensing status remained associated with positive earning and employment benefits premiums, and better skill‐job task match at the labour market level. However, delicensing led to a distributional shift in the earning dispersion, especially at the bottom of the earning distribution; earning premiums rose sharply for the 10th to 30th percentiles. Workers directly affected by the licensing reform reported a significant decrease in employment benefits and in subjective job quality measures (i.e. skill‐job task match and voice at work) after delicensing, relative to never‐licensed workers. We suggest that non‐wage compensation is lost in the short term because the signal of competency is no longer valued by employers after delicensing.
Real‐world characterisation of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with and without surgery in England
Authors: Benson Victoria S. , Fu Qinggong , Yang Shibing , Sousa Ana R. , Chan Robert H. , Howarth Peter , Hopkins Claire
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To characterise the real‐world burden of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the UK, stratified by number of surgeries.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum database with Hospital Episodes Statistics linkage (2007–2019).

Participants

Adults ≥18 years of age with a first NP diagnosis (index) and 365 days of baseline and ≥180 days of follow‐up data. Follow‐up continued until disenrollment, death or end of data collection.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary: primary care physician prescribed CRSwNP‐related treatments, and all‐cause healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) in 90 days post‐index, stratified by surgeries during follow‐up. Secondary: rate of surgery and CRSwNP point prevalence. Baseline patient demographics, clinical characteristics and comorbidities were also assessed.

Results

Of the 33 107 patients included, 23.5% and 2.2% had ≥1 and ≥2 surgeries during follow‐up, respectively (mean follow‐up: 5.3 years). Patients with more surgeries (≥2/≥1/0) during follow‐up were more likely to be male (67.3%/69.0%/58.0%), have asthma (37.8%/28.2%/20.2%) and have baseline blood eosinophil counts ≥300 cells/μL (68.5%/66.0%/51.5%). During the first 90‐days post‐index as surgery number increased, the proportion of patients using oral corticosteroids (25.8%/20.7%/14.2%) and mean (SD) number of all‐cause healthcare visits (5.9 [4.2]/5.4 [4.0]/4.9 [4.2]) increased. Time between surgeries was shorter among patients with more surgeries. CRSwNP prevalence on 31 December 2018 was 476 cases per 100 000 persons.

Conclusion

A small proportion of patients in the UK required multiple surgeries for CRSwNP and this was associated with increasing comorbidity burden, baseline blood eosinophil counts, CRSwNP‐related treatment and HCRU use.
Subvacuum environment‐enhanced cell migration promotes wound healing without increasing hypertrophic scars caused by excessive cell proliferation
Authors: Jin Jian , Pan Bo‐han , Wang Kang‐an , Yu Shao‐Shuo , Wu Guo‐sheng , Fang He , Zhu Bang‐hui , Chen Yu , Zhu Liang‐liang , Liu Yan , Xia Zhao‐fan , Zhu Shi‐hui , Sun Yu
Published: May 2023

Cell migration and proliferation are conducive to wound healing; however, regulating cell proliferation remains challenging, and excessive proliferation is an important cause of scar hyperplasia. Here, we aimed to explore how a subvacuum environment promotes wound epithelisation without affecting scar hyperplasia. Human immortalized keratinocyte cells and human skin fibroblasts were cultured under subvacuum conditions (1/10 atmospheric pressure), and changes in cell proliferation and migration, target protein content, calcium influx, and cytoskeleton and membrane fluidity were observed. Mechanical calcium (Ca2+) channel blockers were used to prevent Ca2+ influx for reverse validation. A rat wound model was used to elucidate the mechanism of the subvacuum dressing in promoting healing. The subvacuum environment was observed to promote cell migration without affecting cell proliferation; intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and PI3K, p‐PI3K, AKT1, p‐AKT 1 levels increased significantly. The cytoskeleton was depolymerized, pseudopodia were reduced or absent, and membrane fluidity increased. The use of Ca2+ channel blockers weakened or eliminated these changes. Animal experiments confirmed these phenomena and demonstrated that subvacuum dressings can effectively promote wound epithelisation. Our study demonstrates that the use of subvacuum dressings can enhance cell migration without affecting cell proliferation, promote wound healing, and decrease the probability of scar hyperplasia.
Wound related complications and the anterior rectus sheath versus Gibson approach to kidney transplantation: A single center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Murthy Prithvi B. , Fascelli Michele , Lyon Madison , Corrigan Dillon , Spinner Michael , Lin Yi‐Chia , Wee Alvin C. , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh , Goldfarb David A. , Africa Joseph , Eltemamy Mohamed M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Wound related complications (WRC) are a significant source of morbidity in kidney transplant recipients, and may be mitigated by surgical approach. We hypothesize that the anterior rectus sheath approach (ARS) may decrease WRC and inpatient opiate use compared to the Gibson Approach (GA).

Methods

This double‐blinded randomized controlled trial allocated kidney transplant recipients aged 18 or older, exclusive of other procedures, 1:1 to ARS or GA at a single hospital. The ARS involves a muscle‐splitting paramedian approach to the iliopsoas fossa, compared to the muscle‐cutting GA. Patients and data analysts were blinded to randomization.

Results

Seventy five patients were randomized to each group between August 27, 2019 and September 18, 2020 with a minimum 12 month follow‐up. There was no difference in WRC between groups (p = .23). Nine (12%) and three patients (4%) experienced any WRC in the ARS and GA groups, respectively. Three and one Clavien IIIb complications occurred in the ARS and GA groups, respectively. In a multiple linear regression model, ARS was associated with decreased inpatient opioid use (β = –58, 95% CI: –105 to –12, p = .016).

Conclusions

The ARS did not provide a WRC benefit in kidney transplant recipients, but may be associated with decreased inpatient opioid use.
Primary vulvar extragastrointestinal stromal tumor in a 77‐year‐old woman
Authors: Mohamed Nada , Khan Mohammad , Hosler Gregory , Tumminello Katherine
Published: May 2023

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) carry the same morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular features as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and involve extragastrointestinal tract soft tissue. The majority of reported EGIST cases arise from intraabdominal, retroperitoneal, or pelvic soft tissue. A significant subset of such tumors originates from the gastrointestinal muscle layer, grows in an exophytic manner, then loses attachment to the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently, true EGISTs are exceedingly rare. Herein, we are reporting a case of a vulvar EGIST. A 77‐year‐old woman presented with a painless subcutaneous nodule on the right perineum. An excisional biopsy showed a fairly circumscribed bland spindle cell lesion in the dermis. The tumor cells were positive for CD117 and ANO1/DOG‐1 and negative for smooth muscle myosin, smooth muscle actin, STAT6, low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight cytokeratins, SOX10, MART‐1, CD10, S‐100 protein, and estrogen and progesterone receptors. A diagnosis of EGIST was made and complete excision was recommended. Superficial/subcutaneous EGISTs are extremely rare, and it is important for dermatopathologists to be aware of this entity as it can be misdiagnosed as more common spindle cell neoplasms, both benign and malignant, including but not limited to smooth muscle neoplasms (leiomyoma/leiomyosarcoma), spindle cell melanoma, and sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma.
Increasing synchrony opposes stabilizing effects of species richness on terrestrial communities
Authors: Tsang Toby P. N. , Ponisio Lauren C. , Bonebrake Timothy C.
Published: May 2023

Aim

Ecological theory has predicted that species richness should stabilize communities, with mechanisms including species synchrony and population variability determining the net impacts. While these theories have been supported empirically, results can be sensitive to taxonomic bias as studies are often focussed on plants. Trophic differences between consumers and primary producers can lead to varying stabilizing effects of species richness. Here, we compared the impact of species richness on community variability in four taxonomic groups: terrestrial birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants.

Location

Global.

Method

Using data from 6763 time series globally (BioTIME) for four terrestrial taxa, we quantified community and population variability and species synchrony based on abundance fluctuations over time.

Results

Species richness destabilized communities through increasing synchrony and stabilized communities through reducing population variability in all taxa. Such opposing effects weakened the net impacts of species richness on communities. Population variability had higher importance relative to synchrony in plant communities. By contrast, synchrony had more comparable (or even higher) importance compared with population variability in animal communities. When synchrony and population variability were not controlled, stabilizing impacts of species richness were detected in plant communities only.

Main Conclusions

Our results highlight how species richness drives stabilizing and destabilizing mechanisms simultaneously across all taxa, with strong taxonomic variation in the relative importance of these mechanisms in regulating community variability. This questions the generality of previous findings on stabilizing impacts of species richness based on limited taxonomic coverage. Additionally, our results indicate the need to understand how the importance of stabilizing and destabilizing mechanisms differs in determining community variability across organisms and environments.
The European Union's safeguard for rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar
Authors: Tanaka Kiyoyasu
Published: May 2023

Following a substantial increase in Indica rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar, the European Union (EU) adopted safeguard measures to reinstate the common‐customs tariff rate of 175 euros per ton from 2019, with progressive liberalization over three years. To estimate the impact of safeguard duties, this paper uses a sample of milled rice imports from 28 EU importers during 2017–20 and adopts a triple‐differences approach. The results show that safeguard duties have a significantly negative impact on import values and quantity of affected goods and a significantly positive impact on import prices. Safeguard duties appear to induce trade redirection to other third markets but produce little substitution effects for EU rice producers.
Thermal conductivity of equiatomic high‐entropy diboride ceramics with 5–9 cations
Authors: Cheng Gang , Liu Ji‐Xuan , Qin Yuan , Wu Yue , Zhang Guo‐Jun
Published: May 2023

As a new type of high‐entropy material, most of the current work has focused on the synthesis and characterization of mechanical properties of high‐entropy diboride ceramics (HEBs). In this work, single‐phase HEBs with 5–9 cations were prepared by spark plasma sintering with self‐synthesized HEB powders through the boro/carbothermal reduction method. The distribution of the metal elements in the obtained HEBs was homogeneous. Due to the phonon scattering caused by the inherent lattice distortion in the HEBs, the thermal conductivity of the ceramics decreased with the increased configurational entropy or the number of cation kinds. However, this study reveals that the degree of reduction in thermal conductivity for the HEBs demonstrate a weakened tendency with cation kinds of more than 6.
Synthesis and characterization of ternary layered i‐MAX (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Cheng Juan , Zhang Qiqiang , Fu Shuai , Wan Detian , Bao Yiwang , Chu Longsheng , Feng Qingguo , Grasso Salvatore , Hu Chunfeng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the i‐MAX phase (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC ceramic with high purity of 98.29 wt% (1.13 wt% Y2O3 and 0.58 wt% Mo2C) and high relative density of 98.59% was successfully synthesized by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1500°C with the molar ratio of n(Mo):n(Y):n(Al):n(C) = 4:2:3.3:2.7. The positions of C atoms in the crystal of (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC were determined. Microstructure and physical and mechanical properties of (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC ceramic were systematically investigated. It was found that the obtained (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC ceramic had an average grain size of 32.1 ± 3.1 μm in length and 14.2 ± 1.7 μm in width. In terms of physical properties, the measured thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC was 8.99 × 10−6 K−1, and the thermal capacity and thermal conductivity at room temperature were 0.43 J·g−1·K−1 and 13.75 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. The room temperature electrical conductivity of (Mo2/3Y1/3)2AlC ceramic was measured to be 1.25 × 106 Ω−1·m−1. In terms of mechanical properties, Vickers hardness under 10 N load was measured as 10.54 ± 0.29 GPa, while flexural strength, fracture toughness, and compressive strength were determined as 260.08 ± 14.18 MPa, 4.51 ± 0.70 MPa·m1/2, and 855 ± 62 MPa, respectively, indicating the promising structural applications.
Fuzzy Bayesian network analysis of the factors causing food losses in reefer containers
Authors: Kaptan Mehmet , Bayazit Ozan
Published: May 2023

It is crucial to ensure food security to continue the sustainable nutrition of the world population. Food losses in the global food supply chain pose a significant risk to food security. Especially foods that require cold chain logistics are prone to deterioration and eventually food losses. Therefore, cold chain logistics processes require operational expertise and specialized equipment. Reefer (refrigerated) container is the most used cold chain transport equipment for perishable foods requiring atmospheric control. Analyzing operational and hardware‐related causes and implementing relevant countermeasures are necessary to prevent food losses in reefer containers. With this motivation in the study, the relationships between the factors causing food losses in the reefer containers were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively via the model built using the Fuzzy Bayesian network method. The findings indicate that the most critical root causes of food losses in reefer containers are excessive time off‐power, inappropriate preload conditions, and refrigerant faults, respectively. Moreover, the riskiest combination of factors that causes food loss consists of excessive time‐off power, refrigerant faults, and adverse weather conditions during navigation and in port. When the existing legal framework and professional practices are examined, in light of the results of the study, the following will be recommended: Establishing minimum standard and maintenance arrangements for cooling systems, ensuring safety margin in the shelf life of the foods carried in the reefer containers, making mandatory the automatic temperature recordings systems, and increasing the number of personnel specialized in product types and transportation. The study results will benefit supply chain stakeholders for process planning and implementation to mitigate the risk of food losses in reefer containers.

Practical applications

This study examines the factors causing food losses in reefer containers from loading to discharge. The findings indicate that the most critical root causes of food losses in reefer containers are excessive time off‐power, inappropriate preload conditions, and refrigerant faults, respectively. When the existing legal framework and professional practices are examined, in light of the results of the study, the following will be recommended: Establishing minimum standard and maintenance arrangements for cooling systems, ensuring safety margin in the shelf life of the foods carried in the reefer containers, making mandatory the automatic temperature recordings systems, and increasing the number of personnel specialized in product types and transportation.
Dying to die: New micro and macro evidence that suicide terrorists are suicidal
Authors: Varaine Simon
Published: May 2023

The self‐sacrifice of suicide terrorists is subject to sophisticated models of altruistic sacrifice. Yet, a simpler account is that it reflects common suicidal tendencies. This paper offers new micro and macro evidence supportive of this hypothesis. At the micro level, the paper compares a sample of suicide and non‐suicide terrorists in the United States from 1948 to 2017. Results indicate that suicide terrorists are more likely to display various established suicidal risk factors including history of child abuse, absent parent/s, and relationship troubles. Results from Bayesian Model Averaging indicate that suicide risk factors outperform other individual factors (e.g., ideology and lone‐actor terrorism) in explaining suicide terrorism. At the macro level, the paper takes advantage of the cross‐national variations in suicidal tendencies to explain the incidence of suicide and non‐suicide terrorist attacks worldwide from 1991 to 2014. Results reveal that countries with higher share of deaths from suicide display higher incidences of suicide attacks but similar incidences of non‐suicide attacks. However, other contextual factors such as the share of Muslims also predict the incidence of suicide terrorism. The decision of some terrorists to sacrifice their life may well have been subject to over‐theorization.
Piper svenningii – a new species from Ecuador, Colombia, and Perú
Authors: Trujillo William , Balslev Henrik
Published: May 2023

Recent revision of the Piper collections at Aarhus Univ. Herbarium (AAU), collected in Ecuador, revealed specimens of undescribed species and species that were mentioned as endemic in the catalog of plants of Colombia Piper dolichostylum, P. littlei, P. morelianum, P. sanandresense and P. tarquiense resulting of incomplete curation of herbarium collections in institutions that launched expeditions to the Amazon and the Andes. Piper svenningii (Piperaceae) from the eastern slopes of the Andes and adjacent lowlands in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, is described as a new species and illustrated, and a morphological comparison with similar species is made. Piper svenningii differs from P. costatum and P. japurense by its leaves which have induplicate margins, versus leaf margins flat and not induplicate. It differs from Piper rurrenbaqueanum by having leaves that are pinnately nerved throughout with 10–12 pairs of secondary nerves, versus 4–6 pairs of secondary nerves that are pinnately arranged in the basal two thirds of the lamina.
A new species in Chromocyphella from France
Authors: Gruhn Gérald , Moreno Gabriel , Mourgues Yannick , Alvarado Pablo
Published: May 2023

The newly discovered cyphelloid species Chromocyphella meloana is here described and illustrated based on specimens collected in continental France. Hypothetic reproductive isolation of this species is supported by the morpholological characteristics of fruit bodies, which initially develop as corticioid basidiomes, and mature into folded, torn structures producing ellipsoid brown rugose basidiospores. A combination of ITS, 28S rDNA and rpb2 sequences is used to classify the collection as a new species within the genus Chromocyphella. A key to the species of Chromocyphella is provided.
Anxiety and depression: A top‐down, bottom‐up model of circuit function
Authors: LeDuke Deryn O. , Borio Matilde , Miranda Raymundo , Tye Kay M.
Published: May 2023

A functional interplay of bottom‐up and top‐down processing allows an individual to appropriately respond to the dynamic environment around them. These processing modalities can be represented as attractor states using a dynamical systems model of the brain. The transition probability to move from one attractor state to another is dependent on the stability, depth, neuromodulatory tone, and tonic changes in plasticity. However, how does the relationship between these states change in disease states, such as anxiety or depression? We describe bottom‐up and top‐down processing from Marr's computational‐algorithmic‐implementation perspective to understand depressive and anxious disease states. We illustrate examples of bottom‐up processing as basolateral amygdala signaling and projections and top‐down processing as medial prefrontal cortex internal signaling and projections. Understanding these internal processing dynamics can help us better model the multifaceted elements of anxiety and depression.
Intraoperative diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis during scoliosis surgery
Authors: Loh Katherine H. , Kelley Jennifer C. , Eagle Susan S.
Published: May 2023

Diabetic ketoacidosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with type 1 diabetes. Management of diabetic ketoacidosis requires meticulous monitoring and treatment of severe dehydration and metabolic derangement. We present an adolescent patient who was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis during spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis and discuss the management of this unexpected intraoperative emergency.
αβ+/CD19+‐depleted haploidentical stem cell transplantation for children with acute leukemia: Is there a protective effect of increased γδ+ T‐cell content in the graft?
Authors: Dadi Gal , Jacoby Elad , Adam Etai , Hutt Daphna , Varda‐Bloom Nira , Bielorai Bella , Toren Amos
Published: May 2023

Background

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with depletion of αβ+ T cells and CD19+ B cells has emerged as a viable alternative to traditional donors for treating acute leukemia in children. As the use of this innovative approach continues to grow and more experience is gained, it is essential to identify and comprehend the key factors that contribute to successful transplantation and improved outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of single‐center data from 27 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 11 children with acute myeloid leukemia who underwent haploidentical HSCT with depletion of αβ+ T cells and CD19+ B cells between the years 2013 and 2020.

Results

Engraftment was successful in 34 out of 38 patients (90%). The 5‐year overall survival and event‐free survival rates were 51% and 42%, respectively. There were no cases of grade III–IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease, and only two patients developed chronic graft‐versus‐host disease. Patients with a higher content of γδ+ T cells in the graft demonstrated a longer event‐free survival.

Conclusions

αβ+/CD19+‐depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can offer long‐term remission for children with acute leukemia with minimal graft‐versus‐host disease.
CMV‐associated collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplant in a pediatric patient
Authors: Parr Madeline F. E. , Hidalgo Guillermo , Goldstein Michael J. , Batal Ibrahim , Lieberman Kenneth V. , Amoruso Marlene R. , Baer Aryeh Z. , Jain Namrata G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant cause of morbidity among immunocompromised patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and is known to rarely induce collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) among adults.

Methods

We present the first reported case of CMV‐induced collapsing FSGS in a pediatric patient after kidney transplant.

Results

Our patient underwent a deceased donor kidney transplant due to end‐stage renal disease secondary to lupus nephritis. Approximately 4 months after transplantation, he developed signs of worsening kidney function in the setting of CMV viremia and was found to have collapsing features of FSGS on kidney transplant biopsy. He was managed with a prompt escalation of antiviral therapy along with a reduction of immunosuppression and recovered without significant complication. At follow‐up, he continued to have undetectable CMV titers, creatinine within normal limits, and no significant proteinuria.

Conclusion

This report demonstrates CMV as a cause of collapsing FSGS and should be considered among pediatric transplant recipients who present with acute kidney injury, as should early assessment of APOL1 genetic status in both donor and recipient.
Identification and characterization of genome‐wide long terminal repeat retrotransposons provide an insight into elucidating the trait evolution of five Rhododendron species
Authors: Wen S. , Zhao H. , Qiao G. , Shen X.
Published: May 2023

Rhododendron is well‐known for its beauty and colourful corolla. Although some high‐quality whole‐genome sequencing of it has been completed, there are few studies on long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons in Rhododendron, which limits our ability to elucidate the causes of genetic variations in Rhododendron species.

Properties of the intact Rhododendron LTR retrotransposons were investigated at a genome‐wide level. Based on available data, the high‐quality genomes from five species, i.e. R. griersonianum, R. simsii, R. henanense subsp. lingbaoense, R. mucronatum var. ripense and R. ovatum, were selected as targets with good assembly continuity.

A total of 17,936 intact LTR retrotransposons were identified; these belong to superfamilies Copia and Gypsy, with 17 clades. The insertion time of these transposons was later than 120 million years ago (Mya), and the outbreak period was concentrated more recently than 30 Mya. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that many LTR retrotransposons might originate from intraspecific duplication. Current evidence also suggests that most LTR retrotransposons were inserted in the interstitial part of genes in R. griersonianum, R. simsii, R. henanense, and R. ovatum, and the functions of the inserted genes mainly involve starch metabolism, proteolysis, etc. The effect of the LTR retrotransposon on gene expression depends on its insertion site and activation. Highly expressed LTR retrotransposons tend to be younger.

The results herein improve our knowledge of LTR retrotransposons in Rhododendron genomes and facilitate further study of genetic variation and trait evolution in Rhododendron.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B allele, B*51:01:101, by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Aksenova Liliya , Ananeva Anastasiia , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: May 2023

The novel HLA‐B*51:01:101 allele was characterized using next generation sequencing technology.
HLA‐C*07:985:01:02Q, a novel allele with an acceptor splice site mutation
Authors: Kessler Naomi , Casey Heather , Tyler Jennifer , Mowery Carrie , Shike Hiroko
Published: May 2023

HLA‐C*07:985:01:02Q differs from HLA‐C*07:985:01 by one nucleotide substitution at the Intron 1 splicing acceptor site.
Bone marrow iron scoring in healthy and clinically ill dogs with and without evidence of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis
Authors: Pawsat Grace A. , Fry Michael M. , Behling‐Kelly Erica , Olin Shelly J. , Schaefer Deanna M. W.
Published: May 2023

Background

There are few reports in dogs that have evaluated the utility of semi‐quantitative scoring of bone marrow iron stores in conjunction with reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) to identify iron‐restricted erythropoiesis due to absolute iron deficiency or iron sequestration.

Objectives

An established system for scoring iron stores in human bone marrow samples was applied to dogs. The objectives were to evaluate interobserver agreement (Κω), determine marrow iron scores in dogs without detectable hematologic abnormalities, and assess combined interpretation of iron scores and CHr to evaluate for iron‐restricted erythropoiesis.

Methods

Four blinded observers independently scored iron in 139 Prussian blue‐stained canine marrow samples from 0 (none) to 6 (very heavy), including healthy controls (n = 12), clinically ill dogs with (n = 100) and without (n = 16) detectable hematologic abnormalities, and dogs with experimental nutritional iron deficiency (n = 11). Additional medical record data were available for 118 dogs to evaluate for other evidence of iron deficiency (abnormal CHr, RBC indices, serum iron variables, external blood loss, or nutritional deficiencies).

Results

Mean Κω was 0.69 (substantial agreement) for all samples but was 0.44 (moderate agreement) for samples with iron scores <3, indicating distinguishing scores 0–2 may not be reliable. Dogs without detectable hematologic abnormalities had scores from 3–5. Dogs with scores <3 and decreased CHr often had more indicators of iron deficiency vs dogs only having low iron scores or low CHr.

Conclusions

Evaluation of dogs with marrow iron score <3 for external blood loss or nutritional deficiencies is likely clinically worthwhile, particularly if there is also decreased CHr.
Drug suspending during wound healing effectively weakens immunosuppression‐related complications by preserving CD8+ T cell function
Authors: Guo Linxiumei , Zhu Zhu , Shi Chenchen , Jia Yuxin , Nurzat Yeltai , Su Weijie , Zhang Yixin , Xu Heng
Published: May 2023

Immunosuppressive medications, which interfere with the activation and proliferation of T and B cells, increase the risk of wound healing complications. To address it, this study aimed to validate the feasibility of drug suspending during wound healing, whilst exploring the mechanisms exerted by T cells, which are important in the wound healing process. For this, a mouse skin wound model was set up. Tacrolimus (FK506) and fingolimod (FTY720) were both administered intraperitoneally prior to wounding to inhibit the T cell activation and migration, respectively. Flow‐cytometric analysis subsequently revealed the functional T cell subtypes detected during the healing process. A CD8a antibody was also administered to deplete CD8+ T cells in vivo to verify their specific function. It was found that FK506 or FTY720 administration delayed the early phase of wound healing by reducing collagen production, which was also supported by the downregulation of col1a1, col3a1 and tgfb1. However, there was no significant difference in the total healing period. Both spleen‐ and skin‐derived CD8+ T cells were proliferated and activated after injury without intervention, whereas CD4+ T cells showed no significant changes. Furthermore, selectively depleting CD8+ T cells retarded the healing process by downregulating collagen production‐associated genes (col1a1, col3a1, tgfβ1 and en1) and proteins (collagen type 1 and 3). In addition, the CD8a antibody decreased the expression of genes lta, tnfa, il13 and il13ra, and protein interleukin‐13Rα. In conclusion, suspending immunosuppressive drugs during wound healing was shown to be feasible through restraining the migration of activated T cells. CD8+ T cells represented the primary functional subtype positively associated with wound healing.
RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: A HUMAN DISTINCTIVE?
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A.
Published: May 2023

While agent responsibility appears to be one of the clearest examples of a human distinctive, practices of holding responsible are bound up with social expectations and emotional reactions, many of which are shared with other social animals. This essay attends to the ways in which what Peter Strawson first identified as the reactive emotions, including notably anger, resentment, and indignation, are key to making sense of both the shared and distinctive features of responsible human agency. Like human beings, other social animals express a range of reactive emotions in response to others’ conformity with or violation of implicit social expectations and norms; human beings sometimes reflect on these reactive attitudes and their justifiability, asking whether and when it is appropriate to hold others accountable, blame, and/or punish them. We should recognize that we often praise and blame others for attitudes and desires which they have not chosen and over which they have no direct control, and that this is appropriate.
EXPERIENCING THE WORLD AS THE EVOLVED IMAGE OF GOD: RELIGION IN THE CONTEXT OF SCIENCE
Authors: Henriksen Jan‐Olav
Published: May 2023

Religion must be seen as the result of the learning processes of humanity, as they manifest themselves in human interaction with and experience of reality. Such interaction depends on knowledge that provides the basis for practices of orientation and transformation. Religion as part of human culture provides resources for identifying lasting significance of experience in light of what appears to be ultimate conditions for a good and flourishing life. Thus, it is also possible to understand human distinctiveness as manifest in the dynamic practices in which humans participate, and of which religious practices are part. Therefore, it is not specific attributes that make humans distinct from other species but how they engage these in relation to the various experiential dimensions and ascribe significance to some of these in light of what they understand as ultimate sources of orientation and transformation.
Pedagogical-Publication Tensions in Undergraduate Engineering Thesis Supervision
Authors: Brad Stappenbelt  , Abheek Basu
Published: May 2023

In light of the assessment criteria for the doctor of philosophy and masters by research degrees, postgraduate thesis supervision can reasonably be categorised as predominantly research output focussed. This goal is naturally congruent with the publication agenda driving much academic staff activity in the modern ‘publish or perish’ university culture. In contrast, due to the lack of student research experience, the undergraduate thesis is necessarily focussed primarily on the development of research skills (i.e. it is process not output oriented). Undergraduate thesis supervision requires more than just research skills from supervising staff. The lessons learnt from postgraduate research supervision are therefore not always directly transferable to undergraduate thesis supervision. In contrast to the vast body of work in the field of doctoral research supervision, there exists a dearth of literature on undergraduate dissertation supervision. The present study examined the alignment of university, supervisor and student expectations regarding responsibilities in the undergraduate engineering thesis. University expectations, having undergone rigorous review, form the sound pedagogical practice baseline that should be applied to undergraduate supervision. Expectations of academic staff supervisors and thesis students were obtained through the use of survey tools. The surveys used in the present study were adapted from the Role Perceptions Rating Scale (RPRS). Alignment between student and university expectations regarding undergraduate thesis responsibilities in the present study was generally poor. The discrepancy between supervisor and university expectations was even greater, with academic staff generally alarmingly assuming the bulk of the responsibility for many core thesis tasks. The main driver identified for this behaviour (i.e. the supervisor expectations that undergraduate thesis research would contribute to publications) was investigated through post-survey discussions and interviews. Taking primary responsibility for core thesis tasks away from the student, although improving the likelihood of successful research output, diminishes the ability for an accurate assessment of adequate academic performance. The learning that is intended to result from the undergraduate thesis is devalued when research outcomes are prioritised over research process.
Course Design on Emerging Technologies
Authors: Davut Çulha
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses the design of Emerging Technologies course under the Software Engineering Department at Atilim University. At Atilim University, a visionary course was needed especially for the senior undergraduate students of Information Technology (IT) related departments. At Atilim University, there are 3 IT related departments which are Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Information Systems Engineering. This course should have covered all the emerging technologies so that students can decide properly the fields to work after graduation. Moreover, students should have been encouraged for entrepreneurship to develop their own businesses. As a result, a course covering all emerging technologies was designed. First of all, a comprehensive definition is formed for emerging technologies, and they are classified. The important concepts included in the course are active learning, improving the vision, proposing new technologies, and forecasting the future technologies. The course also includes a project which is designed to be a simulation of an important emerging technology. For the simulation project, software development is requested from the students. This provides students to reconcile emerging technologies and software development, which is the most important technology for IT related students. This paper presents instructor experiences, student feedback analysis, lessons learned and recommendations for other instructors.