bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Siamese Twin Troubles: Structural and Regulatory Transformations in Unequal Thailand
Authors: Kanchoochat Veerayooth
Published: July 2022

This paper takes an institutional approach to inequality in Thailand by exploring the country's structural and regulatory transformations. It discusses how Thailand's transition from agriculture to industry and services has been impeded by both the demand and supply sides of government subsidies since the 1950s. The relative failure of structural transformation has slowed down economic catch‐up and widened the well‐being gap between those inside and outside the agricultural sector. Furthermore, while regulatory transformation has mitigated state‐led malaise in certain Asian economies, post‐1997 reform in Thailand has incentivized unconventional political actors, such as academics, medical doctors and civil society leaders, to make collective efforts in toppling elected governments in exchange for gaining selection into oversight agencies. The case of Thailand indicates how regulatory reform may create perverse incentives that adversely affect democratization, decentralization, competition, and taxation. Dealing with inequality therefore requires a big push toward progressive structural and regulatory transformations altogether.
How Inequality Affects Trust in Institutions: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Suryahadi Asep , Al Izzati Ridho , Suryadarma Daniel , Dartanto Teguh
Published: July 2022

Trust is an important ingredient to improve economic performance and people's welfare by alleviating market failures caused by imperfect information, costly enforcement, or coordination failures. Using the World Values Survey 2018, we estimate the impact of village and district levels inequality on trust in institutions in Indonesia. We find that higher village level inequality has a negative effect only on trust in strangers, while higher district level inequality reduces trust in television, the press, the central government, the courts, and the police. The implication points to the importance of keeping inequality at the aggregate level in check to maintain people's trust in social, political and state institutions.
Determination of thick and thin fibres distribution in Sunda porcupine dorsal skin (Hystrix javanica) using Picrosirius red staining
Authors: Prawira Andhika Yudha , Novelina Savitri , Farida Wartika Rosa , Darusman Huda Shalahudin , Warita Katsuhiko , Hosaka Yoshinao Z. , Agungpriyono Srihadi
Published: July 2022

The complexity of the Sunda porcupine skin has become an important topic due to the unique characteristics of its quill follicles. The structure and chemical composition of the skin has affected many physiological and other conditions. Generally, quills are larger, stronger and stiffer than hair; therefore, the skin structure needs to adapt to support their physiology. The strength of the skin is determined by its collagen composition and arrangement; therefore, this study aims to analyse the composition and distribution of thick and thin fibres based on the specific characteristics of Sunda porcupine skin under polarized light using picrosirius red staining. The skin samples used were from the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions of eight Sunda porcupine adults. The histological staining was carried out using the picrosirius red method, while the samples were observed under a polarized light microscope and analysed with software. The results showed that the skin is composed of 36%–65% thick fibres, 20%–35% thin fibres and small amounts of other types with the lumbosacral region having higher compositions of thick and thin fibres than those in the thoracodorsal region. Furthermore, the thoracodorsal and lumbosacral regions have the highest composition of thick fibre in the deeper dermis and quill follicle, respectively. These demonstrated that the complexity of the skin structure of Sunda porcupine due to its quill derivates correlated with its collagen composition and distribution.
Dupilumab reduced impact of severe exacerbations on lung function in patients with moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma
Authors: Papi Alberto , Corren Jonathan , Castro Mario , Domingo Christian , Rogers Linda , Chapman Kenneth R. , Jackson Daniel J. , Daizadeh Nadia , Pandit‐Abid Nami , Gall Rebecca , Jacob‐Nara Juby A. , Rowe Paul J. , Deniz Yamo , Ortiz Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Background

Severe asthma exacerbations increase the risk of accelerated lung function decline. This analysis examined the effect of dupilumab on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe asthma and elevated type 2 biomarkers from phase 3 LIBERTY ASTHMA QUEST (NCT02414854).

Methods

Changes from baseline in pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator (BD) FEV1 and 5‐item Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ‐5) scores were assessed in patients with elevated type 2 biomarkers at baseline (type 2–150/25: eosinophils ≥150 cells/μl and/or fractional exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO] ≥25 ppb; type 2–300/25: eosinophils ≥300 cells/μl and/or FeNO ≥25 ppb), stratified as exacerbators (≥1 severe exacerbation during the study) or non‐exacerbators.

Results

In exacerbators and non‐exacerbators, dupilumab increased pre‐BD FEV1 by Week 2 vs placebo; differences were maintained to Week 52 (type 2–150/25: LS mean difference (LSMD) vs placebo: 0.17 L (95% CI: 0.10–0.24) and 0.17 L (0.12–0.23); type 2–300/25: 0.22 L (0.13–0.30) and 0.21 L (0.15–0.28)), in exacerbators and non‐exacerbators, respectively (p < .0001). Similar trends were seen for post‐BD FEV1. Dupilumab vs placebo also showed significantly greater improvements in post‐BD FEV1 0–42 days after first severe exacerbation in type 2–150/25 (LSMD vs placebo: 0.13 L [0.06–0.20]; p = .006) and type 2–300/25 (0.14 L [0.06–0.22]; p = .001) patients. ACQ‐5 improvements were greater with dupilumab vs placebo in both groups.

Conclusion

Dupilumab treatment led to improvements in lung function independent of exacerbations and appeared to reduce the impact of exacerbations on lung function in patients who experienced a severe exacerbation during the study.
Cytohistological findings in HPV‐negative cases from HPV primary screening programme: quality assurance study
Authors: Kares Saara , Kholová Ivana , Tirkkonen Mika , Vuento Risto , Kujala Paula
Published: July 2022

To evaluate the risk of false HPV‐negative results and possible related morphological abnormalities in HPV primary cervical cancer screening. Out of 53,661 HPV‐negative cases, 5469 (10.2%) randomly selected cytology slides were evaluated as a part of the quality assurance protocol. The Bethesda category negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) in the HPV‐negative cases given was present in 95.4%. Due to cytology other than NILM, 0.4% of cases were referred to colposcopy and 4.2% to the follow‐up in one year. In the follow‐up HPV negativity and NILM cytology was present in 88.3% of attended women. Cases other than HPV negative and NILM were referred to colposcopy. One biopsy‐proven histological HSIL was found in the first round and one in follow‐up screening. More comprehensive genotyping of HSIL cases revealed genotypes 69 and 11. Only two HPV test negative cases with histological HSIL were revealed forming 0.04% of quality control group. In both cases, HPV genotype not included in screening tests was found. According to the results, the primary HPV test with cytology triage is an efficient and specific method for cervical cancer screening despite of the fact that some non‐high‐risk genotypes are missed.
Non‐invasive on‐site method for thickness measurement of transparent ceramic glazes based on depth from focus
Authors: Cou Corentin , Ben Amara Ayed , Granier Xavier
Published: July 2022

Glazed ceramics are a common material analyzed through geochemistry, whether in the form of tableware collected during excavations or tiles observed as part of architectural features. Within the framework of these studies, measuring the thickness of the transparent glaze is one of the useful variables available for the characterization of the ceramic, contributing to searches for provenance as well as serialization. However, this task often requires invasive methods performed in the laboratory, which may not always be possible. This paper develops a non‐invasive and portable on‐site system for measuring the thickness of ceramic glazes. Based on the depth from focus technique, this method makes use of a classical camera, a macroscopic lens, a translation stage, and a laptop for system control. In this article, we test this method through the measurement of glaze for ten samples as compared to results obtained for sections through scanning electron microscopy.
Evolutionary time and species diversity in aquatic ecosystems worldwide
Authors: Rabosky Daniel L.
Published: July 2022

The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is frequently described as the most dramatic biodiversity pattern on Earth, yet ecologists and biogeographers have failed to reach consensus on its primary cause. A key problem in explaining the LDG involves collinearity between multiple factors that are predicted to affect species richness in the same direction. In terrestrial systems, energy input, geographic area, and evolutionary time for species accumulation tend to covary positively with species richness at the largest spatial scales, such that their individual contributions to the LDG are confounded in global analyses. I review three diversity patterns from marine and freshwater systems that break this collinearity and which may thus provide stronger tests of the influence of time on global richness gradients. Specifically, I contrast biodiversity patterns along oceanic depth gradients, in geologically young versus ancient lakes, and in the north versus south polar marine biomes. I focus primarily on fishes due to greater data availability but synthesize patterns for invertebrates where possible. I find that regional‐to‐global species richness generally declines with depth in the oceans, despite the great age and stability of the deep‐sea biome. Geologically ancient lakes generally do not contain more species than young lakes, and the Antarctic marine biome is not appreciably more species rich than the much younger Arctic marine biome. However, endemism is consistently higher in older systems. Patterns for invertebrate groups are less clear than for fishes and reflect a critical need for primary biodiversity data. In summary, the available data suggest that species richness is either decoupled from or only weakly related to the amount of time for diversification. These results suggest that energy, productivity, or geographic area are the primary drivers of large‐scale diversity gradients. To the extent that marine and terrestrial diversity gradients result from similar processes, these examples provide evidence against a primary role for evolutionary time as the cause of the LDG.
Do age of consent laws decrease teen births?
Authors: Lepage Louis‐Pierre
Published: July 2022

This paper studies two legislative changes that extended legal penalties for sex with minors ages 14 to 16 in Canada and the US. Using differences‐in‐differences and triple‐differences strategies, it presents new evidence that age of consent laws affect teen fertility, especially the rate that teenage girls aged 14 to 15 become pregnant and have children from adult men of ages targeted by the law changes. I find that the 2008 increase in Canada and the 1995 increase in the American state of Georgia led to substantial decreases in the fraction of births arising from partnerships made illegal. These impacts reflect net decreases in births and falling abortions rather than changes in reporting, implying decreased pregnancy rates. Further evidence suggests that the laws deterred relationships between teens and targeted partners altogether and I also uncover a strong response to the law through marriage of teens aged 14 to 15 in Georgia, which then provided a loophole because age of consent laws did not apply to married couples.
Determination of significant parameters in remote ischemic postconditioning for ischemic stroke in experimental models: A systematic review and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Liu Kezhou , Cai Zhengting , Zhang Quanwei , He Jiatong , Cheng Yinuo , Wei Shaonong , Yin Mengjie
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To systematically review studies using remote ischemia postconditioning (RIPostC) for ischemic stroke in experimental models and obtain factors that significantly influence treatment outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Peer‐reviewed studies were identified and selected based on the eligibility criteria, followed by extraction of data on potentially influential factors related to model preparation, postconditioning, and measure time based on outcome measures including infarct size, neurological scales, and cell tests with autophagy, apoptosis, normal‐neuron, and damaged‐neuron counting. Then, all data were preprocessed, grouped, and meta‐analyzed with the indicator of the standardized mean difference.

Results

Fifty‐seven studies with 224 experiments (91 for infarct size, 92 for neurological scales, and 41 for cell‐level tests) were included. There was little statistical difference between different model preparations, treated body parts, number of treatments, and sides. And treatment effect was generally a positive correlation with the duration of conditioning time to stroke onset with exceptions at some time points. Based on infarct size, the number of cycles per treatment, duration of occlusion, and release per cycle showed significant differences. Combined with the effect sizes by other measures, the occlusion/release duration of 8–10 min per cycle is better than 5 min, and three cycles per treatment were most frequently used with good effects. Effect also varied when measuring at different times, showing statistical differences in infarct size and most neurological scales. RIPostC is confirmed as an effective therapeutic intervention for ischemic stroke, while the RIPostC‐mediated autophagy level being activated or inhibited remained conflicting.

Conclusions

Conditioning time, number of cycles per treatment, duration of occlusion, and release per cycle were found to influence the treatment effects of RIPostC significantly. More studies on the relevant influential factors and autophagy mechanisms are warranted.
Implementing a pragmatic clinical trial to tailor opioids for acute pain on behalf of the IGNITE ADOPT PGx investigators
Authors: Cavallari Larisa H. , Cicali Emily , Wiisanen Kristin , Fillingim Roger B. , Chakraborty Hrishikesh , Myers Rachel A. , Blake Kathryn V. , Asiyanbola Bolanle , Baye Jordan F. , Bronson Wesley H. , Cook Kelsey J. , Elwood Erica N. , Gray Chancellor F. , Gong Yan , Hines Lindsay , Kannry Joseph , Kucher Natalie , Lynch Sheryl , Nguyen Khoa A. , Obeng Aniwaa Owusu , Pratt Victoria M. , Prieto Hernan A. , Ramos Michelle , Sadeghpour Azita , Singh Rajbir , Rosenman Marc , Starostik Petr , Thomas Cameron D. , Tillman Emma , Dexter Paul R. , Horowitz Carol R. , Orlando Lori A. , Peterson Josh F. , Skaar Todd C. , Van Driest Sara L. , Volpi Simona , Voora Deepak , Parvataneni Hari K. , Johnson Julie A. ,   for the IGNITE Pragmatic Trials Network
Published: July 2022

Opioid prescribing for postoperative pain management is challenging because of inter‐patient variability in opioid response and concern about opioid addiction. Tramadol, hydrocodone, and codeine depend on the cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) enzyme for formation of highly potent metabolites. Individuals with reduced or absent CYP2D6 activity (i.e., intermediate metabolizers [IMs] or poor metabolizers [PMs], respectively) have lower concentrations of potent opioid metabolites and potentially inadequate pain control. The primary objective of this prospective, multicenter, randomized pragmatic trial is to determine the effect of postoperative CYP2D6‐guided opioid prescribing on pain control and opioid usage. Up to 2020 participants, age ≥8 years, scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure will be enrolled and randomized to immediate pharmacogenetic testing with clinical decision support (CDS) for CYP2D6 phenotype‐guided postoperative pain management (intervention arm) or delayed testing without CDS (control arm). CDS is provided through medical record alerts and/or a pharmacist consult note. For IMs and PM in the intervention arm, CDS includes recommendations to avoid hydrocodone, tramadol, and codeine. Patient‐reported pain‐related outcomes are collected 10 days and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. The primary outcome, a composite of pain intensity and opioid usage at 10 days postsurgery, will be compared in the subgroup of IMs and PMs in the intervention (n = 152) versus the control (n = 152) arm. Secondary end points include prescription pain medication misuse scores and opioid persistence at 6 months. This trial will provide data on the clinical utility of CYP2D6 phenotype‐guided opioid selection for improving postoperative pain control and reducing opioid‐related risks.
What is mind blanking: A conceptual clarification
Authors: Fell Juergen
Published: July 2022

The investigation of so‐called mind blanking has been recently established in the context of mind wandering research. Unfortunately, the description of the term ‘mind blanking’ and its experimental assessment are often ambiguous. More specifically, two distinct phenomena have been conceptually blended and both characterized using the term ‘mind blanking’ in experimental studies: the absence of task‐focus and thought, versus complete lack of conscious experiences. At least in part, this confusion can be traced back to the writings of William James, who referred to ‘thought’ as a superordinate term to address different conscious experiences. Applying the technique of so‐called experience sampling, experimental studies, up to now, probably assessed the absence of thought, but not a complete lack of conscious experiences. There is no clear evidence yet for instances of the latter phenomenon occurring during non‐pathological waking state. Possibly, such evidence could be revealed in the future using a conceptually more refined experience sampling.
Feedback Artificial Tree‐Anti Corona Virus Optimization enabled deep learning for detecting autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Arumugam Arunkumar , Velrajkumar Pitchandi , Sriramakrishnan Gopalsamy Venkadakrishnan , Muppidi Satish
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term for a number of neurodevelopmental conditions with many heterogeneous behavioural indications. Recent medical imaging approaches use functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) for human recognition of the various neurological syndromes. However, these traditional techniques are time consuming and expensive. Thus, in this research, an optimization assisted deep learning technique, named Feedback Artificial Virus Optimization (FAVO)‐based deep residual network (DRN), is developed. FAVO‐based DRN is designed to incorporate the Feedback Artificial Tree (FAT) algorithm with Anti Corona Virus Optimization (ACVO). First, Region‐Of‐Interest extraction is carried out using thresholding techniques with nub region extraction completed using the proposed FAVO algorithm. ASD classification is then carried out using a DRN classifier. Evaluation of the proposal uses the ABIDE‐1 and ABIDE‐2 datasets. The developed FAVO algorithm attains better accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.9214, 0.9365, and 0.9142, respectively, by considering ABIDE‐2 dataset.
Adaptive control and supply chain management of intelligent agricultural greenhouse by intelligent fuzzy auxiliary cognitive system
Authors: Tian Yongjie
Published: July 2022

This work aims to avoid the complex control process caused by complex coupling and serious interference of control variables in traditional greenhouse environmental control and achieve the adaptive control of agricultural greenhouse. This work studies smart agricultural greenhouses' adaptive control and supply chain management based on the intelligent fuzzy auxiliary cognitive system (IFACS). This work firstly expresses the intelligent fuzzy control theory and analyses data according to the fuzzy control set. Secondly, the adaptive control and supply chain management of the intelligent agricultural greenhouse are studied by using an intelligent fuzzy aided cognitive system. Finally, the light intensity and carbon dioxide content of the intelligent agricultural greenhouse are analysed; the temperature and humidity content of the intelligent agricultural greenhouse of the traditional control method and adaptive control are compared; the impact of carbon dioxide emissions on the environment under supply chain management is analysed. The research results indicate that the adaptive control of the intelligent agricultural greenhouse based on the IFACS can keep the greenhouse temperature within a specific range and reduce the impact of temperature on the development of agricultural greenhouses. The IFACS is effectively managed in the adaptive control of the intelligent agricultural greenhouse. From 2015 to 2020, the smart agricultural greenhouse supply chain management gradually reduced the content of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted by the production and suppliers through the IFACS. The content of greenhouse gases emitted by product transporters did not change significantly, and the greenhouse gases emitted by non‐manufacturing suppliers gradually decreased. In 2020, supply chain GHG emission intensity decreased by 20% compared with 2015, and GHG emissions from product transportation also decreased by 6% compared with the previous year. This research has reference significance for the adaptive control of intelligent agricultural greenhouse by IFACS and the environmental control of agricultural greenhouse by supply chain management.
Winter warming offsets one half of the spring warming effects on leaf unfolding
Authors: Wang Huanjiong , Dai Junhu , Peñuelas Josep , Ge Quansheng , Fu Yongshuo H. , Wu Chaoyang
Published: July 2022

Winter temperature‐related chilling and spring temperature‐related forcing are two major environmental cues shaping the leaf‐out date of temperate species. To what degree insufficient chilling caused by winter warming would slow phenological responses to spring warming remains unclear. Using 27,071 time series of leaf‐out dates for 16 tree species in Europe, we constructed a phenological model based on the linear or exponential function between the chilling accumulation (CA) and forcing requirements (FR) of leaf‐out. We further used the phenological model to quantify the relative contributions of chilling and forcing on past and future spring phenological change. The results showed that the delaying effect of decreased chilling on the leaf‐out date was prevalent in natural conditions, as more than 99% of time series exhibited a negative relationship between CA and FR. The reduction in chilling linked to winter warming from 1951 to 2014 could offset about one half of the spring phenological advance caused by the increase in forcing. In future warming scenarios, if the same model is used and a linear, stable correlation between CA and FR is assumed, declining chilling will continuously offset the advance of leaf‐out to a similar degree. Our study stresses the importance of assessing the antagonistic effects of winter and spring warming on leaf‐out phenology.
Controls of Geochemical and Hydrogeochemical Factors on Arsenic Mobility in the Hetao Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Guo Huaming , Han Shuangbao , Gao Zhipeng , Niu Xiaotong
Published: July 2022

High arsenic (As) groundwater is frequently found in inland basins, but little is known about As pools in sediments and their influences on aqueous As distributions. The Hetao Basin is a typical inland basin, where groundwater As concentrations generally increase from alluvial fans to flat plain. Two sites are only 1700 m apart, but groundwater As concentrations at the depth range of 15 to 80 m are quite different, ranging from 7.0 to 31.7 μg/L at site B1 and from 5.2 to 99.8 μg/L at site B2. Sediment geochemistry and groundwater hydrochemistry at two sites were characterized. No distinct differences were observed in the bulk geochemistry of sediments. Sequential extractions of 39 sediments were conducted to determine why As was easily released to groundwater at one site and not the other. Results showed that at site B1 most of solid As was associated with amorphous Fe‐(oxyhydr)oxides, whereas at site B2 the strong adsorption pool dominated. Furthermore, higher dissolved Fe2+ and lower ORP in groundwater at site B2 suggested more strongly reducing conditions compared to site B1. High concentrations of NH4+ and HCO3− at site B2 were consistent with As release coupled to microbially induced reductive dissolution of Fe‐(oxyhydr)oxides. Other processes, such as the competitive adsorption of HCO3−, As desorption under weakly alkaline pH conditions, may also influence the partitioning of As between groundwater and sediments. This study highlights the differences in how As is associated with sediments between high and low As aquifers and the contribution of chemical characteristics to As release.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) for Ecosystem Restoration: Kissimmee River ASR System, Florida
Authors: Mirecki June E.
Published: July 2022

Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is a major water storage and management component in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). In south Florida, the high permeabilities of Eocene and Oligocene marine limestones, with a thick overlying confining unit are a well‐suited for ASR. The Kissimmee River ASR (KRASR) system, located at the confluence of the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee, was a CERP “pilot system” to evaluate ASR feasibility at interior locations. Four recharge‐storage‐recovery cycles of increasing duration and volume were completed between 2009 and 2013. The largest and longest cycle resulted in 1 billion gallons recharged and recovered through a single well. The surface water pretreatment system at KRASR was unique compared to drinking water ASR systems. Surface water was pumped through a pressurized media filter then disinfected using flow‐through UV chambers prior to recharge. No chemicals were added during pretreatment. Many studies were completed during the testing program. A geotechnical evaluation confirmed that microfracturing of the limestone could occur at pressures slightly greater than typical operating pressures (30 to 50 psi), but microfractures were unlikely to propagate upward into the confining unit. The changing redox environment of the Upper Floridan Aquifer showed that arsenic was mobilized during recharge but was attenuated during storage and recovery such that arsenic concentrations in recovered water were below the 10 μg/L criterion after cycle test 1. Frequent sampling of recharge water showed that the UV disinfection system was ineffective resulting in total coliform exceedances. The KRASR pretreatment system is being redesigned to improve regulatory compliance.
Identification and profiling of Sogatella furciferamicroRNAs and their potential roles in regulating the developmental transitions of nymph–adult
Authors: Yang Xi‐Bin , Zhou Cao , Yang Jia‐Peng , Gong Ming‐Fu , Yang Hong , Long Gui‐Yun , Jin Dao‐Chao
Published: July 2022

Sogatella furcifera is one of the most serious insect pests that affect rice in Asia. One class of small RNAs (sRNAs; ~22 nt long) is miRNAs, which participate in various biological processes by regulating the expression of target genes in a spatiotemporal manner. However, the role of miRNAs in nymph‐to‐adult transition in S. furcifera remains unknown. In this study, we sequenced sRNA libraries of S. furcifera prepared from individuals at three different developmental stages (pre‐moult, moulting and early adult). A total of 253 miRNAs (134 known and 119 novel) were identified, of which 12 were differentially expressed during the nymph‐to‐adult developmental transition. Moreover, Real time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis revealed that all 12 miRNAs were differentially expressed among five different nymph tissues and 14 different developmental stages (first to fifth instar nymphs and 1‐day‐old adults). Injection of miR‐2a‐2 mimic/antagomir and miR‐305‐5p‐1 mimic/antagomir into 1‐day‐old fifth instar nymphs significantly increased the mortality rate. In addition, a defective moulting phenotype was observed in nymphs injected with miR‐2a‐2 and miR‐305‐5p‐1, suggesting that these miRNAs are involved in S. furcifera nymph–adult transition. In conclusion, these results reveal the function of critical miRNAs in S. furcifera nymph–adult transition, and also provide novel potential targets of insecticides for the long‐term sustainable management of S. furcifera.
Several Variations of Simple‐Structure MIRT Equating
Authors: Kim Stella Y. , Lee Won‐Chan
Published: July 2022

The current study proposed several variants of simple‐structure multidimensional item response theory equating procedures. Four distinct sets of data were used to demonstrate feasibility of proposed equating methods for two different equating designs: a random groups design and a common‐item nonequivalent groups design. Findings indicated some notable differences between the multidimensional and unidimensional approaches when data exhibited evidence for multidimensionality. In addition, some of the proposed methods were successful in providing equating results for both section‐level and composite‐level scores, which has not been achieved by most of the existing methodologies. The traditional method of using a set of quadrature points and weights for equating turned out to be computationally intensive, particularly for the data with higher dimensions. The study suggested an alternative way of using the Monte‐Carlo approach for such data. This study also proposed a simple‐structure true‐score equating procedure that does not rely on a multivariate observed‐score distribution.
Energy utilization during ovarian development of the cichlid fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) inhabiting a perennial lentic water body in Bangalore, India
Authors: Mundodu Shubha , Venakatarama Bhatta Krishnamurthy S. , Sarjapur Reddy R.
Published: July 2022

Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) is an invasive fish and a continuous breeder in inland waters of India. Present investigation highlights the distinct developmental stages of developing ovary and associated changes in the energy content. This investigation helps to understand the allocation of energy for development of eggs, prespawn and also oral brooding by the female. Although it is a continuous breeder, based on size of the ovary, number of eggs, their size and energy content, immature, early maturing, developing, prespawning and spawning stages are clearly noticed. Egg diameter during development of ovary varied between 0.31 mm (immature) and 2.21 mm (spawning). Energy content of ovary from immature to spawning stage ranged from 20.7515 kJ g−1 dry ovary to 31.1560 kJ g−1 dry ovary. Nearly 28.73% of energy content of ovary is expended for spawning. Similarly, yolk‐sac fry utilized nearly 25.85% of energy of the fertilized egg for its development. Energy content of ovary of mouth‐brooding female averaged 22.9528 kJ g−1 dry ovary, which is comparable to energy content of early maturing stage of ovary (24.5558 kJ g−1 dry ovary). A strong correlation between body weight and energy content of the developing ovary (P < 0.01), and between ovary weight and energy content of ovary (P < 0.01), was evident. During mouth‐brooding, the fish continues to allocate energy to its developing ovary. Energy investment by the fish is the result of simultaneous processes associated with gonadal and somatic energy. As body size growth and gonadal development are interconnected, information on energy utilization by an iteroparous mouth‐brooding fish could provide the pattern of energy allocation during ovarian developmental phase. Further details of energy utilization, as explained in this paper, could be used as one of the factors to predict the efficiency of fish production.
A case study investigating the short‐term efficacy and tolerability of a daily serum composed from a unique sunflower sprout extract
Authors: Barua Sushmita , Jiang Lily I. , Kononov Tatiana , Zahr Alisar S.
Published: July 2022

Background

Fatigued skin, defined as dehydrated skin with lack of visual facial firmness and dull appearance, can be attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic factors of aging. An anti‐aging daily serum (AADS) containing a unique sunflower sprout extract (SSE) was formulated to target fatigued and photodamaged skin.

Aims

Utilizing both preclinical and clinical testing models, the efficacy of the AADS was investigated to improve fatigued and photodamaged skin.

Patients/Method

Preclinical studies included in vitro analysis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in fatigued dermal fibroblasts, inhibition of ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) induced advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in keratinocytes, and ex vivo gene expression after incubation with the SSE. An institutional review board (IRB)‐approved short‐term, 7‐day, clinical case study was conducted on 28 female subjects, Fitzpatrick skin type I–IV, aged 30–60 years with moderate overall photodamage and skin fatigue. This was a double‐blinded, randomized, controlled, single‐center case study testing the AADS alone and in combination with an anti‐aging facial moisturizer (AAFM).

Results

The SSE boosted intracellular ATP production in fatigued fibroblasts and reduced the formation of AGEs in keratinocytes. The SSE increased expression of genes related to epidermal keratinization and downregulated genes related to inflammation. Statistically significant improvement was found after 7 days of twice‐daily use of the AADS alone and in combination with the AAFM. Products were well tolerated and perceived by subjects.

Conclusion

Preclinical results combined with the clinical results strongly suggest that the AADS containing the SSE was tolerable and effective in targeting fatigued and photodamaged skin.
Effect of Printing Orientation and Postcuring Time on the Flexural Strength of 3D‐Printed Resins
Authors: Al‐Dulaijan Yousif A. , Alsulaimi Leenah , Alotaibi Reema , Alboainain Areej , Akhtar Sultan , Khan Soban Q. , Al‐Ghamdi Maram , Gad Mohammed M
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of printing orientation combined with different postcuring times on the flexural strength of 3D‐printed resins.

Materials and methods

A total of 480 rectangular specimens with the dimensions of 64×10×3.3 mm were designed and fabricated from two 3D‐printed acrylic resins and one heat‐polymerized resin (HP). 3D‐printed groups were divided into 3 groups according to printing orientations (0‐, 45‐, 90‐degree); each group was subdivided into 4 groups according to postcuring time (30, 60, 90, 120 min.). All specimens were subjected to thermal cycling (10,000 cycles) before testing flexural strength. Fractured surfaces were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used for data analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

The result of this study showed that the highest flexural strength values of 3D‐printed resin (NextDent, and ASIGA) were in 0‐degree groups. Also, the flexural strength values increased when postcuring time was increased, regardless of the printing orientation; the highest flexural strength was recorded at 120 minutes postcuring time in all orientations. SEM analysis showed a rougher surface with irregular lamellae which represented a ductile fracture confirming that high energy is required for crack propagation and these features markedly increased as postcuring time increased.

Conclusion

The results showed that the 0‐degree orientation groups showed higher flexural strength compared to other groups. Similarly, with increased postcuring time, the flexural strength increased.
Three Dimensional Printed Surgical Guides: Effect of Time on Dimensional Stability
Authors: Lo Russo Lucio , Guida Laura , Zhurakivska Khrystyna , Troiano Giuseppe , Di Gioia Claudio , Ercoli Carlo , Laino Luigi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To analyze, in vitro, the dimensional stability over time of 3D‐printed surgical guides.

Materials and methods

Ten surgical guides, manufactured by digital light processing 3D‐printing technology, were scanned immediately after post‐processing and then after 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. The corresponding standard tessellation language (STL) files were used for comparison with the reference CAD project. Mean absolute deviation (MAD) of the intaglio surface, axial, and linear deviations of the sleeves’ housings were measured. Generalized estimated equations models (α = 0.05) were used to investigate the effect of time.

Results

MAD of the teeth intaglio surface showed less variation (minimum: 0.002, maximum: 0.014 mm) than that of the mucosa (minimum: 0.026, maximum: 0.074 mm). Axial variations of the sleeves’ housings on the sagittal (minimum: –0.008°, maximum: –0.577°) and frontal plane (minimum: –0.193°, maximum: 0.525°) changed with similar patterns, but opposite trends (decreasing for the former). Linear deviations of center points of the sleeves’ housings had a shifting (minimum: –0.074, maximum: 0.02 mm) pattern with a decreasing tendency. Time after processing had a significant effect, either alone or nested with guides volume, on all outcomes of interest, except for MAD of the mucosa intaglio surface (p < 0.001), which was significantly affected only by the time‐volume nested effect (p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of the experimental design, postmanufacturing dimensional variations of surgical guides were statistically significant. Although limited, they are an additional source of variability affecting the overall accuracy of computer‐guided surgery. As such, they should be addressed by further research.
Effects of mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia and a sleep hygiene/exercise programme on subjective‐objective sleep discrepancy in older adults with sleep disturbances: Exploratory secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Shaif Noof Abdullah Saad , Doshi Kinjal , Lim Julian
Published: July 2022

Older adults with poor sleep tend to show a discrepancy between objective and self‐reported sleep parameters, which can trigger a vicious cycle that worsens their sleep complaints. Cognitive‐behavioural therapy can reduce this discrepancy, but alternative behavioural therapies remain untested. The present exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia (MBTI) on reducing sleep discrepancies in comparison with a sleep hygiene, education, and exercise programme (SHEEP). Older adults were randomly allocated into the mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia group (n = 55) or the sleep hygiene, education, and exercise programme group (n = 58). Subjective and objective sleep parameters were measured using sleep diaries, polysomnography (PSG), and actigraphy. Sleep discrepancies were calculated using the Bland–Altman method for sleep onset latency (SOL) and wake after sleep onset (WASO). Additionally, correlations between the change in sleep discrepancies and the change in subjective sleep quality and trait mindfulness were measured within each group. Sleep onset latency discrepancy measured by polysomnography and actigraphy decreased significantly after the MBTI and SHEEP interventions. In contrast, there was no significant change in wake after sleep onset discrepancy in either group. The change in sleep onset latency discrepancy was correlated with the change in insomnia symptoms and objectively measured trait mindfulness. Mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia was effective in reducing sleep onset latency discrepancies and improving sleep perception in older adults with sleep disturbances, which in turn drove an improvement in sleep quality and insomnia symptoms. Increases in trait mindfulness may have been an important mechanism in improving sleep perception in the mindfulness‐based therapy for insomnia group.
Robenacoxib pharmacokinetics in sheep following oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous administration
Authors: Fadel Charbel , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Sartini Irene , Lisowski Andrzej , Poapolathep Amnart , Giorgi Mario
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of robenacoxib (RX), a COX‐2 selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, in sheep after single subcutaneous (SC), oral (PO), and intravenous (IV) administration. Five healthy female sheep underwent a three‐phase parallel study design with a washout period of 4 weeks, in which sheep received a 4 mg/kg SC dose in phase 1, a 4 mg/kg PO administration in phase 2, and a 2 mg/kg IV administration in phase 3. Plasma RX concentrations were measured over a 48 h period for each treatment using HPLC coupled to a UV multiple wavelength detector, and the PK parameters were estimated using a non‐compartmental method. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half‐life, volume of distribution at steady state, and total clearance were 2.64 h, 0.077 L/kg, and 0.056 L/h kg, respectively. The mean peak plasma concentrations following SC and PO administrations were 7.04 and 3.01 μg/mL, respectively. The mean bioavailability following SC and PO administrations were 45.98% and 16.58%, respectively. The SC route may be proposed for use in sheep. However, the multi‐dose and pharmacodynamic studies are necessary to establish more accurately its safety and efficacy in sheep.
New support for the Enhanced Mutualism Hypothesis for invasion
Authors: Lekberg Ylva , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: July 2022

This article is a Commentary on Yu et al. (2022), 236: 1140–1153.
Multimodal music training enhances executive functions in children: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bugos Jennifer A. , DeMarie Darlene , Stokes Christina , P. Power Lindsay
Published: July 2022

Music training programs have shown mixed results on children's executive functions. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a 10‐week multimodal music program with vocal development, bimanual coordination, and musical improvisation, on children's executive functions. We hypothesized that a 10‐week music program would enhance executive functions in working memory in 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children. Eighty‐four children were randomly assigned to a multimodal music program, an active control Lego program, or no treatment control condition (i.e., randomized controlled design). All children completed measures of music aptitude, music achievement, and executive functions (i.e., EF Touch) pre‐ and post‐training. Results revealed enhanced pitch accuracy and working memory for children in the music training group as compared to the other conditions. Children in the Lego condition demonstrated significant enhancements of spatial working memory. Tonal music aptitude significantly predicted performance on measures of working memory. Contributions to the literature include the randomized controlled design, group multimodal music program appropriate for 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children, and the use of executive function measures sensitive to individual differences.
Right ventricular function and long‐term clinical outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy: A cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Zegard Abbasin , Okafor Osita , Moody William , Marshall Howard , Qiu Tian , Stegemann Berthold , Beadle Roger , Leyva Francisco
Published: July 2022

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been linked to a poor response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We sought to determine whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)‐derived measures of RV function influence clinical outcomes after CRT.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we used CMR to assess pre‐implant RV volumes and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) in relation to clinical outcomes after CRT implantation.

Results

Among 243 patients (age: 70.3 ± 10.8 years [mean ± SD]; 68.7% male; 121 [49.8%]) with ischemic cardiomyopathy and 122 (50.2%) with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, 141 (58%) after CRT‐defibrillation (CRT‐D) and 102 (42%) after CRT‐pacing (CRT‐P), 101 (41.6.0%) patients died, 61 (25.1%) from cardiac causes and 24 (9.88%) from noncardiac causes, over 5.87 years (median; interquartile range: 4.35–7.73). Two (0.82%) patients underwent cardiac transplantation and four (1.64%) had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). A total of 41 (16.9%) met the composite endpoint of sudden cardiac death (SCD), ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. In univariate analyses, no measure of RV function was associated with total mortality or the arrhythmic endpoint. RVEF was associated with cardiac mortality on univariate analyses (HR per 10%: 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.96), but not on multivariate analyses that included left ventricular ejection fraction.

Conclusions

There is no relationship between measures of RV function, such as RV volumes and RVEF, and the long‐term clinical outcome of CRT. These findings indicate that such measures should not be considered in patient selection.
Impact of glycoengineering and antidrug antibodies on the anticancer activity of a plant‐made lectin‐Fc fusion protein
Authors: Dent Matthew , Mayer Katarina L. , Verjan Garcia Noel , Guo Haixun , Kajiura Hiroyuki , Fujiyama Kazuhito , Matoba Nobuyuki
Published: July 2022

Plants are an efficient production platform for manufacturing glycoengineered monoclonal antibodies and antibody‐like molecules. Avaren‐Fc (AvFc) is a lectin‐Fc fusion protein or lectibody produced in Nicotiana benthamiana, which selectively recognizes cancer‐associated high‐mannose glycans. In this study, we report the generation of a glycovariant of AvFc that is devoid of plant glycans, including the core α1,3‐fucose and β1,2‐xylose residues. The successful removal of these glycans was confirmed by glycan analysis using HPLC. This variant, AvFcΔXF, has significantly higher affinity for Fc gamma receptors and induces higher levels of luciferase expression in an antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) reporter assay against B16F10 murine melanoma cells without inducing apoptosis or inhibiting proliferation. In the B16F10 flank tumour mouse model, we found that systemic administration of AvFcΔXF, but not an aglycosylated AvFc variant lacking affinity for Fc receptors, significantly delayed the growth of tumours, suggesting that Fc‐mediated effector functions were integral. AvFcΔXF treatment also significantly reduced lung metastasis of B16F10 upon intravenous challenge whereas a sugar‐binding‐deficient mutant failed to show efficacy. Lastly, we determined the impact of antidrug antibodies (ADAs) on drug activity in vivo by pretreating animals with AvFcΔXF before implanting tumours. Despite a significant ADA response induced by the pretreatment, we found that the activity of AvFcΔXF was unaffected by the presence of these antibodies. These results demonstrate that glycoengineering is a powerful strategy to enhance AvFc's antitumor activity.
Wage inequality in the developing world: Evidence from Latin America
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castelán Carlos , López‐Calva Luis Felipe , Lustig Nora , Valderrama Daniel
Published: July 2022

We study the dynamics of wage inequality in Latin America in the past two decades. We find a consistent trend reversal in wage inequality in the region since the early 2000s: wage inequality fell across all countries in a way not predicted by the trends each country had experienced in the 1990s. The decline in wage inequality is explained by a disproportional expansion in the real hourly wage among low‐paid workers, reducing both lower and upper tail inequality. About 40% of the observed reduction in wage variance was a response to the more equal wage structure, while the rest derived from a reduction in wage dispersion among workers with similar observable traits. The equalization of the wage structure in the 2000s is correlated with a reduction in the wage premium across education, experience, and place of residence. The reduction in the gender gap contributed, to a lesser extent, to the trend reversal.