bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amino Acid Quantification from Maize Tissues
Authors: Ansaf Huda , Yobi Abou , Angelovici Ruthie
Published: December 2024

Amino acid analysis is a vital part of analytical biochemistry. The increasing demand for low nitrogen fertilization and for plant-based diets with balanced amino acid levels and composition have made it crucial to develop reliable, fast, and affordable methods for analyzing amino acids in plants. As maize accounts for 43% of global cereal production, improving the amino acid composition of its kernels (i.e., seeds) is critically important for meeting the dietary requirements of humans and livestock. Moreover, amino acid quantification in maize leaves is necessary for improving yield prediction, stress sensing, and nitrogen use efficiency. Many amino acid quantification methods use reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography approaches to assess the amino acid content of maize tissues. Historically, these techniques involved the use of chemical derivatization, a chemical reaction that alters the properties of a compound to make it detectable or more sensitive to detection. Although accurate, these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and unsuitable for large populations. Here, we introduce two high-throughput methods for quantifying amino acids from large maize populations, such as those used for quantitative trait locus mapping, genome-wide association studies, and large mutant populations. Both methods use an ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry instrument to quantify all 20 proteogenic amino acids in a maize tissue in a short run time. A dependable, affordable, and high-throughput method for quantifying amino acids in maize has important implications for assessing kernel quality, yield, and management efficacy, such as fertilizer usage and watering.
Effect of thermal longitudinal spin fluctuations on the elastic properties of
Ni3Nb
Authors: Xiong Ziyi , Li Wei , Dong Zhihua , Xu Weiwei , Vitos Levente
Published: December 2024

Using an efficient first-principles computational approach, we investigate the influence of the thermal longitudinal spin fluctuations (LSFs) within the nickel sublattices on the thermoelastic properties of Ni3Nb with D022 structure. Leveraging the mean magnetic moment values to represent the spin-fluctuation state at respective temperatures and incorporating the lattice vibration contributions via the Debye model, the equilibrium bulk parameters and elastic constants are derived. We find that, although the volume expansion remains the primary mechanism behind the softening of the elastic constants with increasing temperature, the LSFs effect contributes significantly to the temperature dependence of c11 and c33. Our analysis reveals that including the LSFs makes the theoretical thermal-expansion coefficient highly anisotropic, in line with the experiments. Quantitative agreement between theory and experiment is obtained for the thermal expansion along the c axis at temperatures up to 500 K, whereas the measured thermal expansion along the a axis is underestimated by theory. The present results provide theoretical thermoelastic data for free-standing Ni3Nb precipitates with D022 structure, which can be used to estimate the lattice strains around such precipitates in Ni-based superalloys.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Scotogenic model as a prototype for leptogenesis with one single gauge singlet
Authors: Garbrecht Björn , Wang Edward
Published: December 2024

We investigate the potential of a minimal scotogenic model with two additional scalar doublets and a single heavy Majorana fermion to explain neutrino masses, dark matter, and the baryon asymmetry of the Universe. In this minimal setup, leptogenesis is purely flavored, and a second Majorana neutrino is not necessary because the Yukawa couplings of the extra doublets yield the necessary CP-odd phases. The mechanism we employ can also be applied to a wide range of scenarios with at least one singlet and two gauge multiplets. Despite stringent limits from the dark matter abundance, direct detection experiments, and the baryon asymmetry of the Universe, we find a parametric region consistent with all bounds which could resolve the above shortcomings of the Standard Model of particle physics. Methodically, we improve on the calculation of correlations between the mixing scalar fields given their finite width. We also present an argument to justify the kinetic equilibrium approximation for out-of-equilibrium distribution functions often used in calculations of baryogenesis and leptogenesis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Emergent Canonical Spin Tensor in the Chiral-Symmetric Hot QCD
Authors: Buzzegoli Matteo , Palermo Andrea
Published: December 2024

The spin tensor is fundamental to relativistic spin hydrodynamics, but its definition is ambiguous due to the pseudogauge symmetry. We show that this ambiguity can be solved in interacting field theories. We prove that the mean-field limit of a modified Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model with spin-spin interactions is equivalent to nondissipative spin hydrodynamics with a canonical spin tensor.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unambiguous Detection of High-Energy Vortex States via the Superkick Effect
Authors: Li Zhengjiang , Liu Shiyu , Liu Bei , Ji Liangliang , Ivanov Igor P.
Published: December 2024

Vortex states of photons, electrons, and other particles are freely propagating wave packets with helicoidal wave fronts winding around the axis of a phase vortex. A particle prepared in a vortex state carries a nonzero orbital angular momentum projection on the propagation direction, a quantum number that has never been exploited in experimental particle and nuclear physics. Low-energy vortex photons, electrons, neutrons, and helium atoms have been demonstrated in experiment and found numerous applications, and there exist proposals of boosting them to higher energies. However, verification that a high-energy particle is indeed in a vortex state will be a major challenge, since the low energy techniques become impractical at higher energies. Here, we propose a new diagnostic method based on the so-called superkick effect, which can unambiguously detect the presence of a phase vortex. A proof-of-principle experiment with vortex electrons can be done with existing technology, and its realization will also constitute the first observation of the superkick effect.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of N-(4-nitrophenyl)-2-(piperidin-1-yl)acetamide (lidocaine analogue)
Authors: Maimoune Imane , Kariuki Benson M. , El Moutaouakil Ala Allah Abderrazzak , Nchioua Intissar , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Mague Joel T. , Zarrouk Abdelkader , Ramli Youssef
Published: December 2024

In the title molecule, C13H17N3O3, the substituents on the phenyl ring are rotated slightly out of the mean plane of the ring but the piperidine moiety is nearly perpendicular to that plane. In the crystal, C—H...O hydrogen bonds form chains of molecules extending along the c-axis direction, which are linked by C=O...π(ring) interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis showed the majority of intermolecular interactions to be H...H contacts while O...H/H...O contacts are the second most numerous.
Food consumption norms based on age and income in the UK
Authors: van den Heuvel Emmy , Guy Danielle J. , Taylor Zoe , Appleton Katherine M.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Consumption norms describe an individual’s perception of what or how much most other people typically eat. While gendered consumption norms are well known, consumption norms linked to other demographic variables are yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate which food consumption norms in relation to gender, age and income are currently held by the UK population. A secondary research objective was to investigate whether these consumption norms were held equally across people in different age groups and genders within the sample population.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 498 adults participated in an online survey composed of statements on consumption patterns based on gender, age and income for nine foods (e.g. red meat) and five meal patterns (e.g. take-away meals). E.g. “Men tend to eat more red meat than women.” Participants reported their agreement/disagreement with these statements.

Findings

The results indicate that participants have perceived consumption norms that are associated with gender, age and income. Lower energy-dense foods and smaller meal patterns were generally associated with females, older persons and individuals with a higher income. In contrast, more energy-dense foods and meal patterns were generally associated with males, younger adults and individuals with a lower income. These consumption norms were held consistently across the population sample.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first explicit demonstration of food consumption norms based on age and income.
Food well-being: a review of its conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Zeng Tian , Montesinos Sansaloni Eduard Xavier
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to improve understanding of the phenomenon of food well-being (FWB) (conceptualization, measurement, antecedents and outcomes) so as to lead future empirical work on measurement, development and theory testing. The hope is to improve the societal benefits of FWB and sustainable food system transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

A domain-based systematic review of FWB was conducted using databases (Web of Science, ABI/INFORM, EBSCO and Scopus). The well-established theory, context, characteristics and methodology framework were used to structure the review.

Findings

This study synthesized conceptual definitions and measurements of consumer FWB from hedonic, eudemonistic and mixed research streams and a nomological network that distinguishes this construct from its antecedents and outcomes.

Practical implications

This study provides recommendations for consumers, food designers, retailers and policymakers to improve FWB.

Originality/value

This study assessed the conceptualizations of FWB from hedonic, eudemonistic and mixed perspectives for conceptual clarity. It summarized ten measurement tools for FWB-allied concepts (Well-being Related to Food Questionnaires, Satisfaction with Food-Related Life Scale and World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index), which revealed the need for novel measurement. This study developed a holistic nomological network of FWB by identifying the categories of antecedents (food-related, consumer-related and contextual factors) and outcomes (general well-being, life satisfaction and food consumption). This study provides a research agenda for FWB measurement and theoretical development.
The role of internal motivations in consumer upcycling intention and purchase intention of upcycled products
Authors: Shi Tianfeng , Huang Rong , Sarigollu Emine
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the relationship between internal motivations and consumer upcycling intention, and how these motivations relate to purchase intention of upcycled products.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an online survey with a sample of 470 US consumers. Structural equation modeling with Mplus was applied to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

Perceived competence is the strongest internal motivation related to consumer upcycling intention, followed by waste prevention and frugality. Consumers who have motivations of waste prevention, social connectedness and emotional attachment for consumer upcycling have higher intention to purchase upcycled products.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings might be limited due to the US-based survey sample. Future research could validate and extend these findings in different cultural contexts.

Practical implications

The findings enable policymakers and business practitioners in the circular economy to develop effective strategies to promote consumer upcycling as well as the purchase of upcycled products.

Originality/value

First, this research addresses the dearth of literature studying upcycling and the broader circular economy from the demand side (i.e. the consumer). Second, by identifying perceived competence as the strongest internal motivation for consumer upcycling, this research offers a new perspective on how to promote consumer upcycling. Third, by demonstrating that certain internal motivations for consumer upcycling can explain purchase intention of upcycled products, this research validates for the first time the connection between consumer upcycling and upcycling businesses empirically.
Going long, going short, issue or liquidate? Corporate debt maturity of Mexican public firms
Authors: Farfán-Pérez Lianet , Moreno Jorge O. , Adamuz María de las Mercedes
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper studies the determinants of the debt maturity of Mexican-listed companies by analysing the effects on the extensive (issuing or liquidating debt) and the intensive (debt maturity renegotiation) margins.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, using a Tobit model for panel data and measuring maturity as a time variable, shows that size, liquidity and leverage, among other firm characteristics, as well as the market interest rate, explain debt maturity. Additionally, the study employs the McDonald and Moffitt decomposition to determine whether the explanatory variables of maturity have a more significant effect on the decision to issue or liquidate debt or on debt maturity renegotiations.

Findings

The results obtained highlight that the market interest rate negatively affects debt maturity. On the other hand, variables like size, liquidity, collateral and leverage demonstrate a positive relationship with the dependent variable. In addition, the extensive margin has a higher impact on corporate debt than the intensive margin, suggesting that firms prefer to liquidate or issue new debt rather than renegotiate preexisting contracts.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the use of an unbalanced panel. The lack of data limits the application of specific methodologies suggested by the literature as a way to test the robustness of the estimates.

Originality/value

First of all, this study adds empirical evidence of debt maturity decisions by publicly traded firms in a middle-income country such as Mexico to the existing literature on maturity choice. Second, the study treats debt maturity as a time-censored, limited variable. Finally, the authors have used the McDonald and Moffitt (1980) methodology to decompose the effect of each independent variable into extensive and intensive margins.
Cultural heritage participation in Italy: the role of human and social capital
Authors: Fiorillo Damiano , Ofria Ferdinando
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between human and social capital and participation and frequency of visits to museums, archaeological sites and monuments, controlling for any possible demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. It reviews the literature on the determinants of heritage participation to highlight the importance of educational attainment and the lack of work on social relations.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses the microdata of the “Multipurpose Survey on Households – Aspects of Daily Life”, available from the Italian Statistical Office for the years 2015–2020, to estimate ordered probit and zero-inflated ordered probit models.

Findings

The results show that Italians’ participation in cultural heritage activities and the frequency of such participation are primarily related to education level, followed by social interaction variables. However, when we interplay education level and social relations variables, the findings show that people with a high school qualification (diploma) who meet friends several times a week and are satisfied with relationships with friends display negative correlations with participation and frequency in cultural heritage activities. Other important determinants of the participation and frequency of cultural heritage activities are gender, student status, foreign citizenship and higher occupations.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first paper that studies the role of human and social capital in heritage cultural participation in Italy as well as the first study in literature on cultural participation that analyses the interplay between human capital and social relations.
The influence of repeated two-syllable communication strategy on AI customer service interaction
Authors: Feng Wenting , Xue Shuyun , Wang Tao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to explore the impact of the repeated two-syllable communication strategy on the interaction effectiveness between AI and customers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts an experimental research methodology to investigate the role of the repeated two-syllable communication strategy employed by AI customer service agents.

Findings

Study 1 shows that AI agents using the repeated two-syllable strategy enhance the interaction effectiveness between AI and customers. Study 2 identifies humanization perception as a key factor linking the strategy to better interaction effectiveness. Study 3 highlights how consumer materialism moderates this effect, while Study 4 examines how the type of agent (AI vs. human) influences the results.

Originality/value

This study extends the application of AI communication strategies in interactive marketing, specifically how AI agents enhance consumer interaction through repeated two-syllable communication. It pioneers the exploration of AI-human interaction, enriching the humanization theory by revealing how AI can evoke emotional responses. The study also integrates consumer materialism as a moderating factor, offering new theoretical and practical insights for brands to optimize AI-customer service interactions and improve engagement in real-world marketing contexts.
Customer stability, environmental uncertainty and the cost of debt
Authors: Liao Jia , Zhan Yun , Liu Kangbo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of customer stability on the cost of debt and the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on the above relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model is conducted using China’s A-share listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2007 to 2021.

Findings

The results indicate that customer stability significantly inhibits the cost of debt, and the higher the environmental uncertainty, the more significant the inhibitory effect of customer stability on the cost of debt. The results of heterogeneity analyses indicate that the more intense the industry competition, the higher the customer concentration or the older the average customer age, the more significant the inhibiting effect of customer stability on the cost of debt.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of customer relationship management and supply chain risk management, which have both theoretical and managerial implications. Despite its contributions, this study has limitations, such as China’s institutional context limits, which the generalisability of our results, and the sample size for this study is small because of limitations in measuring customer stability.

Originality/value

Existing literature has not yet reached a consistent conclusion on how customer relationships affect the cost of debt, and such studies are mainly centered around perspectives such as customer concentration and the contagion effect of supply chains. This study constructs an indicator of customer stability using detailed information on the top five customers of China’s A-share listed companies and dynamically examines the impact of customer stability on the cost of debt, which expands the research on the influencing factors of the cost of debt, the economic consequences of customer stability and the theory of customer relationship management.
Industrial circular entrepreneurship: supporting sustainability in the machine tool industry of the Basque Country, Spain
Authors: Martín-Díez Rebeca , Saiz-Santos María , Araujo Andrés
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the application of the National Expert Survey (NES) methodology in the circular economy, validating the model in the industrial ecosystem of the Basque Country to identify the challenges faced by the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the machine tool industry and to promote circular entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the NES methodology, a globally recognized qualitative tool for gathering expert opinions. This methodology is adapted to the context of industrial circular entrepreneurship, ensuring that the constructs are relevant to the circular economy.

Findings

This study validates and expands the application of the NES model in the context of industrial circular entrepreneurship, providing a robust theoretical framework to evaluate the circular entrepreneurial ecosystem. The suitability of the Basque Country context, with its industrial legacy and cultural identity, has been key to this validation.

Practical implications

Concrete recommendations are provided to improve education, government intervention and financial conditions, highlighting key areas that facilitate the transition to sustainable business models and promote innovation and collaboration in the circular economy.

Originality/value

A new model is proposed, pioneering the validation of the NES methodology in industrial circular entrepreneurship and providing a specific tool to evaluate environmental factors in the Basque industry. The adaptation of the NES model offers a solid foundation for future research and applications. The model aids in decision-making, and its use has a social impact.
Researching Language Standards and Standard Languages: Theories, Models and Methods
Authors: Ayres‐Bennett Wendy
Published: December 2024

The title of Jim Adams's rich and interesting paper clearly states the key question at the heart of his analysis: ‘Was classical (late republican) Latin a “standard language”?’. In this article, I contextualise some of his answers to this and other related questions he raises by situating them in the context of theoretical discussions of standardisation and recent explorations of its processes and outcomes. In recent years there has been extensive research on linguistic standardisation. This research has broadened the scope of consideration from the now stock examples of modern Western European languages to minoritized languages, multilingual situations and stateless languages, raising the question of whether traditional models and conceptions of standardisation often associated with the creation of a nation‐state can equally be applied to other contexts, including Latin during the late republican and early imperial periods.
Spatial conservation planning: Proposing clustering methods to improve connectivity protection
Authors: Nagkoulis Nikolaos , Papazekou Maria , Katsanevakis Stelios , Mazaris Antonios
Published: December 2024

Spatial conservation prioritization is traditionally focusing on ensuring the representation of species populations and habitats within protected areas. Recently there has been an increased interest in incorporating connectivity into planning, with higher priority given to areas exhibiting strong ecological linkages.

We introduce three metrics (s‐core, Louvain clustering, walktrap clustering) that allow us to improve the spatial prioritization process by protecting areas that present high connectivity values. Instead of prioritizing unique planning units (PUs), by incorporating these metrics into spatial prioritization process we manage to identify clusters of PUs that collectively exhibit high connectivity values. This way we account for properties of connectivity structure (i.e. densely connected sites) into final detection of areas of high conservation interest.

We evaluated the efficacy of these metrics in safeguarding ecological connectivity. The proposed metrics result in up to 25% higher connectivity values compared with the scenario in which no connectivity metrics are used. The results of the connectivity metrics were compared to the results obtained from other classic graph‐theoretic centrality metrics (degree, betweenness centrality, Eigenvector centrality, page rank) highlighting their potential to enhance performance across various spatial contexts.

The proposed metrics can utilize existing connectivity data, such as edge lists, and their application can be tailored to address diverse conservation priorities. Overall, by illustrating the clustering properties of the connectivity datasets, the proposed metrics can introduce new approaches to improve the integration of ecological connectivity in conservation prioritization.
A randomized controlled trial of Native CHOICES: Impact on alcohol‐exposed pregnancy risk reduction among American Indian and Alaska Native women
Authors: Hanson Jessica , Noonan Carolyn , Oziel Kyra , Wounded Karen Little , Darnell Serea , Rosenman Robert , O'Leary Marcia , MacLehose Richard , Sarche Michelle , Buchwald Dedra
Published: December 2024

Background

Prevention of alcohol‐exposed pregnancy (AEP) involves reducing risky alcohol consumption among women at‐risk for pregnancy, using effective contraception among women drinking at risky levels to prevent pregnancy, or both. This study presents the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of Native CHOICES, a culturally tailored adaptation of the CHOICES intervention, among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women.

Methods

AI/AN women aged 18–44 who were at‐risk for an AEP were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the Native CHOICES intervention or a waitlist control group. Native CHOICES comprised two sessions of motivational interviewing and an elective contraception counseling session. Data were collected at baseline, and 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postbaseline. Due to the pandemic, the intervention was at times delivered remotely.

Results

A total of 404 women participated: 199 in the control group and 205 in the intervention group. Sixty‐seven percent of the intervention group received the intervention in‐person, and 33% participated by telephone or video call. Sixty‐four percent of women completed all follow‐up visits. At the six‐month follow‐up, the intervention did not demonstrate a significant impact on AEP risk compared with the control arm when analyzing all the data (RR = 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83–1.07). However, an exploratory subgroup analysis showed evidence of a reduction in AEP risk among participants who completed the study in‐person before the COVID‐19 pandemic (RR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63–0.98), which was not observed during or after the pandemic (RR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.91–1.24).

Conclusions

The Native CHOICES intervention did not show evidence of effectiveness overall. However, exploratory analyses offer some evidence that the intervention was effective prior to the pandemic.
Features of disposable e‐cigarettes and their association with pricing and consumer preference: Evidence from web data of US online stores
Authors: Ma Shaoying , Ahn Sooa , Kaareen Aadeeba , Yang Qian , Qiu Zefeng , Chen Jian , Berman Micah , Wagener Theodore , Shang Ce
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Disposable e‐cigarettes designed for one‐time use are the most popular option among youth users in the United States (US). Product‐level data (e.g., sales prices, flavors) of disposables in the online market are lacking. This study aims to identify key characteristics of online disposables and estimate their association with pricing and consumer preferences.

Design, setting and cases

Data analysis using detailed features of 2320 unique e‐cigarette disposable products scraped from the websites of five US online vape shops.

Measurements

Product size was measured as volume in milliliter (ml) or number of puffs. Sales prices were standardized as price per ml volume and price per puff. Consumer preferences were measured by the total number of reviews for each product, and (when a product was reviewed) by the numeric rating it received, which ranged from 1 to 5 stars. Key product features included battery capacity (mAh), nicotine concentration (mg/ml), explicit marketing claims of nicotine salt and synthetic nicotine products, and product primary flavor (fruit, tobacco, sweet, menthol, alcohol, etc.).

Findings

Number of consumer reviews (3.92 [range = 0,72]) and numeric ratings (4.51 [1, 5]) were statistically significantly higher for disposables with higher nicotine concentration. While the average unit price of disposables in dollars (13.95 [1.99, 129.99]) sold in online stores was similar to those in brick‐and‐mortar stores, online products on average had lower price per ml (1.93 [0.07, 20.00]) due to volume discounts. Number of reviews and ratings were statistically significantly higher for fruit and sweet flavors (coefficient = 0.17, p < 0.05), compared with alcohol flavors (coefficient = −0.07, p < 0.05). Compared with products with a battery capacity ≤500 mAh, consumers gave 30% to 78% fewer reviews (p < 0.001) and 4% to 7% lower ratings (p < 0.01) for products with a battery capacity >500 mAh.

Conclusions

In US‐based online vape shops, disposable e‐cigarettes with higher volume sizes are associated with lower prices, suggesting that price discounts for disposables primarily take the form of volume discounts. Consumers appear to prefer disposable e‐cigarettes with lower capacity batteries, high nicotine concentrations, no synthetic nicotine, and fruit/sweet flavours.
Changing public perceptions of alcohol, alcohol harms and alcohol policies: A multi‐methods study to develop novel framing approaches
Authors: Fitzgerald Niamh , Angus Kathryn , Howell Rebecca , Labhart Heather , Morris James , Fenton Laura , Woodrow Nicholas , Castellina Maria , Oldham Melissa , Garnett Claire , Holmes John , Brown Jamie , O'Donnell Rachel
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

Public perceptions of alcohol and its related harms and policies are shaped by multiple discourses and can influence behaviour and policy support. As part of a FrameWorks‐informed project to test framing approaches to improve public understanding and support for evidence‐based alcohol policies in the UK, this research aimed to (i) summarise relevant evidence; (ii) compare how public understanding of alcohol harms differs from those of academic and charity experts; and (iii) develop novel framing approaches.

Methods

(1) a literature review including systematic, scoping and targeted components to understand previous evidence on effective framing from behaviour change, UK alcohol policy and FrameWorks literatures; (2) comparison of public views of alcohol harms and policies from four focus groups (n = 20) with those of public health experts; (3) an iterative process involving workshops and stakeholder consultation to develop 12 novel framing approaches.

Results

We found no previous study that directly tested framing approaches for alcohol policy advocacy. Our narrative summary of 35 studies found that explaining diverse harms may be important, whereas framing that engenders empathy, emphasises dependence or invokes a sense of crisis may be less effective. In focus groups, the public linked alcohol to pleasure/socialising, whilst understandings of harm focused on severe alcohol problems and individual deficits of biology or personality, with policy proposals focused mainly on treatment/support services. Public health experts highlighted more diverse harms and solutions, emphasising environmental and commercial causes. Comparison of public and expert views yielded six tasks for novel framing approaches to deepen public understanding. The team co‐developed initial framing ideas (n = 31), before finalising 12 narrative framing approaches based on values (n = 5), metaphors (n = 3) and explanation (n = 4).

Conclusions

In the United Kingdom, public and expert understandings of alcoholrelated harms, causes and solutions differ. Along with prior evidence, these differences can inform novel framing approaches designed to deepen public understanding.
Resilience—Peril or promise? Mapping current and future directions in the anthropology of resilience
Authors: Andaya Elise , Cooper Amy
Published: December 2024

Resilience is everywhere in contemporary US discourse. In this article, we map anthropological research on resilience and suggest future contributions to resilience studies. To date, anthropological work either uses resilience to describe practices of human survival in adversity or studies resilience as a policy discourse. While anthropologists have long been concerned with human adaptation to adversity, we theorize that resilience discourses hold a particular appeal to a Euro‐American middle class newly affected by crisis and precarity. We offer scenes from preliminary fieldwork on resilience discourses in three domains in the United States: middle‐class parenting guides, urban governance and future planning in St. Louis and New York City, and the cultural productions of Black and Indigenous activists and artists. Drawing these sites into the same analytic frame reveals how resilience discourses can serve distinct political ends, from accommodation to the status quo to qualified social reform to resistance to socially unjust systems. We conclude with a call for more synthetic and comparative research, greater clarity about the distinctiveness and benefits of resilience over other terminologies, and analyses that consider resilience as both a discourse and a ground‐level experience in different global sites.
Fritz Kauffmann: innovator in microbial classification
Authors: Jønsson Rie , Ingholt Mathias Mølbak , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki
Published: December 2024

Fritz Kauffmann (1899–1978) was a German/Danish microbiologist, who worked most of his years studying intestinal bacteria at Statens Serum Institut in Denmark. During his research, he implemented several diagnostic tools, which are still used in reference laboratories worldwide. Kauffmann was probably most known for developing the “Kauffmann‐White scheme” based on the O‐ and flagella antigens on the surface of Salmonella. He was a visionary in his field, working at the intersection of microbiology and public health, as his research enabled proper diagnosis and tracking of diseases around the world.
Killing several birds with one stone: A multi‐indication population pharmacokinetic model and Bayesian estimator for enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium
Authors: Fromage Yeleen , Sayadi Hamza , Koloskoff Kevin , Marquet Pierre , Labriffe Marc , Monchaud Caroline , Woillard Jean‐Baptiste
Published: December 2024

Aims

Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active component of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS), exhibits highly variable pharmacokinetics. Only a few population pharmacokinetic (popPK) models and Bayesian estimators (MAP‐BE) exist for estimating MPA AUC and all in renal transplantation. This study aimed to develop a popPK model and MAP‐BE for MPA AUC estimation using a limited sampling strategy (LSS) in solid organ transplant (SOT), haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) recipients and patients with autoimmune diseases (AID) on EC‐MPS.

Methods

Full and sparse MPA pharmacokinetic profiles were extracted from our ISBA system, split into development (75%) and validation (25%) sets. An additional extraction was performed after the modelling process for external validation. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using Monolix® (SAEM algorithm). Several absorption models (first order, transit, gamma) were compared. AUCpredicted by MAP‐BE and LSS was compared to the all‐sample MAP‐BE AUCreference using Simulx®.

Results

We included 153 PK profiles (863 concentration) from 129 patients (116 SOT and HSC, 13 AID), median [min–max] age 45 years [6–80]. A one‐compartment model with double‐gamma absorption and first‐order elimination best fitted the data. The final model included the EC‐MPS indication and inter‐occasion variability on gamma rate constants. Main PK parameters (mean ± SD) were Cl/F = 4.99 ± 2.22 L/h and Vd/F = 12.60 ± 0.08 L. The optimal LSS at 20 min, 2 h and 4 h post‐dose showed good performance in both validation sets (rMPE −2.67% and −4.91%; RMSE 13.55% and 13.47%).

Conclusions

The double‐gamma absorption model provided an accurate fit. The MAP‐BE offers a tool for EC‐MPS dose individualization in SOT, HSC and AID patients.
Brexucabtagene autoleucel in‐vivo expansion and BTKi refractoriness have a negative influence on progression‐free survival in mantle cell lymphoma: Results from CART‐SIE study
Authors: Stella Federico , Chiappella Annalisa , Magni Martina , Bonifazi Francesca , De Philippis Chiara , Musso Maurizio , Cutini Ilaria , Ljevar Silva , Barbui Anna Maria , Farina Mirko , Martino Massimo , Massaia Massimo , Grillo Giovanni , Angelillo Piera , Botto Barbara , Patriarca Francesca , Krampera Mauro , Arcaini Luca , Tisi Maria Chiara , Zinzani Pierluigi , Sorà Federica , Bramanti Stefania , Pennisi Martina , Carniti Cristiana , Corradini Paolo
Published: December 2024

Brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu‐cel) has revolutionized the treatment of patients affected by mantle cell lymphomas. In this prospective, observational multicentre study, we evaluated 106 patients, with longitudinal brexu‐cel kinetics in peripheral blood monitored in 61 of them. Clinical outcomes and toxicities are consistent with previous real‐world evidence studies. Notably, beyond established poor prognostic factors—such as blastoid variant and elevated lactate dehydrogenase—Bruton tyrosine‐kinase inhibitors (BTKi) refractoriness and platelet count emerged as significant predictors of survival. Specifically, the 1‐year overall survival was 56% in BTKi‐refractory patients compared to 92% in BTKi‐relapsed patients (p = 0.0001). Our study also demonstrated that in‐vivo monitoring of brexu‐cel expansion is feasible and correlates with progression‐free survival and toxicities. Progression‐free survival at 1 year was 74% in patients categorized as strong expanders, based on brexu‐cel peak concentration, versus 54% in poor expanders (p = 0.02). Furthermore, in‐vivo expansion helped identify a high‐risk group of non‐responders, those with progressive or stable disease at the 90‐day post‐infusion evaluation (OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.1–34, p = 0.04) characterized by dismal outcomes. When integrated with other clinical factors, monitoring brexu‐cel expansion could assist in recognizing patients at high risk of early relapse.
Optimism and pessimism: a concept for behavioural ecology
Authors: Siewert Viktoria , Kaiser Sylvia , Sachser Norbert , Richter S. Helene
Published: December 2024

Originating from human psychology, the concepts of “optimism” and “pessimism” were transferred to animal welfare science about 20 years ago to study emotional states in non‐human animals. Over time, “optimism” and “pessimism” have developed into valuable welfare indicators, but little focus has been put on the ecological implications of this concept. Here, we aim to bridge this gap and underline the great potential for transferring it to behavioural ecology. We start by outlining why “optimism” and “pessimism” can be considered as aspects of animal personalities. Furthermore, we argue that considering “optimism”/“pessimism” in a behavioural ecology context can facilitate our understanding of individual adjustment to the environment. Specifically, we show how variation in “optimism”/“pessimism” can play a crucial role in adaptation processes to environmental heterogeneity, for example, niche choice and niche conformance. Building on these considerations, we hypothesise that “optimists” might be less plastic than “pessimists” in their behaviour, which could considerably affect the way they adjust to environmental change.
Synthesis and Activity Study of Gefitinib Derivatives Inducing Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Hela Cells
Authors: Li Yue , Hou Xixi , Liu Shujian , Chen Zihao , Wu Qiong , He Baoyu , Guo Jingjing , Wang Lan , Liu Caihong , Mao Long‐Fei
Published: December 2024

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Its development is closely linked to accelerated cell cycle progression and the inhibition of apoptosis in cervical cancer tissues. Gefitinib has demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting cervical cancer cells, and the 1,2,3‐triazole structure is widely recognized for its role in inducing mitochondrial apoptosis in tumor cells. In this study, we employed click chemistry to modify the structure of gefitinib, leading to the synthesis of 16 derivatives containing the 1,2,3‐triazole moiety. These compounds were evaluated for their in vitro activity against Hela cells. Among them, compound 3p exhibited the most promising anticancer activity, with an IC50 value of 4.09 ± 0.54 μM. Compound 3p significantly inhibited Hela cell colony formation in a dose‐dependent manner, accompanied by noticeable morphological changes. Further investigations revealed that 3p induced apoptosis and caused G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in Hela cells. Western blot analysis showed that 3p increased the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and elevated the levels of cleaved caspase‐3 and PARP1, indicating that apoptosis was mediated through the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, 3p inhibited indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzymatic activity, and molecular docking studies revealed a strong interaction between 3p and the IDO1 active site, suggesting that IDO1 may be a potential target. In conclusion, compound 3p shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for cervical cancer.
Frontiers of conservation
Authors: Meinard Yves , Georges Jean‐Yves
Published: December 2024

Action‐oriented conservation sciences are crippled by 3 false assumptions. First, although it is recognized in theory that natural and anthropic components of ecosystems are tightly intertwined, in practice, many conservation policies and actions are still based on the assumption that human and nonhuman stakes should be dealt with in deeply different ways. Second, although the anchorage of environmental sciences in values is amply demonstrated, many conservation scientists still assume they will lose their scientific credentials if they actively participate in decision‐making. Finally, although there is much scientific evidence of the permeability—to both protected entities and threats—of static geographic frontiers delimiting protected areas, many conservation policies are still based on the assumption that these frontiers in themselves produce relevant protections. To overcome these false assumptions, it is useful to articulate them in terms of frontiers based on 2 ideas associated with the term. As a synonym of border, frontier materializes a limit whose crossing can have high stakes. As used in phrases such as frontiers of knowledge, the term also refers to the ever‐moving horizon of what should be overcome. These 2 ideas capture the reasons current attempts at overcoming the 3 assumptions remain unsatisfactory. They are also useful for elaborating a new vision of conservation to simultaneously break from the 3 assumptions. Instead of taking fixed geographic frontiers of protected areas for granted, conservation scientists should participate, along with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples, in the collective identification of the conservation problems that need to be addressed. For these problems, decision committees that include representatives of concerned humans and representatives of concerned nonhumans should be formed to determine the temporal and spatial scope of relevant conservation actions. The result would be multidimensional protected areas dynamically fine‐tuned to the conservation issues they address and to changing environmental conditions.
Wolff's theory of consciousness, re‐examined
Authors: Sala Lorenzo
Published: December 2024

In this article, I develop a new account of Wolff's theory of consciousness. In contrast to the received view, I argue that Wolff's texts can be better made sense of by reading ‘perception’ and ‘apperception’ as two radically different acts, each one accounting for radically different aspects of the consciousness of an object and both necessary for its possibility. ‘Perception’ accounts for the intentional component of our representations, that is, for their being about a certain object. Apperception accounts instead for the fact that there is something it is like for us to have a perception of the object in question, without turning the perception in question into one of the intentional objects of consciousness. I also analyse the role played by distinguishing all the other acts that Wolff declares to be necessary for consciousness (attention etc.) and show how they are all necessary for perception to fulfil its role of providing consciousness with its intentional object. On these grounds, I then analyse also Wolff's understanding of self‐consciousness and show how this supports the here proposed reading. Lastly, by comparing their texts, I argue that Wolff's theory of consciousness in his German Metaphysics is fundamentally in line with the one from its Latin counterparts: although in the first the notion of apperception is completely lacking, this does not result into a contrast with the theory from the Latin psychologies, but only in an inferior degree of detail.
Evolutionary View of Liver Pathology
Authors: Dezső Katalin , Paku Sándor , Juhász Mária‐Manuela , Kóbori László , Nagy Péter
Published: December 2024

Evolutionary medicine emerged in the late twentieth century, integrating principles of natural selection and adaptation with the health sciences. Today, with a rapidly widening gap between the biology of Homo sapiens and its environment, maladaptation or maladaptive disorders can be detected in almost all diseases, including liver dysfunction. However, in hepatology, as in most medical specialties, evolutionary considerations are neglected because the majority of the medical community is not familiar with evolutionary principles. The aim of this brief review is to highlight an evolutionary approach that may facilitate understanding various liver diseases.
The Spectacularization of NGOs Accountability in Disaster Situations: Evidence From the 2015 Nepal's Earthquakes
Authors: Adhikari Pawan , Upadhaya Bedanand , Adhikari Shovita Dhakal , Aryal Sanjaya , Wijethilake Chaminda
Published: December 2024

Drawing on Guy Debord's concept of the spectacle, this article aims to extend our understanding of the way in which certain non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) spectacularize their performance in the context of disaster situations and the continued co‐existence of a multiplicity of accountabilities, with reference to the 2015 Nepal earthquakes. Data for the study were gathered through semi‐structured interviews and document analysis. The findings of the study demonstrate how the voices of many Nepalese NGOs involved in the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts following the 2015 earthquakes remained unheard and how they were forced to compromise their felt responsibilities by having to adhere to the control‐oriented and accounting‐based requirements imposed by the government and funders. Such requirements put certain NGOs, which were established to pursue political and personal goals, in a position to benefit from the situation, allowing them to obfuscate the ground level reality, for instance by manipulating the number of beneficiaries and geographical areas served, showcasing their performance on social media, and facilitating pseudo‐ceremonies and participation. The spectacle created by NGOs was oppressive, exacerbating inequalities in aid distribution and excluding certain groups of beneficiaries from the relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. The key contribution of the study lies in illustrating how both wider society and NGOs’ stakeholders have been relegated to the role of passive spectator–consumers, as they accepted and consumed the NGO‐led representation.