bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing employee work engagement through organizational identification, gender and leader social dominance orientation
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Dost Mir , Qasim Neelam
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of organizational identification on employee work engagement (EWE) and to what extent this relationship strengthens/weakens when moderated by gender and leader social dominance orientation (SDO).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypothesized relationships, the authors collected data from supervisors (n = 101) and their subordinates (n = 478) working in medium and large organizations in the service industry. To test the hypothesized model, the authors used structural equation modeling in MPlus.

Findings

The data revealed that organizational identification is positively associated with EWE. Interestingly, the effects were stronger on female EWE than male EWE. Furthermore, the findings of this study displayed that leader SDO negatively moderated the relationship between organizational identification and EWE. The results of this study were more potent when the leader SDO was low versus high.

Originality/value

The findings mainly contribute to the social identity theory by examining the moderating role of gender and leader SDO on the link between organizational identification and EWE. This study offers practitioners insights into the importance of gender in EWE and the type of leadership. Conducting this study in a developing economy provided a unique contextual finding, which will be helpful for the practitioners who want to improve the work engagement of female employees.
Tribological study of sunflower TMP ester and silica nanoparticles additives for hydrodynamic journal bearing application under boundary lubrication condition
Authors: Hussain Md Modassir , Gaval Vivek , Pratap Amit , Rukhande Sanjay
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to study the tribological performance of sunflower TMP ester and silica nanoparticles additives as a biolubricant alternative to the conventional lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanolubricants were synthesized using an ultrasonicator and a homogenizer. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used to simulate the boundary lubrication condition for hydrodynamic journal bearing application in the presence of the studied lubricants. Surface analysis of the pin (bearing material) was done using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Findings

The sunflower TMP ester performed well in terms of the coefficient of friction compared to commercial lubricants, but its wear performance was poor. The silica nanoparticles improved the wear and friction performance of the sunflower TMP ester. With the addition of 1% silica nanoparticles to sunflower TMP ester, the reduction in the coefficient of friction was 27.92% and the reduction in specific wear rate was 54.79%, making it the best lubricant out of all studied lubricants.

Originality/value

Although there are various available studies on vegetable oil-based lubricants for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications, the studies on the use of vegetable oil-based TMP esters for hydrodynamic journal bearing applications are limited. Also, the effect of silica nanoparticles on the tribological performance of TMP esters under boundary lubrication condition has not been studied extensively in the available literature.
Reputational risk and stock price: a corporate management analysis
Authors: Huaman-Ñope Aby Grisly , Serrato-Cherres Arthur Giuseppe , Ramos-Cavero Maria Jeanett , Cordova-Buiza Franklin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The study aimed to determine how reputational risk affects the stocks prices of companies listed on the Lima Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a documentary research with a quantitative approach. Companies from different sectors listed on the Lima Stock Exchange were taken as a sample.

Findings

The incidence between the reputational risk and the stock price of the companies listed on the stock market, as well as the impact on profitability indicators and income level were demonstrated. Additionally, it was determined that the cost of capital has a greater impact if the entity is financed from the issuance of bonds rather than by subsidiaries.

Originality/value

Companies that presented well-known events in Peru and those that caused damage to their corporate reputations were studied. Likewise, information from sources such as Monitor Empresarial de Reputación Corporativa, Peruvian Securities Market Regulator’s office and Lima Stock Exchange was documented in order to analyze the variations in financial indicators during the indicated events. Financial models such as CAPM and GORDON-SHAPIRO were also used.
Telecommunications service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in pandemic times
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Abd-Elrahman Hassanein
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aims to empirically explore telecommunications service quality (SQ) and its impact on the customer loyalty (CL) through a mediating impact of customer satisfaction (CS) during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted involving 384 customers of telecommunications service providers in Egypt. The hypothesized direct relationships were tested through regression analysis, and the mediating effect was tested using structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The results reveal a strong positive relationship of SQ dimensions, CS and CL. Reliability, privacy and security and convenience, respectively, proved to increase CS and CL more than the other SQ dimensions, particularly during COVID-19. Moreover, CS was found to significantly and fully mediate the effect of SQ on CL.

Research limitations/implications

This is an empirical research applied in the Egyptian telecommunications setting. Its relationships need further investigation in other settings and countries. Also, traditional limitations of a cross-sectional study apply with respect to the attribution of causality and the time lag effects.

Practical implications

In strategic planning of telecommunications services and the associated consumer behavior, the results of this study can be helpful for policymakers. In case of similar epidemics and natural calamities, consumers may depict similar behavior as shown during the lockdown and social distancing during COVID-19; hence, this study can help regulatory bodies in preparing their safety roadmap.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge in enhancing the understanding on the impact of telecommunications SQ on CS and loyalty, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.
Association between the dietary inflammatory index and chronic daily headache: findings from Dena Persian cohort
Authors: Sadri Zeinab , Najafi Fereshteh , Beiranvand Reza , Vahid Farhad , Harooni Javad
Published: December 2022

Purpose

While several studies have reported a relationship between chronic daily headache (CDH) and different dietary patterns, no study has investigated the association between CDH and the dietary inflammatory index (DII). This study aims to hypothesize that a higher DII score (proinflammatory diets) is associated with higher odds of CDH.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was performed using the baseline data of the Dena PERSIAN cohort study, including demographic information, body mass index, medical history, laboratory tests, sleep duration and blood pressure. The DII was computed based on the data collected by a valid 113-item food frequency questionnaire and a 127-item indigenous food questionnaire. The association between CDH and DII score was analyzed by simple and multiple logistic regression.

Findings

Out of 3,626 people included in the study, 23.1% had CDH. The median DII was −0.08 (interquartile range = 0.18). People in the third and fourth quartiles of DII (proinflammatory diet) had a 20% (odds ratio: 0.80; 95% confidence interval: 0.65–1) and a 25% (odds ratio: 0.75; 95% confidence interval: 0.61–0.94) lower chance of having CHD than those in the first quartile, respectively. After adjustment for confounding variables, this association did not remain statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Originality/value

Although the analysis conducted without adjustment for medical history showed a significant association between proinflammatory diet and reduced CDH, considering the diverse etiology of different types of headaches and the paucity of studies in this area, further studies are needed to investigate the DII score of patients by the type of headache, its severity and duration.
Raman spectra of micellar casein powders prepared with wet blending of glycomacropeptide and micellar casein concentrate
Authors: Panthi Ram R , Shibu Sini N , Ochalski Tomasz J , O'Mahony James A
Published: December 2022

Understanding the molecular properties and interactions of components within high‐protein dairy powders is important in predicting rehydration performance. Raman spectroscopy was used to generate molecular information which provided insights into interactions between caseins in micellar casein concentrate (MCC) powder formulated with varying proportions of glycomacropeptide (GMP). The Raman bands showed intense peaks at 1446 to 1476 cm−1 (due to CH2 vibration) and 1653 to 1668 cm−1 (due to C=O of Amide I and C=C bond) in MCC powder samples blended with GMP. Enhanced rehydration characteristics of MCC powder containing GMP matched with these differences in Raman peak intensity.
Psychopathy among condemned capital murderers
Authors: DeLisi Matt , Peters David J. , Hochstetler Andy , Butler H. Daniel , Vaughn Michael G.
Published: December 2022

Psychopathy is an important forensic mental health construct. Despite this importance, the research base of psychopathy among individuals convicted of capital murder is limited. Archival data were collected from a sample of 636 persons convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death in the State of California. Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised (PCL‐R) instrument. Data on criminal careers and other behavioral disorders were also extracted. The sample mean PCL‐R total score was 23.31 (SD = 9.92) and one‐third of individuals in this sample were considered clinically psychopathic with PCL‐R total scores of 30 or greater. Factor analytic examination yielded support for four facets: affective, interpersonal, lifestyle, and antisocial. Criterion validity findings revealed positive correlations of psychopathy scores with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ρ = 0.72), Conduct Disorder (ρ = 0.46), sexual sadism (ρ = 0.24), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ρ = 0.20), ADHD (ρ = 0.15), arrest charges (r = 0.56), prison sentences (r = 0.53), and age of arrest onset (r = −0.57). Individuals convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death reflect heterogeneity in psychopathy with some individuals exhibiting pronounced psychopathic features.
Short selling and the independence of business‐related analysts: Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Chen Lei , Jin Zhi , Yang Xue
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates whether short‐sale deregulation improves analysts' independence in an emerging market where conventional mechanisms mitigating conflicts of interest are either ineffective or absent. Short selling reduces the effectiveness of analysts' favourable opinions in creating or sustaining overvalued stock prices, thus decreasing the incentives of institutional clients of brokerages to exert pressure on related analysts to initiate coverage and issue biased opinions. Using a difference‐in‐difference approach, we find strong evidence that stocks that are eligible for short sales experience a greater reduction in coverage by related analysts than stocks that are ineligible for short sales. When covered firms become eligible for short sales, the quality of forecasts and recommendations issued by related analysts improves considerably. Further analyses show that shortable firms with a significant reduction in related analysts' coverage are more likely to underperform and to experience stock price crashes in the future. Altogether, our results are consistent with short selling effectively restoring related analysts' independence in emerging markets.
Quantifying social skill deficits and strengths profiles in autistic youth
Authors: Gates Jacquelyn A. , Gerber Alan H. , Miller Caroline E. , Lerner Matthew D.
Published: December 2022

While social difficulties in autism are well‐established, questions remain regarding whether these represent challenges in acquiring or performing such skills, reduced social strengths, or a unique distribution across these domains (i.e., social profile). This study empirically derived social profiles of 211 autistic and non‐autistic youth (Mage = 13.50; Autistic N = 150; Male N = 151; 85.3% White). Assessments occurred between 2016 and 2020. Results showed that autistic youth exhibit significantly more social acquisition and performance deficits and fewer strengths than nonautistic youth (ds = −.44 to .65). Performance deficits were most—and acquisition deficits least—prominent within autistic profiles, potentially implicating longstanding theoretical models of social difficulties in autism, and supporting new, idiographic approaches for conceptualizing, assessing, and treating social challenges.
Children's participation in post‐divorce decision‐making: The role of conflict and attachment
Authors: Tveit Olav Bertin , Gustavson Kristin , Helland Maren Sand
Published: December 2022

Increased child participation in decision‐making about custody and visitation when parents separate is an explicit political goal. This study delineates central family processes associated with child participation in post‐divorce decision‐making, both in mediation and in the home. Children recruited to the Dynamics of Family Conflict Study at Norwegian family counselling centres (7–15 years, n = 554) completed surveys about interparental conflict, attachment security and whether they had been invited to participate in mediation and share their views at home. Results showed a strong correlation between the two decision‐making arenas as children who were invited to participate in mediation were also more likely to have been asked about their views at home, and vice versa. Mixed‐effects logistic regression analyses indicated that attachment security to mothers predicted that children were invited to participate in mediation. Older children were more likely to have been invited to participate both at home and in mediation. More child‐related interparental conflicts predicted that children did not know if they had been consulted at home. The study points to the need for developing better practices for including younger children.
Pain, pain management and related outcomes following pelvic exenteration surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Johnstone Charlotte S. H. , Roberts Daniel , Mathieson Stephanie , Steffens Daniel , Koh Cherry E. , Solomon Michael J. , McLachlan Andrew J.
Published: December 2022

Aim

Pelvic exenteration surgery can improve survival in people with advanced colorectal cancer. This systematic review aimed to review pain intensity and other outcomes, for example the management of pain, the relationship between pain and the extent of surgery and the impact of pain on short‐term outcomes.

Method

Electronic databases were searched from inception to 1 May 2021. We included interventional studies of adults with any indication for pelvic exenteration surgery that also reported pain outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS‐1.

Results

The search found 21 studies that reported pain following pelvic exenteration [n = 1317 patients, mean age 58.4 years (SD 4.8)]. Ten studies were judged to be at moderate risk of bias. Before pelvic exenteration, pain was reported by 19%–100% of patients. Five studies used validated measures of pain intensity. No study measured pain at all three time points in the surgical journey. The presence of pain before surgery predicted postoperative adverse pain outcomes, and pain is more likely to be experienced in those who require wider resections, including bone resection.

Conclusion

Considering that pain following pelvic exenteration is commonly described by patients, the literature suggests that this symptom is not being measured and therefore addressed.
Contrast‐enhanced‐guided non‐dilated bile duct puncture for endoscopic ultrasound‐guided antegrade stone removal
Authors: Hirakawa Noriyuki , Mukai Shuntaro , Itoi Takao
Published: December 2022

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Mini‐invasive technique for peroral endoscopic myotomy in adult patient: “Slim peroral endoscopic myotomy” procedure
Authors: Azzolini Francesco , Mandarino Francesco Vito , Danese Silvio
Published: December 2022

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A qualitative study to inform adaptations to a brain health intervention for older adults with type 2 diabetes living in rural regions of Ireland
Authors: McEvoy Claire T. , Regan‐Moriarty Joanne , Dolan Catherine , Bradshaw Caroline , Mortland Valerie , McCallion Maire , McCarthy Geraldine , Kennelly Seán P. , Kelly Jim , Heffernan Margaret , Kee Frank , McGuinness Bernadette , Passmore Peter
Published: December 2022

Aims

Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for late‐life dementia, but dementia prevention strategies have yet to be comprehensively evaluated in people with diabetes. The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) demonstrated cognitive benefits of a 2‐year multidomain lifestyle intervention. However, given the intensive nature of FINGER, there is uncertainty about whether it can be implemented in other high‐risk populations. Our aim was to explore attitudes towards dementia risk, and barriers to an intervention based on the FINGER model in older adults with type 2 diabetes living in rural areas of Ireland.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with 21 adults (11 men and 10 women) aged 60+ years with type 2 diabetes living in border regions of north and south Ireland. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

There was limited understanding of diabetes as a risk factor for late‐life dementia. The main barriers to engagement with the multidomain intervention were eating foods that were not compatible with cultural norms, time and travel constraints, and perceived lack of self‐efficacy and self‐motivation for adopting the desired diet, exercise and computerised cognitive training (CCT) behaviours. Facilitators for intervention acceptability included the provision of culturally tailored and personalised education, support from a trusted source, and inclusion of goal setting and self‐monitoring behavioural strategies.

Conclusions

While there was high acceptability for a brain health intervention, several barriers including cultural food norms and low self‐efficacy for adopting the diet, exercise and CCT components would need to be considered in the intervention design. Findings from this study will be used to inform local decisions regarding the adaptation of FINGER for people with type 2 diabetes. The feasibility of the adapted multidomain intervention will then be evaluated in a future pilot trial.
The effectiveness of a field observation exercise to learn process management
Authors: Nikandish Naser , Kim Dayoung , Salvador Rommel O.
Published: December 2022

To address the need for students to better comprehend process management concepts in an undergraduate‐level operations management course, we proposed and examined the effectiveness of an experiential learning activity, the Service Process Observation Exercise (SPOE). After teaching process management topics in the form of a traditional lecture, students were offered the opportunity to observe, record, and analyze a live, functioning process and to report their findings. Analyzing exam results following the activity, we found that the students who participated in the SPOE scored 5.3% higher than students who did not participate on items measuring knowledge of process management concepts. No differences were found on items measuring the knowledge of other concepts covered in the course. These findings are robust, even after controlling for potential covariates, suggesting that the SPOE significantly improves student comprehension of concepts directly related to process management.
The ability of mouthguards to protect veneered teeth: A 3D finite element analysis
Authors: Dal Piva Amanda Maria O. , Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Borges Alexandre Luiz S. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Feilzer Albert J.
Published: December 2022

Background/Aims

Professional and amateur athletes might have veneer restorations. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of mouthguards on veneered anterior restorations.

Methods

A nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to simulate conditions during an impact with or without a custom‐made mouthguard. Using a computer‐aided design (CAD) software, a slice of a human maxilla was designed containing an upper right central incisor. The model was composed of mucosa, cortical bone, trabecular bone, periodontal ligament, dentin, enamel, and pulp tissue. The enamel was prepared (feather design), restored with an indirect veneer (1.0 mm thickness), and duplicated to simulate both conditions with or without a mouthguard (4 mm thickness). Both models were subdivided into finite elements using the computer‐aided engineering (CAE) software. Frictionless contacts were used, and an impact was simulated in which a rigid sphere hit the model at 1 m s−1. Fixation was defined at the base of the bone. The elastic modulus of the veneer was assessed by using five different restorative materials (resin composite, hybrid ceramic, zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, and zirconia). Von Mises stress, minimal principal stress, and maximum principal stress (in MPa) were obtained and plotted for visual comparison.

Results

Von‐Mises results showed higher stress concentrations in the veneer's cervical labial region for models without a mouthguard. Observing the quantitative results for each model, the highest compressive (709 MPa) and tensile (58 MPa) stresses occurred in the situation without a mouthguard with a zirconia veneer, while the lowest occurred in resin composite veneer with a mouthguard (8 and 5 MPa). The mouthguard was able to reduce the stresses in the tooth structure and it also reduced the risk of fracture in all conditions.

Conclusions

Mouthguards were beneficial in reducing the effects of dental trauma regardless of the restorative material used to manufacture the indirect veneer, since they act by dampening the generated stresses during the trauma event. Equal impact stresses on a mouthguard will lead to higher stresses in veneered teeth with more rigid restorative materials leading to a less protective effect.
Liposomal bupivacaine is both safe and effective when administered via local infiltration at surgical site and mesovarium for laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares
Authors: Pezzanite Lynn M. , Griffenhagen Gregg M. , Bass Luke , Okudaira Mana , Larson Blaine , Hendrickson Dean A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Liposomal local anaesthetic solutions may provide extended‐duration analgesia postoperatively but have not been assessed following intra‐peritoneal local infiltration in any species.

Objectives

To evaluate two doses of 1.33% liposomal bupivacaine (LB) versus 0.75% bupivacaine HCL (BHCl) for analgesia following laparoscopic ovariectomy in mares.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Fifteen healthy Quarter Horse mares (age 2–20 years) with normal bilateral ovarian palpation and appearance were enrolled. Horses were restrained in standing stocks and administered an α‐2 agonist, butorphanol, and flunixin meglumine, followed by a variable rate infusion of sedation with α‐2 agonists. Bilateral paralumbar fossa ovariectomies were performed. Treatment with either 30 ml 0.75% BHCl followed by 20 or 40 ml LB 13.3% (LB20 and LB40) volume expanded with saline to 80 ml total (n = 6/group) or 80 ml BHCl alone (n = 3, BCHL) was infused around incision sites and each mesovarium (LB or BHCl) prior to ovariectomy. Horses were monitored for 72 h by physical examination, algometry, and pain scoring (composite pain scale by Bussieres et al., Horse Grimace Scale). Abdominocentesis with peritoneal fluid analysis was performed at 72 h.

Results

Analgesia achieved with all treatment protocols allowed completion of ovariectomy procedures. Pressure algometry scores were lower in BHCl‐treated horses versus both LB groups overall. Pain scores were improved with LB‐treated horses in a dose‐dependent fashion (Horse Grimace Scale scores LB40 < LB20 < BHCL; composite pain scale scores LB40 < BHCL, LB20 < BHCL, BHCL, and LB20 did not differ). Peritoneal fluid total protein was lower in LB40 versus LB20 and BHCL horses. No complications from LB administration were appreciated.

Main limitations

Small patient sample size, lack of follow‐up past 72 h or histopathology.

Conclusions

Analgesia duration was extended and pain scores improved postoperatively with LB versus BHCl in a dose‐dependent fashion. Further clinical evaluation of extended‐duration local anaesthetics in horses for improved postoperative pain management is warranted.
Impact of text message reminders on attendance at healthy marriage and relationship education workshops
Authors: Patnaik Ankita , Gellar Jonathan E. , Dunn Rebecca , Goesling Brian
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study examined the impacts of different types of text message reminders on couples' attendance at healthy marriage and relationship education (HMRE) workshops.

Background

Regular attendance is often a challenge for couples participating in HMRE workshops. Studies suggest that nudges can increase attendance at appointments, but there has been little research on their application to family support programs.

Method

We conducted a Bayesian adaptive randomized controlled trial involving 1,742 couples in Florida. We assigned couples to either a control group that received no reminders or one of several treatment groups that received different types of reminders. We compared attendance across groups to estimate impacts of the messages on couples' initial and continued attendance.

Results

Simple reminders that provided only the date and time of the first session increased couples' initial session attendance by 12% compared with the control group. None of the reminders increased continued attendance among couples who attended the first session.

Conclusion

Simple reminders worked best for increasing initial attendance compared with messages with enhanced content, such as motivational messages, graphics, or peer testimonials. Couples that attended the first session had similarly high rates of continued session attendance regardless of the reminders.

Implications

Text message reminders show potential as a tool for boosting initial attendance at voluntary family support programs.
Multiple dimensions of functional diversity affect stream fish taxonomic β‐diversity
Authors: Bower Luke M. , Stoczynski Lauren , Peoples Brandon K. , Patrick Christopher J. , Brown Bryan L.
Published: December 2022

When investigating metacommunity dynamics, functional differences among species are often assumed to be as important as environmental differences between sites in determining β‐diversity. However, few studies have examined the influence of functional diversity on β‐diversity. We examine the relative importance of regional functional diversity partitioned by niche dimensions and environmental variation in structuring taxonomic β‐diversity of stream fishes using a large dataset of stream fish assemblages (hereafter, simply β‐diversity). We predicted that both functional diversity and environmental variation play a role in determining β‐diversity.

We tested this prediction by modelling the patterns of stream fish β‐diversity as a function of environmental variation, functional diversity and γ‐richness across 10,220 sites for 329 fish species using a series of conceptual path models.

Environmental variation consistently affected β‐diversity across all models, whereas functional diversity and γ‐richness influenced β‐diversity only in some models. We show that including relevant trait differences among species in path models can improve their ability to explain β‐diversity, suggesting that functional traits influence β‐diversity.

The ability of path models to explain β‐diversity varied depending on the trait grouping included in the model, demonstrating that specific path models representing different niche dimensions can improve the ability of a model to explain β‐diversity. In addition, parsing traits into different niche dimensions revealed alternative patterns of functional diversity–β‐diversity relationships that otherwise would have been missed.

The selection of relevant traits and linked niche dimensions is critical for detecting relationships between functional diversity and β‐diversity. Using traits associated with different niche dimensions allows for the identification of niche dimensions most strongly associated with species sorting and the detection of patterns missed by focusing on a single niche dimension. Determining the niche dimensions that influence β‐diversity could provide insights into the processes driving biodiversity and metacommunity dynamics, improving our ability to conserve or restore aquatic communities.
Factors determining persistent asymmetry and egg shape in birds: A hypothesis
Authors: Deeming Denis Charles
Published: December 2022

The shape of birds' eggs has fascinated scientists for many years. It is now possible mathematically to describe shape accurately, allowing exploration of the physical and ecological factors driving the evolution of egg shape. However, there has been relatively little consideration of how egg shape is established in the oviduct or, given that even without an external calcitic layer eggs retain their shape, how shape is fixed in the isthmus. This paper proposes a hypothesis that attempts to explain how egg shape is established and fixed in the oviduct. The hypothesis suggests that as the egg mass (i.e. yolk and albumen) moves from the magnum into the isthmus, it is squeezed by the physical restriction imposed by the isthmus lumen and cannot easily move into the isthmus. As the leading edge of the egg mass enters the isthmus, the egg mass in the distal magnum is forced to bulge outwards, resulting in an asymmetrical shape. The various egg shapes observed in birds are, hence, produced by the interaction between the size of the egg mass relative to female body mass, and the degree of the restriction of the isthmus. Thus, a large egg mass, i.e. relative to female body mass, entering a narrow isthmus will produce a pointed egg shape. If the egg mass is relatively small, and the isthmus lumen wide, more of the egg mass could enter the isthmus and the degree of asymmetry would be reduced. It is further proposed that egg shape is fixed during the formation of the shell membranes in the isthmus because the constituent protein fibres permanently stick together as they are deposited. For the first time this hypothesis helps explain the pattern of deposition and characteristics of the calcitic egg in relation to the diversity of egg shapes in birds and reptiles.
BAYESIAN DYNAMIC VARIABLE SELECTION IN HIGH DIMENSIONS
Authors: Koop Gary , Korobilis Dimitris
Published: December 2022

This article addresses the issue of inference in time‐varying parameter regression models in the presence of many predictors and develops a novel dynamic variable selection strategy. The proposed variational Bayes dynamic variable selection algorithm allows for assessing at each time period in the sample which predictors are relevant (or not) for forecasting the dependent variable. The algorithm is used to forecast inflation using over 400 macroeconomic, financial, and global predictors, many of which are potentially irrelevant or short‐lived. The new methodology is able to ensure parsimonious solutions to this high‐dimensional estimation problem, which translate into excellent forecast performance.
Early life factors and hippocampal functional connectivity in children with overweight/obesity
Authors: Solis‐Urra Patricio , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Stillman Chelsea , Contreras‐Rodriguez Oren , Erickson Kirk I. , Catena Andrés , Ortega Francisco B.
Published: December 2022

Objective

We investigated the association of anthropometric neonatal data (birth length and birth weight) and breastfeeding practices (exclusive and any breastfeeding) with hippocampal functional connectivity and its academic implication in children with overweight/obesity.

Methods

Ninety six children with overweight/obesity aged 8–11 years (10.01 ± 1.14), from the ActiveBrains project were included in this cross‐sectional study. Anthropometric neonatal data were collected from birth records, whereas breastfeeding practices were reported by parents. A 3.0 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Tim Trio system was used to acquire T1‐weighted and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance images. Academic performance was assessed by the Woodcock‐Muñoz standardized test. Hippocampal seed‐based methods with post‐hoc regression analyses were performed. Analyses were considered significant when surpassing Family‐Wise Error corrections.

Results

Birth weight showed a positive association with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the pre‐ and postcentral gyri, and the cerebellum. In addition, breastfeeding was negatively associated with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the primary motor cortex and the angular gyrus. Any breastfeeding, in turn, showed a positive association with the connectivity between the hippocampus and the middle temporal gyrus. None of the connectivity outcomes related to early life factors was coupled with better academic abilities (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that birth weight at birth and breastfeeding are associated with hippocampal connectivity in children with overweight/obesity. Despite this, how the results relate to academic performance remains a matter of speculation. Our findings suggest that clinicians should recognize the importance early life factors for potentially avoiding consequences on offspring's brain development.
Social policy expansion and segmentation in the first two decades of the 21st century in Latin America
Authors: Ferre Juan Cruz
Published: December 2022

Latin American countries saw an important expansion in social policy in the first two decades of the 21st century. Along with this increased inclusion, however, social policy remains segmented. Using recent data from ECLAC, World Bank, and other sources, this paper offers a comprehensive analysis of trends in social policy for the period 2000–2020 for 17 countries in Latin America. Four areas of social policy are assessed in longitudinal and comparative perspectives: transfers, health care, education, and family policies. Conditional cash transfers (CCT) and noncontributory pensions (NCP) are the two main policy innovations that allowed countries in the region to expand social rights to previously excluded populations (outsiders). At the same time, due to their design, these policies have introduced new layers of fragmentation to the welfare mix, without resolving—or even increasing—segmentation in social policy. Segmentation is still the rule for the areas of health care and education, and increasing privatisation went unabated even in the periods of social policy expansion and in the countries governed by left coalitions.
Neuropeptide Y May be an Endogenous Anticonvulsant in Hippocampus
Authors: Dudek F. Edward
Published: December 2022

Plasticity of Y1 and Y2 Receptors and Neuropeptide Y Fibers in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Furtinger S, Pirker S, Czech T, Baumgartner C, Ransmayr G, Sperk G

J Neurosci 2001;21:5804–5812

Marked expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its Y2 receptors in hippocampal mossy fibers has been reported in animal models of epilepsy. Because NPY can suppress glutamate release by activating presynaptic Y2 receptors, these changes have been proposed as an endogenous protective mechanism. Therefore, we investigated whether similar changes in the NPY system may also take place in human epilepsy. We investigated Y1 and Y2 receptor binding and NPY immunoreactivity in hippocampal specimens that were obtained at surgery from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and in autopsy controls. Significant increases in Y2 receptor binding (by 43–48%) were observed in the dentate hilus, sectors CA1 to CA3, and subiculum of specimens with, but not in those without, hippocampal sclerosis. On the other hand, Y1 receptor binding was significantly reduced (by 62%) in the dentate molecular layer of sclerotic specimens. In the same patients, the total lengths of NPY immunoreactive (NPY-IR) fibers were markedly increased (by 115–958%) in the dentate molecular layer and hilus, in the stratum lucidum of CA3, and throughout sectors CA1 to CA3 and the subiculum, as compared with autopsies. In nonsclerotic specimens, increases in lengths of NPY-IR fibers were more moderate and statistically not significant. NPY mRNA was increased threefold in hilar interneurons of sclerotic and nonsclerotic specimens. It is suggested that abundant sprouting of NPY fibers, concomitant upregulation of Y2 receptors, and downregulation of Y1 receptors in the hippocampus of patients with Ammon's horn sclerosis may be endogenous anticonvulsant mechanisms.
Inferring Function from Structure: Relationship of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Detected Hippocampal Abnormality and Memory Function in Epilepsy
Authors: Westerveld Westerveld
Published: December 2022

Although temporal lobectomy is an effective alternative treatment for many patients with medication-resistant epilepsy, the risk of cognitive morbidity is not inconsequential. The ability to predict cognitive outcome is increasingly dependent on convergent information from multiple sources, including direct (e.g., Wada test) and indirect (e.g., psychometric testing) functional assessments along with magnetic resonance imaging studies that detect structural abnormalities. This brief review summarizes the relationship between imaging and function at baseline and predicting cognitive outcome following temporal lobectomy.
Diuretics as Antiepileptic Drugs: Should We Go with the Flow?
Authors: Staley Kevin J.
Published: December 2022

Recent epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that certain diuretics may have significant anticonvulsant actions. Potential anticonvulsant mechanisms are discussed in light of the effects of these diuretics on electrolyte balance and synaptic signaling.
Block of T-Type Ca2+ Channels Is an Important Action of Succinimide Antiabsence Drugs
Authors: Huguenard John R.
Published: December 2022

The role of calcium channel blockade in the antiepileptic action of ethosuximide is controversial, especially regarding the potency and efficacy of block. However, recent evidence obtained from transgenic animals and heterologous expression systems supports a major role of T-type calcium channels in both the generation of absence seizures and the action of ethosuximide in human absence epilepsy.
An in vitro Model of Stroke-Induced Epileptogenesis
Authors: Benardo Larry S.
Published: December 2022

Glutamate Injury-Induced Epileptogenesis in Hippocampal Neurons: An In Vitro Model of Stroke-Induced “Epilepsy”

Sun DA, Sombati S, DeLorenzo RJ

Stroke 2001;32:2344–2350

Background and Purpose

Stroke is the major cause of acquired epilepsy. The mechanisms of ischemia-induced epileptogenesis are not understood, but glutamate is associated with both ischemia-induced injury and epileptogenesis in several models. The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro model of epileptogenesis induced by glutamate injury in hippocampal neurons as observed during stroke.

Methods

Primary hippocampal cultures were exposed to 5 micromol/L glutamate for various durations. Whole-cell current clamp electrophysiology was used to monitor the acute effects of glutamate on neurons and chronic alterations in neuronal excitability up to 8 days after glutamate exposure.

Results

A single, 30-minute, 5-micromol/L glutamate exposure produced a subset of neurons that died and a larger population of injured neurons that survived. Neuronal injury was characterized by prolonged reversible membrane depolarization, loss of synaptic activity, and neuronal swelling. Surviving neurons manifested spontaneous, recurrent, epileptiform discharges in neural networks characterized by paroxysmal depolarizing shifts and high-frequency spike firing that persisted for the life of the culture.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that glutamate injury produced a permanent epileptiform phenotype expressed as spontaneous, recurrent epileptiform discharges for the life of the hippocampal neuronal culture. These results suggest a novel in vitro model of glutamate injury-induced epileptogenesis that may help elucidate some of the mechanisms that underlie stroke-induced epilepsy.
Response to Early AED Therapy and Its Prognostic Implications
Authors: French Jacqueline A.
Published: December 2022

Determining the prognosis of patients when they first present with epilepsy is a difficult task. Several clinical studies have shed light on this very important topic. Potential predictors of the refractory state, including seizure etiology, duration of epilepsy before treatment, and epilepsy type, have not been successful indicators of long-term outcome. One predictor of the refractory state appears to be early response to AED therapy. Inadequate seizure control after initial treatment is a poor prognostic sign. Recent research into genetic causes of the refractory state has included investigation of the multiple drug resistance gene, and polymorphisms at drug targets. More work is needed to determine the causes and predictors of drug resistance.
Prehospital Treatment of Status Epilepticus with Benzodiazepines is Effective and Safe
Authors: Kapur Jaideep
Published: December 2022

Benzodiazepines are an effective and safe treatment of status epilepticus and serial seizures when used in an out-of-hospital setting. Intravenously administered lorazepam is somewhat superior to diazepam for the treatment of status epilepticus. Treatment of status epilepticus should be initiated when seizures have lasted 5–7 minutes.
The Epileptic Neuron Redux
Authors: Dudek F. Edward , Rogawski Michael A.
Published: December 2022

Upregulation of a T-Type Ca2+ Channel Causes a Long-Lasting Modification of Neuronal Firing Mode after Status Epilepticus

Su H, Sochivko D, Becker A, Chen J, Jiang Y, Yaari Y, Beck H

J Neurosci 2002;22:3645–3655

A single episode of status epilepticus (SE) causes numerous structural and functional changes in the brain that can lead to the development of a chronic epileptic condition. Most studies of this plasticity have focused on changes in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic properties. However, the intrinsic firing properties that shape the output of the neuron to a given synaptic input also may be persistently affected by SE. Thus 54% of CA1 pyramidal cells, which normally fire in a regular mode, are persistently converted to a bursting mode after an episode of SE induced by the convulsant pilocarpine. In this model, intrinsic bursts evoked by threshold-straddling depolarizations, and their underlying spike after depolarizations (ADPs), were resistant to antagonists of N-, P/Q-, or L-type Ca2+ channels but were readily suppressed by low (30–100 μ M) concentrations of Ni2+ known to block T- and R-type Ca2+ channels. The density of T-type Ca2+ currents, but not of other pharmacologically isolated Ca2+ current types, was upregulated in CA1 pyramidal neurons after SE. The augmented T-type currents were sensitive to Ni2+ in the same concentration range that blocked the novel intrinsic bursting in these neurons (IC50 = 27 (μ M). These data suggest that SE may persistently convert regular-firing cells to intrinsic bursters by selectively increasing the density of a Ni2+-sensitive T-type Ca2+ current. This nonsynaptic plasticity considerably amplifies the output of CA1 pyramidal neurons to synaptic inputs and most probably contributes to the development and expression of an epileptic condition after SE.
Epilepsy and Activity of the Autonomic Nervous System
Authors: Kanner Andres M.
Published: December 2022

Decrease of Sympathetic Cardiovascular Modulation after Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Surgery

Hilz MJ, Devinsky O, Doyle W, Mauerer A, Dutsch M.

Brain 2002;125(Pt 5):985–995

In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), there is evidence of ictal and interictal autonomic dysregulation, predominantly with sympathetic overactivity. The effects of TLE surgery on autonomic cardiovascular control and on baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) have not been studied. To evaluate such effects, we monitored heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure [BP(sys)], and respiration in 18 TLE patients 3–4 months before and after TLE surgery. We used Blackman-Tukey spectral analysis to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation as powers of HR and BP(sys) oscillations in the low-frequency (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz) and high-frequency (HF, 0.15–0.5 Hz) bands. BRS was determined as the LF transfer function gain between BP and HR. After surgery, HR, BP(sys), respiration, and HF powers remained unchanged, whereas LF powers of HR [1.57 ± 1.54 beats/min( 2 )] and BP(sys) [2.19 ± 1.34 mm Hg( 2 )] and BRS (0.68 ± 0.31 beats/min/mm Hg) were smaller than presurgical LF powers of HR [3.87 ± 3.26 beats/min( 2 )] and BP(sys) [4.80 ± 3.84 mm Hg( 2 )] and BRS (1.12 ± 0.39 beasts/min/mm Hg; P < 0.05). After TLE surgery, there is a reduction of sympathetic cardiovascular modulation and BRS that might result from decreased influences of interictal epileptogenic discharges on brain areas involved in cardiovascular autonomic control. TLE surgery seems to stabilize the cardiovascular control in epilepsy patients by reducing the risk of sympathetically mediated tachyarrhythmias and excessive brady-cardiac counterregulation, both of which might be relevant for the pathophysiology of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients (SUDEP). Thus TLE surgery might contribute to reducing the risk of SUDEP.