bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase 3b, multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm study of roxadustat within a US dialysis organization: The DENALI study
Authors: Larkin John , Hymes Jeffrey , Britton Marcus L. , Oluwatosin Yemmie , Nolen Jacqueline , Zhu Lixia , Silva Arnold
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor approved in several regions for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). DENALI, a phase 3b study, evaluated the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of roxadustat in patients with anemia of CKD receiving in‐center or home dialysis.

Methods

Eligible patients received open‐label roxadustat, dosed three times weekly for 24 weeks, with an optional extension of ≤1 year. Initial dosing depended on erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent (ESA) dose at screening for patients receiving ESAs (≥6 weeks) and weight‐based for those not (total <6 weeks). Primary efficacy endpoints were proportion of patients with mean hemoglobin (Hb) ≥10.0 g/dL averaged over Weeks 16–24, and mean Hb change from baseline to the average during Weeks 16–24. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and treatment‐emergent serious adverse events (TESAEs) were assessed.

Findings

Of 281 patients screened, 203 were treated and 201 included in the full analysis set. Overall, 166 patients completed the 24‐week treatment period and 126 continued into the extension period. Mean baseline Hb was 10.4 g/dL and 82.6% received in‐center hemodialysis. Overall, 84.6% of patients achieved a mean Hb ≥ 10.0 g/dL averaged Weeks 16–24. Mean (standard deviation) Hb change from baseline averaged Weeks 16–24 was 0.5 (1.0) g/dL. Prespecified subgroup analyses were consistent with primary analyses. Dosing adherence was 94%. Overall, 3.0% of patients received a red blood cell transfusion at up to Week 24. TEAEs and TESAEs were reported by 71.4% and 25.6% of patients, respectively. The most frequently reported TESAEs were COVID‐19 (n = 5; 2.5%), and acute myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and sepsis (each n = 4; 2.0%).

Discussion

Roxadustat effectively achieved and/or maintained mean Hb levels ≥10.0 g/dL in patients receiving dialysis. The feasibility of incorporating oral roxadustat into dialysis organizations was successfully demonstrated with high dosing adherence. No new safety signals were identified.
Clinical boundaries in adult cases of large B cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement
Authors: Maguire Jessica , Harvey Harry , Jones Alfred , Law Ruth , Bashir Masoud , O'Brien Odharnaith , Sargent Jeremy , Grant Cliona , Flavin Richard
Published: October 2023

Aims

Large B‐cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement (LBCL‐IRF4) is a recently described entity included in the revised 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (2017). Here we highlight the difficulties in classification of those cases which arise in adult patients with unusual clinical features.

Results

We present three cases with morphological and immunohistochemical features consistent with large B‐cell lymphoma arising in adult patients, which were found to have isolated IRF4 rearrangements on FISH analysis. Each patient presented with advanced‐stage disease and had a history of immunosuppression; clinical features that are not typical of LBCL‐IRF4 and which make the distinction from DLBCL, not otherwise specified (NOS) challenging.

Conclusion

We propose that the clinical boundaries of LBCL‐IRF4 arising in adult patients need further delineation to allow distinction from true cases of DLBCL, NOS.
Irresolute choice behavior
Authors: Karni Edi
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a model of irresolute choice rationalizing random choice behavior and examines its applications to decision making under certainty, uncertainty, and risk. Depending on the context, the representations feature canonical signal spaces. Decisions are governed by random draws of signals generating stochastic choice functions. Application to portfolio selection and experimental testing are discussed.
A classic screening marker does not affect antennal electrophysiology but strongly regulates reproductive behaviours in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Wuyun QiQige , Zhang Yan , Yuan Jinxi , Zhang Jie , Ren Cong , Wang Qi , Yan Shanchun , Liu Wei , Wang Guirong
Published: October 2023

The key phenotype white eye (white) has been used for decades to selectively remove females before release in sterile insect technique programs and as an effective screening marker in genetic engineering. Bactrocera dorsalis is a representative tephritid pest causing damage to more than 150 fruit crops. Yet, the function of white in important biological processes remains unclear in B. dorsalis. In this study, the impacts of the white gene on electrophysiology and reproductive behaviour in B. dorsalis were tested. The results indicated that knocking out Bdwhite disrupted eye pigmentation in adults, consistent with previous reports. Bdwhite did not affect the antennal electrophysiology response to 63 chemical components with various structures. However, reproductive behaviours in both males and females were significantly reduced in Bdwhite−/−. Both pre‐copulatory and copulation behaviours were significantly reduced in Bdwhite−/−, and the effect was male‐specific. Mutant females significantly delayed their oviposition towards γ‐octalactone, and the peak of oviposition behaviour towards orange juice was lost. These results show that Bdwhite might not be an ideal screening marker in functional gene research aiming to identify molecular targets for behaviour‐modifying chemicals. Instead, owing to its strong effect on B. dorsalis sexual behaviours, the downstream genes regulated by Bdwhite or the genes from white‐linked areas could be alternate molecular targets that promote the development of better behavioural modifying chemical‐based pest management techniques.
Selective removal of beta‐lactoglobulin directly from cow's milk and preparation of hypoallergenic formulas: a bioaffinity method
Authors: Chiancone E. , Gattoni M.
Published: October 2023

beta‐Lactoglobulin, a major allergen of cow's milk, can pass into the breast milk of mothers consuming dairy products and thus sensitize a predisposed infant with a family history of atopic allergy. beta‐Lactoglobulin coupled to Sepharose 4B can be used as a specific affinity matrix to remove beta‐lactoglobulin from milk without the use of buffer systems. The tendency of beta‐lactoglobulin to polymerize reversibly in milk promotes binding of the soluble protein to the coupled protein and a significant retardation in its elution with respect to the other milk proteins. The matrix can be regenerated with water and used repeatedly. These unique characteristics can be exploited in bioreactors designed to treat milk for the preparation of new hypoallergenic hyposensitizing milk formulas to be used by lactating mothers.
Stabilizing effect of water/alcohol solvents towards autoxidation of human haemoglobin
Authors: Nedjar Arroume N , Castellano A. , Piot JM , Guillochon D.
Published: October 2023

The stabilization of haemoglobin (Hb) in water/alcohol solvents (ethanol, butan‐1‐ol, ethylene glycol and glycerol) against autoxidation, a major barrier to the successful use of Hb in biological and medical engineering was studied, with these solvents, a large decrease in the autoxidation rate is observed over a range of concentrations. Studies on the effect of Hb concentration on autoxidation showed that, irrespective of the Hb concentration, oxyHb is more stabilized in water/alcohol solvents than in water. In these solvents, at the concentration exhibiting the maximal stabilizing effect, the oxygen affinity of Hb was little disturbed, but the changes in enthalpy and entropy of activation increased with the stabilization effect of alcohol. The impact of alcohols on the thermal denaturation of metHb was studied. We observed that metHb is less stable in ethanol and butan‐1‐ol than in water, whereas the opposite is observed with glycerol and ethylene glycol. The strong stability of oxyHb observed with these solvents could result both from an increase in water structure and an increase of viscosity. Finally, e.p.r. has shown that alcohols lead to an increase of the global distance between the nitrogens of proximal histidine (F8) and nitric oxide in the nitrosyl Hb.
Reversible enzymic protection of the alpha‐amino group of amino acid derivatives using an aminopeptidase A
Authors: Yoshpe Besancon I , Auriol D. , Paul F. , Monsan P. , Gripon JC , Ribadeau Dumas B
Published: October 2023

In previous papers we have reported that an aminopeptidase A (EC 3.4.11.7) purified from Staphylococcus chromogenes was able to catalyse the introduction of L‐malic acid at the N‐terminus of Tyr and Phe derivatives. We now show that this enzyme can be used for selective alpha‐amino protection of derivatives of probably all amino acids, except Gly and Pro, by the malyl group. The following L‐malyl derivatives were synthesized in thermodynamically controlled reactions with yields ranging from 4 to 47%: L‐malyl‐Tyr‐OEt, ‐ALA‐OMe, ‐Ser‐OEt, ‐Lys‐OEt, ‐Phe‐OMe, ‐Met‐NH2, ‐Glu‐MH2, Arg‐NH2, ‐Tye‐NH2, ‐Val‐NH2, ‐Ala‐Phe and ‐Ala‐Phe‐NH2 (OEt and OMe are ethyl and methyl esters respectively). The reactions were monitored by reverse‐phase h.p.l.c.; the products were quantified by amino acid analysis, and their structure was confirmed by m.s. No synthesis was obtained with Gly and Pro derivatives as nucleophiles. The effects of pH, temperature, enzyme concentration, nucleophile concentration, reaction time and addition of an organic co‐solvent were studied. An important shift towards synthesis was obtained by carrying out the reactions at 55 degrees C in the presence of 55% organic co‐solvent Triglyme (2,4,8,11‐tetraoxadodecane) [8–60‐fold increase in Ksyn. ([product] [acyl‐donor]‐1 [nucleophile]‐1)].
Isolation and cloning of the gene from Escherichia coli encoding glutamate decarboxylase
Authors: De Biase D. , Simmaco M. , Sweeney G. , Barra D. , Bossa F. , John RA
Published: October 2023

We have isolated and cloned a 4.5‐kb fragment containing the structural gene of glutamate decarboxylase from an overproducing strain of Escherichia coli. Sequencing of this fragment is in progress. The time course of glutamate decarboxylase expression has been also investigated.
mRNA‐ribosome interactions
Authors: Dokudovskaya SS , Dontsova OA , Bogdanova SL , Bogdanov AA , Brimacombe R.
Published: October 2023

Synthetic mRNA analogues were constructed with sequences related to the Cro‐protein mRNA from lambda‐phage and prepared by T7 transcription. Each mRNA contained several thiouridine (thio‐U) residues. The regions upstream from the AUG initiator codon of the mRNA were the same in all the messages, whereas in the downstream part the thio‐U residues were placed in selected positions. These positions covered the region from +4 to +16 (A in the initiator AUG codon being defined as +1). After binding to the ribosome in the presence of initiator tRNA the thio‐U residues were activated by u.v. irradiation and the resulting sites of cross‐linking to 16 S rRNA and ribosomal proteins were analysed. Cross‐links to several ribosomal proteins were identified in different types of complex. Changes in the conformation of the small ribosomal subunit in different initiation and elongation complexes are discussed.
Biochemical characterization of air‐filled albumin microspheres
Authors: Hellebust H. , Christiansen C. , Skotland T.
Published: October 2023

Heating and sonication of a solution of human serum albumin (HSA) yields air‐filled microspheres that can be used as a contrast agent in ultrasound examinations. The microspheres are stabilized by a thin‐layer of protein surrounding the air bubbles. As long as the microspheres were intact, the protein was insoluble in aqueous solutions. After disintegration of the microspheres, the protein could be solubilized in several solutions. The intermolecular interactions in the microsphere protein have been elucidated from its solubility properties. The microspheres were disintegrated by several detergents which also solubilized the protein. After pressure disintegration of the microspheres, the protein was solubilized immediately in urea and guanidinium chloride, and also in phosphate‐buffered saline after incubation overnight. These results indicate that the protein was mainly stabilized by non‐covalent forces. The solubilization in buffer was inhibited by a high salt concentration, suggesting that hydrophobic interactions were involved in stabilizing the microsphere structure. Analysis of the solubilized protein by gel filtration showed that the protein contained substantial amounts of soluble aggregates of HSA. Reduction of the disulphide bonds dissolved these aggregates into monomeric HSA, showing that intermolecular disulphide bonds were also involved in stabilization of the microspheres. The solubilized protein also contained less fatty acids than the soluble HSA used for the production of microspheres. These results show that the microsphere protein has the same characteristics as heat‐denatured HSA.
Folding and secretion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae carboxypeptidase Y are influenced by fusion with short heterologous peptides
Authors: Piskur J. , Brandt Kielland MC
Published: October 2023

High levels of secreted yeast carboxypeptidase Y can be obtained in yeast by regulated overexpression under the control of the GAL1 promoter. Carboxypeptidase Y was investigated as a potential carrier for expression of heterologous oligopeptides. Coding sequences for two pentapeptides, Hepp (H‐Asp‐Ser‐Asp‐Pro‐Arg‐OH) and a thymopentin analogue (H‐Arg‐Pro‐Asp‐Val‐Tyr‐OH), and an analogue of salmon calcitonin, were inserted into, or added on to, the coding sequence for carboxypeptidase Y, and the plasmids were introduced into a yeast mutant that mis‐sorts vacuolar proteins. Translation efficiency of mRNA from the expression plasmids encoding hybrid carboxypeptidase Y was apparently not influenced by the insert. However, secretion of the hybrid proteins was lower than that of wild‐type carboxypeptidase Y. A major fraction of the hybrid proteins accumulated intracellularly as a form characteristic for the endoplasmic reticulum. The results suggest that the inserted peptides influenced the secretion through the position and sequence effect on post‐translational events. Furthermore, studies on folding properties indicated that the in vitro refolding capacity of the hybrid proteins was reduced. Thus, in the case of insertions, the transition from an unfolded chain to the correctly folded protein was likely to be disfavoured by misfolding. However, the tendency towards misfolding could be partially suppressed by changing the insertion site, and secretion was most effective in the cases of C‐terminal fusions.
Interrelated approach to optimization of biosynthesis and chemical isolation of biologically active substances: the production of penicillinamidase by Escherichia coli and peptidohydrolase by Xanthomonas sp
Authors: Zaslavskaya PL , Chekalina IV , Igans DN , Bartoschevich YE , Nys PS
Published: October 2023

The solution to the problem of optimizing conditions for the isolation of biologically active substances (BAS) from microbial cells should be based on investigations of the structural and functional characteristics of cultures. Models of two bacterial cultures, of Escherichia coli and a Xanthomonas species, producing enzymes the localization of which differ, is described. The isolation of membrane‐bound penicillinamidase from E. coli was optimal in the ‘preautolysis’ period, when the components of the cytoplasm autolysed but the membranes remained intact. In contrast, the isolation of the cytoplasmic enzyme peptidohydrolase from Xanthomonas sp. was optimal during the period when the cell membranes markedly changed. Thus the physiological state of the cultures and the localization of the BAS within the cells are important determinants for optimization of the isolation process. It follows that all stages of a technological process for the production of BAS, i.e. biosynthesis, chemical isolation, etc., should be interrelated for a successful outcome.
Protein adsorption to hydrophobic Zeolite Y: salt effects and application to protein fractionation
Authors: Ghose S. , Mattiasson B.
Published: October 2023

The binding equilibria of proteins with a hydrophobic variety of crystalline Zeolite Y is affected by salt and is a function of the type of salt and its concentration. The behaviour does not always follow the conventional pattern of increased binding at high salt concentrations and varies also for the different proteins involved. The overall process may be looked upon as a salting‐in/salting‐out mechanism. This material can be used as a surface for the selective adsorption of proteins and has been applied for the fractionation of ox heart homogenate in multi‐stage operations. The presence of NaCl influences the protein binding, and this can be seen by monitoring the activity profile of lactate dehydrogenase. The bound protein can be reversed by treating the equilibrium mixture with low‐molecular‐mass poly(ethylene glycol)s.
Immobilization and stabilization of invertase using specific polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Jafri F. , Husain S. , Saleemuddin M.
Published: October 2023

Antisera raised in rabbits to baker's‐yeast invertase significantly activated the enzyme in vitro. The antisera contained precipitating antibodies, a significant fraction of which appeared to be directed against the glycosyl residues of the enzyme. Invertase could be immobilized as insoluble enzyme antibody adducts or by binding to a Sepharose matrix precoupled with the gamma‐globulin fraction derived from the antisera. The immobilized invertase preparations exhibited high enzyme activity and had markedly enhanced thermal stability, which could be further improved by cross‐linking with glutaraldehyde.
Transforming growth factors beta: conformational stability and features of the denaturation of recombinant human transforming growth factors beta 2 and beta 3
Authors: Runser S. , Cerletti N.
Published: October 2023

Transforming growth factors beta (TGF‐beta) are cytokines with multiple biological activities. Their development as biopharmaceutical drugs targets the control of complex physiological processes such as osteogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation. We report here the first characterization of the recombinant human (rh) TGF‐beta 2 and rhTGF‐beta 3 isoforms in terms of their conformational stability and structural transitions induced by a chaotrope or temperature. The transitions detected by CD spectroscopy suggested that thermal denaturation of both TGF‐beta isoforms apparently fitted a simple two‐state (N<==>D) model. However, the ratios of calorimetric to van't Hoff enthalpies, significantly different from unity, indicated that these molecules most probably consist of independently denaturing subdomains. The complex transitions induced by guanidine hydrochloride, at pH 1.8 or 8.0, also suggested intermediately denatured structures. Thermodynamic stabilities under pH conditions useful for bioprocessing were derived from spectroscopic and calorimetric measurements. Treatment of thermal denaturation data by van't Hoff analysis yielded, for the beta 2 and beta 3 isoforms respectively, apparent delta G(25 degrees C, pH 1.8) of 20.4/17.2 kJ/mol and 17.5/18.6 kJ/mol (near‐UV CD/far‐UV CD data) in 20 mM hydrochloric acid, and apparent delta G (25 degrees C, pH 3.0) of 35.1 and 33.5 kJ/mol in 0.25 M acetic acid (calorimetric data). Neither low‐pH‐induced denatured states nor soluble aggregates were detected in both acidic solvents. The spectroscopic and thermodynamic data should be useful for assessing the homogeneity and proper folding of these recombinant molecules.
A Career Plundered
Authors: Maltsberger John T.
Published: October 2023

Dr. Margaret Bean‐Bayog, a Boston psychiatrist, was sued by the Lozano family after a former patient, Paul Lozano, committed suicide. The case was widely and sensationally publicized in the newspapers and other media. A combination of inaccurate reporting, inept proceedings by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, and the threat of ruinous legal fees led Dr. Bean‐Bayog to surrender her license to practice medicine. Facts that were not reported in the press were described in Dr. Maltsberger's address, delivered on April 15, 1992, at the annual AAS meeting in San Francisco. The implications for therapists attempting to treat seriously suicidal patients in the current hostile forensic climate were further discussed. The text of the address is presented here.
Some Controversies in Suicidology: Toward a Mentalistic Discipline
Authors: Shneidman Edwin S.
Published: October 2023

The main assertion in this paper is thatpsychache(mental pain) has a life of its own and is separate from the study of the brain, the organ that cradles the processes of the mind. No amount of biologicizing or medicalizing suicide can gainsay the fact that the human impulse of self‐destruction is a decision of mind to put an end to the flow of its own unbearable conscious contents, to stop the psychache. The explanations for suicidal actions lie in the Oxford English Dictionary, not in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Unless suicidology asserts and maintains the position that suicide is essentially psychachical, that the main focus of suicidal action is in the mind (as opposed to the mind's somatic abode, the brain), it will lose its identity and its usefulness. This is not just a quarrel over professional territory, money, or power; it is a philosophic war, a fight for the very soul of suicidology–and of the mind.
Characteristics of Completed Suicides: Implications of Differences Among Methods
Authors: Fischer Ellen P. , Comstock George W. , Monk Mary A. , Sencer David J.
Published: October 2023

Approximately 30% of suicides in New York City are the result of jumping from a height. After describing jumping suicides and jumping sites, we used polychotomous logistic regression to compare the characteristics of suicides by jumping to those of individuals committing suicide by hanging, ingestion, or shooting. Method used was significantly associated with sociodemographics, occupation, and mental health status, even after adjustment for individual access to the means of committing suicide. Our finding of an independent association between personal characteristics and method used provides strong evidence for the hypothesis that controlling access to an agent of suicide can influence overall suicide rates, at least in the short term. Study results support the introduction of preventive programs to control access to commonly employed agents of suicide.
An Evaluation of Postvention Following Adolescent Suicide
Authors: Hazell Philip , Lewin Terry
Published: October 2023

This study sought to evaluate postvention provided to two schools following student suicides. A risk index for suicidal behavior among exposed adolescents was devised. The index clearly differentiated high (n = 272) and low (n = 534) scorers on a range of outcome variables. While two‐thirds of students attending postvention counselling had two or more putative risk factors for suicidal behavior, a further 231 uncounselled students had similar risk scores. Counselled students (n = 63) did not differ from matched controls (n = 63) at 8‐month follow‐up on a range of outcome variables. Measures to improve future postvention are discussed.
Solid‐state NMR for the analysis of interface excesses in Li‐doped MgAl2O4 nanocrystals
Authors: Bernardes André A. , da Silva Andre L. , Bettini Jefferson , Freitas Jair C. C. , Castro Ricardo H. R. , Gouvêa Douglas
Published: October 2023

Interface segregation plays a governing role in nanocrystalline ceramics properties due to the relative increase in the interfacial volume fraction. However, due to the complexity of the detection and quantification of interfacial excesses at the nanoscale, the role of ionic dopants or additives on microstructural evolution and thermodynamics can be easily underestimated. In this work, we address the spatial distribution of Li+ as a dopant in magnesium aluminate spinel nanoparticles. This is achieved through a novel method for the detection and quantification of Li+ across the surface, grain boundary, and bulk (crystal lattice). Based on selective lixiviation combined with chemical analysis, we were able to quantify the amount of Li+ forming surface excess, whereas the quantitative solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance technique enabled the quantification of Li+ segregated in the grain boundaries and dissolved in the lattice. This comprehensive understanding of the Li+ distribution across the nanoparticles makes possible an unprecedented interpretation of coarsening and sintering, with a clear correlation between the microstructure and the Li+ distribution. Although the work focuses on MgAl2O4, the proposed combination of techniques is expected to have a positive impact on the understanding of other multicomponent nanoscale systems.
A roadmap for pyrodiversity science
Authors: Steel Zachary L. , Miller Jesse E. D. , Ponisio Lauren C. , Tingley Morgan W. , Wilkin Kate , Blakey Rachel , Hoffman Kira M. , Jones Gavin
Published: October 2023

Background

Contemporary and projected shifts in global fire regimes highlight the importance of understanding how fire affects ecosystem function and biodiversity across taxa and geographies. Pyrodiversity, or heterogeneity in fire history, is often an important driver of biodiversity, though it has been largely overlooked until relatively recently. In this paper, we synthesise previous research to develop a theoretical framework on pyrodiversity–biodiversity relationships and propose future research and conservation management directions.

Theoretical Framework

Pyrodiversity may affect biodiversity by diversifying available ecological niches, stabilising community networks and/or supporting diverse species pools available for post‐fire colonisation. Further, pyrodiversity's effects on biodiversity vary across different spatial, temporal and organismal scales depending on the mobility and other life history traits of the organisms in question and may be mediated by regional eco‐evolutionary factors such as historical fire regimes. Developing a generalisable understanding of pyrodiversity effects on biodiversity has been challenging, in part because pyrodiversity can be quantified in various ways.

Applying the Pyrodiversity Concept

Exclusion of Indigenous fire stewardship, fire suppression, increased unplanned ignitions and climate change have led to dramatic shifts in fire regimes globally. Such shifts include departures from historic levels of pyrodiversity and add to existing challenges to biodiversity conservation in fire‐prone landscapes. Managers navigating these challenges can be aided by targeted research into observed contemporary pyrodiversity–biodiversity relationships as well as knowledge of historical reference conditions informed by both Indigenous and local ecological knowledge and western science.

Future Research Directions

Several promising avenues exist for the advancement of pyrodiversity science to further both theoretical and practical goals. These lines of investigation include but are not limited to (1) testing the increasing variety of pyrodiversity metrics and analytical approaches; (2) assessing the spatial and temporal scale‐dependence of pyrodiversity's influence; (3) reconstructing historical pyrodiversity patterns and developing methods for predicting and/or promoting future pyrodiversity; and (4) expanding the focus of pyrodiversity science beyond biodiversity to better understand its influence on ecosystem function and processes more broadly.
Predicting time‐management skills from learning analytics
Authors: van Sluijs Maarten , Matzat Uwe
Published: October 2023

Background

Technological innovations such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) are becoming more and more prevalent in the learning environments of students. Distilling and acting on knowledge gathered from these systems, the field known as learning analytics, allows educators to hone their craft and support students more effectively by providing timely interventions.

Objectives

While most learning analytics studies focus on using LMS data to predict performance, this study instead predicts students' self‐reported time‐management skills using trace data from the Canvas LMS. This is done for courses at one Dutch technical university with in total 462 students.

Methods

Linear regression and multi‐level regression models are constructed using both theory and findings from previous research. The predictions made by these models are compared to previously filled in questionnaire data to validate the results.

Results

Our results show that models can be constructed and time‐management can be predicted for individual courses. Furthermore, there are several predictors that are significant in multiple models. However, these models and predictions are not immediately transferable to other courses.

Conclusions

The study therefore emphasizes the need for further research, using multiple sources of data or more theoretically grounded predictors, to investigate the extent of the portability issues with these predictive models. Despite this we were able to predict the students' self‐reported time‐management skills in multiple different courses using Learning Analytics, and managed to identify multiple consistently predictive trace data variables.
The HOPE Asia Network consensus on blood pressure measurements corresponding to office measurements: Automated office, home, and ambulatory blood pressures
Authors: Shin Jinho , Wang Ji‐Guang , Chia Yook‐Chin , Kario Kazuomi , Chen Chen‐Huan , Cheng Hao‐Min , Fujiwara Takeshi , Hoshide Satoshi , Huynh Minh Van , Li Yan , Nagai Michiaki , Nailes Jennifer , Park Sungha , Siddique Saulat , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Tomitani Naoko , Tsoi Kelvin , Turana Yuda , Verma Narsingh , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Zhang Yuqing
Published: October 2023

For adopting recently introduced hypertension phenotypes categorized using office and out of office blood pressure (BP) for the diagnosis of hypertension and antihypertension drug therapy, it is mandatory to define the corresponding out of office BP with the specific target BP recommended by the major guidelines. Such conditions include white‐coat hypertension (WCH), masked hypertension (MH), white‐coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH), and masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH). Here, the authors review the relevant literature and discuss the related issue to facilitate the use of corresponding BPs for proper diagnosis of WCH, MH, WUCH, and MUCH in the setting of standard target BP as well as intensive target BP. The methodology of deriving the corresponding BP has evolved from statistical methods such as standard deviation, percentile value, and regression to an outcome‐based approach using pooled international cohort study data and comparative analysis in randomized clinical trials for target BPs such as the SPRINT and STEP studies. Corresponding BPs to 140/90 and 130/80 mm Hg in office BP is important for safe and strict achievement of intensive BP targets. The corresponding home, daytime, and 24‐h BPs to 130/80 mm Hg in office BP are 130/80, 130/80, and 125/75 mm Hg, respectively. However, researchers have found some discrepancies among the home corresponding BPs. As tentative criterion for de‐escalation of antihypertensive therapy as shown in European guidelines was 120 mm Hg in office BP, corresponding home, daytime, and 24‐h systolic BPs to 120 mm Hg in office systolic BP are 120, 120, and 115 mm Hg, respectively.
Gender gaps in legal education: The impact of class participation assessments
Authors: Khoo Kenneth , Neo Jaclyn
Published: October 2023

The gender gap is a well‐studied phenomenon in education policy. Although prior research has illustrated the presence of this gap in US Law Schools, questions remain as to whether these findings are generalizable to other jurisdictions where national, cultural, historical, institutional, and societal norms are substantially different. In this article, we investigate the presence and nature of a gender gap in one of Asia's leading law schools, the National University of Singapore (“NUS Law”). Employing a novel dataset with granular data on student, instructor, course, and component characteristics, we provide evidence that the gender gap persists over numerous cohorts of students. Despite controlling for a wide range of covariates such as standardized entry scores, income proxies, and a large array of fixed effects, female students at NUS Law systemically underperform their male counterparts across numerous metrics of law school performance. To investigate potential causal mechanisms behind the gender gap, we exploit a natural experiment in which NUS Law randomly assigned first‐ and second‐year students to a range of compulsory courses with different class participation assessment weights. We provide evidence that female students who were assigned to courses with larger class participation weights had relatively lower class participation scores when compared to their male counterparts. Our work suggests that pedagogical policy should consider the choice of assessment modes with a view to narrowing the gender gap in legal education. Our study is distinctive within existing studies on the relationship between gender and class participation in legal education as it utilizes a comprehensive dataset of student scores, instead of relying on observational studies and self‐reporting surveys which are more commonly used.
Patterns of hyperostosis during the ontogenic development of Atlantic spadefish (Broussonet, 1782) in Brazilian coast
Authors: Tuna Fernando A. P. , Calixto Flávia A. A. , Cordeiro Woodson L. , Luz Marcelline , Mesquita Eliana F. M.
Published: October 2023

Marine teleost species of commercial interest are often reported with hyperostosis, an osteological condition that results in bone thickening. Various specimens of Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (n = 86) obtained from artisanal fishermen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were radiographed and assessed to detect the occurrence of hyperostosis across four different size classes. Of the examined individuals, 58.62% displayed signs of hyperostosis, which manifested in eight skeletal regions, notably in the supraoccipital crest, cleithrum and supraneural areas. In the vertebral column, hyperostosis was more frequently observed in haemal spines than in neural spines, predominantly between the sixth and eighth caudal vertebrae. The smallest size class (<200 mm total length) showed a low frequency of hyperostosis at 7.89%. This frequency escalated for larger classes, reaching 94.12% in individuals measuring 200–300 mm in total length and was observed in all individuals exceeding 300 mm. Hyperostosis exhibited an ontogenetic development pattern, where both the occurrence frequencies and the sizes of the affected bones expanded in proportion to the fish size. This is the first description of the hyperostosis pattern of development for the species, an important commercial resource.
Successful perinatal management of a woman with congenital factor XIII deficiency using recombinant factor XIII: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ito Yuya , Tsuji Shunichiro , Kasahara Makiko , Tokoro Shinsuke , Murakami Takashi , Takayama Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Factor XIII deficiency is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, occurring in 1 of 3–5 million people, and is associated with perinatal complications, such as habitual abortion and prolonged bleeding. Although plasma‐derived factor XIII (Fibrogamin®) carries a risk of infection and contains very low concentrated forms of factor XIII (FXIII) used for a pregnant woman with congenital coagulation factor XIII deficiency, recombinant factor XIII (rFXIII, Novo Thirteen®; Tretten®, Novo Nordisk, Bagsværd, Denmark), which has no risk of infection and is highly concentrated, has emerged as a novel formulation. Herein, we report the first case of a Japanese pregnant woman with congenital coagulation factor XIII deficiency successfully managed by rFXIII. She had a good perinatal course without pregnancy‐related complications and transfusion through the perinatal period.
Whether and How We Will Continue to Reproduce Ourselves
Authors: Kao Grace Y.
Published: October 2023

The author examines two open questions for religious ethicists: whether continuing to have children is a bad idea, given the challenges of antinatalism and climate change, and how we should evaluate the future of reproductive technology. Kao responds to these questions without resolving them by drawing upon human rights, the reproductive justice framework, and principles of social justice.
Foetal Exposure to Air Pollution and Students' Cognitive Performance: Evidence from Agricultural Fires in Brazil*
Authors: Carneiro Juliana , Cole Matthew A. , Strobl Eric
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the impact of foetal exposure to air pollution from agricultural fires on Brazilian students' cognitive performance later in life. We rely on comparisons across children who were upwind and downwind of the fires while in utero to address concerns around sorting and temporary income shocks. Our findings show that agricultural fires increase , resulting in significant negative effects on pupils' scores in Portuguese and Maths in the grade through prenatal exposure. Back‐of‐the‐envelope calculations suggest that a 1% reduction in from agricultural burning has the potential to increase later life wages by 2.6%.
Virtual prayers and real violence: Religion as a resource in challenging times
Authors: LeBaron Michelle , Senbel Maged
Published: October 2023

This article examines how to better understand and respond to conflicts with religious dimensions in times of social upheaval. Through different lenses, we highlight the dynamism and multidimensionality of religions, and how conflict transformation scholar/practitioners need to respond. We argue for applying analytical, practical, and arts‐based tools that acknowledge the lived experiences of parties, and the various ways that religion and conflict intertwine. These tools prime analysts and negotiators for imagining a wider range of intervention resources, and for de‐escalating often‐inflammatory media coverage. Using examples of restrictions and reactions related to the COVID‐19 pandemic, we demonstrate the application of an inclusive worldview approach featuring arts tools to improve interventions in conflicts with religious dimensions.
The state and the environment: Environmental policy and performance in 37 countries 1970–2010
Authors: Duit Andreas , Lim Sijeong , Sommerer Thomas
Published: October 2023

The limitations and possibilities of the state in solving societal problems are perennial issues in the political and policy sciences and increasingly so in studies of environmental politics. With the aim of better understanding the role of the state in addressing environmental degradation through policy making, this article investigates the nexus between the environmental policy outputs and the environmental performance. Drawing on three theoretical perspectives on the state and market nexus in the environmental dilemma, we identify five distinct pathways. We then examine the extent to which these pathways are manifested in the real world. Our empirical investigation covers up to 37 countries for the period 1970–2010. While we see no global pattern of linkages between policy outputs and performance, our exploratory analysis finds evidence of policy effects, which suggest that the state can, under certain circumstances, improve the environment through policy making.

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Båtstrand, Sondre. 2015. “More than Markets: A Comparative Study of Nine Conservative Parties on Climate Change.” Politics & Policy 43(4): 538–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12122.

Tawiah, Vincent. 2022. “Does Political Ideology Affect the Stringency of Environmental Policy?” Politics & Policy 50(3): 631–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12465.

Viniegra, María Eugenia Ibarrarán, and Salimah Mónica Cossens González. 2007. “Climate Change Research and Policy in Mexico: Implications for North American Security.” Politics & Policy 35(4): 684–701. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00080.x.
Regulatory roles of microRNA163 in responses to stresses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kok Zhenyuan , Kuo Yun‐Wei , Soh Zhi Thong , Huang Hao‐Chen , Tseng Bo‐Shun , Hsieh Hung‐Cheng , Tsai Wei‐An , Jeng Shih‐Tong , Chen Shi‐Peng , Lin Jeng‐Shane
Published: October 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs that participate in various biological processes by silencing target genes. In Arabidopsis, microRNA163 (miR163) was found to be involved in seed germination, root development, and biotic resistance. However, the regulatory roles of miR163 remain unclear. In the current study, the mir163 mutant was investigated to comprehensively understand and characterize its functions in Arabidopsis. RNA‐sequencing and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses revealed that miR163 might be involved in “response to stimulus” and “metabolic process”. Interestingly, “response to stress”, including heat, cold, and oxidative stress, was enriched under the subcategory of “response to stimulus”. We observed that miR163 and PXMT were repressed and induced under heat stress, respectively. Furthermore, the study detected significant differences in seed germination rate, hypocotyl length, and survival rate, indicating a variation in the thermotolerance between WT and mir163 mutant. The results revealed that the mir163 mutant had a lesser degree of germination inhibition by heat treatment than WT. In addition, the mir163 mutant showed a better survival rate and longer hypocotyl length under heat treatment than the WT. The metabolomes of WT and mir163 mutant were further analyzed. The contents of benzene derivatives and flavonoids were affected by miR163, which could enhance plants' defense abilities. In conclusion, miR163/targets regulated the expression of stress‐responsive genes and the accumulation of defense‐related metabolites to alter stress tolerance.
Aerial exposure tolerance of juvenile flat oysters (Ostrea angasi) depends on shell length and air temperature
Authors: Overton Kathy , Dempster Tim , Swearer Stephen E. , Morris Rebecca L. , Barrett Luke T.
Published: October 2023

Oyster reefs have declined globally, impacting ecosystem structure, function, and services. The flat oyster Ostrea angasi was a dominant ecosystem engineer throughout southern Australia, forming extensive reefs now diminished to <1% of historical coverage. Restoration of O. angasi has gained traction over the last decade, exclusively in subtidal habitats. However, O. angasi historically occurred in the intertidal zone, which could broaden restoration opportunities and success. There is little information quantifying factors that influence the performance of O. angasi in intertidal habitats. To test survival of O. angasi under thermal and desiccation stress experienced in intertidal habitats under winter, summer, and heatwave conditions, we emersed individuals from three age classes (1, 4, and 7 months old) at air temperatures of 10, 25, or 40°C in a series of laboratory experiments. Oysters exhibited moderate tolerance to exposure, with survival depending on interactions between emersion duration and temperature, and emersion duration and shell length. Survival broadly increased with shell length, but decreased with temperature and emersion duration. We used model predictions from the laboratory experiments to simulate intertidal survival rates at a potential restoration site in southern Australia. The simulation revealed low survival when low tides coincided with heatwaves. Field validation is needed to understand the effects of repeated tidal cycles and other biotic and abiotic influences. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for extending the restoration range of O. angasi into the low intertidal zone and can be considered when mitigating transport‐related mortality during large‐scale restoration.
Discovery of the novel HLA‐C*12:386 allele, a variant of HLA‐C*12:03:01, in a Russian individual
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Sergeeva Iuliia , Andryushkina Anna V. , Shagimardanova Elena I.
Published: October 2023

One nucleotide substitution in codon 281 of HLA‐C*12:03:01:01 results in the novel allele, HLA‐C*12:386.
How do we design a laboratory space for a hospital transfusion medicine service?
Authors: Allen Elizabeth S. , Perez‐Alvarez Ingrid , Woo Jennifer S. , Stephens Laura D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Transfusion service laboratories (TSL) often need to renovate or design new laboratory space, and their leaders must be involved in the complex and multifaceted design process.

Study Design and Methods

This manuscript outlines the design process and considerations for a dedicated TSL space.

Results

Proactive engagement with key collaborators throughout the design process is essential. Major design considerations include physical features such as location, size, service/equipment needs, and zones within the laboratory; intangible issues such as efficiency, well‐being, and disaster planning; and adaptations for suboptimal space and changes over time.

Conclusion

Investing in the design of the laboratory space facilitates high‐quality TSL operations, productivity, customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance, staff well‐being, and most importantly, patient safety.
Relationship between the bacterial ocular surface microbiota and outcomes for cats with feline herpesvirus type 1 ocular surface disease
Authors: Mills Erinn P. , Liu Chin‐Chi , Mironovich Melanie A. , Taylor Christopher M. , Luo Meng , Emelogu Ugochi , Scott Erin M. , Leis Marina L. , Carter Renee T. , Camacho‐Luna Pilar , Lewin Andrew C.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV‐1) causes ocular surface disease in domestic cats. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between bacterial ocular surface microbiota and outcomes for cats with FHV‐1 ocular surface disease.

Animals Studied

Twenty‐two shelter‐housed cats with confirmed FHV‐1 ocular surface disease.

Procedures

Animals were grouped according to FHV‐1 shedding and ocular clinical scores following intervention: worsened outcome (WorOut, n = 11) or improved outcome (ImpOut, n = 11). Scoring and conjunctival sampling were completed on Days 1 and 8 of twice daily antiviral treatment. Bacterial DNA was extracted and submitted for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed for selected bacterial species. Overall DNA concentration between groups was assessed.

Results

Bacterial microbiota relative abundance composition was significantly different between ImpOut and WorOut groups (weighted UniFrac p = .006). Alpha diversity was significantly higher in the ImpOut group compared with the WorOut group (Shannon p = .042, Simpson's p = .022, Pielou's p = .037). Differences in the relative abundance of various phyla and species were detected between groups. Total DNA concentration was higher in the WorOut group compared with the ImpOut group (p = .04). Feline GAPDH (p = .001) and Bilophila wadsworthia (p = .024) copy number was significantly higher in the ImpOut group compared with the WorOut group.

Conclusions

The results highlight the important relationship between the bacterial ocular surface microbiota and FHV‐1 infection outcomes in cats treated with antiviral medications. Low bacterial species diversity, higher overall DNA (presumed predominantly bacterial) load, and certain bacterial phyla/species were associated with poor outcomes for cats with FHV‐1 ocular disease.