bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional studies with IgM and IgA immunoglobulins: binding to pIgR, FcαμR, FcμR, and CDC activities
Authors: Beyer Hanna , Sommerfeld Mark , Grandien Kaj , Faust Christine , Tillmann Bodo , Leuschner Wulf Dirk , Régnier‐Vigouroux Anne , Weil Sandra , Rao Ercole , Langer Thomas
Published: January 2024

IgMs are the first antibodies produced by the immune system upon encounter of a possible pathogen and are one of five antibody subclasses in humans. For IgG, the most intensively studied antibody class, the N‐linked glycosylation site located in the Fc‐domain is directly involved in high affinity binding to the respective receptors and initiation of corresponding immune response. IgM molecules have five N‐glycosylation sites and one N‐glycosylation site in the J‐chain, which can be incorporated in IgM or IgA molecules. There is only limited knowledge available concerning the function of these N‐glycosylations in IgMs. To address this question, we produced IgM molecules lacking a particular N‐glycosylation site and tested these variants as well as IgA molecules for binding to the known receptors: the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), the dual receptor for IgA and IgM, FcαμR, and the specific receptor for IgM, FcμR. The single glycosylation sites did not show an impact on expression and multimerization, except for variant N402Q, which could not be expressed. In SPR measurements, no major impact on the binding to the receptors by particular glycosylation sites could be detected. In cellular assays, deglycosylated variants showed some alterations in induction of CDC activity. Most strikingly, we observed also binding of IgA to the FcμR in the same affinity range as IgM, suggesting that this might have a physiological role. To further substantiate the binding of IgA to FcμR we used IgA from different origins and were able to confirm binding of IgA preparations to the FcμR.
Shades of Grey—The brain in TTP
Authors: Dutt Tina , Toh Cheng‐Hock
Published: January 2024

In their paper, Hannan et al. suggest that new approaches to the management of the acute and remission phases of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura should be considered to address white matter changes seen in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. Timely intervention may have significant implications for the long‐term physical and mental health of patients.

Commentary on: Hannan et al. Cognitive decline in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura survivors: The role of white matter health as assessed by MRI. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1005‐1016.
I am not going to lie; some people do not even want to talk: Co‐design with vulnerable groups affected by child criminal exploitation
Authors: Maxwell Nina , Corliss Cindy
Published: January 2024

Co‐production values lived experience as it promotes individuals as assets and offers insight where little is known about a problem. This paper critically considers the pragmatic approach to co‐design adopted in Wales with young people and parents affected by child criminal exploitation during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It suggests that combining co‐design with data collection facilitated the recruitment, sensitisation and facilitation of vulnerable groups. By placing informed consent at the forefront of co‐design, young people and parents decided how they wanted their voices heard. Further, combining data gathering with co‐design contextualised solution development within their lived experiences. However, embedding these solutions into policy and practice remains subject to existing power imbalances.
Irritable bowel syndrome worsens faecal incontinence after primary repair of major obstetric anal sphincter injuries
Authors: Sarofim Mina , Slaar Annelie , Dermout Sylvia , den Boer Frank , Engel Alexander
Published: January 2024

Aim

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) occur in approximately 3%–6% of vaginal deliveries and are the leading risk factor for late‐onset faecal incontinence, which is an underdiagnosed pathology. The aim of this work was to use a validated scoring system to quantify the effect of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on the severity of faecal incontinence symptoms after primary repair of major OASIS (Grade IIIb–IV).

Method

A prospective cohort study was performed on all women who underwent primary repair of major OASIS over a 6‐year period. They were assessed with ultrasonography within 12 weeks. Two control groups (who did not have OASIS) were women who underwent elective caesarean section and primigravid women. Questionnaires were sent at least 12 months after delivery, or at first consultation for primigravids, which generated the main outcome measures: Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence severity scores and the presence of IBS based on Rome III criteria.

Results

There was a total of 211 patients included in the three groups and the mean follow‐up time was 26 months after sphincter repair. Ultrasonographic sphincter defects were detected in 37% but did not affect the faecal incontinence score (p = 0.47), except in patients with IBS. Within each group, patients with IBS had significantly worse faecal incontinence than those without. Women with both OASIS and IBS had the most severe faecal incontinence scores.

Conclusion

OASIS has a limited negative effect on faecal incontinence, independent of whether residual ultrasonographic sphincter defects are present. However, the presence of IBS has a significant compounding effect on faecal incontinence in OASIS patients. The effect of IBS on faecal incontinence is also notable in caesarean section patients and primigravids, suggesting that IBS is an independent risk‐factor that should have its place in predelivery assessment and counselling.
Is proctoscopy sufficient for the evaluation of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal? A nationwide retrospective analysis of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network Collaborative group (SICO‐CCN)
Authors: Manigrasso Michele , Degiuli Maurizio , Maione Francesco , Venetucci Pietro , Roviello Franco , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Milone Marco ,   SICO‐CCN Collaborative Group
Published: January 2024

Aim

Several methods for assessing anastomotic integrity have been proposed, but the best is yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to compare the different methods to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal.

Method

A retrospective cohort analysis on patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 with a defunctioning stoma for middle and low rectal anterior resection was performed. A propensity score matching comparison between patients who underwent proctoscopy alone and patients who underwent proctoscopy plus any other preoperative method to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal (transanal water‐soluble contrast enema via conventional radiology, transanal water‐soluble contrast enema via CT, and magnetic resonance) was performed.

Results

The analysis involved 1045 patients from 26 Italian referral colorectal centres. The comparison between proctoscopy alone versus proctoscopy plus any other preoperative tool showed no significant differences in terms of stenoses (p = 0.217) or leakages (p = 0.103) prior to ileostomy reversal, as well as no differences in terms of misdiagnosed stenoses (p = 0.302) or leakages (p = 0.509). Interestingly, in the group that underwent proctoscopy and transanal water‐soluble contrast enema the comparison between the two procedures demonstrated no significant differences in detecting stenoses (2 vs. 0, p = 0.98), while there was a significant difference in detecting leakages in favour of transanal water‐soluble contrast enema via CT (3 vs. 12, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

We can confirm that proctoscopy alone should be considered sufficient prior to ileostomy reversal. However, in cases in which the results of proctoscopy are not completely clear or the surgeon remains suspicious of an anastomotic leakage, transanal water‐soluble contrast enema via CT could guarantee its detection.
Transcription factor PBX4 regulates limb development and haematopoiesis in mice
Authors: Ning Yan , Duo Shuguang , Lin Xiwen , Zhang Hongbo , Fei Jifeng , Zhang Bao , Zeng Yanyun , Xie Dan , Chen Jian , Liu Xiaowei , Han Chunsheng
Published: January 2024

The mammalian Pre‐B cell leukaemia transcription factors 1–4 (PBX1‐4) constitutes the PBC class of the homeodomain (HD)‐containing proteins, which play important roles in diverse developmental processes. The functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PBX1‐3 but not PBX4 have been extensively studied, and they have been reported to direct essential morphogenetic processes and organogenesis. In the present study, we generated knockin mice of FLAG‐tagged PBX4 and the Pbx4 knockout (KO) mice and carried out in‐depth characterisation of PBX4 expression and function. PBX4 was initially detected only in the testis among several organs of the adult mice and was expressed in spermatocytes and spermatids. However, no abnormality in spermatogenesis, but growth retardation and premature death after birth were observed in most adult Pbx4 KO mice. These animals were inactive and had shorter hindlimbs and lower numbers of reticulocytes and lymphocytes, probably caused by abnormalities at earlier developmental stages. Pbx4 mRNAs were indeed detected in several embryonic cell types related to limb development by in situ hybridisation and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing analysis. Pbx4 protein was also detected in the bone marrow of adult mice with a lower level compared with that in the testis. PBX4 preferentially binds to the promoters of a large number of genes including those for other HD‐containing proteins and ribosomal proteins whose mutations are related to anaemia. PBX4‐binding sites are enriched in motifs similar to those of other HD‐containing proteins such as PKNOX1 indicating that PBX4 may also act as a co‐transcription factor like other PBC proteins. Together, these results show that PBX4 participates in limb development and haematopoiesis while its function in spermatogenesis has not been revealed by gene KO probably due to the complementary effects of other genes.
Construction of brain metastasis prediction model in limited stage small cell lung cancer patients without prophylactic cranial irradiation
Authors: Guo Jiayi , Liu Jianjiang , Ye Wanli , Xu Jun , Zhong Wangyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yuan Hang , Shi Hao , Li Ting , Xu Yibing , Mao Jiwei , Shen Bin , Wu Dongping
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive lung cancer variant known for its elevated risk of brain metastases (BM). While earlier meta‐analyses supported the use of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) to reduce BM incidence and enhance overall survival, modern MRI capabilities raise questions about PCI's universal benefit for limited‐stage SCLC (LS‐SCLC) patients. As a response, we have created a predictive model for BM, aiming to identify low‐risk individuals who may not require PCI.

Methods

A total of 194 LS‐SCLC patients without PCI treated between 2009 and 2021 were included. We conducted both univariate and multivariate analyses to pinpoint the factors associated with the development of BM. A nomogram for predicting the 2‐ and 3‐year probabilities of BM was then constructed.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed several significant independent risk factors for the development of BM. These factors include TNM stage, the number of chemotherapy (ChT) cycles, Ki‐67 expression level, pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and haemoglobin (HGB) levels. These findings underscore their respective roles as independent predictors of BM. Based on the results of the final multivariable analysis, a nomogram model was created. In the training cohort, the nomogram yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.870 at 2 years and 0.828 at 3 years. In the validation cohort, the AUC values were 0.897 at 2 years and 0.789 at 3 years. The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement between the predicted and observed probabilities of BM.

Conclusions

A novel nomogram has been developed to forecast the likelihood of BM in patients diagnosed with LS‐SCLC. This tool holds the potential to assist healthcare professionals in formulating more informed and tailored treatment plans.
Environmental complexity mitigates the demographic impact of sexual selection
Authors: Berger David , Liljestrand‐Rönn Johanna
Published: January 2024

Sexual selection and the evolution of costly mating strategies can negatively impact population viability and adaptive potential. While laboratory studies have documented outcomes stemming from these processes, recent observations suggest that the demographic impact of sexual selection is contingent on the environment and therefore may have been overestimated in simple laboratory settings. Here we find support for this claim. We exposed copies of beetle populations, previously evolved with or without sexual selection, to a 10‐generation heatwave while maintaining half of them in a simple environment and the other half in a complex environment. Populations with an evolutionary history of sexual selection maintained larger sizes and more stable growth rates in complex (relative to simple) environments, an effect not seen in populations evolved without sexual selection. These results have implications for evolutionary forecasting and suggest that the negative demographic impact of sexually selected mating strategies might be low in natural populations.
Interannual variation in survival of wild Atlantic salmon smolts through a dynamic estuarine habitat
Authors: Barry J. , Fitzgerald C. , Callaghan J. O. , Kennedy R. , Rosell R. , Roche W.
Published: January 2024

Migration timing is critical for diadromous fish, especially for survival. Migration through fresh water and estuarine transitional waterbodies may be an important early life survival bottleneck through potential exposure to anthropogenic pressures and predators. Monitoring smolt movement and survival through riverine and estuarine habitats is important for identifying causes of smolt mortality and the potential for directing focused, mitigating management actions. Acoustic telemetry was used to track 186 Atlantic salmon smolts during migration from the river Boyne to the Irish Sea on the east coast of Ireland during 2019–2021. Migration success from release to sea entry that ranged from 47% to 81% was linked to biotic (predation) and abiotic effects (water flow and water temperature). Predation was associated with interannual variation in smolt survival, with 5.4% of smolts consumed by marine mammals and 26.3% lost to unknown fates. Our findings contribute to the understanding of predation on smolts and also how water temperature, flow and tidal phase can influence this critical life stage of Atlantic Salmon, a species in decline across its range.
Sources of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculturally managed peatlands
Authors: Wang Yuqiao , Calanca Pierluigi , Leifeld Jens
Published: January 2024

The draining and fertilization of peatlands for agriculture is globally an important source of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). Hitherto, the contribution of major sources to the N2O emission—that is, fertilization and nitrogen (N) release from peat decomposition—has not yet been deciphered. This hampers the development of smart mitigation strategies, considering that rewetting to halt peat decomposition and reducing N fertilization are promising N2O emission‐reduction strategies. Here, we used machine learning techniques and global N2O observational data to generalize the distribution of N2O emissions from agriculturally managed peatlands, to distinguish the sources of N2O emissions, and to compare mitigation options. N2O emissions from agriculturally managed croplands were 401.0 (344.5–470.9) kt N year−1, with 121.6 (88.6–163.3) kt N year−1 contributed by fertilizer N. On grasslands, 64.0 (54.6–74.7) kt N2O‐N year−1 were emitted, with 4.6 (3.7–5.7) kt N2O‐N year−1 stemming from fertilizer N. The fertilizer‐induced N2O emission factor ranged from 1.5% to 3.2%. Reducing the current fertilizer input by 20% could achieve a 10% N2O emission reduction for croplands but only 3% for grasslands. Rewetting 1.9 Mha cropland and 0.26 Mha grassland would achieve the same N2O emission reductions. Our results suggest that N2O mitigation strategies for managed peatlands should be considered separately across land‐use types and climatic zones. For croplands, particularly in the tropics, relevant N2O mitigation potentials are achievable through both fertilizer N reduction and peatland rewetting. For grasslands, management schemes to halt peat degradation (e.g. rewetting) should be considered preferentially for mitigating N2O and contributing to meeting climate goals.
Morphological and structural evaluation of spark plasma sintered calcium silicate ceramics
Authors: Kaou Maroua H. , Furkó Mónika , Rachid Ben Zine H. , Balázsi Katalin , Balázsi Csaba
Published: January 2024

Calcium silicate ceramics were successfully prepared at various temperatures by spark plasma sintering technique (SPS) using two different compositions, and their morphological and structural characteristics were thoroughly analyzed and compared by scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and apparent density measurements. The effect of the sintering method and temperature on microstructural properties has also been studied. The sintered samples prepared by SPS through a heat input of 800°C showed the highest densification as results 800°C was suggested as optimum sintering temperature. Different phases presented in pseudo‐wollastonite, wollastonite, and triclinic Ca3(SiO4)O have been observed in the case of 50C50C with lowest porosity and highest density 2.6 g/cm3, whereas the composition 10C90S resulted in a fully amorphous material presented in granular microstructure with density of 1.7 g/cm3.
Material design using calculation phase diagram for refractory high‐entropy ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Arai Yutaro , Saito Manami , Samizo Akane , Inoue Ryo , Nishio Keishi , Kogo Yasuo
Published: January 2024

To achieve Si‐free refractory ceramic matrix composites exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere at approximately 2000°C, a Ti–Zr–Mo ternary alloy melt‐infiltration (MI) method was developed for the production of carbon fiber‐reinforced refractory high‐entropy ceramic matrix composites (C/RHECs), with high‐entropy carbides serving as the matrix. This approach was designed using calculation phase diagrams (CALPHADs) and the calculation of thermodynamic parameters. The combination of CALPHAD and the calculation of alloy and carbon reactivity enabled the prediction of reaction and infiltration behavior into a preform comprising carbon fiber, carbon black, and transition metal carbide powders. Furthermore, C/RHECs featuring a (Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Nb, Mo)C matrix were experimentally fabricated through the Ti–Zr–Mo alloy MI method in accordance with the design. The arc‐wind tunnel tests on the C/RHECs conducted at approximately 2000°C revealed surfaces covered with complex oxides. The apparent oxidation rate of the C/RHECs was similar to that of Si‐containing ceramics and composites. These results indicate that complex oxides act as a barrier to oxygen diffusion toward unoxidized regions, making Si no longer essential for protecting materials from oxidation above 2000°C.
The role of emotions in food consumption choice: Systematic review and directions for future studies
Authors: Khoshghadam Leila , Rajabi Reza
Published: January 2024

Marketing researchers have extensively studied the causal influence of emotional state on food consumption. The present study offers a comprehensive systematic review of 111 articles related to the effect of emotions on unhealthy consumption over the past three decades—from 1993 to 2023. Applying the bibliometric coupling method identifies four main research themes in the marketing discipline: emotional eating: food as a coping mechanism, emotional eating: food as a reward, emotional eating: emotion as a multidimensional structure, and emotional eating: moderating effects of food sensory cues. Theoretical richness within each cluster is presented. In addition, the findings indicate that the marketing discipline has mainly relied on the proximate reasoning approach—explaining the causation and development of consumers' behavior—to describe the association between emotional state and food consumption choices. To broaden the scope of each research theme, we adopt the ultimate approach—explaining why a behavior exists—and focus on why unhealthy food consumption becomes a pattern of behavior. This study concludes by discussing the findings and offering several avenues for future research.
Oral habits, sociopsychological orthodontic needs, and sociodemographic factors perceived by caregivers impact oral health‐related quality of life in children with and without autism?
Authors: da Silva Gustavo Correia Basto , Firmino Ramon Targino , Nóbrega Waleska Fernanda Souto , d'Ávila Sérgio
Published: January 2024

Background

Caregivers play a crucial role in assessing the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Aim

This study assessed the impact of sociodemographic and oral conditions on OHRQoL and family dynamics in young individuals with and without autism, as perceived by guardians.

Design

This comparative cross‐sectional study included young individuals aged 6 to 14 years and their guardians. Data were collected at a specialized institution and dental schools. Guardians completed the Parental‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P‐CPQ), Family Impact Scale (FIS), and sociodemographic and oral habits questionnaires. The sociopsychological need for orthodontic treatment was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

Results

The sample included 144 youths and caregivers. The ASD group had higher P‐CPQ and FIS scores. Factors associated with poorer perceived OHRQoL included higher youth age, lower caregiver education, higher IOTN scores, teeth clenching (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.01–1.41), and lip sucking. Lower parental education (RR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.10–2.80) and higher IOTN scores from the caregiver's perspective impacted family dynamics.

Conclusion

Caregivers of young individuals with ASD perceived a lower OHRQoL, and families in this group were more affected by sociodemographic and oral conditions.
Effect of planned school breaks on student absenteeism due to influenza‐like illness in school aged children—Oregon School District, Wisconsin September 2014–June 2019
Authors: He Cecilia , Norton Derek , Temte Jonathan L. , Barlow Shari , Goss Maureen , Temte Emily , Bell Cristalyne , Chen Guanhua , Uzicanin Amra
Published: January 2024

Background

School‐aged children and school reopening dates have important roles in community influenza transmission. Although many studies evaluated the impact of reactive closures during seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks on medically attended influenza in surrounding communities, few assess the impact of planned breaks (i.e., school holidays) that coincide with influenza seasons, while accounting for differences in seasonal peak timing. Here, we analyze the effects of winter and spring breaks on influenza risk in school‐aged children, measured by student absenteeism due to influenza‐like illness (a‐ILI).

Methods

We compared a‐ILI counts in the 2‐week periods before and after each winter and spring break over five consecutive years in a single school district. We introduced a “pseudo‐break” of 9 days' duration between winter and spring break each year when school was still in session to serve as a control. The same analysis was applied to each pseudo‐break to support any findings of true impact.

Results

We found strong associations between winter and spring breaks and a reduction in influenza risk, with a nearly 50% reduction in a‐ILI counts post‐break compared with the period before break, and the greatest impact when break coincided with increased local influenza activity while accounting for possible temporal and community risk confounders.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that brief breaks of in‐person schooling, such as planned breaks lasting 9–16 calendar days, can effectively reduce influenza in schools and community spread. Additional analyses investigating the impact of well‐timed shorter breaks on a‐ILI may determine an optimal duration for brief school closures to effectively suppress community transmission of influenza.
The influence of minimally invasive esophagectomy on wound infection in patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Guo Dongming , Liao Fei , Yang Lin , Liu Bowei , Chen Longqi
Published: January 2024

The impacts of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) in comparison with open esophagectomy (OE) on postoperative complications, wound infections and hospital length of stay in patients with esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) using meta‐analysis to provide reliable evidence for clinical practice. A search strategy was developed and computer searches were performed on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for clinical studies that reported the effects of MIE in comparison with OE in patients with ESCA. The retrieval time was from their inception to October 2023. Two authors independently performed literature screening, and data extraction and literature quality evaluation were performed separately for the included studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Overall, 26 studies with 2427 ESCA patients were included in this study, of which 1203 were in the MIE group and 1224 were in the OE group. The results showed that, compared with OE, ESCA patients who underwent MIE were less likely to develop postoperative wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.20–0.49, p < 0.001) and complications (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.18–0.30, p < 0.001) and have a shorter hospital stay (standardized mean difference = −1.93, 95% CI: −2.38 to −1.48, p < 0.001). MIE has advantages over OE in terms of shorter hospital stay and reduced incidence of postoperative wound infections and complications.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a smartphone‐based educational intervention on the outcomes of children's burns: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bagheri Toolaroud Parissa , Nabovati Ehsan , Akbari Hossein , Tamimi Pegah , Mobayen Mohammadreza , Rangraz Jeddi Fatemeh
Published: January 2024

Children's burns are a major public health concern due to their long‐term physical, psychological, and social impacts, as well as their high financial burden. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone‐based educational program on outcomes of children with severe burns. This study was designed as a double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the effectiveness of a developed mobile application. A total of 93 participants were included in the final analysis. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control groups. Participants in both groups received usual self‐care training at discharge, but those in the intervention group used an Android‐based application for 2 months. The primary goal of the burn application was scar recovery, and the secondary goals were to increase child caregivers' satisfaction rate and decrease unplanned hospital readmissions. Data collection was conducted using valid and reliable questionnaires. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The study showed that the mobile application significantly affected the frequency of patient visits to the burn clinic and the satisfaction of caregivers of children with burns with the treatment process (p‐value <0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between the duration of application use and wound healing status ((p‐value <0.001). These findings suggest that smartphone‐based educational programs can be valuable for optimizing care for children with severe burns. Further research is warranted to explore the long‐term impact of this intervention and its potential application in different healthcare settings.
Tall fescue tiller survival over summer in a subtropical environment: The role of the size and depth of root systems
Authors: Jáuregui J. M. , Michelini D. F. , Sevilla G. H. , Berhongaray G. , Berone G. D. , Baudracco J. , Chilibroste P. , Agnusdei M. G. , Lattanzi F. A.
Published: January 2024

Pasture persistence is a key determinant of the economic and environmental performance of pastoral animal production systems. Large and deep root systems that help resist summer water stress have been proposed as a relevant trait for vegetative persistence of perennial temperate forage species growing in subtropical climates or under future climatically challenging scenarios. In a previous study [Jauregui et al., 2017. Persistence of tall fescue in a subtropical environment: Tiller survival over summer in response to flowering control and nitrogen supply. Grass and Forage Science 72, 454–466] we have shown that nitrogen fertilization and grazing management aimed at ‘control flowering’ increased the survival of tall fescue tillers during harsh summers in Uruguay (lat. 32°S). Here we assessed: (i) to what extent tiller survival is mediated by root system size in spring and (ii) what consequences tiller survival entails for root mass, depth and morphology the following autumn. In two field experiments, significant increases in tiller survival in response to nitrogen fertilization and grazing management (+60% and +80% in 2011/12 and 2012/13, respectively) were not related to concomitant effects on the size or depth of the root system in spring (p > .10). Even when six‐fold within‐treatment variation in root mass was observed, within‐treatment variation in summer tiller survival was little affected (<15%, p = .08). In turn, differences in tiller survival over summer affected little root system characteristics the following autumn. Therefore, we found scant support for the hypothesis that large and deep root systems contribute to survival of tall fescue tillers in this subtropical humid climate. Except for soils with less than 30 mm of plant available water holding capacity, summer water deficits did not induce severe tiller mortality in tall fescue in this climate.
Enhanced thermal shock resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3‐C refractories via CNTs/MgAl2O4 whiskers composite reinforcement
Authors: Feng Chunzhuo , Xiao Guoqing , Ding Donghai , Lei Changkun , Lv Lihua , Chong Xiaochuan , Feng Yuan , Zou Chao
Published: January 2024

The CNTs/MgAl2O4 whiskers composite reinforcement was prepared by catalytic carbon‐bed sintering and added to low‐carbon Al2O3‐C refractories to enhance the thermal shock resistance of refractories. The effects of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O content on the phase and microstructure of CNTs/MgAl2O4 were investigated. The nano‐indentation technology was used to quantitatively evaluate the effect of CNTs/MgAl2O4 on the thermal shock resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3‐C refractories, and the toughening mechanism of CNTs/MgAl2O4 on refractories was further investigated. The results revealed that the inner and outer diameters of the CNTs were approximately 5.69 and 16.26 nm, respectively. The CNTs winded around interlocking structural MgAl2O4 whiskers with a high aspect ratio (>100), which was beneficial to the dispersion of CNTs in the refractory matrix. The thermal shock resistance of low‐carbon Al2O3‐C refractories was significantly improved by adding 3.0 wt.% of CNTs/MgAl2O4 (named C3). The specific fracture energy of refractory matrix and residual strength ratio of C3 reached 141 N·m−1 and 39.2%, which were 29.4% and 97.0% higher than those of the blank sample (109 N·m−1 and 19.9%), respectively. This is because the refractory matrix was significantly reinforced by CNTs and MgAl2O4 whiskers, promoting the occurrence of “bridging” and “crack deflection” and the generation of microcracks in the refractory matrix.
Nanolearning approach in developing professional competencies of modern students: Impact on self‐regulation development
Authors: Radzitskaya Yadviga , Islamov Artem
Published: January 2024

Nanolearning represents an educational methodology rooted in personalisation and the individualisation of the educational process, leveraging contemporary information technologies. Nanolearning, closely intertwined with self‐regulated learning, entails an individual's capacity to plan, monitor and regulate their learning process, objectives and strategies. In nanolearning, information is presented in small, discrete fragments, necessitating students to autonomously manage their time and educational progress, thereby determining when and what to study. Nanolearning and TikTok can synergistically intersect, yielding innovative pedagogical approaches. TikTok, a popular social platform for sharing concise video clips, introduces a novel mode of information dissemination and interpersonal communication.

Background

The introduction of a flexible education system that meets the individual requirements of a student is a burning need of our time. The study hypothesis is as follows: Will nanolearning be able to change the self‐regulatory competence of the experiment participants and how exactly?

Objectives

The current study aimed to determine nanolearning effectiveness in the context of students' self‐regulation development.

Methods

This was done using a self‐regulation questionnaire addressed to a sample of 120 students of the Kokshetau University named after A. Myrzakhmetov. As a nanolearning platform, this study benefited from the TikTok app.

Results

The results showed that the experimental group achieved significantly higher scores than the control group on goal setting, environmental structuring, task strategies, time management, help‐seeking and self‐evaluation.

Conclusions

The results obtained can help develop a set of activities for the optimisation of the educational process to improve student professional competence.
The use of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for in situ microbial detection in complex mineral substrates
Authors: Chmykh Yekaterina , Nadeau Jay L.
Published: January 2024

The utility of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for identifying bacteria in complex mineral matrices was investigated. Baseline signals from unlabelled Bacillus subtilis and Euglena gracilis, and Bacillus subtilis labelled with SYTO 9 were obtained using two‐photon excitation at 730, 750 and 800 nm, identifying characteristic lifetimes of photosynthetic pigments, unpigmented cellular autofluorescence, and SYTO 9. Labelled and unlabelled B. subtilis were seeded onto marble and gypsum samples containing endolithic photosynthetic cyanobacteria and the ability to distinguish cells from mineral autofluorescence and nonspecific dye staining was examined in parallel with ordinary multichannel confocal imaging. It was found that FLIM enabled discrimination of SYTO 9 labelled cells from background, but that the lifetime of SYTO 9 was shorter in cells on minerals than in pure culture under our conditions. Photosynthetic microorganisms were easily observed using both FLIM and confocal. Unlabelled, nonpigmented bacteria showed weak signals that were difficult to distinguish from background when minerals were present, though cellular autofluorescence consistent with NAD(P)H could be seen in pure cultures, and phasor analysis permitted detection on rocks. Gypsum and marble samples showed similar autofluorescence profiles, with little autofluorescence in the yellow‐to‐red range. Lifetime or time‐gated imaging may prove a useful tool for environmental microbiology.

LAY DESCRIPTION: The standard method of bacterial enumeration is to label the cells with a fluorescent dye and count them under high‐power fluorescence microscopy. However, this can be difficult when the cells are embedded in soil and rock due to fluorescence from the surrounding minerals and dye binding to ambiguous features of the substrate. The use of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) can disambiguate these signals and allow for improved detection of bacteria in environmental samples.
Molecular prognostic of nine parthanatos death‐related genes in glioma, particularly in COL8A1 identification
Authors: Fan Shuangshi , Li Hao , Liu Kun
Published: January 2024

Post‐operative progression and chemotherapy resistance are the main causes of treatment failure in glioma patients. There is a lack of ideal prediction models for post‐operative glioma patient progression and drug sensitivity. We aimed to develop a prognostic model of parthanatos mRNA biomarkers for glioma outcomes. A total of 11 parthanatos genes were obtained from ParthanatosCluster database. ConsensusClusterPlus and R “Limma” package were used to cluster The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐glioma cohort and analyze the differential mRNAs. Univariate Cox regression analysis, random survival forest model, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were used to determine the nine ParthanatosScore prognostic genes combination. ParthanatosScore was verified by 656 patients and 979 patients in TCGA and CGCA‐LGG/GBM datasets. Differences in genomic mutations, tumor microenvironments, and functional pathways were assessed. Drug response prediction was performed using pRRophetic. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was analyzed. Finally, COL8A1 was selected to evaluate its potential biological function and drug sensitivity of temozolomide and AZD3759 in glioma cells. ParthanatosScore obtained a combination of nine glioma prognostic genes, including CD58, H19, TNFAIP6, FTLP3, TNFRSF11B, SFRP2, LOXL1, COL8A1, and FABP5P7. In the TCGA‐LGG/GBM dataset, glioma prognosis was poor in high ParthanatosScore. Low‐score glioma patients were sensitive to AZD3759_1915, AZD5582_1617, AZD8186_1918, Dasatinib_1079, and Temozolomide_1375, while high‐score patients were less sensitive to these drugs. Compared with HA cells, COL8A1 was significantly over‐expressed in LN229 and U251 cells. Silencing COL8A1 inhibited the malignant characterization of LN229 and U251 cells. Temozolomide and AZD3759 also promoted parthanatos gene expression in glioma cells. Temozolomide and AZD3759 inhibited COL8A1 expression and cell viability and promoted apoptosis in glioma cells and PGM cells. ParthanatosScore can accurately predict clinical prognosis and drug sensitivity after glioma surgery. Silencing COL8A1 inhibited the malignant characterization. Temozolomide and AZD3759 inhibited COL8A1 expression and cell viability and promoted apoptosis and parthanatos gene expression, which is a target to improve glioma.
Organizations as Algorithms: A New Metaphor for Advancing Management Theory
Authors: Glaser Vern L. , Sloan Jennifer , Gehman Joel
Published: January 2024

According to the ‘Point’ essay, management research's reliance on corporate data threatens to replace objective theory with profit‐biased ‘corporate empiricism’, undermining the scientific and ethical integrity of the field. In this ‘Counterpoint’ essay, we offer a more expansive understanding of big data and algorithmic processing and, by extension, see promising applications to management theory. Specifically, we propose a novel management metaphor: organizations as algorithms. This metaphor offers three insights for developing innovative, relevant, and grounded organization theory. First, agency is distributed in assemblages rather than being solely attributed to individuals, algorithms, or data. Second, machine‐readability serves as the immutable and mobile base for organizing and decision‐making. Third, prompting and programming transform the role of professional expertise and organizational relationships with technologies. Contrary to the ‘Point’ essay, we see no theoretical ‘end’ in sight; the organization as algorithm metaphor enables scholars to build innovative theories that account for the intricacies of algorithmic decision‐making.
The use of model samples in the process of selection of sensory panel to assess cosmetic products
Authors: Turek Pawel , Kowalska Małgorzata
Published: January 2024

The article discusses an innovative approach to the formation of a sensory panel formed for the purpose of evaluating cosmetic products. Model samples of cosmetic emulsions are proposed, which should help in the initial selection and training of sensory panelists, in order to improve the precision of evaluations. Simple and easily reproducible emulsions (comprising rapeseed oil, sunflower lecithin, water, and xanthan gum) were formulated to represent a specific level of variability associated with a particular property, such as thickness. To confirm that the ability to rank the produced emulsions can be considered a criterion for selecting individuals for the sensory panel—resulting in greater consistency of results—tests involving moisturizing creams were conducted. The study's findings demonstrate that the novel approach to candidate selection, through the assessment of model emulsion consistency, is both effective and justified. This method has the potential to enhance recruitment efficiency by identifying individuals with a high ability to evaluate cosmetic emulsions.

Practical Applications

Those who benefit from the work include professionals and researchers dedicated to enhancing sensory panel selection processes. The main goal was to optimize the sensory panel selection and training process. Reference samples help determine whether potential members have the right skills and potential for sensory evaluation. Selecting individuals with a greater aptitude for assessments based on the sense of touch can be particularly valuable for companies operating in industries where the sensory quality of products is important.
The invisible hand of touch: Testing a tactile sensation‐choice satisfaction model in online shopping
Authors: Shaban Aya , Saraeva Anastasiya , Rose Susan , Clark Moira
Published: January 2024

This study tests a model of the relationship between online store sensory environments and consumer responses using the stimulus‐organism‐response paradigm. The aim is to (a) examine the ability of three online product presentation formats (OPPFs) to induce tactile sensations, (b) identify the effect of tactile sensations upon choice satisfaction, and (c) examine the mediating role of cognitive effort and affective experience. Videos are found to induce the greatest tactile sensations followed by zoom image, whereas static image is found to induce the least. Furthermore, the more tactile sensations consumers experience while shopping online, the higher their emotional experience, resulting in lower cognitive effort and higher consumer choice satisfaction. Affective experience is found to mediate the tactile sensations and choice satisfaction relationship. The original contribution of the research is a newly validated model of OPPFs, tactile sensations, customer experience, and choice satisfaction that extends theoretical understanding of variables previously untested.

Practical applications

The study offers practical results from which small to medium sized, or new start‐up, online clothing retailers can benefit. The study shows the advantages of using OPPFs such as videos and zoom images on retail websites to assist shoppers by enhancing the sensory buying experience. Such online retailers may not be able to afford the investment in more complex and costly advanced technologies such as the use of augmented reality in virtual mirroring. The study shows that when online retailers provide videos and/or zoom images on their websites, they allow shoppers to experience greater tactile sensations while evaluating and selecting a product compared to only being able to view it as a static image. Online clothing retailers can continue to rely on these technologies to compensate shoppers for the lack of touch in the online shopping context, which is so important when purchasing clothing.
Prometheus by the Bay: Hollywood and tech capitalism in Silicon Valley
Authors: Street Joe , Hunter Russ
Published: January 2024

A sequence of recent science‐fiction films set in the San Francisco Bay Area suggests that Silicon Valley corporations have become a major concern for Hollywood. These films present Silicon Valley capitalism in thrall to a technological experimentation that prompts disastrous outcomes, which the films collectively argue emerges from the corporations' drive for profit and ignorance of the precautionary principle. Yet Hollywood's response to Silicon Valley involves the valorizing of a kinder, less rapacious capitalism than that of Silicon Valley, a position that prevents a thorough critique of a major challenger to its position within our culture.
Men with nonobstructive coronary disease have higher burden of ischemic heart disease detected by cardiopulmonary exercise test
Authors: Li Siyuan , Yuan Yifang , Zhao Lanting , Lv Tingting , She Fei , Liu Fang , Xue Yajun , Zhou Boda , Xie Ying , Geng Yu , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2024

Background

Nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD), characterized by the presence of myocardial ischemic symptoms and signs without obstructive coronaries, is a common clinical condition, but it is less well understood. Few studies have analyzed the gender differences in inducible myocardial ischemia assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in NOCAD.

Methods

We conducted a study of 289 NOCAD patients (mean age 60, 56% women) with ischemic symptoms and confirmed ⫹50% coronaries stenoses by coronary angiography who underwent symptom‐limited CPET. We assessed ischemic response using predicted % peak VO2, O2 pulse trajectory, and exercise ECG test.

Results

Men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (62% vs. 73%), higher proportions of flattening pattern (16% vs. 2%), and downward patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (2% vs. 0%) (p < .0001) compared with women. In contrast, women with NOCAD had a higher prevalence of shallow patterns of O2 pulse trajectory (21% vs. 6%, p < .0001). Men with NOCAD had a higher risk ischemic profile (medium risk: 63% vs. 54%, high risk: 18% vs. 4%, p < .0001). After adjustment, men with NOCAD had significantly lower predicted % peak VO2 (β −27.4, 95% CI −30.74 to −24.07), higher risk for abnormal O2 pulse trajectories (OR 4.21, 95% CI 1.93 to 9.19), and myocardial ischemia risk per CPET parameters (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.78 to 5.54) (p < .0001).

Conclusion

Men with NOCAD had a higher risk profile for ischemic heart disease per CPET. Therefore, they should receive rigorous management and follow‐up to prevent cardiovascular events.
A Green Wave in Media: A Change of Tack in Stock Markets*
Authors: Bessec Marie , Fouquau Julien
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the impact of environmental news coverage in US newspapers on stock markets. Using textual analysis with a dictionary‐based approach, we obtain several measures of attention, tonality and uncertainty in the coverage of environmental news in major US newspapers. We consider different weighting schemes to account for the visibility and relevance of the text sources, and several sets of newspapers to measure the possible impact of their editorial line. Our results show that greater attention to environmental news in the US media reduced the excess returns of carbon‐intensive stocks and increased their volatility over the last decade, especially when the coverage was uncertain. The opposite result holds for the most virtuous green assets. Restricting the corpus of texts to conservative newspapers mitigates the impact of coverage. Overall, our results illustrate how rising environmental concerns lead investors to change their asset allocation.