bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Localized Responses to Salinity and Drought in Rice Roots
Authors: Chowdery Rukaya Amin , Shashidhar H E , Mathew M K
Published: October 2023

Drought and salt stress are first sensed by the root system of plants. Many physiological responses, including variation in stomatal conductance, are regulated by the stress hormone ABA which is generated in the root and sent up to the shoot which then synthesizes additional ABA to sustain the response. To address whether responses are systemic we have used a split root system, wherein roots are divided into two and each half treated independently to water, salt or drought. Four varieties were examined – the salt tolerant Pokkali, the drought tolerant ARB6 and two sensitive varieties Jaya and IR-20. ABA concentrations in the xylem sap increased dramatically after Day 1 in all four cultivars in response to stress on at least one side the of the split root system. The sensitive varieties appeared to derive much of their nutrition and fluid from the watered side when subjected to asymmetric conditions, whereas roots on the stressed side of tolerant varieties underwent anatomical and physiological modifications facilitating fluid uptake and maintenance of xylem sap flow under these conditions.
Differentiating emotions in the theory of planned behaviour: evidence of improved prediction in relation to sustainable food consumerism
Authors: Martini Mara , La Barbera Francesco , Schmidt Susanna , Rollero Chiara , Fedi Angela
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and its extensions are often used to explain intentions to perform sustainable behaviours. Emotions can provide the impetus for action and should be considered in high-involvement situations, such as sustainable food purchase decisions. Therefore, the aim of this research work was to investigate whether the addition of different types of emotions (self-related, social and pro-active) to the TPB main constructs – attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) – improves the explanation of intention to make two sustainable food purchase choices: purchase Fairtrade (FT) products and purchase through solidarity purchasing groups (SPGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The present investigation was conducted by two studies using online questionnaires and focussing on purchasing FT food products (Study 1) and purchasing food through SPGs (Study 2). Stepwise regression models were run to explain the intention to purchase FT products (Study 1; N = 240) and the intention to purchase through SPGs (Study 2; N = 209).

Findings

Results show that emotions increase the predictive validity of the TPB model. The study also highlights the importance to distinguish between different types of emotions. Amongst those considered in both studies, only pro-active emotions play a significant role in predicting food purchasing intention. Results encourage further investigation of the role of emotions in TPB-based models for predicting sustainable food purchase choices.

Research limitations/implications

The measurement of the three classical antecedents of the TPB model (ATT, SNs and PBC) performed by single items can be considered the main limitation of this work. In future research, instruments made up of more items measuring these three theoretical dimensions should be used. In addition, it would be important to conduct an analysis of the beliefs that determine ATTs, norms and perceived control.

Originality/value

Different from previous studies that considered emotions in extension of the TPB model to explain sustainable behaviours, the present work separately analysed the role of three different kinds of emotions (self-related, social and pro-active) in explaining sustainable food behaviours.
Intrinsic motivation strongly affects the readiness toward circular food consumption: evidence from the motivation–opportunity–ability model
Authors: Raimondo Maria , Spina Daniela , Hamam Manal , D'Amico Mario , Caracciolo Francesco
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study empirically explores the factors that influence consumers’ readiness toward engagement in circular food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model based on the motivation–opportunity–ability (MOA) framework was developed. In addition to all the classical relationships in this theoretical framework, respondents' age and education were added to the model. An online survey was conducted, resulting in an overall sample of 411 Italian participants. Data were statistically analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicated that motivation, opportunity and ability had positive effects on consumers’ readiness toward engagement in circular food consumption (CFC). Of all the constructs, intrinsic motivation had the most significant impact on consumers’ readiness toward engagement in CFC. The results also showed that sociodemographic traits—particularly age and gender—significantly influenced consumer readiness toward engagement in CFC. Practical and policy implications are proposed based on the study findings.

Originality/value

The study analyzes factors influencing consumers' readiness to engage in CFC. While great attention has been paid toward circular economy (CE) implementation in food consumption, empirical evidences on how to prompt the consumers' readiness toward CFC are still lacking. More specifically, the authors explore for the first time, sociopsychological factors affecting consumers' readiness to reduce, reuse and recycle technical components of food products, using the MOA theory as conceptual model.
Co-designing doctoral programs to enhance postgraduate students' employability: insights from industry stakeholders
Authors: Pérez-García Raquel María , Erro-Garcés Amaya , Aramendia-Muneta Maria Elena , López Peláez Antonio
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Doctoral programs play a crucial role in promoting innovation and technology transfer in universities. To design these programs effectively and with a co-design perspective, it is essential to consider all stakeholders involved in the process, including teachers, students and employers. The main objective of this study is to enhance postgraduate programs to improve students' employability.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study was conducted over a three-year period and employed semi-structured interviews as its primary research methodology. In the first phase, 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from various sectors. The second phase involved 20 interviews, and the final phase of the study included 18 interviews with the same managers from previous phases.

Findings

The study's main results revealed that the international networks, language proficiency and analytical skills of doctoral students were highly valued by employers. The main findings come from companies with doctoral students. Therefore, the skills were identified during the learning experience of the PhD graduates in the companies.

Practical implications

The study's results can guide improvements in postgraduate program curricula and design to enhance students' employability.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel approach to its findings. On the one hand, the study's conclusions may provide valuable insights for business agents, encouraging them to hire PhD students. On the other hand, it aims to drive necessary changes that promote more PhD students' focus on non-academic careers, creating significant value for research and innovation in the private sector.
Comparative analysis of intelligent connected vehicle industry in China, United States and European Union from technology lifecycle perspective
Authors: Zhang Hanbo , Qi Yong , Zhang Guiyang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) is an important trend in automobile development, but little research has been conducted on the technological differences in the ICV industry across countries. In this regard, the authors select China, the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) as countries with developed ICV industries to reveal these differences based on the perspective of subdivision technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use logistic regression to fit lifecycles at technology level and country level based on ICV-related patents from China, the US and the EU, then use the Revealed Technological Advantage (RTA) index, Fast-Growing Specialization Index (FGSI) and International Patent Classification (IPC) numbers to conduct comparison of national technology advantages, finally use the social network analysis to investigate the evolution of characteristics and intermediate nodes of each technology innovation network.

Findings

Technology lifecycles vary according to the subdivision technology and country. The global development of the ICV industry has reached the mature stage, and 2030 may be a watershed moment, ushering in a wave of new technology iterations. In various subdivision technologies, China and the US have more leading RTAs, and China and the EU have more leading FGSIs. Innovation networks in different countries expand with technology lifecycles, with that in China being the fastest. China's Universities, the US's enterprises and the EU's research institutes are active in cooperative innovation as intermediaries.

Originality/value

This is the first study to compare the development of the ICV industry in major countries from the perspective of subdivision technology and reveal characteristics of innovation networks in each.
Dynamic control of pollution of municipal solid waste incineration
Authors: Li Hui Jie , Tan Deqing
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate strategies for enhancing pollution oversight by local governments while reducing government-enterprise collusion (GEC) levels. Additionally, the factors influencing pollution control efforts at incineration plants are explored. Potential approaches to improving them and for effectively reducing waste incineration pollution are suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined the most effective methods for mitigating incineration-related pollution and preventing collusion and developed a differential game model involving interactions between local governments and incineration plants. The findings of this work have significant policy implications for central governments worldwide seeking to regulate waste incineration practices.

Findings

The results indicate that, first, elevating environmental assessment standards can incentivize local governments to improve their oversight efforts. Second, collusion between incineration plants and local governments can be deterred by transferring benefits from the plants to the local government, while increased supervision by the central government and the enforcement of penalties for collusion can also mitigate collusion. Third, both central and local governments can bolster their supervisory and penalty mechanisms for instances of excessive pollution, encouraging incineration plants to invest more in pollution control. Finally, when the central government finds it challenging to detect excessive incineration-related pollution, enhancing rewards and penalties at the local government level can be a viable alternative.

Originality/value

This study stands out by considering the dynamic nature of pollutants. A differential game model is constructed which captures the evolving dynamics between local governments and incineration plants, offering insights regarding the prevention of collusion from a dynamic perspective. The findings may provide a valuable reference for governments as they develop and enforce regulations while motivating incineration plants to actively engage in reducing waste-incineration pollution.
Fan identification in football: professional football players and clubs competing for fan loyalty
Authors: Merten Sebastian , Reuland Nicolas , Winand Mathieu , Marlier Mathieu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

In the age of nine-figure transfer fees and football stars building their own brands and follower base, a shift in fan identification in football appears to be taking place as athletes can build strong connections with their followers. This paper examines the level of identification shown by football fans towards both their favourite team and their favourite player, in connection with the concept of fan loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 4,707 international respondents participated in an online survey to examine the relationship between fan identification and fan loyalty, and to measure the impact of variables like country, player, club, on fan identification using multi-regression analyses.

Findings

The results underline the strong presence of team identification compared to identification of single players. Results have also revealed that the relationship between a fan's favourite team and player has a significant impact on identification levels towards both actors. Fans supporting a foreign club were found to show significantly stronger team identification than those who support a club from their own country or region.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the growing body of publications in the field of sports consumer research and underlines the importance of understanding the quality of relationships and thus the identification of fans with clubs and individual players for the stakeholders involved. International sports marketing is becoming increasingly important and an understanding of fan interests is essential for effective marketing, as information on trends in fan interests enables a more tailored strategy for clubs and sponsors.
The prognostic value of F18 Fluorothymidine positron emission tomography for assessing the response of malignant pleural mesothelioma to chemotherapy – A prospective cohort study
Authors: May Isaac J , Nowak Anna K , Francis Roslyn J , Ebert Martin A , Dhaliwal Satvinder S
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is difficult to prognosticate. F18‐Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) shows promise for response assessment but is confounded by talc pleurodesis. F18‐Fluorothymidine (FLT) PET is an alternative tracer specific for proliferation. We compared the prognostic value of FDG and FLT PET and determined the influence of talc pleurodesis on these parameters.

Methods

Overall, 29 prospectively recruited patients had FLT PET, FDG PET and CT‐scans performed prior to and post one chemotherapy cycle; 10 had prior talc pleurodesis. Patients were followed for overall survival. CT response was assessed using mRECIST. Radiomic features were extracted using the MiM software platform. Changes in maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), FDG total lesion glycolysis (TLG), FLT total lesion proliferation (TLP) and metabolic tumour volume (MTV) after one chemotherapy cycle.

Results

Cox univariate analysis demonstrated FDG PET radiomics were confounded by talc pleurodesis, and that percentage change in FLT MTV was predictive of overall survival. Cox multivariate analysis showed a 10% increase in FLT tumour volume corresponded with 9.5% worsened odds for overall survival (P = 0.028, HR = 1.095, 95% CI [1.010, 1.187]). No other variables were significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This is the first prospective study showing the statistical significance of FLT PET tumour volumes for measuring mesothelioma treatment response. FLT may be better than FDG for monitoring mesothelioma treatment response, which could help optimise mesothelioma treatment regimes.
A Five‐stage Evolution of Earth's Phosphorus Cycle
Authors: JIAO Liangxuan , DODD Matthew S. , ALGEO Thomas J. , LI Chao
Published: October 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a key biological nutrient and probably the ultimate limiter of marine productivity during Earth history. In recent years, a wealth of new knowledge has revolutionized our understanding of the global P cycle, yet its long‐term evolution remains incompletely documented. In this paper, we review the effects of three major controlling factors on the long‐term evolution of the global P cycle, i.e., tectonics, marine redox conditions, and bio‐evolution, on the basis of which a five‐stage model is proposed: Stage I (>∼2.4 Ga), tectonic‐lithogenic‐controlled P cycling; Stage II (∼2.4 Ga to 635 Ma), low‐efficiency biotic P cycling; Stage III (∼635 Ma to 380 Ma), transitional biotic P cycling; Stage IV (∼380 Ma to near‐modern), high‐efficiency biotic P cycling; and Stage V (Anthropocene), human‐influenced P cycling. This model implies that the earlier‐proposed Ediacaran reorganization of the marine P cycle may represent only the start of a ∼250–Myr–long transition of the Earth's P cycle (Stage III) between the low‐efficiency biotic mode of the Proterozoic (Stage II) and the high‐efficiency biotic mode of the Phanerozoic (Stage IV). The development of biologically‐driven, high‐efficiency P cycling may have been a key factor for the increasing frequency and volume of phosphorite deposits since the late Neoproterozoic.
Modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors: A better response evaluation criteria for patients with non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer after bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Huang Yubao , Yang Yunkai , Qu Aidong , Li Sixiu , Chen Dandan , Zou Hongxia , Li Songsong , Zhang Yaowen , Zhuang Wei , Su Jing , Zhou Xu , Zhang Yuntao
Published: October 2023

Aim

Cavitation of lesions is common in non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer (non‐squamous‐NSCLC) patients treated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGFRIs). However, traditional response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) do not take cavitation into consideration and may no longer be accurate for potentially reflecting the real clinical efficacy of anti‐vessel growth therapy. Here, we aimed to optimize the traditional RECIST version 1.1 by adding cavitation into the evaluation criteria.

Methods

We performed a post‐hoc radiologic review of 517 patients in a phase III clinical trial of bevacizumab biosimilar (SIBP04) combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of non‐squamous NSCLC. Tumor responses were assessed by RECIST1.1 and mRECIST criteria (modified RECIST, a novel alternate method where the longest diameter of the cavity was subtracted from the overall longest diameter of that lesion to measure target lesions), respectively, and correlated with clinical outcomes.

Results

Cavitations of pulmonary lesions were seen in nine (2%) patients at baseline, and 97 (19%) during treatment. The use of mRECIST resulted in an alteration of the response category. For patients with post‐therapy cavitation, the objective response rate was 56% using RECIST1.1 and 67% by mRECIST. In addition, the survival rates between partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease when the mRECIST was applied were significantly different (p < 0.05), while RECIST1.1 failed to show survival differences (p = 0.218).

Conclusion

For patients with post‐therapy cavitation, mRECIST exhibited higher predictability of survival than RECIST1.1. Response assessment might be improved by incorporating cavitation into assessment, potentially altering outcomes of key clinical efficacy parameters.
Sexualised drug use among gay and bisexual men in New Zealand: Findings from a national cross‐sectional study
Authors: Andrews Samuel , Hammoud Mohamed , Prestage Garrett , Newcombe David , Saxton Peter
Published: October 2023

Introduction

New Zealand has a unique illicit drug market, gay cultures and drug use patterns. Minimal attention has been given to how drug use shapes sexual practice, especially in the era of biomedical HIV prevention among gay and bisexual men (GBM).

Methods

An online cross‐sectional study of GBM (‘Flux NZ’) adapted from an Australian study was undertaken to explore connections between drug use, sexual practice, health and community. We describe drug use patterns, then identify three discrete groups determined by intensity of recent (past 6 months) sexual practice: no recent sex, recent sex and recent sexualised drug use. We examine factors associated with these groups and identify factors independently predicting sexualised drug use.

Results

Of 739 participants, almost a third had engaged in group sex (29%), 17.5% were taking pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 6.5% were HIV positive. Overall, 59.5% had recently used illicit drugs (16.9% methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 6% methamphetamine, 3.3% gamma‐hydroxybutyrate acid, 1.4% ketamine). Sexualised drug use was common (35.7%). Those engaged in sexualised drug use were connected to gay community and had a high uptake of biomedical HIV prevention. Independent predictors of sexualised drug use included being sexually adventurous, knowing their HIV status, having more than 10 recent sexual partners, engaging in group sex and sex at a sex‐on‐site venue.

Discussion and Conclusions

Many GBM engaging in sexualised drug use manage HIV transmission risks through regular testing, PrEP and HIV treatment. HIV prevention efforts should target GBM with less intensive sexual behaviour but who may be at comparatively higher risk of HIV transmission.
Roots selectively decompose litter to mine nitrogen and build new soil carbon
Authors: Ridgeway Joanna , Kane Jennifer , Morrissey Ember , Starcher Hayden , Brzostek Edward
Published: October 2023

Plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere shape carbon and nitrogen cycling in soil organic matter (SOM). However, there is conflicting evidence on whether these interactions lead to a net loss or increase of SOM. In part, this conflict is driven by uncertainty in how living roots and microbes alter SOM formation or loss in the field. To address these uncertainties, we traced the fate of isotopically labelled litter into SOM using root and fungal ingrowth cores incubated in a Miscanthus x giganteus field. Roots stimulated litter decomposition, but balanced this loss by transferring carbon into aggregate associated SOM. Further, roots selectively mobilized nitrogen from litter without additional carbon release. Overall, our findings suggest that roots mine litter nitrogen and protect soil carbon.
A Case of Lichen Planus‐like Keratosis: Deposition of IgM in the Basement Membrane Zone
Authors: Inui Shigeki , Itami Satoshi , Kobayashi Teruaki , Yoshikawa Kunihiko
Published: October 2023

An 81‐year‐old woman presented with a round erythematous macule with keratotic scales on her left hand. The skin specimen histologically showed hypergranulosis and apoptotic keratinocytes in the epidermis with lichenoid infiltration of lymphocytes. Parakeratosis seen in the hyperkeratotic cornified layer indicated lichen planus‐like keratosis, as distinguished from lichen planus. Direct immunofluorescence study revealed the linear deposition of IgM in the basement membrane zone; IgG, IgA and C3 were not detected.
Primary Peritoneal Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Dasari Papa , Devi Sankar
Published: October 2023

A 22‐year‐old primipara using intrauterine contraceptive device was diagnosed to be in haemorrhagic shock due to acute ruptured ectopic pregnancy. At laparotomy, both tubes and ovaries were normal and products of conception were found to be implanted on the posterior surface of uterus near the attachment of right uterosacral ligament producing a haemo‐peritoneum of more than 2 l. This is the fourth case report of primary abdominal pregnancy associated with intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD).
Characterization of a novel stable biocatalyst obtained by protein engineering
Authors: Van den Burg Bertus , De Kreij Arno , Van der Veek Patricia , Mansfeld Johanna , Venema Gerard
Published: October 2023

Protein engineering is a powerful tool for the improvement of the properties of biocatalysts. Previously we have applied protein engineering technologies to obtain an extremely stable variant of the thermolysin‐like protease from Bacillus stearothermophilus [Van den Burg, Vriend, Veltman, Venema and Eijsink (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 95, 2056–2060]. This variant is much more resistant to denaturing conditions (temperature and denaturing agents) than the wild‐type enzyme. An extensive enzymic characterization was undertaken to explore the suitability of the variant as a biocatalyst at high temperatures. By comparing a range of variants with increasing thermal stabilities we show that the additivity of the mutations is accompanied by an increase in activity at elevated temperatures in accordance with the Arrhenius law. The results suggest that the constructed protease variants could be suitable alternatives to proteases that are currently used industrially. Our studies demonstrate how protein engineering can be exploited to obtain high‐performance biocatalysts.
Entamoeba histolytica: a eukaryote with trypanothione metabolism instead of glutathione metabolism
Authors: Ondarza Raul N. , Iturbe Angelica , Hurtado Gerardo , Tamayo Elsa , Ondarza Mauricio , Hernandez Eva
Published: October 2023

Entamoeba histolytica is a human pathogen that lacks the capacity to synthesize glutathione but can incorporate it, from the growth media or presumably from the human host, to form trypanothione [N1,N8‐bis(glutathionyl)‐spermidine conjugate]. This novel thiol compound has previously been found in trypanosomatids, as has its precursor glutathionyl‐spermidine, which was originally detected in Escherichia coli. Previously we showed the presence of these two thiol compounds in extracts from cultures of Entamoeba histolytica HK9. Here we report that when Entamoeba histolytica HK9 is grown in a culture medium that lacks glutathione (treated with the enzyme γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase), trypanothione is not formed, although the trophozoites can continue dividing for at least 60 h but at 25% lower cell density. The finding of a trypanothione metabolism in Entamoeba histolytica raises many questions: one concerns the possibility of a phylogenetic relationship, in this respect, with trypanosomatids such as Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei and Crithidia fasciculata; another concerns its role in cell metabolism; a third concerns it possible use as a target for a rational drug design strategy against this parasite.
The exopolygalacturonase from Aspergillus tubingensis is also active on xylogalacturonan
Authors: Kester Harry C.M. , Benen Jacques A.E. , Visser Jaap
Published: October 2023

Apple‐pectin hairy regions were prepared from apple pectin by combined action of the recombinant Aspergillus niger enzymes endopolygalacturonase II and pectin methylesterase and the A. tubigensis exopolygalacturonase. Using this enzymically prepared pectin fraction, an additional activity of the A. tubigensis exopolygalacturonase was discovered only when the substrate was chemically saponified and when D‐galacturonate, a potent inhibitor of the enzyme, was removed from the incubation mixture. The new reaction product was purified and could be hydrolysed by A. niger β‐xylosidase into D‐galacturonate and β‐D‐xylose in a 1:1 ratio, which identified it as xylogalacturonate. The results demonstrate that exopolygalacturonase is not only active on galacturonan but also on xylogalacturonan. The enzyme thus accomodates a substrate in which the terminal galacturonic acid residue carries a single xylose substitution. The well‐defined substrate specificity of exopolygalacturonase opens the possibility for use of this enzyme in biotechnological applications, such as preparing pectins that are methylated at the non‐reducing end, and for studying the fine structure of xylogalacturonan in pectin.
Expression and purification of a secreted functional mouse/human chimaeric antibody against bacterial endotoxin in baculovirus‐infected insect cells
Authors: Tan Weiqi , Lam Peter H.Y.
Published: October 2023

We have created a mouse/human chimaeric antibody by taking antigen‐binding fragment (Fab) genes of a mouse antibody‐producing hybridoma with specificity for bacterial endotoxin and joining them to human Ig crystallizing‐fragment (Fc) genes using recombinant DNA techniques. This chimaeric antibody has been expressed in Sf21 and High Five™ (BTI‐TN‐5B1‐4) insect cells using the baculovirus expression system, which may allow the mass production of secretory recombinant antibodies. This was achieved by using infection with a double‐recombinant virus containing cDNAs of both the Ig heavy‐chain (HC) and light‐chain (LC) genes. Prior to recombination, each gene was cloned into the dual‐expression baculovirus transfer vector pPLSP2, which permitted the insertion of the LC gene in‐frame with the signal peptide of honey bee melittin downstream of the polyhedrin promoter, and of the HC gene in‐frame with the signal peptide of Bombyx mori larval serum protein downstream of the p10 promoter. Our results showed that the polypeptide chains were secreted by insect cells and correctly assembled into H2L2 heterodimers containing N‐linked carbohydrate at the heavy chain. Furthermore, the recombinant chimaeric antibody exhibited a similar antigen specificity to that of the monoclonal antibody. More importantly, it provides a generic method for the high‐level expression of antibodies.
Hydrolytic action of α‐amylase on high‐amylose starch of low molecular mass
Authors: Rendleman, Jr. Jacob A.
Published: October 2023

High‐amylose starches of low average degree of polymerization (đp 61–71), formed as fine granules by interaction of Bacillus macerans cyclodextrin glucanotransferase with α‐cyclodextrin (CD) at 2–70 °C, are highly insoluble in water and not gelatinizable under normal cooking conditions (100 °C). Samples of CD‐derived starches, both cooked and uncooked, were subjected to hydrolysis in vitro by human salivary α‐amylase at 37 °C under conditions chosen to resemble those in the human intestinal lumen. Released low‐molecular‐mass saccharides were determined quantitatively by HPLC and the results compared with those from similar studies with natural starches. Among uncooked starches, CD‐derived starch showed very low reactivity towards α‐amylase, along with potato starch and a high‐amylose hybrid corn starch (64% amylose). Cooking greatly enhanced reactivity of natural starches, but only moderately increased reactivity of CD‐derived starches. Susceptibility to hydrolysis of cooked starches increased in the following general order: CD‐derived starch (≈100% amylose)<100% corn amylose (isolated by the butan‐1‐ol method)<hybrid high‐amylose corn starch (64–66% amylose)<waxy maize starch (99–100% amylopectin)∼ordinary corn starch (≈25% amylose)<potato starch (≈25% amylose).
Decidual Macrophages Are the Population of Decidual Adherent Cells Which Regulates Perforin Expression in Cytolytic Cells
Authors: Sotošek V. , Laškarin G. , Strbo N. , Dohr G. , Blaschitz A. , Podack E.R. , Rukavina D.
Published: October 2023

PROBLEM: We have shown that addition of decidual adherent cells (DAC) to the culture of decidual lymphocytes (DL) prevents the downregulation of perforin expression in these cells. Because DAC are a mixture of various cell populations, the aim is to analyze immunophenotypic characteristics of DAC and to determine which cell population is involved in the regulation of perforin expression.

METHOD OF STUDY: First trimester pregnancy decidual cells were obtained by enzymatic tissue digestion. Decidual cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were centrifuged on Ficoll‐Hypaque density gradient and cultured overnight to obtain adherent cells, which were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemically.

RESULTS: Almost all peripheral blood adherent cells (PBAC) (ca 90%) expressed monocyte/macrophage markers but only 10–20% of DAC. The rest of DAC expressed markers of stromal cells. HLA‐DR depleted population of DAC (stromal cells only) could not prevent downregulation of perforin expression in cultured DL and PBL.

CONCLUSION: Decidual macrophages are involved in the regulation of perforin expression in DL.
Childhood Stress Leads to Later Suicidality via Its Effect on Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Yang Bin , Clum George A.
Published: October 2023

The present study examined the etiology of suicidal behavior from cognitive and developmental perspectives in a sample of 181 suicidal and nonsuicidal college students. We hypothesized that cognitive functioning would serve as a mediator between early life events and suicidal behavior. The present study examined child maltreatment, family instability, and poor general family environment as early negative life events, and examined self‐esteem, locus of control, hopelessness, and problem‐solving deficits as cognitive factors. In addition, individuals' perceived social support before age 18 and current social support and life stress were also examined in relation to the preceding variables. A series of structural equation analyses indicated that early negative life events have a mild impact on suicidal behavior, but a stronger impact on cognitive deficits, which in turn have a strong impact on suicidal behavior.
Suicide Planning among High School Students Who Report Attempting Suicide
Authors: Simon Thomas R. , Crosby Alex E.
Published: October 2023

Using a nationally representative sample of 16,296 high school students, we examined those who reported attempting suicide but did not report a suicide plan in the past 12 months. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that the 15% of attempters who did not report planning were as likely to receive medical treatment after their attempt as the attempters who did report planning. They also were more likely than nonideators and less likely than attempters who reported planning to report substance use and weapon carrying. All attempters, regardless of planning, were at high risk for fighting. Additional effort is needed to understand and prevent unplanned suicide attempts.
Prevalence of Suicide Programs in Schools and Roadblocks to Implementation
Authors: Hayden Davis C. , Lauer Paige
Published: October 2023

We surveyed all school districts in Washington State for information on the prevalence of suicide programs and on major roadblocks to implementing programs. With 163 districts responding (62%), we found that the majority did not have suicide programs or policies and procedures. The largest perceived roadblock was insufficient staff and the greatest perceived need was more information. Although establishing policies and procedures is considered by many as a necessary first step to establishing suicide programs, we did not find schools choosing this option as often as others. This raises questions as to what are effective ways to have schools start suicide programs. We analyzed the data by school district size and by the title of the staff member making the report. We discuss the implications of these findings as well as the need for further efforts to develop appropriate programs for schools.
Mediating Effects of an Indicated Prevention Program for Reducing Youth Depression and Suicide Risk Behaviors
Authors: Thompson Elaine A. , Eggert Leona L. , Herting Jerald R.
Published: October 2023

This study explored the intervention processes of an indicated prevention program for high‐risk youth. It was hypothesized that intervention effects would be influenced by the direct and mediating effects of teacher social support on both peer group support and perceived personal control. In turn, personal control was hypothesized to mediate between teacher and peer group support, contributing to reductions in depression and suicide risk behaviors. The hypotheses were tested using a three‐wave, longitudinal design incorporating data from preintervention, 5‐month follow‐up, and 10‐month follow‐up assessments of 106 high‐risk youth divided into three comparison groups: two experimental, one control. For the two intervention groups, there were direct and/or indirect effects of teacher and peer group support on personal control, depression, and suicide risk behaviors. The general hypothesis that personal control mediates between support resources and reductions in depression and suicide risk behaviors received partial support across the study groups.
Fifty Years of Prison Suicide in Austria: Does Legislation Have an Impact?
Authors: Fruehwald Stefan , Frottier Patrick , Eher Reinhard , Ritter Kristina , Aigner Martin
Published: October 2023

The absolute and relative frequency of suicides in jails and prisons in Austria over the 50 years from 1947 to 1996 is described. Important legislational changes regarding the criminal justice system are discussed with regard to possible consequences for the incidence of prisoners' suicides. Within the five decades a significant increase in the absolute numbers of jail and prison suicides was evident in spite of the considerable decrease in the total inmate population. Therefore, the suicide rate of inmates of correctional facilities increased significantly. Possible reasons for this phenomenon are discussed in relation to changes of the criminal law.
Suicidal Behavior and Prophylactic Lithium Treatment of Major Mood Disorders: A Review of Reviews
Authors: Schou Mogens
Published: October 2023

This paper briefly summarizes and discusses at length two recent reviews. Their main findings were the following: (1) During prophylactic lithium treatment the overall mortality of patients with major mood disorders was much lower than in such patients in general. (2) The frequency of suicidal acts was many times lower in patients on lithium than in patients not on lithium. The limitations of the studies reviewed and the difficulty of interpreting their findings are discussed. It is concluded that prophylactic lithium treatment is indicated in patients with major mood disorders who are at high risk of committing suicide, that is, those with severe depressions or depressions with persistent suicidal thoughts or with suicide attempts in the past.
Collaborating to Prevent Suicide: A Clinical‐Research Perspective
Authors: Jobes David A.
Published: October 2023

It is argued that suicidality is essentially a relational phenomenon; the presence or absence of certain key relationships paradoxically can be both suicide causing and suicide preventive. The relational aspects of suicide are especially poignant in clinical work with suicidal patients. However, when suicidality is involved, there are a number of issues that can interfere with effective clinical practice. Fortunately, a new paradigm has begun to emerge in contemporary clinical suicidology, which objectifies suicidality and emphasizes the phenomenology of suicidal states. Moreover, from an increasingly empirical perspective, this approach is creating new and better ways to effectively assess and treat suicidal conditions.
The Suicidal Mode: A Cognitive‐Behavioral Model of Suicidality
Authors: Rudd M. David
Published: October 2023

This article discusses the theoretical foundation and potential clinical application of the suicidal mode, a cognitive behavioral theory of suicidality. The model presented represents a specific elaboration of Beck's modal theory of psychopathology. In addition to discussing the fundamental requirements of a theory of suicidality, the theoretical assumptions of the suicidal mode are identified, its component parts defined, its inherent strengths emphasized, and its application in clinical settings detailed. Definition of a modal theory of suicidality represents the growing influence of cognitive‐behavioral theory in efforts at psychotherapeutic integration in clinical suicidology.
Cognitive Distortions in the Poetry of Anne Sexton
Authors: Wedding Danny
Published: October 2023

Cognitive therapists have described cognitive distortions that are frequently associated with depression. These distortions include arbitrary inference, selective abstraction, overgeneralization, magnification and minimization, personalization, and dichotomous thinking, which are often present in suicidal individuals. This article suggests it is useful to conceptualize cognitive distortions in literary terms and uses the professional oeuvre of confessional poet Anne Sexton to identify salient examples.
Suicide: A 15‐Year Review of the Sociological Literature Part II: Modernization and Social Integration Perspectives
Authors: Stack Steven
Published: October 2023

This article reviews the findings of 84 sociological studies published over a 15‐year period. These studies deal with tests of the modernization and/or social integration perspectives on suicide. Research on modernization, religious integration, and political integration often questioned or reformulated the traditional Durkheimian perspective. A major new theoretical development, Pescosolido's religious networks perspective, gained some empirical support in the 15‐year period. The strongest support for social integration theory came from research on marital integration, wherein more than three quarters of the research found a significant relationship. Finally, further research on migration, a force lowering social integration, continued to tend to find a positive link to suicide.
Cultural Orientation, Family Cohesion, and Family Support in Suicide Ideation and Depression among African American College Students
Authors: Harris Treniece Lewis , Molock Sherry Davis
Published: October 2023

This study extends previous research by examining the role of communalism, family cohesion, and family support in suicide ideation and depression in African American college students. Participants were 188 African American introductory psychology students (126 female, 61 male) from a historically black college.1 Results showed that communalism, family cohesion, and family support were positively associated with each other. Higher levels of family cohesion and family support were associated with lower levels of suicide ideation and depression. Linear regression analyses showed a main effect for communalism and family support. Having strong communal values was positively related to suicide ideation and depression. Having strong family support was associated with fewer experiences of suicide ideation and depression. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that family support explained more variance in suicide ideation and depression than family cohesion. Implications of these results for future research and practice are discussed.
Domestic Violence, Separation, and Suicide in Young Men with Early Onset Alcoholism: Reanalyses of Murphy's Data
Authors: Conner Kenneth R. , Duberstein Paul R. , Conwell Yeates
Published: October 2023

Partner violence and partner separation at the time of completed suicide were investigated in 42 male alcoholics originally described by Murphy (1992). Half of the men had domestic violence histories. Partner‐violent men were younger, had an earlier age of onset of alcoholism, and were more likely to be separated from their partner at the time of death than partner‐nonviolent men. Loss of a close personal relationship, often a domestic partner, is common during the last year of life among alcoholic men completing suicide. Domestic violence appears to typify many of their domestic relationships, particularly among younger men and men with early onset alcoholism.
Prison Suicides in Austria, 1975–1997
Authors: Fruehwald Stefan , Frottier Patrick , Eher Reinhard , Gutierrez Karin , Ritter Kristina
Published: October 2023

Suicide prevention in custody is hampered by the lack of funds and professional staff. In order to evaluate the prison suicide phenomenon, a study was conducted evaluating all suicides that occurred in Austrian prisons between 1975 and 1997 (n = 220). In addition to evaluating the number of male versus female suicides, the preferred suicide methods were studied, as well as suicide risk of different circumstances of custody. Suicide rates of distinguishable, important subgroups of prisoners were calculated. The suicide rate for prisoners on remand was 236.0 per 100,000, and for offenders classified as mentally ill it was 205.4 per 100,000. That is about 8 times higher than the suicide rate in Austria's general population (1975–1997: 24.6 per 100,000). The suicide rate for sentenced offenders was 81.3 per 100,000, about twice the suicide rate in Austria's general male population. We recommend that psychologists or psychiatrists concentrate on the suicide prevention of high‐risk offenders after screening the newly admitted offenders for their propensity to suicide.
The Multi‐Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale: Further Validation with Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Osman Augustine , Gilpin Andrew R. , Panak William F. , Kopper Beverly A. , Barrios Francisco X. , Gutierrez Peter M. , Chiros Christine E.
Published: October 2023

The present study was designed to examine the construct validity and psychometric properties of the Multi‐Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale in adolescent psychiatric inpatients. This new scale has four subscales: attraction to life, repulsion by life, attraction to death, and repulsion by death. Confirmatory factor analysis of the scale items provided support for the fit of the 28‐item, four‐factor model. Results of logistic regression analyses revealed that high scores on the repulsion by life and the attraction to death subscales were useful in assessing the risk for suicide attempts. Results of the hierarchical regression analysis showed that high repulsion by life and low attraction to life subscale scores contributed to the prediction of scores on the suicide probability scale. We also examined gender differences on the four subscales and the psychological correlates of each subscale.
Crisis Communication: Conceptualizing the Efficacy of Information Source Credibility on Crisis Message Acceptability and Reputation Sustainability
Authors: Dominic Egede Dominion , Mahamed Mastura , Abdullah Zulhamri , Hashim Norliana Binti , Uwadiegwu Inyama Victor
Published: October 2023

Recent studies have shown that social media users' perception of message acceptance and compliance during a crisis depends on its source credibility, and this has been relatively underexplored in the crisis communication context. The credibility of social media/information sources influences the users' attitudes and information quality, public engagement, and information believability during a crisis. In response to crisis communication, scholars revealed that despite the wide use of SCCT by crisis communication researchers, the theory still has limitations in evaluating factors that could potentially affect an organizational reputation. Response source credibility is a factor that influences crisis response strategies and sustains reputation. During emergencies, unreliable and untrustworthy sources of information and media coverage of content perceived as threatening can elicit aversive emotions, such as distress, depression, and mental damage, and further generate more crises. This study proposes a conceptual model for the efficacy of source credibility on message (crisis response) acceptability and reputation sustainability. To monitor the streams of research conducted on source credibility, the authors used the Scopus database to examine the numbers of research on source credibility in the domain of crisis communication and subject areas. The results revealed that the perceived information source credibility during a crisis influences message acceptance and mediates the relationships between crisis response strategies and reputation. The paper will help the crisis management team appreciate the value of source credibility and save reputation during a crisis.