bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The brassinosteroid receptor geneBRI1safeguards cell-autonomous brassinosteroid signaling across tissues
Authors: Blanco-Touriñán Noel , Rana Surbhi , Nolan Trevor M. , Li Kunkun , Vukašinović Nemanja , Hsu Che-Wei , Russinova Eugenia , Hardtke ChrisHan S.
Published: May 2024

Brassinosteroid signaling is essential for plant growth as exemplified by the dwarf phenotype of loss-of-function mutants inBRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1), a ubiquitously expressed Arabidopsis brassinosteroid receptor gene. Complementation of brassinosteroid-blind receptor mutants byBRI1expression with various tissue-specific promoters implied that local brassinosteroid signaling may instruct growth non-cell-autonomously. Here we performed such rescues with a panel of receptor variants and promoters, in combination with tissue-specific transgene knockouts. Our experiments demonstrate that brassinosteroid receptor expression in several tissues is necessary but not sufficient for rescue. Moreover, complementation with tissue-specific promoters requires the genuineBRI1gene body sequence, which confers ubiquitous expression of trace receptor amounts that are sufficient to promote brassinosteroid-dependent root growth. Our data, therefore, argue for a largely cell-autonomous action of brassinosteroid receptors.
Incorporating knowledge for joint Chinese word segmentation and part-of-speech tagging with SynSemGCN
Authors: Tang Xuemei , Wang Jun , Su Qi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Recent trends have shown the integration of Chinese word segmentation (CWS) and part-of-speech (POS) tagging to enhance syntactic and semantic parsing. However, the potential utility of hierarchical and structural information in these tasks remains underexplored. This study aims to leverage multiple external knowledge sources (e.g. syntactic and semantic features, lexicons) through various modules for the joint task.

Design/methodology/approach

We introduce a novel learning framework for the joint CWS and POS tagging task, utilizing graph convolutional networks (GCNs) to encode syntactic structure and semantic features. The framework also incorporates a pre-defined lexicon through a lexicon attention module. We evaluate our model on a range of public corpora, including CTB5, PKU and UD, the novel ZX dataset and the comprehensive CTB9 dataset.

Findings

Experimental results on these benchmark corpora demonstrate the effectiveness of our model in improving the performance of the joint task. Notably, we find that syntax information significantly enhances performance, while lexicon information helps mitigate the issue of out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words.

Originality/value

This study introduces a comprehensive approach to the joint CWS and POS tagging task by combining multiple features. Moreover, the proposed framework offers potential adaptability to other sequence labeling tasks, such as named entity recognition (NER).
The synergy effect of agricultural dual-scale management on farmers' income: evidence from rural China
Authors: Yin Guanqiu , Xu Xia , Piao Huilan , Lyu Jie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the synergy effect of agricultural dual-scale management (ADM) on farmers' total household income, its heterogeneous effects and its mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs a theoretical analysis framework based on the division of labor and synergy theory, empirically assesses the impact of ADM on farmers' income, and further discusses the heterogeneity and mechanisms using the propensity score matching (PSM) and quantile treatment effect (QTE) models. Data is collected from 1,076 households across 4 cities in Liaoning Province of China in 2021.

Findings

ADM can improve the total household income of farmers, and the impact force is greater than that of the single-scale management mode. ADM is more conducive to improving the income of farmers with low income and low labor endowment. Moreover, ADM can improve agriculture production efficiency, increase net grain production income. Nevertheless, it has no significant effect on farmers' off-farm employment income.

Originality/value

Previous studies have mainly focused on the income effect of land scale management or service scale management. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the synergy effect of ADM on farmers' income in China. It provides new insights into the process of agricultural production and management mode transitions in rural China.
Optimizing time and cost in construction projects with a hybridized multi-verse optimizer and opposition-based learning
Authors: Pham Vu Hong Son , Nguyen Dang Nghiep Trinh , Nam Nguyen Van
Published: May 2024

Purpose

For successful management of construction projects, a precise analysis of the balance between time and cost is imperative to attain the most effective results. The aim of this study is to present an innovative approach tailored to tackle the challenges posed by time-cost trade-off (TCTO) problems. This objective is achieved through the integration of the multi-verse optimizer (MVO) with opposition-based learning (OBL), thereby introducing a groundbreaking methodology in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to develop a new hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm. This is achieved by integrating the MVO with OBL, thereby forming the iMVO algorithm. The integration enhances the optimization capabilities of the algorithm, notably in terms of exploration and exploitation. Consequently, this results in expedited convergence and yields more accurate solutions. The efficacy of the iMVO algorithm will be evaluated through its application to four different TCTO problems. These problems vary in scale – small, medium and large – and include real-life case studies that possess complex relationships.

Findings

The efficacy of the proposed methodology is evaluated by examining TCTO problems, encompassing 18, 29, 69 and 290 activities, respectively. Results indicate that the iMVO provides competitive solutions for TCTO problems in construction projects. It is observed that the algorithm surpasses previous algorithms in terms of both mean deviation percentage (MD) and average running time (ART).

Originality/value

This research represents a significant advancement in the field of meta-heuristic algorithms, particularly in their application to managing TCTO in construction projects. It is noteworthy for being among the few studies that integrate the MVO with OBL for the management of TCTO in construction projects characterized by complex relationships.
Closing the gender wage gap in the boardroom: the role of compliance with governance codes
Authors: Melón-Izco Álvaro , Bañuelos Campo Arkaitz
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the gender wage gap (GWG) in the board of directors at the executive-director level. The authors aim to answer two questions: (1) Is the GWG explained by differences between males and females, by discriminatory causes or by both? and (2) what are the main factors that cause or increase the existence of GWGs? Specifically, the authors pay special attention to compliance with good governance codes as a fundamental variable in explaining the GWG.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of directors in Spanish companies listed on the continuous market from 2013 to 2021 and uses Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition and unconditional quantile regressions to analyse the GWG.

Findings

The findings demonstrate both discriminatory reasons and differences between individuals when explaining the GWG and showing that compliance with remuneration practices issued by good governance codes considerably reduces the GWG for all remuneration components.

Practical implications

The study confirms adequacy of regulator remuneration recommendations but highlights GWG persistence within boards. To counter this, enforcing pay transparency aids female directors’ advancement, reducing bonuses’ impact on wage disparity, necessitating monitored laws for fairer compensation systems and meeting 40% of women directors’ proposals.

Social implications

Primarily, this study significantly influences public attitudes towards GWG. Specifically, it calls for companies to not only increase female leadership representation but also to ensure equitable remuneration aligned with their male counterparts, conduct regular pay equity assessments, implement pay transparency policies and support work-life balance through flexible hours and parental leave. Furthermore, the work serves as a crucial resource for female directors, empowering them to advocate for their rights in the context of GWG.

Originality/value

This research offers nuanced insights into the GWG in corporate boards, corrects the main limitations of previous studies and calls for regulatory reinforcement and the active involvement of female directors and firms in creating equitable policies.
Regional distribution of housing types and characteristics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Dano Umar Lawal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore and analyze the disparities in the distribution of housing types and characteristics among households in Saudi Arabia, taking into consideration the regional perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative data obtained from the General Authority for Statistics, specifically from the Saudi 2022 Statistical Census. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) as well as inferential statistics, including correlation analysis (Pearson correlation) and t-tests.

Findings

The study found a distinct preference among Saudis for villas, with 85.3% choosing this housing type, while only 14.7% of non-Saudis opted for villas. The statistical analysis confirmed the significance of housing type for Saudi citizens (t = 2.561, p = 0.037), while non-Saudis did not show a statistically significant preference (t = 1.703, p = 0.132). The Pearson correlation results revealed a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.641, p = 0.009) between regional landmass and the number of houses, and a very strong positive relationship (r = 0.984) between population and the number of houses across the 13 regions. As expected, with increasing population, there was a significant increase in the number of houses (p = 0.001).

Originality/value

This study fills a research gap by investigating regional disparities in housing characteristics in Saudi Arabia. The findings are valuable for policymakers, housing developers and the housing market in understanding these disparities. The insights from this research can inform decision-making to promote equitable access to housing types and foster social inclusivity in the housing sector.
Ways to relieve anxiety: Chinese consumers’ perceptions of paid digital knowledge products
Authors: Jin Jie , Chen Huan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore why Chinese consumers pay for digital content products by investigating the experiences of Chinese consumers living in first-tier and second-tier cities regarding paid digital knowledge products.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 19 in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data, and the phenomenological reduction was adopted to analyze data.

Findings

This study reveals that Chinese consumers use paid digital knowledge products to alleviate stress and anxiety stemming from real-life competition and the fear of falling behind. While consumers acknowledge the limited assistance that paid knowledge products can offer, their acceptance and expectations of paid digital knowledge products remain positive.

Originality/value

Paid digital knowledge represents an innovative phenomenon, with few scholars outside China having studied it. This study contributes a conceptual framework to understand the motivations of Chinese consumers with high purchasing power residing in first-tier and second-tier cities to invest in digital content.
Enhancing concrete’s durability with graphene nano platelets insights on its freeze–thaw performance
Authors: Shah Suehail Aijaz , Tantray Manzoor Ahmad , Banday Jan Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Durability of concrete can be enhanced by reducing the pore size/volume of pores or by entrapping the pores. This can be achieved by adding concrete admixtures that have particle size finer than cement. In this study, GNP, having particle size much smaller than cement, has been introduced/added to concrete mix to control the pore size in concrete to tape out the contribution of GNP in the durability enhancement of concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

Different concrete mixes, at various water–cement ratios and amounts of graphene, have been manufactured to produce concrete containing three different %ages of GNP, i.e. 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. To demonstrate the effect on durability of the concrete through the addition of GNP, these concrete samples have been subjected to repeated Freeze-Thaw cycles. Followed by testing after 28 days of curing, including weight loss, water absorption and strength, which are directly related to the durability aspect of concrete.

Findings

It has been observed that the addition of GNP to concrete mixes reduces the weight loss and pore size distribution and enhances tensile and compressive strength of concrete, thereby increasing the durability of concrete in unfavorable circumstances like freeze-thaw i.e. alternate hot and cold weather conditions.

Originality/value

This investigation presents original piece of experimental work conducted on modified concrete (GNP-based concrete). The aim is to construct the civil infrastructure in deep-cold region with increased life span and better performance.
Convergent validity of two adult self‐report sensory scales: Comparing the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and the Sensory Processing Measure 2–Adult Form
Authors: Skocic Daniela , Brown Ted , Yu Mong‐Lin , Reed Kirk
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapists use standardised scales and measures to assess an individual's sensory processing factors. To date, few studies have investigated the correlations between the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP) and the Sensory Processing Measure 2–Adult Form (SPM‐2‐Adult). The aim of the project is to investigate the association between the sensory processing factors measured by the A/ASP and SPM‐2‐Adult when completed by the same group of adult participants, with an additional research question investigating whether any significant differences existed between sensory processing scores based on participants' self‐reported gender identity.

Methods

Forty‐two adults aged 18–30 completed the A/ASP and the SPM‐2‐Adult. Associations between the A/ASP quadrant and the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales were examined using Spearman's rho correlation coefficients, and differences between participants based on their self‐reported gender identity were investigated using Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales ranging from weak (rho = 0.342, p < 0.027) to strong (rho = 0.790, p < 0.001) correlations. The A/ASP Sensation Seeking quadrant subscale was only significantly correlated with the SPM‐2‐Adult Social Participation subscale (rho = −0.416, p = 0.006). Three subscales had statistically significant differences based on gender identity: SPM‐2‐Adult Vision (p = 0.007), SPM‐2‐Adult Sensory Total (p = 0.048), and A/ASP Sensory Sensitivity (p = 0.043).

Consumer and Community Involvement

Consumers and community members were not involved in the design, execution, or write‐up of the study results.

Conclusion

The A/ASP and the SPM‐2‐Adult had several subscales that were significantly correlated with one another. Of note, significant associations were achieved between the A/ASP Low Registration, Sensory Sensitivity, and Sensation Avoiding quadrant subscales and all nine of the SPM‐2‐Adult subscales. These findings make a significant preliminary contribution to the psychometric body of evidence related to the sensory processing assessment of adults.
A Proposal to Extend Universal Insurance to Dental Care in Australia
Authors: Clarke Philip , Cutler Henry
Published: May 2024

The debate over universal dental insurance in Australia has persisted since the mid‐1970s, as dental care was excluded from Medibank (the predecessor of Medicare) for political and economic reasons. Importantly, dental care expenses are often more predictable than other types of medical care, making insurance design more challenging. We provide an overview of proposals for public dental insurance in Australia, arguing that income‐contingent loans to fund higher dental costs may provide a mechanism for expanding insurance while limiting government expenditure. Finally, we argue that a randomised controlled experiment could offer insights into the effectiveness and sustainability of various insurance models for dental care.
The influence of different ultrafiltration set‐ups on the mineral partitioning between skim milk streams
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Rauh Valentin , Lillevang Søren K. , Skibsted Leif H. , Lipnizki Frank , Barone Giovanni , Ahrné Lilia
Published: May 2024

In this study, the partitioning of minerals in ultrafiltration (UF) streams of skim milk using cross‐flow (CF‐UF) and dead‐end (DE‐UF) was investigated using 50 kDa membrane at different temperatures (5, 10, 25, 35, 55°C). CF‐UF showed higher protein retention (6.02–10.9%) compared with DE‐UF (3.44–4.70%), along with more retention of calcium, with values ranging from 29.8 to 41.5 and 57.8 to 112 mM for DE‐UF and CF‐UF, respectively. Ionic calcium in permeates varied less for CF‐UF (2.48–1.18 mM) than for DE‐UF (3.11–0.98 mM). The insights provided in this study can be exploited to tailor adjustments of minerals in milk streams using UF.
Death of the suicide law: A changing standard of liability for clinicians
Authors: Syed Shariful A. , Dixson Brigham , Fontenele Rodrigo , Eth Spencer , Regan Judith
Published: May 2024

High rates of suicide continue to plague the modern world, with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers working urgently to ameliorate what has been recognized as a worldwide public health crisis. Under American Law, individuals‐ including health care providers, could generally not be held liable for causing the suicide of another person. This article presents a review of suicide law in the United States in the context of a recent civil case in which a physician with expertise in mental health was sued for the death of an ex‐partner who committed suicide in his home. Historical events and landmark legal cases spanning the 15th century to now are examined and presented as a narrative review to inform society and mental health clinicians a‐like towards interpreting the changing medical‐legal landscape. As modern advances in science continue to discern the critical biopsychosocial factors that contribute to the act of suicide, there is an inevitably growing concern that suicide may no longer be an incomprehensible nor irrational event as has been assumed for centuries. Thus, it may be considered that individual with expertise and qualification to treat a group of individuals at higher risk of suicide (severe mental illness) may be subject to a different standard than the average individual. This article seeks to present a complex matter where no simple or broad‐sweeping conclusions can yet be drawn, however remains a critically important matter for mental health clinicians.
Novel reconstruction using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic esophago‐ileal anastomosis after distal esophagectomy for esophagogastric junction cancer: A report of two cases
Authors: Fujiwara Hisashi , Shigeo Haruki , Ogo Taichi , Kawada Kenro , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Sakano Masayoshi , Keisuke Okuno , Sato Yuya , Tanioka Toshiro , Tokunaga Masanori , Kinugasa Yusuke
Published: May 2024

There is no optimal reconstruction after radical distal esophagectomy for cancers of the esophagogastric junction. We designed a novel reconstruction technique using pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis between the esophagus and the elevated ileum. Two patients underwent the surgery. Case 1 was a 70‐year‐old man with esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma with 3 cm of esophageal invasion. Case 2 was a 70‐year‐old man with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagogastric junction; the epicenter of which was located just at the junction. These two patients underwent radical distal esophagectomy and pedicled ileocolic interposition with intrathoracic anastomosis. They were discharged on postoperative days 17 and 14, respectively, with no major complication. Pedicled ileocolic interposition is characterized by sufficient elevation and perfusion of the ileum, which is fed by the ileocolic artery and vein. As a result, we can generally adapt this reconstruction method to most curable esophagogastric junction cancers.
How informational stimuli, formative experiences, and socialization can activate values to foster sustainable entrepreneurship engagement
Authors: Hansen Christina Novak , Brühl Rolf
Published: May 2024

Research has shown that specific individual values, such as green and environmental values, are important in motivating the decision to start a sustainable business. Beyond this finding, there is limited knowledge about why, how, and when such values become important and what this means for sustainable entrepreneurship engagement. We address this question abductively and conduct a multi‐case study of 18 sustainable entrepreneurs and their fashion companies. Drawing on the self‐activation and the impressionable years hypotheses, we identified three ways in which sustainability‐oriented values become activated and more important to individuals: (1) through informational stimuli, (2) through formative and life‐changing experiences, and (3) through socialization. Further, we show that the entrepreneurs engaged in reflexive learning due to the value‐activating experience, whereby they critically questioned their assumptions and actions. Together, one or more value activations and the involved reflexive learning contributed significantly to the decision to become a sustainable entrepreneur. With this novel explanation for why and how values become engaged in the first place, we contribute to the theory of (sustainable) entrepreneurship. Further, our research helps devise value‐activating strategies for practitioners who want to help (prospective) entrepreneurs act more in line with their sustainability‐oriented values and start a sustainable business.
Genomic insights into inherited bone marrow failure syndromes in a Korean population
Authors: Lee Jong‐Mi , Kim Hoon Seok , Yoo Jaeeun , Lee Jaewoong , Ahn Ari , Cho Hanwool , Han Eun Hee , Jung Jin , Yoo Jae Won , Kim Seongkoo , Lee Jae Wook , Cho Bin , Chung Nack‐Gyun , Kim Myungshin , Kim Yonggoo
Published: May 2024

Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) pose significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping symptoms and variable expressivity, despite evolving genomic insights. The study aimed to elucidate the genomic landscape among 130 Korean patients with IBMFS. We conducted targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and clinical exome sequencing (CES) across the cohort, complemented by whole genome sequencing (WGS) and chromosomal microarray (CMA) in 12 and 47 cases, respectively, with negative initial results. Notably, 50% (n = 65) of our cohort achieved a genomic diagnosis. Among these, 35 patients exhibited mutations associated with classic IBMFSs (n = 33) and the recently defined IBMFS, aplastic anaemia, mental retardation and dwarfism syndrome (AmeDS, n = 2). Classic IBMFSs were predominantly detected via targeted NGS (85%, n = 28) and CES (88%, n = 29), whereas AMeDS was exclusively identified through CES. Both CMA and WGS aided in identifying copy number variations (n = 2) and mutations in previously unexplored regions (n = 2). Additionally, 30 patients were diagnosed with other congenital diseases, encompassing 13 distinct entities including inherited thrombocytopenia (n = 12), myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition (n = 8), congenital immune disorders (n = 7) and miscellaneous genomic conditions (n = 3). CES was particularly effective in revealing these diverse diagnoses. Our findings underscore the significance of comprehensive genomic analysis in IBMFS, highlighting the need for ongoing exploration in this complex field.
Unveiling convergent and divergent intrinsic brain network alternations in depressed adolescents engaged in non‐suicidal self‐injurious behaviors with and without suicide attempts
Authors: Li Linling , Liang Zhen , Li Guohua , Xu Hong , Yang Xing , Liu Xia , Zhang Xin , Wang Jianhong , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhou Yongjie
Published: May 2024

Aims

Limited understanding exists regarding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SA) in depressed adolescents. The maturation of brain network is crucial during adolescence, yet the abnormal alternations in depressed adolescents with NSSI or NSSI+SA remain poorly understood.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 114 depressed adolescents, classified into three groups: clinical control (non‐self‐harm), NSSI only, and NSSI+SA based on self‐harm history. The alternations of resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) were identified through support vector machine‐based classification.

Results

Convergent alterations in NSSI and NSSI+SA predominantly centered on the inter‐network RSFC between the Limbic network and the three core neurocognitive networks (SalVAttn, Control, and Default networks). Divergent alterations in the NSSI+SA group primarily focused on the Visual, Limbic, and Subcortical networks. Additionally, the severity of depressive symptoms only showed a significant correlation with altered RSFCs between Limbic and DorsAttn or Visual networks, strengthening the fact that increased depression severity alone does not fully explain observed FC alternations in the NSSI+SA group.

Conclusion

Convergent alterations suggest a shared neurobiological mechanism along the self‐destructiveness continuum. Divergent alterations may indicate biomarkers differentiating risk for SA, informing neurobiologically guided interventions.
TNF‐α can promote membrane invasion by activating the MAPK/MMP9 signaling pathway through autocrine in bone‐invasive pituitary adenoma
Authors: Wu Xinzhi , Gong Lei , Li Bin , Bai Jiwei , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo , Zhu Haibo
Published: May 2024

Aims

A bone‐invasive pituitary adenoma exhibits aggressive behavior, leading to a worse prognosis. We have found that TNF‐α promotes bone invasion by facilitating the differentiation of osteoclasts, however, before bone‐invasive pituitary adenoma invades bone tissue, it needs to penetrate the dura mater, and this mechanism is not yet clear.

Methods

We performed transcriptome microarrays on specimens of bone‐invasive pituitary adenomas (BIPAs) and noninvasive pituitary adenomas (NIPAs) and conducted differential expressed gene analysis and enrichment analysis. We altered the expression of TNF‐α through plasmids, then validated the effects of TNF‐α on GH3 cells and verified the efficacy of the TNF‐α inhibitor SPD304. Finally, the effects of TNF‐α were validated in in vivo experiments.

Results

Pathway act work showed that the MAPK pathway was significantly implicated in the pathway network. The expression of TNF‐α, MMP9, and p‐p38 is higher in BIPAs than in NIPAs. Overexpression of TNF‐α elevated the expression of MAPK pathway proteins and MMP9 in GH3 cells, as well as promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of GH3 cells. Flow cytometry indicated that TNF‐α overexpression increased the G2 phase ratio in GH3 cells and inhibited apoptosis. The expression of MMP9 was reduced after blocking the P38 MAPK pathway; overexpression of MMP9 promoted invasion of GH3 cells. In vivo experiments confirm that the TNF‐α overexpression group has larger tumor volumes. SPD304 was able to suppress the effects caused by TNF‐α overexpression.

Conclusion

Bone‐invasive pituitary adenoma secretes higher levels of TNF‐α, which then acts on itself in an autocrine manner, activating the MAPK pathway and promoting the expression of MMP9, thereby accelerating the membrane invasion process. SPD304 significantly inhibits the effect of TNF‐α and may be applied in the clinical treatment of bone‐invasive pituitary adenoma.
New cash cropping in the Black Volta river valley: Banana production, rural innovation, and social entrepreneurship in the Ghana–Burkina Faso border region
Authors: Lobnibe Isidore , Lobnibe Jane‐Frances Yirdong
Published: May 2024

During the mid‐1990s, a banana river irrigation farm that was launched in Southwestern Burkina Faso by a returning emigrant refugee spread throughout the region as far as neighboring Ghana. With relative abundant fertile, arable farmland in Ghana, easy access to input and modest capital mobilization by a few Ghanaian University lecturers to clear farmland and construct ridges and lay pipes for irrigation, a new cash crop production was set in motion. This paper analyzes the implication of this innovative rural agricultural intensification in the Ghana side of the border by shifting the angle of analysis away from narratives of transnational African agricultural commercialization driven by foreign corporations to instead focus on the role played by the local elite. The paper demonstrates that the viability of this irrigated farming can be attributed to imported banana crop variety, local rural producers' entrepreneurial zest, and enhanced existing cross‐border ties and commercial opportunities made possible by the construction of a strategic regional highway linking the farm sites with large urban and market centers in Burkina Faso.
Identifying the deficiencies of currently available CGM to improve uptake and benefit
Authors: Barnard‐Kelly Katharine D. , Martínez‐Brocca Maria Asunción , Glatzer Timor , Oliver Nick
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

The use of diabetes technologies is increasing worldwide, with health systems facilitating improved access to devices. Continuous glucose monitoring is a complex intervention that provides information on glucose concentration, rate and direction of change, historical data and alerts and alarms for extremes of glucose. These data do not themselves change glycaemia and require translation to a meaningful action for impact. It is, therefore, crucial that such systems advance to better meet the needs of individuals using them.

Methods

Narrative review of the use of, engagement with, limitations and unmet needs of continuous glucose monitoring systems.

Results

CGM devices have made a significant contribution to the self‐management of diabetes; however, challenges with access and user experience persist, with multiple limitations to uptake and benefit. These limitations include physical size and implementation, with associated stigma, alarm fatigue, sleep disturbance and the challenge of addressing large volumes of real‐time data. Greater personalisation throughout the continuous glucose monitoring journey, with a focus on usability, may improve the benefits derived from the device and reduce the burden of self‐management. Healthcare professionals may have unconscious biases that affect the provision of continuous glucose monitors due to deprivation, education, age, ethnicity and other characteristics.

Conclusions

Continuous glucose monitoring exerts a dose‐dependent response; the more it is used, the more effective it is. For optimal use, continuous glucose monitors must not just reduce the burden of management in one dimension but facilitate net improvement in all domains of self‐management for all users.
Development of an International Standard Set of Outcomes and Measurement Methods for Routine Practice for Adults with Epilepsy: The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Mitchell James W. , Sossi Frieda , Miller Isabel , Jaber Paula Blancarte , Das‐Gupta Zofia , Fialho Luz Sousa , Amos Action , Austin Joan K. , Badzik Scott , Baker Gus , Zeev Bruria Ben , Bolton Jeffrey , Chaplin John E. , Cross J. Helen , Chan Derrick , Gericke Christian A. , Husain Aatif M. , Lally Lorraine , Mbugua Sharon , Megan Cassidy , Mesa Tomás , Nuñez Lilia , von Oertzen Tim J. , Perucca Emilio , Pullen Angie , Ronen Gabriel M. , Sajatovic Martha , Singh Mamta B. , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Wollscheid Leonie , Berg Anne T.
Published: May 2024

At present, there is no internationally accepted set of core outcomes or measurement methods for epilepsy clinical practice. Therefore, the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) convened an international working group of experts in epilepsy, people with epilepsy and their representatives to develop minimum sets of standardized outcomes and outcomes measurement methods for clinical practice that support patient–clinician decision‐making and quality improvement. Consensus methods identified 20 core outcomes. Measurement tools were recommended based on their evidence of strong clinical measurement properties, feasibility, and cross‐cultural applicability. The essential outcomes included many non‐seizure outcomes: anxiety, depression, suicidality, memory and attention, sleep quality, functional status, and the social impact of epilepsy. The proposed set will facilitate the implementation of the use of patient‐centered outcomes in daily practice, ensuring holistic care. They also encourage harmonization of outcome measurement, and if widely implemented should reduce the heterogeneity of outcome measurement, accelerate comparative research, and facilitate quality improvement efforts.
Panicum maximum cultivars for use in integrated agricultural production systems in Cerrado biome soils
Authors: Bublitz Lucas Ruaro , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , Mauri Alexandre César , Queiroz Vitor Cardoso , de Souza Lima Kermilly , Campelo Itália Bianca Reis , de Araújo Marcos Jácome , Dias‐Silva Tairon Pannunzio , da Silva Barros Juliana , Aguiar Isadora Osório Maciel , dos Santos Difante Gelson , Ítavo Luís Carlos Vinhas
Published: May 2024

Integrated production systems have been an alternative for diversifying agricultural production, and therefore, it is necessary to study tropical forage grasses that can impact both straw production and soil organic matter, as well as benefit animal production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the productive characteristics and accumulation of nutrients in the biomass of grasses of the genus Panicum grown in the off‐season, in Cerrado biome soil as cover plants for use in integrated production systems. It evaluated different grasses of Panicum maximum: Aruana, Tamani, and Massai guinea grasses, distributed in a randomized block design with four replications of each grass. The productive characteristics, mineral accumulation, and carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the biomass of the cultivars were evaluated. No cultivar effect was observed for forage mass (3997.4 kg/ha DM). However, the largest (p = 0.0077) leaf blade masses were observed in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. On the contrary, the Aruana guinea grass exhibited the highest value (p = 0.0001) for stem mass, reflected in a higher (p = 0.0001) leaf/stalk ratio in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. No effect (p > 0.05) of the cultivar on micronutrients, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations was observed. However, the Aruana guinea grass presented higher concentrations of calcium and sulfur; on the other hand, potassium values were higher in the Massai and Tamani guinea grasses. The Massai guinea grass exhibited a higher (p = 0.0214) C/N ratio, while the Aruana guinea grass recorded lower values, with no significant differences between these cultivars and Tamani guinea grass. The Tamani and Massai guinea grasses stand out as recommended choices for cultivation during the off‐season in Cerrado biome soils as cover crops in integrated production systems.
RAZOR‐THIN MASS ELECTIONS WITH HIGH TURNOUT
Authors: Levine David K. , Martinelli Cesar
Published: May 2024

We argue that traditional voting models fail to fully explain the frequency of very close mass elections with high turnout. Instead, we model elections as a competition between incentive schemes to mobilize voters. We elucidate conditions under which parties might prefer close elections, as the potential to be pivotal motivates voters instead of exclusively costly incentives as in nonclose elections. We show that, under those conditions, better voter targeting results in tighter races and increased turnout. Furthermore, the smaller party often has a strong incentive to commit to strategies that ensure a close election.
Structural, dielectric, electrical, and energy storage properties of Mn‐doped Ba0.55Sr0.45TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Rehman Maqbool Ur , Manan Abdul , Lanagan Michael T. , Khan Raj Wali , Ullah Atta , Ullah Shah Wali , Uzair Muhammad
Published: May 2024

A conventional solid‐state reaction route was utilized for the fabrication of Ba0.55Sr0.45Ti1−xMnxO3 (x = .004, .006, .008, .01, and .015) ceramics. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) diffractograms revealed pseudo‐cubic structural symmetry with a single phase. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed fine grain morphology for x = .006, while an obvious increase in grain size was detected at x > .006. A high‐energy storage density (Ws) of 2.47 J cm−3 and a recoverable energy density (Wrec) of 1.36 J cm−3 at an applied electric field of 220 kV cm−1 were achieved for x = .006. An impedance spectroscopic study showed the electrical response relationship with microstructure. The observed two semicircles in Nyquist plots are an indication of the contribution of grains (bulk) and grain boundaries as a resistive medium for conduction of charge carriers, which led to enhanced the capability in capacitor applications.
The importance of the simulated wound fluid composition and properties in the determination of the fluid handling performance of wound dressings
Authors: Svensby Anna U. , Nygren Erik , Gefen Amit , Cullen Breda , Ronkvist Åsa M. , Gergely AnnBritt , Craig Marina D.
Published: May 2024

Effective fluid handling by wound dressings is crucial in the management of exuding wounds through maintaining a clean, moist environment, facilitating healing by removing excess exudate and promoting tissue regeneration. In this context, the availability of reliable and clinically relevant standardised testing methods for wound dressings are critical for informed decision making by clinicians, healthcare administrators, regulatory/reimbursement bodies and product developers. The widely used standard EN 13726 specifies the use of Solution A, an aqueous protein‐free salt solution, for determining fluid‐handling capacity (FHC). However, a simulated wound fluid (SWF) with a more complex composition, resembling the protein, salt, and buffer concentrations found in real‐world clinical exudate, would provide a more clinically relevant dressing performance assessment. This study compared selected physicochemical parameters of Solution A, an alternative, novel simulated wound fluid (SWF A), and a benchmark reference serum‐containing solution (SCS) simulating chronic wound exudate. Additionally, FHC values for eight advanced bordered and non‐bordered foam dressings were determined for all three test fluids, following EN 13726. Our findings demonstrate a close resemblance between SWF A and SCS. This study highlights the critical importance of selecting a physiochemically appropriate test fluid for accurate FHC testing resulting in clinically meaningful evaluation of dressing performance.
Positive and negative social media experiences and proximal risk for suicidal ideation in adolescents
Authors: Hamilton Jessica L. , Dalack Maya , Boyd Simone Imani , Jorgensen Saskia , Dreier Melissa J. , Sarna Jas , Brent David A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Social media (SM) has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor for adolescent suicide. Few empirical studies, however, have examined adolescents' daily negative and positive experiences on SM and its proximal impacts on suicidal ideation (SI), particularly using intensive monitoring designs.

Method

Adolescents (N = 60; 14–17 years; 49% girls; 62% LGBTQ+) recruited using SM across the United States and participated in an 8‐week intensive monitoring protocol. Ecological momentary assessment (three brief surveys per day) asked about negative and positive SM experiences and SI (passive and active). Multilevel modelling was used to evaluate the within‐person relationships between daily SM experiences (e.g. individual fluctuations compared to a person's average) and SI, controlling for average levels of SM experiences, SM use screen time, and lifetime SI.

Results

Significant within‐person effects of negative and positive SM experiences were associated with days when adolescents had SI. Specifically, on days when teens endorsed more frequent negative SM experiences than usual, they were more likely to report SI. However, more positive SM experiences than usual were associated with a lower likelihood of having SI. There were no significant effects of SM use (‘screen time’) on SI or on the reverse associations of SI on next‐day SM experiences.

Conclusions

Results indicate that SM experiences may be dynamic and modifiable risk and protective factors for SI in adolescents, whereas there is no effect of SM screen time on SI. Our results highlight that targeting negative SM experiences and augmenting the positive experiences on SM may be critical targets to improve teens' mental health and prevent suicide, rather than focusing on limiting SM screen time.
Melatonin ameliorates 10‐hydroxycamptothecin‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via autophagy‐regulated p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in mouse testicular cells
Authors: Cheng Jinmei , Xu Junjie , Gu Yimin , Wang Yueming , Wang Jianyu , Sun Fei
Published: May 2024

10‐Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) is a widely used clinical anticancer drug but has a significant side effect profile. Melatonin has a beneficial impact on the chemotherapy of different cancer cells and reproductive processes, but the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of melatonin's involvement in the HCPT‐induced side effects in cells, especially in the testicular cells, are poorly understood. In this study, we found that melatonin therapy significantly restored HCPT‐induced testicular cell damage and did not affect the antitumor effect of HCPT. Further analysis found that melatonin therapy suppressed HCPT‐induced DNA damage associated with ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated‐ and Rad3‐related and CHK1 phosphorylation levels in the testis. Changes in apoptosis‐associated protein levels (Bax, Bcl‐2, p53, and Cleaved caspase‐3) and in reactive oxygen species‐associated proteins (Nrf2 and Keap1) and index (malondialdehyde and glutathione) suggested that melatonin treatment relieved HCPT‐induced cell apoptosis and oxidative damage, respectively. Mechanistically, melatonin‐activated autophagy proteins (ATG7, Beclin1, and LC3bII/I) may induce p62‐dependent autophagy to degrade Keap1, eliciting Nrf2 from Keap1‐Nrf2 interaction to promote antioxidant enzyme expression such as HO‐1, which would salvage HCPT‐induced ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively, this study reveals that melatonin therapy may protect testicular cells from HCPT‐induced damage via the activation of autophagy, which alleviates oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell apoptosis.
Treatment of Francisella philomiragia bacteremia in a dog
Authors: McAtee Rae , Wood Michael W. , Daniels Joshua B. , Lashnits Erin
Published: May 2024

To describe the diagnosis and successful treatment of systemic francisellosis in a dog. An 11‐year‐old female spayed Labrador retriever presented for progressive lethargy, hyporexia, and cough. The dog was febrile with a neutrophilia, nonregenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, and had increased activity in serum of liver‐derived enzymes. Francisella philomiragia was isolated from aerobic blood culture. The dog was treated for 6 weeks with enrofloxacin orally. Repeated aerobic blood cultures after 2 and 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy were negative. The dog was clinically normal 7 months after diagnosis with no evidence of relapse.
Elemental and oxygen isotopic fractionation recorded in highly vaporized cosmic spherules from Widerøefjellet, Sør Rondane Mountains (East Antarctica)
Authors: Boonants Tom , Goderis Steven , Soens Bastien , Van Maldeghem Flore , Chernonozhkin Stepan M. , Vanhaecke Frank , van Ginneken Matthias , Snoeck Christophe , Claeys Philippe
Published: May 2024

Upon passage through Earth's atmosphere, micrometeorites undergo variable degrees of melting and evaporation. Among the various textural and chemical groups recognized among cosmic spherules, that is, melted micrometeorites, a subset of particles may indicate anomalously high degrees of vaporization based on their chemical and isotopic properties. Here, a selection of such refractory element‐enriched cosmic spherules from Widerøefjellet (Sør Rondane Mountains, East Antarctica) is characterized for their petrographic features, major and trace element concentrations (N = 35), and oxygen isotopic compositions (N = 23). Following chemical classification, the highly vaporized particles can be assigned to either the “CAT‐like” or the “High Ca‐Al” cosmic spherule groups. However, through the combination of major and trace element concentrations and oxygen isotopic data, a larger diversity of processes and precursor materials are identified that lead to the final compositions of refractory element‐enriched particles. These include fragmentation, disproportional sampling of specific mineral constituents, differential melting, metal bead extraction, redox shifts, and evaporation. Based on specific element concentrations (e.g., Sc, Zr, Eu, Tm) and ratios (e.g., Fe/Mg, CaO + Al2O3/Sc + Y + Zr + Hf), and variations of O isotope compositions, “CAT‐like” and “High Ca‐Al” cosmic spherules likely represent a continuum between mineral endmembers from both primitive and differentiated parent bodies that experienced variable degrees of evaporation.
RUNX3 alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction and tubular damage by inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signalling pathway in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Xiao Ling , Ye Gang
Published: May 2024

Aim

The impaired function of tubular mitochondria is critical in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression. RUNX3 is down‐regulated in DKD models. We intend to explore the effects of RUNX3 on mitochondrial dysfunction and renal tubule injury in DKD and related mechanisms.

Methods

The development of diabetes models involved injecting mice with streptozotocin while treating HK‐2 cells with high glucose (HG). By using immunohistochemical techniques, the renal localizations of RUNX3 were identified. Levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential, and biochemical index were detected by appropriate kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed with dihydroethidium and MitoSOX Red staining. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and TUNEL. RUNX3 ubiquitination was measured.

Results

RUNX3 was mainly present in renal tubules. Overexpressing RUNX3 increased Mfn2, Mfn1, ATP levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced Drp1 and ROS levels and cell apoptosis, as well as Cyt‐C release into the cytoplasm. RUNX3 overexpression displayed a reduction in urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, Hemoglobin A1c, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Overexpressing TLR4 attenuated the inhibitory effect of RUNX3 overexpression on mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis. HG promoted RUNX3 ubiquitination and SMURF2 expression. RUNX3 knockdown cancelled the inhibitory effect of SMURF2 on mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

SMURF2 interference inhibits RUNX3 ubiquitination and TLR4/NF‐κB signalling pathway, thereby alleviating renal tubule injury.

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