bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEASANT MOBILIZATION, THE ‘LAND QUESTION’ AND SPATIAL EGALITARIANISM IN AN URBANIZING CHINA: A Genealogical Assessment and a New Research Agenda
Authors: Lim Kean Fan
Published: October 2023

Urbanization has become a core strategy for the Communist Party of China (CPC) to reinforce its authoritarian rule over China. Its roll‐out is replete with tensions, however, because the extent to which urbanization can replicate spatial egalitarianism, the foundation of CPC sovereign rule following its victory in the Chinese civil war (1946–49), remains unclear. To advance research on these tensions, this article first presents a genealogy of the multiple conditions that underpinned large‐scale peasant mobilization to drive landownership redistribution. Rarely discussed in urban and regional research today, the logic and implications of landownership redistribution are crucial for comprehending and conceptualizing Chinese urbanization. Specifically, the genealogical analysis demonstrates how peasant mobilization engendered a de facto CPC‐peasantry social contract that consolidated CPC rule. Rather than dissolve unproblematically as the Chinese political economy evolves into an urbanizing era, this contract has engendered path‐dependent effects that constrain attempts at urban‐rural integration. The article then adds a fresh historical‐geographical dimension to existing research on Chinese urbanization and regime durability by introducing a new research agenda to examine why contemporary peasant mobilization across China not only differs from but is also shaped by the peasant mobilization of the late 1940s.
Preventing hypothermia in pediatric neurosurgery in Africa—A randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial of insulation versus active warming
Authors: Feyling Anders C. , Kamalo Patrick D. , Hanche‐Olsen Terje , Chikumbanje Singatiya S. , Zsidek Aina S. , Ponzi Erica , Ræder Johan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a low‐cost heat‐preserving method in preventing intraoperative hypothermia with that of forced‐air warming in a resource‐limited setting.

Methods

In this randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial, we recruited children younger than 12 years scheduled for cranial neurosurgery in a large East‐African hospital. Patients were block‐randomized by age to intraoperative warming measures using Hibler's method (intervention) or warm air (comparator). Hibler's group patients were circumferentially wrapped in transparent plastic sheeting (providing a vapor‐trap) over a layer of cotton blankets, then laid on an insulating foam mattress. Warm air group patients were treated with forced‐air convection via an underlying Snuggle Warm™ Pediatric Full Body mattress. Allocated warming measures were initiated in the operating theatre and discontinued upon anesthesia emergence. Perioperative temperatures were measured using noninvasive forehead probes (SpotOn™). The primary outcome was incidence of hypothermia (core temperature < 36.0° for longer than 5 min). Our null hypothesis was that Hibler's method is inferior in efficacy to the warm air method by a margin exceeding 20%. Among secondary outcomes were duration of hypothermia as proportion of surgical duration, incidence of postoperative shivering and rescue measure requirements.

Results

We analyzed data for 77 participants (Hibler's = 38; warm air = 39). There was no significant difference between the Hibler's and warm air arms of the study in the primary outcome of incidence of hypothermia (59.0% vs. 60.5% respectively; OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.43–2.65; p = .890). However, the risk difference (1.55%; 95% CI −0.20 to −0.24) exceeded the 0.2 margin and non‐inferiority could not be declared. There was considerable need for rescue measures in both groups (71.1 0% vs. 69.2%; OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.41–2.90; p = .861). There was no statistically significant difference between groups for any prespecified secondary outcome.

Conclusion

Although perioperative core temperatures were not significantly different, we could not declare an inexpensive heat‐preserving method non‐inferior to warm air convection in preventing intraoperative hypothermia in children undergoing anesthesia for cranial neurosurgery in a resource‐limited setting. The extensive need for rescue measures may have masked important differences.

Trial Registration: US National Institutes of Health Clinicaltrials.gov database (ID no. NCT02975817).
Let others know who your friends are: The effect of collaborator disclosure on crowdfunding performance
Authors: Chen Feng , Chen Song , Ding Jian , Shan Ercheng , Zhao Pu
Published: October 2023

Our analysis of 141,848 campaigns on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform suggests that collaborator disclosure has a substantial positive impact on crowdfunding performance. This finding is consistently supported by a series of robustness tests. Collaborator disclosure alleviates backers' concerns about campaign risk, the competence of the fundraiser, and the fundraiser's lack of experience. Our findings highlight the significance of disclosing information about collaborators in financial markets with high levels of information asymmetry. In addition, our research adds to the existing literature on voluntary information disclosure and its ability to alleviate market frictions.
Conspiracy beliefs and intention to use conventional, complementary and alternative medicines: Two vignette studies
Authors: Fournier Valentyn , Varet Florent
Published: October 2023

Objective

Conspiracy beliefs (CBs) can have substantial consequences on health behaviours by influencing both conventional and non‐conventional medicine uptake. They can target powerful groups (i.e. upward CBs) or powerless groups (i.e. downward CBs). Considering their repercussions in oncology, it appears useful to understand how CBs are related to the intentions to use conventional, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM).

Design and Methods

This paper includes two pre‐registered online correlational studies on a general French population (Study 1 N = 248, recruited on social media Mage = 40.07, SDage = 14.78; 205 women, 41 men and 2 non‐binaries; Study 2 N = 313, recruited on social media and Prolific, Mage = 28.91, SDage = 9.60; 154 women, 149 men and 10 non‐binaries). We investigated the links between generic and chemotherapy‐related CBs and intentions to use conventional, complementary and alternative medicines. Study 2 consisted of a conceptual replication of Study 1, considering the orientation of CBs.

Results

Generic CBs and chemotherapy‐related CBs appear strongly and positively correlated, negatively correlated with intentions to take conventional medicine and positively with intentions to take CAM. The link between generic CBs and medication intention is fully mediated by chemotherapy‐related CBs. When distinguished, upward CBs are a stronger predictor of chemotherapy‐related CBs than downward CBs.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that intentions to use medicine are strongly associated with CBs. This has several important implications for further research and practice, notably on the presence and effects of CBs on medication behaviours in cancer patients.
Interruption of the tricuspid regurgitant jet: A possible consequence of reflected waves
Authors: Ngoga Saad , Schulick Nicole , Bouwmeester J Christopher , Wang Jiun‐Jr , Pressman Gregg S.
Published: October 2023

Reflected pressure waves can impact central aortic pressure, and can cause notching of the pulmonic valve Doppler signal. However, reflected waves in the venous system usually do not achieve a high enough velocity to alter Doppler flow patterns. Herein we report a case of systolic notching of the tricuspid regurgitant signal that likely resulted from reflected venous waves.
Aggregation of symbionts on hosts depends on interaction type and host traits
Authors: Clark David R. , Young Kyle A. , Kitzes Justin , Moore Pippa J. , Evans Ally J. , Stephenson Jessica F.
Published: October 2023

Symbionts tend to be aggregated on their hosts, such that few hosts harbor the majority of symbionts. This ubiquitous pattern can result from stochastic processes, but aggregation patterns may also depend on the type of host–symbiont interaction, along with traits that affect host exposure and susceptibility to symbionts. Untangling how aggregation patterns both within and among populations depend on stochastic processes, interaction type and host traits remains an outstanding challenge. Here, we address this challenge by using null models to compare aggregation patterns in a neutral system of Balanomorpha barnacles attached to patellid limpets and a host–parasite system of Gyrodactylus spp. monogeneans and their Trinidadian guppy Poecilia reticulata hosts. We first used a model to predict patterns of symbiont–host aggregation due to random partitioning of symbionts to hosts. This null model accurately predicted the aggregation of barnacles on limpets, but the degree of aggregation varied across 303 quadrats. Quadrats with larger limpets had less aggregated barnacles, whereas aggregation increased with variation in limpet size. Across 84 guppy populations, Gyrodactylus spp. parasites were significantly less aggregated than predicted by the null model. As in the neutral limpet–barnacle system, aggregation decreased with mean host size. Parasites were significantly less aggregated on males than females because male guppies tended to have higher prevalence and lower parasite burdens than predicted by the null model. Together, these results suggest stochastic processes can explain aggregation patterns in neutral but not parasitic systems, though in both systems host traits affect aggregation patterns. Because the distribution of symbionts on hosts can affect symbiont evolution via intraspecific interactions, and host behavior and evolution via host–symbiont interactions, identifying the drivers of aggregation enriches our understanding of host–symbiont interactions.
Hybrid input shaping and fuzzy logic‐based position and oscillation control of tower crane system
Authors: Alhassan Ahmad Bala , Assawinchaichote Wudhichai , Zhang Huiyan , Shi Yan
Published: October 2023

Effective control of the tower crane system (TCS) is crucial for the safe and quick transport of goods from one point to another in industries and construction sites. However, the existing literature either depends on the dynamic model of the system, which is prone to errors and assumptions, or requires the feedback of the states to be controlled, which can be costly and or complex. In particular, the TCS has many states and is highly nonlinear. Thus, a non‐model‐based control approach that depends on minimal feedback sensors is needed. The primary contribution of this work is that the potential hybrid configurations of the input shaping control (ISC) and fuzzy logic control (FLC) were proposed and investigated. The study provides the best hybrid configuration of the ISC and FLC (non‐model‐based controllers) for optimal positioning and anti‐swing control of the TCS. Three configurations of the ISC + FLC, namely shaper as reference input (SARI), shaper as input to the FLC (SAI2F), and shaper as input to the plant (SAI2P) were investigated to assess the optimal hybrid configuration of the ISC + FLC. The results demonstrated that the hybrid ISC + FLC scheme had improved the response of ISC by at least 150% and enhanced the oscillation reduction of FLC by 72%. Finally, these analyses showed that the ISC + FLC could achieve reasonable control of the tower crane by only considering the output of one state (position). This makes the control scheme cheaper and reduces the complexity and computational time compared to other full‐state feedback controllers.
The Strategic Functions of Advertising Agencies in China: A Networking Perspective
Authors: Luk Sherrif T.K. , Yip Leslie S.C.
Published: October 2023

This exploratory study investigates both marketing and strategic functions of advertising agencies in China. The results of factor analysis identify four categories of strategic functions: product development, relationship maintenance, company strength, and knowledge and adaptation. The findings indicate that advertising agencies in China cannot perform a wide range of advertising/marketing activities; but, with their networks with government and other business entities, they can contribute to non‐advertising strategic functions. This suggests that international marketers should pay special attention to the agency selection issue when competing in China. In particular, a broader perspective is required when defining the selection criteria for advertising agencies.
Re‐surfing W3: Research Perspectives on Marketing Communication and Buyer Behaviour on the Worldwide Web
Authors: Berthon Pierre , Pitt Leyland , Watson Richard T.
Published: October 2023

The Worldwide Web (W3 or WWW), the multimedia part of the Internet, has recently gained the attention of academic and practising marketers. As firms of all sizes scramble to establish Web sites, there is much speculation as to the Web's role in marketing communication specifically and in marketing generally, and how it will affect buyer (surfer) behaviour. What research has been done so far has been mainly descriptive, perhaps in the absence of a more formal agenda. This study briefly describes the Web in non‐technical terms, and then attempts to integrate it into well‐established models of buyer behaviour and marketing communication. From this basis, areas for further re‐surfing (i.e. researching) are identified from three perspectives: the buyer's, the seller's and the theorist's.
A Study of Accredited and Non‐Accredited Advertising Agencies in Australia: Differences and Similarities in Numbers, Attitudes and Behaviour
Authors: Quester Pascale
Published: October 2023

The recent decision by the Australian Practices Commission to end the system of accreditation which had prevailed in the Advertising industry since 1975 has led advertising practitioners to reflect on the benefits and ills of accreditation. Under appeal for months by the Australian Federation of Advertising, the system of accreditation was finally abandoned in July 1996. In order to assess the potential differences which may exist between accredited and non‐accredited advertising agencies in Australia, a large‐scale survey was undertaken a few months prior to the Commission decision. Agencies were found to differ significantly in terms of size and make‐up, but shared a number of attitudes and beliefs in respect of other marketing professionals and the potential of alternative forms of marketing communication tools. Respondents' understanding of, and behaviour relating to, the legislation were also found to differ depending on their accreditation status.
Effects of inorganic phosphorus compounds on the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine liposomes by phospholipid‐deacylating enzymes
Authors: GN Sultana , Watanabe Y. , Tamai Y.
Published: October 2023

Structural requirements of inorganic phosphorus compounds as specific activators or inhibitors for phospholipase A2 and phospholipase B were investigated using orthophosphate, pyrophosphate and polyphosphate. It was observed that orthophosphate and pyrophosphate stimulated the activities of phospholipase A2 from bee venom, snake (Naja naja) venom and pig pancreas, and also phospholipase B from the yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii. However, polyphosphate was found to act as an inhibitor for phospholipase A2 in the above species and also for phospholipase B from T. delbrueckii. Orthophosphate and pyrophosphate induced gradual aggregation of liposome, but polyphosphate prolonged the lifetime of the liposome, suggesting that orthophosphate and pyrophosphate destabilize the bilayer structure of phosphatidylcholine and polyphosphate stabilizes it.
Development of an enzyme immunoassay for the measurement of human tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (hTNF‐alpha) using bispecific antibodies to hTNF‐alpha and horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Berkova N. , Karawajew L. , Korobko V. , Behrsing O. , Micheel B. , Shamborant O. , Stukatcheva E. , Shingarova L.
Published: October 2023

The cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) is involved in several pathological processes, and human recombinant TNF‐alpha (hrTNF‐alpha) is available for testing in preclinical and clinical research. The purpose of this work was the creation of tetradomas producing bispecific anti‐hTNF‐alpha/anti‐HRP (horseradish peroxidase) antibodies and the development of a rapid and sensitive solid‐phase enzyme immunoassay. Monoclonal antibodies obtained against hrTNF‐alpha could recognize both natural and recombinant hTNF‐alpha. The four chosen hybridomas produced IgG1 with an affinity constant of the order of 10(‐9) M. Three of them recognized different epitopes. The clone selected for fusion with the hybridoma producing anti‐HRP antibodies secreted antibodies against portion 30‐50 of the hTNF‐alpha N‐terminal amino acid residues as found by Western‐blot analysis with mutant and chimaeric proteins. The tetradoma producing bispecific anti‐hTNF‐alpha/anti‐HRP antibodies was identified using a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Bispecific antibodies were isolated by hydroxyapatite chromatography. A sandwich ELISA was developed: one of the monoclonal anti‐TNF‐alpha antibodies was absorbed to the solid phase as the catcher and was detected by a bispecific anti‐hTNF‐alpha/anti‐HRP antibody. The detection limit of the assay was 1 ng/ml. With such ELISA, the level of hTNF‐alpha could be conveniently estimated in different samples containing either natural or recombinant hTNF‐alpha in an experimental environment or in clinical trials.
Determination of residual pectin methylesterase activity in food products
Authors: Giovane A. , Laratta B. , Loiudice R. , Quagliuolo L. , Castaldo D. , Servillo L.
Published: October 2023

A method for the determination of a low level of pectin methylesterase activity from vegetable products is described. The method is based on an affinity chromatography technique that employs a resin‐bound pectin methylesterase inhibitor, purified from kiwi fruit, which selectively binds the pectin methylesterase. The resin has the capacity to concentrate the enzyme, allowing measurement of enzyme activities too low to be determined by commonly employed techniques and commensurate with those found in pasteurized food products. The enzyme is eluted from the resin at alkaline pH (9.5) and assayed by a pH‐stat method. Depulped orange juices containing different amounts of pectin methylesterase were prepared and used to determine enzyme recovery. The results show a recovery of 90% with a standard deviation of 6.8%.
Attachment of antibody to biotinylated red blood cells: immuno‐red blood cells display high affinity to immobilized antigen and normal biodistribution in rats
Authors: VR Muzykantov , JC Murciano
Published: October 2023

Streptavidin‐mediated attachment of biotinylated antibodies (b‐Ab) to biotinylated red blood cells (b‐RBC) is useful for preparation of immuno‐red blood cells, a prospective vehicle for drug targeting. However, streptavidin (SA) induces lysis of extensively biotinylated RBC by complement due to cross‐linking and inactivation of RBC complement regulators. To reduce cross‐linking of RBC membrane proteins, we utilized mild biotinylation of RBC with 20 microM biotin ester (b20‐RBC). SA effectively binds to rat b20‐RBC (10(5) SA molecules/cell) and provides for following attachment of 5 times 10(4) molecules of b‐IgG/SA per b20‐RBC. By in vitro assay, b‐Ab/SA/b20‐RBC were stable in fresh rat serum. Serum‐stable immuno‐red blood cells (b‐Ab/SA/b20‐RBC) specifically bound to antigen‐coated surfaces, but not to BSA‐coated surfaces. Biodistribution of 51Cr‐labelled b‐Ab/SA/b20‐RBC in rats was similar to that of control RBC, with no indication of lysis in vivo. These results suggest b‐Ab/SA/b20‐RBC may be explored as a vehicle for drug targeting.

The Biochemical Society, London © 1996
Suicide Risk Factors Among Australian Vietnam Era Draftees
Authors: O'Toole Brian I. , Cantor Chris
Published: October 2023

The cohort of all Australian former army conscripts of the Vietnam conflict ea was followed from 1965 to 1982 to determine mortality rates and causes of death following completion of their National Service. Suiciders were compared with a random sample of survivors using information contained in their military documents in a nested case–control study. Their military document information was recorded before men were selected for Vietnam service and is uncontaminated by “recall bias.” Suicide victims had lower mean scores on the army general intelligence and mechanical comprehension tests, were less likely to have continued education beyond high school, were less likely to be employed in white‐collar or skilled blue‐collar jobs between leaving school and being drafted, and more likely to have volunteered for the draft. They were more likely to have committed a civilian offense before joining the army, more likely to have gone absent without leave (AWOL), and more likely to have committed other offenses during military service. Suiciders were more likely to have a history of diagnosis and treatment for psychological disorder during service and to be judged to be less than emotionally stable at discharge. Service in Vietnam was not associated with suicide. A log–linear regression model was used to analyze death rates associated with five types of variables: cognitive abilities, education, preservice employment, conduct while in service, and physical and mental health. This analysis produced a model containing only four variables: intelligence test score, postschool education, AWOL charge during service, and history of diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems. The difference in death rates between high scorers on these items and low scorers was 46‐fold, from 5.2 to 240.9 per 10,000 person‐years.
Suicide Prevention in an Educational Context: Broad and Narrow Foci
Authors: Kalafat John , Elias Maurice J.
Published: October 2023

This paper reviews the needs and conceptual bases of school‐based youth suicide prevention programs, summarizes their current status, and recommends objectives, processes, and evaluation strategies for focused educational programs in this area. In addition, a broad systemic approach is called for that reorganizes the school context to increase students' contributions to and involvement with the educational process. Such approaches appear to have been effective with a variety of youth deviant behaviors such as dropout and delinquency, and seem to be particularly appropriate to suicidal behavior that is characterized by alienation and withdrawal from social supports. A combination of these broad and narrow foci may be necessary to address suicidal behavior in the educational context.
Suicide Prevention in the Elderly (Age 65–99)
Authors: McIntosh John L.
Published: October 2023

Suicide rates by age are highest among older adults. Subpopulations of elderly adults at high risk are identified, including White males, the target of a Healthy People 2000 Objective. Several specific programs are described and a range of measures to prevent suicide in late life are suggested. These measures include primary prevention steps related to education and information dissemination, and secondary prevention involving early identification and assessment of the depressed and suicidal as well as improved referral efforts.
Research in Adolescent Suicide: Implications for Training, Service Delivery, and Public Policy
Authors: Brent David A. , Perper Joshua A.
Published: October 2023

Four domains of research in adolescent suicide are reviewed: (1) the role of psychopathology, (2) family history of psychopathology, (3) mental health treatments, and (4) firearms in the home. Based on the extant literature, recommendations are made for changes in training, service delivery, and public policy. Among the recommendations for training professionals are: an emphasis on diagnostic proficiency, skill and attentiveness in the assessment of the entire family unit, and assessment of the availability of firearms in the home. With respect to changes in service delivery, we recommend treatment of the entire family system, and treatment of psychiatric and substance abuse problems in the same setting, and we show the need for a continuum of intensity of care from inpatient to outpatient. With respect to policy changes, we recommended parity of mental and physical health insurance coverage, screening for psychiatrically at‐risk youngsters in schools and physicians' offices, providing funding to support a continuum of care between inpatient and outpatient, and gun control laws to restrict access to handguns. We believe that these changes can result in a substantial reduction in the adolescent suicide rate.
Negative Attributional Style for Interpersonal Events and the Occurrence of Severe Interpersonal Disruptions as Predictors of Self‐Reported Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Joiner Thomas E. , Rudd M. David
Published: October 2023

We applied the hopelessness theory of depression to suicidal symptoms: 203 undergraduates completed questionnaires on attributional style, negative life events, hopelessness, and suicidal symptoms at one point in time and again 10 weeks later. Consistent with prediction, the combination of a negative attributional style for interpersonal events and the occurrence of such events were prospectively related to increases in self‐reported suicidally over the course of the 10‐week study. These findings displayed specificity with respect to interpersonal versus achievement‐related styles and events. Contrary to hypothesis, hopelessness did not mediate the relation between the Attributional style x Stress interaction and the increases in self‐reported suicidality.
The Life Attitudes Schedule Short Form: An Abbreviated Measure of Life‐Enhancing and Life‐Threatening Behaviors in Adolescents
Authors: Rohde Paul , Lewinsohn Peter M. , Seeley John R. , Langhinrichsen‐Rohling Jenny
Published: October 2023

An abbreviated version of the Life Attitudes Schedule (LAS) was developed, consisting of 24 items, each representing one cell of the original LAS theoretical matrix (4 content categories × 2 behavior types × 2 valence). Items were retained on the basis of high correlations with LAS total score and low correlations with gender. Psychometric properties of the LAS Short Form were robust and the Short Form total score correlated .93 with the original LAS total score. As with the original LAS, boys reported more injury‐related behaviors than girls. Future research and clinical directions are suggested.
Can Shneidman's “Ten Commonalities of Suicide” Accommodate Rational Suicide?
Authors: Werth James L.
Published: October 2023

Shneidman's (1985) commonly reproduced “Ten Commonalities of Suicide” cannot accommodate rational suicide, as the concept has been defined in recent literature, and therefore are not “commonalities” of all suicides. Quotes from Shneidman describing the “commonalities” are provided and selected items are briefly examined in light of one set of criteria for rational suicide. It is suggested that Shneidman's list, which is inherently biased against allowing for the possibility of rational suicide, be renamed so that its contents will not continue to be inappropriately used as evidence that suicide cannot be rational.
Phenotypic characteristics and immune response of Procypris merus following challenge with aquatic isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liao Wenyu , Wei Dongdong , Liu Mingzhu , Huang Lin , Li Bingzheng , Wei Yunyi , Han Shuyu , Huang Shuaishuai , Yu Qing , Li Pengfei
Published: October 2023

Currently, aquaculture is a relatively mature industry; however, disease problems are continuously threatening the industry and hindering its development to a certain extent. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the zoonotic bacteria widely present in different hosts and has caused some degree of harm to the aquaculture industry, posing a potential threat to the water environment and indirectly also affecting human food safety issues. In this study, K. pneumoniae was isolated from the aquaculture environment, named as ELD, and subjected to pathogenic and immunological related studies. The results of the study showed that the strain carries at least four virulence‐related genes, magA, wabG, ureA and uge, and has developed resistance to at least seven antibacterial drugs, such as amoxicillin, doxycycline, rifampicin, and so on. Moreover, the strain is highly pathogenic and is capable of causing systemic clinical foci in Procypris merus. In addition, after infection with K. pneumoniae, the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐8, HSP70 and C2 was upregulated in P. merus as a whole, whereas the expression of TNF‐α did not change significantly in any of the tissues, which might be a kind of immune response of P. merus against K. pneumoniae infection. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the in‐depth exploration of the pathogenic mechanism of K. pneumoniae in fish and the immune response that occurs after the disease is contracted in fish, as well as theoretical support for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against K. pneumoniae‐infected aquatic animals in the future.
Towards new design rainfall profiles for the United Kingdom
Authors: Villalobos Herrera Roberto , Blenkinsop Stephen , Guerreiro Selma B. , Dale Murray , Faulkner Duncan , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: October 2023

The Flood Studies Report (FSR) summer and winter design profiles are a key component of rainfall design guidance in the United Kingdom (UK). We have examined the rainfall profiles of over 70,000 extreme rainfall events with the original FSR profile methodology. This analysis reveals that rainfall profiles change with rainstorm duration but not season, contradicting one of the key assumptions in current UK rainfall design guidance. By using a method that does not artificially generate symmetrical and centred profiles we show that profile shapes are highly variable and strongly related to event duration and magnitude. Short events tend towards front‐loaded profiles, while heavy long‐duration events tend towards centred profile shapes. Finally, manual, automatic and mixed methods of deriving new design profiles for use in the UK were trialled, with consistent results. These could be used to derive new design profiles to supersede the FSR profiles. Notably, peak intensities in observed profiles and trialled summary profiles often exceeded those found in both FSR profiles. We conclude that current design profile guidance for the UK fails to account for the observed variability in event profile shapes and peak intensities and may lead to significant under‐ or over‐design of flood risk management solutions.
Virtual occlusal records acquired by using intraoral scanners: A review of factors that influence maxillo‐mandibular relationship accuracy
Authors: Chinam Nivedita , Bekkali Mariam , Kallas May , Li Junying
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of how much progress has been made in the field of virtual occlusal records (VOR) obtained with intraoral scanners (IOSs), their accuracy, and what factors influence their accuracy.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed and Scopus databases in February 2023. Eligible articles were clinical or in vitro studies evaluating the accuracy of virtual occlusal records with intraoral scanners in completely dentate and partially edentulous arches.

Results

Virtual occlusal records have shown promising results in terms of accuracy, with some studies reporting a high level of agreement with traditional methods. Key factors influencing the accuracy of VOR through intraoral scanners were identified which encompass multiple parameters such as scanner brands, imaging technology, scan quality, best‐fit alignment, software algorithms, intermesh penetrations, and the number of sections and dimensions of the virtual occlusal record. In partially edentate areas, the lack of landmarks in the edentulous area compromises the accuracy of VOR, thus limiting the use of IOS in patients with missing teeth.

Conclusion

Understanding and recognizing these influencing factors will increase the predictability and reliability of dental treatments completed by using digital workflows.  However, certain challenges need to be addressed which can influence its accuracy and limit its use in daily practice. Future research should focus on improving these factors to enhance the clinical applicability of virtual occlusal records.
Maternal prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, and allergic diseases in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Hongbiao , Chen Ling , Zhang Yulin
Published: October 2023

Several studies have investigated a link between maternal preconception body mass index, gestational weight gain (GWG), and the risk of childhood allergic diseases, but the conclusions of these studies were inconsistent. This review aimed to evaluate the relationship based on existing studies. We eventually included 18 cohort studies. The findings indicated that both maternal preconception overweight or obesity increased the risk of childhood wheezing (overweight: risk ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.15; obesity: RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.38) and asthma (overweight: RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.32; obesity: RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13–1.58), and the risk of childhood wheezing increased with continuous prepregnancy BMI changes (per 5 kg/m2 increase) (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05–1.15). Preconception underweight may elevate the risk of childhood eczema ever (RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09) and current eczema (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05–1.37), and preconception overweight may reduce the risk of childhood eczema ever (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99). No statistically significant association between GWG and the risk of allergic diseases in children was found. Preconception weight management is encouraged for the prevention of allergic diseases in children.
Asymmetry in Class II subdivision malocclusion: Assessment based on 3D surface models
Authors: Sencak Regina C. , Benavides Erika , Cevidanes Lucia , Yatabe Marilia , Koerich Leonardo , Souki Bernardo Quiroga , Ruellas Antonio Carlos de Oliveira
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There is currently no consensus in the literature whether the aetiology of a Class II subdivision is dental, skeletal or both. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify skeletal and dental asymmetries in Class II subdivision malocclusions.

Methods

CBCTs from 33 Class II subdivision malocclusion patients were used to construct 3D volumetric label maps. Eighteen landmarks were identified. The original scan and associated 3D volumetric label map were mirrored. Registration of the original and mirrored images relative to the anterior cranial base, maxilla and mandible were performed. Surface models were generated, and 3D differences were quantified. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Anterior cranial base registration showed significant differences for fossa vertical difference, fossa roll, mandibular yaw, mandibular lateral displacement and lower midline displacement. Regional registrations showed significant differences for antero‐posterior (A‐P) mandibular length, maxillary roll, A‐P maxillary first molar position, maxillary first molar yaw and maxillary first molar roll. Class II subdivision patients also show an asymmetric mandibular length as well as an asymmetric gonial angle. Moderate correlations were found between the A‐P molar relationship and fossa A‐P difference, mandibular first molar A‐P difference, maxillary first molar A‐P difference and maxillary first molar yaw.

Conclusions

This study suggests that Class II subdivisions can result from both significant skeletal and dental factors. Skeletal factors include a shorter mandible as well as posterior and higher displacement of the fossa on the Class II side, resulting in mandibular yaw. Dental factors include maxillary and mandibular first molar antero‐posterior asymmetry.
General science‐technology orientation, specific benefit–risk assessment frame, and public acceptance of gene drive biotechnology
Authors: Liu Xinsheng , Goldsmith Carol L. , Kang Ki Eun , Vedlitz Arnold , Adelman Zach N. , Buchman Leah W. , Heitman Elizabeth , Medina Raul F.
Published: October 2023

With limited understanding of most new biotechnologies, how do citizens form their opinion and what factors influence their attitudes about these innovations? In this study, we use gene drive biotechnology in agricultural pest management as an example and theoretically propose that given low levels of knowledge and awareness, citizens’ acceptance of, or opposition to, gene drive is significantly shaped by two predisposition factors: individuals’ general orientation toward science and technology, and their specific benefit‐risk assessment frame. Empirically, we employ data collected from a recent US nationally representative public opinion survey (N = 1220) and conduct statistical analyses to test the hypotheses derived from our theoretical expectations. Our statistical analyses, based on various model specifications and controlling for individual‐level covariates and state‐fixed effects, show that citizens with a more favorable general orientation toward science and technology are more likely to accept gene drive. Our data analyses also demonstrate that citizens’ specific gene drive assessment frame—consisting of a potential benefit dimension and a potential risk dimension, significantly shapes their attitudes as well—specifically, people emphasizing more on the benefit dimension are more likely to accept gene drive, whereas those who place more importance on the risk dimension tend to oppose it. We discuss contributions of our study and make suggestions for future research in the conclusion.
Addressing insurance price discrimination in an era of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Authors: Cather David A.
Published: October 2023

The early 2020s diversity, equity, and inclusion movement has prompted debate about banning the use of suspect insurance pricing variables because they discriminate against protected classes, such as gender. This paper demonstrates how banning an insurance pricing variable currently used in insurance pricing models can result in regulatory adverse selection if the ban heterogeneously combines policyowners with different expected losses into the same risk class, contrary to risk‐based pricing. The paper begins by describing several recent regulatory and judicial decisions to ban insurance pricing variables. It next describes the process used by insurers to set insurance prices, followed by a discussion of applicable insurance discrimination laws. Using a simple risk aversion model, the paper next examines whether a ban on gender‐based auto insurance pricing in California in 2019 results in regulatory adverse selection. The paper concludes by describing possible alternative pricing variables available to auto insurers if gender‐based pricing is banned.
The role of policy learning in explaining COVID‐19 policy changes
Authors: Wang Chan
Published: October 2023

The ongoing fight against the COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of adaptive policy change and the critical role of policy learning in responding to public health crises. This study utilizes policy change and policy learning theories to investigate how instrumental and political learning intertwined to explain the policy change decisions made by six U.S. states from May to December 2020. By employing a multi‐value Qualitative Comparative Analysis, this study finds that the decision to impose stricter public gathering restrictions is primarily driven by instrumental learning, which is a response to the deteriorating pandemic situation. On the contrary, the decision to relax gathering restrictions is not only driven by the policymakers' perception of the improving pandemic situation but also influenced by the political motivations, such as the desire to suppress protests and address concerns for the decreased approval for the governor's handling of the crisis. The findings highlight the varied utilization of different policy learning types in response to different directions of policy change. Additionally, this study underscores the joint impact of instrumental and political learning in explaining changes in policy stringency. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of policy change through learning activities in a complex and rapidly evolving policy landscape.
GOLDEN2‐like1 is sufficient but not necessary for chloroplast biogenesis in mesophyll cells of C4 grasses
Authors: Lambret‐Frotte Julia , Smith Georgia , Langdale Jane A.
Published: October 2023

Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis. In land plants, chloroplast biogenesis is regulated by a family of transcription factors named GOLDEN2‐like (GLK). In C4 grasses, it has been hypothesized that genome duplication events led to the sub‐functionalization of GLK paralogs (GLK1 and GLK2) to control chloroplast biogenesis in two distinct cell types: mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Although previous characterization of golden2 (g2) mutants in maize has demonstrated a role for GLK2 paralogs in regulating chloroplast biogenesis in bundle sheath cells, the function of GLK1 has remained elusive. Here we show that, contrary to expectations, GLK1 is not required for chloroplast biogenesis in mesophyll cells of maize. Comparisons between maize and Setaria viridis, which represent two independent C4 origins within the Poales, further show that the role of GLK paralogs in controlling chloroplast biogenesis in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells differs between species. Despite these differences, complementation analysis revealed that GLK1 and GLK2 genes from maize are both sufficient to restore functional chloroplast development in mesophyll and bundle sheath cells of S. viridis mutants. Collectively our results suggest an evolutionary trajectory in C4 grasses whereby both orthologs retained the ability to induce chloroplast biogenesis but GLK2 adopted a more prominent developmental role, particularly in relation to chloroplast activation in bundle sheath cells.
Two epilepsy‐associated variants in KCNA2 (KV1.2) at position H310 oppositely affect channel functional expression
Authors: Mínguez‐Viñas Teresa , Prakash Varsha , Wang Kaiqian , Lindström Sarah H. , Pozzi Serena , Scott Stuart A. , Spiteri Elizabeth , Stevenson David A. , Ashley Euan A. , Gunnarsson Cecilia , Pantazis Antonios
Published: October 2023

Two KCNA2 variants (p.H310Y and p.H310R) were discovered in paediatric patients with epilepsy and developmental delay. KCNA2 encodes KV1.2‐channel subunits, which regulate neuronal excitability. Both gain and loss of KV1.2 function cause epilepsy, precluding the prediction of variant effects; and while H310 is conserved throughout the KV‐channel superfamily, it is largely understudied. We investigated both variants in heterologously expressed, human KV1.2 channels by immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology and voltage‐clamp fluorometry. Despite affecting the same channel, at the same position, and being associated with severe neurological disease, the two variants had diametrically opposite effects on KV1.2 functional expression. The p.H310Y variant produced ‘dual gain of function’, increasing both cell‐surface trafficking and activity, delaying channel closure. We found that the latter is due to the formation of a hydrogen bond that stabilizes the active state of the voltage‐sensor domain. Additionally, H310Y abolished ‘ball and chain’ inactivation of KV1.2 by KVβ1 subunits, enhancing gain of function. In contrast, p.H310R caused ‘dual loss of function’, diminishing surface levels by multiple impediments to trafficking and inhibiting voltage‐dependent channel opening. We discuss the implications for KV‐channel biogenesis and function, an emergent hotspot for disease‐associated variants, and mechanisms of epileptogenesis.

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Key points

KCNA2 encodes the subunits of KV1.2 voltage‐activated, K+‐selective ion channels, which regulate electrical signalling in neurons. We characterize two KCNA2 variants from patients with developmental delay and epilepsy. Both variants affect position H310, highly conserved in KVchannels.

The p.H310Y variant caused ‘dual gain of function’, increasing both KV1.2‐channel activity and the number of KV1.2 subunits on the cell surface.

H310Y abolished ‘ball and chain’ (N‐type) inactivation of KV1.2 by KVβ1 subunits, enhancing the gain‐of‐function phenotype.

The p.H310R variant caused ‘dual loss of function’, diminishing the presence of KV1.2 subunits on the cell surface and inhibiting voltage‐dependent channel opening.

As H310Y stabilizes the voltage‐sensor active conformation and abolishes N‐type inactivation, it can serve as an investigative tool for functional and pharmacological studies.
Instability of Metamaterial-Based Thin Cylindrical Shells Under Axial Compression
Authors: Doshi Mitansh , Ning Xin
Published: October 2023

This paper presents comprehensive numerical studies on the instability behavior of metamaterial-based cylindrical shells (meta-shells) under axial compression. The cylindrical meta-shells are comprised of lattice-like metamaterial unit cells, including house unit cells and their variants, cuboid braced, octet truss, and octahedron. Their buckling and post-buckling behavior, effects of dimensional variations, structural mass efficiency in carrying axial compression, and the influences from damaged units are studied in this work. The results show that cylindrical meta-shells can exhibit benign or multistable post-buckling behavior rather than catastrophic unstable post-buckling commonly seen for conventional cylindrical shells with continuous surfaces. This work finds that the critical buckling loads scale with the meta-shell dimensions following a quadratic relation. However, the meta-shells’ structural mass efficiencies in carrying axial load do not change or slightly increase as their sizes proportionally increase. The study on the effects of defects shows that the critical buckling loads linearly decrease with respect to the mass of total damaged units.
Biopsychosocial Effects of a Conventional Exercise Program and Culturally Relevant Activities in Older Women From Mozambique
Authors: Daca Timóteo , Prista Antônio , Farinatti Paulo , Maia Pacheco Matheus , Drews Ricardo , Manyanga Taru , Damasceno Albertino , Tani Go
Published: October 2023

Aim: This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of a Conventional Exercise Program (CEP) and Culturally Relevant Activities (CRA) on body mass, cardiovascular risk, functional fitness (strength, flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility), self-efficacy, and self-esteem in older women dwelling in Mozambique. Methods: Fifty-seven women (67 [7] y) underwent 60-minute sessions of CEP (n = 28) or CRA (n = 29) performed 3 days per week for 12 weeks. CRA included Mozambican traditional dances and games (intensity corresponding to scores 3–4 of BORG-CR10 scale), and CEP included 20-minute stationary cycling (65%–75% heart rate reserve) and a resistance training circuit (8 exercises, 15-repetition maximum). Results: CEP and CRA (P < .05) showed increased percent fat (3.4% and 5.3%), waist circumference (3.3% and 5.8%), and cardiorespiratory fitness (14.4% and 9.4%), and decreased triglycerides (−20.0% and −77.8%). In CEP (P < .05), body mass (2.9%), body mass index (3.2%), and high-density lipoprotein (10.0%) increased, while glycemia (−4.8%) and total cholesterol (−9.8%) decreased. Blood pressure slightly increased in CEP (6.2%, P > .05) and CRA (4.3%, P < .05). Self-efficacy and self-esteem increased to similar levels in both groups (15%, P < .05). Conclusions: CEP and CRA were capable to improve biopsychosocial health-related variables in Mozambican older women. Culturally referenced PA interventions should be considered as an alternative in African countries.