bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern plants and sulfur isoscapes — A review, discussion, and construction of a pilot δ34S isoscape for mobility and provenance studies
Authors: Tarrant Damon , Richards Michael P.
Published: September 2024

RATIONALE

Sulfur isotopes are increasingly used as mobility indicators in humans and animals in biology, archaeology, and forensics. However, there has been a lack of modern sulfur isotope baseline “isoscape” studies using modern plants and animals, largely due to the possibility of contamination of the S isotope values by modern pollution.

METHODS

We collected plants from across a 900‐km east–west transect of British Columbia Canada and measured their sulfur isotope values. We then used a random forest model to determine which variables best explained the isotope data patterning and produced a sulfur isoscape for the southern region of British Columbia.

RESULTS

We see clear patterning in the plant sulfur isotope values that relate to geographical location and rainfall. Our model also shows that for this study area, it is unlikely that there is a significant influence of anthropogenic pollution on plant δ34S values. We also discuss the use of plants as a substrate for sulfur isoscapes and possible explanations for the often‐observed difference between plant and animal δ34S values from the same region, related to differing sources of sulfur in plants compared to amino acids in human and animal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that for areas of the world where sulfur pollution is likely less widespread, it is possible to produce a modern plant S isoscape that should be an accurate baseline for mobility studies. Using random forest modelling, we have produced a baseline sulfur isoscape map of southern British Columbia that can be used for ecology, forensic and archaeological studies.
Pull‐up surprise: Chronic foreign body aspiration
Authors: Halim Dzufar , Breen David
Published: September 2024

Key message

Foreign body aspiration is rare in adults but can be life‐threatening. This case highlights the subtlety of chronic foreign body aspiration presentation and the importance of judicious use of radiological tool and comprehensive history‐taking especially in patients with chronic cough.
Scalable exact output synchronization of discrete‐time multi‐agent systems in the presence of disturbances and measurement noise with known frequencies
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Zhang Meirong , Saberi Ali , Stoorvogel Anton A.
Published: September 2024

This article aims to achieve scalable exact output and regulated output synchronization for discrete‐time multi‐agent systems in presence of disturbances and measurement noise with known frequencies. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous multi‐agent systems are considered, with parts of agents' states accessible in the latter case. The key contribution of this article is to establish scalable exact synchronization results under disturbances and measurement noise, which is achieved by using distributed protocols that only use information about agent models and no information about the communication network or the number of agents. The validity of the protocol is verified by numerical simulations with arbitrarily chosen number of agents.
Distributed bipartite time‐varying formation tracking control with prescribed‐time convergence for heterogeneous Euler‐Lagrange systems
Authors: Zhong Huimin , Han Tao , Xiao Bo , Zhan Xi‐Sheng , Yan Huaicheng
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on the study of the prescribed‐time bipartite time‐varying formation tracking (BTVFT) problem for multiple heterogeneous Euler‐Lagrange systems (HELSs) with external disturbances under directed signed graphs. Considering the fact that the states of leader cannot be accurately obtained, a set of observers which can estimate the states of the leader within a prescribed time, is firstly established according to the time‐varying function. Subsequently, a prescribed‐time distributed control protocol is proposed by employing a terminal sliding surface, aiming to achieve the BTVFT under digraphs within a prescribed time. The theoretical proof utilizes suitable Lyapunov functions to demonstrate that the control law can guide the state trajectories of each follower to the corresponding terminal sliding surface within a predefined time, thus ensuring the solution to the BTVFT problem of HELSs. Finally, simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the derived findings.
To Become an Object Among Objects: Generative Artificial “Intelligence,” Writing, and Linguistic White Supremacy
Authors: de Roock Roberto Santiago
Published: September 2024

This paper critically explores the implications of generative artificial “intelligence” (GAI) technologies for literacy theory and practice through a case study of the author's use of OpenAI's ChatGPT. The study opens with an overview of recent literature surrounding the pedagogical implications of using GAI with a focus on issues of racial justice, outlining an abolitionist political ecology approach to literacy that extends relational theories of mediation to machine‐aided writing. The framework is then applied to data from a cognitive autoethnography of GAI use over a 6‐month period, which included a digital ethnography of ChatGPT and an extended semistructured “interview” with the GAI chatbot. Racial justice issues were found, especially linguistic and other biases. As such, soon‐to‐be ubiquitous artificial intelligence (AI) technologies require profound reconsideration of the productive value of literacy exploited by GAI, which will inevitably be pursued through an acquiescence or fundamental rupture with the dystopian visions of the technology's creators.
Climate finance spillovers and entrepreneurship in developing countries
Authors: Mohan Preeya , Morris Diego
Published: September 2024

Research Summary

We conduct a multicountry analysis and show that there is a strong and significant positive relationship between climate finance and entrepreneurship, even after controlling for conventional macroeconomic and institutional factors commonly reported in the literature. Specifically, a 10% increase in climate finance is linked with a 2% increase in entrepreneurial activity across most countries. There are important heterogeneities in this nexus as it relates to fossil fuel exporting countries—the main “losers” from a global move away from fossil fuels. We find that although fossil fuel exporting countries exhibit notably faster rates of entrepreneurship growth, the interaction with climate finance in these countries is negatively related to entrepreneurial activity. This finding holds across different types of climate finance—adaptation and mitigation—highlighting its robustness.

Managerial Summary

It is often suggested that more finance will lead to more entrepreneurship. We conduct a multicountry analysis and add nuance to this notion. We find that although there is a strong and significant positive relationship between climate finance and entrepreneurship in most countries, this is not always true for fossil fuel exporting countries. Fossil fuel exporting countries, despite experiencing faster entrepreneurial growth, exhibit a negative interaction between climate finance and entrepreneurship. For managerial practice, these results emphasize the importance of targeted strategies in deploying climate finance. Policymakers and investors should consider nuanced approaches that address the specific economic dependencies and regulatory environments of fossil fuel exporting countries.
Preparation and Properties of Mo/Ti/Sn Conductivity Conversion Coatings on 6063 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Yi Aihua , Liu Min , Li Wenfang , Liu Yuying , Mo Yeping , Huang Zhiquan , Chen Xiaolan
Published: September 2024

Conductivity chromium‐free conversion coatings on aluminum substrates were achieved by utilizing Na2SnO3 and Mo/Ti solutions. The composition and morphology of the coatings were characterized using XPS, SEM, EDS, AFM, and Raman spectroscopies. The corrosion behavior of the coatings in 3.5‐wt% NaCl solution was investigated through a dynamic potential polarization method and EIS analysis. Mott–Schottky and UV–Vis analyses were used to determine the semiconductor properties of the coatings, including carrier concentration and band gap. The results revealed that the main components of the coating were Al2O3, SnO2, MoO3, and MoO2 and the coating presented a double‐layer structure, including a transition layer close to the substrate and a compact layer on the surface. The coating also exhibited the properties of a p‐type semiconductor. The electrical contact resistance value of adding Na2SnO3 decreased from 0.4331 to 0.1343 Ω/in2 (in 200 psi), while the band gap decreased from 2.281 to 2.232 eV.
Evaluating analytic models for individually randomized group treatment trials with complex clustering in nested and crossed designs
Authors: Moyer Jonathan C. , Li Fan , Cook Andrea J. , Heagerty Patrick J. , Pals Sherri L. , Turner Elizabeth L. , Wang Rui , Zhou Yunji , Yu Qilu , Wang Xueqi , Murray David M.
Published: September 2024

Many individually randomized group treatment (IRGT) trials randomly assign individuals to study arms but deliver treatments via shared agents, such as therapists, surgeons, or trainers. Post‐randomization interactions induce correlations in outcome measures between participants sharing the same agent. Agents can be nested in or crossed with trial arm, and participants may interact with a single agent or with multiple agents. These complications have led to ambiguity in choice of models but there have been no systematic efforts to identify appropriate analytic models for these study designs. To address this gap, we undertook a simulation study to examine the performance of candidate analytic models in the presence of complex clustering arising from multiple membership, single membership, and single agent settings, in both nested and crossed designs and for a continuous outcome. With nested designs, substantial type I error rate inflation was observed when analytic models did not account for multiple membership and when analytic model weights characterizing the association with multiple agents did not match the data generating mechanism. Conversely, analytic models for crossed designs generally maintained nominal type I error rates unless there was notable imbalance in the number of participants that interact with each agent.
Resveratrol Alleviated T‐2 Toxin‐Induced Liver Injury via Preservation of Nrf2 Pathway and GSH Synthesis
Authors: Jin Hong , He Jun , Wu Min , Wang Xiaohan , Jia Li , Zhang Li , Guo Jiabin
Published: September 2024

T‐2 toxin is a trichothecene mycotoxin and is considered as an extremely inevitable pollutant with potent hepatotoxicity. However, the approach to alleviation of T‐2 toxin‐triggered hepatotoxicity has been recognized as a serious challenge. Resveratrol (Res) is a polyphenol natural product isolated from various plant species, but its protective effect against T‐2 toxin hepatotoxicity and detailed mechanism remains obscure. In the present study, the effect of Res against the hepatotoxicity was evaluated, and the underlying mechanisms were further revealed in mice. Functionally, Res inhibited liver injury, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by T‐2 toxin. Mechanistically, Res modulated Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant pathway and glutathione synthesis inhibition. Collectively, our findings first showed beyond doubt that Res ameliorated T‐2 toxin‐triggered liver injury by regulating Nrf2 pathways in mice.
Die sensorgestützte Kartierung von Bodenparametern
Authors: Gebbers Robin , Kramer Eckart
Published: September 2024

Das Kapitel informiert über die praktischen Anforderungen an Sensorsysteme zur Bodenkartierung. Das Hauptaugenmerkt liegt auf den Sensoren zur Erfassung kalkungsrelevanter Bodenparameter. Ergänzend werden grundlegende Merkmale von Sensorsystemen beschrieben, welche zu deren Charakterisierung und Bewertung von Bedeutung sind. This chapter informs about practical requirements to be met by sensor systems when using them for soil mapping. Focus is on sensors for detecting soil parameters relevant for liming. Additionally, fundamental features of sensor systems are introduced, which are relevant for their characterisation and assessment.
Establishing a process route for additive manufacturing of NiCu-based Alloy 400: an alignment of gas atomization, laser powder bed fusion, and design of experiments
Authors: Roth Jan-Philipp , Šulák Ivo , Kruml Tomáš , Polkowski Wojciech , Dudziak Tomasz , Böhlke Peter , Krupp Ulrich , Jahns Katrin
Published: September 2024

Alloy 400 is a corrosion-resistant, NiCu-based material which is used in numerous industrial applications, especially in marine environments and the high-temperature chemical industry. As conventional manufacturing limits geometrical complexity, additive manufacturing (AM) of the present alloy system promises great potential. For this purpose, a robust process chain, consisting of powder production via gas atomization and a design of experiment (DoE) approach for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), was developed. With a narrow particle size distribution, powders were found to be spherical, flowable, consistent in chemical composition, and, hence, generally applicable to the LPBF process. Copper segregations at grain boundaries were clearly detected in powders. For printed parts instead, low-intensity micro-segregations at cell walls were discovered, being correlated with the iterative thermal stress applied to solidified melt-pool-near grains during layer-by-layer manufacturing. For the production of nearly defect-free LPBF structures, DoE suggested a single optimum parameter set instead of a broad energy density range. The latter key figure was found to be misleading in terms of part densities, making it an outdated tool in modern, software-based process parameter optimization. On the microscale, printed parts showed an orientation of melt pools along the build direction with a slight crystallographic [101] texture. Micro-dendritic structures were detected on the nanoscale being intersected by a high number of dislocations. Checked against hot-extruded reference material, the LPBF variant performed better in terms of strength while lacking in ductility, being attributed to a finer grain structure and residual porosity, respectively.
Cost share-induced technological change: An analytical classical-evolutionary model
Authors: Kemp-Benedict Eric
Published: September 2024

This paper builds on prior work by the author on cost share-induced technological change. The theoretical model views selection of candidate innovations as a capital budgeting exercise. In this paper it treats the case in which firms target an incremental rate of profit, which introduces a nonzero threshold into a “selection frontier”. This presents analytical challenges, which are resolved in this paper by assuming that the probability distribution of potential increases in productivity among the set of fit innovations is normal. That permits an explicit derivation of a micro-level model of cost share-induced technological change that can be taken as a candidate functional form for an aggregate model. The model is calibrated against historical data for India, China, and the United States, three large continental economies at different levels of per capita GDP. The model is able to fit the data with reasonable fidelity, and the fitted model parameters can be given a reasonable interpretation. The paper further shows that combining cost share-induced technological change with price-setting behavior produces theoretically interesting results.
Extensions of k-regulous functions from two-dimensional varieties
Authors: Banecki Juliusz
Published: September 2024

We prove that a k-regulous function defined on a two-dimensional non-singular affine variety can be extended to an ambient variety. Additionally we derive some results concerning sums of squares of k-regulous functions; in particular we show that every positive semi-definite regular function on a non-singular affine variety can be written as a sum of squares of locally Lipschitz regulous functions.
The Paradox of Modern Technology in Standardizing Thermal Liver Ablation: Fostering Uniformity or Diversity?
Authors: Verhagen Coosje A. M. , van der Velden Ariadne L. , Bale Reto , Bozzi Elena , Crocetti Laura , Denys Alban , van Erp Gonnie C. M. , Gholamiankhah Faeze , Greco Giorgio , Hendriks Pim , Knapen Robrecht R. M. M. , Kobeiter Hicham , Lanocita Rodolfo , Meijerink Martijn R. , Orsi Franco , Phillips Alice , Rahmani Hossein , Smits Maarten L. J. , van Strijen Marco J. L. , van Dam Ronald M. , van der Leij Christiaan , Burgmans Mark C.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Currently, significant medical practice variation exists in thermal ablation (TA) of malignant liver tumors with associated differences in outcomes. The IMaging and Advanced Guidance for workflow optimization in Interventional Oncology (IMAGIO) consortium aims to integrate interventional oncology into the standard clinical pathway for cancer treatment in Europe by 2030, by development of a standardized low-complex-high-precision workflow for TA of malignant liver tumors. This study was conducted at the start of the IMAGIO project with the aim to explore the current state and future role of modern technology in TA of malignant liver tumors.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted followed by an expert focus group discussion with core members and collaborating partners of the consortium.

Results

Of the 13 participants, 10 respondents filled in the questionnaire. During the focus group discussion, there was consensus on the need for international standardization in TA and several aspects of the procedure, such as planning based on cross-sectional images, the adoption of different techniques for needle placement and the importance of needle position- and post-ablative margin confirmation scans. Yet, also considerable heterogeneity was reported in the adoption of modern technology, particularly in navigational systems and computer-assisted margin assessment.

Conclusion

This study mirrored the current diversity in workflow of thermal liver ablation. To obtain comparable outcomes worldwide, standardization is needed. While advancements in tools and software hold the potential to homogenize outcome measurement and minimize operator-dependent variability, the rapid increase in availability also contributes to enhanced workflow variation.

Graphical Abstract
Agricultural Biotechnological Potential of Bacillus velezensis C3-3 and Cytobacillus sp. T106 from Resource Islands of a Semi-arid Zone of La Guajira-Colombia
Authors: Suárez-Bautista Jeimy Daniela , Manotas-Viloría Hillary Sharid , Leal-Mejía Leslie , Boyacá-Vásquez Johanna , Pineros-Castro Yineth , Corrales Lucia Constanza , Cuervo-Soto Laura , Vanegas Javier
Published: September 2024

Resource islands are vegetative formations in arid and semi-arid ecosystems that harbor microorganisms facing extreme conditions. However, there is a limitation in the knowledge of the agricultural biotechnological potential of microorganisms present in these islands. This study aimed to determine the capacity of Bacillus velezensis C3-3 and Cytobacillus sp. T106 isolates from resource islands to promote plant growth and control the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani. The bacteria were sequenced, and both grew at 50 °C, resisted 5% NaCl, withstood UV exposure, and grew in extreme pH conditions. Sixty-six genes in C3-3 and 71 in T106 were identified associated with plant growth promotion, and C3-3 was shown to promote leaf growth in lettuce plants. This promotional effect was associated with the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), phosphorus solubilization, and the presence of genes related to the assimilation of rhizosphere exudates. Both strains inhibited R. solani through the production of volatile compounds and antagonism. Forty-five and 40 of these genes in C3-3 and T106, respectively, were associated with the production of proteases, lipases, siderophores, antimicrobial compounds, degradation enzymes, and secretion systems. Notably, Cytobacillus sp. has not been previously reported as a biocontrol agent. This work contributes to the evidence of the biotechnological potential of semi-arid region bacteria, offering prospects for improving agricultural production in areas with limiting conditions.
Measure-Valued Structured Deformations
Authors: Krömer Stefan , Kružík Martin , Morandotti Marco , Zappale Elvira
Published: September 2024

Measure-valued structured deformations are introduced to present a unified theory of deformations of continua. The energy associated with a measure-valued structured deformation is defined via relaxation departing either from energies associated with classical deformations or from energies associated with structured deformations. A concise integral representation of the energy functional is provided both in the unconstrained case and under Dirichlet conditions on a part of the boundary.
Lipid composition of coral propagules and reproductive material in coral restoration nurseries
Authors: Roper Christine D. , Matthews Jennifer L. , Camp Emma F. , Padula Matthew P. , Kuzhiumparambil Unnikrishnan , Edmondson John , Howlett Lorna , Suggett David J.
Published: September 2024

Coral restoration efforts have rapidly increased worldwide, including the development of several programmes on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in recent years. While many restoration programmes utilise in-water nurseries to accelerate coral biomass yields, the impact of nursery environments on propagule quality has not been examined despite the importance of coral fitness for ensuring resistant populations. Here, we investigated two fitness indicators (lipid diversity and tissue protein abundance) of Acropora millepora adults and eggs grown on coral nurseries versus native reef on the GBR, with adults assessed at two sites (Blue Lagoon and Rayban) and eggs assessed at one site (Blue Lagoon). Lipid profiles of adult colonies varied by site and origin (nursery versus wild reef), with adult nursery corals exhibiting an elevated relative abundance of storage lipids (diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols) and lipid classes responsible for regulating membrane structure (phosphatidylcholines and sterol esters), while wild corals were characterised by a greater relative abundance of fatty acids and classes involved in immunoregulation. Comparing eggs from different origins, nursery offspring were richer in energy-storing triacylglycerols, as well as ceramides and phosphatidylcholines essential for membrane structure, while wild eggs had a greater relative abundance of wax ester species also important for energy storage. No differences were found in total protein abundance (adult or eggs) or egg physical characteristics (count and size) between nursery and wild origins. Variations in lipid profiles are consistent with differences in environmental conditions between reef sites and origin (nursery versus wild), highlighting the need to consider site selection and propagation conditions when planning restoration projects. Importantly, these findings demonstrate that the lipid classes with the highest relative abundance in A. millepora nursery and wild eggs differed from those in adults from the same origin, suggesting that propagation origin is more important for driving lipid profiles in coral eggs compared to parental effects.
The character of non-manipulable collective choices between two alternatives
Authors: Basile Achille , Rao K. P. S. Bhaskara , Rao Surekha
Published: September 2024

We consider classes of non-manipulable social choice functions with range of cardinality at most two within a set of at least two alternatives. We provide the functional form for each of the classes we consider. This functional form is a characterization that explicitly describes how a social choice function of that particular class selects the collective choice corresponding to a profile. We provide a unified formulation of these characterizations using the new concept of “character”. The choice of the character, depending on the class of social choice functions, gives the functional form of all social choice functions of the class.
Niche construction and niche choice by aphids infesting wheat ears
Authors: Bühler Andreas , Schweiger Rabea
Published: September 2024

The niche of aphids is largely defined by their consumption of plant phloem sap and its composition, including nutrients and specialized metabolites. Niche construction is the change of the environment by organisms, which may influence the fitness of these organisms and their offspring. To better understand interactions between plants and aphids, it is necessary to investigate whether aphids modify the chemical composition of the phloem sap of their host plants and whether conspecifics are affected by previous infestation. In the current study, ears of wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants were infested with clonal lineages of the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) or were left uninfested. The metabolic composition of ear phloem sap exudates was analyzed through amino acid profiling and metabolic fingerprinting. Aphids of the clonal lineages were either put on previously aphid-infested or on uninfested ears and their colony sizes followed over time. Furthermore, it was investigated whether aphids choose one treatment group over another. Sitobion avenae infestation affected the relative concentrations of some metabolites in the phloem exudates of the ears. Compared to uninfested plants, the relative concentration of asparagine was higher after aphid infestation. Colonies grew significantly larger on previously aphid-infested ears, which the aphids also clearly chose in the choice experiment. The pronounced positive effect of previous infestation on aphid colonies indicates niche construction, while the choice of these constructed niches reveals niche choice by S. avenae on wheat. The interplay between these different niche realization processes highlights the complexity of interactions between aphids and their hosts.
Consensus guidelines on the bedside assistant skills required in robotic surgery
Authors: Brian Riley , Murillo Alyssa , Gomes Camilla , Chern Hueylan , Oh Daniel , O’Sullivan Patricia S.
Published: September 2024

Background

While bedside assistants play a critical role in many robotic operations, substantial heterogeneity remains in bedside assistant training pathways. As such, this study aimed to develop consensus guidelines for bedside assistant skills required for team members in robotic operations.

Methods

We designed a study using the Delphi process to develop consensus guidelines around bedside assistant skills. We generated an initial list of bedside assistant skills from the literature, training materials, and expert input. We selected experts for the Delphi process based on prior scholarship in the area of robotic bedside assistant education and experience facilitating robotic bedside assistant training. For each item, respondents specified which robotic team members should have the skill from a list of “basic” bedside assistants, “advanced” bedside assistants, surgeons, surgical technologists, and circulating nurses. We conducted two rounds of the Delphi process and defined 80% agreement as sufficient for consensus.

Results

Fourteen experts participated in two rounds of the Delphi process. By the end of the second round, the group had reached consensus on 253 of 305 items (83%). The group determined that “basic” bedside assistants should have 52 skills and that “advanced” bedside assistants should have 60 skills. The group also determined that surgeons should have 54 skills, surgical technologists should have 25 skills, and circulating nurses should have 17 skills. Experts agreed that all participants should have certain communication skills and basic knowledge of aspects of the robotic system.

Conclusions

We developed consensus guidelines on the skills required during robotic surgery by bedside assistants and other team members using the Delphi process. These findings can be used to design training around bedside assistant skills and assess team members to ensure that each team member has the appropriate skills. Hospitals can also use these guidelines to standardize expectations for robotic team members.
Lesbian and Heterosexual Women’s Implicit Responses to Gender Figures
Authors: da Silva José Cláudio Rodrigues , de Almeida Rodrigo Vianna , Bortoloti Renato
Published: September 2024

This study explored how heterosexual and lesbian women differ in their implicit sexual responses. Previous research indicates that heterosexual women have physiological and implicit responses to both genders, whereas lesbian women show stronger responses to their preferred gender. This study used two implicit measures: the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST), both of which were novel in this context. We recruited 33 heterosexual and 25 lesbian women. Both IRAP and FAST were successful in differentiating the two sexual orientations as a group. The results confirmed that heterosexual women exhibit positive responses to both genders, while lesbian women show stronger, category-specific responses to their preferred gender. These findings align with previous research and provide further insight into the nuanced differences in sexual orientation responses among women.
Enhancement of W Nanoparticles Synthesis by Injecting H2 in a Magnetron Sputtering Gas Aggregation Cluster Source Operated in Ar
Authors: Acsente Tomy , Stoica Silviu Daniel , Craciun Cristina , Mitu Bogdana , Dinescu Gheorghe
Published: September 2024

Synthesis of W nanoparticles by magnetron sputtering combined with gas aggregation operated in Ar suffers from a continuous decrease of the synthesis rate, ceasing in a finite time interval, in the range of minutes to tens of minutes. Experimentally, we noticed that adding small amounts of H2 to Ar (5–20%) increases the synthesis rate, which remains constant over time, at a value dependent on the amount of injected hydrogen. Mass spectrometry investigations revealed, in the hydrogen presence, a dominance of the ArH+ ions over the Ar+ ones, associated also with an increased number of W+ and WH+ species in plasma, sustaining a substantial increase in the nucleation rate.
Quantitative trait loci for bearing habit in a ‘Sparrow’ × ‘Schessler’ Juglans nigra mapping population
Authors: Jablonski Benjamin , Meier Nicholas A. , Chatwin Warren , Coggeshall Mark V. , Romero-Severson Jeanne , Revord Ronald S.
Published: September 2024

Eastern black walnut, Juglans nigra L., is an economically important tree species valued for its high-quality timber and edible nuts. A regional industry for the species’ nut and kernel products resides in Missouri, where over 9 million kg of hulled in-shell nuts are purchased in masting years. The crop is primarily based upon nuts harvested from wild trees, placing a ceiling on nut volume and quality (e.g. small nut size, dark pellicle color, and 10–14% kernel by weight). Orchards of named cultivars, like ‘Kwik Krop’ and ‘Sparrow’, supply up to 22,000 kg of nuts with a higher kernel percentage (> 26%) and improved quality. Such cultivars often represent chance wild or on-farm seedlings, clonally propagated since the late 1800’s by enthusiasts. Today, continued improvement of eastern black walnut as an orchard crop is limited by a long generation time, delayed expression of important traits, and space requirements – creating a strong need for marker-trait association studies that inform progeny selection. The first linkage map for J. nigra was recently created using the ‘Sparrow’ × ‘Schessler’ F1 population and loci for phenology traits discovered. The objective of this study is to utilize these genetic resources to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) and report associated DNA markers for the spur-bearing habit, which promotes precocity and high yield. Using single-year data from the 11-year-old population, we observe that segregation for the spur-bearing habit appears to be recessive and multigenic. Three QTLs (p > 0.99) were identified on linkage group (LG) 8, LG11, and LG16 that explain 7.2%, 8.7%, and 10% of trait variation, respectively. Regions between flanking DNA markers were 3.16 cM, 4.32 cM, and 9.69 cM, respectively. This study is the first to examine the genetic control of bearing habit and yield in eastern black walnut and informs breeders’ approach for their future genetic improvement.
Lung densitometry in postmortem computed tomography - comparison across different fatal asphyxia groups
Authors: Jakobsen Søren Reinhold , Schellerup Lars , Boel Lene Warner Thorup , Hansen Kasper
Published: September 2024

Asphyxia as a cause of death poses a diagnostic challenge in forensic medicine due to both the diversity of underlying mechanisms, and lack of specific markers. Acute emphysema or acute alveolar dilation have long been debated as potential findings in these asphyxia cases. To further explore the supplementary findings in our forensic asphyxia cases, this study applied lung densitometry to pulmonary postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) data. Twenty asphyxia cases (including hanging (n = 9), manual strangulation (n = 4), ligature strangulation (n = 1), smothering (n = 3), and choking (n = 3)) and 21 matched control cases were analysed using lung densitometry parameters - specifically quantification of low attenuation areas (LAA) and the 15th percentile point of lung density (Perc15). Our data revealed statistically significantly higher lung % volume falling within LAA at -950HU (p = 0.04) and − 910HU (p = 0.043) in the asphyxia cases compared to matched controls. The Perc15 values observed were trending towards a lower attenuation corresponding to a lower density in the asphyxia group, although this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). A subgroup analysis highlighted potential differences within the asphyxia categories, notably, higher Perc15 values were observed in the choking cases. In conclusion the results from the study support the existing evidence of low pulmonary density as a potential finding in asphyxia cases and demonstrate the potential of applying lung densitometry on pulmonary postmortem computed tomography data.
A Paradox of Inclusion in Cities: Homemaking of Refugees and Natives in Urban Space
Authors: Yalçın Meral Gezici , Düzen Nebi Ekrem
Published: September 2024

In this research, we aimed to explore a paradox of inclusion that emerges in the homemaking activities of refugees and natives. On one side, natives perceive threat from refugees and tend to preserve their home by excluding them from urban spaces. On the other side, refugees strive to make a new home and seek to regain homely feelings. Therefore, we examined inclusion both as an outcome variable (willingness for inclusion in the native context) and as a predictor (perceived inclusion in the refugee context). One distinctive aspect of this study is that both natives and refugees have comparably similar ethnocultural backgrounds (either Kurds or Arabs) re-encountered after the Syrian proxy war. A total of 421 natives (Study 1, Mage = 37.1, SD = 14.3; 50% women), and 889 refugees (Study 2, Mage = 36.59; SD = 12.51; 62% women) living in Mardin (a city in Turkey bordering Syria) were surveyed. Both groups of participants were asked about their daily life activities across places (dwelling, neighborhood, city center) as related to homemaking. In addition, natives were asked about the extent they perceived threat from, and ascribed social reputation to refugees, whereas refugees were asked about the extent they were satisfied with the urban life and spaces they felt homely. Our results highlight the importance of focusing on the inclusion paradox in the context of mobility (including forced migration), which generates a new disadvantaged layer in society even among people with similar ethnocultural backgrounds when one group is regarded as refugees and the other natives.
Exploring the relationship between psychopathy and close relationships in a sample of young Portuguese adults
Authors: Monteiro Carolina Queirós , Simões Margarida , Relva Inês Carvalho
Published: September 2024

The literature reveals that psychopathy is strongly associated with attachment avoidance, based on the denial of the importance of close relationships and the absence of anxiety related to rejection. These dimensions can be evaluated in the scope of parental relationships, and given the scarcity of literature that deals with the relationship between these and psychopathy, the present study arises, which aims to: analyze the associations between the dimensions of psychopathy and experiences in close relationships; to verify the existence of differences in the dimensions of experiences in close relationships according to gender and to test the mediating effect of psychopathy on the association between gender and experiences in close relationships. The sample consisted of 319 young adults aged between 18 and 30 years (M = 23.19; SD = 2.40). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Self-Report Psycopathy Scale-III (SRP-III) and The Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS) were used as instruments. The main results suggest that psychopathy is positively associated with avoidance and negatively with attachment anxiety and that it demonstrates a total mediation and an absence of mediation in the relationship between gender and the dimensions of attachment experienced in close relationships. That said, the importance of promoting programs that alert to the importance of positive interaction in parent–child relationships is verified and the innovative character of the present study is highlighted.
Business failure prediction models with high and stable predictive power over time using genetic programming
Authors: Beade Ángel , Rodríguez Manuel , Santos José
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the deterioration of the predictive power and the analysis of the predictive stability of business failure prediction models, an aspect not sufficiently analysed in previous research. Insolvency prediction is considered with three temporal horizons (1 year, 3 years and 5 years prior to failure). The Genetic Programming (GP) tool has been used to achieve prediction models with high performance and stability over time, considering a long post-learning period in the stability analysis. In addition, novel scenarios representative of actual model use are proposed and considered, as well as metrics to assess the deterioration of the models’ predictive power. The optimised GP prediction models (in the three temporal horizons) present a higher performance with respect to external references and, more importantly in relation to the objective of our study, the selected GP models substantially improve on the stability reported in previous studies, meeting the pursued requirements of degree of deterioration (less than 5%) and stability (Pearson’s coefficient of variation less than 5%). Thus, the predictions of the GP models after the learning are very stable (period 2008–2019), to a certain extent immune, with respect to their environment, responding adequately in both procyclical and countercyclical modes, all of which is particularly relevant as this period includes a strong recession and a strong recovery. This should help to increase the reliability of business failure prediction models. Moreover, the relevance of including variables other than the usual financial ratios as predictors of failure is confirmed.
Novel Biomarkers: Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor and Procalcitonin- and Histological Chorioamnionitis after Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Jalkanen Kati , Virtanen Anita , Aittoniemi Janne , Flinck Heidi , Ampuja Sinikka , Huhtala Heini , Tihtonen Kati
Published: September 2024

Fetal inflammatory response syndrome or infection after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) increases neonatal morbidity in preterm deliveries. Biochemical markers from the amniotic fluid (AF) have been used to evaluate possible intra-amniotic infection during the asymptomatic phase after PPROM. This study aimed to describe whether soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) or procalcitonin (PCT) from AF or maternal sera could reveal fetal inflammatory response or infection after PPROM. AF and maternal serum samples were collected weekly after PPROM (23+ 0 − 34+ 6 gestational weeks) until delivery from twenty women and two women with possible chorioamnionitis with intact membranes. Levels of suPAR, PCT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and bacterial PCR were determined from AF and suPAR and PCT and IL-6 from maternal sera. Fetal infection or inflammation response were determined by the histology of the placenta after delivery. AF glucose was significantly lower and AF LDH higher in the fetal site histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) group, while AF suPAR concentrations tended to be higher in this group. AF suPAR correlated significantly with AF glucose and LDH. Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, AF glucose had the best predictability for fetal site histological chorioamnionitis. The findings of AF PCT were insignificant considering HCA. AF glucose had the highest accuracy in predicting fetal site histologic chorioamnionitis. AF suPAR may be a promising marker; however, our findings were limited by a small study population.
Pandemic Incident Management for Vaccine Safety Challenges: Victoria’s Alert Advisory Group Experience
Authors: Clothier Hazel J. , Wolthuizen Michelle , Laemmle-Ruff Ingrid , Lewis Georgina , Radkowski Catherine , Buttery Jim , Crawford Nigel
Published: September 2024

Safe vaccines are critical for biosecurity protection, yet adverse events—rightly or wrongly attributed to immunization—potentially cause rapid loss of confidence, reduced vaccine uptake, and resurgence of preventable disease. Effective vaccine safety incident management is essential to provide assessment and lead appropriate actions to ensure vaccination programs are safe and mitigate unwarranted crisis escalation that could damage vaccine programs and the effective control of vaccine preventable disease outbreaks or pandemics. Incident management systems (IMS) are used globally to direct emergency management response, particularly for natural disasters of fire, flood, and storm. Public health is equally an emergency response and can therefore benefit from these command control constructs. While examples of IMS for outbreak response and mass immunization logistics exist, there is little to no information on their use in vaccine safety. We describe Australia’s vaccine safety Alert Advisory Group establishment in Victoria during the COVID-19 pandemic and onward embedding into routine practice, anticipant of new vaccines, and the next biosecurity threat.
ARTIN–SCHREIER EXTENSIONS AND COMBINATORIAL COMPLEXITY IN HENSELIAN VALUED FIELDS
Authors: BOISSONNEAU BLAISE
Published: September 2024

We give explicit formulas witnessing IP, IP

$_{\!n}$

, or TP2 in fields with Artin–Schreier extensions. We use them to control p-extensions of mixed characteristic henselian valued fields, allowing us most notably to generalize to the NIP

$_{\!n}$

context one way of Anscombe–Jahnke’s classification of NIP henselian valued fields. As a corollary, we obtain that NIP

$_{\!n}$

henselian valued fields with NIP residue field are NIP. We also discuss tameness results for NTP2 henselian valued fields.
In the Zone: On Quinn Slobodian’s Crack-Up Capitalism and the Spaces of Political Economy
Authors: Fredona Robert , Reinert Sophus A.
Published: September 2024

Quinn Slobodian has established himself as a leading historian of neoliberalism. Crack-Up Capitalism continues where his Globalists left off, but shifts focus from visions of global ordering to the fragmentation of the world into special economic zones (SEZs). In Slobodian’s provocative analysis, SEZs become a late neoliberal solution to the entrenched problem of democracy at the nation-state level. We follow Slobodian into the zone, thinking with him about the spatial dimensions of contemporary political economy. Although we problematize the disjuncture between Crack-Up Capitalism’s group biography of market radicals and its analysis of zones as a global economic reality, our intent is not to critique Slobodian, but to use his new book as a jumping off point to foreground other possible frames for understanding the zone: a longue durée historical outlook that can help de-exceptionalize the zone as a phenomenon of late neoliberalism, a focus on the internal diversity and political possibility of the zone form, and an emphasis on the causal link between the recent proliferation of zones and the ascendance of export-oriented industrialization as a global development paradigm.
Interacting Influences of Diurnal Tides, Winds, and River Discharge on a Large Coastal Plume
Authors: Ralston David K. , Geyer W. Rockwell , Wackerman Christopher C. , Dzwonkowski Brian , Honegger David A. , Haller Merrick C.
Published: September 2024

The dispersal of large river plumes in the coastal ocean depends on multiple factors, and in some cases, can be categorized into distinct dynamical regimes: a tidally dominated near‐field, a rotational mid‐field, and a coastal current far‐field. In this study, observations and modeling are used to evaluate the factors controlling the variability in the buoyant plume from Mobile Bay. Rather than distinct dynamical regimes, the Mobile Bay plume depends on forcings that act at overlapping temporal and spatial scales: diurnal tides, river discharge events, and winds. Satellite synthetic aperture radar images along with shipboard in‐situ sampling and marine radar are used to observe plume fronts in spring 2021. Hydrodynamic model simulations are compared with observations and used to characterize a large coastal plume at consistent tidal phase across a range of forcing conditions. The along‐shore position of the plume depends primarily on advection by wind‐driven surface currents. The cross‐shore extent and plume area depend primarily on the tidal amplitude and river discharge, and secondarily on northerly (seaward) winds. Along‐shore winds influence the buoyancy anomaly by altering salinity in the estuary and offshore. Upwelling winds increase the buoyancy anomaly and advect previous plumes away from the mouth. Downwelling winds reduce the buoyancy anomaly by trapping previous plumes near the coast and directing freshwater discharge toward a secondary outlet. Thus, the combined, overlapping influences of the tide, wind, and discharge dominate the variability in freshwater delivery to the shelf at time scales of days and distances of tens of km.