bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bias–Variance Tradeoff in Cognitive Science
Authors: Doroudi Shayan , Rastegar Seyed Ali
Published: January 2023

The bias–variance tradeoff is a theoretical concept that suggests machine learning algorithms are susceptible to two kinds of error, with some algorithms tending to suffer from one more than the other. In this letter, we claim that the bias–variance tradeoff is a general concept that can be applied to human cognition as well, and we discuss implications for research in cognitive science. In particular, we show how various strands of research in cognitive science can be interpreted in light of the bias–variance tradeoff, giving insight into individual differences in learning, the nature of cognitive processes, and debates in cognitive science research.
Prevalence and characteristics of anxiety in patients with unconfirmed pulmonary nodules
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Hui , Wang Ting , Ao Min , He Jinglan , Duan Jun , Cui Long‐Biao , Guo Shuliang , Yang Li
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the prevalence and characteristics of anxiety in patients with pulmonary nodules that was assessed by Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores. A total of 890 patients were enrolled in this study, including incidence of absence of anxiety n = 343 (38.54%), mild or probable anxiety n = 459 (51.57%) and moderate or definite anxiety n = 79 (8.88%) and obvious anxiety n = 9 (1.01%), respectively. According to the definition of anxiety, 88 (9.89%) patients were enrolled in anxiety group. The incidence of anxiety in females was significantly higher than male (11.98% vs. 7.20%, p = 0.018), patients with respiratory symptoms were significantly higher than without respiratory symptoms (13.33% vs. 8.50%, p = 0.029) and diameter of pulmonary nodules >8 mm is significantly higher than ≤8 mm (13.35% vs. 7.10%, p = 0.002). Regression analysis showed that female (OR = 0.548, 95% CI: 0.340–0.884), family history of malignant tumour (OR = 1.691, 95% CI: 1.067–2.678), respiratory symptoms (OR = 1.713, 95% CI: 1.073–2.733) and diameter >8 mm (OR = 2.135, 95% CI: 1.350–3.375) were independent risk factors of anxiety. Further analysis of 88 patients with anxiety showed the sum of psychic anxiety was significantly higher than somatic anxiety (16.66 ± 2.46 vs. 0.97 ± 1.10, p < 0.0001). Hence, vast majority of patients with unconfirmed pulmonary nodules suffered various severity of anxiety and manifested as psychic anxiety. And gender, respiratory symptoms, family history of malignant tumour and diameter of pulmonary nodules were independent influencing factors of anxiety. Effective strategies urgently need exploring and providing for improving the mental health.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model to investigate the effect of pregnancy on risperidone and paliperidone pharmacokinetics: Application to a pregnant woman and her neonate
Authors: Mahdy Walaa Y. B. , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Ito Takahiro , Fujiwara Naoko , Fujioka Kazumichi , Horai Tadasu , Otsuka Ikuo , Imafuku Hitomi , Omura Tomohiro , Iijima Kazumoto , Yano Ikuko
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of pregnancy and ontogeny on risperidone and paliperidone pharmacokinetics by assessing their serum concentrations in two subjects and constructing a customized physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Risperidone and paliperidone serum concentrations were determined in a pregnant woman and her newborn. PBPK models for risperidone and paliperidone in adults, pediatric, and pregnant populations were developed and verified using the Simcyp simulator. These models were then applied to our two subjects, generating their “virtual twins.” Effects of pregnancy on both drugs were examined using models with fixed pharmacokinetic parameters. In the neonatal PBPK simulation, 10 different models for estimating the renal function of neonates were evaluated. Risperidone was not detected in the serum of both pregnant woman and her newborn. Maternal and neonatal serum paliperidone concentrations were between 2.05–3.80 and 0.82–1.03 ng/ml, respectively. Developed PBPK models accurately predicted paliperidone's pharmacokinetics, as shown by minimal bias and acceptable precision across populations. The individualized maternal model predicted all observed paliperidone concentrations within the 90% prediction interval. Fixed‐parameter simulations showed that CYP2D6 activity largely affects risperidone and paliperidone pharmacokinetics during pregnancy. The Flanders metadata equation showed the lowest absolute bias (mean error: 22.3% ± 6.0%) and the greatest precision (root mean square error: 23.8%) in predicting paliperidone plasma concentration in the neonatal population. Our constructed PBPK model can predict risperidone and paliperidone pharmacokinetics in pregnant and neonatal populations, which could help with precision dosing using the PBPK model‐informed approach in special populations.
Pyridoxamine reduces methylglyoxal and markers of glycation and endothelial dysfunction, but does not improve insulin sensitivity or vascular function in abdominally obese individuals: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Van den Eynde Mathias D. G. , Houben Alfons J. H. M. , Scheijen Jean L. J. M. , Linkens Armand M. A. , Niessen Petra M. , Simons Nynke , Hanssen Nordin M. J. , Kusters Yvo H. A. M. , Eussen Simone J. M. P. , Miyata Toshio , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Schalkwijk Casper G.
Published: January 2023

Aim

To investigate the effects of pyridoxamine (PM), a B6 vitamer and dicarbonyl scavenger, on glycation and a large panel of metabolic and vascular measurements in a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial in abdominally obese individuals.

Materials and methods

Individuals (54% female; mean age 50 years; mean body mass index 32 kg/m2) were randomized to an 8‐week intervention with either placebo (n = 36), 25 mg PM (n = 36) or 200 mg PM (n = 36). We assessed insulin sensitivity, β‐cell function, insulin‐mediated microvascular recruitment, skin microvascular function, flow‐mediated dilation, and plasma inflammation and endothelial function markers. PM metabolites, dicarbonyls and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) were measured using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Treatment effects were evaluated by one‐way ANCOVA.

Results

In the high PM dose group, we found a reduction of plasma methylglyoxal (MGO) and protein‐bound Nδ‐(5‐hydro‐5‐methyl‐4‐imidazolon‐2‐yl)‐ornithine (MG‐H1), as compared to placebo. We found a reduction of the endothelial dysfunction marker soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sVCAM‐1) in the low and high PM dose group and of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1) in the high PM dose, as compared to placebo. We found no treatment effects on insulin sensitivity, vascular function or other functional outcome measurements.

Conclusions

This study shows that PM is metabolically active and reduces MGO, AGEs, sVCAM‐1 and sICAM‐1, but does not affect insulin sensitivity and vascular function in abdominally obese individuals. The reduction in adhesion markers is promising because these are important in the pathogenesis of endothelial damage and atherosclerosis.
Design of an interactive system for access cavity assessment: A novel feedback tool for preclinical endodontics
Authors: Choi Seongwon , Choi Jiwon , Peters Ove A. , Peters Christine I.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

A software program was developed to provide visual, guided feedback to students for access cavity preparations in preclinical learning. The specific aim of the study was to investigate students' overall experiences with the new learning method and compare their experiences with traditional teaching.

Materials and Methods

A workflow based on freely available software was designed to interactively register three‐dimensional models of molars with access cavities, and to metrically compare these to instructor‐prepared standard cavities.

Third‐year students practicing molar endodontics access cavity preparation in the preclinical course were then surveyed. A total of 44/79 students completed self‐administered questionnaires prior and after the use of the feedback software to gauge their learning experience.

Results

The results of the post‐training questionnaire illustrated that all surveyed students agreed/strongly agreed that the software assisted their learning in access cavity preparation. In addition, 86 and 89%, respectively, of students agreed that the use of the software improved their skills of access cavity preparation and felt more confident about their access cavity preparation skills after using the software package, 3D Dental Align.

Discussion

The presented software solution permitted setting and comparing access cavity preparations by students against a standard access prepared by an instructor. The process of data acquisition and registration was fast and straightforward. Student feedback was very positive and suggested the integration of this type of experiential learning into the preclinical curriculum.

Conclusion

This feasibility study demonstrated the utility of the new technology to assist dental students' access cavity preparation learning.
Platelet kinetics in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopaenia treated with thrombopoietin receptor agonists
Authors: Pravdic Zlatko , Suvajdzic‐Vukovic Nada , Djurdjevic Predrag , Pantic Nikola , Bukumiric Zoran , Virijevic Marijana , Todorovic‐Tirnanic Mila , Thachil Jecko , Mitrovic Mirjana
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO‐RAs) increase platelet counts (PC) in the majority of patients with chronic immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP). Platelet kinetics study (PKS) might contribute to the understanding of mechanisms that lead to durable response.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of TPO‐RAs on PKS parameters in chronic ITP patients.

Methods

Fifteen chronic ITP patients, aged 59 years [range: 22–84], female/male: 10/5, splenectomised 7/15, were treated with TPO‐RAs (eltrombopag/romiplostim: 11/4). Durable response was defined as PC ≥30 × 109/L at 6 months. Autologous 111Indium‐oxinate PKS was performed before and 5 months after TPO‐RAs initiation. Accordingly, platelet survival (PS), platelet turnover, production ratio and sequestration site were assessed.

Results

Durable response was achieved in 13/15 of patients (eltrombopag/romiplostim: 10/3). Pre‐treatment parameters were: PC 10 × 109/L [range: 1–110], PS 0.5 days [range: 0.1–1.7 (normal values: 7–10)], platelet turnover 30 857 Plt/μL/day [range: 944–103 500] and platelet production ratio 0.64 [range: 0.01–3.2 (normal values: 1 ± 0.2)]. Post‐treatment assessment showed significantly higher: PC 92.5 × 109/L [range: 28–260, p = .001], PS 2.2 days [range: 0.1–3.6, p = .008], platelet turnover 70 213 Plt/μL/day [range: 2800–462 236, p = .02] and platelet production ratio 1.8 [range: 0.5–37.9, p = .011] compared to the pre‐treatment values. Platelet sequestration site altered in 3/15 treated with TPO‐RAs.

Conclusions

TPO‐RAs could increase PC by simultaneous increasing of platelet production and decreasing of platelet destruction.
Desmopressin as a hemostatic and blood sparing agent in bleeding disorders
Authors: Mohinani Ajay , Patel Sarah , Tan Virginia , Kartika Thomas , Olson Sven , DeLoughery Thomas G. , Shatzel Joseph
Published: January 2023

Intranasal, subcutaneous, or intravenous desmopressin can be utilized to release von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII into circulation, enhance platelet adhesion and shorten bleeding time. Due to these properties, desmopressin can be effective in controlling bleeding in mild hemophilia A, certain subtypes of von Willebrand disease and in acute bleeding from uremia, end stage renal disease, and liver disease. Its use, however, can be complicated by hyponatremia and rarely arterial thrombotic events. While desmopressin has also been used as a prophylactic blood sparing agent in orthopedic, renal, and hepatic procedures, clinical studies have shown limited benefit in these settings. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence for desmopressin in primary hematologic disorders, discuss its mechanism of action and evaluate its utility as a hemostatic and blood sparing product in various bleeding conditions.
Acute stress alters probabilistic reversal learning in healthy male adults
Authors: Wieland Lara , Ebrahimi Claudia , Katthagen Teresa , Panitz Martin , Luettgau Lennart , Heinz Andreas , Schlagenhauf Florian , Sjoerds Zsuzsika
Published: January 2023

Behavioural adaptation is a fundamental cognitive ability, ensuring survival by allowing for flexible adjustment to changing environments. In laboratory settings, behavioural adaptation can be measured with reversal learning paradigms requiring agents to adjust reward learning to stimulus–action–outcome contingency changes. Stress is found to alter flexibility of reward learning, but effect directionality is mixed across studies. Here, we used model‐based functional MRI (fMRI) in a within‐subjects design to investigate the effect of acute psychosocial stress on flexible behavioural adaptation. Healthy male volunteers (n = 28) did a reversal learning task during fMRI in two sessions, once after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a validated psychosocial stress induction method, and once after a control condition. Stress effects on choice behaviour were investigated using multilevel generalized linear models and computational models describing different learning processes that potentially generated the data. Computational models were fitted using a hierarchical Bayesian approach, and model‐derived reward prediction errors (RPE) were used as fMRI regressors. We found that acute psychosocial stress slightly increased correct response rates. Model comparison revealed that double‐update learning with altered choice temperature under stress best explained the observed behaviour. In the brain, model‐derived RPEs were correlated with BOLD signals in striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Striatal RPE signals for win trials were stronger during stress compared with the control condition. Our study suggests that acute psychosocial stress could enhance reversal learning and RPE brain responses in healthy male participants and provides a starting point to explore these effects further in a more diverse population.
The Idiosyncrasy of Greek Islam and the Mosque of Votanikos as a Reconciliation Initiative
Authors: Delidaki Argyro
Published: January 2023

This article aims to demonstrate how the mosque of Votanikos has emerged as a reconciliation initiative with a wider reconciling dynamic within Greek reality and history. It places the initiative of the construction of the mosque in its wider context, while also considering the idiosyncrasy of Greek Islam, historical conditions, tensions from within, and pressures from without. The mosque of Votanikos can and should be perceived as initiating the healing of wounded memories and as a high‐impact symbolic reconciliation initiative reaching out to the grassroots level of society. The paper employs critical discourse analysis, examining the foreign and Greek media coverage of the issue.
Dental health and management practices of donkeys in the UK: What should we be considering?
Authors: Fernández Elena Barrio , de Blas Giral Ignacio , Lilly Gemma , Rodrigues Joao B. , Vázquez Bringas Francisco José
Published: January 2023

Background

Several studies have shown dental disease to have a high prevalence and severity in donkeys. Limited studies have assessed the possible relationships between poor dental health and the management and health care of donkeys.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify relationships between dental health and current management of donkeys in the UK and to provide recommendations to improve practices to help donkey welfare.

Study design

Observational cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

A total of 596 donkeys surrendered to The Donkey Sanctuary (TDS) over a period of 30 months were included. Analysis was performed on three categories of information: entrance information submitted by previous owners and welfare professionals, pre‐admission clinical examination records and arrival medical examination data.

Results

No statistically significant differences were identified between dental health and provision of bedding, or diet types. Agreement between external professionals and experienced TDS staff was weak in reference to recognition of dental pathology, age and body condition score (BCS). Over 25% of donkeys with severe dental pathology also had poor BCS (1–1.5). The majority of donkeys had no indication of previous dental examination.

Main limitations

Entrance information was not gathered and recorded in a structured manner.

Conclusions

Regular prophylactic dental care seems to have poor uptake amongst the owners of the study population, but this is perhaps, in part, aligned to the nature of the sanctuary. Owners are yet to take dental health into consideration when allocating a diet or bedding types to their donkeys, presenting a risk of colic/choke in those fed long fibres with an inability to process them adequately. The Donkey Sanctuary should continue to offer accessible means of education to reach both professionals and owners alike, and this may be well served by the implementation of the new, online, Donkey Academy.
Warming and hypoxia threaten a valuable scallop fishery: A warning for commercial bivalve ventures in climate change hotspots
Authors: Scanes Elliot , Byrne Maria
Published: January 2023

Marine molluscs constitute the second largest marine fishery and are often caught in coastal and estuarine habitats. Temperature is increasing in these habitats at a rate greater than predicted, especially in warming “hotspots”. This warming is accompanied by hypoxia in a duo of stressors that threatens coastal mollusc fisheries and aquaculture. Collapses of the northern bay scallop (Argopecten irradians irradians) fisheries on the Atlantic coast of the USA are likely to be driven by rapid rates of coastal warming and may provide an ominous glimpse into the prospects of other coastal mollusc fisheries in climate warming hotspots.
Hyposensitive canopy conductance renders ecosystems vulnerable to meteorological droughts
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Oren Ram , Wu Xiaoyun
Published: January 2023

Increased meteorological drought intensity with rising atmospheric demand for water (hereafter vapor pressure deficit [VPD]) increases the risk of tree mortality and ecosystem dysfunction worldwide. Ecosystem‐scale water‐use strategy is increasingly recognized as a key factor in regulating drought‐related ecosystem responses. However, the link between water‐use strategy and ecosystem vulnerability to meteorological droughts is poorly established. Using the global flux observations, historic hydroclimatic data, remote‐sensing products, and plant functional‐trait archive, we identified potentially vulnerable ecosystems, examining how ecosystem water‐use strategy, quantified by the percentage bias (δ) of the empirical canopy conductance sensitivity to VPD relative to the theoretical value, mediated ecosystem responses to droughts. We found that prevailing soil water availability substantially impacted δ in dryland regions where ecosystems with insufficient soil moisture usually showed conservative water‐use strategy, while ecosystems in humid regions exhibited more pronounced climatic adaptability. Hyposensitive and hypersensitive ecosystems, classified based on δ falling below or above the theoretical sensitivity, respectively, achieved similar net ecosystem productivity during droughts, employing different structural and functional strategies. However, hyposensitive ecosystems, risking their hydraulic system with a permissive water‐use strategy, were unable to recover from droughts as quickly as hypersensitive ones. Our findings highlight that processed‐based models predicting current functions and future performance of vegetation should account for the greater vulnerability of hyposensitive ecosystems to intensifying atmospheric and soil droughts.
Connecting country and city: The multiple geographies of real property ownership in the US
Authors: Van Sant Levi , Shelton Taylor , Kay Kelly
Published: January 2023

In this review, we bridge recent studies on the political economy of urban and rural real property ownership, focusing on the US. While there are many parallels and interlinkages between urban and rural phenomena, we note that the field generally produces a different literature for each space: one largely about urban housing and another about rural land. We argue that foregrounding their common legal status as “real property” can help develop new and important analyses that unravel the urban/rural binary. Such an approach suggests, for instance, that gentrification and amenity migration are simply urban and rural manifestations of similar underlying dynamics. This awareness also helps enable the search for institutions that connect country and city, such as investors that target real property across multiple geographies. Thus, we broadly outline the points of overlap and divergence between studies of urban and rural real property ownership in order to open up space for more comparative and relational analyses. Finally, we conclude by suggesting two sets of literature that offer resources for unraveling the urban/rural binary: the work of Doreen Massey and Indigenous geographies.
Neurobehavioral phenotypes of delay discounting and cognitive control in child attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obesity: Shared or distinct?
Authors: Thapaliya Gita , Carnell Susan , Mostofsky Stewart H. , Rosch Keri S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity have been independently associated with deficient cognitive control (CC) and heightened preference for immediate reward.

Objectives

We aimed to identify specific shared and distinct neurobehavioral phenotypes of child obesity and ADHD by simultaneously measuring CC and preference for immediate reward in children with and without ADHD who varied in body weight.

Methods

This case–control study included 323 8–12 year olds (ADHD n = 215, typically developing (TD) screened for ADHD symptoms [TD] controls n = 108) varying in body weight. Children completed a go/no‐go task (assessing CC), as well as a classical money delay discounting (DD) task and novel experiential game time DD task (assessing preference for immediate over delayed rewards).

Results

For game time DD, there was a body mass index z‐score (BMIz)*ADHD interaction, such that TD children with overweight/obesity showed game time DD levels that were greater than those of TD children without overweight/obesity and similar to those of children with ADHD. Only children with ADHD showed poorer CC compared to TD children, with no effects of body weight.

Conclusions

Heightened game time DD with delays and rewards experienced in real‐time may represent a neurobehavioral phenotype that is shared between ADHD and overweight/obesity in childhood, whereas deficient CC may be specific to children with ADHD.
Enhancing nurses’ involvement in policy making: A qualitative study of nurse leaders
Authors: Inayat Shahzad , Younas Ahtisham , Andleeb Sonia , Rasheed Subia Parveen , Ali Parveen
Published: January 2023

Background

Nurses can play a valuable role in not only the implementation but development of general and health policies. However, evidence indicates limited involvement of nurses in politics and general health policy making owing to individual, interpersonal, and systematic barriers.

Introduction

Strategies are required to increase nurses’ participation and engagement in policymaking. However, no studies explored the perspective of nurse leaders in policy making roles and how to improve nurses’ involvement in policy making.

Purpose

To explore strategies to enhance nurses’ involvement in policy making from the perspective of nurse leaders.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 11 nurse leaders with at least one year of experience in policy making. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The COREQ guidelines were followed for reporting.

Findings

Five themes were generated: strategically revisit and implement educational approaches, becoming transformative leaders, improving social image of nurses, developing triadic partnerships, and empowering nurses through reflective and supportive mechanisms.

Discussion

Nurses’ involvement in policymaking can be enhanced by implementing grassroots‐level educational strategies, managerial‐level empowerment efforts, and social mechanisms focused on improving the social image of nursing.

Conclusions

Self and professional role empowerment through education, increasing awareness, and improving the social image of nursing can boost nurses’ involvement in policymaking.

Implications for nursing policy

Nurse leaders, national and global nursing associations, and nursing regulatory bodies should collaborate with associations of nursing colleges to design nurse policymaking competencies framework and contextually tailored strategies to enhance nurses’ engagement in policymaking.
Evaluation of use of cone beam computed tomography in paediatric patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yiğit Tuğba , Yüksel Halil Tolga , Evirgen Şehrazat , Kaçmaz Işıl , Türkmenoğlu Ayşegül
Published: January 2023

Background

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in paediatric dentistry. Appropriate use of CBCT is important because children are more vulnerable to ionizing radiation than adults.

Aim

To investigate the use of CBCT in children by describing reasons for requesting it and its distribution according to age, oral region, and department.

Design

Cone beam computed tomography scans of patients (age < 19 years) who presented to our dental clinic were investigated retrospectively according to sex, age (6–12 [Group 1] and 13–18 [Group 2] years based on dentition), referring department, imaging area (anterior/posterior, mandible/maxilla), and indication. Indications were grouped under five headings according to 2011 SEDENTEXCT guidelines: dental anomalies, impacted teeth, endodontics, bone pathosis, and others.

Results

Overall, 334 CBCT scans at different times and for different reasons in 319 patients were evaluated. In recent years, CBCT requests increased in both age groups. Eighty‐five CBCT scans (25.44%) of 78 patients (24.45%) with a mean age of 10.37 ± 1.60 years were examined in Group 1, whereas 249 CBCT scans (%74.55) of 241 patients (75.54%) with a mean age of 15.66 ± 1.70 years were examined in Group 2. The most frequent indication was the assessment of impacted teeth (46.1%). The anterior maxilla was the most frequently monitored region (41.6%). The oral and maxillofacial radiology department was the department that made the most CBCT requests in all the years considered (53.6%).

Conclusions

The most common indications were the assessment of dentigerous cysts and impacted teeth. There was an increase in the number of referrals to paediatric dentistry.
Designing an international survey for organisations serving people with Down syndrome
Authors: Kats Daniel J. , Skotko Brian G. , de Graaf Gert , Skladzien Ellen , Hooper Brian Takashi , Mordi Rose , Mykhailenko Tetiana , Buckley Frank , Patsiogiannis Vasiliki , Krell Kavita , Haugen Kelsey , Donelan Karen
Published: January 2023

Background

Down syndrome is the most common liveborn genetic condition. However, there are no surveys measuring societal services and supports for people with Down syndrome. We developed a questionnaire so that initiatives could be targeted towards countries most in need of assistance.

Method

We formed a geographically diverse group of physicians, family members of people with Down syndrome, and members of Down syndrome not‐for‐profit organisations to create a survey of societal services and supports. We used a modified Delphi method and disseminated the survey to Down syndrome non‐profit organisations worldwide.

Results

Our survey consists of 61 items categorised within five domains: Education, Community Inclusion, Independence, Healthcare, and Social and Policy Issues.

Conclusions

We developed a survey to measure societal services and supports available to people with Down syndrome as perceived by organisational leaders. Our methods might serve as a blueprint for other populations of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The association between daily sedentary and active bout frequency with mortality risk in older men using accelerometry
Authors: Roe Lauren S. , Harrison Stephanie , Cawthon Peggy M. , Moored Kyle D. , Qiao Yujia Susanna , Ensrud Kristine , Stone Katie L. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Cauley Jane A. ,   the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: January 2023

Background

Time awake with advancing age is increasingly spent sedentary and has several negative health consequences. We examined associations between the frequency of daily sedentary and active bouts with all‐cause mortality.

Methods

Data are from 2816 men in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study (mean age ± SD: 79.1 ± 5.2 years) with free‐living activity monitor (SenseWear® Pro3 Armband) data (5.1 ± 0.3 days worn >90%) at the Year 7 visit (2007–2009). Sedentary bout frequency was defined as the number of sedentary bouts per day lasting 5+ min to activity of any intensity. Active bout frequency was defined as the number of active bouts per day lasting 5+ min to sedentary behavior. Sleep time was excluded from the analysis. Deaths were centrally adjudicated using death certificates. Cox proportional hazard models were used to separately examine associations between quartiles of sedentary (Q1 referent, <13.6 bouts/day) or active (Q1 referent, <5 bouts/day) bout frequency with mortality.

Results

After 9.3 ± 3.8 years of follow‐up, 1487 (52.8%) men died. Men averaged 16.8 ± 5.1 and 8.2 ± 4.2 sedentary and active bouts/day, respectively. After full covariate adjustment, each quartile reflecting more frequent sedentary bouts (Q4 vs. Q1 HR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.81, p‐trend <0.001) was associated with lower mortality risk. Likewise, each quartile reflecting more frequent active bouts (Q4 vs. Q1 HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.49, 0.70, p‐trend <0.001) was associated with lower mortality risk. Results for the sedentary bouts model remained significant after adjusting for total minutes per day in sedentary behavior (Q4 vs. Q1 HR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.61, 0.86, p‐trend = 0.001). The association between active bout frequency with mortality was attenuated after adjusting for total minutes per day active.

Conclusions

Regardless of total time spent sedentary, reducing duration of sedentary bouts with more frequent and shorter bouts may be a simple and feasible method to delay mortality risk among community‐dwelling older men.
Equilibrium Bitcoin Pricing
Authors: BIAIS BRUNO , BISIÈRE CHRISTOPHE , BOUVARD MATTHIEU , CASAMATTA CATHERINE , MENKVELD ALBERT J.
Published: January 2023

We offer a general equilibrium analysis of cryptocurrency pricing. The fundamental value of the cryptocurrency is its stream of net transactional benefits, which depend on its future prices. This implies that, in addition to fundamentals, equilibrium prices reflect sunspots. This in turn implies multiple equilibria and extrinsic volatility, that is, cryptocurrency prices fluctuate even when fundamentals are constant. To match our model to the data, we construct indices measuring the net transactional benefits of Bitcoin. In our calibration, part of the variations in Bitcoin returns reflects changes in net transactional benefits, but a larger share reflects extrinsic volatility.
Extraesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration in dogs with respiratory diseases and in healthy dogs
Authors: Kouki Sirkku , Viitanen Sanna J. , Koho Ninna , Laurila Henna P. , Lilja‐Maula Liisa , Holopainen Saila , Neuvonen Mikko , Niemi Mikko , Fastrès Aline , Clercx Cécile , Rajamäki Minna M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Salivary bile acids are used to diagnose extraesophageal reflux (EER) and to evaluate the risk of reflux aspiration that is associated with respiratory diseases in dogs.

Objectives

To study total bile acid (TBA) concentrations in saliva and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to investigate EER and reflux aspiration in dogs with respiratory diseases and in healthy dogs.

Animals

 Thirty‐one West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 12 dogs with inflammatory airway disease (IAD), 6 dogs with recurrent pneumonia (RP), 26 brachycephalic dogs (BD), 27 healthy WHWTs (HW), 52 healthy dogs (HD). All privately‐owned dogs.

Methods

Saliva and BALF were collected from dogs in each group.

Results

Salivary TBA concentrations were higher in IPF (median 0.1692 μM, interquartile range [IQR] 0.1115‐0.2925 μM, Cohen'sd3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2‐4.0,P < .001) and BD (0.0256 μM, IQR 0.0086‐0.0417 μM,d0.5, CI −0.1 to 1.1,P = .003) compared to HD (0 μM, IQR not quantifiable [n.q.]‐0.0131 μM). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid TBA concentrations were higher in IPF (0.0117 μM, IQR 0.0048‐0.0361 μM,d0.5, CI 0‐1.1,P < .001) compared to HD (0 μM, IQR n.q.‐0.0074 μM).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Extraesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration occur in healthy dogs and those with respiratory diseases.
Population genomics of Corsican wildcats: Paving the way toward a new subspecies within the Felis silvestris spp. complex?
Authors: Portanier Elodie , Henri Hélène , Benedetti Pierre , Sanchis Frédéric , Régis Corinne , Chevret Pascale , Zedda Marco , El Filali Adil , Ruette Sandrine , Devillard Sébastien
Published: January 2023

In the context of the current extinction crisis, identifying new conservation units is pivotal to the development of sound conservation measures, especially in highly threatened taxa such as felids. Corsican wildcats are known by Corsican people since a very long time but have been little studied. Meaningful information about their phylogenetic position is lacking. We used ddRADseq to genotype phenotypically homogenous Corsican wildcats at 3671 genome‐wide SNPs and reported for the first time their genetic identity. We compared this genomic information to domestic cats Felis silvestris catus from Corsica and mainland France, European wildcats F. s. silvestris and Sardinian wildcats F. s. lybica. Our premise was that if the Corsican wildcat, as a phenotypic entity, also represents a genetic entity, it deserves conservation measures and to be recognized as a conservation unit. Corsican wildcats appeared highly genetically differentiated from European wildcats and genetically closer to Sardinian wildcats than to domestic cats. Domestic cats from Corsica and mainland France were closer to each other and Sardinian wildcats were intermediate between Corsican wildcats and domestic cats. This suggested that Corsican wildcats do not belong to the F. s. silvestris or catus lineages. The inclusion of more high‐quality Sardinian samples and Near‐Eastern mainland F. s. lybica would constitute the next step toward assessing the status of Corsican wildcat as a subspecies and/or evolutionarily significant unit and tracing back wildcat introduction history of in Corsica.
Insights into the tussock growth form with model–data fusion
Authors: Curasi Salvatore R. , Fetcher Ned , Wright Kelseyann S. , Weldon Daniel P. , Rocha Adrian V.
Published: January 2023

Some rhizomatous grass and sedge species form tussocks that impact ecosystem structure and function. Despite their importance, tussock development and size controls are poorly understood due to the decadal to centennial timescales over which tussocks form.

We explored mechanisms regulating tussock development and size in a ubiquitous arctic tussock sedge (Eriophorum vaginatum) using field observations and a mass balance model coupled with a tiller population model. Model–data fusion was used to quantify parameter and prediction uncertainty, determine model sensitivity, and test hypotheses on the factors regulating tussock size.

The model accurately captured the dynamics of tussock development, characteristics, and size observed in the field. Tussock growth approached maximal size within several decades, which was determined by feedbacks between the mass balance of tussock root necromass and density‐dependent tillering. The model also predicted that maximal tussock size was primarily regulated by tiller root productivity and necromass bulk density and less so by tiller demography. These predictions were corroborated by field observations of tussock biomass and root characteristics.

The study highlights the importance of belowground processes in regulating tussock development and size and enhances our understanding of the influence of tussocks on arctic ecosystem structure and function.
Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap with Bilobed Design for the Donor Defect after Wrap‐Around Flap Transfer Reconstruction
Authors: Hu Chaotao , Hou Biao , Huang Xiongjie , Xu Yunhua , He Qiang , Song Jiangang , Xie Songlin
Published: January 2023

Objective

The repair of great toe donor site defect after wrap‐around flap transfer is still controversial. The bilobed superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap can improve the aesthetics of the great toe while maintaining its function. Thus, this study aimed to report our experience in the reconstruction of big toe donor site defects with the bilobed SCIP flap and describe the clinical outcomes.

Methods

This study was a retrospective trial. From May 2017 to May 2020, 13 patients with the great toe donor site defect after wrap‐around flap transfer were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 44 years (range, 23–60 years). All patients received free bilobed SCIP flaps to reconstruct the donor site defect of the great toe. Relevant clinical features were recorded preoperatively. The thickness and design of the SCIP flap and the harvesting layer of the flap were measured during the operation. The survival rate of flaps and skin grafts and the incidence of infection were recorded after operation. At follow‐up, donor site complications and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

In all cases, the SCIP flap covering the donor site of the great toe survived. All patients were followed up for 24–40 months (mean, 30.5 months). The average thickness of the SCIP flap was 0.38cm. All SCIP flaps were harvested from the superficial fascial layer except for three obese patients. The thin SCIP flap had a bilobed design with no further defatting procedures. Postoperatively, the great toe‐nail flap donor site regained its original appearance without bloating or flap necrosis. There was a hidden linear scar in the groin donor site, which did not affect hip joint movement. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetics of the surgical site.

Conclusion

The SCIP flap with bilobed design for repairing the donor defect of the great toe after wrap‐around flap transfer is a kind of surgical method with excellent contour, meeting the requirements of function and aesthetics.
Drought survival and recovery in grasses: Stress intensity and plant–plant interactions impact plant dehydration tolerance
Authors: Barkaoui Karim , Volaire Florence
Published: January 2023

Plant dehydration tolerance confers drought survival in grasses, but the mortality thresholds according to soil water content (SWC), vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and plant–plant interactions are little explored. We compared the dehydration dynamics of leaf meristems, which are the key surviving organs, plant mortality, and recovery of Mediterranean and temperate populations of two perennial grass species, Dactylis glomerata and Festuca arundinacea, grown in monocultures and mixtures under a low‐VPD (1.5 kPa) versus a high‐VPD drought (2.2 kPa). The lethal drought index (LD50), that is, SWC associated with 50% plant mortality, ranged from 2.87% (ψs = −1.68 MPa) to 2.19% (ψs = −4.47 MPa) and reached the lowest values under the low‐VPD drought. Populations of D. glomerata were more dehydration‐tolerant (lower LD50), survived and recovered better than F. arundinacea populations. Plant–plant interactions modified dehydration tolerance and improved post‐drought recovery in mixtures compared with monocultures. Water content as low as 20.7%–36.1% in leaf meristems allowed 50% of plants to survive. We conclude that meristem dehydration causes plant mortality and that drought acclimation can increase dehydration tolerance. Genetic diversity, acclimation and plant–plant interactions are essential sources of dehydration tolerance variability to consider when predicting drought‐induced mortality.
The function of the Medicago truncatula ZIP transporter MtZIP14 is linked to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization
Authors: Watts‐Williams Stephanie J. , Wege Stefanie , Ramesh Sunita A. , Berkowitz Oliver , Xu Bo , Gilliham Matthew , Whelan James , Tyerman Stephen D.
Published: January 2023

Soil micronutrient availability, including zinc (Zn), is a limiting factor for crop yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can improve host plant growth and nutrition through the mycorrhizal pathway of nutrient uptake. Although the physiology of Zn uptake through the mycorrhizal pathway is well established, the identity of the related molecular components are unknown. Here, RNA‐seq analysis was used to identify genes differentially‐regulated by AM colonization and soil Zn concentration in roots of Medicago truncatula. The putative Zn transporter gene MtZIP14 was markedly up‐regulated in M. truncatula roots when colonized by Rhizophagus irregularis. MtZIP14 restored yeast growth under low Zn availability. Loss‐of‐function mutant plants (mtzip14) had reduced shoot biomass compared to the wild‐type when colonized by AM fungi and grown under low and sufficient soil Zn concentration; at high soil Zn concentration, there were no genotypic differences in shoot biomass. The vesicular and arbuscular colonization of roots was lower in the mtzip14 plants regardless of soil Zn concentration. We propose that MtZIP14 is linked to AM colonization in M. truncatula plants, with the possibility that MtZIP14 function with AM colonization is linked to plant Zn nutrition.
Prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐cleft lip/palate syndrome through a hybrid workflow: A case report with 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Török Gréta , Saláta József , Ábrám Emese , Nemes Bálint , Hermann Péter , Rózsa Noémi , Kispélyi Barbara
Published: January 2023

Aim

Ectrodactyly‐ectodermal dysplasia‐cleft lip/palate (EEC) syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects ectodermal derived structures, including teeth, nails, hair, and sweat glands. Prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with EEC syndrome is essential towards improving their overall quality of life.

Methods and Results

In the case shown, a telescopic retained overdenture was made on the lower jaw based on digital impression of a patient with EEC syndrome associated with cleft lip and cleft palate. Due to the congenital anomalies and limited mouth opening, the impression was taken with intraoral scanner, and after designing the telescopes on the digital model, the primary and secondary telescopes were confectioned by selective laser sintering.

Conclusion

Combining digital dental technology and conventional clinical prosthetic treatment methods, results in a well‐functioning overdenture even in such complicated situations. The prosthodontic rehabilitation of patients with ECC helps to restore the masticatory and phonetic functions, increases the patient's self‐esteem, and prevents further psychological trauma caused by hypodontia.
Density stratification controls the bedform phase diagram of saline‐gravity currents versus open‐channel flows
Authors: Ohata Koji , de Cala Isabel , Dorrell Robert M. , Naruse Hajime , McLelland Stuart J. , Simmons Stephen M. , McCaffrey William D.
Published: January 2023

Sedimentary bedforms such as ripples and dunes are generated both by river flows and sediment‐laden gravity currents. Gravity current deposits are usually parameterized using existing bedform phase diagrams which are based on data from laboratory experiments and field observations of open‐channel flows. Yet, it is not evident that open‐channel flow bedform phase diagrams are applicable to gravity current deposits. Gravity current hydrodynamics are dependent on vertical density variation, that is density stratification, and therefore are fundamentally different from open‐channel flows. New experiments to produce gravity current deposits are conducted and compared to existing open‐channel flow data. It is shown that a parameter phase‐space based on the lower layer of stratified gravity currents (i.e. that part below the velocity maximum) significantly improves the prediction of bedform type compared to bedform phase diagrams derived from layer‐averaged parameters. These results confirm that bedforms produced by gravity currents can only be predicted accurately using the characteristics of the lower layer of stratified flow.
Changjiang coastal mud‐belt deposits in Taiwan Strait: Controls on its distribution and facies
Authors: Shan Xin , Dalrymple Robert W. , Shi Xuefa , Jin Lina , Liu Shengfa , Liu Chenguang , Liu Shihao , Qiao Shuqing , Zhou Qingjie , Fang Xisheng
Published: January 2023

Coastal mud belts, which lie parallel to the coast just seaward of the shoreface, are one of the most important settings where shallow‐marine muddy deposits accumulate. However, sedimentary processes and facies distributions of coastal mud belts remain largely uninvestigated. This study uses process‐oriented sedimentology, coupled with provenance analysis and organic geochemistry of sedimentary records at the northern entrance to the Taiwan Strait, to investigate one of the largest such systems in the world, the Changjiang coastal mud belt. Carbon‐14 dates indicate that deposition has been intermittent throughout Marine Isotope Stages 1, 2 and 3, with several cryptic gaps in the muddy succession as a result of exposure or transgressive erosion during periods of lower or rising sea level, respectively. The palaeowater depth of each depositional unit was roughly estimated based on a global sea‐level curve and the elevation and age of the depositional units. Integrated provenance and sedimentology studies suggest that an incised valley most likely cut by the Minjiang, a nearby river draining the Chinese mainland, probably during Marine Isotope Stage 6, was filled with shelf mud during Marine Isotope Stage 3. These results demonstrate that deposition of mud on the Changjiang coastal mud belt was influenced by sea‐level changes that controlled water depth and flow patterns through Taiwan Strait. The Changjiang coastal mud belt migrates landward when sea level rises and moves seaward when sea level drops. In addition, changes in oceanic circulation associated with opening and closing of Taiwan Strait due to sea‐level changes causes significant changes in the source of the mud, with an alternation between sediment contributions from the Changjiang in the north, the nearby Minjiang, and the island of Taiwan to the south‐east. This study also reveals that the Changjiang coastal mud belt deposits are composed of both shallower‐water and deeper‐water facies. The shallower‐water facies predominantly comprises abundant fluid‐mud beds generated by waves and tidal currents. The deeper‐water facies contains shell‐rich mud and bioturbated mud, which were likely deposited by the Chinese coastal current and Taiwan Warm current. The bed types and interpretation of sedimentary processes of the Changjiang coastal mud belt are useful for recognition of ancient deposits of coastal mud belts elsewhere.