bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the non-linear trajectories of technology adoption in the digital age
Authors: Mambile Cesilia , Ishengoma Fredrick
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of this research is to examine the accelerated adoption mechanisms of emerging technologies in information systems. Its goal is to comprehend the drivers behind the prompt assimilation of technology trends such as TikTok, ChatGPT, mobile payment schemes, cryptocurrency and VR.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows the systematic literature review methodology (using the PRISMA protocol to guide the selection of scholarly materials from Google Scholar, Scopus and Springer). Specifically, the research draws on identified literature on the adoption trajectories of technologies (ChatGPT, TikTok, cryptocurrency, mobile payment systems, and virtual reality) to systematically assess pertinent insights, and draws on theoretical lenses of Disruptive Innovation Theory to reach interpretations.

Findings

The study indicates that the prompt assimilation of technology is shaped by several variables such as user-centered design, network effects, content powered through algorithms, viral trends, ease-of-use and accessibility features, engagement levels and retention rates.

Research limitations/implications

The selection of specific platforms may limit the generalizability of findings.

Social implications

The emergence of new technologies is causing a shift in societal behaviors and norms, which has significant social implications. While platforms such as TikTok offer opportunities for community-building, there are concerns regarding digital divide and privacy issues that need to be addressed. So understanding the impact of these changes becomes vital for achieving fairness in access and making technology's potential transformation practicalized effectively.

Originality/value

This research enhances the current body of literature by presenting a thorough examination of the non-linear patterns involved in adopting advanced technologies. By combining knowledge from numerous fields, this study delivers an integrated comprehension regarding what factors prompt swift adoption.
‘Love‐communion’: Catholicism, sexuality and pleasure in 1970s Mexico
Authors: Gasparowicz Natalie
Published: May 2024

This article examines how a Mexican couple envisioned an alternate Catholic approach to sexuality, called love‐communion, at the Mujeres para el Diálogo (MPD), or Women in Dialogue conference in 1979 in Puebla, Mexico. Love‐communion was based entirely on intimacy, de‐emphasising the procreative purpose the Church had preached for centuries. Surprisingly, love‐communion paid attention to questions of pleasure and same‐sex couples. Such open debate, let alone a radical vision imagined by a married Catholic couple, would be unimaginable in just a few years, especially in the face of politicisation about sex in the 1980s. While scholarship has focused on how liberation theology was a key issue at Puebla in 1979, this article argues another issue was just as central: the question of sex. This article also challenges previous scholarship on feminist mobilisation, which has primarily remembered the conference as turning point for the organising of Catholic feminists, and on family planning, which has embraced the perspectives of Catholic actors, but has neglected the perspectives of Catholic women. Historicising and analysing one of the only sources about the 1979 MPD conference reveals a story of loss – what could have been if the Church had listened to its followers, such as this couple.
Metagenomic exploration of cold‐active enzymes for detergent applications: Characterization of a novel, cold‐active and alkali‐stable GH8 endoglucanase from ikaite columns in SW Greenland
Authors: Oliva Bianca , Zervas Athanasios , Stougaard Peter , Westh Peter , Thøgersen Mariane Schmidt
Published: June 2024

Microbial communities from extreme environments are largely understudied, but are essential as producers of metabolites, including enzymes, for industrial processes. As cultivation of most microorganisms remains a challenge, culture‐independent approaches for enzyme discovery in the form of metagenomics to analyse the genetic potential of a community are rapidly becoming the way forward. This study focused on analysing a metagenome from the cold and alkaline ikaite columns in Greenland, identifying 282 open reading frames (ORFs) that encoded putative carbohydrate‐modifying enzymes with potential applications in, for example detergents and other processes where activity at low temperature and high pH is desired. Seventeen selected ORFs, representing eight enzyme families were synthesized and expressed in two host organisms, Escherichia coli and Aliivibrio wodanis. Aliivibrio wodanis demonstrated expression of a more diverse range of enzyme classes compared to E. coli, emphasizing the importance of alternative expression systems for enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms. To demonstrate the validity of the screening strategy, we chose a recombinantly expressed cellulolytic enzyme from the metagenome for further characterization. The enzyme, Cel240, exhibited close to 40% of its relative activity at low temperatures (4°C) and demonstrated endoglucanase characteristics, with a preference for cellulose substrates. Despite low sequence similarity with known enzymes, computational analysis and structural modelling confirmed its cellulase‐family affiliation. Cel240 displayed activity at low temperatures and good stability at 25°C, activity at alkaline pH and increased activity in the presence of CaCl2, making it a promising candidate for detergent and washing industry applications.
Sevoflurane‐induced overexpression of extrasynaptic α5‐GABAAR via the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway impairs cognitive function in aged mice
Authors: Wang Zhun , Dong Jinpeng , Zhang Mengxue , Wang Sixuan , Wu Jiangnan , Wang Shengran , Luo Yuan , Wang Yongan , Yin Yiqing
Published: June 2024

Perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND) is a serious neurologic complication in aged patients and might be associated with sevoflurane exposure. However, the specific pathogenesis is still unclear. The distribution of α5‐GABAAR, a γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) subtype, at extrasynaptic sites is influenced by the anchor protein radixin, whose phosphorylation is regulated via the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway and plays a crucial role in cognition. However, whether sevoflurane affects the ability of radixin phosphorylation to alter extrasynaptic receptor expression is unknown. Aged mice were exposed to sevoflurane to induce cognitive impairment. Both total proteins and membrane proteins were extracted for analysis. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze and fear conditioning test. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of ROCK2 and the phosphorylation of radixin. Furthermore, the colocalization of p‐radixin and α5‐GABAAR was observed. To inhibit ROCK2 activity, either an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) or fasudil hydrochloride was administered. Aged mice treated with sevoflurane exhibited significant cognitive impairment accompanied by increased membrane expression of α5‐GABAAR. Moreover, the colocalization of α5‐GABAAR and p‐radixin increased after treatment with sevoflurane, and this change was accompanied by an increase in ROCK2 expression and radixin phosphorylation. Notably, inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway significantly decreased the distribution of extrasynaptic α5‐GABAAR and improved cognitive function. Sevoflurane activates the RhoA/ROCK2 pathway and increases the phosphorylation of radixin. Excess α5‐GABAAR is anchored to extrasynaptic sites and impairs cognitive ability in aged mice. Fasudil hydrochloride administration improves cognitive function.
The impact of genetic risk on the prevalence of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in prospectively assessed patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bridi Lana , Agrawal Saaket , Tesfai Kaleb , Madamba Egbert , Bettencourt Ricki , Richards Lisa M. , Khera Amit V. , Loomba Rohit , Ajmera Veeral
Published: June 2024

Background

Genetic factors contribute to the risk and severity of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the utility of genetic testing in risk stratification remains poorly characterised.

Aims

To examine the influence of genetic risk on advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the utility of a polygenic risk score (PRS) in screening guidelines.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled adults aged ≥50 years with T2DM recruited from clinics. PRS was the sum of risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2 and SERPINA1 minus the protective variant in HSD17B13. We performed magnetic resonance elastography and vibration‐controlled transient elastography to assess for advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Results

Of 382 included patients, the mean age and BMI were 64.8 (±8.4) years and 31.7 (±6.2) kg/m2 respectively. The prevalence of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were 12.3% and 5.2% respectively; higher PRS was associated with increased risk of cirrhosis (2.7% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.037). High PRS was associated with increased risk of advanced fibrosis among those with fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) index <1.3 (9.6% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.036) but was not significantly different in other FIB‐4 categories. Incorporating PRS determination into the American Gastroenterological Association and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases screening guidelines prevented approximately 20% of all participants with advanced fibrosis from being inappropriately classified as low risk.

Conclusions

Utilising a well‐phenotyped, prospective cohort of adults with T2DM, we found that adding an assessment of genetic risk to recommendations to screen at‐risk populations may improve risk prediction.
Abnormal dynamic functional connectivity and topological properties of cerebellar network in male obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Li Lifeng , Long Ting , Liu Yuting , Ayoub Muhammad , Song Yucheng , Shu Yongqiang , Liu Xiang , Zeng Li , Huang Ling , Liu Yumeng , Deng Yingke , Li Haijun , Peng Dechang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To investigate dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) within the cerebellar‐whole brain network and dynamic topological properties of the cerebellar network in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients.

Methods

Sixty male patients and 60 male healthy controls were included. The sliding window method examined the fluctuations in cerebellum‐whole brain dFC and connection strength in OSA. Furthermore, graph theory metrics evaluated the dynamic topological properties of the cerebellar network. Additionally, hidden Markov modeling validated the robustness of the dFC. The correlations between the abovementioned measures and clinical assessments were assessed.

Results

Two dynamic network states were characterized. State 2 exhibited a heightened frequency, longer fractional occupancy, and greater mean dwell time in OSA. The cerebellar networks and cerebrocerebellar dFC alterations were mainly located in the default mode network, frontoparietal network, somatomotor network, right cerebellar CrusI/II, and other networks. Global properties indicated aberrant cerebellar topology in OSA. Dynamic properties were correlated with clinical indicators primarily on emotion, cognition, and sleep.

Conclusion

Abnormal dFC in male OSA may indicate an imbalance between the integration and segregation of brain networks, concurrent with global topological alterations. Abnormal default mode network interactions with high‐order and low‐level cognitive networks, disrupting their coordination, may impair the regulation of cognitive, emotional, and sleep functions in OSA.
Pathogenicity and colonization of Metrosideros polymorpha by Ceratocystis huliohia
Authors: Juzwik Jennifer , Hughes Marc A. , Keith Lisa M.
Published: June 2024

Both Ceratocystis lukuohia and C. huliohia have been associated with Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), an emerging threat to ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha), a keystone forest tree species. The vascular wilt disease caused by C. lukuohia has been recently described and is responsible for the widespread ROD epidemic on Hawai'i Island. However, the role of C. huliohia in ROD development and tree death is not clear. Artificial inoculation of field‐grown ʻōhiʻa with C. huliohia and dissections of naturally infected, early symptomatic forest trees were conducted to confirm pathogenicity on field grown trees and the pattern of internal colonization. In two trials, crowns of trees with main stems inoculated with C. huliohia were visually healthy at the time of tree harvest after 43–55 days in the first trial, and after 91 days in the second trial. However, elliptical inner bark cankers underlain by reddish‐brown xylem were associated with the inoculation points. Similar canker and stain symptoms were found on stems and branches of ʻōhiʻa (24–26 cm trunk diameter) naturally infected by C. huliohia. This xylem stain manifested as multiple distinct elliptical cankers or the coalescing of multiple cankers. The pathogen was commonly isolated from the perimeter of the stained outer sapwood and to a depth of 4 cm. The coalescence of multiple cankers was associated with the crown symptoms observed on the naturally infected forest trees that were dissected. Multiple C. huliohia infections that lead to coalescing cankers which subsequently girdle stems likely occurs over one or more years compared to the shorter time (e.g., months) required for C. lukuohia‐caused death to occur.
The Hydraulic Evolution of Groundwater‐Fed Pit Lakes After Mine Closure
Authors: Moser Birte , Cook Peter G. , Miller Anthony D. , Dogramaci Shawan , Wallis Ilka
Published: June 2024

Open pit mining frequently requires regional water tables to be lowered to access ore deposits. When mines close, dewatering ceases allowing the water table to recover. In arid and semi‐arid mining regions, the developing pit lakes are predominantly fed by groundwater during this recovery phase and pit lakes develop first into “terminal sinks” for the surrounding groundwater system. With time, the re‐establishment of regional hydraulic gradients can cause pit lakes to develop into throughflow systems, in which pit lake water outflows into adjacent aquifers. In this study, we use numerical groundwater modeling to aid process understanding of how regional hydraulic gradients, aquifer properties, net evaporation rates, and pit geometry determine the hydraulic evolution of groundwater‐fed pit lakes. We find that before the recovery of the regional water table to its new equilibrium, pit lakes frequently transition to throughflow systems. Throughflow from pit lakes to downstream aquifers can develop within two decades following cessation of dewatering even under low hydraulic gradients (e.g., 5 × 10−4) or high net evaporation rates (e.g., 2.5 m/year). Pit lakes remain terminal sinks only under suitable combinations of high evaporation rates, low hydraulic gradients, and low hydraulic conductivities. In addition, we develop an approximate analytical solution for a rapid assessment of the hydraulic status of pit lakes under steady‐state conditions. Understanding whether pit lakes remain terminal sinks or transition into throughflow systems largely determines the long‐term water quality of pit lakes and downstream aquifers. This knowledge is fundamental for mine closure and planning post‐mining land use.
Oral surgery in people with inherited bleeding disorder: A retrospective study
Authors: Fribourg Emma , Castet Sabine , Fénelon Mathilde , Huguenin Yoann , Fricain Jean‐Christophe , Chuy Virginie , Catros Sylvain
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The objectives were to describe the peri‐operative management of people with inherited bleeding disorders in oral surgery and to investigate the association between type of surgery and risk of developing bleeding complications.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients with haemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease, Glanzmann thrombasthenia or isolated coagulation factor deficiency such as afibrinogenemia who underwent osseous (third molar extraction, ortho‐surgical traction, dental implant placement) or nonosseous oral surgery between 2014 and 2021 at Bordeaux University Hospital (France). Patients and oral surgery characteristics were retrieved from medical records. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 83 patients included, general anaesthesia was performed in 16%. Twelve had a bleeding complication (14.5%) including six after osseous surgery. The most serious complication was the appearance of anti‐FVIII inhibitor in a patient with moderate haemophilia A. All bleeding complications were managed by a local treatment and factor injections where indicated. No association was observed between type of surgery (osseous vs. nonosseous) and risk of bleeding complications after controlling for sex, age, disease type and severity, multiple extractions, type of anaesthesia and use of fibrin glue (OR: 3.21, 95% CI: .69–14.88).

Conclusion

In this study, we have observed that bleeding complications after oral surgery in people with inherited bleeding disorders were moderately frequent and easily managed. However, in this study, we observed a serious complication highlighting the necessity of a thorough benefit‐risk balance evaluation during the preoperative planning of the surgical and medical protocol.
The 2023 protocol for update to acute treatment of adults with migraine in the emergency department: The American Headache Society evidence assessment of parenteral pharmacotherapies
Authors: Robblee Jennifer , Zhao Xurong (Rachel) , Minen Mia T. , Friedman Benjamin W. , Cortel‐LeBlanc Miguel A. , Cortel‐LeBlanc Achelle , Orr Serena L.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The primary objective of this proposed guideline is to update the prior 2016 guideline on parenteral pharmacotherapies for the management of adults with a migraine attack in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

We will conduct an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis using the 2016 guideline methodology to provide clinical recommendations. The same search strategy will be used for studies up to 2023, with a new search strategy added to capture studies of nerve blocks and sphenopalatine blocks. Medline, Embase, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform will be searched. Our inclusion criteria consist of studies involving adults with a diagnosis of migraine, utilizing medications administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously in a randomized controlled trial design. Two authors will perform the selection of studies based on title and abstract, followed by a full‐text review. A third author will intervene in cases of disagreements. Data will be recorded in a standardized worksheet and subjected to verification. The risk of bias will be assessed using the American Academy of Neurology tool. When applicable, a meta‐analysis will be conducted. The efficacy of medications will be evaluated, categorizing them as “highly likely,” “likely”, or “possibly effective” or “ineffective.” Subsequently, clinical recommendations will be developed, considering the risk associated with the medications, following the American Academy of Neurology recommendation development process.

Results

The goal of this updated guideline will be to provide guidance on which injectable medications, including interventional approaches (i.e., nerve blocks, sphenopalatine ganglion), should be considered effective acute treatment for adults with migraine who present to an ED.

Conclusions

The methods outlined in this protocol will be used in the design of a future systematic review and meta‐analysis‐informed guideline, which will then be assessed by and submitted for endorsement by the American Headache Society.
Deformation mechanism of glass microlenses and microlens arrays in contactless hot embossing
Authors: Yang Kang , Li Jianzhi , Gong Feng , Yang Gao
Published: June 2024

Contactless hot embossing has been demonstrated to possess the potential for cost‐effective production and precise mounting concepts in fabricating glass microlenses and microlens arrays due to the reduced difficulty of mold fabrication and the possibility of obtaining self‐aligned assemblies. This study aims to provide experimental evidence for understanding the forming mechanism of glass microlenses and microlens arrays in the contactless hot embossing process. The effects of process parameters, diameter and position of the micro‐holes, hole diameter, and pitch of the micro‐hole array mold on the filling deformation of glass in contactless hot embossing were comprehensively investigated. It is found that placing the micro‐hole farther away from the mold center renders decrease in both filling height and tip curvature but increase in the eccentricity of the embossed glass microlens. As a result, the formed glass microlens array shows a nonuniform distribution of filling height and tip curvature. Furthermore, reducing the pitch of micro‐hole array mold can significantly improve the uniformity of formed microlens array. Based on these experimental results, the forming mechanism of microlenses and microlens arrays in contactless hot embossing process is summarized. Finally, a glass microlens array with decent uniformity in the center area was hot embossed by using a SiC micro‐hole array mold.
Effects of ferroptosis‐related gene HSPB1 on acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yan Xue‐Shen , Sun Yu‐Jiao , Du Juan , Niu Wen‐Yan , Qiao Han , Yin Xiang‐Cong
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of ferroptosis‐related gene heat shock protein beta‐1 (HSPB1) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods

The RNA‐seq and clinical data of AML samples were obtained from the Genomic Data Commons database, and the FerrDb database was used to screen the marker, drive and suppressor of ferroptosis. Besides, DESeq2 was applied for differential expression analysis on AML samples and screening for differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The screened DEGs were subjected to the intersection analysis with ferroptosis‐related genes to identify the ferroptosis‐related DEGs. Next, the functional pathways of ferroptosis‐related DEGs were further be discussed by Gene Ontology as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of DEGs. Additionally, lasso regression analysis was employed to determine the differential genes related to prognosis in patients with AML and the survival analysis was performed. Subsequently, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of HSPB1 in normal/AML bone marrow tissues and human normal (HS‐5)/AML (HL‐60) bone marrow cells, respectively. Furthermore, HSPB1 was knocked down to assess the expression changes of glutathione peroxidase 4 and acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4. Ultimately, the viability and oxidative stress levels of HL‐60 were analyzed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 and biochemical detection.

Results

A total of 4986 DEGs were identified in AML samples, with 3324 up‐regulated and 1662 down‐regulated. The enrichment analysis illustrated that ferroptosis‐related DEGs were significantly enriched in response to metal irons, oxidative stress, and other pathways. After lasso regression analysis, 17 feature genes related to the prognosis of patients with AML were obtained, with HSPB1 exhibiting a significant correlation. The reliability of our models was verified by Cox regression analysis and survival analysis of the hazard model. Furthermore, the outcomes of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot showed that mRNA and protein expression levels of HSPB1 were significantly increased in the AML Group and HL‐60 cells. The knockdown of HSPB1 in HL‐60 cells reduced the protein level of glutathione peroxidase 4, increased the protein level of acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 4, decreased the cell viability, and aggravated oxidative stress.

Conclusion

Ferroptosis‐related gene HSPB1 is highly expressed in patients with AML. In addition, HSPB1 may be involved in the occurrence and development of AML by regulating oxidative stress and ferroptosis‐related pathways. This study provides new clues for further understanding of AML molecular mechanisms. Also, HSPB1 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for AML in the future.
Homeland–diaspora nexus during crisis: Towards a transformed engagement model
Authors: Kalantzi Foteini
Published: June 2024

Historically, Greece perceived and approached its diaspora as a source of philanthropic funding, economic remittances and lobbying on matters of domestic and foreign policy interests. The 2009 economic crisis, the subsequent emigration wave, have added new meanings and dimensions to the Greek diaspora–homeland nexus. Drawing on qualitative analysis and process‐tracing, this article argues that the crisis has transformed the dynamics of the homeland–diaspora relation especially when it comes to political engagement from abroad. While investigating the reasons behind this transfiguration, the article examines the changing features of the Greek diaspora's political engagement, by examining the influence wielded by homeland political parties and by conducting an in‐depth analysis of the diasporic vote. The article also delves into the influence of technology to the emergence of transnational political engagement and the establishment of novel diaspora networks.
Mask‐related pressure injury prevention associated with non‐invasive ventilation: A systematic review
Authors: Emami Zeydi Amir , Zare‐Kaseb Akbar , Nazari Amir Mohamad , Ghazanfari Mohammad Javad , Sarmadi Sogand
Published: June 2024

Noninvasive ventilation interfaces are one of the main factors contributing to pressure injuries caused by medical devices. Prevention is still the best course of action when discussing noninvasive ventilation‐induced pressure injuries. A systematic review was designed to summarize and analyse all published literature on strategies to prevent pressure injuries caused by masks in patients undergoing noninvasive ventilation. The protocol of the systematic review followed the PRISMA guideline. An extensive search from the beginning to May 16, 2023, using current articles in databases such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library was conducted. Medical Subject Headings (MESH) were used as follows: “Pressure Injury,” “Noninvasive Ventilation,” “Prevention,” and “Pressure Sore.” Any language‐published studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, including evaluation methodologies for all studies. Database searches yielded 2546 articles, which were reduced to 23 that met our criteria after reviewing full texts. A narrative synthesis was conducted. As a result, type of interface (14 studies), dressings (4 studies), adjustment of mask leakage (1 study), humidity (1 study), positioning (1 study), and design of personalized masks (2 studies) seem to be a practical approach to prevent pressure injuries caused by masks in patients undergoing noninvasive ventilation. The results of our study show the effectiveness of preventive methods in reducing the incidence of pressure injuries caused by masks. Given the significant occurrence of pressure injury related to noninvasive ventilation and the crucial role of prevention and treatment, it is imperative to conduct more rigorous studies to ascertain the efficacy of each strategy.
Pharmacologic blockade of nicotinic receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus increases ovarian atresia and inhibits follicular growth
Authors: Vieyra Elizabeth , Calderón Roberto , Linares Rosa , Rosas Gabriela , Ramírez Deyra A. , Espinoza Julieta A. , Chaparro Andrea , Silva Carlos‐Camilo , Domínguez Roberto , Morales‐Ledesma Leticia
Published: June 2024

Reproduction in all mammalian species depends on the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, that is, folliculogenesis. Follicular development can culminate with the rupture of mature follicles and the consequent expulsion of their oocytes (ovulation) or in atresia, characterized by the arrest of development and eventual degeneration. These processes are regulated by different neuroendocrine signals arising at different hypothalamic nuclei, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In the later, the activation of muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) by acetylcholine is essential for the regulation of the pre‐ovulatory signals that stimulate the rupture of mature follicles. To evaluate the participation of the nAChRs in the SCN throughout the oestrous cycle in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. For this purpose, 90‐day‐old adult female rats in metoestrus, dioestrus, proestrus or oestrus were microinjected into the left‐ or right‐SCN with 0.3 μL of saline solution as vehicle or with 0.225 μg of mecamylamine (Mec), a non‐selective antagonist of the nicotinic receptors, diluted in 0.3 μL of vehicle. The animals were sacrificed when they presented vaginal cornification, indicative of oestrus stage, and the effects of the unilateral pharmacological blockade of the nAChRs in the SCN on follicular development, ovulation and secretion of oestradiol and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were evaluated. The microinjection of Mec decreased the serum levels of FSH, which resulted in a lower number of growing and healthy follicles and an increase in atresia. The higher percentage of atresia in pre‐ovulatory follicles was related to a decrease in the number of ova shed and abnormalities in oestradiol secretion. We also detected asymmetric responses between the left and right treatments that depended on the stage of the oestrous cycle. The present results allow us to suggest that during all the stages of the oestrous cycle, cholinergic signals that act on the nAChRs in the SCN are pivotal to modulate the secretion of gonadotropins and hence the physiology of the ovaries. Further research is needed to determine if such signals are generated by the cholinergic neurons in the SCN or by cholinergic afferents to the SCN.
Main and interactive effects of discrimination, parent racial/ethnic socialization, and internalizing symptomology on BIPOC teens' ethnic‐racial identity
Authors: Takamasa Emily J. , Fraser Ashley M. , Rogers Adam A.
Published: June 2024

Research suggests that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) adolescents have the best developmental outcomes when strong, positive ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) is acknowledged and embraced. This study investigated whether discrimination, internalizing symptomology, parent socialization, and/or interactions of these variables were associated with adolescent ERI, specifically in exploration, resolution, and affirmation, to illuminate nuanced ways BIPOC youth can achieve positive ERI. Recruited from third‐party research panels, surveyed participants were adolescents (Mage = 15.28; 51.6% male) of diverse ethnic/racial groups and socioeconomic backgrounds from all regions of the United States. Overall, results showed that there were four significant main effects on ERI: a negative relation between internalizing symptomology and exploration, a positive relation between parent socialization and exploration, a positive relation between parent socialization and resolution, and a negative relation between internalizing symptomology and affirmation. There were also two significant interactive effects such that (1) discrimination had a stronger negative relation with affirmation under condition of high internalizing, and (2) parent socialization had a stronger positive relation with affirmation under condition of high internalizing. Results show development of ERI in adolescence is subject to multiple, interactive influences. Main and interactive effects highlight the contextual role that mental health implicates for youth of color. Implications for parents and practitioners are discussed.
Cementum and enamel surface mimicry influences soft tissue cell behavior
Authors: Bellon Benjamin , Pippenger Benjamin , Stähli Alexandra , Degen Martin , Parisi Ludovica
Published: June 2024

Aims

To test whether titanium surface roughness disparity might be used to specifically guide the behavior of gingiva fibroblasts and keratinocytes, thereby improving the quality of soft tissue (ST) integration around abutments.

Methods

Titanium discs resembling the roughness of enamel (M) or cementum (MA) were created with normal or increased hydrophilicity and used as substrates for human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Adhesion and proliferation assays were performed to assess cell‐type specific responses upon encountering the different surfaces. Additionally, immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses were performed to study more in depth the behavior of fibroblasts and keratinocytes on MA and M surfaces, respectively.

Results

While enamel‐like M surfaces supported adhesion, growth and a normal differentiation potential of keratinocytes, cementum‐emulating MA surfaces specifically impaired the growth of keratinocytes. Vice versa, MA surfaces sustained regular adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts. Yet, a more intimate adhesion between fibroblasts and titanium was achieved by an increased hydrophilicity of MA surfaces, which was associated with an increased expression of elastin.

Conclusion

The optimal titanium implant abutment might be achieved by a bimodal roughness design, mimicking the roughness of enamel (M) and cementum with increased hydrophilicity (hMA), respectively. These surfaces can selectively elicit cell responses favoring proper ST barrier by impairing epithelial downgrowth and promoting firm adhesion of fibroblasts.
Seasonal dietary changes relate to gut microbiota composition depending on the host species but do not correlate with gut microbiota diversity in arthropod‐eating lizards
Authors: Hernández Mauricio , Ancona Sergio , Hereira‐Pacheco Stephanie , Díaz de la Vega‐Pérez Aníbal H. , Alberdi Antton , Navarro‐Noya Yendi E.
Published: June 2024

The animal gut microbiota is strongly influenced by environmental factors that shape their temporal dynamics. Although diet is recognized as a major driver of gut microbiota variation, dietary patterns have seldom been linked to gut microbiota dynamics in wild animals. Here, we analysed the gut microbiota variation between dry and rainy seasons across four Sceloporus species (S. aeneus, S. bicanthalis, S. grammicus and S. spinosus) from central Mexico in light of temporal changes in diet composition. The lizard microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes (now Bacillota) and Bacteroidota, and the closely related species S. aeneus and S. bicanthalis shared a great number of core bacterial taxa. We report species‐specific seasonal changes in gut microbiota diversity and composition: greater alpha diversity during the dry compared to the rainy season in S. bicanthalis, the opposite pattern in S. aeneus, and no seasonal differences in S. grammicus and S. spinosus. Our findings indicated a positive association between gut bacterial composition and dietary composition for S. bicanthalis and S. grammicus, but bacterial diversity did not increase linearly with dietary richness in any lizard species. In addition, seasonality affected bacterial composition, and microbial community similarity increased between S. aeneus and S. bicanthalis, as well as between S. grammicus and S. spinosus. Together, our results illustrate that seasonal variation and dietary composition play a role in shaping gut microbiota in lizard populations, but this is not a rule and other ecological factors influence microbiota variation.
Snow‐ or ice‐covered road detection in winter road surface conditions using deep neural networks
Authors: Moroto Yuya , Maeda Keisuke , Ogawa Takahiro , Haseyama Miki
Published: June 2024

Traffic accidents occur frequently in cold and snow‐ or ice‐covered regions due to weather changes that occur during the winter season. To detect the snow‐ or ice‐covered roads in road surface conditions, road surface images captured using fixed‐point cameras installed along the route are sufficient. This paper proposes a snow‐ or ice‐covered road detection method that uses the deep convolutional autoencoding Gaussian mixture model (DCAGMM) with structural similarity (SSIM). The DCAGMM method, which is an unsupervised anomaly detection method, is unaffected by imbalance in the training data. In addition, the end‐to‐end convolutional neural network implemented in the DCAGMM enables the capture of the unique characteristics of the road surface images. Finally, by reconstructing the input images as normal images, the comparison of the input and reconstructed images enables identification of snow‐ or ice‐covered road areas without requiring pixel‐level annotations. Furthermore, the road surface images include complex characteristics for reconstruction, and the SSIM‐based reconstruction error allows us to preserve the image quality of the reconstructed image. Experimental results obtained on real‐world road surface images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean: investigating their breeding movements by satellite tracking
Authors: Landine Anne , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Danilewicz Daniel , Sucunza Federico , Andriolo Artur
Published: June 2024

Understanding animals' movements is essential to assess habitat use, life‐history strategies, and population dynamics. Here, we investigate the movement and behavior patterns of 153 humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA) using data obtained by satellite telemetry between 2003 and 2019 during the species' breeding season (August–December) off the Brazilian coast. Switching state space models were applied to estimate behavior states (bmode) classified as Area Restricted Search (ARS), Transiting (TRANS), or uncertain. Whales were distributed from 4°S to 24°S, and five clusters of ARS behavior were identified along the Brazilian coast. Generalized linear mixed modeling revealed three main results: (1) a transition towards more sinuous behavioral states with increasing latitude; (2) more sinuous movement behavior around new moons; (3) movement behavior was temporally dynamic throughout the breeding season over the years, particularly in 2019. The results then revealed important regions where humpback whales cluster to engage in mating and nursing behaviors, highlighting the influence of spatial location and environmental cycles on their behavior. Estimated movement behavior presented here improves the knowledge about the habitat use and movement patterns of SWA humpback whales in their breeding ground and can be used to mitigate potential human‐related impacts.
Positive roles of the Ca2+ sensors GbCML45 and GbCML50 in improving cotton Verticillium wilt resistance
Authors: Yi Feifei , Li Yuzhe , Song Aosong , Shi Xinying , Hu Shanci , Wu Shuang , Shao Lili , Chu Zongyan , Xu Kun , Li Liangliang , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Li Weiqiang , Cai Yingfan
Published: June 2024

As a universal second messenger, cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) functions in multifaceted intracellular processes, including growth, development and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses in plant. The plant‐specific Ca2+ sensors, calmodulin and calmodulin‐like (CML) proteins, function as members of the second‐messenger system to transfer Ca2+ signal into downstream responses. However, the functions of CMLs in the responses of cotton (Gossypium spp.) after Verticillium dahliae infection, which causes the serious vascular disease Verticillium wilt, remain elusive. Here, we discovered that the expression level of GbCML45 was promoted after V. dahliae infection in roots of cotton, suggesting its potential role in Verticillium wilt resistance. We found that knockdown of GbCML45 in cotton plants decreased resistance while overexpression of GbCML45 in Arabidopsis thaliana plants enhanced resistance to V. dahliae infection. Furthermore, there was physiological interaction between GbCML45 and its close homologue GbCML50 by using yeast two‐hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence assays, and both proteins enhanced cotton resistance to V. dahliae infection in a Ca2+‐dependent way in a knockdown study. Detailed investigations indicated that several defence‐related pathways, including salicylic acid, ethylene, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide signalling pathways, as well as accumulations of lignin and callose, are responsible for GbCML45‐ and GbCML50‐modulated V. dahliae resistance in cotton. These results collectively indicated that GbCML45 and GbCML50 act as positive regulators to improve cotton Verticillium wilt resistance, providing potential targets for exploitation of improved Verticillium wilt‐tolerant cotton cultivars by genetic engineering and molecular breeding.
Myths of Zimbabwean urban nationalism: Narratives of modernity and exceptionalism in the economic crisis
Authors: Pikovskaia Kristina
Published: June 2024

Zimbabwe has distinct urban nationalist myths stemming from the colonial period—urban modernity and economic exceptionalism. The modernity myth has been constructed from the colonial period and came to be associated with urban order, lifestyle and social mobility. The economic exceptionalism myth refers to Zimbabwe's past exceptional economic performance during the colonial and early postcolonial periods. However, the economic crisis and informalisation from the late 1990s have challenged these myths as neither previous practices of urban modernity nor the feeling of exceptional economic performance is attainable any more. In this context, people in the informal sector reimagine what these nationalist myths mean to them. In particular, they engage in debates about which economic practices are modern enough to be implemented in urban areas, especially in the city centre, and how to identify themselves make a claim to urban modernity. The memory of economic exceptionalism in the meantime acts as a reference point in discussions about future national development. All these translate into the question of legitimacy—of the informal economy and its practices and the government that failed to uphold the modernity and exceptionalism myths.
NPCC4: New York City climate risk information 2022—observations and projections
Authors: Braneon Christian , Ortiz Luis , Bader Daniel , Devineni Naresh , Orton Philip , Rosenzweig Bernice , McPhearson Timon , Smalls‐Mantey Lauren , Gornitz Vivien , Mayo Talea , Kadam Sanketa , Sheerazi Hadia , Glenn Equisha , Yoon Liv , Derras‐Chouk Amel , Towers Joel , Leichenko Robin , Balk Deborah , Marcotullio Peter , Horton Radley
Published: June 2024

New York City (NYC) faces many challenges in the coming decades due to climate change and its interactions with social vulnerabilities and uneven urban development patterns and processes. This New York City Panel on Climate Change (NPCC) report contributes to the Panel's mandate to advise the city on climate change and provide timely climate risk information that can inform flexible and equitable adaptation pathways that enhance resilience to climate change. This report presents up‐to‐date scientific information as well as updated sea level rise projections of record. We also present a new methodology related to climate extremes and describe new methods for developing the next generation of climate projections for the New York metropolitan region. Future work by the Panel should compare the temperature and precipitation projections presented in this report with a subset of models to determine the potential impact and relevance of the “hot model” problem. NPCC4 expects to establish new projections‐of‐record for precipitation and temperature in 2024 based on this comparison and additional analysis. Nevertheless, the temperature and precipitation projections presented in this report may be useful for NYC stakeholders in the interim as they rely on the newest generation of global climate models.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci for agronomic and morpho‐physiological traits under drought environments in spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Sayed Haitham , Al‐Yassin Adnan , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Grando Stefania , Stotz Henrik U. , Fitt Bruce D. L. , Baum Michael
Published: June 2024

Barley production is severely affected by drought caused by the unpredictable Mediterranean weather patterns, which include uneven rainfall and extreme temperatures. This leads to a decrease in crop yield. However, to tackle this issue, landraces and wild species are crucial sources of variation for stress adaptive traits. By incorporating these traits into improved varieties, we may see an increase in yield and stability under drought conditions. Seventy‐six quantitative traits loci (QTLs) identified traits were mapped using recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population Arta × Harmal‐2//Esp/1808‐4L, evaluated at six dry and semi‐dry areas over 3 years. The study investigated traits such as grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, kernel weight, seed per head, days to heading, kernel filling duration, growth vigour, growth habit, lodging and plant height. Numerous QTLs were discovered that are associated with various phenotypic traits related to grain yield, kernel yield, duration of filling period and days to heading. For areas with less than 250 mm/annum of rainfall, QTLs were identified on chromosome 2H for biological yield, days to heading, and kernel weight, on 1H for harvest index, and on 2H, 4H, and 5H for kernel weight. For semi‐dry areas with rainfall less than 450 mm, QTLs were found on chromosome 6H for grain yield, 2H and 5H for kernel weight, 1H and 6H for seed per head, and 2H for days to heading. Notably, these QTLs significantly explain more than 10% of phenotypic variation. The 2H chromosome was found to have the most important QTL and pleiotropic effect for yield and its components, such as kernel weight, days to heading, and biological yield. The cross Arta/Harmal was adapted, and mechanisms were developed to cope with drought stress, reflected by the significant and positive correlation of biological yield and harvest index with grain yield. Chromosomes 1H, 2H, 4H and 5H harbour more than 60% of mapped QTLs for dry areas. It is worth noting that the QTLs mentioned earlier, along with the kernel weight QTLs (QKW 1.5, QKW2.7b, QKW4.1, QKW6.7, QKW6.9), have consistently exhibited positive effects on crop yield in semi‐dry and dry areas, making them potential candidates for breeding drought‐tolerant crops. Genomic co‐localisation of the QTL for Arta/Harmal population suggested that selection for drought through linked markers can be an option for drought tolerance selection for barley in dry areas.
Sap flow through partially embolized xylem vessel networks
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L. , Venturas Martin D. , Hacke Uwe G. , Pratt Robert Brandon
Published: June 2024

Sap is transported through numerous conduits in the xylem of woody plants along the path from the soil to the leaves. When all conduits are functional, vessel lumen diameter is a strong predictor of hydraulic conductivity. As vessels become embolized, sap movement becomes increasingly affected by factors operating at scales beyond individual conduits, creating resistances that result in hydraulic conductivity diverging from diameter‐based estimates. These effects include pit resistances, connectivity, path length, network topology, and vessel or sector isolation. The impact of these factors varies with the level and distribution of emboli within the network, and manifest as alterations in the relationship between the number and diameter of embolized vessels with measured declines in hydraulic conductivity across vulnerability to embolism curves. Divergences between measured conductivity and diameter‐based estimates reveal functional differences that arise because of species‐ and tissue‐specific vessel network structures. Such divergences are not uniform, and xylem tissues may diverge in different ways and to differing degrees. Plants regularly operate under nonoptimal conditions and contain numerous embolized conduits. Understanding the hydraulic implications of emboli within a network and the function of partially embolized networks are critical gaps in our understanding of plants occurring within natural environments.