bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classifying the unknown: Insect identification with deep hierarchical Bayesian learning
Authors: Badirli Sarkhan , Picard Christine Johanna , Mohler George , Richert Frannie , Akata Zeynep , Dundar Murat
Published: April 2023

Classifying insect species involves a tedious process of identifying distinctive morphological insect characters by taxonomic experts. Machine learning can harness the power of computers to potentially create an accurate and efficient method for performing this task at scale, given that its analytical processing can be more sensitive to subtle physical differences in insects, which experts may not perceive. However, existing machine learning methods are designed to only classify insect samples into described species, thus failing to identify samples from undescribed species.

We propose a novel deep hierarchical Bayesian model for insect classification, given the taxonomic hierarchy inherent in insects. This model can classify samples of both described and undescribed species; described samples are assigned a species while undescribed samples are assigned a genus, which is a pivotal advancement over just identifying them as outliers. We demonstrated this proof of concept on a new database containing paired insect image and DNA barcode data from four insect orders, including 1040 species, which far exceeds the number of species used in existing work. A quarter of the species were excluded from the training set to simulate undescribed species.

With the proposed classification framework using combined image and DNA data in the model, species classification accuracy for described species was 96.66% and genus classification accuracy for undescribed species was 81.39%. Including both data sources in the model resulted in significant improvement over including image data only (39.11% accuracy for described species and 35.88% genus accuracy for undescribed species), and modest improvement over including DNA data only (73.39% genus accuracy for undescribed species).

Unlike current machine learning methods, the proposed deep hierarchical Bayesian learning approach can simultaneously classify samples of both described and undescribed species, a functionality that could become instrumental in biodiversity monitoring across the globe. This framework can be customized for any taxonomic classification problem for which image and DNA data can be obtained, thus making it relevant for use across all biological kingdoms.
Clearance of senescent cells reverts the cigarette smoke‐induced lung senescence and airspace enlargement in p16‐3MR mice
Authors: Kaur Gagandeep , Muthumalage Thivanka , Rahman Irfan
Published: April 2023

Cigarette smoke (CS) leads to increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and exaggerated senescence, which are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the role of cellular senescence in COPD is known, it is not clear if the removal of senescent cells could alleviate the disease symptoms. To test this, we used the novel mouse model‐p16‐3MR, and studied the effect of ganciclovir (GCV)‐mediated removal of senescent cells after chronic CS (3 months) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (6 months) exposure to CS. Our results showed the reversal of CS‐induced cellular senescence on the clearance of p16+ senesced cells by GCV treatment. Interestingly, the clearance of p16+ senescent cells via GCV led to a decrease in the neutrophil counts in the BALF of GCV‐treated CS‐exposed p16‐3MR mice, as well as reversal of CS‐mediated airspace enlargement in p16‐3MR mice. Mice exposed to low dose ETS caused insignificant changes in the SA‐β‐Gal+ senescent cells and airspace enlargement. Overall, our data provide evidence for the role of lung cellular senescence on smoke exposure and clearance of senescent cells in p16‐3MR mice in the reversal of COPD/emphysema pathology with a possibility of senolytics as therapeutic interventions in COPD.
Teeth, tusks, and spikes: Repeated den sharing between predator and prey in an African Savannah
Authors: Dupuis‐Désormeaux Marc , Dheer Arjun , Gilisho Saibala , Kaaria Timothy N. , Davidson Zeke , MacDonald Suzanne E.
Published: April 2023

We have been monitoring spotted hyaena dens with camera traps at our site since 2016. We describe a novel phenomenon: concurrent subterranean den sharing between spotted hyaenas, warthogs, and crested porcupines at a wildlife conservancy in Kenya. We discovered two different hyaena clans that occasionally shared active dens with warthogs and porcupines in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 but not since. We speculate on the reasons why and how this cohabitation arrangement arose and suggest that it might be based on a ‘healthy respect’ for the threats presented by their mutually formidable weaponry. We hope this note will encourage others to describe similar behaviour.
The impact of rurality on child road traffic death in high‐income countries
Authors: Koh Soonho , Kenji Doma , Franklin Richard
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Despite the importance of child road traffic death, a limited number of studies have investigated rural child road traffic death in high income countries.

Objective

This review estimated the impact of rurality on child road traffic deaths and other potential risk factors in high‐income countries.

Design

We searched Ovid, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases and extracted studies focusing on the association between rurality and child road traffic death published between 2001 and 2021. Available data were extracted and analysed, to evaluate the impact of rurality on child road traffic death and explore other risk factors of child road traffic deaths.

Findings

We identified 13 studies for child road traffic death between 2001 and 2021. Eight studies reported the impact of rurality on child road traffic death, and all of them alleged that the mortality rate and injury rate of children was significantly higher on rural road than on urban road. The impact of rurality varied between studies, from 1.6 times to 15 times higher incidence of road traffic death in rural areas. Vehicle type, speeding cars, driver loss of control, alcohol and drug use road environment were identified as risk factors of child road traffic death. Conversely, ethnicity, seat belts, nondeployed airbag, child restraint, strict driver licence system, camera law and accessibility of trauma centres were considered protective factors. Other factors, including age, gender and teen passengers, appeared ambiguous for child road traffic death.

Discussion

Rurality is one of the most important risk factors of child road traffic death. Therefore, we should consider the impact that rurality has on child road death and resolve the gap between rural and urban areas in order to prevent child road traffic death effectively.

Conclusion

The findings of this literature review will assist policy‐makers to prevent child road traffic death by focusing on rural regions.
Surgical management of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients
Authors: Adamson Sarah Rose , Whitty Sarah , Flood Stephen , Neoh Derek , Nunn Andrew , Clegg Ben , Ng Sally Kiu‐Huen
Published: April 2023

Background

Pressure ulcers (PU) are a common yet debilitating injury within the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. This retrospective data analysis is intended to identify the contributing factors, review the current management protocol, and risk of recurrence of PU in SCI patients at Victoria's state referral centre for traumatic spinal cord injuries.

Methods

A retrospective audit of the medical records of SCI patients with pressure ulcers was conducted for the period of January 2016 to August 2021. Patients aged 18 years and older who presented for surgical management of their PU were included in the study.

Results

Among the 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria, there were a total of 195 surgeries for 129 PU. Ninety‐seven percent were classified as grade of 3 or 4 and 53% had osteomyelitis on presentation. 58% were either current smokers or ex‐smokers, and 19% were diabetic. Debridement alone was the most common type of surgical management (58%), followed by flap reconstruction (25%). Those who underwent flap reconstruction were admitted for 71 days longer, on average. 41% of the surgeries were associated with a post‐operative complication, with the most prominent being an infection at 26%. Of the 129 PU, 11% recurred at least 4 months post initial presentation.

Conclusion

There are a multitude of a factors that impact prevalence, surgical complications, and recurrence of PU. This study provides insight into these factors to review our current practices and optimize surgical outcomes in the management of PU in the SCI population.
Survival outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer with synchronous liver only metastasis
Authors: Shepherdson Mia , Kilburn Daniel , Ullah Shahid , Price Timothy , Karapetis Christos S. , Nguyen Peter , Townsend Amanda , Padbury Robert , Piantadosi Cynthia , Maddern Guy , Carruthers Scott , Roder David , Sorich Michael , Roy Amitesh C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer with synchronous liver‐only metastasis is managed with a multimodal approach, however, optimal sequencing of modalities remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective review of all consecutive rectal or colon cancer cases with synchronous liver‐only metastasis was conducted from the South Australian Colorectal Cancer Registry from 2006 to 2021. This study aimed to investigate how order and type of treatment modality affects overall survival.

Results

Data of over 5000 cases were analysed (n = 5244), 1420 cases had liver‐only metastasis. There were a greater number of colon than rectal primaries (N = 1056 versus 364). Colonic resection was the preferred initial treatment for the colon cohort (60%). In the rectal cohort, 30% had upfront resection followed by 27% that had chemo‐radiotherapy as 1st line therapy. For the colon cohort, there was an improved 5‐year survival with surgical resection as initial treatment compared to chemotherapy (25% versus 9%, P < 0.001). In the rectal cohort, chemo‐radiotherapy as the initial treatment was associated with an improved 5‐year survival compared to surgery or chemotherapy (40% versus 26% versus 19%, P = 0.0015). Patients who were able to have liver resection had improved survival, with 50% surviving over 5 years compared to 12 months in the non‐resected group (P < 0.001). Primary rectal KRAS wildtype patients who underwent liver resection and received Cetuximab had significantly worse outcomes compared to KRAS wildtype patients who did not (P = 0.0007).

Conclusions

Where surgery is possible, resection of liver metastasis and primary tumour improved overall survival. Further research is required on the use of targeted treatments in patients undergoing liver resection.
Intracorporeal colpotomy using the Gutclamper as a novel clamping device to prevent tumor spillage during laparoscopic radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer
Authors: Nagase Yoshikazu , Kobayashi Eiji , Kobayashi Mariya , Kakuda Mamoru , Kodama Michiko , Ueda Yutaka , Kimura Tadashi
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tumor cell spillage during the colpotomy has been suspected as one reason for poor oncologic outcomes in laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) for cervical cancer. To prevent such tumor spillage in LRH, we focused on use of a Gutclamper which is a device originally designed to clamp the colon and rectum during colorectal resections.

Materials and Surgical Technique

A woman with stage IB1 cervical cancer underwent LRH using the Gutclamper. The Gutclamper was inserted into the abdominal cavity via 5‐mm trocar, the vagina was clamped, and an intracorporeal colpotomy was performed caudal to this device.

Discussion

The Gutclamper can be used to clamp the vaginal canal and avoid the exposure of cervical tumor, regardless of the surgeon's skills or patient conditions. An intracorporeal colpotomy using the Gutclamper can contribute to the standardization of LRH.
Tectonic and climatic controls on carbonate sedimentation in active orogen proximal lakes, Cenozoic Qaidam Basin, northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Pei , Wen Huaguo , Li Changzhi , Wei Yan
Published: April 2023

Palustrine‐lacustrine carbonates of the well‐dated Xichagou section (ca. 43 to ca. 13 Ma) next to the active Altyn Tagh Fault (ATF) are investigated in terms of abundance, lithofacies, strontium, carbon and oxygen isotopes, to differentiate tectonic and climatic controls on the evolution of intermontane lakes in the Tibetan Plateau. Volumetrically dominant siliciclastic strata document five depositional stages: mid‐Eocene alluvial fan (onshore), late Eocene fan delta (nearshore), Oligocene semi‐deep lake (offshore), early Miocene braided fluvial delta (nearshore) and mid‐Miocene fluvial plain (onshore). Carbonates are most abundant in the middle three lacustrine stages and contain various lithofacies, including calcretes, microbialites, grainstones and marlstones. Oxygen isotopes show two positive excursions (−1.17‰ and −2.59‰) at the first nearshore and late offshore stages, indicating two relatively saline stages linked to the Eocene and late Oligocene global warming climates. Carbon isotopes show a positive excursion (from −4.0‰ to +2.9‰) at the middle semi‐deep lake stage and meanwhile strontium isotopes of carbonates show a large negative excursion (from 0.7120‰ to 0.7113‰), both in response to the early Oligocene global humid and cooling climate and resultant lake expansion at the Qaidam Basin. Except for this lake expansion event, the first‐order lake transgressing, shallowing and regressing evolution at the Xichagou section were not consistent with Cenozoic global climatic change trends. Instead, the two‐stage strike‐slip faulting of the ATF probably induced the northeastward and eastward migration of basin depocenter and resulted in the lake transgression‐regression at the Xichagou section. The widespread presence and relatively minor variation in oxygen isotopes (from −7.5‰ to −7.0‰) of early Miocene microbialites in the northern Tibetan Plateau suggest a warm climate and a low relief before ca. 15 Ma.
Fiscal policy under constraints: Fiscal capacity and austerity during the Great Depression
Authors: Papadia Andrea
Published: April 2023

The Great Depression was characterized by widespread fiscal policy mistakes in the form of a contractionary or insufficiently expansionary fiscal stance. Despite this general conclusion, there were large differences in the conduct of fiscal policy between countries. I find that a higher degree of fiscal capacity helped countries run less procyclical fiscal policies by allowing them to borrow more extensively. Lower borrowing costs only partially explain this finding. Taken together, the results indicate that interwar governments were constrained in their policies by past investments in fiscal capacity, and not just by Gold Standard membership, ideology, and inadequate knowledge, as commonly held in the literature.
Neuronal activation in the geomagnetic responsive region Cluster N covaries with nocturnal migratory restlessness in white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Authors: Brodbeck Madeleine I. R. , Bingman Verner P. , Cole Lauren J. , Sherry David F. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A.
Published: April 2023

Cluster N is a region of the visual forebrain of nocturnally migrating songbirds that supports the geomagnetic compass of nocturnal migrants. Cluster N expresses immediate‐early genes (ZENK), indicating neuronal activation. This neuronal activity has only been recorded at night during the migratory season. Night‐to‐night variation in Cluster N activity in relation to migratory behaviour has not been previously examined. We tested whether Cluster N is activated only when birds are motivated to migrate and presumably engage their magnetic compass. We measured immediate‐early gene activation in Cluster N of white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) in three conditions: daytime, nighttime migratory restless and nighttime resting. Birds in the nighttime migratory restlessness group had significantly greater numbers of ZENK‐labelled cells in Cluster N compared to both the daytime and the nighttime resting groups. Additionally, the degree of migratory restlessness was positively correlated with the number of ZENK‐labelled cells in the nighttime migratory restless group. Our study adds to the number of species observed to have neural activation in Cluster N and demonstrates for the first time that immediate early gene activation in Cluster N is correlated with the amount of active migratory behaviour displayed across sampled individuals. We conclude that Cluster N is facultatively regulated by the motivation to migrate, together with nocturnal activity, rather than obligatorily active during the migration season.
Hearing in catfishes: 200 years of research
Authors: Ladich Friedrich
Published: April 2023

Ernst Weber stated in 1819, based on dissections, that the swimbladder in the European wels (Silurus glanis, Siluridae) and related cyprinids serves as an eardrum and that the ossicles connecting it to the inner ear function as hearing ossicles similar to mammals. In the early 20th century, K. von Frisch showed experimentally that catfishes and cyprinids (otophysines) indeed hear excellently compared to fish taxa lacking auxiliary hearing structures (ossicles, eardrums). Knowledge on hearing in catfishes progressed in particular in the 21st century. Currently, hearing abilities (audiograms) are known in 28 species out of 13 families. Recent ontogenetic and comparative studies revealed that the ability to detect sounds of low‐level and high frequencies (4–6 kHz) depends on the development of Weberian ossicles. Species with a higher number of ossicles and larger bladders hear better at higher frequencies (>1 kHz). Hearing sensitivities are furthermore affected by ecological factors. Rising temperatures increase, whereas various noise regimes decrease hearing. Exposure to high‐noise levels (>150 dB) for hours result in temporary thresholds shifts (TTS) and recovery of hearing after several days. Low‐noise levels reduce hearing abilities due to masking without a TTS. Furthermore, auditory evoked potential (AEP) experiments reveal that the temporal patterns of fish‐produced pulsed stridulation and drumming sounds are represented in their auditory pathways, indicating that catfishes are able to extract important information for acoustic communication. Further research should concentrate on inner ears to determine whether the diversity in swimbladders and ossicles is paralleled in the inner ear fine structure.
Non‐majoritarian institutions, media coverage, and “reinforced accountability”
Authors: Koop Christel , Scotto di Vettimo Michele
Published: April 2023

As non‐majoritarian institutions are deliberately insulated from electoral pressure and ministerial hierarchy, they face an accountability deficit. This deficit can be reduced by embedding the organizations in a wider accountability landscape with multiple forums. Of particular relevance in this landscape are the news media, who may not only serve as account‐holders, but can also reinforce other forms of accountability. Yet, we know little about the conditions under which the media cover non‐majoritarian governance, and the existence of “reinforced accountability”. Focusing empirically on news articles about the Bank of England (1997–2020), we trace coverage levels back to the announcement of key policy decisions and, to some extent, policy outcomes. We also find evidence of reinforced accountability, both in relation to parliamentary oversight and the Bank's own, voluntary account‐giving. These results provide reason for cautious optimism about non‐majoritarian accountability, at least in the case of a salient organization.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Treatment Can Be Sustainable During on‐Site Wastewater Disposal
Authors: Robertson William D. , Elgood Richard J. , Van Stempvoort Dale R. , Brown Susan J. , Schiff Sherry L.
Published: April 2023

Monitoring of a seasonal‐use, on‐site wastewater disposal system (septic system) in Canada, over a 33‐year period from 1988 to 2021, showed that during recent sampling the groundwater plume had TIN (total inorganic nitrogen) averaging 12.2 mg/L that was not significantly different than early values, representing 80% removal, whereas SRP (soluble reactive phosphate), although higher than early values averaging 0.08 mg/L, was still 99% lower than the effluent concentration. Evidence suggests that the anammox reaction and possibly also denitrification contribute to TIN removal, whereas SRP removal is primarily the result of mineral precipitation. Most of the removal occurs in close proximity to the drainfield infiltration pipes (within about 1 m) demonstrating that reaction rates are relatively fast in the context of typical groundwater plume residence times. This long‐term consistency demonstrates that sustainable nutrient treatment can be achieved with conventional on‐site wastewater disposal systems that have low capital costs and require minimal energy input and maintenance.
OPTIMAL PAYMENT CONTRACTS IN TRADE RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Fischer‐Thöne Christian
Published: April 2023

In buyer–seller relationships, offering trade credit to buyers fosters long‐term collaboration but seller provision varies systematically as relationships evolve. We study the optimal provision dynamics of trade credit when the seller's information about the buyer is incomplete. We show how the interaction of self‐enforcing relational contracts and formal contracts determines optimal payment contract choice. We find that payment contracts can be interpreted as screening technologies and imply distinct learning opportunities about the buyer's type. In line with empirical evidence, the model predicts that all transitions between payment terms lead to seller trade credit provision in the long run.
Digital food and beverage marketing appealing to children and adolescents: An emerging challenge in Mexico
Authors: Nieto Claudia , Espinosa Fiorella , Valero‐Morales Isabel , Boyland Emma , Potvin Kent Monique , Tatlow‐Golden Mimi , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Barquera Simon
Published: April 2023

Background

Digital food marketing is increasing and has an impact on children's behaviour. Limited research has been performed in Latin America.

Objectives

To determine the extent and nature of Mexican children's and adolescents' exposure to digital food and beverage marketing during recreational internet use.

Methods

A crowdsourcing strategy was used to recruit 347 participants during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Participants completed a survey and recorded 45 minutes of their device's screen time using screen‐capture software. Food marketing was identified and nutrition information for each marketed product was collected. Healthfulness of products was determined using the Pan‐American Health Organization and the Mexican Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A content analysis was undertaken to assess marketing techniques.

Results

Overall, 69.5% of children and adolescents were exposed to digital food marketing. Most frequently marketed foods were ready‐made foods. Children and adolescents would typically see a median of 2.7 food marketing exposures per hour, 8 daily exposures during a weekday and 6.7 during a weekend day. We estimated 47.3 food marketing exposures per week (2461 per year). The most used marketing technique was brand characters. Marketing was appealing to children and adolescents yet most of the products were not permitted for marketing to children according to the NPMs (>90%).

Conclusions

Mexican children and adolescents were exposed to unhealthy digital food marketing. The Government should enforce evidence‐based mandatory regulations on digital media.
The role of coups d’état in Africa: Why coups occur and their effects on the populace
Authors: Pryce Daniel K. , Time Victoria M.
Published: April 2023

Scholars and researchers have debated the impact of coups d’état on African nations since the first coup in West Africa, in 1963, toppled the Sylvanus Olympio government in Togo. In the current paper, we employ a potpourri of theoretical frameworks – legitimacy, democratic and political instability, justice as fairness, rational choice and deterrence – to explain why coups occur, their effects on the general population and how they can be curbed. Three research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What are coups and why do they occur? (2) Do coups represent basic characteristics of goodwill towards the collective good of the people? (3) What measures can be put in place to prevent coups? In answering the first question, we considered several factors: Coups may occur when attempts are made to ‘diversify’ militaries entrenched with disproportionate representation by certain tribes in the nation‐state; when the ruling government is civilian, rather than military; and when political and institutional structures are weak. To answer the second question, we examined the concept of altruism. We determined that if the regimes being dislodged from power were unelected or seen as too tyrannical, coups may be deemed to serve an altruistic purpose. To answer the last research question, we examined the viability of both economic and diplomatic sanctions. Our study was not without limitations. A more comprehensive understanding of coups requires a holistic approach which would comprise both qualitative and quantitative strategies. We also provide directives for future research.
Promoting children's computational thinking: A quasi‐experimental study of web‐mediated parent education
Authors: Li Wanyi , Yang Weipeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Computational thinking (CT) has become a crucial skill for individuals in the 21st century, and while more educators are starting to recognize the importance of CT education, there is still a lack of research on how to teach young children CT, particularly outside of traditional school settings.

Objectives

To fill the gap in knowledge, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a web‐based parent education program on improving children's CT skills. Additionally, we sought to determine if children's age, gender and family socioeconomic status had any impact on the development of CT skills.

Methods

We selected 86 adult–child pairs in the K3 age group to participate in a 4‐week intervention program using a quasi‐experimental approach.

Results

After 4 weeks, children in the intervention group had improved their CT skills more than their peers in the control group. This shows that the intervention was successful in enhancing children's CT skills. Age had a moderating effect on CT enhancement, with older children showing a more significant improvement than younger children. However, children's gender and family socioeconomic status did not have any moderating effects.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that CT education can be effectively implemented in the home setting through web‐mediated parent education. Encouraging the use of unplugged CT activities at home can aid children in acquiring CT skills.
Error‐Correction Mechanisms in Language Learning: Modeling Individuals
Authors: Ez‐zizi Adnane , Divjak Dagmar , Milin Petar
Published: April 2023

Since its first adoption as a computational model for language learning, evidence has accumulated that Rescorla–Wagner error‐correction learning (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) captures several aspects of language processing. Whereas previous studies have provided general support for the Rescorla–Wagner rule by using it to explain the behavior of participants across a range of tasks, we focus on testing predictions generated by the model in a controlled natural language learning task and model the data at the level of the individual learner. By adjusting the parameters of the model to fit the trial‐by‐trial behavioral choices of participants, rather than fitting a one‐for‐all model using a single set of default parameters, we show that the model accurately captures participants’ choices, time latencies, and levels of response agreement. We also show that gender and working memory capacity affect the extent to which the Rescorla–Wagner model captures language learning.
The effect of changes in the terms of trade on GDP and welfare: A Divisia approach to the System of National Accounts
Authors: Oulton Nicholas
Published: April 2023

What effect, if any, do changes in the terms of trade have on the level of output (GDP) or welfare? I examine this issue through two versions of a textbook, Heckscher‐Ohlin‐Samuelson (HOS), two‐good model of a small, open economy. In the first version both goods are for final consumption. In the second, one good is an imported intermediate input into the other. In both versions, economic theory suggests that an improvement in the terms of trade raises welfare (consumption) but leaves aggregate output (GDP) unchanged. I then show that a national income accountant applying the principles of the 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA) would reach the same conclusions. This follows from a continuous‐time analysis using Divisia index numbers. However in the case where imports are intermediate inputs and competition is imperfect, an improvement in the terms of trade does raise GDP: the size of the effect depends on the size of the markup of price over marginal revenue. I argue that the continuous time Divisia approach is the right framework for national income accounting, even though it can only be implemented approximately in practice. If the aim is to find the best approximation to the Divisia index, then the chained Fisher index (as used in the US and Canadian national accounts) or the chained Törnqvist are better approximations than is the chained Laspeyres (as used in Europe).
Impaired peripheral microvascular reactivity in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Sanip Zulkefli , Pahimi Nurnajwa , Bokti Nur Adilah , Yusof Zurkurnai , Mohamed Mohd Sapawi , W. Isa W. Yus Haniff , Rasool Aida Hanum
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether peripheral microvascular reactivity is impaired in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD).

Methods

Stable patients presenting with angina were recruited and, based on results from coronary angiography, were categorized into OCAD (coronary stenosis of ≥50%) and NOCAD (stenosis <50%) groups. A control group with no history of angina was also recruited. Forearm skin microvascular reactivity was measured using the laser Doppler blood perfusion monitor and the process of postocclusive skin reactive hyperemia (PORH).

Results

Patients were categorized into OCAD (n = 42), NOCAD (n = 40), and control (n = 39) groups. Compared with the control group, the PORH perfusion percent change (PORH% change) was significantly lower in the OCAD and NOCAD groups. No significant differences were noted between the OCAD and NOCAD groups. Additionally, the NOCAD group without any coronary obstruction takes a longer time to reach peak perfusion and had lower PORH% change compared with the nonangina control group.

Conclusion

Angina patients with NOCAD have microvascular dysfunction as demonstrated by reduced magnitude of reperfusion with an ischemic stimulus. NOCAD patients without coronary obstruction also displayed a slower response to reperfusion.
A comparison of reward processing during Becker–DeGroot–Marschak and Vickrey auctions: An ERP study
Authors: Newton‐Fenner A. , Hewitt D. , Henderson J. , Fallon N. , Gu Y. , Gorelkina O. , Giesbrecht T. , Stancak A.
Published: April 2023

Vickrey auctions (VA) and Becker–DeGroot–Marschak auctions (BDM) are strategically equivalent demand‐revealing mechanisms, differentiated only by a human opponent in the VA, and a random‐number‐generator opponent in the BDM. Game parameters are such that players are incentivized to reveal their private subjective values (SV) and behavior should be identical in both tasks. However, this has been repeatedly shown not to be the case. In this study, the neural correlates of outcome feedback processing during VA and BDM were directly compared using electroencephalography. Twenty‐eight healthy participants bid for household products which were then divided into high‐ and low‐SV categories. The VA included a human opponent deception to induce a social environment, while in reality a random‐number‐generator was used in both tasks. A P3 component peaking at 336 ms over midline parietal sites showed more positive amplitudes for high bid values, and for win outcomes in the VA but not the BDM. Both auctions also elicited a Reward Positivity potential, maximal at 275 ms along the central midline electrodes, that was not modulated by auction task or SV. Further, an exploratory N170 potential in the right occipitotemporal electrodes and a vertex positive potential component were stronger in the VA relative to the BDM. Results point to an enhanced cortical response to bid outcomes during VA task in a potential component associated with emotional control, and to the occurrence of face‐sensitive potentials in VA but not in BDM auction. These findings suggest modulation of bid outcome processing by the social‐competitive aspect of auction tasks. Directly comparing two prominent auction paradigms affords the opportunity to isolate the impact of social environment on competitive, risky decision‐making. Findings suggest that feedback processing as early as 176 ms is facilitated by the presence of a human competitor, and later processing is modulated by social context and subjective value.
Why trade when you can transfer the technology: Revisiting Smith and Ricardo
Authors: Acharyya Rajat , Marjit Sugata
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the possibility of international technology transfer in lieu of trade in a model with absolute and comparative advantage. Countries having absolute advantage in producing a good may offer that technology to a potential trading partner against a fee and both the countries might gain depending on the extent of comparative and absolute advantages. Thus, gains from trade might be dominated by gains from technology transfer, and we provide a formal proof and conditions for this possibility. Such an avenue of fruitful exchange remains unexplored in the Ricardian model of trade. Our result extends to the many commodity case.
Social capital and women's willingness to pay for safe water access: Evidence from African rural areas
Authors: Scuderi Raffaele , Tesoriere Giuseppe , Pedrini Giulio
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between women willingness to pay for water access and civic participation as social capital dimension. We use a dataset from a survey in three rural districts of Karamoja, one of the poorest regions of Uganda. Our results suggest that civic participation is not a silver bullet to empower women in rural areas; rather, its effect depends on both context and type of participation. In particular, participation in religious activities has a positive role, but only if it is strictly anchored to the progress of society in terms of gender equality improvement.
Laser capture microdissection‐based spatiotemporal transcriptomes uncover regulatory networks during seed abortion in seedless Ponkan (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Lu Liqing , Yang Haijian , Xu Yanhui , Zhang Li , Wu Juxun , Yi Hualin
Published: April 2023

Seed abortion is an important process in the formation of seedless characteristics in citrus fruits. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying citrus seed abortion is poorly understood. Laser capture microdissection‐based RNA‐seq combined with Pacbio‐seq was used to profile seed development in the Ponkan cultivars ‘Huagan No. 4’ (seedless Ponkan) (Citrus reticulata) and ‘E'gan No. 1’ (seeded Ponkan) (C. reticulata) in two types of seed tissue across three developmental stages. Through comparative transcriptome and dynamic phytohormone analyses, plant hormone signal, cell division and nutrient metabolism‐related processes were revealed to play critical roles in the seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’. Moreover, several genes may play indispensable roles in seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’, such as CrWRKY74, CrWRKY48 and CrMYB3R4. Overexpression of CrWRKY74 in Arabidopsis resulted in severe seed abortion. By analyzing the downstream regulatory network, we further determined that CrWRKY74 participated in seed abortion regulation by inducing abnormal programmed cell death. Of particular importance is that a preliminary model was proposed to depict the regulatory networks underlying seed abortion in citrus. The results of this study provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism across citrus seed development, and reveal the master role of CrWRKY74 in seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’.
Relaxation intervention to improve diabetic foot ulcer healing: Results from a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela , Faria Susana , Carvalho André , Pereira M. Graça
Published: April 2023

This pilot randomised controlled study (RCT) aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery intervention (experimental group [EG]) compared to a neutral guided imagery placebo (active control group [ACG]) and standard care to diabetic foot ulcer [DFU] treatment (passive control group [PCG]), to decide on the need for a definitive RCT. Diabetic foot patients with one or two chronic DFU and significant levels of stress/anxiety/depression were recruited and assessed during a period of 6 months, at three moments. Primary outcomes: feasibility rates and satisfaction with relaxation sessions. Secondary outcomes: DFU healing score, DFU‐related quality of life (DFUQoL), physical and mental HRQoL, stress and emotional distress, DFU representations, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. A total of 146 patients completed the baseline (T0) assessment with 54 participants presenting significant distress being randomised into three groups. Patients were assessed 2 months post‐intervention (T1) and 4 months after T1 (T2). Feasibility rates showed reduced values on eligibility, recruitment and inclusion in the study, although with an acceptable rate of refusal lower than 10%. On average, participants reported being satisfied with relaxation sessions and recommended them to other patients. Differences between groups showed that, at T1, PCG participants reported higher levels of stress than those from EG and ACG. Within‐group differences showed improvements in stress, distress, DFUQoL and DFU extent over time only in EG and ACG. Only EG showed significant changes in DFU representations at T1. The results suggest that relaxation may be a promising coping strategy to deal with DFU distress and an important adjuvant therapy for DFU healing, supporting the implementation of a definitive RCT.
Modeling and Design of Hinged Tile-Based Curling Air Surface for Morphing Windshield Cowling
Authors: Li Tiantian , Luntz Jonathan , Brei Diann , Alexander Paul , Kim Wonhee
Published: April 2023

The gap between the windshield and hood allows windshield wipers to operate, but causes problems gathering leaves and snow. Active morphing approaches provide an opportunity to create a windshield cowling that addresses this issue by covering the gap normally and actively curling out of the way to allow wiper operation. Most existing morphing techniques lack simultaneous large force/stroke generation, cannot perform two-way actuation, or fail to rigidly hold their position against varying loads such as wind. This article studies a novel curling air surface based on hinged T-shaped tiles that improve upon existing technologies by adding straightening actuation to out-of-plane curling with large force and deflection, while also holding position rigidly. Through vacuuming an upper curling bladder enclosing the tiles and inflating lower straightening bladders spanning the hinge lines, the air surface uncovers and covers the gap against wind loads and holds its curled position rigidly using inter-tile hard stops. An analytical surface model aggregated from multiple instances of a first principle unit curling model predicts the air surface performance. This model includes additional kinematic effects, extending the range of applicability, and additional bladder effect phenomenological terms to improve accuracy. The model is validated across scales and enables design space visualization, which is applied to design a windshield cowling. The resulting design is validated and demonstrated in a full-scale prototype. This article provides the technology concept, supporting model, and design approach to broadly apply this useful air surface to other morphing applications.
Performance of Thermally Sprayed Nickel and Tungsten-Based Coatings in Slurry Erosion Conditions: A Review
Authors: Kumar Abhinay , Garg Rajiv Kumar , Sachdeva Anish
Published: April 2023

The energy needs of a country cannot be fulfilled by a single source of energy, so renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro energy are widely used throughout the world. In countries where sufficient hydro energy resources are available, hydropower plants have been installed to produce electricity. But countries where the rivers originate from hilly areas (like India and Nepal) have to deal with the losses due to the wear caused by the silt particles presented in water. The silt content in water causes the erosion of material in different components of hydropower plants. To avoid these losses thermally sprayed hard surface coatings are widely used as a protective layer. This review focuses on the performance of composite coatings based on nickel and tungsten in slurry erosion conditions. A comprehensive investigation of studies conducted on thermally sprayed nickel- and tungsten-based coatings is discussed in this review paper. The review reveals that high velocity oxy-fuel is widely used by different researchers to develop composite coatings. Materials like Ni–20Cr2O3, Ni–Al2O3, Ni–Cr–Si–B, WC–10Co, WC–10Co–Cr, and Ni–Cr–B–Si–Fe–WC (Co) have been used in different studies to minimize the wear of material in slurry conditions.
Different Levels of Leisure Walking and Mental Health Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lee Jungjoo , Oh Seok Min , Kim Jaehyun , Kim Junhyoung
Published: April 2023

Leisure walking has been found to be positively associated with increased mental health. However, the benefits of leisure walking of varying intensities on the mental health of older adults (>50 years old) with mild cognitive impairment are not clear. This study employed 2020 Health and Retirement Study data to investigate the benefits of leisure walking for three groups based on levels of participation (low, mid, and high). We conducted a multivariate analysis of covariance (n = 834) to examine the group mean differences (MDs). The respondents in the high and mid groups presented higher life satisfaction and happiness than those in the low group. The high group had lower loneliness and stress scores than those in the low and mid groups. These findings indicate that older adults with mild cognitive impairment gained more mental health benefits and life satisfaction through moderate and vigorous leisure walking than through light leisure walking.
A Novel Exploration of Occupational Recovery in Certified Mental Performance Consultants
Authors: Magdaleno Anthony , Meyer Barbara B.
Published: April 2023

Researchers have provided evidence that workplace demands impair professionals’ health and performance, while occupational recovery facilitates them. Sport psychology professionals experience workplace demands (e.g., organizational stressors) and must manage their health and performance to consistently deliver competent, ethical, and effective services. Therefore, the purpose of this novel study was to explore the prevalence of, and relationship between, perceived stress and psychological aspects of occupational recovery (i.e., recovery experiences, off-job activities) in certified mental performance consultants (CMPCs). A sample of 140 CMPCs completed measures of perceived stress and psychological aspects of occupational recovery. Results indicated that psychological aspects of occupational recovery significantly predicted perceived stress. Practical implications to reduce CMPCs’ perceived stress include the promotion of occupational recovery through prioritization of activities positively related to recovery experiences.
Could you spare an acre for conservation?
Authors: Machado Ricardo B. , Aguiar Ludmilla M. S.
Published: April 2023

Private landowners must engage in biodiversity conservation
William Steffen (1947–2023)
Authors: Rockström Johan , Richardson Katherine
Published: April 2023

Earth system scientist with passion for people and planet
Neuraminidase Activity Modulates Cellular Coinfection during Influenza A Virus Multicycle Growth
Authors: Guo Zijian , He Yuanyuan , Xu Jian , Benegal Ananya N. , Brody Steven L. , Vahey Michael D.
Published: April 2023

Influenza virus populations are comprised of particles that are mostly noninfectious or only partly infectious. As a result, multiple virions are frequently needed for influenza to infect a new cell.
Supplemental Material: Oceanic subduction to continental collision in the NE Proto- Tethys revealed by early Paleozoic eclogites with high temperature granulite-facies overprinting in the East Kunlun orogenic belt, northern Tibet
Authors: Zhou Wenxiao , al. et
Published: April 2023

Text: Analytical methods. Table S1: Representative electron microprobe analyses of garnet in eclogite samples. Table S2: Representative analyses of clinopyroxene (omphacite) in eclogite samples. Table S3: Representative microprobe analyses of low-sodic clinopyroxene in eclogite samples. Table S4: Representative microprobe analyses of amphibole in eclogite samples. Table S5: Representative microprobe analyses of plagioclase in eclogite samples. Table S6: Representative microprobe analyses of other minerals (orthopyroxene and epidote) in eclogite samples. Table S7: Whole-rock major (wt%) and trace element (ppm) analyses of eclogites in Nuomuhong area, East Kunlun orogenic belt. Table S8: SHRIMP Zircon U–Pb isotopic data from the eclogite in Nuomuhong area, East Kunlun orogenic belt. Table S9: Rare earth elements (ppm) analyses of the tested zircons from the retrograde eclogites.
Supplemental Material: Wet calc-alkaline magmatic fractionation in the middle–upper crustal sections of the continental arc: Insights from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, western Yangtze Block, South China
Authors: Zhu Yu , et al.
Published: April 2023

 Figure S1: Field outcrops for the Nanba intrusive complex along the western Yangtze Block, South China. Figure S2: Cathodoluminescence (CL) images of representative zircons of the different lithologies in the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Figure S3: Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U-Pb concordia diagrams for the different lithologies in the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Figure S4: Photomicrographs show the polycrystalline aggregate of feldspar phases in the K-feldspar granites in the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S1: A summary of Neoproterozoic igneous rocks of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S2: Representative electron probe analyses of feldspar from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S3: Representative electron probe analyses of hornblende from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S4: LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating results for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S5: Zircon Lu-Hf isotopic data of the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. Supplemental Data S6: The whole-rock major (wt%) and trace (ppm) elements for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China. 