bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The downside of blockholder exit threats: Increasing excess cash holdings
Authors: Chen Kejing , Li Xiaolin , Kang Yanling , Yang Mo
Published: February 2024

This study examines the impact of blockholder exit threats on excess cash holdings following China's split‐share structural reform. Previous studies have confirmed the governance role of blockholder exit threats, but their effectiveness is limited to companies with greater private benefits. Using a sample of 2340 firm‐year observations of Chinese listed firms between 2002 and 2009, we find that the exit threat of blockholders increases the level of excess cash holdings. These results suggest that blockholders view exit threats as a means of collaborating with controlling shareholders to boost excess cash holdings and diversify corporate resources for private benefits. The collusion effect is more pronounced in firms with poorer investor protections, lower shareholding concentrations, and more severe agency conflicts. Additionally, in terms of economic consequences, blockholder exit threats decrease buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns and increase the occurrence of corporate scandals. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence of collusion among large shareholders, which harms small shareholders' interests from the perspective of excess cash holdings.
Orchestrating seed storage protein and starch accumulation toward overcoming yield–quality trade‐off in cereal crops
Authors: Cao Shuanghe , Liu Bingyan , Wang Daowen , Rasheed Awais , Xie Lina , Xia Xianchun , He Zhonghu
Published: February 2024

Achieving high yield and good quality in crops is essential for human food security and health. However, there is usually disharmony between yield and quality. Seed storage protein (SSP) and starch, the predominant components in cereal grains, determine yield and quality, and their coupled synthesis causes a yield–quality trade‐off. Therefore, dissection of the underlying regulatory mechanism facilitates simultaneous improvement of yield and quality. Here, we summarize current findings about the synergistic molecular machinery underpinning SSP and starch synthesis in the leading staple cereal crops, including maize, rice and wheat. We further evaluate the functional conservation and differentiation of key regulators and specify feasible research approaches to identify additional regulators and expand insights. We also present major strategies to leverage resultant information for simultaneous improvement of yield and quality by molecular breeding. Finally, future perspectives on major challenges are proposed.
A Python tool to determine the thickness of the hydrate layer around clinker grains using SEM‐BSE images
Authors: Kleiner Florian , Becker Franz , Rößler Christiane , Ludwig Horst‐Michael
Published: February 2024

To accurately simulate the hydration process of cementitious materials, understanding the growth rate of C‐S‐H layers around clinker grains is crucial. Nonetheless, the thickness of the hydrate layer shows substantial variation around individual grains, depending on their surrounding. Consequently, it is not feasible to measure hydrate layers manually in a reliable and reproducible manner. To address this challenge, a software has been developed to statistically determine the C‐S‐H thickness, requiring minimal manual interventions for thresholding and for setting limits like particle size or circularity.

This study presents a tool, which automatically identifies suitable clinker grains and and perform statistical measurements of their hydrate layer up to a specimen age of 28 days. The findings reveal a significant increase in the C‐S‐H layer, starting from 0.45  after 1 day and reaching 3.04  after 28 days. However, for older specimens, the measurement of the C‐S‐H layer was not feasible due to limited pore space and clinker grains.
Skin homeostasis: Mechanism and influencing factors
Authors: Jiao Qian , Zhi Leilei , You Bing , Wang Gaixiang , Wu Nan , Jia Yan
Published: February 2024

Background

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, not only resisting the invasion of harmful substances, but also preventing the loss of moisture and nutrients. Maintaining skin homeostasis is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of the body. Any damage to the skin can lead to a decrease in local homeostasis, such as ultraviolet radiation, seasonal changes, and air pollution, which can damage the skin tissue and affect the function of the skin barrier.

Objective

This article reviews the maintenance mechanism and influencing factors of skin homeostasis and the symptoms of homeostasis imbalance.

Methods

We searched for articles published between 1990 and 2022 in English and Chinese using PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and other databases in the subject area of dermatology, using the following search terms in various combinations: “skin homeostasis,” “skin barrier,” and “unstable skin.” Based on our results, we further refined our search criteria to include a series of common skin problems caused by the destruction of skin homeostasis and its treatments. Limitations include the lack of research on dermatological and cosmetic problems triggered by the disruption of skin homeostasis.

Results

This study describes the neuroendocrine‐immune system, skin barrier structure, and skin metabolic system that maintain skin homeostasis. In addition, we discuss several common symptoms that occur when skin homeostasis is out of balance, such as dryness, redness, acne, sensitivity, and aging, and explain the mechanism of these symptoms.

Conclusion

This article provides an update and review for students and practitioners, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of skin care products for the maintenance and repair of skin homeostasis.
Effect of different storage conditions on dimensional accuracy of 3D‐printed dental models
Authors: Alshaibani Raghdah M. , Fan Yuwei , Giordano Russell
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objective was to determine the accuracy of 3D‐printed dental models subjected to different storage conditions using six different material and printer combinations.

Materials and Methods

Three completely dentate models were designed using dental CAD software (3Shape Dental System). A horseshoe‐shaped solid base with a posterior horizontal bar was used. The models were printed in a horizontal direction against the building platform without support. The models were printed using six printers with the corresponding recommended resin material: Carbon M2 (DPR10), HeyGears A2D4K (Model HP UV2.0), Stratasys J5 (MED610), Stratasys Origin One (DM200), Envision One (E‐Model LightDLP), and Asiga Pro4K (VeriModel) with a standard layer thickness of 50 μm. All printed models underwent scanning using a laboratory scanner (Sirona inEOS X5) after printing. Subsequently, the models were randomly assigned into three groups of storage conditions, LT: cold environment (4 ± 1°C), HT: hot and dry environment (50 ± 2°C), and RT: room temperature (25 ± 2°C) serving as the control. Each group was kept under the designated condition and was scanned at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks. The total number of models (N) was 72, with 6 printers producing 12 models per printer for 3 storage conditions, resulting in 4 models for each storage condition and each printer. The generated STL files were imported into a 3D inspection software for comparison with the original STL files. In‐tolerance percentage, the deviation RMS, trueness, and precision were obtained and analyzed with least square mean linear regression using JMP Pro 15 to identify the significant effects (α = 0.05).

Results

The in‐tolerance percentage as‐printed was significantly different among different printers. Significant dimension deviations were observed after the first week of storage at HT and with subsequent weeks of storage. RT and LT did not show significant dimensional changes. Models printed with Carbon M2 showed the highest in‐tolerance percentages compared to the other printers.

Conclusions

The model deviations were affected by storage conditions and the printer used, with high‐temperature storage showed least stability compared to low and room temperatures. No significant difference was observed between low and room temperature storage conditions. The Carbon M2 printer showed the highest accuracy among all printers tested. The region had a significant effect on the deviation measured, with the abutment body showing the least deviation. Among the 3D printers evaluated, A2D4K by HeyGears and Carbon M2 printers demonstrated the highest accuracy in terms of both precision and trueness.
“You Will Not Surely Die”: The Pentecostal Aesthetics and Ethics of Serpent Handling
Authors: Kamenicky Michael Austin
Published: February 2024

This paper is an aesthetic analysis of the practice of serpent handling by Christians in the Appalachian region of the United States. The purpose of this analysis is to understand serpent handling's aesthetic relationship to the Pentecostal tradition and exposit the implications of this relationship for the practice's legal status. The first section examines the history and defining characteristics of serpent handling and introduces the controversial problem of whether the practice can be categorized within the Pentecostal movement. The second section argues that serpent handling can be understood as belonging within the broader global Pentecostal tradition through engagement with the Pentecostal aesthetics of Nimi Wariboko. The final section concludes that if serpent handling is legible according to the aesthetic norms of Pentecostalism, a now broadly tolerated religious tradition in the United States, then this necessitates a wholesale reconsideration of antiserpent handling legislation.
Autoinducer‐2 produced by oral microbial flora and alveolar bone loss in periodontitis
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhou Hancheng , Gou Huiqing , Fan Zixin , Zhang Yifei , Tang Pengzhou , Huang Jiaxin , Xu Yan , Li Lu
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) of oral microbial flora and the alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis to determine if AI‐2 may have the potential that monitor periodontitis and predict bone loss.

Background

Plaque biofilm was the initiating factor of periodontitis and the essential factor of periodontal tissue destruction. The formation of biofilms depended on the complex regulation of the quorum sensing (QS) system, in which bacteria could sense changes in surrounding bacterial density by secreting the autoinducer (AI) to regulate the corresponding physiological function. Most oral bacteria also communicated with each other to form biofilms administrating the QS system, which implied that the QS system of periodontal pathogens was related to periodontitis, but the specific relationship was unknown.

Method

We collected the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples and measured the concentration of AI‐2 in samples using the Vibrio harveyi BB180 bioluminescent‐reporter system. To explore the interaction between AI‐2 and bone metabolism, we utilized AI‐2 purified from Fusobacterium nucleatum to investigate the impact of F. nucleatum AI‐2 on osteoclast differentiation. Moreover, we constructed murine periodontitis models and multi‐species biofilm models to study the association between AI‐2 and periodontal disease progression.

Results

The AI‐2 concentration in GCF samples increased along with periodontal disease progression (p < .0001). F. nucleatum AI‐2 promoted osteoclast differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner. In the periodontitis mice model, the CEJ‐ABC distance in the F. nucleatum AI‐2 treatment group was higher than that in the simple ligation group (p < .01), and the maxilla of the mice in the group exhibited significantly lower BMD and BV/TV values (p < .05).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the AI‐2 concentration varied with the alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis, and it may have the potential for screening periodontitis. F. nucleatum AI‐2 promoted osteoclast differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner and aggravated bone loss.
Racial discrimination, knowledge, and health outcomes: The mediating role of hepatitis B‐related stigma among patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Katcher Julia G. , Klassen Ann C. , Hann Hie‐Won , Chang Mimi , Juon Hee‐Soon
Published: February 2024

It is well described in current literature that Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects Asian Americans more than any other racial group in the United States and that there is a stigma attached to this condition. The effects of stigma can be lasting, penetrating physiologically and psychologically, yet few studies have focused on the consequences of this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of stigma in the effect of racial discrimination and knowledge (of HBV sequelae) on health status of Korean Americans with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Three hundred sixty‐five CHB patients were recruited and enrolled from two clinics in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Question‐9 (PHQ‐9), physical health via self‐rated health survey and stigma via hepatitis B quality of life (HBQOL)—stigma survey. Perceived racial discrimination and knowledge of CHB sequelae were independent variables. The cohort had an average age of 60.1 years (range 19–84, SD 10.7), 56% were male and 94% were born in South Korea. Mediational analysis found that stigma was a significant mediator between both racial discrimination (indirect effect = .037, Bootstrap 95% CI = [.010–.064]) and sequelae knowledge (indirect effect = .097, Bootstrap 95% CI = [.018–.176]) and depressive symptoms. Stigma also had a direct effect on depressive symptoms (β = .136, p < .01) and self‐rated health (β = .018, p < .05). In addition, age, gender, education and employment were related to health outcomes. The findings of this study indicate that HBV‐related stigma is an important mediator of mental health outcomes in this population. Future studies should identify other psychosocial factors to develop effective intervention programs to reduce stigma and improve quality of life among CHB patients.
Closing the productivity gap with the US: Causes and consequences of the productivity program in Western Europe
Authors: Giorcelli Michela
Published: February 2024

This paper studies to what extent the transfer of US managerial technologies to Europe after World War II contributed to closing the gap with US businesses. Between 1952 and 1958, the US government sponsored the Productivity Program, which promoted management training trips for European managers at US firms. Through the analysis of reports compiled by UK, France, Germany, and Italian participating firms, I first document that these companies claimed between 5% and 10% yearly productivity increase thanks to the program. The fact that European businesses were not forced to adopt the American management model, but could adapt it to their firm needs and existing business practices was a key aspect of the program's success. Second, using data on US and Italian participating firms' performance I show that Italian firms grew on average 7.8 percent faster than that of US companies in the 10 years after the start of the program. Moreover, the distribution of productivity of Italian and US firms became more similar over years, confirming a performance convergence between these companies.
Factors associated with sleep quality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: A longitudinal study
Authors: Yang Ting‐Hui , Lin Hsuan‐Hua , Hsu Hung‐Lung , Chiou Ai‐Fu
Published: February 2024

Background

Poor sleep quality is associated with multiple factors in cardiac surgery patients.

Aim

To examine the trajectory of sleep quality and its associated factors over 3 months in Taiwanese patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Study Design

A longitudinal study. This study enrolled 95 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in northern Taiwan. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale before surgery, at discharge, and at 1 month and 3 months postsurgery.

Results

The majority of participants reported poor sleep quality before cardiac surgery (76.8%) and at discharge (81.6%), and they showed significant improvements in sleep quality at 1 month (B = −0.93, p = .023) and 3 months postsurgery (B = −1.50, p < .001). Significant daytime sleepiness was reported by 25.3% of patients before cardiac surgery, and this proportion significantly decreased at 3 months postsurgery (B = −2.59, p < .001). The significant predictors of sleep quality in cardiac surgery patients were symptom distress, sleep medications, occupation, left ventricular ejection fraction, ACE‐I drugs and potassium ions, which explained 53.7% of the total variance in sleep quality. Having a nap habit was an independent predictor of daytime sleepiness in cardiac surgery patients, which could explain 3.7% of the total variation.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality was common in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and was associated with multiple factors, including symptom distress, cardiac function, medications, and psychosocial and environmental factors.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Poor sleep quality was observed in cardiac surgical patients before surgery and at discharge postsurgery. Patient education on symptom management, medication adherence and sleep hygiene are suggested to improve sleep quality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Phylogenetics of Cruckshanksia and Oreopolus (Rubiaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequences
Authors: Jara‐Arancio Paola , Scognamillo Claudia , Vidal Paula , Kalin‐Arroyo Mary T.
Published: February 2024

Cruckshanksia Hook. & Arn. and Oreopolus Schltdl. Rubiaceae (Rubioideae – Coussareeae), endemic genera of Chile and Andean Argentina, have historically been highly taxonomically unstable. Molecular analyses have confirmed Oreopolus as the sister group of Cruckshanksia; however, the relationships among its species are still not resolved because previous studies have not considered all species of the genus and the published topologies have many unsupported nodes. For this reason, we carried out a phylogenetic study with all the species currently recognized by recent revisions, using two nuclear DNA regions and five plastid regions, to elucidate the relationships between species. In addition, the evolutionary history of the group was estimated based on divergence times, and a character reconstruction was performed. The results corroborate that Oreopolus is the sister group of Cruckshanksia. Cruckshanksia is monophyletic and composed of two principal clades. Clade I is composed of Subclade I (C. pumila and C. verticillata) associated with C. montiana; Clade II is composed of Subclade II (C. palmae and C. macrantha) and Subclade III (C. lithiophila and C. hymenodon). With 81% probability the common ancestor of the genus Cruckshanksia had petaloid appendices associated with two independent lines of evolution. The probability that the common ancestor of the Oreopolus‒Cruckshanksia clade had equal calyx lobes is 50%.
Pace setting as an adaptive precursor of rhythmic musicality
Authors: Qirko Hector
Published: February 2024

Human musicality (the capacity to make and appreciate music) is difficult to explain in evolutionary terms, though many theories attempt to do so. This paper focuses on musicality's potential adaptive precursors, particularly as related to rhythm. It suggests that pace setting for walking and running long distances over extended time periods (endurance locomotion, EL) is a good candidate for an adaptive building block of rhythmic musicality. The argument is as follows: (1) over time, our hominin lineage developed a host of adaptations for efficient EL; (2) the ability to set and maintain a regular pace was a crucial adaptation in the service of EL, providing proximate rewards for successful execution; (3) maintaining a pace in EL occasioned hearing, feeling, and attending to regular rhythmic patterns; (4) these rhythmic patterns, as well as proximate rewards for maintaining them, became disassociated from locomotion and entrained in new proto‐musical contexts. Support for the model and possibilities for generating predictions to test it are discussed.
Sterol limitation of Daphnia on eukaryotic phytoplankton: a combined supplementation and compound‐specific stable isotope labeling approach
Authors: Benjami Laine Miikka , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik , Litmanen Jaakko J. , Taipale Sami J.
Published: February 2024

Essential biomolecules can critically influence the performance of consumers. A deficiency in dietary sterols has been shown to constrain the food quality of prokaryotic food sources for aquatic consumers. Here, we assessed the importance of dietary cholesterol for life history traits (survival, growth and egg production) of the freshwater herbivore Daphnia magna in supplementation experiments with various sterol‐containing eukaryotic phytoplankton diets (dinoflagellates, diatoms, and golden algae). We combined cholesterol supplementation via liposomes with 13C‐labelling of the phytoplankton diets and traced the origin of cholesterol in Daphnia using compound‐specific stable isotope analysis. All phytoplankton strains used here were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) but differed in their phytosterol composition. We show that growth and reproduction of D. magna can be limited by sterols even when feeding on sterol‐containing eukaryotic phytoplankton diets. The impact of cholesterol supplementation on growth and reproduction of D. magna differed among phytoplankton diets (strains). The positive effect of cholesterol supplementation was most pronounced on diatom diets. Estimation of source proportions using stable isotopes revealed that D. magna preferentially assimilated the supplemented cholesterol rather than synthesizing it from dietary phytosterols. Our experiments suggest that the different responses to cholesterol supplementation on the various phytoplankton diets were unrelated to the suitability of dietary phytosterols to serve as cholesterol precursors but were caused by other biochemical or morphological food quality constraints. The combination of methods applied here could be very useful for uncovering nutritional constraints and thus for assessing the importance of essential biomolecules for the performance of herbivorous consumers.
Flowering synchrony modulates pollinator sharing and places plant individuals along a competition–facilitation continuum
Authors: Arroyo‐Correa Blanca , Bartomeus Ignasi , Jordano Pedro
Published: February 2024

Indirect interactions among species within ecological communities govern ecological and evolutionary processes as much as, or even more, than direct effects. In insect‐pollinated plant communities, indirect interactions between plants can be mediated by shared pollinators, and may influence plant fitness, population growth and community structure. As individuals are the entities actually interacting in nature, rather than species, downscaling a hierarchical level (i.e. from species to individuals) is essential to understand the underlying processes promoting these indirect interactions. We combined empirical data on plant–pollinator interactions collected in Mediterranean shrublands with a novel modelling framework to assess how the patterns of heterospecific and conspecific pollinator sharing between plant individuals are generated and their fitness implications. We found that the effects of flowering synchrony on pollinator sharing among conspecific and heterospecific plant individuals outperformed those of spatial distance. Our results revealed that plant individuals that shared more pollinators with conspecifics were also involved in a higher pollinator sharing with heterospecifics. For most plant species, the sharing of pollinator species between heterospecific plant individuals produced positive mean fitness outcomes, as long as plants did not share many pollinator interactions, which had negative effects on their fitness. At the level of plant individuals, we found that specific combinations of conspecific and heterospecific pollinator sharing lead to distinct reproductive outcomes that placed each individual along a competition–facilitation continuum. Interestingly, most plant species included a higher proportion of individuals likely experiencing competition compared to those potentially involved in facilitation processes. Our contribution provides novel insights into the factors responsible for local‐scale indirect interactions within communities and their individual‐level functional consequences. Such intricate patterns of indirect interactions have far‐reaching implications, as the transitions of plant individuals along competitive or facilitative processes mediated by shared mutualists may contribute significantly to the functioning and coexistence of ecological communities.
Retinal and choroidal structure and vascularity in Chinese emmetropic and myopic children
Authors: Liu Zhuzhu , Liu Maria , Gou Huaixue , Li Haoru , Sui Jinyuan , Bai Yang , He Meinan , Liu Xinyang , Wei Ruihua
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study evaluated the structural features of the retinal and choroidal regions and their correlations with ocular biometric and vascular parameters in Chinese children using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

A total of 159 children, 6–13 years of age, were included in this prospective study. The sample consisted of 55 emmetropes (spherical equivalent ≤ +0.75 and > −0.50 D), 53 low‐moderate myopes (≤ −0.50 to > −6.00 D) and 51 high myopes without pathological changes (≤ −6.00 D). Optical coherence biometry was used to measure axial length (AL) and anterior segment parameters. Swept‐source optical coherence tomography/OCTA was used to assess the macular structures and vascular characteristics in a 6 × 6 mm region centred on the macula.

Results

In a comprehensive analysis adjusting for age, sex, AL, macular blood perfusion, intraocular pressure and anterior segment parameters, retinal thickness (RT) showed a significant positive association with deep retinal vascular density and superficial retinal vascular density in the foveal area, but not with AL. Moreover, RT exhibited a significant negative association with AL in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions. Further, a significant positive correlation was observed between choroidal thickness and both choroidal vascular volume and choriocapillaris perfusion area, along with a negative correlation with AL across the entire macular region.

Conclusions

This study showed that the thickness of retina and choroid in Chinese children was not only associated with AL but also showed dynamic properties such as the blood perfusion of the retina and choroid, particularly in the foveal area.
Clarifying relations of emotion regulation, emotional avoidance and anxiety symptoms in a community‐based treatment‐seeking sample
Authors: Bock Rachel C. , Baker Lucas D. , Kalantar Emily A. , Berghoff Christopher R. , Stroman Joel C. , Gratz Kim L. , Tull Matthew T.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Anxiety is a global problem that is readily treatable with psychosocial interventions, though many individuals do not benefit following participation in extant treatment protocols. Accordingly, clarification of process‐related variables that may be leveraged to enhance outcomes appears warranted. Emotion regulation (ER) is a robust correlate of anxiety symptoms and is often targeted in behavioural treatments applied to anxiety‐related problems. Yet, some evidence suggests ER difficulties may be a proxy variable for emotional avoidance (EA). Clarifying the relative influence of ER and EA on anxiety symptom severity may improve specificity in targeting behavioural processes within psychosocial treatments designed to alleviate anxiety‐related suffering. Accordingly, we examined relations of ER and EA to anxiety symptom severity after accounting for anxiety sensitivity and anxiolytic medication use in a community‐based treatment‐seeking sample.

Design

A four‐step hierarchical linear regression analysis of cross‐sectional data provided by a community‐based treatment‐seeking sample.

Methods

Totally, 120 participants (Mage = 39.18; Female = 58.3%) completed a questionnaire packet upon intake to an anxiety disorders clinic.

Results

EA and ER were strongly correlated, and each accounted for significant variance over and above model covariates. EA was a dominant risk factor for anxiety symptom severity, as ER was not a significant predictor (p = .073) following the inclusion of EA in the model (p = .006).

Conclusions

EA appears to be a dominant risk factor, and ER a proxy risk factor, for anxiety symptom severity. EA may be an avenue for greater treatment specificity for those with anxiety symptoms.
Emerging therapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma: Targeting driver mutations
Authors: Liu Xiao‐lian , Run‐hua Zhou , Pan Jing‐xuan , Li Zhi‐jie , Yu Le , Li Yi‐lei
Published: February 2024

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Although primary UM can be effectively controlled, a significant proportion of cases (40% or more) eventually develop distant metastases, commonly in the liver. Metastatic UM remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. The initiation of UM is typically attributed to activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11. The elucidation of the downstream pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Hippo‐YAP have provided potential therapeutic targets. Concurrent mutations in BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) or splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) are considered crucial for the acquisition of malignant potential. Furthermore, in preclinical studies, actionable targets associated with BAP1 loss or oncogenic mutant SF3B1 have been identified, offering promising avenues for UM treatment. This review aims to summarize the emerging targeted and epigenetic therapeutic strategies for metastatic UM carrying specific driver mutations and the potential of combining these approaches with immunotherapy, with particular focus on those in upcoming or ongoing clinical trials.
Unresectable infantile myofibroma discovered in utero
Authors: Gurley Shannon , Friedman Ben J. , Shwayder Tor
Published: February 2024

The authors present a case of a proliferative nodule located beneath an infant's lower lip that was initially discovered on prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy revealed a smooth muscle actin‐positive spindled cell proliferation with hemangiopericytoma‐like vessels consistent with infantile myofibromatosis (IM). Since the location prevented surgical management, the clinicians opted to observe the lesion. Ultimately, the lesion fully regressed on its own confirming conservative management is an option for isolated IM.
Pediatric dermatofibromas: Truncal predominance in younger children
Authors: Kelly Brenna G. , Joyce Joel C. , Liegl Melodee A. , Pan Amy , Wanat Karolyn A. , Lalor Leah
Published: February 2024

Pediatric dermatofibromas are considered rare in young children and have not been well characterized, often misdiagnosed clinically. We performed a retrospective case series of children younger than 18 years with histopathologically diagnosed dermatofibromas at our institutions and evaluated age at onset and diagnosis, sex, lesion location, and size, associated symptoms, change over time, and pre‐biopsy diagnosis. Overall, dermatofibromas were most common on the back and chest (20/53; 38%), followed by the legs (15/53; 28%) and arms (12/53; 23%) with the most common pre‐biopsy diagnosis of “cyst” (23/53; 43%), followed by dermatofibroma (16/53; 30%), and pilomatricoma (12/53; 23%). Our study reinforces previous findings of truncal predominance of pediatric dermatofibromas, different from adults.
Inter‐reporter differences in symptom burdens in Japanese children with cancer
Authors: Hayase Tomomi , Mieno Makiko Naka , Mori Naoko , Yuza Yuki , Sano Hirozumi , Osone Shinya , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Ashiarai Miho , Fukushima Keitaro
Published: February 2024

Background

Recent studies about inter‐reporter differences and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in childhood cancer from Western countries showed that caregiver proxy reports tend to overestimate symptom burdens in comparison with children's self‐reports. However, the results from Western countries may not be generalizable to Asian countries.

Methods

This paper is a secondary analysis of a validation study of the Japanese pediatric version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale including 88 dyads of children aged 7–12 years and 74 dyads of children aged 13–18 years and their caregivers. The study assessed the inter‐reporter differences of eight and 31 symptom burdens calculated as symptom scores in children aged 7–12 years and 13–18 years, respectively, and the association between inter‐reporter differences and the characteristics of children and caregivers.

Results

The majority of children and caregivers scored equally at the dyadic level for almost all symptoms. However, 37.5% of symptoms in children aged 7–12 years and 10.0% of symptoms in children aged 13–18 years showed significant inter‐reporter differences, suggesting a general tendency of caregivers to underestimate their children's symptom burden. The caregiver's age was the characteristic most frequently associated with magnitude of inter‐reporter differences.

Conclusions

Caregiver proxy reports may be a reliable source of PROs in Japanese children with cancer, as self‐reported and caregiver proxy‐reported symptom burdens were generally concordant. However, as some significant inter‐reporter differences were observed, an effort should be made within the medical community to evaluate the parent–child relationship to minimize inter‐reporter differences and achieve better symptom management.
Examining the relationship between subtypes of rumination and non‐suicidal self‐injury: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Cheung Joey C. , Sorgi‐Wilson Kristen M. , Ciesinski Nicole K. , McCloskey Michael S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent maladaptive behavior, often used to cope with intense negative affect. Rumination is an emotion regulation strategy that leads to fixation on and exacerbation of (typically) negative affective states. However, studies examining the relationship between rumination and NSSI have yielded mixed results, showing high degrees of heterogeneity.

Methods

The present study conducted meta‐analyses (k = 50) of the association between overall rumination and NSSI, and independent meta‐analyses for each of four subtypes of rumination (general, depressive, brooding, reflection rumination). Potential moderators that may influence the magnitude of these relationships were also examined.

Results

A small‐to‐moderate positive association between rumination and NSSI was found independent of rumination subtype. Moderating effects included NSSI outcome measure and study design for overall rumination and general rumination, respectively. Race was found to moderate the relationships between both brooding and depressive rumination and NSSI, though in inverse directions. An analysis of effect heterogeneity across studies suggested that undetected moderators may be present.

Conclusion

Results of this study support the relationships between rumination subtypes and NSSI and identify factors that may impact these relationships. Continued research is needed to understand this association, particularly in more varied subtypes of rumination and cognitive‐affective moderators.
High‐resolution bulked segregant analysis enables candidate gene identification for bacterial wilt resistance in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)
Authors: Goettelmann Florian , Chen Yutang , Knorst Verena , Yates Steven , Copetti Dario , Studer Bruno , Kölliker Roland
Published: February 2024

Bacterial wilt, caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. graminis (Xtg), is a serious disease of economically important forage grasses, including Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). A major QTL for resistance to Xtg was previously identified, but the precise location as well as the genetic factors underlying the resistance are yet to be determined. To this end, we applied a bulked segregant analysis (BSA) approach, using whole‐genome deep sequencing of pools of the most resistant and most susceptible individuals of a large (n = 7484) biparental F2 population segregating for resistance to Xtg. Using chromosome‐level genome assemblies as references, we were able to define a ~300 kb region highly associated with resistance on pseudo‐chromosome 4. Further investigation of this region revealed multiple genes with a known role in disease resistance, including genes encoding for Pik2‐like disease resistance proteins, cysteine‐rich kinases, and RGA4‐ and RGA5‐like disease resistance proteins. Investigation of allele frequencies in the pools and comparative genome analysis in the grandparents of the F2 population revealed that some of these genes contain variants with allele frequencies that correspond to the expected heterozygosity in the resistant grandparent. This study emphasizes the efficacy of combining BSA studies in very large populations with whole genome deep sequencing and high‐quality genome assemblies to pinpoint regions associated with a binary trait of interest and accurately define a small set of candidate genes. Furthermore, markers identified in this region hold significant potential for marker‐assisted breeding strategies to breed resistance to Xtg in Italian ryegrass cultivars more efficiently.
Recurrent episodes of oral mite anaphylaxis in a dog
Authors: Beehler Michelle K. , Painter Meagan R. , Peck Courtney M.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation and response to management of a dog with presumed oral mite anaphylaxis.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old male intact Golden Retriever was evaluated for a history of recurrent anaphylactic episodes. Over a period of 19 months, the dog had a total of 8 anaphylactic episodes that occurred in 2 different residences within the same state. The episodes most commonly resulted in vomiting and labored breathing, but the dog developed ascites, hypotension, and gall bladder wall edema during the most severe episodes. Serological testing demonstrated high immunoglobulin E levels to storage mites (SMs), specifically Tyrophagus SM. The dog's kibble was transitioned to being stored in small quantities in airtight containers in the freezer. At the time of publication, the dog has not had an anaphylactic reaction since making this change 1 year ago.

New or Unique Information Provided

Based on a literature search and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that SMs have been associated with severe recurrent anaphylaxis in a dog.
A method for teaching depth of corneal lesions using a portable slit lamp (biomicroscope)
Authors: Ford Marnie M.
Published: February 2024

A novel, simple, and inexpensive model for teaching depth of lesions within the cornea using slit lamp biomicroscopy to veterinary students, ophthalmology residents, and general clinicians with access to a slit lamp biomicroscope is described. Using common laboratory items, this method can be created in any clinic and can be used to teach and quiz students through independent study with objective self‐testing achieved.
Rational Cuntz states peak on the free disk algebra
Authors: Martin Robert T. W. , Shamovich Eli
Published: February 2024

We apply realization theory of noncommutative (NC) rational multipliers of the Fock space, or free Hardy space of square–summable power series in several noncommuting variables to the convex analysis of states on the Cuntz algebra. We show, in particular, that a large class of Cuntz states that arise as the “NC Clark measures” of isometric NC rational multipliers are peak states for Popescu's free disk algebra in the sense of Clouâtre and Thompson.
Constructing Galois representations with prescribed Iwasawa λ$\lambda$‐invariant
Authors: Ray Anwesh
Published: February 2024

Let be a prime number. We consider the Iwasawa ‐invariants associated to modular Bloch–Kato Selmer groups, considered over the cyclotomic ‐extension of . Let be a ‐ordinary cuspidal newform of weight 2 and trivial nebentype. We assume that the ‐invariant of vanishes, and that the image of the residual representation associated to is suitably large. We show that for any number greater than or equal to the ‐invariant of , there are infinitely many newforms that are ‐congruent to , with ‐invariant equal to . We also prove quantitative results regarding the levels of such modular forms with prescribed ‐invariant.
Right ventricular performance during acute hypoxic exercise
Authors: Forbes Lindsay M. , Bull Todd M. , Lahm Tim , Sisson Tyler , O'Gean Katie , Lawley Justin S. , Hunter Kendall , Levine Benjamin D. , Lovering Andrew , Roach Robert C. , Subudhi Andrew W. , Cornwell William K.
Published: February 2024

Acute hypoxia increases pulmonary arterial (PA) pressures, though its effect on right ventricular (RV) function is controversial. The objective of this study was to characterize exertional RV performance during acute hypoxia. Ten healthy participants (34 ± 10 years, 7 males) completed three visits: visits 1 and 2 included non‐invasive normoxic (fraction of inspired oxygen () = 0.21) and isobaric hypoxic ( = 0.12) cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to determine normoxic/hypoxic maximal oxygen uptake (). Visit 3 involved invasive haemodynamic assessments where participants were randomized 1:1 to either Swan–Ganz or conductance catheterization to quantify RV performance via pressure–volume analysis. Arterial oxygen saturation was determined by blood gas analysis from radial arterial catheterization. During visit 3, participants completed invasive submaximal CPET testing at 50% normoxic and again at 50% hypoxic ( = 0.12). Median (interquartile range) values for non‐invasive values during normoxic and hypoxic testing were 2.98 (2.43, 3.66) l/min and 1.84 (1.62, 2.25) l/min, respectively (P < 0.0001). Mean PA pressure increased significantly when transitioning from rest to submaximal exercise during normoxic and hypoxic conditions (P = 0.0014). Metrics of RV contractility including preload recruitable stroke work, dP/dtmax, and end‐systolic pressure increased significantly during the transition from rest to exercise under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Ventricular–arterial coupling was maintained during normoxic exercise at 50% . During submaximal exercise at 50% of hypoxic , ventricular–arterial coupling declined but remained within normal limits. In conclusion, resting and exertional RV functions are preserved in response to acute exposure to hypoxia at an  = 0.12 and the associated increase in PA pressures.

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Key points

The healthy right ventricle augments contractility, lusitropy and energetics during periods of increased metabolic demand (e.g. exercise) in acute hypoxic conditions.

During submaximal exercise, ventricular–arterial coupling decreases but remains within normal limits, ensuring that cardiac output and systemic perfusion are maintained.

These data describe right ventricular physiological responses during submaximal exercise under conditions of acute hypoxia, such as occurs during exposure to high altitude and/or acute hypoxic respiratory failure.
Analytical Modeling of Water Droplet Behavior at the Gas Channel Corner for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Qiu Diankai , Xu Zhutian , Shao Heng , Peng Linfa
Published: February 2024

Water management is of significant importance to achieving high performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. In recent years, droplets emerged from the rib surface and accumulated at the channel corner have been found to be a crucial part of water flooding. In this study, an analytical model is first proposed to quantitatively estimate the variation in the morphology and dynamic behavior of growing droplets with consideration of the channel sidewall interaction. In order to predict the water geometry, the flow channel with compressed gas diffusion layer (GDL) is described mathematically, and water behavior at steady-state and dynamic state are both evaluated through the geometric and force analysis. The model results indicate that the droplet profile transforms from concave to convex when its size grows, in which process contact angles and channel shape play an important role. Compared with the graphite channel, the droplet in the metallic channel is more inclined to be adsorbed on the sidewall and GDL, resulting in a higher adhesion force and a lower gas shear force. The critical gas velocities for the detachment of droplets are quantitatively predicted to avoid water flooding. The model is helpful to understand the droplet behavior in the presence of channel sidewall interaction.
A Practical Procedure for Fatigue Assessment of Mooring Line Chains With Pitting Corrosion
Authors: Rezende Filipe A. , Videiro Paulo M. , Sagrilo Luis V. S.
Published: February 2024

Chain link fatigue failures in mooring lines have recently aroused the interest of the technical community in developing new design and monitoring methodologies focused on considering the effects of local corrosion. Experimental breakage test results evidenced that the effects of mean tension, pitting corrosion, and surface roughness may influence the fatigue strength of chain links. A recently-developed methodology here denoted as corrosion grade considers the effects of mean tension and local corrosion through a visual assessment of the chain. The present work proposes a parametric correction factor to be used in the current S–N fatigue design methodology for considering local corrosion in studless chains. The parametric model is developed by means of finite element-based modeling of various pit shapes in the chain. The correction factor is fitted as a function of the pit aspect ratio. The proposed correction factor is combined with the corrosion grade methodology to obtain a final formula that considers the mean tension and the local corrosion. Results from both corrosion grade and the proposed correction factor are compared in three corroded experimental test samples. The proposed correction factor is capable of estimating the fatigue life of the corroded components analyzed with conservatism.
Extension of Doak's momentum potential theory for multi-species and reacting flows
Authors: D'Aniello Raffaele , Casel Mario , Knobloch Karsten
Published: February 2024

This work extends Doak's momentum potential theory to multi-chemical-component and reactive, time-stationary fluctuating flows. Additional mixture-related components are found to be superimposed on the canonical vortical, acoustic, and thermal parts of momentum fluctuations and total fluctuating enthalpy. These extended relations are used to develop a time-averaged model that relates the acoustic power radiated to the far-field with clearly defined vortical, acoustic, thermal, and compositional near-field sources. The resulting model is designed to offer a more general and comprehensive way to describe the noise generated within combustion chambers.