bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticipatory Processing in a Verb‐Initial Mayan Language: Eye‐Tracking Evidence During Sentence Comprehension in Tseltal
Authors: Garrido Rodriguez Gabriela , Norcliffe Elisabeth , Brown Penelope , Huettig Falk , Levinson Stephen C.
Published: January 2023

We present a visual world eye‐tracking study on Tseltal (a Mayan language) and investigate whether verbal information can be used to anticipate an upcoming referent. Basic word order in transitive sentences in Tseltal is Verb–Object–Subject (VOS). The verb is usually encountered first, making argument structure and syntactic information available at the outset, which should facilitate anticipation of the post‐verbal arguments. Tseltal speakers listened to verb‐initial sentences with either an object‐predictive verb (e.g., “eat”) or a general verb (e.g., “look for”) (e.g., “Ya slo’/sle ta stukel on te kereme,” Is eating/is looking (for) by himself the avocado the boy/ “The boy is eating/is looking (for) an avocado by himself”) while seeing a visual display showing one potential referent (e.g., avocado) and three distractors (e.g., bag, toy car, coffee grinder). We manipulated verb type (predictive vs. general) and recorded participants' eye movements while they listened and inspected the visual scene. Participants’ fixations to the target referent were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. Shortly after hearing the predictive verb, participants fixated the target object before it was mentioned. In contrast, when the verb was general, fixations to the target only started to increase once the object was heard. Our results suggest that Tseltal hearers pre‐activate semantic features of the grammatical object prior to its linguistic expression. This provides evidence from a verb‐initial language for online incremental semantic interpretation and anticipatory processing during language comprehension. These processes are comparable to the ones identified in subject‐initial languages, which is consistent with the notion that different languages follow similar universal processing principles.
Does donor treatment with inotropes and/or vasopressors impact post‐transplant outcomes?
Authors: Blitzer David , Baran David A. , Lirette Seth , Copeland Jack G. , Copeland Hannah
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose was to evaluate the effects of the most commonly used cardiac donor inotropes/vasopressors on subsequent post‐heart transplant survival.

Methods

Adult heart transplant recipients from January 2000 to June 2022 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Exclusion criteria included: multiorgan transplants, donor age < 15, and recipient age < 18. Donors receiving vasoactive medications at the time of procurement were compared to donors not receiving these medications. Those on vasoactive medications were stratified by medication: phenylephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, the combination of these agents, and the concomitant administration of vasopressin with any single agent alone or in combination. The primary area of interest was short‐and‐long‐term survival. Survival at 30 days, 1 year, and long‐term (Median = 13.6 years) was compared using logistic and Cox models to quantify survival endpoints.

Results

A total of 45,198 donors met inclusion criteria and had data on the use of vasoactive agents available. Mean donor age was 32.3 years with 71% male. Vasoactive medications and potential combinations included phenylephrine in 8156 donors (18.0%), dopamine in 9550 (21.1%), dobutamine in 718 (1.6%), epinephrine in 332 (.73%), and norepinephrine in 4854 (10.7%). A total of 25,856 donors (57.2%) were receiving vasopressin at the time of procurement. There was no impact of donor inotropes on 30‐day survival. Donors receiving one inotrope and no vasopressin were associated with increased 1 year mortality (OR 1.14; p = .021), as were donors receiving 2+ inotropes and no vasopressin (OR 1.26; p = .006). For individual agents, 1 year mortality was increased for dopamine (OR 1.11; p = .042) and epinephrine (OR 1.59; p = .004).

Conclusions

There is no difference in heart transplant recipient survival at 30 days when the donor is receiving inotropes without vasopressin at the time of procurement. Inotropic support without vasopressin is associated with greater 1 year mortality. The impact of donor inotropic support on long term heart transplant survival, and the interaction with vasopressin warrants further study.
Structural Challenges to Sustained Economic Growth in China
Authors: Perkins Dwight H.
Published: January 2023

This essay focuses on three broad sets of issues that may not slow China's GDP growth to under 3 percent a year, but they will almost certainly create major social and physical problems that will be difficult to deal with. The first is the demographic and education challenges featured by a rapidly aging population combined with a large share of the population being under‐educated. The second is the environmental challenges China faces in achieving the state goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. The third challenge is low consumption and unprecedentedly high investment, a strategy that has driven China's high growth rates in the past decades but is no longer sustainable. These three challenges are intertwined, making China's adjustment path even more uncertain. What would a sustainable development strategy involve? The clearest need is to shift investment away from energy‐intensive housing and infrastructure and toward investment in people.
In vitro study of how the undercut amount on the model labial side affects the reduction rate of laminated mouthguard thickness
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Bando Yogetsu
Published: January 2023

Background/Aim

An undercut on the model's labial side affects the mouthguard thickness. The aim of this study was to investigate how the undercut amount on the model's labial side affects the reduction rate of laminated mouthguard thickness.

Materials and Methods

Mouthguards were thermoformed using 3.0‐mm‐thick ethylene‐vinyl‐acetate sheets for the first and second laminates and a pressure molding machine. Working models were three hard plaster models trimmed so that the undercut amount on the model's labial side was 0°, 10°, and 20° (U0, U10, and U20). A specialized caliper was used to measure the thickness of the incisal, labial surface, and buccal surface of the first layer and the laminated mouthguards. Thickness reduction rate of the first layer or laminated mouthguard due to the model undercut amount were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA. Additionally, in each model, the difference in the thickness reduction rate between the first layer and the laminated mouthguard were analyzed by Student's t‐test or Welch's test.

Results

Differences in the thickness reduction rate depending on the model's undercut amount showed the same tendency between the first layer and the laminated mouthguard. Significant differences were observed between U0 and U10 as well as U0 and U20 at the incisal edge, and these were observed among all models on the labial and buccal surfaces (p < .01). On the labial surface, the rate of decrease in the laminated mouthguard thickness compared to U0 was approximately 10.4% larger for U10 and approximately 14.9% larger for U20 (p < .01). The thickness reduction rate of the laminated mouthguard was significantly smaller than that of the first layer, which was observed in all models at the incisal edge and in U10 and U20 on the labial surface (p < .01).

Conclusions

The presence of a 10° or 20° undercut on the model's labial side increases the thickness reduction rate on the labial side of the laminated mouthguard by approximately 10% or 15%.
Climate risk perceptions and demand for flood insurance
Authors: Ratnadiwakara Dimuthu , Venugopal Buvaneshwaran
Published: January 2023

The demand for flood insurance is low when the frequency and severity of flood disasters are increasing due to climate change. We show that beliefs about climate change influence homeowners' choice and level of flood insurance coverage. The demand for voluntary flood insurance coverage for homes and contents is higher in areas with more people who are worried about global warming. Property‐level analysis shows that individuals are more likely to terminate flood insurance after unanticipated premium increases if they do not perceive climate change as a risk. We use the heterogeneous impact of widening partisan polarization on climate change beliefs to rule out alternative explanations.
Assessing temperature‐based adaptation limits to climate change of temperate perennial fruit crops
Authors: Meza Francisco , Darbyshire Rebecca , Farrell Aidan , Lakso Alan , Lawson James , Meinke Holger , Nelson Gerald , Stockle Claudio
Published: January 2023

Temperate perennial fruit and nut trees play varying roles in world food diversity—providing edible oils and micronutrient, energy, and protein dense foods. In addition, perennials reuse significant amounts of biomass each year providing a unique resilience. But they also have a unique sensitivity to seasonal temperatures, requiring a period of dormancy for successful growing season production. This paper takes a global view of five temperate tree fruit crops—apples, cherries, almonds, olives, and grapes—and assesses the effects of future temperature changes on thermal suitability. It uses climate data from five earth system models for two CMIP6 climate scenarios and temperature‐related indices of stress to indicate potential future areas where crops cannot be grown and highlight potential new suitable regions. The loss of currently suitable areas and new additions in new locations varies by scenario. In the southern hemisphere (SH), end‐century (2081–2100) suitable areas under the SSP 5–8.5 scenario decline by more than 40% compared to a recent historical period (1991–2010). In the northern hemisphere (NH) suitability increases by 20% to almost 60%. With SSP1‐2.6, however, the changes are much smaller with SH area declining by about 25% and NH increasing by about 10%. The results suggest substantial restructuring of global production for these crops. Essentially, climate change shifts temperature‐suitable locations toward higher latitudes. In the SH, most of the historically suitable areas were already at the southern end of the landmass limiting opportunities for adaptation. If breeding efforts can bring chilling requirements for the major cultivars closer to that currently seen in some cultivars, suitable areas at the end of the century are greater, but higher summer temperatures offset the extent. The high value of fruit crops provides adaptation opportunities such as cultivar selection, canopy cooling using sprinklers, shade netting, and precision irrigation.
Wildfire smoke exposure and emergency department visits for headache: A case‐crossover analysis in California, 2006–2020
Authors: Elser Holly , Rowland Sebastian T. , Marek Maksym S. , Kiang Mathew V. , Shea Brittany , Do Vivian , Benmarhnia Tarik , Schneider Andrea L. C. , Casey Joan A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association of short‐term exposure to overall fine particulate matter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and wildfire‐specific PM2.5 with emergency department (ED) visits for headache.

Background

Studies have reported associations between PM2.5 exposure and headache risk. As climate change drives longer and more intense wildfire seasons, wildfire PM2.5 may contribute to more frequent headaches.

Methods

Our study included adult Californian members (aged ≥18 years) of a large de‐identified commercial and Medicare Advantage claims database from 2006 to 2020. We identified ED visits for primary headache disorders (subtypes: tension‐type headache, migraine headache, cluster headache, and “other” primary headache). Claims included member age, sex, and residential zip code. We linked daily overall and wildfire‐specific PM2.5 to residential zip code and conducted a time‐stratified case‐crossover analysis considering 7‐day average PM2.5 concentrations, first for primary headache disorders combined, and then by headache subtype.

Results

Among 9898 unique individuals we identified 13,623 ED encounters for primary headache disorders. Migraine was the most frequently diagnosed headache (N = 5534/13,623 [47.6%]) followed by “other” primary headache (N = 6489/13,623 [40.6%]). For all primary headache ED diagnoses, we observed an association of 7‐day average wildfire PM2.5 (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–1.44 per 10 μg/m3 increase) and by subtype we observed increased odds of ED visits associated with 7‐day average wildfire PM2.5 for tension‐type headache (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.91–2.22), “other” primary headache (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.96–2.05), and cluster headache (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.71–2.35), although these findings were not statistically significant under traditional null hypothesis testing. Overall PM2.5 was associated with tension‐type headache (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03–1.62), but not migraine, cluster, or “other” primary headaches.

Conclusions

Although imprecise, these results suggest short‐term wildfire PM2.5 exposure may be associated with ED visits for headache. Patients, healthcare providers, and systems may need to respond to increased headache‐related healthcare needs in the wake of wildfires and on poor air quality days.
The role of avoiding known triggers, embracing protectors, and adhering to healthy lifestyle recommendations in migraine prophylaxis: Insights from a prospective cohort of 1125 people with episodic migraine
Authors: Casanova Amparo , Vives‐Mestres Marina , Donoghue Stephen , Mian Alec , Wöber Christian
Published: January 2023

Objectives/Background

Until recently, guidelines for migraine prevention recommended avoiding known migraine headache triggers. Adhering to healthy lifestyle behaviors is also recommended. In a recent cohort study many triggers were found to decrease the probability of migraine attacks in some individuals. The extent to which people with migraine adhere to healthy lifestyle recommendations is unknown. We set out to determine if known migraine trigger factors and daily adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations are associated with decreased probability of migraine attacks in some individuals.

Methods

This was an observational longitudinal cohort study of individuals with episodic migraine who registered to track their headache symptoms and daily exposure to trigger factors prospectively using a migraine‐headache electronic diary during 90 days. We assessed whether triggers increased or decreased migraine attack risk in each individual. In addition, we calculated the proportion of days in which the individual adhered to lifestyle recommendations.

Results

We analyzed a total of 1125 individuals contributing 14,080 migraine attacks. Out of 47 triggers, 24 were more often associated with decreased rather than with increased migraine attack risk. Most pronouncedly this was true for caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate; happiness; relaxedness; sleep factors (longer duration, higher quality, and waking up refreshed); and physical activity. People who were more compliant with healthy behaviors, especially keeping good hydration and regular meals, were significantly older and had been diagnosed with migraine disease for a longer period, compared to those who were less compliant. Overall, exercising ≥3 times a week was the least followed recommendation.

Conclusion

Many triggers behaved as protectors in a non‐negligible proportion of individuals with episodic migraine, challenging the recommendation of avoiding known triggers. Low adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations demonstrates an opportunity to increase awareness among people with migraine.
Do not PASS any melanoma without diagnosis: a new simplified dermoscopic algorithm
Authors: Avilés‐Izquierdo José Antonio , García‐Piqueras Paloma , Ciudad‐Blanco Cristina , Lozano‐Masdemont Belén , Lázaro‐Ochaita Pablo , Bellón‐Cano José María , Rodríguez‐Lomba Enrique
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Dermoscopic algorithms for melanoma diagnosis could be time‐expending, and their reliability in daily practice lower than expected.

Objective

To propose a simplified dermoscopic algorithm for melanoma diagnosis.

Material and methods

A multicenter retrospective analysis of 1,120 dermoscopic images of atypical melanocytic tumors (320 melanomas and 800 non‐melanomas) was performed. An algorithm based on polychromia, asymmetry in colors or structures, and some melanoma‐specific structures was designed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was calculated to estimate the coefficients of each potential predictor for melanoma diagnosis. A score was developed based on the dermoscopic evaluations performed by four experts blinded to histological diagnosis.

Results

Most melanomas had ≥3 colors (280; 84.5%), asymmetry in colors or structures (289; 90.3%), and at least one melanoma‐specific structure (316; 98.7%). PASS score ≥3 had a 91.9% sensibility, 87% specificity, and 88.4% diagnostic accuracy for melanoma. PASS algorithm showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947 (95% CI 0.935–0.959).

Limitations

This study was retrospective. A comparison between the performances of different dermoscopic algorithms is difficult because of their designs.

Conclusion

PASS algorithm showed a very good diagnostic accuracy, independently of the observers' experience, and it seems easier to perform than previous dermoscopic algorithms.
Simple and reliable eco‐extraction of bioactive compounds from dark chocolate by Deep Eutectic Solvents. A sustainable study
Authors: Vinci Giuliana , Maddaloni Lucia , Prencipe Sabrina Antonia , Orlandini Eleonora , Sambucci Matteo
Published: January 2023

The green solvents and eco‐extraction methods are gaining increasing interest in chemical analysis for bioactive compounds in food matrices. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) developed as a greener and more sustainable alternative to organic solvents, owing to their non‐toxic, highly stable, and biodegradation‐friendly nature. DES application for polyphenols and antioxidant compounds extraction in dark chocolate samples has been evaluated in an integrated study for sustainability assessment, based on multivariate analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. A green extraction method based on DES was proposed testing different HBA:HBD pairs (ChCl:Fru, ChCl:Teg, Bet:Fru, and Bet:Teg). DES Bet:Fru resulted in the highest extraction yield in terms of both total polyphenols (0.34–3.37 g GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (1.13–8.32 g RUT/100 g), P < 0.05. Furthermore, the environmental performances of green and conventional solvents (MeOH:H2O, H2O, and MeOH) were evaluated by applying a comparative LCA (c‐LCA). The c‐LCA study highlighted that conventional extraction for polyphenols in dark chocolate was 60% more impactful than DES. DES pairs analysed quantitatively lowest impacted than conventional methods, considering the macro‐categories Human Health (9.99 × 10–8 ÷ 1.54 × 10–7 DALYs), Ecosystem (2.29 × 10–10 ÷ 3.57 × 10–10 species.yr), and Resources (6.57 × 10–3 ÷ 8.96 × 10–3 USD2013).
Low‐temperature nights delay the timing of breeding in a wild songbird
Authors: Liu Chen‐Yang , Merilä Juha , Liu Yang , Lv Lei
Published: January 2023

Global climate change has posed widespread challenges to the ecological process critical to the fitness of many wild organisms, such as reproductive phenology. Many bird species have advanced their reproductive phenology in response to the increases in spring temperatures. However, the mechanism of how climate influences the timing of breeding is still often unclear in many species. We explored the relationship between the timing of breeding and spring temperatures based on 14 years of data on hair‐crested drongos Dicrurus hottentottus in the wild. By applying a ‘sliding window' approach, we aimed to identify the time window and weather variable that best explains the timing of breeding at both population and individual levels. We found that the more nights with a minimum temperature below 17°C, around three weeks earlier than the peak reproduction, delayed the breeding time. Low night temperatures may force females to allocate more energy to thermoregulation and therefore physiologically constrain egg‐laying. Although annual minimum and maximum temperatures have increased over the study period, the timing of breeding showed no trend as there was no change in the number of low‐temperature nights in the relevant period across years. The repeatability of the laying date for individual females (R = 0.211) and across the years (R = 0.270) were low indicating that drongos were flexible in adjusting their breeding phenology to environmental variation. These results suggest an effect of low night temperature on avian breeding phenology. This effect may apply commonly across bird species considering shared physiological constraints.
Examining the structure of credibility evaluation when sixth graders read online texts
Authors: Kiili Carita , Räikkönen Eija , Bråten Ivar , Strømsø Helge I. , Hagerman Michelle Schira
Published: January 2023

Background

Previous research indicates that students lack sufficient online credibility evaluation skills. However, the results are fragmented and difficult to compare as they are based on different types of measures and indicators. Consequently, there is no clear understanding of the structure of credibility evaluation.

Objectives

The present study sought to establish the structure of credibility evaluation of online texts among 265 sixth graders.

Methods

Students' credibility evaluation skills were measured with a task in which they read four online texts, two more credible (a popular science text and a newspaper article) and two less credible (a layperson's blog text and a commercial text). Students read one text at a time and evaluated the author's expertise, the author's benevolence and the quality of the evidence before ranking the texts according to credibility. Four competing measurement models of students' credibility evaluations were assessed.

Results

The model termed the Genre‐based Confirming‐Questioning Model reflected the structure of credibility evaluation best. The results suggest that credibility evaluation reflects the source texts and requires two latent skills: confirming the more credible texts and questioning the less credible texts. These latent skills of credibility evaluation were positively associated with students' abilities to rank the texts according to credibility.

Implications

The study revealed that the structure of credibility evaluation might be more complex than previously conceptualized. Consequently, students would benefit from activities that ask them to carefully analyse different credibility aspects of more and less credible texts, as well as the connections between these aspects.
Damage to the left descending coronary artery due to radiofrequency ablation in the right ventricular outflow tract: Clinical case series and anatomical considerations
Authors: Dilling‐Boer Dagmara , Nof Eyal , Beinaert Roy , Wakili Reza , Heidbuchel Hein , Koopman Pieter , Schurmans Joris , Phlips Thomas , Didenko Maxim , Vijgen Johan
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper was to highlight the importance of the anatomy of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and the proximity of the mid segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) to the RVOT in the setting of ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in the RVOT. During the period from 2014 till 2017, five patients with injury to the LAD during ablation within RVOT were identified in three centers, in Belgium, Germany and Israel. The clinical characteristics, procedural data and follow up data, where available, are reported. The literature review over coronary artery damage during radiofrequency ablation procedures is provided and the anatomy of the RVOT and the neighboring vascular structures is discussed. We present five patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of ventricular arrhythmias mapped to the inferior and anterior part of the RVOT, at the insertion of the right ventricular wall to the septum, whereby ablation resulted in occlusion in four and severe stenosis in one, of the mid segment of the LAD coronary artery. All patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention and stenting, four of them immediately during the same procedure and one 3 days later because of lack of signs and symptoms of acute coronary occlusion. In conclusion, the mid segment of the LAD at the level of the second septal perforator/second diagonal branch runs in very close proximity to the endocardial aspect of the lower part of the RVOT and care should be taken during ablation of ventricular arrhythmias in this region. Additional imaging such as intracardiac echocardiography and coronary angiography may be helpful in avoiding complications.
Effect of copper sulphate on Cryptocaryon irritans based on metabolome analysis
Authors: Zhan Quanjun , Miao Liang , Zhao Jing , Hu Haojie , Cui Hao , Jin Shan , Xie Jiasong , Qian Dong , Ma Rongrong
Published: January 2023

Cryptocaryon irritans is one of the most harmful marine parasites in mariculture. Copper sulphate is often used to kill parasites and the influence of copper sulphate on the tomont stage of C. irritans was explored in this study. The results showed that excystment rate was not significantly affected when tomonts were exposed to 5 mg/L (76.7%) and 10 mg/L (78.9%) of copper sulphate for 3 h. However, excystment rate was significantly inhibited when exposed to 15 mg/L (33.3%) for 3 h and 5 mg/L (28.9%), 10 mg/L (33.3%) and 15 mg/L (33.3%) for 6 h. After treatment with high concentrations of copper sulphate, the interior of the tomonts was fuzzy under the microscope, and the division process could not be observed. Metabolomic results combined with preliminary transcriptome analysis results showed that the tomonts were induced to produce linoleate, riboflavin, inositol and other substances under the stress of Cu2+, which affected the antioxidant mechanism of the body. Using MDA content determination and antioxidant enzyme activity analysis, copper sulphate was found to cause oxidative damage to tomonts by affecting the generation of metabolites, leading to the death of tomonts.
Producing ethical water: Anti‐mining activism and conflicts over municipal water provisioning in Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Velásquez Teresa A.
Published: January 2023

When gold deposits were confirmed in a community watershed in 2005, water became a politically charged arena for anti‐mining activism. This article follows the outcomes of a 2014 Ecuadorian water law on conflicts over water provisioning. Arguments about water's material properties and social qualities were deployed by government, municipal, and local actors in contests over who had legitimate authority to govern rural water systems. Claims about “clean” or “untreated” water—about water as a human right or as ethical solidarity—are invoked in disputes over whether drinking water should be managed by the municipality or the community. I argue that mining conflicts shape the way communities respond to the municipalization of their water supplies, leading to new forms of resource politics encapsulated in the term “ethical water.” The article illustrates the mutual constitution of conflicts over mining and water provisioning and how anti‐extractive agendas are shaping Andean water governance.
Hysteroscopic resection of retained products of conception combined with uterine artery balloon occlusion: A novel case report
Authors: Takizawa Ayako , Matsushima Takashi , Harigane Eika , Suzuki Shunji , Kawamata Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

Retained products of conception can cause massive bleeding that can be prevented by uterine artery embolization before resection; however, uterine artery balloon occlusion is less invasive. While scattered reports of its use for postpartum hemorrhage exist, no indications have been described. We report a case of hysteroscopic resection of retained products of conception using uterine artery balloon occlusion instead of uterine artery embolization. A 29‐year‐old woman, gravida 2 para 0, noted an intrauterine mass after an abortion at 7 weeks' gestation. Follow‐up visits showed insufficient lowering of human chorionic gonadotropin levels, necessitating surgical treatment. Considering the patient's desire to conceive, we performed uterine artery balloon occlusion to reduce the risk of perinatal complications associated with uterine artery embolization. The operation was completed without complications. The patient conceived spontaneously and had a live baby 7 months after surgery, thus proving the benefits of uterine artery balloon occlusion before hysteroscopic resection.
Firm‐level productivity growth returns of social capital: Evidence from Western Europe
Authors: Ganau Roberto , Rodríguez‐Pose Andrés
Published: January 2023

We analyze the firm‐level labor productivity growth returns of social capital—defined as a synthetic measure of “generalized trust,” “active participation,” and “social norms”—using a large sample of manufacturing firms in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. We find that firms' labor productivity growth is higher in areas with a better social capital endowment. The positive returns of social capital are, nevertheless, unevenly distributed across firms, with smaller, less productive, less capital‐endowed, and low‐tech firms benefitting the most from operating in strong social capital ecosystems.
Non‐invasive fibrosis markers for assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis delta
Authors: Kalkan Çağdaş , Yılmaz Yusufcan , Erdoğan Beyza Doğanay , Savaş Berna , Yurdcu Esra , Çalışkan Aysun , Keskin Onur , Gencdal Genco , Zeybel Müjdat , Törüner Murat , Bozdayi A. Mithat , Idilman Ramazan , Yurdaydin Cihan
Published: January 2023

Assessment of liver fibrosis by non‐invasive means is clinically important. Studies in chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) are scarce. We evaluated the performance of eight serum fibrosis markers [fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), age‐platelet index (API), AST‐to platelet‐ratio‐index (APRI), Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), Lok index, cirrhosis discriminant score (CDS) and Hui score] in CHD and chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Liver stiffness was assessed by transient elastography (TE) in CHD. The ability of fibrosis markers to detect significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were evaluated in 202 CHB and 108 CHD patients using published and new cut‐offs through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. The latter was also applied to obtain cut‐offs for TE. APRI, Fib‐4, API and Hui score were assessed for significant fibrosis, and APRI, GUCI, Lok index, CDS and AAR for cirrhosis determination. Fibrosis markers displayed weak performance in CHB for significant fibrosis with area under ROC (AUROC) curves between 0.62 and 0.71. They did slightly better for CHD. TE displayed an AUROC of 0.92 and performed better than serum fibrosis markers (p < 0.05 for fibrosis markers). For cirrhosis determination, CDS and Lok Index displayed an AUROC of 088 and 0.89 in CHB and GUCI, Lok index and APRI displayed AUROCs around 0.90 in CHD. TE displayed the best AUROC (0.95). Hence TE is superior to serum fibrosis markers for diagnosing significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. GUCI, Lok index and APRI displayed a reasonable performance in CHD, which needs further confirmation.
Pristinity and petrogenesis of eucrites
Authors: Dhaliwal Jasmeet K. , Day James M. D. , Tait Kimberly T.
Published: January 2023

New petrography, mineral chemistry, and whole rock major, minor, and trace element abundance data are reported for 29 dominantly unbrecciated basaltic (noncumulate) eucrites and one cumulate eucrite. Among unbrecciated samples, several exhibit shock darkening and impact melt veins, with incomplete preservation of primary textures. There is extensive thermal metamorphism of some eucrites, consistent with prior work. A “pristinity filter” of textural information, siderophile element abundances, and Ni/Co ratios of bulk rocks is used to address whether eucrite samples preserve endogenous refractory geochemical signatures of their asteroid parent body (i.e., Vesta), or could have experienced exogenous impact contamination. Based on these criteria, Cumulus Hills 04049, Elephant Moraine 90020, Grosvenor Range 95533, Pecora Escarpment 91245, and possibly Queen Alexander Range 97053 and Northwest Africa 1923 are pristine eucrites. Eucrite major element compositions and refractory incompatible trace element abundances are minimally affected by metamorphism or impact contamination. Eucrite petrogenesis examined through the lens of these elements is consistent with partial melting of a silicate mantle that experienced prior metal–silicate equilibrium, rather than as melts associated with cumulate diogenites. In the absence of the requirement of a large‐scale magma ocean to explain eucrite petrogenesis, the interior structure of Vesta could be more heterogeneous than for larger planetary bodies.
Colonialism in South Africa leaves a lasting legacy of reduced genetic diversity in Cape buffalo
Authors: Quinn Liam , Garcia‐Erill Genís , Santander Cindy , Brüniche‐Olsen Anna , Liu Xiaodong , Sinding Mikkel‐Holger S. , Heaton Michael P. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Pečnerová Patrícia , Bertola Laura D. , Hanghøj Kristian , Rasmussen Malthe Sebro , de Jager Deon , Siegismund Hans R. , Albrechtsen Anders , Heller Rasmus , Moltke Ida
Published: January 2023

The iconic Cape buffalo has experienced several documented population declines in recent history. These declines have been largely attributed to the late 19th century rinderpest pandemic. However, the effect of the rinderpest pandemic on their genetic diversity remains contentious, and other factors that have potentially affected this diversity include environmental changes during the Pleistocene, range expansions and recent human activity. Motivated by this, we present analyses of whole genome sequencing data from 59 individuals from across the Cape buffalo range to assess present‐day levels of genome‐wide genetic diversity and what factors have influenced these levels. We found that the Cape buffalo has high average heterozygosity overall (0.40%), with the two southernmost populations having significantly lower heterozygosity levels (0.33% and 0.29%) on par with that of the domesticated water buffalo (0.29%). Interestingly, we found that these lower levels are probably due to recent inbreeding (average fraction of runs of homozygosity 23.7% and 19.9%) rather than factors further back in time during the Pleistocene. Moreover, detailed investigations of recent demographic history show that events across the past three centuries were the main drivers of the exceptional loss of genetic diversity in the southernmost populations, coincident with the onset of colonialism in the southern extreme of the Cape buffalo range. Hence, our results add to the growing body of studies suggesting that multiple recent human‐mediated impacts during the colonial period caused massive losses of large mammal abundance in southern Africa.
‘Raising the Pulse’: The environmental, nutritional and health benefits of pulse‐enhanced foods
Authors: Lovegrove Julie A. , O'Sullivan Donal M. , Tosi Paola , Millan Elena , Todman Lindsay C. , Bishop Jacob , Chatzifragkou Afroditi , Clegg Miriam E , Hammond John , Jackson Kim G. , Jones Philip J. , Lignou Stella , Macready Anna L. , McMeel Yvonne , Parker Jane , Rodriguez‐Garcia Julia , Sharp Paul , Shaw Liz J. , Smith Laurence G. , Tebbit Matt
Published: January 2023

Diet is a key modulator of non‐communicable diseases, and food production represents a major cause of environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, ‘nudging’ people to make better food choices is challenging, as factors including affordability, convenience and taste often take priority over the achievement of health and environmental benefits. The overall ‘Raising the Pulse’ project aim is to bring about a step change in the nutritional value of the UK consumers' diet, and to do so in a way that leads to improved health and greater sustainability within the UK food system. To achieve our objectives, UK‐specific faba bean production systems that optimise both end users' diets and environmental and economic sustainability of production will be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders (including industry, the retail sector and government). Palatable faba bean flours will be produced and used to develop ‘Raising the Pulse’ food products with improved nutritional profile and environmental value. Consumer focus groups and workshops will establish attitudes, preferences, drivers of and barriers to increased consumption of such products. They will inform the co‐creation of sensory testing and University‐wide intervention studies to evaluate the effects of pulses and ‘Raising the Pulse’ foods on diet quality, self‐reported satiety, nutritional knowledge, consumer acceptance and market potential. Nutrient bioavailability and satiety will be evaluated in a randomised‐controlled postprandial human study. Finally, a system model will be developed that predicts changes to land use, environment, business viability, nutrition and human health after substitution of existing less nutritionally beneficial and environmentally sustainable ingredients with pulses. Government health and sustainability priorities will be addressed, helping to define policy‐relevant solutions with significant beneficial supply chain economic impacts and transformed sustainable food systems to improve consumer diet quality, health and the environment.
Smartphone app‐delivered gut‐directed hypnotherapy improves symptoms of self‐reported irritable bowel syndrome: A retrospective evaluation
Authors: Peters Simone L. , Gibson Peter R. , Halmos Emma P.
Published: January 2023

Background

Gut‐directed hypnotherapy (GDH) has high rates of durable efficacy for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but its widespread use is limited due to high costs and poor access. A smartphone app delivering GDH was developed to fill gaps in accessibility but has not been assessed in IBS patients. The current retrospective evaluation aims to assess the efficacy of app‐delivered GDH in managing IBS symptoms and to investigate associating factors that predict response.

Methods

Irritable bowel syndrome patients who downloaded the app between June 2019 and April 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The first seven sessions were free. Daily GDH, psycho‐education, and breathing exercises were included. Overall and individual gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed at baseline and completion using a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Clinical data were extracted.

Key Results

2843 patients with self‐reported IBS commenced the free sessions, 1428 (50%) purchased the app and 253 (9%) completed all 42 sessions. Outcome data were available for 190 users who completed all 42 sessions. 64% of patients who completed the GDH and provided outcome data responded (defined as >30% reduction in abdominal pain). Abdominal pain reduced from 60mm (50‐73mm) at baseline to 26mm (13‐50mm) on study completion (p<0.001 Wilcoxon). Similar results were seen for overall and individual symptoms. On multivariable analysis, symptom response was positively associated with being ≥ 40 years (estimated OR 0.398, p=0.025) and negatively associated with trying probiotics (0.323, p=0.042).

Conclusions & Inferences

Adherence to app‐delivered gut‐directed hypnotherapy was low but users who completed the program saw notable improvements in their IBS symptoms. Patients ≥40 years, with symptoms for ≥5 years, may respond better. A controlled trial comparing face‐to‐face to app‐delivered GDH is indicated.
Hidden genetic variation in plasticity provides the potential for rapid adaptation to novel environments
Authors: Walter Greg M. , Clark James , Terranova Delia , Cozzolino Salvatore , Cristaudo Antonia , Hiscock Simon J. , Bridle Jon
Published: January 2023

Rapid environmental change is forcing populations into environments where plasticity will no longer maintain fitness. When populations are exposed to novel environments, evolutionary theory predicts that genetic variation in fitness will increase and should be associated with genetic differences in plasticity. If true, then genetic variation in plasticity can increase adaptive potential in novel environments, and population persistence via evolutionary rescue is more likely.

To test whether genetic variation in fitness increases in novel environments and is associated with plasticity, we transplanted 8149 clones of 314 genotypes of a Sicilian daisy (Senecio chrysanthemifolius) within and outside its native range, and quantified genetic variation in fitness, and plasticity in leaf traits and gene expression.

Although mean fitness declined by 87% in the novel environment, genetic variance in fitness increased threefold and was correlated with plasticity in leaf traits. High fitness genotypes showed greater plasticity in gene expression, but lower plasticity in most leaf traits. Interestingly, genotypes with the highest fitness in the novel environment had the lowest fitness at the native site.

These results suggest that standing genetic variation in plasticity could help populations to persist and adapt to novel environments, despite remaining hidden in native environments.
You are what you eat: nutrient and water relations between mistletoes and hosts
Authors: Zhang Yun‐Bing , Corrêa Scalon Marina , Liu Jing‐Xin , Song Xiao‐Yang , Yang Da , Zhang Yong‐Jiang , Ellsworth David S. , Zhang Jiao‐Lin
Published: January 2023

Mistletoes play important roles in biogeochemical cycles. Although many studies have compared nutrient concentrations between mistletoes and their hosts, no general patterns have been found and the nutrient uptake mechanisms in mistletoes have not been fully resolved.

To address the water and nutrient relations in mistletoes compared with their hosts, we measured 11 nutrient elements, two isotope ratios and two leaf morphological traits for 11 mistletoe and 104 host species from four sites across a large environmental gradient in southwest China.

Mistletoes had significantly higher phosphorus, potassium, and boron concentrations, nitrogen isotope ratio, and lower carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) indicative of lower water‐use efficiency than hosts, but other elements were similar to those in hosts. Sites explained most of the variation in the multidimensional trait space. With increasing host nitrogen concentration, both mistletoe δ13C and the difference between mistletoe and host δ13C increased, providing evidence to support the ‘nitrogen parasitism hypothesis’. Host nutrient concentrations were the best predictors for that of the mistletoe nutrient elements in most cases.

Our results highlight the important roles of environmental conditions and host nutrient status in determining mistletoe nutrient pools, which together explain their trophic interactions with hosts in subtropical and tropical ecosystems.
Objective quantification of viewing behaviours during printed and electronic tasks in emmetropic and myopic ultra‐Orthodox Jewish men
Authors: Doron Ravid , Gordon‐Shaag Ariela , Shneor Einat , Goldstein Ayelet , Ostrin Lisa A.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Ultra‐Orthodox Jewish men are known to have a high prevalence of myopia, which may be due to intense near‐work from an early age. This study objectively assessed near‐viewing behaviours in ultra‐Orthodox and non‐ultra‐Orthodox men in Israel for different tasks.

Methods

Ultra‐Orthodox (n = 30) and non‐ultra‐Orthodox (n = 38) men aged 18–33 years participated. Autorefraction, visual acuity, height and Harmon distance were measured. An objective range‐finding sensor was mounted on their spectacles while they performed four 10‐min tasks in a randomised order: (1) reading printed material, (2) writing printed material, (3) passive electronic and (4) active electronic tasks. Near‐viewing distance and the number of viewing breaks were calculated for each task. Statistical analyses included Student t‐tests and the Mann–Whitney test between groups and repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman between tasks.

Results

For all tasks combined, a significantly shorter viewing distance was observed for the ultra‐Orthodox group (36.2 ± 7.0 cm) than for the non‐ultra‐Orthodox group (39.6 ± 6.7 cm,p < 0.05). Viewing distances for the passive reading and electronic tasks were shorter for the ultra‐Orthodox group (36.9 ± 7.7 cm vs. 41.3 ± 8.1 cm,p < 0.03 and 39.0 ± 10.1 vs. 43.9 ± 9.3,p < 0.05, respectively). Viewing distances were significantly different between all four tasks, with writing having the closest distance. No correlation was found between working distance and spherical equivalent or Harmon distance. However, a significant correlation was found in the ultra‐Orthodox group between working distance and height for each task (p < 0.04,R < 0.42 for all). There was no difference in the number of viewing breaks between the groups.

Conclusion

When reading a book and viewing an iPad, ultra‐Orthodox men demonstrated a closer objective working distance than non‐ultra‐Orthodox men. This shorter viewing distance may contribute to the high prevalence and degree of myopia in this population.
Immigration, Naturalization, and the Purpose of Citizenship
Authors: Sharp Daniel
Published: January 2023

It is widely believed that immigrants, after some time, acquire a claim to naturalize and become citizens of their new state. What explains this claim? Although existing answers (may) succeed in justifying some of immigrants' rights claims, they cannot justify the claim that immigrants are owed the opportunity to naturalize because these theories lack a sufficiently rich account of the purpose of citizenship. To fill this gap, I offer a novel egalitarian account of citizenship. Citizenship, on this account, partially protects immigrants against social hierarchy by realizing social equality in a publicly accessible manner. This explains claims to naturalize.
Field testing of transgenic aspen from large greenhouse screening identifies unexpected winners
Authors: Donev Evgeniy N. , Derba‐Maceluch Marta , Yassin Zakiya , Gandla Madhavi Latha , Pramod Sivan , Heinonen Emilia , Kumar Vikash , Scheepers Gerhard , Vilaplana Francisco , Johansson Ulf , Hertzberg Magnus , Sundberg Björn , Winestrand Sandra , Hörnberg Andreas , Alriksson Björn , Jönsson Leif J. , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: January 2023

Trees constitute promising renewable feedstocks for biorefinery using biochemical conversion, but their recalcitrance restricts their attractiveness for the industry. To obtain trees with reduced recalcitrance, large‐scale genetic engineering experiments were performed in hybrid aspen blindly targeting genes expressed during wood formation and 32 lines representing seven constructs were selected for characterization in the field. Here we report phenotypes of five‐year old trees considering 49 traits related to growth and wood properties. The best performing construct considering growth and glucose yield in saccharification with acid pretreatment had suppressed expression of the gene encoding an uncharacterized 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenase (2OGD). It showed minor changes in wood chemistry but increased nanoporosity and glucose conversion. Suppressed levels of SUCROSE SYNTHASE, (SuSy), CINNAMATE 4‐HYDROXYLASE (C4H) and increased levels of GTPase activating protein for ADP‐ribosylation factor ZAC led to significant growth reductions and anatomical abnormalities. However, C4H and SuSy constructs greatly improved glucose yields in saccharification without and with pretreatment, respectively. Traits associated with high glucose yields were different for saccharification with and without pretreatment. While carbohydrates, phenolics and tension wood contents positively impacted the yields without pretreatment and growth, lignin content and S/G ratio were negative factors, the yields with pretreatment positively correlated with S lignin and negatively with carbohydrate contents. The genotypes with high glucose yields had increased nanoporosity and mGlcA/Xyl ratio, and some had shorter polymers extractable with subcritical water compared to wild‐type. The pilot‐scale industrial‐like pretreatment of best‐performing 2OGD construct confirmed its superior sugar yields, supporting our strategy.