bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of very rapid repeat pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, United States, 2009–2020
Authors: Luff Amanda , Menegay Michelle , Gallo Maria F.
Published: October 2023

Background

Most rapid repeat pregnancies, defined as those occurring within 18 months of a previous birth, are unintended. These pregnancies are associated with later initiation of prenatal care and are more common among people with lower socio‐economic status and among racially and ethnically minoritised populations.

Objectives

To assess prevalence and correlate pregnancies occurring in the immediate period after a live birth in the United States, using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).

Methods

We assessed data from the 2009–2020 PRAMS, a population‐based survey of perinatal maternal characteristics of mothers of liveborn infants in US locations. We assessed pregnancies reported during the immediate postpartum period (approximately 2–6 months post‐delivery), and term this ‘very rapid repeat pregnancy’ (VRRP). We assessed the adjusted prevalence of VRRP from 2009 to 2020. From 2016 to 2020, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for maternal characteristics.

Results

The adjusted prevalence of VRRP ranged from 0.38% (95% CI: 0.29, 0.48) in 2009 to 0.76% (95% CI: 0.61, 0.91) in 2020. Demographic characteristics associated with VRRP included younger age, lower educational attainment, and being unmarried. Black mothers had a higher prevalence of VRRP compared to white mothers. Mothers who attended a healthcare visit in the 12 months preconception had a lower prevalence of VRRP as did mothers who attended a postpartum check‐up, compared to their counterparts without these visits. Among those receiving prenatal care, mothers whose prenatal healthcare provider asked about postpartum contraception birth had a lower prevalence of VRRP, compared to those not asked about postpartum contraception.

Conclusions

VRRP appeared to increase over time in 2009–2020. Mothers who are younger, Black, have lower educational attainment, or who did not attend healthcare visits before or after pregnancy had a higher prevalence of VRRP and may comprise a population who would benefit from additional family planning resources.
Knowledge‐brokering activities as enactors of innovative constructive deviance in open R&D projects
Authors: Larif Sana , Essid Moez , Castellano Sylvaine , Khelladi Insaf
Published: October 2023

Despite the two sides of deviant behaviors and the fact that knowledge brokers are sometimes presented in a negative light due to their unique position, this article unveils from an innovation perspective how these two intricate individual‐level concepts bring positive outcomes in complex environments. While previous work has highlighted the positive impact of constructive workplace deviance on organizations and their members, research on the antecedents of such deviance is scarce. We use knowledge brokers as an unexplored and pertinent means of enacting innovative constructive deviance. Indeed, knowledge brokering supports innovation by connecting, recombining, and transferring disconnected pools of ideas. A case study of a high‐tech company was conducted. We focused on three B2C and B2B co‐creation projects as one of the main open innovation strategies. The results suggest that knowledge‐brokering activities with customers or partner firms enact innovative constructive deviance in different ways and accelerate creativity and innovation within the organization. This paper contributes to the debate on deviant behaviors and brokering activities within the open innovation paradigm. We enrich the microfoundational perspective of the open innovation literature, shed light on the determinants of innovative constructive deviance, and provide empirical evidence of the relationship between brokering activities and deviant behavior. On a managerial level, the findings suggest that knowledge‐brokering activities among multiple stakeholders foster innovative behaviors within co‐creation projects.
Understanding the seagrass‐sediment‐light feedback to guide restoration planning: a case study using Zostera muelleri
Authors: Dalby Oliver , Coleman Rhys A. , Tan Yi Mei , Jennings Geordie , Cook Perran L. M. , Jackson Emma L. , Macreadie Peter I. , Sherman Craig D. H.
Published: October 2023

Seagrass ecosystems are ecologically important but are declining worldwide, prompting restoration efforts. However, restoration success is partially reliant on ensuring that donor material and planting methods are suitable under the environmental conditions expected within restoration sites. This may require planting at critical densities needed to initiate favorable environmental feedbacks, ensuring plants are pre‐adapted to local conditions, and setting realistic restoration goals. An understanding of the relationship between local environmental conditions (e.g. the local light environment and seagrass structural complexity) can be particularly important in guiding restoration decision‐making. Here, we investigate how sediment‐light conditions interact with seagrass structural complexity (density and above‐ground morphology) to guide restoration planting approaches for the intertidal seagrass Zostera muelleri. Using generalized additive models and empirical data, we identified significant relationships between the local sediment‐light environment and the structural complexity of Z. muelleri meadows present in Western Port, Victoria, southeast Australia. We found a decrease in shoot density and leaf length with decreasing light availability, potentially reflective of an adaptive change in the species morphology in response to low‐light environments. We also found a decrease in sediment sorting and increased fine particles with increasing meadow structural complexity, suggesting that seagrass structural complexity increases sediment stability, and accretion, and may contribute to local water clarity via ecological feedbacks. These findings suggest that understanding both environmental drivers and the potential for ecological feedbacks to occur is needed before large‐scale planting begins and that restoration targets should reflect the meadow form most likely to occur under the environmental conditions present.
A new hope for vascular access, modifying a new technique: The Surfacer® Inside‐Out Access Catheter System and sharp recanalization
Authors: Rau Melissa , Alba Esther , Valcarcel Joana , Landa Jaid , Sandoval Diego
Published: October 2023

Vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis (HD) continues to be the keystone of the technique's success. The first option should be an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG), although in some scenarios the only possibility available is a central venous catheter, which could lead to an increase in vascular complications such as thoracic central vein occlusion (TCVO), becoming a challenge for physicians. If conventional therapies cannot be performed, a new device called the Surfacer® Inside‐Out® Access Catheter System (IOA) (Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, San Antonio, TX, USA) arises as a promising alternative. Here we describe the case of a patient in which we performed a combination of two techniques: sharp recanalization plus Surfacer® Inside‐Out® Access Catheter System.
Satisfaction of basic psychological needs and European entrepreneurs' well‐being and health: The association with job satisfaction and entrepreneurial motivation
Authors: Padilla‐Angulo Laura , Lucia‐Casademunt Ana M. , Gómez‐Baya Diego
Published: October 2023

Purpose

We examine an integrative model associating entrepreneurial motivation and job satisfaction with basic psychological needs satisfaction and the psychological well‐being (PWB) and health problems of European entrepreneurs. In contrast with previous literature that focuses mainly on hedonic well‐being, this study examines well‐being by using a eudaimonic perspective and the link between entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurs' PWB.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the self‐determination theory (SDT) and using structural equation modeling, this study examines a European representative sample composed of 7,878 entrepreneurs from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey (6th EWCS; Eurofound [2015] database).

Findings

This study finds a positive relationship between the satisfaction of the need for autonomy and competence and opportunity motivation, which in turn is positively associated with job satisfaction. This study also finds that need satisfaction is positively associated with entrepreneurs' PWB and job satisfaction, which in turn is positively associated with entrepreneurs' PWB and health. Results highlight the relevance of SDT, opportunity motivation, and job satisfaction to understanding entrepreneurs' PWB and health.

Originality

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first integrative model relating satisfaction of basic psychological needs (autonomy and competence) and diverse individual outcomes related to work (job satisfaction, PWB, and health) of European entrepreneurs by considering entrepreneurial motivation. This study examines a large and representative European sample, in contrast with previous research focusing on the Anglosphere nations.
Establishing hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for the endangered Lear's macaw (Anodorhynchus leari)
Authors: da Costa Machado Paula , da Motta Lima Caio Filipe , Ramos Patrícia Locosque , Chagas Carolina Romeiro Fernandes , Borges Salgado Paula Andrea
Published: October 2023

Background

The Lear's macaw, Anodorhynchus leari (Psittaciformes, Psittacidae), is an endemic species of the Caatinga region in Brazil. With only a few free‐living individuals that are constantly under threat from agricultural clearance, hunting, and trapping, A. leari is classified as “endangered” by the Red Book of Endangered Brazilian Fauna and by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. At the same time, the number of individuals in captivity has been growing due to the efforts of biologists and veterinarians in zoological parks to reproduce this species. Thus, having species‐specific reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical measurands is essential to assess the health status of these captive and wild birds and guarantee their reproductive success.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical measurands for A. leari kept in captivity in São Paulo Zoo, Brazil.

Methods

Blood samples from 32 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only samples from adults and healthy individuals were included in this study. All statistical analyses were performed according to the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines and available literature.

Results

Reference values and reference intervals were determined for the captive population of Anodorhynchus leari.

Conclusions

This is the first study to establish reference intervals for A. leari, which can aid the veterinarian in the interpretation of laboratory test results, helping in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases of this endangered species of Brazilian fauna.
Responses of ventral respiratory neurones in the rat to vagus stimulation and the functional division of expiration.
Authors: Parkes M J , Lara‐Muñoz J P , Izzo P N , Spyer K M
Published: October 2023

In anaesthetized rats, extracellular and intracellular recordings were taken from 106 respiratory neurones in the intermediate region of the nucleus ambiguus. We observed unprovoked shortening of expiratory time accompanied, in all classes of respiratory neurone, by the elimination of the changes in membrane potential that were characteristic of stage II expiration. The demonstration of the elimination of stage II expiration in both the rat and cat strongly supports the functional division of expiration into stage I expiration (post‐inspiration) and stage II expiration. In order to identify the neurones in the rat that receive inputs from vagal afferents and modulate the central respiratory rhythm, we examined whether any respiratory neurones responded to stimulation of the vagus nerve. Some post‐inspiratory and stage II expiratory neurones responded. The short latency (< 2 ms) of four of the responses indicates that some vagal afferents act on post‐inspiratory neurones via a disynaptic pathway. While repetitive stimulation of the vagus nerve could inhibit the phrenic rhythm, it appears that most inspiratory neurones in the intermediate region of the nucleus ambiguous complex are not directly involved in integrating the information from vagal afferents with the central respiratory rhythm.
Interleukin‐1 beta production in the rabbit brain during endotoxin‐induced fever.
Authors: Nakamori T , Morimoto A , Yamaguchi K , Watanabe T , Murakami N
Published: October 2023

Interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1 beta) production in the brain and the spleen was investigated in rabbits made febrile by intravenous (I.V.) injection of endotoxin, or human recombinant IL‐1 beta (hIL‐1 beta). The endotoxin used in the present study was the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Salmonella typhosa endotoxin. Monophasic fever was induced by I.V. injection of a low dose of LPS (0.02 micrograms kg‐1) and biphasic fever by I.V. injection of a large dose of LPS (4 micrograms kg‐1), a sublethal dose of LPS (40 micrograms kg‐1) or hIL‐1 beta (2 micrograms kg‐1). In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies revealed that, although no IL‐1 beta production was observed in the brain at 1 and 3 h after injection of a low dose of LPS (0.02 micrograms kg‐1) or of hIL‐1 beta (2 micrograms kg‐1), IL‐1 beta production was demonstrated in organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and some cells around the blood vessels in the parenchyma 1 h after 4 micrograms kg‐1 LPS. IL‐1 beta production was detected throughout the brain after 40 micrograms kg‐1 LPS. Pretreatment with indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, did not affect IL‐1 beta production in the brain induced by 4 micrograms kg‐1 LPS. The cell type which produces IL‐1 beta in the OVLT following LPS injection was confirmed to be a macrophage by electron microscopy. The cells producing IL‐1 beta in the parenchyma were determined to be microglial cells. In the spleen, each dose of LPS induced a significant increase in IL‐1 beta production in polymorphonuclear cells and macrophages in the red pulp 1 h after injection. However, 2 micrograms kg‐1 hIL‐1 beta did not induce IL‐1 beta production in the spleen. The present results show clearly that systemic administration of LPS induces IL‐1 beta production in the OVLT which may be responsible for induction of the second phase of biphasic fever. The production of IL‐1 beta in the OVLT was not attributable to the action of peripherally synthesized IL‐1 beta or prostaglandins.
Transcription factors SltA and CrzA reversely regulate calcium homeostasis under calcium-limited conditions
Authors: Dai Mengyao , Du Wenlong , Lu Ling , Zhang Shizhu
Published: October 2023

The maintenance of cellular calcium homeostasis in response to calcium supply is required for a wide range of physiological processes in fungi, including growth, development, and virulence. In
Aspergillus
, the transcription factor CrzA is involved in efficient regulation of calcium homeostasis, especially under calcium-repleted conditions. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms under calcium-limited conditions remain unclear. Here, we found that a highly conserved transcription factor, SltA, known for its roles in salt tolerance and azole resistance, can confer adaptation to calcium-limited conditions in
Aspergillus fumigatus
. Loss of
sltA
caused severe growth defects with abnormal expressions of calcium metabolism-related genes, which resulted in a decreased cytosolic calcium transient under calcium-limited conditions, while the addition of calcium rescued all defective phenotypes in the Δ
sltA
mutant. Moreover,
A. fumigatus
SltA undergoes a proteolysis modification that depends on SltB, a chymotrypsin-like serine protease. Strikingly,
A. fumigatus
SltA plays a reverse role to CrzA in the regulation of expressions of calcium metabolism-related genes. Deletion of
crzA
significantly suppressed the growth defect of the Δ
sltA
mutant. Deletion of
sltA
led to highly expressed CrzA with a constant nuclear location under calcium-limited conditions, demonstrating that there exists a mutually restricted network regulated by SltA and CrzA to adapt to calcium-limited conditions. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed that SltA directly binds to a subset of genes involved in calcium metabolism via a conserved motif. These findings expand knowledge on the regulatory circuits of the Ca
2+
signaling pathway.

IMPORTANCE

Calcium ions are ubiquitous intracellular signaling molecules for many signaling pathways regulating the fungal response to stress and antifungal drugs. The concentration of intracellular calcium is tightly regulated in its storage, release, and distribution. CrzA is the best-studied transcription factor that regulates this process under sufficient calcium or other external signals. However, CrzA was excluded from nuclei and then lost transcriptional activation under calcium-limited conditions. The regulators in the Ca
2+
signaling pathway under calcium-limited conditions remain unclear. Here, we identified SltA as a key regulator in the Ca
2+
signaling pathway under calcium-limited conditions, and the underlying mechanisms were further explored in
Aspergillus fumigatus
. These findings reveal a transcriptional control pathway that precisely regulates calcium homeostasis under calcium-limited conditions.
Protein-based vaccine candidate MecVax broadly protects against enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
intestinal colonization in a rabbit model
Authors: Upadhyay Ipshita , Parvej Shafiullah M. D. , Shen Yiyang , Li Siqi , Lauder Kathryn L. , Zhang Chongyang , Zhang Weiping
Published: October 2023

There are no vaccines licensed against enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC), a leading cause of children’s diarrhea and the most common cause of travelers’ diarrhea. Multivalent vaccine candidate MecVax unprecedentedly targets two ETEC enterotoxins (heat-stable toxin, STa; heat-labile toxin, LT) and the seven most prevalent ETEC adhesins (colonization factor antigen, CFA/I, coli surface antigens, CS1–CS6) and has been demonstrated preclinically to protect against STa- and LT-mediated ETEC clinical diarrhea and prevent intestinal colonization from ETEC strain H10407 (CFA/I, STa, LT). However, it is unattested whether MecVax broadly protects against intestinal colonization from ETEC strains producing the other six adhesins (CS1–CS6) also targeted by this product. In this study, we immunized rabbits with MecVax and challenged them with heterogeneous ETEC strains that express CS1–CS6 adhesins to evaluate MecVax’s efficacy against bacterial intestinal colonization, thus providing broad vaccine protection against ETEC infection. Data revealed that rabbits intramuscularly immunized with MecVax developed robust responses to both ETEC enterotoxins (STa, LT) and seven adhesins (CFA/I, CS1–CS6), and when challenged with ETEC isolates expressing CS1/CS3, CS2/CS3, CS4/CS6, CS5/CS6, or CS6 adhesin, the immunized rabbits prevented over two logs (>99%) of bacteria from colonization in small intestines. Additionally, compared to a CFA-toxoid fusion protein, which is another potential ETEC vaccine antigen to target two ETEC enterotoxins and the seven adhesins, MecVax exhibited better protection against ETEC intestinal colonization. These results, in conjunction with the protection data from early studies, evidenced that MecVax is broadly protective, validating MecVax’s candidacy as an effective vaccine against ETEC-associated diarrhea and accelerating ETEC vaccine development.
Development and application of a competitive ELISA for the detection of antibodies against
Salmonella
Abortusequi in equids
Authors: Guo Kui , Guo Wei , Liu Diqiu , Zhang Weiguo , Yang Yan , Zhang Zenan , Li Shuaijie , Wang Jinhui , Chu Xiaoyu , Wang Yaoxin , Hu Zhe , Wang Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

The high abortion rate associated with
Salmonella
Abortusequi (
S
. Abortusequi) infection in equids has re-emerged over the past 10 years and has caused serious economic losses to China. Our previous studies showed that the flagellin FljB gene could distinguish
S
. Abortusequi from most
Salmonella
serotypes. In this study, the flagellin antigen was used to develop a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) that could be used to detect both horse and donkey serum samples using a monoclonal antibody (MAb) that was found to bind to FljB. A cELISA was established using the purified MAb coating of the plate and incubation of the mixture of horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated FljB antigen with the undiluted serum sample. The performance of the cELISA and the tube agglutination test (TAT) assay was compared with respect to sensitivity and specificity, by testing a panel containing 660
S
. Abortusequi-positive and 515
S
. Abortusequi-negative serum samples, all of which had been characterized by Western blotting. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the cutoff value and estimate the detection specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se). ROC analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of cELISA [AUC = 0.9941; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9898–0.9984] were higher than those of TAT (AUC = 0.7705; 95% Cl, 0.7437–0.7972). A cutoff value of 39.5% was selected with Sp and Se values of 100 (95% Cl, 99.26–100.00) and 97.58 (95% Cl, 96.10–98.50), respectively. The cELISA has excellent futures compared with TAT, such as shortened detection time, no need for pre-treatment of sera, and easy interpretation of the results, and is more suitable for disease surveillance.
Law enforcement and firearms: understanding firearm ownership and storage habits
Authors: Bond Allison E , Stanley Ian , Bandel Shelby L , Anestis Michael
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study seeks to better understand firearm ownership among law enforcement officers (LEO), with the goal of informing future firearm injury and suicide prevention efforts. We describe the frequency and sociodemographic correlates of firearm ownership and storage practices among, and examine the association between suicidal ideation and current firearm storage practices.

Methods

The present study used data from a large online study (n=6410) and included data from individuals who were currently or previously being employed as an LEO (n=369;M(SD) age=39.2 y (15.8 y), 75.2% male, 66.7% white). Self-report measures were used to assess for firearm ownership, storage habits and suicidal ideation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency of firearm ownership and logistic regressions were used to examine the extent to which demographic characteristics and suicidal ideation were associated with firearm ownership.

Results

Overall, 70.5% (n=261) of the sample reported firearm ownership. LEO who were older had significantly lower odds of reporting firearm ownership. Those who were married and those who reported lifetime suicidal ideation had significantly greater odds of reporting firearm ownership. Whereas firearm-owning LEO who reporting storing a firearm locked had significantly lower odds of reporting lifetime suicidal ideation, those who reported storing a firearm unloaded had significantly greater odds of reporting lifetime suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Findings have important public health implications and can be used to increase adherence with secure storage recommendations. Increasing secure storage may help reduce suicide risk among LEO, a sample at heightened risk for suicide.
Detailed clinical, physiological and pathological phenotyping can impact access to disease-modifying treatments in ATTR carriers
Authors: Beauvais Diane , Labeyrie Céline , Cauquil Cécile , Francou Bruno , Eliahou Ludivine , Not Adeline , Echaniz-Laguna Andoni , Adam Clovis , Slama Michel S , Benmalek Anouar , Leonardi Luca , Rouzet François , Adams David , Algalarrondo Vincent , Beaudonnet Guillemette
Published: October 2023

Background

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis is a life-threatening autosomal dominant systemic disease due to pathogenicTTRvariants (ATTRv), mostly affecting the peripheral nerves and heart. The disease is characterised by a combination of symptoms, organ involvement and histological amyloid deposition. The available disease-modifying ATTRv treatments (DMTs) are more effective if initiated early. Pathological nerve conduction studies (NCS) results are the cornerstone of large-fibre polyneuropathy diagnosis, but this anomaly occurs late in the disease. We investigated the utility of a multimodal neurological and cardiac evaluation for detecting early disease onset in ATTRv carriers.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed a cohort of ATTRv carriers with normal NCS results regardless of symptoms. Multimodal denervation and infiltration evaluations included a clinical questionnaire (Lauria and New York Heart Association (NYHA)) and examination, intra-epidermal nerve fibre density assessment, autonomic assessment based on heart rate variability, Sudoscan, meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine scintigraphy, cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, MRI and searches for amyloidosis on skin biopsy and bone scintigraphy.

Results

We included 130 ATTRv carriers (40.8% men, age: 43.6±13.5 years), with 18 amyloidogenicTTRgene mutations, the majority of which was the late-onset Val30Met variant (42.3%). Amyloidosis was detected in 16.9% of mutation carriers, including 9 (6.9%) with overt disease (Lauria>2 or NYHA>1) and 13 asymptomatic carriers (10%) with organ involvement (small-fibre neuropathy or cardiomyopathy). Most of these patients received DMT. Abnormal test results of unknown significance were obtained for 105 carriers (80.8%). Investigations were normal in only three carriers (2.3%).

Conclusions

Multimodal neurological and cardiac investigation of TTRv carriers is crucial for the early detection of ATTRv amyloidosis and initiation of DMT.
Effect of cold winters on the risk of new asthma: a case-crossover study in Finland
Authors: Belachew Abate Bekele , Rantala Aino K , Jaakkola Maritta S , Hugg Timo T , Ruuhela Reija , Kukkonen Jaakko , Jaakkola Jouni J K
Published: October 2023

Background

Cold weather increases respiratory symptoms and provokes exacerbations of asthma, but there are no previous studies on its role in the aetiology of asthma.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that a cold winter increases the risk of developing asthma during the following 1 to 2 years.

Methods

We conducted a case-crossover study of 315 newly diagnosed cases of asthma from the population-based Espoo Cohort Study from birth to the age of 27 years. The hazard period constituted 3 winter months preceding the onset of asthma and bidirectional reference periods of 1 year before hazard period and 1 year after onset of asthma. Exposure constituted average ambient temperature during the winter months of December, January and February. The outcome of interest was new doctor-diagnosed asthma. The measure of effect was OR of asthma estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

The average winter temperature for the study period from winter 1983 to 2010 was −4.4°C (range −10.7 to 0.4). A 1°C decrease in the average winter temperature predicted a 7% increase in the risk of new asthma (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.13). A cold winter with an average temperature below the climate normal value (−4.5°C; period 1981–2010) increased the risk of new asthma by 41% during the following year (OR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.90).

Conclusions

This case-crossover study provides original evidence that a cold winter with below normal average temperatures increases the risk of developing new asthma during the following 1 to 2 years.
Seasonal hydrology and gas transport in a composite cover on sulfide tailings
Authors: Zhang Aria , Bain Jeff , Schmall Adrienne , Ptacek Carol J. , Blowes David W.
Published: October 2023

This study presents the field performance of a five-layer composite cover to mitigate acid mine drainage in legacy sulfide tailings in northern Ontario, Canada. Installed in 2008, this cover comprised sand, clay, geosynthetic clay liner, sand, and waste rock layers. To evaluate the effectiveness of the cover in reducing water and oxygen ingress, groundwater and vadose zone hydrological characterization, stable water isotope analysis, pore-gas measurements, oxygen flux calculations, and variably saturated flow modeling were conducted. The results indicate that the clay layer stayed nearly saturated in the spring, fall, and winter, but temporary desiccation occurred during the summer. Compared to uncovered tailings, the cover significantly lowered diffusive oxygen flux. In the summer, fall, and winter, the capillary barrier effect of the cover functioned effectively and inhibited percolation. Atmospheric pore-gas oxygen concentrations at one out of the three monitoring locations indicate potential cover imperfections that enabled oxygen transport into the tailings. In the spring and early summer, snowmelt infiltration resulted in percolation that compromised the capillary barrier effect, as well as lateral drainage. The resulting increase in water saturation in the cover limited oxygen transport. Despite potential cover imperfections, this composite cover reduced oxygen and water ingress a decade after installation.
Extracting the energy and angular momentum of a Kerr black hole
Authors: Rueda J. A. , Ruffini R.
Published: October 2023

It has been thought for decades that rotating black holes (BHs) power the energetic gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and active galactic nuclei (AGNs), but the mechanism that extracts the BH energy has remained elusive. We here show that the solution to this problem arises when the BH is immersed in an external magnetic field and ionized low-density matter. For a magnetic field parallel to the BH spin, the induced electric field accelerates electrons outward and protons inward in a conical region, centered on the BH rotation axis, and of semi-aperture angle $$\theta \approx 60^\circ $$

θ
≈

60
∘

from the BH rotation axis. For an antiparallel magnetic field, protons and electrons exchange their roles. The particles that are accelerated outward radiate off energy and angular momentum to infinity. The BH powers the process by reducing its energy and angular momentum by capturing polar protons and equatorial electrons with net negative energy and angular momentum. The electric potential allows for negative energy states outside the BH ergosphere, so the latter does not play any role in this electrodynamical BH energy extraction process.
The Benefits of Loving Kindness Meditation for Helping Professionals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Watson Tracy , Watts Lynelle , Waters Rebecca , Hodgson David
Published: October 2023

Helping professionals are at risk of experiencing adverse health and psychological problems when working in roles where they are continually exposed to the emotional distress of others. The term compassion fatigue was coined to describe symptoms of emotional and physical fatigue experienced by workers in these environments. However, empirical research contends that compassion does not cause fatigue, rather compassion is said to foster well-being and is neurologically rejuvenating. The objective of this review was to examine the scientific literature which investigated the compassion-enhancing practice of loving kindness meditation (LKM). This review suggests that LKM can be seen as an alternate strategy to reduce stress, ease empathic distress, and increase positive affect.
White Matter Integrity Abnormalities in Healthy Overweight Individuals Revealed by Whole Brain Meta-Analysis of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Studies
Authors: Cheng Xiaodong , Wang Wenchang , Sun Chen , Sun Yana , Zhou Cong
Published: October 2023

Objective. This study aimed to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) to investigate white matter (WM) abnormalities in healthy individuals with overweight or obesity. Methods. A systematic literature search using Web of Science and PubMed datasets was performed. Original investigations that used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to explore fractional anisotropy (FA) differences between healthy overweight/obese individuals and normal weight controls were collected. The meta-analysis was conducted using the seed-based d mapping (SDM) software, employing stringent thresholds for significance. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression analysis were also performed to examine the robustness of the results and explore potential associations with age and body mass index (BMI). Results. The analysis included five studies comprising 232 overweight/obese individuals and 219 healthy normal weight controls. The findings showed that overweight/obese individuals exhibited reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in specific regions, namely, the right superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), the splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), and the right median network, cingulum. Meta-regression analysis further revealed that these FA reductions were associated with age. Conclusion. These findings provided insights into the potential impact of overweight/obesity on cognition, emotion, and neural functions and highlighted the significance of early prevention and intervention for overweight on the basis of neuroimaging.
TABLE 1 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Overview of cells per sample included in analysis.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Lymphocytes with various degrees of dysfunction and immune-suppression
Supplementary Figure S4 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Characterisation of Ewing sarcoma tumor cell clusters
Taxonomic survey on the genus Limonium in the Maltese islands, with description of a new species
Authors: AGIUS DOLORES RITA , GALEA MARIA ELIZABETH , CAMBRIA SALVATORE , GALDO GIANPIETRO GIUSSO DEL , BRULLO SALVATORE
Published: October 2023

The native species of the genus Limonium (Plumbaginaceae) occurring in the Maltese Islands are investigated. According to current literature, this genus is hitherto represented in this territory by L. virgatum, L. zeraphae and L. melitense, but recent field surveys led to the discovery of a new species growing exclusively on the islet of Cominotto and described as L. lanfrancoi. The latter, for some morphological features regarding the vegetative and reproductive traits, shows closer relationships with L. melitensis, from which, however, it differs in several diacritical characters. For each species, a detailed illustration and a new morphological description based on rich herbarium materials are provided, as well as information on their typification, synonymy, phenology, ecology, distribution, conservation status and a list of examined herbarium specimens is given. Besides, an updating analytical key has been elaborated.
Myoxanthus anancusiensis (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from the inter-Andean valley of Huancavelica, Peru
Authors: CUADROS-ROJAS ROBINSON DANIEL , QUISPE-MELGAR HAROLD RUSBELTH , CALDERON-QUISPE FERNANDO H. , SINGER RODRIGO B.
Published: October 2023

We report a new species of Myoxanthus from Huancavelica, Peru. Myoxanthus anancusiensis is described, illustrated, and compared with its similar species M. serripetalus and M. oliviae. We carried out a systematic review of the herbarium information of Myoxanthus species reported for Peru and compared the morphological characteristics of similar species, to rule out overlooking already described taxa. The new species is characterized by being a medium-sized plant with a terrestrial habit that grows at an elevation of 2800 m. The flower is cherry-red in color with slightly yellow striations. The sepals present a smooth adaxial surface, and the petals are oblong-caudate with entire margin. The labellum is oblong-elliptic and fimbriate with lateral lobes erect. The new species represents an important record for the flora of the inter-Andean valleys of central Peru in the department of Huancavelica and suggests that carrying out more expeditions in this type of ecosystem is desirable.
An updated taxonomic treatment for Saxifraga callosa sensu amplo (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: TAVILLA GIANMARCO , GUACCHIO EMANUELE DEL
Published: October 2023

Saxifraga callosa sensu amplo is a western Mediterranean orophilous taxon that is highly variable in morphology and whose populations tend toward isolation and diversification. According to the most followed treatment, it includes S. callosa subsp. callosa in SE France and Italy and subsp. catalaunica in Spain, often regarded as a distinct species. Within the autonym subspecies, two varieties are recognized by most authors, i.e., S. callosa var. callosa, occupying the northern part of the species range, and var. australis, occurring throughout the Apennines, in Sardinia and Sicily. Saxifraga lantoscana, described from SE France and reported for several localities also in NE Italy is a debated taxon, generally included in S. callosa subsp. callosa. In this contribution, we propose an updated taxonomic treatment that takes in account floristic, molecular, morphometric, and phytosociological data. According to this synthesis, S. catalaunica is a distinct species endemic to NE Spain, while S. callosa var. australis is re-evaluated at subspecific rank, with validation of the proper combination. Saxifraga lantoscana is recognized as the hybrid between S. callosa subsp. callosa and S. cochlearis. Finally, a full synonymy consistent with our proposal is provided.
The Predatory Paradox
Authors: Koerber Amy , Starkey Jesse C. , Ardon-Dryer Karin , Cummins R. Glenn , Eko Lyombe , Kee Kerk F.
Published: October 2023

In today’s ‘publish or perish’ academic setting, the institutional prizing of quantity over quality has given rise to and perpetuated the dilemma of predatory publishing. Upon a close examination, however, the definition of ‘predatory’ itself becomes slippery, evading neat boxes or lists which might seek to easily define and guard against it. This volume serves to foreground a nuanced representation of this multifaceted issue. In such a rapidly evolving landscape, this book becomes a field guide to its historical, political, and economic aspects, presenting thoughtful interviews, legal analysis and original research. Case studies from both European-American and non-European-American stakeholders emphasize the worldwide nature of the challenge faced by researchers of all levels.

This coauthored book is structured into both textual and supplemental materials. Key takeaways, discussion questions, and complete classroom activities accompanying each chapter provide opportunities for engagement and real-world applications of these concepts.

Crucially relevant to early career researchers and the senior faculty, library scholars, and administrators who mentor and support them, 'The Predatory Paradox: Ethics, Politics, and Practices in Contemporary Scholarly Publishing' offers practical recommendations for navigating the complex and often contradictory advice currently available. University instructors and teaching faculty will also find the reading essential in order to properly prepare both graduate and undergraduate students for the potential pitfalls endemic to scholarly publishing.
Coming from a Good Pond: The Influence of a New Venture’s Founding Ecosystem on Accelerator Performance
Authors: Fehder Daniel C.
Published: October 2023

Startup accelerators, which aim to improve the set of choices representing a startup’s entry strategy, have become increasingly influential in both regional development and the strategies of individual startups. This article explores an accelerator’s impact on startup performance and whether that impact varies substantially by features of the startup’s founding environment. Leveraging data from a leading startup accelerator, I use a regression discontinuity framework to hold startup quality constant so that I can compare the performance of admitted startups to those that do not make the cut, and I examine whether any observed performance differentials are driven by accelerator admission and by characteristics of the startup’s earlier environment. I find evidence that startups from better pre-accelerator environments experience stronger gains from accelerator admission. I also find evidence of home bias, as local startups have a stronger treatment effect. These results provide evidence of ecosystem effects whereby the impact of one organizational sponsor in an ecosystem is strongly moderated by other features in the ecosystem. The findings help to explain the concentration of accelerator programs in already successful entrepreneurial ecosystems and reveal how such programs may interact with founding environments to complement resource abundance or magnify prior resource inequalities.
Untangling alternative organising within and beyond capitalist relations: The case of a free food store
Authors: Alakavuklar Ozan Nadir
Published: October 2023

How do prevailing economic relations enable non-capitalist forms of alternative organising? Through an ethnographic case study of a free food store, I illustrate how an alternative organisational form emerges through the entanglement of diverse economic practices. By tracing the journey of the surplus food, I argue that the use value of food and labour plays a crucial role in mediating alternative economic, symbolic and political relations. Furthermore, the relationality of diverse economic practices reveals a non-capitalist parasitic alternative organising sustained by/for the community. This study contributes to the literature on alternative organising by introducing use value as a theoretical tool to untangle the intricate relationship between capitalist and non-capitalist economic practices from a critical political economy perspective.
The Anti-Affirmative Action Avalanche: The Rise of Underrepresented Minority Enrollment at For-Profit Institutions
Authors: Mickey-Pabello David
Published: October 2023

The study of affirmative action bans suffers from focusing on the ivory tower as the site for the impacts of affirmative action bans. Prior literature on affirmative action bans has missed the bigger picture, failing to see that less glamorous schools have also been impacted by the bans. This article fully fleshes out the impacts of affirmative action on postsecondary education by their level of selectivity (Barron’s Admissions Competitiveness Index) and sector (private, public, and for profit) from a merged data set (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and the Current Population Survey) spanning 1991 to 2016. The results of a differences-in-differences analysis find that a small group of for-profit institutions with very large enrollments became a destination for underrepresented minority students in the wake of affirmative action bans.
Evolution of the Memorable Tourism Experience and Future Research Prospects
Authors: Kim Jong-Hyeong , Badu-Baiden Frank , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Koseoglu Mehmet Ali , Baah Nancy Grace
Published: October 2023

Because of their significance, research on memorable tourism experiences (MTEs) has rapidly increased in the last decade. However, few comprehensive studies have traced knowledge creation and dissemination in this important research area. To address this gap, 104 articles focused on MTEs from eight tourism journals were analyzed. This study applied multiple approaches, including a trend analysis of prevailing research themes and keywords, bibliometric analysis, and content analysis, generating suggestions for future research. Among the meaningful results, this study identified three research streams: the experience economy, the nomological network analysis of MTEs, and remembered experience analysis. Additional findings from a content analysis, and nine future research agendas were produced. Thus, by improving the understanding of customers’ MTEs, our findings not only open paths for future research but also have implications for industry.
Pathological Characterization of Spontaneous AA Amyloidosis in Microminipigs
Authors: Inoue Misaki , Miyazaki Shinya , Kobayashi Natsumi , Kangawa Akihisa , Murakami Tomoaki
Published: October 2023

The minipig has been used as a non-rodent species in nonclinical toxicology studies, but little is known about amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis in this species. Among domestic pigs, reports of AA amyloidosis have been limited to animals with mutations in the N-terminal residue of serum AA (SAA), which is thought to be a primary etiological factor. In this study, we histologically examined 26 microminipigs aged 0.6 to 10 years and observed amyloid deposition in one 0.6-year-old and six 5-year-old or older microminipigs. The amyloid deposits were identified as AA based on mass spectrometry (MS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The 0.6-year-old microminipig showed severe deposition in the renal cortex and spleen, whereas 5-year-old or older animals had severe deposition in the renal medulla. MS and IHC detected serum amyloid P-component (SAP) in amyloid deposits in older animals but not in a 0.6-year-old animals. Based on the proteomic analysis and gene sequencing, amino acid mutations of SAA, previously found in domestic pigs, were not involved in the pathogenesis of AA amyloidosis in microminipigs. This study demonstrates that microminipigs with wild-type SAA develop AA amyloidosis and presents the possibility that differences in the environment surrounding amyloid, such as SAP, may influence differences in the pathological phenotype.
Then is now: The necessity of exploring cultural context and intergenerational cultural trauma in dramatherapeutic training
Authors: Mendelson Katya
Published: October 2023

Cultural trauma is passed down through generations, influencing interpersonal relations. Avoidance or denial of intergenerational cultural trauma’s (ICT) cumulative effects can impede dramatherapists’ ability to analyse countertransference and develop cultural empathy. Lack of exploration of how personal cultural context intersects with that of clients can hinder self-knowledge and recognition of similarities, differences and tensions within the therapeutic relationship. This article details my retrospective identification of ICT’s influence while working with a refugee and asylum seeker drama group prior to my dramatherapeutic training. I analyse how limited knowledge of ICT hindered productive exploration of the participants’ racialised perspectives. Contrastingly, Thorn’s 2011 case study exemplifies how ICT engagement can increase a dramatherapist’s self-knowledge and understanding of client experiences and perspectives. This article explores how discomfort elicited by racial and ethnic focus can lead to avoidance, diminishing the dramatherapist’s ability to understand clients’ lived experience. It also pinpoints colour-blind racial ideology’s negative impact, alongside the limitations of intellectual understanding alone when engaging with cultural realities. Consequently, this article promotes experiential exploration of cultural context in dramatherapy training. It supports incorporation of Powell’s Embodied Multicultural Assessment model, with additional ICT focus, as this could prove invaluable to trainees’ professional development.