bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staphylococcus spp. as part of the microbiota and as opportunistic pathogen in free‐ranging black‐tuffed marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) from urban areas: Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathology
Authors: dos Santos Daniel Oliveira , de Campos Bruna Hermine , de Souza Thayanne Gabryelle Viana , de Castro Yasmin Gonçalves , Alves Neto Geraldo , Vieira André Duarte , Ribeiro Letícia Neves , de Figueiredo Caio Castro Cunha , Duarte Janaina Ribeiro , Amaral Vinícius Henrique Barbosa , dos Souza Lucas Reis de , de Paula Nayara Ferreira , Coelho Carlyle Mendes , Tinoco Herlandes Penha , Oliveira Ayisa Rodrigues , de Carvalho Marcelo Pires Nogueira , Silva Rodrigo Otávio Silveira , Santos Renato Lima
Published: August 2024

Background

Marmosets (Callithrix sp.), including black‐tuffed marmosets (C. penicillata), are neotropical primates that can be highly adapted to urban environments, especially parks and forested areas near cities. Staphylococcus spp. are part of the microbiota of many different hosts and lead to opportunistic severe infection. Isolates from wild animals can be resistant to antimicrobial drugs. However, there are a few studies that evaluated Staphylococcus spp. in neotropical primates. The goal of this study was to evaluate Staphylococcus spp. isolated from free‐ranging black‐tuffed marmosets.

Methods

Marmosets were captured in six urban parks. After sedation, skin and rectal swabs and feces were sampled. Staphylococcus spp. isolates were identified by MALDI‐ToF and their antimicrobial susceptibility was determined.

Results

Over 30% of captured individuals were positive for Staphylococcus spp., and S. aureus was the most isolated species followed by Mammaliicoccus (Staphylococcus) sciuri. With the exception of the marmoset subjected to necropsy, none of the other had lesions, which supports that notion that Staphylococcus spp. are members of the microbiota, but also opportunistic pathogens. Most isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested; however, one isolate of S. epidermidis was resistant to multiple antimicrobials (penicillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, and erythromycin). We considered S. aureus as the main staphylococci to colonize black‐tuffed marmosets.

Conclusions

Black‐tuffed marmosets can be colonized by several Staphylococcus species, most frequently by S. aureus, and the majority of isolates were sensible to the antimicrobials tested. One S. epidermidis isolate was considered multidrug resistant.
Sexual dimorphism and allometry in human scapula shape
Authors: Lee Erin C. S. , Lawrence Rebekah L. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: August 2024

Scapula shape is highly variable across humans and appears to be sexually dimorphic—differing significantly between biological males and females. However, previous investigations of sexual dimorphism in scapula shape have not considered the effects of allometry (the relationship between size and shape). Disentangling allometry from sexual dimorphism is necessary because apparent sex‐based differences in shape could be due to inherent differences in body size. This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in scapula shape and examine the role of allometry in sex‐based variation. We used three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics with Procrustes ANOVA to quantify scapula shape variation associated with sex and size in 125 scapulae. Scapula shape significantly differed between males and females, and males tended to have larger scapulae than females for the same body height. We found that males and females exhibited distinct allometric relationships, and sexually dimorphic shape changes did not align with male‐ or female‐specific allometry. A secondary test revealed that sexual dimorphism in scapula shape persisted between males and females of similar body heights. Overall, our findings indicate that there are sex‐based differences in scapula shape that cannot be attributed to size‐shape relationships. Our results shed light on the potential role of sexual selection in human shoulder evolution, present new hypotheses for biomechanical differences in shoulder function between sexes, and identify relevant traits for improving sex classification accuracy in forensic analyses.
Deliberations of the Safety Task Force: Risk factors and treatment of adverse events associated with aesthetic injectables
Authors: Nikolis Andreas , Cohen Joel L. , Enright Kaitlyn M. , Avelar Luiz , Beleznay Katie , Biesman Brian , Cartier Hugues , Cotofana Sebastian , Fabi Sabrina , Fitzgerald Rebecca , Goodman Greg , Lee Won , Parada Meire , Rzany Berthold , Schelke Leonie , Wang Hang , Bromée Torun , Weiner Steven
Published: August 2024

Background

The growing popularity of aesthetic procedures involving fillers, biostimulators, and neurotoxins has prompted concerns about patient safety. To address these concerns, a global Safety Task Force (STF) was formed.

Aims

The inaugural STF meeting prioritized vascular compromise prevention and management, guiding clinical trial design and materials for future meetings, and collecting data from experts on current safety methods.

Methods

The STF was formed and consisted of 16 experts from nine different countries, with each possessing distinct expertise in various fields related to aesthetic injectables. Current safety data, protocols, knowledge gaps and future research priorities were discussed and voted upon.

Results

The establishment of a global database for tracking filler‐related AEs was favored by 93% of participants. Discussions revolved around the database's scope, data standardization, and whether non‐medical contributors should be included. Aspiration as a safety technique garnered support from 73% of participants. Approximately 43% of participants incorporate ultrasound in their injections, with divergent opinions on its impact and potential when used as a standard of practice versus in AE management. Most physicians on the task force incorporated cannula use for some of their injections (93%). There were varying perspectives on treatments for vascular adverse events (VAE), the primary causes, and the adoption of new protocols in the field.

Conclusions

The STF meeting underscored the need for a coordinated effort to address complications related to HA fillers, including VAE management and hyaluronidase protocols. Reliable treatment endpoints were evaluated, but improved measurement methods are needed. Future meetings will focus on addressing delayed complications, furthering safety in this field.
Modified buried vertical mattress suture technique for excisional suturing of benign parotid tumors: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Yu Xueyuan , Guo Yuan , Shu Maoguo , Zhang Ming
Published: August 2024

Aim

The purpose of this retrospective patient chart review was to analyze the clinical data of 52 patients with benign parotid tumors who underwent modified buried vertical mattress sutures and to assess the postoperative complication rate and patient scarring.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with benign parotid tumors underwent total parotidectomy and modified buried vertical mattress suture. Variables included general characteristics (age, gender, tumor diameter, and pathologic type), surgical indicators (suture time, wound healing time, operative time, hospital stay, bleeding volume, and drainage volume), complication rates, and Sunnybrook facial neurological function score, visual scar scale (VSS) score and patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) score.

Results

Most tumors were less than 3 cm in diameter, with pleomorphic adenomas being the most common. Suture time was 14.83 ± 1.61 min, operative time was 58.90 ± 15.76 min and hospital stay were 5.12 ± 0.96 days. Postoperatively, salivary fistulae developed in one patient, Frey's syndrome in two patients, temporary facial paralysis in six patients and temporary numbness in the incision area in six patients. At 6 months postoperatively, 86.5% of patients had a Sunnybrook score of more than 80, and VSS scores and POSAS scores were between one and two.

Conclusion

The postoperative complication rate was 30.8%, and the scarring in the facial incision area was mild and close to normal skin at 3 years postoperatively.
Lying to Speak the Truth: Selective Manipulation and Improved Information Transmission
Authors: POVEL PAUL , STROBL GÜNTER
Published: August 2024

We analyze a principal‐agent model in which an effort‐averse agent can manipulate a publicly observable performance report. The principal cannot observe the agent's cost of effort, her effort choice, and whether she manipulated the report. An optimal contract links compensation to the realized output and the (possibly manipulated) report. Manipulation can be beneficial to the principal because it can make the report more informative about the agent's effort choice, thereby reducing the agent's information rent. This is achieved through a contract that incentivizes the agent to selectively engage in manipulation based on her effort choice.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes of perinatal stroke in Australia: Population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Roy Bithi , Webb Annabel , Walker Karen , Morgan Catherine , Badawi Nadia , Novak Iona
Published: August 2024

Aim

Perinatal stroke is one of the main causes of hemiplegia and seizure disorder. This study aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics and outcomes of perinatal stroke in a cohort of Australian children for its early detection.

Methods

A population‐based prospective longitudinal study on perinatal stroke up to 2 years of age, was conducted from 2017 to 2019.

Results

Eighty‐seven children with perinatal stroke included 79% (69/87) acute and 21% (18/87) presumed perinatal stroke. Seventy‐four per cent (51/69) acute symptomatic perinatal strokes presented in the first 3 days of life and 78% (14/18) presumed perinatal strokes presented by 6 months of age. 62% had an arterial stroke, 29% had a venous stroke and 5% had a combined arterial and venous stroke. Unexpectedly, 35% (24/69) acute symptomatic perinatal stroke had only respiratory symptoms and 50% (9/18) presumed perinatal stroke were asymptomatic. The incidence of cerebral palsy was 29% (20/69) with acute symptomatic perinatal stroke and 72% (13/18) with presumed perinatal stroke.

Conclusions

The first week of a child's life is the most critical period in terms of lifelong disability from perinatal stroke. Recognising diverse clinical presentations will ensure early diagnosis and timely intervention treatments.
Quasi‐color consciousness: Casting, race, and sexual violence in Netflix's Bridgerton
Authors: Lynn Emma
Published: August 2024

The hit Netflix series Bridgerton (2020–) updates the period drama for the twenty‐first century with its racially diverse cast. Despite the series' potential for subverting racial hierarchies, this article argues that Bridgerton does not fully account for racist social structures, replicates racial stereotypes, and, most crucially, delegitimizes Black men as victims of sexual violence. These representational quandaries stem from Bridgerton's use of the casting and narrative practice “quasi‐color consciousness.” Quasi‐color consciousness provides more nuanced language beyond colorblind casting to account for television producers' efforts (and shortcomings) to create racially diverse contemporary television programming.
Rural–urban differences in smoking quit ratios and cessation‐related factors: Results from a nationally representative sample
Authors: Noonan Devon , Frisbee Suzanne , Bittencourt Lorna , Rubenstein Dana , McClernon F. Joseph , Carroll Dana Mowls
Published: August 2024

Purpose

There are significant rural/urban disparities that exist in cancer and chronic disease morbidity and mortality, many of which are attributed to increased tobacco use prevalence in rural populations compared to urban. Understanding differences in rural and urban tobacco use patterns is key to developing targeted interventions.

Methods

Using nationally representative data from Wave 5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco Use and Health (PATH), we examined weighted frequencies and conducted multivariable logistic regression to examine the use of cessation supports in people who currently smoke with a quit attempt in the last 12 months (recent attempters) by rural and urban status and geographic region. Our second objective was to examine lifetime quitting in rural versus urban people who smoke and by geographic region.

Results

Rural people who recently attempted to quit were less likely to use any FDA‐approved cessation aids, less likely to use Nicoctine Replacement Therapy (NRT), and less likely to be exposed to a home smoking ban in the adjusted analysis. The adjusted odds of quitting were lower in the rural Northeast, Midwest, and South compared to the urban regions.

Conclusions

Findings from this data can serve to inform the development of targeted interventions for rural communities.
Sex‐based disparities in dopamine agonist response in patients with restless legs syndrome
Authors: Mogavero Maria P. , Antelmi Elena , Lanza Giuseppe , Marelli Sara , Castelnuovo Alessandra , Tinazzi Michele , DelRosso Lourdes M. , Silvestri Rosalia , Ferri Raffaele , Ferini Strambi Luigi
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate sex‐related differences in the response to ropinirole and pramipexole in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS). By analysing clinical parameters and polysomnographic (PSG) findings, we sought to elucidate the potential factors related to sex disparities modulating treatment responses and sleep quality in RLS. A total of 41 drug‐free patients with RLS, aged ≥18 years, underwent two consecutive nocturnal PSG recordings, without medication at baseline; before the second night, 26 patients received an oral dose of 0.25 mg pramipexole whereas 15 received 0.5 mg ropinirole. After each PSG recording, patients self‐evaluated the severity of their previous night symptoms by means of an ad hoc visual analogue scale (VAS). At baseline, sleep efficiency and percentage of Stage N2 tended to be higher in females while wakefulness after sleep onset was significantly higher in males. After treatment, total leg movements during sleep (LMS), periodic LMS (PLMS), and periodicity indexes were significantly lower in females than in males. The VAS score was lower after treatment in all patients, without differences between the two sexes. This study demonstrates a higher acute responsiveness of PLMS to dopamine agonists (pramipexole and ropinirole) in females than in males with RLS. These findings might be explained by differential sex‐related expression of dopamine receptors, especially D3, within the central nervous system. In addition, our findings provide translational hints toward a better tailored and sex‐specific approach to the treatment of RLS associated with PLMS, with dopamine agonist possibly associated with a better outcome in females than in males.
Electoral manipulation and postelectoral protests in Latin America
Authors: Bílek Jaroslav
Published: August 2024

What is the relationship between electoral manipulation and postelection protests in Latin America? The political science literature has traditionally expected that election manipulation can lead to postelection demonstrations, but the research has not dealt much with how the elections were manipulated. This study aims to fill this gap. An analysis of 221 elections in Latin America between 1980 and 2020 shows that the relationship between electoral manipulation and postelection protests is far more complex than conventional explanations suggest. The results show that pre‐election manipulation does not increase the likelihood of postelection protests. Regarding manipulation during elections, it appears that citizens of Latin American countries are susceptible to administrative fraud. Contrary to previous studies, intimidation and vote buying also have no effect.
Extremes of snow and temperature affect patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in the alpine butterfly Parnassius smintheus
Authors: Lucas Mel , Rašić Gordana , Filazzola Alessandro , Matter Steve , Roland Jens , Keyghobadi Nusha
Published: August 2024

Weather is an important short‐term, local driver of population size and dispersal, which in turn contribute to patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation within species. Climate change is leading to greater weather variability and more frequent extreme weather events. While the effects of long‐term and broad‐scale mean climate conditions on genetic variation are well studied, our understanding of the effects of weather variability and extreme conditions on genetic variation is less developed. We assessed the influence of temperature and snow depth on genetic diversity and differentiation of populations of the alpine butterfly, Parnassius smintheus. We examined the relationships between a suite of variables, including those representing extreme conditions, and population‐level genetic diversity and differentiation across 1453 single nucleotide polymorphisms, using both linear and gravity models. We additionally examined effects of land cover variables known to influence dispersal and gene flow in this species. We found that extreme low temperature events and the lowest recorded mean snow depth were significant predictors of genetic diversity. Extreme low temperature events, mean snow depth and land cover resistance were significant predictors of genetic differentiation. These results are congruent with known effects of early winter weather on population size and habitat connectivity on dispersal in P. smintheus. Our results demonstrate the potential for changes in the frequency or magnitude of extreme weather events to alter patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation.
Genome‐wide SNP assessment of contemporary European red deer genetic structure highlights the distinction of peripheral populations and the main admixture zones in Europe
Authors: Carranza Juan , Pérez‐González Javier , Anaya Gabriel , de Jong Menno , Broggini Camilla , Zachos Frank E. , McDevitt Allan D. , Niedziałkowska Magdalena , Sykut Maciej , Csányi Sándor , Bleier Norber , Csirke Lázló , Røed Knut , Saint‐Andrieux Christine , Barboiron Aurelie , Gort‐Esteve Araceli , Ruiz‐Olmo Jordi , Seoane Jose Manuel , Godoy Jose Antonio , Mackiewicz Paweł , de la Peña Eva , Vedel Giovanni , McFarlane S. Eryn , Pemberton Josephine , Membrillo Alberto
Published: August 2024

Genome‐wide technologies open up new possibilities to clarify questions on genetic structure and phylogeographic history of taxa previously studied with microsatellite loci and mitochondrial sequences. Here, we used 736 individual red deer (Cervus elaphus) samples genotyped at 35,701 single nucleotide polymorphism loci (SNPs) to assess the population structure of the species throughout Europe. The results identified 28 populations, with higher degrees of genetic distinction in peripheral compared to mainland populations. Iberian red deer show high genetic differentiation, with lineages in Western and Central Iberia maintaining their distinctiveness, which supports separate refugial ranges within Iberia along with little recent connection between Iberian and the remaining Western European populations. The Norwegian population exhibited the lowest variability and the largest allele frequency differences from mainland European populations, compatible with a history of bottlenecks and drift during post‐glacial colonization from southern refugia. Scottish populations showed high genetic distance from the mainland but high levels of diversity. Hybrid zones were found between Eastern and Western European lineages in Central Europe as well as in the Pyrenees, where red deer from France are in close contact with Iberian red deer. Anthropogenic restocking has promoted the Pyrenean contact zone, admixture events in populations on the Isle of Rum and in the Netherlands, and at least partly the admixture of the two main lineages in central‐eastern Europe. Our analysis enabled detailed resolution of population structure of a large mammal widely distributed throughout Europe and contributes to resolving the evolutionary history, which can also inform conservation and management policies.
Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices to predict acute clinical decompensation events
Authors: Tinoco Mariana , Castro Margarida , Mota Marta , Almeida Filipa , Ribeiro Silvia , Faria Bebiana , Calvo Lucy , Cardoso Filipa , Sanfins Victor , Lourenço António
Published: August 2024

Background

Heart failure (HF) patients are at constant risk of decompensation, and urgent hospital admissions can be life‐threatening events. Monitoring biological variables has been proved to be an important mechanism to anticipate decompensations. TriageHF is a validated diagnostic algorithm tool available on Medtronic® cardiac implantable electronic devices that combines physiological data to stratify a patient's risk of HF hospitalization in the following 30 days in low, medium or high risk. We aimed to evaluate the utility of TriageHF algorithm to predict the occurrence of acute clinical decompensation events (ACDE), including HF and non‐HF cardiovascular events, within a 30‐day period in a population of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Methods

We reviewed the transmissions received by the Medtronic® Carelink™ Network between August 2022 and July 2023. The heart failure risk status (HFRS) and the device parameters contributing to that risk, from the previous 30 days, were collected, along with the occurrence of ACDEs within 30 days.

Results

We retrospectively assessed 207 transmissions from the 64 patients included in the study. Among the 93 medium HFRS transmissions, 16 (17.2%) resulted in ACDEs. For the 21 high HFRS transmissions, 10 (47.6%) resulted in ACDEs. Considering the ACDEs, 60.7% were preceded by an alarm‐initiated transmission. Except for heart rate variability, each diagnostic parameter demonstrated effectiveness in stratifying risk for ACDEs. Optivol® and the Combined Heart Rhythm showed independent association with ACDEs (p < .001). Patients with medium and high HFRS were, respectively, 8.6 and 29.1 times more likely to experience an ACDE in the next 30 days than low risk patients. A medium‐high HFRS conferred a sensitivity of 92.9% and a NPV of 97.8% for an ACDE.

Conclusion

TriageHF is a useful method for predicting ACDEs and has the potential to trigger medical actions to prevent hospitalizations.
Can the QRS morphology of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmia change when right bundle branch block emerges during sinus rhythm?
Authors: Hara Satoshi , Miwa Naoyuki , Kusa Shigeki , Sato Yoshikazu , Doi Junichi , Nakata Tadanori , Hirano Hidenori , Ishizawa Taiki , Sasano Tetsuo , Hachiya Hitoshi
Published: August 2024

Background

QRS morphology can change during ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) with the appearance of bundle branch block (BBB).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 195 consecutive patients who underwent an initial ablation of VA. The study inclusion criteria were VAs that were successfully ablated in the outflow tract (OT) and in whom right bundle branch block (RBBB) was induced by catheter manipulation close to the His bundle area during sinus rhythm, before any radiofrequency application. We analyzed the QRS morphology of the VAs with and without RBBB during sinus beats.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (age 59 ± 17 years, female 14) developed RBBB at some point during their procedure. The successful ablation sites of the VAs were the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in 12 patients, pulmonary artery in one, left coronary cusp in five, right coronary cusp in three, right‐left cusp junction in two, and great cardiac vein in two. QRS‐morphology change was observed in five (20%) cases. The successful ablation sites in that group were the left coronary cusp in three cases, right coronary cusp in one, and RVOT septum in one. The QRS duration of the VAs increased during RBBB.

Conclusions

There are some cases of OT‐VAs in which the QRS waveform changes with the appearance of catheter induced RBBB. We need to be aware that when QRS morphology changes during an OT‐VA ablation, it does not necessarily mean that the origin or exit of the VA has changed.
Exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in adolescent recreational athletes: Potential screening strategies
Authors: Goossens Janne , Vandekerckhove Josefien , Jonckheere Anne‐Charlotte , Dilissen Ellen , Marain Nora , Ieven Toon , De Wilde Barbara , Leus Jasmine , Verelst Sophie , Raes Marc , Dupont Lieven , Bullens Dominique
Published: August 2024

Background

Intense physical exercise in athletes increases the risk to develop exercise‐induced bronchocontriction (EIB). We aimed to study EIB prevalence and explore methods for effective EIB screening.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐seven adolescent athletes (12–18 years) performing at least 12 h of sports a week were included. The evaluation consisted of spirometry, eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea test (EVH) to evaluate for EIB, FeNO, skin prick testing, blood sampling (serum markers of epithelial damage and mast cell activation), and questionnaires (AQUA©, ACT, ACQ, and exposure and symptom‐related questions).

Results

Of all athletes, 22% tested positive for EIB (n = 72), 14% reported a previous asthma diagnosis and 40% were atopic. Eighty percent of EIB+ athletes did not use any inhalation therapy. EIB+ athletes were significantly younger, had decreased FEV1/FVC (%), and increased post‐EVH‐reversibility (%) post‐salbutamol compared with EIB− athletes. Furthermore, EIB was significantly associated with previous asthma diagnosis and atopy. The best predictors for a positive EVH test were AQUA© score ≥ 6 (sensitivity of 78%, p = .0171) and wheezing during exercise (specificity of 82%, p = .0002). FeNO negatively and significantly correlated with maximal fall in FEV1 post‐EVH test in atopic athletes (r = −.2735, p = .0056). Maximal fall in FEV1 was also associated with prior PM10 exposure (p = .036). Serum markers of epithelial damage were significantly associated with training type, training intensity, EIB severity, and prior air pollution exposure.

Conclusion

Our findings support the effectiveness of a systematic respiratory screening approach, including baseline questionnaires, lung function tests, and FeNO measurement, to improve EIB detection in adolescent athletes in whom respiratory response to EVH testing is associated with prior exposure to air pollution.
Awareness by degree
Authors: Silva Jr Paul , Siscoe Robert Weston
Published: August 2024

Do factive mental states come in degrees? If so, what is their underlying structure, and what is their theoretical significance? Many have observed that ‘knows that’ is not a gradable verb and have taken this to be strong evidence that propositional knowledge does not come in degrees. This paper demonstrates that the adjective ‘aware that’ passes all the standard tests of gradability, and thus strongly motivates the idea that it refers to a factive mental state that comes in degrees. We will explore a range of structural questions that have been overlooked in regard to our awareness of facts, showing that the degreed structure of awareness has significant implications for our understanding of knowledge.
Characterization of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) PvKSL1 as a levopimaradiene/abietadiene‐type diterpene synthase
Authors: Wyatt G. , Zerbe P. , Tiedge K.
Published: August 2024

The diverse class of plant diterpenoid metabolites serves important functions in mediating growth, chemical defence, and ecological adaptation. In major monocot crops, such as maize (Zea mays), rice (Oryza sativa), and barley (Hordeum vulgare), diterpenoids function as core components of biotic and abiotic stress resilience. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a perennial grass valued as a stress‐resilient biofuel model crop. Previously we identified an unusually large diterpene synthase family that produces both common and species‐specific diterpenoids, several of which accumulate in response to abiotic stress.

Here, we report discovery and functional characterization of a previously unrecognized monofunctional class I diterpene synthase (PvKSL1) via in vivo co‐expression assays with different copalyl pyrophosphate (CPP) isomers, structural and mutagenesis studies, as well as genomic and transcriptomic analyses.

In particular, PvKSL1 converts ent‐CPP into ent‐abietadiene, ent‐palustradiene, ent‐levopimaradiene, and ent‐neoabietadiene via a 13‐hydroxy‐8(14)‐ent‐abietene intermediate. Notably, although featuring a distinct ent‐stereochemistry, this product profile is near‐identical to bifunctional (+)‐levopimaradiene/abietadiene synthases occurring in conifer trees. PvKSL1 has three of four active site residues previously shown to control (+)‐levopimaradiene/abietadiene synthase catalytic specificity. However, mutagenesis studies suggest a distinct catalytic mechanism in PvKSL1. Genome localization of PvKSL1 distant from other diterpene synthases, and its phylogenetic distinctiveness from known abietane‐forming diterpene synthases, support an independent evolution of PvKSL1 activity. Albeit at low levels, PvKSL1 gene expression predominantly in roots suggests a role of diterpenoid formation in belowground tissue.

Together, these findings expand the known chemical and functional space of diterpenoid metabolism in monocot crops.
Comparative analysis of genetic diversity in wild and restored subtropical rainforest trees: Argyrodendron trifoliolatum, Ficus watkinsiana, and Diploglottis australis
Authors: Cooper Sally L. , Bundock Peter C. , Nock Catherine
Published: August 2024

Since European settlement of Australia, substantial areas of subtropical rainforest have been cleared. More recently, effort is being made to restore areas of this ecological community. The financial investment and increasing reliance on ecological restoration in biodiversity conservation justifies a need for better understanding of how to improve success at the genetic level. This research measures genetic diversity (allelic richness [Rs], expected heterozygosity [He], and inbreeding using Wright's coefficient [FIS]) for expected neutral DNA markers in three Australian subtropical rainforest trees—White booyong (Argyrodendron trifoliolatum), Watkin's fig (Ficus watkinsiana), and Native tamarind (Diploglottis australis). Wild and restored populations of these species were compared in two neighboring regions in Northeast New South Wales (the Tweed Caldera and the Big Scrub). There were no statistically significant differences in Rs or He between wild and restored populations for any of the target species. Inbreeding was significantly higher in one of the restored versus wild population comparisons: F. watkinsiana in the Tweed (restored F = 0.20; wild F = −0.02; p = 0.01). The comparable levels of genetic diversity observed in restored and wild populations targeted in this study are likely due to informed practitioner perspectives and practices, staged plantings over several years, and high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation within source populations.
Is the development of diversification in executive functioning universal? Longitudinal evidence from Ghana
Authors: Modrek Anahid S. , Wolf Sharon
Published: August 2024

The component structure of executive functioning (EF) has been shown to change across development. Empirical research examining this in Sub‐Saharan Africa is limited. We report the development of EF component structure with a large sample of Ghanaian children (n = 2,979) followed longitudinally from ages 3 through 12 across six waves. Existing literature suggests unitary models of EF (components loading onto a single factor) early in childhood, with development across childhood and into adolescence resulting in a more diversified EF model (components loading onto two‐ or three‐factors). To test these developmental differences, participants completed EF batteries that measured EF components: working memory, short‐term memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility/shifting. We employed confirmatory factor analysis to test factor models in 3‐ to 4‐year‐olds, 5‐ to 6‐year‐olds, 7‐ to 9‐year‐olds, and 10‐ to 12‐year‐olds. Contrary to existing literature, a two‐factor EF model best explained EF performance as early as 3–4 years of age. Findings suggest that diversification of EF components may emerge earlier in childhood than expected in some contexts, questioning the universality in the timing of unification and diversification of EF structure.
Trajectories of adolescents’ depressive symptoms surrounding the transition to vocational education
Authors: Visscher Anke H. , van Roekel Eeske , Bogaerts Stefan , Sijtsema Jelle J.
Published: August 2024

Although studies examined depressive symptoms across adolescence, the impact of school transitions is often neglected. This study examined trajectories of depressive symptoms surrounding the transition to vocational education. Additionally, it examined gender differences and co‐occurring trajectories of parental emotional support and adolescents’ self‐esteem. The sample comprised 840 adolescents and their parents (53% boys, 92% German, ageat_T1 = 16–19, average participation rate = 3.44). Adolescents reported trait items for depressive symptoms from the State‐Trait‐Depression Scale. Heterogeneous linear mixed models revealed four trajectories, with the majority exhibiting relatively stable low levels of depressive symptoms in two distinct trajectories. However, 10% experienced temporary increases, while another 10% experienced temporary decreases following the transition. Initial high levels of parental emotional support seemed to co‐occur with temporary decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas self‐esteem co‐occurred with low levels of depressive symptoms. Although school transitions may provide new opportunities and may induce stress, the transition to vocational education had little to no relation to self‐reported trait items of depressive symptoms in the present study. For those affected, self‐esteem and social support seem vital resources.
British perceptions of voter fraud and support for voter photo identification
Authors: Fogarty Brian J. , Pamphilis Niccole
Published: August 2024

Objectives

We investigate potential determinants of voter fraud perceptions and support for voter photo identification laws among British voters.

Methods

Using data from an original nationally representative survey of British voters, we analyze how respondents’ partisanship, ideology, immigration views, and demographic factors influence perceptions of voter fraud and support for voter identification.

Findings

The analysis shows that respondents’ partisanship and immigration views are the primary factors in explaining voter fraud perceptions. Ideologically conservative respondents exhibit greater support for voter photo identification laws, irrespective of partisanship. Additionally, our results show that while men and women hold similar beliefs about the prevalence and impact of voter fraud, women are significantly less supportive of voter photo identification laws than men.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that political partisanship and immigration views play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of voter fraud and support for voter photo identification laws in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, gender differences also significantly influence support for these laws, with women being less supportive than men.
Independent Effects of Age, Education, Verbal Working Memory, Motor Speed of Processing, Locality, and Morphosyntactic Category on Verb‐Related Morphosyntactic Production: Evidence From Healthy Aging
Authors: Soilemezidi Marielena , Kubota Maki , Chrisikopoulou Marina , Fyndanis Valantis
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the role of locality (a task/material‐related variable), demographic factors (age, education, and sex), cognitive capacities (verbal working memory [WM], verbal short‐term memory [STM], speed of processing [SOP], and inhibition), and morphosyntactic category (time reference and grammatical aspect) in verb‐related morphosyntactic production (VRMP). A sentence completion task tapping production of time reference and grammatical aspect in local and nonlocal configurations, and cognitive tasks measuring verbal WM capacity, verbal STM capacity, motor SOP, perceptual SOP, and inhibition were administered to 200 neurotypical Greek‐speaking participants, aged between 19 and 80 years. We fitted generalized linear mixed‐effects models and performed path analyses. Significant main effects of locality, age, education, verbal WM capacity, motor SOP, and morphosyntactic category emerged. Production of time reference and aspect did not interact with any of the significant factors (i.e., age, education, verbal WM capacity, motor SOP, and locality), and locality did not interact with any memory system. Path analyses revealed that the relationships between age and VRMP, and between education and VRMP were partly mediated by verbal WM; and the relationship between verbal WM and VRMP was partly mediated by perceptual SOP. Results suggest that subject‐, task/material‐ and morphosyntactic category‐specific factors determine accuracy performance on VRMP; and the effects of age, education, and verbal WM on VRMP are partly indirect. The fact that there was a significant main effect of verbal WM but not of verbal STM on accuracy performance in the VRMP task suggests that it is predominantly the processing component (and not the storage component) of verbal WM that supports VRMP. Lastly, we interpret the results as suggesting that VRMP is also supported by a procedural memory system whose efficiency might be reflected in years of formal education.
Treatment outcome of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects in brachycephalic dogs comparing Boxers and non‐Boxers: A retrospective multicenter study of 420 dogs
Authors: Gonçalves Catarina A. V. , Oliver James A. C. , Kafarnik Christiane , Garnett Kyle J. , Rushton James O. , Stravinskaitė Vida , Everson Richard , Tee Francesca , Escribano‐Bermejo Beatriz , Tzouganakis Ioannis , Lacerda Rodrigo P. , Pearce Isabelle , Fricker Georgina V.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare characteristics and treatment outcomes of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in brachycephalic non‐Boxers and Boxers. We hypothesized that brachycephalic non‐Boxers develop SCCEDs at a younger age and develop complications more frequently than Boxers.

Animals Studied

Retrospective review of medical records of brachycephalic dogs treated for SCCEDs between January 2018 and December 2022 in multiple ophthalmology referral centers in the UK.

Procedure

Data recorded included breed, age, time of onset, treatment prior to referral, treatment at referral, time to heal, need for further procedures, and complications.

Results

A total of 464 SCCEDs in 420 dogs were included composed of 173 Boxers with 200 SCCEDs and 247 brachycephalic non‐Boxer dogs with 264 SCCEDs. Boxers were significantly older (median 8.2, range 4.5–12.7 years) than brachycephalic non‐Boxers (median 7.2, range 1.6–15.9 years) (p < .001). The first treatment (cotton‐tipped applicator [CTA] debridement, diamond burr debridement, superficial keratectomy, grid keratotomy, punctate keratotomy, or combinations of these) selected was significantly different between groups (p < .001). Healing, excluding cases addressed by CTA debridement, following the first procedure was significantly more successful in Boxers (p = .049). Excluding cases addressed by CTA debridement, 9.6% of SCCEDs in Boxers (20/200) and 13.4% (32/239) of non‐Boxers required more than one procedure. In the non‐Boxer group, 9.5% (25/264) developed complications, contrasting with 4% (8/200) in the Boxer group. Non‐Boxers were more likely to develop complications after the first treatment (p = .006).

Conclusion

Non‐Boxer brachycephalic dogs develop SCCEDs younger than Boxers. This study suggests SCCEDs in brachycephalic non‐Boxers may be less likely to heal following one mechanical treatment and are more likely to develop complications.
Initial treatment experience obtained with the real‐time predictive motion tracking radiotherapy platform Synchrony: A pilot study
Authors: Van Asselt Nathaniel , Christensen Neil
Published: August 2024

This pilot study presents initial experience obtained with a real‐time predictive motion tracking platform called Synchrony mounted on the Radixact radiotherapy device. Synchrony radiotherapy treatments were offered as an alternative to surgical excision for primary pulmonary carcinomas as well as in dogs in a suspected oligometastatic disease state. All dogs were treated with three fractions of 8 Gy. Six dogs with pulmonary targets were successfully treated, while we were unable to treat abdominal targets with implanted fiducials. Cranial targets showed minimal movement, while targets located adjacent to the diaphragm showed a large amplitude of movement. No acute or late clinically apparent side effects were noted in any of the dogs that received radiation therapy. A strong partial response with minimal pneumonitis was seen in follow‐up imaging of the one dog where imaging was available. Synchrony motion tracking will continue to be investigated for efficacy.
Stacking Ensemble Method to Predict the Pool Boiling Heat Transfer of Nanomaterial-Coated Surface
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Ranawat Nagendra Singh , Mandal S. K.
Published: August 2024

The boiling heat transfer coefficient is important information for designing thermal devices for effective thermal management. It is affected by several factors like surface roughness and wettability of the surface. So, it is necessary to create a model for the accurate prediction. This article aims to use the stacking ensemble method to predict the boiling heat transfer coefficient (BHTC). To improve the performance of the prediction of the stacking model, AdaBoost regression and Random Forest regression are chosen as the base learner, and meta estimator linear regression is selected. Datasets are generated from a pool boiling experiment of carbon nanotube and graphene oxide (CNT + GO)-coated surface. Results have depicted that the stacking method outperformed individual models. It is found that the accuracy of the stacking ensemble model is 99.1% efficient with mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.016, 0.0004, and 0.021, respectively.
Understanding Unsteady Vortex Structure and Shedding Frequency of Cylindrical Hole Film Cooling: Insights From Experimental and Numerical Approaches
Authors: Wu Qiong , Zhang Hualiang , Yin Zhao , Gao Afei , Liu Yu , Xu Yujie , Chen Haisheng
Published: August 2024

To enhance film cooling effectiveness and reduce mixing loss, it is imperative to understand the dynamics of the unsteady vortex system and its interaction with the mainstream flow. In this study, a comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted to assess the film cooling effectiveness of a flat-plate cylindrical hole, along with the structure of the vortex system and the frequency of vortex shedding. This was achieved using a variety of techniques including pressure-sensitive paint (PSP), particle image velocimetry (PIV), hot-wire anemometry, and dynamic pressure sensors. To complement the experimental findings, a detailed analysis of the evolution mechanisms of unsteady coherent vortices was performed using the detached eddy simulation (DES) numerical method. The findings of the study revealed that the Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) shear vortex patterns on the windward side undergo a transition from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation with increasing blowing ratios. Large-scale vortex sheds from the K–H shear vortices, ultimately evolving into the hairpin vortex in the downstream region. Additionally, the study proposed two evolution models for the vortex systems in the film cooling flow field at different blowing ratios and elucidated the evolution mechanisms of counter-rotating vortex pair (CRVP). The results of the spectral analysis revealed a notable discrepancy in the slopes of the eigenfrequencies, which could be attributed to variations in the evolution patterns of the vortex systems.
Effect of Machining-Induced Deformation and Grain Refinement on Microstructure Evolution in Hybrid Wire-Arc Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Rashid Asif , Jeon Ji Ho , Boing Denis , Melkote Shreyes N.
Published: August 2024

Wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED) offers promise for large-scale metal component production, yet challenges persist in achieving consistent microstructure and mechanical properties. This paper investigates the effect of machining-induced deformation and grain refinement on microstructure evolution in mild steel structures printed using hybrid wire-arc DED, which integrates interlayer machining steps into the wire-arc DED process. The study demonstrates that machining with radiused-edge cutting tools induces fragmentation of ferritic/bainitic grains, leading to dispersed and refined grain colonies, that, when subjected to reheating and remelting cycles during subsequent layer depositions, lead to a more refined overall microstructure compared to the wire-arc DED process. Comparative analyses revealed a statistically significant 19.5% mean reduction in grain size and 8.5% increment in microhardness of the resulting hybrid wire-arc DED structure. The work points to interlayer machining as a promising strategy for in situ enhancement of the microstructure and mechanical properties in DED processes.
Optimized Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Wafer Map Defects Classification
Authors: Amogne Zemenu Endalamaw , Chou Jia-Hong
Published: August 2024

Wafer maps contain important information about defect patterns, and are used by engineers to trace the root causes of abnormal processes; early detection can improve the yield of a manufacturing process. Wafer map defects have been classified using a variety of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN). However, factors such as the number of hidden layers, the input image’s size, and the dropout values in the dense layers can affect classification performance. Class imbalance in the training and testing data sets also affects model performance. We therefore propose an optimal DCNN model, called Opt-DCNN, and compare its defect pattern classification with other DCNN models using an actual wafer map data set (WM-811K). Opt-DCNN is shown to be superior to the three existing DCNN models among the three tested input image sizes, in terms of F1 score, precision, accuracy, and recall. For the 26 × 26 input image size, the proposed method achieves a test accuracy of 99.345%, which is better than the three published models with 98.768%, 98.442%, and 67.622%, respectively. The comparisons indicate that using a DCNN with dropout can improve wafer defect pattern recognition.