bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Antiretroviral Therapy on the Oral Microbiome and Periodontal Health of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Positive Cats
Authors: Bashor Laura , Rawlinson Jennifer E. , Kozakiewicz Christopher P. , Behzadi Elisa , Miller Craig , Kim Jeffrey , Conry Megan , Nehring Mary , Carver Scott , Abdo Zaid , VandeWoude Sue
Published: July 2024

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is the domestic cat analogue of HIV infection in humans. Both viruses induce oral disease in untreated individuals, with clinical signs that include gingivitis and periodontal lesions. Oral disease manifestations in HIV patients are abated by highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), though certain oral manifestations persist despite therapy. Microorganisms associated with oral cavity opportunistic infections in patients with HIV cause similar pathologies in cats. To further develop this model, we evaluated characteristics of feline oral health and oral microbiome during experimental FIV infection over an 8-month period following cART. Using 16S metagenomics sequencing, we evaluated gingival bacterial communities at four timepoints in uninfected and FIV-infected cats treated with cART or placebo. Comprehensive oral examinations were also conducted by a veterinary dental specialist over the experimental period. Gingival inflammation was higher in FIV-infected cats treated with placebo compared to cART-treated cats and controls at study endpoint. Oral microbiome alpha diversity increased in all groups, while beta diversity differed among treatment groups, documenting a significant effect of cART therapy on microbiome community composition. This finding has not previously been reported and indicates cART ameliorates immunodeficiency virus-associated oral disease via preservation of oral mucosal microbiota. Further, this study illustrates the value of the FIV animal model for investigations of mechanistic associations and therapeutic interventions for HIV oral manifestations.

IMPORTANCE

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is the viral analogue to HIV in humans, and both infections are associated with oral disease. Our study explored how antiretroviral treatment affects the oral health and microbiome of domestic cats infected with FIV. Cats treated with antiretroviral therapy had less gum inflammation and a different community of oral bacteria compared to untreated FIV-positive cats. This suggests that antiretroviral therapy not only helps in controlling FIV infection but also benefits feline oral health. These findings advance our understanding of antiretroviral treatment for lentiviral-associated oral disease and highlight FIV as a valuable experimental model for the similar condition in humans.
Neuronal Hyperactivity in Neurons Derived from Individuals with Grey Matter Heterotopia
Authors: Di Matteo Francesco , Bonrath Rebecca , Schmidt Hanna , Ayo Martin Ane Cristina , Pravata Veronica , Di Giaimo Rossella , Menegaz Danusa , Riesenberg Stephan , de Vrij Femke M.S. , Maccarrone Giuseppina , Holzapfel Maria , Straub Tobias , Kushner Steven A. , Robertson Stephen P. , Eder Matthias , Cappello Silvia
Published: July 2024

Periventricular heterotopia (PH), a common form of grey matter heterotopia associated with developmental delay and drug-resistant seizures, poses a challenge in understanding its neurophysiological basis. Human cerebral organoids (hCOs) derived from patients with causative mutations inFAT4orDCHS1mimic PH features. However, neuronal activity in these 3D models has not yet been invetigated. Here, silicon probe recordings revealed exaggerated spontaneous spike activity in FAT4 and DCHS1 hCOs, suggesting functional changes in neuronal networks. Transcriptome and proteome analyses identified changes in gene ontology terms associated with neuronal morphology and synaptic function. Furthermore, patch-clamp recordings revealed a decreased spike threshold specifically in DCHS1 neurons, likely due to increased somatic voltage-gated sodium channels. Morphological reconstructions and immunostainings revealed greater morphological complexity of PH neurons and synaptic alterations contributing to hyperactivity, with morphological rescue observed in DCHS1 neurons by wild-typeDCHS1expression. Overall, we provide new comprehensive insights into the cellular changes underlying symptoms of grey matter heterotopia.
Cardiomyocyte antisense transcription regulates exon usage in the elastic spring region of Titin to modulate sarcomere function
Authors: Celik Selvi , Hyrefelt Ludvig , Czuba Tomasz , Li Yuan , Assis Juliana , André Oscar , Sandstedt Joakim , Nordenfelt Pontus , Vukusic Kristina , Smith J. Gustav , Gidlöf Olof
Published: July 2024

Background

The spring-like sarcomere protein Titin (TTN) is a key determinant of cardiac passive stiffness and diastolic function. Alternative splicing of TTN I-band exons produce protein isoforms with variable size and elasticity, but the mechanisms regulating TTN exon skipping and isoform composition in the human heart are not well studied. Non-coding RNA transcripts from the antisense strand of protein-coding genes have been shown to regulate alternative splicing of the sense gene. TheTTNgene locus harbours >80 antisense transcripts with unknown function in the human heart. The aim of this study was to determine ifTTNantisense transcripts play a role in alternative splicing ofTTN.

Methods

RNA-sequencing and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) of cardiac tissue from unused organ donor hearts (n=7) and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) were used to determine the expression and localization of TTN antisense transcripts. The effect of siRNA-mediated knock down ofTTNantisense transcripts onTTNexon usage in iPS-CMs was determined using RNA-sequencing. Live cell imaging with sarcomere tracking was used to analyze the effect of antisense transcript knock down on sarcomere length, organization and contraction dynamics. RNA ISH, immunofluorescence and high content microscopy was performed in iPS-CMs to study the interaction between antisense transcripts, TTN mRNA and splice factor protein RBM20.

Results

In mappingTTNantisense transcription, we found thatTTN-AS1-276was the predominant transcript in the human heart and that it was mainly localized in cardiomyocyte nuclear chromatin. Knock down ofTTN-AS1-276in human iPS-CMs resulted in decreased interaction between the splicing factor RBM20 andTTNpre-mRNA, decreasedTTNI-band exon skipping, and markedly lower expression of the less elastic TTN isoform N2B. The effect onTTNexon usage was independent of sense-antisense exon overlap and polymerase II elongation rate. Furthermore, knockdown resulted in longer sarcomeres with preserved alignment, improved fractional shortening and relaxation times.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a role for the cardiacTTNantisense transcriptTTN-AS1-276in facilitating alternative splicing ofTTNand regulating sarcomere properties. This transcript could constitute a target for improving cardiac passive stiffness and diastolic function in conditions such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Interpretable-by-design Deep Survival Analysis for Disease Progression Modeling
Authors: Gervelmeyer Julius , Müller Sarah , Djoumessi Kerol , Merle David , Clark Simon J. , Koch Lisa , Berens Philipp
Published: July 2024

In the elderly, degenerative diseases often develop differently over time for individual patients. For optimal treatment, physicians and patients would like to know how much time is left for them until symptoms reach a certain stage. However, compared to simple disease detection tasks, disease progression modeling has received much less attention. In addition, most existing models are black-box models which provide little insight into the mechanisms driving the prediction. Here, we introduce an interpretable-by-design survival model to predict the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from fundus images. Our model not only achieves state-of-the-art prediction performance compared to black-box models but also provides a sparse map of local evidence of AMD progression for individual patients. Our evidence map faithfully reflects the decision-making process of the model in contrast to widely used post-hoc saliency methods. Furthermore, we show that the identified regions mostly align with established clinical AMD progression markers. We believe that our method may help to inform treatment decisions and may lead to better insights into imaging biomarkers indicative of disease progression. The project’s code is available atgithub.com/berenslab/interpretable-deep-survival-analysis.
Interplay between ATP and hydrolysis free energy in promoting and restraining biochemical switches
Authors: Li Dianjie , Liao Siqi , Ouyang Qi , Li Fangting
Published: July 2024

In living cells, the bistable switches involving phosphorylation-dephosphorylation (PdP) cycles, operate far from thermodynamic equilibrium and consume hydrolysis free energy to perform ultrasensitive response and exhibit strong robustness against noise. Here, we focus on the distinct roles of cellular ATP levels ([ATP]) and hydrolysis free energy (Δμ) in bistable switches with different structures of reaction network. Specifically, we herein propose thermodynamically consistent models of single- and double-PdP-cycle bistable switches to study the relationship between network structures and the interplay between [ATP] and Δμ. We demonstrate that [ATP] and Δμ act cooperatively to promote the activation of switches in identical networks wherein all phosphorylations promote target production, irrespective of different feedback mechanisms. On the other hand, the competition between [ATP] and Δμ found in the nonidentical, or reversed, networks can enhance the robustness of bistability. We also discuss special network structures inducing multistability or nonmonotonic functions of Δμ. Our results gain insight into the relationship between network structures and the roles of [ATP] and Δμ in bistable switches, potentially guiding the future design of synthetic biochemical switches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Laser pulse-length dependent ablation and shock generation in silicon at
5×1014
W/
cm2
intensities
Authors: Bailly-Grandvaux M. , Hahn E. N. , Joshi T. R. , Werellapatha K. , Cordova T. , Turner R. E. , Garay J. E. , Spielman R. B. , Wicks J. K. , Beg F. N.
Published: July 2024

The effect of laser pulse duration on energy coupling into a planar silicon target is investigated in experiments at the OMEGA-EP facility by varying the laser pulse length τ—spanning 3 orders of magnitude from 100 ps to 10 ns—while maintaining a constant peak laser intensity, I0=5×1014 W/cm2. In theoretical models, the ablation pressure primarily scales for a given material with laser intensity and wavelength, which are all fixed variables here, allowing us to explore the specific role of laser pulse duration. Two-dimensional radiation-hydrodynamics simulations benchmarked with optical probing of the expanding plasma show that the pulse duration is critical for the ablation pressure to reach a steady state. Moreover, the pulse duration impacts shock decay and multiple wave effects, which strongly dictate the evolving shock profile that propagates within the laser-shocked target as ultimately measured by rear-surface diagnostics. The shock velocities inferred from the theoretical model, after considering shock decay, impedance matching, and shock Hugoniot, are found to be in good agreement with velocimetry measurements. However, discrepancies are observed with simulations for the shorter (0.1 ns) and longer (10 ns) pulse durations, which are respectively attributed to unaccounted contributions of kinetic absorption mechanisms and instabilities in simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sensitivity versus selectivity in entanglement detection via collective witnesses
Authors: Trávníček Vojtěch , Roik Jan , Bartkiewicz Karol , Černoch Antonín , Horodecki Paweł , Lemr Karel
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduce a supervised learning technique that harnesses artificial neural networks, along with the outcomes of collective entanglement measurements, to estimate the negativity of quantum states in two-qubit and qubit-qutrit systems. The resulting deep-learned collective entanglement witnesses offer the unique capability of continuous sensitivity and selectivity tuning. This instrument enables us to explore the tradeoff between sensitivity and selectivity in entanglement detection, a dimension not accessible to previously employed analytical witnesses. In particular, we demonstrate that there are experimentally cost-effective methods (in terms of the number of measurements) where sensitivity can be significantly improved at a slight expense of the selectivity of entanglement detection. This chosen approach is also favored due to its high generality and potential for superior performance compared to other types of entanglement witnesses. Our findings may pave the way for the development of more efficient and accurate entanglement detection methods in complex quantum systems, especially when considering realistic experimental imperfections.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Sharp quantum phase transition in the frustrated spin-1/2 Ising chain antiferromagnet
CaCoV2O7
Authors: Isha  , Bera A. K. , Kaur Guratinder , Stock C. , Chakraborty Koushik , Puphal Pascal , Isobe M. , Küster K. , Skourski Y. , Bhaskaran L. , Zvyagin S. A. , Luther S. , Gronemann J. , Kühne H. , Salazar Mejía C. , Pregelj M. , Hansen Thomas C. , Kaushik S. D. , Voneshen David , Kulkarni R. , Lalla N. P. , Yusuf S. M. , Thamizhavel A. , Yogi Arvind Kumar
Published: July 2024

We report on a quantum critical behavior in the quasi-1D spin-1/2 zigzag frustrated chain antiferromagnet CaCoV2O7, induced by an applied magnetic field. Below TN=3.3 K our zero-field neutron diffraction studies revealed the up-up-down-down spin structure, stabilized by an order-by-disorder phenomenon. At base temperature, the magnetic order is suppressed by an applied magnetic field (B), inducing a transition into a quantum paramagnetic state at Bc=3 T, as revealed by both neutron diffraction and ESR data. The transition exhibits an unusually sharp phase boundary with the critical exponent ϕ=0.164(3)≈1/6, in contrast to the earlier experimental observations for uniform spin-1/2 chain systems. Such a sharp QPT is anticipated due to a rare combination of spin-orbit coupling and competing NN and NNN exchange interactions J1 and J2 of the zigzag spin chain.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating the technology acceptance model, image congruence and cultural differences in facial recognition payment adoption
Authors: Kim Heather Markham , Kim Jungsun (Sunny) , Joo Kyuhyeon , Hwang Jinsoo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the impacts of the technology acceptance model (TAM) determinants and image congruence on attitude and, in turn, behavioral intentions. In addition, the differences between the US and Korean consumers in terms of the predictors of attitude were assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected via an online survey from 342 South Korean and 353 American consumers who patronized a restaurant within a three-month timeframe.

Findings

The findings revealed that two dimensions of TAM and three sub-factors of self-image congruence positively affected customer attitude toward face recognition (FR) payment. Customer attitude also significantly influenced behavioral intentions toward FR payment. Lastly, the cultural differences between the Korean and American consumers played significant moderating roles in the relationships between perceived usefulness and attitude as well as between actual self-image congruence and attitude.

Originality/value

No prior empirical research has incorporated cultural differences into the FR payment acceptance model. Unlike previous research, the current study included cultural differences as a moderator of the relationships between the five predictors (i.e. two predictors from TAM and three dimensions of self-image congruence) and attitude toward FR payment in the research model.
Model of AI acceptance in higher education: arguing teaching staff and students perspectives
Authors: Hazaimeh Manar , Al-Ansi Abdullah M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is constantly evolving and is poised to significantly transform the world, affecting nearly every sector and aspect of society. As AI continues to evolve, it is expected to create a more dynamic, efficient and personalized education system, supporting lifelong learning and adapting to the needs and pace of each student. In this research, we focus on testing the model of AI acceptance in higher education (HE) through human interaction-based factors including attitudes, competencies and openness to experience. Perceived benefits were our expectation to enhance AI acceptance in HE.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model, we collected data from Arab HE institutions by spreading an online questionnaire. The sample consisted of 1,152 of teaching staff and students in Arab region, which were selected randomly. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to determine the interrelated dependence of relationships among variables. Furthermore, processing analysis was conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of questionnaires, multicollinearity and factor loading, in which the items were tested one more time to ensure their validity after translation into Arab language.

Findings

Results reveal that adopted attitude, digital competency and openness to experience have positive and significant relationship with both perceived benefits and AI acceptance in HE in the Arab region. The results also demonstrate the indirect impact of digital factors on AI acceptance in existence of perceived benefits, which was important in the validation of the model.

Originality/value

The research contributes to AI acceptance theory and research by providing evidence of AI acceptance in the Arab region. As generative AI applications continue to expand and change, the way we accept and interact with them will be different. This model could be adopted by authorities to facilitate the acceptance of AI in Arab HE institutions.
Amplifying commitment and word-of-mouth in fashion retailing through omni-channel experiences
Authors: Akturan Ulun , Kuter Deniz
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effects of the omni-channel experience on customer commitment and word-of-mouth (WOM) intention within the context of fashion retailing in an emerging country, Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, data was collected online from 346 consumers. The hypothesised relationships were tested using SEM via AMOS.

Findings

Three sub-dimensions of the omni-channel experience are validated, namely consistency, connectivity, and personalisation, and while consistency and personalisation positively affected customer commitment, they did not indicate any direct influence on WOM intention. On the other hand, connectivity affected WOM intention but not customer commitment. In conclusion, even though consistency, connectivity, and personalisation constitute the omni-channel experience, they have differing behavioural outcomes. Furthermore, fashion retail customers’ commitment positively influenced WOM intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature in four main areas: First, this study validates the omni-channel experience scale. Secondly, it extends social exchange theory in omni-channel retailing research. Thirdly, it develops a micro-perspective on the omni-channel experience. Lastly, it puts forth that the effects of consistency, connectivity, and personalisation on customer commitment and WOM intention differ.

Practical implications

The omni-channel experience is a multi-dimensional concept. Retail managers should invest in consistency, connectivity, and personalisation to amplify customer commitment and WOM intention.

Originality/value

This study explores how customer commitment and WOM intention are enhanced through an omni-channel experience.
Detection of bridge damage through analysis of dynamic response to vehicular loads utilizing long-gauge sensors
Authors: Saifeldeen Mohamed , Monier Ahmed , Fouad Nariman
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper presents a novel method for identifying damage in reinforced concrete (RC) bridges, utilizing macro-strain data from distributed long-gauge sensors installed on the concrete surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The method relies on the principle that heavy vehicles induce larger dynamic vibrations, leading to increased strain and crack formation compared to lighter vehicles. By comparing the absolute macro-strain ratio (AMSR) of a reference sensor with a network of distributed sensors, damage locations can be effectively pinpointed from a single data collection session. Finite-element modeling was employed to validate the method's efficacy, demonstrating that the AMSR ratio increases significantly in the presence of cracks. Experimental validation was conducted on a real-world bridge in Japan, confirming the method's reliability under normal traffic conditions.

Findings

This approach offers a practical and efficient means of detecting bridge damage, potentially enhancing the safety and longevity of infrastructure systems.

Originality/value

Original research paper.
Beyond horizons: illuminating urban tourism – a systematic odyssey through sustainability, quality of life and natural environments
Authors: Mishra Sweety , Sujood Sujood , Chowdhary Nimit , Salim Javed
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the intricate relationship among urban tourism, sustainability and the contributions of natural environments to the quality of life and convivial atmospheres in urban destinations. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, exploring the nuances of how natural environments impact the well-being of diverse demographic groups, both locals and visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study systematically reviews the literature using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) technique and uses the Scopus database. The search strategy incorporates key terms related to urban tourism, sustainability, quality of life and natural environments.

Findings

The findings of the systematic literature review provide insights into the current landscape of urban tourism, sustainability and the role of natural environments. The paper synthesizes existing knowledge, identifying trends, challenges and opportunities in leveraging natural environments for sustainable urban tourism.

Research limitations/implications

Despite offering a thorough synthesis, this study has certain limitations. The scope is limited to articles published in English and available in the Scopus database, following the PRISMA guidelines. The implications of this research are significant, informing future studies and guiding urban tourism planning and policy development.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by unraveling complexities in the interplay between natural environments, quality of life and convivial atmospheres in urban tourism. The emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives and the post-COVID-19 era adds originality, providing insights that can guide future research and practical applications in the field.
Wockhardt Ltd.: Will the strategic change work?
Authors: Upadhyay Esha , Kumar Rohit
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Wockhardt Ltd. is a global, research-based pharmaceuticals and biotechnology company headquartered in India. The company went through an ambitious period of growth, mainly using acquisitions as its primary inorganic growth strategy until the 2008 financial crisis. This period saw Wockhardt struggling to meet its financial obligations while at the same time confronting legal and regulatory challenges. Post this period, the company executed several strategic changes to its businesses to facilitate a recovery. The case asks students to assess Wockhardt’s strategic response to the crisis and its future success as a pharmaceutical company in an industry marked by intense competition.

Design/methodology/approach

The case is based on secondary data sources and publicly available information. The company’s data and its history over the past six decades have been examined. Newspaper articles, journal articles, company annual reports and analyst firm reports have been used to gather information and have been cited accordingly. Financial data have been obtained from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) Prowess database.

Findings

The case highlights some interesting findings from Wockhardt’s handling of its financial problems and subsequent recovery process. Key insights come from its multi-pronged strategy to first stabilize and then continue to expand its core pharmaceuticals business by identifying new markets for its products and alternate channels for growth.

Originality/value

Previous cases on Wockhardt have focused on the financial aspects of the crises, particularly the corporate debt restructuring (CDR) process that was undertaken, the challenges of hedging foreign currency risk and the drawbacks of using foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs). In this case, we emphasize the unique aspects of Wockhardt’s business strategy, from its initial acquisition-based inorganic growth, its crisis response and management and finally the strategic execution of its recovery and continued expansion.
Understanding trust and rapport in hotel service encounters: extending the service robot acceptance model
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Gu Huimin , Ling Xiaodie , Ye Weijiao , Li Xiaofei , Zhu Zhisheng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the Service Robot Acceptance Model (sRAM) proposed by Wirtz et al. (2018), this study aims to examine how functional and social-emotional antecedents affect relational elements and the critical functions that trust and rapport play in robot acceptance in hotel services. Additionally, this study incorporates customer characteristics into the modified sRAM.

Design/methodology/approach

Consistent partial least squares (PLSc) was used to test the proposed model utilizing data collected from 456 Chinese customers.

Findings

The results indicated that effort expectancy and performance expectancy positively affect hotel guests’ trust toward and rapport with service robots. However, the effect of social influence on trust and rapport is insignificant. Additionally, perceived humanness and perceived social interactivity positively influence rapport, and perceived social presence positively affects both trust and rapport. Furthermore, trust and rapport positively influence hotel guests’ acceptance of service robots. The results also revealed the moderating role of age.

Originality/value

This study contributes to service robot literature by providing insights into how functional and social-emotional factors affect relational factors and the key role of relational factors in robot acceptance based on the sRAM. This study also advances this body of knowledge by highlighting the moderating effect of age.
Psychometric properties of a scale to measure social entrepreneurship competency in Mexican university students
Authors: Alcantar-Nieblas Carolina , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David , Vázquez-Parra José Carlos
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to calculate the confirmatory factor analysis in the measurement model using robust measures (McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha) to ensure the reliability of the proposed scale and to explore the measurement invariance of the scale per the participants’ gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological sample had 408 students from a private university in northern Mexico, of which 200 (49%) were male and 208 (51%) were female; the sample age range was 18–58 years (M = 22.4 years, SD = 6.0). The data analysis included descriptive and normality, dimensionality, reliability and measurement invariance.

Findings

The social entrepreneurship competency measurement model showed acceptable adjustment indexes in evaluating the internal structure, reliability and factorial invariance by gender of the study participants.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the contributions of this study are evident, these findings must be taken with caution due to some limitations. First, the proposed measurement model uses a self-reported scale, so it is essential to include other measurement methods with less implicit social desirability. Second, although the sample was intended to be representative, it only drew from a specific geographical area, making it difficult to generalize these findings to culturally diverse areas. Third, this study did not consider other validity measures; for example, concurrent, divergent and predictive, so future studies should consider examining the relationship of social entrepreneurship with other factors.

Practical implications

From the practical perspective, this study provides a parsimonious instrument regarding the number of items included in the measurement model. From the theoretical perspective, the present study contributes to delimiting the dimensions of social entrepreneurship competency.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of social entrepreneurship, particularly in the area of construct measurement, by offering a measurement model with solid evidence of internal structure validity, reliability and factorial invariance for the perceived achievement of social entrepreneurship competency.
Elastic and anisotropic properties of organic‐rich lacustrine shales: An experimental study
Authors: Cai Zhenjia , Zhao Luanxiao , Long Teng , Ma Jiqiang , Wang Yang , Lei Yuhong , Zhou Jiaquan , Han De‐hua , Geng Jianhua
Published: July 2024

Experimental investigation of the elastic behaviours of lacustrine shales remains sparse, although they play an essential role in source rock evaluation, unconventional reservoir exploration and development, and the seal integrity evaluation for geological storage of CO2 and nuclear waste disposal. We make the ultrasonic velocity measurement of 63 organic‐rich shale samples (Chang 7, Qingshankou and Lucaogou formation) from three typical lacustrine basins in China. It is found that the P‐ and S‐wave velocity of Chang 7 and Qingshankou shale corresponding to the fresh‐brackish lacustrine depositional environment is mainly impacted by the clay and organic matter content, whereas their elastic anisotropic magnitude is mostly influenced by clay content. The P‐ and S‐wave velocities of Lucaogou shale corresponding to the saline lacustrine depositional environment are mainly affected by the total organic carbon and porosity and exhibit weak anisotropy linked to organic matter enrichment. Exponential law well captures the relationship between anisotropic magnitude and velocity perpendicular to bedding for both saline and fresh‐brackish water lacustrine shales, although there exists notable discrepancy, particularly at low velocities. The disparity in elasticity between laminations has a profound impact on the magnitude of elastic anisotropy and shapes the trend of velocity variations.
“Enlightened Man Incarnate”: Mediating Enlightenment in Eighteenth‐Century Literary Reviews
Authors: WAINWRIGHT VALERIE
Published: July 2024

‘Crucial to the Enlightenment’, Roy Porter argued, was the work of ‘critics, knowledge‐mongers, and opinion‐makers’; the critic was ‘enlightened man incarnate’. In order to enhance our understanding of the ways in which exponents of print culture sought to orient public opinion and promote recognizably liberal principles and values, this article will examine both the polemical discourses of prolific literary journalists and the intellectual context of key issues, highlighting the work of the lawyer Owen Ruffhead. In often substantive commentaries, Ruffhead and his fellow critics referenced a distinctive set of natural law principles: they celebrated the norms of right reason, of equity and liberty. Amongst the values expounded in the Reviews were Lockean political precepts congruent with core features of liberal theory. From the mid‐eighteenth century, an early and unfamiliar ‘liberal’ vocabulary and agenda can be traced as civil liberties and rights were advocated, including the rights of the colonists, the underprivileged and the exploited. Decades before the term liberalism was devised, critics contributed to the shaping and diffusion of recognizably liberal patterns of thinking. Such an inquiry into a vibrant domain of ideas engages in ongoing historiographical debates, providing a new perspective on the formation and diffusion of influential ethical and socio‐political modes of thought.
Clinical algorithms for the monitoring and management of spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and childbirth
Authors: Pasquale Julia , Gialdini Celina , Chamillard Mónica , Diaz Virginia , Rijken Marcus J. , Browne Joyce L. , Seto Mimi Tin Yan , Cheung Ka Wang , Bonet Mercedes ,   WHO Intrapartum Care Algorithms Working Group
Published: July 2024

Aim

To develop evidence‐based clinical algorithms for the assessment and management of spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and vaginal birth.

Population

Pregnant women at any stage of labour, with singleton, term pregnancies considered to be at low risk of developing complications.

Setting

Health facilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Search Strategy

We searched for relevant published algorithms, guidelines, systematic reviews and primary research studies on Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google on terms related to spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and childbirth up to 01 June 2023.

Case scenarios

Three case scenarios were developed to cover assessments and management for spontaneous, uncomplicated first, second and third stage of labour. The algorithms provide pathways for definition, assessments, diagnosis, and links to other algorithms in this series for management of complications.

Conclusions

We have developed three clinical algorithms to support evidence‐based decision making during spontaneous, uncomplicated labour and vaginal birth. These algorithms may help guide health care staff to institute respectful care, appropriate interventions where needed, and potentially reduce the unnecessary use of interventions during labour and childbirth.
Young adult retail purchases of cannabis, product category preferences and sales trends in California 2018–21: Differences compared with older adults
Authors: Pechmann Cornelia ‘Connie’ , Calder Douglas , Timberlake David , Rhee Joshua , Padon Alisa , Silver Lynn
Published: July 2024

Aims

The aim of this study is to identify cannabis products according to their appeal among young adults and measure product sales trends.

Design, setting and participants

This was a retrospective comparative study using point‐of‐sale data from licensed recreational cannabis retailers that include buyer age with birth year entered by retailers, set in California, USA. Cannabis purchases by young adults (aged 21–24, GenZ) were compared with older adults (age 25+) over 4 years (2018–21).

Measurements

Sales for six cannabis product categories were analyzed using a commercial data set with imputations and a raw data set. Age‐appeal metrics were dollar and unit sales to young adults, and dollar and unit share ratios (young adults/older adults), where a share ratio of 100 denotes age‐appeal comparability. A product category was considered more young‐adult appealing than others if its mean on a metric was at least one standard deviation above the grand mean across all product categories.

Findings

Flower (cannabis plant material) and vapor pen appealed to young adults based on absolute dollar sales, dominating young‐adult spending compared with other cannabis products (37.24 and 31.83%, respectively). Vapor pen and concentrate appealed to young adults based on dollar share ratios of 152, meaning these products comprised a 52% greater share of young‐adult cannabis spending relative to older‐adult spending (31.83/20.97% and 10.47/6.88%, respectively). Less appealing to young adults were pre‐roll, edible/beverage and absorbable products (tincture/sublingual, capsule and topical). Flower showed the largest dollar sales growth (B = +$3.50 million/month), next to vapor pen (B = +$1.55 million/month). Vapor pen tied for highest growth in the percent of product dollars from the largest package size (B = +0.85%/month) and showed the steepest price decline (B = −0.53 price per gram/month).

Conclusions

In California, USA, from 2018 to 2021, relative to older adults, young adults spent a greater share of their cannabis dollars on vapor pen and concentrate (products with high potency of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol).
Fish and macroinvertebrates respond differently to seasonal drying in tropical non‐perennial streams
Authors: Oliveira Júlia Silva , Hughes Robert M. , Terra Bianca de F.
Published: July 2024

Surface water drying challenges the persistence of lotic biological assemblages in non‐perennial streams and rivers. However, the effects of natural hydrological disturbances on an assemblage depend on individual species characteristics. In this study, we investigated the structure and association of fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages during two phases in non‐perennial streams (flowing vs. disconnected pools). We sampled fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages in five non‐perennial stream reaches located in the Caatinga (Brazilian semi‐arid region). Fish species were resistant to hydrological dynamics in the streams. On the other hand, some macroinvertebrate taxa from the flowing phase disappeared, and new taxa colonized the disconnected pools. The absence of lotic insects following flow cessation and the colonization of disconnected pools by lentic taxa facilitated macroinvertebrate assemblages persistence in these dynamic streams. Our study showed that fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages respond differently to the same natural flow cessation, which leads us to predict that flow changes will yield different assemblages, depending on the taxa. Thus, it is crucial to consider multi‐assemblage responses to effectively manage and conserve non‐perennial stream ecosystems in a tropical semi‐arid region.
Childhood infections, asthma and allergy trajectories, and chronic rhinosinusitis in middle age: A prospective cohort study across six decades
Authors: Perret Jennifer L. , Idrose N. Sabrina , Walters E. Haydn , Bui Dinh S. , Lowe Adrian J. , Lodge Caroline J. , Fernandez Anne R. , Yao Vivian , Feather Iain , Zeng Xiao‐Wen , Thompson Bruce R. , Erbas Bircan , Abramson Michael J. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Evidence on the early life risk factors of adult CRS, and the history of asthma and allergies across the life course, is limited.

Aim

To investigate relationships between respiratory infective/allergic conditions in childhood, and asthma and allergies across the life course and CRS in middle age.

Methods

Data were from the population‐based Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS) cohort, first studied in 1968 when aged 6–7 years (n = 8583) and serially followed into middle age (n = 3609). Using a well‐accepted epidemiological definition, participants were assigned a CRS‐severity subtype at age 53: no sinusitis/CRS (reference); past doctor diagnosis only; current symptoms without doctor diagnosis; and doctor‐diagnosed CRS with current symptoms. Relationships with infective/allergic respiratory illnesses at age 7, and previously published asthma‐allergy trajectories from 7 to 53 years, were examined using multinominal regression.

Results

In middle age, 5.8% reported current CRS symptoms with 2.5% doctor‐diagnosed. Childhood conditions associated with symptomatic doctor‐diagnosed CRS included frequent head colds (multinomial odds ratio [mOR] = 2.04 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.24, 3.37)), frequent tonsillitis (mOR = 1.61 [95% CI: 1.00, 2.59]) and current childhood asthma (mOR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.25, 3.98]). Life course trajectories that featured late‐onset or persistent asthma and allergies were associated with all CRS subtypes in middle age; early‐onset persistent asthma and allergies (mOR = 6.74, 95% CI: 2.76, 16.4); late‐onset asthma allergies (mOR = 15.9, 95% CI: 8.06, 31.4), and late‐onset hayfever (mOR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.51, 6.06) were associated with symptomatic doctor‐diagnosed CRS.

Conclusion

Current asthma, frequent head colds and tonsillitis at age 7 could signal a susceptible child who is at higher risk for CRS in mid‐adult life and who might benefit from closer monitoring and/or proactive management. Concurrent asthma and allergies were strongly associated and are potential treatable traits of adult CRS.
Universal paediatric videolaryngoscopy and glottic view grading: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sasu Phillip B. , Gutsche Nelly , Kramer Rilana , Röher Katharina , Zeidler Eva M. , Peters Tanja , Köhl Vera , Krause Linda , Zöllner Christian , Dohrmann Thorsten , Petzoldt Martin
Published: July 2024

Background

Although videolaryngoscopy has been proposed as a default technique for tracheal intubation in children, published evidence on universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programmes is scarce. We aimed to determine if universal, first‐choice videolaryngoscopy reduces the incidence of restricted glottic views and to determine the diagnostic performance of the Cormack and Lehane classification to discriminate between easy and difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubations in children.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study within a structured universal videolaryngoscopy implementation programme. We used C‐MAC™ (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) videolaryngoscopes in all anaesthetised children undergoing elective tracheal intubation for surgical procedures. The direct and videolaryngoscopic glottic views were classified using a six‐stage grading system.

Results

There were 904 tracheal intubations in 809 children over a 16‐month period. First attempt and overall success occurred in 607 (67%) and 903 (> 99%) tracheal intubations, respectively. Difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation occurred in 47 (5%) and airway‐related adverse events in 42 (5%) tracheal intubations. Direct glottic view during laryngoscopy was restricted in 117 (13%) and the videolaryngoscopic view in 32 (4%) tracheal intubations (p < 0.001). Videolaryngoscopy improved the glottic view in 57/69 (83%) tracheal intubations where the vocal cords were only just visible, and in 44/48 (92%) where the vocal cords were not visible by direct view. The Cormack and Lehane classification discriminated poorly between easy and difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubations with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68 (95%CI 0.59–0.78) for the videolaryngoscopic view compared with 0.80 (95%CI 0.73–0.87) for the direct glottic view during laryngoscopy (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Universal, first‐choice videolaryngoscopy reduced substantially the incidence of restricted glottic views. The Cormack and Lehane classification was not a useful tool for grading videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in children.
Road Corridors as Real Estate Frontiers: The New Urban Geographies of Rentier Capitalism in Africa
Authors: Gillespie Tom , Mwau Baraka
Published: July 2024

This paper draws on research on infrastructure‐led development and urbanisation in Nairobi to explore the new urban geographies of rentier capitalism in Africa. Under the banner of Kenya's Vision 2030 national development strategy, Nairobi's agrarian hinterlands have been transformed by major road building projects. These initiatives have catalysed a peri‐urban property boom characterised by the conversion of agricultural and ranching land into urban real estate and the verticalisation of road corridors. The paper identifies four processes of land transformation driving this real estate market expansion: commodification; speculation; autoconstruction; and assetisation. Adopting a multi‐scalar conjunctural approach, it argues that rentier capitalism in this context is spatialised through the dramatic extension of real estate frontiers along the route of peri‐urban road corridors. Development along these corridors assumes a “grey” character that defies conventional formal–informal distinctions, enabling the extraction of large rentier profits and encouraging the further proliferation of frontier spaces.
Clinical and forensic aspects of potassium iodide: Suddenly in high demand across Europe due to fears of radiation poisoning from a nuclear attack in Ukraine
Authors: da Silva Lopes João Pedro , Barbosa Joana , Dinis‐Oliveira Ricardo Jorge
Published: July 2024

Potassium iodide has demonstrated several therapeutic applications over time, being the choice for shielding the thyroid during radiation emergencies involving radioiodine release. Amidst the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia and the growing concern regarding the potential deployment of nuclear weapons, there has been a surge in the demand for potassium iodide across Europe. This work aimed to comprehensively review the current knowledge regarding the pharmacology, physiology, adverse effects, the protective role in reducing the risk of thyroid cancer and recommendations for potassium iodide use during radiation emergencies. Evidence on adverse effects is scarce, as potassium iodide is generally well‐tolerated. Guidelines for thyroid blocking with potassium iodide during radiation emergencies suggest that, among populations vulnerable to radioiodine exposure, the benefits of potassium iodide outweigh the risks of adverse effects. Controversial topics surrounding the utilization of potassium iodide in radiation emergencies include the prophylaxis in iodine‐deficient regions and following the detonation of dirty bombs, whether granule formulationsversustablets should be used and mental health concerns. Although the rise in demand seems to be a justified security measure, it is essential to recognize that potassium iodide protects the thyroid from radioiodine and does not impact the body's absorption of other radioactive materials or defend against external radiation exposure.
The ethics of overriding patient refusals during 5150s and other involuntary psychiatric holds
Authors: Quan Alexander
Published: July 2024

Involuntary psychiatric holds, such as the 5150 hold in California, allow for an individual to be taken into custody for evaluation and treatment for up to 72 h when they present a risk of danger to themselves. 5150s and other coerced holds present a bioethical tension as patient autonomy is overridden to provide psychiatric care. I discuss two arguments that aim to provide ethical justifications for overriding patient autonomy during 5150 holds: the “clinical benefit” and “lack of capacity” arguments. By demonstrating that these arguments do not always hold, I argue that overriding patient autonomy during 5150 holds is not always ethical and can be harmful. Lastly, I make recommendations for the 5150 and similar involuntary psychiatric holds to minimize harmful breaches of patient dignity: creating consistent field guidelines for assessing prehospital capacity, educating prehospital providers about the potential harms of 5150s, and utilizing existing support structures within the social context of the patient when they have capacity to refuse further prehospital care.