bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search for strongly interacting dark matter at Belle II
Authors: Liang Jinhan , Liu Zuowei , Yang Lan
Published: June 2024

A small component of dark matter (DM) that is strongly interacting with the standard model sector is consistent with various experimental observations. Despite the small abundance, strongly interacting DM can lead to pronounced signals in DM direct detection experiments. We study Belle II sensitivity on strongly interacting DM that has a MeV-GeV mass and couples with electrons. By taking into account the substantial interactions between DM and electrons within detectors, we compute the “ceiling” of the monophoton signature at Belle II, beyond which the monophoton channel loses its sensitivity, and visible electromagnetic calorimeter (ECL) clusters due to DM scatterings assume significance. We study two ECL signatures for strongly interacting DM: the monocluster and the dicluster channels. To carry out detailed calculations and to compare with other constraints, we consider DM models with light mediators, as they naturally lead to sizable interaction cross sections. We compute exclusion regions for the dicluster, monocluster, and monophoton channels. We find that Belle II (with currently accumulated data of 362  fb−1) can rule out a significant portion of the parameter space above the ceilings of the constraints from various DM direct detection and neutrino experiments, for the vector mediator case with mass ≳10  MeV. Belle II also offers superior constraints on new light particles compared to primordial black hole (PBH) for the scalar mediator with mass ≳10  MeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum mechanical bootstrap on the interval: Obtaining the exact spectrum
Authors: Sword Lewis , Vegh David
Published: June 2024

We show that for a particular model, the quantum mechanical bootstrap is capable of finding exact results. We consider a solvable system with Hamiltonian H=SZ(1−Z)S, where Z and S satisfy canonical commutation relations. While this model may appear unusual, using an appropriate coordinate transformation, the Schrödinger equation can be cast into a standard form with a Pöschl-Teller-type potential. Since the system is defined on an interval, it is well-known that S is not self-adjoint. Nevertheless, the bootstrap method can still be implemented, producing an infinite set of positivity constraints. Using a certain operator ordering, the energy eigenvalues are only constrained into bands. With an alternative ordering, however, we find that a finite number of constraints is sufficient to fix the low-lying energy levels exactly.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Generating Synthetic Power Grids Using Exponential Random Graph Models
Authors: Giacomarra Francesco , Bet Gianmarco , Zocca Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Synthetic power grids enable real-world energy system simulations and are crucial for algorithm testing, resilience assessment, and policy formulation. We propose a novel method for the generation of synthetic transmission power grids using exponential random graph (ERG) models. Our two main contributions are (1) the formulation of an ERG model tailored specifically for capturing the topological nuances of power grids and (2) a general procedure for estimating the parameters of such a model conditioned on working with connected graphs. From a modeling perspective, we identify edge counts per bus type and k-triangles as crucial topological characteristics for synthetic power-grid generation. From a technical perspective, we develop a rigorous methodology to estimate the parameters of an ERG constrained to the space of connected graphs. The proposed model is flexible, easy to implement, and successfully captures the desired topological properties of power grids.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does humane leadership influence customer service orientation of financial institutions? The moderating effect of job satisfaction of casual employees
Authors: Dzogbenuku Robert Kwame , Sokro Evans , Dartey-Baah Kwasi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job satisfaction as a moderator, this study predicts that a humane leadership style influences casual employees’ customer service orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were obtained from 328 frontline casual employees of financial service firms. The structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares was used to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The study found that a humane leadership style positively and significantly drives customer service behaviour. Job satisfaction also had a positive effect on customer service orientation among casual employees.

Originality/value

The study appears to be the first of its kind to explore the moderating role of job satisfaction in the connection between humane leadership and customer service orientation from the perspective of casual employees. The study highlights insightful practical implications for corporate managers, HR practitioners and marketing academics.
A comparative analysis of consumer credit risk models in Peer-to-Peer Lending
Authors: Trinh Lua Thi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare nine different models to evaluate consumer credit risk, which are the following: Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bayes (NB), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) in Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses data from P2P Lending Club (LC) to assess the efficiency of a variety of classification models across different economic scenarios and to compare the ranking results of credit risk models in P2P lending through three families of evaluation metrics.

Findings

The results from this research indicate that the risk classification models in the 2013–2019 economic period show greater measurement efficiency than for the difficult 2007–2012 period. Besides, the results of ranking models for predicting default risk show that GBDT is the best model for most of the metrics or metric families included in the study. The findings of this study also support the results of Tsai et al. (2014) and Teplý and Polena (2019) that LR, ANN and LDA models classify loan applications quite stably and accurately, while CART, k-NN and NB show the worst performance when predicting borrower default risk on P2P loan data.

Originality/value

The main contributions of the research to the empirical literature review include: comparing nine prediction models of consumer loan application risk through statistical and machine learning algorithms evaluated by the performance measures according to three separate families of metrics (threshold, ranking and probabilistic metrics) that are consistent with the existing data characteristics of the LC lending platform through two periods of reviewing the current economic situation and platform development.
Complements or substitutes? A Meta-analysis of the role of social capital for individual knowledge transfer
Authors: Huang Yaqi , Wang Changfeng , Sun Rui , Chen Lei , Lin Zhenzhen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of different dimensions of social capital on individual knowledge transfer to nurture the organization’s intellectual capital, as well as the interactions among these dimensions and explore the potential moderators.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a meta-analysis with 108 independent empirical studies to examine the different dimensions of social capital–knowledge transfer relationships and the effects of moderators and used meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) to test the internal relationships among social capital dimensions.

Findings

The results show that structural, relational and cognitive social capitals are all positively related to knowledge transfer. In addition, different dimensions of social capital act as complements to one another. Further examinations reveal that the level of economic development has no significant moderating effect on the relationship between social capital and knowledge transfer. Then, the cultural context and profit climate characteristics moderate the relationship between social capital and knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

Leveraging the trilogy of signaling, learning and spillover effects, this meta-analytic study quantitatively integrates the relationships between different dimensions of social capital and knowledge transfer. It reconciles the present disparate findings, demonstrates the validity of different dimensional social capital interactions and obtains highly generalized conclusions. This study also introduces a dichotomy, saturation versus reinforcement, to explain the mixed results, which enriches social capital theory.
Does power distance orientation really matter? A human resource flexibility – firm performance link: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Athar , Mohsin Muhammad , Farid Mehar Tahir , Abid Muhammad Adeel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed at analyzing the hypothesized relationship between human resource (HR) flexibility and firm performance with the mediating effect of firm innovation and the moderating role of firm-level power distance orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed hypotheses were tested with the two-wave data collected from 209 registered information technology (IT) firms operating in Pakistan. The SMART-PLS examined the model’s hypothesized moderated, mediated and moderated-mediation relationships.

Findings

The results confirmed significant relationships between HR flexibility, firm innovation and performance while showing that the link between HR flexibility and firm performance is mediated by firm innovation. The results demonstrated that the firm-level power distance orientation negatively affected the HR flexibility–firm innovation link. These findings provide implications on how HR flexibility leverages firm innovation and performance. However, a power distance orientation in firms may diminish the positive effect of HR flexibility.

Practical implications

HR practitioners and top management can leverage these findings to design and implement policies that promote HR flexibility within IT firms for superior innovation and performance.

Originality/value

Our study offers valuable insights into the contribution of HR flexibility to firm innovation and performance. Specifically, the findings indicate that power distance orientation negatively affects the relationships between HR flexibility, firm innovation and performance. Therefore, HR practitioners and top management can leverage these findings to design and implement policies that promote HR flexibility within IT firms for superior innovation and performance.
Creating a capital-efficient organization: Accele BioPharma
Authors: Brown Jesse Lee , Paul Tyechia Veronica
Published: June 2024

Research methodology

Case information was mainly acquired through interviews with Richard Gammans, chief operating officer. Dr Gammans was a visiting professor at Fayetteville State University for a year, and two of the case authors developed personal friendships with Richard. Interviews were conducted over a two-year period as the accelerator got started. In addition, one author conducted a team-building session with the management team and one of the bio-startup researchers. An interview was also conducted with Clayton Duncan, chief executive officer, to gain his agreement with developing the case.

The Accele website included a write-up on each of the pharmaceutical startup companies. The write-up included a company summary, description of the science (disease and cure), the size of the market, results from testing, regulatory considerations and intellectual property. A literature review was conducted as the basis for the information on the pharmaceutical industry.

Case overview/synopsis

This case is about a biopharmaceutical accelerator founded in 2011 by two senior executives with experience in both large pharmaceutical companies and running biotech startup companies. The founders were successful in raising capital to start their first venture capital fund which they used to invest in four biotech startups. All four startups were working in very different disease areas. For example, one developed a drug to help with hearing loss that the department of defense was funding. Another of the startups discovered drug candidates that attack antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Biopharmaceutical accelerators were relatively new. They differed from business incubators because they invest in the startups and provide operational support, but the degree of support provided varies across accelerators. The Accele BioPharma accelerator operated in virtual, network type of organization, and Accele BioPharma provided primary strategic and operational management for the startups. The challenge in this case is to identify how the leaders managed the virtual network, and what additional resources were needed so that the management team could expand their ability to assist startups to get drugs approved by the food and drug administration.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable recommended for undergraduate/graduate strategy, undergraduate/graduate organizational behavior, entrepreneurship and health-care management courses.
Social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and one burning question: How to balance problems and progress?
Authors: Furnelli Anthony , Hart Phil , Sherman Kimberly
Published: June 2024

Research methodology

This compact case study was developed from secondary sources readily available in the public domain. These secondary sources included websites, videos and articles.

Case overview/synopsis

Throughout 2023, social media companies faced a wide range of criticism on several fronts. Critics claimed that the companies were not doing enough to manage content and the algorithms were influencing American public opinion in the Israel-–Hamas war. Others argued that social media was negatively impacting the mental health of American youth. In response, the platforms reiterated their neutrality and emphasized the features, functions and policies that were designed to address the issues and encourage a positive user experience. As generative artificial intelligence (AI) grew in popularity, the impact on social media was inevitable. Was the convergence of social media and AI inspiring progress or exacerbating problems? How would society balance the opposing forces in a rapidly evolving environment?

Complexity academic level

This case should be used in marketing and management classes at the undergraduate level. Applicable concepts include AI, social media, content and information.
Vivipary and light quality effects on seed germination of the columnar cactus, Cereus jamacaru
Authors: Santos Jessyca Adelle Silva , Meiado Marcos Vinicius , Garcia Queila Souza
Published: June 2024

Vivipary is a remarkable trait in the Cactaceae family. Here, we reported a case of vivipary in Cereus jamacaru and observed which season had the highest vivipary incidence by examining the types of fruits and seeds produced during two contrasting periods in a seasonally dry tropical forest in northeastern Brazil. Additionally, because seeds of this species are positively photoblastic, a germination experiment was conducted to confirm whether seeds inside viviparous fruits (VFs) exhibited changes in light sensitivity. Seeds from VFs were then subjected to different light quality treatments, and their germination was compared with that observed in seeds from non‐viviparous fruits (NVFs). Vivipary only occurred in fruits produced at the end of the rainy season. Viviparous fruits’ seeds had a higher germination percentage under far‐red light than NVFs’ seeds, suggesting that vivipary may favor seed germination under canopy‐shade light and therefore provide new avenues for survival in semiarid environments.
A polyethylene surrogate for microbial community enrichment and characterization
Authors: Camur Bilge Bahar , Mancipe Natalia Calixto , Barney Brett M.
Published: June 2024

Plastic pollution is a vast and increasing problem that has permeated the environment, affecting all aspects of the global food web. Plastics and microplastics have spread to soil, water bodies, and even the atmosphere due to decades of use in a wide range of applications. Plastics include a variety of materials with different properties and chemical characteristics, with polyethylene being a dominant fraction. Polyethylene is also an extremely persistent compound with slow rates of photodegradation or biodegradation. In this study, we developed a method to isolate communities of microbes capable of biodegrading a polyethylene surrogate. This method allows us to study potential polyethylene degradation over much shorter time periods. Using this method, we enriched several communities of microbes that can degrade the polyethylene surrogate within weeks. We also identified specific bacterial strains with a higher propensity to degrade compounds similar to polyethylene. We provide a description of the method, the variability and efficacy of four different communities, and key strains from these communities. This method should serve as a straightforward and adaptable tool for studying polyethylene biodegradation.
Nationwide status of aeromedical pre‐hospital and retrieval medicine in Australia
Authors: Hollott John , Gelzinnis Scott , Morgan Mary , Garner Alan
Published: June 2024

Objective

To survey the current structure, capability and operational scope of pre‐hospital and retrieval aeromedical teams across Australia.

Methods

The medical directors of all Australian civilian adult aeromedical retrieval organisations with pre‐hospital teams and/or doctors for inter‐hospital critical care patient transport were contacted in a survey to qualitatively assess capacity and team structure.

Results

All 17 organisations contacted completed the survey. While there is diversity in team structure with the pairing of doctors, paramedics and nurses, capacity for patient care is generally homogenous. A doctor/paramedic model is the more common team structure for rotary‐wing missions, and doctor/nurse for fixed‐wing. Differences are mostly due to state government controlled aspects of their health services. An advanced degree of intensive patient care occurs outside of the hospital. Land and sea rescue is an important aspect of Australian aeromedical work.

Conclusion

Aeromedicine in Australia has many consistent elements, but variable contexts have resulted in a diversity of operational models.
Death in Fleet Street: the demise of John Lowther, knight of the shire for Westmorland, in the parliament of January 1380*
Authors: Kleineke Hannes
Published: June 2024

On the second day of the Westminster Parliament of January 1380 John Lowther, one of the MPs for Westmorland, was stabbed to death by a fellow Member, Sir William Curwen, who sat for Cumberland. A case study of this homicide (the principal record of which is printed in the appendix) and its background offers new information on the arrangements for the housing of MPs during 14th‐century parliaments and demonstrates how the affair acquired a long parliamentary afterlife, before eventually being settled in 1394.
Optimizing an integrated biovigilance toolbox to study the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of airborne mycobiota, with a focus on cereal rust fungi in western Canada
Authors: Chen Wen , Newlands Nathaniel , Hambleton Sarah , Laroche André , Davoodi Seyyed Mohammadreza , Bakkeren Guus
Published: June 2024

In the face of evolving agricultural practices and climate change, tools towards an integrated biovigilance platform to combat crop diseases, spore sampling, DNA diagnostics and predictive trajectory modelling were optimized. These tools revealed microbial dynamics and were validated by monitoring cereal rust fungal pathogens affecting wheat, oats, barley and rye across four growing seasons (2015–2018) in British Columbia and during the 2018 season in southern Alberta. ITS2 metabarcoding revealed disparity in aeromycobiota diversity and compositional structure across the Canadian Rocky Mountains, suggesting a barrier effect on air flow and pathogen dispersal. A novel bioinformatics classifier and curated cereal rust fungal ITS2 database, corroborated by real‐time PCR, enhanced the precision of cereal rust fungal species identification. Random Forest modelling identified crop and land‐use diversification as well as atmospheric pressure and moisture as key factors in rust distribution. As a valuable addition to explain observed differences and patterns in rust fungus distribution, trajectory HYSPLIT modelling tracked rust fungal urediniospores' northeastward dispersal from the Pacific Northwest towards southern British Columbia and Alberta, indicating multiple potential origins. Our Canadian case study exemplifies the power of an advanced biovigilance toolbox towards developing an early‐warning system for farmers to detect and mitigate impending disease outbreaks.
Pip5k1γ promotes anabolism of nucleus pulposus cells and intervertebral disc homeostasis by activating CaMKII‐Ampk pathway in aged mice
Authors: Chen Mingjue , Li Feiyun , Qu Minghao , Jin Xiaowan , He Tailin , He Shuangshuang , Chen Sheng , Yao Qing , Wang Lin , Chen Di , Wu Xiaohao , Xiao Guozhi
Published: June 2024

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) represents a significant global health challenge, yet its underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the role of type 1 phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate 5‐kinase (Pip5k1) in intervertebral disc (IVD) homeostasis and disease. All three Pip5k1 isoforms, namely Pip5k1α, Pip5k1β, and Pip5k1γ, were detectable in mouse and human IVD tissues, with Pip5k1γ displaying a highest expression in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The expression of Pip5k1γ was significantly down‐regulated in the NP cells of aged mice and patients with severe DDD. To determine whether Pip5k1γ expression is required for disc homeostasis, we generated a Pip5k1γfl/fl; AggrecanCreERT2 mouse model for the conditional knockout of the Pip5k1γ gene in aggrecan‐expressing IVD cells. Our findings revealed that the conditional deletion of Pip5k1γ did not affect the disc structure or cellular composition in 5‐month‐old adult mice. However, in aged (15‐month‐old) mice, this deletion led to several severe degenerative disc defects, including decreased NP cellularity, spontaneous fibrosis and cleft formation, and a loss of the boundary between NP and annulus fibrosus. At the molecular level, the absence of Pip5k1γ reduced the anabolism of NP cells without markedly affecting their catabolic or anti‐catabolic activities. Moreover, the loss of Pip5k1γ significantly dampened the activation of the protective Ampk pathway in NP cells, thereby accelerating NP cell senescence. Notably, Pip5k1γ deficiency blunted the effectiveness of metformin, a potent Ampk activator, in activating the Ampk pathway and mitigating lumbar spine instability (LSI)‐induced disc lesions in mice. Overall, our study unveils a novel role for Pip5k1γ in promoting anabolism and maintaining disc homeostasis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for DDD.
Adolescent social gaming as a form of social media: A call for developmental science
Authors: Maheux Anne J. , Garrett Shedrick L. , Fox Kara A. , Field Nathan H. , Burnell Kaitlyn , Telzer Eva H. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: June 2024

Social gaming—online gameplay involving digital interactions with others—is a common form of social media use among adolescents. Research on this topic has neglected the social aspect of gaming and the potential role of social gaming in adolescent development. In this article, we define social gaming, drawing on interdisciplinary theories to clarify how it is both similar to and distinct from the app‐based social media platforms that have received more research attention. We outline how social gaming may be uniquely rewarding and influential for adolescents, given three key features of adolescent development: peer relationships, identity development, and neurobiological development. We address how individual differences—including those related to social identities, neurobiology, and pre‐existing social skills—may shape social gaming experiences and related outcomes. We conclude with a call for more work on how social gaming influences adolescent development and an agenda for researchers.
How can agent‐based modelling provide new insights into the impact of minimum unit pricing in Scotland?
Authors: Boyd Jennifer , Holmes John , Gibbs Naomi , Buckley Charlotte , Purshouse Robin , Meier Petra
Published: June 2024

In recent years we have gained insight into the impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP)—a legal floor price below which a given volume of alcohol cannot be sold—on population‐level reductions in alcohol sales, consumption and harm. However, several questions remain unanswered including how individual‐level purchasing changes impact the local economy (e.g., balance between on‐licence and off‐licence outlets), lead to long‐term population‐level trends (e.g., youth drinking) and social harms (e.g., violence). Agent‐based modelling captures heterogeneity, emergence, feedback loops and adaptive and dynamic features, which provides an opportunity to understand the nuanced effects of MUP. Agent‐based models (ABM) simulate heterogeneous agents (e.g., individuals, organisations) often situated in space and time that interact with other agents and/or with their environment, allowing us to identify the mechanisms underlying social phenomena. ABMs are particularly useful for theory development, and testing and simulating the impacts of policies and interventions. We illustrate how ABMs could be applied to generate novel insights and provide best estimates of social network effects, and changes in purchasing behaviour and social harms, due to the implementation of MUP. ABMs like other modelling approaches can simulate alternative implementations of MUP (e.g., policy intensity [£0.50, £0.60] or spatial scales [local, national]) but can also provide an understanding of the potential impact of MUP on different population groups (e.g., alcohol exposure of young people who are not yet drinking). Using ABMs to understand the impact of MUP would provide new insights to complement those from traditional epidemiological and other modelling methods.
Through the looking glass: An alcohol advertisement every 3 minutes
Authors: Rutherford Brienna N. , Leung Janni , Stjepanović Daniel , Chan Gary C. K.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There is growing concern over the lack of regulation of alcohol advertisements on social media platforms frequented by youths. This study aims to build upon existing literature by assessing the frequency with which young Australians (17–25) are shown advertisements promoting alcohol use and the themes utilised in these advertisements.

Methods

A total of 125 Australian youths (mean age 18.74 years; 74.40% female) were recruited in exchange for course credit to participate in an online study. Participants scrolled through Facebook or Instagram for a period of 30 min and screenshotted any alcohol advertisements encountered. Participants then identified the advertisement qualities (or ‘themes’) present in the advertisements, based on pre‐identified categories. Demographic, social media usage and historical personal, peer or familial substance use behaviour data was also collected.

Results

Seventy‐one university students were exposed to 796 alcohol advertisements across both platforms, and they encountered an advertisement every 2 min and 43 s on average. Most advertisements included call to action features on both Facebook (78.80%) and Instagram (71.17%). Advertisements relating to ease of access (promoting subscription/home delivery; 41.72% and 42.56%) and sales incentives (special offers, promotions, samples or bonuses with purchase; 43.70% and 46.84%) were most common across both platforms.

Discussion and Conclusions

Alcohol advertisements are highly prevalent online, particularly among Australian youth social media users. Future research should endeavour to identify whether temporal use of alcohol is a predictor of subsequent exposure to alcohol advertising on social media, and whether this exposure is likely to increase successive alcohol use behaviours.
Foresight for a better African future: Lessons from six decades of practice
Authors: Adesida Olugbenga , Gatune Julius , Eyakuze Aidan
Published: June 2024

Motivation

Being able to anticipate (foresight) and thus identify development pathways and make long‐term plans is crucial for the transformation of Africa. However, long‐term planning was abandoned as many African countries went into crisis, being mostly forced to adopt structural adjustment programmes in the 1980s. Although long‐term planning began to make a comeback in the 1990s, the resulting visions have tended to remain that— visions—not fully reflected in policy implementation.

Purpose

The article explores the many cycles of foresight in Africa to gain insight into how foresight can become an opportunity to generate new development options and strategies for Africa. Various examples of foresight in Africa are examined to tease out the imperatives for African policy‐makers to embed foresight into development management.

Approach and Methods

We review foresight in Africa, starting by mapping foresight exercises in the continent since independence. We identify three categories of foresight exercises: development partner‐led, government‐led, and civil society‐led. Given the involvement of the authors in some of the exercises, assessments are largely derived from personal communications, recollections, and reflections.

Findings

Four insights emerge. First, foresight exercises have had little impact on leaders and decision‐makers, in large part because they have not been intimately engaged in the exercises.

Two, foresight narratives tend to be challenging, raising difficult issues that may require substantial and difficult reforms. Faced with everyday challenges of government, leaders have usually chosen to ignore and disbelieve foresight exercises.

Three, foresight analysts have not been sufficiently empathetic to the highly constrained systems of public governance and the ministers and civil servants that operate them.

Four, futures initiatives can present the factors that may shape the future as overwhelming; and thereby discounting and undervaluing individual and collective agency.

Policy implications

Exploring the future is not new in Africa. In traditional African societies, the need to explore the future has been recognized, as captured in proverbs and mythologies. The challenge facing African countries today is how to domesticate and democratize “modern” foresight so it becomes a way of life for decision‐makers and institutions.
Angular deformation of the tail in a young foal
Authors: Rijkenhuizen Astrid , van der Harst Mark
Published: June 2024

A 1‐week‐old Warmblood female foal was presented for evaluation of an angular deviation of the tail to the left. The foal was able to defaecate normally. Manual straightening of the tail was possible but not completely to its normal position. Radiology revealed a growth deformity of coccygeal vertebrae 6 and 7 (CoV). Spontaneous correction of the tail angle was not expected, and surgical correction was advised. At that moment, the owner decided to wait and the operation was postponed until further notice. After 10 weeks, surgical correction of the angular deviation was undertaken by transphyseal screw placement with hemicircumferential periosteal transection and elevation on the left side of both vertebrae as well as inserting a temporary external fixator in which the end was distracted. Three weeks after surgery, the pins were removed. At the follow‐up examination 12 months after initial surgery, the deviation was nearly corrected and reduced to ca. 10 degrees deviation, and the owner was satisfied with the obtained result. No loss of sensory or motor function had occurred.
Wildfire smoke impacts lake ecosystems
Authors: Farruggia Mary Jade , Brahney Janice , Tanentzap Andrew J. , Brentrup Jennifer A. , Brighenti Ludmila S. , Chandra Sudeep , Cortés Alicia , Fernandez Rocio L. , Fischer Janet M. , Forrest Alexander L. , Jin Yufang , Larrieu Kenneth , McCullough Ian M. , Oleksy Isabella A. , Pilla Rachel M. , Rusak James A. , Scordo Facundo , Smits Adrianne P. , Symons Celia C. , Tang Minmeng , Woodman Samuel G. , Sadro Steven
Published: June 2024

Wildfire activity is increasing globally. The resulting smoke plumes can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers, reflecting or scattering sunlight and depositing particles within ecosystems. Several key physical, chemical, and biological processes in lakes are controlled by factors affected by smoke. The spatial and temporal scales of lake exposure to smoke are extensive and under‐recognized. We introduce the concept of the lake smoke‐day, or the number of days any given lake is exposed to smoke in any given fire season, and quantify the total lake smoke‐day exposure in North America from 2019 to 2021. Because smoke can be transported at continental to intercontinental scales, even regions that may not typically experience direct burning of landscapes by wildfire are at risk of smoke exposure. We found that 99.3% of North America was covered by smoke, affecting a total of 1,333,687 lakes ≥10 ha. An incredible 98.9% of lakes experienced at least 10 smoke‐days a year, with 89.6% of lakes receiving over 30 lake smoke‐days, and lakes in some regions experiencing up to 4 months of cumulative smoke‐days. Herein we review the mechanisms through which smoke and ash can affect lakes by altering the amount and spectral composition of incoming solar radiation and depositing carbon, nutrients, or toxic compounds that could alter chemical conditions and impact biota. We develop a conceptual framework that synthesizes known and theoretical impacts of smoke on lakes to guide future research. Finally, we identify emerging research priorities that can help us better understand how lakes will be affected by smoke as wildfire activity increases due to climate change and other anthropogenic activities.
Geographic barriers but not life history traits shape the phylogeography of North American mammals
Authors: Jensen Alex J. , Cove Michael V. , Goldstein Benjamin R. , Kays Roland , McShea William , Pacifici Krishna , Rooney Brigit , Kierepka Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Aim

Synthesize literature on genetic structure within species to understand how geographic features and species traits influence past responses to climate change.

Location

North America.

Time Period

We synthesized phylogeographic studies from 1978 to 2023, which describe genetic lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene (≥11,700 years ago).

Major Taxa Studied

Mammals.

Methods

We conducted a literature review to map genetic breaks in species distributions, then tested a set of geographic hypotheses (e.g., mountains, rivers) to explain their position by comparing break locations to a grid within each species' sampled range using logistic regression. We then conducted a meta‐analysis using species‐specific model estimates to ask if life‐history traits explained variation in which barriers were most important in species' past response to climate change.

Results

Our findings reveal heterogeneity in both where North American mammal phylogeography has been studied and the density of genetic breaks across 229 species. We found relatively high concordance among carnivores, ungulates and lagomorphs, where breaks were associated with mountains, major water bodies and relatively even terrain. In contrast, we found high variability within rodents and shrews, and no evidence that intrinsic factors related to dispersal ability explained the importance of hypothesized barriers across all species.

Main Conclusions

Southern Mexico is a hotspot for genetic breaks that has yet to be integrated into the broader story of North American phylogeography. We show that mountains and major water bodies play particularly important roles as barriers, but substantial variation across species within orders suggests that there is more to the story besides shared climatic or phylogenetic histories. Thus, understanding the phylogeography of individual species will continue to be important given that our results suggest high variability in how species may respond to future global change.
Variant‐specific BCR::ABL1 quantification discrepancy in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jacobs Koen , Moerman Alena , Vandepoele Karl , Abeele Tim Van den , De Mulder Katrien , Steel Eva , Clauwaert Maxim , Louagie Henk
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Accurate quantification of the BCR::ABL1 fusion gene in whole blood is pivotal for the clinical management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The fusion protein encoded by BCR::ABL1 can vary in size, depending on the BCR and/or ABL1 gene breakpoint. The vast majority of CML patients have a p210 BCR::ABL1 fusion gene (M‐BCR), which can be attributed to the presence of either e14a2 (b3a2) or e13a2 (b2a2) mRNA transcript junctions.

Methods

Twenty‐five CML samples were analyzed in two different ISO15189‐accredited centers that both use an Europe Against Cancer‐based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol. Reanalysis of the sample set with transcript‐specific standard curves and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) were performed.

Results

qPCR quantification revealed a significant (up to 1 log) difference specifically for the e13a2 transcript variant in contrast to e14a2 transcripts (Hodges–Lehman 4.29; p < 0.001). Reanalysis of the sample set with transcript‐specific standard curves abolishes the initial transcript‐specific difference (Hodges–Lehman 0.003; p = 0.8192). Comparison of transcript‐specific qPCR results of both centers with ddPCR, an absolute quantification method, showed a statically significant association, especially in the lower range, indicating the clinical utility of transcript‐specific or absolute quantification methods.

Conclusion

Our data show that differences between transcript‐specific quantification might exist between centers, leading to potential clinical impact on the follow‐up of CML patients. The use of transcript‐specific standard curves for qPCR quantification, or absolute quantification, can significantly reduce these differences. Specific attention should be applied to the interpretation of quantification differences of CML patients that switch between diagnostic centers.
Nirsevimab Effectiveness Against Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis Hospitalised in Paediatric Intensive Care Units in France, September 2023–January 2024
Authors: Paireau Juliette , Durand Cécile , Raimbault Sylvain , Cazaubon Joséphine , Mortamet Guillaume , Viriot Delphine , Milesi Christophe , Daudens‐Vaysse Elise , Ploin Dominique , Tessier Sabrina , Vanel Noémie , Chappert Jean‐Loup , Levieux Karine , Ollivier Ronan , Daoudi Jamel , Coignard Bruno , Leteurtre Stéphane , Parent‐du‐Châtelet Isabelle , Vaux Sophie
Published: June 2024

In September 2023, France was one of the first countries that started a national immunisation campaign with nirsevimab, a new monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Using data from a network of paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), we aimed to estimate nirsevimab effectiveness against severe cases of RSV bronchiolitis in France. We conducted a case–control study based on the test‐negative design and included 288 infants reported by 20 PICUs. We estimated nirsevimab effectiveness at 75.9% (48.5–88.7) in the main analysis and 80.6% (61.6–90.3) and 80.4% (61.7–89.9) in two sensitivity analyses. These real‐world estimates confirmed the efficacy observed in clinical studies.
Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of invasive melanoma: A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Williams G. J. , Quinn T. , Lo S. , Guitera P. , Scolyer R. A. , Thompson J. F. , Ch'ng S.
Published: June 2024

Background

The use of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) in melanoma treatment has divided opinion and evidence‐based guidelines are lacking.

Objectives

This systematic review aimed to analyse clinical outcomes for patients with invasive melanomas treated with Mohs rather than wide local excision (WLE).

Methods

Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases (to 30 August 2023) were searched for studies using Mohs to treat invasive melanoma. Outcomes of interest were local recurrence and death from melanoma.

Results

Thirty‐five articles involving 41,499 patients with invasive melanoma treated with Mohs were identified. Sixteen studies compared Mohs with WLE and 19 were Mohs‐only, non‐comparative studies. Patients treated with Mohs differed significantly from those undergoing WLE, in particular Mohs patients were older and had thinner melanomas. Two comparative studies using the same data source reported adjusted hazard ratios for melanoma‐specific death and both showed no significant difference between Mohs and WLE‐treated patients; 0.87 (95% CI 0.55–1.35) and 1.20 (95% CI 0.71–20.36). There was also no statistically significant difference in local recurrence risk; the unadjusted risk ratio for patients treated with Mohs was 0.46 (95% CI 0.14–1.51 p = 0.20) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 62%). No studies reported multivariable analyses for risk of local recurrence. Many studies generated from relatively few and often overlapping data sets have reported the use of Mohs to treat patients with invasive melanoma. Fewer studies were comparative between Mohs and WLE and these reported substantially different baseline risks of recurrence and death from melanoma between the groups. Mohs has generally been used for thinner melanomas in older patients; therefore, comparisons based on univariable analyses are likely to have been misleading.

Conclusions

On the basis of currently available data, it is not possible to reliably assess whether outcomes differ if invasive melanomas with comparable features are treated with Mohs or WLE, and randomized trial evidence will be required for reliable conclusions to be reached.
A symbolic interactionist model of White adolescents' digital critical racial literacy and digital anti‐racist action
Authors: Klein Sydney , Csizmadia Annamaria , Adamsons Kari
Published: June 2024

Symbolic interactionism is useful for examining how various socialization contexts (e.g., family and media) inform adolescents' identity construction and role making. Some research supports the theory's application in understanding White adolescents' racial socialization and identity development. The theory has yet to be applied to understanding the critical components that are essential for understanding how individuals interact with a digital society where racial inequality is pervasive. We propose a model of White adolescents' racial identity in response to racial socialization, and how that relationship manifests in social media contexts. We discuss how racial and social media literacies interact with family socialization and identity‐related experiences to promote White adolescents' critical race consciousness and introduce a novel application of digital critical racial literacy and digital anti‐racist action. The model advances symbolic interactionism by incorporating a critical lens, and can inform interventions aimed to educate parents, White youth, and social‐media developers on anti‐racist development.
Prophylactic use of a self‐assembling peptide hydrogel for preventing delayed bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Kitano Rena , Ibusuki Mayu , Sakamoto Kazumasa , Kimoto Satoshi , Arai Jun , Nakade Yukiomi , Ito Kiyoaki
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Delayed endoscopic sphincterotomy‐related bleeding (ES bleeding) is an unavoidable adverse event (AE) that can have serious ramifications. Intraoperative ES bleeding, which stops spontaneously in most cases, is a known risk factor for delayed bleeding. This study aimed to examine the preventive effect of a novel self‐assembling peptide (SAP) for delayed ES bleeding in patients who attained spontaneous hemostasis after intraoperative ES bleeding.

Methods

A total of 1507 patients met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. The rates of delayed ES bleeding and AE besides bleeding were compared between patients administered the SAP (SAP group) and those who were simply observed after spontaneous hemostasis of intraoperative ES bleeding (control group). Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences between the groups.

Results

The rate of delayed ES bleeding was significantly lower in the SAP group than that in the control group (0.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.044). The rates of AEs other than bleeding were 2.4% and 3.8% in the SAP and control groups, respectively, and the difference lacked statistical significance (P = 0.481). Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of SAP was significantly associated with a lower frequency of delayed ES bleeding (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.98; P = 0.047).

Conclusions

Self‐assembling peptide may be a simple, safe, and useful way to reduce the risk of delayed ES bleeding in patients who experienced intraoperative ES bleeding and obtained subsequent spontaneous hemostasis.
Modalizing in musical performance
Authors: Lorenzi Giulia , Morales Carbonell Felipe
Published: June 2024

This article aims to connect issues in the epistemology of modality with issues in the philosophy of music, exploring how modalizing takes place in the context of musical performance. On the basis of studies of jazz improvisation and of classical music, it is shown that considerations about what is sonically, musically, and agentively possible play an important role for performers in the Western tonal tradition. We give a more systematic sketch of how a modal epistemology for musical performance could be constructed. We argue that it is necessary to adopt a pluralist approach toward the modal epistemology of music.
Differences in RAD51 transcriptional response and cell cycle dynamics reveal varying sensitivity to DNA damage among Arabidopsis thaliana root cell types
Authors: Kutashev Konstantin , Meschichi Anis , Reeck Svenja , Fonseca Alejandro , Sartori Kevin , White Charles I. , Sicard Adrien , Rosa Stefanie
Published: June 2024

Throughout their lifecycle, plants are subjected to DNA damage from various sources, both environmental and endogenous. Investigating the mechanisms of the DNA damage response (DDR) is essential to unravel how plants adapt to the changing environment, which can induce varying amounts of DNA damage.

Using a combination of whole‐mount single‐molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (WM‐smFISH) and plant cell cycle reporter lines, we investigated the transcriptional activation of a key homologous recombination (HR) gene, RAD51, in response to increasing amounts of DNA damage in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

The results uncover consistent variations in RAD51 transcriptional response and cell cycle arrest among distinct cell types and developmental zones. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DNA damage induced by genotoxic stress results in RAD51 transcription throughout the whole cell cycle, dissociating its traditional link with S/G2 phases.

This work advances the current comprehension of DNA damage response in plants by demonstrating quantitative differences in DDR activation. In addition, it reveals new associations with the cell cycle and cell types, providing crucial insights for further studies of the broader response mechanisms in plants.