bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apical Whorl Treatment for Exogenous Application of Hormones in Maize
Authors: Muñoz-Javier Rodrigo , Pola-Sánchez Enrique , Guzmán-López José Alfredo , Abraham-Juárez María Jazmín
Published: October 2024

Plant hormones play an essential role in both development and stress responses. These organic natural compounds have critical functions in plant-related processes, including but not limited to seed development, anther formation, root elongation, and responses to abiotic and biotic stress. One way to study the impact of hormones on these processes is by external application, followed by evaluation of parameters of interest. Here, we describe one such method for the exogenous application of hormones in maize: the apical whorl treatment approach, which is well suited for evaluating the role of these compounds in reproductive stages (e.g., when the target organ is the inflorescence meristem). This method involves direct application of a hormone solution to the apical part of the plants every 2 days until the tassel emerges, which takes 15–20 days, or until the treated plants show noticeable phenotypic changes for evaluation. This method is ideal for observing effects on the apical meristem, and it may be scaled up for analyzing large numbers of plants.
Exogenous Hormone Treatments in Maize
Authors: Guzmán-López José Alfredo , Muñoz-Javier Rodrigo , Kelley Dior R. , Abraham-Juárez María Jazmín
Published: October 2024

Plant hormones have key functions in plant morphology, physiology, and stress responses. Studies on the biology of hormones and their effect on plant physiology and metabolism are greatly facilitated by the exogenous application of these compounds. In general, methods for exogenous hormone application are easy and fast, and provide useful information about their effects in planta. Although hormone effects have been studied in several plant species, the used methods need to be tailored specifically to each species to get robust data. Maize is an established model for basic and applied research, and an excellent system for studying the effects of hormones on developmental and stress responses in a cereal crop. Different methods have been reported for the exogenous application of plant growth regulators in maize, including watering, spraying, immersion, and application to the apical whorl. These various methods are useful to analyze hormone responses at different developmental stages, in specific organs, and within tissues. As with all exogenous application assays, suitable experimental design and the inclusion of proper controls are critical factors in these methods, to obtain reliable and reproducible results. Here, we provide an overview of various methods for hormone exogenous application in maize, and technical considerations to get successful results.
Spatial distribution of gamma rays produced by axially symmetric polarized and optical vortex lasers
Authors: Taira Yoshitaka
Published: October 2024

The polarization properties and spatial distribution of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a high-energy electron can be calculated using the Lienard-Wiechert potentials. These properties are characterized by changes in electron orbitals. In Thomson or Compton scattering by relativistic electrons, which involves the interaction between electrons and a laser, the transverse motion of the electrons is induced by the laser's electric field. The polarization characteristics and spatial distribution of emitted radiation in linearly and circularly polarized laser fields have been extensively studied. In this paper, using a CdTe image sensor, the spatial distribution of MeV gamma rays generated by a 90-degree collision between a 750 MeV electron beam and an axially symmetric polarized laser was measured. The axially symmetric polarized laser, which includes radially and azimuthally polarized components, was created from a linearly polarized laser using a spatially variant retarder known as an s-waveplate. The spatial distribution of gamma rays exhibited a peak at the center, similar to linearly and circularly polarized gamma rays, but differed in overall contour from both. This result suggested that axially symmetric polarized lasers generated gamma rays with different polarization states. Moreover, the contour was observed to change with the polarization axis of the axially symmetric polarized laser, likely owing to the nonuniform distribution of the laser's polarization intensity. Additionally, the spatial distribution of gamma rays produced by circularly polarized optical vortex lasers was measured, showing that their contours corresponded to those of nonvortex circularly polarized lasers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Noninvertible Symmetries, Anomalies, and Scattering Amplitudes
Authors: Copetti Christian , Córdova Lucía , Komatsu Shota
Published: October 2024

We show that crossing symmetry of S matrices is modified in certain theories with noninvertible symmetries or anomalies. Focusing on integrable flows to gapped phases in two dimensions, we find that S matrices derived previously from the bootstrap approach are incompatible with noninvertible symmetries along the flow. We present consistent alternatives, which, however, violate standard crossing symmetry and obey modified rules dictated by fusion categories. We extend these rules to theories with discrete anomalies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pedagogical moves related to analogy that support a unified understanding of eigentheory concepts in a quantum mechanics class
Authors: Serbin Kaitlyn Stephens , Wawro Megan
Published: October 2024

It is beneficial for quantum mechanics students to have a unified understanding of eigentheory concepts, so they can recognize the shared structure of mathematized phenomena from the different quantum mechanical systems of spin, energy, or position and recognize those as instantiations of the same overarching concept. Quantum mechanics instructors should, therefore, provide opportunities for their class community to develop a shared unified understanding of eigentheory concepts. One such opportunity can arise by engaging students in analogizing eigentheory concepts in one context with those from another context. We investigate the pedagogical moves related to analogies that can be used by a quantum mechanics course instructor to support a class community in developing a shared unified understanding of eigenequations. We analyze classroom data to characterize an instructor’s pedagogical moves as he engaged students in analogical reasoning. Some moves include posing tasks conducive to analogizing; preparing, soliciting, and scaffolding students’ participation in analogical reasoning; using deictic gestures and inscriptions; juxtaposing symbols representing the analogized concepts; and explicitly highlighting the sameness of the analogized concepts. We exemplify these pedagogical moves with analytical descriptions of illustrative class episodes. We discuss how these pedagogical moves can support the class community’s expansion of their common ground by fostering the development of the class’s shared unified understanding of eigentheory concepts.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Achieving a near-ideal silicon crystal neutron interferometer using submicrometer fabrication techniques
Authors: Huber M. G. , Heacock B. , Taminiau I. , Cory D. G. , Sarenac D. , Valdillez R. , Pushin D. A.
Published: October 2024

Perfect-crystal neutron interferometry, which is analogous to Mach-Zehnder interferometry, uses Bragg diffraction to form interfering neutron paths. The measured phase shifts can be used to probe many types of interactions whether it be nuclear, electromagnetic, gravitational, or topological in nature. For a perfect-crystal interferometer to preserve coherence, the crystal must possess a high degree of dimensional tolerance as well as being relatively defect-free with minimal internal stresses. In the past, perfect-crystal neutron interferometers have been produced by a two-step process. First, a resin diamond wheel would be used to remove excess material and shape the interferometer. Afterword, the crystal would be etched to remove surface defects and elevate strains. This process has had limitations in terms of repeatability and in maximizing the final contrast, or fringe visibility, of the interferometer. We have tested various fabrication and post-fabrication techniques on a single perfect-crystal neutron interferometer and measured the interferometer's performance at each step. Here we report a robust, nonetching fabrication process with high final contrast. For the interferometer used in this work, we achieved contrasts of greater than 90% several times and ultimately finished with an interferometer that has 92% contrast and a uniform phase distribution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
On the analysis of time-varying causality between VIX exchange-traded products and VIX futures contracts in high and low volatility regimes
Authors: O'Neill Michael , Rajaguru Gulasekaran
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The authors analyse the nature of nonlinear long-run causal dynamics between VIX futures and exchange-traded products (ETPs).

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear long-run causal relations between daily price movements in ETPs and futures are established through a Markov switching vector error correction model (MS-VECM).

Findings

The authors observe time variation in causality with the volatility of volatility. In particular, demand pressures for VIX ETNs and futures can change in different regimes. The authors observe two regimes where regime 1 is classified as low-mean low-volatility, while regime 2 is classified as high-mean high-volatility. The convergence to the long-run equilibrium in the low-mean low-volatility regime is faster than the high-mean high-volatility regime. The nature of the time varying lead lag relations demonstrates the opportunities for arbitrage.

Originality/value

The linear causal relations between VXX and VIX futures are well established, with leads and lags generally found to be short-lived with arbitrage relations holding. The authors go further to capture the time-varying causal relationships through a Markovian process. The authors establish the nonlinear causal relations between inverse and leveraged products where causal relations are not yet documented.
Interpartner learning capabilities and relationship performance during complex projects
Authors: Kou Tun-Chih
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Success in projects requires understanding and managing increasing complexity. This study aims to address the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between project complexity and various forms of interpartner learning capability. In addition, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier design responsibility on the relationship between project complexity and interpartner learning capability.

Design/methodology/approach

From an electronics supplier’s perspective, the authors propose that the effect of project complexity is a process of knowledge acquisition and sharing that is facilitated by various forms of interpartner learning capability, including absorptive learning and joint learning, with the upshot of fostering name-brand customer dependence in international exchange relationships. A questionnaire survey is used to collect data from project, product and account managers in the electronics manufacturing industry. The conceptual model is tested using 226 returned questionnaires.

Findings

The results indicate that complex projects can drive absorptive learning and joint learning capability, fostering enhanced customer dependence and relationship performance. Further, supplier design responsibility has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between project complexity and joint learning capability. However, project complexity is not significantly moderated by the effect of supplier design responsibility on absorptive learning capability.

Originality/value

Complexity fosters behaviors that influence interpartner learning, which highlights the connection between project management complexity and organizational learning in theory and practice.
Exposure to information about sexual crimes and its relationship to perceptions of social threats and belief in a just world
Authors: Grzyb Tomasz , Dolinski Dariusz , Muniak Paweł , Kulesza Wojciech
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the two online experimental studies was to examine how information about threats related to sexual crimes influences personal beliefs regarding social threats (in line with the finite pool of worry concept) and belief in a just world, as proposed by Melvin Lerner.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first experiment (n = 256), female participants were presented with press information about a sexual crime that occurred at a student concert. Different groups were informed whether the perpetrator was apprehended (or not) and asked to indicate the punishment they thought should be imposed. In the second experiment (n = 251), participants in the experimental group were asked to read texts about various threats that may concern them.

Findings

In both experiments, the authors measured the perceived risk of being a victim of a sexual crime (and, in Study 1, other threats) as well as belief in just world (at both personal and general levels). Analysis of results has shown that participants’ focus on one threat did not reduce their concerns about other threats. However, belief in just world appears to be negatively associated with the fear of being a victim of a sexual crime.

Originality/value

The findings concern the relationship between the sense of threat and belief in a just world. In this regard, both of the studies consistently showed that the threats the authors induced did not affect the level of belief in a just world. However, the second experiment revealed that belief in a just world is related to the fear of being raped. Belief in a just world serves as a foundation for good adaptation and functioning. It provides cognitive control, motivates hard work and long-term goal-setting and gives life meaning (e.g. Dalbert, 1999; Dalbert and Sallay, 2004; Sutton and Winnard, 2007). Therefore, a woman’s fear of being a victim of rape has implications that extend beyond this narrowly defined issue.
Are all luxury guests the same? A benefit segmentation of 5-star hotel customers
Authors: Mele Emanuele , Dubosson Magali , Schegg Roland
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research aims at identifying segments of luxury guests based on the benefits they seek when staying at 5-star hotels. The study also wants to investigate whether ethics and sustainability have a role in differentiating the segments.

Design/methodology/approach

An online panel survey allowed the collection of 508 responses with participants from Switzerland that spent at least one night in a 5-star hotel between 2022 and 2023. The survey asked about perceived benefits, sustainable tourist behavior, preferred hotel green practices, trip-related factors and socio-demographics. Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to group participants on the benefits identified via exploratory factor analysis. The other variables were used for segment profiling.

Findings

Results show the existence of three customer segments for 5-star hotels: the ethical enthusiast, the unconcerned aesthete and the practical connoisseur. These differ in the importance they assign to ethical, social and symbolic benefits, as well as functional service benefits. The relevance of sustainability in the luxury hotel experience is stronger for the ethical enthusiast.

Practical implications

Luxury hotel managers should highlight sustainable practices on social media to attract ethical enthusiasts. In addition, marketing content customization should be used to appeal to the benefits and profile of each identified segment.

Originality/value

This is the first study that provides a benefit segmentation of luxury hotel guests, and it is also the first research that considers the role of sustainability and ethics in differentiating these customers.
The nexus between green transformational leadership and financial performance of hotels: the mediating effect of environmental management practices
Authors: Haile Ephrem Assefa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study sought to examine the effect of green transformational leadership (GTL) on financial performance (FPef) of star-rated hotels in Addis Ababa and also delving into the mediating effect of environmental management practices (EMPs) on GTL–FPef nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used survey data, and analysis was done using SPSS 25, AMOS 24 and PROCESS Macro to determine the mediating effect of EMPs on the GTL–FPef nexus in hotel sector (n = 100).

Findings

The study found that the hotels under investigation have little access to green financing, lack environmental policy and strategy, perceived low stakeholders’ pressure to embrace eco-friendly practices and implemented EMPs to a lesser extent. Regression results demonstrated that GTL had a positive effect on EMPs and FPef. Furthermore, the result of a mediation test conducted using SPSS PROCESS macro revealed that the relationship between GTL and FPef is partially mediated by EMPs. Finally, one-way ANOVA result revealed that luxury hotels adopt EMPs better than budget hotels.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable practical insights for hotel owners, managers and policy makers regarding the importance of adopting GTL style and investing in EMPs to remain environmentally responsible and ultimately improve FPef levels.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies that focused on individual-level intermediate variables to explain the indirect relationship between GTL and FPef, this study examined the mediating role of EMPs in the relationship between GTL and FPef at organizational level.
Russia–Ukraine war and the cost of borrowing in the West African Economic and Monetary Union sovereign debt market
Authors: Coulibaly Seydou
Published: October 2024

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on the economic impacts of the Russia–Ukraine war by estimating the effects of that war on FCFA‐denominated sovereign bond yields and spreads for the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries. Using ordinary least squares regressions on monthly panel data from January 2020 to December 2022, we found three key results. First, the Russia–Ukraine war significantly increased long‐term government bonds but had no impact on short‐term sovereign bond yields. Second, the Russia–Ukraine war raised sovereign bond spreads in WAEMU countries. These results suggest that WAEMU countries may consider reducing sovereign long‐term bond issuances and exploiting alternative financing sources, such as concessional financing, until the war and its corollary of global economic and financial imbalances are resolved. Finally, we found that the Central Bank of West African States's policy rate hikes increase governments' borrowing costs. Given this impact, we recommend complementing monetary policy with nonmonetary and fiscal policy measures to ease inflationary pressure from the Russia–Ukraine war. This approach may help mitigate the upward pressure driven by monetary policy tightening on sovereign borrowing costs in the WAEMU government securities markets.
COVID time: Temporal imaginaries and pandemic materialities
Authors: Butler Ella , Lupton Deborah
Published: October 2024

Since the advent of the COVID‐19 pandemic, several ways of understanding time have emerged: what we may call ‘COVID time’. Based on 40 qualitative online interviews in 2022 with Australians living across the continent, this article examines how people situated themselves and COVID‐19 in historical time. It further explores how material aspects, place and space (or “pandemic materialities”) factored into lived experiences and temporal imaginaries. We focus on how time‐related concepts such as synchronisation and the definition of crises and events are interrelated in the participants’ understandings of COVID as either over or a continuing crisis. The sociomaterial dimensions that served to alert people to risk and encourage them to engage in preventive action are identified as ways in which COVID time was experienced, remembered, understood and imagined. While some respondents claimed that the present moment was ‘post‐COVID’, for others, the pandemic was far from over in 2022 and indeed stretched into the future. We use a sociomaterial lens to show how respondents portray the ‘temporal technologies’ and ‘objectifications’ of the event of COVID‐19—the tangible materialisations of its temporal status as either relegated to the past or continuing as a mode of present and future crisis.
Cannabis use and sleep problems among young adults by mental health status: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Walsh Claire A. , Euler Erin , Do Lauren A. , Zheng Amy , Eckel Sandrah P. , Harlow Bernard L. , Leventhal Adam M. , Barrington‐Trimis Jessica L. , Harlow Alyssa F.
Published: October 2024

Background and aims

Young adult cannabis use is common; while cannabis is often marketed as a product that can improve sleep, evidence supporting these claims is limited, and effects may differ for individuals with underlying mental health issues. This study measured the association between cannabis use and sleep problems among young adults and determined whether associations differ by mental health status.

Design, setting and participants

Using two waves of a young adult cohort study (baseline: March–September 2020; follow‐up: January–June 2021), we measured the association of cannabis use frequency with subsequent sleep problems overall and stratified by baseline sleep quality and mental health status in separate moderation analyses. This study was conducted in Southern California, USA, and included 1926 participants aged 20–23 years (mean age = 21; 61% female, 46% Hispanic).

Measurements

Exposure was baseline cannabis use frequency (never use, prior use, 1–5 days/month, 6–19 days/month, ≥ 20 days/month). The outcome was sleep problems at follow‐up (range = 4–24, higher score indicating worse sleep). Models were adjusted for socio‐demographic factors, baseline sleep problems, mental health symptoms (depression and/or anxiety versus neither) and past 30‐day nicotine or alcohol use. In moderation analyses, models were additionally stratified by mental health symptoms and baseline sleep quality (excellent versus imperfect sleep).

Findings

Among the young adult sample, 11% used cannabis ≥ 20 days/month at baseline. For participants without baseline anxiety or depression symptoms, using cannabis ≥ 20 days/month (versus never use) was associated with greater sleep problems at follow‐up [mean difference (MD) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–2.74]. Among participants with anxiety and/or depression and pre‐existing sleep problems at baseline, using cannabis ≥ 20 days/month (versus never use) was associated with fewer sleep problems at follow‐up (MD = –1.42, 95% CI = –2.81 to –0.02).

Conclusions

The effects of cannabis use on sleep appear to differ by underlying mental health symptoms. Frequent cannabis use may improve sleep for young adults with depression and/or anxiety who have pre‐existing sleep problems, but worsen sleep for young adults without depression and/or anxiety.
Cost–benefit analysis and ‘next best’ methods to evaluate the efficiency of social policies: As in pitching horseshoes, closeness matters
Authors: Vining Aidan R. , Boardman Anthony E.
Published: October 2024

Many policymakers are unwilling, or think that it is infeasible, to perform comprehensive cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of programmes in social policy arenas. What principles actually underlie CBA? An understanding is necessary to assess whether other evaluation methods are close enough to CBA to provide useful information on social efficiency. This paper explains five underlying CBA principles and the challenges in applying them to social policy arenas. It assesses a number of ‘less‐than comprehensive’ versions of CBA and analyses their ‘closeness’ to comprehensive CBA and, thus, their value as assessments of changes in social efficiency. We show some types of analysis are not close enough and explain why. We provide a taxonomy of these methods in terms of their comprehensiveness with respect to both social costs and benefits. We also argue that an analysis should provide a clear normative basis for its geographic scope in order to claim it assesses economic efficiency.
The swash zone selects functionally specialized assemblages of beach interstitial meiofauna (Platyhelminthes, Proseriata)
Authors: Martínez Alejandro , Fontaneto Diego , Curini‐Galletti Marco
Published: October 2024

Life is not a beach for those animals that survive in the rough ecological conditions found in marine sandy beaches – and yet, microscopic animals thrive on them. We explore the drivers for meiofaunal diversity in beaches by analysing taxonomic and functional patterns of 348 flatworm communities across 116 reflective beaches in the western Mediterranean, totalling 152 species (61.2% new to science). First, we confirm that species richness does not differ between beach hydrodynamic levels (swash, shoaling and surf) but rather depends on the characteristics of each beach. Second, we demonstrate that species composition across those levels depends on the species traits, in addition to geographical and abiotic factors. Third, we highlight that the species functional space has a lower richness than expected and a lower redundancy in the wave‐exposed swash level compared to the shoaling and subtidal levels, suggesting a trait‐based ecological filtering. Finally, we show that those differences depend on the higher frequency of hydrodynamics‐related traits in the species of the swash level. Our results suggest that the rough hydrodynamic conditions in the swash level favour a unique combination of species traits, which might be linked to ecological speciation in flatworms but also in other interstitial animals.
Association between CD20+ T lymphocytes and neuropsychological findings in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Esposito Antonio , Falco Fabrizia , Scalia Giulia , Gentile Laura , Spiezia Antonio Luca , Corsini Giuseppe , Manganiello Rosa , Eliano Martina , Lamagna Federica , Moccia Marcello , Petracca Maria , Lanzillo Roberta , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Carotenuto Antonio
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

CD20+ T lymphocytes are a subset of circulating T cells presenting the CD20+ receptor, a molecular marker of B lineage. CD20+ T lymphocytes are thought to play a pivotal role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology, especially at progressive stages. We aimed to investigate the correlation between CD20+ T lymphocytes and neuropsychological features (i.e., cognition, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep quality) in MS patients.

Methods

We enrolled 90 MS patients. Each patient underwent cognitive assessment (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis) and psychometric assessment (modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Cognitive status was defined through the cerebral functional score.

Results

Forty‐four of 90 patients were relapsing–remitting (49%) and 46 were progressive patients (51%). Seventy patients (18.9%) showed CD20+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood with a mean level of 0.38 ± 1.2%. Patients with CD20+ T lymphocytes were more likely to be at progressive phases (76.5% vs. 23.5%, p = 0.02) and showed a higher Expanded Disability Status Scale score (median [range] = 6.0 [1.5–7.5] vs. 3.5 [1–7.5], p = 0.001). Moreover, patients with CD20+ T lymphocytes showed worse cognitive functioning (p = 0.004), higher global fatigue symptoms (p = 0.02), higher cognitive fatigue (p = 0.01), higher psychosocial fatigue (p = 0.005), and a trend toward worse sleep quality (p = 0.06).

Conclusions

The presence of CD20+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of MS patients was associated with worse neuropsychological functioning and progressive disease stages. Peripheral CD20+ T lymphocytes could potentially serve as markers for both disease progression and development of fatigue in MS patients.
Bibliometric Analysis of Reference Materials and Certified Reference Materials Applied to Geochemistry
Authors: Cardoso Alexandre R. , Schmidt Jaques S. , Maraschin Anderson J. , de Andrade Débora C. , Albano Filipe de M. , Bernardes Eduardo M. , Rübensam Gabriel , Barp Gustavo B. , Rodrigues Naira P. , de Oliveira Yasmin F. , Vazquez Joselito C. , Vecchia Felipe D.
Published: October 2024

The use of reference materials (RMs) and certified reference materials (CRMs) is essential to guarantee the reliability of measurement procedures ‐ a major factor motivating the efforts of the geoanalytical community. This work quantifies trends and patterns in the scientific literature concerning RMs and CRMs in geochemistry for specific timespans, with the aim of evaluating historical developments, research fields, geographic shifts of research centres, and current trends. The Scopus database was surveyed for peer‐reviewed full‐texts (14,201 documents), which were subsequently exploited for statistical description, bibliometric mapping and cluster analysis. Mineral exploration and trace element geochemistry stimulated early research, whereas environmental subjects have grown in importance mainly since the year 2000. International standardisation was coincident with an increase of publications covering CRMs and geochemistry, and is thought to reflect the impact of ISO guidelines in this scientific activity. Other factors include investments in research facilities, creation of specialised geoanalytical journals and organisation of international meetings. The analysis shows that RMs are typically used for petrogenetic research topics, whereas CRMs are equally important for environmental sciences, chemistry and geosciences. Environmental sciences are mostly concerned with anthropogenic contamination of ecosystems by heavy metals, whereas geological interest is mainly driven by isotope geochemistry. Scientific frontiers in geoanalytical research comprise microanalytical methodologies, unconventional isotopes, rare earth elements and environmental monitoring. New trends in CRM applications also include biogeochemistry and radionuclides.
Impact of combining ablation index‐guided and very high‐power short‐duration ablation at posterior wall adjacent to esophagus during perioperative period on procedural factors
Authors: Yano Masamichi , Egami Yasuyuki , Abe Masaru , Osuga Mizuki , Nohara Hiroaki , Kawanami Shodai , Ukita Kohei , Kawamura Akito , Yasumoto Koji , Okamoto Naotaka , Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Nishino Masami
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The impact of combining ablation index (AI)‐guided and very high‐power short‐duration (vHPSD) ablation on procedural factors at the posterior wall near the esophagus is unclear.

Methods

Atrial fibrillation patients who underwent initial ablation using three‐dimensional mapping were enrolled. Patients were classified into two groups: those who underwent only AI‐guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) (AI group) and those who underwent vHPSD ablation at the posterior wall adjacent to the esophagus in addition to AI‐guided PVI (AI + vHPSD group). Differences in myocardial injury, inflammation, procedural characteristics, and pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns were assessed between the two groups.

Results

This study included 167 patients (AI group, 83 patients; AI+vHPSD group, 84 patients). No significant differences in high‐sensitive troponin I or changes in inflammatory markers between pre‐ and Postablation were observed in either group. Total application time and total application energy were significantly lower in the AI+vHPSD group than in the AI group (p < 0.001 for both) despite no significant difference in the total number of applications between the groups. The incidence of esophagus temperature ≥40 degrees was significantly lower in the AI+vHPSD group than in the AI group (p = 0.036). However, the incidence of PV reconnections near the esophagus was significantly higher in the AI+vHPSD group than in the AI group (11.9% vs 3.6%, p = 0.046), despite no significant difference in the incidence of PV reconnections overall.

Conclusion

The combination of AI‐guided PVI and vHPSD adjacent to the esophagus demonstrated reduced application energy requirements and maintained safety and effectiveness during the perioperative period.
Left atrial functional changes associated with repeated catheter ablations for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dong Jiawei , Kwan Eugene , Bergquist Jake A. , Dosdall Derek J. , DiBella Edward V. , MacLeod Rob S. , Stoddard Gregory J. , Konstantidinis Klitos , Steinberg Benjamin A. , Bunch T. Jared , Ranjan Ravi
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The impact of repeated atrial fibrillation (AF) ablations on left atrial (LA) mechanical function remains uncertain, with limited long‐term follow‐up data.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 108 AF patients who underwent two catheter ablations with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done before and 3 months after each of the ablations from 2010 to 2021. The rate of change in peak longitudinal atrial strain (PLAS) assessed LA function. Additionally, a sub‐study of 36 patients who underwent an extra MRI before the second ablation, gave us an additional time segment to evaluate the basis of change in PLAS.

Results

In the two‐ablation, three MRI sub‐study 1, the PLAS percent change rate was similar before and after the first ablation (r11 = −0.9 ± 3.1%/year, p = 0.771). However, the strain change rate from postablation 1 to postablation 2 was significantly worse (r12 = −23.7 ± 4.8%/year, p < 0.001). In the sub‐study 2 with four MRIs, all three rates were negative, with reductions from postablation 1 to pre‐ablation 2 (r22 = −13.3 ± 2.6%/year, p < 0.001) and from pre‐ablation 2 to postablation 2 (r23 = −8.9 ± 3.9%/year, p = 0.028) being significant.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the more ablations performed, the more significant the decrease in the postablation mechanical function of the LA. The natural progression of AF (strain change from postablation 1 to pre‐ablation 2) had a greater negative influence on LA mechanical function compared to the second ablation itself suggesting that second ablation in patients with recurrence after first ablation is an effective strategy even from the LA mechanical function aspect.
Recognition of a salivary effector by the TNL protein RCSP promotes effector‐triggered immunity and systemic resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Rao Weiwei , Ma Tingting , Cao Jiayuan , Zhang Yajun , Chen Sisi , Lin Shu , Liu Xiaoxiao , He Guangcun , Wan Li
Published: October 2024

Insects secret chemosensory proteins (CSPs) into plant cells as potential effector proteins during feeding. The molecular mechanisms underlying how CSPs activate plant immunity remain largely unknown. We show that CSPs from six distinct insect orders induce dwarfism when overexpressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression of Nilaparvata lugens CSP11 (NlCSP11) triggered cell death and plant dwarfism, both of which were dependent on ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1), N requirement gene 1 (NRG1) and SENESCENCE‐ASSOCIATED GENE 101 (SAG101), indicating the activation of effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) in N. benthamiana. Overexpression of NlCSP11 led to stronger systemic resistance against Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 lacking effector HopQ1‐1 and tobacco mosaic virus, and induced higher accumulation of salicylic acid (SA) in uninfiltrated leaves compared to another effector XopQ that is recognized by a Toll‐interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat receptor (TNL) called ROQ1 in N. benthamiana. Consistently, NlCSP11‐induced dwarfism and systemic resistance, but not cell death, were abolished in N. benthamiana transgenic line expressing the SA‐degrading enzyme NahG. Through large‐scale virus‐induced gene silencing screening, we identified a TNL protein that mediates the recognition of CSPs (RCSP), including aphid effector MP10 that triggers resistance against aphids in N. benthamiana. Co‐immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and AlphaFold2 prediction unveiled an interaction between NlCSP11 and RCSP. Interestingly, RCSP does not contain the conserved catalytic glutamic acid in the TIR domain, which is required for TNL function. Our findings point to enhanced ETI and systemic resistance by a TNL protein via hyperactivation of the SA pathway. Moreover, RCSP is the first TNL identified to recognize an insect effector.
Latest findings in chemotherapy
Authors: Morisada Tohru
Published: October 2024

Radiotherapy and surgery are the two pivotal curative treatments for cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is relatively sensitive to chemotherapy, chemotherapy is not included in the curative treatment of cervical cancer and has a role in limited medical conditions. Chemotherapy used to treat cervical cancer can be divided into four categories: (1) preceding chemotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to augment the effects of radical therapy (surgery or radiation therapy), (2) chemotherapy administered concurrently with radiation therapy, and (3) adjuvant chemotherapy administered after radical therapy. In addition, (4) chemotherapy is used to prolong survival and alleviate symptoms in patients who cannot be radically cured. Recently, molecular targeted agents, angiogenesis inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been incorporated into existing chemotherapy regimens. This review summarizes these trends along with the history of chemotherapy for cervical cancer.
Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG)'s efforts in the cervical cancer elimination program in the Asia‐Pacific
Authors: Padolina Christia S. , Toral Jean Anne B.
Published: October 2024

Cervical cancer poses a significant health burden, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries, where access to screening and treatment remains limited. Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOFOG)'s response, guided by the World Health Organization's global strategy, emphasizes three key targets: achieving high HPV vaccination coverage among girls, ensuring widespread screening with high‐performance tests, and guaranteeing timely treatment for precancerous and cancerous lesions. AOFOG supports member countries through initiatives such as educational campaigns, guidelines development, and collaboration with local and international partners. Variations in screening methods across AOFOG member countries reflect diverse socioeconomic contexts and healthcare infrastructures, ranging from HPV testing in countries like Australia and Malaysia to cytology and visual inspection methods in others. Innovations such as HPV self‐testing and AI‐enhanced screening are emerging to improve accessibility and accuracy, addressing barriers like stigma and resource scarcity. Despite challenges, AOFOG remains committed to reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality through coordinated regional efforts, aiming for equitable access to preventive measures and treatment across the diverse landscape of the Asia‐Pacific region.
A case of ovarian carcinosarcoma with germline BRCA2 pathogenic variant
Authors: Yoriki Kaori , Izumi Yuko , Tarumi Yosuke , Okimura Hiroyuki , Maeda Eiko , Mori Taisuke
Published: October 2024

Ovarian carcinosarcoma in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is rare. A 43‐year‐old woman with a family history of prostate and uterine or ovarian cancer had an 8‐cm mass in the right ovary. Although computed tomography suggested peritoneal dissemination to the Douglas pouch, she wanted to preserve her fertility; therefore, she underwent a right salpingo‐oophorectomy. Histopathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma consisting of high‐grade serous carcinoma and sarcomatous components, including cartilage. Three weeks later, she underwent radical surgery. The disease was classified as advanced stage IIIB (FIGO 2014). A germline BRCA2 pathogenic variant was identified. After postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, maintenance therapy with a poly(adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor was continued for 25 months without recurrence. A detailed examination of a mass in her left breast at her first visit revealed a ductal carcinoma in situ. PARP inhibitors may be effective as maintenance therapy for advanced ovarian carcinosarcoma with germline BRCA mutations.
When less is less: the complexities of growth and the degrowth company
Authors: TALBOT LORRAINE
Published: October 2024

In this article, I take issue with settled claims that the organizational features of the corporation make it the most effective enabler of growth under capitalism – an assumption that has focused various growth‐critical narratives on mechanisms to regulate corporate growth. I argue that such narratives are flawed because, far from always blindly amplifying growth, the corporate form often operationalizes degrowth to protect capital. This argument is theoretically grounded in Marx's analysis of the particularities of growth under capitalism, and a law‐in‐context analysis of how companies operationalize degrowth to protect capital/shareholder interests, utilizing the examples of takeovers and share repurchases. The article shows that narratives seeking to both protect the environment and deliver human flourishing need to be contextualized within an understanding of the specifics of growth under capitalism and the function of corporate law architecture.
The impact of abutment type on abutment screw removal torque value after experimental aging
Authors: Ilić Gavrilo , Vulović Stefan , Bukorović Jovan , Dragović Miroslav , Marković Aleksa , Todorović Aleksandar , Milić Lemić Aleksandra
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the changes in abutment screw removal torque value (RTV) of anatomic, original hybrid, and non‐original hybrid abutments after simulated clinical use.

Materials and Methods

Ninety‐three implant‐abutment‐crown specimens were divided into groups according to abutment types (n = 31): anatomic (stock) (A), original hybrid (OH), and non‐original hybrid (NOH). After the initial abutment screw tightening, the specimens were subjected to five screw tightening (insertion/removal) cycles, or to 5000 thermal cycles with 500,000 chewing cycles combined with one or five screw tightening cycles. RTV measurements and surface analysis using scanning electron microscope were performed before and after aging. The impact of abutment types and aging treatments on RTV was determined using two‐way repeated measures ANOVA, data were described with mean ± SD and range, whereas the differences were significant at p < 0.05.

Results

A significant interaction was found between abutment types and screw tightening cycles only (p = 0.036) or combined with thermomechanical aging (p < 0.001) on RTV. RTV was lower in NOH than in A and OH groups after screw tightening and thermomechanical aging (p < 0.05). Before aging, the NOH abutment screw was slightly more damaged than OH and A abutment screws. After aging, screw damage was more pronounced on the surfaces of hybrid abutments, and more evident in the NOH group.

Conclusions

The abutment screw RTV of anatomic, original hybrid, and non‐original hybrid abutments become significantly lower after abutments undergo screw tightening and/or thermomechanical aging cycles, with higher RTV loss in hybrid abutments, especially non‐original ones.
Leibniz on Per Se Possibility
Authors: Fatollahi Alireza
Published: October 2024

This essay critically examines a widely held assumption in interpreting Leibniz's modal metaphysics: that whatever is necessarily actual is necessary. I argue that Leibniz rejected this axiom for principled reasons having to do with his views on the grounding of metaphysical modalities in divine power and intellect (but not divine will). I also argue that if we read him in light of this rejection, his per se possibility theory becomes (contrary to its reception in the literature) quite successful in addressing the problem of necessitarianism.
Dermoid Cysts of the Auricle: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Reese Alyssa , Miller Victoria , Kenny Alaina , Smith Hannah , Neimanis Sara , Morrison Clinton
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

Dermoid cysts are congenital anomalies that contain ectodermal elements such as teeth, bone, and nerves. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in the characteristics of dermoid cysts of the auricle and the demographics of the patient population they affect.

Methods

A PubMed and EMBASE search for English‐language publications that included cases of dermoid cyst(s) of the auricle from database inception to October 2022 was performed.

Results

A total of 38 cases of dermoid cysts of the auricle were identified from 20 publications. The age, sex, and Fitzpatrick skin type of the patients, locations of the dermoid cysts, associated anomalies, treatment methods, and postoperative outcomes were examined. Patients' ages ranged from 0 to 63 years, with 27.6% (8/29) in the 0–17 age range. 56.8% (21/37) were reported as male. Dermoid cysts were frequently present on the postauricular surface (18/24, 75.0%) and on light skin (Fitzpatrick types I–III; 18/22, 81.8%). Unilateral dermoid cysts were more commonly reported on the right ear (17/22, 77.3%); only one patient had bilateral cysts. Associated anomalies included microtia, prominent ears, foot polysyndactyly, hemifacial microsomia, and cryptotia. All auricular dermoid cysts were managed with complete surgical excision, and no postoperative complications or recurrences were reported.

Conclusions

Dermoid cysts of the auricle are reported more frequently in individuals with lighter skin; however, this is likely due to reporting bias. Complete surgical excision can be used to treat patients successfully, with a very low risk of complications and no need for preoperative imaging.
Intraspecific trait variability in wild plant populations predicts neither variability nor performance in a common garden
Authors: Samuel Ella M. , Mitchell Rachel M. , Winkler Daniel E. , Davidson Zoë M. , Lencioni Shannon , Massatti Rob
Published: October 2024

Dryland restoration requires plant materials capable of performing well despite difficult growing conditions. Selecting plant materials with higher intraspecific trait variability (ITV) may support successful outcomes by enhancing the performance of those materials in restoration settings. However, maintaining ITV from wild populations is not well understood and requires further investigation if ITV is to be incorporated into native plant materials, which are often developed from wild‐collected seed grown in agricultural settings. We used two perennial plant species to explore whether (1) ITV measured at field sites predicts ITV in a common garden, (2) rankings of ITV among populations remain stable over time, and (3) higher levels of ITV promote survival and reproductive effort in a common garden. We measured ITV in specific leaf area and height for Bouteloua curtipendula and Heterotheca villosa at field sites and over 2 years in a common garden, as well as survival and flower production in the common garden. We also calculated climate distance between field sites, where seeds were originally sourced, and the common garden to account for the impact of climatic differences on ITV. We found that (1) ITV measured at field sites did not predict ITV in the common garden, (2) rankings of ITV across populations were inconsistent, and (3) relationships between ITV and performance were rare and differed by species. Our findings indicate that the utility of ITV in wild populations as a predictive tool may be limited.