bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of h‐BN composite powders via aluminothermic reduction combustion route
Authors: Zheng Xin , Xiao Guoqing , Li Yanjun , Ding Donghai , Jin Endong , Lei Changkun
Published: September 2023

h‐BN composite powders were prepared by an aluminothermic reduction combustion synthesis route using a mixture of B2O3 and Al as raw material, and MgO as diluent under low‐pressure nitrogen (.6 MPa). The phase transformation and structural evaluation during the combustion synthesis were investigated. Samples with B2O3 to Al molar ratio of 1:6 exhibited the highest diffraction peaks of h‐BN, in which the phases are h‐BN, Al2O3·7AlN, AlN, and MgAlON spinel phase. The combustion wave quenching test revealed that h‐BN is mainly formed via following routes: first, Al reacts with nitrogen; then the resulting AlN reacts with B2O3 to form h‐BN. Due to solid solution formation between Al2O3, AlN, and MgO, both MgAlON and Al2O3·7AlN were formed in the resulting samples. The composite powders obtained by aluminothermic reduction combustion synthesis in this work exhibit potential application in refractories industry for replacing graphite in carbon‐containing refractories.
Ecthyma gangrenosum in pediatric patients: 10‐year experience at the National Institute of Pediatrics
Authors: García‐López Constanza , Medina‐Vera Isabel , Orozco‐Covarrubias Luz , Saez‐de‐Ocariz Marimar
Published: September 2023

Background

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) usually results from the hematogenous seeding of the skin in the setting of bacteremia, mostly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially in immunocompromised patients. It presents as erythematous‐violaceous macules, or plaques with surrounding erythema before rapidly progressing to bullae and necrotic‐ulcerative eschars.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of EG patients diagnosed at the National Institute of Pediatrics. Data included demographics, underlying disease, cutaneous lesions, location, evolution, microbiologic, histopathologic findings, and treatment. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics; Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate differences between groups.

Results

Seventeen patients with a mean age of 12.5 (6–16) years were included. The most common underlying disease was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (59%), three patients were not immunocompromised (17%). A total of 18 episodes of EG were recorded, 10 (55%) were disseminated at presentation. Systemic manifestations included fever (100%), pain (88.9%), asthenia and adynamia (22.2%). P. aeruginosa was isolated in 10 (55%) cases, followed by Staphylococcus aureus in four. Three patients had sepsis at onset (17%). A comparison between localized versus disseminated, pseudomonal versus nonpseudomonal, and bacteremic versus nonbacteremic EG was performed with no statistical difference between any of the groups, except for longer treatment time for pseudomonal EG, and longer hospitalization days for both pseudomonal EG and bacteremia.

Conclusions

Fever and pain in the setting of rapidly evolving necrotic lesions should prompt the clinical suspicion of EG and the installment of empiric treatment pending culture results.
HDAC3‐mediated lncRNA ZFAS1 inhibited IL‐13‐induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in nasal epithelial cells by regulating the miR‐7‐5p/SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Zhan Jiabin , Li Rui , Ye Yi , Zheng Jing , Wang Gang , Wu Jinli , Wei Xin , Zeng Min
Published: September 2023

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease that is difficult to cure and accompanies the patient's life. Proinflammatory cytokines (GM‑CSF and eotaxin) and MUC5AC are key mediators promoting AR progression. Herein, the function of lncRNA ZFAS1 in AR was investigated. Nasal epithelial cells (NECs) were subjected to 50 ng/mL IL‐13 for 24 h to construct an AR cell model. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using qRT‐PCR and western blot. The levels of GM‑CSF, eotaxin, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α and MUC5AC in cell supernatant were examined by ELISA. The binding relationships between HDAC3, ZFAS1, miR‐7‐5p and SIRT1 were analysed using dual luciferase reporter or ChIP assays. Herein, our results displayed that ZFAS1 and SIRT1 were lowly expressed in AR, while miR‐7‐5p and HDAC3 were highly expressed. Functional experiments displayed that ZFAS1 overexpression suppressed IL‐13‐induced proinflammatory cytokines and mucin production in NECs. The highly expressed HDAC3 in AR inhibited ZFAS1 expression by binding with ZFAS1 promoter. In addition, our experiments revealed that ZFAS1 targeted miR‐7‐5p, and miR‐7‐5p targeted SIRT1. As expected, miR‐7‐5p overexpression or SIRT1 silencing abrogated ZFAS1 upregulation's repression on IL‐13‐induced proinflammatory cytokines and MUC5AC secretory levels in NECs. ZFAS1 suppressed proinflammatory cytokines, inflammatory cytokines, and MUC5AC secretory levels in AR by regulating the miR‐7‐5p/SIRT1 axis. Thus, our work suggested that ZFAS1 might serve as a novel target for AR treatment and prevention.
Mechanism of oxygen vacancies migration in BaTiO3‐BiMeO3: Experimental investigations and first principles studies
Authors: Liu Wan‐Qi , Wang Qian , Lu Hong‐Ting , Zhao Xian , Wang Chun‐Ming
Published: September 2023

BaTiO3‐based compounds are recognized as the most common dielectric material used in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), among which, BaTiO3‐BiMeO3 is extensively investigated to improve the thermal stability and extend the service life of MLCCs, which are strongly dependent on the conductivity at high temperatures. Despite numerous efforts have been made, the mechanism of oxygen vacancy conduction, which makes the major contributions to the conduction mechanism of BaTiO3‐based compounds at high temperatures below 450°C, is still unclear. In this paper, BaTiO3, 0.88BaTiO3‐0.12Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3, 0.88BaTiO3‐0.12Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3, and 0.88BaTiO3‐0.12Bi(Mg2/3Ta1/3)O3 ceramics have been prepared by solid‐state reaction method, and their electrical and dielectric properties have been studied in detail. Meanwhile, first principles were applied to study the mechanisms of the increase of electrical resistivity and the decrease of dielectric loss. It is found that B‐site dopants (Zn, Mg, Nb, and Ta) are effective in reducing the conductivity by inhibiting the migration of oxygen vacancies, which is a kinetics process with an increase of energy barrier. Notably, the greater ability of Zn to inhibit oxygen vacancies migration is a combination of thermodynamics (a strong ability to trap oxygen vacancies) and kinetics (an effect of block the migrating defects in the lattice). This work reveals a new insight into the mechanism of oxygen vacancies migration in BaTiO3‐based perovskite compounds, which makes BaTiO3‐BiMeO3 prospective in designing efficient and durable medium‐temperature solid oxide capacitor devices.
Screening for depression: Psychometric properties of the German version of the Glasgow depression scale for people with a learning disability (individual and carer version)
Authors: Müller Katrin , Helmes Almut , Kleischmann Annika , Graser Johannes , Bengel Jürgen
Published: September 2023

Background

Adults with intellectual disabilities should participate in the diagnostics of their mental health. The Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability (GDS‐LD) and its Carer Supplement (GDS‐CS) were translated into German and tested.

Methods

Internal consistency, criterion validity and inter‐test reliability were tested in 64 adults with borderline, mild or moderate intellectual disabilities and their carers. Convergent validity was analysed in 57 adults without intellectual disabilities.

Results

Internal consistency was good (α = 0.81) for GDS‐LD and acceptable (α = 0.72) for GDS‐CS. The GDS‐LD did not differentiate between groups with and without depression. The GDS‐CS significantly differentiated between these groups. Convergent validity of the GDS‐LD was high. The correlation of GDS‐LD and GDS‐CS was non‐significant.

Conclusions

In its present form the German version of the GDS‐LD does not meet the psychometric properties to be used in clinical practice. This leads to the broader question, how to measure depression in people with learning disabilities with the knowledge of the fallibility of existing measures when utilised with this clinical cohort. Also, future studies need to investigate the role of self‐rating.
Ex‐military CEOs and readability of financial reports
Authors: Jha Anand , Panta Humnath , Sarkar Salil K.
Published: September 2023

In this study, we examine the effect of ex‐military Chief Executive Officers (CEO)s on the readability of 10‐Ks. Using the Bog Index as a measure of readability, we find that firms run by ex‐military CEOs have much more readable financial reports, mainly because of the words used in these financial reports. Ex‐military CEOs also have a moderating effect—we find that their leadership lessens the adverse effects of loss and business complexity on the 10‐K's readability. These results are consistent with the view that ex‐military CEOs resist the temptation to obfuscate negative news and may communicate complexity in operations more clearly. Overall, our findings indicate a possible behavioral explanation for why some firms have more readable annual reports.
Volatiles of the trap crop sunflowers: Effects on the behaviour of adult female Conogethes punctiferalis moths
Authors: Zhou Jia , Chen Li‐Lin , Zhu Yu‐Tong , Siemann Evan , Wan Nian‐Feng
Published: September 2023

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) are potential trap crops to attract the yellow peach moth (Conogethes punctiferalis) in orchards but the volatile compounds released from sunflowers and their effects on C. punctiferalis behaviour are not clear. Here we used solid phase micro‐extraction to collect volatiles released from flower disks of sunflowers, identified them by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and examined the attractiveness of some of the compounds to mated female adult C. punctiferalis moths in Y‐tube olfactometer choice tests. We detected nine volatile compounds (α‐Pinene, β‐Phellandrene, Camphene, β‐Pinene, 3‐Carene, D‐Limonene, Eucalyptol, γ‐Terpinen, and Valencene) with consistently large peak areas for α‐Pinene and β‐Phellandrene. Among tested volatiles, both α‐Pinene and β‐Phellandrene were attractive to C. punctiferalis in olfactometer tests but this was only significant for higher concentrations of β‐Phellandrene. This suggests that β‐Phellandrene may promote C. punctiferalis oviposition on sunflower disks. This study provides insights into volatile chemical mediated responses of insect herbivores to trap crops.
Familial critical consciousness socialization: How key family theories can expand racial‐ethnic socialization research among Asian American families
Authors: Saavedra J. Abigail , Matriano Ronae , Yoo Hyung Chol , White Rebecca M. B.
Published: September 2023

As systems of oppression (e.g., racism) become more evident in public consciousness, Asian American families are grappling with critical discussions about social justice and oppression. To define and explore these increasingly common conversations, we propose critical consciousness socialization as an important construct for socialization research among Asian American families. Critical consciousness socialization is the transmission of knowledge about, skills for, and behavioral orientations toward analyzing and challenging systems of oppression in the interest of social justice. This article applies theories in the developmental and family sciences (Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory and Family Systems Theory) to demonstrate future research directions for critical consciousness socialization among Asian American families. Given research suggesting that families are purveyors of information about social justice and power, research on critical consciousness socialization is important to explore the role of the family system in advancing—and actively participating in—movements towards social justice.
Copper induces neuron‐sparing, ferredoxin 1‐independent astrocyte toxicity mediated by oxidative stress
Authors: Gale Jenna R. , Hartnett‐Scott Karen , Ross Madeline M. , Rosenberg Paul A. , Aizenman Elias
Published: September 2023

Copper is an essential enzyme cofactor in oxidative metabolism, anti‐oxidant defenses, and neurotransmitter synthesis. However, intracellular copper, when improperly buffered, can also lead to cell death. Given the growing interest in the use of copper in the presence of the ionophore elesclomol (CuES) for the treatment of gliomas, we investigated the effect of this compound on the surround parenchyma—namely neurons and astrocytes in vitro. Here, we show that astrocytes were highly sensitive to CuES toxicity while neurons were surprisingly resistant, a vulnerability profile that is opposite of what has been described for zinc and other toxins. Bolstering these findings, a human astrocytic cell line was similarly sensitive to CuES. Modifications of cellular metabolic pathways implicated in cuproptosis, a form of copper‐regulated cell death, such as inhibition of mitochondrial respiration or knock‐down of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), did not block CuES toxicity to astrocytes. CuES toxicity was also unaffected by inhibitors of apoptosis, necrosis or ferroptosis. However, we did detect the presence of lipid peroxidation products in CuES‐treated astrocytes, indicating that oxidative stress is a mediator of CuES‐induced glial toxicity. Indeed, treatment with anti‐oxidants mitigated CuES‐induced cell death in astrocytes indicating that oxidative stress is a mediator of CuES‐induced glial toxicity. Lastly, prior induction of metallothioneins 1 and 2 in astrocytes with zinc plus pyrithione was strikingly protective against CuES toxicity. As neurons express high levels of metallothioneins basally, these results may partially account for their resistance to CuES toxicity. These results demonstrate a unique toxic response to copper in glial cells which contrasts with the cell selectivity profile of zinc, another biologically relevant metal.

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Blaming the victim or structural conditioning? COVID‐19, obesity and the neoliberal diet
Authors: Otero Gerardo
Published: September 2023

The energy‐dense part of the neoliberal diet and obesity made for an explosive combination upon the arrival of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Energy‐dense foods lie at the root of comorbidities associated with complications of the COVID‐19 pandemic: overweight, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and so forth. Multiple medical studies have demonstrated the causal impact of overweight and obesity on more severe or lethal infections. Focusing on the case of Mexico, I will show that inequality strongly conditions what people can eat, so the issue is not simply a matter of personal choice or responsibility. My argument is twofold: (1) Mexico enjoyed its own ‘traditional’ diets through the mid‐1980s, which included widely accessible fruits and vegetables. But (2) the neoliberal turn in the form of trade liberalization and deepening inequality caused a substantial reshaping of the diet in favour of energy‐dense foods with lower nutritional value. The energy‐dense segment of ‘the neoliberal diet’ has turned a large portion of Mexicans into a vulnerable population. But this is a class‐differentiated diet with its healthy and nutritious components increasingly less accessible to the working classes. Recovering healthy diets in Mexico will require the recuperation of food sovereignty through the regeneration of its countryside and its peasantry. Agroecological methods of food production will also be needed to alleviate the climate change emergency.
Emerging functions and applications of exosomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qie Yingchun , Sun Xia , Yang Yongqiang , Yan Tao
Published: September 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common phenotype in pathology, which accounts for 80% of all oral cancers. The therapeutic methods of oral squamous cell carcinoma include surgical excision, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Whereas, the high recurrence rate and poor prognosis lead to a 5‐year survival rate less than 50%. In order to explore more therapeutic strategies of oral squamous cell carcinoma, the relevant risk factors, mechanisms, and diagnostics are widely detected. The various exosome‐mediated biological effects on the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma have drawn lots of attention. Exosomes, a kind of extracellular vesicles secreted from host cells and transferred to other cells, show great potential in the regulations of tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis on oral squamous cell carcinoma. Moreover, some studies reported that the exosomes could interact with tumor microenvironment and be applied to diagnosis or therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma. In this work, we will summarize the frontier studies of exosomes in the tumor growth, tumor‐associated angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and then probe the current biological functions and applications of exosomes and exosome‐derived materials for the therapeutic strategies of oral squamous cell carcinoma, which would help us to update the understanding of exosomes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Performance of the caries diagnosis feature of intraoral scanners and near‐infrared imaging technology—A narrative review
Authors: Lin Wei‐Shao , Alfaraj Amal , Lippert Frank , Yang Chao‐Chieh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To describe and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of various dental caries diagnostic techniques, including the use of intraoral scanners for caries diagnosis based on near‐infrared imaging (NIR) technology.

Material and Methods

A MEDLINE search from 1980–2023 focused on dental caries diagnostic techniques, emphasizing intraoral scanners using NIR technology. Alternative caries detection methods were also evaluated for their advantages and limitations, enabling a comparison with NIR. The review included traditional caries tools, the latest detection methods, and NIR's role in intraoral scanners, drawing from case reports and both in vivo and in vitro studies. Keywords like “caries detection,” “intraoral scanners,” and “Near Infrared Imaging (NIRI)” guided the search. After screening titles and abstracts for relevance, full texts with valuable insights were thoroughly analyzed. The data was grouped into three: traditional diagnostics, advanced digital methods, and intraoral scanner‐based detection.

Results

This comprehensive narrative review described and discussed the current state of dental caries diagnostic methods, given the insufficient number of clinical investigations suitable for a systematic review. Traditional caries diagnosis techniques have shown variable accuracy dependent on a dentist's experience and the potential over‐removal of healthy tooth structures. Intraoral scanners have emerged as a novel caries detection method, because of their integration of NIR technology. Various studies have confirmed the efficacy of NIR in detecting interproximal caries and in the early diagnosis of non‐cavitated caries. Specifically, intraoral scanners have demonstrated promising results, proving comparable to established diagnostic methods like bitewing radiography. Nevertheless, while the integration of NIR into intraoral scanners seems promising, the technology still faces challenges, notably its accuracy in detecting secondary and subgingival cavities. However, with anticipated integrations of AI, NIR in intraoral scanners could revolutionize early caries detection.

Conclusions

Intraoral scanners with NIR technology offer non‐destructive imaging, real‐time lesion visuals, and enhanced patient communication. Although comparable to bitewing radiography in some studies, a universally accepted diagnostic tool is lacking. Future research should compare them with existing methods, focusing on clinical outcomes, cost‐effectiveness, and patient acceptance.
Use of serum osmolality to identify heart disease stage in dogs and relationship to mathematical chloride correction
Authors: Daly Edward J. , Harris Autumn N. , Adin Darcy B.
Published: September 2023

Background

Heart failure‐associated hypochloremia can be depletional from diuretics or dilutional from water retention. Serum osmolality reflects water balance but has not been evaluated in dogs with heart disease.

Hypothesis

To determine if serum osmolality is related to heart disease stage and amount of mathematical correction of serum chloride (Cl−) concentrations in healthy dogs and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD).

Animals

Seventy‐seven dogs (20 healthy, 25 Stage B MMVD, 32 Stage C/D MMVD).

Methods

Serum Cl− concentrations were mathematically corrected. Osmolality was calculated (calOsm) and directly measured by freezing point depression (dmOsm) and compared by Bland‐Altman analysis. Biochemical variables and osmolality were compared among healthy, Stage B, and Stage C/D dogs. Correlations were explored between osmolality and biochemical variables. Median and range are presented. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

The calOsm was different among groups (P = .003), with Stage B (310 mOsm/kg; 306, 316) and C/D dogs (312 mOsm/kg; 308, 319) having higher calOsm than healthy dogs (305 mOsm/kg; 302, 308). Osmolality methods were moderately correlated (P < .0001, rs = .46) but with proportional bias and poor agreement. The amount of Cl− correction was negatively correlated with calOsm (P < .0001, rs = −.78) and dmOsm (P = .004, rs = −.33). Serum bicarbonate concentration was negatively correlated with Cl− (P < .0001, rs = −.67).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dogs with Stage B and Stage C/D heart disease had higher calOsm than healthy dogs. Osmolality was inversely related to the amount of Cl− correction, which supports its use in assessing relative body water content. Poor agreement between calOsm and dmOsm prevents methodological interchange.
Number of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome seen before versus during the COVID‐19 pandemic at an academic, urban, multisite urogynecology practice
Authors: Markert Tahireh , Courtepatte Alexa , Farah Subrina , Miranne Jeannine M.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Little is known about the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). We aim to compare the number of newly diagnosed IC/BPS cases and number of patients with flares prior to and during the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women ≥18 years who were diagnosed with or treated for IC/BPS between March 2019 and March 2021 at an academic, urban, multisite urogynecology practice. The primary outcome was the number of IC/BPS cases from March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020 (pre‐pandemic) compared with March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021 (during pandemic). The secondary outcome was the number of patients with flares during those same two time periods. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using nonparametric tests and interrupted time series (ITS) was used to evaluate our outcomes of interest. p‐Value <.05 was considered significant.

Results

Fifty‐four women (4.87% of new patients) were diagnosed with IC/BPS during the pandemic compared with 40 women pre‐pandemic (4.05% of new patients). The median age was 35.0. Seventy‐two percent were premenopausal, 75% sexually active, and 31% had anxiety, and there were no significant differences between groups. Although the number of patients newly diagnosed with IC/BPS was higher during the pandemic, the diagnosis rates between time periods were not statistically different. Thirty‐five patients experienced flares during the pandemic compared with 49 patients the year prior (p = .43). This difference was also not statistically significant on ITS analysis.

Conclusions

Although more patients were diagnosed with IC/BPS during versus before the pandemic, the difference in diagnosis rates was not different between these periods.
Patterns of genetic differentiation imply distinct phylogeographic history of the mosquito species Anopheles messeae and Anopheles daciae in Eurasia
Authors: Brusentsov Ilya I. , Gordeev Mikhail I. , Yurchenko Andrey A. , Karagodin Dimitriy A. , Moskaev Anton V. , Hodge James M. , Burlak Vladimir A. , Artemov Gleb N. , Sibataev Anuarbek K. , Becker Norbert , Sharakhov Igor V. , Baricheva Elina M. , Sharakhova Maria V.
Published: September 2023

Detailed knowledge of phylogeography is important for control of mosquito species involved in the transmission of human infectious diseases. Anopheles messeae is a geographically widespread and genetically diverse dominant vector of malaria in Eurasia. A closely related species, An. daciae, was originally distinguished from An. messeae based on five nucleotide substitutions in its ribosomal DNA (rDNA). However, the patterns of phylogeographic history of these species in Eurasia remain poorly understood. Here, using internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of rDNA and karyotyping for the species identification we determined the composition of five Anopheles species in 28 locations in Eurasia. Based on the frequencies of 11 polymorphic chromosomal inversions used as genetic markers, a large‐scale population genetics analysis was performed of 1932 mosquitoes identified as An. messeae, An. daciae and their hybrids. The largest genetic differences between the species were detected in the X sex chromosome suggesting a potential involvement of this chromosome in speciation. The frequencies of autosomal inversions in the same locations differed by 13%–45% between the species demonstrating a restricted gene flow between the species. Overall, An. messeae was identified as a diverse species with a more complex population structure than An. daciae. The clinal gradients in frequencies of chromosomal inversions were determined in both species implicating their possible involvement in climate adaptations. The frequencies of hybrids were low ~1% in northern Europe but high up to 50% in south‐eastern populations. Thus, our study revealed critical differences in patterns of phylogeographic history between An. messeae and An. daciae in Eurasia. This knowledge will help to predict the potential of the malaria transmission in the northern territories of the continent.
Assessing the genetic composition of cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) before sweeping anthropogenic impact
Authors: Rasmussen Linett , Fontsere Claudia , Soto‐Calderón Iván D. , Guillen Rosamira , Savage Anne , Hansen Anders Johannes , Hvilsom Christina , Gilbert M. Thomas P.
Published: September 2023

During the last century, the critically endangered cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) has been threatened by multiple anthropogenic factors that drastically affected their habitat and population size. As the genetic impact of these pressures is largely unknown, this study aimed to establish a genetic baseline with the use of temporal sampling to determine the genetic makeup before detrimental anthropogenic impact. Genomes were resequenced from a combination of historical museum samples and modern wild samples at low‐medium coverage, to unravel how the cotton‐top tamarin population structure and genomic diversity may have changed during this period. Our data suggest two populations can be differentiated, probably separated historically by the mountain ranges of the Paramillo Massif in Colombia. Although this population structure persists in the current populations, modern samples exhibit genomic signals consistent with recent inbreeding, such as long runs of homozygosity and a reduction in genome‐wide heterozygosity especially in the greater northeast population. This loss is likely the consequence of the population reduction following the mass exportation of cotton‐top tamarins for biomedical research in the 1960s, coupled with the habitat loss this species continues to experience. However, current populations have not experienced an increase in genetic load. We propose that the historical genetic baseline established in this study can be used to provide insight into alteration in the modern population influenced by a drastic reduction in population size as well as providing background information to be used for future conservation decision‐making for the species.
Augustinian Roots of Rawls's Second Principle of Justice: Grace and Fair Equality of Opportunity
Authors: Santori Paolo
Published: September 2023

The debate over John Rawls's two principles of justice is ongoing. Among the many controversies, there is a hierarchal relationship within the second principle of justice. Scholars have long discussed the meaning and desirability of the lexical priority of the principle of fair equality of opportunity over the difference principle. The present article explores this topic from an unusual and underdeveloped angle. The controversy will be analyzed through the theological categories developed by the young Rawls in his work A Brief Inquiry into the Meaning of Sin and Faith. There, Rawls rejected the Pelagian heresy, according to which human beings can merit their salvation in a contractual relationship with God. Conversely, they can perform actions and deeds with implications for their eternal life by virtue of the gratuitous and undeserved intervention of God. I will show how this theological understanding became a political idea expressed precisely in the content and structure of the second principle of justice. As final remarks, I will argue that the appeal to the young Rawls's idea can be a suitable, yet unexpected, way in which the comprehensive doctrine of Christianity can support the political conception of justice expressed in Rawls's second major work, Political Liberalism.
Effect of passage through the common palm civet gut on seed germination of fleshy fruits in Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, central India
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Edgaonkar Advait , Ramesh Tharmalingam
Published: September 2023

Frugivorous carnivores like civets consume fruits of many species and play an important role in their seed dispersal by virtue of depositing their scats farther away from the parent tree. This study was conducted to understand the role of the common palm civet in affecting the seed germination rate of three plant species (i.e. Syzygium cumini, Phoenix sylvestris and Ficus racemosa) in a tropical moist deciduous forest. We collected scats of common palm civets in Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, central India, and monitored the germination rate of these species for 90 days. Further, to understand the patterns of seed selection (if there are any), for seeds of a specific size, we compared the length, width, and mass of the civet‐ingested seeds with those of the control seeds. We had to discard the analyses on F. racemosa as none of its seeds in any treatment group germinated even after 50 days. Our results show a differential impact of gut passage: civet‐ingested P. sylvestris seeds experienced a higher germination percentage compared to the control seeds, while gut passage did not alter the seed germination of S. cumini. However, seed germination speed (proportion of seeds germinated per day) for both species, P. sylvestris and S. cumini, was faster for civet‐ingested seeds compared to their respective controls. Our findings also showed that civets preferred seeds that were shorter in length and width, and weighed less, in the case of P. sylvestris; however, no such statistically significant difference was found for seed selection in the case of S. cumini. Thus, our study shows that civets act as a legitimate seed disperser of plant species and exert a differential impact in altering the germination rate.
Effects of bariatric surgery and dietary interventions for obesity on brain neurotransmitter systems and metabolism: A systematic review of positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies
Authors: Al‐Alsheikh Alhanouf S. , Alabdulkader Shahd , Miras Alexander D. , Goldstone Anthony P.
Published: September 2023

This systematic review collates studies of dietary or bariatric surgery interventions for obesity using positron emission tomography and single‐photon emission computed tomography. Of 604 publications identified, 22 met inclusion criteria. Twelve studies assessed bariatric surgery (seven gastric bypass, five gastric bypass/sleeve gastrectomy), and ten dietary interventions (six low‐calorie diet, three very low‐calorie diet, one prolonged fasting). Thirteen studies examined neurotransmitter systems (six used tracers for dopamine DRD2/3 receptors: two each for 11C‐raclopride, 18F‐fallypride, 123I‐IBZM; one for dopamine transporter, 123I‐FP‐CIT; one used tracer for serotonin 5‐HT2A receptor, 18F‐altanserin; two used tracers for serotonin transporter, 11C‐DASB or 123I‐FP‐CIT; two used tracer for μ‐opioid receptor, 11C‐carfentanil; one used tracer for noradrenaline transporter, 11C‐MRB); seven studies assessed glucose uptake using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose; four studies assessed regional cerebral blood flow using 15O‐H2O (one study also used arterial spin labeling); and two studies measured fatty acid uptake using 18F‐FTHA and one using 11C‐palmitate. The review summarizes findings and correlations with clinical outcomes, eating behavior, and mechanistic mediators. The small number of studies using each tracer and intervention, lack of dietary intervention control groups in any surgical studies, heterogeneity in time since intervention and degree of weight loss, and small sample sizes hindered the drawing of robust conclusions across studies.
Secondary invasion by an invasive shrub limits native tree seedling growth in a size‐dependent manner following the eradication of a different invasive species in an island ecosystem
Authors: Hata Kenji , Kawakami Kazuto , Kachi Naoki
Published: September 2023

Following the control of an invasive tree species, native forest ecosystem restoration can be prevented by a secondary invasion by another invasive species that inhibits the reestablishment of native trees. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala on the initial growth of planted seedlings of four native tree species (Pandanus boninensis, Rhaphiolepis indica, Schima mertensiana, and Terminalia catappa) after eradication of the invasive tree Casuarina equisetifolia in the Ogasawara Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. In a 24‐month field experiment, we compared the sizes of planted seedlings (diameter at ground level, height, and leaf number) among four treatments in a 2 × 2 design of initial seedling size (large vs. small) × L. leucocephala invasion (sowing L. leucocephala seeds vs. control). More than 75% of the seedlings (excluding S. mertensiana) survived regardless of the treatments. For all four species, initially large seedlings tended to become larger plants at the end of the experiment than initially small seedlings. We detected significant effects of L. leucocephala invasion on one or more plant size parameters in all four species. Seedlings grown in L. leucocephala invasion quadrats were smaller than those in control quadrats at the end of the experiment. We detected significant interactions between initial seedling sizes and L. leucocephala invasion for three species. Together, these results indicate that secondary invasion by L. leucocephala after controlling C. equisetifolia inhibits the initial growth of native tree seedlings, depending on their size at the time of invasion.
Interpretable ensemble imbalance learning strategies for the risk assessment of severe‐low‐level wind shear based on LiDAR and PIREPs
Authors: Khattak Afaq , Chan Pak‐Wai , Chen Feng , Peng Haorong
Published: September 2023

The occurrence of severe low‐level wind shear (S‐LLWS) events in the vicinity of airport runways poses a significant threat to flight safety and exacerbates a burgeoning problem in civil aviation. Identifying the risk factors that contribute to occurrences of S‐LLWS can facilitate the improvement of aviation safety. Despite the significant influence of S‐LLWS on aviation safety, its occurrence is relatively infrequent in comparison to non‐SLLWS incidents. In this study, we develop an S‐LLWS risk prediction model through the utilization of ensemble imbalance learning (EIL) strategies, namely, BalanceCascade, EasyEnsemble, and RUSBoost. The data for this study were obtained from PIREPs and LiDAR at Hong Kong International Airport. The analysis revealed that the BalanceCascade strategy outperforms EasyEnsemble and RUSBoost in terms of prediction performance. Afterward, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation tool was used in conjunction with the BalanceCascade model for the risk assessment of various factors. The four most influential risk factors, according to the SHAP interpretation tool, were hourly temperature, runway 25LD, runway 25LA, and RWY (encounter location of LLWS). S‐LLWS was likely to happen at Runway 25LD and Runway 25LA in temperatures ranging from low to moderate. Similarly, a high proportion of S‐LLWS events occurred near the runway threshold, and a relatively small proportion occurred away from it. The EIL strategies in conjunction with the SHAP interpretation tool may accurately predict the S‐LLWS without the need for data augmentation in the data pre‐processing phase.
The globalisation of Italian agriculture. Transformations of migrant labour composition in agriculture in Trentino
Authors: Della Puppa Francesco , Piovesan Serena
Published: September 2023

The cultivation of apples is one of the principal economic activities in Trentino, which is responsible for 25% of Italian apple production and 4% of European apple production. The industry is structurally based on migrant work, especially from Eastern European countries in the EU. This model has come up against obstacles due to EU migrant workers redrawing their trajectories: They now tend to remain in their country of origin or move towards central European countries, where they find better wages and working conditions. This is also due to the inadequacy of Italian migration policies, which make it difficult for employers to recruit migrant workers. As a result, employers started to recruit refugees and asylum seekers from countries in the sub‐Saharan and Indian subcontinent who had recently arrived in Trentino. This article analyses these transformations and the trend of ‘refugeeisation’ process of the agricultural workforce, as well as the partial replacement of seasonal workers in Trentino. It then focuses on the impact of the pandemic on international recruitment and on the organisation of the migrant workforce.
Towards a new era in the governance of integrated activation: A systematic review of the literature on the governance of welfare benefits and employment‐related services in Europe (2010–21)
Authors: van Gerven Minna , Malava Tuuli , Saikku Peppi , Mesiäislehto Merita
Published: September 2023

This article presents the results of a systematic literature review of research articles (N = 72) to study the governance logic of integrated activation policies and the problems relating to reintegrating welfare benefits with services. The inductive study of the problems indicated in the literature demonstrates both the vertical and horizontal aspects of the governance of integrated activation at the street level: challenges are tied to the top‐down activation policy; requirements and strategies of delivering benefits and services; collaboration and coordination in delivery chains; and risks and inequality that streel‐level bureaucrats are trying to deal with in their work. The results point primarily to flaws in the vertical governance of activation, such as frontline work problems and collaborative practices between different actors and agencies. Moreover, some problems relating to collaboration and coordination, pointed towards the challenges in horizontal governance of activation. The article, however, demonstrates how the governance of integrated activation requires a coupling of these different streams of governance and understanding governance as a complex network of interdependencies and causal connections between institutions, organisations, and co‐production with end users.
The novel HLA‐A*24:604 allele, identified using next‐generation sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhang Li , Ma Chuanming , Liu Xiaomeng , Zhang Qianqian
Published: September 2023

The HLA‐A*24:604 allele differs from HLA‐A*24:02:01 by a single nucleotide in exon 3, at position 436.
Efficacy of quaternary ammonium salt‐based disinfectant or chelated copper–zinc footbath solution in the treatment of digital dermatitis on one research dairy farm in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yi‐Hsuan , Chen Yi‐Ming , Tu Po‐An , Yeh Yi‐Hsin , Lee Kuo‐Hua , Hsu Jih‐Tay
Published: September 2023

Background

Footbaths can be used to manage digital dermatitis (DD), a common cause of lameness in dairy cattle. Copper sulfate and chelated copper–zinc (CZS) solutions in footbaths are potentially harmful to the environment.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if a quaternary ammonium salt‐based disinfectant (QASD) footbath is as effective as a chelated CZS solution in controlling DD in dairy cows.

Animals

Fifty‐one lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, with DD status based on the M‐stage scoring system and locomotion score balanced between treatment groups.

Materials and Methods

The groups were treated with a 1% QASD or a 2.5% chelated CZS. Footbaths were performed once per week for 15 weeks. Logistic regression was used to analyse clinical improvement. All cows received appropriate medical treatment for DD and other hoof diseases.

Results

Clinical improvement rates were 67% in the QASD group and 38% in the CZS group (p = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds (95% confidence interval) for clinical improvement rate in the CZS group were 0.30 (0.095–0.948) times that of the QASD group (p = 0.04). The M0 score in the QASD and CZS groups increased significantly (p < 0.05) at the end of the 15 week study period. In the QASD group, the proportion of M2, M3 and M4 scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Over a 15 week period, QASD for footbathing was associated with a lower prevalence of active DD lesions than when using CZS.
Computed tomographic imaging and surgical management of distal insertional avulsion fragments of the caudal cruciate ligament in four horses
Authors: Bolz Nico Michael , Ehrle Anna , Mählmann Kathrin , Lischer Christophorus Johannes
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe cases with caudal cruciate ligament (CdCL) avulsion fragments diagnosed based on computed tomography (CT) examination and report on arthroscopic fragment removal.

Animals

Four Warmblood horses with hindlimb lameness and osseous fragments located in the caudal medial femorotibial joint (mFTJ).

Study design

Short case series.

Methods

CT and arthroscopic evaluation of the caudal mFTJ were performed. The caudal mFTJ and the insertion of the CdCL on the tibia were assessed and removal of the avulsion fragments was attempted in three horses using a cranial intercondylar approach.

Results

The fragment was not accessible via caudomedial approaches in one horse. A cranial intercondylar approach was used in three horses, allowing removal of the intra‐articular fragment in two horses, and removal of two‐thirds of the proximal fragment in the last horse. Acute, profuse, arterial bleeding occurred in this horse during surgery with transient postoperative soft tissue swelling. Comorbidities included medial femoral condyle cartilage defects (3), cranial cruciate ligament lesions (2), and medial collateral ligament lesions (2). Horses were followed up for 16 months (median, range 11–28 months), at which point all were back in ridden exercise; owners' satisfaction was good.

Conclusion

CT examination confirmed the diagnosis and allowed evaluation of the stifle joint for comorbidities. A cranial intercondylar arthroscopic approach facilitated the removal of CdCL insertional avulsion fragments, although not always complete.

Clinical significance

A cranial intercondylar approach can allow access to CdCL avulsion fragments, but complications and incomplete removal remain possible.
New Proposed Mixed Transforms: CAW and FAW and Their Application in Medical Image Classification
Authors: Mousa Al-Khuzaay Maryam I , Mahmoud Al-Jawher Waleed A.
Published: September 2023

The transformation model plays a vital role in medical image processing. This paper proposed new two Mixed Transforms models that are the hybrid combination of linear and nonlinear Transformations techniques. The first mixed transform is computed in three steps: calculate 2D discrete cosine transform (DCT) of the image, and applying Arnold Transform (AT) on the DCT coefficients, and applying the discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) on the result to get which was abbreviated as (CAW). The second mixed transform consists of firstly computing the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), net applying the Arnold Transform (AT), and finally, the computation of discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) which was abbreviated as (FAW). These transforms have superior directional representations as compared to other multiresolution representations such as DWT or DCT and work as non-adaptive mixed transformations for multi-scale object analysis. Due to their relationship to the wavelet idea, they are finding increasing use in areas like image processing and scientific computing. These transforms are tested in medical image classification task and their performances are compared with that of the traditional transforms. CAW and FAW transforms are used in the feature extraction stage of a classification VGG16 deep learning (DNN) task of Tumor MRI medical image. The numerical findings favor CAW and FAW over the wavelet transform for estimating and classifying pictures. From the results obtained it was shown that the CAW and FAW transform gave e much higher classification rate than that achieved with the traditional transforms, namely DCT, DFT and DWT. Furthermore, this combination leads to a family of directional and multi-transformation bases for image processing.
WAM 3D Discrete Chaotic Map for Secure Communication Applications
Authors: Abdul-Kareem Ali Akram , Mahmoud Al-Jawher Waleed Ameen
Published: September 2023

Chaotic systems have become widely adopted as an effective way for secure data communications, because of its simple mathematical complexity and good security. The relationship between encryption algorithms and chaos systems has gained a lot of attention in the past few years, since it avoids the data spreading as well as lower the transmission delay and costs. In this paper a novel 3D discrete chaotic map is proposed for data encryption and secure communication and named as WAM. For secure communication, the Pecora and Carroll (P-C) method was utilized to achieve synchronization between the master system and the slave system. The simulation results of WAM 3D discrete chaotic map showed that the system has a chaotic behavior and a characteristic randomness and can pass 0-1, Lyapunov exponent (LE) and NIST tests which are usually used to check chaotic behavior. The statistical outcomes of the LE test were 0.0193, the frequency test (FT) was 0.4237, and the run test (RT) yielded a value of 0.0607. As a result, it enrich the theoretical basis of the equations and implementation of chaos, and it is superior for encryption algorithms and communication security applications.