bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking point? An analysis of fatal stab wounds to the torso in Ireland between 2011 and 2018, examining the extent of rib fractures
Authors: Bourke Eimear , McCartney Yvonne , Greene David , Mulligan Linda
Published: December 2023

This study examines the pattern of rib injuries occurring in cases of fatal torso stab wounds in Ireland between 2011 and 2018. It has been suggested by previous studies that rib fractures are not commonly sustained in stab wounds to the torso. We wanted to ascertain whether this was the case, as our data suggested that rib fractures were frequent, and where a rib is fractured there is a higher chance of organ injury and death, making this an important area of study. One hundred and forty seven cases of fatal stab wounds from an eight‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. Fatal stab wounds to other body areas, were excluded; leaving a total of 104 cases with stab wounds to the torso. We found that 69.2% of cases had rib injuries, a figure significantly higher than previously reported. Our data suggests that stab wounds to the torso often fracture ribs, putting the underlying organs at increased risk of injury and perhaps contributing to fatality. The amount of force needed to cause a rib fracture can be difficult to quantify and indeed from the high percentage of rib fractures sustained in our data it appears that the ribs may be fractured regardless of the amount of force used; this is borne out by the finding that self‐inflicted injuries also caused rib fractures. Our study shows that other factors, such as anatomical positioning and wound depth may have a greater bearing than force in terms of whether a rib fracture is sustained.
A pilot study of the acceptability, efficacy, and iatrogenic effects of a brief dynamic norms intervention for reducing young adult alcohol use
Authors: Graupensperger Scott , Jaffe Anna E. , Blayney Jessica A. , Duckworth Jennifer C. , Stappenbeck Cynthia A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Alcohol use and its related consequences are a public health problem among young adults. Building upon efficacious personalized normative feedback interventions, dynamic norms can be used to highlight the decreasing prevalence of alcohol use over time among young adults' peers, thereby increasing their motivation to change drinking consistent with the trend. Because limited research has examined dynamic norms feedback interventions for alcohol use, we examined the acceptability and initial efficacy of such an intervention, and potential iatrogenic effects of showing norms feedback about drinking to light drinkers and nondrinkers.

Methods

Participants were 546 unvaccinated young adults ages 18–24 who completed a baseline survey, intervention, and 1‐month follow‐up assessment. Participants were block randomized to receive a brief web‐based dynamic norms intervention, with feedback content focused on either (a) alcohol‐related behaviors (intervention) or (b) COVID‐19 vaccine behaviors (the attention‐matched control for the present study).

Results

On average, participants who received the alcohol intervention rated it as generally engaging, helpful, and acceptable, with the majority (90.8%) indicating that they would recommend it to a friend. Supporting initial efficacy, in generalized linear models controlling for demographics and baseline alcohol outcomes, at 1‐month follow‐up the alcohol intervention was associated with statistically and clinically significant reductions in all indices of perceived drinking norms, drinking quantity, drinking frequency, and driving after drinking occasions. Lighter drinkers showed no adverse iatrogenic effects.

Conclusions

Presenting alcohol‐related personalized normative feedback using dynamic trends is a promising intervention for reducing alcohol use in a community sample of young adults. Further research clarifying the optimal presentation of dynamic norms is needed.
Autonomy, power, and place: Ethical considerations at the intersections of substance use care, and the sex trade
Authors: Mithani Zamina Zahra , Judge Abigail M.
Published: December 2023

Substance use disorder (SUD) care among women in the sex trade poses multiple ethical challenges. We propose a framework with three lenses—autonomy, power, and place—that can inform and help improve more ethical clinical care for people who trade sex seeking SUD treatment. A relational perspective on autonomy, an analysis of power relations in the clinic, and a geographical analysis can inform how we create space for people with experience in the sex trade in substance use treatment facilities and beyond. We conclude with some practical applications of this framework, all while integrating a composite clinical vignette throughout our analysis. This analysis addresses a clinical and ethical gap in ways to provide better care for women in the sex trade, an understudied and chronically marginalized population deserving of care that meets them where they are.
Histone deacetylase‐mediated silencing of PSTPIP2 expression contributes to aristolochic acid nephropathy‐induced PANoptosis
Authors: Xu Chuanting , Wang Qi , Du Changlin , Chen Lu , Zhou Zhongnan , Zhang Zhenming , Cai Na , Li Jun , Huang Cheng , Ma Taotao
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a progressive kidney disease caused by using herbal medicines. Currently, no therapies are available to treat or prevent aristolochic acid nephropathy. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) plays a crucial role in the development and progression of renal disease. We tested whether HDAC inhibitors could prevent aristolochic acid nephropathy and determined the underlying mechanism.

Experimental Approach

HDACs expression in the aristolochic acid nephropathy model was examined. The activation of PANoptosis of mouse kidney and renal tubular epithelial cell were assessed after exposure to HDAC1 and HDAC2 blockade. Kidney‐specific knock‐in of proline–serine–threonine–phosphatase‐interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2) mice were used to investigate whether PSTPIP2 affected the production of PANoptosome.

Key Results

Aristolochic acid upregulated the expression of HDAC1 and HDAC2 in the kidneys. Notably, the HDAC1 and HDAC2 specific inhibitor, romidepsin (FK228, depsipeptide), suppressed aristolochic acid‐induced kidney injury, epithelial cell pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis (PANoptosis). Moreover, romidepsin upregulated PSTPIP2 in renal tubular epithelial cells, which was enhanced by aristolochic acid treatment. Conditional knock‐in of PSTPIP2 in the kidney protected against aristolochic acid nephropathy. In contrast, the knockdown of PSTPIP2 expression in PSTPIP2‐knock‐in mice restored kidney damage and PANoptosis. PSTPIP2 function was determined in vitro using PSTPIP2 knockdown or overexpression in mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (mTECs). Additionally, PSTPIP2 was found to regulate caspase 8 in aristolochic acid nephropathy.

Conclusion and Implications

HDAC‐mediated silencing of PSTPIP2 may contribute to aristolochic acid nephropathy. Hence, HDAC1 and HDAC2 specific inhibitors or PSTPIP2 could be valuable therapeutic agents for preventing aristolochic acid nephropathy.
The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ao Xudong , Luo Chao , Zhang Mengni , Liu Lisha , Peng Shunlin
Published: December 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the nasopharyngeal epithelium with a high incidence in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. The current treatment methods are mainly radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, they often have side effects and are not suitable for long‐term exposure. Natural products have received more and more attention in cancer prevention and treatment because of their its high efficiency, low toxic side effects, and low toxicity. Natural products can serve as a viable alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacy and mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of NPC by examining previous literature. Most natural products act by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Although further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and safety, natural products can significantly improve the treatment of NPC.
A moderated mediation model of the relationship between adolescent screentime, online privacy cognitions and exposure to online substance marketing
Authors: Corcoran Erin , Wydra Nathaniel , Tejada Nelsa , Nelapati Shimei , Gabrielli Joy
Published: December 2023

Adolescent exposure to substance‐related marketing is associated with subsequent substance initiation and progression. The extent to which adolescents are exposed to such content may be associated with adolescent cognitions about digital privacy and media‐specific parenting behaviours. The present study assesses whether the relationship between screentime and online marketing risk is mediated by adolescent digital privacy‐related cognitions and moderated by media‐specific parenting behaviours. Parents and their 10–14‐year‐old adolescents (n = 960) completed an online survey on media parenting techniques and adolescent media use and attitudes. Associations between screentime, Adolescent Cognitions about Online Privacy (ACOP; comprising privacy‐related attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control), TECH parenting (Talk, Educate, Co‐Use, House Rules) and adolescent online marketing exposure were explored via a moderated mediation model. A significant total effect between screentime and online marketing exposure was identified, including an indirect path via ACOP. TECH parenting significantly strengthened ACOP's mediation of the relationship between screentime and online marketing risk. This study indicates that adolescent privacy‐related cognitions may be an important mechanism for future studies related to adolescent online risk behaviour. Implications for child and family social work are discussed.
Habitat specialisation and resource availability determine dispersal behaviour in four afro‐tropical butterflies
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Milidakis Melina A. , Lindorfer Sophia , Teucher Mike , Schmitt Thomas , Eberle Jonas
Published: December 2023

Ecological demands, such as sex and environmental conditions, determine species' behaviour, such as dispersal, and shape local population structures. However, only marginal knowledge of these factors exists for afro‐tropical insects so far.

Therefore, we performed a mark–release–recapture study in the coastal region of Kenya over a period of 2 months, covering the dry and the rainy seasons. As study species, we used four co‐occurring but ecologically diverging butterfly species, the forest species Bicyclus safitza and Junonia natalica and the savannah species Junonia oenone and Byblia ilithyia. The study area represents an ecosystem mosaic consisting of anthropogenic habitats as well as natural forest and savannah, assessed by detailed landscape mapping.

We obtained 1701 capture events, comprising 1224 individuals with an overall recapture rate of 24% (ranging from 15% to 48%). The analyses based on these results allowed an assessment of the population ecology, dispersal behaviour and habitat preferences of these species.

Demographic models inferred different patterns of population dynamics among species. All species preferred the habitats they were known for. The observed dispersal distances were rather low ranging from a mean of 25 to 72 m, referring to taxa and sexes. The dispersal extrapolations were unreliably low for the negative exponential function, while the values for inverse power function were credible. The latter predicted a considerably higher long‐distance dispersal capacity in males than in females of the forest species B. safitza and J. natalica, while females dispersed more than males in the savannah species J. oenone and B. ilithyia.

Our results obtained from these four ecologically diverging afro‐tropical butterfly species underline that species’ behaviour, such as dispersal, is strongly determined by habitat preferences, sex and the availability of resources.
Culinary capital and conceptualisations of school mealtime
Authors: Lalli Gurpinder Singh
Published: December 2023

This paper presents ethnographic work conducted to investigate how notions of culinary capital have the potential to shape the everyday experiences of children during mealtime in school. Children's early experiences with mealtimes and food are critical determinants for eating behaviour over the life course. The paper presents an account of conceptual debates based on longstanding ethnographic work on school food with a particular focus on a case study of Maple Field Academy to frame the research. Research methods used included semi‐structured interviews, fieldnotes and photographs with the aim of capturing a rich picture of the school. This paper introduces Laird's sensory theory to frame the discussion. This research calls for the need to recognise the social good that can be realised from participating in mealtimes and school is a microcosm of society, which means it can function as a driver for social change. The paper calls for more engagement with social theorising on studies which focus on researching food in school.
Personal networks and the politics of belonging: Refugee integration in Thessaloniki Greece
Authors: Bulled Nicola
Published: December 2023

Refugees use social networks to navigate the institutions of immigration. Social networks also serve as support structures as refugees claim their identity and establish a sense of belonging. This paper examines the influence of personal social networks on the integration experiences of 16 asylum‐seekers in Thessaloniki, Greece. Case studies of three recent asylum‐seekers convey how the dynamics of personal social networks differentially influence the experiences of integration. The visualizations of their personal social network, the 45 individuals they engage with routinely, reveal the structure and composition of their social lives. Across the study sample, refugees with more Greek contacts were better able to navigate the economic and legal landscape. However, more engagement with host nationals did not necessarily improve feelings of belonging. Migration policies and programming should consider how to use social networks, both existing and new, to improve migrant integration outcomes.
Role of Laboratory in Emerging Infectious Disease Control in Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, and national laboratory network
Authors: Maleki Ali , Mostafavi Ehsan , Fazlalipour Mehdi , Salehi‐Vaziri Mostafa
Published: December 2023

Strengthening surveillance systems is a key aspect of outbreak response and was particularly important during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Respiratory pathogens spread rapidly, and laboratory capacity is key to monitoring the spread. Prior to the pandemic, Iran had established a rapid response team and laboratory network to provide identification, monitoring, and detection of emerging infectious diseases, but did not have the laboratory capacity to respond to COVID‐19. Following the announcement of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the rapid response team diverted all attention to supporting COVID‐19 surveillance. Iran built on the existing national laboratory infrastructure to incorporate SARS‐CoV‐2 surveillance into the response network. Based on existing international protocols, in‐house molecular diagnosis capacity was operationalized, and commercial controls and assays were acquired and validated to national standards. The first COVID‐19 laboratory was operational by January 25, less than 4 weeks before the initial detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 was announced. Assays and support were expanded and rolled out to form the COVID‐19 National Laboratory Network, which consists of 560 multi‐sectoral laboratories covering all provinces of Iran. The national laboratory network supports a wide range of operational capacities, including assay validation and protocol development, quality assurance, respiratory pathogen diagnosis and surveillance, and variant identification and assessment using multiple sequencing platforms. This network has supported the testing of over 55 million samples over the past 36 months using RT‐qPCR and has sequenced approximately 2200 samples across the country, contributing the data to international databases, including GISAID.
The second most abundant dinophyte in the ponds of a botanical garden is a species new to science
Authors: Müller Anna , Stark Marina , Schottenhammel Sophia , John Uwe , Chacón Juliana , Klingl Andreas , Holzer Victoria Julia Christine , Schöffer Marika , Gottschling Marc
Published: December 2023

In the microscopy realm, a large body of dark biodiversity still awaits to be uncovered. Unarmoured dinophytes are particularly neglected here, as they only present inconspicuous traits. In a remote German locality, we collected cells, from which a monoclonal strain was established, to study morphology using light and electron microscopy and to gain DNA sequences from the rRNA operon. In parallel, we detected unicellular eukaryotes in ponds of the Botanical Garden Munich‐Nymphenburg by DNA‐metabarcoding (V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene), weekly sampled over the course of a year. Strain GeoK*077 turned out to be a new species of Borghiella with a distinct position in molecular phylogenetics and characteristic coccoid cells of ovoid shape as the most important diagnostic trait. Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., was also present in artificial ponds of the Botanical Garden and was the second most abundant dinophyte detected in the samples. More specifically, Borghiella ovum, sp. nov., shows a clear seasonality, with high frequency during winter months and complete absence during summer months. The study underlines the necessity to assess the biodiversity, particularly of the microscopy realm more ambitiously, if even common species such as formerly Borghiella ovum are yet unknown to science.
Did High Leverage Render Small Businesses Vulnerable to the COVID‐19 Shock?
Authors: BRÄUNING FALK , FILLAT JOSÉ L. , WANG J. CHRISTINA
Published: December 2023

Using supervisory data on small and midsized nonfinancial enterprises (SMEs), we find that those SMEs with higher leverage faced tighter constraints in accessing bank credit after the COVID‐19 outbreak in spring 2020. Specifically, SMEs with higher pre‐COVID leverage obtained a smaller volume of new loans and had to pay a higher spread on them during the pandemic period. Consistent with an inward shift in loan supply, these effects were concentrated in loans originated by banks with below‐median capital buffers. Highly levered SMEs that relied on low‐capital large banks for funding before the pandemic were not able to substitute to other sources of debt financing and thus experienced more of a reduction in total debt as well as a decline in investment and employment. On the other hand, the unprecedented public support, especially the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), mitigated the adverse real effect stemming from bank credit constraints.
Psychological distress and coping efficacy in children with disorders of gut–brain interaction
Authors: Santucci Neha R. , Velasco‐Benitez Carlos Alberto , Cunningham Natoshia , Li Jesse , Fei Lin , Sun Qin , Saps Miguel
Published: December 2023

Background

Multiple psychological factors influence disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs). We aimed to evaluate psychological distress in Colombian schoolchildren with and without DGBIs.

Methods

We included children ages 8–18 years without organic medical conditions from largest regional public schools in Colombia. Children completed Spanish versions of Rome III diagnostic questionnaire for DGBIs, State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), Children's Somatization Inventory (CSI), and a measure of coping efficacy. These data, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, were compared between children with DGBIs and healthy peers. Exploratory analyses investigated differences between youth with symptoms of functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) compared with healthy peers.

Key Results

Of 1496 children, 281 (mean age 12.9 ± 2.2 years, 49.8% females) self‐reported criteria for DGBIs and 125 reported (44.5%) FAPDs. Children with DGBIs had higher trait anxiety, emotional sensitivity, somatization including GI, non‐GI, pain‐related, and non‐pain‐related subscales (p < 0.001 each) and lower coping efficacy (p = 0.02) compared to healthy peers. Females had higher trait anxiety and somatization (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). State and trait anxiety and coping efficacy differed based on location in children with DGBIs (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, and p < 0.001, respectively). Children with FAPDs had higher trait anxiety (p = 0.02) and somatization (p < 0.001) compared to healthy youth.

Conclusions & Inferences

Children with DGBIs had higher anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and somatization, and lower coping efficacy compared with healthy youth. This highlights the importance of appraising psychological distress characteristics as well as incorporating conflict resolution, assertiveness training, and resilience building during the treatment of DGBIs.
Genomic imprints of unparalleled growth
Authors: Murik Omer , Geffen Or , Shotland Yoram , Fernandez‐Pozo Noe , Ullrich Kristian Karsten , Walther Dirk , Rensing Stefan Andreas , Treves Haim
Published: December 2023

Chlorella ohadii was isolated from desert biological soil crusts, one of the harshest habitats on Earth, and is emerging as an exciting new green model for studying growth, photosynthesis and metabolism under a wide range of conditions.

Here, we compared the genome of C. ohadii, the fastest growing alga on record, to that of other green algae, to reveal the genomic imprints empowering its unparalleled growth rate and resistance to various stressors, including extreme illumination. This included the genome of its close relative, but slower growing and photodamage sensitive, C. sorokiniana UTEX 1663.

A larger number of ribosome‐encoding genes, high intron abundance, increased codon bias and unique genes potentially involved in metabolic flexibility and resistance to photodamage are all consistent with the faster growth of C. ohadii. Some of these characteristics highlight general trends in Chlorophyta and Chlorella spp. evolution, and others open new broad avenues for mechanistic exploration of their relationship with growth.

This work entails a unique case study for the genomic adaptations and costs of exceptionally fast growth and sheds light on the genomic signatures of fast growth in photosynthetic cells. It also provides an important resource for future studies leveraging the unique properties of C. ohadii for photosynthesis and stress response research alongside their utilization for synthetic biology and biotechnology aims.
The effect of body mass index on complications in cardiac implantable electronic device surgery
Authors: Güzel Tuncay , Demir Muhammed , Aktan Adem , Kılıç Raif , Arslan Bayram , Günlü Serhat , Altıntaş Bernas , Karahan Mehmet Zülküf , Özbek Mehmet , Aslan Burhan , Arpa Abdulkadir , Coşkun Mehmet Sait , Altunbaş Mahsum , Tüzün Rohat , Akgümüş Alkame , Karadeniz Muhammed , Aydın Saadet , Güzel Hamdullah , Aslan Selen Filiz , Söner Serdar , Taş Ahmet , Ertaş Faruk
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures are prone to complications. In our study, we investigated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on CIED‐related complications.

Methods

1676 patients who had undergone CIED surgery (de novo implantation, system upgrade, generator change, pocket revision or lead replacement) at two heart centers in Turkey and met the study criteria were included in our study. For analysis of primary and secondary endpoints, patients were classified as non‐obese (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). The primary endpoint was accepted as cumulative events, including the composite of clinically significant hematoma (CSH), pericardial effusion or tamponade, pneumothorax, and infection related to the device system. Secondary outcomes included each component of cumulative events.

Results

The rate of cumulative events, defined as primary outcome, was higher in the obese patient group, and we found a significant difference between the groups (3.0%, 4.3%, 8.9%, p = .001). CSH and pneumothorax rates were significantly higher in the obese patient group (0.3%, 0.9%, 1.9%, p = .04; 1.0%, 1.4%, 3.3%, p = .04, respectively). According to our multivariate model analysis; gender (OR:1.882, 95%CI:1.156–3.064, p = .01), hypertension (OR:4.768, 95%CI:2.470–9.204, p < .001), BMI (OR:1.069, 95%CI:1.012–1.129, p = .01) were independent predictors of cumulative events rates.

Conclusions

Periprocedural complications associated with CIED (especially hematoma and pneumothorax) are more common in the group with high BMI.
Learning point cloud context information based on 3D transformer for more accurate and efficient classification
Authors: Chen Yiping , Zhang Shuai , Lin Weisheng , Zhang Shuhang , Zhang Wuming
Published: December 2023

The point cloud semantic understanding task has made remarkable progress along with the development of 3D deep learning. However, aggregating spatial information to improve the local feature learning capability of the network remains a major challenge. Many methods have been used for improving local information learning, such as constructing a multi‐area structure for capturing different area information. However, it will lose some local information due to the independent learning point feature. To solve this problem, a new network is proposed that considers the importance of the differences between points in the neighbourhood. Capturing local feature information can be enhanced by highlighting the different feature importance of the point cloud in the neighbourhood. First, T‐Net is constructed to learn the point cloud transformation matrix for point cloud disorder. Second, transformer is used to improve the problem of local information loss due to the independence of each point in the neighbourhood. The experimental results show that 92.2% accuracy overall was achieved on the ModelNet40 dataset and 93.8% accuracy overall was achieved on the ModelNet10 dataset.
Corruption, patronage, and avertable child deaths in developing countries
Authors: Hiroi Taeko , Schober Gregory S.
Published: December 2023

Many children die of easily preventable or treatable diseases in developing countries. What are the relationships between corruption, patronage, and child mortality in low‐ and middle‐income countries? We argue that corruption and patronage affect child mortality outcomes for some causes of death, especially those that are more easily prevented or treated with affordable care. To test our hypotheses, we utilize cross‐national time‐series analysis of under‐five child mortality in developing countries between 1996 and 2016. Our study finds that patronage and corruption increase under‐five child mortality arising from easily preventable childhood diseases, but they have almost no effect on under‐five child mortality caused by more complex illnesses. Our study underscores the need to examine cause‐specific health outcomes rather than overall health outcomes in comparative health analysis, as the ability of governments to address specific health issues depends on the nature of the problems.

Related Articles

Ireni‐Saban, Liza. 2013. “Give Me Children or Else I Die: The Politics and Policy of Cross‐Border Reproductive Care.”Politics & Policy41(1): 5–38.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12004.

Lagunes, Paul F. 2012. “Corruption's Challenge to Democracy: A Review of the Issues.”Politics & Policy40(5): 802–26.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00384.x.

Tusalem, Rollin F. 2022. “Does Gendered Representation in National Legislatures Promote Substantive Representation and Human Development? Evidence from the Developing World.”Politics & Policy50(6): 1096–137.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12503.
Multisoliton interactions approximating the dynamics of breather solutions
Authors: Agafontsev Dmitry , Gelash Andrey , Randoux Stephane , Suret Pierre
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, breather solutions are generally accepted models of rogue waves. However, breathers exist on a finite background and therefore are not localized, while wavefields in nature can generally be considered as localized due to the limited sizes of physical domain. Hence, the theory of rogue waves needs to be supplemented with localized solutions, which evolve locally as breathers. In this paper, we present a universal method for constructing such solutions from exact multisoliton solutions, which consists in replacing the plane wave in the dressing construction of the breathers with a specific exact N‐soliton solution converging asymptotically to the plane wave at large number of solitons N. On the example of the Peregrine, Akhmediev, Kuznetsov–Ma, and Tajiri–Watanabe breathers, we show that constructed with our method multisoliton solutions, being localized in space with characteristic width proportional to N, are practically indistinguishable from the breathers in a wide region of space and time at large N. Our method makes it possible to build solitonic models with the same dynamical properties for the higher order rational and super‐regular breathers, and can be applied to general multibreather solutions, breathers on a nontrivial background (e.g., cnoidal waves), and other integrable systems. The constructed multisoliton solutions can also be generalized to capture the spontaneous emergence of rogue waves through the spontaneous synchronization of soliton norming constants, though finding these synchronization conditions represents a challenging problem for future studies.
When a key innovation becomes redundant: Patterns, drivers and consequences of elytral reduction inColeoptera
Authors: Goczał Jakub , Beutel Rolf G. , Gimmel Matthew L. , Kundrata Robin
Published: December 2023

The transformation of the fore wings into strongly sclerotized protective covers (elytra) is considered a fundamental evolutionary innovation of the megadiverse order Coleoptera. Surprisingly, these multifunctional structures have been reduced in many distantly related groups of beetles. Patterns, drivers and the evolutionary implications of this modification have never been comprehensively discussed. In the present study, we surveyed the entire order Coleoptera to analyse the patterns of elytral shortening and loss, with a special focus on prevalence, forms, degree of reduction and the functional background of this significant deviation from the coleopteran ground plan. Our analysis revealed that about 20% of all extant species (roughly 88,000 out of 442,275 spp.), distributed across all four suborders, have shortened or even absent elytra. The elytral loss was more frequent within the polyphagan series Elateriformia and Staphyliniformia. Moreover, we found that elytral reduction has independently occurred multiple times in the evolutionary history of Coleoptera and that it has been driven by a wide array of selective drivers. One of the main drivers is the improved flexibility of the uncovered abdomen and the correlated increased manoeuvrability in narrow spaces, as well as the option of using the flexible abdomen as a steering organ or to facilitate mating. Another common driver is mimicry, where exposed metathoracic wings potentially improve the overall similarity to hymenopteran models. Exposure of the abdomen can facilitate the targeted release of defensive abdominal gland secretions and was most likely a crucial step towards establishing relations with social insects enhanced by chemical communication. In the Elateriformia, and rarely in other lineages, elytral loss is a consequence of paedomorphosis, related to a specific resource‐allocation strategy. In many groups of beetles with reduced elytra, alternative defensive strategies can be found. This includes, for instance, aposematic coloration, chemical defence, mimicry or bioluminescence. Direct drivers of elytral loss in many groups remain unclear, and more studies are needed to understand the evolutionary background and implications of this significant morphological modification in Coleoptera.
A highly sensitive biotin‐based probe for small RNA northern blot and its application in dissecting miRNA function in pepper
Authors: Wang Hongzheng , Yu Ruimin , Zhu Qiangqiang , Tian Zhendong , Li Feng
Published: December 2023

Small RNAs play important roles in regulation of plant development and response to various stresses. Northern blot is an important technique in small RNA research. Isotope‐ and biotin‐ (or digoxigenin) labeled probes are frequently used in small RNA northern blot. However, isotope‐based probe is limited by strict environmental regulation and availability in many places in the world while biotin‐based probe is usually suffered from low sensitivity. In this study, we developed a T4 DNA polymerase‐based method for incorporation of a cluster of 33 biotin‐labeled C in small RNA probe (T4BC33 probe). T4BC33 probe reaches similar sensitivity as 32P‐labeled probe in dot blot and small RNA northern blot experiments. Addition of locked nucleic acids in T4BC33 probe further enhanced its sensitivity in detecting low‐abundance miRNAs. With newly developed northern blot method, expression of miR6027 and miR6149 family members was validated. Northern blot analysis also confirmed the successful application of virus‐based miRNA silencing in pepper, knocking down accumulation of Can‐miR6027a and Can‐miR6149L. Importantly, further analysis showed that knocking‐down Can‐miR6027a led to upregulation of a nucleotide binding‐leucine rich repeat domain protein coding gene (CaRLb1) and increased immunity against Phytophthora capsici in pepper leaves. Our study provided a highly sensitive and convenient method for sRNA research and identified new targets for genetic improvement of pepper immunity against P. capsici.
The effect of inequality of opportunity on entrepreneurship: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Guangsu , Liu Lizhong
Published: December 2023

Despite the rich literature on income inequality, its impact on entrepreneurship is inconclusive, especially regarding the effect of different structures of inequality. In this research, we endeavour to explain such a phenomenon by formalising the inequality of opportunity. Utilising micro‐level data from China, we argue that it is inequality of opportunity that is negatively correlated with people's engagement in entrepreneurship, and this conclusion is consistent under a series of robustness checks. Our heterogeneity analysis indicates that the association between inequality of opportunity and entrepreneurship is stronger for self‐employment than for bigger‐scale private companies. It is also the strongest in regions with the lowest GDP per capita, the lowest fiscal expenditures and the smallest tertiary sector. These results suggest that economic development quality, economic structure and public service are important factors that influence the correlations between inequality of opportunity (IO) and entrepreneurial activities. Finally, we seek to understand the channels through which IO may be linked to entrepreneurship. Our results find that IO may discourage engagement in entrepreneurship by depressing human capital accumulation, access to credit, social capital and risk taking.
Evaluation of thoracic duct ligation and unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy via a left fourth intercostal approach in normal canine cadavers
Authors: Price Anya K. , Mathews Kyle G. , Lawver Jody E. , Scharf Valery F.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate a left‐sided fourth intercostal approach to thoracic duct (TD) ligation and unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy in dogs.

Study design

Retrospective computed tomography (CT) review and cadaveric study.

Animals

Thirteen dogs with idiopathic chylothorax and 10 canine cadavers.

Methods

A retrospective study of CT lymphangiograms in client‐owned dogs with idiopathic chylothorax evaluated location and branching of the TD at the left fourth intercostal space. A cadaveric study evaluated the efficacy of TD ligation at this site. Following methylene blue mesenteric lymph node injection, TDs were identified through a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy, ligated, and sealed. Unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy was performed through the same incision. Computed tomography scans were performed to determine the success of TD ligation.

Results

A review of lymphangiograms revealed a single TD in 10/13 clinical cases at the fourth intercostal space. Three cases had additional branches. Thoracic duct ligation via a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was successful in nine out of 10 cadavers. A single branch was noted intraoperatively in six out of 10, and two branches were noted in four out of 10 cadavers. All branches were observed on the left side of the esophagus.

Conclusion

TD ligation at the left fourth intercostal space was successfully performed in 9/10 canine cadavers and appeared feasible in a retrospective review of 10/13 clinical cases. Unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy can also be performed via this approach.

Clinical significance

Fewer thoracic duct branches at this location in comparison with the standard caudal location may simplify TD ligation. If elected, unilateral subphrenic pericardiectomy can be performed through the same incision. Further investigation in clinical patients is warranted.
Hawking radiation under generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Chau Tin-Long , Ho Pei-Ming , Kawai Hikaru , Shao Wei-Hsiang , Wang Cheng-Tsung
Published: December 2023

The generalized uncertainty relation is expected to be an essential element in a theory of quantum gravity. In this work, we examine its effect on the Hawking radiation of a Schwarzschild black hole formed from collapse by incorporating a minimal uncertainty length scale into the radial coordinate of the background. This is implemented in both the ingoing Vaidya coordinates and a family of freely falling coordinates. We find that, regardless of the choice of the coordinate system, Hawking radiation is turned off at around the scrambling time. Interestingly, this phenomenon occurs while the Hawking temperature remains largely unmodified.
A New Comprehensive Framework for Identifying and Monitoring the Interseasonal Characteristics of Meteorological Drought
Authors: Amin Hamza , Niaz Rizwan , Albasheir Nafisa A. , Al-Duais Fuad S. , Almazah Mohammed M. A. , Al-Rezami A. Y.
Published: December 2023

The current study aimed to examine the interseasonal characteristics of meteorological drought. For this purpose, a new comprehensive framework is proposed. The framework consists of two major stages. In the first stage of the framework, the K-means method is utilized to identify homogeneous clusters. Besides, the Monte Carlo feature selection (MCFS) is applied to select more important stations from the varying clusters. In the second stage, the standardized precipitation index at a three-time scale (SPI-3), the conditional fixed effect binary logistic regression model (CFEBLRM), and the random effect binary logistic regression model (REBLRM) are utilized. The significance of CFEBLRM and REBLRM is measured by log-likelihood values, log-likelihood ratio chi-square test (LRCST), Wald chi-square tests (WCT), and

p

values. The Hausman test (HT) is applied to identify endogeneity and suggests the appropriate model in CFEBLRM and REBLRM. The results from the proposed framework indicate that the drought persists in the summer to autumn and autumn to winter seasons between 90 and 99 percent. The odds ratio of CFEBLRM for the summer-autumn season indicates that the increment in precipitation will decrease the drought persistence in the autumn season. The result of the current study facilitates the decision-makers to understand the effects of meteorological drought occurrences better and improve strategies for mitigating drought effects and managing seasonal crops in the Punjab province in Pakistan.
Supplemental Figure S1 from Sustained Disease Control in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Responders with Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer after Treatment Termination
Authors: Simmons Kristen , Thomas Jane V. , Ludford Kaysia , Willis Jason A. , Higbie Victoria S. , Raghav Kanwal P.S. , Johnson Benny , Dasari Arvind , Kee Bryan K. , Parseghian Christine M. , Lee Michael S. , Le Phat H. , Morelli Maria P. , Shen John Paul , Bent Alisha , Vilar Eduardo , Wolff Robert A. , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van Karlyle
Published: December 2023

KM curves for stopping immunotherapy due to disease control or toxicity
FIGURE 2 from Sustained Disease Control in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Responders with Microsatellite Instability-high Colorectal Cancer after Treatment Termination
Authors: Simmons Kristen , Thomas Jane V. , Ludford Kaysia , Willis Jason A. , Higbie Victoria S. , Raghav Kanwal P.S. , Johnson Benny , Dasari Arvind , Kee Bryan K. , Parseghian Christine M. , Lee Michael S. , Le Phat H. , Morelli Maria P. , Shen John Paul , Bent Alisha , Vilar Eduardo , Wolff Robert A. , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Morris Van Karlyle
Published: December 2023

PFS (A) and OS (B) curves.
Learning to Struggle, Learning to Govern: How Black Youth Marshaled Education to Navigate Urban Transformations in the Motor City, 1967-1972
Authors: Walker Dara
Published: December 2023

This article examines the role of nontraditional education in Black youth’s efforts to navigate postwar transformations in Detroit, Michigan. While historians have debated the role of social movements in contestations over urban space, there is still a great deal to learn about the place of education and the young people who would inherit the city in these movements. Marshaling the analytical frameworks of social history and intellectual history, this article demonstrates that the use of education as a tool for political struggle was a practice that crossed institutional boundaries, from community-led political education to university partnerships to school-sponsored seminars. The nature of cities, with their expansive bureaucracies and vibrant political life, required and made possible educational projects that traversed institutional contexts. Within the city landscape, high school and out-of-school youth, academics, and labor radicals collectively reimagined the function of education in transforming urban spaces.
Cycad Regulation and Community Creation: South African Stakeholder Perspectives on Conservation
Authors: Blaser Mapitsa Caitlin
Published: December 2023

Cycads play a central role in Lobedu cultural mythology, with widespread acknowledgment of their cultural and spiritual values, as well as their instrumental use in rainmaking and coronation ceremonies. They are also widely prized as collectors’ items, both nationally and internationally, commanding high prices and placing them in the unenviable position of being among the world's most frequently trafficked plants. South African cycad species, most of which are endangered and all of which are protected, are heavily regulated, with the ownership, trade, and use of cycads requiring a permit. This article explores how regulations are understood by different stakeholders in cycad conservation. Traditional authorities, state institutions, and communities may collaborate in conservation, but also interpret and enact policies divergently. Processes of regulating cycad trade and propagation both reinforce and challenge certain aspects of community identity.
The Effect of Teaching Physical Programming on Computational Thinking Skills and Self-Efficacy Perceptions Towards Computational Thinking
Authors: Yurdakök Ezgi Arzu , Kalelioğlu Filiz
Published: December 2023

The study examined the effect of teaching text-based programming with a physical programming tool on secondary school students’ computational thinking skills and self-efficacy perceptions. The study was conducted according to a sequential explanatory design as a mixed method research. The study group consisted of 85 secondary school students. Within the scope of the study, a physical programming tool called Micro:bit was used to teach Python programming for a period of 6 weeks. Data were collected using the Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Computational Thinking Skill, Bebras: International Challenge on Informatics and Computational Thinking Tasks, tests focused on programming tool, concepts, and processes, and through semi-structured interview questioning. According to the findings obtained from pretests and posttests, a significant and positive difference was found in the students’ computational thinking skills and self-efficacy perceptions towards computational thinking skill. As a result of having received instruction in programming, the students satisfactorily learnt the required programming concepts and processes. Through learning Python programming with a physical programming tool, the students not only gained the skills required to write appropriate syntax, and to test and debug code, but they also learnt programming concepts such as variables, conditional expressions, loops, and functions.
Techno-optimism: Framing data and digital infrastructure for public acceptance in Ghana
Authors: Issaka Adams
Published: December 2023

This paper examines public discourse on data and digital infrastructure in Ghana to understand how dominant actors are framing the conversation to galvanise support for the implementation of the technology in the country and its consequences. Using publicly available information on social media, this paper finds that the discourse is led by the government, contending with consistent optimism and iterations from an abstract idea of data positivism that data and digital infrastructure are prerequisites for the country's development. The government claims that building digital infrastructure would accelerate the digitalisation of the country to increase data flow. Hence, going digital with its immense data outcome would then become a means to fighting corruption, ensuring smooth and efficient governance and ensuring economic development. By carefully selecting and presenting these benefits of the technology to the public, the discourse goes unchallenged becoming the sole truth to which citizens have to believe.
Hypersexuality during treatment with cariprazine in a patient with schizophrenia? A case report
Authors: Prelog Polona Rus , Palandacic Anja Kokalj
Published: December 2023

Background

Cariprazine is a third-generation antipsychotic with a unique mechanism of action. It functions as a partial agonist with high affinity for dopamine D2 and D3 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, an antagonist for 5-HT2A (moderate affinity) and 5-HT2B (high affinity) receptors. It binds to histamine H1 receptors and has a low affinity for 5-HT2C and alpha 1A-adrenergic receptors and no affinity for muscarinic (cholinergic) receptors. Among the troubling side effects, symptoms related to impulse control, such as hypersexuality, pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, compulsive eating etc., have been reported with the use of antipsychotic medications. However, no reports have been published regarding impulse control symptoms associated with cariprazine. We report a case of cariprazine-induced hypersexuality in a patient with schizophrenia, which was resolved by discontinuation of the medication.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old Caucasian woman with schizophrenia was admitted to the hospital inpatient unit after she discontinued olanzapine and psychotic symptoms reappeared. Prior to that, she was in remission, taking olanzapine for approximately one year. After discontinuation, she experienced auditory hallucinations with persecutory delusions and became anergic and withdrawn, with blunted affect. Olanzapine was reintroduced, as it was proven successful in her past treatments. However, since there were no changes, especially in negative symptoms, cariprazine was added. Seven days after the introduction of cariprazine, the patient developed compulsive sexual behaviour. Therefore, cariprazine was discontinued, and the hypersexual behaviour was resolved.

Conclusions

In this case report, we describe hypersexual behaviour that could potentially be induced by cariprazine. As a single case study, conclusions cannot be drawn. Controlled studies are warranted to better determine causality and the significance of this possible side-effect of cariprazine.