bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribological characterizations of bio-polymer based ecofriendly copper-free brake friction composites
Authors: G. Sathyamoorthy , R. Vijay , D. Lenin Singaravelu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the impact of using bio-polymer (kraft lignin) in the formulation of passenger vehicle disc brake pads (as a substitute for cashew nutshell liquid [CNSL]-based friction dust) and investigate the characteristics of the pads.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the scope of this investigation, three different brake pads were generated by altering the biopolymer-lignin content in conjunction with the friction dust from CNSL without modifying the other components. The brake pads were created in accordance with industry-standard practices. Industrial standards were used to evaluate the newly created brake pad’s thermal, physical and mechanical qualities. The tribological properties of the materials were determined using a full-scale inertia brake dynamometer. The scanning electron microscope examined the worn surfaces in conjunction with elemental mapping.

Findings

The test findings suggest that the brake pads filled with biopolymer-lignin and CNSL-based friction dust (as a partial replacement 50%) exhibited excellent thermal, physical, mechanical characteristics, as well as steady friction and low wear rate.

Originality/value

A bio-polymer (kraft lignin) in friction composites has the potential to produce eco-friendly brake pads and improve the tribological performance of its copper free-composition, which might be used to replace CNSL-based friction dust in friction composites by addressing the issues raised in this work.
Lime in Cuenca (Ecuador): from patrimonial to matrilineal
Authors: Aguirre Ullauri María del Cisne , Contreras-Escandón Christian Hernán
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Through the case of Blanca Sinchi, the following analysis presents valuation criteria that have resulted in the invisibility of social actors and cultural patrimony (cultural heritage) elements, and some contradictions in their acknowledgment process. In addition, the paper explains how architecture, among other historic assets, has made women and their contributions invisible.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic analysis and semi-structured interviews were carried out to theorize about the thermodynamic system of lime to propose a matri-lineal system category and expand the understanding of the participation of women in the receipt, management and transmission of what is called patrimony.

Findings

In heritage places, such as Cuenca (Ecuador), cultural richness extends from the Historic Center to the rest of the territory and its actors. However, there are intrinsic elements, such as unknown, but fundamental, oral or family traditions associated with the role of women. The case of Blanca Sinchi and lime is evidence of this, as it shows the typical scenario affected by gender and by disparate power dynamics that do not consider desirable attributes (authenticity, integrity, identity, bequest, option, existence, among others) in the conservation of architectural patrimony. A deep redefinition process, or even a change in the valuation system, is needed. Also, the history behind built heritage items must be explored to find the contributions made by women.

Originality/value

Proposing a matri-lineal system category to expand the understanding of the participation of women in the receipt, management and transmission of what is called patrimony, allows redefining and rewriting local and global history, acknowledging the role of women. In this way, the proposal questions not only the hegemony of the term “cultural patrimony” pigeonholed in paternal legacy but also the term “cultural heritage” as a synonym and framework that, while expanding material values, it does not effectively include, at least for Ibero-Romance language territories, the broad set of tangible and intangible values, as well as the know-how and skills of artisans.
Too lengthy and too low: an analysis of the sanctions imposed by Argentina’s Financial Information Unit between 2016 and 2019
Authors: Argibay Molina Juan Agustin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate how Argentina’s Financial Information Unit (Unidad de Información Financiera, FIU) has responded after detecting noncompliance with money laundering regulations. Specifically, it identifies the main lessons that can be drawn from analyzing the sanctions that the FIU imposed between 2016 and 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The issues that this article outlines suggest the need for a substantial rethinking of Argentina’s anti-money laundering regulations. Based on an analysis of the size of sanctions and the time taken to impose them, the study suggests that the regulatory framework in Argentina fails to comply with the international standards that require the imposition of effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

Findings

This analysis suggests that there are serious issues regarding the regulation of the sanctions that Argentina’s FIU is responsible for imposing. Specifically, the way the exact amount of each fine is determined urgently needs to be redesigned. In other words, the system for establishing fines needs to take the fluctuations that are typical of Argentina’s economy into account.

Originality/value

This paper has demonstrated that it is vital for the country to review its regulatory framework for the prevention of money laundering and to effectively apply sanctions when noncompliance is detected. A successful approach to both objectives will contribute to generate and align incentives to improve compliance levels and to fulfill international standards.
Private-label grocery buyers’ donation intentions and trust in CRM campaigns: an empirical analysis by employing social identity theory
Authors: Thomas Sujo , Patel Ritesh , Bhatt Viral
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Businesses embark on corporate social responsibility initiatives such as cause-related marketing (CRM) as a strategy to enhance behavioural intentions. This study was undertaken due to the limited ability of the existing CRM literature to directly examine whether and how consumers’ trust affects the donation intention, specifically in the private-label grocery retailing context. This study employs social identity theory as a unified theory to explain the variables adopted and contributes to the body of knowledge on CRM-linked private-label consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used SPSS 25 and AMOS to analyse the quantitative data. The structural equation modelling was adopted to test moderation and mediation effect and the sample consisted of 456 private-label grocery shoppers.

Findings

The findings of this study established that general trust in CRM alone would not translate into triggering donation intentions for CRM private-label brands and further validates the mediating role of trust in retailers’ CRM campaigns (TRCC) in shaping monetary donation intentions. Moreover, religious values confirmed a significant moderating role while translating TRCC to donation intention.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study was the restricted focus on private labels. This research may be limited to only one private-label packaged product but may focus on other private-label products in future research.

Practical implications

This study has practical significance for advertising managers in designing and implementing campaigns. More specifically, it establishes that consumers who trust the CRM phenomenon and seek private-label products associated with CRM campaigns are likely to provide monetary donations towards non-profit organization (NPOs).

Originality/value

This information will help practitioners, including grocery retailers, NPO managers and advertising professionals, design effective CRM campaigns for private-label products by understanding the fundamental relationship between trust in CRM campaigns and monetary donation intentions.
Anaerobic methane oxidation in a coastal oxygen minimum zone: spatial and temporal dynamics
Authors: Steinsdóttir Herdís G. R. , Gómez‐Ramírez Eddy , Mhatre Snehit , Schauberger Clemens , Bertagnolli Anthony D. , Pratte Zoe A. , Stewart Frank J. , Thamdrup Bo , Bristow Laura A.
Published: April 2022

Coastal waters are a major source of marine methane to the atmosphere. Particularly high concentrations of this potent greenhouse gas are found in anoxic waters, but it remains unclear if and to what extent anaerobic methanotrophs mitigate the methane flux. Here we investigate the long‐term dynamics in methanotrophic activity and the methanotroph community in the coastal oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) of Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, combining biogeochemical analyses, experimental incubations and 16S rRNA gene sequencing over 3 consecutive years. Our results demonstrate a stable redox zonation across the years with high concentrations of methane (up to 1.7 μmol L−1) in anoxic bottom waters. However, we also measured high activities of anaerobic methane oxidation in the OMZ core (rate constant, k, averaging 30 yr−1 in 2018 and 8 yr−1 in 2019–2020). The OPU3 and Deep Sea‐1 clades of the Methylococcales were implicated as conveyors of the activity, peaking in relative abundance 5–25 m below the oxic–anoxic interface and in the deep anoxic water respectively. Although their genetic capacity for anaerobic methane oxidation remains unexplored, their sustained high relative abundance indicates an adaptation of these clades to the anoxic, methane‐rich OMZ environment, allowing them to play major roles in mitigating methane fluxes.
Marginal lands and fungi – linking the type of soil contamination with fungal community composition
Authors: Okrasińska Alicja , Decewicz Przemyslaw , Majchrowska Maria , Dziewit Lukasz , Muszewska Anna , Dolatabadi Somayeh , Kruszewski Łukasz , Błocka Zuzanna , Pawłowska Julia
Published: April 2022

Fungi can be found in almost all ecosystems. Some of them can even survive in harsh, anthropogenically transformed environments, such as post‐industrial soils. In order to verify how the soil fungal diversity may be changed by pollution, two soil samples from each of the 28 post‐industrial sites were collected. Each soil sample was characterized in terms of concentration of heavy metals and petroleum derivatives. To identify soil fungal communities, fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) amplicon was sequenced for each sample using Illumina MiSeq platform. There were significant differences in the community structure and taxonomic diversity among the analysed samples. The highest taxon richness and evenness were observed in the non‐polluted sites, and lower numbers of taxa were identified in multi‐polluted soils. The presence of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, gasoline and mineral oil was determined as the factors driving the differences in the mycobiome. Furthermore, in the culture‐based selection experiment, two main groups of fungi growing on polluted media were identified – generalists able to live in the presence of pollution, and specialists adapted to the usage of BTEX as a sole source of energy. Our selection experiment proved that it is long‐term soil contamination that shapes the community, rather than temporary addition of pollutant.
Complex impacts of hydraulic fracturing return fluids on soil microbial community respiration, structure and functional potentials
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Nesbø Camilla L. , von Gunten Konstantin , Zhang Yifeng , Shao Xiaoqing , Jin Rong , Konhauser Kurt O. , Goss Greg G. , Martin Jonathan W. , He Yuhe , Qian Pei‐Yuan , Lanoil Brian D. , Alessi Daniel S.
Published: April 2022

The consequences of soils exposed to hydraulic fracturing (HF) return fluid, often collectively termed flowback and produced water (FPW), are poorly understood, even though soils are a common receptor of FPW spills. Here, we investigate the impacts on soil microbiota exposed to FPW collected from the Montney Formation of western Canada. We measured soil respiration, microbial community structure and functional potentials under FPW exposure across a range of concentrations, exposure time and soil types (luvisol and chernozem). We find that soil type governs microbial community response upon FPW exposure. Within each soil, FPW exposure led to reduced biotic soil respiration, and shifted microbial community structure and functional potentials. We detect substantially higher species richness and more unique functional genes in FPW‐exposed soils than in FPW‐unexposed soils, with metagenome‐assembled genomes (e.g. Marinobacter persicus) from luvisol soil exposed to concentrated FPW being most similar to genomes from HF/FPW sites. Our data demonstrate the complex impacts of microbial communities following FPW exposure and highlight the site‐specific effects in evaluation of spills and agricultural reuse of FPW on the normal soil functions.
Dominance of coniferous and broadleaved trees drives bacterial associations with boreal feather mosses
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Juanita C. , Bergeron Yves , Kembel Steven W. , Fenton Nicole J.
Published: April 2022

The composition of ecologically important moss‐associated bacterial communities seems to be mainly driven by host species but may also be shaped by environmental conditions related with tree dominance. The moss phyllosphere has been studied in coniferous forests while broadleaf forests remain understudied. To determine if host species or environmental conditions defined by tree dominance drives the bacterial diversity in the moss phyllosphere, we used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to quantify changes in bacterial communities as a function of host species (Pleurozium schreberi and Ptilium crista‐castrensis) and forest type (coniferous black spruce versus deciduous broadleaf trembling aspen) in eastern Canada. The overall composition of moss phyllosphere was defined by the interaction of both factors, though most of the bacterial phyla were determined by a strong effect of forest type. Bacterial α‐diversity was highest in spruce forests, while there was greater turnover (β‐diversity) and higher γ‐diversity in aspen forests. Unexpectedly, Cyanobacteria were much more relatively abundant in aspen than in spruce forests, with the cyanobacteria family Nostocaceae differing the most between forest types. Our results advance the understanding of moss‐associated microbial communities among coniferous and broadleaf deciduous forests, which are important with the increasing changes in tree dominance in the boreal system.
Schreber: an approach to soul androgyny
Authors: Fuentes Lygia Aride
Published: April 2022

Nowadays Jungian analysts are invited to understand what has been presenting as new emerging sexualities. Although we cannot find a theory of homosexuality in Jung’s work, we will find references to this issue in clinical situations, interpretation of dreams, as well as his theory of anima and animus. Jung’s theoretical perspective distinguishes sex and gender, anticipating contemporary gender issues and making the approach to the psyche even more complex. Jung was ahead of his time. Contemporary authors present critical reflection on the bases of innatism or culturalism as expressions of new sexualities. The paper present fragments of clinical situations and images, for a reflection on coniunctio of opposites, with their telos and psychic force, in the direction of soul androgyny. It presents a Jungian contribution to Memoirs of My Nervous Illness by Daniel Paul Schreber. Freud’s Schreber Case, with his psychopathological interpretation related to paranoia and homosexuality, seems reductive and contrasts with the Jungian approach that introduces a synthetic‐hermeneutic analysis.
At the train station: the self, suspended in collective trauma. Symbolic analysis with victims of childhood trauma caused by state terrorism
Authors: Fleischer Karin
Published: April 2022

This paper explores the consequences of a collective trauma on the individual psyche. The author aims to show the difficulties emerging in the process of working through an early trauma when the personal wound is merged with a family and cultural trauma. Referencing clinical dream material, the author also highlights the importance of including the objective and the subjective levels of analysis, because if the clinical work is solely focused upon the intrapsychic subjective dimension, this may tend to perpetuate the traumatic cycle based on the original denial. This process requires from the analyst sensitivity and receptivity to accept the reality of the collective trauma with all its overwhelming affects, without losing the capacity for imagination; thus, the horror of the non‐representable may gradually find – within the analytic dyad – a symbolic way to be retrieved, metabolized, and elaborated.
Human: true or false? Man, myth and cinema
Authors: Coelho Marcia Moura
Published: April 2022

The fear of robots is recurrent in science fiction literature and cinema. However, I see the robotization of humans in contemporary society is increasing. Identity crisis, automation, dehumanization: what distinguishes human from android? The film Blade Runner, from Ridley Scott (1982), points out aspects of identity, memory, empathy and bond, escaping the Manichean dualism between humans and androids, provoking questions about society and the human condition.

The work of art fulfills a visionary function when it captures and translates to the collective aspects of the spirit of the time, transposing into questions and new forms, anticipating and problematizing themes, foreseeing possible solutions, mobilizing the collective conscience.

This article presents an analysis based on some thematic snippets from Blade Runner and tries to answer the questions: which mythical themes emerging from the collective consciousness take shape in this classic film? How does the work update the myth?
Narcissism – the refusal of twoness through sexual addiction and pornography
Authors: Schwartz Susan E.
Published: April 2022

Proceeding from oneness to twoness is a psychological process of relating inter‐ and intrapersonally. This article links the perspectives of French psychoanalyst André Green’s concepts of the dead mother and narcissism with Hester Solomon, British Jungian analyst writing on the ‘as‐if’ personality. These concepts are elucidated with the composite example of a self‐described sexually addicted man. His behaviours attempted to mask the shadows of melancholy, a fragile self, and the absence of self‐animation from early emotional wounds. He did not know love or the other.

André Green, French psychoanalyst, described feelings of misery, lack, and emptiness. The defence against relatedness arises from fears of replicating the original object losses. He delineated death narcissism and life narcissism as limiting relationships and creating the illusionary.

Narcissus could not live if he knew himself. Immersion within singularity occludes relationship to the unconscious and the other, like Echo. Jung’s concept of the transcendent function evolves from inclusion of the symbolic through listening to the language of the unconscious. Through the transference and countertransference, the former disowned and split‐off others, secreted in the shadows of addictions, open relatedness to self, soul, and world.
Perspectivism and shamanism in the Jungian clinic: the jaguar as an archetypal image of the Latin American cultural unconscious
Authors: Teixeira de Menezes Ana Luisa , Boechat Walter
Published: April 2022

Amerindians, living in a perspective of synchronicity, attribute to symmetry a negative value that produces an understanding of unstable dualism cosmologies, in a continuous and dynamic imbalance, in a notion of complementarity between conscious and unconscious. These notions are in line with the view of synchronicity proposed by Jung (1952/1972) and Cambray (2013), a view that expands temporal, acausal boundaries, within a perspective of interconnection, resonance and correspondence. Amerindian epistemologies break‐up the discontinuity between animals and humans. By establishing a parallel with the Jungian concept of the relationship between unconscious and conscious, we reach a dimension of personification of both, a continuous and permanent flow of meaning. We introduce the jaguar as a symbol of Amerindian cultures and as an archetypal image of the numinosum that activates the unconscious, in asymmetrical and symmetrical movements. This is a qualitative contribution of indigenous mythologies to the understanding of the relationship between unconscious and conscious. Through perspectivism and Amerindian shamanism, we reflect on the archetypal image of the jaguar, as a mythological Latin American knowledge, which contributes to an understanding of the human being in the world, in an instinctive and spiritual integration. Recognizing this cosmos expands the ability to observe and access another point of view, in which the human being is seen in the jaguar, a personification or psychification of his unconscious. In clinical practice, it means finding the humanity that was left behind by that human who became an animal. The shaman, as a therapist, takes on the role of an active interlocutor in the exchange of human and non‐human subjectivities, in an amplification process.
Whispering at the edges: engaging ephemeral phenomena
Authors: Winborn Mark
Published: April 2022

This paper conceptualizes the analyst’s capacity to recognize and engage ephemeral phenomena in the analytic setting as an essential pillar of deep analytic engagement. It proposes that the analyst’s capacity to engage the ephemeral is an ongoing developmental progression which complements and deepens the other areas of analytic knowledge acquired during analytic training such as theory, technique, archetypal patterns, psychopathology and development. The paper provides a working definition of the ephemeral and focuses on the phenomenological experience of the ephemeral. It also discusses the use of reverie in ephemeral engagement and the use of poetry to develop the analyst’s sensitivity and responsivity to ephemeral moments.
Production of chitin‐ and chitosan‐oligosaccharide using the edible insect, Tenebrio molitor
Authors: Song Yong‐Su , Jo Yong Hun , Han Yeon Soo , Jung Woo‐Jin
Published: April 2022

Edible insects are not only good food ingredients for people, but also open the possibility of functional food and pharmaceutical raw materials. This study investigated the production of chitin‐oligosaccharide and chitosan‐oligosaccharide using edible insect, Tenebrio molitor (Tm). Chitin of Tm larvae was prepared using demineralization (2 N HCl, room temp., 3 h), deproteinization [5% NaOH (w/w) for 3.5 h at 70°C], and decolorization (3% H2O2 for 1.5 h at 80°C). Chitosan of Tm larvae was prepared by Tm chitin deacetylation at 50% NaOH (w/w) for 5 h at 105°C. The chitin of Tm yielded 50% chitosan, and the final extraction yield of chitin and chitosan from dried Tm larvae was 6.82% and 3.75%, respectively. Chitin‐oligosaccharide and chitosan‐oligosaccharide of Tm larvae were prepared via acid hydrolysis using 5.0 g of both Tm chitin and Tm chitosan. Finally, 2.12 g chitin‐oligosaccharide of Tm larvae was obtained through acid hydrolysis (con. HCl 100 mL for 4 h at 40°C). Chitosan‐oligosaccharide (2.5 g) of Tm larvae was produced via acid hydrolysis (con. HCl 50 mL for 1 h at 81°C) and purification. These results indicate that the industrial applicability of Tm chitin‐oligosaccharide and chitosan‐oligosaccharide is viable in the field of health supplements, as a large amount of these oligosaccharides can be obtained from edible insect, Tm larvae.
Effects of mandibular distraction osteogenesis on anesthetic implications in children with hemifacial microsomia
Authors: Xu Jin , Liu Wei , Deng Xiaoming , Yang Dong , Li Binghang , Chen Keyu
Published: April 2022

Background

Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital craniofacial malformation, and its features include hypoplasia and asymmetry in skeletal tissue and soft tissue. These features are usually associated with a difficult airway. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis can achieve mandibular advancement, but its effect on the subsequent laryngoscopic views has not been adequately documented.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the change in laryngoscopic views after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in children with HFM and to examine the radiological changes after MDO by using computed tomography (CT)‐based three‐dimensional (3‐D) airway reconstruction.

Methods

An observational prospective study was carried out in children with HFM undergoing MDO. All children underwent 3‐D airway reconstruction preoperatively before the placement and removal of the distractor. The temporomandibular joint lesions in children were classified by the Pruzansky–Kaban classification. The Cormack–Lehane grade was assessed after induction under direct laryngoscopy. The relationship between difficult laryngoscopy and the Pruzansky–Kaban classification was assessed. Changes in the upper pharyngeal airway parameters and laryngoscopic views were analyzed.

Results

Forty children (ages ranging from 5 to 16 years, males = 26, females = 14) with HFM underwent 80 anesthesia for MDO. The incidence of difficult laryngoscopy before mandibular distraction was 5/12 (41.7%) in type IIa, 19/24 (79.2%) in type IIb and 1/4 (25%) in type III HFM. The mean difference in the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy before and after MDO was 33.3% (95% CI: −6.7% to 73.3%), 50.0% (95% CI: 8.4% to 91.6%), and 0% for type IIa, type IIb, and type III, respectively. In type IIb, 12/19 cases of difficult laryngoscopy became easy after mandibular distraction: this was associated with an increase in the palatopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal CT parameters (p < .05). In type IIa, 5/5 cases of difficult laryngoscopy became easy after mandibular distraction, and 1/7 cases of easy laryngoscopy became difficult laryngoscopy. However, there were no significant changes in the palatopharyngeal, glossopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal CT parameters in type IIa and type III HFM (p > .05).

Conclusions

MDO can improve the laryngoscopic views in children with HFM. According to the Pruzansky–Kaban classification, children with type IIb showed the highest incidence of difficult laryngoscopy before MDO. After MDO, the improvement in laryngoscopic views under direct laryngoscopy in type IIb was related to the increase in the palatopharyngeal and glossopharyngeal volume.
Scalability of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in first‐episode schizophrenia assessed by Rasch models
Authors: Baandrup Lone , Allerup Peter , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Düring Signe W. , Bojesen Kirsten B. , Leucht Stefan , Galderisi Silvana , Mucci Armida , Bucci Paola , Arango Celso , Díaz‐Caneja Covadonga M. , Dazzan Paola , McGuire Philip , Demjaha Arsime , Ebdrup Bjørn H. , Fleischhacker Wolfgang W. , Kahn René S. , Glenthøj Birte Y.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Historically, assessment of the psychometric properties of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) has had several foci: (1) calculation of reliability indexes, (2) extraction of subdimensions from the scale, and (3) assessment of the validity of the total score. In this study, we aimed to examine the scalability and to assess the clinical performance of the 30‐item PANSS total score as well as the scalability of a shorter version (PANSS‐6) of the scale.

Methods

A composite data set of 1073 patients with first‐episode schizophrenia or schizophrenia spectrum disorder was subjected to Rasch analysis of PANSS data from baseline and 4–6 weeks follow‐up.

Results

The central tests of fit of the Rasch model failed to satisfy the statistical requirements behind item homogeneity for the PANSS‐30 as well as the PANSS‐6 total score. For the PANSS‐30, Differential Item Functioning was pronounced both for the 7‐point Likert scale rating categories and when dichotomizing the rating categories. Subsequently, the Rasch structure analysis in the context of dichotomized items was used to isolate and estimate a systematic error because of item inhomogeneity, as well as a random error. The size of the combined sources of error for the PANSS‐30 total score approximated 20% which is often regarded as clinical cut‐off between response versus no‐response.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the operational consequences of a lack of statistical fit of the Rasch model and suggest that the calculated measure of uncertainty needs to be considered when using the PANSS‐30 total score.
Development of a co‐designed, evidence‐based, multi‐pronged strategy to support normal birth.
Authors: Allen Jyai , Toohill Jocelyn , Creedy Debra K. , Callander Emily J. , Gamble Jenny
Published: April 2022

Australia's caesarean section (CS) rate has been steadily increasing for decades. In response to this, we co‐designed an evidence‐based, multi‐pronged strategy to increase the normal birth rate in Queensland and reduce the need for CS. We conducted three workshops with a multi‐stakeholder group to identify a broad range of options to reduce CS, prioritise these options, and achieve consensus on a final strategy. The strategy comprised of: universal access to midwifery continuity‐of‐care and choice of place of birth; multi‐disciplinary normal birth education; resources to facilitate informed decision‐making; respectful maternity care and positive workplace culture; and establishment of a Normal Birth Collaborative.
Evolutionary adaptation highlights the interconnection of fatty acids, sunlight, inflammation and epithelial adhesion
Authors: Hlusko Leslea J. , McNelis Madeline G.
Published: April 2022

Gene variants that influence human biology today reflect thousands of years of evolution. Genetic effects on infant health are a major point of selective pressure, given that childhood survival is essential to evolutionary success. Knowledge of this evolutionary history can have implications for paediatric research.

Conclusion

An episode of human adaptation to the extremely low ultraviolet radiation environment of the Arctic 20,000 years ago implicates the Ectodysplasin A Receptor (EDAR) and the Fatty Acid Desaturases (FADS) in human lactation and epithelial inflammation.
Estimation of the autosomal contribution to total additive genetic variability of carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Ogawa Shinichiro , Matsuda Hirokazu , Taniguchi Yukio , Watanabe Toshio , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Iwaisaki Hiroaki
Published: April 2022

We attempted to estimate the additive genetic variance explained by each autosome, using genotype data of 33,657 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in 2271 Japanese Black fattened steers. Traits were cold carcass weight, ribeye area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, estimated yield percentage, and marbling score. Two mixed linear models were used: One is that (model 1) incorporating a genomic relationship matrix (G matrix) constructed by using all available SNPs, and another (model 2), incorporating two G matrices constructed by using the SNPs on one autosome and using those on the remaining autosomes. Genomic heritabilities estimated using model 1 were moderate to high. The sums of the proportions of the additive genetic variance explained by each autosome to the total genetic variance estimated by using model 2 were >90%. For carcass weight, the proportions explained by Bos taurus autosomes 6, 8, and 14 were higher than those explained by the remaining autosomes. In some cases, the estimated proportion was close to 0. The results obtained from model 2 could provide a novel insight into the genetic architecture, such as heritability per chromosome, of carcass traits in Japanese Black cattle, although further careful investigation would be required.
Pharmacokinetics of glucagon after intravenous, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration in a pig model
Authors: Teigen Ingrid Anna , Åm Marte Kierulf , Carlsen Sven Magnus , Christiansen Sverre Christian
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There is increasing scientific evidence to substantiate using low‐dose glucagon as a supplement to insulin therapy in artificial pancreata for diabetes mellitus type 1. The delivery of both these hormones intraperitoneally would mimic normal physiology. However, our knowledge of the pharmacological properties of glucagon after intraperitoneal administration is limited. This study compared the pharmacokinetics of glucagon after intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous administration and the pharmacodynamic effects of glucagon on glucose metabolism after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration in a pig model.

Materials and methods

Twelve pigs were included. Glucagon was administered intraperitoneally, subcutaneously and intravenously in a randomised order. Arterial samples were collected every 2–10 min for 150 min to determine plasma glucagon and blood glucose concentrations.

Results

The bioavailability of glucagon was significantly lower after intraperitoneal compared with subcutaneous administration with a median difference (95% confidence interval) of 13% (4–22). The effect of glucagon on glucose metabolism was equal after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administration.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal glucagon administration resulted in lower systemic glucagon exposure than subcutaneous administration without loss of efficiency. We interpret this as evidence of a major first‐pass metabolism of glucagon in the liver.
Children's social representations of utopian societies
Authors: Jost John T. , Fenton André , Jost E. , Fenton Zora E. L.
Published: April 2022

How do children in the U.S. represent the ideal society? A scientific understanding of how children engage in utopian thinking—and how their ideas relate to cross‐cultural standards developed by the United Nations—is potentially useful for the development of social movements aimed at progressive social change. In this article we report the results of group projects created by 56 fifth‐grade students (27 boys, 29 girls) in New York City who were instructed to work together in small groups to represent their ideal society of the future. We found that themes of economic prosperity and cultural sensitivity, especially the need to promote social and economic equality and to prevent discrimination and prejudice, were central to children's conceptions of the good society. On several major issues, the utopian societies that were proposed dovetailed with the sustainability development goals identified by the United Nations, especially ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’, ‘Reduced Inequality’, and ‘Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions’. The children were acutely aware of the need for environmental protection and climate action but understandably lacked a clear sense of how to provide ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’ and ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ in their ideal societies.
Threat and deprivation are associated with distinct aspects of cognition, emotional processing, and psychopathology in children and adolescents
Authors: Schäfer Julia Luiza , McLaughlin Katie A. , Manfro Gisele Gus , Pan Pedro , Rohde Luis Augusto , Miguel Eurípedes Constantino , Simioni André , Hoffmann Maurício Scopel , Salum Giovanni Abrahão
Published: April 2022

Exposure to childhood adversity has been consistently associated with poor developmental outcomes, but it is unclear whether these associations vary across different forms of adversity. We examined cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between threat and deprivation with cognition, emotional processing, and psychopathology in a middle‐income country. The sample consisted of 2511 children and adolescents (6–17 years old) from the Brazilian High‐Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions. Parent reports on childhood adversity were used to construct adversity latent constructs. Psychopathology was measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to generate a measure of general psychopathology (the “p” factor). Executive function (EF) and attention orienting toward angry faces were assessed using cognitive tasks. All measures were acquired at two time‐points 3 years apart and associations were tested using general linear models. Higher levels of psychopathology were predicted by higher levels of threat cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, and by deprivation longitudinally. For EF, worse performance was associated only with deprivation at baseline and follow‐up. Finally, threat was associated with attention orienting towards angry faces cross‐sectionally, but neither form of adversity was associated with changes over time in attention bias. Our results suggest that threat and deprivation have differential associations with cognitive development and psychopathology. Exposure to adversity during childhood is a complex phenomenon with meaningful influences on child development. Because adversity can take many forms, dimensional models might help to disentangle the specific developmental correlates of different types of early experience. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEU0L8exyTM.
Severe iatrogenic hypoglycaemia modulates the fibroblast growth factor protein response
Authors: Nandakumar Manjula , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Ramanjaneya Manjunath , Qaissi Ahmed Al , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There is evidence that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) levels may be implicated in hypoglycaemia, with FGF19 being a potential contributor to insulin‐independent pathways driving postprandial hypoglycaemia following bariatric surgery and basic FGF (FGF2) being elevated following mild hypoglycaemia occurring after the glucose tolerance test. However, their response following severe iatrogenic hypoglycaemia is unknown and therefore this pilot exploratory study was undertaken.

Methods

A case‐control study of aged‐matched type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 23) and control (n = 23) subjects who underwent a hyperinsulinaemic clamp, initially to euglycaemia in T2D (5 mmol/L; 90 mg/dl), and then to hypoglycaemia (<2 mmol/L; <36 mg/dl) with subsequent follow‐up time course to 24 h. FGF and FGF receptor proteins were determined by Slow Off‐rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)‐scan plasma protein measurement.

Results

At baseline, FGF12 (p = .006) was higher and FGF20 (p = .004) was lower in T2D versus controls. At hypoglycaemia, FGF7 was lower in T2D. Post‐hypoglycaemic levels of FGF18, FGF19, FGF20 and FGF23 were lower while FGF12 and FGF16 were higher in T2D versus control at different time points. No differences between T2D and controls were seen for FGF1, FGF2, FGF4, FGF6, FGF8, FGF9, FGF10, FGF21 or any of the FGF receptors. At 24 h post‐hypoglycaemia, FGF20 (p = .01) differed between controls and T2D, while the levels for the other proteins measured returned to baseline. None of the FGF proteins altered from baseline to euglycaemia when clamped in T2D subjects. FGF23 negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose, but no FGFs correlated with body mass index in T2D.

Conclusion

Severe transient hypoglycaemia modulated FGF7, 16, 19, 20 and 23 (known to be associated with diabetes), together with FGF18 and 12, not previously reported to be associated with diabetes but that may be important in the pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia; FGF20 remained low at 24 h. Taken together, these data suggest that recurrent hypoglycaemia may contribute to the development of complications through changes in FGF proteins.
Banking Union's accountability system in practice: A health check‐up to Europe's financial heart
Authors: Lamandini Marco , Ramos Muñoz David
Published: April 2022

The Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) form the Banking Union, which comprises EU authorities (ECB and SRB) and national authorities (NCAs and NRAs) with vast powers. Although crucial for its legitimacy, the Banking Union’s accountability is flawed, and not for the (stereo)typical reasons: accountability is a visible concept in SSM and SRM regulations, and political, administrative and judicial bodies are knowledgeable, engaged and thorough. Rather, this article posits that the SSM and SRM work very well because the legislature focused on practical details such as information flows, planning and continuity and coordination, while there has been no comparable effort to ensure the functioning of accountability tools. The result is a “system” characterised by limited access to crucial information, lack of continuity, and uncoordinated functioning. Changing this should not be hard but requires replacing blanket criticism and stereotypical views with greater attention to detail.
How hydrology and landscape shape Odonata assemblages in marshlands crossed by ditches
Authors: Crabot Julie , Mauchamp André , Bergerot Benjamin , Bonis Anne , Gore Olivier , Rossignol Nicolas , Paillisson Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2022

One of the major current ecological challenges is to understand how to reconcile human activities with biodiversity conservation concerns. This issue is particularly relevant in freshwater ecosystems where biodiversity is globally under severe threat. Artificial waterbodies, such as ditch networks, are part of the few remaining wetlands in agricultural landscapes and hence play a crucial role in maintaining aquatic biodiversity in these landscapes.

We investigated the responses of adult Odonata assemblages at different spatial scales in a marshland crossed by ditches to two factors expected to be pivotal influences on assemblages. At the local scale, this was mainly the water regime in ditches and, at a broader scale, the composition of the landscape. Both taxonomic alpha and beta diversity, and functional trait composition were considered as response variables.

Significant differences were found between the responses of the two Odonata suborders. We showed that Zygoptera species richness decreased and species turnover increased with the duration of drying episodes in ditches. Geographical distances between local assemblages as well as landscape characteristics, notably woodland cover, meadow cover and ditch network length, also significantly shaped the distribution of Zygoptera. For Anisoptera, species richness was not explained by environmental variables and beta diversity was associated only with local conditions; it increased with increasing dissimilarity in water quality and riparian vegetation. We also found evidence of functional trait syndromes (combinations of correlated traits) in Odonata assemblages, but without clear relationships to environmental gradients.

This study reveals the structuring role of water regime for Odonata in ditch networks and demonstrates the need to jointly consider environmental variables at different spatial scales to properly understand the distribution of Odonata.

Our findings have important conservation implications as the water regime is heavily managed in such ecosystems. Even though the relationship between functional composition and environmental gradients was found to be of limited extent in this study, we discuss how it might provide new insights for Odonata assemblage structure and be useful, locally, for stakeholders and managers. Lastly, we call for further multiscale investigations considering both the taxonomic and functional responses of Odonata assemblages (functional analyses with multiple traits and several species being scarce in this taxonomic group) in other anthropogenic freshwater ecosystems to gather more lessons for their conservation.
Bone health in haemophilia carriers and persons with von Willebrand disease: A large database analysis
Authors: Citla‐Sridhar Divyaswathi , Sidonio Robert F. , Ahuja Sanjay P.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Persons with haemophilia(PWH) have been shown to have low bone mineral density likely the result of prolonged immobility, recurrent hemarthrosis, decreased weight bearing, lower physical activity level and obesity. Bone health has been poorly characterized in haemophilia carriers (HC) and persons with von Willebrand disease (PWvWD).

Aim

To estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and bone fractures in HC and PWvWD and identify risk factors for poor bone health.

Methods

This is a retrospective study using a population level, commercial database – Explorys (IBM Watson Health, Cleveland, USA). We compared prevalence rates of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and fractures among cases (HC or PWvWD) and controls (general population without an underlying bleeding disorder) from 1999 to 2020. Prevalence of common risk factors for poor bone health were compared among cases and controls.

Results

Among 72,917,850 active persons in the database, we identified 940 women with the diagnosis of HC and 19,580 PWvWD. Among HC and PWvWD, prevalence of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and fractures were significantly higher in cases, when compared to controls. In HC, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, obesity, hypothyroidism, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypocalcaemia, corticosteroid use, malignancy, renal failure and Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use were significantly higher among the cases. In PWvWD, the prevalence of risk factors was significantly higher in cases when compared to controls.

Conclusion

The prevalence of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and fractures is significantly higher among HC and PWvWD. This data highlights the importance of screening patients for risk factors for poor bone health and provide education to prevent these complications.
Reverse cardiac remodeling after fluid balance optimization in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Ursi Raffaella , Pesce Francesco , Albanese Miriam , Pavone Vittoria , Grande Dario , Ciccone Marco M. , Iacoviello Massimo
Published: April 2022

Background

In patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis, cardiovascular diseases, and in particular chronic heart failure are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, few data are available about the impact of fluid optimization on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function in patients with ESRD.

Methods and Results

In five patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis who had developed nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, an optimal fluid volume management based on a strict bioelectrical impedance analysis‐assisted dry weight target and dietary sodium and water restriction led to left ventricular reverse remodeling and improvement in hemodynamic parameters. The reverse remodeling further improved after kidney transplantation.

Conclusions

This case series supports the possible beneficial effect of volume status optimization on cardiac function and the potential reversibility of cardiac dysfunction after kidney transplantation.
iCatcher: A neural network approach for automated coding of young children's eye movements
Authors: Erel Yotam , Potter Christine E. , Jaffe‐Dax Sagi , Lew‐Williams Casey , Bermano Amit H.
Published: April 2022

Infants' looking behaviors are often used for measuring attention, real‐time processing, and learning—often using low‐resolution videos. Despite the ubiquity of gaze‐related methods in developmental science, current analysis techniques usually involve laborious post hoc coding, imprecise real‐time coding, or expensive eye trackers that may increase data loss and require a calibration phase. As an alternative, we propose using computer vision methods to perform automatic gaze estimation from low‐resolution videos. At the core of our approach is a neural network that classifies gaze directions in real time. We compared our method, called iCatcher, to manually annotated videos from a prior study in which infants looked at one of two pictures on a screen. We demonstrated that the accuracy of iCatcher approximates that of human annotators and that it replicates the prior study's results. Our method is publicly available as an open‐source repository at https://github.com/yoterel/iCatcher.