bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Soil Microbial Nitrogen Under Vegetation ‘Shrubification’ in the Subarctic Forest–Tundra Ecotone: The Potential Role of Increasing Nutrient Competition Between Plants and Soil Microorganisms
Authors: Stark Sari , Kumar Manoj , Myrsky Eero , Vuorinen Jere , Kantola Anu M. , Telkki Ville-Veikko , Sjögersten Sofie , Olofsson Johan , Männistö Minna K.
Published: May 2023

The consequences of warming-induced ‘shrubification’ on Arctic soil carbon storage are receiving increased attention, as the majority of ecosystem carbon in these systems is stored in soils. Soil carbon cycles in these ecosystems are usually tightly coupled with nitrogen availability. Soil microbial responses to ‘shrubification’ may depend on the traits of the shrub species that increase in response to warming. Increase in deciduous shrubs such as Betula nana likely promotes a loss of soil carbon, whereas the opposite may be true if evergreen shrubs such as Empetrum hermaphroditum increase. We analyzed soil organic matter stocks and 13C NMR fractions, microbial CO2 respiration, biomass, extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs), and their association with shrub density in northern Sweden after 20 years of experimental warming using open top chambers (OTCs). Our study sites were located in a tundra heath that stores high soil carbon quantities and where the OTCs had increased deciduous shrubs, and in a mountain birch forest that stores lower soil carbon quantities and where the OTCs had increased evergreen shrubs. We predicted that organic matter stocks should be lower and respiration and EEAs higher inside the OTCs than untreated plots in the tundra, whereas no effect should be detected in the forest. Soil organic matter stocks and 13C NMR fractions remained unaffected at both sites. When expressed as per gram microbial biomass, respiration and EEAs for carbohydrate and chitin degradation were higher inside the OTCs, and contrasting our prediction, this effect was stronger in the forest. Unexpectedly, the OTCs also led to a substantially lower microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen irrespective of habitat. The decline in the microbial biomass counteracted increased activities resulting in no effect of the OTCs on respiration and a lower phenol oxidase activity per gram soil. Microbial biomass nitrogen correlated negatively with evergreen shrub density at both sites, indicating that ‘shrubification’ may have intensified nutrient competition between plants and soil microorganisms. Nutrient limitation could also underlie increased respiration per gram microbial biomass through limiting C assimilation into biomass. We hypothesize that increasing nutrient immobilization into long-lived evergreen shrubs could over time induce microbial nutrient limitation that contributes to a stability of accumulated soil organic matter stocks under climate warming.
Metabolic syndrome and cognitive deficits in the Greek cohort of Epirus Health Study
Authors: Koutsonida Myrto , Koskeridis Fotios , Markozannes Georgios , Kanellopoulou Afroditi , Mousas Abdou , Ntotsikas Evangelos , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Aretouli Eleni , Tsilidis Konstantinos K
Published: May 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome is considered an important risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. However, the evidence in middle-aged individuals is still conflicting. The aim of the study was to explore the association between metabolic syndrome and its individual components with cognitive function and to investigate possible interaction between sex, age and genetic predisposition for metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease in a middle-aged Greek cohort.

Methods

A total of 2,077 healthy adults (mean age: 46.7 years) were included in the primary cross-sectional analysis and 305 of them in secondary prospective analyses. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the revised National Cholesterol Education-Adult Treatment Panel III and the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Cognitive function was measured primarily with the Trail Making, Verbal fluency and Logical Memory test, and in secondary prospective analyses with online versions of Posner cueing task, an emotional recognition task, Corsi block-tapping task and Stroop task.

Results

Multivariable linear regressions showed an association of metabolic syndrome with lower performance in attention (β=1.62 seconds, 95% CI=0.20, 3.04) and memory (β=-0.62 words, 95% CI=-1.19, -0.05) that could be driven by associations with elevated fasting glucose and abdominal obesity. Similar associations were observed in the secondary prospective analyses.

Conclusion

In summary, metabolic syndrome was associated with cognitive deficits in domains related with the cognitive profile of vascular cognitive impairment.
Confessions of a baboon watcher: from inside to outside the paradigm
Authors: Strum Shirley C.
Published: May 2023

In this “tale” I summarize the major landmarks of my 50-year career watching wild olive baboons (Papio anubis). I review some major discoveries, like baboon hunting and baboon social strategies of competition and defense, that only a creature with a “mind” could manage. My efforts expanded beyond science to include community-based conservation because quite early on these baboons experienced many of the threats of the Anthropocene. My research expanded to include studying crop-raiding by naïve groups of baboons, the first scientific translocation of a primate species, and a detour to study the invasion of a non-indigenous cactus, Opuntia stricta. Throughout I worked with local communities to find solutions to problems that the baboons created, and also to develop new options for their livelihoods. As the baboon research became a long-term project, it depended on a team of Kenyan research assistants who made possible the simultaneous monitoring of up to six baboon troops as well as extensive ecological monitoring. Knowing the ecology, including the impact of the sedentarization of pastoralists in the area, meant we could interpret the process of invasion by a non-indigenous cactus for the first time. Ecological periods allowed comparisons of the same troop over time and different baboon groups during the same ecological phase. Although I began my work before hypothesis testing was the preferred approach, once the paradigm changed, I continued to study and learn what matters to baboons from their perspective. As a result of observing them for 50 years, the baboons showed me that evolution often does not work the way that I had been taught, and it took all my detours and studies to convince me that anecdotes, when they are systematic and comparative, are not stories to be discounted, but evidence, much like Darwin’s natural history. Natural history can reassemble the pieces that quantitative hypothesis testing has teased apart to provide its larger meaning. Today, the lone scientist, like me, is an anachronism because no one person has expertise in the many fields needed to understand and save the primates we care about.
Civic engagement among foreign-born and native-born older adults living in Europe: a SHARE-based analysis
Authors: Serrat Rodrigo , Nyqvist Fredrica , Torres Sandra , Dury Sarah , Näsman Marina
Published: May 2023

Civic engagement is one of the cornerstones of participatory democracy and fundamental to preventing old-age social exclusion. Even though civic engagement late-in-life has received considerable attention, there is a lacuna of research on older migrants’ civic engagement. This study aims therefore to examine potential predictors of civic engagement in terms of formal volunteering and participation in political organisations among foreign-born and native-born older adults in Europe. Attention is hereby given to how socio-structural resources and social capital are associated with civic engagement, and whether these associations differ between foreign-born and native-born. Data from wave 7 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe [n = 74,150; 5710 of them are foreign-born] were used in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results show that socio-structural and social capital variables are positively associated with volunteering and participation in political organisations, both in native-born and foreign-born older adults. The study also suggests that place of birth (in Europe vs. outside Europe) and age-upon-migration play a role in predicting civic engagement among foreign-born older adults, and are therefore features worth considering when studying older migrants’ civic engagement.
Growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, and immune response of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) fed dietary laminarin supplement
Authors: Abdel-Mawla Mona S. , Magouz Fawzy I. , Khalafalla Malik M. , Amer Asem A. , Soliman Ali A. , Zaineldin Amr I. , Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: May 2023

Laminarin is a source of immunostimulants and antioxidative biomolecules involved in supporting the performance and health of aquatic animals. Hence, this study investigated the growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, and immune response of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) fed dietary laminarin. For 60 days, mullets were fed diets supplemented with laminarin at 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg kg−1, then the growth performance was evaluated, and samples were collected. The FBW, WG, SGR, PER, and carcass lipid content were markedly increased, while the FCR was significantly lowered by dietary 600 and 800 mg kg−1. Further, the lipase and protease activities were significantly higher in mullets fed laminarin at 600 mg kg−1than those fed 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1. The intestinal histopathological evaluation revealed that all layers of the intestinal villi and the intestinal wall appeared intact without any deteriorating changes. The intestinal mucosal lining of anterior and middle segments showed improved morphological appearance with increased goblet cells in the intestinal villi associated with increased supplemented laminarin level. The total protein, globulin, and total cholesterol were markedly higher in fish fed 400 and 600 mg kg−1laminarin than those fed 0, 200, and 800 mg kg−1. Furthermore, the lysozyme, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in mullets fed laminarin at 600 mg kg−1than those fed a laminarin-free diet. The superoxide dismutase was higher in fish fed 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1than those fed 0 and 800 mg kg−1. On the other hand, the malondialdehyde activity was markedly decreased by 400 and 600 mg kg−1 of dietary laminarin. Overall, dietary laminarin is required at 338–761 mg kg−1to reveal the best growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, antioxidative, and immune response in mullets.
Behaviour and the Origin of Organisms
Authors: Egbert Matthew , Hanczyc Martin M. , Harvey Inman , Virgo Nathaniel , Parke Emily C. , Froese Tom , Sayama Hiroki , Penn Alexandra S. , Bartlett Stuart
Published: May 2023

It is common in origins of life research to view the first stages of life as the passive result of particular environmental conditions. This paper considers the alternative possibility: that the antecedents of life were already actively regulating their environment to maintain the conditions necessary for their own persistence. In support of this proposal, we describe ‘viability-based behaviour’: a way that simple entities can adaptively regulate their environment in response to their health, and in so doing, increase the likelihood of their survival. Drawing on empirical investigations of simple self-preserving abiological systems, we argue that these viability-based behaviours are simple enough to precede neo-Darwinian evolution. We also explain how their operation can reduce the demanding requirements that mainstream theories place upon the environment(s) in which life emerged.
Atoms, combs, syllables and organisms
Authors: Giordani Alessandro , Calosi Claudio
Published: May 2023

Mereological atomism is the thesis that everything is ultimately composed of atomic parts, i.e., parts without proper parts. Typically, this thesis is characterized by an axiom stating that everything has atomic parts. The present paper argues that the success of this standard characterization depends on how the notions of sum and composition are defined. In particular, we put forward a novel definition of mereological sum that: (i) is not equivalent to existing definitions in the literature, if no strong decomposition principle is assumed; (ii) can be used to argue that the standard characterization of atomism fails, because having atomic parts is not sufficient to be a sum of atoms; and (iii) provides a purely mereological distinction between structured and unstructured wholes, contributing to the ongoing debate on this crucial topic.
Artificial ecosystem optimization by means of fitness distance balance model for engineering design optimization
Authors: Mahdy Araby , Shaheen Abdullah , El-Sehiemy Ragab , Ginidi Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Optimization techniques have contributed to significant strides in complex real-world engineering problems. However, they must overcome several difficulties, such as the balance between the capacities for exploitation and exploration and avoiding local optimum. An enhanced Artificial Ecosystem Optimization (AEO) is proposed incorporating Fitness Distance Balance Model (FDB) for handling various engineering design optimization problems. In the proposed optimizer, the combined FDB design aids in selecting individuals who successfully contribute to population-level searches. Therefore, the FDB model is integrated with the AEO algorithm to increase the solution quality in nonlinear and multidimensional optimization situations. The FDBAEO is developed for handling six well-studied engineering optimization tasks considering the welded beam, the rolling element bearing, the pressure vessel, the speed reducer, the planetary gear train, and the hydrostatic thrust bearing design problems. The simulation outcomes were evaluated compared to the systemic AEO algorithm and other recent meta-heuristic approaches. The findings demonstrated that the FDBAEO reached the global optimal point more successfully. It has demonstrated promising abilities. Also, the proposed FDBAEO shows greater outperformance compared to several recent algorithms of Atomic Orbital Search, Arithmetic-Trigonometric, Beluga whale, Chef-Based, and Artificial Ecosystem Optimizers. Moreover, it declares great superiority compared to various reported optimizers.
Texture synthesis for generating realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos
Authors: Guo Lu , Nahm Werner
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Synthetic realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos are needed to develop and evaluate depth estimation methods as part of investigating vision-based bronchoscopic navigation system. To generate these synthetic videos under the circumstance where access to real bronchoscopic images/image sequences is limited, we need to create various realistic-looking image textures of the airway inner surface with large size using a small number of real bronchoscopic image texture patches.

Methods

A generative adversarial networks-based method is applied to create realistic-looking textures of the airway inner surface by learning from a limited number of small texture patches from real bronchoscopic images. By applying a purely convolutional architecture without any fully connected layers, this method allows the production of textures with arbitrary size.

Results

Authentic image textures of airway inner surface are created. An example of the synthesized textures and two frames of the thereby generated bronchoscopic video are shown. The necessity and sufficiency of the generated textures as image features for further depth estimation methods are demonstrated.

Conclusions

The method can generate textures of the airway inner surface that meet the requirements for the texture itself and for the thereby generated bronchoscopic videos, including “realistic-looking,” “long-term temporal consistency,” “sufficient image features for depth estimation,” and “large size and variety of synthesized textures.” Besides, it also shows advantages with respect to the easy accessibility to required data source. A further validation of this approach is planned by utilizing the realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos with textures generated by this method as training and test data for some depth estimation networks.
Returns to Internationalization: Business Group-Affiliated Firms vs Standalone Firms
Authors: Cho Yunok , Driffield Nigel , Banerjee Sourindra , Park Byung Il
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the differential gains from internationalization for different forms of corporate governance. In particular, we seek to move from the question concerning whether firms are able to generate differential gains from internationalization, to the question of why. Our focus is on ownership structure, and the differential rates at which business group affiliated firms and standalone firms gain from internationalization. Using a unique data set of some 356 standalone and business group affiliated firms, we show that while the marginal gains from internationalization may be greater for standalone firms, business group firms are better able to exploit firm-specific assets, leveraging these into higher returns to internationalization.
Characterizing the penumbras of white matter hyperintensities in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yu , Gao Deyu , Zhao Zhichao , Wang Haiping , Wang Sujie , Liu Shiguang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The white matter hyperintensity penumbra (WMH-P) is the subtly changed normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) that surrounds white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). The goal of this study was to define WMH-P in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) by arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)/diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).

Materials and methods

We prospectively analyzed 42 patients with CSVD. To determine the range of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and DTI/DKI penumbras around white matter hyperintensities, we generated NAWM layer masks from periventricular WMHs (PVWMHs) and deep WMHs (DWMHs). Mean values of CBF, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, and radial kurtosis within the WMHs and their corresponding NAWM layer masks were analyzed. Paired samplettests were used for analysis, and differences were considered statistically significant if the associatedpvalue was ≤ 0.05.

Results

For DWMHs, the CBF penumbras were 13 mm, and the DTI/DKI penumbras were 8 mm. For PVWMHs, the CBF penumbras were 14 mm, and the DTI/DKI penumbras were 14 mm.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that DTI/DKI and ASL can show structural and blood flow changes in brain tissue surrounding WMHs. In DWMHs, the blood flow penumbra was larger than the structural penumbra, while in PVWMHs, the blood flow penumbra was almost the same as the structural penumbra.
Relationship between species diversity and tree size in natural forests around the Tropic of Cancer
Authors: Li Yuanfa , Ye Shaoming , Luo Yinghua , Yu Sufang , Zhang Gongqiao
Published: May 2023

Although numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the patterns of species diversity of forests at local and landscape levels, it is still difficult to predict the alpha diversity of species, especially in tropical and subtropical natural forests where trees of different sizes and shapes are highly mixed. Size might characterize species diversity, and the possible correlation between these variables may contribute to the development of easy-to-use growth indicators to predict diversity and to understand the status of trees within a stand. In this study, diameter classes were divided using the equal diameter class (EDC) and minimum measured diameter (MMD) methods, and five species diversity indices were calculated for each diameter class of 14 permanent plots in five national nature reserves surrounding the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°), southwest China. The results show that species richness, abundance, and spatial diversity indices decreased in a typical inverted J-shape pattern with increasing diameter class and MMD, and could be easily modeled by a negative exponential function. The Shannon–Wiener index showed a linear decrease while Pielou’s evenness index displayed a linear increase, with a small degree of instability. The results suggest that species diversity in subtropical forests is closely related to tree size, and the relationship is possibly independent of habitat. Measuring DBH of some trees in a stand could be informative regarding species diversity and contribute to the investigation and assessment of biodiversity.
Moderators of exercise effects on self-reported cognitive functioning in cancer survivors: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Hiensch Anouk E. , Beckhaus Julia , Witlox Lenja , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Schagen Sanne B. , van Vulpen Jonna K. , Sweegers Maike G. , Newton Robert U. , Aaronson Neil K. , Galvão Daniel A. , Steindorf Karen , Stuiver Martijn M. , Mesters Ilse , Knoop Hans , Goedendorp Martine M. , Bohus Martin , Thorsen Lene , Schulz Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Martina E. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Sonke Gabe S. , van Harten Wim H. , Winters-Stone Kerri M. , Velthuis Miranda J. , Taaffe Dennis R. , van Mechelen Willem , Kersten Marie José , Nollet Frans , Wiskemann Joachim , Buffart Laurien M , May Anne M
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) assesses exercise effects on self-reported cognitive functioning (CF) and investigates whether effects differ by patient-, intervention-, and exercise-related characteristics.

Methods

IPD from 16 exercise RCTs, including 1987 patients across multiple types of non-metastatic cancer, was pooled. A one-stage IPD-MA using linear mixed-effect models was performed to assess exercise effects on self-reported CF (z-score) and to identify whether the effect was moderated by sociodemographic, clinical, intervention- and exercise-related characteristics, or fatigue, depression, anxiety, and self-reported CF levels at start of the intervention (i.e., baseline). Models were adjusted for baseline CF and included a random intercept at study level to account for clustering of patients within studies. A sensitivity analysis was performed in patients who reported cognitive problems at baseline.

Results

Minimal significant beneficial exercise effects on self-reported CF (β=−0.09 [−0.16; −0.02]) were observed, with slightly larger effects when the intervention was delivered post-treatment (n=745, β=−0.13 [−0.24; −0.02]), and no significant effect during cancer treatment (n=1,162, β=−0.08 [−0.18; 0.02]). Larger effects were observed in interventions of 12 weeks or shorter (β=−0.14 [−0.25; −0.04]) or 24 weeks or longer (β=−0.18 [−0.32; −0.02]), whereas no effects were observed in interventions of 12–24 weeks (β=0.01 [−0.13; 0.15]). Exercise interventions were most beneficial when provided to patients without anxiety symptoms (β=−0.10 [−0.19; −0.02]) or after completion of treatment in patients with cognitive problems (β=−0.19 [−0.31; −0.06]). No other significant moderators were identified.

Conclusions

This cross-cancer IPD meta-analysis observed small beneficial exercise effects on self-reported CF when the intervention was delivered post-treatment, especially in patients who reported cognitive problems at baseline.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This study provides some evidence to support the prescription of exercise to improve cognitive functioning. Sufficiently powered trials are warranted to make more definitive recommendations and include these in the exercise guidelines for cancer survivors.
Predicting crop damage caused by wireworms and the effect of tillage on trap efficiency
Authors: Kabaluk Todd , Chaigneau Alicia , Furlan Lorenzo
Published: May 2023

A novel wireworm ‘probe’ trap is described, characterized, and used in field trials to (i) determine effects of different spring tillage treatments on its efficiency capturing Agriotes obscurus L. Coleoptera: Elateridae wireworms; and (ii) assess its ability to predict crop damage. In pot trials, its attractiveness to other wireworm species was determined. In a forage/grass field, spring tillage treatments included: ploughing, rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed then ploughing, glyphosate-sprayed then rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed untilled, and untilled. The number of wireworms captured in tilled treatments increased until 20 October. The number of wireworms captured in untilled treatments remained low. Subterranean CO2 levels in tilled treatments decreased after tillage and over the trapping period, suggesting the increase in captured wireworms occurred because trap CO2 levels were not overwhelmed by soil levels. The decrease in subterranean CO2 was less pronounced in untilled-glyphosate and relatively unchanged in untilled-no glyphosate, corresponding to the lower number of wireworms captured. In a separate trial determining the trap’s ability to predict crop damage, a 2 m-wide section was rototilled in grass/forage fields in the spring of Year 1. Probe traps assessed wireworm levels in August and October of Year 1 to predict crop damage for potato and corn planted in Year 2. The y-intercept of linear equations suggested that wireworms captured in October better-predicted potato damage and corn emergence although equations were significant only for August. October-captured wireworms ≤ 21 mm in length correlated better with crop damage than larger wireworms. Pot studies revealed the probe trap to also attract A. litigiousus, A. sordidus, A. brevis, and A. ustulatus.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Provided by Dietitians is Effective and Saves Healthcare Costs in the Management of Adults with Dyslipidemia
Authors: Sikand Geeta , Handu Deepa , Rozga Mary , de Waal Desiree , Wong Nathan D.
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

Referral to nutrition care providers in the USA such as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) remains low. We summarize research on the effectiveness of MNT provided by dietitians versus usual care in the management of adults with dyslipidemia. Improvements in lipids/lipoproteins were examined. If reported, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) glycated hemoglobin (A1c), body mass index (BMI), and cost outcomes were also examined.

Recent Findings

The synthesis of three systematic reviews included thirty randomized controlled trials. Multiple MNT visits (3–6) provided by dietitians, compared with usual care, resulted in significant improvements in total cholesterol (mean range: − 4.64 to − 20.84 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean range: − 1.55 to − 11.56 mg/dl), triglycerides (mean range: − 15.9 to − 32.55 mg/dl), SBP (mean range: − 4.7 to − 8.76 mm Hg), BMI (mean: − 0.4 kg/m2), and A1c (− 0.38%). Cost savings from MNT were attributed to a decrease in medication costs and improved quality of life years (QALY).

Multiple MNT visits provided by dietitians compared with usual care improved lipids/lipoproteins, BP, A1c, weight status, and QALY with significant cost savings in adults with dyslipidemia and justify a universal nutrition policy for equitable access to MNT.
Soziale Normen und der Emissionsausgleich bei Flügen: Evidenz für deutsche Haushalte
Authors: Eßer Jana , Frondel Manuel , Sommer Stephan
Published: May 2023

Die Bereitschaft, freiwillige Zahlungen zum Ausgleich von Emissionen an Kohlendioxid (CO2) zu leisten, hat in den vergangenen Jahren erheblich zugenommen. Eine Möglichkeit, diese Kompensationsbereitschaft weiter zu erhöhen, besteht in der Aktivierung einer sozialen Norm, indem darauf aufmerksam gemacht wird, dass ein Emissionsausgleich gesellschaftlich erwünscht ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht dieser Beitrag die Bereitschaft, die durch Flugreisen verursachten CO2-Emissionen durch den Kauf von Ausgleichszertifikaten zu kompensieren anhand eines diskreten Entscheidungsexperimentes, das in eine Erhebung aus dem Jahr 2019 eingebettet wurde. Dabei wurde eine deskriptive soziale Norm in zufälliger Weise vorgegeben, ebenso wie eine von drei Kompensationshöhen von 5, 10 oder 15 €. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass 57,0 % der Probanden sich dafür entscheiden, die Emissionen eines künftig anstehenden Fluges auszugleichen. Hierbei finden sich nur geringe, statistisch nicht signifikante Unterschiede zwischen der Kontrollgruppe und der Gruppe, die mit einer sozialen Norm konfrontiert wurde.
Fatal cardiac air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy: medical complication or medical malpractice?
Authors: Pigaiani Nicola , Barbiero Giulio , Balestro Elisabetta , Ausania Francesco , McCleskey Brandi , Begni Erica , Bortolotti Federica , Brunelli Matteo , De Leo Domenico
Published: May 2023

Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung is a well-recognized and relatively safe diagnostic procedure for suspicious lung masses. Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare complication of transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsies. Herein, we present a case of an 81-year-old man who underwent CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of a suspicious nodule in the lower lobe of the right lung. Shortly after the procedure, the patient coughed up blood which prompted repeat CT imaging. He was found to have a massive cardiac air embolism. The patient became unresponsive and, despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced dead. The pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, radiological evidence, and autopsy findings associated with SAE are discussed, which may, in light of the current literature, assist with the dilemma between assessing procedural complications and medical liability. Given the instances of SAE in the setting of long operative procedures despite careful technical execution, providing accurate and in-depth information, including procedure-related risks, even the rarest but potentially fatal ones, is recommended for informed consent to reduce medicolegal litigation issues.
Expression and biological function of the cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5) in primary liver cells
Authors: Borkham-Kamphorst Erawan , Meurer Steffen K. , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: May 2023

The cellular (centralized) communication network (CCN) factor protein family contains six small secreted cysteine-rich proteins sharing high structural similarity. These matricellular proteins have vital biological functions in cell adhesion, migration, cell cycle progression, and control of production and degradation of extracellular matrix. However, in liver the biological functions of CCN proteins become most visible during hepatic injury, disease, and remodeling. In particular, most of the hepatic functions of CCN proteins were derived from CCN2/CTGF, which becomes highly expressed in damaged hepatocytes and acts as a profibrogenic molecule. On the contrary, CCN1/CYR61 seems to have opposite effects, while the biological activity during hepatic fibrosis is somewhat controversially discussed for other CCN family members. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of CCN5/WISP2 in cultures of different types of primary liver cells and in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis. We found that CCN5 is expressed in hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts and portal myofibroblasts, while CCN5 expression is virtually absent in hepatocytes. During hepatic fibrogenesis, CCN5 is significantly upregulated. Overexpression of CCN5 in portal myofibroblasts reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor I (ALK5) and concomitant Smad2 activation, whereas JunB expression is upregulated. Moreover, elevated expression of CCN5 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response and apoptosis in portal myofibroblasts. We suggest that upregulated expression of CCN5 might be an intrinsic control mechanism that counteracts overshooting fibrotic responses in profibrogenic liver cells.

Graphical abstract
Algal blooms as a reactive dynamic response to seasonal perturbation in an experimental system
Authors: Fryxell John M. , Betini Gustavo S.
Published: May 2023

Algal blooms are typical of many aquatic freshwater ecosystems in seasonal environments. Such blooms could derive from transient reactive dynamics of algae and limiting nutrients following seasonal perturbation events. Linking parameter estimates derived from previously published lab experiments with empirical estimates of algal density dependence, we modeled dynamic interactions between nutrients and the green algal species Chlorella vulgaris and tested model predictions in a dozen 140 L mesocosms supplied with bi-weekly inputs of liquid fertilizer. Consistent with the reactive nutrient-driven model, Chlorella populations exhibited an initial surge in abundance over the first month followed by collapse as they rapidly converged on stable equilibria. The reactive model suggests that the magnitude of transient blooms is positively related to the augmentation of nutrients and depression of algae over the winter period. The magnitude of both algal peaks and equilibrium abundance was positively related to fertilizer loading, as predicted by the reactive model. Our results suggest that transient reactive responses to climate-driven perturbation events can be an important contributor to seasonal algal blooms observed in many temperate freshwater ecosystems. Controlled experimental studies such as ours may be helpful in understanding and potentially mediating the impact of fertilizer run-off on freshwater systems in temperate agricultural landscapes.
Exit or Voice? Corruption Perceptions and Emigration
Authors: Helms Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Existing research suggests that people concerned about corruption use elections to punish corrupt incumbents. I argue that when people grow concerned with corruption, they may turn to exit rather than voice, using emigration to escape corruption. Highly educated citizens in particular, who are most informed about corruption and hold valuable human capital, likely see exit as attractive in the face of persistent corruption. Using a wealth of micro-level data on potential emigration, I show that when people perceive widespread corruption, they are more likely to have taken concrete steps to emigrate. Advanced degree holders are much more likely to have prepared to emigrate in response to corruption. I also show that corruption-concerned potential emigrants choose less corrupt destination countries and are less likely to have faith, and participate, in electoral institutions. My argument and findings hold implications for the corruption literature and generate new questions about the relationship between emigration and accountability.
Exacerbating Pre-Existing Vulnerabilities: an Analysis of the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Human Trafficking in Sudan
Authors: Lumley-Sapanski Audrey , Schwarz Katarina , Cano Ana Valverde , Babiker Mohammed Abdelsalam , Crowther Maddy , Death Emily , Ditcham Keith , Eltayeb Abdal Rahman , Jones Michael Emile Knyaston , Miley Sonja , Mir Maria Peiro
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 has caused far-reaching humanitarian challenges. Amongst the emerging impacts of the pandemic is on the dynamics of human trafficking. This paper presents findings from a multi-methods study interrogating the impacts of COVID-19 on human trafficking in Sudan—a critical source, destination, and transit country. The analysis combines a systematic evidence review, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group with survivors, conducted between January and May of 2021. We find key risks have been exacerbated, and simultaneously, critical infrastructure for identifying victims, providing support, and ensuring accountability of perpetrators has been impeded. Centrally, the co-occurrence of the pandemic and the democratic transition undercut the institutional and governance capacity, limiting the anti-trafficking response and exposing already vulnerable groups to increased risks of human trafficking. Findings point to increased vulnerabilities for individuals with one or more of the following identities: migrants, refugees, females, and informal labourers.
The application of artificial intelligence technology in education influences Chinese adolescent’s emotional perception
Authors: Lai Tinghong , Zeng Xianqin , Xu Bin , Xie Chuyin , Liu Yanxiu , Wang Zheng , Lu Hong , Fu Shimin
Published: May 2023

Humans need to accurately infer the intentions and feelings of others to engage in successful social interaction. However, the application of artificial intelligence technology in Education (AIEd) forms a human–machine collaborative environment which changed the interaction relationship of individuals, it may have an affect on them. This study aimed to explore whether AIEd affects adolescents’ emotional perception. Combined with the actual teaching situation and the result of the questionnaire, 1332 students recruited through random sampling from AI Curriculum Reform Demonstration Schools in Guangzhou participated in this study. Different emotional priming stimulative materials (sentences and situational pictures) were used in the experiments. The task was designed to investigate adolescents’ reaction time to emotional faces (positive, negative). After eliminating blank data and invalid data with response time greater than 150 ms, 977 and 962 valid data were included in the statistical analysis in experiment 1 and experiment 2 respectively. Results show that AIEd has a negative effect on adolescents’ emotional perception. Prior research has focused on theory to the exclusion of practical applications and the psychological impact of AIEd, thus this study makes an innovative contribution in exploring the impact of the application of artificial intelligence technology in education on adolescents’ physical and mental development by using empirical research methods.
A Zoo of Dualities
Authors: Artstein-Avidan S. , Sadovsky S. , Wyczesany K.
Published: May 2023

In this note we study order reversing quasi involutions and their properties. These maps are dualities (order reversing involutions) on their image. We prove that any order reversing quasi involution is induced by a cost. Invariant sets of order reversing quasi involutions are of special interest and we provide several results regarding their existence and uniqueness. We determine when an order reversing quasi involution on a sub-class can be extended to the whole space and discuss the uniqueness of such an extension. We also provide several ways for constructing new order reversing quasi involutions from given ones. In particular, we define the dual of an order-reversing quasi-involution. Finally, throughout the paper we exhibit a “zoo” of illustrative examples. Some of them are classical, some have recently attracted attention of the convexity community and some are new. We study in depth the new example of dual polarity and obtain a Blaschke-Santaló type inequality for a corresponding Gaussian volume product. The unified point of view on order reversing quasi involutions presented in this paper gives a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and structures, offering a new and exciting perspective on the topic, exposing many new research directions.
Rapidly Changing Range Limits in a Warming World: Critical Data Limitations and Knowledge Gaps for Advancing Understanding of Mangrove Range Dynamics in the Southeastern USA
Authors: Bardou Rémi , Osland Michael J. , Scyphers Steven , Shepard Christine , Aerni Karen E. , Alemu I Jahson B. , Crimian Robert , Day Richard H. , Enwright Nicholas M. , Feher Laura C. , Gibbs Sarah L. , O’Donnell Kiera , Swinea Savannah H. , Thorne Kalaina , Truskey Sarit , Armitage Anna R. , Baker Ronald , Breithaupt Josh L. , Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Cebrian Just , Cummins Karen , Devlin Donna J. , Doty Jacob , Ellis William L. , Feller Ilka C. , Gabler Christopher A. , Kang Yiyang , Kaplan David A. , Kennedy John Paul , Krauss Ken W. , Lamont Margaret M. , Liu Kam-biu , Martinez Melinda , Matheny Ashley M. , McClenachan Giovanna M. , McKee Karen L. , Mendelssohn Irving A. , Michot Thomas C. , Miller Christopher J. , Moon Jena A. , Moyer Ryan P. , Nelson James , O’Connor Richard , Pahl James W. , Pitchford Jonathan L. , Proffitt C. Edward , Quirk Tracy , Radabaugh Kara R. , Scheffel Whitney A. , Smee Delbert L. , Snyder Caitlin M. , Sparks Eric , Swanson Kathleen M. , Vervaeke William C. , Weaver Carolyn A. , Willis Jonathan , Yando Erik S. , Yao Qiang , Hughes A. Randall
Published: May 2023

Climate change is altering species’ range limits and transforming ecosystems. For example, warming temperatures are leading to the range expansion of tropical, cold-sensitive species at the expense of their cold-tolerant counterparts. In some temperate and subtropical coastal wetlands, warming winters are enabling mangrove forest encroachment into salt marsh, which is a major regime shift that has significant ecological and societal ramifications. Here, we synthesized existing data and expert knowledge to assess the distribution of mangroves near rapidly changing range limits in the southeastern USA. We used expert elicitation to identify data limitations and highlight knowledge gaps for advancing understanding of past, current, and future range dynamics. Mangroves near poleward range limits are often shorter, wider, and more shrublike compared to their tropical counterparts that grow as tall forests in freeze-free, resource-rich environments. The northern range limits of mangroves in the southeastern USA are particularly dynamic and climate sensitive due to abundance of suitable coastal wetland habitat and the exposure of mangroves to winter temperature extremes that are much colder than comparable range limits on other continents. Thus, there is need for methodological refinements and improved spatiotemporal data regarding changes in mangrove structure and abundance near northern range limits in the southeastern USA. Advancing understanding of rapidly changing range limits is critical for foundation plant species such as mangroves, as it provides a basis for anticipating and preparing for the cascading effects of climate-induced species redistribution on ecosystems and the human communities that depend on their ecosystem services.
Progression of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction Technique at a Dedicated New Zealand Tertiary Plastic Surgery Unit: a Case Series Analysis
Authors: Law Stacey , Moazzam Amber
Published: May 2023

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the gold standard in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Improved patient outcomes, reduced operating time and reduced complication rates are reportedly observed over consecutive DIEP series within surgical centres. The aim of this study is to investigate whether outcomes following DIEP flap reconstruction improve over time, by assessing two patient cohorts undergoing the procedure at a microsurgical unit seven years apart. A case analysis was undertaken to identify all patients who underwent primary DIEP flap reconstruction in 2011 and 2018. Outcomes recorded included clinic appointments, operating time, number of primary operations, additional operations and procedures, along with co-morbidities, BMI and radiotherapy rates. Immediate versus delayed and unilateral versus bilateral breast reconstruction was also recorded. Seven patients underwent primary DIEP reconstruction in 2011 and 29 in 2018. There was a significant reduction in additional operations performed in 2018 (p-value = 0.007) and a significant reduction in number of procedures (p-value = 0.043). When adjusted for an outlier, the total operating time for unilateral DIEP reconstruction was significantly shorter in 2018 (p-value = 0.018), along with reduced primary and total operating time for 2018 bilateral reconstructions. The 2018 cohort also had lower complication rates and fewer clinic appointments. This study illustrates how outcomes can improve with experience of DIEP flap reconstruction. The more complex DIEP flap requires investment in terms of skill acquisition and operative time, but is balanced by improvement in patient outcomes.
Perceptions towards pronatalist policies in Singapore
Authors: Tan Jolene
Published: May 2023

Fertility rates have been declining in most high-income countries. Singapore is at the forefront of developing pronatalist policies to increase birth rates. This study examines perceptions towards pronatalist policies among men and women in Singapore and compares which policies are perceived as the most important contributors to the conduciveness for childbearing. Using data from the Singapore Perceptions of the Marriage and Parenthood Package study (N = 2000), the results from dominance analysis highlight two important findings. First, paternity leave, shared parental leave, and the Baby Bonus are the top three contributors to the conduciveness to have children. Second, the combined positive effect of financial incentives and work–life policies is perceived to be favorable to fertility. The findings suggest that low-fertility countries may wish to consider adopting this basket of policies as they are like to be regarded as supportive of childbearing. Although previous research suggests that pronatalist policies may only have a modest effect on fertility, the findings raise further questions as to whether fertility may decline even further in the absence of these policies.
Multidisciplinary Analysis to Interpret the Palaeoclimate and Depositional Environment of the Late Paleozoic Post-glacial Sediments from Wardha Basin, Maharashtra, Central India
Authors: Pauline Sabina Kavali , di Pasquo Mercedes , Kushwaha Shobhit Kumar
Published: May 2023

A multidisciplinary analysis has been applied to subsurface samples from borehole MAWP 114, Wardha basin, Maharashtra State, central India, in order to characterize the palaeoclimatic and local depositional conditions during the deposition of the Permo-Carboniferous Talchir Formation. Based on palynology, palynofacies, TOC (Total organic carbon) and δ13C analyses five types of palaeoclimatic phases and local depositional conditions have been envisaged within the studied sequence. In palynofacies type I (P-I), the dominance of AOM and scarce palynomorphs of upland xerophytic affinity (represented by primitive conifers such as Potonieisporites) suggests deposition during the earliest phase of a glacial retreat in distal anoxic conditions. In P-II dominance of AOM with moderate increase in palynomorphs and phytoclasts suggests amelioration in climate and deposition during a mid interglacial phase under dysoxic to suboxic conditions. In P-III, increase in palynomorphs and phytoclasts and decrease in AOM suggests deposition in a median distal to proximal setting under warm temperate conditions during late interglacial phase. P-I to P-III have been demarcated in a shale sequence. P-IV is demarcated in the overlying sandstone-shale intercalation, characterized by predominance of non-opaque phytoclasts of the pitted and banded type, subdominance of spore and pollen and low frequency of AOM and suggests deposition in proximal oxic conditions during final deglacial phase under high energy settings. P-V recognized in sandstones, comprising of dominance of terrestrial AOM and scarce palynomorphs and phytoclasts suggests deposition in post glacial fluvial, under anoxic to dysoxic setting. These climatic shifts are also supported by geochemical results from TOC (0.3%-2.2%) and δ13C (-24.9‰ to -21.4‰) analyses, as both reflect palaeo-atmospheric fluctuations in accordance with direct impact of glaciation and deglaciation episodes on biotic communities along the studied interval.