bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wheat straw and microbial inoculants have an additive effect on N2O emissions by changing microbial functional groups
Authors: Ji Cheng , Wang Jidong , Sun Yuxiang , Xu Cong , Zhou Jie , Zhong Yuehua , Ning Yunwang , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yongchun , Chen Yinglong
Published: May 2024

Straw‐decomposing microbial inoculants (MIs) have been increasingly applied to straw‐amended soils. However, the interactive effects and underlying microbial mechanisms of straw and decomposing MIs on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions remain unclear. Here, a pot experiment with an Aquic Inceptisol was conducted to determine soil N2O emissions and the abundance and composition of microbial functional genes under six amendments: wheat straw (W), Bacillus subtilis MI (B), Streptomyces rochei MI (S), a combination of straw and B. subtilis MI (WB), a combination of straw and S. rochei MI (WS), and a control without wheat straw or MI (C). Compared with the control, the amendments of straw, decomposing MIs, and their combinations decreased soil N2O emissions by 43%, 22–30%, and 46–60%, respectively. Mechanistically, the positive relationship between ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and soil potential nitrification rate (PNR), along with decreased AOB abundance (−36%) following straw and decomposing MI amendments, further suggested that AOB predominated soil nitrification and was responsible for the suppressed nitrification. In addition, straw amendment increased nirK gene abundance (by 48%) and potential denitrification rate (by 11%), while the increase in nosZI gene abundance (+25%) involved in N2O consumption contributed to the decrease in N2O emissions. Overall, the additive effect of straw and decomposing MIs on soil N2O emissions was associated with two amendment‐induced changes in the abundance and composition of AOB and straw‐stimulated the abundance of the nosZI gene. Our results revealed the potential for mitigating N2O emissions following the amendments of straw and MI by influencing soil N2O‐related microbial groups.
Pedological features of a sustainable halophyte wetland: El Hito saline pond (Central Spain)
Authors: Jiménez‐Ballesta Raimundo , Cirujano‐Bracamonte Santos , Palencia‐Mayordomo Eduardo , Álvarez‐Soto Mario
Published: May 2024

In semi‐arid Mediterranean regions, particularly in some wetland soils, salinity is thought to be an indicator of low‐quality soils. In this study, a characterization is presented of the soils surrounding El Hito saline pond (Castilla La Mancha, Central Spain), an ecological halophyte niche within a natural semi‐arid steppe land. The main aim is to classify the salt‐affected soils and their morphology, genesis, and physico‐chemical properties. Four soil profiles were opened with a backhoe machine for sampling and subsequent description on the basis of their pedogenetic morphology. Systematic surface sampling was also performed. Standard methods were followed to measure the soil properties of 27 samples. Overall electrical conductivity (EC) and pH levels of the wetland were mapped (using ArcGIS 3.1.3). Soil salinity at elevated levels was detected, inhibiting plant uptake of water and nutrients. Distinct sub‐areas of extreme elevated surface salinity providing specialized plant habitats and poor soil structure were observed, as well as a mainly whitened‐yellowish‐greenish soil colour due to salt accumulation and poor drainage. The soils also showed alkaline pH values. In most samples, the pH was over 8.5, and EC was higher than 4 (dS m−1), and in several samples higher than 20 (dS m−1). A low sodium (Na) content was detected in the saturation extract where magnesium (Mg+) was the dominant soluble cation, followed by both calcium (Ca+) and sodium (Na+), and then potassium (K+), present in lower proportions. Sulphate (SO42−) and then chloride (Cl−) anions were dominant, although carbon trioxide, (CO3−) and carbonate (CO32−) anions were also present. The percentages of organic carbon (C) were very low, while total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (P) were higher in the upper horizons, suggesting a degree of eutrophication. The present work will increase the existing knowledge about the role of El Hito saline pond, that play a vital ecological role in the broader biosphere, providing new suggestions to readers on how this knowledge can be used to improve these types of ecosystems. In particular, the agricultural pesticides and fertilizers continuously damage the soil fertility as evidenced by the high content of soluble phosphorus found in some points of the Hito saline pond.
Bisphenol A release from CAD/CAM splint materials
Authors: Hampe Tristan , Liersch Julia , Wiechens Bernhard , Bürgers Ralf , Krohn Sebastian
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the bisphenol A (BPA) release from four CAD/CAM splint materials: three polycarbonate‐based (DD BioSplint C, Splint Plus Biostar, Temp Premium Flexible) and one polymethylmethacrylate‐based (Temp Basic) material. From each material, ten cylindrical samples (n = 40) were immersed in high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) grade water following ISO 10993‐12 and incubated for 24 h in an incubation shaker at 37°C and 112 rpm. Following BPA derivatization, analysis was performed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS). After 24 h of incubation, all investigated materials released significant amounts of BPA compared to water blanks. The material‐dependent elution increased in the following order: DD BioSplint C < Splint Plus Biostar < Temp Basic < Temp Premium Flexible. Subtracting extraneous BPA, the concentrations ranged between 2.27 ng/mL and 12.65 ng/mL. After extrapolating the concentrations in relation to the average surface area of occlusal splints, the amount of BPA per mL exceeded the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) set by the European Union for a person weighing 70 kg by 1.32–6.16 times. Contrary to the release from previously investigated materials, BPA elution from CAD/CAM splint materials was highly elevated. Considering the increasing adaptation of CAD/CAM techniques, elution from them may represent a relevant BPA source in daily dental practice.
Sex differences in cholinergic signaling affect functional outcomes for theta–gamma coordination in hippocampal subcircuits following experimental febrile status epilepticus
Authors: Kloc Michelle L. , Holmes Gregory L. , Barry Jeremy M.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Sex determines cognitive outcome in animal models of early life seizure, where males exhibit impaired hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory compared with females. The physiological underpinnings of this sex effect are unclear. Cholinergic signaling is essential for the generation of hippocampal oscillations, and supplementation of cholinergic precursors prior to status epilepticus in immature male rats prevents subsequent memory deficits. We hypothesized that there are sex differences in acetylcholine circuits and their response to experimental febrile status epilepticus (eFSE).

Methods

eFSE was induced in male and female rat pups. We transversed the hippocampus of postnatal day >60 control (CTL) and eFSE rats with a 64‐channel laminar silicon probe to assay cholinergic‐dependent theta oscillations under urethane anesthesia. Local field potential properties were compared during (1) baseline sensory stimulation, (2) pharmacological stimulation via acetylcholine reuptake blockade, and (3) sensory stimulation after muscarinic acetylcholine receptor block (atropine).

Results

In all groups, a baseline tail pinch could elicit theta oscillations via corticohippocampal synaptic input. Following atropine, a tail pinch response could no longer be elicited in CTL male, CTL female, or eFSE female rats. In contrast, induced slow theta power in eFSE males after atropine was not decreased to spontaneous levels. Analysis of oscillation bandwidths revealed sex differences in acetylcholine modulation of theta frequency and slow gamma frequency and power. This study also identified significant effects of both sex and eFSE on baseline theta–gamma comodulation, indicating a loss of coupling in eFSE males and a potential gain of function in eFSE females.

Significance

There are differences in cholinergic modulation of theta and gamma signal coordination between male and female rats. These differences may underlie worse cognitive outcomes in males following eFSE. Promoting the efficacy of muscarinic acetylcholine signaling prior to or following early life seizures could elucidate a mechanism for the temporal discoordination of neural signals within and between hippocampus and neocortex and provide a novel therapeutic approach for improving cognitive outcomes.
Estimating the likelihood of epilepsy from clinically noncontributory electroencephalograms using computational analysis: A retrospective, multisite case–control study
Authors: Tait Luke , Staniaszek Lydia E. , Galizia Elizabeth , Martin‐Lopez David , Walker Matthew C. , Azeez Al Anzari Abdul , Meiklejohn Kay , Allen David , Price Chris , Georgiou Sophie , Bagary Manny , Khalsa Sakh , Manfredonia Francesco , Tittensor Phil , Lawthom Charlotte , Howes Benjamin B. , Shankar Rohit , Terry John R. , Woldman Wessel
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study was undertaken to validate a set of candidate biomarkers of seizure susceptibility in a retrospective, multisite case–control study, and to determine the robustness of these biomarkers derived from routinely collected electroencephalography (EEG) within a large cohort (both epilepsy and common alternative conditions such as nonepileptic attack disorder).

Methods

The database consisted of 814 EEG recordings from 648 subjects, collected from eight National Health Service sites across the UK. Clinically noncontributory EEG recordings were identified by an experienced clinical scientist (N = 281; 152 alternative conditions, 129 epilepsy). Eight computational markers (spectral [n = 2], network‐based [n = 4], and model‐based [n = 2]) were calculated within each recording. Ensemble‐based classifiers were developed using a two‐tier cross‐validation approach. We used standard regression methods to assess whether potential confounding variables (e.g., age, gender, treatment status, comorbidity) impacted model performance.

Results

We found levels of balanced accuracy of 68% across the cohort with clinically noncontributory normal EEGs (sensitivity =61%, specificity =75%, positive predictive value =55%, negative predictive value =79%, diagnostic odds ratio =4.64, area under receiver operated characteristics curve =.72). Group level analysis found no evidence suggesting any of the potential confounding variables significantly impacted the overall performance.

Significance

These results provide evidence that the set of biomarkers could provide additional value to clinical decision‐making, providing the foundation for a decision support tool that could reduce diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis rates. Future work should therefore assess the change in diagnostic yield and time to diagnosis when utilizing these biomarkers in carefully designed prospective studies.
Comparing environmental impacts of deep‐seabed and land‐based mining: A defensible framework
Authors: Metaxas A. , Anglin C. D. , Cross A. , Drazen J. , Haeckel M. , Mudd G. , Smith C. R. , Smith S. , Weaver P. P. E. , Sonter L. , Amon D. J. , Erskine P. D. , Levin L. A. , Lily H. , Maest A. S. , Mestre N. C. , Ramirez‐Llodra E. , Sánchez L. E. , Sharma R. , Vanreusel A. , Wheston S. , Tunnicliffe V.
Published: May 2024

The crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are interlinked and must be addressed jointly. A proposed solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and thus mitigating climate change, is the transition from conventional combustion‐engine to electric vehicles. This transition currently requires additional mineral resources, such as nickel and cobalt used in car batteries, presently obtained from land‐based mines. Most options to meet this demand are associated with some biodiversity loss. One proposal is to mine the deep seabed, a vast, relatively pristine and mostly unexplored region of our planet. Few comparisons of environmental impacts of solely expanding land‐based mining versus extending mining to the deep seabed for the additional resources exist and for biodiversity only qualitative. Here, we present a framework that facilitates a holistic comparison of relative ecosystem impacts by mining, using empirical data from relevant environmental metrics. This framework (Environmental Impact Wheel) includes a suite of physicochemical and biological components, rather than a few selected metrics, surrogates, or proxies. It is modified from the “recovery wheel” presented in the International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration to address impacts rather than recovery. The wheel includes six attributes (physical condition, community composition, structural diversity, ecosystem function, external exchanges and absence of threats). Each has 3–5 sub attributes, in turn measured with several indicators. The framework includes five steps: (1) identifying geographic scope; (2) identifying relevant spatiotemporal scales; (3) selecting relevant indicators for each sub‐attribute; (4) aggregating changes in indicators to scores; and (5) generating Environmental Impact Wheels for targeted comparisons. To move forward comparisons of land‐based with deep seabed mining, thresholds of the indicators that reflect the range in severity of environmental impacts are needed. Indicators should be based on clearly articulated environmental goals, with objectives and targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound.
How relationship norms and task complexity affect consumer perceptions of quality in crowdsourcing
Authors: Shuqair Saleh , Herter Márcia Maurer , Pinto Diego Costa , Mattila Anna S.
Published: May 2024

Although prior research indicates that crowdsourcing is primarily beneficial for companies, this work reveals, across three studies, that quality perceptions of crowd‐sourced (vs. company‐generated) products are shaped by relationship norms: communal norms (vs. exchange norms). Study 1 indicates that developing a communal (vs. exchange) relationship with the company enhances quality perceptions of crowdsourced (vs. company‐generated) products. Study 2 shows that firms' innovation ability works as an underlying mechanism: when consumers develop a communal (vs. exchange) bond with the company, they attribute greater innovation competence to crowdsourcing (vs. company‐generated innovations). Finally, study 3 reveals that the beneficial effects of communal (vs. exchange) norms on perceived quality crowdsourced products only hold when the product innovation lacks complexity, and the effect is mitigated with high‐complexity tasks. By demonstrating the importance of relationship norms and their interaction with innovation complexity, we resolve mixed findings on consumers quality perceptions towards crowdsourcing, contributing to recent studies and further offering important implications for firms seeking to leverage crowdsourcing strategies effectively.
You better watch out: How the supervisor response to worker voice affects promotive voice
Authors: SNOEP‐DELLEMAN Arjuna , AKKERMAN Agnes , SLUITER Roderick , MANEVSKA Katerina
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the relationship between worker voice ‐ individual workers speaking up for their own interests ‐ and promotive voice ‐ individual workers speaking up to promote the interests of the organizations that employ them. We apply structural equation modelling to our unique data set on the voice behaviour of workers in the Netherlands (N = 3,159) to test our hypotheses. The results indicate that the supervisor response to worker voice has an indirect effect on promotive voice, suggesting that workers’ experiences with speaking up for their own interests impact their contributions to the functioning of the organization.
High common‐γ cytokine receptor levels promote expression of Interleukin‐2/Interleukin‐7 receptor α‐chains with implications on T‐cell differentiation and function
Authors: Kim Ju‐Young , Mayatepek Ertan , Seyfarth Julia , Jacobsen Marc
Published: May 2024

Cytokines of the common‐γ receptor chain (γc) family are crucial for T‐cell differentiation and dysregulation of γc cytokine pathways is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. There is increasing evidence that the availability of the γc receptor (CD132) for the associated receptor chains has implications for T‐cell functions. Here we studied the influence of differential γc expression on the expression of the IL‐2Rα (CD25), the IL‐7Rα (CD127) and the differentiation of activated naïve T cells. We fine‐tuned the regulation of γc expression in human primary naïve T cells by lentiviral transduction using small hairpin (sh)RNAs and γc cDNA. Differential γc levels were then analysed for effects on T‐cell phenotype and function after activation. Differential γc expression markedly affected IL‐2Rα and IL‐7Rα expression on activated naïve T cells. High γc expression (γc‐high) induced significantly higher expression of IL‐2Rα and re‐expression of IL‐7Rα after activation. Inhibition of γc caused lower IL‐2Rα/IL‐7Rα expression and impaired proliferation of activated naïve T cells. In contrast, γc‐high T cells secreted significantly higher concentrations of effector cytokines (i.e., IFN‐γ, IL‐6) and showed higher cytokine‐receptor induced STAT5 phosphorylation during initial stages as well as persistently higher pSTAT1 and pSTAT3 levels after activation. Finally, accelerated transition towards a CD45RO expressing effector/memory phenotype was seen especially for CD4+ γc‐high naïve T cells. These results suggested that high expression of γc promotes expression of IL‐2Rα and IL‐7Rα on activated naïve T cells with significant effects on differentiation and effector cytokine expression.
Career adaptability among new oncology nurses: A longitudinal exploration
Authors: Liu Man , Liu Lu , Lv Zhuoheng , Mao Yousheng , Liu Yan
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aims to explore the longitudinal predictive effect of self‐awareness on career adaptability in new nurses at a tumor specialty hospital and the mediating mechanisms of work readiness and transition shock.

Background

Career adaptability is crucial for the personal development of nurses and also intricately linked to the retention rates among newcomers in oncology nursing. Inadequate career adaptability contributes to higher turnover, which in turn exacerbates the shortage of qualified nursing personnel in this field. There is a pressing need for dedicated research and interventions that support new nurses, especially in specialized areas like oncology, to promote their well‐being and career advancement. Comprehending these challenges is essential for devising effective strategies that will retain nursing talent and ensure the sustainability of a robust healthcare workforce.

Methods

Longitudinal data from four follow‐up surveys were collected from 248 new clinical nurses at the National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College. Mediation analyses using R 4.1.2 were conducted to examine the pathways between self‐awareness, work readiness, transition shock, and career adaptability.

Conclusions

Self‐awareness not only directly predicts career adaptability but also influences it through the bidirectional and chained mediating pathways of work readiness and transition shock.

Implications for nursing and health policy

These findings equip nursing managers with flexible strategies to foster and enhance nurses' career adaptability, providing targeted support as nurses assimilate into their clinical roles. This not only strengthens workforce stability but also mitigates turnover, ultimately reinforcing the healthcare workforce.
Enhancing glass property predictions through ab initio‐derived descriptors
Authors: Arendt Felix , Limbach René , Wondraczek Lothar , Sierka Marek
Published: May 2024

The performance of ab initio descriptors derived from density functional theory simulations is systematically investigated in comparison to traditional compositional descriptors for the ability to predict glass properties utilizing machine learning algorithms. Two datasets are used for this purpose: an extensive, publicly available database involving a wide range of oxide glasses, and a small in‐house dataset covering a broader collection of inorganic glasses from metallic to non‐metallic materials. For the larger dataset, it was demonstrated that ab initio descriptors offer a substantial reduction in input dimensionality while retaining nearly equivalent predictive performance when compared to the compositional descriptors. The combination of ab initio and compositional descriptors showed an improvement in prediction accuracy. For the smaller dataset, the ab initio‐derived descriptors performed significantly better than the compositional descriptors, providing a valuable tool to improve glass property prediction in settings where the availability of data is limited. Furthermore, ab initio‐derived descriptors are not only computationally inexpensive and allow extrapolation beyond the training composition space but also facilitate model interpretation.
Optimizing the design parameters for chamotte particle‐reinforced geopolymers
Authors: Constâncio Trindade Ana Carolina , McNutt Patrick F. , Sood Sai Shruti , Brandvold Allison S. , Ozer Ali , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: May 2024

This study delved into the utilization of chamotte particles in varying contents (0–50 wt%) as reinforcing agents in both fresh and hardened states within potassium‐based geopolymer (KGP) composites. Although the previous research predominantly underscored the high‐temperature stability of chamotte in composites subjected to extreme conditions, this study focuses on expanding their potential applications at ambient temperature. The experimental findings showed that the flowability of the pastes experienced a slight reduction up to 20 wt% chamotte, followed by a substantial decrease, ultimately resulting in complete shape retention at 50 wt%. Squeeze flow and standard rheological tests supported these observations, revealing elevated work‐to‐squeeze values peaking at 1.3 J. X‐ray diffraction data showed that crystallinity prevailed in chamotte, establishing its efficacy as a nonreactive reinforcement. In the hardened state, the inclusion of chamotte enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites, specifically compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths, reaching up to 61.7, 13.2, and 5.6 MPa, respectively. Young's modulus (E) and shear modulus (G) also exhibited an upward trend with increasing chamotte content, reaching values of up to 17.7 and 7.7 GPa at 50 wt%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis validated particle interlocking and crack‐bridging mechanisms. In general, this study highlights the effectiveness of chamotte particles in improving the mechanical properties of KGP composites at room temperature. It also emphasizes the necessity of considering the mentioned parameters in the design of particulate‐reinforced geopolymer compositions for diverse applications.
Non‐learning Within a Constellation of Communities of Practice: The Case of the EU and Its Democracy Support in the Arab World
Authors: Achrainer Christian , Pace Michelle
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the puzzle of why the European Union (EU) struggles to learn from ineffective attempts to support democratization in the Arab world but instead continuously (re‐)produces democracy support malpractices. To better understand this phenomenon, we draw from practice theory and conceptualize EU democracy support as practices performed by a community of insiders who act within a complex constellation of communities of practice. Due to the way in which communities function, decision‐makers do not critically reflect on the background knowledge on which they base their practices and thus do not learn how to improve them. This constellation model offers a unique take on non‐learning within the EU and in (policy‐making) groups more generally. We illustrate the proposed conceptual framework through an empirical analysis of EU democracy support in Egypt, showing that the EU performs practices similar to those before the 2011 Revolution due to its inability to learn.
Misspecified profit functions and full‐cost pricing
Authors: Choné Philippe , Linnemer Laurent
Published: May 2024

We study the behavior of a firm that consistently maximizes a misspecified profit function as the misspecification error remains undetected in equilibrium. Our framework encompasses a price‐taking firm and a cost‐taking firm, which respectively take the unit price and the unit cost as given. At the stable equilibrium for the cost‐taking firm, the price increases with the level of fixed costs, a phenomenon known as full‐cost pricing. We show that the equilibrium price may be lower than the rational price and can be reached by a tatônnement process. We also describe a stochastic version of that process in a dynamic setting with random costs and Bayesian learning. Finally, we endogenize the cost curve. When technology duplication is possible, the cost‐taking firm and the rational firm end up producing the same level of output.
Optimization of production of blanched apple chips using sublimation drying
Authors: Kenzhekhanova Mereke , Mukhametov Almas , Mamayeva Laura
Published: May 2024

The aim of the research is to investigate the efficiency of producing blanched apple chips utilizing an innovative technology, namely sublimation drying. Apples of the “Aport Almaty” variety were stored at a temperature of 4°C prior to processing. They were peeled, seeded, sliced into segments of specific thickness, and subjected to drying in a drying chamber at temperatures of 45, 50, and 60°C. Following drying, the samples were analyzed for antioxidant content, phenolics, minerals, and vitamins. For comparative analysis, methods such as sublimation drying, conventional drying, and low‐temperature drying were also employed. Atomic absorption spectroscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography methods are employed for the analysis of the mineral and vitamin composition. Each group consists of 30 samples. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in antioxidants (F(3, 116) = 12.48, p < .001), water activity (F(3, 116) = 7.22, p < .01), and phenols (F(3, 116) = 9.85, p < .001) among the drying methods. Sublimation drying demonstrated higher levels of antioxidants and phenols (p < .05). At 45°C, sublimation drying resulted in higher levels of antioxidants (p < .05) and vitamin C, as well as low water activity (p < .05). Dry mass significantly correlated with storage stability (r = −0.75, p < .05). Sublimation drying exhibited superiority in moisture loss (F > 24.17, p < .001). The correlation coefficient between dry mass and moisture content was −0.82 (p < .01). Blanching improved antioxidant activity (75% vs. 65%) and color preservation.

Practical applications

Our study deepened the understanding of sublimation drying processes in apple chip production by determining optimal conditions for achieving high product quality. The obtained results provide valuable recommendations for practical application in the food industry, including optimal temperature regimes and the use of blanching to enhance chip quality. The universality of our study results supports their applicability in various sectors of the food industry that involve the drying of fruits and vegetables. Sublimation drying with blanching demonstrated high effectiveness in preserving the biochemical characteristics of the product, extending shelf life, and enhancing organoleptic properties.
When the bridge is not human: Algorithmic interference in forming social relationships through the manipulation of weak ties
Authors: Norberg Patricia A. , Horne Daniel R.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, social media applications have grown in number and in user bases. Recommendation algorithms on these platforms refer social others and related content to users. Using Granovetter's tie strength theory and the literature on relationship formation as conceptual foundations, we argue that these social media algorithms can damage a user's ability to establish diverse relationships and the benefits therein, thereby reducing personal, and, when aggregated, societal advantages. We argue that this occurs because the algorithms take on social actor roles and operate as “weak tie imposters” that serve as bridges to like others and content. This work provides a new conceptualization of the role recommendation algorithms play in social relationships, argues how they impact social relationship development and user privacy, and offers potential solutions to the issues related to algorithmic interference.
Evaluation of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and emotional well‐being in post‐menopausal women
Authors: Sumit Kumar , Vikram Khanna , Rajlaxmi Mitra , Ranjitkumar Patil , Anastasios Grigoriadis , Abhishek Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background

In postmenopausal women (PMW), vasomotor symptoms, emotional oscillations and sleep disturbances can affect physiological and psychological functioning. However, the effect of menopause on oral health‐related parameters is not been thoroughly studied.

Objective

To evaluate oral health, taste perception, eating habits, nutritional status and emotional well‐being in PMW compared with a group of young and healthy pre‐menopausal women (PrMW).

Materials and Methods

Two groups (Group I: PMW and Group II: PrMW) with 30 participants each, participated in the cross‐sectional study. The study proforma contained measures of oral health, taste perception, nutritional status and anxiety levels of the women in both groups using validated and previously used tools were designed and implemented. The data were analysed with student t, Mann–Whitney U, and chi‐squared tests to evaluate the differences between the two groups.

Results

The cross‐sectional study indicates no major differences in oral health, taste perception, nutritional and emotional status between PMW and PrMW. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in perception of ‘front teeth lengthening in size’ and change in hot and cold sensations between the groups. Furthermore, the study group with PMW tends to have fewer natural teeth than the reference group.

Conclusion

Overall, menopause does not appear to affect oral health, taste perception, nutrition or emotional health. It is suggested that oral health and taste perception, as well as nutritional and emotional status, are associated with gradual aging processes that may or may not be affected by menopause.
Is vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism associated with head and neck cancer risk? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ferri Camila Alves , de Lima Vanessa Justo , dos Santos Patrícia Koehler , Rados Pantelis Varvaki , Visioli Fernanda
Published: May 2024

Background

Head and neck cancer encompasses neoplasms affecting the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. Identifying factors that modulate the carcinogenesis process can aid in identifying subgroups at higher risk of developing the disease, enabling implementation of prevention programs. Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms can affect the carcinogenesis of various tumors by altering vitamin D metabolism and cellular response.

Methods

To elucidate the role of vitamin D receptor polymorphisms in head and neck cancer, a systematic review was performed, searching the Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs databases. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. The frequency of vitamin D receptors polymorphism alleles (FokI, ApaI, BsmI, TaqI, Cdx2, rs2107301, rs2238135) was recorded and pooled to calculate the odds ratio in a meta‐analysis using the Review Manager software.

Results

Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant associations in the anatomical site of cancer (oral cancer in ApaI and BsmI, and unspecified subsites of head and neck cancer in TaqI), genotyping method (FokI and BsmI), and continent of the study (ApaI, FokI, and BsmI).

Conclusion

Our findings were heterogeneous, as with other evidence available in the literature. Therefore, more clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to obtain more accurate results on the relationship between vitamin D receptor polymorphism and head and neck cancer.
Feelings as a currency of care: A role for agreeableness in emotional reactivity
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Irvin Roberta L. , Fereidouni Hamidreza , Klein Robert J.
Published: May 2024

Objective and Background

The personality trait of agreeableness is linked to a number of core tendencies (e.g., empathy, warmth) that operate in a feeling‐based manner. Following considerations of this type, it is proposed that the motivations and characteristics of agreeable individuals, relative to disagreeable individuals, should render them more receptive to emotional events and more responsive to them for this reason.

Method

Potential links between agreeableness and emotional reactivity were assessed in two studies involving four samples (total N = 517) in which participants continuously rated their feeling states in response to a variety of affective images.

Results

Agreeableness did not predict the speed with which emotional reactions began, but agreeable individuals exhibited higher‐magnitude peak intensities, regardless of whether stimuli were appetitive (pleasant) or aversive (unpleasant) in nature.

Conclusions

The findings provide novel insights into the personality trait of agreeableness, emotional reactivity phenomena, and the dynamic processes that link agreeableness to emotion.
Annuity puzzle: Evidence from a Swiss pension fund
Authors: Bello Piera , Brugiavini Agar , Galasso Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

We analyze individual annuitization decisions at retirement in an environment with mandatory participation in a funded pension pillar and low average annuity price. Using administrative data from a large Swiss insurance company over the period 2011–2015, we document that, even in this favorable environment, only 42.7% of the retirees fully annuitize, against 45% taking full lump sum. We show that individual annuitization decisions strongly respond to financial incentives, measured by the Money Worth Ratio, and to the tax rates on annuity and lump‐sum payments. Lump‐sum payments are more common among French‐ and Italian‐speaking individuals. Using Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe data, we show that French‐ and Italian‐speaking Swiss are more likely to leave inheritance—thus suggesting that preferences for bequests may affect annuitization decisions. Finally, we provide evidence of asymmetric information, using the unused observable test, to show that individuals living in high mortality municipalities are less likely to annuitize and more likely to cash out their pension wealth.
Documenting homoploid hybrid speciation
Authors: Long Zhiqin , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: May 2024

Homoploid hybrid speciation is challenging to document because hybridization can lead to outcomes other than speciation. Thus, some authors have argued that establishment of homoploid hybrid speciation should include evidence that reproductive barriers isolating the hybrid neo‐species from its parental species were derived from hybridization. While this criterion is difficult to satisfy, several recent papers have successfully employed a common pipeline to identify candidate genes underlying such barriers and (in one case) to validate their function. We describe this pipeline, its application to several plant and animal species and what we have learned about homoploid hybrid speciation as a consequence. We argue that – given the ubiquity of admixture and the polygenic basis of reproductive isolation – homoploid hybrid speciation could be much more common and more protracted than suggested by earlier conceptual arguments and theoretical studies.
The flavohemoglobin Yhb1 is a new interacting partner of the heme transporter Str3
Authors: Ping Florie Lo Ying , Vahsen Tobias , Brault Ariane , Néré Raphaël , Labbé Simon
Published: May 2024

Nitric oxide (˙NO) is a free radical that induces nitrosative stress, which can jeopardize cell viability. Yeasts have evolved diverse detoxification mechanisms to effectively counteract ˙NO‐mediated cytotoxicity. One mechanism relies on the flavohemoglobin Yhb1, whereas a second one requires the S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase Fmd2. To investigate heme‐dependent activation of Yhb1 in response to ˙NO, we use hem1Δ‐derivative Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains lacking the initial enzyme in heme biosynthesis, forcing cells to assimilate heme from external sources. Under these conditions, yhb1+ mRNA levels are repressed in the presence of iron through a mechanism involving the GATA‐type transcriptional repressor Fep1. In contrast, when iron levels are low, the transcription of yhb1+ is derepressed and further induced in the presence of the ˙NO donor DETANONOate. Cells lacking Yhb1 or expressing inactive forms of Yhb1 fail to grow in a hemin‐dependent manner when exposed to DETANONOate. Similarly, the loss of function of the heme transporter Str3 phenocopies the effects of Yhb1 disruption by causing hypersensitivity to DETANONOate under hemin‐dependent culture conditions. Coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays demonstrate the interaction between Yhb1 and the heme transporter Str3. Collectively, our findings unveil a novel pathway for activating Yhb1, fortifying yeast cells against nitrosative stress.
Assessment of large‐diameter and small‐diameter SoftK specialty contact lenses for early‐stage keratoconus
Authors: Gal Eyal , Gispets Joan , Zyroff Meira , Netanya Efrat , Gantz Liat
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Soft contact lenses may be a good alternative for early‐stage keratoconus (KC) patients who do not tolerate rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses due to ocular discomfort or complications. This prospective study compared outcomes obtained after 2 weeks of wearing two types of soft silicone hydrogel contact lenses for keratoconus that varied in their diameter and central thickness (cc).

Methods

Patients with Amsler–Krumeich grades I or II KC were fitted with small‐diameter (14.2 or 14.8 mm) SoftK (SD‐SoftK, cc = 0.48 mm) and large‐diameter (17 mm) SoftK (LD‐SoftK, cc = 0.60 mm) lenses, each worn for 2 weeks in a crossover design. Low (10%;10VA) and high (100%;100VA) contrast visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS, Pelli‐Robson), higher order aberrations (HOAs, Visionix Vx130), the number of trial lens modifications during fitting and the subjectively preferred lens were compared using Friedman tests with post‐hoc analysis.

Results

Forty eyes (N = 20, 10 males, mean age: 39.0 ± 9.9 years, range: 23–55 years) were examined. Their habitual median (interquartile1, interquartile3) 10VA (LogMAR), 100VA (LogMAR) and CS (LogCS) were 0.52 (0.30, 0.50), 0.14 (0.10, 0.15) and 1.35 (1.35, 1.50), respectively. For the SD‐SoftK condition, the values were 0.23 (0.17, 0.30), 0.02 (0.00, 0.05) and 1.50 (1.50, 1.65), respectively. For the LD‐SoftK condition, the respective values were 0.36 (0.27, 0.44), 0.09 (0.05, 0.13) and 1.50 (1.50, 1.60). SD‐SoftK lenses significantly improved 10VA compared with habitual and LD‐SoftK. SD‐SoftK also significantly improved CS compared with habitual, but not LD‐SoftK. LD‐SoftK significantly improved spherical aberration compared with uncorrected (0.03 ± 0.10 μ vs. 0.07 ± 0.13 μ) but not SD‐SoftK (0.04 ± 0.07 μ). Both lenses required a mean of 1.5 modifications prior to final lens fitting. Fewer adverse events were seen with SD‐SoftK (N = 3) compared with LD‐SoftK (N = 8), and 75% of participants preferred SD‐SoftK lenses.

Conclusion

SD‐SoftK lenses were preferred by 75% of subjects, were associated with fewer adverse events and significantly improved 10VA compared with LD‐SoftK lenses. SD‐SoftK lenses also significantly improved CS compared with the habitual correction, but this did not differ significantly from the LD‐SoftK lenses.
CsSNF1 kinase plays important roles in fungal development and virulence of the pepper anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum scovillei
Authors: Song Yong‐Won , Fu Teng , Kim Kyoung Su
Published: May 2024

Pepper is a vegetable that is used and cultivated worldwide. The quality and production of pepper are reduced by fruit anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum scovillei. The highly conserved fungal sucrose non‐fermenting 1 (SNF1)‐related AMPK protein kinases are implicated in the pathogenicity and differentiation of several destructive foliar fungal pathogens; in addition, they affect fungal growth in the presence of glucose at different concentrations and under different environmental stresses. However, the function of SNF1 in C. scovillei is unclear. We functionally characterized SNF1 of C. scovillei using a targeted deletion mutant (ΔCssnf1) generated by homology‐dependent replacement. ΔCssnf1 was severely impaired in mycelial growth under glucose‐limited conditions; multiple defects in conidiation, conidial germination, appressorium formation, lipid degradation and vacuole formation were also observed. Compared to the wild type, ΔCssnf1 caused anthracnose disease of reduced severity on intact and wounded pepper fruits. These defects were recovered in the complemented strain (Cssnf1c). Taken together, our findings implicate CsSNF1 in the growth, development and virulence of C. scovillei.
Pairwise summation as a method for the additive combination of probabilities in qualitative risk assessments
Authors: Crotta Matteo , Chinchio Eleonora , Tranquillo Vito , Ferrari Nicola , Guitian Javier
Published: May 2024

Qualitative frameworks are widely employed to tackle urgent animal or public health issues when data are scarce and/or urgent decisions need to be made. In qualitative models, the degree of belief regarding the probabilities of the events occurring along the risk pathway(s) and the outcomes is described in nonnumerical terms, typically using words such as Low, Medium, or High. The main methodological challenge, intrinsic in qualitative models, relates to performing mathematical operations and adherence to the rule of probabilities when probabilities are nonnumerical. Although methods to obtain the qualitative probability from the conditional realization of n events are well‐established and consistent with the multiplication rule of probabilities, there is a lack of accepted methods for addressing situations where the probability of an event occurring can increase, and the rule of probability P(AUB) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A∩B) should apply. In this work, we propose a method based on the pairwise summation to fill this methodological gap. Our method was tested on two qualitative models and compared by means of scenario analysis to other approaches found in literature. The qualitative nature of the models prevented formal validation; however, when using the pairwise summation, results consistently appeared more coherent with probability rules. Even if the final qualitative estimate can only represent an approximation of the actual probability of the event occurring, qualitative models have proven to be effective in providing scientific‐based evidence to support decision‐making. The method proposed in this study contributes to reducing the subjectivity that characterizes qualitative models, improving transparency and reproducibility.
Indirect channel of trade agreements in deepening global value chains
Authors: Kang Jong Woo , Gapay Joshua Anthony O.
Published: May 2024

Preferential trade agreements (PTAs) between trading partners are known to have positive impact on the expanding and deepening of global value chain integration due to lower trade and investment barriers. Less is known, however, is if other PTAs of PTA partners have any impact on the value‐added trade linkages of the direct PTA partners concerned. Based on compositive indicators measuring the breadth and depth of PTAs from 2007 to 2018 and using Multiregional Input–Output Table database covering 62 countries and 35 sectors and the Content of Deep Trade Agreements database, this paper estimates the multiplicative form of the constant‐elasticity augmented gravity equation model by a Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimator. This study shows that indirect impact of the deepening of trade agreements of a country's PTA partner exerts positive, significant impact on value‐added exports of a country. Both backward and forward linkages of a country measured by various decomposition of valued added exports indicate this indirect channel of value chain deepening effect even outweighs the direct impact from the deepening of PTAs between direct trading partners with significant policy implications in formulating PTA strategies.
Valuations, completions, and hyperbolic actions of metabelian groups
Authors: Abbott Carolyn R. , Balasubramanya Sahana , Rasmussen Alexander J.
Published: May 2024

Actions on hyperbolic metric spaces are an important tool for studying groups, and so it is natural, but difficult, to attempt to classify all such actions of a fixed group. In this paper, we build strong connections between hyperbolic geometry and commutative algebra in order to classify the cobounded hyperbolic actions of numerous metabelian groups up to a coarse equivalence. In particular, we turn this classification problem into the problems of classifying ideals in the completions of certain rings and calculating invariant subspaces of matrices. We use this framework to classify the cobounded hyperbolic actions of many abelian‐by‐cyclic groups associated to expanding integer matrices. Each such action is equivalent to an action on a tree or on a Heintze group (a classically studied class of negatively curved Lie groups). Our investigations incorporate number systems, factorization in formal power series rings, completions, and valuations.
Non‐accessible localizations
Authors: Christensen J. Daniel
Published: May 2024

In a 2005 paper, Casacuberta, Scevenels, and Smith construct a homotopy idempotent functor on the category of simplicial sets with the property that whether it can be expressed as localization with respect to a map is independent of the ZFC axioms. We show that this construction can be carried out in homotopy type theory. More precisely, we give a general method of associating to a suitable (possibly large) family of maps, a reflective subuniverse of any universe . When specialized to an appropriate family, this produces a localization which when interpreted in the ‐topos of spaces agrees with the localization corresponding to . Our approach generalizes the approach of Casacuberta et al. (Adv. Math. 197 (2005), no. 1, 120–139) in two ways. First, by working in homotopy type theory, our construction can be interpreted in any ‐topos. Second, while the local objects produced by Casacuberta et al. are always 1‐types, our construction can produce ‐types, for any . This is new, even in the ‐topos of spaces. In addition, by making use of universes, our proof is very direct. Along the way, we prove many results about “small” types that are of independent interest. As an application, we give a new proof that separated localizations exist. We also give results that say when a localization with respect to a family of maps can be presented as localization with respect to a single map, and show that the simplicial model satisfies a strong form of the axiom of choice that implies that sets cover and that the law of excluded middle holds.