bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Infrastructures of Internal Colonialism: State, Environment, and Race in Lerma, Mexico
Authors: De Coss‐Corzo Alejandro
Published: January 2023

This article explores the relations between infrastructures, labour, and internal colonialism in Lerma, Mexico. Drawing on archival and ethnographic research of two hydraulic projects there, the article argues that infrastructures are productive of the racial, environmental, and political relations that constitute internal colonialism both historically and contemporarily. I show how these infrastructural projects imagined and produced colonial relations between the environment, racialised workers, and the nation‐state, and how these colonial logics endure today through infrastructures and the forms of racialised labour that maintain them. In doing so, this article contributes to literature that interrogates the relations between infrastructure and coloniality by focusing on how infrastructural labour makes internal colonialism enduring. The article concludes by reflecting on how the labour practices that make internal colonialism enduring also point to ways of producing infrastructures otherwise.
Effect of the gain rate during growing phase on the performance and characteristics of carcass and meat of super precocious steers
Authors: Severo Marcelo Machado , de Menezes Luis Fernando Glasenapp , Kuss Fernando , Paris Wagner , Haveroth Ruan Crespi , Souto Guilherme B. , Sanches Ariadny Cristhina
Published: January 2023

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different rates of weight gain during the backgrounding on animal performance and carcass and meat characteristics of steers finished in feedlots. Thirty‐six Angus steers, 12 ± 2 months of age, were backgrounded during 91 days on Aruana grass pasture (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) managed under different stocking rates to achieve three different weight gains: HIGH ADG (average daily gain)—no feed restriction (ADG = 0.846 kg); MEDIUM ADG—moderate feed restriction (ADG = 0.456 kg); and LOW ADG—high feed restriction (ADG = 0.154 kg). To ensure the difference in ADG, we offered 0.7% live weight of concentrate feed in the HIGH treatment and a better forage supply in the MEDIUM treatment. After the backgrounding, the animals were finished in feedlot. There was no effect of the previous performance on the animals' performance in the feedlot. The LOW presented higher weight (218.9 vs. 207.9 kg) and hot (54.0% vs. 51.3%) and cold (53.5% vs. 50.5%) carcass yield than the MEDIUM, besides presenting meat with less cooking losses (15.0% vs. 18.2%), marbling (7 vs. 4.0 points), palatability (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), juiciness (7.2 vs. 6.4 points), tenderness (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), and lower shear force (5.78 vs. 8.75 kg) than HIGH. LOW ADG steers stay longer in the finishing phase but presented in general better quality carcass and meat than those with MEDIUM or HIGH during the backgrounding.
Gut microbiota in brain tumors: An emerging crucial player
Authors: Lin Ben , Ye Zhen , Ye Zhao , Wang Meng , Cao Zhan , Gao Renyuan , Zhang Yichao
Published: January 2023

In recent decades, various roles of the gut microbiota in physiological and pathological conditions have been uncovered. Among the many interacting pathways between the host and gut flora, the gut–brain axis has drawn increasing attention and is generally considered a promising way to understand and treat brain tumors, one of the most lethal neoplasms. In this narrative review, we aimed to unveil and dissect the sophisticated mechanisms by which the gut‐brain axis exerts its influence on brain tumors. Furthermore, we summarized the latest research regarding the gastrointestinal microbial landscape and the effect of gut–brain axis malfunction on different brain tumors. Finally, we outlined the ongoing developing approaches of microbial manipulation and their corresponding research related to neuro‐malignancies. Collectively, we recapitulated the advances in gut microbial alterations along with their potential interactive mechanisms in brain tumors and encouraged increased efforts in this area.
The expression of HER2/neu in patients with lung cancer and its associated factors
Authors: Lashkarizadeh Mohammadreza , Lashkarizadeh Mahdiyeh , Nikian Meead , Kouhestani Parizi Maryam
Published: January 2023

Background and objectives

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide in both sexes. Evidence suggests the role of genetic factors in lung cancer. Studying of such factors can help understand the cancer prognosis. Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2/neu) protein is considered an important prognostic factor in breast cancer, but its role has not been confirmed in lung cancer. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of its expression in patients with lung cancer.

Materials and methods

In this cross‐sectional study, patients aged >18 years who were referred to Afzalipoor Hospital, Kerman, Iran, from 2016 to 2017, and were diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled into the study if they had a pathological sample of their cancerous lung. Their demographics were recorded, and the sample was sectioned and stained to measure HER2/neu gene expression according to DAKO instructions using heat‐induced antigen retrieval (HIER) enzyme marker.

Results

The samples of 100 patients with lung cancer were evaluated (84% men and 16% women) with a mean age of 61.34 years (standard deviation of 12.51 years). HER2/neu expression was significantly associated with the type of cancer and was highest in adenocarcinoma and zero in small cell carcinoma (P < 0.001), but not with patients' sex, age, smoking status and family history of cancer (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

These results emphasized the overexpression of HER2/neu in different types of lung cancer, which can be used further for therapeutic purposes. The results showed that HER2/neu was overexpressed not only in adenocarcinoma but also in other types, like squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, all subtypes of non‐small cell lung carcinoma should be considered for anti‐HER2 therapies, and further research is required for small cell lung carcinoma.
The Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire: Development and psychometric evaluation of a new, open‐source measure of autism symptomatology
Authors: Frazier Thomas W. , Dimitropoulos Anastasia , Abbeduto Leonard , Armstrong‐Brine Melissa , Kralovic Shanna , Shih Andy , Hardan Antonio Y. , Youngstrom Eric A. , Uljarević Mirko ,   Quadrant Biosciences ‐ As You Are Team
Published: January 2023

Aim

To describe the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a new, freely available measure, the Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire (ASDQ).

Method

After development and revision of an initial 33‐item version, informants completed a revised 39‐item version of the ASDQ on 1467 children and adolescents (aged 2–17 years), including 104 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Results

The initial 33‐item version of the ASDQ had good reliability and construct validity. However, only four specific symptom factors were identified, potentially due to an insufficient number of items. Factor analyses of the expanded instrument identified a general ASD factor and nine specific symptom factors with good measurement invariance across demographic groups. Scales showed good‐to‐excellent overall and conditional reliability. Exploratory analyses of predictive validity for ASD versus neurotypical and other developmental disability diagnoses indicated good accuracy for population and at‐risk contexts.

Interpretation

The ASDQ is a free and psychometrically sound informant report instrument with good reliability of measurement across a continuous range of scores and preliminary evidence of predictive validity. The measure may be a useful alternative to existing autism symptom measures but further studies with comparison of clinical diagnoses using criterion‐standard instruments are needed.

What this paper adds

The Autism Symptom Dimensions Questionnaire (ASDQ) is a new, freely available measure of autism symptoms.

The ASDQ showed reliable and accurate measurement of autism symptoms.

The measure had good screening efficiency for autism spectrum disorder relative to other developmental conditions.
Applications of continuous glucose monitoring across settings and populations: Report from the 23rd Hong Kong diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors—East meets west symposium
Authors: Oliver Nick , Chow Elaine , Luk Andrea O. Y. , Murphy Helen R.
Published: January 2023

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is now an integral part of glycaemic management in people with type 1 diabetes and those with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes. Immediate access to information on CGM glucose levels and trends helps to inform food choices, titration and timing of insulin doses and prompts corrective actions in the event of impending hypo‐ or hyperglycaemia. Although glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) remains an important measure of the average of glucose, CGM metrics including time‐in‐range (TIR) and other metrics on glycaemic variability and hypoglycaemia are strongly endorsed by people with diabetes as impacting their daily lives. There is growing consensus on definitions and targets of CGM metrics with an increasing number of studies demonstrating correlations between CGM metrics and incident complications of diabetes. Implementation of new technologies needs to take into consideration factors such as cost‐effectiveness, accessibility as well as acceptability of the person with diabetes and healthcare professional. The United Kingdom is one of the few countries that have developed clinical pathways for integrating CGM into the routine care of people with type 1 diabetes. Besides type 1 diabetes, special groups such as people with impaired kidney function and women during pregnancy may derive additional benefits from CGM.
A pilot study of mealtime insulin administration and parental stress in youth with new‐onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Diaz Jacqueline V. Reyes , Figueroa Janet , Felner Eric I.
Published: January 2023

Aims

To compare the stress level in parents of children with new‐onset type 1 diabetes receiving a fixed insulin dose for a fixed range of carbohydrates (CHOs) to parents of children receiving a precise insulin dose for a precise number of CHOs using an insulin‐to‐carbohydrate ratio (ICR).

Methods

Twenty‐four participants (8–14 years) were randomized to receive a fixed dose of insulin for a fixed range of CHOs (FD group) or a precise dose of insulin for a precise number of carbohydrates using an ICR (ICR group). The primary endpoint was parental stress measured with the parental stress survey (PSS) 1 to 4 months after diagnosis. Secondary endpoints included glycemic variability, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and safety.

Results

Compared to parents of children in the ICR group, those from the FD group reported less stress during the first 4 months after diagnosis (p = 0.022). Glycemic variability and HbA1C were similar in both groups. None of the patients from either group required an emergency department visit or hospitalization.

Conclusions

In comparison to precise insulin dosing using an ICR, fixed insulin dosing for a fixed range of CHOs may be less stressful for parents to learn and employ when initially taught diabetes management skills for their child with new‐onset type 1 diabetes.
Overactivation of posterior insular, postcentral and temporal regions during preserved experience of envy in autism
Authors: Fittipaldi Sol , Armony Jorge L. , Migeot Joaquín , Cadaveira Matías , Ibáñez Agustín , Baez Sandra
Published: January 2023

Social emotions are critical to successfully navigate in a complex social world because they promote self‐regulation of behaviour. Difficulties in social behaviour are at the core of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, social emotions and their neural correlates have been scarcely investigated in this population. In particular, the experience of envy has not been addressed in ASD despite involving neurocognitive processes crucially compromised in this condition. Here, we used an fMRI adapted version of a well‐validated task to investigate the subjective experience of envy and its neural correlates in adults with ASD (n = 30) in comparison with neurotypical controls (n = 28). Results revealed that both groups reported similarly intense experience of envy in association with canonical activation in the anterior cingulate cortex and the anterior insula, among other regions. However, in participants with ASD, the experience of envy was accompanied by overactivation of the posterior insula, the postcentral gyrus and the posterior superior temporal gyrus, regions subserving the processing of painful experiences and mentalizing. This pattern of results suggests that individuals with ASD may use compensatory strategies based on the embodied amplification of pain and additional mentalizing efforts to shape their subjective experience of envy. Results have relevant implications to better understand the heterogeneity of this condition and to develop new intervention targets.
Adherence patterns in antiseizure medications influencing risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy: A data linkage study using dispensed prescriptions
Authors: Tan Michael , Allemann Samuel S. , Qin Xiwen Simon , D'Souza Wendyl J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Medication adherence is considered an important risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), although measurement accuracy is difficult. Using prescription dispensations, this study aims to estimate antiseizure medication (ASM) adherence and identify adherence patterns that influence epilepsy mortality.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of tertiary epilepsy outpatients seen at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, from January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2017. Privacy‐preserving data linkage with the Australian national prescription, death, and coroner's databases was performed. We fitted a four‐cluster longitudinal group‐based trajectory model for ASM adherence from recurring 90‐day windows of prescription dispensations during a 3‐year "landmark period" from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014, using the AdhereR package. We estimated the risk of SUDEP and all‐cause death for each adherence pattern during an "observation period" from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. The Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, epilepsy duration, comorbidity, drug resistance, and inadequate seizure control.

Results

One thousand one hundred eighty‐seven participants were observed for a median of 3.2 years (interquartile range = 2.4–4.0 years). We observed 66 deaths with 10 SUDEP cases during the observation period. We identified four patterns of ASM adherence: good, 51%; declining, 24%; poor, 16%; and very poor, 9%. Declining adherence was associated with an increased risk for SUDEP, with hazard ratio (HR) = 8.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10–64.45) at 1 year and HR = 9.17 (95% CI = 1.16–72.21) at 3 years. Compared to no ASM therapeutic change, the addition of a second to fourth ASM offered increased protection against SUDEP in patients with continuing drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Significance

ASM nonadherence was observed in half of outpatients with epilepsy. A declining pattern of adherence, observed in a quarter of patients, was associated with more than eight times increased risk of SUDEP. Any ongoing medication interventions must include strategies to maintain and improve ASM adherence if we are to reduce the risk of SUDEP.
Diversifying selection and climatic effects on major histocompatibility complex class II gene diversity in the greater horseshoe bat
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Liu Tong , Li Aoqiang , Xiao Yanhong , Sun Keping , Feng Jiang
Published: January 2023

Heterogeneous pathogenic stress can shape major histocompatibility complex (MHC) diversity by influencing the functional plasticity of the immune response. Therefore, MHC diversity could reflect environmental stress, demonstrating its importance in uncovering the mechanisms of adaptive genetic variation. In this study, we combined neutral microsatellite loci, an immune‐related MHC II‐DRB locus, and climatic factors to unravel the mechanisms affecting the diversity and genetic differentiation of MHC genes in the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), a species with a wide geographical distribution that has three distinct genetic lineages in China. First, increased genetic differentiation at the MHC locus among populations compared using microsatellites indicated diversifying selection. Second, the genetic differentiation of MHC and microsatellites were significantly correlated, suggesting that demographic processes exist. However, MHC genetic differentiation was significantly correlated with geographical distance among populations, even after controlling for the neutral markers, suggesting a major effect of selection. Third, although the MHC genetic differentiation was larger than that for microsatellites, there was no significant difference in the genetic differentiation between the two markers among genetic lineages, indicating the effect of balancing selection. Fourth, combined with climatic factors, MHC diversity and supertypes showed significant correlations with temperature and precipitation, but not with the phylogeographic structure of R. ferrumequinum, suggesting an effect of local adaptation driven by climate on MHC diversity. Moreover, the number of MHC supertypes varied between populations and lineages, suggesting regional characteristics and support for local adaptation. Taken together, the results of our study provide insights into the adaptive evolutionary driving forces at different geographic scales in R. ferrumequinum. In addition, climate factors may have played a vital role in driving adaptive evolution in this species.
Action of chitosan‐based solutions against a model four‐species biofilm formed on cobalt‐chromium and acrylic resin surfaces
Authors: Raile Priscilla Neves , Oliveira Viviane de Cássia , Macedo Ana Paula , Curylofo Patrícia Almeida , Marcato Priscyla Daniely , Watanabe Evandro , Paranhos Helena de Freitas Oliveira , Pagnano Valéria Oliveira
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the anti‐biofilm action of chitosan, nanoparticulate chitosan, and denture cleanser Nitradine™ against biofilms comprising Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans.

Background

Biofilm removal from removable partial dentures (RPD) is important for success in prosthetic rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods

The anti‐biofilm action of the experimental chitosan‐based solutions and Nitradine™ was evaluated on acrylic resin and cobalt‐chromium alloy through assessing cell viability, cell metabolism, residual aggregated biofilm, and extracellular polymeric substance and biofilm morphology.

Results

Only chitosan reduced the viability of C. albicans on cobalt‐chromium alloy surface, by 98% (a 1.7 log10 reduction in cfu). Chitosan‐based solutions neither promoted substantial alteration of the metabolic activity of the four‐species biofilm nor reduced the amount of the aggregated biofilm. After immersion in chitosan and nanoparticulate chitosan, viable microorganisms and extracellular polymeric substances distributed over the entire specimens' surfaces were observed. Nitradine™ reduced the viability and metabolic activity of biofilm grown on both surfaces, but it did not remove all aggregated biofilm and extracellular polymeric substances. After immersion in Nitradine™, approximately 35% of the specimens' surfaces remained covered by aggregated biofilm, mainly composed of dead cells.

Conclusion

Although chitosan and Nitradine™ promoted changes in the viability of microorganisms, neither solution completely removed the four‐species biofilm from the Co–Cr and acrylic resin surfaces. Thus, isolated use of hygiene solutions is not indicated for biofilm control on RPDs; this requires complementary mechanical removal.
I will survive…but at what (opportunity) cost?: A spatial analysis of business survival and Jacobian externalities
Authors: Conroy Tessa , Deller Steven
Published: January 2023

Using insights gained from Jacobian externalities, we consider how a more diverse economic industrial base relates to business survival rates. While a low survival rate is often perceived negatively among policy‐makers, evidence suggests that business exit is part of a dynamic and robust economy. The high opportunity cost of continuing with a struggling business in a more diversified economy may ultimately sway entrepreneurs with less competitive ventures to exit leading to lower survival rates. We model average 5‐year survival rates at the county level annually from 1990 to 2012 employing a spatial panel Durbin specification. The data support the central hypothesis that more diversified economies increase the opportunity costs of operating an underperforming new business, thereby lowering survival rates.
The Howard League and liberal colonial penality in mid‐20th‐century Britain: The death penalty in Palestine and the Kenya Emergency
Authors: Seal Lizzie , Ball Roger
Published: January 2023

This article analyses the Howard League's campaigning against the death penalty in mid‐20th‐century British colonies. It examines two case studies: the Howard League's campaign to limit the death penalty in the Palestine Mandate in the 1930s and their silence on mass executions during the Kenya Emergency in the 1950s. Drawing on Ben‐Natan's (2021) concept of the dual penal regime, we argue the Howard League concentrated its intervention in ordinary penal regimes and demarcated emergency penal regimes as outside its sphere of interest and influence. Consequently, it was silent on the penal excess of colonial authorities during periods of counter‐insurgency. Criminology as a discipline largely shares this demarcation of the penal measures associated with colonial wars, militarism and states of emergency as beyond its purview. Inclusion of these aspects of colonial penality into the criminological narrative highlights the significance of colonialism and colonial ways of thinking to penal liberalism.
Glymphatic system dysfunction in patients with occipital lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kim Jinseung , Lee Dong Ah , Lee Ho‐Joon , Park Kang Min
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose

We aimed to investigate the glymphatic system function in patients with occipital lobe epilepsy (OLE) and healthy controls using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) index.

Methods

We retrospectively included 23 patients with OLE and 30 healthy controls. The participants underwent brain MRI, which was normal, and diffusion tensor imaging. We used the DSI Studio for data preprocessing, obtained the fiber orientation and diffusivities, and calculated the DTI‐ALPS index from the diffusivity values associated with the projection and association fibers in the left hemisphere.

Results

There were no differences in mean age (31.6 years [range: 13‐58] vs. 31.3 years [range: 20‐57], p = .912) and male sex ratio (10/23 [43.5%] vs. 15/30 [50.0%]) between the groups. Compared to healthy controls, the diffusivities in patients with OLE were higher along the Y‐axis in the projection fiber and along the Z‐axis in the association fiber and lower along the Y‐axis in the association fiber. The DTI‐ALPS index in patients with OLE was lower than that in the healthy controls (1.421 ± 0.171 vs. 1.667 ± 0.271, p < .001, 95% confidence interval of difference = 0.117‐0.376, Test statistic t = 3.823). We found no association between the DTI‐ALPS index and clinical characteristics in OLE.

Conclusion

The DTI‐ALPS index in patients with OLE was significantly lower than that in healthy controls, suggesting glymphatic system dysfunction in OLE. The DTI‐ALPS index could help assess the glymphatic system function in patients with epilepsy.
Tensile bond strength of auto‐polymerizing and heat‐polymerizing denture reliners on the conventional and CAD–CAM denture base materials
Authors: Alfaraj Amal , Chu Tien‐Min G. , Alouthah Hesham , Yang Chao‐Chieh , Lin Wei‐Shao
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to compare the tensile bond strength (TBS) of auto‐polymerizing and heat‐polymerizing denture reliners on the conventional (compression‐molding and injection‐molding) and computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (milled and 3D‐printed) denture base materials.

Materials and methods

Eighty standard dogbone‐shaped specimens were fabricated from four materials: compression‐molding, injection‐molding, milled, and 3D‐printed denture base materials. A 3‐mm cutoff was removed from each specimen at the midsection, and all specimens were reattached with either auto‐polymerizing (n = 10) or heat‐polymerizing (n = 10) reliner. The TBS was measured on the universal testing machine. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the fractured surfaces at cross sections to determine the dominant failure mode in each group. Two‐way ANOVA was used to examine the effects of denture base material and reliner on the TBS (α = 0.05). Weibull survival analysis was also used to determine the survival probability curves.

Results

Heat‐polymerizing reliner led to a higher TBS than the auto‐polymerizing reliner, except in the compression‐molding (p = 0.573) groups. Compression‐molding denture base material connected with a heat‐polymerizing reliner showed the highest TBS (29.8 ± 6.9 MPa), whereas 3D‐printed denture base material connected with an auto‐polymerizing reliner showed the lowest TBS (7.2 ± 0.9 MPa). The survival probability based on the Weibull model demonstrated that the compression‐molding denture base material connected with either auto‐polymerizing or heat‐polymerizing reliners had the longest survival time to failure, whereas 3D‐printed denture base material relined with auto‐polymerizing reline material showed the shortest survival time to failure. Under the SEM, the compression‐molding groups demonstrated that the failure modes were mixed but predominantly cohesive. The injection‐molding and milled groups showed predominantly adhesive failures at the denture base‐reline material interfaces. The dominant mode of failure in the 3D‐printed groups was cohesive failures within the bonding adhesive.

Conclusions

Although the heat‐polymerizing reliner led to a higher TBS than the auto‐polymerizing reliner in most denture base materials, the compression‐molding denture base material can achieve high TBS with both reliners. When the auto‐polymerizing reliner is used with 3D‐printed denture base material, clinicians should be aware of lower TBS value and possible cohesive failures, and the detachment of the reliner from the denture base.
Implementation Factors and Their Influence on Student Mathematics Outcomes
Authors: Brafford Tasia , Harn Beth , Clarke Ben , Doabler Christian T. , Kosty Derek , Scalise Kathleen
Published: January 2023

Assessing implementation allows for a better understanding of an intervention's effects and the mechanisms that influence its impact. Two main areas of implementation are (a) the quality with which an intervention is delivered and (b) instructors’ adherence to the programmed intervention. The current study used data from a kindergarten mathematics intervention program to (a) examine if and how treatment adherence was associated with implementation quality and (b) explore implementation measures’ relation to student mathematics outcomes. Results indicated high implementation scores across time for both adherence and quality. Neither treatment adherence nor implementation quality was found to relate to a general outcome measure of student mathematics achievement; however, both were similarly related to the curricular–aligned measure.
Liberal nationalism and Central American refugees: What is America's national responsibility?
Authors: Herr Ranjoo Seodu
Published: January 2023

In an era of unprecedented numbers of migrants from the global south to the global north, nationalism has become synonymous with liberal states' ethnocentric, xenophobic, and racist immigration policies. The Trump administration's treatment of Central American refugees has been taken as a prime example. By focusing on liberal cultural nationalism, this paper demonstrates that these prevailing perceptions about nationalism are unfounded. Although liberal cultural nationalism has been accused of endorsing restrictive immigration policies, the degree to which liberal cultural nationalism's immigration policies are restrictive is context dependent; under certain circumstances, liberal nationalism may call for relaxing immigration policies to admit certain types of immigrants by invoking the idea of national responsibility. Consequently, liberal cultural nationalism offers one of the strongest liberal arguments for admitting certain kinds of migrants from the global south. The Central American refugee crisis at the U.S. southern border is analysed as a case study to illustrate this.
The influences of stomatal size and density on rice abiotic stress resilience
Authors: Caine Robert S. , Harrison Emily L. , Sloan Jen , Flis Paulina M. , Fischer Sina , Khan Muhammad S. , Nguyen Phuoc Trong , Nguyen Lang Thi , Gray Julie E. , Croft Holly
Published: January 2023

A warming climate coupled with reductions in water availability and rising salinity are increasingly affecting rice (Oryza sativa) yields. Elevated temperatures combined with vapour pressure deficit (VPD) rises are causing stomatal closure, further reducing plant productivity and cooling. It is unclear what stomatal size (SS) and stomatal density (SD) will best suit all these environmental extremes.

To understand how stomatal differences contribute to rice abiotic stress resilience, we screened the stomatal characteristics of 72 traditionally bred varieties. We found significant variation in SS, SD and calculated anatomical maximal stomatal conductance (gsmax) but did not identify any varieties with SD and gsmax as low as transgenic OsEPF1oe plants.

Traditionally bred varieties with high SD and small SS (resulting in higher gsmax) typically had lower biomasses, and these plants were more resilient to drought than low SD and large SS plants, which were physically larger. None of the varieties assessed were as resilient to drought or salinity as low SD OsEPF1oe transgenic plants. High SD and small SS rice displayed faster stomatal closure during increasing temperature and VPD, but photosynthesis and plant cooling were reduced.

Compromises will be required when choosing rice SS and SD to tackle multiple future environmental stresses.
A study on the survival prediction for patients with oral cancer in southwest China
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Ming , Chen Siyu , Cui Qingying
Published: January 2023

Objective

The prognostic value of the variables were evaluated in 418 postoperative oral cancer patients with oral cancer in southwest China between January 2013 and December 2020. Nomogram was developed based on the study, and its predictive performance and clinical utility were evaluated.

Results

The univariate analysis showed gender, preoperative fibrinogen, preoperative platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and preoperative neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, flap repair of defect, functional neck dissection (FND), tumor differentiation, tumor, node, metastasis stage, lymph node metastasis, the maximum tumor diameter, and postoperative radiotherapy had a significant influence on the survival of patients with oral cancer in southwest China (p < 0.05).The multivariate analysis showed preoperative PLR value, FND, and tumor differentiation had significant influence on the prediction of survival (p < 0.05). However, smoking and drinking are not prognostic risk factors for oral cancer. The discriminant analysis showed 66.3% of the patients could be correctly predicted for postoperative survival, while both the C‐index and decision curve analysis (DCA) showed this study may be taken as a reference for predicting the postoperative survival of patients with oral cancer.

Conclusion

Preoperative PLR, FND, and tumor differentiation are independent prognostic factors for patients with oral cancer in southwest China. The results of this study have been visualized using a nomogram and a DCA.
Plants strike back: Plant volatiles and their role in indirect defence against aphids
Authors: Karalija Erna , Šamec Dunja , Dahija Sabina , Ibragić Saida
Published: January 2023

As sessile organisms, plants have evolved different strategies to defend themselves against various biotic stressors. An important aspect of the complex response of plants to biotic stress is the emission of volatile compounds (VOCs), which are involved in direct and indirect plant defence mechanisms. Indirect plant defences include a range of plant traits that mediate defence against herbivores and play an important ecological role by not only utilising plants' own capabilities, but also signalling and attracting natural enemies of herbivores. Often the combination of volatiles emitted is specific to herbivores; they are consequently recognised by parasites and other predators, providing a clear link between the volatile signature and the prey. In this review, we focus on indirect plant defence and summarise current knowledge and perspectives on relationships between plants, aphids and parasitic wasps.
Australasian Sleep Association position statement on consensus and evidence based treatment for primary snoring
Authors: Sarkis Leba M. , Jones Andrew C. , Ng Andrew , Pantin Christopher , Appleton Sarah L. , MacKay Stuart G.
Published: January 2023

Primary snoring impacts a significant portion of the adult population and has the potential to significantly impair quality of life. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide evidence‐based recommendations to assist Australasian practitioners in the management of adult patients who present with primary snoring without significant obstructive sleep apnoea. The Timetable, Methodology and Standards by which this Position Statement has been established is outlined in the Appendix S1.

The main recommendations are:

Weight loss, and reduced alcohol consumption should be recommended, where appropriate

If clinical judgement dictates, benzodiazepine and opioid reduction or avoidance may be advised

Positional therapy should be considered in supine dominant snorers

In dentate patients, Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) should be recommended as a first line treatment following assessment by both an appropriate Dentist and Sleep physician

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices may be recommended in patients with primary snoring in those already committed to their use or willing to try

Surgical treatment of primary snoring by an appropriately credentialled surgeon may be advised and includes nasal (adjunctive), palatal and other interventions

This position statement has been designed based on the best available current evidence and our combined expert clinical experience to facilitate the management of patients who present with primary snoring. It provides clinicians with a series of both non‐surgical and surgical options with the aim of achieving optimal symptom control and patient outcomes. This is the first such set of recommendations to be established within Australasia and has also been reviewed and endorsed by the Australasian Sleep Association.
Do colored cells in risk matrices affect decision‐making and risk perception? Insights from randomized controlled studies
Authors: Proto Ruri , Recchia Gabriel , Dryhurst Sarah , Freeman Alexandra L. J.
Published: January 2023

Risk matrices communicate the likelihood and potential impact of risks and are often used to inform decision‐making around risk mitigations. The merits and demerits of risk matrices in general have been discussed extensively, yet little attention has been paid to the potential influence of color in risk matrices on their users. We draw from fuzzy‐trace theory and hypothesize that when color is present, individuals are likely to place greater value on reducing risks that cross color boundaries (i.e., the boundary‐crossing effect), leading to sub‐optimal decision making. In two randomized controlled studies, employing forced‐choice and willingness‐to‐pay measures to investigate the boundary‐crossing effect in two different color formats for risk matrices, we find preliminary evidence to support our hypotheses that color can influence decision making. The evidence also suggests that the boundary‐crossing effect is only present in, or is stronger for, higher numeracy individuals. We therefore recommend that designers should consider avoiding color in risk matrices, particularly in situations where these are likely to be used by highly numerate individuals, if the communication goal is to inform in an unbiased way.
Effectiveness of an 18‐week general strength and foam‐rolling intervention on running‐related injuries in recreational runners
Authors: Desai Pia , Jungmalm Jonatan , Börjesson Mats , Karlsson Jón , Grau Stefan
Published: January 2023

Rationale

More research is needed to uncover the effectiveness of combined strength and foam‐rolling interventions to prevent running‐related injuries.

Objectives

To evaluate effectiveness of an 18‐week general strength and foam‐rolling intervention on the incidence of running‐related injuries.

Method

This is an 18‐week observational comparative study. A total of 433 recreational runners participated (n = 203 female). The intervention group (n = 228) performed general strength and foam‐rolling exercises twice weekly for 18 weeks, the control group (n = 205) maintained their regular training habits. Running volume and running‐related pain were reported weekly. Secondary analyses were performed on the subgroups of the intervention group based on compliance; low compliance (n = 100), intermediate compliance (n = 63), and high compliance (n = 65). Cumulative incidence proportions were calculated and time‐to‐event statistics were performed to compare survival times between groups. Univariate cox proportional hazards ratio was calculated to estimate the risk of running‐related injuries at 18 weeks.

Results

A total of 100 running‐related injuries were sustained. The cumulative incidence proportion for the control and intervention groups was 27.1% (95% CI: 21.4–33.9) and 23.0% (95% CI: 17.8–29.4), respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between the overall intervention group and control group (log‐rank p = 0.31). A significant difference existed between the high‐compliance subgroup and the control group (log‐rank p = 0.00). Highly compliant runners were 85% less likely (hazard rate ratio = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.05–0.46) to sustain an injury during the study compared with controls.

Conclusion

Recreational runners highly compliant with the intervention were 85% less likely and took on average 57 days longer to sustain a running‐related injury when compared with controls, with a cumulative incidence proportion of 4.6% after 18 weeks.
Comparing Canadian Lyme disease risk area classification methodologies
Authors: Robinson Emily L. , Jardine Claire M. , Russell Curtis , Clow Katie M.
Published: January 2023

Lyme disease risk areas have increased across Canada in recent decades with the ongoing range expansion of Ixodes scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi. Different methodologies are used by federal and provincial governments to determine local Lyme disease risk, which can make comparisons between regions challenging. In this study, seven Canadian Lyme disease risk classification methodologies were compared with each other to highlight the strengths and limitations of how each definition measured I. scapularis and B. burgdorferi risk. Each methodology was applied to active surveillance data from Ontario, and per cent agreement and kappa statistics were calculated. The methodologies varied in their measurements of the risk of exposure to I. scapularis and B. burgdorferi based on their use of active surveillance techniques, multiple types of collected surveillance data and laboratory confirmation of B. burgdorferi. Most initial Lyme disease risk site classifications were maintained over time. Kappa and per cent agreement statistics highlighted large differences between 8 of the 15 methodology pairings, indicating the presence of inconsistencies between most methodologies. Accurate, consistent surveillance and assessment of the spread of I. scapularis and its pathogens will aid with communicating Lyme disease risk to the public and preventing tick‐borne pathogen transmission.
A Novel Design of Rim Sealing Flow for Improving Sealing Effectiveness
Authors: Qiang Du , Ruonan Wang , Lei Xie , Guang Liu , Zengyan Lian
Published: January 2023

Rim seal structures and sealing flows are essential in aero engines for preventing hot gas ingestion from mainstream to turbine disk cavities. A novel design method of rim sealing flow path based on auxiliary sealing holes and sealing air re-distributions has been proved to improve sealing effectiveness. The present paper uses this method to re-design the axial rim sealing flow in a high-pressure turbine front cavity in an engine turbine. The incidence angle of the auxiliary sealing air has been proved to have a significant influence on sealing performance. Three different incidence angles, 0-deg, 35-deg, and 70-deg, with the maximum angle close to the vane exit flow angle, are investigated using unsteady computational fluid dynamics methods validated by experimental data. Sealing effectiveness, swirl ratio, unsteady flow structures in both rim clearance and wheel space cavity are considered. The auxiliary sealing air with a swirl in the circumferential direction is proved to improve and uniform swirl ratio and suppress flow instabilities. This results in a reduction in hot gas ingestion and a considerable improvement in sealing effectiveness. The mechanisms of improving sealing effectiveness using this novel method are explained. The conclusions may support the understanding of the complex flow mechanisms near the rim seal, provide references for the design of this novel structure and give possibilities to improve rim seal performance and engine efficiency.
A New Shear Deformation Theory in Axiomatic Framework for Bending and Buckling Analysis of Cross-Ply and Angle-Ply Laminated Composite Plates
Authors: Dhuria Mohit , Grover Neeraj , Goyal Kavita
Published: January 2023

In this study, a new higher order hyperbolic shear deformation theory for mechanical analysis of cross-ply and angle-ply multilayered plates is developed. Analytical solution to the static and buckling responses of symmetric and anti-symmetric composite laminates is presented. The proposed theory considers secant hyperbolic function of thickness coordinate in the displacement field. Also the developed theory assumes non-linear distribution of displacements and ensures that the top and lower surfaces of the plates have zero shear stresses. The equilibrium equations are obtained by applying the principle of virtual work. The stiffness characteristics of cross-ply and angle-ply laminates are taken into account when solving these governing equations. The closed-form Navier solution satisfying the corresponding boundary conditions is derived for simply supported (SS) composite plates. The results for non-dimensional deflections, and stresses of composite laminates under the effect of sinusoidal and uniform distributed load are thus obtained. The uni-axial and bi-axial loading force are used to evaluate critical buckling loads. Furthermore, the impact of span thickness ratio, aspect ratios, fiber orientation, modulus ratio, etc. on static and buckling analysis plates is also studied. The validity of present formulation is demonstrated by comparing our results with some of the available results in the literature.
Evaluating the Role of Canalicular Morphology and Perilacunar Region Properties on Local Mechanical Environment of Lacunar–Canalicular Network Using Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Sang Wen , Ural Ani
Published: January 2023

Physiological and pathological processes such as aging, diseases, treatments, and lactation can alter lacunar–canalicular network (LCN) morphology and perilacunar region properties. These modifications can impact the mechanical environment of osteocytes which in turn can influence osteocyte mechanosensitivity and the remodeling process. In this study, we aim to evaluate how the modifications in the canalicular morphology, lacunar density, and the perilacunar region properties influence the local mechanical environment of LCN and the apparent bone properties using three-dimensional finite element (FE) modeling. The simulation results showed that a 50% reduction in perilacunar elastic modulus led to about 7% decrease in apparent elastic modulus of the bone. The increase in canalicular density, length, and diameter did not influence the strain amplification in the models but they increased the amount of highly strained bone around LCN. Change in lacunar density did not influence the strain amplification and the amount of highly strained regions on LCN surfaces. Reduction in perilacunar elastic modulus increased both the strain amplification and the volume of highly strained tissue around and on the surface of LCN. The FE models of LCN in this study can be utilized to quantify the influence of modifications in canalicular morphology, lacunar density, and perilacunar region properties on the apparent bone properties and the local mechanical environment of LCN. Although this is a numerical study with idealized models, it provides important information on how mechanical environment of osteocytes is influenced by the modifications in LCN morphology and perilacunar region properties due to physiological and pathological processes.
Effects of Part-to-Part Flow Variations on Overall Effectiveness and Life of Rotating Turbine Blades
Authors: Knisely Brian F. , Berdanier Reid A. , Wagner Joel H. , Thole Karen A. , Arisi Allan N. , Haldeman Charles W.
Published: January 2023

As firing temperatures in gas turbine engines continue to increase to achieve high efficiencies, components in the main gas path must be protected with cooling flows to ensure lifing targets are met. Manufacturing variations, however, influence the performance and life characteristics of components with the same nominal design. This study presents blade flow and overall cooling effectiveness measurements for nine true-scale, aero engine turbine blades with realistic manufacturing variations. Flow measurements were made through each blade at a fixed pressure ratio to determine flow variability between holes and between blades. Infrared thermography was used to capture spatially-resolved temperature measurements reported as overall effectiveness on the same nine blades under high-speed rotating conditions at the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine Laboratory. Thermal performance was correlated with blade flow performance indicating substantial blade-to-blade variations resulting from manufacturing differences. Measurements also indicated wide variations in cooling jet trajectories as well as overall cooling effectiveness. Finally, the observed blade-to-blade variations in effectiveness were scaled to engine conditions with lifing estimates showing some blades would be expected to last only half as long as others due to manufacturing variability.