bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bird lineages colonizing urban habitats have diversified at high rates across deep time
Authors: Iglesias‐Carrasco Maider , Tobias Joseph A. , Duchêne David A.
Published: June 2022

Aim

Urbanization exposes species to novel ecological conditions. Some species thrive in urban areas, whereas many others are excluded from these human‐made environments. Previous analyses suggest that the ability to cope with rapid environmental change is associated with long‐term patterns of diversification, but whether the suite of traits associated with the ability to colonize urban environments is linked to this process remains poorly understood.

Location

World.

Time period

Current.

Major taxa studied

Passerine birds.

Methods

We applied macroevolutionary models to a large dataset of passerine birds to compare the evolutionary history of urban‐tolerant species with that of urban‐avoidant species. Specifically, we examined models of state‐dependent speciation and extinction to assess the macroevolution of urban tolerance as a binary trait, in addition to models of quantitative trait‐dependent diversification based on relative urban abundance. We also ran simulation‐based model assessments to explore potential sources of bias.

Results

We provide evidence that historically, species with traits promoting urban colonization have undergone faster diversification than urban‐avoidant species, indicating that urbanization favours clades with a historical tendency towards rapid speciation or reduced extinction. In addition, we find that past transitions towards states that currently impede urban colonization by passerines have been more frequent than in the opposite direction. Furthermore, we find a portion of urban‐avoidant passerines to be recent and to undergo fast diversification. All highly supported models give this result consistently.

Main conclusions

Urbanization is mainly associated with the loss of lineages that are inherently more vulnerable to extinction over deep time, whereas cities tend to be colonized by less vulnerable lineages, for which urbanization might be neutral or positive in terms of longer‐term diversification. Urban avoidance is associated with high rates of recent diversification for some clades occurring in regions with relatively intact natural ecosystems and low current levels of urbanization.
Spatial autocorrelation between human responses and Winter storm Grayson
Authors: Yum Seungil
Published: June 2022

This study explores the relationship between Winter storm Grayson and human responses in the US by considering a multitude of periods, regions, socio‐demographic variables and spatial autocorrelation for the number of tweets. This study suggests that the proportion of tweets is highly concentrated in the north‐east region, which is the most damaged region in the winter storm week. Second, there is significant spatial autocorrelation for the number of tweets related to the winter storm. The lag coefficient values of the spatial lag model and the spatial error model are 0.362 and 0.437 at a 0.01 significance level, respectively. Third, younger people and people who have less than a high school degree show a positive coefficient value, whereas males, people with a high school degree, and those who have high income show a negative coefficient value for the number of tweets. This study shows that spatial regression models would be better models to understand human responses to natural disasters than the ordinary least squares model.
The liver contains distinct interconnected networks of CX3CR1+ macrophages, XCR1+ type 1 and CD301a+ type 2 conventional dendritic cells embedded within portal tracts
Authors: English Kieran , Tan Sioh Yang , Kwan Rain , Holz Lauren E , Sierro Frederic , McGuffog Claire , Kaisho Tsuneyasu , Heath William R , MacDonald Kelli PA , McCaughan Geoffrey W , Bowen David G , Bertolino Patrick
Published: June 2022

Portal tracts are key intrahepatic structures where leukocytes accumulate during immune responses. They contain the blood inflow, which includes portal blood from the gut, and lymphatic and biliary outflow of the liver, and as such represent a key interface for potential pathogen entry to the liver. Myeloid cells residing in the interstitium of the portal tract might play an important role in the surveillance or prevention of pathogen dissemination; however, the exact composition and localization of this population has not been explored fully. Our in‐depth characterization of portal tract myeloid cells revealed that in addition to T lymphocytes, portal tracts contain a heterogeneous population of MHCIIhigh myeloid cells with potential antigen presenting cell (APC) function. These include a previously unreported subset of CSF1R‐dependent CX3CR1+ macrophages that phenotypically and morphologically resemble liver capsular macrophages, as well as the two main dendritic cell subsets (cDC1 and cDC2). These cells are not randomly distributed, but each subset forms interconnected networks intertwined with specific components of the portal tract. The CX3CR1+ cells were preferentially detected along the outer border of the portal tracts, and also in the portal interstitium adjacent to the portal vein, bile duct, lymphatic vessels and hepatic artery. cDC1s abounded along the lymphatic vessels, while cDC2s mostly surrounded the biliary tree. The specific distributions of these discrete subsets predict that they may serve distinct functions in this compartment. Overall, our findings suggest that portal tracts and their embedded cellular networks of myeloid cells form a distinctive lymphoid compartment in the liver that has the potential to orchestrate immune responses in this organ.
When what you have is not enough—Acquiring Australian qualifications to overcome non‐recognition of overseas skills
Authors: Tan George , Cebulla Andreas
Published: June 2022

Skilled migration is an important strategy in developed economies seeking to address skills shortages and population ageing. Research on the labour market outcomes of skilled migrants tends to focus on employers' devaluation of skills without considering the role of immigration policy in the migration process. Moreover, there is little understanding of whether efforts to meet employer demands for local qualifications improve labour market outcomes. Drawing on a study on skilled migrants sponsored under the State‐Specific and Regional Migration Scheme in the regional state of South Australia, we explore the shaping of skills and skills recognition in the migration journey, particularly migrants' strategy of reskilling in response to employer demands for local qualifications. Our logistic regressions on the association between the acquisition of Australian qualifications and labour market outcomes reveal only marginal returns to these efforts. We argue that Australia should consider developing a more coherent skilled migration process to better harness the human capital of skilled migrants.
The AMA supports all doctors in relation to voluntary assisted dying
Authors: Khorshid Omar , Miller Andrew J.
Published: June 2022

This article outlines the Australian Medical Association's (AMA) current policy on voluntary assisted dying (VAD), arguing that, when read in good faith in its entirety as intended, the policy is neutral and balanced. As written, it is a wide‐ranging policy reflecting the diversity of views among medical professionals that still exists on the issue of VAD. While recognising that relevant legislation is a matter for governments and society, the policy advocates for the protection of doctors and patients, whether they choose to participate in VAD or not. Consistent with a proper interpretation of the policy as a whole, the AMA has been active in supporting the VAD legislative process, implementation and the practitioners involved including providing practical guidance now that legislation has been passed in several jurisdictions.
‘I knew I'd be taken care of’: Exploring patient experiences in the Emergency Department
Authors: Bull Claudia , Latimer Sharon , Crilly Julia , Spain David , Gillespie Brigid M.
Published: June 2022

Aims

To explore adult Emergency Department patient experiences to inform the development of a new Emergency Department patient‐reported experience measure.

Design

Descriptive, exploratory qualitative study using semi‐structured individual interviews with adult Emergency Department patients.

Methodology

Participants were recruited across two Emergency Departments in Southeast Queensland, Australia during September and October 2020. Purposive sampling based on maximum variation was used. Participants were recruited during their Emergency Department presentation and interviewed in 2‐weeks via telephone. Inductive thematic analysis followed the approach proposed by Braun and Clarke (2012).

Results

Thirty participants were interviewed, and four themes were inductively identified: Caring relationships between patients and Emergency Department care providers; Being in the Emergency Department environment; Variations in waiting for care; and Having a companion in the Emergency Department. Caring relationships between patients and Emergency Department care providers included being treated like a person and being cared for, being informed about and included in care, and feeling confident in care providers. Being in the Emergency Department environment included being around other patients, feeling comfortable and having privacy. Variations in waiting for care included expecting a longer wait, waiting throughout the Emergency Department journey and receiving timely care. Having a companion in the Emergency Department included not feeling alone, and observing care providers engage with companions.

Conclusion

Patient experiences in the Emergency Department are multifaceted, and themes are not mutually exclusive. These findings demonstrate consistency with the core experiential themes identified in the international literature.

Impact

Strategies to improve patient engagement in shared decision‐making, and communication between patients and care providers about wait times will be critical to optimizing Emergency Department patient experiences, and person‐centred practice. These findings holistically conceptualize patient experiences in the Emergency Department which is the first step to developing a new Emergency Department patient‐reported experience measure.
Morphological and gonadal histological characteristics of the silver‐phase male Indo‐Pacific eel Anguilla marmorata
Authors: Hagihara Seishi , Wakiya Ryoshiro , Maeda Tatsuhiko , Kimura Shingo
Published: June 2022

Eight silver‐phase male Indo‐Pacific eels (giant mottled eels) Anguilla marmorata were collected from three small rivers on subtropical Amami‐Oshima Island, Japan, and their morphological and gonadal‐histological characteristics were examined. The total length, body mass and age of the silver eels were 543.8 ± 49.3 (496–659) mm, 376.0 ± 116.0 (282–660) g and 14.6 ± 2.3 (11–19) years old, respectively. The silvering‐related characteristics (eye index, pectoral‐fin index, gut‐somatic index) and reproductive characteristics (gonadosomatic index, histological stage) of the silver eels were significantly advanced compared to those of yellow eels, which is similar to other anguillid species.
A prospective multicenter clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of a hyaluronic acid‐based filler with Tri‐Hyal technology in the treatment of lips and the perioral area
Authors: Ehlinger‐David Agnès , Gorj Mihai , Braccini Frédéric , Loreto Federico , Grand‐Vincent Anne , Garcia Philippe , Taieb Maryna , Benadiba Laurent , Catoni Isabelle , Mathey Elena Rumyantseva , Deutsch Jean‐Jacques , Bahadoran Philippe , Vincent Thibaud , David Michel , Cartier Hugues , Nadra Karim , Moellhoff Nicholas , Fanian Ferial
Published: June 2022

Background

Age‐related changes of facial soft tissue cause clinical signs of facial aging such as lip atrophy, marionette lines, and an accentuated nasolabial fold. These changes can be modified using dermal fillers.

Aims

To evaluate efficacy, longevity, and safety of a cross‐linked hyaluronic acid‐based filler with Tri‐Hyal technology in the treatment of lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

Materials and Methods

This prospective, multi‐center trial evaluated injections of three different areas (lips, nasolabial fold alone, or with marionette wrinkles) with a soft tissue filler containing 25 mg/ml cross‐linked hyaluronic acid and 0.3% lidocaine. Primary endpoint was the aesthetic correction 3 weeks after one injection session without touch‐up. Follow‐up was 18 months. Assessments were performed using the Global Aesthetic Score (GAS), clinical scoring based on photographic scales, high‐frequency ultrasound imaging, and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).

Results

In total, 100 subjects were injected. GAS improved significantly for all treatment indications at 3 weeks (p < 0.0001). Success rates were highest for nasolabial folds (98.4%), followed by marionette lines (94.4%) and lips (73.5%). After 18 months post‐injection, success was observed in 91%, 88%, and 33% of subjects injected into nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and lips, respectively. GAIS scored highest for nasolabial folds (SGAIS: 71%; IGAIS: 40%), followed by marionette lines (SGAIS: 56%; IGAIS: 33%) and lips (SGAIS: 30%; IGAIS: 22%) at 18 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

The filler demonstrated high efficacy and safety in all indications. Regional differences in longevity were evident. Thus, the necessity of regional retreatments should be discussed with patients before injection.
Combined use of energy‐based interventions with low‐dose isotretinoin for the treatment of inflammatory acne: An retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Kim Jemin , Jongudomsombat Tunyaporn , Lee Young In , Kim Jihee , Oh Sang Ho , Hong Jong Won , Lee Ju Hee
Published: June 2022

Background

The combined use of oral isotretinoin with energy‐based interventions including fractional microneedle radiofrequency, pulsed dye laser, and ablative fractional laser is an effective way to treat moderate‐to‐severe inflammatory acne lesions. However, studies regarding its efficacy and safety are limited.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a treatment using low‐dose isotretinoin with energy‐based interventions for inflammatory acne.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 126 patients who were diagnosed with inflammatory acne and were treated with systemic isotretinoin for at least 3 months. Patients were divided into EBD (energy‐based intervention) (n = 82) and non‐EBD groups (n = 44). Clinical outcomes of both groups were assessed using medical records and digital photographs.

Results

After treatment, the modified Global Acne Grading Score of the EBD and non‐EBD groups decreased by 35.1 ± 17.2 and 25.6 ± 10.1, respectively. The improvement in acne severity was significantly greater in the EBD group than in the non‐EBD group. Cumulated isotretinoin dose and frequency of drug‐related side effects were significantly higher in the non‐EBD group than in the EBD group.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with low‐dose isotretinoin and energy‐based intervention is well tolerated and associated with positive responses in patients with inflammatory acne.
Heterogeneous crow's feet line patterns and customized botulinum toxin rejuvenating treatment
Authors: Cavallini Maurizio , Papagni Marco , Augelli Federica , Muti Gabriele Ferruccio , Santorelli Adriano , Raichi Mauro
Published: June 2022

Background

From early dynamic lines in smiling and squinting young people, crow's feet lines in the lateral canthal region evolve through prolonged tissue remodeling into mature, stable rhytids after the mid‐to‐late thirties, and requests for rejuvenating treatment. Because of the heterogeneous fanning behavior of crow's feet lines, individualizing neuromodulation with botulinum toxin injections might be a sound strategy to maximize aesthetic outcomes.

Aims

To investigate the prevalence of variable crow's feet line patterns at maximum contracture and while smiling and comment on the relative distribution of such patterns and the influence of aging. These considerations will be the basis and rationale for future studies that will individualize the total 24‐unit dose according to the distribution of crow's feet lines.

Methods

Identifying CFL orientation at maximum frown and while smiling; assessment tool: the four‐class 2015‐version of Kane's classification further modified by converting the former “central fan pattern” into a new, more precisely defined “extended full‐fan pattern” class.

Results

The 323 cohort subjects had a mean age of 51.5 ± 9.28 years. Although with some differences, outcomes in a central‐southern real‐world European Caucasian population appear similar to the distribution first studied in 2003 in a highly selected population in New England involved in double‐blind clinical trials. The full‐fan pattern predominated both at maximum contraction and when smiling, followed in prevalence by the upper‐fan pattern at maximum contraction and the extended full‐fan pattern while smiling. Age significantly influenced the crow's feet line pattern—lower‐fan patterns were more frequent than other patterns in the real‐world younger middle‐age group (40–49 years old); full‐fan and extended full‐fan patterns progressively more prevalent with aging.

Conclusions

The study confirms but somewhat modifies the previous evidence about the non‐homogeneous distribution of crow's feet line fanning patterns in different age groups and reinforces the case to individualize the topography of botulinum toxin injections.
Efficacy and safety of topical hydrogen peroxide 35% solution versus cryotherapy in the treatment of senile lentigo
Authors: Tehranchinia Zohreh , Salehi Fahimeh , Zoghi Ghazal , Robati Reza M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Senile lentigines (SLs) are hyperpigmented macules that predominantly affect the elderly. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of hydrogen peroxide35% solution with cryotherapy in the treatment of SLs.

Patients and Methods

This clinical trial included 33 patients with SLs referred to our center. Lesions of each side of the body were randomly allocated to receive 3 sessions of treatment with hydrogen peroxide or cryotherapy at a three‐week interval. All patients were followed up 1 week after each round of treatment for the evaluation of side effects, the general effect of the treatment, and the general assessment of response to treatment.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were included in this study with the mean age of 61.79 ± 4.59 years. Average and excellent effects were significantly higher with cryotherapy after the 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment, respectively. Positive response to treatment was significantly higher with cryotherapy at all time points. Severe erythema was only observed with cryotherapy. Pigmentation was significantly more frequent with cryotherapy than with hydrogen peroxide at any time point (p < 0.001). Also, blisters were only seen with cryotherapy. Moreover, the pain score was significantly higher with cryotherapy at all time points (p < 0.001). Up to one week after the 3rd session of treatment, no recurrence of lesions occurred in any of the groups.

Conclusions

Cryotherapy appears to be more efficacious for the treatment of SLs compared to hydrogen peroxide 35% solution; however, hydrogen peroxide seems to have fewer side effects.
The consequences of being myself: Understanding authenticity and psychological safety for LGB employees
Authors: Gardner Danielle M. , Prasad Joshua J.
Published: June 2022

Although workplace authenticity has gained interest by researchers and the popular press, the construct's conceptualization as enacting only positive effects as informed by self‐verification theory may not represent the experiences of workers of marginalized identities. Acknowledging that individuals deciding to disclose a stigmatized identity at work face potential prejudice, we investigated whether the benefits of authentic expression on employees' organizational commitment and job involvement depend on psychological safety. Via a time‐lagged survey of sexual‐minority employees, we found evidence for a model explicating the conditional indirect effects of identity disclosure and authenticity on outcomes, as moderated by perceived workgroup psychological safety. Such findings theoretically challenge the literature's present assumption of authenticity's uniform benefits via exploration of important contextual boundary conditions. Practically, this research underscores the need for psychologically safe work environments, encouraging employers to maximize psychological safety where possible to see the full benefit of employees' workplace authenticity.
Does Moral Case Deliberation Change Current Views on Restrictions?: Staff Perceptions on Restrictions
Authors: van der Meulen Anne P. S. , Taminiau Elsbeth F. , Hertogh Cees M. P. M. , Embregts Petri J. C. M.
Published: June 2022

Background

In the care of people with intellectual disability, support staff apply restrictions to people with moderate intellectual disabilities (ID) in several domains of daily life, such as restrictions on bedtimes or on the amount of food intake. Support staff may experience moral dilemmas applying these restrictions. In this respect, moral case deliberation (MCD) is used as an instrument for support staff to jointly reflect on dilemmas in care and is considered a form of ethical support. MCD also seems to broaden the perspective of their participants.

Specific Aims

This study examined to what extent MCD led to changes in support staff's perspectives with regard to daily life restrictions placed upon people with moderate ID. Consequently, this study examined to what extent support staff's perspectives on these restrictions were broadened as a result of their participation in the study.

Method

Prior to and following a series of three MCD sessions on moral dilemmas commonly encountered in daily life care, interviews were held with 12 support staff across two teams. Participants were asked what they considered to be good care in the given dilemmas. To systematically compare all of the answers given in the interviews prior to and following the MCDs, the same interview‐guide was used in both instances. Interviews were analyzed inductively.

Findings

Following the MCD sessions, the respondents tended to hold onto their perspective to restrict clients to provide them with structure, clarity and rest, as expressed prior to the MCD. However, some respondents adapted their perspective on restrictions and were willing to provide people with moderate ID more freedom after the MCD.

Discussion

This study contributed to the evidence underlying MCD in healthcare and in providing insights into MCD with regard to daily life restrictions in the care of people with moderate ID. Partly, MCD leads to a broadening of perspective on restrictions applied in the daily life of people with moderate ID.
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions on hepatitis C testing in Australian primary care services providing care for people who inject drugs
Authors: Traeger Michael W. , van Santen Daniela K. , Sacks‐Davis Rachel , Asselin Jason , Carter Allison , Doyle Joseph S. , Pedrana Alisa , Wilkinson Anna L. , Howell Jessica , Thatcher Rebecca , Didlick John , Donovan Basil , Guy Rebecca , Hellard Margaret E. , Stoové Mark A. ,   the Australia Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance of Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood Borne Viruses (ACCESS)
Published: June 2022

In 2020, the Australian state of Victoria experienced the longest COVID‐19 lockdowns of any jurisdiction, with two lockdowns starting in March and July, respectively. Lockdowns may impact progress towards eliminating hepatitis C through reductions in hepatitis C testing. To examine the impact of lockdowns on hepatitis C testing in Victoria, de‐identified data were extracted from a network of 11 services that specialize in the care of people who inject drugs (PWID). Interrupted time‐series analyses estimated weekly changes in hepatitis C antibody and RNA testing from 1 January 2019 to 14 May 2021 and described temporal changes in testing associated with lockdowns. Interruptions were defined at the weeks corresponding to the start of the first lockdown (week 14) and the start (week 80) and end (week 95) of the second lockdown. Pre‐COVID, an average of 80.6 antibody and 25.7 RNA tests were performed each week. Following the first lockdown in Victoria, there was an immediate drop of 23.2 antibody tests and 8.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 31% and 46% drop, respectively). Following the second lockdown, there was an immediate drop of 17.2 antibody tests and 4.6 RNA tests per week (equivalent to a 26% and 33% drop, respectively). With testing and case finding identified as a key challenge to Australia achieving hepatitis C elimination targets, the cumulative number of testing opportunities missed during lockdowns may prolong efforts to find, diagnose and engage or reengage in care of the remaining population of PWID living with hepatitis C.
Gas compressor noise does not influence tree swallow nestling condition or immune response
Authors: MacLeod K. J. , Naugle L. , Brittingham M. C. , Avery J. D.
Published: June 2022

Anthropogenic noise pollution, such as that derived from traffic and industrial machinery, has been identified as an urgent conservation priority as it is often louder and more prevalent than natural acoustic stimuli, and can act as a stressor on wildlife. Research in avian systems has shown that anthropogenic noise can affect physiology and reproductive success of adult birds – but effects on juvenile birds have been less‐studied despite their being potentially more vulnerable during the nestling period. What studies have been done have shown remarkable variability in juvenile response to anthropogenic noise, suggesting that effects are highly context‐ and species‐specific. Here, we investigate the effects of gas compressor noise, an increasingly prevalent and biologically relevant noise stressor produced during natural gas production, on juvenile tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Gas compressors generate considerable sound pressure as they work to pressurize gas pipelines for downstream distribution. We predicted that exposure to increased noise during incubation and the nestling period would result in smaller chicks in poorer body condition and with a dampened immune response. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for any of these predictions, providing further evidence that noise effects on juvenile birds is highly variable, and we explore ways in which individual birds may compensate for the effects of disturbance at the nest.
Conducting Linguistic Experiments Online With OpenSesame and OSWeb
Authors: Mathôt Sebastiaan , March Jennifer
Published: June 2022

In this Methods Showcase Article, we outline a workflow for running behavioral experiments online, with a focus on experiments that rely on presentation of complex stimuli and measurement of reaction times, which includes many psycholinguistic experiments. The workflow that we describe here relies on three tools: OpenSesame/OSWeb (open source) provides a user‐friendly graphical interface for developing experiments; JATOS (open source) is server software for hosting experiments; and Prolific (commercial) is a platform for recruiting participants. These three tools integrate well with each other and together provide a workflow that requires little technical expertise. We discuss, and illustrate through an example study, several challenges that are associated with running online experiments, including temporal precision, the implementation of counterbalancing, data quality, and issues related to privacy and ethics. We conclude that these challenges are real but surmountable, and that in many cases online experiments are a viable alternative to laboratory‐based experiments.
A prospective, single‐center, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of three types of laser vaporization surgeries using a 180‐W GreenLight XPS laser, a 300‐W diode laser, and a 200‐W thulium laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Okada Tatsunori , Koura Mikifumi , Sumikawa Ryota , Masaoka Hiroyuki , Song Yoohyun , Dejima Takashi , Seki Narihito
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of three different laser prostate vaporization surgeries, which were photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), diode laser vaporization (DVP), and thulium laser vaporization (ThuVAP), for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in a randomized clinical trial.

Methods

A total of 71 consecutive patients with BPH were included; 23 patients were treated with PVP, 23 with DVP, and 25 with ThuVAP. Patients were evaluated with disease‐related symptomatic questionnaires, Quality of Life (QOL) Index, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) for 12 months. Patients were monitored to record operation/vaporization time, 24‐hour hemoglobin/sodium drop, length of catheterization/hospitalization, and perioperative/postoperative complications.

Results

In all three groups, patients showed significant and comparable improvements in symptom scores, QOL Index, and Qmax during the 12‐month follow‐up period. The mean operation/vaporization time was equivalent across all three groups at 69/23 (PVP), 81/34 (DVP), and 76/32 minutes (ThuVAP), while the applied laser energy was lower for PVP at 157 kJ compared to the other two techniques (DVP at 358 kJ, ThuVAP at 240 kJ). The mean vaporization rates per unit energy were significantly different between the three groups (PVP 0.16, DVP 0.09, and ThuVAP 0.09 mL/kJ). There were no significant differences in the main safety profiles between the three groups.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that these three types of laser surgeries are similar in terms of complications and outcomes, with excellent hemostasis and high patient satisfaction. It was suggested that sufficient tissue vaporization could be achieved using less energy through PVP surgery.
Co‐option of a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene (CCD4a) into the floral symmetry gene regulatory network contributes to the polymorphic floral shape–color combinations in Chrysanthemum sensu lato
Authors: Zhang Chu‐Jie , Rong Yu‐Lin , Jiang Chen‐Kun , Guo Yan‐Ping , Rao Guang‐Yuan
Published: June 2022

Morphological novelties, including formation of trait combinations, may result from de novo gene origination and/or co‐option of existing genes into other developmental contexts. A variety of shape–color combinations of capitular florets occur in Chrysanthemum and its allies. We hypothesized that co‐option of a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene into the floral symmetry gene network would generate a white zygomorphic ray floret.

We tested this hypothesis in an evolutionary context using species in Chrysanthemum sensu lato, a monophyletic group with diverse floral shape–color combinations, based on morphological investigation, interspecific crossing, molecular interaction and transgenic experiments.

Our results showed that white color was significantly associated with floret zygomorphy. Specific expression of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene CCD4a in marginal florets resulted in white color. Crossing experiments between Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium and Ajania pacifica indicated that expression of CCD4a is trans‐regulated. The floral symmetry regulator CYC2g can activate expression of CCD4a with a dependence on TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLIFERATING (TCP) binding element 8 on the CCD4a promoter.

Based on all experimental findings, we propose that gene co‐option of carotenoid degradation into floral symmetry regulation, and the subsequent dysfunction or loss of either CYC2g or CCD4a, may have led to evolution of capitular shape–color patterning in Chrysanthemum sensu lato.
Size and position of the optic disc crescent in a white European population with myopia
Authors: Hill David , Heitmar Rebekka , Logan Nicola S.
Published: June 2022

Significance

One of the first clinically observed changes in the retina with progressing myopia is in the form of optic disc crescents. If such a change is predictive of myopia progression, it could aid in myopia management interventions to target those at greatest risk of progression and subsequent ocular morbidity.

Purpose

To investigate the type, dimension and appearance of optic disc crescents and how they relate to the level of myopia.

Methods

Retrospective data collection analysing retinal photographs of healthy children and adults with a refractive error of ≤−0.50 D sphere and astigmatism ≤2.00 D. Crescent location, maximum crescent width and vertical disc diameter were measured from retinal images of right eyes only.

Results

Four‐hundred eyes with a mean spherical error (SER) of −0.50 to −14.00 D (aged 7–81 years) were included (83.5% exhibited a discernible crescent). Mean (SD) maximum crescent width was 0.24 (0.24) mm. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation between crescent width and age (r = 0.26, p < 0.001). SER was correlated with crescent width when controlling for age (r = −0.45, p < 0.001) and to the ratio of crescent width to vertical disc diameter (r = −0.43, p < 0.001). Temporal crescents were the most frequently observed (74%), followed by inferior temporal crescents (17%). One‐way between‐groups analysis of variance showed a significant difference between crescent locations (F = 5.2, p < 0.001). Post‐hoc analysis revealed significant differences in SER between those with no crescent versus an inferior‐temporal crescent, as well as differences between those with temporal versus inferior‐temporal crescents. Other crescent locations did not differ significantly in the level of myopia. Participants not exhibiting a crescent had the lowest level of myopia (mean [SD] −3.03 [1.97)] D), while those with inferior temporal crescents had a mean (SD) SER of −5.01 (2.37) D.

Conclusion

In this white European population, higher levels of SER were associated with increasing crescent size. Eyes with inferior temporally located crescents were more myopic.
Expressed genes and their new alleles identification during fibre elongation reveal the genetic factors underlying improvements of fibre length in cotton
Authors: Ma Jianjiang , Jiang Yafei , Pei Wenfeng , Wu Man , Ma Qifeng , Liu Ji , Song Jikun , Jia Bing , Liu Shang , Wu Jianyong , Zhang Jinfa , Yu Jiwen
Published: June 2022

Interspecific breeding in cotton takes advantage of genetic recombination among desirable genes from different parental lines. However, the expression new alleles (ENAs) from crossovers within genic regions and their significance in fibre length (FL) improvement are currently not understood. Here, we generated resequencing genomes of 191 interspecific backcross inbred lines derived from CRI36 (Gossypium hirsutum) × Hai7124 (Gossypium barbadense) and 277 dynamic fibre transcriptomes to identify the ENAs and extremely expressed genes (eGenes) potentially influencing FL, and uncovered the dynamic regulatory network of fibre elongation. Of 35 420 eGenes in developing fibres, 10 366 ENAs were identified and preferentially distributed in chromosomes subtelomeric regions. In total, 1056–1255 ENAs showed transgressive expression in fibres at 5–15 dpa (days post‐anthesis) of some BILs, 520 of which were located in FL‐quantitative trait locus (QTLs) and GhFLA9 (recombination allele) was identified with a larger effect for FL than GhFLA9 of CRI36 allele. Using ENAs as a type of markers, we identified three novel FL‐QTLs. Additionally, 456 extremely eGenes were identified that were preferentially distributed in recombination hotspots. Importantly, 34 of them were significantly associated with FL. Gene expression quantitative trait locus analysis identified 1286, 1089 and 1059 eGenes that were colocalized with the FL trait at 5, 10 and 15 dpa, respectively. Finally, we verified the Ghir_D10G011050 gene linked to fibre elongation by the CRISPR‐cas9 system. This study provides the first glimpse into the occurrence, distribution and expression of the developing fibres genes (especially ENAs) in an introgression population, and their possible biological significance in FL.
Built environment color modulates autonomic and EEG indices of emotional response
Authors: Bower Isabella S. , Clark Gillian M. , Tucker Richard , Hill Aron T. , Lum Jarrad A. G. , Mortimer Michael A. , Enticott Peter G.
Published: June 2022

Understanding built environment exposure as a component of environmental enrichment has significant implications for mental health, but little is known about the effects design characteristics have on our emotions and associated neurophysiology. Using a Cave Automatic Virtual Environment while monitoring indoor environmental quality (IEQ), 18 participants were exposed to a resting state (black), and two room scenes, control (white) and condition (blue), to understand if the color of the virtual walls affected self‐report, autonomic nervous system, and central nervous system correlates of emotion. Our findings showed that exposure to the chromatic color condition (blue) compared to the achromatic control (white) and resting‐state (black, no built environment) significantly increased the range in respiration and skin conductance response. We also detected a significant increase in alpha frontal midline power and frontal hemispheric lateralization relative to blue condition, and increased power spectral density across all electrodes in the blue condition for theta, alpha, and beta bandwidths. The ability for built environment design to modulate emotional response has the potential to deliver significant public health, economic, and social benefits to the entire community. The findings show that blue coloring of the built environment increases autonomic range and is associated with modulations of brain activity linked to emotional processing.
Between Exception and Normality: Schmittian Dictatorship and the Soviet Legal Order
Authors: Lukina Anna
Published: June 2022

This article addresses Schmitt’s concept of sovereign dictatorship—a departure from the normal legal order aiming to bring about a new mode of legality—as applied to the Marxist, and then Soviet, “dictatorship of the proletariat.” Unlike Schmitt, Marx and Engels, as well as Soviet legal theorists, saw the space for law even while aiming to dispense with the legal form on the road to communism. This is best explained by Schmitt’s failure to recognize the importance of legal systems not only for controlling social conflict, but also for coordination, the need for which does not disappear in extraordinary circumstances.

*This article was initially written as part of my LLM studies at Harvard Law School. I thank my supervisor, Professor Adrian Vermeule, for his guidance and advice, as well as other friends (and enemies) for motivating my project. I am also grateful to the Ratio Juris production team for their exceptionally thorough editing of my original text. Any mistakes remain my own.
Embracing nanotechnology for selenium application in aquafeeds
Authors: Khalil Hala Saber , Maulu Sahya , Verdegem Marc , Abdel‐Tawwab Mohsen
Published: June 2022

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient that has been used in aquafeeds for the normal growth, welfare and health of aquatic animals. Through nanotechnology, Se can be converted into nanoparticles that are more bioavailable, utilized and absorbed by aquatic animals. However, this is still a new and emerging area of research in aquafeeds. This paper aims to review the effect of Se and Se nanoparticles (Se‐NPs) application in aquafeeds on aquatic animals. Specifically, different compounds of Se, requirement levels by different species, effects on animal growth, physiology, antioxidant capacity and immune response have been highlighted. The review shows that the application of Se in aquafeeds could improve the growth performance, physiology, antioxidant enzymes, immunity and disease resistance in aquatic animals. However, the effectiveness could be highly influenced by the source of Se, aquaculture species and administration quantity. Through nanotechnology, the utilization and absorption of Se could be improved while reducing its toxicity. Therefore, Se‐NPs present an efficient way to utilize nutrients in aquafeeds. Important gaps, however, exist in the current knowledge, particularly with regard to the response of shrimps and crustaceans to dietary supplementation of Se and Se‐NPs as most of the existing studies have focused on fish species. Also, some species of economic importance and life stages have not been investigated, which hinders the embracement of nanotechnology in aquafeeds production.
“Set and forget” does not work when it comes to fissure roosts carved into live trees for bats
Authors: Griffiths Stephen R. , Lentini Pia E. , Semmens Kristin , Robert Kylie A.
Published: June 2022

Interest in carving cavities directly into trees to provide habitat for hollow‐dependent wildlife is rapidly growing among researchers, conservation practitioners, community groups, and land managers. Monitoring programs have shown that some of the designs and approaches used to create these structures encourage uptake by fauna. However, evidence for occupancy of “bat specific” fissure cavities is lacking even though they are already being enthusiastically installed and advocated for by the arboriculture industry. To address this, we conducted a field trial to test the efficacy of carved bat fissure cavities (carved fissures), which had entrances designed to replicate the types of natural cracks and crevices that develop in live tree stems which are commonly used by bats. We found that the entrances to all 174 of the carved fissures we installed across 83 live trees were closed by wound wood growth within 6 years of installation, while some were closed by kino (sap produced by Eucalypteae spp.) flow within as little as 3 months. During surveys conducted while entrances to the carved fissures were still open, we did not record any direct or indirect evidence of bats (or any other vertebrates) using them as roosts. These results highlight the urgent need for systematic research, encompassing a broader range of carved designs, tree species, and environmental contexts to assess whether these types of fissure cavities that are carved into live trees can actually provide habitat for bats in the medium‐ to long‐term.
Foreign demand shocks, product switching, and export product quality: Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Han , Li Jie , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2022

Using Chinese customs data spanning from 2000 to 2013, we explore how foreign demand shocks in exporting markets impact product switching, factor adjustments, and export quality of Chinese exporting firms. We document that positive demand shocks would render firms to expand product scope by increasing the number of added varieties and decreasing the number of dropped varieties. In line with the expansion of product scope, firms adjust their factor reallocations by hiring more employees and producing in a more capital‐intensive way when facing higher positive demand shocks. Higher capital intensity induces productivity improvement, and thus increases firms' export revenue, export price, and export‐product quality. We also document that positive foreign demand shocks render firms to concentrate less on their core varieties by skewing their export sales away from the best performing products.
A novel video‐assisted thoracoscopic approach for pectus excavatum surgical treatment in a dog
Authors: Bobis Villagrà Diego , Charlesworth Tim M.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe a novel, video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach used to treat pectus excavatum (PE) in a dog.

Animals

A 5 month‐old, 5.1 kg, intact, female, Cockapoo.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

Clinical, imaging and surgical records of a dog with severe PE who underwent VATS‐assisted sternal cast placement were reviewed and reported. Treatment involved introduction of a mild pneumothorax and use of VATS, allowing direct visualization and therefore safe passage of circumsternal sutures as they were placed to reduce the risk of vascular/cardiac or pulmonary penetration and intraoperative complication in this patient.

Results

Treatment involved introduction of a mild pneumothorax and use of VATS, allowing direct visualization and therefore safe passage of circumsternal sutures as they were placed to reduce the risk of vascular/cardiac or pulmonary penetration and intraoperative complications in this patient. The patient recovered well and had an excellent long‐term outcome with significantly improved vertebral index and frontosagittal index.

Conclusion

This modified technique resulted in an excellent outcome and minimized the risk of intraoperative complications during the surgical procedure in a dog.

Clinical significance

This novel VATS approach for PE correction may provide a useful technique to help reduce intraoperative risk during PE correction in dogs.
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE UTILIZING SELF-CEMENTING HIGH-CALCIUM FLY ASH AS SOLE BINDER MATERIAL
Authors: K. Wattimena Oswyn , Antoni Antoni , Hardjito Djwantoro
Published: June 2022

Fly ash, a waste material derived from the coal burning in power plants, could be utilized in concrete mixtures as a filler or as a cement replacement material, either partially or fully. Some papers also report that high-calcium fly ash can be utilized as a cementitious material through the hydration process. However, there are just a few papers that studied the behavior of concrete that utilizes high-calcium fly ash as the sole binder material without any chemical activators. Furthermore, there are no reports about whether the effect of the different water-to-cementitious ratios of this concrete is the same as the ordinary Portland cement concrete. This paper presents an initial development on the use of fly ash as a sole binder material, i.e., 100% fly ash concrete without any chemical solution as an activator. This research utilizes the high calcium content in the fly ash to produce concrete with a commonly used method (just add the water without any alkali activator) and investigates how the water-to-cementitious ratio can influence the compressive strength of the paste and the concrete as well. The calcium content in the fly ash used in this study was in the range of 19–22 percent of the total weight of fly ash. Paste compressive strength of 66.78 MPa was obtained at 28 days with a very low water-to-cementitious ratio of 0.110.