bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shareholder activism in listed family firms: Exploring the effectiveness of say‐on‐pay on CEO compensation
Authors: Sánchez‐Marín Gregorio , Lozano‐Reina Gabriel , Baixauli‐Soler J. Samuel
Published: September 2023

The widespread critical evidence surrounding executive compensation of listed corporations has boosted shareholder activism in recent decades. The say‐on‐pay (SOP) mechanism—a vote in which shareholders express their (dis)agreement with executive pay designs—is one of the corporate governance mechanisms that has led to this activism among listed firms. Merging agency and socioemotional wealth (SEW) arguments, this paper analyzes how effective SOP voting results are among listed family firms in terms of CEO compensation efficiency and equity. Using a sample of UK listed firms from 2011 to 2018, our results show that SOP effectiveness is positively influenced by family ownership and is strongly moderated by family involvement in management and in governance as well as by family generation. Our findings stress the strong family effect and the ethical perceptions of family shareholders on SOP voting, showing how family participation in the firm encourages fairer and more aligned CEO compensation packages. SOP institutional and practical implications oriented to preserve shareholder value and family wealth are finally outlined.
Role of miRNA in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lv Yi , Sun Xiujuan
Published: September 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and is responsible for the second cancer‐related death globally. Many treatment regimens have been developed to cure the disease; however, life expectancy is still low. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new selective, specific, and robust diagnosis markers for efficient early recognition of the ailment. Along with the diagnosis, the treatment's effectiveness can be determined by prognostic markers, and miRNAs are excellent tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. In addition, the altered expression profile of a few miRNAs promotes HCC cell migration and invasion, and selective up‐ or downregulation of these responsible genes may help mitigate the disorder. On one hand, few of the miRNAs have been found to enhance angiogenesis, a crucial step of tumor growth; on the other hand, upregulation of specific miRNAs is reported to suppress angiogenesis and resulting tumor growth of HCC cells. Exosomal miRNAs have significant implications in promoting angiogenesis, increased endothelial cell permeability, tube formation, and metastasis to hepatic and pulmonary tissues. miRNA also attributes to drug resistance toward chemotherapy and the prevention of autophagy also. Identifying novel miRNA and determining their differential expression in HCC tissue may serve as a potential tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy to enhance the life expectancy and quality of life of HCC patients. In the present review, we have summarized the recent advances in HCC‐related research.
Mesenchymal stromal cell secretory molecules improve the functional survival of human islets
Authors: Hong Tzu‐Wen , Caxaria Sara , Daniels Gatward Lydia F. , Hussain Sufyan , Zhao Min , King Aileen J. F. , Rackham Chloe L. , Jones Peter M.
Published: September 2023

Aims

Human islet transplantation as a therapy for type 1 diabetes is compromised by the loss of functional beta cells in the immediate post‐transplantation period. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and MSC‐derived secretory peptides improve the outcomes of islet transplantation in rodent models of diabetes. Here, we utilized a mouse model for human islet transplantation and assessed the effects of a cocktail of MSC‐secreted peptides (screened by MSC‐secretome for human islet GPCRs) on the functional survival of human islets.

Methods

Human islets from nine donors (Age: 36–57; BMI: 20–35) were treated with a cocktail of human recombinant annexin A1 (ANXA1), stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1/CXCL12) and complement component C3 (C3a). Glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was assessed in static incubation, and cytokine‐induced apoptosis was assessed by measuring caspase 3/7 activity. mRNA expression levels were determined by qPCR. Human islet function in vivo was assessed using a novel model for human islet transplantation into a T1D mouse model. Human islet function in vivo was assessed using islet transplantation under the kidney capsule of immunodeficient mice prior to STZ destruction of endogenous mouse beta cells to model T1DM.

Results

Pretreatment with a cocktail of MSC‐secreted peptides increased GSIS in vitro and protected against cytokine‐induced apoptosis in human islets isolated from nine donors. Animals transplanted with either treated or untreated human islets remained normoglycaemic for up to 28 days after STZ‐administration to ablate the endogenous mouse beta cells, whereas non‐transplanted animals showed significantly increased blood glucose immediately after STZ administration. Removal of the human islet graft by nephrectomy resulted in rapid increases in blood glucose to similar levels as the non‐transplanted controls. Pretreating human islets with the MSC‐derived cocktail significantly improved glucose tolerance in graft recipients, consistent with enhanced functional survival of the treated islets in vivo.

Conclusion

Pretreating human islets before transplantation with a defined cocktail of MSC‐derived molecules could be employed to improve the quality of human islets for transplantation therapy for type 1 diabetes.
The influence of SARS‐CoV‐2 on male reproduction and men's health
Authors: Ali Ayad M. , Abdlwahid Rahel F. , Ali Kameran M. , Mahmood Kochar I. , Rashid Peshnyar M. A. , Rostam Hassan M.
Published: September 2023

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus responsible for COVID‐19, primarily affects the respiratory system by targeting the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and TMPRSS2. However, these receptors are also present in other organs, including the testes, where a higher concentration of ACE2 receptors has been observed. This raises concerns about the potential impact of the virus on male fertility.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 on semen parameters by comparing samples during and after infection in the same patients.

Materials & Method

The study enrolled 51 individuals who had contracted COVID‐19 and analysed various parameters related to sperm quality and quantity, including C‐reactive protein, testosterone levels, total sperm concentration, motility and morphology. A comparison was made between these parameters during the initial infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 and after a 2‐ and 5‐month recovery period.

Results

The results indicated that all of the mentioned parameters were significantly affected during COVID‐19 infection (PCR‐ct, CRP, WBCs LH, FSH and testosterone levels, p‐value = .0001). Furthermore, the study assessed TC, TM and sperm morphology in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and found that these parameters were also significantly influenced during the infection, (p‐value = .0001; Morphology, p‐value = .0004). We observed significant alterations in sperm count and morphology during infection, suggesting a potential negative impact on sperm quality. Additionally, lower hormone levels were observed during COVID‐19 infection, possibly due to increased inflammatory cytokines. However, both hormones and inflammation markers returned to normal following recovery. Our findings indicate a statistically significant change in total sperm count, motility and morphology post‐infection, which aligns with previous studies. Discussion, COVID‐19 have a transient impact on sperm parameters and fertility, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into the long‐term implications.
High‐latitude marginal reefs support fewer but bigger corals than their tropical counterparts
Authors: Chong Fiona , Sommer Brigitte , Stant Georgia , Verano Nina , Cant James , Lachs Liam , Johnson Magnus L. , Parsons Daniel R. , Pandolfi John M. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Spencer Matthew , Beger Maria
Published: September 2023

Anthropogenic impacts are typically detrimental to tropical coral reefs, but the effect of increasing environmental stress and variability on the size structure of coral communities remains poorly understood. This limits our ability to effectively conserve coral reef ecosystems because size specific dynamics are rarely incorporated. Our aim is to quantify variation in the size structure of coral populations across 20 sites along a tropical‐to‐subtropical environmental gradient on the east coast of Australia (~ 23 to 30°S), to determine how size structure changes with a gradient of sea surface temperature, turbidity, productivity and light levels. We use two approaches: 1) linear regression with summary statistics (such as median size) as response variables, a method frequently favoured by ecologists and 2) compositional functional regression, a novel method using entire size–frequency distributions as response variables. We then predict coral population size structure with increasing environmental stress and variability. Together, we find fewer but larger coral colonies in marginal reefs, where conditions are typically more variable and stressful, than in tropical reefs. Our model predicts that coral populations may become gradually dominated by larger colonies (> 148 cm2) with increasing environmental stress. Fewer but bigger corals suggest low survival of smaller corals, slow growth, and/or poor recruitment. This finding is concerning for the future of coral reefs, as it implies that current marginal populations, or future reefs in increasingly stressful environmental conditions may have low recovery potential. We highlight the importance of continuously monitoring changes to population structure over biogeographic scales.
Goal‐directed modulation of stretch reflex gains is reduced in the non‐dominant upper limb
Authors: Torell Frida , Franklin Sae , Franklin David W. , Dimitriou Michael
Published: September 2023

Most individuals experience their dominant arm as being more dexterous than the non‐dominant arm, but the neural mechanisms underlying this asymmetry in motor behaviour are unclear. Using a delayed‐reach task, we have recently demonstrated strong goal‐directed tuning of stretch reflex gains in the dominant upper limb of human participants. Here, we used an equivalent experimental paradigm to address the neural mechanisms that underlie the preparation for reaching movements with the non‐dominant upper limb. There were consistent effects of load, preparatory delay duration and target direction on the long latency stretch reflex. However, by comparing stretch reflex responses in the non‐dominant arm with those previously documented in the dominant arm, we demonstrate that goal‐directed tuning of short and long latency stretch reflexes is markedly weaker in the non‐dominant limb. The results indicate that the motor performance asymmetries across the two upper limbs are partly due to the more sophisticated control of reflexive stiffness in the dominant limb, likely facilitated by the superior goal‐directed control of muscle spindle receptors. Our findings therefore suggest that fusimotor control may play a role in determining performance of complex motor behaviours and support existing proposals that the dominant arm is better supplied than the non‐dominant arm for executing more complex tasks, such as trajectory control.
Processing stallion semen for on‐farm use and cooled transport
Authors: Kelley Dale E.
Published: September 2023

Simple dilution of semen is the oldest method to process semen for artificial insemination with either fresh or cooled semen. This was developed prior to the optimisation of centrifugation techniques for semen processing through a combination of trial and error and research. Simple dilution is a faster method to process semen, is easy to use and works in many circumstances. For on‐farm semen use a 1:1 (v/v) semen to extender ratio is used. A variety of other techniques have been developed, such as cushion centrifugation, density gradient centrifugation and sperm filtration. Cushion centrifugation is used to concentrate the sperm and allows higher centrifugation speeds than centrifugation alone. This allows for improved recovery rates of sperm. Density gradient centrifugation has been used to select for morphologically normal sperm but suffers from low recovery rates. Processing sperm with this technique can result in improved motility and improved DNA integrity of sperm. Sperm filtration is another method to concentrate sperm without the use of centrifugation; however, it has lower recovery rates compared to cushion centrifugation. This review will discuss these techniques in the application of processing equine semen for either fresh or cooled‐shipped use.
Single‐cell analysis of human dermal fibroblasts isolated from a single male donor over 35 years
Authors: Itai Eriko , Atsugi Toru , Inomata Ken , Yamashita Mika , Kaji Kazuhiko , Nanba Daisuke , Naru Eiji
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of ageing on dermal fibroblast heterogeneity based on samples obtained from the same donor. We used a dermal fibroblast lineage (named ASF‐4 cell lines) isolated from the inner side of the upper arm of a healthy male donor over a 35‐year period, beginning at 36 years of age. Because clonal analysis of ASF‐4 cell lines demonstrated a donor age‐dependent loss of proliferative capacity and acquisition of senescent traits at the single‐cell level, cultured cells frozen at passage 10 at ages 36 and 72 years were subjected to single‐cell RNA sequencing. Transcriptome analysis revealed an increase in senescent fibroblasts and downregulation of genes associated with extracellular matrix remodelling with ageing. In addition, two putative differentiation pathways, with one endpoint consisting of senescent fibroblasts and the other without, were speculated using a pseudo‐time analysis. Knockdown of the characteristic gene of the non‐senescent fibroblast cluster endpoint, EFEMP2, accelerated cellular senescence. This was also confirmed in two other normal human dermal fibroblast cell lines. The detection of a common cellular senescence‐related gene from single‐donor analysis is notable. This study provides new insights into the behaviour of dermal fibroblasts during skin ageing.
Effects of different forms of explicit instruction on L2 development: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Fei , Sun Yunmei
Published: September 2023

To determine the effects of explicit instruction (EI) and potential moderators in second/foreign language (L2) teaching, this study meta‐analyzed 28 primary reports (a total of 67 unique samples, N = 3754). The main results show that EI was significantly effective in facilitating L2 development, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large magnitudes (d = 1.07 and 0.81 for within‐and between‐group contrasts, respectively). Moderator analyses show that EI type, practice type, delivery mode, length and intensity of treatment, the type of outcome measures, as well as the reporting practices of the validity and reliability of outcome measures moderated differentially the effects of EI. The findings offer important pedagogical implications for teacher‐practitioners to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of EI.
Cooking a telework theory with causal recipes: Explaining telework success with ICT, work and family related stress
Authors: Meier Marco , Maier Christian , Thatcher Jason Bennett , Weitzel Tim
Published: September 2023

Employees want to be able to telework and organisations want to provide the ideal environment to make it a success story. While some teleworkers experience telework success, that is, are satisfied and perform well, others do not. To understand the drivers of successful and unsuccessful telework, we used a mixed methods approach, taking a stress‐theoretic and configurational perspective. In Study 1, we conducted a quantitative analysis of data collected in a survey of 375 teleworkers to identify configurations of information and communication technology (ICT), work and family related challenge and hindrance stressors that lead to high and low telework success. In Study 2, we analysed qualitative data collected in interviews with 52 teleworkers to shed light on the interplay among ICT, work and family related challenge and hindrance stressors in the configurations that lead to high and low telework success. We contribute to telework research by showing that high and low telework success results from configurations of ICT, work and family related challenge and hindrance stressors. We extend the literature by showing that teleworkers benefit from challenge stressors only when they do not experience hindrance stressors. Methodologically, we provide a blueprint for an innovative approach using deductive fsQCA to refine, extend and delimit theory.
Selenium in combination with a tomato lipid extract as a therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia and its alterations in rats with induced BPH
Authors: Arias‐Chávez David Julian , Mailloux‐Salinas Patrick , Ledesma Aparicio Jessica , Campos‐Pérez Elihu , Medina‐Campos Omar Noel , Pedraza‐Chaverri José , Bravo Guadalupe
Published: September 2023

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common adenoma in old men. Tomatoes are a rich source of bioactive compounds that, as well as selenium (Se), possess antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Se in combination with a tomato extract in aged rats with BPH. Aged male Wistar rats were divided in the following groups (n = 10 rats/group): Control (C), BPH, BPH + Finasteride (BPH + F), BPH + Tomato Lipidic Extract (BPH + E), BPH + Selenium (BPH + S) and BPH plus E plus S (BPH + E + S). After 4 weeks of treatment, prostate weight, diuresis, antioxidants enzymes, prooxidants and inflammatory markers, growth factors and androgens were determined. BPH + E + S reduced prostate weight by 59.29% and inhibited growth by 99.35% compared to BPH + F which only decreased weight and inhibited growth by 15.31% and 57.54%, respectively. Prooxidant markers were higher with BPH + F (49.4% higher vs. BPH), but BPH + E + S decreased these markers (94.27% vs. BPH) and increased antioxidant activity. Finally, diuresis was higher with the BPH + E + S combination and markers of inflammation and growth factors were significantly lower with respect to BPH + F. Our findings provide a beneficial and protective therapeutic option of E + S directed against androgens, oxidative stress and inflammation that regulates cell proliferation in the prostate gland.
Evaluation of hydrogen peroxide permeability, color change, and physical–chemical properties on the in‐office dental bleaching with different mixing tip
Authors: Favoreto Michael Willian , Parreiras Sibelli Olivieri , Wendlinger Michel , Carneiro Taynara De Souza , Lenhani Mariah Ignez , Borges Christiane Phillipini Ferreira , Reis Alessandra , Loguercio Alessandro D.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aims to assess hydrogen peroxide (HP) penetration into the pulp chamber, color change (CC), physical–chemical properties, and material wastage (MW) and material used (MU) in mixing tips when using in‐office bleaching gels with two different mixing tips.

Materials and Methods

Forty teeth were divided into five groups (n = 8) based on the bleaching gels used (Pola Office +37.5% [PO+] and Whiteness HP Automixx Plus 35% [AM+]) and the mixing tip types (T‐Mixer and Helical). A negative control group was treated with ultra‐purified water. HP concentration was measured using UV–Vis, and CC was evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer. Initial concentration, pH, and viscosity were measured through Titration, a Digital pH meter, and Rheometer, respectively. MW and MU were measured using a precise analytical balance. Statistical analysis included two‐way ANOVA, Tukey's, and Dunnett's test (α = 0.05).

Results

A higher HP concentration was observed with PO+ with the Helical mixing tip in comparison with AM+ (p = 0.01). No significant differences in CC or MU were found for different mixing tips (p = 0.001). The T‐mixer mixing tip resulted in significantly less MW (p < 0.00001) and improved mixture homogeneity and viscosity.

Conclusions

Utilizing a T‐mixer with self‐mixing bleaching gels achieves comparable CC while reducing MW. Moreover, it decreases HP penetration when using PO+.

Clinical Significance

For the application of a self‐mixing in‐office bleaching gel, a T‐mixer mixing tip should be recommended, as it reduces the penetration of hydrogen peroxide into the pulp chamber when using PO+, while also minimizing gel wastage.
A multi‐population approach supports common patterns in marine growth and maturation decision in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) from southern Europe
Authors: Tréhin Cécile , Rivot Etienne , Santanbien Valentin , Patin Rémi , Gregory Stephen D. , Lamireau Ludivine , Marchand Frédéric , Beaumont William R. C. , Scott Luke J. , Hillman Robert , Besnard Anne‐Laure , Boisson Pierre‐Yves , Meslier Lisa , King Andrew R. , Stevens Jamie R. , Nevoux Marie
Published: September 2023

This study provides a regional picture of long‐term changes in Atlantic salmon growth at the southern edge of their distribution, using a multi‐population approach spanning 49 years and five populations. We provide empirical evidence of salmon life history being influenced by a combination of common signals in the marine environment and population‐specific signals. We identified an abrupt decline in growth from 1976 and a more recent decline after 2005. As these declines have also been recorded in northern European populations, our study significantly expands a pattern of declining marine growth to include southern European populations, thereby revealing a large‐scale synchrony in marine growth patterns for almost five decades. Growth increments during their sea sojourn were characterized by distinct temporal dynamics. At a coarse temporal resolution, growth during the first winter at sea seemed to gradually improve over the study period. However, the analysis of finer seasonal growth patterns revealed ecological bottlenecks of salmon life histories at sea in time and space. Our study reinforces existing evidence of an impact of early marine growth on maturation decision, with small‐sized individuals at the end of the first summer at sea being more likely to delay maturation. However, each population was characterized by a specific probabilistic maturation reaction norm, and a local component of growth at sea in which some populations have better growth in some years might further amplify differences in maturation rate. Differences between populations were smaller than those between sexes, suggesting that the sex‐specific growth threshold for maturation is a well‐conserved evolutionary phenomenon in salmon. Finally, our results illustrate that although most of the gain in length occurs during the first summer at sea, the temporal variability in body length at return is buffered against the decrease in post‐smolt growth conditions. The intricate combination of growth over successive seasons, and its interplay with the maturation decision, could be regulating body length by maintaining diversity in early growth trajectories, life histories, and the composition of salmon populations.
Characterization and storage stability of microencapsulated black jamun (Syzygium cumini) pulp extract via freeze drying
Authors: Sharma Maanas , Dash Kshirod Kumar , Badwaik Laxmikant S. , Bhagya Raj G. V. S.
Published: September 2023

In the present investigation, the black jamun extract was used to prepare microcapsules by freeze‐drying method with three different wall materials: maltodextrin, guar gum, and xanthan gum. The formed microcapsules were analyzed for different physicochemical properties. Moisture content and water activity were less than 6.50 g water/ 100 g and 0.38, respectively, indicating that the microbial activity can be restricted. The formed microcapsules were purple in color suggested by the positive values of color parameter “a”. The hygroscopicity, solubility, and degree of caking for the microcapsules were found to be in the range of 11.14–15.77 g/100 g, 70.12%–76.36%, and 22.31%–30.22%, respectively. The glass transition temperature was in the range of 88–135°C for the formed microcapsules. The encapsulation efficiency, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity were higher for the maltodextrin‐based microcapsule that was found to be 71.88%, 6.01 C‐3‐G mg/g and 94.16% DPPH radical scavenging activity, respectively.

Practical application

Black jamun (Syzygium cumini) is a rich source of anthocyanin which is unstable due to light, oxygen and temperature. Moreover the fruit also contain health beneficial substances that are unstable at normal conditions. Therefore, the encapsulation method can improve the stability of the compounds and improve the release of active component in the microcapsule in food. Microencapsulation provide barrier to temperature, light and pH. In food industry microcapsules containing agricultural produce extract can be used for the fortification of food products in enhancing the nutritive value of the product while processing.
Fix my food: An urgent call to action from adolescents on how they experience and want to see change in their food systems
Authors: Fleming Catharine A. K. , Sharma Deepika , Brunacci Kaitlyn , Chandra Shiva , Lala Girish , Munn Luke , Third Amanda
Published: September 2023

Background

Global food systems are failing adolescents. Poor diet quality driving malnutrition among adolescents around the world and the quality of foods eaten by adolescents not only determines their health and development, but also is the foundation of thriving communities. The present study aimed to engage adolescents across low‐income, middle‐income and high‐income countries to determine their lived experience of food, food systems and the challenges they face within their food systems.

Methods

The study used the Distributed Data Generation method pioneered by the Young and Resilient Research Centre, at Western Sydney University, to conduct workshops with adolescents aged 10–19 years across the globe in collaboration with UNICEF. Participatory workshops were designed to capture qualitative data on adolescents lived experiences and perspectives of their food systems, food sustainability and food security, and how improvements can be made. Thematic analysis was undertaken to analyse qualitative data. Descriptive statistics were generated for demographic data captured.

Results

Six hundred and forty adolescents across 18 countries participated. Three key themes emerged, which included experiences of food, challenges to food systems and strengthening food systems. Adolescents saw potential in empowering communities to create change and contribute to food system transformation. Adolescents called for inclusion in decision‐making from local food practice to large global policy development.

Conclusions

The study results demonstrated how adolescents experience their food systems and want to see sustainable change, although they also want to be a part of the change. Adolescents described that there needs to be an active choice to work with them, listen to their lived experience and across all levels of society strengthen food systems. To achieve this, adolescents need to be involved in decision‐making around their food systems for a sustainable future.
Experiences and care needs of post‐discharge patients who underwent cardiac surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Makino Akiko , Nakata Satoshi , Yoshida Toshiko
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study clarifies the physical, psychological, and social forms of distress in, and care needs of, cardiac surgery patients, including optimal times for supporting them in their post‐hospital discharge daily lives.

Methods

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Participants included 12 adults (11 male and one female, mean age = 66.5 years) who had undergone cardiac surgery, experienced intensive care, and received outpatient care at the first post‐discharge visit (around 2 ~ 3 weeks after discharge), around 3 months after discharge, and between 3 months and 1 year after discharge. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed based on similarities and differences for codes based on assessment items, and subcategories and categories were generated.

Results

After surgery, patients experienced physical, psychological, and social distress. First, they experienced physical pain shortly after discharge. Moreover, as they recovered at home, a gap between their sense of their recovery and the perceptions of those around them about their recovery often persisted, which led to psychological and social distress. Patients gained a sense of safety through “assurance of physical recovery” and security through “shared subjective distress.”

Conclusions

Post‐cardiac surgery patients seek reassurance and safety by sharing experiences owing to daily life distress. Our findings could help provide better support to meet the care needs of such patients.
Media Treatment of Monetary Policy Surprises and Their Impact on Firms' and Consumers' Expectations
Authors: PINTER JULIEN , KOČENDA EVŽEN
Published: September 2023

We investigate whether monetary policy announcements affect firms' and consumers' expectations by considering their media treatment. We initially use standard monetary policy surprise measures and analyze how the main general newspapers in France report on the announcements. Eighty‐five percent of the monetary policy surprises are either not associated with the newspapers reporting a change in the monetary policy stance or have a sign inconsistent with the media report. Only when we consider media‐consistent monetary policy surprises do we find that consumers and firms respond to monetary policy announcements. The economic tonality of the media reports drives the sign of consumers' response.
Brain hypometabolism in non‐demented microtubule‐associated protein tau H1 carriers with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gasca‐Salas Carmen , Trompeta Clara , López‐Aguirre Miguel , Rodríguez Rojas Rafael , Clarimon Jordi , Dols‐Icardo Oriol , El Bounasri Shaimaa , Guida Pasqualina , Mata‐Marín David , Hernández‐Fernández Frida , Marras Connie , García‐Cañamaque Lina , Plaza de las Heras Isabel , Obeso Ignacio , Vela Lydia , Fernández‐Rodríguez Beatriz
Published: September 2023

Background and Purpose

The microtubule‐associated protein tau (MAPT) H1 homozygosity (H1/H1 haplotype) is a genetic risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). MAPT H1 homozygosity has been associated with conversion to PD; however, results are conflicting since some studies did not find a strong influence. Cortical hypometabolism is associated with cognitive impairment in PD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic pattern in nondemented PD patients MAPT H1/H1 carriers in comparison with MAPT H1/H2 haplotype. In addition, we evaluated domain‐specific cognitive differences according to MAPT haplotype.

Methods

We compared a group of 26 H1/H1 and 20 H1/H2 carriers with late‐onset PD. Participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological cognitive evaluation and a [18F]‐Fluorodeoxyglucose PET‐MR scan.

Results

MAPT H1/H1 carriers showed worse performance in the digit span forward test of attention compared to MAPT H1/H2 carriers. In the [18F]‐Fluorodeoxyglucose PET comparisons, MAPT H1/H1 displayed hypometabolism in the frontal cortex, parahippocampal, and cingulate gyrus, as well as in the caudate and globus pallidus.

Conclusion

PD patients MAPT H1/H1 carriers without dementia exhibit relative hypometabolism in several cortical areas as well as in the basal ganglia, and worse performance in attention than MAPT H1/H2 carriers. Longitudinal studies should assess if lower scores in attention and dysfunction in these areas are predictors of dementia in MAPT H1/H1 homozygotes.
Local injection of abaloparatide promotes mandibular condyle lengthening in adolescent rats via enhancing chondrogenesis and ossification
Authors: Xu Lin , Li Yuan , Mei Li , Qi Hexu , Fang Jie , Li Yu
Published: September 2023

Background

Mandibular condylar hypoplasia negatively affects patient's facial appearance and dentofacial function.

Objective

To investigate the effect of local injection of the drug abaloparatide (ABL), an analogue of parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), on promoting lengthening of the mandibular condyle.

Methods

Thirty adolescent male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, which received the injection of ABL or normal saline (the control) every 3 days in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) cavity. Cone‐beam computed tomography and immunohistochemistry assays were performed at 2, 4 and 6 weeks since the injection. Mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCC) and pre‐osteoblasts were treated with ABL or PBS, followed by the CCK‐8 detection, IC50, real‐time PCR assay, Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

In vivo, compared with the control, the ABL group significantly increased the mandibular condylar process length (by 1.34 ± 0.59 mm at 6 weeks), the thickness of the cartilage layer, and enhanced the matrix synthesis. The ABL group had significant up‐regulation of SOX 9, COL II, PTHrP and PTH1R, down‐regulation of COL X in the cartilage, up‐regulation of RUNX 2, and unchanged osteoclastogenesis in the subchondral bone. In vitro, the intra‐TMJ injection of ABL promoted the MCC proliferation, with up‐regulated expression of chondrogenic genes, and enhanced osteogenic differentiation of the pre‐osteoblasts.

Conclusions

Intra‐TMJ injection of abaloparatide promotes mandibular condyle lengthening in the adolescent rats via enhancing chondrogenesis in the mandibular condylar cartilage and ossification in the subchondral bone.
Correlation of clinical and radiographic variables in cats with lower airway disease
Authors: Gareis Hannah , Hörner‐Schmid Lina , Zablotski Yury , Palić Jelena , Hecht Silke , Schulz Bianka
Published: September 2023

Background

Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is frequently associated with radiographic abnormalities.

Objectives

To evaluate whether radiographic changes in cats with naturally occurring FLAD improve with treatment and if radiographic changes correlate with clinical signs.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned cats newly diagnosed with FLAD, based on medical history, typical clinical signs, radiographic findings, and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, were included in the prospective study.

Methods

At 2 examination time points (days 0 and 60), an owner questionnaire, clinical examination, and thoracic radiography were carried out. Information from the questionnaire and clinical examination were evaluated on the basis of a 12‐point clinical score. Radiographs were assessed using a 10‐point radiographic score. Individual treatment was given to all cats over the study period, based on severity of the disease and compliance of the cat. Clinical and radiographic scores were compared statistically for both examination time points and evaluated for correlation.

Results

All cats showed radiographic abnormalities at initial presentation. In addition to significant improvement in clinical variables, the total radiographic score improved significantly (P = .01) during the study period, with significant improvement in the severity of bronchial (P = .01) and interstitial lung pattern (P = .04). Improvement of the clinical and radiographic score was not correlated.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

In addition to clinical signs, repeated radiographic examination can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate treatment response in cats with FLAD.
Growth and opportunities for drone surveillance in pinniped research
Authors: Larsen Gregory D. , Johnston David W.
Published: September 2023

Pinniped species undergo uniquely amphibious life histories that make them valuable subjects for many domains of research. Pinniped research has often progressed hand‐in‐hand with technological frontiers of wildlife biology, and drones represent a leap forward for methods of aerial remote sensing, enabling data collection, and integration at new scales of biological importance. Drone methods and data types provide four key opportunities for wildlife surveillance that are already advancing pinniped research and management: 1) repeat and on‐demand surveillance, 2) high‐resolution coverage at large extents, 3) morphometric photogrammetry, and 4) computer vision and deep learning applications. Drone methods for pinniped research represent early stages of technological adoption and can reshape the field as they scale towards the full potential of their techniques.
The Behavioral and Neurobiological Relationships between Executive Function and Reading: A Review of Current and Preliminary Findings
Authors: Burgess Andrea N. , Cutting Laurie E.
Published: September 2023

Despite decades of prior research, the mechanisms of skilled reading development remain elusive. Numerous studies have identified word recognition and oral language ability as key components to explain later reading comprehension performance. However, these components alone do not fully explain differences in reading achievement. There is ongoing work exploring other cognitive processes important for reading, such as the set of skills encompassed in the domain‐general concept of executive function (EF). Here, we summarize our work on the behavioral and neurobiological connections between EF and reading and present preliminary neuroimaging findings from ongoing work. Together, these studies suggest (1) that EF plays a supportive and perhaps indirect role in reading achievement and (2) that EF‐related brain regions interface with the reading and language networks. While further work is needed to dissect the specifics of how EF interacts with reading, these studies begin to reveal the complex role that EF plays in reading development.
Home Enrichment Is Associated with Visual Working Memory Function in Preschoolers
Authors: Davidson Christina , Caes Line , Shing Yee Lee , McKay Courtney , Rafetseder Eva , Wijeakumar Sobanawartiny
Published: September 2023

Home enrichment plays an important role in shaping children's development. In the current study, we inquired whether home enrichment was associated with pre‐schoolers' visual working memory (VWM) function, a critical cognitive system necessary for maintaining information for short periods of time. Home enrichment was assessed using an adapted version of the Home Observation Measurement of the Environment Interview. VWM behavior and brain function were collected as children engaged with a color change detection task. Home enrichment was associated with right‐lateralized fronto‐parietal engagement. Specifically, greater home enrichment was linked to increased activation in the right angular gyrus, important for working memory maintenance, and suppression in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), important for re‐orienting attention to distracting events. Critically, home enrichment‐related rIFG suppression was linked to better VWM performance. This work sheds light on potential mechanism(s) through which enrichment in homes might be involved with cognitive function during the preschool years.
Plumbing the depths with environmental DNA (eDNA): Metabarcoding reveals biodiversity zonation at 45–60 m on mesophotic coral reefs
Authors: Hoban Mykle L. , Bunce Michael , Bowen Brian W.
Published: September 2023

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are tropical reefs found at depths of ~30–150 m, below the region most heavily impacted by heat stress and other disturbances. Hence, MCEs may serve as potential refugia for threatened shallow reefs, but they also harbour depth‐endemic fauna distinct from shallow reefs. Previous studies have characterized biodiversity patterns along depth gradients, but focussed primarily on conspicuous taxa (fishes, corals, etc.). Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a more holistic approach to assess biodiversity patterns across the tree of life. Here, we use three metabarcoding assays targeting fishes (16S rRNA), eukaryotes (18S rDNA) and metazoans (COI) to assess biodiversity change from the surface to ~90 m depth across 15‐m intervals at three sites within the Hawaiian Archipelago. We observed significant community differences between most depth zones, with distinct zonation centred at 45–60 m for eukaryotes and metazoans, but not for fishes. This finding may be attributable to the higher mobility of reef fishes, although methodological limitations are likely a contributing factor. The possibility for MCEs to serve as refugia is not excluded for fishes, but invertebrate communities >45 m are distinct, indicating limited connectivity for the majority of reef fauna. This study provides a new approach for surveying biodiversity on MCEs, revealing patterns in a much broader context than the limited‐taxon studies that comprise the bulk of our present knowledge.
End‐to‐end generation of structural topology for complex architectural layouts with graph neural networks
Authors: Zhang Chong , Tao Mu‐Xuan , Wang Chen , Fan Jian‐Sheng
Published: September 2023

Current automated structural topology design methods can only deal with limited design spaces or simplified architectural layouts for lack of data or a proper representation of structure topology. To address this, the abundant information of manually designed architectural and structural layouts should be exploited to guide the topology design. To achieve automatic generation of structural topologies according to real‐world architectural layouts, this research introduces StrucTopo‐generative adversarial network (GAN), an end‐to‐end generative model with node and edge generation stages based on proper graph representation. Nodes are generated using an image‐to‐image translation model, and edges are generated with a GAN‐based approach. The model is trained and tested on a dataset of 300 complex architectural and structural layouts. Measured against the manually designed topologies, the results indicate that the proposed model can generate reasonable structural topologies, with a recall of 97% and an intersection‐over‐union of 80% in node generation, with a precision of 92% and a recall of 91% in edge generation. Additionally, the joint generation shows a graph similarity of 72%. The proposed model is the first of its kind to consider complex architectural layout constraints in the generation of structural topology, marking a step forward in applying artificial intelligence to practical structural design.
Pelagianism Redivivus: The Free Will Theodicy for Hell, Divine Transcendence, and the End of Classical Theism
Authors: De La Noval Roberto J.
Published: September 2023

This article argues against the “free will theodicy” for hell. It demonstrates how St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas considered this theodicy to be Pelagian and opposed to divine transcendence. It is shown that by claiming that God cannot cause the conversion of sinners without violating their freedom, the free will theodicy denies divine omnipotence, empties divine predestination of meaning, undermines the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo, and implicitly abandons key tenets of classical theism.
Pleuroperitoneal communication in a patient on automated peritoneal dialysis: A rare but important complication
Authors: Motta Guimarães Maria Gabriela , Tapioca Fernanda Pinheiro Martin , Peixoto Leonardo Matos , Teixeira Sheila Nunes Freitas , Passos Luiz Carlos Santana
Published: September 2023

Despite its rare frequency, a pleuroperitoneal communication is a well‐documented complication for patients on peritoneal dialysis. It occurs in ~2% of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, with uncertain incidence for those on automated peritoneal dialysis. We report a case of a 30‐year‐old female patient with end‐stage kidney disease with sudden dyspnea 2 days after starting automated peritoneal dialysis. Her chest x‐ray revealed a significant pleural effusion on the right side. A thoracocentesis was performed, with a pleural glucose/plasma glucose of 1.08. Additionally, a computed tomography scan revealed a pleuroperitoneal communication upon dialysate infusion added with media contrast. A pleural‐to‐serum glucose gradient of greater than 50 mg/dL may indicate the diagnosis of a pleuroperitoneal communication in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Current literature also indicates that a pleural‐to‐serum glucose ratio above 1.0 may provide a more sensitive analysis. This case highlights the diagnosis process for this complication, with both laboratory and image findings corroborating the clinical hypotheses of a pleuroperitoneal communication in a patient on automated peritoneal dialysis.
Dissimilarity analysis based on diffusion maps
Authors: Gault Jordan A. , Freund Jan A. , Hillebrand Helmut , Gross Thilo
Published: September 2023

Compositional measurements from species assemblages define a high dimensional dataspace in which the data can form complex structures, termed manifolds. Comparing assemblages in this dataspace is difficult because the data is often sparse relative to its dimensionality and the complex structure of the manifold introduces bias and error in measurements of distance. Here, we apply diffusion maps, a manifold learning method, to find and characterize manifolds in high‐dimensional compositional data. We show that diffusion maps embed the data in reduced dimensions in which the Euclidean distance between data points approximates the distance between them along the manifold. This is especially useful when species turnover is high, as it provides a way to measure meaningful distances between assemblages even when they harbor disjoint sets of species. We anticipate diffusion maps will therefore be particularly useful for characterizing community change over large spatial and temporal scales.
Can children measure their own vision? A comparison of three new contrast sensitivity tests
Authors: Crossland Michael D. , Dekker Tessa M. , Dahlmann‐Noor Annegret , Jones Pete R.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of children measuring their own contrast sensitivity using a range of tablet‐ and paper‐based tests.

Methods

Forty children aged 5–15 years with amblyopia (N = 10), bilateral vision impairment (N = 10) or good vision (N = 20) measured their own vision on a screen‐based optotype test (Manifold), a gamified vision test (PopCSF) and a paper‐based test (Spotchecks) in a laboratory with minimal supervision. Completion rate, test–retest repeatability, test duration and participants' preferences were recorded for each test.

Results

Most participants (36/40) were able to perform all three tests. All tests were correlated with clinically measured visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (p < 0.001). The 95% coefficient of repeatability was 0.30 dB for Manifold, 0.29 dB for PopCSF and 0.13 dB for Spotchecks. All tests differentiated between children with reduced contrast sensitivity and control participants. PopCSF and Spotchecks were also able to differentiate between children with amblyopia and those with good vision. Median test time was 152, 130 and 202 s for Manifold, PopCSF and Spotchecks, respectively. Twenty‐two participants preferred the PopCSF test, 10 preferred Spotchecks and 6 preferred Manifold. Thirty‐nine out of the 40 children (98%) said they would measure their own vision at home using at least one of these tests every month.

Conclusions

Children and young people can test their own contrast sensitivity with repeatable results. Of these three tests, the most repeatable was Spotchecks, the quickest was PopCSF and participants' favourite was PopCSF. Nearly all of the participants said they would be willing to use at least one of the three tests at home.