bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consciousness as an intelligent complex adaptive system: A neuroanthropological perspective
Authors: Laughlin Charles D.
Published: August 2023

In complexity theory, both the brain and consciousness are understood as trophic systems—they consume metabolic energy when they function. Complex systems are dynamic and nonlinear and comprise diverse entities that are interdependent and interconnected in such a way that information is shared and that entities adapt to one another. Some natural complex systems are complex adaptive systems (CAS), which are sensitive to change in relation to their environments and are often chaotic. Consciousness and the neural systems mediating consciousness may be modeled as CAS and, more specifically, as intelligent complex adaptive systems (ICAS), where intelligence means that a nervous system can solve problems successfully by intervening between sensory input and behavioral output. Evolution of any ICAS will result in emergent properties, particularly advanced brains. Two processes are involved in integrating experience and knowledge: the effort after meaning and the effort after truth. These efforts are mediated by the predominance given to direct experience presented to the brain's sensorium and modeling processes mediated by higher cognitive functions. Understanding consciousness as an ICAS has profound repercussions in how anthropology conceives of culture.
Sex‐related differences in motor unit behavior are influenced by myosin heavy chain during high‐ but not moderate‐intensity contractions
Authors: Olmos Alex A. , Sterczala Adam J. , Parra Mandy E. , Dimmick Hannah L. , Miller Jonathan D. , Deckert Jake A. , Sontag Stephanie A. , Gallagher Philip M. , Fry Andrew C. , Herda Trent J. , Trevino Michael A.
Published: August 2023

Aims

Motor unit recruitment and firing rate patterns of the vastus lateralis (VL) have not been compared between sexes during moderate‐ and high‐intensity contraction intensities. Additionally, the influence of fiber composition on potential sex‐related differences remains unquantified.

Methods

Eleven males and 11 females performed 40% and 70% maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Surface electromyographic (EMG) signals recorded from the VL were decomposed. Recruitment thresholds (RTs), MU action potential amplitudes (MUAPAMP), initial firing rates (IFRs), mean firing rates (MFRs), and normalized EMG amplitude (N‐EMGRMS) at steady torque were analyzed. Y‐intercepts and slopes were calculated for MUAPAMP, IFR, and MFR versus RT relationships. Type I myosin heavy chain isoform (MHC) was determined with muscle biopsies.

Results

There were no sex‐related differences in MU characteristics at 40% MVC. At 70% MVC, males exhibited greater slopes (p = 0.002) for the MUAPAMP, whereas females displayed greater slopes (p = 0.001–0.007) for the IFR and MFR versus RT relationships. N‐EMGRMS at 70% MVC was greater for females (p < 0.001). Type I %MHC was greater for females (p = 0.006), and was correlated (p = 0.018–0.031) with the slopes for the MUAPAMP, IFR, and MFR versus RT relationships at 70% MVC (r = −0.599–0.585).

Conclusion

Both sexes exhibited an inverse relationship between MU firing rates and recruitment thresholds. However, the sex‐related differences in MU recruitment and firing rate patterns and N‐EMGRMS at 70% MVC were likely due to greater type I% MHC and smaller twitch forces of the higher threshold MUs for the females. Evidence is provided that muscle fiber composition may explain divergent MU behavior between sexes.
New detrital petrographic and thermochronologic constraints on the Late Cretaceous–Neogene erosional history of the equatorial margin of Brazil: Implications for the surface evolution of a complex rift margin
Authors: Fellin Maria Giuditta , Zattin Massimiliano , Zuffa Gian Gaspare , De Ros L. Fernando , Cupertino José A. , De Souza Rogério Schiffer , Neto J. Marinho Morais , Dalmonte Claudio
Published: August 2023

The equatorial margin of Brazil is an example of a rift margin with a complex landscape, dominated by an escarpment perpendicular to the continental margin, which testifies to an equally complex rift and post‐rift surface and tectonic evolution. This has been the focus of a long debate on the driving mechanism for post‐rift tectonics and on the amount of exhumation. This study contributes to this debate with new petrographic and thermochronologic data on 152 samples from three basins, Pará‐Maranhão, Barreirinhas and Ceará, on the offshore continental platform. Our detrital record goes back to the rift time at ca. 100 Ma ago and outlines three major evolutionary phases of a changing landscape: a rift phase, with the erosion of a moderate rift escarpment, a Late Cretaceous‐Palaeogene post‐rift phase of major drainage reorganization and significant vertical erosion and a Late Oligocene‐to‐Recent post‐rift phase of moderate vertical erosion and river headwater migration. We estimate that along the equatorial margin of Brazil, over a large onshore area, exhumation since the Late Cretaceous has totalled locally up to 2–2.5 km and since the late Oligocene did not exceed 1 km.
eIF4E as a molecular wildcard in metazoans RNA metabolism
Authors: Hernández Greco , Vazquez‐Pianzola Paula
Published: August 2023

The evolutionary origin of eukaryotes spurred the transition from prokaryotic‐like translation to a more sophisticated, eukaryotic translation. During this process, successive gene duplication of a single, primordial eIF4E gene encoding the mRNA cap‐binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) gave rise to a plethora of paralog genes across eukaryotes that underwent further functional diversification in RNA metabolism. The ability to take different roles is due to eIF4E promiscuity in binding many partner proteins, rendering eIF4E a highly versatile and multifunctional player that functions as a molecular wildcard. Thus, in metazoans, eIF4E paralogs are involved in various processes, including messenger RNA (mRNA) processing, export, translation, storage, and decay. Moreover, some paralogs display differential expression in tissues and developmental stages and show variable biochemical properties. In this review, we discuss recent advances shedding light on the functional diversification of eIF4E in metazoans. We emphasise humans and two phylogenetically distant species which have become paradigms for studies on development, namely the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans.
Therapeutic voyage of synthetic and natural xanthine oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Agrawal Neetu , Arya Medha , Kushwah Priya
Published: August 2023

Xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors are commonly used to treat gout, nephropathy, and renal stone diseases related to hyperuricemia. However, recent research has shown that these inhibitors may also have potential benefits in preventing vascular diseases, including those affecting the cerebrovasculature. This is due to emerging evidence suggesting that serum uric acid is involved in the growth of cardiovascular disease, and XO inhibition can reduce oxidative stress in the vasculature. There is a great interest in the development of new XO inhibitors for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. The present review discusses the many synthetic and natural XO inhibitors that have been developed which are found to have greater potency.
MiR‐4524b‐5p‐targeting ALDH1A3 attenuates the proliferation and radioresistance of glioblastoma via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling
Authors: Yu Hai , Li Xiaodong , Li Yi , Wang Tuo , Wang Maode , Mao Ping
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence has revealed a strong connection between the aldehyde dehydrogenase family member ALDH1A3 and tumorigenesis, therapy resistance, and prognosis in diverse types of cancer. However, the specific miRNA involved in the pathways that regulate ALDH1A3‐mediated glioblastoma (GBM) radioresistance remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated a high expression of ALDH1A3 in GBM cells, which plays a critical role in their proliferation and radioresistance. We also identified miR‐4524b‐5p, which is downregulated in GBM, as the ALDH1A3 upstream regulator. Overexpression of miR‐4524b‐5p reduced proliferation and radioresistance in GBM cells. Moreover, silencing ALDH1A3 reduced PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and glycolytic activity in GBM cells, whereas inhibiting mTOR reversed the radioresistance effects of ALDH1A3 on these cells. In vivo experiments have evidenced that ALDH1A3 silencing and miR‐4524b‐5p overexpression significantly reduced tumor growth and GBM cells radioresistance. In summary, targeting the miR‐4524b‐5p and ALDH1A3 axis is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating GBM.
Wildlife mortality risk posed by high and low traffic roads
Authors: Denneboom Dror , Bar‐Massada Avi , Shwartz Assaf
Published: August 2023

Wildlife mortality due to collisions with vehicles (roadkill) is one of the predominant negative effects exerted by roads on many wildlife species. Reducing roadkill is therefore a major component of wildlife conservation. Roadkill is affected by various factors, including road attributes and traffic volume. It is theorized that the effect of traffic volume on roadkill probability should be unimodal. However, empirical evidence for this theory is lacking. Using a large‐scale roadkill database of 18 wildlife species in Israel, encompassing 2846 km of roads over 10 years, we explored the effects of traffic volume and road attributes (e.g., road lighting, verge vegetation) on roadkill probability with a multivariate generalized linear mixed model. A unimodal effect of traffic volume was identified for the striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), whereas 5 species demonstrated a novel quadratic U‐shaped effect (e.g., golden jackal [Canis aureus]). Four species showed a negative linear effect (e.g., wild boar [Sus scrofa]). We also identified varying effects of road attributes on roadkill. For instance, road lighting and roadside trees decreased roadkill for several species, whereas bus stops and concrete guardrails led to increased roadkill. The theorized unimodal effect of traffic volume may only apply to large, agile species, and the U‐shaped effect could be related to intraspecies variability in traffic avoidance behavior. In general, we found that both high‐traffic and low‐traffic roads can pose a high mortality risk for wildlife. It is therefore important to monitor roadkill on low‐traffic roads and adapt road attributes to mitigate roadkill. Road design for effective roadkill mitigation includes reducing the use of concrete guardrails and median barriers where possible and avoiding dense bushes in verge landscaping. These measures are complemented by employing wildlife detection systems, driver warnings, and seasonal speed reduction measures on low‐traffic roads identified as roadkill hotspots.
No place like home: Do local CEOs invest in labor more efficiently?
Authors: Tong Yan , Tian Yuan , Cao Zhangfan
Published: August 2023

Research question/issue

This study investigates whether local CEOs make more efficient investment decisions in labor.

Research findings/insights

We find that firms hiring local CEOs are associated with lower deviations of labor investment from the level justified by economic fundamentals, that is, higher labor investment efficiency. More importantly, we explore the role of information advantage, corporate governance, and CEO cultural background in shaping the relationship. We find the effect of CEO locality is more pronounced when firms have higher levels of local business integration, poorer corporate governance, and higher agency costs. Moreover, the impact of CEO locality is stronger when CEOs' hometowns have stronger unselfishness culture, patriotism culture, and Confucian culture. Our results are robust to a battery of endogeneity tests and robustness checks.

Theoretical/academic implications

Our study reveals that CEO locality, as one of the idiosyncratic top executive styles, can hinder managers from myopic behavior by investing more efficiently in labor, as a key factor of production and a major internal stakeholder, for a firm's success.

Practitioner/policy implications

Given human capital is considered the primary source of firms' competitive advantage, our study provides useful insights and managerial implications for firms to consider the impact of the idiosyncratic top executive styles as one of the noncontractual factors on firms' employment decisions.
Investigation of bovine serum albumin‐specific IgE expression in horses
Authors: Perry Elizabeth R. , Delph Miller Katherine M. , Blevins Christopher A. , Knights Kaori , Springer Nora L. , Davis Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Neonatal foals are born essentially agammaglobulinaemic and therefore must ingest colostrum or receive immunoglobulins to maintain health. Failure of passive transfer treatment involves administration of equine colostrum, plasma or commercial powdered colostrum (CPC). Anecdotal reports suggest the risk of anaphylaxis associated with plasma transfusion in neonates receiving CPC prior to gut closure. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) in CPC may serve as a target for BSA‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in donor equine plasma.

Objectives

To determine the presence of BSA‐specific IgE in samples of commercial equine plasma, samples were collected following routine vaccination in healthy horses and horses experiencing adverse vaccine reactions.

Study design

Prospective observational.

Methods

Serum was collected from: 65 healthy horses at days 0, 14, 28, 90, 180, 270 and 365 post‐vaccination; 26 horses after vaccine reaction at days 1, 180 or 270 post‐vaccination; 4 horses not vaccinated; and 9 horses from a commercial plasma donor herd. BSA‐specific IgE was determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Bovine serum albumin‐specific IgE was not detected in non‐vaccinated horses and was identified in all vaccinated horses. Younger horses demonstrated a trend for higher fold changes in post‐vaccination BSA‐specific IgE expression compared to older horses. No significant difference in BSA‐specific IgE levels between commercial plasma donors and healthy horses was identified. No significant difference in post‐vaccination BSA‐specific IgE levels between the reactor and healthy horses at days 180 and 270 post‐vaccination were identified.

Main limitations

Small number of reactor horses at day 180 and 270 post‐vaccination with most samples being collected 24 h. There were no healthy horse samples for 24 h post‐vaccination; therefore, it was not possible to compare the groups at this timepoint.

Conclusions

Horses may express BSA‐specific IgE following vaccination. There may be a risk of hypersensitivity type reaction when veterinarians administer commercial plasma to neonatal foals consuming CPC prior to gut closure.
Cardiomyocyte external mechanical unloading activates modifications of α‐actinin differently from sarcomere‐originated unloading
Authors: Solís Christopher , Warren Chad M. , Dittloff Kyle , DiNello Elisabeth , Solaro R. John , Russell Brenda
Published: August 2023

Loss of myocardial mass in a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte culture is studied to determine whether there is a distinguishable cellular response based on the origin of mechano‐signals. The approach herein compares the sarcomeric assembly and disassembly processes in heart cells by imposing mechano‐signals at the interface with the extracellular matrix (extrinsic) and at the level of the myofilaments (intrinsic). Experiments compared the effects of imposed internal (inside/out) and external (outside/in) loading and unloading on modifications in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Unloading of the cellular substrate by myosin inhibition (1 μm mavacamten), or cessation of cyclic strain (1 Hz, 10% strain) after preconditioning, led to significant disassembly of sarcomeric α‐actinin by 6 h. In myosin inhibition, this was accompanied by redistribution of intracellular poly‐ubiquitin K48 to the cellular periphery relative to the poly‐ubiquitin K48 reservoir at the I‐band. Moreover, loading and unloading of the cellular substrate led to a three‐fold increase in post‐translational modifications (PTMs) when compared to the myosin‐specific activation or inhibition. Specifically, phosphorylation increased with loading while ubiquitination increased with unloading, which may involve extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and focal adhesion kinase activation. The identified PTMs, including ubiquitination, acetylation, and phosphorylation, are proposed to modify internal domains in α‐actinin to increase its propensity to bind F‐actin. These results demonstrate a link between mechanical feedback and sarcomere protein homeostasis via PTMs of α‐actinin that exemplify how cardiomyocytes exhibit differential responses to the origin of force. The implications of sarcomere regulation governed by PTMs of α‐actinin are discussed with respect to cardiac atrophy and heart failure.
Neutrophil extracellular traps boost laser‐induced mouse choroidal neovascularization through the activation of the choroidal endothelial cell TLR4/HIF‐1α pathway
Authors: Zeng Jia , Wang Ying , Zhu Manhui , Wu Min , Zhou Yamei , Wang Qiaoyun , Xu Yiqian , Lin Fei , Wang Jiaqi , Li Yuxuan , Liang Shuang , Wang Ziyu , Xie Laiqing , Liu Xiaojuan
Published: August 2023

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is characterized by the infiltration of immune cells, particularly neutrophils. Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) facilitates the angiogenesis of pulmonary endothelial cells via activating Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). TLR4 promotes the expression of transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), which promotes inflammation and angiogenesis via the up‐regulation of metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). In the present study, we aimed to identify the formation of NET and its role in CNV. Our results showed that NET levels were increased in a mouse laser‐induced CNV model via oxidative stress, whereas the inhibition of NET alleviated CNV. In vitro, NET activated the TLR4/HIF‐1α pathway in human choroidal endothelial cells (HCECs). Additionally, NET increased the transcription and expression of MMP‐9 and IL‐1β in HCECs via activating the TLR4/HIF‐1α pathway. Meanwhile, NET promoted the inflammatory response accompanied by the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HCECs in a MMP‐9‐ and IL‐1β‐dependent manner. In conclusion, NET was up‐regulated in CNV and promoted the formation of CNV via activating the TLR4/HIF‐1α pathway in choroidal endothelial cells. Our data uncovered the novel role of NET in promoting the formation of CNV. The underlying mechanism of NET could be targeted to delay the process of CNV.
Climate‐driven tree growth and mortality in the Black Forest, Germany—Long‐term observations
Authors: Spiecker Heinrich , Kahle Hans‐Peter
Published: August 2023

Episodic tree mortality can be caused by various reasons. This study describes climate‐driven tree mortality and tree growth in the Black Forest mountain range in Germany. It is based on a 68‐year consistent data series describing the annual mortality of all trees growing in a forest area of almost 250 thousand ha. The study excludes mortality caused by storm, snow and ice, and fire. The sequence of the remaining mortality, the so‐called “desiccated trees,” is analyzed and compared with the sequence of the climatic water balance during the growing season and the annual radial growth of Norway spruce in the Black Forest. The annual radial growth series covers 121 years and the climatic water balance series 140 years. These unique time series enable a quantitative assessment of multidecadal drought and heat impacts on growth and mortality of forest trees on a regional spatial scale. Data compiled here suggest that the mortality of desiccated trees in the Black Forest during the last 68 years is driven by the climatic water balance. Decreasing climatic water balance coincided with an increase in tree mortality and growth decline. Consecutive hot and dry summers enhance mortality and growth decline as a consequence of drought legacies lasting several years. The sensitivity of tree growth and mortality to changes in the climatic water balance increases with the decreasing trend of the climatic water balance. The findings identify the climatic water balance as the main driver of mortality and growth variation during the 68‐year observation period on a landscape‐scale including a variety of different sites. They suggest that bark beetle population dynamics modify mortality rates. They as well provide evidence that the mortality during the last 140 years never was as high as in the most recent years.
Invariant properties of mycobiont‐photobiont networks in Antarctic lichens
Authors: Pérez‐Ortega Sergio , Verdú Miguel , Garrido‐Benavent Isaac , Rabasa Sonia , Green T. G. Allan , Sancho Leopoldo G. , de los Ríos Asunción
Published: August 2023

Aim

Lichens are often regarded as paradigms of mutualistic relationships. However, it is still poorly known how lichen‐forming fungi and their photosynthetic partners interact at a community scale. We explored the structure of fungus‐alga networks of interactions in lichen communities along a latitudinal transect in continental Antarctica. We expect these interactions to be highly specialized and, consequently, networks with low nestedness degree and high modularity.

Location

Transantarctic Mountains from 76° S to 85° S (continental Antarctica).

Time Period

Present.

Major Taxa Studied

Seventy‐seven species of lichen‐forming fungi and their photobionts.

Methods

DNA barcoding of photobionts using nrITS data was conducted in 756 lichen specimens from five regions along the Transantarctic Mountains. We built interaction networks for each of the five studied regions and a metaweb for the whole area. We explored the specialization of both partners using the number of partners a species interacts with and the specialization parameter d'. Network architecture parameters such as nestedness, modularity and network specialization parameter H2' were studied in all networks and contrasted through null models. Finally, we measured interaction turnover along the latitudinal transect.

Results

We recovered a total of 842 interactions. Differences in specialization between partners were not statistically significant. Fungus‐alga interaction networks showed high specialization and modularity, as well as low connectance and nestedness. Despite the large turnover in interactions occurring among regions, network parameters were not correlated with latitude.

Main Conclusions

The interaction networks established between fungi and algae in saxicolous lichen communities in continental Antarctica showed invariant properties along the latitudinal transect. Rewiring is an important driver of interaction turnover along the transect studied. Future work should answer whether the patterns observed in our study are prevalent in other regions with milder climates and in lichen communities on different substrates.
Employment leave for early pregnancy endings: A biopolitical reproductive governance analysis in England and Wales
Authors: Middlemiss Aimee Louise , Boncori Ilaria , Brewis Joanna , Davies Julie , Newton Victoria Louise
Published: August 2023

When a pregnancy ends in England and Wales, statutory time away from paid employment is limited to circumstances where there is a live birth or stillbirth. Forms of leave, such as Maternity Leave or Paternity Leave, depend on parental status derived from the civil registration of a new person or a post‐viability stillbirth. Other early pregnancy endings, such as miscarriage or abortion, do not provide specific time off work after pregnancy. This paper uses the concept of reproductive governance to analyze current and shifting biopolitical truth discourses, strategies of intervention, and modes of subjectification around post‐pregnancy leaves. It shows how different inclusions and exclusions are generated by the classificatory boundaries which act as political technologies in this field. Contributing to an area that is under‐researched in the literature, we provide a review of post‐pregnancy statutory employment leave entitlements in this context. We then consider proposals for change presented in the United Kingdom political system in relation to more inclusive leave benefits offered by some employers and different pregnancy ending leaves offered in other jurisdictions. We argue that current arrangements and proposals do not adequately reflect the complexity and diversity of pregnancy endings. We conclude with a call to policymakers in all contexts to carefully assess the consequences of new ideas around leaves for pregnancy endings and to formulate inclusive and fair proposals for change.
Alternative SNP weighting for multi‐step and single‐step genomic BLUP in the presence of causative variants
Authors: Santana Bruna Folegatti , Riser Molly , Hay El Hamidi A. , Fragomeni Breno de Oliveira
Published: August 2023

The accuracy of genetic selection in dairy can be increased by the adoption of new technologies, such as the inclusion of sequence data. In simulation studies, assigning different weights to causative single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers led to better predictions depending on the genomic prediction method used. However, it is still not clear how the weights should be calculated. Our objective was to evaluate the accuracy of a multi‐step method (GBLUP) and single‐step GBLUP with simulated data using regular SNP, causatives variants (QTN) and the combination of both. Additionally, we compared the accuracies of all previous scenarios using alternatives for SNP weighting. The data were simulated assuming a single trait with a heritability of 0.3. The effective population size (Ne) was approximately 200. The pedigree contained 440,000 animals, and approximately 16,800 individuals were genotyped. A total of 49,974 SNP markers were evenly placed throughout the genome, and 100, 1000 and 2000 causative QTN were simulated. Both GBLUP and ssGBLUP were used in this study. We evaluated quadratic and nonlinear SNP weights in addition to the unweighted G. The inclusion of QTN to panels led to significant accuracy gains. Nonlinear A was demonstrated to be superior to quadratic weighting and unweighted approaches; however, results from Nonlinear A were dependent on the equation parameters. The unweighted approach was more suitable for less polygenic scenarios. Finally, SNP weighting might help elucidate trait architecture features based on changes in the accuracy of genomic prediction.
Modeling of microwave‐ and ultrasound‐ohmic‐assisted hydro‐distillation extraction of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil
Authors: Jafari Roya , Zandi Mohsen , Ganjloo Ali
Published: August 2023

First‐order, second‐order, sigmoid, and absorption models were used to predict the extraction yield (EY) of anise essential oil (AEO). Sigmoid model was able to predict the EY with R2 0.9852 and 0.9869 respectively for ohmic‐assisted hydro‐distillation methods with ultrasound and microwave pretreatments. It was found that among the different prediction models, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) has the highest accuracy for EY estimating. So that a network with the help of Mamdani's maximum‐minimum method and triangular membership function was able to predict the EY in both pretreatments with R2 above 0.99. The results of artificial neural network (ANN) modeling showed that the multilayer perceptron network with feed‐forward back propagation structure, Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm, and with configurations 3‐16‐7‐1 and 3‐14‐5‐1 was able to have the best performance in EY predicting of ultrasound and microwave pretreatments, respectively. The results emphasize the successful use of models, especially dynamic models, in predicting the kinetics of essential oil extraction.

Practical applications

Modeling helps to understand the basic process and is suitable for better control of the process and increasing its efficiency. Mathematical models, as a relatively simple method, lead to a better understanding of the mechanism and factors affecting extraction processes. Although mathematical models have many advantages in identifying and predicting the behavior of parameters in different conditions, generally, they are not very accurate in predicting complex behaviors. Dynamic modeling including artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fuzzy logic has recently received much attention due to its ability to learn complex processes and predict nonlinear relationships. The results emphasize the successful use of models, especially dynamic models, in predicting the kinetics of essential oil extraction.
Epidemiological survey of post‐void residual urine volume in older adult patients in an acute‐care hospital: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Shogenji Miho , Yoshida Mikako , Kitagawa Yasuhide
Published: August 2023

Aim

To epidemiologically determine post‐void residual urine volume (PVR) and identify the characteristics of “potential” older adult patients with voiding dysfunction in an acute‐care hospital.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 614 older adult patients in an acute‐care hospital between November 2018 and May 2019. Using portable ultrasound devices, nurses measured the patients' PVR three times after admission. Lower urinary tract symptoms were evaluated using the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score prior to admission.

Results

A total of 107 older adult patients (17.4%) had episodes of abnormal PVR ≥100 mL. An age of over 75 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.899) and feeling of incomplete emptying (aOR: 4.337) were associated with having at least one episode of abnormal PVR, whereas neurological or circulatory diseases (aOR: 3.699) were associated with having two or three episodes.

Conclusions

The results showed a high prevalence of abnormal PVR in older adult patients. Screening for PVR in older adult patients aged over 75 years who experience incomplete emptying or neurological or circulatory diseases may help identify those at risk for voiding dysfunction.
Ophthalmological involvement in wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis: A multimodal imaging study
Authors: Frizziero Luisa , Salvalaggio Alessandro , Cosmo Eleonora , Cipriani Alberto , Midena Edoardo , Briani Chiara
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Ophthalmological abnormalities have been reported in hereditary transthyretin‐related amyloidosis (ATTRv, v for variant) but not in wild‐type transthyretin‐related amyloidosis (ATTRwt).

Methods

Patients with ATTRwt, ATTRv, and light chain amyloidosis (AL) and healthy subjects (controls) underwent complete eye examination, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM).

Results

Seventeen ATTRwt, nine ATTRv, two ATTRv carriers, and seven AL patients were enrolled. Compared with other groups, ATTRwt patients had 10 letters lower visual acuity and a higher prevalence of glaucoma, cataract, and retinal pigment epithelium alterations. In the whole group of patients, especially in ATTRwt, we observed (1) a reduced corneal nerve fiber length and more tortuous stromal nerves at CCM, (2) a reduced macular volume and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness at OCT, and (3) impairment of peripapillary and macular vascularization at OCTA.

Interpretation

Ophthalmological abnormalities are common in ATTRwt, significantly impairing visual acuity. Noninvasive imaging modalities allow for the identification of small nerve fibers and small vessel damage, which may represent further warning signs for early diagnosis of ATTRwt.
Differential responses to ethical vegetarian appeals: Exploring the role of traits, beliefs, and motives
Authors: Smillie Luke D. , Ruby Matthew B. , Tan Nicholas P. , Stollard Liora , Bastian Brock
Published: August 2023

Objective

This research examines differential responses to ethical vegetarian appeals as a fuction of individuals' personalities.

Background

Ethical vegetarian appeals are persuasive messages promoting the adoption of a plant‐based diet on moral grounds. Individuals may vary in their receptivity to such appeals, depending on their morally relevant traits (e.g., agreeableness), beliefs (e.g., speciesism), and motives (e.g., concerns about animal welfare).

Methods

We explored (Study 1, N = 907) and then attempted to confirm (Study 2, N = 980) differential responses to three vegetarian appeals—two highlighting moral concerns (animal welfare, the environment) and a third focusing on individual health (control condition).

Results

Both studies revealed several differential effects of our vegetarian appeals on the perceived effectiveness of the appeal and resultant intentions to reduce meat consumption. These mostly consisted of differences in receptivity to appeals focused on animal welfare. However, only one such effect observed in Study 1 was clearly replicated in Study 2: People who more strongly believed that eating meat was “normal” rated the vegetarian appeals focused on animal welfare as less effective.

Conclusion

Ethical vegetarian appeals may elicit different responses from different people, particularly those focused on animal welfare, depending on how normative one believes meat‐eating to be. Such insights can inform behavior change efforts in this area.
How does the Covid‐19 pandemic affect regional labor markets and why do large cities suffer most?
Authors: Hamann Silke , Niebuhr Annekatrin , Roth Duncan , Sieglen Georg
Published: August 2023

We estimate the spatially heterogeneous effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on labor market dynamics in Germany until December 2021. While initially slightly stronger in rural regions and large agglomerations, adverse effects quickly become more pronounced and persistent in large agglomerations compared to all other region types. We ascribe the larger impact of the pandemic in large agglomerations to two factors. First, a combination of a higher share of skilled workers and jobs suitable for working from home is positively related to an increased inflow rate into unemployment. We argue that local spillover effects from reduced product market demand in large cities caused by changes in behavior such as working from home or online shopping are a possible explanation. Second, some of our results suggest that a lower outflow rate out of unemployment is associated with a higher precrisis unemployment rate in large agglomerations. This might reflect the less favorable composition of unemployment in large cities, which reduces the probability of transitions into employment during crises.
Asymmetric regulators in polluting mixed oligopolies: Agency problems and second‐mover advantage
Authors: Strandholm John C. , Espinola‐Arredondo Ana , Munoz‐Garcia Felix
Published: August 2023

We investigate privatization decisions in a mixed oligopoly market, with and without environmental regulation. We consider three agents: the manager of the public firm, the environmental agency, and the regulator choosing privatization levels; allowing them to assign different weights to pollution. When environmental policy is absent, we find that privatization decisions in equilibrium suffer from agency problems, yielding potentially inefficient privatizations. When environmental regulation is present and privatization decisions precede this regulation, privatizations have no impact on equilibrium output; while the opposite holds when environmental policy is chosen first. Our results, then, identify the presence of a second‐mover advantage when asymmetric government agencies act sequentially.
Scaling relationships of maximal gape and prey size of snakes for an egg‐eating specialist (Dasypeltis gansi) and a dietary generalist (Pantherophis obsoletus)
Authors: Jayne B. C.
Published: August 2023

The size of both predators and prey can profoundly affect the foraging ecology of animals. This is especially true for snakes which consume prey whole. Although their gape imposes an anatomical limit on prey size, different snake species have a wide variety of prey types, prey sizes, and dietary breadth. To test whether a dietary specialist that only consumes bird eggs (Dasypeltis gansi) differed from a generalist that occasionally eats eggs (Pantherophis obsoletus), I quantified and compared the scaling relationships between overall size, cranial dimensions, and maximal gape and the orientation and mobility of relevant bones. Compared to P. obsoletus with a given overall size, D. gansi had maximal gape areas approximately 3–4 times greater and a significantly larger relative contribution to gape by the intermandibular (IM) soft tissues (50% vs. 19%). The greater distensibility of the IM soft tissues also allowed much greater lateral displacement of the distal end of the lower jaw in D. gansi versus P. obsoletus, but at maximal gape, the bones of these species had unexpectedly similar orientations in lateral view. The large gape of D. gansi was attained despite having a significantly shorter head than P obsoletus for a given snout–vent length. As a result of their large gape and more slender build, the predicted values of relative prey masses (RPM) for D. gansi at maximal gape vastly exceeded those of P. obsoletus for a given prey type. Although eggs are much stouter than rats, values of RPM at maximal gape for D. gansi eating eggs greatly exceeded those for P. obsoletus eating rats. Perhaps, Dasypeltis has the greatest size‐corrected gape and potential values of RPM (for a given prey shape) of any snake taxon as these values of D. gansi exceed those from all previously studied species with similar data.
Geographic distribution of the Cross Seamount beaked whale based on acoustic detections
Authors: McCullough Jennifer L. K. , Henderson E. Elizabeth , Trickey Jennifer S. , Barlow Jay , Baumann‐Pickering Simone , Manzano‐Roth Roanne , Alongi Gabriela , Martin Stephen , Fregosi Selene , Mellinger David K. , Klinck Holger , Szesciorka Angela R. , Oleson Erin M.
Published: August 2023

Beaked whales produce frequency‐modulated echolocation pulses that appear to be species‐specific, allowing passive acoustic monitoring to play a role in understanding spatio‐temporal patterns. The Cross Seamount beaked whale is known only from its unique echolocation signal (BWC) with no confirmed species identification. This beaked whale spans the Pacific Ocean from the Mariana Archipelago to Baja California, Mexico, south to the equator, but only as far north as latitude 29°N. Within these warm waters, 92% of BWC detections occurred at night, 6% during crepuscular periods, and only 2% during daylight hours. Detections of BWC signals on drifting recorders with a vertical hydrophone array at 150 m depth demonstrated that foraging often occurred shallow in the water column (<150 m). No other species of beaked whale to date has been documented foraging in waters this shallow. Given their nocturnal, shallow foraging dives, this species appears to prefer prey that may be available in the water column only during those hours. The foraging behavior of Cross Seamount beaked whales appears to be unique among all beaked whales, and these findings contribute additional ecological and acoustic information which can help guide future efforts to identify this cryptic whale.
Reducing eggs on eggplant: a common naturally emitted plant volatile could replace insecticides in the ‘king of vegetables’
Authors: Byers Kelsey J. R. P.
Published: August 2023

This article is a Commentary on Ghosh et al. (2023), 240: 1259–1274.
Traditional Chinese medication for oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mao Ting , Yang Liudi , Xiong Haofeng , Hu Xin , Su Tong , Chen Wenxin
Published: August 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of various drug therapy methods for treating oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) in terms of increasing mouth opening, reducing VAS score, decreasing lesion area, minimizing side effects, and determining effective proportion.

Method

A database search was conducted. Only randomized clinical trials were included, and Cochrane checklist was used for assessing the risk of bias. Stata.17 software was employed and effective treatment ranking was used.

Results

Thirty‐one RCT studies, with a total of 2986 patients, were included in the period of 2010–2022. The combination of oral Chinese herbal medicine formulas (OC) and intralesional Salvia miltiorrhiza (ISM) was found to be the most effective treatment in improving mouth opening. For reducing the burning pain, the combination of intralesional steroids (IS) and oral Salvia miltiorrhiza (OSM) was found to be more effective than the others. In terms of lesion area, IS combined with OC was more effective than the others. IS combined with ISM had the highest effective proportion while having the lowest incidence of side effects which mentioned the incidence of side effects.

Conclusion

This study indicates that OC and SM can be employed by clinicians for treating OSF effectively.
Austrian memory to be discarded, deformed and deposited: An analysis of Eva Menasse'sDunkelblum
Authors: Jiang Xiaohu
Published: August 2023

From the perspective of memory studies, this paper analyzes the unique Austrian mechanisms and mentalities regarding its Nazi memory across generations, as reflected in Eva Menasse'sDunkelblum(2021). This novel is another of Menasse's critical observations of Austria's collective silence and distinctive processes of discarding, deforming, and depositing its Nazi history and memory. Exceeding the scope of family history and memory,Dunkelblumportrays how a fictive Austrian city on the country's border with Hungary functions as a witness and participant of the Nazi Holocaust and a potential recorder of the memory. The novel also discloses and analyzes Austria's complex and controversial phases of denial, evasion, and subsequent acknowledgment of its deeds in the Nazi Holocaust. Different from the war generation, a new generation retrieves, preserves, and transmits the local memory through diverse mnemonic techniques and thus explores the collaboration, silence, and agony of its hometown and its nation during the Nazi regime.
When therapists talk to voices: Perspectives from service‐users who experience auditory hallucinations
Authors: Longden Eleanor , Branitsky Alison , Jones Wendy , Peters Sarah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to investigate service‐users' experiences of a therapist engaging with their voices (auditory hallucinations) using psychological formulation and direct dialogue.

Method

A nested qualitative study was conducted within a randomised controlled trial of a novel intervention for supporting voice hearers with a diagnosis of psychosis (Talking With Voices: TwV). Of 24 participants allocated to therapy, 13 (54%) consented to a semi‐structured, in‐depth interview which was audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Participants described their experiences of using the intervention to improve the relationship between themselves and their voice(s). The findings are organised within three themes and associated subthemes: (1) A desire for suitable help (Motivation to reduce voice‐related distress, Limitation of other treatment options); (2) Engaging with voices (Challenges, Support and safety, Exploration and revelation); and (3) Contemplating the future (The aftermath of adversity, Living well with voices, Resources for moving forward).

Conclusion

Despite the emotional challenges of the work, many participants experienced tangible gains in the ways they related to their voices post‐intervention. For those who responded well, the development of safety strategies, including a strong therapeutic alliance, could facilitate a basis for developing new insights about the origin/nature of the voices which could then be applied in constructive ways. Further research is needed to understand which client characteristics indicate suitability for TwV as opposed to relational therapies that require less direct engagement with voices and/or the psychosocial conflicts with which they may be associated.
Provision of domiciliary dental service to residential aged care facilities: A 3‐year descriptive summary
Authors: Chu Kuang‐Yin , Wright Frederick Allan Clive , Naganathan Vasi , Stanaway Fiona , Tran Juliette , Cockrell Deborah
Published: August 2023

Aim

This cross‐sectional descriptive study described the oral health status and types of domiciliary dental treatment received by residents living in residential care after an oral health assessment (OHAT).

Methods

Twenty‐one facilities were recruited where consenting participants received OHAT followed by a referral for further domiciliary dental treatments. Data were captured and stored as Reach‐OHT database where 2017–2019 data were analyzed.

Result

Overall, 88% of residents consented. 69.1% were referred for treatment after completion of OHAT. More than half had one or more caries; 40% showed sign of periodontal disease; a higher proportion of dentate participants had an unsatisfactory level of oral cleanliness. Of those received domiciliary dental treatment, diagnostic and preventive service was the combination most frequently provided. These comprised an average of 71.9% of total treatment provided across the 3‐year period.

Conclusion

This study contributes to the understanding and knowledge around the provision of domiciliary dental services in residential care. A large number of older people in residential care can be assessed and treated through a domiciliary service pathway. As the vast majority of services provided were diagnostic, preventive, and restorative care, the feasibility of utilizing the skillset of the entire dental team should be explored.
The construction of racial stereotypes and how they serve as racial propaganda
Authors: Melson‐Silimon Arturia , Spivey Briana N. , Skinner‐Dorkenoo Allison L.
Published: August 2023

In social psychology, stereotypes have generally been viewed as overgeneralized beliefs about social groups in society. Although stereotypes—especially those that are negative—tend to be recognized as contributing to prejudice and discrimination of marginalized communities, they are often conceptualized as containing a “kernel of truth.” Meanwhile, there has been relatively little consideration of the historical and cultural origins of racial stereotypes. This is an important oversight given that stereotypes have and continue to be used as a means to excuse and reinforce the systemic oppression of communities of color. Thus, the current paper uses a historical framework to review major stereotypes that have targeted communities of color throughout U.S. history, with a focus on stereotypes of Black people. In doing so, we conceptualize racial stereotypes as propaganda that have historically functioned to support oppressive societal systems in the U.S. by both (a) shaping public perceptions and expectations and (b) by influencing the thoughts and behavior of members of stereotyped groups. By situating stereotypes within their historical and cultural frames, readers can recognize the way stereotypes reinforce systems of oppression. We conclude with research implications and encourage stereotyping scholars to foreground the social construction of stereotypes and the function that they serve by contextualizing their work in the social and historical context in which stereotypes emerged.