bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxford personnel
Authors: Aston Nigel
Published: October 2023

Chapter 6 is the first of four denoted by themes of institutional presence and interaction. This one looks at University office-holders and their relations to the polity and politics of Hanoverian Britain. The careers of all the Chancellors and some of the Vice Chancellors are treated, as well as selective college and hall heads and senior tutors. Their laxity could inflict serious damage on the institution, especially struggling for tokens of official favour under the first two Georges. Their influence reached a climax in the 1790s with Cyril Jackson, Dean of Christ Church, university reformer and close to Pitt the Younger’s wartime administration. The chapter also considers those with formal roles and power inside the University (the college Visitors and successive Bishops of Oxford before 1836). All these, stood in the centre of intersecting patronage networks, and exercised political influence in and beyond the University.
Oxford and the wider world
Authors: Aston Nigel
Published: October 2023

Oxford was not primarily a centre of unqualified endorsement for progressive thinking. It was rather one for an admixture of ideas, both ‘ancient’ and ‘modern’, and compared favourably with its European academic counterparts. The interaction of Oxford graduates with their counterparts in continental Europe could give a flattering impression of the University’s part in their social fashioning, but Oxford dons were generally welcomed in libraries and academies across Europe irrespective of confessional divergences, and were participants in a trans-European Republic of Letters. And Continental scholars travelled to Oxford to use its libraries and teach, a few matriculating as members of the University. Guests and hosts alike shared in the common culture of eighteenth-century elites, rooted in Antiquity, and enriched in the Renaissance. The chapter also examines imperial connections that linked Oxford to British North America, and the ways in which the Anglo-Hanoverian union provided an important transnational framework for scholarly exchanges.
Fertile Crescent to Frankfurt
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

Beer is brewed and consumed worldwide. This chapter digs deep into the nature of the current world of beer: How do countries compare in terms of their beer production and consumption? How does beer consumption relate to that of wine and hard liquor, and what are the driving forces for differences, such as taxation? How do the states within the United States differ in beer consumption and taxation? The chapter describes the trajectory of the craft brewing scene in the United States, including how a craft beer is defined. Which are the biggest brewing companies in the world and the most successful brands?
A Brief History of Beer
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

Beer has been a feature of society for some 8,000 years. It has been argued that brewing was a fundamental driving force for the shift from a nomadic to a static, agriculture-based society. Beer has been successively a societal norm in cultures from the Sumerians, through the Egyptians, to the monasteries of medieval Europe and on to today’s craft-driven businesses. There is an intertwining of beer and religion! The British and German brewing histories serve to illustrate well the driving forces that dictate the shape of brewing to this day. And both nations influenced the direction taken by the brewing industry in the United States, which has featured the growth of enormous brewing companies despite the ravages of prohibition. Scientists working within the brewing industry over the past 1.5 centuries have made major contributions not only to improvements in brewing operations, but also in ways applicable far more widely in society (e.g., the concept of pH).
Personal Choice
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

There are endless beer styles, and these are captured here. Fundamentally, most beers can be divided into ales and lagers, the former being fermented using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the latter with Saccharomyces pastorianus. Generally, ales are fermented at higher temperatures than lagers. In each category there are diverse types. Included in the ales are pale ales, India pale ales, milds, porters, stouts, wheat beers, barley wines, sour beers, and Trappist ales. There are also beers such as Kölsch which employ ale yeast but are produced as if they are lagers. Lagers include pilsners, marzens, bocks, helles, dunkels, and more. Again, there is a “hybrid,” with lager yeast being used at warmer fermentation and maturation temperatures, the so-called California Common. Beers may also be classified according to functionality or process, including products such as light beers, ice beers, dry beers, non-alcoholic beers, and those mixed with fruits and spices.
The Wicked and Pernicious Weed
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

Although there remain some beers that are flavored with mixes of herbs and spices (gruit), most beers include hops that provide bitterness (from the resins) and aroma (from the oils). Hops are the flowering bodies from female plants of Humulus lupulus, the closest botanical relative of which is marijuana. Some brewers insist on using these hop cones, but increasingly there is use of hop products such as pellets and extracts, from which the key components can be extracted more readily. There is a diversity of hop varieties, differing in their content of resins and oils, and in the nature of the aroma derived from the latter. Different hops provide aromas that can be variously characterized as spicy, floral, fruity, herbal, citrus, and piney.
Hot Stuff
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

The operations involved in the brewing of beer can be divided into a hot side, the brewhouse, and a cold side, fermentation and maturation. The malt entering the brewery is milled into small particles, which are then mixed with hot water. In this mashing stage the primary event is the breakdown of starch into fermentable sugars catalyzed by enzymes called amylases. By regulating the temperature, brewers can ensure that they get the degree of fermentability required in each wort. The liquid produced (wort) is then separated from the residual solids (spent grains) and boiled with hops. In this stage the bitterness is extracted from the hops, there is a precipitation of undesirable materials (trub), a sterilization of the wort, and an evaporation of water and undesirable aromas. Thereafter the insoluble materials are removed, usually by centripetal forces in a vessel called a whirlpool, prior to the wort being cooled and ready for fermentation.
Refining Matters
Authors: Bamforth Charles W.
Published: October 2023

Beer leaving the fermenter requires some element of further processing prior to packaging. Traditionalists, particularly brewers making lagers, insist that there must be a relatively prolonged maturation period, though this is questioned. Irrespective of the length of storage, mist beers are chilled to as cold a temperature as possible without freezing, to precipitate unwanted materials. Frequently they are clarified by filtration or centrifugation and may be stabilized by removing unwanted entities such as polyphenols and certain proteins. There is also usually a need to adjust the carbon dioxide level to that needed for a given product. Unwanted microorganisms may be eliminated either by further filtration or pasteurization. Other than for beers to be served at the location where the beer is brewed, most beer is either filled into kegs for draft dispense, or into bottles and, increasingly, cans. These are complex and expensive operations.
Potato Soil Core Microbiomes Are Regionally Variable Across the Continental United States
Authors: Klasek Scott A. , Crants James E. , Abbas Touqeer , Ashley Katherine , Bolton Marian L. , Celovsky Madelyn , Gudmestead Neil C. , Hao Jianjun , Caballero Jorge R. Ibarra , Jahn Courtney E. , Nkuekam Gilbert Kamgan , Lankau Richard A. , Larkin Robert P. , Lopez-Echartea Eglantina , Miller Jeff , Moore Amber , Pasche Julie S. , Ruark Matthew D. , Schroeder Brenda K. , Shan Shan , Skillman Victoria P. , Srour Ali , Stasko Anna K. , Steinke Kurt , Stewart Jane E. , Thornton Mike , Zitnick-Anderson Kim , Frost Kenneth E. , Rosen Carl J. , Kinkel Linda L.
Published: October 2023

Soil microbiomes play crucial roles in pathogen suppression, nutrient mobilization, and maintenance of plant health. Their complexity and variability across spatial and temporal scales provide challenges for identifying common targets—microbial taxa or assemblages—for management in agricultural systems. To understand how microbiomes in potato production soils vary across growing regions and identify commonly distributed taxa among them, we compiled a continental-scale bacterial and eukaryotic amplicon dataset of over 1,300 communities with corresponding edaphic measurements from nine U.S. field sites. Field site explained most of the variance across bacterial and eukaryotic (predominantly fungal) communities, while pH and organic matter as well as nitrate, phosphate, and potassium concentrations also varied with community structure. Bacterial and eukaryotic potato soil microbiomes showed consistent phylum-level composition across locations at the continental scale, with regional-scale differences evident among genera and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Core community analysis identified 606 bacterial and 74 eukaryotic ASVs, which were present, but unequally distributed, across all nine field sites. Many of these core ASVs belonged to common soil genera, such as Bacillus and Mortierella, which may reveal the functional potential involved in maintaining soil health across regionally variable soil systems.
Identification of PANoptosis-related biomarkers and immune infiltration characteristics in psoriasis
Authors: Lu Lingling , Zhang Buxin , Shi Meiling , Liu Aimin
Published: October 2023

Background:

PANoptosis may play a vital role in psoriasis. We investigated the relationship between PANoptosis in psoriasis.

Methods:

Genes information was mainly obtained from GeneCards and the gene expression omnibus database. Genefunctions identification was based on gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify enriched signaling pathways in psoriasis. We constructed PPI networks using the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes database and Cytoscape and explored mRNA-miRNA, mRNA-TF, and mRNA-drug interaction networks. Receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to screen potential biomarkers among these hub genes. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the Pearson algorithm, and the correlation between immune-cell abundance and PANoptosis-related differentially expressed gene (PDGs) was investigated.

Results:

We identified 10 PDGs, which were mainly involved in pyroptosis, cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, Salmonella infection and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. The activated pathways were mostly proinflammatory and immunoregulatory pathways between immune cells. BAK1, CASP4, IL18, and IRF1 were identified as hub genes in the mRNA-miRNA network, and BAK1, IRF1, and PYCARD were hub genes in the mRNA-TF network. CASP1 was found to be the most targeted gene by drugs or molecular compounds. We found PDGs were positively associated with proinflammatory immune cell infiltration and negatively associated with anti-inflammatory or regulatory immune cells.

Conclusion:

We confirmed the role of PANoptosis in psoriasis for the first time and predicted hub genes and immune characteristics, which provides new ideas for further investigation of psoriasis on pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
Posttraumatic pneumonia exacerbates bone marrow erythropoietic dysfunction
Authors: Gillies Gwendolyn S. , Munley Jennifer A. , Kelly Lauren S. , Kirkpatrick Stacey L. , Pons Erick E. , Kannan Kolenkode B. , Bible Letitia E. , Efron Philip A. , Mohr Alicia M.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

Pneumonia is a common complication after severe trauma that is associated with worse outcomes with increased mortality. Critically ill trauma patients also have persistent inflammation and bone marrow dysfunction that manifests as persistent anemia. Terminal erythropoiesis, which occurs in bone marrow structures called erythroblastic islands (EBIs), has been shown to be impacted by trauma. Using a preclinical model of polytrauma (PT) and pneumonia, we sought to determine the effect of infection on bone marrow dysfunction and terminal erythropoiesis.

METHODS

Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 9 to 11 weeks were subjected to either PT (lung contusion, hemorrhagic shock, cecectomy, and bifemoral pseudofracture) or PT with postinjury day 1 Pseudomonas pneumonia (PT-PNA) and compared with a naive cohort. Erythroblastic islands were isolated from bone marrow samples and imaged via confocal microscopy. Hemoglobin, early bone marrow erythroid progenitors, erythroid cells/EBI, and % reticulocytes/EBI were measured on day 7. Significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Day 7 hemoglobin was significantly lower in both PT and PT-PNA groups compared with naive (10.8 ± 0.6 and 10.9 ± 0.7 vs. 12.1 ± 0.7 g/dL [p < 0.05]). Growth of bone marrow early erythroid progenitors (colony-forming units—granulocyte, erythrocyte, monocyte, megakaryocyte; erythroid burst-forming unit; and erythroid colony-forming unit) on day 7 was significantly reduced in PT-PNA compared with both PT and naive. Despite a peripheral reticulocytosis following PT and PT-PNA, the percentage of reticulocytes/EBI was not different between naive, PT, and PT-PNA. However, the number of erythroblasts/EBI was significantly lower in PT-PNA compared with naive (2.9 ± 1.5 [p < 0.05] vs. 8.9 ± 1.1 cells/EBI macrophage). In addition to changes in EBI composition, EBIs were also found to have significant structural changes following PT and PT-PNA.

CONCLUSION

Multicompartmental PT altered late-stage erythropoiesis, and these changes were augmented with the addition of pneumonia. To improve outcomes following trauma and pneumonia, we need to better understand how alterations in EBI structure and function impact persistent bone marrow dysfunction and anemia.
Deep learning-based aberration compensation improves contrast and resolution in fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Guo Min , Wu Yicong , Hobson Chad M. , Su Yijun , Qian Shuhao , Krueger Eric , Christensen Ryan , Kroeschell Grant , Bui Johnny , Chaw Matthew , Zhang Lixia , Liu Jiamin , Hou Xuekai , Han Xiaofei , Lu Zhiye , Ma Xuefei , Zhovmer Alexander , Combs Christian , Moyle Mark , Yemini Eviatar , Liu Huafeng , Liu Zhiyi , Benedetto Alexandre , La Riviere Patrick , Colón-Ramos Daniel , Shroff Hari
Published: October 2023

Optical aberrations hinder fluorescence microscopy of thick samples, reducing image signal, contrast, and resolution. Here we introduce a deep learning-based strategy for aberration compensation, improving image quality without slowing image acquisition, applying additional dose, or introducing more optics into the imaging path. Our method (i) introduces synthetic aberrations to images acquired on the shallow side of image stacks, making them resemble those acquired deeper into the volume and (ii) trains neural networks to reverse the effect of these aberrations. We use simulations and experiments to show that applying the trained ‘de-aberration’ networks outperforms alternative methods, providing restoration on par with adaptive optics techniques; and subsequently apply the networks to diverse datasets captured with confocal, light-sheet, multi-photon, and super-resolution microscopy. In all cases, the improved quality of the restored data facilitates qualitative image inspection and improves downstream image quantitation, including orientational analysis of blood vessels in mouse tissue and improved membrane and nuclear segmentation inC. elegansembryos.
Global control of cellular physiology by biomolecular condensates through modulation of electrochemical equilibria
Authors: Dai Yifan , Zhou Zhengqing , Kim Kyeri , Rivera Nelson , Mohammed Javid , Hsu-Kim Heileen , Chilkoti Ashutosh , You Lingchong
Published: October 2023

Control of the electrochemical environment in living cells is typically attributed to ion channels. Here we show that the formation of biomolecular condensates can modulate the electrochemical environment in cells, which affects processes globally within the cell and interactions of the cell with its environment. Condensate formation results in the depletion or enrichment of certain ions, generating intracellular ion gradients. These gradients directly affect the electrochemical properties of a cell, including the cytoplasmic pH and hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. The modulation of the electrochemical equilibria between the intra- and extra-cellular environments by biomolecular condensates governs charge-dependent uptake of small molecules by cells, and thereby directly influences bacterial survival under antibiotic stress. The shift of the intracellular electrochemical equilibria by condensate formation also drives a global change of the gene expression profile. The control of the cytoplasmic environment by condensates is correlated with their volume fraction, which can be highly variable between cells due to the stochastic nature of gene expression at the single cell level. Thus, condensate formation can amplify cell-cell variability of the environmental effects induced by the shift of cellular electrochemical equilibria. Our work reveals new biochemical functions of condensates, which extend beyond the biomolecules driving and participating in condensate formation, and uncovers a new role of biomolecular condensates in cellular regulation.
2-[4-(2-Chlorobenzyl)-3-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-1-yl]-N-(4-fluorophenyl)acetamide
Authors: Assila Hamza , Ameziane El Hassani Issam , El Moutaouakil Ala Allah Abderrazzak , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Mague Joel T , Ramli Youssef , Ansar MHammed
Published: October 2023

The conformation of the title molecule, C20H17ClFN3O2, is partly determined by an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond, which leads to a dihedral angle of 14.7 (4)° between the fluorobenzene ring and the acetamide group. The 2-chlorobenzyl group is rotationally disordered over two orientations in a 0.656 (2): 0.344 (2) ratio. In the crystal, a layered structure is formed by N—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...F hydrogen bonds plus slipped π–π stacking interactions.
Examining the relationships between big data analytics capability, entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable supply chain performance: moderating role of trust
Authors: Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad , Fantazy Kamel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Using a dynamic capability view, this study examined the relationships between big data analytics capability (BDAC), entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) by exploring the moderating role of trust among supply chain partners.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were collected from 300 manufacturing organizations using snow sampling. The moderating connections and direct relationships were examined using Hays' process macro and structural equation modeling.

Findings

BDAC was positively related to EO and SSCP. When supply chain partners experienced low levels of trust, an increase in BDAC did not enhance SSCP. As trust increased, the relationship between BDAC and SSCP became more positive, underpinning the moderating effects of trust. Moreover, trust did not moderate the relationship between BDAC and EO. The moderating effect of trust on the relationship between EO and SSCP showed a positive relationship between EO and SSCP when trust was low; however, the relationship became negative when trust was high.

Practical implications

Developing technology alone may not be sufficient, as supply chain managers need to establish a strong business relationship based on mutual trust. However, they also need to be aware of the dangers of high levels of trust because these may negatively affect performance. Therefore, supply chain managers need to achieve an optimal level of trust that is neither excessive nor insufficient.

Originality/value

Advances in technology and entrepreneurial drive for supply chain sustainability make it pertinent to examine trust levels among supply chain partners and the varying impact on BDAC, EO and SSCP. The current study shows the negative aspects of too much trust among supply chain partners.
Indigenous activism debut in Brazil: the case of Rumo
Authors: Beal Partyka Raul , Gama Marina , Lana Jeferson , Marcon Rosilene
Published: October 2023

Learning outcomes

By the end of the case study discussion, it is expected that students will have learned to assess what makes it likely that firms will respond to episodes of stakeholder activism; establish the interplay between nonmarket strategies and corporate governance mechanisms in assessing shareholder activism; explain about the board of directors as a corporate governance mechanism; evaluate the threats of nonmarket dimensions as a strategic response from the board; and understand the impact and increasing power of shareholders over board decisions.

Case overview/synopsis

In April 2019, to pressure Rumo S.A. regarding the duplication of the Itirapina–Cubatão railroad, indigenous peoples from 12 São Paulo villages bought six Rumo shares, which were quoted on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at around BRL17 each. Duplication of the railroad started in 2011 and affected the lives of the Indians. The company promised to implement more than 100 improvements to the villages, but as of 2019, half of the improvements were at a standstill. After buying enough shares to entitle them to participate in the annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders, the Indians went to Rumo’s AGM to voice their concerns and show how the villages had been affected. It was the audit committee that needed to discuss and solve the case of the indigenous peoples. What steps would Rumo take next? What was the best thing to do with regard to the claims of the Indians? This case shows the start of corporate activism in Brazil. This case reports the dilemma that Rumo faced with the indigenous activism at the beginning of 2019 because of the expansion of their railroad network across indigenous lands.

Complexity academic level

This case is suited for a class in which the students are exposed to a corporate governance framework and internal and external governance mechanisms. The case can be applied at the graduate and executive levels in relevant courses such as corporate governance, corporate responsibility, strategic management, and the stock market.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Managers' emotion-regulation capabilities and family firm innovativeness: a dynamic managerial capability view
Authors: Gerulaitiene Neringa , Pundziene Asta , Kabasinskas Audrius
Published: October 2023

Purpose

While previous studies have proved the significance of family firm innovativeness (FFI), the question of how the emotion-regulation capabilities of family business managers affect FFI still remains open. This paper aims to examine the impact of the emotion-regulation capabilities of family business managers on FFI moderated by the family involvement in business management.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is based on a quantitative research design. Data were collected with the help of a telephone survey. Overall, 192 family firms were surveyed, and the results were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings indicate that managers' emotion-regulation capabilities (independent variable) positively impact FFI (dependent variable). The research results also indicate that having more family members involved in the business (moderating variable) can lead to better innovation outcomes, assuming these family managers have sufficient emotion-regulating capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The research context could be broadened by differentiating between the industries in which family firms operate. This could aid a better understanding of the challenges, opportunities and market trends in different sectors. Future research might also include more diverse countries with deep family business traditions, strengthening the robustness of the findings across more varied contexts.

Originality/value

Using a multi-level perspective, this study contributes to the dynamic managerial capabilities and family business literature by showing that, in an environment where familial relationships can affect working relationships, the ability of managers to control their emotions and others' emotions can be a critical managerial resource that impacts FFI.
The over‐citation ofDaubertin forensic anthropology
Authors: Lesciotto Kate M. , Christensen Angi M.
Published: October 2023

The 1993 US Supreme Court decisionDaubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. presented new guidance for the judicial assessment of expert witness evidence and testimony in the determination of admissibility. Despite the rarity of admissibility challenges to forensic anthropology evidence,Daubertis frequently cited in published forensic anthropology research. This study undertook a qualitative thematic analysis of forensic anthropology articles published in theJournal of Forensic Sciencesto assess why authors continue to citeDaubertand express concerns over potential exclusion. The results show a significant increase in the number of articles that cite legal admissibility standards over time (p < 0.001). Authors frequently cite these standards to contextualize their results within theDaubertframework or to justify the need for their research. Notably, many articles presentDaubertas a constraining force, misinterpreting the guidelines as rigid criteria or that they require methods to be strictly quantitative. However,Daubertwas intended to be a flexible tool for judges—not a standard or instruction for scientists. While it was reasonable to reflect on the scientific rigor of methods in the wake of theDaubertdecision, a new perspective is warranted in which forensic anthropologists shift their focus from trying to “satisfy” admissibility guidelines to adopting quality assurance measures that minimize error and ensure confidence in analytical results, and developing and using methods that are grounded in good science—which is important regardless of whether or not the results are ever the subject of a trial.
Evaluating the impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on road traffic accidents in Scotland after 20 months: An interrupted time series study
Authors: Manca Francesco , Parab Rakshita , Mackay Daniel , Fitzgerald Niamh , Lewsey Jim
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

On 1 May 2018, Scotland implemented Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) of £0.50 per unit of alcohol with the aim to lower alcohol consumption and related harms, and reduce health inequalities. We measured the impact of MUP on the most likely categories of road traffic accidents (RTAs) to be affected by drink‐driving episodes (fatal and nighttime) up to 20 months after the policy implementation. Further, we checked whether any association varied by level of socio‐economic deprivation.

Methods

An interrupted time series design was used to evaluate the impact of MUP on fatal and nighttime RTAs in Scotland and any effect modification across socio‐economic deprivation groups. RTAs in England and Wales (E&W) were used as a comparator. Covariates representing severe weather events, bank holidays, seasonal and underlying trends were adjusted for.

Results

In Scotland, MUP implementation was associated with 40.5% (95% confidence interval: 15.5%, 65.4%) and 11.4% (−1.1%, 24.0%) increases in fatal and nighttime RTAs, respectively. There was no evidence of differential impacts of MUP by level of socio‐economic deprivation. While we found a substantial increase in fatal RTAs associated with MUP, null effects observed in nighttime RTAs and high uncertainty in sensitivity analyses suggest caution be applied before attributing causation to this association.

Conclusion

There is no evidence of an association between the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in Scotland and a reduction in fatal and nighttime road traffic accidents, these being outcome measure categories that are proxies of outcomes that directly relate alcohol consumption to road traffic accidents.
Effect of Aurora kinase B on polyploidy and decidualization in mouse uterus
Authors: Wang Peng‐Chao , Yang Zhen‐Shan , Gu Xiao‐Wei
Published: October 2023

Research question:

Decidualization is critical to the establishment of mouse normal pregnancy. The fibroblast‐like stromal cells in the process form polyploid multinucleated cells. Aurora kinase B (Aurora B) has previously been shown to regulate polyploidy in various cells. However, whether Aurora B regulates the formation of decidual cell polyploidization and its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Design:

Establish decidualization model of mouse primary endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Construct pseudopregnancy mouse models and delayed‐activation mouse models. Detect Aurora B and polyploidization related genes in mouse uteri treated by Aurora B specific inhibitor Barasertib and CPT.

Results:

In this study, we found that Aurora B was strongly expressed in endometrial stromal cells after implantation. Additionally, Aurora B was remarkably up regulated in the stromal cells of oil‐induced deciduomoa and in vitro decidualization. As an Aurora B specific inhibitor, Barasertib significantly inhibits the mRNA expression of Prl8a2, a marker of mouse decidualization. Furthermore, the protein levels of p‐Plk1, Survivin and p‐Cdk1 were inhibited by Barasertib. CPT‐induced DNA damage suppressed Aurkb (encodes Aurora B) expression, thus resulting in polyploidization.

Conclusion:

Our data shows that Aurora B is expressed in decidual stromal cells of implantation sites and plays a key role for mouse decidualization. The protein of Plk1, Survivn, and Cdk1 may participate in formation of decidual cell polyploidization during mouse decidualization.
An automated protocol for assessing career rurality outcomes of Australian health professionals using retrospective data
Authors: Cortie Colin H. , Garne David , Parker‐Newlyn Lyndal , Ivers Rowena G. , Mullan Judy , Mansfield Kylie J. , Bonney Andrew
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Addressing the imbalance of the health workforce between metropolitan and rural areas requires a clear understanding of trends in choices of work location of health care staff.

Objective

Here, we provide an automated and highly reproducible protocol to examine the location of health care workers over multiple years using medical graduates as a case study.

Design

Data linkage cohort study. The study cohort examined was University of Wollongong Medical graduates from 2010 to 2021 who were registered to practice in Australia. The main outcome measure was graduate location of practice in Modified Monash regsions MM1 or MM2–7 across multiple postgraduate years. This protocol used R Markdown.

Findings

An automated and reproducible protocol was used to analyse choices of work location for the University of Wollongong's medical graduates. Over 90% of graduates were registered with AHPRA. Around 25%–30% of graduates were found to work in MM2–7 regions across their careers, exceeding the national average.

Discussion

The protocol presented allows for a fast and reproducible analysis of work location by region for health care workers. This will allow comparisons of outcomes between universities or health professions.
Performance of a new implant system and drilling protocol—A minipig intraoral dental implant model study
Authors: Musskopf Marta Liliana , Finger Stadler Amanda , Fiorini Tiago , Ramos Umberto Demoner , de Sousa Rabelo Mariana , de Castro Pinto Rodrigo Nahas , Susin Cristiano
Published: October 2023

Aim

A new implant system encompassing implants with a tri‐oval cross‐sectional design and a simplified site preparation protocol at low speed and no irrigation has been developed. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the new implant system using the minipig intraoral dental implant model.

Methods

Eight Yucatan minipigs were included. Twelve weeks after extractions, four implants per animal were randomly placed and allowed to heal transmucosal for 13 weeks: two Ø3.5 × 10 mm implants with a back‐tapered collar and circular cross‐section (control) and two Ø3.5 × 11 mm implants with tri‐oval collar and cross‐section (test). MicroCT and histological analysis was performed.

Results

Thirty‐two implants were placed; one implant for the control group was lost. Histologically, BIC was higher in the test compared with the control group (74.1% vs. 60.9%, p < .001). At the platform level, inflammation was statistically significantly higher albeit mild in the test compared with the control group. No other significant differences were observed between groups. MicroCT analysis showed that bone‐to‐implant‐contact (BIC) and trabecular thickness were statistically significantly higher for the test than the control group. Test group had significantly higher first BIC distance than controls on lingual sites.

Conclusions

The present study results support the safety and efficacy of the new dental implant system and simplified site preparation protocol; human studies should be carried out to confirm these findings.
Managing dysfunctions and reinterventions in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy with lumen apposing metal stents: Illustrated technical review (with videos)
Authors: Vanella Giuseppe , Dell'Anna Giuseppe , van Wanrooij Roy L. J. , Bronswijk Michiel , Voermans Rogier P. , Laleman Wim , van Malenstein Hannah , Fockens Paul , Van der Merwe Schalk , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio
Published: October 2023

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS‐CDS) with lumen apposing metal stent is emerging both as a rescue strategy and a primary treatment for distal malignant biliary obstruction. The large‐scale diffusion of the procedure and improved overall survival of patients with pancreatobiliary neoplasms is resulting in a growing population of long‐term EUS‐CDS lumen apposing metal stent carriers. Recent studies have reported a need for reintervention during follow‐up as high as 55%, and the Leuven‐Amsterdam‐Milan Study Group classification has been developed, identifying five mechanisms of stent dysfunction and 11 possible rescue strategies aimed at restoring biliary drainage. This illustrated technical review aims to further dissect the recent classification through a comprehensive analysis of nine illustrative cases, offering insights into the pathophysiology underlying dysfunction and clinical reasoning behind rescue interventions, as well as technical considerations and practical tips and tricks. By exploring mechanisms of dysfunction, this review also assists clinicians in selecting the ideal candidates for EUS‐CDS while identifying patients deemed high risk for dysfunction or clinical failure.
Sismondi's principles of liberty and economic progress
Authors: Arthmar Rogério
Published: October 2023

The Swiss‐born liberal thinker Jean‐Charles‐Léonard Simonde de Sismondi (1773–1842) rejected metaphysical systems of thought in favour of historical and social analysis. However, in his mature writings, he offered an organising, although a never explicit, set of principles guiding his political and economic disquisitions. I identify Sismondi's essential principles of social study, namely, the effect of political organisation on the character of the people, the need for a ‘national reason’, along with the weight of tradition over individual representation. Subordinate principles of liberty are examined, such as respect for minorities, freedom of public debate, and engagement in local affairs. I argue that, when the political idea of a slowly matured national reason guiding the constitutional progress of liberty is applied to a rapidly changing economic domain, tension is created within Sismondi's understanding of social sciences.
Antiepileptic treatment with levetiracetam during the first trimester and pregnancy outcome: An observational study
Authors: Hoeltzenbein Maria , Bartz Insa , Fietz Anne‐Katrin , Lohse Lukas , Onken Marlies , Dathe Katarina , Schaefer Christof
Published: October 2023

Objective

Levetiracetam is increasingly used in pregnant women with epilepsy. Although teratogenic effects have not been observed so far, data on the risks of spontaneous abortion and major birth defects are still limited, especially for the frequently used dual therapy of levetiracetam and lamotrigine. Our primary aim was to analyze rates of major birth defects and spontaneous abortion after maternal levetiracetam treatment.

Methods

This was a cohort study based on pregnancies recorded by the Embryotox Center from 2000 to 2017. Outcomes of prospectively ascertained pregnancies with first trimester levetiracetam monotherapy (n = 221) were compared to pregnancies with lamotrigine monotherapy for epilepsy (n = 469). In addition, all pregnancies with levetiracetam (n = 364) exposure during the first trimester were analyzed in comparison to a nonexposed cohort (n = 729). Pregnancies with the most frequently used combination therapy comprising levetiracetam and lamotrigine (n = 80) were evaluated separately.

Results

There was no significantly increased risk of major birth defects or of spontaneous abortions after first trimester exposure to levetiracetam. Birth weight of male neonates was significantly lower after levetiracetam monotherapy compared to lamotrigine monotherapy. Dual therapy with levetiracetam and lamotrigine resulted in a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–6.33) and a nonsignificant effect estimate for major birth defects (7.7%, n = 5/65, adjusted odds ratio = 1.47, 95% CI = .48–4.47) compared to a nonexposed cohort.

Significance

Our study confirms the use of levetiracetam as a suitable antiepileptic drug in pregnancy. The lower birth weight of male neonates after maternal levetiracetam monotherapy and the unexpectedly high risk of spontaneous abortion and birth defects after dual therapy with levetiracetam and lamotrigine require further investigation.
Dynamics of cutaneous atmospheric oxygen uptake in response to mechanical stretch revealed by optical fiber microsensor
Authors: Shan Shengzhou , He Jiahao , Sun Qin , Zhu Kan , Li Yuanyuan , Reid Brian , Li Qingfeng , Zhao Min
Published: October 2023

Skin expands and regenerates in response to mechanical stretch. This important homeostasis process is critical for skin biology and can be exploited to generate extra skin for reconstructive surgery. Atmospheric oxygen uptake is important in skin homeostasis. However, whether and how cutaneous atmospheric oxygen uptake changes during mechanical stretch remains unclear, and relevant research tools to quantify oxygen flux are limited. Herein, we used the scanning micro‐optrode technique (SMOT), a non‐invasive self‐referencing optical fiber microsensor, to achieve real‐time measurement of cutaneous oxygen uptake from the atmosphere. An in vivo mechanical stretch‐induced skin expansion model was established, and an in vitro Flexcell Tension system was used to stretch epidermal cells. We found that oxygen influx of skin increased dramatically after stretching for 1 to 3 days and decreased to the non‐stretched level after 7 days. The enhanced oxygen influx of stretched skin was associated with increased epidermal basal cell proliferation and impaired epidermal barrier. In conclusion, mechanical stretch increases cutaneous oxygen uptake with spatial‐temporal characteristics, correlating with cell proliferation and barrier changes, suggesting a fundamental mechanistic role of oxygen uptake in the skin in response to mechanical stretch. Optical fiber microsensor‐based oxygen uptake detection provides a non‐invasive approach to understand skin homeostasis.
Cosolvent Effects on Gel‐Entrapped Oxidoreductase: The Glucose Oxidase Model
Authors: Blank‐Koblenc T. , Tor R. , Freeman A.
Published: October 2023

An intrinsic problem often involved in biotransformations carried out by immobilized cells is the poor solubility of substrate and product in water. Increase in hydrophobic substrate availability to such gel‐entrapped cells may be attained by the replacement of a fraction of the aqueous medium by water‐miscible solvents (cosolvents). The introduction of cosolvents results in increased solubility, but may simultaneously affect enzymic activity and stability. Recently, criteria and guidelines for cosolvent selection on the basis of its effect on intracellular enzyme stability were reported (Freeman, A., and Lilly, M.D. (1987) Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 25, 495–501). In order to understand the impact of the preferable or unsuitable cosolvents on enzyme kinetics and stability, the effects of 1–5 M concentrations of a series of cosolvents (e.g., ethylene glycol, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N‐dimethylformamide, ethanol) on a well‐characterized, highly specific enzyme model (glucose oxidase) were investigated. The presence of 1–5 M of the cosolvents studied imposed 10–50% reduction in Vmax of the enzyme, but Km was only mildly affected (+/‐ 25%). This inhibition was attributed to cosolvent effect on small, reversible, conformational changes in the enzyme native structure. Determination of the rate constant of thermal inactivation (at 55 degrees C) of glucose oxidase, in the presence of cosolvents, was employed for the quantitative evaluation of cosolvent effect on enzyme stability. A clear pattern of cosolvent preference in respect to its denaturing effect was obtained, which was identical to the pattern previously observed in a study of oxidoreductases operating from within a whole cell. In both cases diols (e.g., ethylene glycol) were found to be the preferable group of cosolvents. Our results indicate that a soluble enzyme and an intracellular enzyme operating from a whole cell are affected by cosolvents via the same mechanism.
Characteristics and applications of adsorbents for pyrogen removal
Authors: Minobe S. , Watanabe T. , Sato T. , Tosa T.
Published: October 2023

Characteristics and applications of immobilized histidine and immobilized histamine for pyrogen removal were investigated. Immobilized histidine showed a high affinity for pyrogen at low ionic strength and over a wide pH range. The adsorption capacity was 0.53 mg of lipopolysaccharide per milliliter of the adsorbent. The apparent dissociation constant was 1.57 × 10(‐9) M. The adsorption of pyrogen to immobilized histidine decreased with increasing ionic strength, but pyrogen could be adsorbed even at ionic strengths of gamma/2 = 0.05‐0.1, at which other substances were little adsorbed; that is, specific adsorption of pyrogen was observed. The adsorption of pyrogen could be increased at ionic strengths of gamma/2 = 0.05‐0.1 by using a lower flow rate or a longer column length. Immobilized histidine and immobilized histamine could be used for the removal of natural pyrogens contaminating various useful low‐molecular‐weight compounds as well as high‐molecular‐weight compounds such as proteins.
The Future Fate of Suicide Attempters
Authors: Retterstöl Nils
Published: October 2023

A review is made of studies of suicide attempters in which there was a personal follow‐up examination. Two studies by the author are presented: suicide attempters admitted to a psychiatric clinic and suicide attempters admitted to a traditional psychiatric hospital. The committed suicide rate among the hospital cases was three to six times higher than in the clinic cases (6.8 percent versus 1.4 to 2.8 percent). In the hospital material, 28 percent of the subjects had repeated the attempt without lethal outcome compared to 14 percent of the clinic cases. A correlation with the higher incidence of psychosis in the mental hospital cases is suggested.
Suicide Attempts by Rock‐Climbing Falls
Authors: Krueger David W. , Hutcherson Rene
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The true intent of a suicidal act is sometimes masked by it appearing as an “accident.” Two cases are reported that present a unique opportunity to study suicide attempts that took the form of rock‐climbing “falls” and to study the two people who chose this way to die. Rock‐climbing falls, occasionally speculated about as possible suicidal equivalents yet having no recognition as such in the literature, are illustrated as methods used by these impulsive, action‐oriented and risk‐taking people.
Partial Death as a Defining Characteristic of a Subculture
Authors: Malamuth Philip
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a discussion of the idea of “partial death” as it relates to the subculture of the beats or hypsters, especially in San Francisco, from about 1948 to 1964, with special emphasis on the works of Kerouac and Ginsberg and a study by Rigney and Smith.
Brusatol enhances MEF2A expression to inhibit RCC progression through the Wnt signalling pathway in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhou Yu , Bao Hui , Liu Bo , Wang Min , Wang Lei , Pan Tiejun
Published: October 2023

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most aggressive subtype of kidney tumour with a poor prognosis and an increasing incidence rate worldwide. Brusatol, an essential active ingredient derived from Brucea javanica, exhibits potent antitumour properties. Our study aims to explore a novel treatment strategy for RCC patients. We predicted 37 molecular targets of brusatol based on the structure of brusatol, and MEF2A (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A) was selected as our object through bioinformatic analyses. We employed various experimental techniques, including RT‐PCR, western blot, CCK8, colony formation, immunofluorescence, wound healing, flow cytometry, Transwell assays and xenograft mouse models, to investigate the impact of MEF2A on RCC. MEF2A expression was found to be reduced in patients with RCC, indicating a close correlation with MEF2A deubiquitylation. Additionally, the protective effects of brusatol on MEF2A were observed. The overexpression of MEF2A inhibits RCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. In xenograft mice, MEF2A overexpression in RCC cells led to reduced tumour size compared to the control group. The underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of RCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the modulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling. Altogether, we found that MEF2A overexpression inhibits RCC progression by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling, providing novel insight into diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for RCC patients.