bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of the osmotic lysis of mineral protocells and its avoidance at the origins of life
Authors: Ding Yang , Cardoso Silvana S. S. , Cartwright Julyan H. E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe osmotic rupture of a cell, its osmotic lysis or cytolysis, is a phenomenon that active biological cell volume regulation mechanisms have evolved in the cell membrane to avoid. How then, at the origin of life, did the first protocells survive prior to such active processes? The pores of alkaline hydrothermal vents in the oceans form natural nanoreactors in which osmosis across a mineral membrane plays a fundamental role. Here, we discuss the dynamics of lysis and its avoidance in an abiotic system without any active mechanisms, reliant upon self‐organized behaviour, similar to the first self‐organized mineral membranes within which complex chemistry may have begun to evolve into metabolism. We show that such mineral nanoreactors could function as protocells without exploding because their self‐organized dynamics have a large regime in parameter space where osmotic lysis does not occur and homeostasis is possible. The beginnings of Darwinian evolution in proto‐biochemistry must have involved the survival of protocells that remained within such a safe regime.
Innovation and wage inequalities: Evidence from Brazilian regions
Authors: de Oliveira Bianca Villamarim , Gonçalves Eduardo , Taveira Juliana Gonçalves 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInnovation can lead to wage inequalities through different channels. This paper explores this relationship, focusing on the direct and spillover (indirect) effects of these channels on personal wage inequalities in Brazilian regions. Product and process innovation are measured by patents and the acquisition of foreign technology through imports of capital goods respectively. Based on data that covers 482 regions from 2003 to 2014, we use the Spatial Durbin Model with spatial fixed effects to control spatial dependence and heterogeneity across regions. The results point to a positive association between our measures of innovation and wage inequalities. However, as we found a non‐linear relationship between imports of capital goods and wage inequality, an increase in imports of capital goods may reduce wage inequality. Other variables may also cause inequality to fall, such as the share of the population with a higher education degree and social skills. Drivers behind an increase in inequality are female participation in the workforce and the level of GDP per capita.
Hyperactivity of the medial thalamus in patients with photophobia‐associated migraine
Authors: Suzuki Yukihisa , Kiyosawa Motohiro , Wakakura Masato , Ishii Kenji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine cerebral functional alterations associated with sensory processing in patients with migraine and constant photophobia.BackgroundMigraine is a common headache disorder that presents with photophobia in many patients during attacks. Furthermore, some patients with migraine experience constant photophobia, even during headache‐free intervals, leading to a compromised quality of life.MethodsThis prospective, case–control study included 40 patients with migraine (18 male and 22 female) who were recruited at an eye hospital and eye clinic. The patients were divided into two groups: migraine with photophobia group, consisting of 22 patients (10 male and 12 female) with constant photophobia, and migraine without photophobia group, consisting of 18 patients (eight male and 10 female) without constant photophobia. We used 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography to compare cerebral glucose metabolism between the two patient groups and 42 healthy participants (16 men and 26 women).ResultsCompared with the healthy group, both the migraine with photophobia and migraine without photophobia groups showed cerebral glucose hypermetabolism in the bilateral thalamus (p < 0.05, family‐wise error‐corrected). Moreover, the contrast of migraine with photophobia minus migraine without photophobia patients showed glucose hypermetabolism in the bilateral medial thalamus (p < 0.05, family‐wise error‐corrected).ConclusionsThe medial thalamus may be associated with the development of continuous photophobia in patients with migraine.
Betaine activates the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway by increasing the methylation level of Keap1 DNA promoter
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Tianchui , Ou Sixian , Zou Yucong , Xin Xuan 
Published: July 2024

SummaryBetaine is a natural antioxidant lacking the ability to scavenge free radicals. Although it has been shown to exert antioxidant function by enhancing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. This study explored the role and mechanism of the transcription factor NF‐E2‐associated factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Kelch‐like epichlorohydrin‐associated Protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidant reaction element (ARE) pathway in betaine‐mediated enhancement of antioxidant enzyme expression. Results derived from real‐time quantitative PCR, Western blot, quantitative methylation‐specific PCR, and inhibitors assay experiments showed that betaine activated the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway, leading to an increase in the mRNA level of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and heme oxygenase‐1. The mechanism may involve betaine's promotion of DNA methyltransferase expression, resulting in increased methylation of Keap1 DNA promoter, which ultimately reduces the level of Keap1 mRNA. Therefore, betaine can directly activate the Nrf2‐Keap1‐ARE pathway by increasing the methylation level of Keap1 DNA promoter, thereby improving the expression of antioxidant enzymes. This study will contribute to unveiling a new antioxidant mechanism for betaine.
The ratio of bone marrow myeloid progenitor cell proportion to mature lymphocytes proportion can effectively differentiate aplastic anemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome and evaluate the quality of bone marrow aspirates
Authors: Li Zhen , Zhang Jian , Han Jingying , Wang Qian , Sun Hui , Zhang Zhifen , Liu Tianpu , Che Yena , Wang Jing , Wang Jie , Xu Lulu , Pan Lu , Li Li 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionAplastic anemia (AA) and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS‐h) are bone marrow failure disease and difficult to distinguish merely by morphological analysis. In this study, we investigated the value of flow cytometry (FCM) in the differential diagnosis of AA and MDS‐h.MethodsWe included 822 patients (626 control, 69 AA, 22 MDS‐h and 105 dilution patients) from January 2017 to December 2022 for a retrospective study. Bone marrow myeloid progenitor (MP) cell and mature lymphocytes proportions were analyzed by FCM. The ratio of MP cell proportion and mature lymphocytes proportion, MPLR, was calculated. Data were compared by Kruskal–Wallis test. Differential diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Cutoff value was determined by the maximum Youden index.ResultsBone marrow MP cell proportion and MPLR of MDS‐h patients were higher than AA patients. Mature lymphocytes proportion of MDS‐h patients was lower than AA patients. Area under ROC curve (AUC of ROC) of MP cell proportion, MPLR and mature lymphocytes proportion to distinguish AA from MDS‐h were 0.992, 0.988, and 0.850, respectively. Moreover, MPLR of dilution patients was higher than AA patients but lower than MDS‐h patients. The AUC of ROC curves of MPLR to distinguish MDS‐h and AA from dilution were 0.854 and 0.871, respectively.ConclusionBone marrow MP cell proportion and MPLR can effectively discriminate AA from MDS‐h with similar differential efficacy, which is higher than mature lymphocytes proportion. Moreover, MPLR can evaluate the quality of bone marrow aspirates, which would interfere with the differential diagnosis.
Toddler's memory and media—Picture book reading and watching video content are associated with memory at 2 years of age
Authors: Koch Felix‐Sebastian , Sundqvist Annette , Birberg Thornberg Ulrika , Barr Rachel , Heimann Mikael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMemory develops across the course of the first years of life and is influenced by daily experiences, such as exposure to media like books and television. Memory as tapped by Deferred imitation (DI) requires that toddlers form a representation of the target actions that they can later use to reproduce the actions and in addition to measuring memory for real live events, it can also be used to measure memory for events viewed through media. Toddlers are frequently exposed to multiple forms of digital media in addition to more traditional forms of picture book reading. In a within‐subjects design, memory was assessed with a DI task in 2‐year‐olds (n = 89) using the Frankfurt Imitation Test. Deferred imitation was assessed after live and video demonstrations. Parents completed a survey about children's media use. Picture book reading for less than 30 min a day predicted lower memory scores for actions demonstrated live. Watching video content for more than 1 h a day predicted lower memory scores for actions demonstrated on video. Results are interpreted in terms of individual differences in experiences of traditional and digital media and the development of symbolic understanding.
Summarising Quantitative Outcomes in Parental Mental Illness Research
Authors: Maybery Darryl , Grant Anne , Piché Geneviève , Yates Scott , Ruud Torleif , Dunkley‐Smith Addy , Davidson Gavin 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTA quarter of all children grow up in a family where a parent experiences a mental illness (FaPMI). Research activity in this area is growing rapidly and it is now critical to better understand the extant knowledge in the field. This scoping review of quantitative FaPMI literature parallels a qualitative literature review and a series of Delphi studies with key stakeholders (e.g. lived experience and clinicians), that is part of a larger program of research to achieve consensus regarding the direction of FaPMI research; including making recommendations about outcomes and measures. The programme of research aims to promote and facilitate greater comparison and learning across studies and settings. Initially this scoping review summarises the quality and focus (e.g. country and sampling) of 50 quantitative studies from 2000 to 2023 and then classifies studies according to outcomes for parents, children and families. Six to eleven years were the most common child sample group and girls were slightly underrepresented (49/51) and parents were 88% mothers. Analogous parent and child outcomes were; mental illness/psychopathology, wellbeing, mental health literacy, trauma and stressful experiences, coping, help seeking/service need, within family relationships and supports, outside family relationships and supports. Additional outcomes for parents were; parenting skills, parent competence and parenting stress and for children in relation to their; cognitive functioning and caregiving. The family related outcomes were the within and outside family relationships and supports. Since 2000 there have been 136 different survey instruments employed with approximately 80% used in only one study. This suggests that the broader goals of the program of research are warranted as there is a need for less heterogeneity in measures used. Suggested areas for future research include a sampling focus on fathers, economic evaluations of programs, parent mental health literacy, trauma, genetics and integrating well‐being concepts into research designs. Child research should focus on mental health literacy, the level and impact of caring responsibilities, assessing past trauma and the roles of close family and external supports.
Charge transfer effects in (HfNbTiVZr)C—Shown by ab initio calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Osinger Barbara , Casillas‐Trujillo Luis , Lindblad Rebecka , Alling Björn , Olovsson Weine , Abrikosov Igor A. , Lewin Erik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractConsidering charge transfer effects and the variability of the bonding between elements with different electronegativity opens up a deeper understanding of the electronic structure and as a result many of the properties in high entropy‐related materials. This study investigates the importance of the diverse bonding and chemical environments when discussing multicomponent carbide materials. A combination of ab initio calculations and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate the electronic structure of multicomponent thin films based on the (HfNbTiVZr)C system. The charge transfer was quantified theoretically using relaxed and nonrelaxed multicomponent as well as binary carbide reference structures, employing a fixed sphere model. High‐resolution XPS spectra from (HfNbTiVZr)C magnetron‐sputtered thin films displayed core‐level binding energy shifts and broadening effects as a result of the complex chemical environment. Charge transfer effects and a changed electronic structure in the multicomponent material, compared with the reference binary carbides, are observed both experimentally and in the density functional theory (DFT) simulations. The observed effects loosely follow electronegativity considerations, leading to a deviation from an ideal solid solution structure assuming nondistinguishable chemically equivalent environments.
The biophysical dynamics of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera: Seasonal patterns and dispersal mechanisms in the southeast Pacific
Authors: Thompson‐Saud G. , Grech A. , Choukroun S. , Vásquez S. I. , Salas C. , Ospina‐Alvarez A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimDispersal and connectivity play important roles in shaping the population structure of giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, across the western coast of South America. Its high potential dispersal capacity suggests the existence of metapopulations, where discrete habitat patches or groups of patches form subpopulations that interact at some level. However, the dispersal patterns of giant kelp in this region have not been quantified. This study assesses the dispersal and settlement of Macrocystis pyrifera in the southeast Pacific, specifically focusing on the impact of environmental variables and ocean currents within the Humboldt Current System.LocationSoutheast Pacific (coast of Chile and Peru).Time Period1997–2008.Major Taxa StudiedMacrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp).MethodsUsing a combination of hydrodynamic and individual‐based models, we analysed kelp fragment movements over 12 years, with a particular emphasis on the effects of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and seasonal changes.ResultsOur results highlight a key settlement area in the southern Chilean region. We found that shorter travel distances of kelp fragments increased the likelihood of reaching a suitable habitat, underscoring the importance of local environmental conditions. We delineated intricate northward dispersal paths for kelp fragments, which appear to be governed by the interplay of wind and ocean current dynamics. Seasonal variations, notably in autumn and winter, favour the likelihood of reaching a settlement area due to favourable winds. Furthermore, ENSO events appear to influence dispersal distances, with fragments travelling the longest distances during El Niño phases.Main ConclusionThese findings are essential for informing kelp conservation strategies in the context of climate change, emphasizing the necessity of considering local and seasonal environmental factors alongside ENSO impacts.
Commentary: Expanding the vision of Registered Reports for qualitative mental health research: A response and extension to ‘Misaligned incentives in mental health research – the case for Registered Reports’, Baldwin (2023)
Authors: Demkowicz Ola , Hickman Dunne Jo 
Published: July 2024

There is a growing exploration of how Registered Reports can benefit individual researchers and wider research fields as part of a wider shift towards open research principles and practices. In ‘Misaligned incentives in mental health research – the case for Registered Reports’, Baldwin examines this in the context of mental health research, arguing that Registered Reports (RRs) can be a valuable solution to misaligned incentive structures in the field. However, this original piece was generally inclined towards how such incentives and the use of RRs can play out in the context of quantitative research. Such reflection is valuable, but to examine the case for RRs in mental health research as a field, we must also explore such practices within the context of qualitative research. In this commentary, we therefore expand and reframe this discussion to make the case for RRs in qualitative mental health research. We explore the place for qualitative research in the mental health research field and examine possibilities for how RRs fit within principles and practices in such methods. We discuss the various benefits and challenges of RRs in qualitative research, reflecting on our experiences as authors and reviewers of qualitative RRs and exploring how research infrastructure can facilitate engagement with this publishing approach.
The evolution of the air sac system in theropod dinosaurs: Evidence from the Upper Cretaceous of Madagascar
Authors: Aureliano Tito , Almeida Waltécio , Rasaona Masinissa , Ghilardi Aline M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that the invasive air sac system evolved at least three times independently in avemetatarsalians: in pterosaurs, sauropodomorphs and theropods. Data from sauropodomorphs showed that the pneumatic architecture in vertebrae first developed in camellate‐like trabeculae in the Triassic, later in camerate systems in Jurassic neosauropods, and finally camellate tissue in Cretaceous titanosaurs. This evolutionary trajectory has support from a considerable sampling of sauropodomorph taxa. However, the evolution of pneumatic bone tissues in Theropoda is less understood. We analyzed the computed tomography of Majungasaurus and Rahonavis, using densitometry rendering to differentiate the microarchitecture along the presacral axial skeleton of late Ceratosaurians and early Paravians. We also compared these results with scans of other theropod clades. Our analysis revealed an increase in pneumatic complexity in early paravians compared to the ceratosaurians. Majungasaurus presents some apneumatic neural spines, a condition also observed in Allosaurus. Majungasaurus also features some apneumatic centra despite the presence of lateral pneumatic fossae. This raises caution when evaluating PSP solely based on external morphology. We also found evidence of distinct patterns of PSP in maniraptorans. Considering that Majungasaurus, a late abelisaurid, inherited from their ceratosaurian ancestors, some apneumatic elements such as the neural spine and some centra, Rahonavis, an early paravian, took a different trajectory toward the full pneumatization of the axial skeleton. This characteristic provided paravians an advantage in gliding and flying. Also, unlike Sauropoda, pneumaticity in Theropoda apparently developed by increasing chamber volumes toward paravians. Similar studies on early Theropoda are needed to elucidate their condition and better describe the evolutionary trajectory of different groups.
Relationship between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence among clinical nurses: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ping , Xu Rong , Cao Shuai , Mo Lin , Liu Yang , Gao Chunhai , Wu Yujie , Yu Genzhen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAims and ObjectivesThis study investigated the relationship between clinical nurses' critical thinking ability and medication safety competence, as well as the factors related to medication safety competence.BackgroundNurses can have an active role in promoting medication safety. However, the main factors associating with nurses' competence in medication safety are uncertain.DesignThis was a descriptive, multicenter cross‐sectional survey study.MethodsA total of 1196 nurses from four different tertiary hospital in China were included in this study. A demographic information questionnaire, the Critical Thinking Diagnostic for nurses, and the Medication Safety Competence Scale for nurses were used to survey. Descriptive statistics, comparisons, correlation and regression analysis of the collected data were performed using SPSS 26.00 software. The study was reported using STROBE checklist.ResultsIncluded nurses obtained satisfactory scores on the critical thinking and medication safety scales and subscales. There was a strong statistically significant positive correlation between critical thinking ability and medication safety competence.Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that personal critical thinking scores and working years were positively associated with nurses' medication safety scores, accounting for 62.50% of the variance.ConclusionClinical nurses' critical thinking ability is positively associated with medication safety competence.Relevance to Clinical PracticeAs critical thinking ability positively predicts nurses' medication safety competence, hospitals and nursing administrators should consider continuing nursing education and training to improve critical thinking skills, thereby promoting medication safety competence among clinical nurses.
Virtual reality‐based reminiscence therapy for older adults to improve psychological well‐being and cognition: A systematic review
Authors: Ng Wai Hung Daniel , Ang Wei How Darryl , Fukahori Hiroki , Goh Yong Shian , Lim Wee Shiong , Siah Chiew Jiat Rosalind , Seah Betsy , Liaw Sok Ying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality‐reminiscence therapy (VR‐RT) has increasingly been applied to older adults to improve psychological well‐being and cognition.ObjectiveThis review aims to identify (1) the design characteristics of conducting a VR‐RT and (2) the effects of VR‐RT on the user experience, cognitive outcomes and psychological well‐being.DesignSystematic review.MethodsEligible studies were sourced across nine electronic databases, trial registries, grey literature and hand‐searching of the reference list. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Twenty‐two studies were included, and most were appraised as high quality. Most of the VR‐RTs were highly immersive and personalised, with participants having the autonomy of control. VR‐RT has the potential to improve anxiety and depression, and cognitive outcomes for older adults. Overall, VR‐RT was reported to be an enjoyable experience for older adults.ConclusionsVR‐RT is a promising innovation that can improve older adults' psychological well‐being and cognition without significant side effects, including cybersickness and with the potential for scalability across various settings. More randomised controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR‐RT and its features and treatment dosage. These studies could also examine the effectiveness of VR‐RT as an intervention to promote independence in activities of daily living and physical rehabilitation.Relevance to Clinical PracticeVR‐RT is a promising intervention for older adults in community settings to enhance psychological well‐being and cognition. VR's versatility enables personalised experiences within dynamic virtual environments, possibly enhancing engagement and therapeutic outcomes.No Patient or Public ContributionThis systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
On the Magnification of Small Biases in Hiring
Authors: DAVIES SHAUN WILLIAM , WESEP EDWARD D. VAN , WATERS BRIAN 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTWe analyze a setting in which a board must hire a chief executive officer (CEO) after exerting effort to learn about the quality of each candidate. Optimal effort is asymmetric, implying asymmetric likelihoods of each candidate being chosen. If the board has an infinitesimal bias in favor of one candidate, it allocates effort to maximize the likelihood of that candidate being chosen. Even when the board's prior is that its preferred candidate is inferior, she may still be chosen most often. A glass ceiling can also arise whereby the tendency to hire favored candidates increases as the importance of the position increases.