bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ovine model for investigation of the microenvironment of the male mammary gland
Authors: Davies Benjamin P. , Crew Rachael C. , Cochrane Anna L. K. , Davies Katie , Figueiredo Baptista André , Jeckel Sonja , McCrone Ian S. , Niu Youguo , Strugnell Benjamin W. , Waine Katie , Fowden Abigail L. , Bryant Clare E. , Wills John W. , Giussani Dino A. , Hughes Katherine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe specific biology of the male breast remains relatively unexplored in spite of the increasing global prevalence of male breast cancer. Delineation of the microenvironment of the male breast is restricted by the low availability of human samples and a lack of characterisation of appropriate animal models. Unlike the mouse, the male ovine gland persists postnatally. We suggest that the male ovine mammary gland constitutes a promising adjunctive model for the male breast. In this study, we evaluate the male ovine mammary gland microenvironment, comparing intact and neutered males. Assessment of the glandular histo‐anatomy highlights the resemblance of the male gland to that of neonatal female sheep and confirms the presence of rudimentary terminal duct lobular units. Irrespective of neutered status, cell proliferation in epithelial and stromal compartments is similarly low in males, and cell proliferation in epithelial cells and in the intralobular stroma is significantly lower than in pubertal female sheep. Between 42% and 72% of the luminal mammary epithelial cells in the male gland express the androgen receptor and expression is significantly reduced by neutering. Luminal epithelial cells within the intact and neutered male gland also express oestrogen receptor alpha, but minimal progesterone receptor expression is observed. The distribution of leukocytes within the ducts and stroma is similar to the mammary gland of female sheep and females of other species. Both macrophages and T lymphocytes are intercalated in the epithelial bilayer and are more abundant in the intralobular stroma than the interlobular stroma, suggesting that they may have a protective immunological function within the vestigial glandular tissue of the male sheep. Mast cells are also observed within the stroma. These cells cluster near the glandular tissue and are frequently located adjacent to blood vessels. The abundance of mast cells is significantly higher in intact males compared to neutered males, suggesting that hormone signalling may impact mast cell recruitment. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of the male ovine mammary gland as a model for furthering our knowledge of postnatal male mammary biology.
Youth's political identity and fertility desires
Authors: Rackin Heather M. , Gibson‐Davis Christina M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the association between political identity and young adults' fertility desires from 1989 to 2019.BackgroundUnderstanding the factors that shape fertility preferences is important because these preferences are the critical bridge between social forces and fertility. Identity is a theorized, but understudied, predictor of fertility desires. The increasing salience of political identity suggests that the association between political identity and fertility desires has strengthened over time.MethodData come from the 1989–2019 waves of Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative study of 12th graders (N = 67,557). Regression models examined how political identity (measured by Republican or Democrat preference) predicts the desired number of children, measured both continuously and categorically.ResultsRegardless of the period, Republicans desired more children than Democrats—a difference that grew over time, from 0.07 in 1989–1993 to 0.29 in 2014–2019. Differences in religiosity and attitudes toward gender and childbearing explained pre‐2004 partisan gaps. From 2004 and onward, these factors attenuated, but did not fully explain, Republican–Democrat gaps. In later periods, relative to Democrats, Republicans still wanted more children on average, had a higher probability of wanting four or more children in 2004–2013 and a lower probability of eschewing parenthood in 2014–2019.ConclusionPolitical identity has become increasingly salient for fertility desires, suggesting that identity might shape fertility intentions and future fertility behavior.
Slave trades, kinship structures and women's political participation in Africa
Authors: Walters Leoné , Chisadza Carolyn , Clance Matthew 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe study whether present‐day women's political participation in sub‐Saharan Africa is associated to the temporary gender ratio imbalances caused by the transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades, taking into account pre‐existing gender norms influenced by kinship structures. To study the interrelatedness between historical exposure to the slave trades, patrilineality and their association to contemporary women's political participation, we use individual‐level data for 35,595 women from 28 sub‐Saharan African countries from three rounds of Afrobarometer surveys, georeferenced to historical ethnic region kinship and slave trade data. Our findings suggest that a woman's ethnic region historical exposure to the transatlantic slave trade is associated with an increase in her likelihood to vote today, however, only in non‐patrilineal ethnic regions. This effect is mitigated in patrilineal ethnic regions, where women have less decision‐making power. This paper contributes to the literature on the contemporary sub‐national effects of the slave trades and the historical causes of gender gaps in political participation.
Non‐destructive quantitative analysis of melt inclusions in extraterrestrial samples: Case study of chassignite via nanoscale X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Wu Peiyu , Dayton Kyle , Gazel Esteban , Porri Teresa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEstimation of the composition of planetary rocks and minerals is crucial for understanding their formation processes. In this study, we present the application of X‐ray nano‐computed tomography (nano‐XCT) for non‐destructive three‐dimensional (3‐D) phase analysis and estimation of phase abundances in rare Martian meteorite samples, specifically chassignite Northwest Africa (NWA) 2737. We determined the most suitable laser power for minimizing artifacts and maximizing phase contrast. By utilizing nano‐XCT, we successfully identified and segmented primary phases in the bulk meteorite sample. Additionally, we were able to locate and segment crystallized silicate melt inclusions within the meteorite. The phase abundances in bulk NWA 2737 and within melt inclusions calculated using nano‐XCT were in good agreement with previous studies that used thin section calculations, demonstrating the reliability of nano‐XCT as a non‐destructive alternative for estimating bulk phase abundances in rare samples. This study develops a benchmarking protocol and demonstrates the efficacy of nano‐XCT as a non‐destructive technique for generating an overview of phase distribution and assemblages of melt inclusions within rare samples. Future research can benefit from combining non‐destructive 3‐D phase assemblage estimations with non‐destructive 3‐D chemical analysis techniques to achieve a fully non‐destructive parental magma composition estimation of rare cumulate samples.
Vagus nerve stimulation in bursts can efficiently modulate gastric contractions and contraction frequency at varying gastric pressures
Authors: Tovbis D. , Yoo P. B. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThere has been recent clinical interest in the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treating gastrointestinal disorders as an alternative to drugs or gastric electrical stimulation. However, effectiveness of burst stimulation has not been demonstrated. We investigated the ability of bursting and continuous VNS to influence gastric and pyloric activity under a range of stimulation parameters and gastric pressures. The goals of this study were to determine which parameters could optimally excite or inhibit gastric activity.Materials and MethodsData were collected from 21 Sprague–Dawley rats. Under urethane anesthesia, a rubber balloon was implanted into the stomach, connected to a pressure transducer and a saline infusion pump. A pressure catheter was inserted at the pyloric sphincter and a bipolar nerve cuff was implanted onto the left cervical vagus nerve. The balloon was filled to 15 cmH2O. Stimulation trials were conducted in a consistent order; the protocol was then repeated at 25 and 35 cmH2O. The nerve was then transected and stimulation repeated to investigate directionality of effects.ResultsBursting stimulation at the bradycardia threshold caused significant increases in gastric contraction amplitude with entrainment to the bursting frequency. Some continuous stimulation trials could also cause increased contractions but without frequency changes. Few significant changes were observed at the pylorus, except for frequency entrainment. These effects could not be uniquely attributed to afferent or efferent activity.SignificanceOur findings further elucidate the effects of different VNS parameters on the stomach and pylorus and provide a basis for future studies of bursting stimulation for gastric neuromodulation.
The stomatal response to vapor pressure deficit drives the apparent temperature response of photosynthesis in tropical forests
Authors: Slot Martijn , Rifai Sami W. , Eze Chinedu E. , Winter Klaus 
Published: May 2024

Summary

As temperature rises, net carbon uptake in tropical forests decreases, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. High temperatures can limit photosynthesis directly, for example by reducing biochemical capacity, or indirectly through rising vapor pressure deficit (VPD) causing stomatal closure.

To explore the independent effects of temperature and VPD on photosynthesis we analyzed photosynthesis data from the upper canopies of two tropical forests in Panama with Generalized Additive Models.

Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis consistently decreased with increasing VPD, and statistically accounting for VPD increased the optimum temperature of photosynthesis (Topt) of trees from a VPD‐confounded apparent Topt of c. 30–31°C to a VPD‐independent Topt of c. 33–36°C, while for lianas no VPD‐independent Topt was reached within the measured temperature range. Trees and lianas exhibited similar temperature and VPD responses in both forests, despite 1500 mm difference in mean annual rainfall.

Over ecologically relevant temperature ranges, photosynthesis in tropical forests is largely limited by indirect effects of warming, through changes in VPD, not by direct warming effects of photosynthetic biochemistry. Failing to account for VPD when determining Topt misattributes the underlying causal mechanism and thereby hinders the advancement of mechanistic understanding of global warming effects on tropical forest carbon dynamics.
Stabilized oral lichen planus does not compromise dental implants survival: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Jing Wen , Kot Wai Ying , McGrath Colman Patrick , Chan Bik Wan Amy , Zheng Li Wu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the incidence of implant failure in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and investigate the potential association between OLP and peri‐implant diseases.Materials and MethodsEmbase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for studies with no time restrictions. Meta‐analysis was performed calculating pooled proportion of peri‐implantitis (PI), peri‐implant mucositis (PIM), and bleeding on probing (BOP) prevalence using fixed‐effects model. Odds ratio and corresponding 95% CI were calculated to assess the potential risk of PI, PIM, and BOP in dental implant patients with OLP compared to healthy controls.ResultsImplant failure rate was 4.38% at the patient level and 4.37% at the implant level. Six patients (3.92%) from five studies were diagnosed with oral cancer after receiving implant. The prevalence of PI, PIM, and BOP at the implant level were 14.00%, 20.00%, and 40.00%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of PI and PIM between OLP patients and healthy controls.ConclusionsStabilized OLP is not considered a significant risk factor for peri‐implant diseases. It is advised against placing implants or prostheses during the acute phase of the disease. Histopathological investigation to differentiate OLP from oral lichenoid dysplasia is crucial.
Bridge over troubled waters? Experimental evidence into the influence of leadership on employees' collaborative engagement
Authors: Grøn Anders Barslund 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIt is not easy to secure and sustain efficient interorganizational collaboration in hierarchically demarcated and functionally specialized public sectors. This article investigates whether and how public leaders can motivate and catalyze their own employees to engage in behaviors that foster and support collaboration across organizational jurisdictions. Using survey data from 555 occupational therapists in Danish municipalities, we employed an innovative scenario‐based research design including video vignettes and a centipede game to mimic real‐life collaboration. We show that clear and collaboration‐focused leadership has a positive and substantial effect on employees' engagement in an interorganizational collaboration with a regionally employed nurse. Further, the effects are stronger for respondents with higher public service motivation, higher collaborative self‐efficacy, more tenure, and at a younger age. The findings contribute to understanding public leadership and employee engagement in interorganizational collaboration and emphasize that leaders should carefully consider their context and communication when engaging their employees.
The Linder hypothesis for foreign direct investment revisited
Authors: Kim Dongin , Steinbach Sandro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the Linder hypothesis for foreign direct investment (FDI) within the three‐way gravity framework, utilizing a newly compiled and extensive dataset encompassing greenfield and brownfield investment activities across diverse sectors from 2003 to 2018. The Linder hypothesis posits that multinational firms invest in countries with comparable income levels to their home country. Our primary findings affirm the relevance of the Linder hypothesis in the context of horizontal FDI. The influence of the Linder effect varies among sectors, with the service sector exhibiting the most pronounced effect, while no detectable effect is observable for the manufacturing sector. We also find that the Linder effect depends on the sector's position within the value chain and the degree of quality differentiation. Sectors closer to final consumer demand and those characterized by higher product differentiation exhibit greater exposure to the Linder effect. Additionally, our analysis reveals that the Linder effect is subject to variations based on the income levels of the host country and highlights the significance of consumer preferences in shaping FDI patterns. Our article underscores the pivotal role of industry dynamics, product quality considerations, and value chain positioning in influencing the Linder effect on FDI.
A Hybrid Continuation Framework for Analyzing Nonlinear Normal Modes of Systems With Contact Nonlinearity
Authors: Huang Shih-Chun , Tien Meng-Hsuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The prediction of the modal properties of structural systems with contact clearances and prestress presents a computational challenge, as the nonlinearity induced by piecewise-linear stiffness eliminates the use of efficient linear modal analysis techniques. The most common approach to obtaining the nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of these structural systems is a numerical framework that integrates numerical integration, the shooting method, and the pseudo-arc-length continuation scheme. This numerical continuation framework (NCF) computes NNMs through iterative numerical calculations; thus, the computational cost of the nonlinear modal analysis of complex nonlinear systems, particularly piecewise-linear systems, becomes prohibitively expensive as the model size increases. In this study, a hybrid continuation framework (HCF) combining analytic and numerical methods is proposed to enable efficient computations of NNMs for systems with contact boundaries. This new hybrid framework utilizes a semi-analytic method to conduct the iterative shooting procedure; thus, the computational burden of the numerical continuation can be significantly reduced. The proposed method is demonstrated on spring-mass oscillators with contact elements, and the NNMs obtained using the proposed method are validated by those computed using the traditional numerical continuation framework. The modal properties of the systems can be computed using the proposed framework with significant speed-up. Furthermore, the modal properties, including internal resonance and sharp turning in NNM curves, of the piecewise-linear systems are identified and discussed.
Restoring colistin sensitivity in colistin-resistant
Salmonella
and
Escherichia coli
: combinatorial use of berberine and EDTA with colistin
Authors: Cui Xiao-die , Liu Xiao-kang , Ma Xiao-yuan , Li Shuai-hua , Zhang Jun-kai , Han Rong-jia , Yi Kai-fang , Liu Jian-hua , Pan Yu-shan , He Dan-dan , Hu Gong-zheng , Zhai Ya-jun 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

The appearance and prevalence of multidrug-resistance (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) have limited our antibiotic capacity to control bacterial infections. The clinical efficacy of colistin (COL), considered as the “last resort” for treating GNB infections, has been severely hindered by its increased use as well as the emergence and prevalence of mobile colistin resistance (MCR)-mediated acquired drug resistance. Identifying promising compounds to restore antibiotic activity is becoming an effective strategy to alleviate the crisis of increasing MDR. We first demonstrated that the combination of berberine (BBR) and EDTA substantially restored COL sensitivity against COL-resistant
Salmonella
and
Escherichia coli
. Molecular docking indicated that BBR can interact with MCR-1 and the efflux pump system AcrAB-TolC, and BBR combined with EDTA downregulated the expression level of
mcr-1
and
tolC
. Mechanically, BBR combined with EDTA could increase bacterial membrane damage, inhibit the function of multidrug efflux pump, and promote oxidative damage, thereby boosting the action of COL. In addition, transcriptome analysis found that the combination of BBR and EDTA can accelerate the tricarboxylic acid cycle, inhibit cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) resistance, and attenuate
Salmonella
virulence. Notably, the combination of BBR and EDTA with COL significantly reduced the bacterial load in the liver and spleen of a mice model infected with
Salmonella
. Our findings revealed that BBR and EDTA can be used as adjuvants collectively with COL to synergistically reverse the COL resistance of bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Colistin is last-resort antibiotic used to treat serious clinical infections caused by MDR bacterial pathogens. The recent emergence of transferable plasmid-mediated COL resistance gene
mcr-1
has raised the specter of a rapid worldwide spread of COL resistance. Coupled with the fact of barren antibiotic development pipeline nowadays, a critical approach is to revitalize existing antibiotics using antibiotic adjuvants. Our research showed that berberine combined with EDTA effectively reversed COL resistance both
in vivo
and
in vitro
through multiple modes of action. The discovery of berberine in combination with EDTA as a new and safe COL adjuvant provides a therapeutic regimen for combating Gram-negative bacteria infections. Our findings provide a potential therapeutic option using existing antibiotics in combination with antibiotic adjuvants and address the prevalent infections caused by MDR Gram-negative pathogens worldwide.
P059 “What’s the problem with condoms?” a thematic analysis of public responses to online news coverage of a mathematical modelling study of HIV Prevention through the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis by men who have sex with men in the UK
Authors: Knox Chloe 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionLittle is known about how the public perceive the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM in the UK. The objectives of this study were to trace the media coverage of a mathematical modelling study by Punyacharoensin, et al, which estimates the effect of potential prevention programmes on HIV incidence among MSM in the UK and to explore the public perceptions through analysis of their online comments.MethodsArticles published prior to 7th March 2016 were included, and were identified using Altmetric software and through online searches. 16 news outlets were identified, with 19 published articles in total. Thematic analysis of the comments was conducted.Results119 comments left in response to 3 online articles were analysed. 19% of comments (n=23) were “positive” towards the use of PrEP, 52% (n=62) were “negative” and 29% (n=34) were “neutral” or included both “positive” and “negative” themes. The content of the online public discourse can be summarised into four main themes: “costs of PrEP,” “othering,” “framing of condom non-use” and “encouragement of risky behaviours.”DiscussionThis study is the first of its kind to investigate public reactions to use of PrEP use by MSM in the UK through online platforms and social media. Results allow the exploration of common views and misconceptions among the public. This has implications for the development of social norms and helps to guide the approach required in policy and practice in order promote a more receptive public atmosphere towards PrEP use among MSM in the UK.
P060 Drug resistance among women attending antenatal clinics in ghana
Authors: Enyan Philip 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionInitial evidence from resource-limited countries using the WHO HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) threshold survey suggests that transmission of drug-resistance strains is likely to be limited. However, as access to ART is expanded, increased emergence of HIVDR is feared as a potential consequence. We have performed a surveillance survey of transmitted HIVDR among recently infected persons in the geographic setting of Accra, Ghana.MethodsAs part of a cross-sectional survey, 2 large voluntary counselling and testing centres in Accra enrolled 50 newly HIV-diagnosed, antiretroviral drug-naïve adults aged 18 to 25 years. Virus from plasma samples with >1,000 HIV RNA copies/mL (Roche Amplicor v1.5) were sequenced in thepolgene. Transmitted drug resistance-associated mutations (TDRM) were identified according to the WHO 2009 Surveillance DRM list, using Stanford CPR tool (v 5.0 beta). Phylogenetic relationships of the newly characterised viruses were estimated by comparison with HIV-1 reference sequences from the Los Alamos database, by using the ClustalW alignment program implemented.ResultsSubtypes were predominantly D (39/70, 55.7%), A (29/70, 41.4%), and C (2/70; 2, 9%). Seven nucleotide sequences harboured a major TDRM (3 NNRTI, 3 NRTI, and 1 PI- associated mutation); HIVDR point prevalence was 10.0% (95%CI 4.1% to 19.5%). The identified TDRM were D67G (1.3%), L210W (2.6%); G190A (1.3%); G190S (1.3%); K101E (1.3%), and N88D (1.3%) for PI.DiscussionIn Accra the capital city of Ghana, we found a rate of transmitted HIVDR, which, according to the WHO threshold survey method, falls into the moderate (5 to 15%) category. This is a considerable increase compared with the rate of <5% estimated in the 2006–7 survey among women attending an antenatal clinic in mamobi. As ART programs expand throughout Africa, incident infections should be monitored for the presence of transmitted drug resistance in order to guide ART regimen policies.