bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of the race of defendant and the race of victim on capital charging and sentencing in California
Authors: Grosso Catherine M. , Fagan Jeffrey , Laurence Michael 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe California Racial Justice Act of 2020 recognized racial and ethnic discrimination as a basis for relief in capital cases, expressly permitting several types of statistical evidence to be introduced. This statewide study of the influence of race and ethnicity on the application of capital punishment contributes to this evidence. We draw on data from over 27,000 murder and manslaughter convictions in California state courts between 1978 and 2002. Using multiple methods, we found significant racial and ethnic disparities in charging and sentencing decisions. Controlling for defendant culpability and specific statutory aggravators, we show that Black and Latinx defendants and all defendants convicted of killing at least one white victim are substantially more likely to be sentenced to death. We further examined the role that race and ethnicity have in decision‐making at various points in the criminal justice system. We found that prosecutors were significantly more likely to seek death against defendants who kill white victims, and that juries were significantly more likely to sentence those defendants to death. The magnitude of the race of the defendant and race of the victim effects is substantially higher than in prior studies in other states and in single‐jurisdiction research. The results show an entrenched pattern of racial disparities in charging and sentencing that privileges white victim cases, as well as patterns of racial disparities in who is charged and sentenced to death in California courts that are the natural result of California's capacious statutory definition of death eligibility, which permits virtually unlimited discretion for charging and sentencing decisions. This pattern of racial preferences illustrates the social costs of California's failure to follow the Supreme Court's directive in Furman v Georgia to narrow the application of capital punishment over 50 years ago.
Shared decision‐making in advanced physiotherapy and first contact physiotherapy management of adults with musculoskeletal disorders in the United Kingdom: An online cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Thompson Joanne H. , Thompson Jonathan , Bailey Stephen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRationaleAdvanced practice physiotherapy roles (Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners [APPs] and First Contact Physiotherapists [FCPs]) are pivotal in supporting patients to manage their musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Having a greater understanding of how decisions are made by these practitioners will inform competency frameworks and improve the provision of patient‐centred care.AimTo evaluate the current knowledge, views and use of shared decision‐making in MSK advanced physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey using an online questionnaire was used to collect demographic information, knowledge, views and self‐reported use of shared decision‐making (SDM) of APPs and FCPs who work with adults with MSK disorders in the United Kingdom.ResultsResponses from 49 participants (25 APPs and 24 FCPs) were included in the study. In total, 80% of participants had received SDM training and overall high levels of knowledge were shown. Only 12% of participants used a communication model to facilitate SDM. In total, 80% of participants reported making decisions together with the patient either always or most of the time. FCPs favoured a more patient‐led approach to decision‐making compared to APPs who favoured collaborative decision‐making. The most commonly reported barriers to SDM included lack of time, lack of patient education resources, lack of access to patient decision aids and treatment pathway restrictions.ConclusionsThe responses in this study showed that overall APPs and FCPs have good knowledge of SDM and report routine use of collaborative and patient‐led decision‐making approaches.
Integrative taxonomy reveals a new species of the glass knifefish genus Eigenmannia Jordan & Evermann, 1896 (Teleostei: Gymnotiformes: Sternopygidae) from the Rio Branco basin, Brazil
Authors: Dutra Guilherme Moreira , Peixoto Luiz Antônio Wanderley , Donin Laura Modesti , de Santana Carlos David , Menezes Naercio Aquino 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA new species of Eigenmannia is described from the Rio Branco basin, Roraima, Brazil, based on morphological and molecular datasets. It is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: lateral line stripe extending from first perforated lateral line scale to distal portion of caudal filament, presence of superior midlateral stripe with origin posterior to end of body cavity anal‐fin hyaline, caudal filament corresponding to 15.2%–43.1% LEA, subterminal mouth, ii,14–16 pectoral‐fin rays, 166–219 anal‐fin rays, 10–13 scale rows above lateral line at vertical through posterior tip of pectoral fin, 100–128 scales on lateral line, 22–28 premaxillary teeth, 19–23 dentary teeth, 7–10 endopterygoid teeth, depth of posterodorsal expansion on infraorbitals 1 + 2 half as long as infraorbitals 1 + 2 length, basibranchial 1 unossified, 13 precaudal vertebrae, and length of coronomeckelian bone corresponding to 20% of Meckel's cartilage length. The new species has significant genetic divergence from species with accessible DNA sequences in public repositories, ranging from 10.8% to 17.7%. An osteological description of the new species, a review of Eigenmannia cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences available in public repositories based on voucher examination, and a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships for the new species based on COI are provided. The critical importance of including voucher examination as one of the steps in the pipeline for using DNA sequences present in public repositories in taxonomic and phylogenetic studies is discussed.
Comparative genomics of dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus, Sciaenidae) conspecifics: Evidence for speciation and the genetic mechanisms underlying traits
Authors: Jackson Tassin Kim , Rhode Clint 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) is a commercially important finfish, indigenous to South Africa, Australia, and China. Previous studies highlighted differences in genetic composition, life history, and morphology of the species across geographic regions. A draft genome sequence of 0.742 Gb (N50 = 5.49 Mb; BUSCO completeness = 97.8%) and 22,438 predicted protein‐coding genes was generated for the South African (SA) conspecific. A comparison with the Chinese (CN) conspecific revealed a core set of 32,068 orthologous protein clusters across both genomes. The SA genome exhibited 440 unique clusters compared to 1928 unique clusters in the CN genome. Transportation and immune response processes were overrepresented among the SA accessory genome, whereas the CN accessory genome was enriched for immune response, DNA transposition, and sensory detection (FDR‐adjusted p < 0.01). These unique clusters may represent an adaptive component of the species' pangenome that could explain population divergence due to differential environmental specialisation. Furthermore, 700 single‐copy orthologues (SCOs) displayed evidence of positive selection between the SA and CN genomes, and globally these genomes shared only 92% similarity, suggesting they might be distinct species. These genes primarily play roles in metabolism and digestion, illustrating the evolutionary pathways that differentiate the species. Understanding these genomic mechanisms underlying adaptation and evolution within and between species provides valuable insights into growth and maturation of kob, traits that are particularly relevant to commercial aquaculture.
Access to nutrition advice and knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in Ireland: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: McCarthy Elaine K. , Ní Riada Clodagh , O'Brien Roisin , Minogue Hannah , McCarthy Fergus P. , Kiely Mairead E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundHealthy nutritional status, appropriate gestational weight gain and a balanced diet are important predictors of perinatal health outcomes. However, gaps exist in the translation of nutrition recommendations into dietary practices of women before and during pregnancy. The present study explored the relationship between access to nutrition advice, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among pregnant women.MethodsPregnant women aged > 18 years in Ireland were eligible to complete a self‐administered survey consisting of four subsections (demographics, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices) delivered online through Qualtrics.ResultsIn this convenience sample (n = 334, median [interquartile range] gestation, 25.0 [16.0, 34.0] weeks), 85% had at least an honours bachelor degree and 88.9% planned their pregnancy. Two out of five women received nutrition advice during their pregnancy, mostly from a midwife. Based on the percentage of correct answers (of 15 questions), women with previous nutrition education (e.g., school home economics) had better median [interquartile range] nutrition knowledge than those with none (80.0% [66.7, 86.7%] vs. 73.3% [60.0, 80.0%],p < 0.001). Those who received nutrition advice during pregnancy did not score higher than those who did not (73.3% [66.7, 80.0%] vs. 73.3% [66.7, 80.0%],p = 0.6). Over three‐quarters of participants considered nutritional supplement use to be very or extremely important. Although 73.6% and 92.4% took supplements prior to and during pregnancy, only 25.7% reported compliance with periconceptional folic acid supplementation guidelines. Half of respondents considered healthy eating during pregnancy as very or extremely important.ConclusionsAccess to nutrition advice during pregnancy was inadequate with poor nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices observed. Accessible, evidence‐based nutrition education for women prior to and during pregnancy is required.
A case of a blind‐ending right ureter first identified intraoperatively during total laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine adenomyosis and fibroids in a woman with severe ipsilateral kidney hypoplasia
Authors: Tasaka Keitaro , Ota Yoshiaki , Ota Kuniaki , Takahashi Toshifumi , Shimoya Koichiro 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDetecting ureteral injury—a serious intraoperative and postoperative complication of hysterectomy—is a high level of difficulty if ureteral malformations are not identified preoperatively. A 39‐year‐old Japanese woman underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy for uterine adenomyosis. During surgery, ureteral peristalsis was absent on the right side, whereas the left ureter was visible under the peritoneum. Transabdominal ultrasonography failed to locate the right kidney, with cystoscopy showing no flow from the right ureteral orifice. The ureteral tunnel was identified by tracing the vascular path of the internal iliac and uterine arteries, confirming that the corded tissue was the right ureter. Postoperative contrast‐enhanced CT revealed severe right kidney atrophy with no contrast effect or connected ureter. Based on intraoperative laparoscopy and postoperative examination, a diagnosis of a unilateral ureteral scar with a proximal blind end and ipsilateral renal dysgenesis was established, marking the first reported instance of endoscopic visualization of this anomaly. In addition to normal pelvic anatomy, surgeons must consider embryological abnormalities to prevent intraoperative complications.
Strained ties in plurinational states: Analysing the social network divide between Canada's two solitudes
Authors: Brie Evelyne , Mathieu Félix 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPatterns of social networks in plurinational societies remain understudied in the inter‐group contact literature. In Canada, a significant number of authors have studied political divides between Quebecers and other Canadians, but little is still known about the scope and determinants of the social disconnect between both communities. This paper provides the first quantitative measure of the social networking gap between Canada's ‘two solitudes’ using behavioural data. Our analysis mobilises the Facebook Connectedness Index (2020), which provides district‐level connectivity estimates between all active Facebook users in Canada. Results obtained via linear regression models show that population size, distance and self‐isolation patterns cannot account for the significant connectivity gap between Quebec and the rest of Canada. However, bilingualism in Quebec is positively correlated with higher inter‐regional networks, suggesting asymmetrical linguistic exchanges. These results empirically confirm decades of anecdotal accounts about the existence of a social disconnect between Canada's French‐ and English‐speaking communities.
Consumption Responses to Income Shocks through Lottery Winning: Evidence from Older Adults in Singapore
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Koh Kanghyock 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe study the effects of lottery winning on consumption spending using household survey data of older individuals aged 50–70 years in Singapore. We find strong consumption responses to a transitory income shock from lottery wins, and lottery winners spend about half of their prizes within 12 months of winning. We show that consumption responses are stronger among households with more binding liquidity constraints. The strong consumption response suggests that fiscal stimulus policies or other public transfer programmes could effectively boost consumption spending in the short run.
Tissue‐specific roles of mitochondrial unfolded protein response during obesity
Authors: Carneiro Fernanda S. , Katashima Carlos K. , Dodge Joshua D. , Cintra Dennys E. , Pauli José Rodrigo , Da Silva Adelino S. R. , Ropelle Eduardo R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObesity is a worldwide multifactorial disease caused by an imbalance in energy metabolism, increasing adiposity, weight gain, and promoting related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Recent findings have reported that metabolic stress related to obesity induces a mitochondrial stress response called mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), a quality control pathway that occurs in a nuclear DNA–mitochondria crosstalk, causing transduction of chaperones and proteases under stress conditions. The duality of UPRmt signaling, with both beneficial and detrimental effects, acts in different contexts depending on the tissue, cell type, and physiological states, affecting the mitochondrial function and efficiency and the metabolism homeostasis during obesity, which remains not fully clarified. Therefore, this review discusses the most recent findings regarding UPRmt signaling during obesity, bringing an overview of UPRmt across different metabolic tissues.
Reconsidering vulnerability, history, and our postmodern condition in Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys
Authors: Aqeeli Ammar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys (2019) by exploring the consequences of an uneven distribution of vulnerability in relation to both historical and contemporary contexts. This study emphasizes the significance of this depiction in comprehending the enduring effects of racial oppression and institutional disparities. This means that while all humans are inherently vulnerable, systemic inequalities make some people more vulnerable and less protected than others. Whitehead depicts the experiences of the young black boys at the Nickel Academy as heightening their vulnerability, the more they embrace resistance. The novel points to the notion that political structures not only establish hierarchies and inequalities among individuals but also place them in a position of inherent vulnerability, judged by preconceived notions of permanent inferiority and inequality. Ultimately, Whitehead depicts vulnerability as a method of uncovering the truth and fighting for justice by giving voice to the black perspectives that have been marginalized and silenced throughout history.
The value of ripple mapping in the age of coherent mapping in scar‐related atrial tachycardia
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Pan Tong , Liu Yu , Chen Juan , Bai Jian , Wu Xiang , Chen Zheng , Lan Rongfang , Xu Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAn accurate display of scar‐related atrial tachycardia (ATs) is a key determinant of ablation success. The efficacy of ripple mapping (RM) in identifying the mechanism and critical isthmus of scar‐related ATs during coherent mapping is unknown.MethodsA total of 97 patients with complex ATs who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation at our center between October 2018 and September 2022 were included. ATs was mapped using a multielectrode mapping catheter on the CARTO3v7 CONFIDENCE module. Coherent and RM were used to identify the reentrant circuit.ResultsThe mechanisms of 128 ATs were analyzed retrospectively (84 anatomic‐reentrant ATs and 44 non‐anatomic reentrant ATs). The median AT cycle length was 264 ± 25ms. The correct diagnosis was achieved in 83 ATs (68%) using only coherent mapping. Through coherent mapping plus RM, 114 ATs (84.2%) were correctly diagnosed (68% vs. 89%, p = .019). In non‐anatomical reentrant ATs, 81% of the diagnostic rate was achieved by reviewing both coherent and ripple mapping compared to reviewing coherent mapping alone (81% vs. 52%, p = .03). Reviewing coherent mapping and ripple mapping showed a higher diagnostic rate in patients who underwent cardiac surgery than those with Coherent mapping alone (64% vs. 88%, p = .04).ConclusionCoherent mapping combined with RM was superior to coherent mapping alone in identifying the mechanism of scar‐related ATs post‐cardiac surgery and non‐anatomic reentrant ATs.
A structural variation in the promoter of the leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene AaLAR1 enhances freezing tolerance by modulating proanthocyanidin accumulation in kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta)
Authors: Sun Shihang , Qi Xiujuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Sun Leiming , Wang Ran , Li Yukuo , Chen Jinyong , Gu Hong , Fang Jinbao , Lin Miaomiao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractProanthocyanidins (PAs) are important metabolites that enhance freezing tolerance of plants. Actinidia arguta, especially freezing‐tolerant germplasms, accumulate abundant PAs in dormant shoots and thereby enhance freezing tolerance, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. In this study, we used two A. arguta with contrasting cold‐resistant phenotypes, KL and RB, to explore the mechanisms in response to cold tolerance. We determined that a leucoanthocyanidin reductase gene (AaLAR1) was more highly expressed in freezing‐tolerant KL than in freezing‐sensitive RB. Moreover, overexpressing AaLAR1 in kiwifruit promoted PAs biosynthesis and enhanced cold tolerance. The AaLAR1 promoters of various A. arguta germplasms differ due to the presence of a 60‐bp deletion in cold‐tolerant genotypes that forms a functional binding site for MYC‐type transcription factor. Yeast one‐hybrid and two‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase reporter, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicated that the AaMYC2a binds to the MYC‐core cis‐element in the AaLAR1 promoter with the assistance of AaMYB5a, thereby promoting PAs accumulation in the shoots of cold‐tolerant kiwifruit. We conclude that the variation in the AaLAR1 promoter and the AaMYC2a–AaMYB5a–AaLAR1 module shape freezing tolerance in A. arguta. The identification of a key structural variation in the AaLAR1 promoter offers a new target for resistance breeding of kiwifruit.
Functional characterization of two odorant‐binding proteins to sex pheromones in Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Yi Ting , Wei Jia‐Qi , Wang Man‐Wen , Liu Miao‐Jiao , Li Lin , Liu Rong , Zeng Ling‐Da , Xu Han‐Hong , Wang Jia‐Li 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe primary function of odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) is thought to be binding and transporting odorants molecules. The research on the molecular mechanisms of SfruOBPs binding with sex pheromones is beneficial to the prevention and control of Spodoptera frugiperda (S. frugiperda). Herein, two screened SfruOBPs (Sfru10933 and Sfru21187) were knocked down by RNA interference, and then the changes in electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioral responses of male mutants to their main sex pheromone components were recorded. Upon interfering with Sfru10933, the EAG response and behavioural preferences of males to sex pheromones were significantly reduced or eliminated. The interference with Sfru21187 resulted in a weakening of the behavioural preference, while the EAG response remained unchanged. However, the co‐interference of Sfru10933/Sfru21187 led to a significant reduction in the EAG activity of male to sex pheromones. These results reveal that Sfru10933 and Sfru21187 play a crucial role in sex pheromone recognition, and there may be a synergistic effect between them. Furthermore, these results will help clarify the perception of sex pheromones by S. frugiperda, which may provide new targets for the development of mating inhibitors in the future.
Effect of fibre‐reinforced microbial‐induced calcite precipitation on the mechanical properties of coastal soil
Authors: Rawat Vikas , Satyam Neelima 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCoastal erosion is a global environmental concern, threatening infrastructure, human livelihoods and ecosystems. Recently, microbial‐induced calcite precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a promising ground improvement technique. The present study examined the effects of adding three different fibre reinforcements, namely carbon, basalt and polypropylene, on the physical and mechanical properties of coastal soil through MICP. The fibre content used was 0.20%, 0.40% and 0.60% of soil weight. A comprehensive biotreatment investigation was conducted using Sporosarcina pasteurii (S. pasteurii) in a 0.5 molar cementation solution. The samples prepared for this study had aspect ratios of 2:1 and 1:1. These samples were subjected to biotreatment, consisting of a 24‐h cycle for 9 and 18 days. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), split tensile strength (STS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests were conducted on the biotreated samples to evaluate the effect of fibre reinforcement on the mechanical properties of the biotreated samples. The amount of calcite precipitation, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to interpret biocementation. Results suggest that adding fibres to the MICP process enhances the mechanical properties of coastal soil. The optimum fibre content for carbon and basalt fibre was 0.40%, whereas, for polypropylene, it stood at 0.20%. The maximum UCS, STS, UPV and average CaCO3 were observed in a basalt fibre‐reinforced biotreated sample with a fibre content of 0.40%, subjected to 18‐day biotreatment. Conversely, the sample without fibre‐reinforcement, biotreated for 9 days, exhibited the lowest values for these parameters. Samples subjected to 18 days of treatment have higher values of UCS, STS, UPV and CaCO3 content than 9‐day‐treated soil samples. SEM revealed the presence of CaCO3 precipitates on the surfaces of soil grains and their contact points, and the EDS spectrum corroborated this observation.