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The world is about to be swamped by an unprecedented wave of AI-generated content. We need reliable ways of identifying such content, to supplement the many existing social institutions that enable trust between people and organisations and ensure social resilience. In this paper, we begin by highlighting an important new development: providers of AI content generators have new obligations to support the creation of reliable detectors for the content they generate. These new obligations arise mainly from the EU's newly finalised AI Act, but they are enhanced by the US President's recent Executive Order on AI, and by several considerations of self-interest. These new steps towards reliable detection mechanisms are by no means a panacea—but we argue they will usher in a new adversarial landscape, in which reliable methods for identifying AI-generated content are commonly available. In this landscape, many new questions arise for policymakers. Firstly, if reliable AI-content detection mechanisms are available, who should be required to use them? And how should they be used? We argue that new duties arise for media and Web search companies arise for media companies, and for Web search companies, in the deployment of AI-content detectors. Secondly, what broader regulation of the tech ecosystem will maximise the likelihood of reliable AI-content detectors? We argue for a range of new duties, relating to provenance-authentication protocols, open-source AI generators, and support for research and enforcement. Along the way, we consider how the production of AI-generated content relates to 'free expression', and discuss the important case of content that is generated jointly by humans and AIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and accurately determining battery cell properties is crucial for assessing battery capabilities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is commonly employed to evaluate these properties, typically under controlled laboratory conditions with steady‐state measurements. Traditional steady‐state EIS (SSEIS) requires the battery to be at rest to ensure a linear response. However, real‐world applications, such as electric vehicles (EVs), expose batteries to varying states of charge (SOC) and temperature fluctuations, often occurring simultaneously. This study investigates the impact of SOC and temperature on EIS in terms of battery properties and impedance. Initially, SSEIS results were compared with dynamic EIS (DEIS) outcomes after a full charge under changing temperatures. Subsequently, DEIS was analysed using combined SOC and temperature variations during active charging. The study employed a commercial 450 mAh lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) cobalt oxide (LCO) graphite pouch cell, subject to a 1C constant current (CC)–constant voltage (CCCV) charge for SSEIS and CC charge for DEIS, with SOC ranging from 50% to 100% and cell temperatures from 10 to 35°C. The research developed models to interpolate battery impedance data, demonstrating accurate impedance predictions across operating conditions. Findings revealed significant differences between dynamic data and steady‐state results, with DEIS more accurately reflecting real‐use scenarios where the battery is not at equilibrium and exhibits concentration gradients. These models have potential applications in battery management systems (BMSs) for EVs, enabling health assessments by predicting resistance and capacitance changes, thereby ensuring battery cells' longevity and optimal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing penetration of distributed energy resources is manifesting as voltage regulation challenges in many LV networks. Appropriate regulation of supply voltage magnitude is essential to ensure efficacy and efficiency in the operation of electricity supply networks and consumer equipment. While the theoretical impacts of supply voltage magnitude on the performance of consumer equipment, which include additional energy consumption and decreased equipment lifespan as voltage magnitude increases, are relatively well known, this has not been translated into quantitative impacts. This paper applies the outcomes of previous impact of supply voltage magnitude studies by the authors, in conjunction with domestic load models, to develop algorithms to estimate the quantitative impacts of supply voltage magnitude on consumers. The paper then applies these algorithms to calculate quantitative economic impacts that can be associated with the magnitude of the supply voltage. The outcomes of this research suggest that the per-annum impact of supply voltage magnitude on consumer equipment loss of life is potentially an order of magnitude greater than the resultant increased energy consumption based on case studies using Australian data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 worldwide. Young people often present to emergency departments (EDs) with self-harm and suicide-related behaviors. The period following discharge from the ED is recognized as one of elevated risk for both repeated self-harm and suicide. During this critical time, suicide prevention aftercare services are recommended. Despite their increased popularity, evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of these models is very limited. Methods: Using a hybrid effectiveness-implementation type I design, this evaluation will assess the effectiveness and implementation of a suicide prevention aftercare (Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement; HOPE) service designed to reduce risk of self-harm and suicide in young people aged 12–25 who are referred to the service following an ED presentation for self-harm or suicide attempt. Two complementing theoretical frameworks will guide this evaluation, specifically the design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of results. The RE-AIM evaluation framework will be used to assess Reach, Effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness), Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance of the HOPE aftercare service. The PRISM implementation framework will be used to assess multi-level contextual factors hypothesized to affect the RE-AIM outcomes. Several data sources will be used to assess the changes in primary and secondary outcomes from baseline to post–intervention, and at follow-up, including user and provider self-report surveys, semi-structured interviews, and routinely collected hospital data. An historical control study will also be conducted using data from the Self-Harm Monitoring System for Victoria to examine the impact of the service on rates of self-harm and suicide-related presentations to ED, and compare trends prior to and following commencement of the HOPE aftercare service. In addition, dynamic systems modelling will be used to assess the future scalability of the service. Discussion: Findings from this evaluation will determine the effectiveness, including cost-effectiveness, of the HOPE aftercare service and describe the implementation context. They will inform the future development and sustainability of this and other similar services across Australia and internationally. Trial registration: This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) on the 19th December 2023 (Registration number ACTRN12623001332617). We do not foresee any amendments to this protocol however, if any unforeseen modifications are required, they will be submitted to ANZCTR. Trial sponsor: Orygen, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Detailed demographic information for the commercially harvested long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) and red sea urchins (Heliocidaris tuberculata) on nearshore reefs of New South Wales is unavailable. Aims: This is the first detailed study of abundances and sizes of these sea urchin species on shallow reefs of New South Wales where the fishery operates. Methods: Divers counted sea urchins and measured their sizes in transects in the nearshore mosaic habitat and in extensive barrens habitat at 51 sites along ~800 km of coast. Key results: Centrostephanus was found at most sites in both habitats, whereas Heliocidaris was found at lower densities and at fewer sites. Heliocidaris was rare in the far south and in barrens habitat. Centrostephanus was, on average, smaller in barrens habitat than in the nearshore mosaic habitat, and size structures shifted towards smaller individuals from north to south. Conclusions: Centrostephanus occurred at higher densities than did Heliocidaris and had a broader distribution along the coast and across the nearshore reefs where the fishery operates. Implications: This study provides a historical baseline for these commercially and ecologically important species. The small biomass of Heliocidaris (~3% that of Centrostephanus) and its restricted distribution suggest it is vulnerable to overfishing. This study provides a historical baseline of densities, sizes and biomasses of long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) and red sea urchins (Heliocidaris tuberculata) commercially harvested on shallow reefs of New South Wales, Australia. Long-spined sea urchins occurred at higher densities than did red sea urchins and had a broader distribution and larger biomass where the fishery operates. The small biomass of red sea urchins (~3% that of long-spined sea urchins) and its restricted distribution suggests that it is vulnerable to overfishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preoperative emotional distress has been linked to adverse health outcomes, diminished quality of life, increased symptom burden after surgery, and poorer postoperative outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of perioperative emotional distress on the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Methods: We conducted a follow-up study of a previously conducted observational study of colorectal surgery patients who underwent surgery at the University Medical Centre Freiburg, Germany, between April 2018 and February 2020. Initially, all the patients completed a multidimensional mood questionnaire (MDMQ) preoperatively and on postoperative days 3, 6, and 9. From June to November 2021, these patients were contacted again to capture the results of MDMQ at least one year after surgery and to assess the rate of late complications, quality of life, dietary changes, and overall health. Results: Of the original 80 patients, 51 took part in the follow-up study (55% female, on average 59 years old), on average 30 months after the operation. The average mood results of the surgical patients returned to those of the normal population. Most patients (80%) did not feel that their quality of life was affected by the surgery. Satisfaction with the surgical outcome averaged 8.5 out of 10, while current health was rated at 6.8 out of 10. Emotional distress levels varied over time, with mood and arousal improving significantly postoperatively. Late complications were reported by 28% of the patients, but there were no significant differences in the MDMQ scores, health status, or satisfaction between those with and without complications. Conclusions: The results indicate that there is no association between the emotional strain measured by the MDMQ and the occurrence of late postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effects of antioxidant dietary supplements on response to biological therapies for cancer is unknown. We conducted a scoping review of the available systematic review evidence on this question. Methods and analysis: We searched six databases from inception to August 19, 2022 for systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials of antioxidant dietary supplements used by patients receiving curative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other biological therapy for cancer and assessing the impact of supplements on survival, treatment response, or disease progression. We focused on results from reviews at high or moderate AMSTAR-2 quality. Records were selected, data extracted, and AMSTAR-2 ratings assessed independently by two authors. Results: We found 24 systematic reviews with relevant evidence. Reviews were heterogenous in cancers, treatments, and antioxidant dietary supplements assessed. Conclusions across reviews were mixed, ranging from negative to no apparent difference to positive, but always with caveats about the limited size and quality of the evidence. One review was rated 'moderate' on AMSTAR-2; it included one small trial of vitamin C and formed no firm conclusions. Conclusions: We did not find reliable systematic review evidence on the effects of antioxidant dietary supplements upon therapies for cancer. More research is necessary to inform clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, key predators such as lobsters are thought to control urchins. In southeastern Australia, the role of Sagmariasus verreauxi (eastern rock lobster) as a key predator of the native urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii (long-spined urchin) has been questioned while the sympatric Heliocidaris erythrogramma (short-spined urchin) may be eaten more frequently. To test this, we tethered and filmed 100 urchins (50 C. rodgersii and 50 H. erythrogramma) outside of a lobster den over 25 nights to identify predators and quantify predation rates, time to feeding onset and handling time. Sagmariasus verreauxi exhibited very low predation rates (4%), despite being filmed walking past urchins repeatedly whereas Heterodontus galeatus (crested horn shark) was the main predator (45%). Predation rates by all predators (lobsters and sharks) were influenced primarily by tethering night but not urchin size or species. Predation increased throughout the study and while H. erythrogramma and C. rodgersii were eaten at similar rates, there was a trend for lobsters to eat H. erythrogramma and sharks to eat C. rodgersii. Feeding onset had no significant predictors though large C. rodgersii took longer to handle during feeding for both predators. Importantly, sharks readily consumed 25 C. rodgersii up to 121 mm Test Diameter (TD) while lobsters only ate one C. rodgersii (58 mm TD). These findings, although from only one test location, provide important insights into the species eating urchins and highlight the potential significance of overlooked predators such as H. galeatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, key predators such as lobsters are thought to control urchins. In southeastern Australia, the role of Sagmariasus verreauxi (eastern rock lobster) as a key predator of the native urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii (long-spined urchin) has been questioned while the sympatric Heliocidaris erythrogramma (short-spined urchin) may be eaten more frequently. To test this, we tethered and filmed 100 urchins (50 C. rodgersii and 50 H. erythrogramma) outside of a lobster den over 25 nights to identify predators and quantify predation rates, time to feeding onset and handling time. Sagmariasus verreauxi exhibited very low predation rates (4%), despite being filmed walking past urchins repeatedly whereas Heterodontus galeatus (crested horn shark) was the main predator (45%). Predation rates by all predators (lobsters and sharks) were influenced primarily by tethering night but not urchin size or species. Predation increased throughout the study and while H. erythrogramma and C. rodgersii were eaten at similar rates, there was a trend for lobsters to eat H. erythrogramma and sharks to eat C. rodgersii. Feeding onset had no significant predictors though large C. rodgersii took longer to handle during feeding for both predators. Importantly, sharks readily consumed 25 C. rodgersii up to 121 mm Test Diameter (TD) while lobsters only ate one C. rodgersii (58 mm TD). These findings, although from only one test location, provide important insights into the species eating urchins and highlight the potential significance of overlooked predators such as H. galeatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Treating cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) by transarterial embolization is an established endovascular approach but no data exist regarding the utility of using the newly introduced microcatheters with extra-long detachable tip. Aim of our study was to evaluate the value of these microcatheters and, additionally, of combining them with the simplified pressure cooker technique. Methods: Twenty-nine patients treated for dAVF with transarterial embolization were enrolled. In a subgroup of fifteen patients the simplified pressure cooker technique was additionally applied. Demographics and characteristics were collected for patients and dAVFs and procedural details reviewed. The association between covariates and binary-coded occlusion status was evaluated. Results: Microcatheter navigation into the target pedicle as well as application of the simplified pressure cooker technique were successful in all cases. Complete dAVF occlusion was reached in 69.0% at a single stage. In case of complete dAVF occlusion, embolization via only one pedicle was enough. Subgroup analysis revealed a higher occlusion status (80%) if using the simplified pressure cooker technique than if not (57%) but reached not significance level. Conclusion: Using microcatheters with extra-long detachable tip for dAVF embolization seems to offer a safe and effective treatment option with exceptional high occlusion rate at a single stage. The high navigability facilitates catheterization of a single selected target pedicle that is often enough to reach complete dAVF occlusion. Combining these microcatheters with the simplified pressure cooker technique turned out to be safe and easy to handle and might allow an increasing dAVF occlusion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose is to stimulate scholarship in the strategic management field that accounts for conditions implied by projected impacts of climate change. Design/methodology/approach: Following conceptual logic, the article analyses how changes in the strategic environment brought about by climate change may challenge current strategic management theory. It develops avenues for theory development based on expanding the field's scope and extending its limits of applicability. Findings: The article highlights the extent to which the strategy field has evolved in a stable empirical context, despite its attention to dynamism and hence is less well aligned with potentially pervasive new pressures and impacts. It sets out a rationale for moving beyond symbolic environmentalism, possibilities to harness cognitive and behavioural insights, dilemmas in strategic innovation and the empirical potential of non-mainstream contexts. Practical implications: Firms and organisations can expect widespread systemic effects from climate change that challenge established ways of operating. The article explores how strategic management could better support strategists in navigating these shifts such that firms can continue to thrive. Originality/value: The article approaches the issue of climate change specifically from the perspective of strategic management of firms rather than as policy or social advocacy. It focuses on pressures and characteristics that distinguish climate change from other environmental and social impacts on firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complications following head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) are common. Less is known about when they occur. Method: Retrospective study of patients with primary or recurrent head and neck cancer undergoing MFTT reconstruction at a tertiary care institution. MFTT reconstructions with inpatient postoperative complications were included. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare median postoperative day (POD) onset of complication by flap type. Results: Of 1090 patients undergoing MFTT reconstruction, 126 (11.6%) patients experienced inpatient complications including fibula (n = 35), anterolateral thigh (n = 60), or radial forearm (n = 31) MFTTs. POD onset was shortest for surgical site hematoma (median = 1 [IQR 1–5]), and longest for donor site infection (median = 11.5 [IQR 8–15]). There was no significant difference between flap types and POD onset of complications (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Hematoma formation and flap failure occur earliest during hospitalization, while dehiscence, infection, and fistula occur later. There is no difference in complication timing between flap types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does temperature affect decision-making abilities and rationality? Using Indonesian data, we estimate how risky choices, impatience and rational choice violations vary with exposure to temperature. We show that hot weather temporarily increases rational choice violations and impatience, but does not affect risk-related decisions. These effects are primarily driven by nighttime rather than daytime temperatures. We provide suggestive evidence that the mechanism behind these effects is decreased sleep quality, affecting cognition the following day, particularly math skills. These skills are critical for rational and utility-maximising decision-making. Effects are largest for economically disadvantaged households and in areas with low rates of air-conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objects we consume increasingly exist in digital form, from audiobooks and digital photographs to social media profiles and avatars. Digital objects are often argued to be less valued, personally meaningful, and self-relevant than their physical counterparts and are consequently dismissed as poor candidates for possession. Yet, studies have identified highly meaningful, even irreplaceable, digital possessions. In this article, we account for these contradictory narratives surrounding digital possessions, arguing that digital objects are not inherently unsuited to possession, but rather their affordances may not align with consumers' imagined affordances (i.e. the object affordances that consumers anticipate). Drawing from a qualitative study of 25 consumers and their digital possessions, we identify three recurring types of affordance misalignment— missing affordances, covert affordances, and deficient affordances—that mediate how consumers and digital objects interact (pragmatic mediation) and, consequently, consumers' experiences of, and beliefs surrounding, digital objects as possessions (hermeneutic mediation). We demonstrate that these affordance misalignments can create obstacles to consumers' desired experiences of possession and document consumers' attempts to overcome these obstacles by employing alignment strategies , with varied behavioral outcomes. This article advances debates surrounding digital possessions and presents an enriched affordance theory lens that provides new insights into possession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent single-cell transcriptomes revealed spatiotemporal programmes of liver function on the sublobular scale. However, how sexual dimorphism affected this space-time logic remained poorly understood. We addressed this by performing scRNA-seq in the mouse liver, which revealed that sex, space and time together markedly influence xenobiotic detoxification and lipoprotein metabolism. The very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) exhibits a pericentral expression pattern, with significantly higher mRNA and protein levels in female mice. Conversely, VLDL assembly is periportally biased, suggesting a sexually dimorphic hepatic cycle of periportal formation and pericentral uptake of VLDL. In humans, VLDLR expression is also pericentral, with higher mRNA and protein levels in premenopausal women compared to similarly aged men. Individuals with low hepatic VLDLR expression show a high prevalence of atherosis in the coronary artery already at an early age and an increased incidence of heart attack. Recent single-cell transcriptomes revealed spatiotemporal programmes of liver function on the sublobular scale. Here, Martini et al. show that VLDLR is more highly expressed in females and in the liver's pericentral zone, while VLDL assembly occurs periportally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mass mortality events (MMEs) are defined as the death of large numbers of fish over a short period of time. These events can result in catastrophic losses to the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry and the local economy. However, they are challenging to understand because of their relative infrequency and the high number of potential factors involved. As a result, the causes and consequences of MMEs in Atlantic salmon aquaculture are not well understood. In this study, we developed a structural network of causal risk factors for MMEs for aquaculture and the communities that depend on Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique, we analysed the causes of Atlantic salmon mass mortalities due to environmental (abiotic), biological (biotic) and nutritional risk factors. The consequences of MMEs were also assessed for the occupational health and safety of aquaculture workers and their implications for the livelihoods of local communities. This structural network deepens our understanding of MMEs and points to management actions and interventions that can help mitigate mass mortalities. MMEs are typically not the result of a single risk factor but are caused by the systematic interaction of risk factors related to the environment, fish diseases, feeding/nutrition and cage‐site management. Results also indicate that considerations of health and safety risk, through pre‐ and post‐event risk assessments, may help to minimize workplace injuries and eliminate potential risks of human fatalities. Company and government‐assisted socio‐economic measures could help mitigate post‐mass mortality impacts. Appropriate and timely management actions may help reduce MMEs at Atlantic salmon cage sites and minimize the physical and social vulnerabilities of workers and local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome caused by genetic variants affecting DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. Cancer risk in LS is estimated from cohorts of individuals ascertained by individual or family history of cancer, which may upwardly bias estimates. Methods 830 carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (path_MMR) MMR gene variants classified by InSiGHT were identified in 454 756 UK Biobank (UKB) participants using whole- exome sequence. Nelson- Aalen survival analysis was used to estimate cumulative incidence of colorectal, endometrial and breast cancer (BC). Results Cumulative incidence of colorectal and endometrial cancer (EC) by age 70 years was elevated in path_MMR carriers compared with non- carriers (colorectal: 11.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.5% to 14.6%) vs 1.7% (95% CI: 1.6% to 1.7%), endometrial: 13.4% (95% CI: 10.2% to 17.6%) vs 1.0% (95% CI: 0.9% to 1.0%)), but the magnitude of this increase differed between genes. Cumulative BC incidence by age 70 years was not elevated in path_ MMR carriers compared with non- carriers (8.9% (95% CI: 6.3% to 12.4%) vs 7.5% (95% CI: 7.4% to 7.6%)). Cumulative cancer incidence estimates in UKB were similar to estimates from the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database for all genes and cancers, except there was no evidence for elevated EC risk in carriers of pathogenic PMS2 variants in UKB. Conclusion These results support offering incidentally identified carriers of any path_MMR surveillance to manage colorectal cancer risk. Incidentally identified carriers of pathogenic variants in MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 would also benefit from interventions to reduce EC risk. The results suggest that BC is not an LS- related cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing fish entrainment during their downstream passage at hydropower plants remains a major challenge in reducing the ecological impacts of hydropower production. We investigated fish behavior at the world's first innovative shaft hydropower plant with its novel screen concept, aiming at reducing fish entrainment due to the fully horizontal arrangement of the screen and low vertical suction effects toward the turbine. Based on ARIS sonar recordings, we assessed whether fish could move unhindered across the turbine intake area toward the bypass corridors at the sluice gate for safe downstream passage. For a range of species (Anguilla anguilla, Barbus barbus, Thymallus thymallus, Salmo trutta, and Hucho hucho) and operation modes (high/low turbine load), we assessed behavioral patterns such as screen avoidance, dwelling behavior, and search behavior at the screen. Contrary to the engineers' expectations, the innovative screen arrangement neither guided the fish away from the turbine intake to the bypass corridors nor prevented them from swimming vertically into the turbine shaft. Rather, fish freely moved near the screen and avoidance behavior was only rarely observed. Both the dwelling and active search behavior, which was particularly evident in eel, are directly linked to an increased risk of screen passage and subsequent turbine‐related death or injuries. Our findings illustrate that consideration of fish behavior at turbine inlet structures is a crucial component which needs to be integrated with other variables such as fish mortality and injury patterns for a comprehensive evaluation and improvement of fish passage at hydropower plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An atraumatic approach to the inner ear is an important goal in the future development of cochlear implant surgery, as the current surgical procedure for electrode insertion is highly invasive. To reduce invasiveness, minimally invasive surgical options are being explored, such as the insertion of one or more drill channels. Due to the proximity to critical structures, a temperature sensor is incorporated into the medical drill for process parallel temperature monitoring to prevent thermal damage. The temperature data is sent to the analysis hardware via Bluetooth BLE. This requires a power supply for the electronics on the drill. There are a number of limitations to the design of such a power supply. For one, the drill is rotating. Therefore, the energy generation must be contactless. Secondly, the energy generation should not depend on the rotation of the drill, so that the temperature can be measured even without the drill rotating and the rotational speed of the drill is not limited. In this paper, we propose a solution for a contactless energy transmission system (ETS) based on inductive coupling. Considering the dimensional limitations of attaching the electronics to the drill shaft, a multilayer PCB coil with multiple contacts for different number of turns is developed. The electrical circuit is simulated and the best settings are identified. The power supply is validated according to the predefined requirements. In the future, the medical drill will be built with the newly developed ETS. Sterilization and wear tests are performed to confirm the suitability of the drill with integrated temperature sensor for the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas exchange in the soil is determined by the size and connectivity of air‐filled pores. Root mucilage reduces air‐filled pore connectivity and thus gas diffusivity. It is unclear to what extent mucilage affects soil pore connectivity and tortuosity. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of gas diffusion processes in the rhizosphere by explaining the geometric alterations of the soil pore space induced by mucilage. We quantified the effect of a root mucilage analogue collected from chia seeds without intrinsic respiratory activity on oxygen diffusion at different water contents during drying–rewetting cycles in a diffusion chamber experiment. Quantification of oxygen diffusion showed that mucilage decreased the gas diffusion coefficient in dry soil without affecting air‐filled porosity. Without mucilage, a hysteresis in gas diffusion coefficient during a drying–rewetting cycle was observed. The effect depended on particle size and diminished with increasing mucilage content. X‐ray computed tomography imaging indicated a hysteresis in the connectivity of the gas phase during a drying–rewetting cycle for samples without mucilage. This effect was attenuated with increasing mucilage content. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed that mucilage structures formed in drying soil increase with mucilage content, thereby progressively reducing the connectivity of the gas phase. In conclusion, the effect of mucilage on soil gas diffusion highly depends on soil texture and mucilage content. The diminishing hysteresis with the addition of mucilage suggests that plant roots secrete mucilage to balance oxygen availability and water content, even under fluctuating moisture conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe psychomotor agitation and aggression often require immediate pharmacological intervention, but clear evidence-based recommendations for choosing among the multiple options are lacking. To address this gap, we plan a systematic review and individual-participant-data network meta-analysis to investigate their comparative effectiveness in real-world emergency settings with increased precision. Methods: We will include randomized controlled trials investigating intramuscular or intravenous pharmacological interventions, as monotherapy or in combination, in adults with severe psychomotor agitation irrespective of the underlying diagnosis and requiring rapid tranquilization in general or psychiatric emergency settings. We will exclude studies before 2002, those focusing on specific reasons for agitation and placebo-controlled trials to avoid concerns related to the transitivity assumption and potential selection biases. We will search for eligible studies in BIOSIS, CENTRAL, CINAHL Plus, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE via Ovid, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO-ICTRP. Individual-participant data will be requested from the study authors and harmonized into a uniform format, and aggregated data will also be extracted from the studies. At least two independent reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment using RoB 2, and applicability evaluation using the RITES tool. The primary outcome will be the number of patients achieving adequate sedation within 30 min after treatment, with secondary outcomes including the need for additional interventions and adverse events, using odds ratios as the effect size. If enough individual-participant data will be collected, we will synthesize them in a network meta-regression model within a Bayesian framework, incorporating study- and participant-level characteristics to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. In cases where individual-participant data are unavailable, potential data availability bias will be explored, and models allowing for the inclusion of studies reporting only aggregated data will be considered. We will assess the confidence in the evidence using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) approach. Discussion: This individual-participant-data network meta-analysis aims to provide a fine-tuned synthesis of the evidence on the comparative effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for severe psychomotor agitation in real-world emergency settings. The findings from this study can greatly be provided clearer evidence-based guidance on the most effective treatments. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023402365. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To use portable colorimetry to quantify color differences between facial skin and potential three head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) donor sites—radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and fibula (FF)—and compare these differences by pigmentation of the donor site skin and self‐identified race. Methods: In this cross‐sectional cohort study, healthy volunteers consented to handheld colorimeter measurements at the three potential MFTT donor sites (RF, ALT, FF) to quantify color match to the facial skin using the CIE color space (DeltaE). The comparison of ipsilateral to contralateral cheek served as control for measurements. Cross‐sectional measurements in healthy volunteers were then compared to measurements obtained in postoperative head and neck MFTT patients. Results: DeltaE measurements were obtained for 128 healthy controls and 24 postoperative patients (N = 152). With increasing lightness (decreased pigmentation) of the skin at the donor site, the color match significantly worsened (higher DeltaE) across all potential MFTT donor sites (all p < 0.05). DeltaE from healthy controls closely approximated postoperative color match measurements in patients who underwent cervicofacial MFTT (DeltaE RF: 5.3 vs. 6.0, p = 0.432; DeltaE ALT: 6.2 vs. 6.4, p = 0.822; DeltaE FF: 6.0 vs. 6.4, p = 0.806). Conclusion: Patients with decreased skin pigmentation who are undergoing head and neck MFTT may experience worse color discrepancy between cervicofacial skin and the transferred skin paddle than those with more pigmented skin. Portable colorimetry may identify patients who could benefit from interventions such as dermis‐resected free tissue reconstruction with skin grafting to improve postoperative appearance. Level of Evidence: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:3581–3586, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, lobsters are considered key predators that control urchin populations. It has been widely reported that lobster size plays a significant role in the size of urchins they feed on, as does the size of the urchin. Generally, it is thought that small palinurid "spiny" lobsters measuring less than 120 mm carapace length (CL) are morphologically incapable of eating urchins, while large lobsters are voracious predators. Urchin size is expected to affect predation with larger urchins of greater than 90 mm test diameter (TD) presenting the most difficult prey. These generalities, however, have not been quantitatively tested for the eastern spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi and recently the accepted size paradigm for lobsters eating urchins has come into question. The aim of this study was to assess whether lobster predation on urchins would differ with urchin size or species, or the size of lobster. Our results indicate that S. verreauxi does not fit the common lobster patterns regarding urchin predation. There were generally low rates of predation and a significant negative relationship between feeding and both lobster size and urchin size. We found that small lobsters were capable urchin predators with a higher likelihood of eating urchins than larger lobsters, which were more reluctant predators. While we did find the expected effect of smaller urchins being significantly more vulnerable prey, there was none of the expected size limitations for small lobsters eating large urchins and predation did not differ between urchin species, indicating that this was a general pattern. Overall, we observed low rates of predation, suggesting that either S. verreauxi may not be a key urchin predator like other lobster species elsewhere, or that small lobsters are underestimated as urchin predators in temperate marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A charity's core purpose is legally mandated and delivery thereof is not a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity which, by definition, is voluntary in nature. Any CSR activity not required by law should be "incidental" and be an outcome of a core purpose/object and not a focus of activity. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to address the lack of research into voluntary CSR activities conducted by charities so that charities might have a clearer operating platform and do not involuntarily contravene legislation. Design/methodology/approach: This was an exploratory investigation using purposive sampling of senior leaders in UK charities. This study uses a case study approach to identify pragmatic areas of concern and also identify practical actions. Findings: The conventional hierarchical ordering of Carroll's CSR pyramid (1991) for profit-focussed organisations were found to be inconsistent with those for charitable organisations which were: ethical, legal, economic and philanthropic/voluntary/incidental. Research limitations/implications: This was an exploratory study and would benefit from further investigation. Practical implications: Corporate social responsibility actions undertaken by charities need to be carefully evaluated to ensure that they comply with the core charitable purpose or are incidental. Social implications: Many employees in charities are motivated by social justice; however, they need to be cautious that they do not exceed the core purpose of the charity. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, no research was identified which has addressed the fundamental issue of charities' core purposes and the extent to which charities might legally undertake CSR activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religiosity is an important factor in the lives of many African Americans, who suffer a greater health burden than their White counterparts. In this study, we examined associations between dimensions of religiosity with health behaviors and depressive symptoms in a sample of African American adults in the United States. Participants (N = 2086) completed five measures of religiosity (religious involvement, positive and negative religious coping, scriptural influence, belief in illness as punishment for sin) and measures of several health behaviors, cancer screening behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Using cluster analysis to examine the deep structure of religiosity, three clusters emerged: Positive Religious, Negative Religious, and Low Religious. In general, the Positive Religious group engaged in more healthy behaviors (e.g., fruit and vegetable consumption, fecal occult blood test) and fewer risky health behaviors (e.g., smoke and consume alcohol), and reported fewer depressive symptoms than did the Negative Religious and/or Low Religious groups. Theoretical implications and implications for interventions by clergy and mental health professionals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been proven effective in anterior circulation stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, translation from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with highly selected patients to real-world requires confirmation, particularly to identify associations outside of strict selection criteria. Aims: This study aims to compare functional outcomes after EVT in real-world with those reported in RCTs, and to identify associations with functional outcome after EVT outside RCT-criteria. Methods: This study analyzed longitudinal German real-world data from the Stroke Research Consortium in Northern Bavaria (STAMINA) cohort from January, 2015 to June, 2019. We conducted a trial emulation, comparing patients with anterior circulation stroke and LVO meeting selection criteria for RCTs investigating EVT (1) predominantly within 6 hours with those from HERMES meta-analysis, and (2) within 6-24 hours with those from AURORA meta-analysis. We (3) analyzed treatment effects of EVT and association with functional outcome in patients treated outside RCT criteria. Results: Of 598 patients, 281 (47.0%) met RCT-criteria for treatment within 6 hours (hereinafter STAMINA-HERMES), 74 (12.4%) met RCT-criteria for treatment within 6–24 hours (STAMINA-AURORA), and 277 (46.3%) patients received EVT outside RCT-criteria. We observed no difference in rates of functional independence or mortality, comparing STAMINA-HERMES with HERMES meta-analysis (mRS 0-1: n=120/281 [43%] vs. 291/633 [46%], p=0.36; mortality: n=34/281 [12%] vs. 97/633 [15%], p=0.20), and STAMINA-AURORA with AURORA meta-analysis (mRS 0-1: n=26/74 [35%] vs. 122/266 [46%], p=0.10, mortality: n=10/74 [14%] vs. 45/266 [17%], p=0.48). Patients treated outside RCT-criteria had worse outcome (mRS 0-1: n=38/277 [14%], mortality: n=90/277 [32%], both p<0.001); possibly driven by pre-existing functional dependence (n=172/277 [62%]). Compared to matched controls, EVT outside of RCT-criteria was associated with lower mortality (absolute treatment effect: -14%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -23 to -5, p<0.01), but not with recovery to functional independence or premorbid functional status (treatment effect: 4%, CI -4 to 11, p=0.34), which was associated with lower NIHSS (Odds ratio [OR] 0.86, CI 0.80-0.92, p<0.001) and age (OR 0.95, CI 0.93-0.98, p=0.002). Conclusions: Translation of EVT outcomes reported in RCTs into real-world is possible, however, almost half of patients did not meet trial criteria. Identification of patients who functionally benefit from frequently performed EVT outside RCT-criteria requires further investigation. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04357899. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint are of both historic and modern interest for athletes and non-athletes alike. The thumb metacarpophalangeal joint requires stability in both flexion and extension utilizing a combination of static and dynamic stabilizers. This article reviews the magnetic resonance imaging categorization of thumb ulnar collateral ligament injuries and proposes two additional injury patterns seen in high-level and professional athletes who play American football. In addition to the direct magnetic resonance imaging findings in collateral ligament tears, secondary findings of rotation and subluxation can be seen at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint due to the altered physiologic forces on the joint. Internal brace augmentation via suture tape of a traditional ulnar collateral ligament repair is a novel surgical technique that provides protection during initial healing and the ensuing remodeling phase following repair or reconstruction, resulting in a faster return to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transseptal coronary artery course, also known as a transconal course, is an anomalous course of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) or the left anterior descending artery (LAD) through the conal septal myocardium. The conal septal myocardium is the posterior wall of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), acting as a dividing myocardial wall between the subaortic and subpulmonary outflow tracts. The initial segment of a transseptal coronary artery has an extraconal course between the aorta and the RVOT cranial to the true intramyocardial segment. The transseptal coronary artery then emerges out of the conal septal myocardium at the epicardial surface on the lateral aspect of the RVOT. Many consider the transseptal coronary artery to be a benign entity. However, there are few case reports of severe cardiac symptoms such as myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and even sudden cardiac deaths due to potential coronary artery compression in the systolic phase.​ In this article, we seek to describe the imaging findings of transseptal coronary artery course on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), discuss their clinical analysis, and briefly discuss the management of these lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding tumor–host immune interactions and the mechanisms of lung cancer response to immunotherapy is crucial. Current preclinical models used to study this often fall short of capturing the complexities of human lung cancer and lead to inconclusive results. To bridge the gap, we introduce two new murine monoclonal lung cancer cell lines for use in immunocompetent orthotopic models. We demonstrate how our cell lines exhibit immunohistochemical protein expression (TTF-1, NapA, PD-L1) and common driver mutations (KRAS, p53, and p110α) seen in human lung adenocarcinoma patients, and how our orthotopic models respond to combination immunotherapy in vivo in a way that closely mirrors current clinical outcomes. These new lung adenocarcinoma cell lines provide an invaluable, clinically relevant platform for investigating the intricate dynamics between tumor and the immune system, and thus potentially contributes to a deeper understanding of immunotherapeutic approaches to lung cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to offer a methodological framework for a systematic capture and analysis of consumer lurking practices in digital environments. Despite the prevalence of lurking, it is still an understudied topic in marketing and consumer research due to methodological constraints. To remedy this, we introduce Digital Practices Tracing (DPT), a novel methodological framework integrating digital methods and post-phenomenological inquiry. This combination allows capturing naturally occuring digital lurking practices and uncovering their underlying motivations. The article's contribution is threefold. First, it provides a detailed research protocol that can be easily applied and further scaled. Second, it applies the methodology to make invisible lurking practices on social media visible. Third, it introduces an ad hoc taxonomy of digital lurking practices useful to trace and measure them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through five empirical accounts of critical teaching practices, this note addresses how we can teach and seeks to understand the strategies and approaches employed by marketing scholars to incorporate critical and moral reflection into the marketing curriculum, and be more critical and imaginative in reshaping marketing practices in the face of current challenges. The pedagogic examples offered acknowledge the powerful potential of the marketing classroom in developing critical and creative mindsets of future leaders and practitioners. These illustrations of the passion and creativity of marketing teachers can inspire colleagues to experiment with and develop their ideas in the classroom, and offer a model for sharing experiences that we hope may encourage more colleagues to do likewise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysfunctional sensory gating in anxiety disorders, indexed by the failure to inhibit the P50 event-related potential (ERP) to repeated stimuli, has been linked to deficits in the major inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Aims/Methods: This study, conducted in 30 healthy volunteers, examined the acute effects of GABAA (lorazepam: 1 mg) and GABAB receptor (baclofen: 10 mg) agonists on P50 measures of auditory sensory gating within a paired-stimulus (S1-S2) paradigm and assessed changes in gating in relation to self-ratings of anxiety. Results: Compared to placebo, lorazepam reduced ERP indices of sensory gating by attenuating response to S1. Although not directly impacting P50 inhibition, baclofen-induced changes in gating (relative to placebo) were negatively correlated with trait but not state anxiety. Conclusions: These preliminary findings support the involvement of GABA in sensory gating and tentatively suggest a role for GABAB receptor signaling in anxiety-associated gating dysregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To quantify operator dose in interventional CT fluoroscopy (CTF) procedures and compare to catheterization laboratory and interventional radiology procedures. Methods: Fifteen studies quantifying operator scatter dose for c‐arm fluoroscopy and CTF were reviewed from a literature survey. The dose provided in each study was normalized to skin entrance air kerma and air kerma rate including backscatter. The average air kerma rate and exposure duration were calculated and compared between c‐arm fluoroscopy and CTF. To enable operator scatter dose calculations in CTF procedures, a model was created which scaled the dose from a reference condition. Results: Our literature survey indicated that for CTF relative to c‐arm fluoroscopy: (1) the mean air kerma rate is 3.5 times higher, while (2) the mean exposure duration is 31.6 times lower. On average, a physician would have to perform 9.1 times (i.e., 31.6/3.5) more CTF procedures relative to c‐arm fluoroscopy procedure to receive equal operator scatter doses. Our own experimental measurements provided scaling factors allowing physician scatter dose to be obtained at any rotation time, tube current, beam collimation, or beam energy. Conclusion: Our results shed light onto a currently mis‐understood issue in radiology. Namely, that physicians receive more dose from CT relative to c‐arm fluoroscopy motivating them to retreat from the room during interventional exposures. Our literature review and experimental measurements indicate the opposite it true; interventional CT produces on average nine times less physician dose relative to c‐arm procedures. Our method allows for prospective/retrospective determination of an individual's dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) proteins regulate mammary development. Here we investigate the expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) in the mouse and cow around the day of birth. We present localised colocation analysis, applicable to other mammary studies requiring identification of spatially congregated events. We demonstrate that pSTAT3-positive events are multifocally clustered in a non-random and statistically significant fashion. Arginase-1 expressing cells, consistent with macrophages, exhibit distinct clustering within the periparturient mammary gland. These findings represent a new facet of mammary STAT3 biology, and point to the presence of mammary sub-microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying hybridization between common pathogen vectors is essential due to the major public health implications through risks associated with hybrid's enhanced pathogen transmission potential. The hard‐ticks Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus are the two most common vectors of tick‐borne pathogens that affect human and animal health in Europe. Ixodes ricinus is a known native species in Finland with a well‐known distribution, whereas I. persulcatus has expanded in range and abundance over the past 60 years, and currently it appears the most common tick species in certain areas in Finland. Here we used double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing on 186 ticks (morphologically identified as 92 I. ricinus, and 94 I. persulcatus) collected across Finland to investigate whether RAD generated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can discriminate tick species and identify potential hybridization events. Two different clustering methods were used to assign specific species based on how they clustered and identified hybrids among them. We were able to discriminate between the two tick species and identified 11 putative hybrids with admixed genomic proportions ranging from approximately 24 to 76 percent. Four of these hybrids were morphologically identified as I. ricinus while the remaining seven were identified as I. persulcatus. Our results thus indicate that RAD SNPs are robust in identifying both species of the ticks as well as putative hybrids. These results further suggest ongoing hybridization between I. ricinus and I. persulcatus in their natural populations in Finland. The unique ability of RAD markers to discriminate between tick species and hybrids adds a useful aspect to tick evolutionary studies. Our findings align with previous studies and suggest a shared evolutionary history between the species, with instances of individuals possessing a considerable proportion of the other species' genome. This study is a significant step in understanding the formation of hybridization zones due to range expansion potentially associated with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing concern into the decline of insect populations, with corresponding calls for conservation action aimed towards threatened species in particular. However, there is a distinct paucity of knowledge surrounding habitat requirements, microhabitat selection and conservation actions that may be undertaken for the vast majority of invertebrate species.Carabus intricatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Linnaeus, 1761 is a threatened ancient woodland specialist in the United Kingdom with a highly restricted distribution and is listed as a section 41 species of principal importance in England. Despite this, no empirical systematic evidence exists for even basic habitat requirements.Here, we used a patch‐occupancy modelling framework to determine occupancy and detection parameters for C. intricatus and a sympatric generalist species, C. problematicus, which is a potential competitor.Our models showed that decayed deadwood availability and leaf litter covering (an indicator of the availability of mature broadleaved trees) leads to higher occupancy of C. intricatus, whereas decayed dead wood availability and slug abundance are primary determinants of overall abundance. Additionally, detection models showed that higher humidity substantially increased activity of C. intricatus.For C. problematicus, ground moss coverage and overall deadwood volume most strongly influenced occupancy and abundance, whereas there were no humidity related influences on activity.The results support our general predictions about the specialist–generalist nature of the two species in the United Kingdom and indicate that key characteristics of old‐growth temperate rain forests, particularly the availability of deadwood and high humidity, are central to the conservation of these charismatic carabids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine and adjacent inshore habitats have long been recognised as important nursery areas for fishes before they disperse to coastal habitats. Assessing nursery function supports spatial and fisheries management, yet work commonly focusses on singular habitat types. Re-considering how juvenile fish connect habitats may improve our understanding of nursery function and the scales that recruits are supplied to coastal fisheries. This study quantified the juvenile movements of two harvested fishes in south-eastern Australia, luderick (Girella tricuspidata) and yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis). Acoustic tags were used to track 33 luderick and 20 yellowfin bream from seagrass meadows for up to ~400 days in Jervis Bay Marine Park. Both species had relatively small home ranges (< 7 km2) and exhibited site attachment to seagrass meadows where they were released. Most luderick and yellowfin bream were detected moving 100's metres to kilometres to reefs adjacent to seagrass, although these movements were not habitat shifts. Rather, reef-ward movements represented repeated visits that lasted days to months before fish returned to seagrass, suggesting that these movements may be explorations in search of suitable adult habitat. Strong retention within an existing marine reserve was observed, with only five of 33 fish tagged within reserves crossing the boundary into fished waters. Overall, our results demonstrate that juvenile fish use and connect multiple habitat types during their movements. These findings support the broadening of the nursery concept from single habitats to a mosaic of functionally connected habitat patches (dubbed 'seascape nurseries'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]