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Spearing mantis shrimps are aggressive crustaceans using specialized appendages with sharp spikes to capture fishes with fast movement. Each spike is a biological tool that has to combine high toughness, as required by the initial impact with the victim, with high stiffness and strength, to ensure sufficient penetration while avoid breaking.We performed a multimodal analysis to uncover the design strategies of this harpoon based on chitin. We found that the spike is a slightly hooked hollow beam with the outer surface decorated by serrations and grooves to enhance cutting and interlocking. The cuticle of the spike resembles a multilayer composite: An outer heavily mineralized, stiff, and hard region (with average indentation modulus and hardness of 68 and 3 GPa), providing high resistance to contact stresses, is combined with a less mineralized region, which occupies a large fraction of the cuticle (up to 50%) and features parallel fibers oriented longitudinally, enhancing stiffness and strength. A central finding of our work is the presence of a tiny interphase (less than 10 μm in width) based on helical fibers and showing a spatial modulation in mechanical properties, which has the critical task to integrate the stiff but brittle outer layer with the more compliant highly anisotropic parallel-fiber region.We highlighted the remarkable ability of this helicoidal region to stop nanoindentation-induced cracks.Using three-dimensional multimaterial printing to prototype spike-inspired composites, we showed how the observed construction principles can not only hamper damage propagation between highly dissimilar layers (resulting in composites with the helical interphase absorbing 50% more energy than without it) but can also enhance resistance to puncture (25% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was twofold. First, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a finite element (FE) model to predict bone fracture in cancer patients with proximal femoral bone metastases. Second, we evaluated whether femoroplasty could effectively reduce fracture risk. A total of 89 patients were included, with 101 proximal femurs affected with bone metastases. The accuracy of the model to predict fracture was evaluated by comparing the FE failure load, normalized for body weight, against the actual occurrence of fracture during a 6‐month follow‐up. Using a critical threshold, the model could identify whether femurs underwent fracture with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 66%. A virtual treatment with femoroplasty was simulated in a subset of 34 out of the 101 femurs; only femurs with one or more well‐defined lytic lesions were considered eligible for femoroplasty. We modeled their lesions, as well as the surrounding 4 mm of trabecular bone, to be augmented with bone cement. The simulation of femoroplasty increased the median failure load of the FE model by 57% for lesions located in the head/neck of the femur. At this lesion location, all high risk femurs that had fractured during follow‐up effectively moved from a failure load below the critical threshold to a value above. For lesions located in the trochanteric region, no definite improvement in failure load was found. Although additional validation studies are required, our results suggest that femoroplasty can effectively reduce fracture risk for several osteolytic lesions in the femoral head/neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short stems are becoming increasingly popular in total hip arthroplasty as they preserve the bone stock and simplify the implantation process. Short stems are advised mainly for patients with good bone stock. The clinical use of short stems could be enlarged to patients with poor bone stock if a cemented alternative would be available. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the mechanical performance of a cemented short stem and to compare the "undersized" cementing strategy (stem one size smaller than the rasp) with the "line‐to‐line" technique (stem and rasp with identical size). A prototype cemented short stem was implanted in eight pairs of human cadaveric femora using the two cementing strategies. Four pairs were experimentally tested in a single‐legged stance condition; stiffness, strength, and bone surface displacements were measured. Subject‐specific nonlinear finite element models of all the implanted femora were developed, validated against the experimental data, and used to evaluate the behavior of cemented short stems under physiological loading conditions resembling level walking. The two cementing techniques resulted in nonsignificant differences in stiffness and strength. Strength and stiffness as calculated from finite element were 8.7 ± 16% and 9.9 ± 15.0% higher than experimentally measured. Displacements as calculated from finite element analyses corresponded strongly (R2 ≥.97) with those measured by digital image correlation. Stresses during level walking were far below the fatigue limit for bone and bone cement. The present study suggests that cemented short stems are a promising solution in osteoporotic bone, and that the line‐to‐line and undersized cementing techniques provide similar outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short stem hip implants are becoming increasingly popular since they preserve bone stock and presumably reduce stress‐shielding. However, concerns remain whether they are suitable for a wide range of patients with varying anatomy. The aim of this study was to investigate how femoral anatomy influences stress‐shielding induced by a short calcar‐guided stem across a set of 90 CT‐based femur models. A computational tool was developed that automatically selected the optimal size and position of the stem. Finite element models of the intact and implanted femurs were constructed and subjected to walking loads. Stress‐shielding was evaluated in relevant volumes of interest of the proximal femur. After a detailed anatomical analysis, linear regression was performed to find potential correlations between anatomy and stress‐shielding. Stress‐shielding was found to be highest in the proximal regions on the medial and posterior side. A highly significant negative relationship was observed between stress‐shielding and bone density; a strong positive relationship was observed with stem size and the valgus orientation of the stem with respect to the femur. The results reveal how anatomy influences stress‐shielding, and they highlight the importance of evaluating new implant designs across a large population taking into account the anatomical variability. The study demonstrates that such large population studies can be conducted in an efficient way using an automated workflow. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:1–8, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Secure implant fixation is challenging in osteoporotic bone. Due to the high variability in inter‐ and intra‐patient bone quality, ex vivo mechanical testing of implants in bone is very material‐ and time‐consuming. Alternatively, in silico models could substantially reduce costs and speed up the design of novel implants if they had the capability to capture the intricate bone microstructure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate a micro‐finite element model of a multi‐screw fracture fixation system. Eight human cadaveric humerii were scanned using micro‐CT and mechanically tested to quantify bone stiffness. Osteotomy and fracture fixation were performed, followed by mechanical testing to quantify displacements at 12 different locations on the instrumented bone. For each experimental case, a micro‐finite element model was created. From the micro‐finite element analyses of the intact model, the patient‐specific bone tissue modulus was determined such that the simulated apparent stiffness matched the measured stiffness of the intact bone. Similarly, the tissue modulus of a small damage region around each screw was determined for the instrumented bone. For validation, all in silico models were rerun using averaged material properties, resulting in an average coefficient of determination of 0.89 ± 0.04 with a slope of 0.93 ± 0.19 and a mean absolute error of 43 ± 10 μm when correlating in silico marker displacements with the ex vivo test. In conclusion, we validated a patient‐specific computer model of an entire organ bone‐implant system at the tissue‐level at high resolution with excellent overall accuracy. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:954–962, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cortical thickness and density are critical components in determining the strength of bony structures. Computed tomography(CT) is one possible modality for analyzing the cortex in 3D. In this paper, a model-based approach for measuring the cortical bone thickness and density from clinical CTimages is proposed. Methods: Density variations across the cortex were modeled as a function of the cortical thickness and density, location of the cortex, density of surrounding tissues, and imaging blur. High resolution micro-CT data of cadaver proximal femurs were analyzed to determine a relationship between cortical thickness and density. This thickness-density relationship was used as prior information to be incorporated in the model to obtain accurate measurements of cortical thickness and density from clinical CT volumes. The method was validated using micro-CT scans of 23 cadaver proximal femurs. Simulated clinical CTimages with different voxel sizes were generated from the micro-CT data. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the simulated images using the proposed method and compared with measurements obtained using the micro-CT images to evaluate the effect of voxel size on the accuracy of the method. Then, 19 of the 23 specimens were imaged using a clinical CT scanner. Cortical thickness and density were estimated from the clinical CTimages using the proposed method and compared with the micro-CT measurements. Finally, a case-control study including 20 patients with osteoporosis and 20 age-matched controls with normal bone density was performed to evaluate the proposed method in a clinical context. Results: Cortical thickness (density) estimation errors were 0.07 ± 0.19 mm (-18 ± 92 mg/cm³) using the simulated clinical CT volumes with the smallest voxel size (0.33 ? 0.33 ? 0.5 mm³), and 0.10 ± 0.24 mm (-10 ± 115 mg/cm³) using the volumes with the largest voxel size (1.0 ? 1.0 ? 3.0 mm³). A trend for the cortical thickness and density estimation errors to increase with voxel size was observed and was more pronounced for thin cortices. Using clinical CT data for 19 of the 23 samples, mean errors of 0.18 ± 0.24 mm for the cortical thickness and 15 ± 106 mg/cm³ for the density were found. The case-control study showed that osteoporotic patients had a thinner cortex and a lower cortical density, with average differences of -0.8 mm and -58.6 mg/cm³ at the proximal femur in comparison with age-matched controls (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: This method might be a promising approach for the quantification of cortical bone thickness and density using clinical routine imaging techniques. Future work will concentrate on investigating how this approach can improve the estimation of mechanical strength of bony structures, the prevention of fracture, and the management of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low bone quality, such as induced by osteoporosis, is considered a main factor leading to failure of fracture fixations. Peri-implant bone augmentation has been proposed as a means of reducing failure rates in osteoporotic bone by improving implant stability. The beneficial effects of pharmacological augmentation of bone in the immediate vicinity of the implant have been demonstrated. Yet, a quantitative understanding of the role of peri-implant bone in implant stability is lacking. Therefore, the aim of our study was to quantify the effects of bone loss and peri-implant bone augmentation on implant stability using image-based finite element analyses. Using a validated model, we simulated how osteoporotic bone loss would affect implant stability in human humeral heads. We also quantified how augmentation of peri-implant bone can enhance implant stability. Our simulations revealed that a 30% reduction in bone mass led to a 50% decrease in implant stability. We also found that peri-implant bone augmentation increased implant stability and that the efficiency of bone augmentation decreased with increasing peri-implant distance. These findings highlight the strong effect that bone loss has on implant fixation and the potential of peri-implant bone augmentation for improving implant anchorage in low quality bone. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:178-184, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis and muscle frailty are important health problems in elderly men and may be partly related to biological androgen activity. This androgen action can be mediated directly through stimulation of the androgen receptor (AR) or indirectly through stimulation of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) following aromatization of androgens into estrogens. To assess the differential action of AR and ERα pathways on bone and body composition, AR-ERα double-knockout mice were generated and characterized. AR disruption decreased trabecular bone mass, whereas ERα disruption had no additional effect on the AR-dependent trabecular bone loss. In contrast, combined AR and ERα inactivation additionally reduced cortical bone and muscle mass compared with either AR or ERα disruption alone. ERα inactivation--in the presence or absence of AR--increased fat mass. We demonstrate that AR activation is solely responsible for the development and maintenance of male trabecular bone mass. Both AR and ERα activation, however, are needed to optimize the acquisition of cortical bone and muscle mass. ERα activation alone is sufficient for the regulation of fat mass. Our findings dearly define the relative importance of AR and ERα signaling on trabecular and cortical bone mass as well as body composition in male mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to test whether or not the application of an in situ formed synthetic hydrogel made of polyethylene glycol (PEG) used as a biodegradable membrane for guided bone regeneration will result in the same amount of bone regeneration as with the use of an expanded polytetrafluoro-ethylene (ePTFE) membrane. In eight New Zealand White rabbits, four evenly distributed 6 mm diameter defects were drilled into the calvarial bone. Three treatment modalities were evenly distributed among the 32 defects: hydroxyapatite (HA)/tricalciumphosphate (TCP) granules covered at the outer and inner surface with a PEG membrane (test), HA/TCP granules covered at the outer and inner surface with an ePTFE membrane (positive control) and HA/TCP granules alone without membranes (negative control). After 4 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the calvarial bones were removed. The area fraction of newly formed bone was determined by histomorphometrical analysis of the vertical sections from the middle of the defect and by micro-computed tomography of the entire defect. Multiple regression analysis (SAS® GLM) was used to model the amount of new bone formation. The quantitative histomorphometric analysis clearly revealed higher values of newly formed bone for the two membrane groups compared with the negative control group. The average area fractions of newly formed bone measured within the former defect amounted to 20.3±9.5% for the PEG membrane, 18.9±9.9% for the ePTFE membrane, and 7.3±5.3% for the sites with no membrane. The micro-computed tomography also showed higher values of new bone formation for the PEG and for the ePTFE groups compared with the negative control group. The GLM revealed a highly significant effect of the treatment on the amount of bone formation ( P=0.0048). The values for the negative control group were significantly lower than the ones found in the PEG membrane group ( P=0.0017), whereas the ePTFE membrane group showed no significant difference from the PEG membrane group. It is concluded that the PEG membrane can be used successfully as a biodegradable barrier membrane in the treatment of non-critical-size defects in the rabbit skull, and leads to similar amounts of bone regeneration as an ePTFE membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the crucial role of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) westerlies in modulating modern and past climate evolution, little is known about their behavior and possible forcing mechanisms during the early Cenozoic. We probe changes in the hydroclimate of southwest Australia during 62–51 Ma, based on sedimentary proxy records from the International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1514 in the Mentelle Basin. Our results reveal a transition from a less humid climate to wetter conditions at mid–high latitudes starting from the early Eocene, which suggests poleward migration of the SH westerlies. This long‐term trend is punctuated by short‐lived events of aridification during the Mid‐Paleocene Biotic Event and wetter intervals during the Paleocene‐Eocene Thermal Maximum, indicating additional short‐term meridional shifting of the westerlies. We propose that the evolution of SH westerlies was driven by the equator‐to‐pole temperature gradient regulated by global warming and ephemeral growth of the Antarctic ice sheet. Plain Language Summary: The Southern Hemisphere (SH) westerlies, which are the dominant atmospheric circulation patterns in the middle latitudes, play a key role in regulating global and regional climate. Currently, the knowledge of past changes in SH westerlies relies mainly on the late Quaternary. Its dynamics over longer timescales, especially under early Cenozoic greenhouse climate states, remain poorly understood. The Mentelle Basin off southwest Australia was located at a more southerly location than at the present day, and was potentially under the influence of SH westerlies. To examine the long‐term hydroclimate changes in southwest Australia during the mid‐late Paleocene to the early Eocene (62–51 Ma), we measured neodymium and hafnium isotopic compositions of fine‐grained detrital sediments from a borehole (IODP Site U1514) drilled in the Mentelle Basin, in addition to clay mineralogy, and elemental abundances. Our results suggest a gradual wetting of southwest Australia since the early Eocene, which we relate to the poleward migration of SH westerlies in response to a reduced latitudinal temperature gradient. An abrupt northward shift of SH westerlies was observed during the short‐lived Middle Paleocene Biotic Event (∼59 Ma), possibly driven by ephemeral growth of the Antarctica ice sheet. Key Points: We reconstruct the hydroclimate evolution of southwest Australia during 62–51 MaThe Southern Hemisphere (SH) westerlies remained relatively stable during the mid‐late Paleocene and shifted poleward since the early EoceneProcesses related to variations of pole‐equator temperature gradients drove meridional migration of the SH westerlies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complete remission of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unachievable in the majority of patients by common fractionated radiotherapy, leaving risks of tumor metastasis and recurrence. Herein, clinical CRC samples demonstrated a difference in the phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF2α (p‐eIF2α) and the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), whose increased expression by initial X‐ray irradiation led to the resistance to subsequent radiotherapy. The underlying mechanism is studied in radio‐resistant CT26 cells, revealing that the incomplete mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (iMOMP) triggered by X‐ray irradiation is key for the elevated expression of p‐eIF2α and ATF4, and therefore radio‐resistance. This finding guided to discover that metformin and 2‐DG are synergistic in reversing radio resistance by inhibiting p‐eIF2α and ATF4. Liposomes loaded with metformin and 2‐DG (M/D‐Lipo) are thus prepared for enhancing fractionated radiotherapy of CRC, which achieved satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in both local and metastatic CRC tumors by reversing radio‐resistance and preventing T lymphocyte exhaustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gulf of Mexico is an intraplate oceanic basin where rifting commenced in the Late Triassic, leading to drifting and ensuing oceanic accretion by Middle-Late Jurassic, which ceased by the Early Cretaceous. Its tectonic evolution encompasses multiple rifting phases dominated by orthogonal extension, variable magmatism and salt deposition. This complex tectonic history is recorded within the rifted margins of the Gulf of Mexico, including along the eastern part of the basin, where considerable uncertainty remains regarding the tectonic evolution and resulting crustal configuration. This study presents new insights into the crustal types and an updated tectonic framework for the Florida margin. An integrated analysis of seismic and potential field data allows us to characterize the nature of the crust, which shows wide zones of hyperextended continental crust, seaward dipping reflection (SDR) packages, exhumed mantle and magmatic crust. Our results propose elements that could improve the plate model of the Gulf of Mexico, by accounting for the polyphase nature of rifting, the counter-clockwise rotation of the Yucatan block and the observed increase in magmatic supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas' disease affects approximately eight million people throughout the world, especially the poorest individuals. The protozoan that causes this disease–Trypanosoma cruzi–has the enzyme cruzipain, which is the main therapeutic target. As no available medications have satisfactory effectiveness and safety, it is of fundamental importance to design and synthesize novel analogues that are more active and selective. In the present study, molecular docking and the in silico prediction of ADMET properties were used as strategies to optimize the trypanocidal activity of the pyrimidine compound ZN3F based on interactions with the target site in cruzipain. From the computational results, eight 4‐amino‐5‐carbonitrile‐pyrimidine analogues were proposed, synthesized (5a‐f and 7g‐h) and, tested in vitro on the trypomastigote form of the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi. The in silico study showed that the designed analogues bond favorably to important amino acid residues of the active site in cruzipain. An in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity was performed on L929 mammal cell lines. All derivatives inhibited the Tulahuen strain of T. cruzi and also exhibited lower toxicity to L929 cells. The 5e product, in particular, proved to be a potent, selective (IC50 = 2.79 ± 0.00 μM, selectivity index = 31.3) inhibitor of T. cruzi. The present results indicated the effectiveness of drugs based on the structure of the receptor, revealing the potential trypanocidal of pyrimidines. This study also provides information on molecular aspects for the inhibition of cruzipain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although considerable research has examined how members of advantaged groups think and feel about disadvantaged groups, fewer studies have examined responses to "intermediate" social groups—groups that are perceived to fall between more commonly acknowledged groups on the same dimension of social identity. We measured judgments of intermediate groups, including novel groups designed to manipulate social group intermediacy (Studies 1–5), Black/White biracial people (Study 6), and bisexual people (Study 7). In each study, participants provided separate evaluations of an intermediate group and two comparison groups (e.g., Black/White biracial people, Black people, White people). Intermediate groups were consistently rated as less conceptually legitimate (e.g., less distinctive, not a "real" group) than other groups. The view that intermediate groups are not "real" groups helped explain negative evaluations of them, and participants who strongly identified with an advantaged ingroup were especially prone to this pattern of judgments. These results are consistent with the idea that an intermediate group can threaten the distinctiveness of a valued ingroup, leading people to dismiss and denigrate the intermediate group. Studying perceptions of intermediate groups facilitates a nuanced account of an increasingly heterogeneous social world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterobacteriaceae is the most common agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Multidrug resistant (MDR) and XDR (extensively drug-resistant) Enterobacteriaceae in UTIs have increased in the world. The present study aimed to study the fosfomycin resistance frequency and the fosfomycin resistance genes among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from UTIs. The urine was collected and cultured in the standard protocol. To determine the susceptibility testing to fosfomycin in 211 isolates, agar dilution and disk agar diffusion methods were used. MDR was nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories. The fosfomycin resistance genes were also evaluated by PCR. The frequency of resistance to fosfomycin was in 14 (6.6%) and 15 (7.1%) isolates by the disk agar diffusion and MIC assays, respectively. However, the MIC50 and MIC90 existed at 8 μg/mL and 16 μg/mL, respectively. The MDR was found in 80%. The frequencies of fosfomycin resistance genes were 5 (33.3%), 3 (20%), 2 (13.3%), 1 (6.6%), and 1 (6.6%) for fosC, fosX, fosA3, fosA, and fosB2, respectively. The fosB and fosC2 were not found. A low resistance rate to fosfomycin is observed. Fosfomycin is still one of the most effective and valuable alternative antibiotics against MDR Enterobacteriaceae isolated from UTIs in our region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bilayer membranes that enhance the stability of the cell are essential for cell survival, separating and protecting the interior of the cell from its external environment. Membrane‐based channel proteins are crucial for sustaining cellular activities. However, dysfunction of these proteins would induce serial channelopathies, which could be substituted by artificial ion channel analogs. Crown ethers (CEs) are widely studied in the area of artificial ion channels owing to their intrinsic host–guest interaction with different kinds of organic and inorganic ions. Other advantages such as lower price, chemical stability, and easier modification also make CE a research hotspot in the field of synthetic transmembrane nanopores. And numerous CEs‐based membrane‐active synthetic ion channels were designed and fabricated in the past decades. Herein, the recent progress of CEs‐based synthetic ion transporters has been comprehensively summarized in this review, including their design principles, functional mechanisms, controllable properties, and biomedical applications. Furthermore, this review has been concluded by discussing the future opportunities and challenges facing this research field. It is anticipated that this review could offer some inspiration for the future fabrication of novel CEs‐derived ion transporters with more advanced structures, properties, and practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In anthropological sciences, the areas of the bones where muscles or ligaments attach ("entheses" or "muscle attachments") are routinely used for reconstructing habitual physical activity based on skeletal remains. However, several previous studies have argued against this practice, considering the low measuring repeatability of most traditional evaluation techniques and the former lack of supportive experimental evidence for an actual effect of physical activity on entheseal morphology. In 2016, I proposed a repeatable virtual approach for reconstructing habitual physical activity using entheseal morphology, which has been validated based on several experimental studies on laboratory animal species and human skeletons with uniquely detailed and longitudinal occupational documentation. This method, which was later named the "Validated Entheses‐based Reconstruction of Activity" (VERA) method, relies on a precise protocol for virtually delineating and quantifying entheseal areas on three‐dimensional bone models. The obtained area measurements are then subjected to size adjustment and multivariate statistical analyses, which have been experimentally shown to reveal group correlations among entheses that reflect habitual coordination among muscle groups. This paper presents the first critical review of all the various statistical approaches previously employed for analyzing entheses using VERA (so far), providing the first coherent step‐by‐step protocol for the complete univariate and multivariate analysis of entheseal three‐dimensional data. These include the introduction of a new, simple, and fast plotting technique for the initial screening of group entheseal patterns prior to multivariate analysis (i.e., the "VERA Bar‐Chart"), followed by the calculation of the "group entheseal patterning index" (hereafter GEPI%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small ruminant playing significant economic development and cultural roles for smallholders and reared in different agroecological systems in Ethiopia. However, ticks and tick‐borne haemopathogens are major threats to the health of small ruminants leading to loss of production and productivity in Ethiopia especially in north‐western Ethiopia, due to climate and agroecological system favourable to the tick survival in the area. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of Ixodid tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens, to identify the existing Ixodid tick species and to investigate major risk factors associated with tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 396 small ruminants (sheep =198 and goats = 198). Ticks were identified to the species level according to their morphological key structures. Thin blood smear were prepared and laboratoricaly examined to investigate tick‐borne haemopathogens. Logistic regression was employed to assess the association between potential risk factors with tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens. Results: The overall prevalence of tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens were 47.22% and 4.29%, respectively. Age, species, body condition, agroecological system and season were found significantly (p < 0.05) associated with tick infestation. Season was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with occurrence of tick‐borne haemopathogen. Amblyomma variegatum (18.2%) and Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.4%) were the predominant tick species encountered. Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Babesia ovis were prevalent tick‐borne haemopathogens. Conclusions: The present study reported that there was higher tick infestation and tick‐borne haemopathogens infections on small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, based on tick epidemiology, a strategic tick control programs were needed in this region. Further detailed studies on the role of Ixodid tick species in causing tick‐borne diseases in small ruminants and their economic impact on livelihoods should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient education contributes to improve public awareness of Helicobacter pylori. Large language models (LLMs) offer opportunities to revolutionize patient education transformatively. This study aimed to assess the quality of patient educational materials (PEMs) generated by LLMs and compared with physician sourced., Materials and Methods: Unified instruction about composing a PEM about H. pylori at a sixth-grade reading level in both English and Chinese were given to physician and five LLMs (Bing Copilot, Claude 3 Opus, Gemini Pro, ChatGPT-4, and ERNIE Bot 4.0). The assessments of the completeness and comprehensibility of the Chinese PEMs were conducted by five gastroenterologists and 50 patients according to three-point Likert scale. Gastroenterologists were asked to evaluate both English and Chinese PEMs and determine the accuracy and safety. The accuracy was assessed by six-point Likert scale. The minimum acceptable scores were 4, 2, and 2 for accuracy, completeness, and comprehensibility, respectively. The Flesch-Kincaid and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook scoring systems were employed as readability assessment tools., Results: Accuracy and comprehensibility were acceptable for English PEMs of all sources, while completence was not satisfactory. Physician-sourced PEM had the highest accuracy mean score of 5.60 and LLM-generated English PEMs ranged from 4.00 to 5.40. The completeness score was comparable between physician-sourced PEM and LLM-generated PEMs in English. Chinese PEMs from LLMs proned to have lower score in accuracy and completeness assessment than English PEMs. The mean score for completeness of five LLM-generated Chinese PEMs was 1.82-2.70 in patients' perspective, which was higher than gastroenterologists' assessment. Comprehensibility was satisfactory for all PEMs. No PEM met the recommended sixth-grade reading level., Conclusion: LLMs have potential in assisting patient education. The accuracy and comprehensibility of LLM-generated PEMs were acceptable, but further optimization on improving completeness and accounting for a variety of linguistic contexts are essential for enhancing the feasibility., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Indigenous Fremont farmers in Cub Creek, a part of northeastern Utah's Dinosaur National Monument, occupied the northern ecological margin of maize cultivation in western North America from A.D. 300 to 1300. Agriculture in Cub Creek was a response to multidecadal precipitation variability, but when precipitation stabilized between A.D. 750 and 1050, agricultural conditions improved and populations expanded to form villages along the floodplains of local dryland streams. Did the very same conditions (i.e., decreased precipitation variability) that allowed the growth of agricultural societies make them simultaneously vulnerable to arroyo formation, a key geomorphic risk to floodplain agriculturalists? Preliminary results from Cub Creek show that rapid sedimentation punctuated by episodic arroyo formation characterized the last 2000 years. We use stratigraphic and chronological evidence formalized in a Bayesian age model to develop a set of working hypotheses that a 2.5 m‐deep discontinuous arroyo formed before either A.D. 1020 or A.D. 1275. The earlier age corresponds with occupation of the Cub Creek village, while the later age corresponds with the end of Fremont agriculture in Cub Creek, and demonstrates regional synchronicity with arroyo formation across the Colorado Plateau. A second arroyo formed before A.D. 1490, indicating rapid alluvial cycling in Cub Creek. We conclude that floodplain instability and arroyo formation combined with the return of the dominant multidecadal precipitation variability regime beginning at A.D. 1050 was a key constraint on the growth potential of local populations. These findings have potential implications for the development of early Indigenous dryland agricultural systems throughout the interior of western North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceanic Anoxic Event 2, spanning the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary (93.9 Ma), was an episode of major perturbations in the global carbon cycle. To investigate the response of biota and the paleoceanographic conditions across this event, we present data from International Ocean Discovery Program sites U1513 and U1516 in the Mentelle Basin (offshore SW Australia; paleolatitude 59°–60°S in the mid‐Cretaceous) that register the first complete records of OAE 2 at southern high latitudes. Calcareous nannofossils provide a reliable bio‐chronostratigraphic framework. The distribution and abundance patterns of planktonic and benthic foraminifera, radiolaria, and calcispheres permit interpretation of the dynamics of the water mass stratification and provide support for the paleobathymetric reconstruction of the two sites, with Site U1513 located northwest of the Mentelle Basin depocenter and at a deeper depth than Site U1516. The lower OAE 2 interval is characterized by reduced water mass stratification with alternating episodes of enhanced surface water productivity and variations of the thickness of the mixed layer as indicated by the fluctuations in abundance of the intermediate dwelling planktonic foraminifera. The middle OAE 2 interval contains lithologies composed almost entirely of radiolaria reflecting extremely high marine productivity; the low CaCO3 content is consistent with marked shoaling of the Carbonate Compensation Depth and ocean acidification because of CaCO3 undersaturation. Conditions moderated after deposition of the silica‐rich, CaCO3‐poor rocks as reflected by the microfossil changes indicating a relatively stable water column although episodes of enhanced eutrophy did continue into the lower Turonian at Site U1516. Key Points: Documentation of first complete record of the Late Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2) at southern high latitudes (60°S) in the Indian OceanDynamics of the water mass stratification inferred from distribution patterns of foraminifera, radiolaria, calcispheresOAE 2 is characterized by alternating episodes of enhanced surface water productivity and variations of the thickness of the mixed layer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of artificial ion channels with high activity, selectivity and gating function is challenging. Herein, we designed the light‐driven motor molecule MC2, which provides new design criteria to overcome these challenges. MC2 forms a selective K+ channel through a single molecular transmembrane mechanism, and the light‐driven rotary motion significantly accelerates ion transport, which endows the irradiated motor molecule with excellent cytotoxicity and cancer cell selectivity. Mechanistic studies reveal that the rotary motion of MC2 promotes K+ efflux, generates reactive oxygen species and eventually activates caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Combined with the spatiotemporally controllable advantages of light, we believe this strategy can be exploited in the structural design and application of next‐generation synthetic cation transporters for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients, this paper will apply continuous early intervention to the nursing of breast cancer patients. The continuous early intervention nursing model can propose countermeasures for the health problems faced by patients with postoperative chemotherapy. In order to analyze the effect of continuous early intervention nursing on negative emotions and quality of life in breast cancer patients, the effect of continuous early intervention in improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients is analyzed by means of experimental research. The control group is given routine nursing, and the observation group is given continuous early intervention nursing intervention. Moreover, this paper obtains data statistics in combination with statistical analysis. Through the comparison of the test results, it can be seen that the implementation of continuous early intervention nursing intervention in breast cancer patients can improve the nursing effect, effectively relieve the negative emotions of patients, and improve the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceanic anoxic event 1d (OAE 1d) has been well studied at northern low latitudes (i.e., in Tethys and the North Atlantic); however, the paleoenvironmental response to this event at high latitudes has not been documented and the triggering mechanism remains unknown. Here, we address both of these shortcomings by presenting the first detailed sedimentary and multi‐proxy geochemical record of the OAE 1d at southern high latitudes (60–62°S), obtained from sediments using Site U1513, IODP Expedition 369. Biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic data support correlation of the interval studied with OAE 1d, and the sedimentary mercury proxy reveals that at least at Site U1513, OAE 1d is associated with the Central Kerguelen large igneous province volcanism. Furthermore, the significant increase in continental runoff and consequent terrigenous input from southwestern Australia in the southeastern proto‐India Ocean might have resulted in regionally weakened bottom‐water oxygenation and strengthened organic matter burial during OAE 1d. Plain Language Summary: Geological marine records hold valuable information that could inform predictions for the future of our warming world. Marine sediments are an important reservoir of the global organic carbon and changes at the seafloor can modulate release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Cretaceous oceanic anoxic event 1d (∼latest Albian) was a significant disturbance to the global carbon cycle in the mid‐Cretaceous although it is poorly documented in the southern hemisphere especially at high latitudes. Our integrative sedimentary‐geochemical study demonstrates that oceanic anoxic event 1d at southern high latitudes might have been directly triggered by Central Kerguelen large igneous province volcanism. Volcanic emissions are proposed to have shifted the climate such that runoff and input of terrigenous sediment from southwestern Australia increased. These changes would have weakened bottom‐water oxygenation and increased organic matter burial in the southeastern proto‐Indian Ocean. Key Points: We present the first sedimentary and geochemical records for oceanic anoxic event 1d at southern high latitudes (60–62°S)Environmental changes during oceanic anoxic event 1d might be directly triggered by Central Kerguelen large igneous province volcanismMultiple paleoenvironmental changes occurred in the study area during oceanic anoxic event 1d [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite studies examining political ideology, group dehumanization, and intergroup contact as predictors of intergroup support and affect, research on their interplay in shaping such outcomes has been limited. In fact, considering the possibility that conservatives might view immigrants in various ways (as more or less human) is important to understand the impact of interventions (positive imagined contact) on intergroup relations. The results of two experiments (N = 671) with U.S. citizens in relation to two outgroups—Muslim immigrants in Experiment 1 and Mexican immigrants in Experiment 2—consistently showed that imagined positive contact condition (vs. control/no contact condition) influenced intergroup support (i.e., in both experiments) and positive emotions (i.e., in Experiment 2) more for individuals who endorsed a conservative ideology and scored high for dehumanizing immigrants. Participants' willingness to attribute positive emotions to outgroup members ultimately explained the observed effects. In this research, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for intergroup relations and outgroup dehumanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in 3D kinematics of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint between gibbons (fam. Hylobatidae) and macaques (Macaca mulatta), two non‐human primate groups with a distinct locomotor behavior. Gibbons are highly arboreal species, while macaques are quadrupeds. Here, we investigate the mobility and structural constraints of the TMC joint in both these primates and evaluate the hypothesis that differences in locomotor mode are reflected in joint structure and function. Materials and methods: We have developed an innovative software suite allowing for the quantification of in situ 3D kinematics based on medical imaging of the primate TMC joint using a unique sample of eight gibbons and seven macaques. These analyses are further supported by detailed dissection of the surrounding ligaments. Results: The data demonstrate distinct differences in TMC joint mobility between gibbons and macaques, with wide ranges of motion in the gibbon TMC joint and restricted movement in macaques. Furthermore, the dissections show little dissimilarity in ligament anatomy that could be associated with the differences in TMC joint capabilities. Conclusion: We conclude that gibbons possess a highly mobile TMC joint and the ball‐and‐socket morphology allows for large ranges of motion. This type of morphology, however, does not offer much inherent stabilization. Lack of structural joint reinforcement suggests that gibbons may have difficulty in performing any type of power grasp with high loads. Macaques, on the other hand, are shown to have a considerably reinforced TMC joint, which is likely related to the habitual loading of the thumb during locomotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With dozens of mandates, federal agencies have considerable discretion in how they focus their time and resources. In this article, I explain how presidents influence agency goals, focusing on how appointee teams are essential to prioritizing and resetting agency goals. Using original data on federal agency goals from the Obama administration to the Trump administration, my analysis of strategic and priority goals across 56 agencies reveals that agencies in which the president has a higher percentage of key appointed positions filled experienced higher levels of long‐term goal change. This finding highlights the president's immediate need to get their appointee teams in place to alter the course of agency policymaking for their whole first term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of the relations between social norms, right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), outgroup‐directed prejudice, and hostile behavioral intentions toward outgroups. Three correlational studies, conducted in two countries and three different intergroup contexts (n1 = 997; n2 = 1011; n3 = 1992), investigated the moderating role of social norms (both positive and negative) on the relation between RWA and expression of prejudice as well as behavioral intentions toward outgroups. We found that in the presence of positive (i.e., tolerant) social norms, the previously well‐established positive relation between RWA and prejudice is reduced or even reversed, whereas in the presence of negative (i.e., intolerant) social norms, this relation is strengthened. Additionally, the lower (vs. higher) prejudice of high‐RWA individuals in the presence of positive (vs. negative) social norms mediated the link between RWA and behavioral intentions toward outgroups. The present research constitutes the first comprehensive demonstration of authoritarians' potential to be less prejudiced in response to prevailing tolerant social norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the role of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA), social dominance orientation (SDO), psychological entitlement, and narcissistic entitlement in the prediction of White men's negative attitudes and behaviors toward lesbian women and gay men. The present study (a) simultaneously examines four predictors (i.e., psychological and narcissistic entitlement, RWA, and SDO) of attitudes toward lesbian women and gay men (ATLG) and rejecting behaviors, (b) examines psychological and narcissistic entitlement as distinct predictors of ATLG and rejecting behaviors, and (c) tests the potential mediating role of ATLG. A path model was tested using the survey data from 153 White, heterosexual, male college students. Findings indicate that only RWA and narcissistic entitlement were significant predictors of ATLG, which is a strong predictor of rejecting behaviors. Furthermore, ATLG mediates the relationship between RWA and rejecting behaviors (d =.35). In other words, higher RWA is associated with higher ATLG, which is associated with more self‐reported rejecting behaviors. Narcissistic entitlement also influences rejecting behaviors through ATLG and both psychological and narcissistic entitlement were found to directly predict gay and lesbian rejecting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to sense changes in oxygen availability is fundamentally important for the survival of all aerobic organisms. However, cellular oxygen sensing mechanisms and pathologies remain incompletely understood and studies of acute oxygen sensing, in particular, have produced inconsistent results. Current methods cannot simultaneously measure the key cellular events in acute hypoxia (i.e., changes in redox state, electrophysiological properties, and mechanical responses) at controlled partial pressures of oxygen (pO2). The lack of such a comprehensive method essentially contributes to the discrepancies in the field. A sealed microfluidic system that combines i) Raman spectroscopy, ii) patch‐clamp electrophysiology, and iii) live‐cell imaging under precisely controlled pO2 have therefore been developed. Merging these modalities allows label‐free and simultaneous observation of oxygen‐dependent alterations in multiple cellular redox couples, membrane potential, and cellular contraction. This technique is adaptable to any cell type and allows in‐depth insight into acute oxygen sensing processes underlying various physiologic and pathologic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petrophysical properties of volcanic rocks are controlled by lithology and subsequent modification by alteration processes. Investigating the linkages, using a range of different techniques, are important to establish how petrophysical properties can inform about the alteration state of volcanic rocks. Here, we compile petrophysical data and correlate these with geochemical and mineralogical analyses acquired from a volcanic sequence on the Naturaliste Plateau, offshore southwest Australia (International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1513). The sequence consists of alternating basalt lava flows and volcaniclastic deposits, intruded by multiple dolerite dikes. Variable alteration intensities from fresh‐slight to strong are quantified using Chemical Index of Alteration. Intervals of slightly altered dikes exhibit low porosity and high values of bulk density, P‐wave velocity, and thermal conductivity. The increase of alteration intensity corresponds to decreases in bulk density to ∼2 g/cm3, P‐wave velocity to ∼2,000 m/s, thermal conductivity to ∼1.2 W/(m·K) and an increase in porosity up to 50%. Natural Gamma Ray and magnetic susceptibility vary downhole with rock composition and at lithologic boundaries. The distinct variations exhibit a good correlation with primary lithologic characteristics and secondary mineralogical and textural changes attributed to alteration processes. We provide synthesis models of petrophysical variation with alteration intensity. Although differences in primary lithology and alteration type introduce limitations and uncertainties, there is a reasonable applicability of our results to rapidly characterize the alteration intensity and volcanic stratigraphy in volcanic sequences and to calibrate wireline log‐based determinations. This will help others to develop strategies for exploration, drilling, and geophysical research of volcanic rocks. Plain Language Summary: We present the physical properties of rocks comprising a volcanic sequence recovered from the eastern Naturaliste Plateau, offshore southwest Australia. The sequence consists of basalt lava flows and volcaniclastic deposits, which are intruded by multiple dikes. Petrophysical properties of the volcanic rocks are variable with lithology and alteration state. To investigate the linkages, we applied a range of different techniques to correlate petrophysical data with geochemical and mineralogical analyses. The alteration intensity was quantified based on chemical composition into four ranges; fresh‐slight, weak, moderate, and strong. Relatively fresh basalt intervals exhibit low porosity and high values of bulk density, P‐wave velocity, and thermal conductivity. Increases of alteration intensity correspond to decreases in bulk density to ∼2 g/cm3, P‐wave velocity to ∼2,000 m/s, thermal conductivity to ∼1.2 W/(m·K), and an increase in porosity up to 50%. Natural Gamma Ray and magnetic susceptibility vary with rock composition and at lithologic boundaries. The petrophysical variations were associated with primary lithologic characteristics, secondary mineralogical and textural changes. We provide synthesis models of petrophysical variation with alteration intensity. Our results can be used to rapidly characterize the alteration intensity and volcanic stratigraphy in volcanic sequences and to develop strategies for exploration, drilling, and research of volcanic rocks. Key Points: Petrophysical properties of a volcanic sequence at International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1513 on the Naturaliste Plateau were modified by alteration processesDistinct trends are indicated in correlations of petrophysical variations with alteration intensity and lithologic characteristicsThis study provides synthesis models of petrophysical parameters corresponding to alteration intensity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial/ethnic disproportionality within special education refers to the over‐ or underrepresentation of a racial/ethnic group in an educational category, program, or service in comparison to the group's proportion in the overall population. The educational equity implications of disproportionality have been discussed in multiple studies, and schools may risk receiving federal citations and sanctions in significant instances of disproportionality. However, disproportionality in special education is rarely examined within rural settings, despite demographic change leading to more racially and ethnically diverse rural schools. This article uses event history methodology to understand how changing district‐level social contextual factors are associated with the issuance of federal citations for disproportionality in special education during 2004–2005 to 2011–2012 school years among rural districts within New York. We find that among majority‐white districts, the likelihood of citation is much greater when there is a substantial increase in the number of children of color enrolled. In contrast, racial/ethnic demographic changes within more diverse rural districts, whether enrollment increases or decreases, reduce the likelihood of a citation. Also, as teacher turnover and student enrollments increase, the likelihood of citation increases. As rural communities continue to become less racially and ethnically homogenous, scholars and educators must consider the ways in which Black, Indigenous, and students of color can be appropriately supported in schools and the important variation across rural spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of annealing on the atomic structures of SiO2, GeO2, and Ta2O5 are investigated using accelerated molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using population annealing with Boltzmann resampling to expedite the MD simulations, it is shown that annealed models demonstrate subtle but statistically significant changes in the structure. Consistent with experiments, the simulations show that effects of annealing on the atomic structures of these amorphous oxides are more pronounced in the medium‐range order than in the short‐range order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although intergroup contact reduces prejudice generally, there are growing calls to examine contextual factors in conjunction with contact. Such an approach benefits from more sophisticated analytic approaches, such as multilevel modelling, that take both the individual (Level‐1) and their environment (Level‐2) into account. Using this approach, we go beyond attitudes to assess both individual and contextual predictors of support for gay/lesbian and transgender rights. Using a sample of participants across 77 countries, results revealed that personal gay/lesbian contact (Level‐1) and living in a country with more gay/lesbian rights (Level‐2) predicted greater support for gay/lesbian rights (n = 71,991). Likewise, transgender contact and living in a country with more transgender rights predicted more support for transgender rights (n = 70,056). Cross‐level interactions are also presented and discussed. Overall, findings highlight the importance of both individual and contextual factors in predicting support for LGBT communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report synthesis and characterization of a series of ferrocene‐pyrazoline and pyrazole hybrids and demonstrate their biomedical applications. All new compounds were identified with the help of spectroscopic techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. The compounds from both the series show fluorescent activity. The effect of C5 aryl substituent on the luminescent behavior of the parent system was followed by studying their absorption and emission behavior. The binding affinity of a selected ferrocenyl pyrazoline with C5 2‐naphthyl substituent (4g) to bovine serum albumin (BSA) was examined through fluorescence quenching experiments using excitation wavelength 290 nm. The ligand 4g quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA. Strong binding between 4g and BSA was observed with equilibrium constant for the complex formation of the order of 105 M‐1. In vitro anticancer activity of a series of ferrocenyl‐pyrazolines and pyrazoles (4f, 4g, 4h, 5f, 5g, and 5h) was tested against hormone‐independent triple negative breast cancer cells MDA‐MB‐231 in which maximum inhibition potency was noted for 4h with IC50 value of 3.61 mg ml−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper puts forward a new type of the precast hollow shear wall. Focusing on seismic performance, the low‐frequency cyclic loading tests of five precast specimens and two cast‐in‐situ specimens in full size are conducted for comparison. The yielding and failure mechanism of specimens are analyzed and compared. The reliability of the vertical connection of precast hollow shear wall structure under the seismic effect is studied. The effects of axial compression ratio, single reinforcement connection in the central part, and confined stirrup for lapped reinforcements in boundary elements are also tested through experiments. The result shows that the failure mechanism of the precast specimen is basically same as the cast‐in‐situ specimen. The hysteretic curve of the precast specimen is plumper. And the energy dissipation capacity of precast specimen is superior to that of cast‐in‐situ specimen. In addition, the experimental data show that the buckled stirrup encryption for lapped steel in boundary elements will not increase the seismic performance of the proposed precast specimen. On the whole, the seismic performance of the proposed precast hollow shear wall can meet the safety requirements. Hence, it can be used in actual engineering project replacing cast‐in‐situ shear wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis requires strict spatiotemporal organization to reproduce specific cell shapes. In ovoid‐shaped Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), septal and peripheral (elongation) PG synthesis occur simultaneously at midcell. To uncover the organization of proteins and activities that carry out these two modes of PG synthesis, we examined Spn cells vertically oriented onto their poles to image the division plane at the high lateral resolution of 3D‐SIM (structured‐illumination microscopy). Labeling with fluorescent D‐amino acids (FDAA) showed that areas of new transpeptidase (TP) activity catalyzed by penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs) separate into a pair of concentric rings early in division, representing peripheral PG (pPG) synthesis (outer ring) and the leading‐edge (inner ring) of septal PG (sPG) synthesis. Fluorescently tagged PBP2x or FtsZ locate primarily to the inner FDAA‐marked ring, whereas PBP2b and FtsX remain in the outer ring, suggesting roles in sPG or pPG synthesis, respectively. Pulses of FDAA labeling revealed an arrangement of separate regularly spaced "nodes" of TP activity around the division site of predivisional cells. Tagged PBP2x, PBP2b, and FtsX proteins also exhibited nodal patterns with spacing comparable to that of FDAA labeling. Together, these results reveal new aspects of spatially ordered PG synthesis in ovococcal bacteria during cell division. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of literature on the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after committing homicide that has examined the prevalence of this phenomenon among individuals who have been convicted, but these studies considerably vary. The present study was the first meta-analysis to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the prevalence of offense-related PTSD among convicted killers. A total of 691 articles were identified through an initial screening process, and the final analysis included 11 studies that met the analysis criteria. We examined the prevalence of PTSD after committing homicide and explored how these rates varied by sample type, offender type, diagnosis timeframe, and diagnosis type. Among adult offenders, the pooled prevalence was 42.6%, 95% CI [38.0%, 47.4%], for current full-criteria homicide-related PTSD and 13.1%, 95% CI [9.9%, 17.2%], for current partial-criteria homicide-related PTSD. For mixed offenders (i.e., killers and violent offenders), the pooled prevalence of current full-criteria offense-related PTSD was 33.1% (95% CI [14.1, 59.8]). Thus, we found that PTSD prevalence was higher in killers than mixed offenders, although this difference was not statistically significant. Finally, among youth mixed offenders, the pooled prevalence for current full-criteria offense-related PTSD was 5.3%, 95% CI [2.9%, 9.5%]. These findings provide evidence of the high rate of this phenomenon, especially among convicted adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many films are produced annually, but only a small number of films reach the state of being considered and identified by consumers as film brands. Film‐brand identification is difficult to achieve, but it leads to engagement behaviours (e.g. repetitive viewing, positive word‐of‐mouth and purchase intention of relevant merchandise/franchise). To help film‐makers better develop films as brands and benefit from their brand status, this paper takes a consumer‐centric approach to investigate how and why films are identified and engaged by consumers as brands. Using an abductive mode of reasoning, a consumer film‐brand engagement framework was developed through qualitative data collected from 35 semi‐structured interviews and then validated using survey data with 1030 participants. This consumer film‐brand engagement framework shows that film identity coherency drives film‐brand identification through the mediation effects of popularity, sequels and emotional bonding, whilst marketing effort, iconic status, franchising/merchandising activities and timelessness are highlighted as key moderators, resulting in positive brand engagement behaviour. The paper sheds new light on film‐branding literature by theoretically explaining and empirically showing a sequential and consolidated process, which consumers go through to identify and engage with films as brands, leading to several managerial and marketing implications for film‐makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the most important minerals in the body, potassium is vital for the heart and neurons. Methods that can non‐invasively and accurately monitor changes in potassium balances would benefit disease diagnoses as well as offer insight into pathologies. Among the sensing approaches, fluorescent probes serve as a unique detection method for its simplicity, tunable detection range, and bioimaging ability. The design of new probes with highly selective K+ receptors and transduction functionality remains a challenge that is motivated by numerous sensing and detection applications. In this minireview, fluoroionophores are summarized that undergo transduction, producing fluorescence signals when interacting with, e. g. potassium ions. The properties of ionophores (afford selective interaction with potassium) and fluorophores (generate signal read‐out) are discussed. Molecular structure design and sensing mechanisms are included along with cell imaging applications. The selectivity towards K+ and the absorption/emission characteristics of the probes are of particular interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and regioselective synthesis of highly functionalized naphthoquinone and anthraquinone derivatives was accomplished in good yields using an organic‐inorganic dual catalyst through [4+2] cycloaddition reaction between various 1,4‐benzenediols or 1,4‐naphthalenediols and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. These atom‐economic reactions rapidly provided useful cycloaddition adducts in a one‐pot reaction. The technique was successfully applied to synthesize tectoquinone, a natural compound found in red heartwood‐type Cryptomeria japonica, and 2‐(4‐methylpent‐3‐enyl)anthracene‐9,10‐dione, found in the roots of Sesamum indicum, and their analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoinduced degradation of the azo dye Disperse Red 1 was studied in a microheterogeneous system comprising titanium oxide (TiO2) and sodium dodecyl sulfate, exposed to UV light. Degussa P25, Anatase and TiO2 synthesized in acidic conditions were supported on raschig rings. The TiO2 photocatalyzed degradation is enhanced in the vicinity of the surfactant critical micelle value. Further increase on the surfactant concentration leads to a loss in photodegradation performance up to values equivalent to that observed without surfactant. Surfactant influence can be explained by two different phenomena taking place. The increasing concentration of surfactant leads to an increase in micellar concentration, inducing the incorporation of the dye to the hydrophobic moiety of the micelles, rendering the hydroxyl radical unable to interact with the dye. Similarly, the increased concentration of micelles at the photocatalyst/water interface might lead to a decrease in the number of active sites on the TiO2 surface able to either generate reactive species and/or interact with de dye molecules. Additives such as H2O2, NaCl, Na2SO4, and Na2CO3 are able to override the influence of the surfactant both positively and negatively, being the final outcome of the influence highly dependent on the crystalline form of the TiO2 photocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 369 drilled four sites on the southwestern Australian continental margin, in the deep water Mentelle Basin (MB) and on the neighboring Naturaliste Plateau (NP). The drillsites are located on continental crust that continued rifting after seafloor spreading began further north on the Perth Abyssal Plain (PAP) between magnetochrons M11r and M11n (133–132 Ma), ending when spreading began west of the NP between chrons M5n and M3n (126–124 Ma). Drilling recovered the first in situ samples of basalt flows overlying the breakup unconformity on the NP, establishing a magnetostratigraphically constrained eruption age of >131–133 Ma, and confirming a minimal late Valanginian age for the breakup unconformity (coeval with the onset of PAP seafloor spreading). Petrogenetic modeling indicates the basalts were generated by 25% melting at 1.5 GPa and a potential temperature of 1380°C–1410°C, consistent with proximity of the Kerguelen plume during breakup. Benthic foraminiferal fossils indicate that the NP remained at upper bathyal or shallower depths during the last 6 Myr of rifting and for 3–5 Myr after breakup between India and Australia. The limited subsidence is attributed to heat from the nearby Kerguelen plume and PAP spreading ridge. The margin subsided to middle bathyal depths by Albian time and to lower bathyal (NP) or greater (MB) depths by late Paleogene time. Periods of rapid sedimentation accompanied a westward jump of the PAP spreading ridge (108 Ma), rifting on the southern margin (100–84 Ma), and opening of the southern seaway between Australia and Antarctica (60–47 Ma). Plain Language Summary: The southwestern Australian margin formed during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous Periods. International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 369 drilled four sites on the southwestern Australian rifted continental margin in order to better understand the subsidence and magmatic behavior of the margin during the final stages of rifting. Drilling shows that a widespread unconformity imaged in seismic data on the margin correlates with the onset of seafloor spreading on the Perth Abyssal Plain at 132–133 Ma. This was followed by eruption of basalts on the Naturaliste Plateau, which were generated from melting of the underlying mantle that was enhanced by the nearby Kerguelen mantle plume. Proximity of the plume kept the margin at shallow depths during rifting and for about 3–5 Myr after final separation of India and Australia at 126 Ma. The margin subsided to > 1,000 m depths between about 121 Ma and the present, with intervening periods of relatively rapid sedimentation associated with adjustments to the spreading ridge configuration in the Indian Ocean at 108 Ma, and rifting events between southwestern Australia and Antarctica at 100–84 Ma and 60–47 Ma. Key Points: Continental breakup occurred at 132–133 Ma on the Perth Abyssal Plain and at 126 Ma west of the Naturaliste PlateauVolcanism on the Naturaliste Plateau with both plume and mid‐ocean ridge compositional affinities accompanied Perth Abyssal Plain breakupLate synrift and early postrift subsidence was limited by proximity of the Kerguelen plume and Perth Abyssal Plain spreading ridge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]