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The liquid/liquid interfaces of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) play a pivotal role in chemical reactions owing to their characteristic microscopic structure, yet the structure of hydrophobic liquid/RTIL interfaces remains unclear. We studied the structure at the liquid/liquid interfaces of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([Cnmim][TFSA]; n = 4 and 8) RTILs using infrared–visible sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. A comparison of the SFG spectra of the CCl4/RTIL and air/RTIL interfaces revealed that the solvation of the alkyl chains of the [Cnmim]+ cations by CCl4 reduces the number of gauche defects in the alkyl chain and the interface number density of the cation at the CCl4 interface. The orientational change of the [TFSA]− anion and concomitant increase in the area it occupies at the CCl4 interface was observed to be greater than that at the air interface. This is accompanied by the expansion of the space among the alkyl chains of the cations to be solvated by CCl4. The structural change of the CCl4 interface from the air interface can be attributed to the solvophilic effect of CCl4 on the alkyl chains of the cations at the CCl4/[Cnmim][TFSA] interface. This is in contrast with the solvophobic effect of CCl4 on the Langmuir film at the CCl4/water interface. This phenomenon is caused by the loosely packed alkyl chains of the cations at the RTIL surface and the flexible anion–cation arrangement owing to the weak basicity and acidity of the ions in the RTILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carfilzomib (CFZ), a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, is a key treatment for multiple myeloma (MM), but its use is associated with significant cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs), including heart failure and hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction is believed to contribute to these CVAEs. Building on our previous findings that CFZ induces endothelial toxicity and that canagliflozin protects against CFZ-induced endothelial apoptosis, this study aimed to evaluate CFZ-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy in endothelial and MM cells, as well as the impact of canagliflozin on these processes and its impact on the anticancer effects of CFZ in MM cells. Endothelial cells (HUVECs and EA.hy926) and multiple myeloma cells (RPMI8226) were treated with 0.5 µM CFZ, either alone or in combination with canagliflozin (5–20 µM), to assess the effects on ER stress and autophagy in both cell types. CFZ induced ER stress in endothelial and MM cells. In endothelial cells, canagliflozin mitigated CFZ-induced markers of ER stress, while unexpectedly upregulating CFZ-induced CHOP. Whereas, in MM cells, canagliflozin did not alter CFZ-induced ER stress, but instead further upregulated CFZ-induced ATF-4. In addition, CFZ induced autophagy in endothelial cells while inhibiting it in MM cells. Canagliflozin abrogated CFZ-induced autophagy in endothelial cells. In striking contrast to its effects in endothelial cells, canagliflozin enhanced the cytotoxic effects of CFZ in MM cells. Intriguingly, in an innovative co-culture system, canagliflozin enhanced CFZ-induced apoptosis in MM cells while protecting endothelial cells. These findings underscore the dual role of canagliflozin in reducing CFZ-induced endothelial toxicity, while enhancing its cytotoxic effect in MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the first approved medication for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the thyroid hormone receptor-β (THR-β) agonist MGL-3196 (resmetirom) has garnered much attention as a liver-directed, bioactive oral drug. However, studies on MGL-3196 have also identified remarkable heterogeneity of individual clinical efficacy and its interference with gut microbiota in host hepatoenteral circulation remains to be elucidated. We compared MASH attenuation by MGL-3196 and its derivative drug HSK31679 between germ-free (GF) and specific-pathogen free (SPF) mice to evaluate the role of gut microbiota. Then cross-omics analyses of microbial metagenome, metabolome and single-cell RNA-sequencing were applied to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple ascending dose cohort receiving HSK31679 treatment (n = 32) or placebo (n = 8), to comprehensively investigate the altered gut microbiota metabolism and circulating immune signatures. HSK31679 outperformed MGL-3196 in ameliorating MASH diet-induced steatohepatitis of SPF mice but not GF mice. In the multiple ascending dose cohort of HSK31679, the relative abundance of B. thetaiotaomicron was significantly enriched, impairing glucosylceramide synthase (GCS)-catalyzed monoglucosylation of microbial Cer(d18:1/16:0) and Cer(d18:1/24:1). In contrast to the non-inferior effect of MGL-3196 and HSK31679 on MASH resolution in GFBTΔGCS mice, HSK31679 led to superior benefit on steatohepatitis in GFBTWT mice, due to its steric hindrance of R123 and Y401 of gut microbial GCS. For participants with high fecal GCS activity, the administration of 160 mg HSK31679 induced a shift in peripheral compartments towards an immunosuppressive niche, characterized by decreased CD8α + dendritic cells and MINCLE + macrophages. This study provided novel insights into the gut microbiota that are key to the efficacy of HSK31679 treatment, revealing microbial GCS as a potential predictive biomarker in MASH, as well as a new target for further microbiota-based treatment strategies for MASH. Remarkable heterogeneity in individual clinical efficacy of thyroid hormone receptor-β agonists and their interferences with the microbiome in host hepatoenteral circulation are poorly understood. In our current germ-free mouse models and a randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose cohort study, we identified microbial glucosylceramide synthase as a key mechanistic node in the resolution of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Microbial glucosylceramide synthase activity could be a predictive biomarker of response to HSK31679 treatment or a new target for microbiota-based therapeutics in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. [Display omitted] • HSK31679 outperforms MGL-3196 in ameliorating diet-induced steatohepatitis of SPF mice but not GF mice. • HSK31679 treatment enriches the relative abundance of intestinal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. • Glucosylceramide synthase activity of B. thetaiotaomicron is pivotal to HSK31679-attenuated steatohepatitis. • HSK31679 treatment reshapes myeloid cell dynamics to induce an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz) is an annual warm-season grass species that can be used as emergency forage source. An experiment was conducted for 2 years in southwestern Quebec to determine the effects of seeding rate and developmental stage at harvest on forage yields. Seeding rates (15–30 kg ha−1) had no effect on yields; in contrast, response to harvest stage differed depending on the year but yields were always maximized with one harvest at heading stage (6569 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1) and lowest with two harvests at a vegetative stage (3166 kg DM ha−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate how product upgrades influence consumers' hedonic responses to currently owned products, focusing on the underlying attentional mechanism. Design/methodology/approach: Six experiments were conducted, including one pilot study and five main studies, employing various stimuli and methodologies. These experiments used longitudinal designs, manipulated upgrade awareness and measured hedonic decline over time. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed to test the proposed attentional mechanism. Findings: The studies demonstrate that awareness of product upgrades induces consumers to experience a faster hedonic decline with their current possessions. This effect occurs because upgrades prompt consumers to shift their attention away from the currently owned product. The research provides both mediation-based and moderation-based evidence for this attentional mechanism. Research limitations/implications: The study primarily focused on product upgrades, and future research could explore this effect in nonproduct domains and investigate potential boundary conditions. Practical implications: The findings have implications for both consumers and companies in managing product enjoyment and upgrade cycles. Consumers can make more informed decisions about upgrades, while companies can develop strategies to maintain customer satisfaction with current products. Originality/value: This work offers a novel perspective on the influence of upgrades on consumer behavior by introducing an attention-based account of hedonic adaptation and the consequent upgrade phenomenon, contrasting with previous research that relied on justifiability or contrast effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined the interrelations of perfectionistic concerns and perfectionistic strivings on self-control. Going beyond previous research, we examined dispositional and daily components of self-control. In addition, we tested opposing predictions of the tripartite model (postulating that high perfectionist strivings combined with high perfectionist concerns are associated with negative outcomes) and the 2 × 2 model (postulating that this is true for low perfectionistic strivings combined with high perfectionistic concerns). Over the course of 9 months, 183 teacher trainees participated in approximately 5 ambulatory assessment periods (each lasting 10 days), that preceded a challenging performance situation. Negative associations between perfectionistic concerns and dispositional self-control were confirmed. In addition, the results showed that high perfectionistic concerns also interfered with three of the five daily self-control components. Contrasting statistical effects of perfectionistic strivings supported the assumptions of the 2 × 2 model and suggest that perfectionistic strivings buffer the detrimental effects of perfectionistic concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Detective flow imaging (DFI) endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can identify the microvascular flow imaging of a mural nodule (MN) in an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) without the use of contrast agents. This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of DFI-EUS and its ability to evaluate the blood flow of MNs in IPMNs. Methods: Between April 2021 and September 2023, 68 patients with MNs in IPMNs observed on EUS images were retrospectively analyzed. Both DFI-EUS and contrast-enhanced EUS (CE-EUS) were performed during the same session. Three expert endosonographers blinded to the patients' clinical data assessed the MN images obtained with CE-EUS and DFI-EUS. First, DFI-EUS images were evaluated using a predefined scoring system; thereafter, CE-EUS images were evaluated. The diagnostic capability of DFI-EUS to detect MN blood flow was assessed with CE-EUS as the gold standard. Secondary outcomes included inter-reader agreement, the correlation between MN size and detection rates, and the association between DFI blood flow signal patterns and malignancy of MNs in surgically resected cases. Results: CE-EUS showed a contrast effect in the MN in 24 cases. Among these, DFI-EUS detected blood flow signals in 20 cases; false-positive results were not observed. DFI-EUS demonstrated a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 93% for detecting MN blood flow. Inter-reader agreement was substantial (kappa values, 0.6–0.8). The subgroup analysis revealed that all MNs ≥ 10 mm had detectable blood flow on DFI-EUS, whereas MNs < 10 mm had reduced detection rates (75%; 12/16 cases). No significant correlation between the DFI blood flow signal patterns and MN malignancy of resected cases was observed. Conclusions: DFI-EUS demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy for detecting MN blood flow. Because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, DFI-EUS could be an alternative to CE-EUS for patients with MNs inside IPMNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the acute effects of the French contrast method (FCM) and post-activation potentiation (PAP) protocols on 3 × 3 basketball game demands and thermal asymmetry in male basketball players and to compare these effects between protocols. Eighteen male basketball players (mean ± SD; age: 21.7 ± 1.5 years, 10.6 ± 1.9 years of experience) visited the laboratory four times, 72 h apart. The players participated in three different protocols (baseline: 3 × 3 game; FCM + 3 × 3 game; PAP + 3 × 3 game; respectively). The players' internal and external loads were monitored, game profiles were analyzed, and thermography was applied during the protocols. The results revealed that FCM and PAP did not significantly differ in internal load; however, the significant highest total distance and distance in band 2 during the 3 × 3 basketball game was after the FCM. The 1-point attempt was significantly higher after the FCM, and turnover was significantly higher after PAP. Significant thermal asymmetry was observed in the abdominals and lower back after the FCM and PAP. The results of this study provide coaches and practitioners with detailed information regarding the game demands that can be used to improve the playing profile of 3 × 3 basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1980, atmospheric pollutants in South Asia and India have dramatically increased in response to industrialization and agricultural development, enhancing the atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic nitrogen in the northern Indian Ocean and potentially promoting primary productivity. Concurrently, ocean warming has increased stratification and limited the supply of nutrients supporting primary productivity. Here, we examine the biogeochemical consequences of increasing anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen deposition and contrast them with the counteracting effect of warming, using a regional ocean biogeochemical model of the northern Indian Ocean forced with atmospheric nitrogen deposition derived from an Earth System Model. Our results suggest that the 60% recent increase in anthropogenic nitrogen deposition over the northern Indian Ocean provided external reactive nitrogen that only weakly enhanced primary production (+10 mg C.m–2.d–1.yr–1 in regions of intense deposition) and secondary production (+4 mg C.m–2.d–1.yr–1). However, we find that locally this enhancement can significantly offset the declining trend in primary production over the last four decades in the central Arabian Sea and western Bay of Bengal, whose magnitude are up to -20 and -10 mg C.m–2.d–1.yr–1 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Giving contrast material before 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) could enhance the precision of locating the lesion of interest. However, evidence indicates that contrast material might influence the outcomes of MRS. Purpose: To verify the effect of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) on MRS in normal white matter. Material and Methods: A total of 34 patients were referred for brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with GBCAs, and they underwent single-volume MRS before and after administering contrast material. Those patients had the MRS voxel placed at the right frontal normal white matter, which remained consistent across all examinations. Measurements were taken for the integral concerning N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr and Cr2), and myo-inositol (Ins) in all examinations. Results: NAA (P = 0.0313) and Cho (P = 0.0094) had a significant decrease in their integral after intravenous GBCA administration. No significant differences were found between the pre- and post-contrast MRS studies for Cr, Cr2, and Ins. Conclusion: Intravenous GBCA can alter NAA and Cho integrals in normal white matter. Therefore, brain 1H-MRS should precede intravenous GBCA administration to avoid the potential impact of contrast material on peak integrals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear actin polymerization was reported to control different nuclear processes, but its regulation is poorly understood. Here, we show that N-WASP can trigger the formation of nuclear N-WASP/F-actin nodules. While a cancer hotspot mutant of N-WASP lacking the VCA domain (V418fs) had a dominant negative function on nuclear F-actin, an even shorter truncation mutant found in melanoma (R128*) strongly promoted nuclear actin polymerization. Nuclear localization of N-WASP was not regulated by the cell cycle and increasing nuclear F-actin formation by N-WASP had no obvious influence on replication. However, nuclear N-WASP/F-actin nodules colocalized partially with RNA Pol II clusters. N-WASP-dependent actin polymerization promoted the maturation of RNA Pol II clusters, with the short truncation mutant R128* unexpectedly showing the strongest effect. Nuclear N-WASP nodules including V418fs colocalized with WIP and cortactin. Importantly, cortactin binding was essential but not sufficient for F-actin formation, while WIP binding was required for actin polymerization by R128*. These data reveal a cortactin-dependent role for N-WASP in the regulation of nuclear F-actin and indicate contrasting nuclear effects for N-WASP mutants found in cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of directional subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN‐dDBS) on gait and balance disorders, including freezing of gait (FOG), in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: We included 10 participants who underwent STN‐DBS and presented severe preoperative FOG, in a randomized, double‐blind, crossover study. We used segmented DBS electrodes to investigate whether directing the predicted volume of tissue activated (VTA) to overlap the central STN preferentially improved gait and balance disorders compared to directional DBS applied in the more posterior STN (sensorimotor). We also assessed non‐directional (ring‐mode) STN‐DBS. Our primary outcome was gait and balance control measured using instrumented gait recordings. Each patient had a pre‐operative structural and diffusion‐weighted imaging to model individual VTAs and to examine cortico‐subthalamic connectivity. We used linear mixed‐effects models to contrast the effects of central STN‐dDBS, posterior STN‐dDBS, and ring‐mode STN‐DBS. Results: Central STN‐dDBS produced significantly better improvement in gait and balance control compared to posterior STN‐dDBS (p = 0.027), with fewer FOG episodes (p < 0.001). Conversely, ring‐mode STN‐DBS resulted in worsened postural control compared to central STN‐dDBS (p = 0.009). The cortico‐subthalamic connectivity with the STN VTAs involved mostly primary sensorimotor, premotor, and medial frontal cortices, with a higher overall cortico‐STN connectivity with ring‐mode STN‐DBS. Interpretation: Central STN‐dDBS represents the best option to improve gait and balance disorders in PD patients, including FOG. Our findings raise the possibility of reprogramming STN‐DBS toward the central area in selected patients with disabling FOG and/or postural instability after surgery. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:149–162 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propofol and ketamine are widely used general anaesthetics, but have different effects on consciousness: propofol gives a deeply unconscious state, with little or no dream reports, whereas vivid dreams are often reported after ketamine anaesthesia. Ketamine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, while propofol is a γ-aminobutyric-acid (GABAA) receptor positive allosteric modulator, but these mechanisms do not fully explain how these drugs alter consciousness. Most previous in vitro studies of cellular mechanisms of anaesthetics have used brain slices or neurons in a nearly "comatose" state, because no "arousing" neuromodulators were added. Here we tested mechanisms of anaesthetics in rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) slices after bath-applying the cholinergic agonist muscarine to partly mimic an "aroused-like" state, using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from layer 2/3 pyramidal cells (L2/3PCs). According to leading theories of access consciousness and working memory, L2/3PCs are particularly important for these cognitive functions. We found that muscarine induced long-lasting depolarising plateau potentials (PPs) and spiking following brief depolarising current injections in the L2/3PCs. After 2 hours of pre-incubation with ketamine or propofol, the muscarine-induced PPs were altered in seemingly different ways: 3 μM propofol reduced the PPs and (significantly) spiking, whereas 20 μM ketamine seemed to enhance PPs and spiking (non-significantly). Brief wash-in of these drug concentrations failed to induce such effects, probably due to insufficient equilibration by diffusion in the slices. In contrast, pre-incubation with a high dose (100 μM) of ketamine suppressed the PPs and spiking. We discuss whether the apparently different effects on PPs may possibly be related to contrasting clinical effects: ketamine causing atypical anaesthesia with vivid, "psychedelic" dreaming while propofol causes less dreaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Depression's clinical and biological heterogeneity may be linked to treatment response. • Immunometabolic depression (IMD) involves energy-related symptoms and immunometabolic dysregulation. • Running therapy and antidepressants had contrasting effects on IMD (symptoms and biomarkers). • Intervention effects on depression were similar in patients with and without IMD. • Exercise may more effectively reduce IMD features compared to antidepressants. Exercise promotes immunometabolic health and is increasingly recognized as an effective depression treatment. Exercise may be beneficial for patients with immunometabolic depression (IMD), who experience inflammatory and metabolic dysregulations and may respond less to antidepressants. This secondary analysis of the MOTAR study compared the effects of running therapy and antidepressants on IMD features among patients with depression and/or anxiety disorder. We additionally assessed whether baseline IMD moderated intervention effects on depression. Participants received 16 weeks of group-based running therapy (N = 96) or escitalopram/sertraline (N = 45) in a partially randomized patient preference design. IMD features included atypical, energy-related symptom (AES) severity, inflammation index (CRP, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α), metabolic syndrome index, three metabolite principle components (PC) (derived from 73 metabolites) and a composite IMD index. Interventions differed in changes in the metabolic syndrome index (d = 0.59, p = 0.026) and IMD index (d = 0.85, p < 0.001). While running therapy decreased both outcomes, the antidepressant group showed an increased IMD index. Although groups did not differ statistically significant in changes in AES severity, inflammation index, and metabolite PC1, results indicated a consistent trend towards greater improvement with running therapy across these outcomes as well (d = 0.38 to 0.52). Baseline IMD did not moderate intervention effects on depression outcomes. This study suggests that exercise more effectively targets the IMD dimension than antidepressants. Patients with IMD did not benefit more from running therapy than antidepressants in terms of reductions in depression. Exercise should be considered an alternative or complementary treatment to particularly reduce IMD features in depressed patients. Trialregister.nl Number of identification: NTR3460. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species ranges are dynamic, experiencing expansions, contractions or shifts in response to habitat changes driven by extrinsic factors such as climate change or human activities. While existing research examines the genetic consequences of spatial processes, few studies integrate species‐specific traits to analyse how habitat changes affect co‐existing species. In this study, we address this gap by investigating how genetic diversity patterns vary among species with different traits (such as generation length, population density and dispersal) experiencing similar habitat changes. Using spatial simulations and a simpler panmictic population model, we investigate the temporal genetic diversity in refugium populations undergoing range expansion of their habitat, followed by stationary and contraction periods. By varying habitat contraction speed and species traits, we identified three distinct temporal dynamics of genetic diversity during contraction: (i) a decrease in genetic diversity, (ii) an initial increase followed by a decrease and (iii) a continuous increase throughout the contraction period. We show that genetic diversity trajectories during population decline can be predicted by comparing sampled population diversity to equilibrium values expected under expanded and contracted habitat ranges. Our study also challenges the belief that high genetic diversity in a refugium population is due to a recent and rapid habitat loss. Instead, we found contrasting effects of contraction speed on genetic diversity depending on the interaction between species‐specific traits and the dynamics of habitat change. Finally, using simulated genetic data, we found that demographic histories inferred from effective population size estimates may vary across species, even when they experience similar habitat changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root cortical senescence (RCS) is closely associated with root absorptive function. However, characteristics and responses of RCS to drought stress in cotton have received little attention. This study subjected the drought‐tolerant variety 'Guoxin 02' and the drought‐sensitive variety 'Ji 228' to drought stress (8% PEG6000) and no‐stress (0% PEG6000) treatments to determine the characteristics and responses of cotton RCS to drought stress. The results showed that the greater the distance from the root tip, the more severe the RCS occurrence under drought stress compared with non‐stress treatment. The occurrence of RCS in 'Guoxin 02' increased by 14.03%−20.18% compared to 'Ji 228' under drought stress. The RCS was negatively correlated with root respiration but positively correlated with root length and leaf water potential. The silencing of RCS‐related genes (GhSAG12 and GhbHLH121) can mitigate the drought‐induced RCS phenomenon in cotton; however, reduced drought tolerance. Exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment can promote RCS generation. Conversely, ABA synthesis exhibits contrasting effects. In summary, endogenous hormones regulated RCS, which reduced the root metabolic and seemingly achieved more resource redistribution to new roots, thereby fully utilize deep water resources. Thus, the study demonstrates the potential of RCS in improving the drought stress tolerance of cotton. Summary statement: The research systematically investigates the characteristics, patterns and interrelationships of root metabolic activity and endogenous hormones during the RCS process, elucidating their regulatory effects on both the root system and the aboveground parts of the plant. Key findings include: Drought stress significantly induces RCS, profoundly affecting root functionality.Indole‐3‐acetic acid and abscisic acid content participate in regulation of RCS, and reduction of its metabolic cost.RCS enables resource redistribution within the root branches, ultimately bolstering its drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to compare the immediate effect of contrast compression therapy with the use of Game Ready (GRT) on hyperaemic reactions in the upper limb on the application and contralateral sides, specifically in the context of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Design: In this experimental, single-blind, randomized crossover study, we recruited 30 male volunteers training in MMA (mean age: 28.33 ± 3.79 years, BMI: 25.25 ± 3.06, training experience: 9.93 ± 3.83). They were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 15) or control (sham) group (n = 15). The experimental group underwent a 10-minute Game Ready Therapy (GRT) session, while the control group GRS underwent a sham therapy session. After a 2-week break, a cross-over change of therapy in the groups was performed, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the contrast compression therapy's perfusion effects in 30 participants. Main outcome measures: Hyperemic reaction was measured: rest flow (RF - [non-referent unit]); therapeutic flow (TF- [min]), i.e., the average flow recorded during GR or sham therapy: time of recovery (TR - [min]), i.e., the time for perfusion to return to the resting value after the intervention. Measurements were performed on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides. Results: The mean perfusion during therapy was significantly higher in GRT compared to GRS (24.70 ± 1.45 vs. 12.60 ± 1.37; p < 0.001; ES = 5.7 [large]; △ = 12.10 > MDC). The time from cessation of contrast therapy to the return of blood flow to resting values showed significantly higher values in GRT compared to GRS (3.07 ± 0.45 vs. 16.80 ± 0.91; p < 0.001; ES = 16.27 [large]). No statistically significant difference was noted between the mean resting perfusion value (RF) and the mean perfusion value during therapy (TF) in the contralateral limb (7.74 ± 0.89 vs. 7.66 ± 0.89; p = 0.284; ES = 0.20 [negligible]; △ = 0.09 < MDC. Conclusion: This study suggests that compression contrast therapy on the ipsilateral side positively affects the intensification of the hyperaemic reaction. However, no statistically significant hyperaemic responses were observed on the contralateral side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feather colours can be produced by the organization of feather microstructure, by pigmentation (mainly due to melanins and carotenoids) or both. The expression of feather colours is usually influenced by testosterone (T) levels through several interacting mechanisms. First, high T levels can negatively affect bird condition and hence the expression of condition‐dependent feather colours (e.g. carotenoid‐based colours). Secondly, high levels of T can slow moult progression, which in turn may result in brighter colours, as moult speed has been shown to be negatively correlated with the expression of feather colours. Thirdly, T can affect the bioavailability of pigments that are involved in feather colours. The effect of experimental manipulation of T levels may therefore influence, either positively or negatively, feather colour expression according to the relative importance of these mechanisms and the type of coloration involved. We experimentally investigated whether plumage coloration is affected by T in yearling Eurasian Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus. We implanted 11 males and 11 females with T (T‐birds) at the onset of their post‐juvenile moult and compared the spectral reflectance of their structural ultraviolet (UV)/blue colour (crown feathers and upper lesser wing‐coverts) and carotenoid‐based yellow colour (breast feathers) with those of control birds (C‐birds) that were sham‐implanted (12 males, 16 females). At the implant date, all the right lesser wing‐coverts were plucked in both experimental groups to test the effect of T on feathers grown exclusively during our treatment. After 40 days, the implants were removed. Two weeks before removing the implants, the mean T plasma levels were assayed (average 3.21 ng/mL in T‐birds and 0.33 ng/mL in C‐birds). In T‐birds, body moult progression was suspended, and moult was resumed 33 days after implant removal. Moult duration from implant date, excluding suspension, did not differ between treatments and controls. T had a negative effect on UV coloration only in plumage that started growing exclusively during the treatment (right lesser wing‐coverts), and not in other UV/blue plumage. In contrast, the carotenoid‐based yellow coloration of the breast increased in T‐birds, suggesting an immediate effect of T on the mobilization of carotenoids available for ornamentation. Despite sexual dichromatism, T treatment had similar effects in the two sexes. Our results highlight the importance of considering the effect of T on moult speed and possibly moult suspension in the interpretation of the results of studies based on T manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract\nHIGHLIGHTSIt has been claimed that Atractylodes macrocephala applied as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for centuries, owing to its excellent immunomodulatory and hepatic protective properties. This study aims to explore the immunomodulation of oligosaccharides obtained by gastrointestinal digestion after oral administration of A. macrocephala polysaccharide (xyloglucomannan, XGM). The analysis of chemistry showed that XGM consisted of D-glucose, D-mannose, and D-xylose in a molar ratio of 6.8:3.0:1.0, and the molecular weight was 5465 Da. Furthermore, HCl and pancreatic amylase were used to simulate digestive tract hydrolysis of polysaccharides, obtaining two XGM hydrolysates (XGM-AH and -EH). Oligosaccharide identification results indicated that both XGM-AH and XGM-EH contained glucans (degree of polymerization, DP = 2 ∼ 5). XGM-AH had a wider variety of oligosaccharides than XGM-EH, mainly glucomannans. In vitro immunostimulatory assay indicated that XGM could effectively stimulate the activation and enhance the phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, XGM-AH and -EH exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced aberrant activation of macrophages, reduced the release of cytokines of macrophages. Flow cytometry assay suggested that XGM-AH and -EH inhibited LPS-induced M1-type polarization of macrophages. In conclusion, XGM-derived oligosaccharides possess anti-inflammatory bioactivities and exhibit differential macrophage regulatory behaviors in contrast to the immune-activating effects exhibited by the prototype polysaccharides.A homogeneous polysaccharide from A. macrocephala was identified as unique xyloglucomannan.XGM hydrolyzed by HCl and pancreatic amylase generated specific oligosaccharide mixtures, and XGM-AH had a wider variety of oligosaccharides compared with XGM-EH.XGM and its hydrolyzed oligosaccharide mixtures exhibited differential modulatory behaviors on macrophage.A homogeneous polysaccharide from A. macrocephala was identified as unique xyloglucomannan.XGM hydrolyzed by HCl and pancreatic amylase generated specific oligosaccharide mixtures, and XGM-AH had a wider variety of oligosaccharides compared with XGM-EH.XGM and its hydrolyzed oligosaccharide mixtures exhibited differential modulatory behaviors on macrophage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background and Objective: Instead of excessive drying or wetness, maintaining an optimal moisture level on the dentin surface may enhance the polymerization process of certain monomers. The study was intended to contrast and evaluate the effect of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitors (Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Doxycycline (DOX)) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of adhesive dentin interface after different drying techniques (blotting with tissue paper (TP) and damp cotton pellet (CP)). Materials and Methods: Ninety molars collected were split into three groups according to the materials used during the acid etching step: Group A (control): 37% phosphoric acid only; Group B: 37% phosphoric acid followed by 2% CHX; Group C: 37% phosphoric acid followed by 2% DOX. Each group was categorized into 2 subgroups based on the drying methods used after etching (TP and damp CP). A universal bonding agent was applied after this and composite restoration was placed onto the dentin and cured. The samples underwent thermocycling for 500 thermocycles for degradation of the adhesive surface. The SBS of the specimens was appraised with a universal testing machine until fracture. Results: The CHX group blotted with TP (20.98 ± 0.29 MPa) had the highest SBS among the study sample. This was eventually followed by the CHX group blotted with the CP (18.99 ± 0.28 MPa), DOX blotted with TP (19.73 ± 0.51 MPa), and DOX blotted with the CP (17.09 ± 0.55 MPa). The least SBS was observed in the control group blotted with TP (16.9 ± 0.22 MPa) and then by CP (13.78 ± 0.55 MPa). Conclusion: The study showed that CHX had a superior effect on the SBS when compared to DOX. Among the drying agents used TP yielded better results than drying with a damp CP. The overall SBS was high in the CHX group dried with TP and the least strength was shown by the control group where treatment with an MMP inhibitor was done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmids are important vectors of horizontal gene transfer in microbial communities but can impose a burden on the bacteria that carry them. Such plasmid fitness costs are thought to arise principally from conflicts between chromosomal- and plasmid-encoded molecular machineries, and thus can be ameliorated by compensatory mutations (CMs) that reduce or resolve the underlying causes. CMs can arise on plasmids (i.e., plaCM) or on chromosomes (i.e., chrCM), with contrasting predicted effects upon plasmid success and subsequent gene transfer because plaCM can also reduce fitness costs in plasmid recipients, whereas chrCM can potentially ameliorate multiple distinct plasmids. Here, we develop theory and a novel experimental system to directly compare the ecological effects of plaCM and chrCM that arose during evolution experiments between Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and its sympatric mercury resistance megaplasmid pQBR57. We show that while plaCM was predicted to succeed under a broader range of parameters in mathematical models, chrCM dominated in our experiments, including conditions with numerous recipients, due to a more efficacious mechanism of compensation, and advantages arising from transmission of costly plasmids to competitors (plasmid "weaponisation"). We show analytically the presence of a mixed Rock-Paper-Scissors (RPS) regime for CMs, driven by trade-offs with horizontal transmission, that offers one possible explanation for the observed failure of plaCM to dominate even in competition against an uncompensated plasmid. Our results reveal broader implications of plasmid-bacterial evolution for plasmid ecology, demonstrating the importance of specific compensatory mutations for resistance gene spread. One consequence of the superiority of chrCM over plaCM is the likely emergence in microbial communities of compensated bacteria that can act as "hubs" for plasmid accumulation and dissemination. Plasmids spread important traits in microbiomes but impose fitness costs on their hosts. This study of the ecological consequences of plasmid-bacterial compensatory evolution reveals benefits to bacteria that compensate plasmids by chromosomal (rather than plasmid-borne) mutations, resulting in 'hubs' for plasmid accumulation, evolution, and dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes a faking‐mitigation strategy for situational judgment tests (SJTs), referred to as the constructed response retest (CR‐retest). The CR‐retest strategy involves presenting SJT items in a constructed response format first, followed by equivalent closed‐ended items with the same situation description. Two field experiments (N1 = 733, N2 = 273) were conducted to investigate the effects of this strategy and contrast it with a commonly used pretest warning message. Study 1 revealed that the CR‐retest strategy was more effective than the warning message in reducing score inflation and improving criterion‐related validity. Study 2 delved deeper by investigating the effects of the CR‐retest strategy on applicant reactions in a 2 (with or without CR‐retest strategy) × 2 (warning or control message) between‐subjects design. The results showed that applicants reported positive fairness perceptions on SJT items with the CR‐retest strategy. The CR‐retest strategy was effective in reducing faking by evoking threat perceptions, whereas the warning message heightened threat and fear. Combining two strategies further decreased faking without undermining fairness perceptions. Overall, our results indicate that the CR‐retest strategy could be a valuable method to mitigate faking in real‐life selection settings. Practitioner points: The constructed response retest (CR‐retest) strategy is a potentially effective faking‐mitigation method for situational judgment tests (SJTs) in selection settings.The CR‐retest strategy is more effective than a warning message in mitigating faking, while also promoting more favorable test perceptions.Combining the CR‐retest strategy and a warning message yields additive effects in reducing faking without undermining test fairness perceptions.Organizations could incorporate the CR‐retest strategy in their selection system, as the advantages may outweigh potential disadvantages, such as extended testing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the impact of three wavelength-cut (TWC) lenses, which allowed 75% luminance transmittance while blocking wavelengths < 420 nm, approximately 460 nm, and approximately 585 nm, on visual function and color perception, and aging interaction effect. This single-center study enrolled 30 participants into two groups including 15 young participants (age 21.4 ± 1.3 years) and 15 older participants (age 71.7 ± 1.7 years). We used TWC lenses and a neutral density (ND) filter to assess the wavelength-cut effects on visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and cone contrast sensitivity. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were assessed under photopic (luminance 85–100 cd/m2) and mesopic conditions (luminance 0.8 cd/m2). Significant interactions between age and lens conditions were observed for contrast sensitivity under photopic conditions (Bonferroni corrected α = 0.025, F(1,28) = 7.98, P = 0.01, η2 = 0.003), suggesting that contrast sensitivity to white and black gratings is better with TWC lenses (75%) than with the ND filter in young participants (F(1,28) = 7.25, P = 0.01, η2 = 0.206). However, the lens condition did not affect visual acuity and had only a minimal effect on cone contrast sensitivity for each cone type. In conclusion, TWC lenses, despite their nearly colorless and transparent appearance, can selectively block specific wavelengths to improve contrast sensitivity, while minimally affecting color perception. However, since the effect size of these interactions is very small, the impact is limited, therefore glasses should be prescribed with caution for young individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionsPolylepis forests are highly endangered tropical high Andean ecosystems. P. rugulosa has had the most significant decrease in spatial distribution compared to other Polylepis species and requires adequate restoration measures.This study evaluated the relationship between P. rugulosa seedling density and biotic and abiotic factors across east- and west-facing slopes to identify optimum conditions for the regeneration and restoration of the species.We assessed structural, edaphic, and topographic variables in 58 plots of 600 m2, microsite characteristics in 204 quadrats of 1 m2 and related them observed to P. rugulosa seedling density.The density and basal area of P. rugulosa adults were higher on west-facing slopes than on east-facing slopes. On both aspects, seedling density was positively related to the height and basal area of the adult trees and negatively related to sand content and the cover of ground vegetation (shrubs and herbs). Seedling density on east-facing slopes was positively related to soil organic matter content, and it was negatively related to it on west-facing slopes. Regarding microsite characteristics, the height of the nearest adult tree and litter cover were positively related to seedling density.Restoration of P. rugulosa should consider the contrasting effects of abiotic and biotic factors on seedling density on east- vs. west-facing slopes to optimise the recruitment and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite‐derived global digital elevation models (DEMs) are essential for providing the topographic information needed in a wide range of hydrological applications. However, their use is limited by spatial resolution and vertical bias due to sensor limitations in observing bare terrain. Significant efforts have been made to improve the resolution of global DEMs (e.g., TanDEM‐X) and create bare‐earth DEMs (e.g., FABDEM, MERIT, CEDTM). We evaluated the vertical accuracy of bare‐earth and global DEMs in Central European mountains and submontane regions, and assessed how DEM resolution, vegetation offset removal, land cover, and terrain slope affect stream network delineation. Using lidar‐derived DTM and national stream networks as references, we found that: (a) bare‐earth DEMs outperform global DEMs across all land cover types. RMSEs increased with increasing slope for all DEMs in non‐forest areas. In forests, however, the negative effect of the slope was outweighed by the vegetation offset even for bare‐earth DTMs; (b) the accuracy of derived stream networks was affected by terrain slope and land cover more than by the vertical accuracy of DEMs. Stream network delineation performed poorly in non‐forest areas and relatively well in forests. Increasing slope improved the streams delineation performance; (c) using DEMs with higher resolution (e.g., 12 m TanDEM‐X) improved stream network delineation, but increasing resolution also increased the need for effective vegetation bias removal. Our results indicate that vertical accuracy alone does not reflect how well DEMs perform in stream network delineation. This underscores the need to include stream network performance in DEM quality rankings. Plain Language Summary: We evaluated the accuracy of different types of digital elevation models (DEMs) and derived stream networks in Central European mountains. Our focus was on satellite‐derived global DEMs, including bare‐earth DEMs (i.e., DEMs with vegetation and building offsets removed). Using lidar DTM and national stream networks as references, we found that bare‐earth DEMs consistently outperformed other DEMs across all evaluated land cover types. We observed that slope and land cover have contrasting effects on the accuracy of DEMs and delineated stream networks. As slope increases, DEMs accuracy decreases, while for delineated stream networks, the opposite trend is observed. Where land cover is concerned, DEMs' vertical accuracies (i.e., how well they represent the bare‐earth terrain) are lowest in forests, whereas the accuracy of stream network is lowest in non‐forest areas. Furthermore, we demonstrated that slope and land cover type considerably affect the accuracy of stream network delineation, more so than the vertical accuracy of the DEMs. Additionally, we found that using DEMs with higher resolution can improve stream network delineation, but increasing resolution also increases the need for effective vegetation bias removal. Therefore, removing vegetation and buildings offset from Tandem‐X DEM at a 12 m resolution would represent a major next step forward. Key Points: Differences between digital elevation models (DEMs) (i.e., their absolute vertical accuracy) have a lower effect on stream delineation than terrain slope and landcoverThe use of higher‐resolution DEMs to derive stream networks increases the importance of removing vegetation and building biasVertical accuracy alone does not reflect DEMs' performance in stream delineation, emphasizing the need to include this in quality evaluation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese-based MRI contrast agents have recently attracted much attention as an alternative to Gd-based compounds. Various nanostructures have been proposed for potential applications in in vivo diagnostics and theranostics. This review is focused on the discussion of different types of Mn oxide-based nanoparticles (MnxOy NPs) obtained at the +2, +3 and +4 oxidation states for MRI, multimodal imaging or theranostic applications. These NPs show favorable magnetic properties, good biocompatibility, and an improved toxicity profile relative to Gd(III)-based nanosystems, showing that the Mn paramagnetic ions offer advantages for the next generation of nanoscale MRI and theranostic contrast agents. Their potential for enhancing relaxivity and MRI contrast effects is illustrated through discussion of selected examples published in the past decade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human−wildlife conflict is a global conservation issue, necessitating effective mitigation strategies. Hunting is a common management approach to reduce conflict, but the indirect consequences are often overlooked. Chronic hunting‐related disturbance can reduce fitness and redistribute species. In recent decades, goose−agricultural conflict has intensified due to increasing abundance and shifts towards agricultural foraging. On Islay, Scotland, escalating conflict culminated in shooting Greenland barnacle geese Branta leucopsis to reduce damage to agricultural grassland. In this study, we contrast the impact of shooting disturbance on the movement, behavior, energy expenditure and habitat selection of the target species (Greenland barnacle goose) and a vulnerable nontarget species (Greenland white‐fronted goose, Anser albifrons flavirostris) using biologging devices (target species: n = 33; nontarget species: n = 94). Both species were displaced by shooting, and greater distances were subsequently traveled by the target species (1.71 km when directly targeted). When disturbed at any distance, total daily movement increased significantly by 1.18 km for the target species but not for the nontarget species. The target species exhibited no accompanying change in diurnal energy expenditure (measured via accelerometery) but foraged in improved grasslands further from roads after shooting disturbance, where disturbance from all sources was likely lower. The significant increases in movement and changes in foraging site selection of the target species could reduce fitness but given the infrequency of shooting disturbances (0.09 per day) there is likely capacity for compensatory feeding to recoup energetic losses. The nontarget species expectedly showed no significant change in energy expenditure, behavior or habitat selection following shooting disturbance, suggesting mitigation strategies have been effective at minimizing fitness impacts. Refuge areas with a 3.5 km diameter (three times the maximum distance from shooting that displacement was detectable) could provide undisturbed foraging for the target species, minimizing compensatory feeding and further agricultural damage. Wildlife managers should, where possible, consider the fitness implications of shooting disturbance, and whether compensatory feeding and redistribution could hamper conflict mitigation. Management strategies should also include species‐specific monitoring and mitigation as we have demonstrated differing responses potentially due to imposed mitigation but also differing species ecology and "landscapes of fear." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiota are an important interface between the host and the environment, mediating the host's interactions with nutritive and non-nutritive substances. Dietary contaminants like Bisphenol A (BPA) may disrupt the microbial community, leaving the host susceptible to additional exposures and pathogens. BPA has long been a controversial and well-studied contaminant, so its structural analogues like Bisphenol S (BPS) are replacing it in consumer products, but have not been well studied. Methods: This study aimed to determine the impact of BPS on C57BL/6 murine gut microbiota using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and the metabolomic profiling of in vitro anaerobic cultures. Results: The results demonstrated that a supraphysiologic BPS dose did not overtly distort the metagenomic or metabolomic profiles of exposed cultures compared to controls. A distinct BPS-associated metabolite profile was not observed, but several metabolites, including saturated fatty acids, were enriched in the BPS-exposed cultures. In the absence of a BPS-associated enterotype, Lactobacillus species specifically were associated with BPS exposure in a discriminant model. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence contrasting the effects of BPS in the gut microbiome to its predecessor, BPA, but also emphasizes the role of inter-animal variation in microbiome composition, indicating that further study is needed to characterize BPS in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The social characteristics of others can powerfully influence our decisions. They can also be broadly impacted by the social context in which these choices are made, making the effects of these characteristics on decision-making especially challenging to understand. Methods: Here, we developed a Generative Narrative Survey that provided participants with naturalistic scenarios that richly varied in social context and theme but that also systematically varied the characteristics of the social agents involved, followed by a question. An example of this narrative is "You're a tourist, and you are trying to take a picture of yourself with your phone. A black male comes up to you and offers to take the photo for you. Do you hand them your phone?" Results: After validating this approach using feeling thermometer measures, we found that the emotional states of others had the strongest and most consistent effect on the participants' choices. More notably, whereas most characteristics had independent effects on decision-making, social features such as the inferred socioeconomic status of others significantly influenced the effect that race had on the participant's judgments. Moreover, the social context of the agent's interactions with other agents had a significant additive effect, especially when the emotional states of the agents in the scenarios contrasted. The influence of these characteristics on the participants' choices was also markedly affected by their demographics, especially when contrasting with that of the agents involved, and were often driven by the participants' reported political views. Discussion: Together, these findings reveal how the mixture of social characteristics, context, and personal views influence decision-making and highlight the use of naturalistic generative narrative surveys in studying human behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While visual cues have been pervasively employed in online charitable appeals to increase donors' positive responses, the contrast of the recipient's imagery at different time nodes has received little attention in philantrophic marketing. This research explored the effect of recipients' imagery contrast on donation willingness and distinguished two contrast effects in visual imagery of online charitable appeals: pre-middle contrast that depicts the past health and current state and post-middle contrast that portrays the future health and current state. We conducted three scenario-based experimental studies based on Credamo participants (total N = 910). Study 1 (N = 198) using a one factor (pre-middle contrast vs. post-middle contrast vs. no contrast) between -subjects design demonstrated that charitable appeals with imagery contrast (vs. no contrast) led to higher donation intentions. Study 2 (N = 145) compared two different contrast effects (pre-middle contrast vs. post-middle contrast), with findings showing that guilt mediated the effect of pre-middle contrast while hope mediated the effect of post-middle contrast on willingness to donate; guilt and hope had opposing mediating roles, resulting in no significant difference in donation willingness between the two contrast effect types. Study 2 also examined the moderating effect of individuals' optimism tendencies. Study 3 (N = 567) showed the spatial position of imagery photos had on significant influence on donation willingness. These findings shed light on the research on visual imagery in charitable appeals as well as its effective adoption in online charity advertising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encouraging employees to take security precautions is a vital strategy that organizations can use to reduce their vulnerability to information security (ISec) threats. This study investigates how the bright- and dark-side effects of trust in organizational information security impact employees' intention to take security precautions. Employees who trust organizational security practices are more committed to protecting the organization and are more willing to take security precautions. To foster trust in organizational security practices and security commitment, ISec managers should establish a trusting security climate to ensure that employees can speak freely about the security problems they face in their work and receive support to resolve those problems if needed. This study also alerts managers to the potential adverse consequences of employees' trust in the organization's protective structures. We find that employees' trust in the organization's protective structures can backfire, making employees complacent regarding security. Further analyses indicate that security mindfulness mediates the influence of security complacency and security commitment on precaution taking. This study contributes by exploring and verifying the bright- and dark-side effects of trust in organizational ISec. Employees' precautionary security behaviors are vital to the effective protection of organizations from cybersecurity threats. Despite substantial security training efforts, employees frequently do not take security precautions. This study draws from trust theory and mindfulness theory to investigate how the bright- and dark-side effects of two conceptualizations of trust in organizational information security impact employees' precaution taking. Insights drawn from a survey of 380 organizational employees suggest that employees who trust their organization's security practices are more committed and less complacent in protecting their organization and more likely to take security precautions. In contrast, we find evidence of the dark-side effect of employees' trust in organizational protective structures by showing that such trust can lead to complacency regarding security. Analyses indicate that security mindfulness mediates the influence of security complacency and security commitment on precaution taking. These results highlight the crucial roles of security commitment, security complacency, and security mindfulness in shaping employees' precaution taking. This study contributes to information security research by providing empirical evidence concerning the simultaneous bright- and dark-side effects of employees' trust in organizational information security, thereby creating valuable opportunities for researchers to theorize about the ways in which trusting beliefs shape employees' security behaviors. History: Accepted by Paul Pavlou, Senior Editor; Choon-Ling Sia, Associate Editor. Funding: This work was supported by the Helmholtz Association and KASTEL Security Research Labs [Topic 46.23, Engineering Secure Systems]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.2021.0528. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 2030 agenda. Addressing the issue of employing alternative data sources for exploring aspects of utilizing said goals, this paper explores the Circular Economy dimension within the SDG12 score, focusing on responsible production and consumption and the broader SDG index. Data from LinkedIn are collected, examining profiles, companies, job postings, and services using the keywords 'Sustainable Development Goals' and 'Circular Economy'. Furthermore, the SDG index (including the SDG12 score) for the United States is integrated in the analysis; SDG is a published metric evaluating the progress of sustainable communities within each state. Finally, data on the past five US general elections are retrieved, in order to explore the relationship between SDGs, Circular Economy, and voting behavior. Regression analyses incorporating PCA components and state election data reveal that the LinkedIn-derived SDG and circular economy components exhibit positive impacts on the corresponding indices. Notably, a state's political inclination toward the Republican or the Democratic parties highlights contrasting effects on the SDG and SDG12 indices, indicating divergent trends based on electoral choices. Overall, this study underscores LinkedIn's potential as a valuable source for assessing SDG and Circular Economy position in the US, and highlights the interplay between political factors and sustainable communities at state level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe dimensional comparison effect is a phenomenon in which achievement in one domain negatively affects self-concept in another as a consequence of comparing one’s achievements across multiple domains. The present study examined whether the dimensional comparison effects on self-concept and intrinsic value would differ according to middle school students’ fixed mindset in the domains of math and first language. Data from a sample of 6,817 Korean middle school students obtained from a nationwide database was analyzed. The results revealed that Korean achievement negatively predicted math self-concept and intrinsic value (contrast effect), whereas math achievement positively predicted Korean self-concept and intrinsic value (assimilation effect). The contrast effect revealed the moderating role of a fixed mindset in dimensional comparisons. Specifically, Korean achievement predicted math self-concept more negatively, especially among students with a stronger fixed mindset. This study discusses the need to consider cultural aspects in dimensional comparisons and the potential limitations of adopting a fixed mindset, which can strengthen the dimensional comparison effect in learning situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IL-17C has been described in a variety of inflammatory diseases driven by neutrophils. However, the role of IL-17C in neutrophilic asthma has not been completely characterized. Methods: The level of IL-17C in asthmatic patients and mice was assessed. Il-17c-deficient mice or mice treated with exogenous rmIL-17C were performed for OVA/CFA-induced asthmatic mice model. Pulmonary inflammation was evaluated by histological analysis, flow cytometry and cytokine analysis. Il-17re-overexpressed Raw264.7 were used in vitro to investigate the role of IL-17C in macrophage polarization. Results: Here, we show IL-17C were increased in serum or plasma from asthmatic patients and OVA/CFA-induced asthma mice. In the OVA/CFA-induced model, exogenous rmIL-17C aggravated neutrophil- and Type 17-dominated inflammation and promoted M1 macrophage differentiation, whereas deficiency of Il-17c reversed the pro-inflammatory phenotypes and inhibited the expansion of M1 macrophages. In vitro, IL-17C in synergy with IFN-γ induced STAT1 activation in Il-17re overexpressed Raw264.7 to upregulate M1-related genes expression, and promoted pro-inflammatory M1 polymerization, whereas IL-17C in contrast to the effect of IL-4 inhibited STAT6 activation, to reduce Raw264.7 differentiation to M2 macrophage and functional M2-related genes expression. Conclusions: IL-17C promotes allergic inflammation via M1 polarization of pulmonary macrophages in neutrophilic asthma. Modulation of the IL-17C/IL-17RE axis represents a novel therapeutic target in neutrophilic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commonly used method in image enhancement is Contrast-Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization, which is simple and fast. However, this algorithm is to segment the image into multiple rectangular areas, and then perform the image processing, this method works poorly when working on images with poor radial contrast, prone to local image information loss, and the characteristics of the whole image information are of poor quality after being processed. In this paper, we proposed a histogram equalization method of radial ring segmentation image, aiming at the image enhancement processing of less obvious radial contrast. Compared with the classical HE and CLAHE algorithms, the algorithm proposed in this paper can effectively enhance the information entropy of the processed images by an average of 12%. As a result, the images carry more information and exhibit richer texture features. Moreover, the contrast enhancement effect is improved, and the brightness of the images is more moderate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting individuals with low bone mineral density (BMD) before clinical fractures occur may help improve the outcomes of osteoporosis and osteopenia. Although computed tomography (CT) is useful for opportunistic BMD measurement, the modality most suitable for opportunistic screening remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we compared the diagnostic performance of low-dose chest CT (LDCT) and contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT (APCT) for measuring BMD at L1 level using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) as a reference in individuals who underwent LDCT, APCT, and DEXA assessments on the same day. We included 512 individuals (median age: 60 years; interquartile range, 55−65 years; 307 men). Both LDCT (r = 0.706; P < 0.001) and APCT (r = 0.643; P < 0.001) exhibited strong correlation with DEXA T-scores. As T-scores decreased, the relative difference between LDCT and APCT Hounsfield unit values increased (b = − 6.456; P < 0.001). LDCT outperformed APCT in diagnosing both osteoporosis (AUC, 0.865 vs. 0.833; P = 0.035) and low BMD (AUC, 0.844 vs. 0.815; P = 0.006), which may be attributable to the greater effect of intravenous contrast media on CT scan characteristics in individuals with lower T-scores. These results may help inform the selection of imaging methods suitable for screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Antipsychotics such as olanzapine are associated with significant metabolic dysfunction, attributed to gut microbiome dysbiosis. A recent notion that most psychotropics are detrimental to the gut microbiome has arisen from consistent findings of metabolic adverse effects. However, unlike olanzapine, the metabolic effects of lurasidone are conflicting. Thus, this study investigates the contrasting effects of olanzapine and lurasidone on the gut microbiome to explore the hypothesis of 'gut neutrality' for lurasidone exposure. Experimental Approach: Using Sprague–Dawley rats, the effects of olanzapine and lurasidone on the gut microbiome were explored. Faecal and blood samples were collected weekly over a 21‐day period to analyse changes to the gut microbiome and related metabolic markers. Key Results: Lurasidone triggered no significant weight gain or metabolic alterations, instead positively modulating the gut microbiome through increases in mean operational taxonomical units (OTUs) and alpha diversity. This novel finding suggests an underlying mechanism for lurasidone's metabolic inertia. In contrast, olanzapine triggered a statistically significant decrease in mean OTUs, substantial compositional variation and a depletion in short‐chain fatty acid abundance. Microbiome depletion correlated with metabolic dysfunction, producing a 30% increase in weight gain, increased pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression, and increased blood glycaemic and triglyceride levels. Conclusion and Implications: Our results challenge the notion that all antipsychotics disrupt the gut microbiome similarly and highlights the potential benefits of gut‐neutral antipsychotics, such as lurasidone, in managing metabolic side effects. Further research is warranted to validate these findings in humans to guide personalised pharmacological treatment regimens for schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical images provide a visual representation of the internal structure of the human body. Injecting a contrast agent can increase the contrast of diseased tissues and assist in the accurate identification and assessment of conditions. Considering the adverse reactions and side effects caused by contrast agents, previous methods synthesized post-contrast images with pre-contrast images to bypass the administration process. However, existing methods pay inadequate attention to reasonable mapping of the lesion area and ignore gaps between post-contrast and real images in the frequency domain. Thus, in this paper, we propose an interactive frequency generative adversarial network (IFGAN) to solve the above problems and synthesize post-contrast images from pre-contrast images. We first designed an enhanced interaction module that is embedded in the generator to focus on the contrast enhancement region. Within it, target and reconstruction branch features interact to control the local contrast enhancement region feature and maintain the anatomical structure. We propose focal frequency loss to ensure the consistency of post-contrast and real images in the frequency domain. The experimental results demonstrated that IFGAN outperforms other sophisticated approaches in terms of preserving the accurate contrast enhancement of lesion regions and anatomical structures. Specifically, our method produces substantial improvements of 7.9% in structural similarity (SSIM), 36.3% in the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and 8.5% in multiscale structural similarity (MSIM) compared with recent state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion program on mindfulness, psychological capital, compassion fatigue, and affect in a sample of healthcare workers at a hospital in Colombia. Method: Randomized controlled study with pre-test and post-test measures, in which 33 workers participated (Mage = 35.01, SD = 10.0), assigned to the experimental group (EG, n = 16, Mage = 34.00, SD = 9.59) and the wait-list control group (CG, n = 17, Mage = 36.03, SD = 10.56). The contrast of the program effects was carried out through a mixed factorial ANOVA. Results: We found significant effects on observing, non-reacting and mindfulness as a function of the group factor. Conclusion: We concluded the Mindfulness-Based Health Promotion program showed positive effects on mindfulness, this was tested with a novel program designed for the Latin population. This study is pioneering in using this mindfulness program in Colombia. These findings offer valuable insights for leaders of healthcare institutions when developing intervention programs that promote the mental health in the workplace. Future studies with larger samples and mixed-methods are necessary to confirm our results and to identify factors that can predict these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted sediment trap experiments in the Benguela Upwelling System (BUS) in the southeastern Atlantic Ocean to study the influence of zooplankton on the flux of particulate organic carbon (POC) through the water column and its sedimentation. A total of 2 long-term moored and 16 short-term free-floating sediment trap systems (drifter systems) were deployed. The mooring experiments were conducted over more than a decade (2009–2022), and the 16 drifters were deployed on three different research cruises between 2019 and 2021. Zooplankton was separated from the trapped material and divided into eight different zooplankton groups. In contrast to zooplankton which actively carries POC into the traps in the form of biomass (active POC flux), the remaining fraction of the trapped material was assumed to fall passively into the traps along with sinking particles (passive POC flux). Our results show, in line with other studies, that copepods dominate the active POC flux, with the active POC flux in the southern BUS (sBUS) being about 3 times higher than in the northern BUS (nBUS). In contrast, the differences between the passive POC fluxes in the nBUS and sBUS were small. Despite large variations, which reflected the variability within the two subsystems, the mean passive POC fluxes from the drifters and the moored traps could be described using a common POC flux attenuation equation. However, the almost equal passive POC flux, on the one hand, and the high POC concentration in the surface sediments of the nBUS in comparison to the sBUS, on the other hand, imply that the intensity of the near-bottom oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), which is more pronounced in the nBUS than in the sBUS, controls the preservation of POC in sediments significantly. This highlights the contrasting effects of the globally observed expansion of OMZs, which on the one hand mitigates the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere and the ocean by increasing POC storage in sediments and on the other hand poses a threat to established ecosystems and fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of high and low water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) to crude protein (CP) ratios on nitrogen balance in lambs was evaluated. Ryegrasses containing either 35.4% WSC and 12% CP (High WSC) or 14.8% WSC and 23.8% CP (High N) were harvested, frozen and fed to lambs in metabolism crates. These contrasts in WSC and CP delivered diets with markedly different WSC:CP ratios (3.17:1 and 0.70:1). These ratios were higher than those reported in ryegrass previously. There was no difference in urinary nitrogen concentration (0.46 vs 0.48 g/l) but as the total urinary volume was higher on the High N diet (4.2 vs 1.5 l/d, P < 0.001), the end result was that more N was excreted in the urine on the high N diet (18.8 vs 7.3 g/d, P < 0.001). However, the proportion of nitrogen intake that was excreted in urine and faeces was higher on the High WSC diet so there was no evidence that a high WSC forage diet improved nitrogen utilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plants strictly control root endosymbioses with nutrient-scavenging arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi or nodule inducing diazotrophic bacteria. The GRAS-type transcriptional regulator NODULATION SIGNALING PATHWAY 2 (NSP2) is a conserved hub in this process. The NSP2 -regulated transcriptional network is instrumental in balancing nutrient homeostasis with symbiotic interactions. NSP2 activity is modulated post-transcriptionally by a specific microRNA. Overriding this control mechanism by ectopic expression of a miRNA-resistant NSP2 transgene enhances the symbiotic permissiveness to arbuscular endomycorrhizal fungi. Such engineered plants may possess enhanced capacities for nutrient uptake. However, the trade-off of this strategy on plant development or other symbiotic interactions, like nodulation, is yet to be fully understood. Method: We used the nodulating Cannabaceae species Parasponia andersonii as an experimental system to study the effect of ectopic NSP2 expression. Parasponia and legumes (Fabaceae) diverged 100 million years ago, providing a unique comparative system to dissect the nodulation trait. Results: Six independent transgenic Parasponia lines were generated that differed in the level of NSP2 expression in the root from 6 to 95-fold higher when compared to the empty vector control plants. Analysis of these plants revealed a positive correlation between mycorrhization and the NSP2 expression level, as well as with the expression of the symbiosis transcription factor CYCLOPS and the rate-limiting enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway PHYTOENE SYNTHASE1 (PSY1). Yet ectopic expression of NSP2 affected plant architecture and root nodule organogenesis. Discussion: This indicates a significant trade-off when leveraging NSP2 over-expression to enhance endomycorrhization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory pharmacological activity, Farfarae Flos has gained extensive usage in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, prostatitis and colitis. And Farfarae Flos come in two color types depending on the color of the flowers: yellowish-white (YW), and purplish-red (PR). However, the difference in anti-inflammatory activity and metabolic profiles between the two flower colors remains unexplored. Methods: This study aims to explore the difference in the anti-inflammatory potential between YW and PR variants of Farfarae Flos and unravel the mechanisms responsible for the observed differences in anti-inflammatory activity through an integrated approach encompassing untargeted metabolomics and in vivo / vitro experimental studies. Initially, we verified the contrasting effects of YW and PR on the inhibition of the inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) by utilizing an in vitro RAW 264.7 cell inflammation model. Subsequently, a comprehensive evaluation of the systemic inhibitory capacity of YW and PR on IL-6, Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α) was conducted using a validated whole-body mouse model, followed by the analysis of inflammatory factors and histological examination of collected serum, liver, and spleen after 7 days. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomics profiling was employed to analyze the metabolite profiles of Farfarae Flos with different colors, and quantitative analysis was conducted to identify differential metabolites between YW and PR. The correlation between the anti-inflammatory activities of differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and Farfarae Flos was investigated, resulting in the identification of 48 compounds exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Results: Our findings demonstrate that both YW and PR possess anti-inflammatory abilities, with PR exhibiting significantly superior efficacy. The integration of in vivo / vitro experiments and non-targeted metabolomics confirmed the exceptional anti-inflammatory potential of PR and solidified its classification as the "purplish-red better" of Farfarae Flos. Discussion: This study provides valuable insights into the breeding and medical transformation of Farfarae Flos varieties, along with a scientific basis for the establishment of quality standards and the development of new drugs utilizing Farfarae Flos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-destructive testing of cooling passages has attracted a considerable interest due to the critical rule of these segments in the performance and endurance of different parts. In this research, the performance of active infrared thermography in the non-destructive inspection of cooling passages located inside the metallic bases has been investigated. Water vapour was selected as an excitation fluid so as to create the thermal contrast. Specimen material, hole depth, hole diameter and injection pressure were selected as the input parameters effecting on the thermal contrast. The results obtained via statistical analysis revealed that the hole depth and injection pressure have the noticeable influence on the dimensionless output temperature recorded with thermal camera. A 50% decrease in dimensionless temperature contrast has been revealed when the hole depth has become four times. Besides, a similar increase in injection pressure, elevated the above-mentioned parameter almost 20%. In contrast, the parameters of specimen material and hole diameter specified no perceptible effects. Moreover, infrared thermography with water-vapour excitation proved proper capability in detection of 60% and 80% blockage located inside the holes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on Goffman's Frame Analysis and 20 years of observations of city planning councils in Western Europe and North America, this article lays the groundwork for a grammar of democratic ambiguity characterizing top‐down participatory processes and other public meetings aimed at some degree of citizen inclusion in local, municipal, or regional government. After pointing out Goffman's singular conception of the "interaction order," the author shows how institutional organizers and ordinary citizens deal with interactional ambiguity, in its contrasting effects on the dynamics of these participatory assemblies. A primary form of ambiguity, between a "representative" and a "deliberative" definition of participatory democracy, is proving inhibiting for citizens' involvement and tends to "suspend interaction." A second type of ambiguity arises from a wide range of facilitation methods (playful, dramaturgical, educational, therapeutic, esthetic, etc.) designed to transform the initial ambiguity to offer more fluid interaction and more stimulating involvement opportunities, yet in an activity that now has only an uncertain connection to civic participation. The author concludes by presenting some frame‐analytical tools for tracking and evaluating dynamics of ambiguity transformation in participatory processes and emphasizes the implications of this type of sociological analysis for political theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the association between appropriateness and the pleasantness-eventfulness circumplex model, as well as the influencing environmental and personal factors, in accordance with the recommended questionnaire of ISO/TS 12913-2 (2018). A database was used, containing over 1000 soundscape surveys collected across eleven locations in London. Confirmatory factor analysis and the structural summary method were applied to validate the relationship between appropriateness and the pleasantness-eventfulness circumplex model, while linear multilevel models were developed to investigate the effect of personal and environmental factors on appropriateness. The findings highlight varying relationship between appropriateness and the pleasantness-eventfulness dimensions of the soundscape circumplex model. The effect of personal factors on appropriateness is not negligible, accounting for approximately 2.1% of the variance. In contrast to the effects of the categories of landscape composition and acoustic metrics, dominant sound source type is the most influential category of environmental factors, with natural sounds explaining the most variance at 6%. Traffic noise is negatively associated with appropriateness which varies by location, while human sounds are negatively associated with appropriateness when respondents were Asian/Asian British. The findings provide empirical evidence of the relationship between appropriateness and the soundscape circumplex model and offer comprehensive insights into the affecting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pro-environmental media content, such as nature documentary programming, often features awe-inducing scenes of Earth's natural beauty, and exposure to this kind of content has been shown to increase persuasive outcomes. Yet environmental messaging is increasingly likely to portray the tragic impacts of human activities on these natural wonders alongside content about Earth's beauty. How might emotional responses evolve during exposure to sequenced messages that juxtapose positively-valenced (beauty) and negatively-valenced (negative impacts) pro-environmental content? Embracing an emotional flow perspective as our overarching lens, we put forth two accounts for how emotions might shift during sequenced messaging: contrast effects and the elicitation of poignancy. We tested these accounts in a between-subjects experiment with U.S. adults (N = 979), following a 5 (focus: beauty-only, impacts-only, beauty→impacts, impacts→beauty, or control) × 2 (topic: coral reefs or forests) design. We found no evidence for contrast effects in discrete emotion intensity (awe, hope, sadness, or fear). The sequenced messages evoked greater poignancy than the static messages, which in turn predicted greater intentions to share the message. Although the sequenced messages indirectly predicted sharing intentions and policy support via several other emotion-based mechanisms, these outcomes did not differ between the static and sequenced conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the morphology, physiology, and behavior of parasitized organisms provide an ideal opportunity to examine the extended phenotype of parasites. Because the quality of the host directly affects the fitness of the parasite, parasites may increase their fitness by manipulating phenotypes of low-quality hosts. Males are usually preyed on by females in sexual cannibalism. Thus, the males of sexually cannibalistic species are unsafe and low-quality hosts for parasites, whereas females may be beneficial hosts because of the chance of nutrient intake from cannibalized males. Under passive modes of transmission, parasites cannot choose the host sex. Such parasites exploiting sexually cannibalistic organisms are subjected to contrasting fitness effects and may evolve to manipulate host mating behavior in a sex-specific manner: decreasing male mating to avoid cannibalism and promoting female mating to engage in cannibalism. We examined this hypothesis by a behavioral experiment using a mantid–hairworm system. Parasitized male mantids (Tenodera angustipennis) changed their behavior as expected, exhibiting increased escapes and decreased courtships and mountings, potentially avoiding encounters with the female. Interestingly, male attack behavior was promoted, possibly decreasing contact with the encountered female. However, contrary to our prediction, parasitized females also exhibited decreased propensities of mating, suggesting costs or little benefits of host mating for parasites in the female host. This study provides novel insights into the evolution of parasite strategies in response to sexual differences in host quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]