bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient metabolism regulates insulin granule formation in the pancreatic islet β-cell via ER redox homeostasis
Authors: Rohli Kristen E. , Boyer Cierra K. , Bearrows Shelby C. , Moyer Marshall R. , Elison Weston S. , Bauchle Casey J. , Blom Sandra E. , Yu Chi-Li , Pope Marshall R. , Zhang Jianchao , Wang Yanzhuang , Stephens Samuel B.
Published: September 2021

Defects in the pancreatic β-cell’s secretion system are well-described in Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and include impaired proinsulin processing and a deficit in mature insulin-containing secretory granules; however, the cellular mechanisms underlying these defects and the contribution of hyperglycemia to this process remain poorly understood. Here, we used an in situ fluorescent pulse-chase strategy and proximity labeling-based quantitative proteomics analysis to study proinsulin trafficking and demonstrate a direct link to glucose metabolism via the production of redox intermediates that facilitate proinsulin export from the ER. We show that ER export of proinsulin is delayed in T2D models resulting in decreased insulin granule formation and further demonstrate this process can be regulated by NADPH and reducing equivalent availability. Together, these data highlight a critical role for nutrient metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in the maladaptive remodeling of the β-cell’s secretory pathway in the decline of β-cell function in T2D.
Mechanosensitive control of mitotic entry
Authors: Dantas Margarida , Oliveira Andreia , Aguiar Paulo , Maiato Helder , Ferreira Jorge G.
Published: September 2021

As cells prepare to divide, they must ensure that enough space is available to assemble the mitotic machinery without perturbing tissue homeostasis1. To do so, cells undergo a series of biochemical reactions regulated by cyclin B1-CDK1 that trigger the reorganization of the actomyosin cytoskeleton2 and ensure the coordination of cytoplasmic and nuclear events3.

Along with the biochemical events that control mitotic entry, mechanical forces have recently emerged as important players in the regulation of cell cycle events4–6. However, the exact link between mechanical forces and the biochemical pathways that control mitotic progression remains to be established. Here, we identify a mechanical signal on the nucleus that helps set the time for nuclear envelope permeabilization (NEP) and mitotic entry. This signal relies on actomyosin contractility, which leads to nuclear unfolding during the G2-M transition, activating the stretch-sensitive cPLA2 on the nuclear envelope. This contributes to the spatiotemporal translocation of cyclin B1 to the nucleus. Our data demonstrate how nuclear mechanics during the G2-M transition contribute to timely and efficient mitotic spindle assembly and prevents chromosomal instability.
SHG in a centrosymmetric crystal – can it be possible?
Authors: Tou Teck Yong , Ng Seik Weng
Published: September 2021

The present report lists selected publications on centrosymmetric compounds that manifest second harmonic generation responses in a laser, along with a few publications that dispute the laser outcomes. Two studies provide a plausible explanation for this apparent contradiction between second-order nonlinear susceptibility and inversion symmetry: the crystals are noncentrosymmetric and are twinned by inversion. If crystal structures of SHG-active compounds are presented in centrosymmetric settings, the authors of the publications may consider stipulating that the true space group is likely to be one of the noncentrosymmetric sub-space groups.
Effect of recrystallization on degree of sensitization in nickel free austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Shukla Sourabh , Patil Awanikumar P. , Kawale Ashlesha , Kotta Anand Babu , Ullah Inayat
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Effect of grain size on degree of sensitization (DOS) was been evaluated in Nickel free steel. Manganese and nitrogen contained alloy is a Ni-free austenitic stainless steels (ASS) having type 202 grade. The main purpose of this investigation is to find the effect of recrystallization on the DOS of stainless steel after the thermo-mechanical processing (cold work and thermal aging).

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, the deformation of 202 grade analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microstructural testing. Optical microstructure of Ni-free ASS has been done for cold worked samples with thermally aged at 900°C_6 h. Double loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation test used for findings of degree of sensitization.

Findings

Ni-free ASS appears to be deformed more rapidly due to its higher stacking fault energy which gave results in rapid transformation from strain induced martensite to austenite in form of recrystallized grains, i.e. it concluded that as cold work percentage increases more rapidly recrystallization occurs. XRD results also indicate that more fraction of martensite formed as percentage of CW increases but as thermal aging reverted those all martensite to austenite. So investigation gives the conclusion which suggests that with high deformation at higher temperature and duration gives very less DOS.

Originality/value

Various literatures available for 300 series steel related to the effect of cold work on mechanical properties and sensitization mechanism. However, no one has investigated the effect of recrystallization through thermomechanical processing on the sensitization of nickel-free steel.
Government public infrastructure investment and economic performance in Spain (1980–2016)
Authors: Perez-Montiel Jose , Manera Carles
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The authors estimate the multiplier effect of government public infrastructure investment in Spain. This paper aims to use annual data of the 17 Spanish autonomous communities for the 1980–2016 period.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use dynamic acyclic graphs and the heterogeneous panel structural vector autoregressive (P-SVAR) method of Pedroni (2013). This method is robust to cross-sectional heterogeneity and dependence, which are present in the data.

Findings

The findings suggest that an increase in the level of government public infrastructure investment generates a positive and persistent effect on the level of output. Five years after the fiscal expansion, the multiplier effects of government public infrastructure investment reach values above one. This confirms that government public infrastructure investment expansions have Keynesian effects. The authors also find that the multiplier effects differ between autonomous communities with above-average and below-average GDP per capita.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research uses dynamic acyclic graphs and heterogeneous P-SVAR techniques to estimate fiscal multipliers of government public investment in Spain by using subnational data.
Last hour momentum in the Chinese stock market
Authors: Yang Lu
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To capture the last hour momentum over the intraday session, the authors develop a trading strategy for the exchange-traded fund (ETF) that is effective because of the T+0 trading rule. This strategy generates annualized excess return of 9.673%.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors identify a last hour momentum pattern in which the sixth (seventh) half-hour return predicts the next half-hour return by employing high frequency 2012–2017 data from the China Securities Index (CSI) 300 and its ETF.

Findings

Overall, both the predictability and the trading strategy are statistically and economically significant. In addition, the strategy performs more strongly on high volatility days, high trading volume days, high order-imbalance days and days without economic news releases than on other days.

Originality/value

Noise trading, late-information trading, infrequent rebalancing and disposition effects from retail investors may account for this phenomenon.
Design quality assessment of campus facilities through post occupancy evaluation
Authors: Hassanain Mohammad A. , Sanni-Anibire Muizz O. , Mahmoud Abubakar Sadiq
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to present the design quality assessment of facilities on a university campus in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-nine standardized design quality indicators (DQIs) have been adopted for the study. These were classified into relevant categories including: “Indoor Environment, Safety and Maintenance,” “Furniture, Utilities and Spaces” and “Privacy, Appearance and Surrounding Areas.” A web-based survey was used to obtain responses from 207 respondents. The survey was designed based on a Likert scale of satisfaction and was analyzed to obtain the satisfaction indices (SI) as well as Design Quality Scores (DQS).

Findings

Occupants were dissatisfied the “level of noise generated from within the space,” “amount of natural light from daylighting systems” and “ease of control of air ventilation systems” among others. The DQS revealed that residential buildings had the highest design quality in terms of “Indoor Environment, Safety, and Maintenance” and “Privacy, Appearance and Surrounding Areas.” Administrative buildings had the best design quality in terms of “furniture, utilities and spaces.” Academic buildings had the lowest design quality in terms of “Indoor Environment, Safety and Maintenance” and “Privacy, Appearance and Surrounding Areas.”

Originality/value

Ultimately, the study demonstrated how the adoption of a standard set of DQIs could facilitate the standardization of design quality evaluation in the property sector as well as identify best practices through comparison and benchmarking.
Physical health programs and interventions with women during incarceration: a scoping review
Authors: Emerson Amanda , Lipnicky Ashlyn , Schuster Bernard , Kelly Patricia J.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The USA outpaces most other countries in the world in the rates at which it incarcerates its citizens. The one million women held in US jails and prisons on any day in the USA face many physical health challenges, yet interventional work to address physical health in carceral settings is rare. This study’s purpose was to summarize the literature on programs and interventions implemented with women in US carceral settings (jail or prison) that primarily addressed a physical health issue or need.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was conducted. The authors searched databases, reference lists, individual journals and websites for physical health program descriptions/evaluations and research studies, 2000–2020, that included women and were set in the USA.

Findings

The authors identified 19 articles and a range of problem areas, designs, settings and samples, interventions/programs, outcomes and uses of theory. The authors identified two cross-cutting themes: the carceral setting as opportunity and challenges of ethics and logistics.

Research limitations/implications

Much potential remains for researchers to have an impact on health disparities by addressing physical health needs of women during incarceration.

Originality/value

Interventional and programmatic work to address physical health needs of women during incarceration is sparse and diversely focused. This review uniquely summarizes the existing work in a small and overlooked but important area of research and usefully highlights gaps in that literature.
The impact of trust on intellectual property right protection: a cross-national study
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thi , Duong Tien Hanh , Dinh My Tran Thanh , Pham Tram Ho Ha , Truong Thu Mai Anh
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate how difference in social trust explains the heterogeneity of intellectual property right (IPR) protection (proxied by software piracy rate) across countries. Specifically, the authors also examine whether this effect is complementary or substitute to legal and economic factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use both ordinary least square and two-stage least square regressions to investigate this effect.

Findings

The authors find that there is also a complementary effect between trust and rule of law in reducing the violation of IPRs.

Originality/value

Although the literature by now has documented the solid relationship between trust and the quality of formal institutions, only few studies have explored more specific measures of institutional consequences. Thus, this study is the first study investigating the role of trust, a valuable social capital dimension, on IPR protection.
Patients’ assessment of medical services quality – a determinant of changes in medical entity management on the example of Poland
Authors: Hampel Katarzyna Dorota
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The article’s primary goal is to identify areas requiring improvement in the activities of healthcare entities, suggest directions for future changes, and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the clinic’s operation based on patients’ opinions. Subjectively expressed opinions of patients are treated as acceptance of the current state of affairs or the need to introduce changes in a given area.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research was based on information obtained from questionnaire surveys on patients’ opinions about services provided by medical entities. The hypothesis was verified by research conducted in 23 (out of 50 possible) the most dynamically developing non-public healthcare institutions in one of the regions of Poland. The conducted research was based on a proprietary survey using questions on qualitative and quantitative scales.

Findings

The results of empirical research allowed us to identify areas requiring improvement and to propose future directions of changes in the surveyed units. The suggested changes should significantly improve efficiency in the organisation and management of a health facility, focused on medical effectiveness and patients’ health effectiveness.

Originality/value

From a broader perspective, research results may become a starting point for further considerations on changes in the organisation and management of healthcare facilities. Using the study’s conclusions in practice may positively affect the improvement of the functioning of healthcare facilities, their better reputation and contribute to increasing competitiveness in the medical services market.
The influence of alfalfa‐switchgrass intercropping on microbial community structure and function
Authors: Cha Gyuhyon , Meinhardt Kelley A. , Orellana Luis H. , Hatt Janet K. , Pannu Manmeet W. , Stahl David A. , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: September 2021

The use of nitrogen fertilizer on bioenergy crops such as switchgrass results in increased costs, nitrogen leaching and emissions of N2O, a potent greenhouse gas. Intercropping with nitrogen‐fixing alfalfa has been proposed as an environmentally sustainable alternative, but the effects of synthetic fertilizer versus intercropping on soil microbial community functionality remain uncharacterized. We analysed 24 metagenomes from the upper soil layer of agricultural fields from Prosser, WA over two growing seasons and representing three agricultural practices: unfertilized switchgrass (control), fertilized switchgrass and switchgrass intercropped with alfalfa. The synthetic fertilization and intercropping did not result in major shifts of microbial community taxonomic and functional composition compared with the control plots, but a few significant changes were noted. Most notably, mycorrhizal fungi, ammonia‐oxidizing archaea and bacteria increased in abundance with intercropping and fertilization. However, only betaproteobacterial ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria abundance in fertilized plots significantly correlated to N2O emission and companion qPCR data. Collectively, a short period of intercropping elicits minor but significant changes in the soil microbial community toward nitrogen preservation and that intercropping may be a viable alternative to synthetic fertilization.
My Baby’s Movements: a stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomised controlled trial of a fetal movement awareness intervention to reduce stillbirths
Authors: Flenady V , Gardener G , Ellwood D , Coory M , Weller M , Warrilow KA , Middleton PF , Wojcieszek AM , Groom KM , Boyle FM , East C , Lawford HLS , Callander E , Said JM , Walker SP , Mahomed K , Andrews C , Gordon A , Norman JE , Crowther C
Published: September 2021

Objective

The My Baby’s Movements (MBM) trial aimed to evaluate the impact on stillbirth rates of a multifaceted awareness package (the MBM intervention).

Design

Stepped‐wedge cluster‐randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Twenty‐seven maternity hospitals in Australia and New Zealand.

Population

Women with a singleton pregnancy without major fetal anomaly at ≥28 weeks of gestation from August 2016 to May 2019.

Methods

The MBM intervention was implemented at randomly assigned time points, with the sequential introduction of eight groups of between three and five hospitals at 4‐monthly intervals. Using generalised linear mixed models, the stillbirth rate was compared in the control and the intervention periods, adjusting for calendar time, study population characteristics and hospital effects.

Main outcome measures

Stillbirth at ≥28 weeks of gestation.

Results

There were 304 850 births with 290 105 births meeting the inclusion criteria: 150 053 in the control and 140 052 in the intervention periods. The stillbirth rate was lower (although not statistically significantly so) during the intervention compared with the control period (2.2/1000 versus 2.4/1000 births; aOR 1.18, 95% CI 0.93–1.50; P = 0.18). The decrease in stillbirth rate was greater across calendar time: 2.7/1000 in the first versus 2.0/1000 in the last 18 months. No increase in secondary outcomes, including obstetric intervention or adverse neonatal outcome, was evident.

Conclusions

The MBM intervention did not reduce stillbirths beyond the downward trend over time. As a result of low uptake, the role of the intervention remains unclear, although the downward trend across time suggests some benefit in lowering the stillbirth rate. In this study setting, an awareness of the importance of fetal movements may have reached pregnant women and clinicians prior to the implementation of the intervention.

Tweetable abstract

The My Baby’s Movements intervention to raise awareness of decreased fetal movement did not significantly reduce stillbirth rates.
A comparison of likelihood ratios obtained from EuroForMix and STRmix™
Authors: Cheng Kevin , Bleka Øyvind , Gill Peter , Curran James , Bright Jo‐Anne , Taylor Duncan , Buckleton John
Published: September 2021

Likelihood ratios (LR) differences between the probabilistic genotyping software EuroForMix and STRmix™ are examined. After considering differences in the allele probabilities, the LRs from both software for an unambiguous single‐source profile were identical (four significant figures). LRs from both software for an unambiguous single‐source profile with alleles previously unseen in the allele frequency database (rare alleles) were the same (three significant figures) for θ = 0.01. Due to differences in the minimum allele frequencies, the LRs differed by three orders of magnitude when θ = 0. For both software, the LRs for a single‐source dilution series decreased as the input amount decreased. The LRs from both software were within an order of magnitude for known contributors. The largest difference was where the target input amount was 0.0156 ng: The LREuroForMix was 2.1 × 1025 and the LRSTRmix was 8.0 × 1024. Both software show similar LR behavior with respect to mixture ratio. For two person mixtures the LR increases for both the major and the minor as the ratio moves away from 1:1. The LR for the major stabilizes at about 3:1 whereas the LR for the minor reaches its maximum at about 3:1 and then declines. Greater differences in LR were observed between EuroForMix and STRmix™ for mixtures. One‐hundred and twenty‐nine mixtures from the PROVEDIt dataset were compared. LRs for 84% of the comparisons for known contributors without rare alleles were within two orders of magnitude. Five divergent results were investigated, and a manual intervention approach was applied where appropriate.
Early embryonic transcriptomes of Zeugodacus tau provide insight into sex determination and differentiation genes
Authors: Liu Peipei , Zheng Wenping , Qiao Jiao , Li Ziniu , Deng Zhurong , Yuan Yimin , Zhang Hongyu
Published: September 2021

Zeugodacus tau (Walker) is an invasive pest. The sterile insect technique is an environment‐friendly method for pest control. Understanding the mechanism of sex determination will contribute to improving efficiency of this technique. In this study, we identified the transformer (tra) gene in Z. tau. One female‐specific and two male‐specific isoforms of tra were found in Z. tau, and the male‐specific splicing pattern of tra was found to occur 5 h after egg laying. We performed transcriptome sequencing at 1 h (E1), 5 h (E5), and 9 h (E9) after egg laying and obtained high‐quality transcriptome libraries of early embryo development. We identified 13 297 and 11 713 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from E5 versus E1 and E9 versus E1 comparisons, respectively. To explore the potential functions of the DEGs during embryonic development, Gene Ontology, Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed. Twenty‐six genes potentially involved in sex determination or differentiation, including Maleness‐on‐the‐Y (MoY), were identified in Z. tau. To verify the transcriptome results, 15 genes were selected for quantitative real‐time PCR validation. The results were consistent with the transcriptome sequencing results. Moreover, U2 small nuclear riboprotein auxiliary factor (U2AF‐50), female lethal d (fl(2)d), and virilizer (vir) were highly expressed at E5, indicating that they may be related to the sex‐specific splicing of tra. Further functional analysis is needed to confirm this speculation. Our data provide an insight into the mechanism underlying sex determination and differentiation in tephritid species.
Disclosure regulation and incentive uncertainty
Authors: Stocken Phillip C.
Published: September 2021

This discussion provides a framework incorporating key forces at play when regulating disclosure in financial market settings. Given the potential for politically costly implementation and legal challenges of regulations aimed at reducing investor uncertainty about a firm or information intermediaries incentives, the question arises whether enhanced information about the incentives of manager and information intermediaries is likely to yield disclosure that is more transparent. This discussion focuses on how the efficient regulation of information providers depends critically on the generic properties of the type of information that they communicate to investors and investor uncertainty about the interests of the information provider.
The Effect of Core Values on Support for Electoral Reform: Evidence from Two Survey Experiments
Authors: Virgin Sheahan G.
Published: September 2021

A central tenet in the electoral systems subfield is that parties seek desired outcomes via the strategic adoption of electoral rules. Such partisan self‐interest, however, is merely one explanation for reform: A second is that an actor may attempt to maximize her core values, which constitute her perception of the “common good.” Although the extant literature has demonstrated the motivational power of core values, their effect on electoral rule choice has not been tested. Using a factorial experimental design that manipulates the partisan‐ and values‐implications of a fictitious reform proposal, I find evidence in favor of core values: Not only do they have an effect net of partisan concerns, but they also attenuate the effect of partisan self‐interest when the two predispositions countervail. The results provide evidence that partisan self‐interest offers an incomplete picture: Actors hold—and pursue through electoral reform—objectives that are not immediately partisan in nature.
The effect of intra‐operative hypotension on acute kidney injury, postoperative mortality and length of stay following emergency hip fracture surgery
Authors: Kluger M. T. , Collier J. M. K. , Borotkanics R. , van Schalkwyk J. M. , Rice D. A.
Published: September 2021

The association between intra‐operative hypotension and postoperative acute kidney injury, mortality and length of stay has not been comprehensively evaluated in a large single‐centre hip fracture population. We analysed electronic anaesthesia records of 1063 patients undergoing unilateral hip fracture surgery, collected from 2015 to 2018. Acute kidney injury, 3‐, 30‐ and 365‐day mortality and length of stay were evaluated to assess the relationship between intra‐operative hypotension absolute values (≤ 55, 60, 65, 70 and 75 mmHg) and duration of hypotension. The rate of acute kidney injury was 23.7%, mortality at 3‐, 30‐ and 365 days was 3.7%, 8.0% and 25.3%, respectively, and median (IQR [range]) length of stay 8 (6–12 [0–99]) days. Median (IQR [range]) time ≤ MAP 55, 60, 65, 70 and 75 mmHg was 0 (0–0.5[0–72.1]); 0 (0–4.4 [0–104.9]); 2.2 (0–8.7 [0–144.2]); 6.6 (2.2–19.7 [0–198.8]); 17.5 (6.6–37.1 [0–216.3]) minutes, and percentage of surgery time below these thresholds was 1%, 2.5%, 7.9%, 12% and 21% respectively. There were some univariate associations between hypotension and mortality; however, these were no longer evident in multivariable analysis. Multivariable analysis found no association between hypotension and acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury was associated with male sex, antihypertensive medications and cardiac/renal comorbidities. Three‐day mortality was associated with delay to surgery ? 48 hours, whilst 30‐day and 365‐day mortality was associated with delay to surgery ≥ 48 hours, impaired cognition and cardiac/renal comorbidities. While the rate of acute kidney injury was similar to other studies, use of vasopressors and fluids to reduce the time spent at hypotensive levels failed to reduce this complication. Intra‐operative hypotension at the levels observed in this cohort may not be an important determinant of acute kidney injury, postoperative mortality and length of stay.
A new therapeutic effect of fenofibrate in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The promotion of myostatin degradation
Authors: Sun Zeren , Xu Dengqiu , Zhao Lei , Li Xihua , Li Sijia , Huang Xiaofei , Li Chunjie , Sun Lixin , Liu Bing , Jiang Zhenzhou , Zhang Luyong
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative muscle disease with no effective drug treatment. This study investigated the positive effects of fenofibrate on dystrophic muscles.

Experimental Approach

Myostatin expression in serum and muscle tissue from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and mdx mice were tested. Primary myoblasts isolated from mdx mice were challenged with an inflammatory stimulus and treated with fenofibrate. In animal experiments, 6‐week‐old male mdx mice were treated with fenofibrate (100 mg kg‐1) administered orally once per day for 6 weeks. Effects of fenofibrate were evaluated by tests of muscle function plus histology and biochemical analyses of serum. Expression of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin‐1 in skeletal muscle was evaluated by western blotting and real‐time PCR. Total and oxidative myosin heavy chain (MHC) were assessed via immunofluorescence.

Key Results

Expression of myostatin protein was increased in dystrophic muscle of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and mdx mice. Fenofibrate enhanced myofibre differentiation by down‐regulating the expression of myostatin protein but not mRNA in primary myoblasts of mdx mice. Fenofibrate significantly improved muscle function while ameliorating muscle damage in mdx mice. These benefits were accompanied by an anti‐inflammatory effect. Fenofibrate treatment returned myofibre function by inhibiting the expressions of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin‐1 protein in the gastrocnemius muscle and diaphragm, while leaving the mRNA level of myostatin unaffected.

Conclusions and Implications

Fenofibrate substantially slows muscle dystrophy by promoting the degradation of myostatin protein, which may indicate a new therapeutic focus for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Patient‐parent perceptions of transition readiness in Turner syndrome and associated factors
Authors: Patel Nisha , Klamer Brett , Davis Shanlee , Nahata Leena
Published: September 2021

Objective

Medical care transition to adult care presents challenges for individuals with complex medical conditions such as Turner syndrome (TS). The goals of this study were to: (1) identify factors associated with transition readiness; (2) examine associations and differences between patients' and parents' perceptions of readiness using Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ).

Methods

In a prospective cross‐sectional study, girls with TS 12–25 years and one parent were recruited from 11/2019 to 12/2020. Three questionnaires were administered (demographic/clinical questionnaire, TRAQ, and TS Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire [TS‐TRAQ]). Medical records were reviewed for karyotype and personal medical history. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, paired sample t tests, and linear regression were used to examine readiness and associated factors.

Results

Of 44 eligible patients, 35 patients and 30 parents completed the study. Patient age, education, and life skills were associated with a higher TRAQ score (p < .001). Greater TS knowledge was associated with higher readiness (p < .05). Readiness score for patient and parental perception of patient's readiness were correlated (r = .83; p < .01). Within patient‐parent dyads, patients had higher readiness (p < .01). TRAQ and TS‐TRAQ scores were correlated (r = .69; p < .01).

Conclusions

Increasing patient age, patient education, life skills, confidence, and higher social/emotional scores were associated with a higher total TRAQ. Patient and parent perceived readiness were correlated and scores within dyads were different. Patients had higher perceived readiness. Positive correlations between TRAQ and TS‐TRAQ suggest this tool may be a useful resource. Given the unique neurocognitive profile and social/emotional challenges among girls with TS, future research should include both patients and parents, and focus on validating TS‐specific transition readiness tools.
Mixed methods Participatory Action Research to inform service design based on the Capabilities Approach, in the North of England
Authors: Shearn Katie , Brook Anna , Humphreys Helen , Wardle Carrie
Published: September 2021

Proponents of the Capabilities Approach advocate that young people should be able to live lives they have reason to value, supported by public services. Mixed‐methods Participatory Action Research involving 47 young people aged 13–16, five practitioners, and one commissioner was carried out to develop a local Capabilities Framework. The framework had five themes: ‘people and relationships’, ‘places, spaces and time for me’, ‘learning and skills’, ‘freedoms, rights and responsibilities’ and ‘health and wellbeing’. Recommendations for service design include cross‐sector working to support the promotion of social opportunities and services, and interventions focused on the strengths of each young person.
Hemianomalous pulmonary venous drainage and type IIb coronary sinus septal defect – Utility of subxiphoid and right parasternal views
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Arun , Menon Sabarinath , Sasikumar Deepa , Kurup Harikrishnan K. N. , Krishnamoorthy Kavassery Mahadevan
Published: September 2021

A 3‐year‐old boy presented with history of recurrent respiratory tract infections in infancy. Clinically he had hemodynamically significant pre‐tricuspid left‐to‐right shunt and no pulmonary hypertension. Transthoracic echocardiography delineated anomalous drainage of the left sided pulmonary veins to a dilated coronary sinus opening into the right atrium. Closer evaluation from the subxiphoid and right parasternal views led to the diagnosis of an associated type IIb coronary sinus septal defect.
“A State in the disguise of a Merchant”: Tech Leviathans and the rule of law
Authors: D'Cunha Christian
Published: September 2021

The rule of law is a check on power, requiring equal subjection of everyone to the law, irrespective of wealth or status. Power is not the exclusive preserve of the state, however, especially where rivalled by private entities that rise, in effect, above the law. Today’s tech giants throw the rule of law out of kilter by assuming the trappings of the state— one even has its own “supreme court”— while shunning its accountability. They seek to dissuade, capture and evade any attempt by the state to mitigate the harms arising from their business models. Policy makers scrambling for innovative legislative techniques are unlikely to repair the consequences of extreme concentration of corporate power so long as underlying social injustices and over‐deference in democratic institutions go unchallenged. Leviathan, whether in the form of govern mentor corporation, cannot coexist with the rule of law.
“Stop going in my room”: A grounded theory study of conflict among stepsiblings
Authors: Landon Olivia , Ganong Lawrence , Sanner Caroline
Published: September 2021

Objective

This research explores how, and under what conditions, stepsiblings engage in, manage, and resolve conflict.

Background

Interpersonal conflict is widely recognized as a meaningful and consequential relational dynamic. Although stepfamily conflict has been studied in a variety of family contexts (e.g., spousal, parent–child, stepparent–stepchild), conflict among stepsiblings has received scant attention. The growing prevalence of stepsiblings, coupled with the role of conflict in shaping family dynamics, warrants greater attention be paid to stepsibling conflict.

Method

Twenty‐five adults were interviewed about their relationships with 71 stepsiblings. Grounded theory procedures were used.

Results

For conflict between stepsiblings to occur, three conditions had to be in place: (a) opportunity (i.e., shared time, shared space), (b) intimacy (i.e., perceived closeness between stepsiblings or familiarity), and (c) similarity (i.e., age, gender, or role). Sources of conflict included (a) stepsibling behaviors, (b) territory violations (e.g., bedrooms), and (c) differential treatment by stepparents/parents. Conflict management included both intrapersonal and interpersonal strategies.

Conclusion

Stepsibling conflict should be normalized as an indication of relational closeness, trust, and security.

Implications

Stepsibling conflicts may help them develop closer bonds. Parents should make space for children, maintain bonds with children, promote stepsibling ties, monitor stepsibling conflicts, and consider children's perspectives.
Parent communication about sexual and relationship violence: Promoting healthy relationships or reinforcing gender stereotypes?
Authors: Weiser Dana A. , Lieway Miriam , Brown Randal D. , Shrout M. Rosie , Russell Kristan N. , Weigel Daniel J. , Evans William P.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Drawing on a feminist framework and social cognitive theory, we examine parental communications about sexual and relationship violence and gendered patterns of communication.

Background

Limited research has examined parental communication about sexual and relationship violence, a concern given that parental communication influences children's sexual beliefs in other domains.

Method

Participants were 438 university students who responded to three prompts about parental communication regarding sexual and relationship violence (n = 368 who provided responses). A content analysis was performed to categorize responses. Participants also responded to four subscales about parental communication.

Results

Most participants reported parent communication about consent, sexual assault, and unhealthy relationships. Women and men reported receiving similar, accurate definitions of consent. Women received messages about monitoring behaviors, help‐seeking, and how to give consent as well as messages that encouraged bodily autonomy, emphasized that sexual assault is not the victim's fault, and deemed physical and emotional abuse unacceptable. Men received messages that sexual assault is wrong, that consent is important, and about how to obtain consent.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings highlight that although parents are communicating important messages about consent, many are also reinforcing gendered sexual scripts.

Implications

Implications for education about parental communication and future directions for research are discussed.
Clinical outcomes of patients with and without HIV hospitalized with COVID‐19 in England during the early stages of the pandemic: a matched retrospective multi‐centre analysis (RECEDE‐C19 study)
Authors: Lee Ming Jie , Snell Luke Blagdon , Douthwaite Sam T. , Fidler Sarah , Fitzgerald Naomi , Goodwin Lynsey , Hamzah Lisa , Kulasegaram Ranjababu , Lawrence Sarah , Lwanga Julianne , Marchant Rebecca , Orkin Chloe , Palfreeman Adrian , Parthasarathi Padmini , Pareek Manish , Ring Kyle , Sharaf Hamed , Shekarchi‐Khanghahi Eleanor , Simons Rebecca , Teh Jhia Jiat , Thornhill John , van Halsema Clare , Williamson Marie , Wiselka Martin , Nori Achyuta , Fox Julie , Smith Colette
Published: September 2021

Background

The contribution of HIV to COVID‐19 outcomes in hospitalized inpatients remains unclear. We conducted a multi‐centre, retrospective matched cohort study of SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive hospital inpatients analysed by HIV status.

Methods

HIV‐negative patients were matched to people living with HIV (PLWH) admitted from 1 February 2020 to 31 May 2020 up to a 3:1 ratio by the following: hospital site, SARS‐CoV‐2 test date ± 7 days, age ± 5 years, gender, and index of multiple deprivation decile ± 1. The primary objective was clinical improvement (two‐point improvement or better on a seven‐point ordinal scale) or hospital discharge by day 28, whichever was earlier.

Results

A total of 68 PLWH and 181 HIV‐negative comparators were included. In unadjusted analyses, PLWH had a reduced hazard of achieving clinical improvement or discharge [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–0.85, p = 0.005], but this association was ameliorated (aHR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.43–1.17, p = 0.18) after additional adjustment for ethnicity, frailty, baseline hypoxaemia, duration of symptoms prior to baseline, body mass index (BMI) categories and comorbidities. Baseline frailty (aHR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.95, p = 0.011), malignancy (aHR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.17, 0.82, p = 0.014) remained associated with poorer outcomes. The PLWH were more likely to be of black, Asian and minority ethnic background (75.0% vs 48.6%, p = 0.0002), higher median clinical frailty score [3 × interquartile range (IQR): 2–5 vs, 2 × IQR: 1–4, p = 0.0069), and to have a non‐significantly higher proportion of active malignancy (14.4% vs 9.9%, p = 0.29).

Conclusions

Adjusting for confounding comorbidities and demographics in a matched cohort ameliorated differences in outcomes of PLWH hospitalized with COVID‐19, highlighting the importance of an appropriate comparison group when assessing outcomes of PLWH hospitalized with COVID‐19.
The polymorphism of HLA‐A, ‐C, ‐B, ‐DRB3/4/5, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 loci in Zhejiang Han population, China using NGS technology
Authors: Wang Fang , Dong Lina , Wang Wei , Chen Nanying , Zhang Wei , He Ji , Zhu Faming
Published: September 2021

The distributions of HLA allele and haplotype are various in the populations. Currently, the data for HLA alleles and haplotypes at three fields resolution level in Chinese Han population is rare. Here, the HLA alleles and haplotypes of the 1734 cord blood samples from Zhejiang Han population, China were reported at three fields resolution. All samples were randomly collected from the Zhejiang Cord Blood Bank, China. HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, ‐DRB3/4/5 loci was genotyped using next generation sequencing method. The genotypes of the samples were assigned using the HLA TypeStream Visual Software version 1.2.0. The frequency of alleles, haplotype estimation and linkage disequilibrium analysis were performed with the Arlequin software 3.5.2.2. It was found that the top three frequent alleles of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1, ‐DRB3/4/5 loci were A*11:01:01 (25.81%), A*24:02:01 (16.70%), A*02:01:01 (10.61%); B*40:01:02 (15.97%), B*46:01:01 (11.48%), B*58:01:01 (7.96%); C*07:02:01 (19.03%), C*01:02:01 (17.65%), C*03:04:01 (10.41%); DRB1*09:01:02G (17.96%), DRB1*12:02:01 (9.57%), DRB1*08:03:02 (9.54%); DQB1*03:01:01G (21.05%), DQB1*03:03:02 (19.15%), DQB1*06:01:01G (12.08%); DRB4*01:03:01 (25.72%), DRB3*02:02:01 (20.27%), DRB5*01:01:01 (10.96%), respectively. A total of 1528 distinct A∼C∼B∼DRB3/4/5∼DRB1∼DQB1 haplotypes were estimated, and the top three most common haplotypes were A*33:03:01∼C*03:02:02∼B*58:01:01∼DRB3*02:02:01∼DRB1*03:01:01∼ DQB1*02:01:01 (4.02%), A*30:01:01∼C*06:02:01∼B*13:02:01∼DRB4*01:03:01∼ DRB1*07:01:01 ∼DQB1*02:02:01 (3.11%) and A*02:07:01∼C*01:02:01∼B*46:01:01 ∼DRB4*01:03:01∼DRB1*09:01:02G∼DQB1*03:03:02 (3.05%). Some alleles of different HLA loci were shown strong linkage disequilibrium. In conclusion, the data of allele and haplotype of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1, ‐DQB1 and ‐DRB3/4/5 loci at three fields resolution level were obtained in Zhejiang Han population, thus contributing to analyze the HLA ploymorphism in the populations.
Introduction: Disruptions in global value chains – Continuity or change for labour governance?
Authors: GEREFFI Gary , POSTHUMA Anne Caroline , ROSSI Arianna
Published: September 2021

Global production and trade organized in global value chains (GVCs) have structured labour governance and the conditions of work for multiple decades. Since the early 2000s, a series of new economic, technological and political disruptions, along with the current COVID‐19 global health pandemic, have accentuated critical concerns about the role of labour governance and the future of work in the global economy. The articles in this Special Issue address these themes through original industry and country case studies, using both longitudinal and comparative research designs and mixed methods to offer insights into a labour governance framework that will fit future GVCs.
Creative analytics: Towards data‐inspired creative decisions
Authors: Tamm Toomas , Hallikainen Petri , Tim Yenni
Published: September 2021

Organisations across many industries are increasing the use of evidence‐based approaches to decision‐making through adoption of business analytics. Creative processes and decisions are an area of organisational decision‐making which has traditionally been highly intuition‐based, and where professional culture and practices are often very different from the engineering disciplines from which data‐driven decision approaches originate. Through the case study of the analytics‐oriented transformation of creative decisions at Rovio, a leading game development company, this study seeks to understand how organisations can make their creative decision processes more evidence‐based, while retaining the best features of artistic intuition and human creativity. The case study highlights several issues that need to be delicately managed and balanced to effectively combine analytics and human creativity, and offers five principles for such “creative analytics”: (1) build shared analytics values but provide tailored BA support; (2) build hybrid teams; (3) balance commercial and creative goals; (4) encourage creative experimentation and learning; and (5) make data‐inspired, not data‐driven, creative decisions.
Probing the spectrally selective property of NbB2‐based tandem absorber coating for concentrated solar power application
Authors: Poobalan Ranjith Kumar , Singh Mahander Pratap , Basu Bikramjit
Published: September 2021

Solar selective coating with good thermal stability is the primary requirement for a concentrated solar power (CSP) plant to function with better photothermal efficiency. In recent years, ultra‐high‐temperature ceramic‐based coatings have been explored as potential materials for solar selective coatings. In this context, NbB2/Nb(BN)/Al2O3 tandem absorber coating was designed to be fabricated on a stainless‐steel substrate by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering of spark plasma sintered ceramic target. In the bulk form, the NbB2 ceramic exhibits high solar absorptance (α = 0.756) and thermal emissivity (ε = 0.43), whereas the amorphous single NbB2 coating exhibits α/ε = 0.716/0.13. Reactive sputtering of NbB2 in nitrogen produced a semi‐transparent coating with an optical bandgap of ∼2.80 eV and was used as the secondary absorber layer. Raman and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses reveal mild oxygen incorporation in the absorber layers. The developed SS/NbB2/Nb(BNO)/Al2O3 tandem absorber exhibits a good solar absorptance of 0.950 and a moderate thermal emissivity of 0.15 at room temperature. The coatings exhibited good thermal stability when heated in vacuum for 5 h up to 700°C, and the selectivity (α/ε) remains above 6. The present work shows the possibility of exploring NbB2‐based tandem absorber coatings for CSP applications.
Assessment and significance of the frequency domain for trends in annual peak streamflow
Authors: Konrad Christopher , Restivo Daniel
Published: September 2021

Risk management of nonstationary floods depends on an understanding of trends over a range of flood frequencies representing small (frequent) to large (infrequent) floods. Quantile regression is applied to the annual peak streamflow distributions at 2683 sites in the contiguous United States to test for trends in the 10th quantile (floods with a 0.9 annual exceedance probability), the 50th quantile (median annual flood), and 90th quantile (floods with a 0.1 annual exceedance probability). Trends are most common (36% of sites) for the median annual flood (50th quantile) and often coherent with trends in both frequent small floods (10th quantile) and infrequent large floods (90th quantile). Changes in the at‐site variance of annual peak streamflow, indicated by convergence (decreasing variance) or divergence (increasing variance) of the 10th and 90th quantiles over time, are primarily in response to reservoir operation or urban development rather than climate. An analysis of synthetic series generated from nonstationary distributions demonstrates that quantile regression and standard trend tests used in flood frequency analysis have limited power and high rates of false negatives (>70%) when a test has a significance of p = 0.05. Quantile regression and tests with lower significance complement standard trend testing to inform flood risk management.
Medication chart review at end of life of paediatric palliative patients
Authors: Soo Jie Er Janice , Chan Mei Yoke , Bte Adb Rashid Noor Aisah Bee , Bte Mohamad Yusri Lilis Irwani , Wynn Yi Yi , Noda Misa , Tewani Komal
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to review the use of medications in a paediatric palliative care (PPC) population during the last two weeks of life.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study that included 50 consecutive patients who were referred to KK Hospital PPC service from 2011 to 2015. Those who died after two weeks from discharge date were excluded. Medication charts were reviewed and relevant data were extracted.

Results

The study population included 42 patients and consists predominantly oncological and neurological diagnoses. The median number of medications used was 11.5. Ninety‐five percent (40 out of 42) of study population required analgesia where 81% (34 out of 42) were opioid. There was prevalent use of antibiotics (86% of study population, 36 out of 42). Less frequently used medications included steroids, sedatives, laxatives and antiemetics (48%, 52%, 48% and 38% of study population respectively).

Conclusion

Significant number of medications was used in PPC during the last two weeks of life. Apart from significant use of analgesia, there is also notable use of antibiotics. Future directions in education such as prescription of laxatives with opioid are proposed.