bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro interactions between Bradyrhizobium spp. and Tuber magnatum mycelium
Authors: Graziosi Simone , Puliga Federico , Iotti Mirco , Amicucci Antonella , Zambonelli Alessandra
Published: May 2024

Tuber magnatum is the most expensive truffle, but its large‐scale cultivation is still a challenge compared to other valuable Tuber species. T. magnatum mycelium has never been grown profitably until now, which has led to difficulties to studying it in vitro. This study describes beneficial interactions between T. magnatum mycelium and never before described bradyrhizobia, which allows the in vitro growth of T. magnatum mycelium. Three T. magnatum strains were co‐isolated on modified Woody Plant Medium (mWPM) with aerobic bacteria and characterised through microscopic observations. The difficulties of growing alone both partners, bacteria and T. magnatum mycelium, on mWPM demonstrated the reciprocal dependency. Three bacterial isolates for each T. magnatum strain were obtained and molecularly characterised by sequencing the 16S rRNA, glnII, recA and nifH genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that all nine bacterial strains were distributed among five subclades included in a new monophyletic lineage belonging to the Bradyrhizobium genus within the Bradyrhizobium jicamae supergroup. The nifH genes were detected in all bacterial isolates, suggesting nitrogen‐fixing capacities. This is the first report of consistent T. magnatum mycelium growth in vitro conditions. It has important implications for the development of new technologies in white truffle cultivation and for further studies on T. magnatum biology and genetics.
Assessing public health implications of free trade agreements: The comprehensive and progressive Trans‐Pacific Partnership Agreement
Authors: Green Liz , Ashton Kath , Silva Leah , McNamara Courtney , Fletcher Michael , Petchey Louisa , Clemens Timo , Douglas Margaret
Published: May 2024

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union, which was surrounded by political and social uncertainty. The United Kingdom now negotiates its own trade agreements, and in March 2023, it agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans‐Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP). A health impact assessment (HIA) was undertaken in 2022–23 to predict the potential impact of the CPTPP on the health and well‐being of the Welsh Population. This paper explores the HIA findings and highlights the value of the approach in engaging with stakeholders and informing policymakers. This HIA followed a standard five‐step approach which involved a literature review to identify potential health impacts, qualitative interviews with cross‐sectoral stakeholders and the development of a community health profile. The HIA identified potential impacts across the wider determinants of health and specific vulnerable population groups. Investor state dispute settlement mechanisms, economic uncertainty and loss of regulatory policy space were identified as key pathways for health impacts. The findings have been beneficial in informing decision‐makers to prepare for the CPTPP in Wales using an evidence‐informed approach. This work has demonstrated the value of a HIA approach that uses a transparent process to mobilise a wide range of evidence, resulting in transferrable learning.
Does News Media Affect Firm Innovation in Emerging Markets? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Kun Tracy , Zhu Nathan Zhenghang , Luo Guqiang
Published: May 2024

We examine whether and how news coverage affects innovation using an extensive collection of more than 188,000 firm‐specific press articles written by journalists from the most influential Chinese newspapers. We find that news coverage has a positive impact on firm innovation outputs. This positive effect is more pronounced for firms with weak internal governance and external monitoring, opaque corporate disclosure, high R&D intensity, and limited access to financing for innovation, for news articles that are related to innovation and corporate governance, and for news articles that are issued by news media that are subject to less political intervention and by socially unconnected news media. Our analysis of firm innovation strategies shows that the increased innovation outputs are a result of an increase in in‐house R&D investment and innovation efficiency, rather than acquisition of innovation from external channels that can quickly increase quantifiable innovation outputs. We also find that news coverage reduces analyst earnings forecast dispersion and insiders’ tunnelling of corporate resources and managerial perks, while increasing firms’ investor base. Overall, our research provides new insights into the role of the news media in firm innovation in an emerging market, especially when firms have a poor information environment and corporate governance mechanisms, and when news coverage has high informativeness and independence.
An association weight matrix identified biological pathways associated with bull fertility traits in a multi‐breed population
Authors: Tan Wei Liang Andre , Hudson Nicholas James , Porto Neto Laercio Ribeiro , Reverter Antonio , Afonso Juliana , Fortes Marina Rufino Salinas
Published: May 2024

Using seven indicator traits, we investigated the genetic basis of bull fertility and predicted gene interactions from SNP associations. We used percent normal sperm as the key phenotype for the association weight matrix–partial correlation information theory (AWM‐PCIT) approach. Beyond a simple list of candidate genes, AWM‐PCIT predicts significant gene interactions and associations for the selected traits. These interactions formed a network of 537 genes: 38 genes were transcription cofactors, and 41 genes were transcription factors. The network displayed two distinct clusters, one with 294 genes and another with 243 genes. The network is enriched in fertility‐associated pathways: steroid biosynthesis, p53 signalling, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Enrichment analysis also highlighted gene ontology terms associated with ‘regulation of neurotransmitter secretion’ and ‘chromatin formation’. Our network recapitulates some genes previously implicated in another network built with lower‐density genotypes. Sequence‐level data also highlights additional candidate genes relevant to bull fertility, such as FOXO4, FOXP3, GATA1, CYP27B1, and EBP. A trio of regulatory genes—KDM5C, LRRK2, and PME—was deemed core to the network because of their overarching connections. This trio probably influences bull fertility through their interaction with genes, both known and unknown as to their role in male fertility. Future studies may target the trio and their target genes to enrich our understanding of male fertility further.
Examining labelling guidelines for AI‐based software as a medical device: A review and analysis of dermatology mobile applications in Australia
Authors: Oloruntoba Ayooluwatomiwa , Ingvar Åsa , Sashindranath Maithili , Anthony Ojochonu , Abbott Lisa , Guitera Pascale , Caccetta Tony , Janda Monika , Soyer H. Peter , Mar Victoria
Published: May 2024

In recent years, there has been a surge in the development of AI‐based Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), particularly in visual specialties such as dermatology. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates AI‐based SaMD to ensure its safe use. Proper labelling of these devices is crucial to ensure that healthcare professionals and the general public understand how to use them and interpret results accurately. However, guidelines for labelling AI‐based SaMD in dermatology are lacking, which may result in products failing to provide essential information about algorithm development and performance metrics. This review examines existing labelling guidelines for AI‐based SaMD across visual medical specialties, with a specific focus on dermatology. Common recommendations for labelling are identified and applied to currently available dermatology AI‐based SaMD mobile applications to determine usage of these labels. Of the 21 AI‐based SaMD mobile applications identified, none fully comply with common labelling recommendations. Results highlight the need for standardized labelling guidelines. Ensuring transparency and accessibility of information is essential for the safe integration of AI into health care and preventing potential risks associated with inaccurate clinical decisions.
Linking physico‐chemical parameters and macroinvertebrates for water quality assessment of Kakamega and the East Usambara montane ecosystems in Kenya
Authors: Ndungu Joseph G. , Marubu Rose M. , Ochola John B. , Onyimbo Nixon B. , Sevgan Subramanian , Muriuki Caroline W. , Komu Kalist E. , Gikungu Mary W.
Published: May 2024

Sub‐Saharan freshwater biodiversity is impacted by changes in land use and climate change. To evaluate the relationship between physico‐chemical variables and macroinvertebrate community assemblages in Kakamega and the East Usambara Mountains forests, we explored benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in relation to physico‐chemical conditions of the water along an anthropogenic stress gradient. Sampling was done in six selected streams during the rainy and dry seasons between April 2017 and November 2019. At Kakamega, 367 macroinvertebrate individuals were identified belonging to 22 families, while at Usambara, 456 individuals belonging to 25 families were identified. Spearman's correlation revealed significant interactions in species diversity, evenness, and richness between macroinvertebrates and several physico‐chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, total dissolved substances, salinity and temperature). At Usambara, species richness, evenness and diversity was significantly negatively correlated with conductivity, tds, salinity, temperature and pH. We demonstrated that macroinvertebrate indices can be used as a quick evaluation tool of water quality in response to stream systems in the region as well as help in pointing out early warnings to help mitigate and reduce threats to stream biodiversity from anthropogenic activities.
Effect of baseline prolactin levels on the pregnancy outcomes after fresh embryo transfer
Authors: Hu Yue , Song Di , Yan Jiuqiong , Liu Yuhuan , Yu Chaoqin
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

There is clinical disagreement on whether to treat hyperprolactinemia with medication before embryo transfer. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of basal prolactin (PRL) levels on pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 2,648 women who underwent basal PRL level testing and fresh embryo transfer between January 2015 and December 2020 at our Hospital's Department of Assisted Reproduction. Basal PRL levels can be classified into three categories: <30 (n = 2339), 30‑60 (n = 255), and ≥60 (n = 54) µg/l. Pregnancy outcome was defined as the primary outcome measure, and the live birth rate was defined as the second outcome measure. Subsequently, univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the association between basal PRL levels and pregnancy outcomes after considering several potential confounding factors.

Results

Elevated basal PRL levels were found not a risk factor for pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving good‐quality embryo transfer (p > .05). For pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), embryos transferred (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.41–0.65), and normal fertilization rate (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.97) were found to be an independent risk factor. For ongoing pregnancy or not, female age (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.11), embryos transferred (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37–0.88), and menstrual cycle (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.22–2.54) were also independent risk factors.

Conclusion

There is no adverse impact on pregnancy outcomes during embryo transfer cycles with good‐quality embryos when PRL levels are elevated.
Machine learning prediction model for postoperative ileus following colorectal surgery
Authors: Traeger Luke , Bedrikovetski Sergei , Hanna Jessica E. , Moore James W. , Sammour Tarik
Published: May 2024

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) continues to be a major cause of morbidity following colorectal surgery. Despite best efforts, the incidence of POI in colorectal surgery remains high (~30%). This study aimed to investigate machine learning techniques to identify risk factors for POI in colorectal surgery patients, to help guide further preventative strategies.

Methods

A TRIPOD‐guideline‐compliant retrospective study was conducted for major colorectal surgery patients at a single tertial care centre (2018–2022). The primary outcome was the occurrence of POI, defined as not achieving GI‐2 (outcome measure of time to first stool and tolerance of oral diet) by day four. Multivariate logistic regression, decision trees, radial basis function and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were trained using a random allocation of patients to training/testing data sets (80/20). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to evaluate model performance.

Results

Of 504 colorectal surgery patients, 183 (36%) experienced POI. Multivariate logistic regression, decision trees, radial basis function and MLP models returned an AUROC of 0.722, 0.706, 0.712 and 0.800, respectively. The MLP model had the highest sensitivity and specificity values. In addition to well‐known risk factors for POI, such as postoperative hypokalaemia, surgical approach, and opioid use, the MLP model identified sarcopenia (ranked 4/30) as a potentially modifiable risk factor for POI.

Conclusion

MLP outperformed other models in predicting POI. Machine learning can provide valuable insights into the importance and ranking of specific predictive variables for POI. Further research into the predictive value of preoperative sarcopenia for POI is required.
Recurrent postmenopausal bleeding: Pathological findings and predictive factors. A multicenter, prospective, observational study
Authors: van Maldegem Laura D. P. R. , van der Zande Johanna A. , van Werkhoven Lucy A. , Ewing‐Graham Patricia C. , Heemskerk‐Gerritsen Bernadette A. M. , van Doorn Helena C.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Recurrent postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) occurs in 6%–25% of postmenopausal women who have experienced a previous episode of PMB. The question of whether recurrent PMB leads to a higher risk of endometrial cancer (EC) in comparison to a single episode of PMB is, however, controversial. Furthermore, little is known about predictive factors for recurrent PMB.

Material and Methods

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted over a 5‐year period in four hospitals in the Netherlands. Women with PMB undergoing endometrial sampling and aged 40 years and older were included. Occurrence of recurrent PMB was retrospectively determined. Primary outcomes included (1) the incidence of recurrent PMB and (2) differences in pathological findings between patients with a single episode vs recurrent PMB. Secondary outcomes included (1) the association between diagnosis of benign polyps at first PMB and pathological findings at recurrent PMB and (2) factors predictive for recurrent PMB.

Results

A total of 437 women with PMB were included, of whom 360 were at risk of recurrent PMB. With a median follow‐up of 61 months (IQR (Interquartile range) 44–73), 26.4% experienced recurrent PMB. Patients with recurrent PMB were more often diagnosed with benign polyps (34.7% vs. 25.1%, p‐value 0.015) and less frequently with a malignancy (5.3% vs. 17.8%, p‐value 0.015), compared to patients with a single episode of PMB. Benign polyps at initial PMB were not associated with a (pre)malignancy at recurrence (OR 4.16, 95% CI 0.75–23.03). Predictive factors for recurrent PMB included use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.64–6.72), and benign polyps at initial PMB (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.07–3.04).

Conclusions

Recurrent PMB is common in women with a previous episode of PMB. Compared to patients with a single episode of PMB, patients with recurrent PMB and benign histological outcomes at accurate workup during their first episode were less often diagnosed with malignancies and more frequently with benign polyps. Benign polyps at first PMB are predictive for recurrent PMB, but not for a higher risk of (pre)malignancy.
The deep abdominal ultrasound transducer (DAX) increases the success rate and diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with obesity—A prospective biopsy‐controlled study
Authors: Bauer David J. M. , Nixdorf Larissa , Dominik Nina , Schwarz Michael , Hofer Benedikt S. , Hartl Lukas , Semmler Georg , Jachs Mathias , Simbrunner Benedikt , Jedamzik Julia , Mozayani Behrang , Gensthaler Lisa , Felsenreich Daniel Moritz , Trauner Michael , Langer Felix Benedikt , Mandorfer Mattias , Prager Gerhard , Reiberger Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

Obesity impacts the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE). A deep abdominal ultrasound transducer (DAX) capable of point (pSWE) and two‐dimensional (2D)‐SWE has recently been introduced to address this issue.

Methods

We performed a prospective study in a cohort of mostly patients with obesity undergoing liver biopsy with a high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction‐associate steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured using vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE), as well as pSWE and 2D SWE on the standard (5C1) and the DAX transducers.

Results

We included 129 patients with paired LSM and liver biopsy: median age 44.0 years, 82 (63.6%) women, median BMI: 43.2 kg/m2. Histologic fibrosis stages: F0: N = 55 (42.6%), F1: N = 14 (10.9%), F2: N = 50 (38.8%), F3: N = 2 (1.6%), F4: N = 8 (6.2%). VCTE‐LSM failed (N = 13) or were unreliable (IQR/median ≤30% in ≥7.1 kPa, N = 14) in 20.9% of patients. The Pearson correlation of reliable VCTE‐LSM with both pSWE and 2D SWE was strong (all >0.78). The diagnostic accuracy for all LSM techniques was poor for significant fibrosis (≥F2, AUC: 0.54–0.63); however, it was good to excellent for advanced fibrosis (≥F3, AUC: 0.87–0.99) and cirrhosis (F4, AUC: 0.86–1.00). In intention‐to‐diagnose analysis, pSWE on DAX was significantly superior to VCTE‐LSM.

Conclusions

pSWE‐ and 2D‐SWE enable the non‐invasive identification of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with obese MASLD. The use of the DAX transducer for acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI)‐LSM avoids technical failures in an obese population and subsequently offers advantages over VCTE‐LSM for the evaluation of fibrosis in an obese MASLD population at risk for fibrosis.
Conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine: Current status, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Wang Ming‐Da , Xu Xue‐Jun , Wang Ke‐Chun , Diao Yong‐Kang , Xu Jia‐Hao , Gu Li‐Hui , Yao Lan‐Qing , Li Chao , Lv Guo‐Yue , Yang Tian
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent malignancy of the digestive tract, is characterized by a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, primarily due to its initial diagnosis at an advanced stage that precludes any surgical intervention. Recent advancements in systemic therapies have significantly improved oncological outcomes for intermediate and advanced‐stage HCC, and the combination of locoregional and systemic therapies further facilitates tumor downstaging and increases the likelihood of surgical resectability for initially unresectable cases following conversion therapies. This shift toward high conversion rates with novel, multimodal treatment approaches has become a principal pathway for prolonged survival in patients with advanced HCC. However, the field of conversion therapy for HCC is marked by controversies, including the selection of potential surgical candidates, formulation of conversion therapy regimens, determination of optimal surgical timing, and application of adjuvant therapy post‐surgery. Addressing these challenges and refining clinical protocols and research in HCC conversion therapy is essential for setting the groundwork for future advancements in treatment strategies and clinical research. This narrative review comprehensively summarizes the current strategies and clinical experiences in conversion therapy for advanced‐stage HCC, emphasizing the unresolved issues and the path forward in the context of precision medicine. This work not only provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of treatment modalities for conversion therapy but also paves the way for future studies and innovations in this field.
Enhancing children's participation in dental research: A commentary
Authors: Attaran Kakhki Nona , Garber Peter , Dudubo Olawale , Salem Asma , Carnevale Franco A. , Macdonald Mary Ellen
Published: May 2024

The concept of childhood has evolved over the years, inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, shifting from developmental models to a conception of childhood that recognizes children as moral agents. This evolution highlights the importance of respecting children's agency and their right to be heard in matters that are related to them. In conventional health research, however, children's voices are often inadequately accessed. In this commentary, we discuss the imperative to recognize children's agency in dental research and a shift from research on children to research with and by children. Moreover, we underscore the importance of actively seeking and listening to children's voices and recognizing their agency in shaping research and healthcare practices in the field of dentistry. Further, we explore the application of participatory research approaches in dental research and provide examples of studies that have involved children in various capacities. We conclude this commentary by emphasizing the potential benefits of participatory research in both qualitative and quantitative dental studies to promote deeper understanding, clearer communication, and stronger advocacy regarding children's interests. Primarily, we call for greater recognition of children's agency in dental research and advocate for more inclusive and child‐centred research methodologies.
Current utility of first‐line FT4 and TSH in screening for central hypothyroidism
Authors: Evans Carol , Jacob Jiya , Rodham Annabel , Gill Manjot , Parry Laura , Dodd Alan , El‐Farhan Nadia , Shore Angharad , Lansdown Andrew , Rees Aled , Okosieme Onyebuchi E.
Published: May 2024

Background

Thyroid testing strategies vary across laboratories. First‐line combined thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and freeT4 (FT4) have historically been preferred by many laboratories as this detects individuals with undiagnosed central hypothyroidism who can be missed with a first‐line TSH‐only strategy. However, an up‐to‐date evaluation of the utility of this approach is lacking.

Objectives

We investigated the clinical utility of first‐line TSH and FT4 in the detection of central hypothyroidism in current day practice.

Design, Patients, and Measurements

The All‐Wales laboratory information system was queried to identify thyroid function tests in patients aged ≥16 years with decreased FT4 and inappropriate TSH (low‐FT4). The 1‐year incidence of low‐FT4 was determined using mid‐year population data. Clinical information of patients with low‐FT4 was reviewed to determine causes of low‐FT4 and the incidence of central hypothyroidism.

Results

The incidence of low‐FT4 varied according to FT4 assay method (range: 98–301 cases/100,000 population/year). Fifteen new cases of central hypothyroidism were detected in two health boards, equivalent to 2 cases/100,000 population/year. Positive predictive value of low‐FT4 for central hypothyroidism was 2%–4%. In a cross‐section of primary care patients, low‐FT4 was detected in 0.5% of all thyroid tests with assay‐related differences in detection rates.

Conclusions

Although low‐FT4 is a common laboratory finding, the incidence of central hypothyroidism remains rare. With the currently increased rates of thyroid testing and increased use of medications that decrease FT4, low‐FT4 has a much lower predictive value for central hypothyroidism than previously reported. Thyroid screening strategies will need to balance the yield from first line TSH and FT4 testing with the cost of investigating individuals with non‐pathological laboratory abnormalities.
Clinical management and outcome of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs): A single centre retrospective study
Authors: Darrat Milad , Lau Louis , Leonard Colin , Cooke Stephen , Shahzad Muhammad A. , McHenry Claire , McCance David R. , Hunter Steven J. , Mullan Karen , Lindsay John R. , Graham Una , Bailie Neil , Hampton Susie , Rajendran Simon , Houghton Fionnuala , Conkey David , Morrison Patrick J. , Johnston Philip C.
Published: May 2024

Context

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare, usually benign, slow‐growing tumours arising from neural crest‐derived tissue. Definitive management pathways for HNPGLs have yet to be clearly defined.

Objective

To review our experience of the clinical features and management of these tumours and to analyse outcomes of different treatment modalities.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data were obtained from The Northern Ireland Electronic Care Record (NIECR) as well from a prospectively maintained HNPGL database between January 2011 through December 2023.

Results

There were 87 patients; 50 females: 37 males with a mean age of 52.3 ± 14.2 years old (range 17–91 years old). 58.6% (n = 51) of patients had carotid body tumours, 25.2% (n = 22) glomus vagal tumours, 6.8% (n = 6) tumours in the middle ear, 2.2% (n = 2) in the parapharyngeal space and 1.1% (n = 1) in the sphenoid sinus. 5.7% (n = 5) of patients had multifocal disease. The mean tumour size at presentation was 3.2 ± 1.4 cm (range 0.5–6.9 cm). Pathogenic SDHD mutations were identified in 41.3% (n = 36), SDHB in 12.6% (n = 11), SDHC in 2.2% (n = 2) and SDHA in 1.1% (n = 1) of the patients. Overall treatment modalities included surgery alone in 51.7% (n = 45) of patients, radiotherapy in 14.9% (n = 13), observation in 28.7% (n = 25), and somatostatin analogue therapy with octreotide in 4.5% (n = 4) of patients. Factors associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence included age over 60 years (p = .04), tumour size exceeding 2 cm (p = .03), positive SDHx variants (p = .01), and vagal and jugular tumours (p = .04).

Conclusion

The majority of our patients underwent initial surgical intervention and achieved disease stability. Our results suggest that carefully selected asymptomatic or medically unfit patients can be safely observed provided lifelong surveillance is maintained. We advocate for the establishment of a UK and Ireland national HNPGL registry, to delineate optimal management strategies for these rare tumours and improve long term outcomes.
Price pass‐through in the U.S. beef industry: Implications of feedlot capacity utilization
Authors: McKendree Melissa G. S. , Tonsor Glynn T. , Dong Zekuan
Published: May 2024

Transmission of prices, profits, and more generally, economic well‐being across vertically connected sectors of agriculture have a long history of interest—arguably of most current interest in meat and livestock markets. Disruptions in live animal harvesting, especially from COVID‐19, have corresponded with substantial market adjustment and hence elevated interest in inner‐industry relationships, including from policymakers. This paper's main contribution is assessing how price changes in the U.S. feedlot industry manifest in feeder cattle markets. We use Ricardian rent theory as a framework to quantify price transmission by testing how price fluctuations actually pass through the supply chain versus theoretical expectations. We posit that the capacity utilization of feedlots changes because of market shocks, impacting price relationships. In the empirical model, when feedlot capacity utilization rates are below the 65% critical point, we find that both fed to feeder cattle and corn to feeder cattle pass‐through rates are higher than hypothesized. When feedlot capacity utilization rates are high (>65%), estimated pass‐through rates are lower and not statistically different from Ricardian rent theory. Understanding how prices pass through in the beef industry can help inform policy discussions about beef market competitiveness and promote efficient resource allocation.
Ex ante transparency and corruption by networks
Authors: Bac Mehmet
Published: May 2024

This paper explains the structure of corruption networks as response to ex ante transparency, defined as visibility of authorities whose cooperation clients may need, in due course, to execute corrupt transactions. It also characterizes the optimal transparency policy given the network response, as a function of connection costs, sanctions, the corruption surplus and the detection probability (hence the anti‐corruption budget and ex post transparency). Corruption chains may emerge in equilibrium if authority is expected to be shared by multiple offices, where the office with higher solo assignment probability becomes the intermediary. Otherwise, clients penetrate the bureaucracy by inducing the star network, or contend with single connection. I show that the optimal policy always assigns one office, sometimes alone, sometimes jointly with others. It is often possible to deter corruption networks through an ex ante transparent policy that parcels out authority to multiple offices with probability 1—a common feature of many US bureaucracies. Decomposing transparency into its components reveals nuances in the transparency–corruption relationship, suggesting that ex ante transparency is instrumental except in environments in which anti‐corruption enforcement is extremely effective or extremely ineffective.
Gender quota, women in politics, and gender parity in education
Authors: Acheampong Alex O. , Opoku Eric Evans Osei , Rustagi Niharika
Published: May 2024

Do women in politics contribute to gender parity in education? This study seeks to provide an empirical answer to this question by examining whether women in politics (women parliamentarians) contribute to closing the gender inequality in education using a global sample of 191 countries from 1990 to 2020. We deployed the two‐stage least square (IV‐TSLS) technique and gender quota as an instrument to isolate the exogenous effect of women in politics on gender parity in primary, secondary and tertiary education. The findings from the IV‐TSLS estimators show that an increase in the number of female parliamentarians is associated with a significant increase in gender parity at all levels of education. These results survived several robustness checks, including using different estimators such as the Lewbel two‐stage least squares and the Kinky least‐squares estimators. Based on the quota type, we documented that women in politics significantly spur gender parity in education in countries with reserved seat quotas and not in countries with candidate quotas. We also found that the results differ across different geographical regions and income groups. The findings call on policy‐makers to address societal, legal and structural barriers limiting women's political participation to achieve gender parity at all levels of education.
Impact of prior treatment on selinexor, bortezomib, dexamethasone outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Extended follow‐up subgroup analysis of the BOSTON trial
Authors: Mateos Maria‐Victoria , Engelhardt Monika , Leleu Xavier , Mesa Mercedes Gironella , Cavo Michele , Dimopoulos Meletios , Bianco Martina , Merlo Giovanni Marino , Porte Charles la , Richardson Paul G. , Moreau Philippe
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To analyze the impact of prior therapies on outcomes with selinexor, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (SVd) versus bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) in 402 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in the phase 3 BOSTON trial.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety for lenalidomide‐refractory, proteasome inhibitor (PI)‐naïve, bortezomib‐naïve, and one prior line of therapy (1LOT) patient subgroups.

Results

At a median follow‐up of over 28 months, clinically meaningful improvements in PFS were noted across all groups with SVd. The median SVd PFS was longer in all subgroups (lenalidomide‐refractory: 10.2 vs. 7.1 months, PI‐naïve: 29.5 vs. 9.7; bortezomib‐naïve: 29.5 vs. 9.7; 1LOT: 21.0 vs. 10.7; p < .05). The lenalidomide‐refractory subgroup had longer OS with SVd (26.7 vs. 18.6 months; HR 0.53; p = .015). In all subgroups, overall response and ≥very good partial response rates were higher with SVd. The manageable safety profile of SVd was similar to the overall patient population.

Conclusions

With over 2 years of follow‐up, these clinically meaningful outcomes further support the use of SVd in patients who are lenalidomide‐refractory, PI‐naïve, bortezomib‐naïve, or who received 1LOT (including a monoclonal antibody) and underscore the observed synergy between selinexor and bortezomib.
Insight into brain sex differences of typically developed infants and brain pathologies: A systematic review
Authors: Saker Zahraa , Rizk Mahdi , Merie Diana , Nabha Rami H. , Pariseau Nicole J. , Nabha Sanaa M. , Makki Malek I.
Published: May 2024

The continually advancing landscape of neuroscientific and imaging research has broadened our comprehension of sex differences encoded in the human brain, expanding from the hypothalamus and sexual behaviour to encompass the entire brain, including its diverse lobes, structures, and functions. However, less is known about sex differences in the brains of neonates and infants, despite their relevance to various sex‐linked diseases that develop early in life. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the literature evidence on sex differences in the brains of neonates and infants at the morphological, structural and network levels. We also briefly overview the present evidence on the sex bias in some brain disorders affecting infants and neonates.
Additively manufactured Ti‐6Al‐4V microstructure tailoring for improved fatigue life performance
Authors: Beal Roger , Salehi Seyyed‐Danial , Kingstedt Owen T.
Published: May 2024

In this study, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)‐produced Ti‐6Al‐4V is subjected to three separate post‐build heat treatments (HTs), specifically (1) a one‐step annealing HT exceeding the
‐transus temperature, (2) a two‐step annealing HT whose first step exceeds the
‐transus temperature and the second step is an anneal below the
‐transus temperature, and (3) a sawtooth HT with temperatures oscillating below the
‐transus temperature. Tensile properties and fatigue crack growth behavior were assessed and compared to wrought Ti‐6Al‐4V. LPBF materials nominally exhibited a 17% yield stress reduction, 1.9% strain‐to‐failure increase, and 9.2% modulus of toughness decrease. Fatigue crack growth curves were used to assess the linear crack growth rate region and approximate fracture toughness (
). Post‐mortem fractography observed striations indicating the crack growth direction frequently changes direction providing an understanding of the slower crack growth rates observed in LPBF materials compared to their wrought counterpart.
Menopause, work and mid‐life: Challenging the ideal worker stereotype
Authors: Steffan Belinda , Loretto Wendy
Published: May 2024

This article investigates how the complexity of life domains of menopause‐aged women creates a paradox of simultaneously challenging the ideal worker stereotype while being caught within it. The empirical setting of menopause at work acts to highlight how work, life, and health pressures are entangled in how women present themselves at work, through varying organizational and societal expectations of being ‘fit for work’. We draw on 80 semi‐structured, life‐course interviews of women over 50 working in four occupational settings: social care, manufacturing, finance, and self‐employed. Findings are presented through three empirical vignettes, providing unique insight into how ideal worker expectations perpetuate or challenge the persistent silencing of ‘being’ menopausal at work, reinforced by life domain experiences relevant to mid‐life. We present a theoretical contribution to ideal worker theory by highlighting that women who redefine the ideal worker stereotype might be less vulnerable to gendered ageist workplace cultures. We provide a practical contribution for how organizations can better support this generation and future generations of mid‐life women at work.
Auditing standards and the persistence of the audit expectations gap: Evidencing the absence of French ‘exceptionalism’
Authors: Jedidi Imen , Humphrey Chris
Published: May 2024

Auditing standards have become a central feature in the world of auditing. One of the primary claims made for International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) is their capacity to reduce the audit expectations gap (AEG), but the gap persists despite the widespread adoption of ISAs. France is an intriguing case site for studying the development and impact of audit standard setting, especially given its reputation as a country for maintaining its own distinctive audit regulatory traditions. Its claimed resistance to Anglo‐American influences, however, is not what stands out in our archival analysis of French audit standard‐setting processes and an accompanying series of interviews with key participants. In contrast, the French audit standard setting emerges as a process that has largely aligned with the spirit of ISAs and adopted a narrow interpretation of the AEG. The presented analysis challenges the operational significance of a claimed French exceptionalism and adds to a growing questioning of the capacity of auditing standard setting to drive fundamental advancement in auditing practice and to meet public expectations.
Promoting equity in hiring: An evaluation of the HireNext Job Posting Assessment
Authors: Saleem Sumayya , White Linda , Perlman Michal , Dhuey Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

The language used in job postings can deter applicants and contribute to the employment gap, which refers to high rates of youth unemployment occurring simultaneously with high levels of job vacancies. We tested youth preferences for job postings modified using a free online tool that uses natural language processing to make them more appealing to young and diverse candidates. Using data from 1050 respondents aged 18–35 with education below a postsecondary degree, we found a consistent and statistically significant preference for modified postings, irrespective of the extent or types of changes made. More traditionally disadvantaged respondents (i.e., with lower education, lower incomes, disabilities, women, and unemployed youth) displayed a stronger preference for modified postings. These findings suggest that this tool can help employers recruit disadvantaged youth and bridge the employment gap.
Associations of remaining teeth number, periodontal disease, and occlusal support status with erectile dysfunction in community‐dwelling men
Authors: Fujita Naoki , Iwane Takuro , Tamura Yoshihiro , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Wataru , Ohyama Chikara
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Several systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have reported positive relationships between erectile dysfunction (ED) and periodontal disease. However, no study has evaluated the relationships of occlusal support status and the number of remaining teeth with ED. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between ED and the remaining teeth number, periodontal disease, and occlusal support status.

Methods

This study included 400 community‐dwelling men. Periodontal health status and occlusal support condition were evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Eichner classification. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between ED and the remaining teeth number, periodontal disease, and occlusal support status.

Results

The median age was 53 years. Of the 400 men, 333 (83%) were classified into ED group. In univariable analyses, remaining teeth number, CPI score, and Eichner classification were significantly associated with ED. In multivariable analyses, the remaining teeth number (odds ratio [OR]: 0.907, p = 0.114) and CPI score (OR: 0.978, p = 0.864) were not significantly associated with ED, whereas the Eichner classification was independently and significantly associated with ED (OR: 3.490, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Poor occlusal support status was significantly associated with ED in community‐dwelling men, as opposed to remaining teeth number and periodontal health status.
Searching for settlement information on Reddit
Authors: Monteiro Stein
Published: May 2024

Newcomers are using informal means to find settlement information that is also freely available through formal settlement service providers. Newcomers may seek settlement information on Reddit when the same information might be found through a settlement service provider. This study finds that several Reddit submissions can be categorized in at least one or more of the formal settlement service categories. There is some overlap between informal conversations on Reddit and formalized settlement services. However, informal spaces go beyond providing settlement information in formalized categories. These results suggest that there is scope for policymakers to take a closer look at online conversations to better understand the needs of newcomers when they are looking for information about settling in Canada before and after they arrive. There is the potential to use this information to identify service gaps and create new funded settlement service categories. There is also the potential to accurately train a machine learning model to classify new Reddit submissions and produce real‐time advice to policymakers on newcomer information needs.
Caregiver reactions to babbling organize turn‐taking interactions: Facilitative effects of vocal versus non‐vocal responses
Authors: Zhang Vivian Hanwen , Elmlinger Steven L. , Albert Rachel R. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: May 2024

Turn‐taking interactions are foundational to the development of social, communicative, and cognitive skills. In infants, vocal turn‐taking experience is predictive of infants' socioemotional and language development. However, different forms of turn‐taking interactions may have different effects on infant vocalizing. It is presently unknown how caregiver vocal, non‐vocal and multimodal responses to infant vocalizations compare in extending caregiver‐infant vocal turn‐taking bouts. In bouts that begin with an infant vocalization, responses that maintain versus change the communicative modality may differentially affect the likelihood of further infant vocalizing. No studies have examined how caregiver response modalities that either matched or differed from the infant acoustic (vocal) modality might affect the temporal structure of vocal turn‐taking beyond the initial serve‐and‐return exchanges. We video‐recorded free‐play sessions of 51 caregivers with their 9‐month‐old infants. Caregivers responded to babbling most often with vocalizations. In turn, caregiver vocal responses were significantly more likely to elicit subsequent infant babbling. Bouts following an initial caregiver vocal response contained significantly more turns than those following a non‐vocal or multimodal response. Thus prelinguistic turn‐taking is sensitive to the modality of caregivers' responses. Future research should investigate if such sensitivity is grounded in attentional constraints, which may influence the structure of turn‐taking interactions.
Processing map for touch‐free flash sintering of a whiteware ceramic
Authors: Çetinkaya Zeynep , Raj Rishi
Published: May 2024

Flash sintering has evolved into touch‐free sintering, where free‐standing workpieces can be sintered without attaching electrodes. Instead, the flash is transmitted from the surface of a reactor into the workpiece with superimposition of a magnetic field. Thus, sintering now depends on two independent parameters: the current used to sustain the flash in the reactor and the current flowing through the induction coil. We present a first report on the influence of these two parameters on the quality of the sintered workpiece. The specimens were made from whiteware, consisting of aggregates of ceramic particles interspersed with particles of a glass phase. The results are presented in a map with the reactor current and the induction current as the control variables. Three regimes are identified: insufficient sintering, good sintering, and the formation of defects. The reactor current emerges as an important variable: densification is poor if it is too low, and defects form if it is too high, with high density achieved in the intermediate regime. High induction currents are needed to achieve good sintering. Touch‐free flash sintering has also been shown to sinter and at the same time transform powders of elemental oxides into a single‐phase multicomponent ceramic.
Should the relationship between leaf margin and temperature be re‐defined for areas with colder climates?
Authors: Iszkuło Grzegorz , Tyrała‐Wierucka Żanna , Thomas Peter A. , Terlecka Magdalena , Walas Łukasz , Tomaszewski Dominik
Published: May 2024

Aim

The well‐proven positive correlation between the increased proportion of entire‐leaved woody dicotyledonous species and increased mean annual temperature has been commonly used to estimate temperature in the past. However, in regions of colder climates, this relationship is not straightforward, questioning the accuracy of temperature estimation.

Location

Finland, Poland, Germany.

Taxon

Dicotyledons.

Methods

The floristic composition of 10 × 10 km squares in 20 km wide transects through Finland, Poland and Germany was analysed.

Results

At higher temperatures, deciduous woody plants appeared to show the expected positive relationship between mean annual temperature and the proportion of entire leaf margins. However, we found a negative correlation within woody deciduous plants at higher latitudes with mean annual temperature values from approximately −2.5°C to +2–4°C and at all temperatures when all woody plants were included. Herbaceous species showed a weak relationship between morphology and temperature.

Main Conclusions

The hypothesis that the phenomenon was caused by a large percentage of entire‐leaved evergreen species that winter under snow cover was rejected. These results indicate that using the leaf margin analysis method for past temperature estimation is increasingly inaccurate at colder temperatures. Consequently, we recommend avoiding this method at locations where the mean annual temperature falls below 5°C.
Application of a data continuity prediction algorithm to an electronic health record‐based pharmacoepidemiology study
Authors: Flory James H. , Zhang Yongkang , Banerjee Samprit , Wang Fei , Min Jea Y. , I. Mushlin Alvin
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

Use of algorithms to identify patients with high data‐continuity in electronic health records (EHRs) may increase study validity. Practical experience with this approach remains limited.

Methods

We developed and validated four algorithms to identify patients with high data continuity in an EHR‐based data source. Selected algorithms were then applied to a pharmacoepidemiologic study comparing rates of COVID‐19 hospitalization in patients exposed to insulin versus noninsulin antidiabetic drugs.

Results

A model using a short list of five EHR‐derived variables performed as well as more complex models to distinguish high‐ from low‐data continuity patients. Higher data continuity was associated with more accurate ascertainment of key variables. In the pharmacoepidemiologic study, patients with higher data continuity had higher observed rates of the COVID‐19 outcome and a large unadjusted association between insulin use and the outcome, but no association after propensity score adjustment.

Discussion

We found that a simple, portable algorithm to predict data continuity gave comparable performance to more complex methods. Use of the algorithm significantly impacted the results of an empirical study, with evidence of more valid results at higher levels of data continuity.