bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of a universal late third‐trimester scan for fetal growth restriction on perinatal outcomes in term singleton births: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Ioannou Christos , Kurinczuk Jennifer J. , Quigley Maria A. , Cavallaro Angelo , Impey Lawrence ,   Oxford Growth Restriction Identification Programme (OxGRIP) Group
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate perinatal mortality, morbidity and obstetric intervention following the introduction of a universal late third‐trimester ultrasound scan for growth restriction.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Oxfordshire (OUH), UK.

Population

Women with a non‐anomalous singleton pregnancy undergoing pregnancy care and term delivery at OUH with an estimated due date (EDD) of birth between 1 January 2014 and 30 September 2019.

Methods

Universal ultrasound for fetal growth restriction between 35+0 and 36+6 weeks was introduced in 2016. The outcomes of the next 18 631 eligible term pregnancies were compared, adjusting for covariates and time, with the previous 18 636 who had clinically indicated ultrasounds only. ‘Screen‐positives’ for growth restriction were managed according to a pre‐determined protocol which included non‐intervention for some small‐for‐gestational‐age babies.

Main Outcome Measures

Extended perinatal mortality, a composite of mortality or encephalopathy Grade II–III, and expedited birth. Other outcomes included composite adverse outcomes used elsewhere, detection of low birthweight and birth from 37+0 to 38+6 weeks.

Results

Extended perinatal deaths decreased 27% and severe morbidity decreased 33% but neither change was statistically significant (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 0.53, 95% confidence interval [C1] 00.18–1.56 and aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.31–1.63). Expedited births changed from 35.2% to 37.7% (aOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92–1.06). Birthweight (<10th centile) detection using fetal biometry alone was 31.4% and rose to 40.5% if all abnormal scan parameters were used.

Conclusion

Improvements in mortality and severe morbidity subsequent to introducing a universal ultrasound for growth restriction are encouraging but remain unclear. Little change in intervention is possible. The antenatal detection of low birthweight remains poor but improves where markers of growth restriction are used.
Cost‐effectiveness of urethral bulking polydimethylsiloxane‐Urolastic® compared with mid‐urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence: A two‐arm cohort study
Authors: Casteleijn Fenne M. , de Vries Allert M. , Tu Le Mai , Heesakkers John P. F. A. , Latul Yani , Kowalik Claudia R. , van Eijndhoven Hugo W. F. , van Eekelen Rik , Roovers Jan‐Paul W. R.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the cost‐effectiveness of urethral bulking polydimethylsiloxane‐Urolastic® (PDMS‐U) compared with mid‐urethral sling (MUS) surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at 1‐year follow‐up.

Design

Prospective, two‐arm cohort study with 2‐year follow‐up.

Setting

International multicentre.

Population

Women with moderate to severe SUI.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was subjective cure (Patient Global Impression of Improvement). Secondary outcomes: objective cure (negative cough stress test), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), complications and re‐interventions. Cost‐effectiveness outcomes: total costs, quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) using IIQ7‐scores (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire) and EQ‐5D‐5L, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) and monetary benefit (adjusted for baseline confounders).

Results

In all, 131 PDMS‐U and 153 MUS surgery patients were treated. Subjective cure rates for MUS surgery and PDMS‐U were, respectively: 101/112 (90%) versus 40/87 (46%), adjusted odds ratio (aOR; for age, body mass index [BMI], severity, type of urinary incontinence and previous SUI procedure) was 4.9. Objective cure rates for MUS surgery and PDMS‐U were respectively: 98/109 (90%) versus 58/92 (63%), aOR 5.4. Average total costs for PDMS‐U and MUS surgery were €3567 and €6688. ICER for MUS surgery cost €15 598 per IIQ QALY and €37 408 per EQ‐5D‐5L QALY. With a willingness to pay (WTP) of €25 000, MUS has a 84% chance of being cost‐effective using IIQ, whereas PDMS‐U has a 99% chance of being cost‐effective using EQ‐5D‐5L.

Conclusion

MUS surgery is more cost‐effective in realising improved disease‐specific quality of life (QoL), while PDMS‐U is more cost‐effective in realising improved generic QoL.
The potential influence of prior work experience on unfair dismissal arbitration decisions related to employee misconduct: an exploratory study of decision styles
Authors: Southey Kim , Lynch Bernadette , Rose Dennis , Hafeez‐Baig Abdul
Published: January 2023

This article reports on an exploratory aspect of a larger study that examines unfair dismissal arbitration decisions relating to misconduct derived dismissals made by Australia's federal industrial tribunal. The central proposition explored is that an association occurs between the arbitrator's work history and their decision to overturn a dismissal. The arbitrators' previous occupations were classified based on their alignment with unitarist (employer harmony) and pluralist (worker interests) frameworks, or the ‘blended’ place in between. Subsequent logistic regression modelling allowed us to identify three types of arbitral decision styles: systems‐driven, evidence‐based and restorative‐voice. These decision styles offer our readership a descriptive framework that consolidates statistically significant decision factors. Australian media reports and professional forums scrutinise the appointment of members to its national industrial tribunal and the decisions that they make. The decision styles presented here can inform organisational stakeholders, including workers, HR managers, supervisors, unions and industry bodies who need to apply and/or respond to misconduct‐driven dismissal processes or formulate relevant policies, processes and systems such as codes of conduct or performance management.
Production of biofuels from C1‐gases with Clostridium and related bacteria—Recent advances
Authors: Fernández‐Blanco Carla , Robles‐Iglesias Raúl , Naveira‐Pazos Cecilia , Veiga María C. , Kennes Christian
Published: January 2023

Clostridium spp. are suitable for the bioconversion of C1‐gases (e.g., CO2, CO and syngas) into different bioproducts. These products can be used as biofuels and are reviewed here, focusing on ethanol, butanol and hexanol, mainly. The production of higher alcohols (e.g., butanol and hexanol) has hardly been reviewed. Parameters affecting the optimization of the bioconversion process and bioreactor performance are addressed as well as the pathways involved in these bioconversions. New aspects, such as mixotrophy and sugar versus gas fermentation, are also reviewed. In addition, Clostridia can also produce higher alcohols from the integration of the Wood‐Ljungdahl pathway and the reverse ß‐oxidation pathway, which has also not yet been comprehensively reviewed. In the latter process, the acetogen uses the reducing power of CO/syngas to reduce C4 or C6 fatty acids, previously produced by a chain elongating microorganism (commonly Clostridium kluyveri), into the corresponding bioalcohol.
Does breast biopsy marker cost and availability influence utilisation in radiology practice?
Authors: Radic Rose , Taylor Donna Blanche
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Breast Screen Australia and Breast Screen Aotearoa guidelines recommend breast biopsy marker (BBM) use in indicated patients. This study aims to evaluate whether BBM cost and availability impacts BBM utilisation.

Methods

An online survey was disseminated to radiologists who identified ‘breast imaging’ as their area of practice in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) customer relationship management system. Survey questions addressed participant demographics and factors relating to BBM use.

Results

Most (92%, 245/266) participants report that BBMs are routinely available at their place of practice. Those employed in private practice were more likely to report that BBMs are not routinely available. 22% (58/266) of radiologists report that BBM cost influences choice of biopsy type (core biopsy vs fine needle aspirate), this finding was more frequent in those employed in private practice. 47% of respondents report that the cost of BBMs is passed on to the patient, with all these respondents employed in a private or mixed private/public setting. Half the respondents (133/266) reported that their decision to use BBMs would be influenced by the availability of insurance coverage to cover BBM costs.

Conclusions

Results suggest that BBM cost and availability influences both choice of biopsy type (core biopsy vs FNA) and choice to use a BBM. Radiologists working in private practice or mixed private/public practice report that BBMs are less likely to be available for use, and that BBM cost is more likely passed to the patient; possibly disadvantaging patients who present to private radiology providers with imaging findings or conditions that would indicate BBM insertion under current national guidelines.
Petroleum in the Jurassic Reservoirs within the Eastern Fukang Sub‐depression, Junggar Basin, NW China: Correlation and Source Rock
Authors: CHENG Bin , LIU Hua , ZHANG Kuihua , REN Xincheng , MENG Xiangyu , LIU Dezhi
Published: January 2023

The origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub‐depression were geochemically investigated. They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage, while the condensates are at the early stage of intense cracking. Oils and condensates may have experienced mild evaporative fractionation, while mixing of severely biodegraded with non‐biodegraded oils has occurred. Using biomarkers and isotopes, petroleums were classified into Group I, II and III genetic groups, with Group III further divided into IIIa and IIIb subgroups. Group I petroleum displays heavy carbon isotopes, a strong predominance of pristine over phytane, high C19 and C20 tricyclic and C24 tetracyclic terpanes, low gammacerane, and dominant C29 steranes, while Group II shows light carbon isotopes, a predominance of phytane over pristine, high C21 and C23 tricyclic with low C24 tetracyclic terpanes, high gammacerane and dominant C27 steranes. Group IIIa petroleum shows mixing compositions of Group I and II, while Group IIIb displays similar compositions to Group I, but with significantly higher Ts, C29Ts and C30 diahopane proportions. Oil‐source rock correlation suggests Group I and II petroleums originate from Jurassic and Permian source rocks, respectively, while Group IIIa are mixtures sourced from these rocks and IIIb are mixtures from Jurassic and Triassic source rocks.
Economic freedom at metropolitan statistical area borders
Authors: Murphy Ryan H. , Taylor Ellen , Stansel Dean
Published: January 2023

This paper applies a variation on differences‐in‐differences to the effects of economic freedom in matched bordering metropolitan statistical areas using the Metropolitan Economic Freedom Index. While a great deal of research has explored the relationship between economic freedom and economic performance, less has been done at the local level. We find that economic freedom has a positive effect on several measures of economic performance, but no effect on population.
A Shoulder/Elbow Triage and Assessment model of care reduced a public orthopaedic shoulder/elbow clinic waitlist with high patient satisfaction
Authors: Avdalis Christos , Taylor Deborah , Cass Benjamin , Lambert Tara E. , Langron Genevieve , Mittal Rajat , Spasojevic Miloš , Moopanar Terence R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients referred to public orthopaedic clinics can experience long waiting times before assessment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative Shoulder/Elbow Triage and Assessment (SHELTA) model of care involving orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists to reduce the waitlist and improve service and clinical outcomes for patients on an orthopaedic shoulder/elbow clinic waitlist.

Methods

Patients on the waitlist were triaged by surgeons and physiotherapists and invited to an assessment by experienced physiotherapists. Patients were treated nonoperatively or transferred to orthopaedic management based on clinical discussion. The primary outcome was the number of patients on the waitlist. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, patient satisfaction, re‐referral and conversion to surgery rates. Pain, function and patient global impression of change were recorded for participants managed nonoperatively.

Results

From July 2019 to December 2019, the waitlist reduced from 451 to 298 patients with no adverse events. Seventy‐nine patients could not be contacted and 25 no longer required assessment, and were removed from the waitlist. Nonoperatively managed participants reported satisfaction with the service, a median score of 6 on a 7‐point Patient Global Impression of Change scale, change in pain of −2.5/10 (95% CI −3.3, −1.7; P < 0.001) on a numerical pain rating scale, and change in function of −17.4/100 (95% CI: −24.1, −10.8; P < 0.001) on the QuickDASH, indicating improvement.

Conclusions

The SHELTA model of care effectively reduced the number of patients on an orthopaedic shoulder/elbow clinic waitlist with good service and clinical outcomes.
Co‐creation of business models for smallholder forest farmers’ organizations: Lessons learned from rural Ethiopia and Tanzania
Authors: Hintz Kendisha Soekardjo , Pretzsch Jürgen
Published: January 2023

Forest farmers’ organizations (FFOs) have recently gained scholarly attention as a collective action instrument to upgrade value chains. However, insights into possible business models and organizational forms of FFOs remain fragmented. This study thus aimed to co‐create FFO business models in order to assess the business models in the context of the regulatory framework and the value chain upgrading theory. The Input–Output scheme and the Business Model Canvas (BMC) were merged to create an analytical lens. Participatory workshops with two farmers’ organizations, each in Ethiopia and Tanzania, were conducted and triangulated with ten focus group discussions and 25 key informant interviews. The co‐created business models reflected the grassroots entrepreneurial potential of smallholders to envision FFOs. The gaps requiring external support, namely the know‐how in accessing microfinance, silvicultural practices, and entrepreneurship, were revealed. We argue that the transformation from a farmers’ organization to an FFO enables wood value chain upgrading. Diversifying wood with non‐wood products is key for FFOs. Regardless of how the regulatory framework shapes external support, the local government plays a pivotal role in facilitating the connection between FFOs and (non‐)governmental support actors. Through this research, we develop suggestions for further empirical studies and offer several recommendations for decision‐makers.
China in the Global Response to Climate Change
Authors: Garnaut Ross
Published: January 2023

China has a huge national interest in the success of the international effort to hold human‐induced increases in temperature to 1.5 degrees – and therefore in global net emissions falling to net zero by 2050. China is essential to the success of the global effort – as a supplier of competitively priced equipment for the zero emissions world economy and as the world's largest current source of greenhouse gas emissions. Success is more likely for China and the world with international specialization in goods production for the zero emissions economy. This will require open international trade, with China supplying equipment and drawing zero emissions semi‐processed goods from abroad. Success is more likely and will be achieved at a lower cost if there is close cooperation across national boundaries.
Bilateral Relations and Exports: Evidence from Google Big Data
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Hongkui , Xie Qian
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the effect of bilateral relations on exports using data from Google Global Data. It finds that bilateral relations significantly reduced the negative effect of cultural distance on exports, indicating that they can promote exports by reducing trade costs. The paper finds that higher average Goldstein scores of events correlated with more exports and that bilateral relations had a larger effect on trust‐intensive products, indicating that positive relations built trust and decreased the emotional distance between trading partners. The results also show that bilateral relations promoted exports at both the intensive and extensive margins but with a greater effect on the latter. Finally, bilateral relations had a greater positive effect on developing countries than on developed ones. The results were qualitatively unchanged when endogeneity issues and robustness concerns were considered.
Exploring the influence of local alcohol availability on drinking norms and practices: A qualitative scoping review
Authors: Dimova Elena D. , Lekkas Peter , Maxwell Karen , Clemens Tom L. , Pearce Jamie R. , Mitchell Richard , Emslie Carol , Shortt Niamh K.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

High alcohol availability is related to increased alcohol consumption and harms. Existing quantitative research provides potential explanations for this relationship but there is little understanding of how people experience local alcohol availability. This is the first review to synthesise qualitative research exploring the relationship between alcohol availability and other factors in local alcohol environments.

Methods

The scoping review includes qualitative studies exploring community‐level alcohol availability and other factors, facilitating the purchase and consumption of alcohol. We included studies focusing on children and adolescents as well as adults. Study findings were brought together using thematic analysis and the socio‐environmental context model, which explains how certain environments may facilitate drinking.

Results

The review includes 34 articles. The majority of studies were conducted since 2012. Most studies were conducted in the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. The physical availability of alcohol and proximity to local amenities and temporal aspects, like late night opening hours, may be linked to social factors, such as normalisation of drinking and permissive drinking environments. The review highlights the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping interactions with local alcohol environments.

Discussion and Conclusion

This qualitative scoping review advances understanding of the pathways linking alcohol availability and alcohol harms by showing that availability, accessibility and visibility of alcohol may contribute towards permissive drinking environments. Further research is needed to better understand how people experience alcohol availability in their local environment and how this can inform alcohol control policies.
Leverage and firm value
Authors: Pratt William R. , Barboza Gustavo A. , Brigida Matthew
Published: January 2023

Three highly cited studies with over 6000 citations collectively report a negative relationship between the market value of the firm and leverage. Such empirical findings clearly contradict the hypothesis of leverage adding value to the firm and an optimal capital structure that maximizes firm value—these findings have yet to be resolved. Employing a sample of 3,768 firms consisting of 39,015 observations, a stochastic frontier analysis was used to assess the relationship of leverage among other capital structure factors with firm value. It was found that in general the use of leverage promotes firm value, consistent with the trade‐off theory and that the inverse relationship between leverage and firm value was a temporary occurrence and is likely attributable to firms employing tax loss carrybacks in response to the 1986 Tax Reform Act. The estimates of technical efficiency indicate that many firms can do more to increase their value, the sample as a whole improves efficiency (value) over the sample period. The findings reconcile the reports of leverage decreasing firm value as reported in Baker and Wurgler, Fama and French, and Habib and Ljungqvist. The empirical findings suggest prior observation was a due to a decline in the value of the tax shield generated by leverage after the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Specifically, tax carrybacks extended the pre‐Tax Reform Act of 1986 tax shield value to 1991 and after 1991 the tax shield value declined.
Modelling the antecedents of consumers' willingness to pay for eco‐labelled food products
Authors: Singh Pallavi , Sahadev Sunil , Wei Xinya , Henninger Claudia E.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this paper is to model the antecedents of consumers' willingness to pay for eco‐labelled food products. This research utilizes the Theory of Planned Behaviour to model the impact of consumers' awareness of eco‐labels, environmental concerns, beliefs in the environmental ability of eco‐labels, and presence of children on their willingness to pay for eco‐labelled food products. This study uses structural equational modelling and PROCESS macros, to test the moderated mediation model on a sample of 333 online responses. Findings suggest the impact of consumers' environmental concerns and eco‐label awareness on their willingness to pay for eco‐labelled food products is partially mediated by consumers' belief in the environmental ability of these eco‐labels. The relationship is further moderated by the presence of children living in the household. This study establishes the value of consumers' beliefs in the environmental ability of eco‐labels and implies that communication strategies need to be carefully refined to provide consumers with more information about eco‐labels and to emphasize the environmental ability of eco‐labels utilized within the food industry as this can have an impact on their willingness to pay for these products, especially for consumers, who have children in the same household.
Gut microbiome composition associated with Plasmodium infection in the Eurasian tree sparrow
Authors: Rohrer Sage D. , Robertson Briana Q. , Chubiz Lon M. , Parker Patricia G.
Published: January 2023

Recent expansion of microbiome research has uncovered connections between resident microbial communities and blood parasite risk, establishing the potential for microbial disease treatments such as probiotics in the future. However, this field has largely focused on humans and model organisms, leaving much unknown about how microbial communities might directly or indirectly impact parasite infection in wild populations and non‐mammals. To contribute to this knowledge base in wild birds, we collected fecal and blood samples from wild Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) in the United States to test for associations between blood parasite infection and the gut microbiome. We used a widespread molecular approach to test 81 samples from peripheral blood for Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, and we characterized the gut microbiome using fecal samples as a proxy. Neither alpha nor beta diversity significantly varied with detected Plasmodium infection. However, differential abundance analysis highlighted a number of significantly varying bacteria, with the greatest representation within the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes in Plasmodium‐infected birds. These differentially abundant taxa offer a starting point for experimental work establishing the relationship between microbial abundance and Plasmodium infection.
Cancer detection in clinical practice and using blood‐based liquid biopsy: A retrospective audit of over 350 dogs
Authors: Flory Andi , McLennan Lisa , Peet Betsy , Kroll Marissa , Stuart Deirdre , Brown Devon , Stuebner Kathy , Phillips Brenda , Coomber Brenda L. , Woods J. Paul , Miller Mairin , Tripp Chelsea D. , Wolf‐Ringwall Amber , Kruglyak Kristina M. , McCleary‐Wheeler Angela L. , Phelps‐Dunn Ashley , Wong Lilian K. , Warren Chelsea D. , Brandstetter Gina , Rosentel Michelle C. , DiMarzio Lauren R. , O'Kell Allison L. , Cohen Todd A. , Grosu Daniel S. , Chibuk Jason , Tsui Dana W. Y. , Chorny Ilya , Rafalko Jill M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Guidelines‐driven screening protocols for early cancer detection in dogs are lacking, and cancer often is detected at advanced stages.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To examine how cancer typically is detected in dogs and whether the addition of a next‐generation sequencing‐based “liquid biopsy” test to a wellness visit has the potential to enhance cancer detection.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with definitive cancer diagnoses enrolled in a clinical validation study for a novel blood‐based multicancer early detection test.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review was performed to establish the history and presenting complaint that ultimately led to a definitive cancer diagnosis. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction, library preparation, and next‐generation sequencing. Sequencing data were analyzed using an internally developed bioinformatics pipeline to detect genomic alterations associated with the presence of cancer.

Results

In an unselected cohort of 359 cancer‐diagnosed dogs, 4% of cases were detected during a wellness visit, 8% were detected incidentally, and 88% were detected after the owner reported clinical signs suggestive of cancer. Liquid biopsy detected disease in 54.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 49.5%‐59.8%) of patients, including 32% of dogs with early‐stage cancer, 48% of preclinical dogs, and 84% of dogs with advanced‐stage disease.

Conclusions/Clinical Importance

Most cases of cancer were diagnosed after the onset of clinical signs; only 4% of dogs had cancer detected using the current standard of care (i.e., wellness visit). Liquid biopsy has the potential to increase detection of cancer when added to a dog's wellness visit.
Acid‐base imbalances and the association of blood‐gas variables, electrolytes, and biochemical analytes with outcome in hospitalized calves undergoing abdominal surgery
Authors: Trefz Florian M. , Lausch Corinna K. , Rieger Anna , Giertzuch Stine , Lorch Annette , Constable Peter D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Surgical abdominal emergencies in calves are associated with a guarded prognosis and have the potential for complex metabolic derangements including acid‐base imbalances.

Objectives

To perform a comprehensive analysis of acid‐base status and to assess the prognostic relevance of preoperative clinicopathologic variables in calves undergoing abdominal surgery.

Animals

Hospital‐based study samples of 535 (dataset 1; DS1) and 83 calves (dataset 2; DS2).

Methods

Retrospective (DS1) and prospective (DS2) case series.

Results

In DS1, acidemia (pH <7.33) was present in 49.9%, whereas alkalemia (pH >7.37) was present in 30.7% of calves. Plasma L‐lactate, chloride, and serum inorganic phosphorus concentration accounted for 51.9%, 11.6% and 9.4% of the variation of venous blood pH, respectively. Classification tree analysis indicated that a negative outcome (death or euthanasia during hospitalization) was associated with venous pO2 ≤33.6 mm Hg, anion gap >18.3 and >22.9 mEq/L, serum albumin concentration ≤36.5 and ≤29.4 g/L, serum urea concentration >4.4 mmol/L, and plasma ionized calcium concentration ≤1.26 mmol/L. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of this model was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82‐0.89,P < .001) and the resulting sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of nonsurvival at the optimal probability cut‐point of 0.5 was 89.8% and 65.7%, respectively. In DS2 the model had a similar sensitivity and specificity of 90.5% and 70%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Clinicopathologic imbalances and associated changes of acid‐base status are common in calves with surgical abdominal emergencies and have clinical utility for the prediction of a negative postoperative outcome.
Primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma in a young boy
Authors: Michalski Basia M. , Rao Elizabeth M. , Vij Alok
Published: January 2023

We report a 10‐year‐old boy with the challenging presentation of a left toe nodule that failed empiric treatments and was biopsied. Immunohistochemistry and florescence in situ hybridization enabled the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma (ES). This case emphasizes the importance of including ES on the clinical differential to minimize diagnostic delays.
An Antinomy in Alexy's Theory of Balancing
Authors: Ratti Giovanni B.
Published: January 2023

This article argues that Robert Alexy's influential theory of balancing is affected by a contradiction that makes it unfeasible as an instrument by which to explain some aspects of law and legal reasoning it aims to clarify. In particular, I will show that one of the premises of Alexy's theory of balancing is incompatible with its conclusion. Alexy's theory is based upon a sharp distinction between rules and principles. However, as my analysis will demonstrate, its conclusion implies that it is impossible to distinguish between rules and principles. This is because the so‐called weight formula and the law of colliding principles (i.e., the two main notions used by Alexy to explain balancing) cancel out any difference between these two types of norms.
Can placebo and nocebo affect post‐exercise executive function?
Authors: Wang Yu‐Bu , Gao Feng , Guo Lu , Mao Zhi‐Xiong
Published: January 2023

This study examined the placebo and nocebo effects of conditioning and induced expectations on executive function after acute aerobic exercise. The results showed that the benefits of exercise on executive function were influenced by both conditioning and induced expectations. Further, positive conditioning or expectations enhanced cognitive benefits, negative conditioning or expectations reduced cognitive benefits, but induced expectations on executive function were not moderated by conditioning. This study revealed and quantitively estimated the placebo and nocebo effects in improving executive function after acute aerobic exercise, providing evidence to advance the understanding of the cognitive benefits of exercise.
Inference in the presence of likelihood monotonicity for proportional hazards regression
Authors: Kolassa John E. , Zhang Juan
Published: January 2023

Proportional hazards are often used to model event time data subject to censoring. Samples involving discrete covariates with strong effects can lead to infinite maximum partial likelihood estimates. A methodology is presented for eliminating nuisance parameters estimated at infinity using approximate conditional inference. Of primary interest is testing in cases in which the parameter of primary interest has a finite estimate, but in which other parameters are estimated at infinity.
Concealed pied‐piping in Russian: On left‐branch extraction, parasitic gaps, and the nature of discontinuous nominal phrases
Authors: Bondarenko Tatiana , Davis Colin
Published: January 2023

We use parasitic gaps to examine left‐branch extraction from nominal phrases in Russian. We observe that the interpretation of a parasitic gap in a context with left‐branch extraction is the same as the interpretation assigned when an entire nominal phrase is moved. Thus we argue that Russian left‐branch extraction involves concealed pied‐piping of an entire nominal phrase, rather than true extraction of a left branch. We go on to explore the consequences of this analysis for several other topics.
Transplantation of organs from SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive donors: Preliminary experience from Spain
Authors: Montiel Villalonga Patricia , Martínez‐Alpuente Itzíar , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Len Óscar , Bodro Marta , Los‐Arcos Ibai , Moya José , de la Calle Braulio , Cid‐Cumplido Manuela , Sánchez‐Etayo Gerard , Ávila Ana , Moreno‐González Gabriel , Coll Elisabeth , Domínguez‐Gil Beatriz
Published: January 2023

Background

The utilization of non‐lung organs from deceased donors with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) at the time of donation can be lifesaving, although the safety of this policy must be assessed.

Methods

This is a nationwide, prospective study, reporting the experience on the utilization of non‐lung organs from SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive donors between December 15, 2020 and May 31, 2022 in Spain.

Results

A total of 69 patients received a solid organ transplant (41 kidney, 18 liver, 8 heart, and 2 combined liver–kidney) obtained from 32 donors with a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR at the time of donation (four of them with a cycle threshold value <30). All recipients tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 and were free of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) symptoms prior to transplantation. Nasopharyngeal swab turned positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR in 4 (5.8%) recipients at 3, 8, 11, and 20 days after transplantation, though evidence did not support a donor‐derived COVID‐19. Four kidney recipients lost their grafts and two patients died: one heart recipient due to cardiogenic shock and one combined liver–kidney recipient due to lung hypertension and right heart failure. Graft losses and patient deaths were deemed unrelated to the donor SARS‐CoV‐2 status by the treating teams. No other adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusions

This preliminary experience supports the safety of the use of organs other than lungs from SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive donors, in alignment with previous series. However, the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection upon organ quality should be established in future research.

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Making and breaking of boron bridges in the pectic domain rhamnogalacturonan‐II at apoplastic pHin vivo and in vitro
Authors: Begum Rifat Ara , Messenger David J. , Fry Stephen C.
Published: January 2023

Cross‐linking of the cell‐wall pectin domain rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II) via boron bridges between apiose residues is essential for normal plant growth and development, but little is known about its mechanism or reversibility. We characterized the making and breaking of boron bridges in vivo and in vitro at ‘apoplastic’ pH. RG‐II (13–26 μm) was incubated in living Rosa cell cultures and cell‐free media with and without 1.2 mm H3BO3 and cationic chaperones (Ca2+, Pb2+, polyhistidine, or arabinogalactan‐protein oligopeptides). The cross‐linking status of RG‐II was monitored electrophoretically. Dimeric RG‐II was stable at pH 2.0–7.0 in vivo and in vitro. In‐vitro dimerization required a ‘catalytic’ cation at all pHs tested (1.75–7.0); thus, merely neutralizing the negative charge of RG‐II (at pH 1.75) does not enable boron bridging. Pb2+ (20–2500 μm) was highly effective at pH 1.75–4.0, but not 4.75–7.0. Cationic peptides were effective at approximately 1–30 μm; higher concentrations caused less dimerization, probably because two RG‐IIs then rarely bonded to the same peptide molecule. Peptides were ineffective at pH 1.75, their pH optimum being 2.5–4.75. d‐Apiose (>40 mm) blocked RG‐II dimerization in vitro, but did not cleave existing boron bridges. Rosa cells did not take up d‐[U‐14C]apiose; therefore, exogenous apiose would block only apoplastic RG‐II dimerization in vivo. In conclusion, apoplastic pH neither broke boron bridges nor prevented their formation. Thus boron‐starved cells cannot salvage boron from RG‐II, and ‘acid growth’ is not achieved by pH‐dependent monomerization of RG‐II. Divalent metals and cationic peptides catalyse RG‐II dimerization via co‐ordinate and ionic bonding respectively (possible and impossible, respectively, at pH 1.75). Exogenous apiose may be useful to distinguish intra‐ and extra‐protoplasmic dimerization.
Metabolic cues impact non‐oscillatory intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus: standard versus high‐fat diet comparative study
Authors: Jeczmien‐Lazur Jagoda S. , Sanetra Anna M. , Pradel Kamil , Izowit Gabriela , Chrobok Lukasz , Palus‐Chramiec Katarzyna , Piggins Hugh D. , Lewandowski Marian H.
Published: January 2023

The intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (IGL/VLG) are subcortical structures involved in entrainment of the brain's circadian system to photic and non‐photic (e.g. metabolic and arousal) cues. Both receive information about environmental light from photoreceptors, exhibit infra‐slow oscillations (ISO)in vivo, and connect to the master circadian clock. Although current evidence demonstrates that the IGL/VLG communicate metabolic information and are crucial for entrainment of circadian rhythms to time‐restricted feeding, their sensitivity to food intake‐related peptides has not been investigated yet. We examined the effect of metabolically relevant peptides on the spontaneous activity of IGL/VLG neurons. Usingex vivoandin vivoelectrophysiological recordings as well asin situhybridisation, we tested potential sensitivity of the IGL/VLG to anorexigenic and orexigenic peptides, such as cholecystokinin, glucagon‐like peptide 1, oxyntomodulin, peptide YY, orexin A and ghrelin. We explored neuronal responses to these drugs during day and night, and in standardvs. high‐fat diet conditions. We found that IGL/VLG neurons responded to all the substances tested, except peptide YY. Moreover, more neurons responded to anorexigenic drugs at night, while a high‐fat diet affected the IGL/VLG sensitivity to orexigenic peptides. Interestingly, ISO neurons responded to light and orexin A, but did not respond to the other food intake‐related peptides. In contrast, non‐ISO cells were activated by metabolic peptides, with only some being responsive to light. Our results show for the first time that peptides involved in the body's energy homeostasis stimulate the thalamus and suggest functional separation of the IGL/VLG cells.

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Key points

The intergeniculate leaflet and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (IGL/VLG) of the rodent thalamus process various signals and participate in circadian entrainment.

In both structures, cells exhibiting infra‐slow oscillatory activity as well as non‐rhythmically firing neurons being observed.

Here, we reveal that only one of these two groups of cells responds to anorexigenic (cholecystokinin, glucagon‐like peptide 1 and oxyntomodulin) and orexigenic (ghrelin and orexin A) peptides. Neuronal responses vary depending on the time of day (dayvs. night) and on the diet (standardvs. high‐fat diet).

Additionally, we visualised receptors to the tested peptides in the IGL/VLG usingin situhybridisation.

Our results suggest that two electrophysiologically different subpopulations of IGL/VLG neurons are involved in two separate functions: one related to the body's energy homeostasis and one associated with the subcortical visual system.
Computationally Efficient Hierarchical Model Predictive Control Via Koopman Operator
Authors: Boyle Stephen , Stockar Stephanie
Published: January 2023

Combined powertrain and velocity optimization can achieve significant energy efficiency improvements. However, due to the multitime scales in the system, the optimization is performed hierarchically and by separating time scales. To enforce state constraints, iteration between controller is introduced, for example, using Lagrange multipliers as metric for constraint violation. In this paper, an extension of the Koopman operator theory is presented with to obtain a data-driven approximation of the multipliers' behavior hence eliminating the need for iterations. Because the evolution of the Lagrange multipliers is the result of a fast dynamics optimization problem, and not the response of a nonlinear dynamical system, a novel technique in which the Lagrange multipliers are interpreted as a dynamic system is presented here. The approximate Koopman linear system is then derived using extended dynamic mode decomposition and it is integrated with the slow dynamic optimization. Results show that the Koopman augmented controller, which is solved as one single optimization, meets state and input constraints and achieves similar energy savings compared to an iterative approach.
A Comparison of Biaxial Bending Strength of Thin Silicon Dies in the Ball-on-Ring and PoEF Tests
Authors: Tsai M. Y. , Kuo T. C.
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to demonstrate the biaxial bending strength test on thin silicon dies using the classic ball-on-ring (BoR) test and discuss it in detail by comparing those results with the newly-proposed point load on elastic foundation (PoEF) test. The geometric linear and nonlinear solutions to the BoR test are reviewed and also provided with theoretical and numerical formulations, respectively. Three different thicknesses (t = 42 μm, 57 μm, and 82 μm) of the thin silicon dies (with a size of 10 mm × 10 mm) are tested in the BoR test, and their bending strengths, load–displacement curves and failure modes are presented and thoroughly discussed with a comparison of the published data from the PoEF test. It is found that, for the bending strengths of 57 μm and 82 μm-thick dies, the data from both the BoR and PoEF tests are very consistent, but not for 42 μm-thick dies with a relatively lower value in the BoR test. This lower strength value in the BoR test is attributed to the more pronounced local buckling effect than the PoEF test. Based on that, it can concluded that the PoEF test is better and more reliable than the conventional BoR as for testing the ultrathin silicon dies, even though both tests are identical for the regularly thin dies.
Table Tennis, as a Method of Sensorimotor Training, Induces Haptic and Motor Gains in Children With a Probable Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Tseng Yu-Ting , Tsai Chia-Liang , Wu Tzu Hsuan , Chen Yi-Wen , Lin Yi-Hsuan
Published: January 2023

This study examined whether table tennis as a method of sensorimotor training improves haptic and motor function and to what extent haptic function gain correlates with changes in motor ability in children with probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD). Children with pDCD were randomly assigned to the table tennis and nontraining control groups. The children in the table tennis group received 36 sessions of table tennis training, including ball balancing, hitting the ball against the wall, strokes, and serving. Haptic sensitivity, acuity, and motor function domains were measured. The results showed a 41.5% improvement in haptic sensitivity in children exposed to table tennis training compared with 2.8% in those without training. This improved haptic sensitivity significantly correlated with motor function gain, suggesting that somatosensory gains occur simultaneously with changes in motor function in children with pDCD. This novel upper limb motor training approach may be an interesting method of sensorimotor training in neurological rehabilitation in children with pDCD.
HPV is a cargo for the COPI sorting complex during virus entry
Authors: Harwood Mara C. , Woo Tai-Ting , Takeo Yuka , DiMaio Daniel , Tsai Billy
Published: January 2023

During entry, human papillomavirus (HPV) traffics from the cell surface to the endosome and then to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and Golgi apparatus. HPV must transit across the TGN/Golgi and exit these compartments to reach the nucleus to cause infection, although how these steps are accomplished is unclear. Combining cellular fractionation, unbiased proteomics, and gene knockdown strategies, we identified the coat protein complex I (COPI), a highly conserved protein complex that facilitates retrograde trafficking of cellular cargos, as a host factor required for HPV infection. Upon TGN/Golgi arrival, the cytoplasmic segment of HPV L2 binds directly to COPI. COPI depletion causes the accumulation of HPV in the TGN/Golgi, resembling the fate of a COPI binding–defective L2 mutant. We propose that the L2-COPI interaction drives HPV trafficking through the TGN and Golgi stacks during virus entry. This shows that an incoming virus is a cargo of the COPI complex.
Population-specific vulnerability to ocean change in a multistressor environment
Authors: Donham Emily M. , Flores Iris , Hooper Alexis , O’Brien Evan , Vylet Kate , Takeshita Yuichiro , Freiwald Jan , Kroeker Kristy J.
Published: January 2023

Variation in environmental conditions across a species’ range can alter their responses to environmental change through local adaptation and acclimation. Evolutionary responses, however, may be challenged in ecosystems with tightly coupled environmental conditions, where changes in the covariance of environmental factors may make it more difficult for species to adapt to global change. Here, we conduct a 3-month-long mesocosm experiment and find evidence for local adaptation/acclimation in populations of red sea urchins,
Mesocentrotus franciscanus
, to multiple environmental drivers. Moreover, populations differ in their response to projected concurrent changes in pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Our results highlight the potential for local adaptation/acclimation to multivariate environmental regimes but suggest that thresholds in responses to a single environmental variable, such as temperature, may be more important than changes to environmental covariance. Therefore, identifying physiological thresholds in key environmental drivers may be particularly useful for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
The molecular mechanism of sialic acid transport mediated by Sialin
Authors: Hu Wenxin , Chi Congwu , Song Kunhua , Zheng Hongjin
Published: January 2023

Malfunction of the sialic acid transporter caused by various genetic mutations in the
SLC17A5
gene encoding Sialin leads to a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions called free sialic acid storage disorders. Unfortunately, how Sialin transports sialic acid/proton (H
+
) and how pathogenic mutations impair its function are poorly defined. Here, we present the structure of human Sialin in an inward-facing partially open conformation determined by cryo–electron microscopy, representing the first high-resolution structure of any human SLC17 member. Our analysis reveals two unique features in Sialin: (i) The H
+
coupling/sensing requires two highly conserved Glu residues (E171 and E175) instead of one (E175) as implied in previous studies; and (ii) the normal function of Sialin requires the stabilization of a cytosolic helix, which has not been noticed in the literature. By mapping known pathogenic mutations, we provide mechanistic explanations for corresponding functional defects. We propose a structure-based mechanism for sialic acid transport mediated by Sialin.
Lnc956
regulates mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation in response to DNA damage in a p53-independent pathway
Authors: Ma Huaixiao , Ning Yuqi , Wang Lin , Zhang Weidao , Zheng Ping
Published: January 2023

Maintaining genomic stability is crucial for embryonic stem cells (ESCs). ESCs with unrepaired DNA damage are eliminated through differentiation and apoptosis. To date, only tumor suppressor p53 is known to be implicated in this quality control process. Here, we identified a p53-independent quality control factor lncRNA NONMMUT028956 (
Lnc956
for short) in mouse ESCs.
Lnc956
is prevalently expressed in ESCs and regulates the differentiation of ESCs after DNA damage. Mechanistically, Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) activation drives m
6
A methylation of
Lnc956
, which promotes its interaction with Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4).
Lnc956
-KLF4 association sequestrates the KLF4 protein and prevents KLF4’s transcriptional regulation on pluripotency. This posttranslational mechanism favors the rapid shutdown of the regulatory circuitry of pluripotency. Thus, ATM signaling in ESCs can activate two pathways mediated by p53 and
Lnc956
, respectively, which act together to ensure robust differentiation and apoptosis in response to unrepaired DNA damage.