bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclaimer language in US banks’ audit committee reports: determinants and consequences
Authors: Naaman Christine , Naaman Karen , Sahyoun Najib
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the determinants and consequences of using disclaimer language in the banks’ audit committee (AC) reports. This study aims to analyze the factors tempting AC members of banks to disclose disclaimer language in the AC reports and the effect of such language on the cost of equity.

Design/methodology/approach

The data cover the period from 2006 to 2015 and considers the top US bank holding companies. Voluntary disclosure in the AC report is manually coded by using a scoring grid. Multivariate regression analysis is mainly used in the study.

Findings

The findings suggest that the ACs are using the disclaimer language to protect themselves when disclosing a high level of voluntary information that describes their oversight activities or to reduce their liability exposure due to lower financial reporting quality. The findings also reveal that investors are requiring a higher return on their investments whenever ACs use disclaimer language in their reports.

Originality/value

The AC report provides useful information to shareholders who evaluate the AC’s performance and accordingly vote for or against AC members on annual basis. The paper sheds lights on the motives and consequences of disclaimer language in the ACs report. Thus, the study benefits shareholders by providing empirical evidence in regard to the usage of disclaimer language. Also, the findings benefit industry, corporate governance organizations, standard setters and regulators that analyze AC disclosures and issue recommendations or new standards for improving those disclosures.
The threshold of sweet taste recognition among a sample of Moroccan population
Authors: Guennoun Yasmine , Benajiba Nada , Elkari Khalid , Bouziani Amina , Elammari Laila , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Elhaloui Noureddine , Barkat Amina , Benkirane Hasnae , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Sugar consumption in Morocco is high, which is involved in triggering serious health conditions. Hence, assessing the recognition threshold of sweet taste among Moroccans is strongly needed. This study aims to determine the threshold of sweet taste recognition and to evaluate differences by sex, age and body mass index among a sample of Moroccan population.

Design/methodology/approach

This single-blind trial was conducted among 199 healthy participants to determine the sweet taste. Age and anthropometric characteristics were registered. Nine sucrose solutions of the following concentrations (0; 0.111; 0.333; 1; 3; 9; 27; 81; 243 mmol/L) were prepared. Sweet taste perception thresholds were determined based on the validated 3-alternative forced choice test method.

Findings

The average age of the sample population was 21.5 ± 26.1. And more than half (51.7%) detected the taste at the concentration of 9 mmol/L, while 91.9% recognized it at a concentration of 27 mmol/L. In terms of sex, the recognition of taste was not different between females and males (p > 0.05). The mean values of the threshold among women were significantly lower (20 ± 20.8 mmol/L) compared to men (23.9 ± 33.2 mmol/L). The age group 49–59 years old had the lowest threshold with a mean of 13.4 ± 10.2 mmol/L, and the groups with BMI in the overweight category had mean of 16.9 ± 18.2 mmol/L. However, no statistical difference was observed among either age groups or BMI categories.

Originality/value

The sweet recognition threshold among the studied population is high. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to educate the population about the necessity of a progressive reduction of sugar in food items to combat non-communicable disorders.
Design and implementation of the movement gauge for rail clearance based on combination measurement method
Authors: Xu Jingbo , Xu Xiaohong , Cui Xiaomeng , Zhang Fujun , Li Qiaowei , Wang Weidong , Jiang Yuhang
Published: December 2021

Purpose

As the infrastructure of the railway, the rail could sink or deform to different degrees due to the impact of train operation or the geological changing force for years, which will lead to the possibility that the facilities on both sides of the rail invade the rail clearance and bring hidden dangers to the safe operation of the train. The purpose of this paper is to design the gauge to measure the clearance parameters of rail.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming at the problem, the gauge for clearance measurement was designed based on a combination measurement method in this paper. It consists of the measurement box and the rail measurement vehicle, which integrates a laser displacement sensor, inclination sensor, gauge sensor and mileage sensor. The measurement box was placed outside the rail vehicle. Through the design of a hardware circuit and software system, the movement measurement of the clearance parameters was realized.

Findings

In this paper, the measurement equations of horizontal distance and vertical height were established, the optimal solutions of the structural parameters in the equations were obtained by Levenberg–Marquardt method, then the parameter calibration problem was also solved.

Originality/value

The gauge has high precision; its measurement uncertainty reaches 1.27 mm. The gauge has manual and automatic working modes, which are convenient to operate and have practical popularization value.
The lived experience of patients suffering from stroke and their perception of palliative care needs: a literature review
Authors: Halabi Marwa , Khalaf Inaam , Bani Hani Salam
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to review the lived experience of patients suffering from stroke and describe their perception of palliative care needs.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review search was conducted. Web of Sciences, SAGE, CINAHL, PubMed and Jordanian Database for Nursing Research databases were used to search the literature.

Findings

The findings of 37 articles were address palliative care approaches for patients with stroke, lived experiences of patients suffering from stroke and the experience, barriers and facilitators related to health-care service for stroke survivors.

Originality/value

This review indicated the importance of recognizing palliative care needs among patients suffering from stroke to improve post-stroke recovery. This study recommends further research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to understand patients’ experiences and recognize the main palliative care needs that can be incorporated into interventions designed to improve the quality of life among them.
Differences in the sequence of PlcR transcriptional regulator–binding site affect sphingomyelinase production in Bacillus cereus
Authors: Yokotani Atsushi , Takahashi Fumi , Aoyama Ryoko , Kamoshida Go , Kosaka Tadashi , Nakanishi Masaki , Fujita Naohisa
Published: December 2021

Bacillus cereus is an opportunistic pathogen that often causes severe infections such as bacteremia, with sphingomyelinase (SMase) being a crucial virulence factor. Although many strains of B. cereus carry the SMase gene, they are classified as SMase‐producing and nonproducing strains. The reason for different SMase production among B. cereus strains remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the relationship between SMase and the PlcR transcriptional regulation system to clarify the mechanism leading to varied SMase production among B. cereus strains. We analyzed the sequence of the PlcR box, which is a transcriptional regulator‐binding site, located at the promoter region of SMase and phosphatidylcholine‐specific phospholipase C. Based on differences in the PlcR box sequences, we classified the B. cereus strains into three groups (I, II, and III). SMase expression and activity were hardly detected in Group III strains. In Group I strains, SMase activity and its expression were maximal at the onset of the stationary phase and decreased during the stationary phase, whereas those were maintained during the stationary phase in Group II stains. On injection of B. cereus strains into mice or incubation with macrophages for phagocytosis assay, the SMase‐producing Group I and II strains showed higher pathogenicity than Group III strains. These findings suggest that PlcR box sequence in B. cereus affects the production of SMase, which may provide important clinical information for the detection of highly pathogenic B. cereus strains.
Age‐specific outcomes from the first round of HPV screening in unvaccinated women: Observational study from the English cervical screening pilot
Authors: Rebolj Matejka , Mathews Christopher S. , Pesola Francesca , Cuschieri Kate , Denton Karin , Kitchener Henry ,   the HPV Pilot Steering Group
Published: December 2021

Objective

To report detailed age‐specific outcomes from the first round of an English pilot studying the implementation of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) testing in primary cervical screening.

Design

Observational study with screening in 2013–2016, followed by two early recalls and/or colposcopy until the end of 2019.

Setting

Six NHS laboratory sites.

Population

A total of 1 341 584 women undergoing screening with HR‐HPV testing or liquid‐based cytology (LBC).

Methods

Early recall tests and colposcopies were recommended, depending on the nature of the screening‐detected abnormality.

Main outcome measures

We reported standard screening process indicators, e.g. proportions with an abnormality, including high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) or cancer, and the positive predictive value (PPV) of colposcopy for CIN2+, by screening test and age group.

Results

Among unvaccinated women screened with HR‐HPV testing at age 24–29 years, 26.9% had a positive test and 10.4% were directly referred to colposcopy following cytology triage, with a PPV for CIN2+ of 47%. At 50–64 years of age, these proportions were much lower: 5.3%, 1.2% and 27%, respectively. The proportions of women testing positive for HR‐HPV without cytological abnormalities, whose early recall HR‐HPV tests returned negative results, were similar across the age spans: 54% at 24–29 years and 55% at 50–64 years. Two‐thirds of infections at any age were linked to non‐16/18 genotypes. Among women with CIN2, CIN3 or cervical cancer, however, the proportion of non‐16/18 infections increased with age. As expected, the detection of abnormalities was lower following screening with LBC.

Conclusions

These data provide a reliable reference for future epidemiological studies, including those concerning the effectiveness of HPV vaccination.

Tweetable abstract

Data from the English pilot study provide a comprehensive overview of abnormalities detected through HPV screening.
Lipidomics provides therapeutic and diagnostic potential, but needs standardisation
Authors: Gill L , Contag S
Published: December 2021

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Xiaotong Sun et al. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17026
Ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity ratio distinguishes pre‐eclampsia from chronic and gestational hypertension: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Lau Katherine G. Y. , Wright Allan , Kountouris Emmanouil , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Kametas Nikos A.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To examine whether the ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity ratio (OA PSV‐ratio) is higher in women with pre‐eclampsia compared with gestational hypertension (GH) and chronic hypertension (CH), after controlling for confounding variables.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Specialist hypertension clinic in a tertiary referral centre.

Population

Singleton pregnancies presenting between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation with pre‐eclampsia (n = 50), GH (n = 54) and CH (n = 56).

Methods

Paired measurements of maternal mean arterial pressure (MAP) and OA PSV‐ratio were performed by trained sonographers. Multiple linear regression was fitted to the OA PSV‐ratio, including maternal characteristics and medical history, GH, pre‐eclampsia and MAP and use of antihypertensive medication.

Main Outcome Measure

Whether pre‐eclampsia is independently associated with higher OA PSV‐ratio.

Results

MAP was significantly higher in both GH (p = 0.0015) and pre‐eclampsia (p = 0.008) than in CH pregnancies. There was no significant difference between pre‐eclampsia and GH (0.670). The OA PSV‐ratio was significantly higher in pre‐eclampsia than CH (p = 0.0008) and GH (p = 0.015). There was no significant difference between the OA PSV‐ratio in CH and GH (p = 0.352). Multiple linear regression modelling showed that the OA PSV‐ratio was influenced by maternal weight (p = 0.005), maternal age (p = 0.014), antihypertensive medications (p = 0.007) and MAP (p < 0.0001). After controlling for these variables, the OA PSV‐ratio was still significantly higher in those with pre‐eclampsia (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

The OA PSV‐ratio is influenced by maternal weight, age, antihypertensive medications and MAP. Pre‐eclampsia is an independent predictor of OA PSV‐ratio, which therefore may be a useful point‐of‐care test when assessing women presenting with hypertension.
Risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury among women who birth vaginally after a prior caesarean section: A state‐wide cohort study
Authors: Uebergang Jessica , Hiscock Richard , Hastie Roxanne , Middleton Anna , Pritchard Natasha , Walker Susan , Tong Stephen , Lindquist Anthea
Published: December 2021

Objective

Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) has been suggested to be associated with an increased risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (compared with primiparous women who birth vaginally). However, prior studies have been small or have used outdated methodology. We set out to validate whether the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury among women having their first VBAC is greater than that among primiparous women having a vaginal birth.

Design

State‐wide retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Victoria, Australia.

Population

All births (455 000) between 2009 and 2014.

Methods

The risk of severe perineal injury between the first vaginal birth and the first VBAC was compared, after adjustment for potential confounding variables. Covariates were examined using logistic regression for categorical data and the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for continuous data. Missing data were handled using multiple imputation; the analysis was performed using regression adjustment and stata 16 multiple imputation and suite of effects commands.

Results

Women having a VBAC (n = 5429) were significantly more likely than primiparous women (n = 123 353) to sustain a third‐ or fourth‐degree tear during vaginal birth (7.1 versus 5.7%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for mode of birth, body mass index, maternal age, infant birthweight, episiotomy and epidural, there was a 21% increased risk of severe perineal injury (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.38).

Conclusions

Women having their first VBAC have a significantly increased risk of sustaining a third‐ or fourth‐degree tear, compared with primiparous women having a vaginal birth. Patient counselling and professional guidelines should reflect this increased risk.
Sexual function in the first year postpartum
Authors: Pope Rachel
Published: December 2021

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on L Cattani et al., pp. 1017–1028 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16934
The Economic Consequences of Financial Audit Regulation in the Charitable Sector
Authors: DUGUAY RAPHAEL
Published: December 2021

I provide evidence on the effects of financial audit mandates in the charitable sector, in particular their influence on donor behavior. My empirical strategy relies on variation in size‐based exemption thresholds across states and differences in size driven by the nature of charities’ activities. Consistent with audit mandates reducing donors’ reliance on charity reputation, I find audit mandates are associated with a lower concentration of donations on the largest, most well‐known charities. I show this reallocation of resources allows the charitable sector to serve more diverse geographic areas and social needs. In terms of the effect on willingness to give, I document that audit mandates are associated with a higher proportion of taxpayers who donate. However, I only observe a sizable impact on total contributions in dollars for charities with high inherent information asymmetry. Collectively, these results suggest financial audit regulation reduces information frictions and thereby affects resource allocation in the market for charitable giving.
Current state of prostate‐specific membrane antigen PET/CT imaging–targeted biopsy techniques for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Ma Le , Zhang Wan‐Chun , Hao Ya‐Xin
Published: December 2021

Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is the focus of clinical diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). The current standard for diagnosing csPCa in men at risk relies on a transrectal (and in some instances transperineal) ultrasound‐guided biopsy (TRUS‐GB) that is blind to the location of cancer, leading to false‐negative csPCa diagnoses. Over the past decade, PSMA PET/CT imaging–targeted prostate biopsy (PSMA PET/CT‐TB), which obtains tissue samples from a defined suspicious area, has emerged as a promising solution for improving csPCa detection. Its feasibility and higher csPCa diagnostic value have been reported by a few case reports and studies. The current manuscript will review this latest targeted prostate puncture technology, summarize the existing applications of PSMA PET/CT‐TB, including technical considerations, and discuss the advantages and challenges of each technique.
Neoadjuvant PD‐1 inhibitor combines with chemotherapy versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Feng Yuan , Sun Wei , Zhang Jie , Wang Yang , Chen Jinfeng , Liu Xinying , Wang Liang , Li Shaolei , Lv Chao , Lu Fangliang , Zhang Jianzhi , Hong Yang , Xiao Shanshan , Wang Tao , Jiao Raymond , Wang Ziping , Qi Liping , Li Nan , Yang Yue , Lin Dongmei , Fang Jian
Published: December 2021

Background

A single‐agent of anti programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1) therapy has been explored for resectable lung cancer before surgery. However, the effectiveness and safety of neoadjuvant programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) blockade combined with chemotherapy have not been published.

Methods

Twenty‐one consecutive patients with potentially resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the lung who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery in Beijing Cancer Hospital were included in this study. Eight patients received two cycles of neoadjuvant platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy combined with anti‐programmed cell death 1 (anti‐PD‐1) therapy, while 13 patients received two cycles of neoadjuvant platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy only. Chest computed tomography was repeated before neoadjuvant treatment and surgery. Adverse events were monitored. The major pathological response (MPR) rate was determined after surgery. Selected specimens were sent for immunohistochemical and multiplex immunofluorescence analyses, and T‐cell receptor DNA sequencing.

Results

Compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, the combination of PD‐1 blockade and chemotherapy increased the pathological complete response rate (37.5% vs. 7.69%) and MPR rate (50% vs. 38.46%). The pathological and radiological evaluations are not consistent. No unknown adverse effects were reported for all the patients. More tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were observed in patients who received PD‐1 blockade. No unknown pathological features associated with PD‐1 blockade were found. Immune suppression in the peritumoral spaces around the residual tumor cells was observed. The amino acid sequences of the T‐cell receptors are not significantly shared among the patients.

Conclusions

The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and PD‐1 blockade is safe and feasible, and might indicate an increased MPR and pathological complete response rate. More investigations are needed for the best combination of the neoadjuvant therapy.
The importance of specification choices when analyzing sectoral productivity gaps
Authors: Merfeld Joshua D. , Brummund Peter
Published: December 2021

A consistent finding in the development literature is that average non‐farm labor productivity is higher than average farm labor productivity. These differences in average productivity are sometimes used to promote policies which advance the non‐farm sector. In this article, we analyze the importance of two specification choices when comparing productivity gaps, using detailed household panel data from Malawi. Importantly, we are able to calculate both average revenue products (ARPLs)—similar to most of the sectoral productivity gap literature—as well as marginal revenue products (MRPLs). We show that the choice of productivity measure combined with the choice of production function specification can lead to different sectoral productivity rankings. MRPLs from translog production functions suggest the household farm sector is more productive than the household non‐farm sector, while MRPLs from a Cobb‐Douglas and ARPLs from both a translog and a Cobb‐Douglas find the opposite ranking.
The impact of androgen deprivation therapy on bone mineral density in men treated for paraphilic disorder: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: De Landtsheer Anaïs , Bekaert Lieslinde , David Karel , Marcq Philippe , Jeandarme Inge , Decallonne Brigitte , Antonio Leen , Vanderschueren Dirk
Published: December 2021

Background

Guidelines suggest treating men with paraphilic disorder with androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT). However, little evidence is available about the long‐term impact on bone loss and how to manage this adverse event.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of ADT on bone mineral density (BMD) in men treated for paraphilic disorder with the androgen receptor blocker cyproterone acetate (CPA) and/or GnRH agonist triptoreline (GnRHa) and to evaluate the effect of treatment with bisphosphonates.

Methods

Baseline and follow‐up dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan (DXA‐scan) data (lumbar and femoral T‐scores) were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical files of paraphilic men who received CPA and/or GnRHa.

Results

A total of 53 patients with a mean age of 39.1 years (range 17.5–74.6) were included. Lumbar (−0.39 ± 0.17, Mean ± SEM, p = 0.046), femoral neck (−0.34 ± 0.09, p = 0.002) and total femur (−0.33 ± 0.12, p = 0.014) T‐scores decreased significantly in the CPA‐only group (n = 13) during a mean follow‐up of 6.0 ± 5.3 years. In the GnRHa group (n = 29), T‐scores at all sites decreased significantly over 6.6 ± 4.4 years (lumbar: −0.55 ± 0.12, p < 0.001, femoral neck: −0.53 ± 0.09, total femur: −0.44 ± 0.09, p < 0.001). In the group, who received bisphosphonates (n = 11), no significant T‐score change was observed (lumbar: −0.25 ± 0.14, p = 0.106, femoral neck −0.15 ± 0.17, p = 0.402, total femur −0.25 ± 0.14, p = 0.106) during 5.0 ± 2.8 years of follow‐up.

Discussion and conclusion

Following a mean duration of 6 years of ADT, we observed a significant decline in BMD of approximately half a standard deviation in T‐score at lumbar and femoral site. Although the number of patients who received bisphosphonates was limited, this treatment seems to have a positive stabilizing effect on bone density.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation outcomes in COVID‐19 patients: Case series from the Brazilian COVID‐19 Registry
Authors: Ponce Daniela , de Carvalho Rafael Lima Rodrigues , Pires Magda Carvalho , Vianna Heloisa Reniers , Nogueira Matheus Carvalho Alves , Botoni Fernando Antonio , Aranha Fernando Graça , Costa André Soares de Moura , Vietta Giovanna Grunewald , Aranha Felipe Ferraz Martins Graça , Gomes Virginia Mara Reis , Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , de Sá Antonio Tolentino Nogueira , Pereira Polianna Delfino , Marcolino Milena Soriano
Published: December 2021

Around 5% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients develop critical disease, with severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In these cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be considered when conventional therapy fails. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes of COVID‐19 patients with ARDS refractory to lung‐protective ventilation and prone positioning on ECMO support, as well as to review the available literature on ECMO use and COVID‐19 patients’ outcome. Patients from this case series were selected from the Brazilian COVID‐19 Registry. From the 7646 patients included in the registry, only eight received ECMO support (0.1%), in four hospitals. The median age of the entire sample was 59 (interquartile range 54.2–64.4) years old and 87.5% were male. Hypertension (50.0%), diabetes mellitus (50.0%) and obesity (37.5%) were the most frequent comorbidities. The indications for ECMO were PaO2/FiO2 ratio <80 mm Hg for more than 6 h or PaO2/FiO2 ratio <60 mm Hg for more than 3 h. The mortality rate was 87.5%. In conclusion, in this case series of COVID‐19 patients with ARDS refractory to conventional therapy who received ECMO support, a very high mortality was observed. Our findings are not different from previous studies including a small number of patients; however, there is a huge difference from Extracorporeal Life Support Organization results, which encourages us to keep looking for improvement.
Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm: Report of two cases and review
Authors: Saliba Elie , Goldberg Lynne J.
Published: December 2021

Superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of arterial injury developing on the forehead following blunt trauma. There is little written on this entity in the dermatopathology literature. We describe two cases of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm in two men aged 53 and 25 years, one of whom had a recent history of head trauma. This report reviews the classic histopathologic findings of STA pseudoaneurysm and highlights ways to distinguish it from other entities in the differential diagnosis.
CD8+ mycosis fungoides with ichthyosiform clinical presentation and angiocentric feature
Authors: Ba Wei , Yang Henry (Hongyu) , Wang Wenjuan , Li Chengxin
Published: December 2021

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is characterized by epidermotropic atypical lymphocytes infiltrate with α/β T‐helper memory immunophenotype (βF1+, CD3+, CD4+, CD45Ro+, and CD8−). Angiocentricity is always associated with aggressive behavior or poor outcome in primary or secondary cutaneous lymphomas. Rare cases of angiocentric MF with a T‐cytotoxic immunophenotype (CD3+, CD4−, CD8+, TIA‐1+) have been described. Here, we report a 27‐year‐old man diagnosed with MF, clinically presenting with ichthyosiform lesions on his trunk and limbs. Biopsy demonstrated a CD3+ and CD8+ atypical lymphocytic infiltrate with marked epidermotropism and angiocentricity. Awareness of this rare MF variant with unusual clinicopathological characteristics is important to avoid misdiagnosis.
Developmental changes in neural lateralization for visual‐spatial function: Evidence from a line‐bisection task
Authors: Ferrara Katrina , Seydell‐Greenwald Anna , Chambers Catherine E. , Newport Elissa L. , Landau Barbara
Published: December 2021

Studies of hemispheric specialization have traditionally cast the left hemisphere as specialized for language and the right hemisphere for spatial function. Much of the supporting evidence for this separation of function comes from studies of healthy adults and those who have sustained lesions to the right or left hemisphere. However, we know little about the developmental origins of lateralization. Recent evidence suggests that the young brain represents language bilaterally, with 4–6‐year‐olds activating the left‐hemisphere regions known to support language in adults as well as homotopic regions in the right hemisphere. This bilateral pattern changes over development, converging on left‐hemispheric activation in late childhood. In the present study, we ask whether this same developmental trajectory is observed in a spatial task that is strongly right‐lateralized in adults—the line bisection (or “Landmark”) task. We examined fMRI activation among children ages 5–11 years as they were asked to judge which end of a bisected vertical line was longer. We found that young children showed bilateral activation, with activation in the same areas of the right hemisphere as has been shown among adults, as well as in the left hemisphere homotopic regions. By age 10, activation was right‐lateralized. This strongly resembles the developmental trajectory for language, moving from bilateral to lateralized activation. We discuss potential underlying mechanisms and suggest that understanding the development of lateralization for a range of cognitive functions can play a crucial role in understanding general principles of how and why the brain comes to lateralize certain functions.
Mathematical performance in childhood and early adult outcomes after very preterm birth: an individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Jaekel Julia , Anderson Peter J , Bartmann Peter , Cheong Jeanie L Y , Doyle Lex W , Hack Maureen , Johnson Samantha , Marlow Neil , Saigal Saroj , Schmidt Louis , Sullivan Mary C , Wolke Dieter
Published: December 2021

Aim

To investigate the strength of the independent associations of mathematics performance in children born very preterm (<32wks' gestation or <1500g birthweight) with attending postsecondary education and their current employment status in young adulthood.

Method

We harmonized data from six very preterm birth cohorts from five different countries and carried out one‐stage individual participant data meta‐analyses (n=954, 52% female) using mixed effects logistic regression models. Mathematics scores at 8 to 11 years of age were z‐standardized using contemporary cohort‐specific controls. Outcomes included any postsecondary education, and employment/education status in young adulthood. All models were adjusted for year of birth, gestational age, sex, maternal education, and IQ in childhood.

Results

Higher mathematics performance in childhood was independently associated with having attended any postsecondary education (odds ratio [OR] per SD increase in mathematics z‐score: 1.36 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.03, 1.79]) but not with current employment/education status (OR 1.14 per SD increase [95% CI: 0.87, 1.48]).

Interpretation

Among populations born very preterm, childhood mathematics performance is important for adult educational attainment, but not for employment status.
Gut content metabarcoding of three widespread Iberian ant‐eating spiders reveals specialisation on the same abundant harvester ants
Authors: Ortiz David , Petráková Dušátková Lenka , Pekár Stano
Published: December 2021

Trophic specialists often follow unique evolutionary pathways, show potential applications in biological control, and suffer from increased ecological vulnerability. The myrmecophagous spider genus Zodarion, highly diversified across the Mediterranean, is among the few predatory groups showing strict stenophagy. Most Zodarion species display narrow distributions, but a few of them occur across hundreds to thousands of kilometres, raising questions on the causes of their comparatively higher distributional success.

In this study, through extensive geographic sampling and the metabarcoding of gut contents, we explored the diets of the three most widely distributed Iberian species of Zodarion: Zodarion alacre and the two lineages of Zodarion styliferum.

Our data support the three species as strictly myrmecophagous, showing diets largely based on the granivorous Messor ants. Auxiliary prey includes other ants of the subfamilies Myrmicinae, Formicinae, and Dolichoderinae. The diet breadth of both Z. styliferum lineages was slightly narrower than that of Z. alacre, coinciding with their higher physiological and behavioural efficiency for predating on Messor.

We discard that the relatively large distribution range of our three focal Zodarion species is related to breaking the boundaries of myrmecophagy, and instead argue that such success could be favoured by their specialisation on Messor ants, which are also abundant and widespread across the Iberian Peninsula.
Benefits and costs of social foraging in velvet worms
Authors: Herringe Caragh A. , Middleton Eliza J. , Boyd Kelsey C. , Latty Tanya , White Thomas E.
Published: December 2021

Group living is ubiquitous in nature, and social foraging is among the common forms of cooperative behaviour in animals. Understanding the evolution and maintenance of social foraging requires knowledge of the underlying benefits and costs to group members, though these are only known for few model taxa, which often lie at the extremes of social organisation. Here, we experimentally examined hypothesised benefits and costs of social foraging in the velvet wormEuperipatoides rowelli; the only Onychophoran currently known to live and forage in groups. To explore benefits, we tested the effects of natural group size and controlled prey size on the latency to attack and begin consuming prey, the likelihood of complete prey consumption and the time taken to completely consume prey. Our focal cost was aggressive intraspecific interactions in the form of biting, kicking and striking, which may present a particular risk to soft‐bodied velvet worms. As predicted, we found a positive scaling of most effects with the size of foraging groups. Larger groups were faster to attack and begin consuming prey, and more likely to completely consume prey, though they took longer to do so. This may be a consequence of the increasing representation of juveniles in larger aggregations. However, larger groups were also subject to heightened aggression among conspecifics, though is it unclear whether such a cost holds at the level of individual group members. Variation in prey size and, hence, resource availability had little effect across all outcomes, except for a slightly reduced likelihood of completely consuming larger prey. A time‐course analysis of individual activity suggested the existence of feeding hierarchies with adults excluding juveniles, particularly when resources are scarce. Taken together, our results offer the first support for the existence of foraging benefits and costs to group membership inE. rowelli, which may contribute to the maintenance of group living in this evolutionary significant taxon.
Improved grey‐level correlation feature and neural network model for medical resource requirement prediction
Authors: Teng Hui
Published: December 2021

Although the country's general practitioner training system is constantly improving, problems such as large requirement gaps, low specialization, unfair resource allocation, and uneven regional distribution still exist. In order to promote the improvement of the general practitioner system, to solve the problems of low accuracy and poor robustness of the existing models for medical resource requirement prediction, this paper proposes a combination of grey‐scale prediction features and back propogation algorithm (BP) neural network medical resource requirement prediction algorithm. The algorithm first uses the principal component analysis algorithm to solve the principal components of the medical resource requirement influencing factors, then extracts the equal‐dimensional dynamic grey‐level optimization model grey prediction features of the principal component score, and finally inputs the features into the BP neural network to complete the medical resource requirement prediction. Subsequently, a large number of comparative experiments were carried out on the algorithm proposed in this paper using the medical resource requirement of a certain province as a data set. The experimental results have shown that the comprehensive improvement model proposed in this paper has the best effect in predicting the requirement of medical resources, which contains strong robustness and stability. The algorithm is suitable for the needs of medical resources at this stage. Predicting on the above has strong practical significance in many scenarios by using the proposed algorithm.
Mixed‐mode stress intensity factors via centrally cracked Brazilian disc with wide‐range controlling parameters
Authors: Hammouda Mohammad M. I.
Published: December 2021

This work determines analytically normalized mode I and mode II stress intensity factor (SIF) of a Brazilian disc having a central inclined crack with smooth surfaces. Two basic types of loading are considered: (1) partial compression with uniform pressure and (2) two‐force diametric compression with confining pressure. The present analysis is based on a widely used published solution of the SIFs of the cracked disc as a result of applying two‐force diametric compression. Wide‐range parameters controlling the behavior of the disc are considered. The parameters involve relative crack length, crack inclination, half‐pressure angle, and confining pressure. The conditions required for transmitting from mixed‐mode I/II loading to pure mode II loading are well defined. Good agreement has been generally obtained with relevant results found in the literature.
Thermally insulating GdBO3 ceramics with neutron shielding performance
Authors: Dong Cheng , Li Yuanbing , Li Shujing , Jia Wenbao , Chen Ruoyu , Lao Dong , Xia Xiaoyu
Published: December 2021

There is an urgent demand for multifunctional insulation materials with neutron shielding ability that can be particularly used in the nuclear energy system. GdBO3 ceramics are one of the candidates for such materials. In this study, GdBO3 ceramics were successfully synthesized using a simple solid‐phase method. The effect of boric acid content on the micro and macro properties of GdBO3 ceramics was explored. The experimental results indicate that the thermal conductivity of the resulting GdBO3 ceramics ranged from .12 to .68 W/(m⋅K), and lower thermal conductivity was achieved with smaller pore size and higher apparent porosity of the sintered product. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the samples in multiple temperature ranges can be improved by increasing boric acid content. Finally, neutron shielding permeability study, performed on the samples in different thicknesses, reveal that GdBO3 ceramics possessed excellent neutron shielding performance (NSP). The obtained results manifest that GdBO3 ceramics with outstanding heat insulation and NSP have a potential application in a nuclear reactor.
Factors influencing the coping strategies of liver cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization
Authors: Chen Su‐Chih , Wu Shu‐Fang , Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Rosenberg John , Lu Yu‐Ying , Liang Shu‐Yuan
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study explored the association between social support, resilience and coping strategies among patients with liver cancer and evaluated the extent to which patients' use of various coping strategies can be explained by social support and resilience.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study comprised 119 patients who experienced transarterial chemoembolization related to liver cancer and who completed the Social Support Scale, the Resilience Scale and the Ways of Coping Checklist‐Revised.

Results

Results indicated a significant positive correlation between social support and use of problem‐focused coping strategies and overall coping strategies. In addition, results showed a significant positive correlation between resilience and use of problem‐focused strategies, emotion‐focused strategies and overall coping strategies. Social support accounted for 14% of variance in use of problem‐focused strategies and 7.6% of the variance in overall coping strategies. Resilience accounted for 30.5% of the variance in use of problem‐focused strategies, 8.5% in use of emotion‐focused strategies and 21.6% of overall coping strategies.

Conclusion

Results of this study highlight the importance of social support and resilience in patients' coping strategies related to liver cancer treatment.
Infant intakes of human milk branched chain amino acids are negatively associated with infant growth and influenced by maternal body mass index
Authors: Saben Jessica L. , Sims Clark R. , Pack Lindsay , Lan Renny , Børsheim Elisabet , Andres Aline
Published: December 2021

Background

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs: isoleucine, leucine, and valine) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs: phenylalanine and tyrosine) are hypothesized to influence early‐life obesity risk.

Objective

To assess HM free amino acid (AA) concentrations and infant intakes of HM AAs from women with obesity (OB) compared to those with normal weight (NW) and determine the relationships between HM AA consumption and infant growth.

Methods

HM samples were collected at 0.5 (n = 151), 2 (n = 129), and 6 (n = 93) months postpartum from mothers with NW (body mass index [BMI] = 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and OB (BMI > 30 kg/m2). HM AAs were quantified via mass spectrometry. Infant HM intake, anthropometrics and body composition were assessed. Linear mixed‐effects models (LMEM) examined the relationships between maternal BMI and HM AA intakes, and HM AA intake and infant growth over the first 6 months postpartum after adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics.

Results

Maternal BMI was positively associated with infant intakes of isoleucine, leucine, and AAAs across timepoints. HM AA intakes were positively associated with weight‐for‐length z‐score, fat mass index, and fat‐free mass index in infants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Maternal BMI led to differences in HM AA composition, which was associated with infant body composition.
Evaluation of Zn‐substituted La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 ceramics as functional materials for thick‐film resistors
Authors: Lu Yongcheng , Peng Rui , Li Yuanxun , Li Fuyu , Zhang Yuanjing , Chen Daming , Wen Qiye , Yang Qinghui
Published: December 2021

This work focuses on the evaluation of La0.5Sr0.5Co1‐xZnxO3 (LSCZ, x = 0.00–0.10) ceramics as an air‐fireable and economical functional material for thick film resistors. Solid‐state reaction experiments and first‐principles calculations were conducted to investigate the crystal structure, thermal behaviors, and electrical properties of LSCZ ceramics. The substitution of Zn2+ modified the bond properties, electron distribution, and band structure, resulting in more serious structural deformation, increasing the bond population of Co–O and weakening the charge transfer of LSCZ. Experimental results showed that the addition of Zn2+ lowered the densification temperature, activation energy, and crystallite size. As the ratio of Zn2+ increased, the conductivity and temperature coefficient of resistance showed a downward trend. Impedance variation with frequency and thermal aging tests were also performed. For the x = 0.05 specimen sintered at 1200°C, values of 95.5% for relative density, 2857 S/cm for conductivity, 1267 ppm/°C for temperature coefficient of resistance, –0.47% for conductivity change could be achieved.
Containing the hospital days for older patients in the era of value‐based care
Authors: Tan Zaldy S.
Published: December 2021

This editorial comments on the article by Min et al. in this issue.
Disrupted circadian expression of β‐arrestin 2 affects reward‐related µ‐opioid receptor function in alcohol dependence
Authors: Meinhardt Marcus W. , Giannone Francesco , Hirth Nathalie , Bartsch Dusan , Spampinato Santi M. , Kelsch Wolfgang , Spanagel Rainer , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Hansson Anita C.
Published: December 2021

There is increasing evidence for a daily rhythm of µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) efficacy and the development of alcohol dependence. Previous studies show that β‐arrestin 2 (bArr2) has an impact on alcohol intake, at least partially mediated via modulation of MOR signaling, which in turn mediates the alcohol rewarding effects. Considering the interplay of circadian rhythms on MOR and alcohol dependence, we aimed to investigate bArr2 in alcohol dependence at different time points of the day/light cycle on the level of bArr2 mRNA (in situ hybridization), MOR availability (receptor autoradiography), and MOR signaling (Damgo‐stimulated G‐protein coupling) in the nucleus accumbens of alcohol‐dependent and non‐dependent Wistar rats. Using a microarray data set we found that bArr2, but not bArr1, shows a diurnal transcription pattern in the accumbens of naïve rats with higher expression levels during the active cycle. In 3‐week abstinent rats, bArr2 is up‐regulated in the accumbens at the beginning of the active cycle (ZT15), whereas no differences were found at the beginning of the inactive cycle (ZT3) compared with controls. This effect was accompanied by a specific down‐regulation of MOR binding in the active cycle. Additionally, we detect a higher receptor coupling during the inactive cycle compared with the active cycle in alcohol‐dependent animals. Together, we report daily rhythmicity for bArr2 expression linked to an inverse pattern of MOR, suggesting an involvement for bArr2 on circadian regulation of G‐protein coupled receptors in alcohol dependence. The presented data may have implications for the development of novel bArr2‐related treatment targets for alcoholism.

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Atlas and Talus
Authors: Jackowe David J. , Biener Michael G.
Published: December 2021

This article explores the history of the terms atlas and talus and discusses the unexpected implications of their use in human anatomy. Renaissance anatomists decided to call the first cervical vertebra the atlas. But the name atlas was first used by the ancient Romans for the seventh cervical vertebra. The most common explanation why the first cervical vertebra is called atlas is that the vertebra holds up the globe of the cranium the way Atlas holds up the globe of the heavens. However, an important part of the myth of Atlas is that the Titan was being punished. The seventh cervical vertebra was so named due to its suitability for supporting burdens. (Pollux, 1900) Switching the designation atlas from the seventh to the first cervical vertebra in human anatomy implies that the point of man’s burden has shifted from his shoulders to his head. What an anatomist is saying by making, or accepting, this change is that man’s true burden is not a physical load, but rather, it is his mind. We explore the implications of this switch, and how it is represented in Renaissance anatomy diagrams. Long before the first cervical vertebra was called atlas it was known as the astragalus, the same term used for the talus, or ankle bone. We examine the many different terms that were used for the ankle bone during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as the connection of the term talus with Greek mythology.
Emotion Recognition and Inhibitory Control in Adolescent Players of Violent Video Games
Authors: Miedzobrodzka Ewa , Konijn Elly A. , Krabbendam Lydia
Published: December 2021

Developmental changes during adolescence may make youth susceptible to violent media effects. Two studies with male adolescents (N1 = 241; N2 = 161; aged 12–17) examined how habitual and short‐term violent video gaming may affect emotion recognition and inhibitory control. We found that not habitual exposure to violent video games, but to antisocial media content predicted worse emotion recognition. Furthermore, higher habitual exposure to violent games predicted better inhibitory control over emotional stimuli in a stop signal task. However, short‐term causal effects of violent gameplay on adolescents were not found. While these results do not indicate a negative impact of violent video games on young players, future research may further investigate possible effects of antisocial media content on adolescents.