bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nexus between tourism and social capital development: The role of institutional quality and globalization
Authors: Song Chunqiao , Ali Qamar , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan , Iqbal Khan Muhammad Tariq
Published: March 2024

This study shows the impact of tourism, institutional quality, globalization, renewable energy, foreign direct investment, and income inequality on social capital. This research used data from 120 countries from 1995 to 2019, which were divided into four income groups. This study used Driscoll‐Kraay regression and U‐test for empirical analysis. The U‐shaped curve found between social capital and tourism in high, upper‐middle, and low‐income countries. An inverted U‐shaped link exists between social capital and tourism in lower‐middle‐income countries. Results show a rise in social capital due to a rise in institutional quality (all panels), globalization (high, upper‐middle, and lower‐middle‐income countries), and renewable energy (high, upper‐middle, and lower‐middle‐income countries). The fall in social capital was observed due to a rise in globalization (low‐income countries), renewable energy (low‐income countries), and income inequality (high‐income countries). It is recommended to (a) promote tourism without deteriorating customs, traditions, and institutions; (b) ensure local involvement in the management, coordination, and planning of tourism activities; (c) build personal, generalized, institutionalized, and political trust; (d) globalization; and (e) reduction in income inequality. First, it uses a social capital index having multiple indicators, that is, civil society participation, freedom, power distribution, personal integrity, security, social class equality, and social rights. Second, it uses a comprehensive global tourism index, which is a combination of five tourism‐related variables. Third, it explores the effect of FDI inflow, income inequality, institutional quality, globalization, and renewable energy on social capital.
Surgery is safe and improves survival in extremely old aged patients with breast cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Cheung Alyson , Hung Ka‐wai Ray , Tsoi Yee Kei , Law Sze Hong , Chan Wing Cheong
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In 2019, 11% of breast cancers are diagnosed at age 80 or above and this group of older patients constitutes 27% of breast cancer deaths. Previous clinical trials demonstrated comparable survival in older patients given hormonal therapy alone versus standard surgical treatment. However, newer studies showed that surgical treatment in older patients is associated with reduced all‐cause and cancer‐related mortality. Our study aims to compare the survival of older patients with breast cancer who received surgery versus hormonal therapy alone or expectant management, analyse the factors affecting survival and compare the local complication rates.

Methods

Patients treated under the New Territories East Cluster breast clinic with breast cancer diagnosed at age 80 or above were included in the study. Patients with metastatic disease were excluded. All medical records on the Hospital Authority Clinical Management System were retrospectively reviewed. Predictors including whether surgery was performed, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, oestrogen receptor (ER) status, T stage, N stage and activities of daily living status were assessed.

Results

Seventy‐eight consecutive patients with breast cancer (median age 85, range 80‐99) from 2004 to 2020 were included. Of these, 39 (50%) received surgery, whereas 39 (50%) did not. Patients who received surgery have a longer survival time (median 113 months vs 62 months; log‐rank test P = .001). Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression model demonstrated that surgery and ER status affect survival. Patients who received surgery also have a lower incidence of local tumour progression and skin ulceration (χ21 = 6.3, P = .012).

Conclusion

In older patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, surgical treatment is associated with a better survival and lower rates of local progression and complications. Surgery is advised even in older patients as long as they are fit for surgery.
Phase III, multicenter, randomized trial of 45 Gy versus 30 Gy thoracic radiation for extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC): Study protocol
Authors: Deng Lei , Shayan Gulidanna , Jiang Wei , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua
Published: March 2024

Background

Consolidative thoracic radiotherapy (cTRT) has previously shown benefit to patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) who respond to chemotherapy. However, the optimum dose of cTRT is unknown. The purpose of this randomized trial is to compare the efficacy of 45 Gy in 15 fractions with 30 Gy in 10 fractions cTRT in ES‐SCLC.

Methods

This phase III, multicenter, randomized trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different cTRT dose in ES‐SCLC. Eligible patients with pathologically confirmed ES‐SCLC who responded to 4–6 cycles of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) or carboplatin (EC) chemotherapy were randomized 1:1 to receive either 30 Gy in 10 fractions (standard dose) or 45 Gy in 15 fractions (high dose) cTRT. The primary endpoint is 2‐year overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS), 2‐year local control (LC) and treatment related toxicity as measured by adverse events according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0).

Discussion

The present study is the first randomized phase III trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of higher versus lower dose cTRT in ES‐SCLC, providing evidence for future clinical practice in prolonging survival of patients with ES‐SCLC.
Immunoglobulin free light chains in severe asthma patient: Could they be a new biomarker?
Authors: Caruso C. , Ciasca G. , Baglivo I. , Di Santo R. , Gasbarrini A. , Firinu D. , Bagnasco D. , Passalacqua G. , Schiappoli M. , Caminati M. , Canonica G. W. , Heffler E. , Crimi C. , Intravaia R. , Basile V. , Marino M. , Colantuono S. , Del Giacco S.
Published: March 2024

Background

Increasing evidence is available about the presence of increased serum concentration of immunoglobulin (Ig) free light chains (FLCs) in both atopic and non‐atopic inflammatory diseases, including severe asthma, providing a possible new biomarker of disease.

Methods

We analyzed clinical and laboratory data, including FLCs, obtained from a cohort of 79 asthmatic subjects, clinically classified into different GINA steps. A control group of 40 age‐matched healthy donors (HD) was considered. Particularly, HD have been selected according to the absence of monoclonal components (in order to exclude paraproteinemias), were tested for total IgE (that were in the normal ranges) and were negative for aeroallergens specific IgE. Moreover, no abnormality of common inflammatory markers (i.e., erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein) was detectable.

Results

FLC‐k levels were significantly increased in the asthmatic population, compared to the control group. Despite the absence of statistically significant differences in FLC‐λ levels, the FLC‐k/FLC‐λ ratio displayed remarkable differences between the two groups. A positive correlation between FLC‐κ and FLC‐λ levels was found. FLC‐ λ level displayed a significant negative correlation with the FEV1 value. Moreover, the FLC‐κ /FLC‐ λ ratio was negatively correlated with the SNOT‐22 score and a positive correlation was observed between FLCs and Staphylococcus Aureus IgE enterotoxins sensitization.

Conclusions

Our findings confirmed the role of FLCs in asthma as a potential biomarker in an inflammatory disease characterized by different endotypes and phenotypes. In particular, FLC‐κ and FLC‐k/FLC‐λ ratio could be a qualitative indicator for asthma, while FLC‐λ levels could be a quantitative indicator for clinical severity parameters.
Perineuronal nets as regulators of parvalbumin interneuron function: Factors implicated in their formation and degradation
Authors: Santos‐Silva Thamyris , Colodete Debora A. E. , Lisboa João Roberto Fernandes , Silva Freitas Ícaro , Lopes Caio Fábio Baeta , Hadera Victor , Lima Thaís Santos Almeida , Souza Adriana Jesus , Gomes Felipe V.
Published: March 2024

The brain extracellular matrix (ECM) has garnered increasing attention as a fundamental component of brain function in a predominantly “neuron‐centric” paradigm. Particularly, the perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized net‐like structure formed by ECM aggregates, play significant roles in brain development and physiology. PNNs enwrap synaptic junctions in various brain regions, precisely balancing new synaptic formation and long‐term stabilization, and are highly dynamic entities that change in response to environmental stimuli, especially during the neurodevelopmental period. They are found mainly surrounding parvalbumin (PV)‐expressing GABAergic interneurons, being proposed to promote PV interneuron maturation and protect them against oxidative stress and neurotoxic agents. This structural and functional proximity underscores the crucial role of PNNs in modulating PV interneuron function, which is critical for the excitatory/inhibitory balance and, consequently, higher‐level behaviours. This review delves into the molecular underpinnings governing PNNs formation and degradation, elucidating their functional interactions with PV interneurons. In the broader physiological context and brain‐related disorders, we also explore their intricate relationship with other molecules, such as reactive oxygen species and metalloproteinases, as well as glial cells. Additionally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for modulating PNNs in brain disorders.
Additional Cover
Authors: Choi Nahyun , Hwang Juyeong , Kim Doo Yeong , Kim Jino , Song Seung Yong , Sung Jong‐Hyuk
Published: March 2024

The cover image is based on the Original Article Involvement of DKK1 secreted from adipose‐derived stem cells in alopecia areata by Nahyun Choi et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13562.

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North American prairies: Myths and realities
Authors: Weaner Larry
Published: March 2024

A North American prairie is defined, and its ecology is summarized. The potential for the restoration and recreation of prairie grassland is discussed.
Borolatonin limits cognitive deficit and neuron loss while increasing proBDNF in ovariectomised rats
Authors: Barrón‐González Mónica , Rivera‐Antonio Astrid M. , Jarillo‐Luna Rosa A. , Santiago‐Quintana José M. , Levaro‐Loquio David , Pérez‐Capistran Teresa , Guerra‐Araiza Christian H. , Soriano‐Ursúa Marvin A. , Farfán‐García Eunice D.
Published: March 2024

Background

Borolatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for some neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its administration exerts ameliorative effects such as those induced by the equimolar administration of melatonin in behavioral tests on male rats and in neuronal immunohistochemistry assays.

Objective

In this study, motivated by sex differences in neurobiology and the incidence of AD, the ability of borolatonin to induce changes in female rats was assessed.

Methods

Effects of borolatonin were measured by the evaluation of both behavioral and immunohistopathologic approaches; additionally, its ability to limit amyloid toxicity was determined in vitro.

Results

Surprisingly, behavioral changes were similar to those reported in male rats, but not those evaluated by immunoassays regarding neuronal survival; while pro‐brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity and the limitation of toxicity by amyloid in vitro were observed for the first time.

Conclusion

Borolatonin administration induced changes in female rats. Differences induced by the administration of borolatonin or melatonin could be related to the differences in the production of steroid hormones in sex dependence. Further studies are required to clarify the possible mechanism and origin of differences in disturbed memory caused by the gonadectomy procedure between male and female rats.
Multi‐disciplinary diabetic limb salvage programme in octogenarians with diabetic foot ulcers is not futile: An observational study with historical controls
Authors: Ge Lixia , Zhao Jiashen , Tan Matthew , Tan Elaine , Liew Huiling , Yong Enming , Hoe Jeremy , Shi Claris , Chan Dexter Yak Seng , Ang Gary Yee , Molina Joseph Antonio , Sun Yan , Hoi Wai Han , Chandraskear Sadhana , Lo Zhiwen Joseph
Published: March 2024

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a multi‐disciplinary diabetic limb salvage programme in improving clinical outcomes and optimising healthcare utilisation in 406 patients aged ≥80 years with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), compared to 2392 younger patients enrolled from June 2020 to June 2021 and against 1716 historical controls using one‐to‐one propensity score matching. Results showed that elderly programme patients had lower odds of amputation‐free survival (odds ratio: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.88) and shorter cumulative length of stay (LOS) compared to younger programme patients (incidence rate ratio: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.69). Compared to the matched controls, participating in the programme was associated with 5% higher probability of minor lower extremity amputation, reduced inpatient admissions and emergency visits, shorter LOS but increased specialist and primary care visits (all p‐values <0.05). The findings suggest that the programme yielded favourable impacts on the clinical outcomes of patients aged≥80 years with DFUs. Further research is needed to develop specific interventions tailoring to the needs of the elderly population and to determine their effectiveness on patient outcomes while accounting for potential confounding factors.
Periodontitis is associated with decreased experimental pressure pain tolerance: The Tromsø Study 2015–2016
Authors: Hadler‐Olsen Elin , Petrenya Natalia , Jönsson Birgitta , Steingrímsdóttir Ólöf Anna , Stubhaug Audun , Nielsen Christopher Sivert
Published: March 2024

Aim

To assess the relationship between periodontitis and experimental pain tolerance.

Materials and Methods

Participants from the population‐based seventh survey of the Tromsø Study with data on periodontitis were included (n = 3666, 40–84 years old, 51.6% women). Pain tolerance was assessed through (i) pressure pain tolerance (PPT) test with a computerized cuff pressure algometry on the leg, and (ii) cold‐pressor tolerance (CPT) test where one hand was placed in circulating 3°C water. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the association between periodontitis and pain tolerance adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking and obesity.

Results

In the fully adjusted model using the 2012 Centers for Disease Control/American Academy of Periodntology case definitions for surveillance of periodontitis, moderate (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.18) and severe (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.42) periodontitis were associated with decreased PPT. Using the 2018 classification of periodontitis, having Stage II/III/IV periodontitis was significantly associated with decreased PPT (HR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.18) compared with having no or stage I periodontitis. There were no significant associations between periodontitis and CPT in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions

Moderate and severe periodontitis was associated with experimental PPT.
Molecular characterization of virulence and resistance genes in Salmonella strains isolated from chickens sold at the informal chicken market in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Mokgophi Thelma M. , Gcebe Nomakorinte , Fasina Folorunso , Adesiyun Abiodun A.
Published: March 2024

This cross‐sectional study determined the occurrence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes in Salmonella strains recovered from chicken obtained from informal markets in Gauteng province, South Africa. The study also assessed the relationship between these characteristics, the source, the type of samples, and the serotypes of Salmonella isolates. A total of 151 samples (cloacal swabs, chicken carcasses, and carcass drips) were randomly collected from 47 informal market outlets in six townships in Gauteng province. Salmonella spp. was isolated and identified based on ISO 6579:2002 methods and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting invA gene fragment. Conventional PCR was used to detect 12 virulence and 18 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Salmonella spp. The most frequently detected virulence genes were invA (100%), shdA (91%), mgtB (87.7%), and sopE (81%), but considerably low for spvC (2.2%), sefC (1.5%), and pefC (0.4%). The differences in detection frequency were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Tetracycline‐resistant genes tetA (34.7%) and tetB (16%) were the most frequently detected, while Beta‐lactam‐resistant genes blaTEM (0.4%), blaCMY‐2 (0.4%) and quinolones resistant gene qnrS (0.4%) were detected in low frequency (p < 0.05). The locations of the outlets and the types of samples were significantly associated with detecting some virulence and AMR genes. Significant but moderately to substantial positive correlations were observed for qnrS, sul2; shdA, and mgtB genes. The pipA and spiC were, however, substantially negatively correlated. Our findings show that detecting these virulence and AMR genes in Salmonella isolates serves as a potential health hazard to the public, environment, and poultry farming in Gauteng, South Africa.
Caregiver‐reported use of physical restraints among community‐dwelling older adults with severe dementia in Singapore
Authors: Andres Ellie Bostwick , Chaudhry Isha , Balasubramanian Ishwarya , Poco Louisa , Malhotra Chetna ,   the PISCES study group
Published: March 2024

Background

Older adults with severe dementia are at increased risk of being physically restrained in nursing homes and acute care settings, but little is known about restraint use among those cared for at home. This study explores caregiver‐reported use of restraints among community‐dwelling older adults with severe dementia.

Methods

Using cross‐sectional data from 215 family caregivers, we describe restraint use among older adults with severe dementia living at home. We then use multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with restraint use.

Results

Nearly half (47%) of caregivers reported on older adults who had been subject to restraints. Most caregivers reporting restraint use suggested safety reasons, such as prevention of falls (68%), wandering (30%), and removal of catheters or feeding tubes (29%); and 44% indicated doctors or other health care providers were involved in the decision to restrain. Feeding tubes (OR = 4.16, 95% CI: 1.27–13.59) and physically aggressive agitation behaviors (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.09–3.40) were associated with higher odds of restraint use among older adults with severe dementia. Caregivers who received strong emotional support from friends (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.21–0.95) were less likely to report restraint use while serving as a caregiver to others (OR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.36–5.63) increased the odds of restraint use.

Conclusions

The pervasiveness of restraint use is concerning and suggests a lack of evidence‐based guidance and support for both caregivers and healthcare providers to prevent restraint use among older adults with severe dementia cared for at home.
In search of key performance indicators of regional competitiveness in the European Union
Authors: Borsekova Kamila , Korony Samuel , Lawson Colin W.
Published: March 2024

This study investigates key performance indicators (KPIs) affecting regional competitiveness in the European Union (EU) and compares its performance across two groups of EU regions identified by their development phase based on the path dependence argument. Utilizing 40 indicators from the Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) across 268 NUTS2 regions, it identifies five critical KPIs: Knowledge workers, Employment rate, Labor productivity, Potential market size, and not in education, employment, or training. The classification and regression tree decision tree reveals the labor market efficiency pillar as crucial for RCI classification. Offering unique insights into RCI indicators and their impact, this research provides a policy‐oriented perspective and suggests avenues for further comparative research.
Patchy FDG uptake on FDG PET/CT in a patient with vasculitic neuropathy in restricted lower‐limb vasculitis
Authors: Sakiyama Hiroshi , Yamadera Misaki , Yorifuji Hideki , Nakano Misa , Katada Yoshinori
Published: March 2024

A 54‐year‐old man with diabetes mellitus presented with fever, pain, muscle weakness, and sensory disturbances in the lower limbs. His serum C‐reactive protein level was markedly increased; However, no autoantibodies, other than anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody, were detected. Nerve conduction studies revealed axonal polyneuropathy. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed patchy uptake patterns specific to restricted lower‐limb vasculitis. The muscle and nerve biopsy specimens suggested vasculitic neuropathy. Treatment with oral prednisolone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy markedly improved his lower‐limb weakness and paresthesia. Clinicians should consider the involvement of vasculitic neuropathy, as well as myopathy, in patients with restricted lower‐limb vasculitis.
Why we struggle to make progress in obesity prevention and how we might overcome policy inertia: Lessons from the complexity and political sciences
Authors: Hagenaars Luc L. , Schmidt Laura A. , Groeniger Joost Oude , Bekker Marleen P. M. , ter Ellen Fleur , de Leeuw Evelyne , van Lenthe Frank J. , Oude Hengel Karen M. , Stronks Karien
Published: March 2024

Despite evidence for the effectiveness of policies that target obesogenic environments, their adoption remains deficient. Using methods and concepts from complexity and political science (Stock‐and‐Flow analysis and Punctuated Equilibrium Theory) and a qualitative literature review, we developed system maps to identify feedback loops that hinder policymaking on mitigating obesogenic environments and feedback loops that could trigger and sustain policy change. We found numerous self‐reinforcing feedback loops that buttress the assumption that obesity is an individual problem, strengthening the biomedical and commercial weight‐loss sectors' claim to “ownership” over solutions. That is, improvements in therapies for individuals with obesity reinforces policymakers' reluctance to target obesogenic environments. Random events that focus attention on obesity (e.g., celebrities dismissing soda) could disrupt this cycle, when actors from outside the medical and weight‐loss sector (e.g., anti‐weight stigma activists) successfully reframe obesity as a societal problem, which requires robust and politically relevant engagement with affected communities prior to such events taking place. Sustained prioritization of policies targeting obesogenic environments requires shared problem ownership of affected communities and nonhealth government sectors, by emphasizing cobenefits of policies that target obesogenic environments (e.g., ultraprocessed food taxation for raising revenue) and solutions that are meaningful for affected communities.
Direct oral challenge for immediate and non‐immediate beta‐lactam allergy in children: A real‐world multicenter study
Authors: Moral Luis , Toral Teresa , Muñoz Candelaria , Marco Nuria , García‐Avilés Belén , Murcia Laura , Forniés María José , González María Cristina , Canals Francisco , Bragado Esther , Martínez Olmos Javier , García‐Magán Carlos , Moure González José Domingo , Cortés Nuria , Giménez Magalí , Gómez Catalina , Rodríguez Ana Belén , Moreno Ana , Lucas José Manuel , Quevedo Sergio , Blasco Cristina , Aliaga Yolanda
Published: March 2024

Background

Allergy to beta‐lactam antibiotics (BLA) is frequently suspected in children, but a drug provocation test (DPT) rules it out in over 90% of cases. Direct oral DPT (DODPT), without skin or other previous tests, is increasingly been used to delabel non‐immediate BLA reactions. This real‐world study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of DODPT in children with immediate and non‐immediate reactions to BLAs.

Methods

Ambispective registry study in children (<15 years), attended between 2016 and 2023 for suspected BLA allergy in 15 hospitals in Spain that routinely perform DODPT.

Results

The study included 2133 patients with generally mild reactions (anaphylaxis 0.7%). Drug provocation test with the implicated BLA was performed in 2014 patients (94.4%): 1854 underwent DODPT (86.9%, including 172 patients with immediate reactions). One hundred forty‐five (7.2%) had symptoms associated with DPT, although only four reactions were severe: two episodes of anaphylaxis and two of drug‐induced enterocolitis syndrome, which resolved rapidly with treatment. Of the 141 patients with mild reactions in the first DPT, a second DPT was considered in 87 and performed in 57, with 52 tolerating it without symptoms. Finally, BLA allergy was ruled out in 90.9% of the sample, confirmed in 3.4%, and remained unverified, usually due to loss to follow‐up, in 5.8%.

Conclusions

Direct oral DPT is a safe, effective procedure even in immediate mild reactions to BLA. Many reactions observed in DPT are doubtful and require confirmation. Severe reactions are exceptional and amenable to treatment. Direct oral DPT can be considered for BLA allergy delabeling in pediatric primary care.
How do navy escorts influence piracy risk in East Africa? A Bayesian network approach
Authors: Fan Hanwen , Chang Zheng , Jia Haiying , He Xuzhuo , Lyu Jing
Published: March 2024

Navy escorts are considered crucial in countering illegal piracy attacks. In this paper, a novel approach is developed to investigate the effect of navy escorts on piracy incidents by models based on two enhanced Tree‐Augmented Naïve (TAN) Bayesian networks. This approach offers a systematic investigation into the various factors that influence pirate activities, and helps to identify changes in piracy attack behaviors when confronted by navy escorts and assess the effectiveness of anti‐piracy measures. An empirical study is conducted utilizing a unique data set compiled from multiple sources from 2000 to 2019. The empirical evidence shows that there was a gradual reduction in the incidence of piracy attacks in East Africa following the implementation of navy escorts in 2009, but with a surge in 2010 and 2011. The data set is, thus, divided into two time periods at the point of 2009 to facilitate a robust and comprehensive analysis, resulting in the development of two TAN models. Meanwhile, the geographical distribution of pirate attacks has shifted from international waters to port areas and territorial waters. We argue that the surge and geographical shift could be attributed to the calculating behavior of pirates when they encounter external pressures. Finally, a Shapely approach is introduced to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the implemented risk management strategies from a Game Theory perspective. This study offers new insights into the promotion of navy escorts and contributes to the development of a framework for assessing piracy risks in uncertain and dynamic anti‐piracy environments.
FDI, financial constraint and partial ownership
Authors: Ito Tadashi , Ryan Michael , Tanaka Ayumu
Published: March 2024

This study uses matched firm‐bank‐FDI data from 1989 to 2016 to explore how a firm's financial constraints affect its foreign affiliate ownership structure choice. Importantly, it tests the hypothesis that parent firms with banks as their largest shareholders hold lower ownership shares in their foreign subsidiaries, in part due to typical bank risk‐averse behaviour. The empirical analysis confirms that foreign subsidiary ownership ratios are negatively associated with parent firms' debt ratios. Moreover, this study finds evidence that greater bank ownership of the investing parent leads to lower foreign affiliate ownership shares. However, this result is not robust to two specifications: ‘crisis times’ when bank lending is greatly restricted to all borrowers, and a follow‐the‐customer relationship where the bank already has an overseas subsidiary in the host country.
Feline distichiasis treated with cryoepilation: A retrospective study of 15 cats (27 eyes)
Authors: Reynolds B. D. , Annear M. J. , Caruso K. A. , Whittaker C. J. , Irving W. M. , McCarthy P. M. , Smith J. S.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe the clinical features of cats diagnosed with distichiasis and report on the outcomes following cryoepilation.

Animals Studied

Fifteen cats (27 eyes).

Procedures

Medical records of domestic cats with distichiasis that underwent a double freeze–thaw cycle with a −80°C cryoprobe applied to the palpebral conjunctiva, with hair then epilated were retrospectively studied. The patient signalment, distichiae locations, concurrent ocular diseases, recurrences, complications, and outcomes were recorded.

Results

The mean (std dev) age at the time of diagnosis and treatment was 2.2 years (2.8 years). All (15/15) cats were of the domestic shorthair (DSH) breed. Concurrent ocular findings at the initial examination were observed in 17/27 (63%) eyes, with upper lateral eyelid hypoplasia the most prevalent, present in 9/27 (33.3%) eyes. Recurrence of distichiae occurred in 8/27 (29.6%) eyes. The clinical presentation in the instances of recurrence was judged as asymptomatic and not of a clinical concern in 3/27 (11.1%) eyes, with a second procedure deemed necessary to alleviate symptoms in 5/27 (18.5%) eyes. All eyes treated with a second procedure had no recurrence of distichiae or symptoms. Complications following cryoepilation occurred in 4/27 (14.8%) eyes, with two cats developing bilateral entropion post‐procedure.

Conclusions

Treatment of distichiasis in cats utilizing cryoepilation was effective at alleviating symptoms, though some cats needed a second procedure. The development of post‐procedural entropion was seen occasionally.
Feasibility Study of Experimental Protocol for the Time-Dependent Mechanical Response of Synthetic Tibia
Authors: Mantecón Ramiro , Ruiz Alvaro , Wheatley Benjamin M , Díaz-Álvarez José , Miguélez Henar , Youssef George
Published: March 2024

In this research, an experimental biomechanics construct was developed to reveal the mechanics of distal tibial fracture by submitting synthetic tibiae to cyclic loading, resulting in a combined stress state due to axial compression and bending loads. The synthetic tibia was fixed at the knee but allowed to rotate in the coronal and sagittal planes at the ankle. The first three loading regimes lasted for 4000 cycles/each, and the final until ultimate failure. After 12k±80 cycles, the observed failure patterns closely resembled distal tibial fractures. The collected data during cyclic loading were fitted into a phenomenological model to deduce the time-dependent response of the synthetic tibiae. Images were also collected and analyzed using digital image correlation to deduce the full-field state of strain. The latter revealed that longitudinal strain contours extended in the proximal–distal direction. The transverse strain contours exemplified a medial-to-lateral distribution, attributed to the combined contributions of the Poisson's effect and the flexural deformation from axial and bending components of the applied load, respectively. The experimental construct, full-field characterization, and data analysis approaches can be extended to elucidate the effect of different fixation devices on the overall mechanical behavior of the bone and validate computational models in future research.
Yttrium aluminum garnet analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: David Gonzalez E. , Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Ospina R.
Published: March 2024

Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) is a composite crystalline material used as a substrate in various optical applications, especially high-power lasers. It is currently doped with different elements depending on the desired application. This has generated small controversies depending on the fabrication method as well as the doping content. In the present work, a high-purity YAG single crystal was characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique. Exploratory spectra, high-resolution spectra for C 1s, O 1s, Y 3d, and Al 2p, and valence band (VB) spectra were acquired. The results showed the presence of yttrium and aluminum oxides with the characteristic stoichiometry of YAG. In addition, the presence of adventitious carbon was detected, without the presence of impurities.
A fundamental study on the sound radiation from ribbed vibrating panels
Authors: MAXIT LAURENT
Published: March 2024

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Fully nonlinear three-dimensional modeling of parametric interactions in the field of a dual-frequency acoustic array
Authors: Kvashennikova Anastasia V. , Yuldashev Petr V. , Khokhlova Vera A. , Esipov Igor B.
Published: March 2024

An algorithm is developed for fully nonlinear three-dimensional (3D) simulation of a difference-frequency acoustic beam resulting from the interaction of two high-intensity pump waves. Simulations are performed in the frequency domain based on the Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetsov equation. A spectrum filtering method is used to enable accurate solutions for the difference-frequency fields in strongly nonlinear beams and with a high downshift frequency ratio using only dozens of spectral components retained in the algorithm. As an example, the dual-frequency operation of an underwater multi-element ellipsoidal array is considered, and numerical solutions describing parametric interactions in the array field are analyzed. It is shown that difference-frequency beams are more symmetric in transverse directions compared with the pump beams. The most efficient parametric generation of difference-frequency beams corresponded to close and beyond shock-forming conditions. Axial pressure amplitude of the difference frequency was shown to grow first quadratically with the source pressure following the quasi-linear solution and then linearly once shocks start to develop. The percentage of the total power converted to the difference frequency from pump waves increased at high power outputs without saturation. Up to twofold increase in directivity angles of difference-frequency beams under shock-forming conditions was observed compared with quasi-linear conditions.
Tonal language experience facilitates the use of spatial cues for segregating competing speech in bimodal cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Chen Biao , Zhang Xinyi , Chen Jingyuan , Shi Ying , Zou Xinyue , Liu Ping , Li Yongxin , Galvin John J. , Fu Qian-Jie
Published: March 2024

English-speaking bimodal and bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users can segregate competing speech using talker sex cues but not spatial cues. While tonal language experience allows for greater utilization of talker sex cues for listeners with normal hearing, tonal language benefits remain unclear for CI users. The present study assessed the ability of Mandarin-speaking bilateral and bimodal CI users to recognize target sentences amidst speech maskers that varied in terms of spatial cues and/or talker sex cues, relative to the target. Different from English-speaking CI users, Mandarin-speaking CI users exhibited greater utilization of spatial cues, particularly in bimodal listening.
Restraining vocal fold vertical motion reduces source-filter interaction in a two-mass model
Authors: Yoshinaga Tsukasa , Zhang Zhaoyan , Iida Akiyoshi
Published: March 2024

Previous experimental studies suggested that restraining the vocal fold vertical motion may reduce the coupling strength between the voice source and vocal tract. In this study, the effects of vocal fold vertical motion on source-filter interaction were systematically examined in a two-dimensional two-mass model coupled to a compressible flow simulation. The results showed that when allowed to move vertically, the vocal folds exhibited subharmonic vibration due to entrainment to the first vocal tract acoustic resonance. Restraining the vertical motion suppressed this entrainment. This indicates that the vertical mobility of the vocal folds may play a role in regulating source-filter interaction.
Direct neural coding of speech: Reconsideration of Whalen et al. (2006) (L)
Authors: Whalen D. H.
Published: March 2024

Previous brain imaging results indicated that speech perception proceeded independently of the auditory primitives that are the product of primary auditory cortex [Whalen, Benson, Richardson, Swainson, Clark, Lai, Mencl, Fulbright, Constable, and Liberman (2006). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 119, 575–581]. Recent evidence using electrocorticography [Hamilton, Oganian, Hall, and Chang (2021). Cell 184, 4626–4639] indicates that there is a more direct connection from subcortical regions to cortical speech regions than previous studies had shown. Although the mechanism differs, the Hamilton, Oganian, Hall, and Chang result supports the original conclusion even more strongly: Speech perception does not rely on the analysis of primitives from auditory analysis. Rather, the speech signal is processed as speech from the beginning.
The evolution of Earth’s surficial Mg cycle over the past 2 billion years
Authors: Xia Zhiguang , Li Shilei , Hu Zhongya , Bialik Or , Chen Tianyu , Weldeghebriel Mebrahtu F. , Fan Qishun , Fan Junxuan , Wang Xiangdong , An Shichao , Zhang Feifei , Xu Haoran , Chen Jiayang , Ji Zhihan , Shen Shuzhong , Lowenstein Tim K. , Li Weiqiang
Published: March 2024

The surficial cycling of Mg is coupled with the global carbon cycle, a predominant control of Earth’s climate. However, how Earth’s surficial Mg cycle evolved with time has been elusive. Magnesium isotope signatures of seawater (δ
26
Mg
sw
) track the surficial Mg cycle, which could provide crucial information on the carbon cycle in Earth’s history. Here, we present a reconstruction of δ
26
Mg
sw
evolution over the past 2 billion years using marine halite fluid inclusions and sedimentary dolostones. The data show that δ
26
Mg
sw
decreased, with fluctuations, by about 1.4‰ from the Paleoproterozoic to the present time. Mass balance calculations based on this δ
26
Mg
sw
record reveal a long-term decline in net dolostone burial (NDB) over the past 2 billion years, due to the decrease in dolomitization in the oceans and the increase in dolostone weathering on the continents. This underlines a previously underappreciated connection between the weathering-burial cycle of dolostone and the Earth’s climate on geologic timescales.
Genetic determinants of blood pressure and heart rate identified through ENU-induced mutagenesis with automated meiotic mapping
Authors: Teixeira Samantha K. , Pontes Roberto , Zuleta Luiz Fernando G. , Wang Jianhui , Xu Darui , Hildebrand Sara , Russell Jamie , Zhan Xiaoming , Choi Mihwa , Tang Miao , Li Xiaohong , Ludwig Sara , Beutler Bruce , Krieger Jose E.
Published: March 2024

We used
N
-ethyl-
N
-nitrosurea–induced germline mutagenesis combined with automated meiotic mapping to identify specific systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) determinant loci. We analyzed 43,627 third-generation (G3) mice from 841 pedigrees to assess the effects of 45,378 variant alleles within 15,760 genes, in both heterozygous and homozygous states. We comprehensively tested 23% of all protein-encoding autosomal genes and found 87 SBP and 144 HR (with 7 affecting both) candidates exhibiting detectable hypomorphic characteristics. Unexpectedly, only 18 of the 87 SBP genes were previously known, while 26 of the 144 genes linked to HR were previously identified. Furthermore, we confirmed the influence of two genes on SBP regulation and three genes on HR control through reverse genetics. This underscores the importance of our research in uncovering genes associated with these critical cardiovascular risk factors and illustrate the effectiveness of germline mutagenesis for defining key determinants of polygenic phenotypes that must be studied in an intact organism.
Brochosome-inspired binary metastructures for pixel-by-pixel thermal signature control
Authors: Li Zhuo , Wang Lin , Liu Xiu , Li Jiayu , Yun Hyeong Seok , Wang Zexiao , Zhang Xu , Wong Tak-Sing , Shen Sheng
Published: March 2024

Microscale thermal signature control using incoherent heat sources remains challenging, despite recent advancements in plasmonic materials and phase-change materials. Inspired by leafhopper-generated brochosomes, we design binary metastructures functioning as pixel twins to achieve pixelated thermal signature control at the microscale. In the infrared range, the pixel twins exhibit distinct emissivities, creating thermal counterparts of “0-1” binary states for storing and displaying information. In the visible range, the engineered surface morphology of the pixel twins ensures similar scattering behaviors. This renders them visually indistinguishable, thereby concealing the stored information. The brochosome-like pixel twins are self-emitting when thermally excited. Their structure-enabled functions do not rely on the permittivities of specific materials, which distinguishes them from the conventional laser–illuminated plasmonic holographic metasurfaces. The unique combination of visible camouflage and infrared display offers a systemic solution to microscale spatial control of thermal signatures and has substantial implications for optical security, anticounterfeiting, and data encryption.
Complete genome sequence of alfalfa-associated picorna-like virus 2
Authors: Nemchinov Lev G. , Grinstead Sam
Published: March 2024

We have previously reported on the detection of an unknown picorna-like virus in alfalfa samples. The exact host of the virus was unclear due to its similarity to the members of
Iflaviridae
family, which typically infect arthropods. The virus was provisionally named alfalfa-associated picorna-like virus 2. Here, we report a complete genomic sequence of the virus.
The genome sequences of lytic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
bacteriophages BL1, BL2, and BL3 isolated from the environment
Authors: Mosharraf Fahareen B. , Marpa Christopher , Rojas Karagen , Bernard Jeffrey , Rowell Austen , Bono Lisa M.
Published: March 2024

We isolated three environmental phages that infect
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen, from Playa Lakes in Lubbock, TX. We report the genome sequences of isolated lytic bacteriophages BL1, BL2, and BL3. Sequence similarity analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to an unclassified species in the genus
Pbunavirus
within
Caudoviricetes
.
Complete genome sequences of six duckweed-associated bacterial strains for studying community assembly in synthetic plant microbiome
Authors: Ishizawa Hidehiro , Tada Minami , Tashiro Yosuke , Kuroda Masashi , Inoue Daisuke , Dohra Hideo , Futamata Hiroyuki , Ike Michihiko
Published: March 2024

We report the complete genome sequences of six bacterial strains isolated from a floating macrophyte, duckweed. These six strains, representing the six dominant families of the natural duckweed microbiome, establish a simple model ecosystem when inoculated onto sterilized duckweed. Their genomes would provide insights into community assembly in plant microbiome.
On the occurrence of a Variscan eclogite in the Argentera-Mercantour Massif, Western Alps: Implications for the evolution of the southern Variscan belt
Authors: Filippi Marco , Jouffray Fabrice , Lardeaux Jean-Marc , Tiepolo Massimo , Spalla Maria Iole
Published: March 2024

The newfound Bois de Sélasse eclogite in the eastern Argentera-Mercantour Massif (External Crystalline Massifs, Western Alps) is crucial for better constraining the tectonic evolution of the southern part of the European Variscan belt. The whole-rock composition of this eclogite aligns with that of a basaltic protolith with a normal mid-oceanic-ridge affinity, and U-Pb dating on igneous zircon cores reveals an emplacement age of 524 ± 5 Ma. The emplacement may have occurred either in the oceanic lithosphere to the north of the active Gondwana margin or within a back-arc basin during the subduction beneath Gondwana. Exceptionally preserved prehnite–pumpellyite to eclogite facies minerals provide evidence of prograde metamorphism along a standard oceanic subduction geotherm (≤10 °C/km). Peak eclogite facies conditions are constrained at 610–660 °C and 1.9–2.3 GPa by thermodynamic modeling combined with Ti-in-zircon and Zr-in-rutile thermometry. A minimum age for eclogite facies metamorphism is established at 339 ± 6 Ma by U-Pb dating on metamorphic zircon rims. The protolith of the Bois de Sélasse eclogite is indeed older than the Variscan oceans, but it was similarly affected by Variscan subduction. We discuss the implications of this new finding in the context of the European Variscan belt.
Late Paleozoic sedimentation recording back-arc basin evolution in response to Chinese Altai–East Junggar convergence in Central Asia
Authors: Jiang Ying-De , Shu Tan , Soejono Igor , Nádaskay Roland , Schulmann Karel , Ning Jun , Zhang Jian , Kong Lingzhu
Published: March 2024

Sedimentological and geochronological data from late Paleozoic strata located between the East Junggar and Chinese Altai regions in NW China were examined, aiming to decipher the tectono-sedimentary evolution of this important tectonic boundary. Carboniferous sediments on the East Junggar side show arc-proximal depositional characteristics of the proximal Heishantou and Nanmingshui Formations and distal Beitashan and Yundukala Formations, while the Erqis complex on the Chinese Altai side is characterized by continental margin affinity. Lithological analysis revealed the dominant input of arc-related detritus for all these sequences and a uniform transition from volcaniclastic to siliciclastic components in their respective upper sections. The investigated East Junggar strata are dominated by Carboniferous zircons with positive εHf(t) values, sourced exclusively from the southerly Yemaquan-Jiangjunmiao arc domain, whereas the Erqis complex received detritus from the same arc domain but also evolved components from the northerly Chinese Altai. Combined with regional data, the examined strata are interpreted to have developed in a back-arc basin with regard to an arc that developed above the north-dipping Kalamaili subduction system. In contrast, the unmetamorphosed Lower Permian Tesibahan Formation, unconformably overlying the Erqis complex, received detritus mainly from the Chinese Altai. These sediments were deposited in an intracontinental piggyback or synformal basin following closure of the back-arc basin. The late Paleozoic sedimentation records support the interpretation that the Chinese Altai and East Junggar domains evolved from the same suprasubduction system prior to the Carboniferous rather than as independent terranes mutually juxtaposed during Permian lateral translation, as previously proposed.