bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid genomic convergent evolution in experimental populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: van der Zee Mijke J. , Whiting James R. , Paris Josephine R. , Bassar Ron D. , Travis Joseph , Weigel Detlef , Reznick David N. , Fraser Bonnie A.
Published: January 2022

Although rapid phenotypic evolution has been documented often, the genomic basis of rapid adaptation to natural environments is largely unknown in multicellular organisms. Population genomic studies of experimental populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata) provide a unique opportunity to study this phenomenon. Guppy populations that were transplanted from high-predation (HP) to low-predation (LP) environments have been shown to evolve toward the phenotypes of naturally colonized LP populations in as few as eight generations. These changes persist in common garden experiments, indicating that they have a genetic basis. Here, we report results of whole genome variation in four experimental populations colonizing LP sites along with the corresponding HP source population. We examined genome-wide patterns of genetic variation to estimate past demography and used a combination of genome scans, forward simulations, and a novel analysis of allele frequency change vectors to uncover the signature of selection. We detected clear signals of population growth and bottlenecks at the genome-wide level that matched the known history of population numbers. We found a region on chromosome 15 under strong selection in three of the four populations and with our multivariate approach revealing subtle parallel changes in allele frequency in all four populations across this region. Investigating patterns of genome-wide selection in this uniquely replicated experiment offers remarkable insight into the mechanisms underlying rapid adaptation, providing a basis for comparison with other species and populations experiencing rapidly changing environments.
Socioeconomic status, access to care, risk factor patterns, and stage at diagnosis for head and neck cancer among black and white patients
Authors: Emerson Marc A. , Farquhar Douglas R. , Lenze Nicholas R. , Sheth Siddharth , Mazul Angela L. , Zanation Adam M. , Hackman Trevor G. , Weissler Mark C. , Zevallos Jose P. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Brennan Paul , Abedi‐Ardekani Behnoush , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: January 2022

Background

Little is known about how factors combine to influence progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). We aimed to evaluate multidimensional influences of factors associated with HNSCC stage by race.

Methods

Using retrospective data, patients with similar socioeconomic status (SES), access to care (travel time/distance), and behavioral risk factors (tobacco/alcohol use and dental care) were grouped by latent class analysis. Relative frequency differences (RFD) were calculated to evaluate latent classes by stage, race, and p16 status.

Results

We identified three latent classes. Advanced T‐stage was higher for black (RFD = +20.2%; 95% CI: −4.6 to 44.9) than white patients (RFD = +10.7%; 95% CI: 2.1–19.3) in the low‐SES/high‐access/high‐behavioral risk class and higher for both black (RFD = +29.6%; 95% CI: 4.7–54.5) and white patients (RFD = +23.9%; 95% CI: 15.2–32.6) in the low‐SES/low‐access/high‐behavioral risk class.

Conclusion

Results suggest that SES, access to care, and behavioral risk factors combine to underly the association with advanced T‐stage. Additionally, differences by race warrant further investigation.
Monocarboxylate transporter 4 inhibition potentiates hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy through enhancing T cell infiltration and immune attack
Authors: Fang Yuan , Liu Weiren , Tang Zheng , Ji Xiang , Zhou Yufu , Song Shushu , Tian Mengxin , Tao Chenyang , Huang Run , Zhu Guiqi , Jiang Xifei , Gao Jun , Qu Weifeng , Wang Han , Zhou Peiyun , Wu Xiaoling , Jin Lei , Sun Haixiang , Ding Zhenbin , Peng Yuanfei , Zhao Shimin , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Xu Wei , Shi Yinghong
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims:

Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) 4 is a high‐affinity lactate transporter that is primarily involved in the maintenance of intracellular pH homeostasis and highly expressed in different tumors. However, the role of MCT4 in modulating immune responses against HCC remains unknown.

Approach and Results:

In this study, we demonstrated that MCT4 was overexpressed in HCC, which was associated with poor prognosis in patients. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of MCT4 using VB124 (a highly potent MCT4 inhibitor) suppressed HCC tumor growth in immunocompetent mice model by enhancing CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytotoxicity. Such improved immunotherapy response by MCT4 targeting was due to combined consequences characterized by the alleviated acidification of tumor microenvironment and elevated the chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL) 9/CXCL10 secretion induced by reactive oxygen species/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Combining MCT4 inhibition improved the therapeutic benefit of anti–programmed cell death 1 immunotherapy in HCC and prolonged mice survival. Moreover, higher MCT4 expression was observed in tumor tissues from nonresponder patients with HCC receiving neoadjuvant therapy with toripalimab.

Conclusions:

Our results revealed that lactate exportation by MCT4 has a tumor‐intrinsic function in generating an immunosuppressive HCC environment and demonstrated the proof of the concept of targeting MCT4 in tailoring HCC immunotherapeutic approaches.
Effect of receiver geometry on the optical and thermal performance of a parabolic trough collector
Authors: Al‐Dulaimi Mustafa J. , Amori Karima E.
Published: January 2022

In this study, the optical and thermal performance of a Parabolic Trough Collector PTC system is investigated theoretically. A series of numerical simulations and theoretical analysis has been conducted to investigate the effect of the receiver geometry and location relative to the focal line on its optical performance. The examined receiver geometries are circular, square, triangular, elliptical and a new design of circular‐ square named as channel receiver. The thermal performance of PTC is studied for different flow rates from (0.27 to 0.6 lpm) theoretically. Results showed that the best optical design is the channel receiver with an optical efficiency of 84% while the worst is the elliptical receiver with an optical efficiency of 70%. Thermally the best design is the elliptical receiver with a thermal efficiency of 85% while the worst is the circular receiver with a thermal efficiency of 82%.
The chemical induction of synaesthesia
Authors: Luke David P. , Lungu Laura , Friday Ross , Terhune Devin B.
Published: January 2022

Objective

Preliminary research suggests that experiences resembling synaesthesia are frequently reported under the influence of a diverse range of chemical substances although the incidence, chemical specificity, and characteristics of these effects are poorly understood.

Methods

Here we surveyed recreational drug users and self‐reported developmental synaesthetes regarding their use of 28 psychoactive drugs from 12 different drug classes and whether they had experienced synaesthesia under the influence of these substances.

Results

The drug class of tryptamines exhibited the highest incidence rates of drug‐induced synaesthesia in controls and induction rates of novel forms of synaesthesia in developmental synaesthetes. Induction incidence rates in controls were strongly correlated with the corresponding induction and enhancement rates in developmental synaesthetes. In addition, the use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) was the strongest predictor of drug‐induced synaesthesia in both controls and developmental synaesthetes. Clear evidence was observed for a clustering of synaesthesia‐induction rates as a function of drug class in both groups, denoting non‐random incidence rates within drug classes. Sound‐colour synaesthesia was the most commonly observed type of induced synaesthesia. Further analyses suggest the presence of synaesthesia‐prone individuals, who were more likely to experience drug‐induced synaesthesia with multiple drugs.

Conclusions

These data corroborate the hypothesized link between drug‐induced synaesthesia and serotoninergic activity, but also suggest the possibility of alternative neurochemical pathways involved in the induction of synaesthesia. They further imply that the induction and modulation of synaesthesia in controls and developmental synaesthetes share overlapping mechanisms and that certain individuals may be more susceptible to experiencing induced synaesthesia with different drugs.
Overconfidence of the chair of the Federal Reserve and market expectations: Evidence based on media coverage
Authors: Bennani Hamza
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the relationship between the overconfidence expressed by the chair of the US Federal Reserve and financial market expectations. I first use a media‐based proxy to compute a measure of Fed chair's overconfidence for the period 1999M01–2017M07, the overconfidence indicator. The overconfidence indicator provides a quantitative measure of the overconfidence expressed by the Fed chair, which is covered by the media, and thus, perceived by financial market participants. I relate this variable to inflation and unemployment expectations of market participants. Our results show that an overconfident Fed chair is significantly associated with higher inflation expectations and lower unemployment expectations. These findings are robust to (i) the macroeconomic forecasts used to extract the exogenous component of the media‐based proxy reflecting Fed chair's overconfidence (the Survey of Professional Forecasters and the Greenbook forecasts) and (iii) an alternative proxy of inflation expectations. These findings shed some new light on the impact of central bankers' communication on financial market expectations, and thus, on the effectiveness of their monetary policy decisions.
A multicenter prospective study of early gestational diabetes mellitus: Rates, severity, and risk factors based on IADPSG‐defined fasting glycemia
Authors: Olagbuji Biodun N. , Aderoba Adeniyi K. , Olagbuji Yetunde W. , Enikuomehin Adenike C. , Adewole Ayodele S. , Awe Christianah O. , Akadiri Olumide ,   Gestational Diabetes Study Group—Nigeria
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of early gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) defined fasting glycemia.

Methods

A prospective multicenter study testing fasting venous plasma glucose (FPG) in women aged 18–45 years between 6 and 23+6 weeks of pregnancy in secondary health facilities in Ondo State, Nigeria. Early GDM was defined using the IADPSG threshold for fasting hyperglycemia, and its severity was examined. Potential risk factors for early GDM were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 8915 women who underwent FPG testing, the prevalence of early GDM was 12.5% (11.9%–13.3%). Multivariable analysis identified a dose–response association between body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) and early GDM, with a BMI of 35 or more (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.55) associated with early GDM. Primiparity (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.25–1.76), multiparity (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.47–2.04), and a first‐degree family history of diabetes (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.27–2.02) were associated with significantly higher odds of early GDM.

Conclusion

This study established the prevalence, severity and risk factors for early GDM in a specific country that potentially represents a global region with no previous relevant data.
The role of distance and transportation in decision making to seek emergency obstetric care among women of reproductive age in south–South Nigeria: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ekpenyong Mandu S. , Matheson David , Serrant Laura
Published: January 2022

Objective

To explore the role of transportation in seeking emergency obstetric care among women with obstetric complications.

Methods

A mixed‐methods design. The study population comprised women aged 15–49 years who had experience direct obstetric complications and were attending the health facility for care at the time of this study. A total of 318 women completed the questionnaires, and in‐depth interviews were held for six women who were purposively selected from the 318 respondents. Both questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews were used in collecting data for this study. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS using both inferential and bivariate analysis, and a qualitative content analysis was carried out on the qualitative data.

Results

Of the 318 respondents, 290 (91.2%) accessed health facilities by motorized transport with 28 (8.8%) on foot. Mode of transportation was related to regularity at prenatal care (P = 0.003), with those who came on foot being regular attenders compared with those that came on motorized transport.

Conclusion

An efficient and suitable transport system as well as distance are key factors influencing women’s role in decision making to seek care.
Interfacial charge and energy transfer in van der Waals heterojunctions
Authors: Hu Zehua , Liu Xue , Hernández‐Martínez Pedro Ludwig , Zhang Shishu , Gu Peng , Du Wei , Xu Weigao , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Liu Haiyun , Xiong Qihua
Published: January 2022

Van der Waals heterojunctions are fast‐emerging quantum structures fabricated by the controlled stacking of two‐dimensional (2D) materials. Owing to the atomically thin thickness, their carrier properties are not only determined by the host material itself, but also defined by the interlayer interactions, including dielectric environment, charge trapping centers, and stacking angles. The abundant constituents without the limitation of lattice constant matching enable fascinating electrical, optical, and magnetic properties in van der Waals heterojunctions toward next‐generation devices in photonics, optoelectronics, and information sciences. This review focuses on the charge and energy transfer processes and their dynamics in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), a family of quantum materials with strong excitonic effects and unique valley properties, and other related 2D materials such as graphene and hexagonal‐boron nitride. In the first part, we summarize the ultrafast charge transfer processes in van der Waals heterojunctions, including its experimental evidence and theoretical understanding, the interlayer excitons at the TMDC interfaces, and the hot carrier injection at the graphene/TMDCs interface. In the second part, the energy transfer, including both Förster and Dexter types, are reviewed from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. Finally, we highlight the typical charge and energy transfer applications in photodetectors and summarize the challenges and opportunities for future development in this field.
Functional Properties of Two Distinct PTH1R Mutants Associated With Either Skeletal Defects or Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Authors: Portales‐Castillo Ignacio , Dean Thomas , Khatri Ashok , Jüppner Harald , Gardella Thomas J
Published: January 2022

Consistent with a vital role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor type 1 (PTH1R) in skeletal development, homozygous loss‐of‐function PTH1R mutations in humans results in neonatal lethality (Blomstrand chondrodysplasia), whereas such heterozygous mutations cause a primary failure of tooth eruption (PFE). Despite a key role of PTH1R in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, blood mineral ion levels are not altered in such cases of PFE. Recently, two nonlethal homozygous PTH1R mutations were identified in two unrelated families in which affected members exhibit either dental and skeletal abnormalities (PTH1R‐V204E) or hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia (PTH1R‐R186H). Arg186 and Val204 map to the first transmembrane helix of the PTH1R, and thus to a critical region of this class B G protein‐coupled receptor. We used cell‐based assays and PTH and PTH‐related protein (PTHrP) ligand analogs to assess the impact of the R186H and V204E mutations on PTH1R function in vitro. In transiently transfected HEK293 cells, PTH1R‐R186H mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responses to PTH(1‐34) and PTHrP(1‐36) that were of comparable potency to those observed on wild‐type PTH1R (PTH1R‐WT) (half maximal effective concentrations [EC50s] = 0.4nM to 1.2nM), whereas the response‐maxima were significantly reduced for the PTH1R‐V204E mutant (maximum effect [Emax] = 81%–77% of PTH1R‐WT, p ≤ 0.004). Antibody binding to an extracellular hemagglutinin (HA) tag was comparable for PTH1R‐R186H and PTH1R‐WT, but was significantly reduced for PTH1R‐V204E (maximum binding level [Bmax] = 44% ± 11% of PTH1R‐WT, p = 0.002). The potency of cAMP signaling induced by a PTH(1‐11) analog was reduced by ninefold and threefold, respectively, for PTH1R‐R186H and PTH1R‐V204E, relative to PTH1R‐WT, and a PTH(1‐15) radioligand analog that bound adequately to PTH1R‐WT exhibited little or no specific binding to either mutant receptor. The data support a general decrease in PTH1R surface expression and/or function as a mechanism for PFE and a selective impairment in PTH ligand affinity as a potential PTH1R‐mutation‐based mechanism for pseudohypoparathyroidism. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Treatment of piggery waste in an ectopic microbial fermentation system and safety evaluation of generated organic fertilizer
Authors: Li Yongchao , Li Luyao , Liu Xue , Li Jiabin , Ye Jing , Chen Zhuobo , Zhu Changxiong , Geng Bing
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

With the development of China’s livestock breeding industry, a large amount of waste was discharged and the local environment was seriously polluted. In this research, treatment performance of piggery waste in an ectopic fermentation system (EFS) using different padding materials and safety evaluation of generated organic fertilizer were studied in a pilot experiment.

RESULTS

During the whole fermentation process, temperature in the EFS fluctuated with addition of fresh feces and its consumption, and the pH value varied between 6.5 and 9.5. The absorption coefficient of pig breeding wastewater and feces per kilogram of padding (maize straw) at the end was 2.52 and 1.88, respectively. Bacteria played a major role in decomposing organic matter, and its number was basically maintained at 107–108 orders of magnitude. The C:N ratio in two EFS beds decreased gradually and was below 14:1 at the end, indicating the maturity of fermentation. Moreover, operation of the EFS with addition of rice husk/coconut shell mixture was more stable than that of EFS with maize straw. After fermentation, the heavy metal, total nutrient content, ascaris egg mortality and fecal coliform population of the generated organic fertilizer from two fermentation beds all met the limits of the Organic Fertilizer Standard of China, and the seed germination index of the product increased.

CONCLUSIONS

EFS employing maize straw or rice husk/coconut shell mixture as padding material can be used to treat both solid and liquid waste from pig farms. EFS technology reduced the biotoxicity of piggery waste. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Versus Computed Tomography for Three‐Dimensional Bone Imaging of Musculoskeletal Pathologies: A Review
Authors: Florkow Mateusz C. , Willemsen Koen , Mascarenhas Vasco V. , Oei Edwin H.G. , van Stralen Marijn , Seevinck Peter R.
Published: January 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly utilized as a radiation‐free alternative to computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis and treatment planning of musculoskeletal pathologies. MR imaging of hard tissues such as cortical bone remains challenging due to their low proton density and short transverse relaxation times, rendering bone tissues as nonspecific low signal structures on MR images obtained from most sequences. Developments in MR image acquisition and post‐processing have opened the path for enhanced MR‐based bone visualization aiming to provide a CT‐like contrast and, as such, ease clinical interpretation. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of studies comparing MR and CT imaging for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes in orthopedic care, with a special focus on selective bone visualization, bone segmentation, and three‐dimensional (3D) modeling. This review discusses conventional gradient‐echo derived techniques as well as dedicated short echo time acquisition techniques and post‐processing techniques, including the generation of synthetic CT, in the context of 3D and specific bone visualization. Based on the reviewed literature, it may be concluded that the recent developments in MRI‐based bone visualization are promising. MRI alone provides valuable information on both bone and soft tissues for a broad range of applications including diagnostics, 3D modeling, and treatment planning in multiple anatomical regions, including the skull, spine, shoulder, pelvis, and long bones.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Sex/gender differences in children with autism spectrum disorder: A brief overview on epidemiology, symptom profile, and neuroanatomy
Authors: Calderoni Sara
Published: January 2022

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose shared core features are impairments in social interaction and communication as well as restricted patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The significant and consistent male preponderance in ASD prevalence has historically affected the scientific knowledge of autism in females as regards, inter alia, the clinical presentation, the genetic architecture, and the structural brain underpinnings. Indeed, females with ASD are under‐investigated as samples recruited for clinical research typically reflect the strong male bias of the disorder. In the last years, the study of the various aspects of sex/gender (s/g) differences in ASD is gaining increased clinical and research interest resulting in a growing number of investigations on this topic. Here, I review and discuss evidence emerged from epidemiological, clinical, and neuroimaging studies in the last decade focusing on s/g differences in children with ASD. These studies are the prerequisites for the development of assessment and treatment practices which take into consideration s/g differences in ASD. Ultimately, a better understanding of s/g differences aims at improving healthcare for both ASD males and females.
Dose‐dependent effect of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein on visual function and optic nerve damage in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Castoldi Valerio , Marenna Silvia , Huang Su‐Chun , d’Isa Raffaele , Chaabane Linda , Comi Giancarlo , Leocani Letizia
Published: January 2022

Female Dark Agouti rats were immunized with increasing doses of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis. Typical EAE motor impairments were assessed daily and noninvasive visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded at baseline and 5 weeks after immunization, with final histopathology of optic nerves (ONs). Immunized rats exhibited a relapsing‐remitting clinical course. Both VEP and histological abnormalities were detected in a MOG dose‐dependent gradient. Increasing MOG dosage augmented visual function impairment in EAE, which could be monitored with VEP recording to assess demyelination and axonal loss along ONs.
Sex and gender differences in the development of empathy
Authors: Rochat Magali Jane
Published: January 2022

The topic of typical sex and gender difference in empathy is examined in both a developmental and neuroscientific perspective. Empathy is construed as a multi‐layered phenomenon with various degrees of complexity unfolding in ontogeny. The different components of empathy (i.e., affective, cognitive, and prosocial motivation) will be discussed as they interact and are expressed behaviorally. Significant sex/gender differences in empathy are discussed in relation to putative bottom‐up or top‐down processes underlying empathetic responses. The early onset and the pervasive presence of such sex/gender differences throughout the lifespan are further discussed in light of social and neurobiological modeling factors, including early socialization, brain's structural/functional variances, as well as genetics and hormonal factors.
The serotonin reuptake transporter modulates mitochondrial copy number and mitochondrial respiratory complex gene expression in the frontal cortex and cerebellum in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Thorne Bryony N. , Ellenbroek Bart A. , Day Darren J.
Published: January 2022

Neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are complex conditions attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. There is a growing body of evidence showing that serotonergic signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the pathophysiology of these disorders and are linked as signaling through specific serotonin (5‐HT) receptors drives mitochondrial biogenesis. The serotonin transporter (SERT) is important in these disorders as it regulates synaptic serotonin and therapeutically is the target of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors which are a major class of anti‐depressant drug. Human allelic variants of the serotonin transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) such as the S/S variant, are associated with reduced SERT expression and increased susceptibility for developing neuropsychiatric disorders. Using a rat model that is haploinsufficient for SERT and displays reduced SERT expression similar to the human S/S variant, we demonstrate that reduced SERT expression modulates mitochondrial copy number and expression of respiratory chain electron transfer components in the brain. In the frontal cortex, genotype‐related trends were opposing for males and females, such that reduced SERT expression led to increased expression of the Complex I subunit mt‐Nd1 in males but reduced expression in females. Our findings suggest that SERT expression and serotonergic signaling have a role in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in the brain. We speculate that the sexual dimorphism in mitochondrial abundance and gene expression contributes to the sex bias found in the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders such as MDD and ASD.
The Impact of a Laughter Prescription on Creativity, Well‐Being, Affect, and Academic Efficacy in University Students
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Sharma Sandeep , Gonot‐Schoupinsky Xavier P. , Gonot‐Schoupinsky Freda N.
Published: January 2022

Our study explored: (a) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; (b) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well‐being, affect, and academic efficacy (AE); and (c) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test (ACT) conceived for this study. A convenience sample of healthy students (n = 70) aged 18–28 (78% female; M = 21.6) was randomized to experimental or control conditions. Experimental participants (n = 29) were prescribed to laugh three times a day for a week with their Laughie (a 1‐minute recording, on their smartphone, of their laughter). The intervention was planned and evaluated using Feasibility, Reach‐out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Effectiveness, Implementation, Tailorability. Data measures included ACT, Wallach–Kogan Creativity Test, Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale, WHO‐5 Well‐being Index (WHO‐5), and Pattern of Adaptive Learning Scales AE and avoiding novelty. A 1‐minute laughter prescription, used three times a day for 1 week, was feasible and effective in stimulating creativity, increasing well‐being and immediate affect, and benefitting AE.
Sustainability co‐creation in digitalized global value chains
Authors: Grunwald Guido
Published: January 2022

Increased attention to sustainability issues and advancing digitalization motivate organizations to collaborate on sustainability issues in projects with various stakeholders in and around global value chains. In sustainability co‐creation, stakeholders' specific knowledge and competencies will be combined to achieve common sustainability goals more effectively while better targeting individual goals. However, sustainability co‐creation can pose various challenges that affect the possible input factors (e.g., insufficient or unequal digital resources, skills, motivation), the process of cooperation (e.g., conflicting goals, inappropriate timing and methods) and the output (e.g., lack of commitment about target achievement and communication). This paper proposes a conceptual input–process–output framework of sustainability co‐creation in the context of digitalized global value chains. It highlights major managerial challenges and implications drawing on relationship marketing research. Recommendations and practical examples for designing sustainability co‐creation's input, process, and output are provided, useful for managers. Besides, avenues for future research are derived.
The influence of blockchains and internet of things on global value chain
Authors: Egwuonwu Arthur , Mordi Chima , Egwuonwu Ambrose , Uadiale Olayinka
Published: January 2022

Despite the increasing proliferation of deploying the internet of things (IoT) in the global value chain (GVC), several challenges might lead to a lack of trust among value chain partners, for example, technical challenges (i.e., confidentiality, authenticity, and privacy); and security challenges (i.e., counterfeiting, physical tampering, and data theft). In this study, we argue that blockchain technology (BT), when combined with the IoT ecosystem, will strengthen GVC and enhance value creation and capture among value chain partners. Therefore, we examine the impact of BT combined with the IoT ecosystem and how it can be utilized to enhance value creation and capture among value chain partners. We collected data through an online survey, and 265 U.K. Agri‐food retailers completed the survey. Our data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our finding reveals that BT enhances GVC by improving IoT scalability, security, and traceability combined with the IoT ecosystem. Moreover, the combination of BT and IoT strengthens GVC and creates more value for value chain partners, which serves as a competitive advantage. Finally, our research outlines the theoretical and practical contribution of combining BT and the IoT ecosystem.
Global value chains and digital platforms: Implications for strategy
Authors: Loonam John , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: January 2022

The emergence of global value chains (GVCs) appears due to the rise of international trade deregulation and market liberalization over the past decades. The rise of information and communication technologies, which supports knowledge‐intensive activities, has also radically transformed value capture across GVCs and raises the bar for value‐creating opportunities as a new generation of technologies emerges. Of particular relevance to GVCs is the rise of digital technologies, such as big data, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. These technologies promise to herald a new era of connectedness, collaboration, and innovation, affording significant growth opportunities for GVCs. Digital platforms will play a key role for GVCs in orchestrating such value‐creating opportunities. There remains a lack of empirical understanding of how digital platforms can enable GVC strategy. The study seeks to address this question by reviewing the digital platform literature to support key GVC strategy learnings. Specifically, 61 “digital platform”–titled articles across 38 Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS)‐ranked journals were reviewed. The study adopts Mainardi and Kleiner's (Strategy + Business, 2010, 61, pp. 1–14) “strategy landscape” framework to organize emerging findings. Eight key themes emerged from the literature to reveal critical issues for digital platforms. Implications for strategy are then discussed, revealing four key learnings for GVCs, namely, (i) boundary management, (ii) definition of the unit of analysis, (iii) alignment of capabilities, and (iv) governance and leadership.
A case of trust‐building in the supply chain: Emerging economies perspective
Authors: Manfredi Emilia , Capik Paweł
Published: January 2022

The paper explores the process of trust‐building between SMEs' supply chain partners in turbulent times in emerging economies. It focuses on the role of environmental information exchange in strengthening relationships and improving responsiveness to overcome uncertainty while understanding and adapting to the changing environmental realities. A case study strategy of an SME in Argentina was conducted to obtain insights regarding the experiences, perceptions and opinions about how achieving trust acts as an instrument of partners' support during an uncertain time. A series of semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Argentina and China to collect empirical data. Data were analyzed to understand partners' mutual support and the emergence of trust. The importance of supply chain partnership is that partners go to the market together, meaning that there are more opportunities to benefit from for each partner. The results demonstrate that it is incorrect to assume that an SME can prosper alone in an unknown landscape. However, because of their responsiveness and experience in operating in a turbulent working environment, decision‐makers rapidly develop skills to adapt to uncertainty. Information sharing is at the core of establishing successful long‐term relationships, overcoming uncertainties while transforming them into opportunities.
Molecular encapsulation and bioactivity of gnetol, a resveratrol analogue, for use in foods
Authors: Navarro‐Orcajada Silvia , Conesa Irene , Matencio Adrián , García‐Carmona Francisco , López‐Nicolás José Manuel
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Gnetol is a stilbene whose characterization and bioactivity have been poorly studied. It shares some bioactivities with its analogue resveratrol, such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐thrombotic, cardioprotective and anti‐cancer activities. However, the low solubility of stilbenes may limit their potential applications in functional foods. Encapsulation in cyclodextrins could be a solution.

RESULTS

The antioxidant activity of gnetol was evaluated by 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation and ferric reducing antioxidant power methods (Trolox equivalents 13.48 μmol L−1 and 37.08 μmol L−1 respectively at the highest concentration) and it was higher than that of resveratrol, and depending on the method, similar or higher to that of oxyresveratrol. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric characterization of gnetol is published for the first time. Moreover, its water solubility was determined and improved almost threefold after its molecular encapsulation in cyclodextrins, as well as its stability after storage for a week. A physicochemical and computational study revealed that cyclodextrins complex gnetol in a 1:1 stoichiometry, with better affinity for like 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (KF = 4542.90 ± 227.15 mol−1 L). Temperature and pH affected the encapsulation constants.

CONCLUSION

These results could increase interest of gnetol as an alternative to the most studied stilbene, resveratrol, as well as aid in the development of more stable inclusion complexes that improve its aqueous solubility and stability so that it can be incorporated into functional foods. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 3 on Surveillance Computed Tomography: Incidence, Biopsy Rate, and Predictive Performance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Johansson Erik D. , Hughes Ryan T. , Meegalla Nuwan T. , Porosnicu Mercedes , Patwa Hafiz S. , Lack Christopher M. , Bunch Paul M.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System (NI‐RADS) is a radiology reporting system for head and neck cancer surveillance. Imaging findings of high suspicion for recurrence are assigned Category 3 and recommended for “Biopsy, if clinically indicated.” After implementing NI‐RADS for surveillance neck computed tomography (CT), our objectives are to determine the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) Category 3 lesions in the year post‐implementation, the associated biopsy rate, and the positive predictive value of NI‐RADS 3 for SCC recurrence.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Neck CTs reported with NI‐RADS between February 2020 and February 2021 were reviewed to identify patients undergoing surveillance for SCC assigned NI‐RADS 3. Cancer recurrence, defined as positive biopsy result or treatment of clinically determined recurrence, was determined by electronic medical record review.

Results

During the study period, 580 neck CTs were reported with NI‐RADS, of which 39 (7%) CTs obtained in 37 unique patients (28 male, 9 female, mean age 66.6 years) formed the study cohort. Biopsies were obtained in 23 lesions (45%), of which 17 (74%) were positive for recurrent SCC. One nondiagnostic biopsy was clinically determined to represent recurrence. Of 28 (55%) lesions not biopsied, 18 (64%) were ultimately treated as clinically determined recurrence. Thus, among 51 individual NI‐RADS 3 lesions (32 primary, 19 neck), 36 (71%) represented recurrence.

Conclusion

The incidence of NI‐RADS 3 lesions in our cohort was 7%. The biopsy rate was 45%, and the overall positive predictive value of NI‐RADS 3 for recurrent SCC was 71%. Category 3 lesions are associated with substantial SCC recurrence risk and should be managed accordingly.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1792–1797, 2022
Research data policies of journals in the Chinese Science Citation Database based on the language, publisher, discipline, access model and metrics
Authors: Wang Yu , Chen Beibei , Zhao Liangbin , Zeng Yuanxiang
Published: January 2022

This article investigates the research data policies of China's scholarly journals to provide a regional perspective. In total, 1243 science, technology, and medicine (STM) journals in the Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD) were examined in June and July of 2021. The findings show that the existence and attitudinal strength of the research data policies of China's scholarly journals are weak overall, but differences exist across journals with different languages, publishers, disciplines, access models and metrics. A large imbalance exists between English‐language journals and Chinese‐language journals in setting their research data policies. The existence and attitudinal strength of the research data policies of journals co‐published by Western publishers and Chinese publishers are much stronger than those of journals published solely by Chinese publishers. In terms of discipline, journals belonging to the life sciences have stronger attitudes towards research data sharing. Open access model journals and hybrid model journals are better than subscription model journals in opening and sharing research data. The higher the impact factor (IF) and CiteScore of a journal, the more likely the journal is to have data policies.
Implementing an Open & FAIR data sharing policy—A case study in the earth and environmental sciences
Authors: Cannon Matthew , Kelly Andrew , Freeman Chris
Published: January 2022

This paper outlines the impact of the introduction of an Open & FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) data sharing policy on six earth and environmental science journals published by Taylor & Francis, beginning in November 2019. Notably, 18 months after implementing this new policy, we observed minimal impacts on submission, acceptance rates, or peer‐review times for the participating journals. This paper describes the changes that were required to internal systems and processes in order to implement the new policy, and compares our findings with recent literature reports on the impact of journals introducing data‐sharing policies.
Suicidal thoughts in patients with empty nose syndrome
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chia , Wu Pei‐Wen , Lee Cheng‐Chi , Chang Po‐Hung , Huang Chi‐Che , Lee Ta‐Jen
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS) suffer from paradoxical nasal obstruction with a patent objective nasal airway. ENS may result from the excessive surgical reduction of the turbinate tissue. ENS patients also experience significant psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of suicidal thoughts in ENS patients and to characterize these patients for early identification.

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Methods

Patients with ENS were prospectively recruited for this study. The Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test‐25 (SNOT‐25), Empty Nose Syndrome 6‐item Questionnaire (ENS6Q), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) were used to assess ENS patients before and 6 months after nasal reconstruction surgery.

Results

Sixty‐two patients with ENS were enrolled. Suicidal thoughts were identified in 23 ENS patients preoperatively and in four patients postoperatively. ENS patients with suicidal thoughts rated significantly higher in the SNOT‐25, ENS6Q, BDI‐II, and BAI total scores than those without suicidal thoughts (all P < .05). “Nose feels too open” was the item in ENS6Q that was significantly more severe in ENS patients with suicidal thoughts than those without suicidal thoughts (P < .001).

Conclusions

Suicidal thoughts are frequently identified in patients with ENS. ENS patients with suicidal thoughts experienced significantly more severe symptoms, impaired quality of life, and psychological burden than those without suicidal thoughts. Recognizing individuals who may carry suicidal thoughts and provide appropriate psychological interventions is critical to prevent tragedy.

Level of Evidence

4
Riemann zero mean curvature examples in Lorentz–Minkowski space
Authors: Kaya Seher , López Rafael
Published: January 2022

Riemann zero mean curvature examples in the Lorentz–Minkowski space are surfaces with zero mean curvature foliated by circles contained in parallel planes. In contrast to the Euclidean case, this family of surfaces presents new and rich features because of the variety of types of circles. In this paper, we give a geometric description of these examples when the circles are contained in spacelike planes and timelike planes.
A hybrid optimization strategy for deliverable intensity‐modulated radiotherapy plan generation using deep learning‐based dose prediction
Authors: Sun Zihan , Xia Xiang , Fan Jiawei , Zhao Jun , Zhang Kang , Wang Jiazhou , Hu Weigang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To propose a clinically feasible automatic planning solution for external beam intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, including dose prediction via a deep learning and voxel‐based optimization strategy.

Materials and methods

The dose distribution of patients was predicted using a U‐Net‐based deep learning network based on the patient's anatomy information. One hundred seventeen patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and 200 patients with rectal cancer were enrolled in this study. For NPC cases, 94 cases were included in the training dataset, 13 in the validation dataset, and 10 in the testing dataset. For rectal cancer cases, 172 cases were included in the training set, 18 in the validation set, and 10 in the testing set. A voxel‐based optimization strategy, “Voxel,” was proposed to achieve treatment planning optimization by dividing body voxels into two parts: inside planning target volumes (PTVs) and outside PTVs. Fixed dose‐volume objectives were attached to the total objective function to realize individualized planning intended as the “hybrid” optimizing strategy. Automatically generated plans were compared with clinically approved plans to evaluate clinical gains, according to dosimetric indices and dose‐volume histograms (DVHs).

Results

Similarities were found between the DVH of the predicted dose and clinical plan, although significant differences were found in some organs at risk. Better organ sparing and suboptimal PTV coverage were shown using the voxel strategy; however, the deviations in homogeneity indices (HIs) and conformity indices (CIs) of the PTV between automatically generated plans and manual plans were reduced by the hybrid strategy ([manual plans]/[voxel plans[/[hybrid plans]: HI of PTV70 [1.06/1.12/1.02] and CI of PTV70 [0.79/0.58/0.76]). The optimization time for each patient was within 1 min and included fluence map optimization, leaf sequencing, and control point optimization. All the generated plans (voxel and hybrid strategy) could be delivered on uRT‐linac 506c (United Imaging Healthcare, Shanghai, China).

Conclusion

Deliverable plans can be generated by incorporating a voxel‐based optimization strategy into a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). The hybrid optimization method shows the benefit and clinical feasibility in generating clinically acceptable plans.
Evaluation of brown adipose tissue with intermolecular double‐quantum coherence magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3.0 T
Authors: Lin Liangjie , Zhang Qinhe , Wang Nan , Jiang Ke , Lin Yanqin , Chen Zhong , Song Qingwei , Liu Ailian , Wang Jiazheng
Published: January 2022

In the current study, we propose a single‐voxel (SV) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) pulse sequence, based on intermolecular double‐quantum coherence (iDQC), for in vivo specific assessment of brown adipose tissue (BAT) at 3 T. The multilocular adipocyte, present in BAT, typically contains a large number of small lipid droplets surrounded by abundant intracellular water, while the monolocular adipocyte, present in white adipose tissue (WAT), accommodates only a single large lipid droplet with much less water content. The SV‐iDQC sequence probes the spatial correlation between water and fat spins at a distance of about the size of an adipocyte, thus can be used for assessment of BAT, even when mixed with WAT and/or muscle tissues. This sequence for measurement of water‐to‐fat (water‐fat) iDQC signals was tested on phantoms and mouse BAT and WAT tissues. It was then used to differentiate adipose tissues in the supraclavicular and subcutaneous regions of healthy youth human volunteers (n = 6). Phantom results with water‐fat emulsions demonstrated enhanced water‐fat iDQC signal with increased voxel size, increased energy level of emulsification, or increased distribution balance of water and fat spins. The animal tissue experiments resulted in obvious water‐fat iDQC signal in mouse BAT, while this signal was almost absent in the WAT spectrum. The optimal choice of the dipolar coupling distance for the observation was approximately 100 μm, as tested on both emulsion phantom and animal tissue. The water‐fat iDQC signals observed in the supraclavicular adipose tissues were higher than in the subcutaneous adipose tissues in healthy young volunteers (0.43 ± 0.36 vs. 0.10 ± 0.06, p = 0.06). It was concluded that the iDQC‐based sequence has potential for assessment of mouse and human BAT at 3 T, which is of interest for clinical research and the diagnosis of obesity and associated diseases.