bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can proactive boundary‐spanning search enhance green innovation? The mediating role of organizational resilience
Authors: Wang Juanru , Xue Yajiong , Yang Jin
Published: August 2022

Green innovation is critical for firms' sustainable development, and its antecedents have attracted extensive attention. However, how proactive boundary‐spanning search enhances firms' green innovation remains unclear. Building on the resource‐based view and dynamic capabilities theory, we explore the impact of proactive boundary‐spanning search on firms' green innovation and investigate the mediating role of two types of organizational resilience. Survey data are collected from 218 manufacturing firms in China, and hierarchical regression and bootstrap analysis are used to test hypotheses. The results demonstrate that proactive boundary‐spanning searchnot only has aninverted U‐shaped relationship with radical green innovation and incremental green innovation, but also has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with precursor resilience and improvisation resilience. Moreover, the results show that precursor resilience and improvisation resilience partially mediate the inverted U‐shaped relationship between proactive boundary‐spanning search and the two types of green innovation. This research reveals the nonlinear relationship between proactive boundary‐spanning search and green innovation, which enriches the research of green innovation by considering organizational resilience.
Mining high utility itemsets with time‐aware scheduling using Apache Spark
Authors: Brahmavar Anup , Venkatarama Harish , Maiya Geetha
Published: August 2022

Since the last decade, Market Basket Analysis has been propelled by augmentation of revenue information. Termed as high utility itemset mining (HUIM), this task considers the factors of purchase quantity and unit profit of the items in the transaction database. Although several sequential algorithms to mine HUIs exist, their performance degrades as the database becomes voluminous. Distributed computing solutions such as Apache Hadoop and Apache Spark have proven effective in alleviating this bottleneck. In this regard, the current study develops a parallel workflow to adapt a single‐phase tree‐based algorithm called the single phase utility computation (SPUC) algorithm on a Spark cluster. Based on the time taken to mine individual conditional pattern bases in SPUC, an assignment strategy that partitions the search space across the cluster is proposed in parallel SPUC (PSPUC) algorithm. Experimental evaluation conducted using real and synthetic datasets demonstrate that PSPUC outperforms PHUI‐Growth algorithm. Apart from this, PSPUC in conjunction with the time‐aware assignment strategy converges mining faster than a random assignment of items. A linear speedup of PSPUC is also demonstrated.
Intraspecific variation in male mating strategies in an African ground squirrel (Xerus inauris)
Authors: Manjerovic Mary Beth , Hoffman Eric A. , Parkinson Christopher L. , Waterman Jane M.
Published: August 2022

Male mating strategies respond to female availability such that variation in resources that affect spatial distribution can also alter cost–benefit tradeoffs within a population. In arid‐adapted species, rainfall alters reproduction, behavior, morphology, and population density such that populations differing in resource availability may also differ in successful reproductive strategies. Here, we compare two populations of Cape ground squirrels (Xerus inauris), a sub‐Saharan species with year‐round breeding and intense mating competition. Unlike most mammals where males resort to aggressive interactions over females, maleX. inaurisare tolerant of one another, relying instead on other nonaggressive pre‐ and postcopulatory strategies to determine reproductive success. Our findings suggest that differences in resource availability affect female distribution, which ultimately leads to intraspecific variation in male reproductive tactics and sexual morphology. Sperm competition, assessed by reproductive morphometrics, was more pronounced in our high resource site where females were distributed evenly across the landscape, whereas dominance seemed to be an important determinant of success in our low resource site where females were more aggregated. Both sites had similar mating intensities, and most males did not sire any offspring. However, our low resource site had a higher variance in fertilization success with fewer males siring multiple offspring compared with our high resource site where more individuals were successful. Our results lend support to resource models where variations in female spatial distribution attributed to environmental resources ultimately impact male reproductive behaviors and morphology.
The associations between modifiable risk factors and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A comprehensive Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xie Jiarong , Huang Hangkai , Liu Zhening , Li Youming , Yu Chaohui , Xu Lei , Xu Chengfu
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Early identification of modifiable risk factors is essential for the prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to systematically explore the relationships between genetically predicted modifiable risk factors and NAFLD.

Approach and Results:

We applied univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses to explore the relationships between 35 modifiable risk factors and NAFLD. We also evaluated the combined results in three independent large genome‐wide association studies. Genetically predicted alcohol frequency, elevated serum levels of liver enzymes, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, and obesity traits, including body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat mass, were associated with increased risks of NAFLD (all with p < 0.05). Poor physical condition had a suggestive increased risk for NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] = 2.63, p = 0.042). Genetically instrumented type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypothyroidism, and hypertension all increased the risk for NAFLD, and the ORs (95% confidence interval) were 1.508 (1.20–1.90), 13.08 (1.53–111.65), and 3.11 (1.33–7.31) for a 1‐U increase in log‐transformed odds, respectively. The positive associations of T2DM and hypertension with NAFLD remained significant in multivariable analyses. The combined results from the discovery and two replication datasets further confirmed that alcohol frequency, elevated serum liver enzymes, poor physical condition, obesity traits, T2DM, and hypertension significantly increase the risk of NAFLD, whereas higher education and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐cholesterol) could lower NAFLD risk.

Conclusions:

Genetically predicted alcohol frequency, elevated serum liver enzymes, poor physical condition, obesity traits, T2DM, and hypertension were associated with an increased risk of NAFLD, whereas higher education and HDL‐cholesterol were associated with a decreased risk of NAFLD.
Inadequate practices for hepatic encephalopathy management in the inpatient setting
Authors: Shaw Jawaid , Beyers Lisa , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: August 2022

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is an important complication of decompensated liver disease. Hospital admission for episodes of HE are very common, with these patients being managed by the hospitalists. These admissions are costly and burdensome to the health‐care system. Diagnosis of HE at times is not straightforward, particularly in patients who are altered and unable to provide any history. Precipitants leading to episodes of HE, should be actively sought and effectively tackled along with the overall management. This mandates timely diagnostics, appropriate initiation of pharmacological treatment, and supportive care. Infections are the most important precipitants leading to HE and should be aggressively managed. Lactulose is the front‐line medication for primary treatment of HE episodes and for prevention of subsequent recurrence. However, careful titration in the hospital setting along with the appropriate route of administration should be established and supervised by the hospitalist. Rifaximin has established its role as an add‐on medication, in those cases where lactulose alone is not working. Overall effective management of HE calls for attention to guideline‐directed nutritional requirements, functional assessment, medication reconciliation, patient education/counseling, and proper discharge planning. This will potentially help to reduce readmissions, which are all too common for HE patients. Early specialty consultation may be warranted in certain conditions. Numerous challenges exist to optimal care of hospitalized OHE patients. However, hospitalists if equipped with knowledge about a systematic approach to taking care of these frail patients are in an ideal position to ensure good inpatient and transition of care outcomes.
Artificial Seeds‐Regulated Femtosecond Laser Plasmonic Nanopatterning
Authors: Geng Jiao , Shi Liping , Sun Xiaoyu , Yan Wei , Qiu Min
Published: August 2022

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), being localized at nanoscale and coherent with driving field, are attractive for large‐scale surface nanopatterning. Under femtosecond laser irradiation, the interference between incident light and excited SPPs is efficient to produce periodic nanostructures. However, it generally relies on self‐initiated seeds, which are random and uncontrollable, leading to irregular patterns. Here, controllable laser plasmonic nanopatterning is experimentally illustrated in terms of artificial seeds that are pre‐structured by laser direct writing. The approach is demonstrated on bilayer ultrathin films, consisting of a 50‐nm‐silicon coating on a 100‐nm‐platinum (Pt) or silver (Ag) film. The artificial seeds are in form of silicon oxide. The Pt is utilized to support SPPs, and the nanopatterning occurs in Si film via laser‐induced periodic oxidation. The underlying mechanisms of this approach are numerically investigated and experimentally verified. The typical problems, such as bifurcation, distortion, wavy, and poor splicing are all solved by the artificial seeds. Therefore, large‐scale nanogratings with extremely high uniformity are readily produced. Furthermore, manipulating the orientation of periodic nanostructures by the artificial seeds associated with controlled light polarization is illustrated. When using circularly polarized lasers, the artificial seeds can facilitate a diverse range of periodic patterns with arbitrary while controllable orientation.
Cost of open access publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery
Authors: Kim Eric K. , Shrime Mark G.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Open access (OA) publishing makes research more accessible but is associated with steep article processing charges (APCs). The study objective was to characterize the APCs of OA publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) journals.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of published policies of 110 OHNS journals collated from three databases. The primary outcomes were the publishing model, APC for original research, and APC waiver policy.

Results

We identified 110 OHNS journals (57 fully OA, 47 hybrid, 2 subscription‐only, 4 unknown model). After excluding 12 journals (2 subscription‐only, 4 unknown model, 5 OA with unspecified APCs, and 1 OA that accepts publications only from society members), we analyzed 98 journals, 23 of which did not charge APCs. Among 75 journals with nonzero APCs, the mean and median APCs were $2452 and $2900 (interquartile range: $1082–3520). Twenty‐five journals (33.3%) offered APC subsidies for authors in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and/or on a case‐by‐case basis. Eighty‐five and 25 journals were based in high‐income countries (HICs) and LMICs, respectively. The mean APC was higher among HIC journals than LMIC journals ($2606 vs. $958, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

APCs range from tens to thousands of dollars with limited waivers for authors in LMICs.
Between Hostility and Solidarity: The Production of the Andean Region–Southern Cone Transit Migratory Corridor
Authors: Álvarez Velasco Soledad
Published: August 2022

Beyond the domination of the Mexico-U.S. corridor as the prototypical example of Latin America’s space of transit in the Americas, in the past years a new migratory transit corridor has begun to take shape. Drawing on ethnographic data collected between 2015 and 2019, the dynamics at work in the configuration of the extended migratory corridor Andean Region-Southern Cone countries and Brazil are here inquired. The compared experiences of African, Caribbean, and South American regularized and irregularized migrants within long and short terms transits, will allow an analysis focused on: (1) the causes that triggered such mobilities; (2) its social and digital organization; and, (3) the emerging control policies against it. With empirical data regarding new mobilities and forms of control within South America, the chapter contributes therefore in a wider debate regarding the new geography of transit states and transit migration from a multi-scaled perspective.
Telenotarztsysteme im deutschen Rettungsdienst: eine nationale Sachstandserhebung
Authors: Rupp Dennis , Benöhr Peter , König Marco K. , Bollinger Matthias , Wranze-Bielefeld Erich , Eichen Philipp Maximilian , Kill Clemens
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Bislang liegen nur wenige Daten über den aktuellen Ausbaustand von Telenotarzt(TNA)-Systemen im deutschen Rettungsdienst vor. In einer nationalen Befragung wurde der Sachstand zu Ausbau und Nutzung von TNA-Systemen erhoben.

Material und Methode

Durchführung einer Online-Befragung unter aktiv im deutschen Rettungsdienst tätigen Personen zum Vorhandensein eines TNA-Systems und dessen Ausgestaltung, zu Standardarbeitsanweisungen (SAA) für Rettungsfachpersonal in ausgewählten Einsatzszenarien sowie zu persönlichen Einschätzungen zum Themenkomplex TNA.

Ergebnisse

1023 Teilnehmer aus 77,1 % (n = 299) aller deutschen Rettungsdienstbereiche nahmen teil. 90,3 % (n = 270) der Bereiche hatten kein TNA-System, ein mindestens teilweiser Betrieb war in 9,3 % (n = 29) etabliert. Die Ausgestaltung ist heterogen, die SAA für Rettungsfachpersonal unterscheiden sich auch innerhalb einzelner Bundesländer und zwischen Bereichen mit und ohne TNA erheblich. Regionen mit TNA verfügen zu einem größeren Anteil über SAA und führen einzelne Maßnahmen häufiger durch. So ist eine intravenöse Analgesie durch den Rettungswagen (RTW) bei 0,8 % vs. 8,9 % (n = 1 vs. n = 76) der Teilnehmenden nicht vorgesehen, die Gabe von Acetylsalicylsäure bei akutem Koronarsyndrom ohne ST-Hebung erfolgt in 3,1 % vs. 23,1 % (n = 4 vs. n = 198) nicht. Bei der persönlichen Einschätzung zum Thema TNA besteht ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Bereichen mit und ohne vorhandenes TNA-System.

Schlussfolgerungen

Im deutschen Rettungsdienst sind in weniger als einem Zehntel der Bereiche TNA-Systeme in Betrieb und die vorhandenen Systeme sind sehr heterogen gestaltet. Gleiches gilt für das Vorhandensein von Standardarbeitsanweisungen. Dies legt nahe, dass bei nationaler Betrachtung relevante Unterschiede in der notfallmedizinischen Versorgungsqualität der Bevölkerung bestehen.

Graphic abstract
The VAT in practice: equity, enforcement, and complexity
Authors: Mascagni Giulia , Dom Roel , Santoro Fabrizio , Mukama Denis
Published: August 2022

The value-added tax (VAT) is meant to be an efficient and self-enforcing tax on consumption. Yet, being a rather sophisticated tax, the VAT can also be complex and costly to administer. By examining the case of Rwanda, this paper assesses the extent to which the VAT’s potential materialises in the context of a lower-income countries. Using a mixed-methods approach, which combines qualitative information from focus group discussions with the analysis of administrative and survey data, this paper makes two contributions. First, it documents reporting inconsistencies in VAT data, providing new evidence on how weak capacity prevents tax administrations in lower-income countries from reaping the full benefits of the VAT. Second, it shows that the VAT, as applied in practice, differs substantially from its theoretical functioning. This generates differences in tax burdens across firms, despite a proportional tax rate, with important distributional implications. We also document that the VAT chain often breaks down, with implications on the VAT’s efficiency.
Non-local Markovian Symmetric Forms on Infinite Dimensional Spaces
Authors: Albeverio Sergio , Kagawa Toshinao , Kawasaki Shuji , Yahagi Yumi , Yoshida Minoru W.
Published: August 2022

The general framework on the non-local Markovian symmetric forms on weighted lp$(p \in [1, \infty ])$
(
p
∈
[
1
,
∞
]
)
spaces constructed by Albeverio et al. (Commn. Math. Phys. 388, 659–706, 2021 Kagawa) by restricting the situation where p = 2, is applied to probability measure spaces describing the space cut-off P(ϕ)2 Euclidean quantum field, the 2-dimensional Euclidean quantum fields with exponential and trigonometric potentials, and the measure associated with the field describing a system of an infinite number of classical particles. For each measure space, the Markov process corresponding to the non-local type stochastic quantization is constructed.
Iron-modified biochar derived from sugarcane bagasse for adequate removal of aqueous imidacloprid: sorption mechanism study
Authors: Chen Yongliang , Hassan Masud , Nuruzzaman Md , Zhang Huiming , Naidu Ravi , Liu Yanju , Wang Ling
Published: August 2022

Adsorption has been considered as a promising remediation technology to separate organic and inorganic agrochemicals from contaminated soil and water. Low-cost adsorbents, including waste derived materials, clay composites, biochar, and biochar modified materials, have attracted enormous attention for the removal of organic contaminants, including pesticides. In this study, iron-modified base-activated biochar (FeBBC) was prepared by pyrolysis (at 400 °C for 1 h) of iron-doped base (KOH) activated sugarcane bagasse for the removal of a widely used insecticide, namely imidacloprid (IMI) from water. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent (FeBBC) was calculated as 10.33 (± 1.57) mg/g from Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorbents could remove up to ~ 92% of IMI from aqueous solution at 23.8 mg/L IMI. Experimental data fitted well with the Freundlich model and pseudo-second-order model, demonstrating physisorption, as well as chemosorption, contributed to the sorption process. Even at highly acidic/basic solution pH, the FeBBC could remove substantial amount of IMI demonstrating hydrophobic interaction and pore diffusion play vital role for removal of IMI. The slight improving of IMI sorption with increasing solution pH indicated the sorption was also facilitated through ionic interaction alongside physical sorption. However, physical sorption including hydrophobic interaction and pore-filling interaction plays a vital role in the sorption of IMI.
Experimental study of solar air heater performance with evacuated tubes connected in series and involving nano-copper oxide/paraffin wax as thermal storage enhancer
Authors: Elbrashy Amr , Aboutaleb Fawzy , El-Fakharany Magda , Essa Fadl Abdelmonem
Published: August 2022

The investment of solar energy in life applications has become mandatory to maintain a clean environment and reduce the use of fossil fuels. This work aimed to improve the performance of solar air heater (SAH) by using evacuated tube solar collectors ETSC integrated with nano-enhancer phase change material (NE-PCM). To achieve this purpose, a system consisting of 5 linked collecting panels was designed, fabricated, and experimentally investigated. Each panel included a glass-evacuated tube with two concentric aluminum pipes installed inside. NE-PCM was placed between the inlet and outlet air paths inside the evacuated tube to enhance the heat transfer rate. The performance was investigated with and without NE-PCM at five mass flow rates (0.006, 0.008, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05 kg/s). Experimental results revealed that the highest temperature was 116, 108, 102, 95, and 93 °C, respectively, for the above mass flow rates without adding NE-PCM. The outlet temperature was decreased by 6–15 °C when using NE-PCM. The SAH efficiency was increased by 29.62% compared to the system without NE-PCM at 0.05 kg/s. The maximum thermal efficiency for the system with NE-PCM was 62.66% at 0.05 kg/s, and the pressure drop was 6.79 kPa under the same conditions. As well known, the hot air is used for a variety of purposes including space heating, food processing, drying of fruit, vegetables, dairy, and solar cooking.
Teacher judgements, student social background, and student progress in primary school: a cross-country perspective
Authors: Olczyk Melanie , Kwon Sarah Jiyoon , Lorenz Georg , Perinetti Casoni Valentina , Schneider Thorsten , Volodina Anna , Waldfogel Jane , Washbrook Elizabeth
Published: August 2022

This study takes a cross-country perspective to examine whether inaccurate teacher judgements of students’ math skills correlate with student social origin and whether such bias is associated with math achievement in primary school. We focus on England, Germany, and the US because these countries differ in the teachers’ growth mindsets, accountability, the use of standardised tests, and the extent of ability grouping. The data stem from three large-scale surveys, the Millennium Cohort Study for England, the National Educational Panel Study for Germany, and the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–11 for the US. At the beginning of primary education, teacher judgements were not entirely consistent with student scores in standardised tests. In England and Germany, teachers underrated students with low-educated parents and overrated those with high-educated parents. In the US, no such differences were found. In all three countries, overrated (or underrated) students performed better (worse) later on. In England and, to a lesser extent, in Germany, we found evidence that biased teacher judgements contribute—over the course of primary school—to widening inequalities in value-added achievement by parental education. Such effects were negligible in the US. Our findings suggest that a cross-country perspective is essential to better understand contextual factors’ role in systematic bias in teacher judgements and its relevance for educational achievement. This study can be seen as a starting point for future research to investigate the mechanisms of such contextual effects more thoroughly.
Surgeon Engagement with Patient-Reported Measures in Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Bariatric Practices
Authors: Budin Alyssa J. , Sumithran Priya , MacCormick Andrew D. , Caterson Ian , Brown Wendy A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Patient-reported measures are an important emerging metric in outcome monitoring; however, they remain ill-defined and underutilized in bariatric clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of patient-reported measures employed in bariatric practices across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, including barriers to their implementation and to what extent clinicians are receptive to their use.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to all bariatric surgeons actively contributing to the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry (n = 176). Participants reported their use of patient-reported measures and identified the most important and useful outcomes of patient-reported data for clinical practice.

Results

Responses from 64 participants reported on 120 public and private bariatric practices across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Most participants reported no collection of any patient-reported measure (39 of 64; 60.9%), citing insufficient staff time or resources as the primary barrier to the collection of both patient-reported experience measures (34 of 102 practices; 33.3%) and patient-reported outcome measures (30 of 84 practices; 35.7%). Participants indicated data collection by the Registry would be useful (47 of 57; 82.5%), highlighting the most valuable application to be a monitoring tool, facilitating increased understanding of patient health needs, increased reporting of symptoms, and enhanced patient-physician communication.

Conclusion

Despite the current lack of patient-reported measures, there is consensus that such data would be valuable in bariatric practices. Widespread collection of patient-reported measures by registries could improve the collective quality of the data, while avoiding implementation barriers faced by individual surgeons and hospitals.

Graphical abstract
Benchmarking the Quality of Chinese to English Geotourism Interpretation: the SSC Model Based on Eco-translatology
Authors: Li Qiang Jason , Zhu Fangzhou Noah , Ng Young
Published: August 2022

The global growth of geotourism has increased the demand and quality for geotourism interpretation. However, in its pioneer stage, geotourism interpretation has much ineffective interpretation, which hinders the informative purpose of geotourism. Moreover, geotourism interpretation lacks a systematic quality evaluation model. Such a model is essential to the future of reliable interpretation and the minimising of ineffective interpretation. This paper exams whether the currently proposed SSC model (Semantic, Style and Cultural Equivalence) for translation benchmarking purposes can effectively ensure the quality of geotourism interpretation. The SSC model is built on the three geotourism categories (ABC-Abiotic, Biotic and Culture), the unique principles of geotourism interpretation (which are determined by its objectives) and the theory of Eco-translatology. To enhance corpus research, the digital auxiliary tools, Tmxmall (2014) and Sketch Engine (2003), were used. The detailed SSC model was shaped through corpus-based contrastive analysis. The model contains a total of eight criteria that the interpreter should follow, including four for semantic equivalence: linguistic accuracy, scientific accuracy of terminology, reader acceptability of terminology, and semantic completeness of geo-information; and three for style equivalence: logical syntax, concise syntax and appropriate voice syntax. The final criterion is an accurate connotation in cultural elements. The main research findings were that the SSC model can minimise ineffective interpretation of Chinese to English geodata and guarantee accurate transmission of data for geotourism in Chinese UNESCO Global Geoparks.
Physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of Mango Sorbet containing L-theanine as a potential functional food product
Authors: Williams Jackson , D’Cunha Nathan M. , Kellett Jane , Georgousopoulou Ekavi N. , McKune Andrew J. , Mellor Duane D. , Naumovski Nenad
Published: August 2022

The non-proteinous amino acid L-theanine (L-THE) is associated with a range of health benefits including improvements in immune function, cardiovascular outcomes and cognition. The aims of this study were to develop a food product (mango sorbet; ms-L-THE) containing physiologically relevant doses of L-THE (0.2/100 g w/w) and determine its antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties in comparison to a mango sorbet without L-THE (ms). Total phenolic and flavanol content, and antioxidant analysis (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) were determined spectrophotometrically. Both products were also evaluated for acceptability and likeability in healthy participants using the 9-point hedonic scale. Any differences that could be caused by the addition of L-THE were examined using the triangle test. Results indicated no significant differences between ms-L-THE and ms in taste of the products (p > 0.05), and the ms-L-THE was well received and accepted as a potential commercial product. Findings of the DPPH assay indicated significant difference between the two products (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we have successfully created a mango sorbet that contains a potentially physiologically relevant concentration of L-THE with antioxidant properties that could be used as a novel method of L-THE delivery to clinical and healthy populations.
Comparison between real-world practice and application of the FRAX algorithm in the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Zoccarato Francesca , Ceolin Chiara , Trevisan Caterina , Citron Anna , Haxhiaj Labjona , Guarnaccia Aurelio , Panozzo Matteo , Campodall’Orto Carlotta , Coin Alessandra , Giannini Sandro , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

Background and aims

The most recent guidelines suggest treating patients whose FRAX 10-year fracture risk scores are ≥ 20%. However, this method of evaluation does not take into account parameters that are nonetheless relevant to the therapeutic choice. Our aim was to compare the therapeutic choices for treatment based on a wider assessment (real-world practice) with those based on FRAX scores, taking 20% as the cut-off score.

Methods

We obtained the medical history, bone mineral density (BMD) values, and the presence of major fragility fractures in a sample of 856 postmenopausal women. The 10-year FRAX risk of major osteoporotic fracture was calculated, and patients were grouped into risk classes (“FRAX < 20%” = low, “FRAX ≥ 20%” = high); we then compared the treated and untreated patients in each class. After an average interval of 2.5 years, changes in lumbar and femoral BMD and appearances of new fragility fractures were recorded.

Results

83% of high-risk patients and 57% of low-risk patients were treated. The therapeutic decision was based mainly on densitometric values and the presence of vertebral fractures. At the 2.5 year follow-up, lumbar spine and femur BMD had decreased in the untreated group; 9.9% of the treated patients developed new vertebral fragility fractures, compared with 5.3% of the untreated patients.

Discussion and conclusions

Our wider assessment designated as at high fracture risk a group of patients who had not been identified by the FRAX assessment. FRAX could underestimate the risk of fracture in older people, for which the therapeutic choice should consider a broader approach, also based on individual patient’s needs.
Critical Review on cathode–electrolyte Interphase Toward High-Voltage Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Jijian
Published: August 2022

The thermal stability window of current commercial carbonate-based electrolytes is no longer sufficient to meet the ever-increasing cathode working voltage requirements of high energy density lithium-ion batteries. It is crucial to construct a robust cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) for high-voltage cathode electrodes to separate the electrolytes from the active cathode materials and thereby suppress the side reactions. Herein, this review presents a brief historic evolution of the mechanism of CEI formation and compositions, the state-of-art characterizations and modeling associated with CEI, and how to construct robust CEI from a practical electrolyte design perspective. The focus on electrolyte design is categorized into three parts: CEI-forming additives, anti-oxidation solvents, and lithium salts. Moreover, practical considerations for electrolyte design applications are proposed. This review will shed light on the future electrolyte design which enables aggressive high-voltage cathodes.
Sound Stupidity: The British Party System and the Northern Ireland Question
Authors: Roberts Hugh
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to a fact about the situation in Northern Ireland which has been almost universally overlooked or misunderstood where, that is, it has not been deliberately concealed, and to draw out its principal implications. This is that the people of Northern Ireland are excluded from the party political System which determines the government of the United Kingdom (the State of which Northern Ireland nominally forms part), that they have not chosen to exelude themselves but have been excluded by the actions of the major British political parties and that their continuing exclusion is today sustained by deliberate decision of the leaders of those parties.
Counting the Muses in German Speakers – Evaluation of the German-Language Translation of the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scales (K-DOCS)
Authors: Brauer Kay , Sendatzki Rebekka , Kaufman James C. , Proyer René T.
Published: August 2022

Abstract. The Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scales (K-DOCS) assess individual differences in creativity across five domains (Everyday, Scholarly, Performance, Science, and Artistic). We provide data on the psychometric properties and the structural and nomological validity of the German adaptation of the K-DOCS from three samples ( Ntotal = 1,379). Our findings supported the 5-factorial structure of the German K-DOCS in line with the original version and prior language adaptations. Our findings showed overall satisfying psychometric properties (reliability: .78 ≤ ωs ≤ .87) and scalar measurement invariance for gender. Correlations with external measures of broad and narrow traits supported the convergent validity (self-reports of creativity and a situational judgment test of creative thinking) and the nomological validity (e.g., Big Five personality traits, cognitive styles, and adult playfulness). Overall, the findings support the notion that the German-language adaptation of the K-DOCS can be used to study individual differences across five domains of creativity.
Earlier onset of North Atlantic hurricane season with warming oceans
Authors: Truchelut Ryan E. , Klotzbach Philip J. , Staehling Erica M. , Wood Kimberly M. , Halperin Daniel J. , Schreck Carl J. , Blake Eric S.
Published: August 2022

Numerous Atlantic basin tropical cyclones have recently developed prior to the official start of hurricane season, including several pre-season landfalls in the continental United States. Pre-season and early-season tropical cyclones disproportionately affect populated landmasses, often producing outsized precipitation impacts. Here we show a significant trend towards earlier onset of tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic basin, with threshold dates of the first three percentiles of accumulated cyclone energy shifting earlier at a rate exceeding five days decade−1 since 1979, even correcting for biases in climatology due to increased detection of short-lived storms. Initial threshold dates of continental United States named storm landfalls have trended earlier by two days decade−1 since 1900. The trend towards additional pre-season and early-season activity is linked to spring thermodynamic conditions becoming more conducive for tropical cyclone formation. Genesis potential index value increases in the western Atlantic basin are primarily driven by warming ocean temperatures.
Dynamic cybergenetic control of bacterial co-culture composition via optogenetic feedback
Authors: Gutiérrez Mena Joaquín , Kumar Sant , Khammash Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Communities of microbes play important roles in natural environments and hold great potential for deploying division-of-labor strategies in synthetic biology and bioproduction. However, the difficulty of controlling the composition of microbial consortia over time hinders their optimal use in many applications. Here, we present a fully automated, high-throughput platform that combines real-time measurements and computer-controlled optogenetic modulation of bacterial growth to implement precise and robust compositional control of a two-strainE. colicommunity. In addition, we develop a general framework for dynamic modeling of synthetic genetic circuits in the physiological context ofE. coliand use a host-aware model to determine the optimal control parameters of our closed-loop compositional control system. Our platform succeeds in stabilizing the strain ratio of multiple parallel co-cultures at arbitrary levels and in changing these targets over time, opening the door for the implementation of dynamic compositional programs in synthetic bacterial communities.
Widespread impact-generated porosity in early planetary crusts
Authors: Wiggins Sean E. , Johnson Brandon C. , Collins Gareth S. , Jay Melosh H. , Marchi Simone
Published: August 2022

NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft revealed the crust of the Moon is highly porous, with ~4% porosity at 20 km deep. The deep lying porosity discovered by GRAIL has been difficult to explain, with most current models only able to explain high porosity near the lunar surface (first few kilometers) or inside complex craters. Using hydrocode routines we simulated fracturing and generation of porosity by large impacts in lunar, martian, and Earth crust. Our simulations indicate impacts that produce 100–1000 km scale basins alone are capable of producing all observed porosity within the lunar crust. Simulations under the higher surface gravity of Mars and Earth suggest basin forming impacts can be a primary source of porosity and fracturing of ancient planetary crusts. Thus, we show that impacts could have supported widespread crustal fluid circulation, with important implications for subsurface habitable environments on early Earth and Mars.
Spatiotemporal single-cell regulatory atlas reveals neural crest lineage diversification and cellular function during tooth morphogenesis
Authors: Jing Junjun , Feng Jifan , Yuan Yuan , Guo Tingwei , Lei Jie , Pei Fei , Ho Thach-Vu , Chai Yang
Published: August 2022

Cranial neural crest cells are an evolutionary innovation of vertebrates for craniofacial development and function, yet the mechanisms that govern the cell fate decisions of postmigratory cranial neural crest cells remain largely unknown. Using the mouse molar as a model, we perform single-cell transcriptome profiling to interrogate the cell fate diversification of postmigratory cranial neural crest cells. We reveal the landscape of transcriptional heterogeneity and define the specific cellular domains during the progression of cranial neural crest cell-derived dental lineage diversification, and find that each domain makes a specific contribution to distinct molar mesenchymal tissues. Furthermore, IGF signaling-mediated cell-cell interaction between the cellular domains highlights the pivotal role of autonomous regulation of the dental mesenchyme. Importantly, we reveal cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks in the dental mesenchyme and show that Foxp4 is indispensable for the differentiation of periodontal ligament. Our single-cell atlas provides comprehensive mechanistic insight into the cell fate diversification process of the cranial neural crest cell-derived odontogenic populations.
Early treatment regimens achieve sustained virologic remission in infant macaques infected with SIV at birth
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Vincent Eunice , Siddiqui Summer , Turnbull Katherine , Lu Hong , Blair Robert , Wu Xueling , Watkins Meagan , Ziani Widade , Shao Jiasheng , Doyle-Meyers Lara A. , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi E. , Bohm Rudolf P. , Veazey Ronald S. , Xu Huanbin
Published: August 2022

Early antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected infants generally fails to achieve a sustained state of ART-free virologic remission, even after years of treatment. Our studies show that viral reservoir seeding is different in neonatal macaques intravenously exposed to SIV at birth, in contrast to adults. Furthermore, one month of ART including an integrase inhibitor, initiated at day 3, but not day 4 or 5 post infection, efficiently and rapidly suppresses viremia to undetectable levels. Intervention initiated at day 3 post infection and continued for 9 months achieves a sustained virologic remission in 4 of 5 infants. Collectively, an early intervention strategy within a key timeframe and regimen may result in viral remission or successful post-exposure prophylaxis for neonatal SIV infection, which may be clinically relevant for optimizing treatment strategies for HIV-infected or exposed infants.
A direct excitatory projection from entorhinal layer 6b neurons to the hippocampus contributes to spatial coding and memory
Authors: Ben-Simon Yoav , Kaefer Karola , Velicky Philipp , Csicsvari Jozsef , Danzl Johann G. , Jonas Peter
Published: August 2022

The mammalian hippocampal formation (HF) plays a key role in several higher brain functions, such as spatial coding, learning and memory. Its simple circuit architecture is often viewed as a trisynaptic loop, processing input originating from the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex (EC) and sending it back to its deeper layers. Here, we show that excitatory neurons in layer 6b of the mouse EC project to all sub-regions comprising the HF and receive input from the CA1, thalamus and claustrum. Furthermore, their output is characterized by unique slow-decaying excitatory postsynaptic currents capable of driving plateau-like potentials in their postsynaptic targets. Optogenetic inhibition of the EC-6b pathway affects spatial coding in CA1 pyramidal neurons, while cell ablation impairs not only acquisition of new spatial memories, but also degradation of previously acquired ones. Our results provide evidence of a functional role for cortical layer 6b neurons in the adult brain.
RNA sequencing-based single sample predictors of molecular subtype and risk of recurrence for clinical assessment of early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Staaf Johan , Häkkinen Jari , Hegardt Cecilia , Saal Lao H. , Kimbung Siker , Hedenfalk Ingrid , Lien Tonje , Sørlie Therese , Naume Bjørn , Russnes Hege , Marcone Rachel , Ayyanan Ayyakkannu , Brisken Cathrin , Malterling Rebecka R. , Asking Bengt , Olofsson Helena , Lindman Henrik , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Ehinger Anna , Larsson Christer , Loman Niklas , Rydén Lisa , Malmberg Martin , Borg Åke , Vallon-Christersson Johan
Published: August 2022

Multigene assays for molecular subtypes and biomarkers can aid management of early invasive breast cancer. Using RNA-sequencing we aimed to develop single-sample predictor (SSP) models for clinical markers, subtypes, and risk of recurrence (ROR). A cohort of 7743 patients was divided into training and test set. We trained SSPs for subtypes and ROR assigned by nearest-centroid (NC) methods and SSPs for biomarkers from histopathology. Classifications were compared with Prosigna in two external cohorts (ABiM, n = 100 and OSLO2-EMIT0, n = 103). Prognostic value was assessed using distant recurrence-free interval. Agreement between SSP and NC for PAM50 (five subtypes) was high (85%, Kappa = 0.78) for Subtype (four subtypes) very high (90%, Kappa = 0.84) and for ROR risk category high (84%, Kappa = 0.75, weighted Kappa = 0.90). Prognostic value was assessed as equivalent and clinically relevant. Agreement with histopathology was very high or high for receptor status, while moderate for Ki67 status and poor for Nottingham histological grade. SSP and Prosigna concordance was high for subtype (OSLO-EMIT0 83%, Kappa = 0.73 and ABiM 80%, Kappa = 0.72) and moderate and high for ROR risk category (68 and 84%, Kappa = 0.50 and 0.70, weighted Kappa = 0.70 and 0.78). Pooled concordance for emulated treatment recommendation dichotomized for chemotherapy was high (85%, Kappa = 0.66). Retrospective evaluation suggested that SSP application could change chemotherapy recommendations for up to 17% of postmenopausal ER+/HER2-/N0 patients with balanced escalation and de-escalation. Results suggest that NC and SSP models are interchangeable on a group-level and nearly so on a patient level and that SSP models can be derived to closely match clinical tests.
Insights into Ag-NPs-mediated pathophysiology and ultrastructural aberrations in ovarian tissues of darkling beetles
Authors: El-Samad Lamia M. , Hassan Mohamed A. , Bakr Nahed R. , El-Ashram Saeed , Radwan Eman H. , Abdul Aziz Karoline K. , Hussein Hussein K. , El Wakil Abeer
Published: August 2022

With the evolution of nanostructure materials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) emerged as the predominantly exploited nanomaterial in multifarious sectors due to their versatile properties. Along with the heightening applications of Ag-NPs, however, there is increasing concern over their indubitable toxicity towards the ecosystem, which indeed affects surrounding organisms and human health. In this study, we evaluated the detrimental effects of Ag-NPs in relation to Egyptian wild female beetles, Blaps polychresta, after injection with a single dose of Ag-NPs at different doses and monitoring for 30 days to determine the sublethal dose. Accordingly, the sublethal dose revealed the lowest negative influence was found at 0.03 mg/g body weight. The adverse impacts of Ag-NPs on the ovaries of female beetles were investigated by estimating the enzyme activities, DNA damage using a comet assay, and apoptosis by means of flow cytometry. Besides, the ultrastructural abnormalities were surveyed adopting transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results manifested comet cells of 7.67 ± 0.88% and 22.33 ± 0.51 for Ag-NPs treated and control groups, respectively. Similarly, the data from flow cytometry demonstrated a substantial reduction in viable cells associated with a significant rise in apoptotic cells for the Ag-NPs treated group in comparison with the control group. Moreover, significant disturbances in enzyme activities for the treated group were perceived correlated with evident diminutions in antioxidant enzymes. Remarkably, the ultrastructural investigation emphasized these findings, exposing considerable deformities of the ovaries in the Ag-NPs treated group compared with the control group. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report discussing the influence of Ag-NPs at the lowest dose on ovaries of B. polychresta. Collectively, our findings would significantly contribute to considering the critical effects of Ag-NPs at low levels, in addition to the potential use of B. polychresta as a good bio-indicator in ecotoxicological analyses.
Analysis of endogenous metabolites using multifunctional derivatization and capillary RPLC-MS
Authors: Agongo Julius , Armbruster Michael , Arnatt Christopher , Edwards James
Published: August 2022

Multi-functional derivatization of metabolites increases retention, signal intensity, and reproducibility for expanded coverage. This system detects 32 metabolic perturbations in endothelial cells upon epinephrine treatment.
Vertically aligned Fe2TiO5 nanorods and coupling of NiMoO4/CoMoO4 as a hole-transfer cocatalyst for enhancing photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance
Authors: Ding Baohua , Li Haiyan , Wang Ruonan , Dong Bohua , Cao Lixin
Published: August 2022

The innovative design of Fe2TiO5 nanorods and the loading of NiMoO4/CoMoO4 nanosheet cocatalyst greatly improved the performance for oxidation of water.
Effective mitigation of gadolinium deposition using the bidentate hydroxypyridinone ligand Me-3,2-HOPO
Authors: Sun Qiwen , Wang Xiaomei , Shi Cen , Guan Jingwen , Chen Lanhua , Wang Yumin , Wang Shuao , Diwu Juan
Published: August 2022

Using Me-3,2-HOPO as the bidentate decorporation ligand, a high removal efficiency of Gd(iii) from cells was achieved, suggesting the potential of bidentate HOPO ligands as an effective approach to treat patients suffering from Gd(iii) toxicity.
Enhancement of Cu+ stability under a reducing atmosphere by the long-range electromagnetic effect of Au
Authors: Huang Xin , Li Haitao , Zhang Yin , Wu Ruifang , Ban Lijun , Xi Lin , Yin Zhifang , Peng Jian , Zhao Yongxiang , Fang Li
Published: August 2022

In conventional thermocatalytic reactions under a reducing atmosphere, stabilization of the active Cu+ component and inhibition of over-reduction into metallic Cu0 are extremely challenging.
Room temperature bilayer water structures on a rutile TiO2(110) surface: hydrophobic or hydrophilic?
Authors: Qu Mengyang , Huang Gang , Liu Xinyi , Nie Xuechuan , Qi Chonghai , Wang Huabin , Hu Jun , Fang Haiping , Gao Yi , Liu Wei-Tao , Francisco Joseph S. , Wang Chunlei
Published: August 2022

An ordered water bilayer structure was identified on a rutile TiO2(110) surface at ambient temperature by combining VSFG experiments and MD simulations, which well explained the long-time controversy on the wetting behaviors of the TiO2 surface.