bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffuse X-ray scattering from polished silicon: application of the distorted wave Born approximation
Authors: Macrander Albert , Assoufid Lahsen , Narayanan Suresh , Khachatryan Ruben
Published: February 2022

Measured diffuse X-ray scattering data for a `smooth' as well as for a `rough' silicon sample were fit to theoretical expressions within the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA). Data for the power spectral density (PSD) for both samples were also obtained by means of atomic force microscopy and optical interferometry. The Fourier transforms of trial correlation functions were fit to the PSD data and then applied to the DWBA formalism. The net correlation functions needed to fit the PSD data for each sample comprised the sum of two terms with different cutoff lengths and different self-affine fractal exponents. At zero distance these correlation functions added up to yield net values of σ2 = (2)2 and (71)2 Å2 for the smooth and rough samples, respectively. X-ray scattering data were obtained at beamline 1-BM of the Advanced Photon Source. Data and fits at values of q

z
= 0.05 and 0.10 Å−1 for the smooth sample are reported. Good fits for the smooth sample were obtained at both q

z
values simultaneously, that is, identical fitting parameters were applied at both values of q

z
. The smooth sample also exhibited weak Yoneda wings and a clear distinction between the strong specular scattering and the weak diffuse scattering. Data for the rough sample were qualitatively different and exhibited very weak scattering at the specular condition in contrast to extremely large Yoneda wings. Fits for the rough sample are reported for q

z
= 0.04, 0.05, and 0.06 Å−1. Although the large Yoneda wings could be fit quite well in both position and amplitude, scattering near the specular condition could not be equally well fit by applying the same fitting parameters at all values of q

z
. Albeit imperfect, best-fitting results at the specular condition were obtained by invoking only diffuse scattering, that is, without including a separate theoretical expression for specular scattering.
Mirror-plane disorder in a nickel chloride Schiff base complex: a suitable case study for crystallographic instruction
Authors: Chang Hsuan , Chen Wen-Ching , Shen Jiun-Shian , Ong Tiow-Gan , Wang Vincent C.-C. , Yap Glenn P. A.
Published: February 2022

The nickel chloride complex of the Schiff base N
2,N
2′-propanediylbis(2,3-butanedione-2-imine-3-oxime), namely, chlorido(3,9-dimethylundeca-3,8-diene-2,10-dione 10-oxime 2-oximato-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′)nickel(II), [NiCl(C11H19N4O2)], at 100 K crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmce. The structure exhibits mirror disorder of the main molecule that is not present in the bromide analogue. The relatively small number of unique reflections in the data set and the disorder imposed by the crystallographic mirror plane present a challenging educational case study.
A quantification mechanism for assessing adherence to information security governance guidelines
Authors: Bongiovanni Ivano , Renaud Karen , Brydon Humphrey , Blignaut Renette , Cavallo Angelo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Boards of Directors and other organisational leaders make decisions about the information security governance systems to implement in their companies. The increasing number of cyber-breaches targeting businesses makes this activity inescapable. Recently, researchers have published comprehensive lists of recommended cyber measures, specifically to inform organisational boards. However, the young cybersecurity industry has still to confirm and refine these guidelines. As a starting point, it would be helpful for organisational leaders to know what other organisations are doing in terms of using these guidelines. In an ideal world, bespoke surveys would be developed to gauge adherence to guidelines, but this is not always feasible. What we often do have is data from existing cybersecurity surveys. The authors argue that such data could be repurposed to quantify adherence to existing information security guidelines, and this paper aims to propose, and test, an original methodology to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a quantification mechanism to measure the degree of adherence to a set of published information security governance recommendations and guidelines targeted at organisational leaders. The authors test their quantification mechanism using a data set collected in a survey of 156 Italian companies on information security and privacy.

Findings

The evaluation of the proposed mechanism appears to align with findings in the literature, indicating the validity of the present approach. An analysis of how different industries rank in terms of their adherence to the selected set of recommendations and guidelines confirms the usability of our repurposed data set to measure adherence.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a quantification mechanism as the one proposed in this study has never been proposed, and tested, in the literature. It suggests a way to repurpose survey data to determine the extent to which companies are implementing measures recommended by published cybersecurity guidelines. This way, the proposed mechanism responds to increasing calls for the adoption of research practices that minimise waste of resources and enhance research sustainability.
Addressing modern slavery in supply chains: an awareness-motivation-capability perspective
Authors: Geng Ruoqi , Lam Hugo K.S. , Stevenson Mark
Published: February 2022

Purpose

There is still significant variation in firms' efforts to address modern slavery issues in supply chains despite the importance of this grand challenge. This research adopts the awareness-motivation-capability (AMC) framework to investigate AMC-related factors that help to explain this variation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesize how AMC-related factors, including media coverage of modern slavery issues, slavery risks in supply chains and corporate sustainability performance, are related to firms' efforts to address modern slavery in supply chains. The proposed hypotheses are tested based on 201 UK firms' modern slavery statements and additional secondary data collected from Factiva, Factset Revere, The Global Slavery Index, Worldscope and Sustainalytics.

Findings

Consistent with the AMC perspective, the test results show that firms put more effort into addressing supply chain modern slavery issues when there is greater media coverage of these issues, when firms source from countries with higher slavery risks, and when firms have better corporate sustainability performance. Additional analysis further suggests that firms' financial performance is not related to their efforts to address modern slavery issues.

Originality/value

This is the first study adopting the AMC framework to investigate firms' efforts to address modern slavery in supply chains. This investigation provides important implications for researchers studying firm behaviors related to modern slavery issues and for policymakers designing policies that enable firms to address these issues, in view of their awareness, motivation and capability.
The impact of family business professionalization on financial performance: a multidimensional approach
Authors: Polat Gülçin , Benligiray Serap
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to broaden the multidimensional conceptualization of family business professionalization, and to investigate how professionalization influences the financial performance of family firms, in the context of private family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a quantitative research approach, the study empirically examines the effect of professionalization on family firm performance, using a sample of 111 privately held Turkish family firms. The hypotheses were tested using regression analysis and the independent samplest-test.

Findings

The results indicate that the professionalization of family businesses has a positive effect on their financial performance, and the professionalization of employees is the prominent dimension of professionalization in this effect.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances the understanding of how professionalization influences family firm performance by providing additional empirical evidence regarding the positive influence of multifaceted family business professionalization on financial performance.

Practical implications

The professionalization framework depicted in this study helps owners, managers, or consultants of family businesses assess the professionalization level of their firm and understand the performance effects of each of the family business professionalization dimensions on financial performance. It can also serve as a roadmap for family firms to professionalize and achieve better performance.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study incorporates employees, organizational culture and work environment, often neglected in the family business literature, into the multidimensional family business professionalization construct, thus extending previous research. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between family businesses professionalization and firm performance.
The interplay of authentic leadership and social capital on team leader performance in public and private sector universities
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Waheed , Aslam Muhammad Kashif , Huo Chunhui , Akbar Minhas , Afzal Muhammad Usman , Rafiq Muhammad Hasan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of authentic leaders on the performance of educational leaders in public and private universities in Pakistan. The study further examines the moderating role of social capital in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 259 academic heads of public and private universities and tested hypotheses using macro PROCESS.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that authentic leaders have a significant positive effect on team leader performance in both public and private universities. In addition, the authors establish that the positive impact of authentic leaders on team leader performance is stronger among employees with high social capital.

Originality/value

The education literature lacks evidence of the process through which authentic leaders influence team leader performance. The study is unprecedented in assessing whether social capital moderates the direct influence of authentic leaders on team leader performance.
Teenage Mothers’ Health across Different Life Stages*
Authors: Kalb Guyonne , Vu Ha
Published: February 2022

This paper determines the role of teenage motherhood and the likely channels through which teenage motherhood contributes to lifetime health disparities between teenage mothers and other women. We apply fixed‐effects regressions, including a broad range of background characteristics, to control for prior disadvantage associated with teenage motherhood. We find that teenage motherhood is negatively associated with both mental and physical health and that the impacts worsen in later life stages. We identify several mediating factors that partly explain the impact of teenage motherhood for mental health; the strongest pathways are through social support, family and economic outcomes.
Childhood‐onset Takayasu arteritis presenting as pyoderma gangrenosum‐like vasculitic ulceration: Three case reports and a literature review
Authors: Shen Chunping , Zhao Shunying , Wang Bei , Shen Yuelin , Xiao Yuanyuan , Xu Zigang
Published: February 2022

We report a small case series of childhood‐onset Takayasu arteritis (c‐TA) presenting as pyoderma gangrenosum (PG)‐like vasculitic ulceration. The cutaneous vasculitic ulcers in systemic vasculitis are rare and severe, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We summarised the clinical features and highlighted the warning signs of c‐TA associated with PG‐like vasculitic ulceration.
Promising resilience: Systems and survival after forestry's ends
Authors: Özden‐Schilling Tom
Published: February 2022

Ecologists, social scientists, and policymakers alike define “resilience” as the properties that allow complex systems to function in the wake of sudden shocks. While proponents treat these properties as empirical qualities that can be engineered into existence, critics have largely treated government‐organized attempts to do so as consistent with the dismantling of the welfare state. This article offers an ethnographic account of a conservation policy initiative in northwest British Columbia designed to generate consensus‐based quantitative indicators on salmon health. I examine how workshop organizers, emboldened by provocative metaphors of survival and systematicity, mobilize resilience discourse as a platform for social analysis, and urge other researchers to envision how their own work might allow them to transcend institutional attachments altogether. Resilience‐based initiatives have wrought profound changes in experts’ everyday lives, in part by encouraging precariously employed researchers to reimagine their relationships to shrinking government institutions. In addition to naming an emergent political logic for legitimating downsizing and other organizational responses to disasters, I argue that resilience discourse provides the experts entrusted with designing these responses with new grammars for imagining the future viability of their own expertise.
Impact of third‐generation left ventricular assist devices on quality of life: Scoping review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Monteagudo‐Vela María , Krasopoulos George , Athanasiou Thanos , Tsui Steven , Kourliouros Antonios
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Development in device technology and the scarcity of donor’s hearts have increased the number of patients with advanced heart failure receiving durable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as a bridge to transplantation and destination therapy, with improved prognosis compared with guideline‐directed medical therapy. We sought to examine the impact of modern durable LVADs on the quality of life (QoL) of the recipients.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review of articles on QoL following the implantation of third‐generation LVADs published between January 2010 and February 2021. Included studies were critically analyzed and evidence synthesis was carried out into a meta‐analysis.

Results

The systematic search yielded 269 articles, 11 of which met the search predefined criteria. Three of them reported results of randomized trials and eight were retrospective and registry studies. Statistically significant QoL improvement from baseline was observed in all published reports. When using the EuroQol 5L questionnaire (scale 0–100) as a QoL tool 6 months post‐LVAD implantation, a meta‐analysis of four included studies demonstrated a mean difference increase of 28.9 points (95% confidence interval: 26.71–31.14).

Conclusions

Third‐generation LVADs confer a significant improvement in QoL and their use can be supported not only for prognosis but also for symptom control. Although methodological limitations should be considered, the available QoL outcomes can be a useful tool in patient selection and the decision‐making process.
Children who stroke on VAD support: When is it safe to transplant and what are their outcomes?
Authors: Thangappan Karthik , Haney Li Cai , Riggs Kyle , Chen Sharon , Mehegan Mary , VanderPluym Christina , Woods Ronald , LaPar Damien , Lorts Angela , Zafar Farhan , Morales David L. S.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) increase waitlist survival, yet the risk of stroke remains notable. The purpose of this study was to analyze how strokes on VAD support impact post‐transplant (post‐Tx) outcomes in children.

Methods

About 520 pediatric (<18 years) heart transplant candidates listed from January 2011 to April 2018 with a VAD implant date were matched between the United Network of Organ Sharing and Pediatric Health Information System databases. Patients were divided into pre‐Tx Stroke and No Stroke cohorts.

Results

About 81% of the 520 patients were transplanted; 28% (n = 146) had a pre‐Tx Stroke; and 59% (n = 89) of the Stroke patients were transplanted at a median of 57 (IQR 17–102) days from stroke. Significantly more No Stroke cohort (90%) were transplanted (p < 0.001). There was no difference in post‐Tx survival between the Stroke and No Stroke cohorts (p = 0.440). Time between stroke and transplant for patients who died within 1 year of transplant was 32.0 days (median) compared to 60.5 days for those alive >1 year (p = 0.18). Regarding patients in whom time from stroke to transplant was more than 60 days, one‐year survival of Stroke vs. No Stroke patients was 96% vs. 95% (p = 0.811), respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with stroke during VAD support, once transplanted, enjoy similar survival compared to No Stroke patients. We hypothesize that allowing Stroke patients more time to recover could improve post‐Tx outcomes. Unfortunately, the ideal duration of time between stroke and safe transplantation could not be determined and will require more detailed and larger studies in the future.
Measuring real consumption and consumer price index bias under lockdown conditions
Authors: Diewert W. Erwin , Fox Kevin J.
Published: February 2022

Millions of goods and services are now unavailable in many countries due to the current coronavirus pandemic, dramatically impacting on the construction of key economic statistics used for informing policy. This situation is unprecedented; hence, methods to address it have not previously been developed. Current advice to national statistical offices from the International Monetary Fund, Eurostat and the United Nations is shown to result in downward bias in the consumer price index (CPI) and upward bias in real consumption. We conclude that, to produce a meaningful CPI within the lockdown period, it is necessary to establish a continuous consumer expenditure survey.
Comparative study on detectability of learning and memory disorder between two water maze tests commonly used in juvenile rat toxicity studies using isoflurane inhaled rat model
Authors: Mineshima Hiroshi , Kimoto Hiroki , Hitomi Masaya , Akizawa Fumika , Terayama Yui , Yoshikawa Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2022

Evaluation of learning and memory is crucial in juvenile animal toxicity studies (JAS) during the development of CNS active drugs, but there are no currently recommended test methods. We compared the ability of the Morris water maze (MWM) and the Biel water maze (BWM) to detect learning and memory disorder (LMD) using rats inhaled isoflurane (IFN). Rats were treated with 1% IFN using inhalation on postnatal day (PND) 7 for 6 h. All rats were subjected to the MWM on PND 33 and the BWM on PND 55/57 (Experiment 1), or the BWM on PND 32/33 and the MWM on PND 54/55 (Experiment 2). On PND 70, the brain was weighed and then neurohistopathology was conducted. There were no IFN‐related changes in clinical signs and body weight. In the tests beginning on PND 32/33, the MWM clearly detected IFN‐related LMD in both sexes whereas the BWM detected LMD only in males. With an additional benefit of a simpler procedure, the MWM was considered superior to the BMW for JAS. LMD was not detected in both mazes tested from PND 54/55/57, which was considered due to weak effect and/or recovery of brain function with growth. Single IFN inhalation on PND 7 was considered useful as positive control to induce LMD caused by postnatal exposure in rats, but stronger treatment regimens was recommended.
A Survey on Cross‐Virtuality Analytics
Authors: Fröhler B. , Anthes C. , Pointecker F. , Friedl J. , Schwajda D. , Riegler A. , Tripathi S. , Holzmann C. , Brunner M. , Jodlbauer H. , Jetter H.‐C. , Heinzl C.
Published: February 2022

Cross‐virtuality analytics (XVA) is a novel field of research within immersive analytics and visual analytics. A broad range of heterogeneous devices across the reality–virtuality continuum, along with respective visual metaphors and analysis techniques, are currently becoming available. The goal of XVA is to enable visual analytics that use transitional and collaborative interfaces to seamlessly integrate different devices and support multiple users. In this work, we take a closer look at XVA and analyse the existing body of work for an overview of its current state. We classify the related literature regarding ways of establishing cross‐virtuality by interconnecting different stages in the reality–virtuality continuum, as well as techniques for transitioning and collaborating between the different stages. We provide insights into visualization and interaction techniques employed in current XVA systems. We report on ways of evaluating such systems, and analyse the domains where such systems are becoming available. Finally, we discuss open challenges in XVA, giving directions for future research.
Estimating global species richness using symbolic data meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Huan , Caley Michael Julian , Sisson Scott A.
Published: February 2022

Global species richness is a key biodiversity metric. Concerns continue to grow over its decline due to overexploitation and habitat destruction by humans. Despite recent efforts to estimate global species richness, the resulting estimates have been highly uncertain and often logically inconsistent. Estimates lower down either the taxonomic or geographic hierarchies are often larger than those above. Further, these estimates have been typically represented in a wide variety of forms, including intervals (a, b), point estimates with no uncertainty, and point estimates with either symmetrical or asymmetrical bounds, making it difficult to combine information across different studies. Here, we develop a Bayesian hierarchical approach to estimate global species richness (we estimate 22.02 m species; 95% highest posterior density (HPD) interval (10.43 million, 35.28 million)) that combines 50 estimates from published studies. The data mix of intervals and point estimates are reconciled using techniques from symbolic data analysis. This approach allows us to recover interval estimates at each species level, even when data are partially or wholly unobserved, while respecting logical constraints, and to determine the effects of estimation on the whole hierarchy of obtaining future estimates for particular taxa at various levels in the hierarchy.
GuidosToolbox Workbench: spatial analysis of raster maps for ecological applications
Authors: Vogt Peter , Riitters Kurt , Rambaud Pierrick , d'Annunzio Rémi , Lindquist Erik , Pekkarinen Anssi
Published: February 2022

Ecologists use a wide variety of metrics and software tools to quantify and map spatial patterns in ecological data. For analysis of categorical raster data, we introduce the GuidosToolbox Workbench (GWB), a series of Linux‐based command‐line modules, implementing popular algorithms from the interactive GuidosToolbox desktop application. We provide an overview of the workbench design, features of the individual modules, and an example implementation on the FAO SEPAL cloud computing environment.
Ecumenism as Taught and Lived at the Institute for Advanced Ecumenical Studies in Paris
Authors: Naett Vidovic Julija
Published: February 2022

This article presents the structure and work of ecumenism as it is taught and lived at the Institute for Advanced Ecumenical Studies (Institut Supérieur d'Études Oecuméniques) in Paris. Special attention is given to the presence and active engagement of the Orthodox Church, which is represented by the St Sergius Institute of Orthodox Theology – a pan‐Orthodox institute based in Paris.
Adolescent problematic Internet use and parental involvement: The chain mediating effects of parenting stress and parental expectations across early, middle, and late adolescence
Authors: Liu Sihan , Wang Xinyi , Zou Shengqi , Wu Xinchun
Published: February 2022

Problematic Internet use (PIU), a common phenomenon, has negative effects on adolescents, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Adolescents with PIU pose great challenges to parenting. However, little is known about the mediating mechanisms underlying this relationship. The study examines the chain mediating roles of parenting stress and parental expectations between PIU and parental involvement across early, middle, and late adolescence. Families (N = 1206) that included fathers, mothers, and adolescents (48.9% females, Mage = 13.86 ± 2.48) participated in the study. Adolescents provided a rating of PIU, and fathers and mothers reported their own parenting stress, parental expectations, and parental involvement. The results showed that paternal parenting stress and then expectations mediated the association between PIU and paternal involvement, and maternal parenting stress and then expectations mediated the association between PIU and maternal involvement, indicating a spillover effect. By contrast, the crossover effect was established only in that maternal parenting stress was negatively related to paternal expectations in middle adolescents. Moreover, maternal expectations showed the strongest association with maternal involvement in middle adolescents, whereas paternal expectations were most associated with paternal involvement in late adolescents. These findings underline the necessity of understanding parenting by assessing adolescent developmental stages and paternal and maternal parenting separately. Furthermore, the mediators of parenting stress and parental expectations can be the focus on facilitating parental involvement; the effect of maternal parenting stress on paternal expectations may suggest that intervention programs for fathers should consider more contextual factors.
Virtual Fitting Rooms for Online Apparel Shopping: An Exploration of Consumer Perceptions
Authors: Lee Hanna , Xu Yingjiao , Porterfield Anne
Published: February 2022

This study used a qualitative approach to unveil consumer perceptions and adoption intention toward virtual fitting rooms for their online apparel shopping. Two focus group interview sessions were conducted with a total of 21 students at a southeast university in the U.S. (12 females and 9 males; age range 23 to 31 years). The qualitative data were analyzed according to the desirability–feasibility framework, and five central categories emerged: utilitarian benefits, experiential benefits, social benefits, technical concerns, and personal concerns. Additionally, several subcategories emerged belonging to one of the two key dimensions, either perceived desirability or feasibility.
Validation of notch stress estimation schemes for low C–Mn steel
Authors: Jena Shreebanta Kumar , Arora Punit , Gupta Suneel K. , Chattopadhyay Jayanta
Published: February 2022

The present study is aimed at validation of notch stress/strain estimation schemes such as classical Neuber, Hoffmann–Seeger, and recently developed Ince–Glinka method for nuclear piping material (low C–Mn steel). The study has considered different constraints, loading conditions, and various hole sizes to accommodate strain gradient variations and equivalent peak strains. The notch stress field evaluated using these schemes is compared with corresponding stress using elastic–plastic finite element (FE) analyses. The comparisons have brought out that the Hoffmann–Seeger scheme results in reasonably accurate assessment of stress localization nearly for all constraint geometries, loadings, and strain gradients. However, the classical Neuber scheme is more suitable for low constraint geometries and intermediate constraint geometries, whereas it results in underestimation of maximum principal stress for high constraint geometries, thereby leading to overprediction of fatigue life. Further, the suitability of energy equivalence equations of Ince–Glinka model for individual stress components has been reviewed.
More than handmaids: Nursing, labor activism and feminism
Authors: Lingel Jessa , Clark-Parsons Rosemary , Branciforte Kim
Published: February 2022

In the United States, the nursing profession has been dominated by women, who constitute nearly 90% of the workforce. The profession's popularity among women has consequences for gendered assumptions about labor: unions represent a key path for demanding equitable working conditions, yet the gendered framing of nursing has undermined efforts at building a labor movement within the profession. We offer two contributions with this paper: documenting the working lives of women nurses at a pediatric hospital in Oakland, CA, and unpacking the interrelated tensions between nursing, union work, and feminism. Drawing on interviews with 10 women nurses at Children's Hospital Oakland, we analyze the complex negotiations between gender and feminism that emerge in the everyday lives of union nurses. We use the concept of feminist agency as an organizing principle for understanding the disconnects between nurses and feminist discourse, and the affordances of labor activism for gaining workplace equity and mobilizing broader commitments to health justice.
How augmented reality media richness influences consumer behaviour
Authors: de Amorim Inês Pessoa , Guerreiro João , Eloy Sara , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: February 2022

The current paper explores the impact that an augmented reality shopping assistant may have on consumers’ emotional and cognitive responses, and how it would affect their buying behaviours. A prototype of an application to assist consumers inside a supermarket was developed using HoloLens glasses. A total of 85 participants were invited to walk‐through the store using augmented reality glasses. A PLS‐SEM approach was used to test the conceptual model. Results using different scenarios show that media richness (the level of information cues, variety and immediate feedback) impacts consumer decisions and heightens their cognitive and emotional responses. The current study finds that a media‐rich augmented reality experience influences brand engagement and willingness to buy through perceived information quality and brand attitudes. At a time when managers in every industry work to capture consumers’ attention, the present study shows how content remains important in every communication activity, even in an innovative augmented reality retail shopping experience.
Topical dapsone in the treatment of acne: a systematic review
Authors: Nickles Melissa A. , Lake Eden
Published: February 2022

Background

Acne is one of the most common dermatological disorders. Initial therapies for acne include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and topical clindamycin. However, patients who fail initial therapies may benefit from alternative topicals, including dapsone gel.

Objective

To analyze the current literature studying the efficacy of topical dapsone in the treatment of acne.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched for clinical trials examining the efficacy of topical dapsone in the treatment of acne.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in the analysis. Dapsone monotherapy showed a treatment success rate of 40.1–69.4% for dapsone gel 5% and 29.8–47.0% for dapsone gel 7.5% when used for 12–16 weeks. In all studies, inflammatory lesions decreased by a larger percentage than noninflammatory or total lesions. Dapsone gel was also studied in combination with various other acne treatments, including doxycycline, oral isotretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and topical retinoids. While mild treatment‐related adverse effects, most commonly consisting of skin irritation, occurred in 2.0–75.0% of participants, no major treatment‐related adverse effects were reported.

Limitations

Limitations of the study include variable treatment regimens making it difficult to compare results across studies. Additionally, adverse effects and skin irritation were reported differently, and potential selection biases exist in the randomized trials.

Conclusion

Dapsone gel offers a safe and promising alternative therapy for patients with difficult to treat acne or those who experience adverse effects to first‐line therapies.
Profile of antiphospholipid antibodies in HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected women with a history of thrombosis
Authors: Schapkaitz Elise , Libhaber Elena , Jacobson Barry F. , Gerber Annika , Rhemtula Haroun , Büller Harry R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Increased antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the association between aPL and the increased risk of thrombosis in HIV requires further clarification.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 215 consecutive women with a history of thrombosis and/or obstetric complications (158 HIV‐uninfected and 57 HIV‐infected) between July 2017 and March 2021. Participants (n = 215) without clinical criteria manifestations for antiphospholipid syndrome were included as matched controls. Testing for lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti‐beta2‐glycoprotein1 (aβ2GP1) IgM and IgG was performed.

Results

Thirty‐two (10.1%) HIV‐uninfected and 15 (13.2%) HIV‐infected participants were positive at baseline for one of the five criteria aPL, with no statistically significant difference. The profile of the HIV‐infected participants with thrombosis (n = 11) included LAC in 15.8%, aCL IgG in 3.5% and aβ2GP1 IgG in 1.8%. In contrast, the HIV‐infected controls (n = 4), included aCL IgM in 1.8% and aβ2GP1 IgM in 5.3%. Only LAC was significantly associated with thrombosis (p < 0.003). On repeat testing, in a HIV‐infected sub‐population, 2/7 with thrombosis were positive, while 3/3 controls tested negative.

Conclusion

In contrast to earlier reports, the prevalence and expression of aPL in HIV‐infected women with a history of thrombosis in the present study, in the era of antiretroviral therapy, were similar to HIV‐uninfected women. Baseline LAC positivity was associated with a significantly increased risk for thrombosis in HIV. Future studies are recommended to explore additional coagulation abnormalities in HIV.
The risk factors of the postoperative poor wound healing in spinal tuberculosis patients: A single centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Guanyin , Zhu Yong , Zhang Muzi , Qin Wanyuan , Xiong Tuotuo , Ou Yunsheng
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to find out the risk factors of poor wound healing (PWH) in spinal tuberculosis (STB) patients. A total of 232 STB patients who underwent debridement surgery between January 2012 to June 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The study cohort was divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of PWH. The clinical characteristics of STB patients who developed PWH were evaluated, and risk factors were found using logistic regression analysis. Of the 232 patients, 30 developed PWH. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that pulmonary tuberculosis, long operation time and low postoperative albumin level were independent risk factors for PWH in STB patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of PWH in operation time and postoperative albumin are 200 minutes and 30 g/L, respectively. Pulmonary tuberculosis, long operation time and low postoperative albumin level are independent risk factors for PWH following surgery for STB. Curing pulmonary tuberculosis, controlling operation time and supervising postoperative serum albumin may decrease the risk of PWH among STB patients.
Thermal imaging for assessment of maize water stress and yield prediction under drought conditions
Authors: Pradawet Chukiat , Khongdee Nuttapon , Pansak Wanwisa , Spreer Wolfram , Hilger Thomas , Cadisch Georg
Published: February 2022

Maize production in Thailand is increasingly suffering from drought periods along the cropping season. This creates the need for rapid and accurate methods to detect crop water stress to prevent yield loss. The study was, therefore, conducted to improve the efficacy of thermal imaging for assessing maize water stress and yield prediction. The experiment was carried out under controlled and field conditions in Phitsanulok, Thailand. Five treatments were applied, including (T1) fully irrigated treatment with 100% of crop water requirement (CWR) as control; (T2) early stress with 50% of CWR from 20 days after sowing (DAS) until anthesis and subsequent rewatering; (T3) sustained deficit at 50% of CWR from 20 DAS until harvest; (T4) late stress with 100% of CWR until anthesis and 50% of CWR after anthesis until harvest; (T5) late stress with 100% of CWR until anthesis and no irrigation after anthesis. Canopy temperature (FLIR), crop growth and soil moisture were measured at 5‐day‐intervals. Under controlled conditions, early water stress significantly reduced maize growth and yield. Water deficit after anthesis had no significant effect. A new combination of wet/dry sponge type reference surfaces was used for the determination of the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI). There was a strong relationship between CWSI and stomatal conductance (R² = 0.90), with a CWSI of 0.35 being correlated to a 64%‐yield loss. Assessing CWSI at 55 DAS, that is, at tasseling, under greenhouse conditions corresponded best to the final maize yield. This linear regression model validated well in both maize lowland (R² = 0.94) and maize upland fields (R² = 0.97) under the prevailing variety, soil and climate conditions. The results demonstrate that, using improved standardized references and data acquisition protocols, thermal imaging CWSI monitoring according to critical phenological stages enables yield prediction under drought stress.
Composition and microstructure of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ceramics with excess Bi
Authors: Dunce Marija , Birks Eriks , Antonova Maija , Bikse Liga , Kundzins Karlis , Freimanis Otto , Livins Maris , Dutkevica Sanija , Sternberg Andris
Published: February 2022

In the present work, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) ceramics with the addition of excess Bi in two different ways – before calcination and before sintering – are considered, revealing how the excess Bi affects their microstructure and chemical content. Average grain size is seen to decrease, with the grain size distribution becoming less diffused at higher excess Bi concentrations. The reason for such a feature is the shift of the sintering temperature region where the abnormal grain growth starts to contribute towards higher temperatures. The influence of excess Bi is more pronounced in the case if it is added before calcination. It was discovered that a small amount of excess Bi helps to prevent the formation of Bi‐deficient inclusions. While, high concentrations of excess Bi induce the formation of Bi‐rich inclusions – most probably Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15. Possible mechanisms of formation of both types of inclusions are discussed in detail. Instead of Bi over‐stoichiometry, elevated Na content and slightly lower O content were detected in the matrix grains of the sintered NBT ceramics prepared with excess Bi. These deviations increase upon increasing the added excess Bi concentration. The presence of another, Na‐rich phase, is assumed, which could not be detected by X‐ray diffraction or by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis.
The degree of mucosal atrophy is associated with post‐endoscopic submucosal dissection bleeding in early gastric cancer
Authors: Hayashi Yoshito , Hatta Waku , Tsuji Yosuke , Yoshio Toshiyuki , Yabuuchi Yohei , Hoteya Shu , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Nagami Yasuaki , Hikichi Takuto , Kobayashi Masakuni , Morita Yoshinori , Sumiyoshi Tetsuya , Iguchi Mikitaka , Tomida Hideomi , Inoue Takuya , Mikami Tatsuya , Hasatani Kenkei , Nishikawa Jun , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nebiki Hiroko , Nakamatsu Dai , Ohnita Ken , Suzuki Haruhisa , Ueyama Hiroya , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Yamaguchi Shinjiro , Michida Tomoki , Yada Tomoyuki , Asahina Yoshiro , Narasaka Toshiaki , Kuribayashi Shiko , Kiyotoki Shu , Mabe Katsuhiro , Miyake Akimitsu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Masamune Atsushi , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: February 2022

Background and Aim

Despite the widespread use of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer, post‐ESD bleeding remains a significant problem. Intragastric pH plays an important role in intragastric bleeding. Because gastric acid secretion contributes to intragastric pH, both the presence or absence of Helicobacter pylori infection and the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy may affect bleeding. The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between post‐ESD bleeding and the degree of gastric mucosal atrophy based on H. pylori infection status.

Methods

We included 8170 patients who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer at 33 hospitals in Japan from November 2013 to October 2016. We analyzed the risk factors contributing to post‐ESD bleeding.

Results

There were 3935 H. pylori‐positive patients and 4235 H. pylori‐negative patients. A nonsevere degree of gastric mucosal atrophy was an independent risk factor for post‐ESD bleeding in H. pylori‐negative patients (odds ratio: 1.51, P = 0.007), but not in H. pylori‐positive patients (odds ratio: 0.91, P = 0.600). Further, in H. pylori‐negative, but not H. pylori‐positive, patients, the rate of post‐ESD bleeding increased in a stepwise manner for patients continuing antithrombotic drug use, patients who withdrew antithrombotic drug use, and antithrombotic drug nonusers.

Conclusions

Nonsevere gastric mucosal atrophy was a risk factor for post‐ESD bleeding in early gastric cancer in H. pylori‐negative patients but not in H. pylori‐positive patients.
The Georgia Memory Net: Implementation of a statewide program to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Bender Alexis A. , McIntosh Rebecca L. , Sudduth Sean , Harris Michaela , Tuckey Kathy , Morgan John C. , Jungerman Joanna M. , Cox Abby , Moore Miranda A. , Ingram Bryshia , Pier Ellyn , Johnson Theodore M. , Loring David W. , Hepburn Kenneth , Medders Laura , Levey Allan I. , Lah James J. , Hales Chadwick M.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The number of people living with dementia is growing and most patients go years without receiving a specific diagnosis or support services, leading to suboptimal care, negative impacts on the quality of life, and increased costs of care. To address these gaps, the State of Georgia Department of Human Services collaborated with academic and community partners to create the Georgia Memory Net (GMN).

Design

GMN is a hub and spoke model partnered with Emory University's Cognitive Neurology Clinic and Emory Goizueta Alzheimer's Disease Research Center to provide training and support for best practices in diagnosis and management to Memory Assessment Clinics (MACs) throughout the state.

Setting

Communities across the State of Georgia.

Participants

GMN is a mix of academic and community providers, hospital systems, state and community agencies. Patients and families are evaluated at the MACs and connected to community services.

Intervention

A dedicated clinic workflow: primary care providers (PCPs) identify a memory problem and refer to the MACs for diagnostic evaluation; meeting with a community services educator, and development of a care plan. The patient is reconnected with the PCP for continuity of care.

Measurements

Initial metrics include numbers of unique patients, total patient visits, and referrals to state agency partners for community services.

Results

GMN established five MACs across Georgia with annual state funding. Partners at Emory University provided initial training; refined patient workflows for best practices; and provide ongoing support, guidance, and continuing education for MAC teams. Local PCPs and community services partners demonstrated strong engagement with the new model.

Conclusions

GMN is an innovative care model to improve access to accurate and timely diagnosis in patients with memory loss. GMN may help improve the quality of life for patients and families through preventive and early care.
Gene flow from rhesus (Macaca mulatta) to cynomolgus macaques (M. fascicularis) and effects of introgressive hybridization on reproduction in two biomedically relevant non‐human primate species
Authors: Kumpai Prangmas , Hamada Yuzuru , Kanthaswamy Sree , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: February 2022

Background

We compared the reproductive patterns of wild Indochinese and Sundaic cynomolgus macaques (Mf) exhibiting different levels of genetic admixture with rhesus macaques (Mm).

Methods

Ten adult females from each Indochinese (WHM) and Sundaic (KN/KTK) Mf populations, which exhibited 50% and 15% of Mm autosomal SNPs, were selected as focal animals. Animals were observed for 12 months, and the frequencies of sexual proceptivity, attractivity and receptivity, number of newborns, and changes in sex skin were recorded.

Results

Both populations showed all three sexual behaviors throughout the year, but they were classified as moderately seasonal breeders because their 3‐month birth counts were as high as ~50%. The fecundity of WHM was lower than the KN/KTK. Changes in sex skin of WHM were more prone to Mm's pattern than the KN/KTK.

Conclusion

The introgressive gene flow from Mm to Mf does not affect Mf's sexual behaviors; however, it can impact fecundity and physiological (sex skin) changes.
Morphological correspondence between brain and endocranial surfaces in mice exposed to undernutrition during development
Authors: Bonfili Noelia , Barbeito‐Andrés Jimena , Bernal Valeria , Hallgrímsson Benedikt , Gonzalez Paula N.
Published: February 2022

The morphological changes of the brain and the skull are highly integrated as a result of shared developmental pathways and different types of interactions between them. Shared developmental trajectories between these two structures might be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Although the effect of environmental factors on neural and craniofacial traits has been extensively studied, less is known about the specific impact of stressful conditions on the coordinated variation between these structures. Here, we test the effect of early nutrient restriction on morphological correspondence between the brain and the endocast. For this purpose, mice exposed to protein or calorie‐protein restriction during gestation and lactation were compared with a control group in which dams were fed standard food ad libitum. High‐resolution images were obtained after weaning to describe brain and endocranial morphology. By magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain volumes were obtained and endocasts were segmented from skull reconstructions derived from micro‐computed tomography (microCT). Brain and endocranial volumes were compared to assess the correspondence in size. Shape changes were analyzed using a set of landmarks and semilandmarks on 3D surfaces. Results indicated that brain volume is relatively less affected by undernutrition during development than endocast volume. Shape covariation between the brain and the endocast was found to be quite singular for protein‐restricted animals. Procrustes distances were larger between the brain and the endocast of the same specimens than between brains or endocasts of different animals, which means that the greatest similarity is by type of structure and suggests that the use of the endocast as a direct proxy of the brain at this intraspecific scale could have some limitations. In the same line, patterns of brain shape asymmetry were not directly estimated from endocranial surfaces. In sum, our findings indicate that morphological variation and association between the brain and the endocast is modulated by environmental factors and support the idea that head morphogenesis results from complex processes that are sensitive to the pervasive influence of nutrient intake.