bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of a new polymorphic modification of diisothiocyanatotetrakis(4-methylpyridine)cobalt(II)
Authors: Näther Christian , Jochim Aleksej
Published: May 2024

The title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C6H7N)4] or Co(NCS)2(4-methylpyridine)4, was prepared by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-methylpyridine in water and is isotypic to one of the polymorphs of Ni(NCS)2(4-methylpyridine)4 [Kerr & Williams (1977). Acta Cryst. B33, 3589–3592 and Soldatov et al. (2004). Cryst. Growth Des.
4, 1185–1194]. Comparison of the experimental X-ray powder pattern with that calculated from the single-crystal data proves that a pure phase has been obtained. The asymmetric unit consists of one CoII cation, two crystallographically independent thiocyanate anions and four independent 4-methylpyridine ligands, all located in general positions. The CoII cations are sixfold coordinated to two terminally N-bonded thiocyanate anions and four 4-methylpyridine coligands within slightly distorted octahedra. Between the complexes, a number of weak C—H...N and C—H...S contacts are found. This structure represent a polymorphic modification of Co(NCS)2(4-methylpyridine)4 already reported in the CCD [Harris et al. (2003). NASA Technical Reports, 211890]. In contrast to this form, the crystal structure of the new polymorph shows a denser packing, indicating that it is thermodynamically stable at least at low temperatures. Thermogravimetric and differential thermoanalysis reveal that the title compound starts to decomposes at about 100°C and that the coligands are removed in separate steps without any sign of a polymorphic transition before decomposition.
2-(10-Bromoanthracen-9-yl)-N-phenylaniline
Authors: Saravanan Dhandayutham , Ponraj C. , Khamrang Themmila , Hemamalini Madhukar , Antony G. Jerald Maria
Published: May 2024

In the title compound, C26H18BrN, the central benzene ring makes dihedral angles with its adjacent anthracene ring system and pendant benzene ring of 87.49 (13) and 62.01 (17)°, respectively. The N—H moiety is sterically blocked from forming a hydrogen bond, but weak C—H...π interactions occur in the extended structure.
The mediating role of organizational learning culture in the nexus of human resource development practices and employee competencies
Authors: Otoo Frank Nana Kweku
Published: May 2024

Purpose

A learning-focused culture promotes creativity, innovativeness and the acquisition of novel insights and competencies. The study aims to explore the relationship between human resource development (HRD) practice and employee competencies using organizational learning culture as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 828 employees of 37 health care institutions comprising 24 (internationally-owned) and 13 (indigenously-owned). Construct reliability and validity was established through a confirmatory factor analysis. The proposed model and hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Data supported the hypothesized relationships. The results show that training and development and employee competencies were significantly related. Career development and employee competencies were significantly related. Organizational learning culture mediates the relationship between training and development and employee competencies. However, organizational learning culture did not mediate the relationship between career development and employee competencies.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings will be constrained due to the research’s health care focus and cross-sectional data.

Practical implications

The study’s findings will serve as valuable pointers to policy makers and stakeholders of health care institutions in developing system-level capacities that promote continuous learning and adaptive learning cultures to ensure sustainability and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

By evidencing empirically that organizational learning culture mediates the relationship between HRD practices and employee competencies the study extends the literature.
Do CEOs’ characteristics impact sell-side analysts’ recommendations?
Authors: Alazzani Abdulsamad , Albitar Khaldoon , Hussainey Khaled
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between chief executive officers’ (CEOs) characteristics and sell-side analysts’ recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of firms listed on the London Stock Exchange and uses two databases, Capital IQ and BoardEx to study the above relationship. A variety of regression analyses are used in the empirical models, including ordinary least squares, fixed effect, random effect, Tobit, Logit and generalized method of moments.

Findings

The authors find that firms with CEOs who had a wider network size and firms with foreign CEOs receive favorable investment recommendations. Further, firms with CEOs who have more time to retire are more likely to receive favorable investment recommendations. However, the authors find that firms with CEOs with more qualifications receive unfavorable recommendations and female CEOs are not affecting investment recommendations.

Originality/value

Ultimately, this study demonstrates the importance of CEO characteristics for sell-side analysts who play an important role in the stock markets.
How perceived transparency in information system development processes improves project quality in agile IT enterprises
Authors: Lee Philip Tin Yun , Lee Alice Jing , Chau Michael , Deng Bingjie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

With the increasing agility of IT enterprises, it is crucial to identify suitable managerial strategies for controlling information system development (ISD) projects in the new agile working environments. These environments are characterized by the collaborative nature of work and the recurring nature of communication. This study aims to explore how perceived transparency in ISD processes, controlled by transparency strategies, impacts project quality.

Design/methodology/approach

In collaboration with a firm that implemented a customized Scaled Agile Framework, questionnaires were distributed to employees involved in ISD projects. The goal was to understand the influence of perceived transparency in ISD processes on project quality.

Findings

Our research demonstrates that perceived transparency in ISD processes enhances project quality through knowledge exchange by strengthening goodwill trust among team members. Additionally, transparency improves project quality through client feedback by strengthening competence trust of clients toward the team. Goodwill trust of clients toward the team and competence trust among team members have less impact on project quality enhancement.

Originality/value

This study reveals the nomological network among the perceived transparency, different types of trust among stakeholders, social interactions among stakeholders, and project outcomes in agile ISD environments. This nomological network has been overlooked by previous studies that biased toward top-down, interorganizational communication. It highlights that not all types of trust among stakeholders are involved in the processes through which perceived transparency influences ISD project quality in agile working environments. Additionally, it exposes the limitations of transparency strategies for controlling projects in agile IT enterprises.
Developing data analytics capabilities: integrating the information systems success model and the resource-based view
Authors: Madhala Prashanth , Li Hongxiu , Helander Nina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The information systems (IS) literature has indicated the importance of data analytics capabilities (DAC) in improving business performance in organizations. The literature has also highlighted the roles of organizations’ data-related resources in developing their DAC and enhancing their business performance. However, little research has taken resource quality into account when studying DAC for business performance enhancement. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of resource quality on DAC development for business performance enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

We studied DAC development using the resource-based view and the IS success model based on empirical data collected via 19 semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Our findings show that data-related resource (including data, data systems, and data services) quality is vital to the development of DAC and the enhancement of organizations’ business performance. The study uncovers the factors that make up each quality dimension, which is required for developing DAC for business performance enhancement.

Originality/value

Using the resource quality view, this study contributes to the literature by exploring the role of data-related resource quality in DAC development and business performance enhancement.
The impact of board capital on total value reporting: evidence from the Australian health care sector
Authors: Liu Zihan , Abhayawansa Subhash , Jubb Christine
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the association between board gender diversity and multiple directorships, two board characteristics representing human, social and relational capital and the extent to which corporate reporting (using the double materiality principle) explains value creation for the organization, environment, society and the economy, which we define as total value reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a disclosure index developed based on the Integrated Reporting Framework and the Global Reporting Initiative (G4) guidelines to analyze disclosures made using the double materiality principle and reflect the value created by companies. The sample includes corporate reports of 102 Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) companies in the Health Care sector. Ordinary least squares regression analyses test the relationship between board gender diversity and multiple directorships and the quality of total value reporting (and its subcomponents) with appropriate control variables.

Findings

Findings reveal that human, social and relational capital formed through multiple directorships and gender-diverse boards is positively related to the quality of total value reporting. Results hold for alternative measures and sensitivity tests of gender diversity and multiple directorships.

Practical implications

Our study reveals that (1) the  Framework, when combined with the GRI Framework, effectively measures connected information quality under a double materiality perspective for total value reporting; (2) enhancing board effectiveness for total value reporting is achievable by increasing female directors and those with multiple directorships; (3) limitations in accessing experienced directors, particularly women, do not disadvantage countries like Australia and (4) directors holding multiple board positions are pivotal in disseminating best practices in corporate governance and reporting across various companies and industries.

Social implications

Our research reveals that gender diversity on corporate boards transcends mere representation, significantly enhancing how firms articulate their value to stakeholders. This finding underscores the urgency for public policies to advocate for increased female board representation. Additionally, our findings indicate that board diversity, encompassing gender, experience, industry background and cultural perspectives, can elevate transparency in reporting, crucial for attracting global investors, particularly in emerging markets.

Originality/value

Our study is an early attempt to examine total value reporting – underpinned by double materiality – which reports on how companies create value for themselves, the environment and society. It is one of the first to identify drivers of reporting based on double materiality.
The coaching and leadership burnout paradox
Authors: Davis James , Jocic Marko
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of coaching on manager/leader burnout using the conservation of resources theory, addressing a gap in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The research examines the difference between two cohorts of leaders actively engaged with coaches and regresses coaching engagement on leader burnout while controlling for personality, leadership style and span of control.

Findings

The paper presents empirical evidence of the relationship, which finds a paradox in that those with coaches/mentors exhibit higher levels of burnout than those without.

Originality/value

The study offers an original perspective, highlighting the need for further empirical investigation into the dynamics between the role of a coach and leader burnout.
Planning Facebook message strategy and creative appeal for effective ad engagement – an exploratory study
Authors: Zimand Sheiner Dorit , Kol Ofrit , Levy Shalom
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Studying the effect of social media advertising on consumer engagement, this study analyzes the impact of shared-experience versus personal message strategies, informational versus transformational creative appeals and low-involvement products versus high-involvement products. It aims to determine how best to combine ad elements to affect consumer engagement on different levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey among 448 Facebook users, an experimental factorial design of 2 (message strategy conditions) X 2 (creative appeal conditions) X 2 (product types: TV vs. frozen pizza) was used. Each advertisement was evaluated on three facets of engagement: cognitive, psychological and behavioral.

Findings

Results indicate that informational appeal is preferable for all conditions. The effectiveness of message strategy differs by product type, and interactions between message and appeal are significant only for the high-involvement product. Additionally, it indicates that message strategy is most significant in affecting behavioral engagement and not necessarily cognitive or psychological engagement.

Practical implications

To develop effective Facebook ads, practitioners should use a personal/informational combination when working with high-involvement products and a shared-experience/informational combination when working with low-involvement products.

Originality/value

An original grid for integrating message strategy and creative appeal is constructed in this paper. Besides behavioral engagement, it also evaluates cognitive and psychological engagement. By comparing products with a high and low involvement level, it provides marketers with actionable recommendations to increase social media campaign effectiveness.
Have HR strategic partners left the building? The (new) role of HR professionals from a social-symbolic perspective
Authors: Cuel Roberta , Ravarini Aurelio , Imperatori Barbara , Antonelli Gilda , Torre Teresina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This manuscript explores the evolving roles of HR professionals amidst global megatrends and organizational transitions, focusing on the Italian context, which has experienced disruptive adoption of new forms of work such as remote and hybrid work. In this challenging scenario, our research aims to uncover if and how HR professionals are transforming their roles or maintaining the status quo in navigating organizational changes, dealing with the upcoming working scenario, and challenging conventional perceptions of HR practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the social-symbolic work lens, that contributes to a deeper understanding of how HR professionals work to construct organizational life, the identities of employees, and the societal norms and assumptions that provide the context for organizational action. This perspective highlights HR professionals’ personal efforts, consisting of the emotional labor entailed in steering organizational transformations and, eventually, maintenance in a context where remote work has become prevalent. Data was collected through 16 online focus groups involving 76 HR professionals from Italian organizations.

Findings

Our research offers two interrelated contributions to HR literature. First, we provide pieces of evidence on how HR practitioners act as agents of change in two emerging roles: the “Wannabe Hero” and the “Ordinary Hero”. This challenges the prevailing rhetorical discourse about the so-called HR business partner. Secondly, we delve into the persistent obstacles that hinder HR professionals from making a substantial impact in addressing radical changes. These findings will provide useful insights into effectively engaging HR practitioners as agents of change in organizational transformation, shedding light on praxis, structures, and their emotional work.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes HR professionals’ social-symbolic work, which offers an original contribution to the comprehension of the activities they carry on in practice and the emotions they have been experiencing. These influence both the way HR professionals play their role and the organizational and institutional environment.
Changing terms, evolving strategies: the tailoring of supply chain management terms and its implications
Authors: Brandao Maicom Sergio , Godinho Filho Moacir
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the evolution of terminology in supply chain management (SCM) and its implications for the field’s strategic orientation. It also aims to understand how SCM terms adapt to interdisciplinary contexts, reflecting shifts in theoretical and practical approaches within the discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a systematic literature review and analyzes over 3,500 unique SCM-related terms extracted from approximately 33,000 abstracts. By using Descending Hierarchical Classification and factor analysis, the research methodologically identifies key shifts in terminology and discerns underlying patterns.

Findings

This study categorizes terminological variations in SCM into three main clusters: product–agent, performance objective orientation and structure. These variations signal not only linguistic changes but also strategic shifts in SCM understanding and practice. Notably, terms such as “green,” “sustainable” and “circular” supply chains have emerged in response to evolving internal and external pressures and trends. In addition, this paper offers a nuanced understanding of these terminological adaptations, proposing a reference framework for navigating SCM’s evolving lexicon and highlighting global usage and geographical and cultural nuances in SCM discourse.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a reference framework that complements existing SCM definitions, fostering a shared understanding of SCM variations on a global scale. This framework enhances cultural sensitivity within the field and underscores SCM’s adaptability and flexibility. These insights offer a nuanced view of SCM dynamics, benefiting researchers and practitioners alike. Beyond terminology, this study sheds light on the interplay between language and SCM strategy, providing a valuable perspective for navigating the evolving SCM landscape. The study’s scope is constrained by the analyzed abstracts. Future research could broaden this analysis to encompass more SCM literature or delve deeper into the implications of terminological changes.

Practical implications

This study offers practitioners a reference framework for navigating the evolving lexicon of SCM. This framework aids in understanding the strategic implications of terminological changes, enhancing clarity and context in both academic and practical applications.

Social implications

By acknowledging global usage and variations, the research underscores the impact of geographical and cultural nuances on SCM discourse. This global perspective enriches the understanding of SCM as a dynamic and culturally sensitive field.

Originality/value

This research is novel in its extensive and systematic exploration of SCM terminology. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of how language evolves in tandem with strategic shifts in the field, providing a unique perspective on the interplay between terminology and strategy in SCM.
Nitrogen niche partitioning between tropical legumes and grasses conditionally weakens under elevated CO2
Authors: Churchill Amber C. , Zhang Haiyang , Kim Gil Won , Catunda Karen L. M. , Anderson Ian C. , Isbell Forest , Moore Ben , Pendall Elise , Plett Jonathan M. , Powell Jeff R. , Power Sally A.
Published: May 2024

Plant community biodiversity can be maintained, at least partially, by shifts in species interactions between facilitation and competition for resources as environmental conditions change. These interactions also drive ecosystem functioning, including productivity, and can promote over‐yielding‐ an ecosystem service prioritized in agro‐ecosystems, such as pastures, that occurs when multiple species together are more productive than the component species alone. Importantly, species interactions that can result in over‐yielding may shift in response to rising CO2 concentrations and changes in resource availability, and the consequences these shifts have on production is uncertain especially in the context of tropical mixed‐species grasslands.

We examined the relative performance of two species pairs of tropical pasture grasses and legumes growing in monoculture and mixtures in a glasshouse experiment manipulating CO2. We investigated how over‐yielding can arise from nitrogen (N) niche partitioning and biotic facilitation using stable isotopes to differentiate soil N from biological N fixation (BNF) within N acquisition into above‐ground biomass for these two‐species mixtures.

We found that N niche partitioning in species‐level use of soil N versus BNF drove species interactions in mixtures. Importantly partitioning and overyielding were generally reduced under elevated CO2. However, this finding was mixture‐dependent based on biomass of dominant species in mixtures and the strength of selection effects for the dominant species.

This study demonstrates that rising atmospheric CO2 may alter niche partitioning between co‐occurring species, with negative implications for the over‐yielding benefits predicted for legume‐grass mixtures in working landscapes with tropical species. Furthermore, these changes in inter‐species interactions may have consequences for grassland composition that are not yet considered in larger‐scale projections for impacts of climate change and species distributions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Interpreting Humani Generis: The Evolution Controversy in the Melbourne Catholic Press, 1960–61*
Authors: Barnes Joel
Published: May 2024

From mid‐1960 to early 1961, the Melbourne Catholic weekly newspaper The Advocate carried an extended controversy on evolutionary science and its compatibility with the teachings of the Church. An intra‐denominational debate among Catholic scientists, clergy and laymen, the controversy was shaped by the theological framework of Pope Pius XII's encyclical Humani Generis (1950), which included the first ever papal statement on evolution. As a grassroots debate in which official Catholic policy as outlined in the encyclical was open to interpretation by competing interests, the controversy serves as an index of the ambiguities of Humani Generis, and of the uncertainties of wider Church policy at the time, regarding evolutionary science and human evolution in particular. The article considers the Advocate controversy and its immediate aftermath within the context of Humani Generis's strictures on human evolution, and within the longer history of Catholic responses to and engagement with evolutionary science.
Understanding the influencing factors of energy consumption in China: A dual perspective of geographical space and economic “new normal”
Authors: Nie Jun , Jiang Tangyang , Yu Yang
Published: May 2024

China's economy has transtioned into the “new normal”, which demands higher standards for energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of China's energy consumption and economic development exhibits a significant imbalance, complicating efforts to achieve Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency. Addressing this issue, this study explores the heterogeneity of the factors influencing energy consumption in China from the dual perspectives of economic “new normal” and geographic space, using an exponential decomposition model. The results of the study show that: (1) the inhibitory effect of the energy intensity effect on the growth of regional energy consumption is differentiated, with stronger inhibitory effects in Guangdong, Jiangsu and other provinces, and weaker inhibitory effects in Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces. Living standard effect on the regional energy consumption growth of the promotion of the effect also has differences, Jiangsu, Shandong and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is stronger, while Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is weaker. (2) Population size effect on regional energy consumption growth is not consistent in the direction of the role of Guangdong, Zhejiang, and other provinces have a promotional effect and the role of the effect of the stronger, on the contrary, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Gansu has an inhibitory effect. (3) In the late stage of the economic “new normal”, the effects of energy intensity effect, living standard effect and population size effect on the growth of energy consumption in the four regions show a weakening trend, and this weakening trend is more obvious in the northeast region. This study expands theoretical research on factors affecting energy consumption and offers practical guidance for China's government to coordinate regional energy allocation under the economic “new normal” and geographical considerations.
Association between renal α‐klotho and renal pathology among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Guo Yan , Wan Feng , Shi Yan‐peng , Zhang Hong‐mei , Yang Ru‐chun
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study was designed to investigate whether renal α‐klotho levels are associated with renal pathology. This is the first report on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study. A total of 65 CKD patients were enrolled. Serum and renal biopsy samples were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was examined by biochemical test. And α‐klotho expressions were assessed by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry. In addition, detailed microscopic findings were reviewed.

Results

Renal α‐klotho levels are associated positively with eGFR, and negatively with renal pathology, including interstitial fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tubular atrophy.

Conclusions

The renal α‐klotho is related to renal pathology.
Efficacy of aqueous and alcoholic formulations extracted from Padina boryana algae against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae: A comparative study
Authors: Alyahya Hanan S.
Published: May 2024

Aedes aegypti is a mosquito species known for transmitting several diseases, with dengue fever being of utmost importance. Controlling the spread of dengue fever remains a significant global health challenge. Other diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti include Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Padina boryana algae were collected from the Red Sea coast south of Jeddah to evaluate the effectiveness of its alcoholic and aqueous extracts against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. The algae sample was washed, dried in the shade, processed, and subjected to aqueous and alcohol extraction using a rotary evaporator. The resulting extracts were tested for their larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae using standard bioassay techniques. The larval mortality rates were recorded, and the lethal concentration (LC50 and LC90) values were calculated.

The results revealed that both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts of P. boryana algae exhibited significant larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae. However, the alcoholic formulation demonstrated higher efficacy compared to the aqueous formulation. The LC50 values for the alcoholic and aqueous extracts were 194.8 and 195.7 ppm, respectively. The LC90 values for both extracts were 653.1 and 656.7 ppm, respectively. This indicates the effectiveness of Padina extracts as an effective pesticide against the larvae of the Ae. aegypti mosquito. Overall, the alcohol extract showed promising efficacy, indicating its potential as a significant component in developing effective mosquito control strategies.
Genomic signatures associated with recurrent scale loss in cyprinid fish
Authors: DING Yongli , ZOU Ming , GUO Baocheng
Published: May 2024

Scale morphology represents a fundamental feature of fish and a key evolutionary trait underlying fish diversification. Despite frequent and recurrent scale loss throughout fish diversification, comprehensive genome‐wide analyses of the genomic signatures associated with scale loss in divergent fish lineages remain scarce. In the current study, we investigated genome‐wide signatures, specifically convergent protein‐coding gene loss, amino acid substitutions, andcis‐regulatory sequence changes, associated with recurrent scale loss in two divergent Cypriniformes lineages based on large‐scale genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic data. Results demonstrated convergent changes in many genes related to scale formation in divergent scaleless fish lineages, including loss of P/Q‐richscppgenes (e.g.scpp6andscpp7), accelerated evolution of non‐coding elements adjacent to thefgfandfgfrgenes, and convergent amino acid changes in genes (e.g.snap29) under relaxed selection. Collectively, these findings highlight the existence of a shared genetic architecture underlying recurrent scale loss in divergent fish lineages, suggesting that evolutionary outcomes may be genetically repeatable and predictable in the convergence of scale loss in fish.
A novel method for predicting ecological interactions with an unsupervised machine learning algorithm
Authors: Adhurya Sagar , Park Young‐Seuk
Published: May 2024

This gap in knowledge regarding ecological interactions has prompted the development of various predictive approaches. Traditionally, ecological interactions have been inferred using traits. However, the lack of trait information for numerous organisms necessitates using phylogenetic data and statistical insights from interaction matrices for prediction. Previous studies have overlooked the validation of model‐predicted interactions.

This study used a novel method in predicting ecological interactions using a self‐organizing map (SOM), an unsupervised machine learning algorithm. The SOM learns from the input interaction matrix by grouping the nodes into output layers based on their interactions. Subsequently, the trained model predicts the interactions as scores. To distinguish between interactions and non‐interactions, we employed F1 score maximization, setting scores above a specific threshold as interactions and the remainder as non‐interactions. We applied this method to three unipartite metawebs and one bipartite metaweb and subsequently validated the predicted interactions using two innovative approaches: taxonomic and interaction recovery validation.

Our method exhibited outstanding predictive performance, particularly for large networks. Various binary classification performance indicators, including F1 score (0.84–0.97) and accuracy (0.97–0.99), indicated high performance. Moreover, the method generated minimal predicted interactions, signifying low noise in the predictions, particularly for large networks. Taxonomic validation excels in metawebs with a connectance >0.1 but performs poorly in metawebs with very low connectance. In contrast, interaction recovery was most effective in larger metawebs.

Our proposed method excels at making highly accurate predictions of ecological interactions with minimal noise, solely utilizing input interaction data without relying on traits or phylogenetic information regarding interacting nodes. These predictions are particularly precise for large networks, underscoring their potential to address knowledge gaps in emerging extensive metawebs. Notably, taxonomic validation and interaction recovery methods are sensitive to connectance and network size, respectively, suggesting prospects for developing robust interaction validation methods.
Fluid distribution during surgery in the flat recumbent, Trendelenburg, and the reverse Trendelenburg body positions
Authors: Hahn Robert G.
Published: May 2024

Background

The distribution and elimination of infused crystalloid fluid is known to be affected by general anesthesia, but it is unclear whether changes differ depending on whether the patient is operated in the flat recumbent position, the Trendelenburg (“legs up”) position, or the reverse Trendelenburg (“head up”) position.

Methods

Retrospective data on hemodilution and urine output obtained during and after infusion of 1–2 L of Ringer's solution over 30–60 min were collected from 61 patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia and 106 volunteers matched with respect to the infusion volume and infusion time. Parameters describing fluid distribution in the anesthetized and awake subjects were compared by population volume kinetic analysis.

Results

General anesthesia decreased the rate constant for urine output by 79% (flat recumbent), 91% (legs up) and 91% (head up), suggesting that laparoscopic surgery per se intensified the already strong anesthesia‐induced fluid retention. General anesthesia also decreased the rate constant governing the return of the distributed fluid to the plasma by 32%, 15%, and 70%, respectively. These results agree with laboratory data showing a depressive effect of anesthetic drugs on lymphatic pumping, and further suggest that the “legs up” position facilitates lymphatic flow, whereas the “head up” position slows this flow. Both Trendelenburg positions increased swelling of the “third fluid space”.

Conclusions

General anesthesia caused retention of infused fluid with preferential distribution to the extravascular space. Both Trendelenburg positions had a modifying influence on the kinetic adaptations that agreed with the gravitational forces inflicted by tilting to body.
Impact of clinical lymph node status on survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing liver resection plus lymphadenectomy
Authors: Wang Hongling , Zhu Xingwu , Qiu Maixuan , Xuan Jianbing , Shi Xiaodong , Huang Liang , Wang Kui , Li Jing
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds

Liver resection plus lymphadenectomy is essential to ensure precise staging in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to investigate the influence of the clinical status of lymph nodes on the survival outcomes in ICC patients.

Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2020, consecutive patients diagnosed with ICC who underwent liver resection plus lymphadenectomy were enrolled. Clinical assessment of lymph node status included positron emission tomography/computed tomography examination by radiologists pre‐operatively, alongside intraoperative abdominal examination by the surgical team. Retrospective collection and analysis of clinical information alongside survival data were performed to assess outcomes.

Results

The study included a total of 359 patients, with 291 (81.0%) and 151 (42.1%) displaying clinically and pathologically positive lymph nodes, respectively. The clinical assessment method had a sensitivity of 81.2% and a specificity of 54.3%. Following a median follow‐up period of 32 months, the overall survival (OS) rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 69.1%, 50.6%, and 41.2%, respectively, while the disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 60.7%, 42.8%, and 40.1%, respectively, across the cohort. Patients who had clinically positive but pathologically negative lymph nodes recorded the highest median OS (52 months) and median DFS (32 months). Conversely, those who were clinically negative but pathologically positive experienced the lowest median OS (16 months) and median DFS (8 months).

Conclusion

The current approach to clinically assessing lymph node status in ICC has a significant rate of false positives. Patients with clinically positive but pathologically negative lymph nodes exhibit the most favourable survival outcomes.
Black paintings in the late Yocavil ceramics (11th–17th centuries): Applying micro X‐ray diffraction to the study of archaeological potteries in Northwest Argentina
Authors: Fuertes María Cecilia , Palamarczuk Valeria , Huck‐Iriart Cristián , Lamas Diego G.
Published: May 2024

The black pigments used in Late Period (11th–17th centuries) painted pottery in the Yocavil Valley were characterized. Changes and continuities in the composition of this material over an extended span were evaluated. A regional sample of 47 potsherds from the Loma Rica, San José, and Santa María styles was collected, and for the first time micro wide‐angle X‐ray scattering was used in these ceramic styles. The results indicate the simultaneous presence of iron oxides (hematite) and solid solutions of manganese and iron oxides (jacobsite–magnetite). Besides, the paints were prepared by mixing the pigments with clay‐based binding materials.
Between Tradition and Pragmatism: Challenges for Latin America amid the Russia–Ukraine War
Authors: Carrión‐Vivar Kendra D. , Jima‐González Alexandra , Alcántara‐Lizárraga José Ángel
Published: May 2024

This article explores Latin America's response to the Russia–Ukraine War by navigating the delicate balance between tradition and pragmatism. Historically championing self‐determination and non‐intervention, the region faces challenges in coordinating responses due to ideological divisions. Analysing reactions from Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua and Venezuela, the study reveals various responses, ranging from diplomatic neutrality to outright support. Economic dependencies, power dynamics and domestic priorities influence approaches. As Latin America struggles with internal challenges and external pressures, the study advocates a nuanced understanding of the role of the region in the evolving international order, emphasising the need for cohesive diplomatic strategies.
Moderate anthropogenic impacts alter temporal niche without affecting spatial distribution of ocelots in the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Zwicker Samantha , Gardner Beth
Published: May 2024

The Amazon rainforest faces escalating human disturbances such as logging, mining, agriculture, and urbanization, leading to the conversion of primary forest into matrix habitat. This transformation's impact on mesocarnivores, specifically ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), is still largely unknown. In 2021, we deployed camera traps across a 174 km2 study area in Las Piedras, Madre de Dios, Peru, containing mixed land use and protected forests. Utilizing kernel density functions, we compared temporal activity patterns and employed spatially explicit capture‐recapture (SECR) models to assess density, encounter probability, and movement by habitat and trail type, as well as sex. Of the 293 captures, we identified 39 ocelots (21 females, 18 males), estimating an average density of 31.46 (SE 5.15) individuals per 100 km2 with no significant difference between protected and mixed‐use areas. Baseline detection and movement varied by sex, with male and female home ranges estimated at 17.14 and 4.10 km2, respectively. Ocelot temporal activity patterns differed between the protected area and the mixed‐use area, with increased nocturnality in areas of higher human impact. Our SECR results highlight that matrix habitats can support ocelot populations, emphasizing the need for further research on ocelot demographics in human‐modified Amazon rainforest areas facing varying degrees of anthropogenic disturbance.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
HAS2 facilitates glioma cell malignancy and suppresses ferroptosis in an FZD7‐dependent manner
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Yu Kuo , Chen Kaile , Liu Jinlai , Dai Kexiang , Zhao Peng
Published: May 2024

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system, and it is crucial to uncover the factors that influence prognosis. In this study, we utilized Mfuzz to identify a gene set that showed a negative correlation with overall survival in patients with glioma. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were then undertaken to gain insights into the functional characteristics and pathways associated with these genes. The expression distribution of Hyaluronan Synthase 2 (HAS2) was explored across multiple datasets, revealing its expression patterns. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out through gene knockdown and overexpression to validate the functionality of HAS2. Potential upstream transcription factors of HAS2 were predicted using transcriptional regulatory databases, and these predictions were experimentally validated using ChIP‐PCR and dual‐luciferase reporter gene assays. The results showed that elevated expression of HAS2 in glioma indicates poor prognosis. HAS2 was found to play a role in activating an antiferroptosis pathway in glioma cells. Inhibiting HAS2 significantly increased cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis‐inducing agents. Finally, we determined that the oncogenic effect of HAS2 is mediated by the key receptor of the WNT pathway, FZD7.
Patient reported long‐term side effects from treatment on urinary and sexual function in anal cancer survivors – 3‐ and 6‐year results from the Swedish national ANCA study
Authors: Axelsson Anna , Johansson Mia , Haglind Eva , Li Ying , Nilsson Per J. , Angenete Eva
Published: May 2024

Aim

The standard treatment for anal cancer is chemoradiotherapy. Most patients survive anal cancer but remain living with long‐term side effects related to the treatment received. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of long‐term impairment of urinary and sexual function at 3 and 6 years after diagnosis and to investigate the additive effect from chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy on urinary incontinence, compared to radiotherapy alone.

Method

The ANal CAncer study (ANCA) is based on a national Swedish cohort of patients diagnosed with anal cancer between 2011 and 2013. All identified patients within the study were invited to respond to a study‐specific questionnaire at 3 and 6 years. Descriptive analyses for the primary endpoint were performed. To investigate a possible additional effect from chemotherapy logistic regression was used.

Results

A total of 388 patients were included in the study. At 3 years 264 patients were alive and invited to respond to an anal cancer specific questionnaire. The 3‐ and 6 year response rates were 195 (74%) and 155 patients (67%), respectively. The patient reported urinary function impairment at 3 years were urgency (63%), incomplete bladder emptying (47%), and incontinence (46%) and there was an absolute increase of the prevalence of urinary dysfunction in about 10% at 6 years. Three years after diagnosis, 77% reported that intercourse was not part of their sex life; this percentage increased at 6 years to 83%. We found no negative effect of chemotherapy in combined chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone on patient reported urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

For anal cancer survivors, urinary function was impaired after 3 years and continued to deteriorate as measured at 6 years after diagnosis. Anal cancer and its treatment negatively affected sexual function for both men and women. This may explain why patients reported that sexual activity and frequency of intercourse was not of importance in their life.
AAV‐mediated gene therapy restores natural fertility and improves physical function in the Lhcgr‐deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure
Authors: Zhang Suyuan , Yang Bin , Shen Xiaoting , Chen Hong , Wang Fulin , Tan Zhipeng , Ou Wangsheng , Yang Cuifeng , Liu Congyuan , Peng Hao , Luo Peng , Peng Limei , Lei Zhenmin , Yan Sunxing , Wang Tao , Ke Qiong , Deng Chunhua , Xiang Andy Peng , Xia Kai
Published: May 2024

Leydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutations leads to testosterone deficiency, infertility and reduced physical function. Adeno‐associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8)‐mediated gene therapy shows potential in treating LCF in the Lhcgr‐deficient (Lhcgr−/−) mouse model. However, the gene‐treated mice still cannot naturally sire offspring, indicating the modestly restored testosterone and spermatogenesis in AAV8‐treated mice remain insufficient to support natural fertility. Recognizing this, we propose that enhancing gene delivery could yield superior results. Here, we screened a panel of AAV serotypes through in vivo transduction of mouse testes and identified AAVDJ as an impressively potent vector for testicular cells. Intratesticular injection of AAVDJ achieved markedly efficient transduction of Leydig cell progenitors, marking a considerable advance over conventional AAV8 vectors. AAVDJ‐Lhcgr gene therapy was well tolerated and resulted in significant recovery of testosterone production, substantial improvement in sexual development, and remarkable restoration of spermatogenesis in Lhcgr−/− mice. Notably, this therapy restored fertility in Lhcgr−/− mice through natural mating, enabling the birth of second‐generation. Additionally, this treatment led to remarkable improvements in adipose, muscle, and bone function in Lhcgr−/− mice. Collectively, our findings underscore AAVDJ‐mediated gene therapy as a promising strategy for LCF and suggest its broader potential in addressing various reproductive disorders.
Living in a post‐industrial landscape: repeated patterns of genetic divergence in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) across the British Isles
Authors: Osmond Daniel R. , King R. Andrew , Russo Isa‐Rita M. , Bruford Michael W. , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: May 2024

Aim

The British Isles have been worked for millennia to extract metal ores to feed industrial development, leaving a legacy of mine water pollution that continues to impact freshwater communities in many regions. Brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) have long been observed to persist in these metal‐impacted systems as apex predators, with previous studies showing a small number of impacted populations to be highly genetically divergent. We sought to understand the scale of genetic diversity across regions and the repeatability of genetic divergence in trout populations affected by metal pollution.

Location

We examined four mine water‐impacted regions across the British Isles: west Wales, northeast England, southwest England and southeast Ireland.

Methods

We employed a panel of 95 SNP loci to screen 1236 individuals from 71 sites representing paired metal‐impacted and clean sites from across the four regions. From these, we obtained diversity statistics, assessed genetic structuring of populations and modelled historical demographic scenarios to understand which factors most credibly explain genetic variation in divergent populations.

Results

We evidenced hierarchical population structure in the regions studied, in line with expectations from phylogeographic history. However, in a hierarchical analysis of genetic structuring the first level of differentiation was driven by the divergence of the metal‐impacted trout of Cornwall in southwest England. Within regions we observed reduced genetic diversity and repeated patterns of local genetic sub‐structuring between paired samples from metal‐impacted and relatively clean sites. Demographic history analyses suggested the timing of these splits to be relatively recent and to be associated with periods of peak mining activity.

Main conclusions

Our findings demonstrate distinct patterns of genetic isolation and reduced diversity arising from legacy pollution in freshwater ecosystems, with impacts being most apparent where both chemical pollution and physical barriers are present. Management should focus on the amelioration of mine water wash‐out and the removal of barriers to fish movement to safeguard genetic diversity in impacted populations.