bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Enigma of UV Stress Granules: Research Challenges and New Perspectives
Authors: Cabral Alexandra J. , Costello Danielle C. , Farny Natalie G.
Published: October 2022

Stress granules (SGs) are non-membrane bound cytoplasmic condensates that form in response to a variety of different stressors. Canonical SGs are thought to have a cytoprotective role, reallocating cellular resources during stress by activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) to inhibit translation and avoid apoptosis. However, different stresses result in compositionally distinct, non-canonical SG formation that is likely pro-apoptotic, though the exact function(s) of both SGs subtypes remain unclear. A unique non-canonical SG subtype is triggered upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While it is generally agreed that UV SGs arebona fideSGs due to their dependence upon the core SG nucleating protein Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1), the localization of other key components of UV SGs are unknown or under debate. Further, the dynamics of UV SGs are not known, though unique properties such as cell cycle dependence have been observed. This Perspective compiles the available information on SG subtypes and on UV SGs in particular in an attempt to understand the formation, dynamics, and function of these mysterious stress-specific complexes. We identify key gaps in knowledge related to UV SGs, and examine the unique aspects of their formation. We propose that more thorough knowledge of the distinct properties of UV SGs will lead to new avenues of understanding of the function of SGs, as well as their roles in disease.
Extending the novel |ρ|-based phasing algorithm to the solution of anomalous scattering substructures from SAD data of protein crystals
Authors: Rius Jordi , Torrelles Xavier
Published: October 2022

Owing to the importance of the single-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD) technique, the recently developed |ρ|-based phasing algorithm (S
M,|ρ|) incorporating the inner-pixel preservation (ipp) procedure [Rius & Torrelles (2021). Acta Cryst A77, 339–347] has been adapted to the determination of anomalous scattering substructures and its applicability tested on a series of 12 representative experimental data sets, mostly retrieved from the Protein Data Bank. To give an idea of the suitability of the data sets, the main indicators measuring their quality are also given. The dominant anomalous scatterers are either SeMet or S atoms, or metals/clusters incorporated by soaking. The resulting SAD-adapted algorithm solves the substructures of the test protein crystals quite efficiently.
Simulating dark-field X-ray microscopy images with wavefront propagation techniques
Authors: Carlsen Mads , Detlefs Carsten , Yildirim Can , Ræder Trygve , Simons Hugh
Published: October 2022

Dark-field X-ray microscopy is a diffraction-based synchrotron imaging technique capable of imaging defects in the bulk of extended crystalline samples. Numerical simulations are presented of image formation in such a microscope using numerical integration of the dynamical Takagi–Taupin equations and wavefront propagation. The approach is validated by comparing simulated images with experimental data from a near-perfect single crystal of diamond containing a single stacking-fault defect in the illuminated volume.
Crystal structure of bis{3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-[6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-2-yl]-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ido}iron(II) methanol disolvate
Authors: Znovjyak Kateryna , Fritsky Igor O. , Sliva Tatiana Y. , Amirkhanov Vladimir M. , Malinkin Sergey O. , Shova Sergiu , Seredyuk Maksym
Published: October 2022

As a result of the high symmetry of the Aea2 structure, the asymmetric unit of the title compound, [FeII(C18H15N6)2]·2MeOH, consists of half of a charge-neutral complex molecule and a discrete methanol molecule. The planar anionic tridentate ligand 2-[5-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ato]-6-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine coordinates the FeII ion meridionally through the N atoms of the pyrazole, pyridine and triazole groups, forming a pseudo-octahedral coordination sphere of the central ion. The average Fe—N bond distance is 1.955 Å, indicating a low-spin state of the FeII ion. Neighbouring cone-shaped molecules, nested into each other, are linked through double weak C—H(pz)...π(ph') interactions into mono-periodic columns, which are further linked through weak C—H...N′/C′ interactions into di-periodic layers. No interactions shorter than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the neighbouring layers are observed. Energy framework analysis at the B3LYP/6–31 G(d,p) theory level, performed to quantify the intermolecular interaction energies, reproduces the weak interlayer interactions in contrast to the strong interaction within the layers. Intermolecular contacts were quantified using Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots, showing the relative contributions of the contacts to the crystal packing to be H...H 48.5%, H...C/C...H 28.9%, H...N/N...H 16.2% and C...C 2.4%.
(1S,3R)-N-{(3S,10S,12S,13R,17R)-12-Hydroxy-17-[(R)-5-hydroxypentan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethylhexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl}adamantane-1-carboxamide 0.25-hydrate
Authors: Campos Fernandez Cristian , Procupez-Schtirbu R. , Soto-Tellini V. H. , Salazar J. C. , Jancik Vojtech
Published: October 2022

The title compound, C35H57NO3·0.25H2O, was synthesized from deoxycholic acid followed by a protection, a Mitsonobu substitution, a Staudinger reduction, formation of an amide and final reduction in the lateral chain. The compound crystallizes in the P1 space group with four steroid molecules and one water molecule in the triclinic cell unit. The crystal structure features O—H...O hydrogen bonding. The crystal studied was refined as a non-merohedral twin.
Assessing the impact of a COVID-19 pandemic on supply chain transformation: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how significantly the COVID-19 pandemic affects supply chain operations and how the firms have reacted to the COVID-19-induced supply chain crisis. In addition, this paper investigates whether the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are affected disproportionally by the COVID-19-induced supply chain crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper developed a series of hypotheses and tested them using cross-tabulation, canonical correlation, discriminant and exploratory factor analyses of the empirical data.

Findings

The descriptive data analysis and hypothesis test results revealed that the labor productivity of the manufacturing, logistics and healthcare industry sectors was affected disproportionally by the COVID-19-induced crisis. However, outsourcing and global sourcing practices themselves did not necessarily exacerbate the severity of supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19. The authors also found that MSMEs were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to a different degree than their large counterparts.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first of its kind to assess the extent of the COVID-19 adverse impact on supply chain operations using the exploratory analysis of the data collected from the questionnaire survey of US firms representing various industries sectors.
Modeling tourists’ preference between hotels and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing accommodation: a pre- and post-COVID-19 comparison
Authors: Ye Shun , Lei Sut Ieng , Zhao Xiaoyou , Zhu Lin , Law Rob
Published: October 2022

Purpose

With the rapid development of sharing economy, travelers are facing choices between conventional hotels and the peer-to-peer sharing accommodation in urban tourism. The purpose of this study is to examine how travelers form their preferences in such choice situations and whether/how their preference formation mode would change with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A relative preference model was constructed and estimated for both domestic and outbound tourists, based on two waves of survey data collected before and after the COVID-19. The results of this study were compared to derive the evolution of preference formation patterns.

Findings

A set of 15 key value attributes and personal traits was identified, together with their differential effects with the pandemic. Their divergent effects between domestic and outbound trips were also delineated. Based on these findings, the competitive edges and advantageous market profiles were depicted for both hotel and sharing accommodation sectors.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge of tourists’ preference between accommodation types and adds empirical evidences to the impact of the pandemic on tourist behavior patterns. Both hotel and sharing accommodation practitioners can benefit from the findings to enhance their competitiveness.
ElGamal algorithm with hyperchaotic sequence to enhance security of cloud data
Authors: Koppaka Aruna Kumari , Lakshmi Vadlamani Naga
Published: October 2022

Purpose

In the cloud-computing environment, privacy preservation and enabling security to the cloud data is a crucial and demanding task. In both the commercial and academic world, the privacy of important and sensitive data needs to be safeguarded from unauthorized users to improve its security. Therefore, several key generations, encryption and decryption algorithms are developed for data privacy preservation in the cloud environment. Still, the outsourced data remains with the problems like minimum data security, time consumption and increased computational complexity. The purpose of this research study is to develop an effective cryptosystem algorithm to secure the outsourced data with minimum computational complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A new cryptosystem algorithm is proposed in this paper to address the above-mentioned concerns. The introduced cryptosystem algorithm has combined the ElGamal algorithm and hyperchaotic sequence, which effectively encrypts the outsourced data and diminishes the computational complexity of the system.

Findings

In the resulting section, the proposed improved ElGamal cryptosystem (IEC) algorithm performance is validated using the performance metrics like encryption time, execution time, decryption time and key generation comparison time. The IEC algorithm approximately reduced 0.08–1.786 ms of encryption and decryption time compared to the existing model: secure data deletion and verification.

Originality/value

The IEC algorithm significantly enhances the data security in cloud environments by increasing the power of key pairs. In this manuscript, the conventional ElGamal algorithm is integrated with the pseudorandom sequences for a pseudorandom key generation for improving the outsourced cloud data security.
The rhetoric of the Norwegian government and health authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Isaksson Maria , Solvoll Mona
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the identification and collaboration rhetoric of the Norwegian government and public health authorities during the pandemic. The aim is to show whether and how actors use strategies and themes of identification, and whether they build identification with their publics.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Six identification strategies were identified through manual text analysis of press statements; word counts of each strategy were registered electronically to access quantitative data of individual actors.

Findings

The three strategies reflecting values, the two strategies reflecting division and disagreement and the strategy reflecting change showed almost equal frequencies. The strategy of shaping community, serving the function of change, and the division strategy, demonstrating identification through dissociation, were the most frequent strategies. Politicians preferred the collaboration strategy, while health experts preferred the strategy of concern and recognition.

Originality/value

The six identification strategies extend the understanding of leadership crisis communication and contemporary rhetoric as community-building discourse aiming for speaker–audience collaboration. The study demonstrates that division and disagreement are equally essential components of crisis communication as values and change. When actors differ in choice of strategy, themes and publics, they may still come across as coordinated and unified in their calls for solidarity, collective efforts and common understanding.
The impact of managerial attributes on cash holding and investment efficiency and the mediator role of cash holding
Authors: Arianpoor Arash , Mehrfard Niloufar
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The present study aims to explore the impact of managerial attributes on cash holding and investment efficiency and the mediating role of cash holding for companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Information about 178 companies in 2014–2021 was examined. In the present study, managerial overconfidence, managerial myopia and managerial ability were considered as the managerial attributes.

Findings

The present findings showed that managerial attributes (i.e. overconfidence, myopia and ability) have a significant effect on investment efficiency. In addition, cash holding has a significant positive effect on investment efficiency. Furthermore, cash holding plays a mediating role in the relationship between managerial attributes and investment efficiency.

Originality/value

There is a gap in the impact of managerial attributes on cash holding and investment efficiency and investigating the mediating role of cash holding. This gap creates an opportunity for studying these variables in depth. The present study contributes to the identification of factors influencing investment efficiency to advance future studies and support practical efforts. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effect of managerial attributes on investment decisions in the context of diverging opinions about manager-specific effects on company’s outcomes.
Customer knowledge orientation as a key to business model innovation of free-to-fee switch
Authors: Chiu Wen-Hong , Dai Zong-Jie , Chi Hui-Ru , Lin Pei-Kuan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the innovative strategies of business model of the free-to-fee switch, the relationship between the business model innovation and customer knowledge and further develop a conceptual model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a multiple case study method with abductive research logic, following the replication logic to select samples. A total of eight outstanding companies with altogether 312 free-to-fee switch events were selected from 1998 to 2021.

Findings

A strategic matrix with four innovative business models for the free-to-fee switch is generated. The parallelism between the models and customer knowledge orientations is also found. Further, the study develops the conceptual model regarding customer knowledge orientation as a key mediation.

Research limitations/implications

The study highlights the conceptualization definition of customer knowledge orientation and its mediation effect to the business model innovation of free-to-fee switch, which is a new issue compared with previous research. Furthermore, it reveals that there exists organizational ambidexterity, which brings a new definition of customer knowledge orientation.

Practical implications

This study suggests how to integrate customer knowledge orientations to support the marketing process of the business model of free-to-fee switch. It also proposes a specific mechanism to conduct the free-to-fee switch with the introduction of four innovative strategic models and eight evolutional paths.

Originality/value

This study creatively proposes the strategic matrix and the conceptual model of business model innovation of free-to-fee switch. Moreover, a new conceptual definition of customer knowledge orientation is specified.
Harnessing technological innovation capabilities by the mediating effect of willingness to share tacit knowledge: a case from Pakistani software SMEs
Authors: Sherani  , Zhang Jianhua , Riaz Muhammad , Boamah Fredrick Ahenkora , Ali Sher
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The study aims to explore the impact of tacit knowledge sharing (TKS) factors and its consequences in the form of technological innovation capabilities (TICs) within Pakistani software small–medium enterprises (SSMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the social exchange theory (SET), the study used a quantitative approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test hypotheses with 220 valid data collected from 23 Pakistani software SSMEs.

Findings

The peer influence (PI) has positive and significant effect on collaborative culture (CC), willingness to share tacit knowledge (WSTK) and TICs. Organizational trust (OT) has a positive and significant impact on CC and TIC. Whereas, CC possessed positive and significant effect on WSTK and insignificant on TIC. Furthermore, WSTK has positive and significant effect on TIC. Finally, WSTK partially mediates the relationship between PI and TIC whereas WSTK fully mediates the relationship between CC and TIC.

Research limitations/implications

The study enriches the research on knowledge sharing and TIC. This research investigates the precursors of tacit knowledge-sharing willingness and their consequences in software SMEs; future studies need to examine tacit knowledge-seeking willingness and its consequences not only in software enterprises but also in other industrial sectors. Besides, it needs to evaluate types of innovative capabilities in software SMEs.

Practical implications

The study suggested that the practitioners need to strengthen TKS in the form employees’ updated skills and expertise which ultimately fosters software enterprise’s innovative capabilities to attain competitive advantages in a specific industry.

Originality/value

This research is one of the few studies to examine the potential antecedents of WSTK and their final effects within software SMEs in the form of TICs. As currently it is observed, an incredible increase of skills oriented innovations in firms particularly in the software domain and IT industry. Therefore, this study emphasizes how PI, OT and WSTK positively affect TIC of Pakistani software SMEs. However, the study could be considered as a guideline for the academia and practitioners who attempt to strengthen the technological innovations capabilities in software SMEs.
Religion and disclosure of non-GAAP earnings
Authors: Jiang Wei , Kim Pureum , Son Myungsoo
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine whether non-generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings disclosed by firms headquartered in high religious areas (religious firms) are more informative. The non-GAAP disclosure is voluntary and not subject to external audits, and it is difficult to verify the accuracy ex post, which provides management with incentives to strategically use non-GAAP reporting. This study examines religiosity as a potential governance mechanism that reduces management opportunism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a comprehensive sample from 2010 to 2018, the authors conduct univariate analyses and regression tests. Religiosity is measured by the number of religious adherents in the Metropolitan Statistical Areas of a firm’s headquarter location.

Findings

This study finds that religious firms disclose non-GAAP earnings more frequently compared to non-religious firms. This study further documents that religiosity is negatively associated with aggressive non-GAAP reporting. It also finds that items excluded by religious firms in calculating non-GAAP earnings are less associated with future performance, suggesting that these excluded items are transient and, thus, of higher quality. Finally, the market returns on unexpected non-GAAP earnings (i.e. earnings response coefficients) are greater for religious firms. Overall, the results of this study show that non-GAAP reporting by religious firms is more likely to be informative rather than opportunistic.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the authors’ best endeavors, this study does not fully address the issue of endogeneity, and therefore, the results of this study must be interpreted as strong association rather than causation.

Practical implications

Religious social norms (regional level) can complement a firm’s corporate governance and ethical codes (firm level) by attenuating undesirable, opportunistic management practices. These findings should be informative to investors who assess the quality non-GAAP disclosures. The findings of this study are also relevant to regulators [e.g. the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)] when they allocate limited resources. The SEC may use less resources for monitoring firms headquartered in religious areas and apply the saved resources on monitoring riskier firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to show that religiosity may act as a potential monitoring mechanism that attenuates aggressive non-GAAP earnings and enhances the informativeness of non-GAAP. The findings of this study suggest that religious social norms (regional level) can complement a firm’s corporate governance and ethical codes (firm level) by restricting undesirable, opportunistic management practices.
Influence of Ag particle shape on mechanical and thermal properties of TIM joints
Authors: Myśliwiec Marcin , Kisiel Ryszard , Kruszewski Mirosław J.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and test the thermal interface materials (TIM) for application in assembly of semiconductor chips to package. Good adhesion properties (>5 MPa shear strength) and low thermal interface resistance (better than for SAC solders) are the goal of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

Mechanical and thermal properties of TIM joints between gold plated contacts of chip and substrate were investigated. Sintering technique based on Ag pastes was applied for purpose of this study. Performance properties were assessed by shear force tests and thermal measurements. Scanning electron microscopy was used for microstructural observations of cross-section of formed joints.

Findings

It was concluded that the best properties are achieved for pastes containing spherical Ag particles of dozens of micrometer size with flake shaped Ag particles of few micrometers size. Sintering temperature at 230°C and application of 1 MPa force on the chip during sintering gave the higher adhesion and the lowest thermal interface resistance.

Originality/value

The new material based on Ag paste containing mixtures of Ag particles of different size (form nanometer to dozens of microns) and shape (spherical, flake) suspended in resin was proposed. Joints prepared using sintering technique and Ag pastes at 230°C with applied pressure shows better mechanical and thermal than other TIM materials such as thermal grease, thermal gel or thermally conductive adhesive. Those material could enable electronic device operation at temperatures above 200°C, currently unavailable for Si-based power electronics.
ZnO-based chemi-resistive sensors for CO2 detection: a review
Authors: Stramarkou Marina , Bardakas Achilleas , Krokida Magdalini , Tsamis Christos
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has attracted special scientific interest over the last years mainly because of its relation to climate change and indoor air quality. Except for this, CO2 can be used as an indicator of food freshness, patients’ clinical state and fire detection. Therefore, the accurate monitoring and controlling of CO2 levels are imperative. The development of highly sensitive, selective and reliable sensors that can efficiently distinguish CO2 in various conditions of temperature, humidity and other gases’ interference is the subject of intensive research with chemi-resistive zinc oxide (ZnO)-based sensors holding a privileged position. Several ZnO nanostructures have been used in sensing applications because of their versatile features. However, the deficient selectivity and long-term stability remain major concerns, especially when operating at room temperature. This study aims to encompass an extensive study of CO2 chemi-resistive sensors based on ZnO, introducing the most significant advances of recent years and the best strategies for enhancing ZnO sensing properties.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the different ZnO nanostructures used for CO2 sensing and their synthesis methods is presented, focusing on the parameters that highly affect the sensing mechanism and, thus, the performance of CO2 sensors.

Findings

The selectivity and sensitivity of ZnO sensors can be enhanced by adjusting various parameters during their synthesis and by doping or treating ZnO with suitable materials.

Originality/value

This paper summarises the advances in the rapidly evolving field of CO2 sensing by ZnO sensors and provides research directions for optimised sensors in the future.
Slow tourism: the relationship between tourists’ slow food experiences and their quality of life
Authors: Huang Ting-Yen (Tim) , Chen Joseph S. , Ramos William D.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to define the concept of slow tourism, describe tourists’ slow food experiences and examine the relationship between the tourists’ slow food experience and their quality of life (QOL).

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey distributed through the Amazon MTurk platform yields 453 valid questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis and structure equational modeling are used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results reveal that authenticity and slowness significantly affect tourists’ slow food experience, while environmental consciousness does not influence tourists’ slow food experiences. Further, the slow food experience elicits a positive impact on the tourists’ QOL.

Originality/value

This study contributes to delineating the scope of slow food experiences, which remains unexplored in previous studies and gives further insight into how they impact life quality. This paper expands the body of knowledge by establishing three factors influencing slow food experiences and further provides valuable advice for tourism marketers at slow destinations.
Deciphering the interactions between plant species and their main fungal root pathogens in mixed grassland communities
Authors: Ampt Eline A. , Francioli Davide , van Ruijven Jasper , Gomes Sofia I. F. , Maciá‐Vicente Jose G. , Termorshuizen Aad J. , Bakker Lisette M. , Mommer Liesje
Published: October 2022

Plant diversity can reduce the risk of plant disease, but positive, and neutral effects have also been reported. These contrasting relationships suggest that plant community composition, rather than diversity per se, affects disease risk. Here, we investigated how the diversity and composition of plant communities drive root‐associated pathogen accumulation belowground.

In a temperate grassland biodiversity experiment, containing 16 plant species (forbs and grasses), we determined the abundance of root‐associated fungal pathogens in individual plant species growing in monocultures and in four‐species mixtures through Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing.

In the plant monocultures, we identified three major fungal pathogens that differed in host range: Paraphoma chrysanthemicola, associated with roots of forb species of the Asteraceae family, Slopeiomyces cylindrosporus, associated with grass species, and Rhizoctonia solani, associated with multiple forb and grass species. In mixtures, there was no significant reduction in relative abundance of these pathogens in their host species as compared to monocultures. However, in mixtures, there was a significant increase in relative abundance of each pathogen in several non‐host and host plant species. Across mixtures, plant community composition affected pathogen relative abundance in individual plant species. This effect was driven by the presence of a particular neighbouring plant species (depending on the pathogen), rather than functional group composition (i.e. grass/forb ratio) or averaged pathogen pressure (based on monocultures) of all neighbours. Specifically, the presence of neighbour host species Achillea millefolium significantly increased P. chrysanthemicola, but decreased R. solani relative abundance in several host and non‐host plant species in mixtures.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that interactions between different plant species—both host and non‐hosts—and fungal pathogens underlie the effects of plant diversity on root pathogen abundance. Non‐host species may act as pathogen reservoirs in diverse plant communities, as they harboured certain pathogens in mixtures, but not in monocultures. Additionally, particular host species can strongly affect pathogen abundance in other (host and non‐host) plant species in plant mixtures, suggesting clear effects of species identity in the diversity–disease relationship. Below‐ground disease risk thus depends on plant community composition rather than diversity per se, via specific interactions between plant species and their root‐associated pathogens.
Using network analyses to characterise Australian and Canadian frequent attenders to the emergency department
Authors: Zhou Jonathan G , Cameron Peter A , Dipnall Joanna F , Shih Kingsley , Cheng Ivy
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore and compare the characteristics of frequent attenders to the ED at an Australian and a Canadian tertiary hospitals by utilising a network analysis approach.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective population‐based study using administrative data over the 2018 and 2019 calendar years. Participants were from a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and Toronto, Canada. Frequent attenders were defined as patients with four or more visits in 12 months. Characteristics of younger (18–39 years), middle‐aged (40–69 years) and older (70 years and older) frequent attenders were described using descriptive statistics and network analyses.

Results

Younger frequent attenders were characterised by mental illness and substance use, while older frequent attenders had high rates of physical (including chronic) diseases. Middle‐aged frequent attenders were characterised by a combination of mental and physical illnesses. These findings were observed at both hospitals. Across all age groups, the network analyses between the Melbourne and Toronto hospitals were different. Among older frequent attender visits, more diagnoses were associated with high triage acuity at the Toronto hospital than at the Melbourne hospital. Some associations were similar at both sites, for example, the negative correlation between high triage acuity and joint pain.

Conclusion

Younger, middle‐aged and older frequent attenders have distinct characteristics, made readily apparent by using network analyses. Future interventions to reduce ED visits should consider the heterogeneity of frequent attenders who have needs specific to their age, presenting problems and jurisdiction.
A meta‐analysis of the antecedents of employee willingness to expatriate
Authors: Wang Chun‐Hsiao , Varma Arup , Hung Li‐Shu , Wu Pei‐Yu
Published: October 2022

Expatriates play a critical role in the long‐term success of global organizations; however, expatriate assignments are risky endeavors, and not all employees are keen on such opportunities. Thus, it is critical that we examine the antecedents of employee willingness to expatriate. In this first such meta‐analysis, we drew on data from 55 studies (published in English and Traditional Chinese), and identified 22 antecedents. Results indicate that education, self‐efficacy, prior international experience, language skills, cultural intelligence, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, openness to experience, the importance of assignment value, financial support and career support were positively related to employee willingness to expatriate. Some societal differences were identified. We then discuss implications and offer future research directions.
Long‐term survival analysis of patients with stage IIIB‐IV non‐small cell lung cancer complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Li Xuejiao , Fang Haiyan , Zhang Dongwei , Xia Liming , Wang Xiang , Yang Jingping , Zhang Shaohu , Su Ya , Zhu Yongfu
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on overall survival (OS) of patients with stage IIIB–IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLC from January 2015 to December 2018 in the Department of Oncology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Kaplan–Meier plots, log‐rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to describe the effect of T2DM on the OS of patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLC.

Results

This study collected data on 76 patients with NSCLC and T2DM (group A) and 214 NSCLC patients without T2DM (group B). After propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, 74 patients were included in each group. The mean OS of all patients was 17 months (range, 11–31 months). The mean OS of group A was 15 months (range, 8–25 months) and the mean OS of group B was 20 months (range, 14–39 months). The mean OS of group B was longer than group A, and the difference was statistically significant. Univariate analysis of the clinical data showed that T2DM and complications were significantly correlated with the prognosis of patients with stage IIIB‐IV NSCLC (p = 0.003 and p = 0.034). Multivariate Cox model analysis showed that T2DM and complications were independent prognostic factors for patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLC (p = 0.002 and p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusion

Stage IIIB–IV NSCLC patients without T2DM have an increased OS compared to patients with stage IIIB–IV NSCLE and T2DM.
Analysis between high risk of myocardial infarction with non‐obstructive coronary artery disease in single center and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events
Authors: Kong Meihong , Liu Fuzhong , Zhu Zhuoxian
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate and compare the general information, medication, and the occurrence time of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between patients with myocardial infarction with non‐obstructive coronary artery myocardial infarction (MINOCA) and those with obstructive coronary artery disease (MICAD).

Methods

A total of 325 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients were included (MINOCA: n = 31; MICAD: n = 294). The general information and medication of patients were recorded, including age, gender, prevalence of type 2 diabetes, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), proportion of mitral regurgitation, cTn level, triglyceride level, electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and drugs used (statins, drugs improving ventricular remodeling, antiplatelet drugs). The above indexes were compared, and statistical analysis was performed at different time points of MACE.

Results

MACE occurred significantly more in the MICAD group than in the MINOCA group (38.8% vs. 12.9%; p = .004) after 1 month to 1.5 years of treatment. The earlier the period of MACE occurred in patients with high coronary artery stenosis, it was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of MACE from 1 month to 1 year after surgery (p = .002), while the later the occurrence of MACE in patients with LVEF ≥55% (p = .029). It was not related to gender, cTn, and electrocardiography (ECG) indexes.

Conclusion

A correlation can be established between the risk factors of MINOCA and the occurrence time of MACE. In addition, MICAD is more commonly seen in male patients and patients with a higher cTn level and lower LVEF.
How to eliminate the uncovered market: A duopoly model with government intervention
Authors: Yao Dongmin , Zhang Pengyuan , Meng Xiaoyu
Published: October 2022

To eliminate poverty, government intervention is critical for addressing uncovered markets. To assess how this can be done effectively, this study constructs a two‐firm model with government intervention. The study focuses on the preconditions, methods, and effects of different government intervention strategies. There are three main findings. (1) When consumer income levels fall below a certain threshold, an uncovered market segment is created, and government intervention should be introduced. (2) Government intervention strategies can be divided into subsidy‐type, production‐type and mixed‐type, and each type achieves a different level of consumer surplus. Given a level of consumer surplus, the optimal strategy is affected by production costs. (3) For production‐type and mixed‐type intervention strategies, when the market is covered, lower intervention costs can achieve higher consumer surplus if government production costs are low. Furthermore, the optimal subsidy‐type intervention strategy varies with the changes in product quality if relaxing the precondition of market coverage.
Population total and unbound pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ciprofol and M4 in subjects with various renal functions
Authors: Liu Shuai‐bing , Yao Xia , Tao Jun , Yang Jian‐jun , Zhao Ying‐ying , Liu Dong‐wei , Wang Su‐yun , Sun Su‐ke , Wang Xu , Yan Pang‐ke , Wu Nan , Liu Xiao , Zhang Xiao‐jian , Tian Xin , Liu Zhang‐suo
Published: October 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model to simultaneously describe both total and unbound concentrations of ciprofol and its major glucuronide metabolite, M4, and to link it to the population pharmacodynamics (PD) model in subjects with various renal functions.

Methods

A total of 401 and 459 pairs of total and unbound plasma concentrations of ciprofol and M4, respectively, as well as 2190 bispectral index (BIS) data from 24 Chinese subjects with various renal functions were available. Covariates that may potentially contribute to the PK and PD variability of ciprofol were screened using a stepwise procedure. The optimal ciprofol induction dosing regimen was determined by model‐based simulations.

Results

The PK of unbound ciprofol could best be described by a three‐compartment model, while a two‐compartment model could adequately describe unbound M4 PK. The concentrations of total and unbound ciprofol and M4 were linked using a linear protein binding model. The relationship between plasma concentrations of ciprofol and BIS data was best described by an inhibitory sigmoidal Emax model with a two‐compartment biophase distribution compartment. Hemoglobin was the identified covariate determining the central compartment clearance of ciprofol; uric acid was a covariate affecting the central compartment clearance of M4 and protein binding rate, kB. The included covariates had no effect on the PD of ciprofol. Simulation results indicated that the label‐recommended dose regimen was adequate for anaesthesia induction.

Conclusions

The developed model fully characterized the population PK and PD profiles of ciprofol. No dose adjustment is required in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment.
Identification and characterization of select oxysterols as ligands for GPR17
Authors: Harrington Anthony W. , Liu Changlu , Phillips Naomi , Nepomuceno Diane , Kuei Chester , Chang Joseph , Chen Weixuan , Sutton Steven W. , O'Malley Daniel , Pham Ly , Yao Xiang , Sun Siquan , Bonaventure Pascal
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose

G‐protein coupled receptor 17 (GPR17) is an orphan receptor involved in the process of myelination, due to its ability to inhibit the maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) into myelinating oligodendrocytes. Despite multiple claims that the biological ligand has been identified, it remains an orphan receptor.

Experimental Approach

Seventy‐seven oxysterols were screened in a cell‐free [35S]GTPγS binding assay using membranes from cells expressing GPR17. The positive hits were characterized using adenosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), inositol monophosphate (IP1) and calcium mobilization assays, with results confirmed in rat primary oligodendrocytes. Rat and pig brain extracts were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and endogenous activator(s) were identified in receptor activation assays. Gene expression studies of GPR17, and CYP46A1 (cytochrome P450 family 46 subfamily A member 1) enzymes responsible for the conversion of cholesterol into specific oxysterols, were performed using quantitative real‐time PCR.

Key Results

Five oxysterols were able to stimulate GPR17 activity, including the brain cholesterol, 24(S)‐hydroxycholesterol (24S‐HC). A specific brain fraction from rat and pig extracts containing 24S‐HC activates GPR17 in vitro. Expression of Gpr17 during mouse brain development correlates with the expression of Cyp46a1 and the levels of 24S‐HC itself. Other active oxysterols have low brain concentrations below effective ranges.

Conclusions and Implications

Oxysterols, including but not limited to 24S‐HC, could be physiological activators for GPR17 and thus potentially regulate OPC differentiation and myelination through activation of the receptor.
Inhibition of the spoilage yeastPichia occidentalisin a wheat germ diet for mass rearing ofDrosophila suzukii
Authors: González‐Cabrera Jaime , Sánchez‐González Jorge Antonio , Vázquez‐de‐Jesús Fidel , Mendoza‐Ceballos Mario Yamill , Muñiz‐Paredes Facundo Rafael , Arredondo‐Bernal Hugo César
Published: October 2022

A wheat germ diet was initiated for the mass rearing ofDrosophila suzukii(Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and subsequent production of its parasitoidTrichopria drosophilaePerkins (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae). However, the main problem of the diet was the microbial contamination affecting the batches of good pupae production. Therefore, the concentration of four antimicrobials was optimized through the Taguchi orthogonal array for the inhibition of microbial contamination, identified asPichia occidentalis(Kurtzman et al.) Kurtzman et al. The optimized Taguchi‐selected‐antimicrobials concentrations were 1.33 g l−1of potassium sorbate, 1.33 g l−1of propyl paraben, 1.33 g l−1of sodium propionate, and 0.16 g l−1of triclosan. When the antimicrobials were added to the diet, colony‐forming units ofP. occidentaliswere inhibited by two orders of magnitude. Such inhibition means that theD. suzukiifemales produced 61.1 and 79.3% more pupae and adults, respectively, than the diet with no antimicrobials. These results increase the potential of the wheat germ diet as an artificial diet for mass rearing ofD. suzukiiandT. drosophilae.
Fish assemblage shifts in an Ozark river over 80 years amidst a mosaic of forest regeneration and persistent pasture
Authors: Morrill Daniel P. , Connolly Matthew H. , Adams Ginny L. , Adams Steven Reid
Published: October 2022

Fish assemblages are useful in evaluating the health of aquatic ecosystems. Over time, fish assemblages will respond to anthropogenic disturbances but may also simultaneously respond to conservation efforts in a watershed, shifting the taxonomic and functional structure of the assemblage. We quantified temporal changes in taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages in the Current River, Missouri, over an 80‐year time span and related these changes to forest regeneration and persistent pasture land use within the watershed. We found shifts in taxonomic and functional assemblage structure in two time‐steps from the 1940s to 2020 related to land use within the watershed. Reforested reaches exhibited increases in benthic species, rheophilic species and invertivorous feeding guilds. Higher pasture reaches exhibited decreases in benthic species and native centrarchid species while generalist centrarchid species increased. Ultimately, fish assemblage structure in the Current River appears to be shifting to an alternative state (i.e. increased presence/abundance of benthic species) in response to forest regeneration and persistent pasture land use.
Cognition and brain iron deposition in whole grey matter regions and hippocampal subfields
Authors: Spence Holly , McNeil Chris J. , Waiter Gordon D.
Published: October 2022

Regional brain iron accumulation is observed in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and is associated with cognitive decline. We explored associations between age, cognition and iron content in grey matter regions and hippocampal subfields in 380 participants of the Aberdeen children of the 1950s cohort and their first‐generation relatives (aged 26–72 years). Participants underwent cognitive assessment at the time of MRI scanning. Quantitative susceptibility mapping of these MRI data was used to assess iron content in grey matter regions and in hippocampal subfields. Principle component analysis was performed on cognitive test scores to create a general cognition score. Spline analysis was used with the Akaike information criterion to determine if order 1, 2 or 3 natural splines were optimal for assessing non‐linear relationships between regional iron and age. Multivariate linear models were used to assess associations between regional iron and cognition. Higher iron correlated with older age in the left putamen across all ages and in the right putamen of only participants over 58. Whereas a decrease in iron with older age was observed in the right thalamus and left pallidum across all ages. Right amygdala iron levels were associated with poorer general cognition scores and poorer immediate recall scores. Iron was not associated with any measures of cognitive performance in other regions of interest. Our results suggest that, whilst iron in some regions was associated with cognitive performance, there is an overall lack of association between regional iron content and cognitive ability in cognitively healthy individuals.
Visual intervention in early onset visual impairment: A review
Authors: Micheletti Serena , Merabet Lotfi B. , Galli Jessica , Fazzi Elisa
Published: October 2022

Vision is a primary and motivating sense. Early visual experience derived from the external world is known to have an important impact on the development of central visual pathways, and not surprisingly, visual impairment constitutes a risk factor for overall development. In light of the role of vision in early brain development, infants and young children with visual impairment should be thus entitled to early and effective visual intervention programmes. In this review, we discuss early visual interventions in infants and young children with visual impairment, focusing on their contents and outcomes. We defined a PICO format to critically review different models with a particular focus on parent‐mediated and therapist‐mediated approaches. We consider protocols that involved direct manipulation or improvement of the infants' visual inputs or were based on behavioural strategies and communication towards infants with visual impairment. We also provide an overview of the effectiveness of these protocols. A total of nine intervention protocols were selected for the purposes of this review. Substantial agreement regarding the importance of promoting the enrichment of infant environments, and more specifically in the context of active play that engages the whole family, has been reported in most of the studies. However, there is no clear agreement on methodological aspects, including clinical population characteristics, outcome measures, length of treatment and follow‐up programmes. Further high‐quality, carefully designed and adequately reported studies are needed in order to improve the clinical efficacy of these approaches to treating infants with visual impairment.