bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extremely large magnetoresistance and anisotropic transport in the multipolar Kondo system
PrTi2Al20
Authors: Isomae Takachika , Sakai Akito , Fu Mingxuan , Taniguchi Takanori , Takigawa Masashi , Nakatsuji Satoru
Published: January 2024

Multipolar Kondo systems offer unprecedented opportunities to design astonishing quantum phases and functionalities beyond spin-only descriptions. A model material platform of this kind is the cubic heavy fermion system PrT2Al20 (T=Ti, V), which hosts a nonmagnetic crystal-electric-field ground state and substantial Kondo entanglement of the local quadrupolar and octopolar moments with the conduction electron sea. Here, we explore the magnetoresistance (MR) and Hall effect of PrTi2Al20, which develops ferroquadrupolar (FQ) order below TQ∼2 K, and compare their behavior with that of the MR and Hall effect of the non-4f analog, LaTi2Al20. In the FQ ordered phase, PrTi2Al20 displays extremely large magnetoresistance (XMR) of ∼103%. The unsaturated, quasilinear field (B) dependence of the XMR violates Kohler's scaling and defies description based on carrier compensation alone. By comparing the MR and the Hall effect observed in PrTi2Al20 and LaTi2Al20, we conclude that the open-orbit topology on the electron-type Fermi surface sheet is key for the observed XMR. The low-temperature MR and the Hall resistivity in PrTi2Al20 display pronounced anisotropy in the [111] and [001] magnetic fields, which is absent in LaTi2Al20, suggesting that the transport anisotropy ties in with the anisotropic magnetic field response of the quadrupolar order parameter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Biochemical and structural characterization of a class A β-lactamase from Nocardia cyriacigeorgica
Authors: Feuillard Jérôme , Couston Julie , Benito Yvonne , Hodille Elisabeth , Dumitrescu Oana , Blaise Mickaël
Published: January 2024

Nocardia are Gram-positive bacteria from the Actinobacteria phylum. Some Nocardia species can infect humans and are usually considered to be opportunist pathogens, as they often infect immunocompromised patients. Although their clinical incidence is low, many Nocardia species are now considered to be emerging pathogens. Primary sites of infection by Nocardia are the skin or the lungs, but dissemination to other body parts is very frequent. These disseminated infections are very difficult to treat and thus are tackled with multiple classes of antibiotics, in addition to the traditional treatment targeting the folate pathway. β-Lactams are often included in the regimen, but many Nocardia species present moderate or strong resistance to some members of this drug class. Genomic, microbiological and biochemical studies have reported the presence of class A β-lactamases (ABLs) in a handful of Nocardia species, but no structural investigation of Nocardia β-lactamases has yet been performed. In this study, the expression, purification and preliminary biochemical characterization of an ABL from an N. cyriacigeorgica (NCY-1) clinical strain are reported. The crystallization and the very high resolution crystal structure of NCY-1 are also described. The sequence and structural analysis of the protein demonstrate that NCY-1 belongs to the class A1 β-lactamases and show its very high conservation with ABLs from other human-pathogenic Nocardia. In addition, the presence of one molecule of citrate tightly bound in the catalytic site of the enzyme is described. This structure may provide a solid basis for future drug development to specifically target Nocardia spp. β-lactamases.
CEO power and stock price crash risk in India: the moderating effect of insider trades
Authors: Kalia Ankita
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) power and stock price crash risk in India. Furthermore, it seeks to analyse how insider trades may moderate the impact of CEO power on stock price crash risk.

Design/methodology/approach

A study of 236 companies from the S&P BSE 500 Index (2014–2023) have been analysed through pooled ordinary least square (OLS) regression in the baseline analysis. To enhance the results' reliability, robustness checks include alternative methodologies, such as panel data regression with fixed-effects, binary logistic regression and Bayesian regression. Additional control variables and alternative crash risk measure have also been utilised. To address potential endogeneity, instrumental variable techniques such as two-stage least squares (IV-2SLS) and difference-in-difference (DiD) methodologies are utilised.

Findings

Stakeholder theory is supported by results revealing that CEO power proxies like CEO duality, status and directorship reduce one-year ahead stock price crash risk and vice versa. Insider trades are found to moderate the link between select dimensions of CEO power and stock price crash risk. These findings persist after addressing potential endogeneity concerns, and the results remain consistent across alternative methodologies and variable inclusions.

Originality/value

This study significantly advances research on stock price crash risk, especially in emerging economies like India. The implications of these findings are crucial for investors aiming to mitigate crash risk, for corporations seeking enhanced governance measures and for policymakers considering the economic and welfare consequences associated with this phenomenon.
From risk to reward: the strategic advantages of diversifying grape varietals
Authors: Masset Philippe , Weisskopf Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a diversification by grape varieties may help wine producers reduce uncertainty in quantity and quality variations due to increasingly erratic climate conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study hand-collects granular quantity and quality data from wine harvest reports for vintages 2003 to 2017 for the Valais region in Switzerland. The data allows us to obtain detailed data on harvested kilograms/liters and Oechsle/Brix degrees. It is then merged with precise meteorological data over the same sample period. The authors use this data set to capture weather conditions and their impact on harvested quantities and quality. Finally, they build portfolios including different grape varieties to evaluate whether this reduces variations in quality and quantity over vintages.

Findings

The findings highlight that the weather varies relatively strongly over the sample period and that climate hazards such as hail, frost or ensuing vine diseases effectively occur. These strongly impact the harvested quantities but less the quality of the wine. The authors further show that planting different grape varieties allows for a significant reduction in the variation of harvested quantities over time and thus acts as a good solution against climate risk.

Originality/value

The effect of climate change on viticulture is becoming increasingly important and felt and bears real economic and social consequences. This study transposes portfolio diversification which is central to reducing risk in the finance industry, into the wine industry and shows that the same principle holds. The authors thus propose a novel idea on how to mitigate climate risk.
Labor unions, pay disparity and financial statement comparability
Authors: Jo Eun Hye , Lee Jung Wha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examines how the presence of labor unions affects a firm’s pay disparity between executives and employees and its financial statement comparability.

Design/methodology/approach

It uses firm-level labor union data in Korea and applies regression analyses to a sample of 1,776 firm-year observations from 2004 to 2008.

Findings

The authors find that unionized firms have a smaller pay disparity between executives and employees than non-unionized firms, suggesting that labor unions place pressure on the pay structure. Unionization also lowers financial statement comparability, which helps managers of unionized firms maintain information asymmetry. Further, this negative relationship between unionization and financial statement comparability is stronger in non-chaebol firms, implying that they are more motivated than chaebol firms to reduce their financial statement comparability in response to the presence of labor unions. In addition, the negative relationship between unionization and financial statement comparability is pronounced in profit-making firms, firms with less analyst following, firms with fewer foreign investors and firms in more competitive product markets.

Research limitations/implications

The finding that firms adjust comparability in response to labor unions interests regulators and policymakers, who emphasize the role of comparability in providing usefulness to information users.

Originality/value

The findings add to the existing literature on the effect of labor unions on firms' pay structures and accounting choices.
Non-financial sustainability reporting and firm reputation. Evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Ul Abideen Zain , Fuling Han
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study highlights the influence of non-financial sustainability reporting and firm reputation (FR) on the China Stock Exchange. The study is based on the components of sustainability reporting that influence FR.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model is initially run to test the hypotheses. Advanced econometric methods are used to detect the presence of heteroskedasticity. The study utilizes fixed-effect, two-stage least squares (2SLS) and two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) regression models to address endogeneity issues.

Findings

Findings suggest that NFSR has a negative influence on FR. Conversely, environmental, social and governance (ESG) sustainability reporting exhibited positive associations with a FR in fixed-effect, 2SLS and GMM results.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations, and data collection is restricted to the period from January 2018 to June 2023, limiting the scope of findings due to data constraints. Brand equity measurement is considered only one aspect of a company's activities, and other methods can also be considered for measuring brand equity. Another limitation is a standardized method for measuring NFSR. While this study used the Arianpoor and Salehi (2021) model to measure sustainability reporting in the Chinese market, future research could explore different methods.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have important practical implications for corporate management, highlighting reputation challenges and the strategic importance of sustainability. Managers are encouraged to use NFSR strategically to enhance their reputation and corporate strategy.

Social implications

The social implications highlight ownership and regulatory structures, promoting enhanced sustainability reporting in China's business culture. This insight informs policymakers, businesses and stakeholders regarding the importance of sustainability reporting, guiding decisions on corporate reputation and sustainability regulations.

Originality/value

The research indicates the importance of context-specific sustainability reporting for enhancing reputation. It provides insights into sustainability's impact on a company's reputation, promoting responsible practices for a sustainable global economy. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first research that utilizes the NFSR frameworks and a sample of firms in China to discuss sustainability reporting with different guidelines.
Comparative approach to the financing of agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo and EU countries
Authors: Kllokoqi Arbenita , Parduzi Ardi , Mazllami Jeton
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the financial challenges faced by agricultural enterprises in the Republic of Kosovo. It aims to compare the various forms of financing used in Kosovo with those in European Union (EU) countries. The study seeks to highlight opportunities and challenges with a focus on how they can learn from the experiences of EU countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on responses from agricultural enterprises in both the EU and Kosovo. Data was gathered through a survey conducted with 50 agricultural enterprises in Kosovo, whereas for EU context, information from the 2020 Survey on the Financial Needs and Access to Finance of EU Agricultural Enterprises (provided by EAFRD). Statistical data were processed using the Stata and SPSS programs.

Findings

In agriculture sector, loan is the primary form of financing to expand their activities and capacities, whereas financing for agricultural enterprises exhibits a negative relationship with the bureaucratic procedures associated with financing.

Research limitations/implications

The main research’s limitations include the unavailability of official data from the relevant institutions in Kosovo.

Practical implications

A possible implication arising from this research is the reliance of the development of agriculture enterprises on debt.

Social implications

Due to the lack of comprehensive data in this regard, is unable to analyze the specific impact of gender in financing patterns of these enterprises.

Originality/value

This study provides real data on the current situation of agricultural enterprises in Kosovo. Considering Kosovo’s goal to integrate with the EU, this comparative approach adds significant value to the study.
Prepaid cards and the unbanked in the U.S.: financial innovations and financial inclusion
Authors: Hikkaduwa Epa Liyanage Kumuditha , Hartarska Valentina , Nadolnyak Denis
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Financial inclusion is measured by the number of people who use the formal financial system and banks in particular. Limited access to formal banking services and the existence of unbanked households is a main policy concern. The authors evaluate how the use of prepaid (reloadable) debit cards by unbanked households affects financial inclusion and specifically the potential for these households to participate in the formal financial system and open a bank account.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply matching models to analyze survey data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation National Survey of the Unbanked and Underbanked Households from 2009 to 2019 and evaluate how prepaid cards use affects plans to open a bank account.

Findings

Unbanked households who use prepaid cards are 5% less likely to open a bank account compared to the matched nonusers of prepaid cards. In addition, prepaid card users are 12% more likely to use nonbanks to transfer money/transact online and 18% more likely to have obtained loans from alternative financial services providers compared to the matched unbanked nonusers of prepaid debit cards.

Originality/value

No previous work has estimated the causal impact of use of prepaid cards on financial inclusion.
“I deserve better grades.” Compliance-gaining perspective of dark triad traits, power distance and academic entitlement in Chinese higher education
Authors: Shafait Zahid , Sahibzada Umar Farooq
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Dark triad (DT) personality traits, that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy, are socially unenthusiastic and predict a range of antisocial behaviors. Academic entitlement, similarly, demonstrates the students’ rising temptation of higher grades without putting corresponding efforts. Based on coercion theory, this research investigated power distance as mediator between DT and academic entitlement (externalized responsibility and entitled expectations). Further, this study examined DT model of personality as a predictor of academic entitlement in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Chinese HEIs were ascertained for data collection. Students (with bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees) responded to 719 questionnaires for data analysis. Hypothesized relationships were examined through partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM).

Findings

This study established positive and significant direct link between DT and academic entitlement. The indirect effect through power distance was found insignificant between the relationship of DT and academic entitlement.

Originality/value

Based on coercion theory, this study extends the prevailing literature through unexplored effects of DT on academic entitlement and role of power distance in Chinese HEIs. This study validated the effect of DT on academic entitlement; however, direct-only no-mediation of power distance between the relationships is novel in Chinese HEIs. Moreover, power distance as mediator is novel between the relationships. Hence, this study provides an understanding of mentioned associations and contributes to the literature.
Turning the tide: an impact of leader empowering behavior on employees' work–family conflict, spillover and turnover intention in tourism
Authors: Khan Naseer Abbas , Bahadur Waseem , Ramzan Muhammad , Pravdina Natalya
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to look into the associations, both direct and indirect, between a leader empowering behavior and employee turnover intention. Additionally, this study examines the mediating effects of work–family conflict (WFC) and work–family spillover (WFS) in the association between a leader empowering behavior and employee turnover intention. This study also explored how perceived peer support (PPS) may have a moderating effect on these associations.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lag approach was used in this study to collect data from the 228 participants that made up the sample. Both front-desk employees and their immediate supervisors were included in this sample, which came from diverse tourism enterprises in central China. The research design included two independent time waves that were separated by two months, making it easier to examine the way the variables of interest changed throughout that time.

Findings

The results showed that there is a significant impact of leadership behaviors on WFS, WFC and employee turnover intention. This study showed a significant mediating effect of WFS, however, the influence of WFC as a mediator was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the results suggested that PPS significantly moderated the association between leader empowering behavior and WFS. The findings revealed that the mediating effect of WFS in the association between leader empowering behavior and employee turnover intention.

Originality/value

This study advances knowledge of the impacts of leadership empowering behavior on employee turnover intention through the use of a moderated mediation analysis. Based on the leader member exchange, it offers a distinctive perspective on leadership empowering behaviors to maintain a work–family balance in tourism.
Mentorship and innovation as drivers of entrepreneurship performance in Africa’s largest economy
Authors: Osabohien Romanus , Worgwu Haoma , Al-Faryan Mamdouh Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between mentorship, innovation and entrepreneurship performance in Africa’s largest economy. This study argues that mentorship and innovation play significant roles in driving entrepreneurship performance in the country. It explores the impact of mentorship on entrepreneurial development, including the transmission of knowledge, skills and networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the role of innovation in fostering entrepreneurial growth and competitiveness, particularly in the context of Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy. The authors engaged data obtained from the Youth Enterprise with Innovation (2019) and made use of the propensity score matching.

Findings

The findings suggest that effective mentorship programs and innovative approaches can enhance entrepreneurial performance, promote economic growth and contribute to sustainable development in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

Originality/value

The literature on entrepreneurship in Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria, has mainly focused on factors such as access to finance, the business environment and government policies, with limited research on the role of mentorship and innovation in entrepreneurship performance. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurship in Nigeria, particularly on the role of mentorship and innovation in entrepreneurship performance.
Rethinking risk management in times of crisis: the effect of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland
Authors: Arnaudova Ralitsa , Viza Evi , Cano Michele
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The Scottish economy was experiencing steady growth prior the hit of the COVID-19, with the pandemic causing the government to announce extreme lockdown measures with unprecedented impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whilst some of the industry sectors in Scotland took a lighter hit, a large part of the organizations had to either adapt or completely disrupt their business. An essential aspect of their survival, risk management (RM) was among the areas requiring the most significant acceleration. This study compared the RM practices implemented by Scottish SMEs prior and after the outbreak as well as examined the attitudes of key decision-makers in the SMEs in relation to risk, including their perceived readiness for another crisis of similar significance.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey based on ISO 31000 RM guidelines was distributed to 232 Scottish SMEs. Based on the official government reports and existing knowledge on how SMEs around the world have handled crisis events within the past 20 years, the authors developed the hypothesis that crisis events significantly accelerate SMEs' RM implementation. Around 13 items were tested in relation to the hypothesis and responses were tested via two-tailed T-test to establish significant statistical difference.

Findings

The research provides insight into the current state of risk management practices implemented by Scottish SMEs. As expected, SMEs showed significant difference in their RM implementation prior and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Whilst this has been viewed as a positive, motivations, priorities and approaches in managing risk demonstrated by the SMEs is questionable with views to their sustainable long-term recovery. The study highlights the lack of confidence instilled within the SMEs that they can handle another crisis of similar significance and provides directions for further investigation and improvements with the aim of helping the SMEs prepare better to mitigate the consequences of future crisis events.

Originality/value

In academic sense, the study offers a tested universal framework and a detailed questionnaire for assessment of RM strategy, applicable to organisations of various type, size and geography. Several implications with regards to managerial practices have been highlighted, including the neglect of the SMEs’ own internal environments and its significance in their risk strategies, the predominantly reactive approach to RM displayed by most Scottish SMEs as well as the neglect of compliance risk leading to potential quality and customer satisfaction issues preventing SMEs from full post-crisis recovery.
Drought response in herbaceous plants: A test of the integrated framework of plant form and function
Authors: Funk Jennifer L. , Larson Julie E. , Blair Megan D. , Nguyen Monica A. , Rivera Ben J.
Published: January 2024

Multidimensional trait frameworks are increasingly used to understand plant strategies for growth and survival. However, it is unclear if frameworks developed at a global level can be applied in local communities and how well these frameworks—based largely on plant morphological traits—align with plant physiology and response to stress.

We tested the ability of an integrated framework of plant form and function to characterise seedling trait variation and drought response among 22 grasses and forbs common in a semi‐arid grassland. We measured above‐ground and below‐ground traits, and survival to explore how drought response is linked to three trait dimensions (resource conservation, microbial collaboration, and plant size) associated with the framework as well as non‐morphological dimensions (e.g. physiological traits) that are under‐represented in global trait frameworks.

We found support for three globally‐recognised axes representing trade‐offs in strategies associated with tissue investment (leaf nitrogen, leaf mass per area, root tissue density), below‐ground resource uptake (root diameter, specific root length), and size (shoot mass). However, in contrast to global patterns, above‐ground and below‐ground resource conservation gradients were oppositely aligned: root tissue density was positively correlated with leaf N rather than leaf mass per area. This likely reflects different investment strategies of annual and perennial herbaceous species, as fast‐growing annual species invested in lower density roots and less nitrogen‐rich leaves to maximise plant‐level carbon assimilation. Species with longer drought survival minimised water loss through small above‐ground size and low leaf‐level transpiration rates, and drought survival was best predicted by a principal component axis representing plant size.

Contrary to our expectations, drought survival in seedlings did not align with the conservation or collaboration axes suggesting that seedlings with different functional strategies can achieve similar drought survival, as long as they minimise water loss. Our results also show that within local communities, expected trait relationships could be decoupled as some plant groups achieve similar performance through different trait combinations. The effectiveness of species mean trait values in predicting drought response highlights the value of trait‐based methods as a versatile tool for understanding ecological processes locally across various ecosystems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Time is brain, so we must BEFAST: Improving stroke identification and triage in a rural emergency department
Authors: Jay Donna , Wheatley Richard , Smith Lhyriel , Davis Kimberley J
Published: January 2024

Objective

Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital is a rural (MM3) secondary hospital which is over an hour travel time from the nearest tertiary centre. The objective of the present study was to pilot the implementation of the BEFAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time) stroke screening tool at the ED, and determine whether its usage improved timely stroke detection.

Methods

During initial implementation and training (October–December 2019), triage nurses consulted with senior medical officers before activating stroke calls. Data were collected for the subsequent 24 months (January 2020–2022), and retrospective records for confirmed strokes during a 24‐month period prior to BEFAST implementation (October 2017–2019) were also collected. The main outcome measures were triage category, CT scan result time, discharge destination, length of stay (LOS) and Modified Rankin Score (MRS).

Results

After BEFAST implementation, patients (n = 268) were three times more likely to be triaged at category 1 or 2, and door‐to‐CT scan time was reduced by 20.7 min on average. More patients were discharged to their usual residence and more quickly (LOS 7.9 vs 11.1 days). MRS 90 days after stroke was less, and patients were nearly twice as likely to experience an improvement in neurological symptoms.

Conclusions

Patient outcomes were improved after implementation of the BEFAST stroke triage tool. More stroke patients were identified upon presentation to the ED, and in a timely fashion. For those with a stroke diagnosis, time‐critical interventions can take place earlier, allowing patients to return home sooner, and with less disability.
Influence of lactic acid fermentation on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and volatile compounds of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice
Authors: Wang Jun , Wei Bocheng , Xu Jing , Jiang Han , Xu Yifei , Wang Chuyan
Published: January 2024

Lactic acid fermentation is an effective method for improving the quality of black chokeberry. This study aimed to investigate the influence of lactic acid bacteria on the phenolic profile, antioxidant activities, and volatiles of black chokeberry juice. Initially, 107 cfu/mL of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were inoculated into pasteurized black chokeberry juice and fermented for 48 h at 37°C. All these strains enhanced the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, with La. acidophilus showing the highest total phenolic (1683.64 mg/L) and total flavonoid (659.27 mg/L) contents. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were identified using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The prevalent phenolic acid, flavonoid, and anthocyanin in the lactic‐acid‐fermented black chokeberry juice were cinnamic acid, rutin, and cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, respectively. Furthermore, following fermentation, the DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacity, as well as the reducing power capacity, increased from 59.98% to 92.70%, 83.06% to 94.95%, and 1.24 to 1.82, respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that the transformation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins probably contributed to enhancing antioxidant activities and color conversation in black chokeberry juice. A total of 40 volatiles were detected in the fermented black chokeberry juice by gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry. The off‐flavor odors, such as 1‐penten‐3‐one and propanal in the black chokeberry juice, were weakened after fermentation. The content of 2‐pentanone significantly increased in all fermented juice, imparting an ethereal flavor. Hence, lactic acid fermentation can effectively enhance black chokeberry products' flavor and prebiotic value, offering valuable insights into their production.

Practical Application

The application of lactic acid bacteria in black chokeberry juice not only enhances its flavor but also improves its health benefits. This study has expanded the range of black chokeberry products and offers a new perspective for the development of the black chokeberry industry.
Laboratory practice is central to earlier myeloma diagnosis: Utilizing a primary care diagnostic tool and laboratory guidelines integrated into haematology services
Authors: Drayson Mark , Jennis Tom , Laketic‐Ljubojevic Ira , Patel Dina , Pratt Guy , Renwick Suzanne , Richter Alex , Wheeler Rachel , Sheldon Joanna , Sadler Ross , Stapleton Mary , Willis Fenella , Whiston Mairi ,   for Myeloma UK working group for laboratory best practice
Published: January 2024

Treatment advances have greatly improved survival, but myeloma is among the worst of all cancers for delayed diagnosis, causing serious morbidities and early deaths. This delay is largely because the symptom profile of myeloma has very low specificity, and in primary care, myeloma is rare. However, initiating the journey to diagnosis simply requires considering myeloma and sending blood to test for monoclonal immunoglobulin. Laboratory tests reliably detect monoclonal immunoglobulin, which is present in 99% of myeloma cases, so why do health care systems have such a problem with delayed diagnosis? The Myeloma UK early diagnosis programme has brought together diverse expertise to investigate this problem, and this article was prepared by the programme's working group for laboratory best practice. It reviews evidence for test requesting, analysis and reporting, for which there is large variation in practice across the United Kingdom. It presents a ‘GP Myeloma diagnostic tool’ and how it can be integrated into laboratory practice alongside a laboratory best practice tool. It proposes improved requesting and integration with haematology services for reporting and interpretation. Here the laboratory has a central role in creating efficient and cost‐effective pathways for appropriate and timely bone marrow examination for myeloma diagnosis.
Refinement of prognostication for IDH‐mutant astrocytomas using DNA methylation‐based classification
Authors: Kling Teresia , Ferreyra Vega Sandra , Suman Medha , Dénes Anna , Lipatnikova Anna , Lagerström Stina , Olsson Bontell Thomas , Jakola Asgeir Store , Carén Helena
Published: January 2024

The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) grading system of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)‐mutant astrocytomas relies on histological features and the presence of homozygous deletion of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A and 2B (CDKN2A/B). DNA methylation profiling has become highly relevant in the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) tumors including gliomas, and it has been incorporated into routine clinical diagnostics in some countries. In this study, we, therefore, examined the value of DNA methylation‐based classification for prognostication of patients with IDH‐mutant astrocytomas. We analyzed histopathological diagnoses, genome‐wide DNA methylation array data, and chromosomal copy number alteration profiles from a cohort of 385 adult‐type IDH‐mutant astrocytomas, including a local cohort of 127 cases and 258 cases from public repositories. Prognosis based on WHO 2021 CNS criteria (histological grade and CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion status), other relevant chromosomal/gene alterations in IDH‐mutant astrocytomas and DNA methylation‐based subclassification according to the molecular neuropathology classifier were assessed. We demonstrate that DNA methylation‐based classification of IDH‐mutant astrocytomas can be used to predict outcome of the patients equally well as WHO 2021 CNS criteria. In addition, methylation‐based subclassification enabled the identification of IDH‐mutant astrocytoma patients with poor survival among patients with grade 3 tumors and patients with grade 4 tumors with a more favorable outcome. In conclusion, DNA methylation‐based subclassification adds prognostic information for IDH‐mutant astrocytomas that can further refine the current WHO 2021 grading scheme for these patients.
Political systems, regime memory, and economic freedom
Authors: Calcagno Peter , Maldonado Beatriz , Nesbit Todd , Zeager Mary Frances
Published: January 2024

We expand on the economic research about regime types, culture, institutions, and economic freedom, with the development of a unique measure of regime memory and examine the generational effect of past regimes on a country's level of economic freedom. Using a panel of 144 countries between 1970 and 2015 we follow the literature and argue that institutions can be fast and slow‐moving. We find evidence that regime memory promotes improvements in (discourages) economic freedom for countries that are historically democratic (autocratic).
Different electrophysiological profiles of genetically labelled dopaminergic neurons in the mouse midbrain and olfactory bulb
Authors: Lau Maggy Yu Hei , Gadiwalla Sana , Jones Susan , Galliano Elisa
Published: January 2024

Dopaminergic (DA) neurons play pivotal roles in diverse brain functions, spanning movement, reward processing and sensory perception. DA neurons are most abundant in the midbrain (Substantia Nigra pars compacta [SNC] and Ventral Tegmental Area [VTA]) and the olfactory bulb (OB) in the forebrain. Interestingly, a subtype of OB DA neurons is capable of regenerating throughout life, while a second class is exclusively born during embryonic development. Compelling evidence in SNC and VTA also indicates substantial heterogeneity in terms of morphology, connectivity and function. To further investigate this heterogeneity and directly compare form and function of midbrain and forebrain bulbar DA neurons, we performed immunohistochemistry and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in ex vivo brain slices from juvenile DAT‐tdTomato mice. After confirming the penetrance and specificity of the dopamine transporter (DAT) Cre line, we compared soma shape, passive membrane properties, voltage sags and action potential (AP) firing across midbrain and forebrain bulbar DA subtypes. We found that each DA subgroup within midbrain and OB was highly heterogeneous, and that DA neurons across the two brain areas are also substantially different. These findings complement previous work in rats as well as gene expression and in vivo datasets, further questioning the existence of a single “dopaminergic” neuronal phenotype.
The collective welfare dimension of dark patterns regulation
Authors: Di Porto Fabiana , Egberts Alexander
Published: January 2024

Dark Patterns are interface design elements that can influence users' behaviour in digital environments. They can cause harm, not only on an individual but also a collective level, by creating behavioral market failures, reducing trust in markets and promoting unfair competition and data dominance. We contend that these collective effects of Dark Patterns cannot be tackled by existent laws, and thus call for policy intervention. This article reviews how existing and proposed laws in Europe and the US, namely the EU Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act as well as the U.S. DETOUR and AICO Acts, address these collective dimensions of welfare and add to existing protection. We find that the novel legislative measures attain that goal to varying degrees. However, the collective welfare perspective may prove useful to both support a risk‐based approach to the enforcement and provide guidance as to which practices should be addressed as priority.
The FEBS Journal in 2024: maintaining standards and taking the road less travelled
Authors: Martin Seamus J.
Published: January 2024

The FEBS Journal publishes research on diverse topics in the molecular life sciences relating to the molecules and mechanisms underpinning biological processes. Editor‐in‐Chief Seamus Martin discusses the rewards of pursuing a career in basic research, some highlights of the past year at the journal, and what's in store for 2024.
Factors impacting early mobilization according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guideline following gastrointestinal surgery: A prospective study
Authors: Zhang Lin , Wu Qian , Wang Xiayun , Zhu Xiaoping , Shi Yan , Wu Chiung‐Jung (Jo)
Published: January 2024

Aim

Evidence shows that early mobilization according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guideline promotes postoperative recovery in gastrointestinal cancer patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. However, compliance with the guideline in clinical settings remains low. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing early mobilization after surgery.

Methods

A prospective research design was used. Data from 470 patients with gastrointestinal cancer who underwent gastrointestinal surgery between February 2021 and July 2022 were collected.

Results

More than half (53.6%) of the patients met the criteria for early mobilization. Females (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.29), age 〉70 years (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09–2.86), low level of education (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.12–3.95), and ≥4 catheters (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.25–2.76) were barriers to early mobilization.

Conclusions

Sex, age, education, and the number of catheters were found to be significant factors associated with non‐early mobilization after gastrointestinal surgery. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 234–239.
Variant histology is associated with more non‐urothelial tract recurrence but less intravesical recurrence for upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Yu Tsung Yu , Wang Hung Jen , Sung Min Tse , Chuang Yao Chi , Chen Yen Ta , Cheng Yuan Tso , Kang Chih Hsiung , Liu Hui Ying , Chang Yin Lun , Luo Hao Lun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To investigate the prognostic impact of variant histology (VH) on oncological outcomes in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had undergone radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Patients and methods

A total of 1239 patients with clinically localized UTUC who underwent RNU at a single institution between January 2005 and June 2020 were included. The VH was reviewed by a uro‐pathologist at our institution. The Cox regression model was used to perform multivariate analysis, including VH and other established prognostic factors for post‐RNU oncological outcomes (intravesical recurrence [IVR], non‐urothelial recurrence, and cancer‐specific death).

Results

Of the 1239 patients with UTUC, 384 patients (31%) were found to have VH. Advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, high tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, open surgery, and renal pelvis had a significantly larger proportion of UTUC with VH compared to pure UTUC (all p < 0.05). VH was an independent prognostic factor associated with less IVR identified by multivariate analysis, more non‐urothelial recurrence, and more cancer‐specific mortality.

Conclusion

Patients with VH account for 31% with UTUC treated with RNU in this cohort. VH was an independent prognostic factor associated with more non‐urothelial recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality but less IVR.
Accumulation of extracellular elastin‐derived peptides disturbed neuronal morphology and neuron–microglia crosstalk in aged brain
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Bingqian , Wei Xiaoxi , Tian Meng , Bao Xingfu , Zhang Yifan , Qi Huichuan , Zhang Yi , Hu Min
Published: January 2024

Extracellular elastin‐derived peptides (EDPs) accumulate in the aging brain and have been associated with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The activation of inflammatory processes in glial cells with EDP treatment has received attention, but not in neurons. To properly understand EDPs' pathogenic significance, the impact on neuronal function and neuron–microglia crosstalk was explored further. Among the EDP molecules, Val‐Gly‐Val‐Ala‐Pro‐Gly (VGVAPG) is a typical repeating hexapeptide. Here, we observed that EDPs‐VGVAPG influenced neuronal survival and morphology in a dose‐dependent manner. High concentrations of VGVAPG induced synapse loss and microglia hyperactivation in vivo and in vitro. Following EDP incubation, galectin 3 (Gal‐3) released by neurons served as a chemokine, attracting microglial engulfment. Blocking Gal‐3 and EDP binding remedied synapse loss in neurons and phagocytosis in microglia. In response to the accumulation of EDPs, proteomics in matrix remodeling and cytoskeleton dynamics, such as a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family, were engaged. These findings in extracellular EDPs provided more evidence for the relationship between aging and neuron dysfunction, increasing the insight of neuroinflammatory responses and the development of new specialized extracellular matrix remolding‐targeted therapy options for dementia or other neurodegenerative disease.

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From the Great Divergence to South–South Divergence: New comparative horizons in global economic history
Authors: Frankema Ewout
Published: January 2024

The Great Divergence debate has been the leading conversation in economic history for the past 25 years. This review article explores new comparative horizons in global economic history. I argue that questions of South–South Divergence form a logical and timely extension to the Great Divergence research agenda. Asia's economic renaissance did not only put an end to a century‐spanning process of widening global income disparities, it also set a new process of divergence within the global south in motion. Deeper understandings of the historical nature and origins of this transition are pertinent in light of the increasing demographic and economic weight of the global south. South–south comparisons also offer an opportunity to counter the dominance of western‐centered and north–south perspectives and incentivize the development of new approaches and theories that go beyond mainstream concepts designed by development economists and political scientists. I argue that these novel approaches will have to grapple with the opportunities and constraints to “late” development being shaped by the quadruple challenge of vast technology gaps, limited state autonomy, global competition, and rapidly closing land and resource frontiers.
Experimental measurement and computational prediction of bacterial Hanks‐type Ser/Thr signaling system regulatory targets
Authors: Grunfeld Noam , Levine Erel , Libby Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Bacteria possess diverse classes of signaling systems that they use to sense and respond to their environments and execute properly timed developmental transitions. One widespread and evolutionarily ancient class of signaling systems are the Hanks‐type Ser/Thr kinases, also sometimes termed “eukaryotic‐like” due to their homology with eukaryotic kinases. In diverse bacterial species, these signaling systems function as critical regulators of general cellular processes such as metabolism, growth and division, developmental transitions such as sporulation, biofilm formation, and virulence, as well as antibiotic tolerance. This multifaceted regulation is due to the ability of a single Hanks‐type Ser/Thr kinase to post‐translationally modify the activity of multiple proteins, resulting in the coordinated regulation of diverse cellular pathways. However, in part due to their deep integration with cellular physiology, to date, we have a relatively limited understanding of the timing, regulatory hierarchy, the complete list of targets of a given kinase, as well as the potential regulatory overlap between the often multiple kinases present in a single organism. In this review, we discuss experimental methods and curated datasets aimed at elucidating the targets of these signaling pathways and approaches for using these datasets to develop computational models for quantitative predictions of target motifs. We emphasize novel approaches and opportunities for collecting data suitable for the creation of new predictive computational models applicable to diverse species.
The EIN3/EIL‐ERF9‐HAK5 transcriptional cascade positively regulates high‐affinity K+ uptake in Gossypium hirsutum
Authors: Xiao Shuang , Yang Doudou , Li Fangjun , Tian Xiaoli , Li Zhaohu
Published: January 2024

High‐affinity K+ (HAK) transporters play essential roles in facilitating root K+ uptake in higher plants. Our previous studies revealed that GhHAK5a, a member of the HAK family, is crucial for K+ uptake in upland cotton. Nevertheless, the precise regulatory mechanism governing the expression of GhHAK5a remains unclear.

The yeast one‐hybrid screening was performed to identify the transcription factors responsible for regulating GhHAK5a, and ethylene response factor 9 (GhERF9) was identified as a potential candidate.

Subsequent dual‐luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that GhERF9 binds directly to the GhHAK5a promoter, thereby activating its expression. Silencing of GhERF9 decreased the expression of GhHAK5a and exacerbated K+ deficiency symptoms in leaves, also decreased K+ uptake rate and K+ content in roots. Additionally, it was observed that the application of ethephon (an ethylene‐releasing reagent) resulted in a significant upregulation of GhERF9 and GhHAK5a, accompanied by an increased rate of K+ uptake. Expectedly, GhEIN3b and GhEIL3c, the two key components involved in ethylene signaling, bind directly to the GhERF9 promoter.

These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the expression of GhHAK5a and ethylene‐mediated K+ uptake and suggest a potential strategy to genetically enhance cotton K+ uptake by exploiting the EIN3/EILs‐ERF9‐HAK5 module.