bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding molecular mechanisms for loss of function variants in the human proteome
Authors: Cagiada Matteo , Jonsson Nicolas , Lindorff-Larsen Kresten
Published: May 2024

Proteins play a critical role in cellular function by interacting with other biomolecules; missense variants that cause loss of protein function can lead to a broad spectrum of genetic disorders. While much progress has been made on predicting which missense variants may cause disease, our ability to predict the underlying molecular mechanisms remain limited. One common mechanism is that missense variants cause protein destabilization resulting in lowered protein abundance and loss of function, while other variants directly disrupt key interactions with other molecules. We have here leveraged machine learning models for protein sequence and structure to disentangle effects on protein function and abundance, and applied our resulting model to all missense variants in the human proteome. We find that approximately half of all missense variants that lead to loss of function and disease do so because they disrupt protein stability. We have predicted functionally important positions in all human proteins, and find that they cluster on protein structures and are often found on the protein surface. Our work provides a resource for interpreting both predicted and experimental variant effects across the human proteome, and a mechanistic starting point for developing therapies towards genetic diseases.
A role for pH dynamics regulating transcription factor DNA binding selectivity
Authors: Kisor Kyle P. , Ruiz Diego Garrido , Jacobson Matthew P. , Barber Diane L.
Published: May 2024

Intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics regulates diverse cell processes such as proliferation, dysplasia, and differentiation, often mediated by the protonation state of a functionally critical histidine residue in endogenous pH sensing proteins. How pHi dynamics can directly regulate gene expression and whether transcription factors can function as pH sensors has received limited attention. We tested the prediction that transcription factors with a histidine in their DNA binding domain (DBD) that forms hydrogen bonds with nucleotides can have pH-regulated activity, which is relevant to more than 85 transcription factors in distinct families, including FOX, KLF, SOX and MITF/Myc. Focusing on FOX family transcription factors, we used unbiased SELEX-seq to identify pH-dependent DNA binding motif preferences, then confirm pH-regulated binding affinities for FOXC2, FOXM1, and FOXN1 to a canonical FkhP DNA motif that are 2.5 to 7.5 greater at pH 7.0 compared with pH 7.5. For FOXC2, we also find greater activity for an FkhP motif at lower pHi in cells and that pH-regulated binding and activity are dependent on a conserved histidine (His122) in the DBD. RNA-seq with FOXC2 also reveals pH-dependent differences in enriched promoter motifs. Our findings identify pH-regulated transcription factor-DNA binding selectivity with relevance to how pHi dynamics can regulate gene expression for myriad cell behaviours.
Hybrid Goldstone Modes from the Double Copy Bootstrap
Authors: Li Yang , Roest Diederik , ter Veldhuis Tonnis
Published: May 2024

We perform a systematic classification of scalar field theories whose amplitudes admit a double copy formulation and identify two building blocks at four-point and 13 at five-point. Using the four-point blocks simultaneously as bootstrap seeds, this naturally leads to a single copy theory that is a gauged nonlinear sigma model. Moreover, its double copy includes a novel theory that can be written in terms of Lovelock invariants of an induced metric, and includes Dirac-Born-Infeld and the special Galileon in specific limits. The amplitudes of these Goldstone modes have two distinct soft behavior regimes, corresponding to a hybrid of nonlinear symmetries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Digital marketing innovation and industrial marketing: evidence from restaurants' service robots
Authors: Ku Edward C.S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth, and customer–artificial intelligence (AI) assisted exchange (CAIX) of service robots affect customers’ satisfaction via digital marketing innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

A customer satisfaction model was formulated based on the perspective of parasocial relationships and hybrid intelligence; 236 completed questionnaires were returned by partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

This study demonstrates that perceived anthropomorphism, perceived warmth and CAIX's impact on digital marketing innovation were supported, and customer satisfaction impacted the continued intention to use service robots.

Originality/value

Restaurants that leverage service robots differentiate themselves from competitors by offering innovative and technologically advanced dining experiences. Integrating AI capabilities sets these restaurants apart and attracts tech-savvy customers who value convenience and efficiency.
The relationship between the accounting standards and the global financial crisis: empirical analysis of mergers and acquisitions in banking industry
Authors: Akgün Ali İhsan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus on, namely, the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) or local generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) effects of financial reporting as a corporate governance mechanism on mergers and acquisitions (M&As) for banking institutions during the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

I investigate the characteristics of bank financial statements before the start of the global crisis, which helps to explain the relationships between the accounting standards and the global financial crisis. The observations, which are based on 3,178 deals in a sample period, are crucially important for corporate governance and bank performance. The results from our analysis are robust to a wide variety of modifications in our research design and are corroborated by descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and a two-sample t-test on a sample of banks that voluntarily adopted IFRS for M&As.

Findings

The find that IFRS-based monitoring of banks M&As in terms of higher quality financial reporting is negatively linked with bank performance, whereas local GAAP-based monitoring of banks’ M&A is positively associated with accounting performance. Finally, our main results for higher quality financial reporting under local GAAP or IFRS generally hold after controlling for various analyses and relationships between account standards and the financial crisis.

Practical implications

Financial reporting standards setting a corporate governance mechanism are considered since it was impacted recently during the global financial crisis and became a great matter of concern.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is determined by an empirical investigation of the relationships between bank performance and accounting and financial reporting standards in the context of the global economy.
Dissatisfaction and service failures in luxury consumption: a systematic review
Authors: Arora Swapan Deep
Published: May 2024

Purpose

While service failures and recoveries (SFR) constitute a well-explored research domain, such negative consumption experiences have been understudied in the luxury context. The current study undertakes a systematic review to capture current knowledge and stimulate research in this vital domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a systematic literature review methodology and employs the Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methods (TCCM) framework.

Findings

Guiding theories, industry and national contexts, relevant constructs and their relationships, and research methods employed in studying SFR in luxury consumption are identified and synthesized.

Originality/value

A comparative analysis of the luxury SFR with broader extant knowledge is offered. Further, hospitality is revealed as the dominant context, meriting its emphasis.
For the many not the few: introducing just transition for supply chain management
Authors: Karaosman Hakan , Marshall Donna , Ward Irene
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Just transition is a fundamental concept for supply chain management but neither discipline pays attention to the other and little is known about how supply chains can be orchestrated as socioecological systems to manage these transitions. Building from a wide range of just transition examples, this paper explores just transition to understand how to move beyond instrumental supply chain practices to supply chains functioning in harmony with the planet and its people.

Design/methodology/approach

Building from a systematic review of 72 papers, the paper identifies just transition examples while interpreting them through the theoretical lens of supply chain management, providing valuable insights to help research and practice understand how to achieve low-carbon economies through supply chain management in environmentally and socially just ways.

Findings

The paper defines, elaborates, and extends the just transition construct by developing a transition taxonomy with two key dimensions. The purpose dimension (profit or shared outcomes) and the governance dimension (government-/industry-led versus civil society-involved), generating four transition archetypes. Most transitions projects are framed around the Euro- and US-centric, capitalist standards of development, leading to coloniality as well as economic and cultural depletion of communities. Framing just transition in accordance with context-specific plural values, the paper provides an alternative perspective to the extractive transition concept. This can guide supply chain management to decarbonise economies and societies by considering the rights of nature, communities and individuals.

Originality/value

Introducing just transition into the supply chain management domain, this paper unifies the various conceptualisations of just transition into a holistic understanding, providing a new foundation for supply chain management research.
The flourishing classroom: lessons from improvisational theater
Authors: Wang Jiunwen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This essay articulates the vision of a flourishing classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay articulates the vision of a flourishing classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.

Findings

Improvisational theatre can shed some light on teaching pedagogies within the classroom. Building trust in the classroom community, framing failure as learning opportunities, and promoting the improvisational mindset can enable students to learn better.

Originality/value

This essay articulates the vision of a flourishing management classroom, which arguably is the ultimate goal of a positive approach to management education. By demonstrating how improvisational theater is the epitome of a flourishing ensemble, this essay proposes that there are some lessons management educators can glean from improvisational theater in order to achieve a flourishing management classroom. The applications, benefits and challenges of applying improvisational theater in the classroom are also discussed.
The use of Intermediaries (communication specialists) at Parole Board oral hearings in England and Wales
Authors: O'Mahony Brendan M. , Milne Rebecca , Smith Kevin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out what role intermediaries have in facilitating communication with victims and prisoners at Parole Board (PB) oral hearings.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed and administered to 39 PB members to find out their perceptions of, and experiences with, the use of intermediaries. Frequency tables and verbatim quotations are used to report the results.

Findings

Overall, participants had not experienced any use of intermediaries with victims or family members presenting victim personal statements at an oral hearing. Further, there had been limited use of intermediaries for prisoners attending oral hearings. Nevertheless, there was a good recognition of a range of communication needs that a prisoner might present with at a hearing. There was also general support for the use of intermediaries with some caution about possible delays to procedural fairness.

Practical implications

The early identification of communication support needs for prisoners and victims attending an oral hearing is essential. The PB should raise awareness with the PB Membership about the role of intermediaries. The PB should continue to develop guidance and policy surrounding intermediaries. Prison lawyers and HM Prison and Probation Service may require specialist training in identifying communication needs in vulnerable prisoners and identifying when a communication specialist might be required for an oral hearing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first published paper examining the role of intermediaries at PB oral hearings. It builds on the evidence base of the use of intermediaries in other criminal justice contexts.
Generating customer wealth by mobile-based agricultural extension services: BOP farmers in the emerging markets
Authors: Verma Pranay
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research was motivated by the recognition that the use of mobile-based agricultural extension services (AES) applications has become increasingly popular among the bottom of the pyramid segment in recent years. However, users’ adoption is determined not only by their perception of the technology but also by its perceived wealth. In other words, even though a technology may be perceived as advanced, if it does not fit users’ wealth perception benefits, they may not adopt it. Using an extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) perspective, this study aims to explore potential predictors of behavioral intention toward AES such as effort expectancy, performance expectancy, customer wealth (CW), social influence and perceived characteristics of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Potential causal connections between key UTAUT factors and users’ intentions to use the services are hypothesized. An integrated theoretical model was developed and tested against the empirical data collected from 336 AES users. A measurement model and structural equation model were tested using AMOS 22.0 and confirmed all 14 hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results were consistent with the recent literature on mobile technology acceptance, confirming an unmoderated relationship between CW and the adoption of mobile-based AES. This research proposes a mobile AES user adoption model by integrating CW with the unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT).

Originality/value

This study establishes CW as an outcome of various relationships.
Long‐term changes in multi‐trophic diversity alter the functioning of river food webs
Authors: Moi Dieison A. , D'Anatro Alejandro , González‐Bergonzoni Ivan , Vidal Nicolás , Silva Ivana , Gauzens Benoit , Romero Gustavo Q. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Bonecker Claudia C. , Carvalho‐Rocha Vítor , Teixeira de Mello Franco
Published: May 2024

Increasing human pressures threaten fish diversity, with potentially severe but unknown consequences for the functioning of riverine food webs.

Using a 17‐year dataset from multi‐trophic fish communities, we investigated the long‐term effects of human pressure on the diversity and food web functioning. Combining metabolic scaling and ecological network principles, we calculate the annual energy fluxes through trophic compartments (top‐carnivore, mesocarnivore, detritivore and omnivore). Energy fluxes link trophic compartments, and thus represents food web functions such as carnivory, omnivory, herbivory and detritivory.

Species richness across all trophic compartments was positively associated with energy flux. However, species richness decreased over time, as did the energy flux at the whole‐network level, which was reduced by 75%. Human pressure negatively affected both species richness and energy flux. Moreover, the negative impacts of human pressure on energy flux have intensified over time.

Our results illustrate how human pressure can reduce diversity and erode the energy flux through food webs, with negative implications for the ecosystem functioning.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Low‐ frequency versus high‐frequency housing price spillovers in China
Authors: Yang Jian , Li Zheng , Yu Ziliang
Published: May 2024

Applying a novel high‐dimensional frequency‐domain‐based spillover index approach, this paper explores low‐frequency versus high‐frequency housing price spillovers among 70 Chinese cities. Intensive interactions among these cities were dominated by high‐frequency spillovers around the end of 2015, while low‐frequency spillovers have dominated since 2016. This coincided with dramatic changes in government policies, particularly the abolition of the ‘one‐child’ policy. Furthermore, city‐level economic factors were the primarily significant determinants of high‐frequency housing price spillovers within several months, while education was a major determinant of low‐frequency housing price spillovers in China, which was consistent with the distinction between work‐based and education‐based migration in China.
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the dominant predator of lizard models in a semi‐arid landscape, and predation risk is reduced by vegetation cover
Authors: Braun Shannon , Ritchie Euan G. , Doherty Tim S. , Nimmo Dale G.
Published: May 2024

Vegetation structure affects predation risk in ecosystems around the world. Spinifex (Triodia spp.) is a foundation species in fire‐prone grasslands and woodlands that cover more than a third of Australia's land surface. Spinifex habitats are known for their high reptile diversity, and it has long been hypothesized that the spiky structure of spinifex dissuades predators, thereby providing a haven for prey. We investigated predation risk to small lizards in semi‐arid Australia by identifying teeth marks on replica model plasticine lizards, in combination with remote camera surveillance, to quantify and verify predation risk across several microhabitats, including spinifex. The introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was identified as the main predator of lizard models, constituting 43.9% of all predation attempts. Lizard models placed at the base of spinifex plants (Triodia scariosa) were significantly less likely to be attacked than all other microhabitat types (bare ground, leaf litter, burrows), confirming the hypothesis that spinifex reduces predation risk. Our results support recent work that has highlighted foxes as a significant predator of Australian reptiles. Given that fire is a driver of spinifex cover in arid ecosystems, our findings have implications for interactions between fire and invasive predators in Australian ecosystems.
Risk factors, histopathological landscape, biomarkers, treatment patterns and survival of early‐onset colorectal cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Garrett Celine , Steffens Daniel , Ackland Stephen , Solomon Michael , Koh Cherry
Published: May 2024

Early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence has increased in most Western countries over the last decade, with Australia at the forefront. Recent literature has thus focused on characterizing EOCRC from later‐onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC). Earlier exposure to modifiable risk factors resulting in gut dysbiosis has been linked with EOCRC development. EOCRCs have more aggressive histopathological features with somatic mutations resulting in pro‐inflammatory tumor microenvironments. There is a tendency to treat EOCRCs with multimodal chemotherapeutic regimens and more extensive surgery than LOCRCs with conflicting postoperative outcomes and survival data. Current research is limited by a lack of Australasian studies, retrospective study designs, and heterogeneous definitions of EOCRC. Future research should address these and focus on investigating the role of immunotherapies, establishing minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers and nomograms, and evaluating the survival and functional outcomes of EOCRC.
Australian postpartum women want reputable health information delivered via social networking sites
Authors: Gow Megan L. , Henderson Maddison , Henry Amanda , Roberts Lynne , Roth Heike
Published: May 2024

Novel strategies are needed to target the health of postpartum women, who face numerous competing demands. This survey study of 553 postpartum women found 90% want access to a range of health information via social networking sites from reputable professionals, with Instagram (71%) the preferred platform. Delivery of health information to postpartum women via health organisation social networking sites could deliver cost savings and health benefits for postpartum women.
Comparative review of vasectomy guidelines and novel vasal occlusion techniques
Authors: Pelzman Daniel , Honig Stanton , Sandlow Jay
Published: May 2024

Vasectomy is the most commonly performed urologic procedure in the United States and is a highly effective form of male contraception. The introduction of guidelines by urological societies has standardized vasectomy care. Providers should be awadre of the rationale behind these guidelines, as well as key differences among them. While few major changes to vasectomy technique have been adopted over the past 40 years, new, reversible vasal occlusive technologies may affect delivery of male contraceptive care in the future. Here, we perform a comparative review of vasectomy guidelines from six urological societies worldwide. In addition, we report on the status of several experimental vasal occlusion methods that may be available in the next decade.
Editorial: Unravelling real‐world impact of second‐line therapies in primary biliary cholangitis— Time to change our targets?
Authors: Cançado Guilherme Grossi Lopes
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Gomez et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18004 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18048
Editorial: Unravelling real‐world impact of second‐line therapies in primary biliary cholangitis—Time to change our targets? Authors' reply
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez C. M. , Gutierrez M. L. , Olveira A.
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Gomez et al papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18004andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18032
Emerging trends in management of long COVID with a focus on pulmonary rehabilitation: A review
Authors: Li Allison Y. , Li Willis X. , Li Jinghong
Published: May 2024

Long COVID, or post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC), represents a complex condition with persistent symptoms following SARS‐Cov‐2 infection. The symptoms include fatigue, dyspnoea, cognitive impairment, decreased quality of life in variable levels of severity. Potential mechanisms behind long COVID include vascular damage, immune dysregulation and viral persistence. Diagnosing long COVID involves medical evaluation by multidisciplinary team and assessment of persistent symptoms with scoring systems in development. Treatment strategies are symptom‐focused, encompassing multidisciplinary care, rehabilitation and tailored exercise programmes. Pulmonary rehabilitation, an effective and critical component of long COVID management, has shown promise, particularly for patients with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnoea. These programmes, which combine exercise, breathing techniques, education and psychological support, improve symptoms, quality of life and overall recovery. Innovative technologies, such as telemedicine, wearable devices, telerehabilitation, are transforming long COVID management. Telemedicine facilitates consultations and interventions, eliminating healthcare access barriers. Wearable devices enable remote and continuous monitoring of patients during their rehabilitation activities. Telerehabilitation has proven to be safe and feasible and to have high potential for COVID‐19 recovery. This review provides a concise overview of long COVID, encompassing its definition, prevalence, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management approaches. It emphasizes the significance of multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis and treatment of long COVID, with focus on pulmonary rehabilitation and innovative technology advances to effectively address the management of long COVID.
Health care resource use in preschool children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Easton Tiffany , Boyd Roslyn N. , Scuffham Paul A. , Downes Martin J.
Published: May 2024

Aim

To estimate the burden of disease and evaluate which factors affect health care resource use (HCRU) in young children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Data were collected as part of a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children with CP born in Queensland, Australia between 2006 and 2009. HCRU questionnaires were administered at six time points. Data on resource use, socio‐demographics, and disease severity were collected. Costs were sourced from Medicare, the Australian National Hospital Cost Data Collection, and market prices. A generalized linear model was used to identify factors influencing CP‐related costs.

Results

A total of 794 questionnaires were completed by 222 participants (mean = 3.6 per participant). Physiotherapy (94%, n = 208) was the most widely accessed allied health care therapy; almost half of the participants (45%; 354 of 794) reported one or more hospital admissions. From the health care funder perspective, a child with CP costs on average A$24 950 per annum (A$12 475 per 6 months). Higher costs were associated with increased motor impairment (Gross Motor Function Classification System, p < 0.001) and increased comorbidities (p = 0.012).

Interpretation

HCRU in preschool children with CP can be analysed according to disease severity. Both increased motor impairments and increased comorbidities were associated with higher health care costs.

What this paper adds

Children with a higher number of comorbidities had higher health care costs, and more specifically, higher hospitalization costs.

No significant change in costs was found over time as children aged from 18 months to 5 years.
Role of endogenous GLP‐1 on arterial stiffness and renal haemodynamics following bariatric surgery
Authors: Moriconi D. , Bruno R. M. , Rebelos E. , Armenia S. , Baldi S. , Bonvicini L. , Taddei S. , Nannipieri M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Cardiovascular trials have revealed the positive impact of GLP‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the specific effects of endogenous GLP‐1 on arterial stiffness and renal function remain understudied. This study aimed to explore the influence of endogenous GLP‐1 response post‐bariatric surgery on arterial stiffness and renal haemodynamic.

Methods

Thirty individuals with morbid obesity and without T2D, scheduled for Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), were included. Clinical parameters, 3‐hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with serial sampling for glycaemia, GLP‐1 and insulin, carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cf‐PWV), carotid distensibility coefficient (carotid‐DC) and renal resistive index (RRI) measurements were conducted pre‐surgery and 1‐year post‐surgery. Participants were categorized into high‐response and low‐response groups based on their post‐surgery increase in GLP‐1 (median increase of 104% and 1%, respectively, pre‐ vs. post‐surgery).

Results

Post‐surgery, high‐response group demonstrated a greater reduction in cf‐PWV (p = .033) and a greater increase (p = .043) in carotid DC compared to low‐response group. These enhancements were observed independently of weight loss or blood pressure changes. High‐response group exhibited a reduction in RRI (p = .034), although this association was influenced by improvement in pulse pressure. Finally, a multivariate stepwise regression analysis indicated that the percentage increase of GLP1, Δ‐GLP1(AUC)%, was the best predictor of percentage decrease in cf‐PWV (p = .014).

Conclusions

Elevated endogenous GLP‐1 response following RYGB was associated with improved arterial stiffness and renal resistances, suggesting potential cardio‐renal benefits. The findings underscore the potential role of endogenous GLP‐1 in influencing vascular and renal haemodynamics independent of traditional weight loss.
Bilateral political ties and the stability of services exports
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yang Lun , Wang Yijia , Fan Jiachen
Published: May 2024

This study examines the effect of bilateral political ties on the stability of service exports. The results show that the deterioration of political ties can decrease the stability of service exports by strengthening non‐tariff barriers and weakening immigration networks. A decrease in voting similarity among trading partners in the United Nations General Assembly corresponds to heightened instability in service exports. In particular, political ties have a more pronounced impact on the stability of tourism service exports than on other services. Developing countries, in contrast to developed countries, should pay particular attention to the impact of political ties on the stability of service exports. Moreover, improvements in technological advantages and Internet openness in exporting countries can weaken the impact of political ties.
HIV disclosure and intimate partner violence among HIV‐infected men who have sex with men in marriage of convenience in China
Authors: Yu Yong , Qin Keke , Xian Yedong , Cai Huiling , Xiao Fuqun
Published: May 2024

Marriage of convenience is a unique phenomenon in China where a gay man and a lesbian get married to fulfill social expectations while retaining their homosexual identities. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of HIV infection and intimate partner violence (IPV) following HIV disclosure. A sample of 232 HIV‐infected MSM in the marriage of convenience was recruited online and completed questionnaires about experiences of IPV, HIV disclosure, and their sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. Our results showed that over half (57.3%) of HIV‐infected MSM had disclosed their HIV status to their lesbian spouses. Bisexual men, having children with their lesbian spouse, HIV diagnosis time >24 months, having a current fixed gay partner, having disclosed HIV to their current fixed gay partners, higher levels of social support, lower levels of self‐stigma related to HIV infection, no depression, and no suicidal ideation were all independently associated with an increased likelihood of disclosing to lesbian spouses. Approximately 61.6% of participants experienced at least one type of IPV from either a gay partner, a lesbian spouse, or both in the past 12 months. HIV disclosure to lesbian spouses was associated with an increased risk of IPV. Our findings reveal the high prevalence of IPV among HIV‐infected MSM in the marriage of convenience and its association with HIV disclosure, which warrants policy, clinical, and research efforts to design targeted and comprehensive interventions to improve HIV disclosure while preventing IPV among this population.
Individual and combined impacts of carbon dioxide enrichment, heatwaves, flow velocity variability, and fine sediment deposition on stream invertebrate communities
Authors: Hunn Julia G. , Orr James A. , Kelly Ann‐Marie , Piggott Jeremy J. , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: May 2024

Climate change and land‐use change are widely altering freshwater ecosystem functioning and there is an urgent need to understand how these broad stressor categories may interact in future. While much research has focused on mean temperature increases, climate change also involves increasing variability of both water temperature and flow regimes and increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO2, all with potential to alter stream invertebrate communities. Deposited fine sediment is a pervasive land‐use stressor with widespread impacts on stream invertebrates. Sedimentation may be managed at the catchment scale; thus, uncovering interactions with these three key climate stressors may assist mitigation of future threats. This is the first experiment to investigate the individual and combined effects of enriched CO2, heatwaves, flow velocity variability, and fine sediment on realistic stream invertebrate communities. Using 128 mesocosms simulating small stony‐bottomed streams in a 7‐week experiment, we manipulated dissolved CO2 (ambient; enriched), fine sediment (no sediment; 300 g dry sediment), temperature (ambient; two 7‐day heatwaves), and flow velocity (constant; variable). All treatments changed community composition. CO2 enrichment reduced abundances of Orthocladiinae and Chironominae and increased Copepoda abundance. Variable flow velocity had only positive effects on invertebrate abundances (7 of 13 common taxa and total abundance), in contrast to previous experiments showing negative impacts of reduced velocity. CO2 was implicated in most stressor interactions found, with CO2 × sediment interactions being most common. Communities forming under enriched CO2 conditions in sediment‐impacted mesocosms had ~20% fewer total invertebrates than those with either treatment alone. Copepoda abundances doubled in CO2‐enriched mesocosms without sediment, whereas no CO2 effect occurred in mesocosms with sediment. Our findings provide new insights into potential future impacts of climate change and land use in running freshwaters, in particular highlighting the potential for elevated CO2 to interact with fine sediment deposition in unpredictable ways.
Techno‐economic and life cycle analysis of renewable natural gas derived from anaerobic digestion of grassy biomass: A US Corn Belt watershed case study
Authors: Olafasakin Olumide , Audia Ellen M. , Mba‐Wright Mark , Tyndall John C. , Schulte Lisa A.
Published: May 2024

Restoring native grassland vegetation can substantially improve ecosystem service outcomes from agricultural watersheds, but profitable pathways are needed to incentivize conversion from conventional crops. Given growing demand for renewable energy, using grassy biomass to produce biofuels provides a potential solution. We assessed the techno‐economic feasibility and life cycle outcomes of a “grass‐to‐gas” pathway that includes harvesting grassy (lignocellulosic) biomass for renewable natural gas (RNG) production through anaerobic digestion (AD), expanding on previous research that quantified ecosystem service and landowner financial outcomes of simulated grassland restoration in the Grand River Basin of Iowa and Missouri, United States. We found that the amount of RNG produced through AD of grassy biomass ranged 0.12–45.04 million gigajoules (GJ), and the net present value (NPV) of the RNG ranged −$97 to $422 million, depending on the combination of land use, productivity, and environmental credit scenarios. Positive NPVs are achieved with environmental credits for replacement of synthetic agricultural inputs with digestate and clean fuel production (e.g., USEPA D3 Renewable Identification Number, California Low Carbon Fuel Standard). Producing RNG from grassy biomass emits 15.1 g CO2‐eq/MJ, which compares favorably to the fossil natural gas value of 61.1 g CO2‐eq/MJ and exceeds the US Environmental Protection Agency's requirement for cellulosic biofuel. Overall, this study demonstrates opportunities and limitations to using grassy biomass from restored grasslands for sustainable RNG production.
Departures from linearity as evidence of applicant distortion on personality tests
Authors: Christiansen Neil D. , Robie Chet , Jeong Ye Ra , Burns Gary N. , Haaland Douglas E. , Kung Mei‐Chuan , Kinney Ted B.
Published: May 2024

Two field studies were conducted to examine how applicant faking impacts the normally linear construct relationships of personality tests using segmented regression and by partitioning samples to evaluate effects on validity across different ranges of test scores. Study 1 investigated validity decay across score ranges of applicants to a state police academy (N = 442). Personality test scores had nonlinear construct relations in the applicant sample, with scores from the top of the distribution being worse predictors of subsequent performance but more strongly related to social desirability scores; this pattern was not found for the partitioned scores of a cognitive test. Study 2 compared the relationship between personality test scores and job performance ratings of applicants (n = 97) to those of incumbents (n = 318) in a customer service job. Departures from linearity were observed in the applicant but not in the incumbent sample. Effects of applicant distortion on the validity of personality tests are especially concerning when validity decay increases toward the top of the distribution of test scores. Observing slope differences across ranges of applicant personality test scores can be an important tool in selection.
Prevalence of post‐caesarean section surgical site infections in Rwanda: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sibomana Olivier , Bugenimana Athanasie , Oke Gabriel Ilerioluwa , Egide Ndayambaje
Published: May 2024

Caesarean section (C‐section) is the most performed major surgery worldwide. About 15% of births are delivered through C‐section in Rwanda. The post‐caesarean surgical section is one of the most frequent complications that follow a C‐section. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of surgical site infections following caesarean section deliveries in Rwanda. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, DOAJ, AJOL and the Cochrane Library to identify primary studies on post‐caesarean surgical site infections in Rwanda. Studies meeting predetermined criteria were included, and their quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics, while publication bias was examined via funnel plots and statistical tests. Pooled prevalence was calculated using Jamovi 2.3.28 software, with subgroup analysis conducted to identify sources of heterogeneity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. From 139 articles initially searched from the databases, only 17 studies with 8, 082 individuals were finally included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis. Using the random‐effects model, the pooled estimate of post C‐section SSIs prevalence in Rwanda was 6.85% (95% CI 5.2, 8.5). Subgroup analysis based on publication year, sample size, hospital and study design showed no much difference in SSI prevalence. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis indicates that post‐caesarean surgical site infections are significant in Rwanda. A collaborative effort is required to lower post‐C‐section SSIs and provide the best surgical care in the country.
Accelerating the discovery of high‐entropy hexaborides by data‐driven prediction: From equimolar to non‐equimolar
Authors: Meng Hong , Tang Zhongyu , Bai Hao , Fu Yaming , Yu Hulei , Chu Yanhui
Published: May 2024

Estimating the synthesizability is the prerequisite to discovering novel high‐entropy ceramics with exotic properties. Herein, combined with the high‐throughput experiments and machine learning (ML) methods, the synthesizability of high‐entropy hexaborides (HEB6) is investigated. To construct the database, 100 equimolar quinary HEB6 samples synthesized using a self‐developed high‐throughput solid‐state reaction technique and 20 potential synthesizability descriptors calculated from fundamental parameters of constituent precursors are simultaneously collected. By employing the ML and the genetic algorithms, an optimal model consisting of five synthesizability descriptors (, , , , and ) is determined for predicting the synthesizability of equimolar HEB6 with a high validation accuracy (93.0%), and 7 005 new equimolar quinary HEB6 are then proposed. Moreover, the applicability of our established model on non‐equimolar HEB6 is explored by the prediction of 30 synthesizability diagrams of non‐equimolar quinary HEB6. A high accuracy of 90.9% is further validated by the synthesis experiments of 11 non‐equimolar HEB6 candidates. Our work establishes an effective ML model for assessing the synthesizability of both equimolar and non‐equimolar HEB6 and paves a promising way to accelerate the discovery of new synthetic accessible high‐entropy ceramics.
Characterizing medium‐range order structure of binary silicate glasses using ring analysis and persistent homology
Authors: Firooz Amirhossein F. , Christensen Rasmus , Biscio Christophe A. N. , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: May 2024

Several fundamental questions about the medium‐range order (MRO) structure of oxide glasses remain unanswered. How do we define MRO in glass? Should we only consider the covalently bonded rings or also repeating patterns of non‐chemically bonded atom clusters? Is the first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) in the structure factor only constituted by those rings? In this study, by focusing on binary silicate glasses, we compare the MRO structure as determined using persistent homology and classical ring analysis. While the latter only identifies chemically bonded rings, the former captures both chemically and non‐chemically bonded ring/loop structures. Our analyses are based on atomic configurations established through classical molecular dynamics simulations of three series of alkali silicate glasses with varying modifier content. First, we characterize the size and shape of chemically bonded rings using persistent homology and study how they contribute to the FSDP. We also show that the covalently bonded loops can be directly extracted using persistent homology by ignoring the modifiers from the analysis and setting the initial radii for both Si and O atoms to zero. Then, we demonstrate that although the chemically bonded rings contribute to the FSDP, especially at low modifier content, nonbonded MRO features also need to be considered to fully explain the FSDP.
Relationship between morning blood pressure variability and cerebral microbleed burden in patients with hypertension
Authors: Zhang Dongsen , Ma Hongying , Liu Chunqin , Li Yongqiu
Published: May 2024

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) can be understood as a type of target organ damage caused by hypertension. We aimed to explore the association of the CMB burden with morning blood pressure (BP) variability in patients with hypertension. We divided patients with hypertension into two groups: a group with 1–10 CMBs and a group with more than 10 CMBs. The duration, grade, medication, and control of hypertension were recorded in all patients. Morning home BP measurements were performed every 3 days for a month. A total of 791 patients were recruited. Full factor model analysis showed that higher morning home diastolic BP variability (standard deviation [SD], OR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.024–1.140, P = .005; coefficient of variation [CV], OR = 1.076, 95% CI: 1.028–1.128, P = .002) was associated with more than 10 CMBs. Morning home systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (SD, CV, average real variability) in more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs group was significantly higher than that in 1–10 non‐lobar CMBs group (P < .05).The multivariate analysis showed higher morning home diastolic blood pressure variability (SD, OR = 1.124, 95% CI: 1.031–1.224, P = .008; CV, OR = 1.099, 95% CI: 1.019–1.186, P = .015; average real variability, OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 0.995–1.120, P = .075) was associated with more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs. There was no significant relationship between morning home systolic blood pressure variability and more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs (P > .05). Higher morning home diastolic blood pressure variability was associated with more than 10 CMBs and more than 10 non‐lobar CMBs.
Analysis of the effects of M2 macrophage‐derived PDE4C on the prognosis, metastasis and immunotherapy benefit of osteosarcoma
Authors: Pan Feng , Pan Runsang , Hu Rui , Zhang Hao , Lei Shan , Zhang Lu , Zhou Changhua , Zeng Zhirui , Tian Xiaobin , Xie Quan
Published: May 2024

Tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs), encompassing M1 and M2 subtypes, exert significant effects on osteosarcoma (OS) progression and immunosuppression. However, the impacts of TAM‐derived biomarkers on the progression of OS remains limited. The GSE162454 profile was subjected to single‐cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing analysis to identify crucial mediators between TAMs and OS cells. The clinical features, effects and mechanisms of these mediators on OS cells and tumour microenvironment were evaluated via biological function experiments and molecular biology experiments. Phosphodiesterase 4C (PDE4C) was identified as a pivotal mediator in the communication between M2 macrophages and OS cells. Elevated levels of PDE4C were detected in OS tissues, concomitant with M2 macrophage level, unfavourable prognosis and metastasis. The expression of PDE4C was observed to increase during the conversion process of THP‐1 cells to M2 macrophages, which transferred the PDE4C mRNA to OS cells through exosome approach. PDE4C increased OS cell proliferation and mobility via upregulating the expression of collagens. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between elevated levels of PDE4C and increased TIDE score, decreased response rate following immune checkpoint therapy, reduced TMB and diminished PDL1 expression. Collectively, PDE4C derived from M2 macrophages has the potential to enhance the proliferation and mobility of OS cells by augmenting collagen expression. PDE4C may serve as a valuable biomarker for prognosticating patient outcomes and response rates following immunotherapy.