bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value relevance of accounting earnings and cash flows in a transition economy: the case of Serbia
Authors: Čupić Milan , Todorović Mirjana , Benković Slađana
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the association of earnings and cash flows with stock prices and returns, and the impact of regulatory changes on the value relevance of accounting numbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine a sample of non-financial firms listed on the Belgrade Stock Exchange from 2005 to 2018 and use three regression models – price, return and differenced.

Findings

The authors find evidence that accounting earnings are more value relevant than cash flows. The authors also find negative relation of earnings changes with stock returns and argue that this is due to the lower persistence of negative earnings levels and changes. Finally, the authors find that the value relevance of accounting information in Serbia increases after the improvements in capital market regulation.

Research limitations/implications

Given the empirical focus on a transition economy, the widespread applicability of the study is limited. The findings, however, call for more research on transition economies to better understand the functioning of capital markets and the way information from financial statements is incorporated into stock prices.

Practical implications

The results imply that policymakers in transition economies should improve the accounting and capital market regulation to provide better investor protection and to improve the capital market conditions.

Originality/value

The authors add to knowledge about the value relevance of accounting information in emerging and transition economies. The results could be of interest to standard setters in their efforts to better understand and improve the quality of accounting information in emerging and transition economies.
Reductive mechanisms for unwanted intrusive thoughts: exploring affectivity in clinical and non-clinical samples
Authors: Omoregie Jesse , Carson Jerome
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Unwanted intrusive thoughts (UITs) are a major public health concern (Nocket al., 2008; Bentumet al., 2017), and they are key to the development of a variety of dysregulated behaviours (Jungmannet al., 2016; Bergenet al., 2012). Thus, this study aims to investigate reductive mechanisms for unwanted intrusive thoughts by analysing aspects of affectivity in clinical and non-clinical samples.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative means of data collection and analysis were used to explore UITs and affectivity. In total, 530 adults took part in this study (236 males, 253 females and 15 transgenders). Participants consisted of clinical (N= 168) and non-clinical samples (N= 336) who completed the Midlife in the United States sense of control scale (Lachman and Weaver, 1998), 20-item neuroticism scale (Goldberg, 1999), self-compassion scale (Neff, 2003a), flourishing scale (Dieneret al., 2009), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule - Negative Scale (Watsonet al., 1988), generalised anxiety disorder seven-item (Spitzeret al., 2006) and repetitive thinking questionnaire-10 (McEvoyet al., 2010).

Findings

Participants who experienced high levels of psychological flourishing, emotional stability, self-compassion, perceived control and affective well-being were prone to experience minimal UITs. Anxiety was positively related to UITs. These findings suggest that these aspects of affectivity may aid the reduction or management of clinical and non-clinical unwanted intrusive thoughts.

Originality/value

This study has addressed gaps in knowledge and the literature on UITs by demonstrating that psychological flourishing, emotional stability, self-compassion, perceived control and affective well-being as aspects of affectivity can be implemented as a reductive mechanism for UITs, and such implementation may have a high probability of effective reduction or management of clinical and non-clinical unwanted intrusive thoughts.
Evaluation of complications in urgent start peritoneal dialysis: Single‐center experience
Authors: Balkoca Murat , Turkmen Ercan , Dilek Melda , Arik Nurol , Sayarlioglu Hayriye
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients who were urgent start peritoneal dialysis (USPD) were evaluated in terms of complications.

Methods

The data from 102 patients (43 males and 59 females, mean age 58.18 ± 15.3 years) who were on peritoneal dialysis with a placed catheter between January 2014 and June 2019 in our Nephrology clinic was evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups according to the starting time of peritoneal dialysis. The development of complications between the groups (peritonitis, leakage, hernia), hemodialysis return time and overall survival times were compared.

Results

There was no difference between the groups in terms of survival and complications. Diabetes, advanced age, albumin values were found to be risk factors for mortality, while no differences were found between the groups in terms of complications and mortality.

Conclusion

USPD can be recommended for both because it provides a permanent dialysis option and because it leads to fewer complications than urgent start HD.
Clinical performance comparison of two medium cut‐off dialyzers
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Rüth Marieke , Lemke Horst‐Dieter , Wanner Christoph
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Medium‐cut‐off (MCO) dialyzers may beneficially impact outcomes in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

In a randomized, controlled trial in maintenance hemodialysis patients, the new Nipro ELISIO‐17HX MCO dialyzer was compared to the Baxter Theranova 400 filter regarding middle molecule removal. Furthermore, the suitability of two assays for free lambda‐light chain (λFLC) detection (Freelite vs. N‐Latex) was verified.

Results

ELISIO‐HX achieved slightly lower reduction ratios for β2‐microglobulin (71.8 ± 6.0 vs. 75.3 ± 5.8%; p = 0.001), myoglobin (54.7 ± 8.6 vs. 64.9 ± 8.7%; p < 0.001), and kappa‐FLC (62.1 ± 8.8 vs. 56.3 ± 7.7%; p = 0.021). λFLC reduction ratios were more conclusive with the Freelite assay and not different between ELISIO‐HX and Theranova (28.4 ± 3.9 vs. 38.7 ± 13.4%; p = 0.069). The albumin loss of Theranova was considerably higher (2.14 ± 0.45 vs. 0.77 ± 0.25 g; p = 0.001) and the Global Removal ScoreLoss alb largely inferior (30.6 ± 7.4 vs. 82.4 ± 29.2%/g; p = 0.006) to ELISIO‐HX.

Conclusions

The new ELISIO‐HX expands the choice of dialyzers for MCO hemodialysis.
Mitigating the Influence of Analysts Who Issue Aggressive Stock Price Targets: The Role of Joint Versus Separate Evaluation*
Authors: Chee Vincent , Savani Krishna , Tan Seet‐Koh
Published: August 2022

Investors frequently rely on individual analysts' stock price targets. Aggressive price targets often reflect analysts' attempts to strategically influence investors. Therefore, investors' welfare may be compromised if they take aggressive price targets at face value. In this study, we examine conditions under which investors are more likely to infer that analysts who issue aggressive price targets are acting strategically. Investors can evaluate multiple analysts' price targets with or without other related information (e.g., earnings estimates). Investors can also evaluate the information provided by multiple analysts jointly or separately one analyst at a time. Two experiments find that as predicted, when investors evaluate multiple analysts' price targets without earnings estimates, there is no difference in investors' perceptions about whether the aggressive analyst is acting strategically across joint versus separate evaluation. However, also as predicted, when investors evaluate multiple analysts' price targets along with their earnings estimates, investors perceive the aggressive analyst as acting more strategically under joint evaluation than under separate evaluation. Our findings suggest that jointly evaluating multiple analysts' price targets with other related information, such as earnings estimates, can reduce the likelihood that investors would be overly influenced by aggressive analysts.
Applicability of the IrisPlex system for eye color prediction in an admixed population from Argentina
Authors: Hohl Diana María , González Rebeca , Di Santo Meztler Gabriela Paula , Patiño‐Rico Jessica , Dejean Cristina , Avena Sergio , Gutiérrez María De Los Ángeles , Catanesi Cecilia Inés
Published: August 2022

Eye color prediction based on an individual's genetic information is of interest in the field of forensic genetics. In recent years, researchers have studied different genes and markers associated with this externally visible characteristic and have developed methods for its prediction. The IrisPlex represents a validated tool for homogeneous populations, though its applicability in populations of mixed ancestry is limited, mainly regarding the prediction of intermediate eye colors. With the aim of validating the applicability of this system in an admixed population from Argentina (n = 302), we analyzed the six single nucleotide variants used in that multiplex for eye color and four additional SNPs, and evaluated its prediction ability. We also performed a genotype–phenotype association analysis. This system proved to be useful when dealing with the extreme ends of the eye color spectrum (blue and brown) but presented difficulties in determining the intermediate phenotypes (green), which were found in a large proportion of our population. We concluded that these genetic tools should be used with caution in admixed populations and that more studies are required in order to improve the prediction of intermediate phenotypes.
Novel wearable and contactless heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation monitoring devices: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chan P. Y. , Ryan N. P. , Chen D. , McNeil J. , Hopper I.
Published: August 2022

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to identify, classify and evaluate the body of evidence on novel wearable and contactless devices that measure heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturations in the clinical setting. We included any studies of hospital inpatients, including sleep study clinics. Eighty‐four studies were included in the final review. There were 56 studies of wearable devices and 29 of contactless devices. One study assessed both types of device. A high risk of patient selection and rater bias was present in proportionally more studies assessing contactless devices compared with studies assessing wearable devices (p = 0.023 and p < 0.0001, respectively). There was high but equivalent likelihood of blinding bias between the two types of studies (p = 0.076). Wearable device studies were commercially available devices validated in acute clinical settings by clinical staff and had more real‐time data analysis (p = 0.04). Contactless devices were more experimental, and data were analysed post‐hoc. Pooled estimates of mean (95%CI) heart rate and respiratory rate bias in wearable devices were 1.25 (−0.31–2.82) beats.min‐1 (pooled 95% limits of agreement −9.36–10.08) and 0.68 (0.05–1.32) breaths.min‐1 (pooled 95% limits of agreement −5.65–6.85). The pooled estimate for mean (95%CI) heart rate and respiratory rate bias in contactless devices was 2.18 (3.31–7.66) beats.min‐1 (pooled limits of agreement −6.71–10.88) and 0.30 (−0.26–0.87) breaths.min‐1 (pooled 95% limits of agreement −3.94–4.29). Only two studies of wearable devices measured SpO2; these reported mean measurement biases of 3.54% (limits of agreement −5.65–11.45%) and 2.9% (−7.4–1.7%). Heterogeneity was observed across studies, but absent when devices were grouped by measurement modality and reference standard. We conclude that, while studies of wearable devices were of slightly better quality than contactless devices, in general all studies of novel devices were of low quality, with small (< 100) patient datasets, typically not blinded and often using inappropriate statistical techniques. Both types of devices were statistically equivalent in accuracy and precision, but wearable devices demonstrated less measurement bias and more precision at extreme vital signs. The statistical variability in precision and accuracy between studies is partially explained by differences in reference standards.
Corneal transplantation in aniridia‐related keratopathy with a two‐year follow‐up period, an uncommon disease with precarious course
Authors: Viberg Andreas , Vicente André , Samolov Branka , Hjortdal Jesper , Byström Berit
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to study the frequency, surgical transplantation technique and outcome in patients with aniridia‐related keratopathy (ARK) with two‐year follow‐up period.

Methods

A retrospective registry‐study including all ARK cases performed in Sweden and Denmark between 2001 and 2016 and registered in the Swedish Cornea Transplant Registry.

Results

A total of 36 eyes of 26 patients were subjected to corneal transplantation due to ARK during 2001 to 2016. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was the procedure of choice in 58.3% (n = 21) of the eyes, followed by a combination of PK and limbal stem cell transplantation in 13.9% (n = 5) and keratolimbal allograft in 13.9% (n = 5). Boston keratoprosthesis was used in 8.3% (n = 3), and anterior lamellar keratoplasty in 5.6% (n = 2). Thirteen of the procedures (36.1%) were retransplantations. Two years after surgery 26 cases were available to follow‐up of which 16 of the grafts were functioning (61.5%). The median visual acuity showed a trend of improvement from hand motion to counting fingers.

Conclusions

A majority of the ARK cases (61.5%) had a graft providing useful vision for the patient 2 years after corneal transplantation, but the visual gain was modest at best. Longer follow‐up time is required to evaluate functional graft outcomes. Despite the introduction of limbal stem cell transplantation as a suitable treatment, PK was the most common surgical method in the present study.
Military technology and the North Korean economy: evidence from time‐series data
Authors: Jin Jang C. , Chang Go En
Published: August 2022

The causal effect of military variables on economic growth has been investigated for North Korea, using time‐series data over the period 1994–2017. Regression models were constructed with three military variables that include military burden (MB), arms trade openness (ATO) and missile dummy as a proxy for technological progress in the military sector. Although military technology has been highly developed in North Korea, non‐military industrial development is far behind other developing countries. The regression results show that the military variables have negative and significant effects on economic growth. The Granger causality test further confirms the causal directions from MB to economic growth, the ATO measure shows a feedback effect on economic growth, while the causal effect of missile dummy is not strong enough to be significant. The results are, in general, consistent with our proposition that military technology would not have a spillover effect on non‐military industrial sectors in North Korea.
The importance of morality for collective self‐esteem and motivation to engage in socially responsible behavior at work among professionals in the finance industry
Authors: Chopova Tatiana , Ellemers Naomi
Published: August 2022

Public comments criticizing the honesty and trustworthiness of Professionals in Finance (PIFs) are commonly seen as a way to motivate them towards engaging in more socially responsible business practices. However, the link between public views of this professional group, the self‐views of individual group members, and their motivation to engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities has not been empirically examined. In this research, we draw on Social Identity Theory (SIT) and the Behavioral Regulation Model for social evaluation (BRM) to examine how the self‐views of individual group members relate to perceived characteristics of their professional group, indicating Competence and Morality. In two studies (N = 123, 191) we examined whether the self‐views of high‐profile and general PIFs are affected by other people's perceptions of the honesty and trustworthiness of this professional group. The results offer support for our reasoning derived from SIT and the BRM. In both studies, we first demonstrate that public concerns about the group's lack of honesty and trustworthiness impact on the moral self‐views of financial professionals. Subsequently, we employ an experimental design to reveal that reinforcing moral criticism leveled at the group only reduces the motivation of individual group members to engage in CSR activities, while group‐level moral affirmation enhances this motivation. The results of both studies converge to demonstrate how public critique on the moral behavior of their professional group relates to the self‐views and behavioral motives of PIFs. We consider the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
The biasing effects of selection and attrition on estimating the mean
Authors: Lee Seunghoo , Mendoza Jorge
Published: August 2022

Organizational and validation researchers often work with data that has been subjected to selection on the predictor and attrition on the criterion. These researchers often use the data observed under these conditions to estimate either the predictor or criterion's restricted population means. We show that the restricted means due to direct or indirect selection are a function of the population means plus the selection ratios. Thus, any difference between selected mean groups reflects the population difference plus the selection ratio difference. When there is also attrition on the criterion, the estimation of group differences becomes even more complicated. The effect of selection and attrition induces measurement bias when estimating the restricted population mean of either the predictor or criterion. A sample mean observed under selection and attrition does not estimate either the population mean or the restricted population mean. We propose several procedures under normality that yield unbiased estimates of the mean. The procedures focus on correcting the effects of selection and attrition. Each procedure was evaluated with a Monte Carlo simulation to ascertain its strengths and weaknesses. Given appropriate sample size and conditions, we show that these procedures yield unbiased estimators of the restricted and unrestricted population means for both predictor and criterion. We also show how our findings have implications for replicating selected group differences.
Ecological relevance of non‐perennial rivers for the conservation of terrestrial and aquatic communities
Authors: Bruno Daniel , Hermoso Virgilio , Sánchez‐Montoya María Mar , Belmar Oscar , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel
Published: August 2022

River conservation efforts traditionally focus on perennial watercourses (i.e., those that do not dry) and their associated aquatic biodiversity. However, most of the global river network is not perennial and thus supports both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. We assessed the conservation value of nonperennial rivers and streams (NPRS) in one of Europe's driest regions based on aquatic (macroinvertebrates, diatoms) and terrestrial (riparian plants, birds, and carabid beetles) community data. We mapped the distribution of taxa at 90 locations and across wide environmental gradients. Using the systematic planning tool Marxan, we identified priority conservation sites under 2 scenarios: aquatic taxa alone or aquatic and terrestrial taxa together. We explored how environmental factors (runoff, flow intermittence, elevation, salinity, anthropogenic impact) influenced Marxan's site selection frequency. The NPRS were selected more frequently (over 13% on average) than perennial rivers when both aquatic and terrestrial taxa were considered, suggesting that NPRS have a high conservation value at the catchment scale. We detected an underrepresentation of terrestrial taxa (8.4–10.6% terrestrial vs. 0.5–1.1% aquatic taxa were unrepresented in most Marxan solutions) when priority sites were identified based exclusively on aquatic biodiversity, which points to a low surrogacy value of aquatic taxa for terrestrial taxa. Runoff explained site selection when focusing on aquatic taxa (all best‐fitting models included runoff,r2 = 0.26–0.27), whereas elevation, salinity, and flow intermittence were more important when considering both groups. In both cases, site selection frequency declined as anthropogenic impact increased. Our results highlight the need to integrate terrestrial and aquatic communities when identifying priority areas for conservation in catchments with NPRS. This is key to overcoming drawbacks of traditional assessments based only on aquatic taxa and to ensure the conservation of NPRS, especially as NPRS become more prevalent worldwide due to climate change and increasing water demands.
Subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy (SIFT‐IS): a novel surgical procedure for transsphincteric anal fistula
Authors: Sahara Rikisaburo , Koizumi Michihiro , Morimoto Koji , Kubota Itaru
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aetiology of anal fistula has not been fully clarified. One of the causes of anal fistulas may be the markedly deep crypts that characterize the primary openings. We developed subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy (SIFT‐IS) to eradicate these deep crypts. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with anal fistula treated with SIFT‐IS.

Method

A retrospective study was performed over a 2‐year period. Patients with transsphincteric anal fistula who underwent SIFT‐IS were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the anal fistula healing rate at 16 weeks postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were healing time, postoperative complications and clinical continence status.

Results

One hundred and fifty one patients were enrolled. Primary healing was accomplished in 129 patients (85%). There were 17 patients (11%) with a remnant fistula and five (3%) with a recurrence. The remnant fistulas healed spontaneously at more than 16 weeks postoperatively in seven patients. The median healing time was 6 (3–96) weeks. Surgical intervention was required in seven patients with a remnant fistula and four with recurrence. At the final follow‐up, the wounds had healed in 148 patients (98%). No significant postoperative complications or incontinence were observed.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous incision of the fistula tract and internal sphincterotomy is a promising surgical option for transsphincteric anal fistulas, with a satisfactory healing rate.
Effect of CSL112 (apolipoprotein A‐I [human]) on cholesterol efflux capacity in Japanese subjects: Findings from a phase I study and a cross‐study comparison
Authors: Zheng Bo , Goto Shinya , Clementi Regina , Feaster John , Duffy Danielle , Dalitz Penelope , Airey Jolanta , Korjian Serge , Tortorici Michael A. , Roberts John , Gibson C. Michael
Published: August 2022

CSL112 (apolipoprotein A‐I [apoA‐I, human]) is a novel drug in development to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events following acute myocardial infarction by increasing cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC). This phase I study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PKs), pharmacodynamics (PDs), and safety of CSL112 in Japanese and White subjects. A total of 34 Japanese subjects were randomized to receive a single infusion of CSL112 (2, 4, or 6 g) or placebo and 18 White subjects were randomized to receive a single dose of 6 g CSL112 or placebo, followed by PK/PD assessment and adverse events monitoring. In addition, PK/PD parameters were compared across the CSL112 clinical development program. Plasma exposure of apoA‐I increased in a dose‐dependent but nonlinear manner in Japanese subjects receiving a single dose of CSL112. Mean baseline‐corrected area under the curve from 0 to 72 h (AUC0–72) increased from 840 to 6490 mg h/dl, in the 2 and 6 g cohorts, respectively, followed by dose‐dependent increase of CEC. The plasma PK profile of apoA‐I and increases in total and ATP binding cassette transporter A1 dependent CEC were comparable in Japanese and White subjects. The geometric mean ratio (Japanese:White) for plasma apoA‐I AUC0–72 and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 1.08 and 0.945, respectively. Cross‐study comparison analysis demonstrated similar CSL112 exposure and CEC enhancement in Japanese and non‐Japanese subjects (including patients with cardiovascular disease) and further confirmed consistent PKs/PDs of CSL112. This study suggests CSL112 acutely enhances CEC and is well‐tolerated with no differences between Japanese and White subjects.
Effects of foster care intervention and caregiving quality on the bidirectional development of executive functions and social skills following institutional rearing
Authors: Zeytinoglu Selin , Tang Alva , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A. , Almas Alisa N. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: August 2022

Institutional rearing negatively impacts the development of children's social skills and executive functions (EF). However, little is known about whether childhood social skills mediate the effects of the foster care intervention (FCG) and foster caregiving quality following early institutional rearing on EF and social skills in adolescence. We examined (a) whether children's social skills at 8 years mediate the impact of the FCG on the development of EF at ages 12 and 16 years, and (b) whether social skills and EF at ages 8 and 12 mediate the relation between caregiving quality in foster care at 42 months and subsequent social skills and EF at age 16. Participants included abandoned children from Romanian institutions, who were randomly assigned to a FCG (n = 68) or care as usual (n = 68), and a never‐institutionalized group (n = 135). At ages 8, 12, and 16, social skills were assessed via caregiver and teacher reports and EF were assessed via the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Caregiving quality of foster caregivers was observed at 42 months. FCG predicted better social skills at 8 years, which in turn predicted better EF in adolescence. Higher caregiver quality in foster care at 42 months predicted better social skills at 8 and 12 years, and better EF at 12 years, which in turn predicted 16‐year EF and social skills. These findings suggest that interventions targeting caregiving quality within foster care home environments may have long‐lasting positive effects on children's social skills and EF.
Genetic diversity and population structure of Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis isolates from Melastoma and Eucalyptus in Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Marincowitz Seonju , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: August 2022

Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis is the causal agent of a serious canker disease of Eucalyptus spp. in tropical and sub‐tropical areas of Asia. Where the disease occurs, Eucalyptus spp. are non‐native and the native hosts of the pathogen have not been conclusively determined. The chance discovery of C. deuterocubensis on native Melastoma malabathricum growing in the understory of Eucalyptus trees in Indonesia raised the possibility that this woody shrub could be a native host of C. deuterocubensis, which would then have undergone a host jump to Eucalyptus. Four populations of C. deuterocubensis were collected from cankers on Eucalyptus and Melastoma trees in Indonesia and Malaysia. These were subjected to population genetic analyses using microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity for isolates in all four populations was relatively low ( = 0.166–0.316) and unlikely to represent a native source. The maximum percentage of genotypic diversity was high for all four populations (Gmax = 60.0–71.5%) irrespective of the host. Structure analyses and haplotype networks showed no structure related to the host plant species. Overall, the results failed to provide evidence that the indigenous M. malabathricum is the native host or origin of C. deuterocubensis infections on the Eucalyptus trees studied.
Host association, environment, and geography underlie genomic differentiation in a major forest pest
Authors: MacDonald Zachary G. , Snape Kyle L. , Roe Amanda D. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: August 2022

Diverse geographic, environmental, and ecological factors affect gene flow and adaptive genomic variation within species. With recent advances in landscape ecological modelling and high‐throughput DNA sequencing, it is now possible to effectively quantify and partition their relative contributions. Here, we use landscape genomics to identify determinants of genomic differentiation in the forest tent caterpillar,Malacosoma disstria, a widespread and irruptive pest of numerous deciduous tree species in North America. We collected larvae from multiple populations across Eastern Canada, where the species experiences a diversity of environmental gradients and feeds on a number of different host tree species, including trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), red oak (Quercus rubra), and white birch (Betula papyrifera). Using a combination of reciprocal causal modelling (RCM) and distance‐based redundancy analyses (dbRDA), we show that differentiation of thousands of genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among individuals is best explained by a combination of isolation by distance, isolation by environment (spatial variation in summer temperatures and length of the growing season), and differences in host association. Configuration of suitable habitat inferred from ecological niche models was not significantly related to genomic differentiation, suggesting thatM. disstriadispersal is agnostic with respect to habitat quality. Although population structure was not discretely related to host association, our modelling framework provides the first molecular evidence of host‐associated differentiation inM. disstria, congruent with previous documentation of reduced growth and survival of larvae moved between natal host species. We conclude that ecologically mediated selection is contributing to variation withinM. disstria, and that divergent adaptation related to both environmental conditions and host association should be considered in ongoing research and management of this important forest pest.
A rendezvous block‐based authentication framework for service‐level security in decentralized cloud resources
Authors: Murugaiyan Pajany , Godandapani Zayaraz
Published: August 2022

Cloud services are distributed from manifold sources with autonomous security procedures. The conventional authentication methods result in asynchronous security towards multi‐resource access and sharing. This provides volatile authentication for sequential service sessions. For alleviating this issue, a Rendezvous Block‐based Authentication Framework (RBAF) is proposed. This framework is backboned with a blockchain paradigm that differentiates authentication based on rendezvous and asynchronous attributes. The modifications in initial and final attributes are observed, intended for training, and supplanted with service‐dependent authentications. In the different sessions, attribute‐based authentication and agreed end‐to‐end security are administered using agreed keys that are valid within the sessions. This key generation is modified using the new session and user attributes based on learning recommendations. The ledger paradigm records the session and its associated attributes for different training instances, based on which service flexibility is ensured. The proposed framework's performance is verified using the metrics service distribution ratio, false rate, session uptime, and service delay.
Influence of temperature on the R‐effect for the fatigue crack growth of nickel‐base superalloy GH4169
Authors: Liu He , Yang Xiaoguang , Li Shaolin , Yan Cheng , Huang Jia
Published: August 2022

The stress ratio (R) effect, especially at elevated temperatures, is associated with the fatigue crack growth (FCG) prediction in aero‐engine hot‐end components under complex operation conditions. The FCG experiments with three R were conducted on Ni‐based superalloy GH4169 at room temperature (RT), 550°C, and 700°C. The results indicate that the R‐effect on the FCG of GH4196 is temperature‐dependent. Therefore, efforts were made to identify the R‐effect at various temperatures to describe the FCG. The concept of the crack‐closure or the two‐driving‐force was employed to quantify the R‐effect considering the temperature influence. Fractographic analyses on the fracture surface were performed to discuss the underlying mechanism responsible for the temperature influence. The study can contribute to the R‐dependent FCG modeling at various temperatures.
Summer‐survival cultivars of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) potentially contain Festuca genome fragments
Authors: Kubota Akito , Fujimori Masahiro
Published: August 2022

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) cultivars vary widely in their persistence; there are very early heading annual types as well as very late heading, summer‐survival types that survive for 2 or 3 years. Hybrid cultivars that survive in summer temperatures are bred using genes of a similar species (Festuca) in combination with Lolium. It is hypothesized that commercial summer‐survival cultivars of Italian ryegrass include Festuca genome fragments. In this report, we investigated the genomic constitution of five summer‐survival cultivars using the genomic in situ hybridization technique. Two out of the five cultivars contained Festuca genome fragments, confirming that summer‐survival cultivars may include Festuca genome fragments.
Key Elements of a State Regulatory Framework for Managed Aquifer Recharge
Authors: Doremus Llyn , Job Charles
Published: August 2022

The regulation and permitting of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) has largely been integrated within existing State groundwater regulations. MAR implementation encompasses associated processes that include: (1) source water acquisition and conveyance to the recharge site; (2) source water treatment to ensure compatibility with native groundwater, (3) aquifer capacity to receive recharged water; (4) migration and recovery of recharged water; (5) geochemical reactions of injected water with aquifer matrix and native groundwater; and (6) monitoring and mitigation measures as required. Characterization, design, and operation of the various components involved in successfully recharging groundwater over extended duration is evolving and depends in part on effective coordination and communication between MAR project proponents and regulators. Sustained groundwater availability will depend upon investment in development of effective managed aquifer recharge regulations that are practical, not overly burdensome and support water supply resiliency. MAR has a history of at least 100 years in the United States typically, but not exclusively, in the southwest due to more arid conditions. Regulation and permitting of MAR projects developed over that time vary substantially between states. Implemented properly, MAR project permitting and compliance provide critical oversight to protect water quality and water rights. The MAR regulatory components presented here are intended to inform future development of more consistent and effective regulation across the United States to facilitate investment in their installation and operation.
Marker assessments inER‐positive breast cancers: old markers, new applications?
Authors: Li Joshua J X , Tse Gary M
Published: August 2022

Evaluation of oestrogen receptor (ER) expression by immunostaining is essential in the pathological assessment of breast cancer. Its expression is intercorrelated with clinicopathological features, molecular typing, and treatment selection. The development of novel therapeutic agents related to ER status, the recent ASCO introduction of an ER‐low positive category of breast cancers, and the ever‐increasing plethora of diagnostic and theragnostic markers call for a timely update. In this article we aim to review the clinicopathological features of ER‐positive breast cancers, with an emphasis on ER‐low positive breast cancers, and a focus on updating the (i) assessment, reporting and interpretation of ER immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, (ii) correlations of ER status with other diagnostic and theragnostic markers, and (iii) implications for treatment selection and response. In the face of the developments in IHC and molecular techniques and targeted therapy, ER immunostaining is still expected to remain as the core component of prognostic and theragnostic assessment of breast cancers.
Understanding starch digestibility of rice: a study in brown rice
Authors: Srikaeo Khongsak , Saeva Kanyarin , Sopade Peter A.
Published: August 2022

In vitro starch digestibility of 10 Thai brown rice samples was investigated for foundational in‐depth understandings of treated/processed and untreated/non‐processed rice. The samples were uncooked pigmented, non‐pigmented and differed in amylose contents and chemical and functional properties. The starch digestograms were modelled using innovative techniques involving objective logarithm of slope (Sopade Objective Procedure) and one‐term and two‐term exponential and non‐exponential models. The samples significantly (P ≤ 0.05) revealed monophasic and biphasic starch digestograms, and the digestion parameters were sample‐dependent. Using the Sopade Objective Procedure, which better predicted the digestograms, the biphasic samples exhibited rapid‐slow and slow‐rapid in vitro starch digestion phenomena. The estimated glycaemic index (eGI) of the samples ranged from 41 to 95 g/100 g, and the sample with the slow‐rapid digestion pattern exhibited the lowest eGI. The results are discussed as baselines for follow‐up treatments that typify rice as a notable global food commodity.
Lagrangian relaxation for maximum service in multicast routing with QoS constraints
Authors: Araújo Carlos Victor Dantas , de Souza Cid Carvalho , Usberti Fábio Luiz
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we propose a new variant of the Multicast Routing Problem called Maximum Service in Multicast Routing with Quality of Service constraints applied in the context of vehicular ad hoc networks, for which data must be sent from a root node to a set of terminal nodes. The use of all nodes is not mandatory and each connection between the root and a terminal aims to satisfy the quality of service according to the limits established for each metric. The objective is to maximize the number of serviced terminals according to the network's quality of service metrics. We present an integer programming formulation and four Lagrangian relaxations, to obtain good primal and dual bounds. We also develop a local search applied during the resolution of the Lagrangian relaxations. These methodologies were subjected to computational experiments with a set of 40 instances generated with characteristics of vehicular ad hoc networks. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the performance between methodologies, where the model achieved optimal values for 29 instances, and the Lagrangian relaxations rendered competitive bounds, especially for large instances.
Influence of the dispersant on the parts quality in slurry‐based binder jetting of SiC ceramics
Authors: Diener Sarah , Schubert Hendrik , Held Alexander , Katsikis Nikolaos , Günster Jens , Zocca Andrea
Published: August 2022

Binder jetting is establishing more and more in the ceramic industry to produce large complex shaped parts. A parameter with a great impact on the quality of the parts is the binder–powder interaction. The use of ceramic slurries as feedstock for this process, such as in the layerwise slurry deposition–print technology, allows a great flexibility in the composition. Such slurries are typically composed of ceramic powder, water, and small amounts of various additives. The understanding of the effect of these components on the printing quality is thus essential for the feedstock development. Four models were developed regarding the impact of additives, such as dispersants on printing. These models were confirmed or rebutted by experiments performed for an SiC slurry system with two different concentrations of a dispersant and a commercial phenolic resin used as a binder. It is shown that for this system the influence of the dispersant on the curing behavior and the clogging of the pores by dispersant can be neglected. The redispersion of the dispersant after the curing of the resin has no or only a minor effect. However, the wetting behavior determined by the surface energies of the system seem to be most crucial. In case the surface energy of the slurry additive is significantly lower than the surface energy of the binder, the strength of the green parts and the printing quality will be low. This was shown by inverse gas chromatography, contact angle measurement, rheological characterization, and mechanical tests with casted samples.
X chromosomes show relaxed selection and complete somatic dosage compensation across Timema stick insect species
Authors: Parker Darren J. , Jaron Kamil S. , Dumas Zoé , Robinson‐Rechavi Marc , Schwander Tanja
Published: August 2022

Sex chromosomes have evolved repeatedly across the tree of life. As they are present in different copy numbers in males and females, they are expected to experience different selection pressures than the autosomes, with consequences including a faster rate of evolution, increased accumulation of sexually antagonistic alleles and the evolution of dosage compensation. Whether these consequences are general or linked to idiosyncrasies of specific taxa is not clear as relatively few taxa have been studied thus far. Here, we use whole‐genome sequencing to identify and characterize the evolution of the X chromosome in five species of Timema stick insects with XX:X0 sex determination. The X chromosome had a similar size (approximately 12% of the genome) and gene content across all five species, suggesting that the X chromosome originated prior to the diversification of the genus. Genes on the X showed evidence of relaxed selection (elevated dN/dS) and a slower evolutionary rate (dN + dS) than genes on the autosomes, likely due to sex‐biased mutation rates. Genes on the X also showed almost complete dosage compensation in somatic tissues (heads and legs), but dosage compensation was absent in the reproductive tracts. Contrary to prediction, sex‐biased genes showed little enrichment on the X, suggesting that the advantage X‐linkage provides to the accumulation of sexually antagonistic alleles is weak. Overall, we found the consequences of X‐linkage on gene sequences and expression to be similar across Timema species, showing the characteristics of the X chromosome are surprisingly consistent over 30 million years of evolution.
Smartphone‐compatible, CRISPR‐based platforms for sensitive detection of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp
Authors: Naranitus Punyaporn , Aiamsa‐at Praphutson , Sukonta Thanwarat , Hannanta‐anan Pimkhuan , Chaijarasphong Thawatchai
Published: August 2022

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), caused by bacterial isolates expressing PirAB binary toxins, represents the severest and most economically destructive disease affecting penaeid shrimp. Its rapid disease progression and associated massive mortalities call for vigilant monitoring and early diagnosis, but molecular detection methods that simultaneously satisfy the requirements of sensitivity, specificity, and portability are still scarce. In this work, the CRISPR‐Cas12a technology was harnessed for the development of two fluorescent assays compatible with naked‐eye visualization. The first assay, AP4‐Cas12a, was based on the OIE‐recommended AP4 two‐tubed nested PCR method and was designed to bypass the time‐consuming and potentially hazardous agarose gel electrophoresis step. Using AP4‐Cas12a, the detection limit of 10 copies per reaction could be achieved within less than 30 minutes post‐PCR. The second assay, RPA‐Cas12a, utilized recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) to rapidly and isothermally amplify the target DNA, followed by amplicon detection by Cas12a, resulting in a protocol that can be completed in less than an hour at a constant temperature of 37°C. The detection limit of RPA‐Cas12a is 100 copies of plasmid DNA or 100 fg of bacterial genomic DNA per reaction. Importantly, we validated that both assays are compatible with a previously reported smartphone‐based device for facile visualization of fluorescence, thereby providing an affordable option that requires less consumables than lateral flow detection. Using this portable device for readouts, the AP4‐Cas12a and RPA‐Cas12a methods showed excellent concordance with the AP4‐agarose gel electrophoresis approach in the evaluation of clinical samples. Therefore, the developed Cas12a assays have the potential to streamline both in‐laboratory and onsite diagnosis of AHPND.
Depletion of hepatic stellate cells inhibits hepatic steatosis in mice
Authors: Kawahara Akihiro , Kanno Keishi , Yonezawa Sayaka , Otani Yuichiro , Kobayashi Tomoki , Tazuma Susumu , Ito Masanori
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main source of extracellular matrix in hepatic fibrogenesis, produce various cytokines, growth factors, and morphogenetic proteins. Among these, several factors are known to promote hepatocyte lipid accumulation, suggesting that HSCs can be efficient therapeutic targets for non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to investigate the effects of HSC depletion on the development of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a murine NASH model.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were treated with gliotoxin (GTX), an apoptosis inducer of activated HSCs under the feeding of a choline‐deficient l‐amino acid‐defined high‐fat diet for 4 weeks. For in vitro study, Hc3716 cells, immortalized human hepatocytes, were treated with fatty acids in the presence or absence of LX2, immortalized HSCs.

Results

Choline‐deficient l‐amino acid‐defined high‐fat diet increased pronounced hepatic steatosis, which was attenuated by GTX treatment, together with a reduction in the number of activated HSCs. This change was associated with the downregulation of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and its downstream genes, including adipocyte protein 2, cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), and fatty acid transport protein 1, all of which increase the fatty acid uptake into hepatocytes. As expected, GTX treatment improved hepatic fibrosis. Co‐culture of hepatocytes with HSCs enhanced intracellular lipid accumulation, together with the upregulation of PPARγ and CD36 protein expressions.

Conclusions

In addition to the improvement in hepatic fibrogenesis, depletion of HSCs had a favorable effect on hepatic lipid metabolism in a mouse NASH model, suggesting that HSCs are potentially efficient targets for the treatment of NASH.
The effect of natural disasters on household economic hardship during a pandemic
Authors: Lim HanNa , Shin Su Hyun , Ji Hyunjung
Published: August 2022

The year 2020 provided a rare opportunity to examine how US households experience economic hardship when natural disasters occur during a large‐scale public health crisis, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using a nationally representative sample of adults, this study examines the effect of natural disasters on household economic hardships during a pandemic, measured by food insecurity, mortgage or rent delinquency, and unemployment. The study estimated individual fixed‐effect models after controlling for time trends and time‐variant covariates. We find that while a disaster incident in the community during a pandemic is not associated with household economic hardships in aggregate, its effects are experienced differently by people according to the community‐level severity of COVID‐19 and the individual‐level factors characterized as vulnerability and resilience. Our findings have implications for targeted disaster relief and for building resilience among residents to adverse events.