bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate warming interacts with other global change drivers to influence plant phenology: A meta‐analysis of experimental studies
Authors: Zhou Huimin , Min Xueting , Chen Jianghui , Lu Chunyan , Huang Yixuan , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Huiying
Published: June 2023

Shifts in plant phenology influence ecosystem structures and functions, yet how multiple global change drivers interact to affect phenology remains elusive. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 242 published articles to assess interactions between warming (W) and other global change drivers including nitrogen addition (N), increased precipitation (IP), decreased precipitation (DP) and elevated CO2(eCO2) on multiple phenophases in experimental studies. We show that leaf out and first flowering were most strongly affected by warming, while warming and decreased precipitation were the most pronounced drivers for leaf colouring. Moreover, interactions between warming and other global change drivers were common and both synergistic and antagonistic interactions were observed: interactions W + IP and W + eCO2were frequently synergistic, whereas interactions W + N and W + DP were mostly antagonistic. These findings demonstrate that global change drivers often affect plant phenology interactively. Incorporating the multitude of interactions into models is crucial for accurately predicting plant responses to global changes.
Alley cropping tree lines alter temperature and light quantity and influence daily growth rates of grassland
Authors: Sutterlütti Rahel , Kayser Manfred , Komainda Martin , Isselstein Johannes
Published: June 2023

Trees alter microclimate and radiation budget in alley cropping systems, which in turn change physiological processes of the grassland component. The influence of the trees on grassland growth depends on the climate zone as well as possibly on weather conditions during the respective growth interval. The proportion of shade‐tolerant species in the grassland further modifies the tree effect on grassland growth, as well as the number of annual harvests. We studied the effect of distance and orientation relative to the tree line (tree line in the South‐West vs. North‐East) on growth rates of the adjacent grassland with two cutting frequencies (frequent vs. infrequent) in an alley cropping system with grassland of two different vegetation compositions (diverse vs. grass‐clover) and willow clones. Microclimate parameters and radiation were measured at the points where growth rates were determined to better characterize the effect of position relative to the tree line. Growth rates differed significantly (p < 0.05) depending on the distance to the trees and annual biomass accumulation amounted to 389 ± 13.5 g m−2 in the center vs. 321 ± 10.0 g m−2 with trees in the North‐East vs. 292 ± 9.2 g m−2 with trees in the South‐West of the transect position. Lower growth rates occurred at positions with lower light quantities close to the trees, namely the position with the trees adjacent in the South‐West. Temperature and relative humidity differences between the distances were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by distance to the tree line, but differences in neither soil nor air temperatures between the distances affected growth rates. Vegetation composition mediates the influence of the trees: the difference between positions was more pronounced in the diverse vegetation composition with higher productivities in the center between the alleys, but also with higher overall sward productivity.
Self‐control, limited willpower and decision fatigue in healthcare settings
Authors: Schweitzer Daniel R. , Baumeister Roy , Laakso E‐Liisa , Ting Joseph
Published: June 2023

We argue that willpower as well as its depletion may, in some circumstances, adversely impact on clinical decision‐making and patient care. This psychological phenomenon has been dubbed ego depletion in social psychology. Willpower and its depletion which is known as ‘ego depletion’ are well‐established and validated theoretical constructs in social psychology and have been studied across a range of experimental contexts. Willpower is closely related to the concept of self‐control, which refers to the ability to regulate one's own behaviour and actions in order to pursue and achieve either a short‐ or long‐term goal. We outline the clinical relevance of willpower and its depletion in relation to clinical case examples drawn from three of the authors' clinical experience with the view of developing a clinical‐research agenda for future research studies. We examine willpower and its depletion in the context of three clinical case examples, which include (i) doctor–patient interactions, (ii) willpower and its depletion in relation to challenging interpersonal interactions with clinical and non‐clinical work colleagues and (iii) willpower and its depletion in response to working within a challenging and unpredictable clinical environment. In contrast to the more widely recognised external resources (including space, staff allocations and night shifts), a greater understanding of how this important but under‐recognised internal resource can be depleted in response to a range of different factors within clinical settings has the potential to inform and improve patient care through a renewed focus on the developing interdisciplinary clinical studies which draw upon contemporary findings from social psychology. Future work aimed at developing evidence‐based interventions to help mitigate the negative impact of impaired self‐control and decision fatigue within healthcare systems may in turn lead to improved patient care as well as more effective healthcare service and delivery.
Buyer direct financing with blockchain‐assisted due diligence in supply chain
Authors: Cao Yifan , Shen Bin , Chan Hau‐Ling
Published: June 2023

Capital constraints are one of the major challenges for the supplier to invest in activities to enhance environmental and social responsibility (ESR) in production. Responsible buyer direct financing has emerged as an important solution to motivate supplier ESR by pegging the interest rate to the supplier's ESR level. Motivated by real practices, we develop game‐theoretical models to explore the value of conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence to inspect the borrowing supplier's ESR qualification in a two‐tier supply chain structure where the downstream buyer directly finances the capital‐constrained supplier. Conventional wisdom tells us that driving greater supplier transparency (e.g., conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence) will motivate the supplier to strengthen environmental and social compliance. However, we identify the necessary and sufficient “backfiring condition” under which the blockchain‐assisted due diligence may “backfire” by reducing the supplier's ESR efforts. The supplier devotes more ESR efforts if and only if the due diligence cost is sufficiently high. Our result implies that the heavy cost of adopting blockchain technology is not necessarily bad from the responsibility perspective as long as the backfiring condition does not hold. Moreover, we identify the Pareto zone in which conducting blockchain‐assisted due diligence could benefit both supply chain members. We extend our model by examining the impact of a shift from profit orientation to social welfare orientation. Our findings provide managerial insights into the implementation of blockchain‐assisted due diligence to enhance supplier ESR and improve supply chain members’ profits.
High‐entropy rare earth titanates with low thermal conductivity designed by lattice distortion
Authors: Zhu Saisai , Zhu Jinpeng , Ye Songbo , Yang Kaijun , Li Mingliang , Wang Hailong , He Jilin
Published: June 2023

High‐entropy single‐phase rare earth titanates (RE0.2Gd0.2Ho0.2Er0.2Yb0.2)2Ti2O7 (RE = Sm, Y, Lu) were designed and synthesized successfully, in which their lattice distortion was quantitatively described by mass disorder and size disorder. It is worth mentioning that (Y0.2Gd0.2Ho0.2Er0.2Yb0.2)2Ti2O7 could obtain the low thermal conductivity (1.51 W·m−1·K−1, 1500°C), high thermal expansion coefficient (average, 11.69×10−6 K−1, RT ∼1500°C) and excellent high‐temperature stability. In addition, the relationship between the microstructure and thermal transport behaviors has been studied at the atomic scale. Due to the disorder of A‐site ions, severe lattice distortion occurred in specific crystal planes, and the large mass difference between Y3+ and other RE3+ further causes mass fluctuation and results in lower thermal conductivity. Compared with YSZ, the high‐entropy rare earth titanate (Y0.2Gd0.2Ho0.2Er0.2Yb0.2)2Ti2O7 has lower thermal conductivity, higher thermal expansion coefficient, and excellent high‐temperature stability, which has great potential for application in the thermal protection field.
Morphology control technique of ZnO by hydroxide ion supply rate and its effect on the ppt‐level gas sensors
Authors: Kim Kyusung , Choi Pil gyu , Itoh Toshio , Masuda Yoshitake
Published: June 2023

The sensitivity of the metal–oxide–semiconductor‐type gas sensors has been improved typically using novel metal catalysts, such as Pt, Ru, and Pd. However, the sensing performance could be enhanced by only controlling the nanostructure. Herein, we introduce fabrication methods for ZnO nanobelt by changing the supply rate of hydroxide ions. Hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) and potassium hydroxide were used to generate hydroxide ions, and their rate to reach the maximum pH was different by more than twofold. The supply rate of hydroxide ions caused the different morphology of ZnO nanomaterial due to the change in the seed of material formation. Although both samples could detect acetone gas up to 100 ppt, ZnO nanobelts synthesized by HMT exhibited higher sensitivity. The ZnO morphology influenced the exposed surface area, and a larger specific surface area could facilitate the generation of pre‐adsorbed oxygen species that are the main factor for sensitivity.
Sodium molybdate‐hexagonal boron nitride composites enabled by cold sintering for microwave dielectric substrates
Authors: Mena‐Garcia Javier , Ndayishimiye Arnaud , Fan Zhongming , Perini Steven E. , Li Wenjie , Poudel Bed , Priya Shashank , Foley Brian , Gaskins John , Randall Clive A.
Published: June 2023

To fulfill the demands of more bandwidth in 5G and 6G communication technology, new dielectric substrates that can be co‐fired into packages and devices that have low dielectric loss and improved thermal conductivity are desired. The motivation for this study is to design composites with low dielectric loss (tan δ) and high thermal conductivity (κ), while still limiting the electrical conductivity, for microwave applications involving high power and high frequency. This work describes the fabrication of high‐density electroceramic composites with a model dielectric material for cold sintering, namely sodium molybdate (Na2Mo2O7), and fillers with higher thermal conductivity such as hexagonal boron nitride. The physical properties of the composites were characterized as a function of filler vol.%, temperature, and frequency. Understanding the variation in measured properties is achieved through analyzing the respective transport mechanisms.
Environmental stability of additively manufactured siliconized silicon carbide for applications in hybrid energy systems
Authors: Yoon Bola , Richardson Dylan , Jajja Saad A. , Cramer Corson L. , Lance Michael J. , Nawaz Kashif , Lara‐Curzio Edgar
Published: June 2023

A key consideration for the successful operation of hybrid energy systems will be the environmental stability of materials used for their construction, particularly when experiencing service environments containing water vapor at high temperatures. Here, we report results from the characterization of siliconized silicon carbide (Si‐SiC) prepared via binder jet additive manufacturing and reactive silicon melt infiltration after being exposed to environments representative of those in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes, and to exhaust gases inside a microturbine operating on natural gas. In both cases, it was found that oxide scales formed on the surface and that these scales were dense, continuous, and well‐bonded to the substrates, although there was evidence of transverse and longitudinal cracking most likely as a result of mismatches in the thermal expansion of the scale and the substrate. Measured values of the thickness of the oxide scale were compared to those predicted by parabolic oxidation kinetics of silicon, but the potential effects of silica volatilization induced by water vapor, and silica reduction when exposed to hydrogen are discussed. The overall results showed that the oxide scale is expected to be protective under the conditions of hybrid power generation systems.
Weight loss improves inflammation by T helper 17 cells in an obese patient with psoriasis at high risk for cardiovascular events
Authors: Maezawa Yoshiro , Endo Yusuke , Kono Satomi , Ohno Tomohiro , Nakamura Yuumi , Teramoto Naoya , Yamaguchi Ayano , Aono Kazuto , Minamizuka Takuya , Kato Hisaya , Ishikawa Takahiro , Koshizaka Masaya , Takemoto Minoru , Nakayama Toshinori , Yokote Koutaro
Published: June 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is associated with obesity and myocardial infarction. Obesity‐induced changes in lipid metabolism promote T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation, which in turn promotes chronic inflammation. Th17 cells have central roles in many inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis and atherosclerosis; however, whether treatment of obesity attenuates Th17 cells and chronic inflammatory diseases has been unknown. In this study, we found an increase in Th17 cells in a patient with obesity, type 2 diabetes and psoriasis. Furthermore, weight loss with diet and exercise resulted in a decrease in Th17 cells and improvement of psoriasis. This case supports the hypothesis that obesity leads to an increase in Th17 cells and chronic inflammation of the skin and blood vessel walls, thereby promoting psoriasis and atherosclerosis.
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for individuals with an intellectual disability and anxiety: a systematic review
Authors: Fynn G. , Porter M. , Borchard T. , Kazzi C. , Zhong Q. , Campbell L.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are at higher risk of experiencing difficulties with anxiety than the general population. However, there are major barriers for individuals to receive appropriate services. There is a growing understanding of the importance of developing appropriate psychological interventions for this group. The objective of the current review was to systematically evaluate the findings of studies investigating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for individuals with ID and anxiety. Another aim was to explore which adaptions to CBT and treatment components were currently being utilised within the field.

Method

The electronic databases of CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection and Scopus were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of these studies was assessed using established quality assessment tools by the National Institutes of Health for pre and post studies and case series.

Results

Nine studies were included in this systematic review, all of which reported improvements in anxiety severity for some participants (25%–100%; N = 60) following CBT. Only three studies reported moderate effect sizes for CBT interventions on anxiety for individuals with ID.

Discussion and Conclusions

There is emerging literature supporting the effectiveness of CBT for individuals with mild ID. Findings highlight that CBT for individuals with anxiety and mild ID, including cognitive components, may be feasible and tolerable. While the field is gradually receiving more attention, there are significant methodological flaws present, which limit the conclusions that can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of CBT for individuals with ID. However, there is emerging evidence for techniques such as cognitive restructuring and thought replacement and modifications such as visual aids, modelling and smaller groups based on this review. Future research is warranted to investigate whether individuals with more severe ID can benefit from CBT, as well as further exploring what are the necessary components and modifications.
Experiences of Dyspareunia in Dominican Women with a History of Sexual Abuse: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Alarcon‐Rodriguez Raquel , Fernández‐Sola Cayetano , García‐Alvarez Rafael , Fadul‐Calderón Rosario , Ruiz‐Ortiz Antonio , Requena‐Mullor Mar , Garcia‐Gonzalez Jessica
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Dyspareunia refers to painful sexual intercourse that negatively affects a person's psychological well‐being and quality of life and can also have an impact on their partner, family, and social circle. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of women with dyspareunia and a history of sexual abuse in the Dominican Republic.

Methods

This was a qualitative study based on Merleau‐Ponty's hermeneutic phenomenology. Fifteen women with a diagnosis of dyspareunia and a history of sexual abuse participated. The study was carried out in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Results

In‐depth interviews were conducted for data collection. Through inductive analysis using ATLAS.ti, 3 main themes were developed that represent women's experiences of dyspareunia and sexual abuse: (1) a history of sexual abuse as a background to dyspareunia, (2) living in fear in a society that revictimizes the survivor, and (3) the sexual consequences of dyspareunia.

Discussion

In some Dominican women, dyspareunia stems from their history of sexual abuse, which was unknown to their families and partners. The participants experienced dyspareunia in silence and found it difficult to seek help from health care professionals. In addition, their sexual health was marked by fear and physical pain. There are individual, cultural, and social factors that influence the occurrence of dyspareunia; a better understanding of these factors is vital for planning innovative preventive strategies that reduce the progression of sexual dysfunction and its impact on the quality of life of people with dyspareunia.
Coordinated Interdependence: How Patterning Governs Flexibility in a Routine Cluster
Authors: Sailer Patrick , Loscher Georg Josef , Kaiser Stephan
Published: June 2023

Adopting a routine dynamics perspective, we use an ethnography of agile project work to explore how emergent and effortful performances of single routines influence dynamics within a cluster of interdependent routines. We find that emergent accomplishments in single routines constrain cluster‐level dynamics, thereby inhibiting flexibility. However, effortful accomplishments in single routines facilitate cluster‐level dynamics, thereby enhancing flexibility. We make three contributions to the literature on routine dynamics and process studies. First, we show how coordinated interdependence based on chaining, orchestrating, and reflecting creates and maintains clusters of routines, and uncoordinated interdependence based on stumbling, irritating, and detaining endangers clusters of routines. Second, we analyse how cluster‐level flexibility results from maintaining a stable pattern across routines, despite pressures to vary routines. Finally, our findings contribute to practice and process studies by analysing interdependence and coordination together as ‘(un)coordinated interdependence’.
Determination of the degree of conversion, the diffuse reflectance, and the color stability after different aging processes of gingiva‐colored composite resins
Authors: Kalyoncuoğlu Ülkü Tuğba , Yilmaz Bengi , Sipahi Cumhur
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To determine the degree of conversion (DC) and spectral diffuse reflectance of four different gingiva‐colored composites and to evaluate their color stability after various aging processes.

Materials and Methods

The gingiva‐colored composites were assigned to four experimental groups (Anaxgum (AG), Crea.lign paste Gum (CB), Gradia Gum (GR), SR Nexco Gum (NC)). A total of 120 disc‐shaped specimens (10 × 2 mm) (n = 30/group) were polymerized in a Teflon mold. The nature of chemical bonding was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Diffuse reflection spectra of the polymerized specimens were gathered using an ultraviolet‐visible‐near infrared (UV‐Vis‐NIR) spectrophotometer. Specimens subjected to aging methods were divided into three subgroups (n = 10): ultraviolet aging, hydrothermal aging, and autoclave aging. Color differences (ΔE*ab and ΔE00) were determined by colorimetry before and after aging. The statistical analysis was done using a two‐way ANOVA along with paired sample t‐test and Bonferroni's post hoc test.

Results

Conversion degrees varied between 26.9% and 59.7% and all groups showed 3 or 4 maxima at different positions in the visible region of the spectrum. Both ΔE*ab and ΔE00 values were significantly different from the groups of different brands for all types of aging processes. Similarly, there were significantly different ΔE*ab and ΔE00 values according to the aging procedure for all groups of particular brands, except for ΔE00 of SR Nexco Gum (NC).

Conclusions

The aging procedures resulted in significant color differences between similar shades of four commercial gingiva‐colored composites. The composite resins showed different degrees of conversion and diffuse reflectance spectra. The aging conditions tested affected the color stability. Patients with gingiva‐colored indirect restorations should be informed about time‐dependent discoloration.
Financial toxicity experienced by rural Australian families with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Scholes‐Robertson Nicole , Blazek Katrina , Tong Allison , Gutman Talia , Craig Jonathan C. , Essue Beverley M. , Howard Kirsten , Wong Germaine , Howell Martin
Published: June 2023

Aim

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its treatment places a financial burden on healthcare systems and households worldwide, yet little is known of its financial impact, on those who reside in rural settings. We aimed to quantify the financial impacts and out‐of‐pocket expenditure experienced by adult rural patients with CKD in Australia.

Methods

A web based structured survey was completed between November 2020 and January 2021. English speaking participants over 18 years of age, diagnosed with CKD stages 3–5, those receiving dialysis or with a kidney transplant, who lived in a rural location in Australia.

Results

In total 77 (69% completion rate) participated. The mean out of pocket expenses were 5056 AUD annually (excluding private health insurance costs), 78% of households experienced financial hardship with 54% classified as experiencing financial catastrophe (out‐of‐pocket expenditure greater than 10% of household income). Mean distances to access health services for all rural and remote classifications was greater than 50 kilometres for specialist nephrology services and greater than 300 kilometres for transplanting centres. Relocation for a period greater than 3 months to access care was experienced by 24% of participants.

Conclusion

Rural households experience considerable financial hardship due to out‐of‐pocket costs in accessing treatment for CKD and other health‐related care, raising concerns about equity in Australia, a high‐income country with universal healthcare.
Back to the drawing board: re‐thinking growth–defense tradeoffs
Authors: van Velzen Ellen , Gaedke Ursula
Published: June 2023

Well‐established ecological equations such as logistic growth may carry implicit assumptions that are not immediately obvious. When such equations are adapted for a different context, missing awareness of their hidden assumptions can confound our conclusions. We demonstrate how this has happened in predator–prey models with rapid adaptation of prey defense to variable predation risk, where costs of defense typically manifest as a growth‐defense tradeoff. Assuming logistic prey growth, this tradeoff is often implemented as a reduced intrinsic growth rate, while the carrying capacity is unaffected. We show that this assumption is not only extremely ecologically unrealistic, but also results in highly problematic model behavior and destroys any potential for eco‐evolutionary or biomass‐trait feedbacks. To reconcile the problematic results of this assumption with its ubiquity in existing models with rapid adaptation, we conducted a literature survey of models on prey adaptation or predator–prey co‐adaptation. This reveals that many models, despite describing a tradeoff affecting only the intrinsic growth rate, do incorporate an additional cost affecting the carrying capacity, but in a way that is implicit and not acknowledged. It is this cost that drives the famous feedbacks between defense adaptation and predator–prey dynamics. Finally, we discuss the implications for existing theory on eco‐evolutionary dynamics, and provide guidelines for implementing growth‐defense tradeoffs in a more realistic way.
AnERPmeasure of non‐conscious memory reveals dissociable implicit processes in human recognition using an open‐source automated analytic pipeline
Authors: Addante Richard J. , Lopez‐Calderon Javier , Allen Nathaniel , Luck Carter , Muller Alana , Sirianni Lindsey , Inman Cory S. , Drane Daniel L.
Published: June 2023

Non‐conscious processing of human memory has traditionally been difficult to objectively measure and thus understand. A prior study on a group of hippocampal amnesia (N= 3) patients and healthy controls (N= 6) used a novel procedure for capturing neural correlates of implicit memory using event‐related potentials (ERPs): old and new items were equated for varying levels of memory awareness, with ERP differences observed from 400 to 800 ms in bilateral parietal regions that were hippocampal‐dependent. The current investigation sought to address the limitations of that study by increasing the sample of healthy subjects (N = 54), applying new controls for construct validity, and developing an improved, open‐source tool for automated analysis of the procedure used for equating levels of memory awareness. Results faithfully reproduced prior ERP findings of parietal effects that a series of systematic control analyses validated were not contributed to nor contaminated by explicit memory. Implicit memory effects extended from 600 to 1000 ms, localized to right parietal sites. These ERP effects were found to be behaviorally relevant and specific in predicting implicit memory response times, and were topographically dissociable from other traditional ERP measures of implicit memory (miss vs. correct rejections) that instead occurred in left parietal regions. Results suggest first that equating for reported awareness of memory strength is a valid, powerful new method for revealing neural correlates of non‐conscious human memory, and second, behavioral correlations suggest that these implicit effects reflect a pure form of priming, whereas misses represent fluency leading to the subjective experience of familiarity.
Do public pension programmes reduce elderly poverty in China?
Authors: Zhang Anqi , Imai Katsushi S.
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the impact of public programmes aiming to cover the entire population in China on elderly poverty in both rural and urban China. Using the three rounds of panel data based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011–2015, we examine whether public pension programmes reduced elderly poverty, comprehensively defined to cover both unidimensional and multidimensional poverty indices of the households and individuals. To utilise the longitudinal nature of the data, we apply the robust fixed‐effects (FE) model with propensity score matching (PSM) and the FE quantile model with PSM taking into account the unobservable individual characteristics. Our results show that public pension programmes reduced poverty in monetary and non‐monetary terms in rural areas, while the effect on labour market is not significant. The panel quantile regression results suggest that the programmes decreased inequality in both monetary and non‐monetary dimensions. However, poverty‐reducing and inequality‐reducing effects are not observed in urban areas. Our results provide strong evidence to underscore the success of the Chinese public pension programme in reducing poverty and inequality in both rural and urban areas.
Lobbying and innovation in the European Union
Authors: Dellis Konstantinos
Published: June 2023

Aside from anecdotal evidence, lobbying activities and the role of vested interests in the EU have not been scrutinized. This article attempts to cast focus on the relationship between lobbying and aspects of innovation in the EU. The modest performance of the EU compared to the innovation frontier has been attributed to an array of factors, one of which is the adverse effect of vested interests. The lack of new, innovative enterprises has been identified as a decisive factor behind the productivity stagnation and lobbying by incumbents poses as a credible culprit. In this article, I create a novel firm‐level database through the cross‐fertilization of data from the growing Transparency Register (EC and EP), AMADEUS (BvD), the OECD, Eurostat, and the European Commission in order to address the complex relationship between vested interests, innovation, and competition. The preliminary findings indicate that more R&D intensive firms tend to spend significantly larger amount of funds on lobbying, primarily competing for EU grants and government procurement. Using data for country‐sector concentration, I find that the relationship is stronger in the presence of low competition. Despite the improvements required in the documentation of lobbying activities, these results provide preliminary tangible evidence on the effect of vested interests on innovation performance.
Genotype List String 1.1: Extending the Genotype List String grammar for describing HLA and Killer‐cell Immunoglobulin‐like Receptor genotypes
Authors: Mack Steven J. , Schefzyk Daniel , Millius Robert P. , Maiers Martin , Hollenbach Jill A. , Pollack Jane , Heuer Michael L. , Gragert Loren , Spellman Stephen R. , Guethlein Lisbeth A. , Schneider Joel , Bochtler Werner , Eberhard Hans‐Peter , Robinson James , Marsh Steven G. E. , Schmidt Alexander H. , Hofmann Jan A. , Sauter Jürgen
Published: June 2023

The Genotype List (GL) String grammar for reporting HLA and Killer‐cell Immunoglobulin‐like Receptor (KIR) genotypes in a text string was described in 2013. Since this initial description, GL Strings have been used to describe HLA and KIR genotypes for more than 40 million subjects, allowing these data to be recorded, stored and transmitted in an easily parsed, text‐based format. After a decade of working with HLA and KIR data in GL String format, with advances in HLA and KIR genotyping technologies that have fostered the generation of full‐gene sequence data, the need for an extension of the GL String system has become clear. Here, we introduce the new GL String delimiter “?,” which addresses the need to describe ambiguity in assigning a gene sequence to gene paralogs. GL Strings that do not include a “?” delimiter continue to be interpreted as originally described. This extension represents version 1.1 of the GL String grammar.
HPIP is an essential scaffolding protein running through the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and drives tumorigenesis
Authors: Jiang Qiwei , Zhang Deyu , Liu Juan , Liang Chaoyang , Yang Ronghui , Zhang Cheng , Wu Jun , Lin Jing , Ye Tianxing , Ding Lihua , Li Jianbin , Gao Shan , Li Binghui , Ye Qinong
Published: June 2023

The EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway plays a key role in cancer development and progression. However, the integral assembly of EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complexes from the upstream component EGFR to the downstream component ERK is largely unknown. Here, we show that hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein (HPIP) interacts with all classical components of the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and forms at least two complexes with overlapping components. Experiments of HPIP knockout or knockdown and chemical inhibition of HPIP expression showed that HPIP is required for EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation, EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation, and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling–mediated promotion of aerobic glycolysis as well as cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. HPIP expression is correlated with EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation and predicts worse clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer. These results provide insights into EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling regulation and suggest that HPIP may be a promising therapeutic target for cancer with dysregulated EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling.
Fe/Co dual metal catalysts modulated by S-ligands for efficient acidic oxygen reduction in PEMFC
Authors: Liu Feng , Shi Lei , Lin Xuanni , Zhang Biao , Long Yongde , Ye Fenghui , Yan Riqing , Cheng Ruyi , Hu Chuangang , Liu Dong , Qiu Jieshan , Dai Liming
Published: June 2023

Here, we report a conceptual strategy for introducing spatial sulfur (S)–bridge ligands to regulate the coordination environment of Fe-Co-N dual-metal centers (Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC). Benefiting from the electronic modulation, Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC catalyst showed remarkably enhanced oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance with a half-wave potential (
E
1/2
) of 0.846 V and satisfactory long-term durability in acidic electrolyte. Combined experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the excellent acidic ORR activity with a remarkable stability observed for Spa-S-Fe,Co/NC is attributable to the optimal adsorption-desorption of ORR oxygenated intermediates achieved through charge-modulation of Fe-Co-N bimetallic centers by the spatial S-bridge ligands. These findings provide a unique perspective to regulate the local coordination environment of catalysts with dual-metal-centers to optimize their electrocatalytic performance.
Precursor recommendation for inorganic synthesis by machine learning materials similarity from scientific literature
Authors: He Tanjin , Huo Haoyan , Bartel Christopher J. , Wang Zheren , Cruse Kevin , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: June 2023

Synthesis prediction is a key accelerator for the rapid design of advanced materials. However, determining synthesis variables such as the choice of precursor materials is challenging for inorganic materials because the sequence of reactions during heating is not well understood. In this work, we use a knowledge base of 29,900 solid-state synthesis recipes, text-mined from the scientific literature, to automatically learn which precursors to recommend for the synthesis of a novel target material. The data-driven approach learns chemical similarity of materials and refers the synthesis of a new target to precedent synthesis procedures of similar materials, mimicking human synthesis design. When proposing five precursor sets for each of 2654 unseen test target materials, the recommendation strategy achieves a success rate of at least 82%. Our approach captures decades of heuristic synthesis data in a mathematical form, making it accessible for use in recommendation engines and autonomous laboratories.
Transcriptional signatures of heroin intake and relapse throughout the brain reward circuitry in male mice
Authors: Browne Caleb J. , Futamura Rita , Minier-Toribio Angélica , Hicks Emily M. , Ramakrishnan Aarthi , Martínez-Rivera Freddyson J. , Estill Molly , Godino Arthur , Parise Eric M. , Torres-Berrío Angélica , Cunningham Ashley M. , Hamilton Peter J. , Walker Deena M. , Huckins Laura M. , Hurd Yasmin L. , Shen Li , Nestler Eric J.
Published: June 2023

Opioid use disorder (OUD) looms as one of the most severe medical crises facing society. More effective therapeutics will require a deeper understanding of molecular changes supporting drug-taking and relapse. Here, we develop a brain reward circuit-wide atlas of opioid-induced transcriptional regulation by combining RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and heroin self-administration in male mice modeling multiple OUD-relevant conditions: acute heroin exposure, chronic heroin intake, context-induced drug-seeking following abstinence, and relapse. Bioinformatics analysis of this rich dataset identified numerous patterns of transcriptional regulation, with both region-specific and pan-circuit biological domains affected by heroin. Integration of RNA-seq data with OUD-relevant behavioral outcomes uncovered region-specific molecular changes and biological processes that predispose to OUD vulnerability. Comparisons with human OUD RNA-seq and genome-wide association study data revealed convergent molecular abnormalities and gene candidates with high therapeutic potential. These studies outline molecular reprogramming underlying OUD and provide a foundational resource for future investigations into mechanisms and treatment strategies.
Supplemental Material: The Paleoproterozoic granite factory: Voluminous post-collisional, ferroan, A-type granites and implications for crust formation and metallogenic tenor, Labrador, Canada
Authors: Hinchey A.M. , al. et
Published: June 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Methodology. Supplemental Data S1: Lithogeochemical data.
Patients with prediabetes are at greater risk of developing diabetes 5 months postacute SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Alexander Y. , Wang Stephen H. , Duong Tim Q.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Patients with prediabetes who contract SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) could be at higher risk of developing frank diabetes compared those who do not. This study aims to investigate the incidence of new-onset diabetes in patients with prediabetes after COVID-19 and if it differs from those not infected.

Research design and methods

Using electronic medical record data, 42 877 patients with COVID-19, 3102 were identified as having a history of prediabetes in the Montefiore Health System, Bronx, New York. During the same time period, 34 786 individuals without COVID-19 with history of prediabetes were identified and 9306 were propensity matched as controls. SARS-CoV-2 infection status was determined by a real-time PCR test between March 11, 2020 and August 17, 2022. The primary outcomes were new-onset in-hospital diabetes mellitus (I-DM) and new-onset persistent diabetes mellitus (P-DM) at 5 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

Compared with hospitalized patients without COVID-19 with history of prediabetes, hospitalized patients with COVID-19 with history of prediabetes had a higher incidence of I-DM (21.9% vs 6.02%, p<0.001) and of P-DM 5 months postinfection (14.75% vs 7.51%, p<0.001). Non-hospitalized patients with and without COVID-19 with history of prediabetes had similar incidence of P-DM (4.15% and 4.1%, p>0.05). Critical illness (HR 4.6 (95% CI 3.5 to 6.1), p<0.005), in-hospital steroid treatment (HR 2.88 (95% CI 2.2 to 3.8), p<0.005), SARS-CoV-2 infection status (HR 1.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.3), p<0.005), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.6 to 1.8), p<0.005) were significant predictors of I-DM. I-DM (HR 23.2 (95% CI 16.1 to 33.4), p<0.005), critical illness (HR 2.4 (95% CI 1.6 to 3.8), p<0.005), and HbA1c (HR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4), p<0.005) were significant predictors of P-DM at follow-up.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection confers a higher risk for developing persistent diabetes 5 months post-COVID-19 in patients with prediabetes who were hospitalized for COVID-19 compared with COVID-19-negative counterparts with prediabetes. In-hospital diabetes, critical illness, and elevated HbA1c are risk factors for developing persistent diabetes. Patients with prediabetes with severe COVID-19 disease may need more diligent monitoring for developing P-DM postacute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Medical students’ responses to uncertainty: a cross-sectional study using a new self-efficacy questionnaire in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Lee Ciara , Hall Katherine , Anakin Megan , Pinnock Ralph
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Responding well to clinical uncertainty is a crucial skill for any doctor. To better understand how medical students develop this skill, Social Cognitive Theory can be used to explore students’ perceived capability to respond to situations of uncertainty. This study aimed to construct a self-efficacy questionnaire and use it to measure medical students’ responses to clinical uncertainty.

Design

A 29-item questionnaire was constructed. For each item, participants rated their confidence in responding to uncertain situations using a scale of 0–100. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Setting

Aotearoa New Zealand.

Participants

The questionnaire was distributed to 716 of 852 medical students in second, fourth and sixth year, at the three campuses of the Otago Medical School.

Results

The Self-Efficacy to Respond to Clinical Uncertainty (SERCU) questionnaire was completed by 495 participants (69% response rate) and found to be highly reliable (α=0.93). Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a unidimensional scale. A multiple linear regression model predicted self-efficacy scores from year of study, age, mode of entry, gender and ethnicity, F(11,470) = 4.252, p<0.001 adj. R²=0.069. Male students and those admitted to the programme 3 years postdegree or with significant allied health experience were predicted to have significantly higher self-efficacy scores. Year of study was not a significant predictor of average efficacy scores.

Conclusions

Our research contributes a novel, highly reliable questionnaire that uses self-efficacy to measure medical student responses to uncertainty. The questionnaire revealed that students’ confidence in responding to uncertainty may be more related to their background and life experience than to progression through the curriculum. Medical educators and researchers can use the SERCU questionnaire to obtain a new perspective on how their students respond to uncertainty, inform future research and tailor teaching about uncertainty.
Clinical use of remdesivir in COVID-19 treatment: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pham Hong Tham , Mai-Phan Tuong-Anh , Vu Anh Kiet , Truong Thi Ha , Tran Minh-Hoang
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study investigated remdesivir’s clinical use to provide direct evidence of effectiveness for a low-middle income Asian setting.

Design

A one-to-one propensity score matching retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital with COVID-19 treatment facilities in Vietnam.

Participants

A total of 310 patients in standard of care (SoC) group were matched with 310 patients in SoC+remdesivir (SoC+R) group.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was time to critical progression, defined as all-cause mortality or critical illness. The secondary outcomes were length of oxygen therapy/ventilation and need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Outcome reports were presented as HR, OR or effect difference with 95% CI.

Results

Patients receiving remdesivir had a lower risk for mortality or critical illness (HR=0.68, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.96, p=0.030). Remdesivir was not associated with a shorter length of oxygen therapy/ventilation (effect difference −0.17 days, 95% CI −1.29 to 0.96, p=0.774). The need for invasive mechanical ventilation was lower in SoC+R group (OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86, p=0.007).

Conclusions

This study’s results showing remdesivir’s benefits in non-critical patients with COVID-19 may be extrapolated to other similar low-middle income countries, allowing more regimens for limited resource areas and reducing poor outcomes and equity gap worldwide.
Mental health and well-being in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among different population subgroups: evidence from representative longitudinal data in Germany
Authors: Jaschke Philipp , Kosyakova Yuliya , Kuche Coline , Walther Lena , Goßner Laura , Jacobsen Jannes , Ta Thi Minh Tam , Hahn Eric , Hans Silke , Bajbouj Malek
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To examine potential deteriorations in mental health and well-being in the first COVID-19 pandemic year compared with the previous decade focusing on the following vulnerable subgroups in Germany: women with minor children in the household, those living without a partner, younger and older adults, those in a precarious labour market situation, immigrants and refugees, and those with pre-existing physical or mental health risks.

Design

Analyses of secondary longitudinal survey data using cluster-robust pooled ordinary least squares models.

Participants

More than 20 000 individuals (aged 16+ years) in Germany.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Mental Component Summary Scale (MCS) of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey measuring mental health-related quality of life, single item on life satisfaction (LS).

Results

We find a decline in the average MCS in the 2020 survey that is not particularly striking in the overall time course, still resulting in a mean score below those of all preceding waves since 2010. We find no change in LS from 2019 to 2020 against the background of a general upward trend. Regarding vulnerability factors, only the results on age and parenthood are partially in line with our expectations. In 2020, LS declined among the youngest adults; MCS declined among mothers (and women and men without children) but not fathers. Unlike respective comparison groups, refugees, those unemployed before the pandemic and those with pre-existing mental health risks experienced no MCS declines in 2020, whereas persons living without a partner, the eldest, and those with pre-existing health risks exhibited continued increases in LS.

Conclusions

There is no evidence for substantial breakdowns in mental health or subjective well-being in the first pandemic year in the German population or its subgroups, particularly when considering developments of the previous decade. Since the majority of hypothesised vulnerable groups to pandemic stressors showed more stable MCS and LS, our results warrant further study.
Facilitators and barriers for vaccination in patients with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Andreica Ioana , Roman Iulia , Redeker Imke , Baraliakos Xenofon , Braun Juergen , Kiltz Uta
Published: June 2023

Introduction

To identify facilitators and barriers towards vaccination in general and specifically against pneumococci, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in patients with rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).

Methods

Between February and April 2021, consecutive patients with RMD were asked to complete a structured questionnaire on general knowledge about vaccination, personal attitudes and perceived facilitators and barriers towards vaccination. General facilitators (n=12) and barriers (n=15) and more specific ones for vaccination against pneumococci, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 were assessed. Likert scales had four response options: from 1 (completely disagree) to 4 (completely agree). Patient and disease characteristics, their vaccination records and attitudes towards vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 were assessed.

Results

441 patients responded to the questionnaire. Knowledge about vaccination was decent in ≥70% of patients, but <10% of patients doubted its effectiveness. Statements on facilitators were generally more favourable than on barriers. Facilitators for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were not different from vaccination in general. Societal and organisational facilitators were more often named than interpersonal or intrapersonal facilitators. Most patients indicated that recommendations of their healthcare professional would encourage them to be vaccinated—without preference for general practitioner or rheumatologists. There were more barriers towards SARS-CoV-2 vaccination than to vaccination in general. Intrapersonal issues were most frequently reported as a barrier. Statistically significant differences in response patterns to nearly all barriers between patients classified as definitely willing, probably willing and unwilling to receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were noted.

Discussion

Facilitators towards vaccination were more important than barriers. Most barriers against vaccination were intrapersonal issues. Societal facilitators identified support strategies in that direction.