bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceremonial implementation at overseas locations: a multi-case study of a bilateral development agency
Authors: Fushimi Katsutoshi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Prior institutional duality research asserts that ceremonial implementation of organisational practice protects multinational corporations’ subsidiaries. However, the temporal dynamics of the safeguarding function has been under researched. Public sector organisations have also been ignored. This research aims to explore how the safeguarding function is created, maintained and disrupted using the overseas offices (OOs) of a bilateral development agency (BDA) as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-case study, underpinned by neo-institutionalism, was conducted. Data obtained from in-depth remote interviews with 39 informants from the BDA OOs were analysed using the “asking small and large questions” technique, four analytical techniques, cross-case synthesis and theoretical propositions.

Findings

A three-phase process was identified. The first phase is the appearance of discrepancies due to institutional duality. The second is the emergence of ceremonial implementation as a solution. In the third phase, “the creation, maintenance and disruption of a safeguarding function” begins. When ceremonial implementation successfully protects the OOs, the safeguarding function is created. The OOs are likely to repeat ceremonial implementation, thus sustaining the function. Meanwhile, when conditions such as management staff change, ceremonial implementation may not take place, and the safeguarding function disappears.

Research limitations/implications

The BDA OOs may not face strong host country regulative pressures because they are donors to aid-recipient countries. Hence, the findings may not directly apply to other public sector organisations.

Practical implications

Development cooperation practitioners should understand that ceremonial implementation is not exclusively harmful.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first institutional duality research that explores the temporal dynamics of safeguarding functions targeting public sector organisations.
Can online interactions help level the playing field for firms in different regions?
Authors: Chang Yuxuan , Zhao Xiaoyang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper examines whether technological changes that promote communications between investors and managers help bridge the gap in the cost of equity capital among firms in different regions.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the online interaction platforms of listed firms in China and utilize brokerage presence (BP) to capture the geographic distribution of financial factors. We explore whether online interactions would reduce the cost of equity to a greater extent for firms located in low brokerage presence regions (hereafter “low-BP firms”) than those in high brokerage presence regions (hereafter “high-BP firms”).

Findings

We find low-BP firms benefit more from an improved information environment created by online interactions. We also find that posts about low-BP firms are more value-relevant and useful in processing corporate disclosures. Further, a higher number of interactions significantly enhances more informational efficiency for low-BP firms, and the effect of reducing the gap in financing costs is more pronounced when corporate information is complex.

Originality/value

We conclude that online interactions alleviate geography-induced information frictions and create a relatively level playing field for firms located in all regions.
Mastering digital leadership capabilities for business model innovation: the role of managerial decision-making and grants
Authors: Faiz Misbah , Sarwar Naukhez , Tariq Adeel , Memon Mumtaz Ali
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Research has shown that business model innovation can facilitate most ventures to innovate and remain competitive, yet there has been limited work on how digital leadership capabilities influence business model innovation. Building on the dynamic capabilities view, we address this gap by linking digital leadership capabilities with business model innovation via managerial decision-making through provision of grants received by new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is cross-sectional research. Data have been collected utilizing purposive sampling from 313 founding members of new ventures in high-velocity markets, i.e. from Pakistan. SPSS has been used to conduct the moderated mediation analysis.

Findings

Digital leadership capabilities foster the business model innovation of the new ventures because they enable new ventures to capitalize on digital technologies and create new ways of generating value for the customers and themselves. Moreover, managerial decision-making mediates digital leadership capabilities and business model innovation relationship, whereas, grants moderate the indirect positive effect of digital leadership capabilities on business model innovation via managerial decision-making. The study generates initial evidence on the impact of digital leadership capabilities on business model innovation via managerial decision-making for new ventures. We advance knowledge on new ventures’ business model innovation by deep-diving into dynamic capabilities view and emphasizing digital leadership capabilities as a significant driver for business model innovation.

Originality/value

With the help of dynamic capabilities theory, this study analyzes how new ventures make use of digital leadership capabilities to promote business model innovation.
Mechanical properties and failure modes of additively-manufactured chiral metamaterials based on Euclidean tessellations: an experimental and finite element study
Authors: Mizzi Luke , Simonetti Arrigo , Spaggiari Andrea
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The “chiralisation” of Euclidean polygonal tessellations is a novel, recent method which has been used to design new auxetic metamaterials with complex topologies and improved geometric versatility over traditional chiral honeycombs. This paper aims to design and manufacture chiral honeycombs representative of four distinct classes of 2D Euclidean tessellations with hexagonal rotational symmetry using fused-deposition additive manufacturing and experimentally analysed the mechanical properties and failure modes of these metamaterials.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite Element simulations were also used to study the high-strain compressive performance of these systems under both periodic boundary conditions and realistic, finite conditions. Experimental uniaxial compressive loading tests were applied to additively manufactured prototypes and digital image correlation was used to measure the Poisson’s ratio and analyse the deformation behaviour of these systems.

Findings

The results obtained demonstrate that these systems have the ability to exhibit a wide range of Poisson’s ratios (positive, quasi-zero and negative values) and stiffnesses as well as unusual failure modes characterised by a sequential layer-by-layer collapse of specific, non-adjacent ligaments. These findings provide useful insights on the mechanical properties and deformation behaviours of this new class of metamaterials and indicate that these chiral honeycombs could potentially possess anomalous characteristics which are not commonly found in traditional chiral metamaterials based on regular monohedral tilings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors have analysed for the first time the high strain behaviour and failure modes of chiral metamaterials based on Euclidean multi-polygonal tessellations.
RIDGE, a tool tailored to detect gene flow barriers across species pairs
Authors: Burban Ewen , Tenaillon Maud I. , Glémin Sylvain
Published: February 2024

Characterizing the processes underlying reproductive isolation between diverging lineages is central to understanding speciation. Here, we present RIDGE—Reproductive Isolation Detection using Genomic polymorphisms—a tool tailored for quantifying gene flow barrier proportion and identifying the relevant genomic regions. RIDGE relies on an Approximate Bayesian Computation with a model‐averaging approach to accommodate diverse scenarios of lineage divergence. It captures heterogeneity in effective migration rate along the genome while accounting for variation in linked selection and recombination. The barrier detection test relies on numerous summary statistics to compute a Bayes factor, offering a robust statistical framework that facilitates cross‐species comparisons. Simulations revealed RIDGE's efficiency in capturing signals of ongoing migration. Model averaging proved particularly valuable in scenarios of high model uncertainty where no migration or migration homogeneity can be wrongly assumed, typically for recent divergence times <0.1 2Ne generations. Applying RIDGE to four published crow data sets, we first validated our tool by identifying a well‐known large genomic region associated with mate choice patterns. Second, while we identified a significant overlap of outlier loci using RIDGE and traditional genomic scans, our results suggest that a substantial portion of previously identified outliers are likely false positives. Outlier detection relies on allele differentiation, relative measures of divergence and the count of shared polymorphisms and fixed differences. Our analyses also highlight the value of incorporating multiple summary statistics including our newly developed outlier ones that can be useful in challenging detection conditions.
A founder variant expands the phenotype of WNT7B‐related PDAC syndrome
Authors: AlAbdi Lama , Rahbeeni Zuhair , Maddirevula Sateesh , Helaby Rana , Abdulwahab Firdous , Khan Arif O. , Riley Lisa G. , Alhashem Amal , Chassaing Nicolas , Jamieson Robyn V. , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary hypoplasia, Diaphragmatic anomalies, Anophthalmia/microphthalmia, and Cardiac defects (PDAC) syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous multiple congenital malformation syndrome. Although pathogenic variants in RARB and STRA6 are established causes of PDAC, many PDAC cases remain unsolved at the molecular level. Recently, we proposed biallelic WNT7B variants as a novel etiology based on several families with typical features of PDAC syndrome albeit with variable expressivity. Here, we report three patients from two families that share a novel founder variant in WNT7B (c.739C > T; Arg247Trp). The phenotypic expression of this variant ranges from typical PDAC features to isolated genitourinary anomalies. Similar to previously reported PDAC‐associated WNT7B variants, this variant was found to significantly impair WNT7B signaling activity further corroborating its proposed pathogenicity. This report adds further evidence to WNT7B‐related PDAC and expands its variable expressivity.
Accuracy of edentulous full‐arch implant impression: An in vitro comparison between conventional impression, intraoral scan with and without splinting, and photogrammetry
Authors: Cheng Jing , Zhang Haidong , Liu Hailin , Li Junying , Wang Hom‐Lay , Tao Xian
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the trueness and precision of complete arch implant impressions using conventional impression, intraoral scanning with and without splinting, and stereophotogrammetry.

Materials and Methods

An edentulous model with six implants was used in this study. Four implant impression techniques were compared: the conventional impression (CI), intraoral scanning (IOS) without splinting, intraoral scanning with splinting (MIOS), and stereophotogrammetry (SPG). An industrial blue light scanner was used to generate the baseline scan from the model. The CI was captured with a laboratory scanner. The reference best‐fit method was then applied in the computer‐aided design (CAD) software to compute the three‐dimensional, angular, and linear discrepancies among the four impression techniques. The root mean square (RMS) 3D discrepancies in trueness and precision between the four impression groups were analyzed with a Kruskal–Wallis test. Trueness and precision between single analogs were assessed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Significant differences in the overall trueness (p = .017) and precision (p < .001) were observed across four impression groups. The SPG group exhibited significantly smaller RMS 3D deviations than the CI, IOS, and MIOS groups (p < .05), with no significant difference detected among the latter three groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

Stereophotogrammetry showed superior trueness and precision, meeting misfit thresholds for implant‐supported complete arch prostheses. Intraoral scanning, while accurate like conventional impressions, exhibited cross‐arch angular and linear deviations. Adding a splint to the scan body did not improve intraoral scanning accuracy.
1085. Monarda punctata L.
Authors: Rix Martyn , King Christabel
Published: February 2024

Monarda punctata, the spotted bee‐balm or dotted horsemint, is illustrated from plants growing in the North American Prairie planting at Wakehurst Place; its history, ecology, pollination and cultivation are described.
Expanding Critical Thinking into “Critical Being” Through Wonder and Wu‐Wei
Authors: Normile Ian
Published: February 2024

Ian Normile begins this study from the premise that critical thinking is often conceptualized and practiced in problematically narrow and instrumentalized ways. Following Ronald Barnett, he suggests that the idea of critical being can help expand the theory and practice of critical thinking to better meet the needs of education and society. Essential to this effort is greater consideration of how critical thinking articulates with other aspects of being. Normile uses two examples of “non‐critical” experiences that he argues can help critical thinking expand into critical being. First, he explores the emotive power of wonder as a source of inspiration and emotional education, and as an essential aspect of critical thinking. He then argues that curiosity, wonder, contemplation, and critical thinking are complementary aspects of critical being. The second example is the Chinese concept of wu‐wei, a form of efficacious non‐critical action. Normile argues that inevitable breakdowns in wu‐wei provide opportunities for critical reflection while the unlearning common to both wonder and wu‐wei facilitates receptivity to new perspectives and possibilities beyond the boundaries of the familiar; in this state, one is capable of facilitating the metacritique that is essential to truly transformative critical thinking. Normile concludes with some brief thoughts on implications for practice as a starting point for further inquiry.
In memoriam: Todd S. Ing, MD
Authors: Daugirdas John T. , Li Philip Kam‐Tao , Wrong Michela
Published: February 2024

This special article describes the achievements and impact of Dr. Todd Siu‐Toa Ing, MBBS, (1933–2023) on the field of nephrology as recounted by a colleague from Hong Kong, a U.S. nephrologist ex‐trainee, and the daughter of an important mentor. Dr. Ing was a founding member of the International Society for Hemodialysis. He made important discoveries regarding the diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis and electrolyte transport in the gastrointestinal tract and published many innovative findings relating to peritoneal and hemodialysis. He was especially interested in nephrology and dialysis education and was co‐editor of a Handbook of Dialysis that has been in publication in five editions since 1988 with translation into many foreign languages. Dr. Ing was very supportive of nephrology in China as well as Chinese nephrologists practicing in the United States, and was a founding member of the Chinese American Society of Nephrology.
Expert consensus on perioperative integrated skincare for noninvasive energy‐based device aesthetic procedures in clinical practice in China
Authors: Zhang Chengfeng , Song Weimin , Yu Bo , Chen Xiangdong , Fan Weixin , Gao Lin , Gu Jun , Hao Fei , He Wei , Ju Qiang , Li Hengjin , Liu Hongmei , Liang Hong , Li Kai , Li Shanshan , Lin Tong , Liu Wei , Li Xueli , Liu Zhenfeng , Qin Xiaolei , Ren Jie , Wang Baoxi , Wu Wenyu , Wang Weizhen , Xu Xiaoke , Xie Hongfu , Yang Bin , Yuan Chao , Yan Yan , Zhang Wei , Zhang Wei , Zou Ying , Zhao Xiaozhong , Zheng Zhizhong , Zhou Zhanchao , Wu Yan , Xiang Leihong
Published: February 2024

Background

Noninvasive energy‐based device (NI‐EBD) aesthetic procedures has recently gained widespread usage for treating various skin conditions, enhancing skin texture and performing rejuvenation‐related procedures. However, practically all NI‐EBD procedures result in variable degrees of damage to the skin barrier, inducing pathological and physiological processes such as oxidative stress and inflammation, and only a small percentage of individuals possess the innate ability to restore it.

Objective

To introduce the concept of integrated skincare and establish standardized operational procedures for perioperative integrated skincare, and furnish a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment performed by professional medical aestheticians.

Methods

The author leveraged domestic and international guidelines, clinical practice expertise and evidence‐based research, adapting them to suit the specific circumstances in China.

Results

The consensus were provided four parts, including concept and essence of integrated skincare, integrated skincare significance during the perioperative phase of NI‐EBD procedures, active ingredients and functions of effective skincare products, standardized perioperative skincare procedure for NI‐EBD procedures and precautions. For the standardized perioperative skincare procedure, four recommendations were listed according to different stages during NI‐EBD procedures.

Conclusion

These recommendations create the ‘Expert Consensus on Perioperative Integrated Skincare for Noninvasive Energy‐Based Device Aesthetic Procedures in Clinical Practice in China’.
Chemotaxis of Tuta absoluta to tomato plants exposed to methyl jasmonate and conspecific injuries
Authors: Weber Nelson Cristiano , Sant'Ana Josué , Redaelli Luiza Rodrigues , de Assis Larissa Souza
Published: February 2024

Plants have developed chemical defence strategies which can either be triggered in response to herbivory or by the exogenous application of phytohormones, such as methyl jasmonate (MeJa). Tuta absoluta is the main pest associated with tomatoes worldwide. However, studies on the impact of plant hormones on this system are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the chemotactic responses and oviposition of T. absoluta towards tomato plants induced by MeJa and herbivory injuries. We conducted dual‐choice olfactometry bioassays evaluating the response of virgin T. absoluta males and females exposed to plants with conspecifics (eggs and caterpillars) and sprayed with MeJa (0.5 mM) at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the treatments. We also evaluated the oviposition preference of mated T. absoluta with the chance of choosing plants exposed to water, herbivory and three phytohormone concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mM). The males were mostly responsive to plants with conspecifics, while the females preferred intact plants over those sprayed with MeJa and with the presence of eggs. Furthermore, plants with MeJa (0.5 and 2.5 mM) and injured by conspecifics had less oviposition by T. absoluta. The results show that spraying MeJa on tomato plants is a potential tool for managing and controlling the tomato moth.
In vitro effects of phytogenic feed additive on Piscirickettsia salmonis growth and biofilm formation
Authors: Santibáñez Natacha , Vega Matías , Pérez Tatiana , Enriquez Ricardo , Escalona Carla Estefanía , Oliver Cristian , Romero Alex
Published: February 2024

Piscirickettsiosis is the main cause of mortality in salmonids of commercial importance in Chile, which is caused by Piscirickettsia salmonis, a Gram‐negative, γ‐proteobacteria that can produce biofilm as one of its virulence factors. The Chilean salmon industry uses large amounts of antibiotics to control piscirickettsiosis outbreaks, which has raised concern about its environmental impact and the potential to induce antibiotic resistance. Thus, the use of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) with antibacterial activity emerges as an interesting alternative to antimicrobials. Our study describes the antimicrobial action of an Andrographis paniculate‐extracted PFA on P. salmonis planktonic growth and biofilm formation. We observed complete inhibition of planktonic and biofilm growth with 500 and 400 μg/mL of PFA for P. salmonis LF‐89 and EM‐90‐like strains, respectively. Furthermore, 500 μg/mL of PFA was bactericidal for both evaluated bacterial strains. Sub‐inhibitory doses of PFA increase the transcript levels of stress (groEL), biofilm (pslD), and efflux pump (acrB) genes for both P. salmonis strains in planktonic and sessile conditions. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the antibacterial effect of PFA against P. salmonis in vitro, highlighting the potential of PFA as an alternative to control Piscirickettsiosis.
Potential to grow carp oedema virus (genogroup I) in monolayers of carp‐derived primary cells with further implication in cell analysis
Authors: Abdelsalam Ehdaa Eltayeb Eltigani , Bláhová Zuzana , Baloch Ali Asghar , Piačková Veronika
Published: February 2024

Carp oedema virus (CEV) has distinct molecularly identified genogroups of viral mutations, denoted as I, IIa, and IIb. Failure to propagate CEV in vitro limits studies towards understanding its interactions with host cells. Here, virus isolates belonging to genogroup I collected during natural outbreaks in the Czech Republic were employed for routine CEV cultivation in monolayers of carp‐derived primary cells, common carp brain (CCB) cells, and epithelioma papulosum cyprinid (EPC) cells. Induction of cytopathic effects (CPEs) was observed and recorded in affected cells. Cell survival rate was evaluated under serial dilutions of the CEV inoculum. Virus cell entry was quantified and visualized by qPCR and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Study findings indicate primary gills epithelia likely present the most suitable matrix for CEV growth in vitro. Cells of the head kidney and spleen facilitate virus entry with microscopically confirmed CPEs and the presence of cytoplasmic pleomorphic virus particles. Cells of the trunk kidney and gonads are unlikely to permit virus cell entry and CPEs development. Although CEV cultivation in cell lines was inconclusive, EPC cells were CEV permissible. Monolayers of carp‐derived primary cells show promise for CEV cultivation that could enable elaborate study of mechanisms underlying cellular binding and responses.
Isomerization of maltose to maltulose by microwave heating, using arginine as a catalyst
Authors: Khuwijitjaru Pramote , Kobayashi Takashi , Adachi Shuji
Published: February 2024

Microwave heating was applied to isomerize maltose to maltulose, using arginine as a catalyst. The initial molar ratio of arginine/maltose was kept constant at 0.05. Maltulose yields of 0.28–0.30 were achieved within 90–400 s, dependent on the microwave power and the volume of the substrate solution but not on the initial concentration of maltose, indicating that isomerization of maltose by microwave heating is highly productive. Independent of the power of the microwave oven and the volume of the substrate solution, the fraction of remaining maltose, the yield of maltulose, the pH of the reaction mixture, and its absorbance at 280 and 420 nm could be expressed as a function of energy density, which was defined as the amount of energy absorbed per unit volume of the reaction mixture. This indicates that the operating conditions for the isomerization of maltose to maltulose by microwave heating can be determined based on the energy density.

Practical applications

Isomerization of aldose saccharides to their rare keto‐isomers in the presence of arginine in a heated aqueous solution is a green and effective process. To further improve the process efficiency, microwave heating can be employed. This study also demonstrated that a so‐called “energy density” can be used to determine the operating condition for the isomerization of sugar by microwave heating.
Constipated patients with functional defecatory disorder have secondary rectal hyposensitivity due to altered rectal biomechanics
Authors: Woo Matthew , Pandey Armaan , Li Dorothy , Buresi Michelle , Nasser Yasmin , Andrews Christopher N
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

Rectal hyposensitivity (RH) is common in constipation and often coexists with functional defecatory disorder (FDD). Rectal sensory thresholds are routinely evaluated with the anorectal manometry probe; however, the gold standard for the assessment of rectal sensitivity is with a barostat, use of which is limited by time constraints and availability. A novel rapid barostat bag (RBB) may facilitate measurements of rectal sensitivity. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between RH (measured by the RBB) and FDD (defined as any minor disorder of rectoanal coordination by the London classification) in constipated patients.

Methods

Consecutive constipated patients referred for anorectal function testing underwent anorectal manometry with the 3D‐HDAM probe as well as rectal sensation testing with the RBB pump. RH was defined by volume to first sensation >30%, urge to defecate >80%, or discomfort >100% (normalized to rectal capacity).

Results

Fifty‐three percent of constipated patients had RH. Patients with FDD had a significantly increased volume to first sensation (134.5 mL vs 102.0, P = 0.02), urge to defecate (187.0 mL vs 149.0, P = 0.04), and rectal capacity (253.5 mL vs 209.0, P = 0.04) compared to constipated patients without FDD. There was no difference in normalized sensory thresholds (percent of rectal capacity) nor the prevalence of hyposensitivity to each sensory threshold nor overall hyposensitivity.

Conclusion

Patients with FDD, when measured with the RBB, have increased sensory thresholds on volumetric distension, but RH was not observed when sensory threshold volume were normalized to rectal capacity. This may reflect “secondary” RH due to altered rectal biomechanics.
PARVB and HSD17B13 variants are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children
Authors: Lee Kyung Jae , Moon Jin Soo , Lim Jin Gyu , Huh Homin , Ahn Jeong Eun , Kim Lia , Kim Nan Young , Ko Jae Sung
Published: February 2024

Background and Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the comprehensive genetic effects of exploratory variants of LYPLAL1, GCKR, HSD17B13, TRIB1, APOC3, MBOAT7, and PARVB on pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in addition to the previously reported variants of TM6SF2, PNPLA3, and SAMM50 in Korean children.

Methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted involving 309 patients diagnosed using ultrasound and 339 controls. Anthropometric measurements, liver function tests, and metabolic marker analysis were conducted, and fibrosis scores were calculated. Transient elastography was performed in 69 some patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. TaqMan allelic discrimination assays were used for genotyping. The genetic risk scores were calculated using significant variants, namely, HSD17B13, PARVB, PNPLA3, SAMM50, and TM6SF2, to evaluate the additive effect.

Results

Risk allele carriers of the PARVB variant showed significantly higher levels of aminotransferases, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score, and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index. Individuals with a homozygous variant of HSD17B13 showed significantly lower levels of aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, liver stiffness measurement, and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index than those with other genotypes. These parameters did not significantly differ among other variants of LYPLAL1, GCKR, TRIB1, APOC3, and MBOAT7. The genetic risk scores was identified as an independent risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and had a positive association with severity.

Conclusion

HSD17B13 has protective effects on the severity of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Variants of HSD17B13, PARVB, PNPLA3, SAMM50, and TM6SF2 had an additive effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
What is new in flexor tendon pulleys and the gaps between them in triphalangeal fingers of the hand?
Authors: De Las Heras Julio , Simón de Blas Clara , Salaberri Guillermo José , Krompas Ioannis , Olewnik Lukasz , Quinones Sara , García‐Elías Marc , Sanudo José Ramón , Aragonés Paloma
Published: February 2024

The flexor tendon pulleys in the fingers of the hand are fibrous structures of variable size, shape, and thickness that cover the synovial sheath of these tendons. Despite their clinical relevance, their arrangement and configuration in each of the triphalangeal fingers have been little studied and with small sample sizes. 192 triphalangeal fingers belonging to 48 fresh body donors' hands were dissected. Multivariate analysis was carried out. Twenty‐five cases (52%) were left hands, and 26 of the 48 hands belonged to female donors (54.2%). The results were analyzed by fingers for each of the 5 annular pulleys, the 3 cruciform pulleys and the gaps between them. In addition, the most and least frequent configurations of the pulleys in each of the fingers were studied, observing that the classic pattern with all the pulleys appeared only in 3 fingers (1.56%), while the most frequent pattern was A1‐A2‐C1‐A3‐A4, which was seen in 35 fingers (18.22%).

Conclusions

The flexor pulleys in the triphalangeal fingers of the hand have shown enormous variability in arrangement and shape, and also rarely appear all in the same finger. This peculiar anatomical arrangement can help the different professionals who perform their clinical work in this region.
Effect of deletion of the protein kinase PRKD1 on development of the mouse embryonic heart
Authors: Waheed‐Ullah Qazi , Wilsdon Anna , Abbad Aseel , Rochette Sophie , Bu'Lock Frances , Hitz Marc‐Phillip , Dombrowsky Gregor , Cuello Friederike , Brook J. David , Loughna Siobhan
Published: February 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly, with an overall incidence of approximately 1% in the United Kingdom. Exome sequencing in large CHD cohorts has been performed to provide insights into the genetic aetiology of CHD. This includes a study of 1891 probands by our group in collaboration with others, which identified three novel genes—CDK13, PRKD1, and CHD4, in patients with syndromic CHD. PRKD1 encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase, which is important in a variety of fundamental cellular functions. Individuals with a heterozygous mutation in PRKD1 may have facial dysmorphism, ectodermal dysplasia and may have CHDs such as pulmonary stenosis, atrioventricular septal defects, coarctation of the aorta and bicuspid aortic valve. To obtain a greater appreciation for the role that this essential protein kinase plays in cardiogenesis and CHD, we have analysed a Prkd1 transgenic mouse model (Prkd1em1) carrying deletion of exon 2, causing loss of function. High‐resolution episcopic microscopy affords detailed morphological 3D analysis of the developing heart and provides evidence for an essential role of Prkd1 in both normal cardiac development and CHD. We show that homozygous deletion of Prkd1 is associated with complex forms of CHD such as atrioventricular septal defects, and bicuspid aortic and pulmonary valves, and is lethal. Even in heterozygotes, cardiac differences occur. However, given that 97% of Prkd1 heterozygous mice display normal heart development, it is likely that one normal allele is sufficient, with the defects seen most likely to represent sporadic events. Moreover, mRNA and protein expression levels were investigated by RT‐qPCR and western immunoblotting, respectively. A significant reduction in Prkd1 mRNA levels was seen in homozygotes, but not heterozygotes, compared to WT littermates. While a trend towards lower PRKD1 protein expression was seen in the heterozygotes, the difference was only significant in the homozygotes. There was no compensation by the related Prkd2 and Prkd3 at transcript level, as evidenced by RT‐qPCR. Overall, we demonstrate a vital role of Prkd1 in heart development and the aetiology of CHD.
Vertical Collusion to Exclude Product Improvement*
Authors: Gilo David , Yehezkel Yaron
Published: February 2024

A manufacturer of an established product repeatedly interacts with a retailer that can sell an inferior new product thereby improving it. The manufacturer's exclusionary strategy consists of a permanently below‐cost wholesale price and “vertical collusion” with the retailer to exclude via a future reward of a reduced fixed fee. The latter tool is available only in an infinite game. Although contracts include fixed fees, the retailer sells the new product more than what maximizes industry profits. Exclusive dealing or a vertical merger between the manufacturer of the established product and the retailer replicate the vertically integrated outcome and increase prices.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of oral deracoxib in geese (Anser anser domesticus)
Authors: Fadel Charbel , Łebkowska‐Wieruszewska Beata , Poapolathep Amnart , Serih Firas , Bourdo Krzysztof , Giorgi Mario
Published: February 2024

The integration of pain management in veterinary practice, driven by heightened animal welfare concerns, extends to avian species where subtle and nonspecific behavioral signs pose challenges. Given that safety concerns with classical NSAIDs highlight the need for more targeted alternatives in birds, this study explores the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of Deracoxib (DX), a COX‐2 selective NSAID approved for use in dogs, following a single oral administration in geese. Six healthy female geese received 4 mg/kg DX. Blood was drawn from the left wing vein to heparinized tubes at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h. Plasma DX concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to an UV detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analyzed using PKanalix™ software in a non‐compartmental approach. The results indicated a terminal half‐life of 6.3 h and a Tmax of 1 h, with no observed adverse effects. While refraining from claiming absolute safety based on a single dose, it is worth highlighting that further safety studies for DX in geese are warranted, suggesting a possibility for intermittent use. In addition, drawing conclusions on efficacy and suitability awaits further research, particularly in understanding COX‐2 selectivity and protein binding characteristics specific to geese.
The Promise and Peril of Constituent Interactions: The Determinants of Town Hall Participation Among Members of Congress
Authors: Gibson Nadine S. , King Aaron S.
Published: February 2024

Even before its founding, town hall meetings have been woven into the fabric of American politics as a quintessential tool in a representative democracy. We might expect legislators would host these events with routine frequency; however, our research shows this conventional wisdom is inaccurate. While town halls may strengthen the legislator‐constituent relationship, they also carry risk, especially in our polarized political climate. We argue the decision to engage with constituents in this way is a two‐step process: first, legislators decide whether to participate in town halls or not; second, they determine the frequency (and modality) of these interactions. We consider several factors to explain the variation of town hall participation among members of Congress, including partisanship and gender, as well as several electoral and district‐level factors. By combining a unique data set of nearly 11,000 congressional town hall meetings from 2017 to 2022 (115th–117th Congresses) with biographical and political information about legislators and their districts, we uncover compelling evidence to suggest legislators make strategic calculations of whether to participate in town hall meetings and how to do so. In the end, our work adds to the growing literature on the modern electoral connection.
Salinity tolerance of fishes: Experimental approaches and implications for aquaculture production
Authors: Seale Andre P. , Cao Ke , Chang Ryan J. A. , Goodearly Tyler R. , Malintha G. H. T. , Merlo Reilly S. , Peterson Taylor L. , Reighard Jasmine R.
Published: February 2024

The life history, distribution and diversity of fishes are largely influenced by environmental salinity. Changes in salinity affect a range of physiological processes including metabolism, nutrition, reproduction and growth. Therefore, fish can be conditioned to environmental parameters most suitable for production, where distinct traits are optimised through species‐specific manipulation of salinities. The primary purpose of this review is to summarise the existing literature on the salinity tolerance of aquacultured fish. The various experimental approaches for determining salinity tolerance are compared, along with summarised information for key species employed in aquaculture, including their native distributions, life history stage and optimal salinity for survival and growth. The implications for production were assessed by considering the effects of salinity on growth, reproduction, management, disease mitigation and marketability.
Citizens’ perceptions of the quality of democracy in the American states
Authors: Flavin Patrick , Shufeldt Gregory
Published: February 2024

Objective

We examine the relationship between citizens’ evaluations of democratic performance in their state of residence and demographic, political, and institutional factors.

Methods

We fielded two original surveys (summer 2021 and summer 2022) that asked respondents to evaluate democratic performance in their state both in general and for specific metrics.

Results

Citizens who identify with the political party that controls state government have more positive evaluations of state democratic performance while Republicans (controlling for a litany of covariates) have more negative evaluations. Strikingly, citizens’ perceptions are not related to an objective measure of state democratic performance even when they are primed with information about where their state ranks in a survey experiment.

Conclusion

Citizens’ assessments of democratic quality appear to be yet another feature of American politics that has become politicized and polarized, with important implications for system support and legitimacy going forward.
Clinical, pathologic, and molecular characterization of a non‐metastatic multicentric cutaneous mast cell tumor in a cow
Authors: Chevallier Lucie , Briand Amaury , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Defer Wilfried , Millemann Yves , Béguin Jérémy
Published: February 2024

Cutaneous mast cell tumors are rarely reported in cattle. Although mutations in the c‐KIT gene have been shown to play a central role in the oncogenesis of canine mast cell tumors, few data are available in cattle. This report describes the clinical, histologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic features of a multicentric cutaneous mast cell tumor in an adult cow. An 11‐year‐old Prim'Holstein cow was presented for a 5‐month history of multiple skin nodules. Cytologic and histologic analyses of the nodules led to a diagnosis of mast cell tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis for KIT expression showed a moderate to strong signal in neoplastic mast cells with a cytoplasmic and membranous pattern. Sequencing of the c‐KIT gene coding sequence revealed no mutation. Despite partial response after corticosteroid treatment, euthanasia was elected. No metastases to the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver were identified at post‐mortem and histologic examinations.
Blood donation screening for hepatitis B virus core antibodies: The importance of confirmatory testing and initial implication for rare blood donor groups
Authors: Fu Michael X. , Ingram Jennifer , Roberts Courtney , Nurmi Visa , Watkins Emma , Dempsey Nina , Golubchik Tanya , Breuer Judith , Brailsford Su , Irving William L. , Andersson Monique , Simmonds Peter , Harvala Heli
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Exclusion of blood donors with hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antibodies (anti‐HBc) prevents transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection but can lead to significant donor loss. As isolated anti‐HBc positivity does not always indicate true past HBV infection, we have investigated the effectiveness of confirmatory anti‐HBc testing and the representation of rare blood groups in anti‐HBc‐positive donors.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred ninety‐seven HBV surface antigen‐negative and anti‐HBc initially reactive blood donor samples were tested by five different anti‐HBc assays.

Results

Eighty percentage of samples reactive in Architect anti‐HBc assay were positive by the Murex assay and anti‐HBc neutralization. Eleven out of 397 samples showed discordant results in supplementary testing from the Murex confirmatory test result, and five remained undetermined following extensive serological testing. Thirty‐eight percentage of anti‐HBc‐positive donors identified as minority ethnic groups compared with 11% representation in anti‐HBc‐negative donors (p < 0.0001); the frequency of the Ro blood group in anti‐HBc‐positive donors was 18 times higher in non‐white ethnic groups.

Conclusion

Using two anti‐HBc assays effectively enabled the identification of HBV‐exposed and potentially infectious donors, their deferral and potential clinical follow‐up. However, the exclusion of confirmed anti‐HBc‐positive donors will still impact the supply of rare blood such as Ro.
Native architecture of a human GBP1 defense complex for cell-autonomous immunity to infection
Authors: Zhu Shiwei , Bradfield Clinton J. , Maminska Agnieszka , Park Eui-Soon , Kim Bae-Hoon , Kumar Pradeep , Huang Shuai , Kim Minjeong , Zhang Yongdeng , Bewersdorf Joerg , MacMicking John D.
Published: February 2024

All living organisms deploy cell-autonomous defenses to combat infection. In plants and animals, large supramolecular complexes often activate immune proteins for protection. In this work, we resolved the native structure of a massive host-defense complex that polymerizes 30,000 guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) over the surface of gram-negative bacteria inside human cells. Construction of this giant nanomachine took several minutes and remained stable for hours, required guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis, and recruited four GBPs plus caspase-4 and Gasdermin D as a cytokine and cell death immune signaling platform. Cryo–electron tomography suggests that GBP1 can adopt an extended conformation for bacterial membrane insertion to establish this platform, triggering lipopolysaccharide release that activated coassembled caspase-4. Our “open conformer” model provides a dynamic view into how the human GBP1 defense complex mobilizes innate immunity to infection.
Fast growth of single-crystal covalent organic frameworks for laboratory x-ray diffraction
Authors: Han Jing , Feng Jie , Kang Jia , Chen Jie-Min , Du Xin-Yu , Ding San-Yuan , Liang Lin , Wang Wei
Published: February 2024

The imine-exchange strategy makes single-crystal growth of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with large size (>15 microns) possible but is a time-consuming process (15 to 80 days) that has had limited success (six examples) and restricts structural characterization to synchrotron-radiation sources for x-ray diffraction studies. We developed a CF
3
COOH/CF
3
CH
2
NH
2
protocol to harvest single-crystal COFs within 1 to 2 days with crystal sizes of up to 150 microns. The generality was exemplified by the feasible growth of 16 high-quality single-crystal COFs that were structurally determined by laboratory single-crystal x-ray diffraction with resolutions of up to 0.79 angstroms. The structures obtained included uncommon interpenetration of networks, and the details of the structural evolution of conformational isomers and host-guest interaction could be determined at the atomic level.
Nitrogen cuts in during C–C cross-coupling
Authors: Shaughnessy Kevin H.
Published: February 2024

A catalyst system diverts traditional C–C bond coupling into desired C–N bond formation
Alabama IVF ruling may halt uterus transplants
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: February 2024

Scientists fear wider research impacts if other states label frozen embryos “children”
High diversity within and low but significant genetic differentiation among geographic and temporal populations of the global Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Dalmieda Jezreel , Hitchcock Megan , Xu Jianping
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease. However, the global population structure remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of genetic variation of S. pneumoniae based on archived multilocus sequence typing data from PubMLST.org. Our analyses demonstrated both shared and unique distributions of sequence types (STs) and allele types among regional populations. Among the 17 915 global STs, 36 representing 15 263 isolates were broadly shared among all six continents, consistent with recent clonal dispersal and expansion of this pathogen. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that >96% genetic variations were found within individual regional populations. However, though low (<4%), statistically significant genetic differentiation among regional populations was observed. Comparisons between non-clone-corrected and clone-corrected datasets showed that localized clonal expansion contributed significantly to the observed genetic differentiations among regions. Temporal analyses of the isolates showed that implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine impacted the distributions of STs, but the effect on population structure was relatively limited. Linkage disequilibrium analyses identified evidence for recombination in all continental populations; however, the inferred recombination was not random. We discussed the limitations and implications of our analyses to the global epidemiology and future vaccine developments for S. pneumoniae.
Magnetocaloric effects and critical behavior of La0.65Ca0.35−xGdxMnO3 (0≤x≤0.15)
Authors: Ma Huaijin , Jin Xiang , Gao Lei , Zhao Jing , Xing Ru , Yun Huiqin , Zhao Jianjun
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the magnetocaloric effects (MCE) and critical behavior of Gd-doped La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]GdxMnO3 ([Formula: see text]) polycrystalline materials. Our results reveal excellent MCE in the Gd-doped samples. Under a magnetic field of 7[Formula: see text]T, the full-width at half maximum ([Formula: see text] increases from 41[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]) to 121[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]) and 112[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]). Additionally, the refrigerant capacity (RC) is enhanced by 149% and 145% at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, compared to the parent phase. We propose that these improvements can be attributed to the introduction of Gd[Formula: see text] ions, which possess smaller ionic radii. This reduction in the average A-site ionic radius weakens the double exchange (DE) interactions, resulting in a more continuous phase transition within the system. Supporting this view, we observe a decrease in magnetization strength after doping, a reduction in Curie temperature ([Formula: see text] from 250[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]) to 134[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]) and 130[Formula: see text]K ([Formula: see text]) and a transformation from a first-order to a second-order phase transition in the doped samples. To characterize the critical behavior of the phase transition in the doped samples, we employ the K-F method. The obtained critical exponents for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], respectively. Furthermore, the calculation of the n values suggests a transition of the phase transition in the doped samples from short-range ordering to long-range ordering.