bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substitution impacts of wood use at the market level: a systematic review
Authors: Hurmekoski Elias , Smyth Carolyn E , Stern Tobias , Verkerk Pieter Johannes , Asada Raphael
Published: November 2021

There is strong evidence that wood-based products are typically associated with lower fossil-based emissions over their lifecycle than functionally equivalent products made from other materials. However, the potential impact of large-scale material substitution at the market level remains challenging to quantify and is subject to assumptions and system boundary considerations. This paper presents a systematic review covering 44 peer-reviewed studies that quantify the substitution impacts of wood use at the level of a region or sector, to assess the commonalities and differences in scopes, system boundaries and key assumptions. We estimated the average and range of market-level substitution impacts and identify the caveats and knowledge gaps for such assessments. The results indicate an average substitution factor of 0.55 tonnes of fossil C avoided per tonne of C contained in wood harvested, with a range of 0.27–1.16 tC/tC for baseline scenarios covering all wood flows. This value depicts the average efficiency of avoided fossil emissions per unit of wood used for a certain wood use structure based on published studies but is of limited practical use as it is strictly context specific. A direct comparison between studies is complicated because a notable proportion of the studies provided insufficient information to estimate substitution factors or were not transparent in their assumptions, such as specifying which wood product is assumed to substitute for which non-wood product. A growing number of studies focus on policy-relevant analyses of the climate change mitigation potential associated with marginal changes in wood use, but market dynamics are generally considered to a limited extent. To further support decision-making, future studies could focus on changes in those end uses where increased substitution impacts could realistically be expected, while considering the various market dynamics and uncertainties.
Enhanced fluorescence signal using stray light shutter in a quantitative PCR chip
Authors: Tsai Hsin-Yi , Chao Liang-Chieh , Chou Chun-Han , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Huang Kuo-Cheng , Hsieh Min-Chi , Liao Yen-Ting , Wang Pei-Wen , Shieh Dar-Bin
Published: November 2021

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the most important quantitative sensing technique for pathogens, especially for emerging pandemics such as the coronavirus outbreak this year. The qPCR chip and device were investigated to meet the unmet needs of ultrafast inspection time, high accuracy, and small system volume. Therein, the fluorescence intensity was the most important signal in qPCR quantification of DNA amplifications, which is essential not only in the confirmative diagnosis of positive or negative infection, but also in the assessment of viral load for therapeutic and quarantine decision making. As the target DNAs got amplified, the interaction of fluorescence dye and double strand DNA will generate fluorescence signal proportional to amplified DNA in the intensity when excited by certain wavelength. A miniature spectro-detector was employed to receive the fluorescence scattering for digital output of the intensity in the qPCR chip in this study, and the optical simulation and actual experimental design and results according to the optical simulation results were performed to study the effect of the stray light shutter (SLS) in the improvement of the signal in fluorescence detection. The analysis results showed that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the fluorescence can be enhanced significantly for five times of the control using the SLS with a shape of extended component aperture, where the protruding structure was positioned away from the center. The experimental results showed that fluorescence intensity can be enhanced by 15.50% and 9.86% when adding the above shape of SLS in resin- and in glass-based chip, respectively. The results also demonstrated that the optical setup had good stability and repeatability in fluorescence detection, and variation was less than 1.00%. Our results can provide important reference to the development of qPCR chip to obtain the high SNR fluorescence signal in DNA quantification process.
Enhancement of wavefront measurement sensitivity in a zonal wavefront sensor without curtailing the sensing speed
Authors: Kumar Nagendra , Khare Alika , Boruah Bosanta R
Published: November 2021

In this paper we propose a zonal wavefront sensing scheme that facilitates wavefront measurement with enhanced sensitivity at the standard video rate. We achieve this enhanced sensitivity by implementing a sequential display of binary holograms described over each zone sampling the incident wavefront with the help of a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator. By keeping the number of active zones as 24 and using a camera with an imaging frame rate equal to the binary hologram display rate of the spatial light modulator, we are able to reach a sensing frame rate of 60 Hz. In addition to enhanced sensitivity, the proposed scheme facilitates zone-wise tuning of binary holograms and eliminates the possibility of any crosstalk between adjacent zones. We perform a proof-of-principle experiment that validates the proposed zonal wavefront sensing scheme and demonstrates its advantages.
Sequence space representations for spaces of smooth functions and distributions via Wilson bases
Authors: Bargetz C. , Debrouwere A. , Nigsch E.
Published: November 2021

We provide explicit sequence space representations for the test function and distribution spaces occurring in the Valdivia-Vogt structure tables by making use of Wilson bases generated by compactly supported smooth windows. Furthermore, we show that these kind of bases are common unconditional Schauder bases for all separable spaces occurring in these tables. Our work implies that the Valdivia-Vogt structure tables for test functions and distributions may be interpreted as one large commutative diagram.
Practice-enhancing publications about the medication-use process in 2020
Authors: Vest Tyler A , Gazda Nicholas P , O’Neil Daniel P , Schenkat Daniel H , Eckel Stephen F
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This article identifies, prioritizes, and summarizes published literature on the medication-use process (MUP) from calendar year 2020 that can impact health-system pharmacy daily practice.

The MUP is the foundational system that provides the framework for safe medication utilization within the healthcare environment. The MUP is defined in this article as having the following components: prescribing/transcribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring. Articles evaluating at least one step of the MUP were assessed for their usefulness in practice improvement. A PubMed search for articles published in calendar year 2020 was conducted in January 2021 using targeted Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords, and the table of contents of selected pharmacy journals was searched, providing a total of 9,433 articles. A thorough review identified 49 potentially practice-enhancing articles: 15 for prescribing/transcribing, 10 for dispensing, 6 for administration, and 18 for monitoring. Ranking of the articles for importance by peers led to the selection of key articles from each category. The highest-ranked articles are briefly summarized, with a mention of why they are important within health-system pharmacy. The other articles are listed for further review and evaluation.

Conclusion

It is important to routinely review the published literature and to incorporate significant findings into daily practice. This article assists in identifying and summarizing the most impactful recently published literature. Health-system pharmacists have an active role in improving the MUP in their institution, and awareness of the moist significant published studies can assist in changing practice at the institutional level.
Assessing Exposures from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response and Clean-up
Authors: Stewart Patricia , Groth Caroline P , Huynh Tran B , Gorman Ng Melanie , Pratt Gregory C , Arnold Susan F , Ramachandran Gurumurthy , Banerjee Sudipto , Cherrie John W , Christenbury Kate , Kwok Richard K , Blair Aaron , Engel Lawrence S , Sandler Dale P , Stenzel Mark R
Published: November 2021

The GuLF Study is investigating adverse health effects from work on the response and clean-up after the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil release. An essential and necessary component of that study was the exposure assessment. Bayesian statistical methods and over 135 000 measurements of total hydrocarbons (THC), benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, and n-hexane (BTEX-H) were used to estimate inhalation exposures to these chemicals for >3400 exposure groups (EGs) formed from three exposure determinants: job/activity/task, location, and time period. Recognized deterministic models were used to estimate airborne exposures to particulate matter sized 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) and dispersant aerosols and vapors. Dermal exposures were estimated for these same oil-related substances using a model modified especially for this study from a previously published model. Exposures to oil mist were assessed using professional judgment. Estimated daily THC arithmetic means (AMs) were in the low ppm range (<25 ppm), whereas BTEX-H exposures estimates were generally <1000 ppb. Potential 1-h PM2.5 air concentrations experienced by some workers may have been as high as 550 µg m−3. Dispersant aerosol air concentrations were very low (maximum predicted 1-h concentrations were generally <50 µg m−3), but vapor concentrations may have exceeded occupational exposure excursion guidelines for 2-butoxyethanol under certain circumstances. The daily AMs of dermal exposure estimates showed large contrasts among the study participants. The estimates are being used to evaluate exposure–response relationships in the GuLF Study.
Economic cost–utility analysis of stage-directed gastric cancer treatment
Authors: Powell Arfon G , Wheat Jennifer R , Eley Catherine , Robinson David , Roberts Stuart A , Lewis Wyn
Published: November 2021

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) treatment levies substantial financial burden on health services. Potentially curative surgery with or without chemotherapy is offered to patients with locoregional disease. This study aimed to examine treatment costs related to life-years gained in patients having potentially curative treatment (gastrectomy) and those receiving best supportive care (BSC).

Methods

Some 398 consecutive patients with GC were classified according to treatment modality (116 BSC, 282 gastrectomy). Cost calculations for 1 year’s treatment from referral were made according to network diagnostic, staging and treatment algorithms. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results

GC median survival after BSC was 8 months, costing €5413, compared with gastrectomy median survival of 34 months, costing €22 753 for 1 year’s treatment: cost per life-year gained €9319. Cost incurred for stage I GC was €22 434, stage II €23 498, stage III €22 445, and stage IV €22 032. Based on these values, the cost per quality adjusted life-year (QALY) for BSC for stage I GC was –€8335 stage II –€8952, stage III –€11 317, and stage IV –€25 669.

Conclusion

Potentially curative treatment that included gastrectomy improved OS four-fold compared with BSC and was cost-effective at national thresholds of readiness to pay per QALY.
Outcomes of leadless pacemaker implantation in patients with mechanical heart valves
Authors: Loughlin G , Pachon M , Martinez-Sande J.L , Ibanez J.L , Bastante T , Osca J , Arias M.A
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Device-related infections constitute a major complication of transvenous pacemaker implantation. Mechanical heart valves (MHV) increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and pacemaker infection, worsening their outcomes.Leadless pacemakers (LP) have been associated with low infection rates and thus pose an attractive option in MHV patients requiring permanent pacing.

Methods and results

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective study including all consecutive patients implanted with an LP at 5 tertiary referral centers between June 2015 and January 2020.Procedural outcomes, complications, performance during follow-up and episodes of bacteremia and IE were recorded and compared between patients with and without a MHV (MHV and non-MHV groups).Four hundred fifty-nine patients were included (74 in the MHV group, 16.1%, and 385 in the non-MHV group, 83.9%).Implantation success, procedural outcomes and acute electrical performance were comparable between groups.Vascular complications and cardiac perforation occurred in 2.7 vs. 2.3% (p=1) and 0% vs. 0.8% (p=1) in the MHV group and non-MHV group, respectively.During a median post-implant follow-up of 308 days for the MHV group and 416 days for non-MHV patients (p=0.029), one case of IE was reported in the MHV group and 2 in the non-MHV group. All three occurred in patients with abandoned transvenous leads.

Conclusion

LP implantation is feasible and safe in patients with MHV, with procedural outcomes and electrical performance comparable to the general LP population. Device-related infections, including IE, are rare in patients receiving an LP, including those with an MHV. LP implantation should be considered in MHV patients with an indication for pacing.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Procedural outcomes and complicationsBaseline and follow-up parameters
Hidden Curriculum and Politicization of Medical Students in the Late Ottoman Empire
Authors: İlikan Rasimoğlu Ceren Gülser
Published: November 2021

This article discusses the effect of medical education on politicization during the late Ottoman period. The article focuses on the nineteenth-century emergence of the epistemological and etiological shift in medicine on a global scale, which led to the dominance of the modernization paradigm in the environment of the Military School of Medicine in Istanbul. The ideas favoring modernization and progressivism became widespread through partnerships and differences between the two generations of physicians represented by the periods of Tanzimat (1839-1876) and Abdülhamid II (1876-1909). Based on the narratives of prominent physicians of the late Ottoman and Early Republican Turkey, the article aims to illustrate that all the activities in the school resulted in the gradual transformation of the perspective of the students in contrast to their professors, interpreting the concept of progress as an effective basis to assist the modern aspirations of the administrative elites, composing the hidden curriculum of modern medical education in the Ottoman context. The younger generation began to equate materialism with solidarity, political activism, and insurgency, which would finally enable them to lead the movement against the monarchy or sultan. This generation would also occupy leading administrative positions in the first decades of the new Turkish Republic.
Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Hemocytes Release Extracellular Traps That Confer Protection Against Bacterial Infection in the Hemocoel
Authors: Chen Robin Y , Keddie B Andrew
Published: November 2021

Extracellular traps (ETs) released from vertebrate and invertebrate immune cells consist of chromatin and toxic granule contents that are capable of immobilizing and killing microbes. This recently described innate immune response is not well documented in insects. The present study found that ETs were released by hemocytes of Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in vivo and ex vivo after bacterial stimulation. ET release (ETosis), hemolymph coagulation, and melanization likely contributed to the immobilization and killing of the bacteria. The injection of G. mellonella hemocyte deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the presence of bacteria increased bacterial clearance rate and prolonged insect survival. Taken together, these results indicate the presence of insect hemocyte extracellular traps (IHETs) that protect the insect against microbial infection in the hemocoel and represent the first documentation of ETs in insects in vivo.
Forty years in cryoEM of membrane proteins
Authors: Kühlbrandt Werner
Published: November 2021

In a surprisingly short time, electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) has developed from a niche technique in structural biology to a mainstream method practiced in a rapidly growing number of laboratories around the world. From its beginnings about 40 years ago, cryoEM has had a major impact on the study of membrane proteins, in particular the energy-converting systems from bacterial, mitochondrial and chloroplast membranes. Early work on two-dimensional crystals attained resolutions ∼3.5 Å, but at present, single-particle cryoEM delivers much more detailed structures without crystals. Electron cryo-tomography of membranes and membrane-associated proteins adds valuable context, usually at lower resolution. The review ends with a brief outlook on future prospects.
Immigration and the UK economy after Brexit
Authors: Portes Jonathan
Published: November 2021

I review trends in migration to the UK since the Brexit referendum, examining first the sharp fall in net migration from the EU that resulted, and then the recent more dramatic exodus of foreign-born residents during the covid-19 pandemic. I describe the new post-Brexit system, and review studies which attempt to estimate both the impact on future migration flows and on GDP and GDP per capita. Finally, I discuss the wider economic impact of the new system and some of the policy implications.
The Arabidopsis ATR-SOG1 signaling module regulates pleiotropic developmental adjustments in response to 3'-blocked DNA repair intermediates
Authors: Li Jinchao , Liang Wenjie , Liu Yi , Ren Zhitong , Ci Dong , Chang Jinjie , Qian Weiqiang
Published: November 2021

Base excision repair and active DNA demethylation produce repair intermediates with DNA molecules blocked at the 3′-OH end by an aldehyde or phosphate group. However, both the physiological consequences of these accumulated single-strand DNAs break with 3′-blocked ends (DNA 3′-blocks) and the signaling pathways responding to unrepaired DNA 3′-blocks remain unclear in plants. Here, we investigated the effects of DNA 3′-blocks on plant development using the zinc finger DNA 3'-phosphoesterase (zdp) AP endonuclease2 (ape2) double mutant, in which 3′-blocking residues are poorly repaired. The accumulation of DNA 3′-blocked triggered diverse developmental defects that were dependent on the ATM and RAD3-related (ATR)-suppressor of gamma response 1 (SOG1) signaling module. SOG1 mutation rescued the developmental defects of zdp ape2 leaves by preventing cell endoreplication and promoting cell proliferation. However, SOG1 mutation caused intensive meristematic cell death in the radicle of zdp ape2 following germination, resulting in rapid termination of radicle growth. Notably, mutating FORMAMIDOPYRIMIDINE DNA GLYCOSYLASE (FPG) in zdp ape2 sog1 partially recovered its radicle growth, demonstrating that DNA 3′-blocks generated by FPG caused the meristematic defects. Surprisingly, despite lacking a functional radicle, zdp ape2 sog1 mutants compensated the lack of root growth by generating anchor roots having low levels of DNA damage response. Our results reveal dual roles of SOG1 in regulating root establishment when seeds germinate with excess DNA 3′-blocks.
How Do Individual Politicians Affect Privatization? Evidence from China
Authors: Ru Hong , Zou Kunru
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the role of local politicians’ patronage connections to top political leaders (i.e., the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China) in privatization outcomes. We find that connected local politicians are more likely to sell state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to corrupt buyers at substantially discounted prices. The SOEs purchased by corrupt buyers engage in significantly more fraudulent and corrupt activities following privatization and thus perform worse. For identification, we use the mandatory retirement ages of Central Committee members in a fuzzy regression discontinuity design. When local politicians lose their connections because Central Committee members step down after reaching mandatory retirement ages, we find a 14.4 percentage point drop in the likelihood of choosing corrupt buyers and a 90.13% drop in price discounts for privatization sales. Consequently, the privatized SOEs experience jumps in efficiency gains after the age cut-offs for mandatory retirement.
Trust Thy Neighbour? Compliance and Proximity to the EU through the Lens of Extradition
Authors: Mancano Leandro
Published: November 2021

The principle of mutual trust between Member States is key to the functioning of European Union (EU) law. Rooted in sincere cooperation and equality of the Union’s States, that principle is premised on compliance with shared values, interests, and rules. This fosters close cooperation in many areas, such as law enforcement, as exemplified by the European Arrest Warrant Framework Decision (EAW FD). Outside the Union, the presumption is that the principle of mutual trust does not apply. This seems confirmed by the case law on the extradition of EU citizens, with the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) prioritizing intra-EU cooperation over forced transfer of Union nationals to the requesting third countries. As the EU has developed a sophisticated network of relationships with its partners, and neighbours especially, the question arises as to when, if at all, third countries can be trusted, and when that trust can be challenged. By using the benchmark of EU membership as the standard of legal proximity, this article analyses the EU’s relationship with some of its neighbours in cases of extradition. The article creates an analytical framework to tackle unanswered questions around mutual trust and cooperation in criminal matters, and to read into the future of the legal relationship between the EU and some third countries.
Performance Nutrition for Physician Trainees Working Overnight Shifts: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Makowski Maryam S. , Trockel Mickey T. , Menon Nikitha K. , Wang Hanhan , Katznelson Laurence , Shanafelt Tait D.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To compare acute effects of 2 dietary interventions with usual dietary habits on physician trainees’ alertness during overnight shifts.

Method

This registered, controlled, block randomized crossover trial (NCT03698123) was conducted between October 2018 and May 2019 at Stanford Medicine. Physician trainees working at least 3 overnight shifts during a 1-week period were recruited. During the first night, participants followed their usual dietary habits. During the intervention nights (low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio interventions), participants received healthy dinners, snacks, water, and, upon request, caffeinated beverages, at the beginning of their shifts and were instructed to eat meals before 10 pm. The sequence of interventions on the second and third nights were block randomized across study weeks. Outcome measures (a priori) were overnight changes in validated measures of specific neurobehavioral dimensions: psychomotor vigilance, sensory–motor speed, working memory, and risk decision making, as well as self-reported sleepiness and work exhaustion.

Results

Sixty-one physician trainees participated in this study. Compared with usual dietary habits, overnight changes in psychomotor vigilance scores (scale 0–1,000) improved by 51.02 points (95% CI: 12.08, 89.96) and sleepiness (scale 1–7) improved by 0.69 points (95% CI: 0.33, 1.05) under the low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio intervention. Compared with usual dietary habits, overnight changes in sleepiness (scale 1–7) improved by 0.61 points (95% CI: 0.25, 0.96) under the high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio intervention. Neither intervention had beneficial effects relative to usual dietary habits with respect to sensory–motor speed, working memory, risk decision making, or work exhaustion. There were no differences in outcomes between low carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio interventions.

Conclusions

Dietary interventions may mitigate negative effects of physician trainee sleep deprivation during overnight shifts. Future studies are warranted to further examine the effectiveness of nutritional strategies on physician alertness during overnight shifts.
Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Amstad Tabea , Taeymans Jan , Englberger Lars , Mohacsi Paul , Steiner Dieter , Wilhelm Markus J. , Hermann Matthias
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in exercise capacity (EC) and quality of life (QoL) of patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) during cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Methods:

Data from patients with VAD implantation and subsequent CR between 2007 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Measures of the 6-min walk test [6MWT] distance, Functional Independence Measure [FIM], ergometry, MacNew Heart Disease Questionnaire [MNH], and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] at entry and discharge were examined.

Results:

Data from 110 patients (age 53 ± 12 yr; male 82%) were analyzed. Patients improved during CR significantly in the 6MWT (114 ± 85 m, P < .001), ergometry (20 ± 17 W, P = .002), FIM (8 ± 7 points, P < .001), and MNH (0.8 ± 0.7 points, P < .001). Initial HADS levels were high with a mean value of 9 and did not improve during CR (−0.4 ± 5 points, P = .637). Significant differences of improvements in the 6MWT were observed between left and biventricular VAD (129 ± 90 m vs 85 ± 67 m, P = .043) as well as destination therapy and bridge-to-transplant (184 ± 88 m vs 102 ± 82 m, P = .005).

Conclusions:

Patients with VAD implantation had statistically and clinically significant improvements in EC and QoL as assessed with the MNH during CR. Patients on destination therapy showed a larger benefit from CR than bridge-to-transplant patients and patients with left VAD improved more than biventricular VAD patients.
Acanthamoeba and staphylococcal keratitis with epithelial ingrowth after laser in situ keratomileusis
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , McAlinden Colm , Wang Xiaodong , Shen Di , Wei Wei
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

A rare case of Acanthamoeba and staphylococcal keratitis after femtosecond laser–assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), managed medically and surgically (with flap lift, scraping, and povidone–iodine 5% application) is reported.

Patient and clinical findings:

A 25-year-old woman presented 30 months after myopic LASIK with a painless loss of vision in the right eye. Visual acuity was 20/32, and a focal stromal opacity was observed.

Diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes:

The patient underwent flap lift, scraping, and application of povidone–iodine 5% to the flap interface. Samples were sent to the microbiology department for microscopic, culture, and sensitivity, and the patient was commenced with topical fluconazole, levofloxacin, and fusidic acid. Giemsa staining demonstrated 2 Acanthamoeba cysts. Microscopic examination revealed gram-positive cocci and pyogenic cells. Culture on a nonnutrient agar with a lawn of Escherichia coli identified the gram-positive organism Staphylococcus aureus. The clinical situation improved, and topical steroids were added. Mild epithelial ingrowth was noted at 4 months after flap lift; however, the growth remained stable and was under observation. The final visual outcome was good (visual acuity 20/25).

Conclusions:

This case emphasized the importance of precise microbiological diagnosis and consideration of early flap lift in post-LASIK infectious keratitis.
Among Multiple Needle Core Biopsy Samples, the One with the Highest Tumor Proportion Score Best Represents the PD-L1 Status of the Whole Surgical Specimen in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Xin , Wang Haiyue , Wu Jianghua , Chen Mailin , Liu Changling , Hu Di , Huang Xiaozheng , Jia Ling , Kang Qiang , Wu Qi , Diao Xinting , Zhou Lixin , Lin Dongmei
Published: November 2021

The heterogeneity of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status between core needle biopsies (CNBs) from one tumor has not been well studied before. The current study attempts to find out the best index using multiple core biopsies from one tumor which can better reflect the actual PD-L1 status. Random CNB was performed in surgical specimens from 170 consecutive non–small cell lung cancer samples. Fifty-one cases (41 cases with PD-L1 positive and 10 cases with PD-L1 negative) and 216 matched CNBs were analyzed by DAKO 22C3 PharmDx Link 48 Autostainer. The PD-L1 status was compared between the surgical specimens and matched CNBs. Heterogeneity of PD-L1 status between CNBs from one tumor was observed in 56% of PD-L1 positive cases. Different tumor proportion score (TPS) statistical forms with regard to the highest, mean, median, weighted average TPS, as well as TPS showed by the longest biopsy specimen and the biopsy with most tumor volume were compared. At a cut-off of 1%, the concordance rates were 94.1%, 88.2%, 90.2%, 86.3%, 86.3%, and 86.3%; At a cut-off of 50%, the concordance rates were 92.2%, 86.3%, 84.3%, 82.4%, 82.4%, and 86.3%, respectively. The CNB with the highest TPS can best represent PD-L1 status estimated by whole surgical specimen. The highest TPS among the multiple biopsies is a robust evaluation of the PD-L1 status, but not mean TPS, at the 1% and 50% cut-offs.
Survival After Liver Transplantation: An International Comparison Between the United States and the United Kingdom in the Years 2008–2016
Authors: Ivanics Tommy , Wallace David , Abreu Phillipe , Claasen Marco P.A.W. , Callaghan Chris , Cowling Thomas , Walker Kate , Heaton Nigel , Mehta Neil , Sapisochin Gonzalo , van der Meulen Jan
Published: November 2021

Background.

Compared with the United States, risk-adjusted mortality in the United Kingdom has historically been worse in the first 90 d following liver transplantation (LT) and better thereafter. In the last decade, there has been considerable change in the practice of LT internationally, but no contemporary large-scale international comparison of posttransplant outcomes has been conducted. This study aimed to determine disease-specific short- and long-term mortality of LT recipients in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Methods.

This retrospective international multicenter cohort study analyzed adult (≥18 y) first-time LT recipients between January 2, 2008, and December 31, 2016, using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing and the UK Transplant Registry databases. Time-dependent Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) comparing disease-specific risk-adjusted mortality in the first 90 d post-LT, between 90 d and 1 y, and between 1 and 5 y.

Results.

Forty-two thousand eight hundred seventy-four US and 4950 UK LT recipients were included. The main LT indications in the United States and the United Kingdom were hepatocellular carcinoma (25.4% and 24.9%, respectively) and alcohol-related liver disease (20.3% and 27.1%, respectively). There were no differences in mortality during the first 90 d post-LT (reference: United States; HR, 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82–1.12). However, between 90 d and 1 y (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59–0.85) and 1 and 5 y (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63–0.81]) the United Kingdom had lower mortality. The mortality differences between 1 and 5 y were most marked in hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58–0.88) and alcohol-related liver disease patients (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45–0.89).

Conclusions.

Risk-adjusted mortality in the United States and the United Kingdom was similar in the first 90 d post-LT but better in the United Kingdom thereafter. International comparisons of LT may highlight differences in healthcare delivery and help benchmarking by identifying modifiable factors that can facilitate improved global outcomes in LT.
Retrieval practice transfer effects for multielement event triplets
Authors: Pickering Jade S. , Henderson Lisa M. , Horner Aidan J.
Published: November 2021

Retrieval practice (RP) leads to improved retention relative to re-exposure and is considered a robust phenomenon when the final test conditions are identical to RP conditions. However, the extent to which RP ‘transfers' to related material is less clear. Here, we tested for RP transfer effects under conditions known to induce integration of associated material at encoding, which may make transfer more likely. Participants learned multielement triplets (locations, animals and objects) and one pairwise association from each triplet was tested through RP, re-exposed, or not re-exposed (control). Two days later participants completed a final test of all pairwise associations. We found no evidence for an RP effect compared to re-exposure, but both tested/re-exposed pairs were better remembered than the not re-exposed control condition. We also found that transfer occurred from both tested to untested and re-exposed to not re-exposed pairs. Our results highlight that RPandre-exposure can boost retention for directly tested/re-exposed event pairs and associated but untested/not re-exposed event pairs, suggesting re-exposure of integrated information can be of pedagogical value. The results also question the boundary conditions for an increase in retention for RP relative to re-exposure, highlighting the need for a better theoretical understanding of RP effects.
Risk perception and optimism during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kuper-Smith Benjamin J. , Doppelhofer Lisa M. , Oganian Yulia , Rosenblau Gabriela , Korn Christoph W.
Published: November 2021

Slowing the spread of COVID-19 requires people to actively change their lives by following protective practices, such as physical distancing and disinfecting their hands. Perceptions about the personal risk of COVID-19 may affect compliance with these practices. In this study, we assessed risk perception and optimism about COVID-19 in a multinational (UK, USA and Germany), longitudinal design during the early stages of the pandemic (16 March 2020; 1 April 2020; 20 May 2020). Our main findings are that (i) people showed a comparative optimism bias about getting infected and infecting others, but not for getting severe symptoms, (ii) this optimism bias did not change over time, (iii) optimism bias seemed to relate to perceived level of control over the action, (iv) risk perception was linked to publicly available information about the disorder, (v) people reported adhering closely to protective measures but these measures did not seem to be related to risk perception, and (vi) risk perception was related to questions about stress and anxiety. In additional cross-sectional samples, we replicated our most important findings. Our open and partly preregistered results provide detailed descriptions of risk perceptions and optimistic beliefs during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in three Western countries.
Large-scale conformational changes of FhaC provide insights into the two-partner secretion mechanism
Authors: Sicoli G. , Konijnenberg A. , Guerin J. , Hessmann S. , Nero E. Del , Hernandez-Alba O. , Lecher S. , Rouaut G. , Müggenburg L. , Vezin H. , Cianférani S. , Sobott F. , Schneider R. , Jacob-Dubuisson F.
Published: November 2021

The Two-Partner secretion pathway mediates protein transport across the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. TpsB transporters belong to the Omp85 superfamily, whose members catalyze protein insertion into, or translocation across membranes without external energy sources. They are composed of a transmembrane β barrel preceded by two periplasmic POTRA domains that bind the incoming protein substrate. Here we used an integrative approach combining in vivo assays, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques suitable to detect minor states in heterogeneous populations, to explore transient conformers of the TpsB transporter FhaC. This revealed substantial, spontaneous conformational changes with a portion of the POTRA2 domain coming close to the lipid bilayer and surface loops. Specifically, the amphipathic β hairpin immediately preceding the first barrel strand can insert into the β barrel. We propose that these motions enlarge the channel and hoist the substrate into it for secretion. An anchor region at the interface of the β barrel and the POTRA2 domain stabilizes the transporter in the course of secretion. Our data propose a solution to the conundrum how these transporters mediate protein secretion without the need for cofactors, by utilizing intrinsic protein dynamics.
Employee high-performance work systems-experience attributions of well-being and exploitation: a multilevel study of Greek workplaces
Authors: Katou Anastasia
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to theoretically propose and empirically test a research framework that investigates the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWSs) and organizational performance through the serially mediating mechanisms of employee HPWS-experience attributions of well-being and exploitation, attitudes, and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Multilevel structural equation modeling through Mplus was applied to a sample of 1,112 employees working at 158 Greek organizations.

Findings

The modeling's findings indicate that the serially mediating mechanism of employee HPWS-experience attributions of well-being, attitudes and behaviors improves organizational performance. Meanwhile, the serially mediating mechanism of employee HPWS-experience attributions of exploitation, attitudes and behaviors was found to weaken organizational performance.

Practical implications

This study shows that, to improve employees' well-being and weaken employee exploitation through employees' HPWS-experience attributions, senior and line managers should gain competencies and communication skills through training and development programs, successfully communicating HPWS messages to employees.

Originality/value

This study may be the first study to elucidate the serially mediating mechanisms of employees' well-being and exploitation through employees' HPWS-experience attributions, attitudes and behaviors in the relationship between HPWSs and organizational performance.
Rapid evidence review to understand effective frailty care pathways and their components in primary and community care
Authors: Thompson Juliana , Cook Glenda , Masterman Claire , Parkinson Mark , Bainbridge Lesley
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Different pathways of frailty care to prevent or delay progression of frailty and enable people to live well with frailty are emerging in primary and community care in the UK. The purpose of the study is to understand effective frailty care pathways and their components to inform future service development and pathway evaluation in primary- and community-care services.

Design/methodology/approach

A rapid evidence review was conducted: 11 research publications met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using narrative thematic synthesis.

Findings

There is strong evidence that resistance-based exercise, self-management support, community geriatric services and hospital at home (HAH) improve patient health and function. In general, evaluation and comparison of frailty care pathways, components and pathway operations is challenging due to weaknesses, inconsistencies and differences in evaluation, but it is essential to include consideration of process, determinant and implementation of pathways in evaluations.

Originality/value

To achieve meaningful evaluations and facilitate comparisons of frailty pathways, a standardised evaluation toolkit that incorporates evaluation of how pathways are operated is required for evaluating the impact of frailty pathways of care.
Factors necessary for effective corporate waqf management for Malaysian public healthcare
Authors: Raja Adnan Raja Aishah binti , Abdul Mutalib Mahazan , Ab Aziz Muhammad Ridhwan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This research paper aims to determine the factors needed to propose a platform where waqf (Islamic endowment) organizations can collaborate with government public hospitals to develop corporate waqf hospitals. Consequently, the elements of governance and sustainability are included in the management of corporate waqf hospitals thereby leading to the corporatization of public hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the qualitative research methodology and undertakes content analysis of data collected from journal articles, magazines and official websites. Data analysis involves open coding with NVivo 12.

Findings

General findings from the literature review have shown that architectural and engineering fundamentals were essential factors in the success of past waqf hospitals of the era between 8th and 14th centuries. In that era, the decentralized waqf-based hospitals employed themutawalli(the trustee/manager of the waqf assets) to govern the administration of the hospitals. Present corporate waqf hospitals can exploit the elements identified from past waqf-based hospitals and additionally adopt the private-public partnership model in the form of amuḍārabah(profit-sharing contract) agreement to design a sustainable waqf governance model for Malaysian public healthcare services.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed platform is designed for a corporate waqf model developed in collaboration between Malaysian waqf institutions and public healthcare services. It abides by both the Malaysian fatwa (Islamic rulings) on waqf and the laws of the Malaysian Government.

Practical implications

There is potential for developing the Malaysian corporate waqf-governance healthcare model which will enable the hospital to provide better quality healthcare to more patients through upgrading the quality of equipment used in hospitals and/or better facilities at equal or lower costs. Consequently, this will not only improve waqf management and distribution but also result in reduction of government expenditure.

Social implications

This research promotes the concept of a corporate waqf hospital which will provide innumerable beneficial healthcare services in terms of improved healthcare quality at affordable costs to the general public and at no cost to the poor and the underprivileged.

Originality/value

Although waqf has played an important role as a vehicle for Islamic financing in the society for centuries, a model of collaboration or partnership of waqf with public healthcare services has yet to be explored and developed. With proper corporate governance and well-managed sustainability in a corporate waqf model, this newly developed partnership between waqf institutions and public healthcare providers can be a first step in many more interesting collaborative arrangements that can be established between waqf institutions and public services in the future.
High-end luxury wine demand and income inequality
Authors: Donzé Pierre-Yves , Katsumata Sotaro
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between income inequality and the demand for high-end luxury wine. The consumption of luxury goods has experienced dramatic growth since 2000 but inequality has been neglected by scholars working on luxury consumption. The exploratory research focuses on wine demand between 2000 and 2019 and analyzes the impact of income inequality among other factors, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and GDP growth. The authors want to discern whether highly unequal countries import more expensive wine when compared to countries with lower inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors prepared different data sets based on the year and the trade value of each country to compare the differences and commonalities. The regression models incorporate particular foreign trade statistics (average unit price of wine) as an objective variable and the Gini coefficients to measure the relation between the demand for high-end luxury wines and inequality as an explanatory variable. The models also incorporate other control variables such as economic and institutional conditions.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates a positive relationship between the unit price of imported wine and the level of income inequality of the importers. This research suggests that conspicuous consumption, as a means of social distinction, is a major driver of the luxury wine market. Other significant factors include GDP per capita and geographic proximity. However, countries with a high power distance and bad governance do not purchase more luxury wines than others. Hence, rather than the social acceptation of wealth and corruption, the consumption of luxury wines is driven by the levels of economic development and inequality.

Originality/value

This paper is exploratory research that discusses an underexplored issue: the impact of income inequality on the consumption of luxury goods such as high-end luxury wines. It contributes to the literature on wine consumption, luxury business and income and wealth inequalities. These fields are rarely approached together and the research emphasizes the potential offered by such a perspective.
Studying the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects using PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Gamil Yaser , Abd Rahman Ismail
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a structural relationship model to study the relationship between causes and effects of poor communication and information exchange in construction projects using Smart-PLS.

Design/methodology/approach

The first method of this research is to identify the causes and effects factors of poor communication in construction projects from the extant of literature. The data used to develop the model was collected using a questionnaire survey, which targeted construction practitioners in the Malaysian construction industry. A five-point Likert type scale was used to rate the significance of the factors. The factors were classified under their relevant construct/group using exploratory factor analysis. A hypothetical model was developed and then transformed into Smart-PLS in which the hypothetical model suggested that each group of the cause factors has a direct impact on the effect groups. The hypothesis was tested using t-values and p-values. The model was assessed for its inner and outer components and achieved the threshold criterion. Further, the model was verified by engaging 14 construction experts to verify its applicability in the construction project setting.

Findings

The study developed a structural equation model to clarify the relationships between causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects. The model explained the degree of relationships among causes and effects of poor communication in construction projects.

Originality/value

The published academic and non-academic literature introduced many studies on the issue of communication including the definitions, importance, barriers to effective communication and means of poor communication. However, these studies ended up only on the general issue of communication lacking an in-depth investigation of the causes and effects of poor communication in the construction industry. The study implemented advanced structural modeling to study the causes and effects. The questionnaire, the data and concluding results fill the identified research gap of this study. The addressed issue is also of interest because communication is considered one of the main knowledge areas in construction management.