bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crowdsourcing-based social linkage and organizational innovation competence: knowledge transfer effectiveness and absorptive capacity as serial mediators
Authors: Mishra Divya , Maheshwari Nidhi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of crowdsourcing-based social connections on the development of innovation competence (IC). The conflicting results in existing studies regarding the influence of crowdsourcing-based social linkage on IC necessitate a thorough investigation into this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a sample of 300 senior managers from various industries in India. The data is analyzed using partial least squares (PLS), a component-based approach to structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results of the analysis indicate that knowledge transfer effectiveness and absorptive capacity (ABC) play a significant role as mediators in the relationship between social linkages based on crowdsourcing and IC. This suggests that the effectiveness of knowledge transfer and the organization’s ability to absorb and apply new knowledge are crucial factors in leveraging crowdsourcing-based social connections for enhanced innovation capabilities.

Practical implications

The findings of this study hold crucial implications for managerial practices. The research highlights that successful crowdsourcing outcomes necessitate more than mere establishment of external social linkages. Managers must recognize that internal organizational readiness plays an equally critical role. This study offers two key managerial insights: first, exclusive focus on external linkages is inadequate; internal capabilities such as ABC and optimized knowledge transfer processes must be actively nurtured. Second, the concept of “crowdsourcing maturity” is introduced, emphasizing the evolving dynamic capabilities over time. Managers are urged to adopt a balanced approach, aligning external partnerships with internal adaptability, to fully optimize IC.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the mediating variables that influence the conversion of crowdsourcing-based social linkage into improved IC. By considering the role of knowledge transfer effectiveness and ABC, the study provides insights into the mechanisms through which social linkages based on crowdsourcing can impact innovation capabilities. These findings offer valuable implications for organizations seeking to leverage crowdsourcing for innovation purposes and enhance their overall IC.
Platelet transfusions in adult ICU patients with thrombocytopenia: A sub‐study of the PLOT‐ICU inception cohort study
Authors: Anthon Carl Thomas , Pène Frédéric , Perner Anders , Azoulay Elie , Puxty Kathryn , Van De Louw Andry , Chawla Sanjay , Castro Pedro , Povoa Pedro , Coelho Luis , Metaxa Victoria , Kochanek Matthias , Liebregts Tobias , Kander Thomas , Sivula Mirka , Andreasen Jo Bønding , Nielsen Lene Bjerregaard , Hvas Christine Lodberg , Dufranc Etienne , Canet Emmanuel , Wright Christopher John , Schmidt Julien , Uhel Fabrice , Missri Louai , Krag Mette , Cos Badia Elisabet , Díaz‐Lagares Cándido , Menat Sophie , Voiriot Guillaume , Erikstrup Clausen Niels , Lorentzen Kristian , Kvåle Reidar , Barratt‐Due Andreas , Hildebrandt Thomas , Holten Aleksander Rygh , Strand Kristian , Bestle Morten Heiberg , Klepstad Pål , Vimpere Damien , Paulino Carolina , Lueck Catherina , Juhl Christian Svendsen , Costa Carolina , Bådstøløkken Per Martin , Lêdo Lia Susana Aires , Møller Morten Hylander , Russell Lene
Published: June 2024

Background

Platelet transfusions are frequently used in the intensive care unit (ICU), but current practices including used product types, volumes, doses and effects are unknown.

Study design and methods

Sub‐study of the inception cohort study ‘Thrombocytopenia and Platelet Transfusions in the ICU (PLOT‐ICU)’, including acutely admitted, adult ICU patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 109/L). The primary outcome was the number of patients receiving platelet transfusion in ICU by product type. Secondary outcomes included platelet transfusion details, platelet increments, bleeding, other transfusions and mortality.

Results

Amongst 504 patients with thrombocytopenia from 43 hospitals in 10 countries in Europe and the United States, 20.8% received 565 platelet transfusions; 61.0% received pooled products, 21.9% received apheresis products and 17.1% received both with a median of 2 (interquartile range 1–4) days from admission to first transfusion. The median volume per transfusion was 253 mL (180–308 mL) and pooled products accounted for 59.1% of transfusions, however, this varied across countries. Most centres (73.8%) used fixed dosing (medians ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 × 1011 platelets/transfusion) whilst some (mainly in France) used weight‐based dosing (ranging from 0.5 to 0.7 × 1011 platelets per 10 kg body weight). The median platelet count increment for a single prophylactic platelet transfusion was 2 (−1 to 8) × 109/L. Outcomes of patients with thrombocytopenia who did and did not receive platelet transfusions varied.

Conclusions

Among acutely admitted, adult ICU patients with thrombocytopenia, 20.8% received platelet transfusions in ICU of whom most received pooled products, but considerable variation was observed in product type, volumes and doses across countries. Prophylactic platelet transfusions were associated with limited increases in platelet counts.
Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy for inguinal hernia with thanatophoric dysplasia: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Abe Kumpei , Koizumi Masato , Takahashi Toshiaki , Sugiura Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) is a rare and severe type of skeletal dysplasia. Typical clinical findings include macrocephaly, shortening of the four limbs, underdeveloped lungs, and thoracic hypoplasia. Neonates with TD develop severe respiratory problems due to thoracic hypoplasia and require respiratory management for survival. Despite the resolution of respiratory problems, long‐term survival cases are rare. Previous studies have reported that surgical procedures in patients with TD are limited to those necessary for survival, including tracheostomy, laminectomy, and ventricular shunt. A 1‐year‐old boy with TD was treated with laparoscopic herniorrhaphy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of TD treated with laparoscopic procedure.
Giant symptomatic splenic cyst treated with laparoscopic fenestration using single‐incision plus one‐port laparoscopic surgery: A case report
Authors: Miyahara Yoji , Iida Taku , Saruta Yuya , Aoyama Hiroki , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Okabe Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

Laparoscopic fenestration is the preferred treatment for symptomatic splenic cysts because it is curative and spleen‐sparing. We report a case of a 25‐year‐old female who underwent laparoscopic fenestration for a giant splenic cyst using a single‐incision plus one‐port approach. She presented to our hospital with repeated vomiting. Imaging showed a 23 × 18 cm splenic cyst with no solid components, strongly compressing the stomach to the right side. Laparoscopic fenestration was initiated through a 2.5‐cm umbilical incision, and a 5‐mm port was added in the left abdomen intraoperatively. The drain placement was deemed necessary to prevent abscess formation and post‐operative bleeding because of a thick cyst component and unexpectedly thick wall. Splenic cysts are typically benign and commonly develop in young people, hence, organ preservation and cosmetic results are crucial. Laparoscopic fenestration using single‐incision plus one‐port is considered to be an appropriate procedure for giant splenic cysts with non‐serous contents.
Integrating science‐based and local ecological knowledge: a case study of mangrove restoration and rehabilitation projects in the Philippines
Authors: Marquez Gian Powell B. , Olavides Ronald Dionnie
Published: June 2024

Mangrove forest is an ecosystem‐based solution for disaster risk reduction in the Philippines, but its historical deforestation has hampered its capacity to protect coastal communities. With the increasing occurrence of storm surge in the Philippines, mangrove reforestation projects have received renewed attention, but many have failed. Community participation was deemed to be essential in those projects that did well. Hence, this paper examines successful mangrove restoration and rehabilitation projects in the Philippines to find out how community participation contributed to the accomplishments. The study found that while the transfer of science‐based ecological knowledge from project managers to the community is an important factor in ensuring successful initial planning and implementation, its integration into existing local ecological knowledge—‘localisation’ of science‐based ecological knowledge or hybrid ecological knowledge formation—helped to facilitate long‐term community‐based mangrove management beyond project duration by empowering community members and enabling project acceptance and ownership. Still, continuous local institutional support is a necessary anchor for community resilience.
Human perception of flicker‐fused letters that are luminance balanced
Authors: Greene Ernest , Morrison Jack
Published: June 2024

The Talbot–Plateau law specifies what combinations of flash frequency, duration, and intensity will yield a flicker‐fused stimulus that matches the brightness of a steady stimulus. It has proven to be remarkably robust in its predictions, and here we provide additional support though the use of a contrast discrimination task. However, we also find that the visual system can register flicker‐fused letters when the combination of frequency and duration is relatively low. The letters are recognized even though they have the same physical luminance as background. We hypothesize that the letters elicit synchronous oscillations that encode for stimulus attributes, which prevents the letter from blending into the background.
Expression of GPR56 reflects a hypoactivated state of circulating B cells and is downregulated in B cell subsets in patients with early‐stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bahabayi Ayibaota , Guan Zhao , Zheng Mohan , Yu He , Hasimu Ainizati , Nie Yuying , Zhao Ming , Zhu Yaoyi , Ren Jiaxin , Zhao Yiming , Ma Xiancan , Li Qi , Zhang Zhonghui , Zeng Xingyue , Liu Chen
Published: June 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, and the early detection and diagnosis of this disease are crucial in reducing mortality rates. The timely diagnosis of LUAD is essential for controlling tumour development and enabling early surgical treatment. GPR56 is a vital G protein‐coupled receptor and its role in T lymphocytes has received considerable attention. However, its function in B cells remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the significance of GPR56 in LUAD. We found that GPR56 exhibited a significant increase in circulating plasmablasts and a decrease in new memory B cells. GPR56 expression in B cells was significantly reduced after LPS stimulation and the proportion of HLA‐DR+ and CD40+ proportions were also decreased in GPR56+ B cells after stimulation. Additionally, GPR56 exhibited significant down‐regulation in circulating B cell subsets of early‐stage LUAD patients, and there were significant correlations between GPR56+ B cell subsets and tumour markers. In conclusion, GPR56 could reflect the hypoactivation state of B cells and the decreased proportion of GPR56+ B cell subset in LUAD patients can signify the active humoral immunity in vivo. The expression of GPR56 in B cells could potentially hold value in the early diagnosis of LUAD.
The efficacy, safety, and beneficiary population of angiogenesis inhibitor apatinib plus chemotherapy in recurrent platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer patients: A comparative cohort study
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Yan Jiali , Wu Yun
Published: June 2024

Aim

Angiogenesis inhibitor apatinib targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and improves the outcomes of patients with gynecologic malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitor apatinib plus chemotherapy in recurrent platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer (RPR‐OC) patients.

Methods

This study retrieved 67 RPR‐OC patients who received apatinib plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone and divided them into apatinib + chemo (N = 30) and chemo alone (N = 37) groups according to the actual medication.

Results

Objective response rate (36.7% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.056) and disease control rate (80.0% vs. 59.5%, p = 0.072) showed an increased trend in apatinib + chemo group versus chemo alone group. The progression‐free survival (PFS) (p = 0.010) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.042) were prolonged in apatinib + chemo group versus chemo alone group. The median (95%confidence interval [CI]) PFS was 5.9 (5.5–6.3) months in apatinib + chemo group and 3.8 (2.0–5.6) months in chemo alone group. The median (95%CI) OS was 20.5 (16.5–24.5) months in apatinib + chemo group and 13.6 (8.6–18.6) months in chemo alone group. Apatinib plus chemotherapy was independently related with better PFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.354, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 0.116, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated that patients with a more serious disease condition might benefit more from apatinib plus chemotherapy. No difference was found in adverse events of all grade or grade ≥3 between the two groups (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Angiogenesis inhibitor apatinib plus chemotherapy shows better treatment efficacy than chemotherapy alone with controllable safety profile in RPR‐OC patients.
The association between levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and comorbid depression in patients with cardiovascular disease: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Medved Sara , Salinas Joel , Kojis Daniel , Weinstein Galit , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Beiser Alexa , Seshadri Sudha
Published: June 2024

Aim

The current study aims to investigate the association of serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels with symptoms of depression in adults with and without prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD), an often burdensome comorbidity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included participants from FHS (Framingham Heart Study) who had available serum BDNF levels. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale (CES‐D) with a score ≥16 indicating mild to moderate and ≥21 severe depression. Participants taking antidepressant medications were excluded from the study.

Results

Altogether 3716 FHS participants were included in the final analysis (mean age, 64.3 ± 11.5 years; 55% women). After adjusting for potential confounders, greater BDNF levels were associated with reduced severe depression risk (odds ratio [OR], 0.78 [95% CI, 0.64–0.96]; P = 0.016). Among participants with CVD, greater BDNF levels were related to lower risk of depressive symptoms (CES‐D ≥ 16 OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.45–0.89], P = 0.008; CES‐D ≥ 21 OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.31–0.76], P = 0.002). The inverse relationship between BDNF and depressive symptom risk was present in women with CVD (CES‐D ≥ 16 OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40–0.99], P = 0.047; CES‐D ≥ 21 OR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.21–0.70], P = 0.002) but not in men.

Conclusion

Lower serum BDNF levels are associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms in CVD, particularly among women. These findings implicate BDNF in the complex biological mechanisms that underlie prior associations observed between CVD and depression. To reduce the burden of depression in the large proportion of midlife and older adults with CVD, a better understanding of how BDNF may modify these pathways is merited.
Latine children's attributions of cultural and structural discrimination and the role of neighborhood context
Authors: Brown Christia Spears , Biefeld Sharla D. , Kahng Sungmin D.
Published: June 2024

We investigated first‐and second‐generation Latine immigrant children's attributions for cultural and structural discrimination, and how this differed based on their own neighborhood composition. Participants were recruited from 19 elementary schools (N = 101 girls, 101 boys), and ranged in age from 8 to 12 years old (M = 9.22; SD = 11.98 months). All children were either first‐generation (40%) or second‐generation (60%) immigrants from Mexico, South America, and Central America. Mixed ANCOVAs analyzed how attributions of structural and cultural discrimination differed based on children's perceptions of ethnic residential composition. The findings indicated that elementary school‐aged Latine children, regardless of neighborhood composition, were aware of the biased cultural narrative that Latine immigrants are “criminals.” This seems to be the most salient form of cultural discrimination for children in middle childhood and echoes much of the political rhetoric around immigration reform. Children's own neighborhood composition predicted their understanding of residential segregation. Children who lived in predominantly White neighborhoods perceived segregation to be due to White people's biases, whereas children who lived in predominantly Latine neighborhoods perceived segregation to be due to Latine families’ economic disadvantage or both groups’ mutual preferences. These findings suggest that Latine children, by middle childhood, are aware of biased cultural narratives in the U.S., and their understanding of structural inequalities are related to the neighborhood context in which they live.
The geography of Hispanic political behavior in Texas, 2012–2022
Authors: Hood M. V. , McKee Seth C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

We make use of multiple data sources to examine whether there has been geographical polarization in the political behavior of Texas Hispanics from 2012 to 2022. It is widely known that partisan divisions in the American electorate continue to cleave along geographic lines. However, much of this literature on the urban–rural divide does not focus on a specific racial group, and if it does, then it typically highlights differences among non‐Hispanic white voters (Anglos).

Methods

Making use of aggregate‐ and individual‐level data, we assess Texas Hispanics’ party affiliation, participation, and vote choice according to geographic location.

Results

We find notable evidence of geographic‐based partisan polarization among Texas’ burgeoning Hispanic population.

Conclusions

Although the movement of rural/small town Texas Hispanics toward the Republican Party from 2012 to 2022 pales in comparison to this shift among Texas Anglos, a similar partisan dynamic manifests among the former group. We abstain from using the word realignment to characterize these changes in Texas Hispanics’ political behavior according to geographic location, but, nevertheless, it is clear that the Democratic Party's hold on this potentially pivotal group in the Lone Star State's electorate has loosened, and especially among rural/small town Latinos since the rise of Donald Trump.
Ethnical incomes’ gap in Spain. The case of Roma
Authors: Pinto Fernando , Malo Miguel Ángel , Martínez Rosa
Published: June 2024

Background

Discrimination against Roma individuals is a prevalent issue across Europe, presenting significant socio‐economic challenges. Spain, holding the highest concentration of Roma in Western Europe, serves as a focal point for investigating such disparities.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the wage gap between the Roma and non‐Roma populations in Spain, assessing the extent to which this disparity may be attributed to potential discriminatory practices. The objective is to provide a detailed analysis of wage inequalities to inform more effective anti‐discrimination policies.

Methods

The analysis utilizes data from the 2018 Survey on Social Integration and Social Needs, employing statistical and econometric techniques. This approach helps in quantifying the wage gap and in examining the factors contributing to the observed disparities between the two groups.

Results

The findings indicate a substantial wage gap between the Roma and non‐Roma populations. Approximately 43.5 percent of the wage difference remains unexplained by the standard variables included in the econometric model, suggesting that factors beyond educational and professional qualifications might contribute to these inequalities.

Conclusion

The significant unexplained portion of the wage gap likely points to the existence of ethnic discrimination by employers. This study underscores the urgent need for nuanced, targeted anti‐discrimination interventions specifically designed for the Roma community in Spain. The results advocate for policy adjustments that address these disparities at their core, ensuring equity and social integration.
Analysis of the Agenda Setting Strategy Applied by Narasi TV’s Creative Team towards the 2024 Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election Issue through Musyawarah Program
Authors: Putri K. Y. S. , Fazli Luthfi , Iskandar Ifan , Gumelar Gumgum , Pandjaitan Rosmawaty Hilderiah
Published: June 2024

Indonesia is carrying out the General Election Agenda for the President and Vice President, which is held every five years, and 2024 is an election year in which the Indonesian people will choose their leader. As a result, it is clear that election coverage dominates program content and news from the mass media, particularly television. Narasi TV also reported on these electoral issues by airing the Musyawarah show, a special program about the 2024 presidential election. Based on this, the study’s goals are to evaluate the role of Narasi TV’s creative team in shaping the media agenda for the 2024 presidential election, as well as to determine what Narasi TV and the creative team anticipate from the public through the Musyawarah program. The research method used in this article is a qualitative research method, specifically the descriptive-qualitative method, with a focus on data from literature reviews and various references to analyze how the Narasi TV creative team applies the Agenda Setting theory to the issue of the 2024 presidential election through the Musyawarah program. The results showed that Narasi TV’s media agenda on the issue of the 2024 presidential election is as follows: the existence of a special program on the issue of the 2024 presidential election, namely the Musyawarah program; and the creative team’s media agenda for the Musyawarah program, with an effort to raise issues around the 2024 presidential election that are frequently disregarded or neglected despite being less significant than other mass media.
Reflected acoustic energy from geological layers during seismic reflection surveys
Authors: Douglass Alexander S. , Abadi Shima , Phrampus Benjamin J. , Wood Warren T.
Published: June 2024

Acoustic propagation is significantly impacted by seabed characteristics, which play a large role in propagation modeling. Shallow seabed characteristics comprise a notable area of research due to their impacts on bottom loss, but deep seabed characteristics are often ignored. At low frequencies (several hundred Hertz, particularly below 100 Hz) and at ranges less than that corresponding to the seafloor critical angle, these deep layer characteristics have non-negligible effects. Those effects are explored here using a subset of data from a marine seismic reflection survey, MGL2104, in an environment with a nearly constant ∼2.6 km bathymetry. The source is a 5700 in.3 airgun array and reflections are measured by a 1200 channel, ∼15 km streamer, with both arrays at 12 m depth. The results show that in one-third–octave bands below 100 Hz, a significant fraction of the reflected energy (sometimes >50%) at certain ranges in the water column is attributable to sub-seabed layers, and the seafloor reflections only become the dominant source at ranges where the reflection path approaches a critical angle. The analysis also considers the effects of layer depths on reflected energy, demonstrating that increased depth does not necessarily correlate with decreased energy reflected in the water column.
Cellular architecture shapes the naïve T cell response
Authors: Hale Benjamin D. , Severin Yannik , Graebnitz Fabienne , Stark Dominique , Guignard Daniel , Mena Julien , Festl Yasmin , Lee Sohyon , Hanimann Jacob , Zangger Nathan S. , Meier Michelle , Goslings David , Lamprecht Olga , Frey Beat M. , Oxenius Annette , Snijder Berend
Published: June 2024

After antigen stimulation, naïve T cells display reproducible population-level responses, which arise from individual T cells pursuing specific differentiation trajectories. However, cell-intrinsic predeterminants controlling these single-cell decisions remain enigmatic. We found that the subcellular architectures of naïve CD8 T cells, defined by the presence (T
Ø
) or absence (T
O
) of nuclear envelope invaginations, changed with maturation, activation, and differentiation. Upon T cell receptor (TCR) stimulation, naïve T
Ø
cells displayed increased expression of the early-response gene
Nr4a1
, dependent upon heightened calcium entry. Subsequently, in vitro differentiation revealed that T
Ø
cells generated effector-like cells more so compared with T
O
cells, which proliferated less and preferentially adopted a memory-precursor phenotype. These data suggest that cellular architecture may be a predeterminant of naïve CD8 T cell fate.
The weapons potential of high-assay low-enriched uranium
Authors: Kemp R. Scott , Lyman Edwin S. , Deinert Mark R. , Garwin Richard L. , von Hippel Frank N.
Published: June 2024

Recent promotion of new reactor technologies appears to disregard decades-old concerns about nuclear proliferation
Missed connections
The Last Human Job: The Work of Connecting in a Disconnected World
Allison J. Pugh
Princeton University Press, 2024. 384 pp.
Authors: Wai Jonathan
Published: June 2024

A sociologist confronts the future of care work in an age of automation
The future of life
Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World
Jamie Metzl
Timber Press, 2024. 432 pp.
Authors: Woolfson Adrian
Published: June 2024

A futurist probes the potential of engineered organisms and biologically inspired devices
The vault guy
Authors: Travis John
Published: June 2024

Leonard Rome’s lab discovered an odd, abundant component of cells in the 1980s—and he’s still trying to figure out what it does
New tool detects dubious papers via ‘tortured acronyms’
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: June 2024

Generated by plagiarism disguisers, these red flags can point to deeper problems with a paper
In testy hearing, Anthony Fauci confronts critics
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: June 2024

Republicans attack retired research institute head, while Democrats rally to his defense
A conserved inhibitory interdomain interaction regulates DNA-binding activities of hybrid two-component systems in
Bacteroides
Authors: Gao Rong , Wu Ti , Stock Ann M.
Published: June 2024

Hybrid two-component systems (HTCSs) comprise a major class of transcription regulators of polysaccharide utilization genes in
Bacteroides
. Distinct from classical two-component systems in which signal transduction is carried out by intermolecular phosphotransfer between a histidine kinase (HK) and a cognate response regulator (RR), HTCSs contain the membrane sensor HK and the RR transcriptional regulator within a single polypeptide chain. Tethering the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of the RR with the dimeric HK domain in an HTCS could potentially promote dimerization of the DBDs and would thus require a mechanism to suppress DNA-binding activity in the absence of stimulus. Analysis of phosphorylation and DNA-binding activities of several HTCSs from
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
revealed a DBD suppression mechanism in which an inhibitory interaction between the DBD and the phosphoryl group-accepting receiver domain (REC) decreases autophosphorylation rates of HTCS-RECs and represses DNA-binding activities in the absence of phosphorylation. Sequence analyses and structure predictions identified a highly conserved sequence motif correlated with a conserved inhibitory domain arrangement of REC and DBD. The presence of the motif, as in most HTCSs, or its absence, in a small subset of HTCSs, is likely predictive of two distinct regulatory mechanisms evolved for different glycans. Substitutions within the conserved motif relieve the inhibitory interaction and result in elevated DNA-binding activities in the absence of phosphorylation. Our data suggest a fundamental regulatory mechanism shared by most HTCSs to suppress DBD activities using a conserved inhibitory interdomain arrangement to overcome the challenge of the fused HK and RR components.

IMPORTANCE

Different dietary and host-derived complex carbohydrates shape the gut microbial community and impact human health. In
Bacteroides
, the prevalent gut bacteria genus, utilization of these diverse carbohydrates relies on different gene clusters that are under sophisticated control by various signaling systems, including the hybrid two-component systems (HTCSs). We have uncovered a highly conserved regulatory mechanism in which the output DNA-binding activity of HTCSs is suppressed by interdomain interactions in the absence of stimulating phosphorylation. A consensus amino acid motif is found to correlate with the inhibitory interaction surface while deviations from the consensus can lead to constitutive activation. Understanding of such conserved HTCS features will be important to make regulatory predictions for individual systems as well as to engineer novel systems with substitutions in the consensus to explore the glycan regulation landscape in
Bacteroides
.
Draft genome of three uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains
Authors: Cortez-de la Puente Isabel Montserrat , Rocha-Gracia Rosa del C. , Lozano-Zaraín Patricia , Barrios-Villa Edwin , Arenas-Hernández Margarita M. P.
Published: June 2024

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) remains the main etiological agent of urinary tract infections affecting females and males. The draft genome sequence of three strains of UPEC isolated from senior citizens and pregnant women in the state of Puebla, Mexico, is reported here.
Drought-induced assembly of rhizosphere mycobiomes shows beneficial effects on plant growth
Authors: Pan Yanshuo , Liu Binhui , Zhang Wenying , Zhuang Shan , Wang Hongzhe , Chen Jieyin , Xiao Liang , Li Yuzhong , Han Dongfei
Published: June 2024

Beneficial interactions between plants and rhizosphere fungi can enhance plant adaptability during drought stress. However, harnessing these interactions will require an in-depth understanding of the response of fungal community assembly to drought. Herein, by using different varieties of wheat plants, we analyzed the drought-induced changes in fungal community assembly in rhizosphere and bulk soil. We demonstrated that drought significantly altered the fungal communities, with the contribution of species richness to community beta diversity increased in both rhizosphere and bulk soil compartments during drought stress. The stochastic processes dominated fungal community assembly, but the relative importance of deterministic processes, mainly homogeneous selection, increased in the drought-stressed rhizosphere. Drought induced an increase in the relative abundance of generalists in the rhizosphere, as opposed to specialists, and the top 10 abundant taxa that enriched under drought conditions were predominantly generalists. Notably, the most abundant drought-enriched taxon in rhizosphere was a generalist, and the corresponding
Chaetomium
strain was found capable of improving root length and activating ABA signaling in wheat plants through culture-based experiment. Together, these findings provide evidence that host plants exert a strong influence on rhizospheric fungal community assembly during stress and suggest the fungal communities that have experienced drought have the potential to confer fitness advantages to the host plants.

IMPORTANCE

We have presented a framework to integrate the shifts in community assembly processes with plant-soil feedback during drought stress. We found that environmental filtering and host plant selection exert influence on the rhizospheric fungal community assembly, and the re-assembled community has great potential to alleviate plant drought stress. Our study proposes that future research should incorporate ecology with plant, microbiome, and molecular approaches to effectively harness the rhizospheric microbiome for enhancing the resilience of crop production to drought.
Iatrogenic rectal perforation after coccygeal radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Romsom Jesse , Leenders Martijn Willem Hendrik
Published: June 2024

Coccygodynia (pain of the coccygeal bone) can be treated locally with anti-inflammatory drugs, local steroid injections, surgical removal of the coccyx and, more recently, with radiofrequency thermal ablation. Complications, such as perforation of the colon, can occur as a consequence of the close relationship between the rectum and the sacrococcyx and with the heat from the thermal ablation expanding to the surrounding tissue causing delayed damage with severe consequences. The treatment of this complication requires the combined effort of the gastrointestinal surgeon as well as a gastroenterologist. In this case report, we describe the treatment of this complication and the clinical course after a perforation of the rectum due to thermal ablation of the coccyx to treat long-standing coccygodynia.
Staged bilateral release of the popliteus muscle using a posterior surgical approach to the popliteal fossa to treat type 4 popliteal artery entrapment
Authors: Chidambaram Rama , Lekha Yeshwanth , Sieunarine Kishore
Published: June 2024

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare cause of intermittent claudication in the young. Aberrant embryological development results in entrapment of the popliteal artery by myofascial structures of the popliteal fossa. Type 4 PAES is due to aberrant development of the popliteus muscle superficial to the popliteal artery. We present a case of bilateral type 4 PAES, along with intraoperative photography highlighting the anatomical cause for this pathology. Both limbs in this patient were treated successfully with surgical release of the entrapping popliteus muscle via a posterior surgical approach to the popliteal fossa. This report emphasises the importance of determining popliteal artery integrity and entrapment subtype to guide the management of this condition.
Acute gastric volvulus secondary to H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez Ángela , Aranda García María Josefa , Ruiz Pruneda Ramón , Sánchez Morote Juana María
Published: June 2024

H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula is an uncommon type of tracheo-oesophageal malformation. Acute gastric volvulus is another infrequent pathology in children. They rarely present together.

We report the case of a toddler with acute gastric volvulus possibly secondary to an undiagnosed H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula. The fistula was suspected due to persistent gastric distention observed during volvulus detorsion. This kind of tracheo-oesophageal fistula often presents with subtle symptoms making early diagnosis difficult.

Acute gastric volvulus is a life-threatening condition. Gastric distension caused by the passage of air into the stomach through the fistula could be a triggering factor for gastric volvulus.
Economic barriers to prevent the smuggling of health goods in Iran
Authors: Mahmoudi Meymand Farzaneh , Takian Amirhossein , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In recent years, smuggling of health goods has apparently increased in the country. Despite the preventive and regulatory measures taken to combat this problem, the outcomes seem to be undesirable. This study thus aims to identify and elucidate the role of economic barriers in the prevention of smuggling health goods in Iran.

Method

We conducted semistructured interviews with 29 purposefully identified key informants in the detection, prevention and control of health goods smuggling in different organisations, between May 2021–January 2022. An inductive data-driven thematic analysis approach was further adopted to identify patterns of meaning, using MAXQDA 2020 software to facilitate data management.

Results

We identified four main themes representing the economic barriers to prevent the smuggling of health goods in Iran; Monetary and financial policy, which includes subthemes of financial rules and procedures, market regulation, economic incentives and imbalanced development; Behavioural patterns, consisting of consumer behaviour, the opportunism of smugglers, the behaviour of statesmen and politicians; Economic diplomacy, categorised into international relations and interactions, relations and interactions in the national arena, interaction with non-governmental organisations and Health economic monitoring and evaluation including transparency of statistics and economic information and supervision.

Conclusion

Smuggling health goods has become a concerning challenge in the health sector. It is, therefore, imperative to develop and implement appropriate policies and operations towards security and international cooperation, lobbying and coalition-building. Demonopolisation, creating competitive and dynamic markets, removal of rent-seeking layers at all levels, and the use of commercial diplomacy to reduce the burden of smuggling in the health sector of Iran, and perhaps beyond might be of sizeable use to combat such challenge.
Infectious complications following regional anesthesia: a narrative review and contemporary estimates of risk
Authors: Selvamani Breethaa Janani , Kalagara Hari , Volk Thomas , Narouze Samer , Childs Christopher , Patel Aamil , Seering Melinda S , Benzon Honorio T , Sondekoppam Rakesh V
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Infectious complications following regional anesthesia (RA) while rare, can be devastating. The objective of this review was to estimate the risk of infectious complications following central neuraxial blocks (CNB) such as epidural anesthesia (EA), spinal anesthesia (SA) and combined spinal epidural (CSE), and peripheral nerve blocks (PNB).

Materials and methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify reference studies reporting infectious complications in the context of RA subtypes. Both prospective and retrospective studies providing incidence of infectious complications were included for review to provide pooled estimates (with 95% CI). Additionally, we explored incidences specifically associated with spinal anesthesia, incidences of central nervous system (CNS) infections and, the incidences of overall and CNS infections following CNB in obstetric population.

Results

The pooled estimate of overall infectious complications following all CNB was 9/100 000 (95% CI: 5, 13/100 000). CNS infections following all CNB was estimated to be 2/100 000 (95% CI: 1, 3/100 000) and even rarer following SA (1/100 000 (95% CI: 1, 2/100 000)). Obstetric population had a lower rate of overall (1/100 000 (95% CI: 1, 3/100 000)) and CNS infections (4 per million (95% CI: 0.3, 1/100 000)) following all CNB. For PNB catheters, the reported rate of infectious complications was 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2, 2.5/100).

Discussion

Our review suggests that the risk of overall infectious complications following neuraxial anesthesia is very rare and the rate of CNS infections is even rarer. The infectious complications following PNB catheters seems significantly higher compared with CNB. Standardizing nomenclature and better reporting methodologies are needed for the better estimation of the infectious complications.
Polarization and quantum entanglement effects in $$B^\pm _c\rightarrow J/\psi +\pi ^\pm +\pi ^0$$ process
Authors: Chen Kaiwen , Geng Yiqi , Jin Yichao , Yan Zhicheng , Zhu Ruilin
Published: June 2024

Motivated by the very recent observation of the $$B^+_c\rightarrow J/\psi +\pi ^+ +\pi ^0$$

B
c
+

→
J
/
ψ
+

π
+

+

π
0

decay using proton–proton collision data by the LHCb collaboration, we study the four-body angular distributions and the quantum entanglement effects in the $$B^+_c\rightarrow J/\psi +\pi ^+ +\pi ^0$$

B
c
+

→
J
/
ψ
+

π
+

+

π
0

associated with $$J/\psi \rightarrow \mu ^++\mu ^-.$$

J
/
ψ
→

μ
+

+

μ
-

.

The helicity angular distributions are given in the QCD effective theory and the von Neumann entropy is obtained in $$B^\pm _c\rightarrow J/\psi (\rightarrow \mu ^+\mu ^-)+\rho ^\pm (\rightarrow \pi ^\pm \pi ^0)$$

B
c
±

→
J
/
ψ

(
→

μ
+

μ
-

)

+

ρ
±

(
→

π
±

π
0

)

decay process.
SEMI-DOMAIN SOLUTIONS TO THE FRACTAL (3+1)-DIMENSIONAL JIMBO–MIWA EQUATION
Authors: XU PENG , HUANG HUAN , LIU HUI
Published: June 2024

In this work, the variational direct method (VDM) based on the variational theory and Ritz-like method, combined with the fractal two-scale transformation, is employed to construct the semi-domain solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional fractal Jimbo–Miwa (JM) equation, which is derived by He’s fractal derivative. The applicability and effectiveness of the acquired solutions on the Cantor sets are presented through the numerical results in the form of 3-dimensional graphs. In addition, as a comparison, the exact solutions of the classic (3+1)-dimensional JM equation for [Formula: see text] are also illustrated. The obtained results in this work are expected to open new perspectives for the traveling wave theory.
SYNTHESIS OF MONO-DISPERSE MESOPOROUS SILICA-COATED MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES FOR BIOSEPARATION
Authors: SHAMAILA SHAHZADI , ULLAH INAM , SHAKEEL AYESHA , SHARIF REHANA , BAN DAYAN
Published: June 2024

Magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a cost-effective co-precipitation method. Magnetite NPs were encapsulated with silica via the modified Stober Method. Tetra ethyl ortho silicate (TEOS) was hydrolyzed and condensed with ethanol and H2O solution. Stable and biocompatible NPs were synthesized for biomedical applications such as bioseparation. This study expresses the NPs that can potentially be used in the bioseparation of toxic protein isolations and targeted drug delivery. X-ray diffraction verified the phase pattern having crystals like Fd-3[Formula: see text]m cubic space. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images identified the spherical-shaped NPs having size ranges from 15[Formula: see text]nm to 30[Formula: see text]nm for magnetite NPs and 20–40[Formula: see text]nm for silica-coated magnetite NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the bond spectrum peak at 549[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] and 562[Formula: see text][Formula: see text] for magnetite NPs and silica-coated magnetite NPs, respectively. UV–Visible analysis observed the band absorptions above 250[Formula: see text]nm for magnetite and above 300[Formula: see text]nm for silica-coated magnetite NPs. This research suggests an easy way to use silica-coated Magnetite NPs for bioseparation at room temperature.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETIC REDUCED GRAPHENE OXIDE HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITE USING NOVEL CLERODENDRUM PANICULATUM FOR THE REMOVAL OF MB DYE AND Cd (II) FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION VIA MAGNETIC SEPARATION
Authors: PARVATHI E. , DILRAJ N. , ARJUN G. , AKSHAYA C. V. , DEEPAK N. K.
Published: June 2024

The utmost dangerous and significant source of environmental contamination is constituted by ionic dyes and heavy metals. Graphene oxide (GO) can eradicate heavy metal ions and dyes from effluent, but the major difficulty associated with GO is the inconvenience during separation. In this study, magnetic reduced GO (rGO-Fe3O[Formula: see text] hybrid nanocomposite is synthesized by using the novel green reducing agent and is used as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye and Cd (II) ions. The prepared samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and FTIR spectroscopy. adsorption study of rGO-Fe3O4 is carried out using UV visible spectrophotometry and it is obtained that the maximum adsorption capacity in the mono component system using double distilled water for MB dye and Cd (II) ions is 64.52 and 93.49[Formula: see text]mg/g, respectively. Moreover, the effect of different parameters such as temperature, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH and initial adsorbate concentration on the adsorption of heavy metal and dye is investigated.
Poster Design Research Based on Deep Learning Automatic Image Generation Algorithm
Authors: Fan Xiaoxi , Sun Yao
Published: June 2024

Although this research has made significant progress in image generation models, they still face issues such as insufficient diversity of generated images, poor quality of high-resolution images, and the need for a large amount of training data for model optimization. This paper studies poster design based on deep learning automatic image generation algorithm, using a recursive supervised image generation algorithm framework of generative adversarial networks for multi-view image generation and super-resolution generation tasks of small sample digital poster images. Various improvements have been proposed to enhance the performance of the GAN network model for poster design image generation tasks. Based on experimental research, this paper’s model uses generative adversarial networks to distinguish randomly cropped low resolution and high-resolution poster blocks, ensuring that high-resolution posters maintain their original resolution canvas texture and brush strokes, effectively improving the automatic generation effect of poster images. The evaluation results show that the quantitative evaluation of the proposed algorithm model in knowledge management is distributed in a reasonable range, which indicates that the proposed algorithm model has good performance in knowledge management. The poster design model based on deep learning automatic image generation algorithm proposed in this paper has certain effects. In subsequent practice, the automatic image generation algorithm can be combined with practical needs to improve the efficiency and design effect of poster design.
Influence of the Vertical Load Bearing Status on the Seismic Performance of Weak-Joint-Type RC Frames Strengthened by the Wing Wall Installation Method
Authors: Li Yuebing , Wang Hang , Xing Shuang , Shan Liang , Wang Xuanbo
Published: June 2024

“Strong column–weak beam, strong joint–weak member” is a core concept for the seismic design of buildings. For existing reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings that do not satisfy this concept, installing RC wing walls beside existing columns is a simple and effective method for strengthening both columns and joints to promote a beam-hinging mechanism. In this study, a numerical simulation method is used to analyze the seismic performance of weak-joint RC frames strengthened by additional wing walls considering the column axial force ratio and to determine whether to consider the secondary load as a variable. The results show that when the secondary load is not considered, i.e. existing columns do not bear a load during the strengthening process, the strength, stiffness and energy dissipation of the structure increase with increasing axial force ratio, but the ductility of the structure decreases. When the secondary load is considered, the strength and initial stiffness of the frame are the greatest when the column axial force ratio is 0.4. When the axial force ratio is less than 0.4, the secondary load has less influence on the strength, stiffness and energy consumption. When the axial force ratio is greater than 0.4, the secondary load has a significant impact on the seismic performance of the strengthened structure, and the strength, stiffness, energy consumption and ductility are significantly greater than those in the case in which the secondary load is not considered. Additionally, the larger the axial force ratio is, the more significant the difference is. It is revealed that in engineering seismic strengthening using the wing wall installation method, the influence of secondary load on seismic performance should not be ignored, especially when the axial force ratio is large.