bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refining integrated thinking
Authors: Maroun Warren , Ecim Dusan , Cerbone Dannielle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Integrated thinking involves a holistic, multi-capital approach to decision-making and operations to promote value creation and sustainability. This paper aims to outline a schematic which can be used to gauge the levels of integrated thinking by organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers partnered with an independent consulting firm (“Sustain-X”) which has developed a tool for evaluating integrated thinking. A two-stage mixed-method design is used to evaluate the tool. Firstly, in keeping with the exploratory nature of the paper, the tool’s integrated thinking principles and indicators are contrasted with findings from an extensive review of the integrated thinking research and interviews with experts on how integrated thinking is understood and operationalised. Secondly, the tool was applied to a sample of South African listed firms’ integrated reports and used to generate integrated thinking scores. These scores are evaluated by testing the strength of their association with other generally accepted proxies for integrated thinking.

Findings

The principles of the schematic include integrated awareness and understanding; integrated leadership commitment and capability; integrated structures; integrated organisational performance management; and integrated external communication. Empirical results show that the integrated thinking measures generated using the Sustain-X schematic are aligned with integrated report quality scores and ratings of the sophistication of organisations’ accounting, management and governance structures.

Research limitations/implications

A combination of earlier research findings, detailed interviews (conducted independently of Sustain-X) and a battery of quantitative tests have been used to evaluate the schematic, but more refined testing using additional case studies or ethnographies has been deferred.

Practical implications

The tool offers a practical means for stakeholders to evaluate integrated thinking. It is flexible enough to be used with data collected during private engagements with companies or only publicly available information.

Social implications

The schematic is one of the first to outline the dimensions of integrated thinking and should be useful for academics and practitioners concerned with the development and application of integrated thinking.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature on integrated thinking and answers the call for further research to evaluate integrated thinking practices.
Impact of share pledging by controlling shareholders on firm value in the context of China's tightened regulatory reforms
Authors: Su Zili , Alexiou Constantinos
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the effect of the 2018 regulatory reforms of share pledging by a controlling shareholder on firm value in China. Using a dataset spanning the period 2015 to 2020, we provide robust results suggesting that tighter regulations effectively reduce firms' crash risk, relax financial constraints, reduce bankruptcy risk, and mitigate the controlling shareholder expropriation of minority shareholders' wealth via tunnelling. Additionally, controlling shareholders, by investing more pledged funds in the listed firm after reforms, foster capital investment and R&D expenditure, which benefit firm growth and competitiveness and ultimately increase firm long‐term value.
Why do bank‐affiliated mutual funds perform better in China?
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Lv Dayong , Wu Wenfeng
Published: August 2022

Prior literature documents that bank‐affiliated mutual funds underperform unaffiliated funds in developed markets. Using data from the Chinese mutual fund market from 2005 to 2020, we find that Chinese bank‐affiliated funds outperform unaffiliated funds by about 2.63 percent per year. In addition, our results show that bank‐affiliated fund managers have superior active management and better stock‐picking skills, which is preliminarily related to the motivational compensation policies from fund companies and the slight redemption pressure from investors. However, we find no evidence for the potential information advantage of bank‐affiliated funds. Our findings have important implications for fund companies and investors.
Impact of contracted endodontic cavities on instrumentation efficacy—A systematic review
Authors: Shroff Manan , Kishan Karkala Venkappa , Shah Nimisha , Saklecha Purnima
Published: August 2022

The aim of the present systematic review was to summarise and evaluate the studies comparing the role of contracted endodontic cavities (CECs) and traditional endodontic cavities (TECs) in terms of instrumentation efficacy. The present systematic review comprised of a search of the online databases of Cochrane, PubMed, Google Scholar and grey literature. The articles which were pertaining to instrumentation efficacy in contracted and traditional endodontic cavities were selected based on the PRISMA checklist. Out of the 660 articles which were obtained, irrelevant articles were excluded and a total of 17 articles were selected for this systematic review which assessed the instrumentation efficacy. Eleven studies compared the volume of dentin removed and canal transportation ability. Four studies compared the pulp debridement, and two studies compared the anti‐bacterial efficacy between the two groups. The extrusion of debris between the groups was compared by one study. Out of the 17 studies included, 11 studies proved that contracted endodontic cavities negatively impacted the instrumentation efficacy. Hence, the data suggest that the traditional endodontic access cavities have better results when comparing the instrumentation efficacy.
Light and electron microscopic studies on the influence of stress on prolactin‐immunoreactivity in rat anterior pituitary lobe
Authors: Prohaska Antje , Jirikowski Gustav F. , Oehring Hartmut , el Emam Dief Abeer , Sivukhina Elena V.
Published: August 2022

An increasing number of evidence suggests an important role of prolactin in the modulation of stress response. However, the mechanisms of its action on the HPA axis are not yet understood. Glucocorticoids, liberated from adrenal cortex due to hormonal signals from pituitary corticotrophs are known to play a key role in systemic stress response. Previously we found evidence that corticosteroid‐binding globulin (CBG) is involved in rapid, membrane‐mediated actions of adrenal steroids. Here we studied qualitatively immunostainings for prolactin and CBG in pituitaries of male rats that had been subjected to osmotic challenge. We also examined late pregnant, parturient and early lactating rats, assuming that parturition represents a strong physiological stress. We employed double immunofluorescencent staining of semithin sections and immunoelectron microscopy. In stressed males we found increased prolactin immunofluorescence associated with membranes while in controls this staining was predominantly cytoplasmatic. CBG immunofluorescence was found in almost all prolactin cells of stressed males while such double staining was only occasionally observed in controls. Similar observations were made in females: While parturient rats showed intense membrane associated double staining for both antigens, late pregnant and early lactating animals showed patterns similar to that of male controls. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed increased exocytosis of prolactin containing vesicles in lactating rats. CBG was localized on cell membranes and additionally within prolactin vesicles. Our observations suggest prolactin liberation from pituitary lactotrophs along with CBG upon systemic stress response. Membrane effects of glucocorticoids mediated by CBG may be linked to stimulus secretion of prolactin.
Expression of the pro‐inflammatory P2Y14 receptor in the non‐vasectomized and vasectomized human epididymis
Authors: Belardin Larissa Berloffa , Légaré Christine , Sullivan Robert , Belleannée Clémence , Breton Sylvie
Published: August 2022

Background

Vasectomy causes spermatozoa accumulation in the epididymis, which may cause epididymitis. Inflammation is triggered by alert molecules released following tissue stress or injury. These include uracil‐diphosphate glucose (UDP)‐glucose, which activates the pro‐inflammatory P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14), and induces immune cell recruitment. However, little is known about P2Y14 in the epididymis and its potential activation following vasectomy.

Objectives

(i) To localize P2Y14 in the human excurrent duct; and (ii) to examine the effect of vasectomy on P2Y14 protein and P2RY14 mRNA content, the production of selected cytokines and chemokines, and immune cell recruitment in the epididymis.

Material and methods

In situ hybridization, qRT‐PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed in banked human epididymis samples.

Results

P2RY14 mRNA and P2Y14 protein were detected in epithelial cells in the efferent duct, epididymis and vas deferens in non‐vasectomized men. Keratin 5 (KRT5)‐positive basal cells were strongly labeled for P2Y14 in all epididymal segments. A progressive apical localization was detected in principal cells (negative for the proton pump V‐ATPase) from the corpus to the cauda. A subset of V‐ATPase‐positive clear cells also showed strong P2Y14 labeling. Vasectomy induced an increase in P2RY14 mRNA in the corpus and cauda, and stronger apical labeling in principal cells in the corpus. CXCL10 mRNA increased in the cauda and CCL2 mRNA decreased in the corpus of vasectomized versus non‐vasectomized men. No change in IL‐8 and IL‐1β mRNA was detected. Numerous CD45+ leukocytes were detected in the interstitium of the corpus and cauda following vasectomy, while only a few were seen in non‐vasectomized men. Several CD45+ leukocytes, some of which containing spermatozoa, were detected in the corpus lumen following vasectomy.

Discussion and conclusion

Our study indicates that vasectomy‐induced spermatozoa congestion may lead to an inflamed‐prone local environment characterized by potential activation of P2Y14 and recruitment of immune cells in the epididymis.
Traction force profile in children with severe perinatal outcomes delivered with a digital vacuum extraction handle: A case–control study
Authors: Romero Stefhanie , Pettersson Kristina , Yousaf Khurram , Westgren Magnus , Ajne Gunilla
Published: August 2022

Introduction

During the second stage of labor, vacuum‐assisted delivery is an alternative to forceps delivery and emergency cesarean section. Extensive research concerning perinatal outcomes has indicated that the risk of complications, although rare, is higher than with a spontaneous vaginal delivery. An important factor related to perinatal outcomes is the traction force applied. Our research group previously developed a digital extraction handle, the Vacuum Intelligent Handle‐3 (VIH3), that measures and records traction force. The objective of this study was to compare traction force profiles in children with and without severe perinatal outcomes delivered with the digital handle. A secondary aim was to establish a safe force limit.

Material and Methods

This was an observational case–control study at the delivery ward at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. In total, 573 children delivered with the digital handle between 2012 and 2018 were included. Cases were defined as a composite of severe perinatal outcomes, including subgaleal hematoma, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy 1–3, seizures or death. The cases in the cohort were matched 1:3 based on five matching variables. Traction profiles were analyzed using the MATLAB® software and conditional logistic regression.

Results

The incidence of severe perinatal outcomes was 2.3%. The 13 cases were matched with three controls each (n = 39). A statistically significant increased odds for higher total traction forces was seen in the case group (odds ratio [OR] 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.007) and for the peak force (OR 1.022; 95% CI 1.004–1.041). Several procedure‐related parameters were significantly increased in the case group. As expected, some neonatal characteristics also differed significantly. An upper force limit of 343 Newton minutes (Nmin) revealed an 86% reduction in severe perinatal outcomes (adjusted OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04–0.5).

Conclusions

Children with severe perinatal outcomes had traction force profiles with significantly higher forces. The odds for severe perinatal outcomes increased for every increase in Nmin and Newton used during the extraction procedure. A calculated total force level of 343 Nmin is suggested as an upper safety limit, but this must be tested prospectively to provide validity.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in the context of paediatric COVID‐19 infection in the Republic of Ireland April 2020 to April 2021
Authors: Treston Bryony , Petty‐Saphon Naomi , Collins Abigail , Murray Sarah , Colgan Aoife , Fitzgerald Eoin , Hassan Mahmoud , Forde Karina , O'Farrell Anne , Sayers Gerardine , Linnane Niall , Franklin Orla , McMahon Colin , Leahy Timothy R. , Gavin Patrick
Published: August 2022

Aim

Our aim was to describe the epidemiology of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) in the Republic of Ireland, in the context of all cases of COVID‐19 in children, during the first year of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.

Methods

Cases of MIS‐C were identified by prospective surveillance in Irish hospitals from April 2020 to April 2021. Paediatric COVID‐19 cases and outbreaks in schools or childcare facilities were notified to and routinely investigated by Public Health. Univariate and bivariate analyses were carried out in Excel, Stata and JMP statistical package.

Results

Fifty‐four MIS‐C cases (median age 7.58 years; males 57%) were identified over the study period. MIS‐C incidence was higher in certain ethnicities (‘black’ 21.3/100,000 [95% CI 4.3–38.4]; and ‘Irish Traveller’ 14.7/100,000 [95% CI −5.7‐35.1]) than those of ‘white’ ethnicity (3.4 /100,000). MIS‐C cases occurred in three temporal clusters, which followed three distinct waves of community COVID‐19 infection, irrespective of school closures. Formal contact tracing identified an epidemiological link with a COVID‐19‐infected family member in the majority of MIS‐C cases (77%). In contrast, investigation of COVID‐19 school outbreaks demonstrated no epidemiological link with MIS‐C cases during the study period.

Conclusion

Efforts at controlling SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission in the community may be a more effective means to reduce MIS‐C incidence than school closures. Establishing a mandatory reporting structure for MIS‐C will help delineate the role of risk factors such as ethnicity and obesity and the effect of vaccination on MIS‐C incidence.
Diagnostic utility of SOX10 immunostaining in benign lichenoid keratosis: A study of 21 cases
Authors: Levett Kaitlyn , Siatecka Hanna , Diwan A. Hafeez , Krishnan Bhuvaneswari , Huttenbach Yve T.
Published: August 2022

Background

Benign lichenoid keratosis (BLK) is a cutaneous lesion that can clinically mimic malignancy and may represent regression of a pre‐existing lesion. BLK may show epidermal pseudo‐nests prompting evaluation for a melanocytic lesion. False positivity of MART‐1/Melan‐A immunostaining in pseudonests has been showed; however, the value of SRY‐related HMG‐box 10 (SOX10) staining in BLK with features suspicious for a melanocytic proliferation has not been previously reported.

Methods

Twenty‐one cases of BLK from 2015 to 2020 were identified. Slides were reviewed and SOX10 immunohistochemistry was performed on each case. Subsequently, Melan‐A immunohistochemical staining was performed on all cases.

Results

In 10 cases (47.6%), unexpected SOX10 staining was seen in rare to numerous small, single cells in the epidermis above the basal cell layer. No malignancy was identified. Of the 10 cases, 8 (80%) showed suprabasal SOX10 staining did not show similar suprabasal Melan‐A staining; 2 (20%) cases showed scattered suprabasal cells positive for Melan‐A.

Conclusion

SOX10 immunostaining in BLK can highlight scattered cells in the epidermis (not easily noticeable on routine stain). Performing SOX10 immunostain alone on BLK can prompt a misdiagnosis of a melanocytic lesion and should be done with caution.
1031. RADERMACHERA SINICA: Bignoniaceae
Authors: Bell Sandra , Yamanaka Masumi
Published: August 2022

Radermachera sinica (Hance) Hemsl., is illustrated. Its history is described, and its survival and flowering in cultivation in London are recorded.
1036. PRIMULINA YUNGFUENSIS: Gesneriaceae
Authors: Cribb Phillip , Want Terry , Lambkin Deborah
Published: August 2022

Primulina yungfuensis (W. T. Wang) Mich. Möller & A. Weber is illustrated; its relationships are discussed and suggestions for its successful cultivation are given.
Relational thinking: An overlooked component of executive functioning
Authors: Starr Ariel , Leib Elena R. , Younger Jessica W. ,   Project iLead Consortium, Uncapher Melina R. , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: August 2022

Relational thinking, the ability to represent abstract, generalizable relations, is a core component of reasoning and human cognition. Relational thinking contributes to fluid reasoning and academic achievement, particularly in the domain of math. However, due to the complex nature of many fluid reasoning tasks, it has been difficult to determine the degree to which relational thinking has a separable role from the cognitive processes collectively known as executive functions (EFs). Here, we used a simplified reasoning task to better understand how relational thinking contributes to math achievement in a large, diverse sample of elementary and middle school students (N = 942). Students also performed a set of ten adaptive EF assessments, as well as tests of math fluency and fraction magnitude comparison. We found that relational thinking was significantly correlated with each of the three EF composite scores previously derived from this dataset, albeit no more strongly than they were with each other. Further, relational thinking predicted unique variance in students’ math fluency and fraction magnitude comparison scores over and above the three EF composites. Thus, we propose that relational thinking be considered an EF in its own right as one of the core, mid‐level cognitive abilities that supports cognition and goal‐directed behavior.

Research Highlights

Relational thinking, the process of identifying and integrating relations, develops over childhood and is central to reasoning.

We collected data from nearly 1000 elementary and middle schoolers on a test of relational thinking, ten standard executive function tasks, and two math tests.

Relational thinking predicts unique variance in math achievement not accounted for by canonical EFs throughout middle childhood.

We propose that relational thinking should be conceptualized as a core executive function that supports cognitive development and learning.
The safety of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in B‐cell malignancies: A systematic review
Authors: Arustamyan Michael , Kibrik Pavel , Hatipoglu Dilara , Bungo Brandon , Mentias Amgad , Hill Brian T. , Moudgil Rohit
Published: August 2022

B‐cell malignancies, most notably lymphomas, make up most of the non‐Hodgkin lymphomas in the United States. There are limited randomized data comparing first‐ and second‐generation Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. Our aim was to compare the safety profiles of first versus second‐generation BTK inhibitors. A systematic search was performed from database inception to January 13, 2020. Studies with BTK inhibitor monotherapy for the treatment of B‐cell malignancies in the adult population (>18 years old) were utilized and the adverse events (AEs) were extracted. Fifty‐five studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review with 41 studies with first generation and 14 studies with second generation. The review included both clinical trials and retrospective studies with average time of follow‐up of 2 years for the first‐generation group and 18 months for the second‐generation group. We found that the incidence of cardiovascular AEs was significantly higher in the first‐generation group (20.8%) as compared to the second‐generation group (6.3%). However, there was a higher incidence of hematologic/oncologic and gastrointestinal side effects in the second‐generation group compared to the first (62.3% compared to 39.2% and 36.9% compared to 28.9%). The number of Grade 5 cardiovascular events (death) was same in the first‐generation group compared to the second generation. Further research is needed to develop highly selective BTK inhibitors to avoid unwanted AEs by minimizing off‐targets.
Refining the definition of HER2‐low class in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Atallah Nehal M , Toss Michael S , Green Andrew R , Mongan Nigel P , Ball Graham , Rakha Emad A
Published: August 2022

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that breast cancer (BC) patients whose tumours express HER2 protein without HER2 gene amplification (HER2‐low), can benefit from antibody–drug conjugates (ADC). However, the current definition of HER2‐low BC remains incomplete with low rates of concordance. This study aims to refine HER2‐low definition with emphasis on distinguishing HER2 score 0 from score 1+ to identify patients who are eligible for ADC.

Methods

A BC cohort (n = 363) with HER2 IHC scores 0, 1+ and 2+ (without HER2 gene amplification) and available HER2 mRNA was included. HER2 staining intensity, pattern and subcellular localisation were reassessed. Artificial neural network analysis was applied to cluster the cohort and to distinguish HER2 score 0 from 1+. Reproducibility and reliability of the refined criteria were tested.

Results

HER2 IHC score 1+ was refined as membranous staining in invasive cells as either: (1) faint intensity in ≥ 20% of cells regardless the circumferential completeness, (2) weak complete staining in ≤ 10%, (3) weak incomplete staining in > 10% and (4) moderate incomplete staining in ≤ 10%. Based on this, 63% of the HER2‐negative cases were reclassified as positive (HER2‐low). The refined score showed perfect observer agreement compared to the moderate agreement in the original clinical scores. Similar results were generated when the refined score was applied on the independent BC cohorts. A proposal to refine the definition of other HER2 classes is presented.

Conclusion

This study refined the definition of HER2‐low BC based on correlation with HER2 mRNA and distinguished between HER2 IHC score 1+ and score 0 tumours.
Ballistic response of the corrugated ceramic composite target under the impact of the flat‐headed projectile
Authors: Dong Yalun , Yang Lihong , Jin Ziqi , Wu Linzhi
Published: August 2022

The ballistic responses of the composite targets composed of the corrugated ceramic block and corrugated steel plate were investigated by numerical simulation. The effects of the composite target configuration on the projectile residual velocity, the failure mode, and the energy absorption of targets were analyzed. The ballistic performance of the composite target with composites back plate was discussed. The results show that the projectile impacting on the slope of the target has the least residual velocity of projectiles, and the slope of the target can remarkably change the trajectory of the projectile. Adding the corrugated UHMWPE composites plate along the direction of the steel back plate of the configuration can effectively improve the overall anti‐penetration performance of the configuration.
Mechanical property and gas filtration behavior of porous reaction bonded Si3N4 with monodispersed PMMA as pore former
Authors: Li Yanjun , Zhao Lianfeng , Cao Weidi , Wang Wenwu , Chen Jin , Cai Yanzhi , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing
Published: August 2022

Porous Si3N4 ceramics were prepared by gel casting combined with a reaction bonding route using monodispersed PMMA as the pore former, and Isobam was used as a gel agent. With the PMMA addition varying from 0 to 20 wt.%, the bending strength was degraded from 94.0 to 39.1 MPa owing to the increased porosity and decreased bulk density. The β‐Si3N4 prismatic grains and round pores introduced by the monodispersed PMMA micro balls would endow the samples with high strength, and the permeability of the resulting samples was increased obviously with the increase of PMMA addition. Flue gas filtration test exhibited that the filtration efficiency of the porous ceramics filter was not degraded with introducing of the PMMA pore former, even though the permeability was increased obviously. The block type of the sample with 20‐wt.% PMMA additions during filtration was cake filtration, which indicates that the sample has the characteristic of being reusable after back‐blowing in flue gas filtration applications. Porous Si3N4 with high strength and permeability fabricated via the reaction bonding route exhibits great potential for low‐cost high‐performance ceramics filters.
Impact of blending with polystyrene on the microstructural and electrochemical properties of SiOC ceramic
Authors: Wilamowska‐Zawlocka Monika , Graczyk‐Zajac Magdalena
Published: August 2022

In this work, we present the electrochemical behavior and microstructural analysis of silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics influenced by an addition of polystyrene (PS). Polymer‐derived ceramics were obtained by pyrolysis (1000°C, Ar atmosphere) of different polysiloxanes prepared by sol–gel synthesis. This method is very effective to obtain desired composition of final ceramic. Two alkoxysilanes phenylthriethoxysilane and diphenyldimethoxysilane were used as precursors. Before pyrolysis polysiloxanes were mixed with PS using toluene as a solvent. Blending with PS affects the microstructure and free carbon content in the final ceramic material. Free carbon phase has been confirmed to be a major lithium storage host. Nevertheless, we demonstrate here that capacity does not increase linearly with increasing carbon content. We show that the amount of SiO4 units in the SiOC microstructure increases the initial capacity but decreases the cycling stability and rate capability of the material. Furthermore, the microstructure of the free carbon influences the electrochemical performance of the ceramic: More ordered graphitic clusters favor better rate capability performance.
Fabrication and characterization of silica ceramic compact prepared using Aloe‐Vera mucilage as a binder
Authors: Kumari Jyoti , Tiwari Manish , Mohanta Kalyani , Singh Vinay Kumar
Published: August 2022

In this study, silica compacts were fabricated through a powder processing route at different compaction pressure, using Aloe‐Vera (AV) mucilage as a binder. The silica compacts were prepared at 90, 100, and 110 MPa compaction pressure using 0%–16 wt% of AV binder. The optimum amount of AV binder was 14 wt% for both 90 and 100 MPa and 12 wt% for 110 MPa. The maximum achieved green density and green strength of silica compacts at the optimum binder amount were 62.3% and 4 MPa, respectively at 110 MPa compaction pressure. The green silica compacts prepared at 110 MPa compaction pressure exhibited a minimum porosity of 21% and maximum flexural strength of 15 MPa after sintering at 1400°C. The green silica compacts with the optimum amount of binder were strong enough for machining. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the functional groups present in AV mucilage. The binder burnout characteristic of AV mucilage in the silica compact was determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis. Additionally, AV gel acted as a binder and solvent simultaneously for ceramic compaction.
B2O3‐modified geopolymer and its liquid‐phase sintered products for immobilization of strontium
Authors: Jia Lingyu , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Yuan Jingkun , Cai Delong , Li Daxin , Duan Xiaoming , Yang Zhihua , Zhou Yu
Published: August 2022

Sr‐containing ceramic products produced from geopolymer, (Na, Sr)‐GP, have been reported as excellent candidate materials for the immobilization of radionuclide 90Sr, despite sintering temperature at 1200°C. In this work, the product possessing the best immobilization performance (leaching rate of 1.29% for Sr2+) can be produced at 1000°C in the method of liquid‐phase sintering via the addition of fluxing agent B2O3 at 2.0 wt% in the geopolymer precursor. The mechanical properties of the geopolymer precursor (Na, Sr)‐GP were also enhanced via the promotion role of B2O3 to geopolymerization. It was revealed that the overall anti‐leaching ability of the Sr‐containing ceramic product not only depends on the microstructure of the loading substrate but also can be affected by the chemical state of radioactive strontium retention in the loading matrix.
International labour migration, farmland fallowing, livelihood diversification and technology adoption in Nepal
Authors: KARKI NEPAL Apsara , NEPAL Mani , BLUFFSTONE Randall
Published: August 2022

This article investigates the effect of temporary international labour migration on farmland fallowing, adoption of agricultural intensification technologies and livelihood diversification. Using nationally representative data, combined with empirical methods that allow causal inference, the authors find that households with international migrants are over 50 per cent more likely (based on propensity score matching estimates) to have fallow land than those without. Temporary international migration promotes the adoption of some agricultural intensification technologies and causes rural households to diversify their livelihoods. Land fallowing may increase food insecurity, while agricultural intensification may improve it, for an uncertain net effect.
Genetic modification of the ant Lasius niger using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology
Authors: Konu Mauno , Kulmuni Jonna , Viljakainen Lumi
Published: August 2022

CRISPR‐Cas9 has become one of the most prominent gene editing tools available and it has been utilized in various organisms from bacteria to fungi, plants, and animals. In this study, we developed a CRISPR‐Cas9 protocol for the black garden ant Lasius niger, a common and easily available study species for lab and field experiments. To create indel mutations using CRISPR‐Cas9 in L. niger, we targeted three different locations in a well‐studied eye pigmentation gene cinnabar, generating several mutations that disrupt the ommochrome biosynthesis pathway and result in the lack of the pigment and therefore, abnormal eye coloration in adult workers. We also developed a protocol to collect L. niger eggs, inject them with CRISPR‐Cas9 construct, and rear the eggs into mature adult workers with the assistance of nursing workers. We demonstrated for the first time in L. niger that CRISPR‐Cas9 is an excellent tool to create targeted mutations for this species. Our protocol can be referred to when developing similar studies for other species of ants and eusocial insects.
The influence of alkaline treatment on the mechanical performance of geopolymer composites reinforced with Brazilian malva and curaua fibers
Authors: Sankar Kaushik , Constâncio Trindade Ana Carolina , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: August 2022

Lignocellulosic fibers obtained from the curaua (Ananas erectifolius) and malva (Malva sylvestris) plants in Brazil can be used as suitable reinforcements for geopolymers (GPs) owing to their high strength, ready regional availability, and low cost. In this work, the tensile and flexural strengths of untreated and NaOH alkali‐treated curaua and malva fiber‐reinforced GP composites were measured according to ASTM standards. Curaua reinforced GP composites had an average tensile strength of 25.7 (±) 7.1 MPa and flexural strength of 18.9 (±) 4.72 MPa. Malva GP composites withstood 19.18 (±) 9.0 MPa in tension and 31.5 (±) 7.6 MPa in flexure. Additionally, pullout tests were performed to investigate the debonding mechanisms for both fibers, with and without alkaline treatment, finding increases in chemical bonding for the treated samples due to roughness enhancements through fiber surface modifications with alkali treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction were used to characterize the physical fiber modifications after alkali treatment, evidencing lignin and hemicellulose removals. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to further examine the fiber–matrix interaction, with proofs of interfacial tailoring.
Exploitation of inline photon density wave spectroscopy for titania particle syntheses
Authors: Zimmermann Sebastian , Reich Oliver , Bressel Lena
Published: August 2022

In this work, inline (or in‐situ) monitoring of titania particle formation with photon density wave spectroscopy is shown to provide helpful information for process optimization for higher particle yields. Titania particles have been synthesized by the controlled hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthotitanate. Without calibration or dilution, photon density wave spectroscopy provides access to dispersions' reduced scattering coefficient μs'. Hence, information can be obtained inline about processes that are otherwise challenging for established particle characterization methods. Photon density wave spectroscopy results suggest that the titania particles disintegrate over time after their formation. Consistent with that hypothesis, a decreasing particle yield with reaction time has been observed. The disintegration can be hindered by adding a sufficient amount of hexadecylamine, such that the particle yield after 24 h can be increased by 44% for the given syntheses.
Oxidation behavior of SiC nanowires: A nanowire radius‐dependent growth of oxide scale thickness
Authors: Qu Ruina , Lu De , Su Lei , Niu Min , Peng Kang , Gao Hongfei , Guo Pengfei , Xu Liang , Zhuang Lei , Wang Hongjie
Published: August 2022

SiC nanowires (SiC NWs) possess both high thermal stability of SiC ceramic and one‐dimensional nanoscale features, which makes them highly attractive as reinforcements in ceramics or building units in resilient ceramic nanowires aerogels (NWAs) as well as blocks for electronic nanodevices. Understanding the oxidation behavior of SiC NWs at high temperatures is essential for their practical applications. Herein, we investigated the oxidation behavior of SiC NWs at 900–1200°C in air. Two oxidation stages were found, including an initial stage controlled by the reaction between oxygen and SiC at the SiO2/SiC interface and a subsequent oxygen diffusion–dependent stage. The oxide scale thickness was strongly influenced by the radius of the SiC NWs. With the increase of the NW radius from 40 to 120 nm, the oxidation activation energy of the oxidation process increases from 84.05 to 98.32 kJ/mol. The thermal insulation performances of SiC NWA, which is composed of SiC NWs, have been improved after oxidation. The evolution of the thermal insulation performance of SiC NWA during oxidation is consistent with the trends of the growth of the amorphous oxide layer, which indicates that exploring the oxidation kinetics is of great significance in understanding the high‐temperature behavior of SiC NW‐based materials. The present work provides insight into exploring the size effects on oxidation of SiC NWs, which may be helpful to further understanding the high‐temperature applications of SiC NWA.
Valuing the speed of adjustment of capital structure
Authors: Clark Brian
Published: August 2022

I estimate the optimal speed of adjustment (SOA) policy for a large sample of US firms by examining the dynamics of the opportunity cost of leverage. Studying the dynamics of the opportunity cost of leverage as opposed to leverage ratios allows me to estimate the value of a given SOA policy and hence calibrate the optimal SOA policy in terms of firm value. Simulation results show that the optimal SOA is between 31% and 37% when adjustment costs are considered. The sensitivity of firm value to SOA is low for a wide range of SOAs around the optimal level. However, extremely high or low SOAs have substantial negative impacts on firm value.
Evolution of SIVmac239 following serial passaging in humanized mice
Authors: Curlin James Z. , Schmitt Kimberly , Remling‐Mulder Leila , Morrison Jared , Baczenas John J. , Tibbits Corina Valencia , Goff Kelly , O'Connor Shelby , Stenglein Mark , Marx Preston , Akkina Ramesh
Published: August 2022

Serial passage of SIVmac239 allows for greater understanding of the genetic changes necessary for cross‐species transmission of primate lentiviruses into humans. Using humanized mice, we show that adaptive mutations continue to accumulate in SIVmac239 during four serial passages, with persistent CD4+ T cell decline and increases in plasma viral loads.
Family resilience of patients requiring long‐term care: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Kuang Yi , Wang Meng , Yu Nancy Xiaonan , Jia Shoumei , Guan Tingyu , Zhang Xiangchun , Zhang Yuyi , Lu Jun , Wang Anni
Published: August 2022

Background

Long‐term care of patients with chronic illnesses is an important global public health issue, compromising the well‐being of family members and the family functioning. Previous studies have examined the interactive experiences and processes of various systems in the families coping with long‐term care stress; however, these studies have not been systematically reviewed and integrated.

Aims

This review aimed to synthesise the existing qualitative evidence on the experiences and processes of family resilience operate in families providing long‐term care for patients with chronic illnesses and to provide suggestions for the development of interventions in future studies.

Materials & Methods

We searched databases including PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest and CNKI from their inception to March 2022. We used the JBI Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies to evaluate the quality of the included studies was evaluated according to. We followed The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement. The results were integrated using the thematic and content analysis method.

Results

Fourteen studies from eight countries covering 11 diseases reported on the experiences and coping processes of long‐term care families. Based on McCubbin's Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (FAAR), five analytical themes were synthesised: stressors (risk factors), family belief system, internal family coping strategies, external support and resilient adaptation indicators; the relationships between themes and subthemes were illustrated.

Discussion

This review synthesized qualitative evidence on the experiences and processes of family resilience operate in families providing long‐term care. The results of this study found that the cognition and belief of family members regarding dilemmas have a two‐way effect and act on the adaptation process of family members. In family adaptation, spirituality, hope, internal and external support are extremely important. In 14 studies, caregivers were from different countries with intercultural differences, but due to less reports on this content, it is difficult to compare the differences or impact that culture or ethnicity may have.

Conclusions

Family resilience plays an important role in coping with stressors associated with the long‐term care of a loved one through family belief systems, internal support systems and external support systems. The development of family resilience‐based interventions for long‐term care families should consider the family as a whole and further construct a multidisciplinary, multilevel and multi‐type social support network to enhance family resilience.
Dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic cardiac inflammation: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Harding Daniel , Chong Ming H. A. , Lahoti Nishant , Bigogno Carola M. , Prema Roshni , Mohiddin Saidi A. , Marelli‐Berg Federica
Published: August 2022

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is typically defined by left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of a clear precipitant. Idiopathic disease is common; up to 50% of patients with DCM have no cause found despite imaging, genetic and biopsy assessments. Treatment remains focused on managing symptoms, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death and ameliorating the structural and electrical complications of disease progression. In the absence of aetiology‐specific treatments, the condition remains associated with a poor prognosis; mortality is approximately 40% at 10 years. The role of immune‐mediated inflammatory injury in the development and progression of DCM was first proposed over 30 years ago. Despite the subsequent failures of three large clinical trials of immunosuppressive treatment (ATTACH, RENEWAL and the Myocarditis Treatment Trial), evidence for an abnormal adaptive immune response in DCM remains significant. In this review, we summarise and discuss available evidence supporting immune dysfunction in DCM, with a specific focus on cellular immunity. We also highlight current clinical and experimental treatments. We propose that the success of future immunosuppressive treatment trials in DCM will be dependent on the deep immunophenotyping of patients, to identify those with active inflammation and/or an abnormal immune response who are most likely to respond to therapy.
Cyclic uniaxial mechanical load enhances chondrogenesis through entraining the molecular circadian clock
Authors: Vágó Judit , Katona Éva , Takács Roland , Dócs Klaudia , Hajdú Tibor , Kovács Patrik , Zákány Róza , van der Veen Daan R. , Matta Csaba
Published: August 2022

The biomechanical environment plays a key role in regulating cartilage formation, but the current understanding of mechanotransduction pathways in chondrogenic cells is incomplete. Among the combination of external factors that control chondrogenesis are temporal cues that are governed by the cell‐autonomous circadian clock. However, mechanical stimulation has not yet directly been proven to modulate chondrogenesis via entraining the circadian clock in chondroprogenitor cells. The purpose of this study was to establish whether mechanical stimuli entrain the core clock in chondrogenic cells, and whether augmented chondrogenesis caused by mechanical loading was at least partially mediated by the synchronised, rhythmic expression of the core circadian clock genes, chondrogenic transcription factors, and cartilage matrix constituents at both transcript and protein levels. We report here, for the first time, that cyclic uniaxial mechanical load applied for 1 h for a period of 6 days entrains the molecular clockwork in chondroprogenitor cells during chondrogenesis in limb bud‐derived micromass cultures. In addition to the several core clock genes and proteins, the chondrogenic markers SOX9 and ACAN also followed a robust sinusoidal rhythmic expression pattern. These rhythmic conditions significantly enhanced cartilage matrix production and upregulated marker gene expression. The observed chondrogenesis‐promoting effect of the mechanical environment was at least partially attributable to its entraining effect on the molecular clockwork, as co‐application of the small molecule clock modulator longdaysin attenuated the stimulatory effects of mechanical load. This study suggests that an optimal biomechanical environment enhances tissue homoeostasis and histogenesis during chondrogenesis at least partially through entraining the molecular clockwork.
Recent scholarship on classical literature and the eighteenth century
Authors: Calvert Ian
Published: August 2022

This article provides a survey of the scholarship on classical literature and eighteenth‐century British literary culture that has appeared since 2010. Drawing on general overviews of the period, as well as more specific work on translation and classical reception, it focuses on the following five subject‐areas: non‐elite readers of classical literature; the status of Homeric epic; the relationship between classical literature, Celticism and the Gothic; Horatianism; georgic poetry. The article then addresses the classical authors, texts and genres from outside of these areas which have also recently received scholarly attention, and identifies further topics of enquiry which require examining to provide the fullest picture of the eighteenth century's engagement with the literature of antiquity.
A competition‐attenuation mechanism modulates thermoresponsive growth at warm temperatures in plants
Authors: Li Wei , Tian Ying‐Ying , Li Jin‐Yu , Yuan Li , Zhang Lin‐Lin , Wang Zhi‐Ye , Xu Xiaodong , Davis Seth Jon , Liu Jian‐Xiang
Published: August 2022

Global warming has profound impact on growth and development, and plants constantly adjust their internal circadian clock to cope with external environment. However, how clock‐associated genes fine‐tune thermoresponsive growth in plants is little understood.

We found that loss‐of‐function mutation of REVEILLE5 (RVE5) reduces the expression of circadian gene EARLY FLOWERING 4 (ELF4) in Arabidopsis, and confers accelerated hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions.

Both RVE5 and CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1 (CCA1) accumulate at warm temperatures and bind to the same EE cis‐element presented on ELF4 promoter, but the transcriptional repression activity of RVE5 is weaker than that of CCA1. The binding of CCA1 to ELF4 promoter is enhanced in the rve5‐2 mutant at warm temperatures, and overexpression of ELF4 in the rve5‐2 mutant background suppresses the rve5‐2 mutant phenotype at warm temperatures.

Therefore, the transcriptional repressor RVE5 finetunes ELF4 expression via competing at a cis‐element with the stronger transcriptional repressor CCA1 at warm temperatures. Such a competition–attenuation mechanism provides a balancing system for modulating the level of ELF4 and thermoresponsive hypocotyl growth under warm‐temperature conditions.