bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financing sustainability: How environmental disclosures shape bank lending decisions in emerging markets
Authors: Hui Zhiyang , Li Haoyu , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: March 2024

As global awareness of environmental responsibilities intensifies, the significance of corporate Environmental information disclosure (EID) in decision‐making becomes increasingly prominent. However, its influence on bank lending decisions, especially in emerging markets like China, remains debated. Using 27,095 firm‐year observations between 2008 and 2020, this study examines the impact of both voluntary and mandatory EID on bank lending decisions. Findings indicate that banks incorporate EID into their lending decisions, offering favorable bank loan terms, both in terms of size and costs to firms with strong EID. To mitigate endogeneity concerns, we employ propensity score matching and a difference‐in‐difference methodology grounded in China's newly amended Environmental Protection Law, with consistent results across both tests. Our research identifies two possible economic mechanisms to explain why EID influences bank loan features: EID's potential to reduce firm‐specific risks and its alignment with local governmental incentives for green finance. Furthermore, our research suggests that voluntary EID, previously overlooked, proves more valuable than mandatory EID. We also find that the effectiveness of EID relies on banks' evaluations of the firm's sincerity and incentives behind the disclosure. Banks show a preference for voluntary EID from firms with minimal adverse selection concerns and mandatory EID from those highly motivated to disclose voluntarily. Moreover, we identify a synergy between EID and bank loans in fostering green innovation. This research not only bridges gaps in the existing bank financing literature but also offers insights into how EID can drive sustainable economic activities in developing economies.
Influence of molecular marker type on estimating effective population size and other genetic parameters in a critically endangered parrot
Authors: Olah George , Waples Robin S. , Stojanovic Dejan
Published: March 2024

Genetics is a fast‐moving field, and for conservation practitioners or ecologists, it can be bewildering. The choice of marker used in studies is fundamental; in the literature, preference has recently shifted from microsatellites to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci. Understanding how marker type affects estimates of population genetic parameters is important in the context of conservation, especially because the accuracy of estimates has a bearing on the actions taken to protect threatened species. We compare parameter estimates between seven microsatellites, 3761 SNP loci, and a random subset of 100 SNPs for the exact same 324 individual swift parrots, Lathamus discolor, and also use 457 additional samples from subsequent years to compare SNP estimates. Both marker types estimated a lower HO than HE. We show that microsatellites and SNPs mainly indicate a lack of spatial genetic structure, except when a priori collection locations were used on the SNP data in a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). The 100‐SNP subset gave comparable results to when the full dataset was used. Estimates of effective population size (Ne) were comparable between markers when the same individuals were considered, but SNPs had narrower confidence intervals. This is reassuring because conservation assessments that rely on population genetic estimates based on a few microsatellites are unlikely to be nullified by the general shift toward SNPs in the literature. However, estimates between markers and datasets varied considerably when only adult samples were considered; hence, including samples of all age groups is recommended to be used when available. The estimated Ne was higher for the full SNP dataset (2010–2019) than the smaller comparison data (2010–2015), which might be a better reflection of the species status. The lower precision of microsatellites may not necessarily be a barrier for most conservation applications; however, SNPs will improve confidence limits, which may be useful for practitioners.
Assessing for differences in opioid administration during inpatient end‐of‐life care for patients with limited English proficiency
Authors: Curatola Nicole , Prasad Priya , Bell Brieze K. , Fang Margaret C. , Rambachan Aksharananda
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) may have worse health outcomes and differences in processes of care. Language status may particularly affect situations that depend on communication, such as symptom management or end‐of‐life (EOL) care.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess whether opioid prescribing and administration differs by English proficiency (EP) status among hospitalized patients receiving EOL care.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study identified all adult patients receiving “comfort care” on the general medicine service from January 2013 to September 2021. We assessed for differences in the quantity of opioids administered (measured by oral morphine equivalents [OME]) by patient LEP status using multivariable linear regression, controlling for other patient and medical factors.

Results

We identified 2652 patients receiving comfort care at our institution during the time period, of whom 1813 (68%) died during the hospitalization. There were no significant differences by LEP status in terms of mean OME per day (LEP received 30.8 fewer OME compared to EP, p = .91) or in the final 24 h before discharge (LEP received 61.7 more OME compared to EP, p = .80).

Conclusion

LEP was not associated with differences in the amount of opioids received for patients whose EOL management involved standardized order sets for symptom management at our hospital.
Corrosion inhibition of two tetracycline‐based expired antibiotics as eco‐friendly inhibitors for mild steel in 1M HCl solution
Authors: Li Yiyao , Miao Ruirui , Li Yi , Peng Xiaolin , Niu Lin
Published: March 2024

Two expired Tetracycline‐based antibiotics (Oxytetracycline and Tetracycline) were utilized as eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1M HCl solution, employing weight loss analysis, electrochemical measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and so on. The effect and mechanism were discussed using thermodynamic modeling, quantum chemical calculation, molecular dynamics simulation, and so on. The corrosion inhibition rate (η) increases with higher concentration and temperature, leading to reduced heat absorption and increased order degree. The of Oxytetracycline and Tetracycline was 96.14% and 97.92% at 323.15 K of 2 × 10−4 mol L−1, respectively. The key factors affecting η in the kinetic model parameters vary at lower concentrations. Both of them belong to cathodic corrosion inhibitors and undergo Langmuir spontaneous adsorption processes involving both physisorption and chemisorption. The disparity in energy levels between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, global hardness, electronegativity, molecular polarizability, dipole moment, and transfer electron number are key factors that enhance a corrosion inhibitor's ability to adsorb chloride ions.
Origin of Melt Memory Effects in Poly(ethylene oxide): The Crucial Role of Entanglements
Authors: Sangroniz Leire , Müller Alejandro J. , Cavallo Dario
Published: March 2024

The melt memory effect on crystallization is an intriguing phenomenon displayed by semicrystalline polymers, as opposed to low molar mass molecules. It concerns the effect of melt temperature on nucleation upon recrystallization. Typically, polymer crystals must be considerably superheated to erase the effect of previous morphology on the subsequent crystallization, avoiding an acceleration of the process. Despite being known for decades, its origin is still not fully understood. Investigating model poly(ethylene oxide) covering a wide range of molar mass, it is demonstrated that melt memory originates from topological constraints among the chains, i.e., entanglements, for PEO in which weak intermolecular interactions are present due to the ether groups. In fact, no memory is observed for samples below the critical molar mass for the formation of entanglements (about 1 kg mol−1). The increase in molar mass raises the number of entanglements and induces the formation of folded chains crystals, both factors leading to a topologically complex amorphous phase, enhancing the melt memory effect. The molecular origin of the melt memory effect in polymers with weak intermolecular interactions is thus ascribed to a slower isotropization in the melt of the chain segments originally contained in the crystals, due to the presence of entanglements among the chains. This study defines the distinction between small molecules and polymers from the point of view of melt memory.
Azobenzene‐Based Conjugated Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Biological Applications
Authors: Ma Zhuang , Wu Jiatao , Tan Ying , Tan Chunyan
Published: March 2024

Conjugated polymers (CPs) have been developed quickly as an emerging functional material with applications in optical and electronic devices, owing to their highly electron‐delocalized backbones and versatile side groups for facile processibility, high mechanical strength, and environmental stability. CPs exhibit multistimuli responsive behavior and fluorescence quenching properties by incorporating azobenzene functionality into their molecular structures. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in developing functional azobenzene‐based conjugated polymers (azo‐CPs), utilizing diverse molecular design strategies and synthetic pathways. This article comprehensively reviews the rapidly evolving research field of azo‐CPs, focusing on the structural characteristics and synthesis methods of general azo‐CPs, as well as the applications of charged azo‐CPs, specifically azobenzene‐based conjugated polyelectrolytes (azo‐CPEs). Based on their molecular structures, azo‐CPs can be broadly categorized into three primary types: linear CPs with azobenzene incorporated into the side chain, linear CPs with azobenzene integrated into the main chain, and branched CPs containing azobenzene moieties. These systems are promising for biomedical applications in biosensing, bioimaging, targeted protein degradation, and cellular apoptosis.
cGAS–STING, an important signaling pathway in diseases and their therapy
Authors: Li Qijie , Wu Ping , Du Qiujing , Hanif Ullah , Hu Hongbo , Li Ka
Published: March 2024

Since cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)–stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway was discovered in 2013, great progress has been made to elucidate the origin, function, and regulating mechanism of cGAS–STING signaling pathway in the past decade. Meanwhile, the triggering and transduction mechanisms have been continuously illuminated. cGAS–STING plays a key role in human diseases, particularly DNA‐triggered inflammatory diseases, making it a potentially effective therapeutic target for inflammation‐related diseases. Here, we aim to summarize the ancient origin of the cGAS–STING defense mechanism, as well as the triggers, transduction, and regulating mechanisms of the cGAS–STING. We will also focus on the important roles of cGAS–STING signal under pathological conditions, such as infections, cancers, autoimmune diseases, neurological diseases, and visceral inflammations, and review the progress in drug development targeting cGAS–STING signaling pathway. The main directions and potential obstacles in the regulating mechanism research and therapeutic drug development of the cGAS–STING signaling pathway for inflammatory diseases and cancers will be discussed. These research advancements expand our understanding of cGAS–STING, provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the roles of cGAS–STING in diseases, and open up new strategies for targeting cGAS–STING as a promising therapeutic intervention in multiple diseases.
Potential Function of 3,5‐Dihydroxy‐4‐Methoxybenzyl Alcohol from Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Brain of Old Mice
Authors: Chen MinYu , Liu Min , Chen JingHong , Liu Xinwei , Tang LiWei , Wang Chao , Yu Ziniu , Zhang Yang , Tian Jing
Published: March 2024

Scope

3,5‐Dihydroxy‐4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol (DHMBA) is found in oyster extracts in recent years and is reported to have antioxidant activity. Although it has been reported to be protective in various models of oxidative stress, the therapeutic effect of DHMBA on neurological damage caused by aging remains to be demonstrated.

Methods and Results

The present study investigates the potential functions of DHMBA in brain of old C57BL/6J mice and aging cell model. Administration of DHMBA improves working memory, reduces anxiety behavior, decreases the expression levels of cell cycle proteins, cycin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1(P21) and peptidase inhibitor 16(P16)  and inhibits neuronal loss in old mice. The data obtained from the aging cell model are consistent with those from the old mice. The interaction between DHMBA and Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) is predicted by molecular docking assay, and then it is verified by co‐immunopricipitation (CoIP) that factor red lineage 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Keap1 protein‐protein interaction is inhibited by DHMBA. Protein levels of Nrf2 and its target genes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), are detected in old mice and aging cell model.

Conclusion

This study provides new evidence that explores the antioxidant mechanism of DHMBA and implies a potential role of DHMBA on antiaging in brain.
Visual aid for pediatric virtual musculoskeletal exams: A Barbie girl in a telehealth world
Authors: Cook Alyssa K. , Papp Britney M. , Kalpakjian Claire Z. , Daunter Alecia K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Telehealth is rapidly advancing, yet musculoskeletal physical examinations pose a unique challenge with limited clinically tested tools.

Objective

To measure whether visual aid use improves accuracy and efficiency of musculoskeletal exam maneuvers within a mock pediatric telehealth encounter.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Mock telehealth encounter.

Participants

A total of 30 volunteer dyads of children aged 4–17 years old and their parent/guardian. To be eligible to participate, the parent/guardian was required to speak and read English proficiently and have access to Zoom technology on a personal electronic device.

Intervention

The control group received verbal prompts to complete 12 musculoskeletal exam maneuvers. The intervention group had the addition of a Barbie (Mattel) visual aid.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes were accuracy (number of completed maneuvers) and efficiency (total verbal prompts, total time). Secondary outcomes were ratings of comfort using telehealth technology, ease of understanding, and perceived usefulness of the visual aid. Standard multiple regression analysis was employed, with significance defined as a p value <.05.

Results

The intervention group completed an average of 11.67 ± 0.7 maneuvers versus 11.27 ± 1.0 in the control group (p = .21), 13:31 ± 4.02 total time (mm:ss) versus 14:47 ± 4:04 (p = .05), and 4.87 ± 4.4 verbal prompts versus 8.40 ± 4.6 (p = .04), respectively. The overall model of group allocation controlling for age was not statistically significant for total maneuvers (p = .255), total time (p = .061) or total verbal prompts (p = .095). However, group allocation significantly predicted total verbal prompts (p = .032), with participants in the intervention group requiring an average of 4.1 fewer prompts. All participants in the intervention group rated the visual aid as ‘definitely helpful’.

Conclusion

Visual aid use improved virtual musculoskeletal exam maneuver ease and efficiency in a pediatric population.
Extending Anisotropic Interiors admitting Vanishing Complexity in Charged f (R, T) Theory
Authors: Naseer Tayyab , Sharif M.
Published: March 2024

This paper extends the definition of the complexity factor for a charged self‐gravitating structure in the background of gravity. For this purpose, the modified Einstein‐Maxwell field equations and the mass function in terms of interior charge are calculated corresponding to a static sphere. The Reissner‐Nordström exterior spacetime and match it with the spherical interior at the hypersurface to determine the junction conditions are adopted then. The curvature tensor is also decomposed orthogonally, resulting in several scalar functions. Only encompasses all the required parameters and fulfills the proposed criteria to be the complexity factor for the considered setup is noticed. Moreover, some constraints to minimize the degrees of freedom in the field equations are chosen. To achieve this, complexity‐free constraint with four additional conditions depending on the matter sector that lead to different models is employed. The stability of the developed models is also analyzed in the presence and absence of charge through the standard model by varying the values of the model parameter . The presence of charge in compact models corresponding to , a polytropic and a linear equation of state make them stable for specific values of is concluded.
The evaluation of cystatin protein vaccines based on the stress response of ticks triggered by low‐temperature and toxin stress in Haemaphysalis doenitzi
Authors: Zhang Song‐Bo , Gao Zhi‐Hua , Wang Yi‐Kui , Lv Wen‐Xia , Dong Ke‐Xin , Guo Fei‐Di , Wang Run‐Ying , Yang Xiao‐Long
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Ticks, which are obligate blood‐feeding parasites, transmit a wide range of pathogens during their hematophagic process. Certain enzymes and macromolecules play a crucial role in inhibition of several tick physiological processes, including digestion and reproduction. In the present study, genes encoding type 2 cystatin were cloned and characterized from Haemaphysalis doenitzi, and the potential role of cystatin in tick control was further assessed.

RESULTS

Two cystatin genes, HDcyst‐1 and HDcyst‐2, were successfully cloned from the tick H. doenitzi. Their open reading frames are 390 and 426 base pairs, and the number of coding amino acids are 129 and 141, respectively. In the midgut, salivary glands, Malpighian tubules and ovaries of ticks, the relative expression of HDcyst‐1 was higher in the midgut and Malpighian tubules, and HDcyst‐2 was higher in the salivary glands of H. doenitzi, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection and low‐temperature stress elevated cystatin expression in ticks. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay showed that both rHDcyst‐1 and rHDcyst‐2 protein vaccines increased antibody levels in immunized rabbits. A vaccination trial in rabbits infected with H. doenitzi showed that both recombinant cystatin proteins significantly reduced tick engorgement weights and egg mass weight, in particular, rHDcyst‐1 significantly prolonged tick engorgement time by 1 day and reduced egg hatching rates by 16.9%. In total, rHDcyst‐1 and rHDcyst‐2 protein vaccinations provided 64.1% and 51.8% protection to adult female ticks, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on the immunological characterization of the cystatin protein and sequencing of the cystatin gene in H. doenitzi. Cystatin proteins are promising antigens that have the potential to be used as vaccines for infestation of H. doenitzi control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Population longitudinal analysis of Gait Profile Score and North Star Ambulatory Assessment in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Deng Jiexin , Liu Fangli , Feng Zhifen , Liu Zhigang
Published: March 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare X‐linked recessive disorder characterized by loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. These mutations lead to progressive functional deterioration including muscle weakness, respiratory insufficiency, and musculoskeletal deformities. Three‐dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) has been used as a tool to analyze gait pathology through the quantification of altered joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity patterns. Among 3DGA indices, the Gait Profile Score (GPS), has been used as a sensitive overall measure to detect clinically relevant changes in gait patterns in children with DMD. To enhance our understanding of the clinical translation of 3DGA, we report here the development of a population nonlinear mixed‐effect model that jointly describes the disease progression of the 3DGA index, GPS, and the functional endpoint, North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). The final model consists of a quadratic structure for GPS progression and a linear structure for GPS‐NSAA correlation. Our model was able to capture the improvement in function in GPS and NSAA in younger subjects, as well as the decline of function in older subjects. Furthermore, the model predicted NSAA (CFB) at 1 year reasonably well for DMD subjects ≤7 years old at baseline. The model tended to slightly underpredict the decline in NSAA after 1 year for those >7 years old at baseline, but the prediction summary statistics were well maintained within the standard deviation of observed data. Quantitative models such as this may help answer clinically relevant questions to facilitate the development of novel therapies in DMD.
Model‐based meta‐analysis to quantify the effects of short interfering RNA therapeutics on hepatitis B surface antigen turnover in hepatitis B‐infected mice
Authors: Sandra Louis , T'jollyn Huybrecht , Vermeulen An , Ackaert Oliver , Perez‐Ruixo Juan‐Jose
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of short interfering RNA therapeutics (siRNAs) in reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in hepatitis B‐infected (HBV) mice across multiple siRNA therapeutic classes using model‐based meta‐analysis (MBMA) techniques. Literature data from 10 studies in HBV‐infected mice were pooled, including 13 siRNAs, formulated as liposomal nanoparticles (LNPs) or conjugated to either cholesterol (chol) or N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc). Time course of the baseline‐ and placebo‐corrected mean HBsAg profiles were modeled using kinetics of drug effect (KPD) model coupled to an indirect response model (IRM) within a longitudinal non‐linear mixed‐effects MBMA framework. Single and multiple dose simulations were performed exploring the role of dosing regimens across evaluated siRNA classes. The HBsAg degradation rate (0.72 day−1) was consistent across siRNAs but exhibited a large between‐study variability of 31.4% (CV%). The siRNA biophase half‐life was dependent on the siRNA class and was highest for GalNAc‐siRNAs (21.06 days) and lowest for chol‐siRNAs (2.89 days). ID50 estimates were compound‐specific and were lowest for chol‐siRNAs and highest for GalNAc‐siRNAs. Multiple dose simulations suggest GalNAc‐siRNAs may require between 4 and 7 times less frequent dosing at higher absolute dose levels compared to LNP‐siRNAs and chol‐siRNAs, respectively, to reach equipotent HBsAg‐lowering effects in HBV mice. In conclusion, non‐clinical HBsAg concentration‐time data after siRNA administration can be described using the presented KPD‐IRM MBMA framework. This framework allows to quantitatively compare the effects of siRNAs on the HBsAg time course and inform dose and regimen selection across siRNA classes. These results may support siRNA development, optimize preclinical study designs, and inform data analysis methodology of future anti‐HBV siRNAs; and ultimately, support siRNA model‐informed drug development (MIDD) strategies.
A Predictive Network‐Based Immune Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapeutic Signature Optimizing Patient Selection and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yang Mei , Yang Jing‐Min , Zhang Chu‐Yu , Guo An‐Yuan
Published: March 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has brought significant advancements to the field of oncology. However, the diverse responses among patients highlight the need for more accurate predictive tools. In this study, insights are drawn from tumor‐immunology pathways, and a novel network‐based ICB immunotherapeutic signature, termed ICBnetIS, is constructed. The signature is derived from advanced biological network‐based computational strategies involving co‐expression networks and molecular interactions networks. The efficacy of ICBnetIS is established through its association with enhanced patient survival and a robust immune response characterized by diverse immune cell infiltration and active anti‐tumor immune pathways. The validation process positions ICBnetIS as an effective tool in predicting responses to ICB therapy, analyzing ICB data from a broad collection of over 700 samples from multiple cancer types of more than 15 datasets. It achieves an aggregated prediction AUC of 0.784, which outperforms the other nine renowned immunotherapeutic signatures, indicating the superior predictive capability of ICBnetIS. To sum up, the findings suggest ICBnetIS as a potent tool in predicting ICB therapy responses, offering significant implications for patient selection and treatment optimization in oncology. The study highlights the role of ICBnetIS in advancing personalized treatment strategies, potentially transforming the clinical landscape of ICB therapy.
Effect of prescription opioid control policies on infant health
Authors: Ziedan Engy , Kaestner Robert
Published: March 2024

Prescription opioid use among women of reproductive age and pregnant women is relatively common, and increased prescription opioid use is associated with a commensurate increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) among pregnant women and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) among infants. In this article, we examine whether state opioid control policies affected prescription opioid use and, in turn, infant health and maternal behaviors. Results from our analysis suggest that reductions in prescription opioid use because of state prescription opioid control policies have improved infant health marginally at the population level with larger implied effects at the individual level.
LSZ in action: extracting form factors from correlators nonperturbatively in 2d ϕ4 theory
Authors: Fitzpatrick A. Liam , Mei Zhengxian
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we compute multiparticle form factors of local operators in 2d ϕ4 theory using a recently proposed method [1] for efficiently implementing the LSZ prescription with Hamiltonian Truncation methods, and we adopt Lightcone Conformal Truncation (LCT) in particular for our calculations. We perform various checks of our results at weak and strong coupling, and elucidate the parametric behavior of truncation errors. This opens up the possibility to compute S-matrix in various strongly coupled models using the LSZ method in LCT.
Responsible automatically processable regulation
Authors: Guitton Clement , Mayer Simon , Tamo-Larrieux Aurelia , Van Landuyt Dimitri , Fosch-Villaronga Eduard , Kamara Irene , Pałka Przemysław
Published: March 2024

Driven by the increasing availability and deployment of ubiquitous computing technologies across our private and professional lives, implementations of automatically processable regulation (APR) have evolved over the past decade from academic projects to real-world implementations by states and companies. There are now pressing issues that such encoded regulation brings about for citizens and society, and strategies to mitigate these issues are required. However, comprehensive yet practically operationalizable frameworks to navigate the complex interactions and evaluate the risks of projects that implement APR are not available today. In this paper, and based on related work as well as our own experiences, we propose a framework to support the conceptualization, implementation, and application of responsible APR. Our contribution is twofold: we provide a holistic characterization of what responsible APR means; and we provide support to operationalize this in concrete projects, in the form of leading questions, examples, and mitigation strategies. We thereby provide a scientifically backed yet practically applicable way to guide researchers, sponsors, implementers, and regulators toward better outcomes of APR for users and society.
Influence of the number of end-chain amine-functionalized arms of star-shaped functionalized SBR
Authors: Yamada Chigusa , Yasumoto Atsushi , Blume Anke
Published: March 2024

Star-shaped SBRs with alkoxy silyl groups in the center of the molecule and amine groups at the polymer chain ends were prepared. The number of arms were varied, and its influence on the silica/silane-filled compound properties was investigated. The polymer–filler interactions and the filler–filler interactions were evaluated from the viscoelastic properties. The flocculation, tensile properties and tanδ at 60 °C, an indicator of rolling resistance, were investigated as well. The polymer–filler interactions were increased in the SBR with a higher number of arms due to the higher amount of amine groups in these SBRs. The Payne effect was slightly increased with a higher number of arms. This indicates a deteriorated micro-dispersion of the silica caused by too many interactions generated by the higher amount of amine groups in SBR. These high interactions due to the amine groups lead to higher tensile moduli. The combination of the higher polymer–filler interactions and the higher Payne effect in SBR with a high number of arms results in the same tanδ compared to the SBR with a low number of arms.
Multi-omic profiling of simultaneous ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer
Authors: Kaplan Henry G. , Dowdell Alexa K. , Berry Anna B. , Shimol Racheli Ben , Robinson Fred L. , Carney Christopher A. , Piening Brian D.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The progression of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast carcinoma (IBC) in humans is highly variable. To better understand the relationship between them, we performed a multi-omic characterization of co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions in a cohort of individuals.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 50 patients with co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions were subjected to DNA-seq and whole transcriptome RNA-seq. Paired DCIS and IBC multi-omics profiles were then interrogated for DNA mutations, gene expression profiles and pathway analysis.

Results

Most small variants and copy number variations were shared between co-occurring DCIS and IBC lesions, with IBC exhibiting on average a higher degree of additional mutations. However, 36% of co-occurring lesions shared no common mutations and 49% shared no common copy number variations. The most frequent genomic variants in both DCIS and IBC were PIK3CA, TP53, KMT2C, MAP3K1, GATA3 and SF3B1, with KMT2C being more frequent in DCIS and TP53 and MAP3K1 more frequent in IBC, though the numbers are too small for definitive conclusions. The most frequent copy number variations were seen in MCL1, CKSB1 and ERBB2. ERBB2 changes were not seen in IBC unless present in the corresponding DCIS. Transcriptional profiles were highly distinct between DCIS and IBC, with DCIS exhibiting upregulation of immune-related signatures, while IBC showed significant overexpression in genes and pathways associated with cell division and proliferation. Interestingly, DCIS and IBC exhibited significant differential expression of different components of extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and regulation, with DCIS showing overexpression of ECM-membrane interaction components while IBC showed upregulation of genes associated with fibronectin and invadopodia.

Conclusion

While most co-occurring DCIS and IBC were mutationally similar and suggestive of a common clonal progenitor, transcriptionally the lesions are highly distinct, with IBC expressing key pathways that facilitate invasion and proliferation. These results are suggestive of additional levels of regulation, epigenetic or other, that facilitate the acquisition of invasive properties during tumor evolution.
A Note on the Markovian SIR Epidemic on a Random Graph with Given Degrees
Authors: Luczak Malwina
Published: March 2024

We consider a Markovian model of an SIR epidemic spreading on a contact graph that is drawn uniformly at random from the set of all graphs with n vertices and given vertex degrees. Janson, Luczak and Windridge (Random Struct Alg 45(4):724–761, 2014) prove that the evolution of such an epidemic is well approximated by the solution to a simple set of differential equations, thus providing probabilistic underpinnings to the works of Miller (J Math Biol 62(3):349–358, 2011) and Volz (J Math Biol 56(3):293–310, 2008). The present paper provides an additional probabilistic interpretation of the limiting deterministic functions in Janson, Luczak and Windridge (Random Struct Alg 45(4):724–761, 2014), thus clarifying further the connection between their results and the results of Miller and Volz.
Situational and Victim Correlates of Increased Case Fatality Rates in Los Angeles Shootings, 2005–2021
Authors: Brantingham P. Jeffrey , Quintana-Navarrete Miguel , Iliff Clarissa , Uchida Craig D. , Tita George E.
Published: March 2024

The gun assault case fatality rate measures the fraction of shooting victims who die from their wounds. Considerable debate has surrounded whether gun assault case fatality rates have changed over time and what factors may be involved. We use crime event data from Los Angeles to examine the victim and situational correlates of gun assault case fatality rates over time. We estimated log binomial regression models for the probability of death in each year from 2005 to 2021, conditioned on situational and victim characteristics of the crime. Case fatality rates increased by around 1.3% per year between 2005 and 2021 from around 15.9 to 19.7%. Baseline case fatality rates differed systematically by most situational and victim but followed similar temporal trends. Only victim age significantly covaried with the temporal trend in case fatality rates. An individual shot in Los Angeles in 2021 was 23.7% more likely to die than the equivalent victim in 2005. The steady increase in case fatality rates suggests that there were around 394 excess fatalities over what would have occurred if case fatality rates remained at the 2005 level. Increases in the average age of victims over time may contribute to the general temporal trend. We hypothesize that older victims are more likely to be shot indoors where lethal close-range wounds are more likely.
Die Nachhaltigkeit eines Bewegungskonzepts für gesunde und körperlich inaktive Senior*innen zum Neu- oder Wiedereinstieg in den Breitensport
Authors: Schumacher Anneke , Krumpolt Marlene , Sannemann Lucas , Witte Kerstin
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund

Laut WHO gehört Deutschland mit 42,4 % körperlich Inaktiven weltweit zu den Ländern, in denen in den letzten Jahren am meisten die Bewegungsarmut zugenommen hat [8]. Bisherige Bewegungsprogramme erreichen entweder bereits sportlich aktive Menschen oder sind nicht so angelegt, sodass ein Übergang in den regelmäßigen Sport gelingt [16]. Insbesondere Männer fühlen sich vom meist angebotenen Gesundheitssport wenig angesprochen [13].

Ziel der Studie

Die vorliegende Studie stellt ein neuartiges Bewegungskonzept für gesunde und zuvor körperlich inaktive Senior*innen vor und untersucht, ob die Teilnehmer*innen auch nach dem Projekt weiterhin sportlich aktiv bleiben, indem sie die Breitensportangebote von lokalen Vereinen annehmen. Weiterhin soll herausgefunden werden, welche Sportangebote bevorzugt werden und inwiefern es geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede gibt.

Methodik

An der Studie nahmen 107 Teilnehmer*innen zwischen 60–82 Jahren (70 w), welche per Zeitungsannonce rekrutiert wurden, teil. Das Konzept beinhaltet ein 24-Wochen-Programm mit 2 Trainingseinheiten (à 90 min) pro Woche. Neben einer Fitnesseinheit pro Woche, werden am zweiten Trainingstermin Schnupperkurse zu speziellen Breitensportangeboten durch die lokalen Sportvereine präsentiert. Gründe für die bisherige sportliche Inaktivität, den aktuellen Sportmotiven und die weiterführende sportliche Aktivität durch die Wahl eines Sportangebotes wurden schriftlich befragt.

Ergebnisse

Von den Teilnehmer*innen sind nach Ende des Bewegungsprogramms alle in den regelmäßigen Sport übergangen. 93 Senior*innen sind durch Mitgliedschaften in die lokalen Sportvereine gewechselt, die restlichen 14 Senior*innen führen den Sport selbstständig fort. Dabei wurden neben den typischen Alterssportangeboten wie Senioren- oder Gesundheitssport auch Breitensportarten gewählt. Vor allem im Kegeln, Badminton und Bosseln sind Männer mit 20–30 % der Teilnehmer häufiger in den Sportkursen vertreten als Frauen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die positive Resonanz des vorgestellten Bewegungskonzepts zeigt, dass die nachhaltige Bindung von gesunden aber körperlich inaktiven Senior*innen an den Sport durch eine zielgruppenspezifische Anpassung der Sportangebote in den Vereinen hinsichtlich ihrer Vielfalt und Intensität erfolgversprechend ist.
Paradigms in Qualitative IB Research: Trends, Analysis and Recommendations
Authors: Aguzzoli Roberta , Lengler Jorge , Miller Stewart R. , Chidlow Agnieszka
Published: March 2024

This paper examines trends, challenges and opportunities in terms of research methodologies in qualitative IB research. In particular, it examines trends for the dominant (positivism/(post)positivism) paradigm versus alternative paradigms (i.e., social constructivism, critical realism and interpretivism) and provides a comparative analysis of data collection and methods. Using mixed methods to collect and analyze data on qualitative articles published in International Business Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, and Management International Review, we examine trends and differences between the dominant and alternative paradigms and use qualitative content analysis to investigate how alternative paradigm papers are conceptualized and presented. Moreover, we interview authors of non-positivist papers to gain in-depth understanding of the findings. We reveal differences across the paradigms and provide evidence of paradigmatic fit between methods and data collection techniques for the dominant paradigm, but more variation for alternative paradigms. Lastly, we provide prescriptions for IB scholars in terms of methodology diversity and how complex IB phenomena can be pursued vis-a-vis alternative paradigms.
Changes in Microscale Liquid Formation in Lump and Sinter Mixed Burden Softening and Melting Tests with the Addition of Hydrogen
Authors: Barrett Nathan , Mitra Subhasish , Copland Evan , Chew Sheng , O’Dea Damien , Honeyands Tom
Published: March 2024

With the movement toward hydrogen-enriched blast furnace operation to lower greenhouse gas emissions, ferrous burden design must be reconsidered to optimize furnace permeability. Increasing the ratio of direct charge lump ore in the ferrous burden also presents an opportunity to lessen the emissions associated with the production of sinter and pellets. Under traditional blast furnace conditions, lump ore usage is improved by mixing it with the sinter in the burden to promote their favorable high-temperature interactions (both chemical and physical). As such, mechanistic changes to the interaction must be understood to optimize burden design, including for future operations with hydrogen addition. In this study, liquid formation in both the metallic and oxide components of ferrous burdens is microscopically investigated. Oxide liquid and solid phase stability at the interfaces of dissimilar burdens are visualized using a novel mapping technique, and metallic iron is etched to reveal microstructures indicative of carbon. Results indicate that the inclusion of hydrogen promotes the gas carburization of metallic iron in sinter, but not lump. It was concluded that mixed burden softening and melting performance with hydrogen addition were improved through the addition of lump in two ways: the highly metallic lump particles provide structural support for the collapsing sinter bed and also suppress the formation of early liquid slag from the sinter.

Graphical Abstract
Serum osteoglycin is stable during various glycemic challenges in healthy men
Authors: Starup-Linde Jakob , Westberg-Rasmussen Sidse , Viggers Rikke , Al-Mashhadi Zheer Kejlberg , Handberg Aase , Vestergaard Peter , Gregersen Søren
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Osteoglycin is hypothesized to be metabolically active and may enhance insulin action. We hypothesized that osteoglycin levels increase during hyperglycemia as a physiological response to enhance the effects of insulin.

Methods

Eight healthy males were included in a cross-over study consisting of three study days following an 8 h fast. First, we performed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); second, an isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI); and third, a control period consisting of a three hour fast. We analyzed blood samples for circulating osteoglycin levels during the study days. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to compare levels of s-osteoglycin between OGTT, IIGI, and the fasting control.

Results

There were no differences in baseline osteoglycin levels among study days (p > 0.05). We observed no significant changes neither in absolute s-osteoglycin levels by time (p = 0.14) nor over time by study day (p = 0.99). Likewise, we observed no significant changes in percentage s-osteoglycin levels neither by time (p = 0.11) nor over time by study day (p = 0.89).

Conclusion

We found that s-osteoglycin levels were stable for three hours during OGTT, IIGI, and fasting in healthy males. Based on the present study, circulating s-osteoglycin levels may be measured independently of fasting or non-fasting conditions. Furthermore, circulating physiological levels of glucose and insulin did not affect s-osteoglycin levels.
Energy efficiency of buildings in Central and Eastern Europe: room for improvement
Authors: Mišík Matúš , Oravcová Veronika , Vicenová Radka
Published: March 2024

Following the invasion of Ukraine and the associated energy policy tensions with Russia, the EU began looking at how it could replace Russian energy sources. One of the proposed solutions is to decrease energy consumption. Buildings have been the principal target, owing to their high energy usage – especially of natural gas, which the EU is particularly keen on reducing. This literature review article summarises existing knowledge on the potential energy savings that can be made through energy efficiency improvements to existing buildings in Central and Eastern Europe. The countries in this region share common traits due to their Communist past and associated legacy of poor energy efficiency, both generally and in buildings in particular. At the same time, Central and Eastern Europe contains a range of geographical and climatic regions, and so, the findings of this paper are applicable to other regions. This bibliometric analysis identifies three main areas (insulation, heating source and policy) in which the academic literature has identified potential for energy efficiency improvements to buildings. On the basis of these findings, this paper looks at the policy implications for reducing energy consumption in buildings and thus helps the EU to become less dependent on energy supplies from Russia.
Group imagery imagery rescripting via telehealth decreases dysfunctional personality beliefs and the meta-emotional problem but does not increase positive self-compassion
Authors: Tenore Katia , Granziol Umberto , Luppino Olga Ines , Mancini Francesco , Mancini Alessandra
Published: March 2024

Imagery rescripting (ImR) has shown to reduce negative belief about the self, negative emotions and emotional dysregulation. However, the mechanisms through which this improvement in emotion regulation takes place is currently the object of investigation. An untested hypothesis is that ImR reduces the negative emotional response to primary emotions (i.e. the Meta-emotional problem) associated to difficulties in emotional regulation. In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the impact of group ImR delivered via telehealth on dysfunctional personality beliefs, the Meta-emotional problem, difficulties in emotional regulation, and self-compassion in a non-clinical sample of participants. A total of 45 community sample participants received three sessions of group ImR delivered via telehealth. Personality dysfunctional beliefs, meta-emotions, self-compassion and emotional dysregulation were measured before ImR and in three follow-up sessions. Dysfunctional personality beliefs, specifically those associated with the dependent, obsessive–compulsive, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders, were significantly reduced after the ImR intervention. Additionally, the Meta-emotional problem and difficulties in emotional regulation were also reduced. Moreover, negative self-compassion showed a significant decrease after ImR, but positive self-compassion remained unchanged. These findings suggest that group ImR delivered via telehealth can effectively reduce negative beliefs about oneself, negative emotions, and emotional dysregulation. However, it seems that this intervention does not increase a more benevolent attitude towards oneself, possibly due to the less direct intervention of the therapist in the group telehealth setting. The researchers discuss the implications of these findings for clinical practice in a group telehealth context.
Toda and Laguerre–Freud equations and tau functions for hypergeometric discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Fernández-Irisarri Itsaso , Mañas Manuel
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the authors investigate the case of discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials with two weights on the step line, which satisfy Pearson equations. The discrete multiple orthogonal polynomials in question are expressed in terms of $$\tau $$
τ
-functions, which are double Wronskians of generalized hypergeometric series. The shifts in the spectral parameter for type II and type I multiple orthogonal polynomials are described using banded matrices. It is demonstrated that these polynomials offer solutions to multicomponent integrable extensions of the nonlinear Toda equations. Additionally, the paper characterizes extensions of the Nijhoff–Capel totally discrete Toda equations. The hypergeometric $$\tau $$
τ
-functions are shown to provide solutions to these integrable nonlinear equations. Furthermore, the authors explore Laguerre–Freud equations, nonlinear equations for the recursion coefficients, with a particular focus on the multiple Charlier, generalized multiple Charlier, multiple Meixner II, and generalized multiple Meixner II cases.