bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural insights into transcriptional regulation by the helicase RECQL5
Authors: Ariza Alfredo Jose Florez , Lue Nicholas Z. , Grob Patricia , Kaeser Benjamin , Fang Jie , Kassube Susanne A. , Nogales Eva
Published: January 2025

Transcription and its regulation pose a major challenge for genome stability. The helicase RECQL5 has been proposed as an important factor to help safeguard the genome, and is the only member of the human RecQ helicase family that directly binds to RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) and affects its progression. RECQL5 mitigates transcription stress and genome instability in cells, yet the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unclear. Here, we employ cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the structures of stalled Pol II elongation complexes (ECs) bound to RECQL5. Our structures reveal the molecular interactions stabilizing RECQL5 binding to the Pol II EC and highlight its role as a transcriptional roadblock. Additionally, we find that RECQL5 can modulate the Pol II translocation state. In its nucleotide-free state, RECQL5 mechanically twists the downstream DNA in the EC, and upon nucleotide binding, it undergoes a conformational change that allosterically induces Pol II towards a post-translocation state. We propose this mechanism may help restart Pol II elongation and therefore contribute to reduction of transcription stress.
Inference of human pigmentation from ancient DNA by genotype likelihood
Authors: Perretti Silvia , Vizzari Maria Teresa , Santos Patrícia , Tassani Enrico , Benazzo Andrea , Ghirotto Silvia , Barbujani Guido
Published: January 2025

Light eyes, hair and skins probably evolved several times asHomo sapiensdispersed from Africa. In areas with lower UV radiation, light pigmentation alleles increased in frequency because of their adaptive advantage and of other contingent factors such as migration and drift. However, the tempo and mode of their spread is not known. Phenotypic inference from ancient DNA is complicated, both because these traits are polygenic, and because of low sequence depth. We evaluated the effects of the latter by randomly removing reads in two high-coverage ancient samples, the Paleolithic Ust’-Ishim from Russia and the Mesolithic SF12 from Sweden. We could thus compare three approaches to pigmentation inference, concluding that, for suboptimal levels of coverage (<8x), a probabilistic method estimating genotype likelihoods leads to the most robust predictions. We then applied that protocol to 348 ancient genomes from Eurasia, describing how skin, eye and hair color evolved over the past 45,000 years. The shift towards lighter pigmentations turned out to be all but linear in time and place, and slower than expected, with half of the individuals showing dark or intermediate skin colors well into the Copper and Iron ages. We also observed a peak of light eye pigmentation in Mesolithic times, and an accelerated change during the spread of Neolithic farmers over Western Eurasia, although localized processes of gene flow and admixture, or lack thereof, also played a significant role.
Unprecedented Cytotoxicity of Transition Metal Metallacarboranes on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells and a Vertebrate Cancer Model
Authors: Murphy Neville , Tipping William J. , Ding Yi , Dwyer Róisín M. , Faulds Karen , Pandit Abhay , Graham Duncan , Spaink Herman P. , Farràs Pau
Published: January 2025

Metallacarboranes have long been the subject of attention in the context of medicinal chemistry because of their promising characteristics and unconventional interactions with biological entities. The metal centre has been shown to have a significant influence on the internalisation and cytotoxicity of compounds in human cell lines. Additionally, specific nanomolar concentrations of metallacarboranes have demonstrated toxic effects on MDA-MB-231 cells under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Proinflammatory cytokines mediate pancreatic β-cell specific alterations to Golgi morphology via iNOS-dependent mitochondrial inhibition
Authors: Blom Sandra E. , Behan-Bush Riley M. , Ankrum James A. , Yang Ling , Stephens Samuel B.
Published: January 2025

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by the selective autoimmune ablation of pancreatic β-cells. Emerging evidence reveals β-cell secretory dysfunction arises early in T1D development and may contribute to diseases etiology; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Our data reveal that proinflammatory cytokines elicit a complex change in the β-cell’s Golgi structure and function. The structural modifications include Golgi compaction and loss of the inter-connecting ribbon resulting in Golgi fragmentation. Our data demonstrate that iNOS generated nitric oxide (NO) is necessary and sufficient for β-cell Golgi re-structuring. Moreover, the unique sensitivity of the β-cell to NO-dependent mitochondrial inhibition results in β-cell specific Golgi alterations that are absent in other cell types, including α-cells. Collectively, our studies provide critical clues as to how β-cell secretory functions are specifically impacted by cytokines and NO that may contribute to the development of β-cell autoantigens relevant to T1D.
Stabilization of memory on neural manifolds through multiple synaptic time scales
Authors: Chechelnizki Georg , Shaham Nimrod , Salhov Alon , Burak Yoram
Published: January 2025

Working memory is commonly thought to be implemented in the brain by the persistent activity of attractor neural networks. Compelling evidence exists for the implementation of such memory networks in vertebrate and invertebrate brains. Naively, retention ofcontinuousmemories in attractor networks – as observed in the head direction systems of mammals and insects and the oculomotor integrator in vertebrates – is particularly sensitive to neural stochasticity, because noise can continuously shift the activity of the network along its manifold of steady states. As these random drifts accumulate over time, the stored memory degrades. Small networks, such as the head direction system of insects, are particularly prone to this form of memory deterioration, and it is unclear how such networks can maintain their persistent state over behaviorally relevant timescales. Here we identify a neural mechanism that effectively counteracts random drifts by employing a combination of slow excitatory and fast inhibitory synaptic connections. We show that the proposed mechanism can substantially decrease diffusivity in linear and nonlinear networks. Hence, the mechanism offers a plausible explanation for how the brain can stably store memories of continuous quantities, despite the ubiquity of noise. Finally, we identify how to engineer connectivity such that variability in neural activity perpendicular to the attractor is unaffected by the stabilization mechanism. This scheme allows for tight confinement of neural activity patterns to a low dimensional manifold, as well as the rapid relaxation of transient modes of activity back into the attractor. The theory suggests that neurons in head direction cell networks that are commonly thought to be utilized for velocity integration may also aid in stabilization against noise-driven motion.
Dispersive analysis of the isospin breaking in the
X(3872)→J/ψπ+π−
and
X(3872)→J/ψπ+π0π−
decays
Authors: Dias Jorgivan Morais , Ji Teng , Dong Xiang-Kun , Guo Feng-Kun , Hanhart Christoph , Meißner Ulf-G. , Zhang Yu , Zhang Zhen-Hua
Published: January 2025

We analyze the latest LHCb data on the π+π− spectrum in the isospin-violating X(3872)→J/ψπ+π− decay, based on dispersion theory to deal with the ππ final state interactions. Additionally, the isospin breaking effects are properly introduced, allowing for a reliable and accurate extraction of the ratio, RX, between the X(3872) couplings to the

J

/

ψ

ρ

and J/ψω channels from the data. We find very good agreement with the LHCb data for the whole range of the π+π− invariant mass, and RX is determined to be 0.26±0.03. Using this value, we make predictions for the π+π0π− mass distribution in the X(3872)→J/ψπ+π0π− process, which is currently accessible by the BESIII Collaboration, and update a prediction for the pole positions of the isovector partner states of the X(3872), Wc1, with I(JPC)=1(1++).

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Low-density parity-check representation of fault-tolerant quantum circuits
Authors: Li Ying
Published: January 2025

In fault-tolerant quantum computing, quantum algorithms are implemented through quantum circuits capable of error correction. These circuits are typically constructed based on specific quantum error correction codes, with consideration given to the characteristics of the underlying physical platforms. Optimizing these circuits within the constraints of today's quantum computing technologies, particularly in terms of error rates, qubit counts, and network topologies, holds substantial implications for the feasibility of quantum applications in the near future. This paper presents a toolkit for designing and analyzing fault-tolerant quantum circuits. We introduce a framework for representing stabilizer circuits using classical low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Each codeword in the representation corresponds to a quantum-mechanical equation regarding the circuit, formalizing the correlations utilized in parity checks and delineating logical operations within the circuit. Consequently, the LDPC code provides a means of quantifying fault tolerance and verifying logical operations. We outline the procedure for generating LDPC codes from circuits using the Tanner graph notation, alongside proposing graph-theory tools for constructing fault-tolerant quantum circuits from classical LDPC codes. These findings offer a systematic approach to applying classical error correction techniques in optimizing existing fault-tolerant protocols and developing new ones. As an example, we develop a resource-efficient scheme for universal fault-tolerant quantum computing on hypergraph product codes based on the LDPC representation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Magnesium and potassium scorpionate complexes based on dihydrobis(pyrazolyl)borate
Authors: Loroño-González Marcos A. , Loroño-González Daniel J.
Published: January 2025

The first X-ray crystal structure is reported for [dihydrobis(pyrazol-1-yl)borato-κ2
N,N′]tris(tetrahydrofuran-κO)magnesium(II) tetrabenzylborate, [Mg(C6H8BN4)(C4H8O)3][B(C7H7)4)], (I), which was obtained by reacting crude [K(C6H8BN4)] with an equimolar amount of (PhCH2)MgCl in tetrahydrofuran at room temperature and was isolated as a side product. The crystal structure analysis reveals the existence of a pronounced boat-shaped central Mg(N–N)2B moiety with a weak pseudo-axial B—H...Mg interaction. The existence of a novel counter-ion, [B(C7H7)4)]−, has been demonstrated by the first evidence of reactivity between KBH4 and (PhCH2)MgCl (in a 1:4 molar ratio) to give a polymeric potassium tetrabenzylborate, poly[[μ4-dihydrobis(pyrazol-1-yl)borato-κ2
N,N′]potassium(I)], [K{B(C7H7)4}]
n
, (II), with predominant (η6-C6H5)...K, and (η3-C6H5)...K interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to determine the energy, the frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO) and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) in order to explain the stability of the structures in the experimental results for complexes (I) and (II).
Managing child learners with disruptive behavioural disorders (DBD): tracking factors influencing the health literacy of primary school teachers
Authors: George Jogy , Babu N.R. Suresh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Disruptive behavioural disorders (DBD) of children are a major concern for teachers while engaging in the classroom. Correspondingly, primary school teachers should be well-equipped to manage child learners with DBD. This study explored what factors influence primary school teachers' access, utilisation and appraisal of vital health information for managing students with DBD.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used in the current paper was collected through in-depth interviews with teachers working in public lower primary schools in central Kerala, India. The refined data was then analysed thematically.

Findings

Four focal themes emerged from the input data: bridging social capital, classroom strategies, trained incapacity and role strain. The study found that the charismatic authority of teachers influences child learners with behavioural disorders only in the short term. Additionally, the study asserts that in-service teacher training programmes often overlook the behavioural and social components of health.

Originality/value

This study significantly advances our understanding of how the social embeddedness of health literacy among teachers influences their management of child learners with behaviour disorders. Specifically, it unravels the unique ways teachers utilise social networks to access health information (how), identifies the effective strategies they employ (what) and elucidates the underlying reasons for these strategies (why). The merit of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of the interplay between social structures, social networks and health literacy, providing novel insights into practices followed by teachers in managing child learners with DBD.
Unveiling the nexus between board quality, firm innovation and climate risk disclosure: a study of Indian companies
Authors: Kapoor Nimisha , Singh Ram , Mishra Richa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the association of board quality and firm innovation on climate risk disclosure in the context of large listed companies in India. It builds upon the framework developed by the stakeholder theory and the legitimacy theory to examine the association between the key variables of the study.

Design/methodology/approach

The climate risk disclosure is measured through content analysis of the annual reports of the respective companies. A panel data framework analyzes the relationship between board quality, firm innovation and climate risk disclosure.

Findings

The findings indicate a gradual increase in climate risk disclosure throughout the sample period. This study also finds that certain board characteristics and investment in innovation are significant determinants of a firm’s approach toward identifying and mitigating risks arising from rapid climate change. This study has implications for practitioners, policymakers and academicians who strive toward creating resilient and sustainable organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This study is relevant for practitioners as it identifies an increasing trend in the identification and reporting of climate risk disclosure in the sample firms. This would be beneficial for managers and other stakeholders of the organizations who would be interested in the mitigation of climate risk. The organizational leadership may identify key parameters of their firms, which helps them prepare against the adverse impact of climate change on business.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate climate risk disclosure practices of large listed companies in India. This study highlights how large Indian companies are developing an overall approach for identifying and mitigating risks associated with rapid climate change, which has not been conducted for any economy.
National Sports Networks rights fees: the influence of fantasy sports participation and women’s sports content
Authors: Das Muralee , O’Reilly Norm , Evans Kelly , Pasqualicchio Gary
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aims of this study are to, first, articulate the drivers for predicting rights fees in television sports programming on National Sports Networks (NSNs) and, second, to further investigate the interrelationships of the identified drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

The entire annual (24-h days over 12 months) schedule of a NSN is assessed using a series of regression models to determine the drivers, magnitude (Study 1) and interrelationships (Study 2) of those drivers, on the rights fees paid (or received in some cases) by the network to (from) those sports properties.

Findings

TV ratings are found to be a driver for identifying rights fees for television sports programs. However, there are other drivers to consider, including the very strong influence of off-the-field engagement. Another finding is the negative influence that deal length has on rights fees, with longer deals providing security but lower fees. The geography of the sports property also influences rights fees. The inclusion of female sports content resulted in lower fantasy sports participation (H1). Active fantasy sports participation has a positive relationship with television ratings (H2), rights fees (H3) and increased viewership of actual matches or games (H4).

Originality/value

Active fantasy sports participation contributed positively to rights fees, and women’s sports content had an inverse effect on active fantasy sports participation. The association between the inclusion of female sports on broadcasts and fantasy sports participation requires intervention and further investigation into why this relationship is negative. The knowledge that participation in fantasy sports results in increased ratings and rights fees, that television ratings mediate the fantasy sports/rights fees relationship and that it supports the importance of fantasy sports for sports properties and media organizations.
Experiential virtual reality or informational video advertising? Assessing promotional effect on sport interest
Authors: Zhu Dong Hong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Promoting people’s interest in sports is not only important to sports enterprises to improve financial performance but also to the healthy development of the whole society. As virtual reality (VR) devices become more accessible and consumers’ demand for immersive experiences increases, VR advertising is gradually attracting the attention of advertisers. However, there is limited research on what situations are more suitable for VR advertising compared to traditional advertising forms in promoting people’s sport interest. This study aims to compare the influence of experiential VR advertising and informational video advertising on sport interest.

Design/methodology/approach

As sports programs are advertised not only to novices but also to experienced people, this study investigates the interaction effect of advertising type (experiential VR vs informational video) and previous experience (high vs low) on promoting sport interest. We recruited 216 participants. They were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: an experiential VR advertisement of table tennis played by using a VR headset and an informational video advertisement of table tennis watched on a PC.

Findings

The results show that experiential VR advertising generates higher sport interest than informational video advertising for those with low previous experience and vividness and presence play a sequential mediating role. For those with high previous experience, there was no significant difference between the two advertising forms.

Originality/value

The findings extend sport advertising research with different advertising types and complement the new moderator of previous experience, providing a new perspective for insight into the differences between VR advertising and video advertising.
AI-driven competitive advantage: the role of personality traits and organizational culture in key account management
Authors: Mehta Prashant , Chakraborty Debarun , Rana Nripendra P. , Mishra Anubhav , Khorana Sangeeta , Kooli Kaouther
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The importance of key account management (KAM) as a management technique in business-to-business markets has grown in recent years. The success of KAM programmes is highly dependent on the efforts of individual employees, specifically key account managers. Research on KAM at an individual level is important but lacking in the academic domain. This study aims to fill this gap by developing and evaluating a model of key account manager personality traits and how they impact the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The study also depicts the effect of the adoption of AI technologies on competitive advantage and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines how the adoption of AI technologies impacts firms’ competitive advantage and performance. The study used competitive advantage as a mediator and organisational culture as a moderator. A mixed-method analysis was used to conduct the study. In the first phase, an exploratory study was conducted using interviews with 26 key account managers from the automobile industry and thematic analysis to establish 9 constructs. In the second phase, which is a confirmatory study, 496 respondents finally responded to the questionnaire.

Findings

All constructs are used for confirmatory analysis and validate the data. Our research shows that key account managers’ adoption of AI technologies is influenced significantly by personality traits. Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness have substantial links to adopting AI technologies, which impacts firms’ competitive advantage and performance. Organisational culture significantly moderates the association between agreeableness and the adoption of AI technologies.

Practical implications

The findings of this research allow organisations to optimise team composition, customise training programs based on individual traits and incorporate personality assessments into recruitment processes for streamlined technology adoption and improved competitiveness. Overall, these actions aim to enhance AI integration, driving competitive advantage and client satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study stands out as one of the limited inquiries examining how the Big-five personality traits of key account managers influence the integration of AI technologies and its resulting impact on company performance. Therefore, this research makes notable contributions to the realms of organisational psychology and technology adoption studies.
The synergistic effects of remittances, savings, education and digital financial technology on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Baafi Joseph Antwi , Kwame Asiedu Michael
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of remittances, savings and education on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study focuses on understanding how these factors independently and interactively contribute to growth, with a specific emphasis on their potential to drive sustainable economic development in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a panel dataset comprising 23 Sub-Saharan African countries over the period from 1974 to 2020. The system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation technique is utilized to address potential endogeneity issues and also explore the interactions between these variables to assess their combined influence on growth.

Findings

The findings reveal that remittances, savings and education have a significantly positive effect on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the study finds that the interactions between remittances and both savings and education are positively and significantly associated with economic growth.

Practical implications

The results indicate that Sub-Saharan African countries could harness the full potential of remittances to drive economic growth by implementing policies that encourage a savings culture and improve educational outcomes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the independent and interactive effects of remittances, savings and education on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study's use of the System GMM approach allows for robust estimation, accounting for potential endogeneity, and offers new insights into how these factors work together to influence economic development in the region.
Promoting organizational learning in nursing: examining the influence of participatory leadership, psychological ownership and motivation
Authors: Agaoglu Ferhat Onur , Baş Murat , Tarsuslu Sinan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study was designed to investigate the moderating role of employee motivation as a mediator of psychological ownership in the relationship between nurses’ perception of participatory leadership and their organizational learning behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 476 nurses working in a training and research hospital in the east of Turkey. This study, prepared in accordance with the Strobe checklist, was designed as a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using a demographic information form, a participative leadership scale, an organizational learning scale, a psychological ownership scale and a motivation scale. Correlation analyses and mediator model tests were performed to examine the relationship between these variables.

Findings

As a result, it was found that nurses’ perceptions of participative leadership positively and significantly affected organizational learning (r = 0.74; p < 0.01), participative leadership positively affected psychological ownership (r = 0.29; p < 0.01) and nurses’ psychological ownership positively and significantly affected organizational learning (r = 0.41; p < 0.01). In addition, it was found that nurses’ psychological ownership had a mediating role in the effect of participatory leadership perceptions on organizational learning (CI [0.030, 0.089]) and nurse motivation had a moderating role between psychological ownership and organizational learning (β = 0.168, 95% CI [0.064, 0.271]).

Originality/value

The study’s findings have practical implications for the Turkish health system and healthcare administrators. Administrators can significantly enhance organizational learning by implementing participative leadership training and fostering a sense of ownership among nurses. Empowering nurses to take charge of their learning and emphasizing the role of motivation can further drive organizational growth.
The nonlinear relationship between institutional quality and bank liquidity creation: evidence from a panel threshold model
Authors: Elmahjoub Selma , Zaiane Sedki , Bahloul Slah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nonlinear relationship between institutional quality and bank liquidity creation and to analyze whether the impact of institutional quality on liquidity creation depends on the level of institutional quality or not.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 126 Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region banks for the period extending from 2006 to 2020. To deal with the nonlinearity, we apply a dynamic panel threshold method.

Findings

Using six different indicators of institutional quality, the results reveal that the impact of the institutional quality on liquidity creation depends on the level and the indicator of institutional quality. While control of corruption, government effectiveness and regulatory quality have positive (negative) effects below (above) the threshold value, political stability has a positive impact below and above the threshold value. Regarding the role of law and voice and accounting, only significant negative impact above the threshold value is found.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings have important implications for policymaking. It suggests that institutional quality may have the potential to reduce liquidity creation rather than increase it. As a result, policymakers should work on providing an optimal level of institutional quality that promotes bank liquidity creation as a means to stimulate economic growth.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first studies, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to examine the nonlinear relationship between institutional quality and bank liquidity creation using a dynamic panel threshold model.
Effect of fiber steering and drilling in notched continuous fiber 3D-printed composites
Authors: Vattathurvalappil Suhail Hyder , Najam Taha , Aves Mohammed , Baluch Abrar H. , Ali Usman , Nazir Aamer
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Continuous fiber thermoplastics are recyclable and have excellent specific strength and stiffness, making them desirable materials for use in structural components. Recent advancements in continuous fiber additive manufacturing processes allow designers to make notches or perforations during printing, eliminating the need for labor-intensive and long drilling processes, which cause delaminations and premature failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential of continuous fiber 3D printing in creating notches for structural composites.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the notching process in nylon-based continuous-glass fiber thermoplastic composites through mechanical drilling and three-dimensional (3D) printing. Three different sample configurations were tested for tensile and fracture characteristics: Un-notched; with notches drilled mechanically; and with notches printed using a 3D printer, with the fibers routed around the notch. Further, finite element models were used to understand the stress concentration around the notches.

Findings

The tensile strength of notched samples was lower than that of unnotched samples in both 3D-printed and mechanically drilled cases. The presence of substantial delamination in mechanically drilled samples led to a 15% decrease in strength compared to 3D-printed samples. The increase in notch size resulted in a decrease in strength, as anticipated.

Practical implications

The techniques developed in this study may be easily applied to comparable situations involving several types of continuous fiber thermoplastic composites.

Originality/value

Both experimental and computational modeling results indicate that delamination because of the drilling process is the prime factor responsible for the significant decrease in residual strength. Furthermore, it also showed that the steering of the fiber around the notch had a minimal impact, and augmenting the stiffness in proximity to the notch can alleviate stress concentration.
Habitat engineering by an apex predator generates spatial trophic dynamics across a temporal environmental stress gradient
Authors: Flood Peter J. , Strickland Bradley A. , Kline Jeffrey L. , Trexler Joel C.
Published: January 2025

Ecosystem engineering is a facilitative interaction that generates bottom‐up extrinsic variability that may increase species coexistence, particularly along a stress/disturbance gradient. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) create and maintain ‘alligator ponds’ that serve as dry‐season refuges for other animals. During seasonal water recession, these ponds present an opportunity to examine predictions of the stress‐gradient (SGH) and intermediate disturbance hypotheses (IDH).

To test the assumption that engineering would facilitate species coexistence in ponds along a stress gradient (seasonal drying), we modelled fish catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) in ponds and marshes using a long‐term dataset (1997–2022). Stomach contents (n = 1677 from 46 species) and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (n = 3978 representing 91 taxa) from 2018 to 2019 were used to evaluate effects of engineering on trophic dynamics. We quantified diets, trophic niche areas, trophic positions and basal‐resource use among habitats and between seasons. As environmental stress increases, we used seasonal changes in trophic niche areas as a proxy for competition to examine SGH and IDH.

Across long‐term data, fish CPUE increased by a factor of 12 in alligator ponds as the marsh dried. This validates the assumption that ponds are an important dry‐season refuge. We found that 73% of diet shifts occurred during the dry season but that diets differed among habitats in only 11% of comparisons. From wet season to dry season, both stomach contents and stable isotopes revealed changes in niche areas. Direction of change depended on trophic guild but was opposite between stable‐isotope and stomach‐content niches, except for detritivores.

Stomach‐content niches generally increased suggesting decreased competition in the dry season consistent with existing theory, but stable‐isotope niches yielded the opposite. This may result from a temporal mismatch with stomach contents reflecting diets over hours, while stable isotopes integrate diet over weeks. Consumptive effects may have a stronger effect than competition on niche areas over longer time intervals.

Overall, our results demonstrated that alligators ameliorated dry‐season stress by engineering deep‐water habitats and altering food‐web dynamics. We propose that ecosystem engineers facilitate coexistence at intermediate values of stress/disturbance consistent with predictions of both the SGH and IDH.
Learning spellings and meanings: Longitudinal relations to reading
Authors: Mimeau Catherine , Ricketts Jessie , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: January 2025

Background

Prominent theories of reading make the prediction that individual differences in children's word learning capacity determine the pace of their acquisition of reading skill. Despite the developmental nature of some of these theories, most empirical research to date has explored the relation between word learning capacity and reading at a single time point. The present study extends this research base by investigating whether earlier learning of the spelling and meaning of words is associated with later core aspects of reading: orthographic representations, word reading and reading comprehension.

Methods

Participants were 120 English‐speaking children followed longitudinally from Grade 3 to Grade 4 (i.e., from 8 to 9 years of age on average). At Grade 3, children read stories containing new words and answered questions about the spelling and meaning of these new words, evaluating orthographic and semantic learning, respectively. Children also completed outcome measures of orthographic representations (with a choice task targeting the spelling of existing words), word reading and reading comprehension (with standardised tasks) at Grades 3 and 4. We conducted regression analyses controlling for age, nonverbal reasoning, working memory, vocabulary and phonological awareness.

Results

We found that each of orthographic and semantic learning predicted gains in orthographic representations from Grade 3 to Grade 4. Furthermore, orthographic learning at Grade 3 predicted word reading at Grade 4, while semantic learning at Grade 3 predicted reading comprehension at Grade 4.

Conclusions

These longitudinal associations between orthographic and semantic learning and core aspects of reading strengthen the evidence in support of the hypothesis that children's word learning capacity plays a key role in reading development.
Implementation science (IS)—A game changer for criminology and criminal justice
Authors: Taxman Faye S.
Published: January 2025

Research summary

Implementation science (IS) is an emerging field that is infrequently used in criminology and criminal justice. IS offers criminology and criminal justice new methods to describe and measure innovations, and new and rigorous research designs that include measuring the implementation of innovations, examining implementation or change strategies, and pursuing a myriad of implementation outcomes. Most important is that the emphasis is on the organizations and/or systems themselves, instead of a focus on individuals. A science of implementation will help to advance reform efforts in justice/legal organizations, whether the reforms are at the policy or practice level. Criminologists’ use of IS methods and techniques should enlarge our knowledge about “what works” to include answers to contextual questions regarding “what works under what circumstances” or “how does it works.” Further, IS can help identify the processes needed to ensure reform efforts are successful and to build capacity for long‐term change.

Policy implications

IS is a field that is growing in importance in medicine and health‐related disciplines and is relevant to criminology/criminal justice. Receptivity to reforming police, judicial, prosecutorial, institutional corrections, and community corrections organizations is typically met with a bit of a cold shoulder, often because researchers do not understand or address the operational issues that affect reform. Of particular importance is understanding which change procedures are useful for what types of reforms—an understudied and underappreciated feature of the implementation conundrum. Policy makers and practitioners will benefit from more information on effective change procedures. IS can be used to understand strategies to define innovations, to master change processes, to study implementation, and to expand outcomes to include organizational and system measures to benefit all stakeholders.
The adverse effects with ibuprofen after major orthopedic surgeries: A protocol for the PERISAFE randomized clinical trial
Authors: Laursen Christina Cleveland Westerdahl , Lunn Troels Haxholdt , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Therkelsen Anne Sofie Nautrup , Varnum Claus , Lange Kai Henrik Wiborg , Yilmaz Müjgan , Pedersen Niels Anker , Kappel Andreas , Jakobsen Thomas , Eljaja Salamah Belal , Thougaard Thomas , Graungaard Ben Kristian , Bjerno Thomas , Beck Jacob , Runge Charlotte , Steiness Joakim , Gasbjerg Kasper Smidt , Thybo Kasper Højgaard , Brorson Stig , Lindberg‐Larsen Martin , Overgaard Søren , Jakobsen Janus Christian , Mathiesen Ole
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for pain treatment after elective hip and knee arthroplasties. However, evidence regarding the incidence of adverse effects with short‐term NSAID treatment following surgery is limited. We, therefore, aim to assess the adverse effects with an eight‐day postoperative treatment with ibuprofen after elective hip and knee arthroplasties.

Methods and Analysis

PERISAFE is a randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded multicenter trial with 90‐day and one‐year follow‐up. Eligible patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty are allocated 1:1 to either ibuprofen 400 mg ×3/day or identical placebo ×3/day for eight days after surgery. The primary outcome is a composite of either death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, renal failure, major bleeding, re‐operation, gastrointestinal ulcer, or readmission within 90 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes are hospital‐free days within 90 days postoperatively, a composite of ibuprofen and opioid‐related adverse reactions based on eight‐day postoperative diary, and health related quality of life after 90 days postoperatively.

A total of 2904 patients are needed to demonstrate a relative risk reduction of 33% in the placebo group, accepting a risk of type I error of 5% and type II error of 20% and a proportion of serious adverse events in the ibuprofen group of 8%. The primary analysis will be in the modified intention‐to‐treat population.

Ethics and Dissemination

The trial is approved by the Danish Medicine Agency and the Research Ethics Committee (EU CT no. 2022‐502, 502‐32‐00). We plan to submit for publication in a major international peer‐reviewed journal and present results at scientific meetings.
Conus medullaris termination: Assessing safety of spinal anesthesia in the L2–L3 interspace
Authors: Paul James E. , Udovic Lisa A. , Oman Kathleen , Kim Thomas , Bernstein Leora , Matteliano Luigi , Singh Nina , Caldwell Alexa , Vanniyasingam Thuva , Thabane Lehana
Published: January 2025

Background

Classic teaching is that spinal anesthesia is safe at or below the L2–L3 interspace. To evaluate this, we sought to determine the percentage of individuals with a conus medullaris termination (CMT) level at or below the L1–L2 interspace. Further, the relationship of CMT level to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and spinal pathology was examined, as was the reliability of using Tuffier's line (TL) as an anatomical landmark.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated magnetic resonance images of 944 adult patients to determine the CMT level. The relationship between age, sex, height, BMI, and spinal pathology and CMT level was explored by logistic regression. The correspondence of the TL line to the L4–L5 interspace and the presence of overlap with the CMT were examined using 720 lumbar x‐rays of the same patient cohort.

Results

Of 944 patients (mean age, 57.8 years; 49% male), 18.9% had CMT at or below the L1–L2 interspace, and spinal anesthesia at the L2–L3 interspace was found to carry a 0.7% incidence of neuraxial risk. Only the presence of congenital spinal abnormalities was found to be significantly predictive of having a CMT at or below the L1–L2 interspace. TL was found to correspond to the L4–L5 interspace in 99.8% of patients with lumbar x‐rays.

Conclusions

Spinal anesthesia at the L2–L3 interspace, using TL as an anatomical landmark, is safe in >99% of patients. However, caution must be exercised in all patients as demographic variables were found to be limited in predicting a low CMT level.

Editorial Comment

Unlike previous smaller studies, this retrospective study included MRI data from a total of 944 patients. The present study confirms that spinal anesthesia at the L2–L3 interspace or below can be considered safe. The findings indicate that Tuffier's line can be used as a reliable anatomical landmark.
Clinical practice and outcomes in European pediatric cardiac anesthesia: A secondary analysis of the APRICOT and NECTARINE studies
Authors: Castellheim Albert Gyllencreutz , Habre Walid , Hansen Tom Giedsing
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care, pediatric cardiac patients remain at an increased risk of adverse events. The APRICOT (2017) study aimed to establish the incidence of severe critical events in children undergoing anesthesia in Europe, while the NECTARINE (2021) study aimed to assess anesthesia practices and outcomes in neonates and infants under 60 weeks postconceptual age. Our goal was to conduct a secondary analysis of the cardiac cohorts from these two studies to determine mortality rates and other outcomes after cardiac procedures at 30 and 90 days, identify factors influencing mortality, illustrate clinical practices, and assess the methodology of the two studies.

Methods

Sub‐analysis of the data from APRICOT and NECTARINE. Data representativity was assessed through a systematic categorization process. European countries were divided into four income groups based on their gross national income per capita. Subsequently, the total number of patients across all four income groups was calculated for both the Apricot and Nectarine studies, and then the specific contribution of each income group to the total population of each study was determined.

Results

This analysis comprised 1016 cases (Apricot, n = 476 and Nectarine, n = 540). There was a considerable variability in clinical practice in Europe. The overall mortality rates were 0.84% (APRICOT) and 8.1% (NECTARINE). In both cohorts, substantial mortality was observed among low‐age and low‐weight infants. Stratifying the participating countries by income illustrated that the data originated from highest‐income and upper‐middle‐income European countries and were not representative of low‐income and middle‐income countries.

Conclusions

In this secondary analysis of the APRICOT and NECTARINE studies, we found that fatal cases primarily occurred in low‐age and low‐weight neonates and infants.

Editorial comment

This secondary analysis of the APRICOT and NECTARINE studies focused on pediatric cardiac surgical cases. Outcomes differed according to weight and age of the children, where mortality risk was higher for very young and low‐weight children.
Efficacy and Safety of Four Weeks of Moderately Hypofractionated Chemoradiation for Unresectable, Stage 3 Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ludbrook Joanna Jane , Kumar Mahesh , Soon Yu Yang , Smith Angela , Mallesara Girish , Hau Eric , Hegi‐Johnson Fiona , Vinod Shalini
Published: January 2025

Shortening treatment time with moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy benefits patients by reducing inconvenience and costs, but its use in the definitive treatment of unresectable Stage 3 non–small cell lung cancer is controversial due to lack of level one evidence and toxicity concerns. Pivotal systemic therapy trials utilize conventionally fractionated chemoradiation at 2 Gy per fraction given over 6 weeks. In practice, 4 weeks of chemoradiation at 2.75 Gy per fraction is sometimes employed to reduce the treatment burden for selected patients, especially those who are older or have comorbidities. It is uncertain if the two fractionation regimens are similar in biologically effectiveness, especially with varying systemic therapy. This systematic review aimed to collate the survival and toxicity outcomes for 4 weeks of moderately hypofractionated chemoradiation, using > 50 –60 Gy in 20 fractions. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria; seven studies were from a database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science and one study was added later. Two studies were prospective randomized trials and six were retrospective cohort studies. No study included immunotherapy. The historical evidence has been limited, but emerging data is promising, especially when compared to outcomes of standard chemoradiation. Thus, further investigation of this strategy is justified.
Rural Eye Care Access, Workforce Challenges and Opportunities: Perspectives of the Eye Health Workforce in Western Australia
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Bentley Sharon A. , McKendrick Allison M. , Thompson Sandra C. , Turner Angus W. , Alam Khyber
Published: January 2025

Objective

Rural residents face numerous barriers to accessing eye care services that contribute to disparities in eye health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of the rural workforce on opportunities to improve patient access to eye care services, as well as understand the ways the workforce can be supported.

Setting

Regional, rural and remote Western Australia.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Maximum variation and snowball sampling were used, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted until data saturation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Participants

Seventeen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with six ophthalmologists, 10 optometrists and one non‐clinician involved in delivering eye care services in rural Western Australia.

Results

Four major themes were identified. ‘Access to care’ pertained to barriers and facilitators of timely and appropriate eye care for rural residents. ‘Need for collaborative care framework’ between ophthalmology and optometry emerged as a key opportunity to decrease wait times and maximise efficiency of visiting services. ‘Motivation to work in rural settings’ and ‘challenges of working in rural settings’ suggested opportunities to support the workforce.

Conclusion

This study finds that continued support through financial, personal, and professional means is important for workforce retention and satisfaction among eye care service providers in rural Western Australia. Although collaborative care models currently exist, the extent of collaboration between practitioners varies considerably. Further research is required on developing innovative, scalable and sustainable models of care to meet the eye care needs in rural Australia.