bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A holistic conservation and development approach for Gaziantep Rumkale archaeological site
Authors: Yenice M. Serhat , Yagmur Emine
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine the scope and content for a holistic conservation and development strategies in the case of Gaziantep Rumkale. This approach seeks an answer to the question of “How can Rumkale archaeological heritage be preserved with their original values and passed on to future generations?”

Design/methodology/approach

The materials of the paper are based on field research and written and visual resource. The paper has been handled with a four-step method setup. The first stage is to examine the spatial and functional background of Rumkale and its immediate surroundings based on the historical development process. The second stage is to evaluate the upper- and lower-scale planning experiences of the heritage site. The third stage of the research methodology is strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis. The fourth stage is the creation of cultural heritage conservation-development strategies that define strategies for the protection and development of archaeological heritage in the context of sustainability.

Findings

The paper emphasizes the development of a holistic perspective that theoretically deals with the archaeological heritage sites of Rumkale together with the surrounding rural areas. In this context, the paper suggests ecological, spatial, socio-cultural, economic and institutional protection development strategies for the Rumkale archaeological site together with the surrounding rural areas for their delivery to future generations.

Originality/value

Although the area has an important cultural heritage value for different religions and cultures, it has not been subject to sufficient scientific research. The paper develops a holistic approach by considering Rumkale and its surroundings together.
The subjective well-being of self-employed persons: a national survey evidence from Ghana
Authors: Korankye Thomas , Lartey Joshua King Safo
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the subjective well-being of self-employed persons relative to wage employees in Ghana. Two measures of subjective well-being, comprising life satisfaction and happiness, are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study focuses on Ghanaian working adults, uses pooled cross-sectional datasets from the 2005 to 2014 World Values Survey (WVS), applies survey weights, estimates ordered probit models and computes marginal effects.

Findings

The results show that being self-employed is associated with a lower probability of being satisfied with life than being wage employed. The result for happiness is negative but not statistically significant. The perceived low level of life satisfaction among the self-employed in Ghana could explain the rationale behind the desire of some Ghanaians to seek wage employment rather than pursuing self-employment. The results also could partly explain the non-survival of some entrepreneurial firms in Ghana over time.

Research limitations/implications

Data relating to factors such as business size, location (urban or rural), degree of internationalization (domestic or foreign), number of years of being in self-employment, the number of employees, financial knowledge and behavior and personality traits are unavailable in the WVS for analyses. The present study also uses a pooled cross-sectional dataset for the analyses; thus, causal inferences are not possible.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between self-employment and subjective well-being in the context of Ghana. The study provides insights into how self-employed Ghanaians perceive well-being relative to wage employees.
A meta-analysis of cross-country context effects on the link between green product strategy and financial performance
Authors: Kim Jisun , Woo Hyun-Soo , Balven Rachel , Hoetker Glenn
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Decades of research offer mixed results regarding the relationship between green product strategies and corporate financial performance. On the one hand, many scholars put forward green product strategies as a source of competitive advantage and in turn enhance financial performance. On the other hand, some studies suggest the opposite – that green product strategies may encounter managerial difficulties or are too costly, consequently leading to meager, if any, financial gain. This study explores cross-country contextual differences as a contingency to resolve this inconsistency. Thus, the research question is, “Do stakeholders of a country affect the link between green product strategies and financial performance?”

Design/methodology/approach

Using a meta-analytic approach, the authors examine three country-level contingencies related to stakeholders: the impact of regulatory (stringency of environmental regulators), economic (consumer economic wealth) and political conditions (democratic vs. authoritarian governments) of a country in which the effects of a green product strategy on financial performance may vary.

Findings

Consistent with our predictions, the meta-analysis of 26 studies published over a 20-year period reveals that green products positively relate to financial performance in countries with lax environmental regulation, low consumer economic status and authoritarian regimes.

Originality/value

The authors applied both (natural) resource-based and resource dependence theories by focusing on the interactions between firms' internal resources/capabilities and the external resources that firms can access. By doing so, the study adds to our understanding of stakeholders as resource providers to enhance financial benefits of green product strategies and provide insight into key boundary conditions of the link.
Fostering engagement among emotionally exhausted frontline employees in financial services sector
Authors: Sahi Gurjeet Kaur , Roy Sanjit K. , Singh Tisha
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the role of personal resource (i.e. psychological empowerment) in reducing the negative impact of emotional exhaustion of frontline employees on their engagement. It also examines the moderating effects of ethical climate and transformational leadership in mitigating the negative influence of emotional exhaustion on engagement among frontline service employees (FLEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 671 frontline employees from financial services sector. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hierarchical regression analysis (HRA) were used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results show that the impact of emotional exhaustion on employee engagement is greatly affected by psychological empowerment. Transformational leadership moderates the negative effects of emotional exhaustion on psychological empowerment, while ethical climate weakens the negative impact of emotional exhaustion on employee engagement.

Practical implications

Service firms need to provide enough autonomy to emotionally exhausted frontline employees so that they feel valued. The emotionally exhausted employees can be engaged if they are empowered to discharge their job most effectively and a climate is ensured which can keep them motivated toward accomplishing their targets. A fair and just treatment shall boost their morale to perform better and to strengthen their staying intentions.

Originality/value

The novelty of our study lies in examining and fostering engagement among emotionally exhausted FLEs. It shows that job resources at the individual level (i.e. psychological empowerment), team level (i.e. transformational leadership) and organizational level (i.e. ethical climate) can help in encouraging work engagement among emotionally exhausted FLEs.
Government policies for e-commerce supply chain with fairness concerns towards sustainable remanufacturing
Authors: Huang Yanting , Liu Sijia , Liang Yuqing
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of fairness concerns on supply chain members' optimal decisions and profits, to compare their profits under different policies, and to investigate the impact of each policy on members, consumers, and the environment with fairness concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering government policies and fairness concerns in recycling management, this paper develops five recycling and remanufacturing decision models (anarchy policy model, reward-penalty mechanism model, recycling investment subsidies model, government tax model, and fund subsidy system model). In each model, the manufacturer and the online platform form the Stackelberg game. This research further discusses comprehensive environmental benefits and consumer surplus under five scenarios.

Findings

First, the fairness concerns of the online platform inhibit the recovery rate and supply chain members' profit while increasing the platform's utility. Second, fairness concerns increase the profit gap between the manufacturer and online platform, and the higher the degree of fairness concerns, the greater the profit gap; however, the four policies reduce the profit gap. Finally, when there are fairness concerns, environmental taxes damage the interests of supply chain members and consumers, but are most beneficial to the environment; recycling investment subsidies are on the contrary; the fund subsidy system depends on the relative size of the treatment fund and the subsidy fund.

Originality/value

This paper provides useful insights on how to regulate government policy to improve supply chain management with fairness concerns.
A bibliometric analysis on innovation convergence
Authors: Cui Wenyue , Tang Jie , Zhang Zhipeng , Dai Xin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Innovation convergence is critical to national or regional economic growth patterns. This article provides a systematic review of innovation convergence research through qualitative discussions combined with bibliometric methods. Through this article, researchers interested in the field of innovation convergence can quickly understand the development of the field, quickly identify authors and publications with significant impact, and collaborative networks in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on the relevant literature included in the WOS database from 1990 to 2021, using Citespace, Gephi and other software to conduct a systematic bibliometric analysis of the research in the new convergence field.

Findings

This research shows that the second half of the twentieth century was a boom period for research on economic convergence. 2. The subject foundation of innovation convergence research mainly includes mathematics, economics, political science and computational science. 3. The journals that publish research in this field are widely distributed, including the fields of economics, natural sciences and complex sciences. 4. The research in the field of innovation convergence is inseparable from the research in the field of economic growth.

Originality/value

This study may help others to understand the development history and research trends of the innovation convergence field, as well as the literature and cooperative scientific research institutions that have an important influence.
The informal, nonorganizational ways police officers receive training on encounters with autistic individuals
Authors: Herbert Jessica , Pelletier Karissa , Wallace Danielle
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Given that formal training on autism is still a relatively infrequent occurrence for police officers, the objective of this study is to expose and describe the formal and informal, nonorganizationally based means police officers receive on-the-job training regarding interactions with autistic individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using personal networks and snowball sampling, the authors interviewed 19 police officers from multiple US police departments who reported having known contact with an autistic individual while on duty. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify themes describing formal training and informal means to learn about autistic persons during interactions.

Findings

The authors find that many officers received formal training on mental health, though few received specific training about autism. Most commonly, officers with a personal connection to autism (e.g. a child or loved one), passed down information and techniques to other officers on how to have positive encounters with autistic individuals. Officers also passed along field knowledge of known autistic individuals in patrol areas/beats to help others have positive interactions. Lastly, community members often assisted officers by sharing information about find where an individual may be located, may live or known personal characteristics/preferences.

Originality/value

Scholars examining police contact with autistic individuals infrequently detail the point of view and needs of officers in successfully interacting with this population. This work adds to this growing discussion by exposing how officers use personal experience, informal training and community members’ assistance as a stopgap for their general lack of training on how to interact with autistic individuals successfully and positively.
Formality and informality and the generation of occupational performance: a case study on the commercial service charge
Authors: Eccles Timothy Stephen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The paper utilises formality-informality modelling to examine occupational change, using commercial service charge management as its case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that develops a typology for applying formalisation to occupational change and then utilises historiography to generate a narrative on the evolution of service charge management.

Findings

Formality is seen as a method of improving transparency and performance as a “modern” response to a range complaints about professional performance. Whilst real improvement failed to develop, a “snowball” of continued formalisation remained the perceived solution, leading to centralisation of measures of professional performance.

Research limitations/implications

The work is a conceptual paper that develops a historiography on the development of service charge administrative practice. Whilst it relies on objective data and secondary literature, the narrative that is developed is subjective and interpretive.

Originality/value

The conceptual nature of the work offers potential insights into occupational organisation. It suggests that formalising procedures in itself does not improve performance.
A familial case of periodontal Ehlers–Danlos syndrome lacking skin extensibility and joint hypermobility with a missense mutation in C1R
Authors: Nakajima Kimiko , Suzuki Hisato , Yamamoto Mayuko , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Kawai Tomoko , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Kenichiro , Kosaki Kenjiro , Nakajima Hideki , Sano Shigetoshi , Kubo Akiharu
Published: April 2022

Periodontal Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (pEDS) is an autosomal‐dominant disorder first described by Stewart in 1977 that is characterized by severe gingival recession and periodontitis that triggers premature loss of permanent teeth and alveolar bone absorption. It was recently shown that pEDS is caused by a heterozygous missense mutation in C1R or C1S, which encode complement 1 proteases. Here, we report a familial case of pEDS with a novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.674G>C (p.R225P), in C1R (NM_001733.4). The case exhibited pretibial hyperpigmentation and extended periodontitis but neither skin extensibility nor joint hypermobility, suggesting that this mutation will expand the definition of pEDS.
Hepatitis C cure as a ‘gathering’: Attending to the social and material relations of hepatitis C treatment
Authors: Farrugia Adrian , Fomiatti Renae , Fraser Suzanne , Moore David , Edwards Michael , Birbilis Elizabeth , Treloar Carla
Published: April 2022

Since the advent of direct‐acting antiviral hepatitis C treatments, widespread enthusiasm about disease elimination has emerged. This article examines experiences of hepatitis C treatment and cure in this period. Mobilising Fraser and Seear's (Making disease, making citizens: The politics of hepatitis C, Ashgate, 2011) approach to hepatitis C as a ‘gathering’, we analyse cure not as a biomedical phenomenon but as a social and material event. To do so, we take a Science and Technology Studies‐inspired approach to analyse three complementary cases drawn from an Australian project on experiences of hepatitis C, treatment and cure. First, we analyse the ways a friendship between two women combines with adjustments to treatment access to produce a gathering that makes cure possible. Second, we analyse the forces that gather and distribute responsibility when a cure does not occur in a context shaped by oversimplified treatment logics. Third, we analyse a gathering of relations in which hepatitis C lingers, thereby limiting the cure's possible transformative effects. We argue that, even in an era defined by highly effective medicines, the hepatitis C cure is not necessarily straightforward, but an unpredictable gathering constituted by a fragile coalescing of social and material forces.
BJOG mini commentary on Placenta accreta spectrum – Variations in clinical practice and maternal morbidity between UK and France: A population‐based comparative study
Authors: Bhide Amarnath
Published: April 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Stephen J. McCall et al., pp. 1676–1685 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17169
Neoproterozoic (750–711 Ma) Tectonics of the South Qinling Belt, Central China: New Insights from Geochemical, Zircon U‐Pb Geochronological, and Sr‐Nd Isotopic Data from the Niushan Complex
Authors: WANG Shuo , LIU Yunhua , YANG Benzhao , TAN Le , LI Xiaoyan , DENG Nan
Published: April 2022

The Xiejiaba and Fuqiangbei plutons form part of the newly identified Neoproterozoic Niushan complex, which is located in the southern South Qinling belt (SQB). The plutons are compositionally similar, were emplaced at 750–711 Ma, and provide insights into Neoproterozoic tectonism within the South Qinling belt. The Xiejiaba pluton contains diorite, quartz diorite, granodiorite, and granite phases, all of which are sub‐alkaline and have variable major element compositions with negative correlations between SiO2and MgO, TFe2O3, Al2O3, CaO, TiO2and P2O5. These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and have negative Nb, Ta, P and Ti anomalies, all of which are indicative of arc‐type magmatism. The Fuqiangbei pluton contains granitoids that are compositionally similar to the rocks in the Xiejiaba pluton. Samples from these plutons have similarɛNd(t) values (1.24–5.99) but very variable (87Sr/86Sr)ivalues (0.7010–0.7054). Combining these data with the geochemical data for these rocks suggests that the magmas that formed the Niushan complex were derived from the crust–mantle boundary. This, combined with the results of previous research, suggests that the transition from low pressure‐low temperature to low pressure‐high temperature conditions within a subduction zone caused melting during a period of late subduction and backarc extension. This constrain the timing of subduction within the South Qinling belt and the northern Yangtze Block (YB) to 750–711 Ma, with this Neoproterozoic subduction associated with an ocean to the north overprinting an existing continental rift‐type tectonic setting within the northern margin of the Yangtze Block and the South Qinling belt.
Cloacimonadota metabolisms include adaptations in engineered environments that are reflected in the evolutionary history of the phylum
Authors: Johnson Lisa A. , Hug Laura A.
Published: April 2022

Phylum Cloacimonadota (previously Cloacimonetes, WWE1) is an understudied bacterial lineage frequently associated with engineered and wastewater systems. Cloacimonadota members were abundant and diverse in metagenomic datasets from a municipal landfill, prompting an examination of phylogenetic relationships, metabolic diversity, and pangenomic dynamics across the phylum, based on the 30 publicly available genomes and 24 new metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs) from landfill samples. We found that Cloacimonadota have distinct evolutionary histories associated with engineered versus natural environments and identified genomic features and metabolic strategies that correlate to habitat of origin. Metabolic reconstructions for MAGs predict an anaerobic, acetogenic, and mixed fermentative and flavin‐bifurcation‐based anaerobic respiratory lifestyle for the majority of Cloacimonadota surveyed. Genomes from engineered ecosystems encode a suite of genes not typically found in genomes from natural environments including acetate kinase, genes for cysteine degradation to pyruvate, increased diversity of carbon utilization enzymes, and different mechanisms for generating membrane potential and ATP synthesis. This phylum‐level examination also clarifies the distribution of functions previously observed for members of the phylum, where propionate oxidation and reverse TCA cycles are not common components of Cloacimonadota metabolism.
Differences in thermal tolerances between two soybean pests may differently affect their voltinism under climate change
Authors: Sampaio Fábio , dos Santos Hevellyn Talissa , Marchioro Cesar Augusto
Published: April 2022

Insect development is affected by temperature which in turn influences population growth. The thermal limits tolerated by insects vary depending on the species which can have important consequences for their voltinism in a climate‐changing world.

This study used a multicriteria approach to select the best among six nonlinear models to describe the temperature‐dependent development rate of Anticarsia gemmatalis and Spodoptera cosmioides, two important soybean pests. The best models for each species were employed to estimate their voltinism under current and future climate conditions predicted for southern Brazil.

According to the selected models, A. gemmatalis showed high upper lethal threshold (42.4°C) than S. cosmioides (32.3°C). Such disparity in the tolerance to high temperatures resulted in pronounced differences in the species' voltinism in southern Brazil, especially under future climate conditions.

While an increase in the voltinism of A. gemmatalis of up to 32.3% was predicted in the entire study area, a decrease in the voltinism of S. cosmioides of up to 33.1% was predicted in warmer regions where temperatures more often exceeded the species' optimum. The species, location, and interaction between these two factors explained 96.0% of the total variation observed in the voltinism.

Our findings suggest that disparity among species in their tolerance to high temperatures may differently influence their voltinism and population growth, leading to potential changes in their status as a pest in some regions due to climate change.
Endometrial galectin‐3 causes endometriosis by supporting eutopic endometrial cell survival and engraftment in the peritoneal cavity
Authors: Yamashita Saya , Hashimoto Kae , Sawada Ikuko , Ogawa Minori , Nakatsuka Erika , Kawano Mahiru , Kinose Yasuto , Kodama Michiko , Sawada Kenjiro , Kimura Tadashi
Published: April 2022

Problem

The pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. Endometrial cells in retrograde menstruation are considered the source of endometriosis; therefore, we hypothesized that the eutopic endometrium may provide clues regarding the pathogenesis. We aimed to clarify the role of eutopic endometrial cells in endometriosis development.

Method of Study

Eutopic endometrial tissues were obtained from patients with or without endometriosis, and expression of cell surface molecules in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) was evaluated via iTRAQ‐based proteomic analysis. Based on the results, we focused on galectin‐3. Galectin‐3 expression in clinical samples was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. The concentration of secreted galectin‐3 was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Adhesion and migration of ESCs were evaluated by in vitro adhesion and wound healing assays. The cytotoxicity of natural killer cells was measured via calcein release assays. Cell proliferation was measured using the CyQUANT Cell Proliferation Assay Kit.

Results

iTRAQ analysis revealed that galectin‐3 expression was specifically elevated in the ESCs from endometriosis patients. Immunohistochemistry confirmed galectin‐3 overexpression in the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis, irrespective of the menstrual phase. Galectin‐3 was overexpressed and secreted by the eutopic ESCs from patients with endometriosis compared to that from patients without endometriosis. Galectin‐3 expression in ESCs increased adhesion and migration, whereas galectin‐3 inhibitors impaired these processes. Galectin‐3 reduced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells toward ESCs, while not affecting cell proliferation.

Conclusion

Galectin‐3 promotes peritoneal engraftment of ESCs due to impaired immune surveillance in the peritoneal cavity and increases ESCs adhesion and migration to the peritoneum.
Gender affirming hormonal treatment in Danish transgender persons: A nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Glintborg Dorte , Rubin Katrine Hass , Kristensen Simon Bang , Lidegaard Øjvind , T'Sjoen Guy , Hilden Malene , Andersen Marianne Skovsager
Published: April 2022

Background

Gender affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) is a cornerstone in transgender care. National data are sparse regarding use of hormonal treatment by transgender persons.

Aim

To assess use of GAHT in transgender persons.

Design

National register‐based cohort study in Danish transgender persons followed from 2000 until 2018. The main outcome measure was prescription and purchase of GAHT. Persons with ICD‐10 diagnosis code of “gender identity disorder” (CGI‐cohort) and persons with legal sex change but without diagnosis (CPR‐cohort) were included. In the CGI‐cohort, transgender women were defined by prescription of estrogen and/or cyproterone acetate and/or testosterone‐5‐alpha reductase inhibitors, and transgender men were defined by prescription of testosterone after study inclusion. Discontinuation of GAHT was defined as no purchase of GAHT ≥13 months or shift from feminizing to masculinizing hormone treatment, or vice versa.

Results

The cohort included 2789 transgender persons (n = 1717, CGI‐cohort and n = 1072, CPR‐cohort). The median age (interquartile range) at study inclusion was 26.1 (17.7) years for persons assigned male at birth (n = 1447) and 22.5 (10.5) years for persons assigned female at birth (n = 1342). In the CGI‐cohort, the event rate for GAHT in transgender women increased from 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.1; 5.2]) events per 100 person in year 2000–2005 to 20.6 (17.8; 23.7) between 2014 and 2018. In transgender men, the event rate of GAHT increased from 4.2 (2.8; 6.2) to 18.8 (16.4; 21.6). The rate of discontinuation of GAHT was 0.06 (95% CI 0.049; 0.071) per person year.

Conclusions

The event rate of GAHT increased during 2000–2018. Our data suggested high adherence to GAHT.
Technetium‐99 m‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computerised tomography (CT)/CT in the prediction of malignant versus benign small renal masses
Authors: Viswambaram Pravin , Swarbrick Nicole , Picardo Alarick , Hohnen Andrew , Pham Kevin , Macdonald William , Hayne Dickon , Hamid Akhlil
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of technetium‐99m (99mTc)‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computerised tomography/computerised tomography (SPECT/CT) in distinguishing between malignant and benign renal lesions.

Patients and Methods

Between June 2018 and October 2020 all patients with new indeterminate small renal masses (SRMs) underwent 99mTc‐sestamibi renal SPECT/CT before biopsy or surgery. The accuracy of 99mTc‐sestamibi imaging diagnoses was assessed against histopathology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimum cut‐off for the tumour:normal uptake ratio. Logistic regression was used to determine if quantitative analysis significantly added to visual interpretation alone.

Results

A total of 74 patients with SRMs were investigated with 99mTc‐sestamibi SPECT/CT. The SPECT/CT correctly identified 49 malignant tumours and 11 benign tumours, resulting in a sensitivity of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.95) and a specificity of 0.73 (95% CI 0.45–0.91). The ROC analysis of uptake ratios demonstrated that a tumour:normal uptake ratio of 0.41 provided optimal diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 0.81, specificity 0.88, area under the curve 0.883 [95% CI 0.794–0.971]). The uptake ratio was also highly significant in excluding malignancy on univariate logistic regression analysis whereby the higher the uptake ratio, the lower the chances were for malignancy (odds ratio 0.009, 95% CI 0.001–0.118, P < 0.001). However, this did not improve diagnostic accuracy when compared to visual interpretation alone.

Conclusion

99mTc‐sestamibi SPECT/CT is a non‐invasive technique with good accuracy in determining if a SRM is benign or malignant.
Cholecystokinin promotes functional expression of the aquaglycerol channel aquaporin 7 in adipocytes
Authors: Plaza Adrian , Merino Beatriz , Ruiz‐Gayo Mariano
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Cholecystokinin (CCK) promotes triglyceride storage and adiponectin production in white adipose tissue (WAT), suggesting that CCK modulates WAT homeostasis. Our goal was to investigate the role of CCK in regulating the expression and function of the aquaglycerol channel aquaporin 7 (AQP7), a protein that is pivotal for maintaining adipocyte homeostasis and preserving insulin responsiveness.

Experimental Approach

The effect of the bioactive fragment of CCK, CCK‐8, in regulating adipose AQP7 expression and glycerol efflux was assessed in rats as well as in preadipocytes. Moreover, the involvement of insulin receptors in the effects of CCK‐8 was characterized in preadipocytes lacking insulin receptors.

Key Results

CCK‐8 induced AQP7 gene expression in rat WAT, concomitantly increasing plasma glycerol concentration. In isolated preadipocytes, CCK‐8 also enhanced both AQP7 expression and glycerol leakage. The effects of CCK‐8 were independent of the lipolysis rate, as CCK‐8 failed to promote fatty acid release by adipocytes. In addition, CCK‐8 did not enhance hormone sensitive lipase phosphorylation, which is the rate‐limiting step of lipolysis. Moreover, the effects of CCK‐8 were dependent on the activation of protein kinase B and PPARγ. Silencing insulin receptor expression inhibited CCK‐8‐induced Aqp7 expression in preadipocytes. Furthermore, insulin enhanced the effect of CCK‐8.

Conclusions and Implications

CCK regulates AQP7 expression and function, and this effect is dependent on insulin. Accordingly, CCK receptor agonists could be suitable for preserving and improving insulin responsiveness in WAT.
Cardioprotective actions of nitroxyl donor Angeli's salt are preserved in the diabetic heart and vasculature in the face of nitric oxide resistance
Authors: Velagic Anida , Li Jasmin Chendi , Qin Cheng Xue , Li Mandy , Deo Minh , Marshall Sarah A. , Anderson Dovile , Woodman Owen L. , Horowitz John D. , Kemp‐Harper Barbara K. , Ritchie Rebecca H.
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

The risk of fatal cardiovascular events is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A major contributor to poor prognosis is impaired nitric oxide (NO•) signalling at the level of tissue responsiveness, termed NO• resistance. This study aimed to determine if T2DM promotes NO• resistance in the heart and vasculature and whether tissue responsiveness to nitroxyl (HNO) is affected.

Experimental Approach

At 8 weeks of age, male Sprague–Dawley rats commenced a high‐fat diet. After 2 weeks, the rats received low‐dose streptozotocin (two intraperitoneal injections, 35 mg·kg−1, over two consecutive days) and continued on the same diet. Twelve weeks later, isolated hearts were Langendorff‐perfused to assess responses to the NO• donor diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO) and the HNO donor Angeli's salt. Isolated mesenteric arteries were utilised to measure vascular responsiveness to the NO• donors sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and DEA/NO, and the HNO donor Angeli's salt.

Key Results

Inotropic, lusitropic and coronary vasodilator responses to DEA/NO were impaired in T2DM hearts, whereas responses to Angeli's salt were preserved or enhanced. Vasorelaxation to Angeli's salt was augmented in T2DM mesenteric arteries, which were hyporesponsive to the relaxant effects of SNP and DEA/NO.

Conclusion and Implications

This is the first evidence that inotropic and lusitropic responses are preserved, and NO• resistance in the coronary and mesenteric vasculature is circumvented, by the HNO donor Angeli's salt in T2DM. These findings highlight the cardiovascular therapeutic potential of HNO donors, especially in emergencies such as acute ischaemia or heart failure.
Predicted alteration of vertebrate communities in response to climate‐induced elevational shifts
Authors: de la Fuente Alejandro , Krockenberger Andrew , Hirsch Ben , Cernusak Lucas , Williams Stephen E.
Published: April 2022

Aim

Climate change is driving species to migrate to novel areas as current environments become unsuitable. As a result, species distributions have shifted uphill in montane ecosystems globally. Heterogeneous dispersal rates among shifting species could result in complex changes to community assemblages. For example, interspecific differences in dispersal ability could lead to the disruption, or creation, of species interactions and processes within communities, likely amplifying the impact of climate change on ecosystems. Here, we studied the dispersal success of vertebrate species in a tropical montane ecosystem under a climate‐induced uphill shift and assessed the derived impacts on community structures.

Location

The Australian Wet Tropics bioregion.

Method

We simulated the uphill shift of 7613 community assemblages across the elevational gradient using thermal resistance layers for movement analyses. Dispersal success was calculated as the probability of shifting given species’ dispersal ability and landscape composition. We then used dissimilarity indices to measure the potential changes in community structures resulting from the heterogeneous dispersal success among migrating species.

Results

Dispersal success was strongly influenced by species’ dispersal ability, landscape composition and climate change. The heterogeneous dispersal success among migrating species induced marked temporal changes between community assemblages along the elevational gradient. The local extinction rate (i.e. the proportion of species unable to shift) was especially remarkable at high elevations, suggesting potential mass local extinctions of upland species. Furthermore, the increasing local extinction rate with elevation resulted in substantial declines in species co‐occurrence in high‐altitude ecosystems.

Main conclusions

Our study highlights the escalating impact of climate change on community assemblages in response to climate‐induced elevational shifts, providing a classic example of the "escalator to extinction." Future predictions of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems will benefit from improvements in understanding species interactions, population dynamics and species potential to adapt to a changing environment.
Walking speed and patient‐reported outcomes in young adults with cerebral palsy
Authors: MacCarthy Matthew , Heyn Patricia , Tagawa Alex , Carollo James
Published: April 2022

Aim

To examine the relationship between quantitative gait measurements and self‐reported physical, psychological, cognitive, and social function status in young adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Seventy‐two adults with CP (range 18–48y; median age 23y [interquartile range 21–27y]; 34 males, 38 females), in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to IV, who previously underwent an instrumented gait analysis (IGA) at our center as children were recruited. Participants underwent a repeated IGA. National Institutes of Health Patient‐Reported Outcomes Information System (PROMIS) instruments including the PROMIS‐57, Applied Cognition – General Concerns (Short Form), and Applied Cognition – Executive Function (Short Form) were administered. Data derived from current and prior IGA were compared via non‐parametric correlation analysis with PROMIS subscores.

Results

Subscores for anxiety, depression, sleep, and fatigue did not significantly correlate with any IGA data. Walking speed, adjusted for stature, correlated strongly with multiple subscores: physical function (p<0.001, rs=0.708); participation in social roles (p=0.007, rs=0.319); executive function (p=0.005, rs=0.335). Pain interference correlated with longitudinal change in adjusted walking speed (p=0.032, rs=–0.259). The Applied Cognition – General Concerns (Short Form) correlated with prior absolute walking speed, but not adjusted values.

Interpretation

This study underscores the importance of walking speed and its association with a variety of functional domains in adults with CP.

What this paper adds

Patient‐Reported Outcomes Information System measures provide useful clinical data in young adults with cerebral palsy.

Temporospatial gait parameters have wide‐reaching functional influence in this population.

Walking speed is strongly correlated with physical, social, and executive function.
Ethnic Diversity, Social Norms and Elite Capture: Theory and Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Mitra Anirban , Pal Sarmistha
Published: April 2022

Elite capture is a natural concern regarding decentralization. We highlight the effects of ethnic diversity and social norms on the extent of such capture. Ethnic diversity, through differences in the preference for public goods, facilitates capture. However, this may be counteracted by social norms that promote cooperative behaviour within communities. We test these theoretical predictions using community‐level data from the 1997 and 2007 Indonesian Family Life Survey rounds, with fiscal decentralization being implemented in between. We exploit a particular institutional feature of Indonesian communities—namely, the observance of traditional ‘Adat’ laws to proxy coordination across ethnic groups. Overall, we find that ethnic diversity depresses community‐level development spending after decentralization, particularly where Adat laws (which promote an ethic of mutual cooperation) are not followed. The opposite is observed for spending on non‐developmental items.
Characterization of the amidoxime reducing components ARC1 and ARC2 from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Maiber Ludmila , Koprivova Anna , Bender Daniel , Kopriva Stanislav , Fischer‐Schrader Katrin
Published: April 2022

Five molybdenum‐dependent enzymes are known in eukaryotes. While four of them are under investigation since decades, the most recently discovered, (mitochondrial) amidoxime reducing component ((m)ARC), has only been characterized in mammals and the green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. While mammalian mARCs have been shown to be involved in various signalling pathways, Chlamydomonas ARC was shown to be a nitric oxide (NO)‐forming nitrite reductase. Similar to mammals, higher plants possess two ARC proteins. To test whether plant ARCs have a similar function in NO production to the function they have in C. reinhardtii, we analysed the enzymes from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Both ARC1 and ARC2 from Arabidopsis could reduce N‐hydroxylated compounds, while nitrite reduction to form NO could only be demonstrated for ARC2. Searching for physiological electron donors, we found that both ARC enzymes accept electrons from NADH via cytochrome b5 reductase and cytochrome b5, but only ARC2 is able to accept electrons from nitrate reductase at all. Furthermore, arc‐deficient mutant plants were similar to wildtype plants regarding growth and also nitrite‐dependent NO‐formation. Altogether, our results did not confirm the hypothesis that either ARC1 or ARC2 from Arabidopsis are involved in physiologically relevant nitrite‐dependent NO‐formation. In contrast, our data suggest that ARC1 and ARC2 have distinct, yet unknown physiological roles in higher plants.
Are we ready to implement resist–accept–direct framework thinking? A case study of fish stocks and small‐scale fisheries in the Puck Bay (Southern Baltic)
Authors: Psuty Iwona
Published: April 2022

The Puck Bay socioecological system is covered by many management plans, most of which are embedded in a paradigm of resistance to ecosystem change. However, it is highly probable that this system has already passed the tipping point, in terms of both the availability of fish stocks and small‐scale fishery function in coastal communities. The current scheme excludes the listing of alternative management options, as it rejects those that have not been agreed upon. Societal feasibility has been a barrier to many of these rejected solutions. Another problem is the low level of coordination between the plans and the varying ability to implement them, which depends on the funding source. Recognising that the ecosystem is in transition and may not be controllable, managers can apply the resist–accept–direct (RAD) framework to make more informed decisions and better prepare for the future.
Low carbon availability in paleosols nonlinearly attenuates temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition
Authors: Su Jiao , Zhang Haiyang , Han Xingguo , Peñuelas Josep , Filimonenko Ekaterina , Jiang Yong , Kuzyakov Yakov , Wei Cunzheng
Published: April 2022

Temperature sensitivity (Q10) of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition is an important parameter in models of the global carbon (C) cycle. Previous studies have suggested that substrate quality controls the intrinsic Q10, whereas environmental factors can impose large constraints. For example, physical protection of SOM and its association with minerals attenuate the apparent Q10 through reducing substrate availability and accessibility ([S]). The magnitude of this dampening effect, however, has never been quantified. We simulated theoretical Q10 changes across a wide range of [S] and found that the relationship between Q10 and the log10‐transformed [S] followed a logistic rather than a linear function. Based on the unique Holocene paleosol chronosequence (7 soils from ca. 500 to 6900 years old), we demonstrated that the Q10 decreased nonlinearly with soil age up to 1150 years, beyond which Q10 remained stable. Hierarchical partitioning analysis indicated that an integrated C availability index, derived from principal component analysis of DOC content and parameters reflecting physical protection and mineral association, was the main explanatory variable for the nonlinear decrease of Q10 with soil age. Microbial inoculation and 13C‐labelled glucose addition showed that low C availability induced by physical protection and minerals association attenuated Q10 along the chronosequence. A separate soil incubation experiment indicated that Q10 increased exponentially with activation energy (Ea) in the modern soil, suggesting that SOM chemical complexity regulates Q10 only when C availability is high. In conclusion, organic matter availability strongly decreased with soil age, whereas Michelis–Menten kinetics defines the Q10 response depending on C availability, but Arrhenius equation describes the effects of increasing substrate complexity.
Adaptation to climate change through seasonal migration revealed by climatic versus demographic niche models
Authors: Carbeck Katherine , Wang Tongli , Reid Jane M. , Arcese Peter
Published: April 2022

Predicting the geographic range of species and their response to climatic variation and change are entwined goals in conservation and evolutionary ecology. Species distribution models (SDMs) are foundational in this effort and used to visualize the geographic range of species as the spatial representation of its realized niche. SDMs are also used to forecast range shifts under climate change, but often in the absence of empirical evidence that climate limits population growth. We explored the influence of climate on demography, seasonal migration, and the extent of the geographic range in song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), a species thought to display marked local adaptation to regional climate. To do so, we developed SDMs to predict the demographic and climate niches of migratory and resident song sparrows across our study area in western North America from California to Alaska, using 48 years of demographic data from a focal population in British Columbia and 1.2 million continental‐scale citizen science observations. Spatial agreement of our demographic and climate niche models in the region of our focal population was strong (76%), supporting the hypothesis that demographic performance and the occurrence of seasonal migration varied predictably with climatic conditions. In contrast, agreement at the northern (58%) and southern (40%) extents of our study area was lower, as expected if the factors limiting population growth vary regionally. Our results support the hypothesis that local climate drives spatial variation in the occurrence of seasonal migration in song sparrows by limiting the fitness of year‐round residents, and suggest that climate warming has favored range expansions and facilitated an upward shift in elevational range song sparrows that forgo seasonal migration. Our work highlights the potential role of seasonal migration in climate adaptation and limits on the reliability of climate niche models not validated with demographic data.
Albumin/fibrinogen ratio, an independent risk factor for postoperative delirium after total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Jiang Liuying , Lei Gaofeng
Published: April 2022

Aim

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a very common and serious complication after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), which is closely associated with many adverse consequences and a poor prognosis. This study aimed to establish the potential risk factors for POD.

Methods

In total, 336 patients who underwent elective TJA under general anesthesia between 2018 and 2021 were included and deemed eligible for inclusion. POD was diagnosed based on the criteria by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM V). The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive and cut‐off values of continuous variables for POD. Potential risk factors for POD were evaluated by binary univariate and multivariate analysis with the “Enter” method.

Results

According to the criteria by DSM V, 43 patients were categorized into the POD group, with an incidence of 12.8% (43 of 336). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR) was a good predictor for POD with an area under the curve of 0.754, cut‐off value of 9.65, sensitivity of 57.00% and specificity of 83.72% (P <0.001). A low preoperative AFR level (<9.65) was determined as the only independent risk factor for POD by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 2.01–2.94, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that a low AFR is an independent risk factor for POD in elderly subjects after TJA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 412–417.