bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability leadership: An integrative review and conceptual synthesis
Authors: Sajjad Aymen , Eweje Gabriel , Raziq Muhammad Mustafa
Published: November 2023

Over the past few decades, scholars have extensively investigated the topic of leadership, contributing to the development of diverse leadership theories and contemporary managerial practice. However, the emergence and renewed focus on societal grand challenges warrant an alternative approach to leadership such as sustainability leadership. Despite the critical importance of sustainability leadership in addressing these global concerns, scholarly research in this field of inquiry, by and large, remained scant and fragmented, lacking conceptual coherence and theoretical integration. While the existing literature provides insights into sustainability leadership characteristics, competencies, behaviors, and actions, it failed to integrate a holistic understanding of how these aspects are connected and affect each other. Accordingly, the purpose of this review paper is to provide conceptual synthesis and critical appraisal of the extant literature on sustainability leadership. Drawing on a systems theory perspective on paradox, we developed an integrative multilevel sustainability leadership framework, which demonstrates the linkages between individual‐level mechanisms (micro), organizational‐level mechanisms (meso), and societal context (macro). The framework explicates the key underlying mechanisms of sustainability leadership functioning embedded in paradoxical tensions to address complex and multifaceted sustainability issues. The paper concludes by offering implications for research and managerial practice and avenues for future research.
Chronic administration of delta9‐tetrahydrocannabinol protects hyperinsulinemic gastric tissue in rats
Authors: Colak Dilara Kamer , Coskun Yazici Zeynep Mine , Bolkent Sema
Published: November 2023

Hyperinsulinemia (HI) can result from some reasons such as an increase in basal/fasting circulating insulin and/or potentiation of postprandial insulin production. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is indirectly related to HI since it both causes and results from insulin resistance. Understanding the causes of HI and treating this is crucial for preventing DM. Previous research has shown that delta9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has medicinal benefits. In light of this, the relationship between THC and oxidative stress, DNA repair mechanism, apoptosis, and its regulatory impact on appetite hormones in the gastric tissue of hyperinsulinemic rats has been investigated for the first time. Male rats (Spraque−Dawley, total = 32) were used, and they were randomly divided into the following groups (n = 8 in each group): control (CTRL), HI, THC administered control (THC, 1.5 mg/kg/day, during 4 weeks), and THC administered HI (HI + THC) groups. The number of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase‐1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase‐3 immunopositive cells in the HI group was significantly reduced compared to the CTRL group. The number of PCNA and caspase‐9 immunopositive cells was significantly increased in the HI + THC group compared to the HI group. Obestatin immunopositive cell numbers in the HI + THC group were higher than in the HI and CTRL groups. The results show that THC administration may affect the regulation of appetite hormones and regeneration in the fundus of rats with HI. Glutathione (GSH) levels were higher in the HI + THC group than in the HI group. Both immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses revealed that THC promotes regeneration and regulates appetite hormones in hyperinsulinemic gastric tissues.
Habitat‐specific impacts of climate change on the trophic demand of a marine predator
Authors: Luongo Sarah M. , Schneider Eric V. C. , Harborne Alastair R. , Kessel Steven T. , Papastamatiou Yannis P.
Published: November 2023

Metabolic ecology predicts that ectotherm metabolic rates, and thus consumption rates, will increase with body size and temperature. Predicted climatic increases in temperature are likely to increase the consumption rates of ectothermic predators; however, the ecological impact of these increases will partly depend on whether prey productivity changes with temperature at a similar rate. Furthermore, total predator consumption and prey productivity will depend on species abundances that vary across habitat types. Here we combine energetics and biotelemetry to measure consumption rates in a critically endangered coral reef predator, the Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), in The Bahamas. We estimate that, at present, the Nassau grouper needs to consume 2.2% ± 1.0% body weight day−1, but this could increase up to 24% with a predicted 3.1°C increase in ocean temperature by the end of the century. We then used surveys of prey communities in two major reef habitat types (Orbicella reef and Gorgonian plain), to predict the proportion of prey productivity consumed by grouper and how this varied by habitat with changing climates. We found that at present, the predicted proportion of prey productivity consumed by Nassau grouper decreased with increasing prey productivity and averaged 1.2% across all habitats, with a greater proportion of prey productivity consumed (maximum of 5%) in Gorgonian plain habitats. However, because temperature increases consumption rates faster than prey productivity, the proportion of prey productivity consumed in a Gorgonian plain habitat could increase up to 24% under future climate change scenarios. Our results suggest that increasing ocean temperatures will lead to significant energetic challenges for the Nassau grouper because of differential impacts within reef food webs, but the magnitude of these impacts will probably vary across prey productivity gradients.
Clinical predictors of right ventricular dysfunction and association with adverse outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Imran Tasnim F. , Ataklte Feven , Khalid Mahnoor , Lopez Diana , Mohebali Donya , Bello Natalie A. , Gaziano J. Michael , Djousse Luc , Arany Zolt , Sabe Marwa A. , French Katharine , Poppas Athena , Wu Wen‐Chih , Choudhary Gaurav
Published: November 2023

Aims

We sought to identify factors associated with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and association with adverse outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

Methods and results

We conducted a multi‐centre cohort study to identify subjects with PPCM with the following criteria: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, development of heart failure within the last month of pregnancy or 5 months of delivery, and no other identifiable cause of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Outcomes included a composite of (i) major adverse events (need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ventricular assist device, orthotopic heart transplantation, or death) or (ii) recurrent heart failure hospitalization. RV function was obtained from echocardiogram reports. In total, 229 women (1993–2017) met criteria for PPCM. Mean age was 32.4 ± 6.8 years, 28% were of African descent, 50 (22%) had RV dysfunction, and 38 (17%) had PASP ≥ 30 mmHg. After a median follow‐up of 3.4 years (interquartile range 1.0–8.8), 58 (25%) experienced the composite outcome of adverse events. African descent, family history of cardiomyopathy, LVEF, and PASP were significant predictors of RV dysfunction. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we found that women with RV dysfunction were three times more likely to experience the adverse composite outcome: hazard ratio 3.21 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–9.28), P = 0.03, in a multivariable model adjusting for age, race, body mass index, preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and LVEF. Women with PASP ≥ 30 mmHg had a lower probability of survival free from adverse events (log‐rank P = 0.04).

Conclusions

African descent and family history of cardiomyopathy were significant predictors of RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction and elevated PASP were significantly associated with a composite of major adverse cardiac events. This at‐risk group may prompt closer monitoring or early referral for advanced therapies.
Geographic variability in headward erosion of marsh tidal creeks: Ecological and physical causes
Authors: Hughes Zoe J. , Farron Sarah J. , FitzGerald Duncan M.
Published: November 2023

Expansion of drainage networks through the headward erosion of tidal creeks is an eco‐geomorphologic response of salt marshes to accelerated sea‐level rise (SLR). This response can counter the negative impacts of an elevation deficit by increasing drainage and encouraging plant health, thereby reducing potential for submergence and marsh platform loss. In the wetlands of Cape Romain, SC, intense bioturbation near creek heads by the common marsh crab Sesarma reticulatum has been found to facilitate sediment erosion and rapid creek growth. This keystone grazer has been recently observed to have increasing influence on landscape evolution throughout the southeast US coast. Here, we compare measurements taken at Sapelo Island, GA, with those previously collected at Cape Romain, to confirm that eco‐geomorphic feedbacks facilitating creek growth at each location are similar, and to compare these processes under differing background conditions. We use sediment cores, precise elevation measurements and historical imagery to compare substrate properties, elevation within the tidal frame, creek growth rates and drainage morphology at both sites. Our results show identical processes; however, the higher elevation of the marsh at Sapelo Island leads to shallower and shorter periods of tidal inundation, explaining the greater soil strength and lower belowground biomass compared with the marsh at Cape Romain. The smaller tidal range at the site in Cape Romain compared with Sapelo Island translates to a proportionally shallower depth of tidal creeks, which therefore requires less erosion to produce headward creek extension. These effects are likely to have contributed to slower growth rates of tidal creeks at Sapelo Island during the past several decades of SLR. Our findings highlight the similarities in process but differences in rates in how marshes are responding to climate‐related stress.
A case of pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma with direct invasion to the gastrointestinal tract through the retention cyst wall: A rare case report
Authors: Hamada Takuro , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Kato Naohiro , Sugata Syuhei , Furuya Nao , Tamaru Yuzuru , Kusunoki Ryusaku , Kuwai Toshio , Kouno Hirotaka , Kohno Hiroshi , Sudo Takeshi , Kuraoka Kazuya , Oka Shiro
Published: November 2023

A 62‐year‐old man presented with a 7‐cm cystic lesion with irregularly thickened cyst wall in contact with the pancreatic tail. The pancreatic tail was described as hypoechoic on endoscopic ultrasonography. The cyst subsequently increased rapidly to 13 cm, and surgery was performed. This revealed adenosquamous carcinoma in the pancreatic tail to have invaded the stomach and transverse colon along the cyst wall. The cyst was diagnosed as a retention cyst due to pancreatic tail tumor. Invasion of nearby organs by a pancreatic cancer via the retention cyst wall is very rare, but it is necessary to keep the potential for such progress in mind.
Strategic organizational changes: Adopting data‐driven decisions
Authors: Bilkštytė‐Skanė Daina , Akstinaite Vita
Published: November 2023

The paper examines the adoption of a data‐driven decision‐making (DDDM) process in organizations from purposefully selected European Union (EU) countries. It determines what organizational changes are required to adopt this process in organizations. This study uses a mixed‐method approach to identify organizational changes required for DDDM adoption. The responses from quantitative research in 10 EU countries (1091 respondents) and qualitative research with 20 C‐level managers are analyzed. The study offers the following organizational changes needed to implement DDDM in organizations: culture and mindset changes, digitalization, process improvements, new competencies, re‐organization, and legal requirements. This research contributes to a better understanding of the usage and adoption of DDDM globally and suggests specific organizational changes required to adopt this process.
What's new in thoracic oncology
Authors: Pezeshkian Fatemehsadat , McAllister Miles , Singh Anupama , Theeuwen Hailey , Abdallat Mohammad , Figueroa Paula Ugalde , Gill Ritu R. , Kim Anthony W. , Jaklitsch Michael T.
Published: November 2023

Many changes have occurred in the field of thoracic surgery over the last several years. In this review, we will discuss new diagnostic techniques for lung cancer, innovations in surgery, and major updates on latest treatment options including immunotherapy. All these have significantly started to change our approach toward the management of lung cancer and have great potential to improve the lives of our patients afflicted with this disease.
Dielectric Analysis of Blended Polysulfone/Polyethylenimine Membrane Contactors for CO2 Capture
Authors: Pascual‐José Borja , Zare Alireza , Giamberini Marta , Reina José Antonio , Ribes‐Greus Amparo
Published: November 2023

Polysulfone membranes, used as contactors for CO2 capture, are blended with two different hyperbranched polyethyleneimines modified with benzoyl chloride (Additive 1) and phenyl isocyanate (Additive 2) in different percentages. Fourier‐transformed infrared spectra evidence the presence of urea and amide groups, whereas the field emission scanning electron microscopy images show differences in the microstructure of the blended membranes. Dielectric spectra determine the motions of the side and backbone chains, which can facilitate the diffusion of CO2. The spectra consist of six dielectric processes; three of them are due to the polysulfone (γPSf, βPSf, and αPSf), whereas the rest are characteristic of the additive (γHPEI, βHPEI, and αHPEI). The benzoyl chloride and phenyl isocyanate functional groups introduce variations in molecular mobility and modify the relaxations associated with the hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (HPEI). The additives also increase the conductivity of the blended membranes, which can compromise the performance of the membranes, specifically in the case of Additive 1. Ion hopping is found to be the prevailing charge transport mechanism while both relaxations, αHPEI and αPSf, are actives. These results, together with the final morphology of the membranes, may explain the greater absorption capacity of the membranes prepared with the hyperbranched polyethyleneimine modified with Additive 2.
Parkinson's Disease and Driving Fitness: A Systematic Review of the Existing Guidelines
Authors: Stamatelos Petros , Economou Alexandra , Yannis George , Stefanis Leonidas , Papageorgiou Sokratis G.
Published: November 2023

Background

Motor/nonmotor symptomatology and antiparkinsonian drugs deteriorate the driving ability of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.

Objectives

Treating neurologists are frequently asked to evaluate driving fitness of their patients and provide evidence‐based consultation. Although several guidelines have been published, the exact procedure along with the neurologist's role in this procedure remains obscure.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the existing guidelines, regarding driving fitness evaluation of PD patients. We searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar and identified 109 articles. After specified inclusion criteria were applied, 15 articles were included (nine national guidelines, five recommendation papers, and one consensus statement).

Results

The treating physician is proposed as the initial evaluator in 8 of 15 articles (neurologist in 2 articles) and may refer patients for a second‐line evaluation. The evaluation should include motor, cognitive, and visual assessment (proposed in 15, 13, and 8 articles, respectively). Specific motor tests are proposed in eight articles (cutoff values in four), whereas specific neuropsychological and visual tests are proposed in seven articles each (cutoff values in four and three articles, respectively). Conditional licenses are proposed in 11 of 15 articles, to facilitate driving for PD patients. We summarized our findings on a graphic of the procedure for driving fitness evaluation of PD patients.

Conclusions

Neurological aspects of driving fitness evaluation of PD patients are recognized in most of the guidelines. Motor, neuropsychological, visual, and sleep assessment and medication review are key components. Clear‐cut instructions regarding motor, neuropsychological, and visual tests and relative cutoff values are lacking. Conditional licenses and periodical reevaluation of driving fitness are important safety measures.
Projective duality encodes complementary orientations in geometric algebras
Authors: Dorst Leo
Published: November 2023

Oriented elements are part of geometry, and they come in two complementary types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Those different orientation types manifest themselves by behaving differently under reflection. Projective dualization in geometric algebras can encode them, or conversely, orientation types inform the interpretation of dualization. Oriented elements may be combined using the meet operation, and the dual‐join (which is here introduced for that purpose). We discuss algebra‐based implementation techniques on how to double the representational power of a geometric algebra, without explicitly doubling the algebra.
Kristalle züchten: zwischen Alchemie und Wissenschaft
Authors: Müßler Marius , Pannwitz Andrea , Sorsche Dieter
Published: November 2023

„Nur während der ruhigen Zeit zwischen den Jahren, wenn niemand im Labor ist, können die Kristalle schön wachsen“, heißt es, oder „Bestimmte Kristalle wachsen nur im Winter im dunklen, kalten Kühlschrank“. Manche verlassen sich auf Fliegenbeine als Kristallisationskeime oder stellen Kristallansätze offen auf die Fensterbank. Tipps und Tricks, um Kristalle herzustellen.
Analysentechnik: Schneller zu HPLC‐Methoden
Authors: Kuhlmann Christopher
Published: November 2023

Integrierte Softwareprogramme vereinfachen die Methodenentwicklung. So kann weniger erfahrenes Personal in kurzer Zeit die richtige Methode wählen – etwa wenn ein Oligonukleotid von seinen Nebenprodukten getrennt und analysiert werden soll.
Interview "Endverbraucher haben kritisch nachgefragt"
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: November 2023

Das vorgeschlagene EU‐Verbot aller per‐ und polyfluorierten Alkylsubstanzen betrifft auch die Outdoor‐Branche, denn diese Stoffe werden in atmungsaktiven Membranen und wasserabweisenden Textilbeschichtungen eingesetzt. Wie das ohne diese Substanzen funktioniert, erläutert Bettina Roth, Leiterin des Qualitätsmanagements beim Outdoor‐Ausrüster Vaude im baden‐württembergischen Tettnang.
Entschlüsselte Wahrheiten: Wie entsteht der Stein der Weisen?
Authors: Hollweg Jürgen
Published: November 2023

Aus Mittelalter und Früher Neuzeit sind Schriften mit prachtvollen Illustrationen erhalten. Eine der bekanntesten ist „Splendor Solis“ über die Herstellung des Steins der Weisen.
Gründen: Wie finde ich geeignete Mitgründer?
Authors: Festel Gunter
Published: November 2023

Wie finde ich geeignete Mitgründer?
Antibiotic use, best practice statement adherence, and UTI rate for intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxin‐A injection for overactive bladder: A multi‐institutional collaboration from the SUFU Research Network (SURN)
Authors: Shapiro Katherine , Anger Jennifer , Cameron Anne P. , Chung Doreen , Daignault‐Newton Stephanie , Ippolito Giulia M. , Lee Una , Mourtzinos Arthur , Padmanabhan Priya , Smith Ariana L. , Suskind Anne M. , Tenggardjaja Christopher , Van Til Monica , Brucker Benjamin M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Onabotulinumtoxin A (BTX‐A) is a well‐established treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). The American Urological Association (AUA) 2008 Antibiotic Best Practice Statement (BPS) recommended trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolone for cystoscopy with manipulation. The aim of the study was to evaluate concordance with antibiotic best practices at the time of BTX‐A injection and urinary tract infection (UTI) rates based on antibiotic regimen.

Methods

Men and women undergoing first‐time BTX‐A injection for idiopathic OAB with 100 units in 2016, within the SUFU Research Network (SURN) multi‐institutional retrospective database were included. Patients on suppressive antibiotics were excluded. The primary outcome was concordance of periprocedural antibiotic use with the AUA 2008 BPS antimicrobials of choice for “cystoscopy with manipulation.” As a secondary outcome we compared the incidence of UTI among women within 30 days after BTX‐A administration. Each outcome was further stratified by procedure setting (office vs. operating room; OR).

Results

Of the cohort of 216 subjects (175 women, 41 men) undergoing BTX‐A, 24 different periprocedural antibiotic regimens were utilized, and 98 (45%) underwent BTX‐A injections in the OR setting while 118 (55%) underwent BTX‐A injection in the office. Antibiotics were given to 86% of patients in the OR versus 77% in office, and 8.3% of subjects received BPS concordant antibiotics in the OR versus 82% in office. UTI rates did not vary significantly among the 141 subjects who received antibiotics and had 30‐day follow‐up (8% BPS‐concordant vs. 16% BPS‐discordant, CI −2.4% to 19%, p = 0.13). A sensitivity analysis of UTI rates based on procedure setting (office vs. OR) did not demonstrate any difference in UTI rates (p = 0.14).

Conclusions

This retrospective multi‐institutional study demonstrates that antibiotic regimens and adherence to the 2008 AUA BPS were highly variable among providers with lower rates of BPS concordant antibiotic use in the OR setting. UTI rates at 30 days following BTX‐A did not vary significantly based on concordance with the BPS or procedure setting.
Effect of e‐learning program for improving nurse knowledge and practice towards managing pressure injuries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Yufang , Qian Jia , Zhou Yuqiong , Zhang Yibin
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of the e‐learning programs for improving the knowledge and professional practices of nursing personnel in managing pressure injuries patients.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Systematic search was done in EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane library, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Clinicaltrials.gov databases until August 2022. Meta‐analysis was carried out using random‐effects model, and the results were reported as pooled standardized mean differences (SMD), or odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Eight studies were included in the analysis. Most of the studies had higher risk of bias. The pooled SMD for knowledge score and for the classification skill were 1.40 (95%CI: 0.45–2.35; I2 = 93.1%) and 1.75 (95%CI: 0.94–3.24; I2 = 78.3%) respectively. The pooled OR for the classification skills was 1.75 (95%CI: 0.94–3.24; I2 = 78.3%).

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Impact of Sarcopenia on Survival of Patients With Malignant Salivary Glands Tumors
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Troise Stefania , Togo Giulia , Barone Simona , Bonavolontà Paola , Pacella Daniela , Vaira Luigi Angelo , Committeri Umberto , Tel Alessandro , Ugga Lorenzo , Robiony Massimo , Califano Luigi , Orabona Giovanni Dell'Aversana
Published: November 2023

Objective

Malignant salivary glands tumors (MSGTs) are a quite rare and heterogeneous group of tumors. Management of these lesions remains controversial and challenging. Thus, finding new prognostic factors that can help to guide the decision‐making process, appears to be paramount. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic performance of preoperative sarcopenia to stratify MSGTs patients at high risk of disease progression.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

A single‐institution analysis (Maxillo‐facial Surgery Unit, University of Naples Federico II).

Methods

The study consists of a retrospective analysis of 74 patients surgically treated for MSGTs. For all patients, the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated and sarcopenia was defined as SMI < 41 in females and <43 in males. The correlation between sarcopenia and tumor variables was analyzed. The prognostic performance of sarcopenia was evaluated through survival Kaplan‐Meier curves.

Results

Sarcopenia resulted statistically related to age (P < .001), tumor size (P < .001), lymph node metastases (P < .001), and American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, node, metastasis stage (P < .001). Kaplan‐Meier survival curves show that 47.3% of sarcopenic patients died before their final follow‐up.

Conclusion

Data obtained from our study seem to confirm the correlation between sarcopenia and other high‐risk features. The early detection of sarcopenia in patients with negative prognostic factors could be used to implement the support therapeutic strategies aimed at restore the clinical conditions of the patients. Sarcopenia may be routinely investigated before surgery to suggest the implementation of precautionary therapeutic strategies to improve the standard treatment response, reducing possible complications.
Promoting student well‐being: Exploring participatory arts in a higher education institution
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Shen , Tseng Min , Wei Shih‐Hsuan
Published: November 2023

The proportion of students studying in higher education institutions who are experiencing mental health needs is increasing and becoming a serious concern. Using participatory arts projects may be key to enabling students to maintain well‐being despite the pressures inherent in their student role. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain whether such a course could be feasibly developed within a university setting, and to examine how esthetic experience influences university students' well‐being. To understand the differences in students' esthetic experience and well‐being before and after engaging in participatory art, this study implemented an intervention and collected quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 39 students volunteered to participate in the study. The results revealed that esthetic experience predicted student well‐being, as the more students had an esthetic experience by concentrating on a particular artwork, the more effective it was in terms of enhancing their well‐being. In addition, there was a significant difference between the pre‐ and postintervention, where students' esthetic experience and well‐being improved after completing the art activities. These findings have implications for our understanding of university students' well‐being, as well as the importance of considering participatory art, on its own, as a target for intervention.
Constructing Gold Single‐Atom Catalysts on Hierarchical Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanocages for Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction to Syngas
Authors: Jiao Liu , Mao Chenghui , Xu Fengfei , Cheng Xueyi , Cui Peixin , Wang Xizhang , Yang Lijun , Wu Qiang , Hu Zheng
Published: November 2023

Precious‐metal single‐atom catalysts (SACs), featured by high metal utilization and unique coordination structure for catalysis, demonstrate distinctive performances in the fields of heterogeneous and electrochemical catalysis. Herein, gold SACs are constructed on hierarchical nitrogen‐doped carbon nanocages (hNCNC) via a simple impregnation‐drying process and first exploited for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce syngas. The as‐constructed Au SAC exhibits the high mass activity of 3319 A g−1Au at −1.0 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE), much superior to the Au nanoparticles supported on hNCNC. The ratio of H2/CO can be conveniently regulated in the range of 0.4–2.2 by changing the applied potential. Theoretical study indicates such a potential‐dependent H2/CO ratio is attributed to the different responses of HER and CO2RR on Au single‐atom sites coordinating with one N atom at the edges of micropores across the nanocage shells. The catalytic mechanism of the Au active sites is associated with the smooth switch between twofold and fourfold coordination during CO2RR, which much decreases the free energy changes of the rate‐determining steps and promotes the reaction activity.
Strong Interfacial Chemical Bonding in Regulating Electron Transfer and Stabilizing Catalytic Sites in a Metal‐Semiconductor Schottky Junction for Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Yang Xiaonan , Ren Liteng , Jiang Daochuan , Yin Lisha , Li Zhongjun , Yuan Yupeng
Published: November 2023

The weak electronic interaction at metal‐photocatalyst heterointerfaces often compromises solar‐to‐fuel performance. Here, a trifunctional Schottky junction, involving chemically stabilized ultrafine platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs, ≈3 nm in diameter) on graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNs) is proposed. The Pt–CN electronic interaction induces a 1.5% lattice compressive strain in Pt NPs and maintains their ultrafine size, effectively preventing their aggregation during photocatalytic reactions. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate a significant reduction in the Schottky barrier at the chemically bonded CN–Pt heterointerface, facilitating efficient interfacial electron transfer, as supported by femtosecond transient absorption spectra (fs‐TAS) measurements. The combined effects of lattice strain, stabilized Pt NPs, and efficient interfacial charge transport collaboratively enhance the photocatalytic performance, leading to over an 11‐fold enhancement in visible light H2 production (8.52 mmol g−1 h−1) compared to the CN nanosheets with the in situ photo‐deposited Pt NPs (0.76 mmol g−1 h−1). This study highlights the effectiveness of strong metal–semiconductor electronic interactions and underscores the potential for developing high‐efficiency photocatalysts.
On the security of a novel privacy‐preserving authentication scheme for V2G networks
Authors: Javed Mubeen , Arslan Akram Muhammad , Noor Mian Adnan , kumari Saru
Published: November 2023

Vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) network has a clear advantage in terms of economic advantages, it has attracted the interest of electric vehicle (EV) and power grid users. However, numerous security concerns limit its further progress. In existing V2G protocols a trusted third party independently generates the master key of the system, so if the adversary compromises the third party, then the system may become vulnerable to system master key leakage attack. Recently, Su et al. presented a privacy‐preserving mutual authentication protocol for V2G networks. Firstly, we crypt‐analysis Su et al.'s protocol and show that their protocol is vulnerable to several security attacks such as the reveal of the master secret key, impersonation attacks and the incorrect notion of EV's anonymity and traceability and does not meet the security features they claimed in their paper. Secondly, we verify that Su et al.'s protocol is unsafe against impersonation attacks, system key leakage, and electrical vehicle anonymity attack using the AVISPA tool.
Efficacy of oral administration of specific immunoglobulins in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea in dairy herds
Authors: Nussbaum Olivier , Gross Josef J. , Bruckmaier Rupert M. , Eicher Richard
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bovine concentrated lactoserum (BCL) containing specific immunoglobulin G against Escherichia coli, rotavirus and coronavirus in preventing neonatal calf diarrhoea (NCD).

Methods

A total of 489 newborn calves from 35 herds were orally given either BCL or a placebo before the first feeding of colostrum and clinically supervised by the farmers for the first 14 days of life. The diarrhoea score was defined according to the following criteria: 0 = no diarrhoea; 1 = light diarrhoea without medical treatment; 2 = diarrhoea requiring oral treatment (rehydration and/or antibiotic therapy); and 3 = severe diarrhoea requiring parenteral rehydration or resulting in death.

Results

A total of 138 calves suffered from diarrhoea (28%), and 65 (13%) showed signs of diarrhoea requiring treatment. The odds of getting NCD were reduced (odds ratio = 0.326; p < 0.001) in the BCL group. There was a tendency towards a reduction in the duration of NCD in the BCL group (2.25 (±1.7) days vs. 2.88 (±2.7) days in the placebo group) (p = 0.052). Furthermore, no calves died in the BCL group, whereas four calves died in the placebo group.

Limitations

Because of the design of the study using animals in practice, the mechanisms explaining the clinical findings remain as hypotheses. Diarrhoea scoring performed by farmers has to be analysed and interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that BCL as a single preventive treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of NCD even in a region with good general management of dairy calves and overall good colostrum quality.
Conclusion
Authors: Uchida Yukiko , Rappleye Jeremy
Published: November 2023

Our aim in this volume has been to raise awareness around an alternative approach to happiness and well-being. Against the backdrop of a departure from the twentieth century’s GDP = Happiness paradigm, we sought to lay out the basic concepts, outline the general policy storyline, and present supporting evidence in support of this alternative. We tried to keep the presentation concise, and accessible to a wide audience, in hopes of attracting many readers who might not otherwise encounter such ideas. Inevitably, brevity leads to many places wanting of deeper elaboration. Readers seeking more details and nuance may wish to now turn to our many scholarly articles published primarily in the fields of (cultural) psychology, sociology, and education, but increasingly in environmental studies as well. Given the nature of scholarly publishing, the larger story that we have outlined herein tends to get lost among the many smaller empirical studies that support it. On the other hand, outlines of the larger plot can tend to sound stereotypical, essentialist, homogenizing, or quaint, as when we gesture toward, say, ‘harmony’. We hope to have persuaded readers we are not engaged in this sort of shallow work. Instead, we are trying to contribute to a discussion around alternatives. We are interested neither in relativism nor in competition, but instead dedicated to collective search for new solutions to shared problems. Our stance is consistent with an interdependent mode.
Dissecting Bitcoin and Ethereum Transactions: On the Lack of Transaction Contention and Prioritization Transparency in Blockchains
Authors: Messias Johnnatan , Pahari Vabuk , Chandrasekaran Balakrishnan , Gummadi Krishna P. , Loiseau Patrick
Published: November 2023

In permissionless blockchains, transaction issuers include a fee to incentivize miners to include their transactions. To accurately estimate this prioritization fee for a transaction, transaction issuers (or blockchain participants, mjohnme@mpi-sws.orgore generally) rely on two fundamental notions of transparency, namely contention and prioritization transparency. Contention transparency implies that participants are aware of every pending transaction that will contend with a given transaction for inclusion. Prioritization transparency states that the participants are aware of the transaction or prioritization fees paid by every such contending transaction. Neither of these notions of transparency holds well today. Private relay networks, for instance, allow users to send transactions privately to miners. Besides, users can offer fees to miners via either direct transfers to miners’ wallets or off-chain payments—neither of which are public. In this work, we characterize the lack of contention and prioritization transparency in Bitcoin and Ethereum resulting from such practices. We show that private relay networks are widely used and private transactions are quite prevalent. We show that the lack of transparency facilitates miners to collude and overcharge users who may use these private relay networks despite them offering little to no guarantees on transaction prioritization. The lack of these transparencies in blockchains has crucial implications for transaction issuers as well as the stability of blockchains. Finally, we make our data sets and scripts publicly available.
Identification and mapping of a recessive allele, dt3, specifying semideterminate stem growth habit in soybean
Authors: Clark Chancelor B. , Zhang Dajian , Wang Weidong , Ma Jianxin
Published: November 2023

Key message

A locus, dt3, modulating semideterminancy in soybean, was discovered by a combination of genome-wide association studies and linkage mapping with multiple distinct biparental populations.

Stem growth habit is a key architectural trait in many plants that contributes to plant productivity and environmental adaptation. In soybean, stem growth habit is classified as indeterminate, semideterminate, or determinate, of which semideterminacy is often considered as a counterpart of the “Green Revolution” trait in cereals that significantly increased grain yields. It has been demonstrated that semideterminacy in soybean is modulated by epistatic interaction between two loci, Dt1 on chromosome 19 and Dt2 on chromosome 18, with the latter as a negative regulator of the former. Here, we report the discovery of a third locus, Dt3, modulating soybean stem growth habit, which was delineated to a ~ 196-kb region on chromosome 10 by a combination of allelic and haplotypic analysis of the Dt1 and Dt2 loci in the USDA soybean Germplasm Collection, genome-wide association studies with three subsets of the collection, and linkage mapping with four biparental populations derived from crosses between one of two elite indeterminate cultivars and each of four semideterminate varieties possessing neither Dt2 nor dt1. These four semideterminate varieties are recessive mutants (i.e., dt3/dt3) in the Dt1/Dt1;dt2/dt2 background. As the semideterminacy modulated by the Dt2 allele has unfavorable pleotropic effects such as sensitivity to drought stress, dt3 may be an ideal alternative for use to develop semideterminate cultivars that are more resilient to such an environmental stress. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic factors underlying semideterminacy and enables more accurate marker-assisted selection for stem growth habit in soybean breeding.
RNA sequencing unravels novel L cell constituents and mechanisms of GLP-1 secretion in human gastric bypass-operated intestine
Authors: Miskelly Michael G. , Lindqvist Andreas , Piccinin Elena , Hamilton Alexander , Cowan Elaine , Nergård Bent-Johnny , Del Giudice Rita , Ngara Mtakai , Cataldo Luis R. , Kryvokhyzha Dmytro , Volkov Petr , Engelking Luke , Artner Isabella , Lagerstedt Jens O. , Eliasson Lena , Ahlqvist Emma , Moschetta Antonio , Hedenbro Jan , Wierup Nils
Published: November 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) frequently results in remission of type 2 diabetes as well as exaggerated secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Here, we assessed RYGB-induced transcriptomic alterations in the small intestine and investigated how they were related to the regulation of GLP-1 production and secretion in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Human jejunal samples taken perisurgically and 1 year post RYGB (n=13) were analysed by RNA-seq. Guided by bioinformatics analysis we targeted four genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, which we confirmed to be expressed in human L cells, for potential involvement in GLP-1 regulation using siRNAs in GLUTag and STC-1 cells. Gene expression analyses, GLP-1 secretion measurements, intracellular calcium imaging and RNA-seq were performed in vitro. OGTTs were performed in C57BL/6j and iScd1−/− mice and immunohistochemistry and gene expression analyses were performed ex vivo.

Results

Gene Ontology (GO) analysis identified cholesterol biosynthesis as being most affected by RYGB. Silencing or chemical inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), a key enzyme in the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, was found to reduce Gcg expression and secretion of GLP-1 by GLUTag and STC-1 cells. Scd1 knockdown also reduced intracellular Ca2+ signalling and membrane depolarisation. Furthermore, Scd1 mRNA expression was found to be regulated by NEFAs but not glucose. RNA-seq of SCD1 inhibitor-treated GLUTag cells identified altered expression of genes implicated in ATP generation and glycolysis. Finally, gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis of the jejunum of the intestine-specific Scd1 knockout mouse model, iScd1−/−, revealed a twofold higher L cell density and a twofold increase in Gcg mRNA expression.

Conclusions/interpretation

RYGB caused robust alterations in the jejunal transcriptome, with genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis being most affected. Our data highlight SCD as an RYGB-regulated L cell constituent that regulates the production and secretion of GLP-1.

Graphical Abstract
Orbitally forced and internal changes in West African rainfall interannual-to-decadal variability for the last 6000 years
Authors: Crétat Julien , Harrison Sandy P. , Braconnot Pascale , d’Agostino Roberta , Jungclaus Johann , Lohmann Gerrit , Shi Xiaoxu , Marti Olivier
Published: November 2023

Recent variability in West African monsoon rainfall (WAMR) has been shown to be influenced by multiple ocean–atmosphere modes, including the El Niño Southern Oscillation, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation. How these modes will change in response to long term forcing is less well understood. Here we use four transient simulations driven by changes in orbital forcing and greenhouse gas concentrations over the past 6000 years to examine the relationship between West African monsoon rainfall multiscale variability and changes in the modes associated with this variability. All four models show a near linear decline in monsoon rainfall over the past 6000 years in response to the gradual weakening of the interhemispheric gradient in sea surface temperatures. The only indices that show a long-term trend are those associated with the strengthening of the El Niño Southern Oscillation from the mid-Holocene onwards. At the interannual-to-decadal timescale, WAMR variability is largely influenced by Pacific–Atlantic – Mediterranean Sea teleconnections in all simulations; the exact configurations are model sensitive. The WAMR interannual-to-decadal variability depicts marked multi-centennial oscillations, with La Niña/negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation and a weakening and/or poleward shift of subtropical high-pressure systems over the Atlantic favoring wet WAMR anomalies. The WAMR interannual-to-decadal variability also depicts an overall decreasing trend throughout the Holocene that is consistent among the simulations. This decreasing trend relates to changes in the North Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea Sea Surface Temperature variability.
Effects of workday characteristics and job demands on recovery from work among Finnish home care nurses: a multi-source cross-sectional study
Authors: Väisänen Visa , Ruotsalainen Salla , Säynäjäkangas Pihla , Mänttäri Satu , Laitinen Jaana , Sinervo Timo
Published: November 2023

Objective

Ageing populations and poor care workforce availability are causing increasing job demands for home care nurses across Europe. While recovery from work helps sustain work ability and wellbeing, past research has relied mainly on self-reported measures of health, stressors, and recovery. This study aims to examine how objective and subjective job demands are associated with measured day-time recovery among home care nurses.

Methods

Heart rate variability recording was conducted for 95 Finnish home care nurses. The study participants documented their work tasks throughout the workday and filled a wellbeing questionnaire. The amount of care time, breaktime, number of different weekly clients, and their care needs were obtained from the survey. The associations between job demands and measured day-time recovery were analysed using multivariate linear regression.

Results

The amount of day-time recovery was on average 75 min. The number of different clients during the workday (e.g., care continuity) and higher care needs of the clients were associated with lower day-time recovery. Additionally, something slightly disrupting the course of the workday was associated with increased recovery.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that reducing especially the objective job demands (workday characteristics) can contribute to better day-time recovery among home care nurses. To help sustain work ability and improve wellbeing, day-time recovery can be promoted with better work scheduling that supports care continuity and ensures sufficient care resources and support for nurses with many clients or clients with high care needs.
Contraction intensity modulates spinal excitability during transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked silent period in rectus femoris muscle
Authors: Gomez-Guerrero Gonzalo , Ansdell Paul , Howatson Glyn , Avela Janne , Walker Simon
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Reduced spinal excitability during the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) silent period (SP) has recently been shown to last longer than previously thought in the upper limbs, as assessed via spinal electrical stimulation. Further, there is reason to expect that contraction intensity affects the duration of the reduced spinal excitability.

Methods

This study investigated spinal excitability at different time delays within the TMS-evoked SP in m.rectus femoris. Fifteen participants performed non-fatiguing isometric knee extensions at 25%, 50% and 75% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Lumbar stimulation (LS) induced a lumbar-evoked potential (LEP) of 50% resting M-max. TMS stimulator output induced a SP lasting ~ 200 ms. In each contraction, a LEP (unconditioned) was delivered ~ 2–3 s prior to TMS, which was followed by a second LEP (conditioned) 60, 90, 120 or 150 ms into the silent period. Five contractions were performed at each contraction intensity and for each time delay in random order.

Results

Compared to the unconditioned LEP, the conditioned LEP amplitude was reduced (− 28 ± 34%, p = 0.007) only at 60 ms during 25% of MVC. Conditioned LEP amplitudes during 50% and 75% of MVC were reduced at 60 ms (− 37 ± 47%, p = 0.009 and − 37 ± 42%, p = 0.005, respectively) and 150 ms (− 30% ± 37%, p = 0.0083 and − 37 ± 43%, p = 0.005, respectively). LEP amplitude at 90 ms during 50% of MVC also reduced (− 25 ± 35%, p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Reduced spinal excitability is extended during 50% and 75% of MVC. In future, paired TMS-LS could be a potential method to understand changes in spinal excitability during SP (at different contraction intensities) when testing various neurophysiological phenomena.