bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the impact of transformational leadership and team-building on project success: the moderating role of empowerment climate
Authors: Nauman Shazia , Musawir Ata Ul , Munir Hina , Rasheed Imran
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study examines the mechanisms and conditions that influence how transformational leadership affects project success through the lens of social information processing theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A dual-stage moderated mediation model was proposed wherein the effect of transformational leadership on project success is mediated by team building, and empowering climate moderates the direct and indirect effects at both the first and second stages. The model was tested based on 370 survey responses of project management practitioners from Pakistan's IT industry. The measurement model was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Moderated mediation analyses were conducted using Hayes' PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings suggest that team-building partially mediates the effect of transformational leadership on project success. Furthermore, the conditional indirect effect of transformational leadership on project success via team-building is strengthened at both the first and second stages at higher levels of empowerment climate.

Practical implications

It is recommended that project managers and project-intensive organizations should strive to cultivate an empowerment climate to fully realize the beneficial effects of transformational leadership behaviors in enhancing positive team outcomes and, consequently, overall project performance.

Originality/value

This study broadly contributes to the literature on the influence of project managers' leadership styles on project outcomes. Specifically, we elucidate the role of empowerment climate as an important boundary condition that enhances the beneficial effects of transformational leadership. Furthermore, we extend the application of social information processing theory to the context of projects.
Documenting non‐accidental injury patterns in a dog abuse investigation: A collaborative approach between forensic anthropology and veterinary pathology
Authors: Bartelink Eric J. , Clinkinbeard Shannon , Spessard Crystal , Kilmartin Aoife , Spangler William L.
Published: November 2021

This case study demonstrates how animal abuse investigations can benefit from collaboration between forensic anthropologists and veterinary pathologists, especially in investigations involving trauma assessment of skeletal remains. In 2009, four deceased dogs were excavated from a residential property in conjunction with a case of suspected animal abuse. The decomposed remains were skeletonized to permit assessment of biological profiles, individualization, and trauma analysis. Each dog was identified based on their sex, age‐at‐death, fur coloration patterns, and through investigative information. The analysis conducted by forensic anthropologists in collaboration with a veterinary pathologist revealed evidence of perimortem blunt force trauma on all four skeletons. The distribution and severity of the injuries, including fractures concentrated mainly on the axial skeleton (i.e., skull, thorax, and vertebral column) and pelvis, are consistent with documented cases of non‐accidental injury (NAI) reported in the literature. Healed rib fractures were also noted on one of the dogs, and likely occurred a few weeks prior to death, further supporting a diagnosis of NAI. The skeletal trauma findings were inconsistent with the dog owner's account of how each dog had died and were instrumental in resolving the investigation.
Police contact and future orientation from adolescence to young adulthood: Findings from the Pathways to Desistance Study
Authors: Testa Alexander , Turney Kristin , Jackson Dylan B. , Jaynes Chae M.
Published: November 2021

In response to the changing nature of policing in the United States, and current climate of police–citizen relations, research has begun to explore the consequences of adolescent police contact for life outcomes. The current study investigates if and under what conditions police contact has repercussions for future orientation during adolescence and the transition into young adulthood. Using data from the Pathways to Desistance study, a multisite longitudinal study of serious offenders followed from adolescence to young adulthood, results from a series of fixed‐effects models demonstrated three main findings. First, personal and vicarious police contact, compared with no additional police contact, are negatively associated with within‐person changes in future orientation. Second, any exposure to police contact, regardless of how just or unjust the contact is perceived, is negatively associated with future orientation. Third, the negative association between police contact and future orientation is larger for White individuals compared with that for Black or Hispanic individuals. Considering the importance of future orientation for prosocial behavior, the findings suggest that adolescent police contact may serve as an important life‐course event with repercussions for later life outcomes.
Input price discrimination by resale market
Authors: Miklós‐Thal Jeanine , Shaffer Greg
Published: November 2021

This article analyzes supply tariffs that discriminate between resale in different markets. In a setting with competing retailers that operate in multiple (independent or interdependent) markets, we show that, all else equal, a monopolist supplier wants to discriminate against resale in the market with the higher aggregate cross‐seller diversion ratio. We find that discrimination can improve allocative efficiency and present sufficient conditions, involving the pass‐through rates and the market demand curvatures in the different markets, under which discrimination has positive effects on output and welfare. Our insights are relevant for the policy treatment of vertical restraints on online sales.
“Only the orangutans get a life jacket”
Authors: CHUA LIANA , FAIR HANNAH , SCHREER VIOLA , STĘPIEŃ ANNA , THUNG PAUL HASAN
Published: November 2021

In an era of mass extinction, who gets a life jacket, who is left to drown or swim—and on what basis? This article addresses these questions by analyzing how tropes and practices of responsibility are variously enacted, reworked, contested, and refused across the global nexus of orangutan conservation. Drawing on multisited, collaborative ethnography, we trace the mutually constitutive relation between multiple orangutan figures and commons imaginaries at different nodes of conservation—from environmental activism in the Global North to NGO‐villager encounters in rural Borneo. In so doing, we “uncommon” international conservation's encompassing planetary imaginaries, showing how dominant portrayals of the orangutan as a global responsibility are translated and fragmented in different settings. We further contemplate what an analytic of responsibility might bring to ongoing discussions about the “commoning” planetary epoch in which conservation is increasingly embedded: the Anthropocene. [commons, uncommoning, responsibility, orangutan conservation, the Anthropocene, Borneo, Indonesia]
Evaluating cut‐off levels for progesterone, β human chorionic gonadotropin and β human chorionic gonadotropin ratio to exclude pregnancy viability in women with a pregnancy of unknown location: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Bobdiwala Shabnam , Kyriacou Christopher , Christodoulou Evangelia , Farren Jessica , Mitchell‐Jones Nicola , Al‐Memar Maya , Ayim Francis , Chohan Baljinder , Kirk Emma , Abughazza Osama , Guruwadahyarhalli Bramara , Guha Sharmistha , Vathanan Veluppillai , Gould Debbie , Stalder Catriona , Timmerman Dirk , Van Calster Ben , Bourne Tom
Published: November 2021

Introduction

There is no global agreement on how to best determine pregnancy of unknown location viability and location using biomarkers. Measurements of progesterone and β human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) are still used in clinical practice to exclude the possibility of a viable intrauterine pregnancy (VIUP). We evaluate the predictive value of progesterone, βhCG, and βhCG ratio cut‐off levels to exclude a VIUP in women with a pregnancy of unknown location.

Material and methods

This was a secondary analysis of prospective multicenter study data of consecutive women with a pregnancy of unknown location between January 2015 and 2017 collected from dedicated early pregnancy assessment units of eight hospitals. Single progesterone and serial βhCG measurements were taken. Women were followed up until final pregnancy outcome between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation was confirmed using transvaginal ultrasonography: (1) VIUP, (2) non‐viable intrauterine pregnancy or failed pregnancy of unknown location, and (3) ectopic pregnancy or persisting pregnancy of unknown location. The predictive value of cut‐off levels for ruling out VIUP were evaluated across a range of values likely to be encountered clinically for progesterone, βhCG, and βhCG ratio.

Results

Data from 2507 of 3272 (76.6%) women were suitable for analysis. All had data for βhCG levels, 2248 (89.7%) had progesterone levels, and 1809 (72.2%) had βhCG ratio. The likelihood of viability falls with the progesterone level. Although the median progesterone level associated with viability was 59 nmol/L, VIUP were identified with levels as low as 5 nmol/L. No single βhCG cut‐off reliably ruled out the presence of viability with certainty, even when the level was more than 3000 IU/L, there were 39/358 (11%) women who had a VIUP. The probability of viability decreases with the βhCG ratio. Although the median βhCG ratio associated with viability was 2.26, VIUP were identified with ratios as low as 1.02. A progesterone level below 2 nmol/L and βhCG ratio below 0.87 were unlikely to be associated with viability but were not definitive when considering multiple imputation.

Conclusions

Cut‐off levels for βhCG, βhCG ratio, and progesterone are not safe to be used clinically to exclude viability in early pregnancy. Although βhCG ratio and progesterone have slightly better performance in comparison, single βhCG used in this manner is highly unreliable.
Perceived needs for team‐based visits in Swedish child healthcare services exceed its existence—A mixed‐methods study targeting healthcare professionals
Authors: Nygren Ulrika Svea , Sandberg Håkan , Tindberg Ylva , Nordgren Lena , Eriksson Leif
Published: November 2021

Aim

To investigate both quantitatively and qualitatively the differences between participation in team‐based visits (TBVs) and perceived needs for TBVs from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, in the context of the Swedish 3‐tier national Child Healthcare programme.

Methods

A study‐specific questionnaire, including multiple‐choice questions with fixed and free‐text response options, was developed, and used. To capture healthcare professionals' experiences and find explanations for the quantitative results in qualitative data, a convergent parallel mixed‐methods study design was used. Descriptive statistics and McNemar's test were used to analyse the quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.

Results

Healthcare professionals perceived the need for TBVs in the Swedish Child Healthcare Services (CHS) to a high extent. The largest difference between the perceived need for TBVs and experienced TBVs was for indications associated with psychosocial problems. The quantitative findings were explored by the qualitative findings. Both individual and organisational factors influenced TBVs.

Conclusion

Perceived needs for TBVs in Swedish CHS exceed its existence. Healthcare professionals require TBVs delivered by interprofessional teams, in line with proportionate universalism. Accordingly, organisational structures (e.g. colocation and clear instructions on how to distribute TBVs) and human resources (e.g. psychologists and social worker) are needed.
Methyltransferase‐like 14 suppresses growth and metastasis of renal cell carcinoma by decreasing long noncoding RNA NEAT1
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Hui , Fu Zhibin , Wang Zheng , Wang Jie , Gan Xinxin , Wang Anbang , Wang Linhui
Published: November 2021

Growing evidence supports that N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification acts as a critical regulator involved in tumorigenesis at the mRNA level. However, the role of m6A modification at the noncoding RNA level remains largely unknown. We found that methyltransferase‐like 14 (METTL14) was significantly downregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues (n = 580). Gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function experiments revealed that METTL14 attenuated the proliferation and migration ability of RCC cells in vivo and in vitro. The methylated RNA immunoprecipitation experiments identified that METTL14 decreased the expression of long noncoding RNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1_1 (NEAT1_1) in an m6A‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, RNA pull‐down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation identified NEAT1_1 directly bound to m6A reader YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2). Notably, YTHDF2 accelerated the degradation of NEAT1_1 by selectively recognizing METTL14‐mediated m6A marks on NEAT1_1. Multivariate analysis suggested that METTL14 downregulation was associated with malignant characteristics and predicted poor prognosis in RCC patients. In conclusion, our results uncover a newly identified METTL14‐YTHDF2‐NEAT1_1 signaling axis, which facilitates RCC growth and metastasis and provides fresh insight into RCC therapy.
Coconstructing a Meaningful Online Environment: Faculty–Student Rapport in the English as a Foreign Language College Classroom
Authors: Almusharraf Norah
Published: November 2021

Rapport‐building is perceived to enhance engagement, level of gratification, and collaboration, resulting in better student engagement in the learning process. The current study measures the extent to which postsecondary instructors promote a meaningful online environment through faculty–student rapport (FSR) in undergraduate English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms. This study is grounded on social constructivism and self‐determination theoretical frameworks, suggesting that building meaningful environments aids students’ investment and engagement in learning. The study utilizes a questionnaire and classroom observations to explore the relationship between FSR and students’ level of engagement. The results revealed a significant difference between the rapport‐building and nonrapport‐building groups at a personal and academic level. The findings shed light on student attitudes about various instructional practices and techniques that play a critical role in building a safe, proactive, dynamic, and engaging online environment. Further research is required to reduce the issues related to physical distancing, emotional expressions, and technological competence. Technical competency is the primary prerequisite of any specialized activity; consequently, instructors need to assess learners’ knowledge and accessibility within the learning community. Reflective practice is recommended for faculty members who are thus encouraged to continuously reflect on their teaching practice, redirect and modify their performance to meet their learners’ specific needs, and design and maintain a healthy and encouraging relationship with individual students.
Tailored patient therapeutic educational interventions: A patient‐centred communication model
Authors: Ricci Laetitia , Villegente Julie , Loyal Déborah , Ayav Carole , Kivits Joëlle , Rat Anne‐Christine
Published: November 2021

Background

Tailoring therapeutic education consists of adapting the intervention to patients' needs with the expectation that this individualization will improve the results of the intervention. Communication is the basis for any individualization process. To our knowledge, there is no guide or structured advice to help healthcare providers (HCPs) tailor patient education interventions.

Objectives

We used a data‐driven qualitative analysis to (1) investigate the reasons why HCPs tailor their educational interventions and (2) identify how this tailoring is effectively conducted. The perspective aimed to better understand how to individualize therapeutic patient education and to disentangle the different elements to set up studies to investigate the mechanisms and effects of individualization.

Design

Individual semistructured interviews with 28 HCPs involved in patient education were conducted. The present study complied with the COREQ criteria.

Results

Why individualization is necessary: participants outlined that the person must be thought of as unique and that therapeutic education should be adapted to the patient's personality and cognitive abilities. The first step in the individualization process was formalized by an initial patient assessment. Several informal practices were identified: if needed, giving an individual time or involving a specific professional; eliciting individual objectives; reinforcing the relationship by avoiding asymmetrical posture; focusing on patients' concerns; leading sessions in pairs; and making the patient the actor of decisions.

Conclusion

From our thematic data analysis, a model for tailoring patient education interventions based on the Haes and Bensing medical communication framework is proposed. The present work paves the way for evaluation, then generation of recommendations and finally implementation of training for individualization in educational interventions.

Short Informative

Tailoring in therapeutic education consists of an adaptation to patients' needs. Communication is the basis for any individualization process. There is no model of patient‐centred communication in educational interventions. From semistructured interviews with HCPs, we propose a patient‐centred communication model for tailoring patient education intervention.
Culturally safe, high‐quality breast cancer screening for transgender people: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Peters Micah D. J. , Ramsey Imogen , Kennedy Kate , Sharplin Greg , Eckert Marion
Published: November 2021

Aim

To develop evidence‐based recommendations for provision of culturally safe, high‐quality services for breast cancer screening for transgender people.

Design

The scoping review will follow the JBI methodological guidance for scoping reviews.

Methods

A search using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, including the Cochrane Methodology Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the World Health Organization, Australia Government Department of Health and Google Scholar will be undertaken. The review will include people of any age and ethnicity defined in the source of evidence as transgender. The review will include individuals who have used gender‐affirming interventions or not and sources of evidence that report information relevant to the provision of culturally safe, high‐quality breast cancer screening services for transgender people. English language sources of evidence published from database inception with information from any country will be eligible for inclusion. Sources will be screened for inclusion by three independent reviewers. Results will be extracted using a purpose‐built tool and presented in relation to the review questions and objective in the final report using tables, figures and corresponding narrative. Project funding was approved by the Australian Government Department of Health in June 2020.

Discussion

There are a range of factors that impact on the equity of health access and outcomes for people who are not cisgender. Transgender people are at risk of breast cancer but there is relatively little evidence about how their risks may or may not differ substantially from cis‐gendered individuals and little guidance for health providers to ensure inclusive, culturally safe, high‐quality breast cancer screening services for both transgender males, transgender females and gender diverse people who may not identify as male or as female.

Impact

It is important to provide culturally safe, high‐quality services for breast cancer screening for transgender people.
Predicting the prognosis of glioma by pyroptosis‐related signature
Authors: Chao Bo , Jiang Fenjun , Bai Huiru , Meng Peipei , Wang Lu , Wang Fei
Published: November 2021

Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour. It is of great significance for the prognosis and personalized treatment of glioma patients to accurate identification of glioma based on biomarkers. Pyroptosis, a kind of programmed cell death, is closely related to tumour progression and tumour immune microenvironment. However, the role of pyroptosis in glioma remained unclear. Herein, we used glioma clinical and expression data from TCGA and CGGA to explore the relationship between pyroptosis and glioma. We first summarized the incidence of copy number variations and somatic mutations of 33 pyroptosis‐related genes and explored prognostic correlation of these genes. Based on pyroptosis‐related genes, three molecular subgroups of glioma related to prognosis were identified. We also found that each subgroup has unique immune and biological behaviours characteristics. Finally, based on 7 pyroptosis‐related genes (CASP3, CASP4, CASP6, CASP8, CASP9, PRKACA and ELANE), we constructed a prognosis model by Lasso and Cox regression, which had a strong predictive power for the overall survival in CGGA test cohort (p < 0.05). In summary, we explored the role of pyroptosis‐related genes in gliomas and the association of these genes with tumour immunity. We found the biomarkers valuable to diagnosis and prognosis, hence, provide reference to the development and treatment of tumorigenesis in glioma.
Freedom from disease in psoriasis: a Delphi consensus definition by patients, nurses and physicians
Authors: van Ee I. , Deprez E. , Egeberg A. , Augustin M. , Conrad C. , Corazza V. , Donati L. , Lambert J. , Lăpădatu R. , Meyer A. , Paul C. , Penzer‐Hick R. , Stephen K. , van der Zon J. , Bewley A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Physician‐reported clinical outcome and quality of life (QoL) measures are currently used to assess outcomes and direct treatment of plaque psoriasis. However, people with psoriasis may have different criteria for judging treatment success.

Objectives

To build a unified consensus on the definition of ‘freedom from disease’ from a European stakeholder group, including people with psoriasis, dermatologists and nurses.

Methods

The modified Delphi consensus methodology was used to define ‘freedom from disease’, with a consensus group consisting of people with psoriasis, nurses and dermatologists. This methodology involved people with psoriasis during the entire process and consisted of a 15‐member Facilitating Consensus Panel to drive the programme content and a larger Voting Consensus Panel to vote on defining ‘freedom from disease’. The Facilitating Panel agreed on disease domains, and aspects of each domain were put forward to the Voting Consensus Panel to establish relative importance. Following two voting rounds, a meeting was held to agree on a final consensus statement.

Results

The Facilitating Panel consisted of six patient advocacy group representatives, three specialist nurses and six dermatologists. Voting rounds 1 and 2 were completed by 166 and 130 respondents from the Voting Consensus Panel, respectively. The outputs from both rounds of voting were similar, focusing on normality of living, symptom control, and a relationship of mutual respect and trust between the individual with psoriasis and their healthcare professional. The consensus statement emphasizes that ‘freedom from disease’ is multifaceted and includes the following domains ‘management of clinical symptoms’, ‘psychosocial elements’, ‘QoL and well‐being’, ‘treatment’ and ‘healthcare team support’. ‘Freedom from disease’ means all aspects are addressed.

Conclusions

Freedom from disease in psoriasis is a multicomponent concept including five main domains. This diverse and multifaceted patient perspective will help us to improve understanding of the outcomes of treatment interventions in people with psoriasis.
Aerobic scope is not maintained at low temperature and is associated with cardiac aerobic capacity in the three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Ressel Kirsten N. , Cominassi Louise , Sarrimanolis Jon , O'Brien Kristin M.
Published: November 2021

Metabolic thermal plasticity is central to the survival of fishes in a changing environment. The eurythermal three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus displays thermal plasticity at the cellular level with an increase in the activity of key metabolic enzymes in response to cold acclimation. Nonetheless, it is unknown if these changes are sufficient to completely compensate for the depressive effects of cold temperature on whole organismal metabolic rate (ṀO2). The authors hypothesized that as a cold‐tolerant, eurythermal fish, absolute aerobic scope (AAS), the difference between the maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and standard metabolic rate (SMR), would be maintained in G. aculeatus following acclimation to a range of temperatures that span its habitat temperatures. To test this hypothesis, G. aculeatus were acclimated to 5, 12 and 20°C for 20–32 weeks, and SMR, MMR and aerobic scope (AS) were quantified at each acclimation temperature. The maximal activity of citrate synthase (CS), a marker enzyme of aerobic metabolism, was also quantified in heart ventricles to determine if cardiac aerobic capacity is associated with AS at these temperatures. SMR increased with acclimation temperature and was significantly different among all three temperature groups. MMR was similar between animals at 5 and 12°C and between animals at 12 and 20°C but was 2.6‐fold lower in fish at 5°C compared with those at 20°C, resulting in a lower AAS in fish at 5°C compared with those at 12 and 20°C. Correlated with a higher AAS in animals acclimated to 12 and 20°C was a larger relative ventricular mass and higher CS activity per 100 g body mass compared with animals at 5°C. Together, the results indicate that despite their eurythermal nature, AS is not maintained at low temperature but is associated with cardiac aerobic metabolic capacity.
Development and performance evaluation of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) dehuller
Authors: Chikkaballapur Krishnappa Sunil , Saravanan Shanmugasundaram , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy
Published: November 2021

Foxtail millet dehuller for double stage dehulling was developed and evaluated. The machine consists of a hopper, two knurled rolls, two rubber rolls, an air blower, and a grader. The machine was evaluated for foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) at the different grain moisture content (10, 12, 14, and 17% [w.b.]), types of knurled rolls (diamond, angular, and straight knurled) and feed rate (100,200,300 kg/hr) for performance evaluation or efficiency. The maximum dehulling efficiency and cleaning efficiency of 82.24 and 82.47% was observed for 12% moisture content (w.b.), diamond‐type knurled roll and 100 kg/hr feed rate. Similarly, the maximum head grain yield of 97.82% and the minimum broken of 2.18% was observed for 12% moisture content (w.b.), diamond‐type knurled roll and 300 kg/hr feed rate. There was no significant change in the color values with the treatments. The predicted optimum condition for the machine is moisture content 12% (w.b.), diamond‐type knurled roll and feed rate of 100 kg/hr, which gave an optimum dehulling efficiency of 82.24%, head grain yield of 95.84%, broken of 4.16%, and cleaning efficiency of 82.47% with the desirability of 0.825. The economic analysis shows the suitability of the machine for small‐scale millet processors.

Practical Applications

Dehulling of millets is an essential unit operation in millet processing. This study evaluated the performance analysis of the developed dehuller for foxtail millet at different grain moisture content, types of knurled rolls, and feed rate. The process parameters were optimized, which can be used to design the dehuller for millets. The results obtained show the relevance of applying the developed dehuller for foxtail millet applications, providing an alternative processing machine for millet processing.
The slab–mantle wedge interface of an incipient subduction zone: Insights from the P–T–D evolution and petrological characteristics of the Dalrymple Amphibolite, Palawan Ophiolite, Philippines
Authors: Valera Gabriel Theophilus V. , Kawakami Tetsuo , Payot Betchaida D.
Published: November 2021

In this contribution, we present the petrological characteristics and pressure–temperature–deformation (P–T–D) history of the Dalrymple Amphibolite in Palawan Island, Philippines. This unit occurs below the residual mantle peridotites of the Palawan Ophiolite composed of interlayered dunite and harzburgite. The Dalrymple Amphibolite is predominantly composed of high‐grade metamafic blocks with minor metasedimentary units surrounded by a highly sheared hybridized matrix (kyanite + Ca‐amphibole + biotite + ilmenite ± garnet). Zr‐in‐rutile geothermometry and quartz‐in‐garnet geobarometry of the garnet amphibolite block reveal the P–T conditions of the prograde metamorphism from ~625°C, 11.5 kbar to ~700°C, 13 kbar. Zr‐in‐rutile geothermometer and the TZARS geobarometer (clinozoisite + rutile + quartz = anorthite + titanite + H2O) further indicate comparable peak metamorphic conditions for the amphibolite and epidote amphibolite (~605–710°C, 10–13 kbar) blocks. Geothermobarometry of the matrix surrounding the blocks reveals similar peak metamorphic conditions of ~700°C and 13 kbar to the garnet amphibolite blocks. The paleogeothermal gradient preserved in the Dalrymple Amphibolite (~16°C/km) and its block‐in‐matrix structure are atypical of metamorphic soles and are more akin to high‐T mélange complexes interpreted to have formed during incipient subduction. These P–T estimates and its block‐in‐matrix structure suggest that the Dalrymple Amphibolite likely represents the slab–mantle wedge interface of a young arc complex already transitioning from the much warmer paleogeothermal gradients of the slab–mantle wedge interface when subduction was first initiated. The similar peak metamorphic conditions constrained in the matrix and the metamafic blocks in the Dalrymple Amphibolite indicate that the matrix‐forming deformation started before the sequence reached peak metamorphic conditions at depths of around 45 km. Furthermore, the petrological and geochemical characteristics of this block‐in‐matrix sequence and the multiple generation of cross‐cutting veins reveal the complex processes that occur in the slab–mantle wedge interface of an arc in its infancy. Our results highlight the prevalence of Ca‐amphibole and kyanite over phyllosilicates (e.g., chlorite and serpentine) in the mélange matrix, mixing of crustal components along the slab–mantle wedge interface promoted by multiple deformation events and the ubiquity of fluids throughout its history. Subduction zones with similar geothermal gradients (e.g., warm subduction zones) possibly share these petrological characteristics.
Behavioural and neurochemical effects after repeated administration of N‐ethylpentylone (ephylone) in mice
Authors: Espinosa‐Velasco María , Reguilón Marina D. , Bellot Marina , Nadal‐Gratacós Núria , Berzosa Xavier , Puigseslloses Pol , Gómez‐Canela Cristian , Rodríguez‐Arias Marta , Pubill David , Camarasa Jordi , Escubedo Elena , López‐Arnau Raúl
Published: November 2021

N‐ethyl‐pentylone (NEP), also known as ‘ephylone’ and N‐ethylnorpentylone, has been identified as one of the most recent novel psychostimulants to emerge into the illicit drug market and it has been associated with some intoxications and even fatalities. However, little is known about the consequences of its repeated consumption as well as the role of the monoaminergic system in such consequences. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the neurochemical profile and the behavioural effects after both acute and repeated NEP exposure. Male OF1 mice were acutely (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or repeatedly (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p., 5 days, twice/day) exposed to NEP, and anxiety‐like behaviour, aggressiveness, social interaction, depressive‐like symptoms, body temperature, changes in monoaminergic enzymes and neurotransmitters levels as well as ΔFosB in striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) from post‐mortem tissue were analysed short after drug‐exposure or during drug‐withdrawal. Acute administration of NEP induced anxiolytic effects but also an aggressive behaviour and social exploration deficits in mice, which persist during NEP‐withdrawal. Moreover, NEP induced hyperthermia as well as depressive‐like symptoms after repeated administrations that may be related to the decrease in serotonin and noradrenaline levels observed in striatum and PFC. Finally, the long‐term increase in ΔFosB levels in striatum after NEP chronic exposure points to a high risk of dependence. Altogether indicates that NEP consumption induces different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders accompanied by changes in the monoaminergic system, posing a threat to public health.

image
Pregnancy and brain architecture: Associations with hormones, cognition and affect
Authors: Rehbein Elisa , Kogler Lydia , Kotikalapudi Raviteja , Sattler Anna , Krylova Marina , Kagan Karl Oliver , Sundström‐Poromaa Inger , Derntl Birgit
Published: November 2021

Sex hormones such as estradiol (E2) have long‐lasting influence on brain architecture. Recent studies indicate further structural changes during hormonal transition periods including pregnancy, when women experience the greatest increase in sex hormone levels across their life span. In the present study, three groups of women (n = 44) with different levels of E2 underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging: (1) first‐time pregnant women (n = 13, ‘extreme E2 group’); (2), nulliparous, naturally cycling women who received 12 mg of E2 valerate (n = 16, ‘high E2 group’); and (3) nulliparous, naturally cycling women receiving a placebo and hence low E2 (n = 15, ‘low E2 group’). Blood samples were taken to assess hormonal levels. Moreover, parameters for cognition, emotion regulation and affect were assessed. On the neuronal level, the extreme E2 compared to the high E2 group showed a reduced gray matter volume in the left putamen. However, no significant differences were found between the low vs. high E2 groups, nor between the low E2 and extreme E2 groups. Cognitive performance was reduced in the extreme E2 group, although a positive affect was increased compared to the high E2 and low E2 groups. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed several associations between cognition, subjective measures of affect, emotion regulation and gray matter volume. A volume reduction of the left putamen during pregnancy further supports the notion that the female brain is shaped by hormonal transition phases, possibly preparing women for their future roles (e.g., pregnant women for their role as mothers).
Neuroimaging of astroblastomas: A case series and systematic review
Authors: Kurokawa Ryo , Baba Akira , Kurokawa Mariko , Ota Yoshiaki , Hassan Omar , Capizzano Aristides , Kim John , Johnson Timothy , Srinivasan Ashok , Moritani Toshio
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Astroblastoma is a rare type of glial tumor, histologically classified into two types with different prognoses: high and low grade. We aimed to investigate the CT and MRI findings of astroblastomas by collecting studies with analyzable neuroimaging data and extracting the imaging features useful for tumor grading.

Methods

We searched for reports of pathologically proven astroblastomas with analyzable neuroimaging data using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Sixty‐five studies with 71 patients with astroblastomas met the criteria for a systematic review. We added eight patients from our hospital, resulting in a final study cohort of 79 patients. The proportion of high‐grade tumors was compared in groups based on the morphology (typical and atypical) using Fisher's exact test.

Results

High‐ and low‐grade tumors were 35/71 (49.3%) and 36/71 (50.7%), respectively. There was a significant difference in the proportion of high‐grade tumors based on the tumor morphology (typical morphology: high‐grade = 33/58 [56.9%] vs. atypical morphology, 2/13 [15.4%], p = .012). The reviews of neuroimaging findings were performed using the images included in each article. The articles had missing data due to the heterogeneity of the collected studies.

Conclusions

Detailed neuroimaging features were clarified, including tumor location, margin status, morphology, CT attenuation, MRI signal intensity, and contrast enhancement pattern. The classification of tumor morphology may help predict the tumor's histological grade, contributing to clinical care and future oncologic research.
Insurability of pandemic risks
Authors: Gründl Helmut , Guxha Danjela , Kartasheva Anastasia , Schmeiser Hato
Published: November 2021

This paper analyzes the scope of the private market for pandemic insurance. We develop a framework that explains theoretically how the equilibrium price of pandemic insurance depends on accumulation risk, covariance between pandemic claims and other claims, and covariance between pandemic claims and the stock market performance. Using the natural catastrophe (NatCat) insurance market as a laboratory, we estimate the relationship between the insurance price markup and the tail characteristics of the loss distribution. Then, by using the high‐frequency data tracking the economic impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States, we calibrate the loss distribution of a hypothetical insurance contract designed to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on small businesses. The pandemic insurance contract price markup corresponds to the top 20% markup observed in the NatCat insurance market. Then we analyze an intertemporal risk‐sharing scheme that can reduce the expected shortfall of the loss distribution by 50%.
Political embeddedness and firms' growth
Authors: Wang Zhi , Yu Miao
Published: November 2021

This study examines whether and when political embeddedness affects firms' growth. Using a dataset of Chinese A‐share firms from 2008 to 2017, we find that both organizational and individual political embeddedness in firms draws negative effects on corporate growth. Such effects mainly come from political embeddedness created by current and local political actors, compared with former and central ones. Moreover, the “grabbing effects” of political embeddedness vary contingent on focal firms' financial situation, political uncertainty, and regional economic and legal environment. That is, the “grabbing effects” are stronger for financially healthy firms than for financially distressed firms. Political uncertainty created by government official replacement refrains political actors from tunneling benefits from affiliated firms and mitigates the negative effects of political embeddedness. Both economic development and legal completeness are conducive to alleviating the “grabbing effects” of political embeddedness. Overall, our findings enrich and extend the “grabbing hand” theory.
Consumption of animal source foods, especially fish, is associated with better nutritional status among women of reproductive age in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Andrews Chloe , Shrestha Robin , Ghosh Shibani , Appel Katherine , Gurung Sabi , Ausman Lynne M. , Marino Costello Elizabeth , Webb Patrick
Published: November 2021

In rural Bangladesh, intake of nutrient‐rich foods, such as animal source foods (ASFs), is generally suboptimal. Diets low in nutrients and lacking in diversity put women of reproductive age (WRA) at risk of malnutrition as well as adverse birth outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal dietary diversity, consumption of specific food groups and markers of nutritional status, including underweight [body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2], overweight (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2) and anaemia (haemoglobin < 120 g/dl) among WRA in Bangladesh. This analysis used data from the third round of a longitudinal observational study, collected from February through May of 2017. Dietary data were collected with a questionnaire, and Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) was calculated. Associations between WDDS, food group consumption and markers of nutritional status were assessed with separate adjusted logistic regression models. Among WRA, the prevalence of underweight, overweight and anaemia was 13.38%, 40.94% and 39.99%, respectively. Women who consumed dark green leafy vegetables (DGLV) or eggs were less likely to be anaemic or underweight, respectively, and women who consumed ASFs, particularly fish, were less likely to be underweight compared with women who did not consume these foods. WDDS did not show any consistent relationship with WRA outcomes. Interventions that focus on promoting optimal nutritional status among WRA in Bangladesh should emphasise increasing consumption of specific nutrient‐rich foods, including ASFs, DGLV and eggs, rather than solely focusing on improving diet diversity in general.
Proteins DotY and DotZ modulate the dynamics and localization of the type IVB coupling complex of Legionella pneumophila
Authors: Macé Kevin , Meir Amit , Lukoyanova Natalya , Liu Luying , Chetrit David , Hospenthal Manuela K. , Roy Craig R. , Waksman Gabriel
Published: November 2021

Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen infecting alveolar macrophages and protozoa species. Legionella utilizes a Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) to translocate over 300 effector proteins into its host cell. In a recent study, we have isolated and solved the cryo‐EM structure of the Type IV Coupling Complex (T4CC), a large cytoplasmic determinant associated with the inner membrane that recruits effector proteins for delivery to the T4SS for translocation. The T4CC is composed of a DotLMNYZ hetero‐pentameric core from which the flexible IcmSW module flexibly protrudes. The DotY and DotZ proteins were newly reported members of this complex and their role remained elusive. In this study, we observed the effect of deleting DotY and DotZ on T4CC stability and localization. Furthermore, we found these two proteins are co‐dependent, whereby the deletion of DotY resulted in DotZ absence from the coupling complex, and vice versa. Additional cryo‐EM data analysis revealed the dynamic movement of the IcmSW module is modified by the DotY/Z proteins. We therefore determined the likely function of DotY and DotZ and revealed their importance on T4CC function.
Mediterranean diet and adiposity in children and adolescents: A systematic review
Authors: Lassale Camille , Fitó Montserrat , Morales‐Suárez‐Varela María , Moya Andrés , Gómez Santiago F. , Schröder Helmut
Published: November 2021

Our aim was to summarize, through a systematic review, the current evidence from dietary intervention and observational studies on the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on adiposity markers and obesity in children and adolescents. We searched Medline up to June 1, 2021 for the identification of intervention and observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria, following the PRISMA statement. We included 55 articles: 8 intervention studies and 47 observational studies. Three trials report a beneficial effect of the dietary intervention, whereas two did not, and three did not compare with a control. All observational studies were cross‐sectional, and only five studies also included a longitudinal analysis. More than half of the cross‐sectional studies found no significant association between adherence to Mediterranean diet and adiposity. Three out of the five longitudinal studies found a negative association. The majority of both observational and intervention studies was of low quality. Despite a large number of published studies, overall, there is only limited evidence of a beneficial effect of following a traditional Mediterranean diet to maintain a healthy body weight in childhood. More high‐quality intervention and longitudinal data are needed to form the base of large‐scale health programs to prevent childhood obesity.
Learning from the Failure of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems: Accidents, Safety, and Sociotechnical Sources of Risk
Authors: Macrae Carl
Published: November 2021

Efforts to develop autonomous and intelligent systems (AIS) have exploded across a range of settings in recent years, from self‐driving cars to medical diagnostic chatbots. These have the potential to bring enormous benefits to society but also have the potential to introduce new—or amplify existing—risks. As these emerging technologies become more widespread, one of the most critical risk management challenges is to ensure that failures of AIS can be rigorously analyzed and understood so that the safety of these systems can be effectively governed and improved. AIS are necessarily developed and deployed within complex human, social, and organizational systems, but to date there has been little systematic examination of the sociotechnical sources of risk and failure in AIS. Accordingly, this article develops a conceptual framework that characterizes key sociotechnical sources of risk in AIS by reanalyzing one of the most publicly reported failures to date: the 2018 fatal crash of Uber's self‐driving car. Publicly available investigative reports were systematically analyzed using constant comparative analysis to identify key sources and patterns of sociotechnical risk. Five fundamental domains of sociotechnical risk were conceptualized—structural, organizational, technological, epistemic, and cultural—each indicated by particular patterns of sociotechnical failure. The resulting SOTEC framework of sociotechnical risk in AIS extends existing theories of risk in complex systems and highlights important practical and theoretical implications for managing risk and developing infrastructures of learning in AIS.
Mortality following non‐fatal suicide attempts by Veterans in Veterans Health Administration care
Authors: Hein Tyler C. , Cooper Samantha A. , McCarthy John F.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Little is known regarding long‐term mortality outcomes after non‐fatal suicide attempts among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients, which may inform services delivery and program evaluation.

Methods

For 4,601,081 Veterans with 2005 VHA encounters, we assessed unadjusted and age‐adjusted all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality through 2017, overall and for Veterans with (N = 8243) versus without (N = 4,592,838) 2005 VHA suicide attempt documentation. Standardized mortality ratios compared mortality rates by suicide attempt status. Multivariable proportional hazards regression models assessed age‐ and gender‐adjusted mortality risk.

Results

Among Veteran VHA users with non‐fatal suicide attempt diagnoses, 1.6% died of suicide, 4.6% of non‐suicide external causes, and 30.7% of any cause. In age‐ and gender‐adjusted analyses, Veterans who attempted suicide had increased suicide (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.82–5.36), non‐suicide external cause (HR = 3.75, 95% CI = 3.38–4.17), and all‐cause (separate due to non‐proportional hazards: 2006, HR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.81–2.31; 2007–2017, HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.65–1.80) mortality through 2017.

Conclusion

Over 12 years, Veteran VHA patients with non‐fatal suicide attempt diagnoses had increased risk of suicide, non‐suicide external cause, and all‐cause mortality. Over 98% of Veteran VHA users who had a diagnosed non‐fatal attempt did not die by suicide, highlighting additional program evaluation outcomes and opportunities to support physical and mental health.