bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weight gain trajectories and obesity rates in intensive and conventional treatments of type 1 diabetes from the DCCT compared with a control population without diabetes
Authors: Carlson Nichole E. , Horton Ken W. , Hokanson John E. , Cleary Patricia A. , Jacobs David R. , Brunzell John D. , Purnell Jonathan Q. ,   DCCT/EDIC research group
Published: January 2022

Aim

Obesity is a significant health issue for participants with type 1 diabetes undergoing intensive diabetes management. The temporal pattern and factors associated with weight gain after treatment initiation remain poorly understood including how weight gain in participants with and without type I diabetes compare. Our aim was to compare weight gain in those receiving intensive (INT) and conventional (CONV) type 1 diabetes treatment to a population without diabetes.

Methods

Participants included men and women of 18 years and older in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) randomized to INT (n = 562) or CONV (n = 568) and a prospective, observational cohort without diabetes from the Coronary Artery Development in Young Adults (CARDIA, controls) study (n = 2446). Body mass index (BMI) trajectories and obesity prevalence were compared between groups and candidate metabolic and therapeutic moderators investigated.

Results

Annual weight gain with INT peaked 1.3 years after initiation and was greater than both CONV and controls before and after this peak. Obesity prevalence with INT was lower than controls at baseline, was similar to controls at 2 years and surpassed controls by 5 years. Obesity rates with CONV remained below controls at all time points. Greater annual weight gain in the DCCT was associated with lower haemoglobin A1c, higher insulin dose and family history of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

Greater weight gain accompanying INT therapy occurs in two stages, leads to similar or greater obesity rates than controls after 2 years and is primarily modified by glucose control and family history, supportive of a therapeutic‐genetic influence on weight trajectories.
EdTechfor Ugandan girls: Affordances of different technologies for girls' secondary education during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Damani Kalifa , Daltry Rebecca , Jordan Katy , Hills Libby , Evans Laura
Published: January 2022

Motivation

This article discusses the use of educational technology (EdTech) in girls' education at PEAS (Promoting Education in African Schools) schools in rural Uganda during the Covid‐19‐related school closures.

Purpose

This article addresses a research gap surrounding the potential use of EdTech to support girls' education, focusing on the barriers to girls' EdTech use and how technology might be used to enhance girls' education in disadvantaged rural areas—specifically their academic learning and their social and emotional learning.

Methods and approach

A sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods case‐study approach was used. Quantitative exploration of a dataset of 483 Ugandan students, from 28 PEAS schools, was first conducted, followed by interviews with PEAS staff to elucidate the reasons and context behind the findings.

Findings

Findings show that female students are less likely than male students to have access to their caregivers' phones for learning. The form of EdTech that appeared to be most beneficial for girls' academic learning was radio; girls also had significantly more interest in tuning into radio broadcasts than boys did. Also, poorer boys were more likely to be influenced by SMS messages than wealthier boys. Apart from gender‐based differences, students with more highly educated parents found SMS messages more helpful, and phone calls from teachers appeared to help boost younger students' self‐confidence.

Policy implications

The findings suggest that policy‐makers need to: carefully consider provision of education through multiple modes of EdTech in order to ensure that it reaches all students; ensure that caregivers are involved in the strategies developed for girls' education; make EdTech interventions interactive; and consider language in EdTech interventions. Given the gender differences which emerged, the findings are of relevance both to supporting the continuation of educational provision during periods of school closure, and also in terms of finding additional ways to support girls' education alongside formal schooling.
Assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension by two‐dimensional shear wave elastography
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Madir Anita , Trkulja Vladimir , Bozin Tonci , Aralica Gorana , Podrug Kristian , Mikolaševic Ivana , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , O‘Beirne James , Pinzani Massimo
Published: January 2022

Background and aims

To evaluate two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2DSWE) in parallel with transient elastography (TE) for diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and high‐risk varices (HRV) in patients with chronic liver disease.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with suspicion of compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) [liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 10 kPa by TE, or morphological signs suggestive of cACLD on imaging], with no history of liver decompensation, underwent hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement, transjugular liver biopsy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which served as the reference methods for diagnosing CSPH, cACLD and HRV. All patients underwent LSM and spleen stiffness measurements (SSM) by 2DSWE and TE.

Results

Seventy‐six (76) patients were included (78% men, mean age 62 years, body mass index 28.3 kg/m2, 36.8% alcoholic, 30.3% non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, 14.5% viral hepatitis). Of them, 80.3%, 69.7%, 52.6% and 22.4% had cACLD, cirrhosis, CSPH and HRV respectively. LSM performed better than SSM in diagnosing CSPH and HRV. For CSPH, AUROCs (0.926 vs. 0.866), optimal cut‐offs (20.1 vs. 20.2 kPa) and sensitivity/specificity (80.5%/94.3% vs. 77.5% /86.1%) were comparable for 2DSWE and TE. Ruling‐out of CSPH by 2DSWE (LSM at cut‐off with ≥90% sensitivity (13.5 kPa) and platelets ≥ 150 x 109/L) performed comparably to TE, with 1/24 cases falsely classified as negative. For HRV, AUROCs were similar (0.875 2DSWE, 0.851 TE) with similar optimal LSM cut‐offs enabling 100% sensitivity and ruling‐out HRV.

Conclusion

Liver stiffness measurement by 2DSWE appears to perform equally well as TE for diagnosing CSPH and ruling‐out HRV in compensated chronic liver disease.
Learning together: developing collaborative monitoring of intertidal invertebrates in the Karajarri IPA, north‐western Australia
Authors: Murley Matilda , Grand Ann , Prince Jane , Karajarri Rangers
Published: January 2022

The Karajarri Indigenous Protected Area, in the south‐west Kimberley, is home to vast intertidal rock platforms that form a culturally and ecologically important environment for Karajarri Traditional Owners and wider Bidyadanga community. Karajarri Rangers initiated a collaborative partnership with researchers to devise an intertidal invertebrate monitoring protocol to meet the requirements of their Healthy Country Plan and sustainably manage their cultural harvesting. The project aimed to design and trial a monitoring protocol that blended Indigenous ecological knowledge and values with western scientific rigour. To investigate and document the community’s ecological knowledge of marine resources, a series of Ranger interviews, focus groups and collaborative fieldwork was conducted. Data collected from these qualitative methods provided valuable insights into knowledge of the intertidal environment and fauna and the community’s management aspirations and priorities. Informed by these data, a monitoring protocol was cross‐culturally designed to combine Indigenous knowledge and values within a western scientific framework. Two methodologies were piloted, focusing on a small subset of culturally significant target species. Although both were successful, the trial indicated that Rangers preferred abundance‐focused methods for ecological monitoring. Further refinement of the monitoring protocol is required to build western science knowledge of the ecosystem and meet Ranger management goals. However, this study provided the basis of future monitoring strategies for Karajarri Rangers, formed a lasting collaborative partnership and is a useful exploration of Indigenous preferred approaches to western scientific monitoring of intertidal rock platforms.
Laboratory rearing of Hydrochus japonicus (Coleoptera: Hydrochidae) suggests larvae live at the water bottom
Authors: Hayashi Masakazu , Morimoto Ryosuke
Published: January 2022

The aquatic larvae of the family Hydrochidae (Coleoptera) have been considered ‘mystery larvae’, because ecological knowledge about them is lacking. We discovered that Hydrochidae larvae (Hydrochus japonicus Sharp) are benthic via laboratory rearing. The larvae have a terminal spiracular atrium, but we did not observe them breathing at the water surface. The larvae fed on Naididae worms that were collected from the same habitat.
Research on factors affecting fretting fatigue life of high‐temperature dovetail tenon
Authors: Yang Bowen , Huo Junzhou , Gao Qiang , Ren Rong
Published: January 2022

This paper takes the dovetail structure of an aero‐engine compressor as the research object, designs a high‐temperature dovetail fretting fatigue test, and discusses the effect of high temperature on fretting fatigue damage. Based on the fretting fatigue continuous damage accumulation model, a high‐temperature fretting fatigue life prediction model of dovetail tenon considering the temperature effect is proposed and verified by experiments. The results show that the experimental data prove that the model has good prediction accuracy and its prediction error is less than 19.24%. Finally, the relative sliding distance, contact stress, Ruiz parameters, and friction work of the dovetail structure are selected, and the dovetail structure under different actual use conditions is calculated through simulation. The influence of friction coefficient, load, temperature, arc size, and other factors on the evaluation index is analyzed. The internal law of high‐temperature fretting fatigue life of dovetail structure under multi‐factor coupling conditions is studied.
Inter‐laboratory Characterisation of Apatite Reference Materials for Oxygen Isotope Analysis and Associated Methodological Considerations
Authors: Wudarska Alicja , Wiedenbeck Michael , Słaby Ewa , Lempart‐Drozd Małgorzata , Harris Chris , Joachimski Michael M. , Lécuyer Christophe , MacLeod Kenneth G. , Pack Andreas , Vennemann Torsten , Couffignal Frédéric , Feng Dingsu , Glodny Johannes , Kusebauch Christof , Mayanna Sathish , Rocholl Alexander , Speir Laura , Sun Yadong , Wilke Franziska D. H.
Published: January 2022

Here we report on the oxygen isotope compositions of four proposed apatite reference materials (chlorapatite MGMH#133648 and fluorapatite specimens MGMH#128441A, MZ‐TH and ES‐MM). The samples were initially screened for 18O/16O homogeneity using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) followed by δ18O determinations in six gas source isotope ratio mass spectrometry laboratories (GS‐IRMS) using a variety of analytical protocols for determining either phosphate‐bonded or “bulk” oxygen compositions. We also report preliminary δ17O and Δ’17O data, major and trace element compositions collected using EPMA, as well as CO32− and OH− contents in the apatite structure assessed using thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The repeatability of our SIMS measurements was better than ± 0.25 ‰ (1s) for all four materials that cover a wide range of 103δ18O values between +5.8 and +21.7. The GS‐IRMS results show, however, a significant offset of 103δ18O values between the “phosphate” and “bulk” analyses that could not be correlated with chemical characteristics of the studied samples. Therefore, we provide two sets of working values specific to these two classes of analytical methodologies as well as current working values for SIMS data calibration.
2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method: Simplified liver fibrosis detection system in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Fujimori Naoyuki , Kimura Takefumi , Tanaka Naoki , Yamazaki Tomoo , Okumura Taiki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Shun‐ichi , Yamashita Yuki , Sugiura Ayumi , Pham Jonathan , Pydi Sai P. , Sano Kenji , Joshita Satoru , Umemura Takeji
Published: January 2022

Aim

Accurate detection of the hepatic fibrosis stage is essential to estimate the outcome of patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Many formulas, biomarkers, and imaging tests are being developed to predict advanced liver fibrosis without performing a liver biopsy. However, these tests do not have high efficiency in detecting early‐stage hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to detect the presence of hepatic fibrosis (≥F1) merely by using only standard clinical markers.

Methods

A total of 436 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy were retrospectively enrolled as the discovery cohort (316 patients) and the validation cohort (120 patients). Liver biopsy and laboratory data were matched to extract simple parameters for identifying ≥F1.

Results

We developed a novel simplified ≥F1 detecting system, designated as 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method, where (1) PLT of 16 × 104/μl or less, or (2) PLT greater than 16 × 104/μl and AST greater than 44 U/L is determined as having ≥F1 fibrosis. The 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method had a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 40%, and an accuracy of 72% to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in the discovery cohort. Validation studies further supported these results. Despite its simplicity, the 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method's power to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in total NAFLD patients was comparable to hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen 7S, FIB‐4, and APRI.

Conclusions

We propose the 2‐Step PLT16‐AST44 method as a simple and beneficial early‐stage hepatic fibrosis detection system.
Diffusion theory, transnational antecedents and International Standards on Auditing adoption around the world
Authors: Elmghaamez Ibrahim K. , Elmagrhi Mohamed H.
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the impact of four key transnational factors (i.e., cultural, educational, legal and political factors) on the diffusion and early adoption of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Using data for 162 countries over 1995–2014 (i.e., 3240 observations) and drawing on distinctive insights from diffusion theory, we found that common law countries tend to adopt ISAs faster than civil law countries. Our findings also show that vigorous legal enforcement and shareholder protection regimes promote the early adoption of ISAs, whereas robust judicial efficiency systems constrain the early adoption of ISAs. In addition, our results show that higher literacy rates and educational attainment simulate the earlier diffusion of ISAs. We also find that higher levels of individualism and uncertainty avoidance, but low levels of power distance cultural values, boost the early adoption of ISAs. Finally, our results report that countries with strong political stability and control of corruption tend to adopt ISAs faster than those with solid government effectiveness.
Association of cause of uremia with degree of iliac artery calcification
Authors: Sørensen Jan R , Diederichsen Axel C , Lindholt Jes S
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We aimed to investigate whether the cause of uremia is associated with degree of calcification, and to report the proportion excluded from kidney transplantation due to iliac artery calcification.

Method

We enrolled 306 patients with a pre‐transplant computed tomography scan who went through the comprehensive assessment program in 2013–2015. Calcification score was measured for each iliac artery segment and patient records viewed for a variety of variables. Interobserver variation was assessed for 135 paired observations.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 55.5 years. Of the 306 patients, 133 did not undergo transplantation, and for 21 of these, heavy calcification was the primary explanation for this. External iliac artery calcification was positively associated with male sex, age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and differed significantly among the causes of uremia subgroups; the least calcification was seen in patients with autoimmune causes, and the highest in those with diabetic causes. Similarly, the proportion of patients who underwent renal transplantation differed significantly with regard to causes of uremia (ranging from 72.3% for autoimmune disease to 40.6% for diabetic nephropathy).

Conclusion

The degree of iliac artery calcification differs according to the cause of uremia and influences the likelihood of receiving a kidney transplantation.
Regulatory strategies limiting endosomal Toll‐like receptor activation in B cells*
Authors: Acharya Mridu , Jackson Shaun W.
Published: January 2022

The recognition of pathogen‐associated nucleic acid (NA) promotes effective immunity against invading pathogens. However, endosomal Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation by self‐NA also underlies the pathogenesis of systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). For this reason, the activation thresholds of NA‐sensing TLRs must be tightly regulated to balance protective and pathogenic immune responses. In this study, we will provide an overview of the evolutionary mechanisms designed to limit the aberrant activation of endosomal TLRs by self‐ligands, focusing on four broad strategies. These include the following: 1) the production of nucleases able to degrade self‐DNA and RNA; 2) the cell‐specific regulation of endosomal TLR expression; 3) the spatial and temporal control of TLR positioning at a sub‐cellular level; and 4) the modulation of downstream TLR signaling cascades. Given the critical role of B cells in lupus pathogenesis, where possible, we will describe evidence for B cell‐specific induction of these regulatory mechanisms. We will also highlight our own work showing how modulation of B cell endolysosomal flux tunes NA‐sensing TLR activation signals. In the face of inevitable generation of self‐NA during normal cellular turnover, these parallel mechanisms are vital to protect against pathogenic inflammation.
The behaviour of real interest rates: New evidence from a 'suprasecular' perspective
Authors: Canarella Giorgio , Gil‐Alana Luis A. , Gupta Rangan , Miller Stephen M.
Published: January 2022

We examine the temporal dynamics of the historical series of real interest rates for France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain pre‐1730 and post‐1800, the United Kingdom, and the United States stretching back to the 14th century. We use the Robinson approach to determine the fractional order of integration and examine both linear deterministic trends and multiple smooth breaks. In the latter case we make use of the Chebyshev polynomials in time. With the exception of two countries (Italy and France), where the linear model appears more appropriate, our results reveal evidence that real interest rates are driven by the interaction between nonlinearities in the deterministic trends and fractional integration processes. They suggest that real interest rates are mean‐reverting but not as persistent as suggested in the literature. In particular, the nonlinear model with autocorrelated errors provides no evidence of long memory, which questions most of the literature on real interest rates. The implications of these results are relevant to evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions and the theoretical implications of different macroeconomic models as shocks affecting real interest rates will dissipate by themselves.
Assessment of thermodynamic stability of sapphire in eutectic molten chloride environment
Authors: Thyagatur Anugraha , Gakhar Ruchi , Chidambaram Dev , Calderoni Pattrick , Buric Michael , Mushongera Leslie T.
Published: January 2022

The continued development of molten salt reactors and concentrated solar power plants requires highly efficient and stable instruments that can efficiently monitor the chemical conditions of the molten salt during long‐term operation in both the fuel and coolant/heat transfer fluid loops. Sapphire (Al2O3) fibers have shown tremendous potential due to inherent radiation resistance and a broader operational range of temperature. In this work, computational thermodynamic modeling (CALPHAD) using the ThermoCalc software in conjunction with the SGTE (Scientific Group Thermodata Europe) Molten Salts (SALT1) and Pure Substances (Pure5) databases is applied to understand the compatibility of Al2O3 fibers with NaCl‐MgCl2 eutectic molten salt in the temperature range of 1500–2500 K. The thermodynamic calculations show that sapphire fibers are not expected to be stable over the long‐term when exposed to molten chloride salts at these temperatures. To improve the stability of these diagnostic fibers in molten salt environments, various pure metallic elements were evaluated as potential cladding materials for Al2O3 fibers. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni) could be effective cladding materials to enhance the stability of Al2O3 in NaCl‐MgCl2 chloride salt molten bath in the desired temperature range. Thus, the presence of Mo and Ni cladding can provide a protective coating against the corrosive molten salts, thus improving the stability of Al2O3. Additionally, it is also shown that Al2O3 remains stable up to 2400 K in the presence of preexisting Al2MgO4 and Al2NiO4 in the eutectic molten chloride bath environment.
Role of tellurium addition on the linear and non‐linear optical, structural, morphological properties of Ag60‐xSe40Tex thin films for nonlinear applications
Authors: Das Subhashree , Priyadarshini Priyanka , Alagarasan Devarajan , Vardhrajperumal Selvaraj , Ganesan Rajamanickam , Naik Ramakanta
Published: January 2022

The tellurium (Te)‐doped Ag60‐xSe40Tex (x = 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) thin films of thickness ∼800 nm were prepared from the bulk sample by thermal evaporation method on a glass substrate. The X‐ray diffraction study revealed the amorphous nature of the films whereas the change in vibrational modes was noticed from the Raman spectroscopy. The composition of the films was verified by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis and the surface morphology pictures were taken by field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope. The changes in optical properties (linear and non‐linear) with Te addition were studied from UV‐Visible spectroscopy data and related empirical formulas. The addition of Te reduced the bandgap values significantly and the reduction in transmission resulted in the increase of the linear refractive index. The decrease in optical bandgap is due to an increase in disorder while the width of the tail in the gap increased with Te%. The optical density, dispersion energy, extinction coefficient, carrier concentration, dielectric constant, oscillator wavelength increased while the oscillator energy, oscillator strength, optical electronegativity decreased with Te content. The electrical susceptibility increased with Te content. The non‐linear susceptibilities and the non‐linear refractive index increased which is good for the nonlinear photonic devices.
Mitochondrial quality control in stroke: From the mechanisms to therapeutic potentials
Authors: Tian Heyan , Chen Xiangyu , Liao Jun , Yang Tong , Cheng Shaowu , Mei Zhigang , Ge Jinwen
Published: January 2022

Mitochondrial damage is a critical contributor to stroke‐induced injury, and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is the cornerstone of restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and plays an indispensable role in alleviating pathological process of stroke. Mitochondria quality control promotes neuronal survival via various adaptive responses for preserving mitochondria structure, morphology, quantity and function. The processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion allow for damaged mitochondria to be segregated and facilitate the equilibration of mitochondrial components such as DNA, proteins and metabolites. The process of mitophagy is responsible for the degradation and recycling of damaged mitochondria. This review aims to offer a synopsis of the molecular mechanisms involved in MQC for recapitulating our current understanding of the complex role that MQC plays in the progression of stroke. Speculating on the prospect that targeted manipulation of MQC mechanisms may be exploited for the rationale design of novel therapeutic interventions in the ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. In the review, we highlight the potential of MQC as therapeutic targets for stroke treatment and provide valuable insights for clinical strategies.
Mitophagy‐regulated mitochondrial health strongly protects the heart against cardiac dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Xu Chunling , Cao Yangpo , Liu Ruxia , Liu Lei , Zhang Weilin , Fang Xuan , Jia Shi , Ye Jingjing , Liu Yingying , Weng Lin , Qiao Xue , Li Bo , Zheng Ming
Published: January 2022

Autophagy including mitophagy serves as an important regulatory mechanism in the heart to maintain the cellular homeostasis and to protect against heart damages caused by myocardial infarction (MI). The current study aims to dissect roles of general autophagy and specific mitophagy in regulating cardiac function after MI. By using Beclin1+/−, Fundc1 knockout (KO) and Fundc1 transgenic (TG) mouse models, combined with starvation and MI models, we found that Fundc1 KO caused more severe mitochondrial and cardiac dysfunction damages than Beclin1+/− after MI. Interestingly, Beclin1+/− caused notable decrease of total autophagy without detectable change to mitophagy, and Fundc1 KO markedly suppressed mitophagy but did not change the total autophagy activity. In contrast, starvation increased total autophagy without changing mitophagy while Fundc1 TG elevated total autophagy and mitophagy in mouse hearts. As a result, Fundc1 TG provided much stronger protective effects than starvation after MI. Moreover, Beclin1+/−/Fundc1 TG showed increased total autophagy and mitophagy to a level comparable to Fundc1 TG per se, and completely reversed Beclin1+/−‐caused aggravation of mitochondrial and cardiac injury after MI. Our results reveal that mitophagy but not general autophagy contributes predominantly to the cardiac protective effect through regulating mitochondrial function.
How does the financial market influence firms' Green innovation? The role of equity analysts
Authors: Fiorillo Paolo , Meles Antonio , Mustilli Mario , Salerno Dario
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates how equity analysts influence firms' green innovation across different financial markets. Using a unique data set consisting of more than 6000 listed firms across 56 different countries, we find that corporate green innovation is positively associated with the number of equity analysts following the firm. We attribute this result to the informational role of analysts, which encourages managers to invest more in eco‐innovation. However, when we divide the full sample into two subsamples based on whether covered firms are incorporated in market‐oriented or bank‐oriented countries, we find that the association between firm's green innovation and analyst coverage becomes negative in the case of market‐oriented financial systems. We argue that potential explanations for this result rely on the differences occurring among market‐oriented and bank‐oriented systems in terms of listed companies' ownership structure and the prevalence of arm's length transaction banking rather than long‐term lender–borrower relationships.
Be good to be wise: Environmental, Social, and Governance awareness as a potential credit risk mitigation factor
Authors: Brogi Marina , Lagasio Valentina , Porretta Pasqualina
Published: January 2022

Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into credit risk assessment is the new frontier for credit risk management as regulators and investors increasingly require banks to channel loans to “sustainable” borrowers and ultimately foster sustainable growth. Our findings show that higher ESG awareness is strongly associated with better creditworthiness (proxied by the Altman Z‐score). We apply a two‐step methodology to 3331 companies from various industries and geographies in the 2000–2016 period which reveals that high ESG awareness scores are strongly and very significantly associated with a reduction in firm credit risk. We check the robustness by using the Probability of Default as a dependent variable and an instrumental variable constructed with a factor analysis. Our results support the appropriateness of the introduction of ESG awareness parameters in the creditworthiness assessment of borrowers.
First record of the spatial organization of the nucleosome‐less chromatin of dinoflagellates: The nonrandom distribution of microsatellites and bipolar arrangement of telomeres in the nucleus of Gambierdiscus australes (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Cuadrado Ángeles , Figueroa Rosa I. , Sixto Marta , Bravo Isabel , De Bustos Alfredo
Published: January 2022

Dinoflagellates are a group of protists whose exceptionally large genome is organized in permanently condensed nucleosome‐less chromosomes. In this study, we examined the potential role of repetitive DNAs in both the structure of dinoflagellate chromosomes and the architecture of the dinoflagellate nucleus. Non‐denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND‐FSH) was used to determine the abundance and physical distribution of telomeric DNA and 16 microsatellites (1‐ to 4‐bp repeats) in the nucleus of Gambierdiscus australes. The results showed an increased relative abundance of the different microsatellite motifs with increasing GC content. Two ND‐FISH probes, (A)20 and (AAT)5, did not yield signals whereas the remainder revealed a dispersed but nonrandom distribution of the microsatellites, mostly in clusters. The bean‐shaped interphase nucleus of G. australes contained a region with a high density of trinucleotides. This nuclear compartment was located between the nucleolar organizer region (NOR), located on the concave side of the nucleus, and the convex side. Telomeric DNA was grouped in multiple foci and distributed in two polarized compartments: one associated with the NOR and the other peripherally located along the convex side of the nucleus. Changes in the position of the telomeres during cell division evidenced their dynamic distribution and thus that of the chromosomes during dinomitosis. These insights into the spatial organization of microsatellites and telomeres and thus into the nuclear architecture of G. australes will open up new lines of research into the structure and function of the nucleosome‐less chromatin of dinoflagellates.
Multifidelity approach for data‐driven prediction models of structural behaviors with limited data
Authors: Chen Shi‐Zhi , Feng De‐Cheng
Published: January 2022

The data‐driven approach based on plenty of high‐fidelity data such as experimental data becomes prevalent in the prediction of structural behavior. However, sometimes the high‐fidelity data are hard to obtain and are only in small amount. Meanwhile, the low‐fidelity data like simulation result are in large amount but their accuracy is relatively poor and are not suitable for establishing models. Thus, based on machine learning (ML) algorithms a multifidelity approach is present, which can enhance the prediction models performance under multifidelity data. First the basic theory and application procedure of this approach are introduced. Then a case study for predicting the shear capacity of reinforced concrete deep beams was carried out to validate this method's feasibility. The influence of different ML algorithms, low‐fidelity data resources, and high‐fidelity data ratios were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that this approach would effectively promote a models accuracy under multifidelity data and has the potential to be an alternative to facilitate solving some prediction issues in structural engineering.
Competing Versions of Reality in Honduras: State Theory as a Tool for the Anthropologist Expert Witness
Authors: Levy Jordan
Published: January 2022

In this article, I explore some challenges and strategies for anthropologist expert witnesses working on cases where home‐country governments depict an overall more positive situation than what the applicants claim. Drawing upon an anonymized Honduran asylum case, I discuss the utility of state theory for debunking fallacious home‐government sources that downplay dangerous situations while exaggerating state achievements, suggesting ways to illuminate the inherent political motivations of government reports. Honduran asylum applicants flee from gang violence, political violence, and gendered violence, now more than a decade after the June 2009 military coup that ruptured already fragile public institutions. While official Honduran government reports claim that the state is alleviating such problems by creating new programs and laws, ethnographic evidence from anthropologists working with anticoup social movements suggests that the state's security apparatus often exacerbates violence, and that the mere act of passing legislation does little in practice to protect vulnerable Hondurans.
Breeders' Sensory Test: A new tool for early selection in breeding for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) flavour
Authors: Hagenguth Julia , Kanski Larissa , Kahle Hannah , Naumann Marcel , Pawelzik Elke , Becker Heiko C. , Horneburg Bernd
Published: January 2022

For several decades, improved flavour has not been a main focus in tomato breeding because it is difficult and expensive to evaluate. Sensory panels are designed to assess flavour, but they are not able to evaluate large sample numbers typical for early breeding generations. Selection in the first segregating generation could enhance breeding for flavour by preventing the loss of favourable alleles. The efficiency of early selection is unknown due to the polygenetic inheritance of flavour. To address these issues, F2 plants from 32 crosses and their parents (910 individuals) were evaluated for aroma, sweetness and sourness with the Breeders' Sensory Test (small team and large number of small samples from individuals), as well as for physicochemical traits (total soluble solids, titratable acidity and dry matter), and volatile compounds in low‐input organic and hydroponic cultivation. Corresponding physicochemical and sensory traits were significantly correlated. For most of the studied traits, it was possible to select between single plants in the F2 generation. Thus, the Breeders' Sensory Test can be used as a new tool in breeding for flavour.
Maternal overnutrition elevates offspring’s blood pressure—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Eitmann Szimonetta , Mátrai Péter , Németh Dávid , Hegyi Péter , Lukács Anita , Bérczi Bálint , Czumbel László Márk , Kiss István , Gyöngyi Zoltán , Varga Gábor , Balaskó Márta , Pétervári Erika
Published: January 2022

Background

Maternal overnutrition during pregnancy predisposes the offspring to cardiometabolic diseases.

Objectives

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the association between maternal overnutrition and offspring's blood pressure (BP) and the effect of offspring's obesity on this association.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Clinicaltrials.gov, CENTRAL.

Study selection and data extraction

Human studies published in English before October 2021 were identified that presented quantitative estimates of association between maternal overnutrition just before or during pregnancy and the offspring's BP.

Synthesis

Random‐effect model with the DerSimonian and Laird weighting method was used to analyse regression coefficients or mean differences.

Results

After selection, 17 observational studies (140,517 mother‐offspring pairs) were included. Prepregnancy body mass index (ppBMI) showed positive correlation with BP in offspring (regression coefficient for systolic: 0.38 mmHg per kg/m2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17, 0.58; diastolic: 0.10 mmHg per kg/m2, 95% CI 0.05, 0.14). These indicate 1.9 mmHg increase in systolic and 0.5 mmHg increase in diastolic BP of offspring with every 5 kg/m2gain in maternal ppBMI. Results on coefficients adjusted for offspring's BMI also showed association (systolic: 0.08 mmHg per kg/m2, 95% CI 0.04, 0.11; diastolic: 0.03 mmHg per kg/m2, 95% CI 0.01, 0.04). Independent from ppBMI, gestational weight gain (GWG) showed positive correlation with systolic BP (systolic BP: 0.05 mmHg per kg, 95% CI 0.01, 0.09), but not after adjustment for offspring's BMI. Mean systolic BP was higher in children of mothers with excessive GWG than in those of mothers with optimal GWG (difference: 0.65 mmHg, 95% CI 0.25, 1.05).

Conclusions

Independent from offspring's BMI, higher prepregnancy BMI may increase the risk for hypertension in offspring. The positive association between GWG and offspring's systolic BP is indirect via offspring's obesity. Reduction in maternal obesity and treatment of obesity in children of obese mothers are needed to prevent hypertension.
Reply
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Christos , Gogali Athena , Ntritsos Georgios , Milionis Haralampos , Evangelou Evangelos , Kostikas Konstantinos
Published: January 2022

See related Letter
Usage of IL‐6 antagonists in COVID‐19: A challenge in children
Authors: Niu Man Man , Fan Guo Zhen , Li Rui Xue , Jiang Qi , Hu Peng
Published: January 2022

See related Reply
The Cows May Safely Graze: Placing Expert‐Lay Relationships at the Center of Overcoming the Expert‐Lay Knowledge Divide*
Authors: Richardson Jill Eileen
Published: January 2022

Many scholars agree that both expert and lay knowledge are needed to gain a fuller understanding of environmental problems, both to find answers to the problems and to improve relations between experts and laypeople. When experts ignore lay knowledge, laypeople can resist by accusing experts of arrogance or conspiracy. Rural people who live among large carnivores like wolves and grizzly bears sometimes distrust expert knowledge or even promulgate conspiracy theories. One's knowledge is inextricably linked with one's identity and social relationships. In this ethnographic study, I examine how a Montana‐based non‐profit, Blackfoot Challenge (BC), facilitates the exchange of knowledge between experts and laypeople for carnivore management. Nurturing expert‐lay relationships is one strategy that BC uses in concert with two others to bridge the expert‐lay knowledge divide: facilitating learning experiences and relying on intermediaries. Knowledge exchanged within expert relationships allows experts to better understand the needs of laypeople and adapt their work to meet those needs while also disseminating expert knowledge to laypeople in a way that earns their trust. The trust built within expert‐lay relationships facilitates the exchange of knowledge, but the way experts and laypeople exchange knowledge also builds trust.
Using Network Science to Understand the Aging Lexicon: Linking Individuals' Experience, Semantic Networks, and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Wulff Dirk U. , De Deyne Simon , Aeschbach Samuel , Mata Rui
Published: January 2022

People undergo many idiosyncratic experiences throughout their lives that may contribute to individual differences in the size and structure of their knowledge representations. Ultimately, these can have important implications for individuals' cognitive performance. We review evidence that suggests a relationship between individual experiences, the size and structure of semantic representations, as well as individual and age differences in cognitive performance. We conclude that the extent to which experience‐dependent changes in semantic representations contribute to individual differences in cognitive aging remains unclear. To help fill this gap, we outline an empirical agenda that utilizes network analysis and involves the concurrent assessment of large‐scale semantic networks and cognitive performance in younger and older adults. We present preliminary data to establish the feasibility and limitations of such empirical, network‐analytical approaches.
Epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents from southeastern China
Authors: Liu Haixin , Han Tengwei , Liu Weijun , Xu Guoying , Zheng Kuicheng , Xiao Fangzhen
Published: January 2022

Rodents are the primary hosts of Bartonella species and carry more than 22 Bartonella species. However, the information on epidemiological characteristics and genetic diversity of Bartonella species in rodents in southeastern China is limited. From 2015 to 2020, 1,137 rodents were captured. Bartonella‐positive DNA was detected in 14.9% (169/1,137) of rodents by PCR for both the ssrA and gltA genes. A highest Bartonella prevalence was detected in Apodemus agrarius (33.5%) and lowest in B. indica (1.8%). The probability of Bartonella infection in summer (20.1%) was higher than in spring (14.6%; p = .011, OR = 1.756). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that nine known Bartonella species were identified in rodents, including B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. rattimassiliensis, B. queenslandensis, B. elizabethae, B. phoceensis, B. coopersplainsensis, B. japonica and B. rochalimae. In our study, Bartonella species exhibited a strong association with their hosts. Zoonotic B. tribocorum, B. grahamii, B. elizabethae and B. rochalimae were found in synanthropic rodent species in southeastern China, which pose a potential threat to the public health. To prevent the spread of zoonotic Bartonella species to humans, preventive and control measures should be implemented, and more research is needed to confirm the pathogen's association with human disease.
Modeling and Parameter Identification for a Flexible Rotor With Impacts
Authors: Holzinger Stefan , Schieferle Manuel , Gutmann Christoph , Hofer Manfred , Gerstmayr Johannes
Published: January 2022

The accuracy of a multibody model to predict the behavior of a real physical system depends heavily on the correct choice of model parameters. Identifying unknown system parameters that cannot be computed or measured directly is usually time-consuming and costly. If measurement data is available for the physical system, the parameters in the corresponding mathematical model can be determined by minimizing the error between the model response and the measurement data using optimization methods. While there is a wide range of optimization methods available, genetic optimization is a more generic approach for finding optimal solutions to complex engineering problems. So far, however, there is no general approach on how to use genetic optimization to determine unknown system parameters automatically—which is, however, of great importance when dealing with real flexible multibody systems. In this paper, we present a methodology to automatically determine several unknown system parameters of a complex flexible multibody system using genetic optimization. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using a small-scale test problem and a real flexible rotor excited with impacts. Experiments were performed on the physical rotor to obtain measurement data which is used to identify bearing and support stiffness and damping parameters as well as the impact force.
A Framework for In Silico Clinical Trials for Medical Devices Using Concepts From Model Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Bodner Jeff , Kaul Vikas
Published: January 2022

The rising costs of clinical trials for medical devices in recent years has led to an increased interest in what are called in silico clinical trials, where simulation results are used to supplement or to replace those obtained from human patients. Here we present a framework for executing such a trial. This framework relies heavily on ideas already developed for model verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification. The framework uses results from an initial cohort of human patients as model validation data, recognizing that the best model credibility evidence usually comes from real patients. The validation exercise leads to an assessment of the model's suitability based on predefined acceptance criteria. If the model meets these criteria, then no additional human patients are required and the study endpoints that can be addressed using the model are met using the simulation results. Conversely, if the model is found to be inadequate, it is abandoned, and the clinical study continues using only human patients in a second cohort. Compared to other frameworks described in the literature based on Bayesian methods, this approach follows a strict model build-validate-predict structure. It can handle epistemic uncertainties in the model inputs, which is a common trait of models of biomedical systems. Another idea discussed here is that the outputs of engineering models rarely coincide with measures that are the basis for clinical endpoints. This article discusses how the link between the model and clinical measure can be established during the trial.
Effect of the Axial Casing Groove Geometry on the Production and Distribution of Reynolds Stresses in the Tip Region of an Axial Compressor Rotor
Authors: Koley Subhra Shankha , Saraswat Ayush , Chen Huang , Katz Joseph
Published: January 2022

Stereo-PIV data are used for investigating the effect of axial casing groove (ACG) geometry on the distribution, evolution, and production rates of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and Reynolds stresses near a rotor tip. The ACGs delay the onset of stall by entraining the tip leakage vortex (TLV) and cause periodic changes to incidence angle. These effects are decoupled using semicircular, U-shaped, and S-shaped grooves that have similar inlets, but different outflow directions. Most TKE distribution trends can be explained by the local turbulence production rates, elucidating the different mechanisms involved and providing a unique database for turbulence modeling. Interaction of the tip flow with the ACGs modifies the highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous passage turbulence. In all cases, the TKE is high in the TLV center and shear layer connecting the TLV to the rotor tip. At prestall flowrate, TLV entrainment reduces the passage turbulence level, but introduces elevated turbulence in the corner vortex formed at the downstream corner of grooves, and in shear layers developing at the exit from grooves. The location of peaks and the dominant components vary among grooves. Near the best efficiency point, interactions of the TLV with the circumferentially negative outflow from the U and semicircular ACGs generate high turbulence levels, which extend deep into the passage. In contrast, interactions with S grooves are limited, resulting in a substantially lower turbulence level. Accordingly, the S groove maintains the untreated endwall efficiency, while the U and semicircular grooves reduce the peak efficiency.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Performance of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Based on the Magnetic Levitation Concept
Authors: Halawa Taher
Published: January 2022

In this research, a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) design was fabricated and tested. Numerical simulations were conducted to predict the magnetic flux distribution and generated voltage in the axial flux generator. Rare earth magnets were used to generate a repelling force to suspend the turbine rotor in order to minimize friction and increase rotational speed. Axially magnetized disc magnets and specific coils arrangements were set to produce voltage. The performance of the turbine was studied at various rotor rotational speeds ranging from 20 rpm to 200 rpm. Results show that the height of the gap between rotor and stator plates as well as the gap between coils and rotor magnets has a significant influence on the output voltage. The peak voltage was found to be increased by at least 1.3 V for each 1 mm reduction in the gap between coils and rotor magnets. The information provided in this paper may be beneficial for future researches related to efficiency optimization of Maglev wind turbines.