bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis reveals a robust and hierarchical recruitment of the LolA chaperone to the LolCDE lipoprotein transporter
Authors: Lehman Kelly M. , May Kerrie L. , Marotta Julianna , Grabowicz Marcin
Published: November 2023

The outer membrane (OM) is an essential organelle of Gram-negative bacteria. Lipoproteins are key to building the OM, performing essential functions in several OM assembly machines. Lipoproteins mature in the inner membrane (IM) and are then trafficked to the OM. InEscherichia coli, the LolCDE transporter is needed to extract lipoproteins from the IM to begin trafficking. Lipoproteins are then transferred from LolCDE to the periplasmic chaperone LolA which ferries them to the OM for insertion by LolB. LolA recruitment by LolC is an essential trafficking step. Structural and biochemical studies suggested that two regions (termed Hook and Pad) within a periplasmic loop of LolC worked in tandem to recruit LolA, leading to a bipartite model for recruitment. Here, we genetically examine the LolC periplasmic loopin vivousingE. coli. Our findings challenge the bipartite interaction model. We show that while the Hook is essential for lipoprotein traffickingin vivo, lipoproteins are still efficiently trafficked when the Pad residues are inactivated. We show with AlphaFold2 multimer modeling that Hook:LolA interactions are likely universal among diverse Gram-negative bacteria. Conversely, Pad:LolA interactions vary across phyla. Ourin vivodata redefine LolC:LolA recruitment into a hierarchical interaction model. We propose that the Hook is the major player in LolA recruitment, while the Pad plays an ancillary role that is important for efficiency but is ultimately dispensable. Our findings expand the understanding of a fundamental step in essential lipoprotein trafficking and have implications for efforts to develop new antibacterials that target LolCDE.

IMPORTANCE

Resistance to current antibiotics is increasingly common. New antibiotics that target essential processes are needed to expand clinical options. For Gram-negative bacteria, their cell surface— the outer membrane (OM)—is an essential organelle and antibiotic barrier that is an attractive target for new antibacterials. Lipoproteins are key to building the OM. The LolCDE transporter is needed to supply the OM with lipoproteins and has been a focus of recent antibiotic discovery.In vitroevidence recently proposed a two-part interaction of LolC with LolA lipoprotein chaperone (which traffics lipoproteins to the OM) via “Hook” and “Pad” regions. We show that this model does not reflect lipoprotein traffickingin vivo. Only the Hook is essential for lipoprotein trafficking and is remarkably robust to mutational changes. The Pad is non-essential for lipoprotein trafficking but plays an ancillary role, contributing to trafficking efficiency. These insights inform ongoing efforts to drug LolCDE.
C3 and CD47 dependent mechanisms in the refinement of sensory-motor circuits during spinal cord development
Authors: Florez-Paz D , Mentis G.Z.
Published: November 2023

Overground movement in mammals require the timely and appropriate assembly of spinal sensory-motor circuits. Within spinal cord, sensory neurons, spinal interneurons and motor neurons are key players forming intricate neuronal circuits to ensure proper motor control. The formation of neuronal circuits starts at embryonic period and continues into postnatal development. During this process supernumerary synapses are pruned and refinement of immature circuits occurs, making way for emergence of mature circuits. A major aspect of the sensory-motor circuits’ refinement involves the elimination of inappropriate synapses, the molecular mechanisms of which are relatively unknown. We have investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the elimination of inappropriate proprioceptive synapses from motor neurons by focusing on the classical complement proteins C3 and C1q, as well as the integrin associated protein CD47. Using mouse genetics, viral-mediated neuronal map strategies together with physiological, morphological and molecular biology assays, we found that inappropriate synaptic elimination occurs during early development utilizing both C3 and C1q proteins, but importantly and totally unexpectedly, the CD47 protein. Taken together, our study demonstrates that refinement of immature sensory-motor circuits in the spinal cord is mediated by classical complement dependent mechanisms as well as CD47-dependent mechanisms, uncovering a new role for CD47 as a major player in synapse elimination.
Aetiology of vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, and genital ulcer in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Michalow Julia , Walters Magdalene K , Edun Olanrewaju , Wybrant Max , Davies Bethan , Kufa Tendesayi , Mathega Thabitha , Chabata Sungai T , Cowan Frances M , Cori Anne , Boily Marie-Claude , Imai-Eaton Jeffrey W
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Syndromic management is widely used to treat symptomatic sexually transmitted infections in settings lacking aetiologic diagnostics. However, heterogeneity in underlying aetiologies and consequent treatment suitability are uncertain without regular assessment. This systematic review characterised aetiologies for vaginal discharge, urethral discharge, and genital ulcer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Global Health, and Web of Science until July 25, 2022, and grey literature until August 31, 2022, for studies reporting aetiologic diagnoses among symptomatic populations in SSA. We adjusted observations for diagnostic test performance and used generalised linear mixed-effects meta-regressions to estimate aetiologic distributions, trends, and determinants.

Results

Of 4136 identified records, 198 reports were included from 183 studies in 32 countries between 1969 and 2022. In 2015, primary aetiologies for vaginal discharge were candidiasis (69.4% [95% CI:44.1-86.6%], n=50), bacterial vaginosis (50.0% [32.3-67.8%], n=39), chlamydia (16.5% [8.7-29.0%], n=49), and trichomoniasis (12.9% [7.7-20.7%], n=78); for urethral discharge were gonorrhoea (78.8% [70.9-85.1%], n=67) and chlamydia (22.2% [16.0-30.1%], n=48); and for genital ulcer were HSV-2 (56.1% [39.2-71.6%], n=46) and syphilis (7.8% [5.3-11.4%], n=115). Regional variation was marginal. Temporal variation was substantial, particularly for genital ulcer. For each symptom, HIV-status and age were significantly associated with infection diagnoses, although aetiologic hierarchies were largely the same by strata.

Conclusion

Syndrome aetiologies in SSA align with WHO guidelines without strong evidence of contextual or demographic variation, supporting broad guideline applicability. Temporal changes underscore the need for aetiologic re-assessment. STI surveillance using syndrome-based assessments is noncomprehensive and requires studies among symptomatic and asymptomatic populations.

PROSPERO number

CRD42022348045
A DNA methylation haplotype block landscape in human tissues and preimplantation embryos reveals regulatory elements defined by comethylation patterns
Authors: Feng Yan , Zhang Zhiqiang , Hong Yuyang , Ding Yi , Liu Leiqin , Gao Siqi , Fang Hai , Shi Jiantao
Published: November 2023

DNA methylation and associated regulatory elements play a crucial role in gene expression regulation. Previous studies have focused primarily on the distribution of mean methylation levels. Advances in whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) have enabled the characterization of DNA methylation haplotypes (MHAPs), representing CpG sites from the same read fragment on a single chromosome, and the subsequent identification of methylation haplotype blocks (MHBs), in which adjacent CpGs on the same fragment are comethylated. Using our expert-curated WGBS data sets, we report comprehensive landscapes of MHBs in 17 representative normal somatic human tissues and during early human embryonic development. Integrative analysis reveals MHBs as a distinctive type of regulatory element characterized by comethylation patterns rather than mean methylation levels. We show the enrichment of MHBs in open chromatin regions, tissue-specific histone marks, and enhancers, including super-enhancers. Moreover, we find that MHBs tend to localize near tissue-specific genes and show an association with differential gene expression that is independent of mean methylation. Similar findings are observed in the context of human embryonic development, highlighting the dynamic nature of MHBs during early development. Collectively, our comprehensive MHB landscapes provide valuable insights into the tissue specificity and developmental dynamics of DNA methylation.
Crystal structure of S-n-octyl 3-(1-phenylethylidene)dithiocarbazate and of its bis-chelated nickel(II) complex
Authors: Khan Sultana Shakila , Howlader Md. Belayet Hossain , Sheikh Md. Chanmiya , Miyatake Ryuta , Zangrando Ennio , Ansary Md. Rezaul Haque
Published: November 2023

The nitrogen–sulfur Schiff base proligand S-n-octyl 3-(1-phenylethylidene)dithiocarbazate, C17H26N2S2 (HL), was prepared by reaction of S-octyl dithiocarbamate with acetophenone. Treatment of HL with nickel acetate yielded the complex bis[S-n-octyl 3-(1-phenylethylidene)dithiocarbazato]nickel(II), [Ni(C17H25N2S2)2] (NiL
2), which was shown to adopt a tetrahedrally distorted cis-square-planar coordination geometry, with the NiSN planes of the two ligands forming a dihedral angle of 21.66 (6)°. Changes in the geometry of the L ligand upon chelation of Ni2+ are described, involving a ca 180° rotation around the N(azomethine)—C(thiolate) bond.
Renovation in environmental, social and governance (ESG) research: the application of machine learning
Authors: Zhang Abby Yaqing , Zhang Joseph H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become increasingly important in investment decisions, leading to a surge in ESG investing and the rise of sustainable investment assets. Nevertheless, challenges in ESG disclosure, such as quantifying unstructured data, lack of guidelines and comparability, rampantly exist. ESG rating agencies play a crucial role in assessing corporate ESG performance, but concerns over their credibility and reliability persist. To address these issues, researchers are increasingly utilizing machine learning (ML) tools to enhance ESG reporting and evaluation. By leveraging ML, accounting practitioners and researchers gain deeper insights into the relationship between ESG practices and financial performance, offering a more data-driven understanding of ESG impacts on business communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the current research on ESG disclosure and ESG performance disagreement, followed by the review of current ESG research with ML tools in three areas: connecting ML with ESG disclosures, integrating ML with ESG rating disagreement and employing ML with ESG in other settings. By comparing different research's ML applications in ESG research, the authors conclude the positive and negative sides of those research studies.

Findings

The practice of ESG reporting and assurance is on the rise, but still in its technical infancy. ML methods offer advantages over traditional approaches in accounting, efficiently handling large, unstructured data and capturing complex patterns, contributing to their superiority. ML methods excel in prediction accuracy, making them ideal for tasks like fraud detection and financial forecasting. Their adaptability and feature interaction capabilities make them well-suited for addressing diverse and evolving accounting problems, surpassing traditional methods in accuracy and insight.

Originality/value

The authors broadly review the accounting research with the ML method in ESG-related issues. By emphasizing the advantages of ML compared to traditional methods, the authors offer suggestions for future research in ML applications in ESG-related fields.
Leaving no one behind: unveiling gaps in inclusive architecture at the UIA World Congress of architects 2023
Authors: Mohareb Nabil
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This article aims to provide an insightful analysis of the UIA World Congress of Architects held in Copenhagen in 2023. The Congress adopted the aspirational motto “Leave no one behind,” prompting debates on how to realize this vision. Six major congress tracks centered on architecture's function in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each track focused on a particular design challenge: climate adaptation, circular design strategies, community resilience, public health, inclusive built environments and challenging power structures. There were 250 scholarly papers and pre-and-post-events for further debate on the tracks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides an insightful overview of the major panels, analyzes the events' content and analyzes the efficiency of the final ten principles underlining the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, community participation and new design approaches in achieving the SDGs.

Findings

Organizing an inclusive global event is a multifaceted challenge, demanding a careful representation of diverse participants. The selection of an appropriate venue, effective exhibition curation and thoughtful scientific representation play pivotal roles. The exhibition successfully engaged a broad spectrum of attendees. While the structure of six distinct tracks focusing on climate adaptation, resource reevaluation, resilient communities, public health, inclusivity and partnership for change was commendable, an excess of parallel sessions impeded the potential for robust discussions. A more cohesive approach with integrated sessions and flexible timeframes could foster meaningful exchanges, aligning with the essence of the motto “Leave no one behind.” It is suggested to prioritize in-depth engagement over breadth, enabling profound dialogues among stakeholders in shaping the agenda for future congresses.

Originality/value

This paper offers originality through its analysis of the UIA 2023 Congress's major events spotlighting architecture's significance within the UN SDGs. Enriched by the author's active engagement and reflective insights from the event, this paper adds value to the academic dialogue surrounding architecture and sustainable development. Additionally, the insights garnered from this analysis can inform the planning of future congresses and the refinement of guiding principles.
Corporate board, audit committee and earnings manipulation: does the corporate regulation matter? An emerging economy perspective
Authors: Khan Sattar , Kamal Yasir
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the revised Code of Corporate Governance 2017 (CCG-2017) clauses pertaining to board independence, mandatory inclusion of female directors, audit committee (AC) chair independence and directors’ expertise on earnings manipulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an unbalanced panel of 323 listed companies from 2015 to 2019, this study uses panel data regression models with a robust methodology called difference-in-differences to tackle the potential endogeneity.

Findings

This study’s findings show that, as compared to the pre-CCG-2017 period, board- and AC-related variables increased significantly in the post-CCG-2017 period. Furthermore, financial experts on the board and board independence have a negative effect on discretionary accruals (DAs), whereas female directors and DAs are positively related, as is real activity manipulation. The AC-related variables, such as AC independence, expertise in AC, and AC chair independence, are significantly different from the preperiod to the postperiod, whereas their relationship is not according to the hypotheses of the study. Moreover, these results are robust to additional analysis of the alternative proxies for female directorship and the endogeneity problem.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have implications for regulators and practitioners who are concerned with the functions of the board of directors (BOD). The findings of this research study show that earnings management (EM) may be reduced by independent and expert directors. However, board gender diversity is not reducing the EM. Therefore, the decision to appoint female directors to the board should be based on their business and professional attributes rather than simply filling quotas or blindly adhering to regulations. Moreover, the findings of this research may assist the regulator in encouraging listed firms to enhance board governance via independence, diversity and competency, which are useful for effective monitoring.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature by providing the first evidence of country-specific regulation (CCG-2017), concerning the BOD and AC-related clauses on EM in Pakistan, which is missing in the relevant literature general and in Pakistan in particular.
The role of collective learning in building professional learning communities in schools in the Zambezi region of Namibia
Authors: Nkengbeza David , Maemeko Eugene L. , Mashebe Percy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess teachers' and principals' perception towards the role of collective learning (CL) and application in building professional learning communities (PLCs) in schools in one selected circuit in the Zambezi Region.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research method was used, and the data were collected using PLCs’ questionnaires revised for circuit and region in Namibia. A total of 340 teachers and principals in primary, combined and secondary schools were involved in this research. Based on teachers and principals' assessment, high- and low-performing factors of CL are presented and explained.

Findings

The major findings are that the majority of participants either strongly agreed or agreed with almost all the statements. It was only in the statement that “teachers and the broader community role players come together to discuss better ways to solve problems” that a majority of participants disagreed. This research challenges all those involved in building up PLCs to think more about CL when they are in the process of structuring their schools as PLCs.

Originality/value

This article is the original work of these authors and has not been submitted to other journals for publication.
Live streaming shopping as a new retail format: insights from a qualitative study of consumers and retailers
Authors: Picot-Coupey Karine , Bouragba Younes , Collin Lachaud Isabelle , Gallarza Martina G. , Ouazzani Yacine
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Considering the emergence of Live Streaming Shopping (LSS) in Europe and the scant academic coverage it has attracted in terms of characterization, this study's aim is twofold: (1) explore how both consumers and retailers assess the distinctive attributes of LSS in order to identify its characteristics as a new form of commerce, or even retail format, and (2) analyze the motivations of both consumers and retailers for choosing it.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid literature review – bibliometric and structured – summarizes the body of research available on LSS. Considering the research gap and the authors' two research questions, a qualitative methodology was adopted. This incorporates three primary data sets, collected in France from LSS experts, retail managers and consumers over 18 months.

Findings

LSS is a new online retail format, to be added to the range of existing options as it exhibits a typical retailing mix that is substantially different from other formats. From the retailer's perspective, three main motivations are identified while for the consumer, a total of seven motivations to participate in LSS sessions emerged. This new online format appears to be part of the continuum reflecting omnichannel integration.

Research limitations/implications

Once the LSS literature has been further developed, the bibliometric review could be repeated to better map the field within contemporary research.

Practical implications

Today's retailers cannot ignore LSS: it is a multifaceted hybrid format and touchpoint that is part of an omnichannel strategy and through which both quantitative and qualitative objectives can be achieved.

Originality/value

This paper (1) structures the emerging literature on LSS by developing the first hybrid literature review on the topic; (2) substantiates what characterizes LSS as a retail format from the consumer and retailer perspectives and a retail touchpoint in the consumer's omnichannel journey; and (3) proposes a definition of LSS and a research agenda.
What factor is essential in successful crowdfunding: a MULTIMOORA-EDAS approach to explore factors that influence the success of crowdfunding campaigns
Authors: Djimesah Isaac Edem , Zhao Hongjiang , Okine Agnes Naa Dedei , Duah Elijah , Kissi Mireku Kingsford , Adjei Budu Kenneth Wilson
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Due to the high rate of failure of most crowdfunding projects, knowing the most essential factor to obtain funding success on the crowdfunding platform is of great importance for fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform. The purpose of this study is to explore crowdfunding success factors to know the most essential success factor for stakeholders of the crowdfunding platform to make the best decision when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. This study identified and ranked crowdfunding success factors for stakeholders of crowdfunding platforms. Sixteen factors were identified and categorized under five broad headings. These were; project ideas, target capital, track records, geographical proximity and equity.

Design/methodology/approach

To rank the identified crowdfunding success factors and subfactors, this study used the Multi-Objective Optimization Based on Ratio Analysis (MULTIMOORA) integrated with the Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solutions (EDAS).

Findings

Target capital ranked first among the five categories—while duration involved in raising funds ranked first among the sixteen subfactors. An approach for analyzing how each success factor enhances a crowdfunding campaign was developed in this study. This study provides valuable insight to fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform on how funding success can be achieved by knowing which factor to consider essential when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore crowdfunding success factors using the MULTIMOORA-EDAS method. The use of this method will help fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform to know which crowdfunding success factor is essential, thereby aiding fund seekers to make the best decision when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. Also, this study is particularly helpful for business owners, platform operators and policymakers when deciding how to allocate resources, plan campaigns and implement regulations.
The surprising role of audit committee financial experts and the need for more of them to combat financial corruption
Authors: Gorshunov Mikhail
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of audit committee financial experts on the risk of financial corruption in public companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lagged, matched-pairs sample of 352 corporations was utilized to test the study's hypotheses (176 financially corrupt firms plus 176 compliant firms). To uncover financially corrupt firms, 2,895 Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases from the Securities and Exchange Commission were thoroughly evaluated.

Findings

The results show that financial experts on audit committees generally increased financial corruption. However, the impact was reversed when audit committees had three or more financial experts, showing that having at least three financial experts reduced financial corruption.

Originality/value

The study's findings call into question the long-held practice of appointing at least one financial expert to audit committees. This study offers a novel approach to improve corporate oversight and reduce financial corruption by having at least three financial experts on audit committees.
Dimensions of financial inclusion in India: a qualitative analysis of bankers perspective
Authors: Kandpal Vinay
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This qualitative study aims to examine bankers’ perspectives regarding financial inclusion, the challenges it faces and the scope for improvement. This research proposes a financial inclusion model, considering the inputs received by bankers. Financial exclusion of different sections is an issue common to emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for qualitative research were collected through interviews with bank officials. The information was gathered from 32 bankers from India’s several zones (North, South, West and East). The data were collected from bankers from different public and private sector banks. Thematic analysis was performed up to the point of saturation to study the response received from bankers.

Findings

Bank-related issues such as frequent computer problems, network connectivity problems, costs, a shortage of bank branches, fewer transactions through automated teller machines and a shortage of banking staff affect customers’ confidence in formal banking. Banking services are disrupted by a lack of trust in banking correspondents (BCs), as they are not regular employees of banks. Limits on daily transactions discourage high-value customers from using BCs and kiosks. The time spent on administrative formalities impacts customers. Financial inclusion is affected by availability, accessibility, usage and affordability. Digital financial literacy is essential for ease of transaction, but awareness about financial products helps protect customers from cyber scams. The findings of this research would benefit financial institutions globally in developing their businesses and helping to achieve financial inclusion and the United Nation’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Originality/value

This research paper undertakes a qualitative analysis of the views collected from bankers. Bankers are crucial stakeholders in the successful implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Policy of the Government of India. Bankers’ perspectives will be important not only for India and its researchers but also in the global context, as the UN’s SDGs focus on leaving no one behind.
Variable shifts in bird and bat assemblages as a result of reduced‐impact logging revealed after 10 years
Authors: Harris Arianne E. , Maharaj Gyanpriya , Hallett Matthew , Thomas Raquel , Roopsind Anand , O'Shea Brian J. , Bicknell Jake E.
Published: November 2023

Selective logging is the most widespread driver of land‐use change in biodiverse and carbon‐rich tropical forests. However, the effects of selective logging on biodiversity are less than those associated with other drivers of forest degradation. A suite of recent research has shown that reduced‐impact logging (RIL) results in few or no changes to biological assemblages. But because this logging technique is relatively new, most studies have only considered short‐term impacts.

We address this research gap by quantifying changes in biodiversity assemblage as a result of RIL over the longer term. We comprehensively sampled bird and bat assemblages pre‐logged, 1 year after, and 10 years after RIL in Guyana, using a before‐after control‐impact (BACI) sampling design. We compared bird and bat assemblages in each timeframe, and additionally appraised the impact of time since logging, and the number of trees harvested across the suite of species which we further divided between different feeding guilds, disturbance sensitivity and vertical stratification of forest use.

We found that 1 year after logging only minor changes could be detected, but 10 years later richness had slightly declined in some groups, while others had shown complete recovery. Nectivorous and insectivorous birds, and carnivorous bats declined in richness, while carnivorous birds, showed a clear recovery to a state akin to pre‐logging. This indicates that for some niches a subtle, but long‐term relaxation effect may be occurring, whereby extinction debts are realized long after the initial disturbance, while other groups have either recovered or not changed after logging.

Assemblage changes were also predicted by vertical stratification of forest use, with avian species using the understorey and mid–upper levels of the forest being most affected.

Synthesis and applications: Our study demonstrates how best practice forestry and logging can maintain healthy vertebrate populations over the long term. Forestry concessions that adopt techniques of low‐harvest RIL and are managed for their long‐term timber provision through extension of regeneration times beyond 10 years after harvest, are likely to benefit from the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, while also making a valuable contribution to the global conservation estate.
L'impact de la crise russo‐ukrainienne sur les marchés financiers africains
Authors: Gbongue Florent Kanga , Okou Cyrille Gueï , Mezui Cédric Mbeng
Published: November 2023

Les effets de la crise russo‐ukrainienne sur le capital‐risque marché au sens de Bâle II/III, sont quantifiés pour près de 87% de la capitalisation boursière du continent. Notre méthodologie combine le modèle ARMA‐GJR‐GARCH, la théorie des valeurs extrêmes (TVE), la théorie des copules et la simulation, afin de capter les distributions conditionnelles des rendements. Nos résultats révèlent que la crise russo‐ukrainienne constitue un facteur de risque important pour les marchés financiers africains, en ce sens que l'on observe une augmentation des capitaux à risque en période de crise T2 (2022–2023), de l'ordre de 1% à 18% en référence à la distribution normale. Toutefois, l'effet additionnel de cette crise, de l'ordre de 0,05% à 15,07%, est évalué comparativement aux résultats de la période de référence T1 (2017–2019). A cet effet, cette étude plaide pour des mesures visant à atténuer le risque de marché, notamment la diversification des produits financiers et instruments de couverture, ainsi que le renforcement de la base des investisseurs locaux, qui participe à la stabilité des marchés financiers africains.
Negation in Contact: French and Occitan
Authors: Bach Xavier C. A.
Published: November 2023

Development of negative markers along the lines of the well‐known Jespersen's Cycle occurred in a wide number of languages. This article investigates the possibility of contact playing a role in such developments in Lengadocian Occitan. The evolution of negation in Lengadocian Occitan followed two main lines. It first developed a postverbal negative marker ges, until increased contact with French from the fifteenth century onwards meant that the language initially adopted the two main postverbal negative markers of French pas and point, in the form of their cognates pas and ponch. In the early modern period (fifteenth to eighteenth century), prolonged contact with French was a key factor in the ultimate selection of pas as the sole postverbal marker. But the pace of grammaticalisation of this marker in Occitan was quicker and went further than in French, in that from the eighteenth century pas is often the sole negative marker, and that it starts early on to appear together with negative polarity items. This means that when the preverbal negative marker disappears, negative concord is maintained, contrary to modern spoken French.
Non‐destructive optical sensing technologies for advancing the egg industry toward Industry 4.0: A review
Authors: Ahmed Md Wadud , Hossainy Sahir Junaid , Khaliduzzaman Alin , Emmert Jason Lee , Kamruzzaman Mohammed
Published: November 2023

The egg is considered one of the best sources of dietary protein, and has an important role in human growth and development. With the increase in the world's population, per capita egg consumption is also increasing. Ground‐breaking technological developments have led to numerous inventions like the Internet of Things (IoT), various optical sensors, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing, transforming the conventional industry into a smart and sustainable egg industry, also known as Egg Industry 4.0 (EI 4.0). The EI 4.0 concept has the potential to improve automation, enhance biosecurity, promote the safeguarding of animal welfare, increase intelligent grading and quality inspection, and increase efficiency. For a sustainable Industry 4.0 transformation, it is important to analyze available technologies, the latest research, existing limitations, and prospects. This review examines the existing non‐destructive optical sensing technologies for the egg industry. It provides information and insights on the different components of EI 4.0, including emerging EI 4.0 technologies for egg production, quality inspection, and grading. Furthermore, drawbacks of current EI 4.0 technologies, potential workarounds, and future trends were critically analyzed. This review can help policymakers, industrialists, and academicians to better understand the integration of non‐destructive technologies and automation. This integration has the potential to increase productivity, improve quality control, and optimize resource management toward sustainable development of the egg industry.
Efficacy of everolimus‐based therapy in advanced triple‐positive breast cancer: Experience from three cancer centers in China
Authors: Tan Yujing , Jiang Hanfang , Ma Fei , Wang Jiayu , Zhang Pin , Li Qing , Tian Xinzhu , Xu Binghe , Zhao Weihong , Fan Ying
Published: November 2023

Background

Triple‐positive breast cancer (TPBC) is highly invasive and lacks well‐established treatment strategies, especially in patients with advanced stage disease. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of everolimus in patients with metastatic TPBC (mTPBC) in a multicenter real‐world setting.

Methods

A total of 2518 cancer patients who received everolimus‐based therapy were enrolled from three cancer institutes in China from 2014 to 2022. Their clinicopathological characteristics were collected from medical records. The indicators for the efficacy of everolimus were progression‐free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate (CBR).

Results

We collected 79 HER2‐enriched patients that were treated with everolimus‐based therapy, 43 of whom were mTPBC. The most commonly used therapeutic combinations was everolimus plus endocrine therapy (18/43, 41.9%). Among all combinations, everolimus plus chemotherapy plus trastuzumab developed the longest PFS of 10.9 months (95% CI: 1.5–20.3). Seventeen patients (32.6%) with mTPBC received everolimus as frontline treatment (1 L/2 L/3 L, FL), and 26 patients (67.4%) as backline treatment (>3 L, BL). Among all the population, the median PFS for everolimus was 4.5 months (range: 3.0–6.0), ORR was 30.2%, and CBR was 48.8%. PFSFL of 10.9 months was significantly longer than 4.0 months for PFSBL (p = 0.003, HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.67). ORRFL was 41.2%, showing no significance compared to ORRBL of 23.1% (one‐sided p = 0.11). CBRFL was observed better of 76.5% versus CBRBL of 46.2% (one‐sided p = 0.026).

Conclusion

Everolimus as frontline treatment achieves clinical benefits for Chinese patients with mTPBC, which may provide some references for the management of Chinese mTPBC patients.
Aging‐associated decline in vascular smooth muscle cell mechanosensation is mediated by Piezo1 channel
Authors: Luu Ngoc , Bajpai Apratim , Li Rui , Park Seojin , Noor Mahad , Ma Xiao , Chen Weiqiang
Published: November 2023

Aging of the vasculature is associated with detrimental changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mechanosensitivity to extrinsic forces in their surrounding microenvironment. However, how chronological aging alters VSMCs' ability to sense and adapt to mechanical perturbations remains unexplored. Here, we show defective VSMC mechanosensation in aging measured with ultrasound tweezers‐based micromechanical system, force instantaneous frequency spectrum, and transcriptome analyses. The study reveals that aged VSMCs adapt to a relatively inert mechanobiological state with altered actin cytoskeletal integrity, resulting in an impairment in their mechanosensitivity and dynamic mechanoresponse to mechanical perturbations. The aging‐associated decline in mechanosensation behaviors is mediated by hyperactivity of Piezo1‐dependent calcium signaling. Inhibition of Piezo1 alleviates vascular aging and partially restores the loss in dynamic contractile properties in aged cells. Altogether, our study reveals the signaling pathway underlying aging‐associated aberrant mechanosensation in VSMC and identifies Piezo1 as a potential therapeutic mechanobiological target to alleviate vascular aging.
From indirect to direct rule? Transnational policy planning bodies and global governance in the COVID crisis
Authors: van der Pijl Kees
Published: November 2023

The origins of contemporary supra‐national power go back to the second British Empire, which, unlike the first, faced organized labor as a potential revolutionary force. The formation of the Rhodes–Milner Group was meant to better manage the formation of the public mood, and the Boer War in South Africa demanded close integration of imperial affairs. A central figure in the Rhodes–Milner Group, Lord Esher, was also the architect of the Committee of Imperial Defense, created to take up the latter task. Esher's idea of a secretariat confidentially preparing solutions to issues of the day before they emerged in the public domain was introduced into the structure of international organizations after World War I and the Russian Revolution. Escher also laid the foundations of today's model of transnational politics in which groups such as Bilderberg or the Trilateral Commission and many others, shape certain areas of consensus before the public is allowed to make its voice heard. In this process, the circumvention of democracy has assumed the nature of an outright assault on it. In the process the World Economic Forum, formally joining forces with the United Nations, has become the most visible supranational body applying direct rule.
A nationwide birth cohort in Japan showed increased risk of early childhood hospitalisation in infants born small for gestational age
Authors: Ohyama Asami , Matsumoto Naomi , Tamai Kei , Washio Yosuke , Yoshimoto Junko , Yorifuji Takashi , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: November 2023

Aim

To examine associations between children being born small for gestational age and childhood hospitalisation following term and preterm births.

Methods

This study included 34 564 children from a nationwide population‐based longitudinal survey starting in 2010, comprising 32 603 term births and 1961 preterm births. Children's hospitalisation history was examined during two observational periods, 6–18 and 6–66 months of age. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, adjusting for child and parental confounders, with children born appropriate for gestational age as reference.

Results

Children born small for gestational age were more likely to be hospitalised during early childhood than those born appropriate for gestational age. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for hospitalisation from 6 to 66 months of age was 1.19 (1.05–1.34) in term children born small for gestational age and 1.47 (1.05–2.06) for preterm children born small for gestational age, compared with those born appropriate for gestational age. The risk of hospitalisation from 6 to 66 months of age in children born small for gestational age was observed for bronchitis/pneumonia.

Conclusion

We observed the adverse effects of small for gestational age on hospitalisation during early childhood in both term and preterm births, particularly for bronchitis and pneumonia.
Immigrants and trade union membership: Does integration into society and workplace play a moderating role?
Authors: Jima Bedaso Fenet , Jirjahn Uwe
Published: November 2023

We hypothesize that incomplete integration into the workplace and society implies that immigrants are less likely to be union members than natives. Incomplete integration makes the usual mechanism for overcoming the collective action problem less effective. Our empirical analysis with data from the Socio‐Economic Panel confirms a unionization gap for first‐generation immigrants in Germany. Importantly, using the presence of a works council as an indicator of workplace integration and contacts with Germans as an indicator of integration into society, the analysis shows that the immigrant‐native gap in union membership is heterogeneous. The gap is smaller for immigrants working in firms with a works council and having social contacts with Germans. Our analysis also confirms that the gap is decreasing in the years since arrival in Germany.
Longitudinal association of conduct and emotional problems with school exclusion and truancy: A fixed effect analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Villadsen Aase , Cameron Claire , Evans John , Van Herwegen Jo , Hill Vivian , Hurry Jane , Roberts Amelia , Wyse Dominic , Johansen Thure
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a need for causally stronger research on the association between child mental health and school exclusion and truancy. This study examines school exclusion and truancy in relation to both conduct and emotional problems and considers these problems both as predictors and as outcomes of school exclusion and truancy.

Method

The sample included 15,236 individuals from the Millennium Cohort Study, a UK longitudinal birth cohort study. Conduct and emotional problems were assessed from childhood to adolescence (age 7, 11, 14 and 17 years), and reports of school exclusion and truancy were collected at age 11 and 14. Fixed effect analyses were used.

Results

Increases in conduct problems and emotional symptoms were associated with subsequent exclusion (OR 1.22, [95% CI 1.08–1.37] and OR 1.16, [1.05–1.29], respectively). Emotional symptoms, but not conduct problems, predicted truancy (OR 1.17, [1.07–1.29]). These estimates were similar for males and females. Exclusion was associated with an increase in conduct problems at age 14 (0.50, [0.30–0.69]), and for males, it was associated with an increase in emotional symptoms both at age 14 (0.39, [0.12–0.65]) and 17 (0.43, [0.14–0.72]). Truancy was associated with an increase in conduct problems at age 14 (0.41, [0.28–0.55]), and for females also at age 17 (0.22, [0.03–0.42]), and it was associated with increased emotional symptoms at age 14 (0.43, [0.25–0.62]) and 17 (0.44, [0.21–0.66]), which was similar for males and females.

Conclusion

Results indicate a bidirectional association between emotional symptoms and school exclusion and truancy, as an increase in these symptoms was associated with later truancy and exclusion, and emotional symptoms increased following both school events. For conduct problems, the association was bidirectional for school exclusion, but unidirectional for truancy as these symptoms did not lead to truancy, but an increase in conduct problems was observed after both exclusion and truancy.
Associations between urbanization and the home language environment: Evidence from a LENA study in rural and peri‐urban China
Authors: Ma Yue , Zhang Xinwu , Pappas Lucy , Rule Andrew , Gao Yujuan , Dill Sarah‐Eve , Feng Tianli , Zhang Yue , Wang Hong , Cunha Flavio , Rozelle Scott
Published: November 2023

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, urbanization has spurred the expansion of peri‐urban communities, or urban communities of formerly rural residents with low socioeconomic status. The growth of these communities offers researchers an opportunity to measure the associations between the level of urbanization and the home language environment (HLE) among otherwise similar populations. Data were collected in 2019 using Language Environment Analysis observational assessment technology from 158 peri‐urban and rural households with Han Chinese children (92 males, 66 females) aged 18–24 months in China. Peri‐urban children scored lower than rural children in measures of the HLE and language development. In both samples, child age, gender, maternal employment, and sibling number were positively correlated with the HLE, which was in turn correlated with language development.
Single crowns in the posterior maxilla supported by either 11‐mm long implants with sinus floor augmentation or by 6‐mm long implants: A 10‐year randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guljé Felix L. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Gareb Barzi , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare the clinical performance of single crowns in the posterior maxilla supported by either 11‐mm long implants combined with maxillary sinus floor augmentation (MSFA) surgery or by 6‐mm long implants during a 10‐year follow‐up period.

Materials and Methods

Subjects were randomly allocated to receive one 11‐mm long implant in combination MFSA or to receive one 6‐mm long implant without any grafting. Twenty‐one implants in 20 patients were placed in the 6‐mm group and 20 implants in 18 patients were placed in the 11‐mm group. Both groups were followed by clinical and radiographic examinations up to 10 years. Patients' satisfaction was also scored before treatment.

Results

Two patients died and eight patients moved during the follow‐up. Two patients lost an implant in the 6‐mm group and one implant was lost in the 11‐mm group (implant survival 89.5% and 90.9%, respectively). From loading to 10 years' follow‐up, mean ± SE marginal bone loss in the 6‐mm group and 11‐mm group was 0.18 ± 0.10 mm and 0.26 ± 0.12 mm, respectively, without a significant difference between the groups at 10 years (p = .650). In both groups, indices scores for plaque, calculus, gingiva and bleeding were low as well as mean pocket probing depth. Patients' satisfaction at 10 years was high in both groups; mean overall satisfaction in the 6‐mm group and 11‐mm group was 9.6 ± 0.6 and 9.2 ± 0.8, respectively (p = .168).

Conclusions

Placement of 6‐mm implants or 11‐mm implants combined MFSA are equally successful during a 10‐year follow‐up period when applied for supporting a single restoration.