bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambiguous structure determination from powder data: four different structural models of 4,11-difluoroquinacridone with similar X-ray powder patterns, fit to the PDF, SSNMR and DFT-D
Authors: Schlesinger Carina , Fitterer Arnd , Buchsbaum Christian , Habermehl Stefan , Chierotti Michele R. , Nervi Carlo , Schmidt Martin U.
Published: May 2022

Four different structural models, which all fit the same X-ray powder pattern, were obtained in the structure determination of 4,11-difluoroquinacridone (C20H10N2O2F2) from unindexed X-ray powder data by a global fit. The models differ in their lattice parameters, space groups, Z, Z′, molecular packing and hydrogen bond patterns. The molecules form a criss-cross pattern in models A and B, a layer structure built from chains in model C and a criss-cross arrangement of dimers in model D. Nevertheless, all models give a good Rietveld fit to the experimental powder pattern with acceptable R-values. All molecular geometries are reliable, except for model D, which is slightly distorted. All structures are crystallochemically plausible, concerning density, hydrogen bonds, intermolecular distances etc. All models passed the checkCIF test without major problems; only in model A a missed symmetry was detected. All structures could have probably been published, although 3 of the 4 structures were wrong. The investigation, which of the four structures is actually the correct one, was challenging. Six methods were used: (1) Rietveld refinements, (2) fit of the crystal structures to the pair distribution function (PDF) including the refinement of lattice parameters and atomic coordinates, (3) evaluation of the colour, (4) lattice-energy minimizations with force fields, (5) lattice-energy minimizations by two dispersion-corrected density functional theory methods, and (6) multinuclear CPMAS solid-state NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 19F) including the comparison of calculated and experimental chemical shifts. All in all, model B (perhaps with some disorder) can probably be considered to be the correct one. This work shows that a structure determination from limited-quality powder data may result in totally different structural models, which all may be correct or wrong, even if they are chemically sensible and give a good Rietveld refinement. Additionally, the work is an excellent example that the refinement of an organic crystal structure can be successfully performed by a fit to the PDF, and the combination of computed and experimental solid-state NMR chemical shifts can provide further information for the selection of the most reliable structure among several possibilities.
Crystal structure and fluorescence of 1-[8-phenyl-9-(phenylethynyl)-4H-benzo[def]carbazol-4-yl]ethan-1-one
Authors: Hsiao Huan-Chang , Chen Pei-Lin , Chuang Shih-Ching
Published: May 2022

The crystal of the title compound, C60H38N2O2, which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, was obtained by thermal evaporation of a 1:1 dichloromethane and hexanes solution of the pure compound. The crystal structure is stabilized by π–π interactions between benzo[def]carbazole moieties and carbonyl–carbonyl interactions between the two acetyl groups.
Tax service quality for enterprises: development of a valid measurement scale
Authors: Au Lien Thi Nguyet , Hoang Hung Trong , Ho Lan Thi Huong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Measuring tax service quality is important as it may contribute to sustainable tax management. This study aims to develop and validate a scale that measures tax service quality for enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed method consisting of three focus groups with 25 participants in charge of the management of tax service for item generation, a survey of 121 enterprises for scale purification and a survey of 362 enterprises in Vietnam for main study. The scale development is tested through three important steps including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings reveal that the scale of tax service quality for enterprises is represented by 13 items comprising two dimensions: responsiveness and professionalism.

Practical implications

This scale can be used by tax management authorities as a convenient tool to understand and measure tax service quality.

Originality/value

Empirical studies on the measurement of tax service quality are scarce. Most studies have focused on tax service quality for individual taxpayers. There is an absence of research on a process for the development and validation of a specific, orthodox scale of tax service quality for enterprises.
The main risk factors for rural innovation in Europe: an analysis of 200 case studies
Authors: Díaz-Puente José M. , Martín-Fernández Susana , Suárez Diego , De Castro-Muñoz Verónica , Bettoni Maddalena
Published: May 2022

Purpose

European rural development programmes are driving multi-actor interactive innovation initiatives and alliances to create an environment in which innovation acts as a tool for accelerating rural development processes. In Europe, where rural areas are facing many challenges, identifying which challenges, difficulties, obstacles or risk factors that interactive innovation projects have had to face in rural areas while being planned and set up would be interesting. The objective of this research work was to, therefore, identify and analyse the risk factors of 200 rural projects and initiatives that were selected as case studies from the whole of Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The employed methodology consisted in conducting interviews to subsequently perform statistical independence analyses of the qualitative variables characterising the found projects and risk factors.

Findings

The findings indicated that most of the risks that rural projects and initiatives faced were related to the social domain which was, in turn, the fundamental pillar of interactive innovation. Dependence was found between social risk factors appearing and the innovation type carried out; the risk factors corresponding to the political–legal risks category and the project or initiative coordinating country; and the economic–technical risks category and the initiatives' geographic magnitude.

Originality/value

This paper exposes the main risks identified within various rural innovation initiatives and projects around Europe. For this purpose, a statistical analysis of independence was performed, allowing us to generate reliable and accurate results of the main risks associated with certain descriptive characteristics (coordinating region, domain, innovation type, gender balance and geographic magnitude) of the initiatives studied.
Jordanian women expatriates: additional challenges for global equality
Authors: Elkouz Rania , Bastida Maria , El-Husseini Rola
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the main reasons that limit Jordanian women from undertaking expatriation, based on the assumption that Arab women’s opportunities for international engagement may be compromised by local cultural and institutional issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectoral survey with 60 Jordanian expatriates (30 women and 20 men) located in EU countries and the UK is used to better explore Eastern women perceptions.

Findings

Company’s resistance, a lack of support mechanisms, safety in the destination country and family commitments play a major role in hindering Jordanian women opportunities to be assigned abroad, echoing the commonly recognized barriers identified in previous research. Additionally, the culture of the home country and prejudice toward foreigners act as an additional barrier for women professional development.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study lies in the data collection instrument, that is, the survey. Larger samples are needed to extend these results. The second limitation is that the potential effects of gender differences cannot be examined because the number of men in the sample was small.

Practical implications

The findings bring evidence that could be used by organizations to understand the barriers Jordanian expatriate women face and take informed action to tackle them. Meanwhile, more research on Middle Eastern female roles and views is needed to reduce stereotyping against them. Similarly, regional studies can be an opportunity for future development to identify the impact of the regional context.

Social implications

This research highlights the intertwining of religious and cultural values in influencing Arabic women’s experience in international assignments and thus, would enhance readers’ understanding of women’s career progression in a new context.

Originality/value

This research shows that socio-cultural and political realities need more space in discussions about expatriation. Specifically, the expatriation literature needs more scrutiny and problematizing of the lived experiences of women expatriates from the Global South.
Can an angry pedagogical agent enhance mental effort and learning performance in a multimedia learning environment?
Authors: Liew Tze Wei , Tan Su-Mae , Kew Si Na
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine if a pedagogical agent’s expressed anger, when framed as a feedback cue, can enhance mental effort and learning performance in a multimedia learning environment than expressed happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experiment was conducted in which learners engaged with a multimedia learning material that taught programming algorithms, featuring a pedagogical agent who expressed anger or happiness as a feedback cue in response to the learners’ prior performance. Learners completed a self-reported scale and post-test for measuring mental effort and learning performance, respectively.

Findings

Female learners reported higher mental effort and had better learning performance when the pedagogical agent expressed anger than happiness. Male learners reported marginally lower mental effort when the pedagogical agent expressed anger than happiness.

Originality/value

This study focuses on a pedagogical agent’s expressed emotion as social information to learners. Extending from research advocating a pedagogical agent’s positive emotional expression, this study highlights the potential benefits of a pedagogical agent’s negative emotional expression, such as anger, as a cue for learners to enhance learning effort and performance in a multimedia learning environment.
Expatriate childhood as the first domino: does early international exposure lead to a later international career?
Authors: Caselius Mireka , Mäkelä Liisa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper looks to study how adult third culture kids (ATCKs) perceive that their childhood international experience is linked to their career interests and choices in later adult life.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study is based on 34 semi-structured interviews analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The authors adopted social cognitive career theory as a theoretical framework for the work.

Findings

The findings indicate that regardless of the ATCKs field of expertise, their international childhood links to various international exposures and work experiences already in their early career. ATCK background can also be interpreted as an essential facet that promotes significant interest towards international roles, work tasks and careers because they are familiar with a globally mobile lifestyle. A global childhood was represented as a phenomenon that fosters stress tolerance, and ATCKs' unique international capabilities were perceived as an advantage for employment. The authors also found that they tended to set high goals for themselves in terms of education and career, in order to pursue high-end international positions.

Practical implications

ATCKs' value interpretations of their strengths, skills and knowledge highly relate to working in an international setup. When applying for jobs, ATCKs could find it beneficial to highlight their early international experiences and explain why this is valuable experience for organizations that are seeking highly educated, globally competent, and flexible employees. Also, information about ATCKs could be included in international business course curricula, in order to foster an increased recognition of the value and benefits of hiring individuals with a TCK background.

Originality/value

This paper is the first qualitative study which empirically examines ATCKs' longer term career interests and career decisions among individuals with adult work experience. This study contributes to the knowledge about how early life international experiences are interpreted in the context of work-life decisions from a social cognitive perspective.
Dimensional accuracy and surface finish of 3D printed polyurethane (PU) dog-bone samples optimally manufactured by fused deposition modelling (FDM)
Authors: Nugroho Wendy Triadji , Dong Yu , Pramanik Alokesh
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dimensional accuracy consisting of thickness, grip section width, full length, circularity, cylindricity and surface finish of printed polyurethane dog-bone samples based on American Society for Testing and Materials D638 type V standard, which were optimally printed by fused deposition modelling (FDM).

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental approach focuses on determining main effects of printing parameters, including nozzle temperature, infill percentage, print speed and layer height on dimensional error and surface finish of the printed samples, followed by the confirmation tests to warrant the reproducibility of experimental results.

Findings

This study shows that layer height has the most significant impact on dimensional accuracy and surface finish of printed samples compared to other printing parameters, whereas infill density has no significant effect on all sample dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive study relating to various dimensional accuracies in terms of full length, grip section width, thickness, circularity, cylindricity and surface finish of dog-bone samples printed by FDM to improve the printability and processibility via additive manufacturing.
Functional impact and trophic morphology of small, sand‐sifting fishes on coral reefs
Authors: Brodnicke Ole Bjørn , Hansen Camilla Elisabeth , Huie Jonathan Michael , Brandl Simon Johannes , Worsaae Katrine
Published: May 2022

Oligotrophic tropical coral reefs are built on efficient internal energy and nutrient cycling, facilitated by tight trophic interactions. In the competition for available prey, some small fishes have evolved to feed on apparently barren sand patches that connect hard‐substratum patches in many reef habitats.

One strategy for obtaining prey from a particulate matrix is to sift out small prey items from the sediment (often called ‘winnowing’). Yet, the trophic link between small winnowing consumers and their prey are poorly resolved, let alone the morphological specialisations that enable this foraging behaviour.

We used aquarium‐based feeding experiments to quantify the impact of winnowing by two sand‐dwelling goby species (Valenciennea sexguttata and Valenciennea strigata) on meiobenthos abundance and diversity and examined their actual ingestion of meiobenthos using gut content analysis. To identify potential morphological structures involved in winnowing, we investigated the gobies' feeding apparatus with electron microscopy (SEM) and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).

After 4 days of sifting through the sand matrix, the two species significantly reduced meiobenthic prey abundance by 30.7% ± 9.2 SE (V. sexguttata) and 46.1% ± 5.1 SE (V. strigata), but had little impact on the meiobenthic diversity. The most abundant prey groups (copepods and annelids) experienced the greatest reduction in number, suggesting selection by size, shape and density of prey items. Furthermore, gut content analysis confirmed that winnowing gobies can efficiently separate meiobenthic prey from heavier inorganic particles (sand), likely facilitated by a specialised epibranchial lobe, pharyngeal jaws and highly abundant papillose taste buds in the oropharyngeal cavity.

Our results provide important background on the trophic link between the meiobenthos and winnowing gobies on coral reefs. The revealed specialisations of the goby feeding apparatus facilitate sand‐sifting foraging behaviour and access to an otherwise inaccessible trophic niche of microscopic prey. By having evolved a specialised strategy to obtain nutritious and highly abundant prey from seemingly barren sand, we suggest that winnowing gobies act as an important conduit for sand‐derived energy to higher trophic levels.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Scale‐dependent species–area relationship: Niche‐based versus stochastic processes in a typical subtropical forest
Authors: Ren Haibao , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Mi Xiangcheng , Lutz James A. , Zhou Jinxing , Ma Keping
Published: May 2022

Determining the patterns and drivers of the small‐scale species–area relationship (SAR) is crucial for improving our understanding of community assembly and biodiversity patterns. Niche‐based and stochastic processes are two principal categories of mechanisms potentially driving SARs. However, their relative importance has rarely been quantified rigorously owing to scale dependence and the simplified niche volumes often used.

In a fully mapped, 24‐hm2 plot of a typical subtropical forest, we built the SARs and well‐defined niche hyper‐volumes of a broad range of environmental variables at scales of 10–70 m (cell sizes). We then simulated passive sampling and partitioned the variances of the SAR slopes to disentangle these two contrasting mechanisms.

We found that the small‐scale SAR best followed a power‐law relationship, consistent with large‐scale SARs. The SAR slope declined with increasing scale; it was lower than expected under passive sampling at scales below 30 m and higher at larger scales. Environmental niches explained more (39%–64%) of the slope at larger scales, exceeding 50% at scales >30 m, and these niches always captured the majority of the structured slopes. Environmental position (environmental mean values) effects were steady in absolute strength across scales and explained most (98%–68%) of the niche effect, but this proportion decreased with increasing scale. The effect of environmental heterogeneity increased with spatial scales, starting to rise at the 30 m scale after controlling for environmental position. Excluding soil properties from analyses strongly reduced these niche effects, highlighting the importance of soils for structuring the small‐scale SAR. There was also substantial stochasticity in the SAR slopes, which was only partially explained by passive sampling.

Synthesis. Our results show that the small‐scale SAR in the studied subtropical forest follows a power law, exhibits a scale shift in SAR slope at 30 m, and is strongly shaped by niche effects that are dominated by environmental position relative to heterogeneity. However, soil heterogeneity controls the increase in niche effect and the shift in the SAR slope with increasing spatial scales. Hence, edaphic factors can be responsible for scale dependence in small‐scale SARs, thereby linking small‐scale and large‐scale SARs.
Upslope release—Downslope receipt? Multi‐year plant uptake of permafrost‐released nitrogen along an arctic hillslope
Authors: Pedersen Emily P. , Elberling Bo , Michelsen Anders
Published: May 2022

As arctic permafrost continues to thaw, previously inaccessible nitrogen (N) becomes available to N‐limited arctic plants. Increased N availability could enhance plant growth and thereby potentially offset climate‐induced carbon release. Arctic plants can take up newly available permafrost‐N locally upon release. However, in a topographically diverse arctic landscape, permafrost‐N may be transported along hillslopes, away from the point‐of‐release. The extent to which topographical N transport can impact arctic vegetation change depends on whether N is retained locally, captured by downslope recipient plant communities, or transported away.

We used stable isotope labelling (15N) to simulate upslope release of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) from thawing permafrost on an arctic hillslope, western Greenland. We tracked the plant species‐specific uptake of simulated permafrost‐released N from the upslope point‐of‐release to the bottom of the slope through 4 years.

We found that arctic tundra plants successfully acquired locally released permafrost‐N, even in sloping terrain, and that N was strongly retained in the plant–soil system through multiple years. At the same time, we also importantly demonstrate that permafrost‐N can be transported and taken up by plants up to 30 m downslope from the point‐of‐release. Especially NO3− was more easily redistributed vertically within the soil column compared to NH4+ and therefore potentially more accessible to plants. Specifically, plant species with fast N uptake capacity and deep‐soil foraging strategies may have competitive advantages for capitalising on deep‐soil released and topographically transported permafrost‐N (here exemplified by Equisetum arvense and Salix glauca). Nevertheless, even mosses gained access to permafrost‐N via vertical and lateral redistribution on the slope. Ultimately, the intricate balance between strong local N retention, downslope transport and plant species‐specific uptake strategies may contribute to shaping arctic vegetation change.

Synthesis. Across spatially complex arctic ecosystems, arctic plants can take up permafrost‐released N both at the local point‐of‐release and at a considerable distance downslope. The potential for arctic plants to take advantage of topographically transported permafrost‐N could lead to long‐term and landscape‐scale changes in species composition, plant productivity, and ultimately carbon and climate feedbacks across the Arctic.
Peritoneal dialysis in Dalmatian County, Croatia: 21 years of a single‐center experience
Authors: Grubić Marina , Vuković Miro , Radić Josipa
Published: May 2022

Introduction

With end‐stage renal disease becoming more prevalent, the importance of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is expected to rise even more. However, CAPD is associated with several infections with peritonitis being of the biggest importance.

Methods

We collected data regarding acute peritonitis episodes (APEs), date of birth and CAPD start, BMI, diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence, year of renal disease discovery, and details about renal replacement therapies. Primary outcomes included death, transplantation, and a switch to hemodialysis (HD).

Results

Hundred and twenty‐nine men and 123 women were analyzed. 63 patients had DM. The median age at the start of CAPD was 56. The median length of CAPD treatment was 24 months. In the end, 147 patients were still alive of which 97 were transplanted, 33 were on CAPD, and 26 were switched to HD. A total of 327 APE were observed.

Conclusion

Although the incidence is decreasing, efforts are required to enhance the prevention and treatment of APE.
Mandatory Disclosure of Engagement Partner Identity: Insights from Practice*
Authors: Brown Veena L. , Gissel Jodi L. , Vitalis Adam
Published: May 2022

This study uses semistructured interviews to gain insights from 19 practicing Canadian audit partners into the practical implications of the engagement partner identity mandate requiring firms to disclose the identity of the engagement partner(s) auditing Canadian publicly traded companies. Building on prior literature that suggests accountability can reach a ceiling, we explore whether audit partners perceive incremental increases in accountability pressures to be effective in increasing audit quality. Based on the existing literature, we propose a nonlinear relation between accountability and performance (audit quality, in the current context), reflecting this ceiling effect. We find partners believe they are reaching, or are at, a ceiling level of accountability and that further initiatives to increase their accountability are ineffective in eliciting procedural changes in the audit or the audit's outcome. Contrary to regulators' motives for the disclosure, our interviewed partners do not believe the transparency of publicly disclosing their names will further increase their level of accountability or overall audit quality. We document that one possible reason for the disconnect is that partners are less concerned with managing external reputation than with managing internal reputation, which they believe has a more direct impact on their careers. We also discuss partners' perceptions of the required disclosure's impact on individual reputations, client risk choices, personal safety, and partner recruitment. We offer suggestions for future research building on the partners' insights.
Rainforest conversion to cash crops reduces abundance, biomass and species richness of parasitoid wasps in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Azhar Azru , Hartke Tamara R. , Böttges Laura , Lang Tizian , Larasati Anik , Novianti Nurul , Tawakkal Iqbal , Hidayat Purnama , Buchori Damayanti , Scheu Stefan , Drescher Jochen
Published: May 2022

Parasitoid wasps affect herbivory in natural and agricultural ecosystems, including cash crops. The impacts of rainforest transformation to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities are poorly understood.

We collected canopy arthropods, once each in dry season and rainy season, via canopy fogging in four land‐use systems in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia: Rainforest, jungle rubber (extensive rubber cultivation) and plantations of rubber and oil palm.

The combined abundance and richness of six parasitoid wasp families, and Braconidae individually, was twice as high in rainforest as in rubber and oil palm plantations, and intermediary in jungle rubber. There was a significant positive correlation between combined abundance of six parasitoid wasp families, and abundances of potential hosts from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. Braconid biomass tended to be highest in rainforest and lowest in oil palm plantations, and Braconid communities in oil palm differed from those in the other land uses. Both patterns were influenced by season.

Our study details the effects of rainforest conversion to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities, and provides first insights on the influence of rainfall seasonality on their abundance, biomass, species richness and community composition in Southeast Asian agricultural landscapes.
Pregnancy outcomes following periconceptional or gestational exposure to ustekinumab: Review of cases reported to the manufacturer's global safety database
Authors: Mahadevan Uma , Naureckas Saule , Tikhonov Ilia , Wang Yiting , Lin Connie B. , Geldhof Anja , van der Woude C. Janneke
Published: May 2022

Background

Ustekinumab, a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits interleukin (IL)‐12/IL‐23, is indicated for multiple immune‐mediated diseases. Ustekinumab is actively transported across the placenta and theoretically could impact pregnancy outcomes. Limited data on pregnancy outcomes with ustekinumab exposure are available.

Aim

To assess pregnancy outcomes in patients exposed to ustekinumab during pregnancy

Methods

Cumulative data on medically confirmed ustekinumab‐exposed pregnancies from the manufacturer's Global Safety Database were summarised. Descriptive data for pregnancy outcomes were presented overall and by patient subgroups.

Results

As of 31 August 2020, 408 medically confirmed, prospective, maternal ustekinumab‐exposed pregnancies with reported outcomes were identified. The mean maternal age was 31 years. Of the 420 pregnancy outcomes (including 4 sets of twins),a,b 340 (81%) were live births, 51 (12.1%) spontaneous abortions, 25 (6%) elective/induced abortions, 3 (0.7%) stillbirths and 1 (0.2%) ongoing pregnancy with foetal congenital anomaly (CA). Among 340 live births, 33 (9.7%) were born pre‐term. The rate of major CAs was similar by indication (Crohn's disease vs psoriasis), ustekinumab dose (45 mg vs 90 mg) and timing and duration of maternal exposure to ustekinumab. Prospective outcomes of pregnancies with paternal periconceptional ustekinumab exposure (n = 87) included 92% live births (1.2% major CA), 5.7% spontaneous abortions and 2.3% elective/induced abortions.

Conclusions

Rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes or CAs with ustekinumab exposure were consistent with rates reported for the US general population and do not suggest a higher risk associated with maternal or paternal exposure to ustekinumab.
Population structure and morphology of Canarium (Canarium) incisum and Canarium (Canarium) esculentum (Mollusca: Neostromboidae: Strombidae) from the Philippines with preliminary notes on aperture colouration based on DArTseq data
Authors: Maxwell Stephen J. , Todd Stephanie J. , Rymer Tasmin L.
Published: May 2022

Canarium (Canarium) incisum and Canarium (Canarium) esculentum are small members of the molluscan Strombidae family. Little is known of their population structure. Therefore, we explored this using samples from a population of each. The first sample from Corong Corong Beach, El Nido, Philippines, consisted of 81 adult C. incisum, of which 33 were female and 48 were male. The second sample from Olango Island, Philippines consisted of 73 adult C. esculentum, of which 40 were female and 33 were male. Bias in sex ratio between species was not significant. However, there was bias in sex ratio within species, where males from both species were smaller in axial length than females. We found no evidence of pseudohermaphroditism. The black colouration of the aperture is a phenotype shared by many stromboidians, and 7.4% of C. incisum population exhibited this trait, while the C. esculentum population contained 50.1% black apertures specimens. Preliminary DArTseq analysis indicates that organisms with the black aperture colouration are nested within the populations. Our study fills a knowledge gap on C. incisum and C. esculentum population structure, and gives greater insights to size dynamics of stromboidian taxa in general.
Systematic analysis of critical genes and pathways identified a signature of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Zefu , Bai Huiying , Zhang Ruoyu , Chen Bohan , Wang Junmin , Xue Bohan , Ren Xiuhua , Wang Jiarui , Jia Yanjie , Zang Weidong , Wang Jian , Chen Xuemei
Published: May 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) damages sensory systems, producing chronic neuropathic pain that is resistant to medical treatment. The specific mechanisms underlying SCI‐induced neuropathic pain (SCI‐NP) remain unclear, and protein biomarkers have not yet been integrated into diagnostic screening. To better understand the host molecular pathways involved in SCI‐NP, we used the bioinformatics method, the PubMed database and bioinformatics methods to identify target genes and their associated pathways. We reviewed 2504 articles on the regulation of SCI‐NP and used the text mining of PubMed database abstracts to determine associations among 12 pathways and networks. Based on this method, we identified two central genes in SCI‐NP: interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were used to build the SCI‐NP models. The threshold for paw withdrawal was significantly reduced in the SCI group, and TLR4 was activated in microglia after SCI. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA) analysis of TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels was significantly higher in the SCI group than in the sham group. Western blot showed that expressions of the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB inflammatory pathway protein increased dramatically in the SCI group. Using the TLR4 inhibitor TAK‐242, the pain threshold and expressions of inflammatory factors and proteins of the proteins of the inflammatory signal pathway were reversed, TLR4 in microglia was suppressed, suggesting that SCI‐NP was related to neuroinflammation mediated by the TLR4 signalling pathway. In conclusion, we found that TNF‐α and IL‐6 were the neuroinflammation‐related genes involved in SCI‐NP that can be alleviated by inhibiting the inflammatory pathway upstream of the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB inflammatory pathway.
Daytime warming triggers tree growth decline in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Tao Wenjing , Mao Kangshan , He Jiang , Smith Nicholas G. , Qiao Yuxin , Guo Jing , Yang Hongjun , Wang Wenzhi , Liu Jianquan , Chen Lei
Published: May 2022

Global warming has been linked to declines in tree growth. However, it is unclear how the asymmetry in daytime and nighttime warming influences this response. Here, we use 2947 residual tree‐ring width chronologies covering 32 species at 2493 sites, between 1901 and 2018, across the Northern Hemisphere, to analyze the effects of daytime and nighttime temperatures, precipitation, and drought stress on the radial growth of trees. We show that drought stress was primarily triggered by daytime rather than nighttime warming. The radial growth of trees was more sensitive to drought stress in warm regions than in cold regions, especially for angiosperms. Our study provides robust evidence that daytime warming is the primary driver of the observed declines in forest productivity related to drought stress and that daytime and nighttime warming should be considered separately when modelling forest–climate interactions and feedbacks in a future, warmer world.
Biocharsupply‐chainand challenges to commercialization
Authors: Zilberman David , Laird David , Rainey Coleman , Song Jie , Kahn Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Produced through pyrolysis, biochars are used as a soil amendment. Differences in feedstock and processing result in differentiated products which impact their values in different soil conditions. Despite the enormous potential, biochars have not been widely used. This paper overviews the benefits and potential demand for biochar and features of supply chain, and identifies opportunities for viable introduction of biochars. The value of biochars should be evaluated as a part of the pyrolysis system that coproduces biochars and biofuels. Biochars can improve agricultural productivity and soil functioning and contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Furthermore, it can provide extra benefit by contributing to fire prevention. The cost of biochar system depends on the costs of feedstock acquisition, transportation, and processing. Biochar is most likely to be adopted in locations with marginal land and high‐value crop, and near low‐cost feedstock sources. The adoption of biochar can be enhanced by compensation for carbon sequestration, further investment in research, and learning of producers to enhance efficiency of the supply chain.
Flight characteristics forecast entry by eagles into rotor‐swept zones of wind turbines
Authors: Rolek Brian W. , Braham Melissa A. , Miller Tricia A. , Duerr Adam E. , Katzner Todd E. , McCabe Jennifer D. , Dunn Leah , McClure Christopher J. W.
Published: May 2022

Operators of wind power facilities can mitigate wildlife mortality by slowing or stopping wind turbines (hereafter ‘curtail’) when birds are at an increased risk of collision. Some facility operators curtail when individual birds have flight characteristics (e.g. altitude, distance or relative bearing of a bird's flight path) that exceed some threshold value, but thresholds currently in use have not been empirically evaluated. Overly restrictive thresholds can cause turbine curtailment for birds that never enter rotor‐swept zones, thereby resulting in excess power loss. We evaluated the probability that birds, specifically eagles, entered the rotor‐swept zone (hereafter ‘entry probability’) in response to their flight characteristics. We used an automated monitoring system to classify individuals as eagles or non‐eagles and record flight paths of purported eagles at a wind facility in Wyoming, USA. We used logistic regression with occupancy dynamics and a distance‐dependent colonization process to model entry probability. As a result, this model allowed entry probability to decrease with horizontal distance to the nearest turbine. The probability of entry varied with distance to the nearest turbine and approached zero when that distance was more than 202 m. Entry probability peaked when eagles flew 89 m above ground, corresponding to hub heights of turbines (80 m), and decreased to near‐zero at altitudes of 189 m or more. Entry probabilities were greatest when flight paths were near the rotor‐swept zone and when eagles flew slowly toward the nearest turbine. Compass bearing of a flight path was not associated with entry probability. Our model accurately forecasted entry probability in Wyoming (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.96) and was transferable to another facility in California, USA (AUC = 0.97); therefore, our results may be applicable across a variety of settings. Curtailment criteria can be based on flight path characteristics to forecast entry into rotor‐swept zones. The use of distance and altitude thresholds when making curtailment decisions is justified. However, this analysis suggests alteration of the time to collision threshold, with curtailment initiated at greater distances as the speed of the bird decreases. Our novel modelling method and our results can inform curtailment criteria in any situation where curtailment decisions are made in real‐time.
A pilot study: Gut microbiota, metabolism and inflammation in hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Li-xiang , Huang Bai-sheng , Yang Li-jian , Huang Jun-qiang , Li Zeng-shi , Jiao Jia , Cheng Tianxiang , Li Ding , Xiong Yuanyuan
Published: May 2022

Aims

In recent years, the incidence rate of hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage (HICH) has been increasing, accompanied by high mortality and morbidity, which has brought a heavy burden to the social economy. However, the pathogenesis of HICH is still unclear. This study intends to explore the mechanism of gut microbiota metabolism and inflammation in the process of HICH to provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of HICH.

Methods and Results

HE staining showed that the brain tissues of model group had obvious oedema injury, which indicated that the HICH model was successfully constructed. ELISA analysis showed that IL-1β and TNF-α levels in blood and brain tissues were significantly increased, and IL-10 level was significantly decreased in blood. IHC analysis showed that microglia and macrophages were activated in the model group. 16S rRNA sequence showed that the diversity of gut microbiota in HICH patients decreased. Also, the microbiota belonging to Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia changed significantly. LC–MS/MS analysis showed that the metabolic phenotype of HICH patients changed. Also, the 3,7-dimethyluric acid- and 7-methylxanthine-related metabolic pathways of caffeine metabolism pathways were downregulated in patients with HICH. Bacteroides was negatively correlated with the IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Blautia was negatively correlated with the IL-1β and TNF-α levels, and positively correlated with the IL-10 level. Akkermansia was negatively correlated with the 3,7-dimethyluric acid and 7-methylxanthine.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that HICH was accompanied by the increased inflammation marker levels in peripheral blood and brain, decreased gut microbiota diversity, altered gut metabolic phenotype and downregulation of caffeine metabolism pathway.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our study reported that HICH accompanied by the increased inflammation, decreased gut microbiota diversity and altered gut metabolic phenotype. Due to the number of patients, this work was a pilot study.
Research progress of endothelial‐mesenchymal transition in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Ying , Zou Hang , Lu Hongwei , Xiang Hong , Chen Shuhua
Published: May 2022

Renal fibrosis is an important pathological feature of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), manifested as tubular interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, glomerulosclerosis and damage to the normal structure of the kidney. Renal fibrosis can eventually develop into renal failure. A better understanding of renal fibrosis in DKD is needed due to clinical limitations of current anti‐fibrotic drugs in terms of effectiveness, cost‐effectiveness and side effects. Fibrosis is characterized by local excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which is derived from activated myofibroblasts to increase its production or specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases to reduce its degradation. In recent years, endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has gradually integrated into the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In animal models of diabetic kidney disease, it has been found that EndMT is involved in the formation of renal fibrosis and multiple signalling pathways such as TGF‐β signalling pathway, Wnt signalling pathway and non‐coding RNA network participate in the regulation of EndMT during fibrosis. Here, we mainly review EndMT regulation and targeted therapy of renal fibrosis in DKD.
Implementation of strengths model case management in seven mental health agencies in Canada: Direct‐service practitioners' implementation experience
Authors: Briand Catherine , Roebuck Maryann , Vallée Catherine , Bergeron‐Leclerc Christiane , Krupa Terry , Durbin Janet , Aubry Tim , Goscha Rick , Latimer Eric
Published: May 2022

Rationale

Implementation of strengths model case management is increasing internationally. However, few studies have focused on its implementation process, and none have specifically addressed the implementation experience of direct‐service practitioners.

Objective

This paper presents factors that facilitate and impede the successful implementation of the strengths model, with a specific focus on practitioners who deliver the intervention directly to service recipients.

Method

To address this objective, a qualitative study of seven mental health agencies that implemented the model was conducted, involving a combination of participant observations and qualitative semistructured interviews with case managers, team supervisors, and senior managers. Qualitative data were analyzed using open coding followed by axial coding. Finally, the findings were aligned with an adapted Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

Implementation of the strengths model involved a significant change in practice for case management practitioners. The results confirm that at the beginning of implementation, the strengths model was perceived as complex and not always adaptable to on‐the‐ground realities. With time, and with support from management, ongoing training and supervision sessions, and reflection and discussion, practitioners regained feelings of competence and resistance to the model diminished. The use of the model's structured team‐based supervision tools was fundamental to supporting the implementation process by enabling an interactive and concrete training approach.

Conclusions

The more an approach leads to changes in daily practice and is perceived as complex, the more concrete support is needed during implementation. This article highlights the importance of attending to a practitioner's sense of personal effectiveness and competence in the adoption of new practices.
A randomised crossover trial: Exploring the dose–response effect of carbohydrate restriction on glycaemia in people with well‐controlled type 2 diabetes
Authors: Al‐Ozairi Ebaa , Reem Al Awadi , El Samad Abeer , Taghadom Etab , Al‐Kandari Jumana , Abdul‐Ghani Muhammad , Oliver Nick , Whitcher Brandon , Guess Nicola
Published: May 2022

Background

Trials investigating the role of carbohydrate restriction in the management of glycaemia in type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been confounded by multiple factors, including degree of calorie restriction and dietary protein content, as well as by no clear definition of a low‐carbohydrate diet. The present study aimed to provide insight into the relationship between carbohydrate restriction and glycaemia by testing the effect of varying doses of carbohydrate on continuous glucose concentrations within a range of intakes defined as low‐carbohydrate at the same time as controlling for confounding factors.

Methods

This was a randomised crossover trial in participants with T2D (HbA1c: 6.6 ± 0.6%, 49 ± 0.9 mmol mol–1) testing five different 6‐day eucaloric dietary treatments with varying carbohydrate content (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% kcal). Diets exchanged %kcal from carbohydrate with fat, keeping protein constant at 15% kcal. Daily self‐weighing was employed to ensure weight stability throughout each treatment arm. Between dietary treatments, participants underwent a washout period of at least 7 days and were advised to maintain their habitual diet. Glycaemic control was assessed using a continuous glucose monitoring device.

Results

Twelve participants completed the study. There were no differences in 24‐h and post‐prandial sensor glucose concentrations between the 30 and 10%kcal doses (7.4 ± 1.1 mmol L–1 vs. 7.6 ± 1.3 mmol L–1 [p = 0.28] and 8.1 ± 1.5 mmol L–1 vs. 8.5 ± 1.4 mmol L–1 [p = 0.28], respectively). In our exploratory analyses, we did not find any dose–response relationship between carbohydrate intake and glycaemia. A small amount of weight loss occurred in each treatment arm (range: 0.4–1.1 kg over the 6 days) but adjusting for these differences did not influence the primary or secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Modest changes in dietary carbohydrate content in the absence of weight loss at the same time as keeping dietary protein intake constant do not appear to influence glucose concentrations in people with well‐controlled T2D.

This study randomised people with T2D to receive five different doses of carbohydrate from 10% to 30% of calories in random order to see what effect it had on their blood glucose.
Dressing like a pathogen: Comparative analysis of different Pseudomonas genomospecies wearing different features to infect Corylus avellana
Authors: Turco Silvia , Zuppante Leonardo , Drais Mounira Inas , Mazzaglia Angelo
Published: May 2022

During the last decade, the European hazelnut (Corylus avellana) has been threatened by several bacterial and fungal infections. In particular, at least four different Pseudomonas species have developed the capability to converge into the same host. However, one of these species, Pseudomonas avellanae, may infect other hosts as well. Here, we newly provide the complete genome sequence of two Pseudomonas avellanae strains obtained by a combination of long Oxford Nanopore Technologies reads (ONT) and short Illumina reads. These have been included in a comparative analysis with all the genomes of Pseudomonas strains known to infect Corylus avellana available on the NCBI database, and the genomes of Pseudomonas avellanae strains infecting other host plants, like Prunus, Actinidia and from the river epilithon. The Pseudomonas strains clustered according to their taxonomy, host and geographic origins. The identification of specific traits related to each population cluster could give us insights regarding the host–pathogen interaction and the host range specificity. Indeed, the Pseudomonas avellanae strains infecting hazelnut have a peculiar set of three type III secretion effectors, while the Pseudomonas avellanae infecting Prunus and Actinidia are carrying the genomic WHOP island, necessary for woody‐host infection. The syringae cluster, instead, contains more phytotoxins, the ice nucleation cluster, but less effectors. Thus, here, we confirmed that the convergence into the same host was possible due to different unrelated mechanisms of infection.