bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results of spatial distribution of radon and thoron with associated parameters in soil around active faults in Japan
Authors: Janik Miroslaw , Gomez Christopher , Kodaira Satoshi , Hasan Md Mahamudul
Published: November 2024

The radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) concentrations and other environmental parameters were measured in the vicinity of active faults in two regions with different geology structure of Japan. The range of measured values was from 1.2 to 74 kBq m$^{-3}$, 1.1 to 38.9 kBq m$^{-3}$, 0% to 4.35%, and 2$\times $10$^{-13}$ to 4$\times $10$^{-11}$ m$^{2}$, for Rn, Tn, CO$_{2}$, and soil permeability, respectively. Significant differences in the measured parameters were observed, suggesting that Rn concentrations near faults are strongly influenced by geological structure and fault type. Based on statistical analysis, good correlations were found between Rn, Tn, and CO$_{2}$ (carried gas ) concentrations. It is planned to continue the study with measurements at a number of additional sites.
Study of seasonal variation of accident-derived atmospheric radiocesium in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan during 2011–2014
Authors: Hasegawa Hidenao , Akata Naofumi , Okuyama Katsuhiko , Ochiai Shinya , Kakiuchi Hideki , Ueda Shinji
Published: November 2024

This study measured the atmospheric concentration and deposition flux of radiocesium in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, from November 2011 to October 2014. The results show synchronous seasonal change in atmospheric concentration and deposition flux of radiocesium, which is high during winter to early spring and low during summer to autumn. These seasonal variations are similar to those observed in Fukushima City but differ from those in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, comprising a larger contaminated forest area. The evaluation of the relationship between atmospheric 137Cs concentration or 137Cs specific activity in atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and deposition density of 137Cs in PM source area suggest that stronger winds blowing from areas with relatively large 137Cs deposition (west of Koriyama City) toward the study site affect the site’s atmospheric 137Cs concentrations.
A pilot study to directly estimate radiation-induced mutation in large Japanese field mouse duo sample, mother and offspring, excluding unknown father, using ddRAD sequencing
Authors: Ishiniwa Hiroko , Endoh Daiji , Tamaoki Masanori , Onuma Manabu
Published: November 2024

DNA mutations are one of the effects of radiation exposure. A large amount of radioactive materials was released into the environment from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after a major earthquake and tsunami. Wild animals and plants living in highly radiation-contaminated areas are constantly exposed to high doses of radiation, and concerns occur about its effects on their health and the next generations. As a pilot study, double-digest restriction site-associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing was conducted to assess the incidence of mutations in wild large Japanese field mice collected from the evacuation area. The optimal combination of restriction enzymes, encompassing the functionally important coding regions, was selected using in silico analysis. These enzymes were used for ddRAD sequence analysis of females and their fetuses to evaluate mutation rates. The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in mutation rates between mothers and fetuses in the study areas.
Neither gift nor loan: the strategic use of pseudo-formality at the nexus of intimacy and economy
Authors: Hayes Adam S
Published: November 2024

In this paper, I introduce the concept of pseudo-formality as a novel form of relational work in economic sociology. Pseudo-formality refers to the performative use of formal aesthetics, such as contracts and repayment plans, in financial exchanges between close ties—as both parties tacitly understand that the agreement is flexible and not legally binding. I argue that pseudo-formality works by leveraging the signaling function of formal market elements in a way that contradicts their typical purpose, allowing for the compartmentalization of the economic and social aspects of the exchange. Through two complementary vignette experiments, I demonstrate that pseudo-formal framing enhances the perceived dignity of the recipient and the respect conveyed by the giver, compared to formal, informal, or gift-based arrangements. This effect partially mediates the relationship between the type of exchange and its overall acceptability. This research contributes to relational work perspectives in economic sociology by identifying a prevalent but understudied strategy for navigating the intersection of intimacy and economy, and highlights the adaptability of economic forms for relational purposes. The findings have practical implications for interpersonal exchanges as well as the design of financial assistance programs and policies, suggesting that pseudo-formal structures can provide a dignified and empowering means of support.
Therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive decline
Authors: Spinelli Matteo , Fusco Salvatore , Grassi Claudio
Published: November 2024

In the central nervous system, cell-to-cell interaction is essential for brain plassticity and repair, and its alteration is critically involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Neural stem cells are a plentiful source of biological signals promoting neuroplasticity and the maintenance of cognitive functions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an additional strategy for cells to release signals in the surrounding cellular environment or to exchange information among both neighboring and distant cells. In the last years, rising attention has been devoted to the ability of stem cell (SC)-derived EVs to counteract inflammatory and degenerative brain disorders taking advantage of their immunomodulatory capacities and regenerative potential. Here, we review the role of adult neurogenesis impairment in the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative diseases and describe the beneficial effects of SC-derived EVs on brain plasticity and repair also discussing the advantages of SC-derived EV administration vs SC transplantation in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Cervical Disc Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Adjacent Segment Disease after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Satin Alexander M. , Shenker Tara , Guyer Richard D. , Blumenthal Scott L. , Zigler Jack E. , Shellock Jessica L. , Derman Peter B. , Ohnmeiss Donna D. , Rogers-LaVanne Mary P.
Published: November 2024

Study Design.

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single institution.

Objective.

The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) used for the treatment of symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASD) developed after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data.

A major clinical concern following ACDF is the development of ASD. ASD after ACDF is often treated with an additional fusion, but risks include pseudoarthrosis and further ASD. CDA is a motion preserving alternative that addresses these concerns, and therefore, has been proposed as an alternative treatment for ASD after ACDF.

Methods.

CDA patients with prior adjacent-level ACDF (n=120) were identified from a consecutive series of CDA patients at one institution. Pre- to post- CDA patient-reported outcome measures were compared using the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results.

A total of 142 devices were implanted – 98 patients underwent a one-level CDA, and 22 patients underwent two-level CDA. The mean follow-up duration after CDA was 32.11 months. Neck pain, arm pain, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores significantly improved from the preoperative to postoperative timepoint (respectively: 6.14 to 3.02, 4.42 to 1.61, 44.28 to 28.62, all P<0.001). In total, 7 patients underwent reoperation (5.83%). One of these patients underwent reoperation for pseudarthrosis at the level of ACDF following a hybrid procedure. The indications for index level reoperations (n=3) were foraminal stenosis, osteolysis, and postoperative hematoma. All patients with an adjacent level reoperation (n=3) received surgery at levels adjacent to the prior fusion, not the more recent CDA.

Conclusion.

The results of this study found CDA was effective for the treatment of ASD following ACDF. CDA appears to be a viable treatment option for ASD after ACDF in appropriately selected patients.
Effect of Valproate Coprescription on Clozapine Pharmacokinetics in Clinical Practice
Authors: Flanagan Robert James , Obee Stephen John , Kim Alice Hyun Min , Every-Palmer Susanna
Published: November 2024

Background

Sodium valproate has been coprescribed with clozapine for seizure prophylaxis and for augmentation in treatment-refractory schizophrenia. However, the effect of valproate on clozapine metabolism and on the incidence of clozapine-related side effects is unclear.

Methods

We compared clozapine dose and plasma clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine (norclozapine) concentrations in smokers and nonsmokers of both sexes in samples submitted for clozapine therapeutic drug monitoring, 1996–2017 in relation to valproate coprescription.

Results

There were 1217 (665 patients) and 3823 (1600 patients) samples from nonsmokers and from smokers, respectively, who were coprescribed valproate and clozapine. Data from 9774 (5065 patients) and 15,465 (7298 patients) samples from nonsmokers and from smokers, respectively, for whom drugs other than valproate were coprescribed were used as controls. Valproate coprescription in nonsmokers was associated with an increase in average plasma clozapine of 22.5%, suggesting moderate inhibition of clozapine metabolism, but there was no marked effect of valproate coprescription on plasma clozapine in smokers. In all the valproate-treated groups (male and female smokers and nonsmokers), the median plasma norclozapine concentration and the median plasma clozapine-to-norclozapine ratio were significantly lower and higher, respectively, as compared with the controls. Mixed-effects models showed a significant dose-response effect of valproate on lowering the plasma norclozapine concentration and on increasing the plasma clozapine-to-norclozapine ratio.

Implications

Given the complexity of the effect of valproate coadministration on clozapine pharmacokinetics and the possibility that the toxicity of clozapine may be enhanced in the presence of valproate, the use of these drugs in combination must now be questioned in all patients and not only in women of childbearing age.
Association Between Presenteeism and Mistreatment at the Workplace During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan
Authors: Sawamoto Naoya , Okawara Makoto , Matsugaki Ryutaro , Hino Ayako , Nagata Tomohisa , Tateishi Seiichiro , Tsuji Mayumi , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa ,   for the CORoNaWork Project
Published: November 2024

Objective

Workers were subject to both presenteeism and workplace mistreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to examine their association during the pandemic in Japan.

Methods

An internet-based, 1-year prospective cohort study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) as an indicator of presenteeism at baseline and workplace mistreatment experience at follow-up were assessed. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate their association.

Results

The analysis of 18,170 subjects showed that those with moderate and severe work function impairment were significantly associated with workplace mistreatment compared with those with less impairment (adjusted odds, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.67–2.14; P < 0.001] and 3.00 [95% CI, 2.69–3.35; P < 0.001], respectively).

Conclusions

Increasing severity of baseline presenteeism was associated with increasing likelihood of workplace mistreatment. Efforts to reduce presenteeism may help reduce workplace injustice and improve morale.
Tunneled Pleural Catheters
Authors: Pu Chan Yeu , Avendano Camilo A. , Durant Makayla , Gangadharan Sidharta P. , Beattie Jason , Parikh Mihir , Swenson Kai E. , Zhang Chenchen , Majid Adnan
Published: November 2024

Background:

Open window thoracostomy (OTW) is the standard of care for debilitated patients with chronic pleural infection and nonexpandable lungs (NEL) who are not candidates for major surgical intervention. Tunneled pleural catheters (TPC) offer tremendous treatment potential in this setting based on their efficacy in malignant pleural effusion and NEL. We aim to assess the efficacy, safety, and health care utilization of TPC in this setting.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent TPC procedures for the long-term management of chronic pleural infection and NEL who were not candidates for major surgical intervention. Clinically, complete treatment success was defined as fever abatement, normalization of white cell count, and stoppage of antimicrobial therapy without requiring surgical intervention. It is deemed a partial success if chronic antimicrobial suppression is still needed.

Results:

There were 20 patients who had TPC placed for chronic pleural infection with NEL. Clinical and partial treatment success was achieved in 9/17 and 8/17 patients, respectively, excluding 3 patients who were placed on comfort measures only. The median change in pleural volume was -218 mL. The median length of stay after TPC placement was 4.5 days. TPC was removed in 8 patients due to successful obliteration of pleural space in a median duration of 46.5 days. Four patients passed away with TPCs in place, 7 retained TPCs at the last health care system contact, and 1 patient had OTW due to TPC failure.

Conclusion:

This exploratory study suggests that TPC is an effective and safe intervention for the management of patients with chronic pleural infection and NEL lung who are not candidates for surgical intervention.
Reaccreditation and Pathways Recognition Experiences of Small Local and Tribal Health Departments
Authors: Allen Peg , Fifolt Matthew , Crenshaw Andrew N. , Erwin Paul C. , Lang Britt , Belflower Thomas Amy , Kuehnert Paul , Brownson Ross C.
Published: November 2024

Context:

This paper describes experiences and views of leadership teams from 4 small local health departments (LHDs) seeking Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) reaccreditation or Pathways Recognition using PHAB Standards & Measures Version 2022. The Pathways program launched in 2022 provides additional supports for improvement of public health practice.

Objective:

Given the need to accelerate accreditation among small health departments, the purpose of this study is to share small health departments’ strategies for overcoming accreditation challenges and actionable advice for use by other health departments.

Design:

In this descriptive qualitative study, the study team conducted 22 individual interviews with 4 small LHDs from January to March 2024.

Setting:

Participating small health departments were located in the Midwestern and Western United States with staff sizes ranging from 3 to 47.

Participants:

Interview participants included small health department leadership teams, a local board of health member, and a contracted external accreditation consultant.

Main Outcome Measures:

We used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit participant experiences and views on accreditation processes, benefits, facilitators, strategies for overcoming challenges, and advice for other small health departments.

Results:

Participants suggested that accreditation benefits far outweighed the challenges. Perceived benefits included improved organizational procedures, equitable delivery of needed effective programs and services, and enhanced public perception. Key strategies to overcome staff capacity challenges were establishing a team approach and orienting and mentoring new staff in the “why” and “how” of accreditation. Advice included learning what is involved, taking the time to lay a foundation beforehand, and not waiting for a perfect time as accreditation is about improvement, not perfection.

Conclusions:

Small health departments can achieve and maintain PHAB accreditation by strategically implementing strategies to overcome staff capacity and other challenges. The Pathways Recognition program is a supportive option for small health departments wanting to improve public health practice.
Usefulness of Dual-Energy CT for Differentiating Hemorrhage From Iodine Extravasation in Meningiomas After Preoperative Embolization
Authors: Uchimura Ryutaro , Khant Zaw Aung , Hayashi Hidetaka , Nagayama Yasunori , Uetani Hiroyuki , Kaku Yasuyuki , Nagatomo Tatsuhiro , Tamura Yoshitaka , Yokogami Kiyotaka , Mukasa Akitake , Kiyosue Hiro , Azuma Minako , Hirai Toshinori
Published: November 2024

Objective

Discriminating between hemorrhage and iodine extravasation can pose challenges in conventional computed tomography (CCT) images following preoperative embolization for meningioma. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in differentiating hemorrhage from iodine extravasation after preoperative embolization for meningioma.

Methods

Twenty-one consecutive meningioma patients who underwent CCT before and DECT immediately after preoperative embolization were included in this study. Two independent observers conducted qualitative assessments on CCT and virtual noncontrast (VNC) images and iodine maps (IMs) to differentiate between hemorrhage and iodine extravasation. One observer recorded CT values of hemorrhage and iodine extravasation on CCT and VNC images. The ratio of maximum attenuation to minimum attenuation on VNC images was defined as the VNC ratio. Statistical analysis included Kappa (κ) statistics, unpaired t tests, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

Interobserver agreement for qualitative assessment was fair (κ = 0.231) for CCT alone and good (κ = 0.723) for CCT plus VNC imaging and IM. The addition of VNC imaging and IM to CCT improved differential confidence in 16 (76%) and 18 (86%) cases of the two observers, respectively, increasing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) from 0.868 to 0.895 and 0.658 to 0.947, respectively. At a cutoff value of 1.527, the VNC ratio was significantly higher for hemorrhage than iodine extravasation (P < 0.05), with the highest diagnostic performance (AUROC, 1).

Conclusions

DECT with VNC imaging and IM is useful for differentiating hemorrhage from iodine extravasation in meningiomas with preoperative embolization.
Virtual Chest Radiographs Developed From Computed Tomography Images for Differentiating Central Venous Versus Misplaced Arterial Lines and for Training Radiologists
Authors: Morita Satoru , Inoue Akihiro , Kunihiro Yasuhiro , Ono Toshihiro , Endo Sota , Yamamoto Takahiro , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Bamba Yoshiko , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Sakai Shuji
Published: November 2024

Objective

Radiographic findings to identify central venous catheter misplacement in the arteries, which can cause lethal complications, have not been fully evaluated, and its training is difficult because it is rare. The purpose of this study is to clarify radiographic findings for differentiating central venous and misplaced arterial lines using virtual chest radiographs and elucidate their usefulness in training radiologists.

Methods

This retrospective study included 150 patients (mean age, 67 [SD, ±12] years; 97 men) who underwent colon cancer surgery between January 2018 and December 2020. Virtual chest radiographs, including 6 oblique projections at 5° intervals, were developed from the computed tomography images using ray-sum reconstruction. Virtual venous and arterial lines were drawn from the right neck to the superior vena cava and aorta, respectively. Diagnostic abilities, including area under the curve (AUC) analysis of the 7 proposed radiographic findings for differentiating these lines in 100 patients, were evaluated. The diagnostic performance, including AUC analysis by 5 radiologists in the other 50 patients, was compared before and after disclosing these results to the radiologists.

Results

The findings of crossing over the right paratracheal stripe and running along the paracaval line showed the highest AUC for indicating arterial and venous lines in the frontal, right anterior oblique 15°, and left anterior oblique 15° projections (AUC = 0.992, 0.991, and 0.979, and 1.000, 0.994, and 0.998, respectively). The diagnostic performance of the radiologists improved after informing them of these results (AUC, 0.982–0.999 to 0.993–1.000 [P = 0.145–1.000] for the frontal projections and 0.932–0.970 to 0.967–0.995 [P = 0.075–0.150] for the oblique projections).

Conclusions

Virtual chest radiographs created from computed tomography images were useful for clarifying radiographic findings for differentiating central venous and misplaced arterial lines and for training radiologists.
Caveolin-1 and Aquaporin-4 as Mediators of Fibrinogen-Driven Cerebrovascular Pathology in Hereditary Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Singh Vishal , Rochakim Nicholas , Ferraresso Francesca , Choudhury Arnab , Kastrup Christian J. , Ahn Hyung Jin
Published: November 2024

Hereditary Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (HCAA) is a rare inherited form of CAA, characterized by increased vascular deposits of amyloid peptides. HCAA provides a unique opportunity to study the pathogenic mechanisms linked to CAA, as it is associated with severe cerebrovascular pathology. Some of HCAA-associated amyloid-β (Aβ) mutations significantly enhance the interaction between fibrinogen and Aβ, resulting in altered fibrin structure and co-deposition with Aβ in the perivascular space. However, the mechanisms underlying perivascular fibrinogen deposition and the associated cerebrovascular pathology in HCAA remain unclear. To investigate this, we analyzed TgSwDI transgenic mice carrying HCAA-associated mutations and observed a significant age-dependent increase in fibrin(ogen) extravasation and fibrin(ogen)-Aβ colocalization in the perivascular space. Moreover, Caveolin-1, a protein involved in non-specific transcytosis across the endothelium, significantly increased with age in TgSwDI mice and correlated with fibrin(ogen) extravasation. Additionally, we noted significant aquaporin-4 (AQP4) depolarization in the CAA-laden blood vessels of TgSwDI mice, which also correlated with fibrin(ogen) extravasation and fibrin(ogen)-Aβ colocalization. Given that AQP4 plays a crucial role in Aβ clearance via the glymphatic pathway, its depolarization may disrupt this critical clearance mechanism, thereby exacerbating CAA pathology. To further explore the relationship between fibrin(ogen) and these factors, we depleted fibrinogen in TgSwDI mice using siRNA against fibrinogen. This intervention resulted in decreased CAA, reduced caveolin-1 levels, attenuated microglial activation, restored polarized expression of AQP4, and improved spatial memory in fibrinogen-depleted TgSwDI mice. These findings suggest that targeting fibrinogen could be a promising strategy for mitigating CAA pathology and its associated cerebrovascular pathology.

Significance Statement

Our study reveals the mechanism by which fibrin(ogen)-Aβ colocalization could exacerbates CAA pathology. Our findings highlight that the age-dependent increase of endothelial caveolin-1 could facilitate fibrin(ogen) extravasation, which binds with Aβ in the perivascular space inducing microglial neuroinflammation and AQP4 depolarization, thus exacerbating CAA pathology. Furthermore, fibrinogen depletion could mitigate CAA severity, reduce microglial activation, restore AQP4 polarization and memory impairment. These results suggest that targeting fibrinogen and caveolin-1-mediated transcytosis may offer new strategies to address CAA-associated cerebrovascular pathology.
Beyond the Surface: Deep TMS Efficacy in Reducing Craving in Addictive Disorders. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: del Mauro Lilia , Vergallito Alessandra , Devoto Francantonio , Locatelli Gaia , Hassan Gabriel , Romero Lauro Leonor J
Published: November 2024

Background

Substance use disorders (SUDs) and Gambling Disorder (GD) are addictive disorders with a chronic course. Given the limited efficacy of conventional treatments, there is increasing interest in alternative strategies targeting the altered neural circuits associated with the disease. In this context, deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) has emerged as a novel neuromodulation technique capable of reaching deep brain regions. However, no definite recommendation for its use in addiction treatment exists. This study systematically reviewed and quantitatively analyzed dTMS effects in SUDs and GD populations.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we screened four electronic databases up to February 2024 and selected relevant English-written original research articles. 17 papers were included in the systematic review. As only a minority of studies employed a sham-controlled design, we ran the meta-analysis on a subset of 12 studies, computing the pre-post real stimulation standardized mean change (SMCC) as the effect size, using self-reported craving scores as the dependent variable.

Results

The results showed a significant and large effect of active dTMS in reducing craving scores (SMCC = - 1.26, 95% CI [-1.67, - 0.86],p<.001). High heterogeneity at both quantitative and qualitative levels across studies was found, with research focusing on different types of SUDs and only one study on gambling behaviors.

Conclusions

Results provide initial evidence of the feasibility of dTMS for SUDs care. However, further comprehensive research is needed to unveil several methodological challenges. The limitations of the available literature and future research directions are critically discussed.
CSF inflammatory cytokines as prognostic indicators for cognitive decline across Alzheimer’s disease spectrum
Authors: Ghanbarian Elham , Khorsand Babak , Petersen Kellen K. , Nallapu Bhargav T. , Sajjadi S. Ahmad , Lipton Richard B. , Ezzati Ali
Published: November 2024

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that neuroinflammation contributes actively to pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and promotes AD progression. The predictive value of neuroinflammatory biomarkers for disease-staging or estimating disease progression is not well understood. In this study, we investigate the diagnostic and prognostic utility of inflammatory biomarkers in combination with conventional AD biomarkers.

Methods

We included 258 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) who had CSF biomarkers of β-Amyloid (Aβ), tau, and inflammation. The primary outcome of interest was clinically meaningful cognitive decline (CMCD) as defined by an increase of ≥4 on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscore 11 (ADAS-11, scores 0-70, higher scores indicate worse cognition). Predictor variables were categorized as demographics (D; age, sex, and education), genetic (APOE4 status (A)), inflammatory biomarkers (I), and classic (C) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Aβ and p-tau181. Simultaneous inclusion of eleven CSF inflammatory biomarkers as covariates in logistic regression models was examined to assess improvements in classifying baseline clinical diagnoses (cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Dementia) and predicting individuals with and without CMCD over one year of follow-up.

Results

At 1-year follow up, 27.1% of participants experienced CMCD. Inclusion of inflammatory biomarkers improved baseline classification of CN vs MCI as well as CN vs Dementia for models including D and A variables (DA; bothp<0.001). Similarly, when classic CSF biomarkers of AD were included into the model (DAC model), inclusion of inflammatory markers improved classification of CN vs MCI (p<0.01) as well as CN vs Dementia (p<0.001). Addition of inflammatory biomarkers to both DA and DAC models improved predictive performance for CMCD in persons with baseline MCI and Dementia (allp<0.05), but not in the CN group. In addition, the predictive performance of the DAI model was superior to the DAC model in the MCI and Dementia groups (bothp<0.05).

Conclusions

Addition of CSF inflammatory biomarkers to CSF biomarkers of AD can improve diagnostic accuracy of clinical disease stage at baseline and add incremental value to AD biomarkers for prediction of cognitive decline.

Learning objective

□ Identify potential diagnostic and prognostic ability of inflammatory biomarkers to assess Alzheimer’s disease stage and cognitive decline.
Assessing Extracellular Vesicle Turnover In vivo Using Highly Sensitive Phosphatidylserine-Binding Reagents
Authors: Flaskamp Lavinia , Prechtl Monica , Scheck Annkathrin , Hu Wenbo , Ried Christine , Kislinger Georg , Simons Mikael , Krug Anne , Kranich Jan , Brocker Thomas
Published: November 2024

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a well-established marker for apoptotic cells and activated platelets, and it is also found on extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the frequency of PS+EVs remains a topic of debate, probably due to the distinct lipid composition of EVs, which varies with the source material. This variation underscores the need for highly sensitive detection reagents to accurately differentiate between PS+and PS−EVs. To address this issue, we compared several PS-binding reagents for the staining of blood EVs, including milk fat globule factor E8 (MFG-E8, lactadherin), a derivative of MFG-E8, and Annexin V, the most used compound in the literature. Here, we demonstrate the predominance of PS+EVs in both murine and human blood and reveal significant differences in the affinities of the PS-binding proteins. With approximately 90% of the detected blood EVs being PS+, we utilized a derivative of MFG-E8 forin vivomonitoring of both circulating and cell-bound EVs, providing a novel tool to analyze endogenous EV kinetics. Our findings showed that murine PS+plasma EVs were rapidly cleared from circulation (∼50% after 30 minutes), yet they remained present on splenic B cells and monocytes/macrophages. In conclusion, MFG-E8-based reagents enable externalized PS to serve as a universal EV marker, greatly improving EV isolation, standardizing EV quantification, and facilitating diagnostic EV monitoring and disease biomarker discovery.
Burton-Cabrera-Frank theory for the influence of off-cut direction on the growth of hcp crystals
Authors: Ju Guangxu , Xu Dongwei , Thompson Carol , Highland Matthew J. , Eastman Jeffrey A. , Walkosz Weronika , Zapol Peter , Shen Bo , Stephenson G. Brian
Published: November 2024

The precise direction of the off-cut of a vicinal crystal surface determines the azimuth (in-plane angle) of the surface steps and thus their kink density. Here we develop a Burton-Cabrera-Frank (BCF) theory for step-flow crystal growth that includes the effects of step azimuth. We focus on the basal-plane surfaces of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) and related crystal structures, for which surface steps have alternating properties that depend on azimuth. We build on a previous treatment that considered only a single-step azimuth, ϕ=0, that gives alternating steps of pure A and B type. As ϕ increases from zero, the density of kinks on the steps increases. For hcp-type crystals, in addition the structural difference between alternating steps decreases, until they become equivalent at ϕ=30∘. We consider the azimuth dependence of the step transparency, attachment, and repulsion parameters of the BCF model, including the effects of both geometrically required and thermally generated kinks. Example calculations are presented that demonstrate the overall effect of step azimuth on BCF predictions for step spacings during steady-state growth and for their dynamics during growth transients. Effects of symmetric and asymmetric step-step repulsion are discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Revisiting general dark matter-bound-electron interactions
Authors: Liang Jin-Han , Liao Yi , Ma Xiao-Dong , Wang Hao-Lin
Published: November 2024

In this Letter we revisit general dark matter (DM)-bound-electron interactions studied previously in the influential work [R. Catena , Atomic responses to general dark matter-electron interactions, ]. For the most general DM-electron nonrelativistic or relativistic interactions for DM with spin up to 1, we find the average ionization matrix element squared can be organized into three terms, each of which is a product of a DM response function (a0,1,2) and a linear combination (W˜0,1,2) of the four atomic response functions (W1,2,3,4) given in that work, W˜0=W1, W˜1=|v0⊥|2W1−2meq·v0⊥q2W2+W3, W˜2=(q·v0⊥)2q2W1−2meq·v0⊥q2W2+me2q2W4. Furthermore, we find a crucial minus sign was missed for the calculation of W2 in that work, which has significant phenomenological consequences when explaining experimental bounds on specific DM scenarios. Due to the corrected sign, there can be significant cancellations between the W2 and W3,4 terms, so that W˜1,2 are dominated by the usual response function W1 in some cases. Many DM scenarios involving DM or electron axial-vector current can yield W2 and thus are potentially affected by the sign. As an example, we show that the recent XENON1T constraint on the fermionic DM anapole moment is weakened by a factor of 2 or so. We also present a complete list of NR operators for spin-1 DM and compute their contributions to the DM response functions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transitioning from responsible and reactive to deeply responsible and proactive international business
Authors: Jones Geoffrey G. , Lopes Teresa da Silva , Pananond Pavida , van Tulder Rob , Sinkovics Noemi , Sinkovics Rudolf R.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of multi-national enterprises in addressing grand societal challenges, emphasising the need for integrating environmental and social aspects into business models. Drawing on the books of Geoffrey Jones (2023) “Deeply Responsible Business” and Rob van Tulder and Eveline van Mil (2023) “Principles of Sustainable Business”, the paper provides comments and analysis of how principles and values can guide engaged international business (IB) scholarship and responsible leadership to effectuate meaningful change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a dialogical review, as a curated discussion of the books whereby the authors attempt to co-construct a research and teaching agenda for responsible and engaged IB scholarship.

Findings

The paper highlights the critical importance of aligning business strategies with societal needs. Companies that adopt ethical principles, or adopt the sustainable development goals (SDGs) via principles-based frameworks, can achieve significant positive impacts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper follows a viewpoint/perspective format. It relies on underpinning historical case studies and selected theoretical frameworks, which may not capture the full complexity of contemporary business environments. Scholars should conduct future research to study the underpinning principles and frameworks deployed in various industries and regions.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that business leaders should learn from the past to adopt a values and principles-based approach to integrate sustainability into their core strategies. It also highlights the importance of transforming the higher education teaching experience towards a value and principles-based one.

Social implications

This paper underscores the potential of businesses to drive positive societal change by addressing environmental and social challenges. By adopting ethics-based value systems and aligning organisations with the SDGs, companies can help mitigate pressing issues, such as poverty, inequality and climate change. The authors suggest reading “Deeply responsible business” and “Principles of Sustainable Business” to influence public attitudes towards corporate social responsibility and foster a more sustainable and equitable global economy.

Originality/value

The paper offers a curated discussion and synthesis of historical and contemporary perspectives on sustainable business practices. It bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing actionable frameworks and tools for business leaders and scholars.
Design and ergonomic evaluation of garments for long-term bedridden patients
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , He Jiazhen , Dai Lili , Chen Zhongwei , Guan Jinping , Chen Yan , He Aifang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

On the basis of demand survey feedback from individuals with disabilities and caregivers, this study designed two sets of functional garments for long-term bedridden patients, with the primary objective of increasing convenience and reducing the physical workload of caregivers.

Design/methodology/approach

Wear trials were conducted by employing 24 subjects to perform 11 different tasks to compare the performance of the two newly developed garments with that of conventional hospital patient apparel. Task operation time, heart rate (HR), electromyography (EMG) signals, and subjective perceptions were evaluated.

Findings

The new functional garments reduced the time required to perform tasks by 29–79%, maintained the average HR of caregivers at approximately the resting threshold and resulted in a 37–74% reduction in the root mean square (RMS) of the EMG at the arm muscles in the private and thigh nursing tasks. All the subjective and objective evaluation results of the caregivers demonstrated varying degrees of correlation.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for the design of functional clothing for long-term bedridden patients and provides guidance for evaluating the ergonomics of garments that can be utilized only with caregiver support.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies that focused primarily on individuals with disabilities while overlooking the indispensable role of caregivers in the nursing process, this study shifted its emphasis to long-term bedridden patients who relied exclusively on caregivers for daily activities. Additionally, this study attempted to analyze the correlations between the evaluation parameters to explore the relationships between the evaluation methods.
Consumer adoption of battery electric cars: analyzing techno-psychological perception-attitude-intention linkage perspective and gender effects
Authors: Jaiswal Deepak , Kant Rishi , Mehta Babeeta
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Transportation-related pollution is expected to decrease when using battery electric cars. This will not only address energy and environmental issues but also promote reform and transformation in the zero-emission automotive industry. To craft policy interventions and promotional initiatives, manufacturers need to comprehend the techno-psychological perspectives of automotive users on the adoption of electric cars. Therefore, this study aims to test a “perception-attitude-intention” linking framework built upon the “Unified Theory of Technology Acceptance and Use” (UTAUT) and analyze the behavioral intentions of existing automobile users to embrace battery electric cars.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model tests the underlying direct paths, the mediation of attitudes and the moderating gender effects in predicting users’ attitudes and behavioral intentions to adopt battery electric cars using a techno-psychological approach from UTAUT. “Structural equation modeling” is used to analyze the model using the 361 valid online responses received from conventional car owners.

Findings

The results show that behavioral intentions are directly predicted by UTAUT measures with attitudes and indirectly through its mediation and gender moderation. The results support the “Perceptions-Attitudes-Intentions” linkage model that explains the phenomenon of electric car adoption. However, the mediating and moderating paths between facilitating conditions and intentions do not support the model. In addition, the research corroborates that men have a stronger effect than women on behavioral intentions to prefer battery electric cars.

Research limitations/implications

This work may assist manufacturers and regulators in developing marketing policies to encourage consumers’ adoption of battery electric cars and potentially improve their favorable perception of these vehicles.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the comprehension of how UTAUT constructs shape consumers’ attitudes and behavioral intentions regarding the adoption of battery cars equipped with emission-free technology. This study validates the grounded framework “perception-attitude-intention” linkage model, which also describes gender-wise differences toward electric car adoption in the backdrop of Indian sustainable transportation.
Institutional antecedents of socially responsible collective action in megaprojects
Authors: Zhai Wujuan , Ju Chuanjing , Ding Jiyong , Jia Jianyao , Liu Feihai
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Megaprojects exert a significant impact on sustainable development, and it is imperative for stakeholders to collectively ensure their development occurs in a socially responsible manner. While there has been a growing focus on the involvement of megaprojects in social responsibility, scant attention has been given to understanding the collective actions of stakeholders in implementing social responsibility within these projects. Specifically, the institutional mechanism leading megaproject stakeholders to engage in socially responsible collective action is largely unexplored. To fill this gap, this study primarily aims to explore the institutional antecedents influencing socially responsible collective action in megaprojects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on institutional theory, this study empirically examines the factors influencing socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. An online questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from 365 participants engaged in mega water transfer projects in China. The data analysis employed the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The findings from the partial least squares analyses indicate that coercive isomorphism, mimetic isomorphism, and normative isomorphism all demonstrate positive associations with stakeholders’ intention to engage in socially responsible collective action. Moreover, the findings also show a positive correlation between stakeholders’ intention and their behavior in participating in socially responsible collective action within megaprojects. Additionally, coercive isomorphism positively moderates the connection between mimetic isomorphism and the intention to engage in SRCA, while negatively moderates the relationship between normative isomorphism and the intention to undertake socially responsible collective action.

Originality/value

This study enriches the existing body of knowledge by identifying coercive, mimetic, and normative isomorphism as antecedents to adopting socially responsible collective action in megaprojects. Furthermore, the study enhances our comprehension by demonstrating that stakeholders’ intention to fulfill social responsibility translates into tangible actions. The implications and recommendations provided shed light on how various types of institutional isomorphism can be used to encourage stakeholders to embrace socially responsible collective action in megaproject management.
Leadership competencies and blockchain implementation in public sector organizations: a sensemaking approach
Authors: Haq Syed Hammad Ul , Dan Sorin , Shahzad Khuram
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the required leadership competencies for successful blockchain technology (BCT) implementation in public sector organizations from a sensemaking perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multiple case study design. Primary data are collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with several representatives of Finnish public sector organizations. Written material from the selected organizations complements the primary data. NVivo14 is used to generate codes and analyze data.

Findings

The analysis shows that through sensemaking, leaders identify cues for digitally transforming their organizations through blockchain by leveraging their curious and rational vision. After identifying the cues, leaders then interpret these cues through technological understanding and exploring different technological solutions. Once the cues are interpreted for blockchain implementation, the third step is enactment after interpreting the cues. Leaders can facilitate the enactment of blockchain by connecting the outcomes of blockchain with organizational processes and goals. Furthermore, a dark side of BCT is identified, consisting of overly optimistic expectations and creating technological dependencies in the public sector.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in 11 public organizations in Finland, which limits the generalizability of the findings. Leadership competencies that are required for blockchain implementation within organizations can be studied further by considering more use cases. The potential dark side of blockchain implementation can be explored further.

Originality/value

The presented research model of leadership competencies for blockchain implementation is derived from sensemaking research and contributes to the literature on leadership competencies by applying sensemaking to the study of BCT.
Effect of surface sector or Fibonacci-like microgrooved top foil on the performance of gas foil conical bearing
Authors: Hu Hongyang , Wu Huijun , Wang Jichao , Liu Jiamin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To enhance the load capacity and dynamic characteristics of gas foil conical bearings (GFCBs), two kinds of microgrooves (sector and Fibonacci-like shape) are arranged on the top foil surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The Reynolds equation considering gas rarefaction effect is solved by the finite difference method, in which the 2D plate element stiffness model is used for the grooved top foil. The influence of groove on the static characteristics is studied, and the dynamic characteristics of novel bearing are obtained by the perturbation method.

Findings

The results show that the gas rarefaction effect on the load capacities is negligible, and the novel GFCB with microgrooved top foil has higher load capacities. Moreover, the deeper groove is conductive to the dynamic stability improvement. The positive Fibonacci-like groove seems to be the most suitable shape, which can largely increase the axial load capacity with little additional torque cost. And the improvement of dynamic characteristics for the Fibonacci-like grooved GFCB is also more favorable.

Originality/value

As the low cost of groove processing, it is an effective way to improve GFCB’s performance and even can be used to upgrade the bearings in service.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0148/