bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective study of the association between serum klotho and mortality among adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the USA
Authors: Che Qin-cheng , Jia Qian , Zhang Xiao-yu , Sun Shu-ning , Zhang Xiao-jie , Shu Qiang
Published: August 2023

Background

While it is known that klotho has negative regulatory effects in a variety of diseases such as metabolic disorders and kidney disease, the specific role of klotho in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its effect on mortality are unclear. This study investigated the association between serum klotho levels and mortality in patients with RA.

Methods

This study included 841 adults with RA from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016 to extract the concentrations of serum klotho. The association between klotho and RA was determined using Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier (KM) curves, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models.

Results

A total of 841 patients with RA were included in this study, who were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of serum klotho levels (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4). Cox regression analysis with adjustment for covariates revealed that high levels of klotho lowered the risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared to the Q1 group. The KM curve analysis suggested that this effect was more pronounced for all-cause mortality. The RCS-fitted Cox regression model indicated a U-shaped correlation between serum klotho levels and RA mortality. The risk of all-cause mortality increased with decreasing serum klotho levels below a threshold of 838.81 pg/mL. Subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of klotho was more pronounced in patients with the following characteristics: male, white ethnicity, age ≥ 60 years, body mass index < 25 kg/m2, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥ 60 mL/ (min × 1.73 m2), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level ≥ 50 nmol/L.

Conclusion

Serum klotho levels had a U-shaped correlation with all-cause mortality in patients with RA, indicating that maintain a certain level of serum klotho could prevent premature death.
Hospitalization patterns for adolescents with eating disorders during COVID-19
Authors: Schlapfer Leslie , Gettis Margaret A. , Dutreuil Valerie , Cherven Brooke
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in clinical characteristics and hospital length of stay (LOS) for adolescents with eating disorders (EDs) requiring medical stabilization during the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 time periods.

Methods

Medical record data were abstracted for patients with EDs hospitalized for medical stabilization between 1/1/2019–2/29/2020 (pre-COVID-19) and 3/1/2020–12/31/2021 (during COVID-19). Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and LOS were compared between COVID-19 eras. Patients were categorized as boarding if they remained hospitalized ≥ 1 day after medical stabilization. Multivariate negative binomial linear regression models were performed to determine incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for factors related to increased LOS.

Results

Of the 467 admissions during this study, 120 were pre-COVID-19 and 347 were during COVID-19. Monthly admissions for EDs were higher during COVID-19 versus pre-COVID-19 (15.8 vs. 8.6, p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with increased LOS included admission during COVID-19 (IRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.15–1.40), p = 0.001), boarding (IRR 1.77, 95% CI 1.63–1.93, p = 0.001), public insurance (IRR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01–1.23, p = 0.032), nasogastric tube usage (IRR 1.62, 95% CI 1.48–1.76, p = 0.001), heart rate < 40 beats per minute (IRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11–1.33, p = 0.001) and abnormal electrocardiogram (IRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14–1.37, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In addition to clinical factors, we found that admission during COVID-19, boarding, and public insurance were associated with increased LOS among patients with EDs. There is a need for greater availability of ED treatment centers to care for patients with EDs after medical stabilization.
Predictors of post traumatic growth in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: McErlean Gemma , Tapp Caley , Brice Lisa , Gilroy Nicole , Kabir Masura , Greenwood Matt , Larsen Stephen R , Moore John , Gottlieb David , Hertzberg Mark , Brown Louisa , Hogg Megan , Huang Gillian , Ward Christopher , Kerridge Ian
Published: August 2023

Aims

Given the increasing number of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations (HSCT) performed world-wide, the increasing likelihood of survival following HSCT, and the profound physical, psychosocial, and emotional impact of HSCT on survivors, their carers and families, it is important to identify factors that may contribute to or support post-traumatic growth (PTG) after transplant. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PTG in an Australian cohort of long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors and describe associations between PTG and relevant clinical, sociodemographic and psychological variables.

Methods

This was a large, multi-centre, cross sectional survey of Australian HSCT-survivors inviting all those transplanted in New South Wales between 2000 and 2012. Respondents completed the PTG Inventory (PTGI), the Sydney Post-BMT Survey, FACT-BMT, DASS 21, The Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD) Activity Assessment–Patient Self-Report (Form B), the Lee Chronic GVHD Symptom Scale, and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Scale. Data was analysed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and pearson’s correlations, and hierarchical multiple regression adjusted for potential confounders and to ascertain independent associations of explanatory variables with PTG.

Results

Of 441 respondents, 99% reported some level of PTG with 67% reporting moderate to high levels of PTG. Female gender, younger age, complementary therapy use, anxiety, psychological distress and psychosocial care, and higher quality of life were associated with higher levels of PTG. Importantly, we also found that PTG was not associated with either chronic GVHD or post-HSCT morbidity.

Conclusions

In this study – the largest study of PTG in long-term allogeneic HSCT survivors - we found that growth appears ubiquitous, with 99% of survivors reporting some degree of PTG and 67% reporting moderate-high levels of PTG. Importantly, we found no association with GVHD or chronic physical post-HSCT morbidity, or adverse financial, occupational or sexual impacts. This suggests that it is the necessity for and experience of, HSCT itself that foments personal growth. Accordingly, healthcare professionals should be alert to the profound and wide-ranging impact of HSCT - and the degree to which survivor’s may experience PTG. Identifying interventions that may assist HSCT survivors cope and building their resilience is of utmost importance.
Learning loss and psychosocial issues among Thai students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: the perspectives of teachers in the online classroom
Authors: Suwathanpornkul Ittipaat , Sarnkhaowkhom Chawapon , Tulmethakaan Manaathar , Sakuntanak Panida , Charoensuk Orn-uma
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a broad influence on health and society across the globe, especially on the education sector as its educators have had to continue the provision of teaching and learning opportunities to their students online in the midst of pandemic. This has led to learning loss and psychological health issues among students, which is now being recognized worldwide. This study aims to explore the perceptions, perspectives, and experiences of teachers with regards to learning loss and psychological health issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative research was employed to gain a richer understanding of this interesting phenomenon. The experiences of twelve primary and secondary teachers were looked into by dividing them into several focus groups and interviewing them through video conferencing. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed through the use of content analysis.

Results

The findings that include the perceptions, perspectives, and experiences among teachers focused on three main themes, which are teaching and Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and support to deal with the psychosocial issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are then divided into fifteen sub themes.

Conclusions

Through these findings, this study is able to provide an understanding of the perceptions, perspectives, and experiences of teachers regarding learning loss and psychosocial issues among students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. It also highlights the psychological issues that were met, the social and family support offered, ways how learning loss among students could have been prevented in the midst of the pandemic, and finally suggests what the education administrators and healthcare or public health sector administrators can do to enhance the quality of education and resilience skills of the students during and after the pandemic.
A novel and cost-effective method for high-throughput 3D culturing and rhythmic assessment of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using retroreflective Janus microparticles
Authors: Pham Huyen T. M. , Nguyen Duc Long , Kim Hyo-Sop , Yang Eun Kyeong , Kim Jae-Ho , Yoon Hyun C. , Park Hyun-Ji
Published: August 2023

Background

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) gain attention as a potent cell source in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. With the necessity of the demands for experimental models to create a more physiologically relevant model of the heart in vitro we herein investigate a 3D culturing platform and a method for assessing rhythm in hiPSC-CMs.

Methods

The 3D cell culture PAMCELL™ plate is designed to enable cells to attach exclusively to adhesive patterned areas. These cell adhesive zones, named as micro-patterned pads, feature micron silica beads that are surface-modified with the well-known arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide. RGD binding to the surface of hiPSC-CMs facilitates cell–cell attachment and the formation of uniform-size spheroids, which is controlled by the diameter of the micro-patterned pads. The assessment and evaluation of 3D hiPSC-CMs beating pattern are carried out using reflective properties of retroreflective Janus micro-particle (RJP). These RJPs are modified with an antibody targeting the gap junction protein found on the surface of hiPSC-CM spheroids. The signal assessment system comprises a camera attached to an optical microscope and a white light source.

Results

The 3D PAMCELL™ R100 culture plate efficiently generate approximately 350 uniform-sized hiPSC-CM spheroids in each well of a 96-well plate and supported a 20-day culture. Analysis of genes and protein expression levels reveal that iPSC-CM spheroids grown on PAMCELL™ R100 retain cardiac stem cell characteristics and functions, outperforming traditional 2D culture platform. Additionally, the RJPs enable monitoring and evaluation of in vitro beating properties of cardiomyocytes without using complex monitoring setup. The system demonstrates its capability to identify alteration in the rhythmic activity of cardiac cells when exposed to ion channel blockers, nifedipine and E4031.

Conclusions

The integration of the 3D culture method and RJPs in this study establishes a platform for evaluating the rhythmic properties of 3D hiPSC-CMs. This approach holds significant potential for identifying arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective therapies for heart diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation intensification to disseminate a skills-based caregiver training program: protocol for a type III effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial
Authors: Decosimo Kasey , Drake Connor , Coffman Cynthia J. , Sperber Nina R. , Tucker Matthew , Hughes Jaime M. , Zullig Leah L. , Chadduck Trisha , Christensen Leah , Kaufman Brystana , Allen Kelli D. , Hastings S. Nicole , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Family caregiver training decreases caregiver psychological burden and improves caregiver depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. Caregivers FIRST is an evidence-based group skills training curriculum for family caregivers and was announced for national dissemination in partnership with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Caregiver Support Program (CSP). Previous evaluations of Caregivers FIRST implementation highlighted that varying support was needed to successfully implement the program, ranging from minimal technical assistance to intensive assistance and support. However, we do not know the optimal level of support needed to inform cost-effective national scaling of the program. We describe a protocol for randomizing 24 non-adopting VA medical centers 1:1 to a tailored, high-touch implementation support or a standard, low-touch implementation support to test the primary hypothesis that high-touch support increases Caregivers FIRST penetration, fidelity, and adoption. Additionally, we describe the methods for evaluating the effect of Caregivers FIRST participation on Veteran outcomes using a quasi-experimental design and the methods for a business case analysis to examine cost of delivery differences among sites assigned to a low or high-touch implementation support.

Methods

We use a type III hybrid implementation-effectiveness study design enrolling VA medical centers that do not meet Caregivers FIRST adoption benchmarks following the announcement of the program as mandated within the CSP. Eligible medical centers will be randomized to receive a standard low-touch implementation support based on Replicating Effective Programs (REP) only or to an enhanced REP (high-touch) implementation support consisting of facilitation and tailored technical assistance. Implementation outcomes include penetration (primary), fidelity, and adoption at 12 months. Mixed methods will explore sites’ perceptions and experiences of the high-touch intensification strategy. Additional analyses will include a patient-level effectiveness outcome (Veteran days at home and not in an institution) and a business case analysis using staffing and labor cost data.

Discussion

This pragmatic trial will lead to the development and refinement of implementation tools to support VA in spreading and sustaining Caregivers FIRST in the most efficient means possible.

Trial registration

This study was registered on April 8, 2022, at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT05319535).
Mental health reform in Australia – unfinished business
Authors: Rosenberg Sebastian , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Rosen Alan
Published: August 2023

Australia was one of the first countries to develop a national mental health strategy. This article reviews the progress of reform, outlining some strengths, weaknesses and prospective challenges.
Mouse Testicular Mkrn3 Expression Is Primarily Interstitial, Increases Peripubertally, and Is Responsive to LH/hCG
Authors: Pereira Sidney A , Oliveira Fernanda C B , Naulé Lydie , Royer Carine , Neves Francisco A R , Abreu Ana Paula , Carroll Rona S , Kaiser Ursula B , Coelho Michella S , Lofrano-Porto Adriana
Published: August 2023

Studies in humans and mice support a role for Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) as an inhibitor of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion prepubertally, and its loss of function is the most common genetic cause of central precocious puberty in humans. Studies have shown that the gonads can synthesize neuropeptides and express MKRN3/Mkrn3 mRNA. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Mkrn3 in gonads during sexual development, and its potential regulation in the functional testicular compartments by gonadotropins. Mkrn3 mRNA was detected in testes and ovaries of wild-type mice at all ages evaluated, with a sexually dimorphic expression pattern between male and female gonads. Mkrn3 expression was highest peripubertally in the testes, whereas it was lower peripubertally than prepubertally in the ovaries. Mkrn3 is expressed primarily in the interstitial compartment of the testes but was also detected at low levels in the seminiferous tubules. In vitro studies demonstrated that Mkrn3 mRNA levels increased in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)–treated Leydig cell primary cultures. Acute administration of a GnRH agonist in adult mice increased Mkrn3 expression in testes, whereas inhibition of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis by chronic administration of GnRH agonist had the opposite effect. Finally, we found that hCG increased Mkrn3 mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our developmental expression analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies show that Mkrn3 is expressed in the testes, predominantly in the interstitial compartment, and that Mkrn3 expression increases after puberty and is responsive to luteinizing hormone/hCG stimulation.
Social Isolation and Breast Cancer
Authors: Hilakivi-Clarke Leena , de Oliveira Andrade Fabia
Published: August 2023

Although the role of life stressors in breast cancer remains unclear, social isolation is consistently associated with increased breast cancer risk and mortality. Social isolation can be defined as loneliness or an absence of perceived social connections. In female mice and rats, social isolation is mimicked by housing animals 1 per cage. Social isolation causes many biological changes, of which an increase in inflammatory markers and disruptions in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism are commonly reported. It is not clear how the 2 traditional stress-induced pathways, namely, the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis (HPA), resulting in a release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex, and autonomic nervous system (ANS), resulting in a release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and postganglionic neurons, could explain the increased breast cancer risk in socially isolated individuals. For instance, glucocorticoid receptor activation in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells inhibits their proliferation, and activation of β-adrenergic receptor in immature immune cells promotes their differentiation toward antitumorigenic T cells. However, activation of HPA and ANS pathways may cause a disruption in the brain–gut–microbiome axis, resulting in gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis, in turn, leads to an alteration in the production of bacterial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids, causing a systemic low-grade inflammation and inducing dysfunction in mitochondrial and cellular metabolism. A possible causal link between social isolation–induced increased breast cancer risk and mortality and gut dysbiosis should be investigated, as it offers new tools to prevent breast cancer.
From Unitary Plurality to Plural Unity
Authors: Li Huaiyin
Published: August 2023

The writings by Chinese historians and archeologists about the origins of Chinese civilization in the past century have transitioned from the old construct of “unitary plurality,” or a shared assumption of the mythical Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) as the progenitor of the only civilization in the land of Huaxia (proto China) while admitting its coexistence with other heterogeneous but inferior cultures, to the new paradigm of “plural unity” or a consensus on Huaxia's interaction with all other cultures to form a unitary Chinese civilization that has lasted into the twenty-first century. Substantiated by the archeological findings of the twentieth century, this transition was ultimately propelled by three interweaving forces, namely, Chinese researchers' ideological undertakings, their factional struggle for academic supremacy, and commitment to local interest and identity.
Settler Sensibilities and Environmental Change
Authors: Johnson Amy
Published: August 2023

Malaria eradication arrived in Nepal in the 1950s as part of a global initiative to make malarial landscapes available for land reclamation and universal settlement. This article situates period reports from World Health Organization personnel involved in the Nepal Malaria Eradication Organization alongside testimonies from two malaria eradication workers from the country's Farwestern Tarai region to disentangle the socioecological and political effects of Nepal's malaria eradication project in its formative years. By concentrating on the labor of malaria eradication—focused on geographic reconnaissance and indoor residual spraying and the employment of laborers of diverse caste and ethnic backgrounds—the author argues that the project helped generate a settler sensibility toward the Nepal Tarai, transforming the forests and grasslands into a domesticated, development-ready village landscape. Applying insights from settler studies to a formally non-colonized nation-state, Nepal, the article highlights settlerism as a practice extending beyond the geography of European-American imperialism and embeds Nepal's malaria eradication program within the colonial landscape of Northern South Asia.
Characteristics Predicting Short-Term and Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Esophageal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Esophagectomy
Authors: van der Wilk Berend J. , Eyck Ben M. , Noordman Bo J. , Kranenburg Leonieke W. , Oppe Mark , Lagarde Sjoerd M. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. , Busschbach Jan J. , van Lanschot J. Jan B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Esophagectomy is associated with lasting effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients desire detailed information on the expected impact of treatment on their postoperative HRQOL. The aim of the present study is to identify clinicopathological characteristics predictive for changes in short-term and long-term HRQOL after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and surgery.

Methods

HRQOL was measured using EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-OES24 questionnaires prior to nCRT, three, six, nine and twelve months postoperatively and at a minimum of six years postoperatively. Based on previous experience and available literature, several subgroups were predefined for different clinicopathological characteristics: baseline global HRQOL, WHO performance status, histology, tumor stage and tumor location. The primary endpoints of the present study were the change compared to baseline in the HRQOL dimensions physical functioning and eating problems. Secondary endpoints were global HRQOL, fatigue and emotional problems.

Results

In total, 134 (76%) of 177 patients who received HRQOL questionnaires, responded at baseline. Patients who reported a high baseline global HRQOL had a more severe deterioration in eating problems (+14.5 to + 18.0), global HRQOL (-16.0 to -28.0) and fatigue (+10.5 to +14.9) up to six years postoperatively compared to patients who reported a low baseline global HRQOL. Patients who had stage 2 tumor (UICC 6th edition) had a more severe deterioration in eating problems (+14.6 to +19.0) and global HRQOL (-10.1 to -17.1) than patients who had stage 3 tumor.

Conclusions

The results suggest that patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer in favorable condition at baseline decline more in terms of various HRQOL outcomes.
Fission yeast poly(A) polymerase active site mutation Y86D alleviates therad24Δasp1-H397Asynthetic growth defect and up-regulates mRNAs targeted by MTREC and Mmi1
Authors: Garg Angad , Schwer Beate , Shuman Stewart
Published: August 2023

Expression of fission yeast Pho1 acid phosphatase is repressed under phosphate-replete conditions by transcription of an upstreamprtlncRNA that interferes with thepho1mRNA promoter. lncRNA-mediated interference is alleviated by genetic perturbations that elicit precocious lncRNA 3′-processing and transcription termination, such as (i) the inositol pyrophosphate pyrophosphatase-defectiveasp1-H397Aallele, which results in elevated levels of IP8, and (ii) absence of the 14-3-3 protein Rad24. Combiningrad24Δ withasp1-H397Acauses a severe synthetic growth defect. A forward genetic screen forSRA(Suppressor ofRad24Asp1-H397A) mutations identified a novel missense mutation (Tyr86Asp) of Pla1, the essential poly(A) polymerase subunit of the fission yeast cleavage and polyadenylation factor (CPF) complex. Thepla1-Y86Dallele was viable but slow-growing in an otherwise wild-type background. Tyr86 is a conserved active site constituent that contacts the RNA primer 3′ nt and the incoming ATP. The Y86D mutation elicits a severe catalytic defect in RNA-primed poly(A) synthesis in vitro and in binding to an RNA primer. Yet, analyses of specific mRNAs indicate that poly(A) tails inpla1-Y86Dcells are not different in size than those in wild-type cells, suggesting that other RNA interactors within CPF compensate for the defects of isolated Pla1-Y86D. Transcriptome profiling ofpla1-Y86Dcells revealed the accumulation of multiple RNAs that are normally rapidly degraded by the nuclear exosome under the direction of the MTREC complex, with which Pla1 associates. We suggest that Pla1-Y86D is deficient in the hyperadenylation of MTREC targets that precedes their decay by the exosome.
O impacto dos estereótipos na carreira das mulheres
Authors: Kerr Cristina
Published: August 2023

Eles são considerados racionais, assertivos e competentes; elas, emotivas, obedientes e colaborativas. Vieses inconscientes fazem com que mulheres tenham maiores dificuldades que homens nas contratações e promoções, especialmente no primeiro passo para o nível gerencial.
Como fazer reuniões estratégicas mais efetivas
Authors: Magalhães Manteiga Sandro
Published: August 2023

Usar PowerPoint ou documentos em formato de texto? Ambas as ferramentas podem ser úteis, o importante é compreender suas potencialidades para aumentar a capacidade de formular, comunicar, memorizar e executar a estratégia corporativa.
Dilemas e avanços das mulheres na gestão
Authors: Tonelli Maria José , Carvalho Adriana , Teixeira Maria Fernanda
Published: August 2023

As organizações foram construídas como espaços em que o imaginário masculino da gestão é tomado como natural e, portanto, reproduzido e reforçado. Como mudar esse cenário?
CONCEPT OF ESG-AUDIT OF ORGANIZATIONS IN THE PUBLIC AND CORPORATE SECTOR
Authors: Bulyga R. , Safonova Irina
Published: August 2023

The article raises the issues of leveling by the audit community the influence of the ESG transformation of the information ecosystem of the activities of economic entities on the development of the methodology for auditing public reporting. The essence of the problem lies in the significant lag of the regulatory system and the applied practice of confirming the reliability of information published in the reporting of corporate and public sector organizations from the pace of updating regulatory regulation and expanding the practice of generating and disclosing non-financial reporting information in the context of rapid ESG transformation. The article provides an overview of the regulatory framework and practice of verifying the reliability of non-financial information by audit organizations. The characteristics of methods of verification of non-financial reporting information, alternative to traditional audit, are given. The conceptual provisions and methodological approaches to the ESG audit of public and corporate sector organizations are formulated.
A Superlinearly Convergent Subgradient Method for Sharp Semismooth Problems
Authors: Charisopoulos Vasileios , Davis Damek
Published: August 2023

Subgradient methods comprise a fundamental class of nonsmooth optimization algorithms. Classical results show that certain subgradient methods converge sublinearly for general Lipschitz convex functions and converge linearly for convex functions that grow sharply away from solutions. Recent work has moreover extended these results to certain nonconvex problems. In this work, we seek to improve the complexity of these algorithms by asking the following question. Is it possible to design a superlinearly convergent subgradient method? We provide a positive answer to this question for a broad class of sharp semismooth functions.

Funding: The research of D. Davis was supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences [Grant 2047637] and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
In Congestion Games, Taxes Achieve Optimal Approximation
Authors: Paccagnan Dario , Gairing Martin
Published: August 2023

The Power of Traffic Tolls

The paper “In Congestion Games, Taxes Achieve Optimal Approximation” by Paccagnan and Gairing investigates the power and limitations of taxes as interventions in congestion games. Perhaps surprisingly, they find that efficiently computed taxes can achieve the same performance as the best polynomial time algorithm, even when the algorithm has full control over the agents’ actions. The authors establish three main results to support this claim. First, they prove that minimizing congestion is NP-hard to approximate within a given factor based on the latency functions. Second, they demonstrate how convex optimization tools can be used to design optimal taxes. Third, they provide a polynomial time algorithm with an approximation factor matching the hardness barrier. The upshot of their contribution can be summarized as follows: Judiciously designed taxes achieve optimal approximation, and no other tractable intervention can improve upon this result.
How Entrepreneurs Achieve Purpose Beyond Profit: The Case of Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria
Authors: Barkema Harry G. , Bindl Uta K. , Tanveer Lamees
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates how entrepreneurs achieve a sense of purpose or, more precisely, eudaimonic well-being—the experience of a good and meaningful life. We explore this in the context of women entrepreneurs participating in a business training program in Nigeria. Specifically, we conduct mixed-methods research, starting with an inductive qualitative Study 1 of what eudaimonic well-being means for these entrepreneurs. We find that, in the context of their enterprises, eudaimonic well-being implies opportunities to experience self-cultivation, mastery, social recognition, and to benefit others in the community. Unexpectedly, the women in our study also experience eudaimonic well-being related to their households. These initial insights inform theory in Study 2 on how enterprise-related learning (i.e., acquiring and assimilating knowledge regarding the enterprise) and household-related learning (acquiring and assimilating knowledge regarding the household) influence their eudaimonic well-being, itself driven by strong social ties with other women entrepreneurs in the training program. Hypotheses testing through a quantitative study of 484 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria over time corroborates the theory. Our research provides a contextualized perspective of “purpose” in entrepreneurship and how to achieve it: by developing strong social ties, enabling enterprise- and household-related learning, women entrepreneurs in our context initiate greater eudaimonic well-being, beyond improving firm performance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15341 .
O dizer cifrado na ditadura e as flechas selvagens e antifascistas nas artes dos anos 1970: diálogos possíveis
Authors: Costa Fabrício Lemos da
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo trata das criações artísticas no contexto da ditadura civil-militar no Brasil. No estudo, analisamos as artes que se enveredaram no selvagem para responder às opressões conservadoras na década de 1970. Defendemos que tais revoltas radicais marcaram as obras nas suas particularidades políticas insurgentes, cujo uso de signos foram expressados cifradamente, muitas vezes, haja vista que a censura fazia parte das operações do regime ditatorial. Para isto, enfatizamos tais aspectos na escritura Água viva (1973), de Clarice Lispector (1920-1977), em diálogo com outras artes.
The Exponential T-X Gompertz Model for Modeling Real Lifetime Data: Properties and Estimation
Authors:   Laboratory of Statistics and Stochastic Processes, University of Djillali Liabes, BP 89, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria, Meraou Mohammd Amine , Alshahrani Fatimah ,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Ryadh 11671, Saudi Arabia, Almanjahie Ibrahim M. ,   Department of Mathematics, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62223, Saudi Arabia, Attouch Mohammed Kadi ,   Laboratory of Statistics and Stochastic Processes, University of Djillali Liabes, BP 89, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria
Published: August 2023

In the real world, many applications require enhanced variants of well-known distributions. The new distributions are generally more adaptable for simulating real-world data with high skewness and kurtosis. Choosing the best statistical distribution for modeling data is very important and demanding. In this paper, we provide a new fl exible model for modeling lifetime data that is achieved by adding a component to baseline distributions. The new model has three parameters, known as the exponential T-X Gompertz distribution. Its probability density function could be skewed and unimodal. Reliability, hazard rate, quantile, and the moment generating function are just a few of the distributional properties that can be inferred from the suggested model. To estimate the unknown parameters, maximum likelihood estimation is utilized. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation experiments are performed to evaluate the performance of the maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, two real-world data sets are shown to evaluate the proposed model’s potential with that of various existing models.
Trapping-induced quantum beats in a van-der-Waals heterostructure microcavity observed by two-dimensional micro-spectroscopy
Authors: Li Donghai , Shan Hangyong , Knopf Heiko , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Qin Ying , Tongay Sefaattin , Eilenberger Falk , Höfling Sven , Schneider Christian , Brixner Tobias
Published: August 2023

Spatial confinement has been frequently engineered to control the flow and relaxation dynamics of exciton polaritons. While widely investigated in GaAs microcavities, exciton-polariton coupling between discretized polariton modes arising from spatially confined 2D crystals been has been less exhaustively studied. Here, we use coherent 2D photoluminescence-detected micro-spectroscopy to detect oscillating 2D peaks exclusively from a spatial trap in a microcavity with an embedded van-der-Waals heterostructure at room temperature. We observe a wide variation of oscillatory phases as a function of spectral position within the 2D spectrum, which suggests the existence of a coupling between the discretized polariton modes. The latter is accompanied by the generation of coherent phonons.
Timescale dependent sign of amorphous titanium dioxide thermo-optic coefficient
Authors: Weeber Jean-Claude , Andrieux Aurore , Gourier Marie-Maxime , Arocas Juan , Markey Laurent , Hammani Kamal , Bouhelier Alexandre , Bellas Dimitris V. , Lidorikis Elefterios , Pleros Nikos
Published: August 2023

We report on the thermo-optic properties of electron-beam evaporated amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO2) at different timescales. We investigate the thermo-optic response of TiO2 from static regime down to the micro-second regime by applying Joule heating on hybrid metallo-dielectric integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometers. We show that amorphous TiO2 exhibits a very large negative thermo-optical coefficient in the range of -6.5×10−4 K−1 at 1550 nm at typical timescales of a few seconds. Such a slow thermo-optic response is consistent with an organic origin of amorphous TiO2 negative thermo-optic coefficient. However, when observed at the micro-second timescale, we show that the same amorphous TiO2 has a positive thermo-optic coefficient, just like many other materials. Based on our results, TiO2 can be conveniently deployed in energy-effective integrated optic devices by taking into account the specific multi-timescale thermo-optic properties of this material.
Multi-ancestry GWAS analysis identifies two novel loci associated with diabetic eye disease and highlights APOL1 as a high risk locus in patients with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Stockwell Amy D. , Chang Michael C. , Mahajan Anubha , Forrest William , Anegondi Neha , Pendergrass Rion K. , Selvaraj Suresh , Reeder Jens , Wei Eric , Iglesias Victor A. , Creps Natalie M. , Macri Laura , Neeranjan Andrea N. , van der Brug Marcel P. , Scales Suzie J. , McCarthy Mark I. , Yaspan Brian L.
Published: August 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes. Approximately 20% of DR patients have diabetic macular edema (DME) characterized by fluid leakage into the retina. There is a genetic component to DR and DME risk, but few replicable loci. Because not all DR cases have DME, we focused on DME to increase power, and conducted a multi-ancestry GWAS to assess DME risk in a total of 1,502 DME patients and 5,603 non-DME controls in discovery and replication datasets. Two loci reached GWAS significance (p<5x10-8). The strongest association was rs2239785, (K150E) inAPOL1. The second finding was rs10402468, which co-localized toPLVAPandANKLE1in vascular / endothelium tissues. We conducted multiple sensitivity analyses to establish that the associations were specific to DME status and did not reflect diabetes status or other diabetic complications. Here we report two novel loci for risk of DME which replicated in multiple clinical trial and biobank derived datasets. One of these loci, containing the geneAPOL1, is a risk factor in African American DME and DKD patients, indicating that this locus plays a broader role in diabetic complications for multiple ancestries.

Trial Registration:NCT00473330,NCT00473382,NCT03622580,NCT03622593,NCT04108156.
Functional mapping of N-terminal residues in the yeast proteome uncovers novel determinants for mitochondrial protein import
Authors: Nashed Salomé , El Barbry Houssam , Benchouaia Médine , Dijoux-Maréchal Angélie , Delaveau Thierry , Ruiz-Gutierrez Nadia , Gaulier Lucie , Tribouillard-Tanvier Déborah , Chevreux Guillaume , Le Crom Stéphane , Palancade Benoit , Devaux Frédéric , Laine Elodie , Garcia Mathilde
Published: August 2023

N-terminal ends of polypeptides are critical for the selective co-translational recruitment of N-terminal modification enzymes. However, it is unknown whether specific N-terminal signatures differentially regulate protein fate according to their cellular functions. In this work, we developed an in-silico approach to detect functional preferences in cellular N-terminomes, and identified in S. cerevisiae more than 200 Gene Ontology terms with specific N-terminal signatures. In particular, we discovered that Mitochondrial Targeting Sequences (MTS) show a strong and specific over-representation at position 2 of hydrophobic residues known to define potential substrates of the N-terminal acetyltransferase NatC. We validated mitochondrial precursors as co-translational targets of NatC by selective purification of translating ribosomes, and found that their N-terminal signature is conserved in Saccharomycotina yeasts. Finally, systematic mutagenesis of the position 2 in a prototypal yeast mitochondrial protein confirmed its critical role in mitochondrial protein import. Our work highlights the hydrophobicity of MTS N-terminal residues and their targeting by NatC as important features for the definition of the mitochondrial proteome, providing a molecular explanation for mitochondrial defects observed in yeast or human NatC-depleted cells. Functional mapping of N-terminal residues thus has the potential to support the discovery of novel mechanisms of protein regulation or targeting.
Predictors of successful return to parkrun for first-time adult participants in Scotland
Authors: Gilburn Andre S.
Published: August 2023

Physical activity is essential for promoting good health and reducing burdens on healthcare systems. parkrun organise free weekly events where participants complete a 5km route. Studies have identified characteristics of participants associated with lower levels of participation. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of the likelihood of returning to parkrun for first-time adult participants. The return rate of adult first-time participants was determined for all 5km parkrun events in Scotland over a 1-year period from February 2019. The dataset consisted of 20,191 adult participants made up of 11,459 females and 8,732 males across 58 venues. A General Linear Mixed Model was used to identify factors associated with return rate. Return rates were negatively correlated with event size and positively correlated with the proportion of first-time adult participants at the event. Age was positively correlated with return rate and males were more likely to return. New participants that finished in a relatively slow time were disproportionately less likely to return. Return rates were positively correlated with the amount of freshwater and woodland on the route. These findings provide potential opportunities to manage events to enhance their efficacy. Specific events could be promoted as first-timer days to encourage new participants to attend together. New events could be prioritised in proximity to events that currently experience high attendances to reduce attendances locally. As the presence of freshwater and woodland are associated with higher return these habitats could play a role in generating the benefits of green exercise. If so the creation of more routes running through or alongside these habitats could be beneficial. The findings are likely to be widely applicable to other mass participation events and those interesting in understanding the mechanism by which green exercise provides its benefits.
Exposure to the 1959–1961 Chinese famine and risk of non-communicable diseases in later life: A life course perspective
Authors: Cheng Mengling , Sommet Nicolas , Kerac Marko , Jopp Daniela S. , Spini Dario
Published: August 2023

Child undernutrition and later-life non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are major global health issues. Literature suggests that undernutrition/famine exposure in childhood has immediate and long-term adverse health consequences. However, many studies have theoretical and methodological limitations. To add to the literature and overcome some of these limitations, we adopted a life course perspective and used more robust methods. We investigated the association between exposure to the 1959–1961 Chinese famine and later-life NCDs and if this association depends on: life stage at exposure, famine severity, and sex. We conducted a secondary data analysis of a large-scale, nationally representative, longitudinal study—the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018, 11,094 participants). We measured famine exposure/severity using self-reported experience, life stage using age at exposure, and health using the number of NCDs. We performed Poisson growth curve models. We obtained three findings. First, compared with unexposed participants, those exposed before age 18 had a higher risk of later-life NCDs, particularly if exposed in-utero (IRR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.70, 2.12], p < .001) and in the “first 1,000 days” of life (IRR = 1.86, 95% CI [1.73, 2.00], p < .001; for 0–6 months group, IRR = 1.95, 95% CI [1.67, 2.29], p < .001). Second, the famine effects among participants moderately and severely exposed were similar (IRR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.09, 1.28], p < .001 and IRR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.17, 1.32], p < .001). Third, the famine effects did not differ between females and males (IRR = 0.98, 95% CI [0.90, 1.07], p = .703). In an individual’s life course, in-utero and the “first 1,000 days” are a particularly sensitive time period with marked long-term implications for NCDs if undernutrition/famine is experienced in this period. However, this window remains open until young adulthood. This highlights the need to invest more in preventing and treating child/adolescent undernutrition to tackle later-life NCDs.
The gut microbiota contributes to changes in the host immune response induced by Trichinella spiralis
Authors: Li Chengyao , Liu Yi , Liu Xiaolei , Bai Xue , Jin Xuemin , Xu Fengyan , Chen Hong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Vallee Isabelle , Liu Mingyuan , Yang Yong
Published: August 2023

The gut microbiota plays an important role in parasite-host interactions and the induction of immune defense responses. Trichinella spiralis is an important zoonotic parasite that can directly or indirectly interact with the host in the gut. Changes in the gut microbiota following infection with T. spiralis and the role of the gut microbiota in host immune defense against T. spiralis infection were investigated in our study. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that infection with T. spiralis can reduce the diversity of the gut microbiota and alter the structure of the gut microbiota during early infection, which was restored when the worm left the gut. Antibiotic treatment (ABX) and fecal bacterial transplantation (FMT) were used to investigate the role of the gut microbiota in the host expulsion response during infection with T. spiralis. We found that ABX mice had a higher burden of parasites, and the burden of parasites decreased after fecal bacterial transplantation. The results of flow cytometry and qPCR revealed that the disturbance of the gut microbiota affects the proportion of CD4+ T cells and the production of IL-4, which weakens Th2 responses and makes expulsion difficult. In addition, as the inflammatory response decreased with the changes of the microbiota, the Th1 response also decreased. The metabolomic results were in good agreement with these findings, as the levels of inflammatory metabolites such as ceramides were reduced in the ABX group. In general, T. spiralis infection can cause changes in the gut microbiota, and the presence or absence of microbes may also weaken intestinal inflammation and the expulsion of T. spiralis by affecting the immune response of the host.
Frequency, geographical distribution and outcomes of pit viper bites in Malaysia consulted to Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS) from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Qamruddin Reza Murad , Safferi Ruth Sabrina , Mohamed@Ismail Zainalabidin , Salleh Mohd Shukruddeen , Abd Hamid Muhammad Nadzmi Hadi , Frederic Ng Vera Effa Rezar , Goh Wan Chee , Ismail Ahmad Khaldun
Published: August 2023

Not all pit viper species are present in every state of Malaysia and their distribution varies according to altitude. There is limited information on pit viper bite incidence and its geographical distribution. This was a cross-sectional study of confirmed pit viper bite cases referred to Remote Envenomation Consultancy Services (RECS) from January 2017 to December 2020. Data was collected following the approval of institutional research ethics committee. Universal sampling methods were used. Confirmed pit viper bite cases in each state, geographical location and the antivenom used were reported. A total of 523 confirmed pit viper bite injuries occurred over the 4-year study period. The majority were Malaysians, male and young adults. Most were non-occupational related (83.9%) and involved the upper limbs (46.8%). The commonest pit viper species involved was Trimeresurus purpureomaculatus (23.7%). Green pit viper antivenom (GPAV) was the most frequent antivenom used (n = 51) with the majority of patients requiring only one dose (3 vials). This study provides a better appreciation of indigenous pit viper species distribution for each state and reflects the requirement of appropriate antivenom to be stocked in each state or district hospital.