bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conserved interaction between the effector Sca4 and host endocytic machinery suggests additional roles for Sca4 during rickettsial infection
Authors: Vondrak Cassandra J , Sit Brandon , Suwanbongkot Chanakan , Macaluso Kevin R. , Lamason Rebecca L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntracellular bacterial pathogens deploy secreted effector proteins that manipulate diverse host machinery and pathways to promote infection. Although many effectors carry out a single specific function or interaction, there are a growing number of secreted pathogen effectors capable of interacting with multiple host factors. However, few effectors secreted by obligate intracellularRickettsiaspecies have been linked to multiple host targets. Here, we investigated the conserved rickettsial secreted effector Sca4, which was previously shown to interact with host vinculin to promote cell-to-cell spread in the modelRickettsiaspeciesR. parkeri. We discovered that Sca4 also binds the host cell endocytic factor clathrin heavy chain (CHC,CLTC) via a conserved segment in the Sca4 N-terminus. Ablation ofCLTCexpression or chemical inhibition of endocytosis reducedR. parkericell-to-cell spread, indicating that clathrin promotes efficient spread between mammalian cells. This activity was independent of Sca4 and appeared restricted to the recipient host cell, suggesting that the Sca4-clathrin interaction also regulates another aspect of the infectious lifecycle. Indeed,R. parkerilacking Sca4 or expressing a Sca4 truncation unable to bind clathrin had markedly reduced burdens in tick cells, hinting at a cell-type specific function for the Sca4-clathrin interaction. Sca4 homologs from diverseRickettsiaspecies also bound clathrin, suggesting that the function of this novel effector-host interaction may be broadly important for rickettsial infection. We conclude that Sca4 has multiple targets during infection and that rickettsiae may manipulate host endocytic machinery to facilitate several stages of their life cycles.
Skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy, by sex and menopausal status and in comparison to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Wu Karin C , Wu Po-Hung , Kazakia Galateia , Patel Sheena , Black Dennis M , Lang Thomas F , Kim Tiffany Y , King Nicole J , Hoffman Thomas J. , Chang Hanling , Linfield Gaia , Palilla Sarah , Rogers Stanley J , Carter Jonathan T , Posselt Andrew M , Schafer Anne L 
Published: June 2024

AbstractContextRoux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has deleterious effects on bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength. Data are lacking on the skeletal effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), now the most commonly performed bariatric surgical procedure.ObjectiveWe examined changes in bone turnover, areal and volumetric bone mineral density (aBMD, vBMD), and appendicular bone microarchitecture and estimated strength after SG. We compared the results to those previously reported after RYGB, hypothesizing lesser effects after SG than RYGB.Design, Setting, ParticipantsProspective observational cohort study of 54 adults with obesity undergoing SG at an academic center.Main Outcome Measure(s)Skeletal characterization with biochemical markers of bone turnover, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT) was performed preoperatively and 6- and 12-months postoperatively.ResultsOver 12 months, mean percentage weight loss was 28.8%. Bone turnover marker levels increased, and total hip aBMD decreased −8.0% (95% CI −9.1%, −6.7%, p<0.01). Spinal aBMD and vBMD declines were larger in postmenopausal women than men. Tibial and radial trabecular and cortical microstructure worsened, as did tibial estimated strength, particularly in postmenopausal women. When compared to data from a RYGB cohort with identical design and measurements, some SG biochemical, vBMD, and radial microstructural parameters were smaller, while other changes were not.ConclusionsBone mass, microstructure, and strength decrease after SG. Some skeletal parameters change less after SG than after RYGB, while for others, we find no evidence for smaller effects after SG. Postmenopausal women may be at highest risk of skeletal consequences after SG.
Individual Participant Data Network Meta-analysis of psychosocial interventions for survivors of intimate partner violence: Study protocol
Authors: Palantza Christina , Morgan Karen , Welton Nicky J. , Micklitz Hannah M. , Sander Lasse B. , Feder Gene 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTMany systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted in the field of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and the evidence shows small to moderate effect sizes in improving mental health. However, there is considerable heterogeneity due to great variation in participants, interventions and contexts. It is therefore important to establish which participant and intervention characteristics affect the different psychosocial outcomes in different contexts. Individual Participant Network Meta-analysis (IPDNMA) is a gold-standard method to estimate the effects with the highest precision possible and estimate moderating effects, compare the effectiveness of the different interventions and thus answer the question of which intervention is best-suited for whom. We will conduct an IPDNMA of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychosocial interventions for IPV survivors aimed at improving mental health, well-being, risk-lowering and intervention acceptability outcomes compared to any type of control (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023488502). We aim to establish a collaboration with the authors of the eligible RCT, to obtain and to harmonise the Individual Participant Data of the trials, and conduct an one-stage IPDNMA will be conducted under a Bayesian framework using the multinma package in R, after testing which characteristics of the participants and interventions are effect modifiers. There are however inherent limitations of IPDMAs, such as depending on data availability and missing nuancing through the harmonisation of variables. We aim to address these possibly by creating pseudo-IPD and sensitivity analyses. This approach is novel in the field and it can inform more efficient clinical and policy-related decision making.
KCNG4 genetic variant linked to migraine prevents expression of KCNB1
Authors: Lacroix Gabriel , Bhat Shreyas , Shafia Zerghona , Blunck Rikard 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMigraines are a common type of headaches affecting around 15% of the population. The signalling pathways leading to migraines have not been fully understood, but neuronal voltage-gated ion channels have been linked to this pathology, among them KCNG4. KCNG4 (Kv6.4) is a silent member of the superfamily of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, which expresses in heterotetramers with members of the KCNB (Kv2) family. The genetic variant Kv6.4-L360P has previously been linked to migraine, but their mode of action remains unknown. Here, we characterized the molecular characteristics of Kv6.4-L360P when co-expressed with Kv2.1. We found that Kv6.4-L360P almost completely abolishes Kv2 currents, and we propose that this mechanism in the trigeminal system, linked to the initiation of migraine, leads to the pathology.
Fabry-Pérot and Friedrich-Wintgen bound states in the continuum in a photonic triple-stub cavity
Authors: Rezzouk Yamina , Khattou Soufyane , El Ghafiani Mohamed , Amrani Madiha , El Boudouti El Houssaine , Talbi Abdelkrim , Djafari-Rouhani Bahram 
Published: June 2024

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are zero-width (infinite lifetime) trapped eigenmodes that remain confined in the system even though they coexist with a continuum of extended states. The resulting high-frequency resonances may have significant applications in photonic integrated circuits, filtering, sensing, and laser. In this paper, we demonstrate that a simple design based on a photonic triple-stub cavity can display both Fabry-Pérot (FP) and Friedrich-Wintgen (FW) BICs, and their occurrence is very dependent on the way the cavity is attached to the outside medium by one or two ports. We first consider a symmetric cavity where a stub of length d3 is surrounded by two stubs of length d2, and all stubs are separated by segments of length d1. When the cavity is inserted between two ports, we demonstrate theoretically and validate experimentally the existence of symmetric BICs (S-BIC) and antisymmetric BICs (AS-BIC) of FP type under commensurability conditions between the lengths d1, d2, and d3. The S-BICs and AS-BICs may cross each other, giving rise to a doubly degenerate BIC. By breaking the symmetry of the cavity, AS-BICs and S-BICs can couple together and realize a FW-type BIC where one resonance remains with zero width while the other broadens into a bright mode. By considering two additional configurations where the triple-stub cavity is attached with one or two ports from only one side, additional BICs can be induced inside the structure. By slightly detuning from the BIC condition, the latter transforms into either an electromagnetic-induced transparency/reflection or Fano resonance. Finally, such a triple-stub cavity can be designed to realize near-perfect absorption for some frequencies. All the analytical results, obtained from the Green's function method, have been confirmed experimentally in the radiofrequency domain using coaxial cables.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A review of physical properties of hot-dip galvanized coating layer by layer and their respective electrochemical corrosion behavior
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Li Dingding , Zhou Yulong , Peng Haoping , Xie Aijun , Wang Jianhua 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the performance improvement and the broader application of hot-dip galvanized coating.

Design/methodology/approach
First, the ability to provide barrier protection, galvanic protection, and corrosion product protection provided by hot-dip galvanized coating is introduced. Then, according to the varying Fe content, the growth process of each sublayer within the hot-dip galvanized coating, as well as their respective microstructures and physical properties, is presented. Finally, the electrochemical corrosion behaviors of the different sublayers are analyzed.

Findings
The hot-dip galvanized coating is composed of η-Zn sublayer, ζ-FeZn13 sublayer, δ-FeZn10 sublayer, and Γ-Fe3Zn10 sublayer. Among these sublayers, with the increase in Fe content, the corrosion potential moves in a noble direction.

Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of research on the corrosion behavior of each sublayer of hot-dip galvanized coating in different electrolytes.

Practical implications
It provides theoretical guidance for the microstructure control and performance improvement of hot-dip galvanized coatings.

Originality/value
The formation mechanism, coating properties, and corrosion behavior of different sublayers in hot-dip galvanized coating are expounded, which offers novel insights and directions for future research.
Effect of wall length on an interacting supersonic rectangular jet
Authors: Manikanta T.V.S. , Sridhar B.T.N. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to study the interaction effects between a rectangular supersonic jet with a flat wall computationally using wall length as a parameter. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of change in wall length on supersonic core length (SCL) reduction, jet deflection and jet decay behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
The design Mach number and aspect ratio at the rectangular exit were 1.8 and 2, respectively. To study the wall length effects on jet-wall interactions, wall length (Lw) was varied as 0.5Dh, 1Dh, 2Dh, 4Dh and 8Dh, where Dh was the hydraulic diameter of the nozzle exit. The flat wall with the matching width of the rectangular exit section of a supersonic nozzle was placed at the nozzle exit such that the supersonic jet grazed past the wall. The studies were carried out at over-expansion [nozzle pressure ratio (NPR) = 4], near optimum expansion (NPR = 6) and under-expansion (NPR = 8) levels.

Findings
Results indicated that significant reduction in wall-bounded SCL was noticed in the range of 0.5Dh

≤  Lw

≤ 1Dh for both over-expansion and under-expansion conditions. At Lw

≥ 4Dh, SCL got enhanced at NPR = 4 and 6 but had a negligible effect at NPR = 8.

Practical implications
Thrust vector control, noise reduction and easy take-off for high-speed aircraft.

Originality/value
The effect of change in flat wall length on interaction characteristics of a rectangular supersonic jet was not studied before in terms of SCL reduction and jet decay behavior.
The impact of institutions, industry, and scale of operations on foreign subsidiaries’ political connections: evidence from Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Authors: Baokbah Ashjan , Shirodkar Vikrant 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Research on the political connections of multinational enterprises’ (MNEs’) subsidiaries in emerging host countries has been growing. The purpose of this paper is to integrate institutional and resource dependence theories to argue that MNEs-subsidiaries are likely to develop fewer formal (i.e. board-level) political connections when operating in welfare-state monarchies as compared to in host countries with developmental-state democratic systems. Furthermore, this paper argues that MNE-subsidiaries develop formal political connections to a greater extent in industries where religion influences the development of products and services considerably. Finally, the extent of developing formal political connections varies by the scale of the MNEs’ investment (or subsidiary density) in the host market.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper tests its hypotheses on a sample of foreign-owned subsidiaries operating in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The data was collected by combining information from Bureau Van Dijk’s Orbis database with company websites and other secondary sources. The final sample consisted of 156 observations – 70 MNEs-subsidiaries operating in Saudi Arabia, and 86 in Egypt.

Findings
The findings confirm that foreign subsidiaries are likely to develop fewer formal political connections in a welfare-state monarchy as compared to in a developmental-state democratic system. Furthermore, formal political connections are more significant in industries that are impacted by the influence of religion – such as the financial industry in Arab countries. Finally, the extent of using political connections varies by the scale of the MNEs’ investment in the host market – that is, with a greater scale of investment (or higher subsidiary density), formal political connections are greater.

Originality/value
The paper contributes theoretically by explaining that a combination of institutional heterogeneity and its associated resource dependence conditions between MNEs and host governments influence MNE-subsidiaries' political connections. The paper tests its hypotheses in an emerging Arab context, which is characterized by both autocratic and semi-democratic political settings, and which makes the integration of institutional and resource dependence theories useful in explaining how MNE-subsidiaries navigate local complexities in this region.
A generative design-based optimization model for multi-objective construction site layout planning
Authors: Wefki Hossam , Salah Mona , Elbeltagi Emad , Elsheikh Asser , Khallaf Rana 
Published: June 2024

PurposeGiven the growing interest in modern construction techniques and the emergence of innovative technologies, construction site layout planning research has progressively been investigating approaches to adopt innovative concepts and incorporate renewed approaches to improve widespread efficiency. This research develops a decision-making tool that optimizes construction site layout plans. The developed model targets two main objectives: minimizing material transportation costs and maximizing safety by optimally placing facilities on construction sites.Design/methodology/approachA novel approach is devised based on the integration of Building Information Modeling and Generative Design (BIM-GD). This engine is used to optimize the multi-objective site layout problems to identify layout alternatives in the early project stages. Parametric modeling uses Dynamo to construct the model and explore constraints initially. Finally, the GD environment is utilized to create different design alternatives, and then the decision-making procedure selects the most appropriate design alternative. Additionally, a case study is applied to validate the effectiveness of the developed model.FindingsThe results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed GD tool and its potential for more complex applications. The GD engine examined optimal layout plans, balancing different objectives and adhering to appointed geometric constraints. A case study was conducted to assess the model's effectiveness and showcase its suitability. Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) is an essential step in design that can influence considerable aspects, such as material transportation expenses and different safety standards on the site. Employing visual programming for parametric modeling within Dynamo-Revit creates an expedient and user-friendly platform for planning engineers who may require more programming expertise to create and program algorithmic models visually. Utilizing GD in CSLP has proven to be a powerful tool with consequential prospects for improving applications and executing more models.Practical implicationsThe findings from this framework are intended to help construction practitioners select the most appropriate site layout during early project stages while incorporating different safety criteria inside construction sites to alleviate actual safety risks.Originality/valueA new approach is proposed that utilizes an integrated BIM-GD engine to optimize multi-objective site layout problems. This approach targets two main objectives: minimizing material transportation costs and maximizing safety by optimally placing facilities in construction sites.
On some operations on grey graphs with application
Authors: Atef Mohammed , Liu Sifeng 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to formulate the precise meanings of grey graphs and examine some of their properties.Design/methodology/approachThis article introduces innovative concepts of grey sets based on the grey number. We establish the grey graphs and examine their essential properties as isomorphisms of these graphs. Additionally, we explore the notion of a grey-complete graph and demonstrate certain properties of self-complementary grey-complete graphs.FindingsWe showcase novel facets of grey system theory through the establishment of the structures of grey graphs, and the subsequent analysis of their distinctive traits.Practical implicationsThis article provides us with a new theoretical direction for grey system theory according to grey numbers. Thus, we present test examples that explain the routes between cities and the electrical wires between homes. Furthermore, the concept of grey graphs can be applied in several areas of engineering, computer science, neural networks, artificial intelligence, and medical diagnosis.Originality/valueThe proposed concepts are considered novel mathematical directions in grey system theory for the first time. Some operations of grey graphs are also explored.
Understanding the factors behind racial and ethnic disparities in the adoption of alternative financial services: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Lee Jonghee , Kim Kyoung Tae , Lee Jae Min 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine racial/ethnic differences in AFS use and their contributing factors using a decomposition analysis.Design/methodology/approachThe 2018 National Financial Capability Study dataset was used to analyze the four major types of AFS—title loans, payday loans, pawnshops, and rent-to-own (RTO) stores—as proxies for AFS use. The study conducted both logistic regression analysis and decomposition analysis to examine the contributing factors.FindingsThe results of the logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant disparities in the use of alternative financial services (AFS) among racial and ethnic groups. Specifically, it was found that Blacks were more likely to utilize title and payday loans, pawnshops, and rent-to-own (RTO) stores compared to Whites. In contrast, Hispanics and Asians/individuals of other ethnicities were less likely to use title loans, but Hispanics were more likely to opt for payday loans over Whites. Furthermore, objective financial literacy exhibited a negative association with the likelihood of using these four types of AFS, whereas subjective financial literacy consistently showed a positive association. When examining the decomposition analyses, it became evident that both objective and subjective financial literacy played significant roles in explaining the racial and ethnic disparities in AFS usage. However, the patterns varied in three specific pairwise comparisons.Originality/valueThis study revealed the relative contributions of each factor to the racial/ethnic disparities through decomposition analysis. Our Fairlie decomposition approach addressed non-linearities within the decomposition framework, particularly in estimating the probabilities of AFS utilization, given its binary outcomes. This extension builds upon the Oaxaca decomposition. The study offers valuable insights into the variations in AFS use among different racial and ethnic groups.
The heterogeneous effects of macroeconomic and financial factors on financial deepening in Africa: evidence from a method of moments quantile regression analysis
Authors: Sanga Bahati , Aziakpono Meshach 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the heterogeneous effects of macroeconomic and financial factors across various distributions of financial deepening in 22 African countries over the past two decades (2000–2019).

Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a recent method of moments quantile regression, which accounts for the often overlooked heterogeneity effects. The analysis focuses on the banking sector, which is predominant in Africa, using a broad range of macroeconomic and financial indicators.

Findings
The findings show that gross domestic product per capita positively and significantly impacts financing deepening with an increasing marginal benefit as depth increases. Trade openness positively and substantially affects only high financial deepening. Real interest rate, real exchange rate and inflations negatively and significantly affect financial deepening, especially at higher than lower levels. Financial stability positively and substantially influences financial deepening with an increasing marginal benefit as the depth increases. Bank lending interest rate, bank lending–deposit rate spread, bank concentration and return on equity negatively and substantially impact higher levels of financial deepening than lower levels.

Practical implications
These findings are crucial to policymakers and development partners, as promoting a favourable financial environment and stable macroeconomic policies based on the heterogeneity of financial depths can increase debt financing in Africa.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first attempts to analyse the heterogeneous effects of macroeconomic and financial determinants on varying levels of financial depth in Africa.