bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spillover effects of government subsidies on outward foreign direct investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Siqi , Sun Mengdi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe examine the effect of government subsidies on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) by Chinese listed firms. Based on a panel dataset covering Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2021, our findings indicate that government subsidies can promote OFDI by enhancing the production efficiency, innovation capability, and social performance of Chinese listed firms. Furthermore, the heterogeneous analyses show that non‐tax‐based subsidies significantly promote OFDI by Chinese listed firms, and government subsidies do not result in a discernible preference for greenfield investments or mergers and acquisitions. In addition, government subsidies can significantly contribute to promoting OFDI for non‐SOEs, older firms, firms in globally emerging sectors and domestically catching‐up sectors, as well as firms located in eastern China.
“Okay, I respect this publicity stunt.” A snapshot of public perceptions of an online game‐based blood donation campaign
Authors: Edwards Abigail , Masser Barbara 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundWith a decrease in young and first‐time donors, applying gaming elements to blood donation may provide a novel means of encouraging young donors. In August 2023, the online game DiabloIV launched the Blood Harvest in which players were encouraged to donate blood products in the United States to receive virtual in‐game rewards. Given the novelty of this independent initiative, our aim was to capture Diablov IV players opinions of the Blood Harvest through thematically analyzing their online discourse related to this blood donation campaign.Study Design and MethodsWe captured publicly available Twitter/X posts (n = 78) and engagement (n = 390) relevant to the Blood Harvest posted during and immediately after the campaign (October 13, 2023–November 27, 2023).ResultsUsing thematic analysis, we identified 5 themes relating to the Blood Harvest campaign: (1) Positive perceptions and community motivations to donate, (2) Negative perceptions of the initiative and online game, (3) Players' inability to donate and participate in the initiative, (4) Incentives and incentive comparisons, and (5) Benefiting from positive associations focusing on the reputational gain that may be accessed through promoting blood donation.DiscussionSituating a donation campaign in an established video game provides a novel opportunity to engage young donors. Through capturing public data, we provide a unique snapshot of how an online gaming community perceives and reacts to an independently initiated game‐integrated blood donation campaign. This highlights key strengths of the approach as well as identifying potential risks for blood collection agencies.
Breathing patterns and associated cardiovascular changes in intermittently breathing animals: (Partially) correcting a semantic quagmire
Authors: Burggren Warren , Fahlman Andreas , Milsom William 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMany animal species do not breathe in a continuous, rhythmic fashion, but rather display a variety of breathing patterns characterized by prolonged periods between breaths (inter‐breath intervals), during which the heart continues to beat. Examples of intermittent breathing abound across the animal kingdom, from crustaceans to cetaceans. With respect to human physiology, intermittent breathing—also termed ‘periodic’ or ‘episodic’ breathing—is associated with a variety of pathologies. Cardiovascular phenomena associated with intermittent breathing in diving species have been termed ‘diving bradycardia’, ‘submersion bradycardia’, ‘immersion bradycardia’, ‘ventilation tachycardia’, ‘respiratory sinus arrhythmia’ and so forth. An examination across the literature of terminology applied to these physiological phenomena indicates, unfortunately, no attempt at standardization. This might be viewed as an esoteric semantic problem except for the fact that many of the terms variously used by different authors carry with them implicit or explicit suggestions of underlying physiological mechanisms and even human‐associated pathologies. In this article, we review several phenomena associated with diving and intermittent breathing, indicate the semantic issues arising from the use of each term, and make recommendations for best practice when applying specific terms to particular cardiorespiratory patterns. Ultimately, we emphasize that the biology—not the semantics—is what is important, but also stress that confusion surrounding underlying mechanisms can be avoided by more careful attention to terms describing physiological changes during intermittent breathing and diving.
Choline degradation in
Paracoccus denitrificans
: identification of sources of formaldehyde
Authors: Parekh Trusha , Tsai Marcus , Spiro Stephen 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Paracoccus denitrificans
is a facultative methylotroph that can grow on methanol and methylamine as sole sources of carbon and energy. Both are oxidized to formaldehyde and then to formate, so growth on C1 substrates induces the expression of genes encoding enzymes required for the oxidation of formaldehyde and formate. This induction involves a histidine kinase response regulator pair (FlhSR) that is likely triggered by formaldehyde. Catabolism of some complex organic substrates (e.g., choline and L-proline betaine) also generates formaldehyde. Thus,
flhS
and
flhR
mutants that fail to induce expression of the formaldehyde catabolic enzymes cannot grow on methanol, methylamine, and choline. Choline is oxidized to glycine via glycine betaine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine. By exploring
flhSR
growth phenotypes and the activities of a promoter and enzyme known to be upregulated by formaldehyde, we identify the oxidative demethylations of glycine betaine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine as sources of formaldehyde. Growth on glycine betaine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine is accompanied by the production of up to three, two, and one equivalents of formaldehyde, respectively. Genetic evidence implicates two orthologous monooxygenases in the oxidation of glycine betaine. Interestingly, one of these appears to be a bifunctional enzyme that also oxidizes L-proline betaine (stachydrine). We present preliminary evidence to suggest that growth on L-proline betaine induces expression of a formaldehyde dehydrogenase distinct from the enzyme induced during growth on other formaldehyde-generating substrates.

IMPORTANCE

The bacterial degradation of one-carbon compounds (methanol and methylamine) and some complex multi-carbon compounds (e.g., choline) generates formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is toxic and must be removed, which can be done by oxidation to formate and then to carbon dioxide. These oxidations provide a source of energy; in some species, the CO
2
thus generated can be assimilated into biomass. Using the Gram-negative bacterium
Paracoccus denitrificans
as the experimental model, we infer that oxidation of choline to glycine generates up to three equivalents of formaldehyde, and we identify the three steps in the catabolic pathway that are responsible. Our work sheds further light on metabolic pathways that are likely important in a variety of environmental contexts.
Cell envelope structural and functional contributions to antibiotic resistance in
Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Hogan Andrew M. , Motnenko Anna , Rahman A. S. M. Zisanur , Cardona Silvia T. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic activity is limited by the physical construction of the Gram-negative cell envelope. Species of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) are known as intrinsically multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogens with low permeability cell envelopes. Here, we re-examined a previously performed chemical-genetic screen of barcoded transposon mutants in
B. cenocepacia
K56-2, focusing on cell envelope structural and functional processes. We identified structures mechanistically important for resistance to singular and multiple antibiotic classes. For example, susceptibility to novobiocin, avibactam, and the LpxC inhibitor, PF-04753299, was linked to the BpeAB-OprB efflux pump, suggesting these drugs are substrates for this pump in
B. cenocepacia
. Defects in peptidoglycan precursor synthesis specifically increased susceptibility to cycloserine and revealed a new putative amino acid racemase, while defects in divisome accessory proteins increased susceptibility to multiple β-lactams. Additionally, disruption of the periplasmic disulfide bond formation system caused pleiotropic defects on outer membrane integrity and β-lactamase activity. Our findings highlight the layering of resistance mechanisms in the structure and function of the cell envelope. Consequently, we point out processes that can be targeted for developing antibiotic potentiators.

IMPORTANCE

The Gram-negative cell envelope is a double-layered physical barrier that protects cells from extracellular stressors, such as antibiotics. The
Burkholderia
cell envelope is known to contain additional modifications that reduce permeability. We investigated
Burkholderia
cell envelope factors contributing to antibiotic resistance from a genome-wide view by re-examining data from a transposon mutant library exposed to an antibiotic panel. We identified susceptible phenotypes for defects in structures and functions in the outer membrane, periplasm, and cytoplasm. Overall, we show that resistance linked to the cell envelope is multifaceted and provides new targets for the development of antibiotic potentiators.
Coarctation Duration and Severity Predict Risk of Hypertension Precursors in a Preclinical Model and Hypertensive Status Among Patients
Authors: Ghorbannia Arash , Jurkiewicz Hilda , Nasif Lith , Ahmed Abdillahi , Co-Vu Jennifer , Maadooliat Mehdi , Woods Ronald K. , LaDisa John F. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) often leads to hypertension posttreatment. Evidence is lacking for the current >20 mm Hg peak-to-peak blood pressure (BP) gradient (BPGpp) guideline, which can cause aortic thickening, stiffening, and dysfunction. This study sought to find the BPGpp severity and duration that avoid persistent dysfunction in a preclinical model and test if predictors translate to hypertension status in patients with CoA.

METHODS:
Rabbits (n=75; 5–12/group) were exposed to mild, intermediate, or severe CoA (≤12, 13–19, ≥20 mm Hg BPGpp) for ≈1, 3, or 22 weeks using dissolvable and permanent sutures with thickening, stiffening, contraction, and endothelial function evaluated via multivariate regression. Relevance to patients with CoA (n=239; age, 0.01–46 years; median 3.7 months) was tested by retrospective review of predictors (preoperative BPGpp, surgical age, etc.) versus follow-up hypertension status.

RESULTS:
CoA duration and severity were predictive of aortic remodeling and active dysfunction in rabbits, and hypertension in patients with CoA. Interaction between patient age and BPGpp at surgery contributed significantly to hypertension, similar to rabbits, suggesting preclinical findings translate to patients. Machine learning decision tree analysis uncovered that preoperative BPGpp and surgical age predict risk of hypertension along with residual postoperative BPGpp.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest the current BPGpp threshold determined decades ago is likely too high to prevent adverse coarctation-induced aortic remodeling. The results and decision tree analysis provide a foundation for revising CoA treatment guidelines considering the interaction between CoA severity and duration to limit the risk of hypertension.
Caribbean Migrant Women Making Their Voices Heard: Perspectives from Tobago
Authors: Joseph O’Neil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article examines the life histories of three women who migrated from the island of Tobago in the period 1950 to 1990. The themes explored include the factors which motivated their move, their lived realities in ‘new’ lands, the impact of migration on them and their families, and the reasons for return migration. This article argues that from the first half of the twentieth century, working-class Tobago women, through their personal migration efforts, made use of ingenuity, psychological strength and ambition to better themselves and their families. The Caribbean labour migration literature highlights the migration treks of Caribbean men during this period, but Caribbean women travelled in equally large numbers regionally and internationally in a relentless pursuit of wage labour and economic stability. While in some instances, their migration experiences led to the achievement of promised upward mobility, the pain of deteriorating family relations and rejection in a ‘new’ land, often led to return migration. This argument, which rests upon an interrogation of life histories, newspapers and official documents, presents new insights on a familiar topic, and meaningfully expands the historiography of migration and Caribbean women.
Immigration from Yugoslavia to Sweden 1966–1971: An Analysis of the Impacts of Firms and State
Authors: Frank Denis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the period 1947–1972, large numbers of migrants arrived in Sweden to perform work, particularly in the manufacturing industry. The largest number of migrants came from Finland. Prior to the 1960s, Yugoslavia had not been a significant origin country for immigrants in Sweden, but immigration from Yugoslavia to Sweden increased in that decade. The question posed in the article is: how did Sweden become interlinked with Yugoslavia as an emigration country? The article focuses on the part played by firms and their interaction with state authorities. Swedish employers developed preferences for Yugoslav workers in the 1960s, because they were viewed as skilled within the engineering industry. They were also viewed as a stable workforce, particularly in relation to Finnish workers. Furthermore, the article analyses how the labour market authority shaped immigration from Yugoslavia; it could guide firms towards the recruitment of workers in Yugoslavia.
Panama: An Analysis Of Class Location And Income Distribution
Authors: Castillo Fernández Dídimo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this article, the theoretical perspective centered on “dynamic inequality” and inter-category or individual differences is questioned, while the structural approach of extra-categorical analysis is sustained as essential and pertinent to sociological discussions of inequality and, further, attributable to social class, rather than internal or individual differences as posited by some theorists of inequality. From this position, an attempt is made to offer a frame of reference for the analysis and understanding the distributive structure of income in contemporary Panama. Despite presenting one of the best positioned minimum wage and average income structures in Latin America, Panama occupies one of the worst income distributions in the region. The approach subscribed to in this investigation is based on the theoretical assumption that links the conditions of income inequality with the structures of occupation and class location of the workers. The purpose is to build an empirical model of class structures associated with the occupational categories of the workers and, from this, to analyze the trends in the distribution of income in the country. The data analysis was carried out based on the Labor Market Survey of the National Institute of Statistics and Census of the Comptroller General of the Republic for 2000 and 2021.
Impact of ENSO and Trends on the Distribution of North American Wintertime Daily Temperature
Authors: Becker Emily J. , Tippett Michael K. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The effect of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection and climate change trends on observed North American wintertime daily 2-m temperature is investigated for 1960–2022 with a quantile regression model, which represents the variability of the full distribution of daily temperature, including extremes and changes in spread. Climate change trends are included as a predictor in the regression model to avoid the potentially confounding effect on ENSO teleconnections. Based on prior evidence of asymmetric impacts from El Niño and La Niña, the ENSO response is taken to be piecewise linear, and the regression model contains separate predictors for warm and cool ENSO. The relationship between these predictors and shifts in median, interquartile range, skewness, and kurtosis of daily 2-m temperature are summarized through Legendre polynomials. Warm ENSO conditions result in significant warming shifts in the median and contraction of the interquartile range in central-northern North America, while no opposite effect is found for cool ENSO conditions in this region. In the southern United States, cool ENSO conditions produce a warming shift in the median, while warm ENSO conditions have little impact on the median, but contracts the interquartile range. Climate change trends are present as a near-uniform warming in the median and across quantiles and have no discernable impact on interquartile range or higher-order moments. Trends and ENSO together explain a substantial fraction of the interannual variability of daily temperature distribution shifts across much of North America and, to a lesser extent, changes of the interquartile range.
Waste heat utilization using organic rankine cycle from a pressurized pulverized combined cycle power plant
Authors: Choudhary Nitesh Kumar , Khankari Goutam , Karmakar Sujit 
Published: March 2024

Power plants release a massive amount of waste heat at very low temperatures. Posing a challenge for efficient conversion into useful work through conventional methods. By selecting appropriate working fluids, low-grade power cycles can solve this problem by converting waste heat to electricity. The present work dealt with waste heat utilization using the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) from a 400 MWe coal based supercritical Pressurized Pulverized Combined Cycle (PPCC). The working fluid for the ORC is the refrigerant R245fa. High-ash (HA) Indian coal and low-ash (LA) South African coal are used as fuel to assess the plant’s ability to produce electricity under ambient conditions in India. The simulation flowsheet program “Cycle-Tempo” models and simulates different plant layouts. The thermodynamic assessment unveiled that the standalone plant has energy and exergy efficiencies of 43.46% and 39.87% for HA & 45.42% and 43.84% for LA, respectively. According to this study, the proposed plant has energy and exergy efficiencies of 44.63% and 40.94% for HA & 46.69% and 45.07% for LA, respectively. Moreover, using ORC, the waste heat generates additional electricity of 9.38 MWe, with an energy efficiency of 12.92% and exergy efficiency of 34.63%.
Minimally Invasive vs Open Approach for First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: Short Report of Early Results
Authors: Duggan Jessica L. , Guild Theodore T. , Stanwood Katherine C. , Miller Christopher P. 
Published: March 2024

Background: We aim to compare early surgical results between groups who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs open first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis to treat end-stage hallux rigidus. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort review of 65 patients who underwent a first MTP fusion procedure at an academic medical center between 2015 and 2023. Success of fusion was determined radiographically. Postoperative complications were identified through medical record review. Results: Sixty-seven first MTP fusion surgeries (41 open and 26 MIS) were performed on 65 patients with a primary diagnosis of hallux rigidus. Open surgery and MIS groups had similarly high fusion rates: 95% (39/41) and 96% (25/26), respectively ( P = .84). We identified no difference in overall complication rates: 20% for open surgery and 23% for MIS ( P = .73). Conclusion: This retrospective analysis of 67 first MTP arthrodesis procedures showed no significant differences in fusion success or complications in the short term when comparing MIS to open surgery. Further studies are needed to elucidate potential differences between MIS vs open surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Plantar Kinetics During Wheeled Knee Walker Use Compared to Different Assistive Walking Devices in Persons With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gwaltney Holton C. , Harrington Joseph W. , Anguiano-Hernandez Jose G. , Kingston David C. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Diabetic patients with foot ulcers are commonly prescribed assistive walking devices to unload the affected foot and promote tissue healing. However, the effect on shear loads to the contralateral foot is unknown. This study investigated the effect of a wheeled knee walker (WKW), compared to common devices, on compressive and shear plantar forces carried by the propulsive foot during walking in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A secondary objective investigated plantar forces’ correlations with body weight unloaded (BWU). Methods: Participants walked a maximum of 200 m per condition during normal walking or when using crutches, a standard walker, and a WKW in randomized order. Plantar forces were measured with force plates, and wireless force-sensitive pads measured BWU through the hands. The WKW was instrumented to measure BWU onto the seat and handlebars. Three-dimensional motion capture confirmed gait events. Results: The WKW produced the lowest vertical, braking, propulsive, and medial shear forces but the highest lateral shear force among all conditions. Using crutches or a walker had negligible medial and lateral shear (mean = −6.69 N and −7.80 N), with normal walking producing the highest medial shear. There was a poor relationship between BWU and assistive walking devices and shear force values. Conclusion: A WKW could be the preferred assistive device for unloading a diabetic foot ulcer. The magnitude of lateral force would need further investigation to determine ulceration risk, given patient susceptibility and neuropathy. Clinical Relevance: Understanding shear forces on the propulsive foot is important for minimizing contralateral limb tissue damage risk while treating an ulcer. Different assistive walking devices change walking patterns and affect shear forces on the plantar surface of the foot. Although the WKW minimizes several loading metrics, a clinical trial investigating assistive walking device compliance and wound healing in diabetic foot ulcer patients across devices is needed.