bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spillover analysis across FinTech, ESG, and renewable energy indices before and during the Russia–Ukraine war: International evidence
Authors: El Khoury Rim , Nasrallah Nohade , Hussainey Khaled , Assaf Rima 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study is epicentral to analyze the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war on the financial markets, specifically focusing on the connectedness and spillover dynamics of FinTech, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), renewable energy, gold, and Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) indices in developed and emerging countries. Data are collected from Thomson Reuters, ranging from May 8, 2020, to May 11, 2022, and a time‐varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP‐VAR) and the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) t‐Copula (DCC‐GARCH t‐Copula) are used to analyze the data. The results show that FinTech, ESG, and MSCI are net transmitters in developed countries, whereas gold and renewable energy are net receivers pre‐ and during war periods. ESG and MSCI are net transmitters in emerging countries, while FinTech, renewable energy, and gold become net receivers in both periods. The hedging ratio sheds light on the costs and weights of efficient pair investments that might change in the context of each region and under the combined scenario. The study has important implications for merchant bankers, policymakers, investors, hedgers, and risk managers.
Metabolic profiles in plasma of patients with herpes labialis based on GC–MS
Authors: Luo Mengxian , Guan Jin‐Tao , Yu Xiu , Ding Yunfei , Mei Xian‐Xian , Pan Xiaoping , Fan Yong‐Sheng , Xu Zheng‐Hao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to compare the plasma metabolic profiles of patients with herpes labialis with healthy controls and identify the biomarkers of herpes labialis.Subjects and MethodsWe collected 18 patients with herpes labialis and 20 healthy individuals. Plasma samples from both groups were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS).ResultsAccording to the principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), we found that metabolic profiles had changed in patients with herpes labialis compared to the controls. By further selecting the different metabolites according to the variable importance in the projection (VIP) and p valve of t‐tests, we found that acetic acid, pyroglutamic acid, alanine, ethanedioic acid, cyclohexaneacetic acid, pyruvic acid, d‐mannose, phosphoric acid, l‐amphetamine, and citric acid were decreased in patients with herpes labialis, while sedoheptulose and ethylamine were increased. Pathway analysis showed that herpes labialis may affect the amino acid and energy metabolism.ConclusionsOur findings may contribute to elucidating the metabolic basis of herpes labialis and provide a new perspective for further research on the “Shang‐Huo” state in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Description of a novel method for detection of sleep‐disordered breathing in brachycephalic dogs
Authors: Niinikoski Iida , Himanen Sari‐Leena , Tenhunen Mirja , Lilja‐Maula Liisa , Rajamäki Minna M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundSleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), defined as any difficulty in breathing during sleep, occurs in brachycephalic dogs. Diagnostic methods for SDB in dogs require extensive equipment and laboratory assessment.ObjectivesTo evaluate the usability of a portable neckband system for detection of SDB in dogs. We hypothesized that the neckband is a feasible method for evaluation of SDB and that brachycephaly predisposes to SDB.AnimalsTwenty‐four prospectively recruited client‐owned dogs: 12 brachycephalic dogs and 12 control dogs of mesocephalic or dolicocephalic breeds.MethodsProspective observational cross‐sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive Respiratory Event Index (OREI), which summarized the rate of obstructive SDB events per hour. Additionally, usability, duration of recording, and snore percentage were documented.ResultsBrachycephalic dogs had a significantly higher OREI value (Hodges‐Lehmann estimator for median difference = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2‐6.8; P < .001) and snore percentage (Hodges‐Lehmann estimator = 34.2, 95% CI 13.6‐60.8; P < .001) than controls. A strong positive correlation between OREI and snore percentage was detected in all dogs (rs = .79, P < .001). The neckband system was easy to use.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBrachycephaly is associated with SDB. The neckband system is a feasible way of characterizing SDB in dogs.
Daytime stomatal regulation in mature temperate trees prioritizes stem rehydration at night
Authors: Peters Richard L. , Steppe Kathy , Pappas Christoforos , Zweifel Roman , Babst Flurin , Dietrich Lars , von Arx Georg , Poyatos Rafael , Fonti Marina , Fonti Patrick , Grossiord Charlotte , Gharun Mana , Buchmann Nina , Steger David N. , Kahmen Ansgar 
Published: May 2023

Summary
Trees remain sufficiently hydrated during drought by closing stomata and reducing canopy conductance (Gc) in response to variations in atmospheric water demand and soil water availability. Thresholds that control the reduction of Gc are proposed to optimize hydraulic safety against carbon assimilation efficiency. However, the link between Gc and the ability of stem tissues to rehydrate at night remains unclear.
We investigated whether species‐specific Gc responses aim to prevent branch embolisms, or enable night‐time stem rehydration, which is critical for turgor‐dependent growth. For this, we used a unique combination of concurrent dendrometer, sap flow and leaf water potential measurements and collected branch‐vulnerability curves of six common European tree species.
Species‐specific Gc reduction was weakly related to the water potentials at which 50% of branch xylem conductivity is lost (P50). Instead, we found a stronger relationship with stem rehydration. Species with a stronger Gc control were less effective at refilling stem‐water storage as the soil dries, which appeared related to their xylem architecture.
Our findings highlight the importance of stem rehydration for water‐use regulation in mature trees, which likely relates to the maintenance of adequate stem turgor. We thus conclude that stem rehydration must complement the widely accepted safety–efficiency stomatal control paradigm.
Could local foods achieve recommended calcium intakes for nutritionally vulnerable populations in Uganda, Guatemala, and Bangladesh?
Authors: Knight Frances , Rana Ziaul H. , Cormick Gabriela , Belizan José , Gomes Filomena , Bourassa Megan W. , Dickin Katherine L. , Weaver Connie M. , Ferguson Elaine L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGlobally, dietary intake of calcium is often insufficient, and it is unclear if adequacy could be achieved by promoting calcium‐rich local foods. This study used linear programming and household consumption data from Uganda, Bangladesh, and Guatemala to assess whether local foods could meet calcium population reference intakes (Ca PRIs). The most promising food‐based approaches to promote dietary calcium adequacy were identified for 12‐ to 23‐month‐old breastfed children, 4‐ to 6‐year‐old children, 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls, and nonpregnant and nonbreastfeeding (NPNB) women of reproductive age living in two regions of each country. Calcium‐optimized diets achieved 75–253% of the Ca PRI, depending on the population, and were <100% for 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds in one region of each country and 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The best food sources of calcium were green leafy vegetables and milk, across geographic locations, and species of small fish, nixtamalized (lime‐treated) maize products, sesame seeds, and bean varieties, where consumed. Food‐based recommendations (FBRs) achieving the minimum calcium threshold were identified for 12‐ to 23‐month‐olds and NPNB women across geographic locations, and for 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds and 10‐to 14‐year‐old girls in Uganda. However, for 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds and 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls in Bangladesh and Guatemala, calcium‐adequate FBRs could not be identified, indicating a need for alternative calcium sources or increased access to and consumption of local calcium‐rich foods.
The craft of translation: documentary practices within immigration advocacy in the United States
Authors: Coutin Susan Bibler , Fortin Véronique 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article builds on anthropological research on bureaucratic inscription as a power‐laden process to explore the craft of document translation in contexts of immigration legal advocacy. In a legal climate characterized by suspicion and resource scarcity, immigrants who seek to regularize their status in the United States face steep evidentiary challenges, including the requirement that all documentation, including records from their countries of origin, letters of support from friends and family, and their own affidavits, must be translated into English. Approaching immigration document translation ethnographically and drawing on multi‐year fieldwork in a nonprofit providing legal services to low‐income, Spanish‐speaking immigrants, this article focuses on translation as neither straightforward and mechanical nor as impossibly complex but rather as a craft that involves exercising discretion. Practicing this craft with care is one way to counter the otherwise alienating and state‐centric nature of bureaucratic inscription.
Correction of China's income inequality for missing top incomes
Authors: Wan Haiyuan , Yu Yangcheng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAfter accounting for top incomes missing from the Chinese Household Income Project, this paper examines the income inequality trend in China during the 21st century. Our analysis, which involves fitting the upper tail of the income distribution to a power‐law model, reveals that the authoritative income survey data miss 0.68% of the population and 6.19% of aggregate income in 2018. Despite the most recent survey data providing better coverage of top incomes, our correction is still crucial. The raw survey data indicate a consistently increasing Gini coefficient between 2002 and 2018, but the corrected index starts to decline from 2013. Meanwhile, the revised top 1% income share increases from 7.01% in 2002 to 7.89% in 2013 and then slightly decreases to 7.64% in 2018, while the revised top 10% income share stabilises at around 33% throughout the period. Notably, China's revised top 10% and top 50% income shares in 2018 are close to those of the United Kingdom but are considerably lower than those of the United States.
Challenges in water and sanitation services: Do natural disasters make matters worse?
Authors: Paudel Jayash 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis article exploits a plausibly exogenous variation in peak ground acceleration to evaluate the impact of the 2015 earthquake on water and sanitation services among affected households in Nepal. Estimates from a difference‐in‐differences research design show that the severity of the earthquake is associated with a 9.4 percentage point decline in the likelihood of washing hands, a 6.63 percentage point decline in the likelihood of using water filters and an 18.16 percentage point decline in the likelihood of using flush to a piped sewer system. These negative effects of seismic shocks on binary indicators of water treatment and toilet services continue to persist even in earthquake‐affected districts where aid for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services was allocated for disbursement. While prospects of leakage in aid distribution across different levels of governance cannot be empirically tested, findings indicate that effective implementation of WASH‐related aid can partially mitigate disaster‐induced adverse outcomes related to water treatment and toilet services.
A simple soil organic carbon level metric beyond the organic carbon‐to‐clay ratio
Authors: Poeplau Christopher , Don Axel 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSoil is a precious and non‐renewable resource that is under increasing pressure and the development of indicators to monitor its state is pivotal. Soil organic carbon (SOC) is important for key physical, chemical and biological soil properties and thus a central indicator of soil quality and soil health. The content of SOC is driven by many abiotic factors, such as texture and climate, and is therefore strongly site‐specific, which complicates, for example, the search for appropriate threshold values to differentiate healthy from less healthy soils. The SOC:clay ratio has been introduced as a normalized SOC level metric to indicate soils' structural condition, with classes ranging from degraded (<1:13) to very good (>1:8). This study applied the ratio to 2958 topsoils (0–30 cm) in the German Agricultural Soil Inventory and showed that it is not a suitable SOC level metric since strongly biased, misleading and partly insensitive to SOC changes. The proportion of soils with SOC levels classified as degraded increased exponentially with clay content, indicating the indicator's overly strong clay dependence. Thus, 94% of all Chernozems, which are known to have elevated SOC contents and a favourable soil structure, were found to have either degraded (61%) or moderate (33%) normalized SOC levels. The ratio between actual and expected SOC (SOC:SOCexp) is proposed as an easy‐to‐use alternative where expected SOC is derived from a regression between SOC and clay content. This ratio allows a simple but unbiased estimate of the clay‐normalized SOC level. The quartiles of this ratio were used to derive threshold values to divide the dataset into the classes degraded, moderate, good and very good. These classes were clearly linked to bulk volume (inverse of bulk density) as an important structural parameter, which was not the case for classes based on the SOC:clay ratio. Therefore, SOC:SOCexp and its temporal dynamic are proposed for limited areas such as regions, states or pedoclimatic zones, for example, in a soil health monitoring context; further testing is, however, recommended.
High CO2 facilitates fatty acid biosynthesis and mitigates cellular oxidative stress caused by CAC2 dysfunction in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xi Yue , Cai Jiajia , Li Ganting , Huang Haijian , Peng Xinxiang , Zhu Guohui 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYIncreasing concentration of CO2 has significant impacts on many biological processes in plants, and its impact is closely associated with changes in the ratio of photosynthesis to photorespiration. Studies have reported that high CO2 can promote carbon fixing and alleviate plant oxidative damage in response to environmental stresses. However, the effect of high CO2 on fatty acid (FA) metabolism and cellular redox balance in FA‐deficient plants is rarely reported. In this study, we identified a high‐CO2‐requiring mutant cac2 through forward genetic screening. CAC2 encodes biotin carboxylase, which is one of the subunits of plastid acetyl‐CoA carboxylase and participates in de novo FA biosynthesis. Null mutation of CAC2 is embryonic lethal. A point mutation of CAC2 in cac2 mutants produces severe defects in chloroplast development, plant growth and photosynthetic performance. These morphological and physiological defects were largely absent under high CO2 conditions. Metabolite analyses showed that FA contents in cac2‐1 leaves were decreased, while photorespiratory metabolites, such as glycine and glycolate, did not significantly change. Meanwhile, cac2 exhibited higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mRNA expression of stress‐responsive genes than the wild‐type, indicating that cac2 plants may suffer oxidative stress under ambient CO2 conditions. Elevated CO2 significantly increased FA contents, especially C18:3‐FA, and reduced ROS accumulation in cac2‐1 leaves. We propose that stress mitigation by high CO2 in cac2 could be due to increased FA levels by promoting carbon assimilation, and the prevention of over‐reduction due to decreased photorespiration.
Repeat patient testing‐quality control with canine samples shows promise as an alternative to commercial quality control material for a network of four Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers
Authors: Daly Susan , Graham Peter A. , Freeman Kathleen P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundRepeat patient testing‐quality control (RPT‐QC) uses retained patient samples as an alternative to commercial quality control material (QCM). We elected to calculate and validate RPT‐QC limits for red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HBG), hematocrit (HCT), and white blood cell count (WBC).Objectives(1) To validate RPT‐QC across a network of four harmonized Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzers and determine the total error that can be controlled with RPT‐QC. (2) To generate quality control (QC) limits using the standard deviation (SD) of the duplicate measurement differences and determine a suitable simple QC rule with a probability of error detection >0.85 and probability of false rejection <0.05. (3) Monitor RPT‐QC using sigma metrics as a performance indicator and (4) to challenge RPT‐QC to ensure acceptable sensitivity.MethodsFresh adult canine EDTA samples with results within reference intervals were selected and run again on days 2, 3, and 4. QC limits were generated from the SD of the duplicate measurement differences. The QC limits were challenged using interventions designed to promote unstable system performance. The total error detectable by RPT‐QC was determined using EZRULES 3 software.ResultsIn all, 20‐40 data points were needed for RPT‐QC calculations and validated using 20 additional data points. The calculated limits differed among the network of analyzers. The total error that could be controlled was the same or better than that of the manufacturer's commercially available quality control material using the same analyzer for all measurands except hematocrit, which required a higher total error goal than that proposed by ASVCP guidelines to achieve an acceptable probability of error detection. The challenges designed to mimic unstable system performance were successfully detected as out‐of‐control QC.ConclusionsThe challenges for RPT‐QC resulted in acceptable detection of potential unstable system performance. This initial study demonstrates that RPT‐QC limits differ among the network of Sysmex XT‐2000iV analyzers, indicating a requirement to customize for the individual analyzer and laboratory conditions. RPT‐QC could achieve ASVCP total allowable error goals for RBC, HGB, and WBC, but not for HCT. Sigma metrics were consistently >5.5 for RBC, HGB, and WBC, but not for HCT.
Iris volume change with physiologic mydriasis to identify development of angle closure: the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial
Authors: Liao Chimei , Quigley Harry , Jiang Yuzhen , Huang Shengsong , Huang Wenyong , Friedman David , Foster Paul J , He Mingguang 
Published: May 2023

AimsTo assess dynamic change of iris area (Iarea) and volume (VOL) with physiologic pupil dilation for progression of primary angle closure suspects.MethodsParticipants underwent baseline examinations including gonioscopy and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) as part of the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention Trial. The AS-OCT images were obtained both in the dark and light. Progression was defined as development of primary angle closure or an acute angle closure attack. Static ocular biometrics and dynamic changes were compared between progressors and non-progressors and multivariable logistic regression was developed to assess risk factors for progression.ResultsA mean 16.8% decrease in Iarea and a mean 6.26% decrease in VOL occurred with pupil dilation, while 22.96% non-progressors and 40% progressors presented VOL increases with pupil dilation. Iarea in light and dark and VOL in light were significantly smaller in progressors. In a multivariable logistic model, older age (p=0.008), narrower horizontal angle opening distance (AOD) 250 µm from the scleral spur (AOD250, p=0.001), flatter iris curvature (IC, p=0.006) and lower loss of iris volume (ΔVOL, p=0.04) were significantly associated with progression. With receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for ΔVOL alone was 0.621, while that for the combined index (age, AOD250, IC and ΔVOL) was 0.824. Eyes with elevated intraocular pressure had less VOL loss compared with progressors developing peripheral anterior synechiae alone (p=0.055 for ΔVOL adjusted for pupil enlargement).ConclusionA smaller change in ΔVOL is an additive risk factor to identify eyes more likely to develop angle closure disease.Trial registration numberISRCTN45213099.
Quality in colonoscopy: time to ensure national standards are implemented?
Authors: Neilson Laura J , Dew Rosie , Hampton James S , Sharp Linda , Rees Colin J 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundHigh-quality colonoscopy is crucial to ensure complete mucosal visualisation and to maximise detection of pathology. Previous audits showing variable quality have prompted national and international colonoscopy improvement programmes, including the development of quality assurance standards and key performance indicators (KPIs). The most widely used marker of mucosal visualisation is the adenoma detection rate (ADR), however, histological confirmation is required to calculate this. We explored the relationship between core colonoscopy KPIs.MethodsData were collected from colonoscopists in eight hospitals in North East England over a 6-month period, as part of a quality improvement study. Procedural information was collected including number of colonoscopies, caecal intubation rate (CIR), ADR and polyp detection rate (PDR). Associations between KPIs and colonoscopy performance were analysed.Results9265 colonoscopies performed by 118 endoscopists were included. Mean ADR and PDR per endoscopist were 16.6% (range 0–36.3, SD 7.4) and 27.2% (range 0–57.5, SD 9.3), respectively. Mean number of colonoscopies conducted in 6 months was 78.5 (range 4–334, SD 61). Mean CIR was 91.2% (range 55.5–100, SD 6.6). Total number of colonoscopies and ADR>15% were significantly associated (p=0.04). Undertaking fewer colonoscopies and using hyoscine butylbromide less frequently was significantly associated with ADR<15%. CIR, endoscopist grade, % male patients, mean patient age and CIR were not significantly related to ADR<15%. In adjusted analyses, factors which affected ADR were PDR and mean patient age.ConclusionColonoscopists who perform fewer than the nationally stipulated minimum of 100 procedures per year had significantly lower ADRs. This study demonstrates that PDR can be used as a marker of ADR; providing age is also considered.