bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A configurational analysis of IT governance: A study of the financial services sector in Ghana
Authors: Asmah Alexander , Kyobe Michael 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study seeks to answer the question, what is the right configuration of IT Governance mechanisms that will improve performance? Although few studies have addressed how governance mechanisms improve performance, these studies have adopted a linear approach in assessing the relationships among governance mechanisms. The nature of the linear relationships has not answered the lingering question making this study crucial. The study follows the configurational theories that for IT governance to improve performance, all the governance mechanisms much be implemented coherently. We used Cluster analysis to assess the nature of the configuration in the Ghanaian Financial Services Sector using 7 companies. Our findings confirm our theory that to improve performance, IT Governance mechanisms must be implemented coherently. However, in a fast‐changing environment, there is the need to increase focus on technological mechanisms to provide timely information for decision making, collaboration and reduce information asymmetry. As a contribution to practice, this study recommends that policy makers in the financial space should emphasize the need for adequate IT Governance implementations with the right configuration. Companies in the pension and savings and loan sectors should be encouraged to adopt more technological mechanisms.
The beneficial therapeutic effects of plant‐derived natural products for the treatment of sarcopenia
Authors: Bagherniya Mohammad , Mahdavi Atena , Shokri‐Mashhadi Nafiseh , Banach Maciej , Von Haehling Stephan , Johnston Thomas P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSarcopenia is an age‐related muscle disorder typically associated with a poor quality of life. Its definition has evolved over time, and several underlying causes of sarcopenia in the elderly have been proposed. However, the exact mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, as well as effective treatments for this condition, are not fully understood. The purpose of this article was to conduct a comprehensive review of previous evidence regarding the definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and efficacy of plant‐derived natural products for sarcopenia. The methodological approach for the current narrative review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar (up to March 2021) in order to satisfy our objectives. The substantial beneficial effects along with the safety of some plant‐derived natural products including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng on sarcopenia are reported in this review. Based on clinical studies, nutraceuticals and functional foods may have beneficial effects on physical performance, including handgrip and knee‐extension strength, weight‐lifting capacity, time or distance travelled before feeling fatigued, mitochondrial function, muscle fatigue, mean muscle fibre area, and total number of myonuclei. In preclinical studies, supplementation with herbs and natural bioactive compounds resulted in beneficial effects including increased plantaris mass, skeletal muscle mass and strength production, increased expression of anabolic factors myogenin, Myf5 and MyoD, enhanced mitochondrial capacity, and inhibition of muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. We found that several risk factors such as nutritional status, physical inactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine system dysfunction, insulin resistance, history of chronic disease, mental health, and genetic factors are linked or associated with sarcopenia. The substantial beneficial effects of some nutraceuticals and functional foods on sarcopenia, including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng, without any significant side effects, are reported in this review. Plant‐derived natural products might have a beneficial effect on various components of sarcopenia. Nevertheless, due to limited human trials, the clinical benefits of plant‐derived natural products remain inconclusive. It is suggested that comprehensive longitudinal clinical studies to better understand risk factors over time, as well as identifying a treatment strategy for sarcopenia that is based on its pathophysiology, be undertaken in future investigations.
Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate depletion by statins compromises skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity
Authors: Wang Lai , Zheng Zuguo , Zhu Lijun , Meng Lingchang , Liu Hanling , Wang Keke , Chen Jun , Li Ping , Yang Hua 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundStatins are widely prescribed cholesterol‐lowering drugs but have been shown to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the diabetogenic effect of statins are still not fully understood.MethodsThe effects of geranylgeranyl transferase I and II (GGTase I and II) inhibition on insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation, and the dependence of these effects on insulin signalling were investigated in skeletal muscle cells. The protective effects of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) and its precursor geranylgeraniol (GGOH) on simvastatin‐induced insulin resistance were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The effect of GGTase II inhibition in skeletal muscle on insulin sensitivity in vivo was confirmed by adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9)‐mediated knockdown of the specific subunit of GGTase II, RABGGTA. The regulatory mechanisms of GGTase I on insulin signalling and GGTase II on insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation were investigated by knockdown of RhoA, TAZ, IRS1, geranylgeranylation site mutation of RhoA, RAB8A, and RAB13.ResultsBoth inhibition of GGTase I and II mimicked simvastatin‐induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells. GGPP and GGOH were able to prevent simvastatin‐induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo. GGTase I inhibition suppressed the phosphorylation of AKT (Ser473) (−51.3%, P < 0.01), while GGTase II inhibition had no effect on it. AAV9‐mediated knockdown of RABGGTA in skeletal muscle impaired glucose disposal without disrupting insulin signalling in vivo (−46.2% for gastrocnemius glucose uptake, P < 0.001; −52.5% for tibialis anterior glucose uptake, P < 0.001; −17.8% for soleus glucose uptake, P < 0.05; −31.4% for extensor digitorum longus glucose uptake, P < 0.01). Inhibition of RhoA, TAZ, IRS1, or geranylgeranylation deficiency of RhoA attenuated the beneficial effect of GGPP on insulin signalling in skeletal muscle cells. Geranylgeranylation deficiency of RAB8A inhibited insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 translocation and concomitant glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells (−42.8% for GLUT4 translocation, P < 0.01; −50.6% for glucose uptake, P < 0.001).ConclusionsGeranylgeranyl pyrophosphate regulates glucose uptake via GGTase I‐mediated insulin signalling‐dependent way and GGTase II‐mediated insulin signalling‐independent way in skeletal muscle. Supplementation of GGPP/GGOH could be a potential therapeutic strategy for statin‐induced insulin resistance.
Accumulation of recalcitrant dissolved organic matter in aerobic aquatic systems
Authors: Cotner James B. , Anderson N.J. , Osburn Christopher 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAn oxygenated atmosphere changed life on Earth but it also provided a negative feedback to organic matter accumulation by increasing decomposition rates. Nonetheless, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a huge carbon pool (> 750 Pg) and it can accumulate to high concentrations (20–100 mg C L−1) in some freshwater aquatic systems, yet it is not clear why. Here, we examine DOC in several Greenland lakes with varying DOC concentrations and identify processes that could alter its composition to make it increasingly recalcitrant. Δ14C aging of DOC corresponded with increased DOC concentrations, slower degradation rates, changes in isotope ratios and optical properties, all suggesting that photochemical and microbial degradation processes contributed to recalcitrance. Young DOC degradation was stimulated by phosphorus, but older DOC was not, suggesting an important role for nutrients early in degradation. Photochemical processing coupled with decreased habitat diversity in hydrologically isolated systems may enable recalcitrant DOC to accumulate with important implications for Earth's carbon and oxygen cycles.
BrainMRIin the Decision for Liver Transplantation in Pediatric Neurological Wilson's Disease
Authors: Pinto Catarina , Malaquias Maria João , Miranda Helena Pessegueiro , Temudo Teresa , Silva Ermelinda , Ramos Cristina , Magalhães Marina 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundNeurological Wilson's disease (WD) presentation in the pediatric population is rare, and liver transplantation (LT) in these patients remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting reversion of brain lesions and neurological outcomes in pediatric WD patients after LT.MethodsPatients with confirmed WD (Leipzig score ≥4), disease onset in pediatric age (<18 years), neurological involvement, and submitted to LT were selected. Clinical records and pre‐ and post‐LT brain MRI were evaluated.ResultsSix patients met the pre‐defined inclusion criteria, one of whom died shortly after LT and was excluded. The indication for LT was end‐stage liver disease in two patients and neurological worsening despite optimized treatment in three patients. After LT, the neurological picture progressively improved in all patients. Pre‐LT brain MRI showed T1‐weighted hyperintensities in four patients, which quickly resolved afterward. T2‐weighted hyperintensities were observed in four patients before LT, completely resolving in one patient, stabilizing in two, and improving in one after LT. A direct correlation could not be found between clinical and neuroradiological improvement. Progressive clinical improvement was observed even in patients with irreversible brain MRI changes. Conversely, some patients with normal MRI had only slight neurological improvement.ConclusionsThe pattern of T2‐weighted hyperintensities after LT was unpredictable and did not correlate with neurological outcomes, suggesting that these changes may not entail irreversible clinical damage. Therefore, brain MRI does not seem to have prognostic value for assessing clinical response to LT.
MolPredictX: Online Biological Activity Predictions by Machine Learning Models
Authors: Tullius Scotti Marcus , Herrera‐Acevedo Chonny , Barros de Menezes Renata Priscila , Martin Holli‐Joi , Muratov Eugene N. , Ítalo de Souza Silva Ávilla , Faustino Albuquerque Emmanuella , Ferreira Calado Lucas , Coy‐Barrera Ericsson , Scotti. Luciana 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHere we report the development of MolPredictX, an innovate and freely accessible web interface for biological activity predictions of query molecules. MolPredictX utilizes in‐house QSAR models to provide 27 qualitative predictions (active or inactive), and quantitative probabilities for bioactivity against parasitic (Trypanosoma and Leishmania), viral (Dengue, Sars‐CoV and Hepatitis C), pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans), bacterial (Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli), and Alzheimer disease enzymes. In this article, we introduce the methodology and usability of this webtool, highlighting its potential role in the development of new drugs against a variety of diseases. MolPredictX is undergoing continuous development and is freely available at https://www.molpredictx.ufpb.br/.
Development and interinstitutional validation of an automatic vertebral‐body misalignment error detector for cone‐beam CT‐guided radiotherapy
Authors: Luximon Dishane C. , Ritter Timothy , Fields Emma , Neylon John , Petragallo Rachel , Abdulkadir Yasin , Charters John , Low Daniel A. , Lamb James M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐guided radiotherapy, off‐by‐one vertebral‐body misalignments are rare but serious errors that lead to wrong‐site treatments.PurposeAn automatic error detection algorithm was developed that uses a three‐branch convolutional neural network error detection model (EDM) to detect off‐by‐one vertebral‐body misalignments using planning computed tomography (CT) images and setup CBCT images.MethodsAlgorithm training and test data consisted of planning CTs and CBCTs from 480 patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in the thoracic and abdominal regions at two radiotherapy clinics. The clinically applied registration was used to derive true‐negative (no error) data. The setup and planning images were then misaligned by one vertebral‐body in both the superior and inferior directions, simulating the most likely misalignment scenarios. For each of the aligned and misaligned 3D image pairs, 2D slice pairs were automatically extracted in each anatomical plane about a point within the vertebral column. The three slice pairs obtained were then inputted to the EDM that returned a probability of vertebral misalignment. One model (EDM1) was trained solely on data from institution 1. EDM1 was further trained using a lower learning rate on a dataset from institution 2 to produce a fine‐tuned model, EDM2. Another model, EDM3, was trained from scratch using a training dataset composed of data from both institutions. These three models were validated on a randomly selected and unseen dataset composed of images from both institutions, for a total of 303 image pairs. The model performances were quantified using a receiver operating characteristic analysis. Due to the rarity of vertebral‐body misalignments in the clinic, a minimum threshold value yielding a specificity of at least 99% was selected. Using this threshold, the sensitivity was calculated for each model, on each institution's test set separately.ResultsWhen applied to the combined test set, EDM1, EDM2, and EDM3 resulted in an area under curve of 99.5%, 99.4%, and 99.5%, respectively. EDM1 achieved a sensitivity of 96% and 88% on Institution 1 and Institution 2 test set, respectively. EDM2 obtained a sensitivity of 95% on each institution's test set. EDM3 achieved a sensitivity of 95% and 88% on Institution 1 and Institution 2 test set, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed algorithm demonstrated accuracy in identifying off‐by‐one vertebral‐body misalignments in CBCT‐guided radiotherapy that was sufficiently high to allow for practical implementation. It was found that fine‐tuning the model on a multi‐facility dataset can further enhance the generalizability of the algorithm.
The effect of a tight control regime with monthly follow‐up on remission rates and reported pain in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Aronsson Maria , Teleman Annika , Bergman Stefan , Lindqvist Elisabet , Forslind Kristina , Andersson Maria L. E. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether a tight control (TC) regime with monthly consultations to the physician for the first 6 months, could increase remission rate and improve reported pain of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn this single‐centre, TC study, with monthly visits to the physician, a cohort of 100 patients with early RA was consecutively included. They were compared with a reference cohort of 100 patients from the same clinic that had been conventionally managed. The patients were followed for 2 years.ResultsThe patients in the TC cohort had lower 28‐ joints disease activity score (DAS28) at three, six, 12 and 24 months, compared with the conventionally managed cohort, p ≤ 0.001. At 12 months, 71% in the TC cohort versus 46% in the conventional cohort were in remission (DAS28 < 2.6) and at 24 months 68% versus 49% respectively, p < 0.05. The TC cohort reported less pain at three, six, 12 and 24 months, p < 0.001. Multiple logistical regression analyses adjusted for, respectively, age, disease duration, pharmacological treatment, DAS28 and visual analogue scale pain at inclusion, revealed that participation in the TC cohort had an independent positive association with remission at 12 and 24 months and with acceptable pain at 24 months.ConclusionThe intensive follow‐up schedule for patients with early RA improved remission and led to improvement in reported pain and physical function. The positive effect of a TC regime in early disease may be due to increased empowerment, developed by meeting health professionals frequently.
Noncovalent functionalization of boron nitride via chelation of tannic acid with Fe ions for constructing high thermally conductive polymeric composites
Authors: Wang Hailong , Hao Jian , Yang Dan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWith the advancement of integration and miniaturization of precise instruments, the heat accumulating in electronic components is urgently needed to dissipate for ensuring their service life. In this work, boron nitride (BN) was functionalized with tannic acid/ferric ions (TA/Fe) chelate complexes to synthesize high thermally conductive natural rubber (NR) composites (NR@TA/Fe‐BN). The stable TA/Fe chelate complexes improved the interfacial compatibility between BN and NR and enhanced the BN dispersion in the NR matrix, which led to the reduction of interfacial thermal resistance and the construction of heat transfer channels in NR composites. As a result, a relative high thermal conductivity (0.327 W/(mK)) by 30 vol% NR@TA/Fe‐BN composite was achieved, being 2.44 times that of pure NR (about 0.134 W/(mK)). In addition, the insulating NR@TA/Fe‐BN composites showed outstanding elongation at break (686%) and tensile strength (15.2 MPa). This highly efficient and green TA inspired modification is expected to find application in industrial manufacturing of thermally conductive polymeric composites.
Preparation and properties of glass fiber reinforced nylon56 composites
Authors: Zhao Yanhui , Wang Liyan , Chong Yunsheng , Chen Yanming , Zheng Rongrong , Zhang Longyun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGlass fiber (GF) reinforced nylon56 composites (nylon56/GF) were prepared by melting and blending through twin‐screw extruder with continuous fiber feeding. The structure and properties of the composites were characterized by electron density tester, polarizing microscope, scanning electron microscope, electro‐mechanical universal testing machine and thermal analyzer. The results showed that the density of the prepared composites is less than 1.37 g/cm3. There is strong interface adhesion between glass fiber and nylon56 matrix in the composite system, and the glass fiber length in the system is 0.47–0.61 mm. With the increase in the content of high‐performance glass fiber, the mechanical properties of the composite are significantly improved. When four bundles of GF are added, the properties of the nylon56/GF composite are the best. The tensile strength of nylon56/GF composite reaches 160 MPa, 86.9% higher than that of nylon56. The bending strength is 180 MPa and increases by 98.7% more than that of nylon56. The flexural modulus is 7100 MPa and rises by 125.6% compared with nylon56, and the impact strength is 11 kJ/mm2, which is 307.4% higher than that of nylon56. The nylon56/GF composite has a low density and excellent performance and can be widely used in locomotive and wind power.
An international study on implementation and facilitators and barriers for parent‐infant closeness in neonatal units
Authors: van Veenendaal Nicole R. , Labrie Nanon H.M. , Mader Silke , van Kempen Anne A. M. W. , van der Schoor Sophie R. D. , van Goudoever Johannes B. ,   CROWN Study Group
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTImportanceParent‐infant closeness and active parent participation in neonatal care are important for parent and infant health.ObjectiveTo give an overview of current neonatal settings and gain an in‐depth understanding of facilitators and barriers to parent‐infant closeness, zero‐separation, in 19 countries.MethodsNeonatal intensive care unit (NICU) professionals, representing 45 NICUs from a range of geographic regions in Europe and Canada, were purposefully selected and interviewed June–December 2018. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify, analyze and report patterns (themes) for parent‐infant closeness across the entire series of interviews.ResultsParent‐infant separation during infant and/or maternity care is very common (42/45 units, 93%), despite the implementation of family integrated care (FICare) practices, including parent participation in medical rounds (17/45, 38%), structured education sessions for parents (16/45, 36%) and structured training for healthcare professionals (22/45, 49%). NICU professionals encountered four main themes with facilitators and barriers for parent‐infant closeness on and between the hospital, unit, staff, and family level: Culture (jointly held characteristics, values, thinking and behaviors about parental presence and participation in the unit), Collaboration (the act of working together between and within different levels), Capacities (resources and policies), and Coaching (education to acquire and transfer knowledge and skills).InterpretationImplementing parent‐infant closeness in the NICU is still challenging for healthcare professionals. Further optimization in neonatal care towards zero‐separation and parent‐infant closeness can be achieved by enforcing the ‘four Cs for Closeness’: Culture, Collaboration, Capacities, and Coaching.
Dynamic regulation of Zn(II) sequestration by calgranulin C
Authors: Wang Qian , Kuci Deniz , Bhattacharya Shibani , Hadden‐Perilla Jodi A. , Gupta Rupal 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCalgranulin C performs antimicrobial activity in the human immune response by sequestering Zn(II). This biological function is afforded with the aid of two structurally distinct Ca(II)‐binding EF hand motifs, wherein one of which bears an unusual amino acid sequence. Here, we utilize solution state NMR relaxation measurements to investigate the mechanism of Ca(II)‐modulated enhancement of Zn(II) sequestration by calgranulin C. Using C13/N15 CPMG dispersion experiments we have measured pH‐dependent major and minor state populations exchanging on micro‐to‐millisecond timescale. This conformational exchange takes place exclusively in the Ca(II)‐bound state and can be mapped to residues located in the EF‐I loop and the linker between the tandem EF hands. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations spanning nano‐to‐microsecond timescale offer insights into the role of pH‐dependent electrostatic interactions in EF‐hand dynamics. Our results suggest a pH‐regulated dynamic equilibrium of conformations that explore a range of “closed” and partially “open” sidechain configurations within the Zn(II) binding site. We propose a novel mechanism by which Ca(II) binding to a non‐canonical EF loop regulates its flexibility and tunes the antimicrobial activity of calgranulin C.