bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine encoding RBD-PVXCP fusion protein
Authors: Dormeshkin Dmitri , Katsin Mikalai , Stegantseva Maria , Golenchenko Sergey , Shapira Michail , Dubovik Simon , Lutskovich Dzmitry , Kavaleuski Anton , Meleshko Alexander
Published: October 2022

The potential of immune evasive mutations accumulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to its rapid spread causing over 600 million confirmed cases and more than 6.5 million confirmed deaths. Huge demand for the rapid development and deployment of low-cost and effective vaccines against emerging variants renews interest in DNA vaccine technology. Here we report a rapid generation and immunological evaluation of novel DNA vaccine candidates against Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron variants, based on the RBD protein fused with the Potato virus X coat protein (PVXCP). Delivery of DNA vaccines using electroporation in a two-doses regimen induced high antibody titers and profound cellular response in mice. Antibody titers induced against Omicron variant of the vaccine were sufficient for the effective protection against both the Omicron and Wuhan-Hu-1 virus infections. PVXCP protein in the vaccine construct shifted immune response to the favorable Th1-like type and provided oligomerization of RBD-PVXCP protein. A naked DNA delivery by the needle-free injection device allowed us to achieve antibody titers comparable with the mRNA-LNP delivery in rabbits. This data identifies the RBD-PVXCP DNA vaccine platform as a promising solution for robust and effective SARS-CoV-2 protection, supporting further translational study.
Differential nuclear import determines lncRNA inheritance following mitosis
Authors: Blower Michael D. , Wang Wei , Sharp Judith
Published: October 2022

Mitosis results in a dramatic reorganization of chromatin structure in order to promote chromatin compaction and segregation to daughter cells. Consequently, mitotic entry is accompanied by transcriptional silencing and removal of most chromatin-bound RNAs from chromosomes. As cells exit mitosis, chromatin rapidly decondenses and transcription restarts as waves of differential gene expression. However, little is known about the fate of chromatin-bound RNAs following cell division. Here we explored whether nuclear RNA from the previous cell cycle is present in G1 cells following mitosis. We found that half of all nuclear RNAs are inherited in a transcriptionindependent manner following mitosis. Interestingly, the snRNA U2 is efficiently inherited by G1 cells while lncRNAs NEAT1 and MALAT1 show no inheritance following mitosis. We found that the nuclear protein SAF-A, which is hypothesized to tether RNA to DNA, did not play a prominent role in nuclear RNA inheritance, indicating the mechanism for RNA inheritance may not involve RNA chaperones that have chromatin binding activity. Instead, we observe that the timing of RNA inheritance indicates a select group of nuclear RNAs are reimported into the nucleus after the nuclear envelope has reassembled. Taken together, our work demonstrates that there is a fraction of nuclear RNA from the previous cell cycle that is reimported following mitosis and suggest that mitosis may serve as a time to reset the interaction of lncRNAs with chromatin.
Time-resolved resonant soft X-ray scattering combined with MHz synchrotron X-ray and laser pulses at the Photon Factory
Authors: Fukaya Ryo , Adachi Jun-ichi , Nakao Hironori , Yamasaki Yuichi , Tabata Chihiro , Nozawa Shunsuke , Ichiyanagi Kouhei , Ishii Yuta , Kimura Hiroyuki , Adachi Shin-ichi
Published: October 2022

A picosecond pump–probe resonant soft X-ray scattering measurement system has been developed at the Photon Factory storage ring for highly efficient data collection. A high-repetition-rate high-power compact laser system has been installed to improve efficiency via flexible data acquisition to a sub-MHz frequency in time-resolved experiments. Data are acquired by gating the signal of a channel electron multiplier with a pulse-counting mode capable of discriminating single-bunch soft X-ray pulses in the dark gap of the hybrid operation mode in the storage ring. The photoinduced dynamics of magnetic order for multiferroic manganite SmMn2O5 are clearly demonstrated by the detection of transient changes in the resonant soft X-ray scattering intensity around the Mn L
III- and O K-edges.
Single-crystal structure refinements and Debye temperatures of Ir2S3 kashinite and Rh2S3 bowieite
Authors: Yoshiasa Akira , Kitahara Ginga , Tokuda Makoto , Ishimaru Satoko , Ono Shin-ichiro , Terai Kunihisa , Nakatsuka Akihiko , Sugiyama Kazumasa
Published: October 2022

Single crystals of Ir2S3 (diiridium trisulfide) and Rh2S3 (dirhodium trisulfide) were grown in evacuated silica-glass tubes using a chemical transport method and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. These compounds have a unique sesquisulfide structure in which pairs of face-sharing octahedra are linked into a three-dimensional structure by further edge- and vertex-sharing. Ir2S3 and Rh2S3 had similar unit-cell parameters and bond distances. The atomic displacement parameter (MSD: mean-square displacement) of each atom in Ir2S3 was considerably smaller than that in Rh2S3. The Debye temperatures (ΘD) estimated from the observed MSDs for the Ir, S1 and S2 sites in Ir2S3 were 259, 576 and 546 K, respectively, and those for Rh, S1 and S2 in Rh2S3 were 337, 533 and 530 K, respectively. The bulk Debye temperature for Ir2S3 kashinite (576 K) was found to rank among the higher values reported for many known sulfides. The bulk Debye temperature for Rh2S3 bowieite (533 K) was lower than that for Ir2S3 kashinite, which crystallizes in the early sequences of mineral crystallization differentiation from the primitive magma in the Earth's mantle.
Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of catena-poly[[[bis(3-methylpyridine-κN)nickel(II)]-di-μ-1,3-thiocyanato] acetonitrile monosolvate]
Authors: Näther Christian , Jess Inke , Krebs Christoph
Published: October 2022

In the crystal structure of the title compound, {[Ni(NCS)2(C6H7N)2]·CH3CN}
n
, the NiII cation is octahedrally coordinated by two N-bonding and two S-bonding thiocyanate anions, as well as two 3-methylpyridine coligands, with the thiocyanate S atoms and the 3-methylpyridine N atoms in cis-positions. The metal cations are linked by pairs of thiocyanate anions into chains that, because of the cis–cis–trans coordination, are corrugated. These chains are arranged in such a way that channels are formed in which disordered acetonitrile solvate molecules are located. This overall structural motif is very similar to that observed in Ni(NCS)2[4-(boc-amino)pyridine]2·CH3CN reported in the literature. At room temperature, the title compound loses its solvent molecules within a few hours, leading to a crystalline phase that is structurally related to that of the pristine material. If the ansolvate is stored in an acetonitrile atmosphere, the solvate is formed again. Single-crystal X-ray analysis at room-temperature proves that the crystals decompose immediately, presumably because of the loss of solvent molecules, and from the reciprocal space plots it is obvious that this reaction, in contrast to that in Ni(NCS)2[4-(boc-amino)pyridine]2·CH3CN, does not proceed via a topotactic reaction.
Board composition, ownership structure and financial distress: insights from UK FTSE 350
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah , Yao Shaojie , Albitar Khaldoon
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the possible implications of compliance with corporate governance (CG) provisions, including board composition and ownership structures, on the firm’s likelihood of falling into financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a random-effects logistic regression model as a baseline analysis using a sample of 110 FTSE 350 manufacturing companies from 2014 to 2019. This technique is supported by conducting a two-stage Heckman regression model to overcome the potential existence of endogeneity problems.

Findings

The empirical evidence suggests that board composition and ownership structure are heterogeneously associated with financial distress probabilities in that they might have either reduced or increased the financial distress of the sampled firms. Specifically, board independence, board gender diversity, audit committee independence and institutional ownership negatively influence the likelihood of financial distress. In contrast, and consistent with the expectations, ownership concentration is positively attributed to financial distress, while the board size, audit committee size and managerial ownership have insignificant impacts on financial distress.

Originality/value

The study extends the existing body of knowledge by examining the collective effect of board characteristics and ownership structures on firms’ financial distress likelihood among a sample of manufacturing firms within the FTSE 350 index post the 2008 global financial crisis and following the recent CG reforms in the UK during the study period from 2014 to 2019.
Digital technology usage as a driver of servitization paths in manufacturing industries
Authors: Harrmann Lisa Katharina , Eggert Andreas , Böhm Eva
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to conceptually propose and empirically validate a path perspective on the servitization process of manufacturing firms. It identifies a customer and an outcome path to servitization, sheds light on the pivotal role of digital technology usage for both value-creating paths and explores their financial and relational performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a mixed-method approach, combining a qualitative study with a cross-sectional survey in the USA, the UK and Germany.

Findings

Manufacturing firms choose between two generic paths to servitization, a customer and an outcome path. Digital technology usage is equally important for both value-creating paths. Progress on the outcome path has a positive effect on firms’ financial performance, whereas the customer path has an indirect effect only, fully mediated by firms’ relational performance. Customer tenure and customer’s open-mindedness are contingency variables in the digital technology usage – servitization path – firm performance framework.

Research limitations/implications

A path perspective is useful to conceptualize the servitization processes in manufacturing industries. Future research should investigate the sequential choice of servitization paths and explore its drivers and performance outcomes.

Practical implications

To create and claim superior value for their customers, managers can choose between two servitization paths, leading to differential performance outcomes. While digital technology usage is key to progress on both paths, it is particularly effective for newly acquired customers on the customer path. Suppliers should target their value-creating service offerings at open-minded customer firms to reap their full performance potential.

Originality/value

Propose and empirically validate a path-perspective on servitization. Understand the pivotal importance of digital technology usage for both servitization paths.
Managers’ attitudes toward employees with depression and organizational citizenship behaviors in the hospitality industry: assessing the mediating role of personality
Authors: Kalargyrou Valentini , Sundar Vidya , Jahani Shiva
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the individual and contextual predictors of managerial attitudes toward employees with chronic depression (EwCD) in the hospitality and tourism field, the relationship between managerial attitudes toward EwCD and levels of organizational citizenship behavior, and the mediating role of personality in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected through an online survey of 305 managers working in the hospitality and tourism industry in the USA. SmartPLS 3 software was used to conduct a partial least squares-structural equation modeling analysis.

Findings

Organizational and individual characteristics of managers, such as pressure to be productive in the workplace, previous experience with depression, levels of anxiety and personality characteristics, are strong predictors of attitudes toward employees with depression. Personality mediates the effect of managers’ attitudes toward organizational citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

The study provided support that managers who have experienced depression are more understanding of the needs of EwCD and, consequently, can reduce related stigma in the workplace. Likewise, open and agreeable managers who do not feel the constant pressure to showcase high performance and who score low on anxiety and high on organizational citizenship behavior can create a safe working environment free from prejudice and discrimination toward EwCD.

Originality/value

Examining depression in the hospitality and tourism industry becomes even more critical as mental health issues are increasing in the workplace. This research contributes to the hospitality and tourism literature, which seldom investigates managerial perspectives of mental illness and sheds light on the desirable managerial personality traits necessary for creating an inclusive workplace.
Service quality and store design in retail competitiveness
Authors: Faria Sílvia , Carvalho João M.S. , Vale Vera Teixeira
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the importance of service quality and store design as critical variables to promote differentiation and make consumers feel satisfied and committed to a retail brand. Retailers usually undervalue the store design as an element of the strategic mix. However, it may be one of the critical elements to increase retailers’ competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study was based on 349 valid responses to a questionnaire online through a snowball sampling approach analysed with structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results confirmed that customers’ service quality positively impacts their satisfaction and commitment to the retail brands. However, store design moderates the relationship between customer satisfaction and commitment. The consumers with a higher appreciation for store design presented a lower impact of satisfaction on their commitment to the retail brand. This result shows that a significant part of their satisfaction includes store design appreciation.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory study was restricted to the Portuguese market, and the sample resulted from a convenience snowball approach.

Practical implications

The retailers should consider store design as an essential variable in their marketing plans to have satisfied and committed customers and be more competitive.

Originality/value

Research on consumers’ behaviour in the retail sector, including the assessment of store design, presents a great potential within the framework of consumer–brand relationship theory, but it is still under-researched. The new model presented highlights the role of store design as a moderator variable.
A vicarious learning perspective on the relationship between home-peer performance and export intensity among SMEs
Authors: Baum Matthias , Sui Sui , Malhotra Shavin
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Home-peer firms (i.e. firms from the same industry and country) noticeably influence the internationalization behavior of small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing from vicarious learning literature, the authors theorize how home-peer firms' success in export markets affects SMEs' export intensity into those markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the hypotheses on a sample of 32,108 Canadian SME exporters. A Tobit model was used to examine the effect of home-peer performance and its interactions with firm age, export experience, and geographic and institutional distance on export entry intensity.

Findings

The authors find that SMEs are more likely to enter export markets with higher intensity if home-peer firms perform well in those markets. This home-peer influence is stronger when the SME lacks export experience, when the home-peer information is more recent, and when environmental uncertainty is high.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to show empirically that the performance of home-peers positively influences the export intensity of SMEs in international markets, suggesting that SMEs use this measure to inform their internationalization strategies.
Evaluating the effect of knowledge risks on sustainability: the mediating role of organizational performance
Authors: El Khatib Rabih Adib , Ali AlaaEldine Abbass
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the links between knowledge risks, organizational performance and knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs)' sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was administered with a sample of 427 respondents from Lebanon. The gathered data were analyzed using SEM approach.

Findings

The empirical evidence confirms the potential role of knowledge risks in reducing the sustainability of firms. Furthermore, organizational performance was revealed to partially mediate the relationship between knowledge risks and sustainability.

Practical implications

The study's findings inspire managers of KIFs to use effective knowledge management practices to mitigate potential knowledge risks.

Originality/value

Knowledge risks and knowledge risk management are still unexplored in the literature. This paper is a pioneering study that advances the knowledge management field by emphasizing the significance of knowledge risks and their influence on the performance and sustainability of KIFs in Lebanon, a country with a culture distinct from that of Western contexts.
Is financial distress risk important for manufacturing SMEs to rebalance the short-term debt ratio?
Authors: Sardo Filipe , Serrasqueiro Zélia , Vieira Elisabete , Armada Manuel Rocha
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study seeks to analyse if the adjustment towards the target short-term debt ratio of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) is related to financial distress risk.

Design/methodology/approach

Data obtained for a sample of Portuguese manufacturing SMEs from 2010 to 2017 were analysed using the system-generalised method of moments (GMM-sys). Using the modifiedZ-Altman score, the authors classify SMEs according to their exposure to financial distress risk.

Findings

Manufacturing SMEs exposed to a high risk of financial distress rebalance their short-term debt ratio quicker. However, regardless of the financial distress risk level, SMEs distant from the target short-term debt ratio adjust more slowly, suggesting that transaction costs are greater than financial distress costs.

Practical implications

Policymakers should promote the access to external sources of finance with low transaction costs for SMEs, exposed to low levels of financial distress risk, to rebalance their short-term debt ratios quicker. Distressed SMEs far from their target short-term debt ratios, but with capacity to rebalance, need government programmes to access finance with low transaction costs to rebalance their short-term debt ratios.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to deepening our understanding of how SMEs, facing financial risk, rebalance their short-term debt ratios. SMEs, facing high financial distress risk, adjust towards their target short-term debt ratios more rapidly. However, SMEs, distant from the target short-term debt ratio face higher transaction costs than financial distress costs. These firms adjust towards their target short-term debt ratios more slowly, which may aggravate the refinancing risk and, ultimately, announce bankruptcy.
Translation competence and the translation job market in Saudi Arabia: investigating recruitment practices and job-market readiness
Authors: Salamah Dania
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The current study set out to examine the recruitment practices and job-market readiness of translators in Saudi Arabia in light of the Process in the Acquisition of Translation Competence and Evaluation (PACTE) model of translation competence (TC). The main purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which the outcomes of translator training programs are aligned with job-market requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted adopting a mixed-methods research design to collect qualitative and quantitative data using interviews and a questionnaire. Data were also collected from the analysis of 28 translation job advertisements. The questionnaire targeted employers, while the interviews were conducted with employers and professional translators.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is a gap between the outcomes of translator training programs and the needs of the job market with a particular emphasis on the importance of developing trainee translators' job-market skills as well as their awareness of the professional practice of translation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the current study are limited to the sample from which data were collected.

Practical implications

The study has significant implications for translators and translator training in Saudi Arabia. Although the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and the Saudi Translators' Association were established in 2020, additional measures are needed to support the translation profession in Saudi Arabia. Such support may take the form of specialised accreditation for translator training programs as well as licensing requirements for practitioners. Implementing these measures will play a significant role in establishing benchmarks for translator training programs and promoting the integration of job-market requirements into translator training.

Originality/value

Although TC has been examined in the Saudi context before, examining it in light of the PACTE framework sheds new light on the job-market readiness of translation program graduates and enriches the literature on the training of translators in Saudi Arabia.
The impact of technological innovations on financial deepening: Implications for SME financing in Africa
Authors: Sanga Bahati , Aziakpono Meshach
Published: October 2022

This paper examines whether technological innovations such as information and communication technology infrastructure, mobile phone subscriptions, secure internet servers and the number of automated teller machines and bank branches increased financial deepening in 43 African countries for the period 2010–2019. The study employs panel corrected standard errors, fixed effects and quantile regressions for empirical analysis. The results show that technological innovations have a positive and significant influence on financial deepening in Africa in terms of banks’ mobilisation of deposits and allocation of credit to enterprises. Furthermore, the technological indicators have a strong and positive effect on higher levels of bank credit to the private sector than lower levels. As for bank deposits, only the number of branches was found to have significant and positive effects at a high level of bank deposits compared with a low level. These results imply that African governments and development partners can leverage ICT developments to increase financial deepening and reinvigorate debt financing, which is the primary funding source for small and medium‐size enterprises.
Lack of fermentation in antemortem blood samples stored unstoppered in various locations
Authors: Kosecki Patrick Allan , Brooke Phillip James , Raines Melinda Evonne
Published: October 2022

A common defense challenge when antemortem blood ethanol results are presented at trial is the assertion that ethanol was formed in the blood tube after the blood draw through fermentation of the blood glucose by Candida albicans (C. Albicans). In contrast, decades of research into the stability of ethanol in antemortem blood collected for forensic purposes have consistently shown that any analytically significant change in ethanol concentration is a decrease and initially, ethanol‐negative blood remains ethanol‐negative with storage. For there to be any possibility of fermentation to occur by C. Albicans in an antemortem blood sample there must be a plausible mechanism for introduction of C. Albicans into the blood. One mechanism proffered at trial is environmental contamination resulting from ambient air drawn into the evacuated blood collection tube. Blood was drawn from ethanol‐free individuals into 6 and 10‐ml gray‐top Vacutainer® tubes containing sodium fluoride and 6‐ml Vacutainer® tubes without a preservative. Following the blood draws, the tubes were stored unstoppered at room temperature for 24 or 48 h in various locations. Following unstoppered storage, the tubes were stoppered and stored refrigerated (~4°C), left at room temperature (~22°C), or placed in an oven (37°C). The refrigerated blood was analyzed for ethanol using headspace gas chromatography after both 5 days and 32 months. Unrefrigerated blood samples were analyzed after being stored at room temperature or in an oven for up to 30 days. Ethanol was not detected in any of the blood tubes after storage regardless of storage time, storage temperature, or preservative concentration.
Impact on the health service in the Top End, Northern Territory following the introduction of an electric scooter sharing service
Authors: Moran James , Buck Andrew , Williams Jodie , Piatkowski Timothy , Unnikrishnan Renu
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate patients presenting to EDs following the recent introduction of a shared electric scooter (e‐scooter) scheme in Northern Territory (NT).

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study in Darwin, a regional city in NT, Australia with a population of approximately 150 000. Any patient who disclosed involvement of an e‐scooter in the reason for their presentation to the ED was included. A descriptive analysis was derived for age, sex, triage time, alcohol level, injury type and the requirement of operating theatre, inpatient stay or ED discharge. Categorical variables were analysed using χ2‐tests, with odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P‐values reported. Costing analysis to ED of attendances and inpatient hospital admissions was undertaken.

Results

There were 111 presentations over the 8‐month study period (January–September 2021). Forty‐nine percent (n = 51) of patients were male and 51% (n = 54) were female. Extremity (n = 70) and craniofacial (n = 61) injuries were most common and approximately a quarter of patients (n = 24) required operative management for injuries sustained. Approximately half (n = 51) of patients were intoxicated and the average alcohol level of those tested was 0.18% (range 0.05–0.49%). The average cost per ED attendance was AU$777 and total cost of inpatient admissions being AU$352 255. All inpatient admissions were a result of injury while intoxicated.

Conclusion

Harm minimisations strategies targeting implementation of alcohol testing and penalties for riders may be able to reduce the effect that the introduction of e‐scooters on the strained health system in the NT.
A comparison of methods of plasmapheresis for the treatment of late antibody mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Caliskan Yasar , Mirioglu Safak , Dirim Ahmet Burak , Ozluk Yasemin , Yegit Ozan , Aksoy Elif , Safak Seda , Guller Nurana , Demir Erol , Artan Ayse Serra , Oto Ozgur Akin , Besisik Sevgi , Yazici Halil , Turkmen Aydin , Lentine Krista L.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

We compared the outcomes associated with plasma exchange (PE), double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), or immunoadsorption (IA) in the treatment of late antibody mediated rejection (AMR).

Methods

Sixty‐nine kidney transplantation (KTx) recipients with late AMR were retrospectively categorized according to management with PE (n = 30), DFPP (n = 22) or IA (n = 17). Allograft loss was compared across treatment groups by Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression.

Results

Study groups were similar regarding age, sex, donor type, kidney function, donor specific antibodies, and post‐KTx follow‐up time. Five‐year graft survival trended higher with IA (70.6%) compared to PE (36.7%) and DFPP (27.3%) (p = 0.06). In multivariate Cox regression, baseline eGFR (HR per ml/min/1.73 m2 [95% CI]; 0.96 [0.94–0.99]), rituximab use (HR [95% CI]; 0.42 [0.21–0.84]), interstitial inflammation (i) (HR [95% CI]; 2.05 [1.13–3.69]), and transplant glomerulopathy (cg) (HR [95% CI]; 1.46 [1.13–1.87]) were associated with graft loss.

Conclusion

These results motivate the need for continued assessment of rituximab and plasmapheresis in larger studies.
Male agility in relation to mating success in two non‐territorial damselflies
Authors: de Almeida Thais R. , Salomoni Saul , Vilela Diogo S. , Guillermo‐Ferreira Rhainer
Published: October 2022

Male body size is usually correlated with mating success in insects. For non‐territorial species, the small male advantage hypothesis predicts that smaller males may be favoured in sexual selection because small body size may predict agility and manoeuvrability. Consequently, selection for male size may drive the evolution of female‐biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Nevertheless, recent evidence shows that non‐territorial male damselflies that actively search for females may be larger and more agile than those that perch and wait for females to appear. Thus, here we addressed whether the male size is an indicator of male agility and if it may be used to predict male reproductive success in two non‐territorial damselflies. To this end, we conducted a field study with Acanthagrion truncatum Selys, 1876 and A. lancea Selys, 1876 (Zygoptera, Coenagrionidae). Males of A. truncatum adopt a sit‐and‐wait mating strategy, while the males actively search for females in A. lancea. Hence, we expected different selective forces acting on male body size and agility in these species. We compared the body size and wing length of mated and unmated males, and between sexes, to describe their patterns of SSD. Our results suggest that wing length can be used as a proxy for male body size and agility in both species. However, we have found no evidence for the small male advantage that could explain wing dimorphism in A. truncatum, nor selection for larger males in A. lancea. In conclusion, this study corroborates other studies that suggest agility cannot explain SSD in non‐territorial damselflies and fail to support the small male advantage hypothesis.
Institutional dynamics and access to non‐farm employment in rural China, 1950–1996
Authors: Zheng Bingdao , Gu Yanfeng
Published: October 2022

This article examines non‐farm employment in the context of Chinese rural institutional change, based on evidence from discrete‐time logistic models for event history analysis using the Life History and Social Change survey. We find the transition to non‐farm sector rose rapidly during the Great Leap Forward and market reform, while the Cultural Revolution saw it reach the lowest ebb. While male advantage prevailed exclusively during the Cultural Revolution and early marketization, education possessed a stable positive effect in all historical periods. Although the returns to different kinds of political capital vary along with institutional dynamics, intergenerational reproduction was greatly reduced after the Cultural Revolution.
Quality and quantity incentives under downstream contracts: A role for agricultural cooperatives?
Authors: Yu Jianyu , Bonroy Olivier , Bouamra‐Mechemache Zohra
Published: October 2022

This article provides a new explanation for the positive role of cooperatives in quality provision along the agri‐food chain. We study the economic rationale for cooperative acting as an intermediary between producers and a downstream (DS) firm when the DS firm cannot observe the individual quality of producers but only the average quality. We derive the optimal contract to elicit the quality and quantity incentives for producers, depending on whether the DS firm directly deals with producers or indirectly deals with them through a producer‐owned cooperative. We find that when the DS firm directly deals with producers via secret contracts, the opportunistic behavior of the DS firm on producers leads to lower quality and quantity levels. The opportunistic behavior is prevented when the DS firm deals with the producer cooperative. However, the contract should offer a sufficiently high quality payment to overcome the free‐riding inefficiency of the producer members.
Somatic growth in single ventricle patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Van den Eynde Jef , Bartelse Simone , Rijnberg Friso M. , Kutty Shelby , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , de Bruin Christiaan , Hazekamp Mark G. , Le Cessie Saskia , Roest Arno A. W.
Published: October 2022

Aim

To map somatic growth patterns throughout Fontan palliation and summarise evidence on its key modifiers.

Methods

Databases were searched for relevant articles published from January 2000 to December 2021. Height and weight z scores at each time point (birth, Glenn procedure, Fontan procedure and >5 years after Fontan completion) were pooled using a random effects meta‐analysis. A random effects meta‐regression model was fitted to model the trend in z scores over time.

Results

Nineteen studies fulfilled eligibility criteria, yielding a total of 2006 participants. The z scores for height and weight were markedly reduced from birth to the interstage period, but recovered by about 50% following the Glenn procedure. At >10 years after the Fontan procedure, the z scores for weight seemed to normalise despite persistent lower height, resulting in increased body mass index. The review revealed a number of modifiers of somatic growth, including aggressive nutritional management, timing of Glenn/Fontan, prompt resolution of complications and obesity prevention programmes in adolescence and adulthood.

Conclusion

This review mapped the somatic growth of single ventricle patients and summarised key modifiers that may be amendable to improvement. These data provide guidance on strategies to further optimise somatic growth in this population and may serve as a benchmark for clinical follow‐up.
Sensitization to epoxy resin systems in the wind turbine industry: an undesirable side-effect of renewable energies
Authors: Brans Richard
Published: October 2022

Linked Article:  Christiansen et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:988–996.
Intramuscular Anti‐D treatment for immune thrombocytopenia: A single centre experience
Authors: Lakhwani Sunil , López‐Las Heras Alberto , Rodríguez‐García Pablo , Iraheta Sandra , Martín‐Santos Taida , Rodríguez‐Salazar María José , Machado Patricia , Hernández Miguel‐Teodoro
Published: October 2022

Intravenous Anti‐Rhesus‐D immunoglobulin (Anti‐D) is a first‐line treatment option for immune thrombocytopenia in non‐splenectomised and RhD‐positive patients. In this report, we retrospectively review our experience with intramuscular (IM) Anti‐D treatment in 74 adult patients between 1990 and 2018. We found that 73% of patients showed a response; almost all of them had complete responses (68.9%), and 26% achieved complete responses sustained at least 6 months after treatment discontinuation. [Correction added on 02 December 2022, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, ‘(68.89%)’ has been corrected to ‘(68.9%)’ in this version.] No significant side effects were observed with no cases of acute haemolysis or anaemia reported. We conclude from this study that IM Anti‐D is an effective and safe treatment for immune thrombocytopenia.
A back‐arc transtensional origin for the Nanpanjiang basin in the pre‐Norian Triassic, with implications for the broader intracontinental development of South China
Authors: Duan Liang , Christie‐Blick Nicholas , Meng Qing‐Ren , Wu Guo‐Li , Yang Zhao , Wang Bin
Published: October 2022

The generally accepted foreland interpretation of the Nanpanjiang basin has been regarded as providing support for the hypothesized Indosinian collision between the South China and Indochina blocks, and it has led to the long‐standing view that crustal shortening dominated the Triassic intracontinental development of South China. Here, we examine the stratigraphic architecture, magmatism and gross structural features of the Nanpanjiang basin. Outcrop studies indicate that a north‐stepping axial turbidite system was confined by intrabasinal faults, the active development of which is indicated by mass‐transport complexes. Field mapping combined with U–Pb dating of baddeleyite and zircon reveals that magmatism in the southern part of the basin coincides with a distinct episode of bimodal volcanism from ca. 244 to 242 Ma, and is unrelated to the middle Permian Emeishan plume. Differences in tectonic subsidence between hanging‐wall and footwall blocks, as that has been quantified by the backstripping of composite sections, show that synsedimentary dip slip along intrabasinal faults was of normal sense. Meanwhile, a role for strike‐slip deformation is registered by the left‐lateral offset of middle Permian and Middle Triassic piercing points and the exceptional preservation in outcrop of syndepositional negative flower structures. For these reasons, therefore, the pre‐Norian Triassic Nanpanjiang basin is thought to represent a transtensional back‐arc setting, a result that leads to an unresolved paradox: in adjacent parts of South China to the east, coeval development involves crustal thickening, nonmarine sedimentation and granitic plutonism. A new lateral decoupling model consistent with palaeomagnetic evidence for large‐scale block rotation is tentatively proposed here as a working hypothesis to explain the observed intracontinental evolution of South China during the Triassic assembly of eastern Asia. We propose that such decoupling may relate in part to the configuration of inherited crustal weaknesses.
Molecular phylogeny of the tropical wandering spiders (Araneae, Ctenidae) and the evolution of eye conformation in the RTA clade
Authors: Hazzi Nicolas A. , Hormiga Gustavo
Published: October 2022

Tropical wandering spiders (Ctenidae) are a diverse group of cursorial predators with its greatest species richness in the tropics. Traditionally, Ctenidae are diagnosed based on the presence of eight eyes arranged in three rows (a 2–4–2 pattern). We present a molecular phylogeny of Ctenidae, including for the first time representatives of all of its subfamilies. The molecular phylogeny was inferred using five nuclear (histone H3, 28S, 18S, Actin and ITS‐2) and four mitochondrial (NADH, COI, 12S and 16S) markers. The final matrix includes 259 terminals, 103 of which belong to Ctenidae and represent 28 of the current 49 described genera. We estimated divergence times by including fossils as calibration points and biogeographic events, and used the phylogenetic hypothesis obtained to reconstruct the evolution of the eye conformation in the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA) clade. Ctenidae and its main lineages originated during the Paleocene–Eocene and have diversified in the tropics since then. However, in some analyses Ctenidae was recovered as polyphyletic as the genusAncylometesBertkau, 1880 was placed as sister to Oxyopidae. Except for Acantheinae, in which the type genusAcantheisThorell, 1891 is placed inside Cteninae, the four recognized subfamilies of Ctenidae are monophyletic in most analyses. The ancestral reconstruction of the ocular conformation in the retrolateral tibial apophysis clade suggests that the ocular pattern of Ctenidae has evolved convergently seven times and that it has originated from ocular conformations of two rows of four eyes (4–4) and the ocular pattern of lycosids (4–2–2). We also synonymize the monotypic genusParabatingaPolotov & Brescovit, 2009 withCentroctenusMello‐Leitão, 1929. We discuss some of the putative morphological synapomorphies of the main ctenid lineages within the phylogenetic framework offered by the molecular phylogenetic results of the study.
Endoplasmic reticulum–resident protein Sec62 drives colorectal cancer metastasis via MAPK/ATF2/UCA1 axis
Authors: Jin Yirong , Han Yuying , Yang Suzhen , Cao Jiayi , Jiang Mingzuo , Liang Jie
Published: October 2022

Objective

Metastasis is responsible for the poor prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and the role of aberrant expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) receptors in tumour metastasis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to ensure the role of ER‐resident protein Sec62 in CRC metastasis and illuminate associated molecular mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Bioinformatics analysis, qRT‐PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to evaluate the expression level and clinical significance of Sec62 in CRC. The specific role of Sec62 in CRC was identified by a series of functional experiments. We conducted RNA sequencing and rescue experiments to analyse the differentially expressed genes and identified UCA1 as a novel pro‐metastasis target of Sec62 in CRC. Besides, the efficacy of MAPK/JNK inhibitor or agonist on Sec62‐mediated CRC metastasis was evaluated by trans‐well and wound healing assays. Finally, luciferase reporter and ChIP assay were employed to further explore the potential mechanisms.

Results

The abnormally elevated expression of Sec62 predicted poor prognosis of CRC patients and facilitated malignant metastasis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, Sec62 enhanced UCA1 expression through activating MAPK/JNK signalling pathway. And the p‐JNK activating ATF2 could transcriptionally regulate UCA1 expression. Furthermore, blocking or activating MAPK/JNK signalling with JNK inhibitor or agonist potently suppressed or enhanced Sec62 mediated CRC metastatic process.

Conclusions

Our study reports for the first time that the Sec62/MAPK/ATF2 /UCA1 axis exists in CRC metastatic process, which could be a potential treatment target of metastatic CRC.
Platelet thromboxane inhibition by low‐dose aspirin in polycythemia vera: Ex vivo and in vivo measurements and in silico simulation
Authors: Petrucci Giovanna , Giaretta Alberto , Ranalli Paola , Cavalca Viviana , Dragani Alfredo , Porro Benedetta , Hatem Duaa , Habib Aida , Tremoli Elena , Patrono Carlo , Rocca Bianca
Published: October 2022

Low‐dose aspirin is currently recommended for patients with polycythemia vera (PV), a myeloproliferative neoplasm with increased risk of arterial and venous thromboses. Based on aspirin pharmacodynamics in essential thrombocythemia, a twice‐daily regimen is recommended for patients with PV deemed at particularly high thrombotic risk. We investigated the effects of low‐dose aspirin on platelet cyclooxygenase activity and in vivo platelet activation in 49 patients with PV, as assessed by serum thromboxane (TX) B2 and urinary TXA2/TXB2 metabolite (TXM) measurements, respectively. A previously described pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic in silico model was used to simulate the degree of platelet TXA2 inhibition by once‐daily (q.d.) and twice‐daily (b.i.d.) aspirin, and to predict the effect of missing an aspirin dose during q.d. and b.i.d. regimens. Serum TXB2 averaged 8.2 (1.6–54.7) ng/ml and significantly correlated with the platelet count (γ = 0.39) and urinary TXM (γ = 0.52) in multivariable analysis. One‐third of aspirin‐treated patients with PV displayed less‐than‐maximal platelet TXB2 inhibition, and were characterized by significantly higher platelet counts and platelet‐count corrected serum TXB2 than those with adequate inhibition. Eight patients with PV were sampled again after 12 ± 4 months, and had reproducible serum TXB2 and urinary TXM values. The in silico model predicted complete inhibition of platelet‐derived TXB2 by b.i.d. aspirin, a prediction verified in a patient with PV with the highest TXB2 value while on aspirin q.d. and treated short‐term with a b.i.d. regimen. In conclusion, one in three patients with PV on low‐dose aspirin display less‐than‐maximal inhibition of platelet TXA2 production. Serum TXB2 measurement can be a valuable option to guide precision dosing of antiplatelet therapy in patients with PV.
Ethical considerations in using a smartphone‐based GPS app to understand linkages between mobility patterns and health outcomes: The example of HIV risk among mobile youth in rural South Africa
Authors: Mathenjwa Thulile , Nkosi Busi , Kim Hae‐Young , Bain Luchuo Engelbert , Tanser Frank , Wassenaar Douglas
Published: October 2022

Smartphones with Global Positioning System (GPS) apps offer simple and accurate tools to collect data on human mobility. However, their associated ethical challenges remain to be assessed. We used the Emanuel framework to assess the ethical concerns of using smartphone GPS to record mobility patterns of young adults in rural South Africa for a larger study on mobility and HIV risk (Sesikhona). We conducted four focus groups (FGDs) with individuals eligible for the Sesikhona study. FGD data were coded using the Emanuel framework. Participants perceived use of smartphone GPS to study human mobility and HIV risk as valuable. They raised concerns about invasion of privacy and confidentiality. Also mentioned were risk/benefit ratio, informed consent and ongoing respect. Concerns expressed provided a useful evidence‐base for the development of a guide to inform future participants about ethical issues arising in the use of GPS technology to track mobility and health‐related issues.
Full and simplified assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in covid‐19 patients admitted to ICU: Feasibility, incidence, and association with mortality
Authors: La Via Luigi , Dezio Veronica , Santonocito Cristina , Astuto Marinella , Morelli Andrea , Huang Stephen , Vieillard‐Baron Antoine , Sanfilippo Filippo
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is associated with poor outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nonetheless, precise reporting of LVDD in COVID‐19 patients is currently lacking and assessment could be challenging.

Methods

We performed an echocardiography study in COVID‐19 patients admitted to ICU with the aim to describe the feasibility of full or simplified LVDD assessment and its incidence. We also evaluated the association of LVDD or of single echocardiographic parameters with hospital mortality.

Results

Between 06.10.2020 and 18.02.2021, full diastolic assessment was feasible in 74% (n = 26/35) of patients receiving a full echocardiogram study. LVDD incidence was 46% (n = 12/26), while the simplified assessment produced different results (incidence 81%, n = 21/26). Nine patients with normal function on full assessment had LVDD with simplified criteria (grade I = 2; grade II = 3; grade III = 4). Nine patients were hospital‐survivors (39%); the incidence of LVDD (full assessment) was not different between survivors (n = 2/9, 22%) and non‐survivors (n = 10/17, 59%; p = .11). The E/e’ ratio lateral was lower in survivors (7.4 [3.6] vs. non‐survivors 10.5 [6.3], p = .03). We also found that s’ wave was higher in survivors (average, p = .01).

Conclusion

In a small single‐center study, assessment of LVDD according to the latest guidelines was feasible in three quarters of COVID‐19 patients. Non‐survivors showed a trend toward greater LVDD incidence; moreover, they had significantly worse s’ values (all) and higher E/e’ ratio (lateral).