bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does deal size moderate the effects of board faultlines? Evidence from acquisitions
Authors: Tidbury Daniel , Cahan Steven F. , Chen Li
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Board faultlines, which reflect intrinsic divisions of board members into relatively homogeneous subgroups, are associated with poor firm performance. This paper aims to extend the existing board faultline research by examining how acquisition deal size moderates the negative implications of board faultlines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a sample of acquisitions and a quantitative research approach to conduct statistical analysis.

Findings

Using a sample of acquisitions announced between 2007 and 2016, this paper finds evidence suggesting that strong faultlines are associated with poorer acquisition outcomes in the long-term, but not in the short term. Further, this paper finds that the effect of faultline strength on long-term acquisition outcomes is weaker for larger acquisition deals than smaller acquisition deals. The findings are consistent with deal size moderating the relation between faultlines and acquisition outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This paper addresses possible endogeneity through firm fixed effects and instrumental variable analysis. Although this paper provides evidence on the moderating role of deal size in the context of faultlines, future research could examine the role of additional moderators, such as pro-diversity, trust, board leadership and board and task characteristics.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that boards need to be aware of situations where the negative effects of faultlines are more likely to come to the fore. For example, faultlines are more likely to play a role in more routine, obscure monitoring than for high-profile strategic decisions.

Originality/value

The study is multidisciplinary as it draws on the management, organizational behaviour and psychology and finance literature. It contributes to the developing literature on faultlines in several important ways. First, this paper supports their view that faultlines have adverse effects on board performance by showing that faultlines negatively impact discrete strategic investment decisions. Second, this paper provides evidence that deals size moderates the faultline-acquisition performance relation, indicating that the role of faultlines is contextual. Third, this paper finds evidence that suggests investors do not factor in board faultlines when responding to acquisition announcements.
International financial reporting standards for small and medium-sized entities: a new institutional sociology perspective
Authors: Wijekoon Nisansala , Samkin Grant , Sharma Umesh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the literature by examining the need for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Sri Lankan small and medium entities (SMEs) and investigating the institutional pressures that drove the adoption of the IFRS for SMEs in a developing country, Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework adopted in this study draws on insights from new institutional sociology theory. An interview-based qualitative research was conducted with accountants and owners of SMEs, representatives from government agencies and the accounting standards-setting authority of Sri Lanka.

Findings

The emphasis on the need for international accounting standards for SMEs due to international structures and activities is not a priority for Sri Lankan SMEs. Sri Lankan SME owners do not receive requests to provide internationally comparable financial statements from their trade partners and international activities such as foreign exports, borrowings and ownerships are irrelevant business activities for them. Hence, findings reveal that the decision to adopt the IFRS for SMEs was in response to institutional pressures rather than alleged benefits of internationally comparable financial information. It appears from the results that the influence of local users’ needs and the government interference on the development of accounting standards does not exist in Sri Lanka.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to a single country. The data were collected from SMEs in Sri Lanka, as intended by the research boundary.[AQ1] The study has implications for policy makers, and standard setters charged with developing and implementing an appropriate financial reporting framework for SMEs.

Originality/value

The extant literature on IFRS for SMEs is sparse and mostly conducted through questionnaire surveys with a single user group of SME financial information.
Counteracting store brand introduction by the strategic incorporating of fairness concern behavior
Authors: Huang Lingchen , Feng Ting , Huang Zongsheng
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Responding to the store brand (SB) introduction by the retailer, the manufacturer may adopt the strategic choice of incorporating the fairness concern behavior of the retailer. This paper aims to examine how the manufacturer can counteract the retailer’s SB introduction by strategically choosing to or not to incorporating the retailer’s fairness concern.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the SB introduction problem in a two-echelon supply chain consisting of one manufacturer and one retailer with fairness concern behavior. This paper resolves the pricing strategies under four strategic scenarios regarding fairness concern incorporation and SB introduction and examine the influences from the fairness concern on pricing strategies and profits. This paper further investigates the strategic choice equilibrium of the manufacturer and retailer on fairness concern and SB introduction decision.

Findings

The results show that the retailer can be better off by the introduction of the SB only when the acceptance degree of the SB is high enough. And whether the manufacturer should incorporate the retailer's fairness concern depends on the consumer's acceptance of the SB: Only when the consumer's acceptance is moderate, the manufacturer is able to counteract the SB by strategically not incorporating the retailer’s fairness concern behavior. Otherwise, the manufacturer cannot prevent the retailer from introducing the SB and can be better off by incorporating the retailer’s fairness concern behavior.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by examining whether the manufacturer can adopt the strategic incorporation of the retailer's fairness concern to counteract the retailer's SB introduction.
Inhibition of mild steel corrosion in sodium chloride solution by apricot waste extract obtained from different solvent systems
Authors: Vorobyova Viktoria , Skiba Margarita
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate influence of extraction solvent on the efficacy of apricot pomace extract (APE) as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in sodium chloride solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The chemical profiles of the extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Total phenolic, total flavonoid content and antioxidant properties of the extracts were determined. Besides, gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization and atomic force microscopy were used to study the corrosion inhibition. The effect of immersion period on inhibition efficiency was evaluated. The reaction mechanism of the inhibitor was also discussed.

Findings

Corrosion inhibition decreasing is in the following order: solution of 2-propanol/ethanol apricot pomace (E/PAPE) extract > ethanol (EAPE) > 2-propanol (PAPE). The gravimetric, polarization measurements and surface analysis revealed that the growth of inhibitory properties is prolonged, and corrosion rate reduction after 40–48 h of exposure was studied.

Practical implications

APEs play an important role in the corrosion inhibition of mild steel in sodium chloride solution. Moreover, its application is potentially possible in industries.

Social implications

The results contribute to the integrated valorization of food waste.

Originality/value

The different compositions of the conversion/oxidation products of organic substances in solution were studied. The formation of polymerized flavanol-aldehyde adducts and oxidized quinone compounds or tautomers structures because of extract transformation in water causes main corrosion reduction in 40–48 h.
Unfolding the impact of supply chain quality management practices on sustainability performance: an artificial neural network approach
Authors: Lim Ai-Fen , Lee Voon-Hsien , Foo Pik-Yin , Ooi Keng-Boon , Wei–Han Tan Garry
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In today’s globalized and heavily industrialized economy, sustainability issues that negatively affect the human population and external environment are on the rise. This study aims to investigate a synergistic combination of supply chain management and quality management practices in strengthening the sustainability performance of Malaysian manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A total sample of 177 usable surveys was collected. Given the contributions and acceptability of the artificial neural network (ANN) approach in evaluating the findings of this study, this study uses ANN to measure the relationship between each predictor (i.e. supply chain integration [SCI], quality leadership [QL], supplier focus [SF], customer focus (CF) and information sharing [IS]) and the dependent variable (i.e. sustainability performance). Via sensitivity analysis, the relative significance of each predictor variable is ranked based on the normalized importance value.

Findings

The sensitivity analysis indicates that CF has the greatest effect on sustainability performance (SP) with 100% normalized relative importance, followed by QL (75%), IS (61.5%), SF (57.3%) and SCI (46.7%).

Originality/value

The findings of this study have the potential to provide valuable guidance and insights that can help all manufacturing firms enhance their SP from the optimum combination of the selected SCQM practices with a focus on sustainability.
Assumed strain finite element for natural frequencies of bending plates
Authors: Boussem Faiçal , Belounar Abderahim , Belounar Lamine
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the formulation of a new finite element by assuming the strain field rather than the displacement field and by using the Reissner–Mindlin plate theory for the free vibration analysis of bending plates. This quadrilateral element consists of four-nodes and twelve degrees of freedom. The suggested element is based on assumed functions of the strain field that satisfy the compatibility equation.

Design/methodology/approach

After the proposition of the new element, several numerical tests for plates with regular and distorted meshes are presented to assess the performance of the new element. In addition, a parametric study is carried out to analyze the effects of biaxial loads on the natural frequencies of square plates with various boundary conditions. Detailed discussions are proposed after each benchmark problem.

Findings

The formulated element has verified the shear locking test and passes the patch test. The obtained results from the developed element show an excellent accuracy and fast convergence, and the natural frequencies are in excellent agreement when compared with analytical and other available numerical solutions.

Originality/value

The present element is simple in its formulation and has been proven to be applicable to thin or thick plate situations with sufficient accuracy. This element with full integration is free from shear locking, however, the numerical results provided by the standard four-node plate element R4 element show locking phenomena in thin plates. In addition to these features, the imposition of the compatibility conditions and the rigid body modes allow obtaining a finite element with higher-order terms for displacements field, which can increase the performance of the finite elements.
Landslide age, elevation and residual vegetation determine tropical montane forest canopy recovery and biomass accumulation after landslide disturbances in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Freund Cathryn A. , Clark Kasey E. , Curran James F. , Asner Gregory P. , Silman Miles R.
Published: June 2021

Landslides are common natural disturbances in tropical montane forests. While the geomorphic drivers of landslides in the Andes have been studied, factors controlling post‐landslide forest recovery across the steep climatic and topographic gradients characteristic of tropical mountains are poorly understood.

Here we use a LiDAR‐derived canopy height map coupled with a 25‐year landslide time‐series map to examine how landslide, topographic and biophysical factors, along with residual vegetation, affect canopy height and heterogeneity in regenerating landslides. We also calculate above‐ground biomass accumulation rates and estimate the time for landslides to recover to mature forest biomass levels.

We find that age and elevation are the biggest determinants of forest recovery, and that the jump‐start in regeneration that residual vegetation provides lasts for at least 18 years. Our estimates of time to biomass recovery (31.6–37.1 years) are surprisingly rapid, and as a result we recommend that future research pair LiDAR with hyperspectral imagery to estimate forest above‐ground biomass in frequently disturbed landscapes.

Synthesis. Using a high‐resolution LiDAR dataset and a time‐series inventory of 608 landslides distributed across a wide elevational gradient in Andean montane forest, we show that age and elevation are the most influential predictors of forest canopy height and canopy variability. Other features of landslides, in particular the presence of residual vegetation, shape post‐landslide regeneration trajectories. LiDAR allows for a detailed analysis of forest structural recovery across large landscapes and numbers of disturbances, and provides a reasonable upper bound on above‐ground biomass accumulation rates. However, because this method does not capture the effect of compositional change through succession on above‐ground biomass, wherein high‐wood density species gradually replace light‐wooded pioneer species, it overestimates above‐ground biomass. Given previously estimated stem turnover rates along this elevational gradient, we posit that above‐ground biomass recovery takes at least three times as long as our recovery time estimates based on LiDAR‐derived structure alone.
Using systemic principles in the design of mental health and wellbeing services for looked after children and young people – Bringing together research, theory and practice
Authors: Lobatto Wendy
Published: June 2021

I intend to enquire into the complex needs of looked after children and how services can meet these needs. I consider recent research and the evidence base for mental health and wellbeing interventions. I examine Tarren‐Sweeney's (2014) proposed best practice principles for service design, which are a good fit with a systemic perspective. I then look at how systemic principles can work alongside these recommendations, describing a looked after children's emotional wellbeing and mental health service working with the entire looked after population in one inner‐city local authority in England. This work is about supporting adult networks who care for children rather than direct work with children themselves. I show how this service fits within the domain of production, and speaks to the domains of explanation and aesthetics, in which we address social constructionist positioning and the activities of meaning‐making, as well as the intentions, hopes and ethics of the work.

Practitioner points

Children in the care system face multiple adversities from a number of contexts, both pre‐care and in care;

Children and young people may not wish to access direct therapeutic work, but their key adult networks can support their mental health and wellbeing by working together;

Systemic principles and social constructionist theory can help us do effective multi‐agency working.
HRM system strength and employee well‐being: the role of internal process and open systems
Authors: Heffernan Margaret , Cafferkey Kenneth , Harney Brian , Townsend Keith , Dundon Tony
Published: June 2021

This article draws on HRM system strength to further a process‐based understanding of how HRM can impact employee well‐being. The research contributes to new understanding using internal process climate as a mediator in the HR system strength and employee well‐being relationship. In order to capture external influences, we also explore moderation in the form of open systems climate, thereby adding an important boundary conditioning logic to the debate. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 585 employees across nine organisations in Malaysia. Results show that the strength of the HRM system significantly affects employee perceptions of well‐being. The internal process climate positively mediates this relationship, highlighting the merits of both a formal structure and a commitment‐focused HR architecture. Findings also support the moderating role of an open systems climate on this mediating relationship. The research highlights new avenues to better understand the impact of HRM system strength on well‐being across contexts and outcomes.
Do disparities exist between national food group recommendations and the dietary intakes of contemporary young adults?
Authors: Taylor Rachael M. , Haslam Rebecca L. , Truby Helen , Attia John , Hutchesson Melinda J. , Burrows Tracy , Callister Robin , Hides Leanne , Bonevski Billie , Kirkpatrick Sharon , Ashton Lee , Collins Clare E.
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare food and nutrient intakes of young Australian adults (18‐24 years) to national recommendations as per the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values.

Methods

Dietary intake of 18 to 24 year olds (n = 1005) participating in the Advice, Ideas, and Motivation for My Eating (Aim4Me) study was self‐reported using the 120‐item Australian Eating Survey Food Frequency Questionnaire. Median daily servings of Australian Guide to Healthy Eating food groups, macronutrients and micronutrients were compared to recommendations in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and Nutrient Reference Values using t‐tests or Kruskal‐Wallis tests (P < .05).

Results

None of the young adults met all Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommendations. The highest adherence [% meeting recommendations, median (IQR)] was for meat/alternatives [38%, 2.1(1.8)] and fruit [32%, 1.5(1.6)], with <25% meeting remaining food‐group recommendations. The majority (76%) exceeded recommendations for the consumption of discretionary foods [4.0(3.3) vs 0‐3 serves] and 81% had excessive saturated fat intakes. Young adults who met all key Nutrient Reference Values (dietary fibre, folate, iodine, iron, calcium and zinc) (18%) consumed a higher number of serves of all food groups, including discretionary foods.

Conclusions

Dietary intakes of contemporary young adults do not align with Australian Guide to Healthy Eating targets, while meeting Nutrient Reference Values is achieved by a higher consumption of all food groups, including discretionary foods. Strategies to increase consumption of nutrient‐dense foods in young adults to achieve the Nutrient Reference Values are warranted.
Importance of the 5′ regulatory region to bacterial synthetic biology applications
Authors: Tietze Lisa , Lale Rahmi
Published: June 2021

The field of synthetic biology is evolving at a fast pace. It is advancing beyond single‐gene alterations in single hosts to the logical design of complex circuits and the development of integrated synthetic genomes. Recent breakthroughs in deep learning, which is increasingly used in de novo assembly of DNA components with predictable effects, are also aiding the discipline. Despite advances in computing, the field is still reliant on the availability of pre‐characterized DNA parts, whether natural or synthetic, to regulate gene expression in bacteria and make valuable compounds. In this review, we discuss the different bacterial synthetic biology methodologies employed in the creation of 5′ regulatory regions – promoters, untranslated regions and 5′‐end of coding sequences. We summarize methodologies and discuss their significance for each of the functional DNA components, and highlight the key advances made in bacterial engineering by concentrating on their flaws and strengths. We end the review by outlining the issues that the discipline may face in the near future.
Melt Pockets in Garnet Megacrysts from Cenozoic Alkali Basalts of the Shavaryn Tsaram Vicinity, Mongolia
Authors: ASEEVA Anna , AVCHENKO Oleg , KARABTSOV Alexander , CHASHCHIN Alexander , VYSOTSKIY Sergey , YAKOVENKO Victoria , ZARUBINA Natalia , KHARITONOVA Natalia
Published: June 2021

Garnet megacryst with a multiphase inclusion from intraplate alkali basalts of the Shavaryn Tsaram (Tariat, Mongolia) was the object of the study. This unusual aggregate consists of porous glass, Ti‐rich biotite, orthopyroxene, spinel, clinopyroxene, olivine, and ilmenite. WinTWQ 2.32 thermodynamic simulation of this system revealed a few intervals of equilibrium. Pressure and temperature adjustment reflected in the paragenetic minerals of the melt pocket. The capture of already crystallised garnet megacryst was at P = 0.8–1 GPa and T = 1120–1160°C. Mineral crystallisation inside the melt pocket, accompanied by external inputs, occurred at P = 0.75–0.95 GPa; T = 790–1120°C. Symplectite assemblage formed in the garnet megacryst due to decomposition at (P = 0.55–0.7 GPa; T = 850–930°C). The study of the oxygen isotope content in primary garnet and biotite of the melt pocket showed that the δ18OVSMOW values are the same and correspond to that of typical mantle xenoliths. However, the chemical and microcomponent composition of the melt pocket minerals reveals a material that differs from basalts and peridotites. Thus, it has been revealed that the multiphase inclusion in the garnet megacryst formed not only on account of the garnet's substance, but also due to the entrapped material of the Earth's interior.
Group Recruiting Events and Gender Stereotypes in Employee Selection*
Authors: Fanning Kirsten , Williams Jeffrey , Williamson Michael G.
Published: June 2021

This paper reports the results of multiple studies that together provide converging evidence in support of the theory that gender stereotypes bias employee selection during group recruiting events. Specifically, we predict and find that female (male) job candidates who exhibit stereotypically male behaviors receive lower (higher) evaluations during group recruiting events, particularly among male recruiters. Prior research suggests gender stereotypes do not bias employee selection during one‐on‐one interviews. However, our results suggest that evaluating job candidates in the more social context of group events can have important unintended consequences on employee selection, a key component of the accounting control environment. Given the importance of group recruiting events to inform hiring decisions across organizations such as investment banks and public accounting firms, our results contribute to a better understanding of survey and field evidence suggesting that entry‐level male and female employees have different personalities at these organizations, which appear to influence their career trajectories.
Is Framing More Effective Than Regulating Disclosures? The Effects of Risk Disclosure Frame and Regime on Managers' Disclosure Choices*
Authors: Yeo Feng
Published: June 2021

I conduct an experiment with senior executives (CEOs, CFOs, controllers) to examine how their risk disclosure quality, with respect to disclosure volume and specificity, is influenced by three factors: first, whether the disclosure behavior is framed internally by the firm as obtaining a gain or avoiding a loss from disclosure; second, whether the external disclosure regime mandates risk mitigation disclosures that explain how a risk is handled; and third, whether the risk under consideration for disclosure is weakly or strongly mitigated. This research question is important because high‐quality risk disclosures are challenging to regulate and changing how disclosure behavior is framed could substitute for costly disclosure regulations. I predict and find that a gain frame prompts managers to make more detailed risk disclosures than a loss frame, regardless of the disclosure regime. I also predict and find that a loss frame leads to less detailed and more boilerplate disclosure of weakly mitigated risks when risk mitigation plans are mandated. Given that the SEC is considering mandating risk mitigation disclosures similar to the practice in other regimes, my findings provide insights on the limitations of mandating these disclosures. My results suggest that changing managers' disclosure frame internally through firm initiatives could be more effective in prompting higher‐quality risk disclosures.
Activation of trace amine‐associated receptor 1 attenuates nicotine withdrawal‐related effects
Authors: Wu Ruyan , Liu Jianfeng , Johnson Bernard , Huang Yufei , Zhang Yanan , Li Jun‐Xu
Published: June 2021

Nicotine addiction is a leading avoidable brain disorder globally. Although nicotine induces a modest reinforcing effect, which is important for the initial drug use, the transition from nicotine use to nicotine addiction involves the mechanisms responsible for the negative consequences of drug abstinence. Recent study suggested that trace amine‐associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a promising pharmacological target for the modulation of positive reinforcing effects of nicotine. However, whether TAAR1 plays a part in the negative reinforcement of nicotine withdrawal remains to be determined. Here, using a long‐access (LA) self‐administration model, we investigated whether LA rats show increased nicotine intake and withdrawal symptoms in comparison with saline and ShA rats and then tested the effect of TAAR1 partial agonist RO5263397 on nicotine withdrawal effects. We found that rats from long‐access group showed significant abstinence‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour, mechanic hypersensitivity, increased number of precipitated withdrawal signs and higher motivation for the drug, while rats from short‐access did not differ from saline group. TAAR1 partial agonist RO5263397 significantly reduced the physical and motivational withdrawal effects of nicotine in LA rats, as reflected by increased time spent on the open arm in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, normalized paw withdrawal threshold, decreased withdrawal signs and motivation to self‐administer nicotine. This study indicates that activation of TAAR1 attenuates the negative‐reinforcing effects of nicotine withdrawal and further suggests TAAR1 as a promising target to treat nicotine addiction.
miRNA‐31 increases radiosensitivity through targeting STK40 in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Zhu Yuequan , Zhou Yuan , Wang Junjie , Jiang Ping , Xue Lixiang
Published: June 2021

Objective

To propose and verify that miRNA‐31 increases the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer and explore its potential mechanism.

Method

A bioinformatics analysis was performed to confirm that the expression of miRNA‐31 was higher in colorectal cancer than in normal colorectal tissue. The expression of miRNA‐31 was detected to verify the change in its expression in a radiotherapy‐resistant cell line. Methylation was detected to explore the cause of the decrease in miRNA‐31 expression. Overexpression or inhibition of miRNA‐31 further confirmed the change in its expression in colorectal cancer cell lines. Bioinformatics methods were used to screen the downstream target genes and for experimental verification. A luciferase assay was performed to determine the miRNA‐31 binding site in STK40. Overexpression or inhibition of STK40 in colorectal cancer cell lines further confirmed the change in STK40 expression in vitro.

Results

The bioinformatics results showed higher expression of miRNA‐31 in tumors than in normal tissue, and miRNA‐31 mainly participated in the pathway related to cell replication. Next, we observed the same phenomenon: miRNA‐31 was expressed at higher levels in colorectal tumors than in normal colorectal tissue and its expression decreased in radiation‐resistant cell lines after radiation, implying that miRNA‐31 increased the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cell lines. No significant change in upstream methylation was observed. miRNA‐31 regulated the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cell lines by inhibiting STK40. Notably, miRNA‐31 played a role by binding to the 3′ untranslated region of SK40. STK40 negatively regulated the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusions

miRNA‐31 increases the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by targeting STK40; miRNA‐31 and STK40 are expected to become potential biomarkers for increasing the sensitivity of tumor radiotherapy in clinical treatment.
Recurrent cutaneous hyalohyphomycosis secondary to Purpureocillium lilacinum in an immunocompetent individual
Authors: McGeachie Danielle L , Boyce Aaron E , Miller Robert M
Published: June 2021

Purpureocillium lilacinum, previously classified as Paecilomyces lilacinus, is a ubiquitous hyaline hyphomycete considered to be an emerging opportunistic human pathogen that is resistant to traditional antifungal agents. This case report describes what is to our knowledge the only published case of P. lilacinum recrudescence in an immunocompetent host despite initial best‐practice treatment with 10 weeks of voriconazole and surgical excision.
CD8+ tissue‐resident memory T cells recruit neutrophils that are essential for flare‐ups in contact dermatitis
Authors: Funch Anders B. , Mraz Veronika , Gadsbøll Anne‐Sofie Ø. , Jee Mia H. , Weber Julie F. , Ødum Niels , Woetmann Anders , Johansen Jeanne D. , Geisler Carsten , Bonefeld Charlotte M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is classically described as a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction. However, patients often experience flare‐ups characterized by itching erythema, edema, and often vesicles occurring within hours after re‐exposure of previously sensitized skin to the specific contact allergen. Recent studies have indicated that skin‐resident memory T (TRM) cells play a central role in ACD. However, the pathogenic role of TRM cells in allergen‐induced flare‐ups is not known.

Methods

By the use of various mouse models and cell depletion protocols, we investigated the role of epidermal TRM cells in flare‐up reactions to the experimental contact allergen 1‐fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene. The inflammatory response was measured by changes in ear thickness, and the cellular composition in epidermis was determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Finally, adaptive transfer and inhibitors were used to determine the role of TRM cells, neutrophils, and CXCL1/CXCL2 in the response.

Results

We show that CD8+ TRM cells initiate massive infiltration of neutrophils in the epidermis within 12 h after re‐exposure to the contact allergen. Depletion of neutrophils before re‐exposure to the allergen abrogated the flare‐up reactions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CD8+ TRM cells mediate neutrophil recruitment by inducing CXCL1 and CXCL2 production in the skin, and that blockage of the C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 1 and 2 inhibits flare‐up reactions and neutrophil infiltration.

Conclusion

As the first, we show that epidermal CD8+ TRM cells cause ACD flare‐ups by rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the epidermis.
Trajectories of IgE sensitization to allergen molecules from childhood to adulthood and respiratory health in the EGEA cohort
Authors: Siroux Valérie , Boudier Anne , Bousquet Jean , Dumas Orianne , Just Jocelyne , Le Moual Nicole , Nadif Rachel , Varraso Raphaëlle , Valenta Rudolf , Pin Isabelle
Published: June 2021

Background

Longitudinal studies assessing the association of profiles of allergen‐specific IgE (sIgE) sensitization to a large range of allergen molecules and respiratory health are rare. We aimed to assess trajectories of molecular sIgE sensitization profiles from childhood to adulthood and their associations with respiratory health.

Methods

IgE reactivity to microarrayed allergen molecules were measured in childhood (EGEA1) and 12 years later in adult life (EGEA2) among 291 EGEA participants (152 with asthma). At each time point, sIgE sensitization profiles were identified by latent class analysis (LCA) by considering IgE‐reactivity to the 38 most prevalent respiratory allergens. The LCA‐defined profiles were then studied in association with respiratory health.

Results

At baseline, the mean (min‐max) age of the population was 11 (4.5–16) years. The LCA identified four sIgE sensitization profiles which were very similar at both time points (% at EGEA1 and EGEA2); A: "no/few allergen(s)" (48%, 39%), B: "pollen/animal allergens" (18%, 21%), C: "most prevalent house dust mite allergens" (22%, 27%) and D: "many allergens" (12%, 13%). Overall, 73% of the participants remained in the same profile from childhood to adulthood. The profiles were associated with asthma and rhinitis phenotypes. Participants of profiles C and D had lower FEV1% and FEF25‐75% as compared to profile A. Similar patterns of associations were observed for participants with asthma. There was no association with change in lung function.

Conclusion

Using high‐resolution sIgE longitudinal data, the LCA identified four molecular sensitization profiles, mainly stable from childhood to adulthood, that were associated with respiratory health.
Editorial: tissue findings fail to predict disease activity or prognosis in microscopic colitis: an opportunity to look at the molecular level
Authors: Lucendo Alfredo J.
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Olsen et al and papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16381 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16409
Editorial: recognising the efficacy of licensed drug therapies for IBS on bloating—a step in the right direction for targeted treatment?
Authors: Vasant Dipesh H.
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nelson et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16437 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16443
Editorial: is there a ‘precursor’ HCC lesion and can it be detected by hepatobiliary contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging? Authors' reply
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Shiota Shohei
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Toyoda et al and Vutien & Ioannou papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16382 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16455
Editorial: finding the ideal prokinetic for gastroparesis—we are not there yet. Authors' reply
Authors: Camilleri Michael , Kuo Braden
Published: June 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kuo et al and Mahadeva papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16451 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16470
A descriptive retrospective study on mortality and involuntary culling in beef and dairy cattle production systems of Western Australia (1981–2018)
Authors: Aleri JW , Lyons A , Laurence M , Coiacetto F , Fisher AD , Stevenson MA , Irons PC , Robertson ID
Published: June 2021

Identifying and quantifying the relative frequency of involuntary losses is an essential first step in developing fit‐for‐purpose herd health programmes. The objective of this study was to provide an estimate of the relative frequency of reasons for mortality among south‐west Western Australian beef and dairy cattle, based on necropsy findings from a university‐based veterinary pathology referral centre over 38 years. A total of 904 cattle were submitted for postmortem examination throughout the study period. Gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary and reproductive conditions were the most common causes of mortality in cattle submitted for necropsy at Murdoch University for the period 1981–2018. In dairy cattle, the common problems were gastrointestinal (bloat, abomasal displacements) 18% (59/320), cardiovascular (traumatic reticulo‐pericarditis) 9% (30/320) and respiratory conditions (pneumonia) 8% (27/320). In beef cattle, the most common conditions were gastrointestinal (bloat, rumen acidosis) 11% (39/358), reproductive (metritis) 11% (38/358), cardiovascular (traumatic reticulo‐pericarditis) 7% (25/358), respiratory (pneumonia) 7% (24/358), lameness (fractures) 6%, (21/358) and hepatobiliary conditions (blue‐green algae poisoning, hepatotoxicity) 6% (21/358). Selection bias and missing data were potential confounders in this study. Although necropsy investigations provide useful information on animal mortalities and avenues for future herd health programmes, there is a need to standardise data capture methods and disease definition criteria, and conduct more detailed recording of data both at the farm level and at necropsy diagnostic centres.
Haematology and serum biochemistry results for anaesthetised northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) in south east Queensland
Authors: Langhorne C , McMichael L , Hoy J , Kopp S , Murray P
Published: June 2021

Bandicoots are terrestrial marsupials, endemic to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Despite drastic declines in several bandicoot species since European settlement, the northern brown bandicoot (Isoodon macrourus) remains common in many areas of Australia. It inhabits native environments as well as anthropogenic landscapes. This study presents comprehensive haematologic and serum biochemical results for 39 anaesthetised, clinically healthy, wild‐caught, adult northern brown bandicoots in south east Queensland, Australia. The bloodwork profile of a single animal with chronic prostatic abscessation highlights that haematology and clinical chemistry can provide useful biomarkers for identifying clinical disease in bandicoots. Comparisons of haematologic and biochemical values between sexes of the northern brown bandicoot revealed significant differences for eosinophils, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin. At the individual animal level, the ranges established in this study are a guide for monitoring health and disease status; however, they also have much wider applications in population health and ecological research.
A novel frameshift ACTN2 variant causes a rare adult‐onset distal myopathy with multi‐minicores
Authors: Chen Lei , Chen Dian‐Fu , Dong Hai‐Lin , Liu Gong‐Lu , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Distal myopathies are a group of rare muscle disorders characterized by selective or predominant weakness in the feet and/or hands. In 2019, ACTN2 gene was firstly identified to be a cause of a new adult‐onset distal muscular dystrophy calling actininopathy and another distinctly different myopathy, named multiple structured core disease (MsCD). Thus, the various phenotypes and limited mutations in ACTN2‐related myopathy make the genotype‐phenotype correlation hard to understand.

Aims

To investigate the clinical features and histological findings in a Chinese family with distal myopathy. Whole exome sequencing and several functional studies were performed to explore the pathogenesis of the disease.

Results

We firstly identified a novel frameshift variant (c.2504delT, p.Phe835Serfs*66) within ACTN2 in a family including three patients. The patients exhibited adult‐onset distal myopathy with multi‐minicores, which, interestingly, was more like a combination of MsCD and actininopathy. Moreover, functional analysis using muscle samples revealed that the variant significantly increased the expression level of α‐actinin‐2 and resulted in abnormal Z‐line organization of muscle fiber. Vitro studies suggested aggregate formations might be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Conclusion

Our results expanded the phenotypes of ACTN2‐related myopathy and provided helpful information to clarify the molecular mechanisms.
The Incomplete Tyranny of Dynamic Stimuli: Gaze Similarity Predicts Response Similarity in Screen‐Captured Instructional Videos
Authors: Levin Daniel T. , Salas Jorge A. , Wright Anna M. , Seiffert Adrianne E. , Carter Kelly E. , Little Joshua W.
Published: June 2021

Although eye tracking has been used extensively to assess cognitions for static stimuli, recent research suggests that the link between gaze and cognition may be more tenuous for dynamic stimuli such as videos. Part of the difficulty in convincingly linking gaze with cognition is that in dynamic stimuli, gaze position is strongly influenced by exogenous cues such as object motion. However, tests of the gaze‐cognition link in dynamic stimuli have been done on only a limited range of stimuli often characterized by highly organized motion. Also, analyses of cognitive contrasts between participants have been mostly been limited to categorical contrasts among small numbers of participants that may have limited the power to observe more subtle influences. We, therefore, tested for cognitive influences on gaze for screen‐captured instructional videos, the contents of which participants were tested on. Between‐participant scanpath similarity predicted between‐participant similarity in responses on test questions, but with imperfect consistency across videos. We also observed that basic gaze parameters and measures of attention to centers of interest only inconsistently predicted learning, and that correlations between gaze and centers of interest defined by other‐participant gaze and cursor movement did not predict learning. It, therefore, appears that the search for eye movement indices of cognition during dynamic naturalistic stimuli may be fruitful, but we also agree that the tyranny of dynamic stimuli is real, and that links between eye movements and cognition are highly dependent on task and stimulus properties.
Human Self‐Domestication and the Evolution of Pragmatics
Authors: Benítez‐Burraco Antonio , Ferretti Francesco , Progovac Ljiljana
Published: June 2021

As proposed for the emergence of modern languages, we argue that modern uses of languages (pragmatics) also evolved gradually in our species under the effects of human self‐domestication, with three key aspects involved in a complex feedback loop: (a) a reduction in reactive aggression, (b) the sophistication of language structure (with emerging grammars initially facilitating the transition from physical aggression to verbal aggression); and (c) the potentiation of pragmatic principles governing conversation, including, but not limited to, turn‐taking and inferential abilities. Our core hypothesis is that the reduction in reactive aggression, one of the key factors in self‐domestication processes, enabled us to fully exploit our cognitive and interactional potential as applied to linguistic exchanges, and ultimately to evolve a specific form of communication governed by persuasive reciprocity—a trait of human conversation characterized by both competition and cooperation. In turn, both early crude forms of language, well suited for verbal aggression/insult, and later more sophisticated forms of language, well suited for persuasive reciprocity, significantly contributed to the resolution and reduction of (physical) aggression, thus having a return effect on the self‐domestication processes. Supporting evidence for our proposal, as well as grounds for further testing, comes mainly from the consideration of cognitive disorders, which typically simultaneously present abnormal features of self‐domestication (including aggressive behavior) and problems with pragmatics and social functioning. While various approaches to language evolution typically reduce it to a single factor, our approach considers language evolution as a multifactorial process, with each player acting upon the other, engaging in an intense mutually reinforcing feedback loop. Moreover, we see language evolution as a gradual process, continuous with the pre‐linguistic cognitive abilities, which were engaged in a positive feedback loop with linguistic innovations, and where gene‐culture co‐evolution and cultural niche construction were the main driving forces.
Intuitive Dualism and Afterlife Beliefs: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Barrett H. Clark , Bolyanatz Alexander , Broesch Tanya , Cohen Emma , Froerer Peggy , Kanovsky Martin , Schug Mariah G. , Laurence Stephen
Published: June 2021

It is widely held thatintuitive dualism—an implicit default mode of thought that takes minds to be separable from bodies and capable of independent existence—is a human universal. Among the findings taken to support universal intuitive dualism is a pattern of evidence in which “psychological” traits (knowledge, desires) are judged more likely to continue after death than bodily or “biological” traits (perceptual, physiological, and bodily states). Here, we present cross‐cultural evidence from six study populations, including non‐Western societies with diverse belief systems, that shows that while this pattern exists, the overall pattern of responses nonetheless does not support intuitive dualism in afterlife beliefs. Most responses of most participants across all cultures tested were not dualist. While our sample is in no way intended to capture the full range of human societies and afterlife beliefs, it captures a far broader range of cultures than in any prior study, and thus puts the case for afterlife beliefs as evidence for universal intuitive dualism to a strong test. Based on these findings, we suggest that while dualist thinking is a possible mode of thought enabled by evolved human psychology, such thinking does not constitute a default mode of thought. Rather, our data support what we will callintuitive materialism—the view that the underlying intuitive systems for reasoning about minds and death produce as a default judgment that mental states cease to exist with bodily death.
Memory and Counterfactual Simulations for Past Wrongdoings Foster Moral Learning and Improvement
Authors: Stanley Matthew L. , Cabeza Roberto , Smallman Rachel , De Brigard Felipe
Published: June 2021

In four studies, we investigated the role of remembering, reflecting on, and mutating personal past moral transgressions to learn from those moral mistakes and to form intentions for moral improvement. Participants reported having ruminated on their past wrongdoings, particularly their more severe transgressions, and they reported having frequently thought about morally better ways in which they could have acted instead (i.e., morally upward counterfactuals; Studies 1–3). The more that participants reported having mentally simulated morally better ways in which they could have acted, the stronger their intentions were to improve in the future (Studies 2 and 3). Implementing an experimental manipulation, we then found that making accessible a morally upward counterfactual after committing a moral transgression strengthened reported intentions for moral improvement—relative to resimulating the remembered event and considering morally worse ways in which they could have acted instead (Study 4). We discuss the implications of these results for competing theoretical views on the relationship between memory and morality and for functional theories of counterfactual thinking.