bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blinking fluorescent probes for tubulin nanoscopy in living and fixed cells
Authors: Gerasimaitė Rūta , Bucevičius Jonas , Kiszka Kamila A. , Kostiuk Georgij , Koenen Tanja , Lukinavičius Gražvydas
Published: June 2021

Here we report a small molecule probe for single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) of tubulin in living and fixed cells. We explored a series of constructs composed of taxanes and spontaneously blinking far-red dye hydroxymethyl silicon-rhodamine (HMSiR). We found that the linker length profoundly affects the probe permeability and off-targeting. The best performing probe, HMSiR-tubulin, is composed of cabazitaxel and 6’-regioisomer of HMSiR bridged by a C6 linker. Microtubule diameters of ≤50 nm can be routinely measured in SMLM experiments on living and fixed cells. HMSiR-tubulin also performs well in 3D stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, allowing a complementary use of both nanoscopy methods for investigating microtubule functions in living cells.
Genome-wide association mapping of transcriptome variation inMimulus guttatusindicates differing patterns of selection on cis- versus trans-acting mutations
Authors: Brown Keely E. , Kelly John K.
Published: June 2021

We measured the floral bud transcriptome of 151 fully sequenced lines ofMimulus guttatusfrom one natural population. Thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are implicated as transcription regulators, but there is a striking difference in the Allele Frequency Spectrum (AFS) of cis-acting and trans-acting mutations. Cis-SNPs have intermediate frequencies (consistent with balancing selection) while trans-SNPs exhibit a rare-alleles model (consistent with purifying selection). This pattern only becomes clear when transcript variation is normalized on a gene-to-gene basis. If a global normalization is applied, as is typically in RNAseq experiments, asymmetric transcript distributions combined with “rarity disequilibrium” produce a super-abundance of false positives for trans-acting SNPs. To explore the cause of purifying selection on trans-acting mutations, we identified gene expression modules as sets of co-expressed genes. The extent to which trans-acting mutations influence modules is a strong predictor of allele frequency. Mutations altering expression of genes with high “connectedness” (those that are highly predictive of the representative module expression value) have the lowest allele frequency. The expression modules can also predict whole-plant traits such as flower size. We find that a substantial portion of the genetic (co)variance among traits can be described as an emergent property of genetic effects on expression modules.
Decellularized pericardium tissues at increasing glucose, galactose and ribose concentrations and at different time points studied using scanning X-ray microscopy
Authors: Giannini Cinzia , De Caro Liberato , Terzi Alberta , Fusaro Luca , Altamura Davide , Diaz Ana , Lassandro Rocco , Boccafoschi Francesca , Bunk Oliver
Published: June 2021

Diseases like widespread diabetes or rare galactosemia may lead to high sugar concentrations in the human body, thereby promoting the formation of glycoconjugates. Glycation of collagen, i.e. the formation of glucose bridges, is nonenzymatic and therefore cannot be prevented in any other way than keeping the sugar level low. It relates to secondary diseases, abundantly occurring in aging populations and diabetics. However, little is known about the effects of glycation of collagen on the molecular level. We studied in vitro the effect of glycation, with D-glucose and D-galactose as well as D-ribose, on the structure of type 1 collagen by preparing decellularized matrices of bovine pericardia soaked in different sugar solutions, at increasing concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg ml−1), and incubated at 37°C for 3, 14, 30 and 90 days. The tissue samples were analyzed with small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in scanning mode. We found that glucose and galactose produce similar changes in collagen, i.e. they mainly affect the lateral packing between macromolecules. However, ribose is much faster in glycation, provoking a larger effect on the lateral packing, but also seems to cause qualitatively different effects on the collagen structure.
Investigation of effect of abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining parameters on aramid fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) composite materials
Authors: Akıncıoğlu Sıtkı
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to optimize the surface roughness (Ra), delamination damage at the hole entrance (FdT) and at the hole exit (FdB) and kerf angle (K) in the drilling of aramid fiber-reinforced polymer (AFRP) composite material using abrasive water jet (AWJ) machining.

Design/methodology/approach

The AFRP composite was produced by the vacuum infusion method. The drilling experiments were performed on an AWJ machine using a three-axis computerized numerical control system. Machine processing parameters were determined as water pressure (2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 bar), stand-off distance (2, 4 and 6 mm) and traverse feed rate (150, 250 and 350 mm/min). Optimization of processing parameters in the drilling experiments was carried out according to the Taguchi L27 (33) orthogonal array. In addition, gray relational analysis (GRA) was used to analyze the complex uncertainty affecting the results.

Findings

Results of the drilling operations demonstrated that water pressure (P) was the most effective parameter, with 65.3%, 65.2%, 49.8% and 52.1% contribution rates for Ra, FdT, FdB and K, respectively.

Practical implications

Reliable results have been obtained with Taguchi-based GRA while drilling AFRP composite material using AWJ. Significant results have been achieved to increase the hole quality in the drilling of AFRP composite material.

Originality/value

The new approach is to present more detailed analysis by using Taguchi method and multi-decision Taguchi-based gray relation analysis in AFRP composite material drilling using AWJ. Thus, time and experiment costs are saved.
What are the investment risk differences of solar PV power generation projects between constructional and operational periods? An empirical study in China
Authors: Ding Liping , Li Jiangshan , Wang Yuqing , Shuai Jing , Xu Xinxin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Under the pressure of environment degradation and energy consumption rises, solar photovoltaic power generation (SPPG) has been seen as a strategic emerging industry in China. However, the SPPG projects have many uncertain factors in the process of the life cycle. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the investment risk comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, this paper firstly identified the risk factors and consequences of SPPG project investment and constructed the investment risk factor evaluation index system. Secondly, the factor analysis method was used to reveal the key investment risk factors and risk consequences. Then, the research hypotheses and conceptual model were proposed, and the empirical analysis was conducted based on the structural equation model (SEM).

Findings

The results showed that the six key risk factors (political, economic, technological, management, market and natural) have a significant impact on the risks during the whole period. The influence degree of risk factors in the operational period is such that market factor > political factor > economic factor > management factor > natural factor > technical factor. In addition, the risk of constructional period has a significant impact during the risk of operational period. Except for natural factors, all risk factors are correlated among the mutual influence relationship of risk factors. Finally, this paper puts forward management implications based on the above conclusions: effectively identify investment risk factors and comprehensively improve risk management ability; (refine the risk factors of SPPG project investment and develop targeted risk prevention and control strategies; define risk management objectives and make relevant strategic plans.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

It can also help stakeholders propose risk prevention strategies throughout the entire process, to promote the sustainable development of SPPG projects.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the investment risk of SPPG projects, by building an evaluation index system to identify key risk factors, and then establishes a SEM covering constructional period risks and operational period risks to better explore SPPG project risks, in an effort to reveal the mutual influence relationship and influence path of investment risk factors of the projects.
Wealth transfers and labour supply: impact of inheritances and gifts by gender in Europe
Authors: Malo Miguel Á. , Sciulli Dario
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The authors analyse how the receipt of a wealth transfer (inheritance or gift) affects labour force participation in 14 EU countries. They compare the effect of receiving an inheritance or a gift and investigate different behaviours at the gender level and educational level and for elderly individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from the Household Finance and Consumption Survey for 14 European countries and adopt an instrumental variable approach. They use information on the type of donor (family and nonfamily) to infer the degree of anticipation of a wealth transfer.

Findings

The authors find that unexpected wealth transfers have a negative impact on labour force participation, with a stronger impact for gifts than for inheritances. For gender, they find larger negative impacts for females than for males, which is in line with a weaker attachment to the labour market. Receiving an unexpected wealth transfer may also result in early retirement.

Originality/value

The paper offers a novel comparison of the effect of receiving an inheritance or a gift on labour force participation using a unique European dataset. The authors investigate whether males and females react differently to the receipt of a wealth transfer and the existence of different responses at the educational level and for elderly individuals.
From governance to choreography: coordination of innovation ecosystems
Authors: Santos Diego Alex Gazaro dos , Zen Aurora , Bittencourt Bruno Anicet
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Innovation ecosystems can emerge and grow organically, but the process can also be managed through conscious intervention. Therefore, this study observes different motivations and expectations for each group of actors. The lack of alignment between actors could have a negative influence on the development of innovation ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the coordination strategies of the actors throughout the life cycle of innovation ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops and proposes a model for coordinating innovation ecosystems based on the theoretical backgrounds of the ecosystem life cycle and ecosystem coordination.

Findings

This study argues that each stage of an innovation ecosystem’s life cycle – inception, launching, growth and maturity – demands different coordination strategies. Initially, networks are simpler and thus the coordination issues are less difficult. However, as the ecosystem evolves and the complexity of the networks increases, a more sophisticated strategy, such as orchestration or choreography, is needed.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical study that recommends further research to test this model.

Practical implications

The understanding of coordination and stages of the life cycle of an innovation ecosystem can guide actors in the design of strategies for developing of ecosystems.

Social implications

The proposed framework could support strategies to engage civil society in actions to develop innovation ecosystems.

Originality/value

This study presents a framework to understand the coordination strategies better, considering the stages of an innovation ecosystem’s life cycle.
Students' perception on learning methods in engineering disciplines
Authors: Vidal Borja , Fenollosa Ribera M. Loreto , Ribal Francisco Javier , Sanchis Pablo , García-Rupérez Jaime , Bes-Piá M. Amparo , Blasco-Tamarit E. , Noguera Patricia , Muñoz-Portero María José , Tortajada Luis A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study explores the preferences for learning methods among the students of seven engineering disciplines in a Spanish technical university. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the students' views and from them contribute to the knowledge of the effectiveness of learning methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

An online anonymous questionnaire survey was adopted to collect students' perceptions. Seven learning methods were compared in seven engineering degrees. The authors sampled 1660 students, and 426 completed responses were analysed. In addition to a descriptive analysis of the results, a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was performed using R data processing software.

Findings

It was found that project-based learning and problem-based learning were perceived as the more effective ones. MCA identified response patterns between the preference and the efficiency of learning methods showing that students can be classified into two groups according to their preferred level of activeness in learning.

Research limitations/implications

The study focusses on a single technical university and not all engineering degrees could be sampled. However, five different engineering fields were studied and no significant differences among them were found.

Practical implications

The results add up to the known literature showing that students have different learning needs and consequently they perceive some methods as more effective. Instructors can use this information to strengthen their learning activities. Results also suggest that students can be classified into two groups in relation to their level of activeness in learning. This can also help to enhance general student motivation if two paths with different levels of activeness are planned.

Originality/value

No previous studies have compared several learning methods in different engineering fields. Thus, this study contributes to fill this gap and contributes to the body of evidence around learning methodologies from the perspective of students.
Cross-cultural study of the qualitative aspects of higher education teachers' emotional intelligence: Kazakhstan and Russia
Authors: Algozhina Anar , Sabirova Raikhan , Alimbayeva Roza , Kapbasova Gulzada , Sarmantayev Ayan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The emotional intelligence (EI) model is widely used in pedagogy, management and other spheres as a useful concept with great potential for application. At the same time, there are significant differences in the traits of EI in different social groups, in particular, in different countries, which are just beginning to be studied. To date, there is a significant gap in the research literature on cross-cultural research in the field of EI, especially in the area of measuring its performance. This work is devoted to the study of the quantitative aspects of the differences in the traits of EI between teachers of higher educational institutions in Kazakhstan and Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, 700 participants from two countries were involved, 350 people from each with an approximately equal distribution by gender and age. Mann–Whitney U test and Fisher transformation were used for statistical analysis of the results of the N. Hall test for teachers from two countries.

Findings

As a result of assessing the level of EI by the method of N. Hall, significant differences were found in the manifestation of various scales of EI in representatives of these two groups (Fisher's transformation relative to the scales: “emotional awareness” was f*em = 5.466).

Originality/value

The practical value of the study lies in the discovery of a methodology for determining the difference in the traits of EI, which can be used in the correction of teaching methods, personnel management in higher educational institutions and in the formation of educational teams.
Enhancing resilience to negative information in consumer-brand interaction: the mediating role of brand knowledge and involvement
Authors: Elsharnouby Mohamed H. , Mohsen Jasmine , Saeed Omnia T. , Mahrous Abeer A.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships between the online communities’ characteristics and resilience to negative information (RNI) mediated by both brand knowledge and brand involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

According to stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this research postulates that information quality, rewards and virtual interactivity drive RNI directly and indirectly through brand knowledge and/ or brand involvement. A survey of 326 Facebook pages followers was conducted, representing followers of fashion clothing brands in social media platforms in Egypt. We have used AMOS to check the constructs’ validity and reliability, as well as the Hayes’s PROCESS macro to test the mediation.

Findings

The findings show that information quality, rewards and virtual interactivity are the respective drivers of brand knowledge and brand involvement; the brand knowledge and brand involvement help explain why consumers are resilient to negative information of specific brands; and the drivers of brand knowledge and/ or brand involvement differ in consumers who tend to ignore negative information they receive about the brand.

Practical implications

Outcomes of the research recommend that executives should identify the outstanding determinants for improving resilient consumers to negative information through creating the highest possible brand knowledge and involvement between the consumers and brands.

Originality/value

Little attention has been paid to examine the RNI and linking it with brand knowledge and brand involvement in online communities’ context, thus, the current research is conducted.
Do self-monitors experience less emotional exhaustion? Testing the role of supervisor-rated performance and perceived competitive climate
Authors: Quratulain Samina , Ejaz Aqsa , Khan Abdul Karim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine frontline employees' self-monitoring personality as an antecedent of their emotional exhaustion and how supervisor-rated performance mediates this relationship. In addition, the authors explored the moderating role of perceived competitive climate on the indirect relationship between self-monitoring and emotional exhaustion.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hundred and thirty-seven frontline employees and their immediate supervisors working in hospitality organizations responded to the survey using time lagged research design. Measurement model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis to assess the distinctiveness of study constructs, and proposed moderated mediation model was tested using Process macro.

Findings

Results show that high self-monitoring leads to high supervisor-rated performance, and this relationship is stronger in highly competitive work climate. The supervisor-rated performance was negatively related to emotional exhaustion.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the interaction effects of self-monitoring and perceived competitive climate on frontline employees' performance and emotional exhaustion, particularly in the frontline jobs. Supervisor-rated performance has not been previously theorized or researched as an underlying mechanism of the effect of self-monitoring on emotional exhaustion.
The effect of enterprise risk management on financial performance and firm value: the role of environmental, social and governance performance
Authors: Chairani Chairani , Siregar Sylvia Veronica
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of enterprise risk management (ERM) on financial performance and firm value, as well as the moderating role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples in this study are listed companies in the ASEAN 5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) during the years 2014–2018, with total observations of 680 firm-years. Fixed effect panel data regressions were used to test the hypotheses. The data was collected from Financial Report, Annual Reports and Thomson Reuters.

Findings

The results show that ERM has a positive significant effect on financial performance and firm value. This paper also finds that ESG has a significant moderating role in increasing the effect of ERM on firm value. Further, this paper divides the samples into sensitive and non-sensitive industries and find a significant moderating role of ESG performance on firm performance for sensitive industries.

Originality/value

Extant studies have not empirically examined the moderating role of ESG on the effect of ERM on firm performance and firm value. The findings have important implications in suggesting that firms need to analyze various threats and opportunities related to and ESG risks in achieving competitive advantage.
A systematic and network-based analysis of data-driven quality management in supply chains and proposed future research directions
Authors: Agrawal Rohit , Wankhede Vishal Ashok , Kumar Anil , Luthra Sunil
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This work aims to review past and present articles about data-driven quality management (DDQM) in supply chains (SCs). The motive behind the review is to identify associated literature gaps and to provide a future research direction in the field of DDQM in SCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was done in the field of DDQM in SCs. SCOPUS database was chosen to collect articles in the selected field and then an SLR methodology has been followed to review the selected articles. The bibliometric and network analysis has also been conducted to analyze the contributions of various authors, countries and institutions in the field of DDQM in SCs. Network analysis was done by using VOS viewer package to analyze collaboration among researchers.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that the adoption of data-driven technologies and quality management tools can help in strategic decision making. The usage of data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning can significantly enhance the performance of SC operations and network.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the importance of data-driven techniques enabling quality in SC management systems. The linkage between the data-driven techniques and quality management for improving the SC performance was also elaborated in the presented study.
An exotic herbivore reinforces competition between exotic and native plants
Authors: Sakata Yuzu , Craig Timothy P.
Published: June 2021

Despite increasing evidence that herbivore‐mediated indirect effects play a major role in plant competition, it is unclear how and when they contribute to plant invasiveness. The outcomes of herbivore‐mediated indirect effects are primarily dependent on the environment and have complex interactions with the direct interactions between plants.

We evaluated the herbivore‐mediated indirect effects of Solidago altissima (Asteraceae) on other co‐occurring native Asteraceae species at multiple sites in a native range [the United States (US)] and in an introduced range (Japan) using common garden experiments. We examined the effect of S. altissima on herbivore damage, above‐ground vegetative and reproductive traits of the co‐occurring Asteraceae species at sites with different densities of a herbivore, the lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, which is native to the US and introduced in Japan.

We observed increased lace bug herbivory in plants grown with S. altissima in Japan but decreased lace bug herbivory in the US. We did not find consistent effect of S. altissima on aboveground vegetative production of co‐occurring plants in either ranges. Flower production decreased in plants grown with S. altissima in Japan because of both direct competition and increased herbivory. Direct competition and apparent competition via lace bug herbivory interacted to produce a strong negative effect of S. altissima on co‐occurring plants only in Japan.

Synthesis. The findings imply that evolutionary history and the local environment jointly affect herbivore‐mediated indirect effects, which play a large role in shaping the pattern of herbivory and plant competition. Another implication of our results is that exotic herbivores may reinforce the negative effects of exotic plants on native plants under high herbivore density environments.
LncRNASGMS1‐AS1 regulates lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT progression via miR‐106a‐5p/MYLI9 axis
Authors: Liu Ting , Yang Chunli , Wang Weizhen , Liu Chunmei
Published: June 2021

Background

Lung cancer mainly includes non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of NSCLC. Long non‐coding RNAs (LncRNAs) had been found to exert numerous functions on the progressions of cancers. MicroRNAs often exist as the target of LncRNAs to regulate a series of signaling pathways in human. We explored the effects and molecular mechanism of LncRNA SGMS1‐AS1 on the procedures of LUAD cells.

Methods

The ENCORI and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the differences in SGMS1, miR‐106a‐5p, and MYLIP between LUAD and normal tissue. Their expression levels were examined by RT‐PCR. CCK8, colony formation, migration, and invasion assay were conducted in LUAD cells which had silenced SGMS1‐AS1. To verify the relationship between SGMS1‐AS1, miR‐106a‐5p, and MYLIP, we overexpressed miR‐106a‐5p inhibitor or MYLIP in LUAD cells after decreasing SGMS1‐AS1 and repeated the above assays.

Results

SGMS1‐AS1 was downregulated in LUAD tissue as well as cells, which was related to good prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Additionally, knockdown of SGMS1‐AS1 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression of LUAD cells, which meant that SGMS1‐AS1 inhibited the progression of LUAD cells. Furthermore, miR‐106a‐5p was the direct target of SGMS1‐AS1 and transfecting miR‐106a‐5p inhibitor could reversed the impact induced by knockdown of SGMS1‐AS1. Subsequently, we found that MYLIP was the target of miR‐106a‐5p, which was negatively correlated with miR‐106a‐5p, but had high positive correlation with SGMS1‐AS1. Consistently, overexpression MYLIP partly eliminated the effects on A549 cells induced by silencing of SGMS1‐AS1.

Conclusion

LncRNA SGMS1‐AS1 inhibits the proliferation, invasion, migration and EMT progression of LUAD cells via targeting miR‐106a‐5p/MYLIP axis.
Loss of Fis1 impairs proteostasis during skeletal muscle aging in Drosophila
Authors: Lee Tai‐Ting , Chen Po‐Lin , Su Matthew P. , Li Jian‐Chiuan , Chang Yi‐Wen , Liu Rei‐Wen , Juan Hsueh‐Fen , Yang Jinn‐Moon , Chan Shih‐Peng , Tsai Yu‐Chen , von Stockum Sophia , Ziviani Elena , Kamikouchi Azusa , Wang Horng‐Dar , Chen Chun‐Hong
Published: June 2021

Increased levels of dysfunctional mitochondria within skeletal muscle are correlated with numerous age‐related physiopathological conditions. Improving our understanding of the links between mitochondrial function and muscle proteostasis, and the role played by individual genes and regulatory networks, is essential to develop treatments for these conditions. One potential player is the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Fis1, a crucial fission factor heavily involved in mitochondrial dynamics in yeast but with an unknown role in higher‐order organisms. By using Drosophila melanogaster as a model, we explored the effect of Fis1 mutations generated by transposon Minos‐mediated integration. Mutants exhibited a higher ratio of damaged mitochondria with age as well as elevated reactive oxygen species levels compared with controls. This caused an increase in oxidative stress, resulting in large accumulations of ubiquitinated proteins, accelerated muscle function decline, and mitochondrial myopathies in young mutant flies. Ectopic expression of Fis1 isoforms was sufficient to suppress this phenotype. Loss of Fis1 led to unbalanced mitochondrial proteostasis within fly muscle, decreasing both flight capabilities and lifespan. Fis1 thus clearly plays a role in fly mitochondrial dynamics. Further investigations into the detailed function of Fis1 are necessary for exploring how mitochondrial function correlates with muscle health during aging.
Sex‐specific plasticity in CRF regulation of inhibitory control in central amygdala CRF1 neurons after chronic voluntary alcohol drinking
Authors: Agoglia Abigail E. , Zhu ManHua , Quadir Sema G. , Bluitt Maya N. , Douglass Eliza , Hanback Tyger , Tella Jyoshitha , Ying Rose , Hodge Clyde W. , Herman Melissa A.
Published: June 2021

Despite strong preclinical evidence for the ability of corticotropin releasing factor 1 (CRF1) antagonists to regulate alcohol consumption, clinical trials have not yet demonstrated therapeutic effects of these compounds in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients. Several confounding factors may limit the translation of preclinical CRF1 research to patients, including reliance on experimenter‐administered alcohol instead of voluntary consumption, a preponderance of evidence collected in male subjects only and an inability to assess the effects of alcohol on specific brain circuits. A population of particular interest is the CRF1‐containing neurons of the central amygdala (CeA). CRF1 CeA neurons are sensitive to ethanol, but the effects of alcohol drinking on CRF signalling within this population are unknown. In the present study, we assessed the effects of voluntary alcohol drinking on inhibitory control of CRF1+ CeA neurons from male and female CRF1:GFP mice using ex vivo electrophysiology and determined the contributions of CRF1 signalling to inhibitory control and voluntary alcohol drinking. Chronic alcohol drinking produced neuroadaptations in CRF1+ neurons that increased the sensitivity of GABAA receptor‐mediated sIPSCs to the acute effects of alcohol, CRF and the CRF1 antagonist R121919, but these adaptations were more pronounced in male versus female mice. The CRF1 antagonist CP‐154,526 reduced voluntary alcohol drinking in both sexes and abolished sex differences in alcohol drinking. The lack of alcohol‐induced adaptation in the female CRF1 system may be related to the elevated alcohol intake exhibited by female mice and could contribute to the ineffectiveness of CRF1 antagonists in female AUD patients.
Resolving the identification of weak‐flying insects during flight: a coupling between rigorous data processing and biology
Authors: Hassall Kirsty L. , Dye Alex , Potamitis Ilyas , Bell James R.
Published: June 2021

Bioacoustic methods play an increasingly important role for the detection of insects in a range of surveillance and monitoring programmes.

Weak‐flying insects evade detection because they do not yield sufficient audio information to capture wingbeat and harmonic frequencies. These inaudible insects often pose a significant threat to food security as pests of key agricultural crops worldwide.

Automatic detection of such insects is crucial to the future of crop protection by providing critical information to assess the risk to a crop and the need for preventative measures.

We describe an experimental set‐up designed to derive audio recordings from a range of weak‐flying aphids and beetles using an LED array.

A rigorous data processing pipeline was developed to extract meaningful features, linked to morphological characteristics, from the audio and harmonic series for six aphid and two beetle species.

An ensemble of over 50 bioacoustic parameters was used to achieve species discrimination with a success rate of 80%. The inclusion of the dominant and fundamental frequencies improved prediction between beetles and aphids because of large differences in wingbeat frequencies.

At the species level, error rates were minimized when harmonic features were supplemented by features indicative of differences in species' flight energies.
External hydrocephalus as a prenatal feature of noonan syndrome
Authors: Mastromoro Gioia , De Luca Alessandro , Marchionni Enrica , Spagnuolo Antonella , Ventriglia Flavia , Manganaro Lucia , Pizzuti Antonio
Published: June 2021

Brain malformations have been reported in RASopathies, including postnatal external hydrocephalus, a nonobstructive form of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation around the brain. It was described in a few patients with mutations of other genes thanPTPN11, such asSOS1andSHOC2and never in prenatal diagnosis. The aim of this case report is to describe the prenatal presentation of a fetus with Noonan syndrome (NS) and external hydrocephalus.

We report on a Noonan syndrome fetus with ade novopathogenicPTPN11c.923A>G p.Asn308Ser mutation, showing external hydrocephalus, an extremely rare fetal finding, corpus callosum, and cerebellar vermis under the 10th centile, plus a typical NS cardiopathy. This is the first case of Noonan syndrome prenatal diagnosis in a fetus presenting with external hydrocephalus.

Following pathophysiological considerations, we suggest to consider NS in the differential diagnosis of external hydrocephalus, investigating other evocative findings and considering molecular screening for mutations in NS‐related genes.
Mapping timely access to emergency and essential surgical services: The Malaysian experience
Authors: Hoh Su Mei , Wahab Mohamed Y. A. , Hisham Abdullah N. , Guest Glenn D. , Watters David A. K.
Published: June 2021

Background

Surgical conditions form a significant proportion of the global burden of disease. Since the 2015 World Health Assembly resolution A68.15, there is recognition that the provision of essential surgical care is an integral part of universal access to health care. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery proposed its first surgical indicator to measure a population's access to the Bellwether procedures (laparotomy, caesarean section and treatment of open fracture) within two hours. Bellwether access is a proxy for emergency and essential surgical care. This project aims to map essential surgical access to the Bellwether procedures in Malaysia.

Methods

The location and capability of hospitals to perform the Bellwether procedures was obtained from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and MoH hospital specific websites. The Malaysian population data were retrieved from the national department of statistics. Times for patients to travel to hospital were calculated by combining manual contouring and geospatial mapping.

Results

There were 49 Bellwether‐capable MoH hospitals serving a national population of 32.5 million. Overall 94% of Malaysia's population have access to the Bellwethers within two hours. This coverage is universal in West (Peninsular) Malaysia, but there is only 73% coverage in East Malaysia, with 1.8 million residents of Sabah and Sarawak not having timely access. Malaysia's Bellwether capacity compares well with other countries in World Health Organisation's Western Pacific region.

Conclusion

There is good access to essential and emergency surgical services in Malaysia. The incomplete access for 1.8 million people in East Malaysia will inform national surgical planning.
Systematic screening for vasa previa at the 20‐week anomaly scan
Authors: Gross Anna , Markota Ajd Barbara , Specht Christian , Scheier Matthias
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The presence of vasa previa carries a high risk for severe fetal morbidity and mortality due to fetal bleeding caused by injury to unprotected fetal vessels when rupture of membranes occurs. Previously, it has been shown that prenatal diagnosis significantly improves the outcome. However, systematic screening for vasa previa is not generally performed and clinical studies demonstrating the performance of systematic screening for vasa previa in routine clinical practice are rare. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of systematic screening for vasa previa by determining placental cord insertion at the 20‐week anomaly scan.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective study of 6038 pregnant women between 18+0 and 24+0 gestational weeks who were prospectively screened for vasa previa by depiction of the site of placental cord insertion at the 20‐week anomaly scan. Pregnancies with marginal or velamentous cord insertion underwent vaginal sonography for examination for vasa previa. In cases with succenturiate or bilobed placentas, the bridging vessels were depicted, and vaginal sonography was performed if necessary.

Results

There were 21 cases of vasa previa and all were diagnosed prenatally. In 18 cases, the cord insertion was marginal or velamentous. The remaining three cases had placental anomalies, which necessitated a detailed examination. All pregnancies with vasa previa were delivered at a mean of 35.2 (SD 1.8) gestational weeks by cesarean section. Among pregnancies affected by vasa previa, all fetuses survived. The median birthweight was 2390 g (range 1200–2990 g) and the mean umbilical artery pH 7.34 (SD 0.04). The median 5‐min APGAR score was nine (range 7–10). None of the fetuses or neonates died or required blood transfusions. In all pregnancies of the whole cohort which were complicated by fetal or neonatal demise and in neonates with a 5‐min APGAR score ≤5 and/or an umbilical artery pH ≤7.10, fetal blood loss was excluded as a cause of the poor obstetric outcome.

Conclusions

Screening for vasa previa is feasible and efficient, taking into account the site of placental cord insertion in pregnancies not affected by placenta previa and bilobed and succenturiate placenta.
A recent survey on the applications of genetic programming in image processing
Authors: Khan Asifullah , Qureshi Aqsa Saeed , Wahab Noorul , Hussain Mutawarra , Hamza Muhammad Yousaf
Published: June 2021

Genetic programming (GP) has been primarily used to tackle optimization, classification, and feature selection related tasks. The widespread use of GP is due to its flexible and comprehensible tree‐type structure. Similarly, research is also gaining momentum in the field of image processing, because of its promising results over vast areas of applications ranging from medical image processing to multispectral imaging. Image processing is mainly involved in applications such as computer vision, pattern recognition, image compression, storage, and medical diagnostics. This universal nature of images and their associated algorithm, that is, complexities, gave an impetus to the exploration of GP. GP has thus been used in different ways for image processing since its inception. Many interesting GP techniques have been developed and employed in the field of image processing, and consequently, we aim to provide the research community an extensive view of these techniques. This survey thus presents the diverse applications of GP in image processing and provides useful resources for further research. In addition, the comparison of different parameters used in different applications of image processing is summarized in tabular form. Moreover, analysis of the different parameters used in image processing related tasks is carried‐out to save the time needed in the future for evaluating the parameters of GP. As more advancement is made in GP methodologies, its success in solving complex tasks, not only in image processing but also in other fields, may increase. In addition, guidelines are provided for applying GP in image processing related tasks, the pros and cons of GP techniques are discussed, and some future directions are also set.
Glycaemic control in transition‐aged versus early adults with type 1 diabetes and the effect of a government‐funded insulin pump programme
Authors: Mooney Shane P. , Booth Gillian L. , Shulman Rayzel , Na Yingbo , Weisman Alanna , Shah Baiju R. , Perkins Bruce A. , Lipscombe Lorraine
Published: June 2021

Aim

To compare glycaemic control and adverse outcomes between transition‐aged and early adults with type 1 diabetes, and the impact of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy funded through a government Assisted Devices Program.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study using healthcare administrative databases from Ontario, Canada included adults aged 18–35 with type 1 diabetes between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 2014. Mean HbA1c was compared between transition‐aged (18–24 years) and early adults (25–35 years), overall and stratified by whether or not they received government‐funded CSII therapy (CSII vs. non‐CSII). Secondary outcomes included rates of hospitalizations/emergency department visits for hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia over a 3‐year follow‐up. Comparisons were adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results

Among 7157 participants with type 1 diabetes, mean HbA1c was significantly higher for transition‐aged compared to early adults (71 mmol/mol [8.68%] vs. 64 mmol/mol [8.04%], p < 0.0001). This difference was smaller among CSII compared to non‐CSII users (p = 0.02 for interaction between age group and CSII use). The transition‐age group were more likely to experience a hyperglycaemic event compared to early adults (adjusted risk ratio, aRR: 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–1.96), which was attenuated by CSII use (aRR: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.7–1.69).

Conclusions

Transition‐aged adults with type 1 diabetes had a significantly higher mean HbA1c and risk of hyperglycaemic events compared to early adults. This difference was attenuated for CSII users, indicating that a government‐funded CSII programme is associated with narrowing of the gap in glycaemic control and associated adverse outcomes for this population.
Thirteen‐year trends in hospitalization and outcomes of patients with heart failure in Spain
Authors: Bonilla‐Palomas Juan L. , Anguita‐Sánchez Manuel P. , Elola‐Somoza Francisco J. , Bernal‐Sobrino José L. , Fernández‐Pérez Cristina , Ruiz‐Ortíz Martín , Jiménez‐Navarro Manuel , Bueno‐Zamora Héctor , Cequier‐Fillat Ángel , Marín‐Ortuño Francisco
Published: June 2021

Background

Heart failure is one of the most pressing current public health concerns. However, in Spain there is a lack of population data. We aimed to examine thirteen‐year nationwide trends in heart failure hospitalization, in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day readmission rates in Spain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients discharged with the principal diagnosis of heart failure from The National Health System’ acute hospitals during 2003‐2015. The source of the data was the Minimum Basic Data Set. Temporal trends were modelled using Poisson regression analysis. The risk‐standardized in‐hospital mortality ratio was calculated using a multilevel risk adjustment logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 1 254 830 episodes of heart failure were selected. Throughout 2003‐2015, the number of hospital discharges with principal diagnosis of heart failure increased by 61%. Discharge rates weighted by age and sex increased during the period [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.03; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03‐1.03; P < .001)], although this increase was motivated by the increase in older age groups (≥75 years old). The crude mortality rate diminished (IRR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98‐1, P < .001), but 30‐day readmission rate increased (IRR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04‐1.06; P < .001). The risk‐standardized in‐hospital mortality ratio did not change throughout the study period (IRR: 0.997; 95% CI: 0.992‐1; P = .32).

Conclusions

From 2003 to 2015, heart failure admission rates increased significantly in Spain as a consequence of the sustained increase of hospitalization in the population ≥75 years. 30‐day readmission rates increased, but the risk‐standardized in‐hospital mortality ratio did not significantly change for the same period.
Pretransplant bone marrow cellularity and blood count recovery are not associated with relapse or survival risk following allogeneic stem cell transplant for AML in CR
Authors: Novitzky‐Basso Igor , Chen Carol , Chen Shiyi , Lipton Jeffrey H. , Kim Dennis D. , Viswabandya Auro , Kumar Rajat , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun , Al‐Shaibani Zeyad , Gerbitz Armin , Pasic Ivan , Mattsson Jonas , Michelis Fotios V.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can be curative for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Novel therapies may render patients’ bone marrow hypocellularity and lead to prolonged post‐therapy pancytopenia. Patients’ bone marrow cellularity (BMC) at pretransplant assessment and post‐treatment pancytopenia (classification CR‐incomplete [CRi]) may manifest AML persistence.

Methodology

We retrospectively examined the impact of BMC and ELN response (ELNr) on a single‐center cohort of 337 patients who underwent allogeneic HCT for AML in CR1.

Results

Median follow‐up was 33 months. Overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort was 55.8% at 2 years, while cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 20.8%, and non‐relapse mortality was 27.5%. OS and CIR were not significantly different between BMC groups; and neither was ELNr. ELNr CRi was associated with BMC aplastic and hypocellular marrow states (P < 2.6e‐8). Multivariate analysis confirmed neither BMC nor attainment of ELNr CR vs CRi affected OS or relapse. Significant factors for survival included age at transplant, cytogenetic risk, development of acute Gr II‐IV GvHD, and moderate–severe chronic GvHD, while cytogenetic risk and chronic GvHD affected relapse.

Conclusion

Neither ELNr status nor pretransplant BMC influenced relapse post‐HCT or OS. Hypocellularity and CRi are not negative prognostic factors for post‐HCT outcomes of AML.
Spatial and temporal key steps in early‐life intestinal immune system development and education
Authors: Wagner Camille , Torow Natalia , Hornef Mathias W. , Lelouard Hugues
Published: June 2021

Education of our intestinal immune system early in life strongly influences adult health. This education strongly relies on series of events that must occur in well‐defined time windows. From initial colonization by maternal‐derived microbiota during delivery to dietary changes from mother's milk to solid foods at weaning, these early‐life events have indeed long‐standing consequences on our immunity, facilitating tolerance to environmental exposures or, on the contrary, increasing the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and inflammatory bowel diseases. In this review, we provide an outline of the recent advances in our understanding of these events and how they are mechanistically related to intestinal immunity development and education. First, we review the susceptibility of neonates to infections and inflammatory diseases, related to their immune system and microbiota changes. Then, we highlight the maternal factors involved in protection and education of the mucosal immune system of the offspring, the role of the microbiota, and the nature of neonatal immune system until weaning. We also present how the development of some immune responses is intertwined in temporal and spatial windows of opportunity. Finally, we discuss pending questions regarding the neonate particular immune status and the activation of the intestinal immune system at weaning.