bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid analysis for understanding contact tracing apps adoption
Authors: Duan Sophia Xiaoxia , Deng Hepu
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the adoption of contact tracing apps through a hybrid analysis of the collected data using structural equation modelling (SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), leading to the identification of the critical determinants for the adoption of contact tracing apps in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model is developed within the background of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the privacy calculus theory (PCT) for investigating the adoption of contact tracing apps. This model is then tested and validated using a hybrid SEM-ANN analysis of the survey data.

Findings

The study shows that effort expectancy, perceived value of information disclosure and social influence are critical for adopting contact tracing apps. It reveals that performance expectancy and perceived privacy risks are indirectly significant on the adoption through the influence of perceived value of information disclosure. Furthermore, the study finds out that facilitating condition is insignificant to the adoption of contact tracing apps.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can lead to the formulation of targeted strategies and policies for promoting the adoption of contact tracing apps and inform future epidemic control for better emergency management.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt in integrating UTAUT and PCT for exploring the adoption of contact tracing apps in Australia. It combines SEM and ANN for analysing the survey data, leading to better understanding of the critical determinants for the adoption of contact tracing apps.
Factors influencing touristic consumer behaviour
Authors: Santos Vasco , Ramos Paulo , Sousa Bruno , Almeida Nuno , Valeri Marco
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a content analysis of two major constructs among tourism settings, namely involvement and emotions, strictly related to tourist behaviour, due to the fact that there are still some critical gaps in the knowledge about tourists' emotions and involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth content analysis of involvement and emotions was adopted as the methodological approach. This methodology addressed an amalgam of different definitions, frameworks, mixed theoretical and practical applications and approaches, results, comparisons as well as a blend of a set of scales of involvement and emotions by confrontating of authors.

Findings

The major findings state that emotions and involvement demonstrate greater progress and scientific development to the level of tourism, marketing and consumer behaviour, representing an important issue for the integrated tourism experiences.

Originality/value

This study presents a critical reflection on the importance of emotions and involvement in specific contexts of leisure and tourism.
Applying analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in selecting best maintenance strategies for newly established chemical fertilizers plants
Authors: Abdul Jawwad Abdul Kareem , AbuNaffa Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help newly established plants with minimal or no historical machine data select best maintenance strategies that suit their specific working setup and at the same time satisfy relevant selection criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was applied successfully in this study to select the maintenance strategy at a newly established chemical fertilizers plant. Implementation started by identifying main and sub-criteria pertinent to maintenance practice in this particular industry. Pair-wise comparisons and consistency calculations were carried out on the chosen criteria and then were used to assess candidate maintenance strategies through a special scoring process. The methodology included the use of surveys, brainstorming and expert consultation.

Findings

The results have shown that the most important main criteria are cost, resources, failures, management, operations, quality and safety. The final maintenance strategy selected for the plant under consideration included a mix of condition-based predictive maintenance (PDM), time-based preventive maintenance (PM) and corrective maintenance (CM). The best balance between the three maintenance activities, which satisfies the maintenance criteria with technical applicability, was found to be 50, 23 and 19% for PDM, PM and CM, respectively.

Originality/value

The present paper is a novel application of AHP coupled with deterministic application-specific ranking for devising a procedure for selecting viable and applicable comprehensive maintenance strategies for newly established chemical fertilizers plants with no historical data on machine failures.
Human resource practices, employee competencies and firm performance: a 2-1-2 multilevel mediational analysis
Authors: Kaur Sukhpreet , Kaur Gurvinder
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand the role of employee competencies in terms of the relationship between Human Resource Practices (HRPs) and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 60 HR managers and 546 employees from large-scale food processing firms were considered for the study. The study presents a 2-1-2 multilevel mediational analysis in which HRPs and firm performance are measured at the firm level (Level-2) and employee competencies are measured at employee level (Level-1).

Findings

Positive relationship was found between HRPs and firm performance, which was partially mediated by employee competencies.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of employee-related factors by focusing on the wider dimensions of human capital (e.g. academic qualification, job experience) in HRPs–performance relationship.

Originality/value

The study undertakes a 2-1-2 multilevel mediational analysis, which is rarely applied in HRM studies; however, this interaction between macro- and microlevel effects will create a better understanding of organization studies from an integrated and multilevel context.
Vibrio cholerae toxin coregulated pilus provokes inflammatory responses in Coculture model of Caco‐2 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) leading to increased colonization
Authors: Ghasemi Maryam , Bakhshi Bita , Khashei Reza , Soudi Sara , Boustanshenas Mina
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the modulatory effect of TcpA in the expression of CEACAM1 adhesin molecule and IL‐1, IL‐8, and TNF‐α pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the Coculture model of Caco‐2/PBMC (peripheral blood mononuclear cell) that can mimic the intestinal milieu. The TcpA gene from Vibrio cholerae ATCC14035 was cloned in pET‐28a and transformed into Escherichia coli Bl‐21. The recombinant TcpA‐His6 protein was expressed and purified using Ni‐column chromatography. The sequencing of transformed plasmid and Western blot analysis of purified protein confirmed the identity of rTcp. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of recombinant protein for human colon carcinoma cell line (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell [Caco‐2 cell]) was assessed by MTT assay and showed viability of 92%, 82%, and 70%, for 10 µg/mL of TcpA after 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Co‐cultures of Caco‐2 and PBMCs were used to mimic the intestinal milieu and treated with different concentrations of rTcpA (1, 5, 10, and 50 µg/mL). Our data showed about 2.04‐, 3.37‐, 3.68‐, and 42.7‐fold increase in CEACAM1 gene expression, respectively, compared with the nontreated Caco‐2/PBMC Coculture. Moreover, the expression of IL‐1, IL‐8, and TNF‐α genes was significantly increased up to 15.75‐, 7.04‐, and 80.95‐folds, respectively. In conclusion, V. cholerae TcpA induces statistically significant dose‐dependent stimulatory effect on TNF‐α, IL‐,1, and IL‐8 pro‐inflammatory cytokines expression. Of these, TNF‐α was much more affected which, consequently, elevated the CEACAM1 expression level in IECs. This suggests that TcpA protein is a critical effector as an inducer of increased adhesion potential of V. cholera as well as inflammatory responses of host intestinal tissue.
Cwl0971, a novel peptidoglycan hydrolase, plays pleiotropic roles in Clostridioides difficile R20291
Authors: Zhu Duolong , Patabendige Hiran Malinda Lamabadu Warnakulasuriya , Tomlinson Brooke Rene , Wang Shaohui , Hussain Syed , Flores Domenica , He Yongqun , Shaw Lindsey N. , Sun Xingmin
Published: April 2021

Clostridioides difficile is a Gram‐positive, spore‐forming, toxin‐producing anaerobe that can cause nosocomial antibiotic‐associated intestinal disease. Although the production of toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) contribute to the main pathogenesis of C. difficile, the mechanism of TcdA and TcdB release from cell remains unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized a new cell wall hydrolase Cwl0971 (CDR20291_0971) from C. difficile R20291, which is involved in bacterial autolysis. The gene 0971 deletion mutant (R20291Δ0971) generated with CRISPR‐AsCpfI exhibited significantly delayed cell autolysis and increased cell viability compared to R20291, and the purified Cwl0971 exhibited hydrolase activity for Bacillus subtilis cell wall. Meanwhile, 0971 gene deletion impaired TcdA and TcdB release due to the decreased cell autolysis in the stationary/late phase of cell growth. Moreover, sporulation of the mutant strain decreased significantly compared to the wild type strain. In vivo, the defect of Cwl0971 decreased fitness over the parent strain in a mouse infection model. Collectively, Cwl0971 is involved in cell wall lysis and cell viability, which affects toxin release, sporulation, germination, and pathogenicity of R20291, indicating that Cwl0971 could be an attractive target for C. difficile infection therapeutics and prophylactics.
‘This Really has the Potential to Destroy us’: Jeremy Corbyn's Management of the Problem of Anti‐semitism in the Labour Party1
Authors: Shaw Eric
Published: April 2021

During Jeremy Corbyn's period as leader, Labour was convulsed by a row over claims of widespread anti‐semitism in the party, with Corbyn under sustained attack for his alleged complacency—and even connivance. The main purpose of this article is to help explain how the Corbyn leadership managed the ‘anti‐semitism crisis’. The first section reviews the sequence of events, the key aspects of the crisis and the various steps taken by the Corbyn leadership. The article then analyses the two sets of factors which drove Corbyn's response. The second section utilises the concept of ‘schemas’, cognitive shortcuts to shed light on how the leadership framed the problem of alleged endemic anti‐semitism. It argues that the Corbyn leadership's schemas of Israel were integrally linked to those it held on anti‐semitism and played a major role in determining the course of action it took. The third section contends that the Corbyn leadership's decisions and choices were also governed by its approach to party management, in particular by its two central precepts, ‘the adversarial frame of reference’ and the ‘ethic of ultimate ends’. The overall conclusion is that the inadequacy of the Corbyn leadership's schematic understanding of anti‐semitism and of its managerial precepts help explain its failure to resolve the anti‐semitism crisis.
Total returns to single‐family rentals
Authors: Demers Andrew , Eisfeldt Andrea L.
Published: April 2021

The market value of U.S. single‐family rental assets totals more than $2.3 trillion. We provide the first systematic analysis of total returns to single‐family rentals in a long, broad, and granular panel. Total returns are approximately equalized across U.S. cities at 8.5%, similar to average equity returns. On average, net rental yields and house price appreciation each contribute half total returns. However, they are negatively correlated in the cross section of cities. High‐price‐tier cities accrued more capital gains, whereas low‐price‐tier cities had higher net rental yields. Within cities, lower‐price‐tier ZIP codes have higher total returns.
Genome of the butterfly hillstream loach provides insights into adaptations to torrential mountain stream life
Authors: Deng Yu , Meng Minghui , Fang Jian , Jiang Haifeng , Sun Ning , Lv Wenqi , Lei Yi , Wang Cheng , Bo Jing , Liu Chun , Wang Ying , Yang Liandong , He Shunping
Published: April 2021

Butterfly hillstream loach (Beaufortia kweichowensis), a benthic fish in the torrential mountain streams, possesses a totally flat ventrum, flattened craniofacial and body skeletons, and enlarged paired fins covered by substantially small keratinous structures. However, little is known about the genetic basis of these specialized morphological adaptations. Here we present a 448.52‐Mb genome assembly with contig N50 length of 5.53 Mb by integrating Illumina short‐read sequencing, Nanopore long‐read sequencing and HiC‐based chromatin map. Demographic history reconstruction of the butterfly hillstream loach reveals that the population dynamics is correlated with the different stages of uplifting of the Tibetan Plateau. Comparative genomic analysis finds evidence of six keratin genes in butterfly hillstream loach evolving under positive selection. Within these genes, two keratin genes exhibit species‐specific and divergent amino acid changes, suggesting a role in the formation of the unculi. Additionally, a series of positively selected genes, rapid evolving genes, specific variant genes and expanded gene families are found, including genes related to Hedgehog, Notch and BMP pathways, which may be involved in craniofacial development. These findings may have important implications for understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic adaptation to torrential mountain stream life.
The Impacts of Trade Policy Uncertainties on Bilateral Trade Balances of the United States and Japan
Authors: Ongan Serdar , Gocer Ismet
Published: April 2021

This study examines the impacts of trade policy uncertainties on bilateral trade balances (henceforth, BTBs) of the United States and Japan. This is achieved by using the newly created Trade Policy Uncertainty (henceforth, TPU) index and by also applying the recently created non‐linear ARDL approach. The main empirical findings, in summary, are that changes in the TPU index have significant impacts on both countries’ BTBs. Furthermore, while increases in the TPU index in Japan improve US BTB, decreases worsen it. However, increases and decreases in the US TPU index have no impact on Japan’s BTB with the United States. This may lead to the interpretation that Japan’s exporters–importers or Japan’s trade policy are/is not sensitive to changes in the US TPU index, but they/it are/is sensitive to changes in Japan’s TPU index. Based on this result, we may re‐classify (to some extent) Japanese exporters–importers as trade policy uncertainty avoidance people, referring to uncertainty avoidance people by Hofstede (1980), since Japanese are one of the highest uncertainty avoidance people in their socio‐cultural‐economic structure.
Physicochemical properties and cytocompatibility of newly developed calcium silicate‐based sealers
Authors: Park Min‐Gyu , Kim In‐Ryoung , Kim Hyung Joon , Kwak Sang Won , Kim Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the physical properties and cytocompatibility of contemporary calcium silicate‐based sealers. Four calcium silicate‐based sealers (BrightEndo MTA sealer, CeraSeal, EndoSeal TCS and One‐Fil) were compared to an epoxy resin‐based sealer (AH Plus). Flow, setting time, radiopacity and dimensional change were evaluated according to ISO 6876 standards. Cytotoxicity on human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cells was compared for biological properties using MTT assay. The surface of the sealer was analysed using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate cell attachment. Flow and radiopacity of all sealers met ISO standards, while setting time and dimensional stability did not meet the ISO standards. Calcium silicate‐based sealers showed favourable cytocompatibility, and hPDLF cells were well attached to the calcium silicate‐based sealers. Calcium silicate‐based sealers have clinically acceptable flow and radiopacity, and cytocompatibility. However, these sealers had longer setting time and higher dimensional change than those required by ISO 6876.
Recent sexual violence exposure is associated with immune biomarkers of HIV susceptibility in women
Authors: Aldous Annette M. , Joy Christopher , Daniels Jason , Jais Mariel , Simmens Samuel J. , Magnus Manya , Roberts Afsoon , Connors Kaleigh , Capozzi Brendan , Mohamed Hani , Juzumaite Monika , Devore Heather , Moriarty Theresa , Hatch Schultz Catherine , Zumer Maria , Simon Gary , Ghosh Mimi
Published: April 2021

Problem

HIV/AIDS and sexual violence act synergistically and compromise women's health. Yet, immuno‐biological mechanisms linking sexual violence and increased HIV susceptibility are poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional pilot study of HIV‐uninfected women, comparing 13 women exposed to forced vaginal penetration within the past 12 weeks (Exposed) with 25 Non‐Exposed women. ELISA assays were conducted for 49 biomarkers associated with HIV pathogenesis in plasma and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL). Differences between Exposed and Non‐Exposed were analyzed by linear and logistic regression, using propensity score weighting to control for age, race, socioeconomic status, menstrual cycle, and contraceptive use.

Results

In CVL, Exposed women had significantly reduced chemokines MIP‐3α (p < .01), MCP‐1 (p < .01), and anti‐HIV/wound‐healing thrombospondin‐1 (p = .03). They also had significantly increased inflammatory cytokine IL‐1α (p < 0.01) and were more likely to have detectable wound‐healing PDGF (p = .02). In plasma, Exposed women had reduced chemokines MIP‐3α (p < .01) and IL‐8 (p < .01), anti‐inflammatory cytokine TGF‐β (p = .02), anti‐HIV/antimicrobial HBD–2 (p = .02), and wound‐healing MMP‐1 (p = 0.02). They also had increased thrombospondin‐1 (p < .01) and Cathepsin B (p = .01).

After applying the stringent method of false discovery rate adjustment, differences for IL‐1α (p = .05) and MCP‐1 (p = .03) in CVL and MIP‐3α (p = .03) in plasma remained significant.

Conclusions

We report systemic and mucosal immune dysregulation in women exposed to sexual violence. As these biomarkers have been associated with HIV pathogenesis, dysregulation may increase HIV susceptibility.
Opposition to abortion related to inaccurate beliefs about fetal pain perception in utero
Authors: Harcourt Emma , Bering Jesse , Gullam Joanna
Published: April 2021

Background

Misinformation about abortion and pregnancy is common. Restrictions on abortion access at and beyond 20 weeks are frequently justified using the claim that a fetus can experience pain before the third trimester. The current medical consensus is that it is unlikely that fetal pain perception is possible before the 29th or 30th weeks of pregnancy.

Aims

To examine the relationship between abortion attitudes and beliefs about when a fetus develops the capacity to perceive pain in utero.

Methods and Materials

We used Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to recruit participants residing in the United States (N = 374) and used an online questionnaire to assess their beliefs about abortion and the ability of a fetus to perceive pain.

Results

Anti‐choice participants were more likely than pro‐choice participants to believe that a fetus in utero can perceive pain before the 23rd week of pregnancy (63.4 vs. 48.5%, P = 0.010) and in the first trimester (40.1 vs. 15.8%, P < 0.000). Most Black and Catholic participants, along with those with advanced degrees, believed that fetal pain is not possible before the third trimester.

Conclusions

Most participants believed that a fetus develops the capacity to perceive pain earlier than developmental reality, and this belief correlates with anti‐choice views.
Molecular sensitization patterns in animal allergy: Relationship with clinical relevance and pet ownership
Authors: Hemmer Wolfgang , Sestak‐Greinecker Gabriele , Braunsteiner Tobias , Wantke Felix , Wöhrl Stefan
Published: April 2021

Background

In vitro diagnosis using single molecules is increasingly complementing conventional extract‐based diagnosis. We explored in routine patients with animal allergy to what extent molecules can explain polysensitization and identify primary sensitizers and how individual IgE patterns correlate with previous pet ownership and clinical relevance.

Methods

Serum samples from 294 children and adults with suspect allergic rhino‐conjunctivitis or asthma and a positive skin prick test to cat, dog and/or horse were tested by ImmunoCAP for IgE antibodies against eleven different allergens from cat (Fel d 1,2,4,7), dog (Can f 1,2,3,4,5,6) and horse (Equ c 1).

Results

Patients monosensitized to cat (40.8%) or dog (6.1%) showed simple IgE patterns dominated by Fel d 1 (93%) and Can f 5 (67%), respectively. Double‐sensitization to cat+dog (25.9%), cat+horse (5.4%) and polysensitization (20.7%) was associated with an increasing prevalence of the cross‐reactive lipocalins Fel d 4/Can f 6/Equ c 1 and Fel d 7/Can f 1. While these lipocalins were not reliable markers for genuine sensitization per se, comparison of sIgE levels may give a clue on the primary sensitizer. Sensitizations to dog appeared to result from cross‐reactivity with cat in 48%, with half of these sensitizations lacking clinical relevance. Individual sensitization patterns strongly mirrored current or previous pet ownership with the exception of Fel d 1 which regularly caused sensitization also in non‐owners.

Conclusions

Allergen components can reasonably illuminate the molecular basis of animal (poly)sensitization in the majority of patients and are helpful in distinguishing between primary sensitization and sometimes less relevant cross‐reactivity.
Multiple distinct, scale‐dependent links between fungi and decomposition
Authors: Smith Gabriel Reuben , Peay Kabir G.
Published: April 2021

Decomposition has historically been considered a function of climate and substrate but new research highlights the significant role of specific micro‐organisms and their interactions. In particular, wood decay is better predicted by variation in fungal communities than in climate. Multiple links exist: interspecific competition slows decomposition in more diverse fungal communities, whereas trait variation between different communities also affects process rates. Here, we paired field and laboratory experiments using a dispersal gradient at a forest‐shrubland ecotone to examine how fungi affect wood decomposition across scales. We observed that while fungal communities closer to forests were capable of faster decomposition, wood containing diverse fungal communities decomposed more slowly, independent of location. Dispersal‐driven stochasticity in small‐scale community assembly was nested within large‐scale turnover in the regional species pool, decoupling the two patterns. We thus find multiple distinct links between microbes and ecosystem function that manifest across different spatial scales.
Bryophyte C:N:P stoichiometry, biogeochemical niches and elementome plasticity driven by environment and coexistence
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Preece Catherine , Corbera Jordi , Cano Oriol , Garcia‐Porta Joan , Sardans Jordi , Janssens Ivan A. , Sabater Francesc , Peñuelas Josep
Published: April 2021

Ecological stoichiometry and studies of biogeochemical niches have mainly focused on plankton and vascular plants, but the phenotypically closest modern relatives of early plants, bryophytes, have been largely neglected. We analysed C:N:P stoichiometries and elemental compositions (K, Na, Mg, Ca, S, Fe) of 35 widely distributed bryophyte species inhabiting springs. We estimated bryophyte C:N:P ratios and their biogeochemical niches, investigated how elementomes respond to the environment and determined whether they tend to diverge more for coexisting than non‐coexisting individuals and species. The median C:N:P was 145:8:1, intermediate between Redfield's ratio for marine plankton and those for vascular plants. Biogeochemical niches were differentiated amongst species and were phylogenetically conserved. Differences in individual and species‐specific elementomes increased with coexistence between species. Our results provide an evolutionary bridge between the ecological stoichiometries of algae and vascular plants and suggest that differences in elementomes could be used to understand community assemblages and functional diversity.
Dementia increases mortality beyond effects of comorbid conditions: A national registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Taudorf Lærke , Nørgaard Ane , Brodaty Henry , Laursen Thomas Munk , Waldemar Gunhild
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

Mortality is known to be markedly increased in people with dementia. However, the association between multiple chronic conditions and mortality in dementia is not well clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of somatic and psychiatric diseases on mortality in dementia compared with the general elderly population.

Methods

Using a cohort study design, nationwide registry data from 2006 to 2015 on dementia and psychiatric and somatic comorbidities defined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were linked. Impact of chronic conditions was assessed according to mortality rate ratios (MRRs) in all Danish residents aged ≥65 years with and without dementia.

Results

Our population comprised 1,518,917 people, of whom 114,109 people were registered with dementia. The MRRs was 2.70 (95% confidence interval 2.68, 2.72) in people with dementia after adjusting for sex, age, calendar year, and comorbidities. MRRs increased with higher CCI score, and when comparing people with a similar comorbidity load, MRRs were significantly higher for people with dementia.

Conclusions

The comorbidity load was associated with increased mortality in both people with and without dementia. Mortality in dementia remained increased, even after adjusting for psychiatric and chronic somatic comorbidities. Our findings suggest that dementia disorders alone contribute to excess mortality, which may be further increased by comorbidities.
Disruption of intestinal barrier and endotoxemia after traumatic brain injury: Implications for post‐traumatic epilepsy
Authors: Mazarati Andrey , Medel‐Matus Jesus‐Servando , Shin Don , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Sankar Raman
Published: April 2021

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may lead to the disruption of the intestinal barrier (IB), and to the escape of products of commensal gut bacteria, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), into the bloodstream. We examined whether lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) and post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) are associated with the increased intestinal permeability and endotoxemia, and whether these events in turn are associated with PTE.

Methods

LFPI was delivered to adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Before, 1 week, and 7 months after LFPI, the IB permeability was examined by measuring plasma concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate–labeled dextran (FD4) upon its enteral administration. Plasma LPS concentration was measured in the same animals, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. PTE was examined 7 months after LFPI, with use of video‐EEG (electroencephalography) monitoring.

Results

One week after LFPI, the IB disruption was detected in 14 of 17 and endotoxemia – in 10 of 17 rats, with a strong positive correlation between FD4 and LPS levels, and between plasma levels of each of the analytes and the severity of neuromotor deficit. Seven months after LFPI, IB disruption was detected in 13 of 15 and endotoxemia in 8 of 15 rats, with a strong positive correlation between plasma levels of the two analytes. Five of 15 LFPI rats developed PTE. Plasma levels of both FD4 and LPS were significantly higher in animals with PTE than among the animals without PTE. The analysis of seven rats, which were examined repeatedly at 1 week and at 7 months, confirmed that late IB disruption and endotoxemia were not due to lingering of impairments occurring shortly after LFPI.

Significance

LFPI leads to early and remote disruption of IB and a secondary endotoxemia. Early and late perturbations may occur in different subjects. Early changes reflect the severity of acute post‐traumatic motor dysfunction, whereas late changes are associated with PTE.
Unconventional monetary policy and international equity capital flows to emerging markets
Authors: Andreou Christoforos K. , Dimic Nebojsa , Piljak Vanja , Savvides Andreas
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the relationship between monetary policies pursued by three major central banks (U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan) and net equity capital flows to emerging markets (EMs) by global investment funds. We focus on two aspects of central bank policy: The growth of central bank assets and the surprise element of asset growth. We find, first, positive, economically large and statistically significant spillovers from the U.S. Federal Reserve asset growth to EM equity inflows following the adoption of unconventional monetary policies. Second, U.S. Federal Reserve and (to a lesser extent) European Central Bank asset growth surprises are negatively related to EM capital flows.
The search for blue transitions in aquaculture‐dominant countries
Authors: Cottrell Richard S. , Ferraro Danielle M. , Blasco Gordon D. , Halpern Benjamin S. , Froehlich Halley E.
Published: April 2021

The capacity for aquaculture to provide an alternative source of fish and seafood to capture fisheries was once promoted as a tool to reduce demand for wild fish and thus tackle overfishing. To date, there is little evidence to suggest that aquaculture growth has successfully reduced fishing effort on wild populations. Recent theory on “blue transitions” suggests that displacement may only occur as aquaculture production surpasses that of capture operations. Yet, there has been no systematic attempt to understand whether aquaculture‐driven fisheries displacement has occurred in countries where aquaculture is now the dominant production form. We investigate the role of aquaculture on fisheries landings in these “aquaculture‐dominant” countries using national‐level production, trade, consumption and socioeconomic data from 1980 to 2017. Importantly, we find that aquaculture growth is associated with fisheries decline in aquaculture‐dominant countries, but the marginal effects of aquaculture have a far weaker influence on wild‐caught landings than other promoting factors, such as fish consumption and trade. Further, our qualitative analysis of the state of wild fisheries in aquaculture‐dominant nations suggests that overexploitation continues to be pervasive and that any minimal displacement effects from aquaculture are unlikely to have offset the environmental impacts imposed by the growing sector. The rise of aquaculture as an alternative production form can provide valuable insights for growing industries developing sustainable new foods. Unless coupled with effective food consumption policy, such products may simply add to rather than displace the environmental impacts of human food production.
Changes in trading behavior of analyst‐affiliated institutions: the impact of the global analyst research settlement
Authors: Hwang Hyoseok (David)
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the impact of the Global Analyst Research Settlement (GS) on the trading behavior of analyst‐affiliated institutions. Using firms with securities class actions, I find that analyst‐affiliated institutions reduce their stockholdings of sued firms prior to their own analyst downgrades, which supports a front‐running hypothesis. This front‐running trading behavior of analyst‐affiliated institutions diminishes for sanctioned institutions after the GS. However, the informed trading behavior of the analyst‐affiliated institutions remains strong for non‐sanctioned institutions, implying that the Global Settlement could not impede non‐sanctioned institutions from front‐running trading activities. This study suggests more regulatory actions are needed to prevent analyst‐affiliated institutions’ misconduct.
Integration of evidence across human and model organism studies: A meeting report
Authors: Palmer Rohan H. C. , Johnson Emma C. , Won Hyejung , Polimanti Renato , Kapoor Manav , Chitre Apurva , Bogue Molly A. , Benca‐Bachman Chelsie E. , Parker Clarissa C. , Verma Anurag , Reynolds Timothy , Ernst Jason , Bray Michael , Kwon Soo Bin , Lai Dongbing , Quach Bryan C. , Gaddis Nathan C. , Saba Laura , Chen Hao , Hawrylycz Michael , Zhang Shan , Zhou Yuan , Mahaffey Spencer , Fischer Christian , Sanchez‐Roige Sandra , Bandrowski Anita , Lu Qing , Shen Li , Philip Vivek , Gelernter Joel , Bierut Laura J. , Hancock Dana B. , Edenberg Howard J. , Johnson Eric O. , Nestler Eric J. , Barr Peter B. , Prins Pjotr , Smith Desmond J. , Akbarian Schahram , Thorgeirsson Thorgeir , Walton Dave , Baker Erich , Jacobson Daniel , Palmer Abraham A. , Miles Michael , Chesler Elissa J. , Emerson Jake , Agrawal Arpana , Martone Maryann , Williams Robert W.
Published: April 2021

The National Institute on Drug Abuse and Joint Institute for Biological Sciences at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosted a meeting attended by a diverse group of scientists with expertise in substance use disorders (SUDs), computational biology, and FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) data sharing. The meeting's objective was to discuss and evaluate better strategies to integrate genetic, epigenetic, and 'omics data across human and model organisms to achieve deeper mechanistic insight into SUDs. Specific topics were to (a) evaluate the current state of substance use genetics and genomics research and fundamental gaps, (b) identify opportunities and challenges of integration and sharing across species and data types, (c) identify current tools and resources for integration of genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic data, (d) discuss steps and impediment related to data integration, and (e) outline future steps to support more effective collaboration—particularly between animal model research communities and human genetics and clinical research teams. This review summarizes key facets of this catalytic discussion with a focus on new opportunities and gaps in resources and knowledge on SUDs.
The impact of climate warming on species diversity across scales: Lessons from experimental meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Bastazini Vinicius A. G. , Galiana Núria , Hillebrand Helmut , Estiarte Marc , Ogaya Romá , Peñuelas Josep , Sommer Ulrich , Montoya José M.
Published: April 2021

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the effects of climate warming on biodiversity across spatial scales (i.e., α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity) and the effects of patch openness and experimental context on diversity responses.

Location

Global.

Time period

1995–2017.

Major taxa studied

Fungi, invertebrates, phytoplankton, plants, seaweed, soil microbes and zooplankton.

Methods

We compiled data from warming experiments and conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effects of warming on different components of diversity (such as species richness and equivalent numbers) at different spatial scales (α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity, partitioning β‐diversity into species turnover and nestedness components). We also investigated how these effects were modulated by system openness, defined as the possibility of replicates being colonized by new species, and experimental context (duration, mean temperature change and ecosystem type).

Results

Experimental warming did not affect local species richness (α‐diversity) but decreased effective numbers of species by affecting species dominance. Warming increased species spatial turnover (β‐diversity), although no significant changes were detected at the regional scale (γ‐diversity). Site openness and experimental context did not significantly affect our results, despite significant heterogeneity in the effect sizes of α‐ and β‐diversity.

Main conclusions

Our meta‐analysis shows that the effects of warming on biodiversity are scale dependent. The local and regional inventory diversity remain unaltered, whereas species composition across temperature gradients and the patterns of species dominance change with temperature, creating novel communities that might be harder to predict.
Structure and fluorescence properties of Dy‐doped alkaline‐earth borophosphate glasses
Authors: Griebenow Kristin , Muñoz Francisco , Tagiara Nagia S. , Klement Róbert , Prnová Anna , Wolfrum Bruno , Kamitsos Efstratios I. , Duran Alicia , Galusek Dušan
Published: April 2021

Dysprosium‐doped borophosphate glasses, containing the divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, and Zn2+, are prepared by the melt‐quenching technique. The structure of the glasses is investigated by Raman, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies and the fluorescence properties are determined. The Dy3+ emission lifetime increases with an increasing ionic field strength and its maximum is observed in the Mg2+ and Zn2+ containing glasses. This result can be explained by the stronger M‐O bonding which causes a rearrangement of the borophosphate network and creates a local Dy3+ environment of comparably low symmetry. This is in agreement with the Raman spectra and the evolution of the molar volume. The effect of the B/P variation on the emission properties of Dy3+ is investigated in a second series of glasses where the emission lifetime is found to be maximum at 10 mol% B2O3.
Orientation response in low‐fat foods: Differences based on product category and gender
Authors: Küster Inés , Vila Natalia , Abad‐Tortosa Diana
Published: April 2021

Because most consistent findings from previous studies have found the inconsistency between consumers' statements and their behaviour, this paper analyses diverse young consumers' responses that can affect their low‐fat food purchase intentions. The main objective is to evaluate the differences in the orientation response (OR) between two product categories (‘juice 0%’ and ‘sweet 0%’) also considering the gender of the participant. To this end, responses from men and women towards two kind of product presentation (juice 0% vs. sweet 0%) were collected through heart rate variability (HRV) and electromyography (EMG) measures. We hypothesise that men would obtain different OR regarding women, and we explore possible different OR regarding product category. With a sample of young consumers (46 men and 51 women), our results show product category differences but not gender differences.
Validation of CP‐GEP (Merlin Assay) for predicting sentinel lymph node metastasis in primary cutaneous melanoma patients: A U.S. cohort study
Authors: Yousaf Ahmed , Tjien‐Fooh Félicia J. , Rentroia‐Pacheco Barbara , Quattrocchi Enrica , Kobic Ajdin , Tempel Dennie , Kolodney Michael , Meves Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background

Approximately 85% of melanoma patients who undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are node‐negative. Melanoma incidence is highest in patients ≥65 years, but their SLNB positivity rate is lower than in younger patients. CP‐GEP, a model combining clinicopathologic and gene expression variables, identifies primary cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients who may safely forgo SLNB due to their low risk for nodal metastasis. Here, we validate CP‐GEP in a U.S. melanoma patient cohort.

Methods

A cohort of 208 adult patients with primary CM from the Mayo Clinic and West Virginia University was used. Patients were stratified according to their risk for nodal metastasis: CP‐GEP High Risk and CP‐GEP Low Risk. The main performance measures were SLNB reduction rate (RR) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

SLNB positivity rate for the entire cohort was 21%. Most patients had a T1b (34%) or T2a (31%) melanoma. In the T1‐T2 group (153 patients), CP‐GEP achieved an SLNB RR of 41.8% (95% CI: 33.9‐50.1) at an NPV of 93.8% (95% CI: 84.8‐98.3). Subgroup analysis showed similar performance in T1‐T2 patients ≥65 years of age (51 patients; SLNB positivity rate, 9.8%): SLNB RR of 43.1% (95% CI: 29.3‐57.8) at an NPV of 95.5% (95% CI: 77.2‐99.9).

Conclusion

We confirmed the potential of CP‐GEP to reduce negative SLNB in all relevant age groups. Our findings are especially relevant to patients ≥65 years, where surgery is often elective. CP‐GEP may guide SLNB decision‐making in clinical practice.
Comparing an expected value with a multistage stochastic optimization approach for the case of wine grape harvesting operations with quality degradation
Authors: Avanzini Elbio L. , Mac Cawley Alejandro F. , Vera Jorge R. , Maturana Sergio
Published: April 2021

Operations planning is an important step in any activity as it aligns resources to achieve economic production value. In agriculture operations where uncertainty is present, planners must deal with biological and environmental factors, among others, which add variability and complexity to the production planning process. In this work, we consider operations planning to harvest grapes for wine production where uncertainty in weather conditions will affect the quality of grapes and, consequently, the economic value of the product. In this setting, planners make decisions on labor allocation and harvesting schedules, considering uncertainty of future rain. Weather uncertainty is modeled following a Markov Chain approach, in which rain affects the quality of grapes and labor productivity. We compare an expected value with a multi‐stage stochastic optimization approach using standard metrics such as Value of Stochastic Solution and Expected Value of Perfect Information. We analyze the impact of grape quality over time, if they are not harvested on the optimal ripeness day, and also consider differences in ability between workers, which accounts for the impact of rain in their productivity. Results are presented for a small grape harvest instance and we compare the performance of both models under different scenarios of uncertainty, manpower ability, and product qualities. Results indicate that the multi‐stage approach produces better results than the expected value approach, especially under high uncertainty and high grape quality scenarios. Worker ability is also a mechanism for dealing with uncertainty, and both models take advantage of this variable.
Robocasting and surface functionalization with highly bioactive glass of ZrO2 scaffolds for load bearing applications
Authors: Gaddam Anuraag , Brazete Daniela S. , Neto Ana S. , Nan Bo , Fernandes Hugo R. , Ferreira José M. F.
Published: April 2021

This work is a proof of concept for making load bearing implants with osseointegration and bone bonding ability. Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) scaffolds with a percentage of macro porosity of about 70% were fabricated by robocasting. Although a maximum solids volume fraction of 50 vol.% could be achieved, the 3D‐printing process revealed to be more reliable when using inks with 48 vol.% solids. The sintered porous structures exhibited an average compressive strength of ~236 MPa. After some preliminary coating experiments, an ethanol slurry of fine bioactive glass (BG) particles (10 wt.%) stabilized with polyvinylpyrrolidone was used to deposit a uniform surface coating onto the filaments, followed by glazing at 850°C. The functionalized scaffolds showed a relatively uniform surface coverage by the bioactive glass. The results of in vitro testing by immersing the scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF) showed remarkable morphological surface changes and an extensive deposition of hydroxyapatite layer. The overall results demonstrate the viability of producing porous YSZ scaffolds with excellent bioactivity, which are promising for bone tissue engineering under load bearing applications.
Defect engineering of magnetic ground state in EuTiO3 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Shin Dongwon , Kim Inseo , Song Sehwan , Seo Yu‐Seong , Hwang Jungseek , Park Sungkyun , Choi Minseok , Choi Woo Seok
Published: April 2021

Atomistic defect engineering through the pulsed laser epitaxy of perovskite transition metal oxides offers facile control of their emergent opto‐electromagnetic and energy properties. Among the various perovskite oxides, EuTiO3 exhibits a strong coupling between the lattice, electronic, and magnetic degrees of freedom, which is highly susceptible to atomistic defects. In this study, we investigated the magnetic phase of EuTiO3 epitaxial thin films via systematic defect engineering. A magnetic phase transition from an antiferromagnet to a ferromagnet was observed when the unit cell volume of EuTiO3 expanded due to the introduction of Eu–O vacancies. Optical spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations show that the change in the electronic structure as the ferromagnetic phase emerges can be attributed to the weakened Eu–Ti–Eu super‐exchange interaction and the introduction of the ferromagnetic Eu–O–Eu interaction. Facile defect engineering in EuTiO3 thin films facilitates understanding and tailoring of their magnetic ground state.
Impact of magnesium on the structure of aluminoborosilicate glasses: A solid‐state NMR and Raman spectroscopy study
Authors: Bisbrouck Nicolas , Bertani Marco , Angeli Frédéric , Charpentier Thibault , de Ligny Dominique , Delaye Jean‐Marc , Gin Stéphane , Micoulaut Matthieu
Published: April 2021

Seven magnesium‐containing aluminoborosilicate glasses, with three to five oxides, have been studied through comprehensive multinuclear solid‐state NMR (11B, 27Al, 29Si, 23Na, 17O, and 25Mg) and Raman spectroscopy. The progressive addition of cations and the substitution of sodium and calcium by magnesium illuminate the impact of magnesium on the glass structure. The proportion of tri‐coordinated boron drastically increased with magnesium addition, demonstrating the poor charge‐compensating capabilities of magnesium in tetrahedral boron units. Oxygen‐17 NMR showed the formation of mixing sites containing both Na and Mg near nonbridging oxygen sites. Furthermore, a high magnesium content appears to result in the formation of two subnetworks (boron and silicon rich) with different polymerization degrees as well as to promote the formation of high‐coordination aluminum sites (Al[V] and Al[VI]). Finally, magnesium coordination ranging from 4 to 6, with a mean value shifting from 5 to 6 along the series, suggests that magnesium might endorse an intermediate role in these glasses.
Strategic Financial Management: Lessons from Seasoned Equity Offerings
Authors: Fu Fangjian , Smith Clifford W.
Published: April 2021

Each of today's three dominant academic theories of capital structure has trouble explaining the financing behavior of companies that have seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). In conflict with the tradeoff theory, the authors’ recent studies of some 7,000 SEOs by U.S. industrial companies over the period 1970‐2017 notes that the vast majority of them—on the order of 80%—had the effect of moving the companies away from, rather than toward, their target leverage ratios. Inconsistent with the pecking‐order theory, SEO issuers have tended to be financially healthy companies with low leverage and considerable unused debt capacity. And at odds with the market‐timing theory, SEOs appear to be driven more by the capital requirements associated with large investment projects than by favorable market conditions. The authors’ findings also show that, in the years following their stock offerings, the SEO companies tend to issue one or more debt offerings, which have the effect of raising their leverage back toward their targets.

Whereas each of the three theories assumes some degree of shortsightedness among financial managers, the authors’ findings suggest that long‐run‐value‐maximizing CFOs manage their capital structures strategically as opposed to opportunistically. They consider the company's current leverage in relation to its longer‐run target, its investment opportunities and long‐term capital requirements, and the costs and benefits of alternative sequences of financing transactions. This framework, which the authors call strategic financial management, aims to provide if not a unifying, then a more integrated, explanation—one that draws on each of the three main theories to provide a more convincing account of the financing and leverage decisions of SEO issuers.