bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global loss of promoter-enhancer connectivity and rebalancing of gene expression during early colorectal cancer carcinogenesis
Authors: Zhu Yizhou , Lee Hayan , White Shannon , Weimer Annika K. , Monte Emma , Horning Aaron , Nevins Stephanie A. , Esplin Edward D. , Paul Kristina , Krieger Gat , Shipony Zohar , Chiu Roxanne , Laquindanum Rozelle , Karathanos Thomas V. , Chua Melissa WY , Mills Meredith , Ladabaum Uri , Longacre Teri , Shen Jeanne , Jaimovich Ariel , Lipson Doron , Kundaje Anshul , Greenleaf William J. , Curtis Christina , Ford James M. , Snyder Michael P.
Published: August 2022

Although 3D genome architecture can be essential for gene regulation, the biological implications of long-range chromatin interactions in disease remain elusive. In this study, we traced the early evolution and malignant transformation of colorectal cancer by generating high-resolution chromatin conformation maps of 33 colon samples spanning different stages of early neoplastic growth from polyps of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) patients. Our analysis reveals a substantial progressive loss of genome-wide cis-regulatory connectivity at early stages of malignancy, which correlates with a non-linear effect on gene regulation. Genes with high promoter-enhancer (P-E) connectivity in unaffected mucosa are not correlated with elevated baseline expression, but instead tend to be up-regulated at advanced stages. Inhibition of highly connected promoters preferentially represses gene expression in colorectal cancer cells relative to normal colonic epithelial cells. Our results suggest a two-phase model whereby neoplastic transformation reduces P-E connectivity from a redundant state to a rate-limiting one for transcriptional levels. Overall, our study illuminates the intricate interplay between 3D genome architecture and gene regulation during early colorectal cancer progression, and provides valuable insights for potential therapeutic interventions targeting the connectivity of cis-regulatory elements.
Disassembly of embryonic keratin filaments promotes pancreatic cancer metastases
Authors: Kawalerski Ryan R. , Gonçalves Mariana Torrente , Pan Chun-Hao , Tseng Robert , Roa-Peña Lucia , Leiton Cindy V. , Torre-Healy Luke A. , Boyle Taryn , Chowdhury Sumedha , Snider Natasha T. , Shroyer Kenneth R. , Escobar-Hoyos Luisa F.
Published: August 2022

Keratin 17 (K17), an oncofetal intermediate filament protein, is one of the most abundantly expressed proteins in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) of the most aggressive molecular subtype. The mechanistic roles of this protein in malignancy, however, are largely unexplored. Here we show that K17 expression and disassembly enhances tumor growth and metastatic potential and shortens survival. Using mass spectrometry in K17 isolated from patient’s tumors, we identified a hotspot phosphorylation site in serines 10-13. Site-mutagenesis revealed that phosphorylation of this hotspot is sufficient to disassemble K17 and promote its nuclear translocation. In silico and pharmacologic inhibition studies uncovered the role of the PKC/MEK/RSK pathway in the phosphorylation and disassembly of K17. Murine models bearing tumors expressing phosphomimetic mutations at the serine hotspot displayed enhanced metastases, compared to mice bearing tumors expressing wild-type K17 or phosphorylation-resistant K17. Lastly, we found that detergent-soluble nuclear K17 promotes the expression of metastasis promoting genes in both patient and murine tumors. These results suggest that phosphorylation at specific serines is sufficient to promote pancreatic cancer metastasis and shorter survival, and that these sites could provide novel, druggable therapeutic domains to enhance PDAC patient survival.
Eurasian back-migrations into Northeast Africa was a complex and multifaceted process
Authors: Hammarén Rickard , Goldstein Steven T. , Schlebusch Carina M.
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have identified Northeast Africa as an important area for human movements during the Holocene. Eurasian populations have moved back into Northeastern Africa and contributed to the genetic composition of its people. By gathering the largest reference dataset to date of Northeast, North, and East African as well as Middle Eastern populations, we give new depth to our knowledge of Northeast African demographic history. By employing local ancestry methods, we isolated the Non-African parts of modern-day Northeast African genomes and identified the best putative source populations. Egyptians and Sudanese Copts bore most similarities to Levantine populations whilst other populations in the region generally had predominantly genetic contributions from Arabian peninsula rather than Levantine populations for their Non-African genetic component. We also date admixture events and investigated which factors influenced the date of admixture and find that major linguistic families were associated with the date of Eurasian admixture. Taken as a whole we detect complex patterns of admixture and diverse origins of Eurasian admixture in Northeast African populations of today.
A stimulus-organism-response perspective to examine green hotel patronage intention
Authors: Tan Ling Ling
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationships among monetary cost (stimulus), perceived greenwash fear, attitude and perceived behavioural control (organism-related factors) and green hotel patronage intention (response) using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 262 valid questionnaires were collected. Data were collected using the purposive sampling method and tested using the partial least squares (PLS) approach.

Findings

Monetary cost is positively related to only one organism-related factor which is perceived greenwash fear. All organism-related factors are positively related to response, which is green hotel patronage intention. Attitude mediates the relationship between perceived greenwash fear and green hotel patronage intention, as well as perceived behavioural control and green hotel patronage intention.

Research limitations/implications

A longitudinal study can be performed in the future to observe the actual green hotel patronage behaviour of customers.

Practical implications

Green hoteliers should focus on the development of communication strategies to enhance their corporate reputation. Green hoteliers also need to build trust by showing their green initiatives are genuine, identify consumers who are willing to pay more for green hotels and offer promotions with price incentives such as frequency discounts, coupons and rebates to increase interest and trialability.

Originality/value

Few studies have focused on the use of monetary cost as a stimulus in the S-O-R model to predict green hotel patronage intention. This study also tested the mediating effect of attitude, one of the organism-related factors, in the model.
Consumers’ perceived value and use intention of cashless payment in the physical distancing context: evidence from an Asian emerging market
Authors: Wang Jianming , Nguyen Ninh , Jiang Xinru (Angie) , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Saleem Muhammad Abid
Published: August 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 and its measures such as physical distancing have shifted consumer payment behaviors toward cashless payment. Physical distancing is likely to remain a norm for some time to come and will be relevant in any future pandemics. This study aims to examine the impact of consumers’ perceived value of cashless payment on their use intention in the physical distancing context, with the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating role of trust propensity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey method to obtain data from 690 consumers in an Asian emerging market, i.e. Vietnam. The data were analyzed using different statistical methods, including structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results show that perceived value of cashless payment positively affects use intention, and this effect is mediated by psychological safety. Furthermore, trust propensity has a positive moderating effect on the link between perceived value and psychological safety.

Practical implications

This study’s findings provide implications for retailers and other stakeholders in implementing and promoting cashless payment systems, especially in the physical distancing context.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempt to explain the relationships between consumers’ perceptions, feelings of psychological safety and use intention toward cashless payment in the physical distancing context. The study’s findings may also be relevant to any future pandemics.
Behind the “specialty”: personal values that influence the behavior of specialty coffee consumers
Authors: Giovane da Silva Marcos , Vilas Boas Luiz Henrique de Barros , Teodoro Alberdan José da Silva
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to describe the cognitive associations existing among specialty coffee consumers through the means-end chain theory and personal values.

Design/methodology/approach

The research follows a descriptive qualitative study that used in-depth interviews and laddering, to collect data among 40 interviews with regular consumers of specialty coffees in Brazil. The interviews were transcribed, and from the content analysis, the attributes, consequences and values that emerged in the discourse of consumers of specialty coffees were found. The categories were later classified – according to the level of abstraction – and inserted into the LadderUx® software to generate the implication matrix and the hierarchical map of values. The interpretation of results occurred in a descriptive way.

Findings

Based on a hierarchical value map, the following personal values were identified: universalism, self-directed action, accomplishment, tradition and personal security. These values can be considered guides for consumption behavior. They are also related to consumption behavior that values technical attributes, such as roast level, packaging, aroma and flavor, and the relationships between these values and personal improvement, social relationships and recognition are relevant factors involved in decision-making.

Originality/value

This study presents the cognitive structure of Brazilian specialty coffee consumers. The coherent use of this information enhances the development of marketing actions involving communication actions, relationships with internal and external customers, new farm management strategies, direct trade with consumers and sustainable improvements in the production chain. These are the factors that can motivate the purchase of food, thus attracting new consumers to this emerging market.
Smart manufacturing and sustainability: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tiwari Saurabh , Bahuguna Prakash Chandra , Srivastava Rajeev
Published: August 2022

Purpose

During the past decade, the necessity to integrate manufacturing and sustainability has increased mainly to reduce the adverse effect on the manufacturing industry, transforming traditional manufacturing into smart manufacturing by adopting the latest manufacturing technology as part of the Industry 4.0 revolution. Smart manufacturing has piqued the interest of both academics and industry. Manufacturing is a foundation of products and services required for human health, safety, and well-being in modern society and from an organizational standpoint. This paper uses bibliometric analysis better to understand the relationship between smart manufacturing and sustainability scholarship and provide an up-to-date account of current industry practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used the bibliometric analysis method to analyze and draw conclusions from 839 articles retrieved from the Scopus database from 1994 to February 2022. The methodology is divided into four steps: data collection, analysis, visualization, and interpretation. The current study aims to comprehend smart manufacturing and sustainability scholarship using the bibliometric R-package and VOSviewer software.

Findings

The study provides fascinating insights that may assist scholars, industry professionals, and top management in conceptualizing smart manufacturing and sustainability in their organizations. The results show that the number of publications has significantly increased from 2015 onwards, reaching a maximum of 317 journals in 2021 with an increasing publication annual growth rate of 21.9%. The United Kingdom, India, the United States of America, Italy, France, Brazil and China were the most productive countries in terms of the total number of publications. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Journal of Cleaner Production, International Journal of Production Research, Production Planning and Control, Business Strategy and the Environment Technology in Society, and Benchmarking: An International Journal emerged as the top outlets.

Research limitations/implications

The research in the area of smart manufacturing and sustainability is underpinned by this study, which aims to understand the trends in this field over the last two decades in terms of prolific authors, most influential journals, key themes, and the field's intellectual and social structure. However, according to the research, this field is still in its early stages of development. As a result, a more in-depth analysis is required to aid in the development of a better understanding of this new field.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on integrating smart manufacturing and sustainability through increased interest from 2015 onwards through the literature review. Specific policies should be formulated to improve the manufacturing sector's competence. Furthermore, these findings can guide researchers who want to delve deeper into smart manufacturing and sustainability.
Can qualitative job insecurity instigate workplace incivility? The moderating roles of self-compassion and rumination
Authors: Qian Shanshan , Lim Vivien K.G. , Gao Yongduan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study examines why and when qualitative job insecurity (JI) leads to instigated workplace incivility.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 227 Chinese full-time employees from multiple organizations at two time points. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that qualitative JI is positively related to instigated workplace incivility through negative emotions; this indirect relationship is weaker among employees with higher self-compassion and stronger among employees with higher rumination.

Originality/value

The authors shift the predominant focus on the predictor of instigated workplace incivility from quantitative JI to qualitative JI. Based on the transactional model of stress and the stressor–emotion model of counterproductive work behavior (CWB), they provide new theoretical insights on why qualitative JI affects workplace incivility and identify new boundary conditions that affect employees' reactions to qualitative JI.
Regime shifts in a long-run risks model of stock and treasury bond markets
Authors: Li Kai , Xu Chenjie
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the asset pricing implications for stock and bond markets in a long-run risks (LRR) model with regime shifts. This general equilibrium framework can not only generate sign-switching stock-bond correlations and bond risk premium, but also quantitatively reproduce various other salient empirical features in stock and bond markets, including time-varying equity and bond return premia, regime shifts in real and nominal yield curves, the violation of the expectations hypothesis of bond returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers study the joint determinants of stock and bond returns in a LRR model framework with regime shifts in consumption and inflation dynamics. In particular, the means, volatilities, and the correlation structure between consumption growth and inflation are regime-dependent.

Findings

The model shows that the term structure of interest rates and stock-bond correlation are intimately related to business cycles, while LRR play a more important role in accounting for high equity premium than do business cycle risks.

Originality/value

This paper studies the joint determinants of stock and bond returns in a Bansal and Yaron (2004) type of LRR framework. This rational expectations general equilibrium framework can (1) jointly match the dynamics of consumption, inflation and cash flow; (2) generate time-varying and sign-switching stock and bond correlations, as well as generating sign-switching bond risk premium; and (3) coherently explain another long list of salient empirical features in stock and bond markets, including time-varying equity and bond return premia, regime shifts in real and nominal yield curves, the violation of the expectations hypothesis of bond returns.
Safety tag generation and training material recommendation for construction workers: a persona-based approach
Authors: Duan Pinsheng , Zhou Jianliang , Fan Wenhan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Effective construction safety training has been considered to play a significant role in reducing the incidence of accidents. However, the current safety training methods pay less attention to the relationship between workers' personalized characteristics and their learning needs, which results in workers' low learning participation and poor training effect. The purpose of this paper is to improve the participation and effect of safety training for construction workers with a persona-based approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a persona-based approach to safety tag generation and training material recommendation. By extracting the demographic characteristics and behavior patterns tags of construction workers, a neural network algorithm is introduced to calculate the learning needs tags of workers, and the collaborative filtering recommendation method is integrated to enrich the innovation of recommendation results. Offline experiments and online experiments are designed to verify the rationality of the proposed method.

Findings

The results show that the learning needs of workers are closely related to their background. The proposed method can effectively improve workers' interest in materials and the training effect compared with conventional safety training methods. The research provides a theoretical and practical reference for promoting active safety management and achieving worker-centered safety management.

Originality/value

First, a persona-based approach is introduced to establish a novel framework for solving the problem of personalized construction safety management. Second, an artificial intelligence algorithm is used to automatically extract the learning needs tag values and design a hybrid recommendation method for construction workers' personalized safety training. The collaborative filtering method is integrated to enrich the innovation of recommendation results.
Industrial attachment and human capital of higher education students: constraints of Ghanaian technical universities
Authors: Nunfam Victor Fannam , Adjei Norbert Adja Kwabena , Adam Hafiz , Eshun John Frank
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The paucity of empirical evidence on the limitations of the industrial attachment programme of technical universities for enhancing students' human capital in Africa tends to thwart concrete policy options.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the convergent mixed methods including 594 surveys, two focus groups and in-depth interviews to assess and accentuate the research gap in this study.

Findings

Evidence of constraints linked to the industrial attachment programme for developing students' human capital needs include limited funding, logistics and incentive for supervision, incompatible placement and exploitation and sexual harassment of students. Insufficient duration and intrusion of the industrial attachment programme due to labour unrests, inadequate collaboration and fears of student interns breaching organisations' confidentiality policies were also found to hinder the programme.

Research limitations/implications

The study's dependence on participants' perspectives has the possibility of being characterised by recollection prejudice. The comparatively limited scope and size of the study participants creates concerns of representativeness and generalisability of the study outcome.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study could yield significant practical implications for the planning and operations of the industrial attachment programme of tertiary institutions. It also provides information which could serve as the basis for future research and comprehensive evaluation of the programme's planning and implementation.

Originality/value

The authors have delineated empirical evidence on the constraints of the industrial attachment programme of Ghanaian technical universities to inform policy decisions on the planning, operations, funding and evaluation of the programme in collaboration with industry and government.
Factors of dropout from MOOCs: a bibliometric review
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Yongyong , Wu Yenchun Jim , Goh Mark
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Although MOOCs have become a pervasive online learning model, the problem of high dropout rates still persists. Gathering the reasons for the high dropout rate can help to improve the platform design and management of the MOOCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 74 studies was extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, the open-source program CiteSpace is employed to review and induce the studies on the antecedents of MOOC dropout.

Findings

The antecedents of the MOOC dropout rate are the psychological, social, personal, course-related, and time factors, and the unexpected hidden cost. Motivation and interaction, which have a decisive impact on the dropout rate of MOOCs, interact with each other. Interaction helps to strengthen the motivation, and appropriate course design enhances the degree of interaction.

Originality/value

From the perspective of a learner, the more knowledge and skills the learners acquire, the more likely they will complete the course. Possessing adequate foundational knowledge is one way to arrest the dropout rate. On the part of the MOOC platform, better course design eases the dropout rate. Further, the course duration and hidden cost in MOOCs contribute to the dropout rate.
Value co-creation as a mediator between strategic planning and social enterprise performance
Authors: Mathibe Motshedisi Sina , Chinyamurindi Willie Tafadzwa , Hove-Sibanda Progress
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first was to explore the relationship between strategic planning (SP) and social enterprise performance (SEP). The second was to ascertain the mediation of value co-creation (VCC) to the relationship between SP and SEP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a quantitative methodology using a survey conducted with 147 social enterprises (SEs). The location of the study was the Eastern Cape, a province in South Africa. Respondents to the study occupied the status of key decision-makers who either owned or managed a SE.

Findings

The findings show that a relationship exists between SP and VCC; VCC and SEP; and finally SP and SEP. Concerning the mediation, results show that VCC had a fairly weak positive and significant mediating effect on the relationship between SP and enterprise performance.

Originality/value

There are renewed calls for research that focuses on understanding issues related to the management of SEs, especially within the South African context. Such calls stem from the high dependence on state support to alleviate challenges experienced by communities. The role of SEs in such a context is thus heightened. The findings give support to issues that assist not only in understanding the decision-making capability but also in understanding the role of VCC.
Tropical whites: Hegemonic masculinity and menswear at the crossroads of Australia and Asia, 1900–1939
Authors: Bellanta Melissa , Cramer Lorinda
Published: August 2022

This article explores the social and gender history of ‘tropical whites’ – all‐white men's suits worn with pith helmets in tropical societies colonised by European powers – between c.1900 and 1939. Focusing on two northern Australian ports with multiple connections to Asia, the article shows that tropical whites helped to sustain inequities of race, gender and class in the colonial tropics. The fashion did this by helping to produce hegemonic masculinity in the region. Tropical whites served this function by symbolising racial whiteness and imperial mastery, but also because of their material dimensions: who made and maintained them, and the bodily influence they exerted on their wearers. Underlining the embodied dimensions of hegemonic masculinity, the article explores the multidimensional relationship between menswear and power in the Australian tropics; at the same time showing that racially subordinated men transformed aspects of the fashion for their own ends.
Provider discussion of health goals and psychosocial needs: Comparing older to younger veteran experience
Authors: Cogan Alison M. , Saliba Debra , Steers W. Neil , Frochen Stephen , Lynch Kimberly A. , Ganz David A. , Washington Donna L.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine by age, the veterans' report on whether components of age‐friendly health systems were discussed during primary care visits.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Veterans Affairs (VA) Survey of Healthcare Experience of Patients from October 2015 to September 2019.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey of VA users by age group (18–44 years, 45–64 years, 65+ years; N = 1,042,318). We used weighted logistic regression models to evaluate disparities in whether veterans discussed with anyone in their provider's office: health goals, depression symptoms, stress, personal problems, and medications. Models were adjusted for socio‐demographic characteristics (sex, socioeconomic status, education, rurality) and comorbidity.

Data Collection/Extraction Method

Surveys were administered by mail and online. Additional veteran characteristics were extracted from VA administrative data.

Principal Findings

In unadjusted analyses, VA users age 18–44 had a higher (−8.2%; CI: −9.0, −7.3) and users aged 45 to 64 had lower (4.0%; CI: 3.7, 4.3) predicted, probably discussing health goals compared to age 65+. Fewer VA users age 65+ reported discussing depression symptoms, personal problems, and stress than other age groups, whereas more VA users age 65+ discussed medications. Results were unchanged after adjusting for socio‐demographics and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Delivery of goal‐concordant care relies on understanding the needs of individual patients. Lower rates of discussing what matters and mood represent potential missed opportunities to deliver age‐friendly care for older veterans.
Redevelopment along arterial streets: The effects of light rail on land use change
Authors: Agustini Kadek Ayu Vergianti , West Sarah E.
Published: August 2022

We use difference‐in‐differences approaches and parcel‐level data from Minneapolis to estimate the effects of light rail on land use change using alternate definitions of treatment area. Results using circular buffers corroborate previous findings that light rail has virtually no effect on land use change in our study area. In contrast, light rail increases the likelihood of land use change along arterial streets that cross the line at station areas. To accurately model the effects of public transit projects on urban land use, one must consider how potential riders access station areas, rather than assuming accessibility improves radially around a station.
Advances in magnetic nanoparticles for the separation of foodborne pathogens: Recognition, separation strategy, and application
Authors: Xiao Fangbin , Li Weiqiang , Xu Hengyi
Published: August 2022

Foodborne pathogens contamination is one of the main sources of food safety problems. Although the existing detection methods have been developed for a long time, the complexity of food samples is still the main factor affecting the detection time and sensitivity, and the rapid separation and enrichment of pathogens is still an objective to be studied. Magnetic separation strategy based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is considered to be an effective tool for rapid separation and enrichment of foodborne pathogens in food. Therefore, this study comprehensively reviews the development of MNPs in the separation of foodborne pathogens over the past decade. First, various biorecognition reagents for identification of foodborne pathogens and their modifications on the surface of MNPs are introduced. Then, the factors affecting the separation of foodborne pathogens, including the size of MNPs, modification methods, separation strategies and separation forms are discussed. Finally, the application of MNPs in integrated detection methods is reviewed. Moreover, current challenges and prospects of MNPs for the analysis of foodborne pathogens are discussed. Further research should focus on the design of multifunctional MNPs, the processing of large‐scale samples, the simultaneous analysis of multiple targets, and the development of all‐in‐one small analytical device with separation and detection.
Select Water Quality Parameters during Wet and Dry Conditions in the Colorado River Delta
Authors: García‐Hernández J. , Leyva‐García G. , Aguilera‐Márquez D. , Díaz‐Argumedo R.E. , Santiago‐Serrano E. , Zamora‐Arroyo F.
Published: August 2022

The Colorado River Delta (CRD) consists of agricultural fields and remnant wetlands that are sustained by the Colorado River and agricultural drainage. Electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen, and ammonia‐nitrogen data were collected at different locations in the CRD at the end of a wet period in 2000 and compared with the concentrations present during the dry conditions that prevailed from 2001 to 2020. An increase in mean EC values measured by the International Boundary and Water Commission at Morelos Dam between wet (1.2 ± 0.06 mS/cm) and dry (1.4 ± 0.11 mS/cm) periods was observed. The same was also observed at reach 4 of the riparian corridor between the wet (2.4 ± 0.24 mS/cm) and dry (3.3 ± 0.75 mS/cm) periods with an increasing trend in salinity over the years. However, salinity values did not exceed the limits required for the growth of native trees and cattails. A positive result was that EC values at reach 6 and the Hardy River significantly decreased over the past 13 years, this was attributed to inflows from “Arenitas” Water Treatment Plant and its wetland that began operations in 2008. Finally, although severe drought will likely mean water shortages, results indicate that treated water can maintain and restore riparian corridors and wetlands. It is recommended that ongoing conservation efforts consider these local water sources in addition to the ecological pulse flows.
Petrogenesis of the ~1.94 Ga Meta‐gabbronorites in Liangcheng: Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Khondalite Belt, North China Craton
Authors: LIAN Guanghui , REN Yunwei , SHI Jianrong , XU Zhongyuan , FENG Fan
Published: August 2022

We investigated the meta‐gabbronorites in Liangcheng and used detailed petrography, geochemistry, zircon geochronological and in‐situ Hf isotopic studies to clarify their formation and metamorphic ages, petrogenesis, tectonic setting and provide constraints on the tectonic evolution of Khondalite Belt (KB). The zircon U‐Pb dating results show that the meta‐gabbronorites crystallized at ~1.94 Ga and were metamorphosed at ~1.91–1.89 Ga. They can be subdivided into the low‐Mg and high‐Mg groups. The low‐Mg meta‐gabbronorites contain relatively lower MgO and higher SiO2 contents than high‐Mg meta‐gabbronorites. They are enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, depleted in high field strength elements, and exhibit positive (high‐Mg meta‐gabbronorites) and negative (low‐Mg meta‐gabbronorites) Sr and Eu anomalies. The zircon in‐situ εHf(t) of meta‐gabbronorites is 0.07–4.12, with Hf model ages (TDM) of 2169–2400 Ma. The meta‐gabbronorites in Liangcheng originated from the asthenospheric mantle and experienced fractional crystallization of olivine, orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, and plagioclase. They were contaminated by the crustal rocks (mainly khondalite series) during ascent, especially for low‐Mg gabbronorites. The ridge subduction is the most plausible tectonic setting for meta‐gabbronorites, indicating the eastern segment of KB was in a ridge subduction setting at ~1.94 Ga following an orogenic thickening event during a prolonged orogenic process.
Geochronology, Eruption Sequence and Geochemistry of Mid–Late Jurassic Volcanics South of Manzhouli: Petrogenesis and Implications for Mesozoic Tectonic Regime Transformation
Authors: BAI Yuling , WANG Tao , WANG Zongqi , YAN Jie , ZHANG Ai
Published: August 2022

To the south of Manzhouli, Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, experienced a tectonic regime transformation from compression to extension in the mid‐Mesozoic. Based on systematic research of the volcanics, petrology, volcanic facies, chronology and geochemistry of rocks in the Buridun area, two stages of volcanics are identified. The first stage named the trachyte series was formed in the late Middle Jurassic (167–163 Ma), its eruption rhythm is pyroxene trachyandesite–trachyandesite–trachyte, and its origin rock is basic volcanics from thickened lower crust, with a tectonic setting in the collision orogeny after the closure of the Mongolia Okhotsk Ocean (MOO). The second stage is a bimodal volcanic rock, formed in the early Late Jurassic (163–160 Ma). The eruption rhythm of basic volcanics in this stage is basaltic andesite–basalt–olivine basalt, which comes from the metasomatized lithospheric mantle, the acidic volcanics of which being characterized by the eruption rhythm of sedimentary‐explosive‐overflow facies, which came from the partial melting of newly formed lower crust, and this shows the characteristics of A‐type granite; the tectonic setting is extension of the lithosphere after collision and closure of the MOO. The changes in the formation age and tectonic setting of the two stages of volcanics demonstrate that the transition time from the compressive system to the extensional system south of Manzhouli is about 163 Ma.
Systemic sclerosis with cerebral infarction and severe stenosis of internal carotid artery and coronary artery: A case report
Authors: Wang Lanjing , Chu Min , Wang Daosheng , Teng Jijun
Published: August 2022

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by microangiopathy, extensive fibrosis and autoantibody production. It is generally believed that microvascular disease is the hallmark of SSc. Macrovascular involvement is not initially considered as a feature of SSc, but its mortality is high, which should not be ignored. Up to the present, SSc patients with cerebral involvement and multiple macrovascular stenosis have been rarely described. We herein report a case of cerebral infarction and severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery and coronary artery associated with SSc.
Anti‐MDA5 and anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibodies double‐positive dermatomyositis overlapping with rheumatoid arthritis‐associated interstitial lung disease: A case report
Authors: Xiong Hong , Tan QianRen , Luo Feng , Yuan XueMei , Ma Wukai , Yao XueMing
Published: August 2022

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a poorly prognostic autoimmune disease the pathogenesis of which is multifactorial and not clearly defined. DM may be influenced by genes, environment, and immunity. The typical manifestations of DM are Gottron rash, heliotrope rash, rash on the shoulders and buttocks, erythema around fingernails, excessive keratosis of the epidermis, mechanic's hands, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), among others. Anti‐melanoma differentiation‐associated 5 gene (MDA5) antibody has been strongly associated with DM. Furthermore, anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibody has been reportedly associated with DM. A 49‐year‐old woman presented with cough, expectoration, and dyspnea. Relevant examinations revealed elevated levels of muscle enzyme, double‐positive anti‐MDA5 and anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibodies, positive rheumatoid factor, and a high titer of anti‐citrullinated protein antibody. DM overlapping rheumatoid arthritis with ILD was confirmed. We suggest the use of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressant therapy, supplemented with gastric and liver protection, and recommend the use of intravenous immunoglobulins and rituximab.
SAR11 clade microdiversity and activity during the early spring blooms off Kerguelen Island, Southern Ocean
Authors: Dinasquet Julie , Landa Marine , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: August 2022

The ecology of the SAR11 clade, the most abundant bacterial group in the ocean, has been intensively studied in temperate and tropical regions, but its distribution remains largely unexplored in the Southern Ocean. Through amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we assessed the contribution of the SAR11 clade to bacterial community composition in the naturally iron fertilized region off Kerguelen Island. We investigated the upper 300 m at seven sites located in early spring phytoplankton blooms and at one high‐nutrient low‐chlorophyll site. Despite pronounced vertical patterns of the bacterioplankton assemblages, the SAR11 clade had high relative abundances at all depths and sites, averaging 40% (±15%) of the total community relative abundance. Micro‐autoradiography combined with CARD‐FISH further revealed that the clade had an overall stable contribution (45%–60% in surface waters) to bacterial biomass production (determined by 3H‐leucine incorporation) during different early bloom stages. The spatio‐temporal partitioning of some of the SAR11 subclades suggests a niche specificity and periodic selection of different subclades in response to the fluctuating extreme conditions of the Southern Ocean. These observations improve our understanding of the ecology of the SAR11 clade and its implications in biogeochemical cycles in the rapidly changing Southern Ocean.
Lung‐specific exosomes for co‐delivery of CD47 blockade and cisplatin for the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cui Zhilei , Ruan Zhengshang , Zeng Junxiang , Sun Jinyuan , Ye Wenjing , Xu Weiguo , Guo Xuejun , Zhang Linlin , Song Lin
Published: August 2022

A cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) and immune‐modulatory protein for myeloid cells has been implicated in cisplatin (CDDP) resistance. Exosome delivery of drugs has shown great potential for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of various diseases. In the current study, we explored the approach of co‐delivering CDDP and CD47 antibody with MDA‐MB‐231 cell‐derived exosome 231‐exo (CaCE) and assessed the phagocytosis activity of bone marrow flow cytometry derived macrophages (BMDM) against co‐cultured A549 cells. CD8+ T‐cell proliferation was examined with flow cytometry analysis. In vivo, we used the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor‐bearing mouse model and assessed survival rate, tumor weight, phagocytosis, and T‐cell proliferation, as well as cytokine levels in tumors analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Although co‐administration of CDDP with anti‐CD47 (CDDP and aCD47) showed a significant antitumor effect, CaCE had an even more dramatic anticancer effect in survival rate and tumor weight. We observed increased phagocytosis activity selectively against lung tumor cells in vivo and in vitro with exosome CaCE treatment. CaCE treatment also increased T‐cell proliferation compared to the vehicle treatment and co‐administration groups. Furthermore, immunostimulatory interleukin (IL)‐12p and interferon (IFN)‐γ were increased, whereas transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) were decreased, indicating the improved CDDP anticancer effect is related to a tumor microenvironmental change. Our study demonstrates a dramatically improved anticancer effect of CDDP when administered by exosome co‐delivery with anti‐CD47.
Portugal: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: MAGONE JOSÉ M.
Published: August 2022

In 2021, Portuguese politics was strongly affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic. In this constraining context, the Portuguese population went twice to the polls in presidential and local elections. Moreover, the Portuguese government was the holder of the presidency of the Council of the European Union. Throughout the year, the Portuguese government negotiated with the political parties to get the 2022 budget approved. However, most opposition parties rejected the budget for different reasons. Therefore, the President of the Republic dissolved Parliament and announced early elections for 30 January 2022. Although it was a difficult year, Portugal was able to implement an aggressive vaccination programme, which led to a high vaccination coverage of 80 per cent of the population.
Soluble guanylate cyclase activator BAY 54–6544 improves vasomotor function and survival in an accelerated ageing mouse model
Authors: Ataei Ataabadi Ehsan , Golshiri Keivan , Jüttner Annika A. , de Vries René , Van den Berg‐Garrelds Ingrid , Nagtzaam Nicole M. A. , Khan Hina N. , Leijten Frank P. J. , Brandt Renata M. C. , Dik Willem A. , van der Pluijm Ingrid , Danser A. H. Jan , Sandner Peter , Roks Anton J. M.
Published: August 2022

DNA damage is a causative factor in ageing of the vasculature and other organs. One of the most important vascular ageing features is reduced nitric oxide (NO)soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)—cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling. We hypothesized that the restoration of NO‐sGC‐cGMP signaling with an sGC activator (BAY 54–6544) may have beneficial effects on vascular ageing and premature death in DNA repair‐defective mice undergoing accelerated ageing. Eight weeks of treatment with a non‐pressor dosage of BAY 54–6544 restored the decreased in vivo microvascular cutaneous perfusion in progeroid Ercc1∆/− mice to the level of wild‐type mice. In addition, BAY 54–6544 increased survival of Ercc1∆/− mice. In isolated Ercc1∆/− aorta, the decreased endothelium‐independent vasodilation was restored after chronic BAY 54–6544 treatment. Senescence markers p16 and p21, and markers of inflammation, including Ccl2, Il6 in aorta and liver, and circulating IL‐6 and TNF‐α were increased in Ercc1∆/−, which was lowered by the treatment. Expression of antioxidant genes, including Cyb5r3 and Nqo1, was favorably changed by chronic BAY 54–6544 treatment. In summary, BAY 54–6544 treatment improved the vascular function and survival rates in mice with accelerated ageing, which may have implication in prolonging health span in progeria and normal ageing.
Campaign Messages, Polling, and Elections: Theory and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Feltovich Nick , Giovannoni Francesco
Published: August 2022

How do politicians’ track records and campaign messaging interact and affect voters’ welfare? We analyze this question theoretically and experimentally. In the theoretical model, which we implement in the experiment, politicians choose how much of an economy's resources to allocate to the citizenry—keeping the remainder for themselves—and then face reelection against a challenger. Both incumbents and challengers have private information about their own quality that determines the economy's level of resources. We vary whether candidates can send campaign messages and the level of variability in candidates’ quality. We observe that both higher‐quality variability and allowing campaigning benefit citizens by allowing them to better select and hold accountable higher‐quality officials. Also, when incumbents have performed poorly or when quality variability is high, challengers’ negative campaigning (criticizing the incumbent) increases and incumbents’ positive campaigning (emphasizing their own strengths) decreases.
Increased sperm deoxyribonucleic acid damage leads to poor embryo quality and subfertility of male rats treated with methylphenidate hydrochloride in adolescence
Authors: da Costa Nunes Gomes Ana Clara , Bellin Camila Souza , da Silva Dias Stephanie , de Queiroz de Rosa Thalita , de Araújo Marina Pereira , Miraglia Sandra Maria , Mendes Talita Biude , Vendramini Vanessa
Published: August 2022

Background

Methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely used in the treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), as well as a performance enhancer, for at least 60 years. Despite the notable effectiveness as a psychostimulant, ADHD is a chronic disorder and has a two‐third chance of accompanying the individual throughout life. Long‐term use of MPH has been associated not only with an increase in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, but it also causes side effects on male fertility in experimental animals.

Objectives

To investigate whether methylphenidate poses a risk to sperm DNA structure and to the quality of embryos conceived after treatment during adolescence in rats.

Materials and methods

Wistar rats at 38 days of age were treated either with 5 mg/kg body weight of MPH, in a single daily dose for 30 days, via gavage or with distilled water‐only protocol. Levels of oxidative stress in testicular and epididymal tissues were evaluated. Sperm chromatin quality and acrosome integrity was assessed under flow cytometry. From 107 days of age, animals were mated with untreated females. The effects of the paternal contribution at two different embryo development moments—cleavage stage (2.5 days post coitum) and late gestation (20 days post coitum) —were analyzed.

Results

MPH caused high levels of sperm DNA damage, which was reflected in 40% of decrease in early embryo quality and a lower number of live pups at 20 dpc.

Discussion

The high level of fragmentation seen in the embryos sired from the MPH group is consistent with the poor chromatin structure of the sperm and does not seem to be a result of oxidative stress in the reproductive tissues.

Conclusions

The results presented here suggest that the subchronic use of MPH during male prepubertal phase may cause long‐term subfertility and compromise embryo survival.
CSR practices and Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring the connections in Indian context
Authors: Satapathy Jayadev , Paltasingh Tattwamasi
Published: August 2022

There was a growing realization that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are overarching, ambitious, complex, and less impactful. Consequently, the 193 member countries of the United Nations (UN) came out with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a well‐thought‐out global development agenda in the year 2015. By involving the private sectors in the designing of SDGs, UN has rightly identified their potentials in offering solutions to the most relevant sustainability challenges. SDGs came into force in January 2016 across the globe when corporate social responsibility (CSR) was already legalized in India. There has been a whooping investment of approximately Rs. 15,000 crores by nearly 20,000 companies every year under CSR in the country. However, it is argued that the contributions to SDGs are not substantial. Based on review of relevant literature, the current paper makes a modest attempt to explore the connections between CSR and SDGs in contemporary India. Further, it critically examines how CSR in India contributes to SDGs. The paper also analyses the underlying reasons for the inadequate engagement of CSR with SDGs. Despite CSR practices in India having linkage with the SDGs, the outcomes are not as per the expectation as a number of firms operate with less involvement and strategic efforts.