bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MetENP/MetENPWeb: An R package and web application for metabolomics enrichment and pathway analysis in Metabolomics Workbench
Authors: Choudhary Kumari Sonal , Fahy Eoin , Coakley Kevin , Sud Manish , Maurya Mano R , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: November 2020

With the advent of high throughput mass spectrometric methods, metabolomics has emerged as an essential area of research in biomedicine with the potential to provide deep biological insights into normal and diseased functions in physiology. However, to achieve the potential offered by metabolomics measures, there is a need for biologist-friendly integrative analysis tools that can transform data into mechanisms that relate to phenotypes. Here, we describe MetENP, an R package, and a user-friendly web application deployed at the Metabolomics Workbench site extending the metabolomics enrichment analysis to include species-specific pathway analysis, pathway enrichment scores, gene-enzyme information, and enzymatic activities of the significantly altered metabolites. MetENP provides a highly customizable workflow through various user-specified options and includes support for all metabolite species with available KEGG pathways. MetENPweb is a web application for calculating metabolite and pathway enrichment analysis.

Availability and Implementation

The MetENP package is freely available from Metabolomics Workbench GitHub: (https://github.com/metabolomicsworkbench/MetENP), the web application, is freely available at (https://www.metabolomicsworkbench.org/data/analyze.php)
Accurate Genomic Variant Detection in Single Cells with Primary Template-Directed Amplification
Authors: Gonzalez Veronica , Natarajan Sivaraman , Xia Yuntao , Klein David , Carter Robert , Pang Yakun , Shaner Bridget , Annu Kavya , Putnam Daniel , Chen Wenan , Connelly Jon , Pruett-Miller Shondra , Chen Xiang , Easton John , Gawad Charles
Published: November 2020

Improvements in whole genome amplification (WGA) would enable new types of basic and applied biomedical research, including studies of intratissue genetic diversity that require more accurate single-cell genotyping. Here we present primary template-directed amplification (PTA), a new isothermal WGA method that reproducibly captures >95% of the genomes of single cells in a more uniform and accurate manner than existing approaches, resulting in significantly improved variant calling sensitivity and precision. To illustrate the new types of studies that are enabled by PTA, we developed direct measurement of environmental mutagenicity (DMEM), a new tool for mapping genome-wide interactions of mutagens with single living human cells at base pair resolution. In addition, we utilized PTA for genome-wide off-target indel and structural variant detection in cells that had undergone CRISPR-mediated genome editing, establishing the feasibility for performing single-cell evaluations of biopsies from edited tissues. The improved precision and accuracy of variant detection with PTA overcomes the current limitations of accurate whole genome amplification, which is the major obstacle to studying genetic diversity and evolution at cellular resolution.
A Cre-dependent CRISPR/dCas9 system for gene expression regulation in neurons
Authors: Carullo Nancy V. N. , Hinds Jenna E. , Revanna Jasmin S. , Tuscher Jennifer J. , Bauman Allison J. , Day Jeremy J.
Published: November 2020

Site-specific genetic and epigenetic targeting of distinct cell populations is a central goal in molecular neuroscience and is crucial to understand the gene regulatory mechanisms that underlie complex phenotypes and behaviors. While recent technological advances have enabled unprecedented control over gene expression, many of these approaches are focused on selected model organisms and/or require labor-intensive customizations for different applications. The simplicity and modularity of CRISPR-based systems have transformed this aspect of genome editing, providing a variety of possible applications and targets. However, there are currently few available tools for cell-selective CRISPR regulation in neurons. Here, we designed, validated, and optimized CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) systems for Cre recombinase-dependent gene regulation. Unexpectedly, CRISPRa systems based on a traditional double-floxed inverted open reading frame (DIO) strategy exhibited leaky target gene induction in the absence of Cre. Therefore, we developed an intron-containing Cre-dependent CRISPRa system (SVI-DIO-dCas9-VPR) that alleviated leaky gene induction and outperformed the traditional DIO system at endogenous genes in both HEK293T cells and rat primary neuron cultures. Using gene-specific CRISPR sgRNAs, we demonstrate that SVI-DIO-dCas9-VPR can activate highly inducible genes (GRM2, Tent5b, andFos) as well as moderately inducible genes (Sstr2andGadd45b) in a Cre-specific manner. Furthermore, to illustrate the versatility of this tool, we created a parallel CRISPRi construct that successfully inhibited expression from of a luciferase reporter in HEK293T cells only in the presence of Cre. These results provide a robust framework for Cre-dependent CRISPR-dCas9 approaches across different model systems, and will enable cell-specific targeting when combined with common Cre driver lines or Cre delivery via viral vectors.
The role of advective transport mechanism in continental-scale transport of fungal plant epidemics
Authors: Elauria Nolan , Truong Taeah , Upadhyay Kush , Kogan Oleg
Published: November 2020

In examining the continental-scale plant pathogen spread, we focus on the competition between the short-range stochastic hopping within the atmospheric boundary layer, and the laminar advection by the currents in the free troposphere. The latter is typically ignored, since it is assumed that the population of spores which have reached the troposphere is small, and the fraction of the remaining spores that survived the subsequent journey is negligible due to ultraviolet light and frigid temperatures. However, we claim that it is in fact a crucial mechanism for continental-scale spread. We argue that free tropospheric currents can not be ignored, even as the probability for spores to reach them and to survive within them approaches zero. In other words, models that neglect tropospheric advection are fragile – their predictions change qualitatively if this alternative transport channel becomes accessible – even when the rate at which spores actually make use of this transport channel approaches zero.
BoxCarmax: a high-selectivity data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry method for the analysis of protein turnover and complex samples
Authors: Salovska Barbora , Li Wenxue , Di Yi , Liu Yansheng
Published: November 2020

The data-independent acquisition (DIA) performed in the latest high-resolution, high-speed mass spectrometers offers a powerful analytical tool for biological investigations. The DIA mass spectrometry (MS) combined with the isotopic labeling approach holds a particular promise for increasing the multiplexity of DIA-MS analysis, which could assist the relative protein quantification and the proteome-wide turnover profiling. However, the wide isolation windows employed in conventional DIA methods lead to a limited efficiency in identifying and quantifying isotope-labelled peptide pairs. Here, we optimized a high-selectivity DIA-MS namedBoxCarmaxthat supports the analysis of complex samples, such as those generated from Stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and pulse SILAC (pSILAC) experiments.BoxCarmaxenables multiplexed acquisition at both MS1- and MS2-levels, through the integration of BoxCar and MSX features, as well as a gas-phase separation strategy. We found BoxCarmax modestly increased the identification rate for label-free and labeled samples but significantly improved the quantitative accuracy in SILAC and pSILAC samples. We further applied BoxCarmax in studying the protein degradation regulation during serum starvation stress in cultured cells, revealing valuable biological insights. Our study offered an alternative and accurate approach for the MS analysis of protein turnover and complex samples.
A coarse-grained NADH redox model enables inference of subcellular metabolic fluxes from fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Yang Xingbo , Ha Gloria , Needleman Daniel J.
Published: November 2020

Mitochondrial metabolism is of central importance to diverse aspects of cell and developmental biology. Defects in mitochondria are associated with many diseases, including cancer, neuropathology, and infertility. Our understanding of mitochondrial metabolismin situand dysfunction in diseases are limited by the lack of techniques to measure mitochondrial metabolic fluxes with sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. Herein, we developed a new method to infer mitochondrial metabolic fluxes in living cells with subcellular resolution from fluorescence lifetime imaging of NADH. This result is based on the use of a generic coarse-grained NADH redox model. We tested the model in mouse oocytes and human tissue culture cells subject to a wide variety of perturbations by comparing predicted fluxes through the electron transport chain (ETC) to direct measurements of oxygen consumption rate. Interpreting the FLIM measurements of NADH using this model, we discovered a homeostasis of ETC flux in mouse oocytes: perturbations of nutrient supply and energy demand do not change ETC flux despite significantly impacting NADH metabolic state. Furthermore, we observed a subcellular spatial gradient of ETC flux in mouse oocytes and found that this gradient is primarily a result of heterogeneous mitochondrial proton leak. We concluded from these observations that ETC flux in mouse oocytes is not controlled by energy demand or supply, but by the intrinsic rates of mitochondrial respiration.
The origin and evolution of a distinct mechanism of transcription initiation in yeasts
Authors: Lu Zhaolian , Lin Zhenguo
Published: November 2020

The molecular process of transcription by RNA Polymerase II is highly conserved among eukaryotes (“classic model”). A distinct way of locating transcription start sites (TSSs) has been identified in a budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (“scanning model”). Herein, we applied genomic approaches to elucidate the origin of the scanning model and its underlying genetic mechanisms. We first identified TSSs at single-nucleotide resolution for 12 yeast species using the nAnT-iCAGE technique, which significantly improved the annotations of these genomes by providing accurate 5′ boundaries for protein-coding genes. We then inferred the initiation mechanism of each species based on its TSS maps and genome sequences. We discovered that the scanning model likely originated after the split of Yarrowia lipolytica and the other budding yeasts. Species that use the scanning model showed an adenine-rich region immediately upstream of the TSS that might facilitate TSS selection. Both initiation mechanisms share a strong preference for pyrimidine–purine dinucleotides surrounding the TSS. Our results suggest that the purine is required to accurately recruit the first nucleotide, thereby increasing the chances of a messenger RNA of being capped during mRNA maturation, which is critical for efficient translation initiation during protein biosynthesis. Based on our findings, we propose a model for TSS selection in the scanning-model species, as well as a model for the stepwise process responsible for the origin and evolution of the scanning model.
Predictive modeling of single-cell DNA methylome data enhances integration with transcriptome data
Authors: Uzun Yasin , Wu Hao , Tan Kai
Published: November 2020

Single-cell DNA methylation data has become increasingly abundant and has uncovered many genes with a positive correlation between expression and promoter methylation, challenging the common dogma based on bulk data. However, computational tools for analyzing single-cell methylome data are lagging far behind. A number of tasks, including cell type calling and integration with transcriptome data, requires the construction of a robust gene activity matrix as the prerequisite but challenging task. The advent of multi-omics data enables measurement of both DNA methylation and gene expression for the same single cells. Although such data is rather sparse, they are sufficient to train supervised models that capture the complex relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression and predict gene activities at single-cell level. Here, we present methylome association by predictive linkage to expression (MAPLE), a computational framework that learns the association between DNA methylation and expression using both gene- and cell-dependent statistical features. Using multiple data sets generated with different experimental protocols, we show that using predicted gene activity values significantly improves several analysis tasks, including clustering, cell type identification, and integration with transcriptome data. Application of MAPLE revealed several interesting biological insights into the relationship between methylation and gene expression, including asymmetric importance of methylation signals around transcription start site for predicting gene expression, and increased predictive power of methylation signals in promoters located outside CpG islands and shores. With the rapid accumulation of single-cell epigenomics data, MAPLE provides a general framework for integrating such data with transcriptome data.
Integrative/ distributive negotiations in Latin America: latent class analysis
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique , Ickis John , Casó Ramiro
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the universality of the behavioral theory of negotiation developed in the United States, particularly the integrative/distributive models, and to find negotiators' prototypes in international negotiations conducted in a Latin American country.

Design/methodology/approach

An open questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 104 resident foreigners (expatriates) who reported the negotiation patterns of Costa Ricans. The qualitative data were coded in 52 variables (inte-rater reliability Fleiss' KappaK= 0.65). A total of ten variables were selected to measure distributive/integrative patterns of negotiations. Latent class analysis (LCA) uncovered the latent structure of negotiations.

Findings

(1) The distributive (70% found in the sample) and integrative (30%) negotiation models hold in this culture. (2) The incorporation of handling emotions and interpersonal orientation in the integrative model seem to be an important theoretical and practical trend.

Research limitations/implications

(1) A larger sample size is needed to compare with data from other countries of the region and the world. (2) The use of emotions and interpersonal orientation in the integrative negotiation paradigm require further investigation. As practical implications, detailed negotiation advice is offered to Costa Ricans as well as to expatriates working there.

Originality/value

To identify negotiation patterns in an understudied region of the world, the distributive/integrative models of the behavioral theory of negotiations are a key focus with which to extend the literature. There are important elements of culture within the negotiation patterns, in line with trends of an evolving paradigm of integrative crosscultural negotiations.
The emergence and evolution of reliability theory for water distribution networks
Authors: Zarghami Seyed Ashkan , Gunawan Indra
Published: November 2020

Purpose

As a response to the growing operational and disruptive threats to water distribution networks (WDNs), researchers have developed a vast array of methods for the reliability analysis of WDNs. In order to follow this growing number of methods, this paper reviews and documents in one place the historical developments in the reliability analysis of WDN.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) is carried out to summarize the state-of-the-art research on reliability analysis of WDNs. In conducting this systemic literature review, the authors adopted an iterative approach to define appropriate keywords, analyze and synthesize data and finalizing the classification results.

Findings

First, the hydraulic approach to reliability analysis is currently pervasive, and relatively little academic research has addressed the topological reliability analysis of WDNs. Second, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the network reliability, a different approach that integrates topological and hydraulic attributes seems a more effective method. Third, the conventional reliability analysis methods are only effective for demonstrating a snapshot of these networks at a given point in time. The availability of methods that enable researchers to evaluate the reliability in response to changes in its variables is still a major challenge.

Originality/value

The present paper facilitates future research in the reliability analysis of WDNs by providing a source of references for researchers and water utilities. Further, this article makes a contribution to the literature by offering a roadmap for future reliability analysis of WDNs by reviewing the evolution of the current reliability analysis methods throughout history.
Under construction: action research in innovation measurement
Authors: Svensson de Jong Ilse
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper has chosen a participatory action design (PAD) to approach the construction of KPIs in a novel way. A PAD will assist the researcher to encourage involvement, engagement of multiple stakeholders in the KPIs construction process.

Design/methodology/approach

A workshop series based on participatory action design was developed together with the researcher and stakeholders at the innovation department of a large international organization. PAD facilitated interaction between the researcher, stakeholders, and KPIs under construction.

Findings

The findings show that the PAD workshops created interlevel collaboration and group dynamics in constructing the KPI. The knowledge that was shared during the PAD workshops enabled an understanding of the process of constructing a KPI in innovation, where stakeholders design and implement simultaneously. In the end, it was a challenge to construct a KPI using the PAD, as certain conditions seemed not to be.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enhances our empirical understanding of applying PAD to construct KPIs in innovation. This study adds to the growing interest in literature to implement novel methods such as PAD to construct a KPI in innovation.

Practical implications

Practically, the findings of this study will inform managers in innovation (projects) to use a method such as PAD to construct KPIs in innovation. This study shows the implication of using a PAD for a KPI and what opportunities and challenges it can bring.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few papers that address using the participatory action design methodology for the construction of KPIs in innovation. To date, PAD is rarely used to construct KPIs in innovation.
Health promotion and active aging among seniors in Malaysia
Authors: Loke Yiing Jia , Lim Ee Shiang , Senadjki Abdelhak
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the relationship between health promotion and active aging among seniors in Malaysia. The specific objectives were to (1) identify the contributing factors for seniors undergoing full medical check-up and (2) to explore the association between selected active aging factors and health promotion behavior and beliefs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used data from 662 seniors from three different states in Peninsular Malaysia. Logistic regression was used to identify significant determinants of full medical check-up, and chi-square statistics were used to explore the association of active aging and selected health promotion behavior and beliefs. Healthy aging was characterized by being employed or traveling outdoors for leisure.

Findings

Household income was found to be a significant barrier to seniors undergoing a full medical check-up. Overall, active seniors were more likely to have positive self-rated health, positive health responsibility and health promotion beliefs but were less likely to undergo a full medical check-up.

Practical implications

Given that cost of a medical check-up could be a barrier for seniors, authorities could consider subsidizing medical check-ups to promote early detection of disease. There is also a need for continuous effort to educate seniors on health risk factors and the importance of taking fuller responsibility for their own health.

Originality/value

This study examined the relationship between active aging and health promotion together, as both components are essential in enhancing the mental and physical well-being of seniors.
The impact of leadership style on organizational citizenship behavior: does leaders' emotional intelligence play a moderating role?
Authors: Abdullahi Ahmed Zakaria , Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri , Anyigba Hod
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The study investigates the effect of autocratic, democratic and transformational leadership styles on employees' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The study further examines the moderating role of leaders' emotional intelligence between leadership styles and OCB.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were used to collect data from 618 small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) employees in Ghana. For this study, both simple random and convenient sampling were adopted in selecting respondents. Regression was used to test the hypotheses in the research model using IBM–Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Findings

The results show that democratic and transformational leadership styles both positively predicted the OCB of SME employees, although transformational leadership has a more significant influence. On the contrary, autocratic leadership style was found to have an insignificant relationship with OCB of SME employees when the interactive effect of the various leadership styles and emotional intelligence were introduced into the model. The results also show that whereas leaders' emotional intelligence positively moderate the relationship between autocratic leadership style and OCB, the relationships between democratic leadership style and OCB and between transformational leadership style and OCB are not significantly moderated by leaders' emotional intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

An examination of other prominent leadership styles (for example, the transactional leadership style and the laissez faire leadership style) could be key areas for future research as it is a potential limitation of this study. Similarly, the use of a Western leadership instrument could also be a potential limitation in the Ghanaian context, although these instruments and scales may be applicable. Future studies could also consider a longitudinal approach to give a more holistic picture of the effect of the leadership styles on OCB.

Practical implications

In general, the findings of the study support the idea that the autocratic leadership style affects SME employees' OCB both directly and indirectly through leaders' emotional intelligence. This study recommends that leaders of SMEs should focus on leadership styles that combine both result-oriented and people-centric behaviors to encourage SMEs' employees to engage in OCB.

Originality/value

This study provides firsthand information on the impact of autocratic leadership style, democratic leadership style and transformational leadership style on an employee's OCB from the Ghanaian SME perspective.
Evaluation of a short-term ultrasound curriculum on promoting interest in healthcare and sciences for deaf and hard of hearing students
Authors: Fischetti Chanel , Nguyen Thalia , Bashir Rame , Whited Matthew , Mazumder Proma , Saadat Soheil , Moeller John , Lahham Shadi , Fox John C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine if exposure to a short-term ultrasound basic biology and anatomy course can promote interest in health careers and other science-related endeavors among DHH students.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a single-site, prospective observational study of DHH high school students at a Southern California high school. All participants took a pre-test survey prior to the course. Participants then took part in three teaching sessions which taught basic anatomy using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Following instruction, a post-test survey was performed to determine if students had an increased interest in medicine, science and biology (p = 0.151).

Findings

28 students were enrolled in the study, with an equal distribution of boys and girls. Initially, subjects reported their interest in medicine at an average of 2.8 ± 1.10. The reported interest in science was 3.0 ± 1.13 and for biology was 3.0 ± 1.19. The change in participants' interest was not statistically significant for medicine (p = 0.791), science (p = 0.225) and biology.

Practical implications

While our data did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in students' interest in STEM fields after the training course, there were several students who were interested in more hands-on shadow experience after the course. Regardless, this study demonstrates persistent barriers that exist for a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to engage in the STEM fields. Future studies are needed to determine the level of instructional activities that may impact the careers of these students.

Originality/value

Point of care ultrasound has been shown to be an effective teaching modality in medical education. However, to date, no studies have been done to assess the utility of ultrasound in teaching the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) population.
Public-Private Partnership for achieving sustainable development goals: a case study of Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md. Nazmul , Saroar Mustafa , Fattah Md. Abdul , Morshed Syed Riad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. PPP has been an important instrument to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the national level. However, the role of PPP at the subnational level is often scarcely studied. Using Khulna city of Bangladesh as a case, this paper aims to assess the role of PPP projects in the attainment of SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted in the Central Business District (CBD) of Khulna, on a total of 4.6 kilometers stretches of road medians in the CBD where landscaping was done through the PPP approach. Besides the collection of secondary data from official records, primary data were collected through site visits, field surveys and interviews of PPP project partners.

Findings

The result shows that 89 percent of the respondents (road users) were pleased with the landscaping done on the road medians. Similarly, about 86 percent of the respondents felt more comfortable and safer to use the roads. Well-maintained road medians allow road-crossing at a regular interval which reduces the chance of an accident. The private parties have installed promotional billboards on the road medians and saved BDT 10.82 million a year. The public authority saves the maintenance budget amounting to BDT 23 million a year. The project achieves a triple-win situation. Despite some limitations, this PPP project has taken Khulna a step forward to achieve SDGs.

Originality/value

The findings have policy implications as the PPP project has enhanced the resilience of Khulna by addressing the relevant SDGs.
Perceived fairness of transfers and job satisfaction among police officers
Authors: Nalla Mahesh K. , Akhtar Sheeraz , Lambert Eric
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Police organizations work better when officers feel satisfied with their jobs. High job satisfaction has been linked to positive outcomes for both officers and police organizations. Perceived fairness of transfers should be positively associated with job satisfaction. There has been little research in this area, and none of the limited past studies have studied this association among Pakistani police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study comes from a survey of 550 officers working in the Lahore police stations in Punjab, Pakistan.

Findings

After controlling for location, work assignment, rank, length of service, marital status, age and educational level, the strongest predictor of job satisfaction was perceived fairness in transfers, an important aspect of policing in Pakistan.

Research limitations/implications

This was a single exploratory study that only measured perceived fairness of transfers. There is a need for additional studies. Further, broader measures of organizational fairness should be used in future studies.

Practical implications

Police administrators should ask staff why they perceive transfers as fair or not and what can be done to improve their perceptions.

Originality/value

There has been little research on police in Pakistan and the current study examined perceptions of fairness in terms of transfers with the job satisfaction among police officers in Pakistan.
Determinants of foreign investment in Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Safi , Tahir Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of country- and firm-specific factors on foreign investment in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses time-series data for country-level determinants and uses panel data for 100 listed non-financial companies selected based on market capitalisation from 2005 to 2015.

Findings

Findings suggest that the stock market returns and liquidity of the country significantly positively influence the foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in Pakistan. Whereas, economic growth surprisingly is negatively related to foreign portfolio investment. In addition, findings reveal that firm size, financial leverage, dividend yield and global depositary receipts (GDR) have a positive impact on the total foreign investment at firm level. Further, foreign institutional investors prefer to invest in those firms that are large, pay high dividends and issue GDR. Furthermore, findings suggest that foreign direct investors tend to invest in firms that are financially leveraged and have low capital gain yield.

Practical implications

At the country level, this study recommends that stock market performance, economic growth and foreign reserves of the country should be maintained and improved to attract FPI. At the firm level, this study recommends issuance of global depositary receipts and high dividend payouts for those firms that are interested in institutional investment in Pakistan.

Originality/value

To the best of authors' knowledge, this study is the first that examines the effect of firm-level factors along with country-level factors on foreign investment in Pakistan.
Ecological niche differentiation of two salamanders (Caudata: Hynobiidae) from Hokkaido Island, Japan
Authors: Tran Dung Van , Terui Shigeharu , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Nishikawa Kanto
Published: November 2020

Understanding environmental factor determining ecological niche is very important to elucidating the distribution of species, and also revealing how closely related species are able to coexist in a particular region. Here, we applied ecological niche modeling to develop the ecological niches of two hynobiid salamanders: Salamandrella keyserlingii and Hynobius retardatus which are co‐occurring on Hokkaido Island, Japan. We, then, tested hypotheses about ecological niche differentiation between the two species. Our models showed that the potential distribution of S. keyserlingii was strictly limited to a small area at Kushiro Marsh, while the suitable distribution of H. retardatus was covered widely on Hokkaido Island. The results revealed the little geographic range overlap and the differentiation on the requirements of the ecological condition between the two species. We found nonequivalent niches in identity tests and counterintuitive results in background tests, indicating that S. keyserlingii has used a habitat subset of H. retardatus. Overall, our result contributed to understand the ecological niche space, and suggest the historical formation of these species on Hokkaido Island. The models can also be used to aid conservation purposes, such as habitat management, planning and designation of protected areas.
Designing tools for ‘joined up’ homelessness prevention: Insights from one case study
Authors: Riseley Emma , Vidic Angela , Towl David , Joyce Andrew , Hiruy Kiros
Published: November 2020

Homelessness is a complex social problem with significant health and economic consequences. Prevention‐based responses seek to reduce the number of people who go on to experience homelessness, but effective homelessness prevention is challenging to implement and can require service integration across mainstream referral organisations and specialist homelessness service agencies. The ‘At‐Risk Screening Tool’ was piloted over August 2018 to March 2019 to enable such mainstream and specialist organisations to coordinate their screening and referral process in the context of homelessness prevention. The tool was used by mainstream referral agencies to assess a client's risk of homelessness, and a tailored referral pathway to a specialist homelessness agency was produced based on this assessment. This article discusses the evaluation of the pilot, exploring three key insights around service integration in a community service context. These insights emphasise the importance of embedding an awareness of staff needs and organisational constraints into the design and application of similar tools.
Implementing general environmental duties: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Edwards Joel , Windholz Eric , Faulkner Nicholas , Werbeloff Lara
Published: November 2020

A general environmental duty is being implemented in Victoria as part of an overhaul of the jurisdiction's environmental protection regime. This is part of a growing international trend to replace or supplement prescriptive regulatory regimes with more general, principle‐based standards. However, implementing a general environmental duty poses numerous challenges to regulators responsible for its implementation. This study systematically reviews the growing literature on general duties and their implementation to identify these challenges. Through a thematic synthesis of the published literature, we identify nine challenges relevant to the implementation of a general environmental duty. The article concludes by identifying four opportunities for regulators to address these challenges.
In the Shadow of a Mild Revolution: Polish Women's Political Attitudes during the Great Sejm (1788−1792)
Authors: Wiśniewska Dorota
Published: November 2020

The Great Sejm (1788−1792) is perceived as a turning point in Stanisław August Poniatowski's reign and as one of the most important Sejms in the history of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Studies devoted to this period concentrate in particular on parliamentary debates and deputies’ actions, as they were leading actors in this so‐called Polish mild revolution. However, an interesting line of inquiry is to ask about women's experiences, as they were also aware of the importance of these events. This paper presents conclusions arising out of analysis of women's correspondence from the Archiwum Roskie (Roskie Archives): the legacy of the Lithuanian and Polish aristocratic Sapieha, Branicki and Potocki families that is maintained at the Archiwum Główne Akt Dawnych (Central Archives of Historical Records) in Warsaw. First, the article describes the group of correspondents and the source material extracted for examination. Second, it focuses on women's approaches towards the Sejm, its deputies and its attempts to reform the Republic. Lastly, it tries to explain the factors influencing women's attitudes. The study's results allow us to gain a better understanding of elite women's political culture in the late eighteenth‐century Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
A comprehensive analysis comparing linear and generalized linear models in detecting adaptive SNPs
Authors: Luo Lan , Tang Zheng‐zheng , Schoville Sean D. , Zhu Jun
Published: November 2020

To understand how organisms adapt to their environment, a gene‐environmental association (GEA) analysis is commonly conducted. GEA methods based on mixed models, such as linear latent factor mixed models (LFMM) and LFMM2, have grown in popularity for their robust performance in terms of power and computational speed. However, it is unclear how the assumption of a Gaussian distribution for the response variables influences model performance. In this paper, we develop a generalized linear model (GLM) that allows for non‐Gaussian distribution in the genotypic response variables, and treatment of multiallelic nucleotide polymorphisms. Moreover, this multinomial logistic regression model (MLR) is combined with an admixture‐based model or principal components analysis to correct for population structure (MLR‐ADM and MLR‐PC). Using simulations, we evaluate the type 1 error, false discovery rates (FDR), and power to detect selected SNPs, to guide model choice and best practices. With genomic control, MLR‐PC and LFMM2 have similar type 1 error, FDRs, and power when analysing biallelic SNPs, while dramatically outperforming models not accounting for population structure. Differences in performance occur under continuous population structure where MLR‐PC outperforms LFMM/LFMM2, especially when a larger number of clusters or triallelic SNPs are analysed. The Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) data set shows that both MLR‐PC and LFMM2 control the inflation of ‐values. Analysis of the 1,000 Genome Project Phase 3 data set illustrates that MLR‐PC and LFMM2 produce consistent results for most significant SNPs, while MLR‐PC discovered additional SNPs corresponding to certain genes, suggesting MLR‐PC may be a useful alternative to GEA inference.
Prehospital Factors Associated With Cervical Spine Injury in Pediatric Blunt Trauma Patients
Authors: Browne Lorin R. , Ahmad Fahd A. , Schwartz Hamilton , Wallendorf Michael , Kuppermann Nathan , Lerner E. Brooke , Leonard Julie C.
Published: November 2020

Background

The risk for cervical spine injury (CSI) must be assessed in children who sustain blunt trauma. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) retrospectively derived CSI model identifies CSI risk in children based on emergency department (ED) provider observations. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the univariate association of emergency medical services (EMS) provider‐observed historical, mechanistic, and physical examination factors with CSI in injured children. Secondarily, we assessed the performance of the previously identified eight PECARN CSI risk factors (PECARN model) based exclusively on EMS provider observation.

Methods

We conducted a four‐center, prospective observational study of children 0 to 17 years old who were transported by EMS after blunt trauma and underwent spinal motion restriction or trauma team activation in the ED. In the ED, EMS providers recorded their observations for a priori determined CSI risk factors. CSIs were classified by reviewing imaging, consultations, and/or telephone follow‐up. We calculated bivariable relative risks and test characteristics for the PECARN model based solely on EMS provider observations.

Results

Of 1,372 enrolled children, 25 (1.8%) had CSIs. Of the a priori determined CSI risk factors, seven factors had bivariable associations with CSIs: axial load, altered mental status, signs of basilar skull fracture, substantial torso injury, substantial thoracic injury, respiratory distress, and decreased oxygen saturation. The PECARN model (high‐risk motor vehicle collision, diving mechanism, predisposing condition, neck pain, decreased neck mobility, altered mental status, neurologic deficits, and/or substantial torso injury) exhibited the following test characteristics when based on EMS provider observations: sensitivity = 96.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.3% to 100.0%); negative predictive value = 99.8% (95% CI = 99.4% to 100.0%); specificity = 38.5% (95% CI = 35.9% to 41.1%); and positive predictive value = 2.8% (95% CI = 1.7% to 3.9%).

Conclusion

EMS providers can identify risk factors associated with CSI in injured children who experience blunt trauma. These risk factors may be considered for inclusion in a pediatric CSI decision rule specific to the prehospital setting.
The validity of child and adolescent depression diagnoses in the Danish psychiatric central research register
Authors: Frederiksen Line Hofmann , Bilenberg Niels , Andersen Lene , Henriksen Natasha , Jørgensen Jan , Steinhausen Hans‐Christoph , Wesselhoeft Rikke
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study examined the validity of childhood depression diagnoses in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register (DPCRR) and identified predictors of validity.

Methods

A nationwide random sample of 500 children (6–17 years) diagnosed with depression between 1996 and 2016 was identified in the DPCRR. Psychiatric hospital records were reviewed and rated using an online checklist. The primary outcome was whether depressive symptoms and functional impairment documented in hospital records justified a depressive disorder diagnosis based on ICD‐10 or DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic validity was calculated as the positive predictive value. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential predictors of diagnostic validity, and these were included in a multiple logistic regression.

Results

Psychiatric hospital records were available for 393 patients (78.6%). The documentation in the records justified an ICD‐10 depressive episode diagnosis in 72.8%, and DSM‐5 major depressive disorder in 73.3% of the patients registered with a depression diagnosis. We identified three predictors of diagnostic validity: (i) The validity increased almost linearly from 2000 to 2016 (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07–1.20, p < 0.001), (ii) antidepressant use was associated with increased diagnostic validity (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.35–3.82, p = 0.002) and (iii) emergency department admission predicted low diagnostic validity (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12–0.93, p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Childhood depression diagnoses registered in the DPCRR show a satisfactory validity according to both ICD‐10 and DSM‐5 diagnostic criteria. Diagnostic validity increased steadily from 2000 to 2016 and was positively correlated with antidepressant use. Depression diagnoses assigned in emergency departments had low diagnostic validity.
Modified netting technique for capturing gazelles in Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Loliondo, Tanzania
Authors: Mdetele Daniel , Misinzo Gerald , Komba Erick , Shemanche Justin , Eblate Ernest , Mdaki Maulid , Keyyu Julius , Kock Richard
Published: November 2020

During serological surveillance of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) disease, it required capture of randomly selected herds of gazelles as part of a study to determine the epidemiological role of these species in the circulation of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). The study targeted capturing 135 Grant's gazelles (Gazella granti) from the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania. A modified netting technique was used aiming at providing safe, efficient and cost‐effective method for capture of gazelles. Locally available materials were used, and wildlife professionals guided the process of manufacturing supporting frame for the nets. Twenty (20) black metal pipes, 20 metal bars, four nets and three vehicles were used in the procedure. A total of 136 Grant's gazelles and nine Thomson's gazelles were captured in three missions. The Grant's gazelles were captured as per sample size calculated in all locations: Loliondo (n = 25), Serengeti National Park (n = 44) and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) (n = 67) using less time and minimum cost than estimated. Injuries of three fawns (2%) inadvertently captured with the groups of adults and sub‐adult animals were recorded. Comparing with 2014 and other studies, modified netting technique showed high animal and operator safety levels with minimal injuries. With this technique, it was possible to capture even flighty animals that behave nervously because of hunting and other human activities, including Thomson's gazelles, a species previously found to be difficult to capture by netting.
The global burden of illness of peanut allergy: A comprehensive literature review
Authors: Lieberman Jay A. , Gupta Ruchi S , Knibb Rebecca C. , Haselkorn Tmirah , Tilles Stephen , Mack Douglas P. , Pouessel Guillaume
Published: November 2020

Peanut allergy (PA) currently affects approximately 2% of the general population of Western nations and may be increasing in prevalence. Patients with PA and their families/caregivers bear a considerable burden of self‐management to avoid accidental peanut exposure and to administer emergency medication (adrenaline) if needed. Compared with other food allergies, PA is associated with higher rates of accidental exposure, severe reactions and potentially fatal anaphylaxis. Approximately 7%–14% of patients with PA experience accidental peanut exposure annually, and one‐third to one‐half may experience anaphylaxis, although fatalities are rare. These risks impose considerably high healthcare utilization and economic costs for patients with PA and restrictions on daily activities. Measures to accommodate patients with PA are often inadequate, with inconsistent standards for food labelling and inadequate safety policies in public establishments such as restaurants and schools. Children with PA are often bullied, resulting in sadness, humiliation and anxiety. These factors cumulatively contribute to significantly reduced health‐related quality of life for patients with PA and families/caregivers. Such factors also provide essential context for risk/benefit assessments of new PA therapies. This narrative review comprehensively assessed the various factors comprising the burden of PA.
Pathogenic Metabolisms: A Rift and the Zika Virus in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Kaup Brent Z.
Published: November 2020

The Zika virus in Brazil is often portrayed as emerging in and more severely inflicting the country’s impoverished coastal urban areas. However, the virus also impacted residents in wealthier and more rural areas. To understand how the Zika virus moved to seemingly less likely places, I bring political ecological approaches to health and disease into conversation with scholarly accounts of metabolic rifts. Making an incorporated comparison of the ways in which global finance and the Brazilian state shaped the relationship between urban and rural areas, I demonstrate how the era of modernist urban industrialisation resulted in the creation of more traditional spaces of Zika emergence in the country’s urban impoverished areas and the shift towards neoliberal agricultural extractivism resulted in the creation of seemingly more unusual spaces of Zika emergence in the wealthier less populated interior.