bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In amygdala we trust: different contributions of the basolateral and central amygdala in learning whom to trust
Authors: Sladky Ronald , Riva Federica , Rosenberger Lisa , van Honk Jack , Lamm Claus
Published: May 2021

Human societies are built on cooperation and mutual trust, but not everybody is trustworthy. Research on rodents suggests an essential role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in learning from social experiences (Hernandez-Lallement J et al., 2016), which was also confirmed in human subjects with selective bilateral BLA damage as they failed to adapt their trust behavior towards trustworthy vs. untrustworthy interaction partners (Rosenberger LA et al., 2019). However, neuroimaging in neurotypical populations did not consistently report involvement of the amygdala in trust behavior. This might be explained by the difficulty of differentiating between amygdala’s structurally and functionally different subnuclei, i.e., the BLA and central amygdala (CeA), which have even antagonistic features particularly in trust behavior (van Honk J et al., 2013). Here, we used fMRI of the amygdala subnuclei of neurotypical adults (n=31f/31m) engaging in the repeated trust game. Our data show that both the BLA and the CeA play a role and indeed differentially: While the BLA was most active when obtaining feedback on whether invested trust had been reciprocated or not, the CeA was most active when subjects were preparing their next trust decision. In the latter phase, improved learning was associated with higher activation differences in response to untrustworthy vs. trustworthy trustees, in both BLA and CeA. Our data not only translate to rodent models and support our earlier findings in BLA-damaged subjects, but also show the specific contributions of other brain structures in the amygdala-centered network in learning whom to trust, and better not to trust.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

In this fMRI study, the central amygdala was found active during trust behavior planning, while the basolateral amygdala was active during outcome evaluation. When planning trust behavior, central and basolateral amygdala activation differences between the players was related to whether participants learned to differentiate the players’ trustworthiness. Nucleus accumbens tracked whether trust was reciprocated but was not related to learning. This suggests learning whom to trust is not related to reward processing in the nucleus accumbens but rather to engagement of the basolateral amygdala. This study overcomes major empirical gaps between animal models and human neuroimaging and shows how different amygdala subnuclei and connected areas orchestrate learning to form different subjective trustworthiness beliefs about others and guide trust choice behavior.
The PPLD has advantages over conventional regression methods in application to moderately sized genome-wide association studies
Authors: Vieland Veronica J. , Seok Sang-Cheol
Published: May 2021

In earlier work, we have developed and evaluated an alternative approach to the analysis of GWAS data, based on a statistic called the PPLD. More recently, motivated by a GWAS for genetic modifiers of the X-linked Mendelian disorder Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), we adapted the PPLD for application to time-to-event (TE) phenotypes. Because DMD itself is relatively rare, this is a setting in which the very large sample sizes generally assembled for GWAS are simply not attainable. For this reason, statistical methods specially adapted for use in small data sets are required. Here we explore the behavior of the TE-PPLD via simulations, comparing the TE-PPLD with Cox Proportional Hazards analysis in the context of small to moderate sample sizes. Our results will help to inform our approach to the DMD study going forward, and they illustrate several respects in which the TE-PPLD, and by extension the original PPLD, offer advantages over regression-based approaches to GWAS in this context.
The ALOG family membersOsG1L1andOsG1L2regulate inflorescence branching in rice
Authors: Franchini Emanuela , Beretta Veronica M. , Din Israr Ud , Lacchini Elia , Van den Broeck Lisa , Sozzani Rosangela , Orozco-Arroyo Gregorio , Adam Hélène , Jouannic Stefan , Gregis Veronica , Kater Martin M.
Published: May 2021

The architecture of the rice inflorescence is an important determinant of seed yield. The length of the inflorescence and the number of branches are among the key factors determining the amount of spikelets, and thus seeds, that will develop. Especially the timing of the identity transition from indeterminate branch meristem to determinate spikelet meristem regulates the complexity of the inflorescence. In this context, theALOGgeneTAWAWA1(TAW1) has been shown to delay the transition to determinate spikelet development in rice. Recently, by combining precise laser microdissection of inflorescence meristems with RNA-seq we observed that twoALOGgenes,Oryza sativa OsG1-like 1(OsG1L1) andOsG1L2, have an expression profile similar toTAW1. Here we report thatosg1l1andosg1l2loss-of-function CRISPR mutants have similar phenotypes as thetaw1mutant, suggesting that these genes might act on related pathways during inflorescence development. Transcriptome analysis of theosg1l2mutant suggested interactions ofOsG1L2with other known inflorescence architecture regulators and the datasets were also used for the construction of a gene regulatory network (GRN) proposing interactions between genes potentially involved in controlling inflorescence development in rice.

The spatio-temporal expression profiling and phenotypical analysis of CRISPR loss-of-function mutants of the homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor geneOsHOX14suggest that the proposed GRN indeed serves as a valuable resource for the identification of new players involved in rice inflorescence development.

One-sentence summary

OsG1L1andOsG1L2control panicle architecture through delaying the transition from indeterminate branch- to determinate spikelet-meristem identity.
Crystallographic analysis and phasing of iron-assimilating protein 1 (FEA1) from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Juniar Linda , Adlfar Vida , Hippler Michael , Tanaka Hideaki , Kurisu Genji
Published: April 2021

As an essential component of protein cofactors, iron is important for all photosynthetic organisms. In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, iron levels are strictly controlled by proteins such as iron-assimilating protein 1 (FEA1). This periplasmic protein is expressed under conditions of iron deficiency, but its mechanisms of function remain unknown. Because FEA1 has no amino-acid similarity to protein structures in the Protein Data Bank, its crystal structure cannot be solved by molecular replacement. Here, recombinant FEA1 protein lacking the N-terminal signal sequence was successfully purified and crystals of apo FEA1 were obtained by hanging-drop vapor diffusion. Neither selenomethionine substitution nor heavy-atom derivatization was successful; therefore, the phase problem of FEA1 crystals was solved by the native sulfur SAD method using long-wavelength X-rays (2.7 Å). Laser-cutting technology was used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and derive an initial structure. This study will lead to further structural studies of FEA1 to understand its function and its links to the iron-assimilation pathway.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ((S,S)-2,2′-{[(1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(azaniumylylidene)methanylylidene]}bis(6-methoxyphenolato))trinitratosamarium(III)
Authors: Okumura Yuta , Takiguchi Yuji , Nakane Daisuke , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: April 2021

In the title complex, [Sm(NO3)3(C30H28N2O4)], the Sm atom is surrounded by ten O atoms. The (S,S)-2,2′-{[(1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(azaniumylylidene)methanylylidene]}bis(6-methoxyphenolate) ligand, obtained from o-vanillin and (1S,2S)-(−)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine, exhibits a slightly distorted planar arrangement of the four coordinated O atoms. In the crystal, the complex shows intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the packing are from H...H (33.5%), O...H (34.1%) and C...H (21.7%) contacts.
Molecular structure of fac-[Mo(CO)3(DMSO)3]
Authors: Elvers Benedict J. , Fischer Christian , Schulzke Carola
Published: April 2021

The title compound, tricarbonyltris(dimethyl sulfoxide)molybdenum, [Mo(C2H6OS)3(CO)3] or fac-[Mo(CO)3(DMSO)3], crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with two molecules in the unit cell. The geometry around the central molybdenum is slightly distorted octahedral and the facial isomer is found exclusively. The packing within the crystal is stabilized by three-dimensional non-classical intermolecular hydrogen-bonding contacts between individual methyl substituents of dimethyl sulfoxide and the oxygen atoms of either another dimethyl sulfoxide or a carbonyl ligand on adjacent complex molecules. The observed bond lengths in the carbonyl ligands and between carbonyl carbon atoms and molybdenum are correlated to the observed FT–IR bands for the carbonyl stretches and compared to respective metrical parameters of related complexes.
A review of innovative bond instruments for sustainable development in Asia
Authors: Prakash Nisha , Sethi Madhvi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Advancing the economies in Asia toward meeting sustainable development goals (SDGs) needs an unprecedented investment in people, processes and the planet. The participation of the private sector is necessary to bridge the financing gap to attain this objective. Engaging the private sector can contribute significantly to attaining the 2030 agenda for SD. However, the financial markets in Asian economies are yet to realize this potential. In this context, this paper aims to discuss the state of finance for SD in Asia and identifies innovative financial instruments for attracting private investments for SDs in these economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study relies on published articles, reports and policy documents on financing mechanisms for SD. The literature review covered journal data sources, reports from global institutions such as the UN, World Bank, International Monetary Fund and think-tanks operating in the field of climate change policies. Though the topic was specific to financial market instruments, a broader search was conducted to understand the different sources of sustainable finance available, particularly in Asia.

Findings

The investments that are required for meeting the SDGs remain underfunded. Though interest in sustainability is growing in the Asian economies, the financial markets are yet to transition to tap the growing interest in sustainable investing among global investors. This paper concludes that to raise capital from private investors the Asian economies should ensure information availability, reduce distortions and unblock regulatory obstacles. It would also need designing policies and introducing blended financing instruments combining private and public funds.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study has grouped Asian economies, the financing strategy for SDGs should be developed at the country-level considering the domestic financial markets, local developmental stage, fiscal capacity and nationally determined contributions. Further research can focus on developing country-specific strategies for using innovative financial instruments.

Originality/value

Mobilizing funds for implementing the 2030 Agenda for SD is a major challenge for Asian economies. The paper is addressed to national policymakers in Asian economies for developing strategies to raise capital for SD through private participation. It provides opportunities for revisiting national approaches to sustainable finance in these economies.
Servant leadership and employee productivity: a mediating and moderating role
Authors: Sudarmo  , Suhartanti Pratiwi Dwi , Prasetyanto Wahyu Eko
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to determine the relationship between servant leadership, innovation self-efficacy, corporate work culture and employee productivity in mediating and moderating role.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample was 72 supervisors and 576 employees from 72 food and beverage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in three major cities in Indonesia. SPSS and AMOS were used to test the research hypothesis using the hierarchical regression analysis test.

Findings

The results show that there was a positive and significant effect between servant leadership on innovation self-efficacy and employee productivity. Innovation self-efficacy mediates the relationship between servant leadership and employee productivity. Corporate work culture moderated the relationship between innovation self-efficacy and employee productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Future research with larger samples are needed to determine the relationship between servant leadership, innovation self-efficacy, corporate work culture and employee productivity more clearly not only on food and beverage SMEs but also on other industries. Future research needs to be carried out using experimental and longitudinal research designs.

Practical implications

There are three important practical implications based on the findings of this study. First, the results of the study provide new ideas for SME managers on how to increase the productivity of their employees, by using servant leadership which is known to be the main driver for innovation self-efficacy behavior. Second, the mediating role of innovation self-efficacy requires managers to build employee self-efficacy behavior, share more power with employees and make employees more involved in decision-making, which in turn can increase employee confidence and motivation, and their productivity. Finally, managers must realize the need to create a productive work culture in the company, by taking various actions, such as giving rewards to productive employees, making clear regulations on the company regarding working hours and company targets, and must pay attention and respect the employee's views and opinions to improve employee identification of their leaders.

Originality/value

This is the first study to build and examine the direct and indirect relationship (mediating and moderating role) between servant leadership, innovation self-efficacy, corporate work culture and employee productivity in food and beverage SMEs.
A game theory approach to selecting marketing-mix strategies
Authors: Abedian Mansour , Amindoust Atefeh , Maddahi Reza , Jouzdani Javid
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Adopting efficient marketing strategies is a challenging task in a competitive market place involving complex marketing planning, techniques and mechanisms to identify the best course of action under these circumstances and finding optimal solutions or stable outcomes. Decisions and strategies of competitors in the market influence the selection of the appropriate marketing strategy. The main purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematical methodology based on the game theory approach for planning optimal marketing-mix strategies in dynamic competitive markets, taking into account strategic foresight and interaction effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The game theory approach, as a decision-making tool in conflict situations, is suggested for planning and adopting optimal marketing strategy. The main intellectual attraction of the game theory is essentially a question of how to act in gaming situations against highly rational opponents A kind of static, finite and non-cooperative game analytics approach has been developed for this issue, and the proposed model has been implemented to design optimal marketing strategies for two top brands of the automotive parts market in Iran.

Findings

The findings of this study show that the optimal marketing-mix strategy for brand A is pricing and for brand B is the product strategy.

Practical implications

Game theory and the Nash equilibrium model can provide a practical approach to find and adopt the right strategy, know competitors' movements and strategies and get more profit.

Originality/value

The integration of the game theory approach into the marketing mix framework has been adopted as a generalized model for marketing strategy planning and analysis as well as to resolve some shortcomings of the marketing mix framework. The Nash equilibrium model has been used to analyze the results. The incorporation of game theory into marketing models has the potential to enrich the scope of marketing modeling.
Reporting practices in situations of conflicting institutional logics: the case of a German federal authority
Authors: Gisch Celina , Hirsch Bernhard , Lindermüller David
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to understand how reporting practices act as drivers of change in situations of conflicting institutional logics in a public sector organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings are based on a case study of a German federal authority, where management accounting reports were introduced as part of a “new” managerial logic of control.

Findings

In the case organisation, management accounting reports were intended to change the behaviour of executives but were still guided by an “old” logic of justification. Nevertheless, over time, the addressees of the reports used the reports and reconciled different logics. This documents a process from decoupling to compromising and, finally, reconciling different institutional logics.

Originality/value

By examining the practices of management accounting reporting, this study elaborates the tensions placed on individuals by conflicting institutional logics and provides insights into how organisational practices are used to handle and reconcile conflicting logics in a public sector organisation. Therefore, this paper contributes to the discussion on how organisational practices act as drivers of organisational change.
Determinants of the performance of Moroccan banks
Authors: Derbali Abdelkader
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The economic and financial literature dealing with the subject of bank profitability has often been based in the measurement of banking results on three main indicators: ROA, ROE and MIN. This article aims to determine and analyze the different determinants that influence bank profitability and to identify the impact of these determinants on the profitability of Moroccan banks.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a fixed individual effect model was adopted for the case of six Moroccan banks during the period of study from 1997 to 2018. The authors carried out their estimates at three levels according to three categories of profitability factors: bank factors, factors of the banking system and macroeconomic factors.

Findings

The empirical findings show that Moroccan banks react on their size to boost their performance, which further explains the continued expansion of Moroccan banking networks. The authors confirm that Moroccan banks have not yet reached a level of size that will be detrimental to their performance. Therefore, the authors can conclude that the big Moroccan banks do not follow the concept of economy of scale. The effects of the variation in the level of economic growth as well as the evolution of the level of inflation on the performance of Moroccan banks are not significant.

Originality/value

The authors’ findings and results have some important originality and value. Primarily, these results would consist of better helping the State, bankers, and bank managers to better understand the various determinants of bank profitability. The results may also help to better examine the effect of each factor, whether internal or external, on banks' bottom line.
The impact of Islamic Shariah compliance on customer satisfaction in Islamic banking services: mediating role of service quality
Authors: Ahmed Selim , Mohiuddin Muhammad , Rahman Mahfuzur , Tarique Kazi Md , Azim Md.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of Islamic Shariah compliance on customer satisfaction through the mediating effect of service quality in Islamic banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 334 completed and usable questionnaires were collected from customers of Islamic banks in Bangladesh to test the hypotheses. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 3.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that Islamic Shariah compliance has a positive and significant influence on service quality and customer satisfaction of Islamic banking services. The research findings also indicate that service quality partially mediate the relationship between Islamic Shariah compliance and customer satisfaction of Islamic banking services.

Research limitations/implications

This study only emphasized on the Islamic banking services of Bangladesh and thus findings of the present study may not be applicable to other service areas.

Practical implications

The implications of the research are twofold. First, a strong standardized effect of Islamic Shariah compliance on service quality implies that customers are very sensitive to Shariah compliance related to Islamic banking services. Next, maintaining service quality is another crucial aspect to satisfy customers of Islamic banks. Quality of services will only be materialized when all the promises made by the bank function accordingly. Therefore, strategy makers of Islamic banks should assess the customer service quality and satisfaction regularly to improve the overall service experience of customers.

Originality/value

Limited studies have been conducted to investigate the mediating effect of service quality on the relationship between Shariah compliance and customer satisfaction in Islamic banking services. This study provides valuable insights to Islamic bank to integrate the service quality along with Shariah compliance to enhance customer satisfaction.
The strategy and change interface: understanding “enabling” processes and cognitions
Authors: Zubac Angelina , Dasborough Marie , Hughes Kate , Jiang Zhou , Kirkpatrick Shelley , Martinsons Maris G. , Tucker Danielle , Zwikael Ofer
Published: May 2021

The aim of this special issue is to better understand the strategy and change interface, in particular, the (sub)processes and cognitions that enable strategies to be successfully implemented and organizations effectively changed. The ten papers selected for this special issue reflect a range of scholarly traditions and, thus, as our review and integration of the relevant literatures, and our introductions to the ten papers demonstrate, they shed light on the strategy and change interface in starkly different ways. Collectively, the papers give us more insight into the recursive activities, and structural, organizational learning and cognitive mechanisms that are encouraged or deliberately established at organizations to allow their people to successfully implement a strategy and effect change, including achieve greater levels of horizontal alignment. Moreover, they demonstrate the benefits associated with establishing platforms and/or routines designed to overcome decision-makers’ cognitive shortcomings while implementing a strategy or making timely adjustments to it. We conclude our editorial by identifying some yet unanswered questions.
COVID‐19: vaccination problems
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: April 2021

This minireview addresses problems of financing the vaccine development, regulatory questions, the ethics and efficacy of vaccine prioritization strategies and the coverage of variant viruses by current vaccines. Serious adverse effects observed with adenovirus vectored vaccines and mRNA vaccines in mass vaccination campaigns are reported. The ethical problems of continuing with placebo controlled vaccine trials and alternative clinical trial protocols are discussed as well as concrete vaccination issues such as the splitting of doses, the delaying of the second dose, the immunization with two different vaccine types and the need of vaccinating seropositive subjects. Strategies to increase vaccine acceptance in the population are shortly mentioned.
Planning for the next pandemic: Reflections on the early phase of the AustralianCOVID‐19 public health response from the emergency department
Authors: Govindasamy Laksmi Sakura , Hsiao Kai Hsun , Foong Lai Heng , Judkins Simon
Published: April 2021

EDs play a crucial role as frontline health services throughout public health emergencies, including pandemics. The strength of the Australian public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has mitigated the impact of the pandemic on clinical services, but there has still been a substantial impact on EDs and the health system. We revisit major events and lessons from the first wave of COVID‐19 in Australia to consider the implications and avenues for system‐level improvements for future pandemic and public health emergency response for EDs. Notwithstanding, the remarkable efforts of healthcare workers across the health system, COVID‐19 has uncovered structural and planning challenges and highlighted weaknesses and strengths of the Australian federation. In anticipating future pandemics and other public health threats, particularly in the face of climate change, hard‐won lessons from the COVID‐19 response should be incorporated in future planning, policies, practice and advocacy.
The Problem is not Covid‐19, it's the Model! Industrial Agriculture and Migrant Farm Labour in the EU
Authors: Molinero‐Gerbeau Yoan
Published: May 2021

The Covid‐19 crisis has shed light on two structural problems that affect a large part of the European model of industrial fruit and vegetable production, mainly in Spain and Italy: excessive dependence on foreign labour and the appalling social and working conditions of these migrant workers. Despite the current intense debates that have arisen on this topic, this is not a new issue but a chronic problem, which has characterised much of the agricultural production in the EU for over two decades. In order to understand how and why this point has been reached, a historical review of the evolution of the primary sector, mainly in southern Europe, and its link to migration, is carried out to ascertain whether the pandemic has aggravated the terrible consequences, mainly for migrant workers, of a socially unsustainable model. The aim is to lay the foundations for a debate on the direction in which European agriculture is heading, and which contributions, such as reforming the CAP and conditioning its funds to decent working conditions can be made towards building a fairer and more sustainable model over time.
The role of HR attributions in the HRM – Outcome relationship: Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Sanders Karin , Guest David , Rodrigues Ricardo
Published: April 2021

Human resource (HR) process research seeks to explain the relationship between HR practices and employee outcomes and organisational performance. This body of research examines the HR implementation process, particularly the role of line managers, and the employees' HR sense‐making process. Among these processes, one promising line of research explores the antecedents and consequences of employees' HR attributions or beliefs about why their organisation implements specific HR practices. However, research on these HR attributions has been rather limited leading to this special issue to advance our knowledge of this field. In this Introduction to the special issue we review the current ‘state‐of‐the‐art’ and highlight the research questions which we invited contributors to address. We outline how the articles advance our knowledge and help to promote a future research agenda.
Exosome‐derived miR‐210 involved in resistance to osimertinib and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in EGFR mutant non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Hisakane Kakeru , Seike Masahiro , Sugano Teppei , Yoshikawa Akiko , Matsuda Kuniko , Takano Natsuki , Takahashi Satoshi , Noro Rintaro , Gemma Akihiko
Published: May 2021

Background

Osimertinib is a third‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) approved for the treatment of patients with EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the mechanisms of acquired drug resistance to osimertinib have not as yet been clarified. Exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in carcinogenesis and drug resistance in human cancers.

Methods

We used previously established osimertinib‐resistant HCC827 (HCC827‐OR) and PC‐9 (PC‐9‐OR) cells. We evaluated the profiles of exosomal miRNA associated with resistance to osimertinib in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cells.

Results

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenomenon was observed in HCC827‐OR and PC‐9‐OR cells. Microarray and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that miR‐210‐3p was co‐upregulated in exosomes isolated from HCC827‐OR and PC‐9‐OR cells compared with those isolated from parental HCC827 and PC‐9 cells. HCC827‐OR cell‐derived exosomes induced EMT changes and resistance to osimertinib in HCC827 cells. Subsequently, the induction of miR‐210‐3p directly promoted the EMT phenomenon and resistance to osimertinib in HCC827 cells.

Conclusions

Exosomal miR‐210‐3p may play a crucial role in resistance to osimertinib in the tumor microenvironment of EGFR‐mutant NSCLC.
CD8‐positive peripheral T cell lymphoma in a patient following long‐term nivolumab for advanced lung adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Koda Keigo , Toyoshima Mikio , Yazawa Shusuke , Fukada Atsuki , Sugimura Haruhiko , Suda Takafumi
Published: May 2021

A 54‐year‐old male smoker presented with hemoptysis. Advanced lung adenocarcinoma, cT1cN3M1b, stage IVB, was diagnosed. Enlargement of multiple intraperitoneal and inguinal lymph nodes and peripheral atypical lymphocytosis appeared after 33 cycles of second‐line treatment with nivolumab, and a specimen obtained by left inguinal lymph node biopsy showed peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL), not otherwise specified. Lymphoma cells expressed CD3+, CD8+, and CD56+, but not CD4+ or PD‐1. Despite systemic chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, and prednisolone, the patient died of PTCL 864 days after the initial visit. The possible relationship between treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and PTCL development is discussed here.
Linking fire behaviour and its ecological effects to plant traits, using FRaME in R
Authors: Zylstra Philip
Published: May 2021

Floral fire ecology incorporates a feedback loop in which plants influence fire behaviour and fire behaviour influences the flora. Recent advances in fire behaviour modelling have quantified many plant‐based drivers of fire behaviour, but the consequent ecological effects of this have not yet been adequately modelled mechanistically.

Here, I introduce the Fire Research and Modelling Environment (FRaME) as the open‐source R package frame on GitHub. FRaME calculates the influence of plants on fire behaviour using a biophysical, mechanistic model of fire behaviour, building this into complex simulations. From these, it models heat transfer from flames into surrounding surfaces, calculating its ecological effects on plants and soils. I demonstrate the application of the central analysis functions using a detailed case study, in which I validate predictions of fire behaviour and ecological effects, and derive quantitative measures for the efficacy of different management treatments to mitigate fire risk to a vulnerable ecosystem.

FRaME modelling predicted ecological effects such as the breaking of seed dormancy, scorch and the girdling of different tree strata, consistent with observed effects and providing insights into treatment efficacy that were not captured by existing assumptions. FRaME analyses were able to identify treatments that both increased the likelihood of success in containing fires and minimised fire impacts on a fire‐sensitive ecosystem.

FRaME provides a platform to examine the full role of fire in an ecosystem, from the ways that biota drive flammability to the influence of that flammability on the ecosystem. By mechanistically incorporating the effect of biophysical drivers throughout this feedback, FRaME can provide novel insights and solutions for complex problems, quantify risk and guide effective mitigation measures. The model is extensible, providing a conceptual framework into which emerging work on flammability and fire effects can be incorporated.
Prohibitin depletion extends lifespan of a TORC2/SGK‐1 mutant through autophagy and the mitochondrial UPR
Authors: de la Cruz‐Ruiz Patricia , Hernando‐Rodríguez Blanca , Pérez‐Jiménez Mercedes M. , Rodríguez‐Palero María Jesús , Martínez‐Bueno Manuel D. , Pla Antoni , Gatsi Roxani , Artal‐Sanz Marta
Published: May 2021

Mitochondrial prohibitins (PHB) are highly conserved proteins with a peculiar effect on lifespan. While PHB depletion shortens lifespan of wild‐type animals, it enhances longevity of a plethora of metabolically compromised mutants, including target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) mutants sgk‐1 and rict‐1. Here, we show that sgk‐1 mutants have impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, lipogenesis and yolk formation, plausibly due to alterations in membrane lipid and sterol homeostasis. Remarkably, all these features are suppressed by PHB depletion. Our analysis shows the requirement of SRBP1/SBP‐1 for the lifespan extension of sgk‐1 mutants and the further extension conferred by PHB depletion. Moreover, although the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) and autophagy are induced in sgk‐1 mutants and upon PHB depletion, they are dispensable for lifespan. However, the enhanced longevity caused by PHB depletion in sgk‐1 mutants requires both, the UPRmt and autophagy, but not mitophagy. We hypothesize that UPRmt induction upon PHB depletion extends lifespan of sgk‐1 mutants through autophagy and probably modulation of lipid metabolism.
Influence of chelating solutions on tubular dentin sealer penetration: A systematic review with network meta‐analysis
Authors: de Souza Matos Felipe , Rosatto Camila Maria Peres de , Cunha Thaís Christina , Vidigal Maria Tereza Campos , Blumenberg Cauane , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes
Published: May 2021

This systematic review assessed the influence of conventional final irrigation with chelating solutions (CS) on tubular dentin sealer penetration (TDSP). The literature search was conducted in eight electronic databases using MeSH, DeCS, EMTREE and free terms. The study protocol followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42020203080). Twelve studies were included, and a qualitative synthesis and network meta‐analysis of the data were performed. The risk of bias of the studies was assessed using an adaptation of the JBI Critical Appraisal tool. QMix was the solution with the highest probability of having the highest percentage of TDSP in the apical (34.1%), middle (86.5%) and coronal (97.7%) thirds. Eleven studies presented a moderate risk of bias, whereas one study presented a high risk of bias. In conclusion, CS improves sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules with QMix demonstrating superior results.
Preemptive Incentives and Liability Rules for Wildfire Risk Management
Authors: Langpap Christian , Wu JunJie
Published: April 2021

Wildfires in the U.S. are growing in extent and severity, causing billions of dollars in damage each year. Wildfire policy has increased its focus on integrating fire suppression with risk mitigation through fuel reduction. In this context incentives to elicit management activities that mitigate fire risk are critical, because landowners may not carry out sufficient risk mitigation on their own. We examine the effectiveness and welfare implications of several incentive policies, including two novel approaches not studied in the context of wildfire management: liability rules and voluntary agreements. Our analysis uses a threshold model of public good provision, which allows for each landowner's mitigation choices to depend on the total amount of mitigation in the landscape. Our results suggest that the risk mitigation threshold is critical in determining the effectiveness and welfare effects of different incentive programs. When the threshold is high, only voluntary agreements and cost sharing can increase mitigation effort and welfare. Negligence standards can also be effective and welfare enhancing but only when the mitigation threshold is sufficiently low.
Asynchronous pineoblastoma is more likely after early diagnosis of retinoblastoma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: de Jong Marcus C. , Shaikh Furqan , Gallie Brenda , Kors Wijnanda A. , Jansen Robin W. , Dommering Charlotte , de Graaf Pim , Moll Annette C. , Dimaras Helen , Shroff Manohar , Kivelä Tero T. , Soliman Sameh E.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To determine the risk of patients with an early diagnosis of heritable retinoblastoma being diagnosed with TRb (or pineoblastoma) asynchronously in a later stage and its effect on screening.

Methods

We updated the search (PubMed and Embase) for published literature as performed by our research group in 2014 and 2019. Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) patients were eligible for inclusion if identifiable as unique and the age at which TRb was diagnosed was available. The search yielded 97 new studies. Three new studies and eight new patients were included. Combined with 189 patients from the previous meta‐analysis, the database included 197 patients. The main outcome was the percentage of asynchronous TRb in patients diagnosed before and after preset age thresholds of 6 and 12 months of age at retinoblastoma diagnosis.

Results

Seventy‐nine per cent of patients with pineoblastoma are diagnosed with retinoblastoma before the age of 12 months. However, baseline MRI screening at time of retinoblastoma diagnosis fails to detect the later diagnosed pineal TRb in 89% of patients. We modelled that an additional MRI performed at the age of 29 months picks up 53% of pineoblastomas in an asymptomatic phase. The detection rate increased to 72%, 87% and 92%, respectively, with 2, 3 and 4 additional MRIs.

Conclusions

An MRI of the brain in heritable retinoblastoma before the age of 12 months misses most pineoblastomas, while retinoblastomas are diagnosed most often before the age of 12 months. Optimally timed additional MRI scans of the brain can increase the asymptomatic detection rate of pineoblastoma.
Effect of hay with or without concentrate or pellets on growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs on the Inner Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Bu Zhenkun , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Du Shuai
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs fed native grass hay without or with concentrate (HC) or pellets. Ninety non‐castrated 6‐month‐old male lambs of good health and similar body weight (26.83 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (five lambs per cage). The average daily gain and intake of the pellets and HC groups were significantly greater (p < .05) than those in the hay group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin eye area, and backfat thickness were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC groups. The intramuscular fat was significantly greater (p < .05) in the pellets and HC groups, while the shear force was significantly decreased (p < .05) in pellets and HC groups. The C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, and C18:2n6 contents were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC and pellet groups, while the C18:3n3 content was significantly greater (p < .05) in the hay group. Collectively, the present study suggested that feeding native grass hay with concentrate or pellets improved the growth in lambs.
Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving, in the umbilical vein at calving, and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses
Authors: Kawashima Chiho , Kume Sakura , Yamagishi Norio
Published: May 2021

Dairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late‐pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (−1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (−1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.
Fine structure of the brain in Amphinomida (Annelida)
Authors: Beckers Patrick , Tilic Ekin
Published: May 2021

Amphinomida, some also known as fireworms, are not only notorious for their painful sting but also their painfully difficult phylogenetic placement. Current understanding of the annelid tree of life suggests a close affinity with Sipuncula, the unsegmented and sessile peanut worms. This sister‐group relationship is hard to explain from a morphological perspective. Here, we present the results of our histological and ultrastructural study of the central nervous system in two distantly related amphinomids: Euphrosine foliosa (Euphrosinidae) and Eurythoe complanta (Amphinomidae). We provide detailed morphological information, aiming to set up the groundwork for future comparative studies and to gain insight into the evolution of annelid nervous systems. We not only compare our observations among the two species but also discuss their implications for annelids in general and more specifically for the sipunculan affinity. The central nervous system in Amphinomida differs both from other errantian annelids and also from Sipuncula and shows no clear synapomorphies that would argue for or against their current phylogenetic placement.
ZNF213 negatively controls triple negative breast cancer progression via Hippo/YAP signaling
Authors: Liu Yun , Su Peng , Zhao Wuchen , Li Xin , Yang Xiao , Fan Jianing , Yang Huijie , Yan Cheng , Mao Lanzhi , Ding Yinlu , Zhu Jian , Niu Zhiguo , Zhuang Ting
Published: May 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide, while the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and virulent subtype in breast cancers. Compared with luminal type breast cancers, which could be well controlled by endocrine treatment, TNBC is worse in prognosis and lack of effective targeted therapy. Thus, it would be interesting and meaningful to identify novel therapeutic targets for TNBC treatments. Recent genomic data showed the activation of Hippo/YAP signaling in TNBC, indicating its critical roles in TNBC carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Hippo/YAP signaling could subject to several kinds of protein modifications, including ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Quite a few studies have demonstrated these modifications, which controlled YAP protein stability and turnover, played critical role in Hippo signaling activation In our current study, we identified ZNF213 as a negative modifier for Hippo/YAP axis. ZNF213 depletion promoted TNBC cell migration and invasion, which could be rescued by further YAP silencing. ZNF213 knocking down facilitated YAP protein stability and Hippo target gene expression, including CTGF and CYR61. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that ZNF213 associated with YAP and facilitated YAP K48‐linked poly‐ubiquitination at several YAP lysine sites (K252, K254, K321 and K497). Besides, the clinical data showed that ZNF213 negatively correlated with YAP protein level and Hippo target gene expression in TNBC samples. ZNF213 expression correlated with good prognosis in TNBC patients. Our data provided novel insights in YAP proteolytic regulation and TNBC progression.
Prevalence and characteristics of illegal jaguar trade in north‐western Bolivia
Authors: Arias Melissa , Hinsley Amy , Nogales‐Ascarrunz Paola , Negroes Nuno , Glikman Jenny Anne , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: May 2021

Recent seizures of jaguar body parts in Bolivia have prompted concern about illegal trade to China, but a detailed understanding of this emerging trade continues to be lacking. We interviewed 1,107 people in a rural area implicated in the trade, using direct and indirect questions through the Ballot Box Method (BBM) to explore the prevalence and characteristics of the illegal jaguar trade and its links to foreign demand. Jaguar trade is a common, and mostly non‐sensitive practice; 46% of respondents reported some involvement over the past 5 years. The most common behavior was owning jaguar body parts, such as skins, fat and teeth for decorative, medicinal, and cultural purposes. The most mentioned traders were Bolivian, followed by traders of Asian descent. However, regression analysis shows that the presence of traders of European descent was more significantly and positively associated with jaguar trade related behaviors, ahead of Asian descent and regional traders. Overall, jaguar trade in Bolivia has more diverse actors and drivers than seizures may suggest. Therefore, conservation interventions, in addition to targeting demand from Chinese wildlife markets, should address other foreign and domestic markets and trade chains.
Application of machine learning to predict reduction in total PANSS score and enrich enrollment in schizophrenia clinical trials
Authors: Podichetty Jagdeep T. , Silvola Rebecca M. , Rodriguez‐Romero Violeta , Bergstrom Richard F. , Vakilynejad Majid , Bies Robert R. , Stratford Robert E.
Published: May 2021

Clinical trial efficiency, defined as facilitating patient enrollment, and reducing the time to reach safety and efficacy decision points, is a critical driving factor for making improvements in therapeutic development. The present work evaluated a machine learning (ML) approach to improve phase II or proof‐of‐concept trials designed to address unmet medical needs in treating schizophrenia. Diagnostic data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) trial were used to develop a binary classification ML model predicting individual patient response as either “improvement,” defined as greater than 20% reduction in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score, or “no improvement,” defined as an inadequate treatment response (<20% reduction in total PANSS). A random forest algorithm performed best relative to other tree‐based approaches in model ability to classify patients after 6 months of treatment. Although model ability to identify true positives, a measure of model sensitivity, was poor (<0.2), its specificity, true negative rate, was high (0.948). A second model, adapted from the first, was subsequently applied as a proof‐of‐concept for the ML approach to supplement trial enrollment by identifying patients not expected to improve based on their baseline diagnostic scores. In three virtual trials applying this screening approach, the percentage of patients predicted to improve ranged from 46% to 48%, consistently approximately double the CATIE response rate of 22%. These results show the promising application of ML to improve clinical trial efficiency and, as such, ML models merit further consideration and development.
A dissecting aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva involving the inter‐ventricsular septum in a patient with syphilis and a quadricuspid aortic valve
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhong Yue , Rao Li , Bai Wenjuan
Published: April 2021

Aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare, with dissecting aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva that extend into the inter‐ventricular septum being even more rare. This report describes a young patient with syphilis and a quadricuspid aortic valve who experienced a spontaneously dissecting aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva and the basal inter‐ventricular septum.