bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does mandatory CSR provide long-term benefits to shareholders?
Authors: Juniarti Juniarti
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) aims to protect the long-term benefit of shareholders; therefore, this study aims to seek empirical evidence for the benefit of mandatory CSR from the perspective of shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Consistent with the objective of this study, the long-term shareholder benefit is measured using the sustainability perspective. Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange that have at least five years of CSR implementation, as its mandate and have retroactive earnings data for minimum six years before the observation year are selected as the study’s sample.

Findings

The findings support that mandated CSR protects long-term shareholder value; there is a significant association between CSR and sustainable shareholder value. Industry profiles are an essential aspect of the association model. The results are robust through testing the association for various scenarios of time.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses a single measurement of shareholder value based only on accounting measurement. Further, due to limitations in accessing internal company data, this study relies on annual reporting information to measure CSR implementation.

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the long-term benefit of mandatory CSR from the shareholders' perspective. This study also contributes to the existing literature by evaluating the success of mandatory CSR in developing countries. Those that successfully implemented mandatory CSR can serve as a model for other developing countries interested in creating similar policies to encourage socially responsible companies.
Understanding the relationship of self-service technology quality with user adoption using SSTQUAL
Authors: Ghosh Manimay
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The study aimed to examine the antecedents to self-service technology (SST) adoption behavior and the relationships between the constructs using empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on synthesis of the extant literature, a model was hypothesized, hypotheses were framed. Field data collected were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Few interesting findings were noted in this research. First, SST service quality had a direct positive linkage with perceived value, but no linkage with e-satisfaction. Second, strong positive linkage existed between perceived value and e-satisfaction. Therefore, the connection between SST service quality and satisfaction was completely mediated by perceived value. Third, no relationship existed between perceived value and behavioral intentions, but a direct positive relationship existed between e-satisfaction and behavioral intentions. Thus, the relationship of perceived value with behavioral intentions was fully mediated by e-satisfaction. Fourth, no direct connection was found between SST service quality and behavioral intentions. Rather, the connection was fully mediated by perceived value and e-satisfaction. Fifth, direct positive association was found between behavioral intentions and actual adoption of SST.

Research limitations/implications

This empirical research was conducted primarily on the young population.

Practical implications

The study will benefit managers in making better decisions on how to make SST work successfully for their organizations.

Originality/value

First, this research further refined the SST adoption process of a customer, thus making a meaningful contribution to the literature on SST. Second, the research validated SSTQUAL scale in a different geographical setting.
Real‐world efficacy and safety data of nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy in Japanese patients with advanced melanoma
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Namikawa Kenjiro , Ogata Dai , Nakano Eiji , Jinnai Shunichi , Nakama Kenta , Tsutsui Keita , Muto Yusuke , Mizuta Haruki , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: July 2020

The efficacy and safety of nivolumab + ipilimumab combination therapy were retrospectively examined in Japanese patients with unresectable advanced melanoma in clinical practice. Fifty‐seven patients with advanced melanoma received the nivolumab + ipilimumab combination therapy. The primary site was cutaneous, mucosal, uveal and unknown in 35, 16, two and four patients, respectively. The overall response rate was 26.3%, with complete response observed in two (3.5%) patients, partial response in 13 (22.8%), stable disease in 12 (21.1%) and progressive disease in 30 (52.6%). The response rate in the treatment‐naive and prior systemic therapy group was 40.7% and 13.3%, respectively. For those treated with a single immune checkpoint inhibitor followed by the nivolumab + ipilimumab combination therapy as second‐line therapy after disease progression, the response rate was 18.8%. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in all patients was 3.3 and 14 months, respectively. Median PFS in the treatment‐naive and prior systemic therapy groups was 13 and 2 months, respectively. Median OS was unreached in the treatment‐naive group and was 6.3 months in prior systemic therapy groups. There was no significant difference in PFS and OS for non‐acral, acral and mucosal melanoma. Adverse events occurred in 86% of patients; 56.1% were grade 3 or worse. The response rate in an actual clinical setting, including the prior systemic therapy group, was lower than that in the global study and the Japanese phase II study. However, in the treatment‐naive group, the rate was equivalent to that in the Japanese phase II study. PFS and OS in the treatment‐naive group were comparable with those in the global study and Japanese phase II study, suggesting that the treatment was effective. The proportion of grade 3 and 4 immune‐related adverse events was as high as that in the global study and Japanese phase II study.
Circulating Treg cells from patients with cerebral aneurysms displayed deficiency in ICOS expression and function
Authors: Zhao Ming‐Guang , Peng Cheng , Li Li‐Ming , Chen Lu , Zhang Hai‐Feng
Published: July 2020

Inducible costimulator (ICOS) is a member of the CD28 family. When activated, ICOS signalling promotes FOXP3 CNS2 gene demethylation and stabilizes Treg differentiation. Cerebral aneurysm (CA) is the local ballooning of the cerebral vasculature, characterized by higher levels of inflammation mediators and tissue remodelling. FOXP3+ Treg cell dysfunction may contribute to CA pathogenesis. In this study, the expression and function of ICOS in Treg cells was investigated. Circulating CD4+CD25hi T cells from CA subjects demonstrated significantly lower levels of ICOS expression than circulating CD4+CD25hi T cells from healthy subjects. In both healthy subjects and CA subjects, FOXP3+ Treg cells were highly concentrated in the ICOS+ fraction of CD4+CD25hi T cells. Anti‐ICOS costimulation, in combination with anti‐CD3 and IL‐2, significantly increased FOXP3 expression in CD4+CD25hiICOS+ T cells but not in CD4+CD25hiICOS‐ T cells. In addition, anti‐CD3/IL‐2 and anti‐ICOS costimulation significantly elevated the expression of IL‐10 and TGF‐β, decreased the expression of IL‐17, and enhanced CD4+CD25hiICOS+ T cell‐mediated suppression of autologous CD4+CD25‐ Tconv proliferation. Interestingly, CD4+CD25hiICOS+ T cells from CA subjects presented lower responsiveness toward anti‐ICOS costimulation than CD4+CD25hiICOS+ T cells from healthy subjects. Overall, these results demonstrated that ICOS signalling could significantly improve FOXP3 expression and enhance Treg functional potency. However, circulating Treg cells from CA patients displayed reduced ICOS expression and lower responsiveness toward anti‐ICOS stimulation.
A mismatch in care: results of a United Kingdom‐wide patient and clinician survey of gynaecological services for women with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Ryan NAJ , Nobes M , Sedgewick D , Teoh S‐N , Evans DG , Crosbie EJ
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe the current testing practice, referral pathways and gynaecological services available to women with Lynch syndrome (LS) in the UK.

Design

Cross‐sectional nationwide survey of gynaecological oncologists and women with LS.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Methods

Gynaecological oncologists were contacted directly. Women with LS were identified from national and regional clinical databases and the patient support group, Lynch syndrome UK.

Main outcome measures

Gynaecological oncologists were asked to report rates of LS testing and current practice regarding risk‐reducing strategies and gynaecological surveillance for women with LS. Women with LS were asked to describe their experiences of gynaecological care.

Results

In total, 41 gynaecological oncologists and 298 women with LS responded to the survey. Of the gynaecological oncologists surveyed, 37% were unfamiliar with any clinical guidelines for the management of LS. Only 29% of gynaecological oncologists supported universal testing of endometrial cancer for LS; one centre routinely performed such testing. In all, 83% said they perform risk‐reducing gynaecological surgery and 43% were aware of a local gynaecological surveillance service for women with LS. Of women with LS, most had undergone a hysterectomy (n = 191/64.1%), most frequently to reduce their gynaecological cancer risk (n = 86/45%). A total of 10% were initially referred for LS testing by their gynaecologist and 55% of those eligible regularly attended gynaecological surveillance; however, 62% wanted more regular surveillance. Regional variation was evident across all standards of care.

Conclusions

There is widespread variation in the services offered to women with LS in the UK. As a community, gynaecological oncologists should move towards a nationally agreed provision of services.

Tweetable abstract

A mismatch in care for mismatch repair. Survey finds significant variation in gynaecological care for #Lynchsyndrome in the UK.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Assay for Genetic Identification of Lophophora williamsii*
Authors: Lee Minji , Jung Ju Yeon , Choi Sungsoo , Seol Ilung , Moon Seohyun , Hwang In Kwan
Published: July 2020

Lophophora is a member of the Cactaceae family, which contains two species: Lophophora williamsii and L. diffusa. Lophophora williamsii is an illegal plant containing mescaline, a hallucinogenic alkaloid. In this study, a novel method based on a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assay was developed for identifying L. williamsii; this assay reliably detects SNPs within chloroplast DNA (rbcL, matK, and trnL‐trnF IGS) and was validated for identifying Lophophora and L. williamsii simultaneously. The chloroplast DNA sequences from four L. williamsii and three L. diffusa plants were obtained and compared using DNA sequence data from approximately 300 other Cactaceae species available in GenBank. From this sequence data, a total of seven SNPs were determined to be suitable for identifying L. williamsii. A multiplex assay was constructed using the ABI PRISM® SNaPshot™ Multiplex Kit (Applied Biosystems, Forster City, CA) to analyze species‐specific SNPs. Using this multiplex assay, we clearly distinguished the Lophophora among 19 species in the Cactaceae family. Additionally, L. williamsii was distinguished from L. diffusa. These results suggest that the newly developed assay may help resolve crimes related to illegal distribution and use. This multiplex assay will be useful for the genetic identification of L. williamsii and can complement conventional methods of detecting mescaline.
Award “Retired” Over R. A. Fisher's Links to Eugenics
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: July 2020

COPSS ends Fisher Award and Lecture following international protests against racism and discrimination
Combined neat model for the prognosis of postoperative stage III‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhai Yirui , Hui Zhouguang , Men Yu , Luo Yang , Gao Yushun , Kang Jingjing , Sun Xin , Wang Jianyang
Published: July 2020

Background

Lung cancer serum tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21‐1), and carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125) as prognostic predictors is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between these markers and the survival of patients with postoperative stage III‐N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We enrolled 1011 patients with pathologically confirmed stage III‐N2 NSCLC who underwent resection and whose pretreatment serum tumor marker levels were available. Patients were categorized according to their serum levels into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk groups. Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), local regional relapse‐free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were calculated from the date of resection. Their association with each serum tumor marker was assessed using the log‐rank test.

Results

Abnormal CEA levels were associated with worse five‐year OS, PFS and DMFS; abnormal CYFRA21‐1 levels were associated with worse five‐year OS and LRFS; and abnormal CA125 levels were associated with worse five‐year OS, PFS, LRFS and DMFS. Among the risk groups, there were significant differences in five‐year OS, PFS, LRFS and DMFS (P = 0.000). In propensity score matching analysis, the model also achieved prognostic significance for all four survival classifications (P = 0.001–0.004) among the three risk groups.

Conclusions

The combined model achieved prognostic significance for all survival outcome types. The serum tumor markers tested are useful prognostic predictors for postoperative NSCLC patients but not for all survival outcomes. The combination of the three indices is more reliable in predicting all four of the survival outcomes.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Serum CEA, CYFRA21‐1, and CA125 levels can be used as prognostic factors of postoperative N2 non‐small cell lung cancer patients but not for all survival outcomes, suggesting that combinative detection of all three indices would be more reliable.

What this study adds

Our model utilizes available technology, with conventional cutoff values, inexpensive costs, and simple mathematics methods and, thus, can be feasibly employed by clinicians or oncologists.
Slow associative learning in alcohol dependence and the alcohol cue exposure treatment paradox
Authors: Buckfield Carl , Sinclair Julia M. A. , Glautier Steven
Published: July 2020

Aims

To examine two explanations for the observation that cue–exposure treatment has not been clearly effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence: do alcohol‐dependent individuals have either (1) slower extinction and/or (2) greater contextual specificity of extinction than non‐dependent individuals?

Design

In two exploratory laboratory experiments we used mixed factorial designs with two‐group between‐subjects factors and within‐subjects factors corresponding to performance in different parts of a computer‐based learning task.

Setting

University of Southampton psychology research laboratories and two addiction treatment services in the city of Southampton, UK.

Participants

Experiment 1: 74 (54 female) undergraduates from the University of Southampton (age mean = 20.4 years). Experiment 2: 102 (40 female) participants from the University of Southampton, the local community, and from two Southampton alcohol treatment services (age mean = 41.3 years).

Measurements

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a 1‐week time‐line follow‐back alcohol consumption questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (11th edn), and a computerized learning task. Experiment 2 additionally used the 44‐item Big Five Inventory, a drug use history checklist, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Findings

Experiment 1: light and heavy drinkers did not differ significantly in extinction [extinction block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.761,
, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0,0.028)] or on contextual control of extinction [recovery block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.514,
, 95% CI =(0, 0.084)]. Experiment 2: slower extinction in abstinent alcohol‐dependent participants compared with light drinkers [extinction block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.023,
, 95% CI = 0, 0.069)] but no significant difference on contextual control of extinction [recovery block × drinking status interaction, P = 0.069,
, 95% CI = (0, 0.125)].

Conclusion

Abstinent alcohol‐dependent people may have slower extinction learning for alcohol‐related cues than non‐dependent light drinkers.
Frequent planned fire can prevent succession to woody plant dominance in montane temperate grasslands
Authors: Kirkpatrick James , Gilfedder Louise , Duncan Fred , Wapstra Mark
Published: July 2020

Natural temperate grasslands are endangered throughout their range, largely because of their almost complete conversion to agriculture, and by changes in fire and grazing regimes. Woody encroachment by shrubs is a global threat to the structure, function and composition of grasslands. We wished to determine the characteristics of fire regimes that prevent or reverse woody plant encroachment, maintain native species richness and minimise exotic plant invasion in temperate grassland at the Surrey Hills Tasmania, where a fire management plan with variable prescriptions had been implemented for two decades. We collected floristic, fire regime and environmental data from 105 quadrats (1 × 10 m) in 2016/2017, and compared the data from 2016/2017 to that from a 1994 survey using the same methods. A high frequency and cover of native shrubs characterised areas unburned for at least 20 years before 2017, but not those unburned in the 20 years before 1994. Shrub cover began to strongly increase after a decade without fire and was greater on larger plains. Native species richness declined with an increasing minimum interval between fires and increased with elevation. It began to decline at the quadrat scale when shrub cover attained 40%. In the data set as a whole, 17 of the 67 most abundant taxa were absent from all quadrats unburned for 20 years before 2017, indicating a high potential for loss of species at a landscape scale in the absence of fire. Exotic species cover was randomly distributed in relation to fire regimes and environment. The current fire management regime has largely been at a sufficient frequency and minimum interval (approximately a decade between fires) to maintain the grassiness and native species richness of treated plains, which is fortunate given that recent land‐use change appears to have resulted in increased frequency of shrubs independent of their cover.
Mistletoe litter accelerates the decomposition of recalcitrant host litter in a semi‐arid savanna, south‐west Zimbabwe
Authors: Ndagurwa Hilton G. T. , Maponga Tsitsi S. , Muvengwi Justice
Published: July 2020

Litter mixing plays an important role in enhancing carbon and nutrient cycling, but little is known about the effects of nutrient‐rich mistletoe litter on the decomposition of slow‐decaying litter in nutrient‐poor environments. We investigated the effects of mistletoe litter on the decomposition and nutrient release of hostVachellia karroolitter in semi‐arid savanna, south‐west Zimbabwe. Mass loss and nutrient release was quantified in litter of each single species, two‐species, three‐species and four‐species mixtures of mistletoe,Erianthemum ngamicum,Plicosepalus kalachariensisandViscum verrucosum, and the hostV. karrooin 30 × 30 cm nylon‐mesh litterbags under field conditions at 2‐month intervals for one year. Repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used to test the effects of litter type, incubation time and their interaction on mass loss and nutrient release. The effects of initial litter quality, incubation time and litter mixture on decomposition rate were also tested. Litter mixtures of mistletoes andV. karroodecomposed three times faster thanV. karroodecomposing alone, and decomposition of litter mixtures was influenced by initial litter quality and incubation time. Further, non‐additive effects are reported, with synergistic interactions being greater after 12 months and common regarding mass loss, phosphorus and carbon, whereas antagonistic interactions were common in nitrogen release. These effects varied both in magnitude and direction between litter‐mixing treatments and with incubation time (P < 0.05). Our findings show that mistletoe litter enhance the decomposition of recalcitrant host litter consistent with findings in other ecosystems that contain hemiparasites, suggesting that hemiparasite litter plays an important role in carbon and nutrient flux in this system. Further, by enhancing the decomposition and nutrient release rate of recalcitrant host litter, mistletoes increase nutrient availability to other organisms within the ecosystem lending support to the premise that parasitic plants function as keystone species in environments where they occur.
Contraception usage and the desired number of offspring of Indigenous women from the Gomeroi lands
Authors: Schumacher Tracy L. , Frawley Julia , Pringle Kirsty G. , Keogh Lyniece , Sutherland Kathryn , Herden Jodie , Knox Paris , Loxton Deborah , Rae Kym M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To describe the current contraception usage patterns from a cohort of Australian Indigenous women, including their ideal family size and spacing between children.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of data (2012‐2019).

Setting

Data are from a longitudinal study, the Gomeroi gaaynggal (babies from Gomeroi lands) program, based in rural and remote Gomeroi lands in New South Wales.

Participants

Women carrying an Indigenous baby who enrolled during pregnancy were eligible for the study. The mother and child are then followed for up to 10 years.

Main outcome measures

Contraception usage in the postnatal period was recorded, as well as whether they were sexually active, whether they wanted more children and their preferred spacing between children. Medical, social and demographic information was also collected. These measures were self‐reported via an online tool (Survey Monkey®) at their first visit to the study following the birth of their child.

Results

Ninety‐nine women were included in the analysis. Most women reported that they were sexually active at the time they were questioned about their contraceptive usage. The most popular contraception choices were condoms, the oral contraceptive pill and implant rods. Those answering that they did not want more children had a median of three children already. Those who wanted more children had a median of one child. The majority of the women stated that 2‐3 years between babies was ideal.

Conclusion

The sampled women had clear beliefs about their ideal family size, in which contraceptive usage played an important part.
Flows and function of the Infant Flow neonatal continuous positive airway pressure device investigated with computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Drevhammar Thomas , Berg Niclas , Nilsson Kjell , Jonsson Baldvin , Prahl Wittberg Lisa
Published: July 2020

Aim

The first dedicated neonatal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device using variable flow was the Infant Flow. The system was pressure stable with a low resistance to breathing. The aim of this study was to describe the flow and function of the Infant Flow geometry using simulated breathing and computational fluid dynamics.

Method

The original Infant Flow geometry was used with simulated term infant breathing at three levels of CPAP. The large eddy simulation methodology was applied in combination with the WALE sub‐grid scale model.

Results

The simulation fully resolved the flow phenomena in the Infant Flow geometry. The main flow feature during inspiration was support by gas entrainment and mixing. During expiration, the jet deflected towards the outlet with unstable impingement of the jet at the opposing edge.

Conclusion

The proposed mechanism has previously been based on theoretical reasoning, and our results present the first detailed description of the Infant Flow. The pressure stability was based on a jet supporting inspiration by gas entrainment and then being deflected during exhalation. This confirmed previously assumed principles of function and flows within the geometry and provided a base for further developments.
CSR politics of non‐recognition: Justification fallacies marginalising criticism, society, and environment
Authors: Norberg Peter
Published: July 2020

Business is frequently criticized for not taking social and environmental responsibility. Large companies respond with CSR activities and some also with formulating justifications for their actions. This could indicate that business opens up to the criticism. I do, however, not observe such openness in the current study, but how companies use “CSR justifications” to fend off criticism. While companies use justifications as tool for creating legitimacy, I distinguish five justification fallacies. These failures in dealing with criticism cause a marginalisation of criticism, society, and environment. The fallacies found are neglecting criticism, shareholder primacy, organisation‐centricity, conflict avoidance, and progressivism. I contribute to the use of Habermasian ethics in the business ethics literature by showing how CSR justifications could play a part in a rational discourse. The concept justification fallacy, and the five fallacies can provide a framework for analysing corporate rhetoric more generally. Managers have fundamental difficulties in handling ethics and do not reflect on their reasons for working with CSR. They should be more careful when formulating justifications. In our situation of increasing affective polarisation, business needs to be more constructive than merely to marginalise criticism.
A novel apoA‐I mimetic peptide suppresses atherosclerosis by promoting physiological HDL function in apoE−/− mice
Authors: Gou Sanhu , Wang Li , Zhong Chao , Chen Xinyue , Ouyang Xu , Li Beibei , Bao Guangjun , Liu Hui , Zhang Yun , Ni Jingman
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

Apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) mimetic peptides (AAMPs) are short peptides that can mimic the physiological effects of apoA‐I, including the suppression of atherosclerosis by reversely transporting peripheral cholesterol to the liver. As the hydrophobicity of apoA‐I is considered important for its lipid transport, novel AAMPs were designed and synthesized in this study by gradually increasing the hydrophobicity of the parent peptide, and their anti‐atherosclerotic effects were tested.

Experimental Approach

Seventeen new AAMPs (P1–P17) with incrementally increased hydrophobicity were designed and synthesized by replacing the amino acids 221–240 of apoA‐I (VLESFKVSFLSALEEYTKKL). Their effects on cholesterol efflux were evaluated. Their cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity were also measured. The in vitro mechanism of the action of the new peptides was explored. Adult apolipoprotein E−/− mice were used to evaluate the anti‐atherosclerotic activity of the best candidate, and the mechanistic basis of its anti‐atherosclerotic effects was explored.

Key Results

Seventeen new AAMPs (P1–P17) were synthesized, and their cholesterol efflux activity and cytotoxicity were closely related to their hydrophobicity. P12 (FLEKLKELLEHLKELLTKLL) was the best candidate and most strongly promoted cholesterol efflux among the non‐toxic peptides (P1–P12). With its phospholipid affinity, P12 facilitated cholesterol transport through the ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1. In vivo, P12 exhibited prominent anti‐atherosclerotic activity via coupling with HDL.

Conclusion and Implications

P12 featured adequate hydrophobicity, which ensured its efficient binding with cytomembrane phospholipids, cholesterol and HDL, and provided a basis for its ability to reversely transport cholesterol and treat atherosclerosis.
Small molecule‐driven SIRT3‐autophagy‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition ameliorates inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes
Authors: Zhang Tian , Fang Zhujun , Linghu Ke‐Gang , Liu Jingxin , Gan Lishe , Lin Ligen
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose

IL‐1β produced by macrophages via the NOD‐, LRR‐ and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, mediates the inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes. In our previous study, (16S,20S,24R)‐12β‐acetoxy‐16,23‐epoxy‐24,25‐dihydroxy‐3β‐(β‐D‐xylopyranosyloxy)‐9,19‐cyclolanost‐22(23)‐ene (AEDC), a cycloartane triterpenoid isolated from Actaea vaginata (Ranunculaceae), was found to possess anti‐inflammatory effect on LPS‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages. This study was designed to investigate whether AEDC modulates macrophage–adipocyte crosstalk to alleviate adipose tissue inflammation.

Experimental Approach

The anti‐inflammatory effect of AEDC was evaluated on LPS plus ATP‐induced THP‐1 macrophages and C57BL/6J mice. The expression of autophagy‐related and NLRP3 inflammasome complex proteins was analysed by western blots, immunofluorescence staining and co‐immunoprecipitation. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels were determined by ELISA kits. The adipose tissue inflammation was evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining.

Key Results

AEDC (5 and 10 μM) activated autophagy, which in turn suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion in THP‐1 macrophages. AEDC increased the expression of SIRT3 deacetylase and enhanced its deacetylating activity to reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and activate AMP‐activated protein kinase, which together induced autophagy. Moreover, AEDC (10 μM) attenuated macrophage conditioned medium‐induced inflammatory responses in adipocytes and blocked THP‐1 macrophages migration towards 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In inflammation mice, AEDC (5 and 20 mg·kg−1) treatment reduced the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in serum and epididymal adipose tissue and reduced macrophage infiltration to alleviate adipose tissue inflammation.

Conclusion and Implications

AEDC attenuated the inflammatory crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes through SIRT3‐autophagy‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, which might used for the treatment of adipose tissue inflammation‐related metabolic disorders.
Ribosomes as a nexus between translation and cancer progression: Focus on ribosomal Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) in breast cancer
Authors: Buoso Erica , Masi Mirco , Long Aideen , Chiappini Camilla , Travelli Cristina , Govoni Stefano , Racchi Marco
Published: July 2020

Ribosomes coordinate spatiotemporal control of gene expression, contributing to the acquisition and maintenance of cancer phenotype. The link between ribosomes and cancer is found in the roles of individual ribosomal proteins in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, including the ribosomal protein, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1). RACK1 regulates cancer cell invasion and is localized in spreading initiation centres, structural adhesion complexes containing RNA binding proteins and poly‐adenylated mRNAs that suggest a local translation process. As RACK1 is a ribosomal protein directly involved in translation and in breast cancer progression, we propose a new molecular mechanism for breast cancer cell migration and invasion, which considers the molecular differences between epithelial and mesenchymal cell profiles in order to characterize and provide novel targets for therapeutic strategies. Hence, we provide an analysis on how ribosomes translate cancer progression with a final focus on the ribosomal protein RACK1 in breast cancer.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on New avenues in cancer prevention and treatment (BJP 75th Anniversary). To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.12/issuetoc
Innovations in Practice: A randomised controlled feasibility trial of Behavioural Activation as a treatment for young people with depression
Authors: Kitchen Charlotte E. W. , Tiffin Paul A. , Lewis Sue , Gega Lina , Ekers David
Published: July 2020

Background

Behavioural Activation (BA) treatment effectively reduces symptoms of depression in adults and is more cost‐effective than more complex therapies. Two recent systematic reviews of BA for depression in young people highlighted the need for more studies in this area.

Methods

In order to evaluate the acceptability of BA treatment for adolescents with depression and the feasibility of conducting a trial of this intervention in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), 22 patients from across three sites were randomised to BA or usual CAMHS care. Existing CAMHS staff were trained to deliver the manualised intervention via a brief course. Following treatment, young people and their parents/carers were asked to complete a feedback survey. Symptoms and functioning were assessed at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. The trial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry (ref: ISRCTN52147450; https://www.isrctn.com/).

Results

Recruitment targets were achieved through screening large numbers of CAMHS service users. Intervention adherence by the participating adolescents was high (median number of completed BA sessions was seven out of a total of eight). There were tentative suggestions of improvements following treatment; a large change in a positive direction for the BA group, but not for usual care, was observed by visual comparisons of mean scores on measures of depression, self‐esteem and functioning. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that BA in this setting is acceptable and warrants evaluation via a fully powered randomised controlled trial.
Intelligent forecasting of time series based on evolving distributed Neuro‐Fuzzy network
Authors: Rodrigues Júnior Selmo Eduardo , de Oliveira Serra Ginalber Luiz
Published: July 2020

An evolving methodology based on Neuro‐Fuzzy Takagi‐Sugeno network (NF‐TS) for distributed forecasting of univariate time series, is proposed. First, the unobservable components, or hidden patterns, are extracted from experimental data of the time series. Then, a distributed forecasting is performed separately for each component, considering an evolving NF‐TS associated with each extracted pattern. The evolving NF‐TS uses components data to adapt and adjust its structure, as the number of fuzzy rules increases or decreases according the behavior of the unobservable components. A recursive version of singular spectral analysis (SSA) technique is formulated, as one of the main contributions of this article, and it is applied to extract the components. The efficiency of proposed methodology is illustrated from results of comparison to others state‐of‐the‐art techniques for forecasting of various univariate time series.
A forgotten creed in the summer of rage
Authors: Patterson Stephen J.
Published: July 2020

In the summer of 2020 America erupted in rage, protesting racism and age‐old inequalities. In the summer of rage, American churches will find their voice in an ancient creed preserved in Galatians 3:26‐28, arguably the first Christian creed.
Long‐term environmental enrichment reduces microglia morphological diversity of the molecular layer of dentate gyrus
Authors: de Oliveira Thaís Cristina Galdino , Carvalho‐Paulo Dario , de Lima Camila Mendes , de Oliveira Roseane Borner , Santos Filho Carlos , Diniz Daniel Guerreiro , Bento Torres Neto João , Picanço‐Diniz Cristovam Wanderley
Published: July 2020

We investigated long‐term environmental influences on morphology of microglia from the outer and middle thirds of molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (MolDG), and on microglia from dorsal and ventral dentate gyrus molecular layer. We also estimated the total number of MolDG microglia using stereology. For this purpose, microglia of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus of 20‐month‐old female Swiss albino mice, housed from 21st postnatal day onwards, in the impoverished environment of the standard laboratory cages (SEA), or in a cage with an enriched environment (EEA), were reconstructed microscopically in three dimensions and compared with each other and with microglia of 6‐month‐old female Swiss albino mice, also housed from weaning onwards in an enriched cage (EEY). All mice had their brains sectioned and processed for immunolabeling for IBA‐1, a selective microglia marker. Random and systematic microglia samples were reconstructed in three dimensions and classified morphologically using hierarchical cluster analysis, followed by discriminant function analysis. SEA and EEY showed two morphological phenotypes of microglia in both the outer and middle thirds of MolDG. EEA mice showed such a reduction in the morphological diversity of microglia that essentially a single morphotype was found. EEA mouse microglia showed an intermediate morphological complexity between types I and II SE microglia. We suggest that type I and type II microglia in SE mice may have different physiological roles and that long‐term EE may be associated with adaptive responses of microglial phenotypes to somatomotor and cognitive stimuli.
The neural mechanisms of audiotactile binding depend on asynchrony
Authors: Zumer Johanna M. , White Thomas P. , Noppeney Uta
Published: July 2020

Asynchrony is a critical cue informing the brain whether sensory signals are caused by a common source and should be integrated or segregated. This psychophysics–electroencephalography (EEG) study investigated the influence of asynchrony on how the brain binds audiotactile (AT) signals to enable faster responses in a redundant target paradigm. Human participants actively responded (psychophysics) or passively attended (EEG) to noise bursts, “taps‐to‐the‐face” and their AT combinations at seven AT asynchronies: 0, ±20, ±70 and ±500 ms. Behaviourally, observers were faster at detecting AT than unisensory stimuli within a temporal integration window: the redundant target effect was maximal for synchronous stimuli and declined within a ≤70 ms AT asynchrony. EEG revealed a cascade of AT interactions that relied on different neural mechanisms depending on AT asynchrony. At small (≤20 ms) asynchronies, AT interactions arose for evoked response potentials (ERPs) at 110 ms and ~400 ms post‐stimulus. Selectively at ±70 ms asynchronies, AT interactions were observed for the P200 ERP, theta‐band inter‐trial coherence (ITC) and power at ~200 ms post‐stimulus. In conclusion, AT binding was mediated by distinct neural mechanisms depending on the asynchrony of the AT signals. Early AT interactions in ERPs and theta‐band ITC and power were critical for the behavioural response facilitation within a ≤±70 ms temporal integration window.
Insider trading in rumored takeover targets
Authors: Davis Frederick , Khadivar Hamed , Pukthuanthong Kuntara , Walker Thomas J.
Published: July 2020

We examine insider trading surrounding takeover rumors in a sample of 1,642 publicly traded US firms. Using difference‐in‐differences regressions, we find that insider net purchases increase within the year prior to the first publication of a takeover rumor, particularly when rumor articles are either accurate (lead to a takeover announcement) or informative (provide substantial justification for the rumor's publication). Moreover, we find abnormal insider trading to be a significant predictor of takeover announcements occurring within the following year. Finally, passive net purchasing (i.e., selling less rather than buying more) is more pronounced among managing insiders than among non‐managing insiders.
Changing spring snow cover dynamics and early season forage availability affect the behavior of a large carnivore
Authors: Rickbeil Gregory J. M. , Coops Nicholas C. , Berman Ethan E. , McClelland Cameron J. R. , Bolton Douglas K. , Stenhouse Gordon B.
Published: July 2020

Changing climates are altering wildlife habitats and wildlife behavior in complex ways. Here, we examine how changing spring snow cover dynamics and early season forage availability are altering grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) behavior postden emergence. Telemetry data were used to identify spring activity dates for 48 individuals in the Yellowhead region of Alberta, Canada. Spring activity date was related to snow cover dynamics using a daily percent snow cover dataset. Snow melt end date, melt rate, and melt consistency explained 45% of the variation in spring activity date. We applied this activity date model across the entire Yellowhead region from 2000 to 2016 using simulated grizzly bear home ranges. Predicted spring activity date was then compared with a daily spring forage availability date dataset, resulting in “wait time” estimates for four key early season forage species. Temporal changes in both spring activity date and early season forage “wait times” were assessed using non‐parametric regression. Grizzly bear activity date was found to have either remained constant (95%) or become earlier (5%) across the study area; virtually no areas with significantly later spring activity dates were detected. Similarly, the majority of “wait times” did not change (85%); however, the majority of significant changes in “wait times” for the four early season forage species indicated that “wait times” were lessening where changes were detected. Our results show that spring activity date is largely dictated by snow melt characteristics and that changing snow melt conditions may result in earlier spring activity. However, early season food stress conditions are likely to remain unchanged or improve as vegetation phenology also becomes earlier. Our findings extend the recent work examining animal movement in response to changing phenology from migratory birds and ungulates to an apex predator, further demonstrating the potential effects of changing climates on wildlife species.
The vertical distribution and control of microbial necromass carbon in forest soils
Authors: Ni Xiangyin , Liao Shu , Tan Siyi , Peng Yan , Wang Dingyi , Yue Kai , Wu Fuzhong , Yang Yusheng
Published: July 2020

Aim

Forest soils contain large amounts of terrestrial organic carbon (C), but the formation pathway of soil organic C (SOC) remains unclear. Recent evidence suggests that microbial necromass is a significant source of SOC, yet a global quantitative assessment across the whole soil profile is lacking. We aimed to assess the vertical distribution and control of microbial‐derived SOC in forest soils.

Location

Global forests.

Time period

1996–2019.

Major taxa studied

Soil microbial necromass carbon.

Methods

We evaluated the proportions of fungal and bacterial necromass C in total SOC in the litter layer, O horizon soil, and various depths of mineral soil in forests using microbial biomarker (glucosamine and muramic acid) data.

Results

The total microbial necromass C increased significantly with soil depth, ranging from 30% of SOC in O horizon soil to 62% of SOC in mineral soils below 50 cm. However, only bacterial necromass C followed this increasing trend with soil depth; fungal necromass C showed little variation across the whole soil profile. Higher fungal and bacterial necromass C was observed in soils with lower C/N ratios and smaller aggregate sizes. Soil C/N ratio and microbial biomass C dominantly determined microbial necromass C in surface soil (above 20 cm), but soil clay content was the primary factor in subsoil (below 20 cm).

Main conclusions

Microbial necromass C accounted for high percentages of the total SOC in forest soils (particularly at depths >20 cm), but its long‐term stabilization may be governed by different mechanisms at different soil horizons. Substrate quality regulates microbial activity and then controls biomass turnover in surface soil, while aggregate occlusion facilitates mineral protection of microbial necromass C in subsoil. These differential controls of microbial‐derived organic C could be applied in Earth system studies for predicting soil organic C dynamics in forests.
Bile duct adenoma may be a precursor lesion of small duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Motoko , Sato Yasunori , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: July 2020

Background/aims

Precursor lesions of small duct type intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (small duct iCCA) have not been clarified so far. We hypothesised that precursor lesions may be frequently distributed in the background liver of small duct iCCA.

Methods and results

We determined by histology the presence of bile duct adenomas and von Meyenburg complexes as candidate precursor lesions in the background liver of small duct iCCA, with other primary liver carcinomas as control. Subjects included 28 patients with small duct iCCA, 29 with large duct iCCAs, 60 with combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma (Comb) and 40 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of bile duct adenomas in the background liver was significantly higher in small duct iCCA (35.7%) compared to other primary liver carcinomas (Comb, 4.9%; 10%, HCC) (P < 0.01). The prevalence of bile duct adenomas was significantly associated with the presence of von Meyenburg complexes and ductal plate malformation‐like patterns in small duct iCCAs and Combs. Von Meyenburg complexes were detected in 11 small duct iCCA (39.3%), five large duct iCCAs (17.2%), 10 Comb (16.4%) and 13 HCC (33.3%), respectively (P > 0.05). Small duct iCCAs showed altered expression of ARID1A (46.4%), p53 (39.3%), PBRM1 (14.3%), IMP3 (85.7%) and EZH2 (82.1%), whereas these markers were negative in bile duct adenomas.

Conclusion

Bile duct adenomas may be precursor lesions of small duct iCCAs. Alteration of ARID1A, p53 or PBRM1 may be involved in the carcinogenesis of small duct iCCAs.
Climate change in Alaska: Social workers’ attitudes, beliefs, and experiences
Authors: Allen Mary Dallas
Published: July 2020

The average temperature in Alaska and the North American Arctic has risen at twice the rate of the global average due to climate change, causing changes to the natural environment that affect the physical, social, and emotional well‐being of people and communities. Social workers must be prepared to respond. Using a non‐probability, convenience sample, this study surveyed 159 social workers in Alaska to assess their attitudes and their perceptions of the effects of climate change on their clients and constituents. Results indicate that social workers in Alaska believe that climate change is happening, that human activities are responsible, and that it is a large threat to people in Alaska. Over 75% believe that climate change is dangerous for their clients now or will be dangerous in 10 years. Social workers report that in the past year their clients or constituents have experienced multiple climate change‐related problems with community infrastructure, health, and mental health.
From scenarios to conditional scenarios in two‐stage stochastic MILP problems
Authors: Beltran‐Royo C.
Published: July 2020

The conditional scenario (CS) approach was introduced as an effective approximation to the two‐stage stochastic mixed‐integer linear programming problem. Although the original definition of CS is general, in practice it is basically suitable for the multivariate normal distribution. In this paper, we propose a new definition of CS that is suitable for approximating any multivariate distribution (continuous or discrete). This definition allows the approximation of a potentially large set of scenarios using a small set of CSs, unlike the previous definition. In the computational study, dedicated to solving the portfolio optimization problem with hard real‐world constraints, the CS approach has clearly outperformed the sample average approximation approach in terms of solution time.