bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relevance of the traditional marketing mix across different stages of change: empirical evidence from household recycling
Authors: Issock Issock Paul Blaise , Mpinganjira Mercy , Roberts-Lombard Mornay
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide empirical evidence and a different perspective on the relevance of the traditional marketing mix in social marketing programmes. This is a response to the ongoing debate about the (in)compatibility of the traditional marketing mix (the 4Ps) in the field of social marketing. In doing so, this study examines the important role that the stages of behaviour change play in influencing the effectiveness of traditional marketing mix elements in the context of recycling in South African households.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a quantitative method, relying on a survey of 699 heads of households in South Africa. Multigroup analysis and structural equation modelling were applied to test the impact of stages of changes on the potential effect of marketing mix elements on the intention to recycle household waste.

Findings

The results established that although the traditional marketing mix elements have a marginal effect on the intention to recycle household waste, further analyses revealed that this impact of the marketing mix is contingent on the stage of change in which the target audience is found. Thus, the findings indicated that the marketing mix elements significantly influence the intention to recycle when the target audience is at the contemplation and preparation phases.

Originality/value

Whilst both critics and proponents of the adoption of the traditional marketing mix in social marketing initiatives have provided relevant arguments, the debate had remained largely theoretical. This study discusses the limitations of the traditional marketing mix in behaviour change programmes and the need for a segmented approach based on the stages of behaviour change when using the 4Ps. However, given the hegemony of the 4Ps in the social marketing literature, this study sheds light on the appropriate “Ps” to activate to influence recycling behavioural intention at different stages of change.
A cyber situational awareness model to predict the implementation of cyber security controls and precautions by SMEs
Authors: Renaud Karen , Ophoff Jacques
Published: July 2021

Purpose

There is widespread concern about the fact that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seem to be particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. This is perhaps because smaller businesses lack sufficient situational awareness to make informed decisions in this space, or because they lack the resources to implement security controls and precautions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, Endsley’s theory of situation awareness was extended to propose a model of SMEs’ cyber situational awareness, and the extent to which this awareness triggers the implementation of cyber security measures. Empirical data were collected through an online survey of 361 UK-based SMEs; subsequently, the authors used partial least squares modeling to validate the model.

Findings

The results show that heightened situational awareness, as well as resource availability, significantly affects SMEs’ implementation of cyber precautions and controls.

Research limitations/implications

While resource limitations are undoubtedly a problem for SMEs, their lack of cyber situational awareness seems to be the area requiring most attention.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are reported and recommendations were made that can help to improve situational awareness, which will have the effect of encouraging the implementation of cyber security measures.

Originality/value

This is the first study to apply the situational awareness theory to understand why SMEs do not implement cyber security best practice measures.
Pathology of acceleration programs in corporate accelerators of Iran
Authors: Heshmati Saeed , Shafiee Maysam
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study was designed to detect the failures in Iranian accelerators. This paper attempts to identify these effects from the perspective of accelerator managers and founders of startups. The main goals of this article are as follows: (1) What are the failures of Iran's acceleration programs from the perspective of accelerator managers? (2) What are the failures of Iran's acceleration programs from the perspective of startup teams? (3) What are some of failures of the acceleration programs that both groups agree on?

Design/methodology/approach

It has been attempted to conduct semi-structured interviews with managers of corporate accelerators on the one hand and startups accelerated in these accelerators on the other. The interviewees were selected using snowball method and consisted of 9 accelerator managers out of 7 accelerators and 15 startups based on 5 accelerators. The analysis of the information extracted from the interviews and coding of the failure identified in the accelerators was performed using the thematic analysis method. In order to assess the validity of this study, an entrepreneurial doctoral student was asked to codify the interviews individually to compare the extracted codes.

Findings

Finally, 34 problems have been identified that are divided into four main themes related to mentorship, acceleration program, acceleration structure and infrastructure and internal startup team problems. Overall, the greatest agreement among the failures identified as wrong orientation by untrained mentors, the lack of complementary in ability and skills of team members, the lack of knowledge of mentors, the lack of acceleration managers in entrepreneurship and the lack of a proper leader in startup teams.

Originality/value

This study aimed to investigate the failures of corporate accelerators in Iran as a developing country, which is the first survey in Iran. We have many researches about the pathology and identify failures of accelerators, but in corporate accelerators, little research has been done. The authors have a classification of failures in corporate accelerators by using thematic analysis. In this study, accelerators' managers and founders of startups were interviewed and 34 failures were identified.
Prenatal heavy metal exposure, total immunoglobulin E, trajectory, and atopic diseases: A 15‐year follow‐up study of a Taiwanese birth cohort
Authors: Liu Kwei‐Lan , Tsai Tsung‐Lin , Tsai Wen‐Chien , Tsai Shih‐Fen , Lee Chih‐Hung , Wang Shu‐Li
Published: July 2021

Prenatal exposure to heavy metals may cause atopic diseases. Little association between cord blood total immunoglobulin E (CB‐tIgE) levels and the occurrence of atopic diseases has been found. This study investigated the atopic status and tIgE trajectory trend in a Taiwanese birth cohort over 15 years. We also assessed the effect of maternal heavy metal exposure on maternal serum cytokine and CB‐tIgE levels. We recruited 430 pregnant women during their third trimester in 2000–2001. Maternal urinary heavy metal concentrations and serum cytokine levels were measured. The CB‐tIgE and serum tIgE levels of the women’s children when they were aged 5, 8, 11, and 14 years were measured. The upper quartile of the maternal urinary arsenic concentration was associated with an increased risk of a CB‐tIgE level higher than 1 IU/mL (odds ratio, 1.845; 95% confidence interval, 1.003–3.395). Serum tIgE trajectory levels were the highest in children with asthma, followed by those with atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis at the age of 5–14 years. Serum tIgE levels tended to peak at the age of 11 years in the atopic children but were stable from the age of 8 years in the non‐atopic children. We first demonstrated that serum tIgE levels reached a trajectory peak in the atopic children aged 11 years. Prenatal exposure to arsenic may increase the risk of elevated CB‐tIgE levels. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the mechanism through which maternal serum cytokines affect the occurrence of atopic diseases in children.
Local climate adaptations in two ubiquitous Mojave Desert shrub species, Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata
Authors: Custer Nathan A. , Schwinning Susanne , DeFalco Lesley A. , Esque Todd C.
Published: July 2021

Widely distributed species are often locally adapted to climate gradients across their ranges. But little is known about the patterns of intraspecific adaptation in desert shrubs.

We examined the questions of local adaptation in multiple populations of two common shrub species of the winter‐wet Mojave Desert in North America in a multiple common garden experiment. Plants were raised in the greenhouse and transplanted at the age of 1 year. Ambrosia dumosa is a drought‐deciduous low shrub and Larrea tridentata is an exceptionally long‐lived evergreen. Over 4 years, we monitored growth, survivorship, leaf and reproductive cover and once measured leaf N content, δ13C and SLA. We hypothesized that populations of both species would be differentiated along a growth–survivorship trade‐off according to homesite aridity.

Both species exhibited previously undocumented population differences along gradients of winter precipitation and temperature. In general, populations from more winter‐mesic regions had faster growth in more mesic gardens and lower survivorship in the most arid garden. Homesites with more variable summer precipitation had greater growth for A. dumosa populations, but lower growth for L. tridentata. Among L. tridentata populations, leaf cover correlated positively with growth and negatively with survival time. For A. dumosa populations, growth and survival could not be attributed to specific traits across gardens. However, larger transplants had generally lower growth rates and higher survival rates across gardens, except in the driest garden, where the population averages of intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) and stem growth rate were positively correlated.

Synthesis. Two dominant species of the Mojave Desert adapted locally to variation in winter and summer precipitation and temperature. They did so in different ways, suggesting that L. tridentata mitigated the risk of hydraulic failure, while A. dumosa optimized carbon assimilation for growth.
Australian Mobility Report Cards: Which Universities Admit the Most Disadvantaged Students?
Authors: Leigh Andrew
Published: July 2021

Tertiary education has a vital role to play in fostering social mobility. To assess the extent to which Australian universities enrol disadvantaged students, I use two measures of disadvantage: neighbourhood characteristics and individual characteristics, and compare higher education institutions. Neighbourhood metrics appear to be a poor proxy for individual disadvantage. Yet even so, some institutions stand out as more effective pathways for disadvantaged students. I conclude with some recommendations for improving data quality, education policy and evaluation in order to make Australian universities more effective engines of social mobility.
Nursing home care under Medicaid managed long‐term services and supports
Authors: Potter Andrew J. , Bowblis John R.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To measure the impact of Medicaid managed long‐term services and supports (MLTSS) on nursing home (NH) quality and rebalancing.

Data sources/study setting

This study analyzes secondary data from annual NH recertification surveys and the minimum dataset (MDS) in three states that implemented MLTSS: Massachusetts (2001–2007), Kansas and Ohio (2011–2017).

Study design

We utilized a difference‐in‐difference approach comparing NHs in border counties of states that implemented MLTSS with a control group of NHs in neighboring border counties in states that did not implement MLTSS. Sensitivity analyses included a triple‐difference model (stratified by Medicaid payer mix) and a within‐state comparison. We examined changes in six NH‐level outcomes (percentage of low‐care NH residents, facility occupancy, and four NH quality measures) after MLTSS implementation.

Data collection/extraction methods

For each state, all freestanding NHs in border counties were included, as were NHs in neighboring counties located in other states. Information on low‐care residents was aggregated to the NH level from MDS data, then combined with Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) data.

Principal findings

MLTSS had no statistically significant effects on NH quality outcomes in Massachusetts or Kansas. In Ohio, MLTSS led to an increase of 0.21 nursing hours per resident day [95% CI: 0.03, 0.40], and a decrease of 1.47 deficiencies [95% CI: −2.52, −0.42] and 9.38 deficiency points [95% CI: −18.53, −0.24] per certification survey. After MLTSS, occupancy decreased by 1.52 percentage points [95% CI: −2.92, −0.12] in Massachusetts, but increased by 3.17 percentage points [95% CI: 0.36, 5.99] in Ohio. We found no effect on low‐care residents in any state. Findings were moderately sensitive to the choice of comparator group.

Conclusion

The study provides little evidence that MLTSS reduces quality of care, occupancy, or the percentage of low‐care residents in NHs.
Agent‐based models reveal limits of mark–release–recapture estimates for the rare butterfly, Bhutanitis thaidina (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Li Yuanheng , Jain Anuj , Pierce Naomi E.
Published: July 2021

Insect diversity and abundance are in drastic decline worldwide, but quantifying insect populations to better conserve them is a difficult task. Mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) is widely used as an ecological indicator for insect populations, but the accuracy of MRR estimates can vary with factors such as spatial scale, sampling effort and models of inference. We conducted a 3‐year MRR study of B. thaidina in Yanzigou valley, Mt. Gongga but failed to obtain sufficient data for a robust population estimate. This prompted us to integrate B. thaidina life history information to parameterize agent‐based models and evaluate the conditions under which successful MRR studies could be conducted. We evaluated: (1) the performance of MRR models under different landscape types, and (2) the influence of experimental design on the accuracy and variance of MRR‐based estimates. Our simulations revealed systematic underestimates of true population parameters by MRR models when sampling effort was insufficient. In a total of 2772 simulations, subjective decisions in sampling protocol (e.g., frequency, number of sampling locations, use of spatially explicit models, type of estimands) accounted for nearly half of the variation in estimates. We conclude that MRR‐based estimates could be improved with the addition of more field‐specific parameters.
Efficacy and biosafety assessment of neuropeptide CAPA analogues against the peach‐potato aphid (Myzus persicae)
Authors: Shi Yan , Nachman Ronald J. , Gui Shun‐Hua , Piot Niels , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Zabrocki Janusz , Dow Julian A. T. , Davies Shireen‐A. , Smagghe Guy
Published: July 2021

Insect CAPA neuropeptidesare considered to affect water and ion balance by mediating the physiological metabolism activities of the Malpighian tubules. In previous studies, the CAPA‐PK analogue 1895 (2Abf‐Suc‐FGPRLamide) was reported to decrease aphid fitness when administered through microinjection or via topical application. However, a further statistically significant decrease in the fitness of aphids and an increased mortality could not be established with pairwise combinations of 1895 with other CAPA analogue. In this study, we assessed the topical application of new combinations of 1895 with five CAPA‐PVK analogues on the fitness of aphids. We found that 1895 and CAPA‐PVK analogue 2315 (ASG‐[β3L]‐VAFPRVamide) was statistically the most effective combination to control the peach potato aphid Myzus persicae nymphs via topical application, leading to 72% mortality. Additionally, the combination (1895+2315) was evaluated against a selection of beneficial insects, that is, a pollinator (Bombus terrestris) and three natural enemies (Chrysoperla carnea, Nasonia vitripennis, and Adalia bipunctata). We found no significant influence on food intake, weight increase, and survival for the pollinator and the three representative natural enemies. These results could facilitate to further establish and generate CAPA analogues as alternatives to broad spectrum and less friendly insecticides.
Water Supply Planning Considering Uncertainties in Future Water Demand and Climate: A Case Study in an Illinois Watershed
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Getahun Elias , Mu Mengfei , Chandrasekaran Sangeetha
Published: July 2021

Ensuring an adequate, reliable, clean, and affordable water supply for citizens and industries requires informed, long‐range water supply planning, which is critically important for water security. A balance between water supply and demand must be considered for a long‐term plan. However, water demand projections are often highly uncertain. Climate change could impact the hydrologic processes, and consequently, threaten water supply. Thus, understanding the uncertainties in future water demand and climate is critical for developing a sound water supply plan. In Illinois, regional water supply planning attempts to explore the impacts of future water demand and climate on water supply using scenario analyses and hydrologic modeling. This study is aimed at developing a water supply planning framework that considers both future water demand and climate change impacts. This framework is based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to simulate the watershed hydrology and conduct scenario analyses that consider the uncertainties in both future water demand and climate as well as their impacts on water supply. The framework was applied to water supply planning efforts in the Kankakee River watershed. The Kankakee River watershed model was calibrated and validated to observed streamflow records at four long‐term United States Geological Survey streamflow gages. Because of the many model parameters involved, the calibration process was automated and was followed by a manual refinement, resulting in good model performance. Long‐range water demand projections were prepared by the Illinois State Water Survey. Six future water demand scenarios were established based on a suite of assumptions. Climate scenarios were obtained from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Projection Phase 5 datasets. Three representative concentration pathways (RCPs), RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, are used in the study. The scenario simulation results demonstrated that climate change appears to have a greater impact on water availability in the study area than water demand. The framework developed in this study can also be used to explore the impacts of uncertainties of water demand and climate on water supply and can be extended to other regions and watersheds.
Good glycemic control at puberty in boys with type 1 diabetes is important for final height
Authors: Shpitzer Hana , Lazar Liora , Shalitin Shlomit , Phillip Moshe , de Vries Liat
Published: July 2021

Background

Poor glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) may hinder sexual development and the associated growth spurt. This study aims to identify factors that may affect the timing of puberty, total pubertal growth (TPG), and final height (F‐Ht) in boys with T1D.

Methods

This was a retrospective longitudinal study of 68 boys diagnosed with T1D during 1996 to 2009, who were prepubertal at diagnosis and had completed puberty at the time of data collection. Data were accessed regarding anthropometric measurements, Tanner stage, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels from diagnosis to F‐Ht. F‐Ht was compared to parental height and Israeli National Health Survey data.

Results

The mean F‐Ht standard deviation score (F‐Ht‐SDS) was lower than the mean Ht‐SDS at diagnosis (P < .006) but similar to the mean target height SDS (P = .3) and to values from the national survey (P = .12). Mean HbA1c levels in the year preceding pubertal onset were associated with the age at onset of puberty (R = 0.33, P = .009) and inversely with TPG (R = −0.3, P = .03). Mean HbA1c levels during puberty were inversely associated with TPG (R = −0.26, P = .035) and F‐Ht (R = −0.28, P = .02). Boys who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis were shorter than those who did not throughout the follow‐up.

Conclusions

We found associations of age of pubertal onset, pubertal growth spurt, and F‐Ht with target height and glycemic control before and during puberty. Targeted interventions to achieve optimal metabolic control during these time periods are needed for normal, timely puberty and for achieving optimal adult height within the genetic target height.
Price formation within Egypt's wheat tender market: Implications for Black Sea exporters
Authors: Heigermoser Maximilian , Götz Linde , Svanidze Miranda
Published: July 2021

Black Sea wheat exporters, led by Russia, dominate Egypt's wheat imports via a tender system. The tenders are managed by the GASC and their outcomes are communicated worldwide by financial news agencies. Building on a transaction‐specific dataset on GASC tenders (2011 ‐ 2019), results of our cointegration analysis find wheat export markets of Russia, France and the USA highly integrated with the GASC tender price. Estimates from the multivariate VECM indicate strong price interdependencies between the GASC tender price and Russian and French export prices, indicating fierce competition in the GASC tender market. Despite the high market share of wheat exporters in the Black Sea region and Russia in particular, tests on weak exogeneity suggest a leading role of the French wheat export price. We further find that leadership of US wheat prices is weak in the GASC tender market.
Dual‐hormone artificial pancreas for management of type 1 diabetes: Recent progress and future directions
Authors: Infante Marco , Baidal David A. , Rickels Michael R. , Fabbri Andrea , Skyler Jay S. , Alejandro Rodolfo , Ricordi Camillo
Published: July 2021

Over the last few years, technological advances have led to tremendous improvement in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Artificial pancreas systems have been shown to improve glucose control compared with conventional insulin pump therapy. However, clinically significant hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes still occur with the artificial pancreas. Postprandial glucose excursions and exercise‐induced hypoglycemia represent major hurdles in improving glucose control and glucose variability in many patients with T1D. In this regard, dual‐hormone artificial pancreas systems delivering other hormones in addition to insulin (glucagon or amylin) may better reproduce the physiology of the endocrine pancreas and have been suggested as an alternative tool to overcome these limitations in clinical practice. In addition, novel ultra‐rapid‐acting insulin analogs with a more physiological time–action profile are currently under investigation for use in artificial pancreas devices, aiming to address the unmet need for further improvements in postprandial glucose control. This review article aims to discuss the current progress and future outlook in the development of novel ultra‐rapid insulin analogs and dual‐hormone closed‐loop systems, which offer the next steps to fully closing the loop in the artificial pancreas.
Improved characterization of the pharmacokinetics of acalabrutinib and its pharmacologically active metabolite, ACP‐5862, in patients with B‐cell malignancies and in healthy subjects using a population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Edlund Helena , Bellanti Francesco , Liu Huan , Vishwanathan Karthick , Tomkinson Helen , Ware Joseph , Sharma Shringi , Buil‐Bruna Núria
Published: July 2021

This analysis aimed to describe the pharmacokinetics (PK) of acalabrutinib and its active metabolite, ACP‐5862. A total of 8935 acalabrutinib samples from 712 subjects and 2394 ACP‐5862 samples from 304 subjects from 12 clinical studies in patients with B‐cell malignancies and healthy subjects were analysed by nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. Acalabrutinib PK was characterized by a 2‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. The large variability in absorption was adequately described by transit compartment chain and first‐order absorption, with between‐occasion variability on the mean transit time and relative bioavailability. The PK of ACP‐5862 was characterized by a 2‐compartment model with first‐order elimination, and the formation rate was defined as the acalabrutinib clearance multiplied by the fraction metabolized. Health status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and coadministration of proton‐pump inhibitors were significant covariates. However, none of the investigated covariates led to clinically meaningful changes in exposure, supporting a flat dosing of acalabrutinib.
Qualitative study to support the content validity of the immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) Life Quality Index (ILQI)
Authors: Cooper Nichola , Cuker Adam , Bonner Nicola , Ghanima Waleed , Provan Drew , Morgan Mervyn , Taylor Barbara , D’Alessio Denise , Arnold Donald , Viana Ricardo
Published: July 2021

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired immune‐mediated disorder. Bleeding is the primary symptom that presents in varying severities. ITP has a negative impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The ITP Life Quality Index (ILQI) was developed as a 10‐item patient‐reported outcome measure to assess impact on HRQoL in ITP. The objective of the present study was to confirm the content validity of the ILQI with a qualitative interview study in the UK involving 15 adult participants with ITP. Combined concept elicitation (CE) and cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews were conducted to explore the symptoms and impacts associated with ITP and confirm content validity of the draft ILQI. The CE phase elicited 14 ITP symptom concepts, including: bruising (all 15 patients, 100%), fatigue (14, 93·3%) and bleeding gums/blood blisters (13, 86·7%). Impacts included decreased ability to participate in sport (all 15 patients, 100%) and anxiety (12, 80%). The CD phase resulted in an adjustment to the ILQI recall period from 1 week to ‘the past month’. Updates were made to improve relevance and response options. The qualitative interviews support the content validity of the ILQI and confirm that the concepts assessed are relevant and consistently understood and interpreted by adult patients with ITP.
Inhibition of HSP90 S‐nitrosylation alleviates cardiac fibrosis via TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiyue , Zhang Yihua , Miao Qing , Shi Zhiguang , Hu Lulu , Liu Shangmin , Gao Jie , Zhao Shuang , Chen Hongshan , Huang Zhengrong , Han Yi , Ji Yong , Xie Liping
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose

Effective anti‐fibrotic therapeutic solutions are unavailable so far. The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) exerts deleterious effects in some fibrotic diseases. S‐nitrosylation (SNO) of HSP90 affects its own function. However, little is known about its role in pathological stress. Here, we investigated the effect of SNO‐HSP90 on cardiac fibrosis.

Experimental Approach

SNO‐HSP90 level was measured by biotin‐switch. SNO sites were identified through mass spectrometry. S‐nitrosylation site‐mutated plasmids or adeno‐associated virus, gene deletion, and pharmacological antagonists were used to identify the contribution of SNO‐HSP90 to myocardial fibrosis.

Key Results

SNO‐HSP90 level was positively correlated with fibrosis marker expression in hearts from patients and significantly higher in fibrotic hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats and mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction, as well as in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. S‐nitrosylated site of HSP90 at cysteine 589 was identified. Inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 by Cys589 mutation reduced fibrosis in angiotensin II‐ or isoprenaline‐treated cardiac fibroblasts. Administration of recombinant adeno‐associated virus of Cys589 mutation improved heart function and alleviated fibrosis in transverse aortic constriction mice. Mechanistically, SNO‐HSP90 stimulated binding of TGFβ receptor 2 to HSP90, in response to fibrotic stimuli, followed by increased phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of SMAD3. Additionally, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) deficiency or the iNOS inhibitor, 1400W, reduced SNO‐HSP90 levels and activation of the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway.

Conclusions and Implications

Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of SNO‐HSP90 mitigates fibrosis through blocking the TGFβ/SMAD3 signalling pathway, providing a potential therapy for cardiac remodelling.
Integrative genome‐wide analyses reveal the transcriptional aberrations in Japanese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Takemoto Akira , Tanimoto Kousuke , Mori Seiichi , Inoue Jun , Fujiwara Naoto , Noda Tetsuo , Inazawa Johji
Published: July 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant disease. At present, the genomic profiles of ESCC are known to a considerable extent, and DNA methylation and gene expression profiles have been mainly used for the classification of ESCC subtypes, but integrative genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic analyses remain insufficient. Therefore, we performed integrative analyses using whole‐exome sequencing, DNA methylation, and RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analyses of Japanese patients with ESCC. In cancer‐related genes, such as NOTCH family genes, RTK/PI3K pathway genes, and NFE2L2 pathway genes, variants and copy number amplification were detected frequently. Japanese ESCC cases were clustered into two mutational signatures: an APOBEC‐associated signature and an age‐related signature. In imprinted genes, DNA methylation was aberrant in gene promoter regions and correlated well with gene expression profiles. Nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide variants and allelic expression imbalance were detected frequently in FAT family genes. Our integrative genome‐wide analyses, including DNA methylation and allele‐specific gene expression profiles, revealed altered gene regulation of imprinted genes and FAT family genes in ESCC.
Unified Shape and SVBRDF Recovery using Differentiable Monte Carlo Rendering
Authors: Luan Fujun , Zhao Shuang , Bala Kavita , Dong Zhao
Published: July 2021

Reconstructing the shape and appearance of real‐world objects using measured 2D images has been a long‐standing inverse rendering problem. In this paper, we introduce a new analysis‐by‐synthesis technique capable of producing high‐quality reconstructions through robust coarse‐to‐fine optimization and physics‐based differentiable rendering.

Unlike most previous methods that handle geometry and reflectance largely separately, our method unifies the optimization of both by leveraging image gradients with respect to both object reflectance and geometry. To obtain physically accurate gradient estimates, we develop a new GPU‐based Monte Carlo differentiable renderer leveraging recent advances in differentiable rendering theory to offer unbiased gradients while enjoying better performance than existing tools like PyTorch3D [RRN*20] and redner [LADL18]. To further improve robustness, we utilize several shape and material priors as well as a coarse‐to‐fine optimization strategy to reconstruct geometry. Using both synthetic and real input images, we demonstrate that our technique can produce reconstructions with higher quality than previous methods.
Exploring the moral experiences of Anishinaabeg children in Rapid Lake, Quebec
Authors: George Suzanne , Carnevale Franco A. , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Whiteduck Shirley , Whiteduck Georgina , Vignola Serge
Published: July 2021

This study was developed to guard against the imposition of settler‐based colonial ethnocentric conceptions of moral development by exploring the everyday moral experiences of children in an Anishinaabeg community. A focused ethnography of 33 children over 3.5 months was conducted, which included participant observation, group activities and individual and group interviews. Drawing on their unique cultural and social background, children showed they had rich moral understandings and acted as moral agents in matters that affected them. These results help advance our understanding of what is morally significant to Anishinaabeg children in their daily experiences, in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.
A pilot study of an intensified ganciclovir dosing strategy for treatment of cytomegalovirus disease in kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients
Authors: Jorgenson Margaret R. , Descourouez Jillian L. , Leverson Glen E. , Saddler Christopher M. , Smith Jeannina A. , Garg Neetika , Parajuli Sandesh , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Odorico Jon S.
Published: July 2021

Problem

Mathematical modeling suggests aggressive ganciclovir dosing in the first week of cytomegalovirus disease (CMV) treatment may improve response. This has not been evaluated clinically.

Methods

Adult kidney and/or pancreas transplant recipients admitted with CMV (4/29/19–7/15/20) received IV ganciclovir(10 mg/kg Q12 h × 7 days) with step‐down to standard‐of‐care (SOC) dosing thereafter (5 mg/kg Q12). A SOC cohort admitted before implementation of the dosing strategy (10/20/16–3/2/19) served as a comparator. Primary objective: rate of viral clearance (delta log CMV) at therapy day 7. Secondary objective: safety/short term efficacy.

Results

Fifty‐four patients met inclusion criteria; 22 high‐dose, 32 SOC. Demographics were similar with the exception of more women (45.4% vs. 15.6%,P = .03) and higher presenting viral‐load in the high‐dose group (log 6.0±.7 vs. log 5.2±1.2, P = .02). High‐dose resulted in significantly greater response to therapy at day 7 (log ‐.92±.51 vs. log ‐.56±.79, P = .04). Change in WBC at day 7 was not different (‐.49±1.92 vs. ‐.45±5.1, P = .97). Short‐term clinical outcomes were similar between groups including mean hospital length‐of‐stay (P = .52), readmission rates (30 d: P = .38; 90 d: P = .5) and achievement of CMV viral‐load less‐than‐lower‐limit‐of‐quantification by day 90 (73% vs. 84%, P = .06). Rejection after CMV as well as graft/patient survival were similar between groups (P = .56, P > .99, P > .99).

Conclusion

A high‐dose IV ganciclovir strategy results in improved viral clearance kinetics without safety concerns and similar short term clinical outcomes.
Mechanisms driving component Allee effects during invasions: using a biological control agent as model invader
Authors: Williams Hester E. , Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Ward Darren F.
Published: July 2021

1. A demographic Allee effect refers to increasing per capita population growth with increasing abundance. It arises from component Allee effects, which exist when some component of individual fitness has a positive relationship with density. Newly arrived populations tend to be small, and their establishment success is influenced by various factors, including demographic Allee effects. Identifying mechanisms driving the Allee effect is of relevance for understanding establishment failure, developing strategies for improving biological control and conservation, and for managing biological invasions.

2. We utilised an invasive plant biocontrol agent, Neolema ogloblini, as model to study Allee effects experienced by invading populations. We investigated mating failure and predator satiation as two component Allee effects that could potentially drive a demographic Allee effect in N. ogloblini populations.

3. We released unmated adults onto isolated host patches using five release sizes and evaluated the mating status of females after 3 weeks in the field. The probability of being mated increased as number of males recovered increased, suggesting the presence of a mating‐failure component Allee effect in very small populations of N. ogloblini. Exclosures were used to evaluate survival of immatures of N. ogloblini developing in small group sizes, either in the presence or absence of generalist predators. Results revealed high levels of predation, but a positive relationship between larval survival and group size in the presence of generalist predators could not be verified.

4. Our study identified relevant life‐history traits contributing to establishment failure in N. ogloblini and demonstrates the value of biocontrol agents as models to study mechanisms of species invasion.
Hypercapnic ventilatory response in epilepsy patients treated with VNS: A case‐control study
Authors: Sainju Rup K. , Dragon Deidre N. , Winnike Harold B. , Ten Eyck Patrick , Granner Mark A. , Gehlbach Brian K. , Richerson George B.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Central CO2 chemoreception (CCR), a major chemical drive for breathing, can be quantified with a CO2 re‐breathing test to measure the hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR). An attenuated HCVR correlates with the severity of respiratory dysfunction after generalized convulsive seizures and is a potential biomarker for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may reduce SUDEP risk, but for unclear reasons the risk remains higher during the first 2 years after implantation. The vagus nerve has widespread connections in the brainstem, including key areas related to CCR. Here we examined whether chronic electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve induces changes in CCR.

Methods

We compared the HCVR in epilepsy patients with or without an active VNS in a sex‐ and age‐matched case‐control study. Eligible subjects were selected from a cohort of patients who previously underwent HCVR testing. The HCVR slope, change in minute ventilation (VE) with respect to change in end tidal (ET) CO2 (∆ VE/ ∆ ETCO2) during the test was calculated for each subject. Key variables were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out for HCVR slope as dependent variable.

Results

A total of 86 subjects were in the study. HCVR slope was significantly lower in the cases compared to the controls. Cases had longer duration of epilepsy and higher number of anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs) tried during lifetime. Having active VNS and ETCO2 were associated with a low HCVR slope while high BMI was associated with high HCVR slope in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Discussion

We found having an active VNS was associated with relatively attenuated HCVR slope. Although duration of epilepsy and number of AEDs tried during lifetime was significantly different between the groups, they were not predictors of HCVR slope in subsequent analysis.

Conclusion

Chronic electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve by VNS may be associated with an attenuated CCR [Correction added on 24 November 2021, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been revised from “Chronic electrical stimulation of VNS nerve by VNS…”]. A larger prospective study may help to establish the time course of this effect in relation to the time of VNS implantation, whether there is a causal relationship, and determine how it affects SUDEP risk.
The FEBS Journal: hidden gems
Authors: Breuer Manuel
Published: July 2021

Every quarter, The FEBS Journal presents some of its “hidden gems”—original research and review‐type articles that provide a significant advance or discuss recent developments in the molecular or cellular life sciences. These articles are of high value to the scientific community, and we like to take the opportunity to promote these contributions from previous issues of the journal, as we feel their scientific content merits a boost in exposure.
Evolution of Urban Patterns: Urban Morphology as an Open Reproducible Data Science
Authors: Fleischmann Martin , Feliciotti Alessandra , Kerr William
Published: July 2021

The recent growth of geographic data science (GDS) fuelled by increasingly available open data and open source tools has influenced urban sciences across a multitude of fields. Yet there is limited application in urban morphology—a science of urban form. Although quantitative approaches to morphological research are finding momentum, existing tools for such analyses have limited scope and are predominantly implemented as plug‐ins for standalone geographic information system software. This inherently restricts transparency and reproducibility of research. Simultaneously, the Python ecosystem for GDS is maturing to the point of fully supporting highly specialized morphological analysis. In this paper, we use the open source Python ecosystem in a workflow to illustrate its capabilities in a case study assessing the evolution of urban patterns over six historical periods on a sample of 42 locations. Results show a trajectory of change in the scale and structure of urban form from pre‐industrial development to contemporary neighborhoods, with a peak of highest deviation during the post‐World War II era of modernism, confirming previous findings. The wholly reproducible method is encapsulated in computational notebooks, illustrating how modern GDS can be applied to urban morphology research to promote open, collaborative, and transparent science, independent of proprietary or otherwise limited software.
Changes of photosynthetic pigments and phytol content at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer in Italian ryegrass fresh herbage and hay
Authors: Lv Renlong , Elsabagh Mabrouk , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa , Kurokawa Yuzo , Kawamura Kensuke
Published: July 2021

The content of photosynthetic pigments in herbage not only has a strong antioxidant function, but also can improve the health of animals and the quality of livestock products after being ingested by ruminants. Increasing the content of photosynthetic pigments can improve the feed value of herbage, which is of great significance in the process of animal feeding. The experiment aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels on the contents of photosynthetic pigments and phytol in fresh Italian ryegrass (IR) herbages and their changes after drying under natural condition over two consecutive seasons. IR variety: Ace (for 2013–2014 season) and Inazuma (for 2015–2016 season) were planted in 3 blocks (4 × 6 m) from two separate fields (≥1 ha), three plots (2 × 2 m) were arranged in each block and three fertilization treatments, control: 0 kg N/ha, 60 N: 60 kg N/ha, and 120 N: 120 kg N/ha, were applied for each block. The results revealed that the crude protein, ether extract, photosynthetic pigments and phytol in IR (fresh herbage and hay) were increased with increasing N fertilizer levels. Photosynthetic pigments decreased obviously by hay preparation (chlorophylls: 40%–70%, phytol: 25%–47%, β‐carotene: 72%–90%, lutein: 31%–69%). The decomposition of phytol and β‐carotene was not affected by the growing year and N fertilizer levels. However, the decomposition of chlorophyll and lutein was affected by growing year, which was higher in 2014 than that in 2016. Also, the contents of total phytol and lutein of the fresh herbage and hay harvested in 2016 were higher (p < .05) than those harvested in 2014. In conclusion, higher N fertilizer levels could increase the photosynthetic pigments and phytol content in IR fresh herbage which contributes to improving the feed value. However, the content of photosynthetic pigments and phytol in IR hay decreased significantly. IR variety may also affect the nutrient content and their degree of decomposition during drying.
Intermittent stocking strategies for the management of Marandu palisade grass in the Brazilian Cerrado biome
Authors: Antunes Lawrene Eduardo , Montagner Denise Baptaglin , Euclides Valéria Pacheco Batista , Taira Carolina de Arruda Queiróz , Echeverria Joilson Roda , Nantes Nayana Nazareth , Orrico Junior Marco Antonio Previdelli
Published: July 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of pre‐ and post‐grazing targets on the forage accumulation and canopy characteristics of Marandu palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha [Hochst. ex A. Rich.] Stapf. syn. Urochloa brizantha) to define grazing management strategies in Brazil's Cerrado biome. The experimental design comprised a randomized complete block with four replicates in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: two grazing frequencies (95% of light interception (LI95%) and maximum (LIMax) light interception of the forage canopy) and two grazing intensities (10 and 15 cm of post‐grazing canopy height). Pastures were sampled to quantify forage mass and morphological components at pre‐ and post‐grazing. The tillers population density and forage nutritive value were estimated at pre‐grazing. Pastures managed with the LI95% target demonstrated greater basal (1,341 versus 1,193 tillers/m2) and aerial tillers (101 versus 53 tillers/m2) population densities, a greater leaf:stem ratio (3.8 versus 2.0), and a lower canopy height (33 versus 55 cm), forage mass (3,225 versus 4,320 kg/ha), stem proportion (30.6% versus 44.5%), and leaf (2.5% versus 2.8%) and stem (3.4% versus 3.8%) acid detergent lignin content than those managed with the LIMax target. In the Cerrado, Marandu palisade grass must be grazed when the canopy height reaches 33 cm. Furthermore, animals must be removed from the paddocks when the canopy height reaches 15 cm.
Customers’ quality of life, advocacy and banks’ CSR‐fit: A cross‐validated moderated mediation model
Authors: Ogunmokun Oluwatobi A. , Timur Seldjan
Published: July 2021

Using a novel approach to customers’ quality of life research, this study considers quality of life, not as a customer and societal consequence of organizations’ CSR activities as it is often considered in consumer studies, but as an antecedent of customers’ response to organizations’ CSR activities. Focussing on the CSR attribute of fit, this study developed and tested a model that proposes CSR‐fit’s indirect effect on customers’ advocacy through attitudinal loyalty, as moderated by customers’ self‐perception of quality of life. This relationship is investigated in commercial and microfinance banks, to cross‐validate the proposed relationships based on the distinct characteristics of both types of banks. Analysis of data from a Nigerian sample of bank customers reveals that quality of life negatively moderates the relationship between CSR‐fit, attitudinal loyalty and advocacy behaviours of commercial bank customers. For microfinance bank customers, the positive moderating effect of quality of life was only marginally significant. The theoretical and managerial implications of these findings are discussed alongside suggested directions for future studies.
Recent advances in fishy odour in aquatic fish products, from formation to control
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Yizhen , Wang Zheming , Cai Shihai , Zhu Beiwei , Dong Xiuping
Published: July 2021

Aquatic products are one of the most important foods with plenty of high‐quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids (EPA, DHA), a variety of minerals and other essential nutrients. However, the bad smell of fish, such as fishy smell and earthy smell, restricts its production and consumption. The main fishy odour substances from freshwater fish and marine fish are different. The geosmin and 2‐methylisobomeol are the main compounds in freshwater fish, and aldehydes, alcohols and ketones are found in most marine fish. The odour compounds can come from environment like water, feed and alga, enzymolysis and oxidative reactions of protein and lipid. Thus, it is necessary to remove or inhibit odour by managing farming environment like improving water quality, using physical method like adding some substance to cover the bad smell and using some chemical or biological method to prevent enzymolysis or oxidation. Therefore, knowing the composition of fishy substances and understanding their production pathways will play an important role in suppressing fishy substances and improving the competitiveness of consumer production. Besides, it could provide new ideas for innovative deodorising methods.