bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A de novo MS1 feature detector for the Bruker timsTOF Pro
Authors: Wilding-McBride Daryl , Webb Andrew I.
Published: May 2022

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Identification of peptides by analysis of data acquired by the two established methods for bottom-up proteomics, DDA and DIA, relies heavily on the fragment spectra. In DDA, peptide features detected in mass spectrometry data are identified by matching their fragment spectra with a peptide database. In DIA, a peptide’s fragment spectra are targeted for extraction and matched with observed spectra. Although fragment ion matching is a central aspect in most peptide identification strategies, the precursor ion in the MS1 data reveals important characteristics as well, including charge state, intensity, monoisotopic m/z, and apex in retention time. Most importantly, the precursor’s mass is essential in determining the potential chemical modification state of the underlying peptide sequence. In the timsTOF, with its additional dimension of collisional cross-section, the data representing the precursor ion also reveals the peptide’s peak in ion mobility. However, the availability of tools to survey precursor ions with a wide range of abundance in timsTOF data across the full mass range is very limited.

Here we present a de novo feature detector called three-dimensional intensity descent (3DID). 3DID can detect and extract peptide features down to a configurable intensity level, and finds many more features than several existing tools. 3DID is written in Python and is freely available with an open-source MIT license to facilitate experimentation and further improvement (DOI 10.5281/zenodo.6513126). The dataset used for validation of the algorithm is publicly available (ProteomeXchange identifier PXD030706).

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Author Summary

In the identification of peptides in mass spectrometry data, much attention has been given to the targeting and extraction of mass spectra produced by fragmentation of precursor ions. However, important information about the peptide is revealed by the data representing the precursor ion itself, such as the peptide’s charge state, mass-to-charge ratio, intensity, and retention time. The timsTOF produces the additional dimension of ion mobility, which provides richer information about the precursor. Although tools exist for the analysis of timsTOF data, they are hampered by limited dynamic range. In this work, we describe a de novo feature detector called 3DID that detects peptide features across the full mass range. Our detector can detect more peptides than existing tools across a broader range of abundance, which enables more comprehensive analysis of the data. We believe 3DID will make a valuable contribution to the proteomics toolbox.
Modelling somatic mutation accumulation and expansion in a long-lived tree with hierarchical modular architecture
Authors: Tomimoto Sou , Satake Akiko
Published: May 2022

In a long-lived organism with a modular architecture, such as trees, somatic mutations accumulate throughout the long lifespan and result in genetic mosaicism in each module within the same individual. In recent years, next-generation sequencing technology has provided a snapshot of such intra-organismal genetic variability. However, the dynamic processes underlying the accumulation and expansion of somatic mutations during the growth remain poorly understood. In this study, we constructed a model to describe these processes in a form that can be applied to a real tree. Given that the proliferation dynamics of meristematic cells vary across plant species, multiple possible processes for elongation and branching were comprehensively expressed in our model. Using published data from a poplar tree, we compared the prediction of the models with the observation and explained the cell lineage dynamics underlying somatic mutations accumulation that were not evident from the snapshot of the sequenced data. We showed that the somatic genetic drift during growth increases inter-meristem mosaicism, resulting in genetically distinct branches and less integrity within an individual tree. We also showed that the somatic genetic drift during branching leads to the mutation accumulation pattern that does not reflect the tree topology. Our modelling framework can help interpret and provide further insights into the empirical findings of genetic mosaicism in long-lived trees.
Multiple trade-offs between defense and competitiveness traits in a planktonic predator-prey system
Authors: Réveillon Tom , Becks Lutz
Published: May 2022

Predator-prey interactions play a central role in community dynamics and depends on the covariation of traits of the interacting organisms. Intraspecific trade-off relationships between defense and competitiveness traits are important for understanding trophic interactions. However, quantifying the relevant traits forming defense-competitiveness trade-offs and how these traits determine prey and predator fitness remain major challenges. Here, we conducted feeding and growth experiments to assess multiple traits related to defense and competitiveness in 6 different strains of the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiiexposed to predation by the rotiferBrachionus calyciflorus.We found large differences in defense and competitiveness traits among prey strains and negative relationships between defense and competitiveness traits. Because we compared trait differences among strains whose ancestors previously evolved in controlled environments where selection favored defense or competitiveness, these negative correlations suggest the presence of a trade-off between defense and competitiveness. This trade-off was found for multiple combinations of defense and competitiveness traits. Furthermore, the differences in traits translated into differences in prey and predator fitness, which demonstrated the contribution of intraspecific trade-offs for predicting the outcome of predator-prey interactions.
Inhibition of c-Jun in AgRP neurons mediates chronic stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and colitis susceptibility
Authors: Jiao Fuxin , Hu Xiaoming , Yin Hanrui , Yuan Feixiang , Zhou Ziheng , Wu Wei , Chen Shanghai , Liu Zhanju , Guo Feifan
Published: May 2022

Psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, are frequently associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), however, the neural mechanisms are unknown. Here, we showed that hypothalamic agouti-related protein (AgRP) neuronal activity was suppressed under chronic restraint stress (CRS), a condition known to induce anxiety-like behaviors and increase colitis susceptibility. Consistently, chemogenic activation (inhibition) of AgRP neurons reversed (mimicked) CRS-induced anxiety-like behaviors and colitis susceptibility. Furthermore, CRS inhibited AgRP neuronal activity by suppressing the expression of c-Jun. As expected, overexpression of c-Jun in these neurons protected against the CRS-induced these effects and knockdown of c-Jun in AgRP neurons (c-JunΔAgRP) promoted anxiety-like behaviors and colitis. Moreover, relieving the anxiety with cyamemazine (an anxiolytic drug) alleviated colitis susceptibility in c-JunΔAgRP mice. Finally, according to a proteomic analysis, the levels of the secreted protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) were negatively associated with the increased anxiety-like behaviors and colitis susceptibility, supplementing recombinant THBS1 rescued colitis in c-JunΔAgRP mice. Taken together, these results reveal a critical role of hypothalamic AgRP neuron-derived c-Jun in orchestrating chronic stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and colitis susceptibility. These results provide a new perspective for understanding the neuronal mechanisms and potential therapeutic target for the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, and IBD.
Minute-scale oscillatory sequences in medial entorhinal cortex
Authors: Cogno Soledad Gonzalo , Obenhaus Horst A. , Jacobsen R. Irene , Donato Flavio , Moser May-Britt , Moser Edvard I.
Published: May 2022

The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) hosts many of the brain’s circuit elements for spatial navigation and episodic memory, operations that require neural activity to be organized across long durations of experience1. While location is known to be encoded by a plethora of spatially tuned cell types in this brain region2–6, little is known about how the activity of entorhinal cells is tied together over time. Among the brain’s most powerful mechanisms for neural coordination are network oscillations, which dynamically synchronize neural activity across circuit elements7–10. In MEC, theta and gamma oscillations provide temporal structure to the neural population activity at subsecond time scales1,11–13. It remains an open question, however, whether similarly powerful coordination occurs in MEC at behavioural time scales, in the second-to-minute regime. Here we show that MEC activity can be organized into a minute-scale oscillation that entrains nearly the entire cell population, with periods ranging from 10 to 100 seconds. Throughout this ultraslow oscillation, neural activity progresses in periodic and stereotyped sequences. This activity was elicited while mice ran at free pace on a rotating wheel in darkness, with no change in its location or running direction and no scheduled rewards. The oscillation sometimes advanced uninterruptedly for tens of minutes, transcending epochs of locomotion and immobility. Similar oscillatory sequences were not observed in neighboring parasubiculum or in visual cortex. The ultraslow oscillation of activity sequences in MEC may have the potential to couple its neurons and circuits across extended time scales and to serve as a scaffold for processes that unfold at behavioural time scales, such as navigation and episodic memory formation.
Spatial, Quantitative and Functional Deconstruction of Virus and Host Protein Interactions Inside Intact Cytomegalovirus Particles
Authors: Bogdanow Boris , Gruska Iris , Mühlberg Lars , Protze Jonas , Hohensee Svea , Vetter Barbara , Lehmann Martin , Wiebusch Lüder , Liu Fan
Published: May 2022

Herpesviruses assemble large enveloped particles that are difficult to characterize structurally due to their size, fragility and complex proteome with partially amorphous nature. Here we use cross-linking mass spectrometry and quantitative proteomics to derive a spatially resolved interactome map of intact human cytomegalovirus virions. This enabled thede novoallocation of 32 viral proteins into four spatially resolved virion layers, each organized by a dominant viral scaffold protein. The viral protein UL32 engages with all layers in an N-to-C-terminal radial orientation bridging nucleocapsid to viral membrane. In addition, we observed the layer-specific recruitment of 82 host proteins, a subset of which are constitutively and selectively incorporated via specific host-virus interactions. We uncover how the recruitment of PP1 phosphatase and 14-3-3 proteins by UL32 affects early and late steps during viral biogenesis. Collectively, this study provides global structural insights into the native configuration of virus and host protein interactions inside herpesvirus particles.
Addiction recovery stories: Paul Makin in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Makin Paul , Ogilvie Lisa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a series of recovery stories that examine candid accounts of addiction and recovery. Shared components in the recovery process are considered, along with the change and growth needed to support the transition from addiction to recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment (CHIME) framework comprises five elements important to recovery. CHIME provides a standard to qualitatively study recovery. As a model, it has been extended to include growth-CHIME (G-CHIME), an element that is important for sustained addiction recovery. In this paper, a first-hand account of addiction recovery is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account that is based on the G-CHIME model.

Findings

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectually explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each element in the model is apparent from the biography and e-interview presented.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, each account of recovery in this series is unique and, as yet, untold.
Academic spinoffs team formation process: unfolding three micro-phases under the lens of effectuation and causation
Authors: Tagliazucchi Giulia , Marchi Gianluca
Published: May 2022

Purpose

By using the lens of effectuation and causation, this paper aims at exploring how the team is formed in high-tech academic spinoffs, by looking specifically at decisional heuristics in an academic context. Indeed, the team composition is a critical issue for the subsequent growth of the academic new venture: on the one hand, the scientific-centred knowledge of the academic entrepreneurs is one of the main elements that lay the foundation for the new venture; on the other hand, it has been widely recognized that the lack of market-related knowledge and experience often has detrimental effects on performance. Decisive is then to explore how team decisions pertaining to the team formation process are taken.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology based on multiple case studies is adopted under an abductive approach.

Findings

Results shed light on how decisions pertaining to team formation are taken by academic entrepreneurs and with what effects on team composition, a fundamental element to foster the growth of academic new ventures. Specifically, this study derives some propositions about the adoption of effectuation and causation in the team formation process, their occurrence and sequence in the light of the scientific context in which academic new ventures spin out and the effects on the team composition.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on academic entrepreneurs’ decisional heuristic and the use of effectuation or causation in the early stages of an academic new venture, by focusing on the team formation process. This study specifically considers three temporal micro-phases – the selection of founders before inception, the appointment of top management teams, and the integration of early employees after the inception – and whether the academic context influences the decisional heuristics. Managerial implications are also derived.
COVID-19 challenges and employees' stress: mediating role of family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance
Authors: Kundu Subhash C. , Tuteja Prerna , Chahar Purnima
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The paper focuses on examining the relationship between challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic and employees' stress through the mediating role of family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,556 respondents from 45 countries across all continents were included in this survey. Statistical techniques such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlations, multiple regression and bootstrapping were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results depicted that COVID-19 challenges induced stress among employees. In combination with this, family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance mediated the relationship between COVID-19 challenges and employees' stress individually as well as serially. The paper further suggests some recommendations to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 challenges on employees' stress.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study was in the data collection process. As the data were collected during the time period of pandemic, so, limited respondents were approached. Also, the international and cross-sectional design of the study can limit the applicability of the results.

Practical implications

The study suggests organizations and HR managers to help in balancing family and work-life of employees, so that their mind can be kept stress free.

Originality/value

The study has added knowledge to the existing literature of stress created due to the COVID-19 pandemic by explaining the serial mediation of family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance between the relationship of COVID-19 challenges and employees' stress.
The effect of international remittances on labour supply in Jordan: an empirical investigation
Authors: Al-Assaf Ghazi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to examine the effect of international remittances on the labour market participation of women and men left behind in Jordan. The study particularly focuses on the labour supply side for both women and men.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on micro-data from the Jordan Labour Market Panel Survey (JLMPS) in 2010, a nationally representative survey, and addresses the endogeneity of receiving remittances through an Instrumental Variable (IV) approach.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that remittances are found to have a negative and significant impact on labour supply of both women and men. On average, women who live in remittance receiving household are about 5% points less likely to perform any market work, 3% points less likely to be in wage employment and about 8% points less likely to be engaged in own work. While, men who live in remittance receiving household are about 25% points less likely to perform any market work, 5% points less likely to be in wage employment and about 10% points less likely to be engaged in own work. When the author instruments for remittance receipt of the household, the effect of remittances on likelihood to work is found larger for both women and men.

Originality/value

Workers' remittances are considered as one of the vital financial sources for many households in labour exporting countries, most of the investigation on the effects of such financial flows concentrate on the macroeconomic effects. It is therefore important to conduct empirical investigation to fairly and accurately evaluate the impact of these flows on the Jordanian labour market at a microeconomic level.
Digital entrepreneurship: global maps and trends of research
Authors: Zhai Yuming , Yang Kaibo , Chen Lu , Lin Han , Yu Mingchuan , Jin Ruoyu
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Digital technologies, such as big data and artificial intelligence, significantly impact entrepreneurial activities worldwide. However, research on entrepreneurial activities enabled by digital technologies is fragmented, divergent and delayed. This study aims to provide a structured review of digital entrepreneurship (DE) to identify status, hotspots, knowledge structure, dynamic trends and future developments in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

The bibliometric analysis was applied to offer a technological review on DE. In total 704 publications and their 34,083 references from Web of Science were retrieved as the sample set. Basic characteristics of publications, including the most influential documents, authors, journals and countries, were obtained. Then, co-citation and co-occurrence analyses were conducted to sketch the contours of the structure and evolution of DE.

Findings

DE has attracted increasing attention in the past three decades, especially after 2013. There are dozens of countries, hundreds of journals and more than 1,000 authors that have contributed to this field. Based on keyword co-occurrence clustering and co-citation clustering, the authors proposed a 3E (empower, evolution and ecosystem) framework of DE to facilitate an interdisciplinary dialogue for evidence-based policymaking and practice. In the future, researchers need to pay more attention to theoretical research and study DE from a holistic and dynamic perspective with consideration to the negative impact of digital technology on entrepreneurial activities.

Originality/value

This study draws an outline of the global advance on DE research. It presents an opportunity to comprehensively understand the contemporary achievements, the march of knowledge and the logical venation underlying academic developments as well as foundations for policymaking.
Messy talk: an unanticipated process of problem-solving and knowledge creation
Authors: Mandhana Dron M.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper discusses the communicative process of messy talk that enables collaborative problem-solving and tacit knowledge sharing among interdisciplinary team members. The paper aims to (1) trace relevant literature and lay out the conceptual and operational definitions of messy talk, (2) highlight messy talk as an enacted communication competence and (3) discuss the antecedents of messy talk and offer empirical propositions to guide future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper traces and integrates relevant literature from the construction, management and organizational and group communication disciplines to promote and foster research on messy talk.

Findings

Based on extant research on messy talk, the paper first provides clear conceptual and operational definitions of the messy talk construct. Second, using practice perspective, messy talk is presented as an enacted communication competence that focuses on the ongoing demands of the context and the situated practices of organizational members. Third, several factors including team members' technical expertise, task routineness, team history, time pressure and information sharing systems that influence the amount of messy talk conversations in teams are discussed. Lastly, the paper underscores the key implications of considering messy talk as an enacted communication competence on the performance and training of knowledge workers.

Originality/value

The presentation of messy talk as an enacted communication competence is a deliberate consideration of knowledge as an emergent, intersubjectively negotiated phenomenon that is deeply rooted in practice.
The mediating effect of fraud awareness on the relationship between risk management and integrity system
Authors: Sihombing Ranto Partomuan , Soewarno Noorlailie , Agustia Dian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Government institutions in Indonesia have implemented an integrity system as a strategy to prevent fraud and corruption by integrating the risk management and organizational ethics. This integration is important to increase the awareness of fraud in the organization. Based on self-determination theory, this study examines the mediating effect of fraud awareness on risk management and integrity systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out by using a quantitative approach. The participants of the survey were auditors of the inspectorate of Ministries and Government Agencies in Indonesia. The number of respondents was 103 auditors. The hypothesis testing method used the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The data were processed by using WarpPls 7.0 software.

Findings

There are two main results in this study. First, risk management directly affect the integrity of the system. Second, fraud awareness mediates the relationship between risk management and integrity systems.

Practical implications

The result of this study implicates the policymakers in Ministries and Government Agencies in Indonesia to increase organizational fraud awareness through the involvement of internal audits with risk management. The fraud awareness will greatly improve the performance of the integrity system.

Originality/value

This is the first study examined fraud awareness of integrity systems and risk management. This study can enrich the literature on internal audits, especially the duties of auditors with risk management.
Exploring changes in integration, differentiation, rules, coordination and performance following the introduction of a hospital planning centre: a case study
Authors: van der Ham Annelies , Van Raak Arno , Ruwaard Dirk , van Merode Frits
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study explores how a hospital works, which is important for further enhancing hospital performance. Following the introduction of a Hospital Planning Centre (HPC), changes are explored in a hospital in terms of integration (the coordination and alignment of tasks), differentiation (the extent to which tasks are segmented into subsystems), rules, coordination mechanisms and hospital performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted examining the hospital’s social network, rules, coordination mechanisms and performance both before and after the introduction of the HPC. All planning and execution tasks for surgery patients were studied using a naturalistic inquiry and mixed-method approach.

Findings

After the introduction of the HPC, the overall network structure and coordination mechanisms and coordination mechanisms remained largely the same. Integration and certain rules changed for specific planning tasks. Differentiation based on medical discipline remained. The number of local rules decreased and hospital-wide rules increased, and these remained largely in people’s minds. Coordination mechanisms remained largely unchanged, primarily involving mutual adjustment and standardization of work both before and after the introduction of the HPC. Overall, the hospital’s performance did not change substantially. The findings suggest that integration seems to “emerge” instead of being designed. Hospitals could benefit, we argue, from a more conscious system-wide approach that includes collective learning and information sharing.

Originality/value

This exploratory study provides in-depth insight into how a hospital works, yielding important knowledge for further research and the enhancement of hospital performance.
Flow field analysis for multilaser powder bed fusion and the influence of gas flow distribution on parts quality
Authors: Liu Zixin , Yang Yongqiang , Wang Di , Chen Jie , Xiao Yunmian , Zhou Hanxiang , Chen Ziyu , Song Changhui
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of the gas-flow field distribution and design on the parts quality of 316L stainless steel and the vapor–spatter behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the hot-wire wind speed test method, the exact value of the gas velocity at different locations was accurately measured to establish the effect on the porosity and the mechanical properties of the parts. The influence of the placement of single or dual blow screens on the performance of the parts quality was also studied. Through scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer, high-speed photography and other methods, the influence mechanism was explained.

Findings

It was found that too high or too low gas velocity both play a negative role, for 316L stainless steel, the range of 1.3–2.0 m/s is a suitable gas field velocity during the multilaser powder bed fusion process. And printing quality using dual blow screens is better than single.

Practical implications

The optimization of gas field design and optimal gas velocity (1.3–2.0 m/s) applied during laser melting can improve the quality of ML-PBF of 316L stainless steel.

Originality/value

This study showed the influence of the gas field on the spatter–vapor in the process during ML-PBF, and the unfavorable gas field led to the formation of pores and unmelted powders.
The link between dangerous driving and other criminal behaviour: a scoping review
Authors: Bates Lyndel , Alexander Marina , Webster Julianne
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the link between dangerous driving and other criminal behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) five-step process for scoping reviews to identify, summarise and classify identified literature was used. Within the 30-year timeframe (1990–2019), 12 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Findings

This review indicates that individuals who commit certain driving offences are more likely to also have a general criminal history. In particular, driving under the influence, driving unlicensed and high-range speeding offences were associated with other forms of criminal behaviour. Seven of the studies mentioned common criminological theories; however, they were not integrated well in the analysis. No studies used explanatory psychosocial theories that investigate social and contextual factors.

Research limitations/implications

Future research in this area would benefit from exploring individual and social influences that contribute to criminal behaviour in both contexts.

Practical implications

There is the potential to develop an information-led policing approach to improve safety on the roads and reduce wider offending behaviour. However, it is critical that road policing officers continue to focus on ensuring the road system is as safe as possible for users.

Originality/value

Criminal behaviour on the roads is often seen as a separate from other types of offending. This paper explores if, and how, these two types of offending are linked.
The impact of medical cyber–physical systems on healthcare service delivery
Authors: Sony Michael , Antony Jiju , McDermott Olivia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The pandemic has reinforced the need for revamping the healthcare service delivery systems around the world to meet the increased challenges of modern-day illnesses. The use of medical cyber–physical system (MCPS) in the healthcare is one of the means of transforming the landscape of the traditional healthcare service delivery system. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the impact of MCPS on the quality of healthcare service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an evidence-based approach, the authors have conducted a systematic literature review to study the impact of MCPS on healthcare service delivery. Fifty-four articles were thematically examined to study the impact of MCPS on eight characteristics of the healthcare service delivery proposed by the world health organisation.

Findings

The study proposes support that MCPS will positively impact (1) comprehensiveness, (2) accessibility, (3) coverage, (4) continuity, (5) quality, (6) person-centredness, (7) coordination, (8) accountability and (9) efficiency dimension of the healthcare service delivery. The study further draws nine propositions to support the impact of MCPS on the healthcare service delivery.

Practical implications

This study can be used by stakeholders as a guide point while using MCPS in healthcare service delivery systems. Besides, healthcare managers can use this study to understand the performance of their healthcare system. This study can further be used for designing effective strategies for deploying MCPS to be effective and efficient in each of the dimensions of healthcare service delivery.

Originality/value

The previous studies have focussed on technology aspects of MCPS and none of them critically analysed the impact on healthcare service delivery. This is the first literature review carried out to understand the impact of MCPS on the nine dimensions of healthcare service delivery proposed by WHO. This study provides improved thematic awareness of the resulting body of knowledge, allowing the field of MCPS and healthcare service delivery to progress in a more informed and multidisciplinary manner.
Institutional Ownership and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Comparative Study of the UK and the USA
Authors: Benlemlih Mohammed , Arif Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Motivated by the growing attention on climate change and the ethical role that board characteristics and ownership may play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this paper investigates the relationship between institutional ownership and GHG emissions. Using an extensive dataset from the UK and the USA, we show that institutional ownership is associated with less GHG emissions – a one standard deviation increase in the proportion of institutional ownership reduces carbon emissions by 1.02 metric tons. Our findings are robust when using alternative measures, econometric specifications and several approaches to address endogeneity. Further, we find no evidence for a stronger effect in the UK compared with the USA, as expected from our discussion of the governance contexts in the two countries. We also test the possible channel (i.e. exit and selection) through which institutional investors affect GHG emissions. In a set of additional analyses, we show that litigation risk and board gender diversity moderate the relationship between institutional ownership and GHG emissions. Finally, we also document a positive effect of the stewardship codes on the relationship between institutional ownership and GHG emissions. Our findings make significant theoretical and regulatory contributions.
Prevalence of use and real‐world effectiveness of smoking cessation aids during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a representative study of smokers in England
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Cox Sharon , Shahab Lion , Brown Jamie
Published: May 2022

Aim

To measure whether the prevalence of use and real‐world effectiveness of different smoking cessation aids has changed in England since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Design

Representative monthly cross‐sectional surveys, January 2015–June 2021.

Setting

England.

Participants

A total of 7300 adults (≥18 y) who had smoked within the previous 12 months and had made ≥1 quit attempt during that period.

Measurements

The independent variable was the timing of the COVID‐19 pandemic (pre‐pandemic [January 2015–February 2020] vs pandemic [April 2020–June 2021]). We analysed (i) the association between the pandemic period and self‐reported use (vs non‐use) during the most recent quit attempt of: prescription medication (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]/varenicline/bupropion), NRT bought over‐the‐counter, e‐cigarettes, traditional behavioural support and traditional remote support (telephone support/written self‐help materials/websites) and (ii) the interaction between the pandemic period and use of these cessation aids on self‐reported abstinence from quit date to survey. Covariates included age, sex, social grade, level of cigarette addiction and characteristics related to the quit attempt.

Findings

After adjustment for secular trends, there was a significant increase from the pre‐pandemic to pandemic period in the prevalence of use of traditional remote support by past‐year smokers in a quit attempt (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.42–3.33); specifically telephone support (OR = 7.16; 95% CI, 2.19–23.45) and websites (OR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.41–4.08). There was also an increase in the prevalence of use of prescription medication (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08–2.00); specifically varenicline (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.09–2.52). There were no significant changes in prevalence of use of other cessation aids after adjustment for secular trends. People who reported using prescription medication (OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.09–1.84) and e‐cigarettes (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.62–2.16) had greater odds of reporting abstinence than people who did not. There were no significant interactions between the pandemic period and use of any cessation aid on abstinence, after adjustment for covariates and use of the other aids, although data were insensitive to distinguish no change from meaningful modest (OR = 1.34) effects (Bayes factors 0.72–1.98).

Conclusions

In England, the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with an increase in use of remote support for smoking cessation and varenicline by smokers in a quit attempt up to June 2021. The data were inconclusive regarding an association between the pandemic and changes in the real‐world effectiveness of popular smoking cessation aids.
Association between virulence factors and biofilm formation in Enterococcus faecalis isolated from semen of infertile men
Authors: Shahroodian Soheila , Mirshekar Maryam , Talebi Malihe , Torki Alireza , Amirmozafari Nour
Published: May 2022

Problem

Enterococcus faecalis is a common microbial semen contaminant. Although virulence factors and biofilm formation have often been analyzed in Enterococcus spp., there is little information about these features in isolates obtained from the genitourinary tract. This study was intended to characterize and determine the relationship between biofilm‐forming ability and the presence of E. faecalis virulence factors isolated from human semen.

Method of study

A total of 32 patients diagnosed with primary infertility and 28 healthy men were included in the study. Semen analyses were performed according to the WHO guidelines. PCR reactions were applied for the detection of ace, esp, efeA, gelE, asa1, and cylA genes. Microtiter plate assay, via measurement of OD560, was used to measure the biofilm‐forming ability of the isolates.

Results

Sixty E. faecalis isolates from semen of infertile and fertile men were characterized by phenotypic and genotypic methods. The prevalence of ace, esp, efeA, gelE, asa1 and cylA were reported to be 81.3%/100.0%, 81.3%/89.3%, 81.3%/85.7%, 71.9%/53.6%, 8.8%/75.0%, and 62.5%/67.9% in infertile/fertile groups; respectively. Strong, weak, and non‐biofilm reactions were reported to be 50.0%/21.4%, 40.6%/64.3%, and 9.4%/14.3% in infertile and fertile groups; respectively.

Conclusions

There was a significant relationship between fertility and weak biofilm reaction and also between biofilm formation and possession of the esp gene (P < .05). It could be speculated that colonization with E. faecalis with a strong ability for biofilm formation could become a potential threat to men's fertility.
Antibiotic stewardship programmes had a low impact on prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections in children
Authors: Korppi Matti
Published: May 2022

Aim

This mini review summarises the available data on antibiotic stewardship programmes (ASP) for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in paediatric outpatients, particularly the implementation and impact of programmes.

Methods

PubMed was searched from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 for papers with abstracts that used the terms respiratory tract infection, antibiotic, child and guideline. We then saw how many of these included the individual terms impact, implementation or stewardship. After exclusions, we included 10 papers that were published in English on children treated as outpatients for ARTIs. All of these included data on implementing and assessing the impact of ASPs.

Results

The primary care data were mainly from the United States. The ASP programmes did not influence antibiotic prescription rates, but broad‐spectrum antibiotics decreased by 43–48%. The emergency department data were mainly from France and the antibiotic prescription rate decreased by 31–35% and the rate for broad‐spectrum antibiotics by 63–71%. A nationwide register‐based study from France confirmed these results.

Conclusion

ASPs had a low impact on overall antibiotic prescription rates and a modest impact on prescribing broad‐spectrum antibiotics. The implementation of ASP protocols needs further development, and more research is necessary on barriers to complying with ASPs.
Hearing impairment in Angolan children with acute bacterial meningitis with and without otitis media
Authors: Lempinen Laura , Laulajainen‐Hongisto Anu , Aarnisalo Antti A. , Bernardino Luis , Peltola Heikki , Pitkäranta Anne , Pelkonen Tuula , Jero Jussi
Published: May 2022

Aim

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a common cause of hearing loss in childhood. Our aim was to investigate bacterial aetiology, hearing impairment and outcome in childhood BM with vs. without otitis media (OM) in Angola.

Methods

Hearing was tested by auditory brainstem response in 391 (76%) children with confirmed BM. The bacteria identified from the ear discharge were compared to those from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The hearing findings were compared among children with vs. without OM on days 1 and 7 of hospitalization, and at follow‐ups of 1, 3 and 6 month(s).

Results

No correlation was found in bacteriology between the ear discharge and CSF. On day 7 in hospital, hearing impairment (>40 dB) was common, regardless of whether concomitant OM or not (in 27% vs. 30%, respectively). Any hearing deficit on day 7 was associated with a higher risk of complicated or fatal clinical course (OR 2.76, CI95% 1.43–5.29, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

No significant difference prevailed in hearing thresholds between children with or without OM in hospital on day 7 or at later follow‐ups. Any hearing impairment during hospital stay associated with a higher risk for complicated clinical course or death.
Grassland restoration on former arable land: Fine‐scale grass accumulation and damaged soil conditions limit species establishment
Authors: Mudrák Ondřej , Hrabovský Andrej , Dvorský Miroslav , Liancourt Pierre , Albert Agnes‐Julia , Doležal Jiří , Čierniková Malvína , Hölzel Norbert , Májeková Maria
Published: May 2022

Question

Which vegetation and soil parameters limit species establishment in restored grasslands? Do these parameters operate predominantly on a fine or a community scale?

Location

White Carpathian Mountains, SE Czech Republic.

Methods

We compared 16 grasslands restored on former arable land with 9 well‐preserved reference grasslands. We sampled cover of plant species in plots of 2 m × 2 m (community scale) in which four 20 cm × 20 cm subplots (fine scale) were nested. We quantified fine‐scale heterogeneity as the mean Sørensen dissimilarity index among the species composition of the subplots. To characterize site conditions, we analyzed soil properties, above‐ground plant biomass and its nutrient content.

Results

Restored grasslands had a lower number of plant species at both the community and fine scales. Species number at the community scale was positively associated with the species number at the fine scale (irrespective of grassland type), but was not associated with fine‐scale heterogeneity. This indicates the importance of fine‐scale biotic interactions for overall species diversity. In support of this, in both grassland types, the species number was negatively associated with the cover of grasses, but only at the fine scale. Total cover (but not the biomass) was lower in restored grasslands, and was positively related with species number, particularly in restored grasslands. This indicates that the lower species number in the restored grasslands mainly resulted from deteriorated abiotic conditions. Such deterioration of the plant environment can be attributed particularly to the soil of the restored, formerly plowed grasslands. They had a lower soil organic matter content and a higher proportion of fine soil particles (silt and clay), indicating reduced soil water availability. The lower soil N content of restored grasslands was also reflected in the nutrient content of plant biomass, where lower N:P and N:K ratios indicated a limitation of plant growth by N‐supply.

Conclusion

The species number was generally driven by fine‐scale biotic interactions, which operated similarly in both grassland types. The reduced number of plant species in restored grasslands is the result of several factors among which altered soil conditions in the former arable land appears to be highly important.
Prevalence of plasma cell and lymphoproliferative disorders among blood relatives of patients with light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Staron Andrew , Verma Karina , Sanchorawala Vaishali
Published: May 2022

With limited existing data on hereditary factors in light chain (AL) amyloidosis, we conducted a study of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias or lymphoproliferative disorders in their family history. Among 1621 patients, we identified 44 probands (2·7%) with 52 relatives affected. The most common disorders in family members were multiple myeloma (48%) and AL amyloidosis (18%). Light chain isotype was 100% congruent in families with known clonal immunoglobulin for both members. Despite matching light chain isotype, organ involvement varied between members in families with multiple cases of AL amyloidosis. These findings help generate hypotheses about familial influences in AL amyloidosis.
Up‐regulation of hepatic CD36 by increased corticosterone/cortisol levels via GR leads to lipid accumulation in liver and hypertriglyceridaemia during pregnancy
Authors: Bai Mengru , Chen Mingyang , Zeng Qingquan , Lu Shuanghui , Li Ping , Ma Zhiyuan , Lin Nengming , Zheng Caihong , Zhou Hui , Zeng Su , Sun Dongli , Jiang Huidi
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Plasma triglyceride (TG) levels increase as gestation proceeds, and abnormal elevation of TG increases the risk of pregnancy complications. The current study explored the mechanisms involved in hypertriglyceridaemia during pregnancy.

Experimental Approach

Lipid profile and expression levels of key genes involved in liver TG metabolism in non‐pregnant and pregnant mice were studied. The effects of pregnancy‐related hormones on key genes and the underlying mechanisms were uncovered in vitro and in vivo.

Key Results

Plasma and hepatic TG levels were elevated, while hepatic fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) was up‐regulated in pregnant mice. Corticosterone and cortisol (endogenous glucocorticoids that are elevated during pregnancy), but not oestradiol or progesterone, significantly up‐regulated CD36 in hepatocytes, and this was abolished after knockdown of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) using a siRNA or in the presence of GR antagonists, RU486 and AL082D06. The luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay further revealed that corticosterone/cortisol promoted the direct binding of GR to the CD36 promoter and up‐regulated its transcription. Chronic corticosterone exposure induced liver lipid accumulation and increased plasma TG levels in mice, which were attenuated by RU486 via inhibition of the GR‐CD36 pathway.

Conclusions and Implications

Increased corticosterone/cortisol induces liver lipid accumulation and hypertriglyceridaemia during pregnancy by accelerating fatty acid uptake into hepatocytes via activation of GR and its target gene, CD36. Our results may be useful for the prevention of severe hypertriglyceridaemia and associated pregnancy complications.
Synthesis and application of novel glucose derived nonionic gemini surfactant
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Cheng Qianqian , Zhou Xiangdong
Published: May 2022

A novel group of nonionic gemini surfactant (GTPEA) with ethylidene spacer structure was prepared from glucose‐lactone, triethylenetetramine, alkyl epoxy polyether and acyl chloride of different alkyl chain lengths. The chemical structure of GTPEA were characterised by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The thermal properties of the three surfactants were characterised by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The critical micelle concentrations (cmc values) of GTPEA with different hydrophobic chain lengths were measured using the Wilhelmy plate method (cmc: 1.58 × 10−5 to 5.01 × 10−6 mol/L). The solubilisation, emulsification and solubilisation performance tests showed the excellent surface properties of nonionic gemini surfactants. GTPEA‐12 with a hydrophobic carbon chain length of 12 carbon atoms was selected to explore the dispersing performance of surfactants on disperse dyes and the levelling performance of polyester fibre disperse dyes. The test results have shown that the dispersion force was 96%, and the particle size of 0.1 g disperse dye was 196 nm in 100 ml of 4 g/L GTPEA‐12 solutions. Finally, GTPEA‐12 was used as a levelling agent in the dispersion dyeing of polyester fabrics. GTPEA‐12 of 0.1 g/L can provide an excellent levelling effect of S(λ) = 0.026 for polyester and has little impact on the colour yield (K/S = 5.0) of polyester fabric.
The Call for Trauma‐Informed Design Research and Practice
Authors: Dietkus Rachael
Published: May 2022

Whether we're living through a pandemic or navigating life‐changing unravelings across the world, we are rolling through immeasurable discomfort.

Becoming a trauma‐informed designer is crucial to finding solutions that respond to the many complex problems we face as a society.