bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA tension-modulated translocation and loop extrusion by SMC complexes revealed by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Nomidis Stefanos K. , Carlon Enrico , Gruber Stephan , Marko John F.
Published: March 2021

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes play essential roles in genome organization across all domains of life. To determine how the activities of these large ( 50 nm) complexes are controlled by ATP binding and hydrolysis, we developed a molecular dynamics model that accounts for conformational motions of the SMC and DNA. The model combines DNA loop capture with an ATP-induced “power stroke” to translocate the SMC complex along DNA. This process is sensitive to DNA tension: at low tension (0.1 pN), the model makes loop-capture steps of average 60 nm and up to 200 nm along DNA (larger than the complex itself), while at higher tension, a distinct inchworm-like translocation mode appears. By tethering DNA to an experimentally-observed additional binding site (“safety belt”), the model SMC complex can perform loop extrusion (LE). The dependence of LE on DNA tension is distinct for fixed DNA tension vs. when fixed DNA end points: LE reversal occurs above 0.5 pN for fixed tension, while LE stalling without reversal occurs at about 2 pN for fixed end points. Our model matches recent experimental results for condensin and cohesin, and makes testable predictions for how specific structural variations affect SMC function.
Computational Design and Analysis of Modular Cells for Large Libraries of Exchangeable Product Synthesis Modules
Authors: Garcia Sergio , Trinh Cong T.
Published: March 2021

Microbial metabolism can be harnessed to produce a large library of useful chemicals from renewable resources such as plant biomass. However, it is laborious and expensive to create microbial biocatalysts to produce each new product. To tackle this challenge, we have recently developed modular cell (ModCell) design principles that enable rapid generation of production strains by assembling a modular (chassis) cell with exchangeable production modules to achieve overproduction of target molecules. Previous computational ModCell design methods are limited to analyze small libraries of around 20 products. In this study, we developed a new computational method, named ModCell-HPC, capable of designing modular cells for large libraries with hundredths of products with a highly-parallel and multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. We demonstrated ModCell-HPC to designEscherichia colimodular cells towards a library of 161 endogenous production modules. From these simulations, we identifiedE. colimodular cells with few genetic manipulations that can produce dozens of molecules in a growth-coupled manner under different carbons sources. These designs revealed key genetic manipulations at the chassis and module levels to accomplish versatile modular cells. Furthermore, we used ModCell-HPC to identify design features that allow an existing modular cell to be re-purposed towards production of new molecules. Overall, ModCell-HPC is a useful tool towards more efficient and generalizable design of modular cells to help reduce research and development cost in biocatalysis.
Morphological principles of neuronal mitochondria
Authors: Mendelsohn Rachel , Garcia Guadalupe C. , Bartol Thomas M. , Lee Christopher T. , Khandelwal P. , Liu Emily , Spencer Donald J. , Husar Adam , Bushong Eric A. , Phan Sebastien , Perkins Guy , Ellisman Mark H. , Skupin Alexander , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Rangamani Padmini
Published: March 2021

In the highly dynamic metabolic landscape of a neuron, mitochondrial membrane architectures can provide critical insight into the unique energy balance of the cell. Current theoretical calculations of functional outputs like ATP and heat often represent mitochondria as idealized geometries and therefore can miscalculate the metabolic fluxes. To analyze mitochondrial morphology in neurons of mouse cerebellum neuropil, 3D tracings of complete synaptic and axonal mitochondria were constructed using a database of serial TEM tomography images and converted to watertight meshes with minimal distortion of the original microscopy volumes with a granularity of 1.6 nanometer isotropic voxels. The resultingin silicorepresentations were subsequently quantified by differential geometry methods in terms of the mean and Gaussian curvatures, surface areas, volumes, and membrane motifs, all of which can alter the metabolic output of the organelle. Finally, we identify structural motifs that are present across this population of mitochondria; observations which may contribute to future modeling studies of mitochondrial physiology and metabolism in neurons.
Into the woods of corporate fairytales and environmental reporting
Authors: Morrison Leanne J. , Lowe Alan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Using a dialogic approach to narrative analysis through the lens of fairytale, this paper explores the shared construction of corporate environmental stories. The analysis provided aims to reveal the narrative messaging which is implicit in corporate reporting, to contrast corporate and stakeholder narratives and to bring attention to the ubiquity of storytelling in corporate communications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines a series of events in which a single case company plays the central role. The environmental section of the case company's sustainability report is examined through the lens of fairytale analysis. Next, two counter accounts are constructed which foreground multiple stakeholder accounts and retold as fairytales.

Findings

The dialogic nature of accounts plays a critical role in how stakeholders understand the environmental impacts of a company. Storytelling mechanisms have been used to shape the perspective and sympathies of the report reader in favour of the company. We use these same mechanisms to create two collective counter accounts which display different sympathies.

Research limitations/implications

This research reveals how the narrative nature of corporate reports may be used to fabricate a particular perspective through storytelling. By doing so, it challenges the authority of the version of events provided by the company and gives voice to collective counter accounts which are shared by and can be disseminated to other stakeholders.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective to understanding corporate environmental reporting and the stories shared by and with external stakeholders by drawing from a novel link between fairytale, storytelling and counter accounting.
Imprecise abstract argumentation as a support for forensic engineering
Authors: Taillandier Franck , Baudrit Cédric , Carvajal Claudio , Delhomme Benjamin , Beullac Bruno
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Civil engineering structures are regularly confronted with failures that can lead to catastrophic consequences. It is important, after a failure, to be able to identify the origin and the sequence of factors that led to it. This failure analysis by experts, called forensic engineering investigation, generally leads to the drafting of an expert report. These reports do not inform on the processes that guided the experts to a conclusion and the uncertainties involved. This paper aims to propose a new methodological approach to formalize the opinions of experts in forensic engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The research consists in combining abstract argumentation with the theory of imprecise probabilities to take into account epistemic and stochastic uncertainties to support forensic engineering investigation.

Findings

A model and a tool to support forensic analysis are presented. An application on the collapse of the Brumadinho dam highlights the interest of the chosen approach.

Originality/value

This work is the first use of the abstract argument framework in civil engineering, and so in forensic engineering. Furthermore, it provides an innovative model based on imprecise probability for AAF.
Revealing industry challenge and business response to Covid-19: a text mining approach
Authors: Yang Mu , Han Chunjia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a “real-time” investigation with user-generated content on Twitter to reveal industry challenges and business responses to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Specifically, using the hospitality industry as an example, the study analyses how Covid-19 has impacted the industry, what are the challenges and how the industry has responded.

Design/methodology/approach

With 94,340 tweets collected between October 2019 and May 2020 by a programmed Web scraper, unsupervised machine learning approaches such as structural topic modelling are applied.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on business response during crises providing for the first time a study of using unstructured content on social media for industry-level analysis in the hospitality context.
Stewardship of noncommunicable diseases in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Nasiri Taha , Yazdani Shahram , Shams Lida , Takian Amirhossein
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) count for over 80% of premature death worldwide. More than 76% of the total burden of diseases in Iran is devoted to NCDs. In line with the World Health Organization action plan, Iran has developed its national action plan that led to establishment of the National Committee for Prevention and Control of NCDs (INCDC), whose aim is 30% mortality reduction attributed to NCDs by 2030. The stewardship of health system is the cornerstone of performing and sustaining meaningful actions toward prevention and control of NCDs. The literature is tiny on how to materialize the stewardship and governance of health system. The purpose of this article is to report the findings of a national study that aimed to identity functions and subfunctions of stewardship of NCDs and its related risk factors in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study. The authors conducted interviews with 18 purposefully selected interviewees until the authors reached saturation. Thematic content analysis was used for analysis and MAXQDA 10 was employed for data management. The difficulty of coordinating with interviewers and health policymakers in the field slowed the process of research progress.

Findings

The authors identified seven themes and categorized them as main functions for appropriate stewardship of NCDs in Iran, including intelligence generation; strategic framework; evidence-based policies/decisions; system design; resource allocation/development; capacity-building and enforcement/alignment; and categorized them as important.

Practical implications

The seven themes presented as stewardship functions include concepts and practical examples of the experiences and performance of leading countries in the field of NCDs control that can help policymakers and health managers for better descion-making.

Originality/value

Iran adopted its national action plan in 2015 and WHO selected Iran as a fast-track country in 2017. The study confirmed that to achieve the global targets, appropriate and contextual stewardship for any specific setting is fundamental. Iran needs to improve its stewardship for prevention and control of NCDs and implement its national action plan. Therefore, the functions and policies outlined in this article for the proper performance of NCDs can improve more meaningful practices in this area in Iran and many other countries.
Analysis of public hospital governance reforms: a case from a developing country
Authors: Lipunga Andrew Munthopa , Tchereni Betchani M.H. , Bakuwa Rhoda Cythia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of governance reforms also called conceptual innovation for public hospitals in Malawi.

Design/methodology/approach

It focuses on the reforms for central and district hospitals. It uses semi-structured interviews to collect data and thematic approach to analyse it.

Findings

The results show that the reforms for central hospitals are structurally well characterised as aimed at corporatisation though they are termed as automatisation. The terminological seems not to pose any harm on the direction of the reforms due to the thorough structural characterisation. On the other hand, reforms for district hospitals are vague as such implementation is retrogressive, in that, instead of progressively moving the hospitals towards greater autonomy the opposite is happening.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the significance of characterisation of the intended outcome on the direction of the reforms and proposes a framework to guide conceptual innovation for public hospitals in a devolution-mediated environment.
Dynamic risk-based optimization on cryptocurrencies
Authors: Nugroho Bayu Adi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

It is crucial to find a better portfolio optimization strategy, considering the cryptocurrencies' asymmetric volatilities. Hence, this research aimed to present dynamic optimization on minimum variance (MVP), equal risk contribution (ERC) and most diversified portfolio (MDP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied dynamic covariances from multivariate GARCH(1,1) with Student’s-t-distribution. This research also constructed static optimization from the conventional MVP, ERC and MDP as comparison. Moreover, the optimization involved transaction cost and out-of-sample analysis from the rolling windows method. The sample consisted of ten significant cryptocurrencies.

Findings

Dynamic optimization enhanced risk-adjusted return. Moreover, dynamic MDP and ERC could win the naïve strategy (1/N) under various estimation windows, and forecast lengths when the transaction cost ranging from 10 bps to 50 bps. The researcher also used another researcher's sample as a robustness test. Findings showed that dynamic optimization (MDP and ERC) outperformed the benchmark.

Practical implications

Sophisticated investors may use the dynamic ERC and MDP to optimize cryptocurrencies portfolio.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that studies the dynamic optimization on MVP, ERC and MDP using DCC and ADCC-GARCH with multivariate-t-distribution and rolling windows method.
Industry ties, entrepreneurs' employment experience and resource acquisition of new ventures in China
Authors: Zhao Wenhong , Zhang Wenwei , Shu Chengli
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Social network theory emphasizes that, to acquire needed resources, new ventures should cultivate industrial connections (intra-industry ties and extra-industry ties). In the meanwhile human capital theory focuses on entrepreneurs' employment experience, especially with respect to its breadth and depth. This study examines ties and experience to determine whether, in combination, they have positive or negative effects on resource acquisition in new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests research hypotheses using questionnaire survey data with a sample of entrepreneurs in new ventures. Multivariate regression analysis is used to analyze the data.

Findings

Combining intra-industry ties and experience breadth or extra-industry ties and experience depth affects resource acquisition positively, whereas combining intra-industry ties and experience depth or extra-industry ties and experience breadth affects resource acquisition negatively.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions may be constrained by the limited sample size and source. Rather, the impact of the study lies in its identification of the effects of interaction between network ties and entrepreneurs' experience on resource acquisition. Future research can explore the effects of interaction between other dimensions of network ties and a range of entrepreneurs' experience characteristics on resource acquisition.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurs are provided with effective strategies to make use of their ventures' network ties and their personal accumulated experience in the process of obtaining resources.

Originality/value

The findings enrich the entrepreneurship literature by providing a more nuanced understanding of how and when new ventures' industry ties and entrepreneurs' employment experience together influence resource acquisition.
Trans‐generational viral transmission and immune priming are dose‐dependent
Authors: Wilson Kenneth , Grzywacz David , Cory Jenny S. , Donkersley Philip , Graham Robert I.
Published: March 2021

It is becoming increasingly apparent that trans‐generational immune priming (i.e. the transfer of the parental immunological experience to its progeny resulting in offspring protection from pathogens that persist across generations) is a common phenomenon not only in vertebrates, but also invertebrates. Likewise, it is known that covert pathogenic infections may become ‘triggered’ into an overt infection by various stimuli, including exposure to heterologous infections. Yet, rarely have both phenomena been explored in parallel.

Using as a model system the African armyworm Spodoptera exempta, an eruptive agricultural pest and its endemic dsDNA virus (Spodoptera exempta nucleopolyhedrovirus, SpexNPV), the aim of this study was to explore the impact of parental inoculating‐dose on trans‐generational pathogen transmission and immune priming (in its broadest sense).

Larvae were orally challenged with one of five doses of SpexNPV and survivors from these treatments were mated and their offspring monitored for viral mortality. Offspring from parents challenged with low viral doses showed evidence of ‘immune priming’ (i.e. enhanced survival following SpexNPV challenge); in contrast, offspring from parents challenged with higher viral doses exhibited greater susceptibility to viral challenge.

Most offspring larvae died of the virus they were orally challenged with; in contrast, most offspring from parents that had been challenged with the highest doses were killed by the vertically transmitted virus (90%) and not the challenge virus.

These results demonstrate that the outcome of a potentially lethal virus challenge is critically dependent on the level of exposure to virus in the parental generation—either increasing resistance at very low parental viral doses (consistent with trans‐generational immune priming) or increasing susceptibility at higher parental doses (consistent with virus triggering).

We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding both natural epizootics of baculoviruses and for using them as biological control agents.
Fitness consequences of longer breeding seasons of a migratory passerine under changing climatic conditions
Authors: Halupka Lucyna , Borowiec Marta , Neubauer Grzegorz , Halupka Konrad
Published: March 2021

Numerous studies have shown that climate change affects the timing of migration and bird laying dates, but the resulting changes in the duration of breeding seasons and their fitness consequences remain largely unknown.

We compared breeding parameters of 343 individually marked female Eurasian reed warblers, a multi‐brooded migratory passerine, studied in the same area in 1980–1983 and 2005–2012. The latter period was warmer, with mean temperatures during the breeding season higher by 1.5°C on average. As, in recent years, birds arrive earlier from wintering areas and the breeding season of the population is longer, we hypothesized it should result in the increased re‐nesting opportunities of individual females.

We found that breeding periods of individual females (from building of the first nest till the end of caring for last fledglings/last nest failure) in the current century have extended by 2 weeks compared to the 1980s. In the 2000s, females produced 75% more fledglings annually than females in the 1980s (2.8 vs. 1.6, respectively). The proportion of females raising second broods increased from 2.7% to 23.6% between the first and the second study period while the share of females that did not produce any young annually decreased from 48.1% to 15.5%. The higher offspring production in recent years was related to more successfully fledged broods and an earlier start of breeding, which secured more time to re‐nest.

Higher female parental effort in recent years was not manifested in the reduction of the female apparent survival: it was almost identical in the two study periods (0.30 vs. 0.31).

We conclude that prolonged reproductive seasons might be beneficial for some species. Identifying causes and consequences of changes in the duration of breeding seasons may be essential to predict demography of populations under changing climatic conditions.
Multilevel modeling of geographic variation in general practice consultations
Authors: Astell‐Burt Thomas , Navakatikyan Michael A. , Arnolda Leonard F. , Feng Xiaoqi
Published: March 2021

Objective

To test relatively simple and complex models for examining model fit, higher‐level variation in, and correlates of, GP consultations, where known nonhierarchical data structures are present.

Setting

New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Design

Association between socioeconomic circumstances and geographic remoteness with GP consultation frequencies per participant was assessed using single‐level, hierarchical, and multiple membership cross‐classified (MMCC) models. Models were adjusted for age, gender, and a range of socioeconomic and demographic confounds.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

A total of 261,930 participants in the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study were linked to all GP consultation records (Medicare Benefits Schedule; Department of Human Services) within 12 months of baseline (2006‐2009).

Principal Findings

Deviance information criterion values indicated the MMCC negative binomial regression was the best fitting model, relative to an MMCC Poisson equivalent and simpler hierarchical and single‐level models. Between‐area variances were relatively consistent across models, even when between GP variation was estimated. Lower rates of GP consultation outside of major cities were only observed once between‐GP variation was assessed simultaneously with between‐area variation in the MMCC models.

Conclusions

Application of the MMCC model is necessary for estimation of variances and effect sizes in sources of big data on primary care in which complex nonhierarchical clustering by geographical area and GP is present.
Fitting marginalized two‐part models to semicontinuous survey data arising from complex samples
Authors: Smith Valerie A. , West Brady T. , Zhang Shiyu
Published: March 2021

Objective

To accurately model semicontinuous data from complex surveys, we extend marginalized two‐part models to a design‐based inferential framework and provide guidance on incorporating complex sample designs.

Data Sources

2014 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS).

Study Design

We describe the use of pseudo‐Maximum Likelihood Estimation and Jackknife Repeated Replication for estimating model parameters and sampling variance, respectively. We illustrate our approach using MEPS, modeling total healthcare expenditures in 2014 as a function of respondents’ age and family income. We provide SAS and R code for implementing the extension, assessing model‐fit indices, and evaluating the need to incorporate complex sampling features.

Data Extraction Methods

Data obtained from www.meps.ahrq.gov.

Principle Findings

A 100 percentage‐point increase in family income as a percent of the federal poverty level was associated with a 5%‐6% increase in healthcare spending. People over 65 had an increase of 4‐5 times compared to those younger. Accounting for complex sampling in the models led to different parameter estimates and wider confidence intervals than the unweighted models. Ignoring complex sampling could lead to inaccurate finite population inference.

Conclusion

Researchers should account for complex sampling features when analyzing semicontinuous data from surveys.
Five‐year oncological outcomes for rectal cancer treated by upfront laparoscopic total mesorectal excision
Authors: Ng Ka‐ying , Poon Michael Chi‐Ming
Published: March 2021

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the long‐term recurrence rates and survival following upfront laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Patient and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort of 94 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing upfront radical resection in New Territories West Cluster between 2010 and 2015. Tumours with safe circumferential resection margin (>1 mm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging were selected for upfront surgery. Demographic data, tumour characteristics, operative details, and histopathological and postoperative outcomes were collected from patients' records. The primary outcome was local recurrence. Secondary outcomes were distant recurrence and overall (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

A total of 224 patients were diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma, of which 94 received upfront surgery after a multidisciplinary team discussion by surgeons and oncologists. The median follow‐up period after surgery was 60 months (range 4.7‐60.9 months), with four patients lost to follow‐up. Six patients (6.3%) developed local recurrence (two with isolated local recurrence and four with local and distant recurrence). Twelve patients (12.8%) experienced distant recurrence. The 5‐year OS and DFS rates were 84.3% and 76.2%, respectively. Possible prognostic factors for local recurrence (including distal tumour level ≤ 5 cm, clinical nodal stage, clinical threatened margin, pathological stage, harvested lymph nodes <12, distal margin <1 cm, positive extramural venous invasion, and circumferential resection margin) were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression, and were shown to be insignificant.

Conclusion

Upfront laparoscopic TME for MRI‐selected rectal cancer patients can achieve favourable oncological outcomes in our centre. Routine neoadjuvant treatment for all T3 or nodal positive disease is not necessary.
Double ligation is useful to prevent recurrence for paediatric inguinal hernia in the laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure procedure
Authors: Ohba Go , Takahashi Ryo , Okada Naoki , Minato Masashi , Nakayama Masato , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Aim

Although laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) is the standard procedure for paediatric inguinal hernia repair in our country, recurrence is an important problem. In this study, we examined the usefulness of double ligation in preventing recurrence in the LPEC procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively examined children with inguinal hernias who underwent the LPEC procedure. Cases from October 2012 to June 2016 who underwent surgery for inguinal hernias with single ligation were defined as Group A. Children operated on from July 2016 to April 2019, when double ligation was the standard procedure in our institution, were defined as Group B. We reviewed the operative time and postoperative complications including recurrence rate. Double ligation was performed by holding two threads on the LPEC needle and then binding them individually.

Results

Group A consisted of 401 patients and Group B consisted of 360 patients. No significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to operative time, infection, metachronous contralateral hernia or testicular atrophy. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in Group A with recurrence occurring in seven cases compared to none in Group B.

Conclusions

Double ligation in the LPEC procedure is useful for preventing recurrence.
Workplace strategy: a new workplace model
Authors: O’Rourke Glenn A
Published: March 2021

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods, but also unlocked a unique opportunity for change – a catalyst for a better future. It has forced new ways of working to protect individual health as well as maintain continuity and productivity to protect livelihoods – the largest ‘work from home, work apart experiment’ ever. It is a once‐in‐a‐generation opportunity to transform the future of how we live and work. Transforming the future will require a reinvention of how, where and when we work – a new COVID‐19 safe workplace model, as well as a new workplace contract between employer and employee. Employers must ensure trust, flexibility and choice, as well as the highest quality digital experience, and most importantly a COVID‐19 safe workplace. Employees must accept autonomy with responsibility, each accountable for their own performance and productivity. Success will require balance, a shared vision and great leadership.
Quantitative evaluation of computed tomography findings in patients with bronchial asthma: prediction of therapeutic response
Authors: Nam Bo Da , Ko Sujin , Hwang Jung Hwa
Published: March 2021

Introduction

To compare pretreatment quantitative CT parameters between patients with well‐controlled and those with poorly controlled bronchial asthma after treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 785 patients with clinical diagnosis of bronchial asthma from January 2009 to April 2015. Of these, 43 patients underwent high‐resolution CT and pulmonary function tests at initial diagnosis. According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2015 guidelines, the patients were classified into two groups (well‐controlled (GINA1), n = 18; poorly controlled (GINA2 and GINA3), n = 25). Quantitative measurements for airways (total cross‐sectional area (TA), lumen area (LA), wall area (WA) and wall area percentage (WA%)), air trapping and emphysema were performed on initial pretreatment CT scans. We compared CT measurements for airways between well‐controlled and poorly controlled groups and also compared those between ever‐smokers and never‐smokers. The significant quantitative CT parameters were evaluated with multiple regression analysis.

Results

The TA and the WA demonstrated significantly higher values in the poorly controlled than in the well‐controlled patient group (TA in RB1 and LB1, each P < 0.05; WA in RB1 and RB8, each P < 0.05). Quantitative parameters for air trapping and emphysema did not show significant differences between the two patient groups. On multiple regression analysis, the TA and the WA were statistically significant in comparison of two patient groups with an adjustment for age, sex, body mass index and smoking history (each P < 0.05). Significantly higher values of the WA and the WA% were revealed in the asthmatics with smoking history comparing to non‐smokers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Most of the quantitative CT measurements did not correlate significantly with clinical outcomes in patients with bronchial asthma. And, further research that supplements the limitations of this study is needed to support and validate the association between CT parameters and therapeutic response. This can be justified by the fact that a trend of higher values in airway measurements on initial pretreatment HRCT scan in the poorly controlled than in the well‐controlled patient group.
A standardisation framework for bio‐logging data to advance ecological research and conservation
Authors: Sequeira Ana M. M. , O'Toole Malcolm , Keates Theresa R. , McDonnell Laura H. , Braun Camrin D. , Hoenner Xavier , Jaine Fabrice R. A. , Jonsen Ian D. , Newman Peggy , Pye Jonathan , Bograd Steven J. , Hays Graeme C. , Hazen Elliott L. , Holland Melinda , Tsontos Vardis M. , Blight Clint , Cagnacci Francesca , Davidson Sarah C. , Dettki Holger , Duarte Carlos M. , Dunn Daniel C. , Eguíluz Victor M. , Fedak Michael , Gleiss Adrian C. , Hammerschlag Neil , Hindell Mark A. , Holland Kim , Janekovic Ivica , McKinzie Megan K. , Muelbert Mônica M. C. , Pattiaratchi Chari , Rutz Christian , Sims David W. , Simmons Samantha E. , Townsend Brendal , Whoriskey Frederick , Woodward Bill , Costa Daniel P. , Heupel Michelle R. , McMahon Clive R. , Harcourt Rob , Weise Michael
Published: March 2021

Bio‐logging data obtained by tagging animals are key to addressing global conservation challenges. However, the many thousands of existing bio‐logging datasets are not easily discoverable, universally comparable, nor readily accessible through existing repositories and across platforms, slowing down ecological research and effective management. A set of universal standards is needed to ensure discoverability, interoperability and effective translation of bio‐logging data into research and management recommendations.

We propose a standardisation framework adhering to existing data principles (FAIR: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable; and TRUST: Transparency, Responsibility, User focus, Sustainability and Technology) and involving the use of simple templates to create a data flow from manufacturers and researchers to compliant repositories, where automated procedures should be in place to prepare data availability into four standardised levels: (a) decoded raw data, (b) curated data, (c) interpolated data and (d) gridded data. Our framework allows for integration of simple tabular arrays (e.g. csv files) and creation of sharable and interoperable network Common Data Form (netCDF) files containing all the needed information for accuracy‐of‐use, rightful attribution (ensuring data providers keep ownership through the entire process) and data preservation security.

We show the standardisation benefits for all stakeholders involved, and illustrate the application of our framework by focusing on marine animals and by providing examples of the workflow across all data levels, including filled templates and code to process data between levels, as well as templates to prepare netCDF files ready for sharing.

Adoption of our framework will facilitate collection of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) in support of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and inter‐governmental assessments (e.g. the World Ocean Assessment), and will provide a starting point for broader efforts to establish interoperable bio‐logging data formats across all fields in animal ecology.
Complex interactions between commercial and noncommercial drivers of illegal trade for a threatened felid
Authors: Arias M. , Hinsley A. , Nogales‐Ascarrunz P. , Carvajal‐Bacarreza P. J. , Negroes N. , Glikman J. A. , Milner‐Gulland E.J.
Published: March 2021

Illegal trade and human‐wildlife conflict are two key drivers of biodiversity loss and are recognized as leading threats to large carnivores. Although human‐wildlife conflict involving jaguars (Panthera onca) has received significant attention in the past, less is known about traditional use or commercial trade in jaguar body parts, including their potential links with retaliatory killing. Understanding the drivers of jaguar killing, trade and consumption is necessary to develop appropriate jaguar conservation strategies, particularly as demand for jaguar products appears to be rising due to Chinese demand. We interviewed 1107 rural households in north‐western Bolivia, an area with an active history of human–jaguar conflict, which has also been at the epicentre of recent jaguar trade cases. We collected information on participants' experiences with jaguars, their jaguar killing, trading and consuming behaviours and potential drivers of these behaviours. We found that the relationships between local people and jaguars are complex and are driven largely by traditional practices, opportunism, human–jaguar conflict and market incentives from foreign and domestic demand, in the absence of law awareness and enforcement. Addressing jaguar trade and building human–jaguar coexistence will require a multifaceted approach that considers the multiple drivers of jaguar killing, trade and consumption, from foreign and local demand to human–jaguar conflict.
Evaluation of functional muscle anatomy scalability in the canine hind limb
Authors: Dries Billy P. R. , Jonkers Ilse , Van Den Broeck Wim , Vanwanseele Benedicte , DeRycke Lieve , Dingemanse Walter , Vander Sloten Jos , Van Bree Henri , Gielen Ingrid
Published: March 2021

In contrast to other mammals, the large variation in dog sizes is not accompanied by any significant genetic re‐organization. In order to study the relationship between body mass, limb length and the functional anatomical muscle parameters of the canine hind limb, a large dataset comprising of muscle masses, optimal muscle fibre lengths and physiological cross‐sectional area's (PCSA) were acquired for twenty‐five muscles in ten dogs of sizes varying between 20 kg and 52 kg. The potential of body mass and limb length for reliably scaling individual muscle masses, optimal muscle fibre lengths and PCSA's were examined. For the majority of the muscles of the canine hind limb, neither body mass nor limb length were reliable scaling parameter for either muscle masses, PCSA's and optimal fibre length. These results indicate the need of a breed‐specific approach to musculoskeletal modelling in future canine musculoskeletal research.
Surgical technique is the main predictor of recurrence in the management of haemorrhoids
Authors: De Robles Marie Shella , Young Christopher J.
Published: March 2021

Background

The pursuit of better management for haemorrhoidal disease (HD) is far from over, and even with the latest surgical procedures, none of the treatment options is close to perfect. The aims of this study were to review our experience with patients treated for symptomatic HD, compare the different treatment strategies in terms of complication and recurrence rates and determine predictors of recurrence.

Methods

A total of 1958 patients who underwent a procedure for HD performed by a single colorectal consultant surgeon between 2000 and 2015 were reviewed.

Results

The treatment performed was rubber band ligation (RBL) in 73%, excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH) in 16% and stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) in 11%. After a mean follow‐up of 42.1 months, 242 patients (12%) developed recurrence. Logistic regression analysis of multiple factors showed that treatment received was a significant predictor of recurrence. RBL had the lowest post‐operative complication rate but had the highest recurrence rate. EH had the lowest recurrence rate. SH had the highest complication rate but with similar recurrence rates to EH. Complications included pain, anal fissure, bleeding and urinary retention.

Conclusion

Low‐grade HD can initially be treated with RBL with good results. Although conventional EH remains a mainstay operation for recurrent and complicated HD, SH can also be considered in selected cases particularly when performed by a surgeon with adequate experience. Treatment should be tailored to the individual based on patient preference, suitability, degree of haemorrhoids and symptomatology.
Lebanese adolescents’ expectations about social inclusion of peers in intergroup contexts
Authors: Hitti Aline , Melki Jad , Sahakian Tina , Killen Melanie
Published: March 2021

This study examined the role of group norms, group identity, age, contact, and stereotypes on youths’ decisions to include a peer in an intergroup context portraying Lebanese and American adolescents. Lebanese participants (N = 275), ages 12 and 16 years, were surveyed about expectations for inclusion of an out‐group target with similar interests or an in‐group target with different interests into their own Lebanese group or another American group. Findings indicated participants focused on shared interests, rather than national identity, when making inclusion decisions for either group and group norms mattered. Older participants expected American peers to be less inclusive towards an out‐group peer. Direct contact predicted inclusivity of out‐group American peers into one’s own Lebanese group, and indirect media‐based contact predicted expectations for inclusivity into an American out‐group. Findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving cross‐national friendships which, in turn, have the potential to reduce prejudicial attitudes.
Expert review on soft‐tissue plasmacytomas in multiple myeloma: definition, disease assessment and treatment considerations
Authors: Rosiñol Laura , Beksac Meral , Zamagni Elena , Van de Donk Niels W. C. J. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Badros Ashraf , Caers Jo , Cavo Michele , Dimopoulos Meletios‐Athanasios , Dispenzieri Angela , Einsele Hermann , Engelhardt Monika , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , Gahrton Gösta , Gay Francesca , Hájek Roman , Hungria Vania , Jurczyszyn Artur , Kröger Nicolaus , Kyle Robert A. , Leal da Costa Fernando , Leleu Xavier , Lentzsch Suzanne , Mateos Maria V. , Merlini Giampaolo , Mohty Mohamad , Moreau Philippe , Rasche Leo , Reece Donna , Sezer Orhan , Sonneveld Pieter , Usmani Saad Z. , Vanderkerken Karin , Vesole David H. , Waage Anders , Zweegman Sonja , Richardson Paul G. , Bladé Joan
Published: March 2021

In this review, two types of soft‐tissue involvement in multiple myeloma are defined: (i) extramedullary (EMD) with haematogenous spread involving only soft tissues and (ii) paraskeletal (PS) with tumour masses arising from skeletal lesions. The incidence of EMD and PS plasmacytomas at diagnosis ranges from 1·7% to 4·5% and 7% to 34·4% respectively. EMD disease is often associated with high‐risk cytogenetics, resistance to therapy and worse prognosis than in PS involvement. In patients with PS involvement a proteasome inhibitor‐based regimen may be the best option followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in transplant eligible patients. In patients with EMD disease who are not eligible for ASCT, a proteasome inhibitor‐based regimen such as lenalidomide‐bortezomib‐dexamethasone (RVD) may be the best option, while for those eligible for high‐dose therapy a myeloma/lymphoma‐like regimen such as bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTD)‐RVD/cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide (PACE) followed by SCT should be considered. In both EMD and PS disease at relapse many strategies have been tried, but this remains a high‐unmet need population.
Developing theory‐based asthma self‐management interventions for South Asians and African Americans: A systematic review
Authors: Ahmed Salina , Pinnock Hilary , Steed Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Intervention development guidelines suggest that behavioural interventions benefit from being theory‐based. Minority populations typically benefit less from asthma self‐management interventions, and the extent to which appropriate theory has been used for culturally tailored interventions has not been addressed. We aimed to determine theory use and theoretical domains targeted in asthma self‐management interventions for South Asian and Black populations.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases, research registers, manually searched relevant journals and reference lists of reviews for randomised controlled trials of asthma self‐management for South Asian and Black populations, and extracted data using the Theory Coding Scheme to inform if/how theory was used and explore its associations with asthma outcomes, and the Theoretical Domains Framework was used to identify targeted theoretical domains and its relationship to effectiveness of asthma outcomes.

Results

20 papers (19 trials) were identified; theory was not extensively used in interventions. It was unclear whether theory use or theoretical domains targeted in interventions improved asthma outcomes. South Asian interventions included ‘behavioural regulation’, while ‘reinforcement’ was mostly used in African American interventions. ‘Knowledge’ was central for all populations, though there were differences related to ‘environmental context and resources’ e.g., language adaptations for South Asians; asthma resources provided for African Americans. Author descriptions of interventions targeting providers were limited.

Conclusions

There was little evidence of theory‐based approaches used in cultural interventions for asthma self‐management. Demystifying theoretical concepts (and cultural interpretations of constructs) may provide clarity for ‘non‐experts’, enabling mainstream use of theory‐driven approaches in intervention development.
Average time to sell a property and credit conditions: Evidence from the Italian housing market survey
Authors: Cesaroni Tatiana
Published: March 2021

This study examines the influence of housing credit conditions on the time on market (TOM) for residential properties in Italy, using a unique dataset from the Bank of Italy survey on the Italian housing market. The analysis was carried out on a sample of roughly 1000 real estate agents over the period 2011–2015 using panel data techniques. The results support the view that an increase in housing market liquidity, measured by the loan‐to‐value ratio, reduces the average TOM of a property, thus improving the matching process between buyers and sellers. The results are found to be robust to specifications including the traditional determinants of TOM, used as controls (i.e., price revisions, potential buyers, mandates to sell, the role of brokers, and so on). The results also show that a higher price reduction, possibly associated with an initial mispricing by the seller when setting the initial listing price, seems to be associated with a higher TOM for residential properties.
Identification of firms’ beliefs in structural models of market competition
Authors: Aguirregabiria Victor
Published: March 2021

Firms make decisions under uncertainty and differ in their ability to collect and process information. As a result, in changing environments, firms have heterogeneous beliefs on the behaviour of other firms. This heterogeneity in beliefs can have important implications on market outcomes, efficiency and welfare. This paper studies the identification of firms’ beliefs using their observed actions—a revealed preference and beliefs approach. I consider a general structural model of market competition where firms have incomplete information and their beliefs and profits are nonparametric functions of decisions and state variables. Beliefs may be out of equilibrium. The framework applies both to continuous and discrete choice games and includes as particular cases models of competition in prices or quantities, auction models, entry games and dynamic games of investment decisions. I focus on identification results that exploit an exclusion restriction that naturally appears in models of competition: an observable variable that affects a firm's cost (or revenue) but does not have a direct effect on other firms’ profits. I present identification results under three scenarios—common in empirical industrial organization—on the data available to the researcher.