bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RBM33 directs the nuclear export of transcripts containing GC-rich elements
Authors: Thomas Anu , Rehfeld Frederick , Zhang He , Chang Tsung-Cheng , Goodarzi Mohammad , Gillet Frank , Mendell Joshua T.
Published: May 2022

Although splicing is a major driver of RNA nuclear export, many intronless RNAs are efficiently exported to the cytoplasm through poorly characterized mechanisms. For example, GC-rich sequences promote nuclear export in a splicing-independent manner, but how GC content is recognized and coupled to nuclear export is unknown. Here, we developed a genome-wide screening strategy to investigate the mechanism of export of NORAD, an intronless cytoplasmic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). This screen revealed an RNA binding protein, RBM33, that directs the nuclear export of NORAD and numerous other transcripts. RBM33 directly binds substrate transcripts and recruits components of the TREX–NXF1/NXT1 RNA export pathway. Interestingly, high GC content emerged as the feature that specifies RBM33-dependent nuclear export. Accordingly, RBM33 directly binds GC-rich elements in target transcripts. These results provide a broadly applicable strategy for the genetic dissection of nuclear export mechanisms and reveal a long-sought nuclear export pathway for transcripts with GC-rich sequences.
Saccade rate is associated with recall of items in working memory
Authors: Low Sock Ching , Verschure Paul F.M.J. , Santos-Pata Diogo
Published: May 2022

Working memory has been shown to rely on theta oscillations’ phase synchronicity for item encoding and recall. At the same time, saccadic eye movements during visual exploration have been observed to trigger theta-phase resets, raising the question of whether the neuronal substrates of mnemonic processing rely on motor-evoked responses. To quantify the relationship between saccades and working memory load, we recorded eye tracking and behavioral data from human participants simultaneously performing an n-back Sternberg auditory task and a hue-based catch detection task. In addition to task-specific interference in performance, we also found that saccade rate was modulated by working memory load in the Sternberg task's preresponse stage. Our results support the possibility of interplay between saccades and hippocampal theta during working memory retrieval of items.
Sulfotransferase activity contributes to long-term potentiation and long-term memory
Authors: Sahoo Biswaranjan , Sharma Shiv K.
Published: May 2022

A critical role of protein modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation in synaptic plasticity and memory is well documented. Tyrosine sulfation plays important roles in several biological processes. However, its role in synaptic plasticity and memory is not well understood. Here, we show that sulfation contributes to long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal slices. In addition, inhibition of sulfation impairs long-term memory in a spatial memory task without affecting acquisition or short-term memory. Furthermore, LTP-inducing stimulus enhances protein tyrosine sulfation. These results suggest an important role for tyrosine sulfation in LTP and memory.
DoraHand: a novel dexterous hand with tactile sensing finger module
Authors: Wang Tao , Xie Zheng , Li Yuan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Hao , Kirchner Frank
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to introduce the DoraHand, and the basic capability and performance have been verified in this paper. Besides the idea of sharing modular design and sensor design, the authors want to deliver an affordable and practical dexterous hand to the research area to contribute to the robotic manipulation area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduced the DoraHand, a novel scalable and practical modular dexterous hand, which, adopting modular finger and palm design, fully actuated joint and tactile sensors, can improve the dexterity for robotic manipulation and lower the complexity of maintenance. A series of experiments are delivered to verify the performance of the hand and sensor module.

Findings

The parameters of the DoraHand are verified and suitable for the research of robotics manipulation area, the sensing capability has been tested with the static experiment and the slip prediction algorithm. And, the advantage of modular design and extensible interface have been verified by the real application.

Research limitations/implications

The authors continue improving the DoraHand and extend it to more different applications. The authors want to make the DoraHand as a basic research platform in the robotic manipulation area.

Practical implications

The DoraHand has been sent to more than ten different research institutes for different research applications. The authors continue working on this hand for better performance, easier usage and more affordability.

Social implications

This kind of dexterous hand can help researchers get rid of complex physical issues and pay more attention to the algorithm part; it can help to make robotic manipulation work more popular.

Originality/value

The key design in the DoraHand is the modular finger and sensing module. With the special design in mechanical and electrical parts, the authors build reliable hardware and can support the diversity requirement in the robotic manipulation area. The hand with tactile sensing capability can be used in more research and applications with its extensibility.
Controllers’ role ambiguity and work-related outcomes: exploring the influence of using performance measurement systems
Authors: Baraldi Stefano , Cifalinò Antonella , Lisi Irene Eleonora , Rizzo Marco Giovanni
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Scholars have recognised that an inherent ambiguity underlines the roles of controllers, as they navigate multiple expectations of various organisational counterparts, including the control-type needs of corporate top managers and the decision-making needs of business managers. Role ambiguity (RA) is a form of psychological distress leading to dysfunctional work-related outcomes (WROs); therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyse whether the use of performance measurement systems (PMSs) by controllers influences their RA and, in turn, their job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used data collected from a survey of 158 controllers to investigate whether controllers’ diagnostic and interactive uses of PMSs affect their RA and, indirectly, organisational commitment and job satisfaction.

Findings

The results show that an interactive use of PMSs by controllers decreases their RA, with positive effects on their commitment and satisfaction. On the contrary, PMS diagnostic use has no significant influence on either RA or WROs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of literature on the psychological effects of PMSs related to RA, providing further empirical evidence to suggest that the adoption of PMSs may decrease individuals’ RA and, in turn, increase their WROs. In particular, this study enriches the existing literature with two elements of novelty: focus on controllers’ role instead of that of popular managers and focus on the behavioural effects of the diagnostic and interactive uses of PMSs.
Improving how we lead and manage in business marketing during and after a market crisis: the importance of perceived status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness and fairness
Authors: Hansen Jared M. , Hansen Joseph W. , Madsen Susan R.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to outline and investigate a set of five experience elements from neuroscience research labeled SCARF that could impact the quality of perception, evaluation and engagement of executives, managers and employees in business-to-business (B2B) companies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed experience elements are perceived status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness and fairness. The authors demonstrate that all five elements are influential factors in B2B employees’ workplace environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors outline several specific managerial implications and describe how companies can make better decisions related to several important market crisis decisions via a growth mindset built on the five experience elements. The authors also pay attention to implications to several B2B areas of research focus, including salesforce management and buying/supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first examine existing B2B research to gauge if the five elements have been examined in B2B business contexts. They then analyze a combination of quantitative and qualitative survey data from 335 employees of different B2B companies to see if the five experience elements surface in discussion on how the pandemic has impacted their work experience and careers.

Findings

The authors find that several B2B research studies have looked at each of the individual components of the SCARF model, but none of them have yet included all five elements together in research or looked at them in the context of COVID-19. The results of analysis of surveys from employees in 335 B2B companies provide strong evidence that all five elements are influential factors in B2B employees workplace environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to prior research focusing on how B2B companies can thrive during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research offers valuable practical insights and detailed examples of how to apply a set of five elements/experiences that industrial and business-to-business organization leaders should adopt in their conscious decision-making evaluation and in their communications with employees, suppliers and customers during and after the pandemic.
The nature and role of informal resilience practices in the performance of lean production systems
Authors: Gayer Bruna Dones , Saurin Tarcisio Abreu , Anzanello Michel
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Resilience in lean production systems (LPSs) relies on both formal and informal practices. Considering that these latter are relatively less explored, this paper describes the nature and role of informal resilience practices in the performance of LPSs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was devised to assess the use of 12 informal practices related to resilience. The survey was answered by 206 respondents from high and low lean adopters in Brazil, focusing on their internal operations. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the impact of those practices on operational performance. Six respondents were approached on follow-up interviews, offering examples of informal resilience in LPSs.

Findings

Both high and low lean adopters used informal resilience practices to a similar extent, and they were not detrimental to high lean adopters. These practices had no moderating effect on the relationship between the level of leanness and the operational performance of high lean adopters.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not capture how the contribution of informal resilience practices changed over time within the same company.

Practical implications

As the informal resilience practices are not necessarily consonant with lean principles, their use and rationale should be made explicit to workers and managers in LPSs. Moreover, lean assessments might be more credible if paying heed to the informal ways of implementing lean practices.

Originality/value

This is the first study that investigates the role of informal resilience practices in LPSs.
A constitutive model for cyclic densification of coarse-grained soil filler for the high-speed railway subgrade considering particle breakage
Authors: Ye Yangsheng , Cai Degou , Geng Lin , Yan Hongye , Yao Junkai , Chen Feng
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a semiempirical and semitheoretical cyclic compaction constitutive model of coarse-grained soil filler for the high-speed railway (HSR) subgrade under cyclic load.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the basic framework of critical state soil mechanics and in view of the characteristics of the coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade to bear the train vibration load repeatedly for a long time, the hyperbolic empirical relationship between particle breakage and plastic work was derived. Considering the influence of cyclic vibration time and stress ratio, the particle breakage correction function of coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade under cyclic load was proposed. According to the classical theory of plastic mechanics, the shearing dilatation equation of the coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade considering particle breakage was modified and obtained. A semiempirical and semitheoretical cyclic compaction constitutive model of coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade under cyclic load was further established. The backward Euler method was used to discretize the constitutive equation, build a numerical algorithm of “elastic prediction and plastic modification” and make a secondary development of the program to solve the cyclic compaction model.

Findings

Through the comparison with the result of laboratory triaxial test under the cyclic loading of coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade, the accuracy and applicability of the cyclic compaction model were verified. Results show that the model can accurately predict the cumulative deformation characteristics of coarse-grained soil filler for the HSR subgrade under the train vibration loading repeatedly for a long time. It considers the effects of particle breakage and stress ratio, which can be used to calculate and analyze the stress and deformation evolution law of the subgrade structure for HSR.

Originality/value

The research can provide a simple and practical method for calculating deformation of railway under cyclic loading.
Commentary on “Developing a logic model for implementing citizen advocacy for adults with learning disabilities based on the experience of community inclusion centres for disabled people”
Authors: Clifton Matt , Chapman Steve
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This commentary reflects on peer advocacy in relation to citizen advocacy in the context of the vital need for advocacy in all its different forms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reflect from the standpoint of developing peer advocacy in secure mental health settings as an organisation based on self-advocacy and co-production.

Findings

By reflecting on peer advocacy and citizen advocacy side by side, the authors affirm both and all kinds of advocacy as being vital to people with learning disabilities living full and free lives as citizens.

Originality/value

The authors hope this commentary will enrich people’s understandings of the essential role of peer advocacy within different kinds of advocacy, and the need to enlarge the range of possibilities and choices open to a person.
Competition in search markets with naive consumers
Authors: Gamp Tobias , Krähmer Daniel
Published: May 2022

We study a search market where firms may design products of inferior quality to promote them to naive consumers who misjudge product characteristics. We derive an equilibrium in which superior and inferior quality co‐exist and show that as search frictions vanish, the share of superior goods goes to zero. The presence of inferior products harms sophisticated consumers, as it forces them to search longer for superior quality. Policy interventions that reduce search frictions such as the standardization of product information may harm welfare. In contrast, educating naive consumers as well as a minimum quality standard can improve welfare.
Integration of human inspection and artificial intelligence‐based morphological typing of patient‐derived organoids reveals interpatient heterogeneity of colorectal cancer
Authors: Okamoto Takuya , Natsume Yasuko , Doi Motomichi , Nosato Hirokazu , Iwaki Toshiyuki , Yamanaka Hitomi , Yamamoto Mayuko , Kawachi Hiroshi , Noda Tetsuo , Nagayama Satoshi , Sakanashi Hidenori , Yao Ryoji
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogenous disease, and patients have differences in therapeutic response. However, the mechanisms underlying interpatient heterogeneity in the response to chemotherapeutic agents remain to be elucidated, and molecular tumor characteristics are required to select patients for specific therapies. Patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) established from CRCs recapitulate various biological characteristics of tumor tissues, including cellular heterogeneity and the response to chemotherapy. Patient‐derived organoids established from CRCs show various morphologies, but there are no criteria for defining these morphologies, which hampers the analysis of their biological significance. Here, we developed an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based classifier to categorize PDOs based on microscopic images according to their similarity in appearance and classified tubular adenocarcinoma‐derived PDOs into six types. Transcriptome analysis identified differential expression of genes related to cell adhesion in some of the morphological types. Genes involved in ribosome biogenesis were also differentially expressed and were most highly expressed in morphological types showing CRC stem cell properties. We identified an RNA polymerase I inhibitor, CX‐5641, to be an upstream regulator of these type‐specific gene sets. Notably, PDO types with increased expression of genes involved in ribosome biogenesis were resistant to CX‐5461 treatment. Taken together, these results uncover the biological significance of the morphology of PDOs and provide novel indicators by which to categorize CRCs. Therefore, the AI‐based classifier is a useful tool to support PDO‐based cancer research.
MOG antibody‐related disorder associated with peripheral facial nerve palsy
Authors: Morishima Yuto , Satake Akane , Hata Takanori , Koh Kishin , Nagasaka Takamura , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Shindo Kazumasa , Takiyama Yoshihisa
Published: May 2022

A 44‐year‐old Japanese woman exhibited neurological symptoms including unsteadiness of gait, headache, hypoesthesia of the left face, and left‐sided peripheral facial nerve palsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed abnormal intensities in the hemispheres, brainstem, and corpus callosum. Although routine blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies were unremarkable, serum anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody was positive. With two‐time intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, her symptoms gradually improved. We report here a rare case of a MOG antibody‐related disorder with peripheral facial nerve palsy as a predominant symptom. We should be aware of this disease even in a case of peripheral facial nerve palsy.
Use of antihypertensive medications and the risk of glaucoma onset: Findings from the 45 and Up Study
Authors: Yuan Yixiong , Wang Wei , Shang Xianwen , Xiong Ruilin , Ha Jason , Zhang Lei , Zhu Zhuoting , He Mingguang
Published: May 2022

Background

Abnormal blood pressure is a potential risk factor for glaucoma. However, the role of antihypertensive medications on glaucoma pathogenesis is controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between the use of antihypertensive medications and glaucoma onset.

Methods

This nested case–control study, based on a large‐scale longitudinal cohort in Australia, retrieved participants' claims records on drugs and Medicare services from national health databases. Participants with three or more claim records of anti‐glaucoma medications from 2009 to 2016 were classified as glaucoma patients; those with none were classified as controls. Claim records of antihypertensive medications were identified within the 5 years before glaucoma onset and contemporary periods in matched controls without glaucoma. The association between the use of antihypertensive medications and glaucoma onset was assessed by multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 6748 cases and 13 496 controls were analysed. Compared with controls, the proportion of users of antihypertensive medications was slightly higher in glaucoma patients (46.9% vs. 46.0%, p > 0.05). After adjustments for demographics, health‐related factors and medical history, the association between the use of antihypertensive medications and glaucoma onset was nonsignificant (OR 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89–1.02). As for specific subtypes, only beta‐blocking agents (BBA) (OR 0.82, 95% CI = 0.75–0.90) and diuretics (OR 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77–0.95) were significantly associated with reduced risks of glaucoma onset.

Conclusions

This study indicated that the use of antihypertensive medications was not associated with glaucoma onset. Decreased risks of glaucoma onset in users of BBA and diuretics require further validation.
Diagnosis and predicted outcomes of patients with cystic fibrosis related liver disease considered for lung transplantation
Authors: Khoshbin Espeed , Clark Stephen , Meachery Gerard , Fisher Andrew , De Soyza Anthony , Lordan James , Nair Arun , Dark John , Hudson Mark
Published: May 2022

Introduction

There is no gold standard criterion for the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis‐related liver disease (CFRLD) and there is uncertainty over its impact on the outcome of lung transplantation.

Method

Lung recipients (n = 238) were divided into two groups—CFRLD and non‐CFRLD based on a modified aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI) score (mAPRI) to diagnose CFRLD and predict severity of liver disease. Groups were compared to assess validity of the diagnosis and survival outcomes.

Result

The new diagnostic criterion was effective at differentiating CFRLD from non‐CFRLD. There was no significant difference in the survival between two groups at short, medium, or long term demonstrated by the Kaplan‐Meier plot with survival of 85%, 73%, 47%, 18.6%, and 4.7% at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 years respectively. A mAPRI score of greater than .2 had a sensitivity of 43.0% but a specificity of 82.5 % for diagnosis of CFRLD and 46.5% sensitivity but 100% specificity in predicting an ultrasound/biopsy proven hepatic abnormality associated with CFRLD.

Conclusion

A mAPRI sore is a highly specific non‐invasive tool for diagnosis of CFRLD. Recipients with CFRLD but grossly preserved hepatocellular function have a similar outcome to patients without CFRLD.
No employment without participation: An evaluation of India's employment programme in eastern Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Misra Kartik
Published: May 2022

Motivation

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) provides 100 days of employment a year at the legal minimum wage to every rural household. At the national level, the programme has been highly successful in providing an income safety net to small peasant farmers and landless workers.

Purpose

An analysis of bottlenecks in supply and demand in the implementation of NREGA in the poorer states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. This research aims to understand how public participation and local political economy factors attenuate the guarantee of public employment and equal wages for the most marginalized groups.

Methods and approach

Evidence from field research in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh was used to conduct an empirical analysis of the functioning of NREGA.

Findings

Our research shows how awareness among programme beneficiaries of their legal entitlements and awareness at various levels of government about the programme determine the provision of NREGA employment in one of the poorest regions of the country.

Policy implications

Our findings suggest that patron–client exchanges between the local elite and NREGA beneficiaries determine the provision of public employment and generate rents for the local elite. There is, therefore, an urgent need to increase transparency in NREGA provision and create mechanisms to hold elected representatives and government functionaries accountable to NREGA beneficiaries.
Teudefred and the king. On the manuscript Carcassonne G 6 and the intertwining of localities and centre in the Carolingian world
Authors: Haack Christoph , Kohl Thomas
Published: May 2022

Carcassonne G 6, preserving a judicial oath from 833, is an exceptional source for the history of the Spanish March and more generally the workings of power in the Carolingian world. The oath, concerning at first glance a very local dispute, links a body of royal charters with the precepts for the hispani issued by Charlemagne, Louis the Pious and Charles the Bald. This link reveals the close entanglement of localities and centre that structured the better part of western Europe into a political entity. A critical edition, which was not available for this text before, is provided as an appendix.
Validation of new diagnostic criteria for fatigue in patients with Parkinson disease
Authors: Siciliano Mattia , Kluger Benzi , De Micco Rosa , Chiorri Carlo , Sant'Elia Valeria , Silvestro Marcello , Giordano Alfonso , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Passamonti Luca , Trojano Luigi , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose

Although disabling fatigue is common in Parkinson disease (PD), available consensus‐based diagnostic criteria have not yet been empirically validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinimetric properties of the criteria.

Methods

A sample of outpatients with PD was evaluated for demographic, clinical, behavioral, and cognitive features. Fatigue was diagnosed according to the new diagnostic criteria and was rated by means of the Parkinson Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Acceptability, concurrent and discriminant validity, and interrater reliability were evaluated with binary logistic regression analyses and Cohen kappa (κ).

Results

Of 241 included patients, 17 (7.1%) met the diagnostic criteria for PD‐related fatigue. Eight of nine symptoms described in Section A of the diagnostic criteria occurred in >50% of patients with fatigue. Acceptability (missing data = 0.8%) of the criteria was good, as was their concurrent validity with the PFS (odds ratio = 3.65) and FSS (odds ratio = 3.63). The discriminant validity of fatigue criteria with other PD‐related behavioral and cognitive features was good (odds ratio < 1.68). The interrater reliability was excellent (κ = 0.92).

Conclusions

This is the first study to test the clinimetric properties of case definition diagnostic criteria for PD‐related fatigue. Our results suggest that current diagnostic criteria may be useful in both clinical practice and research. Future longitudinal studies should examine their long‐term stability.
Bayesian spatio‐temporal CPUE standardization: Case study of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) along the western coast of Portugal
Authors: Izquierdo Francisco , Menezes Raquel , Wise Laura , Teles‐Machado Ana , Garrido Susana
Published: May 2022

Understanding the key factors influencing population dynamics of fish stocks requires knowledge of their spatial distribution and seasonal habitat selection, but these spatio‐temporal dynamics are often not explicitly included in ecological studies and stock assessment models. This study standardized the data of sardine fishery‐dependent catch‐per‐unit‐ effort (CPUE) from the west coast of Portugal using Bayesian hierarchical spatio‐temporal models (BHSTM) with the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA). Sardine CPUE was best explained by length of the vessel, vessel ID, month, year, and location (latitude, longitude). In terms of spatio‐temporal distribution, sardine biomass prediction maps showed a constant pattern that changed every quarter of the year. In addition, sardine CPUE index showed a cyclical trend along the year with minimum values in July and maximum peak in November. This approach provided insights on variables and corresponding modelling effects that may be relevant in spatio‐temporal fishery‐dependent data standardization, and that could be applied to other fish species and areas.
Gillnet selectivity for non‐targeted shark species in temperate Australia
Authors: Braccini Matías , Hesp Alex , Walker Terence I.
Published: May 2022

The use of size‐selective fishing gear has been fundamental for the successful management of shark populations. For the main Australian shark fisheries, available data sets on gillnet selectivity experiments conducted since the 1990s were used to estimate gillnet selectivity parameters for nine commonly caught non‐target species: broadnose, draughtboard, Port Jackson and school sharks, common and southern sawsharks, smooth hammerhead and spikey and whitespotted dogfish. Size at selection increased with mesh size, but it varied with species, with some species having broader selectivity curves due to their particular morphological features. In particular, smooth hammerhead had much broader selectivity curves and larger length at maximum selection than other species of comparable size such as the broadnose shark. The selectivity curves derived in this study will allow a more accurate interpretation of catch size composition and model‐based assessments of stock status of these species
Rapid influenza molecular testing in secondary care and influenza surveillance in England: Any impact?
Authors: Boddington Nicki L. , Elgohari Suzanne , Ellis Joanna , Donati Matthew , Zambon Maria , Pebody Richard G.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The use of rapid molecular testing for influenza diagnosis is becoming increasingly popular. Used at the point of care or in a clinical laboratory, these tests detect influenza A and B viruses, though many do not distinguish between influenza A subtypes. The UK Severe Influenza Surveillance System (USISS) collects surveillance data on laboratory‐confirmed influenza admissions to secondary care in England.

This study set out to understand how rapid influenza molecular testing was being used and how it might influence the availability of subtyping data collected on influenza cases admitted to secondary care in England.

Methods

At the end of the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 influenza seasons, a questionnaire was sent to all National Health Service Hospital Trusts in England to evaluate the use of rapid influenza testing. Surveillance data collected through USISS was analysed from 2011/2012 to 2020/2021.

Results

Of responding trusts, 42% (13/31) in 2017/2018 and 55% (9/17) in 2018/2019 used rapid influenza molecular tests, either alone or in combination with other testing. The majority of rapid tests used did not subtype the influenza A result, and limited follow‐up testing occurred.

Surveillance data showed significant proportions of influenza A hospital and intensive care unit/high dependency unit admissions without subtyping information, increasing by approximately 35% between 2012/2013 and 2020/2021.

Conclusions

The use of rapid influenza molecular tests is a likely contributing factor to the large proportion of influenza A hospitalisations in England that were unsubtyped. Given their clear clinical advantages, further work must be done to reinforce these data for public health through integrated genomic surveillance.
Postglacial range expansion of high‐elevation plants is restricted by dispersal ability and habitat specialization
Authors: Carnicero Pau , Wessely Johannes , Moser Dietmar , Font Xavier , Dullinger Stefan , Schönswetter Peter
Published: May 2022

Aim

Species' ecological traits influence their spatial genetic patterns. Bedrock preference strongly shapes the phylogeography of alpine plants, but its interactions with other ecological traits have rarely been disentangled. Here, we explore whether dispersal ability and degree of habitat specialization account for divergent postglacial expansion patterns of high‐elevation plants in spite of similar bedrock preference.

Location

The Pyrenees, southwestern Europe.

Taxon

Cirsium glabrum (Asteraceae), Salix pyrenaica (Salicaceae) and Silene borderei (Caryophyllaceae).

Methods

Phylogenetic, genetic structure and demographic modelling analyses based on restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) data from a range‐wide populational sampling were conducted. Occurrence data and environmental variables were used to construct species distribution models, which were projected under current and Last Glacial Maximum conditions, and were combined with RADseq data to reconstruct the postglacial history of the study species. The degree of habitat specialization of each species was estimated based on the plant communities within which they occur, and their climatic niche breadth.

Results

Salix pyrenaica, which occupies a broad range of habitats, shows a high level of range filling, a blurred genetic structure and an admixture cline between the two main genetic groups, congruent with rapid postglacial expansion. The microsite specialists C. glabrum and S. borderei exhibit a strong genetic structure and low levels of range filling, indicative of slow postglacial expansion. The good disperser C. glabrum shows higher levels of admixture between genetic groups and weaker population differentiation than the poor disperser S. borderei.

Main Conclusions

Factors other than bedrock preference have a strong impact on the postglacial range dynamics of high‐elevation species. Habitat specialization plays an important role, allowing species occupying a broad range of habitats to more rapidly expand their ranges after environmental change. The effect of dispersal ability is lower than expected for the study species.
Novel computed tomography angiography‐based sizing methodology for WATCHMAN FLX device in left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Dallan Luis Augusto Palma , Arruda Mauricio , Yoon Sung‐Han , Rana Mohammad Atif , Mogalapalli Akhil , Carneiro Herman A. , Reed Joseph , Rashid Imran , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Filby Steven J.
Published: May 2022

Background

While there is recent data suggesting an advantage of computed tomography angiography (CTA) over transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for preprocedural left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) planning, there is limited published experience for sizing strategies. Device sizing for LAAC may be challenging and noninvasive algorithms that improve this selection process are warranted.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the safety and the feasibility for the implementation of a novel CTA‐based sizing methodology for WATCHMAN™ FLX device in a series of patients undergoing LAAC using the TruPlan™ software package.

Methods

A prospective analysis of 136 consecutive patients who underwent LAAC over a 12‐month period in a single, large academic hospital in the United States was conducted. CTA‐guided preprocedural planning and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was performed in all. Procedural success, adverse events, length of procedure, number of devices used, and length of stay were evaluated.

Results

A total of 136 patients who underwent LAAC procedure with WATCHMAN™ FLX platform between October 1, 2020 until September 30, 2021 were included. The pre‐specified protocol using CTA and ICE was implemented in all patients (100%). Mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 4.4 ± 1.3 and the mean HAS‐BLED score was 3.9 ± 0.8. ICE‐guided 100% transseptal puncture success rate was 100% with 98.5% of overall procedural success rate. Preprocedural CTA sizing strategy accurately predicted the implanted size in 91.1% of patients. Ten patients (7.4%) required another sized device and 2 cases were aborted. At 45‐day follow‐up, only 1 patient (0.7%) had significant peri‐device leak (≥5 mm) on TEE.

Conclusions

CTA‐based preprocedural sizing methodology for WATCHMAN™ FLX in LAAC was safe, feasible and associated with excellent procedural outcomes. Further studies are warranted to confirm if the features specific to TruPlan™ may reduce the number of deployment attempts, the number of devices utilized in the procedure, and the risk of complications.
Validation of magnetic resonance elastography plus fibrosis‐4 for significant fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Inada Kento , Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Kirino Sakura , Yamashita Koji , Hayakawa Yuka , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Kaneko Shun , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

MEFIB (the combination of magnetic resonance elastography [MRE] ≥ 3.3 kPa and fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) ≥ 1.6) is useful for detecting patients with significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 2) having nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, age‐dependent thresholds of FIB‐4 have been proposed, and it remains unclear whether MEFIB could be applied with the same FIB‐4 threshold in a different cohort. Therefore, in this study, we examined the best threshold of FIB‐4 and validated the utility of MEFIB.

Methods

This study included 105 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients with contemporaneous MRE assessment. The primary outcome was a diagnostic accuracy for significant fibrosis.

Results

The median (interquartile range) age was 65 (58–72) years, and significant fibrosis was 76.2% (80/105). FIB‐4 of 2.1 was defined as the best threshold for significant fibrosis in the cohort. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs) of the combination of MRE and FIB‐4 (MRE ≥ 3.3 kPa + FIB‐4 ≥ 1.6: 0.80, MRE ≥ 3.3 kPa + FIB‐4 ≥ 2.1: 0.84) were higher than those of each index alone (MRE ≥ 3.3 kPa: 0.76, FIB‐4 ≥ 1.6: 0.72, and FIB‐4 ≥ 2.1: 0.77), but AUROCs of MRE ≥ 3.3 kPa + FIB‐4 ≥ 1.6 and MRE ≥ 3.3 kPa + FIB‐4 ≥ 2.1 were equivalent (P = 0.3).

Conclusions

MEFIB is useful for detecting patients with significant fibrosis and could be utilized in a different cohort without changing the threshold of FIB‐4, and it may then be used as a two‐step screening strategy.
Sleep in adolescence: Considering family structure and family complexity
Authors: Nilsen Sondre Aasen , Bergström Malin , Sivertsen Børge , Stormark Kjell Morten , Hysing Mari
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To investigate associations between family structure, family complexity, and sleep in adolescence.

Background

Family structure may be associated with sleep patterns and sleep problems among adolescents. Yet, research documenting this association has not captured the complexity of modern families and used crude measures of sleep.

Method

The youth@hordaland study (N = 8833) of adolescents aged 16–19 conducted in 2012 in Norway provided a detailed assessment of family structure, family complexity (i.e., living with half‐/stepsiblings), and multiple sleep parameters. Insomnia and delayed sleep–wake phase disorder (DSWPD) were defined in alignment with diagnostic criteria. Ordinary least squares and Poisson regression analyses were used to assess associations between family structure, family complexity, and sleep outcomes.

Results

Adolescents in joint physical custody (JPC) had more similar sleep parameters as peers in nuclear families than in single‐and stepparent families. Adolescents in single‐ and stepparent families had a higher risk of short sleep duration on weekdays, long sleep onset latency, long wake after sleep onset, oversleeping, insomnia, and DSWPD than peers in nuclear families. Family complexity was also associated with a higher risk of sleep problems, but the risk attenuated when considered jointly with family structure. Socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms partly attenuated the differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Inequalities in sleep exist by family structure and, in part, family complexity. Despite alternating between two homes and often experiencing family complexity, sleep among adolescents in JPC was more similar to peers in nuclear families than in single‐ and stepparent families.
Beyond litigation: Policy work within cause lawyering organizations
Authors: Trowbridge David L.
Published: May 2022

This article investigates why cause lawyering organizations choose policy work and how policy agendas are set. Interviews and documents from eight legal organizations in the LGBTQ movement reveal that policy work expands the scope of conflict, giving organizations not only more opportunities to act, but potentially providing greater autonomy to lawyers by allowing them to build their own opportunities. Furthermore, policy agendas are not simply tied to litigation and resources. Organizations balance perceptions of opportunity and need with resource availability. These perceptions are often informed by collaborations with state and local organizations, facilitating communication between groups, organizers, and activists at different vantage points. Thus, the nature of a legal organization's multidimensional strategy, which expands opportunities to reach their goals, may be shaping what those goals are. These findings contribute to our understanding of cause lawyering tactics and agendas.
High plasma levels of betaine, a trimethylamine N‐Oxide‐related metabolite, are associated with the severity of cirrhosis
Authors: van den Berg Eline H. , Flores‐Guerrero Jose L. , Garcia Erwin , Connelly Margery A. , de Meijer Vincent E. ,   TransplantLines Investigators, Bakker Stephan J. L. , Blokzijl Hans , Dullaart Robin P. F.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

The gut microbiome‐related metabolites betaine and trimethylamine N‐oxide (TMAO) affect major health issues. In cirrhosis, betaine metabolism may be diminished because of impaired hepatic betaine homocysteine methyltransferase activity, whereas TMAO generation from trimethylamine may be altered because of impaired hepatic flavin monooxygenase expression. Here, we determined plasma betaine and TMAO levels in patients with end‐stage liver disease and assessed their relationships with liver disease severity.

Methods

Plasma betaine and TMAO concentrations were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 129 cirrhotic patients (TransplantLines cohort study; NCT03272841) and compared with levels from 4837 participants of the PREVEND cohort study. Disease severity was assessed by Child‐Pugh‐Turcotte (CPT) classification and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.

Results

Plasma betaine was on average 60% higher (p < .001), whereas TMAO was not significantly lower in cirrhotic patients vs. PREVEND population (p = .44). After liver transplantation (n = 13), betaine decreased (p = .017; p = .36 vs. PREVEND population), whereas TMAO levels tended to increase (p = .085) to higher levels than in the PREVEND population (p = .003). Betaine levels were positively associated with the CPT stage and MELD score (both p < .001). The association with the MELD score remained in the fully adjusted analysis (p < .001). The association of TMAO with the MELD score did not reach significance (p = .11). Neither betaine nor TMAO levels were associated with mortality on the waiting list for liver transplantation (adjusted p = .78 and p = .44, respectively).

Conclusion

Plasma betaine levels are elevated in cirrhotic patients in parallel with disease severity and decrease after liver transplantation.
“False peak” creation in the Flynn Creek marine target impact crater
Authors: Bray V. J. , Hagerty J. J. , Collins G. S.
Published: May 2022

Impacts into marine targets are known to create abnormal crater morphologies. We investigate the formation of the ~4 km diameter Flynn Creek marine target impact crater using the iSALE hydrocode. We compare simulation results to topographic profiles, mineral pressure indicators, and breccia sequencing from drill cores to determine the most likely sea depth at this location at the time of impact (~360 Ma, Tennessee, USA): 700–800 m. Both the peak shock pressure produced by the impact and the mechanism(s) of central peak formation differ with sea depth. The large central mound of Flynn Creek could have been produced in three distinct ways, all requiring the presence of an ocean: (1) a relatively cohesive rim collapse deposit that reached the crater center as part of a ground flow and came to rest on top of the existing crater stratigraphy; (2) chaotic resurge of ejecta with the returning ocean that deposited at the crater center; (3) large uplift facilitated by the removal of overburden pressure from a deep ocean. The first two of these mechanisms create “false peaks” in which high‐shock uplifted material and original crater floor are buried beneath > 200 m of relatively low shock material. Our simulations suggest that drilling of marine impact sites might require deeper than expected drill cores, so that any high‐pressure mineralogical indictors at depth can be accessed.
The noble gas inventory in metal samples and troilite inclusions from IIIAB iron meteorites: Reinvestigating the live 129I‐129Xe dating method
Authors: Smith Thomas , Leya Ingo
Published: May 2022

The live 129I‐129Xe dating technique, which internally corrects for shielding, is particularly well suited for large iron meteorites, for which shielding corrections might be difficult to obtain. In addition, the half‐life of 129I of 16 Ma would allow the study of the important question of the constancy—or variability—of the galactic cosmic rays over a time scale not covered by other cosmogenic nuclides. Here, we present the results of a noble gas study of metal samples and adjacent troilite inclusions from the four IIIAB iron meteorites Cape York (including Agpalilik), Casas Grandes, Trenton, and Grant. The major result is that we can directly determine 129Xenc concentrations caused by (live) 129I decay for Cape York, Casas Grandes, Trenton, and Grant. The 129Xenc concentrations can be used, if combined to 129I activity concentrations (not measured by us), to calculate cosmic ray exposure (CRE) ages using the (live) 129I‐129Xe chronometer. For the light noble gases measured in metal and troilite samples, the new data confirm the earlier estimates of a production rate ratio 21Necos(troilite)/21Necos(metal) in the range 3.08–3.53. Surprisingly, 38Arcos in troilite from Agpalilik and Casas Grandes is only, respectively, ~36% and ~44% relative to that in the respective metal phases. Considering that 38Arcos is only produced from iron but not from sulfur, the 38Arcos concentration measured in troilite is expected to be ~64% relative to that in adjacent metal, that is, some 38Arcos is missing. Considering krypton in troilite, only 80Kr, 82Kr, and 83Kr are higher than the blank, likely indicating a spallogenic contribution. On average, ~4.2% of measured 80Kr, ~2.5% of 82Kr, and ~11.6% of 83Kr are spallogenic.
A polygenic architecture with habitat‐dependent effects underlies ecological differentiation in Silene
Authors: Gramlich Susanne , Liu Xiaodong , Favre Adrien , Buerkle C. Alex , Karrenberg Sophie
Published: May 2022

Ecological differentiation can drive speciation but it is unclear how the genetic architecture of habitat‐dependent fitness contributes to lineage divergence. We investigated the genetic architecture of cumulative flowering, a fitness component, in second‐generation hybrids between Silene dioica and Silene latifolia transplanted into the natural habitat of each species.

We used reduced‐representation sequencing and Bayesian sparse linear mixed models (BSLMMs) to analyze the genetic control of cumulative flowering in each habitat.

Our results point to a polygenic architecture of cumulative flowering. Allelic effects were mostly beneficial or deleterious in one habitat and neutral in the other. Positive‐effect alleles often were derived from the native species, whereas negative‐effect alleles, at other loci, tended to originate from the non‐native species.

We conclude that ecological differentiation is governed and maintained by many loci with small, habitat‐dependent effects consistent with conditional neutrality. This pattern may result from differences in selection targets in the two habitats and from environmentally dependent deleterious load. Our results further suggest that selection for native alleles and against non‐native alleles acts as a barrier to gene flow between species.