bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TFIIS is required for reproductive development and thermal adaptation in barley
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , András Kis , Verma Radhika , Szádeczky-Kardoss István , Szaker Henrik Mihály , Pettkó-Szandtner Aladár , Silhavy Dániel , Havelda Zoltán , Csorba Tibor
Published: March 2024

Regulation of transcriptional machinery and its adaptive role under different stress conditions are studied extensively in the dicot model plantArabidopsis, but our knowledge on monocot species remains elusive. TFIIS is an RNA polymerase II associated transcription elongation co-factor. Previously it was shown that TFIIS ensures efficient transcription elongation that is necessary for heat stress survival inA. thaliana. However, the function of TFIIS has not been analysed in monocots. In the present work, we have generated and studied independenttfIIscrisprmutant barley lines. We show that, TFIIS is needed for reproductive development and heat stress survival in barley. The molecular basis of HS-sensitivity oftfIIsmutants is the retarded expression of heat stress protein transcripts, that leads to late accumulation of HSP chaperones, enhanced proteotoxicity and ultimately to lethality. We also show that TFIIS is induced and autoregulated in response to heat, supporting a conserved adaptive function of these control elements for plant thermal adaptation. In sum, our results are a step forward for the better understanding of transcriptional machinery regulation in monocot crops.
A Novel 3D Imaging Approach for Quantification of GLUT4 Levels across the Intact Myocardium
Authors: Geiser Angéline , Currie Susan , Al-Hasani Hadi , Chadt Alexandra , McConnell Gail , Gould Gwyn W.
Published: March 2024

Cellular heterogeneity is a well-accepted feature of tissues, and both transcriptional and metabolic diversity have been revealed by numerous approaches, including optical imaging. However, the high magnification objective lenses needed for high-resolution imaging provides information from only small layers of tissue, which can result in poor cell statistics. There is therefore an unmet need for an imaging modality that can provide detailed molecular and cellular insight within intact tissue samples in 3D. Using GFP-tagged GLUT4 as proof of concept, we present here a novel optical mesoscopy approach that allows precise measurement of the spatial location of GLUT4 within specific anatomical structures across the myocardium in ultrathick sections (5 mm x 5 mm x 3 mm) of intact mouse heart. We reveal distinct GLUT4 distribution patterns across cardiac walls and highlight specific changes in GLUT4 expression levels in response to high fat diet-feeding, and we identify gender-dependent differences in expression patterns. This method is applicable to any target that can be labelled for light microscopy, and to other complex tissues when organ structure needs to be considered simultaneously with cellular detail.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Here we present a novel 3D optical mesoscopy approach that allows the study of both GLUT4 protein expression levels and structural distribution within ultrathick sections of intact murine hearts, in response to high fat diet-feeding.
Fibroblasts enhance the growth and survival of adult feline small intestinal organoids
Authors: Hryckowian Nicole D , Studener Katelyn , Knoll Laura J
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Intestinal organoids are important cell culture models that complement live animal studies of intestinal biology. Adult feline small intestinal organoids are needed for infectious disease research but are difficult to work with due to slow growth and rapid senescence. We introduce a method of co-culturing adult feline small intestinal organoids with growth inhibited human foreskin fibroblast feeder cells to enhance organoid proliferation and survival. With feeder cells, feline jejunal and ileal organoids survived at least nine months in culture until cryopreservation. Fibroblast supplementation also increased the maximum size of cat and mouse intestinal organoids, making them easier for microinjection. The increased proliferation, longevity, and size make fibroblast-supplementation of feline small intestinal organoids a significant improvement on current methods. These methods have high potential to reduce the number of cats used for research and may be applicable for intestinal cells from other animals that are difficult to culture.
Occupancy-driven Zeeman suppression and inversion in trapped polariton condensates
Authors: Sawicki Krzysztof , Dovzhenko Dmitriy , Wang Yuan , Cookson Tamsin , Sigurðsson Helgi , Lagoudakis Pavlos G.
Published: March 2024

We study the magnetophotoluminescence of an optically trapped exciton-polariton condensate in a planar semiconductor microcavity with multiple In0.08Ga0.92As quantum wells. Extremely high condensate coherence time and continuous control over the polariton confinement are among the advantages provided by optical trapping. This allows us to resolve magnetically induced ∼µeV fine-energy shifts in the condensate and identify unusual dynamical regions in its parameter space. We observe polariton Zeeman splitting and, in small traps with tight confinement, demonstrate its full parametric screening when the condensate density exceeds a critical value, reminiscent of the spin-Meissner effect. For larger optical traps, we observe a complete inversion in the Zeeman splitting as a function of power, underlining the importance of condensate confinement and interactions with its background reservoir excitons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating the M1 radiative decay behaviors and the magnetic moments of the predicted triple-charm molecular-type pentaquarks
Authors: Lai Bao-Jun , Wang Fu-Lai , Liu Xiang
Published: March 2024

In this work, we systematically study the electromagnetic properties including the M1 radiative decay widths and the magnetic moments of the isoscalar ΞccD(*), ΞccD1, and ΞccD2* triple-charm molecular-type pentaquark candidates, where we adopt the constituent quark model and consider both the S−D wave mixing effect and the coupled channel effect. Our numerical results suggest that the M1 radiative decay widths and the magnetic moments of the isoscalar ΞccD(*), ΞccD1, and ΞccD2* triple-charm molecular-type pentaquark candidates can reflect their inner structures, and the study of the electromagnetic properties is an important step to construct the family of the triple-charm molecular-type pentaquarks. With the accumulation of the experimental data during the high-luminosity phase of LHC, we expect that the present work combined with the corresponding mass spectrum information can encourage the experimental colleagues at LHCb to focus on the isoscalar ΞccD(*), ΞccD1, and ΞccD2* triple-charm molecular-type pentaquark candidates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Continuum limit of the mobility edge and taste-degeneracy effects in high-temperature lattice QCD with staggered quarks
Authors: Bonanno Claudio , Giordano Matteo
Published: March 2024

We study the effects of taste degeneracy on the continuum scaling of the localization properties of the staggered Dirac operator in high-temperature QCD using numerical simulations on the lattice, focusing in particular on the position of the mobility edge separating localized and delocalized modes at the low end of the spectrum. We find that, if the continuum limit is approached at fixed spatial volume, the restoration of taste symmetry leads to sizeable systematic effects on estimates for the mobility edge obtained from spectral statistics, which become larger and larger as the lattice spacing is decreased. Such systematics, however, are found to decrease if the volume is increased at fixed lattice spacing. We argue that spectral statistics estimate correctly the position of the mobility edge in the thermodynamic limit at fixed spacing, and support this with an independent numerical analysis based directly on the properties of the Dirac eigenvectors, that are unaffected by taste degeneracy. We then provide a theoretical argument justifying the exchange of the thermodynamic and continuum limits when studying localization. This allows us to use spectral statistics to determine the position of the mobility edge, and to obtain a controlled continuum extrapolation of the mobility edge for the first time.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Linear versus nonlinear modeling of black hole ringdowns
Authors: Qiu Yi , Forteza Xisco Jiménez , Mourier Pierre
Published: March 2024

The ringdown (RD) phase of gravitational waves is of prime interest for testing general relativity (GR). The modeling of the linear quasinormal modes (QNMs) within the Kerr spectrum—or with agnostic parametrized deviations to that GR spectrum—has become ordinary; however, specific attention has recently emerged to calibrate the effects of nonlinear perturbations for the predominant quadrupolar l=2, m=2 mode. In this paper, we test the performance of a few nonlinear toy models and of the nonlinear inspiral-merger-ringdown (IMR) model IMRPhenomD for faithfully representing the RD regime and we compare them with the results obtained using linear solutions as sums of QNM tones. Using several quasicircular, nonprecessing numerical waveforms, we fit the dominant l=2, m=2 mode of the strain, and we assess the results in terms of both the Bayes factor and the inferred posterior distributions for the mass and spin of the final black hole. We find that the nonlinear models can be comparable or preferred over the linear QNM-only solutions when the analysis is performed from the peak of the strain, especially at high signal-to-noise ratios consistent with third-generation observatories. Since the calibration of the tones’ relative amplitudes and phases in high-overtone models to the progenitor parameters is still missing, or even not achievable, we consider the use of nonlinear models to be more pertinent for performing confident tests of general relativity based on the RD regime starting from early times.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Conditional-not Displacement: Fast Multioscillator Control with a Single Qubit
Authors: Diringer Asaf A. , Blumenthal Eliya , Grinberg Avishay , Jiang Liang , Hacohen-Gourgy Shay
Published: March 2024

Bosonic encoding is an approach for quantum information processing, promising lower hardware overhead by encoding in the many levels of a harmonic-oscillator mode. Scaling to multiple modes requires weak interaction for independent control, yet strong interaction for fast control. Applying fast and efficient universal control on multiple modes remains an open problem. Surprisingly, we find that displacements conditioned on the state of a single-qubit ancilla coupled to multiple harmonic oscillators are sufficient for universal control. We present the conditional- operation concept, which can be used to reduce the duration of entangling gates. Within this guiding concept, we develop the conditional- displacement control method which enables fast generation and control of bosonic states in multimode systems weakly coupled to a single-ancilla qubit. Our method is fast despite the weak ancilla coupling. The weak coupling in turn allows for excellent separability and thus independent control. We demonstrate our control on a superconducting transmon qubit weakly coupled to a multimode superconducting cavity. We create both entangled and separable cat states in different modes of the multimode cavity, showing entangling operations at low crosstalk while maintaining independent control of the different modes. We show that the operation time is not limited by the inverse of the coupling rate, which is the typical timescale, and we exceed it by almost 2 orders of magnitude. We verify our results with an efficient method for measurement of the multimode characteristic function which employs our conditional- displacement. Our results inspire a new approach toward general entangling operations and allow for fast and efficient multimode bosonic encoding and measurement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Improving sensitivity of XANES structural fit to the bridged metal–metal coordination
Authors: Abrosimov S. V. , Protsenko B. O. , Mannaa A. S. , Vlasenko V. G. , Guda S. A. , Pankin I. A. , Burlov A. S. , Koshchienko Y. V. , Guda A. A. , Soldatov A. V.
Published: March 2024

Hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a valuable in situ probe for non-destructive diagnostics of metal sites. The low-energy interval of a spectrum (XANES) contains information about the metal oxidation state, ligand type, symmetry and distances in the first coordination shell but shows almost no dependency on the bridged metal–metal bond length. The higher-energy interval (EXAFS), on the contrary, is more sensitive to the coordination numbers and can decouple the contribution from distances in different coordination shells. Supervised machine-learning methods can combine information from different intervals of a spectrum; however, computational approaches for the near-edge region of the spectrum and higher energies are different. This work aims to keep all benefits of XANES and extend its sensitivity towards the interatomic distances in the first and second coordination shells. Using a binuclear bridged copper complex as a case study and cross-validation analysis as a quantitative tool it is shown that the first 170 eV above the edge are already sufficient to balance the contributions of Cu–O/N scattering and Cu–Cu scattering. As a more general outcome this work highlights the trivial but often overlooked importance of using `longer' energy intervals of XANES for structural refinement and machine-learning predictions. The first 200 eV above the absorption edge still do not require parametrization of Debye–Waller damping and can be calculated within full multiple scattering or finite difference approximations with only moderately increased computational costs.
Cryo-EM sample preparation for high-resolution structure studies
Authors: Wang Liguo , Zimanyi Christina M.
Published: March 2024

High-resolution structures of biomolecules can be obtained using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (SPA cryo-EM), and the rapidly growing number of structures solved by this method is encouraging more researchers to utilize this technique. As with other structural biology methods, sample preparation for an SPA cryo-EM data collection requires some expertise and an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the technique in order to make sensible decisions in the sample-preparation process. In this article, common strategies and pitfalls are described and practical advice is given to increase the chances of success when starting an SPA cryo-EM project.
EMinsight: a tool to capture cryoEM microscope configuration and experimental outcomes for analysis and deposition
Authors: Hatton Daniel , Cha Jaehoon , Riggs Stephen , Harrison Peter J. , Thiyagalingam Jeyan , Clare Daniel K. , Morris Kyle L.
Published: March 2024

The widespread adoption of cryoEM technologies for structural biology has pushed the discipline to new frontiers. A significant worldwide effort has refined the single-particle analysis (SPA) workflow into a reasonably standardized procedure. Significant investments of development time have been made, particularly in sample preparation, microscope data-collection efficiency, pipeline analyses and data archiving. The widespread adoption of specific commercial microscopes, software for controlling them and best practices developed at facilities worldwide has also begun to establish a degree of standardization to data structures coming from the SPA workflow. There is opportunity to capitalize on this moment in the maturation of the field, to capture metadata from SPA experiments and correlate the metadata with experimental outcomes, which is presented here in a set of programs called EMinsight. This tool aims to prototype the framework and types of analyses that could lead to new insights into optimal microscope configurations as well as to define methods for metadata capture to assist with the archiving of cryoEM SPA data. It is also envisaged that this tool will be useful to microscope operators and facilities looking to rapidly generate reports on SPA data-collection and screening sessions.
Unravelling open innovation determinants and firm performance relationships in CEE and SEE countries
Authors: Abazi-Alili Hyrije , Hashi Iraj , Rexhepi Gadaf , Ramadani Veland , Kallmuenzer Andreas
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Open innovation (OI), by now one of the major concepts for the analysis of innovation, is seen as a methodology for collaboratively designing and implementing solutions by engaging stakeholders in an iterative and inclusive service design process. This paper aims to empirically investigate OI capacities, defined as a cooperative, knowledge-sharing innovation ecosystem, and to explore how it can lead to improved performance of firms in Central and Eastern European (CEE) and Southeastern European (SEE) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds on the World Bank/European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD’s) Business Environment Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) dataset for 2009, 2013 and 2019. Primarily, the research model was estimated using log-transformed ordinary least squares (OLS). Taking into consideration that this method might produce substantial bias, yielding misleading inferences, this study is fitting Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood estimators with robust standard errors and instrumental variable/generalized method of moments estimation (IV/GMM) approach for comparative results. Secondarily, the research model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the relationship between five OI capacities and firm performance.

Findings

The findings indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between most OI capacities and firm performance, except for innovation, which did not show a statistically significant relationship with firm performance. Specifically, research and development (R&D), knowledge and coopetition are statistically significant and positively associated with firm performance, whereas transformation is statistically significant but negatively associated with firm performance. The IV/GMM estimations’ findings support the view that the firm performance is significantly affected by OI capacities, together with some control variables such as size, age, foreign ownership and year dummy to have a significant impact on firm performance.

Originality/value

This paper fills an identified gap in the literature by investigating the impact of OI on firm performance executed in the specific CEE and SEE country context.
Evaluating spatial inequity in last-mile delivery: a national analysis
Authors: Fried Travis , Goodchild Anne Victoria , Sanchez-Diaz Ivan , Browne Michael
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Despite large bodies of research related to the impacts of e-commerce on last-mile logistics and sustainability, there has been limited effort to evaluate urban freight using an equity lens. Therefore, this study proposes a modeling framework that enables researchers and planners to estimate the baseline equity performance of a major e-commerce platform and evaluate equity impacts of possible urban freight management strategies. The study also analyzes the sensitivity of various operational decisions to mitigate bias in the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The model adapts empirical methodologies from activity-based modeling, transport equity evaluation, and residential freight trip generation (RFTG) to estimate person- and household-level delivery demand and cargo van traffic exposure in 41 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).

Findings

Evaluating 12 measurements across varying population segments and spatial units, the study finds robust evidence for racial and socio-economic inequities in last-mile delivery for low-income and, especially, populations of color (POC). By the most conservative measurement, POC are exposed to roughly 35% more cargo van traffic than white populations on average, despite ordering less than half as many packages. The study explores the model’s utility by evaluating a simple scenario that finds marginal equity gains for urban freight management strategies that prioritize line-haul efficiency improvements over those improving intra-neighborhood circulations.

Originality/value

Presents a first effort in building a modeling framework for more equitable decision-making in last-mile delivery operations and broader city planning.
Is the proliferation of private standards acting as a non-tariff trade barrier in agrifood trade? Evidence from Chilean grape exports
Authors: Anríquez Gustavo , Gajardo José Tomás , Henry de Frahan Bruno
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze the impacts that the recent proliferation of private and overlapping standards is having in the trade of agricultural products from developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first stage industry experts in the Chilean fresh fruit trading industry were interviewed to understand the perceived impact that private standards are imposing in the industry. These interviews allowed to identify the market case study, table grapes, the landscape of private standards and their prevalence in different countries. In a second stage, a gravity trade model for trade in table grapes was estimated, with a focus on the more stringent countries identified by experts in the first stage.

Findings

We show evidence that the proliferation of private standards required by large European retailers has diverted trade away from more stringent countries that require more certifications (and into less stringent European markets). We also show that the costs of these additional certifications have been shared by trading partners, via an increase in direct sales, as opposed to consignment (the traditional marketing mode), which is associated with higher prices.

Research limitations/implications

The impacts of the recent proliferation of private and overlapping standards in international trade needs to be better understood both by the legal and economic literature. While the use of private standards has been growing since the 1990s, there is a recent trend of large European retailers imposing their own and overlapping standards that needs to be better understood to inform policy.

Originality/value

While there is a thin literature on the impact of private standards on trade, most of this has studied the effects of the now de facto mandatory GlobalGAP certification. However, there is a recent trend by large European retailers of demanding their own private certifications, together with other already existing overlapping private standards. This study describes and analyzes the impacts of this rather new trend.
The power of good corporate governance in activating the impact of internal information quality on tax savings
Authors: Saragih Arfah Habib
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the moderating effect of good corporate governance on the association between internal information quality and tax savings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative approach. It employs an Australian sample of analysis composed of 1,295 firm-year observations from the period 2017 to 2021. Data relating to corporate governance are hand-collected from the annual reports.

Findings

Based on the result of the analysis, this study demonstrates that the interaction between corporate governance and quality of internal information is positively associated with tax savings. Superior corporate governance is critical in activating the effect of internal information quality on tax savings. This finding is robust to a battery of robustness checks and additional tests.

Research limitations/implications

This examination utilizes only publicly traded companies from one developed country.

Practical implications

For the company management, an effective governance structure must be at the top because it will determine the development of all other areas. This study emphasizes the need to continuously improve the effectiveness of corporate governance practices. For long-term investors, an important indicator that can be considered in assessing the “safety” of a company’s tax strategy is its corporate governance aspects. For regulators, this study is expected to assist regulators in creating a more adequate corporate governance implementation and disclosure package to be implemented by corporations in the future.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence on a crucial construct that can strengthen the relationship between internal information quality and tax savings.
Green marketing strategy, technology implementation and corporate performance: the role of green creative behaviour and institutional isomorphism
Authors: Nyamekye Michael Boadi , Martey Edward Markwei , Agbemabiese George Cudjoe , Preko Alexander Kofi , Gyepi-Garbrah Theophilus , Appah Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aimed to test a proposed framework highlighting strategic green marketing initiatives and how they drive new technology implementation towards green corporate performance, underpinned by institutional isomorphism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative method and convenience sampling approach in gathering data using adapted questionnaires to solicit first-hand information from 225 employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism and hospitality sector underpinned by the theory of institutional isomorphism.

Findings

The study shows that green communication and green strategy alignment have significant predictive effects on new technology implementation. Cultural isomorphism significantly moderated the effects of implementing new technology (i.e. green communication and strategy alignment). In addition, “new technology implementation had a significant predictive effect on green corporate performance”. Meanwhile, the moderation effect of “green creative behaviour on the new technology-green corporate performance dyad was positive but insignificant.”

Originality/value

The study’s novel framework confirms how green communication strategy and green strategy alignment complement cultural isomorphism to explain the impact of new technology implementation on green corporate performance, underpinned by institutional isomorphism.
Assessing the effect of core and expanded ESG on corporate financial performance: COVID-19’s moderating role
Authors: Maji Santi Gopal , Lohia Prachi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of disclosing environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors on financial performance, taking into account the moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of the top 100 non-financial firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange, for the years 2019–2022, has been considered. Suitable panel regression models have been used to assess the impact of non-financial disclosure on accounting and market measures of firm performance. In addition, a panel data moderating effect model is used to assess the moderating impact.

Findings

The outcomes of the study partially favour the value-creation role of ESG disclosure. Specifically, the disclosure of already established ESG metrics, particularly social and governance aspects, positively impacts the market performance while environmental transparency negatively impacts the accounting performance. Of the three ESG components, only extended governance disclosure adds to market value. Results of the moderation effect reveal a significant impact of the pandemic on the ESG disclosure–financial performance relation. However, a more pronounced effect before the pandemic is observed. The results are robust to endogeneity.

Originality/value

This study sheds light on the financial consequences of ESG disclosure within the context of an emerging nation. This is done by using a novel holistic ESG reporting framework to obtain more accurate results. Furthermore, the study distinguishes itself by examining the long-term moderating influence of the unexpected COVID-19 crisis on the ESG disclosure–financial performance relation.
Nexus between technological innovation and environmental pollution in selected OECD countries
Authors: Cetin Murat , Ozturk Ilhan , Sumerli Sarigul Sevgi , Murshed Muntasir , Kilavuz Emine
Published: March 2024

Addressing environmental pollution is fundamental to establishing sustainable development across the globe. While navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is of critical relevance for economies worldwide to come up with innovative measures that can withstand the factors driving environmental pollution. On that note, this study explores the technological innovation‐environmental pollution linkages in the context of 10 members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) using data spanning from 1994 to 2018. Notably, considering ecological footprints as the environmental proxy, the analysis controls for the corresponding levels of economic growth, financial development, and renewable energy consumption in the concerned countries. In addition, the long‐term estimates are investigated using Augmented Mean Group, Common Correlation Effects Mean Group, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square, and Dynamic Ordinary Least Square techniques while the causality relationship is determined by Dumitrescu‐Hurlin panel bootstrapped causality test. The results establish the long‐term cointegrating linkages among the variables considered. It is also observed that economic growth increases the ecological footprint level, while technological innovation, renewable energy consumption, and financial development reduce it. Moreover, the results reveal that technological innovation and ecological footprint causally influence each other, while there are one‐way causalities moving from economic growth and financial development to ecological footprint. Furthermore, a two‐way causality concerning renewable energy consumption and ecological footprint is also detected. Considering these results, it is pertinent for the selected OECD countries to improve energy efficiency rates, scale investment for developing the renewable energy sector, and execute policies that support investments in initiatives concerning low‐carbon technological development. Additionally, these countries should look to implement policies that are compatible with the objectives of establishing green growth so that low‐emission development can take place to tackle climate change‐related problems.
Prediction performance comparison of biomarkers for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhuang Wei , Sun Boyang , Bai Hua , Wang Zhijie , Zhong Jia , Wan Rui , Liu Lihui , Duan Jianchun , Wang Jie
Published: March 2024

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare the predictive accuracy of PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC), tissue or blood tumor mutation burden (tTMB, bTMB), gene expression profile (GEP), driver gene mutation, and combined biomarkers for immunotherapy response of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In part 1, clinical trials involved with predictive biomarker exploration for immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC were included. The area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC), sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio and predictive value of the biomarkers were evaluated. In part 2, public datasets of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐treated NSCLC involved with biomarkers were curated (N = 871). Odds ratio (OR) of the positive versus negative biomarker group for objective response rate (ORR) was measured.

Results

In part 1, the AUC of combined biomarkers (0.75) was higher than PD‐L1 (0.64), tTMB (0.64), bTMB (0.68), GEP (0.67), and driver gene mutation (0.51). Combined biomarkers also had higher specificity, positive likelihood ratio and positive predictive value than single biomarkers. In part 2, the OR of combined biomarkers of PD‐L1 plus TMB (PD‐L1 cutoff 1%, 0.14; cutoff 50% 0.13) was lower than that of PD‐L1 (cutoff 1%, 0.33; cutoff 50% 0.24), tTMB (0.28), bTMB (0.48), EGFR mutation (0.17) and KRAS mutation (0.47), for distinguishing ORR of patients after immunotherapy. Furthermore, positive PD‐L1, tTMB‐high, wild‐type EGFR, and positive PD‐L1 plus TMB were associated with prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS).

Conclusion

Combined biomarkers have superior predictive accuracy than single biomarkers for immunotherapy response of NSCLC. Further investigation is warranted to select optimal biomarkers for various clinical settings.
3D photogrammetry and deep‐learning deliver accurate estimates of epibenthic biomass
Authors: Marlow Joseph , Halpin John Edward , Wilding Thomas Andrew
Published: March 2024

Accurate biomass estimates are key to understanding a wide variety of ecological functions. In marine systems, epibenthic biomass estimates have traditionally relied on either destructive/extractive methods that are limited to horizontal soft‐sediment environments, or simplistic geometry‐based biomass conversions that are unsuitable for more complex morphologies. Consequently, there is a requirement for non‐destructive, higher‐accuracy methods that can be used in an array of environments, targeting more morphologically diverse taxa, and at ecological relevant scales.

We used a combination of 3D photogrammetry, convolutional neural network (CNN) automated taxonomic identification, and taxa‐specific biovolume:biomass calibrations to test the viability of estimating biomass of three species of morphologically complex epibenthic taxa from in situ stereo 2D source imagery.

Our trained CNN produced accurate and reliable annotations of our target taxa across a wide range of conditions. When incorporated into photogrammetric 3D models of underwater surveys, we were able to automatically isolate our three target taxa from their environment, producing biovolume measurements that had respective mean similarities of 99%, 102% and 120% of those obtained from human annotators. When combined with taxa‐specific biovolume:biomass calibration values, we produced biomass estimates of 88%, 125% and 133% mean similarity to that of the ‘true’ biomass of the respective taxa.

Our methodology provides a highly reliable and efficient method for estimating epibenthic biomass of morphologically complex taxa using non‐destructive 2D imagery. This approach can be applied to a variety of environments and photo/video survey approaches (e.g. SCUBA, ROV, AUV) and is especially valuable in spatially extensive surveys where manual approaches are prohibitively time‐consuming.
Changes in the prevalence of fungal species causing post‐harvest diseases of carrot in Finland
Authors: Latvala Satu , Haapalainen Minna , Karisto Petteri , Kivijärvi Pirjo , Jääskeläinen Oona , Suojala‐Ahlfors Terhi
Published: March 2024

Post‐harvest diseases cause significant economic losses in the carrot production chain. In this study, storage losses and fungal pathogens causing them were analysed in the carrot yield from 52 different field plots in four areas in Finland in 3 years (2016–2018). Over 30,000 carrots were sampled and analysed at three time points during cold storage at 0–1°C. In March, after 5–6 months' storage, the average loss due to diseases was 20%–21% every year. Decay of the root tip was the most common disease symptom, followed by pits on the side and black rot in the crown, detected in 69.2%, 15.0% and 9.0% of the symptomatic samples, respectively. Both intensive carrot cultivation practice and early timing of harvest increased storage losses. Pathogens in 3057 symptomatic carrot tissue samples were isolated by culturing, and fungal species were identified. The most common fungal species detected were Mycocentrospora acerina, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium spp., especially F. avenaceum. However, the frequency of different pathogens varied between the different years and time points during storage. Species‐specific PCR tests revealed that M. acerina and F. avenaceum were present in many early time‐point samples where they could not yet be detected by the culturing method. In Finland, this study on carrot post‐harvest diseases is the first large‐scale survey in which the fungal pathogens were isolated and identified by laboratory tests. In comparison with the previous studies, Fusarium spp. were detected more frequently in this study, while grey mould and Sclerotinia rot were less frequent.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of cardiac troponins in emergency department patients presenting after a fall: A prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Espejo Tanguy , Terhalle Lukas , Malinovska Alexandra , Riedel Henk B. , Arntz Laura , Hafner Livia , Delport‐Lehnen Karen , Zuppinger Joanna , Geigy Nicolas , Leuppi Jörg , Somasundaram Rajan , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Emergency department (ED) presentations after a ground‐level fall (GLF) are common. Falls were suggested to be another possible presenting feature of a myocardial infarction (MI), as unrecognized MIs are common in older adults. Elevated high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) concentrations could help determine the etiology of a GLF in ED. We investigated the prevalence of both MI and elevated high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) and I (hs‐cTnI), as well as the diagnostic accuracy of hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI regarding MI, and their prognostic value in older ED patients presenting after a GLF.

Methods

This was a prospective, international, multicenter, cohort study with a follow‐up of up to 1 year. Patients aged 65 years or older presenting to the ED after a GLF were prospectively enrolled. Two outcome assessors independently reviewed all discharge records to ascertain final gold standard diagnoses. Hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI levels were determined from thawed samples for every patient.

Results

In total, 558 patients were included. Median (IQR) age was 83 (77–89) years, and 67.7% were female. Elevated hs‐cTnT levels were found in 384 (68.8%) patients, and elevated hs‐cTnI levels in 86 (15.4%) patients. Three patients (0.5%) were ascertained the gold standard diagnosis MI. Within 30 days, 18 (3.2%) patients had died. Nonsurvivors had higher hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI levels compared with survivors (hs‐cTnT 40 [23–85] ng/L in nonsurvivors and 20 [13–33] ng/L in survivors; hs‐cTnI 25 [14–54] ng/L in nonsurvivors and 8 [4–16] ng/L in survivors; p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions

A majority of patients (n = 364, 68.8%) presenting to the ED after a fall had elevated hs‐cTnT levels and 86 (15.4%) elevated hs‐cTnI levels. However, the incidence of MI in these patients was low (n = 3, 0.5%). Our data do not support the opinion that falls may be a common presenting feature of MI. We discourage routine troponin testing in this population. However, hs‐cTnT and hs‐cTnI were both found to have prognostic properties for mortality prediction up to 1 year.
Using machine learning and 10‐K filings to measure innovation
Authors: Nousiainen Essi , Ranta Mikko , Ylinen Mika , Järvenpää Marko
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a text‐based measure of innovation using latent Dirichlet allocation on a sample of 45,409 10‐K filings from US listed companies. We expect that the text‐based innovation measure is associated with innovation and can be used to measure innovation for companies without patents or significant research and development expenditures. The empirical results are consistent with these assumptions, but reveal that thorough initial testing is required to ensure robustness. This study extends the research on innovation measurement and company disclosures, and provides a new method for assessing innovation using company disclosures.
Organising for System Change: “From the Sea to the City” and the Movement Ecology of Migrant Solidarity in Europe
Authors: Liebscher Stephan
Published: March 2024

This paper engages with the relationship between dissident European mayors and the migrant solidarity movement in Europe after 2015. With the case study of the coalition “From the Sea to the City”, I examine how its members institutionalise mayors’ dissent at a transnational level through the International Alliance of Safe Harbours. Employing primary empirical data, the study finds that coalition members create a political sequence in four ways: developing a storyline and setting up a broad coalition of migrant solidarity; referencing mayors’ disruptive acts; nurturing counter‐imaginaries; and laying the foundation for further action towards transforming the instituted order of European migration politics. To conceptualise the empirical findings, I draw on concepts of political organisation. In this vein, the paper calls for an assessment of movement politics that goes beyond the belief that local disruptions will suffice to set in motion a progressive transformation of European migration politics.
SQ sublingual immunotherapy tablets for children with allergic rhinitis: A review of phase three trials
Authors: Csonka Péter , Hamelmann Eckard , Turkalj Mirjana , Roberts Graham , Mack Douglas P.
Published: March 2024

Aim

To provide paediatricians with a summary of efficacy and safety of SQ sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets from phase three, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma.

Methods

PubMed searches were conducted and unpublished data were included if necessary.

Results

Of the 93 publications, 12 were identified reporting 10 trials. One trial was excluded as paediatric‐specific efficacy data were unavailable. The nine eligible trials evaluated grass, house dust mite, ragweed and tree SLIT tablets. Consistent reductions in allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ SLIT tablets versus placebo. In a five‐year trial, sustained reduction of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, asthma symptoms and medication use were observed with SQ grass SLIT tablet versus placebo. The number‐needed‐to‐treat to prevent asthma symptoms and medication use in one additional child during follow‐up was lowest in younger children. SQ SLIT tablets were generally well tolerated across trials.

Conclusion

Evidence supports use of SQ SLIT tablets in children and adolescents with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, with and without asthma. Long‐term data demonstrate disease‐modifying effects of SQ grass SLIT tablet and suggest the clinical relevance of initiating allergy immunotherapy earlier in the disease course.
Heterogeneous trade effects of technical non‐tariff measures: Vietnamese agricultural imports
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Bich , Dang Luu Hai , Mai Ngo Thi Tuyet , Hong Nguyen Thi Thuy , Huong Do Thi , Ha Tran Hoang
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the impact of technical non‐tariff measures (NTMs), specifically technical barriers to trade (TBT) and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), of Vietnam on agricultural imports and the role of deep trade agreements. This issue has been primarily focused on advanced countries but rarely studied for developing countries. The estimates indicate that the impacts of technical NTMs on imports from least developed countries (LDCs) and non‐LDCs are heterogeneous in terms of the measures' sophistication level. Simple technical NTMs, namely labelling, marking, and packaging requirements, increase agricultural imports from LDCs, while there is no significant impact on those from non‐LDCs. Other categories of TBT and SPS NTMs impede imports from LDCs, while benefiting imports from non‐LDCs. In addition, we found that deep trade agreements can ease the burdens of technical NTMs, but this is limited to imports from non‐LDCs. The findings of this study can help policymakers in better regulating agricultural imports to prevent harmful imports with minimal impacts on the benefits from trade.
Innovations in pharmacovigilance studies of medicines in older people
Authors: Kalisch Ellett Lisa M. , Janetzki Jack L. , Lim Renly , Laba Tracey‐Lea , Pratt Nicole L.
Published: March 2024

Pharmacovigilance is defined by the World Health Organization as “the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine related problem”. Pharmacovigilance studies are critical for detecting and assessing adverse events of medicines that may not have been observed in clinical trials. This activity is especially important in older people who are often excluded from clinical trials as they have multiple chronic conditions and use multiple medicines for longer durations than the clinical trials. In this narrative review we describe innovative methods in pharmacovigilance studies of medicines in older people that leverage the increasing availability of digital health technologies, electronic health records and real‐world health data to identify and quantify medication related harms in older people.
A case of pregnancy with severe polyhydramnios related to long‐term use of lithium
Authors: Stoppa Aldo , Roda Ester , Garcia‐Esteve Lluïsa , Roca‐Lecumberri Alba
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Severe polyhydramnios during pregnancy may be associated with long‐term lithium use and presents considerable challenges. This complication, which has been linked to induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), underscores the necessity for cautious management of pregnant women with bipolar disorder. This case report aims to elucidate the relationship between long‐term lithium use, pregnancy, and the development of severe polyhydramnios, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing NDI in order to prevent obstetric and neonatal complications.

Methods

We present the case of a 42‐year‐old primigravida undergoing long‐term lithium treatment for bipolar disorder type I, who developed severe polyhydramnios at 34 weeks of gestation. Clinical data including obstetric monitoring and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.

Results

This case emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the risk associated with lithium treatment during pregnancy. Close monitoring and timely interventions are essential to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and fetus.

Conclusions

Our article puts forth the hypothesis that there is a link between lithium use during pregnancy and the occurrence of polyhydramnios and Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus (NDI), which may lead to severe obstetric and neonatal complications. This case report contributes to the limited literature on the subject and gives doctors practical advice that may help them make a better risk‐benefit analysis. Further research is warranted in order to refine risk assessment protocols and management strategies in this complex clinical scenario.