bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvage brachytherapy for multiply recurrent metastatic brain tumors: A matched case analysis
Authors: Wu Kyle C , Cantalino Jonathan M , Dee Edward C , Hsu Liangge , Harris Thomas C , Rawal Bhupendra , Juvekar Parikshit R , Mooney Michael A , Dunn Ian F , Aizer Ayal A , Devlin Phillip M , Bi Wenya Linda
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with recurrent brain metastases who have exhausted external radiation options pose a treatment challenge in the setting of advances in systemic disease control which have improved quality of life and survival. Brachytherapy holds promise as salvage therapy given its ability to enforce surgical cytoreduction and minimize regional toxicity. This study investigates the role of salvage brachytherapy in maintaining local control for recurrent metastatic lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our institution’s experience with brachytherapy in patients with multiply recurrent cerebral metastases who have exhausted external radiation treatment options (14 cases). The primary outcome of the study was freedom from local recurrence (FFLR). To capture the nuances of tumor biology, we compared FFLR achieved by brachytherapy to the preceding treatment for each patient. We further compared the response to brachytherapy in patients with lung cancer (8 cases) against a matched cohort of maximally radiated lung brain metastases (10 cases).

Results

Brachytherapy treatment conferred significantly longer FFLR compared to prior treatments (median 7.39 vs 5.51 months, P = .011) for multiply recurrent brain metastases. Compared to an independent matched cohort, brachytherapy demonstrated superior FFLR (median 8.49 vs 1.61 months, P = .004) and longer median overall survival (11.07 vs 5.93 months, P = .055), with comparable side effects.

Conclusion

Brachytherapy used as salvage treatment for select patients with a multiply recurrent oligometastatic brain metastasis in the setting of well-controlled systemic disease holds promise for improving local control in this challenging patient population.
Heterogeneity of Potassium Channels in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Korkka Iina , Skottman Heli , Nymark Soile
Published: April 2022

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is extensively used in RPE research, disease modeling, and transplantation therapies. For successful outcomes, a thorough evaluation of their physiological authenticity is a necessity. Essential determinants of this are the different ion channels of the RPE, yet studies evaluating this machinery in hPSC-RPE are scarce. We examined the functionality and localization of potassium (K+) channels in the human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived RPE. We observed a heterogeneous pattern of voltage-gated K+ (KV) and inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels. Delayed rectifier currents were recorded from most of the cells, and immunostainings showed the presence of KV1.3 channel. Sustained M-currents were also present in the hESC-RPE, and based on immunostaining, these currents were carried by KCNQ1-KCNQ5 channel types. Some cells expressed transient A-type currents characteristic of native human fetal RPE (hfRPE) and cultured primary RPE and carried by KV1.4 and KV4.2 channels. Of the highly important Kir channels, we found that Kir7.1 is present both at the apical and basolateral membranes of the hESC- and fresh native mouse RPE. Kir currents, however, were recorded only from 14% of the hESC-RPE cells with relatively low amplitudes. Compared to previous studies, our data suggest that in the hESC-RPE, the characteristics of the delayed rectifier and M-currents resemble native adult RPE, while A-type and Kir currents resemble native hfRPE or cultured primary RPE. Overall, the channelome of the RPE is a sensitive indicator of maturity and functionality affecting its therapeutic utility.
Effects of Serum and Compound Preparation Methods on Delayed Repolarization Evaluation With Human iPSC-CMs
Authors: Wei Feng , Pence Lisa , Woodling Kellie , Bagam Prathyusha , Beger Richard , Gamboa da Costa Goncalo , Pang Li
Published: April 2022

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been widely used in the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA). The notable difference of the electrophysiological (EP) responses of hiPSC-CMs in serum and serum-free media (SFM) is puzzling and may impact regulatory decision-making on the cardiac safety of candidate drugs in inducing QT prolongation and torsade de pointes (TdP). In this study, we compared the EP responses of hiPSC-CMs to 10 CiPA compounds and moxifloxacin in serum and SFM; explained the potential reason behind the different EP responses—abiotic compound loss to plastic tubes/plates of hydrophobic compounds prepared in SFM; and investigated the impact of compound preparation methods on drug bioavailability in exposure media, which affects the TdP risk prediction of drugs tested in serum-containing and SFM. For assays to be conducted in SFM, awareness of abiotic compound loss of hydrophobic compounds in serum-free preparations is critical for delay repolarization evaluation and data extrapolation from in vitro to in vivo.
Cutaneous Perforators and Their Clinical Implications on Intrinsic Hand Flaps: A Systematic Review
Authors: Prasetyono Theddeus Octavianus Hari , Menna Clara
Published: April 2022

Background:

Most hand flaps are local intrinsic flaps because hand perforators are small and fragile. The purpose of this review was to gather anatomical data on cutaneous perforators of the hand and their implications on intrinsic hand flaps.

Methods:

An electronic search was performed through PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and CINAHL in April 2021. The search terms included “hand,” “palm,” “manus,” “cutaneous artery,” “angiosome,” and “perforasome.” Studies were filtered according to the PRISMA flow chart, and critically appraised using the Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies (QUAC) and Appraisal Tool for Cross-sectional Studies (AXIS).

Results:

A total of 33 studies were included, of which 20 were pure anatomical studies, 10 combined anatomical and clinical studies, and three imaging-based clinical studies. A total of 643 hands and 406 fingers were included. The dorsal aspect of the hand, the dorsal digits, hypothenar, midpalm, thenar, and dorsal wrist consistently have adequate, closely distributed perforators of small diameters and short pedicle lengths. A series of clinical studies proved the success of elevating local perforator flaps on each of these areas.

Conclusions:

The hand contained densely interlinked cutaneous perforators of varying sizes and pedicle lengths. Although some areas of the hand are still unexplored, knowledge on cutaneous perforators of the hand allows the creation of a variety of possibilities for intrinsic hand flap designs.
Expanding the Classic Facial Canons: Quantifying Intercanthal Distance in a Diverse Patient Population
Authors: Bouhadana Gabriel , Gornitsky Jordan , Saleh Eli , Oliveira Trabelsi Nadia , Borsuk Daniel E.
Published: April 2022

Background:

The intercanthal distance (ICD) is central to our perception of facial proportions, and it varies according to gender and ethnicity. Current standardized reference values do not reflect the diversity among patients. Therefore, the authors sought to provide an evidence-based and gender/ethnicity-specific reference when evaluating patients’ ICD.

Methods:

As per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase was carried out for studies reporting on the ICD. Demographics, study characteristics, and ICDs were extracted from included studies. ICD values were then pooled for each ethnicity and stratified by gender. The difference between men and women, and that across ethnicities and measurement types were compared by means of independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA (SPSS v.24).

Results:

A total of 67 studies accounting for 22,638 patients and 118 ethnic cohorts were included in this pooled analysis. The most reported ethnicities were Middle Eastern (n = 6629) and Asian (n = 5473). ICD values (mm) in decreasing order were: African 38.5 ± 3.2, Asian 36.4 ± 1.6, Southeast Asian 32.8 ± 2.0, Hispanic 32.3 ± 2.0, White 31.4 ± 2.5, and Middle Eastern 31.2 ± 1.5. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) existed between all ethnic cohorts, between genders among most cohorts, and between most values stratified by measurement type.

Conclusions:

Our standards of craniofacial anthropometry must evolve from the neoclassical canons using White values as references. The values provided in this review can aid surgeons in appreciating the gender- and ethnic-specific differences in the ICD of their patients.
The effect of nonpharmacological interventions on pain and sleep quality after percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Fu Shibao , Mo Zhibo , He Shuming , Che Xianping , Wu Tingming
Published: April 2022

Background:

Various nonpharmacological interventions have been applied to alleviate pain and improve sleep quality after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. However, evidence to compare their efficacy is scant. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different nonpharmacological interventions on alleviating pain and improving sleep quality in patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy through a network meta-analysis .

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials reporting the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions on alleviating pain and improving sleep quality in patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy will be searched in online databases, including the Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database, Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. After quality assessment and date extraction, network meta-analysis will be performed using Stata 14.0 and R software.

Results:

The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Conclusions:

This study will provide systematic and comprehensive evidence-based support for the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on alleviating pain and improving sleep quality after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval was not required for this study. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences, and shared on social media platforms.

REGISTRATION NUMBER:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/B4DHW.
A case report of tumor lysis syndrome after stage-one ALPPS
Authors: Cheung Ho Hung , She Wong Hoi , Yap Desmond Y.H. , Tsang Simon H.Y. , Cheung Tan To
Published: April 2022

Rationale:

Tumor lysis syndrome is a potentially lethal condition caused by rapid cell death, releasing a high level of toxic cytokines. It is common in patients with hematological malignancy but rare in solid tumors.

Patient concerns:

A 64-year-old patient presented to our unit with a 17.3-cm hepatocellular carcinoma and marginal liver reserve. The first-stage operation of associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) was performed.

Diagnosis:

The patient was found to be anuric with grossly deranged electrolytes after the first-stage operation. Tumor lysis syndrome was diagnosed.

Interventions:

The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for aggressive fluid administration and continuous venovenous hemofiltration for the management of tumor lysis syndrome.

Outcomes:

The patient recovered and then underwent the second-stage operation of ALPPS with extended right hepatectomy 8 days after the initial operation without any long-term sequelae.

Lessons:

ALPPS is a relatively new technique in liver surgery, entailing an increased risk of tumor lysis syndrome due to an in situ tumor after the first-stage operation. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion regarding this potentially lethal complication with prompt management.
Bone Scan With SPECT/CT Demonstrated C1 to C2 Involvement in Rheumatic Arthritis
Authors: Chuang Tzyy-Ling , Chou Shih-Chin , Chen Yu-Ruei , Wang Yuh-Feng
Published: April 2022

An 80-year-old man was treated with rituximab for active rheumatoid arthritis until 2019, now controlled with Salazopyrin, prednisolone, methotrexate, and folic acid. However, laboratory data showed elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Whole-body bone scan showed bony and joint destruction to the upper cervical vertebra (C spine), bilateral shoulders, wrists, finger joints, ankles, and left knee. SPECT/CT localized the upper C spine uptake to the C1/C2 joint and adjacent C1 and C2 with C1/C2 subluxation. C spine CT showed vertical atlantoaxial subluxation and bony erosions.
18F-FDG PET/CT During Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy in Prior Unresectable Stage III Melanoma Patients
Authors: van der Hiel Bernies , Blankenstein Stephanie A. , Aalbersberg Else A. , Wondergem Maurits , Stokkel Marcel P.M. , van de Wiel Bart A. , Klop W. Martin C. , van Akkooi Alexander C.J. , Haanen John B.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate whether 18F-FDG PET/CT can predict histopathological response or recurrence in BRAF-mutated unresectable locally advanced stage III melanoma treated with neoadjuvant BRAF/MEK inhibition followed by resection and the value of PET in detecting early recurrence after resection.

Patients and Methods

Twenty BRAF-mutated, unresectable stage III melanoma patients received BRAF/MEK inhibitors before surgery. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed at baseline and 2 and 8 weeks after initiation of therapy. After resection, PET/CT was performed at specific time points during 5 years of follow-up. Pathological response was assessed on the dissection specimen. Response monitoring was measured with SUVmax, SUVpeak, MATV, and TLG and according to EORTC and PERCIST criteria.

Results

Pathological response was assessed in 18 patients. Nine patients (50%) had a pathologic complete or near-complete response, and 9 (50%) had a pathologic partial or no response. EORTC or PERCIST response measurements did not correspond with pathologic outcome. SUVmax, SUVpeak, MATV, and TLG at all time points and absolute or percentage change among the 3 initial time points did not differ between the groups.

During follow-up, 8 of 17 patients with R0 resection developed a recurrence, 6 recurrences were detected with imaging only, 4 of which with PET/CT in less than 6 months after surgery. PET parameters before surgery did not predict recurrence.

Conclusions

Baseline 18F-FDG PET or PET response in previous unresectable stage III melanoma patients seems not useful to predict pathologic response after neoadjuvant BRAF/MEK inhibitors treatment. However, PET/CT seems valuable in detecting recurrence early after R0 resection.
PET/CT Ultrasound Fusion for Percutaneous Biopsy
Authors: Beutler Bryce David , Whang Gilbert , Tchelepi Hisham
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield and complication rate of 18F-FDG PET/CT ultrasound (US) fusion for percutaneous biopsy of FDG-avid lesions among patients with known or suspected malignancy.

Patients and Methods

We describe the clinical, imaging, and histopathologic features of 36 patients who underwent percutaneous biopsy using real-time PET/CT US fusion. In addition, we review the literature on PET/CT US fusion. Using Medline, the following MeSH terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: “fusion imaging,” “PET/CT fusion,” “PET/CT-guided biopsy,” “PET/US fusion,” “ultrasound fusion,” and “ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy.”

Results

A total of 36 patients (15 men, 21 women) with known or suspected malignancy and prior PET/CT imaging underwent percutaneous biopsy of FDG-avid lesions using PET/CT US fusion between October 2014 and July 2020. Coregistration was achieved using General Electric LOGIQ E9 software. Adequate tissue for analysis was obtained in all 36 patients. Histologic evaluation revealed malignancy in 14 patients (38.9%) and nonneoplastic tissue in 22 patients (61.1%). No intraprocedural or postprocedural complications were recorded.

Conclusions

Fusion of PET/CT and US for percutaneous biopsy of FDG-avid lesions can be used to achieve excellent diagnostic yield with a low risk of complications.
Intense 68Ga-PSMA Uptake in Neurofibroma Mimicking Cutaneous Metastases in a Patient With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Erol Fenercioğlu Özge , Beyhan Ediz , Leblebici Cem , Arslan Esra , Çermik Tevfik Fikret
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT is frequently used in staging and restaging prostate cancer; it is important to keep in mind the causes of false-positives when evaluating imaging. We present findings of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and histopathological features of a 68-year-old prostate cancer man with neurofibroma. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT showed intense 68Ga-PSMA uptake in neurofibroma.
Nanostructure of the desmosomal plaque
Authors: Iachina Irina , Gam-Hadberg Helle , Brewer Jonathan R.
Published: April 2022

Desmosomes are considered one of the most important intercellular junctions with respect to mechanical strength. Therefore, their spatial distribution and structure is of interest with respect to understanding both healthy and diseased tissue. Previous studies have imaged desmosomes in tissue slices using transmission electron microscopy, or low-resolution confocal images, but both these techniques lack the ability to resolve the 3-dimensional structure of the desmosomes. In this work it was possible to determine the 3D-nanostructure of single desmosomal complexes in both mouse and human epidermis, by 3D stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. STED images of desmoplakin and the desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein revealed that desmosomes form ring-like structures, distributed over the cell surface, with diameters of around 1 μm. STED images of the tight junction plaque protein ZO1 also displayed ring formations, suggesting a common structure for intercellular junctions. Measurements of the desmosomal plaque protein, desmoplakin showed an increased intercellular plaque distance during the stratum basale (0.23±0.027µm) to stratum spinosum (0.28±0.039 µm) transition.
Estimated effectiveness of vaccines and extended half-life monoclonal antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in young children
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Weinberger Daniel M. , Pitzer Virginia E.
Published: April 2022

Several vaccines and extended half-life monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against RSV infection have shown promising progress in clinical trials. Aiming to project the impact of various prevention strategies against RSV hospitalizations in young children, we applied age-structured transmission models to evaluate prevention strategies including maternal immunization, live-attenuated vaccines, and long-lasting mAbs. Our results suggest that maternal immunization and long-lasting mAbs are highly effective in preventing RSV hospitalizations in infants under 6 months of age, averting more than half of RSV hospitalizations in neonates. Live-attenuated vaccines could reduce RSV hospitalizations in vaccinated age groups and are also predicted to have a modest effect in unvaccinated age groups because of disruptions to transmission. A seasonal vaccination program at the country level at most provides a minor advantage regarding efficiency. Our findings highlight the substantial public health impact that upcoming RSV prevention strategies may provide.
The estrogen receptor α cistrome in human endometrium and epithelial organoids
Authors: Hewitt Sylvia C , Wu San-pin , Wang Tianyuan , Ray Mita , Brolinson Marja , Young Steven L. , Spencer Thomas E. , DeCherney Alan , DeMayo Francesco J
Published: April 2022

Context

Endometrial health is impacted by molecular processes that underlie estrogen responses.

Objective

To define estrogen regulation of endometrial function by integrating the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) cistrome and transcriptome of endometrial biopsies taken from the proliferative and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle and hormonally stimulated endometrial epithelial organoids.

Design

ESR1 ChIPseq and RNAseq were performed on proliferative or mid-secretory endometrial biopsies and on hormone treated organoid cultures.

Setting

Endometrial samples were obtained from volunteers at outpatient research clinics for ChIPseq and for organoid culture.

Patients or Other Participants

Participants were fertile, reproductive aged women with normal cycle length, and without any history of infertility or irregular cycles. In total, 5 new endometrial biopsies obtained from 5 women were used in this study and were analyzed together with previously published cycle stage endometrial RNAseq data.

Intervention(s)

There were no interventions in this study.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The cycle stage specific ESR1 binding sites and gene expression identification of human endometrium and organoid cultures were integrated with changes in gene expression.

Results

Genes with ESR1 binding in whole endometrium were enriched for chromatin modification and regulation of cell proliferation. The distribution of ESR1 binding sites in organoids was more distal to the gene promoter when compared to primary endometrium. Organoid estrogen/ESR1 candidate target genes impacted formation of cellular protrusions, and chromatin modification,

Conclusions

Analysis of the ESR1 cistromes and transcriptomes from endometrium and organoids provides important resources for understanding how estrogen impacts endometrial health and function.
Chaotic dynamics in spatially distributed neuronal networks generate population-wide shared variability
Authors: Mosheiff Noga , Ermentrout Bard , Huang Chengcheng
Published: April 2022

Neural activity in the cortex is highly variable in response to repeated stimuli. Population recordings across the cortex demonstrate that the variability of neuronal responses is shared among large groups of neurons and concentrates in a low dimensional space. However, the source of the populationwide shared variability is unknown. In this work, we analyzed the dynamical regimes of spatially distributed networks of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. We found chaotic spatiotemporal dynamics in networks with similar excitatory and inhibitory projection widths, an anatomical feature of the cortex. The chaotic solutions contain broadband frequency power in rate variability and have distancedependent and low-dimensional correlations, in agreement with experimental findings. In addition, rate chaos can be induced by globally correlated noisy inputs. These results suggest that spatiotemporal chaos in cortical networks can explain the shared variability observed in neuronal population responses.
Activation of IP10/CXCR3 signaling with highly coincidental with PrPScdeposit in the brains of scrapie infected mice
Authors: Chen Jia , Chen Cao , Hu Chao , Yang Wei , Wang Lin , Chen Dong-Dong , Wu Yue-Zhang , Shi Qi , Dong Xiao-Ping
Published: April 2022

Activation of chemokine IP10, also named as CXCL10, and its receptor CXCR3 in CNS is described in some neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous study has also demonstrated an increased brain IP10 levels in several scrapie infected rodent models. However, the detailed alteration of IP10/CXCR3 signaling in CNS during prion infection remains unsettled. Here, we found the increased IP10 signals in the brains of scrapie infected mice mainly localized in the neurons and the activated microglia using various methodologies. The levels of CXCR3 were markedly increased in brains of the scrapie infected mice and in the prion infected cell line SMB-S15. The increased CXCR3 mainly distributed in neurons. Obviously morphological colocalizations of PrP/PrPScwith IP10 and CXCR3 in the brains of scrapie infected mice were observed in the assays of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence. Additionally, IHC analysis with whole brain sections demonstrated that the increased IP10 and CXCR3 accumulated in the brain regions with more PrPScdeposits. Co-immunoprecipitation and biomolecular interaction assays identified the evidence for the molecular interactions of PrP with IP10 and CXCR3. Compared to the normal partner cell line SMB-PS, the more portion of IP10 accumulated insides of prion infected SMB-S15 cells. Removal of prion replication in SMB-S15 cells by resveratrol converted the pattern of the accumulation and secretion of cellular IP10. Our data here demonstrate an activation of IP10/CXCR3 signaling in the brain tissues of prion infection, highly coincidental with PrPScdeposit. Modulation of brain IP10/CXCR3 signaling is potential therapeutic target for reducing the progression of prion diseases.
Environmental DNA persistence and fish detection in captive sponges
Authors: Cai Wang , Harper Lynsey R. , Neave Erika F. , Shum Peter , Craggs Jamie , Arias María Belén , Riesgo Ana , Mariani Stefano
Published: April 2022

Large and hyper-diverse marine ecosystems pose significant challenges to biodiversity monitoring. While environmental DNA (eDNA) promises to meet many of these challenges, recent studies suggested that sponges, as ‘natural samplers’ of eDNA, could further streamline the workflow for detecting marine vertebrates. However, beyond pilot studies demonstrating the ability of sponges to capture eDNA, little is known about the journey of eDNA particles in the sponge tissues, and the effectiveness of the latter compared to water samples. Here, we present the results of a controlled aquarium experiment to examine the persistence and detectability of eDNA from three encrusting sponge species and how these compare with established water filtration techniques. Our results indicate that sponges and water samples have highly similar detectability for fish of different sizes and abundances, but different sponge species exhibit considerable variance in performance. Interestingly, one sponge appeared to mirror the eDNA degradation profile of water samples, while another sponge retained eDNA throughout the experiment. A third sponge yielded virtually no DNA sequences at all. Overall, our study suggests that some sponges will be suitable as natural samplers, while others will introduce significant problems for laboratory processing. We suggest that an initial optimization phase will be required in any future studies aiming to employ sponges for biodiversity assessment. With time, factoring in technical and natural accessibility, it is expected that specific sponge taxa may become the ‘chosen’ natural samplers in certain habitats and regions.
Genomic profiling of climate adaptation in Aedes aegypti along an altitudinal gradient in Nepal indicates non-gradual expansion of the disease vector
Authors: Kramer Isabelle Marie , Pfenninger Markus , Feldmeyer Barbara , Dhimal Meghnath , Gautam Ishan , Shreshta Pramod , Baral Sunita , Phuyal Parbati , Hartke Juliane , Magdeburg Axel , Groneberg David A. , Ahrens Bodo , Müller Ruth , Waldvogel Ann-Marie
Published: April 2022

Background

Driven by globalization, urbanization and climate change, the distribution range of invasive vector species has expanded to previously colder ecoregions. To reduce health-threatening impacts on humans, insect vectors are extensively studied. Population genomics can reveal the genomic basis of adaptation and help to identify emerging trends of vector expansion.

Results

By applying whole genome analyses and genotype-environment associations to populations of the main dengue vector Ae. aegypti, sampled along an altitudinal temperature gradient in Nepal (200- 1300m), we identify adaptive traits and describe the species’ genomic footprint of climate adaptation to colder ecoregions. We found two clusters of differentiation with significantly different allele frequencies in genes associated to climate adaptation between the highland population (1300m) and all other lowland populations (≤ 800 m). We revealed non-synonymous mutations in 13 of the candidate genes associated to either altitude, precipitation or cold tolerance and identified an isolation-by-environment differentiation pattern.

Conclusion

Other than the expected gradual differentiation along the altitudinal gradient, our results reveal a distinct genomic differentiation of the highland population. This finding either indicates a differential invasion history to Nepal or local high-altitude adaptation explaining the population’s phenotypic cold tolerance. In any case, this highland population can be assumed to carry pre-adapted alleles relevant for the species’ invasion into colder ecoregions worldwide that way expanding their climate niche.
Parameter estimation for X-ray scattering analysis with Hamiltonian Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Jiang Zhang , Wang Jin , Tirrell Matthew V. , de Pablo Juan J. , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

Bayesian-inference-based approaches, in particular the random-walk Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method, have received much attention recently for X-ray scattering analysis. Hamiltonian MCMC, a state-of-the-art development in the field of MCMC, has become popular in recent years. It utilizes Hamiltonian dynamics for indirect but much more efficient drawings of the model parameters. We described the principle of the Hamiltonian MCMC for inversion problems in X-ray scattering analysis by estimating high-dimensional models for several motivating scenarios in small-angle X-ray scattering, reflectivity, and X-ray fluorescence holography. Hamiltonian MCMC with appropriate preconditioning can deliver superior performance over the random-walk MCMC, and thus can be used as an efficient tool for the statistical analysis of the parameter distributions, as well as model predictions and confidence analysis.
An integrated framework examining sustainable green behavior among young consumers
Authors: Jahari Siti Aqilah , Hass Ashley , Idris Izian Binti , Joseph Mathew
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Promoting sustainable behavior is an elusive task as it is not an innate and natural response of individuals. While a conducive environment that promotes sustainability arguably plays a prominent role in influencing individuals’ belief structure and norms, not much has been done to examine the interplay between environmental, personal and behavioral domains in sustainable consumption. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of the social cognitive theory (SCT) and value–beliefs–norms (VBN), this study aims to contribute to the literature by proposing an integrated framework that examines sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a partial least squares structural equation modeling model based on 313 young consumer responses from an eco-friendly institution in Malaysia.

Findings

The findings from this study advance sustainable literature by establishing the multidimensionality concept of the personal domain of SCT. Interestingly, an enabling environment that promotes sustainability was found to be more influential in determining young consumers’ beliefs and norms, as opposed to their competencies. This is demonstrated by the sequential mediation of attribution of responsibility and personal norms on the relationship between campus advertisements and pro-environmental behaviors.

Originality/value

Previous research has investigated SCT and VBN as two separate streams of research in examining green behaviors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that integrates SCT and VBN by examining the multidimensionality aspect of the personal construct to provide a more holistic perspective of examining sustainable behaviors.
Asymmetric effect of exchange rate and investors' sentiments on stock market performance
Authors: Ghumro Niaz Hussain , Soomro Ishfaque Ahmed , Abbas Ghulam
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the asymmetric effects of exchange rate and investors' sentiments simultaneously on stock market performance in the United States context. In addition, we have also considered the potential effect of the global financial crisis of 2008 on this nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

We have employed the NARDL (nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag) model on monthly data ranging from January-1999 to December-2018 to investigate the asymmetric (short- and long-run) effects of exchange rate and investors' sentiments on stock market performance. We have also broken down the data into two segments, pre and post-crisis periods to capture the effect of the global financial crisis of 2008.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that exchange rate and investors' sentiments simultaneously affect stock market performance and omitting any of these variables can produce misleading results. Results also show that the effect of sentiments is stronger than the exchange rate. There is significant evidence of asymmetric short-run and long-run effects of both explanatory variables. Moreover, we have found different outcomes for pre and post-crisis periods. Specifically, the impact of macroeconomic variables on the stock market has been substantiated in the post-crisis period.

Originality/value

Several studies are available which separately evidence the effects of investors' sentiments and exchange rate on performance of the stock market but they can suffer from the problem of omitted variable bias. This study is conducted to test the said effect simultaneously in a single model. Moreover, this study is considering short-run and long-run asymmetry in analyzing the effects of explanatory variables along with the inclusion of the global financial crisis of 2008.
Underutilisation of information communication and technology in the public sector construction project’s implementation
Authors: Camngca Vuyokazi Precious , Amoah Christopher , Ayesu-Koranteng Emma
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The construction industry’s daily processes demand heavy data usage and communication between project participants to meet client requirements. Thus, the application of information technology in project implementation has been increasing in the construction sector (CS) lately. However, the same cannot be seen in public sectors responsible for implementing government projects in South Africa. This study aimed to investigate the causes and effects of the underutilisation of information communication technology (ICT) in the building section of a public sector in a municipality in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted for the study, using a public sector in one of the municipalities as a case study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among the building unit workers, using unstructured interview questions. The data collected were analysed using the ATLAS.ti software.

Findings

The findings indicate a lack of understanding of existing and newly available ICT software and hardware technology among staff within the building technology due to lack of digitalisation in construction projects implementation, inadequate system upgrades, lack of adequate ICT resources, lack of financial resources for internet and software application subscriptions and lack of ICT training leading. The issues mentioned above have led to the outsourcing of projects professionals, slow pace of electronic emails, untrained professionals, usage of different and unlicensed software, resulting in the underutilisation of ICT within the whole building section. This change also adversely affects all officials, especially the junior officials who have graduated using the most recent ICT technology during their studies.

Research limitations/implications

The building department of only one public sector was used for the study; therefore, the findings may not be generalisable. The case study public sector’s name is withheld for confidentiality purposes.

Practical implications

Adequate change management and continuous development, combined with the allocation of proper resources, would be necessary for all staff members. Enormous investments had to be made in the ICT equipment by providing a sufficient budget in the building section of the public sectors. The building section within public sectors should provide change management to all aged skills staff by attending seminars to learn new ICT technology applied within its work environment.

Originality/value

The study established the causes of the underutilisation of ICT in the CS, especially in the public work departments and municipalities, and how this contributes to service delivery.
Norwegian entrepreneurs (1880s-1930s) and their “new America”: a historical perspective on transnational entrepreneurship and ecosystem development in the Russian Arctic
Authors: Roddvik Irina Nikolskaja , Leick Birgit , Roddvik Viktor
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present a historical case study of Norwegian transnational entrepreneurs (1880s–1930s) and the ecosystems that they founded in Russia’s Arctic periphery. Drawing from the contemporary transnational entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystem literature, and inspired by AnnaLee Saxenian’s concept of “brain circulation,” this study explores the journey and impact of these entrepreneurs in a time of evolving political turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a mixed-methodology approach, drawing from nine qualitative interviews held in 2021 and secondary material, including historical books, a podcast, videos and archival data.

Findings

The Norwegian entrepreneurs were both “pulled” by and “pushed” to the Russian region, their “New America,” where they could apply their personal skills and exploit their rich social and financial capital to establish a local entrepreneurial ecosystem. However, radical political change altered the context, which led many of the entrepreneurs to re-migrate to Norway.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrates the role of the political context for contemporary entrepreneurship and management research, as transnational entrepreneurs and international expatriates remain vulnerable to political change.

Practical implications

Public-policy actors and managers in companies need to support highly-skilled transnational entrepreneurs, including expatriates, in a setting with turbulence, crisis and even war, to foster the sustainable contribution of entrepreneurial migrants to regional economic development across different countries.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original, novel case study on the historical role of transnational entrepreneurs across different cultural settings, their impact on a foreign peripheral location, including social-network building and evolving political change in the historical context. The findings are relevant for contemporary management literature.
Employees' job insecurity perception and unsafe behaviours in human–machine collaboration
Authors: Wu Tung-Ju , Li Jia-Min , Wu Yenchun Jim
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the relationship between job insecurity and unsafe behaviour in human–machine collaboration, as well as investigating the mediating roles of emotional exhaustion and moderating roles of psychological detachment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed the stressor-detachment model to build our research model. The authors selected manufacturing and service industry employees as samples, and designed three independent studies using the time-lagged method for SPSS and AMOS to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated that emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between the two types of job insecurity and unsafe behaviours among service industry employees, while psychological detachment moderated the effect of qualitative job insecurity on emotional exhaustion. In manufacturing, psychological detachment moderated the effect of quantitative job insecurity on emotional exhaustion, while emotional exhaustion mediated the relationship between quantitative job insecurity and unsafe behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

The authors enhance understandings of how individual employee characteristics and the work environment jointly influence employees' levels of emotional exhaustion and likelihood of engaging in unsafe behaviours under the stressor-detachment model.

Practical implications

The authors suggest an important role of psychological detachment in human–machine collaboration. The authors also that organisations and managers could encourage employees not to check work-related emails on weekends to achieve full detachment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to both the stressor-detachment model and job insecurity literature. In addition, it investigates the role of detachment and emotional exhaustion by employees in human–machine collaboration.
Balanced scorecards: proposed framework for application at the local system level insights from international experiences
Authors: Hamied Mohamed Sayed Abdel , Elbagoury Ayman
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The study aims to provide a clear framework of steps on how to implement the balanced scorecard model at the level of measuring and managing local performance, with a mix between what theoretical approaches show in this matter and examples of applied experiences in different contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on the case study approach, which was used to present pioneer experiences in the field of application of the model on local government's level, namely, in the USA, England and South Africa. This paper was done by reviewing the original balanced scorecard literature and writings regarding the public and local government sector. This literature formed the basis for analyzing the various sections of study.

Findings

Balanced scorecard is one of the important models for developing and measuring local performance. International experiences under study confirmed that application of the model requires the following: The availability of bureaucratic will at the local level to apply the model, necessity of capacity building of local government units to apply it, introduction of institutional and strategic changes to the local units to be able to build their own performance cards, as well as strengthening local information systems, and not standardizing the performance cards at the different local administrative units.

Originality/value

This study will be useful for scholars, policymakers and local executive leaders on ways to apply the balanced scorecards at the local government units.
Factors driving the within‐plant patterns of resource exploitation in a herbivore
Authors: Bellec Laura , Seimandi‐Corda Gaëtan , Menacer Kathleen , Trabalon Marie , Ollivier Jérôme , Lunel Christophe , Faure Sébastien , Cortesero Anne‐Marie , Hervé Maxime
Published: April 2022

Selective pressures exerted on the feeding behaviour of animals have been extensively studied to understand their foraging patterns. In herbivores, specific within‐plant patterns of resource exploitation have been reported, but their determinants remain poorly understood.

Here, we describe and decipher the determinants of the foraging pattern of the pollen beetle Brassicogethes aeneus, a pollinivorous insect that is a pest of oilseed rape Brassica napus. This insect feeds from flowers for almost all of its life cycle, except for a couple of weeks preceding blossoming. During this period, only flower buds are available and the insect destroys them to feed from the pollen they contain, causing serious yield losses.

We found that during this critical period, pollen beetles exhibit a stereotypic intra‐inflorescence feeding pattern that depends on flower bud maturity. To explain this pattern, we first deciphered the selective pressures driving pollen beetles' feeding behaviour. Using a set of manipulative laboratory experiments, including behavioural experiments on plant tissues and artificial substrates, chemical characterization of plant tissues and performance experiments, we show that the pollen beetles' feeding behaviour does not seem to be driven by specialized metabolites or an attempt to reach an optimal nutrient balance, but rather by a process of maximization of total macronutrient intake. Next, using optimal diet choice models, we found that one aspect of the intra‐inflorescence feeding pattern, the preference for young over old flower buds, could be well‐explained through the lens of total macronutrient intake maximization per unit of time to access the resource.

Our study provides new insights into small‐scale foraging patterns and highlights the need to characterize and assess the relative influence of several components of diet quality when deciphering selective pressures driving foraging patterns.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Remote sensing of phenology: Towards the comprehensive indicators of plant community dynamics from species to regional scales
Authors: Dronova Iryna , Taddeo Sophie
Published: April 2022

Remote sensing of vegetation phenology has long been used to characterize ecosystem functions and responses to climate at spatial and temporal scales unfeasible to field surveys. However, the potential of remote sensing to elucidate mechanistic drivers of phenology and the underlying plant community processes at such scales remains under‐discussed.

This review synthesizes possibilities to advance this knowledge using multi‐temporal remote sensing and discusses remaining challenges and progress in instruments and analytical tools. Recent evidence indicates that, besides documenting vegetation seasonality and responses to climate, remote sensing of phenology can help meet emerging needs for indicators of plant diversity, vegetation structure and ecosystem change.

Responses of phenological metrics to stressors over large, heterogeneous regions may provide clues on ecological resilience manifested in asynchronies, recovery of vegetation cycles and stable microrefugia. At the same time, important barriers persist in relation to choosing among phenological estimation methods and paradigms, characterizing phenological events beyond changes in photosynthetically active biomass, and mechanistic interpretation of phenological patterns.

Synthesis. Increasing temporal frequency of products, opportunities for multi‐sensor data fusion, and advances in historically less available hyperspectral, active microwave and lidar instruments promise to help navigate these barriers and enable more comprehensive assessments of seasonality. Progress in customizable local platforms such as unoccupied aerial vehicles and phenocams may further enrich ground‐level understanding of phenology and validate satellite‐based assessments. However, remote sensing analyses alone are insufficient for mechanistic interpretation of phenology, which can be challenged by artefacts in remote sensing data and sensitivity of estimated metrics to landscape structure and spatial resolution of the inputs. Robust and informative phenological assessments call for rigorous collaborations with field ecological studies, strategic selection of ancillary environmental and geographic data, and wider adoption of causal inference approaches to address these needs and support novel explorations in plant ecology.