bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of eIF2α Phosphorylation by MAPKs Influences Polysome Stability and Protein Translation
Authors: Parveen Sana , Parthasarathy Haripriya , Vedagiri Dhiviya , Gupta Divya , Nair Hitha Gopalan , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas
Published: August 2021

Regulation of protein translation occurs primarily at the level of initiation and is mediated by multiple signaling pathways, majorly mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF2. While mTORC1 and eIF2α influence the polysome stability, MAPKs influence the phosphorylation of the cap-binding protein eIF4E and are known to influence translation of only a small set of mRNAs. Here, we demonstrate that p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 regulate translation through integrated stress response (ISR) pathways. Dual inhibition (dual-Mi) of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 caused substantial phosphorylation of eIF2α in a synergistic manner, resulting in near-absolute collapse of polysomes. This regulation was independent of Mnk1/2, a well-studied mediator of translation regulation by the MAPKs. Dual-Mi-induced polysome dissociation was far more striking than that caused by sodium arsenite, a strong inducer of ISR. Interestingly, induction of ISR caused increased p38 phosphorylation, and its inhibition resulted in stronger polysome dissociation, indicating the importance of p38 in the translation activities. Thus, our studies demonstrate a major, unidentified role for ERK1/2 and more particularly p38 MAPK in the maintenance of homeostasis of polysome association and translation activities.
Hydrozoan sperm-specific H2B histone variants stabilize chromatin and block transcription without enhancing chromatin condensation
Authors: Török Anna , Browne Martin JG , Vilar Jordina C , Patwal Indu , DuBuc Timothy Q , Febrimarsa  , Atcheson Erwan , Flaus Andrew , Frank Uri , Gornik Sebastian G
Published: August 2021

Many animals achieve sperm chromatin compaction and stabilisation during spermatogenesis by replacing canonical histones with sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) such as protamines. A number of animals including hydrozoan cnidarians and echinoid sea urchins lack protamines and have instead evolved a distinctive family of sperm-specific histone H2Bs (spH2Bs) with extended N-termini rich in SPKK-related motifs. Sperm packaging in echinoids such as sea urchins is regulated by spH2Bs and their sperm is negatively buoyant for fertilization on the sea floor. Hydroid cnidarians also package sperm with spH2Bs but undertake broadcast spawning and their sperm properties are poorly characterised. We show that sperm chromatin from the hydroid Hydractinia possesses higher stability than its somatic equivalent, with reduced accessibility of sperm chromatin to transposase Tn5 integration in vivo and to endonucleases in vitro. However, nuclear dimensions are only moderately reduced in mature Hydractinia sperm compared to other cell types. Ectopic expression of spH2B in the background of H2B knockdown resulted in downregulation of global transcription and cell cycle arrest in embryos without altering their nuclear density. Taken together, spH2B variants containing SPKK-related motifs act to stabilise chromatin and silence transcription in Hydractinia sperm without significant chromatin compaction. This is consistent with a contribution of spH2B to sperm buoyancy as a reproductive adaptation.
Genetic and transcriptomic analyses in a rare case of human papillomavirus–related oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma combined with small-cell carcinoma
Authors: Sato Kuniaki , Nishiyama Kazuo , Taguchi Kenichi , Jiromaru Rina , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Matsunaga Akihide , Nagata Ryozaburo , Rikimaru Fumihide , Toh Satoshi , Higaki Yuichiro , Oda Shinya , Nakagawa Takashi , Masuda Muneyuki
Published: August 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal small-cell carcinoma (OPSmCC) is a rare malignancy with aggressive behavior, whereas HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (OPSqCC) displays a favorable prognosis. Notably, these two malignancies occasionally arise in an identical tumor. In this case study, we explored the molecular characteristics that distinguishes these two carcinomas using a rare case of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) with the combined histology of SmCC and SqCC. Immunohistochemical analysis and HPV-RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) suggested that both SmCC and SqCC were HPV-related malignancies. Targeted exome sequencing revealed that SmCC and SqCC had no significant difference in mutations of known driver genes. In contrast, RNA sequencing followed by bioinformatic analyses suggested that aberrant transcriptional programs may be responsible for the neuroendocrine differentiation of HPV-related OPC. Compared to SqCC, genes up-regulated in SmCC were functionally enriched in inflammatory and immune responses (e.g., arachidonic acid metabolism). We then developed a SmCC-like gene module (top 10 up-regulated genes) and found that OPC patients with high module activity showed poor prognosis in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GSE65858 cohort. Gene set enrichment analysis of the SmCC-like gene module suggested its link to MYC proto-oncogene in the TCGA data set. Taken together, these findings suggest that the SmCC-like gene module may contribute to acquisition of aggressive phenotypes and tumor heterogeneity of HPV-related OPC. The present case study is the first report of genetic and transcriptomic aberrations in HPV-related OPSmCC combined with SqCC.
Behavioral intention to use cryptocurrency in Malaysia: an empirical study
Authors: Ter Ji-Xi Joye , Salamzadeh Yashar , Teoh Ai Ping
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the factors influencing consumer behavioral intention (BI) to use cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction. Constructs from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model and an added variable, perceived risk (PR), are examined to predictBI. Age and gender as moderators are retained in this model.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was used to gather the respondents’ responses on a five-point Likert scale. G * Power was used to calculate the required minimum sample size. A non-probability sampling technique was used to gather data from the 290 respondents based in Malaysia. The final data set was analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences and SmartPLS software using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that three of the five proposed factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating condition) are significant predictors ofBIto adopt cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction. Interestingly,PRis not a significant predictor even though prior research studies showed otherwise. Likewise, the relationship betweenBIand social influence became significant only when age is added as a moderator.

Practical implications

Malaysians are still wary of cryptocurrency, even though global tech firms such as Amazon and Microsoft are already accepting Bitcoin as a payment method. This study aims to provide relevant authorities and businesses (i.e. central bank, retail merchants and cryptocurrency exchangers) insights toward understanding the factors consumers focus on if they were to use cryptocurrency as a medium of transaction.

Originality/value

Most cryptocurrency research are done in developed countries (i.e. USA, UK and EU) perspective. This research addresses the lack of quantitative literature on significant factors influencingBIto use cryptocurrency in developing country context while taking aPR, age and gender into consideration.
International business competence and innovation performance: the role of ambidextrous organizational culture andenvironmental dynamism
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Ali Zahid , Bodolica Virginia , Kayastha Prajwal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of international business competence (IBC) on innovation performance of organizations activating in global markets. The study also explores whether ambidextrous organizational culture (AOC) acts as an antecedent of IBC and whether the environmental dynamism affects the IBC–innovation performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assessed the hypothesized relationships using data collected from a sample of companies operating in the Norwegian seafood industry. The direct, mediating and moderating effects were tested using partial least squares (PLS) with SmartPLS software application.

Findings

The empirical analysis revealed that AOC is positively associated with IBC, while IBC is a significant predictor of innovation performance. The findings also corroborated the proposed mediation effect of IBC, but refuted the moderating role of environmental dynamism.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international business literature by suggesting that companies equipped with IBC can excel in innovative undertakings and that organizational culture can be effectively leveraged to develop such competences.
Experimental study on the influence of friction pair material hardness on the tribological behaviors of water lubricated thrust bearings
Authors: Liang Xingxin , Yang Zhiyong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to confirm that increasing the hardness of thrust collars can improve the load carrying capacity (LCC) and wear resistance of water lubricated thrust bearings (WTBs) made of polymers paired with non-polymeric thrust collars, and to design a WTB with high LCC and durability for a shaftless pump-jet propulsor of an autonomous underwater vehicle. Six kinds of WTBs were manufactured by matching aluminum bronze, stainless steel and silicon nitride with two different polymer bearing materials. Their tribological behaviors were tested and compared.

Design/methodology/approach

The tribological behaviors of the WTBs made with different materials were investigated experimentally on a specially designed test rig.

Findings

Aluminum bronze is not suitable for crafting thrust collars of heavy load WTBs due to severe abrasive wear. Two body abrasive wear first occurred between the thrust collar and the polymer bearing. Next, aluminum bronze wear particles were produced. The particles acted between the two materials and formed three body abrasive wear. Stainless steel/polymer bearings showed better wear resistance while Si3N4/polymer bearings were the best. Improving the hardness of thrust collars is significant to the LCC and service life of WTBs.

Originality/value

The wear mechanism of WTBs under heavy load conditions was revealed. Improving the hardness of the thrust collar was confirmed to be a preferable method to improve the wear resistance and LCC of WTBs. The results of this study may provide an important reference for the selection of water lubricated materials and the design of heavy load WTBs.
The relevance of geographic origin in sustainability challenge: the facets of country ecological image
Authors: Dekhili Sihem , Crouch Roberta , El Moussawel Omar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Whilst country-of-origin (COO) effects have been studied extensively since the 1960s, little research has explored these effects with respect to ecological considerations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the COO ecological image (CEI) construct by defining its facets across consumers and professionals from two different countries, namely, France and Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Because of the exploratory nature of the research, the authors used two qualitative techniques, namely, semi-structured interviews and focus groups.

Findings

Findings indicate the CEI construct is composed of eight dimensions, namely, policy, technological, economic, people characteristics, natural, climatic, historical and eco-product features.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides insights into the CEI construct and justifies future studies to develop a scale measure for it. However, the generalisability of the results must be considered limited due to the qualitative exploratory nature of the study.

Practical implications

The research offers implications for companies and policymakers by allowing them to understand how consumers form a CEI. It suggests new applications respective to how to leverage positive aspects of a CEI and how to mitigate negative ones.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature on COO by identifying the possible dimensions of the CEI construct, thus providing better insights into the little-explored link between COO and sustainable products.
Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative framework for supporting assistive technology decision-making in Singapore schools: perspectives of in-service educators
Authors: Wong Meng Ee , Lee YingMin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study explored in-service educators' experience of using the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (WATI) for assistive technology (AT) decision-making within Singapore schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative design. Eight educators across both mainstream and special education schools were introduced to the WATI framework which they subsequently employed as a trial experience for a student under their care. Written feedback gathered from participants was analysed to identify common issues and themes regarding the use of the WATI framework for AT decision-making.

Findings

The comprehensive consideration of a broad scope of different factors, provision of a structured process for AT decision-making, as well as a common language for use by different stakeholders emerged as key benefits of implementing the WATI. Challenges encountered include administrative struggles in gathering different stakeholders together, time and resource constraints and difficulties in loaning AT devices for trial use.

Practical implications

Based on educators' feedback, recommendations to facilitate the adoption of the WATI for AT decision-making within Singapore schools are discussed and considered. This study also highlights the need for greater AT instruction within both preservice and in-service teacher preparation programmes in Singapore.

Originality/value

Schools in Singapore currently rarely adopt any frameworks in place to guide educators through a systematic process of AT consideration. It is anticipated that this study will spearhead and drive the adoption of systematic frameworks such as the WATI for better AT decision-making within Singapore schools.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon 10.1108/JET-03-2021-0015
Managing financial risks to improve financial success of public—private partnership projects: a theoretical framework
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Successful execution of public–private partnership (PPP) projects is the most desirable outcome to all stakeholders. Previous studies show that one of the topmost obstacles to fulfil this desire on the project is financial risks. Nonetheless, inadequate holistic studies exist on linking the management of this challenge to the financial returns of the project. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework interrelating financial risks, financial controls and financial performance of PPP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is informed and supported by existing theories and previous empirical studies from construction management, finance and economics. The underlying theories captured in the framework were chosen for their relevance and applicability to PPP projects. The propositions developed from the analysis of the theories and the empirical literature are summarised in three main hypotheses and 26 operationalised sub-hypotheses.

Findings

The major elements of the framework include the financial risks and 12 sub-themes which are commonly experienced on PPP projects. Financial policies and procedures on controlling financial losses of the projects are also included in the framework. Lastly, this study creates financial criteria on the projects which are intrinsically embedded in the framework to serve as benchmark to support the measurement of financial success.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a theoretical review of classical theories and empirical studies, and therefore, not all researches and managerial controls have not been included in this framework due to restricted time and limited studies on the topic.

Practical implications

This paper would serve as a multidimensional guide to project managers to mitigate financial risks and hopefully enhance the financial success of PPPs. Theoretically, this paper outlines the dimensions of managing financial risks of PPPs that require valid and reliable measurement to test the interrelationships of the constructs by further studies in the construction research community.

Originality/value

This theoretical framework makes ambitious efforts to embrace multifaceted theories from different disciplines to shed light on holistic mechanisms to mitigate financial risks to improve financial returns of PPP projects.
The dilemma of domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry global value chain
Authors: Lampón Jesús F. , Rodríguez De la Fuente Marta , Fraiz-Brea José Antonio
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Under the global value chain (GVC) approach, this paper aims to analyze how domestic suppliers on the periphery of the automotive industry are affected by their relationship with foreign multinationals.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study with primary data collected from foreign multinationals operating in the Mexican automotive industry was used to analyze their relationship with domestic suppliers.

Findings

The evolution of the suppliers has been characterized by improved quality and added value in their products and more asset-intensive, efficient processes. This evolution has been driven by improvement in production capabilities and investment in new equipment by domestic suppliers and facilitated by knowledge transfer from foreign multinationals. However, it has not involved the acquisition of innovation capabilities or the internationalization of production activities. This has limited their position on the first levels of the value chain and their global presence, which are essential aspects when climbing the industry value chain to lead some activities at a global level. At the same time, most of these suppliers have become strategic and have a greater dependence on foreign multinationals. This poses a dilemma for domestic firms, as the relationship with these multinationals becomes more intense and dependent and at the same time reduces the possibility of leading activities in the value chain.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the impact on domestic suppliers of their relationships with foreign multinationals, integrating traditional product, process and functional upgrading and new elements, in particular, participation in the GVC and dependence on multinationals.
A new method for human resource allocation in cloud-based e-commerce using a meta-heuristic algorithm
Authors: Al-Shourbaji Ibrahim , Zogaan Waleed
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The human resource (HR) allocation problem is one of the critical dimensions of the project management process. Due to this nature of the problem, researchers are continually optimizing one or more critical scheduling and allocation challenges in different ways. This study aims to optimize two goals, increasing customer satisfaction and reducing costs using the imperialist competitive algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Cloud-based e-commerce applications are preferred to conventional systems because they can save money in many areas, including resource use, running expenses, capital costs, maintenance and operation costs. In web applications, its core functionality of performance enhancement and automated device recovery is important. HR knowledge, expertise and competencies are becoming increasingly valuable carriers for organizational competitive advantage. As a result, HR management is becoming more relevant, as it seeks to channel all of the workers’ energy into meeting the organizational strategic objectives. The allocation of resources to maximize benefit or minimize cost is known as the resource allocation problem. Since discovering solutions in polynomial time is complicated, HR allocation in cloud-based e-commerce is an Nondeterministic Polynomial time (NP)-hard problem. In this paper, to promote the respective strengths and minimize the weaknesses, the imperialist competitive algorithm is suggested to solve these issues. The imperialist competitive algorithm is tested by comparing it to the literature’s novel algorithms using a simulation.

Findings

Empirical outcomes have illustrated that the suggested hybrid method achieves higher performance in discovering the appropriate HR allocation than some modern techniques.

Practical implications

The paper presents a useful method for improving HR allocation methods. The MATLAB-based simulation results have indicated that costs and waiting time have been improved compared to other algorithms, which cause the high application of this method in practical projects.

Originality/value

The main novelty of this paper is using an imperialist competitive algorithm for finding the best solution to the HR allocation problem in cloud-based e-commerce.
The effects of advertising ethnic cues on brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand
Authors: Madadi Rozbeh , Torres Ivonne M. , Fazli-Salehi Reza , Zúñiga Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In this paper, two studies examine the effects of Hispanic-targeted ads on three consumer-brand relationships (i.e. brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand) and their behavioral outcomes. Additionally, this paper aims to examine how product involvement moderates these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 demonstrates the linkages between three consumer–brand relationships (i.e. brand love, brand attachment and attitude toward the brand) and their antecedents. In Study 2, by testing the nomological network of the antecedents and consequences of brand love, the authors extend the results of the previous study.

Findings

Study 1 provides evidence that ethnic advertising has the strongest effect on brand love in comparison with other alternative consumer-brand relationship constructs. In Study 2, results show that only for low-involvement products, the perceived similarity of customers with Hispanic models in ads could lead to a higher positive attitude toward the ad. However, in the high-involvement condition, perceived similarity did not mediate the relationship between those constructs, which is in line with Elaboration Likelihood Model.

Practical implications

From the practical and managerial perspective, this paper proposes that managers should concentrate on ads with ethnic cues, especially for low involvement products. Hence, it would be worthwhile for companies to consider ads with ethnic cues to effectively develop deep consumer–brand relationships.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the effects of targeted ads on deeper relationships (e.g. brand love) and its behavioral consequences. Therefore, the authors show how Hispanic targeted ads could lead to deep consumer–brand relationships which encompass both the mind and heart of customers.
Methods for Estimating Locations of Housing Units Served by Private Domestic Wells in the United States Applied to 2010
Authors: Murray Andrew , Hall Alexander , Weaver James , Kremer Fran
Published: August 2021

In 1990, the last time the decennial census included a question on domestic drinking water source, it was estimated that private domestic water wells (PDWs) supplied household water to about 15.1 million housing units (15% of the population) in the United States (U.S.). PDWs are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, and with few exceptions, are not subject to the water quality testing required of public water suppliers. We expanded two methods in estimating housing units reliant on PDWs from an Oklahoma pilot study (Weaver et al. 2017), nationally. Both use 1990 census data on drinking water sources as a baseline. The first method uses housing unit change and private well drilling logs for 20 states. This allows for the rate of well use to change between 1990 and 2010 in these states. The second, based solely on housing unit change, assumes a constant rate of well use. Ordinary least squares regression demonstrated (R2 = 0.78) that the methods yield similar estimates for nationwide well use. Using the housing unit change method, it is estimated that in 2010, 23 million housing units were reliant on PDWs (17% of the population). We provide these estimates at the census block group and census block resolution. This dataset will assist in a better understanding of the reliance on PDWs in the U.S., and position local, tribal, state, and national groups to better protect this water resource from contaminant sources.
Genomic attributes differ between Vibrio parahaemolyticus environmental and clinical isolates including pathotypes
Authors: Meparambu Prabhakaran Divya , Patel Hardip R. , Sivakumar Krishnankutty Chandrika Sivakumar , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a marine bacterium and causes opportunistic gastroenteritis in humans. Clinical strains of V. parahaemolyticus contain haemolysin and type III secretion systems (T3SS) that define their pathotype. A growing number of strains isolated recently from the environment have acquired these virulence genes constituting a pool of potential pathogens. This study used comparative genomics to identify genetic factors that delineate environmental and clinical V. parahaemolyticus population and understand the similarities and differences between the T3SS2 phylotypes. The comparative analysis revealed the presence of a cluster of genes belonging to bacterial cellulose synthesis (bcs) in isolates of environmental origin. This cluster, previously unreported in V. parahaemolyticus, exhibit significant similarity to that of Aliivibrio fischeri, and might dictate a potentially new mechanism of its environmental adaptation and persistence. The study also identified many genes predicted in silico to be T3SS effectors that are unique to T3SS2β of tdh−trh+ and tdh+trh+ pathotype and having no identifiable homologue in tdh+trh− T3SS2α. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of understanding the genes and strategies V. parahaemolyticus utilize for the myriad interactions with its hosts, either marine invertebrates or humans.
Intraoperative open lung condition and postoperative pulmonary complications. A secondary analysis of iPROVE and iPROVE‐O2 trials
Authors: Ferrando Carlos , Librero Julian , Tusman Gerardo , Serpa‐Neto Ary , Villar Jesús , Belda Francisco J. , Costa Eduardo , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Suarez‐Sipmann Fernando ,   the iPROVE Network Group
Published: August 2021

Background

The preventive role of an intraoperative recruitment maneuver plus open lung approach (RM + OLA) ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) remains unclear. We aimed at investigating whether an intraoperative open lung condition reduces the risk of developing a composite of PPCs.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials including patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Patients were classified according to the intraoperative lung condition as “open” (OL) or “non‐open” (NOL) if PaO2/FIO2 ratio was ≥ or <400 mmHg, respectively. We used a multivariable logistic regression model that included potential confounders selected with directed acyclic graphs (DAG) using Dagitty software built with variables that were considered clinically relevant based on biological mechanism or evidence from previously published data. PPCs included severe acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia.

Results

A total of 1480 patients were included in the final analysis, with 718 (49%) classified as OL. The rate of severe PPCs during the first seven postoperative days was 6.0% (7.9% in the NOL and 4.4% in the OL group, p = .007). OL was independently associated with a lower risk for severe PPCs during the first 7 and 30 postoperative days [odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI 0.34–0.99, p = .04) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.34–0.94, p = .03), respectively].

Conclusions

An intraoperative open lung condition was associated with a reduced risk of developing severe PPCs in intermediate‐to‐high risk patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Trial registration: Registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT02158923 (iPROVE), NCT02776046 (iPROVE‐O2).
Epiphyas intrepidasp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): an endemic, not a stowaway, on Lord Howe Island
Authors: Hitchcock Bobbie
Published: August 2021

The tortricid moth genusEpiphyasTurner, 1927, comprises 39 described species and is largely confined to the Australian mainland and Tasmania. Lord Howe Island is the only other place where more than oneEpiphyasspecies is found, these beingEpiphyas postvittana(Walker, 1863), a widely polyphagous and widespread horticultural pest commonly known as the ‘light brown apple moth’, and a second species identified by J. D. Bradley asEpiphyas aulacana(Meyrick, 1881). Because Lord Howe Island is on the UNESCO's world heritage register, it is important to distinguish native from exotic insects as a means for uncovering and managing biosecurity threats to the island. To test whetherE. aulacanasensu Bradley is indeed conspecific withE. aulacana‐like moths from the Australian mainland and Tasmania, specimens from all three islands were examined, and nucleotide sequence data obtained and compared from the mitochondrial gene region cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) and three nuclear gene regions: isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and the carbomoylphosphate synthetase (CPS) domain of the gene known as CAD. The results suggest that the second species is notE. aulacanabut a new species,Epiphyas intrepidasp. nov., which like its larval host plantCassinia tenuifoliaBentham, 1867, is endemic to the island.
Dense, continent‐wide, molecular and morphological sampling supports old and new taxa in Australian pentaneurine Tanypodinae (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Cranston Peter S , Krosch Matt
Published: August 2021

The Chironomidae subfamily Tanypodinae in Australia is subject to continuing study in a global context and contains a mix of endemic and widespread genera. The monophyletic, globally diverse genus Larsia Fittkau has been sampled extensively in all life stages throughout Australia, and from the northern hemisphere and South America. Molecular evidence supports a previously ‘coded’ Australian taxon as its sister group, described here as a new genus, Paralarsia gen. nov., for the single species P. maiwar sp. nov. A shallower and highly sampled Australian cluster allocated to Larsia albiceps Johannsen is redescribed here, substantially conforming to prevailing generic diagnoses in each life stage. The species is common and abundant across Australia, including in ephemeral arid‐zone waters and drainages affected by historic mining. A continent‐wide species for which no cryptic species are revealed by molecular analyses is unusual and counter‐intuitive. Only one morphologically distinctive taxon, from uranium mine‐affected streams in tropical Australia, is recognised as new although in the absence of molecular data: Larsia wakbarrarn sp. nov., based on larva, pupa and pharate adults. Some pupal Larsia from south‐east Asia are differentiated and variation discussed relative to L. albiceps, and some consideration is given to neotropical diversity.
The potential for moral hazard behavior in irrigation decisions under crop insurance
Authors: Suchato Paloch , Mieno Taro , Schoengold Karina , Foster Timothy
Published: August 2021

The design of federal crop insurance has attracted the interest and attention of many economists and policymakers in the United States. Moral hazard is a frequently cited concern, as insurance may reduce the incentive for farmers to manage properly their agricultural operation. Moral hazard could play a role in irrigation decisions by incentivizing a farmer to choose a riskier irrigation management strategy, potentially affecting the long‐term sustainability of water resources. We use numerical simulation to determine if insurance coverage affects incentives on seasonal irrigation use. Results show that the potential for moral hazard at current costs and policy parameters is low, but that there is potential for moral hazard behavior when the cost of irrigation is high. Hence, conservation policies that increase the cost of irrigation cost (e.g., a water tax) may amplify the potential for moral hazard. In most cases, crop insurance provides a secondary effect that reduces irrigation use in addition to the direct water tax effect, although this reduction comes at increased taxpayer expense. However, it is possible that irrigation use increases under crop insurance. Therefore, there is a need for the explicit consideration of the unintended side effects of crop insurance on farmers’ irrigation water use decisions, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity and rising marginal costs of irrigation.
Spatial distribution of an assemblage of an endemic genus of birds: an example from Madagascar
Authors: Chiatante Gianpasquale
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the distribution and of the realised niche of a species is essential for an understanding of its ecology, especially in the case of poorly known species. To reach this goal, species distribution models (SDMs) can be developed to explain how environmental variables shape the distribution of species. The main aim of this research is to provide new insights concerning the nine species of Coua, endemic birds of Madagascar. This study is relevant because ecological studies on Couas are uncommon, and although these species are listed as Least Concern by IUCN, some of them are declining. The relationships between each species and the environment, particularly land cover, topography and climate, were investigated through MaxEnt. Next, the amount of niche overlap among species was calculated to investigate whether there is any spatial niche segregation. The results showed that the nine species of Coua select many habitat types, especially broadleaved forests, although some species also used mosaics of forests and croplands. Despite the lack of evidence of a larger spatial overlap between different Coua species with different habits than between species with similar habits, for many of them, there is overlap, which can mainly be explained by ecological and behavioural differences.
Disparaging vs. Recognizing the White Working Class in Friends, Desperate Housewives, and The Big Bang Theory
Authors: Wang Zhihe
Published: August 2021

Manual labor is stigmatized in both China and the United States. There is a tendency to look down on those who perform physical labor. On American television, white working‐class characters are often humiliated and mocked by upper‐middle‐class characters. The tradition of despising the working class is present in the situation comedy Friends. In Desperate Housewives, the same theme is present, but there is a shift in this series. The most likable and decent character is a plumber who is also a good role model. In The Big Bang Theory, the usual roles are largely reversed. The true hero of the series is a working‐class woman, while the foolish characters are upper‐middle‐class men with high levels of education. These and other television series offer a glimpse into conflicts based on social class divisions that remain largely invisible. They also reveal possible ways to resolve social tensions in modern societies.
The Evil of the Buttocks: Negative Labeling of Latino Blackness Through Caribbean Music, and How They Learned to Play the Game
Authors: Castro Aniyar Daniel
Published: August 2021

We describe our ethnographic observations and personal experience about how Afro‐Caribbean music and its musical videos profited historically from negative labeling to produce status and national identity. We compare contemporary experience with reggaetón with historical data about several musical genres, from the Inquisition to the 20th century. During this period, the introduction of African‐inspired dances violated racial boundaries that upper‐class European elites sought to preserve. Hostility to the resulting music and dance that were used by mixed‐race populations to find new forms of status remains at the heart of negative labeling of Blackness by whites and by higher classes. Do you like Latino dance music? Choose a sound system and enjoy this story.
The Sentiments of the Marginalized in Movies: A Symptom of Chinese Society
Authors: Wang Kunyu , Zhang Guidan
Published: August 2021

It is not a custom in Chinese cinema to use marginalized characters and disadvantaged groups as protagonists and to pay close attention to their personal sentiments. In the last decade, however, this subject has gradually become important. Sentiment is the immediate expression of individual emotion and the focus of natural, social, and psychological ecology. This article will explore the social and economic mechanisms that underlie the sentiments of four categories of marginalized characters in Chinese films—rural women, people with serious illnesses, criminals, and daydreamers—and will shed light on a little‐known side of a rapidly developing China.
Local protocol helped to deliver vitamin D levels more accurately in preterm infants
Authors: Mathilde Mauras , Butin Marine , Pascal Roy , Plaisant Franck , Laborie Sophie , Bacchetta Justine
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a local hospital protocol of vitamin D supplementation for preterm infants, which was modified in 2016.

Methods

We focussed on 99 preterm infants born before 31 weeks of gestation and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Femme Mere Enfant Hospital, Bron, France, from 1 January to 31 December 2018. Calcium and urinary calcium were measured, and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were monitored monthly and supplementation was adjusted, with 50–120 nmol/L considered normal. The results are presented as medians and interquartile ranges.

Results

The infants were enrolled at a gestational age of 28.0 [26.9–29.1] weeks and birth weight of 960 [800–1160] g. When they were discharged at 37.3 [35.2–39.8] weeks, the overall 25(OH)D level was 98 [79–140] nmol/L: 4% had low levels, 63% had normal levels and 33% had high levels. Vitamin D supplementation was withdrawn for 60% more than one month before discharge. Rickets or fractures were not reported.

Conclusion

The modified protocol limited underdosing and significant overdosing, but moderate hypervitaminosis D was still frequent. Urgent studies are needed to determine the optimal supplementation and clinical impact of 25(OH)D on comorbidities in preterm infants.
Educated for welfare services—The hidden curriculum of upper secondary school for students with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Gustavsson Anders , Wendelborg Christian , Tøssebro Jan
Published: August 2021

Accessible Summary

Studies show that very few students with intellectual disabilities get a job after secondary school.

Most graduates end up depending on benefits and social services.

The aim of this study is to understand this contradiction between the goal of employment and what actually happens.

We found parts of secondary school and social security which hinder employment.

Secondary schools prepare students for what they see as the most realistic future: a life on welfare and benefits.

Background

In many countries, the goal of secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities is to transition to the labour market. However, research and reviews consistently show that employment rates are very low for graduates with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this article is to scrutinise the preparation for school‐to‐work transition in Norwegian upper secondary education and employment services to elicit what really goes on.

Methods

This article is an in‐depth interpretation of two earlier published, empirical Norwegian studies of upper secondary education for students with intellectual disabilities and their school‐to‐work transitions.

Findings

Analysis of the characteristics of Norwegian upper secondary education identified a trajectory away from the labour market—reinforced by the social security and support systems.

Conclusion

Drawing on Argyris & Schön’s (Organisational learning: A theory of action perspective, Addison Wesley, Reading, MA, 1978) classic work on “espoused theory and theory‐in‐use,” the analysis identified a hidden curriculum based on a perception of “realistic” ambitions which pave the way for a graduate life consisting, mostly, of welfare services.
Topographic growth of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the middle‐late Miocene: Insights from integrated provenance analysis in the NE Qaidam Basin
Authors: Li Chaopeng , Zheng Dewen , Zhou Renjie , Wang Weitao , Yu Jingxing , Liu Caicai , Wang Yizhou , Pang Jianzhang , Ma Yan , Hao Yuqi , Li Youjuan , Wang Xueye
Published: August 2021

The development history of high topography in the northeastern (NE) Tibetan Plateau is essential to test various plateau growth models and understand plateau construction. We present integrated provenance data from the NE Qaidam Basin, south of the Qilian Shan. Results show an increase in carbonate lithics, an increase in Al2O3/SiO2 ratios, a negative shift in εNd values and an appearance of large amounts of Precambrian zircon grains in the period of ca. 13–8 Ma, arguing that the sediment source of the NE Qaidam Basin may have shifted from the East Kunlun Shan to the Qilian Shan during this time interval. We infer that significant topographic growth of the southern Qilian Shan occurred during the middle‐late Miocene. Along with widespread middle to late Miocene deformation records across the Qilian Shan and abruptly shifts on provenance, sedimentary facies and climate indexes in its surrounding basins, present high topography of the NE Tibetan Plateau may have been established since the middle‐late Miocene.
Inhibition of acid ceramidase elicits mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Taniai Tomohiko , Shirai Yoshihiro , Shimada Yohta , Hamura Ryoga , Yanagaki Mitsuru , Takada Naoki , Horiuchi Takashi , Haruki Koichiro , Furukawa Kenei , Uwagawa Tadashi , Tsuboi Kazuhito , Okamoto Yasuo , Shimada Shu , Tanaka Shinji , Ohashi Toya , Ikegami Toru
Published: August 2021

Although the inhibition of acid ceramidase (AC) is known to induce antitumor effects in various cancers, there are few reports in pancreatic cancer, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Moreover, there is currently no safe administration method of AC inhibitor. Here the effects of gene therapy using siRNA and shRNA for AC inhibition with its mechanisms for pancreatic cancer were investigated. The inhibition of AC by siRNA and shRNA using an adeno‐associated virus 8 (AAV8) vector had antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells and xenograft mouse model. Acid ceramidase inhibition elicits mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and manganese superoxide dismutase suppression, resulting in apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells accompanied by ceramide accumulation. These results elucidated the mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of AC inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells and suggest the potential of the AAV8 vector to inhibit AC as a therapeutic strategy.
Transluminal intrahepatic bile duct stone removal using a novel spiral basket catheter via the endoscopic ultrasound‐guided hepaticogastrostomy route (with video)
Authors: Ogura Takeshi , Kawai Junichi , Nishiguchi Kyohei , Yamamoto Yoshitaro , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: August 2021

Recently, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage has been developed as an alternative biliary drainage technique for failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or inaccessible papilla. Among the various EUS‐guided biliary drainage procedures, EUS‐guided hepaticogastrostomy (HGS) can be performed in patients with surgically altered anatomy. More recently, various transluminal treatments have been described after EUS‐HGS, such as antegrade stone removal. In patients with hepaticojejunostomy strictures, stone extraction into the intestine might be challenging even after performing hepaticojejunostomy stricture dilation using a balloon catheter. In such cases, transluminal stone removal is considered an alternative method. With transluminal stone removal, a small stone that escapes from the conventional basket or from a balloon catheter could migrate into the branch bile ducts. The novel spiral basket catheter available in Japan. The wires form a helix shape, wherein each wire is wound counterclockwise, and the winding pitch becomes gradually tighter from the proximal portion to the tip. As the winding pitch is smaller and the wires are in closer contact with the bile duct wall as compared with conventional basket catheter, small bile duct stones can be easily captured by simply pulling back the catheter while the basket is open. In addition, even during withdrawal inside the bile duct, a high retrieval performance is assured by the special design that maintains the opening width on the top end. Therefore, transluminal stone removal using this novel basket catheter might be clinically useful, although further prospective evaluation of a larger number of cases is needed.
RangeShifter 2.0: an extended and enhanced platform for modelling spatial eco‐evolutionary dynamics and species' responses to environmental changes
Authors: Bocedi Greta , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Malchow Anne‐Kathleen , Zurell Damaris , Watts Kevin , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: August 2021

Process‐based models are becoming increasingly used tools for understanding how species are likely to respond to environmental changes and to potential management options. RangeShifter is one such modelling platform, which has been used to address a range of questions including identifying effective reintroduction strategies, understanding patterns of range expansion and assessing population viability of species across complex landscapes. Here we introduce a new version, RangeShifter 2.0, which incorporates important new functionality. It is now possible to simulate dynamics over user‐specified, temporally changing landscapes. Additionally, we integrated a new genetic module, notably introducing an explicit genetic modelling architecture, which allows for simulation of neutral and adaptive genetic processes. Furthermore, emigration, transfer and settlement traits can now all evolve, allowing for sophisticated simulation of the evolution of dispersal. We illustrate the potential application of RangeShifter 2.0's new functionality by two examples. The first illustrates the range expansion of a virtual species across a dynamically changing UK landscape. The second demonstrates how the software can be used to explore the concept of evolving connectivity in response to land‐use modification, by examining how movement rules come under selection over landscapes of different structure and composition. RangeShifter 2.0 is built using object‐oriented C++ providing computationally efficient simulation of complex individual‐based, eco‐evolutionary models. The code has been redeveloped to enable use across operating systems, including on high performance computing clusters, and the Windows graphical user interface has been enhanced. RangeShifter 2.0 will facilitate the development of in‐silico assessments of how species will respond to environmental changes and to potential management options for conserving or controlling them. By making the code available open source, we hope to inspire further collaborations and extensions by the ecological community.