bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic evolution of great ape Y chromosomes
Authors: Cechova Monika , Vegesna Rahulsimham , Tomaszkiewicz Marta , Harris Robert S. , Chen Di , Rangavittal Samarth , Medvedev Paul , Makova Kateryna D.
Published: January 2020

The mammalian male-specific Y chromosome plays a critical role in sex determination and male fertility. However, because of its repetitive and haploid nature, it is frequently absent from genome assemblies and remains enigmatic. The Y chromosomes of great apes represent a particular puzzle: their gene content is more similar between human and gorilla than between human and chimpanzee, even though human and chimpanzee shared a more recent common ancestor. To solve this puzzle, here we constructed a dataset including Ys from all extant great ape genera. We generated assemblies of bonobo and orangutan Ys, from short and long sequencing reads, and aligned them with the publicly available human, chimpanzee and gorilla Y assemblies. Analyzing this dataset, we found that the genusPan, including chimpanzee and bonobo, experienced accelerated substitution rates. Additionally,Panalso exhibited elevated gene death rates. These observations are consistent with high levels of sperm competition inPan. Furthermore, we inferred that the great ape common ancestor already possessed multi-copy sequences homologous to most human and chimpanzee palindromes. Nonetheless, each species also acquired distinct ampliconic sequences. We also detected increased chromatin contacts between and within palindromes (from Hi-C data), likely facilitating gene conversion and structural rearrangements. Moreover, our ENCODE data analysis suggested that Y palindromes exist to promote gene conversion preventing degradation of not only genes, as is commonly believed, but also gene regulatory sites. Our results highlight the dynamic mode of Y chromosome evolution, and open avenues for studies of male-specific dispersal in endangered great ape species.
Membrane-mediated ligand unbinding of the PK-11195 ligand from TSPO
Authors: Dixon Tom , Uyar Arzu , Ferguson-Miller Shelagh , Dickson Alex
Published: January 2020

The translocator protein (TSPO), previously known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, is of longstanding medical interest as both a biomarker for neuroinjury and a potential drug target for neuroinflammation and other disorders. Recently it was shown that ligand residence time is a key factor determining steroidogenic efficacy of TSPO-binding compounds. This spurs interest in simulations of (un)binding pathways of TSPO ligands, which could reveal the molecular interactions governing ligand residence time. In this study, we use a weighted ensemble algorithm to determine the unbinding pathway for different poses of PK-11195, a TSPO ligand used in neuroimaging. In contrast with previous studies, our results show that PK-11195 does not dissociate directly into the solvent but instead dissociates via the lipid membrane by going between the transmembrane helices. We analyze this path ensemble in detail, constructing descriptors that can facilitate a general understanding of membrane-mediated ligand binding. We construct a Markov state model using additional straightforward simulations to determine pose stability and kinetics of ligand unbinding. Together we combine over 40µs of trajectory data to form a coherent picture of the ligand binding landscape. We find that all poses are able to interconvert before unbinding, leading to single mean first passage time estimate for all starting poses which roughly agrees with the experimental quantity. The ligand binding transition state predicted by our combined model occurs when PK-11195 is already in the membrane and does not involve direct ligand-protein interactions. This has implications for the design of new long residence-time TSPO ligands.

SIGNIFICANCE

Kinetics-oriented drug design is an emerging objective in drug discovery. However, while ligand binding affinity (or the binding free energy) is purely a function of the bound and unbound states, the binding kinetics depends on the nature of the paths by which the (un)binding occurs. This underscores the importance of approaches that can reveal information about the ensemble of (un)binding paths. Here we used advanced molecular dynamics approaches to study the unbinding of PK-11195 from TSPO and find it dissociates from the protein by dissolving into the membrane, and that the transition state occurs after the PK-11195 molecule has already separated from TSPO. These results motivate the design of future long-residence time TSPO ligands that destabilize the membrane-solvated transition state.
Human iPS Cells Derived Skeletal Muscle Progenitor Cells Promote Myoangiogenesis and Restore Dystrophin in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophic Mice
Authors: Xuan Wanling , Khan Mahmood , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Background and Objective

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by mutations of the gene that encodes the protein dystrophin. Loss of dystrophin leads to severe and progressive muscle-wasting in both skeletal and heart muscles. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and their derivatives offer important opportunities to treat a number of diseases. Here, we investigated whether givinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), could reprogram hiPSCs into muscle progenitor cells (MPC) for DMD treatment.

Methods and Results

MPC generated by CHIR99021 and givinostat (Givi) small molecules from multiple hiPSCs expressed myogenic makers (Pax7, desmin) and were differentiated into myotubes expressing MF20 upon culture in specific differentiation medium. These MPC exhibited superior proliferation and migration capacity determined by CCK-8, colony and migration assays compared to control-MPC generated by CHIR99021 and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Upon transplantation in hind limb of Mdx/SCID mice with cardiotoxin (CTX) induced injury, these MPC showed higher engraftment and restoration of dystrophin than treatment with control-MPC and human myoblasts. In addition, treated muscle with these MPC showed significantly limited infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduced muscle necrosis and fibrosis. A number of these cells were engrafted under basal lamina expressing Pax7, which were capable of generating new muscle fibers after additional injury. Extracellular vesicles released from these cells promoted angiogenesis after reinjury.

Conclusion

We successfully generated integration free MPC from multiple hiPS cell lines using CHIR99021 and Givi. Givinostat induced MPC showed marked and impressive regenerative capabilities and restored dystrophin in injured tibialis muscle compared to control MPC. Additionally, MPC generated by Givi also seeded the stem cell pool in the treated muscle. It is concluded that hiPSCs pharmacologically reprogrammed into MPC with a small molecule, Givi with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and muscle gene promoting properties might be an effective cellular source for treatment of muscle injury and restoration of dystrophin in DMD.
Mitochondria-adaptor TRAK1 promotes kinesin-1 driven transport in crowded environments
Authors: Henrichs Verena , Grycova Lenka , Barinka Cyril , Nahacka Zuzana , Neuzil Jiri , Diez Stefan , Rohlena Jakub , Braun Marcus , Lansky Zdenek
Published: January 2020

Intracellular trafficking of organelles, driven by kinesin-1 stepping along microtubules, underpins essential processes including neuronal activity. In absence of other proteins on the microtubule surface, kinesin-1 performs micron-long runs. Under protein crowding conditions, however, kinesin-1 motility is drastically impeded. It is thus unclear how kinesin-1 acts as an efficient transporter in crowded intracellular environments. Here, we demonstrate that TRAK1 (Milton), an adaptor protein essential for mitochondrial trafficking, activates kinesin-1 and increases its robustness of stepping in protein crowding conditions. Interaction with TRAK1 i) facilitated kinesin-1 navigation around obstacles, ii) increased the probability of kinesin-1 passing through cohesive envelopes of tau and iii) increased the run length of kinesin-1 in cell lysate. We explain the enhanced motility by the observed direct interaction of TRAK1 with microtubules, providing an additional anchor for the kinesin-1-TRAK1 complex. We propose adaptor-mediated tethering as a mechanism regulating kinesin-1 motility in various cellular environments.
Advances and issues in fraud research: a commentary
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to discuss some observations in the forensic accounting-based fraud literature. The authors identify recent advances in the literature and highlight several important issues that are worth noting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a commentary analysis.

Findings

The main message of this commentary paper is that fraud is complicated, and fraud complexity can significantly impact the way researchers undertake forensic accounting-based fraud research.

Practical implications

The practical implication is that forensic accountants and forensic accounting researchers should incorporate into their practice the complexity of fraud regardless of whether they follow an empirical, experimental, exploratory, analytical or critical approach to fraud investigation.

Originality/value

In contrast to previous studies, this study identifies the most recent issues emerging in fraud literature.
What makes the base of the pyramid susceptible to investment fraud
Authors: Deb Sadrita , Sengupta Subhojit
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Dubious investment schemes by unlisted companies are alluring individual investors at the base of the pyramid to invest money and lose them. The purpose of the abstract is to identify the factors that induce the people at base-of-pyramid (BoP) to invest in fraudulent schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

Open-ended interviews of people at the BoP from areas in and around Kharagpur town in West Bengal were conducted. Through open coding, codes, categories and themes were generated.

Findings

Interpersonal trusts form the central feature of investment fraud. The personal relationship among the community members helps these schemes thrive. False hopes of higher returns within a short span combined with constraints of accessing banking services is another motivation for the people at the base of the pyramid to fall prey to these schemes. With limited education, they find these investment avenues convenient providing scope to the perpetrators of fraud to exploit them. To curb these dubious schemes to flourish and exploit the people at the BoP, financial inclusion on a large scale is required. Moreover, the government should take steps to educate the mass at the base of the pyramid.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights on the victims of investment fraud in India those belonging to the economically weak groups and lower income groups comprising together as the BoP) of the society.
Corruption accounting and growth: towards a new methodology
Authors: Grandes Martin , Coremberg Ariel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate empirically that corruption causes significant and sizeable macroeconomic costs to countries in terms of economic activity and economic growth. The authors modeled corruption building on the endogenous growth literature and finally estimated the baseline (bribes paid to public officials) macroeconomic cost of corruption using Argentina 2004-2015 as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors laid the foundations of a new methodology to account corruption losses using data from the national accounts and judiciary investigations within the framework of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) non-observed economy (NOE) instead of subjective indicators as in the earlier literature. They also suggested a new method to compute public expenditures overruns, including but not limited to public works.

Findings

The authors found the costs stand at a minimum accumulated rate of 8 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) or 0.8 per cent yearly. These findings provided a corruption cost floor and were consistent with earlier research on world corruption losses estimated at 5 per cent by the World Economic Forum and with the losses estimated at between a yearly rate of 1.3 and 4 per cent and 2 per cent of GDP by Brazil and Peru’s corruption, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The authors would need to extend the application of their new suggested methodology to further countries. They are working on this. They would need to develop the methodology in full to compute the public works overruns input to future econometric work.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors make a threefold contribution to the literature on corruption and growth: first, they laid the foundations toward a new methodology to make an accounting of the corruption costs in terms of GDP consistent with the national accounts and executed budgets; on the one hand, and the OECD NOE framework, on the other. The authors named those corruption costs as percentage of GDP the “corruption wedge.” Second, they developed an example taking corruption events and a component of their total costs, namely, the bribes paid to public officials, taking Argentina 2004-2015 as a case study. Finally, they plugged the estimated wedge back into an endogenous growth model and calibrated the growth–corruption path simulating two economies where the total factor productivity was different, at different levels of the corruption wedge.
Fighting financial crime: failure is not an option
Authors: Ali Shazeeda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of some of the deficiencies in the criminal justice system in Jamaica, particularly relating to financial crime. The author also examines possible alternatives in the approach that may be taken in tackling financial crime.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was a review of data on financial crime in Jamaica as well as recent significant cases. An analysis of key pieces of legislation was also undertaken. In some instances, a comparative approach was invoked, with special reference to the UK and US laws.

Findings

Some essential findings include the positive impact that may be gained from restorative justice principles, the effective enforcement of asset recovery provisions and stricter regulation of the financial services industry.

Originality/value

There is no similar comprehensive examination of these issues concerning Jamaica.
Urban States: The Presidency and Planning in Luanda, Angola
Authors: Gastrow Claudia
Published: January 2020

While state institutions are involved in planning and governance in African cities, their relevance in shaping urban life is sometimes questioned given what residents often experience as the extreme incapacity of state agencies. In response, some scholars have sought to rethink the nature of institutions, while others have shifted their attention to the role of the everyday in the making of cities. This article builds on literature that seeks to better understand the links between quotidian actions and institutional constraints, in order to critically assess how state power is exercised in African cities. It does this by tracking the Presidency's role in shaping Angola's capital, Luanda, in the 1990s and 2000s. The Presidency consolidated power through the urban landscape even in moments when it seemed state presence had totally collapsed. The article therefore shows that a more nuanced understanding of the logics of power in African cities can reveal the ongoing significance of state institutions to their making, even in contexts where the everyday experience of state capacity is one of absence or negligence.
Formation, nutritional value, and enhancement of characteristic components in black garlic: A review for maximizing the goodness to humans
Authors: Qiu Zhichang , Zheng Zhenjia , Zhang Bin , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Qiao Xuguang
Published: January 2020

Black garlic (BG) is essentially a processed food and obtained through the transformation of fresh garlic (FG) (Allium sativum L.) via a range of chemical reactions (including the Maillard reaction) and microbial fermentation. This review provides the up‐to‐date knowledge of the dynamic and complicated changes in major components during the conversion of FG to BG, including moisture, lipids, carbohydrates (such as sugars), proteins, organic acids, organic sulfur compounds, alkaloids, polyphenols, melanoidins, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and garlic endophytes. The obtained evidence confirms that BG has several advantages over FG in certain product attributes and biological properties (especially antioxidant activity), and the factors affecting the quality of BG include the type and characteristics of FG and processing technologies and methods (especially pretreatments, and processing temperature and humidity). The interactions among garlic components, and between garlic nutrients and microbes, as well as the interplay between pretreatment and main manufacturing process, all determine the sensory and nutritional qualities of BG. Before BG is marketed as a novel snack or functional food, more research is required to fill the knowledge gaps related to quantitative monitoring of the changes in metabolites (especially those taste‐active and/or biological‐active substances) during BG manufacturing to maximize BG's antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, anti‐inflammatory, immunostimulatory, anti‐allergic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and oxidative stress‐/hangover syndrome‐reducing functions, and beneficial effects on memory/nervous systems. Assessments of the quality, efficacy, and safety of BG should be performed considering the impacts of BG production conditions, postproduction handling, and intake methods.
Recent progress in the use of functional foods for older adults: A narrative review
Authors: Jędrusek‐Golińska Anna , Górecka Danuta , Buchowski Maciej , Wieczorowska‐Tobis Katarzyna , Gramza‐Michałowska Anna , Szymandera‐Buszka Krystyna
Published: January 2020

The number and proportion of older adults are increasing globally, and it is predicted that in 2020, there will be 723 million people worldwide aged 66 and older. In recent decades, numerous studies showed that healthy eating is positively associated with better nutritional status and quality of life, and the decreased incidence of noncommunicable diseases. As older adults become health conscious, the demand for foods and beverages rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased. The increased demand for healthy food stimulated a recent rapid increase in designing, producing, and marketing functional foods to prevent or correct nutrient deficiencies and to improve the nutritional status of older adults. These functional products contain and/or are enriched with dietary fiber; omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; phytoestrogens; polyphenols; carotenoids such as alpha‐ and beta‐carotene; lutein and zeaxanthin; pre‐, pro‐, and synbiotics; and plant sterols and stanols. A limited number of publications have thoroughly addressed the effect of functional foods on the nutritional status of older adults. The goal of this review was to review existing recent research on the role of functional foods in healthy and active aging.
Trace analysis of organic compounds in foods with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Methodology, progress, and challenges
Authors: Huang Yiqun , Wang Xiaohui , Lai Keqiang , Fan Yuxia , Rasco Barbara A.
Published: January 2020

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) provides a potential solution for rapid analysis of trace compounds such as residual pesticides, naturally occurred toxicants, banned or restricted drugs, and food additives in complex food matrices. In this review, the basic principles of SERS and general approaches to successfully apply SERS in food analysis are covered from an applications perspective. The key steps including substrate selection and evaluation, sample preparation and simplification, spectral collection, and data analysis during the development of SERS methods for food analysis are summarized, together with the discussion of typical underlying technical barriers or major challenges of these methods and their applications. Future directions in successfully applying SERS technology as a routine analytical approach to solve real‐world food problems are analyzed. This comprehensive review summarizes the recent progress on theory, application, and scope of SERS for food analysis, providing a basic understanding of the technology; more importantly, key methodology, potential pitfalls, and possible solutions during the development of rapid SERS methods based on authors’ years of SERS experience are shared with researchers in the field.
Leaders’ accounts on employee voice in the Indian context: an exploratory study
Authors: Edakkat Subhakaran Sriji , Dyaram Lata , Dayaram Kantha , Ayentimi Desmond Tutu , Khan Nabila
Published: January 2020

This paper highlights the nature of individualistic employee voice in the context of contemporary Indian organisations. As the demand for knowledge workers increase, more organisations are finding that employee voice is critical for developing business intelligence. Yet, organisations often find their employees mostly silent despite the potential of knowledge sharing. Considering the benefits and the implicit costs associated with employee voice, the paper draws on senior executives’ accounts of employee voice that represent varied industry sectors and uses qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate broad themes around the nature, content, boundaries, avenues, and targets of voice along with its underlying mechanisms. The paper extends management perspectives on employee voice behaviour and contributes towards understanding the intricacies of individual dynamics and human experience in voice scholarship. The study has implications for Indian indigenous voice research and practice.
Influence of homopolysaccharide‐producing lactic acid bacteria on the spreadability of raw fermented sausages (onion mettwurst)
Authors: Hilbig Jonas , Hildebrandt Lisa , Herrmann Kurt , Weiss Jochen , Loeffler Myriam
Published: January 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a reduced pH value (5.1 instead of 5.5 to 5.6) on the properties of highly perishable, spreadable raw fermented sausages (onion mettwurst) with or without the addition of homopolysaccharide (HoPS)‐producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Hence, sausages with HoPS‐producing LAB and a pH value of 5.1 were produced and compared to sausages (pH 5.1) produced with a non‐exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐forming strain (Lactobacillus sakei TMW 1.2037). Microbial growth and pH values were monitored during processing (24 °C for 48 hr, 10 °C for 24 hr) and storage (14 days at 0 to 2 °C). Furthermore, fat (Weibull–Stoldt) and EPS contents were determined in the final products. Sausages were characterized using texture profile and sensory analysis. The fat contents ranged from 16% to 19% and the determined EPS concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 0.59 g/kg for L. sakei TMW 1.411 and Lactobacillus curvatus TMW 1.1928 and from 0.67 to 1.58 g/kg for L. curvatus TMW 1.51. The strains L. sakei TMW 1.411 and L. curvatus TMW 1.51 reduced the hardness of the samples significantly (P < 0.05) compared to the control samples. Regarding spreadability and mouthfeel, sausages containing an EPS‐forming culture were rated slightly better than the control samples and the taste was not negatively influenced.

Practical Application

This study clearly demonstrated that it is promising to apply HoPS‐producing LAB to maintain the spreadability of pH‐reduced (pH 5.1) spreadable raw fermented onion mettwurst, which may prospectively give the opportunity to increase the safety of this highly perishable product.
Intensification of polyphenols extraction from orange peels using infrared as a novel and energy saving pretreatment
Authors: El Kantar Sally , Rajha Hiba N. , Maroun Richard G. , Louka Nicolas
Published: January 2020

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a nonconventional pretreatment technique “infrareds free solvent” on the intensification of polyphenols extraction from orange peels. Orange peels were pretreated with infrared heating using a ceramic infrared transmitter from 5 to 25 min at 50 °C. After the addition of the solvent on the pretreated peels, ultrasound treatment was applied on the mixture using an ultrasound generator connected to a titanium ultrasound probe, from 5 to 30 min, at 50 °C. Results showed that the application of ultrasounds on untreated peels enhanced the extraction of polyphenols by 62.5% compared to the conventional solid–liquid extraction. Twenty minutes of infrared pretreatment improved the extraction of polyphenols by 47% with solid–liquid extraction, and 112% with ultrasounds after 30 min compared to solid–liquid extraction from untreated peels. Different combinations of infrared pretreatment and ultrasound assisted extraction were then applied on orange peels. The most advantageous combination in terms of energy consumption and polyphenols extraction has been found for a 20 min infrared pretreatment time and 5 min ultrasound assisted extraction of polyphenols.

Practical Application

Orange peels are valuable sources of natural antioxidants such as polyphenols. Ultrasound‐assisted extraction can improve the extraction of polyphenols compared to conventional solid–liquid extraction. To intensify the extraction process, infrared heating can be used as a simple, low cost, and energy saving method. The combined effect of “infrareds free solvent” and ultrasounds allowed the extraction of the highest yields of polyphenols with a high antiradical capacity and a low energy consumption in comparison to conventional extraction.
Soil microbial diversity drops with land‐use change in a high mountain temperate forest: a metagenomics survey
Authors: Muñoz‐Arenas Ligia C. , Fusaro Carmine , Hernández‐Guzmán Mario , Dendooven Luc , Estrada‐Torres Arturo , Navarro‐Noya Yendi E.
Published: January 2020

Land‐use change has been identified as the most severe threat to biodiversity. Soils are important biodiversity reservoirs, but to what extent conversion of high‐altitude temperate forest to arable land affects taxonomic and functional soil biodiversity is still largely unknown. Shotgun metagenomics was used to determine the taxonomic and functional diversity of bacteria, archaea and DNA virus in terms of effective number of species in high‐altitude temperate oak and pine‐oak forest and arable soils from Mexico. Generally, the soil ecosystem maintained its microbial species richness notwithstanding land‐use change. Archaea diversity was not affected by land‐use change, but the bacterial diversity decreased with 45–55% when the oak forest was converted to arable land and 65–75% when the pine‐oak forest was. Loss in bacterial diversity as a result of land‐use change was positively correlated (R2 = 0.41) with the 10–25% loss in functional diversity. The archaeal communities were evener than the bacterial ones, which might explain their different response to land‐use change. We expected a decrease in DNA viral communities as the bacterial diversity decreased, i.e. their potential hosts. However, a higher viral diversity was found in the arable than in the forest soils. It was found that converting high altitude oak and pine‐oak forests to arable land more than halved the bacterial diversity, but did not affect the archaeal and even increased the viral diversity.
A prospective study examining the impact of uniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery on the short‐term quality of life in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Xu Guang‐wen , Xie Ming‐ran , Wu Han‐ran , Xiong Ran , Li Cai‐wei , Xu Shi‐bin , Xu Mei‐qing , Li Tian
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of uniportal and three‐portal VATS in lung cancer patients on the postoperative short‐term quality of life (QOL).

Methods

A single‐center, prospective, nonrandomized study was performed on patients who underwent uniportal or three‐portal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and systemic mediastinal lymph node dissection. QOL was measured before surgery at baseline and at one, two, four, and eight weeks after the operation. The measured data of normal distribution were indicated by the mean ± standard deviation, the independent sample t‐test was used among the groups, and the χ2 test was used to compare the counting. Non‐normal distribution of the measurement data was carried out using the Mann‐Whitney test.

Results

Preoperative functional areas, symptom areas and overall health scores were similar in the two groups. The physical, role, emotional and social functions and overall health status of the uniportal group were significantly higher than those of the three‐portal group in postoperative time. The score of symptom field was higher in one week after operation, the score of two, four and eight weeks decreased gradually, but it was still above the preoperative level, and the fatigue and pain of the uniportal group were significantly lower than that of the three‐portal group.

Conclusion

The advantages of uniportal VATS include a shorter hospital stay, more rapid recovery and superior cosmetic results compared to three‐portal VATS. Additionally, uniportal VATS is superior to three‐portal thoracoscopic surgery in terms of the immediate postoperative short‐term QOL.
Slicing: A sustainable approach to structuring samples for analysis in long‐term studies
Authors: van Lieshout Sil H. J. , Froy Hannah , Schroeder Julia , Burke Terry , Simons Mirre J. P. , Dugdale Hannah L.
Published: January 2020

The longitudinal study of populations is a core tool for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes. Long‐term studies typically collect samples repeatedly over individual lifetimes and across generations. These samples are then analysed in batches (e.g. qPCR plates) and clusters (i.e. group of batches) over time in the laboratory. However, these analyses are constrained by cross‐classified data structures introduced biologically or through experimental design. The separation of biological variation from the confounding among‐batch and among‐cluster variation is crucial, yet often ignored.

The commonly used approaches to structuring samples for analysis, sequential and randomization, generate bias due to the non‐independence between time of collection and the batch and cluster they are analysed in. We propose a new sample structuring strategy, called slicing, designed to separate confounding among‐batch and among‐cluster variation from biological variation. Through simulations, we tested the statistical power and precision to detect within‐individual, between‐individual, year and cohort effects of this novel approach.

Our slicing approach, whereby recently and previously collected samples are sequentially analysed in clusters together, enables the statistical separation of collection time and cluster effects by bridging clusters together, for which we provide a case study. Our simulations show, with reasonable slicing width and angle, similar precision and similar or greater statistical power to detect year, cohort, within‐ and between‐individual effects when samples are sliced across batches, compared with strategies that aggregate longitudinal samples or use randomized allocation.

While the best approach to analysing long‐term datasets depends on the structure of the data and questions of interest, it is vital to account for confounding among‐cluster and batch variation. Our slicing approach is simple to apply and creates the necessary statistical independence of batch and cluster from environmental or biological variables of interest. Crucially, it allows sequential analysis of samples and flexible inclusion of current data in later analyses without completely confounding the analysis. Our approach maximizes the scientific value of every sample, as each will optimally contribute to unbiased statistical inference from the data. Slicing thereby maximizes the power of growing biobanks to address important ecological, epidemiological and evolutionary questions.
From alpha to beta functional and phylogenetic redundancy
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Laroche Fabien , Szeidl László , Pavoine Sandrine
Published: January 2020

Plot‐level redundancy or alpha redundancy is usually defined as the fraction of species diversity not expressed by functional or phylogenetic diversity. Redundancy is zero when all species in one plot are maximally dissimilar from each other. In contrast, redundancy tends to its maximum if the functional or phylogenetic differences between species tend to be minimal.

To explore the ecological drivers of community assembly, ecologists also use dissimilarity measures between pairs of plots (a component of beta diversity). Traditional dissimilarity measures summarize compositional differences between pairs of plots based either on species presence and absence data or on species abundances, thus attributing equal distinctiveness between any two species.

In the last decades a number of dissimilarity measures which incorporate information on functional or phylogenetic differences among species have been proposed. On the basis of such improved measures, we can define an index of beta redundancy for a pair of plots as the fraction of species dissimilarity not expressed by functional or phylogenetic dissimilarity.

A necessary condition to get a meaningful index of beta redundancy is that for a given pair of plots, the functional or phylogenetic dissimilarity is always lower or equal to the corresponding species dissimilarity. However, many of the existing indices of functional or phylogenetic dissimilarity can lead to values greater than for species dissimilarity.

The aim of this paper was thus to introduce a new family of tree‐based measures of phylogenetic and functional dissimilarity that conform to this requirement. To show the behaviour of the proposed measures, a worked example with data on Alpine vegetation is used.
Asian water buffalo: domestication, history and genetics
Authors: Zhang Y. , Colli L. , Barker J. S. F.
Published: January 2020

The domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is found on all five continents, with a global population of some 202 million. The livelihoods of more people depend on this species than on any other domestic animal. The two distinct types (river and swamp) descended from different wild Asian water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) populations that diverged some 900 kyr BP and then evolved in separate geographical regions. After domestication in the western region of the Indian subcontinent (ca. 6300 years BP), the river buffalo spread west as far as Egypt, the Balkans and Italy. Conversely, after domestication in the China/Indochina border region ca. 3000–7000 years BP, swamp buffaloes dispersed through south‐east Asia and China as far as the Yangtze River valley. Molecular and morphological evidence indicates that swamp buffalo populations have strong geographic genetic differentiation and a lack of gene flow, but strong phenotypic uniformity. In contrast, river buffalo populations show a weaker phylogeographic structure, but higher phenotypic diversity (i.e. many breeds). The recent availability of a high‐quality reference genome and of a medium‐density marker panel for genotyping has triggered a number of genome‐wide investigations on diversity, evolutionary history, production traits and functional elements. The growing molecular knowledge combined with breeding programmes should pave the way to improvements in production, environmental adaptation and disease resistance in water buffalo populations worldwide.
Changes in the skeletal dimensions of the digits of the thoracic limb of Holstein cows after maturation
Authors: Oishi Motoharu , Kamijo Keiji , Iitani Kana , Sato Reiichiro , Yamada Kazutaka , Ichihara Nobutsune
Published: January 2020

The 12 left digits of the thoracic limb of Holstein female cows were obtained from a slaughterhouse, and 13 linear measurements of skeletal specimens of the digits of the thoracic limb were used in this study. Bivariate plots, regressions and correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships between osteometric data and age, and between osteometric data and body size. The geometric mean (GM) of the metacarpal size was used as a proxy of body weight. The results of the regression analysis demonstrated that the length and the width of the distal phalanx were significantly correlated with age, whereas those of other bones were not. In addition, the correlations of the distal phalanx tended to be higher with age than with the GM of the metacarpal size, and their skeletal measurements tended to be longer in older animals than in younger animals. These findings suggest that the distal phalanx is slightly elongated and enlarged in its solear aspect with increasing age in skeletally mature cows. Moreover, although the side difference in the distal phalanx between the lateral and medial digits did not increase significantly with age, the solear aspect of the distal phalanx tended to be rougher, and deformation of the flexor tubercle tended to be more pronounced in the medial digit compared with the lateral digit. Therefore, in the distal phalanx of the front feet, the skeletal deformation with age and asymmetrical bone development might be related to the pathogenesis of claw horn lesions, as in the hind feet.
Review of emotional intelligence in health care: an introduction to emotional intelligence for surgeons
Authors: Sharp Gary , Bourke Lorna , Rickard Matthew J. F. X.
Published: January 2020

Background

The aim of this review is to explain the components of emotional intelligence (EI) and explore the benefits within today's health care system with an emphasis on surgery. EI is a person's ability to understand their own emotions and those of the individuals they interact with. Higher individual EI has multiple proposed benefits, such as reducing stress, burnout and increasing work satisfaction. The business world recognizes EI as beneficial in terms of performance and outcomes. Could surgeons benefit from being more cognisant of EI and methods of assessing and improving EI to reap the aforementioned benefits?

Methods

A search of Embase, Cochrane and Medline databases using the following search terms; emotional intelligen*, surg*, medic* yielded 95 articles. After review of all the literature 39 remaining articles and five text books were included.

Results

To perform optimally, surgeons must be aware of their own emotions and others. EI differs from IQ and can be taught, learnt and improved upon. EI is measured via validated self‐reporting questionnaires and ‘multi‐rater’ assessments. High EI is positively associated with leadership skills in surgeons, non‐technical skills, reduction in surgeon stress, burnout and increased job satisfaction, all of which translate to better patient relationships and care. Future implications of EI have been postulated as a measure of performance, a selection tool for training positions and a marker of burnout. EI should be an explicit part of contemporary surgical education and training.
In‐between: Re‐migration, orbital mobilities and emotional circulations of women from China to Taiwan and back to China
Authors: Zani Beatrice
Published: January 2020

After a first labour migration from the countryside to the city in China, some Chinese migrant working women are engaged in marriage migration to Taiwan. There, they face social, gendered and economic subalternity. Therefore, some women divorce and re‐migrate to China, to the city they had been previously working in, where they remobilise social, economic and emotional resources, as well as the new competences and knowledge capitalised during mobility experiences in China and Taiwan. They oscillate between new local and global scales, and generate creative social, economic and emotional connections among spaces, places and people. Mobilities take the shape of physical and virtual, material and emotional ‘orbits’, connecting diverse spatialities, temporalities and affections. Drawing on a multi‐situated global ethnographic work tracking women's migrations from China to Taiwan and from Taiwan to China, this article contributes to the study of physical and virtual, material and emotional mobilities of migrants in a globalised social world of interconnection and hypermobility. It provides insights to apprehend, theoretically, methodologically and empirically, the link between mobilities, emotions the digitalisation of social and economic practices. Navigating through spatialities, temporalities and emotions, Chinese women produce ‘in‐between’ cosmopolitan biographies inside mutating and fluid local and global, physical and virtual, spaces. Mobilities take an orbital shape, embedded in social and affectional relations, economic practices, and emotions.
Attenuation of fear‐conditioned analgesia in rats by monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition in the anterior cingulate cortex: Potential role for CB2 receptors
Authors: Corcoran Louise , Mattimoe Darragh , Roche Michelle , Finn David P.
Published: January 2020

Background and Purpose

Improved understanding of brain mechanisms regulating endogenous analgesia is important from a fundamental physiological perspective and for identification of novel therapeutic strategies for pain. The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in stress‐induced analgesia, including fear‐conditioned analgesia (FCA), a potent form of endogenous analgesia. Here, we studied the role of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG) within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC; a brain region implicated in the affective component of pain) in FCA in rats.

Experimental Approach

FCA was modelled in male Lister‐hooded rats by assessing formalin‐evoked nociceptive behaviour in an arena previously paired with footshock. The effects of intra‐ACC administration of MJN110 (inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase [MGL], the primary enzyme catabolizing 2‐AG), AM630 (CB2 receptor antagonist), AM251 (CB1 receptor antagonist) or MJN110 + AM630 on FCA were assessed.

Key Results

MJN110 attenuated FCA when microinjected into the ACC, an effect associated with increased levels of 2‐AG in the ACC. This effect of MJN110 on FCA was unaltered by co‐administration of AM251 but was blocked by AM630, which alone reduced nociceptive behaviour in non‐fear‐conditioned rats. RT‐qPCR confirmed that mRNA encoding CB1 and CB2 receptors was detectable in the ACC of formalin‐injected rats and unchanged in those expressing FCA.

Conclusion and Implications

These results suggest that an MGL substrate in the ACC, likely 2‐AG, modulates FCA and that within the ACC, 2‐AG‐CB2 receptor signalling may suppress this form of endogenous analgesia. These results may facilitate increased understanding and improved treatment of pain‐ and fear‐related disorders and their co‐morbidity.
Co‐creation of new solutions through gamification: A collaborative innovation practice
Authors: Patricio Rui , Moreira Antonio , Zurlo Francesco , Melazzini Michele
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to explore the main implications of gamification approaches to collaborative innovation and particularly to co‐creation, i.e. the interaction and interchange of ideas between users, customers, suppliers and other actors in the development of new solutions. Despite the few approaches attempting to make co‐creation more ludic and accessible, researchers have yet to analyse the link between gamification and co‐creation in an extensive manner. In order to better understand this unexplored relationship, empirical case research studies have been conducted with multi‐actors participating in a real‐life co‐creation project through the deployment of a gamified method and tool (ideaChef®), as well as a combination of different instruments, involving speed meetings, workshops, debriefings and interviews. Besides advancing the body of knowledge on collaborative innovation practices and conceptualizing the relationship between gamification and co‐creation, this paper provides important implications for managers on how multiple actors can be engaged and coordinated in such practices through gamification. The paper's main contribution lies in the suggestion that engagement goes hand in hand with coordination, and that a combination of both will be the best strategy for co‐creating new solutions through gamification.
Sino‐nasal outcome test–22: Cross‐cultural adaptation and validation in Russian speaking patients
Authors: Eisenbach Netanel , Matot Sofi , Nemet Achia , Sela Eyal , Marshak Tal , Ronen Ohad
Published: January 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relatively common disease, which significantly affects the patient's quality of life (QoL). Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test–22 (SNOT‐22) is a QoL questionnaire, which allows quantifying patients' complaints. Our aim was to translate and validated the SNOT‐22 into the Russian language.

Methods

Translation and validation of SNOT‐22 questionnaire was performed through forward‐backward translation technique. After proper translation, the translated questionnaire was completed by CRS patients before and after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and by healthy individuals as controls.

Results

Thirty‐four native Russian‐speaking CRS patients completed the Russian version of the SNOT‐22 questionnaire before and after ESS. The internal consistency for reliability assessment was very good (mean Cronbach's alpha = 0.816 for CRS patients). Mean scores for the preoperative, postoperative and control groups were 67.6, 18.1 and 9.2, respectively (P < .001), showing validity and responsiveness of the questionnaire.

Conclusion

The Russian version of the SNOT‐22 questionnaire is a valid outcome measure for patients with CRS.
Corporate social responsibility and cost of financing—The importance of the international corporate governance system
Authors: Desender Kurt A. , LópezPuertas‐Lamy Mónica , Pattitoni Pierpaolo , Petracci Barbara
Published: January 2020

Research Question/Issue

Our study examines whether international corporate governance systems shape the relationship between a firm's engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and their cost of financing (both equity and debt).

Research Findings/Insights

Using a large international sample, our findings reveal that although the link between CSR performance and the cost of equity is negative in a shareholder‐oriented system, this relationship is positive in a stakeholder‐oriented system. Furthermore, the link between CSR performance and the cost of debt is negative for firms that are close to default in both systems.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study highlights the importance of considering the shareholder/stakeholder orientation at the country level to explain the link between CSR performance and the cost of financing. Our findings help to explain and place into context the previous mixed findings on the relationship between CSR and the cost of equity and debt and add to the debate about whether CSR is beneficial or detrimental to corporate governance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The analysis of how the country corporate governance system influences the effect of CSR performance on the cost of financing allows for a deeper understanding of how investors respond to CSR initiatives worldwide and offers managers, directors, and policy makers context‐specific recommendations. Our analysis also highlights the limitations of transferring insights regarding CSR from one corporate governance system to another.