bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of an adaptive epigenetic cell state in human bladder urothelial carcinoma evolution
Authors: Xiao Yu , Jin Wan , Qian Kaiyu , Wu Kai , Wang Gang , Jiang Wei , Cao Rui , Ju Lingao , Zhao Yan , Zheng Hang , Liu Tongzu , Chang Luyuan , Xu Zilin , Wang Ting , Luo Jun , Shan Liuying , Yu Fang , Chen Xintong , Liu Dongmei , Cao Hong , Yang Zhonghua , Li Sheng , Shi Hongjie , Guo Zhongqiang , Gong Yan , Liu Nan , Li Shenjuan , Wang Yejinpeng , Cao Xinyue , Ding Wenjun , Zhou Wei , Cui Diansheng , Tian Ye , Ji Chundong , Luo Yongwen , Hong Xin , Ma Haoli , Chen Fangjin , Peng Minsheng , Zhang Yi , Wang Xinghuan
Published: November 2021

Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) of bladder cancer (BLCA) facilitates therapy resistance and immune evasion to affect clinical prognosis directly. However, the molecular and cellular mechanism generating ITH in BLCA remains elusive. Here we show that a TM4SF1-positive cancer subpopulation (TPCS) drives ITH diversification in BLCA. By extensive profiling of the epigenome and transcriptome of BLCA from 79 donors across all stages, we elucidated the evolution trajectories of luminal and basal BLCA. TPCS emerges from the basal trajectory and shows extensive transcriptional plasticity with a distinct epigenomic landscape. Clinically, TPCS were enriched in advanced stage patients and associated with poor prognosis. Our results showed how cancer adapts to its environment by adopting a stem cell-like epigenomic landscape.
A database and comprehensive analysis of the algae genomes
Authors: Shi Chengcheng , Liu Xiaochuan , Han Kai , Peng Ling , Li Liangwei , Ge Qijin , Fan Guangyi
Published: November 2021

Algae characterize their high diversity, taxonomy and morphology for wide-used studying the plant origins and terrestrialization, as well as multicellular evolution. Due to the genome assembly challenge of algae caused by symbionts with microbiome, the published algae genomes are relatively less than the terrestrial plants. Here we comprehensively collected and re-annotated 191 available algae genomes distributed in nine major lineages. We systemically investigated the genome features including genome size, assembly continuity and integrity, GC content, abundance of repetitive sequences and protein-coding gene number. We construct the phylogenetic trees using 193 algae genomes, which is consistent with the well-known evolution path that Glaucophyte is the most ancient, going through eight lineages, and finally evolved to terrestrial plants. We also examined the Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) genes distribution in algae genomes and provides a substantial genomic resource for functional gene origins and plant evolution.
The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA): Development of a New Adapted Assessment Measure for Remote Telehealth Administration through COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Dow Deanna , Holbrook Alison , Toolan Christina , McDonald Nicole , Sterrett Kyle , Rosen Nicole , Kim So Hyun , Lord Catherine
Published: November 2021

Interest in telehealth assessment for autism has increased due to COVID-19 and subsequent expansion of remote psychological services, though options that are easy for clinicians to adopt and available through the lifespan are limited. The Brief Observation of Symptoms of Autism (BOSA) provides a social context with standardized materials and activities that can be coded by clinicians trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The current project examined psychometric properties to determine optimal use for each BOSA version. Three hundred and seven participants with 453 BOSAs were included to determine best performing items for algorithms, validity, sensitivity, specificity, recommended cut-offs, and proposed ranges of concern. While preliminary, the BOSA provides a promising new option for telehealth-administered assessment for autism.
Using portable air purifiers to reduce airborne transmission of infectious respiratory viruses – a computational fluid dynamics study
Authors: Guo Liwei , Torii Ryo , Epstein Ruth , Rubin John , Reid Jonathan P. , Li Haoran , Ducci Andrea , Balachandran Ramanarayanan , Tiwari Manish K. , Ventikos Yiannis , Lovat Laurence B.
Published: November 2021

Aerosols and droplets generated from expiratory events play a critical role in the transmission of infectious respiratory viruses. Increasingly robust evidence has suggested the crucial role of fine aerosols in airborne transmission of respiratory diseases, which is now widely regarded as an important transmission path of COVID-19. In this report, we used CFD modelling to investigate the efficiency of using portable air purifiers containing HEPA filters to reduce airborne aerosols in hospitals and serve as a potential retrofit mitigation strategy. We used a consulting room to set up our simulations because currently the clearance time between consultations is the controlling factor that limits the patient turnover rate. The results suggest the inlet/suction of the air purifier unit should be lifted above the floor to achieve better clearance efficiency, with up to 40% improvement possible. If multiple air purifiers are used, the combined efficiency can increase to 62%. This work provides practical guidance on a mitigation strategy that can be easily implemented in an expedient, cost-effective and rapid manner, and paves the way for developing more science-informed strategies to mitigate the airborne transmission of respiratory infections in hospitals.
Coherent theta oscillations in the cerebellum and supplementary motor area mediate visuomotor adaptation
Authors: Tzvi Elinor , Gajiyeva Leila , Bindel Laura , Hartwigsen Gesa , Classen Joseph
Published: November 2021

The cerebellum and its interaction with cortical areas play a key role in our ability to flexibly adapt a motor program in response to sensory input. Current knowledge about specific neural mechanisms underlying the process of visuomotor adaptation is however lacking. Using a novel placement of EEG electrodes to record electric activity from the cerebellum, we studied local cerebellar activity, as well as its coupling with neocortical activity to obtain direct neurophysiological markers of visuomotor adaptation in humans. We found increased theta (4-8Hz) power in “cerebellar” as well as cortical electrodes, when subjects first encountered a visual perturbation. Theta power decreased as subjects adapted to the perturbation, and rebounded when the perturbation was suddenly removed. This effect was observed in two distinct locations: a cerebellar cluster and a central cluster, which were localized in left cerebellar crus I (lCB) and right supplementary motor area (rSMA) using linear constrained minimum variance beamforming. Importantly, we found that better adaptation was associated with increased theta power in left cerebellar electrodes and a right sensorimotor cortex electrode. Finally, increased rSMA –> lCB connectivity was significantly decreased with adaptation. These results demonstrate that: (1) cerebellar theta power is markedly modulated over the course of visuomotor adaptation and (2) theta oscillations could serve as a key mechanism for communication within a cortico-cerebellar loop.
Hidden and apparent twins in uranyl-oxide minerals agrinierite and rameauite: a demonstration of metric and reticular merohedry
Authors: Plášil Jakub , Petříček Václav , Škoda Radek , Meisser Nicolas , Kasatkin Anatoly V.
Published: November 2021

In this work, the structures of chemically related uranyl-oxide minerals agrinierite and rameauite have been revisited and some corrections to the available structure data are provided. Both structures were found to be twinned. The two minerals are chemically similar, and though their structures differ considerably, their unit-cell metrics are similar. Agrinierite was found to be twinned by metric merohedry (diffraction type I), whereas the structure of rameauite is twinned by reticular merohedry (diffraction type II). The twinning of the monoclinic unit cells (true cells) leads to pseudo-orthorhombic or pseudo-tetragonal supercells in the single-crystal diffraction patterns of both minerals. According to the new data and refinement, agrinierite is monoclinic (space group Cm), with a = 14.069 (3), b = 14.220 (3), c = 13.967 (3) Å, β = 120.24 (12)° and V = 2414.2 (12) Å3 (Z = 2). The twinning can be expressed as a mirror in (101) (apart from the inversion twin), which leads to a supercell with a = 14.121, b = 14.276, c = 24.221 Å and V = 2 × 2441 Å3, which is F centered. The new structure refinement converged to R = 3.54% for 6545 unique observed reflections with I > 3σ(I) and GOF = 1.07. Rameauite is also monoclinic (space group Cc), with a = 13.947 (3), b = 14.300 (3), c = 13.888 (3) Å, β = 118.50 (3)° and V = 2434.3 (11) Å3 (Z = 2). The twinning can be expressed as a mirror in (101) (apart from the inversion twin), which leads to a supercell with a = 14.223, b = 14.300, c = 23.921 Å and V = 2 × 2434 Å3, which is C centered. The new structure refinement of rameauite converged to R = 4.23% for 2344 unique observed reflections with I > 3σ(I) and GOF = 1.48. The current investigation documented how peculiar twinning can be, not only for this group of minerals, and how care must be taken in handling the data biased by twinning.
Structural features of the oxidonitridophosphates K3
M
III(PO3)3N (M
III = Al, Ga)
Authors: Zatovsky Igor V. , Ogorodnyk Ivan V. , Baumer Vyacheslav N. , Zhilyak Ivan D. , Horda Ruslana V. , Strutynska Nataliya Yu.
Published: November 2021

Cubic crystals of tripotassium aluminium (or gallium) nitridotriphosphate, K3
M
III(PO3)3N (M
III = Al, Ga), were grown by application of the self-flux method. In their isostructural crystal structures, all metal cations and the N atom occupy special positions with site symmetry 3, while the P and O atoms are situated in general positions. The three-dimensional framework of these oxidonitridophosphates is built up from [M
IIIO6] octahedra linked together via (PO3)3N groups. The latter are formed from three PO3N tetrahedra sharing a common N atom. The coordination environments of the three potassium cations are represented by two types of polyhedra, viz. KO9 for one and KO9N for the other two cations. An unusual tetradentate type of coordination for the latter potassium cations by the (PO3)3N6– anion is observed. These K3
M
III(PO3)3N (M
III = Al, Ga) compounds are isostructural with the Na3
M
III(PO3)3N (M
III = Al, V, Ti) compounds.
Silence has no place: a framing analysis of corporate statements about racial inequity, immigration policy and LGBTQ rights
Authors: Sterbenk Yvette M. , Ward Jamie , Luttrell Regina , Shelton Summer
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study explores the framing of messages delivered by 105 Fortune 500 companies across 21 sectors in June 2020 in response to three social justice issues that took prominence that month in the United States: racial inequity, immigration laws and LGBTQ rights.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers compiled a list of the top five companies in each sector on the 2020 Fortune 500 list, with a resulting list of N = 21 sectors and N = 105 companies. A database of corporate statements was compiled along with a comprehensive list of recurring themes. Quantitative framing analysis was used to examine each corporate statement.

Findings

Seventy percent of the companies examined made statements about the issue of racial injustice, 58% about LGBTQ issues and only 6% about immigration policy. Coders identified the most frequent message type coded on each social justice issue: racial inequity –“Working Together”; immigration policy – “Celebration”; LGBTQ rights – “Celebration.”

Research limitations/implications

This study relied on a quantitative analysis of themes, but it did not analyze the specific language or media used. Further examination of rhetorical choices could uncover additional meanings in the messages.

Practical implications

Companies are increasingly called upon to speak out on controversial issues. This can be challenging for communicators who are deciding how to respond. This study sheds light on the common frames used in corporate statements.

Originality/value

No studies to date have adopted a content analysis approach to assess the content of corporate activist statements. Examining the messages is important because, as more companies become increasingly vocal about social issues, stakeholders utilize this information to judge the sincerity of both the company and the message.
The way you make me abuse: impression management matters
Authors: Chen Yuan-Ling , Chu Ting Yi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Drawing on the perspectives of emotional labor, self-concept and impression management, this study presents two major findings: (1) employees' excessive reliance on impression management can bother supervisors, and (2) the effectiveness of impression management depends on how the management affects targets' attribution of characteristics to actors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a cross-sectional design and a sample of 259 employees to investigate the antecedents of abusive supervision and, in this regard, the potential mediating effects of impression management. Through Mplus analysis, the authors specifically show that deep acting and surface acting affect impression management and that impression management activates abusive supervision.

Findings

Emotional labor is critical in triggering abusive supervision through impression management. The study specifically shows that impression management mediates two types of relationships: (1) the relationship between deep acting and abusive supervision, and (2) the relationship between surface acting and abusive supervision. The findings contribute to the abusive supervision literature by clarifying how impression management functions.

Originality/value

This study, by addressing how emotional labor is a potential antecedent of abusive supervision, reveals that impression management can be a mixed blessing, insofar as emotional labor can contribute to abusive supervision.
Hospital responses to COVID-19: evidence from case studies to support future healthcare design research
Authors: Setola Nicoletta , Naldi Eletta , Arnetoli Maria Vittoria , Marzi Luca , Bologna Roberto
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The Covid-19 pandemic has placed health-care systems and their facilities throughout the world under immense pressure. The pandemic has highlighted the crucial role of health-care facilities design in looking beyond the ongoing crisis and considering how hospitals can better prepare for unexpected future health situations. This study aims to investigate how hospitals reacted to the crisis in terms of their physical spaces, which architectural features permitted the necessary transformations, and how this data can inform hospital design research in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative and multi-method approach to case studies. Data was collected directly (field survey and interviews) and indirectly (literature, periodicals, specialised websites, webinars, conferences and forums), and a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats analysis supported the data evaluation.

Findings

Hospitals’ responses to the crisis were guided by a host of variables depending on the specific intervention context and risk scenario. Some key issues emerged as particularly meaningful to drive future research in hospital design, namely, architectural typology, layout and spatial proximities, technological systems, the quality of care spaces, the role of public spaces, facility management tools to drive the transformation, territorial health care networks and new technologies.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that the current crisis can be transformed into an opportunity, in terms of research and innovation, to rethink and improve the quality and efficiency of health-care spaces, restoring their crucial role of promoting health by design.
Modeling the robotics implementation barriers for construction projects in developing countries
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Albukhari Ibraheem , Dada Adeyemi James
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the barriers militating against the adoption of robotics in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Robotics implementation barriers were obtained from the previous studies and then through questionnaire survey construction stakeholders in Nigeria evaluate these barriers. Consequently, these barriers were examined via the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique. Furthermore, a model of these barriers was implemented by means of a partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The EFA results showed that these barriers could be categorized into two: cost and technology. Results obtained from the proposed model showed that platform tools were crucial tools for implementing cloud computing.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research work will be provided a solid foundation for critically assessing and appreciating the different barriers affecting the adoption of robotics.
Providing a headquarters for business to a company from the same capital group and the status of an obligated institution
Authors: Ledwoń Paulina
Published: November 2021

Purpose

By implementing Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of May 20, 2015, the Polish legislator decided to pass the Act of 1 March 2018 on counteracting money laundering and financing of terrorism (AML). In connection with it, many interpretative doubts have arisen. The purpose of this paper is to explain one of them, namely, to indicate whether the provision by a company of a registered office for economic activity to another company from the same capital group means that the company granting its headquarters has achieved the status of an obligated institution pursuant to Article 2 section 1 point 16 letter c) of AML.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a grammatical, systemic and functional interpretation. It is enriched with national and supranational regulations, doctrinal considerations and current jurisprudence.

Findings

On the basis of the conducted analysis, the author concludes that providing a headquarters to another company from the same capital group may mean meeting the conditions of an obligated institution within the meaning of Article 2 section 1 point 16 letter c) of AML and obtaining by the company providing the registered office the status of an obliged entity.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the clarification of the AML interpretation problem. Adopting a similar approach when analysing other obligated institutions may positively influence the consolidation of the correct interpretation path of AML regulations.
Reduced self-worth: an investigation of why and when coworker undermining facilitates employee interpersonal deviance
Authors: Quan Jing , Mao Jih-Yu , Shi Yujie , Liang Xiao
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigates why and when undermined employees exhibit deviant behavior toward coworkers. Drawing upon social exchange theory, coworker undermining reduces employee organization-based self-esteem (OBSE), which in turn, fosters employee negative reciprocal behavior in the form of interpersonal deviance. In addition, this study examines the moderating role of relational-interdependent self-construal (RISC) in affecting the indirect effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a two-wave survey. Participants were 316 employees of a service company in western China. Ordinary least squares regressions were used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Coworker undermining is positively related to employee interpersonal deviance, mediated by decreased employee OBSE. In addition, this indirect relationship is more salient for employees with a higher than lower RISC.

Originality/value

This study suggests that employee OBSE serves as an explanation for why coworker undermining leads to employees’ antagonistic consequences. Furthermore, this study highlights the boundary-condition role of RISC in the influence process.
Why employee engagement matters? Evidences from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in India
Authors: Shrotryia Vijay Kumar , Saroha Kirti , Dhanda Upasana
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between organizational commitment (OC) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as mediated by employee engagement (EE). The impact of different facets of OC (affective, continuance and normative) and EE (alignment, affectiveness and action-orientation) is examined with respect to OCB.

Design/methodology/approach

Insights from the literature underpin the hypotheses on how EE mediates the relationship between OC and OCB. Primary data using survey questionnaire were collected from 881 permanent employees of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in India. Hayes' model 4 has been used for the mediation analysis.

Findings

The analyses show that only one facet of OC- affective commitment and the alignment and action-orientation dimensions of EE positively affect OCB. The relationship between OC and OCB is fully mediated by EE.

Practical implications

The results imply that engaging employees is pivotal for effectively fostering citizenship behavior among employees. Organizations should be willing to implement strategies and interventions which enhance the emotional experience of employees to foster a sense of belongingness with the organization and engage them.

Originality/value

The paper draws on a unique data set of a prestigious organization in India to provide insights with substantial degree of generalizability into the relationship between OC, OCB and EE, whilst applying a comprehensive definition of these constructs. It is the first study to examine the inter-relationship among different facets of these constructs.
Supporting strategic management decisions
Authors: Mirza Jeeshan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Knowledge visualization with a strategic digital twin system can help optimize a firms decision making.

Originality

The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Corporate social responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic: a sequential mediation analysis
Authors: Salam Mohammad Asif , Bajaba Saleh
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on purchase intention in the short-term and corporate reputation in the long-term while taking into consideration of the mediating role of brand image and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample comprising 482 participants was selected at random. Hierarchical multiple regression and the PROCESS Macro for SPSS were used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Perceived CSR was found to have significant direct and mediated effects of purchase intention and corporate reputation through brand image and customer satisfaction. The proposed causal chain is pivotal for understanding how CSR perceptions influence, as well as shape purchase intention and perceived reputation.

Research limitations/implications

There are three major implications. First, it is important for consumers to be able to perceive CSR initiatives, to consider them as a strategic investment. Second, firms must develop strategies that promote CSR as being positive for society and the environment, as well as for the firm. Third, perceived CSR is an important predictor in the causal chain of relationships that promote brand image and customer satisfaction, which contributes to reputation and purchase intention. One of the major limitations of this study, although COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic in this study, is that cross-sectional data were collected within a single economy. Hence, a longitudinal study with samples from other economies in the region may be conducted to compare and generalize the findings.

Social implications

At a time when corporate objectives are predominantly designed to satisfy stakeholder interests and to increase return on investment, there is mounting social pressure on shifting managerial mindsets to address issues such as poverty, health and well-being, education for all, social equality, unhealthy consumption, hedonic advertisements, global peace and environmental concerns. Marketing has been criticized for its narrow focus on fulfilling the social needs of a particular target market while ignoring society at large, and this study argues that, through responsible marketing, firms can improve their reputation and at the same time can promote sustainable living.

Originality/value

Direct and mediated relationships that have previously been studied separately are considered together in a serially mediated unified model. This approach provides a better understanding of how perceived CSR can transform purchase intention and reputation.
Complaint management model of manufacturing products using text mining and potential failure identification
Authors: Astanti Ririn Diar , Sutanto Ivana Carissa , Ai The Jin
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework on complaint management system for quality management by applying the text mining method and potential failure identification that can support organization learning (OL). Customer complaints in the form of email text is the input of the framework, while the most frequent complaints are visualized using a Pareto diagram. The company can learn from this Pareto diagram and take action to improve their process.

Design/methodology/approach

The first main part of the framework is creating a defect database from potential failure identification, which is the initial part of the failure mode and effect analysis technique. The second main part is the text mining of customer email complaints. The last part of the framework is matching the result of text mining with the defect database and presenting in the form of a Pareto diagram. After the framework is proposed, a case study is conducted to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method.

Findings

By using the defect database, the framework can interpret the customer email complaints into the list of most defect complained by customer using a Pareto diagram. The results of the Pareto diagram, based on the results of text mining of consumer complaints via email, can be used by a company to learn from complaint and to analyze the potential failure mode. This analysis helps company to take anticipatory action for avoiding potential failure mode happening in the future.

Originality/value

The framework on complaint management system for quality management by applying the text mining method and potential failure identification is proposed for the first time in this paper.
Woody riparian buffers have indirect effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages of French rivers, but land use effects are much stronger
Authors: Le Gall Mickaël , Palt Martin , Kail Jochem , Hering Daniel , Piffady Jérémy
Published: November 2021

Woody riparian buffers (hereafter, ‘woody buffers’) are frequently considered as important to mitigate the effects of stressors on streams and rivers. While several individual studies addressing nutrients, pesticides, water temperature and different biotic components support this conjecture, no study has addressed the effects of woody buffers on riverine biota at country‐wide scales.

We used a comprehensive dataset from sampling sites on 1082 catchments in France, comprising samples of benthic invertebrates, along with data on river size, physico‐chemistry, hydromorphology, riparian and catchment land use and woody buffers at sampling sites and upstream.

Using partial least square modelling, we delineated the effects of the different environmental variables on two benthic invertebrate metrics, separately for siliceous and calcareous rivers.

Overall, models explained 49% (calcareous) and 39% (siliceous) of the variation in benthic invertebrate metrics. Direct effects of woody buffers on benthic invertebrate metrics were marginal, while physico‐chemical conditions and catchment land use explained most of the deviance. Direct and indirect effects of woody buffer together covered up to 6% (upstream scale) plus 2% (local scale) of the explained variability.

Synthesis and applications. In this national‐scale study, on 1082 catchments, we investigated the potential of woody buffers to mitigate the effects of catchment‐scale and local‐scale stressors on macroinvertebrate biodiversity. Our results underline that the establishment of woody buffers is not necessarily a sufficient measure to solve the problem of deteriorating riverine macroinvertebrate communities, especially in catchments prone to intense land use. Nevertheless, two main outcomes included that local woody patches are not sufficient and that woody buffers should be established along longer river stretches. Also, accompanying catchment‐scale measures should be promoted to reduce the effects of intense land use and pollution to a level that enables woody buffers to be effective as well.
‘Out of Lust for Money’? Agency and Marital Strategies in Eighth‐Century Italy
Authors: Fabbro Eduardo
Published: November 2021

This article analyses early medieval Italian marital practices and inquires how Lombard women played the system to increase their agency. It contends that in the eighth century, demographic and social developments created conditions that could favour women in negotiating marriages. These women used their position of power to bargain for better nuptial agreements, resulting in an increase in agency and power within the household. Such perceived imbalance prompted royal authority to intervene, leaving traceable marks in eighth‐century legislation, most notably under King Liutprant (712–44). To contextualise these legal interventions, the article first scrutinises earlier laws for marital practices, introducing basic terms such as morgincap, meta and faderfyo. Then, investigates the demographic and cultural factors related to marriages, including the distribution of the population, the level of celibacy and monastic confinement and rules that limited marital arrangements (such as legislation against incest). Finally, it considers Liutprant's laws for evidence of strategies used by women, considering the dialectics between agency and normative constraints.
Universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection: feasibility and relevance in a French type‐III maternity cohort
Authors: Letamendia‐Richard E , Périllaud‐Dubois C , de La Guillonnière L , Thouard I , Cordier A‐G , Roque‐Afonso A‐M , de Luca D , Benachi A , Vauloup‐Fellous C
Published: November 2021

Objective

Evaluation of relevance and feasibility of universal newborn congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMVI) screening in saliva.

Design

Retrospective, population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Clamart, France, 2016–2020.

Population

All neonates born consecutively in our level III maternity unit.

Methods

CMV PCR in saliva for all neonates at birth, and, if positive, CMV PCR in urine to confirm or exclude cCMVI. Prospective and retrospective characterisation of maternal infections. ROC curve analysis to assess saliva PCR performances. Acceptability of screening among staff members evaluated by a survey.

Main outcome measures

Number of cCMVI neonates; number of expected and unexpected cCMVI.

Results

Among 15 341 tested neonates, 63 had cCMVI (birth prevalence of 0.4%, 95% CI 0.3–0.5). In 50% of cases, maternal infection was a non‐primary infection (NPI) during pregnancy. cCMVI was expected or suspected (maternal primary infection [PI], antenatal or neonatal signs) in 24/63 neonates (38%), and unexpected in 39/63 neonates (62%). The best CMV saliva threshold to predict cCMVI was 356 (2.55 log) copies/ml [95% CI 2.52 log–3.18 log], with an area under the ROC curve of 0.97. Over 90% of the 72 surveyed staff members reported that the screening was easy and quick. No parent refused the screening.

Conclusions

Universal screening for cCMVI with CMV PCR on saliva samples is feasible and highly acceptable to parents and healthcare providers. Over half (62%) of the cases had no prenatal/neonatal signs of cCMVI or a maternal history of CMV infection during pregnancy and would probably not have been diagnosed without universal screening.

Tweetable abstract

In 62% of congenital cytomegalovirus infection cases, only universal neonatal screening in saliva can detect infection.
Unifying individual differences in personality, predictability and plasticity: A practical guide
Authors: O'Dea Rose E. , Noble Daniel W. A. , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: November 2021

Organisms use labile traits to respond to different conditions over short time‐scales. When a population experiences the same conditions, we might expect all individuals to adjust their trait expression to the same, optimal, value, thereby minimising phenotypic variation. Instead, variation abounds. Individuals substantially differ not only from each other, but also from their former selves, with the expression of labile traits varying both predictably and unpredictably over time.

A powerful tool for studying the evolution of phenotypic variation in labile traits is the mixed model. Here, we review how mixed models are used to quantify individual differences in both means and variability, and their between‐individual correlations. Individuals can differ in their average phenotypes (e.g. behavioural personalities), their variability (known as ‘predictability’ or intra‐individual variability), and their plastic response to different contexts.

We provide detailed descriptions and resources for simultaneously modelling individual differences in averages, plasticity and predictability. Empiricists can use these methods to quantify how traits covary across individuals and test theoretical ideas about phenotypic integration. These methods can be extended to incorporate plastic changes in predictability (termed ‘stochastic malleability’).

Overall, we showcase the unfulfilled potential of existing statistical tools to test more holistic and nuanced questions about the evolution, function, and maintenance of phenotypic variation, for any trait that is repeatedly expressed.
Insights into T‐cell dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dai Linbin , Shen Yong
Published: November 2021

T cells, the critical immune cells of the adaptive immune system, are often dysfunctional in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are involved in AD pathology. Reports highlight neuroinflammation as a crucial modulator of AD pathogenesis, and aberrant T cells indirectly contribute to neuroinflammation by secreting proinflammatory mediators via direct crosstalk with glial cells infiltrating the brain. However, the mechanisms underlying T‐cell abnormalities in AD appear multifactorial. Risk factors for AD and pathological hallmarks of AD have been tightly linked with immune responses, implying the potential regulatory effects of these factors on T cells. In this review, we discuss how the risk factors for AD, particularly Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), Aβ, α‐secretase, β‐secretase, γ‐secretase, Tau, and neuroinflammation, modulate T‐cell activation and the association between T cells and pathological AD hallmarks. Understanding these associations is critical to provide a comprehensive view of appropriate therapeutic strategies for AD.
Correlation between computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and cross‐sectional anatomy of the head of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A.A.
Published: November 2021

The current work aimed to study the anatomical features of the guinea pig's head by two medical imaging techniques: computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and their correlation with the anatomical cross‐sectional images. Six adult healthy guinea pigs were used in the present study. Two heads were imaged by CT scanner and then by MRI. The examined heads were cut sagittally and transversely, and two skulls were macerated. The anatomical features were identified on the anatomical sections and compared with the tomographic and MRI images obtained. Data were presented as three‐dimensional reconstructed images of the head. In addition, representative combinations of the sagittal and transverse anatomical sections and the corresponding CT scans and MRI images were also presented. Reconstruction of CT images enabled the visualization of different bony structures and airways of the guinea pig head. In addition, skull bones were easily visualized on CT scans, while different parts of the brain were identified on MRI images. Air cavities could be identified by their different contrast on the CT scans and their low intensity on MRI images. The study showed that guinea pig had poorly developed paranasal sinus system represented by rostral and caudal maxillary sinuses. On the contrary, the guinea pig had two tympanic bullae: a small dorsal and a large ventral bulla. In conclusion, this study provides one of the first investigations that uses the multislice CT scans and MRI to study the guinea pig's head and their correlation with the corresponding anatomical sections.
Conventional versus restricted anti‐Xa‐guided heparin protocol in adult patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Alkazemi Afrah , Eche Ifeoma Mary , Adra May , Cabezas Fausto , Patel Parth , Rick Katelyn , Grandin E. Wilson
Published: November 2021

Objective

The optimal intensity of anticoagulation for adult patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two anticoagulation protocols using conventional (0.3–0.7 IU/ml) versus restricted (0.2–0.5 IU/ml) anti‐factor Xa (anti‐Xa) targets for the management of unfractionated heparin (UFH) in adult ECMO patients.

Methods

This retrospective before‐after cohort study compared two groups of ECMO patients who received UFH for at least 24‐h from March 2016 to May 2019. The primary outcome was the composite rate of major bleeding or thrombotic events per ECMO day. Secondary outcomes included the mean amount of blood products transfused per ECMO day, the proportion of patients who were within the target anti‐Xa at 24‐h, the time to achieve target anti‐Xa, and the number of heparin infusion adjustments to reach target anti‐Xa.

Results

Forty‐one patients were included in this analysis (conventional, n = 25; restricted, n = 16). There was no difference in the composite rate of major bleeding or thrombotic events per ECMO day (p = .090). The restricted group had lower rates of packed red blood cells (pRBC) transfusion per ECMO day (mean 1 ± 1 vs 3 ± 2 units, p = .003) and required fewer heparin infusion adjustments to reach the target (p = .007). There was no difference between the groups in the number of patients who achieved target anti‐Xa at 24‐h (p = .940).

Conclusion

In adult ECMO patients, anticoagulation with a restricted anti‐Xa target was associated with lower pRBC transfusions and did not provoke an excess of thrombotic events.
Analysis of the CHARM Cu‐alloy reference materials using excimer ns‐LA‐ICP‐MS: Assessment of matrix effects and applicability to artefact provenancing
Authors: Steenstra Edgar S. , Berndt Jasper , Klemme Stephan , van Westrenen Wim , Heginbotham Arlen , Davies Gareth R.
Published: November 2021

Excimer nano‐second laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ns‐LA‐ICP‐MS) is an important tool in chemical characterization of Cu alloys. However, variable matrix‐induced elemental fractionation in Cu alloys poses a significant challenge. We systematically investigate this issue by analysing the Cultural Heritage Alloy Reference Material Set (CHARM) of Cu alloy targets. The extent to which silicate glass reference materials can be used when analysing Cu alloy targets is determined, as is the optimal internal standard, for a wide range of Cu alloy compositions. Analyses were further optimized by quantitative assessments of the use of CHARM end‐member materials as external standards for other CHARM Cu alloy targets. The variable magnitude of the observed matrix effects is most readily explained by variations in Cu/Zn ratios and resulting differences in melting and boiling points, compared with external reference materials, making the Zn‐rich Cu alloy targets most prone to matrix effects. With the correct choice of an external matrix‐matched standard (Pb‐rich CHARM reference material 32X LB14F) and internal element standardization, an accuracy of < 20% can be achieved for virtually all elements of interest in brass and bronze artefacts, which is a significant improvement compared with the use of glass external reference materials.
Effect of Export Credit Insurance on Export Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Korea*
Authors: Choi Hyelin , Kim Kyunghun
Published: November 2021

This study examines whether export credit insurance contributes to an increase in exports and investigates the channel through which export credit insurance affects exports. We use detailed Korean short‐term export credit insurance data provided by K‐SURE and conduct a regression with an extensive set of dummy variables using the Poisson pseudo‐maximum‐likelihood estimator. Our regression result shows that short‐term export credit insurance increases exports by mitigating the financial constraints of exporting firms. Furthermore, the export‐enhancing role of short‐term export credit insurance is more significant when the destination country is a developing country or when the exporting companies are small.
Crop type and management are key filtering factors of functional traits in the weed communities of regions with contrasting soils and climates
Authors: Rauber Ruth B. , Demaría Manuel R. , Arroyo Daniel N. , Poggio Santiago L.
Published: November 2021

Questions

Weed community composition responds to the interactions between environmental and management factors at different scales. The aim of this study was to disentangle the relative contributions of factors defining the composition of weed communities through crop type and agronomic management at the field scale, and climate and soil factors at the regional scale.

Location

The study was carried out in croplands in the phytogeographic provinces of Espinal and Pampas in central Argentina.

Methods

The floristic and functional compositions of weed communities in maize and soybean crops were characterized and compared using permutational multivariate analysis of variance and non‐metric multidimensional scaling in the two regions. The Espinal and the Pampas differ in soil and climatic characteristics, but crops are grown with similar management strategies due to the widespread use of no‐tillage and agrochemicals.

Results

Years of continuous cropping, previous crop and sowing date were the most important factors modulating the species composition of both crops at field scale. Perennials and exotics were more abundant in the Pampas, whereas natives were more abundant in the Espinal. Moreover, mechanically dispersed species were more abundant in maize crops in the Pampas. Annuals and barochoric species were closely related to the years of continuous cropping in maize. In soybean, more monocotyledonous species were observed in fields previously cropped with maize, whereas more dicotyledonous and C3 species were observed in fields previously cropped with soybean.

Conclusions

Differences in species composition depend mainly on climatic and biogeographical factors. In contrast, the functional composition of the weed communities in maize and soybean is mostly determined by local factors at field level, which are mostly related to crop identity and agronomic management. The effects of farming practices determine the functional composition of weed communities, which makes crop rotation and thorough cleaning of harvester machines key strategies in the development of weed management.
Obesity as a predictor of treatment‐related toxicity in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Egnell Christina , Heyman Mats , Jónsson Ólafur Gisli , Raja Raheel A. , Niinimäki Riitta , Albertsen Birgitte Klug , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Stabell Niklas , Vaitkeviciene Goda , Lepik Kristi , Harila‐Saari Arja , Ranta Susanna
Published: November 2021

Obesity is associated with poor outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We explored whether severe treatment‐related toxicity and treatment delays could explain this observation. This study included 1 443 children aged 2·0–17·9 years with ALL treated with the Nordic Society of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 non‐high‐risk protocol. Prospective treatment‐related toxicities registered every three‐month interval were used. Patients were classified according to sex‐ and age‐adjusted international childhood cut‐off values, corresponding to adult body mass index: underweight, <17 kg/m2; healthy weight, 17 to <25 kg/m2; overweight, 25 to <30 kg/m2; and obese, ≥30 kg/m2. Obese children had a higher incidence rate ratio (IRR) for severe toxic events {IRR: 1·55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·07–2·50]}, liver and kidney failures, bleeding, abdominal complication, suspected unexpected severe adverse reactions and hyperlipidaemia compared with healthy‐weight children. Obese children aged ≥10 years had increased IRRs for asparaginase‐related toxicities compared with healthy‐weight older children: thromboses [IRR 2·87 (95% CI 1·00–8·21)] and anaphylactic reactions [IRR 7·95 (95% CI 2·15–29·37)] as well as higher risk for truncation of asparaginase [IRR 3·54 (95% CI 1·67–7·50)]. The high prevalence of toxicity and a higher risk of truncation of asparaginase may play a role in the poor prognosis of obese children aged ≥10 years with ALL.