bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of ASIC1a channels in the spinal processing of pain information by deep projection neurons
Authors: Chafaï Magda , Delrocq Ariane , Inquimbert Perrine , Pidoux Ludivine , Delanoe Kevin , Lingueglia Eric , Veltz Romain , Deval Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Dorsal horn of the spinal cord is an important crossroad of pain neuraxis, especially for the neuronal plasticity mechanisms that can lead to chronic pain states. Windup is a well-known spinal pain facilitation process initially described several decades ago, but which exact mechanism is still not fully understood. Here, we combine bothex vivoandin vivoelectrophysiological recordings of spinal neurons with computational modelling to demonstrate a role for ASIC1a-containing channels in the windup process. Spinal application of the ASIC1a inhibitory venom peptides mambalgin-1 and psalmotoxin-1 (PcTx1) significantly reduces the ability of deep wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons to develop windupin vivo. All deep WDR-like neurons recorded from spinal slices exhibit an ASIC current with biophysical and pharmacological characteristics consistent with functional expression of ASIC1a/ASIC2 heteromeric channels. A computational model of WDR neuron supplemented with heteromeric ASIC1a/ASIC2 channel parameters accurately reproduces the experimental data, further supporting a positive contribution of these channels to windup. It also predicts a calcium-dependent windup decrease for elevated ASIC conductances, a phenomenon that was experimentally validated using either a combination of calcium-activated potassium channel inhibitory peptides (apamin and iberiotoxin), or the Texas coral snake ASIC-activating toxin (MitTx). This study demonstrates a possible dual contribution to windup of calcium permeable ASIC1a/ASIC2 channels in deep laminae projecting neurons, promoting it upon moderate channel activity, but ultimately leading to calcium-dependent windup inhibition associated to potassium channels when activity increases.
Taxonomy of Rhizobiaceae revisited: proposal of a new framework for genus delimitation
Authors: Kuzmanović Nemanja , Fagorzi Camilla , Mengoni Alessio , Lassalle Florent , diCenzo George C
Published: August 2021

The alphaproteobacterial family Rhizobiaceae is highly diverse, with 168 species with validly published names classified into 17 genera with validly published names. Most named genera in this family are delineated based on genomic relatedness and phylogenetic relationships, but some historically named genera show inconsistent distribution and phylogenetic breadth. Most problematic is Rhizobium, which is notorious for being highly paraphyletic, as most newly described species in the family being assigned to this genus without consideration for their proximity to existing genera, or the need to create novel genera. In addition, many Rhizobiaceae genera lack synapomorphic traits that would give them biological and ecological significance. We propose a common framework for genus delimitation within the family Rhizobiaceae. We propose that genera in this family should be defined as monophyletic groups in a core-genome gene phylogeny, that are separated from related species using a pairwise core-proteome average amino acid identity (cpAAI) threshold of approximately 86%. We further propose that the presence of additional genomic or phenotypic evidence can justify the division of species into separate genera even if they all share greater than 86% cpAAI. Applying this framework, we propose to reclassify Rhizobium rhizosphaerae and Rhizobium oryzae into the new genus Xaviernesmea gen. nov. Data is also provided to support the recently proposed genus “Peteryoungia”, and the reclassifications of Rhizobium yantingense as Endobacterium yantingense comb. nov., Rhizobium petrolearium as Neorhizobium petrolearium comb. nov., Rhizobium arenae as Pararhizobium arenae comb. nov., Rhizobium tarimense as Pseudorhizobium tarimense comb. nov., and Rhizobium azooxidefex as Mycoplana azooxidifex comb. nov. Lastly, we present arguments that the unification of the genera Ensifer and Sinorhizobium in Opinion 84 of the Judicial Commission is no longer justified by current genomic and phenotypic data. We thus argue that the genus Sinorhizobium is not illegitimate and now encompasses 17 species.
Prediction performance of linear models and gradient boosting machine on complex phenotypes in outbred mice
Authors: Perez B.C. , Bink M.C.A.M. , Churchill G.A. , Svenson K.L. , Calus M.P.L.
Published: August 2021

Recent literature suggests machine learning methods can capture interactions between loci and therefore could outperform linear models when predicting traits with relevant epistatic effects. However, investigating this empirically requires data with high mapping resolution and phenotypes for traits with known non-additive gene action. The objective of the present study was to compare the performance of linear (GBLUP, BayesB and elastic net [ENET]) methods to a non-parametric tree-based ensemble (gradient boosting machine – GBM) method for genomic prediction of complex traits in mice. The dataset used contained phenotypic and genotypic information for 835 animals from 6 non-overlapping generations. Traits analyzed were bone mineral density (BMD), body weight at 10, 15 and 20 weeks (BW10, BW15 and BW20), fat percentage (FAT%), circulating cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLUC), insulin (INS) and triglycerides (TGL), and urine creatinine (UCRT). After quality control, the genotype dataset contained 50,112 SNP markers. Animals from older generations were considered as a reference subset, while animals in the latest generation as candidates for the validation subset. We also evaluated the impact of different levels of connectedness between reference and validation sets. Model performance was measured as the Pearson’s correlation coefficient and mean squared error (MSE) between adjusted phenotypes and the model’s prediction for animals in the validation subset. Outcomes were also compared across models by checking the overlapping top markers and animals. Linear models outperformed GBM for seven out of ten traits. For these models, accuracy was proportional to the trait’s heritability. For traits BMD, CHOL and GLU, the GBM model showed better prediction accuracy and lower MSE. Interestingly, for these three traits there is evidence in literature of a relevant portion of phenotypic variance being explained by epistatic effects. We noticed that for lower connectedness, i.e., imposing a gap of one to two generations between reference and validation populations, the superior performance of GBM was only maintained for GLU. Using a subset of top markers selected from a GBM model helped for some of the traits to improve accuracy of prediction when these were fitted into linear and GBM models. The GBM model showed consistently fewer markers and animals in common among the top ranked than linear models. Our results indicate that GBM is more strongly affected by data size and decreased connectedness between reference and validation sets than the linear models. Nevertheless, our results indicate that GBM is a competitive method to predict complex traits in an outbred mice population, especially for traits with assumed epistatic effects.
From fitting the average to fitting the individual: A cautionary tale for mathematical modelers
Authors: Luo Michael C. , Nikolopoulou Elpiniki , Gevertz Jana L.
Published: August 2021

An outstanding challenge in the clinical care of cancer is moving from a one-size-fits-all approach that relies on population-level statistics towards personalized therapeutic design. Mathematical modeling is a powerful tool in treatment personalization, as it allows for the incorporation of patient-specific data so that treatment can be tailor-designed to the individual. Herein, we work with a mathematical model of murine cancer immunotherapy that has been previously-validated against the average of an experimental dataset. We ask the question: what happens if we try to use this same model to perform personalized fits, and therefore make individualized treatment recommendations? Typically, this would be done by choosing a single fitting methodology, and a single cost function, identifying the individualized best-fit parameters, and extrapolating from there to make personalized treatment recommendations. Our analyses show the potentially problematic nature of this approach, as predicted personalized treatment response proved to be sensitive to the fitting methodology utilized. We also demonstrate how a small amount of the right additional experimental measurements could go a long way to improve consistency in personalized fits. Finally, we show how quantifying the robustness of the average response could also help improve confidence in personalized treatment recommendations.

Author summary

As we enter the era of healthcare where personalized medicine becomes a more common approach to treating cancer patients, harnessing the power of mathematical models will only become more essential. Using a preclinical dataset on cancer immunotherapy, we explore the challenges and limitations that arise when trying to move from fitting and making predictions for the population-level average, to fitting and making predictions for an individual. We find that the standard of approach of picking a single fitting methodology and a single cost function may end up having limited predictive value when applied to individual data. We also show how having a small amount of the right additional experimental data, and establishing the robustness of average treatment response, can help improve confidence in personalized model predictions.
High Level of Interaction between Phages and Bacteria in an Artisanal Raw Milk Cheese Microbial Community
Authors: Queiroz Luciano Lopes , Lacorte Gustavo Augusto , Isidorio William Ricardo , Landgraf Mariza , de Melo Franco Bernadette Dora Gombossy , Pinto Uelinton Manoel , Hoffmann Christian
Published: August 2021

Endogenous starter cultures are used in the production of several cheeses around the world, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, in Italy, Époisses, in France, and Canastra, in Brazil. These microbial communities are responsible for many of the intrinsic characteristics of each of these cheeses. Bacteriophages are ubiquitous around the world, well known to be involved in the modulation of complex microbiological processes. However, little is known about phage–bacteria growth dynamics in cheese production systems, where phages are normally treated as problems, as the viral infections can negatively affect or even eliminate the starter culture during production. Furthermore, a recent metagenomic based meta-analysis has reported that cheeses contain a high abundance of phage-associated sequences. Here, we analyse the viral and bacterial metagenomes of Canastra cheese, a tradition artisanal cheese produced using an endogenous starter culture. We observe a very high phage diversity level, mostly composed of novel sequences. We detect several metagenomic assembled bacterial genomes at strain level resolution, and several putative phage-bacteria interactions, evidenced by the recovered viral and bacterial genomic signatures. We postulate that at least one bacterial strain detected could be endogenous to the Canastra region, in Brazil, and that its growth seems to be modulated by native phages present in this artisanal production system. This relationship is likely to influence the fermentation dynamics and ultimately the sensorial profile of these cheeses, with implication for all cheeses that employ similar production processes around the world.
Mnemonic content and hippocampal patterns shape judgments of time
Authors: Sherman Brynn E. , DuBrow Sarah , Winawer Jonathan , Davachi Lila
Published: August 2021

Our experience of time can feel dilated or compressed, rather than reflecting true “clock time.” Although many contextual factors influence the subjective perception of time, it is unclear how memory accessibility plays a role in constructing our experience of and memory for time. Here, we used a combination of behavioral and fMRI measures to ask the question of how memory is incorporated into temporal duration judgments. Behaviorally, we found that event boundaries, which have been shown to disrupt ongoing memory integration processes, result in the temporal compression of duration judgments. Additionally, using a multivoxel pattern similarity analysis of fMRI data, we found that greater temporal pattern change in the left hippocampus within individual trials was associated with longer duration judgments. Together, these data suggest that mnemonic processes play a role in constructing representations of time.

Statement of Relevance

Our everyday experiences convey a powerful truth: That our perception of time often diverges from the reality of time. When enjoying an active vacation with family, time moves quickly: hours go by in minutes. When sitting through an unnecessary meeting, time moves slowly: minutes go by in hours. What is the origin of these phenomenologically compelling illusions of time perception? Past research has examined how a range of specific factors, from emotions to blinking, contribute to the distortion of time. Here, in contrast, we evaluate how the content and accessibility of our memories shapes time perception. We show that context shifts, known to disrupt memory processing, also lead to robust contractions of perceived time. We discuss how both effects — memory disruptions and time distortions — may be linked via the hippocampus.
Neurotensin neurons in the central extended amygdala control energy balance
Authors: Furlan Alessandro , Corona Alberto , Boyle Sara , Sharma Radhashree , Rubino Rachel , Habel Jill , Gablenz Eva Carlotta , Giovanniello Jacqueline , Beyaz Semir , Janowitz Tobias , Shea Stephen D. , Li Bo
Published: August 2021

Overeating and a sedentary life style are major causes of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Identification of the neurobiological processes that regulate energy balance will facilitate development of interventions for these disorders. Here we show that the Neurotensin-expressing neurons in the mouse IPAC (IPACNts), a nucleus of the central extended amygdala, bidirectionally coordinate hedonic feeding and physical activity, thereby regulating energy balance, metabolic processes and bodyweight. IPACNts are preferentially activated by consumption of highly palatable food or exposure to its taste and smell. Activating IPACNts promotes food intake in a palatability-dependent manner and decreases locomotion. Conversely, inhibiting IPACNts selectively reduces palatable food intake and dramatically enhances physical activity and energy expenditure, and in parallel stimulates physiological responses that oppose diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunctions. Thus, a single neuronal population, Neurotensin-expressing neurons in the IPAC, acts to control obesogenic and leptogenic processes by synergistically coordinating energy intake and expenditure with metabolism.
Operators on the vanishing moments subspace and Stieltjes classes for M-indeterminate probability distributions
Authors: López-García Marcos
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In this work the author gathers several methods and techniques to construct systematically Stieltjes classes for densities defined on R+.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses complex integration to obtain integrable functions with vanishing moments sequence, and then the author considers some operators defined on the vanishing moments subspace.

Findings

The author gather several methods and techniques to construct systematically Stieltjes classes for densities defined onR+. The author constructs explicitly Stieltjes classes with center at well-known probability densities. The author gives a lot of examples, including old cases and new ones.

Originality/value

The author computes the Hilbert transform of powers of|ln⁡x|to construct Stieltjes classes by using a recent result connecting the Krein condition and the Hilbert transform.
The voice of profit: exploring the tone of Australian CEO's letters to shareholders after the global financial crisis
Authors: Alshorman Salah Aldain Abdullah , Shanahan Martin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study examines the association between firm profitability and the “voice” of the CEO measured through tones they convey in their annual letter to shareholders. The paper examines whether the tones corresponds to a firm's profitability and the extent to which CEO tone varies with changes in profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze 187 Australian CEOs communications in 748 annual letters to their shareholders between 2010 and 2013. Two-word lists created by previous researchers are used to assess tones for their positive-negative plurality, uncertainty and use of modal words. Firm profitability is identified using return on assets. The authors examine the relationship between profitability and tones using simple ANOVA as well as a linear mixed model and then a change (differences) model. The change model captures any inertia or genre effect in the CEO letter to shareholders.

Findings

Using both the level and change model, the authors find that firm profitability is associated with CEO's tones that are more optimistic and less pessimistic. The authors also find that the use of negative words has more communicative value than positive words or “net” positive words. The authors also observe some genre effect when CEOs use strong modal words.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is restricted to a selection of Australian firms that had the same CEO for the fiscal years 2010–2013; which reported in each financial year and which survived the global financial crisis. Generalizing the findings to other periods, types of firms, or to CEOs with shorter tenure, might be questionable. This study was conducted in Australia, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The significant link between firm profitability and CEOs' use of positive, net positive and negative words implies that investors may place reliance on the use of these tones in the CEO's annual letter to accurately reflect the profitability of the firm.

Originality/value

The study extends the existing literature by examining whether a change in firm profitability is linked to a change in CEO tone. It concludes that even in periods of general financial stress, shareholders should be confident that CEOs' letters to shareholders provide credible information that corresponds to firm performance.
Game learning analytics of instant messaging and online discussion forums in higher education
Authors: Hernández-Lara Ana Beatriz , Perera-Lluna Alexandre , Serradell-López Enric
Published: August 2021

Purpose

With the growth of digital education, students increasingly interact in a variety of ways. The potential effects of these interactions on their learning process are not fully understood and the outcomes may depend on the tool used. This study explores the communication patterns and learning effectiveness developed by students using two basic synchronous and asynchronous communication tools in e-learning environments, specifically business simulation games.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a quasi-experiment research with 478 online business students, 267 of whom used online discussion forums and 211 interacted via an instant messaging app. The application of learning analytics and text mining on natural language processing allows us to explore the student communication patterns with each of tools and their effectiveness in terms of learning.

Findings

The results confirm the complementarity of the communication tools, asynchronous tools being especially the suitable for task-related communication and synchronous ones for speeding up and facilitating student social interactions.

Originality/value

The main value of this research lies in the use of data analytics and text mining to access and analyse the content of student interactions to assess the learning process in greater depth, comparing synchronous and asynchronous learning modes, considering that little is known about the impact of online synchronous interaction or instant messaging, and even less about the different features, content and performance that emerge when these two learner interaction modalities are compared.
CVS health faces a new wave of disruption
Authors: York John , Lugo Kaley , Jarosz Lukasz , Toscani Michael
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how Amazon’s threat may impact the Pharmacy Industry as a whole and whether traditional drugstore chains such as consumer value stores (CVS) Pharmacy will need to re-think their business strategy, especially in the digital space, to account for potential disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a hypothetical case study used as a teaching exercise to guide the learner through a decision-making process. The case starts by presenting a disruption in the retail pharmacy business that the main character must navigate by using real-world data and insights, provided in the case, to formulate a recommendation.

Findings

In an extremely competitive and consolidated pharmacy market, Amazon has the potential to change the business entirely. CVS Health will potentially face strong headwinds from Amazon’s PillPack and a downward trend in prescription sales. Regardless of the new competition, CVS Health continues to be innovative in the space. Instead of being a one-trick pony, CVS has encompassed the mentality of becoming a one-stop-shop by expanding into areas such as specialty pharmacy, health clinics, pharmacy benefits management and innovative digital capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper provides the reader with existing and known information about the evolving retail pharmacy business and allows the reader to interpret the new information to make their own decision on how a digital business strategy team can account for potential disruption.
Waste utilization to enhance performance of road subbase fill
Authors: Onturk Kurban , Firat Seyhan , Yilmaz Gulgun , Khatib Jamal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use waste materials in construction to create sustainable practices. This will contribute towards circular economy which has gained momentum in recent years throughout the world.

Design/methodology/approach

Waste materials cause enormous environmental problems that can have an adverse effect on the environment. Recycling of waste consists an important part of the circular economy. Therefore, researchers have been investigating the economic use of a variety of waste materials for reducing their environmental impact. One potential usage is in road subbase fill materials where wastes can be incorporated in large quantities. In this study, the engineering properties of road subbase fill materials (i.e. kaolinite) mixed with Granite Waste (GW), coal Fly Ash (FA) and lime are investigated. Kaolinite was replaced with 15% lime and FA, whereas the GW replacement varied from 10% to 20%. Testing included strength of the various soil compositions subjected to different curing times. Also the microstructural analyses and phase changes of samples were conducted using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques, respectively. The results obtained indicate that GW can be incorporated in road base materials to improve its bearing capacity. The mixture consisting of 15% lime, 15% FA, 20% GW and 50% kaolinite resulted in maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content. Using GW exhibited a noticeable increase in the California Bearing Ratio of more than eight times at 1 day and 28 days curing regime compared with the control sample.

Findings

This study shows that GW and FA can be used for road subbase materials and can contribute toward a better and cleaner environment.

Originality/value

In this study, the engineering properties of road subbase fill materials (i.e. kaolinite) mixed with GW, coal FA and lime are investigated. This are value added in circular economy.
ICT-based collaborative framework for improving the performance of zakat management organisations in Indonesia
Authors: Mutamimah Mutamimah , Alifah Suryani , Gunawan Gunawan , Adnjani Made Dwi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a framework for information and communication technology (ICT)-based collaborative zakat management to improve zakat management in Indonesia, especially in collection, distribution and empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a constructive method that used the 3 C (communication, coordination and cooperation) model to develop a framework. This included initial assessment of the current usage of ICT in zakat management and the expectation of collaborative zakat management through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. A focus group discussion was conducted to validate the model.

Findings

ICT is currently used for the administration of zakat management, providing zakat online services and reporting zakat to the public; ICT is not used for collaboration. The proposed collaboration using the 3 C model consists of communication, coordination and cooperation. The focus group discussion validates the proposed ICT-based collaboration framework as an effective strategy for increasing zakat management.

Practical implications

The results highlight strengthening institutional capacity and decreasing overlaps in zakat collection, distribution and empowerment. Zakat institutions need to restructure and reconstruct business processes based on ICT collaboration, and government must provide regulations and ICT infrastructure.

Social implications

The results increase equity and capacity in zakat distribution and empowerment, therefore it can improve poverty alleviation.

Originality/value

The potential and usage of ICT for collaboration among zakat management organisations have not been thoroughly explored. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for collaboration among zakat institutions using ICT to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of zakat management.
The future of SEC enforcement under the Biden administration
Authors: Carney John J. , Barr Jonathan R. , Guillén Teresa Goody , Fokas Jimmy , Edgar Kevin R. , Tanney Michelle , Nadworthy Bari , Gaudreau Madison
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To examine what to expect from Chair Gary Gensler’s SEC and the new Biden presidential administration following Chair Gensler’s U.S. Senate confirmation on April 14, 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews past SEC Chair Jay Clayton’s legacy and Chair Gensler’s prior regulatory actions and focus, and outlines Chair Gensler’s expected initiatives, including a heightened focus on cryptocurrency regulation, investigation of COVID-19-related fraud, and ESG and climate change disclosure.

Findings

This change will bring forth a Democratic majority at the SEC which, in turn, suggests that the Commission will change its current emphasis on capital formation to focus more on investor protection, rules required by the Dodd-Frank Act, inspections, examinations, and enforcement

Practical implications

Firms should examine their compliance programs in anticipation of heightened advocacy for investor protection; an increased focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, as well as ESG disclosures with an emphasis on climate change; and an increase in inspections and examinations which will drive more enforcement in the fund industry, as well as increases in initiatives regarding transparency, additional disclosures, and investor protection. Organizations will also benefit by reexamining their existing compliance programs with the advice of counsel as a mechanism to mitigate the risk of potential securities laws violations.

Originality/value

Practical guidance from experienced securities enforcement and litigation lawyers.
Auditor tenure and audit quality: an investigation of moderating factors prior to the commencement of mandatory rotations in India
Authors: Jadiyappa Nemiraja , Hickman L. Emily , Kakani Ram Kumar , Abidi Qambar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The Indian Companies Act 2013 mandated auditor rotations in the financial year 2018–2019. Similar regulations are being considered in many countries, based on the assumption that longer tenure is detrimental to audit quality; yet, the evidence from investigations of this assumption is inconclusive. This paper aims to examine the effect of moderating factors on the relation between audit quality and audit tenure, given the regulatory trend and the lack of consensus in extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the relationship between audit quality and audit tenure among Indian firms from 2001 to 2015 and tests for moderating factors including auditor compensation, business group affiliation and chief executive officer (CEO) duality.

Findings

Contrary to the objective of mandatory rotations, this study finds that longer auditor tenure generally enhanced audit quality among Indian firms prior to mandatory rotations. However, for companies paying abnormally high compensation to auditors, this paper finds that longer tenure decreases audit quality, particularly if the firm is affiliated with a business group or firms where the CEO also serves as the board chair. Thus, the potential benefits of mandated shorter tenure appear to be confined to high-fee paying companies with a business group affiliation and/or a dual-role CEO.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine conditioning factors that affect the relationship between audit quality and auditor tenure. Results suggest that regulations limiting auditor tenure would be beneficial only to the shareholders of a narrow group of firms; while for the majority of firms, limiting auditor tenure may actually be counter-productive.
Tribological performance of self-lubricated polyamide6/boric oxide composites after water conditioning
Authors: Randhawa Kawaljit Singh , Patel Ashwin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the tribological performance, i.e. abrasion resistance, friction coefficient and wear rates, of self-lubricated water conditioned polyamide6/boric oxide composites.

Design/methodology/approach

Polyamide6 and polyamide6/boric oxide self-lubricated composites were immersed in water for 15 days to analyze the effect of water conditioning on friction, wear and abrasion resistance. Tribological testing on pin-on-disc tribometer and abrasion resistance testing on TABER abrader were performed to see the friction coefficient and wear rates of materials. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterizations were performed to analyze the wear tracks.

Findings

Tribological testing results revealed the loss in abrasive resistance, but there was an improvement in frictional coefficient and wear rates with steel after water absorption. The SEM images clearly show less depth of wear tracks in water-conditioned materials than dry ones. Water conditioning was found supportive in the formation of smooth lubricating transfer film on steel disc during the tribological testing.

Originality/value

The tribological behaviour of polymer composites is different in dry and in high humidity or water conditions. Experiments were performed to investigate B2O3 solid lubricant filler effectiveness on tribological behaviour of water-conditioned polyamide composites. Bonding between polyamide6 and water molecules plus the formation of orthoboric acid was found advantageous in decreasing the friction coefficient and wear rates of composites.
Development of two dosimetry systems based on basic violet dye for possible use as radiation dosimeters
Authors: Magdy Nehad , Gafar Sameh
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to study a comparison between two dosimetry systems, both of them based on basic violet dye (BV).

Design/methodology/approach

The first system depends on (BV) (incorporating polyvinyl alcohol) as a thin-film dosimeter. The second system also relies on (BV) as a solution dosimeter, which is more sensitive to gamma rays. The two prepared film/solutions have a considerable signal that decreases upon irradiation and the strength of the signal decreases with increasing radiation dose.

Findings

The gamma ray absorbed dose for these dosimeters was found to be up to 35 kGy for films and 1 kGy for the liquid phase. All dosimetric characteristics as radiation chemical yield, additive substance, dose-response function, radiation sensitivity, also before and after-irradiation stability under various conditions were considered.

Practical implications

It is expected the vital role of gamma radiation on this dye in its two forms or two media. This reveals their wide applications in the field of gamma irradiation processing.

Originality/value

These two dosimetry systems which depend upon the same dye are safe to handle, inexpensive, available raw materials and can be applied in various dosimetry applications as mentioned above.
A qualitative phenomenological exploration of social mood and investors’ risk tolerance in an emerging economy
Authors: Asad Humaira , Toqeer Iqra , Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The authors design a theoretical perspective that explores how different phases of social mood influence financial risk tolerance (FRT) among investors. Risk is involved in almost all financial decision-making. For a better understanding of risk tolerance behavior, the role played by social mood cannot be ignored. This study aims to explore the linkage between social mood and FRT of investors in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative phenomenology as the guiding framework, 22 interviews were conducted to have a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of investors with at least 10 years of investment experience. Thematic analysis was done to analyze data. Audio-recording, bracketing, triangulation and member checking were done to ensure validity and reliability.

Findings

A theoretical model is developed using the six themes identified through thematic analysis. This model presents an in-depth analysis of the determinants of social mood, its multiple phases and its impact on risk tolerance behavior. Findings reveal that the level of financial literacy, experience and purpose of investment moderate the effect of social mood on FRT.

Practical implications

Investors can manage risk and increase their profits by controlling the effects of social mood. They can benefit from the market situation by taking more risk when the market is extremely low. The advisors can frame their advice in the light of the model.

Originality/value

According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores investors’ risk tolerance in response to variations in social mood in the context of an emerging economy. The paper has contributed conceptually and methodologically. It uses phenomenology as the method and develops a theoretical model that describes how different types of investors adjust their risk tolerance in response to changes in their social mood.
Microbial anhydrobiosis
Authors: Bosch Jason , Varliero Gilda , Hallsworth John E. , Dallas Tiffany D. , Hopkins David , Frey Beat , Kong Weidong , Lebre Pedro , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Cowan Don A.
Published: August 2021

The loss of cellular water (desiccation) and the resulting low cytosolic water activity are major stress factors for life. Numerous prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa have evolved molecular and physiological adaptions to periods of low water availability or water‐limited environments that occur across the terrestrial Earth. The changes within cells during the processes of desiccation and rehydration, from the activation (and inactivation) of biosynthetic pathways to the accumulation of compatible solutes, have been studied in considerable detail. However, relatively little is known on the metabolic status of organisms in the desiccated state; that is, in the sometimes extended periods between the drying and rewetting phases. During these periods, which can extend beyond decades and which we term ‘anhydrobiosis’, organismal survival could be dependent on a continued supply of energy to maintain the basal metabolic processes necessary for critical functions such as macromolecular repair. Here, we review the state of knowledge relating to the function of microorganisms during the anhydrobiotic state, highlighting substantial gaps in our understanding of qualitative and quantitative aspects of molecular and biochemical processes in desiccated cells.
Are we overlooking the rural patient journey when it comes to sepsis diagnosis and management?
Authors: Kirby Jordan
Published: August 2021

Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines have progressively moved towards faster time‐based treatment targets over recent years despite international data consistently showing low protocol adherence. A key stakeholder in Australian healthcare remains overlooked in sepsis research: the under‐resourced rural ED. The journey of the rural patient markedly differs to that of the metropolitan patient, involving greater reliance upon patient transfers, reduced staffing and resource inaccessibility, directly impacting on sepsis protocol adherence and patient outcomes. Greater representation of rural patients and EDs in Australian sepsis research is paramount in guiding future sepsis treatment protocols. This perspective piece explores current international sepsis literature, recognising significant barriers to sepsis protocol adherence specific to rural Australian EDs.
Identification of Rab family genes and functional analyses of LmRab5 and LmRab11A in the development and RNA interference of Locusta migratoria
Authors: Abbas Mureed , Fan Yun‐He , Shi Xue‐Kai , Gao Lu , Wang Yan‐Li , Li Tao , Cooper Anastasia M.W. , Silver Kristopher , Zhu Kun Yan , Zhang Jian‐Zhen
Published: August 2021

Rab proteins constitute the largest family of small GTPases, which play pivotal roles in intracellular membrane trafficking in all eukaryotes. A number of Rab genes have been identified in eukaryotes; however, very little information about these genes has been reported in insects. In the current study, for the first time we identified and characterized 27 Rab family genes from Locusta migratoria. Phylogenetic analysis and comparison of domain architecture indicated that Rab family genes are highly conserved among insect species. Tissue‐dependent expression profiles indicated that expression of Rab genes was highest in the ovary, except for LmRab3, which was most highly expressed in hemolymph. The biological function of each Rab gene was investigated using RNA interference (RNAi). Double‐stranded RNA targeting each Rab gene was injected into the hemocoel of nymphs and revealed that suppression of two Rab genes (LmRab5 and LmRab11A) caused 100% mortality. In addition, nymphs injected with dsLmRab5 exhibited severe phenotypic defects in the gastric caeca and midgut, while dsLmRab11A arrested the molting process. We then applied the RNAi of RNAi technique to test if silencing either of these two genes would affect the suppression of the lethal giant larvae (LmLgl) reporter gene and found that suppression of LmRab5 diminished the RNAi efficiency of LmLgl, whereas suppression of LmRab11A enhanced RNAi efficiency of LmLgl. These results indicate that Rab genes contribute differently to RNAi efficiency in different tissues. Our study provides a foundation for further functional investigations of Rab genes and their contributions to RNAi efficiency in L. migratoria.
Asymmetry in process‐based model relationships: A longitudinal study of adjudicated adolescents*
Authors: Thompson Andrew J. , Pickett Justin T.
Published: August 2021

The asymmetry hypothesis predicts that negative police encounters matter more than positive ones for legitimacy, suggesting that officers may get little credit for using procedural justice. We tested the asymmetry hypothesis and extended it to other process‐based model relationships by estimating asymmetric fixed effects models with longitudinal data from adjudicated adolescents. By utilizing within‐individual variability and decomposing accumulated positive and negative changes in the predictors, these models pushed beyond the limits of existing research. Prior studies of asymmetric effects in policing either focused on the impact of a single encounter, often one that was both hypothetical and vicarious, or were unable to control for all time‐invariant confounders. Our findings reveal that positive and negative changes in perceived procedural justice are both related to changes in legitimacy. The relationship is symmetric for global perceptions of procedural justice but asymmetric for encounter‐specific perceptions. Both positive and negative changes in legitimacy are related to changes in offending variety, but the relationship is symmetric. The implications are that police do get credit for procedural justice, and that they must work to maintain legitimacy once they have it, because it is something that can be lost, and its loss has consequences for offending.
Targeting of fluorescent Lactococcus lactis to colorectal cancer cells through surface display of tumour‐antigen binding proteins
Authors: Plavec Tina Vida , Mitrović Ana , Perišić Nanut Milica , Štrukelj Borut , Kos Janko , Berlec Aleš
Published: August 2021

Development of targeted treatment for colorectal cancer is crucial to avoid side effects. To harness the possibilities offered by microbiome engineering, we prepared safe multifunctional cancer cell‐targeting bacteria Lactococcus lactis. They displayed, on their surface, binding proteins for cancer‐associated transmembrane receptors epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and co‐expressed an infrared fluorescent protein for imaging. Binding of engineered L. lactis to tumour antigens EpCAM and HER2 was confirmed and characterised in vitro using soluble receptors. The proof‐of‐principle of targeting was demonstrated on human cell lines HEK293, HT‐29 and Caco‐2 with fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. The highest L. lactis adhesion was seen for the HEK293 cells with the overexpressed tumour antigens, where colocalisation with their tumour antigens was seen for 39% and 67% of EpCAM‐targeting and HER2‐targeting bacteria, respectively. On the other hand, no binding was observed to HEK293 cells without tumour antigens, confirming the selectivity of the engineered L. lactis. Apart from cell targeting in static conditions, targeting ability of engineered L. lactis was also shown in conditions of constant flow of bacterial suspension over the HEK293 cells. Successful targeting by engineered L. lactis support the future use of these bacteria in biopharmaceutical delivery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Trajectories of reward availability moderate the impact of brief alcohol interventions on alcohol severity in heavy‐drinking young adults
Authors: Murphy James G. , Campbell Kevin W. , Joyner Keanan J. , Dennhardt Ashley A. , Martens Matthew P. , Borsari Brian
Published: August 2021

Background

Behavioral economic theory predicts that low access to environmental reward is a risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD). The Substance‐Free Activity Session (SFAS) is a behavioral economic supplement to standard brief alcohol interventions that attempts to increase environmental reward and may therefore have beneficial effects, particularly for individuals with low levels of environmental reward.

Methods

Participants were 393 college students who reported at least 2 heavy‐drinking episodes in the past month. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions following a baseline assessment: a standard alcohol‐focused brief motivational intervention plus relaxation training session (BMI + RT), BMI plus Substance‐Free Activity Session (BMI + SFAS), or an assessment‐only control condition (AO). In a secondary analysis of the data from this study, we used person‐centered statistical techniques to describe trajectories of alcohol severity and environmental reward over a 16‐month follow‐up and examined whether environmental reward levels moderated the effectiveness of the interventions.

Results

Piecewise growth mixture modeling identified 2 trajectories of reward availability: low increasing (LR; n = 120) and high stable (HR; n = 273). Depressive symptoms, cannabis use, sensation seeking, and low life satisfaction were associated with a greater probability of classification in the LR trajectory. Alcohol severity was greater in the LR trajectory than the HR trajectory. For students in the LR trajectory, at 1, 6, and 12 months, BMI + SFAS led to greater increases in reward availability and reduced levels of alcohol severity compared with the BMI + RT and AO conditions and at 16 months compared with AO.

Conclusions

Young adults with low levels of environmental reward are at heightened risk for greater alcohol severity and may show greater benefit from brief alcohol interventions that focus on increasing substance‐free reward than individuals who are not deficient in reward availability.
Efficacy of non‐invasive brain stimulation interventions in reducing smoking frequency in patients with nicotine dependence: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tseng Ping‐Tao , Jeng Jia‐Shyun , Zeng Bing‐Syuan , Stubbs Brendon , Carvalho Andre F. , Brunoni Andre R. , Su Kuan‐Pin , Tu Yu‐Kang , Wu Yi‐Cheng , Chen Tien‐Yu , Lin Pao‐Yen , Liang Chih‐Sung , Hsu Chih‐Wei , Chen Yen‐Wen , Li Cheng‐Ta
Published: August 2021

Background and aims

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance in tobacco products that dysregulates several neurotransmitters in the brain and impairs executive function. Non‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are promising treatments for nicotine dependence. We investigated the efficacy and acceptability of NIBS in managing smoking cessation through a systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of NIBS for smoking cessation. All pairwise meta‐analyses and NMA procedures were conducted using random‐effects and frequentist models. The co‐primary outcomes were (1) the change in number of cigarettes smoked per day (change in frequency of smoking) in patients with nicotine dependence after NIBS and (2) acceptability (the dropout rate). The effect sizes for co‐primary outcomes of change in frequency of smoking and acceptability were assessed according to standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio, respectively.

Results

Twelve RCTs with 710 participants (mean age: 44.2 years, 31.2% female) were included. Compared with the sham control, 10‐Hz rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was associated with the largest changes in smoking frequency [SMD = −1.22, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = −1.77 to −0.66]. The 2‐mA bifrontal tDCS (SMD = −0.97, 95% CI = −1.32 to −0.62) and 10‐Hz deep rTMS over the bilateral DLPFC with cue provocation (SMD = −0.77, 95% CI = −1.20 to −0.34) were associated with a significantly larger decrease in smoking frequency versus the sham. None of the investigated NIBSs was associated with dropout rates significantly different from those of the sham control groups.

Conclusion

Prefrontal non‐invasive brain stimulation interventions appear to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked with good acceptability.