bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japan’s environmental diplomacy and the future of Asia-Pacific environmental cooperation
Authors: Sakaguchi Isao , Ishii Atsushi , Sanada Yasuhiro , Kameyama Yasuko , Okubo Ayako , Mori Katsuhiko
Published: October 2020

Asia-Pacific lacks an environmental leader. Japan, a forerunner of environmental regulation in the 1970s, started to engage in active environmental diplomacy in the post-Cold War era by hosting conferences of parties to multilateral environmental agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as well as providing a massive amount of environmental aid. Then, in the 2000s, Japan’s initiatives became substantially weakened and have gained a negative international reputation as the country took a considerably passive position to the Paris Agreement, filed many reservations to the CITES listing decisions, and withdrew from the International Whaling Commission. This article explores, through six brief case studies, the factors and structures that systemically impede Japan’s environmental leadership and norm internalization. It highlights the constraining factors behind Japan’s devolution including its closed bureaucratic system and the lack of positive engagement of Japanese scientists. Finally, it addresses the future prospects of environmental cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
Peacekeepers: Internationalist Protectors or National Perpetrators, Protected Either Way?
Authors: Cryer Robert , Perova Natalia
Published: October 2020

Peacekeepers occupy a liminal legal position, having never been provided for in the UN Charter. That said, a detailed legal regime has grown up around peacekeepers, both in terms of how they are protected by the criminal law and the jurisdictional regime that surrounds them. The piece argues that this relates to two sides of protection, which reflects dual image that has arisen around them. The first is that of international ‘saviours’ acting on behalf of a purported international community who have little more power than their moral authority, and therefore are worthy of additional protection from criminal law. This is shown through an analysis of the 1994 Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and the relevant provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. However, peacekeepers have also been accused, of, and committed various crimes against the populations they are sent to protect. When this occurs, international law enters at a different level, casting peacekeepers as nationals of their sending State and placed in a jurisdictional regime that functionally, if not by design, protects ‘our boys’ from facing criminal liability for their conduct. This is investigated through analysis of peacekeepers’ Status of Forces Agreements and the Rome Statute regime applicable to them. These deeply inconsistent narratives, of peacekeepers as representatives of international good intentions, and national actors, operate in tandem to shield them from the consequences of their conduct. We recommend a holistic approach that is understanding, but less forgiving.
Palestine in the ICC
Authors: Ronen Yaël
Published: October 2020

This article examines two propositions relating to the role of the right to self-determination with regard to statehood, as put forward by the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in its a request pursuant to Article 19(3) of the ICC Statute, for a ruling on the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in Palestine. One proposition is that the right to self-determination can compensate for a shortfall in effective control that might otherwise bar recognition of the territory as a state. The other proposition is that when effective control is lacking because of illegal obstruction of the realization of the right to self-determination, recognition of statehood may be an appropriate response regardless of the facts. The article argues that these propositions are neither substantiated in existing law, nor can they be said to be matters of the progressive development of the law. For this, the article analyses instances where statehood was allegedly recognized prior to the consolidation of effective control and which are cited as reflecting the propositions. It shows that these instances do not support the propositions. With respect to the second proposition, the article argues that it is inadvisable as lex ferenda, nor applicable in the Palestine case.
Genetics and genomics of root system variation in adaptation to drought stress in cereal crops
Authors: Siddiqui Md Nurealam , Léon Jens , Naz Ali A , Ballvora Agim
Published: October 2020

Cereals are important crops worldwide that help meet food demands and nutritional needs. In recent years, cereal production has been challenged globally by frequent droughts and hot spells. A plant’s root is the most relevant organ for the plant adaptation to stress conditions, playing pivotal roles in anchorage and the acquisition of soil-based resources. Thus, dissecting root system variations and trait selection for enhancing yield and sustainability under drought stress conditions should aid in future global food security. This review highlights the variations in root system attributes and their interplay with shoot architecture features to face water scarcity and maintain thus yield of major cereal crops. Further, we compile the root-related drought responsive quantitative trait loci/genes in cereal crops including their interspecies relationships using microsynteny to facilitate comparative genomic analyses. We then discuss the potential of an integrated strategy combining genomics and phenomics at genetic and epigenetic levels to explore natural genetic diversity as a basis for knowledge-based genome editing. Finally, we present an outline to establish innovative breeding leads for the rapid and optimized selection of root traits necessary to develop resilient crop varieties.
CCA-Addition Gone Wild: Unusual Occurrence and Phylogeny of Four Different tRNA Nucleotidyltransferases in Acanthamoeba castellanii
Authors: Erber Lieselotte , Betat Heike , Mörl Mario
Published: October 2020

tRNAs are important players in the protein synthesis machinery, where they act as adapter molecules for translating the mRNA codons into the corresponding amino acid sequence. In a series of highly conserved maturation steps, the primary transcripts are converted into mature tRNAs. In the amoebozoan Acanthamoeba castellanii, a highly unusual evolution of some of these processing steps was identified that are based on unconventional RNA polymerase activities. In this context, we investigated the synthesis of the 3′-terminal CCA-end that is added posttranscriptionally by a specialized polymerase, the tRNA nucleotidyltransferase (CCA-adding enzyme). The majority of eukaryotic organisms carry only a single gene for a CCA-adding enzyme that acts on both the cytosolic and the mitochondrial tRNA pool. In a bioinformatic analysis of the genome of this organism, we identified a surprising multitude of genes for enzymes that contain the active site signature of eukaryotic/eubacterial tRNA nucleotidyltransferases. In vitro activity analyses of these enzymes revealed that two proteins represent bona fide CCA-adding enzymes, one of them carrying an N-terminal sequence corresponding to a putative mitochondrial target signal. The other enzymes have restricted activities and represent CC- and A-adding enzymes, respectively. The A-adding enzyme is of particular interest, as its sequence is closely related to corresponding enzymes from Proteobacteria, indicating a horizontal gene transfer. Interestingly, this unusual diversity of nucleotidyltransferase genes is not restricted to Acanthamoeba castellanii but is also present in other members of the Acanthamoeba genus, indicating an ancient evolutionary trait.
CellMiner Cross-Database (CellMinerCDB) version 1.2: Exploration of patient-derived cancer cell line pharmacogenomics
Authors: Luna Augustin , Elloumi Fathi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rajapakse Vinodh N , Aladjem Mirit I , Robert Jacques , Sander Chris , Pommier Yves , Reinhold William C
Published: October 2020

CellMiner Cross-Database (CellMinerCDB, discover.nci.nih.gov/cellminercdb) allows integration and analysis of molecular and pharmacological data within and across cancer cell line datasets from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Broad Institute, Sanger/MGH and MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). We present CellMinerCDB 1.2 with updates to datasets from NCI-60, Broad Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Sanger/MGH, and the addition of new datasets, including NCI-ALMANAC drug combination, MDACC Cell Line Project proteomic, NCI-SCLC DNA copy number and methylation data, and Broad methylation, genetic dependency and metabolomic datasets. CellMinerCDB (v1.2) includes several improvements over the previously published version: (i) new and updated datasets; (ii) support for pattern comparisons and multivariate analyses across data sources; (iii) updated annotations with drug mechanism of action information and biologically relevant multigene signatures; (iv) analysis speedups via caching; (v) a new dataset download feature; (vi) improved visualization of subsets of multiple tissue types; (vii) breakdown of univariate associations by tissue type; and (viii) enhanced help information. The curation and common annotations (e.g. tissues of origin and identifiers) provided here across pharmacogenomic datasets increase the utility of the individual datasets to address multiple researcher question types, including data reproducibility, biomarker discovery and multivariate analysis of drug activity.
Vape Shop Employees: Do They Act as Smoking Cessation Counselors?
Authors: Galimov Artur , Meza Leah , Unger Jennifer B , Baezconde-Garbanati Lourdes , Cruz Tess Boley , Sussman Steve
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This study examined smoking cessation advice offered by vape shop employees, as well as their perceived awareness of vaping research.

Aims and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 121 vape shops in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California in four multiethnic communities (Hispanic/Latino, African American, Korean/Asian, and non-Hispanic White). A 35-minute interview assessed the employee’s tobacco product use, perceptions of vaping research, and experience advising customers to quit cigarette smoking.

Results

Among 121 vape shop employees surveyed, 106 (88%) reported that they provided smoking cessation advice or counseling to customers. Nearly half (45%) reported having no vaping-related research knowledge, while 30% were aware of provaping studies only. Approximately 85% of employees had quit cigarettes by switching to e-cigarettes instead, whereas 15% were dual users. Only 49% believed that vaping products contribute to nicotine addiction among youth. Those who provided advice on quitting cigarette smoking reported significantly lower knowledge of e-cigarette research than those who did not provide advice (p < .01).

Conclusions

Most vape shop employees provide advice to customers who desire to quit cigarette smoking and initiate electronic cigarette use. However, they report a low level of awareness about e-cigarette research. Future research is warranted to examine the specifics of advice provided by vape shop employees. Training programs for vape shop employees and educational campaigns about evidence-based scientific findings on vaping may be beneficial.

Implications

Almost nine out of 10 surveyed vape shop employees offered cigarette smoking cessation advice to their customers, while almost half of the retailers report not being aware of any vaping-related research studies. Providing employees with training on evidence-based cessation advice could help protect customers. Also, training programs for vape shop employees and educational campaigns about the risk of nicotine addiction could potentially increase their motivation to avoid sales to minors and to warn adults about nicotine addiction.
Educational intervention for increasing knowledge of human papillomavirus and vaccination amongst parents of first year high school students in Croatia
Authors: Belavic Anja , Pavic Simetin Ivana
Published: October 2020

Background

In Croatia, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine became available through a publicly funded national programme during the 2015/2016 school year among boys and girls in the first year high school. Improved parental awareness of HPV and vaccination could help increase the uptake of the vaccination. The primary aim of this study is to establish the importance of educating parents for a greater response to the voluntary vaccination.

Methods

Parents of students in the first year of high school evaluated the educational lessons in the spring of 2016 in 11 counties coordinated by the Croatian Institute of Public Health: total of 36 doctors from 11 counties. Statistical significance was tested using chi-squared test.

Results

In total, 3350 evaluations were submitted (82.7%). Parents with a positive attitude towards vaccination following the education more often stated the lesson contributed to this attitude than parents with a negative attitude (P < 0.001). Results show that counties with highest attendance had highest rates of vaccination (Sisačko-moslovačka 1.74 highest and Dubrovačko-Neretvanska 0.03 lowest).

Conclusion

Our study shows that parents have the impression an educational lesson can contribute to the development of their positive attitude towards vaccination. Further research should be aimed at disparities and how to target these with appropriate interventions.
Late Follicular Phase Progesterone Elevation During Ovarian Stimulation Is Not Associated With Decreased Implantation of Chromosomally Screened Embryos in Thaw Cycles
Authors: Hernandez-Nieto Carlos , Lee Joseph A. , Alkon-Meadows Tamar , Luna-Rojas Martha , Mukherjee Tanmoy , Copperman Alan B. , Sandler Benjamin
Published: October 2020

(Abstracted from Hum Reprod 2020;35:1889–1899)

Although the physiologic mechanism remains unclear, late follicular phase progesterone elevation (LFPE) commonly occurs during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) for assisted-reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Late follicular phase progesterone elevation has been associated with patient body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, ovarian reserve metrics, ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins, number of follicles recruited during COH, dosage/duration of stimulation cycles, and other factors.
Antenatal Detection of Fetal Growth Restriction and Risk of Stillbirth: Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Ego A. , Monier I. , Skaare K. , Zeitlin J.
Published: October 2020

(Abstracted from Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2020;55:613–620)

One strategy to decrease the risk of stillbirth is early detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Yet, antenatal screening for FGR is inconsistent in clinical practice and only detects 10% to 36% of infants who are born small for gestational age (SGA) (birth weight < 10th percentile).
Increasing Use of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Traditional and Community Settings
Authors: Fleg Jerome L. , Keteyian Steven J. , Peterson Pamela N. , Benzo Roberto , Finkelstein Joseph , Forman Daniel E. , Gaalema Diann E. , Cooper Lawton S. , Punturieri Antonello , Joseph Lyndon , Shero Susan , Zieman Susan
Published: October 2020

Although both cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are recommended by clinical practice guidelines and covered by most insurers, they remain severely underutilized. To address this problem, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging (NIA), developed Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) in late 2017 to support phase II clinical trials to increase the uptake of CR and PR in traditional and community settings. The objectives of these FOAs were to (1) test strategies that will lead to increased use of CR and PR in the US population who are eligible based on clinical guidelines; (2) test strategies to reduce disparities in the use of CR and PR based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; and (3) test whether increased use of CR and PR, whether by traditional center-based or new models, is accompanied by improvements in relevant clinical and patient-centered outcomes, including exercise capacity, cardiovascular and pulmonary risk factors, and quality of life. Five NHLBI grants and a single NIA grant were funded in the summer of 2018 for this CR/PR collaborative initiative. A brief description of the research to be developed in each grant is provided.
Rapid Systemwide Implementation of Outpatient Telehealth in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Esper Gregory J. , Sweeney Robert L. , Winchell Emmeline , Duffell J. Michael , Kier Sarah C. , Lukens Hallie W. , Krupinski Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2020

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its resultant social distancing, has disrupted the delivery of healthcare for both patients and providers. Fortunately, changes to legislation and regulation in response to the pandemic allowed Emory Healthcare to rapidly implement telehealth care. Beginning in early March 2020 and continuing through the initial 2-month implementation period (when data collection stopped), clinicians received telehealth training and certification. Standard workflows created by means of a hub-and-spoke operational model enabled rapid sharing and deployment of best practices throughout the system’s physician group practice. Lean process huddles facilitated successful implementation. In total, 2,374 healthcare professionals, including 986 attending physicians, 416 residents and fellows, and 555 advanced practice providers, were trained and certified for telehealth; 53,751 new- and established-patient audio–video telehealth visits and 10,539 established-patient telephone visits were performed in 8 weeks for a total of 64,290 virtual visits. This initiative included a new COVID-19 virtual patient clinic that saw 705 patients in a 6-week period. A total of $14,662,967 was charged during this time; collection rates were similar to in-person visits. Initial patient satisfaction scores were equivalent to in-person visits. We conclude that rapid deployment of virtual visits can be accomplished through a structured, organized approach including training, certification, and Lean principles. A hub-and-spoke model enables bidirectional feedback and timely improvements, thus facilitating swifter implementation and a quick rise in patient volume. Financial sustainability is achievable, but to sustain that, telehealth requires the support of continued deregulation by legislative and regulatory bodies.
Does Low-Dose Aspirin Initiated Before 11 Weeks’ Gestation Reduce the Rate of Preeclampsia?
Authors: Chaemsaithong Piya , Cuenca-Gomez Diana , Plana María N. , Gil María M. , Poon Liona C.
Published: October 2020

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2020;222(5):437–450)

Low-dose aspirin has been shown to decrease the rate of preterm preeclampsia in women identified as high risk. The ASPRE (Combined Multimarker Screening and Randomized Patient Treatment with Aspirin for Evidence-Based Preeclampsia Prevention) trial found that high-risk women who received aspirin versus placebo saw a substantially reduced rate of preterm preeclampsia.
Feeding, Communication, Hydrocephalus, and Intracranial Hypertension in Patients With Severe FGFR2-Associated Pfeiffer Syndrome
Authors: Kilcoyne Sarah , Potter Katherine Ruth , Gordon Zoe , Overton Sarah , Brockbank Sally , Jayamohan Jayaratnam , Magdum Shailendra , Smith Martin , Johnson David , Wall Steven , Wilkie Andrew O.M.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Pfeiffer syndrome is associated with a genetic mutation of theFGFR2(or more rarely,FGFR1) gene, and features the combination of craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, broad thumbs and broad great toes. Previous research has identified a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes in patients with Pfeiffer syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the multifactorial considerations for speech, language, hearing and feeding development in patients with severe genetically-confirmed Pfeiffer syndrome.

Methods:

A 23-year retrospective case-note review of patients attending the Oxford Craniofacial Unit was undertaken. Patients were categorized according to genotype. Patients with mutations located inFGFR1, or outside theFGFR2IgIII domain-hotspot, or representing known Crouzon/Pfeiffer overlap substitutions were excluded. Twelve patients with severeFGFR2-associated Pfeiffer syndrome were identified.

Results:

Patients most commonly had pansynostosis (n = 8) followed by bicoronal (n = 3), and bicoronal and sagittal synostosis (n = 1). Seven patients had a Chiari I malformation. Four patients had a diagnosis of epilepsy. Ten patients had with hydrocephalus necessitating ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion.

Feeding difficulties were common (n = 10/12) and multifactorial. In 5/12 cases, they were associated with pansynostosis, hydrocephalus, tracheostomy and tube feeding in infancy.

Hearing data were available for 10 patients, of whom 9 had conductive hearing loss, and 8 required hearing aids. Results indicated that 3/4 patients had expressive language difficulties, 3/4 had appropriate receptive language skills. 6/12 patients had a speech sound disorder and abnormal resonance.

Conclusion:

This study has identified important speech, language, hearing and feeding issues in patients with severeFGFR2-associated Pfeiffer syndrome. Results indicate that a high rate of motor-based oral stage feeding difficulties, and pharyngeal stage swallowing difficulties necessitating regular review by specialist craniofacial speech and language therapists
Endoscope Assisted Subcochlear Approach for Symptomatic Petrous Apex Effusion
Authors: Gür Harun , Ismi Onur , Görür Kemal , Güven Onurhan , Vayisoğlu Yusuf , Özcan Cengiz
Published: October 2020

Petrous apex effusions are rare disorders and usually occur in the petrous apex (PA) having well-aerated cells and it may present with several symptoms or can be diagnosed incidentally on imaging methods obtained for another reason. If there are persistent symptoms despite the conservative treatment in symptomatic patients, a surgical attempt can be considered. In patients with favorable hearing levels and with the well-pneumatized petrous bone, PA cells may be effectively drained through subcochlear or supracochlear approaches by preserving patient's hearing levels. In this case report, the authors presented a severe symptomatic patient with petrous apex effusion who did not respond to conservative treatment and petrous apex drainage was performed via the subcochlear approach.
Apical Node Involvement Does Not Influence Prognosis After Potentially Curative Resection for Stage III Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ng Kheng-Seong , Dent Owen F. , Chan Charles , Newland Ronald C. , Keshava Anil , Stewart Peter , Rickard Matthew J. F. X. , Chapuis Pierre H.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To examine the independent prognostic value of ALN status in patients with stage III CRC.

Summary of Background Data:

Early CRC staging classified nodal involvement by level of involved nodes in the operative specimen, including both locoregional and apical node status, in contrast to the American Joint Committee on Cancer/tumor nodes metastasis (TNM) system where tumors are classified by the number of nodes involved. Whether ALN status has independent prognostic value remains controversial.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for Stage III CRC from 1995 to 2012 at Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia were studied. ALN status was classified as: (i) ALN absent, (ii) ALN present but not histologically involved, (iii) ALN present and involved. Outcomes were the competing risks incidence of CRC recurrence and CRC-specific death. Associations between these outcomes and ALN status were compared with TNM N status results.

Results:

In 706 patients, 69 (9.8%) had an involved ALN, 398 (56.4%) had an uninvolved ALN and 239 (33.9%) had no ALN identified. ALN status was not associated with tumor recurrence [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–1.26] or CRC-specific death (HR 1.14, CI 0.91–1.43). However, associations persisted between TNM N-status and both recurrence (HR 1.58, CI 1.21–2.06) and CRC-specific death (HR 1.59, CI 1.19–2.12).

Conclusions:

No further prognostic information was conferred by ALN status in patients with stage III CRC beyond that provided by TNM N status. ALN status is not considered to be a useful additional component in routine TNM staging of CRC.
Postoperative Onset and Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Surgically Resected Specimens From Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients With Pre/Asymptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yan-Liang , Ren Jun , Yuan Jing-Ping , Zhang Zhi-Jiang , Guo Wen-Yi , Guan Yang , Moeckel Gilbert , Ahuja Nita , Fu Tao
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To describe the epidemiologic features and clinical courses of gastrointestinal cancer patients with pre/asymptomatic COVID-19 and to explore evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in the surgically resected specimens.

Summary Background Data:

The advisory of postponing or canceling elective surgeries escalated a worldwide debate regarding the safety and feasibility of performing elective surgical procedures during this pandemic. Limited data are available on gastrointestinal cancer patients with pre/asymptomatic COVID-19 undergoing surgery.

Methods:

Clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Surgically resected specimens of the cases with confirmed COVID-19 were obtained to detect the expression of ACE2 and the presence of SARS-CoV-2.

Results:

A total of 52 patients (male, 34) with a median age 62.5 years were enrolled. All the patients presented no respiratory symptoms or abnormalities on chest computed tomography before surgery. Six patients (11.5%) experienced symptom onset and were confirmed to be COVID-19. All were identified to be preoperatively pre/asymptomatic, as 5 were with SARS-CoV-2 presenting in cytoplasm of enterocytes or macrophages from the colorectal tissues and 1 had symptom onset immediately after surgery. The case fatality rate in patients with COVID-19 was 16.7%, much higher than those without COVID-19 (2.2%).

Conclusions:

Gastrointestinal cancer patients with pre/asymptomatic COVID-19 were at high risk of postoperative onset and death. At current pandemic, elective surgery should be postponed or canceled. It highlights the need for investigating the full clinical spectrum and natural history of this infection. The early colorectal tropism of SARS-CoV-2 may have major implications on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19.
Establishment of a Swine Benign Biliary Stricture Model of Endobiliary Thermal Injury With a Diathermic Sheath
Authors: Gao Dao-jian , Zhang Hong-Zhan , Hu Bing , Lu Rui , Wang Shu-Ping
Published: October 2020

Background:

A reliable large animal model of benign biliary stricture (BBS) is essential to study endoscopic management of BBS. The aim of this study was to establish a swine BBS model of endobiliary electrothermal injury with a diathermic sheath and screen out the optimal energy dose.

Materials and Methods:

Twelve swine were equally randomized into a low (20 W), a medium (30 W), and a high (40 W)-dose group. Endobiliary electrothermal injury was applied to the common bile duct using a diathermic sheath at different energy doses for 20 seconds via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Cholangiographic findings and liver function were evaluated weekly after thermal injury. Two animals from each group were sacrificed at 2 weeks and the other 2 sacrificed 4 weeks after thermal injury for histopathologic evaluation.

Results:

BBS was established successfully in 10 of the 12 animals. Two of the 4 animals in low-dose group did not produce biliary stricture at 4 weeks; in medium-dose group, BBS was induced in both animals at 2 weeks without causing severe complications; and in high-dose group, BBS was produced in 4 animals at 2 weeks, causing perforation and abdominal abscess formation in 1 animal.

Conclusions:

A safe and reproducible swine model of BBS could be established successfully by applying endobiliary electrothermal injury with a diathermic sheath at 30 W for 20 seconds.
BDNF and p-GSK3β in the hippocampus mediate the impairment of delay-based decision making in morphine-dependent rats
Authors: Fatahi Zahra , Zeinaddini-Meymand Arman , Karimi-Haghighi Saeideh , Haghparast Amir , Khodagholi Fariba , Haghparast Abbas
Published: October 2020

It has been shown that morphine addiction impairs cognitive brain functions. However, there is no document to consider the effect of morphine dependency and its withdrawal on cost-benefit decision making and its molecular pathways. The present study aimed to evaluate the influences of morphine dependency and its withdrawal on delay-based decision making and the BDNF, p-GSK3β, and p-CREB levels during the decision making in the hippocampus. Different groups of rats were trained in a T-maze with the delay-based cost-benefit decision-making paradigm. After that, the animals were dependent on morphine, and the percentage of the high reward preference was evaluated. After behavioral tests, BDNF level, p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio, and p-CREB/CREB ratio in the hippocampus measured by Western blot analysis. The gathered data showed that level of BDNF enhanced while p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio and p-CREB/CREB ratio in the hippocampus did not change during delay-based decision making. In morphine-dependent rats, the p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio increased, the BDNF level and p-CREB/CREB ratio did not change in the decision making procedure. After withdrawal from morphine, the BDNF level raised while p-GSK3β/GSK3β ratio and p-CREB/CREB ratio did not change compared to the addiction group. The data declared that BDNF in the hippocampus has a critical role in delay-based decision making. Change in p-CREB in the hippocampus is not related to decision making in normal and morphine-dependent rats. P-GSK3 in the hippocampus is not involved in the decision making in normal rats, but during decision making in morphine-dependent rats, its level increased.
Acyclovir Improves the Efficacy of Chemoradiation in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Containing the Epstein Barr Virus Genome
Authors: Thandoni Aditya , Zloza Andrew , Schiff Devora , Rao Malay , Lo Kwok-wai , Haffty Bruce G. , Kim Sung , Jhawar Sachin R.
Published: October 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy endemic to East Asia and is caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-mediated cancerous transformation of epithelial cells. The standard of care treatment for NPC involves radiation and chemotherapy. While treatment outcomes continue to improve, up to 50% of patients can be expected to recur by five years, and additional innovative treatment options are needed. We posit that a potential way to do this is by targeting the underlying cause of malignant transformation, namely EBV. One method by which EBV escapes immune surveillance is by undergoing latent phase replication, during which EBV expression of immunogenic proteins is reduced. However, chemoradiation is known to drive conversion of EBV from a latent to a lytic phase. This creates an opportunity for the targeting of EBV-infected cells utilizing anti-viral drugs. Indeed, we found that combining acyclovir with cisplatin and radiation significantly decreases the viability of the EBV-infected C666-1 cell line. Western blot quantification revealed a resultant increase of thymidine kinase (TK) and apoptosis-inducing mediators, cleaved PARP (cPARP) and phosphorylated ERK (pERK). These studies suggest that the addition of anti-viral drugs to frontline chemoradiation may improve outcomes in patients treated for EBV-related NPC and futurein vivoand clinical studies are needed.
Individual variation in parental care drives divergence of sex roles
Authors: Long Xiaoyan , Weissing Franz J.
Published: October 2020

In many animal species, parents provide care for their offspring, but the parental roles of the two sexes differ considerably between and within species. Here, we use an individual-based simulation approach to investigate the evolutionary emergence and stability of parental roles. Our conclusions are in striking contrast to the results of analytical models. In the absence of initial differences between the sexes, our simulations do not predict the evolution of egalitarian care, but either female-biased or male-biased care. When the sexes differ in their pre-mating investment, the sex with the highest investment tends to evolve a higher level of parental care; this outcome does not depend on non-random mating or uncertainty of paternity. If parental investment evolves jointly with sexual selection strategies, evolution results in either the combination of female-biased care and female choosiness or in male-biased care and the absence of female preferences. The simulations suggest that the parental care pattern drives sexual selection, and notvice versa. Finally, our model reveals that a population can rapidly switch from one type of equilibrium to another one, suggesting that parental sex roles are evolutionarily labile. By combining simulation results with fitness calculations, we argue that all these results are caused by the emergence of individual variation in parental care strategies, a factor that was hitherto largely neglected in sex-role evolution theory.
Teaching periodicity and aperiodicity using 3D-printed tiles and polyhedra
Authors: Casas Lluís
Published: October 2020

Unit cell and periodicity are key concepts in crystallography and classically were thought to be inherent properties of ordered media like crystals. Aperiodic crystals (including quasicrystals) forced a change of paradigm, affecting the actual definition of a crystal. However, aperiodicity is usually not taught in crystallography undergraduate courses. The emergence of low-cost 3D-printing technologies makes it possible to tackle hands-on learning of the commonly taught crystallography concepts related to periodicity and to introduce in an uncomplicated manner aperiodic crystals and their related concepts that usually are skipped. In this paper, several examples of the use of 3D printing are shown, including 2D and 3D examples of periodic and aperiodic ordered media; these are particularly useful to understand both conventional periodic crystals and quasicrystals. The STL files of the presented models are made available with the paper.
AuthBridge Research Services Pvt. Ltd
Authors: Agarwal Promila , Karna Amit
Published: October 2020

AuthBridge is a leading Background Screening & Risk Assessment Company. Founded in 2005, its mission is to be among the top and dominant in every line of business it undertakes with its creative, continually improving solutions. AuthBridge has 200 clients in 2015, and wishes to grow to serve 2000 clients by 2020. The case outlines the process it has adopted till date, and the journey of entrepreneur in terms of how he reached there. The founder faces the dilemma of whether he should scale this business model in other countries (emerging markets?) and what part of his model should be imitated and what part adapted. Through this case learners can understand the entrepreneurial journey of a serial entrepreneur and how he identified an opportunity in the market. The case also enables classroom discussions on developing a business model from the scratch, and how to set up efficient processes in a new venture.
Improving decision-making effectiveness in crisis situations: developing intuitive expertise at the workplace
Authors: Okoli Justin
Published: October 2020

Design/Methodology/Approach

This review examines the role of intuition as a cognitive tool to better manage complex crises. The paper draws on a case study in the aviation industry, the Hudson river incident, to advance the potency and value of intuitive expertise in crisis situations.

Purpose

Crisis managers operating in safety critical domains are often faced with difficult and exceptional conditions that may challenge their expertise and cause them to rely more heavily on their experiential knowledge. This review therefore provides insights into intuitive thinking and demonstrates its importance in crisis decision-making.

Findings

Evidence suggests that intuition arguably offers a better cognitive option to decision-makers in high staked and time-pressured crisis situations. The Hudson River case study further highlights why organizations should aim to train their personnel to become better intuitive thinkers.

Originality/value

This review challenges conventional classical decision theory, outlining its limitations in typical fast paced crises environments. The paper instead positions intuition as a scientific construct that holds important value for crisis managers in extreme conditions.
Fit for purpose? Lessons from transitional shelter provision for internally displaced persons in urban informal settlements in Brazil
Authors: Vaccari Mirian Sayuri , Sanderson David , Loosemore Martin , Mojtahedi Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges of transitional shelter provision for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in urban informal settlements. While there has been considerable research on postdisaster transitional shelters, less is known on shelters for IDPs in urban informal settlements.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is presented based on field research at the communities in Olaria and City in São Paulo, Brazil. Collection of data included personal communication with the dwellers, surveys and interviews with representatives from Techo, one of the few organizations that provide transitional shelters for IDPs. A review of documents regarding the construction, design and users' adaptation of transitional shelter was also undertaken. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The study found that Techo's program impacts positively on the nonphysical aspects of shelter, such as physical and mental health, security, household responsibilities and community participation. However, Techo's transitional shelter for IDPs in urban informal settlements and most postdisaster transitional shelters share similar problems. These programs respond to the needs of a small proportion of the affected populations with shelters of minimum quality and low durability.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a single case study of the NGO Techo and further case study research is recommended to further develop and validate the study results in other urban development contexts.

Originality/value

This research contributes to describing and understanding the context and the provision of transitional shelters to IDPs in urban informal settlements and impacts in the community. With increasing numbers of IDPs settling in urban informal settlements in many parts of the world, this paper is valuable to policymakers, NGOs and researchers operating in this field to facilitate community development.
Student retention in higher education: the role of creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy
Authors: Alsharari Nizar Mohammad , Alshurideh Muhammad Turki
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a new retention model suitable for academic setting that is based on the interaction between creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses quantitative research methods, especially survey, to justify the hypotheses testing and the components of new retention model. Based on the proposed model, three hypotheses have developed and tested using Smart Partial Least Square (SPLS) method. This paper also uses the qualitative data including documents, archival records and website analysis.

Findings

The findings denote that creativity, emotional intelligence and learner autonomy positively affect students' retention. The findings also indicate that there is a strong relationship between emotional intelligence and learner autonomy. It assumes that the study indicators might lead to students' retention and that autonomous learners persevere toward academic goals.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes with discussion of limitations of the study, suggestions for future research, and how administrators of nontraditional programs can benefit from this study. This study has important implications for higher education decision makers and university leaders alike.

Originality/value

The proposed students' retention model symbolizes the interplay between the cognitive and affective domains of creativity and emotional intelligence, which can contribute to learner autonomy intentions, changes in persistence and formulation of new beliefs in higher education.
Advertising food to Australian children: has self-regulation worked?
Authors: Saha Nipa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the historic development of advertising regulation that governs food advertising to children in Australia. Through reviewing primary and secondary literature, such as government reports and research, this paper examines the influence of various regulatory policies that limit children’s exposure to food and beverage marketing on practices across television (TV), branded websites and Facebook pages.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews studies performed by the food industry and public health researchers and reviews of the evidence by government and non-government agencies from the early 19th century until the present day. Also included are several other research studies that evaluate the effects of self-regulation on Australian TV food advertising.

Findings

The government, public health and the food industry have attempted to respond to the rapid changes within the advertising, marketing and media industries by developing and reviewing advertising codes. However, self-regulation is failing to protect Australian children from exposure to unhealthy food advertising.

Practical implications

The findings could aid the food and beverage industry, and the self-regulatory system, to promote comprehensive and achievable solutions to the growing obesity rates in Australia by introducing new standards that keep pace with expanded forms of marketing communication.

Originality/value

This study adds to the research on the history of regulation of food advertising to children in Australia by offering insights into the government, public health and food industry’s attempts to respond to the rapid changes within the advertising, marketing and media industries by developing and reviewing advertising codes.
The mediating role of perceived organizational support on psychological capital – employee engagement relationship: a study of Indian IT industry
Authors: Sihag Priyanka
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The importance of psychological capital (PsyCap) and perceived organizational support (POS) have been identified over the years, however, the underlying relationship of both constructs with different employee outcomes is still a subject of research. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether POS helps in mediating the effect of PsyCap on employee engagement (EE).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 420 samples (middle-level information technology (IT) professionals) were collected from different IT industry located in India by using online survey questionnaires. The collected data were further analyzed using regression analysis, factor analysis, structural equation modeling, reliability and validity analysis, mediation analysis and model fit indices analysis.

Findings

The results of the present study confirmed the full mediating effect of POS on the PsyCap-EE relationship and demonstrated that employees with a higher level of PsyCap, contribute more positively to the POS level which further enhances the employee’s level of engagement at the workplace.

Research limitations/implications

The samples collected for the current study included only middle-level IT professionals of the IT industry in India; therefore, the present study results have limited general applicability. The results and findings of the current study are only on the basis of inferential statistical analysis, and descriptive analysis was not performed on the collected data. Further, the study does not investigate the influence of time.

Practical implications

This study would assist practitioners of human resources in organizational development by enhancing the employee’s positive attitude and commitment toward their study. Further, EE can also be improved by enhancing the levels of POS and PsyCap of employees, which is in line with the findings of the current study.

Originality/value

The current study examines the mediating effect of POS on psychological capital and EE the relationship for the first time.
Influence of the biological age of the investor on decision-making in the secondary equity market
Authors: Isidore R. Renu , Christie P. , Arun C. Joe
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Decision-making in the equity market has been a challenging task for investors belonging to all age groups. This study aims to find linkages between the decision-making techniques in the equity market and the biological age of the investor.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study and by surveying a sample of 436 secondary equity investors residing in the Chennai region of India, the study measured the decision-making techniques. Using the ANOVA test, the decision-making technique mostly used by investors belonging to an age category was determined. Further, the linkages were investigated in isolation for the male and female investors. By using regression analysis, a model was developed to predict the actual equity return. The financial characteristics of the various age groups were also analyzed using cross-tabulation.

Findings

The results of the study show that the age of the investor plays an important role in the choice of decision-making technique used. The younger investors, who earn the lowest returns were less likely to use industry analysis but more likely to use technical analysis and advocate’s recommendation. Specifically, the younger male investors were less likely to use industry analysis and more likely to use the advocate’s recommendation. The younger female investors were also less likely to use industry analysis. The middle-aged respondents, who earn the highest return were less likely to use technical analysis and advocate’s recommendation owing to lower means. Specifically, the middle-aged male investors were less likely to use the advocate’s recommendation and technical analysis. Then, middle-aged female investors were more likely to use industry analysis.

Originality/value

The findings would be beneficial for financial advisors and wealth managers to suggest age-appropriate strategies for the various investor groups. This age-based profiling of investors would make investors aware of their decision-making techniques and encourage them to make more rational decisions.