bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inactivation of Highly Transmissible Livestock and Avian Viruses Including Influenza A and Newcastle Disease Virus for Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Welch Jennifer L. , Shrestha Ram , Hutchings Heather , Pal Narinder , Levings Randall , Robbe-Austerman Suelee , Palinski Rachel , Shanmuganatham Karthik K.
Published: September 2023

There is a critical need for an inactivation method that completely inactivates pathogens at the time of sample collection but maintains the nucleic acid quality required for diagnostic PCR testing. This inactivation method is needed to alleviate concerns about transmission potential, reduce shipping complications and cost, and allow testing in lower containment laboratories to improve disease diagnostics by improving turn-around time. This study evaluated a panel of ten surrogate viruses that represent highly pathogenic animal diseases. These results showed that a commercial (PrimeStore®) molecular transport media (PSMTM) completely inactivated all viruses tested by >99.99% as determined by infectivity and serial passage assays. However, detection of viral nucleic acid by qRT-PCR was comparable in PSMTM and control-treated conditions. These results were consistent when viruses were evaluated in the presence of biological material such as sera and cloacal swabs to mimic diagnostic sample conditions for non-avian and avian viruses, respectively. The results of this study may be utilized by diagnostic testing laboratories for highly pathogenic agents affecting animal and human populations. These results may be used to revise guidance for select agent diagnostic testing and shipment of infectious substances.

Contribution to the field

Active surveillance and confirmatory testing efforts are in place to protect animals in the United States from certain highly contagious diseases and to limit financial impacts to consumers and producers when the food supply is disrupted. Confirmatory testing typically utilizes nucleic acid detection to identify active infection. Testing is required to be completed in high containment facilities due to the elevated pathogenicity and impact potential of animal diseases. The requirement for testing in high containment facilities limits the ability for regional and state laboratories to test for Tier 1 select agents. Shipment of diagnostic samples is costly, as well as time and temperature sensitive to avoid deterioration of sample quality needed for testing. These constraints lengthen response time and testing turn-around time. Here, we showed that a commercial (PrimeStore®) molecular transport media (PSMTM) completely inactivated all viruses tested without affecting nucleic acid detection/integrity. These data suggest that highly contagious agents are effectively inactivated by PSMTM without compromising the nucleic acid needed for diagnostic testing. These data provide support that this inactivation method can be utilized during sample collection to reduce constraints in disease diagnostics and in reagent sharing among international laboratories.
A mutation inThemiscontributes to peanut-induced oral anaphylaxis in CC027 mice
Authors: Risemberg Ellen L. , Smeekens Johanna M. , Cruz Cisneros Marta C. , Hampton Brea K. , Hock Pablo , Linnertz Colton L. , Miller Darla R. , Orgel Kelly , Shaw Ginger D. , Pardo Manuel de Villena Fernando , Burks A. Wesley , Valdar William , Kulis Michael D. , Ferris Martin T.
Published: September 2023

Background

The development of peanut allergy is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although specific genes have proven difficult to identify. Previously, we reported that peanut- sensitized CC027/GeniUnc (CC027) mice develop anaphylaxis upon oral challenge to peanut, unlike C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice.

Objective

To determine the genetic basis of orally-induced anaphylaxis to peanut in CC027 mice.

Methods

A genetic mapping population between CC027 and C3H mice was designed to identify the genetic factors that drive oral anaphylaxis. A total of 356 CC027xC3H backcrossed mice were generated, sensitized to peanut, then challenged to peanut by oral gavage. Anaphylaxis and peanut-specific IgE were quantified for all mice. T-cell phenotyping was conducted on CC027 and five additional CC strains.

Results

Anaphylaxis to peanut was absent in 77% of backcrossed mice, with 19% showing moderate anaphylaxis, and 4% having severe anaphylaxis. A total of eight genetic loci were associated with variation in response to peanut challenge, six associated with anaphylaxis (temperature decrease) and two associated with peanut-specific IgE levels. There were two major loci that impacted multiple aspects of the severity of acute anaphylaxis, at which the CC027 allele was associated with worse outcome. At one of these loci, CC027 has a private genetic variant in theThemis(thymocyte-expressed molecule involved in selection) gene. Consistent withThemis’ described functions, we found that CC027 have more immature T cells with fewer CD8+, CD4+, and CD4+CD25+CD127- regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a key role forThemisin the orally-reactive CC027 mouse model of peanut allergy.
Improving antibody affinity using laboratory data with language model guided design
Authors: Krause Ben , Subramanian Subu , Yuan Tom , Yang Marisa , Sato Aaron , Naik Nikhil
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Protein design involves navigating vast sequence spaces to discover sequences with desired traits. Language models (LMs) pretrained on universal protein datasets have shown potential to make this search space tractable. However, LMs trained solely on natural sequences have limitations in creating proteins with novel functions. In this work, we used a combination of methods to finetune pretrained LMs on laboratory data collected in an anti-CD40L single domain antibody library campaign to develop an ensemble scoring function to model the fitness landscape and guide the design of new antibodies. Laboratory experiments confirmed improved CD40L affinity in the designed antibodies. Notably, the designs improved the affinities of four antibodies, originally ranging from 1 nanomolar to 100 picomolar, all to below 25 picomolar, approaching the limit of detection. This work is a promising step towards realizing the potential of LMs to leverage laboratory data to develop improved treatments for diseases.
Asgard archaea defense systems and their roles in the origin of immunity in eukaryotes
Authors: Leao Pedro , Little Mary E. , Appler Kathryn E. , Sahaya Daphne , Aguilar-Pine Emily , Currie Kathryn , Finkelstein Ilya J , De Anda Valerie , Baker Brett J
Published: September 2023

Immune systems are integral to survival against viral infection. Recently, dozens of new anti-viral systems have been characterized in bacteria. Some of these systems are present in eukaryotes and appear to have originated in prokaryotes. However, little is known about these defense mechanisms in archaea. Here, we identified 2,610 complete defense systems in archaea related to eukaryotes, the Asgardarchaeota. These comprise 89 unique systems, including argonaute, NLR, mokosh, viperin, lassamu, and CBASS. Asgard viperin (asVip) and argonaute (asAgo) proteins are present at high frequencies compared to bacteria and have structural homology to eukaryotes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed asVips are ancestral eukaryotic proteins. Heterologous expression of asVips in bacteria, including the lineage closest to eukaryotes, Hodarchaeales, showed anti-phage activity. Eukaryotic- and bacterial-argonaute proteins appear to have originated in Asgardarchaeota and preserve ancient structural characteristics. asAgos have argonaute-PIWI domains which are key components of the RNA interference (RNAi) in eukaryotes. Characterization of hundreds of defense systems in the Asgardarchaeota revealed these archaea played important roles in the innovation of viral protection in eukaryotes. Given their relationship to eukaryotes, these defense systems may have applications in biomedicine and biotechnology
Resolving the nanoscale structure of β-sheet assemblies using single-molecule orientation-localization microscopy
Authors: Zhou Weiyan , O’Neill Conor L. , Ding Tianben , Zhang Oumeng , Rudra Jai S. , Lew Matthew D.
Published: September 2023

Synthetic peptides that self-assemble into cross-β fibrils have remarkable utility as engineered biomaterials due to their modularity and biocompatibility, but their structural and morphological similarity to amyloid species has been a long-standing concern for their translation. Further, their polymorphs are difficult to characterize using spectroscopic and imaging techniques that rely on ensemble averaging to achieve high resolution. Here, we utilize single-molecule orientation-localization microscopy (SMOLM) to characterize fibrils formed by the designed amphipathic enantiomers, KFE8Land KFE8D, and the pathological amyloid-beta peptide Aβ42. SMOLM reveals that the orientations of Nile red, as it transiently binds to both KFE8 and Aβ42, are consistent with a helical (bilayer) ribbon structure and convey the precise tilt of the fibrils’ inner and outer backbones. SMOLM also finds polymorphic branched and curved morphologies of KFE8 whose backbones exhibit much more heterogeneity than those of more typical straight fibrils. Thus, SMOLM is a powerful tool to interrogate the structural differences and polymorphism between engineered and pathological cross β-rich fibrils.
Testing the effectiveness of a commercially sold probiotic on restoring the gut microbiota of honey bees: a field study
Authors: Damico Megan E. , Beasley Burton , Greenstein Drew , Raymann Kasie
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic use in apiculture is often necessary to ensure the survival of honey bee colonies. However, beekeepers are faced with the dilemma of needing to combat bacterial brood infections while also knowing that antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria important for bee health. In recent years, bee probiotics have become increasingly purchased by beekeepers because of product claims like being able to “replenish the microbes lost due to agricultural modifications of honey bees’ environment” or “promote optimal gut health.” Unfortunately, these products have little scientific evidence to support their efficacy, and previous lab experiments have refuted some of their claims. Here, we performed hive-level field experiments to test the effectiveness of SuperDFM-HoneyBee™ −the most commonly purchased honey bee probiotic in the United States− on restoring the honey bee gut microbiota after antibiotic treatment. We found slight but significant changes in the microbiota composition of bees following oxytetracycline (TerraPro) treatment and no difference between the microbiota of antibiotic treated bees with or without subsequent probiotic supplementation. Moreover, the microorganisms in the probiotic supplement were never found in the guts of the worker bee samples. These results highlight that more research is needed to test the efficacy and outcomes of currently available commercial honey bee probiotic supplements.
Ice structures assembled from cubic water clusters of D
2d
and S
4 symmetry
Authors: Gudkovskikh Sergey V. , Kirov Mikhail V.
Published: September 2023

The study of self-assembly processes is of key importance for fundamental science and modern technologies. Cubic water clusters of D
2d
and S
4 symmetry show great potential as building blocks for self-assembly. The objective of this paper is to construct possible ice structures formed by hydrogen bonding of these very stable water clusters. A number of such structures are herein presented, including quasi-2D and 3D ices as well as spatial layered and tubular ices. The energetics and structure of many configurations differing in the arrangement of hydrogen atoms in hydrogen bonds have been studied. It was established that the proton disorder of all such ices is of island type. The residual entropy of these ices is equal to ln(3)/4 in dimensionless form. For layered structures formed by the stacking of multiple bilayers, the determining role of the van der Waals interactions is shown. Note that, for all considered ices, the lowest-energy configurations are formed only by clusters of D
2d
symmetry.
A novel algorithm for calculation of Fourier and asymmetric units
Authors: Pavelcik Frantisek
Published: September 2023

A new method is presented for determining asymmetric and Fourier units based on plane groups for all space groups. These units are specifically designed to improve the calculation of fast Fourier transforms compared with the units derived from asymmetric units in the International Tables for Crystallography, Vol. A. The algorithm can be easily implemented into existing crystallographic programs using a short computer code.
Effect of high-temperature mechanochemistry method modified TiO2 on the dispersibility and corrosion resistance of TiO2-epoxy coatings
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Qian , Wang Jialing , Shao Yawei , Xu Zhengyi , Wang Yanqiu , Wang Junyi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the compatibility of titanium dioxide in epoxy resins and thus the corrosion resistance of the coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, TiO2 was modified by the mechanochemistry method where mechanical energy was combined with thermal energy to complete the modification. The stability of modified TiO2 in epoxy was analyzed by sedimentation experiment. The modified TiO2-epoxy coating was prepared, and the corrosion resistance of the coating was analyzed by open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and neutral salt spray test.

Findings

High-temperature mechanical modification can improve the compatibility of TiO2 in epoxy resin. At the same time, the modified TiO2-epoxy coating showed better corrosion resistance. Compared to the unmodified TiO2-epoxy coating, the coating improved the dry adhesion force by 61.7% and the adhesion drop by 33.3%. After 2,300 h of immersion in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution, the coating resistance of the modified TiO2 coating was enhanced by nearly two orders of magnitude compared to the unmodified coating.

Originality/value

The authors have grafted epoxy molecules onto TiO2 surfaces using a high-temperature mechanical force modification method. The compatibility of TiO2 with epoxy resin is enhanced, resulting in improved adhesion of the coating to the substrate and corrosion resistance of the coating.
Numerical analysis of neutral delay differential equations with high-frequency inputs
Authors: Condon Marissa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The paper proposes an efficient and insightful approach for solving neutral delay differential equations (NDDE) with high-frequency inputs. This paper aims to overcome the need to use a very small time step when high frequencies are present. High-frequency signals abound in communication circuits when modulated signals are involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves an asymptotic expansion of the solution and each term in the expansion can be determined either from NDDE without oscillatory inputs or recursive equations. Such an approach leads to an efficient algorithm with a performance that improves as the input frequency increases.

Findings

An example shall indicate the salient features of the method. Its improved performance shall be shown when the input frequency increases. The example is chosen as it is similar to that in literature concerned with partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) circuits (Bellen et al., 1999). Its structure shall also be shown to enable insights into the behaviour of the system governed by the differential equation.

Originality/value

The method is novel in its application to NDDE as arises in engineering applications such as those involving PEEC circuits. In addition, the focus of the method is on a technique suitable for high-frequency signals.
Automatic generation of parametric patterns from grading patterns using artificial intelligence
Authors: Oh Jihyun , Kim Sungmin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to automate the process of converting grading patterns into parametric patterns using artificial intelligence and to objectively evaluate the fitness of the converted patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed system consists of a user interface that defines input data by importing multi-size grading patterns, an artificial neural network that learns the relationship between human body size and pattern geometry, and a module that converts training results into parametric patterns. In order to evaluate the fitness of the generated pattern, an objective fitting evaluation method using drape simulation was developed.

Findings

The body sizes of the wearer were input to the converted parametric pattern to generate a customized pattern. Resulting pattern showed a better fit than the grading pattern on the off-average body model.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, a method has been developed that enables the users with minimal pattern drafting knowledge to convert grading patterns into parametric patterns using artificial intelligence and drape simulation. The human body's symmetry and the physical properties of fabric were not considered.

Originality/value

The system developed in this study requires less data compared to existing methods that attempt to design clothing patterns with machine learning. In addition, it was possible to evaluate pattern fitness on various body models through drape simulation based fit evaluation process for the first time.
Employing a multi-sensor fusion array to detect objects for an orbital transfer vehicle to remove space debris
Authors: Jani Kaushal
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This article takes into account object identification, enhanced visual feature optimization, cost effectiveness and speed selection in response to terrain conditions. Neither supervised machine learning nor manual engineering are used in this work. Instead, the OTV educates itself without instruction from humans or labeling. Beyond its link to stopping distance and lateral mobility, choosing the right speed is crucial. One of the biggest problems with autonomous operations is accurate perception. Obstacle avoidance is typically the focus of perceptive technology. The vehicle's shock is nonetheless controlled by the terrain's roughness at high speeds. The precision needed to recognize difficult terrain is far higher than the accuracy needed to avoid obstacles.

Design/methodology/approach

Robots that can drive unattended in an unfamiliar environment should be used for the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) for the clearance of space debris. In recent years, OTV research has attracted more attention and revealed several insights for robot systems in various applications. Improvements to advanced assistance systems like lane departure warning and intelligent speed adaptation systems are eagerly sought after by the industry, particularly space enterprises. OTV serves as a research basis for advancements in machine learning, computer vision, sensor data fusion, path planning, decision making and intelligent autonomous behavior from a computer science perspective. In the framework of autonomous OTV, this study offers a few perceptual technologies for autonomous driving in this study.

Findings

One of the most important steps in the functioning of autonomous OTVs and aid systems is the recognition of barriers, such as other satellites. Using sensors to perceive its surroundings, an autonomous car decides how to operate on its own. Driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go must be able to distinguish between stationary and moving objects surrounding the OTV.

Originality/value

One of the most important steps in the functioning of autonomous OTVs and aid systems is the recognition of barriers, such as other satellites. Using sensors to perceive its surroundings, an autonomous car decides how to operate on its own. Driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go must be able to distinguish between stationary and moving objects surrounding the OTV.
The derivatives debate: do derivatives disclosures add value during difficult times?
Authors: Toerien Franz Eduard , Hall John H. , Brümmer Leon
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigates whether the disclosure of derivatives is value relevant in emerging markets and evaluates the effects of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis on the value relevance of derivative disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel regression models using sub-samples and a crisis interaction term were applied to a sample of the 200 largest non-financial firms by market capitalization listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2005 to 2017 to assess the consequences of the financial crisis.

Findings

The results suggest that the disclosure of derivatives is value relevant in the hitherto understudied context of emerging markets. The 2008/2009 financial crisis had a significant impact on derivatives use and the value relevance of derivatives disclosure by JSE-listed companies.

Practical implications

Companies should reconsider both how they employ derivatives as part of their risk management practices and how they communicate derivatives use to stakeholders in the financial statements. The findings facilitate a comparative analysis across various market contexts by researchers and assist investors in better decision-making. The findings can influence regulatory practices and can help standard setters to review disclosure requirements.

Originality/value

The benefits of corporate hedging were studied from an emerging market perspective, using an original dataset and approach to investigate the effects of international financial volatility on emerging markets. The authors tested whether companies are valued differently, based on their disclosure of the use of derivatives in the financial statements, and the effect of the financial crisis on the value relevance derivatives disclosures.
Sustainability in supply chain management: using drawings to understand undergraduates' perceptions of sustainability
Authors: Feeney Sharon , Hogan John
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper presents an interpretation of freehand drawings produced by supply chain management undergraduates in response to the question: “What is sustainability?” Having to explain sustainability pictorially forced students to distill what the essence of sustainability meant to them and provided insights into how they perceived sustainability and their roles in achieving sustainability in the context of supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

Students were asked to draw and answer the question “What is sustainability?” These drawings were discussed/interpreted in class. All drawings were initially examined quantitatively, before a sample of four were selected for presentation here.

Findings

Freehand drawing can be used as part of a critical pedagogy to create a visual representation to bypass cognitive verbal processing routes. This allows students to produce clear, more critical and inclusive images of their understanding of a topic regardless of their vocabulary.

Practical implications

The authors offer this as a model for educators seeking alternative methods for engaging with sustainability and for creating a learning environment where students can develop their capacity for critical self-reflection.

Originality/value

This study shows how a collaborative learning experience facilitates learners demonstrating their level of understanding of sustainability.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2022-0718
Adoption of digital platforms by sponsoring organisations and NPOs for cause-related B2B marketing programs: a fsQCA exploration
Authors: Amawate Vibhas
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Cause-related B2B marketing programs involve sponsoring organisations working with B2B suppliers with the help of non-profit organisations (NPOs) on practises relating to environmental friendliness, workforce diversity, human rights, safety, philanthropy and business ethics. The study aims to identify the combinatory factors driving the adoption of Digital B2B platforms for managing cause-related B2B marketing programs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an innovative approach of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on data collated from top corporations in India supporting cause-related B2B marketing programs. Sponsoring organisations and NPO dyads (i.e. survey both) filled out an email survey on 264 cause-related B2B marketing programs.

Findings

The study establishes that the combination of technological, organisational and environmental factors would lead to the adoption of Digital B2B platforms in managing cause-related B2B marketing programs. The study identifies six combinations of these factors for adopting Digital B2B platforms within and across sponsoring organisations and NPOs.

Practical implications

The study findings would aid cause-related B2B marketers in developing Digital B2B platforms’ capabilities by understanding the different combinations of factors driving adoption. Digital B2B platforms’ capabilities can improve market performance if developed as core competencies.

Social implications

The study findings would enable improvements in the implementation and performance of cause-related B2B marketing programs. Better management of cause-related B2B marketing programs would help increase beneficiary coverage and the realisation of societal goals.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to apply the TOE framework in conjunction with complexity theory to explain the diffusion of adoption of Digital B2B platforms for managing cause-related B2B marketing programs.
A study on inventory control strategies of fresh food supply chain considering advertising delay effect
Authors: Jiang Yongchang , Zhu Hejie , Bai E.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The existence of the advertising delay effect and its impact on supply chain operations have been demonstrated in the current study. Therefore, this study develops a timely inventory control strategy for the fresh produce supply chain to address the advertising delay effect in the fresh produce supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a game model based on the Nerlove-Arrow time delay differential equation and Pontryagin's maximum principle. Through comparative analyses of the optimal equilibrium strategies, the authors compare the optimal equilibrium strategies, product goodwill and optimal inventory trajectories for suppliers and retailers under secondary replenishment decisions and decentralized decisions.

Findings

The authors find that (1) Only when the sales cycle meets certain conditions can the overall profit of the supply chain under the secondary replenishment decision be greater than that under the decentralized decision. As the price markup coefficient increases, the total profit of the supply chain first increases and then decreases. (2) With the increase in the delay time, the replenishment quantity during the initial period gradually decreases. After the delay time elapses, the inventory depletion rate under secondary replenishment decisions is faster than that under decentralized decision-making. (3) Although there is a continuously increasing maximum value of product goodwill with the increase in delay time, it becomes difficult to achieve this value for longer delays.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings provide a theoretical basis for supply chain members of fresh agricultural products to select replenishment and inventory control strategies when adopting different levels of delay in advertising marketing.

Originality/value

Firstly, this paper explains the impact of advertising delay effect on fresh produce supply chain from a dynamic perspective, and secondly, it provides guidance on advertising formulation and inventory replenishment for fresh produce retailers under the influence of advertising delay effect.
Consumer behaviour towards milk and dairy yoghurt products carrying nutrition and health claims: a qualitative study
Authors: Collins Nuala , Lalor Fiona
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Milk and yoghurt provide essential sources of nutrition throughout the life cycle in the Irish diet. Health claims on dairy product labels were popular in the 1980s, and since the introduction of the nutrition and health claims (NHC) Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 in 2007, many new regulated claims have been used to communicate product benefits. Meanwhile, COVID-19 and the Farm to Fork strategy have heightened consumer awareness of health issues. All of these factors have contributed to a change in our food environment and interest in health. In addition, the European Commission is working to introduce a legislative proposal on nutrient profiles (NP) to restrict the use of NHC on foods that are high in salt, fat or sugar. This qualitative study aims to research knowledge on adults’ attitudes, perceptions and behaviour towards NHC on dairy products.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a thematic analysis using transcripts from a series of discussion groups, attended by adults (n = 24). The participants also completed an introductory questionnaire.

Findings

The study noted positive attitudes towards dairy protein. This attitude was common across age, gender or life stage. There were misperceptions regarding yoghurt composition and health benefits. There were negative perceptions of low-fat nutrition claims on yoghurt, which led to a preference for full-fat dairy products. This requires further insight and research.

Research limitations/implications

Participants from a wider socio-demographic group could have broadened the research limits of this project.

Originality/value

These findings will interest policymakers, regulators, dieticians and the food industry.
The uptake of digital twins in delivering infrastructure sector projects
Authors: Sohal Kavita , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini , Georgakis Panagiotis , Stride Nici
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The anticipated strong growth of the infrastructure industry over the coming decades will require more modern, digital approaches to create data-centric infrastructure that allows infrastructure to be monitored and managed throughout its lifecycle. Digital twins (DTs) are currently at an early stage in terms of their implementation on infrastructure projects across the United Kingdom (UK). The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current uptake of DTs in delivering infrastructure sector projects and how DTs can help contribute towards strengthening the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review approach has been conducted with the research questions derived from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) article screening tool. In addition to this, inclusion and exclusion criteria have been used to screen irrelevant information and help streamline research documents. Following a screening of relevant information, 36 pieces of literature were reviewed in order to identify the key drivers, barriers, enabling technologies and use cases.

Findings

DTs have the potential to transform asset design, production and maintenance. However, to further advance the digital innovation in the UK infrastructure sector, further study is necessary. An emerging technology must be considered on a broader scale than just its technical aspects, particularly when it comes to DTs. With enabling technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors and artificial intelligence (AI), the uptake of DTs appears promising. While current literature indicates that DTs offer clear benefits in the infrastructure sector, the uptake is low and hindered by both technical and non-technical challenges.

Originality/value

This paper provides a rich insight into the understanding and awareness of the DTs in delivering infrastructure sector projects and how the infrastructure sector has evolved in order to develop new ways of designing, constructing, operating and monitoring infrastructure assets. This study contributes towards informing leaders in the sector of the current uptake of DTs within the UK's infrastructure sector as well as how DTs can contribute towards strengthening the industry.
Caught Between a Well‐Intentioned State and a Hostile Federal System: Local Implementation of Inclusive Immigrant Policies
Authors: YOUNG MARIA‐ELENA DE TRINIDAD , TAFOLLA SHARON , PEREZ‐LUA FABIOLA M.
Published: September 2023

Policy Points

Inclusive state immigrant policies that expand rights and resources for immigrants may improve population health, but little is known about their local‐level implementation.

Local actors that have anti‐immigrant attitudes can hinder the implementation of state policies, whereas the persistent influence of anti‐immigrant federal policies reinforces barriers to accessing health and other resources granted by state policies.

Local actors that serve immigrants and support state policy implementation lack the resources to counter anti‐immigrant climates and federal policy threats.

Context

In the United States, inclusive state‐level policies can advance immigrant health and health care access by extending noncitizens’ access to public benefits, workplace rights, and protections from immigration enforcement. Although state policies carry promise as structural population health interventions, there has been little examination of their implementation at the local level. Local jurisdictions play multiple roles in state policy implementation and possess distinct immigration climates. Examining the local implementation of state immigrant policy can address challenges and opportunities to ensure the health benefits of inclusive policies are realized equitably across states’ regions.

Methods

To examine the local implementation of state immigrant policies, we selected a purposive sample of California counties with large immigrant populations and distinct social and political dynamics and conducted and analyzed in‐depth interviews with 20 community‐based organizations that provided health, safety net, and other services.

Findings

We found that there were tensions between the inclusionary goals of state immigrant policies and local anti‐immigrant climates and federal policy changes. First, there were tensions between state policy goals and resistance from local law enforcement agencies and policymakers (e.g., Board of Supervisors). Second, because of the ongoing threats from federal immigration policies, there was a mismatch between the services and resources provided by state policies and local community needs. Finally, organizations that served immigrants were responsible for contributing to policy implementation but lacked resources to meet community needs while countering local resistance and federal policy threats.

Conclusions

This study contributes knowledge regarding the challenges that emerge after state immigrant policies are enacted. The tensions among state immigrant policies, local immigration climates, and federal policy changes indicate that state immigrant policies are not implemented equally across state communities, resulting in challenges and limited benefits from policies for many immigrant communities.
Xenobiotic metabolites modify immune responses of the cervicovaginal epithelium: potential mechanisms underlying barrier disruption
Authors: Gerson Kristin D. , Loder Aaron , Landau Zachary , Anton Lauren
Published: September 2023

Objective

Xenobiotic metabolites are exogenous biochemicals that can adversely impact reproductive health. We previously identified xenobiotics in cervicovaginal fluid during pregnancy in association with short cervix. In other organ systems, xenobiotics can modify epithelial barrier function. We hypothesise that xenobiotics dysregulate epithelial cell and macrophage immune responses as a mechanism to disrupt the cervicovaginal barrier.

Design

In vitro cell culture system.

Setting

Laboratory within academic institution.

Sample

Vaginal, ectocervical and endocervical epithelial cell lines and primary macrophages.

Methods

Cells were treated with diethanolamine (2.5 mM), ethyl glucoside (5 mM) or tartrate (2.5 mM) for 24 h.

Main outcome measures

Cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases were measured in cell supernatants (n = 3 per condition). One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunnett's test for multiple comparisons was performed.

Results

Diethanolamine induces inflammatory cytokines, whereas ethyl glucoside and tartrate generally exert anti‐inflammatory effects across all cells. Diethanolamine increases interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐8, interferon γ‐induced protein 10 kDa (IP‐10), growth‐regulated oncogene (GRO), fractalkine, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1), MMP‐9 and MMP‐10 (p < 0.05 for all), factors involved in acute inflammation and recruitment of monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Ethyl glucoside and tartrate decrease multiple cytokines, including RANTES and MCP‐1 (p < 0.05 for all), which serve as chemotactic factors. Vaginal cells exhibit heightened inflammatory tone compared with cervical cells and macrophages, with a greater number of differentially expressed analytes after xenobiotic exposure.

Conclusions

Xenobiotic metabolites present in the cervicovaginal space during pregnancy modify immune responses, unveiling potential pathways through which environmental exposures may contribute to the pathogenesis of cervical remodelling preceding preterm birth. Future work identifying xenobiotic sources and routes of exposure offers the potential to modify environmental risks to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Early Triassic Nianzi Adakitic Granite Unit in the Yanshan Fold and Thrust Belt: New Constraints from U‐Pb Geochronology and Sr‐Nd‐Hf Isotopes
Authors: ZHANG Huijun , WU Chu , HE Fubing , WANG Biren , CUI Yubin , LIU Zhenghua , YOU Shina , DONG Jing
Published: September 2023

The Nianzi granite unit, which includes the Nianzi, Xiaolianghou and Xiawopu granitic intrusions, is a significant component of the northern part of the North China Craton (NCC) and is situated in the Yanshan fold and thrust belt (YFTB). However, there is still debate regarding the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB during the late Permian to Triassic period, specifically regarding the timing of subduction and collision between the NCC and the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The Nianzi granite unit exhibits unique petrological, geochronological and geochemical signatures that shed light on the tectonic evolutionary history of the YFTB. This study presents detailed petrology, whole‐rock geochemistry, together with Sr‐Nd isotopic, zircon U‐Pb dating and Lu‐Hf isotopic data of the granites within the Nianzi granite unit. Our findings demonstrate that the granites primarily consist of subhedral K‐feldspar, plagioclase, quartz, minor biotite and hornblende, with accessory titanite, apatite, magnetite and zircon. Zircon U‐Pb dating indicates that the Xiaolianghou granite was emplaced at 247.5 ± 0.62 Ma. Additionally, the adakitic characteristics of the Nianzi, Xiawopu and Xiaolianghou granitic intrusions, such as high Sr and Ba contents and high ratios of Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N, combined with negative Sr‐Nd and Lu‐Hf isotopes (87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.705681–0.7057433, εNd(t) = –21.98 to –20.97, zircon εHf(t) = –20.26 to –9.92), as well as the I‐type granite features of high SiO2, Na2O and K2O/Na2O ratios, enriched Rb, K, Sr and Ba, along with depleted Th, U, Nb, Ta, P and Ti, suggest that the Nianzi granitic unit was mainly derived from the partial melting of a thickened lower crust containing hydrous, calc‐alkaline to high‐K calc‐alkaline, mafic to intermediate metamorphic rocks. In light of these parameters, we further integrate our data with previous studies and conclude that the Nianzi granitic unit was generated in a post‐collisional extensional environment during the Early Triassic.
Effectiveness and safety of rituximab in special types of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Takanashi Satoshi , Kondo Yasushi , Saito Shuntaro , Kikuchi Jun , Hanaoka Hironari , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Kaneko Yuko
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To elucidate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in special types of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with rheumatoid arthritis with lymphoproliferative disorder or vasculitis treated with rituximab between April 2010 and June 2022 at Keio University Hospital. We assessed the effectiveness of rituximab using the Disease Activity Score for 28 joints‐erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and safety of rituximab during the disease course. We also assessed the glucocorticoid‐sparing effects of rituximab.

Results

We included eight patients with a history of lymphoproliferative disorder and five patients with rheumatoid vasculitis. They were treated with rituximab without high‐dose glucocorticoid. The mean DAS28‐ESR and CDAI scores significantly improved 12 months after rituximab administration (DAS28‐ESR, 4.7 vs. 2.7, p < .001; CDAI, 16.0 vs. 5.1, p = .006, respectively), and the dose of prednisolone was reduced from a mean of 7.4 mg/day to 4.0 mg/day at 12 months (p = .05) and 3.2 mg/day at the last visit (p = .04). During the mean follow‐up period of 52 months, we recorded one recurrence of lymphoproliferative disorder (not B‐cell type) in patients with a history of lymphoproliferative disorder and remarkable improvement of skin ulcers in patients with vasculitis.

Conclusion

B‐cell depletion by rituximab may be a useful treatment option for patients with lymphoproliferative disorder and rheumatoid vasculitis.
High‐intensity drinking and hours spent drinking
Authors: Patrick Megan E. , Parks Michael J. , Peterson Sarah J.
Published: September 2023

Background

High‐intensity drinking (HID) is associated with negative consequences, but it remains unclear whether a time qualifier (i.e., time spent drinking) is needed to identify individuals at highest risk. To improve the measurement and conceptualization of HID, we examined the utility of adding a time qualifier to define what constitutes an occasion of HID using repeated daily surveys in a sample of young adults.

Methods

Participants were selected from a nationally representative sample of 12th‐grade students in the United States who participated in the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study in Spring 2018. In 2019 and 2020, young adults (at modal ages 19–20) responded to annual and daily (14 consecutive days per year) online surveys about their alcohol use.

Results

When we compared moderate drinking days (less than 4/5 drinks for women/men), binge drinking days (4–7/5–9 drinks), and HID days (8+/10+ drinks), HID days had the longest duration of drinking (5.2 h), highest peak estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC, 0.30%), and greatest drinking pace (2.58 drinks/h). HID was associated with a greater number of negative consequences than either moderate or binge drinking; adjusting for time spent drinking did not impact this interpretation. HID was reported on 10.9% of days; when defined as 8/10+ drinks in 4 h or 2 h, HID was reported on 4.8% and 1.0% of days, respectively. Nearly all differences in eBAC and negative consequences persisted across drinking intensity despite the introduction of time constraints.

Conclusions

HID days were characterized by both a longer time spent drinking and a more rapid pace of drinking. Adding a time qualifier to the definition of HID would restrict variability by only describing the minority of days and does not improve the distinctions among levels of risk.
Accounting firm office size and tax aggressiveness
Authors: Fu Yi (Dale) , Lim Youngdeok , Carson Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

This paper empirically investigates the association between the size of accounting firm offices and corporate tax aggressiveness. We find that clients audited by large offices have lower levels of corporate tax aggressiveness. We also find that such a negative relation is less pronounced when an accounting firm office provides tax services or when the office possesses tax‐specific industry expertise, and it is more pronounced when a client is financially important. The study contributes to the literature by documenting the role of accounting firm offices in influencing tax aggressiveness.
Searching for new signals for susceptibility to umbilical hernia through genome‐wide association analysis in three pig breeds
Authors: Yang Hui , Wang Lei , Yin Lilin , Tang Zhenshuang , Wang Zhangxu , Liu Xiangdong , Xiang Tao , Yu Mei , Liu Xiaolei , Li Changchun
Published: September 2023

Umbilical hernia (UH) is a prevalent congenital disorder in pigs, resulting in considerable economic losses and severe animal welfare issues. In the present study, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using the GeneSeek 50K Chip in 2777 pigs (Duroc,n = 1267; Landrace,n = 696; and Yorkshire,n = 814) to explore the candidate genes underlying the risk of umbilical hernia in pigs. After quality control analyses, 2748 animals and 48 524 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were retained for subsequent GWAS analysis using the FarmCPU model. The heritability of umbilical hernias was estimated to 0.51 ± 0.04, indicating a reasonable basis for investigating genetic markers associated with this disorder. We identified 54 SNPs and 517 candidate genes that showed significant associations with susceptibility to umbilical hernia across the combined population of the three pig breeds. Gene enrichment analyses highlighted several crucial pathways for platelet degranulation, inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels and ion transport. These findings provide further insights into the underlying genetic architecture of umbilical hernias in pigs.