bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portable framework to deploy deep learning segmentation models for medical images
Authors: Iyer Aditi , Locastro Eve , Apte Aditya P. , Veeraraghavan Harini , Deasy Joseph O.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This work presents a framework for deployment of deep learning image segmentation models for medical images across different operating systems and programming languages.

Methods

Computational Environment for Radiological Research (CERR) platform was extended for deploying deep learning-based segmentation models to leverage CERR’s existing functionality for radiological data import, transformation, management, and visualization. The framework is compatible with MATLAB as well as GNU Octave and Python for license-free use. Pre and post processing configurations including parameters for pre-processing images, population of channels, and post-processing segmentations was standardized using JSON format. CPU and GPU implementations of pre-trained deep learning segmentation models were packaged using Singularity containers for use in Linux and Conda environment archives for Windows, macOS and Linux operating systems. The framework accepts images in various formats including DICOM and CERR’s planC and outputs segmentation in various formats including DICOM RTSTRUCT and planC objects. The ability to access the results readily in planC format enables visualization as well as radiomics and dosimetric analysis. The framework can be readily deployed in clinical software such as MIM via their extensions.

Results

The open-source, GPL copyrighted framework developed in this work has been successfully used to deploy Deep Learning based segmentation models for five in-house developed and published models. These models span various treatment sites (H&N, Lung and Prostate) and modalities (CT, MR). Documentation for their usage and demo workflow is provided athttps://github.com/cerr/CERR/wiki/Auto-Segmentation-models. The framework has also been used in clinical workflow for segmenting images for treatment planning and for segmenting publicly available large datasets for outcomes studies.

Conclusions

This work presented a comprehensive, open-source framework for deploying deep learning-based medical image segmentation models. The framework was used to translate the developed models to clinic as well as reproducible and consistent image segmentation across institutions, facilitating multi-institutional outcomes modeling studies.
Accounting for errors in data improves timing in single-cell cancer evolution
Authors: Chen Kylie , Moravec Jiří C. , Gavryushkin Alex , Welch David , Drummond Alexei J.
Published: March 2021

Single-cell sequencing provides a new way to explore the evolutionary history of cells. Compared to traditional bulk sequencing, where a population of heterogeneous cells is pooled to form a single observation, single-cell sequencing isolates and amplifies genetic material from individual cells, thereby preserving the information about the origin of the sequences. However, single-cell data is more error-prone than bulk sequencing data due to the limited genomic material available per cell. Here, we present error and mutation models for evolutionary inference of single-cell data within a mature and extensible Bayesian framework, BEAST2. Our framework enables integration with biologically informative models such as relaxed molecular clocks and population dynamic models. Our simulations show that modeling errors increase the accuracy of relative divergence times and substitution parameters. We reconstruct the phylogenetic history of a colorectal cancer patient and a healthy patient from single-cell DNA sequencing data. We find that the estimated times of terminal splitting events are shifted forward in time compared to models which ignore errors. We observed that not accounting for errors can overestimate the phylogenetic diversity in single-cell DNA sequencing data. We estimate that 30-50% of the apparent diversity can be attributed to error. Our work enables a full Bayesian approach capable of accounting for errors in the data within the integrative Bayesian software framework BEAST2.
Combined docking and machine learning identifies key molecular determinants of ligand pharmacological activity on β2 adrenoceptor
Authors: Jiménez-Rosés Mireia , Morgan Bradley Angus , Sigstad Maria Jimenez , Zoe Tran T.D. , Srivastava Rohini , Bunsuz Asuman , Borrega-Román Leire , Hompluem Pattarin , Cullum Sean A. , Harwood Clare R. , Koers Eline J. , Sykes David A. , Styles Iain B. , Veprintsev Dmitry B.
Published: March 2021

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are valuable therapeutic targets for many diseases. A central question of GPCR drug discovery is to understand what determines the agonism or antagonism of ligands which bind them. Ligands exert their action via the interactions in the ligand binding pocket. We hypothesised that there is a common set of receptor interactions made by ligands of diverse structures that mediate their action and that among a large dataset of different ligands, the functionally important interactions will be over-represented. We computationally docked ~2700 known β2AR ligands to multiple β2AR structures, generating ca 75,000 docking poses and predicted all atomic interactions between the receptor and the ligand. We used machine learning (ML) techniques to identify specific interactions that correlate with the agonist or antagonist activity of these ligands. The interpretation of ML analysis in human understandable form allowed us to construct an exquisitely detailed structure-activity relationship that identifies small changes to the ligands that invert their activity and thus helps to guide the drug discovery process. This approach can be readily applied to any drug target.
Accessibility to sequential working memory fluctuates unconsciously in a theta phase-dependent manner
Authors: Ideriha Takuya , Ushiyama Junichi
Published: March 2021

Working memory is active short-term memory storage that is easily accessible for later utilization. There is emerging evidence that memorized items are represented rhythmically on the specific phase of the theta-band (4–7 Hz) neural oscillation. However, it is still unknown how this process impacts the accessibility to the active memory storage. Here we show that simply memorizing sequential information causes theta-band fluctuation in our behaviour (i.e., reaction time, RT). We measured RTs to a visual probe that appeared at sequentially memorized locations after a random interval. Consequently, RTs to the probes fluctuated in the theta range as a function of the random interval, and the behavioural rhythmicity supported the hypothesis of the phase-dependent coding of sequential working memory. The current results demonstrate that our behaviour fluctuates unconsciously in the theta-range when recalling sequential memory, suggesting that accessibility to sequential working memory is rhythmic rather than stable, possibly reflecting theta-phase dependent coding.
Conformational specificity of opioid receptors is determined by subcellular location irrespective of agonist
Authors: Crilly Stephanie E. , Ko Wooree , Weinberg Zara Y. , Puthenveedu Manojkumar A.
Published: March 2021

The prevailing model for the variety in drug responses is that they stabilize distinct active states of their G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targets, allowing coupling to different effectors. However, whether the same ligand can produce different GPCR active states based on the environment of receptors in cells is a fundamental unanswered question. Here we address this question using live cell imaging of conformational biosensors that read out distinct active conformations of the δ-opioid receptor (DOR), a physiologically relevant GPCR localized to Golgi and the surface in neurons. We show that, although Golgi and surface pools of DOR regulated cAMP, the two pools engaged distinct conformational biosensors in response to the same ligand. Further, DOR recruited arrestin on the plasma membrane but not the Golgi. Our results suggest that the same agonist drives different conformations of a GPCR at different locations, allowing receptor coupling to distinct effectors at different locations.
Identification of a Major Locus for Flowering Pattern Sheds Light on Plant Architecture Diversification in Cultivated Peanut
Authors: Kunta Srinivas , Chu Ye , Levy Yael , Harel Arye , Abbo Shahal , Ozias-Akins Peggy , Hovav Ran
Published: March 2021

Flowering pattern is a major taxonomic characteristic differentiating the two main subspecies of cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.). subsp.fastigiatapossessing flowers on the mainstem (MSF) and a sequential flowering pattern, whereas subsp.hypogaealacks flowers on the mainstem and exhibits an alternate flowering pattern. This character is considered the main contributor to plant architecture and the adaptability of each subgroup to specific growing conditions. Evidence indicates that flowering pattern differentiation occurred during the several thousand years of domestication and diversification in South America. However, the exact genetic mechanism that controls flowering pattern and the molecular changes that led to its historical diversification in peanut are unknown. We investigated the genetics of the flowering pattern in a recombinant inbred population of 259 lines (RILs), derivatives of anA. hypogaeaandA. fastigiatacross. RILs segregated 1:1 in both the sequential/alternative and the MSF-plus/MSF-minus traits, indicating a single gene effect. Using the Axiom_Arachis2 SNP-array, MSF was mapped to a 1.7 Mbp segment on chromosome B02 of the cultivatedA. hypogaea. Significant haplotype conservation was found for this locus in the USA peanut mini core collection, suggesting a possible selection uponhypogaea/fastigiataspeciation. Furthermore, a candidateTerminal Flowering 1-like(AhTFL1) gene was identified within the MSF region, in which a 1492 bp deletion occurred in thefastigiataline that leads to a truncated protein product. Remapping MSF in the RIL population with theAhTFL1deletion as a marker increased the LOD score from 53.3 to 158.8 with no recombination. The same deletion was also found to co-segregate with the phenotype in two EMS-mutagenized M2 families, suggesting a hotspot for large mutational deletion or gene conversion that may play a role in evolution. BLASTX analysis showed that the most similar homologous gene forTFL1-likein soybean isDet1, which previously was shown to control shoot determination. Sequence analysis of theTFL-1in a series of domesticated lines showed thatTFL1was subjected to gain/loss events of the deletion, partly explaining the evolution of MSF in Arachis. Altogether, these results support the role ofAhTFL-1in peanut speciation during domestication and modern cultivation.
Natal and adult dispersal among four elephant seal colonies
Authors: Zeno Ramona , Condit Richard , Allen Sarah G. , Duncan Garrett
Published: March 2021

Dispersal plays a key role fostering recovery of endangered species because reoccupying a former range can only happen via dispersal. The northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) is a large, marine predator that was nearly exterminated in the 19th century by over-hunting. Once they were afforded protection from harvest, the species spread from a single remnant colony to reoccupy its former range. As colonies in central California were reestablished during the 1960s-1990s, tagged seals documented northward dispersal from southern California. The central California colonies are now large and well-established, and tagging programs at the four northernmost colonies allowed us to quantify the extent and direction of dispersal. Natal dispersal by females was highest from the southernmost colony at Piedras Blancas, where 61% of surviving females emigrated to breed. Dispersal from the other three colonies was much lower, 5.6% from SE Farallon Island, 10.3% from Año Nuevo, and 16.6% from Point Reyes. Adult dispersal of females, after breeding, was rare, with an annual rate < 2%. Juvenile dispersal is thus frequent in elephant seals, highest northward but also occurring southward, suggesting that continued expansion to new colonies throughout the west coast is probable.
A Deep Learning Model for Molecular Label Transfer that Enables Cancer Cell Identification from Histopathology Images
Authors: Su Andrew , Lee HoJoon , Tan Xiao , Suarez Carlos J. , Andor Noemi , Nguyen Quan , Ji Hanlee P.
Published: March 2021

Deep learning cancer classification systems have the potential to improve cancer diagnosis. However, development of these computational approaches depends on prior annotation through a pathologist. This initial step relying on a manual, low-resolution, time-consuming process is highly variable and subject to observer variance. To address this issue, we developed a novel method, H&E Molecular neural network (HEMnet). This two-step process utilises immunohistochemistry as an initial molecular label for cancer cells on a H&E image and then we train a cancer classifier on the overlapping clinical histopathological images. Using this molecular transfer method, we show that HEMnet accurately distinguishes colorectal cancer from normal tissue at high resolution without the need for an initial manual histopathologic evaluation. Our validation study using histopathology images from TCGA samples accurately estimates tumour purity. Overall, our method provides a path towards a fully automated delineation of any type of tumor so long as there is a cancer-oriented molecular stain available for subsequent learning. Software, tutorials and interactive tools are available at:https://github.com/BiomedicalMachineLearning/HEMnet
Transcriptomic analysis of temporal shifts in berry development between two grapevine cultivars of the Pinot family reveals potential genes controlling ripening time
Authors: Theine Jens , Holtgräwe Daniela , Herzog Katja , Schwander Florian , Kicherer Anna , Hausmann Ludger , Viehöver Prisca , Töpfer Reinhard , Weisshaar Bernd
Published: March 2021

Background

Grapevine cultivars of the Pinot family represent clonally propagated mutants with major phenotypic and physiological differences, such as different colour or shifted ripening time, as well as changes in important viticultural traits. Specifically, the cultivars ‘Pinot Noir’ (PN) and ‘Pinot Noir Precoce’ (PNP, early ripening) flower at the same time, but vary in the beginning of berry ripening (veraison) and, consequently, harvest time. In addition to genotype, seasonal climatic conditions (i.e. high temperatures) also affect ripening times. To reveal possible regulatory genes that affect the timing of veraison onset, we investigated differences in gene expression profiles between PN and PNP throughout berry development with a closely meshed time series and over two separate years.

Results

The difference in the duration of berry formation between PN and PNP was quantified to be approximately two weeks under the growth conditions applied, using plant material with a proven PN and PNP clonal relationship. Clusters of co-expressed genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected which reflect the shift in the timing of veraison onset. Functional annotation of these DEGs fit to observed phenotypic and physiological changes during berry development. In total, we observed 3,342 DEGs in 2014 and 2,745 DEGs in 2017 between PN and PNP, with 1,923 DEGs across both years. Among these, 388 DEGs were identified as veraison-specific and 12 were considered as berry ripening time regulatory candidates. The expression profiles revealed two candidate genes for ripening time control which we designatedVviRTIC1andVviRTIC2(VIT_210s0071g01145 and VIT_200s0366g00020, respectively). These genes likely contribute the phenotypic differences observed between PN and PNP.

Conclusions

Many of the 1,923 DEGs show highly similar expression profiles in both cultivars if the patterns are aligned according to developmental stage. In our work, putative genes differentially expressed between PNP and PN which could control ripening time as well as veraison-specific genes were identified. We point out connections of these genes to molecular events during berry development and discuss potential candidate genes which may control ripening time. Two of these candidates were observed to be differentially expressed in the early berry development phase. Several down-regulated genes during berry ripening are annotated as auxin response factors / ARFs. Conceivably, general changes in auxin signaling may cause the earlier ripening phenotype of PNP.
Facilitating the design of combination therapy in cancer using multipartite network models: Emphasis on acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Jafari Mohieddin , Mirzaie Mehdi , Bao Jie , Barneh Farnaz , Zheng Shuyu , Eriksson Johanna , Tang Jing
Published: March 2021

From the drug discovery perspective, combination therapy is recommended in cancer due to efficiency and safety compared to the common cytotoxic and single-targeted monotherapies. However, identifying effective drug combinations is time- and cost-consuming. Here, we offer a novel strategy of predicting potential drug combinations and patient subclasses by constructing multipartite networks using drug response data on patient samples. In the present study, we used Beat AML and GDSC, two comprehensive datasets based on patient-derived and cell line-based samples, to show the potential of multipartite network modeling in cancer combinatorial therapy. We used the median values of cell viability to compare drug potency and reconstruct a weighted bipartite network, which models the interaction of drugs and biological samples. Then, clusters of network communities were identified in two projected networks based on the topological structure of networks. Chemical structures, drug-target networks, protein-protein interactions, and signaling networks were used to corroborate the intra-cluster homogeneity. We further leveraged the community structures within the drug-based multipartite networks to discover effective multi-targeted drug combinations, and the synergy levels which were supported with more evidence using the DrugComb and the ALMANAC databases. Furthermore, we confirmed the potency of selective combinations of drugs against monotherapyin vitroexperiment using three acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines. Taken together, this study presents an innovative data-driven strategy based on multipartite networks to suggest potential drug combinations to improve treatment of AML.
Structure-function analysis of purified proanthocyanidins reveals a role for polymer size in suppressing inflammatory responses
Authors: Andersen-Civil Audrey Inge Schytz , Leppä Milla Marleena , Thamsborg Stig M. , Salminen Juha-Pekka , R.Williams Andrew
Published: March 2021

Proanthocyanidins (PAC) are dietary compounds that have been extensively studied for beneficial health effects due to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, the structure-function relationships of PAC and their mode-of-action remain obscure. Here, we isolated a wide range of diverse PAC polymer mixtures of unprecedented purity from plant material. Polymer size was a key factor in determining the ability of PAC to regulate inflammatory cytokine responses in murine macrophages. PAC polymers with a medium (9.1) mean degree of polymerization (mDP) induced substantial transcriptomic changes, whereas PAC with either low (2.6) or high (12.3) mDP were significantly less active. Short-term oral treatment of mice with PAC modulated gene pathways connected to nutrient metabolism and inflammation in ileal tissue in a polymerization-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the bioactive PAC polymers modulated autophagic flux and directly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced autophagy. Collectively, our results highlight the importance of defined structural features in the health-promoting effects of PAC-rich foods.
RNase III-mediated processing of atrans-acting bacterial sRNA and itscis-encoded antagonist
Authors: Svensson Sarah L. , Sharma Cynthia M.
Published: March 2021

Bacterial small RNAs (sRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators in stress responses and virulence. They can be derived from an expanding list of genomic contexts, such as processing from parental transcripts by RNase E. The role of RNase III in sRNA biogenesis is less well understood despite its well-known roles in rRNA processing, RNA decay, and cleavage of sRNA-mRNA duplexes. Here, we show that RNase III processes a pair ofcis-encoded sRNAs (CJnc190 and CJnc180) of the foodborne pathogenCampylobacter jejuni. While CJnc180 processing by RNase III requires CJnc190, In contrast, RNase III processes CJnc190 independent of CJnc180 via cleavage of an intramolecular duplex. We also show that CJnc190 directly represses translation of the colonization factor PtmG by targeting a G-rich ribosome binding site, and uncover that CJnc180 is acis-acting antagonist of CJnc190, indirectly affectingptmGregulation. Our study highlights a role for RNase III in sRNA biogenesis and addscis-encoded RNAs to the expanding diversity of transcripts that antagonize bacterial sRNAs.
A new electron diffraction approach for structure refinement applied to Ca3Mn2O7
Authors: Beanland R. , Smith K. , Vaněk P. , Zhang H. , Hubert A. , Evans K. , Römer R. A. , Kamba S.
Published: March 2021

The digital large-angle convergent-beam electron diffraction (D-LACBED) technique is applied to Ca3Mn2O7 for a range of temperatures. Bloch-wave simulations are used to examine the effects that changes in different parameters have on the intensity in D-LACBED patterns, and atomic coordinates, thermal atomic displacement parameters and apparent occupancy are refined to achieve a good fit between simulation and experiment. The sensitivity of the technique to subtle changes in structure is demonstrated. Refined structures are in good agreement with previous determinations of Ca3Mn2O7 and show the decay of anti-phase oxygen octahedral tilts perpendicular to the c axis of the A21
am unit cell with increasing temperature, as well as the robustness of oxygen octahedral tilts about the c axis up to ∼400°C. The technique samples only the zero-order Laue zone and is therefore insensitive to atom displacements along the electron-beam direction. For this reason it is not possible to distinguish between in-phase and anti-phase oxygen octahedral tilting about the c axis using the [110] data collected in this study.
Management and sustainability dilemmas in Latin America: introduction
Authors: Hernandez-Pozas Olivia , Murcia Maria Jose , Ogliastri Enrique , Olivas-Lujan Miguel R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This article introduces readers to the Special Issue (SI, 34-1) of ARLA, edited (not exclusively) with the best papers of the Academy of Management's Specialized Conference, scheduled for April 2020 in Mexico City. The COVID-19 pandemic forced its cancellation, but the expert peer review and editorial work continued, to contribute to the emerging literature on Latin American Management and Sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Guest editors contributed their expertise based on required editorial processes and focused literature reviews on Management and Sustainability.

Findings

There are large management and sustainability challenges to Latin American practitioners and researchers, resulting in an increasingly urgent need to systematically document similarities and differences in the fields of Management and Sustainability. It is so because the region has been affected as few others before, during and after the pandemic. Thus, this issue summarizes the literature, presents eight new studies and offers suggestions for future research.

Research limitations/implications

Management and sustainability in Latin America are wide subjects, with different dimensions and issues. This is a specific contribution that leaves much ground to be covered in the different subfields of the area, in research methodologies and conclusions.

Originality/value

An agenda for advancing the field of management and sustainability in Latin America, highlighted by the COVID-19 disruption; additionally, eight of the most advanced research in the field are presented, chosen from two tracks of a large number of contributions to a recent specialized conference organized by the Academy of Management.
“Stop whining and be a badass”: a postfeminist analysis of university students' responses to gender themes
Authors: Kivijärvi Marke
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper critically examines how female students at a Finnish business school understand gender in management.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on female students' learning diaries from a basic management course.

Findings

The findings show how students respond to the topic of gender inequality through a neoliberal postfeminist discourse. The students' discourse is structured around three discursive moves: (1) rejecting “excessive” feminism, (2) articulating self-reliant professional futures and (3) producing idealized role models through successfully integrating masculinity and femininity.

Originality/value

This article contributes to current understanding of the role of postfeminist sensibilities in shaping student participation in the management profession. Awareness of students' responses to gender-equality initiatives offers management educators insight into the inclusion of equality topics in teaching in ways that support equal gender socialization in the management profession.
Understanding how firm attributes affect voice in brand community
Authors: Sun Yongqiang , Zhao Cailian , Shen Xiao-Liang
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Customers' continuous value creation (e.g. voice) is an important research issue for the success of brand virtual community (BVC) and new product development, while it is rarely studied from a firm perspective. The purpose of the present study is to investigate how firm attributes exert influences on continuous voice intention in brand virtual communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a survey in mobile brand virtual communities in China, and 291 valid responses for data analysis were included to test the research model by using partial least squares (PLSs).

Findings

The results show that intrinsic motivation to voice is positively associated with continuous voice intention. Furthermore, the impact of brand identification on intrinsic motivation is found to be fully mediated by community identification. Customer orientation has a positive effect on perceived openness, and both customer orientation and perceived openness positively affect customers' brand identification and community identification.

Originality/value

Although prior studies have examined some variables relevant to voice behavior, few studies have recognized the influence of firm attributes toward the BVC on sustained voice intention. To fill this research gap, the authors propose a research model to shed light on the role of firm attributes by classifying them into brand- vs community-based firm attributes, which affect intrinsic motivation through two types of social identification, namely brand identification and community identification.
The interplay among self-regulation, emotions and teaching styles in higher education: a path analysis approach
Authors: Heydarnejad Tahereh , Hosseini Fatemi Azar , Ghonsooly Behzad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

For this purpose, Teacher Self-Regulation Scale (TSRS), Emotions Questionnaire for Teachers (EQT) and Grasha's Teaching Style Inventory (TSI) were employed to gauge the influences of teacher self-regulation on university teachers' emotions and preferred teaching style. The participants of this study were 320 university teachers, majored in different branches of English (English Literature, English Teaching, English Translation), teaching in different universities of Iran. To shed light on the causal associations, a path analysis was run using LISREL 8.80.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the pivotal role of effective teaching on educational well-being, the present study delve into three significant teacher-related variables i.e. teacher self-regulation, emotions and teaching style. For this purpose, TSRS, EQT, and Grasha's TSI were employed to gauge the influences of teacher self-regulation on university teachers' emotions and preferred teaching style. The participants of this study were 320 university teachers, majored in different branches of English (English Literature, English Teaching, English Translation), teaching in different universities of Iran. To shed light on the causal associations, a path analysis was run using LISREL 8.80.

Findings

Based on the findings, teacher self-regulation predicts pleasant emotions positively; whereas, it predicts unpleasant emotions in a negative direction. The results also demonstrate that teacher self-regulation positively and significantly predicts student-centred styles (Facilitator and Delegator), and the reverse is true for teacher-centred styles (Formal Authority, Personal Model, and Expert).

Research limitations/implications

Future studies may advance the possible relationships among the subscales of teacher self-regulation, teacher emotion and teaching style. Also, further investigations are suggested to target the teacher self-regulation, teacher emotion and teaching style in enhancing language learners' achievement.

Practical implications

In effect, the findings of the current study contribute to the fields of teacher psychology and teacher education. The implications of this study may open another perspective into university teachers’ psychological well-being and professional development.

Social implications

The implications of this study may redound to the advantage of policy makers, curriculum designers, teacher educators, as well as university teachers.

Originality/value

The implications of this study may redound to the advantage of policy-makers, curriculum designers, teacher educators and university teachers.
Developing and testing student engagement scale for higher educational students
Authors: Siddiqi Ahmed Faisal , Shabbir Muhammad Salman , Abbas Mazhar , Mahmood Arshad , Salman Rabia
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and empirically test the student engagement scale and to understand the factors that contribute to student engagement at higher educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation started with a rummage for variables, available in the literature, 59 in numbers, which were then used to collect data from a sample of university students in Lahore, Pakistan. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to develop an initial structure of the construct. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was then conducted to confirm the reliability and validity of these factors for the student engagement construct.

Findings

It has been found that factors, predominantly social and exogenous to the classroom environment, such as campus atmosphere and facilities, are more responsible for creating engagement among students at higher educational institutions of Pakistan.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneer studies for developing a student engagement scale for measuring the students' engagement in higher educational institutions. The authors believe that the scale developed in this study contributes substantially to the student engagement literature. Limitations, future research directions and implications are discussed.
Organizational culture and cultural diversity: an explorative study of international skilled migrants in Swedish firms
Authors: Farashah Ali , Blomqusit Tomas
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper empirically explores the types and extent of cultural diversity strategies in Sweden, a developed economy with many migrant workers. The role of organizational culture as the context and the association with diversity strategy and the selection of international skilled migrant workers are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data are collected by surveying 249 Swedish large or medium-sized firms. Cluster analysis is used to explore the configuration of organizational culture, cultural diversity strategy (CDS) and selection and development criteria.

Findings

The authors identify five clusters of organizations. Organizational culture is the main contextual factor that influences the CDS and human resource (HR) approaches for selecting skilled migrant workers. The profile of the clusters including organizational culture, diversity strategies, the selection criteria and firm demographics is presented. The empirical results indicate that organizational culture and demographics are associated with the choice of diversity strategy and, consequently, HR processes.

Originality/value

This study's main focus is on international skilled migrants, which is among empirically less-studied areas in global mobility literature. Furthermore, until now more attention has been directed toward studying the consequences of diversity than toward understanding the factors that influence choice of diversity strategies and practices. This study focuses on antecedents of diversity and attempts to understand the factors that influence adoption and implementation of different cultural diversity strategies.
Chronic health conditions, healthcare experience and life satisfaction among immigrant and native-born women in Canada
Authors: Li Yiyan , Ru Siyu
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To compare chronic health status, utilization of healthcare services and life satisfaction among immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary analysis of national data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 2015–2016 was conducted. The survey data included 109,659 cases. Given the research question, only female cases were selected, which resulted in a final sample of 52,560 cases. Data analysis was conducted using multiple methods, including logistic regression and linear regression.

Findings

Recent and established immigrant women were healthier than native-born Canadian women. While the Healthy Immigrant Effect (HIE) was evident among immigrant women, some characteristics related to ethnic origin and/or unhealthy dietary habits may deteriorate immigrant women's health in the long term. Immigrant women and non-immigrant women with chronic illnesses were both more likely to increase their use of the healthcare system. Notably, the present study did not find evidence that immigrant women under-utilized Canada's healthcare system. However, the findings showed that chronic health issues were more likely to decrease women's life satisfaction.

Originality/value

This analysis contributes to the understanding of immigrant women's acculturation by comparing types of chronic illnesses, healthcare visits, and life satisfaction between immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.
Long‐term remission of unusual plasmoacanthoma on the nasal canthus achieved by intralesional corticosteroid injection: Insights into the pathogenesis and treatment planning based on a literature review
Authors: Ito‐Muramatsu Aria , Fukuyama Masahiro , Hayakawa Jun , Ohyama Manabu
Published: March 2021

Plasmoacanthoma (PA) is a verrucous tumor predominantly developing on periorificial areas, which has been considered as an unusual subtype of plasmacytosis circumorificialis. Because of its rarity and clinical resemblance to several verrucous dermatological disorders, accurate diagnosis of PA is quite challenging. Herein, we present an extremely unusual case of PA which arose on both sides of the nasal canthus and was successfully treated with intralesional corticosteroid injections. To elucidate clinicopathological features of this condition, a literature review was also attempted. A 78‐year‐old woman visited us with a 2‐year history of eruptions affecting both sides of the nasal canthus. At a local clinic, the diagnosis and treatment had been unsuccessful due to non‐specific histological findings, leading to the referral to our institute. On physical examination, verrucous and lobulated reddish plaques were observed. In histology, psoriasiform epidermal change and dense plasma cell infiltration in the dermis were detected. The diagnosis of PA was made. After 5‐monthly intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections, the lesions became hardly noticeable with no evidence of recurrence. A literature review found five PA cases. PA predominantly arose on the periorificial area, mostly in or around the mouth, except one case which developed on the extra‐oral or perioral area. Intralesional corticosteroid injection has been preferably performed, which frequently achieved successful remission. Chronic inflammation has been reported as a preceding condition. Abundance of plasma cells in the lacrimal glands and conjunctiva, together with pre‐existing allergic conjunctivitis and habitual scratching, might have contributed to PA development in our case. Histopathological detection of psoriasiform epidermal change and dense dermal plasma cell infiltration is indispensable for the diagnosis of PA. For accurate diagnosis, optimization of treatment, and further accumulation of extra‐oral/perioral PA cases, a skin biopsy needs to be proactively performed on verrucous lesions on relatively unfamiliar orifice sites.
DNA metabarcoding of prey reveals spatial, temporal and diet partitioning of an island ecosystem by four invasive wasps
Authors: Schmack Julia Marion , Lear Gavin , Astudillo‐Garcia Carmen , Boyer Stéphane , Ward Darren F. , Beggs Jacqueline R.
Published: March 2021

Invasive alien species can cause detrimental changes in native ecosystems, but our understanding of the interactions between multiple exotic species is limited. To evaluate the joint effect of multiple sympatric invaders on an ecosystem, we must first understand how they interact with each other.

Here, we quantified the spatial distribution, dietary composition and overlap of four invasive generalist vespid species (two Vespula and two Polistes) that co‐occur on Ahuahu off the north‐east coast of New Zealand. We used DNA metabarcoding of larval faecal material to identify prey species, and mapped the locations of nests.

We observed clear spatial partitioning, with different wasp species aggregating in different habitats. Diet differed both among wasp species (diet partitioning) and among seasons (temporal partitioning). There was stronger competition (highest diet overlap) between Vespula germanica and Vespula vulgaris than between other wasp species, but partitioning resources minimised spatial and diet overlap between the four species.

Additionally, we obtained high‐resolution diet inventories that help assess the combined ecological impact of invasion by multiple wasps. These species consumed mostly native and endemic invertebrates from multiple trophic levels, but particularly herbivores (Lepidoptera). We provide direct evidence that in combination they exploited a wide range of endemic invertebrates.

Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates resource partitioning among four invasive wasps, facilitating coexistence of these generalist invaders. We conclude that coexistence probably amplifies their ecological impact. Quantifying how multiple invaders exploit and partition resources provides insights into how communities assemble and helps to assess the cumulative effects of multiple invaders on the recipient community.
NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC linkages to SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19): Part 3. Family response
Authors: Wagner Cheryl Marie , Swanson Elizabeth A. , Moorhead Sue , Mantovani Vanessa Monteiro , Dunn‐Lopez Karen , Macieira Tamara G. R. , Abe Noriko , Breitenstein Susie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To provide guidance to nurses caring for families with COVID‐19, we developed linkages using interoperable standardized nursing terminologies: NANDA International (NANDA‐I) nursing diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC). In addition, we wanted to identify gaps in the terminologies and potential new nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions for future development related to nurse roles in family care during a pandemic.

Methods

Using a consensus process, seven nurse experts created the linkages focused on families during the COVID‐19 pandemic using the following steps: (1) creating an initial list of potential nursing diagnoses, (2) selecting and categorizing outcomes that aligned with all components of each nursing diagnosis selected, and (3) identifying relevant nursing interventions.

Findings

We identified a total of seven NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses as the basis for the linkage work. These are distributed in three NANDA‐I Domains and based in the psychosocial dimension of the Nursing Care in Response to Pandemics model. Eighty‐nine different NOC outcomes were identified to guide care based on the nursing diagnoses, and 54 different NIC interventions were suggested as possible interventions. Fifteen new proposed concepts were identified for future development across the three classifications.

Conclusions

The linkages of nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions provide a guide to enhance nursing practice and care documentation that could quantify the impact of nursing care to patient outcomes for families at risk for or infected by COVID‐19.

Implications for Nursing Practice

NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC linkages identified in this paper provide resources to support clinical decisions and guide critical thinking for nurses encountering care needs of families with COVID‐19. Documentation of these linkages provides data that can create new knowledge to enhance the care of families impacted by COVID‐19.
Innovation, external technological environment and the total factor productivity of enterprises
Authors: Xiao Zumian , Peng Hongfeng , Pan Zheyao
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study the impact of endogenous innovation and the external technological environment on total factor productivity. We first develop an endogenous growth model and derive a testable empirical model. We then estimate the empirical model based on the World Bank’s worldwide enterprise survey data for 119 countries spanning 2007–2017. Our results suggest that: (i) enterprises’ R&D activity increases their total factor productivity; (ii) a higher level of external technology weakens the impact of the R&D activity on total factor productivity; and (iii) enterprises located in low‐ and middle‐income countries often lack continuous innovation.
Efficacy of an arrow‐shaped ultrasonic tip for the removal of residual root canal filling materials
Authors: Silva Emmanuel J.N.L. , de Lima Carolina O. , Barbosa Ana F.A. , Ferreira Cláudio M. , Crozeta Bruno M. , Lopes Ricardo T.
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementary methods to remove the remaining root filling material from root canals. Twenty mandibular single‐rooted teeth were instrumented with Reciproc 25/0.08 and filled with gutta‐percha and AH‐Plus sealer, followed by a micro‐CT scanning. The retreatment procedures were performed, the samples were rescanned and divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the supplementary method: XP‐endo Finisher R and Clearsonic tip. The samples were rescanned and the volume of remaining root filling material was quantified. Data were analysed statistically (P < 0.05). The amount of filling material removed after supplementary methods was higher compared with retreatment procedure (P < 0.05). XP‐endo Finisher R promoted a greater percentage of filling materials reduction in the entire root canal and apical third compared with Clearsonic tip (P < 0.05). Supplementary methods were effective in the reduction of root filling materials. XP‐endo Finisher R removed more root filling material than Clearsonic tip.
Capital Meets Democracy: The Impact of Franchise Extension on Sovereign Bond Markets
Authors: DASGUPTA ADITYA , ZIBLATT DANIEL
Published: March 2021

By giving political rights to poor voters, do democratic political institutions pose a risk to concentrated wealth held in the form of financial capital? This article draws lessons from the reaction of sovereign bond markets to franchise extensions between 1800 and 1920. If franchise extension transferred political power from economic and financial elites to workers, as redistributive theories of democratization suggest, then this should have resulted in a fall in the market price (increase in the yield) of a country's bonds. Exploiting the asynchronous timing of franchise reforms across countries, we provide evidence that franchise extension contributed to large increases in the premium demanded by investors to hold sovereign debt, reflecting investor fears of default. However, bond markets became less sensitive to franchise extensions over time, a pattern potentially due to the structure of inequality and the strategic adoption of institutions which protected financial interests.
Clinical treatment for hepatitis C reverses CYP2C19 inhibition
Authors: Pippa Leandro Francisco , Vieira Carolina Pinto , Caris Juciene Aparecida , Rocha Adriana , Garcia Camile Prates , Rezende Rosamar Eulira Fontes , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: March 2021

Aims

Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) generates inflammatory response selectively modulating cytochrome P450 protein (CYP) activities. This study assessed the effect of chronic hepatitis C on CYP2C19 activity in patients with HCV.

Methods

Patients with HCV infection (n = 23) at different fibrosis stages were allocated into groups 1 (F0/F1 and F2, mild to moderate fibrosis) and 2 (F3 and F4, advanced fibrosis stages). Phase 1 was conducted before the treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and phase 2 after the sustained virological response. Participants were administered 2 mg of a single oral dose of omeprazole (OME) as probe drug in both phases. Metabolic ratios (MRs) (plasma samples collected at 4 h after OME administration) were calculated by dividing plasma concentrations of 5‐hydroxyomeprazole by OME.

Results

The MRs for group 1 were 0.45 (0.34–0.60, 90% confidence interval) and 0.69 (0.50–0.96) for phases 1 and 2, respectively, while the MRs for group 2 were 0.25 (0.21–0.31) and 0.41 (0.30–0.56) for phases 1 and 2, respectively. MRs were different (P < .05) between phases 1 and 2 for both groups, as well as between groups 1 and 2 in phase 1, but not in phase 2 (P > .05).

Conclusions

Both groups presented different MRs before and after treatment with DAAs, evidencing that CYP2C19 inhibition during inflammation was at least partially reversed after DAA treatment. Groups 1 and 2 were also found to be different in phase 1 but not phase 2, showing that CYP2C19 metabolic activity does not differ between groups after DAA treatment.
The Grade‐Level and Cumulative Outcomes of Absenteeism
Authors: Ansari Arya , Gottfried Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Nationally representative data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten Class of 2011 (n = 14,370) were used to examine the grade‐level and cumulative outcomes of school absenteeism between kindergarten and fifth grade for students’ school performance in the United States. Students who were more frequently absent in any year of elementary school demonstrated lower academic, executive function, and socioemotional outcomes. Although there was little variation in the magnitude of associations across grade levels, there was evidence of cumulative associations. Specifically, students who were consistently absent throughout elementary school tended to have lower outcomes across developmental domains in the long‐term. The negative links between absenteeism and outcomes were larger for Black than White students, but few other subgroup differences emerged.