bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Radiation Effects, the H-ARS in the Non-human Primate: A Review and New Data for the Cynomolgus Macaque with Reference to the Rhesus Macaque
Authors: Farese Ann M. , Drouet Michel , Herodin Francis , Bertho Jean-Marc , Thrall Karla D. , Authier Simon , Doyle-Eisele Melanie , MacVittie Thomas J.
Published: September 2021

Medical countermeasure development under the US Food and Drug Administration animal rule requires validated animal models of acute radiation effects. The key large animal model is the non-human primate, rhesus macaque. To date, only the rhesus macaque has been used for both critical supportive data and pivotal efficacy trials seeking US Food and Drug Administration approval. The potential for use of the rhesus for other high priority studies such as vaccine development underscores the need to identify another non-human primate model to account for the current lack of rhesus for medical countermeasure development. The cynomolgus macaque, Macaca fascicularis, has an existing database of medical countermeasure development against the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome, as well as the use of radiation exposure protocols that mimic the likely nonuniform and heterogenous exposure consequent to a nuclear terrorist event. The review herein describes published studies of adult male cynomolgus macaques that used two exposure protocols—unilateral, nonuniform total-body irradiation and partial-body irradiation with bone marrow sparing—with the administration of subject-based medical management to assess mitigation against the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. These studies assessed the efficacy of cytokine combinations and cell-based therapy to mitigate acute radiation-induced myelosuppression. Both therapeutics were shown to mitigate the myelosuppression of the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. Additional studies being presented herein further defined the dose-dependent hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome of cynomolgus and rhesus macaques and a differential dose-dependent effect with young male and female cynomolgus macaques. The database supports the investigation of the cynomolgus macaque as a comparable non-human primate for efficacy testing under the US Food and Drug Administration animal rule. Critical gaps in knowledge required to validate the models and exposure protocols are also identified.
Multi-omic Analysis of Non-human Primate Heart after Partial-body Radiation with Minimal Bone Marrow Sparing
Authors: Zalesak-Kravec Stephanie , Huang Weiliang , Wang Pengcheng , Yu Jianshi , Liu Tian , Defnet Amy E. , Moise Alexander R. , Farese Ann M. , MacVittie Thomas J. , Kane Maureen A.
Published: September 2021

High-dose radiation exposure results in hematopoietic and gastrointestinal acute radiation syndromes followed by delayed effects of acute radiation exposure, which encompasses multiple organs, including heart, kidney, and lung. Here we sought to further characterize the natural history of radiation-induced heart injury via determination of differential protein and metabolite expression in the heart. We quantitatively profiled the proteome and metabolome of left and right ventricle from non-human primates following 12 Gy partial body irradiation with 2.5% bone marrow sparing over a time period of 3 wk. Global proteome profiling identified more than 2,200 unique proteins, with 220 and 286 in the left and right ventricles, respectively, showing significant responses across at least three time points compared to baseline levels. High-throughput targeted metabolomics analyzed a total of 229 metabolites and metabolite combinations, with 18 and 22 in the left and right ventricles, respectively, showing significant responses compared to baseline levels. Bioinformatic analysis performed on metabolomic and proteomic data revealed pathways related to inflammation, energy metabolism, and myocardial remodeling were dysregulated. Additionally, we observed dysregulation of the retinoid homeostasis pathway, including significant post-radiation decreases in retinoic acid, an active metabolite of vitamin A. Significant differences between left and right ventricles in the pathology of radiation-induced injury were identified. This multi-omic study characterizes the natural history and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced heart injury in NHP exposed to PBI with minimal bone marrow sparing.
Sudden bilateral lower limb paralysis with dural ectasia in Neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Mutua Victor , Mong’are Newnex , Bundi Brian , von Csefalvay Chris , Oriko David , Kitunguu Peter
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by pigmented lesions (café-au-lait macules, skinfold freckling, and Lisch nodules), and dermal neurofibromas. In some subjects, NF-1 presents with complications such as brain tumors, skeletal abnormalities, peripheral nerve tumors, and behavioral abnormalities.

Patient concerns:

We report the case of a 30-year-old man who presented with sudden bilateral lower limb paralysis and acute-onset lower back pain following a fall while rising from a seated position. He denied a history of back pain or muscle weakness before the index event. On examination, the patella and Achilles tendon reflexes were absent bilaterally. The patient presented with a power grade of 0 in all lower limb muscle groups and normal muscle bulk.

Diagnosis:

Bilateral lower limb paralysis was associated with sensory loss in the T11 dermatome. X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed vertebral canal enlargement (dural ectasia) at multiple levels suggestive of a lateral meningocele associated with neurofibromatosis. After repeated MRI studies, herniation of nerve root sleeves was noted, with marked compression of the traversing nerve roots. Notably, there was no evidence of cord compression on either the computed tomography or MRI. The cerebrospinal fluid studies were unremarkable.

Interventions:

No particular intervention was performed to address specific NF symptoms. In the hospital, the patient received analgesics and antibiotics (gentamicin and cefuroxime) for a urinary tract infection, lactulose for constipation and enoxaparin as anticoagulant prophylaxis.

Outcomes:

The patient experienced a clinical decline unrelated to his initial symptoms and succumbed to sepsis 6 weeks after admission. The cause of death was not directly linked with NF-1.

Conclusion:

We report a case of NF-1 with dural ectasia presenting with sudden bilateral lower limb paralysis and lower back pain following mild trauma. Although 70% of dural ectasia cases are associated with NF-1, there are few reports of NF-1 patients with dural ectasia and associated orthopedic complications. Here, we note that dystrophic changes in NF-1 may lead to rapidly aggravating neurological symptoms even after trivial trauma.
Agreement and validity of electronic patient self-triage (eTriage) with nurse triage in two UK emergency departments: a retrospective study
Authors: Dickson Sarah J. , Dewar Colin , Richardson Amelia , Hunter Alex , Searle Steve , Hodgson Luke E.
Published: September 2021

Background

Triage and redirection of patients to alternative care providers is one tool used to overcome the growing issue of crowding in emergency departments (EDs). Electronic patient self-triage (eTriage) may reduce waiting times and required face-to-face contact. There are limited studies into its efficacy, accuracy and validity in an ED setting.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the agreement and validity of eTriage with a reference standard of nurse face-to-face triage. A secondary aim was to assess the ability of both systems to predict high and low acuity outcomes.

Design

This was a retrospective study conducted over 8 months in two UK hospitals. Inclusion criteria were all ambulatory patients aged ≥18. All patients completed an eTriage and nurse-led triage using the Manchester Triage System (MTS).

Main Results

During the study period, 43 788 adult patients attended one of the two ED sites and 26 757 used eTriage. A total of 1424 patient episodes had no recorded MTS and were excluded from the study leaving 25 333 paired triages for the final cohort. Agreement between eTriage and nurse triage was low with a weighted Kappa coefficient of 0.14 (95% CI, 0.14–0.15) with an associated weak positive correlation (rs 0.321). Level of undertriage by eTriage compared with nurse triage was 10.1%, and overtriage was 59.2%. The sensitivity for prediction of high acuity outcomes was 88.5% (95% CI, 77.9–95.3%) for eTriage and 53.8% (95% CI 41.1–66.0%) for nurse MTS. The specificity for predicting low risk patients was 88.5% (95% CI, 87.4–89.5%) for eTriage and 80.6% (95% CI, 79.3–81.8%) for nurse MTS.

Conclusion

Agreement and correlation of eTriage with the reference standard of nurse MTS was low; patients using eTriage tended to over triage when compared to the triage nurse. eTriage had a higher sensitivity for high acuity presentations and demonstrated similar specificity for low acuity presentations when compared to triage nurse MTS. Further work is necessary to validate eTriage as a potential tool for safe redirection of ED attenders to alternative care providers.
The Frontiers of Serrated Polyps
Authors: Bell Phoenix D. , Anderson Joseph C. , Srivastava Amitabh
Published: September 2021

The serrated pathway of carcinogenesis has been the subject of intense investigation over the past 2 decades, but many gaps in our understanding still need to be resolved. Serrated polyp precursors include hyperplastic polyps, sessile serrated polyps, and traditional serrated adenomas. These are considered discrete entities, but there is emerging molecular data to suggest that they may be more closely related to each other than currently believed. The recent US Multi-Society Task Force surveillance guidelines for patients with serrated polyps are admittedly based on low quality evidence. In this brief review, we discuss the limitations in endoscopic detection and pathologic interpretation of serrated polyps and the implications of these diagnostic difficulties on risk prediction and postpolypectomy surveillance recommendations.
Mucin Neovascularization as a Diagnostic Aid to Distinguish Mucinous Carcinomas From Mucocele-like Lesions in Breast Core Needle Biopsies
Authors: Onken Allison M. , Collins Laura C. , Schnitt Stuart J.
Published: September 2021

The distinction between mucinous carcinomas (MCs) and mucocele-like lesions (MLLs), particularly those containing detached epithelial fragments, can be problematic in the limited samples afforded by breast core needle biopsies (CNBs). Neovascularization of mucin has been proposed as a criterion to distinguish MC from MLL, but its value in helping to categorize mucin-producing breast lesions in CNB has not been previously investigated. To address this, we evaluated mucin neovascularization on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections of 140 CNB containing mucin-producing breast lesions including 52 MC, 17 mucin-producing ductal carcinoma in situ (mDCIS), and 71 MLL. In 116 cases with sufficient remaining material (42 MC, 16 mDCIS, and 58 MLL), we also assessed mucin neovascularization on CD31 immunostains. On H&E-stained sections, neovascularization of mucin, defined as delicate, thin-walled microvessels in mucin, and unassociated with fibrous septae, was identified significantly more frequently in MC than in MLL (69.2% vs. 14.1%; P=0.0001). The difference in the frequency of mucin neovascularization between MC and MLL was even greater on CD31 immunostains (97.6% vs. 13.8%, P<0.00001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of mucin neovascularization for categorizing a lesion as MC were 69.2%, 85.8%, 78.3%, and 79.2%, respectively, for H&E-stained sections and 97.6%, 86.2%, 83.7%, and 98.0%, respectively, for CD31 immunostains. We conclude that mucin neovascularization is significantly more common in MC than in MLL in breast CNB on H&E-stained sections and particularly on CD31 immunostains and may be a valuable adjunct in distinguishing between MC and MLL in problematic cases.
Patients and Procedures of Facial Gender Confirmation Surgery: A NSQIP Study
Authors: Murphy Alexander I. , Asadourian Paul A. , Marano Andrew A. , Rohde Christine H.
Published: September 2021

Various recent developments, including legislation in 2014 banning healthcare discrimination against gender minorities, have contributed to expanding insurance coverage for gender-affirming care, which includes facial gender confirmation surgery (FGCS). Increasing evidence suggests FGCS improves quality-of-life outcomes, but literature evaluating FGCS patient demographics, surgical risk factors, procedures, and complications is limited. Therefore, the authors conducted a study of a national surgical database from 2005 to 2019 attempting to fill in these literature gaps. Statistics were used to assess temporal trends after 2014. A total of 203 FGCS cases were identified, with the earliest occurring in 2013. Case volume increased annually from 2015–2019. The average patient age was 34.0 years and racial demographics largely mirrored national estimates for the transgender/non-binary population. Obesity (20.7%) and hypertension (3.9%) were the only patient co-morbidities, although a relatively high proportion were underweight (5.4%). The majority of cases were outpatient procedures (66.5%) conducted by either plastic surgery (38.9%) or otolaryngology (61.1%). Comparing FGCSs by anatomic site, the proportion of tracheal procedures decreased between 2015–17 and 2018–19 (25.6% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.0002) whereas the proportion of brow/forehead reconstructions increased (32.6% versus 63.1%, P = 0.0005). These changes coincided with an increase in mean operative time (168.6 minutes versus 260.0, P = 0.0002). Complications were rare (3.9%), and the most common was surgical site infection (3.4%), a previously unreported outcome in the FGCS literature. Overall, FGCS patients are mostly young healthy individuals from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, and they have few surgical complications. The increasing volume and complexity of FGCSs may be a result of expanding insurance coverage for previously unaffordable procedures.
Presurgical Assessment of Anatomical Landmark Position Using Two Views of Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Radiological Study
Authors: Al-Ghurabi Zainab H. , Mohammed Heba Basim , Hassan Thair Abdel Lateef
Published: September 2021

Background:

Cone beam computerized computed tomography (CBCT) has been widely indicated in dental implant procedure. The first step that the doctors should perform in local hospitals is to use orthopantomography for surgical planning to avoid and limit the risk of complications. As a result, determining the magnification amount of orthopantomography to achieve a precise diagnosis is clinically important. This study investigated the difference in measurement of the mental foramen (MF) position before dental surgery using 2 views of CBCT.

Materials and Methods:

Cone beam computed tomography scan was performed for 100 patients who required implant placement. In the panoramic and three-dimensional views of CBCT, the vertical distance between the margin of the mandible and the lower border of MF, and the horizontal distance between the mandibular symphysis and the mesial anterior border of MF were calculated. The differences between the 2 views were compared using Wilcoxon-rank U test with P value ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

The findings of this study showed a substantial statistical difference in the horizontal distance for the dentate patients in panoramic and three-dimensional views (22.7 ± 3.04 versus 21.1 ± 1.6), (22.5 ± 2.4 versus 20.9 ± 1.5) and left side (22.4 ± 2.8 versus 21.2 ± 1.6), (22.4 ± 2.8 versus 20.6 ± 1.4) of both genders. Concerning the vertical distance, a significant difference was also observed in the dentate (12.1 ± 2.1 versus 11.1 ± 1.4), (10.6 ± 1.4 versus 9.6 ± 1.3) and left side of the jaw (11.6 ± 1.95 versus 10.9 ± 1.2), (10.5 ± 1.2 versus 9.96 ± 1.4) for both genders in both views. In the edentulous and right side of the jaw, however no statistical difference was observed between male and female patients in terms of horizontal and vertical measurements.
Peripheral Osteoma of the Zygoma
Authors: Kim Jong-Ho , Choi Jinil , Kim Baek-Kyu
Published: September 2021

Osteoma is a benign, slow growing lesion that consists of compact or cancellous bone. Three types of osteomas could be classified: the central osteoma arising from the endosteum, the peripheral osteoma from the periosteum, and the extraskeletal soft tissue osteoma. in the craniofacial region, peripheral osteomas of the zygoma are quite rare. A literature review identified 7 cases of zygomatic arch and 3 cases of zygomatic body. This is the first report of zygomatic osteoma that was endoscopically removed. This report presents a rare case of osteoma of the zygoma and its endoscopic approach. The authors were able to confirm that endo-scopic approach of this zygomatic osteoma was safe and effective surgical choice.
The second law of thermodynamics as variation on a theme of Carathéodory
Authors: Goddard Joe D.
Published: September 2021

This paper revisits the second law of thermodynamics via certain modifications of the axiomatic foundation provided by the celebrated 1909 work of Carathéodory. It is shown that his postulate of
adiabatic inaccessibility
represents one of several constraints on the energy balance that serve to establish the existence of thermostatic entropy as a foliation of state space, with temperature representing a force of constraint. To achieve the thermostatic version of the second law, as embodied in the postulates of Clausius and Gibbs, work principles are proposed to define thermostatic equilibrium and stability in terms of the convexity properties of internal energy, entropy and related thermostatic potentials. Comparisons are made with the classic work of Coleman and Noll on thermostatic equilibrium in simple continua, resulting in a few unresolved differences. Perhaps the most novel aspect of the current work is an extension to irreversible processes by means of a non-equilibrium entropy derived from recoverable work, which generalizes similar ideas in continuum viscoelasticity. This definition of entropy calls for certain revisions of modern theories of continuum thermomechanics by Coleman, Noll and others that are based on a generally inaccessible entropy and undefined temperature.
Modelling song popularity as a contagious process
Authors: Rosati Dora P. , Woolhouse Matthew H. , Bolker Benjamin M. , Earn David J. D.
Published: September 2021

Popular songs are often said to be ‘contagious’, ‘infectious’ or ‘viral’. We find that download count time series for many popular songs resemble infectious disease epidemic curves. This paper suggests infectious disease transmission models could help clarify mechanisms that contribute to the ‘spread’ of song preferences and how these mechanisms underlie song popularity. We analysed data from MixRadio, comprising song downloads through Nokia cell phones in Great Britain from 2007 to 2014. We compared the ability of the standard susceptible–infectious–recovered (SIR) epidemic model and a phenomenological (spline) model to fit download time series of popular songs. We fitted these same models to simulated epidemic time series generated by the SIR model. Song downloads are captured better by the SIR model, to the same extent that actual SIR simulations are fitted better by the SIR model than by splines. This suggests that the social processes underlying song popularity are similar to those that drive infectious disease transmission. We draw conclusions about song popularity within specific genres based on estimated SIR parameters. In particular, we argue that faster spread of preferences for Electronica songs may reflect stronger connectivity of the ‘susceptible community’, compared with the larger and broader community that listens to more common genres.
Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes: Minutes of the Meeting of 4 August 2021
Authors: Göker Markus
Published: September 2021

The minutes of the online meeting of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes that was held on 4 August 2021 by video conference are presented.
Influence of Built Environment on Bike Sharing Usage under COVID-19
Authors: Yang Hongtai , Guo Zishuo , Huo Jinghai , Yang Linchuan
Published: September 2021

Bike sharing, as an important component of urban public transportation, has played a more important role during the COVID-19 pandemic because users could ride bikes in open space and avoid the risk of infection. Leveraging the trip data of the Divvy bike sharing system in Chicago, this study sets to explore the change of ridership that COVID-19 has brought and the built environment factors that influence the spatial variation of ridership under the pandemic. Results show that the ridership declines by xx% in total. To account for the spatially heterogeneous relationship between the built environment and the ridership, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model and the semi-parametric GWR (S-GWR) model are constructed. By comparing the model results, we find that the S-GWR model outperforms the GWR and the multiple linear regression model. The results of the S-GWR model indicates that education employment density, distance to subway, COVID-19 cases and ridership before COVID-19 are global variables. The ridership between residential density, office employment density and the ridership vary across space. The results of this study could provide useful reference to transportation planners and bike sharing operators to determine the high bike sharing demand area under the pandemic and to make adjustment on the locations and capacity of the stations and the rebalancing schemes accordingly.
Performance of temporal and spatial ICA in identifying and removing low-frequency physiological and motion effects in resting-state fMRI
Authors: Golestani Ali M , Chen J. Jean
Published: September 2021

Effective separation of signal from noise (including physiological processes and head motion) is one of the chief challenges for improving the sensitivity and specificity of resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) measurements and has a profound impact when these noise sources vary between populations. Independent component analysis (ICA) is an approach for addressing these challenges. Conventionally, due to the lower amount of temporal than spatial information in rs-fMRI data, spatial ICA (sICA) is the method of choice. However, with recent developments in accelerated fMRI acquisitions, the temporal information is becoming enriched to the point that the temporal ICA (tICA) has become more feasible. This is particularly relevant as physiological processes and motion exhibit very different spatial and temporal characteristics when it comes to rs-fMRI applications, leading us to conduct a comparison of the performance of sICA and tICA in addressing these types of noise. In this study, we embrace the novel practice of using theory (simulations) to guide our interpretation of empirical data. We find empirically that sICA can identify more noise-related signal components than tICA. However, on the merit of functional-connectivity results, we find that while sICA is more adept at reducing whole-brain motion effects, tICA performs better in dealing with physiological effects. These interpretations are corroborated by our simulation results. The overall message of this study is that if ICA denoising is to be used for rs-fMRI, there is merit in considering a hybrid approach in which physiological and motion-related noise are each corrected for using their respective best-suited ICA approach.

Impact Statement

Resting-state fMRI is influenced by low-frequency physiological noise and head motion. Independent component analysis (ICA) is becoming increasingly relied on for reducing these influences, but the utility of spatial and temporal ICA remains unclear. We conducted a comparison of the performance of these two ICA types, using physiological-noise and motion time courses as reference. We found that spatial ICA is more adept at reducing motion effects, while temporal ICA performs better in dealing with physiological effects. We believe these findings provide much-needed clarity on the role of ICA, and recommend using a hybrid of tICA and sICA as a paradigm shift in resting-state fMRI.
Homeostatic regulation of presynaptic NMDA receptor subunit composition modulates action potential driven Ca2+ influx into boutons setting the bandwidth for information transfer
Authors: Schmidt Carla C. , Tong Rudi , Emptage Nigel J.
Published: September 2021

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a pivotal role in both short and long-term plasticity. While the functional role of postsynaptic NMDARs is well established, a framework of presynaptic NMDAR (preNMDAR) function is missing. Differences in subunit composition of preNMDARs are documented at central synapses, raising the possibility that subtype composition plays a role in transmission performance. Here, we use electrophysiological recordings at Schaffer collateral - CA1 synapses and Ca2+ imaging coupled to focal glutamate uncaging at boutons of CA3 pyramidal neurones to reveal two populations of presynaptic NMDARs that contain either the GluN2A or GluN2B subunit. Activation of the GluN2B population decreases action potential (AP)-evoked Ca2+ influx via modulation of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (SK-channels) while activation of the GluN2A containing population does the opposite. Moreover, the level of functional expression of each receptor population can be homeostatically modified, bidirectionally affecting short-term facilitation during burst firing, thus providing a capacity for a fine adjustment of the presynaptic integration time window and therefore the bandwidth of information transfer.
Global Epigenetic Analysis Reveals H3K27 Methylation as a Mediator of Double Strand Break Repair
Authors: Lutze Julian , Wolfgeher Donald , Kron Stephen J.
Published: September 2021

The majority of cancer patients is treated with ionizing radiation (IR), a relatively safe and effective treatment considered to target tumors by inducing DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Despite clinical interest in increasing the efficacy of IR by preventing successful DSB repair, few effective radio-adjuvant therapies exist. Extensive literature suggests that chromatin modifiers play a role in the DSB repair and thus may represent a novel class of radiosensitizers. Indeed, chromatin has both local and global impacts on DSB formation, recognition of breaks, checkpoint signaling, recruitment of repair factors, and timely DSB resolution, suggesting that epigenetic deregulation in cancer may impact the efficacy of radiotherapy. Here, using tandem mass spectrometry proteomics to analyze global patterns of histone modification in MCF7 breast cancer cells following IR exposure, we find significant and long-lasting changes to the epigenome. Our results confirm that H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), best known for mediating gene repression and regulating cell fate, increases after IR. H3K27me3 changes rapidly, accumulating at sites of DNA damage. Inhibitors of the Polycomb related complex subunit and H3K27 methyltransferase EZH2 confirm that H3K27me3 is necessary for DNA damage recognition and cell survival after IR. These studies provide an argument for evaluating EZH2 as a radiosensitization target and H3K27me3 as a marker for radiation response in cancer. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD019388.
A single-cell tumor immune atlas for precision oncology
Authors: Nieto Paula , Elosua-Bayes Marc , Trincado Juan L. , Marchese Domenica , Massoni-Badosa Ramon , Salvany Maria , Henriques Ana , Nieto Juan , Aguilar-Fernández Sergio , Mereu Elisabetta , Moutinho Catia , Ruiz Sara , Lorden Patricia , Chin Vanessa T. , Kaczorowski Dominik , Chan Chia-Ling , Gallagher Richard , Chou Angela , Planas-Rigol Ester , Rubio-Perez Carlota , Gut Ivo , Piulats Josep M. , Seoane Joan , Powell Joseph E. , Batlle Eduard , Heyn Holger
Published: September 2021

The tumor immune microenvironment is a main contributor to cancer progression and a promising therapeutic target for oncology. However, immune microenvironments vary profoundly between patients, and biomarkers for prognosis and treatment response lack precision. A comprehensive compendium of tumor immune cells is required to pinpoint predictive cellular states and their spatial localization. We generated a single-cell tumor immune atlas, jointly analyzing published data sets of >500,000 cells from 217 patients and 13 cancer types, providing the basis for a patient stratification based on immune cell compositions. Projecting immune cells from external tumors onto the atlas facilitated an automated cell annotation system. To enable in situ mapping of immune populations for digital pathology, we applied SPOTlight, combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data and identifying colocalization patterns of immune, stromal, and cancer cells in tumor sections. We expect the tumor immune cell atlas, together with our versatile toolbox for precision oncology, to advance currently applied stratification approaches for prognosis and immunotherapy.
Dynamic analysis of source-based preferences: the case of imported beer in China
Authors: Muhammad Andrew , Delmond Anthony R. , Nti Frank K.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Chinese beer consumption has undergone major changes within the last decade. The combination of a growing middle class and greater exposure to foreign products has resulted in a significant increase in beer imports. The authors examined transformations in this market and how beer preferences have changed over time. This study focuses on changes is origin-specific preferences (e.g. German beer and Mexican beer) as reflected by habit formation (i.e. dynamic consumption patterns) and changes in demand sensitivity to expenditure and prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimated Chinese beer demand – differentiated by source – using a generalized dynamic demand model that accounted for habit formation and trends, as well as the immediate and long-run effects of expenditures and prices on demand. The authors employed a rolling regression procedure that allowed for model estimates to vary with time. Preference changes were inferred from the changing demand estimates, with a particular focus on changes in habit formation, expenditure allocating behaviour, and own-price responsiveness.

Findings

Results suggest that Chinese beer preferences have changed significantly over the last decade, increasing for Mexican beer, Dutch beer and Belgian beer. German beer once dominated the Chinese market. However, all indicators suggest that German beer preferences are declining.

Originality/value

Although China is the world's third largest beer importing country behind the United States and France. Few studies have focused on this market. While dynamic analyses of alcoholic beverage demand are not new, this is the first study to examine the dynamics of imported beer preferences in China and implications for exporting countries.
The roles of school principals and head teachers in mitigating potential learning loss in the online setting: calls for change
Authors: Alsaleh Amal Abdulwahab
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the roles and perspectives of head teachers and principals in regard to the potential for learning loss in the online setting, with a particular focus on conditions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Kuwait. It also addresses leadership roles and gathered organizational suggestions.

Design/methodology/approach

Structured interviews were conducted with 25 head teachers and 6 school principals, while open-ended questionnaires were gathered from 10 head teachers. Both were focused on the potential for learning loss and the reasons it may be induced. More specific subjects included leadership roles in preventing learning loss and suggestions for improvement. All interviews and open-ended questionnaires were transcribed for a subsequent inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

Participants reported high levels of learning loss in the context of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for this included political decisions made by the Ministry of Education (MoE), student attitudes and the learning environment. Participants also reported substantial involvement in leadership roles aimed at the supervision of online teaching, providing training and support for teachers, and communicating with the administration, district and parents. They also provided several organizational suggestions for reducing learning loss, including the need to improve teaching quality, assess MoE policies, and ensure an ethical online learning environment.

Originality/value

The results contribute to a better understanding of learning loss and the leadership roles that are needed to mitigate this issue both in the Middle East and internationally.
E-learning challenge studying the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kamysbayeva Aida , Koryakov Alexey , Garnova Natalya , Glushkov Sergey , Klimenkova Svetlana
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 crisis experience is shaping new guidelines for learning activities that need to be developed from an interdisciplinary and holistic perspective based on the analysis and assessment of potential impacts and social expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is devoted to the study of modern e-learning challenges in the context of social distance, the analysis of learning experience, problems and opportunities associated with online learning. The research was carried out at the “Blinded for peer review” and involved 300 graduate students. A qualitative method based on a two-step process was used in the study. The discussion allowed participants to discuss and compare personal learning experiences primarily related to the COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrated that online learning is an efficient tool for the development of hard skills while being less effective for the improvement of soft skills; they also allowed us to identify important aspects of professional personnel training which should be taken into account while developing a strategy for harmonizing on-campus and online education with the diversification of curricula by various pedagogical technologies and digital tools, as well as bringing social interactions into classroom activities.

Originality/value

Due to the fact that most study participants were technical and economic students, it was concluded that the e-learning format is an effective methodology for the development of technical and digital skills of students.
Preliminary development and validation of the perceived strengths-based human resource system scale
Authors: Ding He , Yu Enhai , Xu Shenghua
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the current article was to propose the strengths-based human resource (HR) system construct as well as develop and validate the perceived strengths-based HR system scale by using three independent studies.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 mainly adopted exploratory factor analysis to test whether fifteen items proposed by the authors can represent the perceived strengths-based HR system construct. The aim of Study 2 was to examine the discriminant validity and criteria validity of the fifteen-item perceived strengths-based HR system scale and reliability of this scale. By structural equation modeling analysis, Study 3 primarily tested the incremental predictive validity of the perceived strengths-based HR system for employee performance (i.e. task performance and innovative behavior) after controlling for the perceived high-performance work system (HPWS) and perceived high-commitment work system (HCWS).

Findings

Study 1 showed that initial fifteen items of the perceived strengths-based HR system appropriately are loaded on one factor and exhibit a good reliability. Study 2 found that there is good discriminant validity between the perceived strengths-based HR system, perceived organizational support, perceived supervisory career support, and work engagement, and the perceived strengths-based HR system exhibits better convergent validity and criteria validity. Study 3 demonstrated that the perceived strengths-based HR system could significantly predict employee performance (i.e. task performance and innovative behavior) even after controlling for perceived HPWS and HCWS.

Originality/value

The current article contributes to advancing HR theory and research and provides a valuable tool for future empirical research on the strengths-based HR system.
Millennials and repurchasing behaviour: a collectivist emerging market
Authors: Lee Yang-Im , Vu An , Trim Peter
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explains how retailers can use the knowledge function of attitudinal theories to understand how millennials in a collectivist emerging market, trade-off between a satisfactory customer service experience versus price when repurchasing a smartphone.

Design/methodology/approach

356 usable questionnaires (86% response rate) were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM), AMOS.

Findings

Millennials in Vietnam tend to adopt an individualistic approach when repurchasing a smartphone and utilise their knowledge of the product. However, they value personalised customer service that is specific to their needs, especially interactions with sales staff that raises their confidence and self-esteem. The unique interaction allows authorised retailers to distinguish themselves from unauthorised retailers. Repurchase behaviour is encouraged by low uncertainty avoidance in conjunction with price sensitivity; and the desire to be seen as achieving a high social status.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the study was collected in Hanoi, the main city of Vietnam and is representative only of urban-based millennials.

Practical implications

Retailers considering entering an collectivist emerging market need to understand that millennials are price sensitive and may repurchase from unauthorised retailers. Accurate information and sales promotions can be used to stimulate demand for a high involvement product.

Originality/value

Functional theories of attitudes is used to link the concept of customer service with knowledge function utilisation in order to establish how customers in a collectivist emerging market process information and share knowledge through socialisation.
Routine dynamics in virtual teams: the role of technological artifacts
Authors: Baralou Evangelia , Dionysiou Dionysios D.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the authors extend their understanding of the internal dynamics of routines in contexts characterized by increased levels of virtuality. In particular, the authors focus on the role of routine artifacts in the internal dynamics of routines to answer the question: How does extensive reliance on information and communication technologies (ICTs) due to physical distance influence the internal dynamics of the new product development (NPD) routine (i.e. interactions between performative, ostensive and artifacts of routines) enacted by a virtual team?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an 18-month ethnographic study of the NPD routine performed by a virtual team. The authors relied predominantly on qualitative, ethnographic data collection and analysis methods, using semi-structured interviews, non-participant observation, and the collection of archival data and company documents (formal procedures, guidelines, application designs etc). Qualitative research offers a valuable means to investigate dynamic processes in organizations due to its sensitivity to the organizational context and potential to focus on activities as they unfold.

Findings

The findings highlight the central role of routine artifacts (ICTs) in the routine dynamics of the NPD routine performed by virtual team. In particular, the authors show that the use of the particular types of ICTs enabled team members to confidently and meaningfully relate to the overall routine activity and coordinate their actions in a context characterized by physical distance and extensive reliance on communication and collaboration technologies.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light into role of routine artifacts in the routine dynamics in a context characterized by a high degree of virtuality. This work contributes to the literature on routine dynamics by theorizing about the processes through which routine artifacts (ICTs) afforded routine participants the ability to act confidently and meaningfully to the present and dynamically coordinate their actions with their fellow routine participants.
Effect of multilateral trade liberalization on services export diversification
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of multilateral trade liberalization on services export diversification with a view to complementing the recently published work on the effect of multilateral trade liberalization on export product diversification.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical exercise been performed using a panel dataset of 133 countries over the period 1995–2014.

Findings

The findings show that multilateral trade liberalization is associated with greater services export diversification in both developed and developing countries alike. This is particularly the case in countries with a high reliance on manufactured goods exports or those that enjoy greater export product diversification. Interestingly, multilateral trade liberalization enhances services export diversification in countries that experience higher foreign direct investment inflows.

Research limitations/implications

These findings highlight the importance of multilateral trade liberalization for services export diversification. The study has considered explicitly supply-side factors that could affect services export diversification. This is because the indicator of multilateral trade liberalization is highly correlated with some demand-side factors, such as the world demand for services exports. Therefore, another avenue for future research could involve looking at the demand side factors that could influence services export diversification, and whether the degree of multilateral trade liberalization matters for the influence of these demand factors on services export diversification.

Practical implications

The current study through its positive effect on both export product diversification and services export diversification, greater cooperation among World Trade Organization (WTO) Members on trade matters could help revive economic growth, particularly in the current COVID-19 pandemic that has significantly plummeted it.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is first study that has investigated this issue.
Motivations of choosing archival studies as major in the iSchools: viewpoint between two universities across the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ng Tracy Chui Wan , Chiu Dickson K.W. , Li KIng Kwan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study explores the learning and career motivation of the students who have chosen archival studies as their major in their master's degree programs, which has scant prior research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a qualitative interview method to investigate the students' opinions and underlying reasons. Nine students from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and University of British Columbia (UBC), both members of the iSchools, were interviewed. Considering the responses and research questions, the authors applied content analysis techniques to summarize data gathering from interviews into five themes to better interpret the meanings behind them.

Findings

Despite different development stages of archives sectors in Hong Kong and Canada, the learning and career motivation factors of these students from both universities share some similar characteristics and can also be divided into intrinsic factors (such as personal interests, personalities) and extrinsic factors (such as prior working experience, working environment, nature of archives work and development of the archives field). Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors significantly influenced them in choosing archival studies as major in their graduate studies.

Practical implications

These findings can help educators and professions review and improve the curricula as well as promote the profession to the public and attract more people to pursue their studies in the archives field.

Originality/value

Scant studies discussed the career development and education motivation of archivists, especially related to Asia.
CircSAMD11 facilitates progression of cervical cancer via regulating miR‐503/SOX4 axis through Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Pan Qiwen , Meng Xia , Li Jianxiang , Qin Xiaoni , Chen Huifeng , Li Yueqing
Published: September 2021

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynaecological malignant tumour with a high mortality rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in tumour occurrence and development. This study aimed to investigate the function and molecular basis of hsa_circ_0009189 (circSAMD11) in CC development. RNA levels were determined by qRT‐PCR, and protein expression was measured by western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8), colony formation, Transwell and flow cytometry assays. The relationship between miR‐503 and circSAMD11/SOX4 was validated via dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RIP or RNA pull‐down assay. Xenograft assay was conducted to test tumour growth in vivo. CircSAMD11 and SOX4 levels were elevated, while miR‐503 level was reduced in CC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circSAMD11 suppressed CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and accelerated apoptosis. CircSAMD11 was localised in cytoplasm and directly targeted miR‐503. Also, circSAMD11 sponged miR‐503 to modulate SOX4 expression. Additionally, circSAMD11 regulated CC progression via absorbing miR‐503 or modulating SOX4. Besides, depletion of circSAMD11 hindered tumorigenesis in vivo. CircSAMD11 contributed to CC progression by regulating miR‐503/SOX4 signalling and activating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which provides a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
The Wood Image Analysis and Dataset (WIAD): Open‐access visual analysis tools to advance the ecological data revolution
Authors: Rademacher Tim , Seyednasrollah Bijan , Basler David , Cheng Jian , Mandra Tessa , Miller Elise , Lin Zuid , Orwig David A. , Pederson Neil , Pfister Hanspeter , Wei Donglai , Yao Li , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: September 2021

Ecological data are collected and shared at an increasingly rapid pace, but it is often shared in inconsistent and untraceable processed forms. Images of wood contain a wealth of information such as colours and textures but are most commonly reduced to ring‐width measurements before they can be shared in various common file formats. Archiving digital images of wood samples in libraries, which have been developed for ecological analysis and are publicly available, remains the exception.

We developed the Wood Image Analysis and Dataset (WIAD), an open‐source application including a web interface to integrate basic visual analysis of wood samples, such as increment cores, thin sections or X‐ray films, basic data processing, and archiving of the images and derived data to facilitate transparency and reproducibility in studies using visual characteristics of wood.

WIAD provides user‐friendly tools to manipulate images of wood samples, mark and measure wood characteristics such as growth increments, density fluctuations, early‐ and latewood widths and fire scars, and to visualise, process and archive images, metadata, and the derived data.

WIAD constitutes a step towards the reproducible automation of tree‐ring analysis while establishing an open‐source foundation to create improved community‐developed repositories which would enable novel ecological studies harnessing the wealth of existing visual data.