bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 fears green: the chlorophyll catabolite Pheophorbide a is a potent antiviral
Authors: Jimenez-Aleman Guillermo H. , Castro Victoria , Longdaitsbehere Addis , Gutierrez-Rodríguez Marta , Garaigorta Urtzi , Solano Roberto , Gastaminza Pablo
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is having devastating consequences worldwide. Although vaccination advances at good pace, effectiveness against emerging variants is unpredictable. The virus has displayed a remarkable resistance to treatments and no drugs have been proved fully effective against Covid-19. Thus, despite the international efforts, there is still an urgent need for new potent and safe antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Here we exploited the enormous potential of plant metabolism using the bryophyte Marchantia polymorpha and identified a potent SARS-CoV-2 antiviral, following a bioactivity-guided fractionation and mass-spectrometry approach. We found that the chlorophyll derivative Pheophorbide a (PheoA), a porphyrin compound similar to animal Protoporphyrin IX, has an extraordinary antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 preventing infection of cultured monkey and human cells, without noticeable cytotoxicity. We also show that PheoA prevents coronavirus entry into the cells by directly targeting the viral particle. Besides SARS-CoV-2, PheoA also displayed a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against (+) strand RNA viral pathogens such as HCV, West Nile, and other coronaviruses, but not against (−) strand RNA viruses, such as VSV. Our results indicate that PheoA displays a remarkable potency and a satisfactory therapeutic index, which together with its previous use in photoactivable cancer therapy in humans, suggest that it may be considered as a potential candidate for antiviral therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
Longitudinal Transitions in Initiation, Cessation, and Relapse of Smoking and E-Cigarette Use Among US Youth and Adults
Authors: Schwamm Eli , Noubary Farzad , Rigotti Nancy A. , Reddy Krishna P.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Longitudinal surveys provide data to estimate transition probabilities between cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and dual use of both, facilitating projections of future use and the impact of policies.

Methods

We fit a continuous time Markov multi-state model for youth (ages 12-17y) and adults (≥18y) in Waves 1-4.5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) longitudinal survey and estimated smoking and e-cigarette transition frequencies, including initiation, cessation, and relapse. We validated transition frequency results in a microsimulation model by projecting smoking and e-cigarette use prevalence over time.

Results

There was more volatility in smoking and e-cigarette use among youth than among adults. For youth never smokers, annual smoking initiation among never/current/former e-cigarette users occurred in 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.6%)/8.8% (7.0-10.7%)/3.1% (2.1-4.2%), and current e-cigarette users were more likely to quit e-cigarettes than to initiate smoking (absolute difference in annual probability 46.5%, 38.7-54.2%). For adult current smokers, annual smoking cessation among never/current/former e-cigarette users occurred in 22.6% (20.9-24.3%)/14.5% (11.5-17.4%)/15.1% (12.1-18.2%). For adult current dual users, 14.5% quit smoking and 49.5% quit e-cigarettes annually. For adult former smokers, annual smoking relapse among never/current/former e-cigarette users occurred in 17.7% (15.8-19.6%)/29.3% (23.8-34.7%)/32.8% (27.1-38.6%). Using these transition probabilities in a microsimulation model accurately projected smoking and e-cigarette use prevalence at 12 and 24 months compared to PATH empirical data (root-mean-square error <0.7%).

Discussion

PATH Waves 1-4.5 contain sufficient data to generate smoking and e-cigarette use transition frequency estimates for youth and adults in a microsimulation model. E-cigarette use among youth is especially volatile.

IMPLICATIONS

This study estimates longitudinal transitions between nine cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use states among both youth and adults. Youth smoking and e-cigarette use was more volatile than that of adults. Smoking initiation, cessation, and relapse differed by e-cigarette use status, but it is not clear that e-cigarette use itself caused these differences. A tobacco and nicotine policy model parametrized with our estimates accurately predicted smoking and e-cigarette use prevalence over two years, enabling future work to project the outcomes and cost-effectiveness of policies targeting smoking and e-cigarette use.
NewWave: a scalable R/Bioconductor package for the dimensionality reduction and batch effect removal of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Agostinis Federico , Romualdi Chiara , Sales Gabriele , Risso Davide
Published: August 2021

We present NewWave, a scalable R/Bioconductor package for the dimensionality reduction and batch effect removal of single-cell RNA sequencing data. To achieve scalability, NewWave uses mini-batch optimization and can work with out-of-memory data, enabling users to analyze datasets with millions of cells.

Availability and implementation

NewWave is implemented as an open-source R package available through the Bioconductor project at https://bioconductor.org/packages/NewWave/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GSA: An Independent Development Algorithm for Calling Copy Number and Detecting Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) from Target Capture Sequencing
Authors: Chen Dongju , Shao Minghui , Meng Pei , Wang Chunli , Li Qi , Cai Yuhang , Song Chengcheng , Wang Xi , Shi Taiping
Published: August 2021

Background

The gain or loss of large chromosomal regions or even whole chromosomes is termed as genomic scarring and can be observed as copy number variations resulting from the failure of DNA damage repair.

Results

In this study, a new algorithm called Genomic Scar Analysis (GSA) has developed and validated to calculate homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score. The two critical submodules were tree recursion (TR) segmentation and filtering, and the estimation and correction of the tumor purity and ploidy. Then, this study evaluated the rationality of segmentation and genotype identification by the GSA algorithm and compared with other two algorithms, PureCN and ASCAT, found that the segmentation result of GSA algorithm was more logical. In addition, the results indicated that the GSA algorithm had an excellent predictive effect on tumor purity and ploidy, if the tumor purity was more than 20%. Furtherly, this study evaluated the HRD scores andBRCA1/2deficiency status of 195 clinical samples, and the results indicated that the accuracy was 0.98 (comparing with Affymetrix OncoScan™ assay) and the sensitivity was 95.2% (comparing withBRCA1/2deficiency status), both were well-behaved. Finally, HRD scores and 16 genes mutations (TP53and 15 HRR pathway genes) were analyzed in 17 cell lines, the results showed that there was higher frequency in HRR pathway genes in high HRD score samples.

Conclusions

This new algorithm, named as GSA, could effectively and accurately calculate the purity and ploidy of tumor samples through NGS data, and then reflect the degree of genomic instability and large-scale copy number variations of tumor samples.
DropletQC: improved identification of empty droplets and damaged cells in single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Muskovic Walter , Powell Joseph E
Published: August 2021

Advances in droplet-based single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) have dramatically increased throughput, allowing tens of thousands of cells to be routinely sequenced in a single experiment. In addition to cells, droplets capture cell-free “ambient” RNA predominately caused by lysis of cells during sample preparation. Samples with high ambient RNA concentration can create challenges in accurately distinguishing cell-containing droplets and droplets containing ambient RNA. Current methods to separate these groups often retain a significant number of droplets that do not contain cells – so called empty droplets. Additional to the challenge of identifying empty drops, there are currently no methods available to detect droplets containing damaged cells, which comprise of partially lysed cells – the original source of the ambient RNA. Here we describe DropletQC, a new method that is able to detect empty droplets, damaged, and intact cells, and accurately distinguish from one another. This approach is based on a novel quality control metric, the nuclear fraction, which quantifies for each droplet the fraction of RNA originating from unspliced, nuclear pre-mRNA. We demonstrate how DropletQC provides a powerful extension to existing computational methods for identifying empty droplets such as EmptyDrops. We have implemented DropletQC as an R package, which can be easily integrated into existing single cell analysis workflows.
Structural definition of a pan-sarbecovirus neutralizing epitope on the spike S2 subunit
Authors: Hurlburt Nicholas K. , Homad Leah J. , Sinha Irika , Jennewein Madeleine F. , MacCamy Anna J. , Wan Yu-Hsin , Boonyaratanakornkit Jim , Sholukh Anton M. , Zhou Panpan , Burton Dennis R. , Andrabi Raiees , Stamatatos Leonidas , Pancera Marie , McGuire Andrew T.
Published: August 2021

Three highly pathogenic betacoronaviruses have crossed the species barrier and established human-to-human transmission causing significant morbidity and mortality in the past 20 years. The most current and widespread of these is SARS-CoV-2. The identification of CoVs with zoonotic potential in animal reservoirs suggests that additional outbreaks are likely to occur. Evidence suggests that neutralizing antibodies are important for protection against infection with CoVs. Monoclonal antibodies targeting conserved neutralizing epitopes on diverse CoVs can form the basis for prophylaxis and therapeutic treatments and enable the design of vaccines aimed at providing pan-coronavirus protection. To this end, we previously identified a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, CV3-25 that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 fusion machinery, neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 Beta variant comparably to the ancestral Wuhan Hu-1 strain, cross neutralizes SARS-CoV-1 and displays cross reactive binding to recombinant proteins derived from the spike-ectodomains of HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1. Here, we show that the neutralizing activity of CV3-25 is also maintained against the Alpha, Delta and Gamma variants of concern as well as a SARS-CoV-like bat coronavirus with zoonotic potential by binding to a conserved linear peptide in the stem-helix region on sarbecovirus spikes. A 1.74Å crystal structure of a CV3-25/peptide complex demonstrates that CV3-25 binds to the base of the stem helix at the HR2 boundary to an epitope that is distinct from other stem-helix directed neutralizing mAbs. Thus, CV3-25 defines a novel site of sarbecovirus vulnerability that will inform pan-CoV vaccine development.
Analytical modeling on the coloring of certain graphs for applications of air traffic and air scheduling management
Authors: T. Manjula , R. Rajeswari , T.R. Praveenkumar
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the application of graph coloring and domination to solve the airline-scheduling problem. Graph coloring and domination in graphs have plenty of applications in computer, communication, biological, social, air traffic flow network and airline scheduling.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of merging the concept of graph node coloring and domination is called the dominator coloring or the χ_d coloring of a graph, which is defined as a proper coloring of nodes in which each node of the graph dominates all nodes of at least one-color class.

Findings

The smallest number of colors used in dominator coloring of a graph is called the dominator coloring number of the graph. The dominator coloring of line graph, central graph, middle graph and total graph of some generalized Petersen graph P_(n ,1) is obtained and the relation between them is established.

Originality/value

The dominator coloring number of certain graph is obtained and the association between the dominator coloring number and domination number of it is established in this paper.
Internationalization speed and firm innovation: the moderating roles of negative attainment discrepancy and state-ownership
Authors: Peng Qiuping , Zhong Xi , Zhou Huaikang , Liu Shanshi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating roles of negative attainment discrepancy and state ownership in the relationship between internationalization speed and firm innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel fixed-effects regressions model was applied to test the influence of internationalization speed on firm innovation using data collected from Chinese listed companies between 2003 and 2017.

Findings

The internationalization speed can positively promote firm innovation. Moreover, negative attainment discrepancy enhances the effect of internationalization speed on firm innovation. The effect of negative attainment discrepancy on internationalization speed and firm innovation performance is more positive in state-owned firms than in non-state-owned firms.

Research limitations/implications

A suitable time of internationalization speed to affect firm innovation is obtained.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that decision-makers should set an appropriate aspiration to internationalize firms and increase firm innovation. Moreover, state-owned enterprises should pay attention to negative attainment discrepancies.

Originality/value

The study revealed the boundary conditions of negative attainment discrepancy and state ownership on the relationship between internationalization speed and firm innovation, contributing to the theoretical advancements in internationalization speed.
Establishing zakat on oil and gas in Malaysia: a new insight
Authors: Ag Omar Pg Mohd Faezul Fikri , Muchlis Gazali Haneffa , Samsulbahri Mohd. Nasir , Abd Razak Nurul Izzati , Ishak Norhamiza
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deliberate on the establishment of zakat (Islamic alms) on oil and gas in Malaysia. Being one of the five Islamic pillars, zakat contributes significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and prosperity. However, in Malaysia and other Islamic countries, there is not yet a proper mechanism for calculating zakat on extracted minerals. Similar to gold and silver, oil and gas are valuable minerals, which, upon extraction, are subject to zakat payment. In Malaysia, however, this is not the case.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative method. It presents a thorough review on the stipulation for paying zakat on minerals, specifically oil and gas. The deliberation is based on secondary data entailing a comprehensive content analysis of prominent books on the subject, current zakat rulings and legal acts on oil and gas.

Findings

Oil and gas are subject to zakat payment, as indicated in several Qurʾānic verses and based on the academic reasoning of Muslim scholars. The zakat calculation for oil and gas entails the nisāb (minimum threshold value of the assets) but not the ḥawl (the requirement for one full Islamic year of ownership for the assets), by analogy with zakat on agricultural produce. Despite the obligation to pay zakat on minerals under the zakāt al-māl (alms due on wealth) category, oil and gas is yet to be fully subject to this practice in Malaysia, although the country is known as an oil-producing Muslim country. Several legislative acts covering the managerial and business side of oil and gas operations have long been established, but the provision on zakat remains unclear. Hence, comprehensive legislation is needed to fine-tune the Malaysian oil and gas system, particularly with regard to zakat.

Research limitations/implications

This study relies mainly on secondary data and literature without performing any empirical investigations.

Practical implications

In terms of academic implication, this study enriches the existing body of knowledge on zakat. Practical implications would include enhanced decision-making concerning zakat on oil and gas on the part of zakat institutions, policymakers and the government of Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study provides practical and academic contributions to the deep understanding of zakat on oil and gas, which has received very little attention in the existing body of literature. Despite being limited in literature, this is a breakthrough study that sheds light on zakat on oil and gas.
Ethicality neutralization and amplification: a multilevel study of ethical leadership and unethical pro-organizational behavior
Authors: Tang Yujie , Li Yang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study examines how ethical leadership (EL) influences followers' willingness to conduct unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) via reciprocity beliefs at the individual level and political climate at the group level.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-point survey data were collected from 423 Chinese followers from 81 groups, and multilevel structural equation modeling was conducted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Individual-level EL unintentionally increases follower UPB willingness by fostering reciprocity beliefs, while group-level EL intentionally reduces follower UPB willingness by controlling the political climate. The political climate plays both a cross-level moderated mediation role and a mediated moderation role between EL and UPB.

Practical implications

When seeking to decrease followers' intention to conduct UPB, managers are advised to use individual-level EL with care when the focus is on reciprocity, and they should consider using group-level EL more when the focus is on controlling political climate.

Originality/value

The study supports two distinct mediating mechanisms by examining individual-level EL (as a moral person) vs group-level EL (as a moral manager) on UPB, thereby revealing the reason for the mixed effects of EL on UPB.
The heavy cost of kumbaya–understanding the survival implications of nascent venture ownership structure
Authors: Noack David , Miller Douglas R. , Guidice Rebecca
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper brings in relevant entrepreneurial behavior theory to understand the ownership decisions founders make during the nascent stage of new venture creation, and how such decisions impact the viability of the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the behavior and decision making of 137 lead founders during the nascent stage of new venture creation. Psychological ownership and environmental uncertainty are measured of lead founders when dividing up firm ownership among the founding team. Using a longitudinal approach, these nascent-stage decisions are then analyzed to understand the impact on the new venture one year later.

Findings

Counter to prior research suggesting teams are better off with identical wages and ownership, the authors find such harmony (i.e. “kumbaya”) pursuit to be a detriment to new venture emergence. Specifically, this study finds that nascent ventures are better off with an unequal ownership split among the founding team members. These findings suggest that nascent firms with an unequal split are more likely to move beyond the nascent stage and launch a functional business.

Research limitations/implications

Although the results of this study offer a valuable contribution to lead founders and new businesses, the study looked at each startup independent of another and is therefore not able to draw any conclusions related to competitiveness.

Practical implications

Lead founders and founding teams frequently divide ownership evenly among the founders. This paper shows that, while convenient, the decision to divide ownership equally can hamper a nascent firm as it moves toward the launch phase of the startup process. These results should motivate founders to think deeply regarding the ownership structure decision and, at the very least, consider the possible negative costs associated with the pursuit of founding team unity.

Originality/value

While scholars have brought attention to the nascent stage, few have identified and analyzed the decisions that take place during this critical time of the new venture development process. Furthermore, even is less is known of the impact nascent decisions have on startup launch. This study sheds light on these areas.
Foam additive manufacturing technology: main characteristics and experiments for hull mold manufacturing
Authors: Paquet Elodie , Bernard Alain , Furet Benoit , Garnier Sébastien , Le Loch Sébastien
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel methodology to produce a large boat hull with a foam additive manufacturing (FAM) process. To respond to shipping market needs, this new process is being developed. FAM technology is a conventional three-dimensional (3D) printing process whereby layers are deposited onto a high-pressure head mounted on a six-axis robotic arm. Traditionally, molds and masters are made with computer numerical control (CNC) machining or finished by hand. Handcrafting the molds is obviously time-consuming and labor-intensive, but even CNC machining can be challenging for parts with complex geometries and tight deadlines.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed FAM technology focuses on the masters and molds, that are directly produced by 3D printing. This paper describes an additive manufacturing technology through which the operator can create a large part and its tools using the capacities of this new FAM technology.

Findings

The study shows a comparison carried out between the traditional manufacturing process and the additive manufacturing process, which is illustrated through an industrial case of application in the manufacturing industry. This work details the application of FAM technology to fabricate a 2.5 m boat hull mold and the results show the time and cost savings of FAM in the fabrication of large molds.

Originality/value

Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of the FAM technology are then discussed and novel features such as monitoring system and control to improve the accuracy of partly printed are highlighted.
Engaging by releasing: an investigation of the consequences of team autonomy on work engagement
Authors: Palumbo Rocco
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Team autonomy involves empowering employees to achieve greater control over organizational dynamics. Such empowerment may augment the employees’ vigor, dedication and absorption at work. However, there is limited evidence on the contents of the relationship between team autonomy and work engagement. This paper aims to fill in this gap, shedding light into the manifold implications of team autonomy on employees’ work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A serial mediation analysis was designed to collect evidence of the effects of team autonomy on work engagement. Drawing on self-determination theory, social comparison theory and social facilitation theory, team member-supervisor exchanges and organizational climate were contemplated in the analysis as mediating variables. An ordinary least square regression-based model relying on 5,000 bootstrap samples was implemented. The study focused on a large sample of Europeans employed in the manufacturing sector (n= 4,588).

Findings

Team autonomy had tiny, but statistically significant effects on work engagement. Good relationships between team members and supervisors positively mediated the effects of team autonomy on work engagement. Conversely, the organizational climate did not have a significant mediating role. A statistically significant serial mediation effect linked team autonomy and work engagement via team member-supervisor exchanges and organizational climate.

Practical implications

Team autonomy contributes to increasing the employees’ vigor, dedication and absorption at work. The enhancement of team member-supervisor relationships fosters the engagement of team members who experience a greater autonomy at work. The effects of team autonomy on organizational climate are ambiguous and mediated by an improvement of the relationships between team members and supervisors.

Originality/value

The paper originally investigates the implications of team autonomy on work engagement, emphasizing the importance of social exchanges at work to realize the full potential of team autonomy.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound prevents prolonged hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibrosis through HIF‐1α/DNMT3a pathway via a TRAAK‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhao Kun , Weng Liqing , Xu Tianhua , Yang Chuanxi , Zhang Jing , Ni Gehui , Guo Xiasheng , Tu Juan , Zhang Dong , Sun Wei , Kong Xiangqing
Published: August 2021

Hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibrosis is an important pathological process in cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to determine whether low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), a novel and safe apparatus, could alleviate hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibrosis, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Hypoxia (1% O2) and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were performed on neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts and mice to induce cardiac fibrosis, respectively. LIPUS irradiation was applied for 20 minutes every 6 hours for a total of 2 times in vitro, and every 2 days from 1 week before surgery to 4 weeks after surgery in vivo. We found that LIPUS dose‐dependently attenuated hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibroblast phenotypic conversion in vitro, and ameliorated TAC‐induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo. Hypoxia significantly upregulated the nuclear protein expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a). LIPUS pre‐treatment reversed the elevated expression of HIF‐1α, and DNMT3a. Further experiments revealed that HIF‐1α stabilizer dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) hindered the anti‐fibrotic effect of LIPUS, and hampered LIPUS‐mediated downregulation of DNMT3a. DNMT3a small interfering RNA (siRNA) prevented hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibrosis. Results also showed that the mechanosensitive protein‐TWIK‐related arachidonic acid‐activated K+ channel (TRAAK) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was downregulated in hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibroblasts, and TAC‐induced hearts. TRAAK siRNA impeded LIPUS‐mediated anti‐fibrotic effect and downregulation of HIF‐1α and DNMT3a. Above results indicated that LIPUS could prevent prolonged hypoxia‐induced cardiac fibrosis through TRAAK‐mediated HIF‐1α/DNMT3a signalling pathway.
Detection of expanded‐spectrum cephalosporin hydrolysis by lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: Moguet Christian , Gonzalez Camille , Sallustrau Antoine , Gelhaye Stéphanie , Naas Thierry , Simon Stéphanie , Volland Hervé
Published: August 2021

Early detection of expanded‐spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance is essential not only for an effective therapy but also for the prompt implementation of infection control measures to prevent dissemination in the hospital. We have developed and validated a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), called LFIA‐CTX test, for the detection of ESC (cefotaxime) hydrolytic activity based on structural discrimination between the intact antibiotic and its hydrolysed product. A single bacterial colony was suspended in an extraction buffer containing cefotaxime. After a 30‐min incubation, the solution is loaded on the LFIA for reading within 10 min. A total of 348 well‐characterized Gram‐negative isolates were tested. Among them, the 38 isolates that did not express any cefotaxime‐hydrolysing β‐lactamase gave negative results. Of the 310 isolates expressing at least one cefotaxime‐hydrolysing β‐lactamase, all were tested positive, except three OXA‐48‐like producers, which were repeatedly detected negative. Therefore, the sensitivity was 99.1% and the specificity was 100%. The LFIA‐CTX test is efficient, fast, low‐cost and easy to implement in the workflow of a routine microbiology laboratory.
Ethics and standards in the use of artificial intelligence in medicine on behalf of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Authors: Kenny Lizbeth M , Nevin Mark , Fitzpatrick Kirsten
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) led the medical community in Australia and New Zealand in considering the impact of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. RANZCR identified that medical leadership was largely absent from these discussions, with a notable absence of activity from governments in the Australasian region up to 2019. The clinical radiology and radiation oncology sectors were considered ripe for the adoption of AI, and this raised a range of concerns about how to ensure the ethical application of AI and to guide its safe and appropriate use in our two specialties.

Methods

RANZCR’s Artificial Intelligence Committee undertook a landscape review in 2019 anddetermined that AI within clinical radiology and radiation oncology had the potential to grow rapidly and significantly impact the professions. In order to address this, RANZCR drafted ethical principles on the use of AI and standards to guide deployment and engaged in extensive stakeholder consultation to ensure a range of perspectives were received and considered.

Results

RANZCR published two key bodies of work: The Ethical Principles of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, and the Standards of Practice for Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Radiology.

Conclusion

RANZCR’s publications in this area have established a solid foundation to prepare for the application of AI, however more work is needed. We will continue to assess the evolution of AI and ML within our professions, strive to guide the upskilling of clinical radiologists and radiation oncologists, advocate for appropriate regulation and produce guidance to ensure that patient care is delivered safely.
Taxation and market power in the legal marijuana industry
Authors: Hollenbeck Brett , Uetake Kosuke
Published: August 2021

We study tax and regulatory policy in the legal marijuana market using unique administrative data from Washington state. Washington's retail entry restrictions have resulted in firms with substantial market power who behave like local monopolists. We show how the presence of market power causes tax and regulatory policy recommendations to differ from standard models that assume perfect competition. Combining structural demand models with measured pass‐through, we show that marijuana is not overtaxed at 37% but is still on the upward sloping region of the Laffer curve and that these taxes have high social costs and are mainly borne by consumers.
Genotypes and phenotypes of methicillin‐resistant staphylococci isolated from shrimp aquaculture farms
Authors: Rajan Vineeth , Sivaraman Gopalan Krishnan , Vijayan Ardhra , Elangovan Ravikrishnan , Prendiville Alison , Bachmann Till T.
Published: August 2021

The population of methicillin‐resistant (MR) staphylococci in aquatic environment is rarely investigated. Here, we characterized a collection of MR staphylococci recovered from shrimp aquaculture farms (n = 37) in Kerala, India. A total of 261 samples yielded 47 MR isolates (16 S. aureus, 13 S. haemolyticus, 11 S. epidermidis, 3 S. saprophytics and 2 each of S.intermedius and S. kloosii). Multi‐drug resistance was evident in 72.3% of the isolates, with resistance mainly towards erythromycin (78.7%), norfloxacin and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (53.2%), and gentamicin (34%). Major resistance genes identified included mecA (100%), ermC (38.3%), aacA‐aphD (21.3%), tetK (14.9%) and tetM (21.3%). Almost 60% of the isolates carried type V SCCmec (Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec), and the remaining harboured untypeable SCCmec elements. Comprehensive genotyping of the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates revealed high prevalence of ST772‐t345‐V (sequence type‐spa type‐SCCmec type) (75%), followed by minor representations of ST6657‐t345‐V and ST3190‐t12353. The isolates of S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis were genotypically diverse as shown by their pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles. Genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins were observed in 53.2% of the isolates. Various genes involved in adhesion and biofilm formation were also identified. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence that shrimp aquaculture settings can act as reservoirs of methicillin‐resistant staphylococci.
A Canadian Perspective on Indigenous Peoples and Accounting Research: Using a Systematic Literature Review to Promote Inquiry and Inclusion*
Authors: Lento Camillo , Butt Irfan , Bujaki Merridee , Anderson Nathaniel , Ogima Cheryl
Published: August 2021

This study uses a systematic literature review to explore academic research at the intersection of accounting and Indigenous peoples, focusing on the Canadian context. We systematically identified 15 English‐language, peer‐reviewed articles published in the review period of 1979–2019. We conducted detailed content and thematic analysis of the articles. Overall, we noted that research in this area is based upon archival documents or reviews of prior literature rather than qualitative or survey research methods. We found that much of the research has been driven by a small network of scholars, focusing primarily on themes of governmentality, imperialism, and accountability and control. In addition, research on Indigenous peoples and accounting in Canada has slowed over the past decade, which is inconsistent with global trends. Based on the systematic literature review, we offer specific, actionable recommendations to support inquiry and inclusion in the area of accounting and Indigenous peoples to move both research and society forward toward reconciliation. Our detailed recommendations aim to advance our understanding of the relationship between accounting and Indigenous peoples, foster an understanding of accountability issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in the Canadian accounting context, enhance support for Indigenous peoples studying business and accounting, and encourage Indigenous peoples to consider careers in accounting.
Aging influences the cardiac macrophage phenotype and function during steady state and during inflammation
Authors: Esfahani Noushin Saljoughian , Wu Qian , Kumar Naresh , Ganesan Latha Prabha , Lafuse William P. , Rajaram Murugesan V. S.
Published: August 2021

Aging‐mediated immune dysregulation affects the normal cardiac immune cell phenotypes and functions, resulting in cardiac distress. During cardiac inflammation, immune activation is critical for mounting the regenerative responses to maintain normal heart function. We investigated the impact of aging on myeloid cell phenotype and function during cardiac inflammation induced by a sub‐lethal dose of LPS. Our data show that hearts of old mice contain more myeloid cells than the hearts of young mice. However, while the number of monocytic‐derived suppressor cells did not differ between young and old mice, monocytic‐derived suppressor cells from old mice were less able to suppress T‐cell proliferation. Since cardiac resident macrophages (CRMs) are important for immune surveillance, clearance of dead cells, and tissue repair, we focused our studies on CRMs phenotype and function during steady state and LPS treatment. In the steady state, we observed significantly more MHC‐IIlow and MHC‐IIhigh CRMs in the hearts of old mice; however, these populations were decreased in both young and aged mice upon LPS treatment and the decrease in CRM populations correlated with defects in cardiac electrical activity. Notably, mice treated with a liver X receptor (LXR) agonist showed an increase in MerTK expression in CRMs of both young and old mice, which resulted in the reversal of cardiac electrical dysfunction caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We conclude that aging alters the phenotype of CRMs, which contributes to the dysregulation of cardiac electrical dysfunction during infection in aged mice.
Association of alcohol and other substance‐related diagnoses with severe maternal morbidity
Authors: Courchesne Natasia S. , Smith Laramie R. , Zúñiga María Luisa , Chambers Christina D. , Reed Mark B. , Ballas Jerasimos , Marienfeld Carla B.
Published: August 2021

Background

Pregnant women with a substance‐related diagnosis, such as an alcohol use disorder, are a vulnerable population that may experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, such as hemorrhage and eclampsia, than pregnant women with no substance‐related diagnosis.

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study reviewed electronic health record data on women (aged 18–44 years) who delivered a single live birth or stillbirth at ≥ 20 weeks of gestation from March 1, 2016, to August 30, 2019. Women with and without a substance‐related diagnosis were matched on key demographic characteristics, such as age, at a 1:1 ratio. Adjusting for these covariates, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.

Results

A total of 10,125 deliveries met the eligibility criteria for this study. In the matched cohort of 1,346 deliveries, 673 (50.0%) had a substance‐related diagnosis, and 94 (7.0%) had severe maternal morbidity. The most common indicators in women with a substance‐related diagnosis included hysterectomy (17.7%), eclampsia (15.8%), air and thrombotic embolism (11.1%), and conversion of cardiac rhythm (11.1%). Having a substance‐related diagnosis was associated with severe maternal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio = 1.81 [95% CI, 1.14–2.88], p‐value = 0.0126). In the independent matched cohorts by substance type, an alcohol‐related diagnosis was significantly associated with severe maternal morbidity (adjusted odds ratio = 3.07 [95% CI, 1.58–5.95], p‐value = 0.0009), while the patterns for stimulant‐ and nicotine‐related diagnoses were not as well resolved with severe maternal morbidity and opioid‐ and cannabis‐related diagnoses were not associated with severe maternal morbidity.

Conclusion

We found that an alcohol‐related diagnosis, although lowest in prevalence of the substance‐related diagnoses, had the highest odds of severe maternal morbidity of any substance‐related diagnosis assessed in this study. These findings reinforce the need to identify alcohol‐related diagnoses in pregnant women early to minimize potential harm through intervention and treatment.
Evaluating effects of sex and age on white matter microstructural alterations in alcohol use disorder: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Kisner Mallory A. , Sussman Lauren , Manuweera Thushini , Grodin Erica N. , Fede Samantha J. , Sarlls Joelle E. , Momenan Reza
Published: August 2021

Background

Alterations in white matter microstructure associated with chronic alcohol use have been demonstrated in previous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) research. However, there is conflicting evidence as to whether such differences are influenced by an individual's biological sex. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of sex differences in the white matter microstructure of the brains of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and healthy controls.

Methods

One hundred participants with AUD (38 female, aged 21 to 68) participating in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s inpatient treatment program and 98 healthy control participants (52 female) underwent a diffusion‐weighted scan. Images collected were processed for each subject individually, and voxelwise, tract‐based spatial statistics analysis was conducted to test for differences in the DTI measures of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD).

Results

A 2‐way, between‐subjects ANCOVA that tested for differences by group and sex revealed widespread differences between AUD and control subjects, but no interaction between group and sex. Additional analyses exploring demographic and alcohol use variables showed significant impacts of age on white matter microstructure that were more pronounced in individuals with AUD. Plots of FA by age, sex, and group in major white matter tracts suggest a need to explore higher order interactions in larger samples.

Conclusions

These results bolster recent findings of similar microstructural properties in men and women with AUD but provide a rationale for the consideration of age when investigating the impacts of chronic alcohol use on the brain's white matter.
Lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis: results from a large cohort of patients with long follow‐up
Authors: Basset Marco , Kimmich Christoph R. , Schreck Nicholas , Krzykalla Julia , Dittrich Tobias , Veelken Kaya , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Seckinger Anja , Hose Dirk , Jauch Anna , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Benner Axel , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan O.
Published: August 2021

Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (RD) is a standard treatment in relapsed/refractory immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis (RRAL). We retrospectively investigated toxicity, efficacy and prognostic markers in 260 patients with RRAL. Patients received a median of two prior treatment lines (68% had been bortezomib‐refractory; 33% had received high‐dose melphalan). The median treatment duration was four cycles. The 3‐month haematological response rate was 31% [very good haematological response (VGHR) in 18%]. The median follow‐up was 56·5 months and the median overall survival (OS) and haematological event‐free survival (haemEFS) were 32 and 9 months. The 2‐year dialysis rate was 15%. VGHR resulted in better OS (62 vs. 26 months, P < 0·001). Cardiac progression predicted worse survival (22 vs. 40 months, P = 0·027), although N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) increase was frequently observed. Multivariable analysis identified these prognostic factors: NT‐proBNP for OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1·71; P < 0·001]; gain 1q21 for haemEFS (HR 1·68, P = 0·014), with a trend for OS (HR 1·47, P = 0·084); difference between involved and uninvolved free light chains (dFLC) and light chain isotype for OS (HR 2·22, P < 0·001; HR 1·62, P = 0·016) and haemEFS (HR 1·88, P < 0·001; HR 1·59, P = 0·008). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0·71, P = 0·004) and 24‐h proteinuria (HR 1·10, P = 0·004) were prognostic for renal survival. In conclusion, clonal and organ biomarkers at baseline identify patients with favourable outcome, while VGHR and cardiac progression define prognosis during RD treatment.
The impact of environmental and social factors on learning abilities: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lambert Connor T. , Guillette Lauren M.
Published: August 2021

Since the 1950s, researchers have examined how differences in the social and asocial environment affect learning in rats, mice, and, more recently, a variety of other species. Despite this large body of research, little has been done to synthesize these findings and to examine if social and asocial environmental factors have consistent effects on cognitive abilities, and if so, what aspects of these factors have greater or lesser impact. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis examining how different external environmental features, including the social environment, impact learning (both speed of acquisition and performance). Using 531 mean‐differences from 176 published articles across 27 species (with studies on rats and mice being most prominent) we conducted phylogenetically corrected mixed‐effects models that reveal: (i) an average absolute effect size |d| = 0.55 and directional effect size d = 0.34; (ii) interventions manipulating the asocial environment result in larger effects than social interventions alone; and (iii) the length of the intervention is a significant predictor of effect size, with longer interventions resulting in larger effects. Additionally, much of the variation in effect size remained unexplained, possibly suggesting that species differ widely in how they are affected by environmental interventions due to varying ecological and evolutionary histories. Overall our results suggest that social and asocial environmental factors do significantly affect learning, but these effects are highly variable and perhaps not always as predicted. Most notably, the type (social or asocial) and length of interventions are important in determining the strength of the effect.
How Bilingualism Informs Theory of Mind Development
Authors: Yu Chi‐Lin , Kovelman Ioulia , Wellman Henry M.
Published: August 2021

The possibility and nature of bilingual advantage for theory of mind (ToM), that is, young bilingual children outperforming their monolingual peers, have been discussed increasingly since the first research on the topic was published in 2003. Because accumulating evidence demonstrates a ToM advantage for bilingual individuals, in this article, we focus on how this advantage arises. We consider how current theoretical positions, including executive function, metalinguistic awareness, and sociolinguistic awareness accounts, explain such an advantage in young bilingual children. These theoretical accounts receive some, but only partial, support, so further research and theory are needed to understand comprehensively the relationship between bilingualism and ToM.
Multispecies tracking reveals a major seabird hotspot in the North Atlantic
Authors: Davies Tammy E. , Carneiro Ana P.B. , Tarzia Marguerite , Wakefield Ewan , Hennicke Janos C. , Frederiksen Morten , Hansen Erpur Snær , Campos Bruna , Hazin Carolina , Lascelles Ben , Anker‐Nilssen Tycho , Arnardóttir Hólmfríður , Barrett Robert T. , Biscoito Manuel , Bollache Loïc , Boulinier Thierry , Catry Paulo , Ceia Filipe R. , Chastel Olivier , Christensen‐Dalsgaard Signe , Cruz‐Flores Marta , Danielsen Jóhannis , Daunt Francis , Dunn Euan , Egevang Carsten , Fagundes Ana Isabel , Fayet Annette L. , Fort Jérôme , Furness Robert W. , Gilg Olivier , González‐Solís Jacob , Granadeiro José Pedro , Grémillet David , Guilford Tim , Hanssen Sveinn Are , Harris Michael P. , Hedd April , Huffeldt Nicholas Per , Jessopp Mark , Kolbeinsson Yann , Krietsch Johannes , Lang Johannes , Linnebjerg Jannie Fries , Lorentsen Svein‐Håkon , Madeiros Jeremy , Magnusdottir Ellen , Mallory Mark L. , McFarlane Tranquilla Laura , Merkel Flemming R. , Militão Teresa , Moe Børge , Montevecchi William A. , Morera‐Pujol Virginia , Mosbech Anders , Neves Verónica , Newell Mark A. , Olsen Bergur , Paiva Vitor H. , Peter Hans‐Ulrich , Petersen Aevar , Phillips Richard A. , Ramírez Iván , Ramos Jaime A. , Ramos Raül , Ronconi Robert A. , Ryan Peter G. , Schmidt Niels Martin , Sigurðsson Ingvar A. , Sittler Benoît , Steen Harald , Stenhouse Iain J. , Strøm Hallvard , Systad Geir H. R. , Thompson Paul , Thórarinsson Thorkell L. , van Bemmelen Rob S.A. , Wanless Sarah , Zino Francis , Dias Maria P.
Published: August 2021

The conservation of migratory marine species, including pelagic seabirds, is challenging because their movements span vast distances frequently beyond national jurisdictions. Here, we aim to identify important aggregations of seabirds in the North Atlantic to inform ongoing regional conservation efforts. Using tracking, phenology, and population data, we mapped the abundance and diversity of 21 seabird species. This revealed a major hotspot associated with a discrete area of the subpolar frontal zone, used annually by 2.9–5 million seabirds from ≥56 colonies in the Atlantic: the first time this magnitude of seabird concentrations has been documented in the high seas. The hotspot is temporally stable and amenable to site‐based conservation and is under consideration as a marine protected area by the OSPAR Commission. Protection could help mitigate current and future threats facing species in the area. Overall, our approach provides an exemplar data‐driven pathway for future conservation efforts on the high seas.