bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-antibody (504B3) validation by free-solution assay and interferometry identifies off-target binding
Authors: Ray Manisha , Kihara Yasuyuki , Bornhop Darryl J. , Chun Jerold
Published: October 2020

Antibody specificity and sensitivity is required in basic and clinical research for ensuring scientific rigor and reproducibility, while off-target cross-reactivity could generate erroneous conclusions. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid being targeted clinically by antibody strategies. Here, we reexamined binding properties of a commercially available monoclonal antibody (504B3) reported as specific for LPA using a free-solution assay measured in a compensated interferometric reader. The antibody showed comparable binding affinities to LPA and non-LPA lipids including phosphatidic acid (PA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). These results may alter conclusions drawn from current and past basic and clinical studies employing anti-LPA antibodies.
Putamen volume predicts real-time fMRI neurofeedback learning success across paradigms and neurofeedback target regions
Authors: Zhao Zhiying , Yao Shuxia , Zweerings Jana , Zhou Xinqi , Zhou Feng , Chen Huafu , Kendrick Keith M , Mathiak Klaus , Becker Benjamin
Published: October 2020

Real-time fMRI guided neurofeedback training has gained increasing interest as a non-invasive brain regulation technique with the potential to normalize functional brain alterations in therapeutic contexts. Individual variations in learning success and treatment response have been observed, yet the neural substrates underlying the learning of self-regulation remain unclear. Against this background, we explored potential brain structural predictors for learning success with pooled data from three real-time fMRI datasets. Our analysis revealed that gray matter volume of the right putamen could predict neurofeedback learning success across the three datasets (n = 66 in total). Importantly, the original studies employed different neurofeedback paradigms during which different brain regions were trained pointing to a general association with learning success independent of specific aspects of the experimental design. Given the role of the putamen in associative learning the finding may reflect an important role of instrumental learning processes and brain structural variations in associated brain regions for successful acquisition of fMRI neurofeedback-guided self-regulation.
Rapid suppression and sustained activation of distinct cortical regions for a delayed sensory-triggered motor response
Authors: Esmaeili Vahid , Tamura Keita , Muscinelli Samuel P. , Modirshanechi Alireza , Boscaglia Marta , Lee Ashley B. , Oryshchuk Anastasiia , Foustoukos Georgios , Liu Yanqi , Crochet Sylvain , Gerstner Wulfram , Petersen Carl C.H.
Published: October 2020

The neuronal mechanisms generating a delayed motor response initiated by a sensory cue remain elusive. Here, we tracked the precise sequence of cortical activity in mice transforming a brief whisker stimulus into delayed licking using wide-field calcium imaging, multi-region high-density electrophysiology and time-resolved optogenetic manipulation. Rapid activity evoked by whisker deflection acquired two prominent features for task performance: i) an enhanced excitation of secondary whisker motor cortex, suggesting its important role connecting whisker sensory processing to lick motor planning, and ii) a transient reduction of activity in orofacial sensorimotor cortex, which contributed to suppressing premature licking. Subsequent widespread cortical activity during the delay period largely correlated with anticipatory movements, but when these were accounted for, a focal sustained activity remained in frontal cortex, which was causally essential for licking in the response period. Our results demonstrate key cortical nodes for motor plan generation and timely execution in delayed goal-directed licking.
Species differences in the cerebellar distribution of six members of the Kv1 channel subfamily
Authors: Curran Olimpia E. , Hubball Andrew W. , Minor Philip D. , Knowles Charles H. , Martin Joanne E.
Published: October 2020

Comprehensive studies on the distribution of the Kv1 subfamily have been performed in rat (Chung et al., 2001) and gerbil (Chung et al., 2005), but not in mouse or human. We hypothesized that species differences may exist in the localization of these proteins. Two sets of polyclonal antibodies to Kv1.1-6 were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed on archived, formalin-fixed tissue from disease-free human, monkey and mouse cerebellum. Mouse staining corresponded to that described in rat and gerbil, with strong Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 immunoreactivities in the basket cell pinceau at the base of Purkinje cells. Kv1.3, Kv1.4, Kv1.5 and Kv1.6 were predominantly expressed in Purkinje cells. Human and monkey samples showed a similar pattern to mouse for Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and Kv1.5. However, little or no Purkinje cell staining was seen in the primates with Kv1.4 and Kv1.6, and strong stellate cell expression was noted. All staining was abolished by cognate peptide blocking. Similar distributions were seen with both sets of antibodies. We conclude that there are marked species differences in the distribution of Kv1.4 and Kv1.6 between primates and rodents. Choosing appropriate animal models for studying physiological and disease processes may prove vital for translating research outcomes into clinical applications.
Rerefinement of poly[diaquabis(μ3-2-methylpropanoato-κ4O:O,O′:O′)bis(μ3-2-methylpropanoato-κ3O:O:O)(μ2-2-methylpropanoato-κ3O:O,O′)(2-methylpropanoato-κ2O,O′)trilead(II)]
Authors: Samolová Erika , Fábry Jan
Published: October 2020

The crystal structure of the title complex, [Pb3(C4H7O2)6(H2O)2]n, was redetermined on basis of modern CCD-based single-crystal X-ray data at 120 K. The current study basically confirms the previous report [Fallonet al.(1997).Polyhedron,16, 19–23] at 190 K, but with higher accuracy and precision. In particular, positional disorder of one of the 2-methylpropanoate anions over two sets of sites was resolved, showing a refined ratio of the disorder components of 0.535 (9):0.465 (9). The three independent cations in the structure have coordination numbers of [7 + 1], [6 + 1], and [5 + 3], with O atoms belonging either to carboxylate groups or water molecules. This arrangement leads to the formation of sheets parallel to (\overline{1}01), whereby the hydrophobic 2-methylpropanyl groups of the anions are oriented above and below the hydrophilic sheets to form a layered structure. Within a sheet, hydrogen bonds of the type Owater—H...O are formed, whereas the hydrophobic groups between adjacent layers interact through van der Waals forces.
Towards a typology of personal information management behavior: exploring and defining people's interactions with personal information
Authors: Alon Lilach , Forkosh Baruch Alona , Nachmias Rafi
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Differences in personal information management (PIM) behavior are well established in the literature, but are defined from the narrow perspective of practical use (e.g. filing/piling, emailing). This paper aims to identify the types of PIM behavior that would help us understand how people manage personal information in the digital era.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on the theoretical framework, published in a recent article (Alon and Nachmias, 2020a), examining actual PIM behavior (e.g. actual practice), ideal behavior (e.g. perceptions of best practice) and the gaps between them. Our framework drew on data collected via a questionnaire on the use of 25 PIM practices (N = 465).

Findings

The findings indicated four types of PIM behavior that differed by activity level (actual PIM) and satisfaction level (ideal PIM and gaps): passive and satisfied, active and satisfied, fairly active and unsatisfied and active and fairly satisfied. This allows the classification of users according to their dominant tendency to use specific practices.

Originality/value

Previous studies focused mainly on specific PIM practices or contexts. Our research creates a classification of types, based on ideal as well as actual PIM behavior, and also examines a broader perspective.
Employee Unrest at NOKIA India
Authors: Varkkey Biju , Samdani Nutan
Published: October 2020

Nokia India Pvt Ltd (NIPL) was part of Nokia Corporation, Finland. In March 2013, the Indian Income Tax department accused NIPL of evading taxes amounting to USD 3.5 billion. Simultaneously, the market share of Nokia Corporation declined following increased competition from android devices. In September 2013, Nokia announced the sale of its global Devices and Services division to Microsoft Corporation. The Indian IT department freezed the assets of NIPL, disallowing transfer of assets and Microsoft excluded the Chennai plant of NIPL from the deal. In mid-April 2014, NIPL offered Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to its workers. Despite efforts by trade unions, the plant finally shut operations on November 1, 2014 leaving 30,000 direct and indirect employees jobless. The case discusses the labour relations impact in global manufacturing chains.
Efficient task scheduling on virtual machine in cloud computing environment
Authors: Alam Mahfooz , Mahak  , Haidri Raza Abbas , Yadav Dileep Kumar
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Cloud users can access services at anytime from anywhere in the world. On average, Google now processes more than 40,000 searches every second, which is approximately 3.5 billion searches per day. The diverse and vast amounts of data are generated with the development of next-generation information technologies such as cryptocurrency, internet of things and big data. To execute such applications, it is needed to design an efficient scheduling algorithm that considers the quality of service parameters like utilization, makespan and response time. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a novel Efficient Static Task Allocation (ESTA) algorithm, which optimizes average utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

Cloud computing provides resources such as virtual machine, network, storage, etc. over the internet. Cloud computing follows the pay-per-use billing model. To achieve efficient task allocation, scheduling algorithm problems should be interacted and tackled through efficient task distribution on the resources. The methodology of ESTA algorithm is based on minimum completion time approach. ESTA intelligently maps the batch of independent tasks (cloudlets) on heterogeneous virtual machines and optimizes their utilization in infrastructure as a service cloud computing.

Findings

To evaluate the performance of ESTA, the simulation study is compared with Min-Min, load balancing strategy with migration cost, Longest job in the fastest resource-shortest job in the fastest resource, sufferage, minimum completion time (MCT), minimum execution time and opportunistic load balancing on account of makespan, utilization and response time.

Originality/value

The simulation result reveals that the ESTA algorithm consistently superior performs under varying of batch independent of cloudlets and the number of virtual machines’ test conditions.
Let me go to the office! An investigation into the side effects of working from home on work-life balance
Authors: Palumbo Rocco
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The disruptions brought by COVID-19 pandemic compelled a large part of public sector employees to remotely work from home. Home-based teleworking ensured the continuity of the provision of public services, reducing disruptions brought by the pandemic. However, little is known about the implications of telecommuting from home on the ability of remote employees to manage the work-life interplay. The article adopts a retrospective approach, investigating data provided by the sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) to shed lights into this timely topic.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical, quantitative research design was crafted. On the one hand, the direct effects of telecommuting from home on work-life balance were investigated. On the other hand, work engagement and perceived work-related fatigue were included in the empirical analysis as mediating variables which intervene in the relationship between telecommuting from home and work-life balance.

Findings

Home-based telecommuting negatively affected the work-life balance of public servants. Employees who remotely worked from home suffered from increased work-to-life and life-to-work conflicts. Telecommuting from home triggered greater work-related fatigue, which worsened the perceived work-life balance. Work engagement positively mediated the negative effects of working from home on work-life balance.

Practical implications

Telecommuting from home has side effects on the ability of remote workers to handle the interplay between work-related commitments and daily life activities. This comes from the overlapping between private life and work, which leads to greater contamination of personal concerns and work duties. Work engagement lessens the perceptions of work-life unbalance. The increased work-related fatigue triggered by remote working may produce a physical and emotional exhaustion of home-based teleworkers.

Originality/value

The article investigates the side effects of remotely working from home on work-life balance, stressing the mediating role of work engagement and work-related fatigue.
Corporate social responsibility and customer retention: evidence from the telecommunication industry in Ghana
Authors: Afiuc Otto , Bonsu Samuel K. , Manu Franklyn , Knight Casey Brett , Panda Swati , Blankson Charles
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Using social exchange theory as a contextual backdrop, this study aims to better understand how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can contribute to customer retention (CR). A conceptual framework is developed to illustrate the proposed relationship and the influence of mediating factors. The telecommunication industry in Ghana is used to operationalize the conceptual framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews with CSR managers and through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using qualitative analysis and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings suggest that CSR, corporate image and service quality have significant relationships with both corporate image and CR. Corporate image also mediates the relationship between CSR, customer value and service quality with that of CR. The authors also find that CSR strengthens the relationship between customer value and service quality with that of corporate image, which subsequently leads to enhanced CR.

Originality/value

Thus far, the mediating variables that help explain and predict the relationship between CSR activities and CR have been overlooked in the extant literature. The results of this study will help fill a critical knowledge gap in marketing and CSR literature.
Intellectual capital and value: testing new IC measures in Russia
Authors: Ovechkin Danila , Boldyreva Natalia , Davydenko Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose extended intellectual capital (IC) indicators. The study shows that the essence of IC in the context of value is residual income, its growth rate and growth rate of equity taken together. It allows creating IC measures (modified residual income and economic value added of equity) that contain these components. The study investigates the relationship between IC and market value for Russian public firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose modified residual income and modified economic value added of equity as IC metrics. This study tests a relationship between market value and IC to investigate suggested metrics. Static and dynamic panel data models are used. 25 companies from the MOEX Russia Index were included in the study. The study covers the period from 2014 to 2018.

Findings

The findings show a strong positive relationship between market value and IC. The results confirm that extended IC measures have a stronger connection to market value.

Practical implications

Firstly, these results benefit managers. They can use proposed extended IC measures as targets for the company when planning business strategy and generating business environment. Secondly, suggested IC measures can help shareholders and investors achieve their long-term goal – wealth maximization.

Originality/value

The value of this article is the development of IC theory and valuation. The proposed measures differ in the way that they consider the growth rates – the main determinants of value along with efficiency.
A tabulation of information technology and consumer behavior in hospitality revenue management research
Authors: Demirciftci Tevfik , Chen ChihChien , Erdem Mehmet
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of revenue management (RM) studies that focus on information technology (IT) and consumer behavior published between 2008 and 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 112 articles published in 17 journals were identified and analyzed.

Findings

This study shows the importance of IT and RM and focuses on the consumer perspective. It also emphasizes that technology is not the enemy of humans: it complements and adds value to their existing jobs.

Research limitations/implications

Book chapters and conference proceedings related to IT and RM were not included in this study. Besides, only journal papers published in English were included in the study. The categorizing of subjects can be seen as subjective.

Practical implications

This study helps researchers discover articles from 2008 to 2018 and helps hospitality executives interested in RM technologies from the demand side to use these findings in their business environment.

Originality/value

Based on the interaction between service providers (hotels) and users (consumers) on IT and RM platforms, the paper identified eight key components that have been relevant over the past decade.
Budgeting under public scrutiny: tracing the justification work of stakeholder groups in the controversy of an Olympic candidature
Authors: Krauss Kai Michael , Sandäng Anna , Karlsson Eric
Published: October 2020

Purpose

By mobilizing the empirical setting of a megaproject, this study problematizes public budgeting as participatory practice. The authors suggest that megaprojects are prone to democratic legitimacy challenges due to a long history of cost overruns, which provides stakeholders with a chance to dramatize a budgetary controversy.

Design/methodology/approach

Through article and document data, the authors reconstructed a controversy that emerged around the budget of Stockholm/Åre’s candidature for the Olympic Winter Games 2026. The authors used Boltanski and Thévenot's (2006) orders of worth to systematically analyze the justification work of key stakeholder groups involved in the controversy.

Findings

This study illustrates that a budgetary controversy was actively maintained by stakeholder groups, which resulted in a lack of public support and the eventual demise of the Olympic candidature. As such, the authors provide a more nuanced understanding of public budgeting as a controversy-based process vis-à-vis a wider public with regard to the broken institution of megaprojects.

Practical implications

This study suggests more attention to the disruptive power of public scrutiny and the dramatization of budgeting in megaprojects. In this empirical case, the authors show how stakeholders tend to take their technical concerns too far in order to challenge a budget, even though megaprojects generally provide an ill-suited setting for accurate forecasts.

Originality/value

While studies around the financial legacies of megaprojects have somewhat matured, very few have looked at pitching them. However, the authors argue that megaprojects are increasingly faced with financial skepticism upon their approval upfront.
The inducible defences of large mammals to human lethality
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Macdonald David W. , Hayward Matthew W.
Published: October 2020

In the process of avoiding predation, prey are faced with potentially fitness‐compromising trade‐offs that have implications for their survival and reproduction. The nature and strength of these non‐consumptive effects at the population level can be equivalent, or even greater, than consumptive effects.

Many prey species have evolved defence mechanisms that are induced by predation risk. These inducible defences can be morphological or behavioural in nature. Extensive research has detected these defences in predator–prey communities across freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Among this vast research however, an influential portion of these systems has not been widely considered.

Humans inhabit a level in trophic systems above apex predators. In that position, humans have been referred to as a hyperkeystone or super predator species as they have shown a capacity to consume animals at rates many times higher than any other non‐human species. However, the extent to which humans induce adaptive defences in animals is not as clear. Systems involving large mammals may be particularly well‐suited for the study of human‐induced defences given that these species have been disproportionately exploited (for food and competition) over evolutionary time by humans.

To begin this process we first had to examine the context in which large mammals could adaptively evolve inducible defences in relation to human lethality. With the plausibility of these conditions satisfied, we then conducted an extensive review to document the inducible defences that have been detected in large mammals. All of the 187 studies reviewed documented the behavioural plasticity of large mammals to human lethality. No morphological adaptive defences were detected.

However, the extent to which the observed behavioural plasticity of large mammals is representative of adaptive inducible defences remains unclear because the fitness trade‐offs (i.e. costs), an integral condition for inducible defences to evolve, were implied rather than quantified among close to 92% of this research. We make recommendations for renewed ingenuity in the development of field experiments that can quantify these costs and discuss the implications of human lethality on the ecology, conservation and management of large mammals.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Nitrogen‐fixing trees have no net effect on forest growth in the coterminous United States
Authors: Staccone Anika P. , Kou‐Giesbrecht Sian , Taylor Benton N. , Menge Duncan N. L.
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen (N)‐fixing trees fulfil a unique and important biogeochemical role in forests through their ability to convert atmospheric N2 gas to plant‐available N. Due to their high N fixation rates, it is often assumed that N‐fixing trees facilitate neighbouring trees and enhance forest growth. This assumption is supported by some local studies but contradicted by others, leaving the overall effect of N‐fixing trees on forest growth unresolved.

Here we use the US Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis database to evaluate the effects of N‐fixing trees on plot‐scale basal area change and individual‐scale neighbouring tree demography across the coterminous US.

First we discuss the average trends. At the plot and individual scales, N‐fixing trees do not affect the relative growth rates of neighbouring trees, but they facilitate recruitment and inhibit survival rates, suggesting that they are drivers of tree turnover in the coterminous US. At the plot scale, N‐fixing trees facilitate the basal area change of non‐fixing neighbours.

In addition to the average trends, there is wide variation in the effect of N‐fixing trees on forest growth, ranging from strong facilitation to strong inhibition. This variation does not show a clear geographical pattern, though it does vary with certain local factors. N‐fixing trees facilitate forest growth when they are likely to be less competitive: under high N deposition and high soil moisture or when neighbouring trees occupy different niches (e.g. high foliar C:N trees and non‐fixing trees).

Synthesis. N‐fixing trees have highly variable effects on forest growth and neighbour demographics across the coterminous US. This suggests that the effect of N‐fixing trees on forest development and carbon storage depends on local factors, which may help reconcile the conflicting results found in previous localized studies on the effect of N‐fixing trees on forest growth.
Planned oocyte cryopreservation (Planned OC): systematic review and meta‐analysis of cost‐efficiency and patients’ perspective
Authors: Fuchs Weizman N , Baram S , Montbriand J , Librach CL
Published: October 2020

Background

Advances in vitrification techniques have enabled planned oocyte cryopreservation (‘Planned OC’).

Objectives

To explore the cost‐efficiency and utilisation of planned OC, as well as patients’ perspectives on the process.

Search strategy

A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database and PsychINFO, for all relevant studies published between January 2007 and December 2019.

Selection criteria

The protocol followed PRISMA guidelines in PECO format, and was registered with PROSPERO.

Data collection and analysis

Two independent reviewers evaluated all manuscripts for inclusion eligibility. Authors were contacted for missing data. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias and for heterogeneity. Weighted effects were measured and plotted.

Main results

The search yielded 12 545 records, of which 43 were included. Planned OC is cost‐efficient at 35, assuming 60% utilisation; and at 37 assuming utilising donor sperm when necessary. At 38 it is cost‐efficient to defer planned OC in favour of undergoing 2 IVF cycles. Currently, utilisation of banked‐oocytes within 22–58 months, is up to 15%. Nine percent of warmed banked oocytes result in life births. Online resources and treating physicians are equally important sources of information regarding planned OC. Most patients think planned OC is ideal before age 35 and are not fully aware of what the process entails and tend to overestimate the success rates. The main barrier to wider endorsement of planned OC is being wary of potential health implications or of limited success.

Conclusion

Planned OC is an adequate method for preserving fertility. However, knowledge gaps result in under‐utilisation leading to reduced cost‐efficiency.

Tweetable abstract

Identifying facilitators and barriers for wider adoption of banking oocytes can enhance the cost‐efficiency of this modality.
Recognition of spondyloarthritis lesions on magnetic resonance imaging: Results of an educational intervention
Authors: Garcia Salinas Rodrigo , Marin Josefina , Aguilar Gabriel , Ruta Santiago , Aguerre Dario , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: October 2020

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fundamental diagnostic tool in axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), allowing us an earlier diagnosis of the disease compared to radiography.

Objective

To compare the performance of a recognition test on SpA MRI lesions and theoretical knowledge, before and after carrying out an educational intervention (hands‐on workshop). We also evaluated whether the successes in the tests were associated with the individual characteristics of the participants.

Methods

A test was carried out involving 10 questions (seven for image recognition and three for theoretical knowledge) before and after the attendance to an MRI workshop in SpA performed in different cities in Argentina. The number of correct answers was assessed before and after the workshop; good performance was defined as the achievement of 6 correct answers on average between the pre‐ and post‐test. Participants’ characteristics were collected.

Results

A total of 106 participants were evaluated. Average of correct answers before and after the workshop were 5.3 and 6.8, respectively (P = .0001); 65% of participants achieved good performance. Performance is not associated with the characteristics of trained physicians.

Conclusion

MRI training workshops in SpA allow rheumatologists to improve recognition of acute inflammatory and structural lesions. The long‐term effects of such training need further evaluation.
Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma of the lung: Serial CT findings, clinical features, and treatment and survival outcomes
Authors: Beck Kyongmin Sarah , Sung Yeoun Eun , Lee Kyo Young , Han Dae Hee
Published: October 2020

Background

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) of the lung is a rare and distinct subtype of adenocarcinoma that can appear as airspace opacities on computed tomography (CT). In daily practice, we have occasionally encountered spontaneous regression of airspace opacities (SRAs) without treatment on serial CTs in patients with IMAs, which has not previously been described in the literature. Here, we describe serial CT findings with emphasis on SRAs in relation to clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes in patients with IMAs.

Methods

A total of 46 patients with pathologically‐confirmed IMAs of the lung from January 2013 to June 2018 were included. Serial CT scans were reviewed and the patients were classified into SRA and no‐SRA groups according to the presence of SRA. Radiological features, clinicopathological characteristics, and treatment outcomes were compared between the SRA and no‐SRA groups.

Results

A total of 32 patients were included in the no‐SRA group and 14 patients in the SRA group. IMAs in the SRA group were mostly pneumonic (P < 0.001), larger (P < 0.001), multifocal (P = 0.001), and showed higher stage (P < 0.001) on initial CT. Of seven patients who died during follow‐up, six were from the SRA group (P < 0.001). Mean overall survival for all IMAs was 86.6 months (range, 0–110 months), and the SRA group showed significantly worse overall survival (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

IMAs of the lung showing SRAs on serial CTs are larger and multifocal, and tend to be pneumonic in type on initial CT. Patients present at a higher stage of disease, with higher mortality rate and reduced overall survival.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas (IMAs) of the lung can show spontaneous regression of airspace opacities (SRAs) on serial CTs, without being correlated to the administration of anticancer drugs. IMAs that showed SRAs demonstrated reduced overall survival in patients.

What this study adds

When airspace opacities show regression on CT, IMA should still be included in the differential diagnosis. A more careful application of RECIST 1.1 is needed in the assessment of tumor response of IMAs.
Essential tobacco dependence medicines in 137 countries
Authors: Benipal Simran , Budhram Dalton R. , Bilimoria Krish , Woods Hannah , Wang Ri , Persaud Nav
Published: October 2020

Aims

To use a database of national essential medicine lists to determine how many include the three tobacco dependence medicines: nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline and bupropion.

Methods

Retrospective observational study using national essential medicine lists for 137 countries.

Results

Of the 137 countries, 34 listed at least one of the three tobacco dependence medicines included in this analysis. Bupropion was listed by 23 countries, nicotine replacement therapy by 17 countries and varenicline by eight countries.

Conclusions

Tobacco dependence medicines do not appear on the essential medicines lists of most countries.
Genetic signature of hybridization between Chinese spot‐billed ducks and domesticated ducks
Authors: Guo X. , Wang Z.‐C. , Wang S. , Li H.‐F. , Suwannapoom C. , Wang J.‐X. , Zhang C. , Shao Y. , Wang M.‐S. , Jiang R.‐S.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we analyzed 93 whole genomes from Chinese spot‐billed ducks (CSB), meat‐type ducks (MET), and egg and dual purpose‐type ducks (EDT) to characterize the genetic material flowing between the CSB and modern ducks. Using a frequency of shared identical‐by‐descent method, approximately 10.9 Mb introgression segments containing 140 genes were identified showing the signatures of introgression between CSB and EDT. Meanwhile, nearly 10.6 M introgression regions containing 149 genes were identified between CSB and MET. Based on the haplotypes tree of each segment, we found that the introgression between CSB and domesticated ducks was asymmetric with a high level of gene flow from domestic to CSB and a low level of migration in the opposite direction. Moreover, we identified several genes that were introgressions from CSB and showed the signature of positive selection, which may contribute to the breeding of modern ducks. Our results provide new insight into the evolution and breeding history of domestic ducks and may be useful for the future management of wild and domestic duck populations.
Farmers, Traders, and Processors: Buyer Market Power and Double Marginalization in Indonesia
Authors: Kopp Thomas , Sexton Richard J.
Published: October 2020

Buyer market power can significantly reduce farm prices and incomes, making curtailment of such power a key strategy to improve rural livelihoods in emerging economies. A “double marginalization problem” occurs when market power is exercised at multiple stages in a supply chain. Although double marginalization has been studied extensively from a seller‐power perspective, the corresponding problem on the buyer‐power side has received scant attention. This paper addresses that lacuna through developing a vertical market model that allows buyer power to be exercised in local farmer–trader markets and also downstream at the trader–processor stage. We derive equilibrium results for output, prices, and economic welfare under alternative competition scenarios. The model is applied to the Indonesian rubber value chain by estimating the magnitude of buyer market power in farmer–trader and trader–processor interactions and quantifying the extent of welfare loss and redistribution of income among market participants due to double marginalization. Standard theory for seller double marginalization posits that it should be eliminated through vertical coordination within the supply chain. We conclude by discussing why such coordination may not occur within emerging‐economy supply chains and considering policy innovations to facilitate better coordination.
The effects of chronic endometritis on the pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Morimune Aina , Kimura Fuminori , Nakamura Akiko , Kitazawa Jun , Takashima Akiko , Amano Tsukuru , Kaku Shoji , Moritani Suzuko , Kushima Ryoji , Murakami Takashi
Published: October 2020

Problem

Chronic endometritis (CE) influences the clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technology. However, the effect of CE on the pregnancy outcome is still unknown.

Method of study

A retrospective case‐control study was conducted in a single university. Subjects who conceived by in vitro fertilization within a year after a histological diagnosis of CE under 40 years of age from September 2013 to December 2017 were extracted. The rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, term birth, and live birth per pregnancy according to the presence or absence of CE were analyzed. A logistic regression analysis was performed for miscarriage, preterm birth, term birth, and live birth for eight explanatory variables of seven infertility factors and CE.

Results

A total of 39 pregnancies in 38 subjects with non‐CE and 35 pregnancies in 32 subjects with CE were ultimately analyzed. The rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, term birth, and live birth per pregnancy were 12.8% and 40.0% (P < .03), 2.6% and 14.3% (P = .1), 84.6% and 45.7% (P < .001) and 84.6% and 57.1% (P < .03) in the Non‐CE and CE groups, respectively, although only the analysis for tem birth rate had sufficient power to exclude Type II error. In logistic analysis, CE was a factor affecting the objective variables of miscarriage, term birth, and live birth.

Conclusions

The term birth rate among pregnancies decreased mainly due to an increase in miscarriages when CE was detected before pregnancy in patients treated with in vitro fertilization. A histopathological diagnosis of CE adversely affected the term birth rate per pregnancy.
Stromal cells and B cells orchestrate ectopic lymphoid tissue formation in nasal polyps
Authors: Wang Zhe‐Zheng , Song Jia , Wang Hai , Li Jing‐Xian , Xiao Qiao , Yu Ze , Wang Zhi‐Chao , Liu Jin‐Xin , Pan Li , Yao Yin , Chen Cai‐Ling , Lu Xiang , Liu Chaohong , Gao Peisong , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2020

Background

Although the importance of ectopic lymphoid tissues (eLTs) in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps (NPs) is increasingly appreciated, the mechanisms underlying their formation remain unclear.

Objective

To study the role of interleukin (IL)‐17A, C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) and lymphotoxin (LT) in eLT formation in NPs.

Methods

The expression levels of CXCL13 and LT and their receptors, in addition to the phenotypes of stromal cells in NPs, were studied by flow cytometry, immunostaining, and real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Purified nasal stromal cells and B cells were cultured, and a murine model of nasal type 17 inflammation was established by intranasal curdlan challenge for the mechanistic study.

Results

The excessive CXCL13 production in NPs correlated with enhanced IL‐17A expression. Stromal cells, with CD31−Pdpn+ fibroblastic reticular cell (FRC) expansion, were the major source of CXCL13 in NPs without eLTs. IL‐17A induced FRC expansion and CXCL13 production in nasal stromal cells. In contrast, B cells were the main source of CXCL13 and LTα1β2 in NPs with eLTs. CXCL13 upregulated LTα1β2 expression on B cells, which in turn promoted CXCL13 production in nasal B cells and stromal cells. LTα1β2 induced expansion of FRCs and CD31+Pdpn+ lymphoid endothelial cells, which were the predominant stromal cell types in NPs with eLTs. IL‐17A knockout and CXCL13 and LTβR blockage diminished nasal eLT formation in the murine model.

Conclusion

We identified an important role of IL‐17A‐induced stromal cell remodeling in the initiation and crosstalk between B and stromal cells via CXCL13 and LTα1β2 in the enlargement of eLTs in NPs.
Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and extracellular Hsp70 interplay in NLRP3 inflammasome activation in monocytic and bronchial epithelial cellular models of COPD exacerbations
Authors: Rumora Lada , Hlapčić Iva , Hulina‐Tomašković Andrea , Somborac‐Bačura Anita , Bosnar Martina , Rajković Marija Grdić
Published: October 2020

During chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations, interplay between pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs; e.g. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA)) and damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs; e.g. extracellular heat shock protein 70 (eHsp70) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) might influence patient’s outcome. Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome might have a role in dysfunctional immune system in COPD. We hypothesized that LPS, LTA, eHsp70 and their combinations induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and we aimed to explore this assumption. We used monocytic (monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) and THP‐1) and bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE and NCI‐H292) to represent systemic and local airway compartments that could be affected in COPD. Bacterial components and eHsp70 stimulated NLRP3 and interleukin (IL)‐1β gene expression as well as IL‐1β and ATP release from all cells compared to non‐treated cells. LDH secretion was induced in cell lines only. eHsp70 had inhibitory (NCI‐H292) or stimulatory (NHBE) effects on eATP levels compared to PAMP alone. Regarding NLRP3 inflammasome activation, eHsp70 had mostly antagonistic effects. We demonstrated that bacterial components and eHsp70 activate NLRP3 inflammasome and increase ATP secretion. We suggest that extracellular Hsp70 might modulate immune responses provoked by bacterial infections and affect COPD patients’ outcome during acute exacerbations.
Marketplaces as sites for the development‐adaptation‐disaster trifecta: Insights from Vanuatu
Authors: McNamara Karen E. , Clissold Rachel , Westoby Ross
Published: October 2020

Faced with the pressing challenges of poverty, climate change and disasters, identifying opportunities for interventions that offer positive outcomes across the trifecta of development, adaptation and disaster risk reduction is critically needed. While the overlaps between these streams can be straightforward in theory, practical opportunities for convergence are often lacking. Drawing on 10 focus groups with women market vendors who are part of the UN Women's Markets for Change programme in Vanuatu, this paper explores how markets as places can be useful entry points for this trifecta. Marketplaces can be important sites for developing capabilities and empowering women. As transient and interactive spaces, marketplaces also have inherent strengths that can be built upon and utilised to heighten intervention reach and foster positive outcomes across the development‐adaptation‐disaster trifecta. This paper encourages further exploration into the capacity of marketplaces to achieve this trifecta of outcomes across various scales and locations, and to find solutions to existing challenges.
Identification of genetic targets in acute myeloid leukaemia for designing targeted therapy
Authors: Mason Clinton C. , Fiol Carme R. , Baker Monika J. , Nadal‐Melsio Elisabet , Yebra‐Fernandez Eva , Bicalho Luciana , Chowdhury Avirup , Albert Michael , Reid Alistair G. , Claudiani Simone , Apperley Jane F. , Khorashad Jamshid S.
Published: October 2020

Few effective therapies exist for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), in part due to the molecular heterogeneity of this disease. We sought to identify genes crucial to deregulated AML signal transduction pathways which, if inhibited, could effectively eradicate leukaemia stem cells. Due to difficulties in screening primary cells, most previous studies have performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) library knockdown screens in cell lines. Using carefully considered methods including evaluation at multiple timepoints to ensure equitable gene knockdown, we employed a large NGS short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown screen of nearly 5 000 genes in primary AML cells from six patients to identify genes that are crucial for leukaemic survival. Across various levels of stringency, genome‐wide bioinformatic analysis identified a gene in the NOX family, NOX1, to have the most consistent knockdown effectiveness in primary cells (P = 5∙39 × 10−5, Bonferroni‐adjusted), impacting leukaemia cell survival as the top‐ranked gene for two of the six AML patients and also showing high effectiveness in three of the other four patients. Further investigation of this pathway highlighted NOX2 as the member of the NOX family with clear knockdown efficacy. We conclude that genes in the NOX family are enticing candidates for therapeutic development in AML.
The intergenerational transmission of participation in collective action: The role of conversation and political practices in the family
Authors: Cornejo Marcela , Rocha Carolina , Castro Diego , Varela Micaela , Manzi Jorge , González Roberto , Jiménez‐Moya Gloria , Carvacho Héctor , Álvarez Belén , Valdenegro Daniel , Cheyre Manuel , Livingstone Andrew G.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we examined the intergenerational transmission of collective action from parents to children. Using a mixed‐method approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis, we analysed data from 100 dyads of activist parents in Chile (involved in the mobilizations against the dictatorship during the 1980s) and their adult children (N = 200). The quantitative analysis addressed the role of conversations about politics in the family. The results provided evidence of a direct association between those conversations and the frequency of participation in conventional and radical actions by the children, and an indirect association via children’s knowledge about parental involvement in past social movements. The qualitative phase, which used interviews and thematic analysis on a subsample of 24 dyads (N = 48), confirmed the role of political conversations, but also revealed the influence of other factors such as cultural consumption and joint political participation. This phase allowed the identification of factors that facilitate or hinder family transmission. Overall, the study highlights the relevance of family as a critical site of socialization that enables the intergenerational transmission of protest.
Sediment dispersal pathways in the Po coastal plain since the Last Glacial Maximum: Provenance signals of autogenic and eustatic forcing
Authors: Tentori Daniel , Amorosi Alessandro , Milli Salvatore , Marsaglia Kathleen M.
Published: October 2020

We examined downstream trends in sediment composition within the modern Po River system and defined provenance changes within a selected sector of the Upper Pleistocene to Holocene coastal plain in response to paleogeographic reorganisation during the last glacial‐interglacial cycle. Sediment composition of the Upper Pleistocene to Holocene alluvial and coastal plain succession overlaps with the modern petrofacies, suggesting that ancient fluvial sand was sourced from a dynamic river system attributable to a distal paleo‐Po with episodic sediment input from South Alpine and Apennine rivers. In the wave‐dominated estuarine depositional system developed under transgressive conditions, Po‐derived detritus mixed in the coastal system with sediment fed by Central/Eastern Alpine rivers, which was redistributed southwards by alongshore currents. A similar, mixed composition of late Holocene highstand depositional systems reflects the progradation of Po delta lobes (similar in composition to Po River sands) and adjacent strandplains (typified by sediment mixing due to alongshore transport). Compositional variability across the main stratigraphic surfaces suggests that autogenic processes (e.g. marine reworking, sedimentary mixing, delta switching/abandonment) in turn influenced by glacioeustasy, controlled the development of the transgressive and highstand Po Plain succession. This study clarifies the effect of fluvial‐marine interaction during the Holocene evolution of the Po coastal system and can be used as a model to interpret the evolution of many mixed‐delta types and Quaternary successions that shows alternating river‐flood and wave‐dominated deposits.
Evolutionary heritage shapes tree distributions along an Amazon‐to‐Andes elevation gradient
Authors: Griffiths Andy R. , Silman Miles R. , Farfán Rios William , Feeley Kenneth J. , García Cabrera Karina , Meir Patrick , Salinas Norma , Dexter Kyle G.
Published: October 2020

Understanding how evolutionary constraints shape the elevational distributions of tree lineages provides valuable insight into the future of tropical montane forests under global change. With narrow elevational ranges, high taxonomic turnover, frequent habitat specialization, and exceptional levels of endemism, tropical montane forests and trees are predicted to be highly sensitive to environmental change. Using plot census data from a gradient traversing > 3,000 m in elevation on the Amazonian flank of the Peruvian Andes, we employ phylogenetic approaches to assess the influence of evolutionary heritage on distribution trends of trees at the genus‐level. We find that closely related lineages tend to occur at similar mean elevations, with sister genera pairs occurring a mean 254 m in elevation closer to each other than the mean elevational difference between non‐sister genera pairs. We also demonstrate phylogenetic clustering both above and below 1,750 m a.s.l, corresponding roughly to the cloud‐base ecotone. Belying these general trends, some lineages occur across many different elevations. However, these highly plastic lineages are not phylogenetically clustered. Overall, our findings suggest that tropical montane forests are home to unique tree lineage diversity, constrained by their evolutionary heritage and vulnerable to substantial losses under environmental changes, such as rising temperatures or an upward shift of the cloud‐base.