bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aversive View Memory and Navigational Risk Sensitivity in the Desert Ant, Cataglyphis Velox
Authors: Freas Cody A , Wystrach Antoine , Schwarz Sebastian , Spetch Marcia L
Published: September 2021

Many ants establish foraging routes through learning views of the visual panorama. Route models have focused primarily on attractive view use, which experienced foragers orient towards to return to known sites. However, aversive views have recently been uncovered as a key component of route learning. Here, Cataglyphis velox rapidly learned aversive views, when associated with a negative outcome, a period of captivity in brush, triggering an increase in hesitation behavior. These memories were based on the accumulation of experiences over multiple trips with each new experience regulating forager’s hesitancy. Foragers were also sensitive to captivity time differences, suggesting they possess some mechanism to quantify duration. Finally, we analyzed foragers’ perception of risky (i.e. variable) versus stable aversive outcomes by associating two sites along the route with distinct captivity schedules, a fixed or variable duration, with the same mean across training. Foragers exhibited significantly less hesitation to the risky outcome compared to the fixed, indicating they perceived risky outcomes as less severe. Results align with a logarithmic relationship between captivity duration and hesitations, suggesting that aversive stimulus perception is a logarithm of its actual value. We conclude by characterizing how these behaviors can be executed within the mushroom bodies’ neural circuitry.
Integrative analysis allows a global and precise identification of functional miRNA target genes in mESCs
Authors: Schäfer Moritz , Nabih Amena , Spies Daniel , Bodak Maxime , Wischnewski Harry , Stalder Patrick , Ngondo Richard Patryk , Liechti Luz Angelica , Sajic Tatjana , Aebersold Ruedi , Gatfield David , Ciaudo Constance
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA (miRNA) loaded Argonaute (AGO) complexes regulate gene expression via direct base pairing with their mRNA targets. Current prediction approaches identified that between 20 to 60% of mammalian transcriptomes are regulated by miRNAs, but it remains largely unknown which fraction of these interactions are functional in a specific cellular context. Here, we integrated transcriptome data from a set of miRNA-depleted mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) lines with published miRNA interaction predictions and AGO-binding profiles. This integrative approach, combined with molecular validation data, identified that only 6% of expressed genes are functionally and directly regulated by miRNAs in mESCs. In addition, analyses of the stem cell-specific miR-290-295 cluster target genes identified TFAP4 as an important transcription factor for early development. The extensive datasets developed in this study will support the development of improved predictive models for miRNA-mRNA functional interactions.
Disynaptic Effect of Hilar Cells on Pattern Separation in A Spiking Neural Network of Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Kim Sang-Yoon , Lim Woochang
Published: September 2021

We investigate the disynaptic effect of the hilar cells on pattern separation in a spiking neural network of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). The principal granule cells (GCs) in the DG perform pattern separation, transforming similar input patterns into less-similar output patterns. In our DG network, the hilus consists of excitatory mossy cells (MCs) and inhibitory HIPP (hilar perforant path-associated) cells. Here, we consider the disynaptic effects of the MCs and the HIPP cells on the GCs, mediated by the inhibitory basket cells (BCs) in the granular layer; MC → BC → GC and HIPP → BC → GC. Disynaptic inhibition from the MCs tends to decrease the firing activity of the GCs. On the other hand, the HIPP cells disinhibit the intermediate BCs, which leads to increasing the activity of the GCs. By changing the synaptic strengthK(BC,X)[from the presynaptic X (= MC or HIPP) to the postsynaptic BC] from the default valueK(BC,X)*, we study the change in the pattern separation degree 𝒮d. When decreasingK(BC,MC)or independently increasingK(BC,HIPP)from their default values, 𝒮dis found to decrease (i.e., pattern separation is reduced). On the other hand, asK(BC,MC)is increased or independentlyK(BC,HIPP)is decreased from their default values, pattern separation becomes enhanced (i.e., 𝒮dincreases). In this way, the disynaptic effects of the MCs and the HIPP cells on the pattern separation are opposite ones. Thus, when simultaneously varying bothK(BC,MC)andK(BC,HIPP), as a result of balance between the two competing disynaptic effects of the MCs and the HIPP cells, 𝒮dforms a bell-shaped curve with an optimal maximum at their default values. Moreover, we also investigate population and individual behaviors of the sparsely synchronized rhythm of the GCs, and find that the amplitude measure ℳa(representing population synchronization degree) and the random-phase-locking degree ℒd(denoting individual activity degree) are strongly correlated with the pattern separation degree 𝒮d. Consequently, the larger the synchronization and the random phase-locking degrees of the sparsely synchronized rhythm is, the more the pattern separation becomes enhanced.
Inhibition of pyrimidine biosynthesis targets protein translation in AML
Authors: So Joan , Lewis Alexander C. , Smith Lorey K. , Stanley Kym , Pijpers Lizzy , Dominguez Pilar , Hogg Simon J. , Vervoort Stephin J. , Johnstone Ricky W. , McDonald Gabrielle , Ulanet Danielle B. , Murtie Josh , Gruber Emily , Kats Lev M.
Published: September 2021

The mitochondrial enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) catalyzes one of the rate-limiting steps in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, a pathway that provides essential metabolic precursors for nucleic acids, glycoproteins and phospholipids. DHODH inhibitors (DHODHi) are clinically used for autoimmune diseases and are emerging as a novel class of anti-cancer agents, especially in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) where pyrimidine starvation was recently shown to reverse the characteristic differentiation block in AML cells. Herein we show that DHODH blockade rapidly shuts down protein translation in leukemic stem cells (LSCs) by down-regulation of the multi-functional transcription factor YY1, has potent activity against AML in vivo and is well tolerated with minimal impact on normal blood development. Moreover, we find that ablation of CDK5, a gene that is recurrently deleted in AML and related disorders, increases the sensitivity of AML cells to DHODHi. Our studies provide important molecular insights and identify a potential biomarker for an emerging strategy to target AML.
Mutations change excitability and the probability of re-entry in a computational model of cardiac myocytes in the sleeve of the pulmonary vein
Authors: Jæger Karoline Horgmo , Edwards Andrew G. , Giles Wayne R. , Tveito Aslak
Published: September 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common health problem with substantial individual and societal costs. The origin of AF has been debated for more than a century, and the precise, biophysical mechanisms that are responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the chaotic electrochemical waves that define AF, remains unclear. It is well accepted that the outlet of the pulmonary veins is the primary anatomical site of AF initiation, and that electrical isolation of these regions remains the most effective treatment for AF. Furthermore, it is well known that certain ion channel or transporter mutations can significantly increase the likelihood of AF. Here, we present a computational model capable of characterizing functionally important features of the microanatomical and electrophysiological substrate that represents the transition from the pulmonary veins (PV) to the left atrium (LA) of the human heart. This model is based on a finite element representation of every myocyte in a segment of this (PV/LA) region. Thus, it allows for investigation a mix of typical PV and LA myocytes. We use the model to investigate the likelihood of ectopic beats and re-entrant waves in a cylindrical geometry representing the transition from PV to LA. In particular, we investigate and illustrate how six different AF- associated mutations can alter the probability of ectopic beats and re-entry in this region.
Bio-hybrid Soft Robotic Bioreactors for Mimicking Multi-Axial Femoropopliteal Artery Mechanobiology
Authors: Fell Cody , Brooks-Richards Trent L , Woodruff Maria Ann , Allenby Mark C
Published: September 2021

The emerging field of soft robotics aims to emulate dynamic physiological locomotion. Soft robotics’ mimicry of naturally complex biomechanics makes them ideal platforms for exerting mechanical stimuli for patient-specific tissue maturation and disease modeling applications. Such platforms are essential for emulating highly flexible tissues such as the kneecap’s femoropopliteal artery (FPA), one of the most flexible arteries in the body, which flexes and bends during walking, standing, and crouching movements. The FPA is a frequent site of disease, where 80% of all peripheral artery diseases manifest, affecting over 200 million people worldwide. The complex biomechanical and hemodynamic forces within the FPA have been implicated in the frequent occurrence of PAD and lead to debilitating morbidities, such as limb-threatening ischemia. To better mimic these complex biomechanics, we developed an in-vitro bio-hybrid soft robot (BSR). First, Platsil OO-20 was identified as an ideal hyperelastomer for both cell culture and BSR fabrication using 3D printed molds. Then, employing a simulation-based design workflow, we integrated pneumatic network (PneuNet) actuators cast with Platsil OO-20, which extend in angular, longitudinal, and radial dimensions. Pressurizing the BSR PneuNets enabled a range of mechanical stimuli to be dynamically applied during tissue culture to mimic normal and diseased FPA flexions during daily walking and sitting poses, the most extreme being radial distensions of 20% and angular flexions of 140°. Finally, these designed, manufactured, and programmed vascular BSRs were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells and conditioned for 24 hours to highlight the effect of dynamic conditioning on cultured cell alignment, as well as type IV collagen production and the upregulation of smooth muscle phenotypes. Soft robotic bioreactor platforms that accurately mimic patient-, disease-, and lifestyle-specific mechanobiology will develop fundamental disease understanding, preoperative laboratory simulations for existing therapeutics, and biomanufacturing platforms for tissue-engineered implants.
High-resolution mapping of DNA alkylation damage and base excision repair at yeast transcription factor binding sites
Authors: Duan Mingrui , Sivapragasam Smitha , Antony Jacob S. , Ulibarri Jenna , Hinz John M. , Poon Gregory M.K. , Wyrick John J. , Mao Peng
Published: September 2021

DNA base damage arises frequently in living cells and needs to be removed by base excision repair (BER) to prevent mutagenesis and genome instability. Both the formation and repair of base damage occur in chromatin and are conceivably affected by DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors (TFs). However, to what extent TF binding affects base damage distribution and BER in cells is unclear. Here, we used a genome-wide damage mapping method, N-methylpurine-sequencing (NMP-seq), to characterize alkylation damage distribution and BER at TF binding sites in yeast cells treated with the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Our data shows that alkylation damage formation was mainly suppressed at the binding sites of yeast TFs Abf1 and Reb1, but individual hotspots with elevated damage levels were also found. Additionally, Abf1 and Reb1 binding strongly inhibits BER in vivo and in vitro, causing slow repair both within the core motif and its adjacent DNA. The observed effects are caused by the TF-DNA interaction, because damage formation and BER can be restored by depletion of Abf1 or Reb1 protein from the nucleus. Thus, our data reveal that TF binding significantly modulates alkylation base damage formation and inhibits repair by the BER pathway. The interplay between base damage formation and BER may play an important role in affecting mutation frequency in gene regulatory regions.
The role of career shocks in contemporary career development: key challenges and ways forward
Authors: Akkermans Jos , Rodrigues Ricardo , Mol Stefan T. , Seibert Scott E. , Khapova Svetlana N.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This article aims to introduce the special issue entitled “the role of career shocks in contemporary career development,” synthesize key contributions and formulate a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors provide an introduction of the current state-of-the-art in career shocks research, offer an overview of the key lessons learned from the special issue and present several important avenues for future research.

Findings

The authors discuss how the special issue articles contribute to a better understanding of career shocks' role in contemporary career development, focusing on (1) conceptual clarity of the notion of career shocks, (2) career outcomes of career shocks, (3) mechanisms that can explain the impact of career shocks and (4) interdisciplinary connectivity.

Originality/value

This article offers a synthesis of the critical contributions made within this special issue, thereby formulating key ways to bring the field of career shocks research forward. It also provides new avenues for research.
Risks of water and wastewater PPP projects: an investors’ perspective
Authors: Amiri Omid , Ayazi Amir , Rahimi Mahmoud , Khazaeni Garshasb
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Water and wastewater (WW) projects are gaining attention in Iran because of shortages of water resources. However, these projects are lengthy and they are accompanied by numerous risks, such as lack of sufficient financial resources. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are taken into account as a constructive approach to deal with the problem of insufficient government funds and they are increasingly being implemented to construct the required infrastructures in different countries. Although WW projects in PPPs can reduce the government’s debt, investors are still uncertain about this approach. Hence, this study aims to identify and evaluate the risk of all parties involved in WW-PPP projects, from the viewpoint of investor.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the risk factors which are involved in WW projects are identified by interviewing experts and reviewing the literature by means of fault tree analysis (FTA) tool. Second, the probability and effects of the risky factors which are related to specific event are evaluated and analyzed by hybridization of interval fuzzy Type-2 sets (IT2FS) and risk score formulation. Finally, some solutions are proposed to deal with the most challenging risks.

Findings

Six gate events, namely, risks which are related to investors such as investor’s consultant-related risks, risky conditions from engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors’ point of view, risk factors which public sector takes into account, public sector’s consultant-related risks which public sector’s consultant consider challenging and external factors were defined according to the literature. From FTA tool and by interviewing the experts, 94 basic events were identified. Finally, from hybridization of IT2FSs and risk score formulation, top five risks are determined as “Difficulty of injecting financial resources into the project,” “Fluctuation in inflation rate,” “Poor decision-making process” in public sector, “Difficulty of importing the equipment which are required for the project (such as pumps, grain catchers, garbage collectors, etc.) from other countries” and “Impact of risky conditions in other projects on operation of PPP project.”

Originality/value

In the absence of a constructive approach for risk identification and a reliable model for evaluating the identified risks in PPP projects, this research project is one of the first research studies which used FTA for identifying risks and hybridization of IT2FSs and risk score formulation for evaluating the risks.
Demand for green building in Ghana: a conceptual modeling and empirical study of the impediments
Authors: Guribie Francis Lanme , Akubah Joyce Twumwaa , Tengan Callistus , Blay Jnr Andrew Victor Kabenlah
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The key to green building (GB) success is to have GB expansion driven by consumer demand rather than enforced rules and regulations. Yet, only a few studies have focused on the market impediments to GB development. This study systematically identified and evaluated the critical impediments to the demand for green and sustainable architecture by construction clients in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a two-stage data gathering approach. Qualitative data was collected first through an interview administered to 18 construction clients in Ghana. Based on the early findings, a survey instrument was subsequently developed to seek the views of 120 GB experts and professionals with 96 valid responses-returned.

Findings

The study discovered that – ineffective advertisement of GB, the perceived cost of implementation, lack of expertise, lack of financial incentives, illiterate construction market and risk and uncertainties were the top six reasons for the low demand for GB by construction clients in Ghana

Practical implications

Findings from this research would guide industry practitioners and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding how to stimulate demand for GBs among construction clients.

Originality/value

The paper models and presents contextual realities on barriers to GB demand in Ghana. The study has added to previous studies by unearthing what constitutes the lack of demand for sustainable architecture. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable information and insight to policymakers to catalyze green construction by actively involving construction clients.
Design considerations for implementation of planar antennas for millimeter wave (mmW) 5G network: a review
Authors: Juneja Sagar , Pratap Rajendra , Sharma Rajnish
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Propagation characteristics of millimeter wave (mmW) frequencies that are being explored for implementing 5G network are quite different from sub 3GHz frequencies in which 4G network is operating, and hence antenna design for mmW 5G network is going to be significantly different. The purpose of this paper is to bring forth the unique challenges and opportunities of planar antenna design for mmW 5G network.

Design/methodology/approach

A lot of notable contemporary work has been investigated for this study and reported in this paper. A comparison of 4G and 5G technologies has been carried out to understand the difference between the air interface of two technologies that governs the antenna design. Important research gaps found after collating the work already done in the field have been bullet pointed for the use by many researchers working in this direction.

Findings

Several antenna design considerations have been laid out by the authors of this work, and it has been claimed that mmW 5G antenna design must satisfy these design considerations. In addition, prominent research gaps have been identified and thoroughly discussed.

Originality/value

As research in the field of mmW antenna design for 5G applications is still evolving, a lot of work is currently being done in this area. This study can prove to be important in understanding different challenges, opportunities and current state-of-art in the field of mmW planar antenna design for 5G cellular communication.
Examining the role of customers' intrinsic motivation on continued usage of mobile banking: a relational approach
Authors: Banerjee Shubhomoy , Sreejesh S.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research seeks to establish the roles of marketer-driven relationship-building strategies – relationship-marketing orientation and knowledge sharing with customers on intrinsic customer motivation and the continued usage of mobile banking apps.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among 342 m-banking users in India. Data were analyzed and the hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Relationship-marketing orientation was found to have a positive and significant influence on customer intrinsic motivation and knowledge sharing with customers. Customer intrinsic motivation was found to play a dual role as a driver of continued mobile banking usage and as an intervening mechanism between relationship-marketing orientation and continued usage of mobile banking.

Research limitations/implications

This research was conducted only in one country. It was therefore not possible to consider varying regulations across markets and their effects on continued usage of mobile banking.

Originality/value

First time in the m-banking literature, this research establishes the pivotal role of intrinsic customer motivation in the continued usage of mobile banking. While evaluating drivers of continued usage of m-banking, most studies considered various aspects of the technology itself. This research instead evaluates consumer-centric and marketer-led antecedents in driving the continued usage of mobile banking.
Increasing efficiency in healthcare: a showcase in an orthopedic outpatient clinic
Authors: Heijink Andras , van den Heuvel Jaap , Schoonhoven Marit
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Cost reduction is a current topic within healthcare. This article aims to show how Lean Six Sigma can be applied to make the orthopedic outpatient clinic within a hospital more cost-effective. The approach can, of course, also be applied to other departments.

Design/methodology/approach

We did a pareto analysis to select the project with the greatest potential. The most expensive and time-consuming activity is repeat consultations; these number around 7,500 per year and are all performed by the orthopedic surgeon. This limits the number of appointments available for new patients. Moreover, the hospital gets a fixed amount of money for each new patient. Therefore, reducing the number of repeat consultations is beneficial to both the patient and the hospital.

Findings

Based on data analysis, we found that the number of repeat consultations performed by orthopedic surgeons can be reduced by 19.5%. An additional 10.8% can be performed by phone, which will probably save the surgeons considerable time. The freed-up time can be used for new patients. Another result is that hospital visits by patients for repeat consults can be reduced by 20.3%. We believe that these efficiency improvements are also possible for other departments/processes. Finally, in the given case, the freed-up time for new patients could generate 465K euros.

Originality/value

This article shows that 20% of the care provided by the physicians (i.e. repeat consults) is omissible. While most projects focus on doing the same number of activities in a more efficient way, this paper shows that it is also possible to reduce the amount of medical care provided. We believe that it would be beneficial to take such a perspective when looking at other processes and departments within healthcare.
Strategy to improve economic condition of fishermen living in the coastal area in Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan
Authors: Tan Firwan wan , Nesti Lisa , Yonnedi Efa Yonnedi , Ridwan Endrizal Ridwan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This research aims to study the economic conditions of fishermen living in the coastal area of Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is a descriptive analysis method supported by a participatory planning method. The importance of primary data is to understand deeply the real problems of fishermen in the field, collected by using a survey method such as field observations, in-depth interviews by gathering fishermen and related stakeholders in the area, undertaking forum group discussion, workshop and seminar. Secondary data are necessary to support the primary data analysis.

Findings

The results showed that there is an abundance of marine resources, but the economic condition of fishermen is far from expected. The income from fishing is not enough to feed their family's daily needs due to low catching productivity and raw fish selling price. The regency government and province do not have clear and concrete policies to resolve firmly and thoroughly the economic problems of fishermen living in the coastal areas.

Research limitations/implications

This study succeeds in providing two breakthrough strategic policies to improve the economic conditions of fishermen, i.e. institutional and entrepreneurial innovations.

Practical implications

Both strategic policies have a mutual relationship. Therefore, the implementations have to integrate with one another and be executed simultaneously in a single coastal area management system.

Social implications

Bupati as a top policymaker in this region must take full responsibility for the successful implementation of these two strategic policies.

Originality/value

Providing new ideas to solve the main problem of fishermen living in the coastal area in Indonesia.
A keystone mutualism promotes resistance to invasion
Authors: Vitali Agustin , Vázquez Diego P. , Miguel María F. , Sasal Yamila , Rodríguez‐Cabal Mariano A.
Published: September 2021

It is not uncommon for one or a few species, and their interactions, to have disproportionate effects on other species in ecological communities. Such keystone interactions might affect how communities respond to the invasion of non‐native species by preventing or inhibiting the establishment, spread or impact of non‐native species.

We explore whether a keystone mutualism among a hummingbird–mistletoe–marsupial promotes ecological resistance to an invasive pollinator, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris, by comparing data collected at sites prior to bumblebee invasion to data collected 11 years after the invasion in sites with and without the keystone mutualism.

We built pollination networks and focused on network motifs, regarded as building blocks of networks, to identify the central pollinators and estimate the change in their interactions after invasion of B. terrestris. We also estimated the interaction rewiring across the season in post‐invasion networks and tested it as a possible mechanism explaining how the keystone mutualism increased ecological resistance to invasion.

We found two times more species in post‐invasion sites with the keystone mutualism than in post‐invasion sites without the keystone mutualism. Moreover, we found that invasive bumblebee reduced the strength and interaction niche of the five central pollinator species while increasing its own strength and interaction niche, suggesting a replacement of interactions. Also, we found that the keystone mutualism promoted resistance to B. terrestris invasion by reducing its negative impacts on central species. In the presence of the keystone mutualism, central species had three times more direct interactions than in sites without this keystone mutualism. The higher interaction rewiring, after invasion of B. terrestris, in sites with the keystone mutualism indicates greater chances of central pollinators to form new interactions and reduces their competence for resources with the non‐native bumblebee.

Our results demonstrate that a keystone mutualism can enhance community resistance against the impacts of a non‐native invasive pollinator by increasing species diversity and promoting interaction rewiring in the community. This study suggests that the conservation of mutualisms, especially those considered keystone, could be essential for long‐term preservation of natural communities under current and future impacts of global change.
Revisiting the virulence hallmarks of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a chronicle through the perspective of quorum sensing
Authors: Chadha Jatin , Harjai Kusum , Chhibber Sanjay
Published: September 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen and the leading cause of mortality among immunocompromised patients in clinical setups. The hallmarks of virulence in P. aeruginosa encompass six biologically competent attributes that cumulatively drive disease progression in a multistep manner. These multifaceted hallmarks lay the principal foundation for rationalizing the complexities of pseudomonal infections. They include factors for host colonization and bacterial motility, biofilm formation, production of destructive enzymes, toxic secondary metabolites, iron‐chelating siderophores and toxins. This arsenal of virulence hallmarks is fostered and stringently regulated by the bacterial signalling system called quorum sensing (QS). The central regulatory functions of QS in controlling the timely expression of these virulence hallmarks for adaptation and survival drive the disease outcome. This review describes the intricate mechanisms of QS in P. aeruginosa and its role in shaping bacterial responses, boosting bacterial fitness. We summarize the virulence hallmarks of P. aeruginosa, relating them with the QS circuitry in clinical infections. We also examine the role of QS in the development of drug resistance and propose a novel antivirulence therapy to combat P. aeruginosa infections. This can prove to be a next‐generation therapy that may eventually become refractory to the use of conventional antimicrobial treatments.
Increased nuchal translucency: is advanced sequencing the answer?
Authors: Talati AN , Vora NL
Published: September 2021

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on R Mellis et al., pp. 52–61 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.16869
Man Versus Machine: Complex Estimates and Auditor Reliance on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: COMMERFORD BENJAMIN P. , DENNIS SEAN A. , JOE JENNIFER R. , ULLA JENNY W.
Published: September 2021

Audit firms are investing billions of dollars to develop artificial intelligence (AI) systems that will help auditors execute challenging tasks (e.g., evaluating complex estimates). Although firms assume AI will enhance audit quality, a growing body of research documents that individuals often exhibit “algorithm aversion”—the tendency to discount computer‐based advice more heavily than human advice, although the advice is identical otherwise. Therefore, we conduct an experiment to examine how algorithm aversion manifests in auditor judgments. Consistent with theory, we find that auditors receiving contradictory evidence from their firm's AI system (instead of a human specialist) propose smaller adjustments to management's complex estimates, particularly when management develops their estimates using relatively objective (vs. subjective) inputs. Our findings suggest auditor susceptibility to algorithm aversion could prove costly for the profession and financial statements users.
Does dietary incorporation level of pea protein isolate influence the digestive system morphology in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)?
Authors: Demirci Beste , Terzi Funda , Kesbic Osman Sabri , Acar Umit , Yilmaz Sevdan , Kesbic Fevziye Isil
Published: September 2021

In the present study, fish meal (FM) was replaced by pea (Pisum sativum) protein (PP) in diet for Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at levels of 0% (PP0), 25% (PP25), 50% (PP50), 75% (PP75) and 100% (PP100), and the effect of dietary PP level on the digestive system tracts and liver was investigated by micromorphological and histopathological evaluations. Morphometric measurements (mm 100g fish−1) of the liver width and stomach length in rainbow trout were found to be significantly larger (p <0.05) in fish with high‐level pea protein as the main protein source (PP75, PP100) compared to the low‐level PP replacement group (PP25). No significant differences were found in morphometric measurements for pyloric caecum and intestines among treatment groups, whereas the number of the caecum of fish fed the PP25 diets significantly increased over the control (PP0) (p<0.05). In the histological examination of the liver, mild hydropic and vacuolar degeneration was observed in all experimental groups except PP0 and PP25. The measurements of pyloric caecum fold height, enterocyte length and width of tunica muscularis of the high‐level pea protein groups of PP75 and PP100 were significantly higher (p <0.05) compared to the control group. In conclusion, 25% substitution of PP can be suggested for FM in trout diets, because the findings of the present study provided evidence that the digestive system improved by increasing the number of pyloric caecum at this replacement level.
Stereological analysis of metanephros from domestic cat (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1798) embryos and fetus
Authors: Paretsis Barbara Fidalgo , Mario Lara Carolina , Sasahara Tais Harumi de Castro , da Silva Liege Cristina Garcia , dos Santos José Manoel , Kfoury Júnior José Roberto , Leandro Rafael Magdanelo
Published: September 2021

Kidney diseases are the most common illness for cats with a prevalence seven times higher than in dogs. Metanephros is the last of three renal systems to be formed during the embryonic period, which then becomes the permanent kidney. The current work aimed to analyse the morphology and to quantify the structures present in the development of metanephros from domestic cat (Felis catus) embryos and foetuses. For this purpose, the evaluation of the biometric parameters of metanephros from cat embryos and foetuses was performed in addition to the quantification of renal corpuscles and volume of cortical and medullary layers by stereological analysis. The evaluated biometric parameters were weight, width, height, thickness and volume. The values of the measured biometric parameters increased throughout the gestational stages. The quantity of renal corpuscles gradually increased following the embryo‐foetal development, mainly during the middle of the gestational stage. It was during this phase that morphologically, a complete corticomedullary division was observed. Although the difference in the quantity of renal corpuscles between the middle and the end of the gestational stages was not statistically significant, there was an increase in the volume of the medullary layer and a decrease in the volume of the cortical layer between these two stages. These findings suggest that the metanephros presents a progressive growth with the renal corpuscles following this development until the middle of the gestational stage. Starting from this phase, the differentiation of the corticomedullary layers can be seen with a significant increase in the medullary layer.
Breakage, bias and the archaeological surface record: Assessing the quantification problem in archaeological field survey
Authors: Waagen Jitte
Published: September 2021

In the practice of archaeological field survey there is a manifest importance for densities, that is, an abundance of artifacts, often relying on simple counts of objects. However, a well‐known issue is variable breakage of pottery that can cause biases in quantitative analysis. Although such issues are generally acknowledged, a direct assessment of breakage and the resulting biases is lacking in research. This paper explores the pros and cons of quantification methods of surface collections in terms of counts or weights, and demonstrates the importance of analysing weight and breakage as part of an integrative approach.
Is it possible to improve social workers’ program planning capability through organizational learning strategy?
Authors: Kwon Sunae
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the applicability of organizational learning in non‐profit human service organizations for the management of outcome‐based programs. The focus of this study was the organizational learning level of J Agency and the enhancement of outcome‐based program planning capacity through organizational learning. The organizational learning conducted at J Agency consisted of training and consulting sessions to establish an outcome‐based program management system by enhancing the capacity level of social workers. The result of this study shows the organizational learning level of J Agency being lower than other corporations or public organizations, but the program planning capacity through education and consulting to have enhanced positively. Social workers acquired program planning, management, and evaluation knowledge through the learning strategy of training and consulting, and shared and spread it at the team and organizational level. This organizational learning strategy contributed to improving the program planning capacity of social workers, and it can be confirmed that it is useful as an organizational management strategy of non‐profit human service organizations.
On ‘The Hatred of Learning from Experience’: A Work Journal Revisited
Authors: Ellisin Anna
Published: September 2021

In January 1999, I started a two‐year course in psychodynamic counselling. One of the course requirements was to produce several work journals each term. They could be on any topic the student wished to think about or explore that pertained to the course, be it clinical or theoretical work, or professional/personal development. Three months later, I wrote one on Bion's (1962) concept of ‘the hatred of learning from experience’, after a seminar on his work. In Section 1, I present the work journal itself, in which I described my difficulties with anxiety about the course in relation to this concept: how I felt I needed to be a perfect student who ‘knew everything’; my intolerance of making mistakes; and my hatred of not knowing; in tandem with my envy of others' knowledge. In Section 2, I describe my current understanding of what I was rather desperately attempting to work out in the journal – taking into consideration both my emerging feelings, in light of my own history and state of mind, together with what I had come to understand – that the course was poorly structured and did not provide an adequately safe framework for clinical work and learning. This resulted in my decision to leave. In Section 3, I write about the arduous but ultimately rewarding process of returning to training, eventually culminating in my qualification as a psychodynamic psychotherapist. My final thoughts are presented in Section 4.
The modulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by 3β hydroxylup‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid isolated from Thymus linearis induces cell death in HCT‐116 cells
Authors: Bashir Rohina , Ahmad Zargar Ovais , Hamid Dar Abid , Yedukondalu Nalli , Parvaiz Qazi , Hamid Rabia
Published: September 2021

The presence of intricate carbon skeletons in natural compounds enhances their bioactivity spectrum with unique modes of action at several targets in various dreadful diseases like cancer. The present study was designed to purify the molecules from Thymus linearis and elucidate their antiproliferative activity. The compounds were isolated from the active methanolic extract of Thymus linearis through column chromatography and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Antiproliferative activity of isolated compounds was evaluated using MTT assay on cancer and normal cell lines. Mechanism of cell death was elucidated using flow cytometric, microscopic, and Western blot analysis. Four compounds, Sitosterol, Chrysin, 3β‐hydroxylup‐12‐en‐28‐oic acid (3BH), and β‐Sitosterol glycoside, were isolated. Among these, 3BH was most potent antiproliferative agent across all cell lines under study, HCT‐116 being the most affected one. 3BH was demonstrated to downregulate PI3Ksubunits (p110α and p85α), downstream pAktSer473 and prompted G1 phase cell cycle arrest. The cell cycle CDK inhibitor p27 and p21 were upregulated with simultaneous downregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin E in HCT‐116 cells. This was accompanied by apoptosis, as depicted by decrease in Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, with increase in active caspases‐3 and caspase‐9, cleavage of PARP‐1, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings established that 3BH induced cell death in HCT‐116 cells by modulating PI3K/Akt signaling axis, impeding cell cycle, and instigating apoptosis.
Edentulism and select chronic diseases among adults aged ≥45 years in China, 2011‐2018: A longitudinal study
Authors: Qu Xing , Zhang Jian , Wang Qingyu , Duan Dingyu , Zhu Ting , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Information on the association between edentulism and chronic medical conditions in developing countries is lacking. We investigated such information among adults aged ≥45 years in China.

Methods

A national longitudinal data set from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2011‐2018 was analysed. A multilevel logistic regression model was applied to analyse the association between edentulism and select chronic diseases.

Results

There were 74 240 Chinese adults aged ≥45 years in this study. The prevalence of self‐reported edentulism was 8.8% in 2011 and had increased to 16.4% by 2018.

Conclusion

Edentulism was a factor associated with a higher risk of various self‐reported chronic diseases among adults aged ≥45 years in China. Edentulism is one of the comorbidities among ageing people with chronic conditions. Preventive public health policy should consider controlling shared risk factors at an earlier age.
Excess mortality in solid organ transplant recipients hospitalized with COVID‐19: A large‐scale comparison of SOT recipients hospitalized with or without COVID‐19
Authors: Jering Karola S. , McGrath Martina M. , Mc Causland Finnian R. , Claggett Brian , Cunningham Jonathan W. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: September 2021

Background

Solid‐organ transplant (SOT) recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have higher risk of adverse outcomes compared to the general population. Whether hospitalized SOT recipients with COVID‐19 are at higher risk of mortality than SOT recipients hospitalized for other causes, including non‐COVID‐19 pneumonia, remains unclear.

Methods

We used logistic regression to compare outcomes of SOT recipients hospitalized with COVID‐19 to non‐COVID‐19 related admissions and with non‐COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Results

Of 17,012 hospitalized SOT recipients, 1682 had COVID‐19. Those with COVID‐19 had higher odds of ICU admission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.12 [95%CI: 1.88–2.39]) and mechanical ventilation (aOR 3.75 [95%CI: 3.24–4.33]). COVID‐19 was associated with higher odds of in‐hospital death, which was more pronounced earlier in the pandemic (aOR 9.74 [95%CI: 7.08–13.39] for April/May vs. aOR 7.08 [95%CI: 5.62–8.93] for June through November 2020; P‐interaction = .03). Compared to SOT recipients hospitalized with non‐COVID‐19 pneumonia, odds of in‐hospital death were higher in SOT recipients with COVID‐19 (aOR 2.44 [95% CI: 1.90–3.13]), regardless of time of hospitalization (P‐interaction > .40).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of SOT recipients, hospitalization with COVID‐19 was associated with higher odds of complications and in‐hospital mortality than non‐COVID‐19 related admissions, and 2.5‐fold higher odds of in‐hospital mortality, compared to SOT recipients with non‐COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Comparative appraisal with meta‐analysis of erbium vs. CO2lasers for atrophic acne scars
Authors: Husein‐ElAhmed Husein , Steinhoff Martin
Published: September 2021

Recent advances in laser technology allowed the development of systems that improve texture, appearance and pliability of skin in acne scars (AS). Currently, comprehensive comparative studies on the efficacy of the most commonly used fractional systems in AS are lacking. Thus, the aim of this work was to appraise and compare the clinical response to erbium versus CO2lasers in AS in the form of a meta‐analysis. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library were searched. Main clinical outcomes were investigator‐reported scar improvement and participant‐reported scar improvement. Five studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Scar improvement was similar for both types of laser in terms of investigator‐reported scar improvement (RR: 0.60 95 % CI: 0.35–1.02) and participant‐reported scar improvement (RR: 0.99 95 % CI: 0.79–1.25). A sensitivity analysis that excluded studies with high risk of bias found the CO2lasers to be superior to the erbium lasers (RR: 0.47 95 % CI: 0.24–0.93): However, the subgroup analysis showed the CO2laser not to be significantly different from either the non‐ablative erbium (RR: 0.65 95 % CI: 0.34–1.24) or the ablative erbium laser (RR: 0.60 95 % CI: 0.35–1.02). The CO2laser produced a slightly greater clinical response compared to the erbium lasers based on the physician’s assessment. Overall, the two devices do not differ largely in terms of efficacy but may be complementary, with each resurfacing laser better suited for different clinical tasks.
Mirror therapy for unilateral neglect after stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Xing Ying , Li Congqin , Hua Yan , Hu Jian , Wang Yuyuan , Ya Ru , Meng Qiong , Bai Yulong
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

The effect of mirror therapy for unilateral neglect after stroke currently remains uncertain.

Methods

This systematic review investigated the effect of mirror therapy on neglect and daily living activities in patients with unilateral neglect after stroke when compared with no treatment, sham mirror therapy, or routinely applied therapies only. We performed a systematic electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data to identify relevant randomized control trials (RCTs).

Results

We included five RCTs in the data synthesis. Mirror therapy (combined or not with other treatments) was more effective in improving neglect as compared with sham mirror therapy or no treatment (combined or not with the other therapies; standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–2.21, p < 0.00001). Mirror therapy (combined or not with other therapies) was effective in improving daily living activities as compared with sham mirror therapy or no treatment (combined or not with the other therapies; SMD = 2.09, 95% CI = 0.63–3.56, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our results show that mirror therapy effectively improves neglect and daily living activities in patients with unilateral neglect after stroke. Future trials with high methodological quality and larger sample sizes are needed to determine the immediate and long‐term effect of appropriate mirror therapy protocol for unilateral neglect.