bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel biopolymer synergizes type I IFN and IL-1β production through STING
Authors: Hoover Ashley R. , Liu Kaili , Kit Lam Samuel Siu , Wong Chun Fung , Medcalf Alexandra D. , Sun Xiao-Hong , Hode Tomas , Alleruzzo Lu , Furrer Coline , Valerio Trisha I. , Chen Wei R.
Published: July 2022

N-dihydrogalactochitosan (GC) is developed for inducing immune responses. Synthesized from chitosan and galactose, GC is a new chemical entity that significantly enhances the immune-stimulating properties of its parental material, chitosan, making it a promising therapeutic agent. When used in combination with antigenic material, GC stimulates innate and adaptive antitumor and antiviral immunities. However, the mechanism of GC has not been fully investigated. Herein we demonstrate that GC drives type I IFN production and IFN responses in antigen presenting cells (APCs) and has superior potency compared to its corresponding chitosan. More importantly, GC drives alternative activation of STING leading to inflammatory cell death that enhances dendritic cell (DC) activation, which triggers a variety of nucleic acid sensing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and IL-1β production.In vivo, GC induced a potent response of type I IFN and upregulated genes associated with STING signaling within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, intratumoral delivery of GC reduced the numbers of M2-like macrophages residing within the TME, while subsequently increasing the number of DCs. Our findings demonstrate GC’s unique ability to activate STING and stimulate a broad type I IFN response which holds therapeutic promise in generating antitumor and antiviral immunities.
PD-1 and CTLA-4 exert additive control of effector regulatory T cells
Authors: Perry Joseph A. , Lanzar Zachary , Clark Joseph T. , Hart Andrew P. , Douglas Bonnie B. , Shallberg Lindsey , O’Dea Keenan , Christian David A. , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: July 2022

At homeostasis, a substantial proportion of Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) have an activated phenotype associated with enhanced TCR signals and these effector Treg cells (eTregs) co-express elevated levels of PD-1 and CTLA-4. Short term in vivo blockade of the PD-1 or CTLA-4 pathways results in increased eTreg populations, while combination blockade of both pathways had an additive effect. Mechanistically, combination blockade resulted in a reduction of suppressive phospho-SHP2 Y580 in Treg cells which was associated with increased eTreg proliferation, enhanced production of IL-10, and altered dendritic cell expression of CD80 and MHC-II. Thus, at homeostasis, PD-1 and CTLA-4 function additively to regulate eTreg function and the ability to target these pathways in Treg cells may be useful to modulate inflammation.
Context matters: Changes in memory over a period of sleep are driven by encoding context
Authors: Schechtman Eitan , Heilberg Julia , Paller Ken A.
Published: July 2022

During sleep, recently acquired episodic memories (i.e., autobiographical memories for specific events) are strengthened and transformed, a process termed consolidation. These memories are contextual in nature, with details of specific features interwoven with more general properties such as the time and place of the event. In this study, we hypothesized that the context in which a memory is embedded would guide the process of consolidation during sleep. To test this idea, we employed a spatial memory task and considered changes in memory over a 10-hour period including either sleep or wake. In both conditions, participants (N = 62) formed stories that contextually bound four objects together, and then encoded the on-screen spatial position of all objects. Results showed that the changes in memory over the sleep period were correlated among contextually linked objects, whereas no such effect was identified for the wake group. These results suggest that contexts binding different memories together play an active role in consolidation during sleep.
Polishing de novo nanopore assemblies of bacteria and eukaryotes with FMLRC2
Authors: Mak Q. Charles , Wick Ryan R. , Holt James Matthew , Wang Jeremy R.
Published: July 2022

As accuracy and throughput of nanopore sequencing improves, it is increasingly common to perform long-read-first de novo genome assemblies followed by polishing with accurate short reads (Kim et al. 2021). We briefly introduce FMLRC2, the successor to the original FM-index Long Read Corrector (FMLRC), and illustrate its performance as a fast and accurate de novo assembly polisher for both microbial and eukaryotic genomes.
In silico-based screening for natural product’s structural analogs as new drugs candidate against leishmaniasis
Authors: Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna Luz , Goyzueta-Mamani Luis Daniel , Candia-Puma Mayron Antonio , Freitas Camila Simões de , Vieria Tavares Grasiele de Sousa , Lage Daniela Pagliara , Ferraz Coelho Eduardo Antonio , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel
Published: July 2022

Leishmaniasis is a disease with high mortality rates and approximately 1.5 million new cases each year. Despite the new approaches and advances to fight the disease, there are no effective therapies. Hence, this study aims to in silico screen for natural product’s structural analogs as new drugs candidate against leishmaniasis. We applied in silico analysis, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area MM/GBSA estimation aiming to select structural analogs from natural products that have shown antileishmanial activity against arginase (ARG) enzyme and that could bind selectively against Leishmania ARG. The compounds 2H-1-Benzopyran, 3,4-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-(9CI), Echioidinin, and Malvidin showed good results against ARG targets from three parasite species and negative results for potential toxicities. The Malvidin ligand generated interactions in the active center at pH 2.0 conditions and hydrogen bonds enhancing receptor-ligand coupling. This work identified Malvidin as a potential drug candidate to treat leishmaniasis.
Oxytocin receptor is not required for social attachment in prairie voles
Authors: Berendzen Kristen M. , Sharma Ruchira , Mandujano Maricruz Alvarado , Wei YiChao , Rogers Forrest D. , Simmons Trenton C. , Seelke Adele H.M. , Bond Jessica M. , Larios Rose D. , Sherman Michael , Parthasarathy Srinivas , Espineda Isidero , Knoedler Joseph R. , Beery Annaliese , Bales Karen L. , Shah Nirao M. , Manoli Devanand S.
Published: July 2022

Prairie voles are among a small group of mammals that display long-term social attachment between mating partners. Many pharmacological studies show that signaling via the oxytocin receptor (OxtR) is critical for the display of social monogamy in these animals. We used CRISPR-mutagenesis to independently generate three different OxtR null mutant prairie vole lines. OxtR mutants displayed social attachment such that males and females showed a behavioral preference for their mating partners over a stranger of the opposite sex when assayed using different paradigms. Mothers lacking OxtR delivered viable pups, and parents displayed care of their young and raised them to the weanling stage. Together, our studies unexpectedly reveal that OxtR-mediated signaling is genetically dispensable for social attachment, parturition, and parental behavior.
Suboptimal phenotypic reliability impedes reproducible human neuroscience
Authors: Nikolaidis Aki , Chen Andrew A. , He Xiaoning , Shinohara Russell , Vogelstein Joshua , Milham Michael , Shou Haochang
Published: July 2022

Summary Paragraph

Biomarkers of behavior and psychiatric illness for cognitive and clinical neuroscience remain out of reach1–4. Suboptimal reliability of biological measurements, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), is increasingly cited as a primary culprit for discouragingly large sample size requirements and poor reproducibility of brain-based biomarker discovery1,5–7. In response, steps are being taken towards optimizing MRI reliability and increasing sample sizes8–11, though this will not be enough. Optimizing biological measurement reliability and increasing sample sizes are necessary but insufficient steps for biomarker discovery; this focus has overlooked the ‘other side of the equation’ - the reliability of clinical and cognitive assessments - which are often suboptimal or unassessed. Through a combination of simulation analysis and empirical studies using neuroimaging data, we demonstrate that the joint reliability of both biological and clinical/cognitive phenotypic measurements must be optimized in order to ensure biomarkers are reproducible and accurate. Even with best-case scenario high reliability neuroimaging measurements and large sample sizes, we show that suboptimal reliability of phenotypic data (i.e., clinical diagnosis, behavioral and cognitive measurements) will continue to impede meaningful biomarker discovery for the field. Improving reliability through development of novel assessments of phenotypic variation is needed, but it is not the sole solution. We emphasize the potential to improve the reliability of established phenotypic methods through aggregation across multiple raters and/or measurements12–15, which is becoming increasingly feasible with recent innovations in data acquisition (e.g., web- and smart-phone-based administration, ecological momentary assessment, burst sampling, wearable devices, multimodal recordings)16–20. We demonstrate that such aggregation can achieve better biomarker discovery for a fraction of the cost engendered by large-scale samples. Although the current study has been motivated by ongoing developments in neuroimaging, the prioritization of reliable phenotyping will revolutionize neurobiological and clinical endeavors that are focused on brain and behavior.
Synergistic activities of ethanolic extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves in conventional management of rheumatoid arthritis in the ankles of Wistar Rats
Authors: Ozoemena Chiadikobi Lawrence , Egwuatu Ifeanyi Anthony , Abireh Ifeanacho Ezeteonu , Finbarrs-Bello Elizabeth , Ozor Ignatius Ikemefuna , Akpa Anthony Okechukwu
Published: July 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common cause of chronic inflammatory joint disease. Plant extracts contain several bioactive factors which can re-establish the homeostasis of joints and joint cartilages.

Objectives

This study aim to evaluate synergism of ethanolic extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves with Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine as an antirheumatic agent.

Methodology

25 adult male Wistar rats were subjected to different types of treatment (110 days); A: Positive control, B: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Low dose of extract, C: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and Medium dose of extract, D: Ibuprofen, Sulfasalazine and High dose of extract, E: Normal control. Groups A-D were collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) models. One week before sacrifice, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters of both ankles, physical appearance and weight were assessed. After sacrifice, histological analysis of ankles using modified Mankin scoring system was done.

Results

Groups B, C and D had significant improvements in direct proportion to the dosages of J. tanjorensis extract administered. Increased doses slowed down the progression of cartilage destruction evidenced by prevention of joint swellings and preservation of chondrocytes and its histological features. Group A (positive control) exhibited cartilage destruction but no cartilage changes noted in group E (normal control).

Conclusion

We demonstrated synergistic effects of J. tanjorensis with Ibuprofen and Sulfasalazine combination therapy on animal model of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. The evaluation of these effects were assessed by several means; physical appearance, assessment of weight, anterior-posterior and lateral diameters, and histological examination of both ankles of the animal that characterizes the originality of the study.

What is already known on this topic – The current therapeutic regimen for RA has some disadvantageous side effects.

What this study adds – An alternative to the conventional management of RA with lower side effects.

How this study might affect research, practice or policy – There is need to standardize dosages of newer herbs identified to be therapeutic.
Novel metabolic role for CD47 in pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion and islet transplant outcomes
Authors: Ghimire Kedar , Kale Atharva , Li Jennifer , Julovi Sohel M. , O’Connell Philip , Grey Shane T. , Hawthorne Wayne J. , Gunton Jenny E. , Rogers Natasha M.
Published: July 2022

Diabetes is a global public health burden and is characterized clinically by a relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Therapeutic agents that stimulate and improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity are in high demand as diabetic treatment. CD47 is a cell surface glycoprotein implicated in multiple cellular functions, including recognition of self, angiogenesis, and nitric oxide signaling, however its role in the regulation of insulin secretion remains unknown. For the first time we demonstrate that CD47 receptor signaling inhibits insulin release from β-cells and that it can be pharmacologically exploited to boost insulin secretion. CD47 depletion stimulates insulin granule exocytosis via activation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42. CD47 deficiency improved glucose clearance and insulin sensitivity in mice. CD47 blockade enhanced islet transplantation efficiency and improved outcomes. Further, anti-CD47 antibody treatment delayed the onset of diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice and protected them from overt diabetes. Our findings identify CD47 as a previously unrecognized regulator of insulin secretion and its manipulation in β-cells offers a novel therapeutic opportunity for diabetes and islet transplantation by correcting insulin deficiency.

One Sentence Summary

CD47 limits insulin secretion and islet transplant outcomes
Optimising diagnostic yield in highly penetrant genomic disease
Authors: Wright Caroline F. , Campbell Patrick , Eberhardt Ruth Y. , Aitken Stuart , Perrett Daniel , Brent Simon , Danecek Petr , Gardner Eugene J. , Chundru V. Kartik , Lindsay Sarah J. , Andrews Katrina , Hampstead Juliet , Kaplanis Joanna , Samocha Kaitlin E. , Middleton Anna , Foreman Julia , Hobson Rachel J. , Parker Michael J. , Martin Hilary C. , FitzPatrick David R. , Hurles Matthew E. , Firth Helen V.
Published: July 2022

Background

Pediatric disorders include a range of highly genetically heterogeneous conditions that are amenable to genome-wide diagnostic approaches. Finding a molecular diagnosis is challenging but can have profound lifelong benefits.

Methods

The Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) study recruited >33,500 individuals from families with severe, likely monogenic developmental disorders from 24 regional genetics services around the UK and Ireland. We collected detailed standardised phenotype data and performed whole-exome sequencing and microarray analysis to investigate novel genetic causes. We developed an augmented variant analysis and re-analysis pipeline to maximise sensitivity and specificity, and communicated candidate variants to clinical teams for validation and diagnostic interpretation. We performed multiple regression analyses to evaluate factors affecting the probability of being diagnosed.

Results

We reported approximately one candidate variant per parent-offspring trio and 2.5 variants per singleton proband, including both sequence and structural variants. Using clinical and computational approaches to variant classification, we have achieved a diagnosis in at least 34% (4507 probands), of whom 67% have a pathogenicde novomutation. Being recruited as a parent-offspring trio had the largest impact on the chance of being diagnosed (OR=4.70). Probands who were extremely premature (OR=0.39), hadin uteroexposure to antiepileptic medications (OR=0.44), or whose mothers had diabetes (OR=0.52) were less likely to be diagnosed, as were those of African ancestry (OR=0.51).

Conclusions

Optimising diagnosis and discovery in highly penetrant genomic disease depends upon ongoing and novel scientific analyses, ethical recruitment and feedback policies, and collaborative clinical-research partnerships.
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of 2-amino-4-(4-bromophenyl)-6-oxo-1-phenyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carbonitrile hemihydrate and 1,6-diamino-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile
Authors: Naghiyev Farid N. , Khrustalev Victor N. , Venskovsky Nikolai U. , Tereshina Tatiana A. , Khalilov Ali N. , Akkurt Mehmet , Bhattarai Ajaya , Mamedov İbrahim G.
Published: July 2022

In 2-amino-4-(4-bromophenyl)-6-oxo-1-phenyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carbonitrile hemihydrate, C18H14BrN3O·0.5H2O, (I), pairs of molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with an R
2
2(12) ring motif. The dimers are connected by N—H...Br and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and C—Br...π interactions, forming layers parallel to the (010) plane. 1,6-Diamino-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile, C13H9N5O, (II), crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with two independent molecules (IIA and IIB) in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal of (II), molecules IIA and IIB are linked by intermolecular N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to (001). These layers are connected along the c-axis direction by weak C—H...N contacts. C—H...π and C—N...π interactions connect adjacent molecules, forming chains along the a-axis direction. In (I) and (II), the stability of the packing is ensured by van der Waals interactions between the layers. In (I), Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (37.9%), C...H/H...C (18.4%), Br...H/H...Br (13.3%), N...H/H...N (11.5%) and O...H/H...O (10.0%) interactions, while in (II), H...H interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing (27.6% for molecule IIA and 23.1% for molecule IIB).
Comparison of the building adaptability assessment models: a semi - systematic review
Authors: Unver Hasan , Alptekin Orkun , Kalkan Melike
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Adaptability studies in the literature include repetitive models and completely independent new model proposals. As a result of the evaluation of these studies, the lack of analysis studies based on a certain algorithm was determined. In this context, in this study, existing models are evaluated in order to contribute to future studies in the context of adaptability. This study is presented as a guide for new studies in the context of adaptability.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, first of all, the change of the concept of adaptability in the historical process was investigated by literature review from 1958 to the present. Then, a comparative analysis of the existing adaptability models used in architecture between the years 2007–2020 was made in the context of the main and sub-criteria obtained in the literature research.

Findings

In the study, the concept of adaptability, the definition of building adaptability and the analysis of adaptability models were examined and findings were obtained under three main headings. The definition of adaptability takes place in the literature on a multidisciplinary scale. In the definition of adaptability, it should cover not only structural but also functional, economic, technological and performance-oriented strategies applied to structures. Although the theories examined within the scope of building adaptability are seen as a guide for future studies, they should be supported by examples that can be applied in a global context. In the study, 7 adaptability models determined by a semi-systematic literature review were analyzed. The matrices of the models based on the adaptability sub-criteria are discussed in the context of scenario, physical life, openness, physical use, barriers and obsolescence. The data obtained is a guide for the models to be used in the future within the scope of adaptability.

Originality/value

This study presents a semi-systematic analysis of the studies in the literature on the adaptability of structures. In this context, the study serves as a guide for adaptability models to be designed in the future.
Factors affecting readiness to diffuse blended learning in Pakistani higher education institutions
Authors: Chen Xiyu , Khaskheli Asadullah , Raza Syed Ali , Hakim Faiza , Khan Komal Akram
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Combining an online and traditional mode of learning is a significant challenge for third world countries. To face this challenge, educational institutions around the world adopted the strategies of blended learning (BL). This research aims to determine the factors affecting readiness to diffuse BL in Pakistani higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

“Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM)” was used based on a suitable sample of 228 participants in Karachi, Pakistan.

Findings

The results reveal that resource support, management strategies (MSs) and technology infrastructure (TI) are positively and significantly associated with readiness to diffuse BL. However, institutional structure (IS) and ethical consideration (EC) have a positive but insignificant link with readiness to diffuse BL.

Originality/value

The research is reasonably required as research in the Karachi Pakistani context is scarce. Additionally, this study analyses the possibility of modern skills and techniques to diffuse BL in higher education in Pakistan.
A competitiveness measurement system of Brazilian start-ups
Authors: Silva Júnior Claudio Roberto , Siluk Julio Cezar Mairesse , Neuenfeldt Júnior Alvaro , Francescatto Matheus , Michelin Cláudiade
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a competitiveness measurement system for start-ups considering multiple critical success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach uses concepts from key performance indicators (KPIs) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) based on the fuzzy AHP (FAHP) methodology to weight the criteria related to fundamental points of view (FPVs) and critical success factors (CSFs).

Findings

Data collection was performed with 21 specialists and 28 start-ups, which returned the weights and performance of CSFs and FPVs related to the start-ups’ competitiveness. The results show only one start-up had a highly competitive global performance. In addition, all start-ups showed low competitiveness related to industry 4.0 technologies.

Originality/value

The article collaborates with existing research as a starting point for discussions on the subject, considering that previous research did not address the measurement of the start-ups’ competitiveness level through multiple factors, as developed in this article. In addition, we provide decision-makers and other stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem with a robust measurement system to assess business competitiveness and diagnose the company’s situation.
Improving problem-solving skills through technology assisted collaborative learning in a first year engineering mathematics course
Authors: D. Anitha , D. Kavitha
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to explore simple collaborative technique for teaching mathematics and thus improving the problem solving skills of the students. Better pedagogic activities are required to motivate the students to perceive mathematics as a subject that stimulates problem-solving skills required for engineers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a research study on the application of technology-supported collaborative learning in improving the problem-solving skills of first-year engineering students in a mathematics course. The experiment was conducted in a mathematics course “Engineering Calculus” with 286 first-year engineering students in two groups: experimental group (N = 60) and controlled group (N = 226). The academic performance of the students was measured and analyzed with statistical techniques.

Findings

From the results obtained, it was found that the academic performance of the experimental group was better than the controlled group. Also, interest shown by the students in the topic that dealt with collaborative learning was more than in other topics taught using conventional teaching methods.

Research limitations/implications

The teachers are required to find effective pedagogical activities to improve the problem-solving skills in mathematics. The research work proposes a collaborative method in mathematics for attaining higher cognitive level in an entry level engineering course. The limitation of this study lies in group formation techniques and the grading policy which deals only with individual assessment scores.

Practical implications

Practice of collaborative learning is made easy with simple technology. A clear strategy for the conduct of collaborative learning sessions has been presented. The solutions recommended are practically feasible and does not require any special infrastructure or specific training.

Social implications

Using technology in mathematics teaching may not be very easy for all teachers. Especially, for an undergraduate engineering fresher, mathematics may not be a very easy task. This work shall bridge the gap with simple technology-assisted collaborative learning. The teachers need not spend too much time and effort in learning technology for mathematics teaching. The effect of this learning is significant in terms of the performance and satisfaction evaluation.

Originality/value

This work presents a systematic implementation of collaborative learning that shall result in improved problem-solving skills and engaging learning sessions. The statistical analysis methods and the visualization of obtained results shall help in understanding the implications of the presented work. Practice of collaborative learning is made easy with simple technology. The solutions recommended are practically feasible and does not require any special infrastructure or specific training.
Modeling the strategies to accelerate the natural gas business market growth in a developing country
Authors: Rawat Atul , Garg Chandra Prakash
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Rising energy demand and the quest for achieving climate change targets have been pushing emerging markets like India to bolster the natural gas share in their energy mix. The country has set an aggressive target of increasing natural gas share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030. The purpose of this study is to acknowledge the need for adopting and developing strategies for natural gas business market development to ensure a reliable supply at an affordable price. Hence, this study explores the natural gas market business development strategies and assesses them through cause/effect analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed an integrated framework based on the Grey concept and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique to assess and determine the interdependence among the natural gas business market development strategies by cause-and-effect group analysis. The application of Grey theory reduced the uncertainty and subjectivity involved in the decision-making process. Later, sensitivity analysis is also performed to check the robustness of the framework.

Findings

The natural gas business market development strategies are identified through a systematic literature search and contributions from industry experts. The findings of this study highlight the importance of developing pipeline and storage infrastructure facilities, ensuring supply security through long-term imports and overseas investment, implementing free-market-based pricing, simplification and standardization of regulatory processes at state and national levels, etc., for the development of the natural gas market development in India.

Research limitations/implications

This study acknowledges the natural gas market development strategies and evaluated them into cause-and-effect groups which are limited to Indian context. All evaluations in the Grey-based DEMATEL method were made in this study based on the decision team inputs which limits the generalization to other geographies. Moreover, the opinions of the experts can be subjective and differ. The selection of the experts is done through non-probability sampling process.

Practical implications

This study could support the government and decision-makers in formulating the appropriate strategies to develop the domestic natural gas market. The cause-and-effect relationships are helpful for the companies, management, government, regulators and other stakeholders to understand the criticality of the causal strategies that must be implemented for developing the favorable natural gas business market scenario.

Originality/value

This study explores and evaluates the strategies that successfully bolster the natural gas business demand in India using Grey-based DEMATEL framework. By focusing on those critical strategies, relevant stakeholders would ensure a reliable natural gas supply at affordable prices.
Corporate venturing strategy of emerging market multinational enterprises
Authors: Ohara Frank , Mefford Robert Neil
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the corporate venturing strategy of successful emerging market multinational enterprises and discern commonalities and useful tactics for other firms attempting to follow in their footsteps. Understanding the corporate venturing strategies used by these successful firms may be instructive for other firms whether from emerging markets or developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We selected 11 multinationals in emerging markets for this study, from a variety of industries in China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan and South Korea. Success here is defined as rapid international expansion, increased revenue and greater innovation capacity. These firms have become globally competitive against established companies from the developed countries.

Findings

Some commonality in corporate venturing strategy has been found along with factors that have contributed to this use being effective. They may provide some worthwhile examples for other firms, both in developing and developed countries.

Originality/value

The contributions of this research are to add to the understanding of how some multinationals from developing countries have been able to rapidly build up their capabilities to become successful global competitors through their corporate venturing strategy.
Effect of direct aging and annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Xiao Haifeng , Zhang Changchun , Zhu Haihong
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically investigate the effect of the heat treatment process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the selective laser melting (SLM) AlSi10Mg alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples with very low porosity were fabricated with optimized processing parameters on a self-developed SLM system. The heat treatment of using the temperature of 170°C∼400°C and the holding time of 0.5∼12 h was studied, and the evolution of the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy under direct aging and annealing was investigated and obtained.

Findings

After annealing above 300°C for 1 h, the dendrite Si in the sample occurs spheroidization, and the molten pool contour becomes blurred or even disappeared completely, but low-temperature heat treatment does not change the morphology and size of grains significantly. Except for holding at 200°C for 1 h, all other heat treatment processes cause the tensile and yield strengths of SLM AlSi10Mg alloys to decrease and the elongation to increase. When the annealing temperature is higher than 200°C, the higher the temperature and the longer the holding time, the more obvious this effect is.

Originality/value

The correlation between the mechanical properties and microstructure of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy under different conditions was obtained. According to the characteristics of SLM forming, the direct aging and annealing process are mainly studied, which provided new information for the heat treatment of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy and promoted the engineering application of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy.
Who should hold the baton of aviation sustainability?
Authors: Singh Jagroop , Rana Sudhir , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Gupta Piyush
Published: July 2022

Purpose

In the past four decades, substantial air traffic growth has triggered enthusiasm in the aviation sector. At the same time, this growth has posed challenges to its financial and environmental sustainability commitments. A buzz has been centered on introducing and supporting aviation sustainability initiatives. These challenges have led to acknowledging the need to reduce aviation fuel consumption, a function of multiple factors. The different stakeholders having a diverse type of interplay govern the effective implementation of the factors at different decision levels (strategic, tactical and operational). Thus, the present study aims to critically examine various decision levels involved to understand opportunities and requirements related to aviation sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the best–worst method is used to quantify different decision levels’ role on various factors affecting aviation fuel consumption.

Findings

The results of this study signify that tactical-level decisions are most influential in reducing aviation fuel consumption with the highest impact (0.41) followed by operational-level decisions (0.30) and strategic-level decisions (0.29), respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The results point toward the critical role of middle-level hierarchy, i.e. aircraft manufacturers, airlines and others in the aviation industry’s sustainable growth. Thus, middle-level stakeholders must be inspired and empowered to act, being at the center they link the other two levels.

Originality/value

This study has added to the body of knowledge by exploring the decision-making competencies needed by different aviation sector stakeholders. It also presents the possible options available in the sector and the role of stakeholders at different levels in exploiting and implementing the sustainable aviation sector changes.
Hiking tourism: educating hikers through the interpretation of on-site information and predicting precautionary behavior
Authors: Scholl-Grissemann Ursula , Peters Mike , Bichler Bernhard Fabian , Happ Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Hiking is a popular tourism activity across the globe. Although hiking is considered a “soft” adventure activity with little risk and challenge, hikers are also confronted with dangerous situations where risky behavior can lead to fatalities. This study aims to understand the moderating role of hiking motives on hikers’ precautionary behavior, while providing implications for destination management organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a 3×2 between-subjects online experiment (N = 181), manipulating the on-site information and visibility of potential hazards. Moderation analyses (SPSS PROCESS) were applied to derive the differences between the hiking motives of competitiveness/exhibitionism, playing to the limit and sociability on precautionary behavior.

Findings

The findings can inform effective hiking trail signage efforts, helping identify potential indications of risky behavior. The findings also importantly underline the moderating role of playing to the limit and competitiveness as they regard the risk perception–precautionary behavior relationship.

Originality/value

The implications of this study are directed toward destination management organizations, and how to promote precautionary hiking behavior based on hikers’ motivations.
Nonlinear response of the soil seed bank and its role in plant community regeneration with increased grazing disturbance
Authors: An Hang , Baskin Carol C. , Ma Miaojun
Published: July 2022

The soil seed bank represents valuable rebuilding capital that may rescue an ecosystem from state transition once vegetation has crossed an apparent threshold from the desired to degraded state. However, almost no research has explored the response of transient and persistent seed banks and their role in plant community regeneration along a gradient of wetlands from intact to a seriously degraded state due to increased grazing disturbance.

Seven grazing disturbance levels from nondisturbed to highly degraded alpine marsh ecosystems were selected on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to select the best‐fit model to predict the response of the plant community, soil seed bank and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index to increased grazing disturbance.

Both the plant community and seed bank showed a nonlinear change with increasing grazing disturbance. Species richness and seed density of the transient seed bank first decreased and then increased with increased disturbance, but the persistent seed bank showed a reverse trend, with an obvious threshold. Species composition of the persistent and transient seed banks exhibited little change compared to the plant community as disturbance increased. Similarities between both the persistent and transient seed banks and plant community also showed a nonlinear change with increased disturbance, while the persistent seed bank had a higher similarity with the plant community than the transient seed bank.

Synthesis: At high grazing disturbance, persistent seed banks are more important than transient seed banks in plant community regeneration. Alpine wetland ecosystems have intrinsic resilience because the persistent seed bank has a pool of species above the threshold. However, ecosystem resilience declines if the species pool of the persistent seed bank is depleted below the threshold. The restoration potential of the seed bank has limits, and it will gradually be exhausted when species losses due to increased grazing intensity exceed the threshold of state transition.
Prone restraint cardiac arrest in in‐custody and arrest‐related deaths
Authors: Weedn Victor , Steinberg Alon , Speth Pete
Published: July 2022

We postulate that most atraumatic deaths during police restraint of subjects in the prone position are due to prone restraint cardiac arrest (PRCA), rather than from restraint asphyxia or a stress‐induced cardiac condition, such as excited delirium. The prone position restricts ventilation and diminishes pulmonary perfusion. In the setting of a police encounter, metabolic demand will be high from anxiety, stress, excitement, physical struggle, and/or stimulant drugs, leading to metabolic acidosis and requiring significant hyperventilation. Although oxygen levels may be maintained, prolonged restraint in the prone position may result in an inability to adequately blow off CO2, causing blood pCO2 levels to rise rapidly. The uncompensated metabolic acidosis (low pH) will eventually result in loss of myocyte contractility. The initial electrocardiogram rhythm will generally be either pulseless electrical activity (PEA) or asystole, indicating a noncardiac etiology, more consistent with PRCA and inconsistent with a primary role of any underlying cardiac pathology or stress‐induced cardiac etiology. We point to two animal models: in one model rats unable to breathe deeply due to an external restraint die when their metabolic demand is increased, and in the other model, pressure on the chest of rats results in decreased venous return and cardiac arrest rather than death from asphyxia. We present two cases of subjects restrained in the prone position who went into cardiac arrest and had low pHs and initial PEA cardiac rhythms. Our cases demonstrate the danger of prone restraint and serve as examples of PRCA.
Handling and standardization of EBUS needle aspiration in NSCLC patients: The value of the cell block, a monoinstitutional experience
Authors: Parente Paola , Carbonelli Cristiano , Biancofiore Giovanni , Sukthi Andi , Di Micco Concetta Martina , Vairo Matteo , Fuso Paolo , Taurchini Marco , Graziano Paolo
Published: July 2022

Background

Lung cancer is the main cause of cancer‐related death worldwide, and 85% of all lung tumors are non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). More than 60% of all lung tumors are diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to poor prognosis. Given the growing demand for NSCLC profiling for selection of the most appropriate therapy, the acquisition of adequate tumor samples has become increasingly crucial, mostly in advanced NSCLC patients due to old age and/or comorbidities. Being a mini‐invasive sampling technique, endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) represents a valuable alternative to traditional transthoracic or surgical sampling in these patients, and perfoming cell block (CB) could be crucial to maximize the potential biological information. The aim of this study is to describe a monoinstitutional interprofessional experience in handling EBUS‐TBNA and CB in 464 patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected all the consecutive CBs obtained from EBUS TBNA performed between 2014 and 2021 on the lung lesions or mediastinal lymph nodes. All the CBs were handled in a standardized method.

RESULTS

A total of 95.5% (448/464 samples) of adequacy for site and 92.6% (430/464) of adequacy for diagnosis were observed. Moreover, in the adenocarcinoma histotype, ALK, ROS1 and tumor proportion score (TPS) PD‐L1 assessment by IHC was possible in 96% (140/146) of cases, and molecular profile was obtained in 93.8% (137/146) of cases. In the squamous cell carcinoma histotype, TPS PD‐L1 assessment was possible in 81% (13/16) of cases. All four CB results obtained from carcinoma NOS were adequate for ALK, ROS1 and PD‐L1 assessment and molecular profiling. All 39 metastatic samples from extra‐pulmonary primary were adequate for immunohistochemical characterization and molecular profiling. Finally, reporting of the tumor sample adequacy to the clinicians took a median time of about 30 h (range: 24–80 h).

Conclusion

Careful cytological smear management together with the handling and standardization of CB obtained from EBUS‐TBNA could represent an effective method to increase the adequacy of the tumor specimen for both diagnosis and molecular profile.
A review of the methods used to induce cancer in invertebrates to study its effects on the evolution of species and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Dujon Antoine M. , Boutry Justine , Tissot Sophie , Meliani Jordan , Guimard Lena , Rieu Océane , Ujvari Beata , Thomas Frédéric
Published: July 2022

Cancer is an understudied but important process in wildlife that is predicted to have a significant effect on the evolution of metazoan species due to negative effects on host fitness. However, gaining understanding of the impact of cancer on species and ecosystems is currently relatively slow as the development of both animal models in which cancer can be induced and experiments that can be performed in an ecological setting are required. Invertebrates, because they are widely available and relatively easy to manipulate, are promising animal models.

In this review we examine how tumours can be induced in invertebrates to use them as experimental models to study the effects of cancer on the ecology and evolution of species. We identified four main groups of invertebrates (planarian, bivalves, hydra and drosophila) in which such inductions are performed. We then reviewed the types and effectiveness of the methods employed to induce tumours in those groups.

Cancer alters the phenotype of the host. We review how experiments using invertebrate models can be used to investigate the impact of cancer on tumour‐bearing individuals for their movement, reproduction, feeding behaviours, social interactions, holobiont and predation risk.

We provide recommendations to facilitate the development of new invertebrate models. We also highlight a series of key questions on the ecology and evolution of cancer that could be answered with the use of invertebrate models.
Denmark: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: KOSIARA‐PEDERSEN KARINA
Published: July 2022

Covid‐19 restrictions were lifted in 2021, leaving more room for policy initiatives from the government, which were delivered throughout the year on, for example, climate, housing, transport and decentralization. Regional/municipal elections showed that the Danish party system was still characterized by a stable core, even though some change happened. Prominent members of parliament have left the Liberals. New parties are eligible to stand for election, and a total of 12 parties are represented in Parliament, with one to two more eligible to stand for an election that was to be held June 2023 at the latest. Most interestingly, former Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen broke with the Liberals, his party of 40 years, and formed a new party, the Moderates. The Danish People's Party saw more internal disagreement, electoral decline and a new party chair.
Incidence and associations of hospital delirium diagnoses in 85,979 people with severe mental illness: A data linkage study
Authors: Bauernfreund Yehudit , Launders Naomi , Favarato Graziella , Hayes Joseph F. , Osborn David , Sampson Elizabeth L.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Delirium is an acute neuro‐psychiatric disturbance precipitated by a range of physical stressors, with high morbidity and mortality. Little is known about its relationship with severe mental illness (SMI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked data analyses of the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) databases. We ascertained yearly hospital delirium incidence from 2000 to 2017 and used logistic regression to identify associations with delirium diagnosis in a population with SMI.

Results

The cohort included 249,047 people with SMI with median follow‐up time in CPRD of 6.4 years. A total of 85,979 patients were eligible for linkage to HES. Delirium incidence increased from 0.04 (95% CI 0.02–0.07) delirium associated admissions per 100 person‐years in 2000 to 1.05 (95% CI 0.93–1.17) per 100 person‐years in 2017, increasing most notably from 2010 onwards. Delirium was associated with older age at study entry (OR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.05–1.06), SMI diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.44–1.93) or other psychosis (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.35–1.80) relative to schizophrenia, and more physical comorbidities (OR 1.08 per additional comorbidity of the Charlson Comorbidity Index, 95% CI 1.02–1.14). Patients with delirium received more antipsychotic medication during follow‐up (1–2 antipsychotics OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.44–1.90; >2 antipsychotics OR 2.49, 95% CI 2.12–2.92).

Conclusions

The incidence of recorded delirium diagnoses in people with SMI has increased in recent years. Older people prescribed more antipsychotics and with more comorbidities have a higher incidence. Linked electronic health records are feasible for exploring hospital diagnoses such as delirium in SMI.
Surgeon who implanted the world's first artificial trachea found guilty of causing bodily harm
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: July 2022

Dr. Paolo Macchiarini was a celebrated researcher for his development of an artificial trachea until his integrity and outcomes came under the medico‐legal spotlight.