bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic and evolutionary insights into isoform-specific ‘supercharging’ in DCLK family kinases
Authors: Venkat Aarya , Watterson Grace , Byrne Dominic P. , O’Boyle Brady , Shrestha Safal , Gravel Nathan , Fairweather Emma E. , Daly Leonard A. , Bunn Claire , Yeung Wayland , Aggarwal Ishan , Katiyar Samiksha , Eyers Claire E. , Eyers Patrick A. , Kannan Natarajan
Published: March 2023

Catalytic signaling outputs of protein kinases are dynamically regulated by an array of structural mechanisms, including allosteric interactions mediated by intrinsically disordered segments flanking the conserved catalytic domain. The Doublecortin Like Kinases (DCLKs) are a family of microtubule-associated proteins characterized by a flexible C-terminal autoregulatory ‘tail’ segment that varies in length across the various human DCLK isoforms. However, the mechanism whereby these isoform-specific variations contribute to unique modes of autoregulation is not well understood. Here, we employ a combination of statistical sequence analysis, molecular dynamics simulations andin vitromutational analysis to define hallmarks of DCLK family evolutionary divergence, including analysis of splice variants within the DCLK1 sub-family, which arise through alternative codon usage and serve to ‘supercharge’ the inhibitory potential of the DCLK1 C-tail. We identify co-conserved motifs that readily distinguish DCLKs from all other Calcium Calmodulin Kinases (CAMKs), and a ‘Swiss-army’ assembly of distinct motifs that tether the C-terminal tail to conserved ATP and substrate-binding regions of the catalytic domain to generate a scaffold for auto-regulation through C-tail dynamics. Consistently, deletions and mutations that alter C-terminal tail length or interfere with co-conserved interactions within the catalytic domain alter intrinsic protein stability, nucleotide/inhibitor-binding, and catalytic activity, suggesting isoform-specific regulation of activity through alternative splicing. Our studies provide a detailed framework for investigating kinome–wide regulation of catalytic output through cis-regulatory events mediated by intrinsically disordered segments, opening new avenues for the design of mechanistically-divergent DCLK1 modulators, stabilizers or degraders.
TTG2defines trichome cell shape by modulating microtubules and actin cytoskeleton in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Lu , Cao Weihua , Yuan Lanxin , Yang Lan , Wang Yali , Zhang Chi , Wang Dan , Wang Wenjia , Zhang Hongchang , Schiefelbein John , Yu Fei , An Lijun
Published: March 2023

The ArabidopsisTRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA2(TTG2) gene encodes a WRKY transcription factor that regulates a range of development events like trichome, seed coat, and atrichoblasts formation. Loss-of-function ofTTG2was previously shown to reduce or eliminate trichome branching. Here, we report the identification of a new allele ofTTG2,ttg2-6. In contrast to thettg2mutants described before,ttg2-6displays unique trichome phenotypes. Somettg2-6mutant trichomes are hyperbranched, whereas others are hypobranched, distorted, or clustered. Further, we found that in addition to specifically activating R3 MYB transcription factorTRIPTYCHON(TRY) to promote trichome branching,TTG2also integrates cytoskeletal signaling to regulate trichome morphogenesis. Thettg2-6trichomes display aberrant cortical microtubules (cMTs) and cortical actin filaments (F-actin) configurations. Moreover, genetic and biochemical analysis showed that TTG2 could directly bind and regulate the expression ofBRICK1(BRK1), a subunit of the actin nucleation promoting complex SCAR/WAVE. Collectively, taking advantage ofttg2-6, we uncovered new functions forTTG2in facilitating cMT and F-actin cytoskeleton-dependent trichome development. Our evidence for a direct relationship betweenTTG2and cytoskeletal regulators establishes an unprecedented understanding of cellular signaling events downstream of the core transcriptional regulation during trichome development in Arabidopsis.
A comparison of the environmental impact of turboprop and turbofan-powered aircraft
Authors: Kilic Ugur
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft, with the same seating capacity flying on the same route and trajectory, and investigate their environmental effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated aircraft noise and emissions modeling platform developed by EUROCONTROL is used for the calculation of fuel burn, CO2, H2O and other gas emissions (NOx, SOx, CO, HC, soot and other trace compounds) for the per phase of flight.

Findings

The striking findings are that turboprop-powered aircraft offer lower required thrust, fuel consumption and total emissions for a short-haul flight, but turbofan-powered aircraft have lower particulate matter, CO and HC emissions than turboprop-powered aircraft. This study suggests that turboprop-powered aircraft are superior to turbofan-powered aircraft in terms of environmental impact for a short-haul flight.

Practical implications

The current research conducts comprehensively fuel consumption and amounts of emissions aspects of turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft for sustainable development of airlines by a versatile simulation approach and sheds light on airlines intending to create fleets.

Originality/value

The research offers a systematic aircraft selection for investigators, scientists, airline operators, policy analysts and legislators, by a comprehensive computer simulation method that acknowledges consistently the fuel consumption and detailed emissions analysis of turboprop- and turbofan-powered aircraft.
Motivations for the initiation of knowledge management activities in times of routine and emergency
Authors: Nakash Maayan , Bouhnik Dan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This research seeks to understand, for the first time, what motivates knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs) to initiate knowledge management (KM) activities in times of routine and emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic was placed at the center as a case study of an extreme crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the study was conducted among 52 KM professionals through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, according to the principles of the grounded theory approach.

Findings

The findings reveal that opportunities and risks are two types of catalysts which accelerate KM efforts in times of routine and emergency respectively. Due to KM’s support of the transition to flexible employment during COVID-19, the authors show that this field experienced real growth and prosperity in the “new normal.” KM initiatives were promoted during the COVID-19 crisis in light of gaps in retention, sharing, accessibility and development of knowledge.

Originality/value

Given that knowledge risks are a field with fragmented understanding, the results contribute to understanding the importance of risk management related to knowledge in times of crises and turmoil. The authors call for incorporating this niche into the overall risk management of the organization, while adopting a holistic and long-term perspective of KM. Furthermore, the authors uncover KM’s position in KIOs during the global pandemic. The paper proposes food for thought regarding informal knowledge sharing in virtual environments typical of the “Corona routine”.
Green food purchasing behaviour: a multi-method approach of Generation Y in a developing country
Authors: Synodinos Costa , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Prado Nágela Bianca do
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This research aimed to analyse the antecedents of green food purchasing behaviour amongst Generation Y consumers in a developing country. More specifically, the authors investigated the influence of attitudes towards organic food, subjective norms, perceived behaviour control, environmental knowledge, health awareness and organic food knowledge on the purchase intention of organic food and, consequently, organic food purchase behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method approach combined symmetric techniques with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric techniques with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The primary data sample was collected by a specialist company and included 500 Generation Y consumers from South Africa.

Findings

PLS-SEM results confirmed the positive influence of all antecedents, confirming the hypotheses. The authors also identified a multiple full mediation of environmental knowledge and health consciousness in the relationship between subjective norms and purchase intention. The fsQCA results indicated six different sufficient configurations for a high level of purchase intention, indicating that only some of the constructs are essential to stimulate the intention.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in presenting a new perspective on the sustainable consumption behaviour of Generation Y in a developing country, with a combination of techniques that provide greater robustness to the results. Specifically, the authors contribute to the debate on consumer behaviour and sustainability issues by understanding the dynamics between the factors that drive the purchase behaviour of green products. The article also contributes empirical results that help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A study on the determinants of successful performance of Indonesian cooperatives
Authors: Kusmiati Eti , Masyita Dian , Febrian Erie , Cahyandito Martha Fani
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to look at the factors that influence the success of Indonesian cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a two-stage quantitative approach. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is used to determine the factors in the first step. The next step is to conduct a multivariate regression analysis to determine the impact of these factors on the cooperative success variable in Indonesia.

Findings

The components produced include Member Participation, Membership, Cooperative Governance Structure, Board of co-ops, Vertical Integration, Collective Action and Transaction Cost, according to the EFA results. A further study utilizing multiple regression techniques reveals that four elements, namely Member Participation, Board of Coops, Vertical Integration and Collective Action, have a major impact on the performance of Indonesian cooperatives.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizations are impossible because of the small sample size and restricted responders. More studies are required, using a broader range of respondents and approaches.

Practical implications

The results of the study contributed both to the stakeholders of cooperatives and to the development of cooperative science specifically in the context of Indonesian cooperatives. Cooperative stakeholders in Indonesia must realize that members are owners and customers of their cooperative. This awareness must continue to be echoed by cooperatives to its members in various ways, so that commitment arises to members to be willing to participate and cooperate. Awareness of members to participate and cooperate ultimately affects the sustainability of cooperative businesses and impacts improving members' welfare beds.

Originality/value

The study's novelty lies in a more comprehensive model of Indonesian cooperative success.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2022-0078.
Internationalisation, sustainability and the contested environmental impacts of international student mobility
Authors: McCollum David , Nicholson Hebe
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to stimulate the nascent research agenda on the environmental sustainability of the ongoing mushrooming of international student mobility (ISM). The higher education (HE) system in the UK and elsewhere is increasingly predicated upon the hosting of international students. Whilst this drive towards internationalisation undoubtably has multiple benefits, little attention thus far has been paid to its potentially very considerable environmental impact. The drive for internationalisation within HE thus potentially sits at odds with ambitions and strategies to promote sustainability within the sector and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews with 21 students and representatives of 14 university international offices offer insights into how the environment features in the decisions that young people and HE institutions make with regards to partaking in and promoting education-related mobility.

Findings

The results find that students take environmental considerations into account when undertaking education-related mobility, but these aspirations are often secondary to logistical issues concerning the financial cost and longer travel times associated with greener travel options. At the institutional scale, vociferously championed university sustainability agendas have yet to be reconciled with the financial imperative to recruit evermore international students.

Originality/value

This paper identifies a thus far neglected contradiction within HE whereby the sustainability agenda that it so rightly espouses is potentially undermined by the drive towards internationalisation. The paper uses the anthropause concept to consider the future environmental sustainability of ISM.
Beyond imaging: drones for physical applications
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate the growing role of drones in applications involving physical tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first provides a brief introduction to drone technology. It then describes and discusses products and applications involving physical tasks in agricultural and forestry, maritime rescue, firefighting and product delivery. Finally, brief conclusions are drawn.

Findings

Excluding military applications, drones were initially used primarily for image acquisition. Numerous different designs have since been developed with greatly varying wing configurations, payloads, flight duration, power sources and other features which are increasingly being used to conduct physical tasks. In the applications considered here drones are applying agrochemicals and dispersing crop and tree seeds; saving lives by deploying lifeboats and buoyancy aids; extinguishing fires in high-rise buildings and forests; and delivering groceries, food, mail, medicines and humanitarian aid, often in and to remote locations.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed insight into selection of applications in which drones conduct physical tasks.
Efficiency and price clustering in Islamic stocks: evidence from three Asian countries
Authors: Lobão Júlio
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of price clustering in a selection of Islamic stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia and Pakistan and also investigates the determinants of the phenomenon at the firm level.

Design/methodology/approach

The author test the uniformity of price distribution in the selected securities. Then, the determinants of price clustering were investigated through multivariate analysis based on a binary logistic regression model. Following the arguments of Narayan et al. (2011), who emphasize the importance of considering firm heterogeneity when studying the phenomenon, the author conducts the empirical study at the firm level.

Findings

The evidence indicates that Islamic stocks show a mild level of price clustering. Only half of the stocks under analysis rejected the uniformity test in the distribution of prices. In these cases, investors exhibited a preference for prices ending at zero and five. The evidence does not confirm the cultural clustering theories. Price clustering is found to be positively associated with price level and relative bid-ask spread. Overall, the negotiation hypothesis, which predicts that investors prefer round prices to minimize the costs associated with negotiations, best explains most of our results.

Research limitations/implications

The existence of price clustering is difficult to reconcile with the prediction of the efficient market hypothesis that prices should follow a random walk. Moreover, the evidence indicates that Muslim investors share a preference for round prices in some settings, under the assumption that Islamic stocks are mostly traded by Muslim investors.

Originality/value

To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study to address the subject of price clustering in Islamic stocks.
Can simple household assistive products enhance the self-care of health and well-being?
Authors: Nachiappan Nitish , Ward Sophie , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Chambers Ruth
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The ageing population is a global phenomenon that is occurring in many countries around the world, including the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the proportion of the UK population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase, reaching 25% by 2045. This increase will have a significant impact on a range of social and economic issues. One of the ways to reduce this impact is to improve self-care.

Design/methodology/approach

The availability of simple assistive devices can facilitate physical activity and help complete daily living activities. These devices can also help in the self-management of long-term health and well-being. To encourage self-care, it is essential to create awareness about these assistive products. Simple assistive products such as shoe horns, magnifying glasses or a sphygmomanometer that are readily available to buy from shops were grouped into four boxes or kits. The authors provided these simple devices to 175 community-dwelling older adults in deprived areas and followed them up via a phone survey after 4–6 weeks.

Findings

The authors recorded overall positive feedback on individual products and the kit. The results indicate that there was a sense of empowerment and ability by the recipients to take control of their health and well-being and management of their health condition using items contained in the kit provided.

Practical implications

The study results show that simple assistive products empower older adults to self-care and can provide a positive impact on their activities of daily living.

Originality/value

Previous studies have shown that regular exercise can enhance both physical and mental abilities and reverse certain chronic health issues. Simple household devices can aid in increasing physical activity. This work highlights how these devices enable older adults to take care of themselves, with a focus on capturing their personal perspectives and experiences.
The dilemma of millennial Muslims towards financial management: an Islamic financial literacy perspective
Authors: Osman Ismah , Syed Alwi Sharifah Faigah , Rehman Mohsin Abdur , Muda Ruhaini , Hassan Faridah , Hassan Rohail , Abdullah Hasni
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the pathway to financial management behavioural intentions (FMBI) from Islamic perspectives, through dimensions of Islamic financial literacy (IFL; Islamic financial knowledge [IFK], financial skills [FS] and self-efficacy [SE]) based on an extension to the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire by 300 millennials (Muslims) working in Malaysia. Structural equation modelling was used for data analysis purposes by using SmartPLS.

Findings

The results present the positive and significant influence of IFK on financial attitude (FA), FS on the elements of FA, subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC) and perceived moral obligation (PMO), SE on FA, FS on the elements of FA, SN and PBC. Furthermore, PBC and PMO were strong predictors of FMBI from an Islamic standpoint.

Originality/value

The findings successfully contribute to the theoretical extension of the TPB model via dimensions of IFL (IFK, FS and SE) as predictors of FA, SNs, PBC and PMO. Besides, this study provides some new insights of millennial Muslims concerning IFL and financial management from Islamic beliefs.
The desire of prestigious audit committee chairs: what are the benefits for financial reporting quality?
Authors: Broye Géraldine , Johannes Pauline
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the prestige of audit committee (AC) chairpersons influences earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample contains 1,973 firm-year observations of French listed firms for the period 2007–2018. The authors examine the status of AC chairs and CEOs by focusing on the French business elite system. This study tests the association between AC chairs’ (relative) status and the level of earnings management using measures of accrual earnings management and real earnings management (REM).

Findings

The results of this study do not show that high-status AC chairs constrain accruals manipulation. However, the results provide evidence that they play a key role in constraining REM. High-status AC chairs are more likely to enhance the monitoring of this type of manipulation, given their thorough knowledge and understanding of the firm’s business environment and practices. This study also finds evidence that AC chairs with a status higher than CEOs are associated with lower levels of REM. The results suggest that prestigious AC chairs influence lower status CEOs’ strategic decisions.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that high-status AC chairs play an important role in detecting and constraining deviations from normal business practices. The results have substantial implications for boards, which will benefit from an understanding of how the appointment of high-status chairs affects financial reporting quality.
The encapsulation efficiency of zircon pigments from robust solids to clear solutions
Authors: Peng Shan , Yang Ranran , Lei Binglong , Gao Yun , Chen Renhua , Xia Xiaohong , Homewood Kevin P.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to systematically demonstrate a methodology to determine the relative and absolute encapsulation efficiencies (αRe and αAb) for thermally- and chemically-robust inorganic pigments, typically like ZrSiO4-based pigments, thereby enhancing their coloring performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a route, surplus alkali-decomposition and subsequently strong-acid dissolution (SAD2) to completely decompose three classic zircon pigments (Pr–ZrSiO4, Fe2O3@ZrSiO4 and CdS@ZrSiO4) into clear solutions and preferably used inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to determine the concentrations of host elements and chromophores, thereby deriving the numeric data and interrelation of αRe and αAb.

Findings

Zircon pigments can be thoroughly decomposed into some dissoluble zirconate–silicate resultants by SAD2 at a ratio of the fluxing agent to pigment over 6. ICP-OES is proved more suitable than some other quantification techniques in deriving the compositional concentrations, thereby the values of αRe and αAb, and their transformation coefficient KRA, which maintains stably within 0.8–0.9 in Fe2O3@ZrSiO4 and CdS@ZrSiO4 and is slightly reduced to 0.67–0.85 in Pr–ZrSiO4.

Practical implications

The SAD2 method and encapsulation efficiencies are well applicable for both zircon pigments and the other pigmental or non-pigmental inhomogeneous systems in characterizing their accurate composition.

Originality/value

The authors herein first proposed strict definitions for the relative and absolute encapsulation efficiencies for inorganic pigments, developed a relatively stringent methodology to determine their accurate values and interrelation.
Analysis of issues and solutions on the implementation of istibdal waqf property in states of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Mohammed Noor Afiffudin , Asni Fathullah , Mat Rani Mohd Afandi , Ramle Muhamad Rozaimi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the implementation of istibdal waqf property in several states of Peninsular Malaysia. To achieve this objective, this study identified the amount of waqf property ‘am (general) and waqf property khas (special) which were involved in the process of istibdal in each state, the factors that have caused the istibdal to be implemented, the rate of istibdal involved for each lot of waqf lands and the type of property replacement performed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the qualitative method, whereby the researchers had collected secondary data consisting of documents related to waqf from the State Islamic Religious Council (MAIN). The type of documents obtained were public records. The data collected were analysed using the content analysis techniques.

Findings

The results showed that there are several factors involved in the implementation of istibdal, namely, the acquisition of waqf land by the State Authority, applications by external parties for a particular interest and the initiatives taken by the MAIN on waqf property which is problematic and uneconomical to generate waqf fund. This study also found some Shariah and management issues, which were identified in the implementations of istibdal, whereas some cases of istibdal were only carried out on a small part of the waqf lands and there were also cases of the implementation of istibdal which have not been replaced with fixed assets as authorised by the istibdal parameter. This study suggests some improvements to the issues identified in the implementation of istibdal for waqf managers in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that it analyses only the documents that record the implementation of istibdal in the states managed by MAIN. Thus, the analysis performed was limited to the documents obtained without involving empirical data.

Practical implications

This study suggests some improvements to the implementation of istibdal waqf in the states studied. Therefore, these recommendations can be used by waqf property managers to improve the process of implementing waqf property istibdal so that it can be used to its maximum potential.

Social implications

If the recommendations in this study can be implemented, the Muslim community will benefit greatly from the waqf property because it is being developed through the method of istibdal. This impact can increase the confidence of the Muslim community towards MAIN in managing waqf property and encouraging the Muslim community to contribute to waqf property for the welfare of the ummah.

Originality/value

This study involved data on a larger waqf istibdal implementations that involved several states in Peninsular Malaysia, which to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the analysis involving such large research data have not been implemented before.
Influence of artificial freezing on liquefaction characteristics of Nanjing sand
Authors: Zhou Jie , Li Zeyao , Tian Wanjun , Sun Jiawei
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study purposes to study the influence of artificial freezing on the liquefaction characteristics of Nanjing sand, as well as its mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

was studied through dynamic triaxial tests by means of the GDS dynamic triaxial system on Nanjing sand extensively discovered in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River under seismic load and metro train vibration load, respectively, and potential hazards of the two loads to the freezing construction of Nanjing sand were also identified in the tests.

Findings

The results show that under both seismic load and metro train vibration load, freeze-thaw cycles will significantly reduce the stiffness and liquefaction resistance of Nanjing sand, especially in the first freeze-thaw cycle; the more freeze-thaw cycles, the worse structural behaviors of silty-fine sand, and the easier to liquefy; freeze-thaw cycles will increase the sensitivity of Nanjing sand's dynamic pore pressure to dynamic load response; the lower the freezing temperature and the effective confining pressure, the worse the liquefaction resistance of Nanjing sand after freeze-thaw cycles; compared to the metro train vibration load, the seismic load in Nanjing is potentially less dangerous to freezing construction of Nanjing sand.

Originality/value

The research results are helpful to the construction of the artificial ground freezing of the subway crossing passage in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and to ensure the construction safety of the subway tunnel and its crossing passage.
Anoxygenic phototrophic arsenite oxidation by a Rhodobacter strain
Authors: Wu Yi‐Fei , Chen Jian , Xie Wan‐Ying , Peng Chao , Tang Shi‐Tong , Rosen Barry P. , Kappler Andreas , Zhang Jun , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: March 2023

Microbially mediated arsenic redox transformations are key for arsenic speciation and mobility in rice paddies. Whereas anaerobic anoxygenic photosynthesis coupled to arsenite (As(III)) oxidation has been widely examined in arsenic‐replete ecosystems, it remains unknown whether this light‐dependent process exists in paddy soils. Here, we isolated a phototrophic purple bacteria, Rhodobacter strain CZR27, from an arsenic‐contaminated paddy soil and demonstrated its capacity to oxidize As(III) to arsenate (As(V)) using malate as a carbon source photosynthetically. Genome sequencing revealed an As(III)‐oxidizing gene cluster (aioXSRBA) encoding an As(III) oxidase. Functional analyses showed that As(III) oxidation under anoxic phototrophic conditions correlated with transcription of the large subunit of the As(III) oxidase aioA gene. Furthermore, the non‐As(III) oxidizer Rhodobacter capsulatus SB1003 heterologously expressing aioBA from strain CZR27 was able to oxidize As(III), indicating that aioBA was responsible for the observed As(III) oxidation in strain CZR27. Our study provides evidence for the presence of anaerobic photosynthesis‐coupled As(III) oxidation in paddy soils, highlighting the importance of light‐dependent, microbe‐mediated arsenic redox changes in paddy arsenic biogeochemistry.
A systematic review of DNA‐based methods in authentication of game and less common meat species
Authors: Adenuga Bukola M. , Montowska Magdalena
Published: March 2023

Despite the numerous studies on food safety and authenticity, especially for meat and meat products, not enough studies have been conducted focusing exclusively on game species and other unusual meat animals. As a result of the European horse scandal, the horse is currently the target of many meat authenticity studies. With this review, we aim to present various DNA‐based methods that have been used by researchers to identify, detect, and quantify game, uncommon meat animals, and wildlife species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is considered the standard method for DNA analysis in meat authenticity testing. However, in this paper, we present several other methods that may or may not involve the PCR technique. For this purpose, we systematically reviewed 131 articles selected according to various criteria such as target animal species, method of analysis, year of publication, and so forth. The result of our study shows the most studied game and uncommon meat species, PCR‐ and non‐PCR‐based methods for game meat analysis, and DNA‐based methods in wildlife conservation. With this study, researchers can find detailed information about frequent game species used as adulterants for regular meat products and the DNA‐based techniques to identify them.
Efficacy of different platforms in detecting EGFR mutations using cerebrospinal fluid cell‐free DNA from non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients with leptomeningeal metastases
Authors: Chiang Chi‐Lu , Ho Hsiang‐Ling , Yeh Yi‐Chen , Lee Cheng‐Chia , Huang Hsu‐Ching , Shen Chia‐I , Luo Yung‐Hung , Chen Yuh‐Min , Chiu Chao‐Hua , Chou Teh‐Ying
Published: March 2023

Background

Cell‐free tumor DNA (ctDNA) obtained through liquid biopsy is useful for the molecular analysis of advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Few studies have directly compared analysis platforms in terms of their diagnostic performance in analyzing ctDNA obtained from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with leptomeningeal metastasis (LM).

Methods

We prospectively analyzed patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant NSCLC who were subjected to CSF analysis for suspected LM. To detect EGFR mutations, CSF ctDNA was analyzed using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). CSF samples from osimertinib‐refractory patients with LM were also subjected to next‐generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

Significantly higher rates of valid results (95.1% vs. 78%, respectively, p = 0.04) and EGFR common mutation detection (94.3% vs. 77.1%, respectively, p = 0.047) were obtained through ddPCR than through the cobas EGFR Mutation Test. The sensitivities of ddPCR and cobas were 94.3% and 75.6%, respectively. The concordance rate for EGFR mutation detection through ddPCR and the cobas EGFR Mutation Test was 75.6% and that for EGFR mutation detection in CSF and plasma ctDNA was 28.1%. In osimertinib‐resistant CSF samples, all original EGFR mutations were detected through NGS. MET amplification and CCDC6‐RET fusion were demonstrated in one patient each (9.1%).

Conclusions

The cobas EGFR Mutation Test, ddPCR, and NGS appear to be feasible methods for analyzing CSF ctDNA in patients with NSCLC and LM. In addition, NGS may provide comprehensive information regarding the mechanisms underlying osimertinib resistance.
Catch‐all technopolitics
Authors: Chelcea Liviu
Published: March 2023

Tap water's availability, accessibility, and biological safety do not automatically translate into social acceptance. Most Americans no longer drink water directly from the tap but rely on either filters or bottled water. As demonstrated by fieldwork among New York City water‐filter users, filters have the power to restore tap water's acceptability, making this an interesting site to examine the imagined qualities of water and the technopolitics of filtration. Such an examination allows the ethnographic gaze to attend to both the monumental and mundane operations of infrastructures. Unlike other mediating technologies, water filters have a salient catch‐all quality, one that allows filters in the US to participate in a plurality of hydrosocial situations. They furthermore mediate multiple worries and projects around tap water, and they give a semblance of control to users equipped with diverse understandings of how filters function.
Rebuilding or refurbishing: Heterogeneity effects of urban renewal strategy
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Xiuyan , Li Songlin
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the heterogeneous policy effects of urban renewal strategies in shantytown renewal in Beijing. Using the spatial difference‐in‐difference approach, this study identifies the renewal approaches for each shantytown to analyze how each strategy affects housing prices and population density within the policy target area and surrounding area. The empirical results suggest that current urban renewal actions in Beijing have not achieved the expected policy goals and imply significant heterogeneity between refurbishing and rebuilding shantytowns in improving building value. Rebuilding projects have positive renewal effects and externalities, driving housing prices to increase by 5.86%–7.25% within the shantytown and a 1‐km radius. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis shows that these impacts are prolonged, with housing prices maintaining an upward trend for 2–6 years after rebuilding. However, there is no causality between refurbishing dilapidated areas and increasing building values.
Temozolomide protects against the progression of glioblastoma via SOX4 downregulation by inhibiting the LINC00470‐mediated transcription factor EGR2
Authors: Li Wenyang , Wang Ming , Ma Wenjia , Liu Ping , Zhang Mingming , He Jiarong , Cui Yan
Published: March 2023

Objective

Temozolomide is extensively applied in chemotherapy for glioblastoma with unclear exact action mechanisms. This article seeks to address the potential molecular mechanisms in temozolomide therapy for glioblastoma involving LINC00470.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict the potential mechanism of LINC00470 in glioblastoma, which was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter, RIP, ChIP, and RNA pull‐down assays. LINC00470 expression and the predicted downstream transcription factor early growth response 2 (EGR2) were detected in the collected brain tissues from glioblastoma patients. Following temozolomide treatment and/or gain‐ and loss‐of‐function approaches in glioblastoma cells, cell viability, invasion, migration, cycle distribution, angiogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis were measured. In addition, the expression of mesenchymal surface marker proteins was assessed by western blot. Tumor xenograft in nude mice was conducted for in vivo validation.

Results

Mechanistic analysis and bioinformatics analysis revealed that LINC00470 transcriptionally activated SRY‐related high‐mobility‐group box 4 (SOX4) through the transcription factor EGR2. LINC00470 and EGR2 were highly expressed in brain tissues of glioblastoma patients. LINC00470 and EGR2 mRNA expression gradually decreased with increasing concentrations of temozolomide in glioblastoma cells, and SOX4 expression was reduced in cells by temozolomide and LINC00470 knockdown. Temozolomide treatment induced cell cycle arrest, diminished cell viability, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, and increased apoptosis and autophagy in glioblastoma, which was counteracted by overexpressing LINC00470 or SOX4 but was further promoted by LINC00470 knockdown. Temozolomide restrained glioblastoma growth and angiogenesis in vivo, while LINC00470 or SOX4 overexpression nullified but LINC00470 knockdown further facilitated these trends.

Conclusion

Conclusively, temozolomide repressed glioblastoma progression by repressing the LINC00470/EGR2/SOX4 axis.
Rps14 upregulation promotes inner ear progenitor proliferation and hair cell regeneration in the neonatal mouse cochlea
Authors: Xu Changling , Qi Jieyu , Hu Xiaojie , Zhang Liyan , Sun Qiuhan , Li Nianci , Chen Xin , Guo Fangfang , Wu Peina , Shi Yi , Chai Renjie
Published: March 2023

Sensorineural hearing loss a result from hair cell damage, which is irreversible in mammals owing to the lack of hair cell regeneration, but recent researches have shown that Lgr5+ supporting cells are progenitors capable of regenerating hair cells. RPS14 (ribosomal protein S14) is a 40S ribosomal subunit component and is associated with erythrocyte differentiation, and in this study, we used a novel adeno‐associated virus‐inner ear system to upregulate Rps14 expression in cultured hair cell progenitors and observed an enhancement on their ability to proliferate and differentiate into hair cells. Similarly, Rps14 overexpression in the mice cochlea could promote supporting cells proliferation by activating the Wnt signalling pathway. In addition, over‐expressing Rps14 induced hair cells regeneration in the organ of Corti, and lineage tracing showed that the new hair cells had transformed from Lgr5+ progenitors. In conclusion, our analysis reveals the potential role of Rps14 in driving hair cell regeneration in mammalian.
Incidence and severity of cytomegalovirus infection in seropositive heart transplant recipients
Authors: Gardiner Bradley J. , Bailey Jessica P. , Percival Mia A. , Morgan Beth A. , Warner Victoria M. , Lee Sue J. , Morrissey C. Orla , Kaye David M. , Peleg Anton Y. , Taylor Andrew J.
Published: March 2023

Background

The frequency and significance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in seropositive (R+) heart transplant recipients (HTR) is unclear, with preventative recommendations mostly extrapolated from other groups. We evaluated the incidence and severity of CMV infection in R+ HTR, to identify risk factors and describe outcomes.

Methods

R+ HTR from 2010 to 2019 were included. Antiviral prophylaxis was not routinely used, with clinically guided monitoring the local standard of care. The primary outcome was CMV infection within one‐year post‐transplant; secondary outcomes included other herpesvirus infections and mortality.

Results

CMV infection occurred in 27/155 (17%) R+ HTR. Patients with CMV had a longer hospitalization (27 vs. 20 days, unadjusted HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.02, p = .01), higher rate of intensive care readmission (26% vs. 9%, unadjusted HR 3.46, 1.46–8.20, p = .005), and increased mortality (33% vs. 8%, unadjusted HR 10.60, 4.52–24.88, p < .001). The association between CMV and death persisted after adjusting for multiple confounders (HR 24.19, 95% CI 7.47–78.30, p < .001). Valganciclovir prophylaxis was used in 35/155 (23%) and was protective against CMV (infection rate 4% vs. 27%, adjusted HR .07, .01–.72, p = .025), even though those receiving it were more likely to have received thymoglobulin (adjusted OR 10.5, 95% CI 2.01–55.0, p = .005).

Conclusions

CMV infection is common in R+ HTR and is associated with a high burden of disease and increased mortality. Patients who received valganciclovir prophylaxis were less likely to develop CMV infection, despite being at higher risk. These findings support the routine use of antiviral prophylaxis following heart transplantation in all CMV R+ patients.
Iconic Paraquilegias, a review
Authors: Grey‐Wilson Christopher
Published: March 2023

The genusParaquilegiaJ.R.Drumm. & Hutch. is reviewed. Six taxa are described, typified and illustrated. A key is given for the species and for related genera.
Confirmation of the presence of the pistachio psyllid Agonoscena pistaciae Burckhardt & Lauterer, 1989 in Spain
Authors: Rodrigo‐Gómez Sara , Burckhardt Daniel
Published: March 2023

Agonoscena pistaciae is a serious pest of pistachio in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. In this paper the presence of the species in Spain and Western Europe is confirmed. It is widespread in the regions of Castilla–La Mancha and Extremadura in Central Spain, where it develops mostly on Pistacia terebinthus, in contrast to the Middle East, where its preferred host is Pistacia vera. In the literature and internet sources, A. pistaciae is often confused with other, morphologically similar species, namely A. succincta and A. targionii. Morphological characters are listed and illustrated for the identification of the species found in the West Mediterranean.
Detecting impersonation episode using teaching learning‐based optimization and support vector machine techniques
Authors: Shukla Alok Kumar
Published: March 2023

Over the last few decades, computer and internet security has become a vital area because of eye‐opening numbers of data breaches, intruders on perilous infrastructure and malware attacks that are increasing day by day. In order to monitor abnormal activities and identify unusual attacks, several security solutions have been proposed in the recent past years. To protect computer system, intrusion detection system (IDS) opens up great opportunities to determine vulnerabilities and detect anomalies in security system. For detecting new attacks or building security solutions, in this study we present a new wrapper technique for security specialists that can help to detect more complicated attacks by combining teaching learning‐based optimization with opposition learning scheme and simulated annealing method. In order to address advance attack, firstly opposition learning strategy is used to update population generation of teaching learning‐based optimization that affect the robustness of the model after that simulated annealing is integrated into the teaching learning‐based optimization. In proposed method to choose the relevant features, we have used support vector machine as a fitness function that can be helped to recognize attacks precisely. The proposed algorithm is evaluated on three popular datasets namely NSL‐KDD, ISCX 2012 and UNSW‐NB15. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to other existing wrapper algorithms in terms of detection rate, accuracy and false alarm rates.
Doing “gendered exit”: Work, care and the moral practices of disabled persons
Authors: Fang Zhilan , Liu Gabriel , Zhu Liling , Dong Dong
Published: March 2023

Previous research into the exclusion of disabled persons from paid work tends to compartmentalize them into a stable and undifferentiated category of “cared‐for” subjects. This fixation implicitly approves the ethics of work as the exclusive source of their dignity and citizenship. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with Myasthenia Gravis patients and their families, this paper argues that a subscription to the logic of interdependence that organizes the ethics of care enables our participants to transcend the conventional carer/cared‐for dichotomy. However, the patriarchal structures in which the agency of our participants finds expression create a gendered distribution of care. By delimiting the possibilities of social membership for disabled persons, this paper embraces the care ethics as an alternative to that of work. It nevertheless circumscribes care by bringing into relief its differential and contingent qualities.
The effects of free radicals and metal ion on milk protein β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) glyco‐oxidation
Authors: Shen Yixiao , Dong Qi , Yu Ziyin , Kong Youmeng , Kong Yiru , Yan Haixia , Chen Xu , Liu Ling
Published: March 2023

In this study, the effects of H2O2, 2,2′‐Azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) and metal ion Fe3+ on β‐lactoglobulin (BLG) glyco‐oxidation were investigated. The results demonstrated all the three inducers caused BLG morphology change and higher molecular weight BLG‐glucose (BLG‐Glu) adducts formation. H2O2 and AAPH significantly accelerated BLG oxidation by increasing carbonyl content and decreasing freesulphydryls (P < 0.05). However, Fe3+ showed little influence on carbonyl and free sulphydryls contents. All the three inducers promoted fluorescent‐advanced glycation end products (fl‐AGEs) and carboxymethyl‐lysine (CML) formation. Fe3+ and H2O2 (0.5% and 1%) could increase methylglyoxal (MGO) level and caused less time to reach its peak concentration than control group. Compared with the control group, new glycation sites were determined in H2O2, AAPH and Fe3+ treatments, indicating the inductive effect of those free radicals or metal ion on BLG glycation. The results will provide important information for the control of protein‐based products glyco‐oxidation during food processing and storage.