bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RCGAToolbox: A real-coded genetic algorithm software for parameter estimation of kinetic models
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiro , Boogerd Fred C. , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: February 2021

Kinetic modeling is essential in understanding the dynamic behavior of biochemical networks, such as metabolic and signal transduction pathways. However, parameter estimation remains a major bottleneck in the development of kinetic models. We present RCGAToolbox, software for real-coded genetic algorithms (RCGAs), which accelerates the parameter estimation of kinetic models. RCGAToolbox provides two RCGAs: the unimodal normal distribution crossover with minimal generation gap (UNDX/MGG) and real-coded ensemble crossover star with just generation gap (REXstar/JGG), using the stochastic ranking method. The RCGAToolbox also provides user-friendly graphical user interfaces.

Availability and implementation

RCGAToolbox is available fromhttps://github.com/kmaeda16/RCGAToolboxunder GNU GPLv3, with application examples. The user guide is provided in the Supplementary Material. RCGAToolbox runs on MATLAB in Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Contact

kmaeda@bio.kyutech.ac.jp

Supplementary information

Supplementary Material is available atBioinformaticsonline.
A hands-on tutorial on network and topological neuroscience
Authors: Centeno Eduarda Gervini Zampieri , Moreni Giulia , Vriend Chris , Douw Linda , Santos Fernando Antônio Nóbrega
Published: February 2021

The brain is an extraordinarily complex system that facilitates the efficient integration of information from different regions to execute its functions. With the recent advances in technology, researchers can now collect enormous amounts of data from the brain using neuroimaging at different scales and from numerous modalities. With that comes the need for sophisticated tools for analysis. The field of network neuroscience has been trying to tackle these challenges, and graph theory has been one of its essential branches through the investigation of brain networks. Recently, topological data analysis has gained more attention as an alternative framework by providing a set of metrics that go beyond pair-wise connections and offer improved robustness against noise. In this hands-on tutorial, our goal is to provide the computational tools to explore neuroimaging data using these frameworks and to facilitate their accessibility, data visualisation, and comprehension for newcomers to the field. We will start by giving a concise (and by no means complete) overview of the field to introduce the two frameworks, and then explain how to compute both well-established and newer metrics on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We use an open-source language (Python) and provide an accompanying publicly available Jupyter Notebook that uses data from the 1000 Functional Connectomes Project. Moreover, we would like to highlight one part of our notebook that is solely dedicated to realistic visualisation of high order interactions in brain networks. This pipeline provides three-dimensional (3-D) plots of pair-wise and higher-order interactions projected in a brain atlas, a new feature tailor-made for network neuroscience.
OBSTRUCTIVE APNEAS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF CONGENITAL CENTRAL HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME
Authors: Madani Amélia , Pitollat Gabriel , Sizun Eléonore , Cardoit Laura , Ringot Maud , Bourgeois Thomas , Ramanantsoa Nelina , Delclaux Christophe , Dauger Stéphane , d’Ortho Marie-Pia , Thoby-Brisson Muriel , Gallego Jorge , Matrot Boris
Published: February 2021

Rationale

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) is characterized by life-threatening sleep hypoventilation, and is caused byPHOX2Bgene mutations, most frequently thePHOX2B27Ala/+mutation, with patients requiring lifelong ventilatory support. It is unclear whether obstructive apneas are part of the syndrome.

Objectives

To determine whetherPhox2b27Ala/+mice, which present the main symptoms of CCHS and die within hours after birth, also express obstructive apneas, and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Apneas were classified as central, obstructive or mixed by using a novel system combining pneumotachography and laser detection of abdominal movement immediately after birth. Several respiratory nuclei involved in airway patency were examined by immunohistochemistry and electrophysiology in brainstem-spinal cord preparation.

Measurements and Main Results

The median (interquartile range) of obstructive apnea frequency was 2.3/min (1.5-3.3) inPhox2b27Ala/+pups versus 0.6/min (0.4-1.0) in wildtypes (P< 0.0001). Obstructive apnea duration was 2.7s (2.3-3.9) inPhox2b27Ala/+pups versus 1.7s (1.1-1.9) in wildtypes (P< 0.0001). Central and mixed apneas presented similar, significant differences. InPhox2b27Ala/+preparations, the hypoglossal nucleus had fewer (P< 0.05) and smaller (P< 0.01) neurons, compared to wildtypes. Importantly, coordination of phrenic and hypoglossal motor activities was disrupted, as evidenced by the longer and variable delay of hypoglossal with respect to phrenic activity onset (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

ThePhox2b27Ala/+mutation predisposed pups not only to hypoventilation and central apneas, but also to obstructive and mixed apneas, likely due to hypoglossal dysgenesis. These results thus demand attention towards obstructive events in infants with CCHS.
Gender and geographical disparity in editorial boards of journals in psychology and neuroscience
Authors: Palser Eleanor R. , Lazerwitz Maia , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: February 2021

While certain metrics of diversity have seen great improvement in recent years in academic psychology and neuroscience, unequal representation remains for many positions of power. Here, we reviewed publicly available information in order to infer the proportion of editors by gender and their country of affiliation in the top 50 journals worldwide in each of the two fields. The sample included a total of 2,864 editors for psychology journals and 3,093 editors for neuroscience journals. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of male and female editors in both fields, both across editorial roles, and within various role categories, including editor-in-chief and their deputies at neuroscience journals, associate and section editors in both fields, and editorial and advisory board members in both fields. The only category in which there was not a significant imbalance of male and female scholars was the editors-in-chief of psychology journals and their deputies. Geographically, USA-based academics significantly outnumbered those from other countries as editors in both psychology and neuroscience. Results also indicated that over three quarters of psychology journals (76%) were comprised of more than 50% male editors, while only 20% had a similar proportion of female editors. In neuroscience, 88% of journals were comprised of more than 50% male editors, while only 10% of journals included a similar, proportional majority of female editors. Findings suggest that editorial positions in academic journals, possibly one of the most powerful decision-making roles in academic psychology and neuroscience, are not balanced in gender or geographical representation.
The Relationship between Birth Timing, Circuit Wiring, and Physiological Response Properties of Cerebellar Granule Cells
Authors: Shuster S. Andrew , Wagner Mark J. , Pan-Doh Nathan , Ren Jing , Grutzner Sophie M. , Beier Kevin T. , Kim Tony Hyun , Schnitzer Mark J. , Luo Liqun
Published: February 2021

Cerebellar granule cells (GrCs) are usually regarded as a uniform cell type that collectively expands the coding space of the cerebellum by integrating diverse combinations of mossy fiber inputs. Accordingly, stable molecularly or physiologically defined GrC subtypes within a single cerebellar region have not been reported. The only known cellular properties that distinguishes otherwise homogeneous GrCs is the correspondence between GrC birthtime and the depth of the molecular layer to which their axons (parallel fibers) project. To determine the role birth timing plays in GrC wiring and function, we developed genetic strategies to access early- and late-born GrCs. We initiated retrograde monosynaptic rabies virus tracing from control, early-born, and late-born GrCs, revealing the different patterns of mossy fiber input to GrCs in vermis lobule 6 and simplex, as well as to early- and late-born GrCs of vermis lobule 6: sensory and motor nuclei provide more input to early-born GrCs, while basal pontine and cerebellar nuclei provide more input to late-born GrCs.In vivomulti-depth 2-photon Ca2+imaging of parallel fibers of early- and late-born GrCs revealed representations of diverse task variables and stimuli by both populations, with differences in the proportions of parallel fibers encoding movement, reward anticipation, and reward consumption. Our results suggest neither organized parallel processing nor completely random organization of mossy fiber→GrC circuitry, but instead a moderate influence of birth timing on GrC wiring and encoding. Our imaging data also suggest that GrCs can represent general aversiveness, in addition to recently described reward representations.

Significance Statement

Cerebellar granule cells (GrCs) comprise the majority of all neurons in the mammalian brain and are usually regarded as a uniform cell type. However, the birth timing of an individual GrC dictates where its axon projects. Using viral-genetic techniques, we find that early- and late-born GrCs receive different proportions of inputs from the same set of input regions. Usingin vivomulti-depth 2-photon Ca2+imaging of axons of early- and late-born GrCs, we found that both populations represent diverse task variables and stimuli, with differences in the proportions of axons in encoding of a subset of movement and reward parameters. These results indicate that birth timing contributes to the input selection and physiological response properties of GrCs.
Protocol for Safe, Affordable, and Reproducible Isolation and Quantitation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from Wastewater
Authors: Trujillo Monica , Cheung Kristen , Gao Anna , Hoxie Irene , Kannoly Sherin , Kubota Nanami , San Kaung Myat , Smyth Davida S. , Dennehy John J.
Published: February 2021

The following protocol describes our workflow for processing wastewater with the goal of detecting the genetic signal of SARS-CoV-2. The steps include pasteurization, virus concentration, RNA extraction, and quantification by RT-qPCR. We include auxiliary steps that provide new users with tools and strategies that will help troubleshoot key steps in the process. This protocol is one of the safest, cheapest, and most reproducible approaches for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater. Furthermore, the RNA obtained using this protocol, minus the pasteurization step, can be sequenced both using a targeted approach sequencing specific regions or the whole genome. The protocol was adopted by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection in August 2020 to support their efforts in monitoring SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in wastewater in all five boroughs of the city. Owing to a pasteurization step, it is safe for use in a BSL1+ facility. This step also increases the genetic signal of the virus while making the protocol safe for the personnel involved. This protocol could be used to isolate a variety of other clinically relevant viruses from wastewater and serve as a foundation of a wastewater surveillance strategy for monitoring community spread of known and emerging viral pathogens.
Bacteria elicit a phage tolerance response subsequent to infection of their neighbors
Authors: Tzipilevich Elhanan , Pollak-Fiyaksel Osher , Ben-Yehuda Sigal
Published: February 2021

Plaque occurrence on a bacterial lawn manifests successive rounds of bacteriophage infection. Yet, mechanisms evolved by bacteria to limit plaque spread have been hardly explored. Here we investigated the dynamics of plaque development by lytic phages infecting the bacteriumBacillus subtilis. We report that plaque expansion is followed by a constriction phase owing to bacterial growth into the plaque zone. This phenomenon is caused by an adaptive process, herein termed “phage tolerance response”, elicited by non-infected bacteria located at the plaque rim upon sensing infection of their neighbors. The temporary phage-tolerance is executed by the stress response RNA polymerase sigma factor σX, primarily through activation of thedltoperon, encoding enzymes that catalyze D-alanylation of cell wall teichoic acid polymers, the major attachment sites for phages infecting Gram-positive bacteria. D-alanylation impedes phage binding and hence infection, thus enabling the uninfected bacteria to form a protective shield opposing plaque spread.
Dynamics ofhunchbacktranslation in real time and at single mRNA resolution in theDrosophilaembryo
Authors: Vinter Daisy J. , Hoppe Caroline , Minchington Thomas G. , Sutcliffe Catherine , Ashe Hilary L.
Published: February 2021

The Hunchback (Hb) transcription factor is critical for anterior-posterior patterning of theDrosophilaembryo. Despite the maternalhbmRNA acting as a paradigm for translational regulation, due to its repression in the posterior of the embryo, little is known about the translatability of zygotically transcribedhbmRNAs. Here we adapt the SunTag system, developed for imaging translation at single mRNA resolution in tissue culture cells, to theDrosophilaembryo to study the translation dynamics of zygotichbmRNAs. Using singlemolecule imaging in fixed and live embryos, we provide evidence for translational repression of zygoticSunTag-hbmRNAs. While the proportion ofSunTag-hbmRNAs translated is initially uniform, translation declines from the anterior over time until it becomes restricted to a posterior band in the expression domain. We discuss how regulatedhbmRNA translation may help establish the sharp Hb expression boundary, which is a model for precision and noise during developmental patterning. Overall, our data show how use of the SunTag method on fixed and live embryos is a powerful combination for elucidating spatiotemporal regulation of mRNA translation inDrosophila.
Delta C2 Domain β1-2 loop contributes to robust Notch signalling
Authors: Martins Torcato , Meng Yao , Korona Boguslawa , Suckling Richard , Johnson Steven , Handford Penny , Lea Susan M. , Bray Sarah
Published: February 2021

Accurate Notch signalling is critical for organism development and homeostasis. Fine-tuning of Notch-ligand interactions have substantial impact on signalling-outputs. Recent structural studies identified a conserved N-terminal C2 domain in human Notch ligands which conferred phospholipid binding in vitro. Here we show that Drosophila ligands adopt the same C2 domain structure with analogous variations in the loop regions, including the so-called β1-2 loop that has been associated with phospholipid binding. Mutations in the β 1-2 loop of Delta C2 domain retain Notch binding but have impaired ability to interact with phospholipids in vitro. To investigate its role in vivo we deleted five residues within the β 1-2 loop of endogenous Delta by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Strikingly, this change compromised ligand function. The modified Delta enhanced phenotypes produced by Delta loss of function alleles and suppressed that of Notch alleles. As the modified protein was present on the cell surface in normal amounts, these results argue that C2 domain phospholipid-binding is necessary for robust signalling in vivo where the balance of cis and trans ligand-receptor interactions is finely tuned.
A fast, scalable, MinHash-based k-mer tool to assess Sequence Read Archive next generation sequence submissions
Authors: Katz Kenneth S. , Shutov Oleg , Lapoint Richard , Kimelman Michael , Brister J. Rodney , O’Sullivan Christopher
Published: February 2021

Sequence Read Archive submissions to the National Center for Biotechnology Information often lack useful metadata, which limits the utility of these submissions. We describe a scalable k-mer based tool for fast assessment of taxonomic diversity intrinsic to submissions, independent of metadata. We show that our MinHash-based k-mer tool is accurate and scalable, offering reliable criteria for efficient selection of data for further analysis by the scientific community, at once validating submissions while also augmenting sample metadata with reliable, searchable, taxonomic terms.
Evidence for a minimal role of stimulus awareness in reversal of threat learning
Authors: Homan Philipp , Lau H. Lee , Levy Ifat , Raio Candace M. , Bach Dominik R. , Carmel David , Schiller Daniela
Published: February 2021

In an ever-changing environment, survival depends on learning which stimuli represent threat, and also on updating such associations when circumstances shift. It has been claimed that humans can acquire physiological responses to threat-associated stimuli even when they are unaware of them, but the role of awareness in updating threat contingencies remains unknown. This complex process—generating novel responses while suppressing learned ones—relies on distinct neural mechanisms from initial learning, and has only been shown with awareness. Can it occur unconsciously? Here, we present evidence that threat reversal may not require awareness. Participants underwent classical threat conditioning to visual stimuli that were suppressed from awareness. One of two images was paired with an electric shock; halfway through the experiment, contingencies were reversed and the shock was paired with the other image. Despite variations in suppression across participants, we found that physiological responses reflected changes in stimulus-threat pairings independently of stimulus awareness. These findings suggest that unconscious affective processing may be sufficiently flexible to adapt to changing circumstances.
Blood cancer health disparities in the United States Hispanic population
Authors: Bencomo-Alvarez Alfonso E. , Rubio Andres J. , Gonzalez Mayra A. , Eiring Anna M.
Published: February 2021

Cancer is a challenging, multifaceted disease that involves a combination of biological and nonbiological factors. Aside from COVID-19, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States and the first among Hispanic Americans. The Hispanic population is the largest minority group in the United States, which is rapidly growing in size. Unfortunately, U.S. Hispanics and other minority groups experience many different health disparities, resulting in poor survival outcomes and a reduced quality of life. Factors such as genomic mutations, lower socioeconomic status, lack of education, reduced access to health care, comorbidities, and environmental factors all contribute to these health-care inequalities. In the context of blood cancer health disparities, Hispanic patients are often diagnosed at a younger age and have worse outcomes compared with non-Hispanic individuals. In this commentary, we highlight the existing knowledge about cancer health disparities in the Hispanic population, with a focus on chronic and acute leukemia. In our experience at the U.S./Mexican border, analysis of several different blood cancers demonstrated that younger Hispanic patients with acute lymphoid or myeloid leukemia have higher incidence rates and worse prognoses. A combined approach, involving improved health-care access and better knowledge of the underlying factors, will allow for more timely diagnoses and the development of intervention strategies aimed at reducing or eliminating the disparities.
Comparing world regional sustainable supply chain finance using big data analytics: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tseng Ming-Lang , Bui Tat-Dat , Lim Ming K. , Tsai Feng Ming , Tan Raymond R.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Sustainable supply chain finance (SSCF) is a fascinated consideration for both academics and practitioners because the indicators are still underdeveloped in achieving SSCF. This study proposes a bibliometric data-driven analysis from the literature to illustrate a clear overall concept of SSCF that reveals hidden indicators for further improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid quantitative and qualitative approach combining data-driven analysis, fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), entropy weight method (EWM) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) is employed to address the uncertainty in the context.

Findings

The results show that blockchain, cash flow shortage, reverse factoring, risk assessment and triple bottom line (TBL) play significant roles in SSCF. A comparison of the challenges and gaps among different geographic regions is provided in both advanced local perspective and a global state-of-the-art assessment. There are 35 countries/territories being categorized into five geographic regions. Of the five regions, two, Latin America and the Caribbean and Africa, show the needs for more improvement, exclusively in collaboration strategies and financial crisis. Exogenous impacts of wars, natural disasters and disease epidemics are implied as inevitable attributes for enhancing the sustainability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to (1) boundary SSCF foundations by data driven, (2) identifying the critical SSCF indicators and providing the knowledge gaps and directions as references for further examination and (3) addressing the gaps and challenges in different geographic regions to provide advanced assessment from local viewpoint and to diagnose the comprehensive global state of the art of SSCF.
Mechanisms and challenges in financing renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa: a Ghanaian perspective
Authors: Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Mankata Lawrence Martin , Debrah Caleb , Edwards David John , Martek Igor
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Ghana has set an objective of achieving 10% of its energy requirements through renewable sources, by 2020. However, to date, the renewable energy (RE) sector has attracted only marginal investor interest. This paper aims to identify the challenges faced in financing RE in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of literature in renewable energy finance was conducted and 12 financing challenges were identified. From this list, a questionnaire was developed asking to rank barriers. This was distributed to experts within financial institutions and 32 were returned. A factor analysis and severity index analysis were performed to identify a ranking of challenges impeding RE project financing in Ghana.

Findings

The challenges to RE financing fall into the three broad categories, namely, “economic, commercial and regulatory” challenges. Within these broad constraints, “long payback periods,” “limited track record” and “high upfront cost” are the most severe impediments to obtaining financing for RE.

Practical implications

Identifying the specific conditions that make an investment in RE unattractive, give policymakers set on achieving the 10% RE goal, a way forward in developing a targeted policy that would mitigate identified investor disincentives.

Originality/value

The broad range of potential barriers to investment are known. However, this study combines a specific governmental ambition – encouraging the financing of RE – with a specific set of identified barriers inhibiting that ambition. In this regard, this study identifies exactly where the government needs to act if it is to facilitate investment in RE, as is required for Ghana to reach its 10% RE target.
Estimating worldwide costs of premature mortalities caused by COVID-19
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Tsigaris Panagiotis
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an estimate of the costs of premature mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using COVID-19 pandemic-derived mortality data for November 9, 2020 (globally 1,303,215 deaths) and applying a country-based value of statistical life (VSL), the worldwide cost of premature mortality was assessed. The cost was assessed based on income groups until November 9, 2020 and projected into the future until March 1, 2021 using three scenarios from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME).

Findings

The global cost of premature mortality is currently estimated at Int$5.9 trillion. For the high-income group, the current estimated cost is Int$ $4.4 trillion or $3,700 per person. Using IHME projections until March 1, 2021, global premature mortality costs will increase to Int$13.7 trillion and reach Int$22.1 trillion if policies are relaxed, while the cost with 95% universal masks is Int$10.9 trillion. The richest nations will bear the largest burden of these costs, reaching $15,500 per person by March 1, 2021 if policies are relaxed.

Originality/value

The cost of human lives lost due to the pandemic is unprecedented. Preparedness in the future is the best policy to avoid many premature deaths and severe recessions in order to combat pandemics.
Capital structure determinants of small and medium-sized enterprises: evidence from Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Czerwonka Leszek , Jaworski Jacek
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The main aim of the paper is to examine the small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) capital structure determinants in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) (Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used panel models to analyze financial data of 15,253 companies operating in the years 2014–2017.

Findings

The authors confirmed the dominant role of firm-specific factors. Industry and country variables explain only 4% of debt variability of the surveyed companies. The direction of influence of the diagnosed firm-specific factors is consistent with the pecking order theory. About one-fourth of SMEs in CEE hold a stock of debt capacity. It negatively affects the share of debt in the capital. The authors did not confirm the influence of the systematic industry business risk.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are (1) the inclusion of only six CEE countries in the sample; (2) the exclusion of microenterprises from the sample; (3) the capital structure relationships are observed following the applications of static panel; (4) the endogeneity issue has not been addressed in the model.

Practical implications

This study shows that business-friendly institutional environment is an important factor influencing the indebtedness of companies. It increases the leverage and, consequently, the return on equity, especially in CEE countries.

Originality/value

SME analyses in CEE countries are not as frequent as for other regions. Despite the classical determinants of the SMEs' capital structure, the authors have included debt capacity and systematic industry business risk in this study.
Zebras showing their stripes: a critical sense-making study of women CSR leaders
Authors: Cherneski Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to reveal the gendered nature of social arrangements in order to bring to the surface the hidden discourses that mediate the opportunities of women leaders in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses critical sense-making (CSM) to analyze interviews with CSR leaders toward understanding the interconnected layers of influences they draw from as they make sense of their experiences.

Findings

Despite the positioning of women as being untapped resources within CSR, the reality within CSR leadership indicates that resilient, stereotypical social constructions of gender are being (re)created. However, cues can disrupt the ongoing process of sense-making and create shocks that represent opportunities for resistance as discriminatory practices are revealed.

Research limitations/implications

Applying CSM as a methodology and to the field of CSR adds a component to CSR and gender scholarship that is currently missing. CSM as a methodology bridges broader sociocultural discourses and the local site of sense-making, making visible the structures and processes that enable some narratives to become legitimized by the formative context and protect the status quo.

Social implications

If these leaders are able to use their discursive power to establish an alternate, dominant narrative throughout their organizations – a culture of emotional empathy within CSR – alternate meanings about the nature and purpose of CSR may emerge while highlighting the need for change.

Originality/value

Applying CSM as a methodology and to the field of CSR adds a component to CSR and gender scholarship that is currently missing. CSM as a methodology bridges broader sociocultural discourses and the local site of sense-making, making visible the structures and processes that enable some narratives to become legitimized by the formative context and protect the status quo.
Unravelling the role of guanxi in the formation and management of international joint ventures – a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Castka Pavel
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The formation of international joint ventures (IJVs) is one of the prevalent approaches for Western companies to conduct business in China. Yet, doing business in China is difficult for many firms, partially because of the institutional voids that are created by weak formal institutions. The paper aims to focus on the role of guanxi (an informal institution and a company capability that fills such institutional void) in the formation and management of IJVs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review on the role of guanxi in IJV formation and management is conducted based on papers published in top international business journals between 2005 and 2020 – in total, 47 papers are included in the review.

Findings

The findings of the study are presented in four themes, namely, the role of guanxi as social capital in IJV formation, the role of trust in guanxi-based IJVs, the role of control mechanisms in balancing high reliance on trust in guanxi-based IJVs and the role of guanxi in managing inconsistencies in the regulatory environment. The analysis also reveals that guanxi has a positive effect on the development of IJVs if control between the parent firms is well balanced; otherwise, guanxi can trigger opportunism and leads to failures.

Practical implications

The study unravels how guanxi leads to successful outcomes in IJV formation and management, which assist managers who operate IJVs with their decision-making.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous paper has critically analysed the literature on IJVs using a guanxi perspective at micro (personal), meso (business) and (macro) governmental levels. This approach allows for providing more nuanced view of the role of guanxi in the formation and management of IJVs and aligns more closely with managerial decision-making.
Treatment outcomes and safety of afatinib in advanced squamous cell lung cancer progressed after platinum‐based doublet chemotherapy and immunotherapy (SPACE study)
Authors: Lee Seung Hyeun , Park Cheol‐Kyu , Lee Sung Yong , Choi Chang‐Min
Published: February 2021

Afatinib is an ErbB family blocker approved for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐positive nonsmall‐cell lung cancer. A pivotal trial demonstrated significant clinical benefits with manageable toxicity of afatinib as a second‐line treatment option in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCC) which led to approval in >60 countries. However, these results were derived from a controlled study conducted in selected patients and are not necessarily representative of the real‐world use of this drug. In addition, data on afatinib use after immunotherapy in this clinical setting are lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment outcomes and safety of afatinib as a second‐ or later‐line treatment for SCC and to identify potential predictive biomarkers. As a real‐world observational study, 130 eligible patients with advanced SCC, who progressed after platinum‐based chemo‐ and immunotherapy, will be enrolled. Treatment outcomes and safety data will be collected for both the retrospective and prospective cohorts, and molecular profiling using tissue and plasma will be performed for the prospective cohort. The primary endpoint is time to treatment failure, and the secondary endpoints are objective response rate, progression‐free survival, overall survival, and safety. Comparison of clinical outcomes with respect to the different programmed death‐ligand 1 expression and molecular characteristics will also be carried out. This study will provide additional evidence on the usefulness of afatinib as a subsequent treatment, as well as feasible molecular biomarkers to predict its efficacy in this clinical setting.
Survey coverage, recording duration and community composition affect observed species richness in passive acoustic surveys
Authors: Wood Connor M. , Kahl Stefan , Chaon Philip , Peery M. Zachariah , Klinck Holger
Published: February 2021

Bioacoustic assessments of species richness are rapidly becoming attainable, but uncertainty regarding the optimal acoustic survey design remains. Selecting the duration of recording and the number of recording units are critical decisions, and we used both simulated and empirical data to quantify the trade‐offs those choices present.

We evaluated the performance of 30 hypothetical acoustic survey designs (e.g. continuous recording, every other 5 min, etc.). Simulated bird species' (n ≤ 60) abundance across the study area, probability of daily availability and time‐dependent probability of vocal activity varied randomly within ranges of realistic values. Field data, collected in central New York, USA (747 hr) and in the northern Sierra Nevada, USA (1,090 hr), was analysed with a novel machine‐learning algorithm, BirdNET. All three datasets were subsampled at 5‐min intervals, observed species richness was compared across survey designs, and detection probability was calculated for each species.

Observed species richness increased with survey coverage (number of recording units) and with recording duration in all three datasets. The impact of differences in survey coverage decreased as recording duration decreased. Species' detection probabilities were negatively affected by reducing the number of days of recording and by reducing the daily recording duration. The more rare species a community had, the more species richness was underestimated as survey coverage decreased. Rarefaction curves indicated that increasing recording time has diminishing marginal utility but that the asymptote varies among communities. The cost per species observed decreased with increasing recording duration.

Discontinuous and reduced‐coverage sampling may still yield fairly accurate assessments of biodiversity but reducing recording duration or coverage will result in different species remaining undetected. Whether the performance of a study design is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depends on researchers' constraints and scientific questions to be answered. More hardware and longer recording durations are not always better, but we caution researchers against doing the bare minimum required for their present needs without pressing financial reasons to do so.
Aligned electrospun nerve conduits with electrical activity as a strategy for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Castro Vanessa Oliveira , Merlini Claudia
Published: February 2021

Peripheral nerve injuries affect the quality of life of people worldwide. Despite advances in materials and processing in recent decades, nerve repair remains a challenge. The autograft is considered the most effective nerve repair in cases of serious injuries in which direct suture is not applied. However, the autograft causes the loss of functionality of the donor site, and additionally, there is a limited availability of donor nerves. Nerve conduits emerge as an alternative to the autograft and nowadays some conduits are available for clinical use. Nevertheless, they still need to be optimized for better functional nerve response. This review proposes to analyze the use of aligned electrospun nerve conduits with electrical activity as a strategy to enhance a satisfactory nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
Maya Pottery Production at Nakum, Guatemala, during the Protoclassic Period (100/50 BC – AD 300/350)
Authors: Ting C. , Źrałka J. , Hermes B.
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the Protoclassic ceramic production at Nakum, Guatemala, using it as a proxy to explore the nature of the transition from the Preclassic to Classic period (100/50 BC – AD 300/350) in Central Maya lowlands. Petrographic analysis reveals that household specialisation existed in the local production of slipped serving and utilitarian wares at Nakum. The recovery of locally made polychrome vessels further indicates that Nakum might have participated in a new network of cultural interactions and trade, enabling the community to sustain stable growth at a time when many major Preclassic sites declined.
Valuing high‐seas ecosystem conservation
Authors: Xuan Bui Bich , Armstrong Claire W. , Ankamah‐Yeboah Isaac , Hynes Stephen , Needham Katherine
Published: February 2021

The high seas provide a variety of ecosystem services that benefit society. There have, however, been few attempts to quantify the human welfare impacts of changes to the delivery of these benefits. We assessed the values of several key ecosystem service benefits derived from protecting ecosystems in the high seas of the Flemish Cap through choice experiments conducted in Canada, Norway, and Scotland. Rather than solely eliciting public willingness to pay, we also explored the determinants of variance in the estimates of willingness to pay. We aimed to determine how much respondents were willing to pay for high‐seas ecosystems conservation, which factors influence individuals’ willingness to pay, and whether individuals in Canada had a higher willingness to pay relative to those living in Norway and Scotland. This latter point captures distance‐decay effects. On average, the public placed positive value on conserving high‐seas ecosystems and on developing economic activities related to the exploitation and exploration of marine resources, despite a lack of awareness and familiarity with these environments. Distance‐decay effects on willingness to pay were not clear. Scots had the highest willingness to pay and the Norwegians the lowest willingness to pay for all attributes, with the only exception being willingness to pay for a large increase in new jobs, in which case Canadians’ willingness to pay was higher than Scots’. The public's willingness to pay was influenced by sociodemographic characteristics and their perceptions of high‐seas ecosystems. Our results provide evidence of the impacts of high‐seas governance on human welfare and that improved governance could increase the value people place on high‐seas ecosystems and the services they produce.
Artificial intelligence/neural network system for the screening of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Mitsumoto Yasuhide , Umemura Atsushi , Yamaguchi Kanji , Itoh Yoshito , Yoneda Masato , Nakajima Atsushi , Mizukoshi Eishiro , Kaneko Shuichi , Harada Kenichi
Published: February 2021

Aim

We aimed to develop a novel noninvasive test using an artificial intelligence (AI)/neural network (NN) system (named nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]‐Scope) to screen nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and NASH.

Methods

We enrolled 324 and 74 patients histologically diagnosed with NAFLD for training and validation studies, respectively. Two independent pathologists histologically diagnosed patients with NAFLD for validation study. Additionally, 48 subjects who underwent a medical health checkup and did not show fatty liver ultrasonographically and had normal serum aminotransferase levels were categorized as the non‐NAFLD group. NASH‐Scope was based on 11 clinical values: age, sex, height, weight, waist circumference, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglyceride, and platelet count.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of NASH‐Scope for distinguishing NAFLD from non‐NAFLD in the training study and validation study were 99.7% versus 97.2%, 97.8% versus 97.8%, 99.7% versus 98.6%, 97.8% versus 95.7%, and 0.999 versus 0.950, respectively. Those for distinguishing NASH with fibrosis from NAFLD without fibrosis were 99.5% versus 90.7%, 84.3% versus 93.3%, 94.2% versus 98.0%, 98.6% versus 73.7%, and 0.960 versus 0.950. These results were excellent, even when the output data were divided into two categories without any gray zone.

Conclusions

The AI/NN system, termed as NASH‐Scope, is practical and can accurately differentially diagnose between NAFLD and non‐NAFLD and between NAFLD without fibrosis and NASH with fibrosis. Thus, NASH‐Scope is useful for screening nonalcoholic fatty liver and NASH.
Determinants of flood adaptation: Parametric and semiparametric assessment
Authors: Pathak Santosh
Published: February 2021

Flood adaptation measures are indispensable to offset agricultural losses emanating from the increasing frequency and intensity of floods. Therefore, it is necessary to identify key precursors of adaptation for the success of flood‐related adaptation programs. Using cross‐sectional household survey data from rice farmers of eastern Nepal, this study explores existing adaptation practices along with the factors influencing farmers' adaptation strategies. Both parametric and semiparametric forms of the binary choice model are employed to assess key determinants of flood adaptation. The results reveal that existing adaptation practices are limited to conventional seed storage and few (bio)engineering techniques. Both household and farm characteristics, including flood impact indicators, significantly influence farmers' adaptation to flooding hazards. Thus, consideration of these multiple factors in adaptation‐related programs is anticipated to cope with future floods. Prioritising crop insurance over disaster relief programs and revitalization of existing adaptation measures are suggested. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the semiparametric approach offers a better alternative by lifting the basic assumptions of parametric models. Findings from this article could aid in developing localised adaptation strategies that would ultimately contribute to the resiliency of farming households and the flood‐prone communities as a whole.
A reflection on 30 years of complementary collaboration
Authors: DEZALAY YVES , GARTH BRYANT
Published: February 2021

This article, invited by the editors, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on a scholarly collaboration of more than 30 years. Looking backwards, we believe our success has come in part from the different backgrounds that we bring to our collaboration. It also comes from the fact that neither of us at the time we met was comfortable with the scholarly models that we were intellectually programmed to pursue in our individual careers. We discuss not only what our collaboration has produced, but also the pragmatic and serendipitous elements that have gone into working out and defining our research approach, and how that approach has changed in relation to the shifting scholarly context and related changes in the global political economy, our own ambitions, and opportunities and obstacles that have at times shifted our focus. Our individual and collective career trajectories also say something about the scholarly fields in which we have operated.
A prospective, randomized, masked, placebo‐controlled crossover study for the effect of 10 mg omeprazole capsules on gastric pH in healthy dogs
Authors: Gaier Ann , Price Josh , Grubb Louise , Fitzgerald Stuart , Tolbert M. Katherine
Published: February 2021

Background

Enteric‐coated omeprazole capsules are commonly used as a gastric acid suppressant in dogs. However, the efficacy of this formulation has not been evaluated for clinical use in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a 10 mg PO omeprazole capsule (TriviumVet) undergoing FDA approval to increase gastric pH in dogs. We hypothesized that encapsulated omeprazole would significantly increase the gastric pH compared to placebo and reach pH goals extrapolated from people for the treatment of esophagitis and duodenal ulceration.

Animals

Six healthy research dogs.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, 2‐way crossover study. Dogs were PO administered omeprazole at 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg or placebo (empty gelatin capsules) twice‐daily for 5 days. The intragastric pH was recorded on days 2 to 5 of treatment. Mean pH and the mean percentage time (MPT) intragastric pH was ≥3 or ≥4 were compared between and within treatment groups.

Results

Dogs treated with omeprazole had a significantly higher MPT ± SD intragastric pH ≥3 (91.2% ± 11.0%), ≥4 (86.9% ± 13.7%) and mean ± SD pH (5.4 ± 0.8) than dogs treated with placebo (19.7% ± 15.5%, 28.3 ± 20.7, and 2.4 ± 1.0, respectively) (P < .001 for all).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The 10 mg enteric‐coated omeprazole capsule PO administered evaluated in this study is an effective gastric acid suppressant in healthy dogs.
Politics as a function of trademark: A new perspective from the historical development of trademark law in colonial and socialist Vietnam
Authors: Kien Tran
Published: February 2021

This study provides a fresh understanding of the theory of trademark law, more specifically the functions of trademark through the legal historical analysis of trademark law in the colonial and socialist era of Vietnam from 1858 to 1986. It argues that unlike widely accepted agreements about the functions of trademark in the contemporary world, trademark in general and trademark law in particular, assumed a very different function and played a distinctive role of colonial settlement during the colonial period and centrally planned economy in the time of the socialist building of Vietnam. In doing so, the research employs a recently proposed conceptual framework of studying colonial intellectual property law by Michael Birnhack in combination with historical analysis of law. Through the original discourse of this article, it can be argued further that the functions of trademark are varied and may be determined by the political and economic settings rather than vice versa. The research also resonates with and contributes to the new interdisciplinary and emerging body of literature attempting to explore and understand the history of intellectual property law, especially outside Western intellectual property norms and ideas.
“Right to Repair” vis‐à‐vis Indian trade mark law: A comparative analysis
Authors: Arora Himanshu
Published: February 2021

The prime motive of the present article is to juxtapose the emerging and trending “Right to Repair” with Indian trade mark law to assess or find as to whether the exercise of this “Right to Repair” can tantamount to infringement of a trade mark in accordance with Indian Trade Mark Law, or whether this right is implicitly recognized or hidden in the Indian Trade Mark Law as a defence or an exception to infringement. The article is mainly divided into two parts. The first part would discuss the concept of “Right to Repair” (along with its origins and development in the world and in India), and also attempts to display as to how the IP rights can be used to curtail the scope of this emerging right. While the second part focuses on scrutinizing that as to how this new surfacing right interacts with or muddles through Indian trade mark law, while briefly discussing the two basic types of infringements envisioned under the Trade Mark law and also explaining, in detail, the types of activities which can be undertaken under the garb of this new right.