bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPR4 knockout attenuates intestinal inflammation and forestalls the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer in murine models
Authors: Marie Mona A. , Sanderlin Edward J. , Hoffman Alexander , Cashwell Kylie D. , Satturwar Swati , Hong Heng , Sun Ying , Yang Li V.
Published: March 2023

GPR4 is a proton-sensing G protein-coupled receptor highly expressed in vascular endothelial cells and has been shown to potentiate intestinal inflammation in murine colitis models. Herein, we evaluated the proinflammatory role of GPR4 in the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and azoxymethane (AOM) mouse models in wild-type and GPR4 knockout mice. We found GPR4 contributed to chronic intestinal inflammation and heightened DSS/AOM-induced intestinal tumor burden. Tumor blood vessel density was markedly reduced in mice deficient in GPR4 which correlated with increased tumor necrosis and reduced tumor cell proliferation. These data demonstrate GPR4 ablation alleviates intestinal inflammation and reduces tumor angiogenesis, development, and progression in the AOM/DSS mouse model.

Author summary

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is a debilitating condition with chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Patients with IBD are at higher risk of developing colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), compared with the general population. The etiology of IBD is not well understood, but both genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. In this study, we investigated the role of the pH-sensing GPR4 receptor in colitis and CAC using the DSS and AOM induced mouse models. GPR4 knockout alleviated intestinal inflammation, reduced tumor angiogenesis, and impeded CAC development. Our data suggest that inhibition of GPR4 may be explored as a potential therapeutic approach for IBD treatment and CAC prevention.
Molecular basis of sulfolactate synthesis by sulfolactaldehyde dehydrogenase fromRhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Li Jinling , Sharma Mahima , Meek Richard , Alhifthi Amani , Armstrong Zachary , Soler Niccolay Madiedo , Lee Mihwa , Goddard-Borger Ethan D. , Blaza James N. , Davies Gideon J. , Williams Spencer J.
Published: March 2023

Sulfolactate (SL) is a short-chain organosulfonate that is an important reservoir of sulfur in the biosphere. SL is produced by oxidation of sulfolactaldehyde (SLA), which in turn derives from sulfoglycolysis of the sulfosugar sulfoquinovose, or through oxidation of 2,3-dihydroxypropanesulfonate. Oxidation of SLA is catalyzed by SLA dehydrogenases belonging to the aldehyde dehydrogenase superfamily. We report that SLA dehydrogenaseRlGabD from the sulfoglycolytic bacteriumRhizobium leguminsarumSRDI565 can use both NAD+and NADP+as cofactor to oxidize SLA, and indicatively operates through a rapid equilibrium ordered mechanism. We report the cryo-EM structure ofRlGabD bound to NADH, revealing a tetrameric quaternary structure and supporting proposal of organosulfonate binding residues in the active site, and a catalytic mechanism. Sequence based homology searches identified SLA dehydrogenase homologs in a range of putative sulfoglycolytic gene clusters in bacteria predominantly from the phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. This work provides a structural and biochemical view of SLA dehydrogenases to complement our knowledge of SLA reductases, and provide detailed insights into a critical step in the organosulfur cycle.

Graphical abstract

Sulfolactate is an important species in the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. Herein we report the 3D cryo-EM structure and kinetics of its biosynthetic enzyme, sulfolactaldehyde dehydrogenase.
Interpretable full-epoch multiclass decoding for M/EEG
Authors: Csaky Richard , van Es Mats W.J. , Jones Oiwi Parker , Woolrich Mark
Published: March 2023

Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Electroencephalography (EEG) data is a valuable tool for understanding how the brain represents and discriminates between different stimuli. Identifying the spatial and temporal signatures of stimuli is typically a crucial output of these analyses. Such analyses are mainly performed using linear, pairwise, sliding window decoding models. These allow for relative ease of interpretation, e.g. by estimating a time-course of decoding accuracy, but are computationally intensive and can have limited decoding performance. On the other hand, full epoch decoding models, commonly used for brain-computer interface (BCI) applications, can provide better decoding performance. However, they lack methods for interpreting the contributions of spatial and temporal features. In this paper, we propose an approach that combines a multiclass, full epoch decoding model with supervised dimensionality reduction, while still being able to reveal the contributions of spatiotemporal and spectral features using permutation feature importance. We demonstrate the approach on 3 different task MEG datasets using image presentations. Our results demonstrate that this approach consistently achieves higher accuracy than the peak accuracy of a sliding window decoder while estimating the relevant spatiotemporal features in the MEG signal. Finally, we show that our multiclass model can also be used for pairwise decoding, eliminating the computational burden of training separate models for each pairwise combination of stimuli.
Monomeric agonist peptide/MHCII complexes activate T-cells in an autonomous fashion
Authors: Platzer René , Hellmeier Joschka , Göhring Janett , Perez Iago Doel , Schatzlmaier Philipp , Bodner Clara , Schütz Gerhard J. , Sevcsik Eva , Stockinger Hannes , Brameshuber Mario , Huppa Johannes B.
Published: March 2023

Molecular crowding of agonist peptide/MHC class II complexes (pMHCIIs) with structurally similar, yetper senon-stimulatory endogenous pMHCIIs has been postulated to sensitize T-cells for the recognition of single antigens on the surface of dendritic cells and B-cells. When testing this premise with the use of advanced live cell microscopy, we observed pMHCIIs as monomeric, randomly distributed entities diffusing rapidly after entering the APC surface. Synaptic TCR-engagement of highly abundant endogenous pMHCIIs was low or non-existent and affected neither TCR-engagement of rare agonist pMHCII in early and advanced synapses nor agonist-induced TCR-proximal signaling. Our findings highlight the capacity of single freely diffusing agonist pMHCIIs to elicit the full T-cell response in an autonomous and peptide-specific fashion with consequences for adaptive immunity and immunotherapeutic approaches.

SHORT SUMMARY

Platzer et al. revealed via highly quantitative and single molecule live cell microscopy the nature of peptide-loaded MHC class II molecules (pMHCII) as monomeric, densely populating, randomly distributed and predominantly rapidly diffusing entities on the surface of B-cells and dendritic cells. Low abundant stimulatory agonist pMHCII acted as autonomous units with the highest chance of T-cell detection when equally spread on APCs. The presence of bystander-pMHCII previously termed “co-agonist pMHC” affected neither synaptic agonist -TCR-binding nor efficiencies of T-cell recognition. “Co-agonist”-TCR-binding resembled random molecular collisions. Findings inform the design of T-cell-based immunotherapies.
Pten is a disconnecting node in the molecular landscape of the proliferation/quiescence decision during mammary gland acinogenesis
Authors: Tomasin Rebeka , Rodrigues Ana Maria , Manucci Antonio Carlos , Bruni-Cardoso Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Cell context is key for cell phenotype. Using physiologically relevant models of laminin-rich ECM (lrECM) induction of mammary epithelial cell quiescence and differentiation, we have provided a landscape of the status of key molecular players involved in the proliferation/quiescence decision. Repression of some positive regulators of the cell cycle, such as cyclins and CDKs, occurred already at the mRNA level, whereas negative regulators of the cell cycle, such as Pten and p27, were upregulated only at the protein level. Interestingly, cell cycle arrest occurred despite the active status of Fak, Src and PI3k, because their downstream proliferative signalling pathways were repressed, suggesting the existence of a disconnecting node between upstream and downstream proliferative signalling in quiescent cells. Pten fulfils this role. Inhibition of Pten increased proliferation and restored Akt/mTORC1/2 and Mapk signalling in cells exposed to lrECM. In mice, Pten levels were positively correlated to the basement membrane thickness in the developing mammary epithelia, and Pten localized to the apicolateral membrane of luminal cells both in in ducts and near the nascent lumen in terminal end bud, characteristics consistent with a role for Pten in inducing and sustaining quiescence and tissue architecture. Accordingly, in 3D acininogenesis models, Pten was required for the onset and maintenance of quiescence, cell polarity and lumen assembly. The notion that lrECM-triggered differentiation involves a signalling circuitry with many layers of regulation provides an explanation for the resilience of quiescence within a growth-suppressive microenvironment, and that perturbations in master regulators, such as Pten, could disrupt the quiescent phenotype.
RTF2 controls replication repriming and ribonucleotide excision at the replisome
Authors: Conti Brooke A. , Ruiz Penelope D. , Broton Cayla , Blobel Nicolas J. , Kottemann Molly C. , Sridhar Sunandini , Lach Francis P. , Wiley Tom , Sasi Nanda K. , Carroll Thomas , Smogorzewska Agata
Published: March 2023

Genetic information is duplicated via the highly regulated process of DNA replication. The machinery coordinating this process, the replisome, encounters many challenges, including replication fork-stalling lesions that threaten the accurate and timely transmission of genetic information. Cells have multiple mechanisms to repair or bypass lesions that would otherwise compromise DNA replication1,2. We have previously shown that proteasome shuttle proteins, DNA Damage Inducible 1 and 2 (DDI1/2) function to regulate Replication Termination Factor 2 (RTF2) at the stalled replisome, allowing for replication fork stabilization and restart3. Here we show that RTF2 regulates replisome localization of RNase H2, a heterotrimeric enzyme responsible for removing RNA in the context of RNA-DNA heteroduplexes4–6. We show that during unperturbed DNA replication, RTF2, like RNase H2, is required to maintain normal replication fork speeds. However, persistent RTF2 and RNase H2 at stalled replication forks compromises the replication stress response, preventing efficient replication restart. Such restart is dependent on PRIM1, the primase component of DNA polymerase α-primase. Our data show a fundamental need for regulation of replication-coupled ribonucleotide incorporation during normal replication and the replication stress response that is achieved through RTF2. We also provide evidence for PRIM1 function in direct replication restart following replication stress in mammalian cells.
Integrin-based adhesions promote cell-cell junction remodelling and cytoskeletal rearrangements to drive embryonic wound healing
Authors: Ly Michelle , Schimmer Clara , Hawkins Ray , Rothenberg Katheryn , Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo
Published: March 2023

Embryos have a remarkable ability to repair wounds rapidly, with no inflammation or scarring. Embryonic wound healing is driven by the collective movement of the surrounding cells to seal the lesion. During embryonic wound closure, the cells adjacent to the wound polarize the cytoskeletal protein actin and the molecular motor non-muscle myosin II, which accumulate at the wound edge forming a supracellular cable around the wound. Adherens junction proteins including E-cadherin are internalized from the interface with the lesion and localize to former tricellular junctions at the wound margin, in a process necessary for cytoskeletal polarity. Using quantitative live microscopy, we found that the cells adjacent to wounds in theDrosophilaepidermis also polarized Talin, a core component of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesions that links integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. Integrin knock-down and inhibition of integrin binding delayed wound closure and were associated with a reduction in actin levels around the wound. Additionally, disrupting integrins caused a defect in E-cadherin reinforcement at tricellular junctions along the wound edge, suggesting crosstalk between integrin-based and cadherin-based adhesions. Together, our results show that cell-ECM adhesion contributes to embryonic wound repair and reveal an interplay between cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion in the collective cell movements that drive rapid wound healing.
Arabidopsis cell suspension culture and RNA sequencing reveal regulatory networks underlying plant programmed cell death
Authors: Burke Rory , McCabe Aideen , Sonawane Neetu Ramesh , Rathod Meet Hasmukh , Whelan Conor , McCabe Paul F. , Kacprzyk Joanna
Published: March 2023

Programmed cell death (PCD) facilitates targeted elimination of redundant, damaged, or infected cells via genetically controlled pathways. In plants, PCD is often an essential component of normal development and can also mediate responses to abiotic and biotic stress stimuli. However, studying the transcriptional regulation of this fundamental process is hindered by difficulties in sampling small groups of cells undergoing PCD that are often buried within the bulk of living plant tissue. We addressed this challenge by using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) ofArabidopsis thalianasuspension cells, a system that allows precise monitoring of PCD activation and progression. The use of three PCD-inducing treatments (salicylic acid, heat and critical dilution), in combination with three cell death modulators (3- methyladenine, lanthanum chloride and conditioned medium), allowed isolation of candidate ‘core’ and stimuli-specific PCD genes, inference of underlying gene regulatory networks and identification of putative transcriptional regulators. This analysis underscored cell cycle disturbance and the repression of both pro-survival stress responses and mitochondrial retrograde signalling as key elements of the PCD-associated transcriptional signature in plants. Further, phenotyping of twentyArabidopsisT-DNA insertion mutants in selected candidate genes confirmed a role for several in PCD and stress tolerance regulation, and validated the potential of these generated resources to identify novel genes involved in plant PCD pathways and/or stress tolerance in plants.
The ion channel Trpc6a regulates the cardiomyocyte regenerative response to mechanical stretch
Authors: Rolland Laura , Faucherre Adèle , Abaroa Jourdano Mancilla , Drouard Aurélien , Jopling Chris
Published: March 2023

Myocardial damage caused for example by cardiac ischemia leads to ventricular volume overload resulting in increased stretch of the remaining myocardium. In adult mammals, these changes trigger an adaptive cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response which, if the damage is extensive, will ultimately lead to pathological hypertrophy and heart failure. Conversely, in response to extensive myocardial damage, cardiomyocytes in the adult zebrafish heart and neonatal mice proliferate and completely regenerate the damaged myocardium. We therefore hypothesized that in adult zebrafish, changes in mechanical loading due to myocardial damage may act as a trigger to induce cardiac regeneration. Based, on this notion we sought to identify mechanosensors which could be involved in detecting changes in mechanical loading and triggering regeneration. Here we show using a combination of knockout animals, RNAseq andin vitroassays that the mechanosensitive ion channel Trpc6a is required by cardiomyocytes for successful cardiac regeneration in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, using a cyclic cell stretch assay, we have determined that Trpc6a induces the expression of components of the AP1 transcription complex in response to mechanical stretch. Our data highlights how changes in mechanical forces due to myocardial damage can be detected by mechanosensors which in turn can trigger cardiac regeneration.
The investment dynamics in renewable energy transition in Africa: the asymmetric role of oil prices, economic growth and ICT
Authors: Evans Olaniyi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of oil prices, economic growth and information communication technology (ICT) on investment into renewable energy transition (RET).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on six selected African countries (i.e. Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Ethiopia, South Africa and Nigeria), the study uses a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model over the period from 1995 to 2020.

Findings

The results show that increasing oil prices, by substitution effect, leads to increasing RET investment, while declining oil prices lead to decreasing RET investment in the short and long run. Furthermore, the results reveal that increasing real gross domestic product leads to increased RET investment, while declining real gross domestic product (GDP) leads to decreasing RET investment both in the short and long run. Simultaneously, the study shows that increasing ICT has a significant and positive impact on RET investment, while declining ICT has a significant negative impact on RET investment in the short and long run.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have advanced the understanding of which factors significantly influence RET investment and the need to concentrate efforts on strategically addressing those factors. The findings indicate that these countries are at the progressive stage in terms of renewable energy; though increasing oil prices contribute to rising RET investment, the countries can be more proactive by improving the full potential of ICT as well as facilitating the growth of their economies.
Dual networks: how does knowledge network embeddedness affect firms' supply chain learning?
Authors: Yan Ji , Yu Zihao , Fernandes Kiran , Xiong Yu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore the mechanism that shapes firms' supply chain learning (SCL) practices, this study examines the relationship between firms' knowledge network embeddedness and their SCL practice in a supply chain network, as well as the moderating role of supply chain network cohesion in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using patent application data and supply chain partner information from 869 listed firms between 2011 and 2020 in China, this study uses fixed-effect regression models to reduce endogeneity problems by controlling for individual heterogeneity effects that cannot be observed over time.

Findings

Firms' knowledge network embeddedness has an inverted U-shaped effect on their SCL, and this non-linear relationship is conditional on supply chain network cohesion, which strengthens (weakens) the positive (negative) effect of knowledge network embeddedness on SCL.

Practical implications

The findings show that managers can reconcile the downsides of knowledge network embeddedness on SCL by fostering greater supply chain network cohesion.

Originality/value

Drawing from the network pluralism perspective, this study contributes to supply chain literature by extending the research context of the antecedents of SCL from a single-network setting to a dual-network setting. It extends the network pluralism perspective by showing that not only positive effects but also negative effects of network embeddedness can transfer from one network to another.
International servitization: theoretical roots, research gaps and implications
Authors: Bıçakcıoğlu-Peynirci Nilay , Morgan Robert E.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

While the servitization concept has gained increasing attention in the domestic marketing literature, there is more limited knowledge with respect to its implications within the international context. The purpose of this paper is to examine the servitization concept in the international context considering its boundary conditions and its effects on firm performance. Relying on the resource-based view and the boundary conditions function, the authors aim to identify a set of research gaps focusing on how strategic resource decisions (i.e. slack resources and digital marketing capabilities) help industrial firms to provide different types of service offerings (i.e. services in support of product (SSPs) and services in support of client's actions (SSCs)) that leverage their performance in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors illustrate international servitization strategies and the boundaries of servitization activities that firms employ through a series of case vignettes. The authors derive a conceptual framework, serving as a guideline for future research endeavors.

Findings

The authors indicate the importance of servitization strategies in international markets and identify eight research gaps, which help to build an agenda for future research. Key differences between international servitization strategies and strategic resource decisions are addressed through illustrative case vignettes from different industries.

Practical implications

The insights from this work inform marketing executives about how international servitization strategies are influential in the context of overseas markets by characterizing the servitization concept and elaborating upon the specific resources and capabilities that underpin its execution in foreign markets.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper provides a comprehensive understanding of international servitization strategies in overseas markets and identifies several research paths that contribute to the complex nature of servitization in the international context and help scholars spot gaps and research questions worthy of investigation.
Mapping and review of self-neglect policies and procedures from safeguarding adults boards in England
Authors: Orr David
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) policies, procedures, guidance and related documents on self-neglect were gathered and analysed, to map what approaches are being taken across England. This paper aims to identify areas of divergence to highlight innovations or challenges faced by SABs.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-neglect documents were identified by searching SAB websites. Data were extracted into a framework enabling synthesis and comparison between documents.

Findings

This paper reports on how English SAB documentation defines self-neglect, treats executive capacity, lays out pathways for self-neglect cases, advises on refusal of service input and multi-agency coordination and draws on theories or tools. Greater coherence in understanding self-neglect has developed since it was brought within safeguarding in 2014; however, variation remains regarding scope, referral pathways and threshold criteria.

Research limitations/implications

This review was limited to published SAB documentation at one point in time and could not consider either the wider context of safeguarding guidance and training or implementation in practice.

Practical implications

This review provides an overview of how SABs are interpreting national guidance and guiding practitioners. The trends and areas of uncertainty identified offer a resource for informed research and policy-making.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first systematic survey of SAB self-neglect policies, procedures and guidance since self-neglect was included under safeguarding.
External corporate governance and assurance of corporate social responsibility reports: evidence from China
Authors: Liu Peiran , Li Ziyang , Luo Peng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to verify whether the legitimate pressure of external forces on heavily polluting firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related behaviors affect firms’ assurance strategy in the Chinese context. The authors argue that, under external pressure, as a source of legitimacy, the assurance over CSR reports allows the business behaviors of heavy polluters to be recognized by society.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper sampled listed heavy polluters in China from 2011 to 2018 and used the multiperiod logit model to examine the effects of external corporate governance on firms’ assurance decisions. Principal component analysis methods were used to construct a comprehensive framework of external corporate governance. The indicators were obtained from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research databases, the NERI Report and the China Urban Statistical Yearbook.

Findings

This paper confirms that external corporate governance positively affects firms’ assurance decisions, and good financial conditions, well-governed internal controls and sufficient government subsidies positively moderate this effect.

Practical implications

The findings provide feasible ways to encourage firms’ high-quality corporate environmental information disclosure, thus providing valuable guidance for policymakers and other stakeholders to effectively supervise firms’ CSR behaviors.

Social implications

The findings are of great importance in encouraging high-quality corporate environmental information disclosures, improving the support of capital markets among developing countries and drawing social attention to the environmental protection and social responsibility of heavy polluters.

Originality/value

The research extends the current research in the field of social environmental accounting by using legitimacy theory to explain firms’ assurance motivations. Additionally, this paper focuses on the practices of assurance services in the emerging economy and provides suggestions for developing assurance over CSR reports.
Managing asymmetrical supply chain relationships: psychological ownership and commitment in the agri-food sector
Authors: Suvanto Hannele , Lähdesmäki Merja
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the authors integrate the psychological ownership theory with the concept of commitment to contribute to the discussion on agricultural supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to examine how farmers experience their commitment to the business relationship with the processor and how this is conveyed through the routes of psychological ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data are based on 14 in-depth face-to-face Finnish farmer interviews. To understand the farmers’ routes to psychological ownership, the critical incidents technique was used.

Findings

According to the three routes to psychological ownership – control, profound knowledge and self-investment – the authors argue that farmers mainly consider their routes to be more or less blocked because of the asymmetrical power and information distribution in the business relationship with the processor. Furthermore, based on farmers’ perceptions of psychological ownership, the authors provide a farmer typology that reflects in the farmers’ willingness to commit to the business relationship. The identified types are named as satisfied, captives and leavers.

Originality/value

By integrating the theory of psychological ownership with the concept of commitment, this study provides a more robust understanding of how farmers experience their commitment to the business relationship, thus, contributing to the literature on supply chain management in the agri-food business context. Implementation of these findings can help business partners to proactively improve their business relationships through the perceived level of commitment and to deal with critical incidents influencing the effectiveness of the whole chain.
Dupilumab‐associated cutaneous adverse events among adult patients with atopic dermatitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Napolitano Maddalena , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Patruno Cataldo
Published: March 2023

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting interleukin (IL) 4 and IL‐13, is approved for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children aged ≥6 years, adolescents, and adults. Both clinical trials and real‐life data demonstrate its efficacy and safety. However, some cutaneous adverse events (cAEs) have been observed during real‐world experiences. The authors’ aim was to analyze the spectrum of cAEs in patients receiving dupilumab for the treatment of AD in a real‐world setting. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for 916 patients (475 males and 541 females; mean age, 50.23 ± 19.66 years [range, 18–91 years]) who had received dupilumab for a minimum of 1 month for the treatment of AD from December 2018 to November 2022 at the Department of Dermatology of University Federico II of Naples (Italy). The mean duration of dupilumab treatment was 27.31 ± 21.26 months. A total of 148 of 916 (16.15%) (90 males; mean age, 50.91 ± 15.34 years) patients reported other cAEs apart of AD flare; namely, facial redness (82 of 916; 8.95%), psoriasis (39 of 916; 4.25%), alopecia areata (11 of 916; 1.2%), skin peeling (11 of 916; 1.2%), parapsoriasis (three of 916; 0.32%), and vitiligo (two of 916; 0.21%). Thirty‐one of 916 (3.38%) patients discontinued dupilumab because of cAEs (18 of 916; 1.96%) for facial redness, 10 of 916 (1.09%) for psoriasis, and three of 916 (0.32%) for parapsoriasis. In our population, most of the cAEs were mild and did not require discontinuation of dupilumab. These findings would enable dermatologists understand the cutaneous side effects of dupilumab better, resulting in improved treatment plan decisions in clinical practice.
Simon of Tournai's Stroke: The Image of an Irate Unbeliever
Authors: Brewer Keagan
Published: March 2023

For centuries after his death in the late twelfth century, Simon of Tournai, a master of theology in the Parisian schools, had a reputation for being an unbeliever punished by God with a stroke. This article gathers the eight known medieval sources for his stroke and examines them from a mythogenetic perspective to demonstrate how different authors writing with different purposes, genres, and biases recast the image of Simon as an unbeliever for their own moral or polemical programs. I argue that since Simon's stroke was interpreted as divine action, presenting him as sinful was required to preserve divine goodness. The article also discusses the representation of Simon as irate as an element of didactic intent against unbelief, blasphemy, pride, anger, and luxuria. The article revises the date of Simon's stroke from c. 1201 to the 1180s or very early 1190s.
Alienated Outsider or Integrated Courtier? Edward Stafford, Third Duke of Buckingham, 1498–1521 and the Royal Court
Authors: ROSS JAMES
Published: March 2023

Edward Stafford, third duke of Buckingham (d. 1521), is a key example in the historiographical interpretation of relations between crown and nobility as difficult and in conflict under the first two Tudor kings, not least because of his execution for treason in 1521. In particular, he has been seen as an outsider at the Tudor court, playing little role there except perhaps on great set‐piece occasions. He was, in this interpretation, unable to adapt to the new role demanded of the nobility by the crown. Yet, drawing on the evidence of his extant and unpublished household accounts, Stafford can be seen to be very regularly at court under both Henry VII and Henry VIII, playing far more than just a ceremonial role, and it was only shortly before his execution that his relationship with Henry VIII soured. The duke's purposes in his attendance at court – service to the king, furtherance of his own business and leisure interests – can be teased out from the accounts, as can relationships with others at court. The study concludes by examining the extent to which the higher nobility expected to be at court and to be influential with the king in the period between 1485 and 1529. An appendix constructs a full itinerary for the duke for 1 April 1506 – 31 March 1507 from the evidence of a household account.
Correlation of the presence of acrolein with higher alcohols, glycerol, and acidity in cachaças
Authors: Alvarenga Gabriela Fontes , de Resende Machado Ana Maria , Barbosa Richard Bispo , Ferreira Vanuzia Rodrigues Fernandes , Santiago Wilder Douglas , Teixeira Maria Luiza , Nelson David Lee , Cardoso Maria das Graças
Published: March 2023

Acrolein is a toxic aldehyde that can be present in various beverages, such as cachaça and other distilled spirits from sugarcane. The objective of this work was to detect and quantify acrolein in samples of cachaça produced by different processes in all regions of Brazil and to evaluate the possible routes of formation of this contaminant from the correlation with other secondary compounds present in the beverage using principal component analysis. Approximately 27.0% of the samples analyzed were outside the limit established by Brazilian legislation for this contaminant, with an average acrolein concentration of 14.01 mg 100 mL−1 anhydrous alcohol (aa). In the other samples, the average concentration was 0.97 mg 100 mL−1 aa. After selecting the variables that most closely correlated with the presence of acrolein in beverages, a positive correlation was found with the presence of butan‐2‐ol, propan‐1‐ol and volatile acids, and a slight correlation with the presence of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the presence of acrolein in cachaça can be associated with contamination of the fermentation must by bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, as a result of the chemical degradation and enzymatic conversion of the glycerol produced during fermentation.
Flooding and the interannual variability of hydrologic quantities in the Missouri River basin
Authors: Ibrahim Hamed D. , Wuebbles Donald J.
Published: March 2023

The six mainstem reservoirs in the Missouri River basin (MRB) are managed mainly to prevent flooding from snowmelt and heavy rainfall, a goal for which the interannual variabilities of precipitation (), evapotranspiration (), and surface air temperature () are vitally important. We tested the hypothesis that under the expected higher variability owing to global climate change, the months with the highest contributions to the interannual variability of , , and in the MRB will remain unchanged and quantified likely temporal trends in these quantities. Using high‐resolution, downscaled Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 multi‐model ensemble data sets, we compared the multi‐year ratio of monthly and annual interannual variability and temporal trends in , , and during 2011–2020 with three future decades. Results showed that the 6 months with the highest interannual variability in and (April–September) are the same in all four decades. However, for , only 4 months (December–March) retain their status as highly variable throughout the four decades; September and October variability is exceeded by the variability in other months. This implies that, compared to and , the cyclical change in the probabilities of in the MRB is less stable under future global climate change. This finding can be used to consider the need to alter existing strategies for reservoir release while minimizing the likelihood of aggravating flooding below the reservoirs.
The Aadhaar battle: Why some players in the corporate world needed a biometric ID?
Authors: Belorgey Nicolas
Published: March 2023

In the era of surveillance capitalism (Zuboff, 2019), the deployment of a digital and biometric ID, named Aadhaar (‘foundation’ in Hindi), in India from 2009 onwards, strongly disputed but spreading in many Southern countries, deserves special attention. The present text relies on grey literature and a multi‐sited ethnography of the project. It addresses a gap in the literature: The reasons why some players (and which ones) in the corporate world needed a digital and biometric ID in the 2000s. The study identified three key motivations: being able to link databases to extract behavioural surplus, especially in the South which lacked ‘cookies’ as universal personal identifiers; find new markets for biometric technologies, and possibly new populations to register for northern governments; and also find a way to recover from the 2008 economic crisis. This text is the first of a series that reviews the Aadhaar project.
RWMAs in critically ill patients with non‐obstructed coronary arteries
Authors: Rosen‐Wetterholm Elin , Cavefors Oscar , Redfors Björn , Ricksten Sven‐Erik , Omerovic Elmir , Polte Christian L. , Oras Jonatan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is estimated to occur in 10%–25% of the general intensive care unit (ICU) population and is frequently seen as regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Although RWMA is mostly attributed to myocardial ischemia or infarction, some studies have suggested that nonischemic RWMA might also be prevalent. We sought to establish that RWMA can be seen in critically ill patients with normal coronary arteries and to explore reasons for RWMA in this population.

Methods

In this retrospective study, data from the hospital angiography register and the ICU register were collated between 2012 and 2019. Patients were identified who underwent angiography in conjunction with their ICU stay and had RWMA on echocardiography. Patients were divided into either those with non‐obstructed or those with obstructed coronary arteries. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) examinations were reviewed if they had been performed on patients with non‐obstructed coronaries.

Results

We identified 53 patients with RWMA and non‐obstructed coronary arteries and 204 patients with RWMA and obstructed coronary arteries. Patients with non‐obstructed coronary arteries were more often female, younger, and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors. They less commonly had ST elevation, but more frequently had T‐wave inversion or serious arrhythmias. Troponin levels were higher in patients with obstructed coronary arteries, but NT‐proBNP was similar between the groups. There were no differences in risk‐adjusted 90‐day mortality between patients with non‐obstructed versus obstructed coronary arteries (OR 1.21, [95% CI 0.56–2.64], p = .628). In those with non‐obstructed coronary arteries, follow‐up echocardiography was available for 38 patients, of whom 30 showed normalization of cardiac function. Of the 14 patients with non‐obstructed coronary arteries on whom cMRI was performed, 7 had a tentative diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome or myocardial stunning; 4 had a myocardial infarction (preexisting in 3 cases); 1 patient had acute myocarditis; 1 patient had post‐myocarditis; and 1 patient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

RWMA can be seen to occur in critically ill patients in the absence of coronary artery obstruction. Several conditions can cause regional hypokinesia, and cMRI is useful to evaluate the underlying etiology.
Do Investors Perceive the Link Between Equity Method Earnings and Future Earnings? The Role of Supplemental Disclosures
Authors: Farnsel Curtis
Published: March 2023

Equity method investments are commonly a material component of a firm's corporate structure, yet these investments are presented to financial statement users through opaque financial reporting. This study demonstrates that the link between equity method earnings and future earnings is stronger than the link between consolidated earnings and future earnings, consistent with the synergistic and diversification benefits of equity method investments. Next, this study demonstrates a limitation in the opaque reporting of equity method investments by revealing that the market fails to fully incorporate into prices the link between equity method earnings and future earnings. Further, this study contributes to the active debate among practitioners and regulators about the usefulness of supplemental disclosure requirements related to equity method investments. Results indicate that supplemental equity method investment disclosures aid the market in impounding the persistence of equity method earnings into share price.
Does selective inhibition training reduce relapse rates when added to standard treatment of alcohol use disorder? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schenkel Edwin J. , Schöneck Robert , Wiers Reinout W. , Veling Harm , Becker Eni S. , Lindenmeyer Johannes , Rinck Mike
Published: March 2023

Background

Alcohol‐dependent individuals tend to selectively approach alcohol cues in the environment, demonstrating an alcohol approach bias. Because approach bias modification (ApBM) training can reduce the approach bias and decrease relapse rates in alcohol‐dependent patients when added to abstinence‐focused treatment, it has become a part of regular treatment. Moreover, in selective inhibition (SI) training, responses to one category of stimuli (i.e., alcohol stimuli) are selectively inhibited in an adapted Go/No‐Go task. SI‐Training has been found to effectively devalue the inhibited category and to reduce consumption of alcohol among social drinkers. This study investigated whether SI‐Training can further improve the effects of treatment as usual that includes ApBM, and if so, whether the effect is mediated by a devaluation of the inhibited alcohol stimuli.

Methods

Abstinent alcohol‐dependent inpatients (N=434) were randomly assigned to receive 6 sessions of either active (n = 214, 32% female) or sham (n = 220, 38% female) SI‐Training, in addition to standard treatment that includes active ApBM. Ratings were used to assess changes in the evaluation of alcohol stimuli after the training. Relapse rates were assessed 3 and 12 months after treatment discharge.

Results

Alcohol stimuli were rated negatively before and after the training, and the training did not influence these ratings. Evaluation of nonalcoholic drinks became more positive after active SI‐Training. Both ApBM and SI‐Training showed the expected training effects on reaction times. Contrary to expectations, SI‐Training conditions did not yield different abstinence rates 3 or 12 months after treatment.

Conclusions

We found no evidence supporting the hypothesis that SI‐Training amplifies the relapse‐preventing effect of ApBM. Moreover, alcohol stimuli were rated negatively before and after treatment and were not influenced by SI‐Training.
The day‐of‐the‐month effect and the performance of the dollar cost averaging strategy: Evidence from China
Authors: Jin Xuejun , Li Hongze , Yu Bin
Published: March 2023

Dollar cost averaging (DCA) is a popular strategy adopted by investors who recognise the difficulty in consistently timing the market. Using a sample of open‐ended equity mutual funds in China from 2004 to 2020, this study investigates a calendar anomaly not yet documented – the day‐of‐the‐month effect for monthly mutual fund DCA investment. We find that DCA investment in the first 5 days of each month could generate an annualised style‐adjusted return of 0.35% more than in the remaining days. The results hold for subsamples of different fund styles, especially for growth funds. Moreover, the effects of earnings announcement, holidays and fund tournaments contribute to the DCA calendar anomaly. Robustness checks support our main findings.
Radioimmunotherapy with 131I‐rituximab for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular or mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Jang Yoon Jung , Lim Sang Moo , Lee Inki , Byun Byung Hyun , Lim Ilhan , Kim Byung Il , Choi Chang Woon , Lee Seung‐Sook , Suh Cheolwon , Yoon Dok Hyun , Kim Inho , Nam Seung‐Hyun , Lee Mark Hong , Won Jong Ho , Kong Jee Hyun , Jeong Seong Hyun , Oh Suk Joong , Park Keon Woo , Han Jae Joon , Song Moo‐Kon , Yang Sung Hyun , Na Im Il , Lee Hyo‐Rak , Shin Dong‐Yeop , Kang Hye Jin
Published: March 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 131I‐rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular or mantle cell lymphoma.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients with relapsed or refractory follicular or mantle cell lymphoma were administered unlabeled rituximab (70 mg) immediately before receiving a therapeutic dose of 131I‐rituximab. Contrast‐enhanced 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was used a month later to assess tumor response.

Results

This study enrolled 24 patients between June 2012 and 2022. Depending on how they responded to radioimmunotherapy (RIT), 131I‐rituximab was administered one to five times. Of the 24 patients, 9 achieved complete response after RIT and 8 achieved partial response. The median progression‐free and overall survival was 5.9 and 37.9 months, respectively. During the follow‐up period of 64.2 months, three patients were diagnosed with a secondary malignancy. Among treatment‐related adverse events, hematologic toxicities were common, and grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were reported in 66.6% of cases.

Conclusion

131I‐rituximab has an effective and favorable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. This suggests that RIT may also be considered a treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
Finding a safe space: Denning range dynamics of African wild dogs in Zimbabwe
Authors: Comley Jessica , Wijers Matthew , Leslie Alison Jane , Groom Rosemary Joy , Watermeyer Jessica Patricia
Published: March 2023

African wild dogs utilise a den for ~10–12 weeks after birthing, during which home ranges are contracted and usually in areas away from roads and water sources, with low prey and predator abundances, high terrain ruggedness and vegetation cover. Our study in Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC) investigated which ecological and environmental factors determine the selection of denning areas and behaviours. Camera trap data collected from four den grids and three random den grids were analysed using binomial generalised linear and occupancy models. Denning wild dogs preferred areas with higher kudu and impala presence and areas closer to roads and water sources. Wild dogs may den in areas we perceive as riskier in an attempt to reduce energy expenditure when hunting. The detection of wild dogs strongly decreased with higher lion presence, while increasing with steeper slopes, higher vegetation cover and leopard presence. Given lion habitat preferences, SVC wild dogs could be using areas which reduce their exposure to lions, while solitary leopards do not necessarily pose a risk to wild dog packs. Our study highlights that the denning behaviours of wild dogs may be inconsistent both within and among populations, and that comprehensive research approaches be taken to understand their denning behaviours, assisting the development of appropriate management/conservation strategies.
Bioethics and the thorny question of diversity: The example of Qatar‐based institutions hosting the World Congress of Bioethics 2024
Authors: Ghaly Mohammed , El Akoum Maha , Afdhal Sultana
Published: March 2023

In 2022, the Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE) and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) submitted a proposal to host the 17th edition of the World Congress of Bioethics. After announcing that the CILE‐WISH proposal was the winning bid, concerns were raised by bioethicists based in Europe and the USA. To address these concerns, the International Association of Bioethics (IAB) developed a dedicated FAQ section, in coordination with the host institutions, for the first time in IAB history. One‐to‐one communication ensued and individual responses were shared with these colleagues. As a continuation of this conversation, we (CILE Acting Director, WISH Research Fellow and Head of Content, and WISH CEO) address the concerns raised in the Letter‐to‐the‐Editor of Bioethics by Graaf et al. As we support the call to revisit some contentious issues within the global community of bioethicists, we maintain that this should be based on meticulously discussed, informed, consistent and equitable criteria. We also argue that mutual learning from diverse cultures and moral traditions is the optimal way for our scholarly community to be truly global and to eschew the flaws ensuing from ethnocentric discourses.