bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assigning functionality to cysteines by base editing of cancer dependency genes
Authors: Li Haoxin , Remsberg Jarrett R. , Won Sang Joon , Zhao Kevin T. , Huang Tony P. , Lu Bingwen , Simon Gabriel M. , Liu David R. , Cravatt Benjamin F.
Published: November 2022

Chemical probes are lacking for most human proteins. Covalent chemistry represents an attractive strategy for expanding the ligandability of the proteome, and chemical proteomics has revealed numerous electrophile-reactive cysteines on diverse proteins. Determining which of these covalent binding events impact protein function, however, remains challenging. Here, we describe a base-editing strategy to infer the functionality of cysteines by quantifying the impact of their missense mutation on cell proliferation. We show that the resulting atlas, which covers >13,800 cysteines on >1,750 cancer dependency proteins, correctly predicts the essentiality of cysteines targeted by cancer therapeutics and, when integrated with chemical proteomic data, identifies essential, ligandable cysteines on >110 cancer dependency proteins. We further demonstrate how measurements of reactivity in native versus denatured proteomes can discriminate essential cysteines amenable to chemical modification from those buried in protein structures, providing a valuable resource to prioritize the pursuit of small-molecule probes with high function-perturbing potential.
Quadratic computations maintain neural specificity to natural stimuli across stages of visual processing
Authors: Rowekamp Ryan J. , Sharpee Tatyana
Published: November 2022

Despite recent successes in machine vision, artificial recognition systems continue to be less robust than biological systems. The brittleness of artificial recognition system has been attributed to the linearity of the core operation that matches inputs to target patterns at each stage of the system. Here we analyze responses of neurons from the visual areas V1, V2, and V4 of the brain using the framework that incorporates quadratic computations into multi-stage models. These quadratic computations make it possible to capture local recurrent computation, and in particular, nonlinear suppressive interactions between visual features. We find that incorporating quadratic computation not only strongly improved predictive power of the resulting model, but also revealed several computation motifs that increased the selectivity of neural responses to natural stimuli. These motifs included the organization of excitatory and suppressive features along mutually exclusive hypotheses about incoming stimuli, such as orthogonal orientations or opposing motion directions. The balance between excitatory and suppressive features was largely maintained across brain regions. These results emphasize the importance and properties of quadratic computations that are necessary for achieving robust object recognition.
The effect of context congruency on fMRI repetition suppression for objects
Authors: Li Chenglin , Ficco Linda , Trapp Sabrina , Rostalski Sophie-Marie , Korn Lukas , Kovács Gyula
Published: November 2022

The recognition of objects is strongly facilitated when they are presented in the context of other objects (Biederman, 1972). Such contexts facilitate perception and induce expectations of context-congruent objects (Trapp & Bar, 2015). The neural mechanisms underlying these facilitatory effects of context on object processing, however, are not yet fully understood. In the present study, we investigate how context-induced expectations affect subsequent object processing. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and measured repetition suppression, a proxy for prediction error processing, for pairs of alternating or repeated object images, preceded by context-congruent, context-incongruent or neutral cues. We found a stronger repetition suppression in congruent as compared to incongruent or neutral cues in the object sensitive lateral occipital cortex. Interestingly, this effect was driven by enhanced responses to alternating stimulus pairs in the congruent contexts. In addition, in the congruency condition, we discovered significant functional connectivity between object-responsive and frontal cortical regions, as well as between object-responsive regions and the fusiform gyrus. Our findings unravel the neural mechanisms underlying context facilitation.
Auditors' response to regulators during COVID-19: disclosures of key audit matters
Authors: Rainsbury Elizabeth , Bandara Saman , Perera Ahesha
Published: November 2022

Purpose

New Zealand regulatory bodies guided preparers and auditors of financial statements to deal with potential COVID-19 impacts on the financial statements and audit procedures. This study provides evidence of auditors' response to the impact of COVID-19 on the reporting of key audit matters (KAMs) in audit reports of listed companies in New Zealand. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 50 New Zealand listed companies was selected to compare the KAMs in 2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020 (during COVID-19). The study uses content analysis to evaluate the KAMs’ disclosures and descriptive analysis to examine the differences between 2019 and 2020 in terms of the auditor type, industry sector and accounting standards.

Findings

Auditors responded positively to the request from regulators to communicate the impacts of COVID-19. The findings show an increase in the amount and length of KAMs in 2020 compared to 2019, with 82% of companies and 61% of KAMs reporting the impact of COVID-19. The real estate and information technology sectors disclosed more on the impact than other sectors. In analysing the KAMs, accounting standards for inventories, property plant and equipment, impairment of assets, investment property, revenue from contracts with customers and leases were highly affected by COVID-19.

Practical implications

The findings support regulators to evaluate how well auditors communicated matters relating to COVID-19 in the audit report. Also, the findings will help standard setters to identify key accounting standards affected by COVID-19 of KAMs and provide insights to users on how the KAM reporting enhances communicative value during the pandemic.

Originality/value

The current study captures the impact of COVID-19 on the reporting of KAMs by comparing changes before and during the pandemic.
The influences of organizational contexts on business continuity management
Authors: Vanichchinchai Assadej
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research examines the influences of organizational contexts (i.e. firm size, international level, tier level, export level, product brand and IATF 16949 - an international quality management certification in the automotive industry) on business continuity management (BCM) (i.e. leadership, strategy, planning, application and maintenance).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 216 automotive parts manufacturers in Thailand. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The study found that firm size, international level, tier level, export level and product brand had significant positive impacts on overall BCM and every component, except for the insignificant effect of tier level on strategy. IATF 16949 had insignificant impacts on overall BCM and all components, except for maintenance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first research studies to investigate the influences of organizational characteristics on business continuity management.
Is there a theory of supply chain resilience? A bibliometric analysis of the literature
Authors: Castillo Cristian
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify the past, present and future lines of research in the supply chain resilience (SCRES) literature and to answer the question of whether resilience is “just another” supply chain (SC) concept or if it constitutes its own theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves a bibliometric analysis of 1,596 research articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection™ database between 2004 and 2021, with a focus on: publications and citations per year, co-citations of articles and authors, co-occurrences of the keywords used and thematic development. Seven SCRES experts have also analysed and discussed the research results.

Findings

The results show how resilience has become one of the main thematic blocks of SC research in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 62.04% increase in academic publications. Despite the abundant literature, there is still no overarching theory of SCRES. One possible hindrance to the creation of such a theory is the variety of existing definitions and models of SCRES. This research identifies this as a shortcoming that future studies should address. As the results show, the combination of SCRES with other fields, such as engineering and ecology, can help in constructing a global theory of SCRES.

Originality/value

Bibliometric analysis is used to confirm the SCRES literature gap in the development of an overarching theory, although resilience constitutes one of the main thematic blocks of the SC literature.
Beyond QALYs and DALYs: factoring in the well-being effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome
Authors: Mendoza Roger Lee
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the use and relevance of WALYs (well-being-adjusted life years) in light of the utilitarian premises of neoclassical economics that continue to dominate health outcomes evaluation. QALYs (quality-adjusted life years) and DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) measure longevity and quality of life in terms of purely health-related aspects and outcomes of medical interventions. However, evaluative questions of subjective well-being may be equally important in comparing outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase online search strategy for refereed research on dry eye treatment with omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) was adopted. Phase I aimed to identify and contrast clinical parameters of efficacy in omega-3 dietary supplementation. Phase II aimed to find a preference-based, multi-attribute utility instrument specific and sensitive enough to dry eye and its consequences on patients’ subjective well-being. We then illustrate how WALYs can be conceptualized and calculated based on the search results.

Findings

Empiric therapies like omega-3s can be assessed in terms of reducing or relieving symptomatic discomfort and pain, and enabling the patient to enjoy life and derive satisfaction from daily activities. We find in VisQoL (Vision and Quality of Life Index) a viable alternative to conventional multi-attribute utility instruments, including those typically used in QALY and DALY calculations. Clinical efficacy indices of dry eye can be linked to VisQoL’s quality of life dimensions. Differently weighted outcomes can be aggregated. And WALYs per patient per year can be computed by scaling aggregated outcomes to match the WALY rating scale. The implications of subjective well-being for both patient and society can thus be approached from a broader and richer perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in pharmaceutical outcomes valuation and marketing. It offers a framework for analyzing life satisfaction and well-being among dry eye patients under treatment. It is also the first to use and adapt a multi-attribute utility measure to treatment outcomes of omega-3s in ocular diseases, from which this study suggests WALYs may be computed. However, it does not suggest that WALYs should supplant QALYs and DALYs in evaluating health outcomes. Medical economics is enriched if alternative methods of outcomes evaluations can help fill in the gaps in existing paradigms and do so by accounting for other effects of condition-specific interventions. Costs and benefits of interventions to the individual and society can then be valued not just more effectively, but also more equitably.
Effect of social capital and transaction cost on multifaceted opportunism in manufacturer-supplier relationship
Authors: Mungra Yogesh , Yadav Prabhat Kumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

A successful relationship between manufacturer and supplier is vital for the pursuit of mutual benefits, which can be affected by one of the partners’ opportunistic behavior, causing disequilibrium in the existing relationship. The extant research has mainly focused on opportunism as a single phenomenon rather than the detectable strong form and unnoticeable weak form of opportunistic behavior in an exchange relationship that affects the relational outcomes in various ways. This study aims to contribute toward explaining the effect of economic and social forces on a strong and a weak form of opportunism and, in turn, its impact on relational outcomes in manufacturer-supplier relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 361 manufacturers was drawn randomly using a sampling frame from the western part of India. The authors used covariance-based structural equation modeling to support the proposed model empirically. The authors examined the effect of social capital and transaction cost dimensions on different forms of a supplier’s opportunism.

Findings

All three dimensions of social capital have a different impact on both the forms of a supplier’s opportunism in the relationship. The authors found that social capital moderates the relationship between transaction-specific investments on a weak form of opportunism, while social capital is more valuable in curbing opportunism due to the effect of environmental uncertainty and behavioral uncertainty. The authors found that the supplier’s weak form of opportunism than the strong form has a more amplifying effect on governance costs.

Originality/value

This research contributes in three different ways. First, it inquires about the direct effect of transaction cost dimensions and social capital dimensions on a supplier’s multifaceted opportunism (strong form and weak form) in the manufacturer-supplier relationship. Second, it investigates the moderating effect of social capital on the relationship between transaction cost dimensions and forms of supplier opportunism. Third, the weak form of a supplier’s opportunism affects more significantly than the strong form of opportunism on governance costs.
Determining the best ship loading strategy during military deployments
Authors: Longhorn Dave C. , Baybordi Shelby V. , Van Dyke Joel T. , Winter Austin W. , Jakes Christopher L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine ship loading strategies during large-scale military deployments. Ships are usually loaded to a stowage goal of about 65% of the ship's capacity. The authors identify how much cargo to load onto ships for each sailing and propose lower stowage goals that could improve the delivery of forces during the deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct several mixed integer programs to identify optimal ship loading strategies that minimize delivery timelines for notional, but realistic, problem variables. The authors study the relative importance of these variables using experimental designs, regressions, correlations and chi-square tests of the empirical results.

Findings

The research specifies the conditions during which ships should be light loaded, i.e. loaded to less than 65% of total capacity. Empirical results show cargo delivered up to 16% faster with a light-loaded strategy compared to fully loaded ships.

Research limitations/implications

This work assumes deterministic sailing times and ship loading times. Also, all timing aspects of the problem are estimated to the nearest natural number of days.

Practical implications

This research provides important new insights about optimal ship loading strategies, which were not previously quantified. More importantly, logistics planners could use these insights to reduce sealift delivery timelines during military deployments.

Originality/value

Most ship routing and scheduling problems minimize costs as the primary goal. This research identifies the situations in which ships transporting military forces should be light loaded, thereby trading efficiency for effectiveness, to enable faster overall delivery of unit equipment to theater seaports.
Understanding customers’ interactive experience in immersive performing art: a narrative transportation perspective
Authors: Wu Xuanjin , Zhang Meng , Shi Si
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The increasing popularity of immersive activities (e.g. immersive performing art (IPA) at tourism destinations calls for the need to understand customers’ immersive experiences and its impact on their attitudes and behavioral intentions. This study aims to conceptualize customers’ interactive experience in IPA and systematically examine how interaction in IPA experience shapes customers’ word-of-mouth (WOM) intention and thus generates business values for destination managers.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step mixed-methods approach was used. The qualitative study was adopted to identify the salient dimensions of interaction in IPA experience and develop a context-specific measurement scale. Structural equation modeling approach was applied to test the theoretical model using partial least squares 3.3.0.

Findings

The results indicated that the three dimensions of interaction in IPA experience (i.e. parasocial interaction, narrative interaction and environmental interaction) are positively related to customers’ experiences of narrative transportation and self-expansion related to the IPA, which further influence their WOM intention.

Originality/value

This study considers IPA as an emerging form of immersive tourism activities and conceptualizes its interactive nature, and contributes to the understanding of how customers’ interactive experience helps them construct meanings through narrative transportation, and offers valuable guidance for IPA designers and destination management organizations.
When the stars align: how to accelerate the implementation of human capital strategies through multi-project initiatives
Authors: Holland Amanda
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate why a people-focused strategy is vital to ensuring the successful implementation of large-scale organizational change initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shares insights gained from the creation of a “Program Acceleration Office,” which saw the bringing together of 15 different organizations and aligning their implementation of workforce-related policies and procedures to foster employee buy-in and to care for the different needs of the individuals in these organizations. This aimed to support the transition of government employees in the State of Alaska to a remote and hybrid working environment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Project managers are motivated to ensure the successful implementation of their projects. This creates a powerful internal focus, i.e. what is happening at a project-level. However, when an organization requires a multi-project, multidisciplinary program of activity, this internal focus can become a derailer with opportunities missed to optimize total resource utilization, reduce overall program costs, minimize organizational disruption and appropriately synchronize or sequence implementation. The creation of a dedicated “Program Acceleration Office” enabled the State of Alaska to implement broad, transformational changes to the fundamental way work was accomplished. The multi-projects were centered around human capital strategies, and this meant focusing on ensuring the workforce have a positive experience during and after this transition so that the changes would be sustainable.

Originality/value

By prioritizing workforce involvement through this multi-project, collaborative approach, complex workforce-related projects have a better chance of success. The findings will help organizations accelerate this implementation and return on investment of synchronous, complex, multi-project, multidisciplinary programs.
Angiotensin receptor blockade with olmesartan alleviates brain pathology in obese OLETF rats
Authors: Rodriguez‐Ortiz Carlos J. , Thorwald Max A. , Rodriguez Ruben , Mejias‐Ortega Marina , Kieu Zanett , Maitra Neilabjo , Hawkins Charlesice , Valenzuela Joanna , Peng Marcus , Nishiyama Akira , Ortiz Rudy M. , Kitazawa Masashi
Published: November 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a rapidly increasing health concern during midlife and is an emerging risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). While angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are widely used for MetS‐associated hypertension and kidney disease, its therapeutic potential in the brain during MetS are not well‐described. Here, we tested whether treatment with ARB could alleviate the brain pathology and inflammation associated with MetS using the Otsuka Long–Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rat. Here, we report that chronic ARB treatment with olmesartan (10 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 6 weeks) partially but significantly ameliorated accumulation of oxidized and ubiquitinated proteins, astrogliosis and transformation to neurotoxic astrocytes in the brain of old OLETF rats, which otherwise exhibit the progression of these pathological hallmarks associated with MetS. Additionally, olmesartan treatment restored claudin‐5 and ZO‐1, markers of the structural integrity of the blood–brain barrier as well as synaptic protein PSD‐95, which were otherwise decreased in old OLETF rats, particularly in the hippocampus, a critical region in cognition, memory and AD. These data demonstrate that the progression of MetS in OLETF rats is associated with deterioration of various aspects of neuronal integrity that may manifest neurodegenerative conditions and that overactivation of angiotensin receptor directly or indirectly contributes to these detriments. Thus, olmesartan treatment may slow or delay the onset of degenerative process in the brain and subsequent neurological disorders associated with MetS.
Sexuality education and religion: From dialogue to conversation
Authors: Henry Seán , Heyes Joshua M
Published: November 2022

The relationship between sexuality education and religion is often framed antagonistically, especially when it comes to tensions between the teaching of sexuality education and the priorities of some religious communities. In this paper, we argue that this antagonism can be structured as much by the prevalent forms of engagement that display it (dialogue and debate), as it is by the antagonism between contrasting ethical systems. While we acknowledge the importance of debate and dialogue in the public sphere, we contend that appeals to these discursive forms in schools and classrooms can limit possibilities for rethinking engagements across sexuality education and religion. This is because of the tendency within certain manifestations of dialogue (for example, dialogical models connected to liberal political projects) to err on the side of predictability, rationality and abstraction. To address some of these limits, we draw on the recent turn to conversation in educational thinking. We think through the significance of conversation in offering a mode of engagement for students, teachers and school communities that is conditioned by the dispossession of the self and is attuned to the unpredictable, affective and contextual landscapes of shared encounters. We conclude with some thoughts on the practical implications of conversation for rethinking the role of the sexuality education teacher, practices of parental consultation and processes of policy enactment in schools.
The Genesis of the Cult of Trotsky in the Russian Civil War
Authors: REZNIK ALEXANDER V.
Published: November 2022

From 1914 onwards, leader‐centric imagery became a prominent component of hegemonic Russian political discourse, and these early cults of military and political leaders served as inspiration for later veneration of Lenin and Stalin. The case of Leon Trotsky, a top leader of the Red Army and the Soviet state, is of crucial importance for understanding the political universe of the revolutionary era. However, among the many biographies of Trotsky, including those which focus heavily on his Civil War‐era political activities, few consider how the symbolic image of Trotsky was manifested in political communication. This article addresses the genesis of the Trotsky cult in its early stage during the Russian Civil War, asking who and how participated in the formation of the cult, and what its meanings were in the context of the revolutionary milieu. Based on an analysis of dominant narratives in the Soviet press, including Trotsky's personal newspaper, as well as of the language of the people's letters to the leader, the article concludes that the cult‐building is best understood as a part of multiple, local, often individual initiatives, rather than as a conscious, well‐coordinated, top‐down political propaganda strategy of Soviet officials.
Organizational decision‐making during COVID‐19: A qualitative analysis of the organizational decision‐making system in the United States during COVID‐19
Authors: Johnson Karl , Biddell Caitlin B. , Hecht Hillary K. , Lich Kristen H. , Swann Julie , Delamater Paul , Mayorga Maria , Ivy Julie , Smith Raymond L. , Patel Mehul D.
Published: November 2022

This study sought to understand COVID‐19‐related organizational decisions were made across sectors. To gain this understanding, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with organizational decision‐makers in North Carolina about their experiences responding to COVID‐19. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the context, inputs, and processes involved in decision‐making. Between October 2020 and February 2021, we interviewed 44 decision‐makers from the following sectors: business (n = 4), community non‐profit (n = 3), county government (n = 4), healthcare (n = 5), local public health (n = 5), public safety (n = 7), religious (n = 6), education (n = 7) and transportation (n = 3). We found that during the pandemic, organizations looked to scientific authorities, the decisions of peer organizations, data about COVID‐19, and their own experience with prior crises. Interpretation of inputs was informed by current political events, societal trends, and organization mission. Decision‐makers had to account for divergent internal opinions and community behaviour. To navigate inputs and contextual factors, organizations decentralized decision‐making authority, formed auxiliary decision‐making bodies, learned to resolve internal conflicts, learned in real time from their crisis response, and routinely communicated decisions with their communities. In conclusion, aligned with systems and contingency theories of decision‐making, decision‐making during COVID‐19 depended on an organization's ‘fit’ within the specifics of their existing system and their ability to orient the dynamics of that system to their own goals.
Protein‐binding approaches for improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins
Authors: Wu Haizhou , Oliveira Gabriel , Lila Mary Ann
Published: November 2022

Color is an important characteristic of food. Over the last 15 years, more attention has been paid to natural colorants because of the rising demand for clean‐label food products. Anthocyanins, which are a group of phytochemicals responsible for the purple, blue or red hues of many plants, offer a market advantage. In addition, anthocyanin‐rich foods are associated with protection against cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, diabetes, cancer, microbial‐based disorders, neurological disorders, and vision ailments. However, the real health value of anthocyanins, whether as a natural colorant or a functional ingredient, is dependent on the ultimate bioaccessibility and bioavailability in the human body. Many animal and human clinical studies revealed that, after intake of anthocyanin‐rich foods or anthocyanin extracts, only trace amounts (< 1% of ingested content) of anthocyanins or their predicted metabolites were detected in plasma after a standard blood draw, which was indicative of low bioavailability of anthocyanins. Protein binding to anthocyanins is a strategy that has recently been reported to enhance the ultimate bioactivity, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of anthocyanins as compared to anthocyanins delivered without a protein carrier. Therefore, in this review, we address anthocyanin properties in food processing and digestion, anthocyanin‐protein complexes used in food matrices, and changes in the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins when bound into anthocyanin‐protein complexes in foods. Finally, we summarize the challenges and prospects of this delivery system for anthocyanin pigments.
An eleven‐year retrospective case–control study of patients with pulmonary embolism after major surgeries
Authors: Lai Kai‐ming , Wong Kevin Ka‐fai , Leung Siu‐kee
Published: November 2022

Aim

To investigate the clinical presentation, the risk factors and clinical outcomes in post‐operative pulmonary embolism in General Surgery patients.

Method

Data from the Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Program on all major and ultra‐major surgeries from the Department of Surgery of the New Territories West Cluster of Hospital Authority from July 2008 to June 2019 were reviewed. Clinical information and case notes during hospitalization of patients with pulmonary embolism were reviewed.

Demographics, past medical history, drug history, pre‐operative condition, operative parameters and post‐operative events of patients were analysed. Subgroup analyses for emergency and elective operations were performed. Significant risk factors were further analysed by using multivariate Cox regression to adjust for potential confounding factors.

Results

A total number of 20 572 patients were reviewed; 34 patients (0.17%) were diagnosed post‐operative pulmonary embolism with CT pulmonary angiogram. The most common clinical presentation was dyspnoea or desaturation (61.8%), followed by tachycardia (50.0%). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was present in 17.6% of patients. 30‐day overall mortality rate was 14.7%.

Disseminated malignancy (16.7% vs 2.4%; p = .034) and cancer operation (83.3% vs 41.2%; p = .005) were associated with more post‐operative pulmonary embolism in subgroup analysis of elective operations.

Upon multivariate Cox regression analyses, increased age (odds ratio = 1.037; 95% confidence interval = 1.009–1.066; p = .010), post‐operative renal events (odds ratio = 3.639; 95% confidence interval = 1.465–9.038; p = .005) and surgical complications required interventional radiology drainage within 30 days (odds ratio = 6.306; 95% confidence interval = 2.463–16.144; p < .001) were significantly associated with more post‐operative pulmonary embolism.

Conclusion

The most common clinical presentation of post‐operative pulmonary embolism was dyspnoea or desaturation (61.8%), followed by tachycardia (50.0%). DVT was present 17.6% of patients. 30‐day overall mortality rate was 14.7%. Increased age, malignancy, post‐operative infection and post‐operative renal events were associated with more post‐operative pulmonary embolism.
Early detection of lipid oxidation in infant milk formula by measuring free oxylipins—Comparison with hydroperoxide value and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance methods
Authors: Ferraz Teixeira Bianca , Furlan Gonçalves Dias Fernanda , Ferreira de Souza Vieira Thais Maria , Y. Taha Ameer , Leite Nobrega de Moura Bell Juliana Maria
Published: November 2022

Infant milk formula was used as a model food to compare the sensitivity of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxide methods to UPLC‐MS/MS oxylipin analysis for detecting early lipid oxidation. Two different infant milk formulas were tested during 21 days of storage at 4°C. Formulas 1 and 2 contained canola oil and canola oil + 1% docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester, respectively. Formulas were sampled up to 21 days of storage. Formula 2 had higher peroxide values than Formula 1 across all time points. However, no significant differences over time in TBARS and peroxide values in either formula were observed. Several oxylipins increased in both formulas starting on day 7 (linoleic acid and alpha‐linolenic acid‐derived oxylipins in Formula 1 and DHA‐derived oxylipins in Formula 2). These results indicate that free oxylipins are effective in detecting early lipid oxidation and distinguishing between formulations containing different fatty acids.

Practical Application

We have recently shown that primary oxidation products known as oxylipins can be measured in their free form by ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) to detect early lipid oxidation. However, a head‐to‐head comparison of the sensitivity of this approach to conventional spectrophotometric methods has not been evaluated. Our results indicate that free oxylipin measurements are better than conventional methods in detecting early lipid oxidation in milk infant formula  distinguishing between different formulations.
Can CNN‐based species classification generalise across variation in habitat within a camera trap survey?
Authors: Norman Danielle L. , Bischoff Philipp H. , Wearn Oliver R. , Ewers Robert M. , Rowcliffe J. Marcus , Evans Benjamin , Sethi Sarab , Chapman Philip M. , Freeman Robin
Published: November 2022

Camera trap surveys are a popular ecological monitoring tool that produce vast numbers of images making their annotation extremely time‐consuming. Advances in machine learning, in the form of convolutional neural networks, have demonstrated potential for automated image classification, reducing processing time. These networks often have a poor ability to generalise, however, which could impact assessments of species in habitats undergoing change.

Here, we (i) compare the performance of three network architectures in identifying species in camera trap images taken from tropical forest of varying disturbance intensities; (ii) explore the impacts of training dataset configuration; (iii) use habitat disturbance categories to investigate network generalisability and (iv) test whether classification performance and generalisability improve when using images cropped to bounding boxes.

Overall accuracy (72.8%) was improved by excluding the rarest species and by adding extra training images (76.3% and 82.8%, respectively). Generalisability to new camera locations within a disturbance level was poor (mean F1‐score: 0.32). Performance across unseen habitat disturbance levels was worse (mean F1‐score: 0.27). Training the network on multiple disturbance levels improved generalisability (mean F1‐score on unseen disturbance levels: 0.41). Cropping images to bounding boxes improved overall performance (F1‐score: 0.77 vs. 0.47) and generalisability (mean F1‐score on unseen disturbance levels: 0.73), but at a cost of losing images that contained animals which the detector failed to detect.

These results suggest researchers should consider using an object detector before passing images to a classifier, and an improvement in classification might be seen if labelled images from other studies are added to their training data. Composition of training data was shown to be influential, but including rarer classes did not compromise performance on common classes, providing support for the inclusion of rare species to inform conservation efforts. These findings have important implications for use of these methods for long‐term monitoring of habitats undergoing change, as they highlight the potential for misclassifications due to poor generalisability to impact subsequent ecological analyses. These methods therefore need to be considered as dynamic, in that changes to the study site would need to be reflected in the updated training of the network.
Disentangling Sentiment from Cyclicality in Firm Capital Structure
Authors: Al‐Zoubi Haitham A. , O'Sullivan Jennifer A. , Al‐Maghyereh Aktham I. , Lambe Brendan J.
Published: November 2022

This study examines the relationship between capital structure choices and investor and managerial sentiment, finding that periods of positive sentiment are associated with reduced leverage within firms. We focus on the cyclicality of leverage using non‐orthogonalized sentiment indices and find a strong negative relationship. Leverage, therefore, appears countercyclical, implying that the decision to take on debt is a consequence of either Admati et al.'s (2018) ratchet effect or a managerial attempt to time the market. Our findings lead us to question some fundamental capital structure theories, namely, trade‐off (Kraus and Litzenberger, 1973), and Hackbarth's (2008) managerial traits theory. Instead, we favour the idea that leverage is a consequence of countercyclical market timing behaviour.
Stress induced aging in mouse eye
Authors: Xu Qianlan , Rydz Cezary , Nguyen Huu Viet Anh , Rocha Lorena , Palomino La Torre Claudia , Lee Irene , Cho William , Jabari Mary , Donello John , Lyon David C. , Brooke Robert T. , Horvath Steve , Weinreb Robert N. , Ju Won‐Kyu , Foik Andrzej , Skowronska‐Krawczyk Dorota
Published: November 2022

Aging, a universal process that affects all cells in an organism, is a major risk factor for a group of neuropathies called glaucoma, where elevated intraocular pressure is one of the known stresses affecting the tissue. Our understanding of molecular impact of aging on response to stress in retina is very limited; therefore, we developed a new mouse model to approach this question experimentally. Here we show that susceptibility to response to stress increases with age and is primed on chromatin level. We demonstrate that ocular hypertension activates a stress response that is similar to natural aging and involves activation of inflammation and senescence. We show that multiple instances of pressure elevation cause aging of young retina as measured on transcriptional and DNA methylation level and are accompanied by local histone modification changes. Our data show that repeated stress accelerates appearance of aging features in tissues and suggest chromatin modifications as the key molecular components of aging. Lastly, our work further emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prevention as well as age‐specific management of age‐related diseases, including glaucoma.
Dental implant failure rates with low insertion torque with a nonsubmerged surgical approach: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Yang Jian , Wang Ruibin , Yuan Lingling , Yu Ke
Published: November 2022

Background

It is currently unclear if a low insertion torque (IT) should prompt a clinician to submerge the dental implant at time of placement.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze implant failure rates and marginal bone loss (MBL) as a function of IT and surgical approach.

Materials and Methods

A total of 197 patients who had received 295 Mozo Grau (MG) implants were included in this study. The healing of submerged or nonsubmerged implants was evaluated in regular IT (≥20–25 Ncm) or low IT (<20–25 Ncm) cases. Implant failure and MBL were evaluated before prosthesis placement and at 6 and 12 months after functional loading with generalized estimating equations.

Results

The overall 12‐month implant failure rate was 4.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7%–8.2%). When successful at 12 months, dental implants placed with low IT and nonsubmerging had the same MBL as implants dental implants placed with other approaches (mean difference = −0.02 mm; 95% CI −0.05 to 0.02). Low IT combined with nonsubmerging of the dental implant was associated with a 30‐fold increased odds for dental implant failure (95% CI: 3.8–236.6).

Conclusion

low IT and nonsubmerged healing was associated with a high failure rate.
Taking Conceptual Issues Really Seriously: One Next Step for the Cognitive Science of Consciousness
Authors: Cheng Tony , Lin Yi , Tseng Philip
Published: November 2022

In this letter we focus on the cognitive science of consciousness. The general message is that, while this interdisciplinary area has made much progress in recent years, there is a tendency of downplaying conceptual issues, and therefore underestimating the difficulties of various problems. We briefly focus on a few prominent examples only, due to the space limit, but the general message should be clear: this recent tendency can be problematic for the progress of the consciousness branch of cognitive sciences.
Conservation status, research, and knowledge of seagrass habitats in World Heritage properties
Authors: Losciale Riccardo , Day Jon , Heron Scott
Published: November 2022

Climate change is increasingly threatening World Heritage (WH) properties and their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). Climate change impacts the attributes that collectively contribute to the OUV; these attributes can be natural (e.g., seagrass) or cultural (e.g., monuments). A recent UNESCO report showed that seagrass habitats within WH properties are estimated to hold 25% of the global seagrass blue carbon asset. Globally, seagrass habitats provide a wide range of benefits to adjacent ecosystems and coastal human communities, yet they have been declining due to direct anthropogenic and climate change stressors. However, the UNESCO report did not provide any information about the relative importance of the attribute “seagrass habitats” toward the OUV and associated communities of WH properties, nor about their conservation status. This study builds upon this previous work by assessing the relative importance of seagrass habitats toward the values of WH properties and by reviewing the current knowledge about the conservation status, threats, monitoring, and management of seagrass habitats within WH properties. Seagrass was identified as an attribute of Very High or High importance to 9 of 28 WH properties. Through analysis of UNESCO documents and scientific literature, we highlight the lack of research, monitoring, and management instruments addressing the protection of seagrass from climate change impacts within these 28 WH properties. Notably, climate change threats to WH seagrass habitats are poorly addressed within WH documentation. The insufficient analysis and reporting of climate impacts on seagrass within WH properties point to an underestimation of the value of this marine ecosystem broadly.
Combined Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node metastases: Report of two cases
Authors: Ríos‐Viñuela Elisa , Traves Victor , Cruz Julia , Machado Isidro , López‐Guerrero José Antonio , Requena Celia , Llombart Beatriz
Published: November 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent, aggressive cutaneous neoplasm, that typically affects the photodamaged skin of elderly individuals, and immunosuppressed patients. Because a subset of MCC is closely related to UV radiation, MCC can develop concurrently with other tumors, most commonly, as a combined tumor with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These combined tumors appear to represent a distinct disease process from pure MCC, as they are mostly Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) negative, and show a more aggressive behavior. We present two additional cases of combined MCC and SCC with nodal metastases, one of which was MCPyV positive. Two different subtypes of MCC have been proposed based on their origin: a true neuroendocrine carcinoma, that is MCPyV positive and has a dermal origin, and a UV‐related SCC with neuroendocrine differentiation. This theory could explain why MCC can develop concurrently with SCC, and why these combined cases are generally MCPyV negative. However, it fails to explain the minority of combined MCC and SCC tumors that are MCPyV positive. Because both our patients had a history of chronic UV exposure, we hypothesize that UV radiation probably played a major role in the pathogenesis of these tumors, while MCPyV integration probably acted as an additional trigger.
PRAME immunohistochemistry is useful in differentiating oral melanomas from nevi and melanotic macules
Authors: Schmitt Toby Alexander , Lee Jonathan Cassolato , Martinka Magdalena , Ko Kevin Yen Chen
Published: November 2022

Background

Oral melanocytic neoplasms pose a diagnostic challenge to pathologists owing to their rarity relative to those in the skin. The utility of PRAME in distinguishing nevi from melanomas has been established in the skin, but limited information exists regarding its usefulness in the oral cavity.

Methods

Thirty‐five previously diagnosed pigmented oral lesions were retrospectively evaluated with PRAME. The lesions consisted of 16 oral nevi, 10 melanomas, and 10 melanotic macules.

Results

Strong and diffuse nuclear PRAME staining was observed in all but one of the oral melanomas, which showed no staining. No nuclear PRAME staining was observed in any of the oral nevi or melanotic macules.

Conclusions

PRAME is a useful tool in the evaluation of oral melanocytic neoplasms. Our data indicate that PRAME is a highly specific but incompletely sensitive marker of oral melanoma. Larger studies could further illuminate the diagnostic value of PRAME in oral lesions.
Prevalence of hearing loss in children living in low‐ and middle‐income countries over the last 10 years: A systematic review
Authors: Ganek Hillary V. , Madubueze Ada , Merritt Catherine E. , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: November 2022

Aim

To summarize the literature on the prevalence of pediatric hearing loss in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Method

A systematic review initially identified 2833 studies, of which 122 met the criteria for inclusion. Eighty‐six of those studies included diagnoses and were included in a meta‐analysis.

Results

The meta‐analysis indicated a 1% (95% confidence interval = 0.8–2.0) prevalence of childhood hearing loss across LMICs. There was significant heterogeneity between studies and evidence of publication bias. The prevalence of mild and moderate cases of hearing loss was higher than more severe cases and there were fewer cases of mixed hearing loss compared to conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. No differences were identified between the prevalence of unilateral versus bilateral hearing loss or hearing loss according to sex. The quality of the studies, age of participants, and location of data collection may have influenced the results. High variability in the reporting of etiology made the causes of hearing loss unclear.

Interpretation

The literature indicates that 1% of children in LMICs have hearing losses. However, most studies missed children with acquired hearing loss, which may lead to under‐reporting of global prevalence. This systematic review is an initial step toward developing and implementing population‐appropriate treatment and prevention programs for childhood hearing loss in LMICs.

What this paper adds

The prevalence of childhood hearing loss in low‐ and middle‐income countries is 1%.

Reporting of hearing loss etiology was highly variable.