bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Golden section hypothesis of macroevolution: unification of metabolic scaling and Fibonacci sequence
Authors: Yang Xin G. , Wang Lei
Published: September 2022

Golden section is a subtle technology from nature to split space, which is both extensive and mysterious. In recent years, some studies1-4 have begun to focus on metabolic scaling (B∝Mb) at the macroevolutionary scale, and some important trends have been revealed. To further answer the question of "where does b come from and where does it go in evolution", a golden section model of macroevolution was constructed by integrating metabolic scaling and Fibonacci sequence. The results showed that, (1) macroevolution at the boundary level was a highly ordered process from one-dimensional (prokaryotes) to five-dimensional evolution (fungi). Four-dimensional life5 was only the choice of animals. (2) b just was the syndrome of dimension application and metabolism realization of life following Fibonacci sequence; however, it indicated major evolution events in the macroevolution and the directions in secondary macroevolution. The logic and panorama of macroevolution therefore were re-outlined based on the idea of dimensional evolution and metabolic evolution. It was argued that the golden section model of macroevolution established a full-new logic system of dimensional and metabolic evolution, and provided a possible path for the unification of macroevolution and microevolution.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals human-specific cortical features
Authors: Jorstad Nikolas L. , Song Janet H.T. , Exposito-Alonso David , Suresh Hamsini , Castro Nathan , Krienen Fenna M. , Yanny Anna Marie , Close Jennie , Gelfand Emily , Travaglini Kyle J. , Basu Soumyadeep , Beaudin Marc , Bertagnolli Darren , Crow Megan , Ding Song-Lin , Eggermont Jeroen , Glandon Alexandra , Goldy Jeff , Kroes Thomas , Long Brian , McMillen Delissa , Pham Trangthanh , Rimorin Christine , Siletti Kimberly , Somasundaram Saroja , Tieu Michael , Torkelson Amy , Ward Katelyn , Feng Guoping , Hopkins William D. , Höllt Thomas , Keene C. Dirk , Linnarsson Sten , McCarroll Steven A. , Lelieveldt Boudewijn P. , Sherwood Chet C. , Smith Kimberly , Walsh Christopher A. , Dobin Alexander , Gillis Jesse , Lein Ed S. , Hodge Rebecca D. , Bakken Trygve E.
Published: September 2022

Humans have unique cognitive abilities among primates, including language, but their molecular, cellular, and circuit substrates are poorly understood. We used comparative single nucleus transcriptomics in adult humans, chimpanzees, gorillas, rhesus macaques, and common marmosets from the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) to understand human-specific features of cellular and molecular organization. Human, chimpanzee, and gorilla MTG showed highly similar cell type composition and laminar organization, and a large shift in proportions of deep layer intratelencephalic-projecting neurons compared to macaque and marmoset. Species differences in gene expression generally mirrored evolutionary distance and were seen in all cell types, although chimpanzees were more similar to gorillas than humans, consistent with faster divergence along the human lineage. Microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes showed accelerated gene expression changes compared to neurons or oligodendrocyte precursor cells, indicating either relaxed evolutionary constraints or positive selection in these cell types. Only a few hundred genes showed human-specific patterning in all or specific cell types, and were significantly enriched near human accelerated regions (HARs) and conserved deletions (hCONDELS) and in cell adhesion and intercellular signaling pathways. These results suggest that relatively few cellular and molecular changes uniquely define adult human cortical structure, particularly by affecting circuit connectivity and glial cell function.
Reduced insulin signalling in neurons induces sex-specific health benefits
Authors: Baghdadi Maarouf , Nespital Tobias , Mesaros Andrea , Buschbaum Sandra , Withers Dominic J. , Grönke Sebastian , Partridge Linda
Published: September 2022

Reduced activity of the insulin/IGF signalling (IIS) network extends healthspan and lifespan in mammals and possibly humans. Loss of the Irs1 gene increases survival in mice and causes tissue-specific changes in gene expression. However, the tissues underlying IIS mediated longevity are currently unknown. Here we measured survival and healthspan in male and female animals lacking Irs1 activity specifically in the liver, muscle, fat and brain. Tissue-specific loss of IRS1 did not increase survival, suggesting that lack of Irs1 in more than one tissue is required for lifespan extension. Furthermore, loss of Irs1 in liver, muscle and fat did not improve health at old age. In contrast, loss of neuronal Irs1 increased energy expenditure, locomotion and insulin sensitivity, specifically in old males. Neuronal loss of IRS1 also caused male-specific mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of Atf4 and metabolic adaptations consistent with an activated integrated stress response at old age. Thus, we identified a male-specific brain signature of ageing in response to reduced IIS associated with improved health outcomes at old age.
The genomic basis of hybrid male sterility in Ficedula flycatchers
Authors: Segami J. Carolina , Mugal Carina F , Cunha Catarina , Bergin Claudia , Schmitz Monika , Semon Marie , Qvarnström Anna
Published: September 2022

Identifying genes involved in genetic incompatibilities causing hybrid sterility or inviability is a long-standing challenge in speciation research, especially in studies based on natural hybrid zones. Here we present the first high-probability candidate genes for hybrid male sterility in birds by using a combination of whole genome sequence data, histology sections of testis and single cell transcriptomics of testis samples from male pied-, collared-, and hybrid flycatchers. We reveal failure of meiosis in hybrid males and propose candidate genes involved in genetic incompatibilities causing this failure. Based on identification of genes with non-synonymous fixed differences between the two species and revealing miss-expression patterns of these genes across the various stages of hybrid male spermatogenesis we conclude aberrant chromosome segregation and/or faulty chromatin packing. A lower proportion of spermatids produced by hybrid males implies that a proportion of the aberrant spermatids undergo apoptosis. Finally, we report an overrepresentation of Z-linkage of the revealed candidate incompatibility genes. Our results challenge the assumption that speciation processes are driven by fast evolving genes by showing that a few changes in genes with highly conserved and central functions may quickly ensure reproductive isolation through post-zygotic isolation.
In-vivoantidiarrheal activity: From the crude extract and solvent fractions ofRhamnus prinoides(Rhamnaceae) leaves
Authors: Mengie Ayele Teklie , Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Muche Zelalem Tilahun , Agidew Melaku Mekonnen , Yimer Yohannes Shumet , Addis Getu Tesfaw , Baye Nega Dagnaw , Kassie Achenef Bogale , Alemu Muluken Adela , Yiblet Tesfagegn Gobezie , Tiruneh Gebrehiwot Ayalew , Dagnew Samuel Berihun , Moges Tilaye Arega , Tadesse Tesfaye Yimer , Zelalem Amein Ewnetei
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The inherent toxicities of the drugs urge the search for alternative drugs that are safe and effective. Therefore, the objective of the study is to evaluate thein-vivoanti-diarrheal activity of crude extract and solvent fractions ofRhamnus prinoidesleaves.

Methods

The Leaves ofRhamnus prinoideswere macerated using absolute methanol and then fractionated. Forin-vivoantidiarrheal activity evaluation of the crude extract and solvent fraction, castor oil-induced diarrhea, castor oil-induced anti-enteropolling, and intestinal transit models were used. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data, followed by a Tukey post-test. The standard and negative control groups were treated with loperamide and 2% tween 80 respectively.

Results

A significant reduction in the frequency of wet stools and watery content of diarrhea, intestinal motility, intestinal fluid accumulation, and delaying the onset of diarrhea as compared with controls were observed in mice treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ME. However the effect increased dose-dependently, and the 400 mg/kg ME produced a comparable effect with the standard drug in all models. Amongst the solvent fractions, n-BF significantly delayed the time of diarrheal onset and reduced the frequency of defecation, and intestinal motility at doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. Furthermore, the maximum percentage inhibition of intestinal fluid accumulation was observed in mice treated with 400 mg/kg n-BF (p<0.01; 61.05%).

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that crude leaves extract and solvent fractions ofRhamnus prinoideshad significant anti-diarrheal activity, providing scientific support for its traditional use as a diarrhea treatment.
Effects of nitrous oxide and ketamine on the prefrontal cortex in mice: a comparative study
Authors: Rozov Stanislav , Saarreharju Roosa , Khirug Stanislav , Storvik Markus , Rivera Claudio , Rantamäki Tomi
Published: September 2022

Nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has recently been reported as a putative rapid-acting antidepressant, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We performed transcriptomics,in situhybridization, and electrophysiological studies to examine the potential shared signatures induced by 1 h inhalation of 50% N2O and a single subanesthetic dose of ketamine in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in adult mice. Both treatments similarly affected the transcription of several negative regulators of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), namely, dual specificity phosphatases. The effects were primarily located in the pyramidal cells. Notably, the overall effects of N2O on mRNA expression were much more prominent and widespread compared to ketamine. Ketamine caused an elevation of the spiking frequency of putative pyramidal neurons and increased gamma activity (30–100 Hz) of cortical local field potentials. However, N2O produced no such effects. Spiking amplitudes and spike-to-local field potential phase locking of putative pyramidal neurons and interneurons in this brain area showed no uniform changes across treatments. Thus, this study characterized the electrophysiological and transcriptome-wide changes in mPFC triggered by exposure to N2O and compared them with those caused by the rapid-acting antidepressant ketamine in terms of both the direction of their regulation and localization.
Methodological Paper What counts as “good” qualitative accounting research? Researchers' perspectives on assessing and proving research quality
Authors: Steccolini Ileana
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study explores the everyday experiences of researchers in assessing their own and others' research, highlighting what “good” qualitative accounting research is from their perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on interviews with accounting scholars from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia, with diverse ethnic background and methodological preferences.

Findings

Interviewees pointed to a plurality of practical, and to some extent tacit, ways in which they demonstrate and assess the quality of research, concerning “contribution”, “consistency” and “confidence”, with generalizability being seen as more controversial and difficult to attain. In general, interviewees highlighted the underlying ambiguity on what constitutes good research in the qualitative accounting community, contrasting it to the perceived stronger clarity to be found in the quantitative accounting community. This was seen as potentially strengthening the positions of “gatekeepers” in the accounting communities, and encouraging conformance and “signaling” behaviors, at the risk of hampering innovation.

Originality/value

The main critical issues affecting qualitative research quality highlighted by interviewees concern the engagement with the world of practice, and with theory and literature, the importance of accounting for the analysis of qualitative data and for the messiness of the underlying process, and the implicit search for compliance with editors' and community's expectations and conventions. These findings suggest the need to continue debating how to assess the quality of qualitative research in everyday activities, and reflect on how to promote acceptance and openness to pluralism, in scientific communities, as well as in data collection, analysis, in the theorizing, and in connecting epistemology and methodology.
Dividend regulation and cost stickiness: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment
Authors: Chen Liangyin , Huang Jun , Hu Danqi , Chen Xinyuan
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of dividend regulation on cost stickiness (i.e. the asymmetric change in firm expense between sales increase and sales decrease) and explore the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the quasi-natural experiment of the Guideline for Dividend Policy of Listed Companies issued by the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) in 2013, the authors employ a difference-in-difference model to investigate the impact of dividend regulation on cost stickiness.

Findings

The authors find that the cost stickiness of treatment group firms has decreased significantly when compared with control group firms after the dividend regulation. Moreover, this effect is more pronounced among firms in lower marketization regions, in lower competition industries and those with less analyst coverage and lower cash flow levels. Further analyses show that dividend regulation reduces the cost stickiness of firms by mitigating agency problems. Finally, the conclusion holds after several robust tests, including controlling for firm fixed effect, propensity score matching (PSM), placebo test and reconstruction of expense variable.

Originality/value

This paper confirms that dividend regulation serves an important role in corporate governance, which reduces firms' agency costs and thereby decreases cost stickiness. The conclusions shed light on the dividend policies of listed companies and capital market regulation in the future.
On general uncertainty data and general uncertainty variable for reliability growth analysis of major aerospace equipment
Authors: Liu Sifeng , Tang Wei
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore new ways and lay a solid foundation to solve the problem of reliability growth analysis of major aerospace equipment with various uncertainty data through propose new concepts of general uncertainty data (GUD) and general uncertainty variable (GUV) and build the operation system of GUVs.

Design/methodology/approach

The characteristics of reliability growth data of major aerospace equipment and the limitations of current reliability growth models have been analyzed at first. The most commonly used uncertainty system analysis methods of probability statistics, fuzzy mathematics, grey system theory and rough set theory have been introduced. The concepts of GUD and GUV for reliability growth data analysis of major aerospace equipment are proposed. The simplified form of GUV based on the “kernel” and the degree of uncertainty of GUV is defined. Then an operation system of GUVs is built.

Findings

(1) The concept of GUD; (2) the concept of GUV; (3) The novel operation rules of GUVs with simplified form.

Practical implications

The method exposed in this paper can be used to integrate complex reliability growth data of major aerospace equipment. The reliability growth models based on GUV can be built for reliability growth evaluation and forecasting of major aerospace equipment in practice. The reliability evaluation example of a solid rocket motor shows that the concept and idea proposed in this paper are feasible. The research of this paper opens up a new way for the analysis of complex uncertainty data of reliability growth of major aerospace equipment. Moreover, the operation of GUVs could be extended to the case of algebraic equation, differential equation and matrix which including GUVs.

Originality/value

The new concepts of GUD and GUV are given for the first time. The novel operation rules of GUVs with simplified form were constructed.
Enhancing online-to-offline delivery efficiency facilitated by Industry 4.0: a personnel configuration perspective
Authors: Dai Hongyan , Wen Yan , Zhou Weihua , Tong Tingting , Xu Xun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The overuse and scarcity of resources emphasize the importance of the circular economy. The technology facilitated by Industry 4.0 stimulates the implementation of the circular economy that aims to reduce resource use and enhance operational efficiency. This study focuses on enhancing delivery efficiency in an online-to-offline (O2O) context from an Industry 4.0 technology-facilitated personal configuration perspective, that is, comparing in-house and crowdsourced delivery efficiency in China's O2O on-demand food delivery context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect 128,152 orders from 38 restaurants of an online restaurant chain in China. The authors adopt multiple regression analysis to examine the delivery efficiency gap between in-house and crowdsourced deliverymen and the determinants of this efficiency gap.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that crowdsourced deliverymen exhibit higher delivery efficiency, in terms of a shorter delivery time, than in-house deliverymen. In addition, the authors find that platforms providing monetary incentives or implementing late delivery penalties enlarge this efficiency gap. Furthermore, the authors show that external factors, such as working on weekends and bad weather conditions, contribute to the narrowing of this performance efficiency.

Practical implications

The study's findings suggest that platforms should use advanced technologies facilitated by Industry 4.0 to optimize their personnel configuration to enhance their delivery efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The effective approaches include using financial incentives and improving working schedules.

Originality/value

The authors' findings contribute to the online fulfillment literature by focusing on delivery efficiency in the O2O context from the Industry 4.0 technology-facilitated personnel configuration perspective. The authors examine how internal and external factors moderate the performance efficiency between these two types of deliverymen.
“Should I adopt Islamic banking services?” Factors affecting non-Muslim customers’ behavioral intention in the Malaysian context
Authors: Mustapha Norhudayati , Mohammad Jihad , Quoquab Farzana , Salam Zarina Abdul
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The acceptance of Islamic banking services by non-Muslim customers is not promising in the Malaysian context. Thus, this study aims to examine the effect factors that may motivate this customer group to adopt the Islamic banking services in the Malaysian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data through google docs from 188 respondents. Structural equation modelling partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the hypothetical model of this study.

Findings

The result of this study found that knowledge about Islamic banking exerts a positive effect on non-Muslim beliefs (attitudinal, control and norm). Moreover, this study found a significant relationship between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control with non-Muslim Intention towards Islamic banking services. Furthermore, the mediating effect of attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control was supported.

Originality/value

This is a pioneer study that contributes to the consumer behavior literature by extending the theory of planned behavior by incorporating knowledge in the model. In addition, this study develops comparatively new relationships, practically the mediation role of beliefs (attitudinal, control and norm) between knowledge and intention.
A Seventh-day Adventist farm community in Tanzania and vegetarianism as a social practice
Authors: Lestar Tamas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper is the outcome of an empirical research on a Seventh-day Adventist farm in Tanzania. The author investigated the role of Christian spirituality in switching to and maintaining vegetarian practices. Dietary change is proposed in the sustainability literature as a crucial trajectory to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between spirituality and climate-friendly dining in a localised Christian context and discuss their significance further for wider society.

Design/methodology/approach

Social practice theory (SPT) provided the tools to explore, empirically, the dynamic development of dietary practice within the farm community and its relation to the outside world; according to SPT, following the main building blocks of practices, namely materials, competences and meanings (cognitive or emotional), helps to understand the evolution of practices in society.

Findings

Findings show that the spiritual element of the community's dietary practice is key in maintaining commitment to vegetarianism, despite the rationale focussing exclusively on human health.

Social implications

Expanding the rationale to animal compassion and environmental concerns could enhance the stabilisation of the practice within and beyond the community's realms.

Originality/value

The research showcases, probably for the first time, how a localised vegetarian practice may be linked to broader societal developments and policymaking through the application of SPT.
A planning method for transit villages in Qatar: Souq Waqif historical district in Doha
Authors: Furlan Raffaello , Al-Mohannadi Asmaa , Major Mark David , Paquet Tarryn N.K.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This research study aims at revealing a planning method for the development of the Souq Waqif-Transit village.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past decade, transit-oriented developments (TODs) have become an international city planning model for promoting sustainable urbanism. On a regional scale, the State of Qatar launched the construction of Doha Metro. The current network consists of three lines with a central interchange station within the city's most vibrant cultural core, i.e., between Msheireb Downtown Doha and Msheireb, near to the Souq Waqif historical site and Al Corniche waterfront promenade. The Qatar National Development Framework emphasizes the importance of stimulating sustainable urban growth by linking the Doha Metro with TODs.

Findings

The findings show that the benefits of a strategy for monitoring and assessing the potential benefits of the investigated TOD linked to the analysis of the indices for (1) travel behavior, (2) built environment diversity and (3) other categories specific to the site's historical-heritage preservation.

Research limitations/implications

Namely, a comprehensive approach for developing a historical site is/should be grounded in a planning method for enhancing the mixed-used urban fabric, public realm and walkability, and heritage preservation.

Social implications

The insights from this research study aim to guide the long-term sustainable urban growth of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cities in the future.

Originality/value

The proposed sustainable growth planning scheme for the Souq Waqif addresses gaps highlighted through design tools of investigation. The missing attributes concern three key factors: (1) mixed-used urban fabric, (2) public realm and walkability and (3) built heritage preservation. The quality of streetscape, corridors, connections and connectivity of pedestrian and walkable network: TOD is not dependent on a singular mode of transport (Doha Metro), but it includes all systems that allow for mass public mobility within the city districts. Integrating other transport systems within mixed-use areas should be reevaluated based on accessibility to such systems, including taxi services, public bus services and public shuttles.
Lessons on social entrepreneurship in the health sector – the Swasth story
Authors: Chakravorty Arjun , Kapila Sundeep
Published: September 2022

Theoretical basis

This case uses the concept of social entrepreneurship to analyze the entrepreneurial journey of Mr Suraj Prakash and his social enterprise, the Swasth Foundation. It further deepens our understanding of strategic decision-making by exploring the successful use of pivots.

Research methodology

The case was primarily developed through a series of interviews with the leadership team over a year. Secondary sources included literature about Swasth Foundation available on the internet and those shared by the founder.

Case overview/synopsis

In 2008, Suraj Prakash left McKinsey & Company after six and half years in the health and development sector as an engagement manager. Along with his friends, Aman Paul and Ankur Sharma, he established Swasth with the goal of building an ecosystem that delivered high-quality, affordable and accountable health services to low-income communities in India. Right from its inception, Swasth went through many fundamental shifts in terms of its business model, team composition and even the nature of its existence; however, this did not deter Suraj from pursuing his goal.

The case brings into focus the health-care system of India, especially in the context of the urban poor and the challenges they are facing, followed by the initiatives taken by Swasth Foundation and the impact it is trying to create. The remainder of the case delves into Suraj’s entrepreneurial journey and the three pivotal decisions that changed the course of his organization over 11 years. It will also provide a transpicuous view of the entrepreneurial decision-making process through the lens of pivoting. As Suraj and his team are trying to bring about the required changes through the third pivot, there remain some challenges that need to be addressed for a successful implementation.

Complexity academic level

The case is written for business management students and can be used in general management, entrepreneurship and strategy classes. The case can be used for discussions on leadership, social entrepreneurship and strategic decision-making. It is suited for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
An intelligent contactless brake blending system with advanced driver assistance technique for electric vehicles
Authors: Patil Lalit Narendra , Khairnar Hrishikesh P. , Bhirud S.G.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Electric vehicles are well known for a silent and smooth drive; however, their presence on the road is difficult to identify for road users who may be subjected to certain incidences. Although electric vehicles are free from exhaust emission gases, the wear particles coming out from disc brakes are still unresolved issues. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper is to introduce a smart eco-friendly braking system that uses signal processing and integrated technologies to eventually build a comprehensive driver assistance system.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters obstacle identification, driver drowsiness, driver alcohol situation and heart rate were all taken into account. A contactless brake blending system has been designed while upgrading a rapid response. The implemented state flow rule-based decision strategy validated with the outcomes of a novel experimental setup.

Findings

The drowsiness state of drivers was successfully identified for the proposed control map and set up vindicated with the improvement in stopping time, atmospheric environment and increase in vehicle active safety regime.

Originality/value

The present study adopted a unique approach and obtained a brake blending system for improved braking performance as well as overall safety enhancement with rapid control of the vehicle.
Increased expression of human herpes virus 6 receptor CD134/OX40 in skin lesions of patients with drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
Authors: Lee Eun Seon , Kiuchi Yuji , Inomata Naoko , Sueki Hirohiko
Published: September 2022

CD134/OX40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, is a cell‐specific receptor for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) variant B. Patients with drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS)/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) present a significant increase in CD134 expression in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells. We aimed to investigate the frequency of CD134+ CD4 T cells infiltrating skin lesions in patients with DIHS/DRESS and its association with disease severity. We retrospectively included 21 patients with DIHS/DRESS and 11 patients with erythema multiforme (EM). By immunohistochemistry, the frequency of CD134+ CD4 T cells in DIHS was significantly higher than that in EM (p = 0.0083). The DIHS/DRESS severity score was significantly correlated with the frequency of CD134+ CD4 T cells (p = 0.0272); moreover, there was a significant difference between severe and mild/moderate cases. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that numerous cells presented CD134/CD4 and CD134/Foxp3 overlap in patients with DIHS/DRESS. These data suggest increased susceptibility to HHV‐6 infection at localized skin sites. HHV‐6 may be involved in the mechanism underlying the progression and pathophysiology of DIHS/DRESS.
Genomic landscape of multiple Bowenʼs disease using whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Seob , Park Gyeong Sin , Bang Chul Hwan , Chung Yeun‐Jun
Published: September 2022

The genomic landscape of Bowen's disease (BD), with multiple manifestations, has not yet been determined. This study aimed to investigate the genomic alterations in multiple BD. We performed whole‐exome sequencing of BD lesions (n = 9) and matched germlines collected from three patients with multiple (≥3) BD to detect somatic and germline mutations. We found a median of 64 somatic mutations in each sample (range 20–267). UV‐signature mutations accounted for 64.9% (median, range 26.0%–82.1%) of point mutations. Putative driver mutations were found in five BDs (RB1 p.R445*, ARID2 p.R274*, TP53 p.Y163D/p.Y205D/p.R342*, KMT2C p.R4549C) but not in the other four lesions. Somatic mutations were not shared between multiple BD lesions collected from the same patient, indicating a different clonal origin. We also found no known pathogenic germline mutations in cancer‐related genes. The mutational signature analysis revealed that UV signatures (SBS7a/7b) and age‐related signatures (SBS1/5) were the main active signatures. Copy number alterations (CNAs) were found in two BDs: one with extensive CNA regions (21.7% of the genome), including driver genes (PIK3CA/SOX2/TP63 and MYC gain, and CDKN2A loss), and the other with 1q gain. Our study revealed that multiple BD lesions harbor distinct genomic landscapes, suggesting that they have different risks of malignant progression.
COVID‐19‐related anxieties do not decrease support for liberal democracy
Authors: ANGHEL VERONICA , SCHULTE‐CLOOS JULIA
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to widespread fear among the population. Early studies suggested that this resulted in exclusionary attitudes and increased support for discriminatory policy measures. We still lack an understanding of the longer‐term, potentially erosive consequences that COVID‐19‐specific anxieties may carry for citizens' commitment to liberal democratic norms. In this research note, we present evidence from an original experiment in which we manipulate individuals' cognitive accessibility of their fears related to COVID‐19. We implemented this experiment in Hungary and Romania – two cases where illiberal attitudes are most likely to amplify under conditions of fear – a year and a half after the outbreak of the pandemic. The results show that our intervention is successful in elevating respondents' levels of worry, anxiety and fear when thinking about infectious diseases like COVID‐19. However, these emotions do not carry secondary effects on individuals' levels of right‐wing authoritarianism, nationalism or outgroup hostility, nor do they affect preferences for specific discriminatory policy measures aimed to fight a potential resurgence of COVID‐19. We discuss these findings in light of the literature on the demand‐side determinants of democratic backsliding and the consequences of emotions on political behaviour.
High moisture extrusion cooking of meat analogs: A review of mechanisms of protein texturization
Authors: Schmid Eva‐Maria , Farahnaky Asgar , Adhikari Benu , Torley Peter J.
Published: September 2022

High‐moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC) is an efficient method for converting proteins and polysaccharides into fibrous structure that is used in the industrial production of meat analogs. The purpose of this review is to systematically evaluate current knowledge regarding the modification of protein structure including denaturation and reassembly upon extrusion processing and to correlate this understanding to the structure of the final products. Although there is no consensus on the relative importance of a certain type of bond on extrudates’ structure, literature suggests that, regardless of moisture level, these linkages and interactions give rise to distinctive hierarchical order. Both noncovalent and disulfide bonds contribute to the extrudates’ fibrous structure. At high water levels, hydrogen and disulfide bonds play a dominant role in extrudates’ texture. The process parameters including cooking temperature, screw speed, and moisture content have significant albeit different levels of impact on the texturization process. Their correlation with the ingredients’ physiochemical properties provides a greater insight into the process–structure–function relationship of meat analogs. The tendency of protein and polysaccharide blends to phase separate rather than produce a homogeneous mix is a particularly important aspect that leads to the formation of fibrous layers when extruded. This review shows that systematic studies are required to measure and explain synergistic and competitive interactions between proteins and other ingredients such as carbohydrates with a focus on their incompatibility. The wide range of plant protein source can be utilized in the HMEC process to produce texturized products, including meat analogs.
Does wearing a surgical mask influence face touching by healthcare workers? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Joshi Anil , Jiang Yannan , Jones Peter
Published: September 2022

Objective

At the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCW) in our ED were advised against and actively discouraged from wearing masks when not seeing respiratory patients, as mask wearing was thought to increase the risk of droplet transmission by face touching. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether HCW using face masks were more or less likely to touch their faces than those not wearing masks.

Methods

We analysed six randomly selected hours of closed circuit television footage from our staff base. Face touches were recorded electronically by trained researchers. Generalised linear mixed models were used to compare the frequency and duration of face touches with and without face masks, controlling for individual clusters, adjusting for time of footage, duration on screen and staff role.

Results

Data were collected from 187 HCW. Masks were worn in 231 (36%) of 642 screen sessions. Wearing a mask did not significantly change the odds of face touching (odds ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30–1.01, P = 0.055) or duration of face touch (mean difference −1.45 s, 95% CI −8.84, 5.99, P = 0.71). For mucosal areas, a significant reduction in the odds of face touching was observed for mask wearers (odds ratio 0.21, 95% CI 0.11–0.43, P < 0.001) and on the frequency of mucosal touches (rate ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.29–0.69, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Mask wearing did not change face touching or the duration of face touches. However, significantly fewer mucosal touches were observed when wearing a mask, which may help to reduce nosocomial droplet transmission of viruses.
Student absenteeism and the role of police encounters
Authors: Geller Amanda , Mark Nicholas
Published: September 2022

Research Summary

Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we estimated associations between adolescent–police contact and several measures of school absenteeism. Adolescents self‐reported absences due to health and due to truancy; police contact was linked to both. Youth reporting police contact were absent approximately 2.2 more days in total than those not reporting contact. Police contact was also associated with a 10 percentage point increase in the probability that absenteeism concerns precipitated a parent–teacher conversation.

Policy Implications

Extensive literature documents a “school to prison pipeline” in which aggressive school discipline exposes students to law enforcement. Less attention has been paid to how police contact outside of school shapes educational experiences. Recognizing and excusing absenteeism driven by police contact can provide students with flexibility needed to maintain educational progress. Such a policy may also signal to students stopped by police that school personnel can serve as sources of support and facilitate linkages to outside resources.
Preparation, characterization, and antifungal property of the inclusion complex of Litsea cubeba essential oil/hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and its application in preservation of Shatang mandarin
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Gaoyang , Shan Yang , Zhu Xiangrong
Published: September 2022

To explore the potential application of plant essential oil in the postharvest preservation of fruits, the inclusion complex (IC) of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) with hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD), prepared by the saturated aqueous solution method, was studied. LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, and thermogravimetric‐differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) analysis. The formation of LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was confirmed, and the volume average particle diameter was 24.376 µm. Due to the inclusion of HPβCD, the volatility of LCEO was significantly reduced and the thermal stability was significantly improved. In addition, the antifungal activities of the LCEO ICs were compared, and LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was more effective against the citrus postharvest pathogens (P. italicum and G. citri‐aurantii). The effects of the LCEO ICs on the postharvest quality of Shatang mandarin were studied. Compared with the control group (CK) and LCEO/βCD‐IC group, the LCEO/HPβCD‐IC group showed a significant delay in the decrease of good fruit rate, hardness, total soluble solids (TSSs), and Vitamin C (Vc) content, with a lower weight loss rate of Shatang mandarin. Therefore, LCEO/HPβCD‐IC is expected to be used as a green preservative for the storage and preservation of citrus fruits.

Practical Application

In this study, LCEO was encapsulated in HPβCD by the saturated aqueous solution method and the prepared inclusion complex was characterized. The effects of LCEO/HPβCD‐IC and LCEO/βCD‐IC on postharvest preservation of Shatang mandarin were compared. This work offers valuable insights into the postharvest preservation of citrus fruit by essential oil inclusion complexes.
Interaction research of resveratrol and phosvitin based on fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking analysis
Authors: Li Songming , Chen Chan , Ahn Dong Uk , Ma Meihu , Li Xiaomeng , Huang Xi
Published: September 2022

Phosvitin (PV) is the main phosphoprotein in egg yolk, with the highest degree of phosphorylation known in nature. The PV and resveratrol (Res) can form a complex, thus effectively improve the solubility of Res. In this work, the interaction between Res and PV was investigated by the fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking. The fluorescence emission intensity of PV became weak along with a red shift when it interacted with Res and the antioxidant activity was enhanced. The quenching constants of the interaction systems were 1.12×104 M–1 and 9.40×103 M–1 at 25°C and 35°C, respectively, which indicated the presence of static quenching phenomena between them. The binding constant was 1.80×104 M–1, and the number of corresponding binding sites was approximately equal to one. The thermodynamic results revealed the combination was spontaneous, and the change of enthalpy and entropy was ∆H = 53.50 kJ/mol, ∆S = 261.00 J/mol·K, respectively. It indicated that the interaction forces between Res and PV were mainly hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. Molecular docking showed the binding mode, which was consistent with the experiment results. The research on the interaction between Res and PV provided theoretical guidance for the application of Res in food.

Practical Application

PV is the most highly phosphorylated protein in nature and has pro‐calcium absorption effects. Res is a polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity, but its poor solubility limits its application. In this study, the solubility of Res was considerably enhanced by compounding Res and PV, and the antioxidant activity of Res was well retained. It increases the value of Res in food and other applications and opens up new possibilities for processing and utilization of PV.
Gaokao Warriors: Diligent Struggle in China's College Entrance Exam
Authors: Howlett Zachary M.
Published: September 2022

Those who compete in the Gaokao, China's College Entrance Exam, are often referred to as Gaokao zhanshi, or warriors. Based on long‐term ethnographic research, this article examines how Gaokao warriors combine two types of agency that are conventionally considered contradictory: the docile cultivation of virtue and the struggle against social marginalization. I argue that analyzing this nuli fendou, or diligent struggle, can contribute to a more complex understanding of the Gaokao and similar educational competitions.
Impact of inter‐hospital transfer on success of angioembolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Lata Tahmina , Peacock Timothy , Limmer Alexandra , Tan Ju‐En , Wu Sara , Yeh Dean
Published: September 2022

Background

Angioembolization is a useful therapeutic tool for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) however is only available at centres with specialist interventional radiology departments. Delay in angioembolization of greater than 120–150 minutes is associated with higher rates of non‐therapeutic angioembolization.

Methods

This retrospective review analysed the impact of interhospital transfer on timing and success of angioembolization in adults with LGIB.

Results

Of the 121 patients who underwent CTMA at a peripheral hospital for LGIB, only 20.7% had positive CTMA (n = 25). Of the 24 patients who were transferred for the purpose of angioembolization, only five ultimately had successful embolisation (20.1%). Patients who had unsuccessful angioembolization had a significantly longer mean time from arrival at the tertiary hospital to angioembolization compared to patients who had successful angioembolization (mean 375 versus 175 min, P = 0.001). There was no association of patient haemodynamics, use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, and transfusion requirement with success of angioembolization.

Conclusion

Interhospital transfer is associated with delay in angioembolization. Delay after arrival at the receiving hospital is associated with unsuccessful angioembolization.
The ‘perfect’ lens: Perfectionism and early adolescents' math self‐efficacy development
Authors: Ford Calah J. , Usher Ellen L. , Scott Veronica L. , Chen Xiao‐Yin
Published: September 2022

Background

Self‐efficacy, or the beliefs learners hold about what they can do, develops largely from how learners perceive and interpret four main sources of information: mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasions and physiological and affective states. Although the relationship between these sources and self‐efficacy is well‐established, less is known about the factors that may influence how early adolescent learners perceive and interpret information from these sources.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the predisposition of perfectionism might predict how learners perceive efficacy‐relevant information in the domain of math.

Methods

Using a correlational design, this study considered whether perfectionism was associated with how middle school students (N = 1683) perceive information from the four hypothesized sources of self‐efficacy. Participants completed a paper‐based survey at two time points. Perfectionism was measured at Time 1. Self‐efficacy and its sources were measured at Time 2. Structural equation modelling techniques were used to examine the relationship between factors.

Results and Conclusions

Students who held themselves to high standards (i.e., greater self‐oriented perfectionism) reported higher levels of mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social messages and self‐efficacy. Conversely, students who felt external pressure to be perfect (i.e., socially prescribed perfectionism) reported lower levels of mastery experiences, vicarious experiences and self‐efficacy, as well as higher levels of negative physiological and affective states. The relationship between perfectionism and self‐efficacy was partially mediated by students' perceptions of mastery. This study extends the current literature on the sources of math self‐efficacy in early adolescence by showing how a predisposition like perfectionism is associated with how adolescent learners perceive and interpret efficacy‐relevant information.
Screening for mercaptopurine intolerance in ALL – target the genes or their product?
Authors: Barrett John
Published: September 2022

To avoid toxicity, patients with inherited intolerance to thiopurines require major dose reductions of six mercaptopurine (6MP) for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) maintenance treatment. Germline variants in the NUDT15 gene are emerging as the most common cause of 6MP intolerance in East Asian populations. New approaches are being developed to identify susceptibility to 6MP toxicity in order to appropriately tailor dosing schedules for at‐risk patients.

Commentary on: Tanaka et al. Prominence of NUDT15 genetic variation associated with 6‐mercaptopurine tolerance in a genome‐wide association study of Japanese children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2022;199:260‐269 and Yoshida et al. Low NUDT15 expression levels due to biallelic NUDT15 variants and 6‐mercaptopurine intolerance. Br J Haematol 2022;199:270‐276.
Unclogging Courts by Targeting Litigant Incentives: The Case of the Brazilian Labour Justice Reform
Authors: Castelliano Caio , Grajzl Peter , Watanabe Eduardo
Published: September 2022

Overburdened courts hinder economic and social progress, yet successful court reforms are rare. Instead of boosting judicial resources or adapting procedure, Brazil tackled persistent backlogs and delays in its labour courts by replacing the pre‐existing each‐pays‐their‐own‐costs (American) rule for allocation of litigation expenses with an alternative loser‐pays‐all (English) rule. Using a newly assembled court‐level panel dataset and difference‐in‐differences approach, we show that the reform alleviated the courts' demand pressures and, most importantly, increased court efficacy in both adjudication and enforcement. The Brazilian experience offers valuable policy lessons about viable court reforms for other jurisdictions.