bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of oligoribonuclease from Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor with bound peptide
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Sun Liyuan , Zhang Qionglin , Bartlam Mark
Published: November 2021

Oligoribonuclease (Orn), a member of the DEDDh superfamily, can hydrolyse 2–5 nt nanoRNAs to mononucleotides. It is involved in maintaining the intracellular levels of RNA, c-di-GMP signalling and transcription initiation in many bacterial species. Here, the crystal structure of Orn from Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor (VcOrn) is reported at a resolution of 1.7 Å. VcOrn, which consists of nine α-helices and six β-strands, crystallizes with a single monomer in the asymmetric unit but forms a homodimer via crystallographic twofold symmetry. Electron density is observed in the active pocket that corresponds to an intersubunit N-terminal expression tag with sequence GPLGSHHH. The positively charged N-terminal tag binds in the negatively charged nucleotide-binding pocket with a buried surface area of ∼500 Å2. The N-terminal tag interacts with VcOrn via π–π stacking with two conserved residues involved in nucleotide binding, as well as via salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. The structure reported here reveals that the active pocket can accommodate polypeptides in addition to nucleotides, thus providing an important starting point for investigation into substrate modification and inhibitor design targeting VcOrn.
Roles of the hydroxy group of tyrosine in crystal structures of Sulfurisphaera tokodaii
O
6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase
Authors: Kikuchi Makiko , Yamauchi Takahiro , Iizuka Yasuhito , Tsunoda Masaru
Published: November 2021

O
6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) removes cytotoxic O
6-alkyl adducts on the guanine base and protects the cell from genomic damage induced by alkylating agents. Although there are reports of computational studies on the activity of the enzyme with mutations at tyrosine residues, no studies concerning the crystal structure of its mutants have been found. In this study, the function of Tyr91 was investigated in detail by comparing the crystal structures of mutants and their complexes with substrate analogs. In this study, tyrosine, a conserved amino acid near the active-site loop in the C-terminal domain of Sulfurisphaera tokodaii MGMT (StoMGMT), was mutated to phenylalanine to produce a Y91F mutant, and the cysteine which is responsible for receiving the methyl group in the active site was mutated to a serine to produce a C120S mutant. A Y91F/C120S double-mutant StoMGMT was also created. The function of tyrosine is discussed based on the crystal structure of Y91F mutant StoMGMT. The crystal structures of StoMGMT were determined at resolutions of 1.13–2.60 Å. They showed no structural changes except in the mutated part. No electron density for deoxyguanosine or methyl groups was observed in the structure of Y91F mutant crystals immersed in O
6-methyl-2′-deoxyguanosine, nor was the group oxidized in wild-type StoMGMT. Therefore, the hydroxy group of Tyr91 may prevent the oxidant from entering the active site. This suggests that tyrosine, which is highly conserved at the N-terminus of the helix–turn–helix motif across species, protects the active site of MGMTs, which are deactivated after repairing only one alkyl adduct. Overall, the results may provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms by which high levels of conserved amino acids play a role in ensuring the integrity of suicide enzymes, in addition to promoting their activity.
Structural and thermodynamic insights into a novel Mg2+–citrate-binding protein from the ABC transporter superfamily
Authors: Mandal Suraj Kumar , Kanaujia Shankar Prasad
Published: November 2021

More than one third of proteins require metal ions to accomplish their functions, making them obligatory for the growth and survival of microorganisms in varying environmental niches. In prokaryotes, besides their involvement in various cellular and physiological processes, metal ions stimulate the uptake of citrate molecules. Citrate is a source of carbon and energy and is reported to be transported by secondary transporters. In Gram-positive bacteria, citrate molecules are transported in complex with divalent metal ions, whereas in Gram-negative bacteria they are translocated by Na+/citrate symporters. In this study, the presence of a novel divalent-metal-ion-complexed citrate-uptake system that belongs to the primary active ABC transporter superfamily is reported. For uptake, the metal-ion-complexed citrate molecules are sequestered by substrate-binding proteins (SBPs) and transferred to transmembrane domains for their transport. This study reports crystal structures of an Mg2+–citrate-binding protein (MctA) from the Gram-negative thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8 in both apo and holo forms in the resolution range 1.63–2.50 Å. Despite binding various divalent metal ions, MctA possesses the coordination geometry to bind its physiological metal ion, Mg2+. The results also suggest an extended subclassification of cluster D SBPs, which are known to bind and transport divalent-metal-ion-complexed citrate molecules. Comparative assessment of the open and closed conformations of the wild-type and mutant MctA proteins suggests a gating mechanism of ligand entry following an `asymmetric domain movement' of the N-terminal domain for substrate binding.
The experiences of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and implications for autism services development
Authors: Riese Bettina , Mukherjee Raja A.S.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

COVID-19 has been challenging for many in the UK. This is no different to many with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the experiences and issues raised by a small group of autistic women in an ongoing support group, consideration if this holds true for the wider adult autistic community across further lockdowns and restrictions to public life was explored.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was created based on the issues raised. Participants indicated the degree to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement.

Findings

Autistic adults experienced an increase in anxiety and poor mental health, which in turn has exacerbated autistic features, such as rigidity. The data indicates that autistic adults can adapt to change provided there is support in maintaining routines.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited due to the small number of participants (N = 120), as well as national variations in service provision.

Practical implications

Our data raises wider questions about the nature of support for autistic adults without cognitive impairments during times of crises and how services can respond and may even be shaped in the future to provide support that is cost-effective and relevant to autistic adults.

Social implications

To ensure that services have an awareness of how crises impact on autistic adults and how relatively simple changes may avert poor mental health.

Originality/value

That the creation of local support networks, and the ability to access these, is a key feature of autism-specific support.
The open-access telecommunication transmission network in the Canary Islands: an alternative proposal to the current management model?
Authors: Krawietz Ramos Eduardo , Aguilar Chinea Rosa María , Baquero Pérez Pedro Juan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the competition problems and market failures in the Canary Islands and propose an alternative management model for the telecommunication transmission network. This model is based on a wholesale-only open-access transmission network, available to all the retail service providers of this region, and managed by a unique entity subject to regulation with cost-based prices. The proposal hopefully will help to debate about the implementation of certain regulatory models in the network industries, concerning telecommunication submarine cables connecting archipelagos.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical approach has been used, based on the observation and analysis of the regulatory policies applied to the wholesale transmission networks in the Canary Islands, Azores and Madeira archipelagos.

Findings

Results show a persistent margin squeeze situation on the retail broadband market in the Canary Islands, due to the pricing strategy on the Spanish mainland-Canaries wholesale market, which is, in turn, delaying the entry of alternatives and the level of development and efficiency of competition. The risk of duopoly collusion is also present on this wholesale market. Additionally, public aids will be needed to replace the systems connecting with the non-capital islands and to provide redundancy to El Hierro. The alternative proposal might help preventing the above. Eventually, several insights are considered for further investigation.

Originality/value

Little attention has been paid to this topic in the literature, regarding the analysis of regulatory policies applied over fiber optic submarine cable infrastructures in fragmented territories like archipelagos. Consequently, an empirical analysis has been accomplished to emphasize this research work, based on the regulatory policies adopted.
Intelligent recognition system for viewpoint variations on gait and speech using CNN-CapsNet
Authors: Merlin Linda G. , Sree Rathna Lakshmi N.V.S. , Murugan N. Senthil , Mahapatra Rajendra Prasad , Muthukumaran V. , Sivaram M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to introduce an intelligent recognition system for viewpoint variations of gait and speech. It proposes a convolutional neural network-based capsule network (CNN-CapsNet) model and outlining the performance of the system in recognition of gait and speech variations. The proposed intelligent system mainly focuses on relative spatial hierarchies between gait features in the entities of the image due to translational invariances in sub-sampling and speech variations.

Design/methodology/approach

This proposed work CNN-CapsNet is mainly used for automatic learning of feature representations based on CNN and used capsule vectors as neurons to encode all the spatial information of an image by adapting equal variances to change in viewpoint. The proposed study will resolve the discrepancies caused by cofactors and gait recognition between opinions based on a model of CNN-CapsNet.

Findings

This research work provides recognition of signal, biometric-based gait recognition and sound/speech analysis. Empirical evaluations are conducted on three aspects of scenarios, namely fixed-view, cross-view and multi-view conditions. The main parameters for recognition of gait are speed, change in clothes, subjects walking with carrying object and intensity of light.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed CNN-CapsNet has some limitations when considering for detecting the walking targets from surveillance videos considering multimodal fusion approaches using hardware sensor devices. It can also act as a pre-requisite tool to analyze, identify, detect and verify the malware practices.

Practical implications

This research work includes for detecting the walking targets from surveillance videos considering multimodal fusion approaches using hardware sensor devices. It can also act as a pre-requisite tool to analyze, identify, detect and verify the malware practices.

Originality/value

This proposed research work proves to be performing better for the recognition of gait and speech when compared with other techniques.
Money laundering and financial stability: does adverse publicity matter?
Authors: Basaran-Brooks Bahriye
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Already suffering reputational damage from the global financial crisis, banks face a further loss of trust due to their poor money laundering (ML) compliance practices. As confidence-driven institutions, the loss of reputation stemming from inadequate compliance with regulations and policies labels banks as facilitators of crime and destroys public trust both in the bank itself, peer banks and the wider banking system. Considering the links between financial stability and adverse publicity about banks, this paper aims to critically examine the implications of ML-specific bank information on financial stability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a content analysis and a theoretical discussion by critically evaluating the role of bank compliance information on stability with references to recent case studies.

Findings

This paper establishes that availability of information regarding a bank involved in or facilitating ML might pose a threat to financial stability if bank counterparties cut their ties with the bank in question and when bank stakeholders show a strong and sudden negative reaction to adverse publicity. Though recent ML scandals have not caused immediate instability, general loss of confidence associated with reputational risk have had a destabilising effect on affected banks’ capital and liquidity.

Originality/value

There has been surprisingly little discussion to date on the impact of publicly available bank information on financial stability and public confidence within the ML compliance framework. This paper approaches the issue of publicly available banking compliance information solely through the prism of public confidence and reputational risk and its impact on macro-stability by examining recent ML scandals.
The determinants of corporate FX speculation – Why firms increase risk
Authors: Hecht Andreas
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Empirical evidence on the determinants of corporate FX speculation is ambiguous. We note that the conflicting findings of prior studies could be the result of different methodologies in determining speculation. Using a novel approach to defining speculative activities, we seek to help solve the puzzle of the determinants of speculation and examine which firms engage in such activities and why they do so.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines an unexplored regulatory environment that contains publicly reported FX risk data on the firms' exposures before and after hedging per year and currency. This unprecedented data granularity allows us to use actual reported volumes instead of proxy variables in defining speculation and to examine whether the convexity theories are empirically supported in FX risk management.

Findings

We find that frequent speculators are smaller, have more growth opportunities and possess lower internal resources, which indicates unprecedented empirical evidence for the convexity theories in FX risk management. Further, we provide evidence that corporate speculation might be linked to the application of hedge accounting.

Practical implications

We help solve the questions of which and why firms engage in speculative activities. This can provide valuable information to various stakeholders such as financial analysts, investors, or regulators, which can help prevent imperiling corporate losses and curb excessive speculative financial activities.

Originality/value

In order to question the unresolved issue of the determinants of speculation, this paper is the first to use openly available accounting data with actual reported FX exposure information before and after hedging in defining speculation, instead of relying on proxy variables for FX exposure and derivative usage with potential estimation errors.
Kahoot! Predicts exam scores and promotes student engagement
Authors: Figuccio Michael Joseph , Johnston Marla
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Kahoot! is a free e-learning tool that employs game-based learning which is often considered a best practice in education. The aim of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of Kahoot! in a child development course.

Design/methodology/approach

Sections of child development were randomized in terms of review format prior to exams one and two. All sections had a Kahoot! review prior to the final exam. Regression analyses were employed to determine the optimal set of predictors of exam scores. Students also completed a survey assessing their opinions of Kahoot! reviews.

Findings

Kahoot! scores accounted for 31.3% of the variability in exam 1 scores, 11.1% of the variability in exam 2 scores and 19.9% of the variability in final exam scores. Students reported that Kahoot! made class more interactive and that Kahoot! helped their learning of course concepts. These findings indicate that Kahoot! is an effective review tool. Furthermore, students reported that the use of Kahoot! was a positive experience that added to their understanding of the topics taught in the child development classroom.

Practical implications

To foster student engagement, instructors should consider incorporating game-based learning in their courses.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that Kahoot! is an effective review tool in a sample of undergraduate students. Furthermore, this study indicates that Kahoot! promotes student engagement.
The impact of stakeholder market orientation on sustainability performance at tourism destinations
Authors: Tsetse Ernest Kafui Kwasi , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Blankson Charles , Odoom Raphael
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish the relationship between stakeholder market orientation (StMO) and sustainability performance (SP) at tourism destinations (TDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative survey, data was collected from 313 tourism business managers, who are the owners or managers of the tourism businesses at the TDs, and was analysed using the partial least square structural equation model.

Findings

Findings indicate that environmental performance is the highest sustainability management practice adhered to at the TDs. Also, community and visitor orientations predicted SP most, with all its hypotheses supported.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the impact of StMO dimensions on SP within the TDs, thereby limiting generalisation to other sectors.

Practical implications

Tourism marketing managers are given the knowledge that StMO strategy is a precondition for effective implementation and adoption of SP strategy.

Social implications

The results have key social implications, in that a sustainability marketing strategy that will assist in the increase acceptance of sustainability programs within the tourism sector has been noted.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is believed to be the first empirical study to test the relationship between StMO dimensions and three SP dimensions. This study will improve the sustainability management of tourism resources in Ghana. It will further aid in meeting some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“Acting ethically is down to you” applying ethical protocols in qualitative fieldwork in care homes
Authors: Backhouse Tamara , Daly Rachel Louise
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Research ethics committees (RECs) and ethical standards govern research. To conduct research involving participants, researchers must first gain a favourable opinion on their protocol from a REC. This paper aims to promote researcher reflexivity and openness about applying agreed ethical protocols in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Using examples from qualitative fieldwork in two care home studies, the authors critically reflect on the issues encountered when applying ethics committee agreed protocols in real-world situations.

Findings

Three areas of research practice are reflected on given as follows: recruitment and consent; approach to observations; and research processes, shared spaces and access to data. The interface between researcher and participant did not always mirror textbook scenarios. Ultimately, this left researchers accountable for taking ethically acceptable actions while conducting research.

Originality/value

Drawing on research experiences in care homes, the authors consider the reliance on the researcher to be authentic and morally driven over and above formal ethical approvals. The authors conclude that the researcher is the bridging agent between ethical protocols and ethical practice in the field. As such, researchers need to be open and reflexive about their practices in fieldwork.
Therapeutic properties of glass‐ionomer cements: Their application to orthodontic treatment
Authors: Fricker JP
Published: November 2021

Fluoride has been shown to be an effective agent in the prevention of caries during orthodontic treatment. Resin‐modified glass‐ionomer cements possess therapeutic anticariogenic properties acting as a fluoride reservoir and releasing fluoride into the environment, particularly at low pH where there is a threat of enamel demineralisation and white spot lesions (WSL’s). Patient compliance to instructions in standard oral hygiene measures limits the success of caries prevention and the routine use of glass‐ionomer cements can mitigate the lack of compliance, although RMGIC’s are not a panacea against WSL’s. The adhesion of GIC’s to the enamel surface is a physicochemical bond rather than a mechanical bond which reduces the risk of iatrogenic damage to the enamel when bonding and debonding attachments. RMGIC’s can be recommended as a bonding adhesive for all attachments but one needs to be selective when bonding molar attachments to avoid occlusal interferences as masticatory forces can be high in these areas.
Scurvy: the almost forgotten disease – a case report
Authors: Manzie T , Celine G , Kakulas E
Published: November 2021

Hypovitaminosis C, or scurvy, is thought to be an uncommon condition. Although prevalent in the 19th century, its ease of absorption and availability in a general diet has greatly reduced its incidence. Vitamin C is necessary for a number of physiological processes and deficiency can result in a number of complications including bleeding/bruising, anaemia and gingival hyperplasia. This case report demonstrates a case of hypovitaminosis C presenting to a tertiary hospital related to poor dietary intake in a patient with behavioural medical conditions. Treatment consisted of oral supplementation of vitamin C with almost immediate resolution of presenting symptoms.
Provision of long‐acting reversible contraception at surgical abortion—A cross‐sectional nationwide register study
Authors: Hogmark Sara , Envall Niklas , Wikman Anna , Skoglund Charlotte , Kopp Kallner Helena , Hesselman Susanne
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Provision of long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) at surgical abortion is safe, practical, and leads to higher user rates than does delayed provision. The aim of this study was to explore whether provision of LARC at surgical abortion is associated with known risk factors for subsequent abortions and inconsistent use of contraception, including sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders.

Material and Methods

This was a register‐based cross‐sectional study of 6251 women having a surgical abortion in Sweden. Data were collected from National health and population registers. Women with procedure codes for surgical abortion were identified in the National Patient Register from October 2016 to December 2018. Information from Statistics Sweden, the National Patient Register, and the Swedish prescribed drug register on sociodemographic factors, psychiatric disorders, and dispensed LARC was added and linked on an individual level. Associations of sociodemographic factors and psychiatric disorders with LARC provision were explored with generalized logit mixed models and presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The overall rate of LARC provision at the time of the abortion was 2515/6251 (40.2%). Younger age and lower level of education were associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision. In the study population, 2624/6251 (42.0%) patients had a pre‐ or post‐abortion psychiatric disorder, a factor associated with an increased likelihood of LARC provision compared with women with no such disorders (adjusted odds ratio 1.21; 95% CI 1.08–1.34). The highest rates and odds were seen among women with personality, substance use, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders and among women with multiple psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions

Sociodemographic risk factors and psychiatric disorders were associated with increased LARC provision at surgical abortion, indicating that women at high risk of unwanted pregnancies are provided with effective contraception. Still, less than half of all women undergoing surgical abortion were provided with LARC, suggesting that contraceptive access and counseling prior to a surgical abortion can be improved.
Effect of inter‐annual meteorological fluctuations and wild boar disturbance on the vegetation of Mediterranean temporary ponds
Authors: Caria Maria Carmela , Grillas Patrick , Rivieccio Giovanni , Bagella Simonetta
Published: November 2021

Questions

Which are the effects of inter‐annual meteorological fluctuations on plant species richness and vegetation dynamics in Mediterranean temporary ponds, shallow wetlands characterized by alternating phases of drought and flooding? Which are the effects of wild boar disturbance? How do the responses of specialist or non‐specialist species of the habitat differ?

Location

NW Sardinia Island (Italy).

Methods

We assessed plant cover during six years within one 60 cm × 60 cm quadrat in each of five areas. To measure the effect of inter‐annual meteorological fluctuations on vegetation, we used two indices: the evapotranspiration and the synthetic agrometeorological indicator. To quantify the effect of disturbance by boars, we compared two treatments: disturbed and non‐disturbed (located outside and inside 1.5 m × 1.5 m exclosures respectively). As a whole, we monitored 60 plots (6 years × 2 treatments × 5 replications). We analyzed data using ANOVA, PERMANOVA and BIO‐ENV.

Results

Plant species richness and composition showed significant differences between years and treatments. Species composition was correlated with the evapotranspiration before the vegetative peak during the last period and with the agrometeorological indicator during the whole vegetative period. Specialist species showed much weaker growth, quantified as cover, in the drier years. Starting from the third survey year, plant richness and cover of specialist species were significantly higher in disturbed than in not‐disturbed plots. The extent of bare soil generally was not affected by the treatment.

Conclusions

Meteorological fluctuations affect plant species composition and vegetation dynamics in Mediterranean temporary ponds. The sensitivity of specialist species could make them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Nevertheless, they are resilient to unpredictable disturbances such as burrowing by wild boar. However, our results concerning the positive impact of wild boar disturbance on the vegetation cannot be generalized. Elsewhere, the lack of hunting activity could also be a problem for these habitats.
Practices of creative leadership: A qualitative meta‐analysis in haute cuisine
Authors: Feuls Miriam , Stierand Marc B. , Dörfler Viktor , Boje David M. , Haley Usha C. V.
Published: November 2021

Creative leadership has been studied in different collaborative contexts that can be summarized as facilitating employees' creativity, directing the realization of the creative vision of a leader and integrating different and diverse creative contributions. In this paper, we present the findings from a qualitative meta‐analysis of literature‐based accounts of chefs' creative leadership practices from the context of haute cuisine. We bring together both the leader‐chefs' and academic authors' understandings of practices available in scholarly papers to achieve a credible picture of creative leadership practices in haute cuisine. We present our findings as a meta‐vignette introducing nine prototypical characters representing patterns of practices that leader‐chefs perform as they are fostering creativity. We further demonstrate when and how leader‐chefs employ practices that are more typical of facilitating and integrating contexts. The nine characters afford an immediate intuitive understanding of the creative leadership practices in haute cuisine, helping scholars to look for and analyse creative leadership and support creative leaders to understand better and be more mindful of their practices.
Gender‐specific associations between the dimensions of alexithymia personality trait and dental anxiety in parents of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Karukivi Max , Suominen Auli , Scheinin Noora M. , Li Ru , Ahrnberg Hanna , Rantavuori Kari , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea , Lahti Satu
Published: November 2021

We evaluated gender‐specific associations of two dimensions of dental anxiety (anticipatory and treatment‐related dental anxiety) with three dimensions of alexithymia: difficulty in identifying feelings, difficulty in describing feelings, and externally oriented thinking. The sample comprised 2558 parents from the general population participating in the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Dental anxiety was measured with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and alexithymia with the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Associations between dental anxiety and alexithymia dimensions were modelled using linear regression analysis adjusting for general anxiety and depressive symptoms, age, and education. Structural equation modeling assessed their interrelationships. In women, anticipatory dental anxiety was associated only with difficulty in identifying feelings, but treatment‐related dental anxiety was associated with difficulty in identifying feelings, difficulty in describing feelings, and externally oriented thinking. In men, anticipatory dental anxiety was associated with only externally oriented thinking, whereas treatment‐related dental anxiety was associated with difficulty in describing feelings, and with externally oriented thinking. Structural equation modelling showed that difficulty in identifying feelings was associated with anticipatory and treatment‐related dental anxiety in women, whereas in men, only difficulty in describing feelings was associated with both types of dental anxiety. Anticipatory and treatment‐related dental anxiety have different associations with alexithymia dimensions.
How much energetic trade‐offs limit selection? Insights from livestock and related laboratory model species
Authors: Douhard Frédéric , Douhard Mathieu , Gilbert Hélène , Monget Philippe , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Lemaître Jean‐François
Published: November 2021

Trade‐offs between life history traits are expected to occur due to the limited amount of resources that organisms can obtain and share among biological functions, but are of least concern for selection responses in nutrient‐rich or benign environments. In domestic animals, selection limits have not yet been reached despite strong selection for higher meat, milk or egg yields. Yet, negative genetic correlations between productivity traits and health or fertility traits have often been reported, supporting the view that trade‐offs do occur in the context of nonlimiting resources. The importance of allocation mechanisms in limiting genetic changes can thus be questioned when animals are mostly constrained by their time to acquire and process energy rather than by feed availability. Selection for high productivity traits early in life should promote a fast metabolism with less energy allocated to self‐maintenance (contributing to soma preservation and repair). Consequently, the capacity to breed shortly after an intensive period of production or to remain healthy should be compromised. We assessed those predictions in mammalian and avian livestock and related laboratory model species. First, we surveyed studies that compared energy allocation to maintenance between breeds or lines of contrasting productivity but found little support for the occurrence of an energy allocation trade‐off. Second, selection experiments for lower feed intake per unit of product (i.e. higher feed efficiency) generally resulted in reduced allocation to maintenance, but this did not entail fitness costs in terms of survival or future reproduction. These findings indicate that the consequences of a particular selection in domestic animals are much more difficult to predict than one could anticipate from the energy allocation framework alone. Future developments to predict the contribution of time constraints and trade‐offs to selection limits will be insightful to breed livestock in increasingly challenging environments.
Feeling redundancy
Authors: Simpson Paul
Published: November 2021

Redundant. Adjective meaning: no longer needed or useful; superfluous; no longer in employment due to no more work available; able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function; not strictly necessary to functioning of system/other components. Redundancy, and being at risk of being made redundant, is an increasingly felt circumstance in contemporary higher education. As the impacts of a range of neoliberal educational reforms unfold against a backdrop of demographic change and significant economic uncertainty (both pandemic‐driven and otherwise), universities have recently resorted to both voluntary and compulsory redundancy to manage a university model based on a competitive and fluctuating student market. This commentary reflects on the collective feelings that circulated around being put “at risk” of redundancy and subsequent encounters with others’ unfolding (potential and actual) redundancy. In doing so, attention is turned to the spaces‐times in which redundancy and the “consultations” over it played out – meeting and teaching rooms, offices, corridors, graduation ceremonies, kitchens, cafes, among others – and the varied collective feelings that circulated/coexisted in and through them. At a time when such processes are unfolding across the sector, this commentary seeks to open up a space for reflection on what many would rather not consider: the disturbing circumstances of feeling redundancy.
Bleeding patterns in patients before and after diagnosis of von Willebrand disease: Analysis of a US medical claims database
Authors: Roberts Jonathan C. , Malec Lynn M. , Halari Imrran , Hale Sarah A. , Oladapo Abiola , Sidonio Robert F.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. The bleeding phenotype is variable, and some individuals have persistent symptoms post‐diagnosis.

Aim

To characterize bleeding patterns in patients with VWD before and after diagnosis.

Methods

De‐identified claims data for commercially insured patients in the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus US database (Jan‐2006 to Jun‐2015) were extracted. Eligible patients had ≥2 claims for VWD (ICD‐9 code 286.4), and continuous health‐plan enrolment for ≥2 years before and after diagnosis. Bleeding event, treatment and treating‐physician type were analysed for 18 months before and 7‐24 months after diagnosis, according to pre‐diagnosis bleeding phenotype (claims from one vs multiple bleed sites) and post‐diagnosis bleeding status (resolved [no post‐diagnosis bleed claims] vs continued [≥1 claim]).

Results

Data for 3756 eligible patients (72.6% female; 71.0% aged ≥18 years at diagnosis) were analysed. Overall, 642 (17.1%) and 805 (21.4%) patients had single‐ and multiple‐site bleed claims pre‐diagnosis, respectively, and 1263 (33.6%) patients (38.5% of women, 20.8% of men) continued to bleed post‐diagnosis. Multiple‐site bleeding was associated with pre‐diagnosis heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), oral contraceptive (OC) use and nasal cauterization. Continued bleeding post‐diagnosis was associated with pre‐diagnosis gastrointestinal bleeding, HMB and epistaxis; pre‐diagnosis use of OCs, aminocaproic acid and nasal cauterization; and younger age at diagnosis. Few patients consulted a haematologist for bleed management.

Conclusion

Many patients with VWD have persistent bleeding from multiple sites and continue to bleed post‐diagnosis. Our findings suggest a need to optimize management to reduce the symptomatic burden of VWD following diagnosis.
Correlation between aryl hydrocarbon receptor and IL‐17+ and Foxp3+ T‐cell infiltration in bladder cancer
Authors: Fattahi Soheila , Karimi Monireh , Ghatreh‐Samani Mahdi , Taheri Fatemeh , Shirzad Hedayatollah , Mohammad Alibeigi Faramarz , Anjomshoa Maryam , Bagheri Nader
Published: November 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers around the world and, if not treated well, has high morbidity and mortality. Many studies have indicated that there may be various roles for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the immune system. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) and T helper 17 cells (Th17) in BC tissue in comparison with controls and determine the relationship between AHR, Foxp3+ Treg and Th17 cells in BC. A total of 40 patients with BC were enrolled in this study. The control group was selected from non‐tumoural parts of bladder tissues from the patients who have undergone cystoscopy. The percentage of regulatory T cells (Foxp3+/CD4+) and Th17 (IL‐17+/CD4+), as well as AHR+ cells in BC tissues and controls, were determined by immunohistochemistry. The results of this study showed that the number of Foxp3+ Treg and Th17 is significantly higher in bladder tumour tissues in comparison with non‐tumoural tissues. Also, the percentage of AHR+ lymphocytes and AHR+ cells was increased significantly in bladder tumour tissues rather than non‐tumoural tissues. This study also found a relation between AHR and Foxp3+/CD4+ T lymphocytes ratio cells in BC. The percentage of Foxp3+ Tregs and AHR+ cells were significantly correlated with the grade and stage of BC. An increase in the percentage of Foxp3+ Treg and Th17 cells may play an important role in tumour immunity; and determining the relationship between AHR and differentiation of Th17/Foxp3+Treg in BC can lead to a potential cancer therapeutic possibility.
Late maturity and evidence for female biennial spawning in the sea pen Pennatula aculeata (Anthozoa, Pennatulacea) in eastern Canada
Authors: Couillard Catherine M. , Sainte‐Marie Bernard , Dionne Hélène
Published: November 2021

Little is known about reproduction of the sea pen Pennatula aculeata, which is found at high densities and constitutes vulnerable habitat in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. Sex ratio, size at maturity, and reproductive status were investigated for colonies collected in May, August, and October 2015 along the Gaspé Peninsula. Reproductive status was assessed by histological determination of gamete sex and maturity and by stereomicroscope measurement of the diameters of the leading cohort of oocytes (LCO) or sperm cysts of histologically mature colonies. Colonies were gonochoric, with a sex ratio of 1:1. Based on the distribution of gamete diameters in May, three groups of female and a single group of male colonies were identified. Female colonies classified in the group of LCO with the smallest diameter (0.10–0.39 mm) were shorter in total length (TL < 130 mm) than females in the other two groups of LCOs with larger diameters, and very few spawned from May to October. A major reduction in the proportion of large female colonies (TL ≥ 130 mm) belonging to the group with the largest diameter (≥0.55 mm) and of mature male colonies between May and August indicated one annual spawning event. Persistence of histologically mature (vitellogenic) female colonies classified in the two smaller oocyte diameter groups after spawning is indicative of prolonged oogenesis (at least 24 months). The fact that only approximately half of the large female colonies had ripe oocytes (diameter ≥0.55 mm) in May prior to spawning, while the other half had vitellogenic oocytes of much smaller diameter which persisted after the spawning period, suggests that they reproduce only every other year. Estimated size and age at which 50% of colonies spawned were greater in females (148 mm TL, 11–14 years) than in males (101 mm TL, 8–11 years). These reproductive characteristics may reduce resilience of P. aculeata to various anthropic stressors.
Controlling flowering of Medicago sativa (alfalfa) by inducing dominant mutations
Authors: Chiurazzi Maurizio Junior , Nørrevang Anton Frisgaard , García Pedro , Cerdán Pablo D. , Palmgren Michael , Wenkel Stephan
Published: November 2021

Breeding plants with polyploid genomes is challenging because functional redundancy hampers the identification of loss‐of‐function mutants. Medicago sativa is tetraploid and obligate outcrossing, which together with inbreeding depression complicates traditional breeding approaches in obtaining plants with a stable growth habit. Inducing dominant mutations would provide an alternative strategy to introduce domestication traits in plants with high gene redundancy. Here we describe two complementary strategies to induce dominant mutations in the M. sativa genome and how they can be relevant in the control of flowering time. First, we outline a genome‐engineering strategy that harnesses the use of microProteins as developmental regulators. MicroProteins are small proteins that appeared during genome evolution from genes encoding larger proteins. Genome‐engineering allows us to retrace evolution and create microProtein‐coding genes de novo. Second, we provide an inventory of genes regulated by microRNAs that control plant development. Making respective gene transcripts microRNA‐resistant by inducing point mutations can uncouple microRNA regulation. Finally, we investigated the recently published genomes of M. sativa and provide an inventory of breeding targets, some of which, when mutated, are likely to result in dominant traits.
The Role of Sense of Belonging and Family Structure in Adolescent Adjustment
Authors: Rejaän Zoë , van der Valk Inge E. , Branje Susan
Published: November 2021

The present study adopted an ecological perspective, and examined effects of sense of belonging to multiple contexts in relation to adolescent adjustment, as well as possible differences between adolescents from intact and divorced families. Self‐report questionnaires were used to investigate perceptions of family, school, peer, and neighborhood belonging among 969 adolescents. Results showed that mean level differences in belonging exist based on family structure, and that levels of family and neighborhood belonging vary between post‐divorce maternal and paternal households. For all adolescents, sense of belonging predicted self‐reported well‐being, internalizing, and externalizing problems. Belonging was found to partly explain the relation between divorce and adjustment. Improving adolescents’ belonging could therefore be an important step in ensuring a better adjustment post‐divorce.
Effect of transportation time and stocking density on seawater quality and survival of Anisotremus scapularis (Perciformes: Haemulidae)
Authors: Espinoza‐Ramos Luis A. , Pepe‐Victoriano Renzo , Huanacuni Jordan I. , Nande Manuel
Published: November 2021

The transport of live fish for aquaculture is a key issue in the domestication of new species. National level programs were developed in Peru for controlled repopulation of Peruvian grunt (Anisotremus scapularis), reared in extensive systems or ongrown in floating cages, but these were limited by inadequate knowledge of the best transport parameters to ensure survival. This study aims to identify the effect of low‐density (21.18 ± 4.38) medium (31.77 ± 6.57) and high‐density in (42.36 ± 8.76 kg m−3), corresponding to 6 (48), 9 (72), and 12 (96 ind·bag−1) ind·L−1 during the transport time (8, 10, and 12 hr), on survival. Also seawater temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3N), ammonia (NH3), and ammonium (NH4) were recorded at the end of transport. Survival at 8 and 10 hr at low‐density was similar, but decreased at 12 hr. In contrast, all densities showed a greater effect after 12 hr of transport with 61.11 ± 17.35; 67.13 ± 7.13, and 70.49 ± 4.70% survival, respectively. Finally, the influence of the variables analyzed to contribute to survival and the sum of these, plus other parameters that were not measured, such as stress, leads to the conclusion of between 8 and 10 hr of transport time and not exceeding stocking density of 72 ind/bag (31.77 ± 6.57 kg m−3) should be used.
Equilibrium price in intraday electricity markets
Authors: Aid René , Cosso Andrea , Pham Huyên
Published: November 2021

We formulate an equilibrium model of intraday trading in electricity markets. Agents face balancing constraints between their customers consumption plus intraday sales and their production plus intraday purchases. They have continuously updated forecast of their customers consumption at maturity. Forecasts are prone to idiosyncratic noise and common noise (weather). Agents production capacities are subject to independent random outages, which are each modeled by a Markov chain. The equilibrium price is defined as the price that minimizes trading cost plus imbalance cost of each agent and satisfies the usual market clearing condition. Existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium are proved, and we show that the equilibrium price and the optimal trading strategies are martingales. The main economic insights are the following: (i) when there is no uncertainty on generation, it is shown that the market price is a convex combination of forecasted marginal cost of each agent, with deterministic weights. Furthermore, the equilibrium market price is consistent with Almgren and Chriss's model, and we identify the fundamental part and the permanent market impact. It turns out that heterogeneity across agents is a necessary condition for Samuelson's effect to hold. We show that when heterogeneity lies only on costs, Samuelson's effect holds true. A similar result stands when heterogeneity lies only on market access quality. (ii) When there is production uncertainty only, we provide an approximation of the equilibrium for large number of players. The resulting price exhibits increasing volatility with time.
The impact of new varieties on aggregate productivity growth*
Authors: von Brasch Thomas , Raknerud Arvid
Published: November 2021

Although there is an extensive body of literature on aggregate productivity growth, reallocation, and firm turnover, the contribution to overall productivity growth from new firms that produce new varieties is not well understood. In this paper, we propose a framework for aggregating productivity that identifies the contribution from new firms that produce new varieties. Our framework generalizes the frameworks currently used in the literature. To illustrate the decomposition, we analyse the case of firm turnover in Norway. We find that the net creation of new varieties due to firm turnover contributes about half a percentage point to annual aggregate labour productivity growth in the manufacturing sector.
Multiply robust estimators of causal effects for survival outcomes
Authors: Wen Lan , Hernán Miguel A. , Robins James M.
Published: November 2021

Multiply robust estimators of the longitudinal g‐formula have recently been proposed to protect against model misspecification better than the standard augmented inverse probability weighted estimator (Rotnitzky et al., 2017; Luedtke et al., 2018). These multiply robust estimators ensure consistency if one of the models for the treatment process or outcome process is correctly specified at each time point. We study the multiply robust estimators of Rotnitzky et al. (2017) in the context of a survival outcome. Specifically, we compare various estimators of the g‐formula for survival outcomes in order to (1) understand how the estimators may be related to one another, (2) understand each estimator's robustness to model misspecification, and (3) construct estimators that can be more efficient than others in certain model misspecification scenarios. We propose a modification of the multiply robust estimators to gain efficiency under misspecification of the outcome model by using calibrated propensity scores over non‐calibrated propensity scores at each time point. Theoretical results are confirmed via simulation studies, and a practical comparison of these estimators is conducted through an application to the US Veterans Aging Cohort Study.