bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquariibacter albus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the order Burkholderiales, isolated from a freshwater aquarium
Authors: Cui Yingshun , Park Chan-Yeong , Kim Song-Yeon , Wong Shu-Kuan , Lim An Suk , Oh Hee-Mock , Chun Seong-Jun , Ahn Chi-Yong
Published: October 2021

A novel bacterium, strain SJAQ100T, was isolated from a freshwater aquarium and was characterized taxonomically and phylogenetically. Strain SJAQ100T was a Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile bacterium. The strain grew optimally with 0 % NaCl and at 25–37 °C on Reasoner's 2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain SJAQ100T clustered with members of Burkholderiales incertae sedis in the order

Burkholderiales

, but sequence similarities to known species were less than 96.5 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SJAQ100T was 71.2 mol%. Genomic comparisons of strain SJAQ100T with species in the order

Burkholderiales

were made using the Genome-to-Genome Distance Calculator, average nucleotide identity and average amino acid identity analyses (values indicated ≤22.1, ≤78.1, and ≤68.1 % respectively). Strain SJAQ100T contained C16 : 0 and C16 : 1
 ω7c/C16 : 1
 ω6c as major fatty acids and Q-8 as the major quinone. The major polyamines were putrescine and cadaverine. Strain SJAQ100T contained phosphatidylethanolamine and diphosphatidylglycerol as major polar lipids. Based on the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic results, strain SJAQ100T represents a novel genus and species, Aquariibacter albus gen. nov., sp. nov., which belongs to order

Burkholderiales

and the class

Betaproteobacteria

. The type strain is SJAQ100T (=KCTC 72203T=CGMCC 1.18869T=MCC 4385T).
Human Genetics of Face Recognition: Discovery ofMCTP2Mutations in Humans with Face Blindness (Congenital Prosopagnosia)
Authors: Sun Yun , Men Weiwei , Fang Wan , Zhou Enxing , Yang Wei , Li Zhiqiang , Zheng Hou-Feng , Rao Yi
Published: October 2021

Face recognition is important for both visual and social cognition. While congenital prosopagnosia (CP) or face blindness has been known for seven decades and electrophysiological studies have characterized face specific neurons for half a century, no molecular analyses have been undertaken. Here we report results of research combining classic genetics and modern genomics. From a large family with 18 CP members, we uncovered a fully co-segregating private mutation in theMCTP2gene which encodes a calcium binding transmembrane protein expressed in the central nervous system. More rare mutations inMCTP2were detected in CP families and were also associated with CPs in the cohort study. In another cohort of 1757, face recognition was different between 14 carriers with a frameshift mutation S80fs inMCTP2and 19 non-carrying volunteers. 6 families including one with 10 members showed the S80fs-CP correlation. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) indicates that impaired recognition of individual faces by CPs with theMCTP2mutations is associated with inability to recognize the same faces in the right fusiform face area (rFFA). Our results have revealed the genetic predisposition ofMCTP2mutations in CP, 74 years after the initial report of CP. This is the first time a gene required for a higher form of visual social cognition was found in humans.
Tools for Drawing Informative Idiograms
Authors: Mahmoudi Shoaeib , Mirzaghaderi Ghader
Published: October 2021

Each species has a typical karyotype, which represents the phenotypic appearance of the somatic chromosomes including number, size, and morphology. Idiogram is a diagrammatic representation of the chromosomes showing their relative size, homologous groups and different cytogenetic landmarks. Chromosomal analysis of cytological preparations is an essential component of many investigations which involves the calculation of karyotypic parameters and generation of idiogram. Although various tools are available for karyotype analysis, here we demonstrate karyotype analysis using our recently developed tool named KaryoMeasure. KaryoMeasure is a semi-automated free and user-friendly karyotype analysis software that facilitates data collection from different digital images of the metaphase chromosome spreads and calculates a wide variety of chromosomal and karyotypic parameters along with the related standard errors. KaryoMeasure draws idiograms of both diploid and allopolyploid species into a vector-based SVG or PDF image file.
A NET4-RabG3 couple mediate the link between actin and the tonoplast and is essential for normal actin cytoskeletal remodelling in stomatal closure to flg22
Authors: Hawkins Timothy J. , Kopischke Michaela , Mentlak David A. , Duckney Patrick , Kroon Johan T.M. , Bui Mai Thu , Richardson A. Christine , Casey Mary , Alexander Agnieszka , De Jaeger Geert , Kalde Monika , Moore Ian , Dagdas Yasin , Hussey Patrick J. , Robatzek Silke
Published: October 2021

Members of the NETWORKED (NET) family are involved in actin-membrane interactions. They tether the cell’s plasma membrane (PM) to the actin network. Moreover, in a similar manner, they are also involved in the tethering of membrane bound organelles to the actin cytoskeleton; the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER to the PM. This raises the question as to whether NET proteins are involved in actin cytoskeletal remodelling. Here we show that two members of the NET family, NET4A and NET4B, are essential for normal guard cell actin reorganization, which is a process critical for stomatal closure in plant immunity. NET4 proteins interact with F-actin and with members of the Rab7 GTPase RABG3 family through two distinct domains, allowing for simultaneous localization to actin filaments and the tonoplast. NET4 proteins interact with GTP-bound, active RABG3 members, suggesting their function as downstream effectors. We also show that RABG3b is critical for stomatal closure induced by microbial patterns. Taken together, we conclude that the actin cytoskeletal remodelling during stomatal closure depends on a molecular link between actin filaments and the tonoplast, which is mediated by the NET4-RABG3b interaction. We propose that stomatal closure to microbial patterns involves the coordinated action of immune signalling events and proper actin cytoskeletal remodelling.
Computational design of highly signaling active membrane receptors throughde novosolvent-mediated allosteric networks
Authors: Chen K-Y. , Lai J.K. , Wang J. , Russell A.M. , Conners K. , Rutter M.E. , Condon B. , Tung F. , Kodandapani L. , Chau B. , Zhao X. , Benach J. , Baker K. , Hembre E.J. , Barth P.
Published: October 2021

Protein catalysis and allostery require the atomic-level orchestration and motion of residues, ligand, solvent and protein effector molecules, but the ability to design protein activity through precise protein-solvent cooperative interactions has not been demonstrated. Here, we report the design of a dozen novel membrane receptors catalyzing G-protein nucleotide exchange through diversede novoengineered allosteric pathways mediated by cooperative networks of intra-protein, protein-ligand and solvent molecule interactions. Consistent with the predictions, designed protein activities strongly correlated with the level of solvent-mediated interaction network plasticity at flexible transmembrane helical interfaces. Several designs displayed considerably enhanced thermostability and activity compared to related natural receptors. The most stable and active variant crystallized in an unforeseen signaling active conformation, in excellent agreement with the design models. The allosteric network topologies of the best designs bear limited similarity to those of natural receptors and reveal a space of allosteric interactions larger than previously inferred from natural proteins. The approach should prove useful for engineering proteins with novel complex protein catalytic and signaling activities.
Enhanced keratin extraction from wool waste using a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Okoro Oseweuba Valentine , Jafari Hafez , Hobbi Parinaz , Nie Lei , Alimoradi Houman , Shavandi Amin
Published: October 2021

In this study, the solubilisation of waste coarse wool as a precursory step for the large scale valorisation of keratin was investigated using a green deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on L-cysteine and lactic acid. The investigation was undertaken via the response surface methodology and based on the Box-Behnken design for four process variables of temperature (70-110 °C), dissolution time (2-10 h), the mass of L-cysteine (0.5-2.5 g) in 20 mL of lactic acid, and wool load in the DES (0.2-0.6 g). The effect of variations in temperature was established to be the most significant process variable influencing keratin yield from waste coarse wool in the current work. An optimum keratin yield (93.77 wt.%) was obtained at the temperature of 105 °C, 8 h dissolution time, with 1.6 g L-cysteine in 20 mL of lactic acid using 0.5 g of wool. This study suggests L-cysteine and lactic acid as a green solvent with the potential to scale up keratin recovery from waste wool without significant destruction in the structure of the recovered keratin.

Highlights

Keratin recovery from wool using deep eutectic solvent was assessed

The basis for the use of the new deep eutectic solvent was discussed

The effects of the process variables on keratin yield were explored

Keratin recovered was optimised and characterised.
Are Machines-learning Methods More Efficient than Humans in Triaging Literature for Systematic Reviews?
Authors: Abogunrin Seye , Queiros Luisa , Bednarski Mateusz , Sumner Marc , Baehrens David , Witzmann Andreas
Published: October 2021

Systematic literature reviews provide rigorous assessments of clinical, cost-effectiveness, and humanistic data. Accordingly, there is a growing trend worldwide among healthcare agencies and decision-makers to require them in order to make informed decisions. Because these reviews are labor-intensive and time consuming, we applied advanced analytic methods (AAM) to determine if machine learning methods could classify abstracts as well as humans. Literature searches were run for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer treatments (mNSCLC) and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Records were reviewed by humans and two AAMs. AAM-1 involved a pre-trained data-mining model specialized in biomedical literature, and AAM-2 was based on support vector machine algorithms. The AAMs assigned an accept/reject status, with reasons for exclusion. Automatic results were compared to those of humans. For mNSCLC, 5820 records were processed by humans and 440 (8%) records were accepted and the remaining items rejected. AAM-1 correctly accepted 6% of records and correctly excluded 79%. AAM-2 correctly accepted 6% of records and correctly excluded 82%. The review was completed by AAM-1 or AAM-2 in 52 hours, compared to 196 hours for humans. Work saved was estimated to be 76% and 79% by AAM-1 and AAM-2, respectively. For mCRPC, 2434 records were processed by humans and 26% of these were accepted and 74% rejected. AAM-1 correctly accepted 23% of records and rejected 62%. AAM-2 correctly accepted 20% of records and rejected 66%. The review was completed by AAM-1, AAM-2, and humans in 25, 25 and 85 hours, respectively. Work saved was estimated to be 61% and 68% by AAM-1 and AAM-2, respectively. AAMs can markedly reduce the time required for searching and triaging records during a systematic review. Methods similar to AAMs should be assessed in future research for how consistent their performances are in SLRs of economic, epidemiological and humanistic evidence.
Anticipating resistance to KRAS inhibition: a novel role for USP21 in macropinocytosis regulation
Authors: Crawford Howard C.
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers. Virtually all PDAC harbors an oncogenic mutation in the KRAS gene, making it the prime target for therapy. Most previous attempts to inhibit KRAS directly have been disappointing, but recent success in targeting some KRAS mutants presages a new era in PDAC therapy. Models of PDAC have predicted that identifying KRAS inhibitor resistance mechanisms will be critical. In this issue of Genes & Development, Hou and colleagues (pp. 1327–1332) identify one such mechanism in which the deubiquitinase USP21 up-regulates the nutrient-scavenging process of macropinocytosis, rescuing PDAC cells from Kras extinction.
Whole-Mount RNA In Situ Hybridization and Immunofluorescence of Xenopus Embryos and Tadpoles
Authors: Willsey Helen Rankin
Published: October 2021

A major advantage of experimentation in Xenopus is the ability to query the localization of endogenous proteins and RNAs in situ in the entire animal during all of development. Here I describe three variations of staining to visualize mRNAs and proteins in developing Xenopus embryos and tadpoles. The first section outlines a traditional colorimetric staining for mRNAs that is suitable for all stages of development, and the second extends this protocol for fluorescence-based detection for higher spatial and quantitative resolution. The final section details detection of proteins by immunofluorescence, optimized for tadpole stages but widely applicable to others. Finally, optimization strategies are provided.
A multi-attribute approach to select the best method for repairing river bridge columns
Authors: Salmaninezhad Mitra , Jazayeri Moghaddas S. Mahmood
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Pier scour is one of the main causes of damage to the columns of the river bridges. It is essential to select the best method among various repair methods based on different evaluation indices. However, there is no procedure for ranking these repair methods based on their attributes. The present study seeks to set an approach for this ranking.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) model is presented for ranking the repair techniques, in which alternatives are examined using the most important evaluation criteria. In addition, a combination of entropy and eigenvector methods has been proposed for weighting these attributes. A case study is then used to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the method.

Findings

The execution of the model using two multi-criteria methods yielded similar results, which confirms its accuracy and precision. Moreover, the research findings showed the consistency of the objective and subjective weighting methods and the conformity of the weights obtained for the attributes from the combination of these methods to the nature of the problem.

Originality/value

The selection of the proper method for repairing the bridge columns plays an essential role in success of the bridge restoration. The proposed model introduces an approach for ranking repair methods and selecting the best one that has not been presented so far. Also, the weighing method for attributes is an innovative method for ranking restoration methods that has been proven in a case study.
Crowd modelling: aggregating non-expert views as a method for theorizing
Authors: González Aguilar Octavio
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a crowd-based method for theorizing. The purpose is not to achieve a scientific theory. On the contrary, the purpose is to achieve a model that may challenge current scientific theories or lead research in new phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes a case study of theorizing by using a crowd-based method. The first section of the paper introduces what do the authors know about crowdsourcing, crowd science and the aggregation of non-expert views. The second section details the case study. The third section analyses the aggregation. Finally, the fourth section elaborates the conclusions, limitations and future research.

Findings

This document answers to what extent the crowd-based method produces similar results to theories tested and published by experts.

Research limitations/implications

From a theoretical perspective, this study provides evidence to support the research agenda associated with crowd science. The main limitation of this study is that the crowded research models and the expert research models are compared in terms of the graph. Nevertheless, some academics may argue that theory building is about an academic heritage.

Practical implications

This paper exemplifies how to obtain an expert-level research model by aggregating the views of non-experts.

Social implications

This study is particularly important for institutions with limited access to costly databases, labs and researchers.

Originality/value

Previous research suggested that a collective of individuals may help to conduct all the stages of a research endeavour. Nevertheless, a formal method for theorizing based on the aggregation of non-expert views does not exist. This paper provides the method and evidence of its practical implications.
The life expectancy of tech start-ups in India: what attributes impact tech start-ups' failures?
Authors: Kalyanasundaram Ganesaraman , Ramachandrula Sitaram , Mungila Hillemane Bala Subrahmanya
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Entrepreneurs nurture their ambitions of founding tech start-ups that facilitate significant innovations despite vulnerability and considerable uncertainty by resolutely addressing multiple challenges to avert failures. The paper aims to answer how soon do tech start-ups fail, given their lifecycle comprising multiple stages of formation and what attributes hasten failure of tech start-ups over their lifecycle? These questions have not been answered adequately, particularly in the context of India's emerging economy, where an aspiring start-up ecosystem is striving to flourish at an exceptional rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The study addressed two specific objectives: (1) Does life expectancy vary between life-cycle stages? and (2) What attributes impact tech start-ups' failures? Primary data were gathered from 151 cofounders (101 who have experienced failure and 50 who are successful and continuing their operations) from India's 6 leading start-up hubs. The survival analysis techniques were used, including non-parametric Kaplan–Meier estimator, to study the first objective and semi-parametric Cox proportional hazard regression to explore the second objective.

Findings

The survival probability log-rank statistics ascertain that life expectancy is different across the life-cycle stages, namely emergence, stability and growth. The hazard ratios (HRs) throw light on attributes like stage, revenue, conflict with investors, number of current start-ups, cofounder experience, level of confidence (LoC) and educational qualifications as the key attributes that influence start-up life expectancy over its lifecycle.

Practical implications

The empirical study on tech start-ups' life expectancy has practical implications for entrepreneurs and investors besides guiding the ecosystem's policymakers. First, the study helps entrepreneurs plan for resources and be aware of their start-up journey's potential pitfalls. Second, the study helps investors to establish the engagement framework and plan their future funding strategy. Third, the study helps policymakers to design and establish progressive support mechanisms that can prevent a start-up's failure.

Originality/value

First and foremost, start-up life expectancy study by life-cycle stages provide detailed insights on start-ups' failures. The theoretical framework defined is replicable, scalable and distinctly measurable for studying the start-up failure phenomenon. The life expectancy of tech start-ups by life-cycle stage is a critical empirical contribution. Next, the attributes impacting start-up life expectancy are identified in the context of an emerging economy.
Do values reflect what is important? Exploring the nexus between work values, work engagement and job burnout
Authors: Dahiya Rinki , Raghuvanshi Juhi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Work values are a representation of people’s priorities as they reflect what is pertinent for them and what they want to accomplish. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to understand the priorities given to work values (extrinsic and intrinsic) by employees and also to explore whether these work values vary with the levels of work engagement and job burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on the survey responses of 386 officers working in Indian manufacturing organisations engaged in different areas.

Findings

The findings reveal that security officers give much priority to extrinsic work values than intrinsic work values (IWVs). Moreover, IWVs vary with different levels of work engagement along with job burnout. The security officers belonging to the engaged group differ significantly with those belonging to the job burnout group in terms of IWVs. Moreover, work values also have a negative correlation with job burnout and a positive correlation with work engagement.

Originality/value

This study explores the variation in work values of security officers working in Indian manufacturing organisations with changes in levels of job burnout and work engagement, which is a novel contribution in the field. The findings also advocate that it is crucial for human resource managers, supervisors and key people in organisations to find out employees showing early signs of job burnout (exhaustion or disengagement) or early stages of strain and frustration as the priorities of work values of the employees are affected by these parameters. Such identified employees should be provided with required managerial support and necessary work resources immediately.
Patient organizations supporting health care and co-creating value: insights from a simulation model
Authors: Costanza Francesca
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Patient organizations (POs) belong to the non-profit world and carry on several activities alongside health care. However, literature devotes scarce attention to POs’ management specificities in the interaction with health-care delivery. This paper aims to describe the contribution of POs to health care from an operational point of view; investigate the effect of POs’ managerial choices on health-care performance; and provide useful insights for patient organizations and health-care management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper combines qualitative case study research and system dynamics (SD). After a literature review about patient organizations’ role, modeling steps are described. In first place, the analyses of institutional documents, interviews and observations are condensed in a stock-and-flow diagram. The latter is translated into a set of differential equations to simulate the effect of alternative resource allocations.

Findings

The case study emphasizes PO’s educational and administrative role in supporting health-care delivery. Simulated policy scenarios, while confirming the positive contribution of patient co-created health, disclose potential divergencies in public and private/third sector decision-making, to be read considering key feedback mechanisms within the system.

Originality/value

This study proposes a holistic view of patient organizations’ engagement in health care. The findings highlight synergies and trade-offs of alternative managerial decisions involving POs and health-care providers, disclosing the benefits of joint resource planning.
How do banks’ capital regulation and risk-taking respond to COVID-19? Empirical insights of ownership structure
Authors: Moudud-Ul-Huq Syed , Ahmed Kawsar , Chowdhury Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous , M. Sohail Hafiz , Biswas Tanmay , Abbas Faisal
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between capital regulation and risk-taking behavior (financial stability) concerning the impacts of the recent global (COVID-19) crisis and diverse ownership structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses an unbalanced panel data set from 32 commercial banks of Bangladesh for 2000–2020. The authors use the two-step system generalized method of moments and three-stage least squares to produce the study outcomes.

Findings

The robust results reveal that the relationship between capital regulation and risk (financial stability) is negative (positive) and bi-directional. More significantly, COVID-19 makes banks fragile and demands more capital to absorb risk. However, the effect of COVID-19 is heterogeneous when the authors consider ownership structure. Among the diverse ownership styles, Islamic and active shareholding show their controlling wheel on capital regulation and risk-taking aptitude (financial stability) during the global (COVID-19) crisis. In normal economic conditions, private banks and minority active shareholding can be a good determinant for capital regulation and risk (financial stability). On the other hand, state-owned and large banks have been found as less capitalized and highly risky.

Originality/value

This study is the pioneer in exploring capital regulation and risk toward the recent global (COVID-19) crisis.
Bitcoin and stock markets: a revisit of relationship
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Ah Mand Abdollah
Published: October 2021

The volatility of bitcoin (BTC) and time horizon is the center point for investment decisions. However, attention is not often drawn to the relationship between BTC and equity indices. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the volatility and time frequency domain of BTC with stock markets.
Does mosque location matter? Mosque and Islamic shops in the European context
Authors: El Boujjoufi Mohamed , Mustafa Ahmed , Teller Jacques
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Mosques influence the surrounding neighborhoods’ demographic patterns and motivate investors to establish new businesses and commercial activities. This study aims to explore the impact of the mosque on the emergence of new businesses. Furthermore, this study examines the demography of neighborhoods in which mosques are located.

Design/methodology/approach

This study opts for an exploratory study using a retrospective analysis approach to explore the mosque’s impact on the social and functional aspects of neighborhoods. The emerging shops around mosques in the city of Liège (Belgium) are analyzed using a logistic regression model. The criterion for the location of Islamic shops was cross-referenced with other variables, such as distance from the center, proximity to supermarkets and shopping malls, distance from the mosque, socio-economic variables (immigration, income nationalities, etc.) and bus accessibility data. Several zones around mosques, ranging from 100 to 1000 m, are established to examine the correlation between types of businesses and distance to the mosque. Five types of businesses are identified: regular trade, light semi-regular trade, heavy semi-regular trade, Horeca and services. Islamic shops are identified based on on-site observations and interviews and classified by type.

Findings

The results show that mosques significantly impact the establishment of new businesses in the surrounding urban space (especially Islamic shops). In terms of the types of Islamic shops surrounding the mosques, this study found a strong presence of “Horeca” (cafes, restaurants and snack bars), and “light semi-regular trade” (mainly personal care).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the few studies that fulfill the need to understand the role of the mosque location in European cities, focusing on its impact on Islamic shops.
Probiotic Ayran development by incorporation of phytosterols and microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei L26 in sodium caseinate–gellan mixture
Authors: Ahangari Hossein , Yousefi Mohammad , Abedi Reza , Mirzanajafi‐Zanjani Mina , Aman Mohammadi Masoud , Ehsani Ali , Moghaddas Kia Ehsan
Published: October 2021

Ayran is a traditional fermented dairy drink that is manufactured by mixing yoghurt with water. In this research, the development of phytosterol‐enriched probiotic Ayran, the efficacy of various concentrations of phytosterol (0, 0.5 and 1 mg/L) and inoculation type (free or encapsulated) were investigated. The viability of Lactobacillus casei L26 and physicochemical indices of samples during storage time was studied. Samples with encapsulated probiotics showed lower serum separation due to the hydration of encapsulated agents. Sensory scores revealed that phytosterols are suitable for the enrichment of the probiotic Ayran. Moreover, phytosterol showed no significant changes in pH, acidity and viscosity during storage.
Pregnancy after bariatic surgery and the risk of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Devlieger R , Ceulemans D
Published: October 2021

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on K Johansson et al., pp. 461–471 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.16871
Development of an instrument for assessing the quality of forensic evidence and expert testimony from three feature‐comparison methods: DNA, voice, and fingerprint analysis
Authors: Villavicencio‐Queijeiro Alexa , Loyzance Chantal , García‐Castillo Zoraida , Suzuri‐Hernández Jiro , Castillo‐Alanís Alejandra , López‐Olvera Patricia , López‐Escobedo Fernanda
Published: October 2021

In a context of rising violence and long‐lasting impunity, in 2008, Mexico's criminal justice system underwent a radical change from an inquisitorial model to an adversarial one, to make it more effective, transparent, and expeditious. The new system tasked judges with publicly determining the admissibility of forensic evidence, as well as assessing its technical quality and probative value—tasks for which they currently receive little to no training. With the aim of contributing to the consolidation of the adversarial model, a comparative framework—in the form of a checklist—of the analysis of fingerprints, DNA samples, and voice recordings was created. To do so, a review of the academic literature, published reports, and guidelines was performed. The collected data were synthesized and submitted to a panel of Mexican judges, who provided feedback on its adequacy. The framework focuses on the steps on which quality assurance of forensic evidence depends, organized in five discrete stages that span from the collection of samples at the scene of a crime to the presentation of evidence at trial, specifying the main technical criteria experts should state to allow a decision maker to examine its accuracy and reliability. Differences and commonalities among the three methods were identified, particularly in terms of how qualitative and quantitative analyses are performed in each. Besides its potential usefulness as an aid for judicial decision‐making, the checklist could be a valuable resource for training programs aimed at judges, as well as quality assurance programs.
Estimating dispersal using close kin dyads: The kindisperse R package
Authors: Jasper Moshe E. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Schmidt Thomas L.
Published: October 2021

Investigating dispersal in animal populations can be difficult, particularly for taxa that are hard to directly observe such as those that are small or rare. A promising solution may come from new approaches that use genome‐wide sequence data to detect close kin dyads and estimate dispersal parameters from the distribution of these dyads. These methods have so far only been applied to mosquito populations. However, they should have broad applicability to a range of taxa, although no assessment has yet been made on their performance under different dispersal conditions and study designs. Here we develop an R package and shiny app, kindisperse, that can be used to estimate dispersal parameters from the spatial distribution of close kin. kindisperse can handle study designs that target different life stages and allows for a range of dispersal kernel shapes and organismal life histories; we provide implementation examples for a vertebrate (Antechinus) and an invertebrate (Aedes). We use simulations run in kindisperse to compare the performance of two published close kin methodologies, showing that one method produces unbiased estimates whereas the other produces downward‐biased estimates. We also use kindisperse simulations to investigate how study design affects dispersal estimates, and we provide guidelines for the size and shape of sample sites as well as the number of close kin needed for accurate estimates. kindisperse is easily adaptable for application to a variety of research contexts ranging from invasive pests to threatened species where noninvasive DNA sampling can be used to detect close kin.
Of Market Vendors and Waste Collectors: Labour, Informality, and Aesthetics in the Era of World‐Class City Making
Authors: Luthra Aman , Monteith William
Published: October 2021

A growing literature demonstrates the significance of aesthetics within processes of world‐class city making, as decisions about who gets to live and work in the city are increasingly made on the basis of codes of appearance. However, less attention has been paid to how such codes are (re)produced and (re)directed by informal workers and their organisations in everyday practice. Drawing upon a multisided ethnography in Kampala and Delhi, this paper explores the ways in which market vendors and waste collectors have responded to the proliferation of three aesthetic technologies: the identity card, the uniform, and the code of conduct. We show that workers have appropriated these technologies in creative ways in order to defend their livelihoods against the threat of displacement. However, this act of appropriation has come at the cost of the exclusion of the more vulnerable workers, who now find their activities policed not only by the state but also by a range of non‐state organisations. These findings contribute to debates on labour organisation and world‐class city making by demonstrating the ways in which aesthetic rationalities emerge through an encounter with the tactics of everyday life.
Prediction of enteric methane emissions from lactating cows using methane to carbon dioxide ratio in the breath
Authors: Suzuki Tomoyuki , Kamiya Yuko , Oikawa Kohei , Nonaka Itoko , Shinkai Takumi , Terada Fuminori , Obitsu Taketo
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to develop prediction equations for methane (CH4) emissions from lactating cows using the CH4/carbon dioxide (CO2) ratio in the breath measured in the automatic milking system (AMS) and to evaluate the predicted values and factors affecting the CH4/CO2 ratio. The model development was conducted using a dataset determined in respiration chambers or head boxes (n = 121). Then, gas measurements in the AMS as well as in the head box were carried out with six lactating cows fed one of three different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, following a 3 × 3 Latin square experimental design. The obtained equation that is suitable for practical use on farms to predict CH4 was CH4 (L/day) = −507 + 0.536 live weight (kg) + 8.76 energy‐corrected milk (kg/day) + 5,029 CH4/CO2 (adjusted R2 = 0.83; root mean square error = 40.8 L/day). Results showed that the predicted values correlated positively with the observed values, the determined CH4/CO2 ratio increased with increasing dietary NDF content, and the detected eructation rate was in the normal range. On the other hand, the CH4/CO2 ratio was affected by the time interval between measurement and last eating before the measurement.
‘A picture is worth a thousand words’: The use of microscopy for imaging neuroinflammation
Authors: de Fraga Luciano Stürmer , Tassinari Isadora D’Ávila , Jantsch Jeferson , Guedes Renata Padilha , Bambini-Junior Victorio
Published: October 2021

Since the first studies of the nervous system by the Nobel laureates Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramon y Cajal using simple dyes and conventional light microscopes, microscopy has come a long way to the most recent techniques that make it possible to perform images in live cells and animals in health and disease. Many pathological conditions of the central nervous system have already been linked to inflammatory responses. In this scenario, several available markers and techniques can help imaging and unveil the neuroinflammatory process. Moreover, microscopy imaging techniques have become even more necessary to validate the large quantity of data generated in the era of ‘omics’. This review aims to highlight how to assess neuroinflammation by using microscopy as a tool to provide specific details about the cell's architecture during neuroinflammatory conditions. First, we describe specific markers that have been used in light microscopy studies and that are widely applied to unravel and describe neuroinflammatory mechanisms in distinct conditions. Then, we discuss some important methodologies that facilitate the imaging of these markers, such as immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence techniques. Emphasis will be given to studies using two-photon microscopy, an approach that revolutionized the real-time assessment of neuroinflammatory processes. Finally, some studies integrating omics with microscopy will be presented. The fusion of these techniques is developing, but the high amount of data generated from these applications will certainly improve comprehension of the molecular mechanisms involved in neuroinflammation.
Risk of complications due to antithrombotic agents in cutaneous surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Scherer Fabian David , Dressler Corinna , Valles Gabriela Avila , Nast Alexander
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives

We aimed to determine the risk of complications during cutaneous surgery for the perioperative discontinuation in comparison to the continuation of antithrombotic agents and the bridging of vitamin K antagonists with heparin in comparison to their continuation.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review, searching three databases for eligible studies. Methods followed the Cochrane Handbook. We used RoB 2 and ROBINS‐I to assess risk of bias. The quality of evidence was judged (GRADE). Fixed‐effect meta‐analyses were performed.

Results

Two randomized‐controlled trials and 19 prospective cohort studies were included. It is uncertain whether, compared to its discontinuation, continuing acetylsalicylic acid (risk difference (RD) 0.004, 95 % confidence interval (CI) –0.003 to 0.019) perioperatively increases the risk of significant postoperative bleedings (SPB). Compared to its discontinuation, continuing phenprocoumon perioperatively may increase the risk of SPB (RD 0.02, 95 % CI 0.00 to 0.05). Bridging phenprocoumon with heparin perioperatively may increase the risk of SPB when compared to its continuation (RD 0.07, 95 % CI 0.01 to 0.22). No evidence was found regarding bleeding risks for direct oral anticoagulants.

Conclusions

No clear indications of major risks of bleedings when continuing antithrombotic agents during minor skin surgeries were identified. However, the quality of evidence was very low.
Construct validity of the Questionnaire for Older Senior Citizens based on a confirmatory factor analysis: A study during the period of self‐restraint to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Shinohara Tomoyuki , Saida Kosuke , Tanaka Shigeya , Murayama Akihiko , Higuchi Daisuke
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study aims to clarify the construct and criterion‐related validity of the Questionnaire for Older Senior Citizens (QO) during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in Japan between November 11, 2020 and January 10, 2021. Of the 1645 (63.5%) older adults who responded, data from 900 participants were analyzed. First, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) among older‐older adults (aged ≥75 years) and extracted the factors. Next, we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using structural equation modeling. We also conducted this analysis among younger‐older adults (aged ≥65 and <75 years) using the same model. Moreover, we compared each item of the QO with frailty status.

Results

Results of the EFA revealed six factors: social conditions and lifestyle, subjective conditions, cognitive functions, physical activity, oral functions, and physical functions. The results of the CFA were as follows: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.971, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.978, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.018, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.030. The results among the younger‐older adults were as follows: CFI = 0.880, AGFI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.037, and SRMR = 0.048. Many QO items were significantly associated with frailty (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Among the older‐older adults group, the model used for the QO has sufficient suitability and construct validity; among the younger‐older adults group, there also is sufficient questionnaire suitability. Moreover, the QO has criterion related validity with frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 1018–1025.
Changes in peripheral blood in SARS CoV‐2 patients and its clinico‐pathological correlation: A prospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bahadur Shalini , Kalonia Tushar , Kamini Kanchan , Gupta Bhumika , Kalhan Shivani , Jain Mansi
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by SARS‐CoV2 can present from mild flu‐like symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is multi‐organ involvement; particularly, hematopoietic system can be associated with morphological changes in blood cells of COVID‐19 patients.

Method

We conducted a cross‐sectional study on a cohort of 50 COVID‐19 patients, confirmed on RT‐PCR with documented cycle threshold (Ct) value. Peripheral blood sample of these patients was collected and examined for complete blood counts (CBC) on automated haematological analyser as well as Leishman‐stained blood smears to look for morphological changes in blood cells. Morphological changes were evaluated with reference to clinical severity and Ct value. Additionally, association between Ct value and clinical severity was also performed. Statistical tests were performed, and P value <.05 was considered significant.

Results

Mean age of our study group was 42.16 ± 15.55 years, with male preponderance. Most commonly observed peripheral blood changes were hypolobation (P value = .002) and toxic granules (P value = .005) in neutrophils, atypical granules with nucleolar prominence in lymphocytes, cytoplasmic granulation with clumped nuclear chromatin in monocytes, giant platelets and thrombocytopenia and normocytic normochromic anaemia.

Conclusion

No association was found between clinical severity and Ct value as well as peripheral blood morphological changes with Ct value. We conclude that examination of peripheral smear coupled with complete blood count (CBC) is only partially supportive of disease pathogenesis and to assess the viral load other parameters should be utilised instead of relying solely on Ct value.
Designing dual‐mode luminescence in Er3+ doped Y2WO6 microparticles for anticounterfeiting and temperature measurement
Authors: Luo Yurong , Zhang Libin , Liu Yuan , Heydari Esmaeil , Chen Liang , Bai Gongxun
Published: October 2021

In recent years, rare earth ions doped optical materials have been extensively utilized in anticounterfeiting, temperature measurement, and other fields. However, it is difficult for single‐mode photoluminescence to meet the increasingly complex anticounterfeiting needs in practice. In this article, Yb3+/Er3+ codoped Y2WO6 multifunctional microparticles have been designed and prepared, which can emit multimode luminescence and are used for anticounterfeiting and temperature measurement. Under excitation at 254, 365, and 980 nm, Y2WO6:Yb3+/Er3+ microparticles can emit blue, green, and yellow‐green luminescence, respectively. The multicolor emission is helpful to improve the security of anticounterfeiting in multimode. In addition, the upconversion, downconversion luminescence, and downconversion lifetime attenuation of this material can be used for fast responsive and noncontact temperature measurement. Among the three temperature measurement methods, the material has the highest sensitivity under the downconversion temperature measurement method, which is 1.25 × 10–2 K–1 (at 303 K). The results suggest that the Y2WO6:Yb3+/Er3+ microparticles have excellent applications in the domain of multimode anticounterfeiting and temperature measurement.
A conserved and seemingly redundant Escherichia coli biotin biosynthesis gene expressed only during anaerobic growth
Authors: Song Xuejiao , Cronan John E.
Published: October 2021

Biotin is an essential metabolic cofactor and de novo biotin biosynthetic pathways are widespread in microorganisms and plants. Biotin synthetic genes are generally found clustered into bio operons to facilitate tight regulation since biotin synthesis is a metabolically expensive process. Dethiobiotin synthetase (DTBS) catalyzes the penultimate step of biotin biosynthesis, the formation of 7,8‐diaminononanoate (DAPA). In Escherichia coli, DTBS is encoded by the bio operon gene bioD. Several studies have reported transcriptional activation of ynfK a gene of unknown function, under anaerobic conditions. Alignments of YnfK with BioD have led to suggestions that YnfK has DTBS activity. We report that YnfK is a functional DTBS, although an enzyme of poor activity that is poorly expressed. Supplementation of growth medium with DAPA or substitution of BioD active site residues for the corresponding YnfK residues greatly improved the DTBS activity of YnfK. We confirmed that FNR activates transcriptional level of ynfK during anaerobic growth and identified the FNR binding site of ynfK. The ynfK gene is well conserved in γ‐proteobacteria.
A new species of succulent Euphorbia subg. Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) from central Somalia
Authors: Baldesi Giacomo , Carter Susan
Published: October 2021

A new species of Euphorbia subg. Euphorbia sect. Euphorbia is described as new to science. Euphorbia elburensis sp. nov. is endemic to central Somalia and only known from the El‐Buur area. This species belongs to a morphological group characteristic of the Horn of Africa, with tiny (2–4 mm diam.) deeply lobed capsules, well exserted on recurved pedicels, containing ovoid densely tuberculate seeds.
Transgenerational effects of obesogenic diets in rodents: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Anwer Hamza , Morris Margaret J. , Noble Daniel W. A. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Lagisz Malgorzata
Published: October 2021

Obesity is a major health condition that affects millions worldwide. There is an increased interest in understanding the adverse outcomes associated with obesogenic diets. A multitude of studies have investigated the transgenerational impacts of maternal and parental obesogenic diets on subsequent generations of offspring, but results have largely been mixed. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis on rodent studies to elucidate how obesogenic diets impact the mean and variance of grand‐offspring traits. Our study focused on transgenerational effects (i.e., F2 and F3 generations) in one‐off and multigenerational exposure studies. From 33 included articles, we obtained 407 effect sizes representing pairwise comparisons of control and treatment grand‐offspring groups pertaining to measures of body weight, adiposity, glucose, insulin, leptin, and triglycerides. We found evidence that male and female grand‐offspring descended from grandparents exposed to an obesogenic diet displayed phenotypes consistent with metabolic syndrome, especially in cases where the obesogenic diet was continued across generations. Further, we found stronger evidence for the effects of grand‐maternal than grand‐paternal exposure on grand‐offspring traits. A high‐fat diet in one‐off exposure studies did not seem to impact phenotypic variation, whereas in multigenerational exposure studies it reduced variation in several traits.