bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane tethering protein TMEM24 is a regulator of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis
Authors: Xie Beichen , Panagiotou Styliani , Cen Jing , Gilon Patrick , Bergsten Peter , Idevall-Hagren Olof
Published: June 2021

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - plasma membrane (PM) contacts are sites of lipid exchange and Ca2+ transport, and both lipid transport proteins and Ca2+ channels specifically accumulate at these locations. In pancreatic β-cells, both lipid- and Ca2+ signaling are essential for insulin secretion. The recently characterized lipid transfer protein TMEM24 dynamically localize to ER-PM contact sites and provide phosphatidylinositol, a precursor of PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2, to the plasma membrane. β-cells lacking TMEM24 exhibit markedly suppressed glucose-induced Ca2+ oscillations and insulin secretion but the underlying mechanism is not known. We now show that TMEM24 only weakly interact with the PM, and dissociates in response to both diacylglycerol and nanomolar elevations of cytosolic Ca2+. Release of TMEM24 into the bulk ER membrane also enables direct interactions with mitochondria, and we report that loss of TMEM24 results in excessive accumulation of Ca2+ in both the ER and mitochondria and in impaired mitochondria function.
An Open-Source Modular Framework for Automated Pipetting and Imaging Applications
Authors: Ouyang Wei , Bowman Richard , Wang Haoran , Bumke Kaspar E , Collins Joel T , Spjuth Ola , Carreras-Puigvert Jordi , Diederich Benedict
Published: June 2021

The number of samples in biological experiments are continuously increasing, but complex protocols and human experimentation in many cases lead to suboptimal data quality and hence difficulties in reproducing scientific findings. Laboratory automation can alleviate many of these problems by precisely reproducing machine-readable protocols. These instruments generally require high up-front investments and due to lack of open APIs they are notoriously difficult for scientists to customize and control outside of the vendor-supplied software.

Here, we demonstrate automated, high-throughput experiments for interdisciplinary research in life science that can be replicated on a modest budget, using open tools to ensure reproducibility by combining the tools Openflexure, Opentrons, ImJoy and UC2. Our automated sample preparation and imaging pipeline can easily be replicated and established in many laboratories as well as in educational contexts through easy-to-understand algorithms and easy-to-build microscopes. Additionally, the creation of feedback loops, with later pipetting or imaging steps depending on analysis of previously acquired images, enables the realization of smart microscopy experiments, featuring completely autonomously performed experiments. All documents and source-files are publicly available (https://beniroquai.github.io/Hi2) to prove the concept of smart lab automation using inexpensive, open tools. We believe this democratizes access to the power and repeatability of automated experiments.
Targeting the m6A RNA modification pathway blocks SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 replication
Authors: Burgess Hannah M. , Depledge Daniel P. , Thompson Letitia , Srinivas Kalanghad Puthankalam , Grande Rebecca C. , Vink Elizabeth I. , Abebe Jonathan S. , Blackaby Wesley P. , Hendrick Alan , Albertella Mark R. , Kouzarides Tony , Stapleford Kenneth A. , Wilson Angus C. , Mohr Ian
Published: June 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant internal RNA modification, influencing transcript fate and function in uninfected and virus-infected cells. Installation of m6A by the nuclear RNA methyltransferase METTL3 occurs cotranscriptionally; however, the genomes of some cytoplasmic RNA viruses are also m6A-modified. How the cellular m6A modification machinery impacts coronavirus replication, which occurs exclusively in the cytoplasm, is unknown. Here we show that replication of SARS-CoV-2, the agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, and a seasonal human β-coronavirus HCoV-OC43, can be suppressed by depletion of METTL3 or cytoplasmic m6A reader proteins YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 and by a highly specific small molecule METTL3 inhibitor. Reduction of infectious titer correlates with decreased synthesis of viral RNAs and the essential nucleocapsid (N) protein. Sites of m6A modification on genomic and subgenomic RNAs of both viruses were mapped by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (meRIP-seq). Levels of host factors involved in m6A installation, removal, and recognition were unchanged by HCoV-OC43 infection; however, nuclear localization of METTL3 and cytoplasmic m6A readers YTHDF1 and YTHDF2 increased. This establishes that coronavirus RNAs are m6A-modified and host m6A pathway components control β-coronavirus replication. Moreover, it illustrates the therapeutic potential of targeting the m6A pathway to restrict coronavirus reproduction.
Gender mainstreaming in risk reduction and resilience-building strategies: local conceptualisation of gender and masculinities in Malawi and Zambia
Authors: Khoza Sizwile
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the local conceptualisation of gender and framings of men and masculinities at the local level, which may be applied to improve gender mainstreaming in smallholder farming.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected from a total of 70 key informants and community members knowledgeable about climate change and smallholder agriculture, disaster risks, gender and broader community issues in Malawi and Zambia. The thematic analysis was used to identify the themes emerging from the qualitative data.

Findings

Practitioners apply western framings of gender while communities consider their realities and contexts and emphasise that gender means men and women need to work together. Although institutional provisions are in place for gender mainstreaming, practitioners have cautioned against the influence of the global north in gender mainstreaming, which ignores local realities. Applying a masculinities lens at a local level established the existence of subordinate and marginalised men often excluded from interventions and how hierarchical relationships among men limited women's participation.

Research limitations/implications

Future research, practice and policy initiatives in disaster risk reduction and resilience-building need to engage with positive masculinities in gender mainstreaming. This work stimulates a broader framing of gender that builds on the core values and perspectives of communities.

Practical implications

Contemporary gender mainstreaming approaches need to consider local contextualisation of gender, emphasising the critical aspect of cooperation between women and men in overcoming climate-related hazards and risk reduction.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the nascent discourse on local gender perspectives and masculinities in disaster risk reduction and resilience in Southern Africa.
Customer participation in new product development: an Industry 4.0 perspective
Authors: Naeem Hafiz Muhammad , Di Maria Eleonora
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The use of modern technologies of the fourth industrial revolution, commonly known as “Industry 4.0” (I4.0), is believed to have considerable potential for product customisation. In this context, this paper aims to explore whether or not using these technologies impacts customer participation (CP) in a firm's new product development (NPD) process.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically test the proposed relationships, the authors collected the North Italian manufacturing firms' data and applied regression analysis.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that, on the one hand, the technologies have their specific and individual impacts, and on the other hand, the firms which use more I4.0 technologies allow more customer participation in their product design and production process. This positive impact is more robust in product design than in the production process.

Practical implications

Managers aiming to benefit from CP should broaden the scope of adopting I4.0 technologies and consider different roles concerning the design and production phases of the new product development process. Recognising the importance and allowing CP in NPD will enable firms to meet the customised demands.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, the proposed relationships of this study have been extensively debated theoretically in the I4.0 context but never empirically tested before. It is one of the few studies which discusses the strategic adoption and the combined use of I4.0 technologies to create more opportunities for product customisation.
The role of disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity in describing financial risk aversion among financial decision-makers
Authors: Grable John E. , Kwak Eun Jin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Using data obtained from 525 individuals who were surveyed during early spring 2020, this study addressed three aims: (1) to ascertain the degree to which disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity are related; (2) to identify who is most likely to exhibit patterns of disappointment aversion; and (3) to determine to what extent the combination of disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity is associated with financial risk aversion.

Design/methodology/approach

Several analytic methods were used in this study. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each of the measures examined in this study. Correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression techniques were used to estimate associations between and among the variables of interest in this study.

Findings

A negative relationship between disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity was noted, which is counter to conventional thinking. It is traditionally thought that those who establish high expectations will experience the greatest disappointment when choice outcomes fall below expectations. In this study, it was determined that when a financial decision-maker consistently establishes high outcome expectations and results fall below expectations, the financial decision-maker feels less disappointment. More precisely, those who consistently establish high expectations tend to be more disappointment tolerant than others.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides evidence that categories of disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity are associated with financial risk aversion and certain demographic characteristics.

Practical implications

This paper adds support for assertions made in the International Journal of Bank Marketing (IJBM) that it is important for financial service professionals and bankers to manage customer expectations to reduce disappointment with products and services. This paper shows that combinations of disappointment aversion and expectation proclivity are related to the financial risk aversion of customers.

Social implications

Findings from this paper indicate that a commonly used heuristic that decision-makers should reduce expectations to avoid disappointment may not be accurate or particularly useful in the context of financial decision-making.

Originality/value

Findings from this study add to the existing body of literature by showing that aversion to disappointment and the establishment of expectations, while distinct concepts, are interrelated.
Additive manufacturing in the apparel supply chain — impact on supply chain governance and social sustainability
Authors: Hohn Marlene M. , Durach Christian F.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Focusing on the apparel industry, this study extends current knowledge on how additive manufacturing (AM) may impact global supply chains regarding structures of interorganizational governance and the industry's social-sustainability issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an exploratory research design, two consecutive Delphi studies, with three survey rounds each, were conducted to carve out future industry scenarios and assess AM's impact on supply chain governance and social sustainability.

Findings

The implementation of AM is posited to reinforce existing supply chain governance structures that are dominated by powerful apparel retailers. Retailers are expected to use the increased production speed and heightened market competition to enforce faster fashion cycles and lower purchasing prices, providing a grim outlook for future working conditions at the production stage.

Social implications

Against the common narrative that technological progress increases societal well-being, this study finds that new digital technologies may, in fact, amplify rather than improve existing social-sustainability issues in contemporary production systems.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the nascent research field of AM's supply chain impact as one of the first empirical studies to analyze how AM introduction may impact on interorganizational governance while specifically addressing potential social-sustainability implications. The developed propositions relate to and extend the resource dependence and stakeholder perspectives on governance and social sustainability in supply chains. For managers, our results enrich the discussion about the potential use of AM beyond operational viability to include considerations on the wider implications for supply chains and the prevailing working conditions within them.
Some new methods for comparing the capability of two processes using process capability index Cpm
Authors: Perakis Michael
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is the construction of confidence intervals for the ratio of the values of process capability index Cpm for two processes. These confidence intervals can be used for comparing the capability of any pair of competitive processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Two methods for constructing confidence intervals for the ratio of the values of process capability index Cpm for two processes are proposed. The suggested techniques are based on a two-step approximation of the doubly non-central F distribution. Their performance is tested via simulation.

Findings

The performance of the suggested techniques seems to be rather satisfactory even for small samples, as illustrated through the use of simulated data.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the suggested techniques is that they can be implemented in real-world applications, since they can be used for comparing the capability of any pair of competitive processes.

Originality/value

The paper presents two new methods for constructing confidence intervals for the ratio of the values of process capability index Cpm for two processes.
Availability of caregiver-friendly workplace policies: an international scoping review follow-up study
Authors: Lorenz Frances , Whittaker Lisa , Tazzeo Julia , Williams Allison
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the availability of caregiver-friendly workplace policies (CFWPs) from January 2015 to June 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to determine changes over time, the present review is consistent with the methodology used in a scoping review of CFWPs conducted by the same research group five years earlier. This included applying an iterative database search to identify relevant articles, applying inclusion-exclusion criteria and performing qualitative thematic analysis on eligible articles. Both academic literature and literature that is not peer-reviewed were considered.

Findings

A total of 80 papers were included, with 82 unique workplaces identified. Three main qualitative themes were discussed: (1) inclusivity, (2) generosity and (3) culture. The finance, education, healthcare and technology industries were most generous. The most common CFWPs offered were support services; paid leave; backup adult care and flexible work arrangements.

Practical implications

This review narrows the gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive synthesis of CFWPs availability to better understand how workplaces are currently supporting caregiver-employees (CEs) while providing recommendations on how to support CEs moving forward.

Originality/value

This paper discusses significant differences from the first scoping review undertaken by the same research group five years ago, suggesting that progress has been made in the workplace culture needed to accommodate carer-employees.
Influencing factors and mechanism of doctor consultation volume on online medical consultation platforms based on physician review analysis
Authors: Wan Yan , Peng Ziqing , Wang Yalu , Zhang Yifan , Gao Jinping , Ma Baojun
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to reveal the factors patients consider when choosing a doctor for consultation on an online medical consultation (OMC) platform and how these factors influence doctors' consultation volumes.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, influencing factors reflected as service features were identified by applying a feature extraction method to physician reviews, and the importance of each feature was determined based on word frequencies and the PageRank algorithm. Sentiment analysis was used to analyze patient satisfaction with each service feature. In Study 2, regression models were used to analyze the relationships between the service features obtained from Study 1 and the doctor's consultation volume.

Findings

The study identified 14 service features of patients' concerns and found that patients mostly care about features such as trust, phraseology, overall service experience, word of mouth and personality traits, all of which describe a doctor's soft skills. These service features affect patients' trust in doctors, which, in turn, affects doctors' consultation volumes.

Originality/value

This research is important as it informs doctors about the features they should improve, to increase their consultation volume on OMC platforms. Furthermore, it not only enriches current trust-related research in the field of OMC, which has a certain reference significance for subsequent research on establishing trust in online doctor–patient relationships, but it also provides a reference for research concerning the antecedents of trust in general.
Short video apps as a health information source: an investigation of affordances, user experience and users’ intention to continue the use of TikTok
Authors: Song Shijie , Zhao Yuxiang Chris , Yao Xinlin , Ba Zhichao , Zhu Qinghua
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Although leveraging social media to access healthcare information is nothing new, a boom in short video apps offers new potential for disseminating health-related information. However, it is still unclear how short video apps might facilitate and benefit users’ consumption of health information. Furthermore, the technology features of short video apps complicate attempts to conduct research about them; as a consequence, they have been understudied. For addressing these concerns, this study adopts an affordance perspective to investigate the relationship between affordances and user experience and to examine factors that contribute to users’ intention to continue using short video apps to obtain health information.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon affordance theory, we constructed a research model that integrates four types of affordances (livestreaming, searching, meta-voicing and recommending), three types of user experience (immersion, social presence and credibility perception), and user’s intention to continue use. We employed an online survey and obtained a sample of 372 valid responses from TikTok (DouYin) users in China. The partial least squares (PLS) method was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that the user experience, in terms of social presence, immersion and credibility perception, can significantly predict users’ intention to continue using short video apps to obtain health information. Furthermore, the user experience was positively associated with the different affordances provided by the short video apps.

Originality/value

The findings of this study have several implications. First, the study contributes to the health information behavior literature by incorporating the aspect of user experience. Moreover, the study extends the application of affordance theory to users’ health information acquisition, and it carries some practical implications on how to leverage the great potential of short video apps to serve public health communication better.
Rereading, art-making and other joys: toward a theory of information, repetition and the good life
Authors: Gorichanaz Tim
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper offers a conceptual discussion of repetition and joy in the context of information and their relation to the good life.

Design/methodology/approach

Joy is defined as an integrative element of the good life which can be achieved through repetition. This may be surprising, given that our most ready-to-hand associations with “repetition” are negative in tenor rather than positive. Building on the work of repetition theorists Søren Kierkegaard and Gertrude Stein, we can discern three different forms of repetition: that looking backwards (e.g. rereading), that looking forwards (e.g. art-making) and that looking inwards (e.g. chiasmus). Throughout this paper, information-related examples are given and discussed as vignettes that move the conversation forward.

Findings

These examples lead to a nascent theory of why the repetition of information can spark joy and not just tedium. First, its stability and predictability that instill comfort in us. Second, its unifying force that brings us to experience wholeness. Third, its invitation to keep the repetition going through creation, further helping us feel part of the world. And finally, its paradoxicality—as strict repetition is impossible—which requires change, paving the way for satisfying surprises and delights.

Originality/value

Repetition is a ubiquitous and theoretically interesting phenomenon when it comes to information, and though it is implicit in some information science research, it has not yet been theorized directly. Moreover, this paper connects this issue to an emerging “positive” orientation in information studies.
Factors influencing collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library
Authors: Kamau Grace Wambui , Elegwa Aggrey Luyiya
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the collection development process at the University of Nairobi library and suggest ways for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was employed to collect, analyze and interpret data from collection development librarians at the University of Nairobi purposively selected. Data were collected through structured interviews and documentary review. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The study established that the library has a written collection development policy which was revised in 2014 and is strictly adhered to. However, the policy has a gap on the role of faculty as stakeholders in the selection process. In addition, the criteria for selection are not explicitly stated. Findings also indicate that budget allocation, collection development policy, user demands, quality of staff, library consortium and the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015 influence the collection development process at the University of Nairobi Library.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one public university library in Kenya. However, the findings may be applicable in similar university libraries in the country.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may benefit students and faculty in the University of Nairobi from improved collection development process that would ensure that their information needs are met in a timely manner. This would lead to improved research output by students and faculty and ultimately improved research output by the university. University library management may also benefit in improving the collection development process, thereby making it more economical. The findings may also be useful in decision-making and policy development on matters pertaining to collection development at the University of Nairobi and other universities. Furthermore, the findings may be used by researchers to provide context and background information for future research on collection development in public universities locally and regionally.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need to make the collection development process in university libraries more efficient by proposing ways of addressing the challenges experienced.
“Seikatsu Rinsho” – a values-based approach to supporting recovery in Japan
Authors: Iseda Takashi , Ogawa Kazuo , Hasegawa Kenichi , Yamasaki Syudo , Nishida Atsushi , Shepherd Geoff
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce Seikatsu Rinsho, a values-based approach to supporting recovery based on identifying service user values and aspirations that have been developed since 1958 in Japan where mental health services are still hospital-based and user involvement is not well-developed. This paper believes this will be of great implications for future practices around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

Hope is essential to recovery and that hope is dependent on identifying what service users really want for themselves (aspirations) and then ensuring that these are communicated to – and supported by – professionals and carers. This is achieved through examining the life events, which are likely to trigger relapse for a specific individual, the important choices that the person has made throughout his/her life course and the reasons behind them. Through a process of “co-production”, an attempt is made to understand the values expressed in these choices in the context of family history over several generations.

Findings

The attempt to examine both life events throughout the life course and family history over generations was found to be an effective way to understand a service user and his/her family and then support recovery. The cases where even people with severe and persistent mental health problems have successfully achieved full recovery have been accumulated.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the approach in the context of Japanese mental health services, and the necessity of additional evidence are acknowledged and some thoughts shall be given to future development.

Originality/value

Seikatsu Rinsho approach can provide a new angle to understand service users and family and a new way to support recovery.
Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on female health care workers in Odisha (India)
Authors: Pattayat Shiba Shankar , Patri Prasanta , Das Silan , Barik Rajesh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on female health workers (FHWs) in Odisha (India). Here, this study discusses the economic hardship of the FHWs during the pandemic time. Additionally, this study also identifies the various socio-economic factors responsible for the increasing mental stress level of FHWs in Odisha.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a telephonic survey method. Overall the study has collected 80 samples of FHWs from Odisha (India). Additionally, the study uses a logistic regression model to measure the impact of various socio-economic factors affecting the mental health status of FHWs during the pandemic time.

Findings

The findings of this study depict that FHWs working as a Covid warrior during the pandemic time are facing severe economic vulnerability in their life. It is found that though the FHWs have worked tirelessly to save millions of human lives, but irregularity in salary payment and temporary jobs position have caused more mental distress to them. Moreover, the empirical findings have shown that factors such as joint family, social isolation, having an elderly member in their family, duty in Covid ward, staying in staff quarter and temporary job position are responsible for increasing the mental stress of FHWs in Odisha during the Covid-19 pandemic time.

Originality/value

This study is a first attempt to explain the life struggle, economic vulnerability and mental stress of Indian (Odisha) FHWs working during the Covid-19 pandemic period to save millions of human lives.
Developing a measurement scale for organizational learning capabilities in China
Authors: Dai Wanwen , Arnulf Jan Ketil K. , Iao Laileng , Liang Meng , Dai Haojin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a measurement instrument for organizational learning capability (OLC) in a Chinese management context. Previous research has indicated a need for measurement instruments with proven ecological validity in China, because the learning capability of organizations is influenced by the organization’s external environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors followed a consequent inductive procedure from item sampling through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and nomological validation. The initial part sampled relevant descriptors from a diverse sample of 159 employees from heterogeneous backgrounds in China. After sorting by an expert panel, EFA of data from a sample of 161 executive students yielded a three-dimensional construct comprising knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge utilization. These three constructs were again tested in CFA using a sample of 357 employees from five companies.

Findings

The findings across the three samples resulted in a three-dimensional measurement scale that is called as the organizational learning capability questionnaire (OLCQ). The OLCQ displayed high internal consistency, reliability and nomological validity.

Research limitations/implications

This focus of this study has only been to establish a measurement instrument that allows indigenous research on organizational learning in China. The approach was statistically driven grounded approach, not a theoretical assumption of learning mechanisms special to the Chinese culture. Further research is needed to estimate how this approach yields results that are different from other cultures or the extent to which our findings can be explained by features of the Chinese culture or business environment.

Practical implications

This study offers a practical measurement instrument to assess practical and scientific problems of organizational learning in China.

Social implications

The work here emphasizes the necessity of a knowledge sharing community for organizational learning to appear. It addresses a call for more indigenous Chinese management research.

Originality/value

The authors provide a measurement instrument for OLC with proven ecological validity and with promising consequences for research and practice in China. The instrument is empirically grounded in the practices and behaviors of Chinese managers, avoiding biases that stem from previously identified shortcomings in cross-cultural management research. To the knowledge, it is the first of its kind and a contribution to a call for indigenous management theories with contextual validity.
Comparison of library website function access tools 2014–2018
Authors: Zaugg Holt , Rennick Brian
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Four years after the release of a responsive design website that provides a dynamic screen layout across three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone), a repeat study was conducted to determine changes in the way that library website functions are and are not accessed.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey, similar to the original study, was used to determine the rate of access of 20 website functions by three access devices (computer, tablet and smartphone) and a “did not use” (DNU) category. A two-proportion Z-test was used to determine significant differences in the rate of access for each website function and the “did not use” (DNU) category by each access device from 2014 to 2018.

Findings

The computer is still the primary tool used to access website functions, but its rate of use is declining, while access via the smartphone is increasing, including research and for learning functions traditionally accessed only by computer. Access by tablet, with poor website function access rates in 2014, declined in use, with some rates approaching zero. Increases in the DNU category for website functions occurred, but reasons why were not determined. The increases raised questions about the relevance of some of the website functions and if other actions are needed to increase use.

Originality/value

Repeating the 2014 study provided insights into the changing landscape of device preferences for accessing library website functions. The number of significant changes identified demonstrates the importance of recurring studies to determine how online access to library website functions evolves over time.
Chemical defence effective against multiple enemies: Does the response to conspecifics alleviate the response to predators?
Authors: Üveges Bálint , Basson Anna C. , Móricz Ágnes M. , Bókony Veronika , Hettyey Attila
Published: June 2021

Animals living in groups with high conspecific densities typically decrease their level of plastic anti‐predatory defence because its benefits diminish with reduced per capita predation risk (a benefit of aggregation), whereas its costs increase due to intensifying competition and increased infection risk. Furthermore, phenotypic responses that provide protection from predators are also often disadvantageous against competitors and infections.

Such a trade‐off may be absent when the same phenotype provides an effective defence against both predators and competitors, as is the case with some chemical defences. For such multifunctional defensive traits, both predation risk and high conspecific density are expected to increase defence expression while exposure to both predators and conspecifics may result in non‐additive effects whereby the defence level induced by two enemies is lower than the sum of responses induced by either of them alone.

We tested this theoretical prediction by studying the effects of multiple enemies on chemical defence in a vertebrate animal. We investigated patterns of change in toxin production of common toadBufo bufotadpoles following exposure to different conspecific densities and the simultaneous presence or absence of chemical cues on predation risk.

We found that tadpoles significantly increased their production of bufadienolide toxins in response to high tadpole density, as well as to predation risk when tadpole density was low. Although the response in bufadienolide production to predation risk was not significant at high tadpole density, the magnitude of anti‐predatory response did not differ significantly between low and high tadpole densities.

These results show that toad tadpoles adjust their chemical defence to conspecific density and to predation risk simultaneously, and these two effects are more likely additive than non‐additive, at least within the range of densities and predation‐risk levels studied here. Nevertheless, the trend we found suggests that toxin levels induced by very high conspecific density might weaken the chemical response to predators, which is relevant for the evolutionary ecology of chemical defences, as well as for the conservation of fauna impacted by toxic invaders.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Large seeds provide an intrinsic growth advantage that depends on leaf traits and root allocation
Authors: Simpson Kimberley J. , Atkinson Rebecca R. L. , Mockford Emily J. , Bennett Christopher , Osborne Colin P. , Rees Mark
Published: June 2021

Seed mass and growth rate are important dimensions of plant ecological diversity, but their relationship remains unresolved. Negative relationships between RGR and seed mass are well‐established. However, RGR is size dependent, so small‐seeded species might achieve fast growth simply because they are initially small.

Using a dataset of unprecedented size, sampling 382 grass species, we investigated seed mass and growth rate using both RGR and SGR (RGR at a specific size), accounting for diversity in phylogeny, ecology (e.g. life history, photosynthetic pathway) and environment (mean annual temperature and precipitation).

RGR and SGR showed contrasting relationships with seed mass, such that large‐seeded species had lower RGR but higher SGR than small‐seeded species. However, the relationship between SGR and seed mass depended on leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and was only positive in high‐LDMC species. When compared at a common size, the fast growth of large‐seeded and low‐LDMC species was associated with greater biomass allocation to roots in the hot, high‐light environment used for our experiment. Photosynthetic pathway and life history contributed to variation in SGR, with C4 annuals having higher SGRs than C3 perennials regardless of seed size.

Large seeds therefore afford an intrinsic growth advantage in species with resource‐conserving leaf traits, and may provide a competitive edge in resource‐poor environments. This work advances the understanding of how seed mass and growth rate co‐evolve with other ecological factors.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Sex and the Office for National Statistics: A Case Study in Policy Capture
Authors: Sullivan Alice
Published: June 2021

On 17 March 2021, just four days before the England and Wales census date, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) conceded in a judicial review case. The case concerned the meaning of the sex question in the census, and the guidance to accompany this question. How did the ONS end up in court defending its guidance on a question which most people would deem self‐explanatory? This article explains the legislative and political context around gender recognition, and the consequences for data collection. Drawing on my own experiences, I explore the politicisation of the definition of sex, and argue that the ONS gave undue weight to lobby groups with a particular viewpoint on sex and gender identity.
Education as a common good from the capability approach
Authors: Gracia-Calandín Javier , Tamarit-López Isabel
Published: June 2021

The capability approach is a very fruitful framework for thinking about and assessing the human development of societies. Our purpose in this paper is to analyse whether the capability approach is a suitable way to illuminate education as a common good and how education must be understood as a common good. For this purpose, it is important to first consider the criticism that the capability approach is excessively individualistic. Rather than dwelling on the concept of ‘collective capability’, we will explore the extent to which the capability approach enables us to understand the concept of the ‘common good’ of education not in non-collectivist terms but in terms of human development of individuals and communities as custodians of humanity.
Metabolic profiling analysis for clinical urine of colorectal cancer
Authors: Ning Wu , Qiao Nan , Zhang Xiyin , Pei Dongpo , Wang Wenyue
Published: June 2021

Aim

To demonstrate the little‐known metabolic changes and pathways in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We used gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC‐TOF/MS) to perform metabolic profiling of urine samples from 163 consecutive patients with CRC and 111 healthy controls without history of gastrointestinal tumors. The metabolic profiles were assayed using multivariate statistical analysis and one‐way analysis of variance, and further analyzed to identify potential marker metabolites related to CRC. The GC‐TOF/MS‐derived models showed clear discriminations in metabolic profiles between the CRC group and healthy control group.

Results

We demonstrated that 15 metabolites contributed to the differences. Among them, eleven metabolites were significantly upregulated, while other four metabolites were downregulated in the urine samples of CRC patients compared with healthy controls. Pathway analysis revealed changes in energy metabolism of patients with CRC, which are reflected in the upregulation of glycolysis and amino acid metabolism and the downregulation of lipid metabolism. Our study revealed the metabolic profile of urine from CRC patients and indicated that GC‐TOF/MS‐based methods can distinguish CRC from healthy controls.

Conclusion

GC‐TOF/MS‐based metabolomics has the potential to be developed into a novel, non‐invasive, and painless clinical tool for CRC diagnosis, and may contribute to an improved understanding of disease mechanisms.
“Perfidy Afoot!” Connor, the IEA and the Loans Affair
Authors: Kellow Aynsley , Carroll Peter
Published: June 2021

When the International Energy Agency (IEA) was established out of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) in 1974, Australia was not among its founding members. Indeed, it was opposed to its formation and even contemplated voting in the OECD to block its establishment. A single negative vote under the “mutual agreement” rule would have done so. This paper, based on archival research, explores the reasons for this course of action and shows that the decision was linked to the resource nationalism at the time of Minister Rex Connor and his fear that supporting it might jeopardise his attempts to raise non‐equity finance in the Middle East. This article shows that this previously unanalysed decision was connected to what became known as the “Loans Affair” that brought about Connor's demise and contributed to the downfall of the Whitlam Government.
Role of received social support in the physical activity of coronary heart patients: The Health Action Process Approach
Authors: Teleki Szidalisz , Zsidó András Norbert , Lénárd László , Komócsi András , Kiss Enikő Csilla , Tiringer István
Published: June 2021

Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD). The Health Action Process Approach provides a useful framework for understanding and predicting the process of health behaviors. The aim of the current study was to unveil the role of received social support in the HAPA model, concerning the physical activity of CAD patients. A longitudinal sample of 117 CAD patients filled out a questionnaire during three measurement points (baseline, 2 months, and 6 months later). The constructs within the model were measured by the previously validated HAPA scales. PA was assessed with four items, which were also included in the HAPA questionnaire. To test the direct and indirect associations between the variables, structural equation modeling with latent variables was employed. Received social support was proven to have a significant and strong effect on both action planning and action control, suggesting a synergistic effect on the individual factors, as well as increasing the explained variance of PA. Results confirmed the important role of received social support in the PA of CAD patients. It could be presumed that strengthening the social support from family and friends could support the regular physical activity of CAD patients.
Randomised clinical study: acute effects of metformin versus placebo on portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Rittig Nikolaj , Aagaard Niels Kristian , Villadsen Gerda Elisabeth , Sandahl Thomas Damgaard , Jessen Niels , Grønbæk Henning , George Jacob
Published: June 2021

Background

Portal hypertension is the main determinant of clinical decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis. In preclinical data metformin lowers portal pressure, but there are no clinical data for this beneficial effect.

Aims

To investigate the acute effects of metformin on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver perfusion.

Methods

In a randomised, double‐blinded study design, we investigated 32 patients with cirrhosis before and 90 minutes after ingestion of 1000‐mg metformin (n = 16) or placebo (n = 16). Liver vein catherisation was performed to evaluate HVPG and indocyanine green (ICG) infusion for investigation of hepatic blood flow.

Results

The mean relative change in HVPG was −16% (95% CI: −28% to −4%) in the metformin group compared with 4% (95% CI: −6% to 14%) in the placebo group (time × group interaction, P = 0.008). In patients with baseline HVPG ≥12 mm Hg clinically significant improvements in HVPG (HVPG <12 mm Hg or a >20% reduction in HVPG) were observed in 46% (6/13) of metformin‐treated and in 8% (1/13) of placebo‐treated patients (P = 0.07). There were no changes or differences in systemic blood pressure, heart rate, hepatic plasma and blood flow, hepatic ICG clearance, hepatic O2 uptake or inflammation markers between groups.

Conclusions

A single oral metformin dose acutely reduces HVPG in patients with portal hypertension without affecting systemic or liver hemodynamics or inflammatory biomarkers. This offers a promising perspective of a safe and inexpensive treatment option that should be investigated in larger‐scale clinical studies with long‐term outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Trust and tribulation: Racial identity centrality, institutional trust, and support for candidates in the 2020 US presidential election
Authors: Blankenship Benjamin T. , Davis Tangier , Areguin Maira A. , Savaş Özge , Winter David , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: June 2021

We examined how racial‐ethnic identity centrality, or the importance of race/ethnicity in people's self‐perceptions, affected peoples’ support for the Democratic and Republican candidates in the 2020 US election. We explored this association by examining the mediating role of trust in important social institutions. In Study 1, we examined these effects by comparing the pattern of relationships among people of color (POC) and white people, using a sample of 177 Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) participants. In Study 2, we expanded our focus on different racial‐ethnic groups, by comparing effects for Black, Latinx, Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI), and white participants, using a sample of 530 MTurk workers. Although there were a few findings that ran contrary to our expectations, the two studies generally found that trust in institutions that challenge the status quo, such as the media, explained the relationship between identity centrality and support for candidates among POC, especially Black and Latinx participants. We also found that trust in institutions that uphold the status quo, such as police and courts, explained the relationship between racial‐ethnic identity centrality and support for candidates among white people.