bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphoproteomic analysis of chondrocytes after short-term exposure to inorganic polyphosphate
Authors: Kuzmanov Uros , Gawri Rahul , Zelinka Alena , Russell Keith A , Lee Shin-Haw , Gramolini Anthony , Kandel Rita
Published: July 2021

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease of the joint that affects over 230 million people worldwide. Currently there are no treatments that slow the progression of this disease. For these reasons, new biological treatment options are currently being explored. Inorganic polyphosphates are naturally occurring biological molecules that have an anabolic effect on chondrocytes grown in vitro in the presence of Ca2+. We hypothesized that when examining significant changes in protein phosphorylation, key candidates would emerge that could help to elucidate the anabolic effects of polyphosphate on chondrocytes. Therefore, we conducted a large-scale quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic study of bovine primary articular chondrocytes after 30-minute treatment with inorganic polyphosphate and Ca2+. Mass spectrometry identified more than 6000 phosphorylation sites on ∼1600 chondrocyte phosphoproteins while proteomic analysis detected approximately 4100 proteins. Analysis of the data revealed a swift and dynamic response to polyphosphate after 30 minutes. What emerged from the list of proteins most affected by the treatment were proteins with key roles in chondrogenesis including TNC, IGFBP-5, and CTGF, indicating that polyphosphate plays an important role in chondrocyte metabolism. This phosphoproteome serves as a meaningful resource to help elucidate the molecular events that contribute to extracellular matrix production in cartilage.
PERK inhibition blocks metastasis initiation by limiting UPR-dependent survival of dormant disseminated cancer cells
Authors: Calvo Veronica , Zheng Wei , Staschke Kirk A. , Cheung Julie , Nobre Ana Rita , Farias Eduardo F. , Nowacek Ari , Mulvihill Mark , Rigby Alan C. , Aguirre-Ghiso Julio A.
Published: July 2021

The unfolded protein response (UPR) kinase PERK has been shown to serve as a survival factor for HER2-driven breast and prostate cancers as well as for dormant cancer cells. However, its role in metastasis is not understood. Here we found in the MMTV-HER2 mouse model that quiescent HER2+ disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) displayed unresolved ER stress as revealed by high expression of the PERK-inducible GADD34 gene. Single cell gene expression profiling and imaging confirmed that a significant proportion of DCCs in lungs were dormant and displayed an active UPR. In human breast cancer metastasis biopsies, GADD34 expression and quiescence were also positively correlated. Importantly, PERK inhibition with a specific inhibitor (HC4) blunted metastasis development by selectively killing UPRhigh quiescent but not proliferative DCCs. We also show that PERK inhibition altered optimal HER2 activity in primary tumors as a result of sub-optimal HER2 trafficking and phosphorylation in response to EGF. Our data identify PERK as a unique “Achilles heel” in dormant DTCs, supporting a requisite role for PERK in DTCs. Taken together, these data identify novel strategies to eliminate quiescent DCCs in patients with disseminated cancer disease.
Identification of the Global miR-130a Targetome Reveals a Novel Role for TBL1XR1 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and t(8;21) AML
Authors: Krivdova Gabriela , Voisin Veronique , Schoof Erwin M , Marhon Sajid A , Murison Alex , McLeod Jessica L , Gabra Martino , Zeng Andy GX , Van Nostrand Eric L , Aigner Stefan , Shishkin Alexander A , Yee Brian A , Hermans Karin G , Trotman-Grant Aaron G , Mbong Nathan , Kennedy James A , Gan Olga I , Wagenblast Elvin , De Carvalho Daniel D , Salmena Leonardo , Minden Mark D , Bader Gary D , Yeo Gene W , Dick John E , Lechman Eric R
Published: July 2021

Gene expression profiling and proteome analysis of normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) point to shared core stemness properties. However, discordance between mRNA and protein signatures underscores an important role for post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs in governing this critical nexus. Here, we identified miR-130a as a regulator of HSC self-renewal and differentiation. Enforced expression of miR-130a impaired B lymphoid differentiation and expanded long-term HSC. Integration of protein mass spectrometry and chimeric AGO2 eCLIP-seq identified TBL1XR1 as a primary miR-130a target, whose loss of function phenocopied miR-130a overexpression. Moreover, we found that miR-130a is highly expressed in t(8;21) AML where it is critical for maintaining the oncogenic molecular program mediated by AML1-ETO. Our study establishes that identification of the comprehensive miRNA targetome within primary cells enables discovery of novel genes and molecular networks underpinning stemness properties of normal and leukemic cells.

HIGHLIGHTS

miR-130a is a regulator of HSC self-renewal and lineage commitment

TBL1XR1 is a principal target of miR-130a

TBL1XR1 loss of function in HSPC phenocopies enforced expression of miR-130a

Elevated miR-130a levels maintain the AML1-ETO repressive program in t(8;21) AML
Synthetic and biological surfactant effects on freshwater biofilm community composition and metabolic activity
Authors: Gill Stephanie P. , Hunter William R. , Coulson Laura E. , Banat Ibrahim M. , Schelker Jakob
Published: July 2021

Surfactants are used to control microbial biofilms in industrial and medical settings. Their known toxicity on aquatic biota and their longevity in the environment has encouraged research on biodegradable alternatives such as rhamnolipids. While previous research has investigated the effects of biological surfactants on single species biofilms, there remains a lack of information regarding the effects of synthetic and biological surfactants in freshwater ecosystems. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to test how the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the biological surfactant rhamnolipid altered community composition and metabolic activity of freshwater biofilms. Biofilms were cultured in the flumes using lake water from Lake Lunz in Austria, under high (300 ppm) and low (150 ppm) concentrations of either surfactant over a four-week period. Our results show that both surfactants significantly affected microbial diversity. Up to 36% of microbial operational taxonomic units were lost after surfactant exposure. Rhamnolipid exposure also increased the production of the extracellular enzymes, leucine aminopeptidase and glucosidase, while SDS exposure reduced leucine aminopeptidase and glucosidase. This study demonstrates that exposure of freshwater biofilms to chemical and biological surfactants caused a reduction of microbial diversity and changes in biofilm metabolism, exemplified by shifts in extracellular enzyme activities.

Key Points

Microbial biofilm diversity decreased significantly after surfactant exposure.

Exposure to either surfactant altered extracellular enzyme activity.

Overall metabolic activity was not altered, suggesting functional redundancy.
Tissue-specific heteroplasmy dynamics is accompanied by a sharp drop in mtDNA copy number during development
Authors: Tsyba Nikita , Patel Maulik R.
Published: July 2021

Mitochondrial mutation phenotypes are highly unpredictable as they depend on 3 variables; mutant-to-wildtype ratio (heteroplasmy level), total number of mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA), and the tissue affected. The exact phenotype experienced is governed by the combination of these variables, but current models lack the capability to examine the three variables simultaneously. We have established a C. elegans muscle and neuron system to overcome this challenge. Using this system, we measure heteroplasmy level and mtDNA copy number throughout development. Our results show that neurons accumulate significantly higher heteroplasmy level than muscles. These tissue-specific differences arise late in development, and are dependent on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Importantly, we find that somatic tissues lose more than half of their mtDNA content during development. These findings show that heteroplasmy levels can remain stable, or even increase, despite acute mtDNA losses.
Generation of a new six1-null line in Xenopus tropicalis for study of development and congenital disease
Authors: Coppenrath Kelsey , Tavares Andre L.P. , Shaidani Nikko-Ideen , Wlizla Marcin , Moody Sally A. , Horb Marko
Published: July 2021

The vertebrate Six (Sine oculis homeobox) family of homeodomain transcription factors play critical roles in the development of several organs. Six1 plays a central role in cranial placode development, including the precursor tissues of the inner ear, as well as other cranial sensory organs and the kidney. In humans, mutations in SIX1 underlie some cases of branchio-oto-renal syndrome (BOR), which is characterized by moderate to severe hearing loss. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a six1 mutant line in Xenopus tropicalis that is available to the research community. We demonstrate that at larval stages, the six1-null animals show severe disruptions in gene expression of putative Six1 target genes in the otic vesicle, cranial ganglia, branchial arch and neural tube. At tadpole stages, six1-null animals display dysmorphic Meckel’s, ceratohyal and otic capsule cartilage morphology. This mutant line will be of value for the study of the development of several organs as well as congenital syndromes that involve these tissues.
Shedding of Infectious SARS-CoV-2 Despite Vaccination
Authors: Riemersma Kasen K. , Haddock Luis A. , Wilson Nancy A. , Minor Nicholas , Eickhoff Jens , Grogan Brittany E. , Kita-Yarbro Amanda , Halfmann Peter J. , Segaloff Hannah E. , Kocharian Anna , Florek Kelsey R. , Westergaard Ryan , Bateman Allen , Jeppson Gunnar E. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , O’Connor David H. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Grande Katarina M.
Published: July 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant of Concern is highly transmissible and contains mutations that confer partial immune escape. The emergence of Delta in North America caused the first surge in COVID-19 cases after SARS-CoV-2 vaccines became widely available. To determine whether individuals infected despite vaccination might be capable of transmitting SARS-CoV-2, we compared RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) data from 20,431 test-positive anterior nasal swab specimens from fully vaccinated (n = 9,347) or unvaccinated (n=11,084) individuals tested at a single commercial laboratory during the interval 28 June – 1 December 2021 when Delta variants were predominant. We observed no significant effect of vaccine status alone on Ct value, nor when controlling for vaccine product or sex. Testing a subset of low-Ct (<25) samples, we detected infectious virus at similar rates, and at similar titers, in specimens from vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. These data indicate that vaccinated individuals infected with Delta variants are capable of shedding infectious SARS-CoV-2 and could play a role in spreading COVID-19.
Balancing unity and diversity in a not-for-profit inter-organizational partnership through lateral accountability mechanisms
Authors: Chen Jinhua , Harrison Graeme , Jiao Lu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper examines how lateral accountability mechanisms may be used to address the unity–diversity tension in a large not-for-profit (NFP) inter-organizational partnership governed under a lead organization model.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in the New South Wales Settlement Partnership comprising 23 NFP organizations providing settlement services for migrants and humanitarian entrants. Multiple data sources included semi-structured interviews, proprietary and publicly available documents and observation.

Findings

The paper demonstrates (1) the usefulness of a strength-based approach that the lead organization adopts in enacting lateral accountability mechanisms, which enables a balance between unity and diversity in the partnership; and (2) the capability of the lead organization governance model to address the unity–diversity tension.

Research limitations/implications

The paper (1) identifies the importance of a strength-based approach in implementing lateral accountability mechanisms to address the unity–diversity tension; and (2) challenges prior research that advocates the network administrative organization governance model in addressing the tension.

Practical implications

For practice, the paper identifies a suite of lateral accountability practices designed to address the unity–diversity tension. For policy, it provides confidence for government in promulgating the lead organization governance model in “purchasing” public services.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how lateral accountability mechanisms may be used to provide a balance between the objectives of preserving and leveraging the benefits of partner diversity and achieving unity. The strength-based approach (used in enacting the accountability mechanisms), while having a history in psychology and social work research, has not been recognized in prior partnership accountability and governance studies.
Navigating COVID-19 through diverse student learning communities: importance and lessons learned
Authors: Mitchell Ashley Kennedy , Mork Amy Lovejoy , Hall Jan , Bayer Carey Roth
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to describe one Southern United States of America (US), historically Black medical school's approach to adapting medical education training through learning communities (LCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The COVID-19 pandemic created a wide variety of problems for higher education. Classes moved quickly from in-person to virtual instruction with little time for training; faculty and students had to adapt to new learning platforms, learning styles, study techniques and technological challenges. Emotions ran high due to constant change, transitions and numerous unknowns. The LC structure embedded in the curriculum of this US medical school aided in the navigation of these challenges.

Findings

Of the 95 MD1–MD4 respondents combined who responded to the COVID-19 LC survey, 67% rated the LC sessions good/outstanding, 20% average, 7% poor/fair and 5% N/A. When asked if LCs had helped them during the pandemic, overall, 66% said “yes” and 34% said “no.” When asked how LCs have helped during the pandemic, themes emerged related to safety, adapting to feelings of isolation/mental health/emotional support, and academic progress.

Originality/value

The small LC group structure created a sense of security for receiving academic help, emotional support, a network of assistance resources and a place to process COVID-19 losses and insecurities. Receptivity to utilizing the LC structure for support may relate to the medical students' commitment to addressing health disparities, serving the underserved and embracing a medical school culture that values community.
Quality evaluation model of artificial intelligence service for startups
Authors: Baek Chang Hwa , Kim Seong-Young , Lim Sung Uk , Xiong Jie
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a quality evaluation model for artificial intelligence (AI)-based products/services that is applicable to startups utilizing AI technology. Although AI-based service has risen dramatically and replaced many service offerings, in reality, startups are rarely to develop and evaluate AI services. The features of AI service are fundamentally different from the properties of existing services and have a great influence on the customer's service selection.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews startups' development process, existing quality evaluation models and characteristics of services utilizing AI technology, and develops a quality evaluation model for AI-based services. A detailed analysis of a survey (application of the model) on customer satisfaction for AI speakers is provided.

Findings

This paper provides seven key features and 24 evaluation items for evaluating AI-based services.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the growing need for methodologies that reflect the new era of AI-based products/services in quality evaluation research.
A Bayesian-based framework for advanced nature-based tourism model
Authors: Norouzi Isfahani Roxana , Talaee Malmiri Ahmad , BahooToroody Ahmad , Abaei Mohammad Mahdi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Nature-based tourism (NBT) blossoming requires sound monitoring models to maximize its potential in the tourism industry. Cooperation of different segments from nature to economy will lead to a sustainable NBT. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative relation between these subdivisions has to be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an advanced NBT model for the design of an optimum tourism system. To this end, Bayesian network (BN) has been implemented to characterize the impact of each subsector on NBT.

Findings

The outcomes of this study can help the tourism managers, policymakers and related organizations to find the optimum approach to achieve a continuous improvement in the system. To demonstrate the applicability of the methodology, two cases of observations are considered.

Originality/value

The originality of the work is well demonstrated in the literature review of the paper.
The role of digital economy in China's sustainable development in a post-pandemic environment
Authors: Song Malin , Zheng Chenbin , Wang Jiangquan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic is still raging, which calls for an exploration of how to prevent and control pandemics to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of the digital economy in sustainable development, the relationship between the two, the impacts of the outbreak on economic and social development, and changes in China's digital economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the time-series data from 2002 to 2019 and an unconstrained VAR model to examine the relationship between the digital economy and sustainable development before the pandemic.

Findings

China's digital economy has promoted the country's sustainable economic and social development; it has advanced rapid economic growth, improved people's living standards, increased efficient utilization of resources, and strengthened environmental protection.

Research limitations/implications

Amid the pandemic, China's digital economy developed effectively; it showed strong resilience because of its unique advantages. The digital economy in China has helped the country to control the pandemic in a short period, reduced the risk of supply chain disruption, promoted China's economic growth, and ensured the orderly operation of society. Therefore, countries worldwide are encouraged to prioritize their digital economies.

Originality/value

Compared with the extant literature, this study explores the sustainable supply chain in a broader sense in the context of a pandemic, and how the supply chain is influenced by the digital economy. It not only includes the stability, resilience, and viability of the supply chain in economic development but also involves aspects of people's life, resource utilization, and environmental protection.
The infrastructures of war and peace
Authors: Listou Tore
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the need for and develop a framework for research on the effects UN peace operation infrastructure has on a host nation. Mission infrastructure serves primarily to sustain a mission. As the mission terminates, infrastructure is often transferred to the host nation. The mission infrastructures could have both positive and negative implications for the host nation and for local communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory approach to develop a foundation for a research agenda in an area with little existing research. Identify theoretical contributions related to infrastructures, combine with primary data from one peace operation, secondary data from five other peace operations and from the UN repositories.

Findings

This study proposes a research agenda. As such our findings relate to the identification and classification of different infrastructures and their interdependencies.

Research limitations/implications

This framework would contribute to new ways of exploring and analysing both the effectiveness of peace operations and the impact a mission has on the development in the host nation.

Practical implications

This study proposes a framework for research. As such, it will have implications primarily for researchers.

Social implications

Understanding the interdependencies between mission infrastructures and the material and social infrastructures of a host nation would help understanding what value mission infrastructure brings to a host nation and the local communities.

Originality/value

Analysing the logistics in peace support operations as networks of infrastructures bring new perspectives into humanitarian logistics.
Carsharing: a systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Nansubuga Brenda , Kowalkowski Christian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Following the recent surge in research on carsharing, the paper synthesizes this growing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research and to identify directions for future work. Specifically, this study details implications for service theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic selection and analysis of 279 papers from the existing literature, published between 1996 and 2020.

Findings

The literature review identified four key themes: business models, drivers and barriers, customer behavior, and vehicle balancing.

Practical implications

For managers, the study illuminates the importance of collaboration among stakeholders within the automotive sector for purposes of widening their customer base and maximizing utilization and profits. For policy makers, their important role in supporting carsharing take-off is highlighted with emphasis on balancing support rendered to different mobility services to promote mutual success.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic multi-disciplinary literature review of carsharing. It integrates insights from transportation, environmental, and business studies, identifying gaps in the existing research and specifically suggesting implications for service research.
Evaluation of generic competencies among secondary school leavers from the new academic structure for senior secondary education in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Karly O.W. , Ng Maggie K.W. , So Joseph C.H. , Chan Victor C.W.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A new academic structure for senior secondary and higher education was introduced to Hong Kong in 2009/2010. This paper aims to: (1) compare the cohort from the old academic structure (Cohort 2010) and the cohort from the new academic structure (Cohort 2015) on the 14 categories of generic competencies; and (2) compare these attributes among students from different divisions in a tertiary institution in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-Assessment of All-Round Development (SAARD) questionnaires were distributed to students who took the two-year sub-degree programmes offered by the College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2010 and 2015 on a self-administered basis. A total of 4,424 students have returned the questionnaires. Data were analyzed with t-test to compare between the two cohorts.

Findings

When comparing Cohort 2015 with Cohort 2010, significantly higher scores were observed on five areas such as global outlook and healthy lifestyle (p<0.05). Significantly lower scores were observed on the other five areas such as problem solving, critical thinking and leadership (p<0.05). Students from all divisions unanimously showed higher perceived rating on social and national responsibility but lower perceived rating on leadership (p<0.05).

Originality/Value

The elimination of one public examination, the newly included components such as Other Learning Experiences (OLE) and the compulsory Liberal Studies were believed to contribute partially to the diverse responses of the two cohorts. The dramatic change of the curriculum has not changed the examination culture in Hong Kong which may hinder the development of generic skills among students.
Does government education expenditure affect educational outcomes? New evidence from sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Farayibi Adesoji Oladapo , Folarin Oludele
Published: July 2021

The human capital crisis, reflected in the weak global competitiveness of African education, has questioned the effectiveness of public spending in increasing educational outcomes on the continent. Thus, this article examines the impact of government education expenditure on educational outcomes in 31 sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2000 to 2019 based on a generalized method of moments (GMM). The study sheds light on the priorities of government education spending on the continent. Findings showed that the effect of government education spending on educational outcomes in SSA was driven by the measure of educational outcome used. Government spending in Africa had focused mainly on primary and secondary education to the detriment of tertiary education because it is convenient and generates political gains. Due to institutional rigidities that emanate from the governance structure, the inequitable allocation of government funding had made higher education in Africa less responsive to the changes in global knowledge and labour market demands. Therefore, the following policy agenda becomes imperative in SSA: (i) government education spending should equitably target all education levels to improve the aggregate human capital development indicators in the region; (ii) there is a need to enhance government institutions' capacity to increase their level of effectiveness and performance.
Implementation of the Australian Computer‐Assisted Theragnostics (AusCAT) network for radiation oncology data extraction, reporting and distributed learning
Authors: Field Matthew , Vinod Shalini , Aherne Noel , Carolan Martin , Dekker Andre , Delaney Geoff , Greenham Stuart , Hau Eric , Lehmann Joerg , Ludbrook Joanna , Miller Andrew , Rezo Angela , Selvaraj Jothybasu , Sykes Jonathan , Holloway Lois , Thwaites David
Published: July 2021

Introduction

There is significant potential to analyse and model routinely collected data for radiotherapy patients to provide evidence to support clinical decisions, particularly where clinical trials evidence is limited or non‐existent. However, in practice there are administrative, ethical, technical, logistical and legislative barriers to having coordinated data analysis platforms across radiation oncology centres.

Methods

A distributed learning network of computer systems is presented, with software tools to extract and report on oncology data and to enable statistical model development. A distributed or federated learning approach keeps data in the local centre, but models are developed from the entire cohort.

Results

The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated across six Australian oncology centres, using routinely collected lung cancer data from oncology information systems. The infrastructure was used to validate and develop machine learning for model‐based clinical decision support and for one centre to assess patient eligibility criteria for two major lung cancer radiotherapy clinical trials (RTOG‐9410, RTOG‐0617). External validation of a 2‐year overall survival model for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) gave an AUC of 0.65 and C‐index of 0.62 across the network. For one centre, 65% of Stage III NSCLC patients did not meet eligibility criteria for either of the two practice‐changing clinical trials, and these patients had poorer survival than eligible patients (10.6 m vs. 15.8 m, P = 0.024).

Conclusion

Population‐based studies on routine data are possible using a distributed learning approach. This has the potential for decision support models for patients for whom supporting clinical trial evidence is not applicable.
Do carers and comforters require lead aprons during general radiographic examinations?
Authors: Perdomo Amanda , McMahon Stacey , Wilkie Trent , Fox Naomi , Rao Padma
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Carers and comforters frequently remain with children during paediatric general radiographic examinations. As well as improving the likelihood of overall success of the procedure, this can be important for minimising stress and anxiety of the child. Wearing lead aprons can contribute to additional stress and anxiety about the procedure for both carer and child, specifically due to radiation risk. It also introduces some practical challenges for radiographers. This study quantified a carers exposure to scattered radiation for general radiographic examinations when remaining with a child to assist in positioning or to comfort them.

Methods

Scattered radiation was measured at four common locations where a carer may stand, with a range of tube potentials (40 kVp to 100 kVp) and PMMA thicknesses of 2.5–22.5 cm. This was then matched to our clinical protocols to estimate the radiation dose a carer could be exposed to while assisting a patient during general radiographic examinations.

Results

The effective dose received by a carer standing 20 cm from the centre of the patient varies from 11 min of Australian natural BERT for a finger radiograph on a patient <3 kg and up to 62 h for a swimmers view radiograph performed on a patient >70 kg.

Conclusion

This dosimetric data allowed an evidence‐based assessment of radiation protection requirements for the carer using the ALARA principle. At our institution, it was decided that a lead apron is not required if the carer is unlikely to receive more than 2 µSv. A new policy, presented here, was developed to implement this decision.
Determination of optimal flight altitude to minimise acoustic drone disturbance to wildlife using species audiograms
Authors: Duporge Isla , Spiegel Marcus P. , Thomson Eleanor R. , Chapman Tatiana , Lamberth Curt , Pond Caroline , Macdonald David W. , Wang Tiejun , Klinck Holger
Published: July 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly important in wildlife data collection but concern over wildlife disturbance has led several countries to ban their use in National Parks. Disturbance is an animal welfare concern and impedes scientific data collection through provoking aberrant behaviour. Dealing with the issue of disturbance will enable wildlife researchers to use UAV technology more effectively and ethically.

Here we present a novel method to determine optimal flight altitude for minimising drone disturbance for wildlife using species audiograms. We recorded sound profiles of seven common UAV systems in the horizontal and vertical planes at 5‐m increments up to 120 m. To understand how mammals perceive UAV sound, we used audiograms of 20 species to calculate the loudness of each UAV for each species across the measured distances. These calculations filter the UAV noise based on the sensitivity of species’ hearing over the relevant frequency spectrum.

We have devised a method to optimise the trade‐off between image spatial resolution and flight altitude. We calculated the lowest point at which either the UAV sound level decreases below an acceptable threshold, here chosen as 40 dB, weighted according to species’ hearing sensitivity, or disturbance cannot be significantly further minimised by flying higher. The latter is quantified as the point above which each additional 5 m of flight altitude causes on average less than 0.05 dB decrease in sound pressure level.

Reliable data on appropriate flight altitudes can guide policy regulations on flying UAVs over wildlife, thus enabling increased use of this technology for scientific data collection and for wildlife conservation purposes. The methodology is readily applicable to other species and UAV systems for which sound recordings and audiograms are available.
How Do Foreign Traders Affect Stock‐Pricing Efficiency? Microstructure‐based Evidence from Korea*
Authors: Bae Kyounghun , Eom Chanyoung , Kim Younghee
Published: July 2021

We analyze how foreign ownership relates to the short‐term pricing efficiency of common stocks listed on the Korea Stock Exchange. We find that stocks with greater foreign holdings are priced less efficiently. This result is robust to different efficiency measures, estimation methods, and reverse causality concerns. Our evidence suggests that foreign trading deters price corrections, at least in the short term, and thus, has a negative effect on utilitarian traders. Our findings in relation to potential losses provide new insights into the downside risk of financial liberalization at the market microstructure level.
Do Analysts’ Cross‐year Revisions Contain Information about Audit Adjustment? Evidence from the Chinese Capital Market*
Authors: Chen Songsheng , Tian Zhili , Liu Qingqing
Published: July 2021

This study tests the information content of changes in analysts’ earnings forecasts. Using audit adjustment data from China, this study investigates whether changes in analysts’ cross‐year forecast revisions reflect audit information. The results show that the cross‐year revision of analysts’ earnings per share forecasts is positively related to the magnitude of audit adjustment, which may be mainly due to analysts’ communication with management. Furthermore, analysts who display higher forecast frequency, who issue their last forecast closer to the day the annual report is announced, or who show better forecast performance reflect a greater amount of audit information in their cross‐year forecast revisions.
Roles of γδT cells in pregnancy and pregnancy‐related complications
Authors: Xu Qian‐Han , Liu Hong , Wang Li‐Ling , Zhu Qian , Zhang Yu‐Jing , Muyayalo Kahindo P. , Liao Ai‐Hua
Published: July 2021

A successful pregnancy is a complex and unique process comprised of discrete events, including embryo implantation, placentation, and parturition. To maintain the balance between maternal‐fetal immune tolerance and resistance to infections, the maternal immune system must have a high degree of stage‐dependent plasticity throughout the period of pregnancy. Innate immunity is the frontline force for the establishment of early anti‐infection and tolerance mechanisms in mammals. Belonging to the innate immune system, a subset of T cells called γδT cells (based on γδT cell receptors) are the main participants in immune surveillance and immune defense. Unlike traditional αβT cells, γδT cells are regarded as a bridge between innate immunity and acquired immunity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the functional plasticity of γδT cells during pregnancy. Furthermore, we discuss the roles of γδT cells in pathological pregnancies.
You are always one of us: The role of implicit theories of ethnicity in host country nationals’ view of co‐ethnic expatriates
Authors: Fan Shea X. , Kashima Emiko
Published: July 2021

Ethnic similarity often generates positive interactions between host‐country nationals (HCNs) and co‐ethnic expatriates in multinational corporations (MNCs), but the potential causes of conflict between these groups are under‐studied. In two studies, we tested whether Chinese HCNs’ attitudes towards expatriates are associated with the implicit theories of ethnicity held by HCNs—essentialism (i.e., believing ethnicity has an immutable essence) versus constructivism (i.e., believing ethnicity to be malleable/socially constructed)—as well as expatriates’ ethnicity, which we operationalised as Chinese (co‐ethnic) versus Scottish (other‐ethnic), and expatriates’ cultural upbringing, operationalised as Chinese (local) versus American (foreign). In Study 1, HCNs who endorsed an essentialist perspective of ethnicity expected co‐ethnic (vs. other‐ethnic) expatriates to demonstrate greater ingroup identification and favouritism towards them irrespective of the expatriates’ cultural upbringing. In Study 2, HCNs primed with the essentialist view expected co‐ethnic (vs. other‐ethnic) expatriates to demonstrate greater ingroup identification and favouritism towards them irrespective of the expatriates’ upbringing, whereas those primed with the constructivist view expected expatriates with local (vs. foreign) upbringing to demonstrate greater ingroup identification and favouritism towards them irrespective of their ethnicity. These findings advance international management literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the interactions between HCNs and co‐ethnic expatriates that are influenced by essentialist beliefs about ethnicity.
Who moved with you? The companionship of significant others reduces movers’ motivation to make new friends
Authors: Li Wen‐Qiao , Li Liman Man Wai , Lou Nigel Mantou
Published: July 2021

This research investigated how residential moves with versus without the companionship of significant others would affect people’s motivation to make new friends. Studies 1a and 1b showed that the companionship of significant others predicted fewer new friends among university students who moved within the same country (Study 1a) and to a different country (Study 1b), suggesting that the companionship of significant others was associated with a lower level of motivation to make new friends. In Study 2, the results of an experiment demonstrated that the companionship of a significant other reduced movers’ motivation to make new friends, and this was explained by positive affect but not negative affect. Specifically, the companionship of a significant other, compared with the companionship of an acquaintance or no companionship, led to stronger positive affect, which, in turn, reduced motivation to make new friends. Taken together, these findings call for more nuanced theory on the influence of residential mobility on well‐being and social networks.
Influence of inguinal hernia repair on sperm autoimmunity: The largest single center experience
Authors: Negri Luciano , Romano Massimo , Cirillo Federico , Grilli Leonora , Morenghi Emanuela , Romualdi Daniela , Albani Elena , Setti Paolo Emanuele Levi
Published: July 2021

Background

Studies on immunological infertility after inguinal hernia correction are few and not very representative. Anti‐sperm antibodies have been shown to reduce male fertility. Although the extent of infertility due to anti‐sperm antibodies alone is not very clear, data indicates that about 8%–10% of infertile patients have immunological infertility

Design

This retrospective study includes all infertile male patients (n = 2258) who underwent mixed antiglobulin reaction tests and urologic examination from 2000 to 2020. Sperm quality (assessed by the number of spermatozoa, their motility, vitality, and normal form) was also evaluated. Among these patients, 191 had previously undergone unilateral or bilateral inguinal hernia surgery repair. The aim of the study is to evaluate if there is a higher incidence of positive mixed antiglobulin reaction test among patients undergoing inguinal hernioplasty compared to the unselected infertile population.

Results

Anti‐sperm antibodies would seem to increase in both patients who performed general andrological surgery and groin hernia correction, respectively 3.48 (95% Confidence Interval: 1.70–7.10; p < 0.001) and 2.45 (95% Confidence Interval: 1.01–5.99; p < 0.05) times more than the unselected infertile population.

Conclusions

Mixed antiglobulin reaction test could be useful in patients undergone previous scrotal surgery or hernia correction men, to avoid false unexplained infertility diagnoses and to direct the couple to assisted reproductive technology procedures. Basal evaluation of spermatozoa does not actually consider andrological surgery as an indication to autoimmunity investigation.
Hemadsorption as rescue therapy for patients with multisystem organ failure in pediatric intensive care—Report of two cases reports and review of the literature
Authors: Steurer Lisa‐Maria , Schlager Gerald , Sadeghi Kambis , Golej Johann , Wiedemann Dominik , Hermon Michael
Published: July 2021

Hemadsorption via the cytokine‐adsorber CytoSorb (CytoSorbents Europe, Berlin, Germany) has successfully been used as an adjunctive method in adults, mainly for the purpose of immunomodulation under acute inflammatory conditions such as sepsis and cardiac surgery. In recent years, there has been growing interest in its use in pediatric intensive care to improve outcomes in patients with multiple organ failure following an inflammatory illness. Literature on the application of CytoSorb in neonatal and pediatric patients is scarce, though the implication is that it could be an effective last‐resort treatment option in critically ill pediatric patients. Herein we present the clinical cases of two pediatric patients successfully treated with a combination of the CytoSorb hemadsorber, continuous renal replacement therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to multiple organ failure following different underlying medical conditions. Patient 1 was a 7‐month‐old male child with Down's syndrome admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after congenital heart surgery, who developed antimicrobial‐resistant septic shock and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Patient 2 was a 2‐year‐old male child admitted to the PICU with influenza A‐associated acute liver failure resulting in hyperammonemia, lactate acidosis, hemodynamic instability, and acute kidney failure. In both patients, hemadsorption with CytoSorb was initiated as an adjunctive rescue therapy to treat refractory multisystem organ failure. Improvement of laboratory and clinical parameters was observed within hours of treatment initiation. The application of the hemadsorber—developed for use in adults—proved simple and safe for use in both of our low‐weight pediatric patients.
Letter: assessment of histological disease activity in Crohn's disease clinical trials—a step in the right direction, but further optimisation needed
Authors: Tsoi Andrew H. , Murugasu Anand , Garg Mayur
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Almradi et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16248
Letter: tofacitinib in biologic‐experienced ulcerative colitis—a single‐centre real‐world experience in Australia
Authors: Lo S. W. , Connell W. , Kamm M. A. , Lust M. , Wright E. K.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Biemans et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15689 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16505
Editorial: assessment of inflammatory bowel disease—a picture is worth a thousand words
Authors: Horjus‐Talabur Horje Carmen S. , van Bodegraven Ad A.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Friedman et al and Friedman & Gibson papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16452 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16522
Letter: predictive factors for treatment discontinuation in IBD—anti‐TNF trough levels and anti‐drug antibodies
Authors: Demarzo Maria Giulia , Bodini Giorgia , Giuliana Elisabetta , Zentilin Patrizia , Giannini Edoardo G.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tournier et al and Roblin et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16333 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16501
Letter: predictive model for gastric cancer after eradication of Helicobacter pylori—a survival analysis using a deep learning algorithm. Authors' reply
Authors: Lui Thomas K. L. , Leung Wai K.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Leung et al and Arai et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16272 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16492
Letter: predicting treatment discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease—anti‐TNF trough levels and anti‐drug antibodies. Authors’ reply
Authors: Roblin Xavier , Nancey Stephane , Paul Stéphane
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tournier et al and Demarzo et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16333 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16494
Editorial: an elastography‐based two‐step approach to detect NAFLD with compensated advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Wong Yu Jun
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Zhou et al and Zhou & Zheng papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16487 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16528
Editorial: non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) is often not GERD—time to change the definition or abandon the term? Authors' reply
Authors: Kim Seung Han , Park Soo Heon
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kim et al and Katz papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16477 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16480
Letter: meta‐analysis of new diagnostic methods for colorectal cancer detection–only as strong as its weakest link
Authors: van Riswijk Milou L. M. , Siersema Peter D.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chandrapalan et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16405
Editorial: trends in alcohol use and alcohol‐associated liver disease in the US population—authors' reply
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Arsalan Arshad , Dunn Winston , Arab Juan P. , Wong Robert J. , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Kamath Patrick S. , Shah Vijay H.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Singal et al and Barnard & Dave papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16461 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16491
Editorial: assessment of inflammatory bowel disease: a picture is worth a thousand words. Authors' reply
Authors: Friedman Antony B. , Gibson Peter R.
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Friedman et al and Horjus‐Talabur Horje & van Bodegraven papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16452 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16476
Letter: association between the risk of microscopic colitis and use of proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Liu Yuanbin , Chen Mingkai
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Zylberberg et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16363
Editorial: natural history of hepatitis delta virus‐induced liver disease ‐ less severe today but still needs attention
Authors: Gençdal Genco , Zeybel Müjdat , Yurdaydin Cihan
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Palom et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16485
Editorial: inconclusive diagnosis of GERD: are new parameters in impedance‐pHmetry ready for clinical use? Authors' reply
Authors: Ribolsi Mentore , Frazzoni Marzio , Marabotto Elisa , Cicala Michele , Savarino Edoardo
Published: July 2021

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Ribolsi et al and Sergeev & Sifrim papers. To view these articles, visithttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16481andhttps://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16509
A systematic review of literature regarding food insecurity in Sweden
Authors: Rost Stephanie , Lundälv Jörgen
Published: July 2021

Food insecurity is not a term that is traditionally utilized in relation to Sweden, which has a well‐established welfare state. In fact, the discussion around this issue appears to be predicated on the notion that it is a concept existing outside the country. However, European countries are in no way immune to the issue of food insecurity. The Food and Agricultural Organisation to the United Nations holds data on the levels of food insecurity gathered from the Gallup poll and this indicated increasing levels of moderate‐to‐severe insecurity among the population. This indicated a need to review the research and literature on food insecurity in Sweden. This was carried out using two of the largest databases SCOPUS and Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed) as well as a search for gray data using Google Scholar. Following backward and forward searches, in total only five articles were deemed relevant for inclusion. These were discussed and show very limited analysis of the issue, with their connection to food insecurity in Sweden being either abstract or unfocussed on the issue directly. This demonstrates a fundamental gap in this area of research and leaves open questions as to why this is the case.