bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scientific Testimony
Authors: Gerken Mikkel
Published: September 2022

Scientific Testimony concerns the roles of scientific testimony in science and society. The book develops a positive alternative to a tradition famously expressed by the slogan of the Royal Society Nullius in verba (“Take nobody’s word for it”). For example, Gerken argues that intra-scientific testimony—i.e., testimony between collaborating scientists—is not in conflict with the spirit of science or an add-on to scientific practice. On the contrary, intra-scientific testimony is a vital part of science. This is illustrated by articulating epistemic norms of intra-scientific testimony and arguing that they are vital to scientific methodology on a par with other scientific norms governing scientific observation, data analysis, etc. The book also provides an account of public scientific testimony—i.e., scientific testimony to the lay population. This is done by integrating philosophical resources with empirical research on the science of science communication. For example, various misconceptions about science and folk epistemological biases are diagnosed as factors that contribute to science skepticism. This diagnosis provides the basis for developing novel norms for science communication that are sensitive to the psychological and social obstacles to laypersons’ uptake of it. Finally, Gerken discusses how public scientific testimony is best embedded in society and argues that it is critical for societies that pursue the ideals of deliberative democracy. Thus, Scientific Testimony draws on philosophy of science, social epistemology, and empirical research to provide a wide-ranging account of the roles of scientific testimony within scientific practice and within the wider society.
Passives and anticausatives in Vedic Sanskrit
Authors: Hock Hans Henrich
Published: September 2022

Certain Vedic Sanskrit middle-voice verbs in -ya- have long received special attention for exhibiting accent variation between root and suffix. Various accounts for their behaviour and their origin have been proposed, and according to a recent analysis these verbs are anticausatives, contrasting with passives, and that suffix accent is secondary in Vedic. This analysis involves a speculative account of how anticausatives came to differ from passives. This chapter critically reviews earlier synchronic accounts, including that of Pāṇini, argues for a syntactically based account compatible with that of Pāṇini, and offers an alternative historical perspective to the one proposed in current analyses.
Introduction to the Politics of Investment Treaties
Authors: Calvert Julia
Published: September 2022

The introductory chapter contextualizes the book and lays out the central research questions. It first examines the legitimacy crisis engulfing international investment law and the different reform preferences being debated in national, regional, and multilateral circles. Variation in governments’ reform preferences cannot be reduced to different experiences with the costs of investment treaties. Most governments have adopted incremental reforms in their IIA programmes, but beyond this the picture is more complicated. Some governments that considered banning ISDS never lost an ISDS case. Other governments heavily targeted by investor claims defend the status quo. Variation in reform preferences therefore raise important questions about what erodes and what sustains the authority of investment rules over time. Why do some governments frequently targeted by investor claims continue to deepen their treaty commitments while others reform them? Why do governments that support strong investment protections continue to attract investor claims? The chapter connects these questions to political shifts in Latin America, where governments have become increasingly divided in their approach toward stringent investment protections. The chapter also expounds upon the study’s research design, the importance of prior beliefs in guiding reform preferences, and its comparative focus on reform preferences in Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina.
Conclusion
Authors: Calvert Julia
Published: September 2022

This chapter summarizes the impact of programmatic beliefs on decisions about infringement and reform. It first compares the drivers of infringement across cases and discusses what they tell us about the impact of international investment agreements on policy chill. Weak institutions, corruption, political decentralization, and financial volatility contributed to unintended infringement. In Peru, intentional infringement was driven by electoral incentives and social opposition to investment projects. In Ecuador and Argentina, intentional infringement was driven by electoral incentives in some cases, and in others, by the pursuit of policy goals linked to dominant programmatic beliefs. The fact that Peru did not infringe in pursuit of some larger policy goal also reflects the impact of programmatic beliefs. Policymakers saw their role as one of maintaining stable and liberal investment markets. The chapter then compares the impact of programmatic beliefs on political learning processes and reform preferences. Different sets of ideas about the role of the state in domestic economic management and different world-views about the global capitalist system influenced the kinds of problems policymakers perceived in investment treaty law and their preferred solutions to those problems. The chapter ends with some recommendations on fostering inclusive reform processes.
Other Than Human Hybridity?
Authors: Clack Timothy
Published: September 2022

The capacity for species other than human to effect material hybridization is taken into account by the author through an examination of what it is to be cultural. Where, for example, chimpanzee communicative gestures and tool use are shown to be specific to particular groups, though also with aspects transferable to other groups for particular tasks, may such behaviour also evince forms of creolization or hybridity? There are no definite answers, though the author points to areas for research that may take such queries into consideration, and argues that looking to such concepts through this angle may benefit their broader application to early human material traces, such as that of the Châtelperronian technologies of Southwest Europe.
Unblended America
Authors: Hutchins-Keim Karen Ann , Beaudry Mary C.
Published: September 2022

With a focus on the racial fabric of nineteenth-century New England, this chapter exposes some of the pitfalls and limitations in the manner that archaeologists frame and ask their questions of material culture in contexts of hybridization. The chapter confronts the complex and multi-faceted composition of intercultural identities and shows that creolization rarely unfolds in a uniform manner, but is fractured and situated, with material culture and associated identities often remaining ‘differentiated’ by the carrying forward of former meanings and associations from one context to another. Whereas, in other studies of enslaved persons, their social and economic capital may arguably be disentangled from the enterprises of slavery through the production of absence and invisibility. The authors of this chapter instead find an ‘unblended’ configuration whereby the potency of the past is a drag on future coalescence, particularly over short durations.
Tacit Knowing of Thralls
Authors: Roslund Mats
Published: September 2022

Through the lens of eleventh- and twelfth-century Sweden, this chapter responds to the challenge of making sense out of multiple, often situationally contingent, identities. The frame is the stylistic residue of creolization between the free and unfree that involves cultural negotiation through forms of bondage, patronage, and people-raiding. Noting that thralls, or slaves, became central to domestic production, and with a focus on ceramic production rather than product, the author uses the notion of ‘tacit knowledge’, previously acquired knowledge used implicitly to manage tasks, to better register and place hybrid forms. In ceramic production, therefore, meaning is noted to be also in a state of transfer and translation.
Cultural Interaction at Palmares
Authors: Funari Pedro , Carvalho Aline de
Published: September 2022

This chapter describes some of the long-term work undertaken by the Palmares Archaeological Project. The authors focus on the processes of syncretism and creolization at the seventeenth-century rebel polity of Palmares, where a unique identity was forged through resistance to colonial authority. Local wares depict poly-ethnic social interactions and the emergence of a new and cohesive ‘maroon identity’. Laden with the flux of past configurations enmeshed with fresh elements, cultures are shown here to be coiled with temporal fluidity, the present resonant with the past, and the past taking form from the present. Indeed, as a powerful symbol of resistance and subversion within modern Brazilian society, Palmares is a potent example of temporal fluidity. Study of the heritage of rebellious actions of maroons against colonial control was an expression of anti-regime sentiment under the rule of the military junta in Brazil (1964–85) and therefore duly supressed.
Creole Identity and Syncretism in the Archaeology of Islam
Authors: Petersen Andrew
Published: September 2022

This chapter outlines the early evidence for Muslim identities in Palestine, East Africa, and Central Asia and notes in each area the contrasting and complex histories of religious and societal incorporation. The historic gestation of Islam in these areas with multiple underlying confessional groups contrasts with the mono-cultural and monotheist perspectives promulgated by the belief system. The author describes certain forms of Islamic identities. With this, what is or is not selected for incorporation within specific identifications to Islam, and the meanings associated with these, is contingent to power structures, not only in processes of conversion, such as regulatory texts and the codification of belief, but also in terms of cultural attunement to local orders of practice where relevance may be highly situated. Syncretistic religious formations may therefore not be defined by ‘surfaces’ or ‘cores’ but may rather entail ‘elements’ that are the outcome of local selection.
From Pignus to Hypotheca
Authors: Verhagen Hendrik L. E.
Published: September 2022

The evolution from Verfallpfand (forfeiture) to Verkaufspfand (sale) in the second century ad set new evolutionary processes in motion which ultimately led to the differentiated and versatile security interest that pignus was to become in high- and late classical law. The archive of the Sulpicii records a transactional practice of granting non-possessory pledges. Also the practice of granting of what were effectively non-possessory pledges in order to secure maritime loans may have its roots in late republican or early classical law. Indirectly, the recognition of the creditor’s independent power of sale may have paved the way for the pledge created nuda conventione. In the formula of the actio Serviana, the conventio pignoris was the central element. High and late classical legal sources still attest the continuing use of certain transactional practices with a ‘diluted’ possessory element. In the second and third centuries ad significant divergences between pignus and fiducia became prominent.
Pignus Nominis and Antichresis
Authors: Verhagen Hendrik L. E.
Published: September 2022

This chapter reviews two contractual variations of pledge which evolved in the second and third centuries ad and which offered alternatives to the creditor selling the pledged assets. From the second century ad the praetor would protect pledge agreements in which the pledged assets were defined as contractual claims owed by third parties (pignus nominis). From the third century ad there is evidence that the granting of a pledge could be accompanied by an agreement pursuant to which the creditor was entitled to use the charged property and to take its (natural or civil) fruits (antichresis). The value of the use or these fruits would then serve as payment of principal or interest. Classical Roman law knew several variants of antichresis: implied, default, and independent antichresis. For both variants of pledge the jurists were prepared to make drastic changes to the actio Serviana in order to give legal effect to a conventio pignoris, or an independent pactum antichreticum.
Clay nanoparticles efficiently deliver small interfering RNA to intact plant leaf cells
Authors: Yong Jiaxi , Wu Miaomiao , Zhang Run , Bi Shengnan , Mann Christopher W G , Mitter Neena , Carroll Bernard J , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: September 2022

RNA interference is triggered in plants by the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to silence the expression of target genes. This approach can potentially provide insights into metabolic pathways and gene function and afford plant protection against viruses and other plant pathogens. However, the effective delivery of biomolecules such as siRNA into plant cells is difficult because of the unique barrier imposed by the plant cell wall. Here, we demonstrate that 40-nm layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles are rapidly taken up by intact Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells and by chloroplasts, following their application via infiltration. We also describe the distribution of infiltrated LDH nanoparticles in leaves and demonstrate their translocation through the apoplast and vasculature system. Furthermore, we show that 40-nm LDH nanoparticles can greatly enhance the internalization of nucleic acids by N. benthamiana leaf cells to facilitate siRNA-mediated downregulation of targeted transgene mRNA by >70% within 1 day of exogenous application. Together, our results show that 40-nm LDH nanoparticle is an effective platform for delivery of siRNA into intact plant leaf cells.
Acetylome reprograming participates in the establishment of fruit metabolism during polyploidization in citrus
Authors: Zhang Miao , Tan Feng-Quan , Fan Yan-Jie , Wang Ting-Ting , Song Xin , Xie Kai-Dong , Wu Xiao-Meng , Zhang Fan , Deng Xiu-Xin , Grosser Jude W , Guo Wen-Wu
Published: September 2022

Polyploidization leads to novel phenotypes and is a major force in evolution. However, the relationship between the evolution of new traits and variations in the post-translational modifications (PTM) of proteins during polyploidization has not been studied. Acetylation of lysine residues is a common protein PTM that plays a critical regulatory role in central metabolism. To test whether changes in metabolism in citrus fruit is associated with the reprogramming of lysine acetylation (Kac) in non-histone proteins during allotetraploidization, we performed a global acetylome analysis of fruits from a synthetic allotetraploid citrus and its diploid parents. A total of 4,175 Kac sites were identified on 1,640 proteins involved in a wide range of fruit traits. In the allotetraploid, parental dominance (i.e. resemblance to one of the two parents) in specific fruit traits, such as fruit acidity and flavonol metabolism, was highly associated with parental Kac level dominance in pertinent enzymes. This association is due to Kac-mediated regulation of enzyme activity. Moreover, protein Kac probably contributes to the discordance between the transcriptomic and proteomic variations during allotetraploidization. The acetylome reprogramming can be partially explained by the expression pattern of several lysine deacetylases (KDACs). Overexpression of silent information regulator 2 (CgSRT2) and histone deacetylase 8 (CgHDA8) diverted metabolic flux from primary metabolism to secondary metabolism and partially restored a metabolic status to the allotetraploid, which expressed attenuated levels of CgSRT2 and CgHDA8. Additionally, KDAC inhibitor treatment greatly altered metabolism in citrus fruit. Collectively, these findings reveal the important role of acetylome reprogramming in trait evolution during polyploidization.
Factors Associated With Unplanned Post-Craniotomy Re-intubation in Children: A NSQIP-Pediatric® Analysis
Authors: Drapeau Annie I. , Mpody Christian , Gross Michael A. , Lemus Rafael , Tobias Joseph D. , Nafiu Olubukola
Published: September 2022

Objective:

Most children undergoing craniotomy with general endotracheal anesthesia are extubated postoperatively, but some require unplanned postoperative intubation (UPI). We sought to determine the incidence of UPI and identify associated factors and related postoperative mortality.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for Pediatrics (2012–2018) was used to retrospectively identify patients less than 18 years old who underwent craniotomy for epilepsy, tumor, and congenital/cyst procedures. Perioperative factors associated with UPI were identified with logistic regression models.

Results:

We identified 15,292 children, of whom 144 (0.94%) required UPI. Ninety-two (0.60%) children required UPI within the first 3 days after surgery. Postoperative mortality was higher among children with UPI within 3 days than in those with UPI later or not at all (8.0 vs. 2.2 vs. 0.3%, respectively; P <0.001). Posterior fossa procedures trended towards an increased odds of UPI (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99 to 2.27; P=0.05). Five preoperative factors were independently associated with UPI: age ≤ 12 months (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.29 to 5.98), ASA classification ≥3 (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.29), emergent case status (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.30 to 3.26), neuromuscular disease (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.47), and steroid use within 30 days (OR, 1.79; 95% CI 1.14 to 2.79). Long operative times were independently associated with UPI (200 to 400 vs. <200 min OR, 1.92; 95% CI 1.18 to 3.11 and ≥400 vs. <200 min OR, 4.66; 95% CI 2.70 to 8.03).

Conclusion:

Although uncommon, UPI in children who underwent craniotomy was associated with an elevated risk of postoperative mortality. The presence of identifiable risk factors may be used for preoperative counseling and risk profiling in these patients.
Exosomal circRNA Scm-like with four malignant brain tumor domains 2 (circ-SFMBT2) enhances the docetaxel resistance of prostate cancer via the microRNA-136-5p/tribbles homolog 1 pathway
Authors: Tan Xiaoliang , Song Xiaosen , Fan Bo , Li Ming , Zhang Aili , Pei Long
Published: September 2022

Exosomal circular RNA was found to mediate cancer chemoresistance. However, whether exosomal circRNA Scm-like with four malignant brain tumor domains 2 (circ-SFMBT2) was involved in the chemoresistance of prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. The docetaxel (DTX) resistance of PCa cells was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure circSFMBT2, microRNA (miR)-136-5p and tribbles homolog 1 (TRIB1) expression. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion were analyzed by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and transwell assay. RNA interaction was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Protein expression was measured by western blot analysis. Exosomes-extracted from cells were identified by transmission electron microscope, nanoparticles tracking analysis and western blot. Xenograft mice models were constructed to analyze the effect of exosomal circSFMBT2 on the DTX sensitivity of PCa tumorsin vivo. CircSFMBT2 was upregulated in DTX-resistant PCa cells, and its knockdown enhanced the DTX sensitivity of DTX-resistant PCa cells by suppressing cell proliferation, migration, invasion and enhancing apoptosis. CircSFMBT2 severed as miR-136-5p sponge to positively regulate TRIB1. The regulation of circSFMBT2 knockdown on the DTX sensitivity of DTX-resistant PCa cells could be reversed by miR-136-5p inhibitor or TRIB1 overexpression. Exosomal circSFMBT2 from DTX-resistant PCa could increase the DTX resistance of normal PCa cells. In addition, exosomal circSFMBT2 also enhanced the DTX resistance of PCa tumorsin vivo, and it was highly expressed in the serum of DTX-resistance PCa patients. Exosomal circSFMBT2 enhanced the DTX resistance of PCa by miR-136-5p/TRIB1 axis, indicating that circSFMBT2 might be a potential target for the treatment of PCa chemoresistance.
An umbrella review of Lianhuaqingwen combined with Western medicine for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Yang Kelu , Zhang Jiaoyan , Zhao Liang , Cheng Luying , Li Yuanyuan , Kang Yuchen , Zhang Xiangyu , Kang Yingying
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Lianhuaqingwen combined with Western medicine (LHQW+WM) has been proposed as a viable treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, umbrella reviews of systematic reviews (SRs), which provides the most comprehensive evidence, are the best evidence in evidence-based medicine. Therefore, an umbrella review of SRs that summarises and evaluates the efficacy of LHQW+WM for COVID-19 is urgently required.

Methods:

Overall, 6 databases were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search from inception to the 22nd of January 2022. The corrected covered area (CCA) was used to analyse the overlapping between SRs. Meta-analysis was conducted when that of the included SRs was inappropriate. AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) was also employed to assess the quality of the included SRs.

Results:

In total, 12 SRs were identified, which included 12 unique primary studies. The included SRs ranged in quality from moderate to critically low and had an extremely high CCA (36.4%). Compared to conventional treatment, LHQW+WM showed efficacy concerning fatigue recovery (risk ratio [RR] = 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–2.73, n = 2, I
2 = 0%), cough recovery (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.09–2.51, n = 3, I
2 = 39.1%), and overall effective rates (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.28, n = 3, I
2 = 17.5%).

Conclusion:

LHQW+WM may improve the clinical symptoms of patients with COVID-19; however, the results should be interpreted cautiously because of the rigorous processes in the included SRs.
Is Corneal Subbasal Nerve Loss Associated With Meibomian Gland Loss in Inactive Mild and Moderate-to-Severe Graves’ Ophthalmopathy?
Authors: Yilmaz Tuğan Büşra , Özkan Berna , Yüksel Refref , Güray Ahmet Burak , Yüksel Nurşen
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate meibomian gland and subbasal nerve plexus parameters in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy (GO) and association of meibomian gland loss with corneal subbasal nerve plexus loss.

Methods:

Fifty-two eyes of 52 mild and moderate-to-severe GO patients and 32 eyes of 32 healthy controls were enrolled. The meibomian gland dropout area (MGDA) and meibography scores were evaluated using noncontact meibography. In vivo confocal microscopy of corneal subbasal nerve plexus were conducted. ACCMetrics was used to obtain corneal parameters.

Results:

Compared with healthy subjects, GO patients had worse upper and lower eyelid MGDA (p < 0.001, for all) and upper, lower and total meibography scores (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Eyelid margin scores were worse in the GO group (p < 0.001) and showed correlation with all noncontact meibography parameters (p < 0.001 for all). All corneal subbasal nerve parameters were significantly lower in the GO group compared with the controls (p < 0.05 for all). Subbasal nerve parameters of GO patients did not reveal a correlation with MGDA and meibography scores but showed correlations with ocular surface disease index score and Schirmer I test (r = –0.304; p = 0.042 and r = 0.336; p = 0.021, respectively).

Conclusion:

Meibomian gland and corneal nerve loss could be observed even in the inactive phase and mild GO. The lack of a correlation between meibomian gland loss and subbasal nerve loss suggests that meibomian gland loss is not a significant additional component in the pathogenesis of subbasal nerve damage in GO. Furthermore, our study revealed new evidence regarding the use of eyelid margin score to represent meibomian gland loss in GO.
Establishing a Breastfeeding Consortium for Clinicians in Pediatric Outpatient Care
Authors: Conover Nicole , Vanderpool Jill , Ginsberg Julie , Kawan Meg , Spatz Diane L.
Published: September 2022

Creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers in the primary care setting has been shown to improve breastfeeding rates and duration. An important aspect of establishing a breastfeeding-friendly practice is to engage and educate health care providers. To increase consistency of breastfeeding care and interventions across a large primary care network, we established an Ambulatory Breastfeeding Consortium (ABC) focused on information sharing and discussion centered on care of breastfeeding and lactating families. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need to share up-to-date education and guidance, and the importance of the role of primary care providers in breastfeeding support. The ABC has been effective in engaging primary care nurses and other clinicians and disseminating information while encouraging discussion on the importance of providing informed care to breastfeeding families. Although more breastfeeding-specific education is recommended for clinicians, the ABC serves as a model for primary care clinicians to improve their knowledge and provide support for families through education, shared experience, and awareness across many pediatric primary care network sites.
Surgical Management of Invasive Atypical Fibroxanthomas/Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcomas of the Scalp: A Systematic Review Comparing Outer Table Resection to Full-Thickness Craniectomy
Authors: Granger Peter M. , Mathew Denzil , Leach Garrison , Holcombe Travis
Published: September 2022

Invasive atypical fibroxanthomas and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas of the scalp are relatively rare spindle cell tumors that recur at high rates. Wide local excision and Mohs surgery alone are not feasible for the definitive management of lesions adhering to the underlying pericranium and/or calvarium. This brief clinical study presents 2 patient cases and includes a systematic review of the literature. In our literature review, 2 of 4 patients treated with outer table resection had no disease recurrence, 1 died due to an unrelated cause, and 1 died due to disease progression. Three of 9 patients treated with full-thickness craniectomy had no disease recurrence, 5 patient outcomes were not specified, and 1 died from disease progression. There are currently no recommendations for the management of these invasive scalp lesions. We believe invasive atypical fibroxanthomas/undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas of the scalp without frank calvarial involvement can be effectively treated with outer table resection.
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy linked to left ventricular dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients
Authors: El Tantawy Amira , Anwar Ghada , Esmail Reem , Zekri Hanan , Mahmoud Samar , Samir Nancy , Fathalla Amr , Maher Mary , AbdelMassih Antoine F
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Type 1 diabetes is a major cause of cardiovascular death; diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most important cause of mortality among diabetic patients. There is an increasing body of evidence that the most important inducer of DCM is microvascular injury. The aim of this study is to establish a potential relationship between low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio and DCM and to set a possible predictive cutoff of LF:HF ratio for early detection of DCM.

Methods

75 type 1 diabetic patients together with 75 controls were assessed using tissue Doppler imaging for left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic function, and heart rate variability (HRV) indices including LF/HF ratio. Type 1 diabetic patients were also assessed for parameters of glycemic and lipid profile control.

Results

Cases showed a statistically significant increase in LF/HF ratio compared to controls reflecting reduced HRV. Also, LV and RV diastolic function were reduced in cases compared to controls, there was a significant correlation between LV E/E’ ratio (ratio of early transmitral velocity and average early mitral annular and basal septal velocities) and LF/HF ratio. LF/HF ratio was able to predict LV diastolic dysfunction as expressed by the LV E/E’ ratio with a sensitivity of 96%.

Conclusion

HRV indices notably LF/HF ratio seem to be an early and sensitive predictor of DCM, the latter finding not only underlines the role of microvascular injury in the induction of DCM but might help also for the early detection and reversal of it.
You are where you eat: Effect of mobile food environments on fast food visits
Authors: Garcia-Bulle Bernardo , Horn Abigail L. , Bell Brooke M. , Bahrami Mohsen , Bozkaya Burcin , Pentland Alex , de la Haye Kayla , Moro Esteban
Published: September 2022

Poor diets, including those high in fast food, are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Exposure to low-quality food environments, such as ‘food swamps’ saturated with fast food outlets (FFO), is hypothesized to negatively impact diet and related disease. However, research linking such exposure to diet and health outcomes has generated mixed findings and led to unsuccessful policy interventions. A major research limitation has been a predominant focus on static food environments around the home, such as food deserts and swamps, and sparse availability of information on mobile food environments people are exposed to and food outlets they visit as they move throughout the day. In this work, we leverage population-scale mobility data to examine peoples’ visits to food outlets and FFO in and beyond their home neighborhoods and to evaluate how food choice is influenced by features of food environments people are exposed to in their daily routines vs. individual preference. Using a semi-causal framework and various natural experiments, we find that 10% more FFO in an area increases the odds of people visiting a FFO by approximately 20%. This strong influence of the food environment happens similarly during weekends and weekdays, is largely independent of individual income. Using our results, we investigate multiple intervention strategies to food environments to promote reduced FFO visits. We find that optimal locations for intervention are a combination of where i) the prevalence of FFO is the highest, ii) most decisions about food outlet visits are made, and most importantly, iii) visitors’ food decisions are most susceptible to the environment. Multi-level interventions at the individual behavior- and food environment-level that target areas combining these features could have 1.7x to 4x larger effects than traditional interventions that alter food swamps or food deserts.
Corticothalamic Neurons in Motor Cortex Have a Permissive Role in Motor Execution
Authors: Carmona Lina Marcela , Nelson Anders , Tun Lin T. , Kim An , Shiao Rani , Kissner Michael D. , Menon Vilas , Costa Rui M.
Published: September 2022

The primary motor cortex (M1) is a central hub for motor learning and execution. M1 is composed of heterogeneous cell types, many exhibiting varying relationships to movement. Here, we employed an unbiased screen to tag active neurons at different stages of performance of a motor task. We characterized the relative cell type composition of active neurons across training and identified one cell type consistently enriched as training progressed: corticothalamic neurons (M1CT). Using two-photon calcium imaging, we found that M1CTactivity is largely suppressed during movement, and this negative correlation with movement scales with movement vigor and augments with training. Closed-loop optogenetic manipulation of this population revealed that increasing M1CTactivity during forelimb movement significantly hinders execution, an effect that became stronger with training. Similar optogenetic manipulations, however, had little effect on locomotion. In contrast to M1CTneurons, we observed that M1 corticospinal neurons positively correlate with movement, and that this positive correlation increases with learning. Finally, by examining the connectivity between M1CTand corticospinal neurons, we uncovered that M1CTneurons can suppress M1 corticospinal activity via feedforward inhibition, and that this inhibition scales with training. These results identify a novel permissive role of corticothalamic neurons in movement execution through suppression of inhibition of corticospinal neurons.
Best practices for single-cell histone modification analysis
Authors: Raimundo Félix , Prompsy Pacôme , Vert Jean-Philippe , Vallot Céline
Published: September 2022

Background

Single-cell histone post translation modification (scHPTM) assays such as scCUT&Tag or scChIP-seq allow single-cell mapping of diverse epigenomic landscapes within complex tissues, and are likely to unlock our understanding of various epigenetic mechanisms involved in development or diseases. Running an scHTPM experiment and analyzing the data produced remains, however, a challenging task since few consensus guidelines exist currently regarding good practices for experimental design and data analysis pipelines.

Methods

We perform a computational benchmark to assess the impact of experimental parameters and of the data analysis pipeline on the ability of the cell representation produced to recapitulate known biological similarities. We run more than ten thousands experiments to systematically study the impact of coverage and number of cells, of the count matrix construction method, of feature selection and normalization, and of the dimension reduction algorithm used.

Results

The analysis of the benchmark results allows us to identify key experimental parameters and computational choices to obtain a good representation of single-cell HPTM data. We show in particular that the count matrix construction step has a strong influence on the quality of the representation, and that using fixed-size bin counts outperforms annotation-based binning; that dimension reduction methods based on latent semantic indexing outperform others; and that feature selection is detrimental, while keeping only high-quality cells has little influence on the final representation as long as enough cells are analyzed.
LINC02428, a liver-specific long noncoding RNA suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Zhang Qiangnu , Yan Lesen , Chen Jiaojuan , Liu Liping
Published: September 2022

There is growing evidence that lncRNAs play an important role in the progression of HCC, especially liver-specific expression of lncRNAs. LINC02428 is a liver-specific labeled lncRNA, but its role in HCC is unclear. We investigated the expression characteristics of LINC02428 in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and analyzed its function in HCC. Using TCGA public data we found that the expression level of LINC02428 was significantly reduced in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues, compared to normal tissues. LINC02428 was also significantly reduced in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues in our cDNA microarray data from HCC patients. Survival analysis suggests that HCC patients with lower LINC02428 have a lower overall survival rate. In an in vitro analysis, overexpression of LINC02428 inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration, and induced apoptosis. In conclusion, we report for the first time the expression profile of a liver-specific lncRNA, LINC02428, in HCC and confirmed its ability to inhibit the progression of HCC. LINC02428 may become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Development of a Novel Air-Liquid Interface Airway Tissue Equivalent Model for In Vitro Respiratory Modeling Studies
Authors: Leach Timothy , Gandhi Uma , Reeves Kimberly D. , Stumpf Kristina , Okuda Kenichi , Marini Frank C. , Walker Steve , Chan Jeannie , Cox Laura A. , Atala Anthony , Murphy Sean V.
Published: September 2022

The human airways are complex structures with important interactions between cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and the biomechanical microenvironment. A robust, well-differentiated in vitro culture system that accurately models these interactions would provide a useful tool for studying normal and pathological airway biology. Here, we report the feasibility and analysis of a physiologically relevant air-liquid interface (ALI) 3D airway ‘organ tissue equivalent’ (OTE) model with three novel features: native pulmonary fibroblasts, solubilized lung ECM, and hydrogel substrate with tunable stiffness and porosity. We demonstrate the versatility of the OTE model by evaluating the impact of these features on human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell phenotype. Variations of this model were analyzed during 28 days of ALI culture by evaluating epithelial confluence, trans-epithelial resistance, and epithelial phenotype via multispectral immuno-histochemistry and next-generation sequencing. Cultures that included both solubilized lung ECM and native pulmonary fibroblasts within the hydrogel substrate formed well-differentiated ALI cultures that maintained a barrier function and expressed mature epithelial markers relating to goblet, club and ciliated cells. Modulation of hydrogel stiffness did not negatively impact HBE differentiation and could be a valuable variable to alter epithelial phenotype. This study highlights the feasibility and versatility of a 3D airway OTE model to model the multiple components of the human airway 3D microenvironment.
Investigating the disclosure compliance of Basel III in emerging markets: a comparative study between UAE and Indian banks
Authors: Thomas Suja Sarah , Bansal Manish , Ahmed Ibrahim Elsiddig
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims at investigating banks’ compliance with the disclosure requirements of Basel III in two emerging market economies, namely, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. This study also examines the impact of economic factors on the extent of disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare the Basel disclosure practices between UAE and Indian listed banks and have used panel data regression models to investigate the compliance and level of reporting based on three market variables, namely, size, leverage and profitability of listed banks.

Findings

After examining Basel reporting for each of three categories of independent factors, size was found to be the predominant factor influencing the Basel disclosures, followed by profitability and degree of financial leverage. It is prudent for all the banks irrespective of size to capitalize on themselves with an intent to tide over the frequent economic crises and prevent every economic crisis from becoming a full-blown financial crisis.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that there is an urgent need for a high level of concerted action in the context of listed banks in the selected emerging market nations to direct more resources to ensure full compliance with Basel III. The findings inform practitioners in emerging countries of compliance and plan expanded future applications. Investors should consider the BASEL compliance level of Banks before parking their funds in the bank’s stocks. The banks having a higher degree of compliance are expected to be safer than their counterparts having lower Basel compliance.

Originality/value

Many previous studies have examined the implementation of Basel III in general. This study is specific in assessing the compliance with disclosure requirements as prescribed by Pillar III of the Basel norms. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to compare market discipline in emerging markets. Existing studies have either assessed the level of compliance in one individual or similar types of markets. However, this study made a pioneering attempt to compare two different countries in the same category (emerging markets).
Differential impact of work-based learning on employee agility, ambidexterity and proactive goal generation
Authors: Hanu Charles , Amegbe Hayford , Yawson Monica Dede Tekyi Ansah , Mensah Philip
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the moderating effect of supportive organisational culture (SOC) on the differential impact of work-based learning (WBL) on employee agility, ambidexterity and proactive goal generation.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online structured questionnaire with 443 respondents in Ghana. The data set was analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The outcomes of the study show that WBL has a significant and positive impact on employee agility, ambidexterity and proactive goal generation. However, the effect on employee agility was higher, followed by proactive goal generation and employee ambidexterity. The moderating effect of SOC on H1, H3a and H3b was found to have a decreasing effect.

Originality/value

This study augments knowledge by examining how different approaches to WBL collectively affect proactive goal generation, agility and ambidexterity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to examine the differential impact of summative WBL approaches on employee outcomes.
Consumer understanding of sugar types predicts food label use
Authors: Clarke Chantelle , Abel Kate , Best Talitha
Published: September 2022

Purpose

There is growing awareness internationally of the need to reduce intake of added sugars. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer sugar knowledge and food label use.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional online survey included 229 adult participants (85% female and 15% male). Participants completed measures of demographics, sugar knowledge, interest in food and nutrition, food choice motivations and beliefs and food label use. The sample of convenience showed that participants were from Australasia (n = 90), the USA (n = 90) and other Western (Europe and Canada, n = 49) countries.

Findings

Overall, participant sugar knowledge predicted nutrition label use over and above individual demographic and psychological characteristics (interest in food and nutrition, health beliefs and food choice motivations) (p < 0.001). Country comparisons revealed that those in Australasia reported lower sugar knowledge compared to the USA (p =< 0.001) and other Western countries (p = 0.028).

Research limitations/implications

Overall, participant sugar knowledge predicted nutrition label use over and above individual demographic and psychological characteristics (interest in food and nutrition, health beliefs and food choice motivations) (p < 001). Country comparisons revealed that those in Australasia reported lower sugar knowledge compared to the USA (p =< 0.001) and other Western countries (p = 0.028).

Originality/value

This study explored sugar knowledge as a unique predictor of food label use, taking into account individual characteristics in demographics, food choice motivations and health beliefs.
Dysphagia in nursing home residents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oliveira Isabel de Jesus , Ferreira Flávio Filipe Sousa , Fernandes Licínia Vanessa Rodrigues
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to disseminate the results of research aiming to identify the prevalence of dysphagia and related clinical factors in nursing home residents.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional descriptive study was developed, including 99 residents in five nursing homes. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the Gugging Swallowing Screen for dysphagia screening were used for data collection.

Findings

The prevalence of dysphagia was 59.59%. A significant correlation was found between dysphagia and worse scores for fall risk, pressure ulcer, level of independence for activities of daily living and cognitive functioning.

Research limitations/implications

Results should be interpreted carefully due to sample size and specific country context. A larger sample must be achieved in further research.

Practical implications

Nurses must receive proper training to perform systematic dysphagia screening, and it should be considered, given the high prevalence, the inclusion of professionals specially trained for rehabilitating dysphagic residents in nursing home teams.

Social implications

The social and economic burden of dysphagia, in addition to all the implications on the person’s quality of life, requires a differentiated focus on this issue by nursing home managers.

Originality/value

Nursing homes have nurses providing health care; however, trained professionals for dysphagia treatment commonly are not. These results highlight the importance of systematic screening for dysphagia in all residents, thus promoting timely intervention to prevent respiratory and nutritional complications.
Global drivers of variation in cup nest size in passerine birds
Authors: Vanadzina Karina , Street Sally E. , Healy Susan D. , Laland Kevin N. , Sheard Catherine
Published: September 2022

The size of a bird's nest can play a key role in ensuring reproductive success and is determined by a variety of factors. The primary function of the nest is to protect offspring from the environment and predators. Field studies in a number of passerine species have indicated that higher‐latitude populations in colder habitats build larger nests with thicker walls compared to lower‐latitude populations, but that these larger nests are more vulnerable to predation. Increases in nest size can also be driven by sexual selection, as nest size can act as a signal of parental quality and prompt differential investment in other aspects of care. It is unknown, however, how these microevolutionary patterns translate to a macroevolutionary scale.

Here, we investigate potential drivers of variation in the outer and inner volume of open cup nests using a large dataset of nest measurements from 1117 species of passerines breeding in a diverse range of environments. Our dataset is sourced primarily from the nest specimens at the Natural History Museum (UK), complemented with information from ornithological handbooks and online databases.

We use phylogenetic comparative methods to test long‐standing hypotheses about potential macroevolutionary correlates of nest size, namely nest location, clutch size and variables relating to parental care, together with environmental and geographical factors such as temperature, rainfall, latitude and insularity.

After controlling for phylogeny and parental body size, we demonstrate that the outer volume of the nest is greater in colder climates, in island‐dwelling species and in species that nest on cliffs or rocks. By contrast, the inner cup volume is associated solely with average clutch size, increasing with the number of chicks raised in the nest. We do not find evidence that nest size is related to the length of parental care for nestlings.

Our study reveals that the average temperature in the breeding range, along with several key life‐history traits and proxies of predation threat, shapes the global interspecific variation in passerine cup nest size. We also showcase the utility of museum nest collections—a historically underused resource—for large‐scale studies of trait evolution.