bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local Immigration and Support for Anti‐Immigration Parties: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cools Sara , Finseraas Henning , Rogeberg Ole 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDoes the share of immigrants in a community influence whether people vote for anti‐immigration parties? We conduct a systematic review of the causal inference literature studying this question. We collect estimates from 20 studies and develop a new Bayesian meta‐analysis framework to account for both between‐study heterogeneity in effect sizes and the possibility of reporting bias. Although meta‐analysis methods that do not adjust for reporting bias suggest a moderate effect of local immigration, our Bayesian model finds that the effect of local immigration on far‐right voting is on average negligible once we account for reporting bias. However, the analysis also reveals a large heterogeneity in effects across contexts, suggesting that local immigration may be important for anti‐immigration vote shares in certain settings.
Efficient performance by companies with mixed ownership: Privatization and divestiture of a vertically integrated public monopoly
Authors: Berg Sanford V. , Okamura Makoto , Yane Haruka , Yane Shinji 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper examines a model of privatization and divestiture of a vertically integrated public monopoly. The framework is used to derive general conditions of how mixed companies might be used to promote efficient outcomes without assuming either an ideal social planner or superior cost performance of private enterprise. The conditions suggest that efficient public policy towards mixed (public‐private partnership) companies depends on basic cost and demand conditions. The results indicate that: (1) a vertically integrated private monopoly can be more efficient than any combination of mixed companies when there is a sufficiently flat linear (elastic) demand curve and relatively greater (upward sloping) marginal cost for the downstream sector; (2) an upstream public and downstream public firm can achieve the first best outcome when the downstream firm has constant marginal costs; and (3) a partial privatization of the upstream firm achieves higher welfare than taking that action for the downstream firm. The intuition behind the propositions is provided using standard features of cost and demand. While the implications for public policy regarding privatization and divestiture in infrastructure sectors are not definitive, the results underscore the importance of understanding cost and demand conditions when developing and implementing public policies.
Beyond‐human ethics: The animal question in institutional ethical reviews
Authors: Oliver Catherine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, I investigate how the development of ethics and methods in beyond human and posthuman research have largely been ignored within institutional ethical frameworks. Specifically, I argue that the ethical review process for research needs critical consideration in light of emerging multispecies methodologies. The inclusion and consideration of animals in geography should go further than “bringing animals in” to the discipline; instead they must seek to rethink geographical theory as with and for non‐humans. The ethics, politics, and practices of animals’ inclusion in research have been differentially attended to across geographical scholarship. To do this, I investigate how institutional ethical review operates as a disciplining and shaping tool in the neoliberal university. In doing so, I contend that ethical review processes shape the narratives and structures of what kinds of research are possible for not only animal geographers, but across the discipline. I then explore how multispecies research specifically is affected by and can affect institutional ethical review, revealing how these processes fall short against the heightened backdrop of species difference. Where posthumanist ethics is in tension with institutional ethical frameworks, I argue that ethical approval does not necessarily indicate that researchers have successfully grappled with complex moral dilemmas. Particularly, the acquiring of ethical approval prioritises outmoded forms of knowledge that prioritise homogenised ethical and methodological practice over ethical innovation and questioning. Finally, I offer three propositions drawing on posthumanist ethics and informed by innovative and exploratory multispecies research: the inclusion of animals as participants in research; the reimagination of multispecies ethical and methodological practice; and the reform of institutional ethical review processes. By exploring how radical ethics might be mobilised in multispecies research, I argue that we can further geographical theory and practice to reconfigure who matters as a geographical and ethical subject.
Exosome‐delivered miR‐221/222 exacerbates tumor liver metastasis by targeting SPINT1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tian Fei , Wang Peiyun , Lin Dan , Dai Jiajia , Liu Qibing , Guan Yu , Zhan Yang , Yang Yichen , Wang Wenpeng , Wang Jiefu , Liu Jia , Zheng Lei , Zhuang Yan , Hu Jun , Wang Junfeng , Kong Dalu , Zhu Kegan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the progression of many cancers through largely unelucidated mechanisms. The results of our present study identified a gene cluster, miR‐221/222, that is constitutively upregulated in serum exosome samples of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) with liver metastasis (LM); this upregulation predicts a poor overall survival rate. Using an in vitro cell coculture model, we demonstrated that CRC exosomes harboring miR‐221/222 activate liver hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by suppressing SPINT1 expression. Importantly, miR‐221/222 plays a key role in forming a favorable premetastatic niche (PMN) that leads to the aggressive nature of CRC, which was further shown through in vivo studies. Overall, our results show that exosomal miR‐221/222 promotes CRC progression and may serve as a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for CRC with LM.
Evaluation of population‐level pharmacogenetic actionability in Alabama
Authors: Davis Brittney H. , Williams Kelly , Absher Devin , Korf Bruce , Limdi Nita A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe evolution of evidence and availability of Clinical Pharmacogenetic Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines have enabled assessment of pharmacogenetic (PGx) actionability and clinical implementation. However, population‐level actionability is not well‐characterized. We leveraged the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative (AGHI) to evaluate population‐level PGx actionability. Participants (>18 years), representing all 67 Alabama counties, were genotyped using the Illumina Global Screening array. Using CPIC guidelines, actionability was evaluated using (1) genotype data and genetic ancestry, (2) prescribing data, and (3) combined genotype and medication data. Of 6,331 participants, 4230 had genotype data and 3386 had genotype and prescription data (76% women; 76% White/18% Black [self‐reported]). Genetic ancestry was concordant with self‐reported race. For CPIC level A genes, 98.6% had an actionable genotype (99.4% Blacks/African; 98.5% White/European). With the exception of DPYD and CYP2C19, the prevalence of actionable genotypes by gene differed significantly by race. Based on prescribing, actionability was highest for CYP2D6 (70.9%), G6PD (54.1%), CYP2C19 (53.5%), and CYP2C9 (47.5%). Among participants prescribed atenolol, carvedilol, or metoprolol, ~ 50% had an actionable ADRB1 genotype, associated with decreased therapeutic response, with higher actionability among Blacks compared to Whites (62.5% vs. 47.4%; p < 0.0001). Based on both genotype and prescribing frequencies, no significant differences in actionability were observed between men and women. This statewide effort highlights PGx population‐level impact to help optimize pharmacotherapy. Almost all Alabamians harbor an actionable genotype, and a significant proportion are prescribed affected medications. Statewide efforts, such as AGHI, lay the foundation for translational research and evaluate “real‐world” outcomes of PGx.
Role of digestive enzymes in the adaptation of Frankliniella occidentalis to preferred and less‐preferred host plants
Authors: Zhi Junrui , Liu Li , Hou Xiaolin , Xie Wen , Yue Wenbo , Zeng Guang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), is an important invasive pest that causes serious damage to vegetables in China. Changes in digestive enzyme activities (α‐amylase, trypsin, and tryptase) and gene expression levels of F. occidentalis were examined after they were transferred to kidney bean, a preferred host, or broad bean, a less‐preferred host. The results showed that α‐amylase and trypsin activities initially decreased in both nymphs and adults after transfer to kidney bean or broad bean plants and they were the lowest in the F1 generation. The α‐amylase and trypsin activities were significantly different among the tested generations. The tryptase activities in the second instars fed on kidney bean plants were not significantly different from those of the controls in nymphs at all three generations, whereas they increased when fed on broad bean plants. Most digestive enzyme genes in both the nymph and adult thrips showed similar changes, decreasing with transfer to kidney bean plants and increasing on broad bean plants. However, the expression levels of the trypsin gene FoTRYP‐1 and the tryptase gene FoTPSB2 in the second instars fed on broad bean and kidney bean plants, respectively, were not significantly different from those of the controls. The expression levels of the four digestive enzyme genes were significantly higher in broad bean than in kidney bean plants. These results indicate that F. occidentalis can adjust its digestive enzyme activities and gene expression levels after being transferred to host plants for which its preference differs and that the changes depend on the specific enzyme, thrips generation, and developmental stage. Findings from this study would provide a basis for further studies to reveal the physiological and ecological bases of the wide host range and strong host adaptability of F. occidentalis.
On the prediction of fatigue life subjected to variable loading sequence
Authors: Jang Joonyoung , Khonsari Michael M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMiner's rule is one of the most widely used cumulative damage equations for evaluating useful fatigue life. However, it often yields unsatisfactory predictions due to its linearity of the damage accumulation. In this paper, a new nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model is developed that treats loading sequence effect and, also, enables one to predict the rate of damage by introducing a loading sequence parameter. This parameter is defined using the loading sequence ratio, which depends on material properties. Applicability of the proposed model is validated using the results of nine sets of independent experimental measurements of fatigue life under multiple loading sequences. It is shown that the predictions are in agreement with measured results and that the model provides a reliable estimation of fatigue life.
Social media business networks and SME performance: A rural–urban comparative analysis
Authors: Tiwasing Pattanapong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSocial media business networks provide small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with a modern platform to network, resulting in improved business performance. However, rural SMEs are less likely to access these networks and often underperform urban counterparts. This paper provides a rural–urban comparative analysis of business performance across SMEs for both members and non‐members of social media business networks. Empirically, the analysis draws on data of over 13,000 SMEs from the 2015‐UK Government's Small Business Survey. Inverse Probability Weighting is used to control for selection bias of firms selecting into a location and business network and for variations in business characteristics. The results reveal that rural SMEs that are members of social media business networks tend to register higher turnover and seek to grow sales compared to rural and urban SMEs that are non‐members. For turnover, rural firms that are members of these business networks perform as well as urban SMEs that are members. However, for sales growth, they underperform urban counterparts. Therefore, the development of SMEs’ performance in rural areas requires enhanced online business support environments, improved digital infrastructure and connectivity, the creation of online co‐working spaces, and increased digital and technological skills.
Clinical efficiency of inhibitory control test for the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Ming , Li Xiao‐Fei , Hu Sheng‐Juan , Bai Fei‐Hu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a common neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and portosystemic shunt. The inhibitory control test (ICT) is a novel computerized psychometric test for MHE diagnosis, but its efficiency has yet to be confirmed. This study aimed to systematically review the existing evidence concerning the ICT application and then evaluate the efficiency of ICT for MHE diagnosis in clinical practice.MethodsA comprehensive search of published works was carried out to identify reports concerning the ICT for MHE diagnosis between January 2000 and December 2020. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio of ICT for MHE diagnosis were calculated using a random or fixed effect model. The summary receiver operator characteristic (sROC) curve was constructed, and the area under the sROC curve was calculated. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using the Deeks funnel plot asymmetry test.ResultsTwelve studies were included in this systematic review, and nine studies enrolling 1022 patients were included in the final meta‐analysis. The ICT had a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and DOR of 83%, 64%, and 9, respectively. The area under the sROC curve was 0.79. The metaregression analysis indicated that different locations of studies (relative diagnostic odds ratio, 12.65; p = 0.02) were identified as the source of heterogeneity. No significant publication bias was observed.ConclusionsThe ICT has a high sensitivity and moderate specificity for MHE diagnosis, and it can be used as a primary diagnostic method for MHE.
Combined histopathological risk score using TP53 protein expression, CD8+ T cell density and intratumoral budding is an independent predictor of neoadjuvant therapy response in rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Wei , Farchoukh Lama , Seigh Lindsey , Hartman Douglas J , Pai Reetesh K 
Published: June 2021

AimsNeoadjuvant therapy is the recommended treatment for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma; however, there remains significant variability in response to therapy. Tumour protein 53 (TP53) has been associated with therapy response and prognosis with conflicting data. Recently, we demonstrated that immune cell density and intratumoral budding (ITB) are predictive factors in rectal cancer. We investigated the predictive value of TP53 immunohistochemistry with CD8+ T cell density and ITB on pretreatment biopsies of rectal adenocarcinoma for response to neoadjuvant therapy.Methods and resultsPretreatment biopsies of rectal adenocarcinoma from 117 patients with neoadjuvant therapy were analysed for TP53 expression by immunohistochemistry, ITB, CD8+ T cell density and mismatch repair protein (MMR) status. Most rectal adenocarcinomas displayed aberrant TP53 expression (86 of 117, 74%). Compared to wild‐type TP53, aberrant TP53 expression was associated with proficient MMR status (P = 0.003) and low CD8+ T cell density (P = 0.001). Aberrant TP53 was significantly associated with a partial to poor response to neoadjuvant therapy [odds ratio (OR) = 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–5.62, P = 0.04]. A combined histopathological risk score (HRS) was created using CD8+ T cell density, ITB and TP53 expression. Patients were separated into low (none to one factor) and high (two to three factors) HRS categories. In the multivariable model, patients with a high HRS were 3.25‐fold more likely to have a partial or poor response to neoadjuvant therapy (95% CI = 1.48–7.11, P = 0.003).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that aberrant TP53 expression, high ITB and low CD8+ T cell density in pretreatment biopsies can help predict response to neoadjuvant therapy. These biomarkers may be helpful in identifying patients at risk for therapy resistance.
Racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake among a diverse sample of adolescents: An experimental study
Authors: Zurita Tomas , Kazmierski Kelly F. M. , Wong Larissa , Faulkner Megan , Kuo Sabrina , Huszti Heather , Rao Uma 
Published: June 2021

SummaryBackgroundAfrican‐American (AA) and Hispanic/Latina (HL) females have higher obesity prevalence than do non‐Hispanic Whites (NHW); this may be due to AA and HL consuming more energy‐dense foods in response to stressors.ObjectivesThis study examined racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake under controlled conditions (relaxation and stress) in a diverse sample of adolescent females.MethodsParticipants included 120 adolescent females (30% AA, 37% HL and 33% NHW) who participated in a laboratory food intake study. Using a randomized cross‐over design, ad libitum food consumption was measured following control/relaxation and social‐evaluative stress conditions. Food intake was indexed as consumed calories, added sugars and solid fats.ResultsThe effect of laboratory conditions on food intake varied by race/ethnicity, such that AA consumed more energy following relaxation than following stress. For NHW and HL, food intake did not differ between conditions.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, these findings are the first to directly observe racial/ethnic differences in food intake in response to acute stress, which may contribute to obesity‐related health disparities.
A shift to libertarian paternalism in old‐age income security: Discourses on pension privatization reforms in Lithuania 2016–2018
Authors: Juska Arunas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study uses news media discourse analysis to investigate the highly contentious process of pension privatization retrenchment in Lithuania. In 2016, Lithuania began debating reforms on restructuring its poorly performing “second pillar” pension scheme – statutory funded individually defined contribution plans managed by the private sector. Pension reform is here conceptualized as a process of discursive contestation of the orthodox neoliberal consensus that prevailed in designing and introducing a private pension system in the early 2000s. By 2018, when a new Law on Pensions institutionalized a subsidized “nudge‐type” private retirement saving scheme, this process was legitimized by a newly prominent libertarian paternalistic ideology. Impacts of the discursive framing of pension reforms on their outcomes are discussed.
The impact of the Lesotho Child Grant Programme in the lives of children and adults with disabilities: Disaggregated analysis of a community randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Groot Richard , Palermo Tia , Banks Lena Morgon , Kuper Hannah 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGlobally, people with disabilities are disproportionally affected by poverty. Social protection policies, including cash transfers, are key strategies to address poverty “in all its forms”, but it is currently unclear how such programmes affect people with disabilities. This study examines differences in the impact of the Lesotho Child Grant Programme (CGP) on food security, health, education and livelihoods between people with and without disabilities using data from a community randomized control trial. Overall, this study finds the CGP had significant and differential impacts for people with disabilities across multiple health indicators (e.g. increased health expenditures, self‐rated health, likelihood of seeking healthcare). The CGP also had an impact on food security, decreasing the number of months households with and without members with disabilities faced extreme food shortages. There was also a modest but significant and differential impact of the CGP on the engagement of people with disabilities in paid work. The CGP only had an impact on school enrolment for children without disabilities, however the difference in impact was non‐significant and likely due to underpowered sample sizes. Overall, people with disabilities receiving the CGP still experienced high levels of absolute deprivation, and were generally still worse off compared to people without disabilities, indicating a need for adapted or complementary social protection and other poverty alleviation programmes.
Attitudes of nursing staff towards pressure ulcer prevention in primary and specialised health care: A correlational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Parisod Heidi , Holopainen Arja , Kielo‐Viljamaa Emilia , Puukka Pauli , Beeckman Dimitri , Haavisto Elina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this correlational, cross‐sectional study was to assess the pressure ulcer prevention attitudes of the nursing staff and to identify factors associated with it both in primary and special health care. The study was conducted with nursing staff (N = 554) working in primary and special health care units in two hospital districts in Finlandin 2018 to 2019. Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument was used for data collection. Demographic data, Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge test, and Pressure Ulcer Prevention Practice instrument were used as background variables. Data were analysed with statistical tests. Nursing staff working in primary care (n = 327) had more positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention than those in specialised care (n = 209;P = .047). Working as a wound care nurse (P = .0005), working experience after graduation (P = .0017), self‐reported pressure ulcer prevention and early detection skills (P < .0001), pressure ulcer prevention knowledge (P = .0002), and views about the realisation of their unit's pressure ulcer prevention practices (P < .0001) independently explained variation in participants' attitudes. Attention should be placed on the pressure ulcer prevention attitudes of nurses who are less experienced or less skilled and who have lower pressure ulcer prevention knowledge. Positive organisational culture towards evidence‐based pressure ulcer prevention practices should be promoted.