bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in vitro trial on the effect of arch form on connector size requirements in long span anterior zirconia fixed dental prostheses
Authors: Coello Ryan J. , Aita‐Holmes Cynthia , Dimalanta Walter G. , Wenger Karl
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To test the fracture resistance of maxillary canine to canine fixed partial denture with four missing incisors, with increasing anterior‐cantilevers of the pontics and varying connector sizes.

Materials and methods

Two 3D‐printed titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) models mimicking a maxillary canine to canine fixed partial denture (FPD) with four pontics replacing the incisors were used as master models. Zirconia FPDs were digitally designed and milled with two different connector sizes (9 and 12 mm2) each with three different anterior cantilevers (7, 10, and 13 mm) accounting for 6 test groups. Seven samples were milled for each group generating a total of 42 samples. The zirconia FPDs were cemented on the titanium model using resin modified glass ionomer cement and the model fixated to a variable angle vice. A sinusoidal cyclic waveform load from 50 to 280N was applied using a universal testing machine at a frequency of 30 cycles per second and a total of 5 million cycles.

Results

The results of Fisher's exact tests showed that the difference in the proportion of fractured versus nonfractured fixed partial dentures was not statistically significant when comparing the 9 with the 12 mm2 connector size (p = 1.00), as well as when comparing the six test groups (p = 0.2338); on the other hand, it proved to be statistically significant when comparing the 7 mm cantilever with the 10 and 13 mm cantilevers combined (p = 0.0407) indicating that a 7 mm anterior spread of the pontics showed a significantly greater proportion of fixed partial dentures that fractured.

Conclusions

Fracture susceptibility was not a function of cantilever length in this testing configuration for anterior FPDs. Retainer crown thickness seems to be a more important parameter than connector size thickness. Based on the results, a smaller connector size (9 mm2) can be used to improve the esthetics of pontics in long span anterior FPDs.
Effect of thickness and CAD‐CAM material on fatigue resistance of endodontically treated molars restored with occlusal veneers
Authors: Noronha Mayara dos Santos , Carvalho Marco Aurélio de , Do Anh Quynh , Neto Vitaliano Gomes de Araújo , Campos Camila Heitor , Giannini Marcelo , Magne Pascal
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of the thickness and type of computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD‐CAM) material on the fatigue resistance and failure mode of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) restored with occlusal veneers (OV).

Materials and methods

Seventy‐five (N = 75) ETT were restored with Herculite XRV in the endodontic access. Five experimental groups (n = 15) were tested. Four groups had two different thicknesses (0.6‐0.7 mm or 1.4‐1.6 mm) and two different CAD‐CAM materials: zirconia‐reinforced lithium‐silicate (LS/Celtra Duo) and composite resin (RC/Cerasmart). The fifth group (control) did not have occlusal veneers. All the specimens were subjected to accelerated fatigue (5 Hz frequency) with an occlusal load increasing up to 1800 N and 131,000 cycles. The number of cycles was recorded when the machine stopped or at the completion of the test. Fatigue resistance was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier survival test (95% significance level, log‐rank post hoc pairwise comparisons). The samples were categorized according to failure mode. The CAD‐CAM materials were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS).

Results

No differences were found between the thicknesses, regardless of the type of the CAD‐CAM material. The thick LS OV outperformed the RC and control groups. The thin RC OV and control groups showed a higher percentage of repairable and possibly repairable failures than the other groups. LS was more homogeneous under SEM, and the EDS analysis detected Si and Zr, but not Li.

Conclusions

A larger thickness did not improve the resistance of the CAD‐CAM materials. Thick LS showed a higher cumulative survival rate to fatigue than the RC and control groups. The direct composite alone (control) survived similarly to the experimental groups, except for the thick LS.
The impact of COVID‐19 on domestic violence agency functioning: A case study
Authors: Lipp Natania S. , Johnson Nicole L.
Published: September 2022

Initial evidence suggests that rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) increased at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, much of the prevalence research has focused on survivors’ experiences of IPV during the initial lockdown period from March to June 2020. The current study adds to this initial research by centering the experience of a domestic violence agency located in the United States, 3‐months prior to, during, and after the COVID‐19 lockdown. The results suggest a similar pattern across service utilization (e.g., total clients served, calls, safe house capacity) and survivor demographics (e.g., race/ethnicity, cisgender women and men), with an initial decrease in service utilization from pre‐lockdown to lockdown and an increase, surpassing pre‐lockdown, post‐lockdown. The only deviations from this pattern of service utilization were for sexual minority individuals, whose service utilization continued to decline post‐lockdown and Asian American/Pacific Islander and trans/gender‐nonbinary survivors who rarely utilized services across the time period. Additionally, the domestic violence agency relied heavily on their existing finances, well‐rounded staff training, and staff wellbeing throughout the pandemic. The unique challenges that COVID‐19 provided demanded flexibility, increased technological utilization, and additional funding particularly for safe housing. Implications for future research, intervention, and policy change are provided below.
Presumptive nontraumatic adrenal hemorrhage preceding hypoadrenocorticism in a dog
Authors: Lee Namsoon , Choi Jihye , Yoon Junghee
Published: September 2022

Nontraumatic adrenal hemorrhage (NTAH) has been associated with stress‐induced catecholamines release in underlying conditions such as sepsis and recent surgery in humans. It can lead to primary hypoadrenocorticism (HOAC) when both adrenal glands are involved, with nonspecific clinical signs and laboratory findings that can lead to a missed diagnosis. Bilateral thickening of the adrenal glands with periadrenal fat stranding was identified in a 10‐year‐old male Maltese dog after abdominal surgery. The dog showed clinical signs and biochemical changes consistent with HOAC, but treatment for presumed critical illness‐related corticosteroid insufficiency was initiated. Clinical signs relapsed with a 3‐week dose reduction of hydrocortisone, and a reduction in adrenal size was observed on follow‐up ultrasound examination. Hormonal testing confirmed HOAC in the dog. To the best of our knowledge, HOAC caused by spontaneous NTAH has not been reported in the veterinary literature. This report describes a dog that developed HOAC with presumed adrenal atrophy after suspected spontaneous bilateral NTAH.
Dystonia in veterinary neurology
Authors: Santifort Koen M. , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: September 2022

Dystonia is a clinical sign and main feature of many movement disorders in humans as well as veterinary species. It is characterized by sustained or intermittent involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal (often repetitive) movements, postures, or both. This review discusses the terminology and definition of dystonia, its phenomenology, and its pathophysiology, and provides considerations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of dystonia in dogs and cats. In addition, currently recognized or reported disorders in dogs and cats in which dystonia is a particular or main feature are discussed and comparisons are made between disorders featuring dystonia in humans and animals. We suggest that when describing the phenomenology of dogs and cats with dystonia, if possible the following should be included: activity being performed at onset (e.g., resting or running or exercise‐induced), body distribution, duration, responsiveness (subjective), severity, temporal pattern (i.e., paroxysmal or persistent, severity at onset and at later stages), presence or absence of autonomic signs (e.g., salivation), presence or absence of preceding signs (e.g., restlessness), presence or absence of signs after dystonia subsides (e.g., sleepiness), coexistence of other movement disorders, any other neurological manifestations, and possible links to administered medications, intoxications or other associated factors. We also suggest that dystonia be classified based on its etiology as either structural genetic, suspected genetic, reactive, or unknown.
Peripheral biomarkers of oxidative stress in dogs with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Tusa Nicole V. , Abuelo Angel , Levy Nyssa A. , Gandy Jeffery C. , Langlois Daniel K. , Cridge Harry
Published: September 2022

Background

Oxidative stress is considered a pathomechanism of acute pancreatitis (AP), but no studies have extensively characterized oxidant status in dogs with naturally‐occurring AP.

Hypothesis or Objectives

Evaluate measures of oxidant status in dogs with AP and explore whether these measures correlate with AP severity.

Animals

Fifteen dogs with AP and 9 control dogs.

Methods

Prospective, controlled observational study. Plasma reactive metabolite (RM) concentrations, antioxidant potential (AOP), and urinary F2 isoprostane concentrations were measured in AP dogs and healthy controls. Severity of AP was assessed by length of hospitalization and 3 disease severity indices: canine acute pancreatitis severity (CAPS), modified canine activity index (M‐CAI), and the acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score (APPLEfull).

Results

Reactive metabolite (RM) concentrations (median, 65 relative fluorescent units [RFU]/μL; range, 20‐331 RFU/μL) and RM:AOP (median, 7; range, 4‐109) were higher in AP dogs than healthy controls (median RM, 25 RFU/μL; range, 16‐41 RFU/μL; median RM:AOP, 4; range, 2‐7; P < .001 for both comparisons). Reactive metabolite (rS = 0.603, P = .08) and RM:AOP (rS = 0.491, P = .06) were not correlated with the duration of hospitalization or disease severity indices evaluated. However, disease severity indices did not predict mortality in our study. Normalized urine 2,3‐dinor‐8‐iso‐prostaglandin F2α concentrations were correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP; rS = 0.491, P = .03), canine specific pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL; rS = 0.746, P = .002), and CAPS (rS = 0.603, P = .02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Oxidant status is altered in dogs with naturally occurring AP, but the clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.
Enzymatic and antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida glabrata isolates from paediatric patients and their genetic diversity based on microsatellite length polymorphism
Authors: Jafarian H. , Hardani A.K. , Asnafi A.A. , Mahmoudabadi A.Z.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to detect different genotypes of Candida glabrata isolates in paediatric patients with and without neutropenia utilizing microsatellite length polymorphism (MLP) and its correlation with drug resistance and enzymatic activity were assessed. Samples from neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients were collected from November 2020 to November 2021. Thirty-six C. glabrata strains were isolated and identified using classical and molecular methods. Then, C. glabrata isolates were genotyped by the MLP technique, and their antifungal susceptibility was performed based on the CLSI M27 guideline. Eighteen different multi-loci genotypes (G1–G18) were detected based on MLP analysis. Analysis of molecular variance revealed high genetic variation within populations (94%) and low genetic differentiation amongst populations (6%). Also, 40% (n = 4) of isolates from neutropenic patients were non-wild-type for posaconazole, and 30% (n = 3) were resistant to caspofungin. Very strong hemolytic and proteinase activity were seen in 97·2 and 86·1% of isolates. Candida glabrata strains from neutropenic patients were genetically divergent from other populations. The minimum spanning tree shows that observed genotypes were mainly related to previously reported genotypes from Iran, Spain, and China.
Architectural analysis of root system and phytohormone biosynthetic genes expression in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) inoculated with Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Tiwari P.K. , Yadav J. , Singh A.K. , Srivastava R. , Srivastava A.K. , Sahu P.K. , Srivastava A.K. , Saxena A.K.
Published: September 2022

In this study, a fungal plant growth promoter Penicillium oxalicum T4 isolated from non-rhizosphere soil of Arunachal Pradesh, India, was screened for different plant growth promoting traits in a gnotobiotic study. Though inoculation improved the overall growth of the plants, critical differences were observed in root architecture. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope, Scanning electron microscope and the stereo microscopic study showed that inoculated wheat plants could develop profuse root hairs as compared to control. Root scanning indicated improvement in cumulative root length, root area, root volume, number of forks, links, crossings, and other parameters. A confocal scanning laser microscope indicated signs of endophytic colonization in wheat roots. Gene expression studies revealed that inoculation of T4 modulated the genes affecting root hair development. Significant differences were marked in the expression levels of TaRSL4, TaEXPB1, TaEXPB23, PIN-FORMED protein, kaurene oxidase, lipoxygenase, ACC synthase, ACC oxidase, 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, and ABA 8′-hydroxylase genes. These genes contribute to early plant development and ultimately to biomass accumulation and yield. The results suggested that P. oxalicum T4 has potential for growth promotion in wheat and perhaps also in other cereals.
Plants, pollinators and their interactions under global ecological change: The role of pollen DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Bell Karen L. , Turo Katherine J. , Lowe Abigail , Nota Kevin , Keller Alexander , Encinas‐Viso Francisco , Parducci Laura , Richardson Rodney T. , Leggett Richard M. , Brosi Berry J. , Burgess Kevin S. , Suyama Yoshihisa , de Vere Natasha
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic activities are triggering global changes in the environment, causing entire communities of plants, pollinators and their interactions to restructure, and ultimately leading to species declines. To understand the mechanisms behind community shifts and declines, as well as monitoring and managing impacts, a global effort must be made to characterize plant–pollinator communities in detail, across different habitat types, latitudes, elevations, and levels and types of disturbances. Generating data of this scale will only be feasible with rapid, high‐throughput methods. Pollen DNA metabarcoding provides advantages in throughput, efficiency and taxonomic resolution over traditional methods, such as microscopic pollen identification and visual observation of plant–pollinator interactions. This makes it ideal for understanding complex ecological networks and their responses to change. Pollen DNA metabarcoding is currently being applied to assess plant–pollinator interactions, survey ecosystem change and model the spatiotemporal distribution of allergenic pollen. Where samples are available from past collections, pollen DNA metabarcoding has been used to compare contemporary and past ecosystems. New avenues of research are possible with the expansion of pollen DNA metabarcoding to intraspecific identification, analysis of DNA in ancient pollen samples, and increased use of museum and herbarium specimens. Ongoing developments in sequencing technologies can accelerate progress towards these goals. Global ecological change is happening rapidly, and we anticipate that high‐throughput methods such as pollen DNA metabarcoding are critical for understanding the evolutionary and ecological processes that support biodiversity, and predicting and responding to the impacts of change.
Transcriptomic responses of Galápagos finches to avian poxvirus infection
Authors: McNew Sabrina M. , Loyola Diana Carolina , Yepez Janaí , Andreadis Catherine , Gotanda Kiyoko , Saulsberry Ashley , Fessl Birgit
Published: September 2022

Emerging pathogens can have devastating effects on naïve hosts, but disease outcomes often vary among host species. Comparing the cellular response of different hosts to infection can provide insight into mechanisms of host defence. Here, we used RNA‐seq to characterize the transcriptomic response of Darwin's finches to avian poxvirus, a disease of concern in the Galápagos Islands. We tested whether gene expression differs between infected and uninfected birds, and whether transcriptomic differences were related either to known antiviral mechanisms and/or the co‐option of the host cellular environment by the virus. We compared two species, the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis) and the vegetarian finch (Platyspiza crassirostris), to determine whether endemic Galápagos species differ in their response to pox. We found that medium ground finches had a strong transcriptomic response to infection, upregulating genes involved in the innate immune response including interferon production, inflammation, and other immune signalling pathways. In contrast, vegetarian finches had a more limited response, and some changes in this species were consistent with viral manipulation of the host's cellular function and metabolism. Many of the transcriptomic changes mirrored responses documented in model and in vitro studies of poxviruses. Our results thus indicate that many pathways of host defence against poxviruses are conserved among vertebrates and present even in hosts without a long evolutionary history with the virus. At the same time, the differences we observed between closely related species suggests that some endemic species of Galápagos finch could be more susceptible to avian pox than others.
Action‐project method: An approach to describing and studying goal‐oriented joint actions
Authors: Shankar Sneha , Young Richard A. , Young Meredith E.
Published: September 2022

Context

Practicing health professionals and educators frequently act together in an interdependent or joint capacity to reach goals. Teaching or learning a new skill or engaging with patients in shared decision‐making exemplifies this joint and goal‐directed nature of Health Professions Education (HPE) and practice. However, building a robust understanding of the complexity of action, and joint action in particular, in HPE or patient care remains a challenge because of a limited number of methodologies available within HPE research.

Methods

In this manuscript, we describe the Action‐Project Method (A‐PM) as a qualitative research approach that can be used to describe and understand goal‐directed joint actions. A‐PM is grounded in contextual action theory and is a methodology focussed on action as an object of study, as it is occurring. A‐PM uses three distinct perspectives to understand goal‐directed joint actions: observable behaviour, internal processes (i.e. reported thoughts and feelings) and the social meaning reflected in goals. Data collection in A‐PM involves observations, interviews, recording of actions and a self‐confrontation procedure—where participants watch video‐recorded segments of action and reflect on their internal processes, describing what they were thinking or feeling as they were completing the action. Together, the rich data generated and the layered approach to analysis provide a means to better understand the joint actions embedded in complex systems and collaborative work. Furthermore, the participants are treated as equal partners within A‐PM, ensuring data equity even when the research context includes hierarchical relationships.

Discussion

Given increasing recognition to the importance of teamwork, relationships, interdependence, complex environments and centring patient or learner voices, A‐PM is a valuable research approach for HPE. A‐PM deepens our research arsenal with an approach that focusses on interdependent dyads or teams and provides a deeper understanding for how individuals engage together in goal‐oriented actions.
Association of nighttime sleep with behaviors in Japanese early childhood
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke , Takao Soshi , Matsumoto Naomi , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: September 2022

Background

Preschool children in Asian countries, including Japan, sleep for a shorter duration at night than those in Europe and the USA. We examined the effects of the nighttime sleep duration on behavioral development in early childhood in Japan.

Methods

We used data from a large Japanese nationwide, population‐based, longitudinal survey that began in 2001. We restricted the study participants to children born after 37 gestational weeks, with a birth weight ≥ 2500 g and singleton births (n = 41 890). The nighttime sleep duration was examined at 2.5 years old. Responses to survey questions regarding age‐appropriate behavior at 5.5 years old were used as indicators of behavioral development. We conducted logistic regression analyses with adjustment for confounding factors, with ≥11 h of nighttime sleep as the reference group.

Results

The odds ratios for children who had ≤9 h of nighttime sleep, which was associated with being unable to listen with fidgeting and being unable to remain patient, were 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.14–1.39) and 1.27 (1.16–1.38), respectively. Children who had an irregular nighttime sleep duration were associated with age‐appropriate behavioral inabilities. These results were similar in children who usually and sometimes took naps to those before stratification by the frequency of napping.

Conclusion

A short nighttime sleep duration especially affects hyperactivity and impulsivity. An irregular nighttime sleep duration increases the inability to perform overall age‐appropriate behaviors more than a short sleep duration. Ensuring a regular and sufficient nighttime sleep duration in early childhood is important for healthy behavioral development.
Long‐term outcomes of pediatric liver transplantation using organ donation after circulatory death: Comparison between full and reduced grafts
Authors: Alnagar Amr , Mirza Darius F. , Muiesan Paolo , G. P. Ong Evelyn , Gupte Girish , Van Mourik Indra , Hartley Jane , Kelly Deirdre , Lloyd Carla , Perera Thamara P. R. , Sharif Khalid
Published: September 2022

Background

The shortage of donors' livers for pediatric recipients inspired the search for alternatives including donation after cardiac death (DCD).

Methods

Retrospective review of pediatric liver transplant (PLT) using DCD grafts. Patients were divided into either FLG or RLG recipients. Pre‐transplant recipient parameters, donor parameters, operative parameters, post‐transplant recipient parameters, and outcomes were compared.

Results

Overall, 14 PLTs from DCD donors between 2005 and 2018 were identified; 9 FLG and 5 RLG. All donors were Maastricht category III. Cold ischemia time was significantly longer in RLG (8.2 h vs. 6.2 h; p = .038). Recipients of FLG were significantly older (180 months vs. 7 months; p = .012) and waited significantly longer (168 days vs. 22 days; p = .012). Recipients of RLG tended to be sicker in the immediate pre‐transplant period and this was reflected by the need for respiratory or renal support. There was no significant difference between groups regarding long‐term complications. Three patients in each group survived more than 5 year post‐transplant. One child was re‐transplanted in the RLG due to portal vein thrombosis but failed to survive after re‐transplant. One child from FLG also died from a non‐graft‐related cause.

Conclusions

Selected DCD grafts are an untapped source to widen the donor pool, especially for sick recipients. In absence of agreed criteria, graft and recipient selection for DCD grafts should be undertaken with caution.
Metronidazole for treatment of norovirus in pediatric transplant recipients
Authors: Soneji Maulin , Newman Alexander M. , Toia Jacquie , Muller William J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. In transplant recipients, it can lead to prolonged shedding and chronic diarrhea. Treatment with nitazoxanide, oral immunoglobulin, or mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors has shown varying degrees of benefit in case reports and case series. Prior studies have shown that the commensal gastrointestinal bacterial flora may influence the pathogenesis of norovirus infection. Metronidazole is often used to modulate gastrointestinal flora and was trialed in our hospital for norovirus in some immunocompromised patients after observing an association with anecdotal improvement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed episodes of norovirus in the stool of 38 patients with a history of solid organ or stem cell transplantation between July 2014 and March 2019.

Results

There were 85 positive norovirus tests among the 38 patients. In 25 of the 85 positive norovirus tests, nitazoxanide was given, with clinical improvement in 15 of these episodes (60%). Eight positive tests were treated with metronidazole alone, in all cases after a course of nitazoxanide had been used. Improvement was observed for 6 of these episodes (75%).

Conclusion

Further investigation of the use of metronidazole for norovirus gastroenteritis in transplant recipients is warranted.
Site‐specific Heterogeneity of Multi‐domain Human Serum Albumin and its Origin: A Red Edge Excitation Shift Study†
Authors: Das Nilimesh , Sahu Subhrasmita , Khan Tanmoy , Sen Pratik
Published: September 2022

Conformational heterogeneity is a defining characteristic of a protein and is vital in understanding its function and folding landscape. In the present work, we interrogated the presence of conformational heterogeneity in multi‐domain human serum albumin in a domain‐specific manner using red edge excitation shift (REES) in its native state and also monitored its variation along the unfolding transition. We also looked into the origin of such conformational heterogeneity by varying the solution viscosity. We observed (1) even in the native state, the heterogeneity and dynamics of the side chain exhibit varied behaviors depending on which domain of the multi‐domain human serum albumin (HSA) is being examined. (2) When the protein is in the unfolded state, the extent of REES is rendered unimportant since there is a greater quantity of free water present, in addition to the disruption of the protein's structure. (3) While the rigid protein matrix provides the rigidity of domain‐I and domain‐III, the rigidity of domain‐II is provided by water molecules, which indicates that the role of water molecules in providing the rigidity is significant. Overall, our results provide direct evidence of the rigidity and alternate side chain packing arrangement of protein core that varies domain‐wise in multi‐domain HSA.
Do polluting firms suffer long term? Can government use data‐driven inspection policies to catch polluters?
Authors: Lo Chris K. Y. , Tang Christopher S. , Zhou Yi
Published: September 2022

Do firms suffer from negative long‐term business performance after being exposed for violating environmental regulations? We empirically examine this question using all 1542 environmental incidents committed by 418 public Chinese manufacturers listed on the Shanghai/Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2004 to 2013. We use the Coarsened Exact Matching to match a sample firm with (exposed) environmental incidents with a control firm that exhibits the same characteristics in our sample. Our comparative analysis reveals that relative to control firms, firms with (exposed) environmental incidents have poor business performance (e.g., sales growth, market share, returns on sales, and returns on assets) over a 5‐year period after being exposed. Using our training samples (data from 2004 to 2012), we also develop a predictive model and a “risk” scoring system to characterize the likelihood of a Chinese manufacturer violating environmental regulations in 2013. Specifically, we use publicly available financial data to identify factors (e.g., firm age, total assets, percentage of government ownership, and past environmental incidents) to predict which firm is more likely to violate environmental regulations. Using our training samples (data from 2004 to 2012), we can expose over 71% of the violations in 2013 by inspecting only 21.5% of the firms with risk scores above the top 80 percentile. Given the long‐term penalty and the potential for the Chinese government to use our predictive model as a building block for developing a more effective inspection policy, the number of environmental incidents in China will decline.
Leveraging value creation to drive the growth of B2B platforms
Authors: Anderson Edward G. , Lopez Jose , Parker Geoffrey G.
Published: September 2022

Business platforms have become widespread in business to consumer (B2C) markets and their adoption is on the rise in the business to business (B2B) world. However, our understanding of platform adoption in B2B is less developed than for B2C. In the few cases where B2B platforms have been explicitly examined, it is often assumed that they can be understood using principles developed from the study of B2C platforms. However, the two types of platforms have important differences that often require different managerial policies to be successful. B2B supply chains are much more complex because of multiple echelons, the sophistication of their purchasing and other organizations, the competition they face, and the value of their data. The result is that, among other things, the nature of their value exchange is likely different. To address this gap, we create a novel framework. The value creation lens is grounded in theory and creates a better understanding of the dynamics of platform creation and growth by separating the platform's value into three components: (1) the standalone value of the product, such as a smartphone's ability to take pictures, (2) the value of other participants on the platform, such as the number of friends on Instagram or merchants on eBay, and (3) the value created by complementary products from third‐party providers, such as apps for a smartphone. A dynamic perspective explores the trajectory of differences in value between B2B and B2C platforms along with managerial implications.
Enhancing drought stress tolerance in Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) through exogenous application of potassium
Authors: Bukhari Muhammad Adnan , Yousaf Muhammad , Ahmad Zahoor , Rafay Muhammad , Shah Adnan Noor , Abbas Asad , Shah Anis Ali , Javed Talha , Afzal Muhammad , Ali Sikandar , Abdullah Mustafa I. B.
Published: September 2022

The current study was performed under controlled conditions to study the effects of exogenous potassium application on carotenoid contents and drought tolerance in Camelina. Water deficit levels such as 100% FC (control) and 40% FC (drought stress) were imposed after germination of Camelina plants grown to maturity, and different treatments of exogenous K+ were applied at the vegetative stage. We have reported 17 traits of plant growth, physiology, antioxidant enzyme activity, focusing on carotenoids in Camelina to explore their potential yield and yield components. For this purpose, we used multivariate analysis techniques (descriptive statistics, correlation matrix, analysis of variance [ANOVA] and principal components analysis [PCA] to determine the best relation between potassium and studied traits). The results showed a large number of variations in the studied trait under control and water deficit condition. Plant fresh weight (g) was negatively correlated with shoot length and SOD insignificantly correlated with plant fresh weight (g) under water deficit conditions. Potassium loading predicted that foliar application (3 mM K2SO4), foliar application (6 mM KNO3), foliar application (12 mM KNO3) and foliar application (12 mM K2SO4) are the important doses that contribute the most to enhance the growth, physiological and biochemical activities and carotenoids to improve the Camelina yield under water deficit condition. These doses should be considered in the future to improve the Camelina yield under semi‐arid conditions with increased genetic diversity (varietal selection).
How does the space influence Living Labs? Evidence from two automotive experiences
Authors: Della Santa Silvia , Tagliazucchi Giulia , Marchi Gianluca
Published: September 2022

Living Labs (LLs) are defined as innovation ecosystems that integrate research and innovation processes in a real‐life setting, in a logic of open–user innovation. Alongside the openness and user involvement, the real‐life setting is seen as the third key element in which LLs are rooted and it defines the space where the innovation process takes place. However, so far little attention has been given to whether and how space influences LLs. Hence, borrowing the concept of Enabler Spaces as multidimensional containers fostering innovation processes, the aim of this paper is to improve the theoretical conceptualization of the real‐life setting dimension of LLs. To do this, the paper will investigate how the physical, social, and organizational spatial dimensions interrelate with and influence the other two elements characterizing LLs, ultimately shaping their governance. In doing so, two case studies of LLs focusing on new forms of mobility grounded in two different (open and closed) physical spaces will be analyzed. Results offer arguments for further investigation into the relationships between the real‐life setting of LLs based on physical spaces and the social and organizational dimension of the innovation space.
Nanotechnology in reproduction, breeding and conservation of fish biodiversity: Current status and future potential
Authors: Bhat Irfan Ahmad
Published: September 2022

The reproductive capability of an organism is the main factor to determine the stability of the population. Till now, numerous reproductive strategies have been used, to successfully breed the fish in captivity but the desired performance is yet to be achieved. Nanotechnology has transformed the reproductive capacity of higher animals to a greater extent and has a huge potential in the aquaculture sector too. The use of nanotechnology in fish reproduction and breeding is limited to the delivery of drugs, hormones, vaccines, or genes and still, an immense scope is left in the area that needs to be explored. Here, the recent progress of nanotechnology in fish reproduction, breeding and conservation of germplasm is reviewed. Further, the key successes in the development of cryopreservation, semen imaging, sperm sorting, germplasm preservation, prototypes of smart nanobiosensors and drug delivery systems in animals including fish are highlighted. The potential future opportunities for nanotechnology to enhance reproductive output and conservative management of fish have been presented. In general, the current review summarises some of the applications of nanotechnology that are performing well in higher animals and could be a game‐changer in manipulating the reproductive potential or conserving the fish germplasm.
Investigation of the efficacy of different semen extenders and in vitro storage period on Windsnyer boar sperm quality equilibrated at 18°C
Authors: Thema Mamonene Angelinah , Mphaphathi Masindi Lottus , Ledwaba Mahlatsana Ramaesela , Nedambale Tshimangadzo Lucky
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to determine the efficacy of different semen extenders and in vitro storage periods on the Windsnyer boar sperm quality equilibrated at 18°C. Ejaculates (n = 18) from three Windsnyer boars of known fertility were evaluated for macroscopic traits, pooled, and then allocated for extension in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) and Kobidil+ extender. Diluted semen was stored at 18°C and evaluated at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h post collection for sperm microscopic traits. Semen diluted with BTS extender maintained the highest live normal sperm percentage at 4 (63.0 ± 10), 8 (49.6 ± 8.7), 12 (38.0 ± 12.6), 24 (22.6 ± 10.7) and 48 (12.0 ± 10.7) hours, when stored at 18°C (p < .05). The BTS extender maintained the sperm total motility greater than 40% up to 24 h at 18°C as compared to the other semen Kobidil+ extender treatments (p < .05). Average <5% of sperm abnormalities were recorded over 48 h of in vitro boars semen storage irrespective of the semen extenders. Windsnyer boars sperm quality was maintained over 48 h when the semen was diluted with BTS and stored at 18°C.
Resource mobilisation, institution and inclusive growth in Africa: Evidence from spatial analysis
Authors: Adeosun Opeoluwa Adeniyi , Ayodele Olumide S. , Tabash Mosab I. , Anagreh Suhaib
Published: September 2022

This study accommodates spatial effects in the nexus between tax resource mobilisation (TRM) institutions and inclusive growth using panel data from 48 African countries. By adopting the spatial Durbin‐fixed effect model, the study shows that spatial dependence and interaction matter when modelling TRM, institutions and inclusive growth relationships. It is also explicit that various disaggregated and aggregated tax components have not played significant roles in increasing inclusive growth in Africa, except property tax. The result suggests the need to harness the role of property tax for revenue generation in stimulating inclusive growth in view of its growth benefits over its distortions. Further evidence shows that all individual proxies of African institutions dampen inclusive growth. These results also pinpoint the weak governance structures that constitute huge constraints on the participatory tendencies of economic growth and reflect the institutional exclusiveness inherent in Africa. Regarding the interactive effects of institutions and TRM on inclusive growth, findings further reveal that existing institutions in Africa weaken the tax administration structures in propelling TRM to actualize inclusive growth. The study informs policy implications.
Who cares?—The unrecognised contribution of homecare nurses to care trajectories
Authors: Norlyk Annelise , Burau Viola , Ledderer Loni Kraus , Martinsen Bente
Published: September 2022

Background

Organisation of patients' trajectories is a critical element of nursing practice. However, nursing practice is mainly expressed in terms of direct patient care, while the practices through which care is organised have received little attention, are poorly acknowledged and lack formal recognition.

Aim

To examine the management of care trajectories as provided by homecare nurses.

Design

We conducted focus group interviews with 29 Danish homecare nurses. The analysis drew on the evidence based and theoretically informed framework care trajectory management. Care trajectory management is conceptualised as comprising of three organisational components: (1) Trajectory awareness, (2) Trajectory working knowledge and (3) Trajectory articulation.

Findings

The organising work of homecare nursing is both complex and unpredictable requiring advanced organisational, collaborative and clinical competences to secure concerted actions in alignment with the needs of the individual patient. Without having any formal obligation homecare nurses took on the responsibility for the coordination of the different activities of the professional actors, and for securing concerted actions. Care trajectory management as provided by homecare nurses reflected a high degree of commitment for patients and illustrated that this type of organising work was driven by the values of the humanistic ethos of nursing.

Conclusion

The study highlights the strength of the invisible and ongoing organising work of homecare nurses. Care trajectory management in homecare reflects the moral foundation of nursing. Consequently, the professional logic of nursing reflected as direct patient care alone is too narrow. We need to acknowledge the organising work of patients' trajectories as a core task equal to direct patient care.

Our study highlights the need for articulating the organising work of homecare nurses and for presenting problematic organisational structures to policymakers and managers. If not, the important organisational work of homecare nurses is at the risk of remaining invisible.
Motor control strategies differ between monoarticular and biarticular quadriceps muscles during bipedal squats
Authors: Maudrich Tom , Tapper Pascal , Clauß Martina , Falz Roberto , Lässing Johannes , Kenville Rouven
Published: September 2022

The interplay between biarticular and monoarticular muscles of the knee and hip joints during bipedal squats (SQBP) requires adequate central‐nervous control mechanisms to enable smooth and dynamic movements. Here, we investigated motor control between M. vastus medialis (VM), M. vastus lateralis (VL), and M. rectus femoris (RF) in 12 healthy male recreational athletes during SQBP with three load levels (50%, 62.5%, and 75% of 3‐repetition maximum) following a standardized strength training protocol (3 sets of 10 repetitions). To quantify differences in motor control mechanisms in both time and frequency domains, we analyzed (1) muscle covariation via correlation analyses, as well as (2) common neural input via intermuscular coherence (IMC) between RF, VM, and VL. Our results revealed significantly higher gamma IMC between VM‐VL compared with RF‐VL and RF‐VM for both legs. Correlation analyses demonstrated significantly higher correlation coefficients during ascent periods compared with descent periods across all analyzed muscle pairs. However, no load‐dependent modulation of motor control could be observed. Our study provides novel evidence that motor control during SQBP is characterized by differences in common input between biarticular and monoarticular muscles. Additionally, muscle activation patterns show higher similarity during ascent compared with descent periods. Future research should aim to validate and extend our observations as insights into the underlying control mechanisms offer the possibility for practical implications to optimize training concepts in elite sports and rehabilitation.
Identification of the novel HLA‐DQB1*06:01:01:04 allele in an individual from Western India
Authors: Pinto Andrea S. , Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: September 2022

The novel HLA‐DQB1*06:01:01:04 allele was detected during routine HLA typing.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPB1*1359:01 allele by next generation sequencing
Authors: Jacob Valentine , Desoutter Judith , Guillaume Nicolas
Published: September 2022

HLA‐DPB1*1359:01 differs from HLA‐DPB1*03:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 77 in exon 2.
The novel HLA‐B*52:01:01:23 allele in an individual from Uttar Pradesh, North India
Authors: D'Silva Selma Z. , Tambe Manisha , Pinto Andrea S. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: September 2022

The novel HLA‐B*52:01:01:23 allele differs from HLA‐B*52:01:01:01 by a nucleotide change at gDNA‐61 C➔A.
Identification of the novel allele, HLA‐C*06:02:38:02, in a Gujarati individual from India
Authors: D'Silva Selma Z. , Tambe Manisha , Pinto Andrea S. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: September 2022

The novel allele HLA‐C*06:02:38:02 differs from HLA‐C*06:02:38:01 by a nucleotide change at position; gDNA 168 T ➔ A.
(Z)‐3‐hexenol primes callose deposition against whitefly‐mediated begomovirus infection in tomato
Authors: Yang Fengbo , Zhang Xinyi , Xue Hu , Tian Tian , Tong Hong , Hu Jinyu , Zhang Rong , Tang Juan , Su Qi
Published: September 2022

Rapid callose accumulation has been shown to mediate defense in certain plant–virus interactions. Exposure to the green leaf volatile (Z)‐3‐hexenol (Z‐3‐HOL) can prime tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) for an enhanced defense against subsequent infection by whitefly‐transmitted Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). However, the molecular mechanisms affecting Z‐3‐HOL‐induced resistance are poorly understood. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying Z‐3‐HOL‐induced resistance against whitefly‐transmitted TYLCV infection and the role of callose accumulation during this process. Tomato plants pre‐treated with Z‐3‐HOL displayed callose priming upon whitefly infestation. The callose inhibitor 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose abolished Z‐3‐HOL‐induced resistance, confirming the importance of callose in this induced resistance. We also found that Z‐3‐HOL pre‐treatment enhanced salicylic acid levels and activated sugar signaling in tomato upon whitefly infestation, which increased the expression of the cell wall invertase gene Lin6 to trigger augmented callose deposition against TYLCV infection resulting from whitefly transmission. Using virus‐induced gene silencing, we demonstrated the Lin6 expression is relevant for sugar accumulation mediated callose priming in restricting whitefly‐transmitted TYLCV infection in plants that have been pre‐treated with Z‐3‐HOL. Moreover, Lin6 induced the expression of the callose synthase gene Cals12, which is also required for Z‐3‐HOL‐induced resistance of tomato against whitefly‐transmitted TYLCV infection. These findings highlight the importance of sugar signaling in the priming of callose as a defense mechanism in Z‐3‐HOL‐induced resistance of tomato against whitefly‐transmitted TYLCV infection. The results will also increase our understanding of defense priming can be useful for the biological control of viral diseases.
New ultraviolet C light‐based method for pathogen inactivation of red blood cell units
Authors: Handke Wiebke , Gravemann Ute , Müller Thomas H. , Wagner Franz F. , Schulze Torsten J. , Seltsam Axel
Published: September 2022

Background

Pathogen inactivation (PI) technologies for platelet concentrates and plasma are steadily becoming more established, but new PI treatment options for red blood cells (RBCs), the most commonly used blood component, still need to be developed. We present a novel approach to inactivating pathogens in RBC units employing ultraviolet C (UVC) light.

Methods

Whole blood‐derived leukoreduced RBCs suspended in PAGGS‐C, a third generation additive solution, served as test samples, and RBCs in PAGGS‐C or SAG‐M as controls. Vigorous agitation and hematocrit reduction by diluting the RBCs with additional additive solution during illumination ensured that UVC light penetrated and inactivated the nine bacteria and eight virus species tested. Bacterial and viral infectivity assays and in vitro analyses were performed to evaluate the system's PI capacity and to measure the RBC quality, metabolic, functional, and blood group serological parameters of UVC‐treated versus untreated RBCs during 36‐day storage.

Results

UVC treatment of RBCs in the PAGGS‐C additive solution did not alter RBC antigen expression, but significantly influenced some in vitro parameters. Compared to controls, hemolysis was higher in UVC‐treated RBC units, but was still below 0.8% at 36 days of storage. Extracellular potassium increased early after PI treatment and reached ≤70 mmol/L by the end of storage. UVC‐treated RBC units had higher glucose and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate levels than controls.

Conclusion

As UVC irradiation efficiently reduces the infectivity of relevant bacteria and viruses while maintaining the quality of RBCs, the proposed method offers a new approach for PI of RBC concentrates.
EVOLUTION, CHANCE, NECESSITY, AND DESIGN
Authors: Alexander Denis R.
Published: September 2022

This article represents comments arising from The Compatibility of Evolution and Design by Rope Kojonen (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) concerning the role of chance and randomness in evolution (citations from this book are shown as page numbers in brackets). The various meanings of chance and randomness as used in descriptions of biological evolution are discussed and contrasted with their meanings in mathematics and metaphysics. The discussion relates to the role of contingency in evolution and to ideological and rhetorical extrapolations from biology into philosophical world views. Overall it is concluded that evolution is not a chance process, except in the epistemic sense of “chance.” Theologically, this has implications for the idea that God creates through “a free evolutionary process” and may also influence our perspectives on divine action and intentionality in evolutionary history.