bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperativity of myosin II motors in the non-regulated and regulated thin filaments investigated with high-speed AFM
Authors: Matusovsky Oleg S. , Mansson Alf , Rassier Dilson E.
Published: February 2022

Skeletal myosins II are non-processive molecular motors, that work in ensembles to produce muscle contraction while binding to the actin filament. Although the molecular properties of myosin II are well known, there is still debate about the collective work of the motors: is there cooperativity between myosin motors while binding to the actin filaments? In this study, we used high-speed AFM to evaluate this issue. We observed that the initial binding of small arrays of myosin heads to the non-regulated actin filaments did not affect the cooperative probability of subsequent bindings to neighboring sites and did not lead to an increase in the fractional occupancy of the actin binding sites. These results suggest that myosin motors are independent force generators when connected in small arrays, and that the binding of one myosin does not alter the kinetics of other myosins. In contrast, the probability of binding of myosin heads to regulated thin filaments under activating conditions (at high Ca2+ concentration and with 2 μM ATP) was increased with the initial binding of one myosin, leading to a larger occupancy of neighboring available binding sites. The result suggests that myosin cooperativity is defined by the activation status of the thin filaments.

eLife digest

Muscle contraction is the result of large ensembles of the molecular motor myosin II working in coordination while attached to actin. Myosin II produces the power stroke, responsible for force generation. In this paper, we used High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) to determine the potential cooperativity between myosin motors bound to non-regulated and regulated thin filaments. Based on the direct visualization of myosin-actin interaction, probability of myosin binding, and the myosin fractional occupancy of binding sites along non-regulated and regulated actin filaments, our results show no cooperative effects over ∼100 nm of the actin filament length. In contrast, there is myosin cooperativity within the activated thin filament, that induces a high affinity of myosin heads to the filaments. Our results support the independent behaviour of myosin heads while attached to actin filaments, but a cooperative behavior when attached to regulated thin filaments.
Discovery of an unusually high number of de novo mutations in sperm of older men using duplex sequencing
Authors: Salazar Renato , Arbeithuber Barbara , Ivankovic Maja , Heinzl Monika , Moura Sofia , Hartl Ingrid , Mair Theresa , Lahnsteiner Angelika , Ebner Thomas , Shebl Omar , Pröll Johannes , Tiemann-Boege Irene
Published: February 2022

De novo mutations (DNMs) are important players in heritable diseases and evolution. Of particular interest are highly recurrent DNMs associated with congenital disorders that have been described as selfish mutations expanding in the male germline, thus becoming more frequent with age. Here, we have adapted duplex sequencing (DS), an ultradeep sequencing method that renders sequence information on both DNA strands; thus, one mutation can be reliably called in millions of sequenced bases. With DS, we examined ∼4.5 kb of the FGFR3 coding region in sperm DNA from older and younger donors. We identified sites with variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of 10−4 to 10−5, with an overall mutation frequency of the region of ∼6 × 10−7. Some of the substitutions are recurrent and are found at a higher VAF in older donors than in younger ones or are found exclusively in older donors. Also, older donors harbor more mutations associated with congenital disorders. Other mutations are present in both age groups, suggesting that these might result from a different mechanism (e.g., postzygotic mosaicism). We also observe that independent of age, the frequency and deleteriousness of the mutational spectra are more similar to COSMIC than to gnomAD variants. Our approach is an important strategy to identify mutations that could be associated with a gain of function of the receptor tyrosine kinase activity, with unexplored consequences in a society with delayed fatherhood.
Postgraduate disciplinary trends in architecture: mapping master theses in Jordan
Authors: Al Khalidi Marwa , Al-Rqaibat Sana'a , Okour Yasmein
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the postgraduate disciplinary trends in architecture in Jordan. It highlights current research topics in master theses of architecture programs, to enhance the selection of postgraduate thesis topics that are more responsive and adaptive to the raised research demands of communities and the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzed 254 master's theses published from 2009 to 2019 in three Jordanian universities. The paper employed a descriptive and content analysis for theses' titles and abstracts.

Findings

The principal results identify unique geographical, temporal and disciplinary trends in the mapped theses. The findings illustrate an interest in disciplines of design studies, building technology, housing and community and urban design among postgraduate students. The findings also highlight a centralization of theses' number and geographical location within Amman governorate. Many theses also focused on residential spaces as a scale of analysis.

Practical implications

The proposed suggestions include collaborative efforts and practical mechanisms by higher education institutions, practitioners and decision-makers for advancing rigorous, diverse and relevant research topics in postgraduate theses.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive mapping of the topics of postgraduate theses in the field of architecture. It highlights how they have evolved or have been influenced by community needs. It also draws attention toward specific disciplines that have been the focus of major architectural programs in Jordan. Finally, it highlights the coexistence of interdisciplinarity within the field of architecture.
Substituting meat and the role of a situational context: exploring associations and motives of Dutch meat substitute-users
Authors: Elzerman Johanna E. , van Dijk Pieke E.M. , Luning Pieternel A.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The Dutch market for meat substitutes has grown steadily, however, their market share is still low, and meat consumption in the Netherlands is not decreasing. For a transition towards a more plant-based diet, understanding consumer motives regarding meat substitutes is important. The purpose of this study was to explore what motives lay behind the appropriateness of the use of meat substitutes in different usage situations.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed to discover Dutch consumers’ associations with the terms “eating vegetarian” and “meat substitutes”, as well as motives regarding the situational appropriateness of meat substitutes.

Findings

The most mentioned motives for eating vegetarian were “environmental impact”, “health” and “animal welfare”, while meat substitutes were mainly eaten to replace meat in the meal. Most participants perceived vegetarian stir-fry pieces appropriate for almost all situations; the appropriateness of other meat substitutes was more situation-specific. The thematic content analysis yielded seven categories for the motives given for the (in)appropriateness of the four meat substitutes in six usage situations: “Functionality”, “Convenience”, “Properties”, “Preferences”, “Association with meat”, “Association with meals” and “Nutrition”. Mainly motives in the categories convenience and functionality (function of the meat substitute in a meal) were mentioned for all situations and other motives were situation-specific.

Originality/value

The focus in the development of plant-based foods is mostly on the product properties. The situational appropriateness and the underlying motives regarding meat substitutes have not yet been studied. This exploratory study suggests that these should be taken into consideration in the design of new meat substitutes.
Do enabling management control systems stimulate innovation?
Authors: Bernd Daniele Cristina , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze the influence of the enabling design of management control systems (MCS) on the intensity of use of management controls (budgeting and reengineering and improvement) in innovation (of processes and marketing).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with mid-level managers of the companies that are considered the most innovative in Brazil. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The enabling MCS design positively and directly influences the intensity of use of management controls (budgeting and reengineering and improvements) and innovation (of processes and marketing). Indirect effects are also observed in the relationship between the enabling MCS design and innovation, through the intensity of use of reengineering and improvements. Environmental uncertainties reflect negatively on the intensity of use of management controls and innovation. These results broaden the discussions on the factors that can affect innovation actions and highlight the importance of considering them in the MCS design.

Originality/value

The value of the study lies in contributing to minimize inconsistencies in research results concerning the effects of MCS on innovation and of factors that may act as intervening factors in such a relationship. It discusses the influence of internal organizational factors, related to MCS design, and of external factors, environmental uncertainties, on the intensity of use of specific management controls and on the promotion of innovations in companies imbued with this mission.
Subdomain modeling of linear hybrid excited flux switching machine
Authors: Ullah Basharat , Khan Faisal , Qasim Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an analytical approach to validate the finite element analysis (FEA) results. FEA itself is a powerful tool to evaluate the performance of electrical machines but takes more time and requires more drive storage. To overcome this issue, subdomain modeling (SDM) is used for the proposed machine.

Design/methodology/approach

SDM is developed to validate the electromagnetic performance of a new linear hybrid excited flux switching machine (LHEFSM) with ferrite magnets. In SDM, the problem is divided into different physical regions called subdomains. Maxwell's governing equation is solved analytically for each region, where the magnetic flux density (MFD) is generated. From the generated MFD, x and y components are calculated, which are then used to find the useful force along the x-axis.

Findings

FEA validates the developed SDM via JMAG v. 20.1. The results obtained show excellent agreement with an accuracy of 95.13%.

Practical implications

The proposed LHEFSM is developed for long stroke applications like electric trains.

Originality/value

The proposed LHEFSM uses low-cost ferrite magnets with DC excitation, which offers better flux regulation capability with improved electromagnetic performance. Moreover, the developed SDM reduces drive storage and computational time by modeling different parts of the machine.
World-class universities: past and future
Authors: Mudzakkir Mohammad Fakhruddin , Sukoco Badri Munir , Suwignjo Patdono
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In recent years, though a growing body of research has emerged on world-class universities (WCUs), studies in this field remain limited. The purpose of this study is to identify and describe the research gap and provide a future direction for WCU research. This paper highlights the key theoretical approaches, methods, journals, unit analyses, authors, themes, countries and papers in this field. It also outlines the antecedents and consequences of WCU status.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected all research related to WCUs published from 2004 to 2020. In total, 47 studies of the 435 found on Scopus and Web-of-Science are included in the review.

Findings

The results show that though the body of WCU literature is growing, it is fragmented in terms of theoretical frameworks, methodology, countries studied and unit analyses. This study also found that national, organisational and individual factors are among the antecedents and organisational and individual consequences of WCUs.

Originality/value

This study investigates existing gaps in the WCU literature and identifies new research directions for future research. Further, this study scrutinises existing studies to determine how universities have used a variety of methods and theories to achieve WCU status across numerous countries and settings. Finally, this study develops an antecedents and consequences WCU framework to synthesise existing studies.
Development and validation of an instrument to assess the level of sustainable competencies in future physical education teachers. PESD-FT questionnaire
Authors: Baena-Morales Salvador , Urrea-Solano Mayra , Gavilán-Martin Diego , Ferriz-Valero Alberto
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Education for Sustainable Development (EDS) has highlighted the need to generate instruments to assess the sustainability competencies of different populations. In this regard, Physical Education (PE) has been recognized as a subject with unique characteristics that allow students to develop competencies that favor sustainability. However, in previous literature, there are no specific instruments to assess the competencies of future Physical Education teachers (PETs). Therefore, this research aims to design and validate an instrument to assess sustainable competencies in future PETs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows the validation process of a questionnaire designed ad hoc to measure the future teacher's sustainable competencies. In total, 341 students completed the Physical Education Scale for Sustainable Development in Future Teachers (PESD-FT) questionnaire consisting of 20 items and an eight-point Likert scale. To ensure the relationship of the instrument's items with the sustainable development, the specific targets that compose the 17 Sustainable Development Goals were considered.

Findings

The results showed that the instrument had very high reliability (0.949), excellently fulfilling the validity criteria (0.929). Furthermore, the principal component factor analysis results showed that the PESD-FT comprises three factors, which coincide with the three dimensions of sustainability.

Originality/value

It is concluded that PESD-FT is an instrument that reliably assesses the sustainable competencies of prospective PET and expands the possibilities of PE as a valuable instrument to promote sustainable competencies in an integrated way with PE learning objectives. As such, it can be a robust and valuable measurement tool for proposing effective education for sustainable development policies and programs in initial teacher education for PET.
ICT – a surviving tool for economy in the phase of social distancing: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gupta Swati , Gupta Shubham , Kataria Shifali , Gupta Sanjay
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to recognise the role of information and communication technology (ICT) tools in different sectors like Education, Health Care, Business, FMCG and Entertainment in the phase of social distancing. This study also attempts to provide a quantitative review of the scholarly literature on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature evaluation was undertaken using a database encompassing 150 English-language papers with publication dates ranging from 2019 to 2021. The research profile and thematic analysis are presented through a comprehensive content analysis, resulting in four themes. The study reviews various research articles and reports related to social distancing and opens a discussion on the growing importance of ICT tools during this COVID-19 era.

Findings

ICT acts as a surviving tool for the economy by creating a virtual environment and helping people to stay socially connected during this pandemic. There is a lack of empirical evidence to support the facts so further research is required.

Research limitations/implications

There are two drawbacks to the current study. Firstly, this study established a rigorous review methodology in which the researchers opted to exclude any grey literature, non-peer-reviewed articles, books, notes and book chapters from consideration. These sources could have had pertinent literature. Secondly, even after protocol’s rigour and numerous rounds of checks by a team of academicians and researchers, an anomaly may have sneaked into the evaluation.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the growing literature on ICT tools particularly in this phase of social distancing. This paper highlights the need for future research in this area supported by different statistics.
Digital inclusive finance, economic growth and innovative development
Authors: Wang Wenjing , He Taiyi , Li Zhenhui
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on regional economic growth and innovation-driven development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the panel data of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China from 2011 to 2018, this paper explores the impact of DIF on economic growth and innovative development.

Findings

(1) DIF has a direct positive effect on economic growth and innovative development; (2) there is significant regional heterogeneity in the impact of DIF on economic growth and innovative development. (3) DIF can indirectly affect economic growth and innovative development by increasing residents’ personal disposable income, increasing fiscal expenditure and improving educational level.

Social implications

Exploring the relationship between them and digital inclusive financial development can provide a reference for national productivity construction and development.

Originality/value

Economic growth and innovation-driven development have been one of the main concerns of China’s policymakers. Exploring the relationship between them, digital inclusive financial development can provide a reference for national productivity construction and development.
Meta-search based approach for Arabic information retrieval
Authors: Ben Guirat Souheila , Bounhas Ibrahim , Slimani Yahya
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The semantic relations between Arabic word representations were recognized and widely studied in theoretical studies in linguistics many centuries ago. Nonetheless, most of the previous research in automatic information retrieval (IR) focused on stem or root-based indexing, while lemmas and patterns are under-exploited. However, the authors believe that each of the four morphological levels encapsulates a part of the meaning of words. That is, the purpose is to aggregate these levels using more sophisticated approaches to reach the optimal combination which enhances IR.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first compare the state-of-the art Arabic natural language processing (NLP) tools in IR. This allows to select the most accurate tool in each representation level i.e. developing four basic IR systems. Then, the authors compare two rank aggregation approaches which combine the results of these systems. The first approach is based on linear combination, while the second exploits classification-based meta-search.

Findings

Combining different word representation levels, consistently and significantly enhances IR results. The proposed classification-based approach outperforms linear combination and all the basic systems.

Research limitations/implications

The work stands by a standard experimental comparative study which assesses several NLP tools and combining approaches on different test collections and IR models. Thus, it may be helpful for future research works to choose the most suitable tools and develop more sophisticated methods for handling the complexity of Arabic language.

Originality/value

The originality of the idea is to consider that the richness of Arabic is an exploitable characteristic and no more a challenging limit. Thus, the authors combine 4 different morphological levels for the first time in Arabic IR. This approach widely overtook previous research results.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-11-2020-0515
Identity work by a young petite female academic home comer: quest for social power in masculine settings
Authors: Liyanagamage Nilupulee , Fernando Mario
Published: February 2022

Purpose

How do females with multiple sources of identity deal with intersectional identity tensions and perceived lack of access to social power? The study focuses on how social relationships form and develop in masculinised settings between construction workers and a petite female researcher through perceived notions of equality and inequality. Through autoethnographic tales, the study examines how an academic home comer navigates between conflicting professional and cultural identities, in their native country.

Design/methodology/approach

Using collaborative autoethnography, the study examines how the intersections of being a young petite female and a “partial” insider in a male-dominated construction industry influences the researcher's identity work process and her quest for social power.

Findings

The findings suggest that to access referent social power, the researcher covers stigmatised intersectional attributes and reveals a more favourable identity. The fieldwork journey of the young petite female researcher highlights that identity work is a situational process that evolves with respondent relationships, respondent assigned roles, perceived notion of access to power and struggles of cultural versus professional identity. The reader is also taken through the collaborative autoethnographic journey of a female researcher and her doctoral studies supervisor.

Originality/value

This paper makes several contributions. First, it contributes to the academic literature on intersectionality of identity, especially concentrating on the intersectional attributes of petite physical stature, gender and perceived lack of access to social power. Second, this paper theorises identity work processes as an indirect strategy of social power in researcher-and-researched relationships. Last, through collaborative autoethnography of female researchers' fieldwork journey, this study contributes to the body of knowledge on academic home comers as “partial” insiders in their native country.
Evaluation of face masks quality features using Kano model and unsupervised machine learning technique
Authors: Sobuj Md. , Alam Mohammad Asharaful , Zannat Akhiri
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find the key face mask features using Kano model in combination with a hierarchical cluster analysis based on customer satisfaction (CS) and preference.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 171 responses collected from a self-administrated online survey with convenience sampling where respondents were asked about 16 different features of face masks.

Findings

The study revealed that, among 6 Kano categories, 15 features were categorized as “one dimensional” and only the high price fell under the “reverse” category but all features were not equally weighted by customers. The result also showed viral protection and comfortability were the most desired features by customers regardless of its price and the “color matching” feature can act both as “one dimension” and as “attractive” feature.

Research limitations/implications

This study will help face mask producers to drive their resources towards those features which customers value more by showing how to prioritize features even if they fall under the same category.

Originality/value

This study used customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction index along with an unsupervised machine learning tool to improve features classification based on Kano model. The findings of this study can be used to formulate future research studies.
Long‐term and year‐to‐year stability and its drivers in a Mediterranean grassland
Authors: Valerio Mercedes , Ibáñez Ricardo , Gazol Antonio , Götzenberger Lars
Published: February 2022

Understanding the mechanisms underlying community stability has become an urgent need to protect ecosystems from global change and resulting biodiversity loss. While community stability can be influenced by species richness, synchrony in annual fluctuations of species, species stability and functional traits, the relative contributions of these drivers to stability are still unclear. In semi‐natural grasslands, land‐use changes such as fertilization might affect stability by decreasing richness and influencing year‐to‐year fluctuations. In addition, they can promote long‐term directional trends, shifting community composition and influencing grassland maintenance. Thus, it is important to consider how species and community stability vary year‐to‐year but also in the long term.

Using a 14‐year vegetation time series of a species‐rich semi‐natural Mediterranean grassland, we studied the relative importance of richness, synchrony, species stability and functional traits on community stability. To assess land‐use change effects on stability, we applied a fertilization treatment. To distinguish stability patterns produced by year‐to‐year fluctuations from those caused by long‐term trends, we compared the results obtained using a detrending approach from those without detrending.

Independently of the treatment and approach applied, the most stable communities were those composed of asynchronous species with low specific leaf area. Fertilization decreased year‐to‐year and long‐term community stability by increasing community‐weighted mean of specific leaf area, decreasing species stability or also reducing richness in the case of year‐to‐year stability. Additionally, traits such as seed mass had an indirect effect on stability through synchrony. Long‐term trends appeared in control and fertilized plots (due to fertilization), decreasing community and species stability and leading to differences in the relationships found between community stability and some of its drivers. This reflects the importance of accounting for the effect of temporal trends on community and species stability using both a long‐term and a year‐to‐year approach.

Synthesis. Stability is influenced by richness, synchrony and functional traits. Fertilization decreases species and community stability by promoting long‐term trends in species composition, favouring competitive species and decreasing richness. Studying stability at the community level and species level, and accounting for the effect of trends is essential to understand stability and its drivers more comprehensively.
What can families really do? A scoping review of family directed services aimed at preventing violent extremism
Authors: Haugstvedt Håvard
Published: February 2022

Abstract The activities of extremist groups are perceived as a key threat to modern democracies. However, much remains unknown about the role families can play in prevention or disengagement from such groups. A scoping review identified seven studies that were eligible for inclusion. The findings suggest that there is limited, yet some, support for family‐directed services to directly prevent engagement in extremist groups. Rather, family directed services may indirectly influence this by strengthening family members' resilience and thus their ability to engage with the family member. Additionally, professionals working with families where a member is on a path to developing extremist ideology should continuously reflect upon their professional conduct and develop a narrative approach to reduce resistance. An important limitation to these findings is the different contexts and countries they have been conducted in, spanning from East Africa to Northern Europe.
Central airway obstruction treatment with self‐expanding covered Y‐carina nitinol stents: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Schulze Arik Bernard , Evers Georg , Tenk Friederike Sophia , Schliemann Christoph , Schmidt Lars Henning , Görlich Dennis , Mohr Michael
Published: February 2022

Background

Central airway obstruction (CAO) is one of the most challenging, potentially lethal complications in malignant and benign respiratory diseases. Worsening dyspnea is also a relevant cause for reduced quality of life in such patients. Here, we present our data on the application of covered, self‐expanding Y‐carina nitinol stents due to benign and malignant diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 27 patients who had undergone 31 rigid bronchoscopies with implantation of covered Y‐carina nitinol stents over a period of 10 years in order to evaluate indication, clinical course, and outcome.

Results

Short‐term survival of successfully stented patients with palliative and curative treatment goal did not differ, allowing for diagnosis independent indication. With respect to overall survival, patients with endoluminal obstruction benefited most compared to patients with fistula and/or external compression. Granulation tissue formation (61.3%) and mucus plugging (80.6%) were the most frequent complications. Material defect (6.5%) and migration (3.2%) were rare complications that could be handled by revisional rigid bronchoscopy and stent exchange in some cases.

Conclusions

Implantation of self‐expanding covered Y‐carina nitinol stents via rigid bronchoscopy is a feasible and safe treatment option for benign and malignant central airway obstruction. Especially in palliative, malignant airway stenosis, stenting might facilitate additional treatment options and optimize dyspnea and eventually quality of life.
Scavenging mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide by peroxiredoxin 3 overexpression attenuates contractile dysfunction and muscle atrophy in a murine model of accelerated sarcopenia
Authors: Ahn Bumsoo , Ranjit Rojina , Kneis Parker , Xu Hongyang , Piekarz Katarzyna M. , Freeman Willard M. , Kinter Michael , Richardson Arlan , Ran Qitao , Brooks Susan V. , Van Remmen Holly
Published: February 2022

Age‐related muscle atrophy and weakness, or sarcopenia, are significant contributors to compromised health and quality of life in the elderly. While the mechanisms driving this pathology are not fully defined, reactive oxygen species, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disruption, and loss of innervation are important risk factors. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide on neurogenic atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Mice with muscle‐specific overexpression of the mitochondrial H2O2 scavenger peroxiredoxin3 (mPRDX3) were crossed to Sod1KO mice, an established mouse model of sarcopenia, to determine whether reduced mitochondrial H2O2 can prevent or delay the redox‐dependent sarcopenia. Basal rates of H2O2 generation were elevated in isolated muscle mitochondria from Sod1KO, but normalized by mPRDX3 overexpression. The mPRDX3 overexpression prevented the declines in maximum mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and calcium retention capacity in Sod1KO. Muscle atrophy in Sod1KO was mitigated by ~20% by mPRDX3 overexpression, which was associated with an increase in myofiber cross‐sectional area. With direct muscle stimulation, maximum isometric specific force was reduced by ~20% in Sod1KO mice, and mPRDX3 overexpression preserved specific force at wild‐type levels. The force deficit with nerve stimulation was exacerbated in Sod1KO compared to direct muscle stimulation, suggesting NMJ disruption in Sod1KO. Notably, this defect was not resolved by overexpression of mPRDX3. Our findings demonstrate that muscle‐specific PRDX3 overexpression reduces mitochondrial H2O2 generation, improves mitochondrial function, and mitigates loss of muscle quantity and quality, despite persisting NMJ impairment in a murine model of redox‐dependent sarcopenia.
50 Years of speaking up in England—Towards an important history
Authors: Walmsley Jan , Davies Ian , Garratt Danielle
Published: February 2022

The history of self‐advocacy in England has not been recorded, other than the stories of individuals and of some individual groups. We, therefore, decided to interview some leaders of the self‐advocacy movement and some people who were allies and supporters. Three researchers, two self‐advocates and one academic, interviewed 11 self‐advocate leaders on Zoom as the COVID lockdowns made it impossible to meet. Four allies and supporters wrote their answers to our questions, and we interviewed three others. We used the information people gave us to start writing the story of self‐advocacy from 1972 to 2002. There is a lot more to do.
Serial circulating tumor DNA monitoring of CDK4/6 inhibitors response in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Chin Yoon Ming , Shibayama Tomoko , Chan Hiu Ting , Otaki Masumi , Hara Fumikata , Kobayashi Takayuki , Kobayashi Kokoro , Hosonaga Mari , Fukada Ippei , Inagaki Lina , Ono Makiko , Ito Yoshinori , Takahashi Shunji , Ohno Shinji , Ueno Takayuki , Nakamura Yusuke , Low Siew‐Kee
Published: February 2022

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) significantly improve progression‐free survival and have become the standard therapy for estrogen receptor‐positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative metastatic breast cancer patients. Treatment surveillance by radiological imaging has some limitations in detection and repeated biopsy genomic profiling is not clinically feasible. Serial circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis may provide insights into treatment response. Here we performed serial ctDNA analysis (n = 178) on 33 patients. Serial ctDNA analysis identified disease progression with sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 92%. In eight of 12 patients (61%) responding to CDK4/6i who eventually developed progressive disease, serial sampling every 3 or 6 months captured the initial rise of ctDNA with an average lead time of 3 months. In three of eight patients that did not respond to CDK4/6i (progressive disease at first radiological assessment, 3 months), biweekly sequencing within the first cycle of CDK4/6i treatment (1 month) detected sustained ctDNA levels (≥0.2% variant allele frequency), with lead time of 2 months. Serial ctDNA analysis tracked RECIST response, including clinically challenging scenarios (bone metastases or small‐sized target lesions), as well as detecting acquired genetic alterations linked to CDK4/6i resistance in the G1 to S transition phase. Circulating tumor DNA analysis was more sensitive than carcinoembryonic antigen or cancer antigen 15‐3 serum tumor markers at monitoring tumor response to CDK4/6i treatment. Our findings indicated the possible clinical utility of serial ctDNA analysis for earlier progressive disease detection and real‐time monitoring of CDK4/6i response.
Synthesising the multiple impacts of climatic variability on community responses to climate change
Authors: Terry J. Christopher D. , O'Sullivan Jacob D. , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: February 2022

Recent developments in understanding and predicting species responses to climate change have emphasised the importance of both environmental variability and consideration of the wider biotic community. However, to date, the interaction between the two has received less attention. Both theoretical and empirical results suggest that the combined effect of environmental variability and interspecific interactions can have strong impacts on existing range limits. Here we explore how competitive interactions and temporal variability can interact with the potential to strongly influence range shift dynamics. We highlight the need to understand these between‐process interactions in order to predict how species will respond to global change. In particular, future research will need to move from evaluating possibilities to quantifying their impact. We emphasise the value and utility of empirically parameterised models to determine the direction and relative importance of these forces in natural systems.
Kantian Moral Education and Gendered Socialization
Authors: Dineen Katy
Published: February 2022

Movements like #metoo, #timesup, and #ibelieveher have succeeded in shedding light on the ongoing societal issue of misogyny. Against this backdrop, Kate Manne's attempt to analyze the concept of misogyny philosophically in her book Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny has rightfully received much acclaim. In this article, Katy Dineen takes Manne's ameliorative treatment of misogyny as the starting point for interrogating how Manne's theory might relate to the coercion of male identity and agency toward the ideal of hegemonic masculinity. Dineen notes that her motivation in questioning Manne's account on this point is pragmatic: she aims to provide a groundwork for moral education that will address the coercion of boys' and girls' agency and identity formation within patriarchy. Dineen concludes by describing a Kantian framework for moral education based on an idea of the freedom necessary to render oneself efficacious, autonomous, and creative. She also offers Manne's thoughts on empathy as a reason in support of adopting a Kantian framework.
Interaction analysis between strain concentration and strain localization in cracked body
Authors: Li Wanjia , Hamada Shigeru , Noguchi Hiroshi
Published: February 2022

The appearance of strain localization (SL) in front of the crack tip is a factor that promotes transition toward the fatigue crack extension mode. Therefore, to predict fatigue crack extension behavior in case multiple modes occur, it is necessary to evaluate the degree of SL. In this study, the following simulations were performed on a single‐crystal twinning‐induced plasticity (TWIP) steel: (a) SL characterization by crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) analysis of a smooth specimen under tension, (b) strain concentration (SC) characterization by EP‐FEM analysis of a cracked specimen under tension, and (c) characterization of interaction results between SC and SL of a cracked specimen under tension by CPFEM analysis. A comparison of the above results found that the interaction between SC and SL was large for long cracks and a significant strain field, different from the Hutchinson, Rice, Rosengren (HRR) singular field, was formed in front of the crack tip. Therefore, a parameter was proposed to quantify the SL properties in a smooth specimen. Subsequently, a fracture‐mechanics‐like method was proposed in which the results of (b) and the introduced parameters control the results of (c).
Pervasive, Preferential Flow through Mega‐Thick Unsaturated Zones in the Southern Great Basin
Authors: Jackson Tracie R. , Fenelon Joseph M. , Gainey Seth R.
Published: February 2022

Recharge from preferential flow through mega‐thick (100–1000 m) unsaturated zones is a pervasive phenomenon, as demonstrated with a case study of volcanic highland recharge areas in the Great Basin province in southern Nevada, USA. Statistically significant rising water‐level trends occur for most study‐area wells and resulted from a relatively wet period (1969–2005) in south‐central Nevada. Wet and dry winters control water‐level trends, with water levels rising within a few months to a year following a wet‐winter recharge event and declining during sustained dry periods. Even though a megadrought has persisted since 2000, this drought condition did not preclude major recharge events. Modern groundwater reaching the water table is consistent with previous geochemical studies of the study area that indicate mixing of modern and late Pleistocene recharge water. First‐order approximations and simple mixing models of modern and late Pleistocene water indicate that 10% to 40% of recharge is preferential flow and that modern recharge may play a larger role in the water budget than previously thought.
Altered neural control of gait and its association with pain and joint impairment in adults with haemophilic arthropathy: Clinical and methodological implications
Authors: Cruz‐Montecinos Carlos , Maas Huub , Cerda Mauricio , Pérez‐Alenda Sofía
Published: February 2022

Introduction

It is unknown whether altered neural control is associated with clinical outcomes in people with haemophilic arthropathy (PWHA). The dynamic motor control index during walking (Walk‐DMC) is a summary metric of neural control.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to apply the Walk‐DMC to assess if people diagnosed with haemophilic arthropathy have impaired neural control of gait and investigate the association of Walk‐DMC with pain and joint impairment.

Method

The Walk‐DMC was assessed using surface electromyography in 11 leg muscles. Twenty‐two PWHA and 15 healthy subjects walked on a 30‐m walkway at 1 m/s. In addition, pain (visual analogue scale), knee flexion contracture (degrees) and joint impairment (Haemophilia Joint Health Score, HJHS) were assessed. The clinical outcomes were correlated with the Walk‐DMC. Multiple regression analysis was performed to predict the Walk‐DMC using the clinical outcomes.

Results

In 13 PWHA the Walk‐DMC was beyond the normal range (80–120 pts). PWHA with an altered Walk‐DMC showed more years with arthropathy, more pain, higher knee flexion contracture and a higher HJHS score (P < .05, effect size > .8). Significant negative moderate associations between Walk‐DMC and pain, knee flexion contracture and HJHS were found (P < .05). The model that best predicted the Walk‐DMC was the pain with knee flexion contracture (R2 = .44; P = .004).

Conclusions

PWHA with abnormal neural control of gait also has more years with arthropathy, more pain, and more impaired joints. Our results indicate an association between the Walk‐DMC index and joint damage, specifically with pain in combination with knee flexion contracture.
“Dangerous liaisons: NAFLD and liver fibrosis increase cardiovascular risk in HIV”
Authors: Cervo Adriana , Sebastiani Giada , Milic Jovana , Krahn Thomas , Mazzola Sergio , Petta Salvatore , Cascio Antonio , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mazzola Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease in the general population. We aimed to assess the impact of NAFLD and liver fibrosis on intermediate‐high cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV.

Methods

We included people living with HIV from three cohorts. NAFLD and significant liver fibrosis were defined using transient elastography: controlled attenuation parameter ≥288 dB/m and liver stiffness measurement ≥7.1 kPa, respectively. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator in patients aged between 40 and 75 years and categorised as low if <5%, borderline if 5%–7.4%, intermediate if 7.5%–19.9% and high if ≥20% or with the presence of a previous cardiovascular event. Patients with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C virus co‐infection, alcohol abuse and unreliable transient elastography measurements were excluded. Predictors of intermediate‐high cardiovascular risk were investigated in multivariable analysis by logistic regression and also by stratifying according to body mass index (BMI; cut‐offs of 25 and 30 kg/m2) and age (cut‐off of 60 years).

Results

Of 941 patients with HIV alone included, 423 (45%), 128 (13.6%), 260 (27.6%) and 130 (13.8%) were categorised as at low, borderline, intermediate and high ASCVD risk, respectively. Predictors of intermediate‐high ASCVD risk were NAFLD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–3.18; p < 0.001), liver fibrosis (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.03–2.59; p = 0.034), duration of HIV (aOR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06; p < 0.001), and previous exposure to thymidine analogues and/or didanosine (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.09–2.18; p = 0.014). NAFLD was also associated with higher cardiovascular risk in normoweight patients (aOR 2.97; 95% CI 1.43–6.16; p = 0.003), in those with BMI <30 kg/m2 (aOR 2.30; 95% CI 1.46–3.61; p < 0.001) and in those aged <60 years (aOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.36–3.54; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Assessment of cardiovascular disease should be targeted in people living with HIV with NAFLD and/or significant liver fibrosis, even if they are normoweight and young.
Predicting population trends of birds worldwide with big data and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Campomizzi Andrew J. , Lebrun‐Southcott Zoé M.
Published: February 2022

Birds are crucial for the functioning of Earth’s ecosystems but bird population declines have been documented worldwide in recent decades. A global assessment of potential causes of population declines is needed. Our goal here was to combine the power of big data and machine learning to identify predictors correlated with bird population declines and to predict population declines for species with unknown population trends on the IUCN Red List. From existing online databases, we gathered detailed species‐level data for 10 964 extant bird species around the world, featuring life history, ecology, distribution, taxonomy and categorical population trend information (i.e. decreasing or not decreasing). For the 10 163 species with known population trends, we split the data into a 75% training set to tune and train a machine‐learning model (Light Gradient Boosting Machine – ‘LightGBM’) and a 25% test set to evaluate the trained model. Our model predicted (i) bird population declines with an ROC AUC score of 0.828, F1 score of 0.748 and average accuracy of 0.747, and (ii) that 47% (n = 801) of bird species with currently unknown population trends are declining. Correlation analyses suggested that, globally, the top predictor associated with bird population declines was a severely fragmented population, with non‐migratory birds in South American and Southeast Asian tropical and subtropical forests being particularly vulnerable. Despite the lack of long‐term quantitative population trend data for all species worldwide, our study presents big data and machine learning as a useful tool for informing conservation priorities, lending insight, albeit imperfect, into bird population declines on the global scale for the first time.
Historical perspectives on the International Labour Review 1921–2021: A century of research on the world of work1
Authors: HOEHTKER Dorothea
Published: February 2022

This article analyses the history of the International Labour Review (ILR), which was created in 1921, based on the provisions of Article 396 of the Treaty of Versailles of 1919, as a major periodical publication of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The article reviews, from various perspectives, the ILR's transformation from an institutional multipurpose periodical to today's modern academic journal, including its institutional journey, the role of the editors in charge and the professional and academic profiles of the ILR's authors. It studies the ILR's contribution to important academic and policy debates and its role for the ILO by examining from a historical perspective the contents, topics and geographical focus of the almost 3,000 signed articles published to date.